Absolutely City & East and NXNW February 2019

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LIFE

Love STORY Perfect gifts for your Valentine

Easy vegan dinners

FEBRUARY 2019

SWINGING LONDON Revisiting the 1960s at the Fashion & Textile Museum

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30 Contents ABSOLUTELY

FEBRUARY 2019

82 12

C U LT U R E ABSOLUTELY LOVES

FOOD & DRINK 48 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

AGENDA

50 RECIPES

10 things we’re coveting this month

16

Diary dates for February

20 SWINGING LONDON

The Fashion and Textile Museum's new show

News from the industry

Leah Vanderveldt's First Time Vegan

INTERIORS 60 INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS News and views from the world of design

FA S H I O N 24 THE HOUR

64 THE FAMILY HOME

29 LOCKET LOVER

68 HUNG UP

How plus-size became fabulous

Create your own personal locket with this stylish new jewellery brand

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y 39 BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL

Yoko Kloeden's design for family life

Warming scents for cold months

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.

Everyone wants a mobile on their ceiling

T R AV E L 82 SUMMER SLOPES Summer in Austria

This month’s best beauty buys

43 PERFUME

48

94

PROPERTY LIVING THE DREAM

The most luxurious London properties

ON THE COVER meandem.com

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

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EDITOR IN CHIEF PENDLE HARTE DIGITAL EDITOR HELEN BROWN EDUCATION EDITOR AMANDA CONSTANCE GROUP SALES DIRECTOR CRAIG DAVIES GROUP SALES MANAGER ANABELA KOLECI MAGAZINE MANAGER CHARLOTTE RISSBROOK ART DIRECTOR PHIL COUZENS SENIOR DESIGNER PAWEL KUBA MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN DESIGNER CATHERINE PERKINS MARKETING MANAGER LUCIE PEARCE FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTOR JAMES FUSCHILLO NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT PA TO DIRECTORS EVA LEHOCZKY

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We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters.

All rights reserved.

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

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5 LETTER YOKO KLOEDEN

Editor’s

ABSOLUTELY’S February issue highlights

1

THE HOUR LONDON

Beautiful clothes, in larger sizes. page 24

F

We wish she had designed our home. page 64

ebruary is widely agreed to be the most dismal of all months. It's dark, it's cold, there's no fun to be had.

And then there's Valentine's Day, which can go either way. It can cheer us up or it can make us feel worse.

A bottle of pink fizz, an earring or a little chocolate heart can sometimes be enough to renew one's faith in humanity, while the absence of these things can, on a bad day, be devastating. Still, we are featuring lots of delightful pink presents in these pages, along with other joyous things. There's the Fashion & Textile Museum's new exhibition, opening this month, which focuses on London in the 1960s, looking at fashion, design and culture with a large focus on Terence Conran and Mary Quant. We're hoping for an invitation to the opening party, which is rumoured to be fancy dress... also on the subject of clothes is a very contemporary phenomenon: actual stylish clothes for curvy women. We met a fascinating medic-turneddesigner who is pledging, with her brand The Hour London, to make larger clothes with tailoring and detail that we might actually want to wear. Interiors-wise we admire Laura Fulmine's small but perfectly formed apartment, and Yoko Kloeden's design for the ultimate family home. Enjoy February.

PENDLE HARTE EDITOR

2

SWINGING LONDON

Mary Quant rules the Fashion and Textile Museum page 20

4

THE CHOCOLATE LIBERTINE

Chcolate? Hearts? It must be Valentine's Day. page 27

3 VOLTA

Mobiles are the new obsession. page 68

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

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Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love

Natu ral wonde rs Zarvich is the fashion brand of the moment, specialising in demicouture and leather clothing. It’s the collective work of two designers who met while fi nishing their fashion design studies in Uruguay. Expect luxury pieces handmade from noble, natural materials. zarvich.com

SHUT EYE Featuring a bold floral print in hues of plush rose and poppy red and made from crease-free stretch silk, these Marianne Scarlet silk pyjamas are Yolke’s most sumptuous yet. £470; yolke.co.uk

VE LVET TOUCH Style up your look with these sumptuous velvet pouches from Graham and Green. Add to any outfit as a chic clutch purse, or use to hold makeup, stationery or other valuables. From £11.95; grahamandgreen.co.uk

SPIRITED SCENT Silent Pool Distillers have teamed up with Feather Edge to create a range of luxury, handcrafted candles inspired by the romantic botanicals used in Silent Pool Gin. Choose from citrus blends including Kaffi r Lime and Bergamot Orange. £30; silentpooldistillers.com

COMPILED BY

H E L E N B R OW N

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES Sharp lines Buyer-turned-designer Racil Chalhoub takes inspiration from the smoking jackets she fell in love with as a young girl. Combining Savile Row materials with influences from her native Beirut, her collections feature sleek, sharp tailoring that will transcend the seasons. racil.com

EARN YOUR STRIPES The Get 'Em Girl maxi dress from Maggie Marilyn is made from ethicallyproduced silk-satin which is lowimpact on the environment. It’s a fun choice for a formal event or easily styled with trainers. £395; net-a-porter.com

EDITOR’S PICK

TAILOR-MADE Carolina Herrera’s Resort ‘19 collection takes inspiration from Palm Springs in the ‘60s. Tailored from wool in a shade named 'Flamingo', this blazer looks even more spectacular with the matching trousers. £2,319; net-a-porter.com

JET SET Say goodbye to winter blues with luxury accessory label, Tila March. The brand embraces a multitude of elegant yet practical handbag silhouettes as well as small leather accessories that will have you dreaming of some summer sun. £94; farfetch.com

HANDBAGS AT DAWN UNDER COVER Not content with merely shaking up the beauty market, Rihanna has turned her hand to our underwear drawers. Her Savage x Fenty lingerie is a celebration of the female form in all shapes and sizes. £43.99. zalando.co.uk

With its triangular silhouette and candy pink acrylic fi nish, The Kofo clutch bag from LarAllan is quite the statement-maker. Take yours from the office to the afterparty. £630; larallan.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 VICENTE REINAMONTES, WHERE ARE ALL THESE FLOWERS COMING FROM; THE POSTER PRIZE FOR ILLUSTRATION 2019: LONDON STORIES; LTMUSEUM.CO.UK

What’s on 16 • Swinging London 20 • Theatre review 23 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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The Agenda EX H IB ITIO N

TAL R, HOUSE RED, 2018, © TAL R COURTESY THE ARTIST AND VICTORIA MIRO, LONDON/VENICE

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

Danish Art

Ongoing V I C TO R I A M I R O This astounding exhibition from Victoria Miro celebrates three generations of internationally acclaimed Danish artists: Asger Jorn, Per Kirkeby and Tal R. The works on show reveal a shared interest in the physical properties and expressive potential of their medium, along with a deep understanding of its history and traditions. 14 St George Street, W1S; victoria-miro.com

EXHIBITION

OUT OF THIS WORLD FRO M 5 F E B RUA RY • STE P HE N F R I EDMAN GALLERY

This month the Stephen Friedman Gallery will bring together a group of international female artists who are currently shaping the language of figuration to explore how each artist taps into the ethereal realms of fantasy, dreams and the unconscious mind to contest preconceived notions of gender and identity.

25-28 Old Burlington Street, Mayfair, W1S; stephenfriedman.com

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T H E AT R E

Wild East

6-16 February YO U N G V I C T H E AT R E Frank is nervous; his interview with Dr Jacqueline Pitt and Dr Marcia Gray is about to begin. If he can do this, it’s his ticket back to Russia. But during the course of questioning, secret motivations reveal themselves as the three get caught in each-others’ crossfire. Outlandish and surreal, April De Angelis’ Wild East turns the most sterile of settings - a job interview - into a sharp comedy. 66 The Cut, Waterloo, SE1; youngvic.org

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WILLIAM CROZIER, VENETIAN BOUQUET, 2008, (C) THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM CROZIER, COURTESY OF FLOWERS GALLERY

CULTURE • TALKING TOPICS

AROUND

EX H IB ITIO N

TOWN

WILLIAM C R OZ I E R

T H E AT R E

From 13 February y F LOW E R S GA L L E RY Flowers Gallery are set to showcase an unmissable selection of rarely seen prints by renowned artist William Crozier. This is the first UK exhibition devoted to Crozier’s printmaking, bringing together works from a crucial period of experimentation and collaboration.

82 Kingsland Road, E2; flowersgallery.com

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: TOTEM Until 26 February R OYA L A L B E R T H A L L Cirque du Soleil is back with another spectacular showcase of jaw-dropping circus acts and high-flying acrobatics. Totem takes its audience on an exhilarating journey into the evolution of mankind.

Kensington Gore, SW7; royalalberthall.com

EX H I B I T ION

THE DIOR COLLECTION From 7 February PROUD CENRAL Spanning 1947 to the present day, this unmissable exhibition traces the history and impact of one of the 20th century’s most influential couturiers through the lenses of four photographers. Bringing together a remarkable selection of photographer The Dior Collection explores the enduring influence of the fashion house and Dior’s impact on the fashion world.

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

E XHI B I TI ON

CATS ON THE PAGE Ongoing BRITISH LIBRARY In this unmissable offering for families, cats and their capers are celebrated in rhymes and stories familiar to us from childhood.

Whether raising a smile, solving a crime, wreaking magical havoc or even performing in theatre, cats take centre stage in this free exhibition. 96 Euston Road, NW1; bl.uk

LONDON STORIES

F

C E L E B R AT I O N

F RO M 8 F E B RUARY • LON DON TRAN SPORT MUSEUM

rom its fictitious characters and the anecdotal urban myth to the grand tales of historic legend and the real events that have shaped our culture, London has produced and inspired countless stories. This year, the Poster Prize for Illustration competition will showcase this multi-layered city in all its glory with a display that is colourful, inspiring and vibrant. 39 Wellington

Street, WC2E; ltmuseum.co.uk

CHINESE NEW YEAR IN LONDON

ANA JAKS, NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL

This Month’s Must See

MARGARET BROWN & ANNA KARINA, PARIS, 1960, JERRY SCHATZBERG 1960 © JERRY SCHATZBERG

5 February C H I N AT O W N & THE WEST END As usual, Chinese New Year will be one of the most exciting events in London’s calendar. Join in the spectacular celebrations - the largest outside of Asia - and see the colourful parade, watch free performances and marvel at the pyrotechnics displays.

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The home of the

HOUSE PROUD

New Roman Blinds Collection Our exciting new collection of Roman Blinds opens up a whole world of style choices. All backed by a service we’re pleased to say is second to none; with the highest quality products expertly made to measure and fitted beautifully.

So whatever the design, window or room we will do your house proud.

luxaflex.co.uk

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CULTURE • THEATRE

ROUND UP

Best in SHOW Get the most out of London’s theatre scene with our top stage picks for the month

By H E L E N B R O W N

MUST SEE

All About Eve From 2 February

NOEL COWARD THEATRE

Starring Gillian Anderson and Lily James, All About Eve is the chilling story of female jealousy and ambition made famous as the 1950 classic Bette Davis film. Directed by Olivier award-winning Ivo Van Hove and with new music by PJ Harvey, the play asks why our fascination with celebrity, youth and identity never seems to get old.

85-88 St Martin’s Lane, WC2N; allabouteveplay.com

Home, I’m Darling Ongoing

DUKE OF YORK'S THEATRE

Every couple needs a little fantasy to keep their marriage sparkling. But behind the gingham curtains, things start to unravel, and being a domestic goddess is not as easy as it seems.

Katherine Parkinson of The IT Crowd and Humans fame plays Judy in this piercingly funny new comedy about one woman’s quest to be the perfect 1950's housewife. Upper Ground, Lambeth, SE1; national theatre.org.uk

Nine Night

NINE NIGHT

Until 9 February

TRAFALGAR STUDIOS

Natasha Gordon takes to the stage in the role of Lorraine as her debut play transfers from the National Theatre.

Gloria is gravely sick. When her time comes, the celebration begins; the traditional Jamaican Nine Night Wake.

But for her family, marking her death with a party is a test. Nine Night is a touching and funny exploration of the rituals of family by way of nine rum-fuelled nights of music, food and storytelling. 14 Whitehall, Westminster, SW1A; atgtickets.com

Waitress

From 8 February ADELPHI THEATRE

Waitress is the toe-tapping musical adaptation of the hit 2017 film of the same name. It follows Jenna played

by Katharine McPhee, a small-town waitress trapped in an abusive marriage but dreaming of escape - which she seeks to effect by winning the big bucks in a pie-making contest.

Strand, WC2R; waitressthemusical.co.uk

Only Fools & Horses: The Musical From 9 February

THEATRE ROYAL HAYMARKET

John Sullivan’s iconic Only Fools and Horses has been turned into a brand new, West End musical spectacular.

With a script and original score by John’s son, Jim Sullivan and comedy giant Paul Whitehouse, prepare to get reacquainted with Britain’s most loveable rogues and experience the classic comedy brought to life once again through 20 ingenious and hilarious songs. 18 Suffolk Street, SW1Y; onlyfoolsmusical.com

WAITRESS

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N ONLY FOOLS & HORSES: THE MUSICAL

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THE SWINGING

CITY London in the 1960s is the subject of a new exhibition at the Fashion and Textile Museum. Absolutely has a preview Wo r d s E V E H E R B E R T

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Model wearing Pattern No. 3288, set against the Houses of Parliament. Taken from the feature announcing the launch of Quant’s designs for Butterick Paper patterns, August 1964. Photo by John Walcott. Image(s) taken from Conran/ Quant: Swinging London: A Lifestyle Revolution, published by ACC Art Books.

ARTS & CULTURE • PREVIEW

The flat of Colin St John Wilson, architect of the British Library, 1952, with furniture by Terence Conran.

Photo by Michael Wickham. Copyright Denny Wickham. Image(s) taken from Conran/Quant: Swinging London: A Lifestyle Revolution, published by ACC Art Books.

S

winging London: A Lifestyle Revolution presents the fashion, design and art of the Chelsea Set, a group of radical young architects, designers, photographers and artists who were redefining the concept of youth and challenging the established order in 1950s London. At the forefront of this group of young revolutionaries were Mary Quant and Terence Conran.

Spanning the period from 1952 – 1977, the exhibition includes fashion, textiles, furniture, lighting, homewares, ceramics and ephemera, exploring not only the style but the socio-economic importance of this transformative period. Key pieces include rare and early examples of designs

by Conran and Quant, plus the avantgarde artists, designers and intellectuals who worked alongside them, such as designers Bernard and Laura Ashley, sculptor Eduardo Paolozzi and artist and photographer Nigel Henderson. PVC coats, OP Art and Space Age dresses by Mary Quant are seen alongside the early smocks, textile designs and dresses of Laura and Bernard Ashley and the modern wicker, steel and glass furniture of Terence Conran.

The exhibition also includes the textiles, ceramics and furniture of Eduardo Paolozzi and Nigel Henderson, who were founding members of the Independent Group and together created innovative designs under their company, Hammer Prints, set up in 1954.

The exhibition spotlights not only the design of the period, but also the creation of trailblazing shopping experiences from Mary Quant’s rebellious London boutique ‘Bazaar’ (opened in 1955) to Terence Conran’s Habitat (opened in 1964). These shops were not just about

Mary Quant by Vic Singh, c.1961. Courtesy of a Private Collection.

designing for a new youth generation, but also promoting a new way of shopping and living. With Bazaar, Quant irreversibly altered the traditional approach to fashion design and retailing and outraged the all-powerful French fashion establishment.

With Habitat, Conran created a retail environment that was a total work of art; ‘a Gesamntkunstwerk’, combining the theatre of The Chelsea Set’s London, with the relatively new phenomenon of ‘serve yourself’, supermarket-style shopping.

The influence of France (Conran first visited in 1953) can be seen in Conran’s informal, light and bright styling, with merchandise piled high, reminiscent of

the hustle and bustle of a colourful street market. Early designs by Quant for Bazaar are plain, unadorned and unstructured; simple pinafores with dropped waistlines often worn with coloured stockings. A remarkable cotton, red and white Broderie Anglaise lounging ensemble by Quant (1955/56), will be shown alongside a range of furniture, fabrics, enamelware and ephemera from the first days of Habitat.

In order to spotlight not just the fashion, but the lifestyle and design of the time, Swinging London: A Lifestyle Revolution is presented in the form of detailed tableaus.

During the mid 1950s, the increasing availability of inexpensive foreign package holidays and of films with exotic European settings inspired the eruption of coffee bars, bistros and other such distinctly continental establishments on British high streets.

Throughout the exhibition, individual sets are inspired by these new and exciting continental trends, utilising fashion, furniture, textiles, ceramics and more to highlight how changes in social attitude intertwined with new ways of shopping, to create the designs that are now synonymous with 1960s life.

There’s also an insight into the lesserknown early work of Laura and Bernard Ashley, whose ideas were influencing culture long before their iconic florals.

Bernard Ashley’s textile design, Jazz Players, was probably the first example of a ‘Pop’ textile, whilst Laura’s simple hardwearing striped smocks, aprons and the easy to wear ‘basic dress’ would go on to become design classics. Furnishing fabrics

by Laura and Bernard Ashley will be shown alongside ceramics by W.R Midwinter, jewellery by Wendy Ramshaw, textiles

by David Whitehead, lighting by Bernard Schottlander, untouched makeup palettes and accessories by Mary Quant and myriad other ephemera, which will together create a comprehensive insight into the period.

SWINGING LONDON A Lifestyle Revolution runs from 8 February to 2 June at the Fashion and Textile Museum, 83 Bermondsey Street, SE1 ftmlondon.org

Illustration PHIL COUZENS

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

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AWARDED DOUBLE GOLD AT THE SAN FRANCISCO WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITION 2018 marylebonegin

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THEATRE • REVIEW

ABSOLUTELY reviews…

Cirque du Soleil: Totem At spectacular showcase of circusy at Royal Albert Hall B y H E L E N B R OW N

T

he circus is back in town with a spectacular celebration of humanity in all its forms. On an island evoking a giant turtle, Cirque du Soleil’s Totem traces the incredible journey of humankind from amphibian state to the present day - by way of an astonishing feat of flexibility, slick choreography, high-flying acrobats and gravity-defying circusy. Featuring Neanderthals, Cro-Magnons, primates and a couple of Speedo-clad beach machos, Totem depicts a world of archetypal characters, who, in each their own way, tease out the perennial, existential questions of life.

The opening instantly captivates as a spangled man descends from the hall’s highest point. With slow grace, he twists and

The magic of circus reasserts itself: the most difficult things look easy turns his way to the stage in an impressive exhibition of flexibility. What follows is a smooth transition into tribal dancing, elemental drum rolling and a world created with a handful of hoops.

The atmosphere is exciting; the music is dynamic – loud and Africa-inspired – and because this is the circus, evolution happens at breakneck speed. Next onto the stage comes the cohort of vain men in neon swimming trunks, kissing their own biceps and throwing a frisbee. This is an enjoyable

take on Cirque's clowns: these macho idiots, nonchalant in their sunglasses, swing on ropes to impress a woman who, with her skills on the trapeze, proves more than a match for either of them.

The set switches to welcome a frieze of girls on unicycles who flip golden bowls at each other from their heads. It's Mother Earth performing the ultimate balancing act. In this impressive performance, and elsewhere throughout the show, the magic of circus reasserts itself: the most difficult things look easy. But Cirque du Soleil’s performers are so audacious there is always the risk you will take their courage for granted. One of the most enjoyable acts is on the fixed trapeze, where a man and woman have an unusually close encounter.

The scene benefits from having a semblance of a narrative. Each act makes the audience believe they're watching the most impressive yet, but the 'ooh's and aah's build as the show goes in. It culminates with a final exploration into human flight as a troop of cosmonauts defeat the notion of gravity on bendy bars that throw them through the space above the stage. To conclude, all performers come together monkeys and all - for a final dance, before the spangled, silver man returns – inevitably and beautifully – to close the show.

VERDICT

Dazzling, daring and dramatic. ★★★★★ C I R Q U E D U S O L E I L : TOT E M UNTIL 26 FEBRUARY Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7;

royalalberthall.com

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IF YOU DON’T LOOK GOOD | WE DON’T LOOK GOOD

FOR YOUR NEAREST SALON VISIT WWW.SASSOON-SALON.COM

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FASHION

BEST DRESSED ZA RV I C H

Zarvich’s embroidered tulle dress is part of the delicate and conceptual SS19 collection from this Uruguayan label. zarvich.com

Curvy fashion from The Hour London 26 · Valentine's Day gifts 37 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Q&A

curve LEARNING

Absolutely meets Nana Rasoeva, whose brand The Hour London is redefining the world of plus-size fashion W o r d s P E A R L B OY D

N I founded the brand to liberate women like myself with more options 26

ana Rasoeva found luxury plus size women’s clothing uninspiring, which prompted her to launch a collection of elevated essentials.

As a trained doctor, Nana has empathy and an understanding of the female form. This proved invaluable when she launched her second career, dedicated to creating wardrobe solutions for curvy women. Nana studied patternmaking and design at London College of Fashion. Together with one of the industry’s most experienced luxury pattern cutters she devised a way of using her knowledge to create clothes that are empowering and lend confidence. Honed to perfectly serve women with curves, the brand focuses on elegant, beautifully executed designs.

Q Plus size isn’t normally design-led. Why is this? How are you making it work?

A I strongly believe that style is about expressing yourself, and making sure you look

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FASHION • Q&A

I am not afraid of creating a strong silhouette or adding a bit of flounce that involves ingenious pattern cutting techniques and a preference for French seams. Finish is also hugely important. We use textures that feel soft and unrestrictive against the skin such as silk, viscose and wool mixes of the finest quality.

Q You used to be a doctor – we’ve never encountered a doctor-turned- fashion designer before. How did this come about?

A I started out as a gynaecologist and obstetrics doctor. After having my third child I put my career on hold and dedicated my time raising my boys and, as sometimes happens when you are a busy mum, I went up a couple of dress sizes. This, inadvertently, led me in a new direction. I have studied patternmaking and design at London College of Fashion. Together with one of the industry’s most experienced luxury pattern cutters I devised a way of using my knowledge to create clothes that are empowering and lend confidence.

Q Were you always interested in fashion?

In my early years I always had an interest in art and fashion. I had a good eye for proportions and my friends would always ask for my help and advice in putting outfits together.

Q What has feedback been like so far?

A Our customers were delighted to find us

and feel great regardless of size or age.I found plus size women’s clothing uninspiring, often shapless and made of cheap polyester. The more I continued to try and shop for luxury plus-size clothes, the more I realised they were nearly non-existent. I founded the brand to liberate women like myself with more options.

I am not afraid of creating a strong silhouette or adding a bit of flounce. I think that sometimes women with curvy shapes are afraid of adding any volume anywhere, but it’s precisely a bit of volume in the right places - such as on the sleeve - that brings balance to the overall look.

because the choices for plus size clothing are so limited. They are emailing back to thank us for the quality of the clothes and for all the compliments they are receiving when wearing The Hour. We are getting repeat orders from our loyal customers from the UK, Europe, US and Middle East (they sometimes order two of the same item). We count Dawn French as our celebrity customer, she loved our Square Neck Dress.

thehourlondon.com

Q How do you approach tailoring?

A Precision, proportion and careful

sculpting have helped us put shape back into plus size women’s clothing. We are adept at cutting for curves whether it’s balancing proportions or shaping the waist to accentuate the sweeping arc of the female form. Ours is a bespoke approach A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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FASHION • JEWELLERY

Heart’s desire Pieces you’ll love for Valentine’s Day

SWAROVSKI

GUCCI

ROSA DE LA CRUZ

Oxo Necklace, £119

Heart necklace in silver, £315

Rose Gold and Diamond Heart Ring, £550

swarovski.com

farfetch.com

farfetch.com

JOMA JEWELLERY

BENTLEY & SKINNER

LUCY JADE SYLVESTER

Wishing Bracelet, £15.99

A Regency gold heart locket pendant, £7,750

Twig Heart Pendant, £65

jomajewellery.com

bentley-skinner.co.uk

lucysylvester.co.uk

VERSACE

MISSOMA

TIFFANY & CO.

Embossed heart necklace, £870

Folded Pace Heart Bracelet, £69

Love Pendant, £2,250

farfetch.com

missoma.com

tiffany.co.uk

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

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CHARM SCHOOL WHEN YOU CREATE YOUR OWN LOCKET , THE RESULTS ARE AS INDIVIDUAL AS YOU ARE LO Q U E T LO N D O N .CO M

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British Fine Jewellery Label, Loquet London is the brainchild of best friends Sheherazade Goldsmith and Laura Bailey. Part charm necklace, part Loquet, the classic clear crystal face can be filled with personal gems, birthstones and trinkets so each pieces of jewellery are completely different and personal to the wearer.

Styled by Cathy Casterine, shot by Jesse Jenkins, hair and make-up by Siddhartha Simone and modelled by Amber Anderson

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FASHION • VALENTINE

DRAJEE Gold arrow drop earrings, £200 drajee.com

CHOCOLATE LIBERTINE Chocolate heart lolly, £4.49 selfridges.com

VICTORIA CATOR La Vie en Rose candle, £55 victoriacator.com

EDITOR’S PICK JO MALONE LONDON Valentine's day floral box, £140; selfridges.com

NATIVE UNION CLIC Terrazzo iPhone X case, £50; conranshop.co.uk

TIFFANY Ball wire bracelet, £1,400 tiffany.co.uk

I HEART YOU

DIPTYQUE Centifolia, £53 diptyqueparis.com

POMMERY Brut Rose Royal gift box, £47.99 ocado.com

Valentine’s gifts galore

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

SNIPH Valentine's giftbox , £25 sniph.co.uk

HARVEY NICHOLS I Heart Emoji U Chocolate Box, £17.95 harveynichols.com

BLOOM AND WILD Wild at Heart letterbox flowers, £34 bloomandwild.com

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

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

CHANCE EAU TENDRE CHANEL

With Chance Eau Tendre eau de parfum, Chanel perfumer Olivier Polge reinterprets the floral-fruity signature in a bold and intense adaptation. More feminine than ever, its floral heart accentuates the fullness of exotic jasmine absolute, enriched with an essence of rose. chanel.co.uk

Beauty Notes 41 • Perfume 43 • Fitness 45 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

BEAUTY NOTES

Skin scrubs, sultry new scents and a skin palette with a difference B y H E L E N B R OW N

SKINCARE

WATERHOUSE YOUNG

ALL ORGANIC AU ST I N AU S T I N

I

Made in East Anglia and only tested on humans, all of Austin Austin’s products are certified organic by the Soil Association and COSMOS. Free from GM ingredients, SLS, silicones, parabens, mineral oils and artificial colours and fragrances, we love their soothing neroli and petitgrain body soap. £16; austinaustinorganic.com

EDITOR’S PICK

WITHOUT A TRACE TO M F O R D

This hydrating foundation from Tom Ford glides on effortlessly for blendable, buildable coverage. Portable and precise, the Traceless Foundation Stick is always beautifully natural and with nine brand new shades added to the line, is set to be the most undetectable thing you’ll put on your face this year. £66;

BRUSH AWAY TRUTHBRUSH

Every year over a billion plastic toothbrushes are thrown away worldwide, ending up in landfill, in the sea or washed up on our beaches. Created from 100% biodegradable organic bamboo and dipped in REACH approved paint, the Truthbrush makes a stylish and guilt-free addition to your bathroom shelf. £4;

tomford.co.uk

Hydrafacial treatment

t’s a chilly evening and I’m visiting the Waterhouse Young clinic to try their signature Hydrafacial treatment. A firm favourite with celebrities and skin care professionals, it is described as a non-invasive resurfacing treatment, and can be used for treating everything from fine lines to acne-prone skin, as well as general skin rejuvenation. For me, it’s a serious case of winter and insomnia-induced dullness.

After a quick cleanse to remove makeup, the practitioner uses a hand-piece with a series of HydroPeel tips, which work together to remove dead skin cells and impurities, while infusing it with cleansing, hydrating and moisturising serums. This is followed by a light glycolic and salicylic acid peel, which is applied to give a deeper exfoliation and rejuvenation. The sensation is a light tingling, but by no means painful.

Already feeling throughly refreshed, the final part of the treatment involves placing red LED light onto the skin to boost circulation, reduce redness and irritation, and to stimulate collagen and elastin production. Blue LED light is also used in particular areas of congestion to combat bacteria. Luckily, there is zero downtime, so I leave the clinic straight away - just bear in mind that there might be a small amount of redness, however this fades after about 30 minutes. For optimum results, I'm advised a six-week course, however I see a difference after one treatment. My complexion looks smoother and brighter and pigmentation has faded considerably.

WAT E R H O U S E YO U N G 21 Devonshire Street, W1G

waterhouseyoung.com

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

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • SCENT

PERFUME

HOT STUFF Olfactory winter warmers B y M I C H A E L D O N OVA N

F

ebruary is notoriously our coldest month and, as I write, it is predicted that the ‘Beast From The East’ will return to British shores.

So to warm you up and leave your skin and nose aglow I thought it would be appropriate to suggest a collection of olfactory winter warmers.

From woods and spices to amber-resinous scents, each and every one of these cosy fragrances will envelope you in a comforting, security blanket, adding an extra layer of defence against harsh winter chills.

One of our best-selling, toasty perfumes is Amber by Laboratory Perfumes. We usually have a waiting list for this one once the temperatures plummet. The fragrance conjures a stroll along the East Anglia coastline, with fresh green notes of the diverse grasses carried by the breeze across the windswept plains of the Fens, adding energy and vitality. The heart, of woods and spices, delivers the gloves and scarf but it is the wool greatcoat of amber that really delivers a sense of rosy wellbeing.

Labdanum is one of my favourite winter notes. A sticky resin obtained from a species of the rock rose, it was used in ancient Egypt and is mentioned in the Bible twice. It is also the main ingredient in the Amber perfumes. My favourite incarnation is Grey Labdanum by Abel, a 100% natural fragrance which utilises the dark incense to perfection. Combined with earthy patchouli and clary sage, plus a dash of winter sun in the form of bitter orange at the top, this is a smouldering scent of great quality.

Feu Secret by San Franciscan Bruno Fazzolari imagines the secret fire of the alchemists: the elusive scent of iris root smoulders with spice, cedar and smoke in a transformative hidden blaze. Bright, joyful and ardent, this one makes your toes curl in the good way.

Chambre Noir by Olfactive Studio is a sultry and enigmatic fragrance that looks to the shadows for inspiration. Intense and slightly spicy, it's a deep, rich scent, redolent of leather, incense, and patchouli. With a lightly spiced opening of pink peppercorn in the top notes, the floral, smoky heart gently dies away and we are left with a classic base of musk and a striking vanilla accord. It’s daring and naughty - the 'Eyes Wide Shut' of fragrance!

We are introducing a new collection called Bon Parfumeur from Paris this month. The range uses what we in the industry call ‘short formulae', which means that they are minimal in terms of the ingredients they use. I think less is more and simplicity can really work. It allows us to recognise and connect with almost all of the notes. 902 from this range uses coffee and armagnac over tobacco and cannelle to create a deliciously gourmand fragrance, it imagines a ski chalet before a roaring fire. The leather of the sofas and the pousse-café blend into a post-piste cloud of privilege and comfort.

Berlin Im Winter from Baruti is a stunning scent that captures the energy and effusive welcome of the city. Cassis and mastic oil over iris, plum, frankincense and myrrh are hypnotising and a clever urban collation of whiskey with amber, tonka bean and leather would not be out of place at Soho House. Modern and moving.

Finally the Dante-esque Fuoco Infernale or Hell Fire from Linari takes us to the very gates, with an enticing blend of carnation and labdanum, warm cinnamon, herbal marjoram and tar-like birch. A simple heart of bittersweet tonka bean and olibanum descend into a firy pit of spicy gurjan balsam, backed by clean white musk and premium atlas cedar, before meeting opulent ambergris for a luxurious and sophisticated finish. Devilish.

February should be about indulgence so wrap yourselves up in a warm and wonderful fragrance - the olfactory equivalent of a toasted crumpet.

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

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22/01/2019 11:18

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • ACTIVE

FITNESS NOTES

By H E L E N B R O W N

2019 FITNESS E V E N T S TO B O O K N OW

S W E A T

PULLMAN LONDON ST PANCRAS X TRACK LIFE LDN performance running set to W ith be one of the biggest fitness trends of 2019, Pullman London St Pancras has teamed up with Track Life LDN to invite Londoners to train like an athlete. The monthly Running Club see attendees meet at Pullman London St Pancras for a pre-run warm up before heading to Regents Park, with a route that will take in a number of London’s iconic landmarks. 5 February 6:30pm – 9:00pm. To register, e-mail your name and telephone number to H5309-SL@accor.com.

BRUNCH, YOGA AND BONNARD AT TATE MODERN Tate Modern is collaborating t with FRAME to host a morning Yin Yoga class and post-yoga brunch.

Suitable for all levels, Yin Yoga invites you to embrace the natural daylight and breathtaking view overlooking St Paul’s and the Thames, before tucking into a healthy brunch. As part of the yoga and brunch package, there will be the opportunity to visit The C C Land Exhibition: Pierre Bonnard.

February 2 & 9; tate.org.uk LONDON LANDMARKS HALF MARATHON he London Landmarks Half t Marathon takes runners through both the City of London and the City of Westminster and is jam-packed with entertainment, music and cheer stations. In 2018, the inaugural event raised £4.98m for over 102 different charities. The target for 2019 is £6 million.

24 March 2019; llhm.co.uk 30 DAYS OF WELLNESS AT SOUTH PLACE HOTEL outh Place Hotel has curated a s ’30 Days of Wellness’ programme to keep your food and fitness goals on track throughout the cold winter months. Expect healthy non-alcoholic cocktails from Seeplip, inspirational talks and yoga, strength and flexibility classes guided

by Oitoo Fitness. Follow @ southplacehotel on Instagram for exclusive health and fitness tips, and to be in with a chance of winning 30 days of Wellness goodies each week; southplacehotel.com

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I T We try out the latest in London’s line-up of boutique gyms

S

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

weat It in Aldwych is one of the latest boutique gyms adding to London’s wellness landscape with its unfiltered, raw approach to functional training.

The Sweat It approach combines targeted strength training with intervals on the treadmill. If you’ve ever been to Barry’s Bootcamp or 1Rebel, you’ll know the drill.

However the equipment is more

high-tech, so first-timers are advised to get in early to catch a demonstration. The studio is centred around the mecca that is the bespoke functional rig, with a custom line up of equipment including landmines, free weights and resistance bands. The gym itself is a luxury, urban space lined with a fleet of treadmills.

Each class works on speed, strength and endurance sessions with the promise to constantly

switch up the class content to ensure each muscle group is targeted. I’m here to try Engine Room, but I could have chosen from a range of inventively-named classes (Heart & Hustle, Machine Guns, Guts & Glory, Pillar Killer, Compound60). Engine Room is an explosive lower body session that works on the largest muscle group with speed and stamina.

First up, it’s floor work. The landmine is a really effective piece of equipment and our coach is brilliant at ensuring we use it to its fullest potential. The session involves a range of weighted exercises including Hungarian split squats, lunges and deadlifts.

With heavy legs we jump onto the treadmill where we complete interval sprints and hill climbs. We go through three rounds of this before leaving high on endorphins and pouring with sweat - the clue is in the name. This is a class that can torch fat and sculpt muscles. Sign us back up.

SWEAT IT 4 Lean Street, WC2B; sweat-it.com

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

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22/01/2019 11:19

Michael Nadra Restaurant & Bar Michael Nadra Restaurant Restaurant & & Bar Bar

Primrose Hill’s best kept secret Book your Christmas party now Daily Special Offers

Primrose secret Primrose Hill’s Hill’s best best kept kept Wednesdays secret Tuesdays New great value Express Lunch & Early Dinner Menu

Book Christmas party 2 - for - 1 your on all Cocktails every day from 4 now - when 6pm ordering A la Carte or from Tasting Menu 20% off Six-Course Tasting Menu Surprise extra dish Book your Christmas party now Thursdays

A la Carte & 6 Course Tasting Menu New great value Express Lunch & Early Dinner MenuFridays New great value Express Lunch Early Dinner Menu Extensive Wine&List 4 - 6pm bar snacks with every drink 2-for-1 cocktails 2 - for - 1 on all Cocktails every day from Complementary 2 - for - 1 on allVegan Cocktails every day from 4 - 6pm / Vegetarian ordered A la Carte & 6 Course Tasting Menu between 6 and 10pm in the bar A la Carte CourseBookings Tasting Menu Party&&6 Event Saturdays Extensive Wine List Bottomless Lunch: £37 for two courses from the Express Sundays Extensive Wine List / Vegetarian All-night-long Express Menu: Mains £12.50 Menu, including unlimited Bloody Marys, Mimosas andVegan Vegan / Vegetarian Party & Event Bookings Primrose Martinis for 1 hour 30 mins Starters & Desserts £6.50 & Event Bookings @michaelnadra |Party facebook.com/MichaelNadraRestaurant *all offers are subject to change

020 7722 2800 | 42 Gloucester Avenue, Primrose Hill, NW1 8JD | primrose@restaurant-michaelnadra.co.uk @michaelnadra | facebook.com/MichaelNadraRestaurant @michaelnadra | facebook.com/MichaelNadraRestaurant 22/10/2018 020 7722 2800 | 42 Gloucester Avenue, Primrose Hill, NW1 8JD | primrose@restaurant-michaelnadra.co.uk 020 7722 2800 | 42 Gloucester Avenue, Primrose Hill, NW1 8JD | primrose@restaurant-michaelnadra.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK

BRAT SHOREDITCH

Dine in style this Valentine's Day at Tomos Parry's Brat, which won its first Michelin star last year. Opt for the oysters steamed with sea water and seaweed. bratrestaurant.com

Food notes 48 • Recipies 50 • Food review 55 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 February

By FLORA THOMAS

Wine recommendations for the month

By MICHAEL NADRA

Lapilli Falanghina  £30 An ancient grape, cultivated in the province of Naples. This straw yellow Falanghina is an excellent summer wine: dry, fruity and very refreshing with notes of tangy citrus and sweeter tropical hints of pineapple and white peach.

Verso Rosso  £34 This is a rich and inviting wine from Puglia. It has ripe and dried fruits, dark chocolate and black pepper spice.

Full bodied, mouth filling and velvety, sweet dark fruit balanced with some bramble characters and welcome tannins. Very easy drinking.

2018 Verus Sauvignon Blanc  £36 Owned by three friends, the vineyards are located around Ormoz in the appellation of Styria (Stajerska). The Wine has vibrant fruit with the classic gooseberry, passionfruit and nettles aromas; good depth of flavour and length. Crisp and elegant on the palate.

RESTAURANT MICHAEL NADRA Combining excellent produce with elegant service in sophisticated surroundings, the restaurant offers an innovative dining experience within an intimate and relaxed environment of a neighbourhood restaurant.

42 Gloucester Ave, NW1 8JD

restaurant-michaelnadra.co.uk

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OUT with the OLD F R O G BY A DA M H A N D L I N G

...in with the new, as the award-winning Frog by Adam Handling launches a complete revamp and refinement of the menus. Guests are treated to an array of brand-new dishes to celebrate the best of British ingredients. But fear not, Adam’s legendary chicken butter, cheese doughnuts, and celeriac ‘Mother’ dish will remain as longstanding guest favourites.

34-35 Southampton St, London WC2E 7HG frogbyadamhandling.com

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FOOD & DRINK• NOTES Our pick of the best

VALENTINE'S HOT SPOTS

ANGLER

Grill House

The renowned restaurant is serving a Valentine's tasting menu full of seafood treats. To start, enjoy a glass of rosé champagne alongside aged Beaufort and truffle gougeres. The final course involves a suitably pink Yorkshire rhubarb and Sable Breton with stem ginger and Greek basil. anglerrestaurant.com

BERBER AND Q GRILL HOUSE

Head to Haggerston to check out Berber and Q Grill House's brand new menu. The hipster hangout, set in reconditioned railway arches, charcoal-grills veggies as well as they do meat. Highlights include the braised sweetcorn with horseradish labneh and the sweet tea-brined baby chicken with yellow muhammara.

338 Acton Mews, London E8 4EA berberandqgrillhouse.com

PASTA PURVEYOR EMILIA'S CRAFTED PASTA

Emilia’s launch their second site in Aldgate this month. A succinct selection of seven dishes is on offer, each dish fine tuned to pay homage to regions of Italy, along with careful pairing of pasta shapes with sauces.

Signature plates include their famed four-hour slow-cooked Bolognese.

Treat yourself.

77 Alie Street E1 8NH emiliaspasta.com

4 5 J E R M Y N S T. The interiors at this award-winning restaurant set the scene for romantic dining with old-school glamour décor, low lighting and intimate booths.

Don't miss the starter of oysters, the ultimate aphrodisiac. Go on to indulge in show-stopping mains like lobster spaghetti, flambéed tableside before guests eyes.

45jermynst.com

Healthy hangout

ALYN WILLIAMS AT THE WESTBURY

SKINNY KITCHEN

FRENCHIE

From the beaches of Ibiza to Upper street… Skinny Kitchen is the place to go post-workout or post-night out. The menu is bursting with health and goodness, and for the calorie-conscious it helpfully lists the nutritional content of each dish. Healthy breakfast and brunch options include peanut butter and banana pancakes and blackened cod tacos.

52 Upper St, London N1 0QH skinnykitchen.co

Celebrate Parisian style at Greg Marchand’s intimate brasserie. The five-course tasting menu created for the evening lends itself perfectly to the romance of the day. For a sweet finish indulge in a special baked Alaska using Guittard chocolate as an indulgent Valentine’s Day treat. frenchiecoventgarden.com

Animal products have been shunned at this French Michelin-starred kitchen. A creative and elegant seven course vegan menu begins with an earthy beetroot tartare and ends on a sweet note with blood orange, rhubarb and custard.

37 Conduit St, Mayfair, W1S 2YF alynwilliams.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Plant

BASE Anyone turning vegan this month should take heed of Leah Vanderveldt’s new book, First Time Vegan. Here are some of her dishes Wo r d s L E A H VA N D E R V E L D T

50

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

GINGER COCONUT BROTH

with veggies and noodles Serves 2–3

T

his falls somewhere between a soup, a curry and a brothy ramen bowl.

With ginger, chilli and garlic flavours it often hits the spot when I’m looking for something that I can slurp a big bowl of without it weighing me down.

FOR TH E B ROTH • 2 teaspoons avocado oil • 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped or grated • 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger • 1 x 400-g/14-oz. can coconut milk (I use full fat) • 2 tablespoons tamari • 120 ml/1⁄2 cup water or vegetable stock/ broth • 1⁄4 teaspoon chilli flakes/hot red pepper flakes (optional)

ADD-INS • 120-170 g/4-6 oz. soba noodles • 1 courgette/zucchini, peeled or spiralized into noodles or cut into julienne • 1 carrot, spiralized into noodles or cut into julienne • 130 g/1 cup shelled frozen edamame beans, thawed

METHOD 1 Cook the soba noodles in boiling water according to the package instructions. (The 100% buckwheat soba noodles I use usually take about 8 minutes.) 2 While the soba noodles are cooking, heat the avocado oil in a large saucepan or high-sided frying pan/skillet over a medium-high heat. Add the garlic and ginger and let them sizzle for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant, but not browning. 3 Add the coconut milk and tamari and stir. Add the water or vegetable stock/broth and chilli flakes/hot red pepper flakes (if using). 4 Bring to a simmer, then stir in the courgette/zucchini, carrot and edamame beans and let everything warm through for about 2 minutes. Remove from heat. 5 Divide the cooked soba noodles between bowls and pour the hot broth and veggies over to serve.

WINTER VEGETABLE BOWL Serves 3–4

W

inter can be rough on us veggie lovers, when farm fresh tomatoes and juicy stone fruit seem another world away. Here’s a bowl that celebrates cold weather produce and perks it up with a tasty lemon and olive chermoula and crunchy toasted walnuts.

INGREDIENTS • 130 g/3⁄4 cup wild rice • 1 acorn squash, sliced in half and seeds removed, then sliced into thin half-moons • 1 red onion, cut into 1.5-cm/ 1⁄2-inch wedges • 1–2 tablespoons avocado or olive oil • 300 g/3 cups Brussels sprouts, woody bases and outer leaves removed, then thinly sliced (so you get ribbons of Brussels sprouts leaves) • 2 big handfuls of baby rocket/ arugula or spinach • salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• Chermoula (see page 26), to serve • 50 g/1⁄3 cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped, to serve • a roasting pan, oiled

METHOD 1 Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F) Gas 7.

In a medium saucepan, combine the wild rice with 350 ml/11⁄2 cups of water. Cover with a lid and bring to a boil. Add a pinch of salt, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 40 minutes, or according to the package instructions, until the rice is cooked. 2 Meanwhile, arrange the squash and onion in the prepared roasting pan.

Roast in the preheated oven for about 25– 30 minutes, rotating the pan and flipping the veg half-way through. 3 Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large saucepan or a frying pan/skillet with high sides over a mediumhigh heat. Add the shredded Brussels sprouts and sprinkle with a good pinch of salt. Cook, stirring a few times, for about 5 minutes until the sprouts are softened; they should be mostly bright green but golden in places. Stir in the rocket/arugula or spinach and remove from the heat. Taste and add salt and pepper as desired. 4 To assemble the bowls, start with a scoop of rice and top with lots of Brussels sprouts, roasted squash and red onion. Add a generous drizzle of chermoula and walnuts to finish.

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

“Big bowls of plant-based goodness containing grains, veggies and legumes” CHICKPEA & CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES Makes about 12

T

hese chewy and chocolatey cookies are the dessert I always want on- hand. They get their great texture from coconut oil, have just the right amount of sweetness, and use protein-rich chickpea (gram) flour, which leaves me feeling truly satisfied.

INGREDIENTS • 2 tablespoons ground chia seeds • 120 ml/1⁄2 cup gently melted coconut oil • 100 g/1⁄2 cup coconut sugar or soft light brown sugar • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 185 g/11⁄2 cups chickpea (gram) flour • 1 teaspoon baking powder • 1⁄4 teaspoon salt • 50 g/1⁄3 cup dark/bittersweet vegan chocolate chips or roughly chopped chocolate • flaky sea salt, for sprinkling on top (optional) • baking sheet, lined with baking parchment

METHOD 1 In a large bowl, combine the ground chia seeds with 6 tablespoons of water and whisk to combine; this should form a gel-like consistency. 2 Add the melted coconut oil to the bowl with the chia seeds, along with the sugar and vanilla. Whisk with a hand-held electric whisk until well combined. 3 In a separate medium bowl, combine the chickpea (gram) flour, baking powder and salt. Add these dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix to combine everything using a rubber spatula. (Your cookie batter will be slightly wetter than a typical cookie batter, but don’t worry.) Stir in the chocolate chips until evenly dispersed.

Place the batter in the fridge to firm up for 30–60 minutes. 4 Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) Gas 4. 5 Scoop the chilled mixture into ping pong-sized balls, using a spoon, and space evenly apart on the prepared baking sheet. Press each cookie gently using a piece of baking parchment and your hand to flatten them slightly. Sprinkle each cookie with a small pinch of sea salt (if using). 6 Bake in the preheated oven for 11–12 minutes (if they look a little underdone, that’s okay).

Remove from the oven and leave to cool on the baking sheet for 5–10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool fully. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Recipes taken from First-time Vegan by Leah Vanderveldt, published by Ryland Peters & Small

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FOOD & DRINK • REVIEW

ABSOLUTELY eats out…

“The yuzu dressing is tasty enough to be slurped from the bowl”

Pachamama East Peruvian plates with an Asian edge in east London

FOOD Tasty fusion plates packed with flavour

B y H E L E N B R OW N

A

s the popularity of Peruvian cuisine grows, diners ask for more from a restaurant than mere authenticity.

Pachamama blends Peruvian and British influences and uses almost entirely homegrown ingredients.

November last year saw the team set their sights on east London, opening a sister outpost to the Marylebone restaurant in Shoreditch.

Pachamama East, like the original and the offshoot Chicama in Chelsea, is still largely Peruvian in style but sets itself apart by featuring Asian flavours across the menu too.

DECOR The menu is split into soil, land and sea sections. Dishes arrive as and when they’re ready from the open kitchen, and there’s a tasting menu if you can’t face the burden of choice.

We kick off our Sunday brunch with a bowl of padron peppers - glistening with oil and bejewelled with sea salt - and the tapioca marshmallows.

These succulent and squidgy cubes have a gooey centre and a thin, crisp, deep-fried crust which is dressed in a smooth, piquant sauce. A fun addition to any table.

Next comes the unassuming yellowfin tuna with pickled potato.

Having chosen this on a whim to make up the amount of dishes on the

Industrial with verdant greenery

PRICE Snacks from £5, larger plates from £7

table, we are completely blown away.

Eat it with a spoon - the sunny yellow yuzu dressing is tasty enough to be slurped from the bowl. It’s fresh, zesty and full of flavour and colour.

In fact everything here is incredibly vibrant; the iPhone camera does nothing justice.

A stand out from the soil section is a bowl of belly-warming aubergine.

It’s cut into generous cubes and cooked long enough that it barely holds its shape in a deliciously fudgy way. A scattering of peanuts gives the dish a much-needed crunch. The miso-cured carrots with black quinoa and kimchi also gets hoovered up. It’s a simple but well-executed dish, the carrots made more sweet by their umami and earthy counterparts.

Testing the constraints of our waist bands we order a sweet potato waffle with fried chicken. It’s just as indulgent and delicious as it sounds and it certainly pushes us over the edge. When we’re back for round two we’ll be sure to save room for the yuzu ice cream with merinque. If this meal is anything to go by, it will be heavenly.

VERDICT

PAC H A M A M A E A S T

A great addition to the Shoreditch scene

73 Great Eastern Street, EC2A; pachamamalondon.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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FOOD & DRINK • NOTES

DRINKS CABINET

What to drink and how to drink it

fabulous

FIZZ

By PENDLE HARTE

GIN PALACE

THREE OF THE BEST PINK CHAMPAGNES B y T H E C H A M PAG N E G U R U

M A N C H E ST E R G I N

Along with Dandelion and Burdock Root, Manchester's award-winning signature gin is made up of ten other specially sourced botanicals including orange and lemon, liquorice and ground almond. There's also a delicious raspberryinfused version in pink. manchestergin.co.uk

Bruno Michel champagne This deliciously fresh Champagne perfectly expresses its complexity on the palate as an outstanding organic cuvée, loved not only for its elegant ruby colour but also for its beautiful, full aromas with hints of strawberry, redcurrant, cherry and raspberry.

Charles Heidsieck Rose Reserve N.V This stylish and powerful Rosé Réserve Champagne, full-bodied in the Charles Heidsieck style, retains an elegance that makes this a delicious drink. Alongside the rich smoothness there are aromas of strawberry, pomegranate, wild rose and apple blossom.

VIVA ITALIA F R A N C I AC O R TA

Less well-known than Prosecco is Franciacorta, the Italian fizz from Lombardy that's vastly superior to its more popular sibling. Made in the traditional method, Franciacorta's Ferghettina Rose is fruity and light with notes of cherry. £26.95;

De Venoge Louis XV Rose Millesime 2006 Champagne

ndjohn.co.uk

SPIRIT OF LOVE CÎROC

CÎROC invites you to add a little extra to your Valentine’s celebrations this year with a CÎROC Vodka limited-edition design for the big day. The design is available in CÎROC Red Berry which oozes aromatic fresh berry flavours with a smooth and silky finish. £45 getitinkd.com

This vintage rose Champagne is full of vibrant red currant and wild berry flavours.

Cherries and almonds emerge in the aftertaste making it a delightfully structured champagne from the Grand Cru region.

THE CHAMPAGNE GURU The Champagne Guru is a champagne and food pairing expert, specialising in hosting special champagne events in luxurious surroundings.

thechampagneguru.com

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WINTER SALE - UP TO 40% ON MANY RANGES

20 Fauconberg Road, Chiswick, London W4 3JY | Tel: 020 8742 2236 | www.osborne-interiors.co.uk

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INTERIORS

MODERN LOVE MINI MODERNS

Mini Moderns’ new wallpaper collection, Culture! draws on the design duo’s love of mid-century art design and architecture. Pictured is Lucky Lantern, a Chinese lantern design, inspired by the Eastern styles prevalent in the aesthetic movement as displayed in the Geffrye Museum’s 1890 drawing room. minimoderns.com

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INTERIORS NOTES

Ideas, designs and styles for your home

By PENDLE HARTE

M ATC H UPS IITTALA

Iittala's Raami is a new tableware collection designed by Jasper Morrison.The carefully composed pieces in ceramic, glass and wood are intended to work together to promote a good atmosphere at the table. iittala.com

IN SHAPE EMMA LACEY

Emma Lacey designs and makes ceramic tableware from her studio in North London. Most work is currently hand thrown using a fine stoneware clay and then assembled, manipulated or finished to take into account the tactility and function of the piece. conranshop.co.uk

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INTERIORS • NOTES

TOP PA S T E L S A selection of our favourite pieces EDITOR’S PICK

SCHNEID STUDIO Eikon Shell lamp, £326 connox.co.uk

GOOD CUP

THE GLAZE

OLIVER BONAS

MILO MADE CERAMIC S

This large sculptural ceramic jug with a circular black handle detail and a white glazed inner and unglazed outer design is designed and made by Hackney's Milo Made Ceramics and stocked at nearby A New Tribe, £120 anewtribe.co.uk

GOOD DESIGN WORKS Concrete desk clock, £25 hurnandhurn.com

Highstreet staple OLiver Bonas is currently stocking a beautiful collection of ceramics and tableware. We love the Tarina blue pieces for their stylish curves and bautiful packaging. oliverbonas.com

WALL SAUCE Pastel wallpaper mural, £26 per m2 wallsauce.com

DANETTI Senn chair, £39 danetti.com

PLANT LIFE ALBERT & MOO Memphis plant pot, £11 albertandmoo.com

LAPUAN KANKURIT

SUE PARKINSON

Artificial houseplants are a huge trend right now and Sue Parkinson's assorted green succulents is an attractive and entirely maintenance-free addition to any window ledge or shelf. sue-parkinson.con

Sade print towel, £53 lapuankankurit.fi

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tiles etc. www.tilesetc.com | angel@tilesetc.com | 020 7607 2700 4 Shillingford Street, London N1 2DP

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INTERIORS • KITCHENS

Colour

CODE Absolutely admires the bright shades in Plain English’s newest kitchen project Wo r d s E V E H E R B E R T

P

lain English was conceived by accident 25 years ago when Katie Fontana and her husband Tony Niblock swapped life in the capital for a rural idyll in Suffolk. “We decided to move to Suffolk and take the time out to build our own house, so it was an interesting year of living in a caravan. When it came to the kitchen, I assumed that I’d be able to find something and just buy it. But there was nothing I liked. Everything had twiddly bits or was too look-at-me flashy. In the end I found a local joiner and we did it ourselves.”

That might have been the end of the story had it not been for the nudge from a friend to enter the house into a Telegraph competition for the best self-build house in the country. “We came runner up and were later featured in a magazine. People kept calling to ask where we’d got our kitchen. So without thinking things began to take shape.

Plain English is the cognoscenti’s favourite for its honest craftsmanship

I was quite resistant at first; to me, as an interior designer, just doing kitchens seemed quite limited, but Tony insisted.”

Twenty-five years on, Plain English is still the cognoscenti’s favourite, its incomparable honest craftsmanship and its spare simplicity outstripping other, slicker, contenders.

Plain English Kitchens are so versatile, as at home in country homes as they are in more urban settings. “I think it’s because we’re selling good, honest, non-branded cupboards, so you can dress them up or down. I am very anti-ostentation and I hate this obsession with logos emblazoned everywhere. Historically, kitchens were just functional, which is why I’ve always liked the below-stairs kitchen quarters of stately homes. Ultimately, I like the elemental things in life: marble, slate, wood. I think subconsciously it’s all about stuff that will stand the test of time.” On Fontana’s watch, the likes of pantries and sculleries are afforded their place once more, rescued from the wasteland of upstairs-downstairs period dramas. “In the 1960s, everyone wanted to be so modern and get rid of the larder and you can understand it. They’d all been to the Ideal Home Show! But it’s like a pendulum swinging, now we’re seeing the value in those rooms again.”

This brightly coloured kitchen features handcrafted Plain English Spitalfields cupboards with a contemporary Osea island and theatrical woven lighting taking centre stage. The open plan space is perfect for cooking, entertaining and family life.

Cupboards are painted in a variety of bright and bold Plain English colours: Starched Apron, Boiled Dishcloth and Pretty Pickle. plainenglishdesign.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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P R I VAT E l i v e s Everyone has their dream space in this London house designed by Yoko Kloeden

By EVE HERBERT

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INTERIORS • HOUSE TOUR

Y

oko Kloeden Design has recently completed the interior design and decoration of a 1930s three-story terrace house in southwest London.

The clients, a couple who both work in finance with two young children, completed a major house renovation including the ground floor rear extension and loft conversion when they moved into the house; however, having moved from a one-bed flat and both working full-time, they still didn’t feel at home a year later as most of the rooms were still bare and underused. After having interviewed five interior designers, the couple engaged Yoko and her team. The brief was to pull the family together in the open-plan family area, while the husband and wife each have a break-out room that reflects their individual needs and personalities.

Yoko and her team used colours and textures to express each individual’s style while giving a practical solution for the young family. The result is an elegant and contemporary family home that still feels comfortable and practical while everyone has a space of privacy and aspiration .

‘Knowing that our clients now have a home they will enjoy for decades to come keeps us going every day‘, says Yoko.

The clients embraced dark and moody colours and their bold choice of colours starts with the hallway. With the inky blue colour as a background, Yoko selected an abstract landscape painting that reflects the clients’ love of nature but in a contemporary and stylized expression. Slender frames and legs of powder-coated steel furniture give a chic and airy appearance.

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INTERIORS • HOUSE TOUR The bespoke kitchen from Wooden Horse London was designed to fit the space with lots of storage. A marble island takes centre stage and plain white surfaces were chosen for other cabinets and worktop to let the island stand out. The dining table and chairs sit at the centre of the open-plan area and they had to be elegant, understated, and unique. A bespoke live edge oak dining table with classic Wishbone chairs demonstrates the philosophy of using real materials and understated elegance.

The family includes two children under three, so the space had to be practical and safe without compromising on sophisticated aesthetics. Yoko schemed the area around two key features – a framed artwork of bespoke wallpaper from Calico Wallpaper and a bespoke media unit made of black stained oak with brass detailing. She says: ‘In Japan, we have a culture of developing taste buds at a very early age. The concept of kids menus in restaurants is nowhere as ubiquitous as here in the UK as people believe babies and toddlers need to eat real foods that adults eat. In the same way, children need to grow up with real materials to develop their senses. Family rooms shouldn’t be all about wipeable surfaces.’’

The bespoke rug is made of soft jute that is hardwearing but soft to crawl on. Coffee tables of different sizes are made of mango wood. Yoko’s team designed a media unit that consists of low units to store children’s books and toys and a slim tall unit to store files etc.

The starting point of for the reception room, also as known as ‘Her Room’, was an Art Deco-inspired drinks cabinet bought by

the client at the beginning of the project.

This is her grown-up haven where she winds down with a glass of wine after the children are finally asleep, where she entertains her friends on weekends and during her maternity leave.

Yoko custom-made a Millennial pink velvet sofa and selected an artwork from a Sydney-based British artist Caroline Collom to anchor the colour palette. The team filled the room with sumptuous, tactile and real materials such as marble, brass, steel, velvet, wool and sourced indoor plants to liven up the room.

‘His Room’ is referred to as the ‘games room’ and this is where her husband winds down by playing a computer game at the end of his long day at his demanding job in finance. Originally a garage, it is the smallest living room and he opted for the darkest shade of grey to feel cozy and cocooned as he uses ‘His Room’ mostly in the evenings. A Fornasetti mural makes a perfect backdrop and the rich moss green of the velvet sofa pops against the dark walls.

The newly converted loft houses a master bedroom with an ensuite shower room.

The wall behind the bed hides a walk-in wardrobe and dressing table.

Here again, the inky blue was chosen for the calm and serene haven. Dreamy white waves and a dawn sky of a photography art shot on a remote beach in Iceland sums up the mood. The alcove above the bed is a practical alternative to a pair of bedside tables in this tight space.

Children need to grow up with real materials to develop their senses.

Family rooms shouldn’t be all about wipeable surfaces

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

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INTERIORS • MOBILES

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RHYTHMIC F LOW FLENSTED

T H E O F

In production since 1955, Christian Flensted's iconic Flowing Rhythm mobile is red on one side and black on the other.

Its interplay of shape and colour in movement is hypnotic and relaxing to watch – and it casts an intriguing shadow too. £37

H A N G I T

skandium.com

2

GO FISH FELI X SA LUT

Floats is a bright and colourful hanging structure that repurposes fishing floats and string to create a geometric modernist aesthetic — echoing Oscar Schlemmer’s Bauhaus dance performance, The Triadic Ballet. €225 felixsalut.com

MOBILES ARE HAVING A MOMENT. HERE ARE SOME OF THE MOST MESMERISING

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A R T I N M OT I O N

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VO LTA

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Handcrafted in small quantities and inspired by the abstract art of the 1950s and Scandinavian design, the Volta Le Grand Etourdi Mobile has a beautifully balanced design with a vibrant primary colourway. Volta was founded in Paris and now creates all its elegant mobiles in Barcelona. £275 conranshop.co.uk

4

L I G H T WO R K

THE SHOP FLOOR PROJECT

5

Hand crafted in Germany, each Shop Floor Project mobile is made with skill and precision to create just the right balance between the shapes and light.

Mobile No 1: Morning Light is hand-made in polished brass with iron arms. £325 theshopfloorproject.com

5

LINE SHEET NEDGIS

4

Michael Anastassiades' sumptuous Chandelier 9 mobile is signed by the Cypriot designer. Its minimalist design and graphic and uncluttered forms create lines in the air with several sources of warm light and diffusers in opaline blown glass. €18,384 nedgis.com

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INTERIORS • FOCUS

IN A NEW BOOK ON LIVING IN SMALL SPACES, STYLISH LAURA FULMINE SHOWS OFF HER COLOURFUL YET DIMINUTIVE EAST LONDON FLAT

ive in a small apartment but love color? Take inspiration from interior designer and stylist Laura Fulmine, who used an expertly executed palette of rich shades to define the different areas of her 57 m2 (614 ft2) apartment, which is located in a turn-of-the-century mansion block in east London.

“Creating different identities for each room makes the flat feel like a much bigger space,” explains Fulmine, who lived in the apartment for two years before decorating it and let the trajectory of the sun inform the colors she chose. Now, a luxurious green provides the backdrop for a mix of collected treasures in the living room, while the cheerful study is painted in a heritage pink. The bedroom, which gets the least light, features a restful dark blue, while the bathroom and kitchen are bright white to make the most of the morning sun.

L

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P E T I T E P L AC E S Clever Interiors for Humble Homes edited by Robert Klanten, published by Gestalten

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

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ABBEY ROAD

FRAMING

Picture Frames, Mirrors, Prints, Cards & Gifts

020 7328 6915

67 Abbey Road St John’s Wood London NW8 0AE

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INTERIORS • MOODBOARD

My Style ZO E A N D E RS O N , FOUNDER O F S H O R E D I TC H I N T E R I O R S B O U T I Q U E WA G R E E N wagreen.co.uk

MY FAVOURITE PIECE OF ART… For scale and colour The Snail

by Henri Matisse – if I ever need a pick me up I’ll nip into the Tate Modern to say hi to it. It always restores me.

MY FAVOURITE DESIGNER… Don’t make me pick! Tina Vaia is pretty special. She makes huge planters. She has a really refined understanding of colour and combined with the scale of her pieces this makes her work interesting.

MY SIGNATURE SCENT…

M Y ST Y L E IC ON...

CO Elizabeth Taylor in her kaftan era.

Byredo Oud Immortel is my current obsession. It’s a great scent for the winter as it reminds me of hot summer nights. Abd El Kader by Cire Trudon is my go-to year round scent in the home. We spray the room spray in the store and the beautiful smell lasts all day. If I have a party I’ll spritz the whole house in it. For the depth of winter you can’t beat Ernesto by Cire Trudon.

MY FAVOURITE PIECE FROM MY CURRENT COLLECTION… Obviously, I love everything but I think it has to be the new Utopia Hip Hop Jars by Jonathan Adler.

They are such fun pieces and would look incredible absolutely anywhere in the house.

MY FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION IS… California. The coastline is stunning and Palm Springs in the desert is just so much fun.

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‘ Enjoying childhood and realising our imagination.’

“My time at Dallington has helped me to grow in body, mind and soul – this is something that I am immeasurably grateful for. Dallington has given me a push in the direction of success and I am thankful for all they have done.

I will do the best I can to repay them, the best I can, by leading an honest and dignified life.” - Nick (Year 6 pupil) Dallington is a family-run co-educational independent school, with a nursery, in the heart of London.

Personal tours each day of the week, except Wednesday.

Next Open Evening: Thursday 16th May 2019 from 6 to 8 pm

Headteacher, Proprietor and Founder: Mogg Hercules MBE Email: hercules@dallingtonschool.co.uk Phone: 020 7251 2284 www.dallingtonschool.co.uk

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KIDS & EDUCATION

ANIMAL MAGIC FERM LIVING Ferm Living's new kids' collection features London-based, internationally renowned illustrator Katie Scott. In her wallpaper collection she explores the balance of wildlife and nature in her three designs: Shells, Trees, and Animals. fermliving.com

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LONDON CHILDREN’S BALLET presents

Ballet Shoes Based on Noel Streatfeild’s timeless novel

4-7 JULY

London Children’s Ballet’s stunning production of Ballet Shoes comes to the Peacock Theatre this July. Ballet Shoes is the enduring tale of the determined Fossil sisters, Pauline, Petrova and Posy, who vow to put their family name in the history books. Through Madame Fidolia’s School of Performing Arts, they enter an exciting world full of ups and downs, learning important lessons about life and themselves on the way. Ballet Shoes is filled with inspiring characters, beautiful choreography and is a sure-fire hit for the whole family.

London Children’s Ballet is a performance company and charity that has been developing beautiful full-length ballets in the West End for 25 years. With allchild companies packed full of potential future dance stars, the productions are the perfect way to introduce children to ballet, set to the music of a live orchestra.

Through the creation of original West End ballet productions, LCB gives talented young dancers from all backgrounds the chance to be part of a professional ballet company.

“Until last week I had never seen a children's production.

My baptism was wonderful thanks to the London Children's Ballet.”

Clare Balding

“Absolutely enchanting performance from the London Children’s Ballet…

Amazing children. Wonderful Show.”

Stephen Fry

“…you have to pinch yourself to believe this was a children’s show.”

4 July Première Gala Tickets from £45 020 8969 1555 londonchildrensballet.com

5-7 July Tickets £14 - £65* 020 7863 8222 peacocktheatre.com

Photo © Pedro Ferrer

Independent on Sunday

*£3 transaction fee applies for phone and online bookings. No charge in person at Ticket Office.

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KIDS & EDUCATION • NOTES S H OW P R EV I EW

PACK UP AWAY

Away's brilliant wheelie cases are some of the best on the market – strong, easy to manoeuvre, full of clever interior details and even nice to look at. And best of all, there's a special kids version of the Carry On, which comes in a variety of colours with a shorter handle and a built-in charger for their inevitable devices. awaytravel.com

SMALL TALK Cases for tots, Berlin fashion, book reviews and lots of Lego

ECO CHIC MONKIND

Ask the husband and wife duo behind Berlin-based brand MONKIND what inspired them to launch their own clothing label and they’ll tell you that they wanted to prove that sustainability can be stylish.

Mostly made from GOTS certified organic cotton, we love the simple shapes, muted colour palette and design-led prints. monkind.com

BRICK WONDERS

O

pening at the Horniman Museum this month is Brick Wonders, an interactive exhibition of Lego structures.

Incorporating 500,000 bricks, the creations include amazing wonders from around the world, from an ancient Egyptian pyramid to Old London Bridge and from the natural wonder of a coral reef to the modern marvel of the international space station. More than 50 models will be on show, from individual pieces that will inspire visitors to build them at home, to awe-inspiring dioramas and mosaics. Visitors can build their own brick wonders in interactive play areas – including a graffiti wall, a tower-building challenge, a magnetic mosaic puzzle and big bricks for little hands – and the exhibition includes a mini-cinema showing short Lego animations.

 Brick Wonders runs from 16 February to 27 October at the Horniman Museum, 100 London Road SE23; horniman.ac.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

PUPPY LOVE

FEEL IT

T H E D O G W H O S AV E D

B OY U N D E R WAT E R

T H E WO R L D

By Adam Baron

Ross Welford’s fourth novel takes an astonishing sci-fi concept and explores how it might actually work in the ordinary world. It's an exciting read for anyone aged 10+. £6.99;

Why won't Cymbeline's mum let him go swimming? Something has happened in the past but what is it? This award-winning book for ages 10+ takes a sad story and makes it entertaining, funny and charming. £6.99;

 harpercollins.co.uk

 harpercollins.co.uk

By Ross Welford

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

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Please join us for our special

Open Morning

Tuesday 26th March

to hear all about our future plans and get a sneak preview of the new building Book your place online today!

We are Confident, Creative and Kind 2019 will be an exciting year for the Lyceum as we move around the corner into our new five story building on Worship Street.

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EDUCATION • OPINION

MARKET FORCES Adam Pettitt, Head of Highgate School, unravels the unconditional offers ‘controversy’

I

’m nervous about trenchancy when it comes to something that hasn’t affected my school or pupils. With only one pupil in the last three years having accepted an unconditional offer (Nottingham), it’s not an issue I am qualified to thunder about.

I am, however, worried about what unconditional offers tell us about the relationship between schools and universities, between funded and funders.

So, first of all, I ask myself whether sixth formers’ needs are the reason for unconditional offers, and I have to conclude that it’s the need for universities to fill places that leads them to offer guaranteed places regardless of grades, provided the applicant accepts the place as their first choice. It’s a commercial response to regulatory change (now that Government no longer foots the

bill for tuition, universities are at liberty to take as many students as they can find).

But just as universities react to circumstances beyond their control, so do sixth formers and, faced with unconditional offers from some universities and not from others, they are, we hear, accepting places with less regard to what is the best course for them. Relieved of the pressure (or motivation) to meet offer requirements by working hard throughout Year 13, they are tempted to coast through a final year, ending up with lower grades and, crucially, less knowledge and less academic grit to equip them for their undergraduate course.

Which group of sixth formers is being targeted with unconditional offers? My experience is that the most confident, the most experienced and the ablest, are treating unconditional offers

“The temptation is to coast through their final year and end up with lower grades and less knowledge”

SIXTHFORMERS AT HIGHGATE SCHOOL

with suspicion: they get a whiff of desperation in tactics they associate with panic discounting before Christmas rather than with considered decisions about their futures. It’s difficult not to imagine the least well-informed, the less confident or the most tentative applicants opting for certainty when the system is designed to allow them flexibility and choice, albeit with parameters – after all, they are only able to apply for five courses.

The system is throwing up alternative (sharp?) practices: some universities advertise one grade tariff, and offer to lower it if they are made a candidate’s first choice.

Surely that too is a commercial response which will tempt sixth formers to opt for courses they haven’t weighed up. Grade inflation in degree classifications suggests that universities need to tempt students in with promises of higher numbers of firsts. Universities have their own list of schools’ sharp practices, of course: grade predictions reveal that on average each applicant’s prediction is two grades north of their August results.

Now the market is allowed to determine how many students a university can admit, there’s a need for a new rule book to make educational and pastoral sense of commercial innovation in university admissions. My hunch is that unconditional offers shouldn’t be in the gift of a university without very specific reasons and a strong social mobility rationale: if unconditional offers can play a part in solving the real problems facing universities in encouraging applications from all kinds of schools, so be it, but they can otherwise have no place in a largely unregulated system. Clear sky, rather than thunder.

ADAM PETTITT Head Highgate School

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TRAVEL

THE HILLS ARE ALIVE AUSTRIA

For something active and uplifting, the Tyrol region in Austria is one of the best holiday destinations for families with kids. Absolutely takes a trip to the mountains.

Austria: Summer in the mountains 82 • Weekend Getaway: Dublin 89 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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TRAVEL • EUROPE

Mountain

HI G H There are few places more beautiful – or more fun – than the Austrian Tyrol in summer. Absolutely takes the family to the mountains Wo r d s P E N D L E H A R T E

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hen I tell my Austrian friend proudly that we’re going to the place where they filmed James Bond, I’m expecting her to know exactly where I mean. She doesn’t: “Oh they filmed Bond all over the place.” It’s true that a lot of Austrian ski resorts show off about their 007 connections, but nowhere apart from Sölden has a special Bond museum built at 3,000 metres at the exact location of much of the action in Spectre. And nowhere else has a glass cube structure at its highest peak, housing a restaurant with a Tom Dixon interior and spectacular 360 degree views. For Austria, Sölden is prime Bond territory.

But that’s not really why we came. Sölden is an alpine resort in the Tyrol’s Otztal Valley, south of Innsbruck and near the Italian border. Nearby Obergurgl is a popular

ski area for British people, but Sölden, home to the skiing World Cup opener, is more popular with Dutch and German skiiers. In the summer it’s quieter but there’s still a lot to be said for it, and not just the low season rates, the vast beauty of the landscape, the clarity of the air and the enormous range of activities.

We are here as a family with two daughters aged 12 and 9 and the family suite at Das Central is perfect: two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a cosy seating area, two balconies. Half-board means breakfast and dinner every day, and they seat you at the same table every time, which instantly makes you feel like a regular. Staff wear traditional dirndls and the buffet breakfasts are as huge and generous as you would imagine. It’s all wooden chaletstyle with a contemporary slant. One of the best things about staying here is that you are automatically issued with a Premium Card for the region, which allows you free or discounted entry to so many things that there’s a weighty booklet to list them all. Ski lifts, swimming pools, mountain bike school, public transport, museums.

We pledge to try everything. On day one we turn up bright and early at Bike Republic, the mountain bike centre where we are introduced to an instructor from the Ride On bike school, who promises that we’ll be speeding down the mountain after a bit of gentle practice on the town’s pump track. Her three-year old daughter can do it, she says. We are confident urban cyclists: we’re sure we’ll be fine. The pump track looks small but quickly it becomes clear that in our family at least, fear levels are directly proportional with age. The nine year-old is entirely comfortable with tight hairpin bends and a tilt that leaves her knee perilously close to the ground, while the adults are significantly less comfortable, and A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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TRAVEL • EUROPE ICEQ.AT

In our family at least, fear levels are directly proportional with age less nimble. We struggle to get around the track. Still, an hour in and we are ready to take our bikes into the cable car and up: a fortifying plate of dumplings at the middle station’s Tirolerstube prepares us for a steep and bumpy downhill bike ride.

Taking our positions: standing up in the saddle, forefingers only on the brakes, knees bent, we hurtle down the path with varying degrees of confidence at speeds that range

from fast to hypersonic, or at least feel that way. We are proud of ourselves Day two: let’s go to Italy. It’s only about 70km from Sölden to Merano but the drive is likely to take more than two hours over the spectacular Timmelsjoch mountain pass. Open only during the snow-free months between April and October, this is one of the world’s most beautiful roads, twisting and turning to reveal ever-more impressive vistas and countless viewpoint stops. In the light of our mountain biking experience we admire all passing cyclists – the ascent looks calf-wrenchingly impossible, the freewheeling descent terrifying. Despite the intense beauty, it is a long drive, especially when you know that you need to be back before the road closes at 8pm. We drive into beautiful Merano, which is German-speaking despite being well into Italy (the South Tyrol retains a strong Austrian identity that defies the border). Finding a lovely public pool, we spend happy hours on the slides and diving boards, enjoying the views of mountains around us. We drive back before the curfew, happy not to have to tackle the mountainous terrain in the dark.

There’s some rain the next day so we head to the Aqua Dome, a vast indoor and outdoor swimming world that features heated outdoor pools (rain no problem) as well as a saltwater pool, a pool with a strong current, some amazing waterslides (one, a dark hole, even shows a live broadcast of its current inhabitant on a screen) and lots of indoor sun loungers.

But the best watersports activities in the area are to be found at Area 47, a large lake near a rapid river where you can try out all the watersports you’ve ever heard of, as

well as many that you haven’t. So there’s blobbing (hilariously), and canonball, wakeboarding and more slides than we’ve ever seen, some of them improbably high.

There’s a slackline across the lake which we happily fall off repeatedly, a climbing wall from which you can fall into the water and a restaurant terrace allowing great views over everything. We spend the whole morning entering and exiting the water by different means before assembling for our rafting afternoon. We are kitted out in full body wetsuits with boots, hats and life vests and given a detailed introductory talk (the instructor is English; most staff here are students who have found the best summer job ever) and we set off down the river, 12 of us all clinging to our paddles (it's a 50 euro fine for each lost one) and shrieking with laughter as we cascade down the river. It’s the most fun we’ve had as a family in a long time (or certainly since mountain biking).

We were having so much fun that we’d almost forgotten about James Bond. Our last day dawns misty and significantly cooler: we don layers and head up in the high tech gondola all the way to the top. At 3,000 metres the Ice-Q, the glass structure that so impressed Spectre’s location scouts, is impressive and next to it is a new concrete bunker that’s home to the museum. It’s a high tech exhibit focusing on the history of Bond and the creative feats involved in making the films.

Enthusiasts will love it, and it’s accessible for the less obsessed too. So whether you’re a 007 disciple or not, and whether you ski or not, there are many reasons to visit the Otztal.

DA S C E N T R A L H OT E L Das Central Hotel, Sölden, Austria has double rooms available from €153 per person/ per night (summer) and from €200 per person / per night (winter), based on two people sharing on a half board basis. central-soelden.com

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

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TRAVEL • PROMOTION

W O R L D

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EXCEPTIONAL VILLAS The Thinking Traveller’s collection of villas in the heart of the Mediterranean features 5-star oases of fully-serviced luxury, beachfront summer houses, gems of contemporary architecture, sumptuous masserie, chic trulli, romantic retreats, and much more. No property enters the collection until Rossella and Huw have seen it for themselves, and only about 1% of the villas offered to the company make it onto their books.

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Discover the exclusive world of The Thinking Traveller

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hen Huw and Rossella Beaugié founded The Thinking Traveller in 2002, they did so with two clear aims: to offer a luxury experience that can’t be sourced elsewhere, and to inspire their clients to say, “That was the best holiday we’ve ever had. We’ll be back.” Judging by the company’s success – it has been voted Favourite Villa Rental Company four times (including in 2016, 2017 and 2018) at the prestigious Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards – Huw and Rossella’s innovative approach, based on four guiding principles, is fully achieving its aims.

The Thinking Traveller’s team visit and stay at the company’s properties several times a year, experiencing everything that you’ll experience while you’re on holiday.

The company’s concierges, meanwhile, are true locals who know the destinations inside out. They have all the right connections and a magical ability to make things happen.

You might not need them, but it’s always reassuring to know they’re on hand if you do.

PERSONAL SERVICE The Thinking Traveller’s experts will always go that extra mile to transform your dreams into reality. Excellent listeners, creative thinkers, and resourceful logisticians, they use their first-hand knowledge to give you all the options, suggest possibilities you might not have considered, and conjure up solutions that exceed your brief.

QUALITY THROUGH EXCLUSIVITY Exclusivity is a much misused word in the travel industry. For The Thinking Traveller, it’s a simple concept: the villas are not “shared” with numerous other rental agencies – they are all available exclusively through them. This not only gives clients a truly exclusive experience, but also allows the company to have a hands-on role in quality assurance (something that’s not possible when properties are rented through multiple channels). Exclusivity also allows clients to book online 24/7, whenever it’s most convenient.

T H E T H I N K I N G T R AV E L L E R For more information and to book, visit thethinkingtraveller.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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short flight from London, it’s easy to see why Dublin is a popular city break destination. Convenient to get to, compact enough to explore by foot and rich in history, this gregarious city offers its visitors a wealth of attractions including churches, museums, a thriving restaurant scene and over 1,500 bars packed into its snug streets.

Whether you’ve a proclivity for a pint of the black stuff or not, a tour of the Guinness Storehouse is a must. This seven-storey journey begins at the bottom of the world’s biggest pint glass and ends with a perfectly-poured pint in the world-famous rooftop Gravity Bar. We also explore Phoenix Park - one of the world’s largest city parks - take a walk through the Temple Bar district to find great pubs and live music and take a sneak peak around Dublin Castle.

THE HOTEL

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f impeccable service and being really close to Dublin’s city centre are your top priorities when it comes to accommodation then The Westbury Hotel will be right up your street. Set between Trinity College and St. Stephen’s Green, this 5 star hotel was voted Number 1 Hotel in Ireland at the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2018. On the doorstep lies Grafton Street, revered

for its colour, street artists and luxury shopping, while the vibrant network of streets filled with lively bars, restaurants and independent shops that is Dublin’s Creative Quarter, is just a short stroll away.

The hotel is opulent without being too extravagant; a sense of ease and informality is brought about through stately hues of cream and light grey, wood pillars and swathes of light drawn in from wide bay windows. Rooms are expansive and fitted with a Nespresso coffee machine, Aromatherapy Associates toiletries, crisp linens, a duck down duvet and a wide screen TV.

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weekend

THE CITY

DESTINATIONS

TRAVEL • EUROPE

he Westbury's gorgeous gallery - a Dublin institution in itself - serves one of the most decadent afternoon teas you’ll try in a long time. Breakfast is a sunny affair, served from the terrace at Wilde, an attractive space that fuses 1930's elegance with an abundance of greenery.

Come dinner time, Wilde puts traditional dining on its head with a menu that celebrates the finest Irish produce in an exceptional menu of traditional local dishes interspersed with plates from around the world.

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By H E L E N B R OW N

Exceptional service and understated luxury in the heart of the city THE WESTBURY Rates at The Westbury start from €260 bed and breakfast, based on two adults sharing. doylecollection.com /hotels/the-westbury-hotel

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PROPERTY Living the Dream

RED LION COURT E1W

ÂŁ1,075,000

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his first floor east aspect one bedroom apartment packed with character is in a brand new boutique development of 22 one and two bedroom apartments. Unique features include exposed brickwork and exposed concrete ceilings. There is a concierge and lift to all floors. This particular flat offers a Juliet balcony, with views over the Wapping Rose Gardens. Parking is available by separate negotiation.

T

KNIGHT FRANK Wapping 020 7480 6848 Lee.oneill@knightfrank.com

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K I N G S H A L L R OA D | B E C K E N H A M | B R 3 1 F D

Bower Place brings together three beautifully designed homes in one stunning location.

The prestigious new detached homes enjoy at least Âź acre plots all within an exclusive gated community. Located on the highly soughtafter Kings Hall Road, the properties provide the perfect balance between living amongst mature trees and parkland but with a two minute walk to nearby New Beckenham Station.

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LIVING THE

DREAM The most luxuriously appointed properties on the market

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rranged over four floors, the house has been designed with minimal bedrooms (currently two) but with huge entertaining spaces. There is a delightful paved patio garden to the rear, splendid roof terrace and two parking spaces. Founded in 1695 as a parish school and rebuilt in 1765, the house is one of a pair which form part of the old village of Wapping adjacent to the church tower.

bespoke penthouse apartment set on the banks of the Thames with far reaching views taking in Tower Bridge and the London skyline. Arranged over two levels, the apartment boasts incredible 360 degree views, a roof garden and terrace. The main reception room offers panoramic views across the Thames from floor to ceiling windows, access to a wrap-around balcony and high ceilings throughout.

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PROPERTY • NEW TO THE MARKET

DENTON ROAD

N 8 , £ 1 , 4 5 0,0 0 0

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amilies looking for a leafy home should look no further than this superbly presented, four bedroom property in Crouch End. It offers spacious modern living spread over four storeys.

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rare opportunity to acquire a stunning two bedroom, two bathroom apartment has sprung up in one of Little Venice’s most sought-after locations.

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St John’s Wood, 020 7586 8001 kfh.co.uk

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Passions don’t retire.

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Discover the perfect place to spend time on the things you love at Hampstead Green Place.

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Properties of character

14/11/2018 15:54

NOW SHOWING NEW HOMES AT FILMWORKS Ealing’s thrilling new lifestyle quarter Filmworks features a stunning collection of art-deco inspired 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments and penthouses, ideally located in the heart of Ealing. The new homes will be centred around a vibrant new piazza, home to an impressive eight-screen Picturehouse cinema and an exciting mix of bars and restaurants.

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Move This Autumn get back to what you love sooner by selling or letting with Knight Frank.

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