September 2009

THE CITY & ANGEL MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2009

SEPTEMBER 2009

ART • INTERIORS • FASHION • MOTORING • BEAUTY • SHOPPING • BUSINESS • GADGETS • FOOD & DRINK • PROPERTY

ALONG CAME POLLY ART IS NOT DEAD!

24 HOURS IN NEW YORK

TAKING A BITE FROM THE BIG APPLE WWW.RUNWILDGROUP.COM

THE PRESSURE IS ON

DE-STRESS WITH SOME ‘SOLE-FUL’ HEALING

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contents 14 46

94 COVER STORIES 14 Along CAme polly Polly Morgan talks to Jenny White about the art of taxidermy 30 the pressure is on Reap the benefits of reflexology 40 24 hours in new york The best of the big apple 53 luCk be A lAdy Jenny White gambles and wins at Dollar, Grills and Martini 77 hot property The best buys and rentals on the market

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F E AT U R E S 18 in the spotlight Brick Lane revealed 22 5 of the best Comedy nights Laughter on your doorstep 26 nAiled it Jenny White visits the trendy New York inspired nail spa 46 the ApprentiCe Leon Seraphin talks about making a name for himself in the culinary world 56 my designer life We interview interior designer Kia Sunda

94 ultimAte feAtures And So To Bed takes bed design to the next level 96 the ideAl bedroom Create the perfect retreat

contents 32 65

44 REGULARS 8

EDITOR’S LETTER

26

hEaLTh & bEauTy

32

faShIOn

44

fOOD & DRInK

61

GaDGETS

65

MOTORInG

70

WhaT’S On

77

PROPERTy

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EDITOR’S LETTER Now that it is September, we have swapped the beer garden evenings for the warm cosy, side-splitting evenings, featuring five of the area’s best comedy nights (p.22) and are having a laugh with North London resident comedian Jo Caulfield (p.24).

This month Jenny White talks to Polly Morgan, taxidermist to the rich and famous whose career started in a bar in Shoreditch (p.14); Hoxton Apprentice, Leon Seraphin tells us about making a name for himself in the culinary world and how if it hadn’t been for a novel concept things may have turned out very differently for him (p.46).

New season, new you, as we showcase this season’s hottest pieces from DAKS in our fashion shoot (p.32). With the tan fading maybe it’s time to choose the new nail polish to compliment your autumn complexion. We meet with the ‘Nail Girls’ and experience their New York inspired nail spa (p.26); before those tired feet are painted, why not de-stress and unwind with some reflexology, as we talk to Rima Shah about the alternative way to achieve a healthy body (p.30).

For those of you looking for a last minute summer city break, we show you how to spend 24 hours in New York, and get more than just a taste of The Big Apple (p.40); and for the business travellers in you, Cat Hughes helps you to choose where to stay, dine and shop. We select a few travel essentials and we reveal the history behind the luggage you will take on your trip (p.43).

Finally, if you are thinking it’s time to spruce your home up check out the Interior News (p.55); Kia Sunda, local Islington resident talks about her interiors business that is, despite the ‘crunch’, thriving (p.56). For that perfect boudoir we have a special And So To Bed feature too (p.94) as well as the most luxurious guide to beautifying your boudoir (p.96).

Enjoy!

THE CITY & ANGEL MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2009

THE CITY & ANGEL

ART • INTERIORS • FASHION • MOTORING • BEAUTY • SHOPPING • BUSINESS • GADGETS • FOOD & DRINK • PROPERTY

Lesley Ellwood

ALONG CAME POLLY ART IS NOT DEAD!

24 HOURS IN NEW YORK

‘DAKS’ fashion shoot, p.32 10 Old Bond St W1S 4PL, 0800 288 188 www.daks.com

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All clothes and accessories DAKS A/W 2009

TAKING A BITE FROM THE BIG APPLE

THE PRESSURE IS ON

DE-STRESS WITH SOME ‘SOLE-FUL’ HEALING

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CITYLIFE MAGAZINES CITY Editor Lesley Ellwood

Sales Director Eren Ellwood

Editorial Director Kate Harrison

P.A. to Sales Director Ella Kilgarriff

Deputy Editor Josephine O’Donoghue

Group Advertising Director Sherif Shaltout

Motoring Editor Matthew Carter

PR & Marketing Manager Rebecca Walton

Fashion Editor Lucie Dodds

Managing Director Giles Ellwood

Senior Designers Hiren Chandarana Laddawan Juhong

Finance Executive Kätlin Maasik Project Manager Charlotte Evans

Production James Britton

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With special thanks to Mike Drummond for his photography in this issue, www.undaline.com

CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE: Jenny White is a freelance journalist who lives in Islington; she has been writing about the area for the last few years – so knows all the secrets. She specialises in celebrity interviews, health and beauty, interiors and fashion. Jenny has written for the likes of the Independent, Elle magazine and the Sunday Times, as well as a number of regional magazines.

Jamie Carter is a freelance journalist based in Cardiff. Specialising in gadgets and technology, Jamie has written for the likes of T3, Home Cinema Choice and The Guardian as well as a number of websites. He writes on flatscreen TVs for What Video and What Plasma magazines and away from technology is also a regular contributor to BBC History and Real Travel magazines.

Martin Bamford is one of the youngest and most successful financial planners in the UK. He runs his own firm of financial advisers – Informed Choice – and regularly contributes to various financial publications. His personal finance book The Money Tree, published in 2006, is a best seller.

Kate Hughes has an established reputation as one of the UK's leading celebrity hair and make-up artists. A regular guest beauty presenter on television, she has worked with a wide selection of actors, presenters, musicians and models.

Kate's hair and make-up consultancy, 'It's All About You', transforms women for weddings, special occasions and red carpet events.

Lara Kavanagh is a writer and editor and has covered events, food and drink, travel and the arts for print and online publications in London and Paris. Her experience includes work for Rough Guides, Expedia.com, lecool’s Weird and Wonderful Guide to London and Open Magazine.

Carol Cordrey is a freelance writer and art editor, devoted to promoting fine art through writing and judging numerous art competitions, some of which have become the source of images for the popular Guildford Calendar. She is the founder of the London Ice Sculpting Festival and has been published in Artists & Illustrators, Financial Times, NADFAS Review and the National Trust.

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littleblackbook

PENS AT THE READY, AS WE ROUND UP THIS MONTH’S BEST DEALS, BARGAINS AND MUST-HAVES

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MY LITTLE BLACK BOOK

Dress to impress With the fashion world descending on London this month for Fashion Week it is the perfect time to get your designer gear on and strut it with the best of them. However, if you don’t fancy paying the high price for fashion then why not head to the Designer Warehouse Sale to find big name labels for bargain prices. With names such as Vivienne Westwood, Betty Jackson, Balenciaga and Calvin Klein all on the sale rails, there is no excuse not to look stylish this month.

Women: 18 September 10am – 8pm / 19 September 10am-6pm / 20th September 11am-2pm.

Men: 25 September 10am-8pm / 26 September 10am6pm / 27 September 11am-2pm. £2 entrance fee.

5/6 Islington Studios, Thane Works, Than Villas, N7

We Love…

This unusual and stylish Octagon Re-cycled TV Screen Necklace, in oxidised sterling silver and gold leaf is available from the online shop for My Sugarland at £110.

The Islington based shop has just launched their online store which sells everything from vintage clothes, accessories to interiors. www.mysugarland.co.uk

Drinks, followed by dinner is the perfect night out whether it is with friends or with that special someone – and it doesn’t have to be expensive. Plan your perfect night out with cheap and tasty cocktails to start and a chic dinner to end the night with.

The Living Room on Essex Road is offering Signature Hour, where a select range of house favourites are irresistibly priced – cocktails are £3.50 and a bottle of Rocco Venezie Brut Prosecco is only £20.95. And the best bit is that it lasts longer than an hour, with the offer on from 5pm-9pm, seven days a week.

Thursday is the new Friday Hoxton Pony is one of the cool places to be seen at in Shoreditch.

This venue has it all - approachable food, regular DJs and expert bartenders who use UK-sourced organic ingredients to create a tasty cocktail menu - expect to sip drinks infused with tart rhubarb, loganberries and pears. Every night offers something different but if

Make a night of it

www.thelivingroom.co.uk

you head to www.thehoxtonpony.com to find out how to get 50% percent off their fun and funky Thursday nights.

If you can drag yourself away from the bar then why not carry on the cocktail theme with a Bellini and a three-course meal all for £25 at the Almeida. This French restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy an evening of good food in an elegant venue.

Offer starts from 1 September and can be booked via Top Table: www.toptable.com

Along CAme Polly A favourite with art collectors, artists and celebrities, Polly Morgan’s work started as a hobby that has gone on to change the direction of her life. She talks to Jenny White about being thrust into the spotlight and how hanging out in Shoreditch has influenced her

P

olly Morgan is not a planner. She never planned to become an artist, or intended to show her work only months after she learnt the art of taxidermy, the basis of her work. It never crossed her mind that her initial pieces, created for a friend’s bar in Bethnal Green, would be seen by Banksy, who would go on to offer her a spot at his temporary gallery, Santa’s Ghetto. And she never planned to become a favourite with the celebs (Kate Moss and Sharleen Spiteri own her creations), or foresaw that she would be covering the pages of Harpers Bazaar, Dazed & Confused and the Sunday Times Style.

Four years after Banksy first spotted her belljar installations – a lovebird looking in a mirror, a squirrel holding a belljar with a little fly perched inside on top of a sugar cube; a magpie with a jewel in its beak; and a couple of chicks standing on a miniature coffin – Polly remains humble and even a little unsure of her own talent. “It was all very fortunate and I am not complaining but at the beginning I felt a lot of pressure because I didn’t feel ready. I really should have had at least two or three years behind me but instead I had just eight months,” explains Polly in her chatty manner. “After the piece I did for the Zoo Art Fair (in Shoreditch) sold really well suddenly everyone wanted something similar and I was in a bit of panic. But at the same time

interview

it was good because I needed the pressure of a deadline otherwise I would have just idled along.”

It all began for Polly, aged 19, when she walked into the Shoreditch Electricity Showrooms, a bar popular with artists. By the time she left, a little worse for wear she had been hired as a barmaid. After graduating from Queen Mary University with a degree in English, Polly accepted the manager’s position as something to do while she decided what to do with her life.

The job came with the flat above the bar and while decorating the place she started to look for some taxidermy, but what she found on eBay didn’t appeal to her. “I didn’t want a bird on a twig under a dome which is the norm. Then a friend suggested I learned how to do it myself. I soon discovered that people still did taxidermy and I contacted George Jamieson, an Edinburgh Taxidermist, who took me through the process using a defrosted pigeon,” smiles Polly. “I was given a day lesson and I made lots of notes and then just tried it for myself.” The rest is history.

Walking into Polly’s studio flat, just off Bethnal Green Road, it is clear she has been anything but idle. The industrial style space is filled with her work. Two massive vultures, wings spread, consume her kitchen counter, while three coffins, one life size, the others miniature versions are piled on top of each other, filling her sitting room area. It isn’t until you start looking at the wooden coffins

that you discover the clusters of chicks hatching out different holes in the decrepit boxes.

This latest piece was inspired by a photograph of a dead blackbird that was rotten with maggots hatching from it. “The blackbird corpse had become almost like a nest for these hatching maggots and so I started to think about coffins and how they house our dead.

Also the fact that chicks are normally seen as cute but by putting them in the coffin context and on mass, they suddenly become quite alarming and repellent,” she says. “It symbolises new life carrying on after death.”

Perhaps a little too morbid for some, Polly is however quick to clarify that she isn’t fascinated by death as some think you have to be to do taxidermy. “Although my mum calls me morbid all the time,” giggles Polly. “I hate death and I am horrified by it as anyone is but when I am looking at dead animals I don’t really see it. It is all about the emotional attachment.

For example I used to have two canaries that used to fly free in my old studio. They were so cute and I became extremely attached to them and then one of them died. I was so

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interview

horrified. I had to gear myself up to pick her up and put her in a plastic bag to put her in my freezer (in case I later wanted to use her in my work). Even now I can’t really touch her when I am going through the freezer looking at the birds because of the emotional attachment I had with her. Whereas with the other animals I don’t have that relationship and I am generally not sentimental about it.”

Despite having grown up in the Cotswolds surrounded by nature, Polly’s intention has never been to mimic the natural habitats of animals as they are traditionally displayed, but to place them in less expected scenery.

She creates tiny intimacies and delicate habitats that create a strange and unexpected beauty. “I just think animals are beautiful.

I like looking and watching them so I find it curious that people who profess to be animal lovers then get upset about it when they know they died from natural causes.

You get such access to things that normally you could never get close to,” suggests Polly, who admits that she has had some negative response from ‘animal lovers’ who don’t like her work. “I tend to get positive responses with the odd nasty email. It is not like I am going out slaughtering things. I think it is perverse to kill things in the name of taxidermy when you are trying to make them look alive again. However, I do eat meat and I wear leather and I think anyone who does really can’t say anything to me.”

The first to admit that she isn’t the most crafted taxidermist, this is one reason she considers herself purely an artist. “I am completely in the art world and not the taxidermist world at all. I show in art galleries, sell to art buyers and I am in art magazines. I am not a conventional taxidermist and I wouldn’t win any awards in taxidermy, because that is not my priority.”

There is a sense that for a while Polly felt unable to call herself an artist, having just turned an amateurish hobby into a means of earning a living. With no art school background, she initially believed that she would be judged because of her lack of qualifications. “I expected to be judged but the artists that I knew were really encouraging, I think because I didn’t look like I was widely ambitious. There was no big plan; it just unfolded in front of me.

Perhaps as you get more successful there might be more judgement,” Polly states with a cautionary tone. “Personally, I think if I had gone to art school I don’t think I would be doing what I am now doing. The fact that I chose that bar in Shoreditch which happened

to house lots of artists, instead of opting for the other city worker bars, was a stroke of luck and being in that area has definitely helped with my career.”

Full of inspiration, Polly isn’t worried that the ideas are going to run out. Her biggest piece to date is about to go on display in October at The Age of the Marvellous, an exhibition in a deconsecrated church.

The installation consists of a human-sized birdcage with 27 different birds harnessed to it, derived from plans by a Victorian inventor for a flying machine. And after that? “I don’t plan anything, although I’m having to learn to plan ahead. But at the end of the day there is no grand plan.” n The Age of the Marvellous 15-22 October 1 Marylebone Road www.pollymorgan.co.uk www.allvisualarts.org

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In the SpotlIght…

Brick Lane

R

unning from Swanfield Street in the northern part of Bethnal Green, across Bethnal Green Road, passing through Spitalfields and finally linking up with Whitechapel High Street, lays the famous Brick Lane. This long road is situated in the heart of the city’s Bangladeshi-Sylheti community and is known by the locals as Banglatown. Formerly called Whitechapel Lane, the street derives its current name from former local industry, brick and tile manufacture, where local brick earth deposits were used at the beginning of the 15th century.

Brick Lane and its surrounding area has become London’s sort of unofficial Ellis Island, with East London welcoming waves of immigrants. It began with Huguenot refugees spreading from Spitalfields in the 17th century and they were followed by the Irish, Ashkenazi Jews and in the last century, Bangladeshis.

Due to the area’s abundance of semi and unskilled immigrant labour the area became a centre for weaving, tailoring and the clothing industry. However, today Brick Lane is famous for the Sunday Market, numerous Anglo-Asian curry houses and the burgeoning art and fashion scene clustered around the Old Truman Brewery and its environs.

Where to eat and drink: In the 20th Century Brick Lane became important in the development of Anglo-Indian cuisine, as families from countries

such as Bangladesh migrated to London for work. Now best known for its curry houses, you can’t go to Brick Lane without going for a curry and half the fun is deciding which restaurant to eat in. With so many curry places situated in such a small area, there is always competition for the staff to get you into their restaurant with each touting for your business, making it a lively place to eat. If you can’t decide where to go then try the Aladin restaurant (132 Brick Lane) which has been listed on various ‘top ten lists’ and named by The BBC as one of ‘The World’s Best Curry Houses’.

If you don’t fancy curry, then why not head to The Lane on Osborn Street just off Brick Lane. This place offers superb Caribbean food cooked by owner and head chef Collin Brown, two time winner of the Caribbean Chef of the Year. For those who are just looking for a quick snack or something to munch on when the local clubs throw out at 3am, then the Brick Lane Beigel Baker is the place to head. Open 24hrs this local institution always has a queue around the block in the early hours of the morning thanks to their freshly baked goods.

For bars and nightclubs, try the long standing The Vibe Bar or 93 Feet East situated in the Old Truman Brewery – the music is eclectic and suits the

culturally diverse crowd that frequents the place.

Where to Shop: The Brick Lane Market was developed in the 17th century as somewhere to sell fruit and vegetables outside the city. Like the Sunday markets on Petticoat Lane and nearby Columbia Road, the Brick Lane Market dates from a dispensation that was given to the Jewish community.

The market is somewhat chaotic but for the hardcore bargain hunters this is the place to head to. Selling second-hand clothes, bric-a-brac, books, CDs, vinyl and cameras, it is a fun place to stroll through on a Sunday morning.You can still buy your fruit and veg but in recent years a handful of smart shops have popped up on streets such as Cheshire Street, which features A-non, a fab shop that sells a vast range of original T-shirts and hoodies. And if you are into your vintage then Beyond Retro is your paradise.

A warehouse full of thrift-chic, Beyond Retro often has live music at the weekends. Also check out Ella Doran and Shelf for great gifts and a must is the unique and gorgeous jewellery of Comfort Station.

What to do and See: Every year on the second Sunday in September, The International Curry Festival

localfocus

takes place. This festival has become one of the most loved and enjoyed events, attracting people from all over the UK. Started by the Banglatown Restaurant Association, which supports and helps develop local businesses, the festival sees Brick Lane and the surrounding streets filled with curry stalls, competitions and live music. This year the Brick Lane Festival is hosting its very own film festival, The Chili Film Festival. Last year, it attracted over 60,000 people from all over globe and 2009 is set to be just as successful. So why not head down to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the amazing culinary delights.

While you’re there: Visit the Truman Brewery in Brick Lane to see the stunning collection by famous photographer, Rankin. This is his most ambitious exhibition to date and is his first ever UK retrospective. Set in the unique Old Truman Brewery, the exhibition will cover 22,000 square foot and will showcase over 600 images taken from his archives.

From Kate Moss to the Queen, this exhibition documents 22 years in the photography business – a must see!

On until 18th September, Old Truman Brewery, 85 Brick Lane, £10. n

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SHOPPING’S NEVER BEEN SO MUCH FUN A visit to N1 Islington is always a bit of an event - and never more so than this August.

Stylish locals and their families have been thronging to N1, the heart of shopping in Islington, all month. In particular, they’ve been making the most of some special free events taking place on Saturday afternoons, as part of the Summer Fun at N1 programme.

And it’s not only N1 visitors who’ve been keen to join in the fun. Lots of the N1 stores, cafes and restaurants wanted to get involved in the events too.

A FAMILY AFFAIR

The Summer Fun at N1 season got off to the perfect start with the Fabulous Family Fun Day on Saturday 15 August.

Everything here was about keeping younger N1 visitors entertained. And entertainment doesn’t come much more prestigious than Islington’s own Little Angel Theatre, who provided a special puppet show.

The proof that the afternoon was popular? Well, no less than 1,000 balloons were given away, while more than 200 visitors showed their creative side at a Tea Party Art Workshop.

And 50 young visitors had their faces painted as colourful animals. (Stories of lions and tigers roaming Upper Street during the afternoon should probably be treated with caution.)

A LAWN UNTO ITSELF

On Saturday 22 August, it was the grown-ups’ turn to enjoy an event of their own.

The N1 Summer Garden was widely recognized as Islington’s coolest garden party, complete with a temporary lawn, deckchairs, and giant flowers, butterflies and toadstools.

Visitors could relax listening to a live string quartet, with living statues who also contributed to the afternoon’s somewhat surreal atmosphere.

And why should kids have all the fun? Adults too were able to leave N1 more decorated than they arrived, with a little help from an expert henna artist.

ON A ROLL

Yo! Sushi even offered visitors a chance to see how they would do as a sushi chef, with a fun maki rolling competition – and a tasty complimentary meal as a prize.

And Starbucks stepped in with free samples of cool Frappuccino, to help keep everybody chilled out on the day.

All those who visited throughout the month had a chance to win either free family tickets for the Vue Cinema offered by N1 itself, and keeping up the summer theme, free tickets to Butterfly Jungle, the big attraction across town at the Natural History Museum.

GOLD STAR RATING!

COMEDY GOLD This top class monthly comedy night has been running for just over a year at The Old Queens Head on Essex Road and prides itself on booking the cream of the comedians on the circuit.With regulars such as Stephen Merchant, Dave Gorman, Jo Caulfield and Alistair McGowan, you are always guaranteed an eclectic line-up with the odd magic trick or silly song thrown in for good measure. At a bargain, credit-crunching price that gets you change from a tenner, this is a fantastically funny night out in a venue where you can kick back in the trendy chandelier lit bar and laugh your socks off.

Look out for… ...Richard Herring performing at the next Comedy Gold, Tuesday 15 September – extremely entertaining. www.comedy-gold.co.uk

OF THE BEST…

COMEDY NIGHTS

Presenting some of the best laughter spots, on your doorstep!

HAVING A LAUGH

99 CLUB ISLINGTON The 99 Club is a comedy chain which puts on most of its shows in central London, however realising that Islington residents have the best sense of humour, they made the smart choice to run two comedy nights in the area. Having been established for the last three years in Islington, the nights are run at the Camden Head and Bar Room Bar The Arc. A favourite with Time Out magazine, as well as The Guardian, The 99 Club Islington provides an excellent night featuring the best live comedians who are guaranteed to have you in stitches.

Look out for… ...Zoe Lyons who is performing on Saturday 26 September and is the winner of If.comedy Newcomer award as well as winner of Funny Women of the year Award. www.99clubcomedy.com

events ROARING WITH LAUGHTER

THE LION’S DEN Despite the name,The Lion’s Den based in Kings Cross, provides new performers the purr-fect supportive and friendly arena to demonstrate their talent. Mixing experienced and totally fresh acts the comedy night provides old style Gong Show entertainment – all acts get three minutes head start before the crowd gets to decide how long they get to stay on stage.

With only room for a 100 people it would be advised to get there early, perhaps even head to The Pub upstairs for some tasty grub before the show.

Look out for… ...The Lion’s Den Comedy Car Crash – Open Mic Night, where no acts are booked in advance and the line-up is chosen from names drawn at random from a hat. Why not have a go! www.lionsdencomedy.co.uk

GET POLITICAL

THE COMEDY MANIFESTO Based on the week’s news,The Comedy Manifesto show is completely new every week and is one of the most popular live political panel shows in London. It works with host, Kate Smurthwaite quizzing a panel of top comedy circuit names on the events of the previous week and challenging them to explain how they would run the country if left in charge.

Only last month they upped sticks and headed to the Edinburgh Festival, where The Comedy Manifesto is a regular at the biggest arts festival in the world. A weekly event at the Camden Head Pub, it’s a great night to go along and have your say.

Look out for… ...The City and Angel reader discount. Mention the magazine at the door and get your ticket for just £5 instead of £7 – bargain! www.thecomedymanifesto.com

MONKEY BUSINESS

COMEDY CAFÉ Having been established for 19 years, the Comedy Café is one of the few purpose built comedy clubs in London. Situated in the heart of Shoreditch this place is dedicated to comedy with its bright and gaudy decor and friendly staff.

A restaurant-style venue it is the perfect place to spend a whole evening eating, drinking, laughing and then dancing to the funky music afterwards.

Look out for… ...Nina Conti performing on 17 September. An actress, comedienne and ventriloquist, she has an onstage puppet sidekick in the form of a depressed monkey named Monk – hilarious! www.comedycafe.co.uk

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Having a laugh Mock The Week and Have I Got News for You. Having just previewed her latest show, ‘Jo Caulfield Won’t Shut Up’ at the Edinburgh Festival, this month sees Jo start recording the hilarious show for BBC Radio 4.

How was the Edinburgh Festival?

It was a great festival this year - the recession seems to be good for comedy, everyone said it was busier than ever. People do seem to need to come out for a laugh.

It’s always non stop at the Festival; as well as doing my show I did radio interviews and wrote pieces for magazines, guested on some ‘live’ chat shows. And of course did a lot of drinking and socialising. Some comics you only see in Edinburgh each year so there is a lot of catching up to do.

Although super busy being funny, Jo talks to Jenny White about why doing stand-up is her favourite part of the job, and why she loves coming home to North London and performing at the Comedy Gold night at The Old Queens Head on Essex Road.

N

orth London resident and comedian, Jo Caulfield has appeared at major comedy clubs all over the world, completed three nationwide tours, as well as making TV appearances on Never Mind The Buzzcocks,

How did your new show ‘Jo Caulfield Won’t Shut Up,’ go down at the festival?

The Edinburgh show is working really well. There was a lot of ranting about the state of Britain and the useless people in charge, I’ve had several people in the audience suggest I stand as an MP. But I really don’t want to be associated with Esther Ranzen! I also talk about some inventions I have for the TV show Dragon’s Den. For example, a baby monitor that you connect to the TV, so if the baby starts crying the TV automatically gets louder so you don’t miss anything.

I also tried an experiment with the audience to see if we can create a society without using cash. Instead our currency would be exchanging skills with each other.

Some nights I had people who are willing to do gardening and DIY, the other night I had 7 accountants and a lady offering to provide sexual services.

What should audiences expect from ‘Jo Caulfeld Won’t Shut Up’?

It’s a mixture of stand-up and sketches and some interaction with the audience.The only running theme is me really. It’s my opinions and sometimes dipping in and out of my life with sketches with my husband and my friends.

My comedy is generally about everyday life, hopefully fighting the fight on behalf of

lifestyle

the audience against those petty annoyances we all have to deal with.

Describe your show in three words?

Claws fully extended!

Why should people tune in?

It’s hilarious. Also there will be a time check afterwards so if you need to know the time - tune in.

Do you have to alter the format of your show for radio?

The beauty of radio is that you can go anywhere and do anything. So I always like to take advantage of that by doing some sketches. I don’t like to stick to a rigid format; I think the show should go wherever I choose to go that week.

Is the Edinburgh Festival good to test the waters with the audience before your radio show?

Yes, I try to do everything, even the sketches, in front of a live audience before recording the show. I also do this in small clubs in London where I’ll do ten minutes for free.

What do you love about the Edinburgh Festival?

I love the fact that you really build a relationship with the audience. There are people who come and see me every year which is hugely flattering. It’s such a diverse group as well. Teenagers, people in their 50’s, gay men, lesbians, big groups of women and even, the other night, a front row made up of 4 Goths and 3 Catholic priests. All human life is at the Festival.

Edinburgh is also one of the most beautiful cities to live in for a month; my flat in Edinburgh is much nicer than my one in London.

What part of North London do you live in?

I live in Wood Green - It’s not green and there’s no wood.

What do you love about living in North London?

Sad to say, I like that I live near the bottom of the M1- I’m on the road a lot and Wood Green is a perfect place to leave from.

You can often be seen playing in the Old Queens Head in Islington at the Comedy Gold night - Why is it such a good night?

It’s a beautiful room and feels more like a private party with friends than a comedy night. It’s intimate and things always seem to go off at fantastically weird tangents and you find yourself writing new material on stage.

Is there anything in particular you love or hate about North London audiences who come to see you?

I always think the people at Comedy Gold are all too beautiful and trendy to laugh and they all seem to have made-up jobs in ‘the media’! They should be everything I hate but actually they’re great and I’m just a horrible bitter person!

Describe you fan base?

I can’t - they are very varied although lots of drunk women is a given though.

25

You first moved to London to sing and play drums in a Rockabilly band? How well can you sing and play the drums?

Yes it’s true the band was called The Girl Can’t Help It. I played and sang really badly but we had great clothes.

What do you prefer - radio, TV or live on stage?

I prefer the money from TV but the thrill is best from doing live Stand-Up. You and Graham Norton did a lot of work together - what is it you see in each other?

We both like the same things - boys and gossip Biggest comedy influence?

Dave Allen, Joan Rivers, Jack Dee. Any annoying habits?

No I’m perfect - which may be annoying.

Preferred drink?

Stella. n The transmission dates of “Jo Caulfield Won’t Shut Up” are: 03/11/09, 10/11/09, 17/11/09 and 24/11/09. BBC Radio 4 at 6.30pm. www.jocaulfield.com

Next Comedy Gold at the Old Queens Head, Essex Road, Islington is Tuesday 15th September with Richard Herring, Tim Key & Tom Basden, Pete Firman, Patrick Monahan & Benny Boot! www.comedy-gold.co.uk

xx

Beauty

N

ailed It! Jenny White meets two sisters doing it for themselves in Islington with their New York inspired nail spa

I

am currently experiencing the highs and lows of a Nylon (New York / London) relationship. Lows involve long periods of time spent away from my boyfriend and conducting a relationship via Skype. The highs however, entail many glorious hours shopping, experiencing the nightlife of the city that never sleeps and enjoying living like a New Yorker for a few weeks out of the month (oh and spending time with my other half of course!). During my time there I have picked up a few New York-isms, one of them being to allow myself regular manicures and pedicures. For those of you who have never been to New York, there are nail bars galore.

On every corner there are salons offering cheap and stylish nail treatments that is seen as a necessity, not a treat – a motto I have decided to make my own.

So, to say that I was excited when nailgirls opened in Islington is an understatement.

Opening its doors in March of this year, nailgirls is the brainchild of sisters Lyndalouise and Joanna Burrell, who have created a chic, girly oasis. Lynda spent 11 years working as a fashion stylist in New York City so knew exactly what kind of New York inspired nail spa she wanted to open on her return to the UK. With a very obvious pink theme incorporated into the contemporary dĂŠcor

beauty

27

it is a stylish spa with a plasma screen, white leather pedi-seats, chandeliers and an uber-cool drying lounge. However, it is the small details that make this spa stand out from the rest - the choice of still or sparkling branded water with a straw for easy sipping or the option to really indulge with a glass of fizz. There are pink mini iPod shuffles with headphones if you fancy completely chilling and cancelling out all noise or alternatively the girls are always on hand for a gossip.

I decide to start my weekend with some bonding time with a friend who shamefully had never been to nailgirls. I opt for the hot stone aroma therapeutic massage mani, and my friend decides on the intense moisture retaining paraffin treatment before both finishing off with a relaxing pedicure. Who would have thought that just focusing on individual areas such as the hands and feet could be so relaxing. My hands are massaged in nailgirl’s very own hand scrub (brown sugar and oil), and then wrapped in warm towels with hot stones before being moisturised some more, and then my nails are shaped, buffed and painted a bright red colour.

The fashion-forward sisters create the range of vibrant nail polishes themselves, with Lynda basing the collection on current fashion trends. All the polishes are free from chemicals and the choice is endless.

But the success of the spa is not just that Joanna and Lynda have the ability to forecast fashion trends before they hit the high street but that they are so friendly, demonstrated by the handful of regulars who popped their head around the door to say hi during my treatment.

This nail bar really does have it all and it seems that the nailgirls have successfully brought a little piece of New York to Islington. n 50 Cross Street, 020 7359 2772

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fashion Tweed jacket, Burberry Prorsum, £995 Available at www.matchesfashion.com Scarf with mohair stripes, Maison Martin Margiela, £120 Available at www.brownsfashion.com

Western check shirt, Adam Kimmel, £295 Available at www.brownsfashion.com

White shirt, Comme des Garcons SHIRT FOREVER, £165 Available at www.my-wardrobe.com

Red and navy woven belt, Andersons, £54 Available at www.my-wardrobe.com Black jeans, Ralph Lauren, £95 Available at www.matchesfashion.com

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STYLE

Maroon Double V Neck Knit, Vivienne Westwood, £179 Available at www.my-wardrobe.com Black leather messenger bag, Mulberry, £425 Available at www.my-wardrobe.com

Raina Linden checks out the latest in collegiate style Converse All Star Low Plimsolls, £32 Available at www.asos.com Lace-up boots, Ann Demeulemeester, £695 Available at www.brownsfashion.com

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The Pressure is on Jenny White finds an alternative way to beat stress and achieve a healthy body

I

have discovered that I am a little unbalanced - health wise that is. Like most people, I spend so much time worrying about achieving a healthy body through exercise and avoiding the temptations of the biscuit tin, that I have been ignoring the elements of my body that I can’t see. Elements such as stress have a profound effect on our health and often we may know we are suffering from stress related health issues but do little to help the body cope with it.

So, I decided to take action after what had seemed a never ending week at work, booking myself in for some down time in the form of a reflexology session with Rima Shah from Calm and Clear Complementary Therapies. Working out of Neal’s Yard Remedies on Upper Street, Rima is a multidisciplinary Holistic Therapist, who has been involved in the complementary health field for over ten years. Her aim, she tells me is to, ‘help people feel at their optimum, so that everyone can achieve a level of peace, tranquillity and harmony within themselves.’ A bit fluffy for some, however after starting out a little sceptical myself, I find that I am completely converted by the end of just one session.

With the origins of reflexology dating back to the Egyptians, the principle is that all internal and external body parts are reflected by pressure points in the feet and hands, and the reflexes are relevant to each organ function and parts of the human body.

Every physical and emotional experience the body has is registered and remembered by the body and is reflected by textures and tender areas that develop in the feet and hands, as well as the face. These areas relate to directly stressed and indirectly stressed body parts where blood flow is blocked. The

health&beauty

idea is that through specific finger/ thumb micro stimulation techniques of the pressure points in the feet it relaxes tension, improves nerve and blood supply and restores balance to the body.

So, all wrapped up in a cosy blanket, soothing music in the background, I relaxed on the bed and tried not to giggle as Rima began to assess my feet. The treatment was surprisingly relaxing and after about ten minutes I had drifted off into a gentle slumber. Half way through I began to feel an odd tingly sensation in my arms and hands.

The feeling of having no control over the workings of my body was bizarrely calming.

As strange as it may sound, I felt as if I could feel my body rejuvenating and realigning itself. Rima later explains that this is a common sensation and occurs because the nerve and blood supply is being unblocked in certain areas of the body that was once clogged up.

As I come round, Rima begins to point out the areas on my feet where she had felt stressed points and where I had found the areas to be tender. I was amazed at how adeptly she was able to single out all areas of tension, soreness and stiffness without even having to ask. She explains that the main area that was tender related to my neck and shoulders, an area I know is where I hold all my stress and I suffer from a sore neck thanks to hours hunched over a computer. She also, to my surprise picked up on the fact that my chest area was a little distressed. I explain to her that I sometimes experience a painful, tight chest when I am stressed and that in the last few days I had been getting a few of the symptoms appearing. And finally, Rima found

31

I had tender points that related to my knees which was spot on – an attempt at a running career has left me with sore knees that are often achy.

As I leave my session with Rima, she encourages me to drink lots, rest a little and avoid alcohol and promises me I will sleep well – she is right. I leave feeling relaxed and calm. My shoulders and neck feel less tight, I am a lot more alert and three days after my treatment I haven’t experienced any stress related chest pains. It seems that I have found a truly alternative way to maintain a healthy body - and I get to have a nap while I’m doing it! n

Rima Shah is offering free taster and discounted reflexology treatments during World Reflexology Week, 20-26 September. www.calmandclear.co.uk

DAKS

‌.Quintessentially London

Photography by: Peter Zownir Fashion Editor: Lucie Dodds

Lewis wears cream trench £450, tan jumper £90, cream corduroy trousers £110, and large house check scarf £80, all DAKS Bex wears black poloneck £125, cream jodpurs £125, and house check scarf £80, all DAKS. Black leather thigh-high ‘Jedi’ boots £850 Jimmy Choo 020 7493 5858 www.jimmychoo.com Jazzi wears cream trench £500, and house check clutch £295, both DAKS. Black ribbed opaque tights £26, Wolford, www.wolford.com

Lewis wears white and grey collared shirt £90, paisley silk tie £55, grey wool suit £550, grey tweed button-down collar coat £395 and house check umbrella £150 all DAKS

Bex wears black house check dress £310, DAKS. Black opaque tights £18, Wolford, as before

All clothes and accessories DAKS A/W2009 10 Old Bond St, W1S 4PL, 0800 288 188 www.daks.com Model: Bex, Jazzi and Lewis at Premier Model Management.

Thanks to Jon and Flo. Hair: Marc Ramos using Kevin Murphy: Body Guard, Hair Resort, Gritty Business, Easy Rider, Session Spray

Make-up: Yvette Redmond at Tiger Creative www.tigercreativelondon.com using Clinique: Redness Solutions Urgent Relief Cream, Superbalanced Powder Make-up SPF 15 Mineral Rich Formula, Redness Solutions Instant Relief Mineral Powder, Colour Surge Eyeshadow Quad in Black Tie Violets, Shimmering Stripes Powder Blusher in Tuxedo Plums, Brush-On Cream Liner in Violet Luxe, Full Potential Lips Plump and Shine in Bloomberry and High Impact Mascara in Black.

Lewis wears white and grey collared shirt £90, paisley silk tie £55, grey wool suit £550, grey tweed button-down collar coat £395, all DAKS Jazzi wears grey poloneck £125, grey jacket £350 and matching skirt £160, black leather quilted gloves £85, and large house check weekend bag £950, all DAKS. Black leather thigh-high ‘Jedi’ boots £850, Jimmy Choo 020 7493 5858 www.jimmychoo.com

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health&beauty

39

ESSENTIAL TRAVEL COMPANIONS Kate Hughes presents these summer travel saviours. Travel in style with sublime lotions and potions – everything you’ll need to soothe, smooth and protect sun-kissed skin for that radiant summer glow

BAGGAGE RECLAIMED The Qudra Beauty Case has thought of everything to ensure your beauty essentials stay intact. £85, www.beauty-boxes.com

WHAT A SOFTIE Elemental Herbology’s Beach Prep: Radiance body polish contains fruit enzymes and sea salt to effectively shed dead skin cells. It will leave your skin beautifully smooth and exfoliated. £18.60, www.spacenk.com

GET READY TO GLOW The purify face-care kit from Como Shambhala is their first skin care range. This handy kit contains a botanical cleanser, daily hydration and daily nourishment – all you need for healthy skin on holiday. £15, www.comoshambhala.bz

SATIN SMOOTH SKIN Don’t forget to pack travel essentials from Aromatherapy Associates; these four travel bath and shower oil blends create an aromatherapy experience to suit every need.

BRUSH UP This luxury leather brush roll from Aspinal London comes with seven brushes – a must-have for your make up bag. £130, www.aspinaloflondon.com

£26.00, www.aromatherapyassociates.com

BRONZE GODDESS Sun Indulgence lotion for all over, this new sunscreen from Estee Lauder incorporates the latest UVA technology and smells fantastic too! £20, www.esteelauder.co.uk

Central Park

24 NY

HOURS IN....

Jenny White explores trendy and lively New York City and finds that you can fit a lot into just 24 hours

I

f 24 hours is all you have in New York then sleep is not advised. Instead, eating, shopping, soaking up the atmosphere and sights and more eating are recommended activities to do while in this bustling and electrifying city. As one of the worlds metropolis that exerts a powerful influence over worldwide commerce, finance, culture, fashion and entertainment there is a never ending amount of things to do and see – 24 hours will only scratch the surface of what is on offer but plan well and it will be a day you will never forget.

10.00am: HAVE BRUNCH Weekend brunch is a must while in New York and it is something that is a popular start to the day with New Yorkers. For one of the best brunch menus in town head to the meat-packing district to the justifiably famous Pastis. This French bistro crackles with energy and atmosphere and the huge space has a decidedly Parisian aura about it.

Empire State Building Soho

travel The menu serves tasty dishes such as seared organic salmon, a yummy croque-monsieur, pancakes with maple syrup and if you can manage it, a whole roast lobster with garlic butter. A celeb or two can often been seen dining here and if you want to get in with the cool crowd then make sure you book or else be prepared to wait.

11.00am: MUSEUM After people watching in Washington Square, the next stop should be to one of New York’s numerous museums. Whichever one you select it’s almost impossible to be disappointed. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (MOMA), the Guggenheim, the Frick collection or the Museum of Modern Art. The latter is wonderfully immodest and low-key, despite owning the greatest collection of modern art in the world and benefits not only the art but the visitor.

The MoMa includes more than 150,000 individual pieces from artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol and is certainly worth checking out.

12.30pm: SHOPPING IN SOHO Wandering down the cobblestone streets, taking in the elegant cast iron architecture, artists’ lofts and distinct rich-artist vibe, Soho is a fun area to browse. Soho’s shopping grid runs from Broadway, west to Sixth Avenue and Houston Street, south to Canal Street. Broadway is the most commercial strip but if you veer off onto Prince, Spring or Broome Street you will find a eclectic mix of shops to explore. And if you are still hungry for the ultramodern then discover the Museum of Modern Art Design Store also situated in Soho.

the Empire State Building itself, as well as downtown Manhattan. The top floor houses the restaurant the Rainbow Room which is an ideal place to stop, have a cocktail and look out over the Big Apple.

4.30pm: ROW, ROW YOUR BOAT….

If you meander across Central Park heading for the Boathouse you will come across the row boat rentals. Once aboard, you can row out into the large pond, navigating the stone bridge and gaze up at the gothic apartment buildings that line uptown. Turtles can often been seen popping up to the surface and with ducks and other wildlife living along side them it is easy to forget you are in the middle of a bustling city.

6.00pm: DRINKS AT ME BAR Head to West 17, 32nd Street and go to the 14th floor of Manhattan’s La Quinta Hotel to experience the hidden gem that is their rooftop bar. A true New York haunt which is magnificently illuminated by the towering Empire State Building, the décor is unpretentious and relaxing. A perfect place to unwind after a busy day seeing the sights and over a Cosmopolitan you can enjoy the city from above.

41

8.00pm: DINNER AT BUDDAKAN Heading back to the cool meat-packing district, Buddakan is all about the dining experience thanks to its immense 16,000 square foot space. With a massive bar area leading off the reception on the first floor, slinky hostesses have to guide you to your table downstairs, navigating guests through the cavernous, cement-walled rooms. Once a cookie factory it is now decorated like an ancient Chinese mansion and serves sumptuous Asian food to match the rich decor. The restaurant reflects the downtown chic and hipness of the area it is situated in and is a perfect place to spend a whole evening enjoying good food and tasty cocktails.

10.30pm: LATER NIGHT DANCING Flag a cab down and make your way to the trendy district of Chelsea to go to Home nightclub. A place where New York elite hang their hats, there are countless plush couches with coves and corners lending an air of privacy as well as a 35-foot bar, crystal chandeliers and music by top DJs. This black and red clad club is the ultimate place to spend your last hours in New York - easy to see how this is the city that never sleeps. 

2.00pm: LUNCH Jump in a cab and head up-town for some lunch - if it is possible that you are feeling hungry after the massive brunch. Alfredo’s in mid town is a fantastic Italian restaurant which serves massive pizzas and their tasty signature fettuccine dish which dates back to 1914.

3.30pm: TOP OF THE ROCK Head across the street – perfect distance after a hearty Italian meal and get in line to go to the observation deck at the top of the GE Building. This Art Deco skyscraper is the centerpiece of the Rockefeller Center which is a complex of 19 commercial buildings, including shops and restaurants.

At 850 feet, the 70 story building has breath taking views that on a clear day rival that of the Empire State Building due to the fact you can see all of Central Park,

Buddakan Restaurant

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travel

Black & Tan Soft Leather Suitcases, Swaine Adeney Voyager Collection Collection 2009, Swaine Adeney

43

A CASE HERITAGE Stephanie Baxter takes a look at luxury luggage through the ages

Purple St Tropez Cabin Bag, Aspinal of London

T

he British nation is a people who have been on the move since even further back than when Henry VIII was on the throne. Back then, the royal court took to the road multiple times a year to take occupancy of the various royal residences around the country. Furthermore, in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries it was a custom for visits to displaced friends and family, as well as the annual fashionable visits to ‘town’ (London, that is) and to Bath, to span over a period of weeks, even months. Meaning that a significant majority of one’s possessions would have to be transported either with the travelling party, or having been sent on ahead in anticipation of arrival. Luggage, in those times, despite not yet being graced with that name, came almost entirely in the form of the trunk.

Indeed, how many times in a BBC period drama have you seen various trunks being loaded to and from a horse-drawn coach? I rest my case. (Pun half intended.)

The word ‘luggage’, by the way, arose in the realm of boat travel, through the act of ‘lugging’ baggage to the ship’s hold as undertaken by servants of the wealthy. Like eighteenth and nineteenth-century travel, the sheer length of the journey meant that

the amount of luggage taken on such voyages was large, to say the least. Stackable luggage was a useful concept in instances like these, with varying sizes of the same case being produced in order that they might be loaded one on top of the other to save space. The sheer weight of all the baggage, then, would have been staggering, with the cases being made of the highest quality of heavy duty, reinforced leather. Luggage, however, has since evolved into a more lightweight affair with the advent of air travel, with strict baggage restrictions having to be enforced to ensure fuel consumption is maintained at a manageable level.

Throughout the last 150 years, one name has dominated the luggage market: Louis Vuitton. This is no surprise, considering that when the company started back in 1854, it was initially a trunk manufacturer, and from the very beginning their goods bore the hallmark ‘L’ and ‘V’ initials that have today become the epitome of luxury luggage. Today, a piece of Louis Vuitton luggage will cost you upwards of £500; a modest price to pay for such quality as theirs, surely. If you’re wishing to invest in something a bit more vintage, Louis Vuitton still carry their classic Alzer series, a range of stackable hard-sided cases that have become “the emblem” of Louis Vuitton.

Also carrying the torch for classic vintage-feel luggage is Swaine Adeney, whose pieces have barely changed since they first started producing them many moons ago, with only the addition of a set of wheels here and a

retractable handle there to bring them into the twenty-first century. The result of such little change is a range of the most refined-looking traditional luggage ever to be produced in the UK. Aspinal of London, meanwhile, have built upon their traditional selection of luggage with the inclusion of the St Tropez range, a stylish and chic series of hand-luggage bags (from £495). Whilst it retains the classic shape of their older-looking pieces such as the Grand Tourer Travel Bag (from £315), the crocodile-style leather gives it a very contemporary and stylish look that would look at home in any first-class lounge.

Whilst available in three other colours, it is the purple St Tropez Cabin Bag that is exceptionally stunning, and is guaranteed to be a head-turner. www.louisvuitton.com www.swaineadeney.com.uk www.aspinaloflondon.com

Alzer, Louis Vuitton

5

NORTH LONDON’S BEST CHRISTMAS VENUES

Investigate the top venues in North London to hold your Christmas party this year to ensure it goes with a bang

COMEDY CLUB

‘The most hilarious shows in town at this superb, long established and very friendly venue’. ‘Time Out’ The Comedy Cafe is one of London’s longest standing Comedy Clubs, regularly playing host to the hottest talent. Situated in the heart of fashionable Shoreditch, on the doorstep of the city with Liverpool street just around the corner, the venue includes the Bedroom Bar, a boutique bar and event space above the Comedy Café, which can accommodate up to 150 for receptions, perfect for hosting parties or launches.

VENUE CAPACITY:

Seated 10-180; bespoke packages including stand up comedians, 3 course dinners , D.J’s and dancing, late bar till 2.00 am can be arranged.

Booking for Christmas now, with prices from 34.50 per person.

For more information and to book call 0207 739 5706 email: sales@comedycafe.co.uk or vist www.comedycafe.co.uk

KESTON LODGE

A stalwart of the London bar scene and local institution, the Keston as it is affectionately known has been entertaining a hip Islington crowd for over five years.

Great cocktails and music reign supreme, and you can happily while away the hours whilst their bartenders shake up the contemporary twists on the classics and the DJs play a leftfield mix of electro, funk, disco and soul.

Matching the cocktails and the music in the style stakes is the interior. Retro lamps, striking leather banquettes and colourful patterned fabrics make for a cool yet comfortable atmosphere.

The newly refurbished upstairs mezzanine bar glitters with retro charm and is available to hire for private parties and events Monday through to Sunday.

With a capacity of 70 people, a choice of two deliciously festive menus and a 3am license on Fridays and Saturdays, it is a distinctly cooler than average place to host a Christmas party.

Look out for The Keston’s fairy lit garden for alfresco drinking in style Keston Lodge 131 Upper Street Islington London N1 1QP 020 7354 9535 www.kestonlodge.com

citylifepromotion

45

THE ELIXIR BAR

Located on Eversholt Street, The Elixir Bar is just a short walk from Euston and Mornington Crescent stations. It can accommodate up to 150 people standing with an option of finger food and/or canapés and up to 60 for buffets and/or sit-down meals.

Decorated with style throughout the month of December to create the perfect Christmas atmosphere for your party, The Elixir Bar offers a range of entertainment options with bookings already being taken for corporate, private party and tables.

The Elixir Bar is offering an exclusive pre-booked Christmas dinner on Christmas Day and will be open until late. During the rest of the month different buffet and sit-down menus will be served. All food is freshly prepared on the premises and menus can be tailored to suit the specific needs of your event.

Elixir Bar 162 Eversholt Street London, NW1 1BL 020 7383 0925 info@elixirbar.co.uk

ALBERT & PEARL

Albert & Pearl is a cosy late night bar nestled in the midst of Upper Street and decorated with a flawless Art Deco finish.

Sit back and relax in the Albert’s Bar Room and Pearl’s Parlour Room or take to the dance floor with DJs playing until 3am.

Share a giant punchbowl of Hot Buttered Rum at your private bar or fill up your own drinks cabinet with your choice of teapot cocktails and Champagnes.

With tasty treats like homemade apple and black pudding sausage rolls, proper goose fat roast potatoes and chocolate brownies you are sure to have a very merry Christmas.

Albert & Pearl 181 Upper Street, Islington N1 8LN www.albertandpearl.com 020 7354 9993

THE FELLOW

Fast becoming a King’s Cross institution, The Fellow’s pub and dining room serves up hearty British and Modern European fare in the most stylish of surroundings.

Request a banquet table and enjoy foodie delights such as Seared Fillet of Hake, Clams with a White Wine Butter Sauce and Samphire and a mouth-watering Raspberry & Thyme Brûléed Custard Pot. The first floor plays host to a retro Manhattan-style cocktail lounge and walled terrace and a glamorous drinking den designed with pleasure in mind. Featuring DJs on Fridays and Saturdays and open til late, it has its own speakeasy style entrance and alfresco menu served from 5pm.

Hosting not one but two private hire spaces, the cocktail bar and terrace, and the intimate private dining room on the top floor, and accommodating groups of up to 100 people, The Fellow is the ultimate all rounder for the festive season.

Look out for The Fellow’s excellent Sunday roasts, served between 12pm and 5pm along with the papers and their spicy Bloody Marys.

The Fellow 24 York Way, London, N1 9AA 020 7833 4395 www.thefellow.co.uk email: natalie@thefellow.co.uk

The Apprentice Leon Seraphin talks to Jenny White about making a name for himself in the culinary world and how if it hadn’t been for a novel concept things may have turned out very differently for him

“M

y life is drastically different than it was five years ago.

People who knew me back then now come up to me and shake my hand and say that they can’t believe I am where I am today.” Back then Leon Seraphin was in his early twenties, long-term unemployed and had no focus about where he wanted his life to be heading. He had started

to lose his way aged 13 when his school in Hackney was closed down and no provisions were made for him or his classmates. With no guidance he began to run in and out of trouble with the law along with many of his friends.

“Coming from where I do, although Hackney is a great area, there is also a lot of potential for getting caught up in the wrong things because you don’t have the

interview opportunities. There is nothing or no one there to push you in the right direction,” explains Leon, leaning back on his chair.

However, things were to drastically change for Leon after he heard and signed up to Training for Life Hoxton, a charity that seeks to tackle the enduring issue of unemployment and poverty through an entrepreneurial approach in the hospitality industry. The concept is that Training for Life takes on board long-term unemployed and homeless people, puts them through a six month apprenticeship programme with the aim of creating the chefs and hospitality professionals of the future. The key element to this work has been the Hoxton Apprentice restaurant situated in Hoxton Square.

Located in a former Victorian Primary School, the restaurant is the brainchild of the award-winning social entrepreneur, Gordon D’Silva and the well known chef and restaurateur, Prue Leith. The idea was simple; to create a top quality eating experience that was also a training restaurant for unemployed people.

“I was one of the first to put my name down for Hoxton Apprentice. If this hadn’t have been here for me I don’t know where I would have been today to be honest. I would have probably been lost somewhere in the system with nothing to show for myself, whereas now, after five years I have so much to show,” states Leon, who is now the Senior Sous Chef at the restaurant. “I have always dreamed of being a chef but I just didn’t have any way of getting there before.”

On graduating as Apprentice of the Year with an NVQ Level 2 qualification, Leon worked for 3 years at White’s Gentleman’s club in Mayfair as a Commis Chef before a short stretch at the Commonwealth Club as Chef de Partie. He re-joined the Hoxton Apprentice as Junior Chef de Partie and since then has worked his way up the culinary ladder. As well as helping to create the menu for the restaurant he is responsible for apprentice training and welfare in the kitchen. “I came back because I wanted to give something back to something that had given to me. I love teaching because at the end of the day I remember how hard it was for me. Often when the apprentices start they find it hard getting their head around working in a work environment as some of them have never worked or have been out of a job for a long time. So just getting out of bed and arriving on time is all part of the learning,” says Leon in his soft north London accent. “We treat the apprentices as staff because if we are going to teach them properly then you have to treat them like you would any other member of staff. At

47

the end of the day they are learning but I do need them to do the job well and produce good food for our customers.”

The restaurant serves modern British food with a twist and as well as training future chefs they also teach apprentices front of house, from bar work to taking orders, giving them skills that they can apply to a spectrum of jobs outside of the apprentice scheme. It seems that taking on board the most vulnerable and excluded groups within society and entrusting them with assisting to run a restaurant is risky business. However, Hoxton Apprentice has had remarkable success winning several awards, including a Michelin recommendation. They have trained over 150 unemployed and homeless people with 70% of the apprentices having got jobs after they left, some working in some of London’s top restaurants including groups such as the Hilton, Whitbread and even Buckingham Palace.

It is clear that Leon’s future looks very bright and having gone from having no direction, he is now very clear about what he wants. “I would like to stay here and develop my skills even more and at some point I would like to be Head Chef,” he says with a beaming grin. “And then I want to own my own restaurant but I want it to be a training restaurant like this one. I like the idea that you are offering something to others and not just your customers but society. At the end of the day, if we don’t do something now to help this young Britain then this country will be in trouble.” n Hoxton Apprentice, 16 Hoxton Square N1 6NT www.hoxtonapprentice.com Photographer: Mike Drummond www.undaline.com

48

food&drink

New season lamb Roast new season rump of Welsh lamb with minted broad beans, fresh peas, new potatoes and a balsamic and orange blossom honey vinnaigrette 1. Pre-heat the oven to 200°C/Gas mark 6.

2. Use a sharp knife to make an incision right the way through each lamb rump and then use your finger to open it up a little.

Use a sharp knife to score the fat in a criss cross pattern.

3. Lay 3-4 anchovy fillets, slightly overlapping each other, on the chopping board. Place a sprig of rosemary on top and gently roll up the anchovy fillets to encase the rosemary and form a neat cigar shape. Repeat with the other sprigs of rosemary. Insert the rosemary wraps into the incisions in the lamb and follow with a few slices of the garlic.

4. Season the stuffed rumps making sure to rub the salt well into the scored fat. Heat some olive oil in a hot pan and sear the lamb rumps on all sides, fat side first. Pour a little olive oil into the bottom of a baking tray, scatter in a few extra sprigs of rosemary, three or four anchovy fillets and any leftover garlic. Remove the lamb from the sauté pan and transfer to the baking tray sitting the rumps on top of the herbs. Pour any cooking juices over the lamb and bake in the oven for 12-14 minutes until just cooked.

5. Once the lamb is cooked, remove from the baking tray and allow to rest.

IngredIents  4 rumps of lamb  4 sprigs rosemary, approx. 2 inch long plus extra for roasting  3- 4 cloves garlic, sliced ½ tablespooons balsamic vinegar 1-2 large teaspoons grain mustard ½ lemon, juice only Olive oil Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 100g shelled and hulled broad beans, or 1.5kg unshelled 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped knobs of butter dressIng

Take a pinch of salt, a pinch of ground black pepper, a tablespoon of a mild honey, (my preference, feel free to experiment) and 2-3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.

Whisk this together while streaming in olive oil until you get the consistancy that you desire. From there taste the dressing and adjust the amount of salt, honey and vinegar as you feel appropriate.

6. Drain the fat from baking tray and pour the remaining cooking juices into a jug. Place the hot baking tray over a medium to high heat and deglaze the pan with the vinegar and add a few fresh pinches of rosemary. Add the mustard and 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil, whisk together. Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and finally pour in any resting juices from the lamb.

Give the vinaigrette a final whisk and then strain into the jug of reserved cooking juices. Mix thoroughly and spoon a little of the vinaigrette onto the centre of the serving plates.

7. Carve each stuffed rump into approximately five thick slices and serve with an extra spoonful of the vinaigrette around and over the dish.

8. Boil the broad beans for two minutes, rinse in cold water, peel off the grey-green skin to reveal the tender bright green beans.

Steam the peas and blanched broad beans for 3-4 minutes until tender, then add the mint and butter and season to taste, lightly crush the mixture in the pan.

9. Boil new potatoes (200 grams) for 15 mins. Drain then cut all potatoes in half finish in a hot pan with a knob of unsalted butter and a pinch of chopped parsley. n

Modern European dishes with a Mediterranean Influence Our aromatic foods are created using an array of some of the world’s finest herbs and spices. Choose from a large selection of daily prepared salads and cakes made with fresh ingredients and a range of organic products.

We also have an extensive breakfast, lunch, buffet and a’la carte dinner menu. A large decorated table can be available for private and Christmas parties by prior arrangement.

Voted best modern European restaurant in London 2008

151 Upper Street N1 Tel: 020 7354 2605 Fax: 020 7704 9009 Email: fig@live.co.uk Website: www.figolive.co.uk

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barlistings

featuredbars

The lOrD ClyDe The Lord Clyde is a food led venue serving freshly cooked British pub dishes at pub prices. Comfy sofas, bar seating, dining tables and the added bonus of an outside area makes the Lord Clyde a must-visit venue when looking for a bite to eat or just a relaxing drink with friends. A quiz night runs every fortnight on a Monday evening.

Free wifi broadband access is available throughout the pub for the use of patrons.

aDDress: 340-342 Essex Road, Islington, London N1 3PB 0207 288 9850 www.thelordclyde.com

Opening Times: Bar open 12 noon - 11pm Monday to Sunday Saturday 11.00am - 12 midnight Food served 12 noon - 3pm and 6pm - 10pm Monday to Friday, 11am - 3pm and 6pm -10pm Saturday Traditional Sunday roasts 12 noon -7pm

Big Chill hOuse

Bar musiC hall

alBerT & pearl

257-259 Pentonville Road London N1 ☎ 020 7427 2540

134 Curtain Road, Shoreditch EC2A 3AR ☎ 020 7729 7216

181 Upper St Islington N1 1RQ ☎ 020 7354 9993

lOungelOVer

marquess TaVern

Charlie WrighT’s

1 Whitby Street Shoreditch E1 6JU ☎ 020 7012 1234

32 Canonbury Street Islington N1 2TB ☎ 020 7354 2975

45 Pitfield Street Shoreditch N1 6DA ☎ 020 7490 8345

VinOTeCa

Duke Of CamBriDge

lexingTOn

7 St John St EC1 ☎ 020 7253 8786

30 St Peter’s Street Islington N1 8JT ☎ 020 7359 3066

96 Pentonville Rd Islington N1 9HS ☎ 020 7837 5371

green & reD

kesTOn lODge

shakespeare

51 Bethnal Green Road Shoreditch E1 6LA ☎ 020 7749 9670

131 Upper Street Islington N1 1QP ☎ 020 7354 9535

57 Allen Road Stoke Newington N16 8RY ☎ 020 7254 4190

COTTOns

The Charles lamB

lOnDesBOrOugh

70 Exmouth Market Farringdon EC1R 4QP ☎ 020 7833 333

16 Elia Street Islington N1 8DE ☎ 020 7837 5040

36 Barbauld Road Stoke Newington N16 0SS ☎ 020 7254 5865

Jerusalem TaVern

The fellOW

aulD shillelagh

55 Britton Street Clerkenwell EC1M 5UQ ☎ 020 7490 4281

24 York Way London N1 9AA ☎ 020 7837 3001

105 Church Street Stoke Newington N16 0UD ☎ 020 7249 5951

WenlOCk arms

Cafe kiCk

26 Wenlock Road ShoreditchN1 7TA ☎ 020 7608 3406

43 Exmouth Market Clerkenwell EC1R 4QL ☎ 020 7837 8077

eleCTriCiTy shOWrOOms

haWksmOOr

elk in The WOODs

anam COCkTail Bar

157 Commercial Street City E1 6BJ ☎ 020 7247 7392

39 Camden Passage Islington N1 8EA ☎ 020 7226 3535

3 Chapel Market Islington N1 9EZ ☎ 020 7278 1001

39a Hoxton Square N1 6NN ☎ 020 7739 3939

North Nineteen A hidden gem in the heart of Holloway

MD Interiors. Pink Chameleon. 194 – 196 Sussex Way, Holloway, N19 4HZ.

55725 COLOUR OPTIONS

copyright The designs and illustrations are intended for, and should only be used by those to whom this is addressed to. The contents are confidential any form of reproduction, dissemination, copying, disclosure, modification or distribution without prior written consent by ashleigh is strictly prohibited. ashleigh signs ltd ashleigh house marsh street rothwell leeds LS26 0AG phone +44 (0) 113 2828292 fax +44 (0) 113 2829155 isdn +44 (0) 113 2014174 registered in england reg. number 132580

“North Nineteen can only be described as thriving oasis where everyone seems to be greeted by their first name in what feels like a pub from a by gone era but in a modern setting” • A dedicated ale & whisky bar • 28 of the finest single malts & blended whiskies • Up to 9 Cask Marque Accredited ales always on (always featuring a porter & a mild) • Hearty seasonal food menu • Food cooked from scratch on the premises • Become a member for a discount on each pint of ale (register online) • Available for hire, we cater for all kinds of events Check out our website for members discounts and what’s on listing: www.northnineteen.co.uk North Nineteen, 194 – 196 Sussex Way N19 4HZ Tel: 0207 281 2786

restaurantguide featuredrestaurants 70

THE HAT AND FEATHERS PRIVATE DINING ROOMS

CRUSE9

THE BOWLER 28-32 Bowling Green Lane EC1R 0BJ 020 7837 4141 www.thebowler.co.uk

62 Halliford Street N1 3HF 020 7354 8099 www.cruse9.com

1st Floor, 2 Clerkenwell Road EC1M 5PQ 020 7490 2371 www.hatandfeathers.com

Signature Dish Pork sausage with crushed new potatoes and caramelised onions. Homemade top side beef burger, hand cut chips, salad and red onion chutney Opening Times Food served Mon – Fri 12:00 - 15:00, 18:00 - 21:00 Offers Available for weekend functions (no charge) Average price per head £8.95

Signature Dish Assiette of duck – an assiette of stuffed duck leg, duck breast, and seared foie gras on a bed of caramelised apple with a calvados and port sauce Set Menu Two courses £19.50, three courses £23.50 Recommended Wine Pinot Noir, Yering Station 2004, Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia Opening Times Tues – Sat 12-30 – 23:30 Sun 12:30 – 22:30 Average price per head £26

Signature Dish Oven roasted pork tenderloin, smoked pomme purée, creamed, savoy cabbage, caramelised comice pear and apple Set Menu Three courses £24.95 Recommended Wine Marlborough Hills Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand 2007 Opening Times Private dining only Monday – Saturday 12.00 – 15.00, 18.00 – 21.00 Offers Three courses and glass of champagne £29.95 Average price per head £24.95

ALMEIDA FRENCH RESTAURANT & WINE BAR

HIX OYSTER & CHOP HOUSE

RODIZIO RICO

35-37 Greenhill Rents Cowcross Street EC1M 6BN ☎ 020 7017 1930 British

77 - 78 Upper Street, Islington N1 0NU ☎ 0871 971 3480 Portuguese

BROWNS

FIG & OLIVE

SAKI

30 Almeida Street N1 1AD ☎ 020 7354 4777 French 9 Islington Green, Islington N1 2XH ☎ 0871 971 7661

British

CAMINO

3 Varnishers Yard, Regents Quarter, King’s Cross N1 9FD ☎ 020 7841 7331 Spanish

CLUB GARCON

57 West Smithfield EC1A 9DS ☎ 020 7796 0600

European

MAGHREB RESTAURANT

189 Upper Street London N1 1RQ ☎ 020 7226 2305 Moroccan and Mediterranean

LE MERCURY

French

DOLLAR GRILLS AND MARTINIS

2 Exmouth Market Farringdon EC1R 4PX ☎ 020 7278 0077 American

FIG RESTAURANT

169 Hemingford Road Islington N1 1DA ☎ 020 7609 3009 British/ Scandanavian

FIFTEEN LONDON 13-15 Westland Place N1 7LP ☎ 020 7251 3909

151 Upper Street N1 1RA ☎ 020 7354 2605

140a Upper Street N1 1QY ☎ 0871 332 7745

French

26-30 Church Street Stoke Newington N16 0LU ☎ 020 7923 0555 Mexican

MORGAN M RESTAURANT

GALLIPOLI BAZAAR TURKISH & MORROCAN RESTAURANT

French

107 Upper Street N1 1QN ☎ 020 7226 5333 Turkish

67 Stoke Newington Church Street N16 0AR ☎ 020 7254 3488 Japenese

PROJECT A

SABOR RESTAURANT LTD 108 Essex Road N1 8LX ☎ 020 7226 5551

Pan American

67-77 Charterhouse Street EC1M 6HJ ☎ 020 7251 7950 Modern European

ST. JOHN BAR & RESTAURANT SMITHFIELD

26 St John Street EC1M 4AY ☎ 020 7251 4090 British

THE CLERKENWELL KITCHEN

OISHIII

Italian

Japanese

SMITHS OF SMITHFIELD

MERCADO BAR & CANTINA

489 Liverpool Road N7 8NS ☎ 020 7609 3560

4 West Smithfield EC1A 9JX ☎ 020 7489 7033

Gainsborough Studios West 1 Poole Street N1 5EA ☎ 020 7033 7880 Thai

31 Clerkenwell Close EC1R 0AT ☎ 020 7101 9959 British/Sustainable

THE PEASANT

240 St John Street EC1V 4PH ☎ 020 7336 7726

Gastro Pub

ZILOUFS

270 Upper Street N1 2UQ ☎ 020 7226 1118

Pan-asian

food&drink

53

Luck be a lady Jenny White takes a gamble, and wins, on a night out at Dollar Grills and Martini

I

have found the ideal place for a girl’s night out. It covers all the bases – cocktails, tasty food and cool décor. Dollar Grills and Martini, situated in the corner of Exmouth Market, is the type of diner the Sex and the City quartet would frequent, if they ate burgers that is. The décor is unashamedly Las Vegas inspired; bare-brick walls covered with eye-catching Sin City images, assorted chandeliers sparkling with theatrical red lighting and televisions playing old movies.

Combine this with American food at its finest and this restaurant is a great gamble.

With girls in tow, we first head to the basement bar for a few aperitifs before dinner. The cavernous cocktail lounge offers a mixture of comfy, decorative seating as well as more private areas tucked in cellar nooks with snug leather booths and warm red lighting. The atmosphere in the cocktail bar (and the restaurant) is relaxed and sociable, making it an easy bet for groups. Adding to the luxurious feel are the friendly waitresses offering table service recommendations from the vast cocktail list. After much deliberation we opt for the Summer Garden and Raspberry Martini cocktails, which were

a dangerous combination of delicious and extremely drinkable.

After sampling several cocktails from the menu, purely for research purposes of course, we were then seated at our table with a recommended bottle of rosé Prosecco to go with our starters. The majority of my party opted for the Goats Cheese salad, with intentions of saving ourselves for what we had noticed were rather hearty mains being served around us. My other guest branches out, excited to see her favourite Fried Calamari on the menu, which came with what I am told was a superb sauce. I will have to take her word for that however, as it was all polished off before I could beg a bite.

Along with the cocktails, Dollar’s other speciality is their selection of steaks and burgers served from an open kitchen. The Million Dollar Burger is the most popular choice along with the Chateaubriand and the selection of three cuts of Prime Irish Beef to share between two. Their selection of garnishing for the burgers is both interesting and impressive. I chose the Camembert and Cranberry Burger and couldn’t have been more pleased with my choice. Tender beef,

with soft and smooth Camembert combined with the sweet cranberry sauce left me wanting more. With a vegetarian at the table, Dollar might seem a poor choice when they are known for their carnivorous options.

However, their Veggie Burger with Portobello mushrooms, goats cheese and pesto, she reassures me was fabulous and the Manager was kind enough to suggest other vegetarian options available to her, that although weren’t on the menu, the chef would have been happy to cook up.

After such a meat feast – my other guests had the sirloin steak and the chicken and chorizo burger – sighs of satisfaction echoed around the table and we were all too full for desert.

Instead, we were persuaded by our charming waitresses that we should try one more cocktail:The Porn Star Martini - a seductive mix of Cariel Vodka, passion fruit purée, homemade vanilla sugar, a dash of lemon juice, served straight up with a shot of Champagne on the side. It was pure glamour. 

2 Exmouth Market, Farringdon, EC1R 2PX 020 7278 0077 / www.dollargrills.com

NW_JUL Manpower.qxp

31/07/2009

10:07

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interiors

INTERIORS news

55

ARIMA LOUNGER

A flowing piece of art as well as a comfortable, body moulding chair.

Jenny White takes a look at this month’s must haves for the home…

www.danetti.com

Three of the

best…

s t a e s t n e m e t Sta

COCOON HIGHBACK CHAIR

CARL HANSEN CHAIR

Contemporary and striking – ideal for making a colour statement in a room. www.modusfurniture.co.uk

Mixing beautiful shape and with an array of colours, makes for an unusual and elegant chair. www.iconofdenmark.dk 07545244524

GLAMOUR PUSS

Making your house a home doesn’t have to be an expensive process. We love this Tu Mini Jewel Turquoise Globe Lamp by Sainsbury’s. At only £9.99 it is a bargain and will add an element of glamour to any home.

MULTI-STYLING The key to a well styled and functional house is to make sure that everything you put in it has a purpose and shun clutter. This stunning piece of sculpture not only acts as a room divider but also a useful heat source. Striking and modern, this piece will add a new dimension to your home.

Lokum from Aeon www.aeon.uk.com 01525 379505

www.sainsburys.co.uk

FLOWER POWER

The floral revival shows no sign of slowing with bold blooms cropping up on exotic wallpaper, sumptuous sofas and lavish curtains. However, if you want to incorporate the theme suitably into your décor then why not opt for these gorgeous vases. From the British designers at Darlington Crystal, these retro vases feature a hand pressed flower motif that invokes a real rustic feel.

Prices start from £30 www.johnlewis.com www.houseoffraser.co.uk

my

Designer Life Business Kia Designs offers an interior design service that truly takes into account the way in which each client wishes to maximise the potential of their living space. Each client has a different vision for their home and it is my job to pinpoint their needs and to provide them with design ideas and furniture that match their specifications. My service is open to the broadest possible range of clients: in the past I have done everything from re-jigging individual rooms (using many of the client’s pre-existing pieces of furniture) to re-designing entire homes.

Basically, no matter how large or small the project I am confident that I would be able to assist you and in doing so offer great customer service and boundless enthusiasm!

I am based in Highbury but I cover all of London and sometimes beyond! I actually

interiors

57

Kia Sunda started her interiors career in an interiors shop in Islington whilst at university studying history. Once Kia graduated she was promoted to Interior Design Manager of the shop and stayed for a year and half honing her trade in very hands on fashion. At the beginning of 2009 she bravely set up her own interior design business, that is despite the ‘crunch’ thriving. The Islington resident is now very happy working for herself and creating luxury residential interiors for homes in and around London

Inspiration work from home which is advantageous for myself as well as my clients as it enables me to lessen my overheads and therefore offer my clients the best possible rates for my services – it also means that I can get ample baking done!

Kia Designs has been established since 1st January 2009. When I started this business I wanted it to be extremely streamlined as many new businesses flounder as they incur unnecessary costs and set targets which are simply unattainable. As a result of my conservative and efficient business plan I am confident that Kia Designs will be around for a while!

It is my opinion that pursuing a qualification in interior design is much like being taught to drive in a classroom. Interior design is eminently practical and is based

upon working with clients. Many young budding interior designers that I have offered work experience to have amazing ideas but are almost shocked when they learn that much of interior design is to do with the relationship that one has with the client and learning to make a room look fantastic on what can be a relatively small budget.

Every interior designer has their own style but I really do attempt to get into the head of my client in order to give them a room that they will like, as opposed to one that I might like to reside in! Whilst designing I like to be mindful of the interior architecture and work to the strengths of the room. I like to create controlled clashes within the room through using eclectic colours and styles which, although diverse, truly complement each other.

My work is inspired by a little bit of everything! I believe that all artistic ideas are borrowed and that as an interior designer it is my professional responsibility to subject myself to as many good design ideas as possible. This is one of the reasons why I like to take people on who seek work experience as they will often suggest something that I had not considered and it is through such interaction that one learns and grows as a designer.

I source my materials from all over the world, I’ve been designing a lot of bespoke rugs that I have made up in Kathmandu. Rugs are one of my passions as the quality and precision of good rug-making technique stands out a mile in terms of the vivacity of the colours and the sturdiness of the product. Whilst I was working as

58

interiors

and therefore it is your blank slate! Interior design is fun – it is about expression and, most importantly, it is about you!

What I love about being an interior designer is how my job allows me to be creative, to meet other creative people and to help people realise their vision for their home. My job is unbelievably rewarding and, although it can often be exceedingly challenging, it is constructive work from which I get a huge deal of satisfaction.

My future plans are to carry on growing my business – as aforementioned, I have a very solid business plan which I believe is especially vital in this day and age.

I will also be launching a range of furniture by the middle of next year which I am very excited about!

Home

an interior design manager, the owner of the shop stressed the importance of sourcing from a wide range of worldwide locations – without doing so how can one be legitimately diverse?

My interior tip is you don’t have to make your room look like the magazines say it should! It is your room, you live in it

I couldn’t live without my husband The last book I read was The Reluctant Fundamentalist which has given me a real urge to do some more travelling!

My favourite artist is Dali because he rode that fine line between insanity and genius and that really comes across in his unique style. However, I really like looking in small, local galleries as there really are some fantastic pieces to be seen.

Art is so subjective and I really love the whole medium.

My signature drink is Mojitos, I adore them! I also like Champagne so if you see me in a bar and want some tips I will always be willing to oblige as long as you are armed with one or the other!

My favourite place to hang out in is Thailand – I love the people and the food!

It use to be Las Vegas but I lost altogether too much money there last time I went. In London I love Regents Park and Borough Market. I just recently bought a London walks book - every Londoner should have one as it really highlighted to me how little I know about the city!

When I’m not working I am either out having a coffee or a stronger drink depending on what type of day I have had.

My favourite room in my home is the living room – it gets the most light and just generally has a great vibe. It is in here that I sit on the floor tirelessly working on new projects. n 07912 138822 www.kiadesigns.co.uk kia@kiadesigns.co.uk

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G DGETS GADGETS

gadgets

61

JAMIE CARTER CHECKS OUT THE HOTTEST NEW TECHNOLOGY

STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS

Grab an iPod dock or digital clock radio for £50 and you’re likely to be disappointed with the flimsiness of the sound. For the real deal, head for this luscious R2i Tabletop Stereo from British brand Vita Audio.

DAB and FM are all well and good, but what about internet radio? With so many stations around the world now broadcasting online (over 15,000 at the last count) British audio doyen Monitor Audio has come up with the slinky Airstream 10. With 7W sound it’s designed primarily for desktops and bedrooms.

Monitor Audio Airstream 10 DAB & Internet radio, £225 www.monitoraudio.co.uk

OFF THE WALL

Even if you do get round to hanging your flat TV on the living room wall – most people don’t – it’s likely that you hadn’t banked on the ugly cables collecting underneath. An easy way to banish the bundles is with iConceal, a devilishly simple stick ‘n’ click cover. Available in black or silver coated aluminium, iConceal sticks to the wall with tape and the cover clicks on – great if you’re a DIY disaster or can’t stomach paying someone hundreds to bury cables into your walls. iConceal cable management system, £39.95 www.iconceal.tv

THEORY OF EVOLUTION

PYRAMID SELLING

Denon PMA-710AE and DCD-710AE amplifier/CD player, £349.99 each www.denon.co.uk

Edifer E3350 multimedia speakers, £69.99 www.play.com

iPods and MP3 files may dominate our listening habits, but a traditional hi-fi is still on most muso’s wants list.

Available in silver and black, Denon’s latest Advanced Evolution range comprises a dedicated digital amplifier and CD deck that promises the kind of high quality audio that put the humble MP3 to shame – though the DCD710AE CD player does include a USB port to hook-up an iPod or a memory stick, just in case.

For those us who spend too much time at computers, music is what keeps us sane; don’t skimp on your desktop sound system. Edifier’s new E3350 takes the concept further with its stylish pyramid shaped subwoofer and sleek satellite speakers. A separate wired volume control, complete with red halo lighting, contains a volume dial and a headphone/MP3 jack.

PLAY & DISPLAY

If you can’t wait until you get home to look at your holiday photos, Nikon has an unusual answer. Ultra portable projectors and even mobiles with built-in beamers have appeared before, but its new S1000pj this is the first compact digital camera to do so. A 12.1-megapixel camera with 5x optical zoom, the S1000pj comes with a small stand and a focus dial for dedicated projection, though don’t expect hi-def quality.

Nikon S1000pj compact digital camera, £400 www.nikon.co.uk

G DGETS GADGETS

62

gadgets

PURE GENIUS

It proudly displays a ‘Works with iPhone’ badge, but Pure’s latest DAB micro system can do a whole lot more than just dock Apple’s zeitgeist mobile. With DAB, FM and AM tuners on board, the Sirocco 150 can also play MP3 and WMA music files from a USB stick, SD memory card or CD-R. Great stuff, but shouldn’t gadgets like these have access to streaming sites like Spotify by now?

Pure Sirocco 150 Digital Sound System, £149.99 www.pure.com

INSTANT GRATIFICATION

It’s back: after a short hiatus, the original instant picture tech has embraced the digital realm. In all other respects a regular digital camera, the Polaroid 2 can take a seven megapixel picture and produce a 2-inch x 3-inch print in under 40 seconds from its built-in printer. With 20 prints per charge, it’s something of a novelty, but pre-print editing and cropping options demonstrate just how far this retro tech has come.

Polaroid 2 digital instant camera, £229.95 www.firebox.com

IN THE ZONE

With WiFi catching on in homes, expensive wireless multi-room music systems are all the rage. Sonos is one of the more affordable; put a £249 ZonePlayer in each room you want music, then just add speakers. A wireless touchscreen controller is available, though iPhone/iPod Touch owners can download a free app from Apple that can control a Sonos system; touch the screen to select a room in your house and send music from a computer, networked hard drive or internet streaming site to any room in your house.

Sonos wireless multi-room music system, from £249 www.sonos.com

A BRIGHT FUTURE

A new generation of LCD TVs that use tiny LED lights are producing pictures so realistic that you’ll rue the day you bought into the flat TV revolution a few years too early. These brand new LED TVs from Sharp use 40% less power than normal LCD TVs and have 100Hz tech for blur-free pictures. Sharp’s LE600 and LE700 ranges include 32-inch, 40-inch and 46-inch models, with the latter range adding a 52-inch version.

Sharp LE600 & LE700 LCD TVs, £750-£2,000 www.sharp.co.uk

PAGE TURNER

They’re aimed primarily at travellers and commuters, but the electronic book is becoming increasingly popular even with techwary traditionalists. This Cool-er is a great example of the genre’s flexibility; easy to read in direct sunlight and weighing just 178g, it can store 800 novels minimum, and the battery lasts for 8,000 page turns. Unless you’re Michael Palin that should be enough for all but the most lengthy of trips.

Cooler-er electronic book, £199.95 www.firebox.com

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A DIVISION OF LTD

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Pure driving pleasure Experience the summer more intensely in the new Audi A5 Cabriolet. FSI and TFSI engines with Audi valvelift system, and TDI engines with common rail technology ensure pure driving pleasure and dynamics with low fuel consumption.

This elegant soft top with outstanding agility and comfort is priced from just £29,800 on the road. Experience this stunning A5 first-hand, speak to one of our M25 Audi Centres or book your test drive online at: www.m25audi.co.uk

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motoring

65

RETURN TO FORM

T

he Ferrari 458 Italia means business and make no mistake.

While some recent Ferraris have lacked a little dynamism shall we say, that’s not a criticism that can be levelled at the latest from the Prancing Horse stable.

Arguably the most aggressive-looking Ferrari for years, the 458 is powered by a 4.5-litre V8 (hence the name) mounted behind the seats. A replacement for the long-serving F430, the 458 will be shown at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show before going on sale in Europe. UK deliveries are expected to start next spring. Prices have yet

to be announced, but you won’t get much change out of £150,000.

At its heart is a new engine developing an enormous 562bhp with peak power reached at a race car-like 9,000rpm. Ferrari reckons 0-60mph should take less than 3.4 seconds and it has a top speed over 200 mph. And we thought the 508bhp of the F430 Scuderia was impressive.

Styled, as ever, by Pininfarina, the shape was fine tuned in Ferrari’s F1 wind tunnel and the car has been developed with the help of one Michael Schumacher. Technical highlights include a lightweight aluminium chassis, a

seven-speed dual clutch transmission – shifts take less than 0.06secs – and a steering wheel covered in knobs and switches. At the back, no fewer than three exhaust pipes protrude centrally beneath the number plate surround.

The brakes, too, deserve mention.

Electronics detect the moment the driver lifts his foot off the throttle and, sensing an imminent shove on the brakes, automatically moves the pads closer to the discs. Stopping distance from 60 mph is said to be less than 32.5 metres.

Best of all, though, are the looks. Start drooling… n

BRITISH BULLDOG

Britain’s car industry might have overseas owners these days, but that doesn’t prevent it from producing some excellent cars. A prime example is the new Land Rover Discovery 4.

Matthew Carter tries it out here’s a perfectly good bridge up ahead, traversing a fast flowing, and pretty wide river. But rather than drive over it as normal folk might, I’m being directed off the road and across a field.

At the end of the field is a gentle drop into the self same river, and this time I’m told to drive (or should that be dive?) straight in. It’s not that deep – the water laps the bottom of the doors – but it’s quite a battle against the current.

Ultimately, though, the vehicle is unfazed by having to wade across, rather than drive over the river. On reaching the opposite bank, I stop on the slope to let the water drain away from the brakes and then continue my journey as if driving through rivers is the most natural thing in the world.

Thing is, for a Land Rover, it is the most natural thing in the world. Here I am cocooned in a £50k luxury saloon, swathed in leather and finest Wilton, listening to crystal clear digital radio over an impressive Harman/Kardon sound system, while outside all hell is breaking loose.

From the riverbed we move to the jungle (well, dark, dank and dense woodland near the Scottish Borders). Here the new Discovery 4 climbs up near vertical muddy slopes, clambers over banks, wades through muddy gloop and does all the things you’d

expect from a Land Rover.

Much of its ability is down to Land Rover’s extraordinary Terrain Response electronic trickery.You simply look at the track ahead – be it grass, gravel, snow, sand, mud, or rocks best driven over at a low speed crawl – and then turn a dial on the centre console to the appropriate low ratio setting and the car will do the rest. Well, you still have to point it in the right direction, but that’s about it.

In short, off road it’s as brilliant as it’s ever been.

Battling through the undergrowth is not the best place to test the latest Disco, though. No, where the latest incarnation of Solihull’s warrior really excels is on the road.

It’s down to a new 3.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine. Essentially the same V6 unit that goes in the Jaguar XF, albeit modified so that it is happy working underwater, the new engine delivers more power and more torque than the old 2.7-litre unit.

Power goes up by 29 per cent to 245PS and torque by 36 per cent (yes, 36) to an enormous 600Nm. Given that the new car has also been on a modest diet, the resulting improvement in performance is impressive.

We’re not just talking 0-60mph times here, though nine seconds dead is pretty impressive considering the bulk of the thing. Thanks to the engine’s greater

flexibility, it doesn’t need to be worked as hard as before so enhancing refinement, while fuel economy – 30.4mpg, a 9 per cent improvement – and emissions are both better. OK, 244 g/km of CO2 won’t win you a place on the Greenpeace board, but it’s a huge step in the right direction.

The new engine does its bit off road, too.

A lower engine idling speed means that it is even more manoeuvrable off the beaten track where the ability to crawl without stalling is a must.

Matching the extra performance is a gently revised chassis designed to cut body roll and generally make the Disco feel more car-like on road. It’s still no sports car but it does corner more flatly, while steering improvements make it less nervous at higher speeds. Bigger brakes do their bit, too.

There have been plenty of visual changes as well. Disco 3 was one of those objects loved by designers who appreciated its almost industrial looks. Car buyers, especially those in the States, weren’t quite so convinced so for the Disco 4 there’s a fair amount of added bling.

Out go the black plastic wheel arches to be replaced by body colour ones. The simple grille has been replaced by a chromed affair similar in style to those on Range Rover and Freelander and there are new headlamps

motoring

with Audi-style LED running lights. New rear lights, revised alloy wheels and new air intakes behind both front wheels complete the external story.

Inside the changes are even more dramatic. Far less severe cabin architecture with simpler controls, fewer switches, better seats and greater use of wood ‘n’ leather makes the seven-seat Disco 4 a more

pleasant place to spend a few hours.

There are new toys, too. As has become the mode, the sat nav display (the system is still a little clunky in operation) doubles as a screen for external cameras.

But while most other cars have a simple rear facing camera for parking, the Discovery has no fewer than five: as well as the rearward one, there are two forward facing ones on the front bumper and one each, pointing downwards, on either door mirror. It’s an off-road thing: those at the front can reveal obstacles ahead while the side cameras – they can be displayed split screen-style – show the edge of the track, as you inch along a narrow gorge. More prosaically, they mean perfect parking every time.

Downsides? Well it is more expensive: the top of the range 3.0 TDV6 HSE costs £47,695 and that includes the Harman/ Kardon premium sound system with 14 speakers and iPod connectivity, sat nav, electric front sun roof and two fixed glass roof panels. If you want that full five camera experience however, you have to pay more still.

You could save a cool £15K+ by opting for a version powered by the old 2.7-litre engine. But why would you? Best to look at the new Discovery 4 as a cheaper alternative to the Range Rover… it’s that good. n

67

JAKE ATTREE Carol Cordey looks at paintings that strike a delicate balance between realism and abstraction

A

Weepin Woman in Red

The Women Weep

t first sight, Jake Attree’s compositions may seem simple but do not be deceived for this is work of the highest quality and subtlety that can only be achieved by a very talented artist.

I am by no means the first person to recognize his abilities. After training at art schools in York and Liverpool, Jake went on to the Royal Academy Schools where both his landscape and figurative work attracted prizes, including the Turner Bronze Medal. Subsequently, his paintings have been snapped up for private and corporate collections around the globe.

Back in his native Yorkshire, Jake’s latest body of work has been inspired by his local St. Nicholas Fields which has been a site of great importance to the community for centuries: It functioned as home to a leper hospital and church in the Middle Ages; a source of clay for making local housing bricks in the 19th century; a landfill site in the 20th century; and now, a designated 24 acre nature reserve bursting with wildlife..

Currently, hordes of people enjoy meeting, strolling, studying nature, eating picnics or enjoying games in St. Nicholas Fields and it is this present-day usage that is captured in Extensive Landscape with Distant Crowds. As with most of his work, there is no clear narrative. We are looking at a picture of “everyman” at play, so numerous human figures in varied, natural poses are positioned against a light background which throws them all into silhouette. In the distance is a horizontal band of York’s familiar building shapes but, like the people and the woodland, they are vaguely defined. This is no accident or easy option on the part of the artist. By reducing the subject matter to simple, small shapes, Jake conveys the scale of the scene and makes the atmosphere more pronounced. The restrained palette is clever too because he wants us to not just

artscene observe but absorb the view and so the artist uses muted tones to put us in contemplative mood; vibrant colours would have had the opposite effect.

By way of contrast, dramatic lighting is employed in Hilly Landscape with Figures where people seem to be emerging from the folds of the landscape. The lighting grows ever brighter towards the distance but our eyes and minds are gripped by the dimly lit, foreground human figures who seem to be an unstoppable force about to step out of the picture plane! The surface texture of this picture is as thought-provoking as the composition itself for close inspection reveals how, with the utmost sensitivity, Jake Attree simultaneously constructs and deconstructs his work.

His compositions begin as very detailed drawings but as he paints, he edits out the detail until the atmosphere or emotion of each picture becomes more dominant. The painting process involves techniques that demand months or even years to complete a picture; layer upon layer of oil or oil pastel paint is applied until the surface is deeply textured. In the case of Landscape with a Headland, the technique of pointillism has been employed to repeatedly pare down the features of the landscape until this tranquil, autumnal scene takes on the appearance of a thick, warm Deirdre Dyson rug. Sometimes a block painting technique is preferred, resulting in a picture constructed of geometric, interlocking rectangles of paint similar to tesserae (cube-shaped tiles) used by mosaic artists. This method produces the most subtle variations of tonality which we can see in The Tree in Sunlight where the glowing, majestic tree is set against an abstracted background.

Jake is a great explorer and interpreter of sentiments as well as sights and in TheWomen Weep the figures are subtly portrayed but the emotional element is crystal clear. A tragedy near his home inspired him to paint this scene but there is no obvious narrative so the artist invites us to use our own feelings or “beholder’s share” to interpret it.

It is another example of Jake Attree’s great talent at combining realism with abstraction, simplicity with complexity and subtlety with strength. n

Landscape with a Headland

Hilly Landscape with Figures

Jake Attree St. Nicholas Fields 17 September - 7 October Hart Gallery 113 Upper Street Islington N1 1QN Tel: 020 7704 1131 www.hartgallery.co.uk

Extensive Landscape with Distant Crowds

69

WHAT'SON

Our guide to this month’s top events

3 September - 17 October

15 September - 3 October

THEATRE

THEATRE

JUDGMENT DAY

SADLER’S WELLS THEATRE

Ödön von Horváth’s play, Judgment Day, uses a train accident and the ensuing fatalities to discuss a society which fails to recognise responsibility for its actions. Director James Macdonald has been instrumental in bringing the controversial work of new playwrights, such as Sarah Kane, to the fore.

Bounce’s explosive hip hop version of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, returns to the Peacock Theatre by popular demand for a second year!

Almeida Theatre Almeida Street, London N1 1TA 020 7359 4404 www.almeida.co.uk

Insane in the Brain features hip hop hits including, of course, Cypress Hill.

Inventive set design and choreography are mixed with film and multimedia sequences to produce a fast-paced show that is both funny and moving, and full of high-octane dance moves.

Rosebery Avenue, London, EC 1R

13 September - 7.30pm

16 September - 11 November

COMEDY

ART & EXHIBITIONS

HAUNTED MOUSTACHE

CLOUD CHOREOGRAPHY AND OTHER EMERGENT SYSTEMS

An award-winning piece from the 2009 Brighton Festival, this comic story-telling piece by David Bramwell takes in occultists, freakshows and psychic exploration, all part of a quest to solve the mystery of a rather peculiar inheritance. Tickets £8-10.

Hen and Chickens Theatre 109 St Pauls Road London N1 020 7704 2001 www.unrestrictedview.co.uk

This exhibition by 2002 Turner Prize Winner, Keith Tyson, will showcase works on natural, as well as man-made themes, using sculpture and paintings.

Parasol Unit Foundation for Contemporary Art 14 Wharf Road London N1 www.parasol-unit.org

14 September

17 September - 5.30pm

CLUB

BOOKS

SALSA CARIBE NIGHT

BOOK SIGNING

Start the night with a dance lesson then flaunt your newly learned skills at the Buffalo Bar’s Salsa Caribe night.

The dance class starts at 7.30pm and costs £7 including entry to the club night. If you already know the moves, it’s a mere £4 in from 9pm.

Here’s a book signing with a decidedly local focus, with former Arsenal player, Alan Smith, joining author Alex Fynn for a signing of ‘Arsenal: The Making of a Modern Superclub’. Co-authored

by Kevin Whitcher, the book includes interviews with Arsene Wenger.

Buffalo Bar 259 Upper Street London N1 www.buffalobar.co.uk

Borders The N1 Shopping Centre Parkfield Street, London N1 0PS 020 7226 3602 http://islington.borders.co.uk/store/ islington/70

15 September from 7.00pm

17 September - Doors 7.30pm

COMEDY

MUSIC

COMEDY GOLD

PALOMA FAITH

Comedy Gold brings the ‘cream of comedy’ with the finest comedians from TV such as Richard Herring, Pete Firman, Patrick Monohan, Benny Boot, a dual act from Tim Key and Tom Basden and many many more. Find out who there secret celebrity act will be... So Lay back on comforty leather sofas and laugh your socks off!

Half-Spanish half-British singer, actress and former magician’s assistant, Paloma Faith is the new pop darling of the charts. Her style, however, is anything but pop-based, inspired by silver screen glamour, cabaret and burlesque, making this one show music and fashion fans won’t want to miss.

The Old Queens Head, 44 Essex Rd, Islington, N1 8LN

Scala 275 Pentonville Road London N1 9NL www.scala-london.co.uk/scala

events

17 - 18 September

22 September

DANCE

EVENT

CRYSTAL PITE’S KIDD PIVOT: LOST ACTION

PUB QUIZ

Canadian choreographer, Crystal Pite, performs with seven others as part of dance outfit Kidd Pivot. Lost Action is a collection of solos, duets and ensembles, exploring conflict and loss through several scenarios, to a soundtrack by Owen Belton.

The Old Queen’s Head 44 Essex Road London N1 8LN 020 7354 9993 www.theoldqueenshead.com

19 September - 30 October

22 September 09 - 10 October

THEATRE

THEATRE

CINDERMOUSE

THE WAY THROUGH THE WOODS

Little Angel Theatre 14 Dagmar Passage, off Cross Street London N1 020 7226 1787 www.littleangeltheatre.com/lat/

The Little Angel Theatre

Join the local trendies at Essex Road’s Old Queen’s Head for a fun pub quiz, where you can win free shots, T-shirts and cash prizes. And if that’s not enough of a draw, the whole thing’s being hosted by Spider from Coronation Street. Registration is at 7pm, and it’s £2 to play.

Sadler’s Wells Rosebery Avenue EC1R 4TN www.sadlerswells.com

Cindermouse is a magical show for all the family, with enchanting glove and rod puppets designed by Lyndie Wright. Children of three and over will enjoy this rather familiar tale, in which Cindermouse falls in love with a prince.

Based on the short stories of Rudyard Kipling, Cilgwyn Theatre Company invites you to explore the dark between the trees. The Way Through the Woods will treat the audience to a midnight sprint through a decaying and desperate world where a brother and sister try to mend their fractured relationship amongst all the creatures of the woods.

41a Evershot Road, Finsbury Park, London, N4 3DG

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71

WHAT'SON

Our guide to this month’s top events

30 September - doors 7pm

Every Tuesday and Wednesday

MUSIC

COURSES

THE HOT MELTS

THE FACTORY DANCE COURSES

Wirral-based outfit, The Hot Melts, celebrate the release of their new single ‘Red Lips’ with this gig at the Academy.

The sound is a fairly chirpy form of fastpaced retro rock, punctuated with the occasional impressive falsetto note.

O2 Academy Islington N1 Centre, 16 Parkfield Street London N1 www.o2academyislington.co.uk

With its team of experienced teachers on-hand to help with the enjoyment of dance, you can try a variety of classes varying from belly dancing to ballroom and pole dancing. The Factory is suitable for all abilities, whether your a beginner wanting to exercise, or someone looking for a new way to relax after a hectic and stressful day.

Private lessons are also available. wedding day is round the corner.

407 Hornsey Rd, London, N19 4DX

30 September - 20 December

Every Wednesday

ART & EXHIBITIONS

COURSES

TERRA INCOGNITA – ITALY’S CERAMIC REVIVAL

YOGA

This stunning exhibition from the Hockemeyer Collection of 20th century Italian ceramic art features pieces from the 1920s to the 1980s, showing the development of Italic ceramics over a sixty-year period.

Robert Wilson Skandia Team GBR

The Estorick Collection 39a Canonbury Square London N1 020 7704 9522 www.estorickcollection.com

Always wanted to give yoga a try but not yet got around to it? Hour-long beginners’ classes are available at Islington Yoga at 6.15pm and 7.30pm on Wednesdays. De-stress, tone up and improve your flexibility.

Islington Yoga 357 City Road London EC1V 1LR 020 8533 5553 www.islingtonyoga.com

30 September - 4 October

Every Saturday

ART & EXHIBITIONS

COURSES

BLOWN AWAY

SATURDAY MINIEXPLORERS

This free photo exhibition by Rob Wilson features action shots and portraits of Skandia Team GBR, the British national sailing team competing in the Olympic and Paralympic classes.

Get those kids off to an arty start at the weekend with this Saturday Miniexplorers class. The session is geared towards 7 to 9 year olds, and runs from 10am to noon. Children are encouraged to get creative using methods such as painting, drawing and modelling.

Oxo Tower Wharf Bargehouse Street London SE1 9PH www.southbanklondon.com/ attraction/oxogallery or www.skandiateamgbr.com

Painting Explorers Studio Corbyn Street London N4 020 7272 6540 www.paintingexplorers.com

Every Tuesday - 7pm to 8pm

Every Saturday

COURSES

CLUB

PILATES

ROCKABILLY REBELS

Take a Pilates class at the Newington Dance Space with trainer Chloe Paterson, who runs small friendly groups of ten and under. Pilates improves posture and the body’s movement in general, working on flexibility and strengthening muscles.

Let a night at stunning new club The Bathhouse be the high point of your weekend, with Rockabilly Rebels bringing the best in rock ‘n’ roll to the Liverpool Street area every Saturday night. The venue is an old Victorian bathhouse, in all its tiled glory, and the DJ spins the tunes from inside a giant birdcage.

Newington Dance Space 231 Church Street Unit 4 London N16 9HP www.newingtondancespace.com

The Bathhouse 7-8 Bishopsgate Churchyard London EC2M 3TJ 020 7920 9207 www.thebathhousevenue.com

film

WE TAKE A LOOK AT THE LATEST FILM RELEASES

Saw VI For a Hallowe'en fright night, Liongate Films brings us the sixth movie of the popular horror franchise, Saw VI. In this latest installment, Special Agent Strahm is dead, and Detective Hoffman has emerged as the unchallenged successor to Jigsaw's legacy. However, when the FBI draws closer to Hoffman, he is forced to set a game into motion, and Jigsaw's grand scheme is finally understood.

Released 23 October

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (3D) Inspired by the beloved children's book, Columbia Pictures’ and Sony Pictures Animation’s Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs is the story of a town where food falls from the sky like rain. In the film, ceaseless optimist Flint Lockwood dreams of inventing something that will make a difference in people's lives. Unfortunately, all of his absurd inventions have ended in trouble for him, his parents and his hometown of Swallow Falls. But, never giving up on his lifelong goal, Flint finally invents something that actually works, and creates a machine that makes food fall from the sky. Flint is ecstatic, and it changes the lives of everyone in Swallow Falls, but there’s always the nagging suspicion that something, as always, will go wrong...

Released 18 September Copyrightt: © 2009 Sony Pictures Animation Inc

District 9 In District 9, South Africa has become a haven for refugees – from outer space. Thirty years ago, aliens first made contact with the Earth. Humans anticipated a hostile attack, or giant advances in technology, but though they waited, neither came. Instead, the aliens

were refugees, the last survivors of their home world. As the Earth's nation argued over what to do with them, the creatures were homed in District 9, and have remained there ever since. But now patience over the alien situation has run out. A private company, Multi-National United (MNU), have been given control over the aliens, and, uninterested in the aliens' welfare, they will receive tremendous profits if they can make the aliens' awesome weaponry work. So far, however, they have failed, as activation of the weaponry requires alien DNA. But when MNU field operative, Wikus van der Merwe (Sharlto Copley), contracts a mysterious virus that begins changing his DNA, the tension between the aliens and the humans comes to a head, and Wikus quickly becomes the most hunted man in the world. As the key to unlocking the secrets of alien technology, he is also the most valuable. Ostracised and friendless, there is only one place left for him to hide: District 9.

Out Now

74

localfocus

COUNCIL MINUTES A ROUND UP OF WHAT ISLINGTON COUNCIL IS DOING FOR THE BOROUGH… A SIGHT TO BEHOLD A new, eye-catching canopy made from sustainable materials has been unveiled at Gillespie Park in time for the 23rd Gillespie Park Festival this month.

The festival aims to bring together the local community to enjoy a whole range of activities and entertainment. Live music, a variety of workshops for all ages, storytelling and drumming are just a few of the activities on offer throughout the afternoon.

The timber lattice canopy is the cherry atop Islington Council’s Ecology Centre and the structure appears to float in the treetops. It will gradually be colonised by climbing plants and merge with the vegetation of the nature reserve. The centre is a Green Flag site which is home to a wealth of wildlife, including 244 species of plants, 94 species of birds and 24 species of butterfly.

Combined with the recent unveiling of the Gillespie Park extension, the revamped entrance is part of the Islington Connect2 Route – an initiative aimed at linking the borough’s green spaces.

GREEN FINGERS Almost 50 new community plots have been made available to local residents at the St Luke’s Centre as part of the council’s Edible Islington programme.

The Edible Islington programme aims to help residents adopt a greener lifestyle while also creating a sense of community. The £1 million scheme will support community food-growing projects on estates, in schools, on adventure playgrounds, in community gardens and anywhere food can be grown.

“Growing your own food is a great chance to get active,” says Councilor Ruth Polling, Islington Council’s Executive Member for Leisure and Equalities. “It is a wonderful way of bringing the community together to work on something from which everyone can benefit.”

For more information about the foodgrowing grants, visit www.islington.gov.uk/edibleislington

TALK OF THE TOWN Innovative ‘talking’ devices have been installed at a number of Islington parks and aim to offer a friendly and informative welcome to visitors. Fitted as part of the New Park’s Signature Scheme, over 300 new signs will be installed in 115 Islington open spaces by the end of this month, with six parks to boast the audio device.

The new signs, located at entrances and other key locations, provide interesting information, directions and details of environmental features. The audio device, which is in its pilot stage, is durable, cost effective and environmentally friendly thanks to the sound being generated by winding a handle. The audio signs are voiced by Taggart actor John Michie and students from Highbury Fields Girl’s School.

www.islington.gov.uk

STAYING SAFE Islington’s young people are being helped by Operation Staysafe, a scheme where teams of Islington Council youth workers, social workers and Islington Police officers are taking to the streets to talk to young people who are out at night and may be at risk. The exercise first took place in March this year and the response has been very positive.

“We want to reach young people, make sure they’re okay, let them know what youth activities are available locally, and if necessary make sure vulnerable young people are not out late or at risk,” explains Councilor Barbara Smith, Islington Council’s Executive Member for Community Safety. “When we have taken young people home we have been thanked by their parents and careers for bringing them back.” The Operation Staysafe operations will run between 9pm-2am and will cover the whole of Islington.

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WARD BROTHERS

Tel: 0845 257 5498 • email:info@helping-handz.com • web: www.helping-handz.com Helping Handz Services Ltd. Po Box 993, Harrow, Middlesex HA3 6WJ

B AT H R O O M & W E T R O O M S P E C I A L I S T S Est. 1979

Computers 2 Repair

Free expert advice Home & Office 9851 Mobile: 07973to662 475 needs 24/7 Flexible approach customer

Tel: 020 8656 EMail: terry.ward@virgin.net NO FIX • NO FEE • NO OBLIGATION Repairs, upgrades, network installation, wireless & broadband Refurbishments undertaken bath & shower rooms.

Virus to removal, data recovery, hardware/software En- suite bathrooms and walk in showers constructed, TEL: 0800 011 2828 we specialise in wet room No installations, hidden call out charge. That’s FREE even on timber floors. info@computers2repair.co.uk Leaking showers reconstructed.

We offer an installation service for your equipment.

Registered I.O.P. plumbers and CORGI engineers.

Tony Pooley

please visit our web site & see our work

w w w. w a r d UbRBAN r o t hGeARDEN r s . bCiONSTRUCTION z Decking Specialists

• Paving • Fencing • Portfolio &SERVICES References • Free quotations PROFESSIONAL Tel: 020

8402 8327

Mob:

07931 549 144

PA CONFIDENTIAL LTD Even if you’re not a spy we can still do your Secretarial Services and Book Keeping confidentially.

020 8980 9091 – 07980 334038 info@paconfidential.org.uk www.PAConfidential.org.uk

UP TOP Specialist plumbing and heating company offering design and installation of bespoke bathrooms and DOWN BELOW heating systems.

General building contractors/ decorators specialising in all and forms of • Boiler installation replacement damp/waterproofing including basements and • Heating system installation, cellars. Insurance works welcome. upgrades and repairs Free estimates. All work guaranteed.

• General plumbing and bathroom References available installation 07771 532 303 or 020 8319 8539 • All gas appliances, installation, www.uptopdownbelow.com

•

service and repairs Landlords Certificates

TO ADVERTISE CALL FAITH We aim to beat any written quote ON 020 7978 3489

Top class all-round workmanship – no job too small Free estimates • References available

Extensions & New Build Loft Conversions & Basements

07956 230760 020 8393 6346

TO ADVERTISE IN THIS SECTION PLEASE CONTACT THE CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT ON 020 7537 6560 www.jkarchitects.co.uk

CARBERRY RESEARCH Family History Researcher & Family Finder Service

Residential extensions to create more light and space.

Glass walls, rooflights and balustrades. Plans for building construction, planning approval & building control.

The handyman service for every occasion

• Georgian/Victorian cornice mouldings

Carpentry, Flat-pack assembly, Taps & Washers, cleaned restored Curtains,and Picture, Blind to andtheir Shelforiginal Hanging, Decoration, Lighting, Household plasterwork patternsplus byother removing and Office tasks.

paints and distempers.

Tel: 0845 838 2928 Mob: 07971 512 557

• Cornices repaired LIGHTSCAPE DESIGN UK LTD. Tel: 020 8974 8694

www.k-m-c.co.uk info@k-m-c.co.uk

• Marble surrounds repaired, cleaned, sealed and polished in situ

07859 836 891 / 07988 043 824 References available / Over 20 years experience

comfortable barn conversions, with

views, sleeping 6 – 8 people, on a Bespoke fantastic fitted furniture working farm.

Contact (01404) 871341 for details. www.farwoodbarton-holidaycottages.co.uk

THE OD D JOB Co. DOMESTIC REPAIRS AND DIY SERVICES

A Handyman to take care of all those outstanding jobs around the home.

Curtains • Lights • Taps • Tiles • Paint • Shelves • Sashes • You Name It Small Jobs our Speciality

www.woodgatedesign.net 0800 0778 814 info@woodgatedesign.net www.oddjobco.com

07931 786381

PR1 BUILDERS She-mulsion & DECORATORS Extensions

Loft Conversions Decorating & interiors Plastering

Painting & decorating •Decorating •Wallpaper hanging Plastering •Tiling •Carpentry •Bathroom & kitchen installations Full refurbishments •07956 536 172 or

020 8240 Call Jo on: T 0206506 8525 4759 M 07740 70 59 70 Epr1builders@yahoo.co.uk jo@she-mulsion.co.uk www.she-mulsion.co.uk

RICHARD TAGGART

G

reat No Frills, GENERAL BUILDER No Glamour, Just... 1979ardens ESTABLISHED

Jill’s Design & Maintenance

020 8876 0206

GLASS ARCHITECTURE

East Devon, close to the Jurassic Coast, in

• CARPENTRY & JOINERY • GENERAL BUILDERS • KITCHEN & BATHROOM SPECIALISTS • PLUMBING & HEATING • • PAINTING & DECORATING • Clearance Pruning • PROPERTY MAINTENANCE • Planting Turfi326371 ng Free Estimate Tel: 01474 Friendly Original Ideas Fully Insured Mob: 07525 822410 targgart509@btinternet.com Advice

All Jobs Considered

CORNICE RESTORATION & MARBLE FIRE SURROUND The Kensington Maintenance Co.

HOLIDAY HOME

forgotten EastDesign Devon countryside.

Woodgate Opening early June 09, two new spacious,

BUILDING & REFURBISHMENT

• Building • Decorating • Electrical • Plastering • Gardening

●

www.albanytrust.org.uk

www.aquasanlimited.co.uk

FIRST CLASS SMALL BUILDING CONTRACTORS

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Registered Charity 233564

020 8767 1827

PROPERTY SERVICES Woodgate Design is different

ACE Local RIBA Chartered Practice provides full range of services:

For individuals and couples concerned with stress, low self-esteem, or anxieties around emotional and sexual issues. Fully qualified therapists: talk to us in confidence.

Mobile :- 07956119214 www.carberryresearch.co.uk Call or contact us via our website

TRADITIONAL TILING Ceramic • Porcelain • Mosaic John Watson

T: 020 8768 2786 M: 07974 763 875 E: j.f.watson@talk21.com

Would you like to increase Tel: 020 8450 4776 the value of your property for Mobile: 07754 062 763 sale by as much as 10%?

If so then speak to Alana Elle Home Staging.

we will FITTED FURNITURE · Clean · declutter · paint · repair and restyle quickly and inexpensively so that you can move on.

PETER WALL

specialist in FREEPHONE 05601579693

MOBILE 07824 317970 Wardrobes, Alcove units, EMAIL alanaelle@hotmail.co.uk shelving, and cupboards

Free Estimates

07984 282 566 0208 961 1097 www.fittedfurnitureuk.com

Catering • Flooring Services • Furniture & Joinery • Gardening • Health & Beauty • Home Services • Interiors • Professional Services • Property Services • Painting & Decorating • Plumbing & Heating • Soft Furnishing

u.otokiti@runwildgroup.co.uk PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

usefulnumbers

USEFULNUMBERS

76

BOROUGH COUNCILS

HANDYMAN Silver Saints - 91A Ramsden Road SW12 8RD - 020 7099 9199 Fix-it Man - 145 F, Crouch Hill N8 8TN - 020 83745682 Aspect Maintenance - 0800 082 8200

Islington Council 020 7527 2000 (to find out more about any Council services)

PLUMBERS & HEATING Fox & Co - Woodland Rise, N10 3UG - 020 8883 2223 / 07958 500 900 Fitzrovia Plumbing Ltd - 8 Scawfell St E2 8NG - 07940 920 396 AAF Maintenance - 11 Ida Road N15 5JE - 07528 337829 / 0208 1444952

Pest control 020 7527 3190 020 7527 2000

ELECTRICIANS (EMERGENCY) Lewis Electrical - W1K 2AU - 01737 243 184 / 07768 267 240 London Electrical & Design - NW5 2UE - 020 7267 1369 Canonbury Electrical - N5 2HR - 07946 345 883

Building Control 020 7517 2000

DECORATING Londondecorator.net - W11 4JU - 020 7229 4881 / 07775 991 275 Home concepts - 67 Goldney Road, Maida Vale W9 2AR - 020 7096 1084 Girl About The House - 123 Grafton House, Bow E3 4UF - 07968 238 926

Bulk rubbish/ Fly tipping 020 7527 2000 (to arrange removal of bulk rubbish) Noise Pollution 020 7527 3229 (8pm – 2am on Sunday to Thursday; 10pm – 4am on Friday and Saturday)

Hackney Council 020 8356 3000 Pest Control 020 8356 6688 Building control 020 8356 8124 Refuse Large items 020 8356 6688 Large quantities Hackney Commercial Waste Service 020 8533 7583 Flytipping 020 8356 4810 Noise Pollution Team ( Via Hackney Service Centre) 020 8356 4455

Camden Council 020-7278 4444 Pest control 020 7974 5976 Building control 020-7974 6941 Fly tipping/bulk collection/large items 020-7974 6914/5 Noise Pollution 020-7974 5613/5623

GARDEN LANDSCAPING Belsize Landscapes - 6 Vicars Road, NW5 4NL - 020 7424 9577 Green City Landscapes - N17 7PE - 0208 2459183 / 07813 961 887 Andrew Dumbleton - N16 9AP - 0207502 1641 / 07957310113 GARDEN MAINTENANCE Diversity Gardens - 020 7377 5261 / 07968 564 967 Beanie’s Gardens Garden Services - 07903 743246 Garden 4U - 0800 4681 007 CARPENTRY AND JOINERY Ivan Woodwork & carpentry - E1 4DR - 07967 478712 / 020 7272 6079 Rae Carpentry Services - N4 2JN - 020 7359 6484 Patrick O’Dowd Carpentry - NW5 2TG - 07903 623 705 DOMESTIC CLEANING SERVICES (HOUSE, CARPET ETC.) Top Cleaners - 0800 051 7626 / 020 7345 5017 A Maid in Heaven - 0500 497743 E & D Cleaning Services - 0207 328 2080 / 07506 074356 (24 hour hotline) DRY CLEANING SERVICES Spots Dry Cleaners - 020 7359 2984 Canonbury Dry Cleaners - N1 2NQ - 020 72262358 The Laundry Box - 020 7403 0808 CAR MECHANIC Road Runner Service Centre - 11 Gruneisen Road N3 1LS - 020 8346 9777 Balls Pond Garage - 85a, Balls Pond Rd N1 4BL - 020 7241 6782 AGM Car Repairs Garage - 37A, Cobble Lane N1 1SF - 020 7359 2502 BABY SITTERS Baby sitters - 0800 38 900 38 Nanny Agency London -020 8748 7976 Hopes and Dreams - 020 7833 9388 - babysitters@hopesanddreams.co.uk LONDON FIRE BRIGADE General enquiries and non-emergency assistance 020 8555 1200 www.london-fire.gov.uk THAMES WATER to report a water leak or shortage 0845 920 0800 or 01793 431 993 www.thames-water.com GAS National Grid – to report a gas leak) 0800 111 999 www.nationalgrid.com/uk/Gas NHS DIRECT For health advice and information 0845 4647 www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk METROPOLITAN POLICE Switchboard for all local stations 0300 123 1212 www.met.police.uk

LONDON HOMES&

PROPERTY THE CITY, ANGEL & ISLINGTON

Hamptons International www.hamptons.co.uk 020 7226 4688

SEPTEMBER 2009

Highbury Grange, N5

£239,950 Leasehold

A well maintained one double bedroom flat set within this recently refurbished mansion block

Petherton Road, N5

£249,950 Share of Freehold

A one double bedroom flat on the top floor of this period building

313 Upper Street Islington N1 2XQ

0 2 0 7 3 54 5224

Wenlock Road, N1

£299,950 Leasehold

Essex Road, N1

£370,000 Leasehold

Stunning one bedroom flat within this converted print works close to the Regents Canal

A 926 sq. Ft. two double bedroom flat in this most central Islington Location

Cromwell Place, EC1

Thornhill Square, N1

From £599,950 Freehold

Four stunning town houses remaining in this high spec new development

£1,395,000 Freehold

A five bedroom family home set on this picturesque garden square

Little Britain, EC1

£350 per week

A generously proportioned one double bedroom apartment excellently located close to West Smithfield

Green Lanes, N16

£375 per week

A bright first floor flat offering two good sized double bedrooms, two bathrooms and a balcony

thomsoncurrie.co.uk

Morton Road, N1

£325 per week

Bartholomew Square, EC1

£450 per week

A stunning one bedroom apartment with a balcony in a brand new development close to Angel

A contemporary two double bedroom apartment with a large balcony in this part warehouse conversion

Quaker Street, E1

Almeida Street, N1

£475 per week

A stunning luxury penthouse apartment, with large roof terrace, located in the heart of London's Brick Lane

£825 per week

A substantial and elegant end of terrace early Victorian house in a prime, central Islington location

Hot ProPerties: rentals of tHe montH £500 P/W

Bairstow Eves

Hemingford Road N1 - £260 per week

Under

Under

£300 P/W

My Space

Agar Grove NW1 - £360 per week

A charming, one bedroom apartment located on the first floor of this Georgian conversion benefiting from a balcony overlooking Barnsbury Woods.

A stunning two bedroom, two bathroom converted first floor flat, forming part of a detached Victorian villa. Open plan reception/modern kitchen, two bedrooms, and two modern bathrooms. Available Now – Furnishing Optional.

Tel: 020 7609 3598 www.myspaceuk.com

Tel: 020 7704 0154 www.bairstoweves.co.uk

Currell Residential

Fyfe McDade

Henshall Street N1 - £280 per week

Benyon Wharf E8 - £420 per week

A split-level apartment in an imposing warehouse conversion, comprising an open-plan kitchen/reception, one double bedroom and a bathroom.

Ideally located for transport links on Essex Road and central Islington.

Waterside warehouse style apartment in Benyon Wharf comprising one double bedroom, a large kitchen reception room with double height ceilings and access onto the waterside terrace and a large open plan mezzanine.

Tel: 020 7354 6328 www.currell.co.uk

Tel: 020 7613 4044 www.fyfemcdade.com

Carlton

Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward

Offord Road N1 - £300 per week

Milner Square N1 - £450 per week

Charming one bedroom raised ground floor flat with a pretty reception space.

A two bedroom flat to rent arranged over two levels of this impressive period house which is located on highly sought after square in central Islington, just moments from Upper Street.

Tel: 020 7359 0000 www.carltonestateagents.co.uk

Tel: 020 7359 3636 www.kfh.co.uk

Provost Street N1 - £600 per week

Under

£750 P/W Under

Bairstow Eves

£1000 P/W

Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward

Prince of Wales Road NW5 - £850 per week

A two bedroom ‘loft style’ flat to rent between Islington and Shoreditch and only moments from Old Street station.

A superb five double bedroom period house, set over four floors and recently refurbished to a high standard. Spacious double reception, large eat-in kitchen, two bathrooms, patio garden and balconies.

Tel: 020 7359 3636 www.kfh.co.uk

Tel: 020 7704 0154 www.bairstoweves.co.uk

Hotblack Desiato

Thomson Currie

Lucerne Road N5 - £750 per week

Almeida Street N1 - £825 per week

A beautifully presented four bedroom house located on this quiet residential street close to Highbury Barn, offering a spacious through reception, modern kitchen diner and family bathroom.

A substantial end of terrace early Victorian house arranged over five floors and comprising three double bedrooms, two single bedrooms, three bathrooms, an L shaped living room and large open-plan kitchen/ dining room.

Tel: 020 7226 0160 www.hotblackdesiato.co.uk

Tel: 020 7288 8161 www.thomsoncurrie.co.uk

Ellis & Co

Hamptons

Canonbury - £695 per week

Hoxton Street N1 - £995 per week

Offering a sought after location on a garden square in the heart of Canonbury, this newly refurbished three bedroomed two bathroom garden flat benefits from neutral décor, solid wood floors and well proportioned living and entertaining space.

A superb duplex apartment over the second and third floor of this former school house in the heart of Hoxton with wonderful internal space.

Tel: 020 7228 9870 www.ellisandco.co.uk

Tel: 020 7359 5675 www.hamptons.co.uk

020 7226 1010 sales

325 Upper Street, London N1 2XQ www.hughgrover.co.uk

Monsell Road, N4 3 Bedrooms

Gillespie Road, N5 4 Bedrooms

Southgate Road, N1 1 Bedroom

Freehold £525,000

Freehold £600,000

Englefield Road, N1 2 Bedrooms

Leasehold £395,000

Share of Freehold £265,000

Arundel Square, N7 1 Bedroom

Leasehold £315,000

Wallace Road, N1 2 Bedrooms

Share of Freehold £550,000

Balmes Road, N1 2 Bedrooms

Leasehold £375,000

Liverpool Road, N1 1 Bedroom

Share of Freehold £319,950

Offord Road, N1 2 Bedrooms

Share of Freehold £479,950

Charlton Place, N1 Spacious Studio

Leasehold £395,000

Over ÂŁ1,000PW Wallace Road, N1

Beautiful three Bedroom, four-storey house in immaculate

ÂŁ1,050 PER WEEK

condition. the property has fantastic douBle reception space with period features, large kitchen dining space with access to lovely garden. in good location to highBury & islington tuBe.

Carlton Estate Agents www.carltonestateagents.co.uk

020 7359 0000

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Heart Of Clerkenwell

£949,995 S/O/F

Brewhouse Yard, EC1

£550,000 L/H

A rare opportunity to acquire this extremely spacious two bedroom apartment of over 2500sqft within this former pub. Benefiting from a spacious roof terrace and a prime location.

This superb two bedroom apartment has a light and spacious feel throughout, thanks to the 19’ dual aspect reception with floor to ceiling windows. Other features include two excellent size balconies.

Fantastic City Apartment

Prestigious Address

Creechurch Lane, EC3

£329,995 L/H

Gainsborough Studios, N1

£399,995 L/H

Situated in the heart of the City is this impressive 1st floor one bedroom apartment. Tastefully decorated throughout and benefiting from high ceilings, large windows and a separate kitchen.

A superb two bed two bath apartment situated on the fourth floor of this landmark development, London’s original film studios. The property benefits from a balcony and secure parking.

Ideal Pied a’ Terre

Prime Location

Hosier Lane, EC1

£310,000 L/H

In the heart of Smithfield is this well presented 1st floor studio apartment. Finished to a high standard the property includes an integrated kitchen, spacious luxury wet room and ample storage.

Britton Street, EC1

£599,995 L/H

Occupying a prime location in the heart of Clerkenwell is this beautiful 1st floor two bed two bath apartment. Accommodation includes a well proportioned reception with open plan fully integrated kitchen.

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1 Bairstow Eves 108/109 Upper Street N1 1QN Sandy Mundt Tel: 020 7704 0154 www.bairstoweves.co.uk

1 Bairstow Eves 108/109 Upper Street N1 1QN Michelle Simonson Tel: 020 7226 9531 www.bairstoweves.co.uk

2 Carlton Estate Agents 319 Upper Street N1 2XQ Tel: 020 7359 0000 www.carltonestateagents.co.uk

2 Carlton Estate Agents 319 Upper Street N1 2XQ Tel: 020 7359 0000 www.carltonestateagents.co.uk

3 Chesterton 327-329 Upper Street N1 2XQ Tel: 020 7226 4221 www.chestertonhumberts.com

3 Chesterton 327-329 Upper Street N1 2XQ Tel: 020 7359 9777 www.chestertonhumberts.com

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5 Ellis & Co 358 Essex Road N1 3PD Laurence Brown Tel: 020 7288 9870 www.ellisandco.co.uk

6 Hamptons 87 Upper Street N1 0NP Sam Jenner Tel: 020 7359 5675 www.hamptons.co.uk www.hamptons-int.com

6 Hamptons 97-99 Upper Street N1 0NP Daniel Omell Tel: 020 7226 4688 www.hamptons.co.uk www.hamptons-int.com

7 Hotblack Desiato 313 Upper Street N1 2XQ Steve Watson 020 7226 0160 www.hotblack.co.uk

7 Hotblack Desiato 313 Upper Street N1 2XQ Jake Perkins Tel: 020 7858 3312 www.hotblack.co.uk

8 Jeffrey Nicholas 293 Upper Street N1 2TU Tel: 020 7354 0707 www.jeffreynicholas.co.uk

8 Jeffrey Nicholas 293 Upper Street N1 2TU Tel: 020 7354 0707 www.jeffreynicholas.co.uk

10 KFHDespite fears of a slowing property market we are still selling lots of homes.

9 Hugh Grover Associates 325 Upper Street N1 2XQ Hugh Grover Tel: 020 7226 1010 www.hughgrover.co.uk

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7359 3636 yourself weÕ re doing things right. For you. www.kfh.co.uk Call now to find out more 020 7288 9870 11 My Pad www.ellisandco.co.uk 16 Essex Road N1 8LN islington@ellisandco.co.uk Richard Darwin Tel: 020 7226 3533 www.mylondonpad.co.uk

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Despite fears of a slowing property market we are still selling lots of homes.

Because we market your property to thousands of qualified buyers locally and around the UK, with us itÕ s more likely your home will quickly be seen by the right buyer. Even if others say theyÕ re slowing. But donÕ t take our word for it. See for yourself weÕ re doing things right. For you.

Call now to find out more 020 7288 9870 She

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www.ellisandco.co.uk islington@ellisandco.co.uk

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298 Upper Street N1 2TU Tel: 020 7226 2487 www.kfh.co.uk

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5 Ellis & Co 358 Essex Road N1 3PD Matthew Reilly Tel: 020 7288 9870 www.ellisandco.co.uk

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4 Currell 321 Upper Street N1 2XQ James Neilson Tel: 020 7226 4200 www.currell.com/sell

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4 Currell 321 Upper Street N1 2XQ Christian Thomas Tel: 020 7288 9109 www.currell.com/let

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320 Upper Street N1 2XQ Tel: 020 7226 5050 www.nextmove.co.uk/rent

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16 Essex Road, London, N1 8LN David Margo Tel: 020 7226 3533 www.mylondonpad.co.uk

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12 Next Move 320 Upper Street N1 2XQ Tel: 020 7226 5050 www.nextmove.co.uk/sell

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94-96 Upper Street N1 0NP Dan Parker Tel: 020 7354 3701 www.savills.com d

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£225,000 Leasehold

A one double-bedroom flat in this small ex-local authority block in this most central location just off Essex Road.

Leigh Road, N5

Leigh Road, N5

313 Upper Street N1 2XQ Kirsty Payne Tel: 020 7354 5224 7354 5224 www.thomsoncurrie.co.uk

£325,000 Leasehold

A well presented one double bedroom garden flat in an attractive part period/part modern building close to Highbury Fields.

15 Thomson Currie 313 Upper Street N1 2XQ Tel: 020 7354 5224 7Roz 3 5 4 Boulderstone 5224 www.thomsoncurrie.co.uk

313 Upper Street Islington N1 2XQ

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Essex Road, N1

£385,000 Leasehold

Barnsbury Park, N1

187 Kings Cross Road WC1X 9DB Alexander Constantine Kyriacou Tel: 020 7713 6054 www.relocate-me.co.uk £460,000 Leasehold

Essex Road, N1

£385,000 Leasehold

Barnsbury Park, N1

£460,000 Leasehold

A two double-bedroom lateral converstion just under 1,000 sq. ft. in this most central location close to Angel and Upper Street.

A two double bedroom flat with private garden and off street parking set within this quiet mews developement in Barnsbury.

A two double-bedroom lateral converstion just under 1,000 sq. ft. in this most central location close to Angel and Upper Street.

A two double bedroom flat with private garden and off street parking set within this quiet mews developement in Barnsbury.

Southgate Road, N1

Thornhill Square, N1

Southgate Road, N1

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£225,000 Leasehold

A one double-bedroom flat in this small ex-local authority block in this most central location just off Essex Road.

13 Savills 94-96 Upper Street N1 0NP Jo-Anne Neighbour Tel: 020 7226 1313 www.savills.com

313 Upper Street Islington N1 2XQ

Bletch y Grove

Asteys Row, N1

15 Thomson Currie

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£325,000 Leasehold

A well presented one double bedroom garden flat in an attractive part period/part modern building close to Highbury Fields.

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59 Islington Park Street N1 1QB Leslie Ado Tel: 020 73594000 www.sheratonlaw.com

£510,000 Leasehold

An immaculate two/three bedroom penthouse apartment with large roof terrace in this small, well-maintained, modern block.

£1,395,000 Freehold

An attractive four/five bedroom recently refurbished house with a wealth of period features in this sought-after garden square.

£510,000 Leasehold

An immaculate two/three bedroom penthouse apartment with large roof terrace in this small, well-maintained, modern block.

£1,395,000 Freehold

An attractive four/five bedroom recently refurbished house with a wealth of period features in this sought-after garden square.

Hot properties: sALes of tHe montH £500,000

Winkworth

Tibberton Square N1 - £299,950

Under

Under

£300,000

Chesterton

Wollaton House N1 - £459,950

A one bedroom flat on the top floor of this period property in an attractive terrace which overlooks the Greenery of Tibberton Sq. The property is situated only a short stroll from Essex Rd station with good bus links to the City.

Superb two bedroom two bathroom first floor flat within a converted Victorian school, offered in good condition and located on a quiet one way street located moments from the N1 center and the Angel Tube.

Tel: 020 7359 9777 www.chestertonhumberts.com

Tel: 020 7354 2480 www.winkworth.co.uk

Thomson Currie

Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward

The Royal Building N1 - £299,950

New North Road N1 - £379,995

A beautifully presented one bedroom loft apartment of 517 sq ft within this converted print works alongside the Wenlock Basin and the Regent’s Canal.

This is a two bedroom maisonette arranged on the top two flows of a period building close to Regent’s Canal.

Tel: 020 7354 5224 www.thomsoncurrie.co.uk

Tel: 020 7226 2487 www.kfh.co.uk

Hugh Grover

Thomson Currie

Englefield Road N1 - £269,950

Essex Road N1 - £370,000

A 1 bedroom property boasting period features and set close to transport and shops. The property comprises a bathroom, reception room, kitchen and garden.

A bright and spacious top floor two double bedroom flat set in a period building on Essex Road. The large reception has a high ceiling with skylights offering an abundance of light throughout the day.

Tel: 020 7226 1010 www.hughgrover.co.uk

Tel: 020 7354 5224 www.thomsoncurrie.co.uk

Elfort Road N5 - £735,000 A 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom house comprising 2/3 reception rooms and kitchen/dining room/conservatory. The property also offers a private rear garden, and is located close to good local schools, transport and shops.

Tel: 020 7226 1010 www.hughgrover.co.uk

Under

£750,000 Under

Carlton

£1,000,000

Hugh Grover

St Pauls Road N1 - £975,000 An elegant four floored Georgian house over four floors with lovely 75’ rear garden.

Tel: 020 7359 0000 www.carltonestateagents.co.uk

Thomson Currie

Arlington Estates

Cromwell Place EC1 - £599,950

Caledonian Road N1 - £950,000

A stunning 2 bedroom modern house with garden in a fantastic central location close to Farringdon Station.

An opportunity to acquire this fantastic period property within the heart of Kings Cross and within the Regent Quarter Development.

Tel: 020 7354 5224 www.thomsoncurrie.co.uk

Tel: 020 7704 1090 www.arlingtonestates.co.uk

Next Move

Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward

Ayrsome Road N16 - £620,000

Allingham Street N1 - £825,000

Superbly presented 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom, family residence enjoying a premier position on this pretty residential street. Ideally located moments from Stoke Newington Church Street and Clissold Park.

A stunning two bedroom house arranged over three levels, located within the St. Peter’s Conservation area.

Tel: 020 7254 9709 www.nextmove.com

Tel: 020 7226 2487 www.kfh.co.uk

Over £1M Garrett Street

An impressive duplex ApArtment spAnning 2135 sq ft. the subject of An extensive refurbishment progrAmme by its present owners with

Guide Price: £1,250,000

no expense being spAred. this superb conversion property enjoys mAny chArActeristics of the originAl wArehouse’s use whilst still offering A homely feel. feAtures include extensive exposed brick, belgiAn grey oAk floors, bespoke kitchen And the originAl steel girders. the ApArtment Also benefits from underground pArking And A communAl decked pAtio.

Stirling Ackroyd Clerkenwell Sales

020 7549 0606

LOCAL SERVICES

Theatrical demi lune console • one off limited edition pieces available in bespoke sizes Juliette’s Interiors Limited 01789 721911

sales@juliettesinteriors.co.uk

www.juliettesinteriors.co.uk

juliettes.indd 1

21/8/09 17:10:02

Ultimate features

FOR YOUR HOME The bed is arguably the most important piece of furniture in the home. And So To Bed takes bed design to the next level, providing stunning luxury versions to suit the grandest of boudoirs

A BED FROM ‘AND SO TO BED’

It was a certain civil servant’s diary, relating all the busy detail of his life in seventeenth-century London right up to the last satisfying steps of his day, that made the words ‘and so to bed’ so famous.

Keith Barnett’s bed designs, originally showcased in the first ever And So To Bed store on the King’s Road, may be worlds away from the beloved bedstead Samuel Pepys was describing, but the importance of contented rest at the end of the day is carried through into these luxury designs.

All of the beds are handmade and hand finished in high-quality woods, some overlaid with veneers. And So To Bed also make accompanying furniture in the same styles to continue the theme throughout the bedroom. What follows is a selection of designs from their collections, including statement, upholstered, lits bateaux, and cast and metal beds.

TIGER LILY This is a simple but striking design, with its four posts capped with oriental parasolshaped embellishments. Available in walnut and Zebrano veneers.

VENETIAN The Venetian follows a similar design to Tiger Lily, but to a grander effect, with

Tiger Lily

Venetian

boldly carved posts topped with an urn design, while the bed base features small arches inspired by Venice’s Rialto bridge.

GEORGIAN FOUR-POSTER Traditionalists will love the stately grandeur of this bed, with its carved feather trim and choice of aged finishes, available in a tawnygold Ambrosia and in Distressed White.

NAUTILUS Possibly the most striking bed in the whole range, the Nautilus bateau-lit screams decadence and comfort. Based on the curves and sheens of the Nautilus sea shell, this creation is decorated with sea shells, fish scales and scroll details, and comes with a polished mahogany finish, or, for a real touch of luxe, silver or gold leaf.

ART DECO This bold style features the no-nonsense, confident lines of 1930s design, and is a clean, structured departure from the more embellished styles, with simple block supports. Available in burr birch and burr walnut veneers, as well as other finishes.

JULIET UPHOLSTERED This is a romantic, feminine vision, with a classic feel.The headboard is upholstered in pastel silks and framed with a carved flower

Georgian four-poster

Nautilus

A CLIVE CHRISTIAN KITCHEN... A BED FROM ‘AND SO TO BED’...

interiors

Baroque

Gothic Four-Poster

and leaf detail frame. A less extravagant version is available with hand-carved lattice work.

CEZANNE This Louis Philippe-style bed is an indisputably masculine structure, with alternating shades of cherry wood panelling in a muted, classic design framed with solid walnut. It’s a true statement bed with a minimum of fuss.

Juliet U

CHURCHILL The Churchill is another male-centric design, with a gentlemen’s club feel. It’s clean and bold with a minimalist appeal, and the leather covering is available in a range of colours.

pholste

red

JUNIPER Fit to grace a Victorian attic, the Juniper is a high-luxury interpretation of the sort of metal-framed concoction a Dickens character might have dozed in. Fashioned in tubular steel rods, with aluminium and brass touches, the white variant is charming for a light country loft or city guest bedroom, and it also comes in black or silver.

Rodin

Art Deco

Cezanne

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RODIN The Rodin is a classic-lit bateau, its curves influenced by the Louis Philippe period.

Available with a feathered mahogany or walnut veneer finish.

Churchill

BESPOKE COLLECTION

For those interested in influencing the design of their bed, the bespoke collection (above) showcases a range of individually designed, extra-special concoctions.

The Baroque, commissioned by a Lord with off-beat tastes, is a curvy, flamboyant creation, given an antique-style finish with the help of volcanic ash and stone, which lends a regal effect.

The Gothic Four-Poster is a fantastical concept, with a birdcage-style touch in its interlacing metal canopy. The structure is both bold and magical, with a fairytale quality.

Bespoke children’s beds are also available, such as Four-Poster Singles based on the Georgian and Ribbons styles.

Not forgetting the crowning glory of the bed, there is also a vast collection of mattresses, linens and accessories to fit each bedstead. Traditional spring mattresses are available, as well as high-tech memory foam styles, plus other bedroom accoutrements, from embroidered cushions to exquisite bedspreads; everything to complete the luxury sleeping experience.  For more information and prices visit: www.andsotobed.co.uk

Juniper

The Ideal

Bedroom Brilliant tips, ideas and expert advice on how to create the perfect bedroom

W

hen it comes to decorating your bedroom it can often be the most challenging room in the home, due to the fact that you are trying to include so many different elements. On one level it needs to be a haven, a room where you can escape from all the stresses of day to day life. Therefore, careful planning has to be taken into account when trying to achieve a tranquil place to relax and somewhere that is personal to you.

Another aspect that has to be taken into consideration is the style of your home.

It is a very personal space and often has to be shared, so it is important to get the correct balance. So, not too feminine or too masculine but a good balance and mixture that reflects who lives there and the type of home. Practical needs also have to be addressed such as storage which is very important to create an uncluttered look. Remember you can never have to too much storage. So, whether your look is cool, colourful, modern or traditional we have put together ideas and tips, and talked to the experts about how to create the perfect bedroom.

bedroom. Whether it is recessed shelves in the wall or a built up bed with storage underneath, the beauty of this kind of storage is that it keeps the bedroom looking clutter free and straight away makes it feel tranquil. If you don’t have the option of hidden storage but do have open storage such as a large shelving unit then why not make a feature out it. Display your belongings in a tidy and creative way and it will add a personal touch to the room.

Go for Glamour The bedroom is the place where you should feel good about yourself and want to spend time either alone or with a partner so it is essential to make your bedroom feel sumptuous. For different people the idea of creating a sumptuous room means different things, however there are few key points that apply to most bedrooms. Never use fabric that you wouldn’t want to sit on nude. It

InspIratIon Gallery HIdden storaGe A walk-in wardrobe might be a dream for some but there are other ways of incorporating hidden storage areas into the

Use your storage space to display your belongings to add a personal touch - design by Hill House Interiors

Create a feature with a full height headboard - design by Hill House Interiors

Add a splash of colour to the bedroom - bed linen by Sainsbury’s

Make a statement with a luscious headboard - designed by Hill House Interiors

may sound obvious but to create a stunning effect, fabric is one of the simplest ways to make a difference to a room. Adding luxurious materials and touch-me surfaces to your bedroom will add glamour and take little effort. Often incorporating a dark colour scheme into the room helps to create a sensual atmosphere and with tactile fabrics will intensify the luxurious feel.

Another important aspect of a bedroom is to make sure there is something snug underfoot. So, choose either a plush, deeppile carpet or beautiful wood floorboards with a large rug - there is nothing worse then getting out of bed onto a cold or unyielding floor. let tHere be lIGHt Lighting is important for creating the right mood and this particularly applies to the bedroom. If the lights are too bright then the room will look stark and uninviting.

Similarly if the lighting is too dim the room will become dreary and will make you feel depressed. Dimmers are ideal as you can have bright light to see things

interiors simple steps to beDroom Heaven by islington interior Designer, Kia sunDa When you open your eyes the morning after a long night out you might not like to be greeted by luminous orange walls! I have re-done many bedrooms for clients who have come to realise that certain colours are not particularly harmonious or apt for early mornings - so be wary!

As opposed to colours that are too attention grabbing go for something ‘chalky’. For example, if you wish to go for orange why

not consider terracotta as opposed to luminous? There is no colour that cannot be used in the bedroom (or in any other room for that matter), it is all a case of finding the correct balance and texture.

Once you have walls that are subtle in nature it is time to have some fun and be adventurous: use colourful and patterned cushions, throws and curtains to give the room a personalised, but not overwhelming touch.

Also, if one invests in a bed throw one will find that it makes the job of keeping a bedroom pristine far easier. After all, most people (males I am looking at you!) cannot make a bed but could probably, at a push,

Jenny Weiss, Director at Hill House interiors gives Her top tHree elements to focus on WHen creating tHe perfect beDroom 1. Use star pieces

Use stunning lighting to create the perfect atmosphere - design by Hill House Interiors

in the wardrobe but have the option of creating much more relaxing lighting.

Alternatively, mix and match lights with one main light, perhaps a chandelier for pure indulgence and then a couple of bedside lamps to provide a less intrusive light. Also, the use of lighting can really set the tone and theme of your bedroom and is the perfect way to create something personal to you.

Pure Indulgence Another room within the home that should be designed for relaxation is the bathroom.

So, to create the ultimate bedroom would be to incorporate in some way the bathroom within the bedroom. If space permits, then bring your bath into the bedroom or replace a wall with a window or glass wall so that the bedroom looks into the en suite. If this is something that your room allows you to do then make sure you don’t put just any old bath in the space. Stone, brass or even wood make a real statement and will make an indulgent feature in your room, creating the ultimate serene environment. n

The careful selection of a few star pieces for your bedroom will make an ultra glamorous statement.

These can be anything from a bespoke full height headboard, upholstered in luscious velvet, to a pair of spectacular Italian chandeliers cascading down from the ceiling, framing a king sized bed. Keep the rest of the room uncluttered, to make the pieces stand out.

2. Use texture Use myriad of textures that yearn to be touched, making the space really inviting. The latest wallpapers can

A walkin wardrobe is the perfect solution to storage - design by hill house interiors

97

manage to place a beautiful bed throw atop of the creased pile of sheets that they have attempted to co-ordinate!

Finally, remember that the bedroom is a special place: if you are single remember to keep it warm, inviting and clean (adhering to the storage rue should assist you here). If you live with others, whether that be a partner or with friends, use your bedroom as a sanctuary which can be used to escape and relax whilst somebody else prepares the dinner! www.kiadesigns.co.uk 07912 138822 kia@kiadesigns.co.uk

be fabulous mood enhancers, so if you’ve got a yen for reliving that last safari, our tip is to use faux pony skin wallpaper to create a feature wall, or, for some chic shimmer, we favour wonderfully crushed crystal wallpaper, which can look doubly dramatic with intimate bedside lighting.

3. Carefully select your Storage When it comes to bedrooms, our golden rule is of course to ensure there is plenty of space to accommodate any fashionista’s wardrobe. Wherever possible, we like to dedicate a whole room to solely dressing. It might be rather decedent, but it is infinitely more preferable to seeing heaps of clothes cluttering up the main bedroom area.

Hill House Interiors 01932 858 900 www.hillhouseinteriors.com

THE CITY & ANGEL MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2009

SEPTEMBER 2009

ART • INTERIORS • FASHION • MOTORING • BEAUTY • SHOPPING • BUSINESS • GADGETS • FOOD & DRINK • PROPERTY

ALONG CAME POLLY ART IS NOT DEAD!

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