Absolutely Buckinghamshire February 2021

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

Buckinghamshire FEBRUARY 2021 / £3.95

House

STYLE

Touring Waddesdon Manor – from your living room FEBRUARY 2021

MICRO WEDDINGS Dressing for the occasion

LOVE is in the air Gifts for your Valentine

Strike a

POSE L I V I N G I N S T Y L E I N YO U R C O U N T Y

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ST YLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT 01/02/2021 10:50

Discover us online and in-store 15 Wigmore Street, London W1U 1PE | +44 (0) 20 3982 3252 | marylebone@carpediembeds.co.uk carpediembedsofsweden | #myunwind | www.carpediembeds.co.uk Bed: Vindรถ | Fabric: Designers Guild Glenville Oyster | Vindรถ Carpet: Light Beige | Bed Linen: Storm Pebble | Bedside Table: Holme Black

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B E S P O K E B E DS HAN D M A DE IN S W E DE N

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Luxury Kitchens since 1892

Clear structures, sensible space. +SEGMENTO Y

Poggenpohl Marlow 75 High St | Marlow | SL7 1AB phone 01628 326 061 | marlow@poggenpohl.com www.marlow.poggenpohl.com

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents FEBRUARY 2021

46

78 C U LT U R E 10 ABSOLUTELY LOVES

INTERIORS 64 INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS

14 WHAT'S ON

68 LOUNGE LOVER

17 BOOK CLUB

77 FLOWER POWER

FOOD & DRINK 28 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

78 COUNTRY KITCHEN

36 RECIPES

E D U C AT I O N 85 HOME SCHOOL Remote successes at Beaconsfield High

10 things we’re coveting this month

Your diary for February

What to read in 2021

News from the industry

One-pot dishes

FA S H I O N 43 VALENTINE'S GIFTS Offerings for your darling

46 THE SHOOT Knitwear by Bella Freud

News from the industry

36

Why now is the time to choose a new sofa

The best online florists

Touring the barns with Kitchen Architecture

93 GIRLS ALLOWED

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.

Focus on Highfield Prep

PROPERTY 96 TOP SITE

Luxe developments from Hitchambury Homes

O N T H E C OV E R Dune London Gillian Anderson AW20 dunelondon.com

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EDITOR IN CHIEF PENDLE HARTE DIGITAL EDITOR ABBIE SCHOFIELD ART DIRECTOR PAWEL KUBA SENIOR DESIGNER MIKE ROBERTS MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN MAGAZINE MANAGER ABIGAIL GARDNER MEDIA CONSULTANTS STELLA ADAMS, ANABELA KOLECI BRAND PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER NAVINDER LALL MARKETING MANAGER LUCIE PEARCE FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTORS CRAIG DAVIES, LEAH DAY, JAMES FUSCHILLO NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT

For editorial enquiries please email: pendle@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 020 3981 7187 or email: craig@zest-media.com

Studio G06, Wenlock Studios, 50-52 Wharf Road, London N1 7EU; 020 7704 0588 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.

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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

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Editor’s

Art world

Improve your space with a new print by Sasha Compton

LETTER ABSOLUTELY’S February issue highlights

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Bella Freud

Statement knitwear, literally.

2

Healing crystals

We are loving the gemstones from Tiana Jewels

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W

elcome to the new issue of Absolutely.

Our local lifestyle magazines are well established all over London and now we are excited to be branching into the Home Counties for the first time. The timing might seem tricky – but February is the best month for staying in, and nobody's ever stayed in as much as we all do now.

Our homes have never been under so much pressure.

This issue is full of ideas for sweetening the long days at home – we look at how to improve our space, how to keep ourselves occupied and entertained, what to cook and eat (or order in), what to wear and how to manage our children. Because as any households that are homeschooling will know, having children at home all the time is a challenge. As everything around us changes, we at Absolutely like to seek to see the positives – and we hope that this issue will bring a touch of optimism to your homes. Enjoy February.

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O ut of the box Meal kits are getting better and better

PENDLE HARTE EDITOR

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Preservation society Dried flowers are huge this Valentine's Day

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Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

ABBIE SCHOFIELD

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FA M I LY A F FA I R New womenswear label Berjoan is inspired by designer Charlotte Cameron's grandmother's clothes, handed down through her family and still worn today. The collection is made with sustainable fabrics in muted colours while pleats, bows and draping sleeves add romantic flair.

Blouse £195, skirt £260 berjoan.co.uk

L A DY I N L AC E Self Portrait's SS21 collection is full of feminine fabrics and neutrals with pops of green and pink. This lace coat puts an elegant spin on the classic trench – but it's far too pretty to wear in the rain. self-portrait-studio.com

EDITOR’S PICK

SHINE ON

M E L LOW Y E L LOW

Refresh your jewellery with Otiumberg's cleaning kits. They come with a microfibre cloth for silver, polishing cloth for gold, bristle toothbrush and a special cleaning solution. £15 otiumberg.com

Pantone's colours of the year are Illuminating and Ultimate Grey, a duo conveying strength and hopefulness — fitting for the challenging year ahead.

This knit by Polish brand The Odder Side combines the two shades perfectly. €170 theodderside.com

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

I N YO U R STRIDE

L E MO N S U GA R

American artist Ken Price's summery drawings of LA, Easter Island and La Palme have been re-interpreted on Loewe's classic pieces for this capsule collection.

Sweater £650, Bag £2,400 loewe.com

Yael Sonia's yellow gold Rock Hammered Cocktail Ring contains a magnificent, rough-hewn lemon quartz. Beautifully imperfect, three sparkling diamonds add extra asymmetry. $2,550 yaelsonia.com

I SHOULD CO COA Rococo's luxurious Salted Caramel Truffles come in a heart-shaped box with the brand's signature print. £21.95 rococochocolates.com

S LOW BURN Scents are highly emotive, and Saint Fragrance's hand-poured candles are designed to provide a sense of escape and balance. Sunday Papers combines Madagascan vanilla with orange blossom and Sri Lankan sandalwood for those cosy days in. £42, saintfragrance.com

P R I N T WO R KS HANG OUT Desenio's affordable collection of contemporary posters and prints are a fantastic way to build a gallery wall, or add colour to a room without making a big commitment. desenio.com

African brand Sika'a creates ethical clothing that is handstitched by workers who are paid fairly. We love the Ayoola wide leg silk trousers, and there's a vibrant top to match too. £141 sikaa.com

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

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C U LT U R E

NATALIA OSIPOVA, PURE DANCE, PHOTOGRAPHED BY RICK GUEST

What's on 14 • Book club 17 • Waddesdon Manor 18 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

DA N C E

Dancing Nation Until 14 February SADLER’S WELLS ONLINE A day-long festival of dance will be broadcast live from the historic Sadler’s Wells Theatre, and available to catch up on BBC iPlayer until 14 February. It will feature well-known and up-andcoming artists alike from the Birmingham Royal Ballet and Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures to Natalia Osipova and Candoco Dance Company. sadlerswells.com

SELF PORTRAIT AS A LUTE PLAYER, 1615-18

F I L M

Artemisia NATI O NA L GA L L E RY O NL I NE • U NT IL 22 FEBRUARY

The wonderful exhibition on the provocative and groundbreaking 17th century female artist Artemisia is still available to view online, and the National Gallery has produced a 30-minute film tour to go alongside it, led by curator Letizia Treves. nationalgallery.org.uk

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T H E AT R E

Sherlock Holmes Until 10 March L E S E N FA N T S TERRIBLES ONLINE Travel back to Victorian London and solve The Case of the Hung Parliament in this wild and witty immersive online adventure that blurs the lines between theatre, escape room and gaming. You can book a public or private live online show. sherlockimmersive.com

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CULTURE • TALKING TOPICS

E XH I BI T I O N

Future Seascapes Until 14 February ONLINE Artist Reuben Dangoor has reimagined famous works of art to showcase a greener future for the seas. In partnership with marine classification organisation Lloyd’s Register, Monet's Ships Riding on the Seine at Rouen and Edward Seago's Harbour Scene are just two of the iconic pieces that have been recreated to portray a zero-carbon maritime industry. lr.org

Chorleywood

B O O KS The Gerrards Cross and Chorleywood Bookshops have been serving their local communities of schools and readers for over 45 years, and they are also known for their enviable author events programme. Although we have had to temporarily halt our physical events, we have an exciting spring of virtual events ahead, including Esther Safran Foer, A.C. Grayling, Mary Lawson and Tim Marshall.

2.0 TING-QUA, VIEW OF HONG KONG, 1845-55

F I L M

ROMEO AND JULIET 13-20 February ONLINE A filmed theatre production of the classic love story will be broadcast online this month, starring Sam Tutty and Emily Redpath. Thanks to ground-breaking technology that allowed cast and crew to stick to Covid regulations, the show presents exciting possibilities about the future boundaries of theatre. romeojuliet2021.com

This Month’s Must See

BESPOKE BOOKS

M E TA L , I N K & DY E

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U NTI L 27 MARCH • BASTIAN GALLERY ON LIN E

his exhibition showcases works that American artist Robert Rauschenberg created on Captiva island, the birthplace of his most remarkable and challenging works just off the coast of Florida. Available to experience online, his works interrogate the social and economic trajectory of the US with innovative uses of metal, ink and dye. bastian-gallery.com

SUBSCRIPTION

Another popular service is a bespoke book subscription service.

Ideal for the bookworms in your life, a dedicated team of experts will match the recipient with the perfect book which will be beautifully wrapped and delivered to their door. There are two different types of subscriptions: one for adults (fiction/nonfiction), and one for children (fiction by age group) and can be selected for 3, 6 or 12 months. chilternbookshops.co.uk

MATINEE [ANAGRAM (A PUN)], 1997

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

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Be The Storm

QUATTROPORTE, LEVANTE, GHIBLI TROFEO COLLECTION. Discover more on maserati.com/gb MARANELLO MASERATI TOWER GARAGE, EGHAM, SURREY TW20 0AX 01784 558 093 WWW.SYTNER.CO.UK/MASERATI/MARANELLO-EGHAM

Fuel economy and CO2 results for the Maserati Trofeo range in mpg (l/100km) combined: 17.7 (16.0) to 23.2 (12.2). CO2 emissions: 363 - 276 g/km. Figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption and CO2 figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load.

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CULTURE • BOOKS

BOOK CLUB

“Aboremp orerisque et labor solo volorehenda eiunt, odiam fuga. quam eum volut”

If you take on one new subscription in 2021, make it a book box. Here’s why

By PENDLE HARTE

S

ubscribing to stuff is the way we all live now. Small amounts come out of our accounts every month for things designed to improve our lives, from Netflix and music to coffee beans, wine and cacti.

Some physical, some digital, and they’re all too easy to sign up to. Periodically – often in January – we check our direct debits and make some culls. But one subscription that is ringfenced for me this year is the book box.

This despite its lack of immediate appeal – I already have a pile of unread novels, plus others on a mental list, and no shortage of recommendations. But three months into my subscription with Love My Read, I am converted. Particularly because the postman’s knock has never been more exciting than in recent months, and who can resist a beautiful package with surprises inside?

Love My Read’s method is clever. First an email arrives with a shortlist of novels on it. Some you’ve heard of, others you haven’t. They’re all due for publication imminently, so there’s the thrill of the prerelease – and detailed descriptions of each help you choose. Click on one, and that’s it.

Not long afterwards, a box arrives and this is where their careful curation comes to the fore. In the parcel there’s not just a book, but accompanying treats too - chocolate, perhaps, or a snack, maybe some skincare samples, and Love My Read’s pamphlet with author interviews and information, plus maybe a wordsearch or a quiz. The children’s subscription box is just as simple, with books automatically selected by age, and comes with a colouring book and pencils, plus other small treats. Small pleasures like these seem to mean a lot at the moment. That's why this one's a keeper. lovemyread.com

My choices L E AV E T H E WO R L D B E H I N D

by Ruuman Alam

This creepy novel taps into our deepest fears, but slowly and subtly. What happens when a middle class New York family’s holiday is interrupted by what could be the end of the world? Never has a lack of mobile phone reception seemed more ominous.

T H E I L LU S T R AT E D CHILD

by Polly Crosby

This coming-of-age story is told from the point of view of a girl growing up with a troubled father, who makes her the subject of his children’s books. It’s a dark and atmospheric story that stays with you.

MORE THAN A WO M A N

by Caitlin Moran

Caitlin Moran’s comedy-filled focus on middle age takes in the trials of living with teenagers as well as the minutiae of domesticity in all its hilarity.

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

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NORTH FRONT, WADDESDON MANOR. PHOTO STUDIO 8 © NATIONAL TRUST, WADDESDON MANOR

“Users can explore the Waddesdon collection digitally, curate their own exhibition and share favourite items on social media”

In your MANOR

GREY DRAWING ROOM. IMAGE (C) NATIONAL TRUST, WADDESDON MANOR, MIKE FEAR

Get your cultural fix from your living room with virtual tours and so much more from Waddesdon online

By EVE HERBERT

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CULTURE • LOCAL

BLUE DINING ROOM, WADDESDON MANOR. PHOTO STUART BEBB (C) NATIONAL TRUST, WADDESDON MANOR

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addesdon Manor, a French Renaissancestyle château set in the heart of Buckinghamshire, was built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild in the 1870s to entertain his guests and display his collection of art treasures. It houses one of the finest collections of French 18th-century decorative arts and British portraiture.

Set in 5,000 acres of rolling parkland, Waddesdon also has one of the finest examples of a late Victorian garden in Britain. Famed for colourful bedding, the gardens are full of variety throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy formal gardens, a Parterre, 3D bird bedding sculptures and artificial Pulham rock, and hear rare birds call from the ornate Rococo-style Aviary.

While the grounds are currently only open for local visitors to enjoy a walk, access to history, art and culture is arguably now more important than ever, offering some much-needed respite during these anxious and uncertain times. From virtual tours and exhibitions to YouTube films and online audio guides, there are a number of ways to enjoy the architecture, interiors and collections at Waddesdon from your home.

Through tours online it is possible to explore the Red Drawing Room virtually, and get up close to the portraits, zoom in to see the ceiling painting of Hercules and even check out the view onto the Parterre.

During Baron Ferdinand’s famous ‘Saturday to Monday’ parties, guests would gather in the Red Drawing Room on arrival, and as

UST,

a result, the strengths of the collection are on parade here: portraits by Gainsborough and Reynolds, furniture made for the French royal family and pieces from the Savonnerie and Sèvres manufacturies.

You can also ‘walk’ through the Green Boudoir, Tower Drawing Room, Small Library and the Bachelors’ Wing, some of which aren’t even open to visitors when Waddesdon’s doors are open. Those who fancy popping on a VR headset can get an even more immersive experience in these rooms.https://waddesdon. org.uk/blog/virtually-waddesdon/ Alternatively, Smartify allows users to explore the collection at Waddesdon in depth, while simultaneously offering a tool to help combat social isolation.

By downloading the free app, users can explore the Waddesdon collection digitally, curate their own ‘exhibition’, and share favourite items on social media with friends and followers. With Smartify loaded on a smartphone, users can explore other collections in the UK and across the world from their handset. https:// waddesdon.org.uk/smartify-at-waddesdon/ The social media team will also be doing their best to bring the interiors, gardens and Aviary at Waddesdon to you until the time comes when Waddesdon can open its doors again.

WHITE DRAWING ROOM, WADDESDON MANOR. PHOTO MIKE FEAR © NATIONAL TRUST, WADDESDON MANOR

WA D D E S D O N M A N O R Waddesdon’s grounds are currently open Wednesday – Sunday (10am-4pm) for local visitors.

Pre-booking is essential. Book tickets online at waddesdon.org.uk • Facebook: WaddesdonManor Twitter: @WaddesdonManor Instagram: waddesdonmanor_nt

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CULTURE • PARTNERSHIP ENGLAND IN ACTION

KICK OFF TIME Win two hospitality tickets to an England Rugby match, courtesy of Keith Prowse

“You'll watch the match from the upper tier's best seats with a full view of the action” BRITISH AIRWAYS ROSE GARDEN

A

lthough we’re in unprecedented times, which may see this year’s Guinness Six Nations fixtures take place behind closed doors, rugby passion is rising.

Keith Prowse, the principal hospitality sales partner to England Rugby, is offering readers the chance to win a fully inclusive hospitality experience for two in the British Airways Rose Garden this autumn, when England will take on an Emerging Nation at Twickenham Stadium.

Taking its rugby heritage from the rose embossed crest given to Rugby School

by Elizabeth I, the British Airways Rose Garden is one of Twickenham’s liveliest match day venues with incredible views over London. Up to two hours before the match, you will be able to enjoy unlimited street food including stone-baked pizzas and a rotisserie carvery, washed down with a wide range of real ales, Guinness, premium lager and selected wines.

A build-up of live band music from the stage will create a vibrant atmosphere rich with anticipation.

You’ll then take your seats and watch the match from the upper tier’s best seats with a full view of the on-pitch action – don’t forget to pop back to the British Airways Rose Garden for a half time pint!

No game would be complete without the obligatory post-match analysis and guests are welcome to stay behind for ninety minutes after the game.

Don’t miss out on the chance to win this ultimate rugby hospitality experience courtesy of Keith Prowse.

H OW TO ENTER For the chance to win the ultimate rugby hospitality experience courtesy of Keith Prowse, visit: absolutely.london/win-rugby Terms and conditions apply.

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

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A NEW PHASE

From the first international match in 1871 to last year's suspended Six Nations, England Rugby continues to make history – and is back for 2021

By EVE HERBERT

I

n its 150 years, England Rugby has seen it all… highs, lows, achievements, disappointments and more. In March 1871 the first international match took place between England and Scotland at Raeburn Place in Edinburgh. Donned in white, the fledgling England team lost that day 0-1 but it was the start of a remarkable rugby history.

The Calcutta Cup, so named as it is made from 270 melted down silver Rupees and crafted by W.E Jellicoe, a silversmith based in Calcutta, was first held in 1879. It is played annually between England and Scotland, the current holders England have won the cup with 71 wins over Scotland’s 40. England will defend their title in an opening weekend Guinness Six Nations fixture at Twickenham Stadium on 6 February 2021.

Twickenham Stadium, or ‘Twickers’, is the home of England Rugby. Originally a market garden, the land was purchased in 1907 by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) for £5,500. Today it’s one of the largest stadiums in UK, second to Wembley, and is both the fourth largest stadium in Europe and the largest stadium dedicated to rugby union in the world. The first stand was built in 1908, the South Stand in 2004 and following an extensive redevelopment in 2018, the East Stand was born. The East Stand restaurants, namely The East Wing, The Lock, The Gate and the British

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Airways Rose Garden, deliver suite-toseat experiences. Uniting history, heritage, atmosphere, exciting international rugby and a range of dining options, from informal street food to taster menus, experiences are world-class.

ENTERTAINMENT IN THE BRITISH AIRWAYS ROSE GARDEN

England will host six international fixtures in 2021

The Guinness Six Nations is a tournament that sees Europe’s elite face off in oneoff Test Matches in the oldest rugby tournament in the world. England are the current holders and they won after France beat Ireland on a thrilling final day of the delayed tournament, a victory that came at the end of the longest Six Nations in history after the tournament was suspended in March 2020 because of the Coronavirus pandemic. Fast forward to November 2021 and the autumn internationals, when England will face an Emerging Nation, Australia and current Rugby World Champions, South Africa at Twickenham Stadium. The return of the fans to the home of England Rugby is sure to provide an electrifying atmosphere and there will be no shortage of rugby talent on show.

England vs Australia (Saturday 13 November 2021)*: Since appointing Dave Rennie as head coach back in late 2019, the Wallabies have endured a mixed run of form. In his fourth game in charge, against the might of New Zealand, the Wallabies were triumphant in a hard-fought 24-22

victory at Brisbane’s Lang Park. Since then, Australia are unbeaten, earning two tough draws against Argentina in their remaining Tri Nations Games. Currently ranked sixth in the world, by the time they come up against England, Australia will hope to have developed even further.

Having shown a tendency toward a possession-based, aggressive game in their first six outings, Rennie and his Wallabies side will look to hone this style over the next ten months.

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XXXXXXXX CULTURE •• XXXXX SPORT

ENGLAND VS FRANCE

“Twickenham stadium, or 'Twickers' is the home of England Rugby. Originally a market garden, the land was bought in 1907 for just £5,500” England v South Africa (Saturday 20 November 2021)*: This fixture has all the makings of a real classic as the world’s two top-ranked sides set to do battle. This will be the first time the sides have met since the 2019 Rugby World Cup final, when South Africa ran out comfortable 32-12 winners.

Since its beginning, Twickenham has maintained a magical blend of sports and leisure, connecting people with the wonderful world of rugby. Twickenham is the spiritual home of English rugby and the England Rugby Team.

BOOKING WITH CONFIDENCE Should a rugby international fixture at Twickenham Stadium be cancelled on the advice of UK Government all bookings are fully refundable.

A SA F E E X P E R I E N C E Our priority is your safety and in these unprecedented times, further precautionary measures have been implemented within the Stadium to protect and offer peace of mind.

Keith Prowse, the principal hospitality sales partner to England Rugby, is offering readers the chance to win a fully inclusive hospitality experience for two in the British Airways Rose Garden this autumn, when England will take on a yet to be confirmed Emerging Nation at Twickenham Stadium.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX *Dates subject to change

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

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CULTURE • DATING

“Online dating can be timeconsuming, disheartening and even downright off-putting”

Match POINT Why is Heather Heber Percy, one of the UK’s most highly regarded matchmakers, more in demand than ever?

By EVE HERBERT

W

ith all of us staying at home, the need to have that someone very special in our lives may never have been more relevant than it is today. We may have tried online dating to meet others, but so often our experience of this can be time-consuming, disheartening and even downright offputting. So, if we want to connect with ‘the one’ perhaps using the services of a personal matchmaker could be a better way to achieve this? Personal matchmakers are now more in demand than ever, but what makes Heather Heber Percy stand out as one of the UK’s most highly regarded matchmakers in today’s dating world?

Heather Heber Percy began as a personal matchmaker well before online dating took off, but the truly personal service, hard work and support that she always offers to her clients, may appeal even more today than ever before.

Heather began as a personal matchmaker back in the early 80’s, after conversations with a fellow mum and friend at the school gate, about the challenges faced by anyone wanting to meet a new partner in the rural community in Shropshire in which they lived. This conversation seeded an idea of setting up the Country Partners dating agency, to offer a truly personal matchmaking service to meet this need.

Heather interviewed every client and everyone they would go on to meet through the agency, working with them on a very personal level, towards seeing them happily

into a new relationship. Country Partners went from strength to strength, becoming a true testament to her natural talent and dedication. As her success and reputation continued to grow, Country Partners drew more and more clients from London, the Home Counties and from across the UK, often by personal recommendation.

Since those early years, Heather Heber Percy went on to devote half of her lifetime towards helping bring people together and her long experience in dating has only added further wisdom and understanding into the matchmaking work that she loves so much.

As part of her commitment to high standards in dating, Heather was Chairman of the Association of British Introduction Agencies for 17 years, before becoming Chairman of the Dating Agency Association, and is an advocate of its proactive stance on dating safety.

As an acknowledged dating expert, she is frequently asked to represent Matchmaking and dating in the media.

Heather remains a passionate believer in traditional dating services and perhaps being one of the world’s great listeners is key to her continued success. Getting to know clients and understanding what they are really looking for in a partner is fundamental to being a good matchmaker, something she instils in the other matchmakers who now work alongside her at Country Partners. After speaking with Heather, clients believe that they can trust her with something that is fundamentally important - helping to bring the right person into their lives.

To find out more about a matchmaking service, contact Country Partners on 0800 644 4123 or email: info@countrypartners.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK

BE MINE CLARKE'S

Breakfast in bed, a mug of coffee by the fire, or chocolates and Champagne at tea time — how ever you wish to spend your Lockdown Valentine's Day, Clarke's hampers can be delivered to your door at a time to suit you, or collected from the Campden Street or Westbourne Grove stores. sallyclarke.com

Food notes 28 • Meal Kits 35 • Recipes 36 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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WHAT TO DRINK

GRAPE news

TASTING NOTES

London’s food news and most exciting openings this month

By ABBIE SCHOFIELD

Wine recommendations for the month

By BERRY BROS. & RUDD

2017 Berry Bros. & Rudd Sauternes by Ch. Climens  £14.95 Our Sauternes is a classic blend of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc, made by the team at Ch. Climens. This delicate and refined wine shows notes of orange blossom, toast and honey on the nose, balanced by a tingling acidity and a refreshing finish.

2018 Pulenta Estate, La Flor Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina  £14.50 The very fresh acidity of this wine works well with the intensely concentrated dark fruit notes and velvet-like tannins. Black cherry and plum dominate on the nose and palate, accompanied by a subtle and wellintegrated cedar note.

2019 Berry Bros. & Rudd New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc by Isabel Estate  £11.95 We are delighted to be working, with awardwinning winemaker Jeremy McKenzie for this wine. It is fresh and mineral with a distinct sea-salt character.

Bright and true on the palate, it has subtle notes of vine tomatoes, kaffir lime leaves, green apples and citrus pith.

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

28

BLACK BEAN COD BY ANDREW WONG

What's cooking COOK + THIEF

Cook + Thief is the new takeaway revolution from the co-founder of Mr & Mrs Smith. Jaw-dropping dishes from London’s best restaurants are brought together into one single menu. Each meal is then delivered in pristine condition using futuristic tech and beautiful eco packaging to bring you the hottest dishes in west London. cookandthief.com

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

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FOOD & DRINK• NOTES

FLIP OUT Pancake Day treats to order

S TA U B

Soul food

If you’re a fan of crêpe-style pancakes, Staub’s Cast Iron 28cm Pancake Pan is an essential piece of kitchen kit. Not only is it non-stick, but it comes with a wooden spreader tool and spatula for the perfect flip every time. £89.95; uk.zwilling-shop.com

BANDO BELLY

Influenced by flavours from America, the Caribbean and southeast Asia, Bando Belly was created by young Londoners Naz Ramadan and Alex Situnayake to showcase “everything that inspires us about London - including all the nitty gritty parts.” Serving indulgent comfort food from their Peckham Levels kitchen such as slow-roasted lamb ribs and Trinidadian-inspired doubles, you can order via Deliveroo.

Cerise Road, SE15 5HQ bandobelly.com

SYRIA TO SOH O IMAD’S SYRIAN KITCHEN

Imad Alarnab was a successful restaurateur in Damascus, but his businesses were destroyed in the war and he was forced to flee. Five years later, and after many successful pop ups and charity events, Imad will open his own restaurant in Kingly Court, serving the very best dishes from his homeland.

Kingly Court, W1B 5PW imadssyriankitchen.co.uk

WHERE THE PA N C A K E S A R E One of London’s best pancake restaurants has launched a delivery kit. It includes ready-made batter for light and fluffy pancakes plus your choice of toppings, from streaky bacon and maple syrup to banana and salted caramel.

From £39.50; wherethepancakesare.com

SOCIAL FEED TOM AIKENS

Sustaina-bowl DETOX KITCHEN

Healthy food hub Detox Kitchen has collaborated with chef Thomasina Miers to create a new range of wholesome and delicious dishes. The recipes, which aim to waste as little as possible, include vegetarian chilli-non-carne, chicken enchiladas and baked rigatoni. They're available for delivery or at Selfridges and Planet Organic. detoxkitchen.co.uk

H AYA For those who prefer savoury pancakes, you can make a pillowy soft Lahooh pancake with Haya’s vegetarian brunch kit.

The Mediterranean restaurant’s kit includes toppings such as smoked labaneh, green tahini and pomegranate seeds, with the option of adding a Bloody Mary.

From £20; haya.london

Chef Tom Aikens has launched a new virtual cooking school. Filmed at his Belgravia restaurant Muse, he will teach everything from essential knife skills to how to perfect key dishes. Lessons can be seen via a members-only Instagram page and cost £60 for a six-week course. @cookingwithtomaikens A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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FOOD & DRINK • MARKET NEWS

Market

FORCE How Pinewood Nurseries has become an invaluable local resource

By EVE HERBERT

T

here is great excitement at a small farm shop in Stoke Poges, Bucks, who have just had it confirmed that Head chef Chris Wheeler, of a nearby luxury hotel, will be running a takeway of hot drinks, bacon sandwiches and deli style salads to answer the call of locals who are keen to eat healthy for 2021. This isn’t the first collaboration that Pinewood Nurseries has had with Chris. He is a regular shopper at their farm shop, well known for championing local produce, especially Tim’s Dairy, Chalfont St Peter, who make delicious Greek style yoghurts (more recently with their new Kefir range). The new deli style salad range will be an addition to their small COVID safe food market which runs on Fridays and Saturdays 9am – 3pm, outside the farm shop, opposite Wexham Park Hospital.

The family at Pinewood Nurseries and Farm shop in Stoke Poges could never have imagined what a year of Coronavirus would do for their small family business, established back in 1980. When the first lockdown came, they pulled out all the

“WE KNEW THAT PEOPLE LOVE TO MEET THEIR PRODUCERS, AND WITH EVENTS CANCELLED THESE SMALL BUSINESSES WERE DESPERATE FOR AN OUTLET”

stops, having to close to be able to fulfil their huge numbers of click and collect orders. Local volunteers helped them to deliver out to those who were shielding and a web designer in their village designed their online shop for them, which was something they had only ever dreamed of.

After the summer they created an outdoor food market with carefully selected local producers as well as ‘Bucks Fish’, fishmonger.

‘We knew that customers were conscious about shopping safely and the answer came from our garden centre tunnels at the entrance to our shop. We also knew that people love to meet their producers, and with events cancelled these small businesses were desperate for an outlet. Food is essential shopping. To be able to shop safely outside and support small local businesses ticked

all the right boxes,’ said Liz Robinson, one of the owners at Pinewood Farm shop.

Every Friday and Saturday they have artisan bakery Jungs selling freshly baked goodies, Bucks Fish who source their fish daily from the Best fish merchants of Britain, Samantha from Hedgerley who makes an array of sauces, jams and chutneys at home in Hedgerley, and even a World Cheese Judge, James, from No. 2 Pound St, Wendover.

Chris and his team will be making a selection of fresh salads and fish sauces to complement our selection. ‘With fresh meat and fruit and vegetables in the Farm Shop it means we can provide a phenomenal offering to our customers’ said Cathy Mack, the manager of the Farm Shop. Meat can also be preordered online a few days in advance, offering customers a 10% discount if they take advantage of this. The nursery is going from strength to strength, adapting to give the customers what they need – finally some exciting news in these difficult times.

P I N E WO O D N U R S E R I E S & FA R M S H O P Wexham St, Stoke Poges, Bucks SL3 6NB 01753 662907, food@pinewoodnurseries.co.uk pinewoodfarmshop.co.uk

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

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FOOD & DRINK • SHOPPING KEVIN AND PETRA DURRANT

CELLAR STARS

BeerGinVino put the sparkle back into choosing your tipple, with local, artisan and award-winning labels and personal service

K “We offer lots of local producers across craft beers, artisan gins and wines” THE HATCHERY STORE AND TASTING VENUE

evin and Petra Durrant are passionate about tracking down the finest brews. Their family business, BeerGinVino, opened its doors in Haddenham last October.

Its focus is local and regional craft producers, plus brilliant delivery options and tasting events. As you’d expect from the name, there’s plenty of beer, wine and fizz, plus over 40 gins, on their shelves. You’ll also find other tempting options – from honeyed vodka and spiced rum to artisan chocolate.

For the Durrants, BeerGinVino is a real labour of love. Kevin is a coeliac and it was the quest to track down gluten-free options that started the couple on the road to curating the best of the best, especially when it comes to close-to-home suppliers.

“We offer local producers across craft beers, artisan gins and local wines – lots from within 70 miles of the shop,” says Kevin.

Naturally, there’s a good selection of gluten-free ales, and also organic and vegan wines. Great British vino producers are firmly in the mix – including local heroes Chafor Wine Estate and Dinton Wines. And on the beer front, there’s the popular Abingdon Bridge, plus Chiltern Brewery and a host of niche producers to inspire ale explorers.

Visit the Durrants Bradmoor Farm shop and tasting venue and it feels like the antithesis of the supermarket aisles.

Expect lots of emerging labels, informed advice and special guest producer tastings every month (do check out the Valentine event scheduled for February). You can even organise a private tasting at the store or live over Zoom for you and your nearest and dearest. Pre-select your perfect wines or gins for the night or let them guide you.

BeerGinVino has lots of other personal touches. You can browse in store – particularly useful if you want expert guidance on memorable gifts or perfect food/drink pairings. Alternatively, shop online for the click and collect or home delivery service. Delivery is free locally for orders over £30, and with free nationwide delivery when you spend over £99.

For an inspired way to enjoy the store’s selections, there’s a flexible BeerGinVino Subscription Service. There’s no longterm commitment required here and you can opt for monthly, bimonthly or quarterly delivery. Best of all, you can mix and match. This means you get to choose your perfect combination of beers, wines, gins and more up to the delivery value or, if you prefer, let BeerGinVino curate the selection for you and deliver a tempting case of artisan treats straight to your door. Now we’ll drink to that.

BEERGINVINO The Hatchery, Unit 5 Bradmoor Farm, Stanbridge Rd, Haddenham, Bucks HP17 8JX. 01296 792958; beerginvino.com

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

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29/01/2021 11:40

29/01/2021 16:49

FOOD & DRINK • MEAL KITS

S P E C I A L D E L I V E R Y

1

THE ADDRESS The Address will deliver you a Breakfast in Bed meal kit for the weekend. We opt for the Meat Feast and indulge in Lake District bacon and sausages, golden freerange eggs, organic sourdough, a house marinade, organic tomatoes and more. The perfect Saturday treat. £25 for two servings, delivery within 11-mile radius of Pimlico Road no11pimlicoroad.co.uk/order

OUR FAVOURITE MEAL KITS OF THE MONTH

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2

JUICI JERK A delivery from this Carribean kitchen is just the thing to brighten up a wintry evening. We feast on jerk chicken, rice and peas, coleslaw, mac and cheese, plantain, festivals and Juici Jerk’s signature sauces, all fantastic flavours with just the right amount of heat. £30 feeds 2-3, available on UberEats, Deliveroo, JustEat and Flipdish juicijerk.com

3

BAR DOURO

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Portugeuse restaurant Bar Douro has launched a DIY kit inspired by the eateries and bars of Lisbon and Porto.

The kit includes bread & olive oil to start, followed by dishes including smoked Portuguese sausage, Arroz de polvo (traditional Octopus rice), braised beef cheeks with esparregado & root vegetable crisps and traditional Portugeuse dessert Toucinho do Ceu. £60, delivery nationwide restokit.co.uk

4

MORTIMER HOUSE Mortimer House offers a variety of meal kits with varying degrees of effort required. The only requirement for our lasagne kit is a spatula for serving this hearty and comforting dish for four. For pudding, decadent Sicilian Cannoli came ready to pipe with sweet ricotta. Lasagne £35. mortimerhousekitchen.com

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5

P I Z Z A P I LG R I M S

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Pizza Pilgrims’ Frying Pan Pizza kit contains proved dough, marinara sauce, fior di latte, parmesan and toppings (like Truffle & Mushroom).

An online video will teach you how to stretch your dough like a pro before cooking. The result is a fresh and tasty Neapolitan-style pizza — much more fun than Dominoes.

From £13.95, delivery UK-wide pizzainthepost.co.uk

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

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POT ROAST Hearty one-pot ideas are perfect for February Wo r d s A L A N R O S E N T H A L P h o t o g r a p h y R I TA P L AT T S

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Crispy ginger & chilli pork fried rice INGREDIENTS • 1 bunch spring onions (scallions) • 3 tbsp sunflower oil • 600g (1lb 5oz) pork mince • 1–2 red bird’s eye chillies, finely chopped • 25g (1oz) finely grated fresh root ginger • 4 garlic cloves, finely grated • 500g (4 cups) cooked brown basmati rice • 2 tbsp soy sauce • 2 tbsp fish sauce • 2 pak choi (bok choy) (about 150g/5oz), quartered lengthways • 100g (31⁄2oz) Tenderstem broccoli, halved • 15g (1⁄2oz) Thai basil leaves (or ordinary basil) • rice wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), to serve

O

ne of my old flatmates is the inspiration for this simple, tasty recipe. Feel free to go heavier on the chilli; 1–2 chillies, as I suggest, will give you a bit of warmth, but won’t knock your socks off ! If you dare to use a second pot, this dish is delicious served with a fried egg on top.

METHOD 1 Cut each of the spring onions (scallions) in half where the white part starts to turn green. Slice both sections finely but keep them separate.cooking water to add to the sauce later.

2 Heat the oil in your wide shallow pot.

Once very hot, add the pork mince, the white half of the sliced spring onions, the chillies and the ginger. Cook over a high heat, stirring regularly and breaking up any clumps of meat.

3 After about 6–7 minutes turn the heat down a little. By now, the excess moisture will have been driven off, allowing the pork to start frying in its own fat. Regularly scrape down the sides of the pot and mix to ensure all the little pieces of pork are cooked evenly.

4 After a total of 10–12 minutes, the pork mince will have caramelized in lots of places and your pot will be quite dry. Add the garlic and cook for 2 more minutes. Add the cooked rice to the pot, breaking it up among the pork.

5 Mix through the soy and fish sauces and then add the pak choi (bok choy) and Tenderstem. Cook for 4–5 minutes over a medium heat, regularly turning everything to ensure the vegetables cook evenly.

6 Finally, toss through the finely sliced greens from the spring onions and the basil leaves. Serve sprinkled with a little vinegar for some acidity to balance the dish.

King prawn, bulgur & chard pilaf INGREDIENTS • 50g unsalted butter • 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped • 1 red Romano pepper, halved lengthways then finely sliced • 1 bunch of chard (about 250g/9oz), leaves and stalks separated • 2 garlic cloves, finely grated • 1⁄2 tsp mild Turkish red pepper flakes (isot pul biber) or crushed chilli flakes • 1 tsp ground cumin • 2 tsp ground paprika • 1 tsp ground oregano • 1 tbsp tomato purée (paste) • zest of 1 lemon • 750ml hot vegetable stock • 300g coarse bulgur wheat • 250g raw, shelled king prawns • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper • lemon wedges, to serve

T

his Turkish-inspired one-pot is a quick and easy meal. The chilli flakes I recommend, isot pul biber, are crimson red and wonderfully fruity which means they impart a rich colour as well as flavour to the dish. However,

feel free to use whichever crushed chilli flakes you can find, but do be a little less generous as the Turkish variety is much milder in heat.

METHOD 1 Melt the butter in your deep pot over a medium heat. Add the onion, pepper, chopped chard stalks and a pinch of salt and cook for 10–12 minutes until the vegetables have softened and reduced in volume. rosemary, marjoram or oregano.

2 Add the garlic, isot pul biber or crushed chilli, cumin, paprika and oregano and cook for around 2 minutes, stirring well. Add the tomato purée (paste) and cook for another 2 minutes, continuing to stir a few times. Add the lemon zest, 1 tsp salt and some black pepper.

3 Now pour in the hot stock, mix everything together, then add the bulgur wheat, stirring to distribute it evenly.

Bring the pot to a gentle simmer, then turn the heat right down, cover and allow to cook, without peeking, for 10 minutes.

4 Remove the lid and, without any mixing, place the prawns (shrimp) on top of the bulgur and top with the chopped chard leaves. Pop the lid back on and cook for another 5 minutes.

5 Turn the heat off and give everything a gentle stir so the prawns become incorporated within the cooked bulgur. Replace the lid and leave for 5 minutes, allowing the steam to finish cooking the dish.

6 Give everything one final toss and serve with lemon wedges.

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

serving add acidity and match the silky textures throughout the dish. A true bowlful of warming sunshine.

METHOD

Chickpea, potato & turmeric curry INGREDIENTS • 2 1⁄2 tsp ground coriander • 1 tsp ground cumin • 2 tsp ground turmeric • a pinch of ground cloves • a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg • 4 tbsp vegetable oil • 1 onion, peeled and grated • 4 garlic cloves, finely grated • 1 1⁄2 tbsp finely grated fresh root ginger • 1 red bird’s eye chilli, finely sliced • 1 cinnamon stick

• 2 star anise • 1 x 400ml (14fl oz) can coconut milk • 300g (101⁄2oz) potatoes, such as Maris Piper, peeled and cut into 2cm cubes • 2 x 400g (14oz) cans chickpeas, including liquid • 2 lemongrass stalks, bruised • a pinch of caster sugar • 2 ripe tomatoes, cores removed and quartered • sea salt • 4 tbsp chopped fresh coriander • cooked rice, to serve

T

his naturally vegan recipe is my nod to a mild but fragrant Balinese curry.

Chickpeas are enveloped in a rich and velvety coconutbased sauce that’s laced heavily with turmeric and ginger. Raw ripe tomatoes added just before

1 In a small bowl, mix together the ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, cloves and nutmeg with 3 tbsp cold water and set aside.

2 Heat the oil in your deep pot over a medium heat. Once hot, add the onion, garlic, ginger, chilli and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring regularly until the pot becomes quite dry and the ingredients are just starting to turn a little golden. Add the water and spice mix, then the cinnamon stick and star anise. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute.to chill for a minimum of 30 minutes.

3 Add the coconut milk, diced potato and the chickpeas, including the liquid from the cans. Add the lemongrass stalks to the pot, along with 1 tsp salt and the sugar. Bring everything to the boil and then lower the heat. Simmer for 15–20 minutes over a medium heat until the potato is cooked and the sauce has thickened.

4 Taste for seasoning. You may need to add more salt.

5 Just before serving, stir through the tomatoes to warm them slightly; you don’t want to cook them. Serve the curry in bowls with some plain rice and sprinkle with chopped coriander.

Recipes taken from Foolproof One-Pot 60 Simple and Satisfying Recipes by Alan Rosenthal. Published by Quadrille; £12.99 Hardback

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FA S H I O N

COUNTY STYLE ANDREW GARDNER

Founded in 1976 in the village of Wendover, Andrew Gardner boutique pride s itself on offering a high level of customer service and beautiful products. With both mens and ladies, its a one stop shop in the heart of the Chilterns. andrewgardner.co.uk

Valentine's gifts 43 • Jewellery 45 • Bella Freud's statement knits 46 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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FASHION • VALENTINE'S

JONATHAN ADLER Heart Tinket Tray, £78; uk.jonathanadler.com

TIANA JEWEL Celestial Soul Amethyst Earrings, £55; tianajewel.com

EDITOR’S PICK

CLARENDELLE

SCULPD

2019 Bordeaux Rosé, €12; lacaveduchateau.com

Valentine's Pottery Kit, £39; sculpd.co.uk

FUND Jumper, £165; fundjumpers.com

CAKE OR DEATH Vegan Peanut Butter Letterbox Brownies, £23; cakeordeath.net

AMELIE'S FOLLIES Aubade Bra £95, Tanga £49; ameliesfollies.co.uk

Choose LOVE

ANNOUSHKA X THE VAMPIRE'S WIFE Love Letter Charm, £1,700; annoushka.com

Gifts to give (or drop hints about) on February 14th

MARIA LA ROSA Mohair Blend Socks, £31; net-a-porter.com

By ABBIE SCHOFIELD

BERKSHIRE COLLECTIVE

L'ADURÉE

Luxury Valentine's hamper, £75; berkshirecolletive.co.uk

Macaron Box, £46; laduree.co.uk

REX LONDON Made With Love Cookie Stamper, £2.95; rexlondon.com

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The Jewellery Workshop of Amersham

THE JEWELLERY WORKSHOP OF AMERSHAM has an extensive stock range to help you find a special piece of jewellery and will go that extra mile to ensure you get what you want.

Victor, the on-site goldsmith with over 30 years experience can repair treasured items or create a unique piece of jewellery.

Due to Covid, click and collect is available. Please see the website for details on how to “request an envelope” to post repair work in.

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29/01/2021 16:22

FASHION • JEWELLERY

Feeling blue Ring in the new year with ice-inspired jewels

By ABBIE SCHOFIELD

RAEMI

YAEL SONIA

V BY LAURA VANN

Haya Shield Ring, £95 raemi.com

Small Twist Ring, $2,150 yaelsonia.com

Etta Ring, £105 vbylauravann.com

OTIUMBERG

MAYA

SELIM MOUZANNAR

Chunky Diamond Band, £1,752 otiumberg.com

Fifth Element Ring with Sapphire, €950 mayagemstones.com

Pink Sapphire Enamel Cocktail Ring, £2,920 libertylondon.com

SWAROVSKI

TABBAH

SAMANTHA TEA

Twist Wrap Ring, £149 swarovski.com

G-Glam Ring, $3,830 tabbah.com

Emma Ring with Blue Diamond, £495 samanthatea.com

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

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W O R D

U P

Signature slogan sweaters characterise Bella Freud's new collection BELLAFREUD.COM

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Ellie Sanderson are dellighted to offer in store virtual appointments for brides worried they won't get their dress in time. It also offers a 72-hour return postal service of favourite dresses. elliesanderson.co.uk/ appointments/

Micro STYLE

Smaller can be beautiful, with the 'micro wedding' trend giving brides the opportunity to opt for relaxed choices that don't stint on glamour

By ELLIE SANDERSON

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FASHION • WEDDING TRENDS

W

ith an estimated 145,000 couples having to put planned nuptials on hold, they are now finding new ways to get hitched.

The brides we talk to have become so resilient – and many are not hanging around to get married. Micro weddings have become so popular, with brides often giving us a few days' or weeks' notice. The bride of 2020/21 is 'just doing it' when Covid restrictions allow.

Micro in size doesn’t have to mean short on style.

In fact, it can be so much easier to create a fabulous and personal occasion when you have fewer guests.

So, why compromise (if it is indeed a compromise) and have a micro wedding? The reasons vary from couple to couple. Many couples just want to get on with their lives, start a family and move forward. It’s worth noting that some couples have changed their dates two or three times and so this becomes the solution to a frustrating situation.

'Micro wedding now, macro party when we are out the other side of the pandemic' is another strong trend. Separating the ceremony from the big celebration seems to be a good way forward for many. There is also another silver lining for some couples – escaping the pressure of a large family wedding. Micro becomes a very good way to dodge that obligation on numbers and style of occasion.

“Micro weddings open the door to an array of bridal styles – crepe jumpsuits, slip gowns, palazzo pants and flirty short dresses” Whatever the reason, a micro wedding can be an intimate and personal start to married life.

But, what to wear? Micro weddings are much more relaxed, and so the choice of wedding outfit mirrors that mood. It also opens the door to a huge array of wonderful styles – so much so that at Ellie Sanderson we have bought an entirely new collection of outfits for these occasions. Crepe jumpsuits with open backs and pockets, slinky slip gowns, crepe palazzo pants with balloon-sleeve tops and – of course – flirty short dresses. The options to mix and match with jackets and cardigans are huge, although styling with fun and statement accessories and a gorgeous bouquet is often enough.

It’s not just about the dress – choosing a great venue that is geared up to intimate dining is crucial.

Food and wine can be in abundance as the head count is lower and each and every guest is a treasure.

Choosing fine wine and great food makes your day super special and one that guests will never forget.

Flowers are vital too – they breathe life into the occasion. It's an opportunity to be decadent and treat all your guests to a corsage, which in itself is a wonderful gift. You don’t need a big tiered affair, but you do need cake. Brilliant cake makers are creating 'cake-sicles' for you to share – and post to friends who couldn’t join the occasion. This may be a cake on a lolly stick, but they taste incredible and are wonderful to receive. Finally, don’t forget your photographer and videographer. It may be small-scale, but you do need to capture the day. Do check if they can set up Zoom for those who can't be there in person.

This micro-wedding moment certainly won’t last forever, but for now let's celebrate as we can – and do so in style.

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

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

ASK ALEXA CODE8

Enhance your look with Code8's ultimate lipstick trio curated by global style icon and brand ambassador Alexa Chung. codeeight.com

Beauty notes 55 • Fitness 59 • Cliveden spa review 60 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Facial Aesthetics - Body Contouring - Advanced Skincare

Covid-19 Update Berkshire Aesthetics is a medical clinic and regulated by the Care Quality Commission. The practice is required to follow very high standards of patient care, safety & governance. The practice operates strict infection control procedures to protect both patients and staff.

Patients who are interested in our treatments should check the website for further details regarding our COVID-19 procedures and to confirm if the clinic is open.

During the current lockdown only medical treatments are permitted to be performed.

CoolSculpting Expert Clinic CoolSculpting is the world’s #1 noninvasive fat reduction procedure. It is ideal for those stubborn areas which resist your efforts through diet and exercise.

Best of all, at Berkshire Aesthetics you will be consulted and treated by a medical doctor who is Tatler’s Top Doctor for body treatments and the CoolSculpting Expert Panel Lead for Allergan Aesthetics.

Before Treatment

► No special diets or exercise ► No needles, surgery, or downtime ► The results are permanent ► 1,000s of treatments performed

12 Weeks After 2nd Session*

Other treatments available Include: ● Ultherapy & Exilis Ultra

● Anti-Wrinkle Injections

● Obagi & ZO Skincare

● Dermal Fillers & Profhilo

● Laser Treatments

● Morpheus8 & FaceTite

● Emsella & Ultra Femme

● Emsculpt & Emtone

● HydraFacial & Skin Peels

As seen in

Dr Langdon is a Tatler Top Doctor and was named as the best for body treatments in 2019, 2020 & 2021 while Berkshire Aesthetics was named as an out of London Super Clinic. She is also a Country Expert for the Swiss filler manufacturer Teoxane.

Berkshire Aesthetics, Robin Hood, Furze Platt Road, Maidenhead SL6 6PR To learn more visit berkshireaesthetics.com or call the clinic on 01628 20 20 28

Dr Selena Langdon Founder & Medical Director

*All patients are required to undergo a full medical consultation. Experiences may vary.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

BEAUTY NOTES

The latest in luxury makeup and skincare

By ABBIE SCHOFIELD

EDITOR’S PICK

NO SCRUBS

By ABBIE SCHOFIELD

S

Winter equals dry skin, and if you need to level up from your regular body scrub, try the Dr Dennis Gross Exfoliating Body Treatment. The textured wipe is soaked in acids, enzymes and baukichol (hailed as the natural retinol) to lift off dead skin without stripping moisture. £58 for eight, drdennisgross.com

Patch UP MIJ

Celebrity skincare lines are the new celebrity fragrances (i.e. everywhere), but presenter Maya Jama's MIJ masks are worth paying attention to. Made from bio-cellulose (a top quality biodegradeable fibre) they contain hero ingredients such as hyaluronic and glycerin to boost radiance and hydration.

From £13.99, mijmasks.com

B O B B I B R OW N

Chinese actress NiNi is the face of Bobbi Brown’s new limited edition collection, which becomes available nationwide 18 February. Inspired by the illuminating glow of New York City, we love the Luxe Eye Shadow Quad and Highlighting Powder for a multi-dimensional, radiant look.

From £36.50, bobbibrown.co.uk

Skin Hero Bespoke skincare boxes by West Room Aesthetics

DR DENNIS GROSS

ROSY GLOW

FOCUS

kincare boxes are hot right now. And what's not to like about purchasing a collection of best-selling luxury products in one go for a discounted price? They're normally compiled by big beauty retailers with a trusted ‘skinfluencer’ (like blogger Caroline Hirons and Cult Beauty's recent collaboration).

But the problem is, skin is not one-size-fits-all. While the products in a beauty box may be fantastic for some, they won't suit everyone, for example if you have sensitive skin.

There are also differences in skin anatomy depending on skin colour, and issues such as hyperpigmentation and inflammation can affect black women differently to white women.

To tackle this problem, Skin Health Specialist Dija Ayodele, founder of West Room Aesthetics, has created four different Skin Heroes boxes: Dry, Combi, Oily or Oily+. They contain products from top brands that Dija actually uses in her clinic such as Osmosis and Cosmedix.

“Every single product has been handpicked by me, backed by years of experience about what really works for skin, especially black and brown skin," says Dija. "I also want to uncomplicate skincare and reduce some of the negative noise and sensationalism around the options available to black women and the products we should be using.”

You can even subscribe and have your box automatically delivered every 12 weeks.

SKIN HEROES BOX

£345 with a complimentary facial westroomaesthetics.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • TREND EDITOR’S PICK

NARLOA Pink Detox Bath Soak, £13 narloa.com

MOO HAIR Miracle Conditioner, £22 mooandyoo.com

HEAVEN Nettle Venom AntiAgeing Eye Cream, £55 heavenskincare.com

TYPOLOGY 5 Vitamins Complex, £31.80 typology.com

AKT Deodorant Balm, £18 each aktlondon.com

ESTRID Vegan Razor Starter Kit, £7.95 estrid.com

VEGAN BEAUTY

Cruelty-free doesn't equal vegan — these products are all ethical and effective

CHANTECAILLE Zebra Luminescent Eye Shade, £48 chantecaille.co.uk

By ABBIE SCHOFIELD

NATURA SIBERICA C-Berrica Collection, from £5.49 naturasiberica.co.uk

UPCIRCLE Clarifying Face Mask, £18.99 upcirclebeauty.com

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

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FITNESS

FITNESS

TOP

PICKS Net-A-Porter ’s new sports collection

NOTES

By A B B I E S C H O F I E L D

NET-A-PORTER.COM

FOR THE RUNNER APL’s TechLoom Breeze trainers remind us of a crisp spring sky. No excuses for not completing that Couch to 5k now. £190

F O R T H E YO G I This P.E. Nation triangle sports bra with adjustable straps is the perfect level of soft comfort for low-impact exercise. £65

GET APPY With gyms still closed, here are 3 wellness apps to try FO R T H E LO U N G E R With cream jersey at the front and brown terrycloth at the back, this JW Anderson sweater and joggers set is super cosy. From £230

FOR THE SPINNER The Centre Stage leggings by All Access stretch eight ways for the ultimate compression, plus the wide waistband supports the core. £120

TO N E & S C U L PT

S LE E P S C HO O L

D E L I C I O U S LY E LL A

 Rather than focus on weight loss, Tone & Sculpt encourages a healthy and sustainable approach to fitness. It has over 400 home and gym workouts to follow as well as customisable meal plans and a brilliant community to keep you motivated. Co-founder Krissy Cela is a mega-influencer with 2.3 million Instagram followers, and now powerhouse Danyele Wilson is onboard as a global trainer. An athlete gymnast and cheerleader, Danyele's motivational speeches are extra perk. £13.99 per month, toneandsculpt.app

 42% of the UK population's sleep has worsened since the start of the Covid pandemic. Sleep School offers evidence-based sleep support in various ways, from daily tips to seven-day or 30-day courses, guided by sleep expert Dr Guy Meadows. Each user is given a personalised sleep plan based on clinically proven education and tools rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (a type of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy).

Even the app itself was designed with the help of neuroscientists. £29.99 per year, sleepschool.org

 Ella Mills’s plant-based empire has relaunched the Deliciously Ella app. Aiming to be a hub for all things holistic health, you can track your 'Five Pillars of Wellness' (sleep, eating, water consumption, mindfulness and movement) with the My Tracker tool as well as discover plant-based recipes and follow mindful workouts.

With more than 600 meal ideas to choose from and over 200 yoga, pilates and cardio videos, you’re truly spoiled for choice with everything in one place. 99p per month, deliciouslyella.com/app

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QUALITY EYECARE TAILORED TO YOUR INDIVIDUAL NEEDS We are an essential service and open throughout lockdown for your eye care needs with strict covid measures in place •

Full social distancing precautions taken • Staff in full PPE

Open for all optical care and injuries Please call to book an appointment

01494 258586 | hello@hillvision.co.uk 53 Hill Ave, Amersham, HP6 5BX hillvision.co.uk

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INDEPENDENT LIVING CONSULTANTS

“

Products can be tried at the shop and/or demonstrated in your own home

Established in 1998, Independent Living has been supplying top-grade mobility equipment to clients across Buckinghamshire and Berkshire for more than two decades. The friendly fully trained professional staff guide you through the maze of products available to make your life easier. Scooters, wheelchairs, walking aids, rise and recline chairs as well as smaller everyday products can be tried at the shop and/or demonstrated in your own home.

”

■ Independent Living Consultants. 10 Cross Court, Plomer Green Avenue, Downley, High Wycombe HP13 5UW ■ 01494 443 933 ■ info@independentliv.co.uk ■ independentlivingconsultants.co.uk

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Served in the cosy open living room, with roaring fires on tap, this was the perfect spot for people watching and relaxing before dinner.

THE SPA

THE FOOD

Set in 376 acres of National Trust grounds, Cliveden House is a beautiful grade I stately home nestled in Taplow, Berkshire and is around 50 minutes from London by car. The house oozes upmarket style and class and the staff pride themselves on attentiveness and making sure the service means nothing has been left to chance. The dramatic views over the Berkshire countryside and the open green spaces make Cliveden House really feel like a tonic for your soul.

Cliveden House offers two main restaurants, the Cliveden Dining Room and the Astor Grill. The latter being a slightly more family (and dog!) friendly affair.

The food was delicious, and the staff were keen to cater to any food allergies or special requirements. The grill has a relaxed feel, and many parents with newborns were there enjoying a family afternoon out. The main dining room provides a more formal feel, with fabulous service and menus to choose from. Or why not try the traditional afternoon tea?

THE ROOM Classical in style, we stayed in a junior suite on the first floor, with dramatic sweeping views across the park. The generous king sized beds were so comfortable, and the room boasted not only two sitting areas but also a separate dressing room – making getting ready for dinner a breeze. More champagne, anyone?

relaxing

THE HOTEL

With both Oskia products and Sarah Chapman facials now available, the Cliveden spa is not just your average spa break. Boasting an outdoor and indoor pool as well as a well-equipped gym area, the spa is also super family friendly, welcoming children into the pool. We had an Oskia facial as well as a full body massage, and left feeling on cloud 9. The spa also now offers a fully vegan facial meaning that everyone is catered for.

G E T A W A Y

HEALTH & BEAUTY • SPA GETAWAY

THINGS TO DO

The staff at Cliveden really do make sure every stay is special. It’s easy to get lost in the beautiful grounds, before remembering that there’s still lunch to be eaten and spa treatments to be had. Cliveden also fully welcomes children, offering a children’s play area, walking routes and access to the swimming pools. Families of all sizes can be accommodated in the rooms. Whether treating yourself, or your whole family, there really is something for everyone at Cliveden House.

CLIVEDEN HOUSE BERKSHIRE

Anna Woolf visits luxury country hotel Cliveden House and tries the in-house spa

ROOMS FRO £445 PER NIGHT. clivedenhouse.co.uk

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INTERIORS

GO D U TCH HK LIVING

HKliving is a stylish Dutch interior brand, whose founders' combination of a creative mind and a mathematical brain has turned out to be a winning formula. Accessible collections are inspired by traditional and useable designs, with a characteristic modern look and feel. hkliving.nl

Interior inspirations 64 • Home Updates 73 • Kitchen Architecture 78 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTERIORS NOT E S Ideas, designs and styles for your home

By PENDLE HARTE

NEW LOOKS VIVENSE

Just opened in Borough High Street is new homeware store Vivense, which crafts honest materials into beautiful products with great care, whether oak, seagrass, brass or velvet, whether carved, sprung, painted or woven. They gather stories around them in the spaces they live, of thoughtful corners, hide and seek, lamplit laughter, friends and family. vivenselondon.com

M E TA L H E A D S ELIZABETH OCKFORD

Gingko is a group of contemporary wallpaper designs featuring elements of metallurgy and mineralogy, both in design and in the colour palette. Shimmering metallic colours combine with textural finishes and a modern design style. elizabethockford.com

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INTERIORS • NOTES

TA K E FIVE Planters

ELHO Vibes pots, from £4.89 elho.com

CLASSIC FO R M S

O N T H E S U R FAC E STONE CIRCLE

Stone Circle manufactures stone products for domestic and contract use in one of the largest stonemasonry factories in England. Pictured is a smooth Bianco Lasa quartzite island with counter top and shelves in the same stone behind. stone-circle.com

FALCON

Falcon Enamelware has launched two beautiful new limited edition colours for 2021. Pale Lilac is a sublte and versatile shade, while Mineral Blue is vivid with intense depth and luminosity. Jug £34; tumbler £7. falconenamelware.com

HABITAT Zeta ceramic and gold pot, £30 habitat.co.uk

LEAF ENVY Small hanging clay planter, £24 leafenvy.co.uk

OFF THE HOOK

OKA Daqing planter, £295 oka.com

5MM PAPER

MONDAY

This collection of wood and ceramic hooks is carefully crafted in Portugal from high quality beech wood and ceramic with the option to add a sturdy leather strap to hang accessories.

Combine them any way you like.

5mmpaper.com.com

Terrazzo planter, £35 mondayonline.co.uk

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

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A FAMILY BUSINESS SINCE 1977 MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO COME AND VISIT OUR LARGE SHOWROOM!

C

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CM

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WOOD BURNERS | GAS FIRES | FIREPLACES

SUPPLYING & INSTALLING THE WORLDS CLEANEST & MOST EFFICIENT WOOD BURNERS & GAS FIRES MON DAY- F RI DAY 10 - 5 & SAT U RDAY 10 - 1 | 0 1 6 2 8 6 26 9 6 7 | WWW. FIR E P L AC E C E N TR E MAID E N H E AD . CO.UK

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INTERIORS • TREND SLOWDOWN STUDIO Sakamato Throw, £245 conranshop.co.uk

TORI MURPHY Throw in Pearl & Linen, £180 torimurphy.com

MINT & MAY Rectangular Orange Velvet Cushion With Tassels, £75 mintandmay.co.uk

TOLLY MCRAE Lady Grey Wool Throw Essential Collection, £69 tollymcrae.co.uk

SWOON EDITIONS Swoon Milward Two Seater Sofa, £1,499 swooneditions.com

EDITOR’S PICK

LIME LACE Cashmere merino wool throw, £99 limelace.co.uk

CHILCOTT ABODE LIVING

Super soft hot water bottle, £25 chilcottuk.com

Vista thrwo, £120 abodeliving.co.uk

GET COSY

Warming accessories for winter at home

EDITOR’S PICK WELSH OTTER Carreg Grey Yellow and White Tapestry Throw, £135 welshotter.co.uk

By P E N D L E H A R T E THE LOUNGING HOUND Animalia Scatter Cushion in Rousseau, £70, thelounginghound.com

CIEL SHOP Cotton diamond cushion, £35 cielshopinteriors.com

LOAF Easy knit throw in sage, £135 loaf.com

HEATING PLUMBING LONDON Alpaca throw, £145 heating-and-plumbing.com

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

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SWYFT MODEL 01

B O X F R E S H Can a sofa really fit in a box?

Absolutely finds out

By PENDLE HARTE

T

he seven boxes may be huge, and stacked up together they block all light from the window. But even so there has been no problem getting them inside the house, despite the narrow entrance. Because it’s a common problem – having spent months agonising over dimensions, you’ve finally decided on the perfect sofa. It’s going to look fabulous in your living room and you’re even feeling quite smug about your careful measurements. But when the big day arrives, the two-man delivery isn’t able to manoeuvre the vast item through the front

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door, through the hall and into its rightful sitting room spot. The angles are too tight, the corner is prohibitive. The result: no sofa, a return negotiation and a new search.

But there is another way. A new generation of sofas solves the problem of access with the clever sofa in a box concept.

Or seven boxes, which is what I’m looking at. Inside this mountain of cardboard is a modular sofa just waiting to get out, though the idea of putting it together ourselves is a bit daunting. Apparently no tools are needed, apart from large scissors to attack the packaging. Instructions have been emailed separately, according to a large sticker on the box, but once we have got through the (frankly quite challenging) cardboard and plastic, it’s apparent that there’s really no need for a diagram because

SWYFT MODEL 02

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INTERIORS • SPOTLIGHT

Checklist Choosing a new sofa can be challenging. Here Kelly Collins of Swyft Home offers her advice

Size matters

Quite possibly the most important question has to be: ‘does it fit?’. Many London homes have tight entrances which can be tricky to navigate. It’s especially important to consider this in flats, because what if you’re not able to get it through the door or up the stairs? Some sofas might look great on Pinterest, but realistically it’s important to to think about what fits your space.

What look do you want?

SWYFT MODEL 03

the sofa’s construction is entirely selfexplanatory. Yes, putting it together is a two-man job, but only because the clever slip-and-slide mechanism needs a bit of force from both directions (but only a tiny bit - this isn’t a strength game). Even someone lacking in spatial skills can see immediately how it fits together, and with a little bit of strategic thought, we are able to construct the thing in minutes. In terms of difficulty, you could say it’s trickier than changing a lightbulb but much easier than building, say, a Playmobil carpark, or a flatpack chest of drawers.

The box philosophy even solves the follow-up problem: moving house with a sofa, because dismantling is as simple as the initial build, and each piece can easily be carried by one person. You might even be able to fit a sofa in your car, though I haven’t tried that.

Swyft’s Model 03 is the online sofa company’s only modular design and it’s a flexible option. Our three-seater with ottoman feels huge, solid and comfortable and it’s futureproof too – we could add to it with another piece if we needed and the stain-proof linen covering is designed to survive the worst that family life can throw at it. There are said to be 17 different possible configurations, which is good news for anyone who enjoys moving their furniture around.

And best of all, Swyft is not a believer in the six-week wait. They can deliver in as little as 24 hours. There are three designs available at the moment, with more to come this year. So if a new sofa is on your list for 2021, you’ll be able to tick it off quickly and easily. swyfthome.com

A sofa is an investment piece, so it’s understandably nerve-wracking to make a final decision. Essentially, you have two options: statement or neutral. A statement sofa in a bold orange velvet is bound to add character to a space, but impact can be added just as well with bold cushions and throws. If you aren’t sure, why not try a neutral tone and go bigger on the accessories?

Go with the flow

It’s important that your sofa flows nicely with the design of the room. Modular sofas are a great choice for rooms that need to serve more than one purpose, as you can create just about any shape, from the popular L style to a curvy U. Try separating off a section of the living room with a chaise to make the sofa work for you in the space you have.

Form and function

What will you be using the sofa for and where will it be positioned? Will it be directly in front of the TV for chilling and lounging? Or you may want it spaced out for socialising with family and friends. If you need to seat a large number of people, why not choose a three-seater sofa with an ottoman option for perching? If you move your spaces around a lot, modular sofas are perfect as modules can be added or removed.

Focus on a solid frame

SWYFT MODEL 03

If you plan to make a lot of use of the sofa, make sure you invest in a good wood frame. Be wary of particleboard or metal construction, but a solid hardwood frame is a good option. Also, take note of the guarantee before you commit – always opt for manufacturers who offer at least a 15-year guarantee.

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

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Email: enquiries@sbs-homes.co.uk Phone: 07927714786

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INTERIORS • TREND MADE Avalon three seater sofa, £1199 made.com

BONALDO Lovy sofa, £3874 fcilondon.co.uk

LIGNE ROSET Togo sofa, from £1934 chaplins.co.uk

ROSE & GREY Didsbury sofa, £1595 roseandgrey.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

MADE Merton chaise, £799 xxxxxxxxxx.com

SOFA.COM Remy sofa, £1500 sofa.com

SABA Essentiel sofa, £2250 gomodern.co.uk

HAPPY PLACE All the best sofas for winter lounging

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

MADE Rosslyn Click Clack sofa bed, £399 made.com

FURNITURE AND CHOICE Charleston sofa, £649.99 furniturechoice.co.uk

MINIFORMS Botera sofa, £3740 gomodern.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

LOAF Jonesy sofa, £1195 loaf.com

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bringing stone to life for over 50 years

www.stone-circle-home.com | 0333 003 0621 showroom open by appointment only

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photo & artwork | marco joe fazio

stonework for the discerning client

22/01/2021 11:32

INTERIORS • UPDATES

F I V E F I X E S FIVE WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR HOME IN LOCKDWON

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T H E WA L L Dulux has devised a clever idea for updating your walls without the disruption of a whole paint job. A simple circle of paint can define a space and add visual interest. Why did we not think of this before? dulux.co.uk

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T H E S O FA It's official: we are spending more time on the sofa than ever before.

Sofas that are too small or too uncomfortable or just too worn out are just not worth putting up with any more. The solution? Order a new one from Swyft, which is offering 24 hour delivery instead of the usual six week wait. swyfthome.com

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T H E L E AV E S Adding plants to your space is known to increase a sense of wellbeing. To help you re-connect with nature, Leaf Envy provides tailored plant recommendations, simple care advice and affordable plants delivered to your door leafenvy.co.uk

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THE ART

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Need something new to look at as you stare at the same walls?

Yorkshire-born and Amsterdambased artist Sasha Compton's prints look good anywhere. Inspired by the beauty of nature, her mixedmedia artwork is colourful and focuses on positive imperfections. sashacompton.com

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T H E PAT T E R N For a more extreme change of scene, why not wallpaper a wall or a room? Inspired by a brightly coloured swatch found nestled in an old fabric mill, Farrow and Ball's playful tropical print Atacama is the ultimate in escapism. farrow-ball.com

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

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JUSTWARDROBEDOORS ADD SOME GLAMOUR TO YOUR BEDROOM

A NEW WAY TO BUY YOUR LUXURY WARDROBES from replacement doors to a complete installation

FULL WARDROBE INSTALLATION

REPLACEMENT WARDROBE DOORS

USE OUR LUXURY WARDROBE KITS

Visit us online to view our luxury door designs

www.justwardrobedoors.co.uk JW.indd 1

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INTE RIORS • HOME LIFE

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BUN AND GAMES Excellent Scandi bakery Ole & Steen is open for click and collect or delivery at 12 London locations.

Their muffins are legendary, as are their socials, designed for sharing – but they're available as individual portions too for anyone self-isolating. oleandsteen.co.uk

C A R E P A C K A G E S ENDLESS DAYS AT HOME REQUIRE SOME SMALL TREATS. HERE'S A SELECTION

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FORM AND FUNCTION Everyone can benefit from a bit of creative activity at the moment and Sculpd's clever clay kits are a great place to start. An attractive box of clay, tools and paint comes with clear instructions and a youtube link, enabling you to create a plant pot or anything you like, at home. sculpd.co.uk

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MAKES SCENTS There's nothing nicer than a Diptyque candle and now that the Parisian fragrance house is celebrating its 60th year with a new graphic collection, the candles look prettier than ever. If that doesn't bring cheer to your living room, nothing will. £56 liberty-london.com

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P UZ Z L I N G T I M E S

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New from Laurence King is this lovely World of Jane Austen puzzle, a large, 1000-piece project that comes with a full size poster and a guide to featured characters.

Spot Fanny Price in the grounds of Sotherton, and Mr Darcey and Elizabeth blushinh at Pemberley.

Bath's Royal Crescent is there, as is the Cobb at Lyme Regis. £14.99 laurenceking.com

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C H EC K M AT E If you're spending all day wrapped in a blanket, let it be a stylish one.

Design duo Craig & Karl have collaborated with East London textile studio and homeware brand Ambar to create a capsule knitwear collection. We love their merino throw, £345. ambarliving.com

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NAPIT & TrustMark approved electricians in Beaconsfield Whatever electrical work you need doing, we ensure the highest levels of quality

IF IT’S ELECTRICS, IT’S KENNETT ELECTRICS

“

We can highly recommend. David worked for us several times and always provided high quality service.

SGS Shutters and Blinds

”

Need an electrician? Give us a call and we’ll set up an appointment 07915 606060 dkennett@kennettelectrics.com www.kennettelectrics.com KE.indd 1

29/01/2021 12:19

INTERIORS • FLOWERS

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S H I DA P R E S E RV E D F LOW E R S Shida's unusual preserved flowers in beautiful arrangements will last up to a year, thanks to their special preservation method. Unlike regular dried flowers they're not brittle or dusty – their intriguing texture makes them a joy to look at.

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shida.florist

S T E M T H E R A P Y

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SMITH & MUNSON Smith and Munson are fifthgeneration growers of beautiful cut flowers. British-grown lillies and tulips are available directly to the public for the first time now as the company has opened an online shop. smithandmunson.com

ONLINE FLOWERS FOR VALENTINE'S DAY

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MCQUEENS F LOW E R S McQueens Flowers sends hand-tied bouquets via same-day London and next-day nationwide delivery.

McQueens Flowers has been a leading florist since 1991 and this Glowing Saffron hand-tie gathers a spectrum of warm-toned varieties. mcqueens.co.uk

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B LO O M Bloom offers a design-your-own bouquet service, allowing you to create a truly unique bouquet this Valentine’s Day in four simple steps. You can think about the rest of the bouquet in two ways: tonally – where you pick multiple flower types in the same colour for a textural look; or complementary – where you pick opposing colours that sit well together. bybloom.co.uk

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A P P R EC I AT I O N P R OJ EC T

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Lovefool is a bright and colourful bunch of dried flowers designed to enchant a smile. This is the perfect simple arrangement, ideal for sending your dearest a little hug. and will last up to a year. £46 appreciationproject.co.uk

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K I T C H E N

C O U N T R Y

How Kitchen Architecture found its home at Brasenose Farm

By JUDITH GELLING

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W

hen we first visited Brasenose Farm, we knew this had the potential to be the answer to what Kitchen Architecture had been looking for: a landmark building on the Oxford ring road (Eastern-by-Pass).

It was derelict but had a unique history, it was once the childhood home of William Morris (Lord Nuffield), and great heritage.

We knew we could make this really special.

The farm was council owned, unloved for decades and completely derelict. It was completely unfit for human habitation.

We found old maps of the farm from the 1800s showing that it was originally the classic ‘horseshoe’ shape farmyard and also an old photograph. The left-hand leg (the long barn) had disappeared and we managed to convince the planners that it

should be reinstated. We built the new barn in limestone and used traditional tiles and materials externally. We then sandblasted all the stonework on all the buildings to make the new build fit seamlessly and complete and complement the old farmyard. Everyone who visits believes that the new barn has always been there. Internally we took the opportunity on this building to make it very contemporary using concrete and glass which helps to provide variety when moving from one space to another. What we did want to ensure was that all the buildings and all the spaces have soul. If they don’t, clients will be left feeling cold – and we want clients to leave feeling that Brasenose Farm is the most exciting and inspirational place for living spaces that they have ever been to.

We used the traditional elements of stone, wood and metal (mild/black and corten) and didn’t really deviate from these materials in any part of the project.

The Oxford preservation trust were

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INTERIORS • KITCHENS

“We want clients to leave feeling that Brasenose Farm is the most exciting and inspirational place for living spaces that they have ever been to”

involved in the property at the start and we wanted to do a sympathetic restoration that put a sad disused, forgotten building back on the map. We truly believe that it is now a landmark building that could be in use for another 300 years.

The threshing barn was open to the elements and used as storage by the local allotment society. The folk art in the threshing barn has been restored and is wonderful. When you walk into that space it feels like a cathedral – it’s so inviting and friendly. Our MD has worked in high end contemporary living spaces for 30 years, the vast amount of our 4000 + projects have been in period properties. The juxtaposition of the old with the clean lines aesthetic of the new gives you the best of both worlds and just feels complete. The humanity of a stone building, knowing every rock has been touched, worked, turned and laid.

We set Kitchen Architecture up in Summertown 18 years ago with the full knowledge that we needed to educate people that just because you have an old house you don’t have to lead an outdated lifestyle and we have worked tirelessly since making period homes more conducive to modern living and in turn adding value to their sociable living space and the property.

Our purpose is to provide sociable living spaces that adds value to a client’s lifestyle and home. Clients have become absorbed with 1000s images of interiors from digital media and their expectations, when taking

the effort to visit a specialist, are bigger than ever before. The small high street showrooms that we used to have just can’t facilitate their needs any longer. With the 8,500 sq feet that we now have at Brasenose Farm we have moved from just one main product to 6 and have established 3 main design centres in Wilmslow in the north, Putney in London and now Oxford in the South. The journey through these design centres is key, as is the obsession with detail.

The main Farmhouse and reception houses our core bulthaup brand which we are one of the largest retailers in the world for and have worked hard over 30 years to demonstrate that its clean understated lines and materials can work fabulously in any building old or new. The stables and threshing barn, houses our Teddy Edwards and systemKA ranges together with our fabulous range of Outdoor kitchens by Roshults, seriously you need to come to one of our bbq parties! The large barn houses our Italian ranges of Rimadesio living and bedroom furniture and the uber cool Agape bathroom ranges which you arrive at through detailed bespoke dressing areas.

All of the displays have the classic Kitchen Architecture style developed for sociable living, but all the buildings and the individual spaces in them are different and unique and hopefully clients will feel that there is a little bit of inspiration around every corner. kitchenarchitecture.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Own a superb property

...and the nicest people

...with stunning views 365 days a year...

SAVE UP

Castle View

£15,00T0O

Retirement Village

with the g overnmen t stamp d incentive uty until 31st March 20 21

There has never been a better time to consider living at Castle View.

Call our friendly Customer Care Manager, Ruth, on

01753 378 127 to find out more.

CASTLE VIEW VIRTUAL TOUR

www.castleviewwindsor.co.uk

Five reasons to love living, at Castle View, Windsor Exclusively for the over 55s

The concept of living in a retirement village is relatively new and not fully understood in the UK. However, the benefits of owning your own property whilst living amongst a community have been highlighted significantly given the events of 2020. Castle View in Windsor is one of the most innovative urban retirement villages in the UK, was awarded the most outstanding retirement development when it opened in 2018 and now proudly serves a happy community of just over 30 property owners.

Having just celebrated its second birthday we asked the property owners what they loved most about living at Castle View…

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Owning your property, with peace of mind - at Castle View you own your property outright but do not have to worry about the maintenance or garden.

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The management team – as an independently owned and run development there is a close and accountable team. Their support and commitment is exceptional, which

was demonstrated when the Village Manager and Chef moved in to the development during lockdown, all of which helped keep spirits high and why we have remained covid-free to date.

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The people – apartments are exclusively for those aged over 55 years and whilst everyone has different stories, hobbies and interests which is what keeps life interesting, everyone is like-minded and respectful. People can join in with as much or as little community activity as they wish.

“It’s just a wonderful place to live” Marie, property owner at Castle View

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Castle View, Windsor is a special place. Superb 1, 2 and 3 bedroom properties starting from £375,000, with full access to on-site facilities such as the restaurant, library, sky lounge and terrace, stunning views and the nicest people.

But don’t just take their word for it, visit and have a look to see for yourself.

The location – historic Windsor has extensive services, restaurants and shopping facilities. Communication links are excellent with two railway stations providing good links to London and easy access to the M4 providing easy access to Heathrow Airport and Central London. There is plenty to do and entertain any guests that come to visit.

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The views, which are arguably the best in Windsor. Whether it’s watching a glorious summer sunset with a glass of bubbles on the terrace, or wonderful winter sunrise in the warmth of the sky lounge with coffee and paper, it’s amazing to think this is our home.

For testimonials, virtual tours, image gallery and how we have remained Covid-free, visit www.CastleViewWindsor.co.uk Castle View, Helston Lane, Windsor SL4 5GG

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www.castleviewwindsor.co.uk info@castleviewwindsor.co.uk

01753 378 127

29/01/2021 12:17

INTERIORS • TREND PORCELAIN SUPERSTORE Palm springs porcelain tile, £66 per m2 porcelainsuperstore.co.uk

ICONIC LIGHTS Curva pendant shade, £36 iconiclights.co.uk

ROSE AND GREY Diamond stoneware candle holder, £20 roseandgrey.co.uk

DANETTI Two Quinn dining chairs, £178 danetti.com

LOUISE MEAD Zest wall art print, £15 louisemead.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

DANETTI Plaza footstool, £169 danetti.com

TWO TONE

LIGNE ROSET Togo small settee in yellow, £2,117 heals.com

PERCH UPHOLSTERY Harris tweed bench, £185 perchupholstery.com

Pantone's two shades of the year are yellow and grey

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

THE FRENCH BEDROOM CO Chartreuse velvet throw, £220 frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk

HOUSECOSY Holland geometric wool rug, £148 housecosy.com

EDITOR’S PICK DANETTI Canio armchair, £699 danetti.com

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Scholarships and bursaries available

www.mtsn.org.uk Coaches: Beaconsfield, Gerrards Cross, Chalfont St Peter & Denham

Tel. +44 (0)1923 845514 Merchant Taylors’ School, Sandy Lodge, Email. admissions@mtsn.org.uk Northwood, Middlesex HA6 2HT

Excellence, integrity and distinction since 1561

MTS.indd 1 xxxx_MTS Absolutely Bucks A4.indd 1

Moor Park (Baker Street 35 minutes)

For boys 3 - 18

26/01/2021 18:55 26/01/2021 09:12

E D U C AT I O N

BRIGHT SPARKS FA LCO N S S C H O O L

At Falcons School and Peregrines Nursery in Putney, children have plenty of space and support to develop creatively.

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WhereWhere Girls LoveLetaorLnearn Girls Love to

rn re Girls Love to Leeaa WWhheere Girls Love to L rn

Where Girls Love to Learn

WHERE GIRLS LOVE TO LEARN Join us for our Virtual Open Day on Monday 1st March at 11.30 am Meet our Headteacher, Deputy Head, Head of EYFS and Registrar with an opportunity to have your questions answered in a live Q&A at the end of the session.

Please contact Laura Chell our Registrar on 01628 624 918 or email office@highfieldprep.org to sign up.

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EDUCATION • Q&A

HOME WORK

Absolutely talks to Marian Macmillan of Beaconsfield High about the challenges and triumphs of teaching remotely

By EVE HERBERT

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rs Macmillan is an English teacher with 25 years’ experience and has been at Becky High for eight years. We hear in the media and from our own students how young people are coping with remote schooling, but what about those delivering this new style of learning?

Here Mrs Macmillan talks about her experience of teaching from home – the disadvantages, advantages, how she keeps students engaged and what tips she has to get the most out of learning from home.

Q What were your first thoughts when faced with remote teaching for the first time in March 2020?

A Many of us felt rather apprehensive as although we were familiar with using Office 365 in school, we hadn’t too much experience with using Teams remotely.

However, thanks to the wonderful work of our Deputy Head Tina Hill, computing and maths teacher Gemma Jones (who made some fabulous videos to help us), and the wonderful and ever patient ICT team,

we were able to prepare. I remember lots of staff squashing into the ICT rooms at lunchtimes in order to receive emergency training, so that we would be ready for the imminent lockdown.

Q How does teaching remotely differ from teaching to classroom of students?

A There are a number of issues that staff take into consideration when teaching remotely. One of these is that not all students will have a laptop, a silent space to work, or great WiFi. This means that we do try to provide backup recordings or PowerPoints and other materials to support students if they have to work at separate times.

Q What have the biggest challenges been for you teaching remotely?

A Perhaps one of the biggest challenges is encouraging active student participation.

Teachers attend regular briefings at school and we are always trying to incorporate techniques to improve our practice and stimulate learning. Encouraging wider highlevel student participation in lessons is key to stimulating curiosity and understanding.

I was keen to avoid just talking students through a series of PowerPoints with little

“I was keen to avoid just talking students through a series of PowerPoints” investment or participation from them.

Students have grown much better at participating in online learning, using the ‘hands up’ feature in Teams to indicate they want to share their ideas. We also have ‘breakout rooms’ on Teams allowing students to work in groups, and we can share documents online so they can work on them simultaneously in their separate locations.

Q Are there any advantages to remote teaching?

A If students hand work in on Teams, I can’t lose it – a huge relief for me. I can’t tell you how many times over the years I have searched for a piece of work, only to find it’s been handed to another teacher or is still A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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EDUCATION • Q&A

in the student’s book. Also, it’s helpful in terms of tracking progress – once feedback is recorded in Teams it’s there for good, so students can reflect on their progress and so can the teacher. Another useful feature is that when we have a class discussion and we share ideas in the ‘chat’ section, students can go back and review the various comments afterwards and make notes as part of their daily reflection work.

Q How do you stay motivated teaching from home and what routines do you have to keep yourself focussed?

A We tend to stick to the school timetable and I think this is key for both teachers and students. Having a daughter at school, I know it’s made a big difference for her to be able to organise her day around her lessons.

We also keep going with form time as much as possible and I try and go for a walk at lunch to stretch my legs. Also, having the BEACONSFIELD HIGH STUDENT AT HOME

ongoing connection with the students has lessened the isolation of Lockdown.

Placing the starter activity in the ‘Chat’ section allows all students to share their ideas at the beginning of each lesson. This is a nice way to check that everybody is online and is a good baseline to see where we are with reviewing the work. Students are getting much better at participating in live lessons, putting their hands up on Teams and then turning their mic on to share their ideas.

Students who don’t like to turn the mic on are encouraged to type their MARIAN MACMILLAN answers into the ‘chat section’ and I then read the ideas aloud for them, sharing them with the class, which has been working very well.

Q How are students handling remote teaching for a second time?

A So far very well. Students are au fait with the system now and it’s good to see they are more confident participating verbally in lessons.

“Just as teachers have worked hard to adapt to remote learning, so have students”

Q What effects do you think two periods of home learning and time at home selfisolating will have on students’ progress?

A We are all concerned about the effects two periods of home learning will have on students. Although it has been stressful time for many, I’m constantly amazed by students who refuse to be defined by the pandemic and continually push on with their studies and plans for the future. Also, it is wonderful to see how supportive the students are of one another, as well as being receptive to new ways of working. Just as teachers have worked hard to adapt to remote learning, so have students. They have shown excellent resilience, risk-taking and flexibility in the way they have adapted.

There has been strong and clear leadership from the start which has been very helpful in preparing for teaching remotely. Finally, teaching remotely has been made much easier by being part of such a highly skilled, dedicated, and professional team. Teachers are constantly sharing resources with each other, or innovative teaching ideas. And of course, the women who make up our ICT team are absolute legends. Constantly supporting us all remotely even though

sometimes I think it must be akin to herding kittens.

It’s crucial that students remember that we are here to support them, that we want the absolute best for them and that they are not on their own. It’s important that students know that teachers do understand the issues associated with remote learning and that we can be flexible in working to understand their needs and support them.

We continue these discussions in form time, giving them the opportunity to raise any issues or concerns they may have. And of course, our Student Welfare team are always on hand if they need someone else to talk to or if things are getting on top of them.

Q What tips do you have for students on how to get the most out of remote learning?

A Keep going! Keep participating in lessons! Keep turning up and don’t get disheartened. Just focus on one step at a time and try not to get overwhelmed thinking about the future. Try to stay organised and ensure that your books and files are up-to-date with the necessary work.

And remember to take breaks. Be kind to yourself and do your best to not be your harshest critic.

B E AC O N S F I E L D H I G H Beaconsfield High is a girls' grammar school in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire. beaconsfieldhigh.bucks.sch.uk

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ROOM TO GROW

Fostering older kids can enrich lives, says the team at Buckinghamshire Council

By CLAIRE PERRY

W

hen people think about fostering and adopting, images of babies or very young children often come to mind. But it’s not always about the youngest kids.

There are children of all ages who need a safe and loving foster home and we always need more adoptive parents for children aged between 2 – 8 years, especially where the child has a younger sibling and we want the children to stay together.

Parents who adopt with Buckinghamshire Council say it’s hugely rewarding. “In our experience the joys of adopting have over and above exceeded our expectations and the joys are many” says one couple who adopted their child through

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Buckinghamshire Council. There can be different challenges with adopting children who are no longer babies; “I have to explain that they didn’t grow in my tummy.” Older children who are adopted may also have formed very strong bonds with their foster carers, plus will carry their experiences of a disrupted and often traumatic early life. However, the rewards of helping a child through these challenges as their adoptive parent are immense. There is also extensive support available for the new adoptive family once the adoption process has completed and you can access help at any time as your child grows to adulthood.

When it comes to fostering, we have carers who take huge pride in the love and encouragement they can give to older children and teenagers, many of

“Children who need fostering have a big range of experiences, needs and backgrounds”

EDUCATION • FOCUS

whom have sadly spent much of their childhood without a stable home.

Sheila is one of our foster carers who’s been fostering teenagers with Buckinghamshire Council for 20 years, so she knows what it’s like negotiating social media, independence and how to set boundaries. She wants to encourage more people to consider fostering older children. “I’d always had it in mind, I liked working with children and as a teacher I’d worked with many children with challenging behaviour.

90% of the children I’ve fostered have been teenagers. The first children I had to stay were teenagers who had autism and I loved it. I’m 80 and I don’t have the energy to run around on the floor after a toddler, so teenagers work well for me.”

She adds that it’s hugely rewarding: “They truly enrich our lives; they give you a reason to get up in the morning. Fostering teenagers makes me go out to places, whether it’s into London or to a show, I make sure I try every activity I can to give the teens opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have”.

Children who need fostering and adopting have a big range of experiences, needs and backgrounds, especially those who are older. We need as many foster carers and adoptive parents as possible to help find the best possible match for our children. If you’ve been thinking about either fostering or adoption, then why not take the first step to find out more.

We have lots of information on our website; you can read about the experiences of other foster carers and adopters and see how to take your journey to the next stage.

A B O R E M P VO LO R E H buckinghamshire.gov.uk/adoption buckinghamshire.gov.uk/fostering

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Thorpe House School in Gerrards Cross, proud to be tailored for boys At Thorpe House our aspirations push us to achieve higher. There is no such thing as failure, only a desire to learn and become the best version of ourselves.

Our Virtual Open Morning Wednesday 17th March, 09.00 – 11.00

Book your place at

Thorpe House is an all-through school for boys aged 4-16

TH.inddHouse 20 Advert Full page Jan AW.indd 1 Thorpe

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Caring CULTURE

Creating a culture that develops character and confidence – alongside knowledge – is vital, says the Headmaster of Thorpe House School

By NICHOLAS PIETREK

D

ifferent families will be looking for different things in the school they choose for their child. When I was being interviewed at Thorpe House, an all-boys school for ages 4-16, nearly two years ago, I was also looking at the school as a prospective parent. Above all else, I wanted to understand the ethos of the school and to see what kind of young men it was turning out. I will always maintain that the character of the pupils is the greatest measure of a school.

What I found did not disappoint and the excitement that I felt from meeting these young people was what ensured I accepted the post when it was offered to me. I remember having lunch with a group of Year 4 boys, and the confidence that they exuded and their ability to engage in conversation with the prospective new Head genuinely gave me a buzz. I came away thinking what a privilege it would be to play some small part in their future. Importantly, I felt I had also found a school for my own two sons where I was confident that they would flourish

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and have opportunities in abundance.

Everyone wants their child to succeed but in these times in which we are living, how that is to be accomplished is crucially important. The uncertainty of the last year has placed great pressure on families and children have, despite all the best efforts of schools, faced a level of disruption to their education that has not been known since World War II. I remember coming across Teddy Roosevelt having said that: “no one cares how much you know, until

NICHOLAS PIETREK

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EDUCATION • TALKING HEAD

“When there's a culture of kindness, encouragement and support in a school, that is when success really happens”

THORPE HOUSE CATERS TO BOYS AGED 4-16

they know how much you care” and I do not think there are more apt words for a school to live by, particularly right now.

Schools need to show both the parents and the children that first and foremost they care about the young people they have the responsibility of teaching. When pupils see this and parents know that teachers are invested in their children, that is when you see success – not just at an academic level, but at all levels.

I have been amazed to hear young boys who had been tentative about sport say by the end of the term that it is the lesson they enjoy most, and they have all had the opportunity to represent the school. Boys who started out quiet and withdrawn in their lessons, or perhaps in drama, have discovered a voice that previously they had not had the confidence to use. Similarly, young musicians have had an opportunity to perform in front of, and be applauded

by, their peers. A culture of kindness, support and encouragement is what you want to see in a school. When you have those ingredients, and the pupils know that their teachers and their classmates care for them, that is when success really happens.

During the lockdowns that we have all been enduring, the school has continued to flourish. Our comprehensive online teaching programme looks to maintain a healthy appreciation of time away from the screen, whilst also utilising AI platforms such as Century Tech to ensure a bespoke educational experience for the boys.

Throughout these challenging times, we have also continued with an ambitious programme of investment to enhance our facilities and ensure the very best educational experience when our boys return. We can’t wait to see them all again.

Nathaniel Woodard said: “We only have one chance with the education

of our children, so their tomorrow must be our urgency today”. Our teachers are entirely committed to this philosophy and the boys coming out of Thorpe House are well prepared for the challenges that lie ahead of them.

NICHOLAS PIETREK is Headmaster of Thorpe House School, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire. For information about Admissions and Open Days, visit thorpehouse.co.uk

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EDUCATION • PREP

“We encourage girls to develop a love of learning and to discover their own strengths”

GIRL POWER

Highfield Preparatory School offers academic rigour alongside warm nurture and care

H

ighfield Preparatory School is the leading Independent Girls’ School in Maidenhead, offering a great start to the life of learning. Highfield is a lively school, sustaining values which encourage girls to develop a love of learning and to discover their own strengths in a caring atmosphere where every person is valued. We provide both Pre-Prep (Nursery to Year 2) and Prep (Year 3-6) and we offer an exceptionally high quality of education provided by a team of skilled, motivated, and dedicated teachers and support staff. Small class sizes enable our team to be responsive to the needs of the individual girl ensuring continuity and progression for all. The curriculum is broad and well-balanced, enriched by a varied and interesting programme of extra-curricular clubs and activities.

Throughout the school, we promote an atmosphere where a high level of achievement is valued. We aim to create a sense of happiness and warmth in which girls are motivated to work and play to the best of their abilities. We teach the girls to think for themselves and they flourish academically because they learn to trust their own judgement.

Our girls achieve academic excellence well beyond national expectations and move on to some of the best schools in the area including Sir William Borlase, The Abbey, Queen Anne’s and The Marist; often achieving academic, sports and music scholarships.

We are proud of our reputation as a school with a strong academic ethos, which is coupled with a warm, nurturing and caring community where girls can grow and become independent while supporting each other. Every girl matters and their learning should be fun, purposeful and challenging. We are committed to delivering inspirational teaching, encouraging the girls to thrive and achieve as individuals, preparing them for their role as caring and active citizens in the global community.

HIGHFIELD PREP For more information or to book a space at our virtual open day please visit our website highfieldprep.org or email office@highfieldprep.org.

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Two fifths of all older people say the television is their main company.

Residents at Portobello Place enjoy a full and active lifestyle, forming the all-important friendships with like-minded people. This is a care home set in a luxurious environment where everything is covered by one all-inclusive weekly fee.

We offer independent living, 24-hour care and a host of activities and stimulation to our residents.

We understand the impact of loneliness and isolation, so If you know an older person who would benefit from more company, especially through the winter months, contact us for an initial chat.

For more information, to request a brochure, or arrange your visit, contact Alina Verescu t: 01494 840 765 e: info@portobelloplace.com * Evidence Review | Loneliness in Later Life | London: Age UK

Respite stays 3 weeks for the price of two

“ This is by far the best care home for miles. I would definitely recommend Portobello Place to anyone.� carehome.co.uk 2020

If you have loved ones who would benefit from a respite stay in our beautiful home, bookings now being taken, offer available between March and April.

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29/01/2021 12:27

PROPERTY

WELLINGTON COURT HP9

Prices From

£1M - £2.25M

boutique collection of just 8 luxury apartments in the heart of Beaconsfield. Halamar in collaboration with Hill House Interiors have designed and built a modern specification blended with Art Deco heritage. A mix of 2 and 3 bedroom apartments boasting superb entertaining spaces, outside space and underground parking.

A

KNIGHT FRANK NEW HOMES 01483 564660 Neil.haynes@knightfrank.com

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

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Master BUILDER

Hitchambury Homes have been creating awardwinning premium homes for more than 40 years

By EVE HERBERT

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PROPERTY • NEW HOMES

thinking designs ensure their homes are always built to suit modern lifestyles.

With two generations of the same family working in the business, Hitchambury Homes take great pride in the quality and attention to detail in every one of their homes.

HOMES THAT TICK ALL THE BOXES

“People are looking for light and spacious interiors, exemplary specifications and prime locations”

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he past year has had such an impact on us all and how we live our lives – the way we work, the way we communicate, and what we want from our homes and living environment.

This sudden change in lifestyle has meant that our homes need to do so much more, providing space to work, room to relax, and outdoor areas to escape to. Consequently, many of us are leaving the larger towns and cities and making the move to the country.

One housing developer whose homes have ticked all the boxes during this time is Hitchambury Homes. Their light and spacious interiors, exemplary specifications and prime locations are giving people exactly what they are looking for.

But this is not a new direction for Hitchambury Homes. They have been creating award-winning premium properties for more than 40 years.

Their careful planning and forward-

Offering the best of both worlds, their two most recent developments, Nightingales and Bowers Croft, are great examples of how their homes meet all the requirements.

Sitting side by side in the pretty village of Coleshill, located between the larger towns of Beaconsfield and Amersham, these stylish luxury 5 bedroom detached homes have been designed to reflect and enhance their surroundings and are only 2.5 miles from a mainline station, giving easy access to the city.

Each home has a spacious garden with rural views, providing the perfect antidote to city life, incorporating more than 3,650 square feet of internal living space over three floors, so there is more than enough room to homeschool, work, rest and play.

Hitchambury Homes design every one of their houses to maximise natural light and flowing space. The triple aspect open plan living/dining/family room in these homes opens onto the garden, letting light flood through the entire area.

DESIGN AND BUILD – BESPOKE HOMES TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS

Hitchambury Homes’ reputation for quality and style means that they are often approached by customers asking for a bespoke home.

The complete turnkey solution allows customers to get their dream home built by Hitchambury Homes, who will manage the process from start to finish.

This means that they will not only source the land, but do all of the planning, architectural designs and building work.

This has seen a higher demand since the start of the current pandemic, as so many people now want to plan their homes around their needs.

If you’re looking to move and can’t find the home that works for you may even be able to build your ideal home on the plot you already live on.

H I TC H A M B U RY H O M E S Hitchambury Homes have built up an enviable reputation over 40 years for creating award-winning premium properties. hitchamburyhomes.co.uk

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

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PROPERTY • DEVELOPMENT

Private LIFE

Luxury living – both classic and contemporary – at Harefield Place in Ickenham

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ocated close to the Capital and offering private outside space as well as highly specified, flexible living accommodation, Harefield Place is a luxury collection of just 25 exquisite two and three-bedroom apartments. In addition to their own balconies or terraces, the homes are set within 8.5 acres of private grounds.

Situated alongside the Colne Valley Regional Park in Ickenham, many of the apartments boast spectacular views out across the valley, while all the homes offer access to the development’s own private grounds and facilities. Residents benefit from exclusive use of a leisure suite, with an indoor swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi and fully-equipped gym along with access to their own tennis court and mature wooded grounds, complete with a lake.

Harefield Place offers a mix of both classic and contemporary homes. The original Georgian mansion now comprises nine luxury apartments, known as the Classic Collection. Steeped in the history and grandeur, the Classic Collection of apartments retains many period features while providing generous living space.

Alongside this sits a new collection of 16 homes, the Contemporary Collection. Built to complement the Georgian Mansion with high ceilings and large windows, the Contemporary Collection of apartments offer more modern open-plan living space.

Harefield Place is situated in Ickenham, just off The Drive, one of the most desirable private roads in Middlesex.

All the homes at Harefield Place achieve the highest level of specification and include underfloor heating throughout.

The homes include fully fitted, handmade bespoke kitchens with built-in Siemens

appliances, in addition to carefully planned added extras to include Quooker boiling water taps and wine coolers. The beautifully presented bathroom suites are fully tiled with Minoli porcelain tiles and include bespoke vanity units and stunning suites. The majority of bedrooms offer fully fitted wardrobes and their own ensuites, while the master bedroom in each apartment boasts not only an en-suite but a dedicated dressing room too.

There is secure allocated parking (two spaces per apartment), in addition to large, individual storerooms for the properties. The homes enjoy their own private outside space ranging from large terraces and balconies to roof terraces.

The homes are well connected by both road and rail. The M40, M25 and M4 are all easily accessible and Stockley Park, Uxbridge Business Park and Heathrow Airport, are within a 15-minute drive of the development. Ickenham also benefits from being within close proximity to Ickenham, Hillingdon and Ruislip tube stations (on the Metropolitan and Piccadilly lines), and West Ruislip (central line) - all in Zone 6.

H A R E F I E L D P L AC E Prices from £995,000 to £1.595m Selling Agent, Stubbings Property Marketing offer viewings at Harefield Place by appointment only. For more information or to make an appointment call 01895 733523, email enquiries@harefieldplace.com or visit harefieldplace.com

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ARCHITECTURAL STUDIO CREATE > DELIVER > BUILD

STAY HOME AND CREATE YOUR DREAM HOME WITH US! Have you been thinking about how to upgrade your home over the lockdown?

We’ve shifted our entire process online, so we can continue serving our clients during the COVID-19 isolation period safely. Why not use this time to start your journey to enhancing your home.

Book a 15 minute call with a member of our team now info@designworkstudios.co.uk | 0118 357 0071 www.designworkstudios.co.uk/book-a-consultation

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