Absolutely Greenwich & Bromley, Dulwich and South East December 2018

GREENWICH & BROMLEY

ABSOLUTELY

Dulwich & South East Greenwich & Bromley DECEMBER 2018 / £3.95

CHRISTMAS TABLES How to feast in style

DECEM B ER 2018

GLITTER BALLS All the most fabulous baubles

GIFTS GALORE ‘Tis the season to be giving

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F E S T I V E F A S H I O N F AV O U R I T E S ST YLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT 26/11/2018 10:21

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The heart wants what the heart wants.

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DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION • • • •

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents DECEMBER 2018

32

81 12

C U LT U R E ABSOLUTELY LOVES

FOOD & DRINK 50 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

AGENDA

52 RECIPES

10 things we’re coveting this month

16

Diary dates for December

23 WINTER POPUPS All the Christmas specials

FA S H I O N 26 JINGLE BELL ROCK

Meeting the founder of Harry Rocks

32 THE SHOOT

Party pieces from Deborah Lyons

41

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL This month’s best beauty buys

45 SCENT SPECIAL Perfume tales

News from the industry

50

Michael Nadra's Christmas menu

INTERIORS 62 INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS News and views from the world of design

66 FESTIVE TABLES

Anna Barnett's designs for Habitat

T R AV E L 82 SPONTANEOUS TRAVEL

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.

Skiing in the Dolomites

PROPERTY 96 LIVING THE DREAM

The most luxurious London properties

ON THE COVER deborahlyons.co.uk

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EDITOR IN CHIEF PENDLE HARTE DIGITAL EDITOR HELEN BROWN EDITORIAL ASSISTANT FLORA THOMAS EDUCATION EDITOR AMANDA CONSTANCE GROUP SALES DIRECTOR CRAIG DAVIES GROUP SALES MANAGER ANABELA KOLECI MAGAZINE MANAGER TOLGA SAYLAN 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

For editorial enquiries please email: pendle@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 020 3397 8706 or email: craig@zest-media.com

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

We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters.

All rights reserved.

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

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Editor’s

LETTER ABSOLUTELY’S December issue highlights

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FESTIVE TABLES Anna Barnett's beautiful Christmas schemes for Habitat are inspiring us all. page 66

verybody loves Christmas, yet still we all complain when it seems to start earlier each year, and go on for longer, and involve more intense preparation. But there's no denying that decorations do get better every year: more stylish, more varied and more humorous. Some of my favourites this year include the hot dog stand bauble at the Conran Shop, the do-ityourself wooden elves at Skandium and the intensely colourful boiled wool creations at Anthropologie. Also this year, crackers have got serious with new offerings from Claridges and a huge range at Harrods – while a strong focus on sustainability is leading to a rejection of anything single-use (yes, including crackers). Almost everything in this issue is Christmassy, from lots of food talk – turkeys, of course, plus hampers and lots of booze – to Christmas trees and lots and lots of gifts.

We've got gifts for men, women and children – and our new category, teens, for whom we're buying trainers, cushions, lights and sweatshirts that we're actually secretely coveting for ourselves too. And for anyone booking holidays for next year, we're looking at skiing in the Dolomites and city breaking in Amsterdam.

Happy Christmas.

5

4

STAR TREATMENT Anthropologie's tree toppers are the finest by far page 65

CHRISTMAS FEASTING Delicious festive fare and gifts for foodies page 55

2

PRETTY CRACKERS

The prize for the prettiest cracker may have to go to Katie Leamon. page 71

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PENDLE HARTE EDITOR

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HARRY ROCKS Our new favourite jewellery brand. page 26

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Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

H E L E N B R OW N

12

Part y starte r This gorgeous sequin number is exclusive to Net-a-Porter and part of Laura Jackson’s new collaboration with RIXO. With all-over sequins and elegant puffed sleeves it’s a guaranteed showstopper at any soiree; from £395. net-a-porter.com

SCARLET FEVER This winter, Net-a-Porter’s ski and snow shop offers everything you need for a stylish stint on the slopes.

Simone Rocha's Moncler Genius glossy shell jacket is the cherry on top of a gorgeous edit; £1,405. net-a-porter.com

EDITOR’S PICK

FORBIDDEN FRUIT

Luscious and tempting, Lost Cherry is the latest in Tom Ford’s line of sought-after scents. Black cherry, bitter almond and turkish rose provide seductive top notes while roasted tonka and sandalwood add depth.; £895. net-a-porter.com

STAR STRUCK

Spun from the softest merino wool, this sweater from Perfect Moment is guaranteed to keep you warm. Layer it beneath a ski suit or wear it with jeans for a walk into town; £235. perfectmoment.com

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

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

SIP IN STYLE Not even the drinks cabinet is exempt from the obligatory Christmas jumper. Maker’s Mark prove themselves to be purveyors of exceptional whisky and festive cheer by adorning bottles of their small batch bourbon with an enviable Christmas knit; £30. morrisons.com

Feeling festive Net-a-Porter kicks off the party season with the launch of its holiday campaign. Shot by photographer Greg Harris and starring models Dilone and Hana Jirickova, the campaign features stand-out pieces from Halpern, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci and Jenny Packham. net-a-porter.com

HAT TRICK City chic meets snow bunny in this rich cashmere beanie from Danielapi; the ultimate winter style staple to dress your tresses with this season; £247. farfetch.com

LIP SMACKER

You can’t get more classic than a red lip for the festive season. Treat yourself this Christmas to Chanel’s limited-edition Rouge Allure Velvet No5; £32. chanel.com

FESTIVE NOTES

Missed out on the Liberty Advent Calendar? Not to worry. The Liberty Beauty Cracker with Escentric Molecules commissions a Christmas tailored to the beauty-obsessed, with a travel-size Molecule 01 eau de toilette from the contemporary fragrance house; £36. libertylondon.com

WILD CHILD

Autumn saw designers incorporate leopard print into everything from blouses to track pants to maxi dresses. Team this Whistles number with lace-up boots for the evening and boxfresh trainers for day; £169. whistles.com

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Photography by Paul Craig

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C U LT U R E THE BOWER OF BLISS, LINDER; ART ON THE UNDERGROUND; ART.TFL.GOV.UK

What’s On 16 •Top Theatre Picks 19 •Winter Pop-ups 23 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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The Agenda

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

C E L E B R AT E

Peckham Levels 1st Birthday 1-2 & 7-9 December PECKHAM LEV ELS

To mark a year since opening, Peckham Levels and its members have curated a two-weekend lineup of celebrations at the cultural hub with DIY markets, open studios, screen printing from 3rd Rail Print Space and DJ sets from local artists.

95a Rye Lane, SE15; peckhamlevels.org

SE AS ONAL

WINTER AT SOUTHBANK U NTI L 6 JA NUA RY • S O U TH BAN K CEN TRE

See Southbank Centre transformed with magical family shows, an enchanting winter market, twinkling lights, festive fun and other seasonal delights. Eat, drink and by merry beside the River Thames, experience the thrills of a turn-of-the-century circus and discover the theatrical spectacle that is Rumplestiltskin.

Belvedere Road, SE1; southbankcentre.co.uk

16

FESTIVE

Horniman Christmas Market 1-2 December HORN IMAN MUSEUM & GARD ENS

Shop gifts and get into the festive spirit as the Horniman decks the halls and fills the museum with its annual Christmas market. Stock up on presents for friends or find a treat for yourself from a range of unique trinkets and artisan products from dozens of stalls and London’s most exciting local designers.

100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23; horniman.ac.uk

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CULTURE • TALKING TOPICS

T H E AT R E

A CHRISTMAS CAROL Until 19 January OLD VIC THEATRE

Charles Dickens’ immortal Christmas classic returns to the Old Vic with Matthew Warchus at the helm. His production of A Christmas Carol is a love song to the festive season and joyously adapted for the stage by Jack Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child). Expect spectacular performances, lots of merriment and a whole load of Christmas magic.

The Cut, SE1; oldvicthatre.com

Around Town C H R I STM AS

TREE TIMES Ongoing PIN E S A ND NEED LE S

Pines and Needles is your one-stopshop when it comes to Christmas trees and decorations. Both online and instore at one of their stunning locations across London, you'll find the finest array of trees, wreaths, decorations and festive accessories. Harry and Meghan have bought from them so why don't you? pinesandneedles.com

T H E AT R E

WAR H O RSE Until 5 January LY T TE LTO N TH E ATR E

This Month’s Must See

Eleven years after its debut at the National Theatre, and having played in eleven countries to over seven million people, War Horse returns to mark the centenary of Armistice Day. With exquisite puppetry and a moving script, it follows Joey the horse after he is sold to the cavalry and shipped to France during the outbreak of WW1.

Upper Ground, Lambeth, SE1; nationaltheatre.org.uk

D AY

OUT

HOGWARTS IN THE SNOW Until 27 January WARN ER BROS . ST UD IO TOUR

Alice In Winterland U NTI L 5 JAN UARY • SOUTHWARK PARK

F

all down the festive rabbit hole at the Alice in Winterland lantern festival where 160 giant lanterns have turned Lewis Carroll’s timeless tale into an immersive experience for the whole family. Get lost in Winterland, dine with the Mad Hatter and take a snap with Santa during this unique and memorable festive day out.

Paradise Gate Entrance, Southwark Park, SE16; aliceinwinterland.co.uk

Experience the festive season in the wizarding world as the snow falls over Hogwarts and the Warner Bros Studio tour. Along with the Yule Ball decoration, expect to see the Great Hall lined with Christmas trees, the tables groaning with roast turkeys and the Gryffindor common room decked out as per the films. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Leavesden, WD25 7LR wbstudiotour.co.uk

S E A S ON AL

HYDE PARK WINTER WONDERLAND Until 6 January HY D E PARK

Christmas isn’t complete without Hyde Park’s gigantic tribute to festive frivolity. Winter Wonderland is back with its winter stalls, food stands and fun, plus Raymond Briggs’ beloved The Snowman will be celebrated with a an immersive screening from Backyard Cinema. Hyde Park, W2; hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

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RAYMOND GUBBAY presents

MUSIC, DANCE, LIGHTS AND A SNOW-FILLED FINALE WITH SPECIAL GUEST

KIMBERLEY WALSH AND THE NATION’S FAVOURITE BALLROOM COUPLE

ANTON DU BEKE & ERIN BOAG Toe-tapping tunes and seasonal songs including Sleigh Ride Last Christmas Merry Christmas Everybody The Christmas Song Santa Claus is Coming To Town and many more…

KERRY ELLIS & TIM HOWAR GUEST SINGERS THE JINGLE BELLES® JOHN RIGBY CONDUCTOR LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA

Book tickets at LWTHEATRES.CO.UK or 020 7087 7755

THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE Sun 16 & 23 Dec at 3pm & 7.30pm

THE LONDON PALLADIUM Mon 17 Dec at 7.30pm

A festive after-dark experience

CHRISTMAS AT

LONDON ZOO antastical agical, f illum m A in

ated trail

Magic Mountain • The Tunnel of Light Vortex of Light • The Sledge Tree Penguin Pool Panorama Father Christmas and his elves Seasonal food and gifts

UNTIL 1 JAN christmasatlondonzoo.co.uk 0844 995 1372 Calls cost 7p per minute plus your network access charge. Running selected evenings only.

Please note this is an after-dark experience exploring the magic of ZSL London Zoo’s historic site and therefore our animals will be in bed and will not be available to view.

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CULTURE • THEATRE

ROUND UP

Best in

MUST SEE

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

Sleeping Beauty

Austentatious

★★★★★

★★★★★

1 December - 12 January

Until 16 December

PARK THEATRE

Theatre Royal Stratford East is going all out for panto season with its hugelyanticipated production of Sleeping Beauty. In an entrancing twist on the classic, Sleeping Beauty wakes to find herself in a new city with a cruel fairy hot on her heels. Expect a buoyant blend of original songs, cracking jokes and a dusting of festive magic.

Gerry Raffles Square, E15; stratfordeast.com

SAVOY THEATRE

Following a resoundingly successful season, Austentatious: The Improvised Jane Austen Novel will extend its run at the Savoy Theatre. Entirely improvised, no two performances are the same as a cast of the country’s sharpest comic performers conjure up a lost Jane Austen novel based on a title suggested by the audience. Savoy Court, WC2R; atgtickets.com

SLEEPING BEAUTY IMAGES BY ROBERT VIGLASKY

Seussical the Musical

Circus 1903

★★★★★

19 December - 5 January

Until 29 December

ROYAL FE STIVAL HALL

SOUTHWARK PLAYHOUSE

Experience the thrills and daredevil entertainment of a turn-of-the-century circus this Christmas as Circus 1903 makes its European premiere at Southbank. Expect sensational puppetry from the award-winning team behind War Horse, as contortionists, jugglers and more transports audiences of all ages to the mesmerising Golden Age of circus. Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1; southbankcentre.co.uk

The fantastical world of Dr. Seuss bursts onto the stage in this largerthan-life musical extravaganza. Join the mischievous Cat in the Hat and a host of other much-loved characters on a magical, madcap adventure set to an electric score and co-conceived by Monty Python’s Eric Idle.

77-85 Newington Causeway, SE1; southwarkplayhouse.co.uk

★★★★★

The Nutcracker ★★★★★

3 December - 15 January ROYAL OPERA HOUSE

The Royal Ballet’s much-loved performance of The Nutcracker returns with a larger-than-life Christmas tree, a plethora of enchanting stage effects and Tchaikovsky’s illustrious score. It follows Clara and Hans-Peter on a glittering journey through the Kingdom of the Sweets, where they encounter the mysterious magician Drosselmeyer and the shimmering Sugar Plum Fairy.

Bow Street, WC2E; roh.org.uk

HADESTOWN

THE NUTCRACKER

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CULTURE • THEATRE

The Wider Earth

David Morton tells Charles Darwin's story in puppetry and projections

T

B y M A R K M AC K E N Z I E

he Wider Earth tells the story of the voyage made by Charles Darwin, in 1831, aboard HMS Beagle, part of a naval expedition to survey the coast of South America. Written and directed

by David Morton, the production artfully blends human players with ingenious puppet incarnations of the species Darwin encountered.

The venue, a purpose-built theatre at the Natural History Museum’s Jerwood Gallery, is poignant. The

great man is synonymous with the institution; his statue looks down on the main hall, while many of the real specimens he gathered still reside in its collections.

Originally planned as a two-year jaunt, Darwin spent half a decade at sea. The staging is impressive, the backdrop a vast, wraparound sail, on to which are projected elegant watercolours of the countless locations in which the Beagle made port. A revolving wooden carbuncle central to the action serves, variously, as the Darwins’ Shropshire home, the Beagle’s deck, and the

A wet earnestness morphs into a winning enthusiasm

ABSOLUTELY reviews…

rocky outcrops of the Galapagos Islands. That each rotation causes the structure to creak, like the timbers of a ship, is a classy touch.

If there is a wet earnestness in the early stages of Bradley Foster’s portrayal of the young Darwin, it morphs into a winning enthusiasm.

Almost everything Darwin saw piqued his interest: the discoloration of the ocean; the breathing mechanisms of fish; lightning; slavery; animal husbandry; dinosaur fossils; forms of government; and Inca culture. Morton does well to include so many but therein lies a conundrum. The puppetry will doubtless appeal to children but the dialogue, delivered as long-form exposition, will not. Credit is due for the attempt to cover so much of Darwin’s story but the inclusion of so many elements germane to his later work weighs heavily.

The choice of the Jerwood is intended as a homecoming of sorts, although at times it lacks the intimacy to work as a theatre.

VERDICT

Ambitiously staged Darwin saga ★★★★★ THE WIDER EARTH

Jerwood Gallery Natural History Museum, SW7 5BD, until 30 December, thewiderearth.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Christmas

Late Market ARTS&CRAFTS MARKET

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Weekends

ANTIQUES&COLLECTABLES #greenwichmarket

Nearest Station - DLR Cutty Sark

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Wednesday 5th, 12th & 19th December 11am-8pm Fabulous festive gi�s for everyone!

21 November & every weekend before Christmas in December & Christmas Eve

Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays

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CULTURE • SEASONAL

ROUND UP

Winter

THE WINTER FOREST

WONDERLAND

Make the most of the festive season with our pick of the capital’s best winter pop-ups

By H E L E N B R O W N

ICELANDIC IGLOOS

Icelandic Igloos UNTIL 16 MARCH • AVIARY ROOFTOP

Swap the Northern Lights for the starlit city skyline this winter as Aviary transforms its rooftop into a glistening Arctic escape. 10 storeys up on the restaurant’s expansive terrace you’ll find Aviary’s stylish, Nordic-inspired igloos, an exclusive Reyka cocktail menu and an enticing selection of sharing platters. 22-25 Finsbury Square, EC2A; aviarylondon.com

Madison Chalet UNTIL 28 FEBRUARY • MADISON

Madison is bringing the après-ski scene to the city with festive winter warmer cocktails, live music and gorgeous views of St Paul’s Cathedral. Timberclad chalets decked out with twinkling lights, faux fur and tartan blankets bring alpine action to the famous rooftop, while a slope-inspired menu will keep visitors warm. 1 New Change, St Paul’s, EC4M; madisonlondon.net

Noel Chandon UNTIL 5 JANUARY • THE BLIND PIG

Jason Atherton has teamed up with Moët & Chandon to create a cosy winter snug out of his flagship bar, The Blind Pig. Guests to the speakeasy will see it adorned with mistletoe, plush blankets and wreaths - perfect for the party season. Two innovative cocktails have been created for the collaboration: the Cranberry Kir Royal and a ‘Christmas Pudding’ cocktail. 58 Poland Street, Soho, W1F; socialeatinghouse.com

NOEL CHANDON

The Frozen Island UNTIL 27 JANUARY • TROPICANA BEACH CLUB

Neighbourhood Cinema is inviting Londoners on a voyage to the shores of an enchanted Frozen Island where they’ll find a shipwrecked world of frosted palms, icicles and giant snow globes. Here you can snuggle up to watch classic Christmas movies, enjoy a frozen cocktail from the ice bar and nibble on popcorn and festive gourmet sliders. Parker Street, WC2B; neighbourhoodcinema.co.uk

The Winter Forest at Broadgate Circle UNTIL 24 DECEMBER • BROADGATE CIRCLE

Throughout the month of December, 300 snow-covered pine trees, twinkling MADISON CHALET lights and wood cabins will transform Broadgate’s buzzing restaurants and bars into a magical Winter Forest.

Visitors will be transported to a world of winter celebrations with special menus and cocktails from the all-new Mrs Fogg’s pop-up bar on the mezzanine level. Broadgate Circle, EC2M; broadgate.co.uk

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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FASHION

PARTY DRESSING NET A PORTER

Net-a-Porter's holiday campaign features the ultimate in party dressing.

Shot by photographer Greg Harris, and starring models Dilone and Hana Jirickova, the campaign recreates a fantasy dress-up party in the fashion closet. net-a-porter.com

Gifts for him and gifts for her 30 ¡ The shoot: Deborah Lyons' partywear 32

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I Rocks OFF

t's an increasingly well-trodden path.

Woman has baby, tries to return to her existing job and manage motherhood alongside the nine-tofive, but finds it overwhelming and instead sets up on her own. And often these are stories of success, both personally and professionally.

When Laura Rowan went back to work as a designer after having her son Harry, things had changed and the high street fashion brand she was working for wanted her to spend at least a week out of every month in China working with factories. Pre-kids she had travelled probably once a quarter, and the new regularity was too much for her as a mother.

Her background was in graphic design and she had worked in jewellery design for companies including Accessorize, Next and Marks and Spencer – so launching her own jewellery brand was a natural move.

'I'm kind of doing it backwards,' she tells me over coffee. Laura is a friendly and approachable woman with a natural sense of what women like. Her jewellery is simple and stylish yet it has longevity. She set out to create a small brand and to make everything in the UK – and at the start, her experience was exclusively in designing and not in making. That's what she means by backwards – when she went to evening classes in jewellery making at Central Saint Martins, she had already been putting her own designs into production for a long time, even though she knew nothing about the actutal craft. 'I wasn't very patient and it takes me a long time!' she says. Making jewellery is very painstaking work, involving precision and magnifying glasses. Laura works at a bench in Hatton Garden once a week, where she loves being able to learn from the experts. 'I've been hammering bangles and for the new collection I am

Absolutely meets Laura Rowan, founder of jewellery brand Harry Rocks b y PENDLE HARTE

LAURA ROWAN

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FASHION • INTERVIEW

“The brand took off very quickly, partly due to a chance meeting”

casting coins. It's really exciting.'

Harry Rocks was named party after her son Harry and partly after the Old Harry Rocks in Dorset, where Laura spent her summers as a child. 'It's a magical place and when I started I didn't want to use my own name so I chose that,' she says. The brand took off very quickly, partly due to a chance meeting with someone who bought some earrings and wore them that evening to an event where someone noticed them and liked them – who happened to be a buyer for Harvey Nichols. The next day she put in an order and for the next three years Harry Rocks had a lovely relationship. 'That was a great start,' says Laura.

Her collection is both on-trend and timeless, with its stars, moons, lightning bolts and coins as well as lots of personalised pieces.

The best-seller is the Entwined collection, a lovely idea whereby clients commission between two and five letters to be drawn in a linked design by Laura and then engraved in nine carat gold. These are completely

MINI HOOP WITH BOLT EARRINGS, £45

bespoke and come in a range of sizes and finishes. 'Every single one is different and I'm really proud of them,' says Laura.

She's also proud of her ingenius butterfly backs that come with charms hanging from chains, designed to fit on the back of any stud. 'They take a bit of explaining but they're proving popular,' she explains.

They're sold singly without a stud, because the idea is to mix and match. As part of a focus on longevity and waste avoidance, Harry Rocks sells hoop earrings that are designed to be worn with a variety of

compatible charms – so you buy one pair of earrings, then add charms separately.

'They're not throwaway like high street pieces. That's important to me.' she says.

She wants to know where everything comes from and to keep things as local and friendly as possible.

Laura went on to have a daughter, Maisie, who inevitably became outraged that her mother's business seemed to be all about her brother and not about her. 'So I had to start a children's range for her really. She's six and not very girlie but Maisie Bee is named after her'. This collection comprises cute mini hugs and kisses bracelets, dinky personalised charms and birthstone necklaces as well as christening necklaces.

This Christmas, a pound from each Maisie Bee sale will go to the Team Margot, a child cancer charity, set up for a girl local to Laura in south west London. Laura loves selling at local fairs and meeting her customers – she's keen to keep her prices accessible even though her margins are small. 'I suppose I should really put my prices up,' she smiles – and since she's been going for nine years now, it must be about time. harryrocks.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Y

STORY Capture the unique facets of your story with a one-off bespoke engagement ring

www.hkjewellery.co.uk Hertfordshire Jewellery Centre +44 (0)1462 790 565 hertfordshire@hkjewellery.co.uk North Barn, Fairclough Hall Farm, Halls Green, Herts, SG4 7DP

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Cambridge Studio & Shop +44 (0)1223 461 333 cambridge@hkjewellery.co.uk 6/7 Green Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 3JU

London Studio & Shop +44 (0)203 886 0757 primrosehill@hkjewellery.co.uk 69 Regent’s Park Road, Primrose Hill, London, NW1 8UY

14/11/2018 12:02

FASHION • JEWELLERY

Trinkets & Treasures Top picks from Harriet Kelsall to put under the tree All Harriet Kelsall; hkjewellery.co.uk

BRILLIANT CUT EMERALD EARRINGS

RUBY AND DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING

DIAMOND STACKING RING SET IN PALLADIUM

9 Carat Yellow Gold and 0.65 ct Emerald

Fairtrade 18 Carat, 0.58ct Ruby & 0.1ct Diamond

9 Carat Yellow and Rose Gold

£1,475

£2,985

£2,775

ETERNITY RING WITH DIAMONDS TOTALLING 0.10CT

PENDANT WITH A STAR SET G-H SI2-3 DIAMOND

DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING

9 Carat Rose Gold

9 Carat Yellow Goldx

£1,345

£595

Fairtrade 18 Carat Yellow Gold, 0.67ct G-H VS Briolette Cut Diamond £3,249

9 CARAT ROSE GOLD BOMBE RING

ASYMMETRIC MIX OR MATCH EARRINGS

EARRINGS WITH STAR SET I PK1 DIAMONDS

1.9 ct Sapphire, Ruby, Tsavorite and 9 Carat Rose Gold

9 Carat Yellow Gold and Stirling Silver

9 Carat Yellow Gold, 1PKI Diamonds

£5,985

£345

£375

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

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MISSOMA Body Language C Initial Necklace by Fee Greening, £149; missoma.com

GUCCI GG Marmont Leather Cardholder, £175; gucci.com/uk

PANACHE Marcie Balconnet Bra, £29; panache-lingerie.com

GIFTS FOR HER

EDITOR’S PICK

MESSIKA Move Romane Ring, £2,740; messika.com

JOSEPH PERRIER Cuvée Joséphine with two flutes, £160; harrods.com

Stylish Christmas present ideas she’ll love

ARKET Cashmere Turtle Neck, £175; arket.com

CHARLOTTE TILBURY Charlotte's Magic Cream, from £27; charlottetilbury.com

OLIVIA VON HALLE Raelyn Leopard Print Silk Eyemask, £70; harveynichols.com

ROTATE Ruched Jacquard Mini Dress, £300; net-a-porter.oom

QUINTON CHADWICK Ribbed Pom Pom Beanie Hat, £50; libertylondon.com

BOBBI BROWN Lip Crush Mini Crushed Lip Colour Kit, £39.50; bobbibrown.co.uk

NARS Narssisist Loaded Eyeshadow Palette, £55; harveynichols.com

JO MALONE LONDON

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

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Luxury Christmas Cracker, £32; jomalone.co.uk

21/11/2018 14:13

FASHION • GIFTS

JO MALONE LONDON Jo Malone London X Huntsman £120 for 100ml fragrance; jomalone.co.uk

COME TOGETHER The Rock Bands Game, £14.99; rockettstgeorge.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

BELSTAFF Howden Black Jumper in Black Mouline, £375; belstaff.co.uk

TAG HEUER TAG Heuer Autavia Special Addition Watch, £4,500; harrods.com

ZARA Seamed Gloves, £25.99; zara.com/uk

ACQUA DI PARMA Colonia Vaniglia, £179; harrods.com

L'OBJET L'Objet Lito Stationery Box, £90; l-objet.com

MASTER & DYNAMIC MW60S1 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, £449; masterdynamic.co.uk

GIFTS FOR HIM Boys toys and present inspiration for the man in your life

MARTINI Martini Negroni Cocktail Gift Set, £35; harveynichols.com

B y H E L E N B R OW N

AESOP Moroccan Neroli Shaving Duet, £53; aesop.com

PETERSHAM NURSERIES Gardening Hamper, £200; petershamnurseries.com

THOUSAND Navy PopLock Bicycle Helmet, £85; bearandbear.com

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

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21/11/2018 14:14

PA RT Y PIECES Timeless styles meet statement chic in seasonal occasionwear from Londonbased designer Deborah Lyons S H O P T H E C O L L E C T I O N A T D E B O R A H LY O N S . C O . U K

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21/11/2018 14:18

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

CHANEL.COM

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

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21/11/2018 14:25

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BEAUTY

HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

S A LO N REVIEW

NOTES

Sparkling winter scents and the means to create a classic red lip B y H E L E N B R OW N

EDITOR’S PICK

TIMELESS CLASSICS CA R O L I N E I S S A X K JA E R W E I S

Style icon Caoline Issa has collaborated with Kjaer Weis to create two standout red lipsticks to support Women for Women International. Available exclusively on Net-a-Porter, the shades one with blue undertones, the other with orange - have been carefully blended to suit all skin tones. £44; net-a-porter.com

LADY IN RED CHANEL

N°5, the very essence of femininity. A floral bouquet showcased within an iconic bottle. This legendary, timeless fragrance is now available in a limited edition bottle, dressed in Gabrielle Chanel's favourite colour: red. £130 for 100ml; chanel.com

MODERN MUSE E ST E E L AU D E R

Spoil yourself or your loved one with the fragrance that captures her style, her confidence, her creative spirit. An alluring contrast of sparkling florals and sleek, sensual woods, Estée Lauder’s Modern Muse is a contemporary classic and now available in a gorgeous gift duo. £52;

GA Salon

I

B y H E L E N B R OW N

t’s a constant conundrum: you want a gorgeously vibrant mane that glimmers in the light, but achieving said locks often comes at the expense of texture. Enter, the brilliant Gennaro Dell’Aquila, an award-winning stylist who treats the tresses of west London’s well-heeled from his Notting Hill salon, or from his original GA outpost in Wimbledon. Those in the know come here for Gennaro's 100% natural, plant-based alternative to chemical colouring. He begins with a wash, a heavenly head-massage and a cut.

My hair is very curly and even the way he cuts it feels innovative; twisting strands round and round to form a tight coil before snipping at intervals along the length of it. Next comes the colour, a clever herbal infusion which Gennaro mixes with hot water to form a substance that looks like a traditional dye, but without the acrid smell of ammonia. The recipe is bespoke for each client; mine is a blend of chamomile, rhubarb, cassia and henna for a rich chocolate brown. This is applied to the roots as is, but then Gennaro adds a pot of yoghurt - yes, really - and works from midway to tips. This added dose of protein helps mend damaged ends. This is left to work its magic under a heat lamp for 20 minutes before it is rinsed out. I love my new look and I'm smug in the knowledge that I’ve managed to achieve it without compromising the health of my hair.

GA SA LO N 154 Arthur Road, SW19;

gennarodellaquila.co.uk

esteelauder.co.uk

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

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Shine

BRIGHT Sparklysmile is the practice promising to transform your smile.

Here's what they did for us.

Wo r d s A N A B E L A KO L E C I

T

here’s not much that can boost your confidence like a gleaming white smile but recently - and rather disappointedly - I noticed that mine was looking slightly lacklustre. Intent on regaining that sought-after shine, I visited Sparklysmile to see how they could help. I’d heard that this family-run practice had been making waves in the whitening industry for their experience and the enviable results they were producing. Located in the heart of the Blackheath community, the practice promises to transform the way you feel about your smile. Having perfected their technique over 15 years, the team uses safe, cuttingedge techniques to help you achieve a smile that’s worthy of the silver screen.

Phil Eisenberg has been the principle dentist at Sparklysmile for the last 30 years. On initially speaking to him, I had a better understanding of what the practice sets out to do. Phil believes that the whitening process can really turn back the clock.

Their process, he says, ‘can make your teeth whiter than the day they came through, when you were just six years old.’ He assured me that the process is completely safe and that I was in good hands. Tea, coffee, red wine, smoking and ageing wreak havoc on our teeth and gums but Phil reassured me that our smiles can be transformed with the simple use of

42

whitening products that work to gently restore teeth to their original colour in a matter of weeks.

To begin the process, a sophisticated camera showed me up-close how stained my teeth had become. On the same day I attended the team took models of my teeth which were used to create comfortable, custom-made guards. Sparklysmile make these themselves and can have them ready and fitting perfectly - in an hour. Phil said that this is crucial in ensuring efficient and comfortable tooth whitening. The trays hold the whitening gel in direct contact with the teeth, gently dissolving stains.

Next, Phil checked that my teeth and gums were healthy before setting me off in pursuit of sparkling, white teeth. It really is that simple. I decided to wear the gels over night with little disruption to my day.

Over the next few weeks I clearly saw improvements

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ABSOLUTELY • PROMOTION

“To be greeted in the mirror everyday with perfectly white teeth really is a reason to smile”

to the colour and shine of my teeth. Things can improve even faster with additional appointments with the team at Sparklysmile, but the tray-wearing worked its magic in no time at all for me - and without interfering with my day-to-day routines.

I think Sparklysmile’s whitening secret is Alice, their knowledgeable treatment coordinator. Together with Phil, she supervised everything in my treatment plan; right from my initial consultation in the photographic studio on day one. She gave me lots of hints and tips to get the best out of my whitening treatment. Throughout the entire process, Alice was available to offer advice and encouragement by telephone and email. At the end of the programme, she encouraged me to visit them again to show off my gleaming smile and invited me to sit for some glamorous photographs.

To be greeted in the mirror everyday with perfectly white teeth really is a reason to smile. Plus, I can wear even darker lipsticks now - so life is complete.

Of course, I know if I keep eating spicy foods and guzzling coffee, then I will need to top up the effect every now and again – but that is easy now that I have my trays. The clue really is in the name at Sparklysmile; they’ve given me gleaming white teeth befitting supermodels and starlets and I couldn’t be more pleased.

S PA R K LY S M I L E Dental excellence since 1968, 19 Montpelier Vale, Blackheath London SE3 0TA 020 8852 0442, info@sparklysmile.co.uk sparklysmile.co.uk

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

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

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

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • SCENT

PERFUME

Festive

FRAGRANCES The Gift Of Olfactory Memories B y M I C H A E L D O N OVA N

G

ifting perfume at Christmas is perhaps the most personal present.

Our sense of smell is tied to memory and therefore the scent, if chosen wisely, will become an enduring part of the recipient’s personal history, able to transport them back in time to moments of particular joy. Quite a responsibility!

So how does one go about selecting something so personal and subjective for one’s nearest and dearest? My first words of wisdom are - don’t be predictable and simply purchase a flacon of a fragrance that they wear already. The real pleasure is in selecting a scent that speaks of their personality and experiencing their pleasure at discovering something new and exciting.

The message is also very touching - that you believe that this scent conjures them perfectly.

And so go with your instinct; don’t be swayed by the bottle, the advertising campaign, the actress promoting the brand or the brand name itself, just let your nose be your guide. Concentrate on the individual’s temperament and you will soon find the ideal match.

For the Extrovert choose an exuberant scent like ‘Verbena and Orange Blossom’ from Alverez Gomez, a refreshing and invigorating citrus of oranges and lemons with additional tangerine, ginger and musk.

Made in Madrid, this is a great scent for everyday, is youthful and uplifting and can be worn anywhere. Likewise ‘Givrine from E. Coudray , a fresh white floral of lily of the valley, peony and gardenia with zesty notes of watermelon and kumquat that bring a smile to the face and a spring to the step.

For the Glamour Puss select something a little more sensual - ‘L’Orchidee Terrible’ from Imaginary Authors is a beautifully balanced homage to the golden age of Parisian Haute Couture with an opening

of beautiful, elegiac orchid, lightened with sweet golden honey. Alternatively ‘Ombre Rose’ from Charles Brousseau has a powdery rose allure with a warm peach heart that is totally bewitching.

For those of a more reflective nature, ‘The Writer’ from St Giles contains a hit of rosemary which has been clinically proven to improve memory recall by 19%, so this is the perfect fragrance for the office or to help the creative’s muse to perch. ‘The Decay Of The Angel’ by Timothy Han is an achingly beautiful, slightly melancholy and contemplative scent that symbolises a fall from grace and is a divine blend of frankincense with rose, sambac jasmine and a dash of oud.

For the Adventurous Traveller, something to transport will connect to their psyche and ‘Tokyo’ , the new fragrance from British perfume house Gallivant, will conjure that special feeling of early morning Tokyo. The air is humid and misty and the perfume captures the tastes of izakaya eateries, fruits, spices, wasabi, sour and sweet and puts some zing on the tongue.

‘Egypt’ from Eight & Bob offers an olfactory journey up the Nile with calming lavender and peppery green basil opening a scent, given green complexity from a note of moss and shot through with fresh lemon. A richly spiced and aromatic heart of cardamom and nutmeg lends Egypt its distinctive character, warmly enveloping the senses as the notes coalesce. In the base, rich amber and leather accords are met with delicate sandalwood and sweet, earthy patchouli to produce a truly stunning final effect in the dry down. Warming, complex, and utterly addictive, Egypt is an eau de toilette of distinctive character and inimitable style.

Perfume makes the perfect present as it holds the key to memories that will last a lifetime which is, after all, what the festive season is all about!

Have a very Merry and Fragrant Christmas and see you all in 2019!

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

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DISCOVER THE MULTI AWARD WINNING GIN RANGE DISTILLED IN THE HEART OF THE CITY OF LONDON. For more information on our Gin range, Gin experiences, distillery tours, masterclasses and more, head over to cityoflondondistillery.com

Available at www.thewhiskyexchange.com

The finest selection of handcrafted small-batch Gins

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • TREND VAN CLEEF & ARPELS

BYREDO

Bois Doré £126 for 75ml This one is all about the tonka bean, grown-up and warm. A Christmas must. vancleefarpels.com

Super Cedar £160 for 100ml With top notes of rose petals and a heart of cedar, a warm but modern daytime staple byredo.co.uk

ROOS & ROOS In The Wood For Love £170 for 100ml The editor in chief loved this one - it’s all about the orange blossom apparently.

Roosandroos.fr

GOUTAL Tenue de Soiree (actue on first e) parfum and body cream gift set £147 Grown up and sensual, apply generously and pretend you are in Paris. goutalparis.com

JO LOVES Jo by Jo Loves £115 for 100ml New from Jo Loves, fresh and bursting with grapefruit zest. joloves.com

MILLER HARRIS La Feuille £170 for 100ml Nostalgic and feminine, a favourite with many of us. millerharris.com

EDITOR’S PICK

H E AV E N SCENT Perfumes to put on your Christmas list B y JASMINE ROBERTSON

LALIQUE Les Compositions Parfumees (acute on first e) £190 for 100ml Three bold new scents from Lalique, the Sweet Amber might be our new addiction. lalique.com

JO MALONE Dark Amber & Ginger Lily Cologne Intense £120 for 100ml Rich and intense, an alltime favourite, perfect for winter. jomalone.co.uk

L’OCCITANE Terre de Lumiere (agrave first e) eau de parfum £79 for 90 ml Warm and enveloping, it’s like being wrapped in cashmere. uk.loccitane.com

ORMONDE JAYNE Ormonde Woman £160 for 120ml Woody, seductive and heady.

This one is for grown ups. ormondejayne.com

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

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Crouch End 128 Crouch Hill London N8 9DY Telephone 020 8341 2020

Islington 42 Cross Street London N1 2BA Telephone 020 7359 4041

www.funktionalkitchens.co.uk

Sale starts January

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20/11/2018 09:25

FOOD & DRINK

DECADENCE AND DELIGHT The Christmas season is upon us, and it's time to indulge. Restaurants across London welcome it with open arms; from sumptuous set menus to marvellous mince pies, no one's going hungry. Also in this section we offer our top tips for turkeys; festive recipes from Michael Nadra; and delectable, edible, decorations.

Food Notes 50 • Recipes 52 • Food review: Smith and Wollensky 59 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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21/11/2018 15:45

W H AT TO D R I N K

GET MERRY

TASTING NOTES

London’s food news and most exciting openings this December

By FLORA THOMAS

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE MONTH By b e r ry b r os . & r u d d

2009 Berry Bros. & Rudd Champagne by Mailly, Grand Cru  £39 The glorious summer of 2009 was particularly good for Mailly’s Grand Cru Pinot Noir grapes, a high percentage of which are used in this vintage blend. The resulting wine is ripe, rounded and rich, guaranteed to develop beautifully with time.

Berry Bros. & Rudd Sloe Gin  £26.50 Sloes are a staple of the English autumn. Many a rambler has vowed to one day harvest a few berries to infuse at home. The finest wild sloe berries are infused with our award- winning London Dry Gin to produce a benchmark-setting example of this most comfortingly British drink.

Berry Bros. & Rudd Coffee Liqueur  £26.50 A rich shade of polished mahogany, with aromas of dark chocolate. The palate starts sweet, bursting with a hit of bitter-sweet coffee. Shake 50ml with a shot of fresh espresso over ice for the simplest, best-tasting Espresso Martini.

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

bbr.com

50

Pearly Delights CORA PEARL

This restaurant, from the team behind Kitty Fishers, specialises in complex comfort food. A festive feasting menu, designed for sharing, is on offer this month. Predinner bites include devilled eggs, pumpkin, goats curd and lovage. Extravagance will follow with a dessert menu of mince pie doughnuts and brandy custard.

30 Henrietta St, WC2E 8NA corapearl.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK• NOTES

CHRISTMAS HAMPERS The best food and drink hampers for festive feasting and decadent gifts

AFTER-PARTY HAMPER Harvey Nichols, £250 harveynichols.com

EYES ON THE PIES BRICK HOUSE

The bakery and cafe has locations in Peckham and East Dulwich. This Christmas their take on a mince pie is mouth-wateringly good, with 30 YEARS BASKET heavenly crystallised sugar and a Brindisa, £150 sweet, rich filling. It’ll be busy this brindisa.com month; queues have been known to form around the block on Sundays.

Unit 5, 12-16 Blenheim Grove, SE15 4QL 1 Zenoria Street, SE22 8HP brickhousebread.com

GLITZ & GLAMOUR BERNERS TAVERN

Christmas at Berners Tavern is a glamorous affair.

A special four-course menu available for lunch and dinner on the 25th won’t be holding back, it will include luxurious Native lobster soup with lobster and salmon ravioli and braised fennel as well as a milk chocolate, hazelnut and orange Yule log with blood orange sorbet.

10 Berners Street, W1T 3NP bernerstavern.com

GIFT BOX River Cafe, £600 rivercafe.co.uk

THE DINING EDIT Covent Garden, £3000 coventgarden.london

SUPER BOWL OMOIDE

Bermondsey street welcomes Omiode (O-moy-day) this month.

Our favourite dish is the Yuzu salmon rice bowl, with moorish, crispy shallots. The restaurant design is Tokyo-inspired: contemporary and simple.

GO NORDIC TEXTURE

For a breath of fresh Icelandic air, head to Texture in Marylebone. Chef Patron Aggi Sverrisson offers a six course Christmas tasting menu, marrying big Scandinavian flavours with a decadent wine list. With vegan options and a private dining room seating up to 16, not to mention a Michelin star, it’s the perfect location for your festive celebration.

34 Portman St, W1H 7BY texture-restaurant.co.uk

SIMPLE HAMPER Ottolenghi, from £40 ottolenghi.co.uk

126 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3HS omoidelv.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Festive Strudel Serves 10

INGEDIENTS • 1 pkt Filo (In the restaurant we make strudel pastry) • 1.5 kg Bramley apples cored & thinly sliced • 200g Caster sugar • 2 tsp Ground cinnamon • ¼ tsp Ground nutmeg • 50g Sultanas • 1 Orange zested • 1 Lemon zested • 250g Melted warm butter • 125g Soft breadcrumbs • dusting Icing sugar

METHOD

Christmas

M EN U Some treats from Michael Nadra’s restaurant festive selection Recipes MICHAEL NADRA R E S TA U R A N T- M I C H A E L N A D R A . C O . U K

1 Fry the breadcrumbs in 100g of the butter till golden brown and place to the side.

2 Mix the apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon zest orange zest and sultans.

Place in a colander and let the excess liquid drain.

3 Lay out a large tea towel, lightly flour the towel, lay out the filo over the whole cloth with about five layers and brush butter between the layers.

4 Scatter the breadcrumbs on 2/3 of the filo leaving 1/3 at the top clear. Repeat for the apple mix.

5 Using the tea towel roll the pastry tightly around the filling and butter the pastry as you roll.

6 Move the strudel to a greased baking tray butter the top and bake at 190 c for about 30 mins. Cook till the pastry is crisp and the apples are soft.

7 Dust with icing sugar and slice, I serve it in the restaurant with Armagnac ice cream.

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Michael Nadra produces the most exquisite food using both classic and modern techniques

Salad of raw brussel sprouts, pine nuts, granny smith apple, avocado, pomegranate with lemon & herb dressing Serves 4

INGEDIENTS: • 20 Finely chopped brussel sprouts • 1 Granny smith apple cored and cubed.

• 1 tbsp Red onion chopped fine • 2 tbsp Parsley chopped fine • To taste Lemon dressing (olive oil, lemon juice, salt pepper) • 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts • 1 avocado puréed with lime and salt • 1/2 pomegranate seeded

Turkey, Guinea Fowl & Partridge Terrine

METHOD:

INGEDIENTS

Mix the brussel sprouts, apples, onions, parsley and lemon dressing.

• 800gTurkey breast (500g diced & 300g cut into strips) • 250g (2 breasts) Guinea fowl breasts cut into strips) • 200g (4 breasts) Partridge breasts cut into strips • ½ clove Finely chopped garlic • 16g Salt • 2g Ground black pepper • 6 Egg yolks • 450 ml Double cream • 2 tbsp Chopped chives • 2 tbsp Chopped parsley 1 • tbsp Chopped tarragon

1

2 Garnish with the pine nuts, avocado & pomegranate.

METHOD: Marinate the Turkey , guinea fowl and partridge strips in 4g of salt and the chopped garlic. Leave for minimum 1 hour best overnight.

2 Using a food processor puree the diced turkey with 12g of salt and the black pepper when smooth.

With the processor still working add the egg yolks one by one, then drizzle the cream in slowly. You should have a smooth shiny mousse, fold in the chives, parsley and tarragon and put into a piping bag.

3 Line a terrine mould with 4 layers of clingfilm, pipe a layer of turkey mousse then add a layer of the turkey , guinea fowl & partridge strips and repeat having 3 to 4 layers of strips but ensuring to finish with a layer of mousse. Wrap the overhanging clingfilm over the top of the terrine to encase the mousse and cover with a terrine lid.

4 Steam or oven bake in a baine marie (100 c) till the core temperature reaches 72 c approximately 1.5 hrs.

5

Once cooked chill in an ice bath.

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6 To serve cut slices and I garnish with pickled girolles, mixed leaves, brioche crostini, toasted hazelnuts & clementine.

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Indian Restaurant « « inBest West Dulwich London What about treating yourself to a Curry tonight?

Browse the extensive menu of Chandni Raja and pick your favourites.

Whether you like it mild or volcanic we’re sure we have the curry for you.

Chandni Raja Restaurant 134A Thurlow Park Road, West Dulwich SE21 8HN 0208 761 9738 www.chandnirajadulwich.co.uk Discount of £5 when quoting Absolutely Magazines

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24/10/2018 16:29

FOOD & DRINK • CHRISTMAS

F E S T I V E F A R E

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EDIBLE D E C O R AT I O N S POILANE

Poilane's beautiful biscuits can be draped around the tree or hung around the house as pretty decorations, with the added bonus of being a delicious treat. Five festive motifs include Christmas trees, moons and stars.

HOME’S FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS TREATS

poilane.com

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THE HAMPER H A RV E Y N I C H O L S

The Harvey Nichols hamper is a Christmas essential – of the countless options we love the Snowed In one. Christmas pudding, nuts, olives, wine, biscuits, cake... what more could you need? Let it snow... £150 harveynichols.com

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THE TRIMMINGS FA R M I S O N

Farmison's pigs in blankets come in a variety of guises – the traditional versions, the truffled ones and the chestnut, sage and apricot ones.

Theis excellent online butcher also offers a clever Christmas essentials box and a variety of meat boxes too. farmison.com

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THE TURKEY C O PA S

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Our favourite turkeys come from Copas, where they lead happy free-range lives roaming at leisure accross the way from the Wild Wood of Wind in the Willows fame. Delivered to your door on 21 December they come with full cooking instructions and a clever pop-up timer. copasturkeys.co.uk

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T H E PA N E T TO N E

GIN MARE

Christmas 2018 will be remembered as the gin one, and even the panettone is in on it. Gin Mare has teamed up with Theo Randall to create the Ginettone, laced with rosemeary and olive in a limited edition, of course. £22 ginmare.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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FOOD & DRINK • CHRISTMAS

Turkey TRUTHS Choosing a turkey can be tricky. Here’s what to look for

By P E A R L B OY D

C

hristmas dinner can become a stressful and time consuming affair, especially when preparing a meal for a large family. With so many options available, we’ve outlined the top things to look out for to help you find a Christmas turkey the whole family will enjoy.

Turkey age and welfare

The age of your turkey and the conditions it was raised in make a big difference to the quality and the quantity of meat you’ll receive.

• Make sure the bird is at least 22 weeks old. Birds matured to this age will have a lot more meat than a younger, same weight turkey because of the improved meat to bone ratio.

• Sourcing a mature bird, which has been naturally reared to adulthood also means it will have a natural fat layer – which makes cooking even easier with no additional butter or oils required – just season and pop into the oven, no need to baste.

• To be truly free range, your turkey should have been outside for at least ¾ of its life.

• Find out as much as you can about the farm your turkey came from to ensure they adhered to the highest welfare standards all the way through production.

A simple supply chain with minimal movement is best.

Game-hung turkeys

It’s a good idea to look for a game hung turkey, as this will mean improved flavour and texture.

• Look for a turkey that is game hung for as long as possible - at least seven days to make a difference. At Copas, turkeys

“Your turkey should have been outside for at least 3/4 of its life” are hung for up to 14 days. Being gamehung for two weeks is integral to their unrivalled eating quality, providing both a truly tender eating experience and an altogether superior depth of flavour.

Accreditations/logos to look for

Look out for the following accreditations to make sure that your turkey will be of the highest standard possible: • Look for an EC plant number on the label to confirm the turkey has been produced in the UK and is FCA quality assured for food safety and consistency.

• TFTA – Traditional Farmfresh Turkey Association gives a quality assurance of a traditionally reared turkey.

• Organic Farmers & Growers or the Soil Association gives assurance for Organic products.

What type of turkey to buy

As a rule, you’ll need ½ kg per person for generous servings on Christmas day as well as plenty of leftovers of course. For example, this would mean purchasing a 5kg turkey for a family of ten people.

Turkeys often come in a range of different ways so it’s important to know how many mouths you’re feeding to ensure there is enough to go around, and to avoid wastage.

Still unsure on what turkey to buy for the big day? Copas offers an online turkey calculator – just input your requirements and they will find you the perfect turkey… copasturkeys.co.uk/turkey-calculator

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Oakfield Preparatory School 125 -128 Thurlow Park Road, London SE21 8HP T: 0208 670 4206 www.oakfield.dulwich.sch.uk

Where every child is valued and nurtured, leading to exceptional outcomes

To book a visit or register your child please email admissions@oakfield.dulwich.sch.uk

130 years of education for boys and girls aged 2 to 11

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21/11/2018 16:04

FOOD & DRINK • REVIEW

ABSOLUTELY eats out…

“The New York Times were correct...

A steakhouse to end all arguments”

Smith & Wollensky A high-end eatery with a focus on exquisite steaks and American wines B y S TA N L E Y DAV I E S

H

aving recently enjoyed Smith & Wollensky in Miami, I was looking forward to seeing how the London branch compared. It’s a 300-cover restaurant which opened three years ago in the Adelphi building, a stone’s throw from the Strand.

Spacious, set over two floors with additional private dining facilities, the impressive kitchen features a full butchery and an onsite dry-aging

room. We begin with cocktails, opting for the ‘Last Word’ - Sipsmith Gin, Chartreuse, lime juice, Maraschino and egg white – and settle into the evening. Their extensive wine list is mostly American, we order the Smith & Wollensky Private Reserve from the Napa Valley, a blended full-bodied red, perfect for steak.

While the culinary focus is clearly on steak, the menu covers all bases: there are strong fish dishes, and succulent lobster tails come as a side. Split-pea soup is for starters.

Its peppery undertones give way to a

FOOD Steak, lobster and all the sides

DECOR Leather chairs and brass railings

PRICE USDA steaks start at £58

VERDICT Steak house meets New York pastiche

smoky bacon flavour but it manages not to forego freshness. We choose our mains with some difficulty; it’s a tempting array of juicy cuts. I land on the signature bone-in Ribeye which is a dry-aged USDA Prime steak. For sides we go for the panfried mushrooms, glazed carrots and Cajun French-fries. All are delicious.

We don’t eat steak because it’s cheap, healthy or exotic; it’s chosen for the way it makes you feel. This experience is no exception. With buttery juices flowing out of meat only slightly tougher than pâté, it truly fulfils some gustatory dreams.

The famous chocolate cake is only available for tasting but a spoonful of the dark chocolate ganache is enough – it stays with you.

So, how does this experience compare to Smith & Wollensky Miami? The same supreme quality food, delivered in a very different environment owing to the interior design which is in keeping with the iconic listed building. The New York Times were correct when they wrote of Smith & Wollensky, simply “a steakhouse to end all arguments”.

S M I T H & WO L L E N S K Y 1-11 John Adam Street, WC2N 6HT smithandwollensky.co.uk

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Monica Galetti, chef

C R E A T I N G

B E A U T I F U L

K I T C H E N S

S I N C E

1 9 8 1

Call 020 7486 1248 to make an appointment at your nearest showroom 120 Wigmore Street, London W1U 3RU 509 Uxbridge Road, Pinner HA5 4JS 77-79 Wycombe End, Beaconsfield HP9 1LX

www.halcyon-interiors.co.uk | info@halcyon-interiors.co.uk HALCYON.indd 1

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INTERIORS

FLOWER POWER BLOOM & WILD

Bloom & Wild has put together a gorgeous array of seasonal bouquets that symbolise Christmas. From beautiful holly and amaryllis to themed aspen bouquets, there are gift boxes to match – and they'll deliver a set of mini Christmas trees too. bloomandwild.com

Interior inspirations 62 • Anna Barnett's Christmas tables 66 • Crackers! 71 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTERIORS NOTES

Ideas, designs and styles for your home

By PENDLE HARTE

PAPER P L AY BANBAYU

Designed and produced in Transylvania, the range of eco friendly and sustainable wallpapers at Banbayu takes inspiration from travel, nature and history. Update any room with quirky wallpaper designs made with premium non-woven quality substrate surface printed with ecofriendly inks. banbayu.com

WARM GLOW KINDLE STOVES

Family run Kindle Stoves supplies and installs latest in cleanburn, high efficiency wood burners and gas stoves. The wood burners are approved to burn in Smoke Controlled Areas and most stoves are already SIA 2022 ready. A wide range of designs to suits anything from a Victorian family home to a modern city apartment. kindlestoves.co.uk

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INTERIORS • NOTES

BRIGHT S PA R K S Our favourite candle holders for Christmas FERM LIVING Bow candle holder, £109 connox.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

PENCIL IT IN

LOLA & MAWU

TREE TALK

Tealight candleholder set of three, £80 lolaandmawu.com

PINES AND NEEDLES

Pines and Needles is your one-stopshop when it comes to Christmas trees and decorations. Whether online at pinesandneedles.com or in-store at our stunning locations across London, we have the finest array of trees, wreaths, decorations and festive accessories.

Harry and Meghan have bought from them so why don't you?! pinesandneedles.com

ANYA HINDMARCH

This is probably the cutest diffuser ever. Anya Hindmarch's new collection of home fragrances recreate smells that evoke nostalgia for her. Using innovative ceramic reeds disguised as pencils, the Chewing Gum Diffuser is disguised as a pencil pot: it's a cheerful mix of mint, raspberry, school uniforms and music lessons, £99. anyahindmarch.com

MUUTO Open candelabra, £75 madeindesign.co.uk

TOM DIXON Rock candleholders, from £75 tomdixon.net

COX & COX Three tealight houses, £45 coxandcox.co.uk

LOOM BAND BEATRICE LARKIN

MARQUIS AND DAWE Grey mouse tea light holder, £16 marquisanddawe.co.uk

Beatrice Larkin specialises in modern woven textiles, all made in Lancashire on jacquard looms. Bea turns them into throws and cushions in London; her distinct, geometric, monochrome patterns take inspiration from traditional weave structures and West African textiles, as well as Bauhaus and Brutalist architecture. £260 madeandgood.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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REFURBISHMENT

DESIGN PLANNING

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

R O S CA R D E V E LO P M E N T S LT D C RO W N H O U S E | 72 H A M M E R SM I T H ROA D | LO N D O N W 14 8 T H U K + 4 4 ( 0 ) 2 0 70 43 1613

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INTERIORS • PRODUCTS LIMELACE Gold panther bauble, £11.95 limelace.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

GISELA GRAHAM

THE OAK MEN

Nordic santa and angel, £6 tch.com

Hand-carved oak trees, £25 skandium.com

FLENSTEAD Christmas mobile, £21.50 hurnandhurn.com

BROSTE COPENHAGEN Advent calendar, £15 skandinaviandesigncentre.com

HABITAT Various baubles habitat.co.uk

TINSEL TOWN

MARIMEKKO Heart-shaped decoration, £9.50 skandium.com

All the best Christmas decorations

AARIKKA

Aarikka's DIY Sauna kit, £26.50

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

skandium.com

JAN CONSTANTINE Christmas wall hanging, £950 janconstantine.com

ANTHROPOLOGIE Gulf Coast tree topper £53 anthropologie.com

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TABLE 66

D

E

C

O

R

Food writer Anna Barnett teamed up with Habitat to create three different Christmas looks Words A N N A B A R N E T T H A B I TAT.C O. U K

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HOMES & INTERIORS • CHRISTMAS

Sequin garlands reflect candlelight for a kitch but elegant look F I E S TA If you love colour then this one’s for you. I’ve used a traditional seasonal palette of red and gold as a base but then thrown in a ‘fiesta’ vibe with OTT patterned baubles, sequins and glitter. Lots of glitter.

TIP 1

T H E P L AC E S E T T I N G

LOOK ONE

I’m always looking for unusual ways to make a place setting. For these name places, I’ve attached gift tags to small cocktail crackers but you can always use bigger versions too. I’ve also used these wool tassel tree decorations here as a cutlery tie or you could always use as a napkin ring.

Again these also act as nice takeaway favours for guests to decorate their own home.

TIP 2

GARLANDS

So long paper-chains – lightweight sequin garlands are the way forward. Attach several together and string across the dining table for a festoon effect. They are not as chunky as those old- school garlands and the sequin garlands reflect candlelight for a kitsch but elegant look.

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B L ACK & GOLD Black isn’t a colour that most people think to decorate with at Christmas but you can create really dramatic table schemes with a cool, contemporary vibe.

TIP 1

Attach gift tags to baubles as name cards – and guests can take the baubles away with them

68

LOOK TWO

H OW TO M A K E B L AC K WO R K Black is a great base to accentuate colour and texture. I’ve used black dinnerware as the base to this look and then layered gold and pine on top. Adding texture – like the pine fronds and pompoms – helps add warmth. Layering fir tree branches down the centre of the table and entwining battery-operated fairy lights will create a stunning centrepiece, giving a cool Scandi feel as well as filling the room with a pine scent.

TIP 2

N A M E P L AC E S

A great tip is to always take a look in the decorations section to get some inspiration for your dining table. A favourite of mine is to use baubles as name places for the dinner table.

Attach gift tags to each bauble as a name card and then guests can then also take the bauble away with them to decorate their own tree.

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HOMES & INTERIORS • CHRISTMAS

T H E N AT U R E INSPIRED CHRISTMAS TA B L E A refreshing, Antipodean inspired scheme that brings together eucalyptus, fruits and warming metallics.

TIP 1

T H E C E N T R E P I EC E

This is so easy to create. Lay a line of eucalyptus stems along the length of the table and intersperse with warm gold, copper or bronze baubles which reflect candlelight. The colours look incredible together and the eucalyptus gives off a great relaxing aroma. You can also add in fruits such as pomegranates, walnuts, oranges – here I’ve spray-painted some of them gold too. Then add a selection of candlesticks (marble or metallic) of different heights to create some atmospheric lighting.

LOOK THREE

TIP 2

THE HANGING D I S P L AY

I’ve used a small bunch of willow branches attached to two leather straps (or you can use ribbon) to hang above the table or kitchen counter. Select a colour palette of 2-3 colours (we’ve used gold and orange) and attach a selection of lightweight baubles to the branches at different heights using invisible thread. Here, we’ve also added in some miniature Christingles. Alternatively if you have a pendant light or chandelier, you can always hang baubles from them using the invisible thread.

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HELPING NATURE LOOK STYLISH • 18 Years of experience • Turnkey Solutions • Complete Design and build service • Post build maintenance SE London La Capannina, Grasmere Rd London, BR1 4BA

Barry De Swardt M: 07398 754 551 barry@urbanexteriors.com

www.urbanxteriors.com

A RANGE OF CANOPIES DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY TO ADD STYLE AND PRACTICALITY TO YOUR HOME.

Durable and attractive aluminium structures are available with a range of glazing or fabric covers, allowing you to choose the perfect structure for your setting and budget.

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CALL NOW 0800 0742 721 sbiproductsltd.co.uk • HALVES/QUARTERS.indd 3

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INTERIORS • CHRISTMAS

ON THE

P U L L The best crackers of the season MATILDA GOAD/TART

Compiled by P E N D L E H A R T E

Each cracker contains an exclusive Tart recipe card designed by Scribble & Daub with accompanying spice mix by Rooted Spice that are cleverly designed to incorporate Christmas leftovers. £56 matildagoad.com

KATIE LEAMON

These Confetti crackers are Katie Leamon's most luxurious ones yet, with dinky gifts including indoor sparklers, a wooden puzzle, wooden dice, wooden spinning tops, colouring pencils and bumble bee soap. £42, katieleamon.com

FEVER TREE

Fever Tree's crackers contain a miniature bottle of craft gin and the perfectly paired Fever-Tree tonic to go with it. £7 each johnlewis.com

CLARIDGES

Claridge’s first ever crackers are filled with a host of stylish surprises inspired by the hotels’ culinary heritage. From a mother of pearl caviar spoon to a crested Claridge’s egg cup, these gifts are a cut above. £75 claridges.co.uk

JO MALONE

HARRODS

Harrods' colourful Circus crackers come with fun gifts such as a silver yoyo, a wooden ruler and some stylish hatpins. £11o harrods.com

Jo Malone's annual cracker is filled with tiny treats: Basil & Neroli Cologne, Blackberry & Bay Body & Hand Wash, and compelling, addictive Mimosa & Cardamom Body Crème. £33 jomalone.co.uk

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NATURAL SHADES BROSTE COPENHAGEN

Broste Copenhagen's Christmas aesthetic strikes a fine balance between sober and extrovert. Beautiful linens in muted shades make a great bacdrop for gold cutlery, shiny candlesticks and a stylish range of coloured glasses, plus lots of pretty ceramics. brostecopnhagen.com

TH E C H RI STMAS TAB LE A B E A U T I F U L TA B L E S E T S THE SCENE FOR THE ANNUAL BIG FEAST

CHEESE COURSE LSA INTERNATIONAL

LSA's Tatra cheese dome is big enough to accommodate all the Christmas cheese you can eat. Its hand-carved ash base with folklore-inspired engravings is a stylish piece and the large glass dome makes an impressive centrepiece. ÂŁ115 lsa-international.com

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INTERIORS • CHRISTMAS

POLAR EXPRESS TALKING TABLES

If you need single-use paper plates, Talking Tables' Nordic ones have an authentic Scandinavian feel, perfect for a stylised Christmas celebration.

The range includes polar bear shaped napkins, bottle brush Christmas trees, and a polar bear figurine. talkingtables.co.uk

ACCESSORIES MATTER JONATHAN ADLER

A touch of whimsy doesn't go amiss at a festive table and we love Jonathan Adler's cute Muse Brass Place Card Holders. Each set includes four solid brass place card holders—two mustaches and two lips. £98 jonathanadler.com

MONOCHROME MANIA KATIE LEAMON

Choose a monochrome theme for your table and Katie Leamon's beautiful crackers will fit right in.

Fairy lights stretched along the table are a winning look too – as long as there's enough space. katieleamon.com

GOLDEN YEARS THOMAS GOODE

Thomas Goode is synonymous with classic luxury tableware and anyone wanting the ultimate in Christmas glamour should visit the Mayfair showroom for golden talbleware and glitzy plates. thomasgoode.com

LUXE LINEN OTTOLENGHI

Ottolenghi's sumptuous new line of Christmas table linen is crafted from the highest quality Italian organic linen and is hand painted using a rich indigo, decadent gold and white colour scheme. The luxury linen hamper includes the full set as well as some edible treats. £450, ottolenghi.co.uk

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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.

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

FAIR FASHION VELVETEEN

Velveteen works with fair-trade organisations whenever possible; their clothing is finely crafted and handembroidered, using a combination of Indian artisan techniques. velveteenclothing.com

Gifts for kids: all the presents you need 79 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Premier LEAGUES There's more to a school's success than league tables, says Katharine Woodcock, Headmistress of Sydenham High School GDST

D SYDENHAM HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS

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iscouraging children from comparing their achievements with those of their peers is one of the biggest challenges parents and teachers face.

We work hard to ensure that all pupils celebrate their success in the context of identifying their own potential. As young people grow up and mature, it is vital that we help them to build up self-esteem and acquire an inner strength to tackle the ever-increasing demands placed upon them.

Pupils should be proud of their successes and achievements, so that they have faith and confidence in themselves. It is not necessarily a good thing for them constantly to measure themselves, or be measured, against the performance of others.

Every year, I wince slightly when league tables come out, calculating schools’ results and ranking them. Is this publicity helpful, and – more to the point – is it healthy? What concerns me most about league tables is that they do not always tell the whole story about the school, the individuals, the pupils, and people behind the statistics published.

Equally, league tables can be confusing

and even misleading, as they do not all use the same measure of comparison. In some instances, only the top two grades may have been used when comparing the performance of schools, and as a result, parents may make unfair assumptions about an institution, without considering the wider context, or indeed the breadth and spread of results.

Most schools will do all they can to ensure that a child fulfils his or her potential. It is innate in any good teacher to want to bring the very best out in a child. League tables do not reflect the starting point of any given pupil. Schools that are super selective, schools, for example, that reject applicants who fail to hit the target academically in selection tests at the tender age of 10, will inevitably be high up in the league tables. What these tables do not measure, however, is the progress made, the wider distance travelled and the value-added aspect of those pupils who are perhaps late developers. Schools that have succeeded in helping such pupils fulfil their potential beyond expectation, may not necessarily make the top places in any league tables, but they are no less worthy, no less impressive than those institutions that do.

League tables do not measure accurately the distance travelled between start and

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ABSOLUTELY • PROMOTION

“Measuring the success of pupils must transcend mere letters and numbers” finish point, the incredible uplift in the achievements of its pupils that many schools are able to provide. Furthermore, league tables do not predict the future path of any child and how successful they will be, given the strong grounding, in terms of academic and personal development, a school may have provided.

Measuring the success of pupils must transcend mere letters and numbers. GCSE and A Level results alone should not define the worth of a pupil, or indeed a school.

What matters is that a school holistically

enables all its pupils to do and give of their very best, to grow into the person they want to be in an environment where they can be true to themselves, and those around them. No school has a monopoly on the term ‘academic’. All schools are ‘academic’, regardless of how they rank in league tables.

The process of education is not a precise science, and league tables in themselves, are not a fair reflection of a school’s worth, let alone the overall attainments of its pupils.

We should not be defined by letters and numbers. What matters is how a school has

helped to shape and prepare an individual for their next steps, for their future.

Natasha Devon MBE rightly pointed out last summer that results “don’t tell you anything about all those little moments that leave an indelible mark on pupils intellectually and emotionally. They simply can’t quantify what has been ‘learned’.”

Mental wellbeing and mental health are key priorities for us all today, when, according to a recent survey conducted by the charity Action for Children, one in three young people suffers from mental health troubles. Theresa May has announced new plans to alleviate this problem and the teaching of resilience is to become part of the national curriculum. A poignant and telling statement in this debate comes from Julie Bentley, Chief Executive, Action for Children, who says, “pressure arising from school work and social media can be too much for young people”.

Therefore, we have to consider whether by publicly comparing every cohort’s results with those of another, we are perpetuating a culture that is damaging the wellbeing of our children? Next year, we hope to join a number of other schools in not submitting our results to the national press. We no longer want to feed the frenzy of results comparison and participate in what Natasha Devon calls the media’s seasonal ‘soap opera’ of results. I have been so immensely proud of the results my classes, and those of the schools I have worked in, have achieved.

“Success means doing the best we what we have” – wise words from Zig Zaglar. So let us celebrate what we have, for it is the best our pupils can give us. Let us help our young people to identify and nurture their talents and abilities, feel that all-important sense of worth, take pride in who they are, and rightly applaud their achievements.

Sydenham High School is part of the Girls’ Day School Trust, the leading group of independent girls’ schools in the UK sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net

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Independent co-educational Pre-Prep & Pre-School 2–7 years – founded 1976 – member ISA

Children learning piano perform better academically in school We want to help you give your child the advantage

Great pianos, great deals, great service

CALL JULIAN ON 020 3645 3930 FOR MORE INFORMATION JULIAN@PIANOLOBBY.CO.UK

WWW.PIANOLOBBY.CO.UK

Dedicated to creating a rich and happy learning experience for your child

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September 2019 Reception admissions Parents considering admission of their child into Reception (4+, i.e. the year the child becomes five years old) in September 2019 should register as soon as possible.

Tours available regularly by appointment.

Main entry at 2+ and 4+.

Teaching since 2001

Forest Hill & Penge Drum School 6 Pro Drummers coaching adults & children 7 days/week incl. bank holidays and half term *100% success for the Trinity College and Rock School Grades 1-8. Mostly with merit or distinction.

We are looking forward to hearing from you!

07930 415185 www.schoolofrhythm.com

Experience the joy of creating!

www.hernehillschool.co.uk enquiries@hernehillschool.co.uk 020 7274 6336 The Old Vicarage 127 Herne Hill London SE24 9LY

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LET’s DRUM!

27/08/2015 16:57

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KIDS & EDUCATION • GIFTS IMMI DRESS Velveteen, £88 velveteenclothing.com GROCER'S STALL Flexa, from £136 flexaworld.com

LUGGY BASKET Oli Ella luggy, £45 olliella.com

WINNIE SWEATER Mango Kids, £22.99 mango.com

MIRROR BACKPACK Tiba + Marl, £40 tibaandmarl.com

TIGER HEAD Make Your Own, £9.99 clockworksoldiershop.co.uk

GIFTS FOR KIDS

LES PARISIENNES: MADAME CONSTANCE Moulin Roty, £49 folkinteriors.co.uk

DOLL'S HOUSE Moulin Roty, £119 cottage-toys.co.uk

Spark their imagination this Christmas with these inspiring gifts

By HELEN BARON

MONTGOMERY BEAR Charlie Bears, £225 charliebears.com

EDITOR’S PICK

DRESSING UP KITS Meri Meri, from £12 merimeri.co.uk

ATOM BIKE Raleigh Bicycles, £135 raleigh.co.uk

YOUNG SOLES Sidney Brogue Boot, from £81 youngsoles.co.uk

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

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Surprise Holidays and more

Just sit back, relax and let us do the work for you.

We offer you Authentic, Tailor-made and Original holiday experiences with our Confidential Surprise holidays, Tailor-made tours and Corporate travel arrangements.

We put the excitement back into travel Tailor made choir tours • Tailor made hen and stag trips • Tailor made city breaks • Tailor made shopping tours • Tailor made football weekends • Tailor made beer tours • Tailor made festival tours and more @atotours

+44 7375 473 072

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@ato_tours

info@ato-tours.com

atotours

www.ato-tours.com

16/11/2018 12:42

TRAVEL

WINTER ESCAPE ATO TOURS

Imagine strolling along the canals of Venice without the masses or forgoing the queues at Neuschwanstein Castle. A winter break with ATO Tours affords all this, without the stress of planning. ato-tours.com

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THE E ASY LIFE Make a relaxing but exciting adventure of each journey with a ConďŹ dential Trip from ATO Tours Wo r d s H E L E N B R O W N

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TRAVEL • SPOTLIGHT LAKE LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND

W H O A R E ATO TO U R S?

Picture this: you’re desperate for a holiday and craving some respite from the city.

You’ve a surplus of holiday days to use up and the financial means for something special. But even deciding where to go can be a daunting process, and that’s before you’ve even dealt with airlines, hotels, transfers, packing and your mates who have a very different idea of what they want out of the trip.

Enter ATO Tours, an innovative group making waves in the world of travel agency.

The team is a knowledgeable and friendly bunch made up of freelancers, scouts and local experts who have travelled extensively and lived in a handful of diverse countries and cities. With them, you can lose all inhibitions and hand over all of the often boring and irritating aspects of holidaying, while you wait to discover where you’ll be headed. That’s right, you, the traveller, won’t know where you’ll be going until a week before your departure. Giving up all control of your trip can feel terrifying, but ATO Tours really are the experts. However should the idea of jetting of out into the unknown still seem slightly intimidating, the team also specialises in creating bespoke tours for all events and occasions. Are you looking A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Bespoke Kitchens & Furniture SINCE 1990

TheDovetailJoint creativedesignandcraftsmanship

FOREST HILL | 020 8291 5578 | WWW.THEDOVETAILJOINT.CO.UK

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26/01/2015 12:25 09:55 15/12/2017

TRAVEL • SPOTLIGHT

LINDAU, GERMANY

Add a new layer of excitement to your holidays; the excitement of the unknown BOJNICE CASTLE, SLOVAKIA

for a solo holiday without the cheesy trappings that typically come with this type of trip? Or a hen party without the stress and with surprises for everyone?

There really are no limitations to what the team can come up with.

CONFIDENTIAL TRIPS

A Confidential Trip adds a new layer of excitement to your holidays; the excitement of the unknown. But the process is very simple. All you need to do is fill out a brief questionnaire that will denote what you want from the trip. It literally takes five minutes and will give ATO Tours the chance to get to know you and your preferences. In order to ensure that you will love every minute of your holiday, the questionnaire allows you to pick and choose everything from the activities you enjoy down to the atmosphere you envisage. If you’re a particularly adventurous traveller, you can chose to forgo these preferences altogether. Here you’ll be completely in the dark as to how their holiday will be moulded. With the help of ATO Tours you can explore new places that you might never have even considered as a holiday destination.

Explore with your own terms, or none at all. Soak up all the culture, cuisine and sights you possibly can in a week with a jam-packed, pre-prepared itinerary that is guaranteed to give you everything you could ever want from a pro-active holiday. Or simply discover the destination at your own pace. Leave it to them to come up trumps.

B U T W H AT A B O U T B U D G E T I N G?

You’re handing over your holiday but by no means does budgeting go out of the window.

The questionnaire will ask you what your

budget per person is, and will of course guarantee that the booking stays well within your preferences.

W H Y B O O K?

On top of everything, when booking a Confidential Trip, you will get the option to highlight destinations that are big no-gos; be it because you’ve already been or you simply know that you have no interest in going.

ATO Tours are all for surprises, just not the bad kind.

It doesn’t matter how many people you’re planning a trip for, ATO Tours can arrange an unending variation in travel. Of course the big selling point is the Confidential Travel program, but they offer numerous other types of travel assistance.

Last-minute booking is no problem for them and neither are budgets and numbers.

As the holiday-goer you can set exactly what dates you want to travel and even your time of departure, meaning that quick trips and flying visits become all the more manageable. Whether flying solo or planning your next group excursion, nothing could be easier than this. So what's stopping you?

Wanderlust awaits.

ATO TO U R S For more information and the find the questionnaire, visit: ato-tours.com

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

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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.

FURTHER ENQUIRIES info@bowerplace.co.uk 01737 236 150 bowerplace.co.uk

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PROPERTY Living the dream

GROVE PARK SE5

ÂŁ2,750,000

94

ylstone was designed by George Ellyatt in c.1893 and retains many beautiful period features including a tiled entrance hall, ornate cornicing and original fireplaces. Highly sought-after Grove Park is situated within the Camberwell Grove Conservation Area, known for its tree-lined streets and Georgian architecture. The delights of Dulwich Village are within easy reach.

R

KNIGHT FRANK Dulwich 020 8022 2260 www.knightfrank.co.uk

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Penthouse with medieval remains.

4

3

2

Evans' Granary, Borough SE1 • Views of St. Paul's Cathedral, the River Thames and the London skyline • Approx. 3000 sq ft internal and 1300 sq ft external terrace space • Air conditioning and under-floor heating throughout • Private CCTV covering entrances

Evans' Granary, built on London's South Bank, incorporates the medieval remains of Winchester Palace; a designated Scheduled Ancient Monument right in the heart of the vibrant area of Borough.

Guide price £6,250,000

Our Tower Bridge expert, Daniel Woods, looks forward to helping you. daniel.woods@knightfrank.com 020 8022 2963 07971 061036

knightfrank.co.uk Connecting people & property, perfectly.

Share of freehold

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The house on a large discreet plot.

7

3

3

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Rylstone, Camberwell SE5 • Gated property providing a high degree of privacy • Retains many beautiful period features • Newly-fitted contemporary kitchen with utility room

Our Dulwich expert, Mitchell Murphy, looks forward to helping you. mitchell.murphy@knightfrank.com 020 8022 2260 07825 272 634

Highly sought-after Grove Park is situated within the Camberwell Grove Conservation Area, known for its tree-lined streets and Georgian and Victorian architecture.

knightfrank.co.uk

Guide price £2,750,000

Connecting people & property, perfectly.

Freehold

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Connecting people & property, perfectly.

Naval House, Woolwich SE18 2

3

1

1

• Leisure facilities • New build • Winter garden Beautifully presented 13th floor apartment with London skyline views. mark.ruffell@knightfrank.com +44 20 3967 8567

Guide price £800,000

Imperial Building, Woolwich SE18 3

2

1

• New build • Patio/terrace • Private parking An immaculate raised ground floor apartment with side river views.

Guide price £749,000

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mark.ruffell@knightfrank.com +44 20 3967 8567

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Connecting people & property, perfectly.

Deveraux House, Woolwich SE18 2

2

1

1

• 24 hour concierge • Balcony • River views A charming 16th floor apartment with panoramic views across London.

Guide price £1,995 per calendar month Available unfurnished

marie.wale@knightfrank.com 020 3967 8569

Imperial Building, Woolwich SE18 3

2

1

• Two balconies • Close proximity to public transport • New build A spacious first floor apartment with dual aspect floor to ceiling windows.

Guide price £1,895 per calendar month Available furnished

marie.wale@knightfrank.co.uk 020 3967 8569

All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an administration fee of £288 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property. There will also be a £48 charge to register your deposit with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme if applicable. (All fees shown are inclusive of VAT.) Please ask us for more information about other fees that will apply or visit www.knightfrank.co.uk/tenantfees. Knight Frank is a member of the ARLA Client Money Protection Scheme and our redress scheme for consumers is Property Redress Scheme.

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A unique splitlevel apartment.

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1

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The Ragged School, SE1 • Private roof top terrace • Large windows flooding the apartment with light • A wealth of character throughout The Ragged School is situated in the heart of historic Borough. The location leaves little to be desired with a variety of restaurants, bars and shops close by. Within walking distance (0.4 miles) of both Borough (Northern line) and Southwark Underground Station (Jubilee line).

Waterloo and London Bridge Underground Station are both within a 0.8 miles of the property. All times and distance quoted are approximate.

Guide price £860 per week

Your Tower Bridge expert, Jared Kilgarriff, looks forward to helping you. jared.kilgarriff@knightfrank.com 020 3837 1521 07811 849 600

knightfrank.co.uk Connecting people & property, perfectly.

All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an administration fee of £288 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property. There will also be a £48 charge to register your deposit with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme if applicable. (All fees shown are inclusive of VAT.) Please ask us for more information about other fees that will apply or visit www.knightfrank.co.uk/tenantfees.

Knight Frank is a member of the ARLA Client Money Protection Scheme and our redress scheme for consumers is Property Redress Scheme.

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Did you know?

70% of all prime London developments are for sale with Knight Frank.

Kingwood at 55 Hans Place, Knightsbridge: a development by Finchatton

Register with us for the widest choice of exceptional new homes. We’d love to help you.

Contact Rupert des Forges, Head of Prime Central London Developments, on +44 20 3463 0234

knightfrank.co.uk Statistic based on developments that Knight Frank are directly mandated on in London zone 1 at an average list price in excess of ÂŁ2,000/sq ft.

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LIVING THE

DREAM The most luxuriously appointed properties on the market

1

UNION STREET

SE1, £860 PER WEEK

A

unique opportunity to rent an impressive split-level, one bed, serviced apartment situated in the heart of Southwark. Located on the second floor of a converted school, it offers fantastic space and oozes character and charm.

A large bedroom with private terrace and separate bathroom are on the mezzanine level.

Original wood flooring remains throughout.

KNIGHT FRANK Tower Bridge, 020 3837 1521 Jared.kilgarriff@knightfrank.com

ARGYLL ROAD

S E 1 8 , G U I D E £ 6 0 0,0 0 0

T

his beautifully presented two bedroom, two bathroom apartment is located on the top floor of the ever popular Building 50, in the prestigious Royal Arsenal Riverside development.

Its interiors are finished to a high spec, and the light, high-ceilinged modern kitchen has wall to wall windows and leads onto its private terrace which allows for uninterrupted, stunning views of the River Thames.

KNIGHT FRANK Woolwich, 020 3641 7307 mark.ruffell@knightfrank.com 1

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PROPERTY • NEW TO THE MARKET

KINGS HALL ROAD

B R 3 , O I E O £ 1 , 5 0 0,0 0 0

T

FOXES DALE

ST. MARGARETS ROAD S E 4 , £ 1 , 3 5 0,0 0 0

A

his bespoke, architecturallydesigned, five bedroom detached gated home in Beckenham is the epitome of modern living. Arranged over 3,400 sq. ft., it features a grand entrance hall, reception room, open plan kitchen/diner and separate utility room, five bathrooms and sizeable garden.

Located close to New Beckenham and Kent House train stations.

rare five bedroom terraced property in the heart of Brockley conservation area has been designed to create the perfect blend of period charm with light, modern interiors.

Spread over four stories, the property boasts a basement cellar, reception room, kitchen/dining room and two bathrooms, as well as a beautifully landscaped garden with summer house.

KFH

KFH

Beckenham, 020 8650 8268 kfh.co.uk

Brockley, 020 8469 0202 kfh.co.uk

S E 3 , £ 3 ,1 5 0,0 0 0

S

et in the gated grounds of the prestigious Blackheath Cator Estate is this magnificent five bedroom detached period home. The lower floors boast three spacious reception rooms, a kitchenbreakfast room and separate utility room, while the upper floors hold six bedrooms and two bathrooms. Additional features include a detached garage and surrounding garden.

WALL-TO-WALL WINDOWS LEAD ONTO A PRIVATE TERRACE WITH UNINTERRUPTED VIEWS OF THE RIVER THAMES

KFH

Blackheath, 020 8852 9451 kfh.co.uk

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

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Sales | Lettings | New homes | Property management

Granite Apartments, Banning Street, Greenwich SE10 Price £2,750 pcm Furnished • • • •

3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms South facing Balcony & river views

lettingsgreenwich@eu.jll.com | 020 8858 9944

• Secure parking • Approx. 1,307 sq ft (121.4 sq m) • EPC: B Potential tenants are advised that administration fees may be payable when renting a property. Please visit jll.co.uk/fees for details.

Landmark West, 22 Marsh Wall, Carnary Wharf E14 Price £895 per week Furnished • • • •

3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms Parking Concierge

lettingsdocklands@eu.jll.com | 020 7715 9700

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• Heron Quays DLR - 0.4 mile • Approx. 1,751 sq ft (163 sq m) • EPC: B Potential tenants are advised that administration fees may be payable when renting a property. Please visit jll.co.uk/fees for details.

21/11/2018 11:45

Talisman Tower, Lincoln Plaza, Canary Wharf E14 Guide price £680,000 Leasehold • • • • •

2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms 25th Floor Residents parking 24hr concierge

• • • •

Full leisure facilities Communal Roof Garden South Quay DLR - 0.2 mile Approx. 735 sq ft (68 sq m)

• • • •

Close to mainline and DLR stations Approx. 925 sq ft (85.9 sq m) No onward chain EPC: D

salesdocklands@eu.jll.com | 020 7715 9700

Straightsmouth, Greenwich SE10 Guide price £650,000 Freehold • 2 bedrooms • 1 bathroom • Period house • Secluded garden salesgreenwich@eu.jll.com | 020 8858 9986

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Selling more homes across London than any other agent.

N

NW

E

WC

EC

W

SE SW

Put our 40 years’ expertise to the test.

Book a sales or lettings valuation today.

kfh.co.uk/valuation

KFH market share is calculated on residential property sale exchanges January 2017 to June 2018 across the London postcode region (SE, SW, W, N, NW, E, EC and WC) compared to any other single estate agency brand (including Purplebricks).

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21/11/2018 10:59 11:48 16/10/2018

Landcroft Road, East Dulwich, SE22 £1,300,000

A sensitively developed five double bedroom Victorian terraced house.

Adorned with a plethora of period character and modern charm throughout, this family home is in a class of its own.

East Dulwich 020 8299 8800 eastdulwich.sales@kfh.co.uk

Boasting nearly 2,000 sq ft of living space over three floors, this home has light and space in abundance. With a gorgeous 31’8 ft kitchen/diner, generous landscaped garden, wooden double glazed sash windows and a choice of outstanding schools.

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• • • • • • • •

Five double bedrooms Victorian terrace Generous 39 ft garden Elegant kitchen diner Close to Lordship Lane Great school catchment Fantastic transport links EPC Rating D

21/11/2018 14:06 11:48 20/11/2018

Tubkaak, Krabi Thailand

Call us 0208 329 2679 Book online www.letsgo2.com Visit us Chessington, Surrey

Rayavadee, Krabi Thailand

Caribbean & Mexico | Europe | Indian Ocean | Asia Middle East | USA | Multi Centre Holidays

Winners of the British Travel Awards 2015, 2016 & 2017 LETSGO2 OBC.indd 1

20/11/2018 12:36