Absolutely Chiswick : Richmond : West January 2018

WEST

ABSOLUTELY Richmond Chiswick West

TOP COAT

JANUARY 2018 / £3.95

Fall in love with layers

RANKIN A photographer’s life through a lens

JAN UARY 2018

Skin

SOS

GOOD HEALTH

Life lessons with Liz Earle

Top tips for fighting the elements

BRIGHT START

ZEST.LONDON

JA N UA RY N E V E R LO O K E D S O S U N N Y ST YLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGA NT

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They’ll

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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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Open House

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

Viewing times

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

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Open house 27th-28th/ Jan

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

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THE HOGARTH CLUB

The Hogarth is a family owned Club, set in two acres of beautiful, secluded, leafy grounds, right in the heart of Chiswick.

We are extremely proud of the atmosphere our members and the Hogarth team help create here; it’s warm, friendly and genuinely welcoming.

At the centre of the Club is the very latest Technogym kit with, tennis courts, swimming pool, squash court, exercise studios, the Crucial Cafe, Medispa, alternative therapies clinic, private parking; everything you would expect and more.

Our expert staff are here to help.

After you’ve settled in, we continue to support you with a personal training session every month for the rest of your membership. This helps to keep you motivated and allows your trainer to adjust your fitness plan as you continue making progress.

If group exercise is your preferred activity, we have highly experienced class instructors to motivate and stimulate you with over 100 classes a week included in your membership.

So, whether you’re new to exercise, looking to get back in shape, enjoy nutrition for life or a special place to relax and unwind - we’ve got it covered.

personal attention...

By encouraging regular physical activity, a healthy diet and a positive approach, we are here to help you make the best of each and every day.

New members can enjoy 5 one-to-one personal training sessions in their first month with one of our friendly, professional personal trainers. Every hour session is tailored around each member’s personal goals and preferences.

We help those who have never set foot in a gym before, as well as those that train hard for competitive sport.

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personal space We also understand that you might not want any fuss or attention. You can enjoy a serene swim in the heated 18 metre mood lit pool or find some calming solitude in the sauna, steam room or jacuzzi.

Members often like to relax in the lounge bar or out on the terrace while reading the papers.

The choice is yours.

more..

Of course, exercise is KEY, but so too is what you eat. Here at The Hogarth, the Founder of the Crucial Cafe is a clinic nutritionist.

Start your year with a crucial detox, and then enjoy a regular all year round menu of genuinely healthy drinks and dishes that can help you achieve your goals. - all in one place.

results you want So what really makes us different?

It’s the combination of great kit, locality and a superb team that are genuinely available to support YOU that makes the difference.

We’ve The Hogarth Clinic including Chiro, Osteo, Physio, Acupuncturist and more. and The Hogarth MediSpa for beautification including anti-aging treatments as well as pampering.

With over 100 classes to choose from, inclusive personal training every month of your membership, we are here to provide the mental and physical variety and support for you to achieve the results you want.

For further information, call 020 8994 0500, visit www.thehogarth.co.uk or pop in to The Hogarth Club, Airedale Avenue, Chiswick London W4 2NW.

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CORSELLIS SQUARE, RICHMOND LOCK A stunning five bedroom four storey house of over approximately 3000 square feet, the property is situated in the highly desirable Richmond lock development and offers beautiful views over the ornamental ponds. No chain. EPC = B.

ASKING PRICE

£1,950,000

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Chiswick Hammersmith West Kensington Fulham Chelsea

Battersea Clapham Putney Barnes Richmond

Kew Sheen Twickenham Teddington Kingston

featherstoneleigh.co.uk

SUDBROOK GARDENS, PETERSHAM A truly wonderful five bedroom detached house positioned on an incredibly secluded corner plot of land, backing onto Richmond Golf course. Surrounded by greenery and located in one of Petersham Villages most sought after roads, this detached family home offers almost 3000 square feet of internal space. EPC = D.

ASKING PRICE

ÂŁ2,650,000

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BEDS, SOFAS AND FURNITURE FOR LOAFERS LOAF.COM

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BATTERSEA

NOTTING HILL

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents JANUARY 2018

115 16

C U LT U R E ABSOLUTELY LOVES

10 things we’re coveting this month

20 AGENDA

Diary dates for January

22

HOT SHOT

Absolutely meets Rankin

FA S H I O N 36 FASHION CONFIDENTIAL This month’s hottest trend updates and brands to know

Fall in love with layers again

Be inspired by the artist's palette with our new year's fashion shoot

The month’s best beauty buys

FOOD & DRINK 68 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL News from the industry

76

FAMILY FOOD

Eating out with children

INTERIORS 80 INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS News and views

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

82 A LITTLE BIT ROCK

Discover Jane Rockett's Victorian pad

T R AV E L 106 SPIRITED AWAY

Chiswick JANUARY 2018 / £3.95

TOP COAT

Fall in love with layers

RANKIN A photographer’s life through a lens

Tokyo: an alluring destination for any traveller

PROPERTY 122 LIVING THE DREAM

ABSOLUTELY ON THE COVER

GOOD HEALTH

Skin

SOS

Life lessons with Liz Earle

Top tips for fighting the elements

ZEST.LONDON

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y 50 BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL

Ayurvedic-inspired beauty

JAN UARY 2018

40 ART HOUSE

57 NEW RITUALS

CHISWICK

39 TOP COAT

36 68

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BRIGHT START JA N UA RY N E V E R LO O K E D S O S U N N Y ST YLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGA NT 14/12/2017 16:49

HAIR BY: SASSOON INTERNATIONAL CREATIVE TEAM LED BY MARK HAYES MAKE-UP: DANIEL KOLERIC STYLING: LUCIE PERRIER PHOTOGRAPHER: BENJAMIN VNUK

The most luxurious London properties A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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EDITOR IN CHIEF PENDLE HARTE DIGITAL EDITOR HELEN BROWN FASHION & BEAUTY WRITER JOY MONTGOMERY LIFESTYLE WRITER MIRIAM CAREY EDUCATION EDITOR AMANDA CONSTANCE GROUP SALES DIRECTOR CRAIG DAVIES MAGAZINE MANAGER ROLLO DENNISON ACCOUNT MANAGER ANABELA KOLECI PROPERTY DIRECTOR JAMES FUSCHILLO ART DIRECTOR PHIL COUZENS SENIOR DESIGNER PAWEL KUBA MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN DESIGNER CATHERINE PERKINS PRODUCTION MANAGER CHRIS COUCHMAN MARKETING MANAGER LUCIE PEARCE FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT PA TO DIRECTORS EVA LEHOCZKY For editorial enquiries please email: pendle@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 020 7704 0588 or email: advertising@zest-media.com

MONDAY JANUARY 1st.

2018. 12.00–15.30 PICCADILLY, TRAFALGAR Sq. WHITEHALL

First Floor, 197 City Road, London EC1V 1JN T: 020 7704 0588 F: 020 7900 3020 zest.london Zest Media Publications Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Zest Media Publications Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors.

We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters.

All rights reserved.

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

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

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Editor’s

LETTER

I

n many ways January is a month of contradictions. On the one hand we’re enduring post-Christmas blues, bolstered by shrivelled bank balances and persistently gloomy weather. Yet, it is also a month of new gym memberships, alcohol-bans and green juices. All optimistic attempts to better ourselves.

Although there's nothing wrong with a good old new year’s resolution (check out our’s below), we think January should be a month to show yourself some love. For starters, try settling down in a quiet, screen-free corner with this month’s Absolutely, where you’ll fi nd plenty of new year's inspiration.

In this issue, we chat to wellness guru Liz Earle about her inspirational journey from beauty entrepreneur to magazine editor-cumTV presenter. Or, for a bit of mood-boosting pampering, turn to page 61 for our winter skincare tips. From beauty to baking. On page 70 we sampled sumptuous recipes from Marianne Stewart’s new cook book Nourish Cakes, proving that cakes needn’t be calorific. Meanwhile, harried parents shouldn’t miss our dining out with kids feature - another way to make your year that little bit easier.

So whether you set aside one evening a week for Netflix binging, or have a long, luxurious bath on a Sunday afternoon, it’s all about snatching those little moments of joy. What better way to start 2018? Enjoy the issue!

ABSOLUTELY’S new year’s resolutions...

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WASTE NOT WANT NOT

In 2018 I am going to cut down on plastic. Without sounding smug, I haven’t used plastic bags for years anyway, but especially in the wake of Blue Planet II, everybody should be cutting down on waste. To start, I’ve got a lovely new keep cup for my morning flat white.

PENDLE HARTE EDITOR-IN- CHIEF

NEW TRICKS

This year I’m going to make time for my forgotten hobbies.

Drawing is a great pastime of mine and Central Saint Martins runs fashion illustration courses - I’ll be booking one ASAP. Fashion drawing for beginners, £560 for 1 week, arts.ac.uk MIRIAM CAREY LIFESTYLE WRITER

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JOY MONTGOMERY EDITOR

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FACE THE DAY

This year I intend to put more effort into my currently non-existent skincare routine.

The Ordinary have stripped back unnecessary packaging and misleading ingredients making it easy to curate a tailored regime.

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10%, £5,80; theordinary.com HELEN BROWN ARTS & CULTURE WRITER

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INSIDE STORY

My new year’s resolution is all about improving my gut health. Affecting everything from skin quality to sleep, I’ll be packing my shelves with fermented foods and probiotics Symprove will do the job nicely - for a happier and healthier 2018.

Symprove 8 week program, £158; shop.symprove.com JOY MONTGOMERY FASHION & BEAUTY WRITER

SLEEP EASY

Rather than staying up to watch “just one more episode”, my new year’s resolution is to get to sleep at a reasonable hour.

Neom’s Essential Sleep Kit is infused with blended oils to encourage relaxation. I’m looking forward to less blearyeyed starts to the day.

Neom Organics, Essential Sleep Kit, £20; neomorganics.com

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GEORGIA MCVEIGH EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

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

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Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

H E L E N B R OW N

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

Sleeping Beauty

This hero product has amassed a cult following for its formula that enhances your skin’s natural nighttime recovery process. Great skin guaranteed by morning. £38; kiehls.co.uk

DUVET DAY

Renowned for keeping the fashpack toasty during the coldest of spells, Moncler’s Salix jacket is lightweight and cut for a loose fit, making it perfect for layering over bulky sweaters. £660; net-a-porter.com

Diary Date

Get your yearly affairs in order with Smythson’s calf-leather W1 Diary.

The largest in the collection and with a day-per-page layout, it’s the new stylish necessity for busy bees. £295; smythson.com

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

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

SHAKE N NOT STI RRE D

AMANDA WAKELEY

We’re vetoing dry-January in favour of Anthropologie’s charming glass cocktail shaker. Compact and effortlessly cool, it’s a must for the kitchen counter. £28; anthropologie.com

Amanda Wakeley is renowned for her “clean glam” style.

The Winter 17 collection emphasises this with a focus on craftsmanship, forming a look that is full of richness, colour, pattern and texture. amandawakeley.com

S P EC S A P P E A L Pioneering eyewear brand, KITE has revolutionised the optical industry with the world’s fi rst eye bar. Head over now to fi nd the fashion-forward DORS specs, along with many others. £175; kiteeyewear.com

EDITOR’S PICK

Marmont Moment

Gucci’s iconic Marmont bag is dressed in a gorgeous blue velvet. Understatedly glam and with a versatile chain-strap, this wardrobe staple transitions seamlessly from day to evening. £1,350; farfetch.com

VELVET CRUSH

These On The Fringe boots from Stuart Weitzman are the perfect height for long days on your feet.

With a fan base that includes Gigi Hadid and Suki Waterhouse, expect them to get snapped up fast. £450; farfetch.com

SWING TIME

Surprisingly lightweight, these silver Primrose earrings are woven with metallic blue silk threads and iridescent cobalt beads. Show yours off with a low ponytail. £265; net-a-porter.com

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

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CULTURE

© Archives Pierre Cardin

What’s On 20 • Big Shot: Absolutely meets Rankin 22 • Theatre Round-Up 27 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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

T H E AT R E

Things I know to be True From 11 Janu ary LYRIC THEAT RE

As beautifully touching as it is funny, Things I Know To Be True tells the story of a family through the eyes of four grown-up siblings, struggling to define themselves beyond the expectations of their parents. A complex study of the mechanics of a family that is poetic while brutally frank.

Lyric Square, W6; lyric.co.uk

EXHIBITION

London Rock U NTI L 28 JA NUA RY • P RO UD CEN TRAL

Photographer Alec Byrne rose to prominence by putting a spotlight on the exhilarating, young musicians of the 60’s and 70’s.

From Mick Jagger’s explosive performances to tender portraits of a young Bowie, Byrne captured them all. London Rock: The Unseen Archive brings to the forefront his rediscovered portfolio in an inquisitive look at London’s music evolution.

32 John Adam Street, WC2N; proud.co.uk

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T H E AT R E

Misailliance Until 20 January ORAN GE TREE TH EAT RE

Hypatia Tarleton, uneasily engaged to bright yet immature aristocrat Bentley Summerhays, longs for adventure to drop from the sky. And suddenly, it does. George Bernard Shaw’s playful comedy about class and feminism gets its first major revival in 30 years.

1 Clarence Street, Richmond, TW9; orangetreetheatre.co.uk

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CULTURE • TALKING TOPICS

EXHIBITION

First and Foremost From 25 January

Around Town PA R A D E

NEW YEAR’S PARADE

HICKS GALLERY

1 January

One of the twentieth-century’s leading British artists, Sir Peter Blake’s work reflects his fascination with all streams of popular culture, and the beauty found in everyday objects. Hicks Gallery’s first show of 2018 features his rarely available prints and a truly unique opportunity to purchase iconic pieces by the ‘Godfather of British pop art’.

2-4 Leopold Road, SW19; hicksgallery.co.uk

GREEN PARK

Wrap up and join the Pearly Kings, acrobats, marching bands and more as they celebrate London’s 32nd Parade. See them float, twirl march and drum a 2.2 mile route around London's iconic landmarks in a showcase of contemporary performance, traditional pomp and ceremony.

Green Park, W1J; londonparade.co.uk

SEASONAL

HAMPTON COURT PALACE ICE RINK Unt il 7 January H A M PTO N CO U RT PA L AC E

There is still time to get your skates on and ring in the new year with this most regal of outdoor activities. The former home of Henry VIII invites guests to take part in this magical skating experience which sees the palace’s iconic facade illuminated with twinkling lights. The cafe and bar are ideal spots for perking up between skate sessions.

East Molesey, Molesey, KT8; hrp.org.uk

F E S T I VA L

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: OVO From 7 January ROYAL ALBERT H ALL

This Month’s Must See

Historic Royal Palaces ©

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UN TIL 6 JAN UARY

at wakes up one morning, leaves her family and travels to London to carry out an act that will change her life. Raw disturbing and compassionate, James Fritz’s powerful play forces a confrontation with some of the most urgent questions we face.

What can one individual do to effect change? How far would you go for what you believe in?

7 Uxbridge Road, W12;

Cirque du Soleil returns with the UK debut of OVO. A colourful carnival of crazy crickets, amazing ants and flexible fleas, the show uncovers the ground at our feet. Rush headlong into an ecosystem teeming with life in this non-stop riot of movement and mindblowing, high-flying acts.

Kensington Gore, SW7; royalalberthall.com

EXHIBITION

CHARLES I: KING AND COLLECTOR From 27 January ROYAL ACAD EM Y OF ART

Aside from being the only English monarch to suffer the indignity of having their head chopped off, Charles I was also an avid art collector. This exhibition brings 90 pieces of his collection together and features everyone from Rubens to Titian.

Burlington House, Picadilly, W1J; royalacademy.org.uk

bushtheatre.co.uk

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

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BIG SHOT

Absolutely talks to photographer Rankin about his love of Britain’s beautiful places and quirky characters – and snapping The Queen, Kate Moss, Madonna, David Bowie and The Rolling Stones

By R E B E C C A WA L L E R S T E I N E R

I

’m really inquisitive about people and like trying to get into their heads when I’m photographing them. People inspire me and the best models have lots of character.

Outside work, I’m not incredibly social and used to be shy,’ the Scottish-born photographer Rankin tells me. As he is softly spoken, friendly and relaxed, it becomes apparent why people feel sufficiently at ease to enable Rankin to snap them in unguarded moments.

He creates images which startle with their honesty, capturing something in his subject that no one has ever seen before - closer to portrait painting than photography Intensely private, Rankin often turns down interviews, but he was delighted to be interviewed about his new project.

He has spent months putting together This is Britain to help raise money for BBC Children in Need - a coffee table book of 500 photographs of mainly British subjects, such as Big Ben, Britain’s windswept beaches and quirky seaside characters, taken by ordinary people, as well as celebrities’ to ‘hold a mirror up to ourselves and ask who we are in these testing times. From John O’Groats to Lands End we wanted to capture and celebrate the extraordinary spectrum of colours and characters that make up our multicultural society and bind us together as a country,’ says Rankin, who helps many charities.

An internationally renowned photographer, Rankin’s instantly recognisable work includes some of the world’s most famous faces from HM The Queen to David Bowie, Mick Jagger, Madonna, Vivienne Westwood to Kate Moss and the Cool Britannia set of the 90s and has defined decades of fashion photography. He shoots in a rapid, informal way, steering away from the traditional,

22

Photographs by R A N K I N

glossy approach favoured by many successful fashion photographers, preferring to be experimental and capture an original moment of truth.

Born John Rankin Waddell, Rankin was raised in Glasgow, until his father’s job took the family to Yorkshire. He was 15 when he first travelled abroad. ‘My parents had no desire to leave England, although the family holidayed all over the country - at the seaside in Scarborough, Yorkshire, Cornwall, Scotland and the Lake District,’ he remembers.

As a child he formed a deep love for ‘Britain’s magical, desolate places’ which have inspired so much of his photography. He inherited his industrious work ethic from his Scottish parents, who were in his words, ‘unimpressed by celebrity’ and brought him up to question everything.

Photography wasn’t Rankin’s immediate choice for a career, as he first studied accountancy at Brighton Polytechnic but soon decided it wasn’t for him. He noticed the ‘art students having a more interesting time.’ ‘I had a friend back in my hometown studying photography and he lent me his camera. I knew the moment I picked it up that it was what I wanted to do,’ recalls Rankin.

He decided to move to London to study photography. ‘It was during my year in Brighton that I first started taking pictures. I fell in love with the town, especially the glorious light and how it changes so rapidly, providing the viewer with a spectacular theatre of light. As a photographer, I’ve travelled to many different places, but I don’t want to live anywhere other than the UK.’ At the London College of Printing, Rankin met Jefferson Hack, with whom he forged a working partnership and in 1992 they launched the cult magazine Dazed & Confused, which published Corinne Day’s iconic photographs

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

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CULTURE • PROFILE

“Rankin prefers to be experimental and to capture an original moment of truth”

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

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We don’t inflate prices just to reduce them later on. We never have, and we never will. Instead, we’d love to help make your dream kitchen a reality, by giving you an important part for free.

So in January, the sink cabinet is on us when you spend £8,000 on our kitchen cabinetry. And if you spend £15,000, we’ll include selected taps and a sink too.

neptune.com For full terms, visit neptune.com/kitchenoffer Offer ends 31st January 2018.

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Neptune Chiswick, 305-307 Chiswick High Road, W4 4HH, 020 3814 1220

12/12/2017 09:37

CULTURE • PROFILE

of the ‘gorgeous’, yet ‘natural-looking,’ young Kate Moss.

To their astonishment the two found their Soho offices besieged by the world’s press, in May 1997, after President Bill Clinton denounced the ‘heroin chic’ photography in their magazine.

Hack and Moss went on to date for four years, before splitting up - they have a teenage daughter together, Lila Grace. Rankin shot to fame and went on to snap royalty, rock stars, Hollywood actors, presidents and prime ministers who queued to be photographed by him, including Mikhail Gorbachev, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, whose smiling portrait helped him lose his image as a dour, anxious Scot. However, Rankin found the usually charming Tony Blair ‘distant’ and made him look devilish.

‘Who are his main influences?’

‘Apart from David Bailey, Richard Avedon, Helmut Newton, Cecil Beaton and lots of portrait photographers, I’m a great admirer of Andy Warhol and Malcolm McLaren who kept control of their own media.

I met McLaren around four times and regret not photographing him.

We had dinner a couple of times and he brought his ex-girlfriend, Vivienne Westwood, who was charming, funny, direct and didn’t suffer fools gladly.’

Rankin snapped Westwood, who used one of his images for her travelling exhibition.

‘Vivienne is such an inspiring woman. I’ve always had a great admiration for her as a campaigner and activist,’ he says warmly. Like Westwood’s anarchic clothes, with their trademark British-eccentric twist and humour, Rankin’s work questions social norms and ideas of beauty. ‘I was very influenced by the DIYness of Punk,’ he recalls. In the early 1980s, he photographed the fashion designer Bella Freud, who was then working for Westwood, on the roof of Freud’s house in Ladbroke Grove.

“Royalty, rock stars, actors, presidents and prime ministers queued to be photographed by him”

Another great inspiration was Rankin’s late father. ‘I have my dad to thank for my love of films. Although my parents weren’t cultured he encouraged me to watch the classics,’ remembers Rankin. ‘I used to sit in the back of the family car and imagine the window as a screen, and the outside world whizzing by as my own version of cinema, before I owned a camera.’

Fearlessly creative, Rankin constantly experiments with new ideas and ventures. He employs a large creative team and adopted multimedia early on. ‘We always had one foot in print and one foot in digital to reach a larger audience. I believe that you should always make the magazine that you want to read – it’s not an age specific thing,’ he explains. With over 30 books to his name, he continues to publish four magazines including his bi-annual magazine Hunger, and has directed television documentaries, commercials, music videos for Rita Ora and Cheryl Cole and global brands.

Rankin is a pleasure to interview – the conversation whizzes quickly from idea to idea – as his brain never stops. His new book would make a wonderful present for an art lover as well as helping a very good cause.

A very private man, Rankin has a 21-year-old son and lives in London with his wife Tuuili Shipster, a model and long-time muse.

T H I S I S B R I TA I N Compiled by Rankin, is published as a coffee table book

by Photobox, priced at £25, all the profits of which will be donated to BBC Children in Need.

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

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A garden for all seasons KEWGARDENS.indd 1

1 November 2017 – 31 January 2018 Friends of Kew go free Kew Gardens Kew Bridge

Image © RBG Kew / Jeff Eden

Embrace winter

09/11/2017 12:39

CULTURE • THEATRE

ROUND UP

Best in

MUST SEE

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

By H E L E N B R O W N

Girl from the North Country

THE BIRTHDAY PARTY

★★★★★

Opens 29 December N O E L COWA R D TH E ATR E

In 1934 a Minnesota community is living on a knife-edge, huddled together in the local guesthouse. When a preacher and a boxer show up in the the night, things start to spiral. Conor McPherson weaves the iconic songbook of Bob Dylan into this new show full of hope, heartbreak and soul.

85-88 St Martin’s Lane, WC2N; noelcowardtheatre.co.uk

★★★★★ From 9 January HAROLD PIN T ER T H EAT RE

60 years since the play’s debut, The Birthday Party returns with a landmark production, directed by Ian Rickson. Stanley Webber is the only lodger at Meg and Petey Boles’ sleepy seaside boarding house until the unsettling arrival of enigmatic strangers, Goldberg and McCann, disrupts the humdrum lives of the inhabitants.

Panton Street, SW1Y;

GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY

atgtickets.com

Belleville

Woman in White

From 7 Dece mber

Ongoing

D O N M A R WA RE HO US E

C HA R I N G CROSS THEATRE

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

41 Earlham Street, WC2H; donmarwarehouse.com

Andrew Lloyd Webber's Tony and Oliver Award-nominated musical premieres with a revised score. The story follows Walter Hartright, a drawing teacher who runs into a woman in distress and desperate to share a secret with him.

A truly haunting Victorian tale of love, betrayal and greed.

The Arches, Villiers Street, WC2N; charingcrosstheatre.co.uk

★★★★★

★★★★★

White Fang ★★★★★

Until 13 January PA RK TH E ATR E

Set in 1898, Canada, White Fang follows a young girl's acclimation into an unknown society after she is rescued from a massacre by an old huntsman. Struggling to find her path in the world, she discovers hope in the friendship of an abandoned wolf. Can she reconcile who she once was with who she is now?

Clifton Terrace, N4; parktheatre.co.uk WOMAN IN WHITE

BELLEVILLE

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presents

Picnic concerts 10 July

11 July

the

GIPSY KINGS

ft. NICOLAS REYES & TONNINO BALIARDO

13 July

14 July

15 July

“London’s hottest picnic concerts” Metro

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

10 – 15 July 2018

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

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CULTURE • THEATRE

Down the Rabbit Hole Alice’s adventures take an icy turn in the Rose Theatre’s adaptation B y GABRIELLE HERNANDEZ

L

ewis Carroll's famous tale has undergone a chilly transformation in Alice in Winterland.

In this new take on the classic story, adapted

by Ciaran McConville, the journey begins in the midst of the First World War. Not only is Alice’s family dynamic changing, but so is the world around her.

As she escapes to a magical realm, Alice faces a different challenge. The young girl must save Winterland from the threat of an eternal winter.

She unites the land’s curious inhabitants in her mission, including

the colourful Mad Hatter and the familiar grin of the Cheshire Cat. A cast of established actors are joined by the young stars of tomorrow from the Rose Youth Theatre. Bringing to life the wonder of Winterland is a talented cast of over 30, and includes the marvelous Daniel Goode.

The actor is no stranger to the Rose Theatre. After performing in A Christmas Carol and The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe. Goode has returned again as a famously unhinged hatter.

“In our version, Alice’s dad goes to the front in World War I and

“The plot provides twists, turns and complex characters”

ABSOLUTELY reviews…

comes back very scarred by the experience, leading in part to the disintegration of her family.” He continues, “The Hatter is also very scarred in his own way; by madness, anxiety and an obsession with time.” Goode emphasises that these connections between the characters are an intriguing exploration into the storyline both for himself and for the audience.

The plot provides twists, turns and complex characters that are sure to lead to a magical theatre experience.

However, none of it would be possible without the help of an incredible production and cast. He praises the show which employs film, puppetry, spectacularly choreographed fights and dance routines.

Alice in Winterland is a joyous journey telling the story of a girl who is lost in the challenges her life presents, but there is hope to be found. “I hope our audiences take away the message in this production which is the importance of being true to yourself.” Goode adds, “I also hope they laugh a lot, enjoy the music and the spectacle and cry – just a little!”

Fall down the rabbit hole with Goode, the Rose Youth Theatre and the entire talented cast this winter season. Enjoy a curious journey with Alice filled with song, dance and a bit of snow.

VERDICT A spectacular new stage adaption on a family classic ★★★★★

ALICE IN WINTERLAND 7 December · 7 Januar y Rose Theatre Kingston, 24-26 High Street, KT1 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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STAGE

Presence Absolutely gets a sneak peek of The Orange Tree Theatre's January line-up with the help of Director James Grieve B y J OY M O N T G O M E R Y

T

he Orange Tree Theatre is an iconic Richmond landmark, located moments from the town's bustling station. Over its 45 year history, the theatre has seen countless award-winning directors and actors tread the boards, and in turn has developed a reputation for discovering writers and promoting their early work.

As the theatre releases its 2018 line-up, Absolutely meets James Grieve, the director behind the three innovative new plays set to take the stage this January.

ABSOLUTELY: How have you got to where you are now?

JAMES GRIEVE: I always wanted to be a journalist but

I set up a theatre company when I was at university and I got hooked. I built it from scratch to a nationally and internationally renowned touring company and ran it for 10 years with George Perrin before we were appointed Joint Artistic Directors of Paines Plough in 2010.

ABS: What has been your career highlight?

JAMES GRIEVE: The opening of Roundabout. It’s Paines

Plough’s portable theatre-in-the-round that flat packs into a lorry and pops-up across the country seating 168 people in a state-of-the-art auditorium. It took us four years to design it, raise the money and persuade people we weren’t completely mad to even attempt it. Seeing an audience inside it for the first time was the biggest thrill.

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CULTURE • PREVIEW

OUT OF LOVE

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

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CULTURE • PREVIEW

BLACK MOUNTAIN CREDIT JONATHAN KEENAN

BLACK MOUNTAIN

ABS: What inspires your work?

JAMES GRIEVE: The desire to give people

extraordinary live experiences. We spend so much time looking at laptops, TVs and iPhones. There is something so magical about the collective experience of sitting in theatre to experience a story told in 3D. I want to make those experiences really worthwhile, and really memorable.

ABS: What has The Orange Tree Theatre got in store for January?

JAMES GRIEVE: Three extraordinary new plays by three of the UK’s most exciting playwrights. A nerve-shredding psychological thriller from Brad Birch, a heart-rending drama about lifelong friendship from Elinor Cook and a technicolour adventure for all the family from Sarah McDonald-Hughes. All three have been on tour around the UK to packed houses and rave reviews, so I can’t wait for people in Richmond to see them all.

“There is something magical about the collective experience of sitting in theatre to experience a story told in 3D” HOW TO BE A KID

the three very different plays are performed by three supremely talented actors. I am in awe of their skill, versatility and energy. They make it look easy, but I promise you it’s not!

ABS: What drew you to The Orange Tree Theatre?

JAMES GRIEVE: It’s such a beautiful, intimate space. A mini crucible for drama.

I love it there, and I think Paul Miller has done the most incredible job as Artistic Director. I love the work he programmes and the artists he brings to Richmond. He has made the Orange Tree one of the most vital theatres in Britain. It’s an honour to be co-producing these plays with Paul and The Orange Tree.

ABS: What advice would you give to budding theatre directors?

JAMES GRIEVE: See as much theatre as you possibly can. Learn how to direct by watching other directors’ work, and stealing the best bits.

ABS: Where do you see yourself in five years?

JAMES GRIEVE: Still directing plays I hope. It’s the best job in the world, I can’t imagine doing anything else.

ABS: What has been the most exciting and

challenging aspects of directing these plays?

JAMES GRIEVE: It’s an unusual but

brilliant project because all three plays are performed by the same ensemble of three actors. It’s like a repertory company of old, except all the wildly differing characters in

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OUT OF LOVE, BLACK MOUNTAIN AND HOW TO BE A KID are at the Orange Tree Theatre 25 Jan · 5 March orangetreetheatre.co.uk

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FASHION

MIGHTY MUSES

KATE SPADE SHE From jounalist Gloria Steinem to celebrity activists, such as Lena Dunham, Kate Spade SHE is a tribute to the muses who inspired the designs we love today, featuring stunning photography alongside inspiring quotes and essays. katespade.com

Fashion Notes: Brogues, bags and brand collaborations 36 • Trend Page: Top Coat 39 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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FASHION NOTES

From brogues to bags - embrace new beginnings this January with these instant wardrobe updates B y J OY M O N T G O M E R Y

01 C L AU D I A S E B I R E

Dressing its loyal customers since 1987, eponymous Chelsea boutique Claudia Sebire is marking 30 years in fashion. A must for your Little Black Book. claudiasebire.com

02

5 OF THE BEST

BLAZERS

EDITOR’S PICK

03

04

05

CHECK MATE

1. Mango, Contrast seam blazer, £69.99; shop.mango.com. 2. Helmut Lang, Checked wool blazer, £895; net-a-porter.com 3. Isabel Marant, Laya smoking jacket, £675; farfetch. com 4. Khaite, Darla peak-lapel double-breasted wool jacket, £1,330; matchesfashion.com. 5. Toga, Moire double-breasted silk-blend jacket, £1,375; matchesfashion.com

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FASHION • NOTES

ARTS & CRAFTS

H OW TO

R AC H E L E N T W I ST L E X PAU L S M I T H

Nothing says post-Christmas pick-me-up better than some shiny new jewellery.

This season, celeb favourite Rachel Entwistle has joined forces with Paul Smith to create a collection inspired by mid-century design. Layer the collection’s statement necklaces under a crisp white shirt for back-to-work cool. rachelentwistle.co.uk

Discover Your Personal Style SEEK INSPIRATION

MADE IN BRITAIN &DAUGHTER

BAG CHARM

BY R E D O L E AT H E R COLLECTION

He’s the brains behind fragrance brand Byredo, but this season Ben Gorham has brought his notable aesthetic and creative skill to the world of accessories.

Launching exclusively with Selfridges, the Byredo Leather Collection covers everything from bags to cosmetics cases in a range of timeless colourways.

With production centres in Donegal and Hawick, &Daughter is the knitwear label with deep roots in the British Isles. Founded

by Buffy Reid, the brand produces updates on heritage classics: think chunky Aran jumpers and the softest cashmere. and-daughter.com

selfridges.com

BORROWED FROM THE BOYS

CHURCH’S Androgyny is very much the flavour of the season here at Absolutely. There’s nothing we love more than cocooning ourselves in a pair of tailored trousers and an oversized cashmere knit. All we need now is the perfect pair of flats. Church’s brogues offer all the clean-lined simplicity of mens’ footwear, just with a few stylish twists. J’adore; £585.

church-footwear.com

Looking to others for inspiration is a great way to get started. This can come from anywhere: from magazines and films, to history and Instagram. Avoid ripping off someone else’s style by identifying specific aspects or details you like.

This could be an innovative approach to layering or a knack for incorporating vintage pieces.

KNOW YOUR BODY SHAPE Acknowledging your body shape is the bedrock of forming great personal style. There’s no use falling in love with a look if it doesn’t work with your figure. It’s better to forgo a hot-off-the-press look for a classic yet flattering style. You can always add fashion factor with accessories.

ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR LIFEST YLE Another important aspect to consider when building your look is acknowledging your lifestyle. Do you spend lots of time outdoors? Are you constantly running after an energetic toddler? Aim to pick pieces that harmonise with your life, even if that means buying the same piece in multiple hues.

“It’s better to forgo a hot-off-the-press look for a classic yet flattering style” CHOOSE PIECES YOU’LL WEAR AGAIN There’s nothing wrong with embracing a ‘uniform’ approach to your style. We can learn from Vogue editor Sarah Harris, who is never seen without a white shirt and jeans. Whether it’s a classic breton or leather biker, choose pieces that you know you will wear again.

SHOP SMART ACCESSORIES Accessories are the cherry on the cake - capable of transforming basics into a pulled-together ensemble. There’s no need to splurge on hundreds of shoes and bags, instead select an edit to suit your needs. We love this season’s mini bag, which packs plenty of personality and is ideal for elevating a white shirt.

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THE SHOWROOM (FREE PARKING) Unit 15, The Metro Centre, St John’s Road, Isleworth, TW7 6NJ OPEN MONDAY - FRIDAY* 9.00 - 4.30PM *Also open the last Saturday of each month. See website for opening hours.

13/12/2017 15:36

FASHION • PRODUCTS EDITOR’S PICK

HAIDER ACKERMANN Velvet-Trimmed WoolBlend Coat; £2,200 net-a-porter.com EMILIA WICKSTEAD AW17

MR & MRS ITALY

BY. BONNIE YOUNG

Fur-Trimmed Canvas Parka; £1,450 ssense.com

Dropped-Shoulder Shearling Coat; £3,780 matchesfashion.com

JOSEPH Light Double Cashmere Kido Coat; £695 joseph-fashion.com

ALL SAINTS

YVES SALOMON

Hawley Oversized Shearling; £898 allsaints.com

Peak-Lapel Shearling Coat; £2,840 matchesfashion.com

TOP COAT

BIMBA Y LOLA Long Crossed Coat; £415 bimbaylola.com

Don’t let winter cramp your style. Love your layers with this season’s chicest coats B y J OY M O N T G O M E R Y

VICTORIA BECKHAM AW17

BIMBA Y LOLA Oversized Two-Tone Coat; £445 bimbaylola.com

BURBERRY Shearling-Lined Leather Coat; £2,295 net-a-porter.com

ARKET Melton Wool Pea Coat; £250 arket.com

INÈS & MARÉCHAL Bonjour Single-Breasted Shearling Coat; £1,828 matchesfashion.com

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

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ART HOUSE See life through an artist’s lens this season with a palette of rusted ochre, rich burgundy and pastel pink AW17 collection available from uterque.com

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WISH LIST Stunning produce and services from your favourite local businesses

SCHMIDT Schmidt are Europe’s leading kitchen brand.

Boasting French style and German engineering, they offer beautiful and affordable made-tomeasure kitchens with no compromise on quality. Their design specialists tailor-make your kitchen, then an installation service offers hassle-free fitting. With Schmidt, you don’t have to wait until the sales to enjoy quality at affordable prices. 323-325 Kings Street , Hammersmith W6 9NH; 020 3714 6000 design@schmidt-hammersmith.co.uk

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

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

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BELLA INTERIORS Bella Interiors offer a one-stop service for all your kitchen, bedroom and bathroom needs. They feature brands such as Miele, Neff and Schroder. Whether you would like to update with new appliances or a complete design and build service, visit the showroom for advice on the perfect solutions for your home.

137 Kew Road, TW9; 020 8332 9898 bellainterior.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY • PROMOTION

DANIEL STORES

ANNIE’S Annie’s in Chiswick and Barnes look forward to a wonderful new year with you.

Both restaurants underwent a makeover in 2017 with a fresh new look that is both quintessential and eclectic. Exciting new chefs have created healthy, light and vibrant dishes.

You can also enjoy an impressive array of exquisite classic cocktails.

Annie’s Barnes, 36-38 White Hart Lane, London, SW13; 0PZ 020 8878 2020. Annie’s Chiswick, 162 Thames Road, London, W4 3QS; 020 8994 9080

Located in the heart of Chiswick, Daniel has remained a family run store for over 100 years. Renowned for its quality and service, it holds a Royal Warrant from Her Majesty The Queen. Discover its range of beautiful furniture and accessories for your home.

396 Chiswick High Road, W4 5TF;

020 8747 8886

danielstores.co.uk

JO BLU SALON Jo Blu Salon in the heart of Chiswick is the multi award-winning salon that is the hair and beauty go-to for the stars. Tucked away in Grove Park, away from the city's hustle and bustle, this boutique salon is always packed.

Whether you're after a cut for a Christmas party, or a facial to sort a festive hangover, Jo Blu Salon can sort it all. See what the buzz is about and book now. 11 Grove Park Rd, Chiswick, London W4 3RS joblusalon.com

DORSETT SHEPHERDS BUSH

WALTON BATHROOMS

Indulge in a proper detox at Dorsett Shepherds Bush. Ease into 2018 with a relaxing detox Spa and Dine experience, or treat yourself to one of Spa Mika’s Coconut Swedish or Volcanic Hot stone full body massages, followed by a light and healthy two-course detox menu to keep you true to those new year’s resolutions. 58 Shepherds Bush Green, W12 8QE dorsetthotels.com

Visit Walton's showrooms to see the latest bathroom styles. In-house designers will start with an informal chat about your requirements and budget, arrange a visit to your home and then design the bathroom or cloakroom of your dreams with your choices in mind.

The Hersham Centre, Molesey Road, KT12 4HL Showroom: 01932 224 784 . Internet and Contract sales: 020 8481 7970 waltonbathrooms.co.uk

ARLINGTON KITCHENS

BATH BY VILLEROY & BOCH AVAILABLE FROM WALTON BATHROOMS.COM

Arlington Kitchens has over 18 years experience in designing, sourcing and installing the very best modern and traditional kitchens at highly competitive prices. From design to completion, the Arlington team will ensure that you get your dream kitchen by providing a wide variety of options and advice – and above all, honesty.

48 High Street, Hampton Hill, TW12 1PD; 020 8614 5757; arlingtonkitchens.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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JO BLU Salon

Cutting Barbering Colouring Keratin Blow-dry Olaplex Facials Environ Caci Waxing Lash extensions Nails Massage inc. Sports Hair Extensions

JANUARY SALE AT JO BLU SALON • 30% Off Environ & Caci Courses • 30% Colour with selected stylists • 20% off eyelash extensions • Buy 5 get 6th free On massage courses

A huge range of Hair & Beauty Treatments available Visit joblusalon.co.uk for a full list WINNER 2015 & 2016 Jo Blu Salon in Chiswick is an Awarded Five Star Salon

To book a treatment call 020 8996 0616 or book online info@joblusalon.co.uk 11 Grove Park Road, Chiswick, London W4 3RS PLEASE ENQUIRE ABOUT OUR MASSAGE COURSES

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

AGAINST THE GRAIN VIDAL SASSOON

This season Vidal Sassoon is celebrating individualism with the Mondaine Collection. Exploring the relationship between hair design and the couturier Cristobal Balenciaga, it is a celebration of bold colours and precision techniques. sassoon.com

Beauty Notes: Facial fuel & jelly skincare 50 ¡ Trend page: Ayurvedic beauty 57 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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BEAUTY NOTES

Start 2018 the right way with the best skin, hair and body revivers

By J OY M O N TG O M E RY

New Faces E ST É E L AU D E R

She was the first Chinese model to appear on the covers of both American and Italian Vogue and now fashion icon Fei Fei Sun has been announced as Estée Lauder's newest face. Sun has kicked off the New Year with a stunning new campaign, featuring a bold pink lip look which is sure to brighten up the dark days. esteelauder.co.uk ESTÉE LAUDER

INDEED LABS

Nutritious MicroAlgae Pore Purifying Cleansing Jelly; £21 boots.com

Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Jelly; £24.99 lookfantastic

5 OF THE BEST JELLY-BASED BEAUTY

BIO-ESSENCE Miracle Bio Water Jelly Make Up Remover; £16 cultbeauty.co.uk

SHISEIDO WASO Fresh Jelly Lotion; £20.40 johnlewis.com

DIOR Glow Better Fresh Jelly Mask; £44 dior.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES T R E AT M E N T R E V I E W

HAPPY HAIR GHD

Cold weather and Christmas parties are a recipe for seriously unhappy hair. Press re-set this January with ghd’s advanced split end therapy, the heat-activated treatment which works to leave hair feeling sleek, smooth and shiny for up to 10 washes. Split ends meet your maker; £19.95

Step Up

ghdhair.com

Why the solution to many pain problems lies in the foot

P

By ELIZA GREEN

EDITOR’S PICK

FACIAL FUEL LUMIT Y

Cocoa Crazy R A B OT 1 74 5 B E AU T Y

Hotel Chocolat might not be your first point of call when it comes to beauty, but this season the confectionary giant is expanding its oeuvre to a luxury skincare line. Covering everything from shower gels to thermal body masks, this beautfully-packaged range harnesses the antioxidant powers of the humble cacao bean; from £7. hotelchocolat.com

Contrary to what you might think, facial oil can be better for acneprone skin than harsh, oil-stripping products.

Packed with a blend of 32 ingredients, Lumity’s Facial Oil will leave your skin feeling replenished and balanced; £60. lumitylife.co.uk

LIP SERVICE D R . PAW PAW

If there’s one thing you need in your beauty arsenal when the mercury drops, it’s a good lip balm. Because we all love a multi-taker, we’ve been searching high and low for the best tinted variety. Dr.PAWPAW comes up trumps with its lip-loving formula and flattering peach and raspberry hues; £6.95.

drpawpaw.com

ain can have a major impact on our lives, affecting work, leisure and general mobility. Even mild pain should never be ignored.

Pain-killers offer short-term respite, but they only treat the symptom. For long term relief, it’s important to treat the cause of the pain. The source of many types of pain, including in the back, hips and knees is the foot. Pain in the lower back is often caused by over-pronation of the feet which occurs when the arch collapses.

The solution is custom arch supports and well-constructed footwear. Custom arch supports and properly-fitted shoes also help the hip joint. Stabilising the feet helps realign the skeletal system thus decreasing stress on the hips during walking or running.

Knees rely on the feet for stability.

Over-pronation or excessive supination in the feet can affect the position of the ankle, and lead to knee pain. Again, custom arch supports worn with quality orthotic-friendly footwear provide foot stability and help maintain the ankle in a neutral position thus reducing pressure on the knee joint.

Local business, Foot Solutions, offers a free foot assessment and gait analysis to identify the source of your pain.

Their custom arch supports match the contours of your feet and they have an extensive range of stylish, comfortable and orthotic-friendly footwear for all occasions.

FOOT SOLUTIONS 4 Red Lion St, Richmond TW9, 020 8940 1814 footsolutions.co.uk/richmond

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LIZ EARLE - PHOTO BY GEORGIA GLYNN

She’s left her eponymous beauty brand behind and now she’s taking on the world of wellness. Absolutely meets entrepreneur and wellbeing guru Liz Earle

By J OY M O N T G O M E R Y

WHAT LIZ DID NEXT 52

W

atching Liz Earle’s YouTube videos might lure you into a false sense of security.

The surfaces of her immaculate kitchen gleam, her hair is perfectly coiffed, soft spa-like music tinkles in the background, her voice gentle and manner approachable. It’s a big steaming bowl of comfort TV - just without the calories. It would be easy to underestimate this lovely lady and her spelt flatbreads. But Liz Earle is on an important mission: a mission to take on the cult of wellness. This is serious business.

We meet Liz Earle at her Battersea-based HQ on a crisp autumn afternoon. Located by leafy Battersea Park, the light-flooded space is more cosy country cottage than office, with warming fires crackling in each tastefully decorated room. In fact, this urban retreat is a veritable lab of Liz’s latest ventures, where everything from her new print magazine Liz Earle Wellbeing to her YouTube tutorials and podcasts are cooked up (quite literally, in some cases). When we arrive, the kitchen is a hive of activity, abuzz with women tapping away at laptops and chatting on phones. In the midst of the

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • INTERVIEW hubbub is Queen Bee Liz, a sea of calm, flawless skin framing delicate features and bright, softly lined eyes.

For many, the Liz Earle name will be synonymous with the iconic skincare brand whose Hot Cloth Cleanser become a cult favourite of the nation’s beauty lovers. With its focus on naturally active ingredients and botanicals, Liz was arguably ahead of the curve when she founded the brand with friend Kim Buckland back in 1995. “I was very lucky when we started the company my business partner and I were at the same stage of life, we both had young children so understood each other,” Liz recalls. “I often say to young women who are thinking of going into business with a partner, make sure you each understand where you are in your particular stage of life.” After 15 prosperous years, which saw the brand go from strength to strength, the company was snapped up by beauty conglomerate Avon in 2010 and is now owned by Walgreens Boots Alliance. Fast-forward to 2017, and with an MBE and 35 best-selling books under her belt, this mother of five is again entering a new stage of life, leaving her eponymous brand behind and setting her sights on the big bad world of wellness.

Fresh from filming in Europe for ITV’s This Morning, Liz’s natural warmth and eloquence make her a natural in front of the camera. “It’s been like coming home,” she says with a smile. “I started working on This Morning when I was 25 and then spent four years with Richard and Judy. I was thrown in at the deep end, doing live TV, phone-ins and outside broadcasts. You get real authenticity with live TV, it’s a very genuine way of communicating.” Invigorated by her return to the small screen, her new mini-series addresses the complexities of an ageing population, specifically the question of how we can live younger for longer. “It’s not just about the number of years on your life but the quality in your years,” she explains. “When I was filming in Greece and Italy there were all these 80 and

PANCETT AND ROOT VEG GRATIN - CREDIT LIZ EARLE WELLBEING YEARBOOK VOLUME 2

90-year olds and none of them wore glasses, had hearing aids or false teeth. But I think, overwhelmingly, there was this sense of community.”

In many ways, Liz Earle is a delightful contradiction. She’s an author, TV presenter and old-school journalist with over 30 years experience writing about health and wellbeing. She was talking about kale long before Deliciously Ella was born. Yet she is entering the Millennial world of wellness, armed with a YouTube channel, podcast, website and glossy print magazine. How does she reconcile the two? “I’ve written about this area for 30 years and I haven’t changed my story.

That’s what I’m pleased about.

I was looking at a book I wrote 25 years ago called Eat Yourself Beautiful and in it I was talking about this strange things called ‘spelt’, a grain no one had heard of, and how almond milk is really hard to get hold of. Now you go into any garage forecourt and they’re selling it,” she says with a laugh. “But the great thing about being online is that there’s an amazing opportunity to have broader horizons, and at a flick

“I’ve written about this area for 30 years and I haven’t changed my story”

LIZ'S WELLBEING TEAM PHOTO BY GEORGIA GLYNN

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

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • INTERVIEW

SPINACH AND MUSHROOM LASAGNECREDIT LIZ EARLE WELLBEING YEARBOOK VOLUME 2

SPICED ORANGE DATE BALLS IMAGE - CREDIT LIZ EARLE WELLBEING YEARBOOK VOLUME 2

LIZ PODCASTING PHOTO BY GEORGIA GLYNN SMITH

“In amongst the deafening barrage of advice Liz is a calming and seasoned voice of reason”

of a switch you have access to so much more around the globe. It’s incredibly exciting to have that as a platform for sharing.”

In amongst the deafening, and often conflicting, barrage of advice offered up by the ‘clean-eating’ crowd, Liz is a calming and seasoned voice of reason. The tagline for her print magazine is ‘wellness wisdom you can trust’. How can we, as consumers, separate fact from fiction? “I would say to anyone who is concerned, look at the credentials of who is writing, how long they’ve been writing for, what their background is and what their academic qualifications are,” Liz explains. “I was brought up pre-internet, so if I needed to do research I would sit in the British library and get out research papers. I say to my team here, you always have to go back to your sources.”

When it comes to the gluten-free phenomenon, Liz is deeply sceptical. Far from being an exercise in deprivation, she insists that the secret to maintaining a healthy lifestyle is simply to go back to the gut, which is the subject of her latest best-selling book The Good Gut Guide. “I think we’ve missed the point. People say they feel so much better after cutting out gluten, but actually that’s just sorting out

the symptoms, whereas we need to address the cause. Let’s look at fixing gut health so you can go back to having wholewheat toast with lashings of butter and enjoying it!”

Her career, she explains, started from this desire to pass on knowledge. Her mission now? To pass on new knowledge through the media available to her - whether it’s through a YouTube tutorial or TV series.

So what does the future have in store for this entrepreneurial powerhouse? “I’ve spent the last couple of years getting the magazine right and opening new platforms.

The next step is amplification. The whole area of wellness and wellbeing is a global phenomenon, and in some ways the UK lags behind, especially when you look at what’s happening in Scandinavia and Asia. That’s why we’ve decided to go global.”

Watch out world, Liz Earle MBE has come to educate the masses and she’s got both style and substance. This is serious business.

READER OFFER

Absolutely readers can enjoy an exclusive £5 off the Liz Earle Wellbeing Yearbook Volume 2 using the offer code LIZ25. Available from lizearlewellbeing.com

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

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A TYPICAL SCENARIO

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Located within The Hogarth Club

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Temperley London AW17

HEALTH & BEAUTY • PRODUCTS

SISTER & CO Oil Pulling Rinse with Spearmint; £16 sisterandcompany.com

SAMAYA Kapha Hydrating Cleanser; £69 samayaayurveda.com

NIOD Sanskrit Saponins Face Cleanser; £21 houseoffraser.co.uk

UMA

MAULI

Pure Rest Wellness Oil; £60 cultbeauty.co.uk

Reawaken Hand & Body Lotion; £23 maulirituals.com

ALCHEMY OILS Amla Hair Remedy; £26 alchemyoils.co.uk

NEW RITUALS Reconnect this January with these Ayurvedic inspired remedies B y J OY M O N T G O M E R Y

AVEDA Tulasāra Morning Awakening Ritual Kit; £65 harrods.com

FUSHI Really Good Cellulite Oil; £18 feelunique.com

RITUALS The Ritual of Ayurveda Hand Lotion; £8 rituals.com

ARK SKINCARE Conditioning Oil; £35 arkskincare.com

EVE LOM Time Retreat Regenerative Night Cream; £90 lookfantastic.com

EDITOR’S PICK

URBAN VEDA Soothing Facial Oil; £29.99 urbanveda.com

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

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Consultations and treatment take place in the superb new HCA facility which has been refurbished to bring a wide variety of medical specialties to West London.

H A R L EY S T R E E T C O M E S T O C H I S W I C K After twenty-five years in Harley Street and now in Crescent Place in South Kensington, The Aesthetic Surgeons are now offering consultations and non-surgical treatments at the new HCA facility at Bond House in Chiswick High Road. Norman Waterhouse is the founding surgeon of The Aesthetic Surgeons and has twenty-five years of experience in aesthetic and cosmetic surgery.

The Aesthetic Surgeons carry out a full range of procedures including FACELIFT RHINOPLASTY AESTHETIC BREAST SURGERY

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HELATH & BEAUTY • SCENT

PERFUME

The scents of

INSPIRATION Uplifting fragrances for the new year B y M I C H A E L D O N OVA N

H

appy New Year! I thought I would kick off 2018 with scents of energy and optimism.

The most exciting collection to cross my path is from a Californiabased artist, Bruno Fazzolari. Bruno has a condition called synesthesia, a cross-wiring of the brain that results in experiencing something like scent with two different senses at the same time - in this case he smells in colour. The result is a collection so vivid, intense and vibrant that it acts like an olfactory pick-me-up.

‘Monserrat’ is a fantastical, fruity explosion, bursting with vigorous pink grapefruit, apricot leaves and jasmine with luscious, radiant osmanthus, carrot seed and a hint of setting plaster!

At D.S. & Durga, the talented David Moltz has set himself the task of bottling the colour violet and the results are electric. Frosty wisteria and violet are blended with fizzing rhubarb and incense. The juxtaposition of warm and cool notes just adds to the excitement.

James Heeley’s ‘Note de Yuzu’ takes Japan’s zesty fresh citrus fruit and layers of salty marine notes to conjure the scent of the traditional yuzu bath taken to celebrate the winter solstice. This is an intense, clean and uplifting scent.

‘The Writer’ by St Giles is ‘the scent of inspiration’ and was inspired by a recent scientific study that found that memory recall is improved by an average of 19% when the scent of rosemary is in the room. Consequently this fragrance will make you feel alert and will certainly raise your IQ. Rosemary absolute’s bitter-green intensity provides the focus for this perfume

~

“I thought I would kick off 2018 with scents of energy and optimism”

~

and it opens the scent with fresh ginger and the focusing sparkle of aldehydes. At the heart lies a leather/ frankincense resin mélange, while at the base lies an inky note achieved with castoreum absolute plus sandalwood, cedarwood from the Atlas mountains and driftwood.

Independent British perfumer and yoga instructor Sarah McCartney has just released a new collection of completely natural fragrances entitled ‘Our Modern Lives’ each colour coded to match a mood or emotion. The scent of energy and vitality is ‘Yellow Sunset’ and this fragrance contains so many uplifting ingredients that you will dance to the office. Lemons, clementine and mandarin with blood and sweet oranges and the stimulating component of coffee absolute.

Celebrating the crisp, cold embrace of her native Iceland, Andrea Maack’s latest fragrance ‘Birch’ is an atmospheric fragrance that transports the wearer to the Arctic tundra. An airy bergamot creates a cool breeze with lightly spicy ginger and pink pepper. The character of the scent lies in the meeting of dark guaiac wood and cypriol that capture the arctic woodland. Birch is gorgeously evocative, alternating between the fresh cold air and smoky, earthy woods. It’s one of those scents that you wear to breathe in deep and enter another world.

Wishing you a fantastic and fragrant 2018.

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

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HELATH & BEAUTY • TOP TIPS

Seasonal Skin

SAVIOURS Protect your visage from the ravages of winter with Dr. Sara Palmer Hussey’s skincare tips

By D R . S A R A PA L M E R H U S S E Y Illustartion P H I L C O U Z E N S

SUPPORT THE SKIN’S OWN SHEILD

also disrupting the release of our human growth hormone, considered by many as a fountain of youth for its crucial role in repairing and renewing all tissues in the body, including the skin. Three amino acids, l-glutamine, l-arginine and l-lysine, taken just before bedtime, can naturally increase the release of human growth hormone, which ensures we maintain healthy glowing skin, as well as muscle strength, mental clarity and a strong immune system.

Low humidity and central heating are two reasons why winter can be very drying for the skin. In order to counteract the effects, it’s good to increase the skin’s ability to retain moisture. The skin has a natural protective two-way barrier that keeps out germs and toxins and seals in moisture to maintain a supple skin texture. This barrier has a unique composition: 50% ceramides, 25% cholesterol and 25% fatty acids, so it makes sense to choose natural plant oils rich in these components; excellent examples include safflower seed oil, macadamia seed oil, argan oil and passion flower seed oil.

DON'T FORGET TO NOURISH FROM THE OUTSIDE IN

NOURISH FROM WITHIN The health of our skin reflects the health of our body as a whole, so for glowing skin that is resilient to the onslaught of winter, it is vital to nourish from within. Nutrients, such as vitamins A, C and E, zinc, selenium and a good dose of omega-3 fatty acids, are essential.

BE GENTLE Over-aggressive exfoliation with acids, harsh abrasives or chemical peels can expose fragile new cells before they have matured and disrupt the skin’s natural protective barrier. Avoid using peels, clay masks, alcohol-based toners, all of which can strip moisture from the skin.

Instead, use a gentle cleanser with a muslin cloth. Also avoid petroleum and silicone oils used in moisturisers, which form a plastic-like barrier that sits on the surface of the skin. The intention is to seal in moisture, but it also traps everything under it, including bacteria and sebum, and prevents the skin from naturally shedding dead skin cells.

~

“For glowing skin that is resilient to the onslaught of winter, it is vital to nourish from within”

~

HIBERNATE The skin has a circadian rhythm - nighttime is its repair mode. Harness this regenerative cycle by using the most nourishing. pure products at night. Sleep is our opportunity to rest and regenerate and is vital for the health and repair of our skin. When we toss and turn all night or go to bed late, not only are we missing out on rest, we are

Skincare ingredients can penetrate the skin and find their way into the bloodstream and other body tissues. This starting point should shift our perspective on skincare products, that is, if we would think twice about ingesting an ingredient, maybe we should think twice about rubbing it all over our skin. Choose a natural skincare product, ideally an oil that is packed with phytonutrients and skinloving extracts that reinforce and nourish the healthy condition of our skin.

Our top pick? Lumity Anti-Ageing Skin Nutrients is a perfectly-balanced blend of 32 nourishing plant oils, extracts and essential oils rich in antioxidant polyphenols, vitamins and minerals, lycopene, resveratrol and coenzyme Q10, as well as regenerative amino acids and omega 3-6-9 fatty acids. All critical nutrients for cell growth, protection, healing and repair in the skin. This product provides the full range of nourishment the skin craves to get through the winter in glowing health So, whether you cosy up in the warmth or brave the icy chill outside, make sure you protect yourself both inside and out this January. Happy New Year!

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FITNESS

FITNESS NOTES

SixtyNinety The fitness brand to know now sixtyninety.com

WHAT IS IT?

● When two Brazilian model best friends joined forces with a female investor in January 2017, SixtyNinety Brazilian swimwear and activewear was born. Serious about creating a brand which praises the healthy female physique, the name SixtyNinety was inspired by the classic myth of 60-90cm as a woman’s ideal body measurements.

Together, the partners want to bypass this limit and challenge the idea of beauty.

TOP TRENDS Founders of Move Your Frame, Joan Murphy and Pip Black share their thoughts on what to expect from the fitness industry this year

WHO IS IT FOR?

● SixtyNinety is a brand designed by women for women. The swimwear is smart, eco-friendly and sizzlingly sexy. The Amni Soul fabric and cool designs became an instant hit with influencers such as Arizona Muse, Millie Mackintosh and Lily Fortescue.

Socially conscious, the brand uses the world's first biodegradable yarn.

LOW IMPACT CARDIO People are becoming more aware of the risk of injury from high intensity or high impact training and the long term effects on joints and the body, so mixing in training such as Rebounding gives you the cardio fix without damaging your joints. It’s key to future proof your body.

MINDFULNESS & LOW IMPACT TRAINING Mindfulness has been a buzzword for a while and has grown into a

massive trend over the past year; we predict it will come into the fitness genre. Combining HIIT with meditation has been proven to maximise the well-known benefits of the HIIT workout. Doing high impact workouts all the time can play havoc with your hormones especially if you're juggling a stressful job and life. At Frame we have created a new class called HIIT & Chill which is based around this theory. Keep an eye out for the workshops which are launching this month.

HIIT HIIT will continue to rise as people become more clued in and realise that training for longer does not equate to training smarter and won’t always give the best results.

It ranked number 1 in the Crep Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends for 2018, and we agree it will continue to be a big one.

FEEL-GOOD FITNESS Moving your body in a way that makes you feel good has always been our mantra here at Frame, and this is set to be a trend for 2018.

Gone are the days of ‘no pain, no gain.’ Whether it’s a dance class or hike in the park, make sure you enjoy it and rack up those endorphins as you do.

Check out the newest Frame studios open this month in Fitzrovia and Hammersmith; moveyourframe.com

SUPER SUPPLEMENTS

Supercharge your workout with these delicious and nutricious protein powders

WHAT’S NEXT?

● The three female SixtyNinety founders Aline Lima, Daniele Trece and Vanusa Fonseca are passionate about creating a niche in the lifestyle market for a growing female audience of affordable fashion consumers.

1. Healthista Lean Vegan Diet Protein, £24.99; wholefoodsmarket.com 2. Zaggora Protein Smoothie Chocolate Coconut, £38; uk.zaggora.com 3. Form Salted Caramel Chocolate Superblend Protein, £24; formnutrition.com 4. The Organic Protein Company Organic Whey Protein, £22; theorganicproteincompany.co.uk 5. Missfits Vegan Protein Multitasker, £18; missfitsnutrition.com

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

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ABSOLUTELY • PROMOTION

Party Feet Jane Dowrick wanted some shoes to help her dance all night. Foot Solutions had the answer

P

rimary school teacher Jane Dowrick wanted to look her best for her son’s wedding. Being a keen dancer she was looking forward to stepping out onto the dance floor. But she faced a problem. As Jane explains, “I can’t wear high heels for very long because I suffer from back and hip pain. To make matters worse I also have a bunion.”

But she was determined to have a good time and decided to splash out on a new outfit for the day and a cocktail dress for the evening. However, she was

still unsure what shoes she could wear for style and comfort. “I decided to visit Foot Solutions – and I’m so glad I did,” adds Jane.

“I spent an hour with their staff undergoing tests and scans to monitor how I walked and pinpoint any problems.

To my surprise they had a great range of fashionable heels. I chose a pair of gold Ziera shoes which were perfect. These, together with the special custom inserts supplied by Foot Solutions, meant I was ready for the big day. I was the first one on the dance floor and the last one off – I could have danced all night!”

“The staff at Foot Solutions were so helpful and professional,” says Jane. “It was a genuinely lovely experience.”

“I could have danced all night” FOOT SOLUTIONS Contact the Richmond store on 020 8940 1814 to arrange a FREE foot analysis.

4 Red Lion Street, Richmond, TW9 1RW footsolutions.co.uk/richmond

WE MAKE FEET HAPPY! Correct footwear and arch supports can improve balance and posture and relieve pain.

At Foot Solutions, our trained consultants use high-tech foot scanning equipment and gait analysis to help find the perfect customised footwear and arch supports for your feet.

Visit our RICHMOND store today TO ARRANGE A FREE FOOT ANALYSIS call: 020 8940 1814 email: richmond-surrey@footsolutions.com FOOT SOLUTIONS, 4 RED LION STREET, RICHMOND, TW9 1RW /footrichmond @footrichmond

A short walk from Richmond station, opposite Pizza Express www.footsolutions.co.uk/richmond

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B Y B U S • B Y T U B E • B Y T R A I N • B Y L O N D O N O V E R G R O U N D • PA R K I N G N E A R B Y

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Doctor, doctor

Discover a new centre of medical excellence in the heart of Chiswick B y A L I C E WA R R E N

I

n the current climate, it is becoming increasingly difficult to access healthcare quickly.

Now that a brand new, private outpatients and diagnostics centre has opened at Bond House on Chiswick High Road, Chiswick residents will no longer need to travel into London to get the best healthcare.

HCA UK’s Outpatients and Diagnostics Centre gives local residents the opportunity to access appointments, diagnostics and treatment quickly, without having to travel too far from home. They are able to offer same or next-day appointments to get to the root of the problem faster. They're also able to offer appointments outside

of working hours, including early mornings, evenings and weekends in order to fit around your inevitably busy schedule. Clinics run from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday, and from 9am to 5pm on Saturday, with flexible appointments at a time to suit you.

Residents of Chiswick from the young to the elderly can receive healthcare across a full breadth of specialties. At HCA UK Outpatients and Diagnostics Centre at Chiswick, clinicians provide care in areas such as paediatrics, orthopaedics, cardiology, gynaecology, urology and gastroenterology.

At this private health centre, there is an extensive team of orthopaedic and sports medicine specialists who

“The health centre offers same or nextday appointments at times to suit you”

HEALTH & BEAUTY • LOCAL

can help treat winter-related sports injuries. From ligament injuries to shoulder dislocations, there are expert specialists and the latest diagnostic imaging in place.

The very best team of specialists is on-site to take care of you and your loved ones, and together they offer a multidisciplinary approach to your care. Whether these are the specialists that you or your child have your consultation with, or who carry out diagnostic testing and treatment, providing high-quality care across a number of specialities is a priority.

This health centre is not only equipped with expert teams, but it also contains a state-of-the-art diagnostics suite, where they are able to carry out the latest tests to ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment. They are able to offer same or next-day appointments for a number of investigations including X-ray, MRI and CT. As well as having the latest diagnostic tools, they also have dedicated paediatric facilities on-site to cater for your child’s needs, including play and breastfeeding areas.

The aim is to offer seamless care to you and your family, from an initial consultation through to diagnosis, treatment and beyond. If it is advised that you need further specialist care or hospital admittance, the health centre is part of HCA Healthcare UK – a group of more than 30 awardwinning private clinics and hospitals across the country. Should you or one of your loved ones require onward treatment, you couldn’t be in safer hands.

H CA U K Chiswick If you have a health concern and wish to receive expert care in your local area, call the HCA UK Outpatients and Diagnostics Centre at Chiswick on +020 3905 3600.

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

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Kick-start your food business with Leiths *Whether it’s a restaurant, coffee shop, supper club, meal box service, vegan cafÊ, boutique hotel, cocktail bar, lifestyle blog, street food stand, supermarket brand, microbrewery, wine consultancy, zero-waste pop up or the catering company that everyone will be talking about.

From writing a winning business plan to considering hidden costs, this weekend course will get you off to a flying start.

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14/12/2017 10:43 10:24 14/12/2017

FOOD & DRINK

SEASONAL PRODUCE BRASSERIE BLANC

The menu at Raymond Blanc’s brasserie always reflects the best produce available that season. Expect to see lots of exciting changes at the beginning of 2018, more beautifully cooked French classics and mouthwatering contemporary dishes.

Wines of the month 68 • The best juice bars 69 • Nourishing cake recipes 70 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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WHAT TO DRINK

GRAPE news

Wine recommendations for the month

TASTING NOTES

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

By MIRIAM CAREY

By BERRY BROS. & RUDD

The King’s Ginger £22.50 A great winter warmer – serve over ice, or mix with tonic.

The Kings Ginger was specifically formulated

by Berry Bros. in 1903 for King Edward VII. Rich and zesty, it was created to stimulate and revivify His Majesty. It has been appreciated by bon viveurs ever since.

2016 Berry Bros. & Rudd Good Ordinary White by Dourthe £9.25 A classic Bordeaux white, this 100 percent Sauvignon Blanc is made just for Berry Bros. & Rudd. Intensely aromatic on the nose, with ripe gooseberry and greengage fruit, the wine has wonderful lift and zest.

2015 Toreye Spätburgunder, Eymann, Pfalz £19.50 While it’s rarely acknowledged, Germany is the third largest producer of Pinot Noir (aka Spätburgunder) in the world. This is a wonderful example of an accessible, refreshing Pinot that offers an alternative to Burgundy.

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

bbr.com

68

Contempory Cooking BRASSERIE BLANC

A stone’s throw from Hammersmith station, Brasserie Blanc offers expertly prepared French classics alongside more contemporary dishes. The menu changes every season, at the moment they're serving a mouthwatering Malabar fish curry with grilled king prawn, shallot crisps and coconut rice.

Goldhurt House, Parr’s Way, W6 brasserieblanc.com

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

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FOOD & DRINK• NOTES Our pick of the best

JUICE BA R S THE HIVE WELLBEING

A beautiful hideaway in Bethnal Green, The Hive Wellbeing offers weary travellers seasonal food, cold pressed juice, natural wine, and speciality coffee. Stop by after 5pm to try the ‘Aperitivo’ menu. We recommend the organic cheese and wine, a perfect aid to winding down after a busy day.

286 - 290 Cambridge Heath Road thehivewellbeing.com

ALL DAY EATING ANTIPODEA

Set in leafy Richmond, Antipodea is the latest all-day Australian brasserie to arrive in London. The interiors are inspired by modern Australian design: expect earthy tones, indoor plants, and natural finished furniture. They source fresh baked bread daily, have an in-house butcher and grow their own herbs.

30 Hill Street, TW9 antipodea.co.uk

LIGHT DISHES LITTLE BIRD

One of the winners of Best New Bar 2016, Little Bird is looking forward to revamping their restaurant in the new year. Expect fresh interiors - palm trees included - and a new menu, which will be filled with plenty of light and fresh Asian-inspired dishes. Ideal for anyone who feels they overdid it in December.

1 Station Parade, W4 littlebirdrestaurants.com

CPRESS

Flavour varieties at CPress are so abundant they will make any health enthusiast feel like a kid in a candy shop. Choose the ruby red ‘Prime Number’ for a burst of anti-oxidants, or opt for the snow-white almond milk for your daily dose of protein and vitamin E. Fulham, Canary Wharf, Chelsea, Shoreditch cpressjuice.com

JUICE BABY

BIG APPLE JAC K S O N + RY E

New York brasserie, Jackson + Rye, has updated their menu. New dishes include a 42 day matured Black Angus steak, Beef Carpaccio, Burrata, and Sea bass. To accompany the new dishes, the restaurant is also offering a brand new cocktail and wine list. Enjoy all this within the elegant Art Deco, Manhattan-style restaurant.

217-221 Chiswick High Road, W4 jacksonrye.com

Juice Baby has it all: shots, smoothies, milks, and juices. The nut milks are naturally packed with iron, calcium, and vitamin E +, while the powerful 30ml shots of wheatgrass, aloe vera, and ginger are brimming with health-boosting vitamins.

398 Kings Road juicebaby.co.uk

JOE & THE JUICE

With locations all over the world, Joe & The Juice is a universal congregation site for freelancers and their laptops. As the brainchild of super cool Danish entrepreneur Kaspar Basse, it's no suprise Joe & The Juice finds itself the hipster juice bar of choice.

Locations all over London joejuice.com

NEW SKILLS LEITH COOKING SCHOOL

Leith’s cooking school is hosting a variety of exciting courses from January. Under the guidance of expert chefs, why not hone your culinary skills and become the cooking aficionado you always wish you were.

6-20 Wendell Road, W12

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Vanilla Cheesecake

Wheat Free • Gluten Free Dairy Free • Vegetarian Serves 6–8

INGREDIENTS Cheesecake Base 45g whole almonds, unskinned 15g coconut oil 10g cashew nut butter 10g maple syrup 55g oats (gluten-free if needed) 30g coconut sugar or dark muscovado (soft brown) sugar ½ tsp ground cinnamon pinch of sea salt 5g (¹⁄8oz/1 tsp) desiccated (dry unsweetened) coconut

Fo r t h e f i l l i n g 120g cashew nuts pinch of sea salt 80g coconut oil, melted 100g maple syrup 2 tsp cider vinegar 200g coconut cream 1 vanilla pod (bean), halved lengthways and seeds scraped out or 1 tbsp vanilla paste

Piece of Cake

Chef Marianne Stewart shows us how baking with all natural ingredients can be delicious and easy

I

magine enjoying a Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart that contains rich dark chocolate full of antioxidants. Antioxidants that will give you a mood boost.

Imagine enjoying a chocolate brownie that doesn’t give you that sluggish feeling.

Nourish Cakes is a book full of scrumptious cake recipes. Each of them is full of diverse and good for you ingredients.

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Recipes include fruits, vegetables, spices, nuts and seeds to show how delicious baking can also be nourishing.

The best way to optimise health and well-being is to eat a variety of natural unprocessed foods.

Adding foods rich in fibre and protein slows the absorption of sugar. This in turn reduces spikes in blood sugar level.

The author Marianne Stewart is a trained pastry chef who has worked in a number of respected kitchens. She previously worked in Baker & Spice, Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen, and Peggy Porschen’s Cakes.

The first rule of baking for Marianne is that treats must always taste good. However, she no longer believes that for food to taste good it must be filled with ‘bad-for-you’ ingredients.

The book is a true celebration of good quality ingredients and the discovery of new and exciting ways to use them.

The focus is on all those amazing things you can eat that make you feel alive. It’s about baking your cake and eating it too.

Fo r t h e to p p i n g 200g coconut cream, at room temperature if possible 1 tsp maple syrup ½ tsp cider vinegar 1 tsp melted coconut oil edible flowers, to decorate

METHOD Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/400°F. To make the base toast the almonds on a baking sheet for 5–6 minutes until just browned. Cool. Reduce the oven temperature to 180°C/fan 160°C/350°F. Melt the coconut oil, then add the cashew nut butter and maple syrup and whisk together to blend well.

Finely grind the almonds with the oats in a blender, then add the coconut sugar, cinnamon and salt, and blend again. Add the wet mixture and blend again until the mix comes together.

Mix in the desiccated (dry unsweetened) coconut by hand. Divide the mixture equally between your chosen silicone moulds or into a lined tin and press down. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, or until browned around the edges. Cool on a wire rack.

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES 25g buckwheat flour 75g rice flour 50g ground almonds 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

Fo r t h e s t i c k y to f f e e s a u c e 65g date syrup 100g coconut or dark muscovado sugar 120g coconut cream 30g coconut oil 45g maple syrup large pinch of sea salt 1 empty vanilla pod (if used in pudding), or 2 tsp vanilla paste

METHOD Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/400°F. Roast the sweet potato for 45 minutes, or until soft in the centre. Cool, then scoop out and weigh 80g of the flesh.

Purée until smooth in a blender.

Toast the pecans on a baking sheet for 5–6 minutes then roughly chop.

Reduce the oven temperature to 180°C/ fan 160°F/350°F and grease 6 individual pudding moulds with coconut oil.

Pour the tea over the dates in a bowl, cover and leave to soak for 20 minutes.

Place the flaxseed in another bowl and add 3 tablespoons of warm water. Mix well and leave for 10 minutes to thicken.

Lightly mash the soaked dates, so they are half puréed. Add the sweet potato purée, vanilla, coconut sugar, coconut oil, vinegar, date syrup, flaxseed and salt and mix well.

For the filling, soak the cashews in cold water for 1 hour. Drain and blend in a blender or food processor with the salt until as fine as possible. Add the coconut oil and blend again until completely smooth. Add the remaining ingredients and blend again until well mixed and smooth.

Fill the tin and chill until just firm. This takes 2 hours in the freezer or overnight in the fridge.

For the topping, blend all the ingredients together with a balloon whisk. Gently pour onto the cheesecake and tap to remove any air bubbles. Return to the fridge or freezer to set for a few hours. For best results, chill overnight until firm and creamy.

To de-mould, warm the sides of the tin with a hot damp tea towel or with a blow torch if you have one available. Then unclip the sides and slide the cheesecake off the base. The cheesecake will keep well in the fridge for 3–4 days, and becomes firmer with time. Decorate with edible flowers to serve.

Sticky Toffee Pudding with Toffee Sauce Dairy Free • Gluten Free Wheat Free • Vegetarian Serves 6

INGREDIENTS 1 small sweet potato 40g pecans 145g strong Earl Grey tea 145g soft pitted dates chopped 1 tbsp ground flaxseed 1 tbsp vanilla paste or 1 vanilla pod (bean), split in half and seeds scraped out 150g coconut sugar or soft brown sugar 40g coconut oil, melted 2 tsp cider vinegar 30g date syrup or black treacle pinch of sea salt 50g teff flour

In a separate bowl, sift together the flours, ground almonds and bicarbonate of soda, then mix in to the wet ingredients with the pecans. Divide the batter between the moulds and leave for 10 minutes.

Bake for 50 minutes, or until the sponge springs back when pressed. If the tops of the sponges get a little dark, cover with foil or reduce the oven temperature by 10°C/20°F. Let the puddings cool until just warm, then de-mould onto a baking sheet lined with baking parchment. Wrap in foil and store in the fridge until ready to heat.

For the sauce, gently simmer all the ingredients together in a pan for 10 minutes to thicken. If using vanilla paste, add this at the end of simmering. Chill until needed (it will keep for up to a week) and reheat gently before using.

When ready to assemble, preheat the oven to 180°C/fan 160°C/350°F and place a tray of hot water at the bottom. Heat the puddings for 15 minutes, or until warmed through. Pour the hot sauce over and serve with custard or ice cream.

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES the dry ingredients into a medium mixing bowl, add the chilled wet ingredients and blend together using a spatula or your fingertips. Knead gently to form a smooth, soft dough. Flatten, wrap in clingfilm and rest in the fridge for at least an hour or up to 3 days. Divide the dough into 5 equal pieces and roll each one out between 2 sheets of baking parchment until 3mm thick. Use it to line 5 individual tart tins, about 10cm across. Chill for 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/400°F and put a baking sheet into the oven to heat. Line the bases of the tart tins with baking parchment, then fill with rice or lentils. Gather the edges of the parchment together loosely in the centre and bake on the tray for 20 minutes, or until the edges of the pastry are just beginning to brown. Remove the rice and bake the cases for a further 3–4 minutes, or until the bases look dry. Cool in the tins on a wire rack until cold.

For the pastry cream. Place the almond milk and 50g of the coconut cream in a small pan with the lemon zest and vanilla pod (bean). Heat to almost boiling, then turn off the heat, cover and infuse for 30 minutes. Mix together the cornflour (cornstarch), sugar and vanilla seeds in a bowl. Remove the vanilla pod and lemon zest from the cooled, infused liquid mix and use 1 tablespoon of this to blend with the cornflour and sugar. Stir until smooth.

Return the milk mixture to the pan and heat over a medium high heat until it just comes to the boil. Gradually pour half of the hot liquid over the sugar corn flour mix, stirring with a whisk, then pour this into the pan and cook over a medium high heat, stirring constantly.

Fig & Honey Tart Wheat Free • Gluten Free Dairy Free • Vegetarian Makes 5 small tarts

15 small figs 50g runny honey seeds of 1 vanilla pod (bean) or 1 tbsp vanilla paste

METHOD For the pastry, whisk together the gram flour, flaxseed, coconut cream, oil, cider vinegar and orange zest in a bowl until well blended. Chill for about 30 minutes, until cool and firm. Sift together the buckwheat flour, rice flour, ground almonds, rapadura, salt and xanthan gum, or pulse briefly in a food processor. Pour

R E C I P E S TA K E N F R O M

2 tsp gram (chickpea) flour 2 tsp ground flaxseed 70g coconut cream 45g coconut oil 1 tsp cider vinegar finely grated zest of 1 orange 100g buckwheat flour 40g rice flour 60g ground almonds 60g rapadura or light muscovado (soft brown) sugar large pinch of sea salt ¼ tsp xanthan gum

To d e c o r a te

NOURISH CAKES

Fo r t h e p a s t r y

200g unsweetened almond milk 200g coconut cream, chilled 2 strips of zest from 1 unwaxed lemon 1 vanilla pod (bean), split in half lengthways and seeds scraped out 30g cornflour (cornstarch) 60g golden caster (granulated) sugar or demerara (raw brown) sugar 30g cashew nut butter

by Marianne Stewart (Quadrille, £15) Photography © Catherine Frawley

INGREDIENTS

It should be gently bubbling. Cook for 4–5 minutes, or until thick. Mix in the cashew nut butter, then scrape into a bowl.

Cover the surface directly with cling film and cool to room temperature. Chill until completely cold.

Fo r t h e v e g a n p a s t r y c r e a m

Whip the remaining coconut cream for 2 minutes with a whisk until it has loosened and forms soft peaks. Use the whisk to beat the cold nut butter and milk mixture for 1 minute until smooth. Add the coconut cream to this and beat until it is evenly incorporated, smooth, light and creamy. Use to fill the tart cases, or chill for up to 3 days before use.

To assemble, preheat the oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/400°F and line a baking sheet with foil. Cut the figs in half and place, cut side up, on the tray. Mix together the honey and vanilla seeds, then drizzle this on top of the figs. Roast for 10 minutes, or until just starting to colour at the edges.

Cool until just warm. Fill the tart cases with the cold pastry cream, then top with the warm figs.

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FOOD & DRINK • REVIEW

ABSOLUTELY eats out…

“Icelandic hot dogs are organic, grass fed and free range”

Chilly Katz Hot dogs get the Icelandic treatment at west London’s latest opening

FOOD Good quality hot dogs dripping in fresh toppings

B y MIRIAM CAREY

C

hilly Katz is a trendy eatery in Hammersmith, an area with an annual footfall of 37.83, which forms part of the reason for them moving here.

Chilly Katz comes from the same owners as Bear’s Ice Cream on Goldhawk street, and is described as Bear’s ‘slightly naughtier sibling’.

The interiors and decor reflect this.

Walls are rough and ready, made of ply board, a neon sign hangs, and rock music is playing. They also have

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DECOR no tables and chairs. This is very much a stand up and eat over your napkins affair.

When we arrive we are greeted by owner Phil Harrison. He is charming and friendly, and an award winning chef, having won great Sausage Roll Off in 2016.

Phil talks us through his inspiration for the business. His celebrity fashion designer wife Vera Thordardottir grew up in Iceland where hot dogs are abundant.

They are "practically the national dish", sold at every gas station and convenience store.

Rough and ready; stand up and eat

PRICE Hot dogs £5, and Bear's Ice Cream Glacier £3.80

VERDICT Fun and filling; worth a stop if you're in the area

Hot dogs are also tastier in the Northern hemisphere. Icelandic hot dogs are made from organic, free range, grass fed, hormone-free pork, lamb and beef. They are sealed in a natural casing which gives them a beautiful snap when bitten into.

There is certainly a gap in the UK market for delicious, healthy alternatives to fast food.

The menu provides six fun hot dog topping options. ‘From Reykjavik with Love’ and ‘Kung-fu biting’ are the first two we're recommended.

The former, a classic option with tomato sauce, mustard, onions and crispy onions. The latter, a little more adventurous with asian slaw, soy ginger dressing, peanuts, and mayo.

The first is simple and delicious, the second accompanied by a perfect zesty salad.

We then try ‘Bollywood Adventures’ and ‘Chilli + Cheese = winning’. The first is a hot dog bedded in daal, cucumber raita, mango chutney, and smashed poppadoms. The second is covered in siracha, cheddar, jalapenos, and smashed nachos.

So what's the secret to a good quality hot dog? High quality meat, a natural casing, a good quality brioche bun, and fresh toppings. ● CHILLY KATZ 18 Beadon Road, W6 chillykatz.co.uk

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Cocktail Hour Mon - Fri 5 - 7pm

Annie’s Barnes, 36-38 White Hart Lane, London, SW13 0PZ

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C

H A P PY

eaters Most children are fussy diners, to varying degrees. But how can we expand their foodie repertoire?

By PENDLE HARTE

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hildren are on the whole terrible dining companions.

Watching someone pick every last green thing off their plate and deposit it on the table, or on your plate, or on the floor, is not fun, and neither is dealing with moaning when any of their disliked ingredients appears. Fussy eaters might exclusively eat white food, or only foods that aren’t touching other foods, or insist on ketchup with everything, or chips. There’s no logic to any of it – they might have an irrational hatred of tomatoes, but not tomato sauce; they might love pastry but refuse to try quiche, they’ll eat cheese, but not if/only if it’s melted, they love mangoes but won’t go near melon. And then there are the inexplicable things that they do like. Olives, for instance, are very popular among children, as are cornichons – and they’ll usually eat mussels. Nothing is predictable – some of them love strong mustard and hate ketchup, and these firm beliefs can change daily.

Most children have an automatic resistance to things their parents encourage. Homework, baths, gloves. And of course food. So if our power as parents is limited, how do restaurants fare as motivational environments? If we took our children to restaurants more often, would they widen their food repertoires? We picked three informal places to try with an aim of getting our girls aged 8 and 11 to try something new, and ideally to come away liking it. The rules? No kids menus.

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FOOD & DRINK • CHILDREN WAHACA

WA H AC A

Wahaca is buzzy, colourful and fun and its Mexican street food focus is well suited to children in many ways. Small sharing plates mean lots of things to try. The main hazard however is chilli, which is universally unpopular among children but in most things here. If something’s deemed too spicy, they won’t eat it, and entire dishes can be dismissed this way, leading to the worst possible outcome: rejected food, hungry children, money wasted – the main reason (apart from behaviour) that parents avoid restaurants. Burritos, tacos, quesadillas are all kid-pleasers; the 11-year old loves her chicken burrito (it comes with tortilla chips) but slightly complains that it’s spicy. Still, we try a selection of things between us, including crab tostadas, black bean quesadilla and pork tacos, which all go down well, as does guacamole, which is proof for us that children will eat things in restaurants that they refuse at home. We loosen the ban on kids menus when we spot the build-your-own-taco offering, which even with avocado creates so much delight in the eight year-old (and is a welcome relief from fish goujons and chips) that our mission is clearly a success. And to finish, churros is a winner for all ages.

“Most children have an automatic resistance to things their parents encourage.

Homework, baths, gloves... and food”

THE REAL GREEK

Sharing plates have become a bit ubiquitous now, but Greek restaurants practically own the concept. Mezze is basically the way we all eat now anyway. At The Real Greek, they solve the problem of tables never being big enough for ‘three or four small plates each’ brilliantly by using the stacking silver serve equipment usually associated with afternoon tea, and this the kind of thing children like too. We order one of the set menus, Tonia’s Filoxenia, which is a feast.

First there’s Greek flatbread and hummous, which admittedly sounds like what the children have in their packed lunches, but this is better and even they agree.

Then comes the tiered display: delicious green pea fava topped with red onions and tomatoes gains adult approval but inevitably the children pick off the onions and tomatoes. Halloumi skewers with minted yoghurt, chicken wings marinaded in smoked chilli and falafel balls with tahini dip and a steaming bowl of saffron rice are all quite popular. We share a decadent (and not so Greek) salted caramel cheesecake and leave sated.

THE REAL GREEK

PING PONG

PING PONG

Dim Sum should be a no brainer for kids.

Small parcels of deliciousness. But our girls are suspicious of dumplings. Ping Pong’s menu is vast and we order a huge spread, including pink ‘unicorn noodles’ which don’t seem to be part of a children’s menu but easily could be. Most popular are the pork ribs, probably because they’re intensely sweet, and the pork puffs – but surprisingly nobody likes the pork buns, even though they are exactly the kind of bready thing you’d expect children to adore. Steamed pork and chive dumplings are a great success, as are the beef gyoza. The dumpling prejudice has definitely been challenged.

VERDICT It seems that fussy eaters are only fussy when their parents are cooking. Who knew?

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German kitchens

Azco Interior s 94 Heath Road Tw i c k e n h a m TW1 4BW

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INTERIORS Interiors Notes 80 • At home with Rockett St George

IN BRIEF ANNA BURLES

This beautiful master bedroom in a Grade II listed townhouse was designed by Anna Burles to maximise the light, create storage and stay within the bouds of listed consents.

The results are beautiful. annaburles.com

82 • London's

best extensions 90 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTERIORS NOTES

Ideas, designs and styles for your home

By PENDLE HARTE

Paper Craft STUDIO SNOWPUPPE

These Dutch origami experts produce a huge range of beautiful light shades in folded paper.

High quality fabric cables and fittings come in contrasting colours for a stylish contemporary look. studiosnowpuppe.nl

WASTE NOT BRABANTIA

This new stylish bin looks too pretty and streamlined to be a depository for rubbish. As the Rolls Royce of bins, it comes with a flexible arrangement of one, two or three compartments for recylcling and in a range of colours to suit your kitchen. £199. brabantia.com

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INTERIORS • NOTES F AV UR

OR

ITE

E C FA O

S

KINSKA Various ceramics, from £38 kinska.com

PATTERN CUT KIT KEMP FOR WILTON

FERM LIVING Mrs Napkin, £4.50 cloudberryliving.co.uk

SHAPE SHIFTER KOTI & CO

xPolygon shaped placemats are ideal to set your table in a beautiful yet functional way. Silicone is naturally heat resistant that is also easy to wipe clean and store. We love the stylish range at this beautifully created site.

Wilton Carpets' new Kit Kemp collection features patterns and colourways that transport you straight into a Firmdale lobby Pictured is the Leaf Cut, straight from the Soho Hotel.

The range is made in Wiltshire. wiltoncarpets.com

HOUSE OF RYM Seriously cereally bowl, £19 houseofrym.com

kotiandco.co.uk RUME Face It Throw, £180 rume.co.uk

PINK LADY ZANDRA RHODES

JONATHAN ADLER Utopia mugs, £32 uk.jonathandler.com

EDITOR’S PICK

ROSENDAHL Bjorn Wiinblad flower vase, £39.95 black-by-design.co.uk

The Zandra Rhodes/Floor Story rug collection features three pieces that reproduce work from Zandra’s fledging career in the 1960s. Wiggle, Mexican Star and Star Wars have been recreated to bring a piece of art to the floor. floorstory.co.uk

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A LITTLE BIT ROCK For Jane Rockett of Rockett St George, home is a Victorian townhouse that showcases her own distinctive style.

Absolutely takes a tour B y LUCY ST GEORGE P h o t o g r a p h y DEBI TREOLAR

~ “Evident

throughout is Jane’s rejection of playing it safe and adhering to one particular style”

~

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nyone who’s familiar with the Rockett St George brand will immediately recognize Jane Rockett’s own home in Sussex. A frequent feature on the company’s Instagram page, Jane’s home is a style inspiration to many. But what is perhaps most striking about her space is that first and foremost it is a family home. Yes, it’s full of the eclectic, maverick Rockett St George magic, just as you would expect, but at its heart is a cosy, lived-in family vibe.

Jane’s kitchen is an eclectic mix of different styles. The clean white walls and ceramic pendant lights create an airy, modern look while the brick wall and resin flooring have a hard-working, industrial vibe that is echoed in the metal cabinets.

Dotted here and there are decorative pieces: old chopping boards, fish-shaped water jugs and a vintage clock, all of which strike a playful note.

Jane bought her home at the very beginning of her Rockett St George journey and this is evident from the minute you walk through the front door. The Victorian townhouse is brimming with vintage and current Rockett St George pieces alongside

treasures brought back from Jane’s travels and special mementoes collected over the years and displayed in cabinets and on coffee tables and mantelpieces. In fact, you only really need to see the downstairs of Jane’s home for an insight into Rockett St George’s development over the past ten years.

Split over three storeys, the ground floor of Jane’s home encompasses a kitchen, dining area, home office and living room.

Upstairs are her two older children’s bedrooms, a spare room and a bathroom, while the top floor is home to her youngest’s room, a bathroom and the master bedroom, which was opened up to the eaves by Jane and her partner Toby when they moved in. What is evident throughout is Jane’s rejection of playing it safe and adhering to one particular style. Her kitchen combines industrial brick walls with sleek white counters and mid-century lighting. In theory, such a mix should not work, yet in Jane’s house it hangs together perfectly, balancing practical functionality with her own distinctive style. Jane has been careful to preserve the original features of the house, retaining the original sash windows and wooden floors. But what makes the house unique is the extended dining room with its floor-to-ceiling windowsoverlooking the garden. The space created by the

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INTERIORS • SPOTLIGHT

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

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

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

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INTERIORS • SPOTLIGHT Jane’s kitchen is an eclectic mix of different styles. The clean white walls and ceramic pendant lights create an airy, modern look while the brick wall and resin flooring have a hard-working, industrial vibe that is echoed in the metal cabinets.

Jane’s workspace is positioned to take advantage of the natural light from the dining space.

Rather than using a television as the focal point in her sitting room, Jane decided to create a style spot filled with the many treasures and memories she has collected over the years. Her cabinet of curiosities enjoys centre stage and is filled with photos, children’s drawings and beautiful pieces.

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

EXTRAORDINARY INTERIORS

by Jane Rockett and Lucy St George published

by Ryland Peters & Small

extension/addition offers respite from the outside world. It is a space where Jane and her family can relax and recharge: something that every family home should have.

The dining area is the perfect hangout for Jane and her family.

She covered a vintage armchair with cowhide and teamed it with curvaceous rattan lounge chairs. The sloping glass skylights allows light to pour in and the geometric wallpaper on the ceiling contrasts beautifully with the velvety grey-green walls.

Rather than using a television as the focal point in her sitting room, Jane decided to create a style spot filled with the many treasures and memories she has collected over the years. Her cabinet of curiosities enjoys centre stage and is filled with photos, children’s drawings and beautiful pieces that have great sentimental value. The convex mirror hanging above the fireplace reflects light into the room.

Stripped wooden floors, bay windows and shutters add character to Jane’s sitting room and these architectural features are enhanced by the dark charcoal walls. The leather sofas are dressed with sheepskins and cushions that make the room feel snug and welcoming and the glorious grey linen armchair

is a statement piece. The accent lighting is kept deliberately dim to enhance the room’s sense of warmth and to create a cosy space for the family to relax in.

Jane’s workspace is positioned to take advantage of the natural light from the dining space. The wall behind is hung with family photographs and favourite artworks — when Jane is lost for inspiration she look ups from her computer screen and allows the images to spark her creativity. The vintage desk is one of her savviest finds as she found it outside her local Citizens Advice Bureau when they were throwing it out. Like everything in Jane’s house, it really works.

Lola, Jane’s teenage daughter, has created a stunning style spot above the Victorian fireplace in her room. The four ornate Rockett St George Melo mirrors are hung in an intriguingly asymmetrical arrangement and are dressed up by a hanging dreamcatcher and wooden hand that she pops her jewellery on.

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

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INTERIORS • FIRE PLACES

Eternal Flame

Nothing beats an open fire for warmth and atmosphere. Absolutely meets Grate Expectations

By EVE HERBERT

G

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 wood-burning 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.

G R AT E E X P E C TAT I O N S 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

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

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KITCHEN AID Whether your taste is classic or cutting-edge, Osborne Interiors can design the perfect kitchen for your budget and lifestyle

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ABSOLUTELY • PROMOTION

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oger Wheatland of Osborne Interiors been creating and installing kitchens in Chiswick for 23 years, earning an excellent reputation for professionalism and a friendly, down-to-earth approach – and taking pride in this longheld reputation.

Osborne Interiors specialises in renowned brands such as Next 125, Schueller, 1909 and Prentice but also supplies kitchens to suit all price points from a vast range of other manufacturers.

"Good design is not just about having a beautiful room. It needs to suit your requirements and make life easier," they say – and they will dedicate themselves to achieving your goals. "We assist you with practical issues, such as ease of access, good lighting systems and everything else," says Wheatland. Whether your preferred style is Shaker, hand-painted or cool contemporary minimalist, the team can work to your brief.

“Good design is not just about having a beautiful room.

It needs to make your life easier” They can take a basic kitchen model and tailor it to specific spatial, stylistic and budget requirements, or design a bespoke kitchen from scratch.

"We use the latest Computer Aided Design techniques to produce scale drawings and photo-realistic pictures in colours that are very close to the real thing. These can be viewed from multiperspectives, so you get a clear idea of how your finished kitchen will look," explains Wheatland .Roger himself project manages the installation process and always uses the same experienced fitters. He's also happy to handle small building works and can remove stud walls, install ceilings, fit underfloor heating, lay floors and relocate utilities.

Upgrading your kitchen is one of the best ways to improve your home. A modern kitchen is seamless and a perfect mix of style and function, with enough flexible space for cooking, eating family meals and hosting dinner parties. At Osborne Interiors you’ll find a host of inspirational ideas and receive personal service from a dedicated team that really takes pride in looking after clients. If 2018 is your year of the new kitchen, you know who to call.

OSBORNE INTERIORS

20 Fauconberg Road, W4 3JY, 020 8742 2236, contact@osborne-interiors.co.uk osborne-interiors.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Sun Rain Room

Tonkin Liu This two-storey extension and restoration of a Grade-II Listed Georgian townhouse reframes the rear of the building by amplifying the characteristics found within its fabric.

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INTERIORS • EXTENSIONS

“Timber, in various forms, seems to be making a comeback as a wall finish”

Corduroy House Manalo and White Dark Welsh slate is used in an economic and direct way to provide a rugged, natural backdrop to the garden foliage and a foil to the calm, light interior.

BUILD IT New London Architecture’s annual focus on London’s best extensions returns with an exciting and diverse lineup B y P E A R L B OY D

I Reading Room

Studio Carver This small extension is designed around a large picture window projecting out into the garden with bespoke joinery and desks carefully integrated into the building.

f 2018 is set to be the year that you build an extension onto your home, there is inspiration and advice to be found at New London Architecture’s (NLA) ninth annual display of London’s cleverest and most beautiful designs.

Don’t Move, Improve! is a wide-ranging focus, promoting the work of emerging practices and encouraging the best design in everyday life. The competition highlights the importance of high-quality design and multifunctional spaces in Londoners homes, where space often has to work twice as hard to deliver everyday needs in a condensed footprint. Peter Murray, Chairman of NLA, said: “Entries ranged from designs that enhance the interior spaces with better layouts and daylighting to intricate additions that responded to the interests and lifestyle of the occupiers. The huge variety of approaches makes it difficult to point to particular trends, although timber, in various forms, seems to be making a comeback as a wall finish.”

Over 200 family home extensions, studios and garden rooms were submitted

to the competition. The 30 best projects were chosen by an eminent jury including Carl Turner of Carl Turner Architects, Cany Ash of Ash Sakula, Zohra Chiheb of Levitt Bernstein, Amy Frearson of Dezeen, Philippa Stockley of the Evening Standard and Peter Murray, Chairman of New London Architecture.

Amy Frearson of Dezeen called Don’t Move, Improve! one of her favourite design competitions, “as it focuses on an area of architecture that so many people, particularly in London, have either experienced themselves or have aspirations towards, and provides a real source of inspiration."

Winners will be announced at NLA on Thursday 25 January 2018 to an audience of 400, launching a major three-month exhibition and the 2018 Don’t Move, Improve! magazine. The first of four public Design Surgeries will be held in February, for homeowners in London looking to extend and improve their homes featuring free consultations with architect practices.

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

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CURTAIN CALL

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

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm • Sat 10am-6pm Evenings by appointment 52 Friars Stile Road, Richmond, Surrey TW10 6NQ 020 8332 6250 • curtaincall@blueyonder.co.uk

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INTERIORS • EXTENSIONS

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Manor Road, N16

Paul Archer Design A Mies van der Rohe inspired glazed kitchen extension with a cantilever roof stretches outdoors on a raised plinth, creating a garden link between the basement conversion and the ground floor living spaces.

Threefold Architects The brief for the project was to create a dynamic new gallery that was connected to the curators house and garden which are themselves an extension of the gallery space.

Valetta House

Office S&M This Victorian house was extended to create a generous living space on the ground floor and a new bedroom in the loft. A palette of colours and materials were used.

Arbour House

Pop Up Ute

Nimtim Architects The timber structure defines a series of openings along the roof and onto the rear garden. This timber grid extends both into the garden and into the house blurring the boundary between inside and out.

Friend and Company Friend and Company are adept at finding imaginative solutions to complex architectural problems, and have a particular interest in exploiting the structural possibilities of materials.

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Roman Road Gallery

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DISCOVERMORE

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

Currently recruiting into the Sixth Form with a new Sixth Form Centre opening in 2017.

Open Days 16th January1stat/7 9.30am th November (9.30am/ 9.30am)

17th January at 6.30pm (Sixth form applicants only)

November 15th/21st (7.00pm/ 9.30am) 8th February at 9.15am

th 8th March at29 9.15am November (9.30am)

21st March at 9.15am 2nd May at 9.15am

25th June at 9.15am 29th June at 9.15am Please book your place online.

T: 0208 742 2038 E: info@kewhouseschool.com W: www.kewhouseschool.com An independent co-educational senior school for students aged 11-18 in West London

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@kewhouseschool

13/12/2017 12:05

KIDS & EDUCATION

WASTE NOT MINI RODINI

Mini Rodini carries one of the most sustainable ranges on the market – with collections made with more than 99% sustainable materials. So if sustainability's on your list for 2018, here's where to go. minirodini.com

Small Talk 97 • London Children’s Book Project

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KIDS & EDUCATION • NOTES

F O CU S

Let it grow B U N N Y & C LY D E

This Harrison toddler bed with its midcentury feel converts effortlessly into a stylish daybed that's just as much at home in an adult space as in a kids' room. bunnyandclyde.ie

LEATHER CRAFT Witloft

SMALL TALK Flexible furniture, leather aprons, a shiny jacket and some new books

EDITOR’S PICK

GOLDEN DOWN FINGER IN THE NOSE

If your tot is one of those that refuses to wear coats, dazzle them with this beautifully shiny quilted down jacket from stylish French label Finger in the Nose.

Now see who's refusing.£151;

smallable.com

TOMB TALK E GY P TO M A N I A

This big, bold lift-the-flap book takes you straight into the heart of ancient Egypt.

Learn what people wore, what’s inside a pyramid, how a mummy is made and much, much more. £18.99. laurenceking.com

L

aunched in Amsterdam in 2004, Witloft has become known for its leather aprons that have been worn and loved by the world’s most credible chefs. Jamie Oliver, The Hairy Bikers, Gennaro Contaldo and Great British Bake Off winner Candice Brown have all been spotted in the stylish leather aprons, as have countless baristas, barbers and grill masters. And now they've launched a beautiful children’s collection mirroring the main collection. The colourful collection is available in five styles as well as a limited edition golden colour. These handmade leather aprons are perfect for showing off in the kitchen while preparing family Christmas treats together. The one-off golden apron makes the perfect gift for any chef of the house, or budding baker – and they're all equally good for outdoor pursuits too. wit-loft.com

SHELF LIFE SY LV I A B I S H O P

This story is about a little girl named Property Jones, socalled because she was left in the lost property cupboard of a bookshop when she was five years old. Her secret is that she can’t actually read... scholastic.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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KEW GREEN preparatory school

An Independent School for Boys and Girls aged 4-11 Quality of Pupils’ Achievement and Learning - “Excellent” Quality of Teaching - “Excellent”

Quality of Extra-curricular Provision - “Excellent” Quality of Pastoral Care - “Excellent”

Quality of Links with Parents - “Excellent”

Quality of Pupils’ Personal Development – “Excellent” “Pupils of all ages benefit from a rich and exciting curriculum.”

Independent Schools Inspectorate Report - July 2015

Open Mornings Open Morning

9.15am Wednesday 17th Jan 9.15amWednesday Wednesday,7th 15th 9.15am FebNovember 9.15am 9.15amWednesday Wednesday,21st 17thMarch January 2018 9.15am Wednesday 9th May 9.15am Wednesday, 7th February 2018 9.15am Wednesday 13th June

To register register your your attendance attendance at To at one one of of our our open open mornings, mornings, please phone 020 8948 5999 or mail secretary@kgps.co.uk please phone 020 8948 5999 or mail secretary@kgps.co.uk

Kew Green Preparatory School

Layton House, Ferry Lane, Kew Green, Richmond TW9 3AF

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RAVENSCOURT PARK

preparatory school

An Independent School for Boys and Girls aged 4-11 Quality of Pupils’ Achievement and Learning - “Excellent” Quality of Teaching - “Excellent”

Quality of Extra-curricular Provision - “Excellent” Quality of Pastoral Care - “Excellent”

Quality of Links with Parents - “Excellent”

Quality of Pupils’ Personal Development – “Excellent” ‘’The curriculum is excellent for all ages and abilities, and is expertly matched to meet the needs of the range of pupils in the school.’’

Independent Schools Inspectorate Report - March 2016

Open Mornings

Open Mornings

18th January at 9.15am

9.15am Tuesday 14th November 1st February at 9.15am

6th March at 9.15am 9.15am Thursday 18th January 2018 3rd May at 9.15am 14th June at 9.15am

9.15am Thursday 1st February 2018 To register your attendance at one of our open mornings, To register your0208 attendance at one of our open mornings, please phone 846 9153 or mail secretary@rpps.co.uk please phone 020 846 9153 or mail secretary@rpps.co.uk

Ravenscourt Park Prep School 16 Ravenscourt Avenue, London W6 0SL

www.rpps.co.uk RCPS.indd 1

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EDUCATION • FOCUS

Reading riches

How Liberty Venn’s London Children’s Book Project is redistributing books to families without them

T

he act of reading changes us.

When a child reads for pleasure it alters the way they view themselves and how they view the world,” says Liberty Venn. Anyone who reads books knows how transformative it is for children to grow up surrounded by stories.

Yet according to the National Literacy Trust, one in four children across London has fewer than 10 books of their own.

Children growing up in ‘book poor’ households are known to be disadvantaged when it comes to language development, emotional and social development and learning outcomes.

Venn is a researcher from west London who specialises in literacyrelated work. Last summer she launched the London Children’s Book Project following a successful two-year-pilot project at a primary

school in North Kensington. The not-for-profit organisation aims to redistribute 30,000 new and ‘gently-used’ children’s books this academic year.

There are many such gifting programmes in the US, yet the UK has none, despite significant need. Working with the staff at Barlby Primary School in North Kensington (48% of pupils at Barlby are on free school meals; the national average is 24%) she set up a free library in the playground “full of books for kids to take, with no rules about them”.

“No surprise, we ran out of books”, she says, so Venn wrote to 10 local private schools such as Bute House, Thomas’s, Norland Place and Notting Hill Prep (where Jane Cameron was “incredible”) to see if they could donate. Norland Place did a book drive. Parents were thrilled to clear their shelves and “by the next day, we had 1,300,” says Venn. Norland Place has now made this book drive an annual event for LCBP. In summer 2017, Notting Hill Prep gathered 2,400 books for the charity.

“I have been amazed by people’s generosity,” says Venn. “What is amazing is the unquestioning support of the project. You don’t need to explain to anyone why it’s important, everyone just gets it.”

What makes the charity special is the “creative distribution” of the books, says Venn; the project places an emphasis on enjoyment for those both giving and receiving books. The project has created posters, bunting and stickers

“You don’t need to explain why it's important – everyone just gets it”

B y A M A N DA C O N S TA N C E

for schools to create their own pop-up bookshops. “This puts real value on the selection process,” says Venn. Teachers have already reported on “the amazing language development in their pupils when they discuss the process afterwards”, says Venn.

So what’s the end goal? “I think it’s reasonable to distribute 50,000 books a year,” says Venn. She’s done her homework: there are 305 primary schools in London where the pupil body is above national average for receipt of the pupil premium – ie the school has a high number of children who are more likely to come from book-poor homes. “We have pushed 10,000 books into the community in North Kensington,” says Venn. That works out at about 10 books a child on average. As a workable model, “it’s a no-brainer”, she says.

“It’s very neat. I want commitment, not money.”

Email liberty@childrensbookproject. co.uk to get involved childrensbookproject.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Teaching children to fly

en p O

A new nursery for Twickenham!

• • •

Great teaching and learning In a stylish and well-resourced environment With excellent customer service

bhdaynursery

@bhdaynursery

0208 7122 297 | www.bhdaynursery.co.uk enquiries@bhdaynursery.co.uk

Open morning 8 March To book in, please call the school office

Every child deserves to learn to fly and reach their full potential. We are a proudly non-selective, co-educational prep school for children aged 3 – 11 years.

We encourage children to form their own ideas and learn that their opinions matter.

We take pride in our excellent academic results and ISI inspection reports.

Most importantly, we create the building blocks for our pupils’ success in every walk of life.

To arrange a visit please call our registrar, Mrs Diana Goodeve-Docker, on 020 8742 8544 or email registrar@orchardhs.org.uk.

Orchard House School 16 Newton Grove London W4 1LB 020 8742 8544 orchardhs.org.uk

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EDUCATION • FOCUS

SOUTH HAMPSTEAD HIGH SCHOOLS PUPILS

No Brainer An alliance of London girls’ schools is planning to replace the 11+ with cognitive tests to make the admissions process less of a headache Wo r d s L I S A F R E E D M A N

W

hen my oldest child was sitting 11+, I used to wake up in the middle of the night and count school places. The activity certainly didn’t send me back to sleep. Now, however, a significant tranche of London schools is planning to make their admissions process less nightmarish and, from 2019, will be simplifying their entrance exams.

The loose alliance of schools known as the North London Independent Girls’ Schools’ Consortium (12 all-girls’ schools in the capital and surrounding suburbs) have

long tried to ease the pressure on pupils by coordinating their exams and the date on which results are released. Now, they intend to radically reorganise the exams themselves, replacing the traditional written papers in Maths and English with a single aptitude test, which, they hope, will be considerably less stressful.

"We’ve had discussions for the past few years to address concerns about young children’s mental health, particularly girls," says Lucy Elphinstone, headmistress of Consortium member Francis Holland School, Sloane Square. "Then, a number of prep-school heads gave a presentation to senior-school heads about the effects of 11+

testing with a plea to significantly modify or get rid of it. In its place, they advocated the use of cognitive testing."

Cognitive tests – or, to use a more oldfashioned term, IQ tests– have, of course, long been a significant plank of school admissions. They were (and remain) the dominant means by which the country’s 163 grammar schools discriminate amongst their multitude of applicants. Increasingly, however, they have also been employed by the independent sector. Eton, for example, introduced a bespoke computerised aptitude test as a key part of its admissions process in 2002, and this type of assessment has now become widespread in 13+ ‘pretesting’, where applicants frequently sit online multiple-choice tests.

Lucy Elphinstone believes that one of the most significant benefits of cognitive testing is that it’s less easy to tutor for, and, as a result, less likely to induce the same level of ‘I-can’t-do-it’ panic. "Girls take similar tests every year at school to track and forecast progress and don’t blink an eyelid."

A further plus is that cognitive tests are seen as fairer to those for whom English is an additional language and applicants from state primary schools, who may not have received the same level of preparation.

Independent schools are, of course, fortunate, that, unlike their grammar-school counterparts, they can employ cognitive tests as just one strand of a multi-faceted A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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om e an d visit!

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A new nursery for Twickenham!

First class early education for 0-5 year olds Full and part time places Inspirational learning environments Outstanding staff team

bhdaynursery

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0208 7122 297 www.bhdaynursery.co.uk manager@bhdaynursery.co.uk

Where outstanding performing arts meets academic excellence

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Get in touch to arrange a visit | 020 8987 6600 | pupils@artsed.co.uk Co-educational Day School and Sixth Form | London W4 1LY

14/12/2017 17:07

EDUCATION • FOCUS

admissions process, using school reports and interviews to give a more in-depth picture, and the Consortium are currently ensuring that both these components are more robust.

Traditionally, decisions about who and how to interview have been left up to individual Consortium schools, with some interviewing all girls before the written tests, others interviewing all after, and many making an initial edit based on the outcome of the written exams.

Victoria Bingham, recently appointed head of Consortium member South Hampstead High School, which receives about 10 applicants per place, is hoping to continue the practice she’s just introduced of providing one-to-one interviews for every applicant.

"The difference between candidate number 20 and candidate number 100 in the written papers is usually not that great. What we’re looking for is spark and an interview can entirely reverse the order. A creative girl, full of character and intelligence, might not be particularly well suited to reasoning tests, while the child who’s good at the tests may come across as a bit of an automaton."

The interview process itself is also evolving, aiming to ascertain aspects of personality and ability beyond the merely academic. Highgate School, for example, a co-educational independent school in north London, introduced group interviews several years, intended to evaluate intellectual curiosity, problem solving, listening skills and the ability to collaborate.

This approach is also being favoured by the Consortium.

"We’re looking at far more group-based activities likely to suss out creativity and

LUCY ELPHINSTONE, HEAD OF FRANCIS HOLLAND, SLOANE SQUARE

“Cognitive testing is less easy to tutor for, and, therefore, less likely to induce the same level of ‘I-can’t-do-it’ critical thinking, the skills we believe are required to thrive in a rapidly changing world," says Lucy Elphinstone.

The Consortium’s move has aroused considerable interest elsewhere, and other schools, such as Wycombe Abbey, ‘are currently reviewing their processes’. Some, such as Cheltenham Ladies’ College, already have measures in place to smooth the 11+ transition, and here, a voluntary, ‘nonbinding’ ‘pre-assessment’ is offered to all applicants in Year 5.

"We provide a one-and-a-half-hour oneto-one assessment," says Dr Hilary Laver, Admissions Director. "It’s heavy on our time, but we feel it’s incredibly valuable."

The assessment consists of a 15-20 minute chat and written samples of the type of questions in maths, verbal reasoning and creative writing girls will confront if they proceed to sit the entrance exam itself.

"The longer you have with them, the more you feel you can make the right judgement. We’re looking at the pace they work and their accuracy, how they cope with the unfamiliar and how they respond to guidance."

At Cheltenham, the pre-assessment also provides the opportunity to talk to parents. "It enables us to understand their ambitions. We’re honest with them and give them a sense of where their daughter will fall in the cohort."

In a system in which not every child can gain a place at their preferred school, parents will, understandably, feel anxious about their children’s prospects, and Lucy Elphinstone feels this concern has been one of the chief drivers of the tutoring business.

"With the new tests, familiarity will certainly give greater confidence, but tutoring will not significantly affect the outcome. We hope common sense will prevail."

Leading tutorial companies, like Keystone Tutors, agree – up to a point. "The computerised cognitive tests currently used are purposefully designed with as little transparency as possible and no tutor can claim to have in-depth knowledge or experience of the tests themselves," says founder and director Will Orr-Ewing.

"However, the cold hard facts are that the numeracy and literacy content of these tests is rooted in Key Stage 2 of the National Curriculum. As such, a comprehensive understanding of the Maths and English syllabus will stand students in good stead."

Keystone also believe a well-honed exam technique can be of benefit. "Often questions may be testing something quite simple, but be presented in a complex way."

If, as the schools argue, tutoring isn’t the answer, what is? ‘We feel the changes will give parents more of a role to play,’ says Lucy Elphinstone. "The best way to develop cognitive skills is for families to sit round a dinner table at night discussing the news; for girls to be taken to exhibitions, concerts, the theatre."

Ultimately, of course, a selective system will never be entirely stress free, but the Consortium schools and their counterparts elsewhere are all aiming for the same thing.

As Dr Laver puts it: "What we hope is that girls will come to the exams in a relaxed state, so they have as much brain space as possible to focus on what’s being asked."

LISA FREEDMAN

is the MD of At The School Gates, attheschoolgates.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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TRAVEL

OLD MEETS NEW TOKYO

A mega-metropolis of dizzying contradictions, Tokyo is both familiar and foreign. This month we explore this exciting city during the autumn season, when the leaves turn and create a spectacular panorama of colour.

Spirited Away: Past meets present in Tokyo 106 • Discover Dubai's winter sun 112 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Spirited Away Fusing past and future, Tokyo is an alluring destination for any traveller

By HANNAH HOPKINS

A

mega-metropolis of dizzying contradictions, Tokyo is both familiar and foreign. Dystopian mega-malls, neon-lit streetscapes and soaring skyscrapers make it feel like a sci-fi cityscape, but you can still see traces of the shogun's capital, from ancient shrines and temples to plant-covered wooden houses and village-like lanes.

One area particularly rooted in tradition is Nihonbashi, the birthplace of Tokyo. Originally a small fishing village named Edo, it became the capital when in 1604 a shogun named Tokugawa Ieyasu arrived and built Nihonbashi bridge, from which Mount Fuji could be seen in the distance.

It was declared the centre of Japan and the starting point of five key routes across the country, and is today the capital’s financial and commercial hub.

A steady flow of entrepreneurial merchants swept into the city to set up businesses, from kimono-making to seaweed shops. Fast forward more than four centuries and modern-day Nihonbashi is no less lively. Traditional shops are hidden behind contemporary buildings, dedicated to the continuation of special crafts. You could spend days discovering them, but particular highlights include Eitaro Sohonpo, a traditional sweetshop selling kintsuba (delicious flour-coated rolls of sweet bean paste), Yamamoto Noriten, selling nori seaweed and Ninben, selling dried fish flakes used in dashi stock. Ideal for souvenirs, Ibasen make handcrafted fans, while Yamada Heinado create beautiful lacquerware.

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“In the quiet alleys you’ll find anachronistic wooden shanty bars and raucous festivals”

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TRADITIONAL JAPANESE (MATURI) FESTIVAL - PHOTO PHIL COUZENS

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ALL ALLASPECTS ASPECTSOF OFHOME HOMEREFURBISHMENT REFURBISHMENT KITCHEN, KITCHEN,BATHROOMS BATHROOMS&&BEDROOMS BEDROOMS Renovating RenovatingInteriors InteriorsSince Since1985 1985 www.bellainteriors.co.uk www.bellainteriors.co.uk T 020 T 020 8332 8332 9898 9898 / F/ 020 F 020 8332 8332 9777 9777 / E/ sales@bellainteriors.co.uk E sales@bellainteriors.co.uk / 137 / 137 Kew Kew Road Road Richmond.

Richmond.

Surrey Surrey TW9 TW9 2PN. 2PN.

JANUARY SALE – SEE IN STORE FOR DETAILS

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THE ASAHI BEER HALL PHOTO HIROMI IGUCHI

SUSHI SORA

Nihonbashi is also the neighbourhood of the luxurious Mandarin Oriental hotel.

Set high above the city, its combination of crisp, contemporary style, renowned spa, innovative restaurants, superb views (you can see Mount Fuji on a clear day) and of course, impeccable service, make it the perfect base from which to discover Tokyo.

Tokyo is a nirvana for foodies, and has the world’s greatest number of Michelin star restaurants in any city. Three of them are in the Mandarin Oriental. Even without a Michelin star, Sushi Sora on the hotel's 38th floor cannot be missed. With an eight-seat dining counter fashioned from 350 yearold Japanese cypress and floor-to-ceiling windows with views of Tokyo Skytree

– a twisting spire that draws on ancient building techniques - the setting is sublime.

As for the food, the chef’s skilled hands elegantly transform the most simple nigiri or makimono-rolled sushi into a culinary masterpiece. Drinks at the hotel’s Mandarin Bar also offer a flavour of old Tokyo – order the Nihonabshi cocktail, a heady mix of vodka, yuzu and grapefruit juice.

With a theme of wood and water, the hotel’s rooms are utterly tranquil, with nature motifs and pale bamboo wood floors.

We stayed in a Mandarin Grand room, with views that stretch over Shinjuku towards Mount Fuji in the distance. The spa-like bathrooms, with rainforest showers and stand-alone baths, offer space to relax while the beds are made up with Egyptian cotton linens, resulting in the best sleep we’ve ever had in a hotel. This relaxation theme is continued in the spa, where you can soak sky high in vitality pools with soothing body jets or get a restorative treatment based on the five Japanese elements - green tea, pine, bamboo, rice hulls and plum.

Shopping is a highlight of any trip to Tokyo. It’s worth bringing an empty suitcase to fill with hard-to-resist gadgets, trendsetting garments and treasures from craft and design stores. Right by the hotel is the Mitsukoshi, the oldest surviving department store chain in Japan. The grand building of Renaissance architecture has an entrance guarded by a pair of lion statues and stocks everything from luxurious kimonos to weird and wacky culinary delights. In the same area, you’ll find Ozu Washi, which sells traditional Japanese washi paper - you can even have a go at making it yourself at their experience studio - and Tokyu Hands is packed with unique Japanese products that will make beauty and stationery junkies very happy.

SUSHI SORA

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Many associate Japan with its famous cherry blossom season, but its autumn foliage, when the leaves turn, is also spectacular, rivalling even New England’s celebrated range of colours. At the Meiji Jingu Gaien a golden tunnel is created by the area’s 146 ginkgo trees, which extend from Aoyama Dori to the Jingu stadium, while Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden offers a rainbow of autumn foliage panoramas and plenty of fresh air. After snapping the stunning vistas, head to the nearby quiet alleys where you’ll find anachronistic wooden shanty bars, raucous traditional festivals and lantern-lit yakitori (grilled chicken) stands.

Even though Tokyo has a population of 13 million-plus, trains run on time, there is no public litter and street crime is near non-existent. Getting around is pretty easy and it’s worth heading to the backstreets of Harajuku - known for its colorful street art, fashion scene and quirky vintage clothing

“Traditional shops including kimono makers and seaweed stores are hidden behind modern buildings” stores and Shibuya, where you can witness its vast crossing and giant video screen, projecting images of the hottest pop stars.

Nearby is the Meiji Shrine - the Shinto shrine that is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken, and first-timers to Tokyo should also tick off the Tokyo Imperial Palace primary residence of the Emperor of Japan.

To view the city from the water, follow in the footsteps of early Edo business pilgrims and take a 45-minute limousine boat tour, where you can take in the vast number of bridges, skyscrapers and water-side restaurants. To really see Tokyo you need to head up high, where you can look over the city at night. See it blinking like the control panel of a starship, stretching all the way to the horizon, and take in its intoxicating mix of old and new, familiar and unfamiliar.

M A N DA R I N O R I E N TA L Tokyo Rates start from JPY 49,000 per room per night (approx. GBP 330). For more information or to make a booking, call +81 03 3270 8800 or visit www.mandarinoriental.com/tokyo

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7-11% 3 year ÂŁ7,000 IRR PA

Return

Investment

Minimum Investment

Buy2LetCars Car leasing funded by people for people

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T THE HOTEL

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ichelin-starred restaurant, awardwinning spa, 500-acre estate, tennis courts, cookery school and stables; Lucknam Park has it all. Our stay starts with an enthralling drive up the milelong, beech-lined drive, and ends in a state of utter bliss.

For unspoilt, country house living at its very best, this is the place to be. What a joy for a London-weary traveller, having made her way from a packed Paddington station to land upon this handsome hotel, nestled in the depths of Chippenham countryside. Each of the 43 bedrooms is individually styled with refined English furnishings, while the reception area and hallways are finished with grandeur.

canapés, before making our way through the charming library to commence dinner in what was once the ballroom.

This is a veritable feast of sophisticated culinary creations such as dressed cornish white crab and rhubarb soufflé. Take a moment to drink in the high ceiling ornamented with fresco and studded with opulent crystal chandeliers: trophies from the room’s original use.

The Brasserie, with its squashy armchairs, open kitchen and wood-burning stove is a more relaxed affair. Our evening here is an enjoyable one where we tuck into Cornish tempura calamari and sticky toffee pudding. Sunday lunch is a bountiful occasion with roast chicken and quintessentially British, coma-inducing puds.

weekend

THE SPA

he spa is one of the main events at Lucknam Park.

Set within the estate’s unspoilt parkland, the facilities are at one with their surroundings incorporating wood, marble and glass to reflect the outdoor hues.

Whether you chose to relax in the indoor pool, the hydrotherapy pools, saltwater plunge pool, thermal cabins, sauna or steam room, a state of bliss is guaranteed. Book yourself into one of the nine luxurious treatment rooms for a full-body massage; the ultimate pamper session.

“A veritable feast of sophisticated culinary creations”

DESTINATIONS

TRAVEL • UK GETAWAY

LUCKNAM PARK Heritage and luxury effortlessly combine to create a quintessential home from home.

By HELEN BROWN

THE FOOD

C

hef Hywel Jones helms the eponymous Michelin-starred restaurant which transports its diners to a bygone era of elegance. The experience begins in the magnificent drawing room where we are lavished with pre-dinner cocktails and

Room only rates from £275 based on two people sharing for one night LUCKNAM PARK HOTEL, SPA AND ESTATE Chippenham, SN14; lucknampark.co.uk

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HOME

COMFORTS East meets west at the quintessentially British Dukes Dubai W o r d s T A M A R VA N D E R H O E K

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ukes London has occupied two townhouses in a quiet cul-de-sac of St James since 1908.

Fast forward to 2017 and The Mayfair brand has opened its first sister hotel in the Middle East. Dukes Dubai offers a slice of Britain in the heart of the UAE and stylishly combines quintessential British charm with larger than life luxury for which Dubai is known.

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Positioned on ‘The Trunk’ of the Palm Jumeirah, just a 40-minute drive from both international airports and proximity to districts like Media City and Internet City, Dukes Dubai is a gateway for those visiting Dubai for both leisure or business.

The hotel reflects the sophistication, elegance and attention to detail of its Mayfair predecessor, but with 506 rooms and suites spread over two towers conjoined by a skybridge, Dukes Dubai is indeed a modern incarnation of the historic, boutique offering in London.

The grand foyer is adorned with opulent features including a lavish Swarovski chandelier hanging above a centrepiece of fresh flowers, which compliments the more understated British finishes such as bookcases, chesterfield sofas and portraits of English aristocrats framing the lobby space.

Tucked away on either side of the lobby is a double staircase which leads up to the Dukes Bar on the Mezzanine level. The original in London is one of the city’s most famous bars. Legend has it it's where author Ian Fleming dreamt up the James Bond character while ordering the signature ‘shaken not stirred’ martini.

With such significant history to live up to, bartenders in this imported edition have been hand-picked and trained by the Dukes London legendary head bartender Alessandro Palazzi. Guests can expect to enjoy a classic cocktail in a city where bar culture is not a priority.

Rooms and suites have been styled elegantly in neutral tones with plush upholstered headboards and furniture finished in dark-wood. Each room is bright

“Legend has it it’s where author Ian Fleming dreamt up the James Bond character while ordering a martini”

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with floor-to-ceiling windows leading onto a private balcony with views of the Dubai Marina and city beyond. Home-grown touches include in-room amenities from Floris London, furniture from Andrew Martin and fine bone china from William Edwards. On the fourth floor lies 20 dedicated rooms to women travelling on their own, aptly named the Duchess suites.

These rooms have been outfitted in stylish Liberty prints, the first time in which the iconic brand has partnered with a hotel.

The skybridge plays host to an indoor swimming pool which has views of the Arabian Gulf. For guests looking to bask in the desert sun, the hotel provides a short golf buggy shuttle service to the nearby outdoor swimming pool and private beach.

Culinary offerings include the Mumbai restaurant Khyber on the 15th floor, a West14th Steakhouse and a hotel restaurant located behind the lobby, which serves up an all you can eat buffet every morning.

While this new hotel can’t compete with the history of the original in London, Dukes Dubai appeals to travellers looking for the home-away-from-home feel in a desert city, perfect for a winter sun escape.

DUKES DUBAI The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Rates from 1,190 AED (approx £242.50) per night dukesdubai.com

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English Revival is a beautiful collection of hand made, bespoke painted and oak kitchens.

Available from one of our showrooms shown below, there’s an English Revival kitchen that’s just right for you.

These showrooms provide FREE design and planning, with a complete installation service tailored to your own personal taste and budget.

www.merewaykitchens.co.uk Freephone 0800 028 4466 Quote ER0617 when calling

…it’s all in the detail

FREE

MIXER

With every order!

You will receive your KitchenAid mixer upon final payment.

Ascot APPLEWOOD KITCHENS LLP 23 Brockenhurst Road, South Ascot, Berkshire SL5 9DJ 01344 875426 www.applewoodkitchens.co.uk

Balham KITCHEN KONCEPTS 50 Balham High Road, Balham, London, SW12 9AQ 0208 7720149 www.kitchenkoncepts.co.uk

Loughton ANDERSON SINCLAIR 13a Oakwood Hill Ind Estate, Loughton, Essex, IG10 3TZ 0208 5081941 www.anderson-sinclair.co.uk

Warfield APPLEWOOD KITCHENS LLP The Village, Moss End Garden Centre, Warfield, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG42 6EJ 01344 409560 www.applewoodkitchens.co.uk

Enfield GRANITE DIRECT LTD (KITCHENS) Culver Garden Centre, Cattlegate Road, Enfield, Greater London, EN2 9DS 0208 3667333 www.granitedirect.ltd.uk

Sutton WENTWORTH STUDIOS 450 - 456 London Road, North Cheam, Sutton, Surrey, SM3 8JB 020 8641 6651 www.wentworthstudios.com

Acton WEST LONDON KITCHEN DESIGN Unit 2, Lower Park Trading Estate, Park Royal Road Acton, London, W3 6XA 07949 095059

Richmond KEWSTONE LTD Arch 5, Easternside, Kew Bridge, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AW 0208 9409393 www.kewstone.com

Woodford Green DBK DESIGNS 253 - 269, Unit 2B1 High Road, Woodford Green, Essex, IG8 9FB 0208 4980600 www.dbkdesigns.co.uk

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TRAVEL • COMPANY FOCUS

Home from Home

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

T

he Thinking Traveller seed was sown on the crest of Stromboli, where Rossella and Huw Beaugié were holidaying in 2000. The couple's innovative start-up filled a void in the Sicilian travel market, making available to discerning travellers a collection of highly covetable rental villas.

Now in its 17th year, The Thinking Traveller’s property portfolio includes villas in Sicily, Puglia, the Ionian Islands, the Sporades Islands and Corsica, and the company has garnered an impressive assortment of accolades. Here's why a villa holiday with The Thinking Traveller should be your summer getaway this year.

Each villa has been handpicked with a focus on beauty and location. Many are within walking distance to shops, restaurants and the ocean, while many have private pools. For those looking to be nestled in the heart of the countryside, the hilltop villas offer unbeatable views.

EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE

You won’t miss the convenience of a hotel with a serviced villa from The Thinking Traveller. Cooks, maids and gardeners are all on hand so you need not lift a finger. Service levels from start to finish exceed expectations, guaranteeing utter comfort and total bliss.

“Each villa has been handpicked with a focus on beauty”

Discover the benefits of a villa holiday with The Thinking Traveller

PRIVACY

Whether serviced or not, every villa offers complete privacy. Make a splash in the pool, cook up a storm in the kitchen and roam the gardens freely; all are yours to discover and enjoy during your stay.

INFORMATION AT HAND

So that every guest has the ultimate holiday experience with The Thinking Traveller, each booking comes with a smart travel bag containing a map, detailed house guide and area guide book. Local managers are also on-hand to ensure your holiday goes smoothly. Part-concierge, parttroubleshooter, they can help you with everything, from sourcing the best ice-cream to discovering the area’s hidden gems.

MAKE YOUR OWN RULES

With The Thinking Traveller there are no dress codes and no set meal times. It’s your house and your holiday so you call the shots. The bar never closes and the fridge is always open. On arrival you’ll find it fully stocked, while the wine-to-villa delivery service means you can enjoy a beverage on stepping through the threshold. Additional shopping can be pre-ordered and delivered to suit specific needs, or for those looking for that extra touch of luxury, a local chef can be organised to cook your evening meal.

For more information visit thethinkingtraveller.com or email info@thethinkingtraveller.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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

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

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AUSTEN

JANE

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

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

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

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PROPERTY LIVING THE DREAM

EDMUNDS HOUSE W2

£1,050,000

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FAMOUS PLACES

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LONDON'S FINEST

splendid three bedroom penthouse apartment offering metropolitan living with style. This well-presented apartment offers open plan kitchen/ reception room with wonderful views which leads out to its own roof terrace; with three bedrooms, bathroom and en suite shower room. The property is also situated close to Chiswick Park underground station.

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A

Winkworth Chiswick 020 8994 7096 winkworth.co.uk

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ANTROBUS ROAD, CHISWICK A four bedroom terraced family home situated on one of Chiswick’s popular roads just north of Chiswick Park. The property is presented in good order throughout with well-proportioned rooms. EPC = C

4

2

1

ASKING PRICE

£1,175,000 CHISWICK 020 8994 6567

ARLINGTON COTTAGES, CHISWICK A fabulous secluded and unique Grade II listed cottage tucked away just off Sutton Lane North by Turnham Green Common, with a particular degree of privacy and surrounding greenery. EPC = E

4

2

2

ASKING PRICE

£1,499,950 CHISWICK 020 8994 6567

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Chiswick Hammersmith West Kensington Fulham Chelsea

Battersea Clapham Putney Barnes Richmond

Kew Sheen Twickenham Teddington Kingston

featherstoneleigh.co.uk

BURLINGTON LANE, CHISWICK A modern and incredibly spacious six bedroom detached family house with a separate au pair, guest or nanny/ housekeeper’s quarter, a secluded garden, & gated off-street parking.

EPC = C

6

5

2

ASKING PRICE

£2,975,000 CHISWICK 020 8994 6567

STRAND ON THE GREEN, CHISWICK An exquisite wide detached double fronted Georgian house in part dating as far back as 1697, sensitively extended and altered over time.

EPC = E

5

3

2

ASKING PRICE

£3,650,000 CHISWICK 020 8994 6567

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LIVING THE

DREAM The most luxuriously appointed properties on the market

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CORSELLIS SQUARE TW1, £1,950,000

S

et within stunning landscaped gardens, this 5 bedroom townhouse features 3000 square feet of living space. The new property was built by luxury developers, in award-winning exclusive development Richmond Lock, with beautiful views over ornamental ponds. Octagon, the family home is just a 15 minute walk from St Margaret’s train station where trains take 32 minutes into London Waterloo.

FEATHERSTONE LEIGH Richmond Office, 020 8940 1575 featherstoneleigh.co.uk

GUNNERSBURY MEWS W 4 , £6,9 98 P C M

A

brand new townhouse with four floors and five bedrooms.

This property was designed with the corporate tenant in mind. It is located close to great transport links including the A4, Gunnersbury station, and Gunnersbury tube station.

Chiswick Business Park and the beautiful Chiswick High Road, with shops and restaurants, are also within a close walk of the doorstep.

DEXTERS Chiswick, 020 8995 5439 dexters.co.uk 1

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PROPERTY • NEW TO THE MARKET

THE POWER HOUSE W 4 , £ 3 ,0 0 0 ,0 0 0

W 1 2 , £ 1 , 3 9 5 ,0 0 0

A

A

WHITMAN & CO

PHILIP WOOLLER

Turnham Green, 020 8747 8800 whitmanandco.com

Askew Road, 020 8811 2929 philipwooller.com

property offering over 3,500 square feet of living and entertaining space, with views across West London. The penthouse is located in a landmark Grade II listed building and has been extensively refurbished by the current owners. The building comprises an incredible reception room with vaulted ceilings, a master suite, and four further double bedrooms.

SOULDERN ROAD

PERCY ROAD

n impressive extended Victorian bay fronted house with well planned family space and generous storage. The spacious opened up kitchen has under floor heating and connects to the double reception and private garden. Upstairs there are five bedrooms and the unusual surprise of a roof terrace leading from the loft bedroom - ideal for a sunset drink and for guests.

W 1 4 , £ 5 ,9 5 0,0 0 0

A

stunning and highly unique property converted from two houses into one. This property provides extensive light filled living space. There are two reception rooms, five bedrooms, and a roof terrace. Souldern Road is a tree lined residential street in Brook Green within a mile walk of Shepherd's Bush and Hammersmith underground stations, and Kensington Olympia overground station.

SOULDERN ROAD IS A TREE LINED RESIDENTIAL STREET IN BROOK GREEN WITHIN A MILE WALK OF SHEPHERD'S BUSH UNDERGROUND STATION.

FINLAY BREWER

Brook Green, 020 7371 4171 finlaybrewer.co.uk

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FO R SALE

RYLE TT CRESCENT W12 GUIDE PRICE £ 1, 2 5 0 ,0 0 0 FREEHOLD • • • • •

A most unusual end terraced Edwardian property 3 double bedrooms Bathroom and shower room Reception room Kitchen / breakfast room

14 5 ASKE W ROAD, W12 9AU

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• • • • •

Additional kitchenette / utility Conservatory Off-street parking, gardens and side access Development potential 1453 sq ft / 135 sq m approx. EPC - D

0 2 0 8 8 11 2 9 2 9

•

WWW.PHILIPWOOLLER .COM

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FO R SALE

AGNES ROAD W3 £ 1,075 ,0 0 0 FREEHOLD • • • • •

A well proportioned Edwardian family house 3 double bedrooms Bathroom Generous cloakroom Double reception room with fireplace

14 5 ASKE W ROAD, W12 9AU

PHILLIP WOOLLER.indd 2

• • • • •

•

Kitchen / dining room Rear garden with side access Off street parking Potential to extend subject to the usual consents 1216 sq ft / 113 sq m approx. EPC - D

0 2 0 8 8 11 2 9 2 9

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WWW.PHILIPWOOLLER .COM

06/12/2017 16:10

Thorney Hedge Road, W4

£1,200 per week Windmill Road, W4

A semi-detached six bedroom Victorian house arranged over three floors with a large reception room and an eat-in kitchen with doors leading out to a west facing garden, energy rating d.

A four bedroom home with a large open plan kitchen/reception room, two modern bathrooms, underfloor heating, integrated sound system and a secluded garden, energy rating c.

020 8742 4100 chiswicklettings@fletcherestates.com

020 8742 4100 chiswicklettings@fletcherestates.com

Duke Road, W4

£995 per week

£900 per week Flanders Road, W4

A beautiful period house with five bedrooms, two bathrooms and a newly refurbished kitchen with bi-folding doors opening onto a private garden, energy rating f.

020 8742 4100 chiswicklettings@fletcherestates.com

£900 per week

A four bedroom house with an extended kitchen and a conservatory area leading out onto a secluded patio garden. Upstairs you will find four double bedrooms and four bathrooms, energy rating d.

020 8742 4100 chiswicklettings@fletcherestates.com

Tenants fees apply: £180 per tenancy towards administration, £60 reference fee per tenant and £144 contribution to inventory costs (all inc VAT).

fletcherestates.com

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Ramillies Road, W4 A stunning four bedroom house with three bath/shower rooms, a large reception room, a kitchen/dining room and potential to convert into the loft (STPP). To the rear of the property is an attractive west facing garden. No onward chain, energy rating b.

Rusthall Avenue, W4 A four double bedroom Victorian family home with two bath/shower rooms and ample storage. The reception room opens onto a fully extended kitchen/dining room with bi-folding doors leading to an attractive west facing garden, energy rating d.

ÂŁ1,695,000 020 8987 3000 chiswicksales@fletcherestates.com

ÂŁ1,450,000 020 8987 3000 chiswicksales@fletcherestates.com

fletcherestates.com

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FA M O U S P L AC E S

by N I G E L L E W I S

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

COMES WITH BAGGY TROUSERS

P

SPITFIRES AND PIANOS

T

his extraordinary building was originally the home of a famous piano manufacturer that made instruments for Beethoven as well as Strauss and Sibelius.

Then, during the Second World War the factory is where canopies and propellers were made for the iconic Spitfire fighter. After the war its owner Chappell & Co returned to making pianos but by 1970 had lost out to cheaper instruments made in the Far East.

During the 1970s and 1980s the premises became a studio complex for photographers and modelling agencies and it’s here that many famous photo shoots for Vogue, Tatler and Harpers & Queen

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magazines were completed.

During the late 1990s the property, which is in the fashionable area of Camden in London, was bought by developer Hallmark Property Group which, in 2013, began a four-year conversion of the building into ten loft-style apartments.

That has now been completed and the penthouse has already been sold.

Buyers of the remaining properties will enjoy a shared residents’ Club Lounge which includes a bar, cinema, 17-metre long pool, a spa area and a gym.

Its history and luxurious surroundings do not come cheap.

Prices at Chappell Lofts start at £3.25 million and rise to £8.5 million.

More information from joins agents Savills (020 3425 5615) or Aston Chase (020 77214 4724).

op band Madness is still going strong despite 37 years having passed since their first hit album, One Step Beyond, was released.

The band’s mix of ska, thoughtful lyrics and outrageously silly videos has given the band a loyal following across the generations, helped by a relentless gigging schedule and regular album releases.

Much of its ‘nutty boys’ persona is down to lead singer Suggs who, as well as regular appearances on TV, writes much of the band’s material.

He, like the rest of Madness, hails from Camden in North London and despite fame and fortune hasn’t wandered far.

And now one of his early homes in the area is for sale.

It’s a mews house lived in by Suggs during the early years of Madness.

Bought by the current owner off the singer during the late 1980s, it has subsequently been expanded and now includes a fully fitted kitchen, large reception room, three double bedrooms and three bathrooms.

Camden Mews is a highly sought after location just off Camden Square. This cobbled mews is famous for its diverse architecture and onward travel links to the City and Kings Cross St Pancras.

Suggs bought the property in 1981 and in his autobiography, recalls how he “finally arrived at my newly purchased house in Camden Mews.

It had been part of the stables for the bigger houses at the back. It was pretty, but tiny.”

It’s for sale at £1.95m. Call Savills on 0203 428 2900 for more information.

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PROPERTY • STAR HOMES

THE DUNKIRK BEACH STAR

D

unkirk, this year’s blockbuster about the rescue of British troops during WWII, marked the acting debut of One Direction singer Harry Styles.

But the film enlisted some much older talent.

One of the rescue boats hired by Dunkirk’s producers was Xylonite, a Thames sailing barge. The 86ft long and 18.5ft wide barge was built in 1926 and worked the waters off the East Coast of England until 1977.

What viewers won’t have known is that Xylonite is a four-bedroom luxury home normally moored at St Katherine’s Dock in Tower Bridge.

As well as being certified to be sailed at sea she has a wealth of original maritime features plus all the modern fixtures you’d expect of a luxury home.

She is being sold via Riverhomes.co.uk for £395,000.

"One of the rescue boats hired by Dunkirk's producers was Xylonite, a Thames sailing barge"

BAKEWELL EXITS PRIMROSE HILL

J

oan Bakewell is one of the nation’s best-known writers and broadcasters and has a remarkable track record in campaigning journalism under her belt.

Despite all her work, for which she was made a Baroness in 2011, Bakewell is also well-known for her relationship with Harold Pinter.

Throughout Joan's career, she has lived in the same house in Primrose Hill, north of central London, which she bought in 1963 when the area was a bohemian neighbourhood.

Neighbours since have included playwright Alan Bennett, poets Ted Hughes and his wife Sylvia Plath, TV presenter Jon Snow and Robert Plant, lead singer of Led Zeppelin.

But now Bakewell is downsizing and has put her home on the market for £6.25 million.

Overlooking a pretty green, the large Victorian house includes a selfcontained two-bedroom flat, a garden and four bedrooms.

More information from David Birkett Estate agents, 020 3641 2618.

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

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

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01/11/2017 12:16

LOCAL INDEPENDENT INVOLVED

At Finlay Brewer, we’ve been deeply involved in the local community since 1992.

We know the area, and we understand our clients.

www.finlaybrewer.co.uk 020 7371 4171 info@finlaybrewer.co.uk

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

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

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

ASPEN VILLAS W12 GUIDE £1.38M FREEHOLD UPPER MALL W6 • 3/4 BEDROOMS £1,500PW • RECEPTION / £6,500PCM UPPER MALL W6 • OPEN PLAN KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM •£1,500PW WONDERFUL FAMILY HOME 4 • FAMILY ROOM/BEDROOM / £6,500PCM • •• •• ••

BEDROOMS •4 DOUBLE 3 EN SUITE BATHROOMS MASTER SUITEFAMILY WITH MEZZANINE STUDY AREA WONDERFUL HOME 2 LIVING SPACE 4 FLOORS DOUBLE OF BEDROOMS 2 BATHROOMS & 2 SHOWER ROOMS MASTER SUITE WITH MEZZANINE STUDY AREA

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

KEITH GROVE W12 GUIDE £730,000 SHARE OF FREEHOLD HAARLEM ROAD W14 • GARDEN FLAT £625PW £2,708PCM • 2 DOUBLE / BEDROOMS HAARLEM ROAD W14 • RECEPTION •£625PW FLAT •2 DOUBLE KITCHENBEDROOM / £2,708PCM • •• •• ••

•RECEPTION 2 BATHROOMS (1 EN SUITE) CONTEMPORARY KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM 2 DOUBLE BEDROOM FLAT MASTER WITH EN SUITE BATHROOM & DRESSING AREA RECEPTION SHOWER ROOM KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM CONTEMPORARY • MASTER WITH EN SUITE BATHROOM & DRESSING AREA • SHOWER ROOM

ASKEW ROAD 020 8749 7719 LETTINGS 020 7371 4071

• • •• •• ••

• UTILITY ROOM • GUEST CLOAKROOM LETTINGS 020 • STORAGE GARDENS •2 COURTYARD SOUTHERLY GARDEN HAMMERSMITH & CHISWICK •EASY EPC ACCESS RATING TO B 88 UNFURNISHED 2 COURTYARD GARDENS EPC 57 HAMMERSMITH & CHISWICK EASYRATING ACCESSDTO AVAILABLE NOW UNFURNISHED

7371 4071

• EPC RATING D 57 • AVAILABLE NOW

ASKEW ROAD 020 8749 7719 LETTINGS 020 7371 4071 • 50’ SOUTHERLY GARDEN • EPC RATING D 65 • • •• •• ••

LETTINGS 020 7371 4071

BALCONY UNFURNISHED WALKING DISTANCE TO HAMMERSMITH BROADWAY BALCONY EPC RATING C 79 UNFURNISHED AVAILABLE NOW WALKING DISTANCE TO HAMMERSMITH BROADWAY

LOCAL . INDEPENDENT . INVOLVED • EPC RATING C 79

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

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SOULDERN ROAD W14 GUIDE £5.95M FREEHOLD • • • • •

4/5 BEDROOMS 33’4 RECEPTION 39’3 KITCHEN/BREAKFAST/FAMILY ROOM 2 FURTHER RECEPTIONS STUDY

BROOK GREEN 020 7371 4171

• • • • •

4 BATHROOMS (2 EN SUITE) UTILITY/STORAGE & GUEST CLOAKROOM TOP FLOOR STUDIO & BEDROOM 5 ROOF TERRACE & 40’ X 33’ WALLED GARDEN EPC RATING D 60

LOCAL . INDEPENDENT . INVOLVED

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

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

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

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

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

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

NETHERWOOD ROAD W14 £1,300PW / £5,633PCM HAARLEM ROAD W14 • 4 DOUBLE BEDROOMS / £2,708PCM •£625PW DOUBLE RECEPTION WITH HIGH CEILINGS HAARLEM ROAD W14 • SEPARATE KITCHEN ••£625PW 2 BEDROOM FLAT 3 DOUBLE BATHROOMS / £2,708PCM •• •• •• ••

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

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

WOOD FLOORING THROUGHOUT LOVELY SOUTHERLY FACING GARDEN & ROOF020 TERRACE LETTINGS 7371 WELL LOCATED FOR SHEPHERDS BUSH & HOLLAND PARK 2 COURTYARD GARDENS EPC RATING D 67 EASY ACCESS TO HAMMERSMITH & CHISWICK AVAILABLE NOW UNFURNISHED 2 COURTYARD GARDENS EPC 57 HAMMERSMITH & CHISWICK EASYRATING ACCESSDTO AVAILABLE NOW UNFURNISHED

4071

• EPC RATING D 57 • AVAILABLE NOW

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

WOOD FLOORING THROUGHOUT WELL LOCATED FOR SHEPHERDSLETTINGS BUSH & HAMMERSMITH 020 7371 EPC RATING D 58 BALCONY NOW AVAILABLE UNFURNISHED WALKING DISTANCE TO HAMMERSMITH BROADWAY BALCONY EPC RATING C 79 UNFURNISHED AVAILABLE NOW WALKING DISTANCE TO HAMMERSMITH BROADWAY

4071

LOCAL . INDEPENDENT . INVOLVED

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

• EPC RATING C 79

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

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IRVING ROAD W14 £425PW / £1,842PCM • • • • •

2 DOUBLE BEDROOMS BRIGHT RECEPTION KITCHEN BATHROOM PRETTY GARDEN

LETTINGS 020 7371 4071

• POPULAR BROOK GREEN LOCATION • EPC RATING D 63 • AVAILABLE NOW

WOODSTOCK GROVE W12 £370PW / £1,603PCM • • • • •

1 BEDROOM OPEN PLAN RECEPTION STYLISH KITCHEN WITH GRANITE WORKTOPS CONTEMPORARY BATHROOM NEWLY REFURBISHED TO A HIGH STANDARD

LETTINGS 020 7371 4071

• EPC RATING E 47 • AVAILABLE NOW

LOCAL . INDEPENDENT . INVOLVED

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PROPERTY • FEATURE

1

CURZON STREET £ 1 1 .9 5 M I L L I O N

A

~

M AY FA I R

duplex penthouse at 37 Curzon Street in Mayfair built above the famous cinema that bears the street’s name. The 3,469 sq ft property has four bedrooms and offers views from its wrap-around terrace over the local area as well as the House of Parliament, London Eye and Shard. The property was also formerly the home of 1960s pop star Dave Clarke.

More information from Savills on +44 (0) 20 7578 5100 or www.savills.com

LONDON'S FINEST The Capital’s Premium Locations

D

ondon’s Despite fears over Brexit London’s super prime house prices are yet to tumble, even if they’re not selling as fast as they used to, as these properties which have been on the market since August show.

London’s quiet and highly valuable central prime streets have endured a rollercoaster ride over the past 12 month as various economic and political headwinds have dampened enthusiasm for their multi-millionpound properties.

But the UK’s capital remains an incredible place to buy a home. A square foot of property in historic and desirable neighbourhoods such as South Kensington, Notting Hill, Belgravia, Mayfair and Holland Park costs over £2,000 while values in other areas nearby such as Earls

134

Court and Chelsea aren’t far behind.

In the most expensive areas this means a medium-size 1,600 sq ft or 148 sq metre Victorian or Georgian house will cost £3.7 million.

And according to data firm LonRes, property worth £3.6 billion is set to be sold in the three key prime areas of central London this year, despite Brexit and higher property taxes.

Within them 47% of all properties are sold for £2 million more although the average price per property sold is £1.72 million, this ranges from a £57 million Regency house in The Boltons to £350,000 for a small studio apartment in Bloomsbury.

But what really makes London famous around the world are its super-prime properties. Here we highlight some of the most notable ones currently for sale for £10 million or more – and sometimes… a lot more.

2

THE BISHOP ’S AVENUE £22 MILLION

F

~

H A M P ST E A D

or those who want period looks, a modern interior and an address on the possibly the world’s most famous road then agent Glentree has this four-storey, seven-bedroom house on The Bishop’s Avenue, better known as Billionaire’s Row. For more information, call 020 8458 7311 or Glentree.co.uk

3

CURZON STREET £25 MILLION

I

~

W E ST M I N ST E R

f you want to claim one of the – if not THE – most amazing views over London as you own then this two-floor penthouse at the top of the Riverwalk new homes development in Westminster overlooking The Thames. The property, which has five bedrooms, a kitchen on each floor, offers 360-degree views of the capital capturing iconic landmarks including the City and the South Bank, the Houses of Parliament, London Eye, Shard and St Pauls. More information from Knight Frank (020 7828 3007).

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London’s New Country Retreat.

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

Just 11 minutes to Bond Street via Crossrail from 2018.

LIMITED TO SIX RESIDENCES • LAUNCHING SPRING 2018 PRICED FROM £1,950,000 To register your interest please call: +44

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

FUSHION.indd 1

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

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14/12/2017 11:03

SALES SALES

5 -7 Tur n h a m G re e n Te rra ce, C h isw ic k , Lon don , W4 1R G Te l 0 2 0 8 7 4 7 8 8 0 0 · Fa x 020 8995 7275 E-m a i l i n fo @wh i t m a n a n dco.com · We bsite w w w. w h i t m a n a n dco. co m

FAIRLAWN AVENUE, RUSTHALL AVENUE,W4 W4

£465,000 £1,495,000

LETTINGS

A deceptively spacious Edwardian semi-detached familyflat home located on thisbenefit popular of residential roadand on the Bedford Park borders to Turnham Green Station An amazingly light, well presented triple aspect with the added a balcony private garden.

Three close bedrooms, luxury bathroom, and Chiswick High Road.

Theintegrated house comprises; Fourgas double Study room, Family bathroom, Double Reception room, Tiled entrance room, 14' reception room, fully kitchen, firedbedrooms, central heating, share in the freehold, balcony and private garden with hall, sideUtility access.

Ideally Kitchen/breakfast room,proximity Private garden, Side access. house offersand potential to extendshopping into both the return and rear lofton STPP and alsoHigh benefits from a lovely situated within close of Chiswick ParkThe tube station the extensive andside restaurant facilities Chiswick Road. open aspect at the front. Transport links include Turnham Green Station, local bus routes and the A4/M4 for routes in and out of London. Chiswick High Road’s shops, cafes and restaurants are also within a short walk of the house. No chain.

LINDENCOTTAGE, GARDENS, W4 LAMB W4 LINDEN GARDENS, W4

£330 PER WEEK £1.600,000 £650,000

newly interior decorated lowerfreehold groundhouse floorwith garden flat with private westfloors facing garden.

Large double street bedroom with wardrobes, reception room AAunique designed accommodation over three on this tree lined residential running south of Chiswick High Road.

20’ with wood floors, with fitted kitchen, garden. The flat is Cloakroom, on one of Double Chiswick's best with located roads, moments from shops, Reception roombathroom with vaulted bayshower window,over, 20’ Fully integrated kitchen/breakfast room, bedroom luxury ensuite bathroom, Wifi the controlled restaurants cafés onsound the High Road and 5 minutes from Turnham GreenHigh station. property is available early September, furnished. central heating, Sonos system, Freehold.

Ideally situated just off Chiswick RoadThe with its boutique shops, bars, cafes and restaurants.

Close proximity to numerous transport facilities. EPC-D.

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SALES LETTINGS POINT WHARF LANE, TW8 BOLLO LANE, W4

£350£615,000 PER WEEK

An immaculately presented twodouble bedroom, two bathroom builtinflat with privatesought balconyafter and communal roof terrace closeBoasting to all amenities.

Masteropen bedroom Beautifully presented two bedroom secondpurpose floor flat this highly riverside development. a stunning plan with luxury bathroom, Second double bedroom, Reception room, Fully integrated kitchen, 12’ x 4’6room, Privatefully balcony, Large communal roof terrace, kitchen reception room, a river side balconyShower and a room, master23’ensuite bedroom.

Large open plan reception fitted kitchen with granite work Exceptionally light with fulland length windows, LongUnderground lease. Ideally situated to the Gunnersbury Triangle, Chiswick Park Tube Station and all the High Road facilities. tops, fitted wardrobes riverside views. parkingnext space included.

EPC-B.

QUEENCOTTAGE, ANNES GROVE, LAMB W4 ALYWN AVENUE, W4 W4

£430 PER WEEK £1.600,000 POA

A large, and beautifully two double flat art onhome this highly desirable roadthat in the heartmeticulously of Bedford refurbished Park, just minutes from An uniquelight opportunity to own thispresented newly developed 3400 sqbedroom ft state of the in the heart of Chiswick has been to the highest TurnhamMaster Greenbedroom underground station.

Top Three floor further position ensures Dual beautiful from the reception and bedrooms. standard. with luxury ensuite, bedrooms, aspectviews double reception room, Kitchen/family room, Landscaped Gardens, Garden studio with kitchenette, Cinema/Media room, Gym/Study, Off street parking, Under floor heating , Hans Grohe/Villeroy and Boch fittings, SONOS music system.

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A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES.

ST ELMO ROAD, W12

£1,275,000 FREEHOLD

A very handsome and charming three bedroom Victorian villa. Beautifully presented the house harmonises modern convenience with period proportions and grandeur into a pitch perfect family home. Tipping the scales at a tad over 1,400 square feet the space is well balanced and awash with natural light. The accommodation comprises three double bedrooms, a well-appointed family bathroom and separate W.C, a grand book lined double reception room with feature fireplace and a glorious kitchen/family room from which the attractive private patio can be accessed via French doors. The house oozes charm and has a wonderful homely atmosphere.

Double Reception Room | Three Bedrooms | Kitchen / Family Room | Cloakroom | Garden | 1418 Sq Ft / 131.7 Sq M | EPC Rating: Band E

SHEPHERDS BUSH & ACTON | 020 8735 3266 shepherdsbush@winkworth.co.uk

winkworth.co.uk/shepherds-bush

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OFFICES IN LONDON, THE COUNTRY AND OVERSEAS. SEE THINGS DIFFERENTLY

12/12/2017 12:31

A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES.

EDMUNDS HOUSE, COLONIAL DRIVE, W4

£1,050,000 LEASEHOLD

An excellent three bedroom apartment set within this prestigious development. This well-presented apartment offers open plan kitchen/reception room with wonderful views which leads out to its own private balcony; with three bedrooms, bathroom, en suite shower room and private parking bay. The property is situated close to Chiswick High Road with its great selection of restaurants and shopping. The nearest underground station is Chiswick Park (District Line) conveniently located close by.

Three bedrooms | Open plan kitchen reception room | Beautiful modern kitchen | Luxury bathroom & en suite shower room | Under floor heating to primary rooms | Elegant modern entrance foyer with concierge | Private balcony | Private parking Bay | EPC Rating: B

CHISWICK | 020 8994 7096 chiswick@winkworth.co.uk

winkworth.co.uk/chiswick

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OFFICES IN LONDON, THE COUNTRY AND OVERSEAS. SEE THINGS DIFFERENTLY

12/12/2017 12:31

A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES.

HOFLAND ROAD, W14

£1,320,000 FREEHOLD

A rarely available cottage on this most sought after street in the heart of Brook Green. Offered in good order throughout and with planning permission to further extend the property, creating a larger ground floor, along with four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Hofland Road is a most attractive residential street, moments from pubs and restaurants. A further range of amenities are on offer at Westfield London and in Hammersmith, whilst the closest stations are Shepherds Bush, Kensington Olympia and Hammersmith.

Double Reception Room | Kitchen/Dining Area | 2 Bedrooms | Bathroom | Garden | 877 Sq Ft / 81.5 Sq M | EPC Rating Band: D

HAMMERSMITH | 020 7371 4466 hammersmith@winkworth.co.uk

winkworth.co.uk/hammersmith

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OFFICES IN LONDON, THE COUNTRY AND OVERSEAS. SEE THINGS DIFFERENTLY

12/12/2017 12:32

A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES.

WILLCOTT ROAD, W3

£1,100,000 FREEHOLD

Winkworth Ealing are proud to offer to the market this fantastic semi-detached family home. Set upon a leafy green street in Acton this property boasts a wealth of spacious living areas and a bright and airy kitchen to the rear. This four double bedroom property has been well maintained and would ideally suit a family looking for the finished article. A low-maintenance westerly garden provides wonderful outdoor space for entertaining and socialising with a basement allowing for extra storage. Willcott Road is superbly located between Ealing Common Station and Acton Town Station with a vast selection of shops, cafés and entertainment options just a short walk away.

Semi-detached House | Four Double Bedrooms | Two Bathrooms | Double Reception Room | Basement | Low-maintenance Westerly Garden | EPC Rating Band: E

EALING & ACTON | 020 8896 0123 ealing@winkworth.co.uk

winkworth.co.uk/ealing-and-acton

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OFFICES IN LONDON, THE COUNTRY AND OVERSEAS. SEE THINGS DIFFERENTLY

12/12/2017 12:32

A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES.

PALMERSTON ROAD, W3

MONTAGUE GARDENS, W3

£594 PER WEEK

£738 PER WEEK

Amazing Uberhaus in Acton Gardens development, designed to an extremely high specification throughout. Rent: £2,578 PCM.

Fantastic newly refurbished house with off-street parking to the front.

Viewings highly recommended. Rent: £3,200 PCM.

Three Bedrooms | Master Bedroom With Ensuite Shower Room & Patio | Parking

Five Bedrooms | Two Bathrooms | Large Kitchen/Breakfast Room | Cloakroom |

Space | Fees Apply | EPC: B

Utility Room | Fees Apply | EPC: E

For more information on this property call:

For more information on this property call:

Ealing & Acton office | 020 8896 0123

Ealing & Acton office | 020 8896 0123

LIME GROVE, W12

COLLINGBOURNE ROAD, W12

£410 PER WEEK

£450 PER WEEK

A beautiful apartment presented in excellent condition in an enviable location with a private west facing garden. Rent: £1,777 PCM.

A simply stunning two double bedroom, two bathroom apartment arranged over two floors with a private roof terrace. Rent: £1,950 PCM.

One Double Bedroom | Move before Christmas | Part Furnished | Fees Apply |

Newly Refurbished | Furnished | Great Location | Fees Apply | EPC: B

EPC: D

For more information on this property call:

For more information on this property call:

Shepherds Bush office | 020 8735 3255

Shepherds Bush office | 020 8735 3255

WITH 60 OFFICES IN THE CAPITAL ALONE. WE’VE GOT LONDON COVERED winkworth.co.uk

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OFFICES IN LONDON, THE COUNTRY AND OVERSEAS. SEE THINGS DIFFERENTLY

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A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES.

PALLADIAN GARDENS, W4

BARONS GATE, W4

£600 PER WEEK

£473 PER WEEK

A superb third floor two bedroom, two bathroom property located in this new portered development. Rent: £2,600 PCM.

A beautifully presented modern two bedroom, two bathroom split level property, located off Rothschild Road. Rent: £2,050 PCM.

2 Bedrooms | Reception Room | Open Plan Kitchen | 2 Bathrooms | Balcony | Gym

2 Bedrooms | 1 Reception Room | 2 Bathrooms | Flat/Apartment | First Floor |

| Off-Street Parking | Furnished/Unfurnished | Fees Apply | EPC: B

Off Street Parking | Modern | EPC: C

For more information on this property call:

For more information on this property call:

Chiswick office | 020 8994 7096

Chiswick office | 020 8994 7096

WOODSTOCK GROVE, W12

NETHERWOOD ROAD, W14

£345 PER WEEK

£390 PER WEEK

A fabulous newly refurbished flat on the raised ground floor of a mid terrace Victorian house. Rent: £1,495 PCM

A superb two bedroom flat on the second floor of a converted Victorian house. Rent: £1,690 PCM

Bedroom | Reception Room | Open PLAN Kitchen | Bathroom | 423 Sq Ft / 39.3 Sq

2 Bedrooms | Reception Room | Kitchen | Bathroom | 472 Sq Ft / 43.8 Sq M |

M | Unfurnished | Fees Apply | EPC: E

Unfurnished | Fees Apply | EPC: C

For more information on this property call:

For more information on this property call:

Hammersmith office | 020 7371 4466

Hammersmith office | 020 7371 4466

winkworth.co.uk

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OFFICES IN LONDON, THE COUNTRY AND OVERSEAS. SEE THINGS DIFFERENTLY

12/12/2017 12:32

BRIGHTON’S BIG CLEAN UP Every Londoner’s favourite seaside retreat has been working hard to polish up its once seedy reputation, says Nigel Lewis.

O

nce famous for its dirty weekends, Brighton’s seedy image is long gone and the smuttiest sight these days are the slogans on hen parties’ t-shirts as they sway arm-inarm along the prom.

This chilled out, liberal seaside city is full of high growth tech companies, attracting people seeking flexible jobs and lifestyles. You might bump into David Walliams, Steve Coogan, and Fat Boy Slim, who all have homes near the beach, while for younger celeb-spotters, YouTubers

such as PewDiePie (Felix Kjellberg) and Zoella (Zoe Sugg) call it home.

A British version of New York’s Venice Beach in the summer, the lawns by the multi-coloured beach huts host personal trainers, football teams or early morning tai chi groups, while middle-aged skateboarders hang out on the seafront, and paddle boarding and surfing are increasingly popular.

Known for its nudist beach and vibrant gay scene, Brighton’s a tolerant place, where drinkers from the seafront bars and clubs spill out onto the pebbles. While there’s still a few old-school boozers to

be found in the back streets, many have been reinvented as gastro pubs or craft breweries. There’s also a growing foodie scene with interesting eateries such as hip 64 Degrees and zero-waste restaurant Silo, which is all industrial-chic with drinks in jam jars.

It hasn’t got a Green MP for nothing; Brighton is one of the most vegetarian and vegan-friendly cities in the country. It’s also just started a bike rental scheme and a slew of new bike lanes mean it’s easier to get around. It’s a good job as parking right in the heart of the city is at a premium – it’s difficult and expensive to park on the

“ This chilled out, liberal seaside city is full of high growth tech companies, attracting people seeking flexible jobs and lifestyles.”

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PROPERTY • NEW TO THE MARKET

street and car parks fill up fast on busy shopping days.

Many day-trippers are attracted to put down roots in ‘London-by-the-sea’, says Mishon Mackay branch director Steve Neocleous, as they can get a lot more for their money. “Here you can buy a three-bedroom Victorian house in one of the most popular areas for £500,000£550,000 whereas in London you might only get a two-bedroom flat for that,” he explains.

Schools are a big draw for young families, as Brighton is full of pretty decent primaries - 94.2% of them are good or outstanding (particularly good ones are Westdene and St Andrew’s in Hove), although great secondaries are thinner on the ground.

Neolceous adds that it’s inundated with London buyers who hanker for a better quality of life. “They like the fact that – train strikes aside – they can get to work in London in the same time it can take from somewhere on the edge of the Tube line.”

Ongoing industrial action on Southern rail is still a big problem, while Brighton’s popularity can also work against it as the beach is shoulder-to-shoulder on sunny weekends. But that doesn’t put most people off moving south, as they don’t move again.

Brighton’s two universities provide thousands of graduates who’ve decided to settle down, in fact, there’s so many different people from all over the country who’ve moved to the city, that at dinner parties it’s often rare to sit next to someone Brighton born and bred.

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

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www.johnmartinestates.com

With very best wishes for a merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year to all of our clients, tenants and applicants as well as our Pitshanger and Ealing friends from John, Rhian and the team at John Martin Estates

– PITSHANGER’S COMMUNITY ESTATE AGENT – YOUR SALES, LETTINGS AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SPECIALISTS

82 Pitshanger Lane, Ealing W5 1QX jmesales@johnmartinestates.com JM_JAN_V3.indd 1

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REQUIRE A VALUATION?

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In 2017, our clients have given us the privilege of dealing with some amazing characterful properties in Pitshanger Village and across Ealing and we look forward to the same success in building relationships in 2018.

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