Absolutely Chiswick : West : Richmond February 2018

WEST

ABSOLUTELY Richmond Chiswick West

FEBRUARY 2018 / £3.95

love ON TOP What to do this Valentine’s Day

FEB RUARY 2018

MADE in BRITAIN A story of sustainability

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SHOW TIME Monica Dolan the Bush Theatre

Going

GREEN Environmentally friendly parenting

HEAD START S TAY A H E A D O F T H E C U R V E ST YLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT 29/01/2018 17:07

“It’s fine.

The heart wants what the heart wants.

Discover rural homes with sea views using keyword search.

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We’ll shop

online.”

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Open House

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

Viewing times

on Saturday and Sunday: 17th-18th/ Feb - 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 17th-18th/ Feb

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

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ST. JOHNS ROAD, RICHMOND A truly remarkable, Victorian style, five bedroom detached family house built by the award winning Quad architects. The property was newly built in 2015 which has been built and finished to the highest possible standards and boasts: a modern light and spacious living and bedroom space with the external feeling of a grand and impressive period home.

Off street parking. EPC = B.

ASKING PRICE

£2,300,000

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Chiswick Hammersmith West Kensington Fulham Chelsea

Battersea Clapham Putney Barnes Richmond

Kew Sheen Twickenham Teddington Kingston

featherstoneleigh.co.uk

ST PETERS ROAD, ST MARGARETS An absolutely stunning semi-detached family home located on the sought-after St Margarets Trust grounds. With approximately 3390 square feet of internal space and arranged over four floors, this incredible modern home has been imaginatively designed is beautifully presented and boasts views of the gardens and The River beyond.

EPC = C.

ASKING PRICE

ÂŁ2,600,000

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ARCH 5 ARCH ARCH 5 KEW 5 UNDER BRIDGE UNDER UNDER KEW KEW BRIDGE BRIDGE EMAIL:INFO@KEWSTONE.COM EMAIL:INFO@KEWSTONE.COM EMAIL:INFO@KEWSTONE.COM WWW.KEWSTONE.COM WWW.KEWSTONE.COM WWW.KEWSTONE.COM

RETAIL: £20,000 TRADE: £8,000

EVERYONE CAN BUY AT TRADE

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents FEBRUARY 2018

89

40 58

C U LT U R E

16 ABSOLUTELY LOVES

51 SPOT CHECK

Blemish-busting buys

20 AGENDA

FOOD & DRINK

58 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

10 things we’re coveting this month

Diary dates for February

News from the industry

22 CENTRE STAGE

60 SPICE OF LIFE

FA S H I O N

34 FASHION CONFIDENTIAL

INTERIORS

68 INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS

Absolutely meets Monica Dolan

This month’s hottest trend updates and brands to know

News and views

70 COOK OFF

Discover Rosie Birkett's glamorous kitchen

PROPERTY 108 LIVING THE DREAM

The month’s best beauty buys

ON THE COVER

FEBRUARY 2018 / £3.95

JANE TAYLOR MILLINERY POINSETTA £2,600 CLOTHING RUI XU MAKE UP LOIS PICKUP PHOTOGRAPHY SOPHIE LOUISE JONES JANETAYLORMILLINERY.COM

Chiswick

ON TOP

SHOW TIME Monica Dolan the

MADE in BRITAIN

GREEN

What to do this Valentine’s Day

A story of sustainability

ZEST.LONDON

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

48 BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL

ABSOLUTELY love

FEB RUARY 2018

38 MADE IN BRITAIN

Meet the duo behind Studio British

T R AV E L 90 SEA VIEW Sun, sea and style at Danai Beach Resort

CHISWICK

37 TIED UP

Bow-tie tops are big business this season

Recipes from Gizzi Erskine

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.

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Bush Theatre

Going

Environmentally friendly parenting

HEAD START S TAY A H E A D O F T H E C U R V E ST YLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT 22/01/2018 15:39

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, LINSEY CANNON 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

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

D

eep in the midst of winter and with all New Year's optimism long evaporated, February can seem a bleak month. Yet, somehow it is also supposed to be a month of romance, with Valentine’s Day bringing red roses, sickly sweet cartoon hearts and smug couples aplenty. Meanwhile, singletons around the world are struck with an uncomfortable unrest that only disappears as the clock strikes midnight on the 15th.

As a concept overrun by cliché and commercialism, how can we make the day of love enchanting again? Our answer is to celebrate love and passion in forms more palatable.

Celeb chef and style icon Gizzi Erskine encourages us to experiment with new textures and flavours on page 60 with a selection of wholesome recipes - perfect if you’re cooking for loved ones. Perhaps your plans involve a trip to the theatre? Monica Dolan tells us about her solo show The B*easts at the Bush Theatre. The subject of the play is both topical and terrifying, making it a must for anyone looking for a captivating night out.

Finally, whether you and your partner are an outdoorsy duo or culture vultures, we've found a host of fun, cliché-free date night ideas. There's also plenty of fashion inspiration, a guide to artisan chocolate and a Halkidiki travel story for anyone looking to whisk away the object of their affections. Enjoy the issue!

ABSOLUTELY’S favourite date night spots...

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LE GARRICK

If old-school romance is what you’re looking for then Le Garrick is the place for you.

Located in the heart of Covent Garden, this underground eatery offers a little slice of France and plenty of cosy, candle-lit corners.

10-12 Garrick Street, WC2E legarrick.co.uk JOY MONTGOMERY FASHION & BEAUTY WRITER

RADICI

Radici in islington has got to be my number one date venue, as I find Italian food unbeatable for romance. The vegan chocolate cake, with its oozing molten centre, is ideal for sharing, and the location great for a post-date stroll.

30 Almeida Street, N1 radici.uk MIRIAM CAREY LIFESTYLE WRITER

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JOY MONTGOMERY EDITOR

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PITCH BLACK

Test your alcohol knowledge with Pitch Black's immersive cocktail and wine experience in the dark. For 90 minutes your tastebuds will be tantalised by a selection of drinks, as you guess the ingredients placed before you. All the answers are revealed at the end of the night, so prepare to get competitive.

68a Neal Street, WC2H pitchblackbar.com

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CLARA VAN DUIVENBODE EDITORIAL INTERN

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SWINGERS

With five cocktail bars, three street food vendors and two crazy golf courses, Swingers is the date venue with a twist. This year, just for Valentine’s Day, you can tuck into heart-shaped pizzas and guzzle champagne before getting competitive with a golf club. This place has something for everyone.

8 Brown's Buildings, EC3A swingersldn.com HELEN BROWN ARTS & CULTURE WRITER

THE COW

There's nothing better than a huge seafood platter piled high with oysters, crab, king prawns, clams and the rest – and The Cow in Westbourne Park never changes. It's always small, loud and crowded – and it always does great seafood.

89 Westbourne Park Road, W2 thecowlondon.co.uk PENDLE HARTE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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

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Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

H E L E N B R OW N

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ME+ E M With dreary January behind us, now is the time to look ahead to new hues to lift winter spirits.

ME+EM’s workwear essentials and ski-inspired pieces will keep you looking on-trend on and off the piste.

Consider the January collection a sartorial breath of fresh air for your wardrobe. meandem.com

Twin Set

There's no confidence boost quite like the one that comes with luxury lingerie, so we're opting for this matching set for a feel-good February. Bra: £36, briefs: £22; uk.intimissimi.com

OOH LA LA LA

Famed for their innovative designs, wearability and playful detailing, Chinti and Parker’s sweatshirts are a must for fighting cold snaps. £275; farfetch.com

K IS S A N D T E LL Handcrafted from flexible crossgrain leather, this wafer-thin notebook is designed to fit perfectly in your pocket. We've gone for the Kiss and Tell motif to add an element of fun to the month of love. £35; 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

CARVEN

Taking inspiration from the streets of Paris, Carven’s Resort '18 collection embodies the edgier side of French fashion with eye-catching geometric prints, 1930s-inspired cinched-waist dresses and boxy silhouettes. £570; carven.com

Eternal Flame

Embellished with Piero Fornasetti’s Sardine Rosso artwork, this scented candle looks stylish on any surface and burns with enveloping scents of thyme and cedarwood. £115; farfetch.com

EDITOR’S PICK

PY THO N PART Y Fans of Jimmy Choo's Lockett Petite bag will love the larger Lockett City version where there is more room for necessities.

Its bold fuchsia fi nish will add oomph to an otherwise ordinary ensemble. £1,895; net-a-porter.com

S U GAR RUS H For sweet treats this Valentine’s Day look no further than Rococo Chocolates. Finished in rose pink, these Marc de Champagne truffles are almost too charming to eat. £17.95; rococochocolates.com

ON THE CARDS

Keep it chic with this wallet from Gucci.

Compact and effortlessly cool, it’s ideal for keeping your cards in once place and slips easily into a crossbody bag. £220; farfetch.com

Gin Wins

Made using a crop of rhubarb originally grown in the garden of Buckingham Palace, Victoria’s Rhubarb Gin is voluptuous on the palate with sweet and tangy rhubarb notes to fi nish. £38; warneredwards.com

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

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BEDS, SOFAS AND FURNITURE FOR LOAFERS LOAF.COM

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BATTERSEA

NOTTING HILL

SPITALFIELDS

13/12/2017 15:36 05/12/2017 12:43

CULTURE

Sixties Style: Shot by Duffy, Proud Galleries, 2nd February – 18th March, proud.co.uk; Photo Duffy ©Duffy Archive

What’s On 20 • Absolutely meets Monica Dolan 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

Black Mountain Ongoing

ORAN GE TREE TH EAT RE

This tense, psychological thriller follows Rebecca and Paul as they attempt to run from the past. An isolated house in the country is the perfect place to work things out and set some new rules. They have to be honest and they have to be fair. But you can’t run forever. Especially when you’re being followed.

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

EXHIBITION

Garden Showdown F RO M 10 F E B RUA RY • K EW GARDEN S

The International Garden Photographer of the Year Competition is back with an impressive line-up in Kew’s Nash Conservatory. This annual extravaganza brings together the best garden, plant and botanical photography from across the world with a ‘Captured at Kew’ category centred on images taken in the local area.

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, TW9; kew.org

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F E S T I VA L

Ealing Music & Film Festival 7-11 February VARIOUS LOCAT IONS

The Ealing Music & Film Festival celebrates its sixth edition with a jampacked music programme centred on Ealing’s cultural heart. From Debussy to Strauss, and Leonard Cohen to Andrew Lloyd Webber, there is something for all.

Various locations; ealingmusicandfilmfestival.org

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

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CULTURE • TALKING TOPICS

T H E AT R E

Jubilee

Around Town

From 15 February LYRIC

Derek Jarman’s iconic film captured punk at its giddy height: a riot of music, DIY fashion and sex – with a touch of pyromania. Now, forty years on, this new stage adaptation of Jubilee remixes it for the social and political turmoil of the age. Centred around a marauding girl gang on a killing spree and a timetravelling Queen Elizabeth I, it’s a story of what happens when creativity and nihilism collide.

Lyric Square, King Street, W6; lyric.co.uk

S P E C TA C L E

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL Ongoing ROYAL ALBERT H ALL

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

F E S T I VA L

THAI-INSPIRED ORCHID FESTIVAL From 10 February K EW GA R D E NS

This Month’s Must See

Shake off the winter blues and get creative at Kew Gardens’ magnificent Thai-inspired Orchards Festival. Explore a magnificent Vanda tunnel bedecked with orchids of all colours, immerse yourself in the sounds of Thailand’s hustle and bustle and enjoy a reactive activity lounge; there is much to be discovered by all.

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, TW9; kew.org

F E S T I VA L

CHARLES I: KING AND COLLECTOR Ongoing ROYAL ACAD EM Y OF ART

OUT OF LOVE O NGO I NG • ORAN GE TREE THEATRE

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orna and Grace do everything together; they share crisps, crushes and cigarettes. But when Lorna gets a place at University, and Grace gets pregnant, they suddenly find themselves in starkly different worlds. This tale from award-winning playwright, Elinor Cook follows 30 years of friendship, love and rivalry. Can anything bridge the gap between them?

Clarence Street, Richmond, TW9;

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, Piccadilly, W1J; royalacademy.org.uk

EXHIBITION

WOMEN OF THE FUTURE 8 February LON DON TRA NSP ORT M USEUM

The London Transport Museum is marking 100 years since women received the right to vote with a one-off festival of feminism. Get creative with Buttress and Snatch in a playful twist on bra-burning and enjoy dynamic presentations on the portrayal of women.

Convent Garden Piazza, WC2E; ltmuseum.co.uk

orangetreetheatre.co.uk

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

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drama

QUEEN As BAFTA-winning actress Monica Dolan’s first solo show comes to The Bush Theatre, Absolutely meets her to discuss confidence, comedy and learning lines

M

onica Dolan is learning her lines. She’s got 11,500 words to master and currently she’s nearly halfway there.

“You just have to go over it and over it, and keep telling yourself that one day you’ll know it,” she explains, over coffee in the Bush Theatre’s lovely new space, handily near her house.

She’s learning these lines for the second time, and even though they’re written by her, it’s still a struggle. A full hour of talking. Dolan’s solo show The B*easts was a hit at Edinburgh last year and now she’s bringing it to The Bush, with an agenda that’s become part of a wider debate.

It’s quite a transition from acting to writing, isn’t it?

And also from acting alongside other people to standing alone on stage for an hour? For Dolan, The B*easts is her first foray into writing, though it’s something she’s always slightly wanted to do. “Recently I’d been working with a lot of comedians who had cut their teeth in Edinburgh. I’d never

22

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

performed at the Edinburgh Festival and started to think, why aren’t I doing this? I had done a show at the Royal Court where part of it was improvisation with the audience and I really loved that – then I talked to Sarah Pascoe who’s in W1A with me and she said ‘if you have the smallest inclination to do it, then do it,’” she says. Besides, writing a piece for yourself bypasses a lot of the layers of people involved in, say, writing for TV. “Here there’s nobody in between – just you and the audience and your connection,” says Dolan. “I kind of wanted to put myself out there in that way.”

The B*easts relies on inspiring a degree of confusion in the audience, so it’s important not to give too much away here, but its subject is both topical and terrifying.

It’s about children and their vulnerability to advertising and technology, and the growing quest for perfection, an awareness of which had been slowly growing in Dolan.

“A friend texted me an article from The Week called Ban Botox for Children,” she says – “and I saw a documentary about advergames which are games involving little cartoon characters aimed at children, so they don’t know they’re engaging with an advert.” She learned that despite legal age requirements for tattoos and tanning, there is no minimum

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

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CULTURE • PROFILE

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“I’ve learnt that you get really interesting characters who are good, though most people dismiss them”

MONICA DOLAN IN THE B*EASTS, PHOTOGRAPHED BY ALAN HARRIS

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

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CULTURE • PROFILE MONICA DOLAN PHOTOGRAPHED BY BRONWEN SHARP

age for botox, and that there are plastic surgery apps aimed at children as young as nine. “There are so many things being invented and marketed that there are no laws for – and children are starting to brand themselves very early.” The subject has taken on Dolan made contact with an anthropologist in Manchester and a bio-ethics team at Nuffield who are looking at the whole subject of children and cosmetic procedures – they came to see her play and they will be hosting a panel discussion at The Bush in connection with it.

Dark subjects are something that Dolan is no stranger to. As research for her award-winning performance as Rosemary West in ITV’s Appropriate Adult, a dramatisation of the Fred West story, she read transcripts of the case provided by West’s solicitor.

Which was interesting, she says, in that it was just like reading a play – “they’re all characters,” – apart from that there was loads of it. Surprisingly, she hadn’t wanted the part; she had no existing interest in the Wests.

“It wasn’t a massive part for the amount of horrible research I was going to have to do,” – and there’s a line at the end of the production, “you can’t unsee things, you can’t unknow things,” that counts for her experience too. “I got so many intrigued people asking questions when I was doing that but you soon realise that they don’t really want to know.”

But fascination with the Wests is a common phenomenon.

“My friend who’s the mildest, most gentlemanly person you can imagine, was really interested in the Wests and he lent me Brian Masters’ book She must Have Known, which

“There’s nobody in between – just you and the audience and your connection. I kind of wanted to put myself out there in that way”

argues that there’s no evidence that Rosemary had even met some of the victims. So I was really on her side when I went for the audition. Then I read all the rest of the stuff...”

So does she seek out troubling subjects? “Well I’d rather not.” She wasn’t immediately interested in Tess Wall, her character in the television adaptation of JK Rowling’s The Casual Vacancy, because she seemed so good. “When I first read it I couldn’t see anything to her but I’ve learnt that you get really interesting characters who are good, though most people dismiss them. When I looked into it, Tess was fascinating. Trying to be good in an environment that isn’t helping is fascinating.”

Dolan started acting at school, when she had a really small part in a play in primary school “and everyone really laughed when I came on and I loved it,” she says.

She continued throughout secondary school (“we had an avant garde teacher”) and went to the Guildhall despite her mother wanting her to be a lawyer “or something”.

Drama school gave her confidence, she says, though going on stage alone still scares her. Is it lonely doing a solo show? She’s had a lot of support, she emphasises, starting with an early reading that she organised at home, inviting eight friends to eat sausage rolls and listen to her new piece. “The night before, I nearly cancelled. I read it and thought it was terrible, but I did it and what excited me was that everybody started talking about the subject.” For Edinburgh, the piece needed a bit of cutting (“they fine you £10 per minute if you go over the hour) but here in W12 they’re more flexible. The show’s bound to get you talking.

T H E B* E A ST S Runs from 12 February to 3 March at The Bush Theatre, 7 Uxbridge Road W12; 020 8743 5050 bushtheatre.co.uk

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

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ORIGINAL, LIMITED-EDITION ART DECO POSTERS

N EW

Limited to editions of 280, our newly-commissioned Art Deco posters feature glamorous holiday destinations around the world, ski resorts in the Austrian, French and Swiss Alps, and the world’s greatest historic automobiles. Over 100 designs to choose from, all printed on 100% cotton fine art paper, measuring 97 x 65 cms.

Priced at £395 each.

Private commissions are also welcome.

Pullman Editions Ltd 94 Pimlico Road Chelsea London SW1W 8PL www.pullmaneditions.com Tel: +44 (0)20 7730 0547 Email: georgina@pullmaneditions.com

Our central London gallery

All images and text copyright © Pullman Editions Ltd. 2018

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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

MACBETH

Fanny & Alexander ★★★★★

★★★★★ From 26 February

From 21 February

N AT ION AL T HEATR E

TH E O LD V I C

Amongst the gilded romance and glamour of 1900s Sweden, the world of siblings Fanny and Alexander is turned upside down when their widowed mother remarries the iron-willed local bishop. As creative freedom and rigid orthodoxy clash, a war ensues between imagination and austerity in this magical study of childhood, family and love. The Cut, SE1; oldvictheatre.com

FANNY & ALEXANDER

Dry Powder

Girl from the North Country

★★★★★

★★★★★

Ongoing

Ongoing

H A M P STE A D T H E ATR E

NO E L COWARD THEATRE

Sarah Burgess’ breathtakingly witty and virtuosic comedy explores the vision, the vulnerability, and the vilification of those shaping - and skewing - the economy. Dry Powder follows titan of high finance, Rick, as the reputation of his firm crashes and his lavish engagement party turns into a PR nightmare.

Eton Avenue, NW3; hampsteadtheatre.com

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

Ruthlessly fighting to survive in the ruined aftermath of a bloody civil war, the Macbeths are propelled towards the crown by forces of elemental darkness. Rufus Norris brings his magic touch to Shakespeare’s most intense and terrifying tragedy, with Rory Kinnear and AnneMarie Duff in the lead roles.

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

Lady Windermere’s Fan ★★★★★ Ongoing VAUD EV I LLE T HE ATR E

Lady Windermere’s birthday is thrown into turmoil when a seed of marital suspicion upsets proceedings. Poking fun at the moral attitudes of the upper classes, Oscar Wilde’s comedy is brought to life with an all-star cast of comics including Jennifer Saunders and Kevin Bishop. 404 Strand, WC2R; nimaxtheatres.com

LADY WINDERMERE’S FAN

DRY POWDER

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

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ABSOLUTELY Full Pg A4 JAN'18_Layout 1 09/01/2018 11:59 am Page 1

RAYMOND GUBBAY presents

THE UK’S MOST POPULAR CLASSICAL SHOW

RAVEL Bolero HOLST Jupiter from The Planets ROSSINI Largo al factotum VERDI Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves SOUSA Stars and Stripes Forever TCHAIKOVSKY Sleeping Beauty Waltz BIZET Duet from The Pearl Fishers STRAUSS Radetzky March DEBUSSY Clair de Lune ELGAR Nimrod WAGNER Ride of the Valkyries HANDEL Zadok the Priest VERDI La donna è mobile ORFF O Fortuna

LAND OF HOPE AND GLORY RULE, BRITANNIA! NESSUN DORMA HORNPIPE With

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London Philharmonic Choir (Thurs & Sat) The London Chorus (Fri & Sun) John Rigby conductor Jesús León soprano Nicholas Lester tenor Classical Spectacular Dancers British Imperial Military Band Muskets and Canons of the Moscow Militia Durham Marenghi lighting designer

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Saturday 24 February 2.30pm

ROYAL ALBERT HALL Friday 23 March at 7.30pm

CELEBRATING OVER 50 YEARS OF ICONIC MUSIC WITH AN EXPLOSIVE 28-PIECE SHOW BAND

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Saturday 14 April 7.30pm

THE

PLANETS

Holst's powerful planetary masterwork BROADWAY GLAMOUR AND TOE-TAPPING TUNES IN AN ALL-GERSHWIN EXTRAVAGANZA

Plus WAGNER Prelude to Act 3 from Lohengrin

Rhapsody in Blue Shall we Dance Lady be Good But Not For Me S’Wonderful I Got Rhythm Let’S Call the Whole Thing Off Summertime The Man I Love

SAINT SAËNS Symphony No. 3 in C Minor

KATIE BIRTILL & RODNEY EARL CLARKE guest singers VIV McLEAN piano ALFONSO CASADO TRIGO conductor LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA Plus a glamorous ballroom duo and two sensational tap dancers.

GOLDFINGER • FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE CASINO ROYALE • YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE • THUNDERBALL DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER • FOR YOUR EYES ONLY THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN • MOONRAKER LIVE & LET DIE • NOBODY DOES IT BETTER THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH • SKYFALL

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra LOUISE DEARMAN & OLIVER TOMPSETT singers JOHN RIGBY conductor LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA

ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL

City of London Choir Christopher Warren Green conductor

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CULTURE • THEATRE

Amadeus The story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, musical genius, at The Olivier

By PENDLE HARTE

P

eter Schaffer’s much-loved account of Mozart’s life may not be entirely historically accurate, but it certainly makes a good story. Michael Longhurst’s hotly anticipated revived production (it was a sell-out in 2016) is a riot of action, spectacle and music, fully inhabiting the Olivier’s vast space with its displays of 18th century decadence, colourful costumes and sheer energy.

Adam Gillen’s Mozart is full of presence, brilliantly irritating with his conceitedness, indiscretion and relentless toilet humour. He’s a slightly creepy young upstart, leaping manically around the stage, conducting wildly, dismissing all music except his own and fully convinced that his work is perfection beyond measure. Spoilt, vain and over-confident yet surprisingly insightful, his performance is intense and physical. ‘A little less enthusiasm please, Mozart,’ says the emperor repeatedly.

“18th century decadence, colourful costumes and sheer energy”

ABSOLUTELY reviews…

Elderly Viennese court composer Salieri (Lucian Msamati) opens the show in his wheelchair, surrounded by the contemporary orchestra (all mobile phones and takeaway coffees) as he reminisces about Mozart’s death. Then suddenly it’s 18th century Vienna, and Mozart’s first arrival in court, where the tale of rivaly between the two musicians unfurls. Salieri is hugely jealous of the newcomer’s sheer talent, which he sees as god-given, from the same god who condemns him to mediocrity by leaving him only able to produce second-rate music.

Mozart’s impeccable pieces may be show-offy, but for Salieri they reveal his own lack of talent in comparison, and so begins a long campaign of undermining and blocking Mozart’s career.

Most notably in this production, the orchestra is integral to the play and they’re on stage throughout, walking with their instruments and reacting to the action. It’s an entertaining and slick production.

VERDICT

Engaging, entertaining and visually arresting ★★★★★ AMADEUS BOOKING UNTIL 24 APRIL; The National Theatre nationaltheatre.org.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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OUTDOORSY DUOS:

Thames Boat Hire Ongoing ❤ What says romance better than a leisurely trip along the River Thames? Escape the bustle of the city streets and hire a rowing boat from Richmond riverside and enjoy seeing London from a new perspective. For bonus partner points prepare a packed lunch and grab a bottle of champagne (or flask of tea, if it's looking a little chilly). totallyrichmond.co.uk

MY FUNNY

valentine Whether it’s an intimate dinner or creative class, celebrate V-Day in style with London’s most romantic happenings

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17/01/2018 10:18

CULTURE • VALENTINE’S DAY EVENTS DIE-HARD ROMANTICS:

The Petersham Hotel Wednesday 14 February ❤ For a classic Valentine’s evening head over to The Petersham Hotel for fabulous food and panoramic views over the River Thames. Enjoy Champagne on arrival, a delicious five-course, candlelit dinner and a red rose to take away.

Nightingale Lane, Richmond, TW10; £79.50pp; petershamhotel.co.uk

THE RITZ

GREEN FINGERED FANATICS:

Grace And Thorn Ongoing ❤ Forget supermarket blooms, because this year it’s all about doing-it-yourself.

From making your own terrarium jungle to arranging the freshest floral displays, get back to nature with your loved one at florist Grace and Thorn’s creative evening workshops. Succulents never looked so sexy.

338 Hackney Road, E2; graceandthorn.com

TEA-LOVERS:

St Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea Wednesday 14 February ❤ Treat your loved one to something sweet with The Ritz London’s Rosé Champagne Afternoon Tea. Held in the exquisite Palm Court, this one-off special offers an indulgent selection of delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and a mouth-watering range of pastries, all to be washed down with a variety of 18 loose-leaf teas. Soprano Miranda Heldt will perform operatic melodies creating the ultimate romantic setting for the big day.

150 Piccadilly, W1J; theritzlondon.com

CULTURED COUPLES:

Romeo & Juliet 2 — 14 February ❤ Get your theatre fix this Valentine’s Day and enjoy Shakespeare’s epic love story at the Orange Tree Theatre. Six actors fuse physical theatre with the playwright’s sparkling words in a fast-paced 90-minute performance from Director Gemma Fairlie.

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

ROMEO AND JULIET

GRACE AND THORN

FILM BUFFS:

Four Weddings And A Funeral Wednesday 14 February ❤ Super charge your film night with a screening of Richard Curtis’ romcom classic. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Landmark Arts Centre, you can enjoy a selection of drinks and movie snacks before taking your seats for the main event at 8pm.

Ferry Road, Teddington, TW11; landmarkartscentre.org

THE PETERSHAM HOTEL

FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL

CHRISTMAS IN LEICESTER SQUARE

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

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22/01/2018 17:49

FASHION

STRIPPED BACK

ELIZABETH AND JAMES Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen’s effortless sense of style clearly embodied in Elizabeth and James' Resort '18 collection. Expect wearable luxury and looks which transcend seasonal trends. matchesfashion.com

Fashion Notes: A stylish cause & Valentine's lingerie 34 · Bow-tie tops 37 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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FASHION NOTES

Celebrate fashion month with the hottest new brandsto-watch and the latest collaborations to covet B y J OY M O N T G O M E R Y

01

02

5 OF THE BEST

VA L E N T I N E ’ S LINGERIE EDITOR’S PICK

03

04

DOING IT FOR THEMSELVES C H I N T I & PA R K E R X WO M E N F O R WO M E N

05 1. Fleur of England, Whiskey lace-hem silk-blend kimono, £400; matchesfashion.com 2. I.D.Sarrieri, Lace bra and thong, from £155; farfetch.com 3. Carine Gilson, Lace-trimmed silk-satin cami dress, £990; matchesfashion.com 4. Bluebella, Lace body, £49; yoox.com 5. Coco De Mer, Sylph strap-detail bra and suspender briefs, £105; selfridges.com

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Do one for the girls this season with knitwear favourite Chinti & Parker’s collaboration with Women for Women International.

Modelled by Arizona Muse, 100% of all sales from the capsule collection will go to the charity, which helps women survivors of war rebuild their lives. Spread a little love this February.

Available from farfetch.com and chintiandparker.com

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

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22/01/2018 18:35

FASHION • NOTES O N E S T O WAT C H

LAYER UP

London Fashion Week AW18

REPOSSI

Founded in 1920 in Turin Italy, Repossi is the fashion-savvy, fine jewellery brand with a historic heart. Gaia Repossi took over the family business in 2007 and has moulded the brand into a must-have for celebrities and magazine editors alike. From classic hoops and stacking rings to statement ear cuffs - this is adornment for the styleconscious, modern woman. repossi.com

REJINA PYO

WOOL WORKS THE KNITTER

HANDOVER GUCCI

We might be sick of the cold, but come summer we’re secretly going to miss the luxe layers that winter offers.

Make the most of woolly hat weather with Gucci’s embroidered patent gloves.

The high-shine fabric is a surefire way to jazz up your winter coat, while the delicate floral detail speaks of an evernearing spring, £405; matchesfashion.com

Founded by New Zealand-born Nicole Leyborne, The Knitter is the woolly fashion brand we can't get enough of. All designs are handmade locally using centuryold methods and include quirky-cool, oversized knits and vibrant scarves.

Before launching her eponymous label in 2014, Rejina Pyo cut her teeth as first assistant designer at Roksanda Ilincic, and went on to win the prestigious Han Nefkens Fashion Award. Pyo’s shows are now a hotly anticipated event at London Fashion Week, and her designs instantly recognisable for their innovative take on modern minimalism.

rejinapyo.com

ALICE ARCHER The British-born RCA gradate earned her stripes working as an embroidery designer for Dries Van Noten in Antwerp.

Archer's unfurling, intricate threadwork has now become her signature aesthetic. Name checked as a designer-towatch by British Vogue, Alice Archer is certainly a star on the rise.

alicearcher.co.uk

theknitter.co

CITY OF STYLE

CA M B R I D G E S ATC H E L X I N E S D E L A F R E S S A N G E PA R I S

To celebrate the return of London Fashion Week, The Cambridge Satchel Company has joined forces with Ines de la Fressange Paris to create a line of achingly cool bags. The collection includes the brand’s best-selling 11” bag and tiny satchels and comes in quintessentially Gallic hues of red, white and blue - and a dash of molten copper for good measure.

SIMONE ROCHA Dublin-born Simone Rocha caught the industry’s eye when she debuted at London Fashion Week in 2010. Fast-forward eight years and Rocha's frothy yet futuristic designs have won her acolades including British Womenswear Designer Award at the British Fashion Awards and Harper’s Bazaar's Designer of Year 2016.

simonerocha.com

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

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22/01/2018 18:18

FASHION • PRODUCTS EDITOR’S PICK

VALENTINO Pussy-Bow Ruffled SilkSatin Blouse, £633; net-a-porter.com

SEE BY CHLOÉ Ruffled Pussy-Bow Chiffon Blouse, £260; selfridges.com

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Pussy-Bow Silk Blouse, £995; net-a-porter.com

TORY BURCH AW17

HOBBS

H&M

Erika Shirt, £69; hobbs.co.uk

Long-Sleeved Blouse, £23; hm.com

MSGM Pussy-Bow Striped Cotton-Poplin Shirt, £255; harveynichols.com

TIED UP

Formal yet frou frou: the neck tie blouse is big business this season

KHAITE Natalie Decorative-Bow Cotton Blouse, £410; matchesfashion.com

ROCHAS AW17

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

FENDI RIXO LONDON Moss Blouse - Navy Moonlit Sky, £175; rixo.co.uk

FINERY LONDON Levine Forever Blouse, £59 johnlewis.com

Geometric Pussy Bow Blouse, £1,250; farfetch.com

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

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Q&A

MADE IN BRITAIN

Do you know where your clothes are made?

Absolutely meets the duo behind Studio British, the e-tailer fighting for transparency and ethical trading in the fashion industry

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

JOY MONTGOMERY: What motivated you to create Studio British?

STUDIO BRITISH: We started Studio British because we had a desire to buy better quality clothing, but were frustrated in the lack of transparency with a lot of luxury manufacturers. Too many brands trade off being British, but their clothing is made in sweatshops. Instead, we liked the idea that you could visit a site knowing that your clothing was made to the best specification by craftsmen and women who get paid fairly.

We are both from London, and met as my (Ben's) partner is childhood friends with Anabel. We both have entrepreneurial minds and had discussed at length various business opportunities. When this particular dilemma presented itself, we decided to tackle it head on, and help to effect change in the fashion industry.

JM: Why is it so important to champion home grown design?

SB: In many ways, the way in which we buy our clothing is broken. We've arrived at a place where clothes are so cheap that consumers have become accustomed to it.

But while it might seem like a bargain to buy a £6 pair of jeans, this doesn't take into account the environmental and

“In many ways, the way in which we buy our clothing is broken ” 38

JM: Why do you think the discussion surrounding ethical trading has gained momentum?

SB: Not too far back, everyone depended much more on the natural materials that surrounded them. While there are certainly benefits to globalisation, the drawbacks are becoming too loud to ignore, with developed countries taking advantage of the developing world. We draw a comparison with the food industry, where people have become more interested in the ethics of what they are eating.

Meateaters, for example, are now more likely to want to buy meat that is locally reared and has led a happier life, rather than clocking up unnecessary air miles.

STUDIO BRITISH FOUNDERS ANABEL AND BEN

human cost involved. Poorly paid workers making bad quality clothing which is chucked in landfill after a couple of wears is just not sustainable.

There's also the impending effects of Brexit, which is really accentuating the issue of homegrown skills shortages. In the last 30 years we've become reliant on importing and lost a lot of traditional skills and processes, and this is very apparent in the textile industry. By supporting homegrown talent, we can help to create more diverse career opportunities for the next generation.

JM: Do you think it’s possible to shop sustainably on a budget?

SB: It depends on how you view your budget, as buying cheap is often a false economy. My brother once said to me that he buys the same pair of shoes for work every three months from a high street store, they would get worn out and he would buy a new pair. In the time that he has got through 10 pairs, a pair of Trickers or Sanders & Sanders would still be going strong. Instead of buying a new dress for every occassion, we'd encourage consumers to think long term and buy staple pieces that will pay for themselves on a cost per wear basis.

It's also worth noting that shopping habits can influence pricing. The more consumers think about where their clothes are made, the more economies of scale we

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

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17/01/2018 11:03

FASHION • Q&A

“It’s been amazing getting under the skin of brands I’ve respected for a long time” can draw upon. Helping to take British manufacturing mainstream will mean we can bring down the cost of homemade clothing. We acknowledge it will be a challenge to convince some shoppers of the virtues of buying more quality and less quantity, but it's a worthy journey and one that we are ready to fight for!

JM: How did you go about finding the right designers?

SB: The first brands we found were ones that we would buy ourselves. It's been amazing getting under the skin of brands I've respected for a long time, and we are incredibly grateful that they've bought into

our mission and decided to work with us.

We then started looking for the startup brands, ones that came recommended or exuded quality through their clothing and stories. We have high expectations for the brands we work with, in terms of quality and ethics, but that works both ways and we aim to do the best job in promoting and growing their businesses.

What are your favourite British brands?

SB: Private White V.C. use incredible performance fabrics on their outerwear, while John Smedley knitwear is not only comfortable but drenched in history. I'm also a bit of a shoe hoarder so brands like Trickers, Sanders & Sanders and Joseph Cheaney are great - you feel like a million dollars every time you put on a pair. I also love the enthusiasm of younger designers like Suzy Brown from Baia Bags or Genevieve Sweeney. Their dedication to their craft is so inspiring and really gives you hope for the future of British manufacturing. studiobritish.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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W H AT LIES B E N E AT H Nothing says indulgence better than sumptuous new lingerie. After all, great style begins with beautiful foundations.

For Love and Lemons lingerie available from forloveandlemons.com

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22/01/2018 18:36

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22/01/2018 18:37

A TYPICAL SCENARIO

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Located within The Hogarth Club

14/12/2017 09:09

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Get

LIPPY MARC JACOBS BEAUTY

Marc Jacobs Beauty’s Liquid Lip Crayons are the answer to your date night woes. Coming in nine high-pigment shades, they offer the first-to-market formula which has the feel of a liquid lipstick with the precision of a lip crayon. One swipe of colour + 16 hours of wear = your Valentine’s makeup sorted; £22. harrods.com

Beauty Notes: Perfect primers & Lunar beauty 48 · Blemish busters 51 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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BEAUTY NOTES

You've survived January. Now treat yourself to this month's hottest beauty releases

By J OY M O N TG O M E RY

STAR SIGN M AC

Look to the cosmos this season with MAC’s latest makeup drop. Inspired by the Lunar New Year, this radiant collection is composed of an eye shadow palette, lipstick and powder blush, all in the softest shades of blush pink and cream. maccosmetics.co.uk EYELURE Bespoke Mascara, £30; eyeko.com

ELIZABETH ARDEN 8-Hour Lip Repair Balm, £20; boots.com

5 OF THE BEST DATE NIGHT ESSENTIALS

LE LABO Santal 33 Liquid Balm Perfume, £60; libertylondon.com

COVER FX Pressed Mineral Foundation, £31; houseoff raser.com

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CHANEL Luminous Matte Lip Colour, £28; chanel.com

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

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17/01/2018 11:43

HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES SALON REVIEW

STACK ‘EM UP TRINNY LONDON

She was the matriarch of iconic noughties makeover show What Not To Wear, but now Trinny Woodall is braving the world of cosmetics.

Trinny London is a clever new beauty concept that offers personalised makeup ‘stacks’ that can include anything from lipstick and concealer to highlighter and eye shadow, all formulated to match your colouring and complexion. A must-have for girls on the go.

BHUTI

trinnylondon.com

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

W H E RE EDITOR’S PICK

NIGHT OWL LA PRAIRIE

Back to Base CLARINS

Heralded for their complexion-perfecting powers, colour correctors are officially here to stay. This February, Clarins is taking the concept to another level with SOS Primers, a six-piece collection of problem-solving formulas - from green for redness to coral for dark spots. These clever primers can be used by themselves, mixed together or added to your usual foundation. £26.50 each clarins.co.uk

Born from Dr Paul Niehans’ work in cellular therapy, La Prairie’s Platinum Rare Cellular Night Elixir is the most potent potion to emerge from the brand’s labs. This light serum works overnight to enhance the skin’s natural detoxifying process. laprairie.co.uk

J-Beauty SHISEIDO

Forget K-beauty, because this year it’s all about J-beauty. Inspired by traditional Japanese concepts of life and wellness, Shiseido’s Future Solution LX range combines high-performance formulas with a holistic heart. The Firming Contour Serum and Total Radiance Foundation are the latest additions to the range and both use powerful antioxidant ingredients to deliver dreamy skin day after day. shiseido.co.uk

Bhuti is an eco wellbeing centre, day spa, yoga studio, wellbeing members’ club and vegan cafe located on Hill Rise, Richmond, 5 minutes from the high street and not far from the station and leafy Richmond Park.

W H AT Sanskrit for “wellbeing”, the word bhuti refers to our inner voice - the thing that tells you what you need to be happy.

Offering over 60 yoga and Pilates classes a week, 50 hi-tech holistic spa treatments, complementary therapies, as well as wellness events, bhuti is the realisation of a long-held dream by local mum, Sama, who wanted to create a place of everyday escapism for all.

At bhuti, guests can indulge in treatments, such as Ila Kundalini, Crystal Sonic Rejuvenation, a facial treatment which applies crystals and sound therapy to acupressure points, Ayurveda, an ancient healing ritual from India, and even Astrology readings.

Bhuti uses luxury organic British brands, including Oskia, Ila, and Neom.

WHO Bhuti membership (Fearne Cotton and Jessie Wood included) is available on a yearly or monthly basis and includes an annual wellbeing consultation with a qualified therapist, free events and classes.

Visitors and members alike can also enjoy the venue’s organic, Soil Associationcertified vegan kitchen, which serves up delicious gluten and sugar-free dishes. Or, for an ethical gift, head to the bhuti shop which stocks local producers including ILU, No Balls, Salt Yoga, and wanderlust jewellery. What better way to start the New Year?

BHUTI

50 Hill Rise, Richmond TW10 bhuti.co

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

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SS18 Alexander Wang Beauty

HEALTH & BEAUTY • PRODUCTS EDITOR’S PICK

LA ROCHE-POSAY Effaclar Duo, £16; lookfantastic.com

SISTER & CO Bamboo Charcoal Deep Cleanse Detoxifying Soap Bar, £13; selfridges.com

ESTÉE LAUDER

VICHY

DayWear Multi-Protection Moisture Creme, £44; esteelauder.co.uk

3-in-1 Scrub, Cleanser & Mask vichy.co.uk

SKINCEUTICALS Blemish + Age Solution, £34.65; skinceuticals.co.uk

OLAY Blemish Control Cleanser, £2.99; feelunique.com

SPOT CHECK

LA PRAIRIE Cellular Refining Lotion, £77; laprairie.co.uk

TROPIC SKINCARE Clear Skin BlemishFighting Mask, £16; tropicskincare.com

The best blemish busters for stressed city dwellers

JURLIQUE Blemish Cream, £20; jurlique.co.uk

MANUKA DOCTOR ApiClear Purifying Face Mask, £24.99; manukadoctor.co.uk

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

MURAD SKINCEUTICALS Blemish + Age Defense, £82.95; skinceuticals.co.uk

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Blemish Clearing Solution, £32; murad.co.uk

THE ORDINARY Salicylic Acid 2% Solution, £3.90; theordinary.com

LANCER The Method: Cleanse Blemish Control, £48; spacenk.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

BREAST AUGMENTATION BREAST REDUCTION MASTOPEXY/BREAST LIFT

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HELATH & BEAUTY • SCENT

PERFUME

Scents of

SEDUCTION Harness the power of perfume this Valentine’s Day B y M I C H A E L D O N OVA N

A

lchemy, sorcery, call it what you will but scent in the hands of a Master Perfumer has the power to transport through time and space. It is my belief that sensual fragrances are the most magical of all, and Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to discover something truly bewitching.

The scents of seduction date back to Cleopatra, who filled her ship with rose petals when she went to meet Mark Anthony. While this is a provocative gesture, the modern equivalent would involve beflowering a Toyota Prius, which doesn’t quite have the same impact. So I would like to introduce you to a much more practical coterie of perfumes guaranteed to get pulses racing.

For GEN TL EWOMEN was in Paris last week to meet with the owner and nose of Histoires de Parfums, Gerald Ghislain, at his perfumery in the Marais district. The name translates as ‘Stories of Perfume’ and this library of scent celebrates famous characters or moments from French history. The best-selling scent ‘1889’ is inspired by the Moulin Rouge of La Belle Epoque. The cabaret was a jewel of Parisian nightlife and this fragrance captures the edgy glamour of the moment. Spiced cinnamon blends with sugared prune before descending into the green fairy, absinthe, the favoured tipple of the French poets. Damascus rose fills out the heart, the scent of red lipstick, and blends into the swirl of iris petticoats and a base of patchouli, musk and fur. ‘French Can Can’ by Caron was created by one of the greatest ‘noses’ of all time, Ernest Daltroff, and pays tribute to the

I

~

“The scents of seduction date back to Cleopatra”

~

hypnotic qualities of the legendary dance with lilac, jasmine and rose beneath a mist of orange blossom.

Despite its suggestive title, Linari’s ‘Porto di Del Cielo’ (Gate Of Heaven) is a flirtatious fragrance with an opening of freesia petals and raspberry, a warm heart of cashmere wood with lily of the valley and smouldering base of tonka, vanilla and labdanum. At 4160 Tuesdays, Sarah McCartney’s ‘The Sexiest Scent On The Planet Ever’ is a juniper-infused elixir that uses the legendary molecule Iso E Super, said to mimic the human pheromone.

Apply with caution.

For GE NT L E M E N asculine fragrances can be equally seductive and the objective here is ‘balance’ - the fragrance must be slightly animalic but with elegance, so the olfactory parcel is sexy but effortless. ‘The Mechanic’ from St Giles is the scent of the mechanic’s pit; car seat leather, fuel, and hot rubber. It is magnificently physical - a dark, panther of a fragrance. Something less hirsute but no less magnetic is ‘Grey Labdanum’ by Abel, a 100% natural fragrance that uses one of my favourite smokey notes, a resin extracted from the rock rose. Across this sizzling base sit patchouli and incense and at the top an athletic combination of grapefruit and bitter orange. It is worldly and virile.

Salacious scents are the very best choice, and not just for Valentine’s Day!

M

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22/01/2018 15:47

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22/01/2018 18:11

HEALTH & BEAUTY • ACTIVE

FITNESS NOTES

Take a Spin

Seriously good cycling in London BOOM CYCLE

● With the lights low and a worldclass sound system, riders at Boom Cycle get the ultimate ‘party on a bike’ experience. The brand has recently opened its fourth studio in Monument, offering its signature moves and badass tunes. boomcycle.co.uk

PSYCLE LONDON

● Psycle sets the spin bar high with its inspirational instructors and specially curated soundtracks. This full body workout takes you through climbs, sprints, jogs and HITT, to give you the best cardio workout possible.

SPINNOFF LONDON

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Long known to reduce fat and drop the pounds, spinning is having a resurgence

ONE 10

● Fast-paced and addictive, the Paceline class at One 10 promises to maximise your performance and promotes a metabolic surge. A HITT sequence is designed to give you your best fitness results yet. one-10.com

ANOTHER_SPACE

I

’m in Hampstead to try out SpinnOff London, a hidden gem which delivers more than just the undeniably fun, dance club atmosphere found at London’s myriad cycle classes. The 1/2 Spinn, 1/2 Core workout begins with half an hour on the Spinn bike; an intense cardio burst to really get the blood pumping. SpinnOff promises a long and lean figure which is conducive of having the

correct posture and position on the bike. I am instructed to keep heels down, wrists light and core strong. Eileen takes the class and is motivational throughout, without being too intense. Upbeat music and her continuous encouragement make the half hour pass by quickly.

When sufficiently sweaty, the class drops to the mat for 25 minutes of strengthening and sculpting floorwork. Mairead

leads this section which involves a range of exercises from planks and crunches, to glute-sculpting pulses and pilates-style sequences. They really don’t miss a muscle. What’s evident from this class is that there is a fierce focus on technique at SpinnOff, which undoubtedly leads to maximum results. As the highest ranking class on Classpass, SpinnOff is welcoming of all levels of fitness and appears to have built up a strong community of friendly regulars. It’s definitely one of the best full-body classes I’ve done in a while and a must for those looking to shake-up their sweat session this year.

S P I N N O F F LO N D O N 17 Rosement Road, NW3; spinnofflondon.com

E C O - F R I E N D LY F I T N E S S

Our top picks of ethically-conscious activewear and accessories

● This class has been specifically designed to strengthen the core and tone the whole body whilst burning maximum calories. anotherspace.london

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

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Celebrate at A Cena on Wednesday 14 February, from 6pm

£55 for 3 courses · BOOKING ESSENTIAL (BY PHONE ONLY) 020 8288 0108 A Cena · 418 Richmond Road, TW1 2EB · just over Richmond Bridge

acena.co.uk

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FIN D US ON SOCIAL ME DIA

22/01/2018 22/01/2018 10:32 10:08

FOOD & DRINK

LOBSTER FOR TWO

HIGH ROAD BRASSERIE High Road Brasserie is the perfect spot for an intimate dinner, with its romantic terrace and interiors. Share the native lobster to start and the chocolate fondant for a decadent dessert.

162 Chiswick High Road, W4 highroadbrasserie.co.uk

Wines of the month 58 • The best artisan chocolate 59 • Food Review: Charlotte’s Bistro 58 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 February

By MIRIAM CAREY

By BERRY BROS. & RUDD

2013 Berry Bros. & Rudd Barolo by Giovanni Rosso, Piedmont £28.50 This Barolo offers classic Nebbiolo character. The fine yet densely packed tannins are enveloped in scented cherry and cranberry fruit, with florals that hint at dried violets. It will benefit from being decanted.

2016 Berry Bros. & Rudd Reserve Red by Collovray & Terrier £8.75 Fruits of the 2016 vintage, which was so much kinder in the South of France than elsewhere. Our blend this year marries plots of Merlot from varying altitudes, with uplifting Syrah and Grenache. Finely crafted, and reassuringly gregarious.

Prosecco di Valdobbiadene, Trevisiol L. e Figli, Italy £15.50 The Valdobbiadene region is regarded as one of the best sources of Prosecco grapes, coming from vineyards 300 metres above sea-level. Here, the Glera grape is blended with 15 percent Chardonnay by father-and-son team Eduardo and Paolo Trevisiol.

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

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Neighbourhood Bar N O. 1 9 7 C H I SW I C K F I R E STAT I O N

Open from Monday through to Sunday, from morning coffee to night cap, no. 197 Chiswick Fire Station is a unique and stylish setting for a relaxed meal and drinks. The venue is part of Darwin & Wallace, a collection of neighborhood bars, who have had a three star sustainability rating since opening.

197-199 Chiswick High Road, W4 no197chiswickfirestation.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK• NOTES Our pick of the best

ARTISAN CHOCOLATES

PIERRE MARCOLINI LOVE FOLLIES

ALL NATURAL T H E W I L LOW

In February The Willow is holding a Valentine's Day charity event in aid of Love Kingston, the Mayor of Kingston's official charity. The Willow is a unique restaurant serving delicious, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, paleo, and refined sugar-free food. The bar also offers gluten-free beers and organic, biodynamic wines.

16 The Triangle, KT1 yourwillow.co.uk

The Valentine’s Day collection from Pierre Marcolini has six colourful flavour varieties that taste delicious and look delightful. Packed full of exotic ingredients from Moroccan pink peppercorn, Iranian pistachio, and Sichuan pepper, to Tahitian vanilla and Sicilian lemon, these beauties are guaranteed to pique the interest of those who receive them. marcolini.com

Raw Halo artisan chocolate is the ideal treat for the vegan loved one in your life. The bars are made of rich Peruvian cacao, are raw, organic, and free from lactose, wheat, and refined sugar. They come in 12 delicious flavours and the beautiful rose gold packaging make them perfect gifts. rawhalo.com

PETERSHAM NURSERIES CAFE

In February Petersham Nurseries is holding a number of exciting events. The Valentine’s Day chocolate and wine tasting, including six spectacular wines, is not to be missed. Petersham Nurseries is a charming restaurant set within a plant filled glasshouse.

Church Lane, Petersham Road, TW10

petershamnurseries.com

Charlotte’s Bistro Creative cocktails and fine French cooking

RAW HALO GIFT SET

DECADENT DATE NIGHT

A B S O LU T E LY e a t s o u t

FORTNUM & MASON HEART BOXES

Show the size of your love this February with Fortnum & Mason’s most generous selection of chocolates yet. Beneath the lid of the 1kg heart chocolate box is a double layer of indulgence, including old Fortnum's classics and exciting new creations. fortnumandmason.com

COCO CHOCOLATIER GIFT BOX

The Edinburgh chocolatiers have created milk and dark chocolate in flavours such as lavender, artisan espresso, and gold, frankincense and myrrh. They show love to the arts community by coming wrapped in artworks from artists around the UK. Buy all the different flavours and stack them in a gift box. cocochocolatier.com

C

B y MIRIAM CAREY

harlotte’s Bistro is a much-loved restaurant near Turnham Green station. It is part of Charlotte’s Group, which also includes Charlotte’s Place in Ealing Common and Charlotte’s W5 in Ealing. Since opening in 2010, Charlotte’s Bistro has twice been awarded Best Loved Local by Time Out and I have always been keen to find out why.

The cocktail bar is a key element of the bistro and strives to provide customers the same variety and seasonality in their drinks as they have in their food. We order a Bloody Mary to start and the waiter's consideration in asking what level of spiciness we would like, is a hint towards the thought that goes into making each drink. They macerate the cucumber, celery, green olives, cherry tomatoes, rosemary, garlic, sea salt, ground black pepper with tabasco and Worcestershire sauce for the Bloody Marys weeks in advance.

The set lunch menu is a reasonable £29.50 for three courses and has some great options to choose from. The beef tartare with truffle and toast, is nicely seasoned, and one of the nicest I have ever had. The mushroom risotto, topped with truffle and hazelnut, has an amazing earthy flavour. The pan-fried sea bass is delicate and flaky, with a lovely crisp skin, and served with crushed new potatoes, samphire, and mussels. The chicken breast is flavoursome and tender, and served in an excellent lardon velouté.

Do not leave Charlotte's Bistro without trying the house limoncello. Head bartender Tom infuses lemon peels in vodka for seven days, before adding sugar and water, and filtering through ground juniper berries. This drink is truly exceptional, and Tom (who is only 24) has a real talent for mixology and hand-picking and infusing his own gins.

CHARLOTTE’S BISTRO 6 Turnham Green Terrace, W4

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

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Avocado Salad with Wasabi, Wakame & Spring Onions Serves 4 • Preparation time 20 minutes

A

vocado is not a traditional Japanese ingredient, though we do associate it with Japanese cuisine due to the brilliant Japanese fusion food that comes out of California.

Avocado just works so well with Japanese flavours. This salad also includes wasabi, which is Japanese horseradish, for those of you still living in the Dark Ages, and wakame, which is dried and then rehydrated seaweed. This healthy salad is delicious on its own and is also great served alongside teriyaki or miso fish.

INGREDIENTS 25g dried wakame seaweed 4 ripe but firm avocados 10 pink radishes, very thinly sliced 6 spring onions, finely chopped 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds, toasted 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds, toasted

SPICE of LIFE

Gizzi Erskine encourages us to experiment with new textures and flavours

E

very week, when I open up a newspaper or women’s magazine there’s a new bit of health information that puts a spanner in the works of what I had previously thought was the right way to be healthy. So here is my ethos, how I feel about food trends and what we can learn from them.

Firstly, I believe that having a better understanding of nutrition

60

is not just about making your body healthier, it can also make you a better cook. The more I learn about different ingredients or come across a new cooking technique, vegetable or cut of meat, the more inspired I tend to be. It’s good to love food in all its guises and sometimes your body needs to be fed what it's craving.

The chapters of this book are divided into textures and flavours.

For me, those textures and flavours often reflect my mood. For example, if I crave something braised or oozy it may mean that I’m after something rib-sticking and comforting but if I want crunch or crispness then I probably feel the need for something clean and fresh. Sometimes I want fiery food, so we have a chapter for spice, and other times I just need something sweet, and there’s a chapter for that too.

Ultimately, I want people who are reading this book to try new things and push themselves into new areas of food, be it going to your local Asian supermarket or having a go at cooking with a new ingredient or gadget. I just hope people are inspired to cook fresh food using good ingredients.

Fo r t h e d r e s s i n g 3 teaspoons wasabi paste (use the best you can find) 4 tablespoons rice wine vinegar 4 tablespoons light olive oil 2 tablespoons sesame oil sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper Place the wakame in a heatproof bowl and cover with boiling water. Leave to soak for 15 minutes. The wakame will rehydrate and grow in size, so cover with plenty of water to allow for this. It’s ready when it has doubled in size and you can bite through it but it still has chew. Drain, and then rinse under cold running water to cool.

Alternatively, you can cool the wakame in a bowl of iced water. Drain again and gently pat dry with kitchen paper.

To make the dressing, place the wasabi, vinegar, oils and some seasoning in a bowl and whisk together until it has fully emulsified into a thickish sauce.

Cut the avocados in half, slice, and place on a platter. Once you’ve done this, gently press the top of the avocados to fan out the slices a little. Top with the dressing, then the wakame, then the radishes, then the spring onions and finally sprinkle over the sesame seeds. Serve straightaway.

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

I’ve served the stew with something completely odd – Vietnamese banh cuon rice wrappers, which I’ve used like big, fat, wide noodles. If you can’t find them, any Vietnamese rice noodle will do or you can even use rice, which is wicked to soak up the stew.

INGREDIENTS 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 lemon grass stick, very thinly sliced 4–5 thin slices of fresh root ginger 3–4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 350g baby plum tomatoes, halved 400ml fresh White Chicken Stock (you can buy this or make your own) 2 tablespoons lime juice 2–3 tablespoons fish sauce 5–7 kaffir lime leaves, thinly sliced 12 raw tiger prawns, peeled, deveined and cut quite deeply Down the back 1 sea bream, filleted and each fillet cut into 4 lengthways 1 squid, gutted, slashed and cut into bitesized pieces sea salt flakes a good handful of Thai holy basil Crispy Shallots to garnish coriander leaves, to garnish banh cuon rice wrappers or rice noodles or rice, to serve

Fo r t h e p a s te

Tom Yum Goong (Hot & Sour Fish Stew)

Serves 4 • Preparation Time 25 minutes • Cooking Time 15 minutes

I

bloody love tom yum goong, the hot and sour prawn soup from Thailand. There’s also a similar dish from Cambodia called solmar machoor, which is a soupy fish stew that is as fiery as it is sour – this is my take on them both.

All the legwork for this stew is in the paste and in cooking down the tomatoes, so it’s really important that you take your time and do this slowly to encourage the natural sweetness you want from the dish.

3 shallots 3 lemon grass sticks, bashed and root removed 4cm piece of galangal (or fresh root ginger) 5 kaffir lime leaves, thinly sliced 6 Thai bird’s eye chillies 1 teaspoon Thai roasted chilli paste or hot chilli powder ½ teaspoon dried shrimp paste 1 teaspoon palm or brown sugar 5 coriander roots To make the paste, pound together all the ingredients to form a smoothish paste. I prefer to do this using a pestle and mortar, but this can be time-consuming so blitz the ingredients in a food processor or blender if you’re in a rush.

Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Fry the lemon grass, ginger and garlic for 2 minutes. This is a little unconventional but it will give the stew a deeper, more caramelized flavour. Add 3 tablespoons of the prepared paste and fry for 1 minute, then add the tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes, or until they start to melt.

Pour over the stock, lime juice, fish sauce, kaffir lime leaves and cook for 5 minutes. Add the prawns, fish and squid, season with salt and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the seafood is just cooked and the prawns are pink. Stir through the holy basil and garnish with Crispy Shallots and coriander leaves. Serve the stew with flat rice wrappers, rice noodles or rice.

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

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18/09/2017 16:14

FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES Rinse the garbanzo beans thoroughly and place in a large pan and cover generously with cold water. Cover with a lid and bring to the boil for 25 minutes, or until the outsides feel cooked. Preheat the oven to 200°C. I like to cook my stew in stages and fry everything separately in a frying pan, but by all means, brown everything off straightaway in the casserole.

Heat the oil in a frying pan. Season the chicken pieces with salt, then add them to the frying pan, skin-side down, in batches and brown them thoroughly. Once the chicken pieces are browned, remove them from the frying pan with some tongs and set aside on a plate. Brown the chorizo all over in the same frying pan, then remove and set aside.

Next, lay the garlic bulb halves in the frying pan, cut-side down, for a minute, until golden, then remove and set aside.

Now you need to pour away the excess fat from the frying pan until you are left with about 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the onions and fry them slowly for about 10–12 minutes, until they have softened, then transfer to a casserole. Pour over the sherry, sherry vinegar and stock, add the saffron, bay leaves, rosemary, thyme and half the parsley and bring to the boil. Add the chicken, chorizo, garlic and beans to the casserole. Top up with more stock to ensure the chicken is immersed, Pop the lid on the casserole and place in the oven for 15 minutes. Turn the oven down to 180°C/Gas Mark 4 and cook for a further 45 minutes.

Spanish Chicken Stew with Chorizo, Sherry & Garbanzo Beans 200g dried garbanzo beans (chickpeas), soaked for 12 hours 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 large free-range chicken, skinned and jointed into 10 pieces 240g raw cooking chorizo sausages 1 bulb of garlic, cut in half horizontally 2 onions, finely chopped 350ml dry sherry 1 teaspoon sherry vinegar 1 litre fresh White Chicken Stock a generous pinch of saffron 2 bay leaves 1 rosemary sprig a few thyme sprigs, leaves picked a small bunch of flat leaf parsley, chopped grated rind of ½ lemon sea salt flakes and black pepper

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

INGREDIENTS

GIZZI’S HEALTHY APPETITE

S

herry has a bad reputation, doesn’t it? It still conjures up thoughts of old ladies at Christmas but in Spain, where sherry originates, it’s a whole different ball game and sherries are prized as some of the greatest wines in the world. Sherry is not only delicious to drink, it’s also terrific to cook with. Together, sherry, chicken, chorizo and garbanzo beans (the most wonderful Spanish chickpeas, to you and me) make this one damn sexy dish. Stews are best made the day before you need them and it’s particularly worth doing so when cooking a stew with beans because it balances out the seasoning and homogenizes.

by Gizzi Erskine is published by Mitchell Beazley, £15 (www.octopusbooks.co.uk) Paperback out now

Serves 4 • Preparation times 30 minutes, plus soaking • Cooking time 2 hours

Now, this is where it gets complicated.

Remove the casserole from the oven and carefully remove the chicken breast pieces and set aside, leaving the chorizo and chicken thighs and leg meat in the casserole. There will still be a fair amount of liquid in the casserole and the beans will not be fully cooked yet, so pop the casserole on the hob, with the lid off, and cook over a lowish heat for another 15–20 minutes to reduce the sauce, making it taste nice and strong, and until the beans are cooked fully when they are completely tender. Don’t worry about the chicken thighs and leg meat as they are hard to overcook. Once you’re happy with the flavour and thickness of the stew and the beans are cooked through, return the chicken breast pieces to the casserole.

Remove from the heat, stir in the remaining parsley and the lemon rind and season to taste. Pop the lid on and leave the stew to rest for 10 minutes. Remove the chorizo from the casserole and slice each sausage into about 10 pieces. Pop the slices back in the casserole and stir through.

Spoon a couple of pieces of chicken, some chorizo, beans and sauce on to each plate and serve with a fresh green salad.

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

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22/01/2018 10:40

FOOD & DRINK • REVIEW

ABSOLUTELY eats out…

“Warm white chocolate sauce cracks the temper”

Pictures An indulgent Valentine’s Day feast for foodies B y C L A R A VA N D U I V E N B O D E

E

scape for a romantic feast this Valentine’s Day at Pictures restaurant, hidden

inside the renowned Dorsett Hotel.

Located in Shepherd’s Bush, the restaurant oozes charm and sophistication from it’s contemporary brasserie design and tantalising menu.

Head Chef, Nitin Padwal’s decadent menu has something to suit every taste. To start, I indulged in pan-fried mackerel

FOOD Contemporary European brasserie style cooking

DECOR Set within the grand and sophisticated Dorsett Hotel

fillet with raisin purée, fennel salad and orange dressing. The fish was golden and cooked beautifully. The raisin purée provided a lovely base, while the introduction of orange zest brought the dish together.

If mackerel isn’t to your tastes, choose the caramelised figs or beef carpaccio.

The main courses brought another level of tastes and flavours, with Irish beef fillet served with foie gras, confit oxtail, roasted root vegetables, baby watercress and red wine jus. The foie gras

PRICE £35 for the three course Valentine's set menu

VERDICT Indulgent and delicious food for a special occasion

and confit oxtail are melt-in-yourmouth, while the jus and potato puree provide a perfect bed to compliment the pink beef fillet. If this choice doesn't catch your eye, the menu also offers a beautiful Dover sole fillet and eggs Benedict with truffle hollandaise sauce.

By now, I am eagerly awaiting the Valentine’s dessert, the chocolate avalanche. The plate arrives to reveal a picturesque chocolate dome with a sprinkling of chocolate around the ring. The waiter pours a saucer of warm white chocolate sauce over the top, which cracks the temper to reveal smooth vanilla ice cream and fresh berry chunks. I couldn’t help but scoop up every bit. Alternatively, there is a decadent champagne and raspberry posset served with shortbread, or strawberries with dark and white chocolate dipping sauce for two to share.

Just when you think you can’t fit anything else in, the team provide a much needed tea and coffee service, complete with petit fours, to round up the affair. After a magical afternoon, I’ll certainly be back for more of Pictures tantalising creations. ● PICTURES 58 Shepherds Bush Green, W4 dorsetthotels.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTERIORS

COLOUR WAYS RUBELLI

Rubelli’s 2018 collection features vibrant colours spanning lime, aquamarine, dusky pink and Tiffany blue as well as an oxidised bronze and the return of red. rubelli.com

Interiors Notes 68 • In the kitchen with Rosie Birkett

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INTERIORS NOTES

Ideas, designs and styles for your home

By PENDLE HARTE

Surface area OLIVIA ASPINALL

In collaboration with Ornamental Grace, Olivia Aspinall has created a series of handmade Jesmonite vessels in her distinctive patterned surfaces. Her surfaces make stylish and practical worktops and tabletops too. olivia-aspinall.com.

SHELF LIFE STRING

The String system can offer a stylish kitchen solution with its simple and flexible versatility that suits traditional as well as contemporary kitchens.

Pictured is the String system in oak with white wall and floor panels, from ÂŁ42. skandium.com

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INTERIORS • NOTES O

GA

D

ITE

TS E G

F AV UR

OR

BARISTA TOUCH Sage, £999.95 johnlewis.com

ART OF GLASS TOM DIXON

ELECTRIC KETTLE Michael Graves for Alessi, £159.95 alessi.com

BASKET CASE

Deliccately handmade with pink and grey tones, this Bump glass teapot by Tom Dixon has a range of stylish accessories to match. £100 tomdixon.net

ARCHITECT TOASTER Toaster £89; Kit Miles panels £24.95 dualit.com

LA BASKETRY

La Basketry was founded to share a traditional Senegalese craft with the world and generate regular employment for their weavers.

They bringing colour and individuality to contemporary houses while creating a sustainable life for their artisans.

HAND BLENDER Smeg, £119.95 johnlewis.com

labasketry.com

EDITOR’S PICK

PEANUT BUTTER MAKER Simple and healthy. £44.95 cuckooland.com

SMARTER WIFI COFFEE MAKER Control it with your phone. £179.95 cuckooland.com

WHITE OUT STELTON

Stelton's iconic and everpractical vacuum jug was designed by Erik Magnussen and is celebrating 40 years in production with a range of new metallic colours.

We're fans of the classic white, however. stelton.com

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

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A cook’s

TABLE Food writer and stylist Rosie Birkett shows us around her London kitchen B y E L L I E S T E WA R T F O R H A B I TAT

Q Tell us a bit about yourself. Can you summarise what you do for a living?

A All things food. I’m a food writer, cookbook author, food stylist and cook.

Q Is this your dream job?

A Pretty much yes. Of course all jobs have their off days but I feel incredibly lucky to do something I’m so consumed by. The beauty of my job is that it’s incredibly creative and I do so many different things, so no day is the same, but each day invariably involves some good food and drink.

Q What inspires you to do what you do?

A Growing up, it was all about food and cooking. My family are a greedy bunch and we always came together over my mother’s delicious home cooked food. I think this, and the fact I was so aware of us growing our own veg, keeping chickens and fishing etc has had a big influence on my love of food.

Q What exciting projects have you been working on lately?

A I’ve been doing lots of events and pop up dinners, including a collaboration with the fab cinema supper club, Kino Vino, during which we screened an old Ealing Studios film called It always rains on Sunday set in and around east London; the second was a charity banquet organised by Bristol chef Romy Gill for Action Against Hunger with a load of other female chefs and food writers.

We had to serve eight courses to 112 in a hall in Borough Market we weren’t cooking in, so it was very challenging but great fun and we raised over 10k which was amazing.

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Q How would you describe your interior style?

A Whimsical, eclectic and natural. I love collecting beautiful objects and handmade treasures such as ceramics, vintage furniture and art. Also, you’ll notice I’m a sucker for a house plant. We don’t have a garden so I definitely like to bring the outdoors in.

Q You must spend a lot of time in the kitchen. What’s your favourite thing about it?

A I spend at least four days a week in the kitchen. What drew me to our house is that the kitchen is pretty much the whole of the downstairs. It’s open plan and flooded by natural light by a glass ceiling, so I’m really happy cooking here. There are plenty of units for storage and I love being able to display my props on top of the cupboards.

I’m very proud of the marble tiling and hexagonal tiles behind the sink, as well as the second hand stainless steel catering cupboard which is an island and storage solution in one.

Q What would you change about your kitchen space?

A I would love a big range cooker.

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INTERIORS • FOCUS

“What drew me to our house is that the kitchen is pretty much the whole of the downstairs”

Q Where do you find interior inspiration?

A Elle Decor, Remodelista and interior design books. Instagram too of course, including Habitat’s.

Q Which instagram accounts would you recommend for interior inspiration?

A As above. Apartmenttherapy and Jungalow too.

Q What’s your favourite interior trend at the moment?

A I love the pink trend. I’ve never been a girly girl or that into pink but recently something has changed and I can’t get enough of little hints of pink, particularly when it’s dusky, faded, pastel or stone washed.

Q Which habitat products do you love and why?

A I adore my new pink stonewashed bedspread which sits atop our gorgeous new wooden bed, both from Habitat. Having a wooden bed is a real statement and brings so much character to an otherwise simple room. The grain of the wood on the bed is beautiful. I really love the gorgeous green marble of the coffee table too. Watch out for many Instagram food shots featuring 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.

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INTERIORS • FOCUS

this. Also the marble lamp is just dreamy – bringing a hint of luxury to the spare room.

Q What’s your favourite thing about your home?

The light and sense of space. Floor-to-ceiling windows and our double-height glass ceiling make it a really light, airy space.

Q What was your last interiors project and purchase?

A Doing up our spare room and putting in some shelves for my huge library of cookbooks.

Q How have you made this house your home?

A By filling it with our most-loved objects and people. We are always hosting dinners and drinks at ours and we’re such home bodies.

Q Tell us about your most treasured possessions?

A The rug in the spare room was brought in Argentina. I was really broke at the time and really agonised over whether to buy it but I’m so glad i did, it makes me so happy.

Our vintage Ercol dining set was a total bargain from Ebay and I’m so thrilled we found it, even though we had to hire a van and drive to the middle of nowhere to this really posh lady’s country house, it was so worth it.

Q Where is the heart of your home?

A The kitchen of course.

Q If you could re-live one moment in this house what would it be? Tell us about your favourite memory.

A Our first Christmas party in the house was pretty epic. We got an 13ft Christmas tree, I made venison stew and there was a lot of prosecco and mulled wine. It was so brilliant to finally have our own space and be able to host our friends whose houses we’ve been partying in for years.

Q What would complete your home?

A I would love a wood fired log burner but unfortunately it’s not possible in this house.

Q Tell us something interesting about yourself or your home that not many people know.

A Cyril our dog calls the shots. Seriously, he thinks the sofa, our bed and the spare room bed all belong to him.

Q Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

A My late dad, I would love to cook for him and catch him up on the last 12 years.

“I’ve never been a girly girl but recently I can’t get enough of pink”

H A B I TAT For more cool habitats visit habitat.co.uk/blog

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INTERIORS • FLOWERS

Flower POWER Cate St Hill’s arrangements for FlowerBe are fresh, stylish and simple

F

lowerBe have collaborated with Cate St Hill, a design and interiors writer and stylist who has a passion for light, Scandinavianinspired interiors.

Cate believes in an understated and minimal aesthetic as a background for everyday life, with natural, honest materials that appeal to the senses and improve over time.

On her dining room table, Cate prepared a ‘fika’ – a custom in Swedish culture with the basic meaning “to have coffee”, often accompanied with pastries, cookies or pie. She created a natural, woodland-inspired scene, with lots of different sized vessels forming a relaxed, informal centrepiece along

the table. Vases of various heights and textures create layers, and give a sense of depth. Candlelight provides a soft glow in the darker days, while each person’s place setting is made a little bit special with a decorative dish of ranunculus.

Cate said: “My dining table arrangement is all about appealing to the senses and feeding the soul, with fragrant smells from the narcissus and eucalyptus, freshly baked cinnamon buns and warming cups of coffee.”

Cate also created a beautiful living flower installation using individual stems FlowerBe’s Tall Selection, arranging these within simple picture frames. Within each frame she chose lemoncoloured Aztec Lillies, pale lime Eustoma and soft pink Hypericum berry, which together form an art piece positioned on a minimal white shelf.

Cate said: “I used simple picture frames to create a colourful shelf display with single stems and branches. You could also press

“Simple flower arrangements can lift the spirits”

B y P E A R L B OY D

flowers and use dried stems to last through to spring. Letting the stems extend outside the frame creates a wilder arrangement and a beautiful focal point in the room.”

Cate’s ethos is sharing simple design that lifts the spirits each day. The simple everyday means seeking a moment of calm amid our busy lives – to slow down and appreciate the little things. Cate has shown how simple flower arrangements can lift the spirits and create a clean, fresh interior.

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

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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.

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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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• MOODBOARD • NOTES INTERIORS FASHION

My Style JA N E T T E R E I D

The owner of online interiors boutique Eclect shares her inspirations e clectdesign.com

YOUR FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION I’m not sure I would call it a holiday, but I once went horse trekking in Mongolia.

It was as painful as it was memorable, but it was a profound experience I feel very privileged to have had.

YOUR STYLE ICON

I spend most of my time in jeans and plain tops, though when its time to dress up I enjoy wearing quite bold, colourful patterns.

Who would my style icon be?

YOUR FAVOURITE DESIGNER Lucienne Day. She brought fresh, optimistic designs to the living rooms of post-war Britain. Her lively, patterns continue to be an influence.

YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE FROM THE SHOP’S CURRENT COLLECTION I have a soft spot for the Russel Wright American Modern collection. It combines a sophisticated Midcentury design with a comic quality.

YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE OF ART Anything by Charley Harper, the American modernist artist.

He had such an original way of converting the complexity of what he saw into a distilled style he called “minimal realism”. His illustrations of birds are perhaps the most recognisable.

YOUR FAVOURITE BUILDING I have often walked my Westie in Crystal Palace Park and stared at the ground where the magnificent palace once stood. I imagine how exciting it would have been to walk amongst the crowds at one of its exhibitions.

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

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23/11/2017 17:17

KIDS & EDUCATION

STREET STYLE STELLA MCCARTNEY

The collection captures the energy and essence of childhood while remaining effortlessly cool and stylish - a testament to her understanding of fashion and its ever-changing demands. stellamccartney.com

Small Talk: World Book Day, French fashion and stylish toy storage 81 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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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 Thurs 8th February at 9:15am9.30am) November 1st/7th (9.30am/ Thurs 8th March at 9:15am

st November 15th/21 (7.00pm/ 9.30am) Wed 21st March at 9:15am

Wed 2nd May November 29atth 9:15am (9.30am) Mon 25th June at 9:15am Fri 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

09/01/2018 16:21

KIDS & EDUCATION • NOTES

F O CU S

French chic B O N TO N

Cool but classic; understated but bold; classy but contemporary; French brand Bonton’s collection of contradictions is the only thing to wear as this winter continues. bonton.fr

READ IT Wo r l d B o o k D a y

SMALL TALK French fashion, World Book Day and some stylish toy storage

EDITOR’S PICK

HOUSE STYLE ROCK AND PEBBLE

Make tidying up easier (and more fun) with this ‘safe house’ for toys – an organic canvas storage bag complete with ladder and key-shaped charm. £59;

thismodernlife.co.uk

THINK TANK

PRINT ISSUE

MIND HUG Children's Mental Health Week starts on 6 February and this sweet storybook is all about introducing mindfulness from an early age in a child-friendly way, focusing on moods and feelings. Part of every book sale goes towards Place2Be's work in schools. £9.99 circus-house.com

W

orld Book Day returns on 1 March with its mission to celebrate reading for pleasure and encourage children and young people to read and love books. A stellar line-up of authors, illustrators and events is planned across the country alongside a series of special new works that will cost just £1 or free in exchange for a £1 World Book Day book token. Bestselling children’s authors and illustrators for 2018 include broadcaster Clare Balding, musician Tom Fletcher, comedian Julian Clary and top illustrator David Roberts, sports journalist Gerard Siggins and further favorites Pamela Butchart, Andy Griffiths, Terry Denton and Kes Gray. The £1 World Book Day book tokens are available to all nursery and schoolchildren in the UK and Ireland. worldbookday.com

ALLAN AHLBERG

WORST BOOK EVER

My Worst Booke Ever is a clever story is about the making of a book and all the things that can go wrong. Allan's idea features a crocodile, but the publishers want a dinosaur and the illustrator's keen on a hippo... and further problems arrive at the printer. £10.95 thameshudson.co.uk

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

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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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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 Morning Open Mornings

9.15amWednesday Wednesday,7th 15th 9.15am FebNovember 9.15am 9.15amWednesday Wednesday,21st 17thMarch January 2018 9.15am Wednesday 9th May 9.15amWednesday Wednesday,13th 7th June February 2018 9.15am To register your attendance at one of our open mornings, To mornings, please phone 020 8948 8948 5999 5999or ormail mailsecretary@kgps.co.uk secretary@kgps.co.uk

Kew Green Preparatory School

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

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22/01/2018 18:05

EDUCATION • FOCUS

Making their mark The Early Years coordinator at Dallington School in Islington on the importance of encouraging young artists

By AMBIKA CURBISHLEY

T

he children I have taught over the years arrive having already had a range of different experiences when it comes to art. Some children immediately experiment and explore and think creatively when they are making or drawing, others do not want to get paint on their fingers, or say, 'I can’t do it!' As my teaching career continues, I have come to question how we as adults influence children’s attitudes to art and how we impact on children’s interest in this area. Often talking to parents gives an insight into

how their own experiences at school or their outlook on art has an impact on how they approach the subject with their children. I have heard people say, ‘It doesn’t look like anything, it’s a scribble.’

I then spend time explaining that that ‘scribble’ is where the child is at developmentally and that the child has just told a whole story whilst making those marks.

I also hear parents describe how they felt they were not very good at art at school and, therefore, they don’t know how to go about teaching their own children. So, did someone along the way dismiss attempts they had made as a child, squashing confidence?

“There is great value in allowing children to make choices and express themselves”

A YOUNG PUPIL AT DALLINGTON

There is great value in allowing children to express themselves, to make choices about the media they wish to use, to learn through the process of creating and to praise each child’s art work. Those early ‘scribbles’ and the freedom to make them, cannot be emphasised enough. If opportunities do not arise, does the child miss a stage of building up a repertoire of marks?

Can this gap then be filled at a later date? As early years educators we can do that to a degree but children also need those opportunities at home. Sometimes, people have asked me whether the reason a child does not draw or take part in art activities is because they are not interested. I then question why they might not be interested at the age of three!

Do they find it difficult or has an adult influenced their desire or opportunity to participate in art-based activities. So when a child shows an adult a drawing, we need to think about our responses, instead of, “What is it?” which for a child, that knows exactly what they have just drawn, is a little deflating “Can you tell me about it?” leads to a far more in-depth discussion.

You may be very surprised to find that those several lines across a page are a ladder that goes up to a fairy castle or that those circles that go round and round are the movement of a car. Let children create and make a mess, it can be cleaned up but a child’s confidence takes a lot longer to rebuild.

I am fascinated by the early marks that children make and the insight they give into different areas of development. For example, their language skills can be heard through their descriptions whilst drawing; their physical development observed by looking at their self awareness depicted in their figurative pictures or how they hold a paint brush; to their emotional development, where drawings can depict how a child is feeling. As long as I teach, I hope I will be able to place an importance on art in the early years and recognise all that it can lead to.

AMBIKA CURBISHLEY Early Years Coordinator Dallington School

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

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PIUPIA.CO.UK

F GOING GREEN Absolutely wonders how environmentally friendly it’s possible to be with kids

By H E L E N B O W M A N

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or a while now, I’ve been thinking about how to reduce my family’s environmental footprint.

Earlier this year, we almost moved to the country in search of a slower, more mindful pace of life – one that might encourage a closer connection with nature as well as the opportunity to consume less. For various reasons, the move didn’t happen, but a feeling that our family life was unnecessarily wasteful continued to grate. I’d always thought of myself as environmentally aware, but now I had two young daughters to think about: the future of the planet just got personal.

I know many parents feel the same. It’s difficult, when presented with the boxes of disposable nappies and wipes, the plastic tubs of creams and lotions, the dozens of travel pouches of baby food, the rapidly outgrown clothing and the small mountains of unloved toys, to feel that you’re not privileging transient experience and momentary convenience over the long-term health of the living world.

The truth is, people aren’t great for the planet. But that doesn’t mean we should blithely rationalise our impact away as a tragic inevitability. While mo’ people generally equals mo’ problems, we still need a functioning planet for our children to call home. A planet that can sustain life while inspiring wonder. So how to minimise our environmental impact in the here and now?

The first step, as I found out to my increased consternation, is to transform that vague, gnawing worry about ‘the environment’ into a more solid sense of precisely how negative your personal impact is. For example: I thought that most plastic was recyclable. My local council always instructed us (or so I thought) to use our recycling bin for ‘metal, plastic, glass and paper’ – and in my ignorance I didn’t think to unpick that.

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

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KIDS & EDUCATION • PARENTING It turns out that of the 3.4 million tonnes of plastic discarded in the UK each year, only 1.5 million tonnes are recyclable. And of that number, only 500,000 tonnes are actually recycled. This means, for example, that most of our food containers – pouches, plastic films, bottle tops and ‘mixed plastics’ – go directly into landfill. And guess what?

The recycling symbol – those circling arrows we all recognise, and in which I had always placed a stupidly blind faith – doesn’t mean ‘recyclable’ at all; it simply denotes that a manufacturer has made ‘a financial contribution’ towards the collection and recycling of packaging, usually in lieu of using recyclable materials for their own products.

One reason for this waste is that many of the recyclable plastics we use in our daily lives – baby food pouches being a particularly relevant example – are not recycled by most local councils. Happily for my family, Ella’s Kitchen, pouches can be recycled by specialist company Terracycle (terracycle.co.uk), which focuses on the recycling of hard-to-process waste: there’s a collection point close enough to my home that we’re able to store up our used pouches and do drop-offs every couple of months.

But what about everything else?

The best solution, of course, is to reduce the amount of harmful waste you produce from the outset. It’s a minefield out there, not to mention inconvenient – more so

ECO BY NATY CLEAN POTTY

ORGANIC CLOTHING BRAND PIUPIA BABY

ECOVER CLEANING RANGE

because plenty of the big brands seem happy to mislead or obfuscate rather than doing their bit. And of course, it’s even harder with little ones to look after – little ones who would rather you be continuously wiping their nose than Googling ways to go plastic-free. But what follows are some relatively simple ways I’ve found to do a little good. Because after all, it’s the world we’ll leave to our children.

Be wise to the effects of plastics

“The average baby can get through 6,500 nappies in two and-ahalf years ”

ECO BY NATY BIODEGRADABLE WET WIPES

E

veryone’s talking about this right now, in no small part due to the devastating effects plastic pollution is having on our oceans, as highlighted in the BBC's Blue Planet II. The truth is, there’s a fair bit you need to know if you’re to understand how plastic recycling works in the UK. Start with a quick glance at the various plastic recycling codes, which seem designed to obscure as much as they explain. A good resource can be found at lifewithoutplastic.com.

Use eco-friendly beauty and cleaning products

T

he beauty and sanitary industries are some of our worst environmental offenders; as a result, many of us look into

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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Readly offers the freedom to effortlessly glide between articles and features that consider every essential piece of advice and info needed for education in the independent sector.

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01/11/2017 12:35 22/01/2018 18:10

KIDS & EDUCATION • PARENTING chemical-free alternatives while pregnant. There are good aluminium-free deodorants on the market these days, as well as natural detergents and cleaning products that eschew harmful manmade chemicals. The Ecover range is famously gentle, and you won't have to fret when baby crawls all over your freshly mopped floor.

Rethink your brand loyalties

D

“Of the 3.4 million tonnes of plastic discarded in the uk each year, only 1.5 million are recyclable”

id you know that the UK’s leading nappy brand scores the lowest marks on almost every ethical standard, from animal testing and workers’ rights to environmental impact? It’s like buying nappies from Darth Vader.

PIUPIA.CO.UK The good news is, there are better alternatives. A growing number of parents are switching to reusable cloth nappies, but if that’s too extreme a step, try the biodegradable nappies made by Swedish company Naty (naty.com). They’re made from organic cotton and plant fibres which break down naturally when disposed of – important when you think that the average child can go through 6,500 nappies in two and a half years. That’s over 10 tonnes of waste you could save from permanently sitting in landfill. Just make sure you dispose of them in a biodegradable nappy sack.

The same logic applies to wet wipes, which have seen a huge rise in use over the last 5-10 years – as evidenced by the sheer number of them found clogging up our sewers and beaches. Most wet wipes contain

plastics and polyester and don’t break down.

But switching brand can help: Jackson Reece makes widely available biodegradable wet wipes from cellulose, a plant fibre. They disappear completely within eight days in a sewage treatment plant or six weeks in a compost heap, and are great for kids with eczema or sensitive skin. The fact that they’re made in Britain also means they leave a smaller carbon footprint.

Refuse and recycle excess packaging

W

hen it comes to food packaging, it can seem impossible to avoid plastics.

But, your impact can be improved by finding out if companies like Terracycle operate collection points in your area and taking tricksy packaging to them.

Besides which, it’s always worth sending an email to the Customer Service department of your supermarket of choice, to politely remind them that their customers are concerned about the volume of nonrecyclable materials used in their packaging.

Buy less, buy better

Y

ou can also help to save the environment (and some cash) by buying fewer toys and clothes – and making sure the ones you do buy are chosen with at least one eye on their ecological impact. Wooden toys generally look better than plastic ones anyway – check out Sarah and Bendrix and Garbo and Friends for inspiration. Environmentally, it can pay to shop small, with many independent brands placing an emphasis on sustainability. Support eco-conscious brands and you’ll be supporting the planet.

Everyone’s a winner.

Some more helpful resources: reyouzable.com • bulkmarket.uk hetu.co.uk

5 ECO-CONSCIOUS alternatives you’ll love

Takeaway Coffee

Body Scrub

Bath Toys

Bottles

Tablewear

KEEP CUP

S I ST E R & C O C O C O N U T O I L

H E V E A K AWA N N AT U R A L

PURA

M O L LY A N D M O O

That daily coffee you enjoy after the school run? Make sure it’s in a keep-cup. In the UK alone, we discard around 2.5 billion coffee cups every year – and only 1 in 400 is recycled. At uk.keepcup.com, you can design your own keep-cup to suit your tastes.

Microbeads in many exfoliants are actually tiny balls of plastic that find their way into our natural watercourses, killing wildlife and harming entire ecosystems. Avoid using coffee in your scrubs too as it blocks drains. Use natural coconut oil with brown sugar instead.

So many baby products are made of plastic when they could be made of natural materials. We love the Kawan duck by Hevea, as well as their full range of rubber teethers and pacifiers, available at meandbuddy.com.

There’s no need to stick with plastic for baby bottles and toddler training cups – check out the Pura collection including adult water bottles at kidly.com, made from stainless steel. Kidly is a great destination for natural and sustainable toys too.

Ditto dinnerware – several new manufacturers make eco-friendly bamboo sets. Bamboo is a great natural fibre that can be used to make all sorts of kitchenware and tupperware for children’s snacks.

We love this stylish star-print set from mollyandmoo.co.uk.

RUBBER DUCK

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

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Valentine’s Day Available from 9th to 18th February

3 COURSES £35 per person Dorsett Shepherds Bush. London

Book Now:

58 Shepherds Bush Green, London W12 8QE

T: +44 (0) 203 262 1026

W: www.dorsetthotels.com/london/shepherdsbush

E: reservations.shepherdsbush@dorsetthotels.com

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TRAVEL

HEADING NORTH GREECE

Unspoilt beauty, expansive beaches and an authentic dose of the region’s culture, this month we argue the case for a holiday in Northern Greece at one of the country’s swankiest resorts.

Discover the Unspoilt Beauty of Halkidiki 90 • UK Getaway: Coworth Park 95 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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THE RESORT BOASTS IMPRESSIVE VIEWS OVER THE AEGEAN SEA

“Look out from the French doors and see sun, sea and private pool blend seamlessly into a postcard image of utter perfection” 90

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

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TRAVEL • WANDERLUST

A Trident’s

TALE Discover what it truly means to be stress-free amidst the unspoilt beauty of Halkidiki

By H E L E N B R O W N

T

ell anyone of your holiday to Greece and they’ll immediately picture the pretty island harbours and tavernas of the south.

Where sun is aplenty and the vista one of gleaming white against sparkling azure. Make your way north however, and the pictureperfect views bloom with verdant greenery and Greece’s best-kept secret lies, unhassled by summer holiday-makers. Fabled for its heart-stopping beauty and boundless hospitality, Halkidiki is the trident of Greece; three unspoilt, forested fingers stretching out into the Aegean Sea. Our Greek odyssey brings us to Sithonia, the central peninsula with a backbone of mountains and pine forests. More rugged and less populated than the left prong, Kassandra, Sithonia has long been a favourite vacation destination for locals. Along the coast, sweeping beaches are interspersed by secret coves, and the east side offers commanding views of Mount Athos, the third peninsula. On Sithonia you’ll find gorgeous, sleepy towns, a wealth of charming treasures to unearth and our home-from-home for the week, Danai Beach Resort.

Easily reached from Thessaloniki, this luxurious hideaway is a haven of lush Mediterranean gardens and an expansive sandy beach. A family-run establishment, Danai offers a broad range of suites and villas, each

unique in style and boasting impressive views over the gardens or the ocean. Our two bedroom suite falls into the latter; here you can look out from the French doors and see sun, sea and private pool blend seamlessly into a postcard image of utter perfection. Fresh flowers, captivating wall art, Bose wi-fi music system, walk-in wardrobe and Bulgari bathroom products complete the scene.

With all sense of the nine-to-five forgotten, we head to the Sea Horse Grill. On offer here is authentic Greek flavour and the freshest of fish and seafood. There is an ancient concept of hospitality and guest-friendship in this country, known as Xenia, and from this first meal we truly get an understanding of it. Hungry from the morning travelling, we gorge at a table laden with sharing plates until we can eat no more, only to find it relaid with a second wave of larger dishes. A true Greek feast.

With bellies full and the sound of lapping waves tempting us into culinary-induced comas, we head to the beach. More than 300 meters long and absent of crowds, this is where London life is truly left behind.

Stretchers and daybeds are available to hire for all guests, but to really get into holiday mode, a beach cabana does wonders. With this comes a private section of beach, a sitting area and comfortable double bed. Hotel staff are on hand to wipe clean your sunnies, serve fresh fruit platters and pop the corks from Perrier Jouet.

Our beach lounging is interspersed with turns on the resort’s paddle boards, dips in the pool and a A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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TRAVEL • WANDERLUST EVERY SUITE AND VILLA IS INDIVIDUAL IN STYLE

fantastically indulgent facial. Danai’s prestigious spa is a real haven of tranquility, comprising multiple massage rooms, a nail spa and trilogy room with reflexology bed and a Cleopatra’s Bath with double bed for relaxation.

Dinner is another exciting affair with three restaurants to choose from and a traditional Bachtses Night. Put on once a week in an intimate outcrop of garden overlooking the sea, this is a spectacular evening steeped in Greek authenticity.

Live cooking, traditional dishes, locally produced drinks, music and dancing make this a night to remember. Our second evening is spent at the open-air Andromeda Restaurant, where modern Mediterranean fare is the order of the day. Sitting on the restaurant’s terrace, we tuck into strawberries with seafood, elegantly cooked lamb and a lemon meringue pie like no other, against a backdrop of splashing waves.

For something a little swankier, The Squirrel has a well-earned reputation for being one of the principle culinary addresses in the country. If Halkidiki is the trident of Greece, then Poseidon is certainly smiling on those who manage to get a table here. Or perhaps Dionysus of wine, parties and fruitfulness; the food here certainly tastes otherworldly.

The elaborate degustation menu offers a daring variety of Willy Wonka-esque plates, French and Mediterranean in flavour and expertly paired with wine

THE MAIN FOCUS OF THE SPA IS SET ON ORIENTAL HOLISTIC THERAPIES

of which hail from Greece and prove that the region’s reputation as a producer is on the rise. If it’s an apéritif you’re after, the Philosophy Seaside Bar prides itself on its creative drinks menu and incomparable setting. Located on the beach, an evening here is certainly appealing. The bar staff demonstrate impressive flair and the premium cocktail list attracts both guests and locals alike.

Providing your hangover isn’t too severe, a number of excursions from Danai are available to fully explore the peninsula of Halkidiki. By yacht or by speedboat is the ideal way to combine leisure with sightseeing, and to fully get a feel for the area.

One of the resort’s most popular routes will take you to the old city of Neos Marmaras. Departing from the hotel’s private beach, the tour follows the coastline of Nikiti, Ai Giannis, Kastro, Kalogria, Elia and Paradeisos beach, finally reaching Neos Marmaras. This is a must-see village with wild entertainment and plenty of romantic walks.

The route then passes by the impressive complex of Porto Carras - cocooned with vineyards and its picturesque harbour -

“Hotel staff are on hand to wipe clean your sunnies and pop the corks from Perrier Jouet”

from Danai’s on-site wine cellar. The restaurant won the FNL Award in 2016 as one of the best three restaurants in Greece, while the wine list came in at number one.

So what of this impressive purveyance of wine? Built deep into the side of the mountain in the heart of the resort, Danai’s private cellar boasts a lauded collection of around 1,700 wines, carefully collected over decades. Varieties range from the old to the new, and from producers SWEEPING PRIVATE TERRACES both local and farPROVIDE UNPARALLELED VIEWS reaching. Kitted out with antique furnishings and maintaining an old-world ambience, the wine cellar plays host to an incredibly awe-inspiring tasting session. Within this mystic and medieval candle-lit cave, Danai’s competent sommelier talks us through a cleverly curated selection of wines, many

before passing by the tortoise-shaped, deserted island of Kelyfos and the sandy beaches of Diaporos. Another must for culture vultures is a visit to Nikiti where a quaint church marks the highest point of the village and the seafront is a bustling jumble of authentic beach eateries. The village epitomises Halkidiki’s compelling blend of beach holiday with authentic Greek buzz, and proves there is more to the area than meets the eye.

Top up your tan, feast on local cuisine and luxuriate in a lifestyle where schedules are few and far between; Halkidiki is the hidden gem to have on your holiday radar this year.

DA N A I B E AC H R E S O R T & VILLAS Junior suites from £375 on a B&B basis, based on 2 people sharing +30 2375 020400 danairesort.com

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

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SUBSCRIBE TO OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER AT ABSOLUTELY. LONDON

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C

weekend

THE SPA

oworth’s awardwinning spa is an architectural wonder, partially submerged in the landscape and offering stunning views over the surrounding parkland.

Products include Aromatherapy Associates, Carol Joy and Kerstin Florian while a fully equipped Technogym overlooks the beautiful hillside. An hourand-a-half of full body deep tissue massage sends us into a state of deep relaxation.

THE HOTEL

C

ountry manors don’t come much more glamorous than Coworth. The 17th-century mansion and polo estate has been treated to an intelligent and eco-friendly modern makeover that’s given it three restaurants, a spectacular spa, and an air of quietly confident grandeur.

Set in 240 acres, it has an onsite equestrian centre with a Guards Polo Academy where you can have lessons (this is the UK’s only hotel to offer polo lessons) or simply head out on horseback on a ride through the stunning grounds. All this within 15 minutes of the M25.

THE ROOM

O

ur spacious suite in the main mansion house is comfortable and stylish, with a luxurious feel. Champagne on arrival, an insanely comfortable bed, Nespresso machine, huge TV, iPod dock and wellstocked minibar make up the extras while the bathroom’s comforting underfloor heating and super soft towels make for an inviting environment.

There are further rooms in the renovated stable block that have an equestrian theme.

THE FOOD

A

fternoon tea in the Drawing Room is a particular highlight – then dress up for cocktails in the super chic bar. Dinner at The Barn is a brasserie-style affair a short stroll from the main house, where the converted barn has a wall of windows with farreaching views across the polo fields. More formally, there’s Restaurant Coworth Park with its Michelin star. Here, Executive-Chef Adam Smith delivers modern British dishes with a commitment to quality ingredients, while breakfast is an impressive buffet spread in the lounge.

DESTINATIONS

TRAVEL • UK GETAWAY

“An hour-anda-half deep tissue massage sends us into a state of deep relaxation”

COWORTH PARK Pastoral tranquility meets utter grandeur at this country house hotel nestled deep within Berkshire parkland

By J E R R I E KO L E C I

Double rooms from £291 COWORTH PARK Blacknest Road, Ascot, SL5 7SE; 01344 876600; dorchestercollection.com

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

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Paradise Found Escape to the land of utter luxury at the grandiose and gorgeously modern Waldorf Astoria Dubai B y TA M A R VA N D E R H O E K

S

ituated on the North Eastern crescent of the Palm Jumeirah with views of the Dubai Marina and Arabian Gulf, the Waldorf Astoria Dubai is the first island iteration of the luxury New York hotel brand. Skilfully merging art deco flair, synonymous with the flagship hotel’s identity, and Dubai’s tendency to go big and bold, the awardwinning hotel is one of the city’s most luxurious holiday destinations.

Completed just over a year ago as part of the Palm’s continued development, the hotel oozes pristine newness.

It’s a pleasure driving up to the white, massive structure that shines like a beacon in the blazing desert sun. Stepping into the grand, marble-floored foyer, we are greeted by a blast of cool air-conditioning and a warm “Welcome Miss Vanderhoek” from the concierge.

Only moments before, I was racing through the eight busy lanes of Sheikh Zayed highway surrounded by Dubai’s cascading skyscrapers, which now all seem a lifetime away in this immense but serene setting. As the concierge says,“This way Miss Vanderhoek”, I am led through acres of ivory marble, past a sweeping double staircase and through an immaculate hallways to my suite.

There are 319 elegant rooms and suites in total, all of which are decorated in creams and soft turquoise and boast plush beds, 300 thread-count sheets, an entertainment system and private balcony with loungers and sea views. The equally decadent bathrooms come with double vanities, a bath, separate rain shower and Salvatore Ferragamo amenities.

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“The white, massive structure shines like a beacon in the blazing desert sun”

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

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TRAVEL • WANDERLUST

A SELECTION OF ELEGANT ROOMS AND SUITES BOAST PRIVATE BALCONIES WITH LOUNGERS AND SEA VIEWS

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

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Support the Head Held High appeal and provide quality education to Africa's most vulnerable children #HeadHeldHigh

Donate before 23rd December 2017 and your donation will be matched by the UK Government

Discover more at www.hope-for-children.org Reg. Charity No. 1161729

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TRAVEL • WANDERLUST CONTEMPORARY EUROPEAN DESIGN REFLECTS THE RESORT’S UNDERSTATED ELEGANCE.

BE SPOILED FOR CHOICE WITH SIX ICONIC RESTAURANTS AND BARS

With all of this, it is incredibly tempting to spend the entirety of our stay in the comfort of this luxurious suite, but as there are six bars and restaurants, two pools, a spa and 200 meters of private beach, I am desperate to discover the rest of the resort.

Without the guidance of the concierge, my first solo journey through the hotel left me a little lost, but it wasn’t long until I found myself back outside in Dubai’s heat where I headed for the pool.

This is where the action is during the day; guests can be found lounging on cabanas or deck chairs, sipping on drinks or tucking into a snack. Families can enjoy the covered kid’s pool or seaside activities such as snorkelling, paddle boarding and fishing, all of which can be arranged by the concierge. Those with smaller children aged between 3-12 can benefit from Coco’s Kids

Club, which offers two complimentary hours per day per child and babysitting upon request.

By sunset, guests have the choice of eating at the range of onsite establishments.

First of which is the Mezzerie, an all-day dining restaurant offering multiple cuisines and encompassing an elegant space that combines western character with subtle Arabic details. Come morning, this is where you'll find an excellent all-you-caneat buffet. The prize culinary attraction is Social by Heinz Beck, the acclaimed three Michelin-starred German chef who regularly visits the establishment to bring his contemporary Italian dining to Dubai. I opted for the scenic Palm Avenue, a casual Mediterranean bistro and followed it with a cocktail (or two) at the Serafina Bar. Exuding a character reminiscent of the

“The three Michelin-starred chef brings his contemporary Italian dining to Dubai” Italian Renaissance, Serafina Bar features lush furnishings, striking blown-glass chandeliers and offers a rich experience.

With unique cocktails and small dishes inspired by Venetian 'Bacaro' cuisine, guests are encouraged to watch the sun set below the horizon whilst being serenaded by live entertainment in the evening. Be sure to head over on a Thursday night where a live Jazz band will provide the backdrop to utter holiday perfection.

There’s so much to do in Dubai, one could visit the tallest skyscraper in the world, shop in the largest mall or ride the fastest rollercoaster. But why go out when the private beach is so inviting and a wealth of recreational activities is available, including tennis, fishing and parasailing.

For those looking to really put their feet up, the spa features over 3,200 square meters of palatial indoor space with an extensive array of hydrotherapy facilities and thermal relaxation rooms. Inviting warm, golden colors and a classic and refined design will help you unwind. But heat like this encourages idyll, and for the duration of my stay, you’ll find me relaxing and recouping poolside at the Waldorf Astoria.

WA L D O R F A STO R I A

ENJOY A LEISURE-FILLED DAY LOUNGING BY THE POOL OR BEACH

Dubai Palm Jumeirah Rates start from AED 1,050 per room per night (approx. GBP 207). For more information or to make a booking, call +971 4 818 2222 or visit waldorfastoria3.hilton.com

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

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40 UP

TO

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ONE QUALITY NAME | OVER FORTY QUALITY DEPARTMENTS Windsor 01753 801000 | Ealing 0208 567 6789 | Chiswick 0208 747 8886 www.danielstores.co.uk

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PROPERTY LIVING THE DREAM

108

CHISWICK LANE W4

ÂŁ3,000,000

FAMOUS PLACES

116

NIGEL LEWIS: LUXE

his substantial and well presented Edwardian home has six double bedrooms, one boasting an ensuite, dressing room and balcony, and five subsequent bathrooms. On the first floor there are two reception rooms, an extended kitchen, dining room, and utility room, and in the basement, there is a media room. Finally, to the rear of the property, there is a terrace and lovely garden.

120

T

Fletchers Chiswick 020 8987 3000 fletcherestates.com

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

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ARLINGTON GARDENS, CHISWICK A substantial three bedroom, two bathroom, converted apartment with a private garden situated on the ground floor of this elegant period building. Easy access to the high road and Chiswick Business Park. EPC = E

3

2

1

ASKING PRICE

£975,000 CHISWICK 020 8994 6567

ANTROBUS ROAD, CHISWICK A four bedroom terrace 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

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ASKING PRICE

£1,175,000 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

CHISWICK QUAY, CHISWICK An architect designed and beautifully presented town house in a unique and prestigious location, ideal for marina living and easy access to the River Thames. Arranged over four floors with off-street parking. EPC = C

4

2

2

ASKING PRICE

£1,475,000 CHISWICK 020 8994 6567

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

South-facing river views. EPC = E

5

3

2

ASKING PRICE

£3,650,000 CHISWICK 020 8994 6567

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FO R SALE

PERCY ROAD, W12 £ 1, 3 9 5 ,0 0 0 FREEHOLD • • • • •

An impressive extended Victorian bay fronted house 4 double bedrooms Study / bed 5 Family bathroom 2 shower rooms

14 5 ASKE W ROAD, W12 9AU

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•

• • • • •

Double reception room Kitchen / dining room West facing rear garden and roof terrace Cellar storage 2067 sq ft / 192 sq m approx. EPC - D

0 2 0 8 8 11 2 9 2 9

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15/01/2018 14:31

FO R SALE

ST STEPHEN’S AVENUE W12 £ 615 ,0 0 0 SHARE OF FREEHOLD • • • • •

A light and characterful split level top floor flat 2 double bedrooms Shower room Bathroom en suite Reception room

14 5 ASKE W ROAD, W12 9AU

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• • • • •

Kitchen open plan Stripped floorboards and original fireplaces Light and elevated east / west aspects Entrance on floor below 797 sq ft / 74 sq m approx. EPC - D

0 2 0 8 8 11 2 9 2 9

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15/01/2018 14:31

St Marys Grove, W4

£1,250 per week Prebend Gardens, W6

A five bedroom detached Victorian home with four bath/shower rooms, reception room, extended kitchen/dining room, cellar, downstairs WC and a 50’ garden, energy rating d.

A large five bedroom family home arranged over three floors with a double reception room, a modern eat-in kitchen, three bathrooms and a garden, energy rating d.

020 8742 4100 chiswicklettings@fletcherestates.com

Brackley Road, W4

£1,250 per week

020 8742 4100 chiswicklettings@fletcherestates.com

£1,150 per week Crofton Avenue, W4

A four bedroom house with two reception rooms, two bathrooms, kitchen and a patio garden. Further benefits include a cellar, eaves storage and a balcony, energy rating d.

020 8742 4100 chiswicklettings@fletcherestates.com

£923 per week

A four bedroom home with an open plan reception/dining room, fully fitted kitchen, three bathrooms, an attractive rear garden, garage and off-street parking, 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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Barrowgate Road, W4 A five bedroom Victorian home with three bath/shower rooms, a large reception room, extended kitchen/dining room, downstairs WC and utility room, an attractive 30’ garden and to the front is off-street parking for one car, energy rating d.

Berrymede Road, W4 A Victorian home with four double bedrooms and period features throughout. The property has a reception room with two fireplaces, a fully extended kitchen/breakfast bar and bi-folding doors that lead onto a patio garden, energy rating d.

£1,450,000 020 8987 3000 chiswicksales@fletcherestates.com

£1,100,000

020 8987 3000 chiswicksales@fletcherestates.com

fletcherestates.com

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LIVING THE

DREAM The most luxuriously appointed properties on the market

1

HART GROVE W5, £3,450 PCM

T

his is a newly refurbished, semi-detached, Edwardian family home. On the ground floor there is a large modern kitchen with bi-folding doors that open onto the garden, a reception room, and utility.

On the first floor there are three bedrooms, a dressing room or nursery, and a family bathroom.

On the second floor there is a large master en-suite bedroom with ample storage.

WINKWORTH Ealing and Acton, 020 8896 0123 winkworth.co.uk

PARK ROAD

W 4 , £74 0,000

S

ituated within Edward Sunderland’s award-winning development, this bespoke two bedroom apartment features large open-plan living space, as well as a balcony. Unique features include eco glass kitchen worktops made by recycling and grinding brown bottles resulting in a soft bronze hued surface.

Just a short walk from Chiswick train station, the home is perfect for commuters.

FEATHERSTONE LEIGH Chiswick Office, 020 8994 6567 featherstoneleigh.co.uk 1

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

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PROPERTY • NEW TO THE MARKET

BLYTHE ROAD

W14, £1, 200, 000

A

FINDON ROAD

ALWYNE AVENUE W 4 , £ P OA

A

n impressive split level maisonette, forming part of a new development, on the historic site of The Old Parrs Head in Brook Green. The apartment has two double bedrooms, two bathrooms, an open plan kitchen, and a living room. The kitchen is fitted with Quartz worktops and wine coolers, and the living rooms and bedrooms have oak flooring and integrated speakers.

unique Edwardian property in the heart of Chiswick that has been meticulously refurbished to the highest standard. The accommodation comprises a kitchen, four bedrooms, five reception rooms, and five bathrooms. Notable aspects of the property are the bay windows, cinema room, wooden flooring and beautifully landscaped gardens.

FINLAY BREWER

WHITMAN & CO

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

Turnham Green, 02087478800 whitmanandco.com

W 1 2 , £ 1 ,70 0,0 0 0

A

four bedroom property, recently undergone refurbishment.

The house is light and spacious, with high quality fittings, and includes a reception room, kitchen, and dining room.

The master suite boasts a steam room, but there is also a second family bathroom. The property is part of a terrace of attractive houses on a family orientated street, within a short walk of Hammersmith and Westfield.

PART OF A TERRACE OF ATTRACTIVE HOUSES ON A FAMILY ORIENTATED STREET, WITHIN A SHORT WALK OF HAMMERSMITH

PHILIP WOOLLER

020 8811 2929 philipwooller.com

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

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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.

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

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15/01/2018 16:28

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

HADYN PARK ROAD W12 GUIDE £1.35M FREEHOLD UPPER MALL W6 • 4 BEDROOMS £1,500PW / £6,500PCM • DOUBLE RECEPTION UPPER MALL W6 • OPEN PLAN KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM •£1,500PW FAMILY HOME •WONDERFUL 2 BATHROOMS / £6,500PCM • •• •• ••

4 DOUBLE BEDROOMS 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

WESTVILLE ROAD W12 GUIDE £645,000 SHARE OF FREEHOLD HAARLEM ROAD W14 • 2 BEDROOM GARDEN FLAT £625PW • RECEPTION/ £2,708PCM HAARLEM ROAD W14 • KITCHEN •£625PW BEDROOM FLAT •2 DOUBLE BATHROOM / £2,708PCM • •• •• ••

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

ASKEW ROAD 020 8749 7719 LETTINGS 020 7371 4071

• • •• •• ••

• GUEST CLOAKROOM • CELLAR/UTILITY LETTINGS 020 • GARDEN •2 COURTYARD EPC RATING DGARDENS 68 EASY ACCESS TO HAMMERSMITH & CHISWICK 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

• • •• •• ••

• COURTYARD • PRIVATE COMMUNAL GARDENLETTINGS 020 7371 • EPC RATING C 73 BALCONY 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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ADDISON GARDENS W14 PRICE ON APPLICATION SHARE OF FREEHOLD • 2 DOUBLE BEDROOMS • RECEPTION • KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM

• BATHROOM • 2 BALCONIES • EPC RATING E 48

MINFORD GARDENS W14 GUIDE £425,000 LEASEHOLD • 1 BEDROOM • LARGE RECEPTION • SEPARATE KITCHEN

BROOK GREEN 020 7371 4171

BROOK GREEN 020 7371 4171

• BATHROOM • EPC RATING D 58

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

BOLINGBROKE ROAD W14 £1,450PW / £6,283PCM UPPER MALL W6 • 5 BEDROOM FAMILY HOUSE / £6,500PCM •£1,500PW SPACIOUS DOUBLE UPPER MALLRECEPTION W6 • STYLISH KITCHEN ••£1,500PW WONDERFUL FAMILY HOME 2 BATHROOMS / £6,500PCM •• •• •• ••

4 DOUBLE BEDROOMS PRETTY PRIVATE GARDEN 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

HEBRON ROAD W6 £1,000PW / £4,333PCM HAARLEM ROAD W14 • 4 DOUBLE BEDROOMS / £2,708PCM •£625PW DOUBLE RECEPTION HAARLEM ROAD W14 • BESPOKE KITCHEN ••£625PW 2 BEDROOM FLAT 2 DOUBLE BATHROOMS / £2,708PCM •• •• •• ••

RECEPTION BEAUTIFUL 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 • • • •• •• •• •• ••

UTILITY ROOM UNFURNISHED LETTINGS 020 7371 4071 LOCATED CLOSE TO TRANSPORT LINKS AT SHEPHERDS BUSH 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

• EPC RATING D 57 • AVAILABLE NOW

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

WOOD FLOORING THROUGHOUT UNFURNISHED LETTINGS 020 7371 GOOD TRANSPORT LINKS BALCONY EPC RATING E 50 UNFURNISHED AVAILABLE END FEBRUARY 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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GOLDHAWK ROAD W12 £535PW / £2,318PCM • • • • •

2 BEDROOMS RECEPTION WITH WOOD FLOORING STYLISH KITCHEN 2 BATHROOMS (1 EN SUITE) BALCONY

LETTINGS 020 7371 4071

• • • • •

HETLEY ROAD W12 £345PW / £1,495PCM • • • •

1 BEDROOM LARGE RECEPTION WITH WOOD FLOORING CONTEMPORARY KITCHEN BATHROOM

PRIVATE UNDERGROUND PARKING FURNISHED OR UNFURNISHED CLOSE TO WESTFIELD LONDON & SHEPHERDS BUSH STATION EPC RATING C 81 AVAILABLE BEGINNING FEBRUARY

LETTINGS 020 7371 4071

• • • •

ROOF TERRACE FURNISHED EPC RATING B 85 AVAILABLE BEGINNING FEBRUARY

LOCAL . INDEPENDENT . INVOLVED

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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

JEEVES TO MCQUEEN

T

BELLA’S BOLTHOLE

B

ella Freud is best known for her fashionwear, father Lucien Freud, and famous friends, but now she’s turned her talents to interior design.

The 56-year-old has put the finishing touches to a 2,300-sq-ft apartment within the BBC’s former White City TV studios.

Bella, who counts Kate Moss as one of her close friends, has been moving into interior design, and recently launched her own range of scented candles.

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Her designs for the apartment are still under wraps, but will be influenced by both her fashion background and the TV heritage of the site.

It’s within a £1.5 billion mixed-use development, which is retaining both the original Blue Peter garden and crescent shape of the former TV Centre building.

Bella’s apartment is to be launched in the Spring and will cost approximately £3 million; a final price is yet to be decided.

his elegant Georgian property was once the home of both fashion designer Alexander McQueen and author PG Wodehouse, but at different times.

The property is located on Dunraven Street in the centre of Mayfair, only a stone's throw from Hyde Park In 2010 McQueen was half way through refurbishing the top floors of the property, with the intention of restoring it to it's former status as a family home, when he committed suicide at a rented flat nearby.

PG Wodehouse, the author of the Jeeves and Wooster books, lived at the house between 1927 and 1934 while at the height of his creative powers.

It was his last home in the UK. After selling the property Wodehouse moved to France but, after being captured by the invading Germans in 1940 at the seaside town of Le Touquet but later being released, then moved to the US where he remained until the end of his life.

After McQueen’s death, the refurbishment of the property’s top floor three-bedroom maisonette was completed and the flat later sold for £8.5 million.

The other part of his planned project, an apartment below, is now for sale, having also been refurbished.

It’s a one-bedroom property with a single reception room and two bathrooms, a small rear balcony off the bedroom, a new kitchen and wooden flooring throughout.

More information from Knight Frank, 020 7629 8171.

More information from Dexters on 020 7590 9590.

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

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PROPERTY • STAR HOMES

BROADCASTER’S HOUSE

J

oan Bakewell is one of the nation’s best-known writers and broadcasters. She was made a baroness in 2011, but is bestknown for her relationship with playwright Harold Pinter.

The relationship went on for seven years and during all this time she has lived in the same house in Primrose Hill which she bought in 1963.

Neighbours have included Alan Bennett, Ted Hughes and his wife Sylvia Plath, Jon Snow and Robert Plant.

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.

"Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne lived in the property during Ozzy's well-documented battle with alcohol"

OZZY MANSION

B

eel House near Amersham has been home to actor Dirk Bogarde, songwriter Matt Aitken of Stock, Aitken and Waterman and TV chat show host Robert Kilroy-Silk.

But they are all eclipsed by Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne who lived in the property during Ozzy’s welldocumented battle with alcohol during the late 1980s.

During their time there, in 1989, Ozzy was arrested at the property by police for threatening to kill his wife and subsequently spent time at a nearby rehab clinic.

The Osbournes eventually resolved their marital problems, sold Beel House and moved to Los Angeles and gained worldwide fame with their TV reality show The Osbournes.

Beel House is back on the market and the current owner is asking £3.95 million for the property. The seven-bedroom house has extensive gardens, a pool and a spa complex, and is located near Amersham in Buckinghamshire.

More information from Knight Frank (01494 854579).

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

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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, HALE GARDENS, W3W4

£465,000 £1,850,000

LETTINGS

An imposing Edwardiantriple semi-detached family on this highly desirable tree lined residential close to Ealing Common and West Acton Anoutstanding amazingly and light, well presented aspect flat withhome the added benefit of a balcony and private street garden.

Three bedrooms, luxury bathroom, Stations.

Five double Family bathroom, bathroom, loft, share Tiled entrance hall, Two spacious rooms, 28’8 Fully 14' reception room,bedrooms, fully integrated kitchen, Ensuite gas fired central Large heating, in the freehold, balconyreception and private garden withfitted sidekitchen/breakfast access. Ideally room, Cloakroom, Private rear garden, Landscaped front garden withand lovely aspect. Potential extend, subjectfacilities to the necessary consents.

Gardens has situated within close proximity of Chiswick Park tube station theopen extensive shoppingto and restaurant on Chiswick HighHale Road. excellent communications including Central, District and Piccadilly Lines and will benefit from Crossrail opening later this year. The area benefits from excellent local schools and a developing café/restaurant culture within a couple of minutes walk. Viewing is highly recommended. EPC-E.

LINDENCOTTAGE, GARDENS, W4 , W4 LAMB W4 PREBEND MANSIONS

£330 PER WEEK £1.600,000 £1,150,000

A newly decorated groundfour floor gardenmansion flat with west garden.

Large double wardrobes, reception room with An exceptionally lightlower and spacious bedroom flatprivate set within thisfacing landmark building offering closebedroom proximity with to all amenities.

Master suite, Three wood bedrooms, floors, bathroom with shower over, fitted garden. flat is on one of Chiswick's bestfitted located roads, moments shops, further Family bathroom, 16’ Reception roomkitchen, with feature, SouthThe West facing bay window, Balcony, Fully kitchen/breakfast room, from Share the in freehold, restaurants on theLarge Highentrance Road and minutes from Turnham station. property is available early September, furnished.

Extensive builtcafés in storage, hall,5High Ceilings, Private CellarGreen Storage, BicycleThe racks, South West aspect away from Chiswick High Road. Ideally situated within close proximity of both Turnham Green and Stamford Brook Tube Stations as well as the extensive facilities on the High Road. ECP-D.

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SALES LETTINGS POINT WHARF LANE, TW8 RUSTHALL AVENUE, W4

£350 PER WEEK £1,495,000

A deceptivelypresented spacious Edwardian semi-detached home located this highly popularsought residential roadriverside on the Bedford Park borders close toaTurnham Green Station Beautifully two double bedroom family second floor flat inonthis after development.

Boasting stunning open plan and Chiswick High Road.

Theahouse comprises; Four double bedrooms, Study room, Family Double Reception room, entrance hall, Utility room,work kitchen reception room, river side balcony and a master ensuite bedroom.

Largebathroom, open plan reception room, fullyTiled fitted kitchen with granite Kitchen/breakfast room, Private garden, Side access.

The house offers potential extend into both the side return and rear loft STPP and also benefits from a lovely tops, fitted wardrobes and riverside views.

Underground parking spacetoincluded. 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.

QUEENCOTTAGE, ANNESROAD, GROVE, W4 LAMB W4 W4 BROOKFIELD

£430 PER WEEK £1.600,000 £1,125,000

A large, light and beautifully presented two double on this road in the road heart Bedford justPark minutes from An immaculately presented, light and airy Edwardian house bedroom located on flat the south sidehighly of this desirable sought after residential justofnorth of thePark, Bedford Turnham Green station. Top floorbedroom positionwith ensures beautiful views from the reception and bedrooms.

Conservation Area.underground The property comprises; Master ensuite bathroom, Two further bedrooms, Shower Room, Stunning Reception room measuring 28’x15’ at maximum, Fully fitted kitchen, Landscaped South facing garden with rear access, Eaves Storage. The house is within easy walking distance of Chiswick High Road’s shops, cafes and restaurants. Transport links include Turnham Green Station, local bus routes and the A4/M4 for routes in and out of London. EPC-D.

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IS THE LUXE LOOK OVER? We’ve all heard of them, but few of us have seen inside London’s high-end luxe-look apartments. Nigel Lewis went to look around the first of a new breed that eschew bling, for sale at £12.75 million.

W

hen a property is so expensive its guest bathroom is worth more per square foot than your car then you really pay attention while being shown around it.

Even the most mildly curious mind is looking at every fixture, fitting and feature to work out where the money went.

Is the loo handle ten times better than the one at my home? Does the golden brass balustrade justify the overall spend despite its wow factor? Does anyone really need four dishwashers?

Walking around The Penthouse on the freshly-minted Fitzroy Place, these

120

questions pop into your head a lot.

One thing’s for sure. This is a truly oneoff property. And that’s what the people who will eventually call this two-floor apartment home will be looking for. While most people are focussing on the huge price tag, house hunters in this category want to know how much exclusivity their millions buy.

And the answer is, a fair amount. The property is on the top two floors of an already select new-build block that’s just five minutes from Oxford Street, and is the only penthouse on this square. And to top that, Fitzroy Place is the first new square to be built in London’s central districts for over 100 years.

Replacing what older Londoners will

remember as the Middlesex Hospital (until it closed in 2005), it includes the HQ of Estée Launder as well as two apartment blocks, restaurants, shops and the one part of hospital that remains; its chapel, which has been deconsecrated but can still be rented out for functions.

The penthouse is the icing on this mixed-use cake and comes with two parking spaces in the basement and a lift, the entrance of which can be monitored via a CCTV link upstairs.

Once you’re up there are several jaw droppers to take in within the threebedroom duplex. One is the interior design, which has been completed by Caroline Paterson, who was given over £100,000 and a remit to create something European, contemporary and that wasn’t bling.

We wanted to steer clear of the Knightsbridge or Mayfair luxe look that many developments feature elsewhere which are aimed at Middle Eastern buyers,” says Lucy Arthur from Ashby Capital, which is the financial force behind Fitzroy Place.

“Instead we wanted this to be the kind of cool European apartment that would appeal to everyone whether they’re European, Asian or from the Middle East.”

The other attraction of this penthouse duplex is that it’s relatively ‘affordable’ within the mildly crazy world of prime property. Lucy says it’s hard to find a penthouse like this one for less than £3,000 per square foot – and this one comes in at £2,800.

It's considerable square footage comes from the duplex design. The 26ft long

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

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PROPERTY • NEW TO THE MARKET

lower floor is almost entirely open plan featuring floor-to-ceiling glass terrace doors along each side.

Therefore, as you glide out of your kitchen clutching a gin and tonic after a long day in the City, on the left the doors lead out onto a terrace with views over the square looking east, while the bedroom – which has its own terrace – offers stunning views of the roofs of the West End and, on a clear evening, amazing sunsets.

But part of the high price of living here is the area. Fitzrovia, which used to have a reputation as a posh but hard-working area famous for the rag trade, has now gone upmarket. These days it’s dominated by the

“ House hunters in the category want to know how much exclusivity their millions will buy”

higher end of the corporate world.

One add on residents of Fitzroy Place get is access to their own private club, the facilities of which are free. This includes a gym, offices, an 18-seat cinema, and concierge service. Fitzroy Place, is also home to award winning restaurant The Detox Kitchen.

Further, in December 2017 one of the two architects responsible for the design of Fitzroy Place won the Architect of the Year prize at the Architect Journal’s annual awards for the project which, it was said, wowed the judges with its design. So perhaps the £12.75 million price tag for its penthouse might be justified after all.

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

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DISCOVER a truly exceptional place to live

Experience the Full Grandeur of Ancaster Gate at the Exquisite Show home Experience the luxurious standard of living at this unique collection of 4 and 6 bedroom residences, where history meets the modern age. Ancaster Gate is an exclusive development that blends graceful Georgian buildings with the very best in contemporary architecture and sumptuous interior design. With a magical location right next to Richmond Park, Ancaster Gate offers a lifestyle beyond compare.

Viewing by appointment only Call us now on 0333 666 4141 or email AncasterGate@londonsquare.co.uk

Selling agents Photography is of the externals of Ancaster Gate and is indicative only.

Details are correct at time of going to press. January 2018.

WWW.ANCASTERGATE.LONDON

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75

%

SO

LD

NEW SHOWHOME COMING SOON MOVE IN NOW

Elegant and spacious 4 & 5 bedroom family homes • Perfectly located directly opposite Twickenham Station • Set within exclusive gated mews • Close to a number of outstanding schools • Open plan designer kitchens with expansive folding doors • Flexible living spaces with private gardens and balconies • Two gated parking spaces • M Restaurant open on the development

TWICKENHAM

RICHMOND

PUTNEY

CL APHAM

VAUXHALL

WATERLOO

BREWERY GATE

3 MINUTES

11 MINUTES

12 MINUTES

21 MINUTES

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PRICES FROM £1,500,000 | 020 3733 3897 Sales and Marketing Suite, 20 Brewery Lane, Twickenham, TW1 1AW | Opening hours 10am – 6pm daily.*

Photography of actual Showhome. Prices correct at time of going to print. *Late night appointments available upon request.

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09/01/2018 16:47 11:33 08/01/2018

A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES.

HAVILLAND MEWS, W12

£1,695,000

An exceptional family home located within the award winning, gated Havilland Mews development. Arranged over four floors the house cleverly offers both large enough reception space for the family to gather and entertain with good sized bedrooms for when they all want to enjoy their own spaces. The accommodation comprises five double bedrooms, three luxurious bathrooms (two of which are en suite), three reception rooms including a well-appointed kitchen/family room from which the South West facing garden can be accessed and a lounge accessing a private south facing roof terrace. In addition there is a utility room and a downstairs WC. All in all an outstanding home.

Underfloor Hearing Throughout | Miele appliances | Fully Integrated AV system | Two Home Theatre systems | Independent Multi Zone Sonos | Two Private Parking Spaces | 2522 Sq Ft/234,3 Sq M | EPC Rating: Band B

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

19/01/2018 16:16

A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES.

BENBOW ROAD, W6

£699,950 LEASEHOLD

A spacious two bedroom maisonette arranged over the upper two floors of a recently refurbished Victorian house. Offered in very good order throughout, the property further benefits from a private roof terrace. Benbow Road runs west from Hammersmith Grove to Brackenbury Road, with numerous local amenities being within easy reach, including some superb local shops, restaurants and pubs. Hammersmith, Goldhawk Road and Shepherds Bush Underground stations are all within easy reach.

Reception Room | Open Plan Kitchen | 2 Bedrooms | Bathroom | Shower Room | Roof Terrace | 889 Sq Ft /82.6 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

19/01/2018 16:16

A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES.

PITSHANGER LANE, W5

£965,000 FREEHOLD

A delightful mid-terrace Edwardian property located on the ever popular Pitshanger Lane, ‘London’s best high street’ 2015. Arranged as a four double bedroom two bathroom home, making for spacious living. On the ground floor is a cosy and light reception room with period working fireplace. Rear hallway provides large understairs storage, cloakroom and utility room with double sink, boiler, washing machine. To the rear is a bright and modern kitchen and dining area leading out to a well maintained garden, which when viewed from the first and second floors also provides panoramic views of the surrounding area due to its elevated position.

Mid-terrace Edwardian House | Four Double Bedrooms | Two Bathrooms | Cloakroom | Utility Room | Modern Kitchen | Well-maintained Garden | EPC: D

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

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A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES.

ELM AVENUE, W5

FORDHOOK AVENUE, W5

£1,200 PER WEEK

£807 PER WEEK

Stunning and well presented split level apartment ideally located for Ealing Common and Ealing Broadway. Rent: £5,200 PCM.

An immaculate Edwardian semi-detached family house located near Ealing Common underground station. Rent: £3,500 PCM.

South-facing Garden | Off-street Parking | Five Bedrooms | Six Bathrooms |

Extensive Living Space | Two Receptions Rooms | Large Conservatory Style Family

Utility Room | Underfloor Heating | Fees Apply | EPC: B

Room | Three Floors | Fees Apply | EPC: D

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

HETLEY ROAD, W12

ORMISTON GROVE, W12

£340 PER WEEK

£415 PER WEEK

A fantastic one double bedroom first floor flat located within walking distance to Shepherd’s Bush Stations. Rent: £1473 PCM.

A newly refurbished two double bedroom duplex with a roof terrace located in the heart of Shepherds Bush. Rent: £1798 PCM.

One Bedroom | One Bathroom | Open Plan Kitchen/Reception Room | Furnished |

Two Bedrooms | One Bathroom | Reception Room | Roof Terrace | Part Furnished |

Fees Apply | EPC: C

Fees Apply | EPC: C

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

19/01/2018 16:16

A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES.

LOFTUS ROAD, W12

WESTWICK GARDENS, W14

£695 PER WEEK

£400 PER WEEK

A unique and stunning three double bedroom Victorian house.

Rent: £3,012 PCM.

A charming two bedroom flat with private garden on the lower ground floor of a converted Victorian house. Rent: £1,733 PCM.

2 Reception Rooms | Kitchen | 3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | Cloakroom | Garden |

2 Bedrooms | Reception Room | Kitchen | Bathroom | Garden |

1749 Sq Ft / 162.5 Sq M | Furnished | Fees Apply | EPC: C

728 Sq Ft/67.6 Sq M | Unfurnished | Fees Apply | EPC: C

For more information on this property call:

For more information on this property call:

Shepherds Bush office | 020 8735 3255

Hammersmith office | 020 7371 4466

SINCLAIR ROAD, W14

BATOUM GARDENS, W6

£400 PER WEEK

£395 PER WEEK

A charming, two bedroom flat on the first floor of a well-maintained, mid-terraced Victorian town house. Rent: £1,733 PCM.

A two double bedroom flat on the first floor of a mid terrace Victorian house. Rent: £1,712 PCM.

2 Bedrooms | Reception Room | Kitchen | Bathroom | 690 Sq Ft / 64 Sq M | Part

2 Bedrooms | Reception Room | Kitchen | Bathroom | 635 Sq Ft / 59 Sq M | Part

Furnished | Fees Apply | EPC: C

Furnished | 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

19/01/2018 16:17

LIVE CREATIVELY in N1C

OWN A PIECE of HISTORY Become neighbours with Central Saint Martins, Louis Vuitton, Google, Everyman Cinema and the re-imagined Thomas Heatherwick designed shopping street, Coal Drops Yard.

London’s best transport links with zone 1 tube, close proximity to 15 major universities and colleges; rail links across Great Britain plus Eurostar, the UK’s only direct rail connection to Europe.

Apartments ready to move into today. Prices from £810,000*

+44 (0)20 7205 4355 | enquiries@livinginkingscross.co.uk | livinginkingscross.co.uk *Price correct at time of print. For a studio in Gasholders London

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www.johnmartinestates.com

EALING W5

ÂŁ850,000 FREEHOLD

An excellent sized semi-detached family home in the heart of the award winning Pitshanger Village offered in beautiful condition throughout. The property boasts two large intercommunicating reception rooms, modern fitted kitchen/breakfast room and cloakroom to ground floor. To the first floor are four bedrooms, beautiful modern family bathroom and modern en suite shower room. Other benefits include gas fired central heating, double glazing, period features, wood floors and a west facing rear garden. EPC: E

82 Pitshanger Lane, Ealing W5 1QX jmesales@johnmartinestates.com JOHN MARTIN.indd 1

16/01/2018 12:53

“PITSHANGER’S COMMUNITY ESTATE AGENT”

CHISWICK W4

£1,450PCM (*Fees apply)

A stunning first floor apartment in this elegant period mansion block within easy reach of both Chiswick High Road, Strand on the Green and Chiswick BR station. The apartment boasts a large lounge with charming bay window and fireplace opening, a good size double bedroom, modern family bathroom and spacious fitted kitchen/diner. There is also beautifully polished wood flooring and gas fired central heating. Outside are tranquil gated gardens with a water feature area. The apartment is offered fully furnished. EPC: D

*In addition to rent, tenants pay deposit (usually six weeks’ rent per property) and administration fee of £120 (inc VAT) per tenant plus check out fee (determined by size of property) at end of tenancy.

Any guarantor required pays administration fee of £60 (inc VAT). No renewal fees are payable.

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T: 020 8998 3333 16/01/2018 12:52

HHC­Absolutely­FEB­18­new­tracking_hhc­westside­jan­14­­22/01/2018­­10:38­­Page­1

THE HOGARTH CLUB Personal attention

Personal space

Results you want

Whether you want to get in shape using the best equipment, be expertly led in inclusive personal training sessions or classes, play tennis, squash, swim in our mood lit pool, or dine in the Crucial Cafe, our professional, friendly team are on hand to welcome you.

Call Jo or Joe now on 020 8108 7209 and arrange a Club tour. ­

The Hogarth Health Club Airedale Avenue Chiswick London W4 2NW www.thehogarth.co.uk 020 8108 7209

THE AIREDALE The Airedale, Crucial Cafe and NEW Hogarth MediSpa are open to non-members HOGARTH.indd 1

MEDISPA

THE HOGARTH CLUB

22/01/2018 10:46

luxury

AFFORDABLE

Schmidt Kitchens made to measure to the millimetre Truly customisable designs and finishes Made to measure without the bespoke price tag

Come in store to discover our February offers Call now for more details 020 3714 6000 Or Visit – 323 King Street, Hammersmith, W6 9NH design@schmidt-hammersmith.co.uk www.homedesign.schmidt Opening hours are 10am to 6pm Monday to Saturday Sunday by appointment only

KITCHEN INTERIOR SOLUTIONS MADE TO MEASURE SCHMIDT_V4.indd 1

22/01/2018 10:35

Curious... ...TO KNOW THE VALUE OF YOUR HOME IN THE CURRENT MARKET? Please contact us today to find out what your home or investment could be worth in an ever changing market.

SOUTH WEST LONDON’S PREMIER INDEPENDENT ESTATE AGENT SINCE 1993

featherstoneleigh.co.uk

FSL.indd 1

Richmond

Sheen

Twickenham

Teddington

Kew

sales: 020 8940 1575 lettings: 020 8940 2332

sales: 020 8876 4567 lettings: 020 8392 8845

sales: 020 8744 0595 lettings: 020 8744 0755

sales: 020 8977 8118 lettings: 020 8977 8949

sales & lettings: 020 8940 7676

18/09/2017 11:15