June 2012

ABSOLUTELY

JUNE 2012 ÂŁ3.95

Chelsea

here's looking at you, kidd saddling up at the polo with jodie kidd

by the book

literary festivals of the summer

food special

peggy porschen rachel khoo albert roux

rugs to riches

dream weaving with luke irwin

Girl about town sitting pretty on Chelsea green

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ABSOLUTELY JUNE 2012

CONTENTS editor’s letter

9

style 12 absolutely loves

Absolutely’s top ten this month

fairy godmother

52

Karen Pilkington Miksa talks ballet

PEOPLE

19 wedding belles

Bridal designer Caroline Castigliano’s tips for dressing for the big day

15 closet confidential 48 fairest of them all Channelling the roaring twenties

17 fashion notes

Browns comes to Sloane Street

26 beauty flash

Absolutely’s best beauty buys of the month

29 beauty confidential

Beauty news and tips

38 chelsea girl

Summer style on Chelsea Green

Arts and CULTURE 33 what’s on

Our local culture diary

37 culture flash

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This month’s highlights

73 let them eat cake

Peggy Porschen’s delightful recipes

food notes

79

Potted game and Jubilee street party fun

80 paris when it sizzles

Rachel Khoo’s Little Paris Kitchen

85 restaurant reviews

Tom Aikens and the Markham Inn

Art Antiques London founders Brian and Anna Haughton

87 escape

88 Festival fever

49 magic carpet ride Luke Irwin, bespoke rug designer on his world of interiors

interiors

63 culinary delights

91 vive la france

Katy Jarrett experiences Gallic hospitality

Gemma Billington’s picks of the month

110 IN THEIR OWN WORDS

A brief encounter with Kit Kemp

117 FABULOUS FULHAM

FOOD & travel

69 The Master chef

The best summer literary festival

PROPERTY

66 diary of a designer

We check in to Chewton Glen, Hampshire

Eight of the best kitchen accessories

65 interior inspiration

Albert Roux under the grill

Alix McAlinden, Engel & Völkers

119 charming chelsea

122 luxury lettings 132 prime purchase

30/05/2012 16:18

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Exclusive appliance partners

redefining kitchens since 1908

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ABSOLUTELY JUNE 2012

TWEED JACKET, £399, BY DKNY AT FENWICK; EMBELLISHED SILK TOP, FROM A SELECTION, BY DVF; CHAMBRAY SHORTS, £190, BY CURRENT/ELLIOT

‘I

EDITOR’S LETTER

f you are ever at a loss to support a flagging conversation, introduce the subject of eating,’ said the English 18thcentury poet, essayist and critic Leigh Hunt.

Had this man of letters travelled in time to 2012, he would have found, though in all likelihood a bafflingly changed culinary landscape, the inclination to gas about gastronomy thriving unabated.

As such, at Absolutely, we decided to indulge our collective hunger for cookery talk by bringing you a foodie issue. If you’re anything like us, spare moments may well be spent poring over the recipe books that our kitchen shelves groan under the weight of, while MasterChef, Come Dine With Me et al blare in the background. A new one to add to the pile is Peggy Porschen’s latest tome Boutique Baking, which is jam-packed with appealingly pastel-coloured recipes that make us want to reach immediately for our aprons and whisks. We are massive fans – along with Kate Moss – of the Elizabeth Street-based baker, so we picked a few of our favourites. Get marshmallowmaking on p.73.

Meanwhile, our other foodie crush of the moment is Rachel Khoo – she of the Little Paris Kitchen series. The be-frocked, red lipstick-sporting cook last month popped over from her bohemian idyll in Paris to make an appearance at Harrods for a quick demonstration. She found the time to share her story – and some recipes – with Gemma Billington on p.80.

And what, after all, would a food issue be without some words of wisdom from the culinary veteran Albert Roux, he of Le Gavroche fame? He instructs how to make the ultimate Swiss cheese soufflé on p.69.

Elsewhere, don’t miss our chat with the eternally lovely Jodie Kidd (p.54) who is campaigning for her beloved polo to be reinstated as an Olympic sport; we also take wedding tips from bridal designer Caroline Castigliano (p.19) and on p.38 we decamp to Chelsea Green for a day’s very fashionable grocery shopping.

I do hope you enjoy this issue – and the Jubilee celebrations.

Nancy Alsop Editor

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ABSOLUTELY Editor-IN-CHIEF Harriet Compston Editor nancy Alsop travel Editor Priscilla Pollara Editorial assistant Katie Randall CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Paul Costelloe, Katy Jarratt ADVERTISING directoR Charlie Tiptaft business development directoR Greg Cole GROUP PROPERTY DIRECTOR Alexandra Hunter CENTRAL PROPERTY MANAGER Anna Hutton-Potts Head of Design Ray Searle Senior DesignerS Stewart Hyde, Lisa Wade Designer Andrew Mavin Finance Director Alexandra Hvid Marketing Manager Jessica Batten managing Director Sherif Shaltout For editorial enquiries please email: editorial@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 020 7704 0588 or email: advertising@zest-media.com Subscriptions are available simply by emailing subscriptions@zest-media.com.

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BELLE OF THE BALL TEA

We love chocolate, we love ballgowns, we love William Curley… so it stands to reason that we’ve gone daft over the patissier and chocolatier’s limited-edition Belle of the Ball Afternoon Tea at Harrods, which is in celebration of the V&A’s ‘Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950’ exhibition. There’s a chocolate pyramid inspired by Giles Deacon, a Mont Blanc tart which takes Mark Fast as its muse, plus homages to Victor Edelstein and Erdem in the form of a raspberry and kirsch casket and an apricot and cassis entremet respectively. We are powerless to resist. £39 per person; until 15 June; harrods.com

10 things we

Absolutely

LOVE

ASTON MARTIN PICNIC HAMPER

JUBILEE CAKE POP TOPS

The Union Jack bunting, Buckingham Palace in the background, her Maj waving to the crowds... we are head over heels for these cake decorations from Talking Tables. Exactly the thing to decorate one’s Jubilee street party Victoria Sponge with.

We are amused. £3.50; talkingtables.co.uk

LLADRO LONDON LIGHTING

Lladro is celebrating London’s moment in the spotlight this summer with its own Big Smoke-centric lamp, which features on its engraved translucent porcelain shade the capital’s icons, from the phone box to double decker buses. We adore! £35, lladro.com

Aston Martin has long been at the vanguard of British motoring. Car enthusiasts will, then, be thrilled to learn that the manufacturer has turned its stylish attentions to the home under the direction of designer and silversmith Grant McDonald. We love this hamper, whose champagne glasses are inspired by the Martin One-77 super car. Aston Martin picnic hamper, £2,750, available from the Aston Martin W-One showroom at 113 Park Lane from 1 June, and Harrods from 1 August; grantmacdonald.com/astonmartin

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STYLE

HABITAT’S LAUNDRY BAG Ok, so we know laundry is hardly one of life’s more glamourous tasks, but if like us you have a tendency to store it up for the weekend, this Habitat handfinished leather laundry bag closes magnetically and looks super-chic. £130; Habitat, 208 Kings Road, SW3; habitat.co.uk

BABATUNDE UMBRELLAS

The deluge of unseasonable rain may have got even the most perpetually positive of us down over the past couple of months, but we have resolved to channel our inner Pollyanna and find reasons to be cheerful about it. Step forward then the Babatunde brolly, available exclusively at The Shop at Bluebird.

We feel brighter about it all already. theshopatbluebird.com

LETTS JUBILEE NOTEBOOKS

We are stationary addicts, and so it comes as little surprise that we should this month declare our love for this A5 Jubilee Bulldog notebook. Maybe it’s the iconic flag background, though we suspect it’s more likely that it’s the disgruntled looking pooch modelling on the cover... £5.99; from letts.co.uk

LUXE CITY GUIDES

How often we have cursed the tourist incarnation of ourselves as we stand, forlorn, on European street corners with a Lonely Planet in hand, as conspicuous as if we were being herded by a megaphone-wielding guide, while chic locals whizz by on Vespas and nonchalantly sip cappuccinos in street cafés. It is, then, a true delight to come across the Luxe city guides, which are stylish, discreet and compiled by people who actually live in the city in question. Individual guides, £4.99; Grand European box set, £47; luxecityguides.com

THE ORGANIC PHARMACY NU LINE

We never can resist a freestanding bath, and we’re loving Stonekast’s Quadrato Resin version which is all simplicity and elegant lines. Now just to add the beautiful courtyard and the pink blossom… Available through Nu-line, nulinebathrooms.com

The Organic Pharmacy – which now has six branches all over London and one in L.A – celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. The first shop was opened on the King’s Road, and we were instant converts; after all, what’s not to love, from the clean white space and the homeopathic remedies to the husband-andwife team behind the vision? theorganicpharmacy.com 13

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Four walls.

Our only limitation.

Coote & Bernardi creates outstanding interiors that exceed expectations, no matter what the budget.

Visit us at our showroom to discuss your interior design requirements.

INTERIOR DESIGN

BESPOKE FURNITURE

59 Pimlico Road, London SW1W 8NE T: 020 7259 0960 cooteandbernardi.com

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STYLE VALENTINO

Gold-plated Swarovski crystal bib necklace, £385 net-a-porter.com

GUCCI

Cracked leather and suede sandals, £585 gucci.com

VAN CLEEF AND ARPELS

Opera ring, POA vancleef-arpels.com

GUCCI

Chain embellished sequined silk dress, £5,220; gucci.com

Bright Young Things All hail the decadently roaring Twenties...

ETRO SPRING/ SUMMER 2012

MAUBOUSSIN

Sapphire and diamond bracelet, POA hancocks-london.com

EMMY SHOES

Elizabeth Shoe, POA emmyshoes.co.uk

DOTE LONDON Dote slip, £125 dotelondon.com

ANYA HINDMARCH Apple clutch, £895 anyahindmarch.com

SHAUN LEANE

Diamond & cultured pearl tribal deco earrings, £19,700 shaunleaneshop.com

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STYLE

Costelloe confidential

SHABBY CHIC Rolled headscarf? Check.

An eclectic array of oversized beads? Check. Big slouchy jumpers? Check. We adore Anthropologie’s unabashedly bohemian spring/summer collection. Enough to make us wish ourselves away to a country idyll and reach for the paintbrushes… anthropologie.eu

Paul Costelloe shares his local foodie secrets

W

hat a month! We won’t talk about the weather, but on a positive note, congratulations to Boris as he takes up his mayoral duties once more. We cyclists must stick together!

After my stint with Radio 4 during the week, focusing on the economy, it is clear the consumer wants good quality for the money they spend. This affects all of us; we must support our British brands. The new look Peter Jones at Sloane Square is joyful (look out for the new Paul Costelloe Collection handbag range online from August).

Since we’re focusing on food this month I will share with you some of my favourite local eateries. For a well-priced, pre-film outing, you can’t do better than the Stockpot on the King’s Road; the effervescent maître-d Angelo greets every customer like a long lost friend! Le Colombier on Dovehouse Street is a little gem; the melt-in-your-mouth sole, in a parsley butter sauce with a crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc is heaven indeed.

On the other end of the scale, the little Chinese restaurant Formosa, just opposite Fulham Broadway station, is very authentic, and for the dating set, try the ever-popular Big Easy; the frozen margaritas are a big hit.

Finally, do support our Chelsea pensioners at the Royal Hospital. The Masterpiece Antiques Fair is on from June 28 -July 4. See some great art, have a chat with the residents; they’re the best of Chelsea. paulcostelloe.com

FASHION NOTES BROWN SUGAR

Browns, the South Molten Street’s Mecca for the seriously sartorially minded is set to expand its horizons from the West End to join the slew of designer shops on Sloane Street. The new store will be designed by Browns’ creative director – and daughter of the legendary Mrs B – Caroline Burstein, whose unerring eye was also responsible for the Browns Focus store, alongside Joel Bernstein, previously a co-owner of the gorgeous tea room and chocolate shop Cocomaya. Sweet. brownsfashion.com

CHELSEA GIRL

We’re loving the tropical stylings of Ingenue’s High Summer collection. The eminently wearable shapes coupled with the arresting prints make them the perfect summer pieces to team with flipflops (for the day) or wedge espadrilles (for evening). What’s more, they’ve even named the pieces after our corner of the capital. Parot top Chelsea, £73; ingenuelondon.com

BOUTIQUE-IN-BRIEF FLEUR B 8 ELYSTAN STREET, SW3; FLEURB.CO.UK THE IDEA: London College of Fashion graduate and mother of two Fleur Bird launched her eponymous label last year armed with a mission statement to help the multi-tasking woman find practical and stylish everyday clothes.

THE USP: The timeless-with-a twist looks paired with uncompromising quality.

THE BUY: Apart from the Fleur B label itself, there is a discerning edit of other labels, including Violet Lake, Lem Lem, American Vintage, Lara Bohinc and Beulah.

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STYLE

Wedding BELLES

Creative force behind her eponymous bridal collection, Caroline Castigliano gives Absolutely her big day top tips You started out designing sportswear for women as a teenager in Florida… at what point did you switch to bridal wear?

When I was designing aerobic wear it was all high fashion leotards with matching sweatshirts, bags, watches and towels in vibrant colours with unusual patterns screen-printed on each design.

I was so lucky because when I took it to the States, it sold immediately – Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Neimen Marcus all picked up the line. In 1990, I felt I needed to seriously decide where my talents lay and at that point I knew I wanted more than what I was able to achieve in sportswear. I returned to the UK after living in the States for a while and started

investigating different niche markets when I fell upon bridal wear – I knew instantly that it would be perfect for me.

What are the key bridal looks this year?

Very light, pretty laces. People think of it as traditional but the laces we use are soft and cut into contemporary styles. This year you will see lots of cap sleeves and boatnecks. There is also a great emphasis on backless dresses – glamour is everywhere.

How would you describe the Caroline Castigliano style?

Our dresses are understatedly glamorous.

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STYLE

that you arrive at your wedding feeling the best you have ever felt in your life. wonderful, luxury fabrics with delicate details – they are individually cut for each bride and the construction is unique.

What makes the experience of selecting a bridal gown in your boutique different?

We aim to get to know our client and spend the first 20 minutes chatting about their ideas. What we need to understand is the overall vision a bride wishes to create.

Once that’s established we start working on the perfect silhouette and style.

brand Caroline Castigliano over 21 years makes me feel very proud.

Which one person – historic or alive – would you like to design for?

Jackie Onassis was so chic and stylish!

She was a fashion icon who understood simplicity, cut and the power of a dress.

Which well-known person do you think got their choice of wedding dress right?

Carolyn Bessette Kennedy.

And more generally, whose style do you Who do you find inspiring? admire? Gwyneth Paltrow.

Dolce & Gabbana and Elie Saab. Both create feminine glamour.

What is the most important thing when choosing a bridal gown?

What has been your proudest moment?

Following your dream. It is so important I have had quite a few but building the

You must have to be quite diplomatic in steering people towards the dresses that suit them (and by implication sometimes away from the dresses that don’t)…

Yes, it is very important to be diplomatic, as our clients are not used to wearing gowns of this nature. Once we understand their vision and ideas, along with their shape, we can help explain what will work well for them and why.

Should a bride rely on her own instincts and shop on her own, or bring a friend?

We suggest you always take someone along whose opinion you truly value.

What easily avoidable mistakes do brides make when dressing for the big day?

They often decide to wear a style that is totally opposite to their personality. I

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STYLE

suggest avoiding a new hairstyle or makeup, and wear shoes that are comfortable.

What’s the one current bridal trend you really dislike? It would be puff ball dresses – I really don’t like this style.

And your favourite trend?

Lace. I love exquisite laces and have been lucky enough to work with some of the top lace houses in the world.

The notion of the Bridezilla has been perpetuated by innumerable chick flicks and romcoms. Does that cliché really ring true? Sadly, it does!

How do you deal with the more demanding customer? Patience is a virtue!

Historically, women would choose wedding dresses that could be worn again. Do you encourage your customers to wear your creations more than once?

With the styling of bridal gowns, that isn’t really possible these days.

High heels underneath the wedding gown or little ballet pumps?

I recommend a 2 ½ – 3 inch heel but this year I’ve been seeing lots of 6-inch heels and I just don’t think that’s very practical.

What top three tips would you give for shopping for the ultimate dress?

1. Do some homework and understand the different levels in the market. A gown that is made-to-order is a standard size gown that will be altered to fit and is entirely different to a made-to-measure dress whereby you are fully measured and a pattern is created for you and the gown is designed to fit to your curves. You also need to understand the difference between the mass market and a hand-crafted dress made from luxury fabrics.

How long before her wedding should the bride shop for her gown?

Most of our brides start looking for their gowns a year to eighteen months before their wedding. Once their gown has been chosen, other decisions fall into place.

2. A bride should research designers and understand their signature looks so that when she starts to visit boutiques, she feels confident about the type of style they sell.

Decide on the vision you want for the day.

It will really help.

What’s your favourite dress in the new collection?

‘Adoration’. I truly love this gown. It is the sort of design I would like my daughter to wear one day.

3. Always work with a store with a good reputation which will help you finding the most important dress you’ll ever wear.

Veil or no veil? Discuss!

I love veils and really think everyone should wear one. There are many styles and they just add a wonderful sense of romance to the overall look. Brides being older these days, they often feel insecure about wearing a veil – they shouldn’t!

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TRYOGA

Sweat and stretch, relax and rejuvenate at Triyoga. With London’s best teachers, it offers classes for all levels, as well as exquisite treatments (ranging from massage to facials), an organic café and a lifestyle shop. Try two weeks of unlimited yoga for just £20.

Triyoga Chelsea, 372 King’s Road, SW3 (at Beaufort Street), 020 7483 3344; triyoga.co.uk

Fit for a king The King’s Road is one of the most iconic streets in the capital. Absolutely picks the cream of the crop

The NATURAL SHOE STORE Trading on the King’s Road since 1976, The Natural Shoe Store has now re-opened with a much-needed face lift.

Pop in to find old favourites such as Birkenstock alongside exciting new brands.

The Natural Shoe Store, 325 King’s Road, SW3 020 7351 3721; thenaturalshoestore.com

PAPERCHASE

Celebrate the Jubilee with Paperchase’s wonderful collection of gifts and memorabilia. It is also the perfect destination for birthdays, weddings and special occasions from Valentine’s Day to Christmas and everything in between. Shop for cards, wrap, designer stationery, home accessories, bags and travel accessories and gifts.

Paperchase, 289 King’s Road, SW3, 020 7376 5117; paperchase.co.uk 22

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ABSOLUTELY PROMOTION

WELCHOME

Welchome is an award-winning design studio and furniture manufacturer. Its team of designers are always glad to help clients create stunning spaces suitable for every requirement, with a particular emphasis on eco-friendly solutions. Welchome, 311 King’s Road, SW3, 020 3417 0193; welchome.co.uk

THE HOLDING CO.

The Holding Company specialises in providing stunning ideas for storage and organisation. Designs are simple, functional and stylish, and both contemporary and traditional.

Products range from natural weaving materials and recycled fibreboard to moulded acrylic and fabricated metal.

Readers of Absolutely can enjoy a Jubilee 10 per cent discount in store, quoting JUB001 (cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer/ promotion), valid until 16 June 2012. The Holding Company, 241-245 King’s Road, SW3, 020 7352 1600; theholdingcompany.co.uk

EMMETT LONDON

Founded by Robert Emmett in 1992, Emmett London has steadily unfolded its modern approach to the established Jermyn Street shirt-making heritage. This British brand has risen in prominence and garnered a loyal and ever-expanding high calibre client base. An Emmett shirt is defined by its superior selection of cloth, attention to fit, construction and most importantly flair, combining contemporary style with traditional English shirt-making values and approach. Emmett, 380 King’s Road, SW3; 020 7351 7529, emmettlondon.com

HABITAT

Synonymous with remarkable design and exceptional quality, the Habitat store on the King’s Road offers iconic seasonal favourites. Transform your home with inspired collections of furniture, upholstery and home accessories. Habitat, 208 King’s Road, SW3 08444 99 1144; habitat.co.uk

GEORGE SMITH

Offering an extensive range of upholstered furniture in a variety of classic designs that suit both contemporary and traditional tastes, George Smith is the go-to place for anyone looking for the last word in comfort and luxury. The knowledgeable staff are always on-hand to help you find the perfect style and fabric for any setting.

George Smith 587-589 King’s Road, SW6, 020 7384 1004;

georgesmith.co.uk

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THE SHUTTER SHOP LTD The Shutter Shop Ltd has been trading for over 20 years and has a large showroom on the Chelsea/Fulham border. Interior shutters are now the most popular of window coverings – giving privacy and light together with creating a contemporary living environment.

The Shutter Shop offers a full measure and installation service using its team of competent surveyors and is able to provide bespoke custom-made interior shutters in various different woods, colours and styles to suit any budget. 100-102 Waterford Road, SW6 020 7751 0937; shuttershop.co.uk

BLUEBIRD Bluebird cafe and restaurant – run by D&D London – is a true Chelsea institution. From the elegantly planted courtyard (the place for summer socialising) to the legendary fi rst floor dining room, it is brimming over with style. There is also a fabulous food store, wine cellar and bakery for those who want to recreate the sumptuous dishes at home.

350 King’s Road, SW3 020 7559 1000; bluebird-restaurant.co.uk

CHELSEA HEALTH STORE Chelsea Health Store was established some 14 years ago. It offers high quality vitamin supplements, minerals, herbs, natural and alternative remedies, plus organic beauty products. The store aims to give complete satisfaction to its our costumers.

400 King’s Road, SW10 020 7352 4663; chelseahealthstore.com

THE ORGANIC PHARMACY The Organic Pharmacy has a long list of celebrity followers with Kylie, Beyoncé and Demi Moore just some of its fans. You’ll know why when you try some of its products, from the amazing Carrot Butter Cleanser to the best-selling Superantioxidant capsules.

With award-winning treatments also available, it’s a must.

396 King’s Road, SW10 020 7351 2232; theorganicpharmacy.com 24

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ABSOLUTELY PROMOTION

KINGS ROAD SPORTING CLUB

chelsea framers Chelsea Framers is both a gallery and a workshop which specialises in creating bespoke framing for works of art, spanning the gamut of media from photography, oil-on-canvas and needlework to 3D objects. Experienced staff will help you with your choice from an extensive selection of frames, mounts and finishes. The emphasis here is on style and quality. 341 King’s Road, SW3 020 7351 6121; chelseaframers.co.uk

The King’s Road Sporting Club stocks a plethora of premier activewear and swimwear brands.

From running to swimming, KRSC prides itself on discovering fresh, innovative labels, whilst catering to its customers’ every sporting need.

Swimwear brands range from Seafolly, Seaspray, Aguaclara, Sunseeker, Vix, Luli Fama, Baku and Cool Change to Juliet Dunn, Jets, Miss Mandalay and Paolita.

Meanwhile activewear brands include Lululemon, Tonic, Casall, Nike, Deha, and Shock Absorber.

38-42 King’s Road, SW3 020 7589 5418; kingsroadsportingclub.co.uk

INTERIO Selecting the very best exquisitely made interior products, Interio’s exclusive brands provide beautiful homes with stunning and luxurious furnishings.

The highly trained team are happy to help both trade and public clients alike. Interio’s showroom is perfectly situated in the heart of London’s design district.

Interio Showroom, 555 King’s Road, SW6, 020 7348 7366; london@interio.co.uk

BLANCO & GOMEZ

HAWES & CURTIS For almost a century, Hawes and Curtis has been making extraordinarily luxurious Jermyn Street shirts – whether it’s the perfect shirt for work or the weekend you’re after. The USP? Hawes & Curtis never compromises on quality and is dedicated to providing affordable luxury. 39 King’s Road, SW3 020 7730 9009; hawesandcurtis.com

Blanco & Gomez Wine Merchants spotted an important gap in the market and promptly filled it with quality wines from around the world, featuring in particular small boutique producers. Just over a year after opening, they have acquired a loyal clientèle seduced by their wine and spirit selection as well as the knowledgeable and friendly team.

Blanco and Gomez, 410 King’s Road, SW10; 020 7352 8680; bgwm.co.uk 25

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Beauty Flash TOP TEN

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Absolutely’s best buys of the month

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HE INTENSIVE PERSONAL TRAINING PROGRAMME was devised by celebrity trainer Louise Parker over 12 years ago and has since changed the body shape of hundreds of individuals. Her experience ranges from helping clients recover from longterm obesity, to taking care of some of the most beautiful bodies in the world.

The unique programme combines six hours a week of her exercise method, alongside a rigorous dietary overhaul, for a six-week period. “Each week we train you in four 90-minute sessions in the comfort of your own home – bringing the gym to you and saving precious time,” says Louise. “Some clients choose to do three 90-minute sessions over an eight-week period and the results are still exceptional.”

The Intensive employs exercise and diet methods that radically shift body fat and totally re-sculpt the body, without compromising metabolism.

“It’s so important to teach our clients how to boost their metabolism so that once they have lost the weight they can easily keep it off,” she notes.

“So many diets will get the weight off but your metabolism will come to a grinding halt or they are just not sustainable.” The programme’s emphasis on resistance work and an intelligent eating plan ensure the results that clients achieve are long lasting and, most of all, easy to maintain. “No aspect of what we do is

extreme,” she explains. “Every element of the plan is sensible, researched and proven to work. But what we do is put it all together to create massive transformations in our clients’ bodies and lifestyles.

“My team are world class and without doubt some of the best in the country. Most come from a Sports Science background and we have two Olympic athletes amongst us. We all share a friendly, no-nonsense approach and between us we offer an unrivalled service to our clients. I’m hugely proud to have such a talented and committed team behind me.”

with, and what has to be done to return you to your former glory.”

Louise Parker designs each programme with one of her team before the programme commences, based on the individual’s requirements and deadlines. A rigid, yet balanced food plan is devised, ensuring optimal results. Louise personally monitors your diet diary on a daily basis to ensure you are on the right track and that you get all the support and motivation you need to succeed. In six weeks, you will emerge looking better than you thought you ever could. What Louise Parker does isn’t gimmicky, it is instead an intelligent combination of three factors – nutrition, training and lifestyle – delivered in just the right combination. “Providing you have made the decision to change and are willing to let us guide you,” she asserts, “You simply cannot fail – clients routinely drop two dress sizes on the Intensive.”

There are many bespoke programmes available, and following a telephone consultation, Louise will advise a suitable programme and schedule to suit any objective, lifestyle and budget. Louise asks that new clients commit to a minimum of three hours per week to ensure that they achieve amazing results.

You simply cannot fail clients routinely drop two dress sizes on the Intensive Louise Parker believes anyone can have a fantastic body – regardless of age, body type and starting point: “By following my method, you really will be blown away by how you can change your body shape, overall fitness and exceed your own expectations.”

Her programme is suitable for anyone wanting exceptional results, in record time. The Intensive is hugely popular with clients needing to be what she calls ‘red-carpet ready’ – whether that’s for a wedding, new job-role or even the school run. “I love helping post-natal mums,” she explains. “Since I had my daughters in quick succession, I fully understand the challenges new mothers are faced

Louise Parker Personal Training, 2 Eaton Gate, SW1W 9BJ 0800 084 2828 info@louiseparkerpersonaltraining.com 27

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30/05/2012 13:54

STYLE

WATER BABIES

Nose clips and swimming hats at the ready: Olympic fever has hit The Berkeley. In celebration of the games and of the latest craze in keep fit, the swish Knightsbridge hotel has teamed up with Aquabatix to introduce a weekly 90-minute synchronised swimming masterclass. The most glam forum in the captital in which to master the art of the egg-beater kick... £125 per person, in June and July only; visit the-berkeley.co.uk for dates.

Beauty Confidential Super glam synchronised swimming at The Berkeley, peachy perfect blushers and ocean-saving face creams

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OCEANS APART

Crème de la Mer has buddied up with BLUE Marine Foundation to support its efforts in raising funds to increase the area of ocean protected by marine reserves. In time for World Oceans Day, it has created a limited-edition 100ml World Oceans Day Crème in a specially designed ocean-inspired jar.

In addition, Crème de la Mer will make a $200,000 donation to Oceana in support of the Habitat Protection Campaign. cremedelamer.co.uk

REVIEW: CAROLINE GREGSON

BY TERRY Rose de Rose liquid blusher in Fresh Rose £40; uk.spacenk.com CLARINS Instant Light blush in Coral Tonic £19; clarins.co.uk

Flawless, youthful skin is something model and media darling Lisa Snowdon counts as an enviable asset. Genetics aside, the key to her dermatological success? Caroline Gregson.

Deft of hand and soothing of voice, she is a master of her craft: achieving optimum skin condition at any age. I booked in for a Tri Polar Radio Frequency Facial, a non-invasive and painless facelift; miraculously, in one hour my skin was firm and tight with a visibly smoother jawline. The treatment uses electromagnetic radio waves to penetrate deep into the hypodermis, causing collagen fibres to contract and tighten.

And, says Caroline, with a series of appointments the results can be impressively long-lasting – and not a scalpel in sight!

By Katie Randall 48 Royal Avenue, SW3; carolinegregson.co.uk 29

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SOCIAL

Daniel Belevitch and Anna Zakharova

Absolutely

Caroline Hegard, Guillaume Rubens and Carly Pemberton Lauritz Kurth

SOCIAL

Rachel McDiarmuid

Georgie Killik

Morgan Landsberger

Crow crowd

Daniel Belevitch – founder of new fine jewellery line Crow’s Nest – last month commanded a very beautiful crowd for a night of champagne, canapés and jewels at Tramp. Sparkle all round.

Charlotte Woodroffe

Leo MacLehose and David Montgomery

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ARTS&CULTURE ARTS&CULTURE MASTERPIECE LONDON

28 JUNE – 4 JULY THE ROYAL CHELSEA HOSPITAL A veritable feast for the eyes, Masterpiece London will bring together, for the third year running, the crème de la crème of the art world to the sumptuous grounds of The Royal Chelsea Hospital. Hailed

by Oprah Winfrey no less, as an event with ‘...an exciting and diverse range of quality and beautiful things’, the fair brings together 170 exhibitors ready to thrill collectors and new enthusiasts alike with design from around the world. Get an eyeful of some of the world’s most beautiful objects – as well as the likes of Oprah and Mick Jagger mooching around...

South Grounds, The Royal Hospital Chelsea, SW3; masterpiecefair.com

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FOOD&TRAVEL

June What to do, when to see, where to go… Katie Randall picks the hottest tickets in town

BNP PARIBAS TENNIS CLASSIC

19 JUNE – 23 JUNE HURLINGHAM CLUB Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and Greg Rusedski... see a role call of tennis’ biggest hitters past and present – without the joys of queueing from 5am at Wimbledon – at the Hurlingham Club this month. The BNP Paribas allows spectators to flit between play and afternoon tea, barbecues and drinks receptions in the luscious grounds – quite the most civilised way to get your lawn tennis fix.

Hurlingham Club, Ranelagh Gardens, SW6; hurlinghamclub.org.uk; bnpparibastennisclassic.com

IMAGE: CHELSEA SPACE

NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE: FRANKENSTEIN

14 JUNE CURZON CINEMA CHELSEA Mary Shelley’s cult classic Frankenstein was brought vividly to life to great acclaim at the National Theatre’s dramatic stage adaptation, with Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller brilliantly cast in the alternating roles of Dr Frankenstein and his creature. If you missed the the Nick Dear-adapted, Danny Boyle-directed play, you can now catch it at Chelsea’s Curzon cinema, which is showing a screening this month. 206 King’s Road, SW3; curzoncinemas.com

AVANT CRAFT

16 MAY – 16 JUNE SAATCHI GALLERY Avant Craft this month presents a rare opportunity to see the painted plywood furniture of renowned architect and interior designer Max Clendinning (b.1924). Though Christian Dior was just one of his many legendary fans and his designs were sold through the luxury likes of Liberty Co, Clendinning’s work had all but faded into obscurity, except amongst the cognoscenti. Until now, that is; following his work featuring in the current V&A Exhibition ‘British Design: 1948-2012’, happily interest has been renewed. As such, CHELSEA space now presents a timely solo exhibition by one of the most original designers of his generation. Catch it at Chelsea Space, 16 John Islip St, SW1P; chelseaspace.org 34

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ARTS&CULTURE ANA TZAREV: EXPOSED

18 MAY – 16 JUNE THE SAATCHI GALLERY Ana Tzarev is proof that you don’t need a piece of paper to be a true artiste; though untrained, she has exhibited her work worldwide and now she makes her London debut at the Saatchi Gallery. ‘Exposed’ displays a selection of her flower canvases, which reflect her study of horticulture and the gardens she has designed across the world.

King’s Road, SW3; saatchi-gallery.co.uk

ELIE LAMBERT

18 JUNE – 8 JULY OSBORNE STUDIO GALLERY The Osborne Studio Gallery is celebrating the art of Elie Lambert this summer. Born in Brussels, Lambert now lives in Normandy where his studio-apartment overlooks the famous Deauville racecourse. Gallery director Geoffrey Hughes is a connoisseur with an exceptional eye for sporting art, and recognised Lambert’s artistic gift, inviting him to submit 50 canvases for his first solo show.

2 Motcomb Street, SW1X; osg.uk.com

MERRIE ENGLAND GOEDHUIS SUMMER ROSE TASTING 2012 BOB CARLOS CLARKE: ONE-OFFS

28 MAY – 30 JUNE THE LITTLE BLACK GALLERY Described as ‘one of the great photographic image-makers of the last few decades’ by Terence Pepper, curator of photographs at the National Portrait Gallery, this exhibition gives the public a rare opportunity to buy from the Bob Carlos Clarke oeuvre. Born in Ireland in 1950, he worked across almost every sphere of photography winning numerous awards for his advertising campaigns and celebrity portraits. These images have been chosen by his widow Lindsey; many are handcoloured, distressed, or were printed once and then left forgotten – until now.

13A Park Walk, SW10; thelittleblackgallery.com

26 JUNE THE SAATCHI GALLERY Goedhuis & Co hosts its fundraising summer rosé wine tasting in aid of Starlight Children’s Foundation, a charity that grants wishes for seriously ill children, this month. The aim? To raise £60,000 for the charity, which is supported by Sienna Miller and Bill Nighy. Book tickets through goedhuis.com; saatchi-gallery.co.uk

SUNDAYS AND MONDAYS FROM 27 MAY – 12 JUNE FINBOROUGH THEATRE Originally written for the Savoy Theatre in 1902, this rediscovery of Merrie England celebrates both the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the 150th anniversary of the birth of composer Edward German, whose patriotic pageant deals with love and rivalries at the court of Elizabeth I, with a plot that includes such historical personages as Sir Walter Raleigh and the Earl of Essex... 118 Finborough Road, SW10; finboroughtheatre.co.uk

ANTONY BEEVOR: THE SECOND WORLD WAR

12 JUNE NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM Award-winning author Antony Beevor will give what is sure to be a gripping talk on the Soviet invasion of northern China this month. The fascinating subject matter of the lecture covers the gamut from the North Atlantic to the South Pacific, and explores the greater dilemmas of leaders, soldiers and ordinary people.

Book through the National Army Museum, Royal Hospital Road, SW3; nam.ac.uk 35

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ARTS&CULTURE

Culture Flash THIS MONTH’S HIGHLIGHTS KING AND COUNTRY

The year is 1936. Storm clouds are gathering over Europe, while on home soil unemployment is rife and Oswald Mosley is gathering momentum for his fascist New Party, against the backdrop of which – behind the royal scenes – Edward VIII’s relationship with Wallis Simpson is developing.

Social historian Juliet Nicolson’s Abdication tells the story through the eyes of May Thomas, an immigrant from Barbados escaping her sugar plantation upbringing.

Published by Bloomsbury on 7 June, £14.99

CLASS ACT

Posh, Royal Court Young Writers Programme graduate Laura Wade’s hit production, now transfers to the West End. Duke of York’s Theatre will play host to her socially and politically piercing piece, which is set in an oakpanelled room at Oxford where the braying elite – modelled closely on the Bullingdon Club – are staging a debauched night, while cooking up a plan to restore their right to rule. duke-of-yorks.official-theatre.co.uk

LORD OF THE RING

Susan Froemke’s epic behind-the-scenes documentary reveals the five-year preparations for the Met Opera’s staging of Wagner’s 16-hour, four-part Ring Cycle. The award-winning fi lmmaker explores the jaw-slackening technical and artistic challenges involved, including the construction and navigation of the central machine which simulates the moving of tectonic plates. Deborah Voigt, Peter Gelb, James Levine, Robert Lepage and Fabio Luisi star in the production which even Wagner himself believed was impossible to stage.

In Cineworld cinemas from 20 June.

BLUE PLAQUE OF THE MONTH… THE DE MORGANS, 127 OLD CHURCH STREET, SW3

Suffragette supporters, spiritualists, and two of the most gifted artists of their day…

William and Evelyn de Morgan were described by a friend as ‘entirely in harmony in their art, acting and reacting on each others’ genius. Their romance is one before which the pen falters.’ William De Morgan was discovered by Arts and Crafts leviathan William Morris and was considered the most important ceramicist of the movement, while his wife Evelyn was a prolific and pre-emienent pre-Raphaelite painter. Together they lived at 127 Old Church Street – helpfully next to the Chelsea Arts Club – and the building was especially adapted for their work.

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Chelsea Girl Photography by Squiz Hamilton Styling by Ailsa Miller

Fashion Shoot Chelsea June12.indd 38

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Blue jumper from a selection at Ralph Lauren Kids; silk mix skirt, from a selection by Sophia Kokosalaki

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Silk shirt, £175, by Clover Canyon at Oxygen Boutique; tweed skirt, £195, by Sonia Rykiel at Harvey Nichols; oxidized silver and green onyx earrings, £280, by Amrapli; studded leather bag, £395,

by Lulu Guinness

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Silk jacket, £825, by D&G at Harvey Nichols; cotton t-shirt and denim jeans, £175, both by Current/Elliot

Fashion Shoot Chelsea June12.indd 42

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Silk dress, £193.50 (was £430),

by Mara Hoffman at The Outnet; cotton shirt, £169,

by Thomsen at Fenwick; sunglasses, model’s own

Fashion Shoot Chelsea June12.indd 43

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Tweed jacket, £480, by Red Valentino at Harvey Nichols; silk shirt, £275,

by Equipment at Harvey Nichols; denim jeans, £190, by Current/Elliot; crystal necklace, £564,

by Erickson Beamon

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CREDITS Hair stylist: Kim Roy Make-up artist: Tania Courtney using MAC and Dermalogica Model: Michaela at Profile With thanks to: The Markham Inn: themarkhaminn.com Andreas: andreasveg.co.uk The Pie Man: thepieman.co.uk Jago’s of Chelsea: jagobutchersofchelsea.co.uk

Fashion Shoot Chelsea June12.indd 46

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Silk top, £155, by Gryphon at Oxygen Boutique; silk trousers, £209, by Raoul at Fenwick; gold and crystal belt, £600, by Mawi; black mesh open toe shoes by Jimmy Choo

Fashion Shoot Chelsea June12.indd 47

30/05/2012 15:14

The fairest of them all

Anna and Brian Haughton are the force behind Art Antiques London. Nancy Alsop meets the couple to find out why it’s all about quality in this age of austerity

‘L

ast year, one of the furniture people met someone who said: ‘Please come to my house, I’ve never been to an antique fair, I’ve never bought an antique but I want you to furnish my house for me.’ These people are fairly special and they just keep turning up,’ regales Anna Haughton.

I am sitting in a meeting room above the eponymous Brian Haughton gallery in Mayfair – filled with 18th-century ceramics – with the art dealer and his wife Anna, just a few weeks before the third staging of Art Antiques London in Kensington Gardens. For familiar though their names may not be, this septuagenarian couple are the architects and trailblazers of the international art fair as we know it. Masterpiece, Frieze, the Affordable Art Fair… all of them took their cue from the Haughtons’ model, which started some 34 years ago with the founding of the Ceramic Art Fair. It was though, as it

transpires, a twist of fate that led the pair to dream up the idea. ‘We were sitting in an airport in London on the way to New York for a whole day delayed by a snow storm, and Brian met this chap who was going to Hawaii for a fair where the dealers and collectors and academics all come. And we thought: ‘Well that’s interesting, why couldn’t we do something like that for ceramics?’ And we started talking to the museums, because in

48

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Bottom left: Brian and Anna Haughton; clockwise from top left: Hummingbird Tuber by Orlanda Broom, Stephanie Hoppen Gallery; Bud, 2011 Kate Malone, Adrian Sassoon; After Hans Holbein the Younger, 1497 - 1543, Darnley Fine Art; Covignano 1909-2004 Rome, by Rene Gruau, Stephen Ongpin; south Indian scribe’s cabinet, Samina Inc; Scenes from the Tales of Genji

by Tosa Mitsuyoshi, Erik Thomsen Fine Art; Study of Mr. J.J. Moubray’s Bay Hunter, by Sir Alfred James Munnings, Rountree Fine Art

those days the museums and the dealers never got together. And we realised that they needed a place to meet and exchange ideas.’

These days, as the pair note with an obvious and touching pride, the dealers and the academics rush in on opening day to see one another and exchange photographs of exciting pieces for help with identification.

Simply, as Brian puts it: ‘It broke every

barrier.’ The formula has since been much-emulated, but – as one trade gazette recently noted – it has never been bettered (about which they declare themselves ‘a little bit chuffed’); after all, they only hold lectures on new research ensuring the level remains high.

That this duo – who also run an annual fair in New York, and until the recent crash, one in Dubai – should have made quite so

excellent a job of their fairs makes a certain sense as you talk to them. Both are utterly engaging, good humoured and good fun – roars of laughter punctuate the conversation – and so it stands to reason that they would be naturals at the kind of orchestration and – to hazard a guess – diplomacy required when so many experts get together under one roof. But then, both had made significant forays in to other high profile careers before embarking upon the art world. For Anna, it was the world of banking, where she was the first woman allowed on 49

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Clockwise from top left: Japanese wood and ivory Laura Bordignon Gallery; Frolicking Horses by Ahmed Moustafa, Jane Kahan Gallery; Weissbort mustard pot, Mark Mitchell Paintings and Drawings

the trading floor at Lloyds. ‘When I first went there, women were not allowed to go in unaccompanied by men. One day one of the directors came and said: ‘They’re going to allow women on the trading floor, apply today.’ So I applied and I got a letter from the chairman saying: ‘Dear Sir, thank you for your application.’ Everyone said: ‘I dare you to write back: ‘Dear Madam, thank you very much.’’

Meanwhile for Brian, the boards called (‘I still have an Equity card – my children say I never stopped acting!’), and it was while making his name in the repertory theatres that the art and antique trade seed was sewn.

‘Brian at that stage was touring and had a lot of time on his hands. He started buying things and sending them back and I’d go to Portobello on a Saturday and sell them. That’s how it started,’ says Anna, before Brian adds: ‘You would arrive there in the morning and if you hadn’t done all your business by 7.15am… all the dealers would crowd round with hands outstretched saying: ‘I’ll take that, I’ll take that…’ They were filling containers to go to Australia and America.’

Three decades later, the level is somewhat different, but the passion is patently unchanged. You get the distinct impression with the Haughtons – who run the fairs with a small team including their son and daughter – that while business is vitally important, it is quality that drives them. As Brian always says: ‘Collectors will always find the money to add that piece they wanted to their collection.

You don’t want, dare I use the word, a bling market. If the items are good… that doesn’t mean that everything as to cost millions of pounds, but if the item is of the top quality of its kind, whether it is £1000, £10,000 or £20m, they have a place for it. But if it’s a piece of bling…’ he tails off.

The crux of the winning formula for Art Antiques London is that whilst the Haughtons invite only the best to exhibit, the general public can simply buy tickets on the door, walk in, wander, ask as many questions as they wish (‘never ever be afraid to ask - dealers love to talk’) without any pressure to buy, and if you do buy, every item is strictly vetted by a committee of experts which intrinsically gives collectors confidence.

Unstuffy ease is the thematic link that runs through every aspect of the fair, including the pop up restaurant (catered by the Admiral Crighton), which looks out directly on to the Albert Memorial.

The conversation veers between advice for first time collectors (‘You must love it rather than see it as an investment – it must speak to you’) to The Scream (‘Have you heard who bought it? Even in New York they’re gasping. £125m?!’). What lectures are they most looking forward to this year I ask? Cue mock horror: ‘Ah, now come on! We couldn’t possibly say! I wouldn’t dare…’ laughs Brian. ‘I’ve always said is that putting on a show is a bit like putting on a theatre performance. Right up to the moment of curtain up, you think it’s never going to happen. Every time it opens, it’s a first night. You ask how it changes? Well it changes every year, every show because we change. The audience changes, and you must keep up with that. When it’s just about to open and it’s quiet – that’s the best moment.’

Art Antiques London, 9 – 15 June £15; haughton.com

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29/04/2012 20:54

Ballet’s Fairy Godmother

The New English Ballet Company is a breath of fresh air on the ballet scene.

Katie Randall meets its indefatigable founder Karen Pilkington-Miksa 52

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I

still remember thinking how grubby all of life seemed except for that beautiful stage’, recalls the founder of NEBT and former ballerina Karen PilkingtonMiksa. She is casting her mind back to Giselle, the very first production she danced in as a child back in Washington DC. For this prima-ballerina, the power and lure of ballet was all-consuming from the off: ‘I started dancing when I was about six; there was something about ballet that made sense to me. I can still see my first production, it was the most amazing feeling.’

It was this passion that sparked a full and varied career in dance, leading the now Kensington-based Pilkington-Miksa across the globe. ‘When I was about 15 we moved to Seattle and I got into Seattle Ballet when I was 20,’ she explains. ‘Then I got restless and came to London because I really wanted to do some freelance European dancing. I got into choreographing for various dance schools, formed a dance group and I even performed in my own ballet at Holland Park.’ As much of an entrepreneur as a ballet dancer, she’s also been a firm fixture on the fitness scene in London for years, launching a yoga school in Knightsbridge in the 1970s, long before yoga became a staple in the lives of fitness-minded Londoners.

This chequered career and experience eventually led Pilkington-Miksa to forge a new career in the wings. ‘I realised there were a lot of support systems for talented singers and musicians and that the same bridge organisations didn’t exist in ballet.’

By way of example of the type of difficulties faced by young ballerinas, she recalls how, in her nascent dancing days, when auditioning for a single place at the Royal Ballet, she was dauntingly in competition with over a hundred other hopefuls.

As such, The New English Ballet

ABOVE: Katya Bourvis, Anita Bradshaw, Sonoya Mizuno AND Georgina Connolly ABOVE RIGHT: Hayley Blackburn BOTTOM RIGHT: Sonoya Mizuno, Katya Bourvis AND Lyn Vella-Gatt (choreographer)

Company acts as a performance platform for talented dancers, choreographers, young musicians and artists (Pilkington-Miksa is inspired by Diaghilev’s creative template) and will present its first show, Synergies this July. Mixing up neo-classical ballet with artistic and muciscal collaborations, and with set design from young graduate artists, its first offering promises to be an event like no other. With government cuts to arts, dance companies across the country are struggling to fund stage shows and competition has never been so fierce. ‘The major ballet companies are caretakers of our great classical tradition, but there just isn’t sufficient stage time to present enough new work,’ says Pilkington-Miksa. ‘There are many young choreographers who want to choreograph for us because they get their work shown and a lot of dance talent too.’

The company’s debut performance is part of the Sadler’s Wells Spring/ Summer 2012 season and will see 18 young dancers take to the stage. It is precisely this, the fresh jolt of vitality to the industry, that attracted chief executive and artistic director of Sadler’s Wells, Alistair Spalding to the project. ‘The great

strength of the approach of NEBT is that it looks at young talent at the beginning of their careers... so we could see the next MacMillan in the programme. We hope it’ll become an annual presentation particularly for people from the major companies looking for new talent.’ he says.

The company will perform a festival of new works each year, from the newly commissioned to existing neo-classical ballets. As Pilkington-Miksa explains, the NEBT receives no government funding, instead relying on a ‘staunch body of supporters who believe in the company’. Happily, patrons already form an impressive cast of characters: Darcey Bussell CBE, Mara Galeazzi, Marianella Nuñez and Wayne Sleep, as well as guest choreographers Wayne Eagling and Michael Corder are all supporters.

And so it seems that young performers in the creative arts have finally found their fairy godmother in the form of Karen Pilkington-Miksa.

The NEBT’s performance of SYNERGIES runs from 4-8 July, as part of the Sadler’s Wells Spring/Summer 2012 season at the Peacock Theatre, WC2; nebt.co.uk

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Kidd’s play

Model, actress and all round good egg Jodie Kidd tells Nancy Alsop why she’s championing polo’s re-instatement as an Olympic sport In recent years, you’ve become the face of polo. What so enthralls you about the sport? Wow – ‘the face of polo’? I don’t know about that! But I’m certainly happy to be associated with the sport and hopefully lend a hand to raise its profile. I’ve played since I was very young and have always loved how fast-paced it is. It’s easy to get hooked – it’s a physical yet elegant sport.

You’ve just drawn the teams for this year’s Polo in The Park. What’s the line up looking like? The teams are all strong. I’ve got split loyalties – seeing MINT Team London play in their home city is great and as a proud English woman I’m looking forward to that. But my partner Andrea Vianini is representing Abu Dhabi and I’ll be rooting for him, too!

Who is your hottest tip for this year’s player to watch? Obviously, I’m going to say Andrea, but I think I can say that objectively, as well as from a girlfriend’s point of view. He gives it his everything.

He was captain of the winning team at last year’s event, so he’s got a point to prove and he really wants to bring home the silverware! It’ll be the first time his son is watching him play, so that’s extra special for us all.

Hurlingham is polo’s spiritual home.

Tell us about the history of the sport at the club... Yes, Hurlingham Park is to polo what Wimbledon is to tennis.

When the sport was first played in the UK it was played there. During the war the land was used to grow vegetables to support the war effort and then was handed to the people of Fulham as a public park. It’s great to have MINT Polo in the Park held here – it is bringing it back home in front of big crowds.

What role do you think Hurlingham hosting MINT Polo in the Park has played in getting people interested?

The biggest factor is that it will be seen by

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over 30,000 people. With it being so close to the centre of the capital far more people can have access to it, as opposed to a lot of polo which is played in the countryside.

You are campaigning for polo to be reinstated as an Olympic sport. Why do you think it never made a return following the 1948 ‘Austerity Games’? I want our sport to be played in front of as many people as possible – I firmly believe that if it’s given exposure, it will flourish. I think the logistics of moving horses around the globe was the biggest difficulty, especially with the transport which was available in the thirties and forties. Nowadays, we have global polo circuits which regularly move the horses from continent-to-continent, so it is a feasible option once again.

What events at this year’s Olympics are you most excited about seeing?

I always enjoy the equestrian events. Tennis will be good and Andy Murray playing in the UK will cause the same enthusiasm from spectators that we see each summer at Wimbledon.

Sebastian Dawnay now captains the MINT team, and it was his grandfather David Dawnay who captained Team GB at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Is polo is a sport typically handed down the generations?

It’s definitely something which parents who play polo are always keen for their children to get involved with, purely because it’s such an addictive and enjoyable sport. That’s not to say that people whose parents didn’t are excluded – not at all! It’s a fairly small community so clubs always welcome new members, of whatever level, with open arms.

Why do you think that it is the common conception that polo is the preserve of the wealthy? I think people have a preconceived idea that polo is exclusively for a certain type of person, but that just isn’t the case. Yes, it can be expensive, but not everyone has to play at the very highest level.

From left: jodie arrives at hurlingham to draw the teams on a harrods horse and cart; with the british team; Jodie and Andrea Vianini hold the Polo Olympic Trophy (Back left: Oscar Mancini, front left: George Meyrick, Right back: Jack Richardson, right front: Lanto Sheridan)

You were a show jumper in your teens, as was your father. Despite your illustrious modelling career, has sport always been your first love? Sport is a great way to escape whatever you do in your professional or personal life. I love sport – it allows you to get your mind off things. I’m from a very sporty family and my brother Jack actually plays polo, too. He played against Andrea at last year’s MINT Polo in the Park, so there were some split loyalties for me!

As soon as your son is old enough, will you have him saddled up and learning the basics of the sport? It’s certainly something he’ll be exposed to, so if he takes to it and enjoys it then Andrea and I will encourage him.

You travel the world for polo tournaments.

Where is the most exciting place in the world to play? There are some very exotic locations: Buenos Aires is a wonderful place and polo is in their blood. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are so different to the UK that it’s always an experience to go there. But I think

that polo being brought back to London is massive; the passionate, noisy 30,000-strong crowd makes for a great event. Polo is a quintessentially British summer sport, so having it back in our capital is very special.

You’re busy juggling work with being a new mother. Has motherhood changed you?

I don’t know if it has changed me that much, because I felt that I was very ready to become a mum. Work commitments obviously come second when you start a family, but it’s a great feeling and Indio is lots of fun, so the whole family is enjoying getting to know him.

How do you relax once polo season is over?

I love cars, as you probably know. But there are actually quite a lot of similarities between polo and motor sport. They both get the pulse going! The horses get up to 35mph which can be pretty scary when you’re in the saddle. polointheparklondon.com 55

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A new retail space and online shop which sells an eclectic range of furniture and home wares.

We showcase modern, designer furniture pieces alongside vintage one-offs and smaller items which are ideal for original gifts.

www.hollys-house.com

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INTERIORS

MAGIC CARPET RIDE

Luke Irwin is at the vanguard of rug design. Nancy Alsop went to meet one very charming man at his Pimlico showroom

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J

ust back from a whirlwind few days at the Salone del Mobile in Milan, Luke Irwin is full of proselytizing zeal. ‘There is nothing to touch it.

New York? Bland. Decorex here? Pretty bland. Milan is just streets ahead,’ effuses the Pimlico-based rug designer. ‘Every gallery has something going on. To me it’s a much better version of Paris. The people are better looking, better dressed, there’s better food.’

Plus, as he says, warming to his theme: ‘I prefer the Italians to the French. All that pseudo intellectualism. I was listening to the radio this morning and there was a French comic taking the mickey out of Sarkozy becoming more and more hysterical. It’s that little man narcissist thing. When he was being elected, you thought: ‘This is France’s great hope.’ Then he meets Carla and he’s so impressed with himself 58

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INTERIORS

that she’d even look at him that he didn’t do anything from then on…’

There is about Irwin – articulate and possessed of the kind charm that comes from giving his riveted attention to whomever he is talking – something engagingly unguarded. We’re sitting in his exquisite Pimlico showroom, surrounded by examples of some of the most beautiful and expertly crafted hand-made rugs you’re likely to find in the world – (‘it’s deliberate that there aren’t piles of rugs, because when you’re in Istanbul or Marrakech, by the time they’ve pulled back to rug three, I’ve lost focus’) – with pieces of well-edited 1950s Italian furniture dotted about. It feels stylishly homely, and Irwin’s stream-of-consciousness discourse on French politics does nothing to disabuse me of the sensation that he is a man comfortable

in his own carefully crafted environment, and in his own skin.

But then for Irwin, now 43, arriving at his chosen career was by no means a linear process.

An Irish-born Old Etonian, he left school to work at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin, but when the lure of London called, unable to find a theatre job, he worked first at Christie’s, then in PR, and later decamped to Dorset where he took up work as an antique dealer for the Duchess of Cornwall’s sister, Annabel Elliot, (whose daughter Alice he went on to marry).

But antiques dealing was not quite his metier either, and it was through sheer chance that at a lunch given by his in-laws, he was placed next to a 12-year-old Tibetan boy who would change the course of his professional life. ‘I was next to this kid who was there with his mother. I asked where he lived, and he said in Kathmandu, and that his father was a master weaver.’ The spell was cast, and for the next six months, Irwin became absorbed by studying the craft, although, as he says: ‘In terms of doing anything new, it felt like bastardising something that had been done better 70 years earlier. So what happened was I hit on the idea of crop circles as rugs. They’re very unusual, if you bought one you could say: ‘this supposedly happened in Sussex in July 1996’ - or not!’

That was 10 years ago. These days, even Barack Obama has one of Irwin’s designs (a gift from the Irish nation on St Patrick’s Day).

The story of that particular rug is revealing of Irwin’s patent interest in that which is outside his immediate world; for while he has a damning disdain for the gossipy politics of the insular interiors set, he certainly has an outward-looking stance on world affairs. ‘It was based on a dream that I had, during the time Obama and Clinton were slugging it out in the primaries. I began thinking about how the Stars and Stripes is very cool flag, except all the design is in one corner. As I fell asleep, the stars turned into doves and the doves started flying across the stripes. There was no political undertone – though personally I think W should be in Guantanamo Bay as we speak – it was just the joy of translating something as whimsical as a dream into a product quickly.’

It’s a piece that commands an emotional response, and illustrative of this, Irwin recounts: ‘At one of the fairs a shavenheaded lesbian from Austen Texas burst into tears at the stand. She asked: ‘What’s your interpretation of it?’ So I said: ‘You could suggest that as Europeans, we’ve seen the US as the champion of the underdog, stepping into bully boy stuff, but with Bush, you became the 59

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bully, suddenly slapping people about for no reason. Maybe you can see this design as peace leaving America. And maybe you can view it in a different way: that now with Obama, you are restoring peace.’ She burst into uncontrollable sobs and had to helped off the stand!’

That in a decade, he’s never designed two rugs the same, that he should have worked on projects as disparate as the Groucho Club, Bovey Castle and CentreParcs is testament to Irwin’s unerring eye, his meticulous insistence on unparalleled quality – and his approach to his customers. It’s not unusual that he should go to see a client’s house to better understand their taste and to help them articulate what they want – after all, as he points out, his rugs are truly bespoke; designs, materials, colours, all are tailored to the exact requirements of the customer. ‘If you have a level of sophistication and a level of wealth, you really have nowhere else to look, because this is really where it’s at,’ he says before qualifying: ‘That’s an arrogant shout, but it’s probably true. And what we are is the antithesis of hoighty toity interior companies, who can have a snotty attitude.

Why take the Ryan Air approach to customer

relations? It’s insane. You go back to that scene in Pretty Woman, and the line is: ‘Big mistake’.

People are generally unpleasant when they don’t know what they’re doing.’

Design snobbery works, he observes, in a cyclic pattern; punters can so easily equate quality with astronomically high price tags.

‘We’ve forgotten how to use our eyes. People now so associate cost with quality, rather than actually looking at something and thinking: ‘My god, that is beautiful.’ And it may be cheaper than something else, but it’s actually better.’ He warms to his theme: ‘A Persian rug will last four hundred years. It’s got nothing to do with fashion because those things go out of fashion. You buy a fashion rug – everyone knows what it is, everyone knows what it costs. There’s nothing unique or exclusive about it because you probably know 5000 other people who have the same thing, but you’ve paid top dollar for it. It’s lazy, it’s easy, it’s McDonalds.’

Railing is something Irwin does with panache. Next up for a damning appraisal?

The Candy Brothers. ‘If I was given an apartment in One Hyde Park, I’d accept

it so I could sell it. It was wonderful when they were building it, because from Sloane Street you could actually see into the park. I thought Bowater House had more merit as a 1960s piece of hideousness than what they’ve done – at least it was real. This to me is the lowest common denominator. It’s like: ‘I’ve made £60m in Kazakhstan, how do I blow a load of money on a crappy apartment?’ Why not just take a permanent suite at Claridges?’

While he’s at pains to point out that in many ways, the Candy Brothers are ‘ballsy, clever and brave – they’ve made a lot of money’ – that breed of aesthetic is, in Irwin’s eyes, completely devoid of sophistication. ‘It’s amazingly puerile. It’s like: ‘What does a 16-year old boy think is really cool?’ I suppose what we do is the antithesis.’

Indeed, Irwin’s oeuvre demonstrably has stylistic integrity and as such is an extension of the man himself. But here he stops himself: ‘Talking about interiors can be so earnest.

It’s slightly beyond me. I’d rather talk about football. Or history. Or anything.’

Luke Irwin, 22 Pimlico Road , SW1; lukeirwin.com

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INTERIORS RETAILER OF THE MONTH KEIR TOWNSEND

Interior design practice Keir Townsend has opened a beautiful new showroom on the Old Brompton Road. The company has amassed a prestigious portfolio of residential and commercial clients and its range includes contemporary accessories and innovative interior design from around the globe. We’re loving the selection of furniture from Laurameroni (shown here)... Keir Townsend, 142 Old Brompton Road, SW7; keirtownsend.com

Interior Inspirations Gemma Billington falls for the surreal at The Saatchi Gallery and gets a taste for the art of decoupage DESIGN

DECOUPAGE

John Derian is a contemporary artist from New York who specialises in the art of decoupage, creating glass plates, trays and paperweights out of his inexhaustible range of motifs. Antique plants, animals and curiosities are re-printed and pieced together in layers under glass, which results in a timelessly beautiful effect. Available at benpentreath.com

DESIGN NIMBUS

FURNITURE

CHRISTOPHER GUY

The bold creations of designer Christopher Guy are an intriguing mélange of classicism and modernism – with a nod to surrealism – through curved lines. We love!

Cadogan Pier, SW3; christopherguy.com; also available at Harrods; harrods.com

The Saatchi Gallery is stocking a limitededition series of the print Nimbus by Dutch artist Berndnaut Smilde to accompany the gallery’s current exhibition, ‘Out of Focus’. A fantastical and surreal installation, Nimbus creates the illusion of an ominous cloud floating through a vacant room. £150, saatchistore.com 65

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INTERIORS

A Designer’s Life A brief encounter with... Kit Kemp

My idea of heaven is...

An early morning ride.

The thing I’m proudest of is... Creating an environment that people enjoy being in.

Something I wish I were better at is... Being able to play a musical instrument.

I would describe my style as... Colourful, and carefree.

The best advice I ever got was... From my mother-in-law who said that for a couple it is best to let the wife arrange the furniture and the husband arrange the wine cellar.

My lucky break was...

Starting my own company.

The person who would play me in a fi lm would be... Sissy Spacek.

If I could choose someone to write the soundtrack to my life...

It would be Gabriel Fauré.

The book that changed my life was...

Mary Webb’s Gone to Earth.

My best buy ever was... A painting by Meninsky, it’s an abstract painting of bathers running into the sea.

The best present I ever received was...

A puppy.

My favourite saying is...

Hang on tight.

The best hour of the day is...

The hour just before sunset.

My idea of a good night out is...

Going to the ballet.

And the perfect night in would be...

Lying on the sofa reading a good book while my husband Tim plays the piano.

Top 3

Style Tips At weekends I most enjoy...

Riding and walking the dogs.

Someone whose style I admire is...

Christian Liaigre.

The thing that gets me down is...

People who exclude others.

My favourite holiday is...

Being in Biarritz with the children.

My favourite thing about Chelsea is... The flower show once a year and especially this year as Furzey Gardens, a project that works with young people with learning difficulties, where my daughter works, is there and is being designed by Chris Beardshaw.

If I could change one thing about Chelsea, it would be... There are too many road signs and yellow lines.

What people might not know about me is... I get sea sick, even standing on a floating pontoon.

Kit Kemp is co-founder of Firmdale Hotels; firmdalehotels.com

1. Chelsea has the most beautiful and immaculate houses but they can take quite a bashing on the inside when hulking teenagers and large deliveries arrive at the house. I use fabric walling on the inside of smallish areas. The fabrics don’t tear like wallpaper and seem to wear better than painted walls; it gives a luxurious cosy feel like sitting in an elegant shoebox.

2. I always sit curtains well back from the window reveals so every ounce of light comes into the room. I like pelmets but remember that so much light comes from on high and they can block it out. I love boiled wools, and if there is a very draughty room they look good as curtains.

3. Dogs and cats are so much part of the family. I love to make a matching cushion for their baskets. They should look as fashionable as the rest of the house.

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multi-fold timber doors

Come and visit us at the showroom: 406 Merton Road, London SW18 5AD Telephone 0208 877 8920 www.ayrtonbespoke.com

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30/05/2012 14:19

FOOD&travel

the master chef Albert Roux launched the UK’s first threeMichelin-starred restaurant Le Gavroche with his brother Michel in 1967, now run by nephew Michel Roux Jnr. He talks food with Absolutely

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FOOD&TRAVEL TRAVEL

QUICK FIRE:

Albert Roux under the grill

Did you always want to be a chef?

It was my second choice, my first choice was the priesthood.

Culinary heroes?

E Nignon.

Meal that changed your life?

My mother’s milk.

What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?

Receiving an OBE. What projects do you have going on at the moment?

We’ve just finished The Atholl, and projects in Australia and South Africa.

Top three ingredients you like to cook with? Butter, cream and wine.

What dish do you like to knock up for a quick supper?

Skate and chips.

Best culinary advice you have ever been given? Be true to yourself.

Guilty food pleasure?

Cream and butter.

Biggest kitchen disaster?

Never had one.

Where do you go to eat in London when you are not working?

I enjoy my wife’s dinners at home.

How do you like to relax?

Fishing.

Future plans?

To be happy. albertroux.co.uk

SOUFFLÉ SUISSESSE Soufflés with Swiss cheese

This is an original way of serving a cheese soufflé; the cheese is not incorporated into the soufflé mixture, but is used to glaze it. Neverthertheless, it is a light dish with a wonderful aroma, which has delighted diners at Le Gavroche since the day we opened. As they cook, the soufflés will absorb the cream and will be very rich and creamy.

SERVES 4 PREPARATION TIME: 20 MINUTES

Ingredients: 140 g (5oz) butter, 65g (2oz) flour, 700 ml (28fl.oz) milk, 5 egg yolks, 1L (1¾pts) double cream, 6 egg whites, 200g (7oz) grated Gruyère or Emmental cheese, salt and freshly ground white pepper

THE SOUFFLÉ MIXTURE:

Preheat the oven to 200oC/400oF/Gas 6. Melt 65g (2oz) butter in a small saucepan set over low heat. Using a small wire whisk, stir in the flour. Cook gently for 2- or 3-minutes, stirring continuously.

Take the pan off the heat and leave the roux to cool slightly. Bring the milk to the boil, then pour it over the cooled roux, whisking all the time. Set the pan over a high heat and, stirring continuously, bring the mixture to the boil and cook for 3 minutes.

Take the pan off the heat and stir in the egg yolks. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Dot the surface with 1 tbls butter, cut into small pieces, to prevent a skin forming. Set aside at room temperature.

Meanwhile, chill eight round 8cm (3in) tartlet tins in the refrigerator or freezer for a few minutes. Remove and immediately grease them generously with softened butter and arrange on a baking sheet.

ASSEMBLING THE SOUFFLÉS:

Pour the cream into a gratin or bi-metal dish. Lightly salt the cream, then warm it gently without letting it boil. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form stiff peaks. Pour the soufflé mixture into a wide-mouthed bowl.

Using a whisk, quickly beat in about one-third of the beaten egg whites, then using a spatula, carefully fold in the remainder. Using a tablespoon, heap up the mixture in the tartlet tins to form 8 large mounds.

TO COOK AND SERVE:

Bake the soufflés in the preheated oven for 3 minutes, until the tops begin to turn golden. Remove from the oven and, protecting your hands with a cloth, turn out each soufflé into the dish of warm cream. Sprinkle over the Gruyère or Emmental and return to the oven for 5 minutes.

The soufflés must be taken immediately to the table; serve them with a spoon and fork, taking care not to crush them.

Recipe taken from NEW CLASSIC CUISINE, by Albert and Michel Roux

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6. Seabass UKAI dressing £6.50 7. Chilli beef with Teriyaki sauce £5.80 64. Crunchy oriental broccoli £5.40 with sesame dressing URAMAKI 65. Seaweed salad Sukura £5.10 2 Inside-out rolled sushi cress & Wakame seaweed 40. Rocket -cucumber, red selection, cucumber, £4.70 pepper, chives and enoki bean sprout, sesame seeds, mushrooms edamame beans and dressing 41. California - crab meat, £4.80 mango, cream cheese and UKAI MIXED PLATTERS masago These selections can 42. Salmon and avocado £4.80 not be altered salmon, avocado and 70. Salmon mix: Sashimi x4, £10.90 sesame seeds Nigiri x2, Hosomaki x5 43. UKAI california - salmon, £5.10 71. Spicy salmon mix: Sashimi £11.50 cream cheese, rocket and x4, Nigiri x2, Hosomaki x5 cucumber 72. Tuna mix: Sashimi x4, £12.90 Nigiri x2, Hosomaki x5 UKAI SPECIALITIES 73. Spicy tuna mix: Sashimi £13.50 50. 4x Oysters (Subject to x4, Nigiri x2, Hosomaki x5 £6.60 availability) served with 74. Veggie mix: Omelette £9.50 orange and ponzu dressing nigiri x2, Cucumber hosomaki 52. 8x UKAI pancake Japanese £4.90 x5, Vegetable futomaki x5 pancake with cucumber, 75. UKAI mix: Edamame, £19.00 chives, inari and hoi sin Salmon sashimi x4, Prawn sauce nigiri x2, Rocket uramaki 53. 4x Tuna tartar finely x5, Tuna Hosomaki x5 £5.70 chopped raw tuna in lemon 76. Jumbo mix: Edamame, £26.00 pepper and mirin dressing Salmon sashimi x4, Tuna served in cucumber cups, sashimi x4, Salmon nigiri chives and tobiko x2, Prawn nigiri x2, Tuna 54. 4x Salmon tartar finely nigiri x2, Cucumber £5.60 chopped raw salmon in hosomaki x5 chilli wasabi and mayo77. Party mix 90 pieces: £85.00 nnaise served in cucumber Generous selection of cups and tobiko sashimi, nigiri and maki 55. 4x Inari sushi seasoned tofu £3.80 beautifully presented ideal pouches of rice, sesame, for 8-10 people - Allow ginger and chives preparation time 56. Tuna tataki seared tuna with £8.60 78. Sashimi mix: Salmon x4, £16.50 sesame seeds and miso Tuna x4, Fish of the day x4 dressing 79. Tuna & salmon mix: £14.00 Salmon sashimi x2, Tuna SALADS sashimi x2, Salmon hosomaki 60. 6x Daikon rocket salad roll £5.90 x2, Tuna hosomaki x2, rocket, avocado, red pepper, Salmon nigiri x1, chives, enoki mushroom and Tuna nigiri x1 daikon ginger dressing 150.UKAI Gojyu 50 pieces: £45.00 61. Spinach salad roll blanched £4.90 Generous selection of sushi spinach, sesame seeds and beautifully presented, orange ponzu dressing ideal for 4 people - Allow 62. Green mango and papaya £5.90 preparation time salad carrots, coriander, mint, peanuts, tomatoes with MISO SOUPS red nahm jim 80. Miso, tofu, seaweed, spring £1.75 63. UKAI salad Rocket, lettuce, £5.40 onions and chive oil soy beans,radicchio, 83. Seafood Ramen (thin) £6.50 seaweed, sesame noodles, octopus, prawns, and pumpkin seeds with kani stick, seaweed

and chive oil 84. Seafood Udon (thick) noodles, octopus, prawns, kani stick, sea weed and chive oil 85. Vegetable Ramen (thin) noodles, tofu, spring onion and mixed vegetables 86. Vegetable Udon (thick) noodles, tofu, spring onion and mixed vegetables 87. Miso, salmon, tofu, seaweed, spring onions and chive oil SIDE DISHES 100. Edamame (hot or cold) 104. Spicy Edamame 101. White rice 102. Organic brown rice 103. Japanese mixed pickles CHIRASHI 4 Fillets of fresh raw fish (Sashimi) served on a bed of rice 110. CHIRASHI Salmon - White rice Tuna - White rice 112. SPICY CHIRASHI Spicy salmon - White rice Spicy Tuna - White rice TEMAKI 1 Piece of handroll 130. Salmon, avocado, sesame seeds and chives 131. Tuna, avocado, enoki mushroom and chives 132. Mixed vegetable 133. Ikura (Salmon eggs), cucumber and chives 134. California - Crab me at, mango, tobiko, cream cheese and chives 135. Eel, cucumber, enoki mushroom and chives DESSERTS 120. Ice-cream 2 scoops (Ask for daily flavours) 123. Warm Chocolate Brownie with your choice of icecream 125. Green tea & Vanilla Pannacotta with chocolate sauce 126. Fresh fruit plate 127. Mixed mochi

£6.50

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We deliver to: W1, W2, W3 (some parts), W6 (some parts), W8, W9, W10, W11, W12, W14, SW5, SW6 (some parts), SW7, NW6, NW8 & NW10

223 Portobello Road, W11 1LU | 2 Westbourne Grove, W2 5RA | 58 Poland Street, W1F 7NR *our own customer survey

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22/05/2012 24/02/2012 09:36 14:59

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30/05/2012 17:12

FOOD&TRAVEL

Let them eat cake Belgravia baker Peggy Porschen has penned a new tome revealing the secrets of making sweet treats.

Absolutely sneaks a mouth-watering peak

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P

erched on a picture perfect corner of Elizabeth Street, Peggy Porschen’s eponymous boutique cake shop is almost absurdly beautiful.

Its bon bon pink exterior, the artfully arranged fancies, the glamazons who sit decoratively at its picturesque tables and chairs (improbable though it is that they actually eat cake)... it is a confection in itself. Even Kate Moss is a fan, having commissioned her own Peggy Porschen wedding cake – and now, no doubt, la Moss, along with the rest of us, will be clamouring to get her hands on Boutique Baking, Porschen’s new book which instructs how to make Battenburgs, artisan doughnuts and other recipes of the typically pink variety. We pick our three absolute favourites…

MINTEANI

A light and refreshing iced mint tea cocktail, perfect for a summer party. Serve in stylish vintage teacups to create a sophisticated yet relaxed look.

MAKES APPROXIMATELY 4 TEACUPS INGREDIENTS Handful of fresh mint leaves 1 tsp Peggy’s Peppermint & Green Tea Leaves or any other good-quality peppermint tea 150ml water 150ml freshly squeezed lemon juice 150g caster sugar 50ml vodka A splash of Crème de Menthe A splash of freshly squeezed lime juice Ice cubes EQUIPMENT Juicer or citrus press Saucepan Glass jug or teapot (with an infuser, if using loose-leaf tea) Vintage teacups

- Pick the fine leaf tips off the fresh mint twigs and place into iced water to keep them fresh.

- Place the remaining mint leaves together with the peppermint tea into a glass jug or teapot.

- Bring the water to the boil and pour over the peppermint and green tea leaves. Leave to infuse for 3 minutes. Allow to cool.

- Place the lemon juice and caster sugar in a saucepan and bring to the boil. Simmer until the sugar crystals have dissolved, then set aside to cool.

- Once the liquids are cool, mix them together and add the vodka, Crème de Menthe and lime juice. Chill.

- Serve cold in vintage teacups with ice and the fine leaf tips of fresh mint.

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FOOD&TRAVEL

MARSHMALLOW PUFFS

Serve these cheering marshmallow puffs with a cup of home-made hot chocolate. I made mine into dome shapes but you can also spread the marshmallow on a tray then use cookie cutters to make fun shapes.

MAKES APPROXIMATELY 60–70 SMALL PUFFS INGREDIENTS 280ml water 6 sheets gelatine 620g caster sugar 130g glucose 70g egg whites (approximately 2 large eggs), at room temperature Pinch of salt Seeds of 1 vanilla pod Pink, purple and green liquid food colour EQUIPMENT Basic baking kit Sugar thermometer Plastic piping bags Silicon trays with dome shape wells of approximately 4.5cm (1¾in) diameter Spray oil

- Place the gelatine in a saucepan with 130ml of the water. Leave to soak for 10–15 minutes. Gently warm the gelatine until the leaves have dissolved. Alternatively, dissolve the gelatine by microwaving it in short bursts on a low–medium heat.

- Place 320g of the caster sugar and the glucose in a small saucepan with the remaining water. Gently warm over a low heat until the sugar has dissolved, then turn up the heat and bring the syrup to the boil - Using a sugar thermometer, measure the temperature of the syrup. When the syrup reaches 115°C, place the egg whites in a mixing bowl with the dissolved gelatine and salt and start whisking. Once the syrup reaches 121°C, slow down the whisking and carefully pour the syrup into the egg whites

in a thin steady stream – pour down the side of the bowl so that the syrup does not splash onto the whisk.

- Once all the syrup has been incorporated into the egg whites, continue whisking quickly until the marshmallow has cooled to room temperature. Once the marshmallow has cooled, add the vanilla seeds.

- For a combination of colours, divide the mix into equal parts and fold the liquid food colour through with a spatula. Place each coloured mixture into a separate piping bag using a rubber spatula. Cut approximately 2.5cm (1in) from the tip of the bag and pipe the marshmallow into the greased moulds.

Leave to dry for several hours.

- In the meantime, make the coloured sprinkling sugars. Divide the remaining caster sugar evenly between 3 bowls and mix each with a few drops of liquid food colour, matching the colours of the marshmallows.

Sift out any lumps before use.

- Once the marshmallows are fully set, remove them from the moulds and roll in their coordinating sprinkling sugars.

Leave the marshmallows to dry uncovered overnight before packing into airtight containers. The marshmallows can be stored like this for up to 5 days.

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FOOD&TRAVEL

MORELLO CHERRY BAKEWELL TARTS A modern take on a British teatime favourite: the classic Bakewell Tart. To keep with the cherry theme, simply decorate the tarts with sugar cherries and pink fondant.

Makes approximately 20 tarts

equipment Basic baking kit 20 fluted mini tart tins Spray oil Plastic piping bag Small leaf cutter Paper piping bags Sugar thermometer Preheat the oven to 160°C/gas mark 4.

To make the sweet pastry - Place the butter and caster sugar in a mixing bowl and cream together until just combined: do not to make it too fluffy. Gradually add the beaten egg to the mixture.

- Sift the flour, almonds and salt into a separate bowl. Add in batches to the butter mixture until just combined. Wrap the dough in cling film and chill for at least 1 hour.

To make the frangipan - Beat the butter, sugar, lemon zest and almond extract until pale and fluffy. Continue whisking and slowly add the egg. Sift the almonds, flour and salt into a separate bowl.

Add in batches to the butter mix until just combined.

Photos: ©GEORGIA GLYNN SMITH

ingredients For the sweet pastry: 150g unsalted butter, softened 90g caster sugar 30g egg (½ large egg), beaten 200g plain flour 50g ground almonds Pinch of salt For the frangipan: 115g unsalted butter, softened 115g caster sugar Finely grated zest of 1 lemon 1 tsp almond extract 1 medium egg 110g ground almonds 40g self-raising flour Pinch of salt For the filling: 150g good-quality Morello cherry jam For the decoration: 2 tbsp apricot jam, sieved 500g liquid fondant 1 tsp glucose A small amount of simple sugar syrup A small amount of sugar paste A small amount of royal icing Pink, red, green and brown food colour

To assemble the tarts - Roll out the pastry to a thickness of 2–3mm.

Place it into lightly greased tart tins. Fill the bottoms of the cases with 1 teaspoon of down, dipping it into the hot fondant up to the fluted edge of the tart shell. Lift out and spin it fast to let the excess fondant drip off and leave to set.

- If the first dip is not perfect, double dip it once the first layer has set. Make sure that your fondant is always hot and runny when dipping and reheat from time to time as required.

- Mix two thirds of the sugar paste with the red food colouring to create a cherry red shade. Shape into small equal-sized balls with your hands, making 2 balls per tart.

- Mix the last third of sugar paste with green food colouring and using a small rolling pin, roll the paste out on a surface dusted with icing sugar until 1–2mm thick. Cut out small leaf shapes and score the centre with the back of a small kitchen knife.

- Mix a small amount of the royal icing with brown food colour to a soft-peak consistency.

Fill a paper piping bag with the brown icing.

- Snip a small tip off the end of the bag and pipe the cherry stems onto the tarts. Stick the cherries and leaves on top using the remaining brown icing.

ABSOLUTELY READER OFFER Readers of Absolutely Chelsea and Fulham can buy Boutique Baking at the special price of £14 (normally £20), with free p&p. To order, call direct on 01256 302699 quoting reference 7HP and your credit card details.

BOUTIQUE BAKING by PEGGY PORSCHEN, published by Quadrille (£20, hardback)

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Bespoke Kitchens & Furniture

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29/05/2012 17:58

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29/05/2012 18:42

FOOD&TRAVEL STREET LIFE

Royal weddings, royal milestones... these last two years we’ve been spoilt for opportunities to rig up the trestle tables and feast in the street like it was VE Day. To decorate in style make sure the crockery matches the patriotic bunting; we love this colourful melamine party ware by Emma Bridgewater, which is just the thing for drinking cloudy lemonade (read sneaky gins) and eating Victoria sponge from... From £5 for a cup; emmabridgewater.co.uk

Food notes Potted game, guilt-free chocolate and cold caviar, darling...

THE IMMACULATE COLLECTION

The Collection, the re-launched uberslick, Tom Dixon-designed Chelsea institution, now welcomes a brand new restaurant. Kitchen 264 is under the direction of the talented Oded Oren, previously head chef at Turkiz, one of Tel Aviv’s hottest seafood eateries; the marine theme continues at 264, where Oren will cook up Mediterranean small plates such as sea bream tartare, alongside meatier dishes such as grilled lamb stuffed with calamari and calaway. the-collection.co.uk

COLD COMFORT CAVIAR

Fun frozen yoghurt peeps yoomoo have launched their most luxurious flavour yet in Harrods.

The unambiguously named Caviarmoo is a decadent mix of fat-free yoghurt topped with shavings of white chocolate, 23-carat gold flakes and, of course, Harrods caviar – all to a must-try salty/sweet effect. And it’s healthy to boot – what’s not to like? yoomoo.com

GAME ON

Chefs Jemima Palmer-Tomkinson and Rory Baxter have teamed up with The Potted Game Company to produce pots containing individual portions of game, ideally to be served on crusty bread. Quite the most sophisticated addition to a picnic. pottedgame.com

LADY GODIVA

Chocoholics take note: Godiva this month opens its first chocolate café in Europe at Harrods. The sweet stuff will literally flow (via taps running with molten chocolate) and the marble counters will groan under the weight of chocolate-covered strawberries, chocolate sin cake, and other irresistible desserts – and all in glorious Belgian Art Nouveau surrounds. Drool. godiva.be

I SHOULD GROCOCO

Luxe chocolatier Rococo has teamed up with the Grenada Chocolate Co to produce the first chocolate bar to be transported by Fair Transport sail to the UK. Produced on a farm in Hermitage, St Andrews, the artisan makers happily receive 100 per cent of the profits, while the cocoa beans are roasted and winnowed at Grenada’s solar-powered micro-factory, and mature on the six-week journey to these shores. Guilt-free chocolate. £11.95, at exclusively at rococochocolates.com 79

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30/05/2012 15:22

Paris when it sizzles Gemma Billington catches up with our latest foodie crush, the delectable Rachel Khoo, at Harrods

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food&travel

R

achel Khoo is moments away from taking centre stage.

We’re at Harrods’ Gourmet Cookshop space, and a large crowd – a healthy chunk of which has donned its red lipstick and retro frocks in homage to the chef – has amassed for the demonstration and book signing.

I hustle through the throng of doll-like mini-mes to steal a quick chat with the Little Paris Kitchen presenter, cook and author, a coup (s’cuse the pun) given that her frenetic schedule has already seen her filmed, prepped and photographed in the iconic department store today.

Naively I somehow expect her to be slightly ‘rabbit-caught-in-the-headlights’ and dumbfounded by her meteoric rise. She is anything but. Friendly, loquacious and the giggliest of interviewees, there is also a discernibly steely confidence and drive. And one thing is abundantly clear: she is relishing every minute.

The story of Croydon-born Khoo’s trajectory to fame is now well-documented.

Despite a successful career in fashion PR, she became disheartened with the London rat-race and, armed with only 800 euros and GCSE-level French, set-off to Paris for a more creative lifestyle, enrolling at the famous Le Cordon Bleu. In spite of the rom-com style scenario, Khoo’s bold move was nothing if not a challenge; nonetheless, various parttime jobs led to small cooking workshops and dinner parties for friends in her little apartment led to its rapid evolvement into Paris’ most sought-after pop-up restaurant, with her new irresistibly bohemian lifestyle in the diminutive space becoming the basis for her book and series, The Little Paris Kitchen.

Though, as she says, ‘it’s really good that the BBC gave me the opportunity to film in my kitchen, it was definitely more of a challenge – I know now why most shows are filmed in a big studio!’ Cue more giggling.

How, I wonder, did it come about that the broadcasters approached her in the first place?

‘I approached them!’ she laughs. In fact, it was Penguin who first snapped up her outline in 2010 – ‘they immediately loved the idea, they really got the concept,’ she explains – and after discussing the idea of turning the book into a television series, Khoo found Plum, a small independent production company who helped turn the idea into reality.

‘I’ve been very fortunate that I’ve not had to change anything, from start to finish, it’s been what I really wanted,’ she says. Indeed, the notion of not having to compromise becomes a recurring theme in our conversation; Khoo’s

imitable style – from her wardrobe to her mismatched crockery – is totally her, without even the smallest whiff of an orchestrated, clever media construct.

Viewers have been charmed not only by Khoo’s effervescence, but also by her hearty, contemporary French recipes. Though she acknowledges that she was never ‘particularly fussed’ by French cuisine, it was her love of pâtisseries that led her to Paris. How has her new homeland affected her eating habits?

‘In Paris, access to fresh food is a lot easier’, she says, ‘each neighbourhood has fresh food markets twice a week, and even when I was on an au pair budget I could afford to shop at them. It’s also a very multicultural city, which influences the food.’ She pauses before uttering what is evidently a variant on her mantra: ‘Cooking should always be enjoyable, it should be a pleasure, not a chore.’ Which is exactly the kind of joie de vivre that has propelled her and her little Paris kitchen onto our screens and into our hearts.

The Little Paris Kitchen, £20, Penguin 81

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Navarin d’agneau printanier

Spring lamb stew

Poisson meunière

Fish with lemon and brown butter sauce

For the fashion-conscious, the arrival of spring in Paris means that it’s out with the winter wardrobe and in with the spring one. The same goes for stews. Forget your winter boeuf bourguignon, it’s so last season! Navarin printanier, a lamb stew with fresh vegetables, is what should be bubbling away in your kitchen.

Meunière translates as ‘miller’s wife’, referring to the flour used to dredge the fish before it is cooked. This acts as a protective barrier, preventing the delicate flesh from drying out. I use lemon sole for my meunière (Dover sole is just too expensive), but why not try other fish such as Pacific halibut or even trout?

• 1kg lamb neck, cut into pieces • 2 cloves of garlic, crushed to a paste • 1 onion, finely chopped • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1 bay leaf • 2 sprigs of thyme • 4 carrots, cut into chunks • 100g fresh or frozen peas • 100g green beans, shopped • Salt and pepper

• 2 fillets of lemon sole (about 150g each), skin removed • 3 tablespoons of plain flour • ½ teaspoon of salt • A generous pinch of pepper • 1 ½ tablespoons sunflower oil • 45g butter, cut into cubes • Juice of ½ lemon • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley • 1 tablespoon small capers (optional)

Preheat the oven to 160°C. Brown the meat, garlic and onion with the olive oil in a large flameproof casserole (cocotte). Add the bay leaf, thyme and carrots, and enough water to cover the meat by at least a couple of centimetres. Bring to a simmer and remove any scum that rises to the top. Once all the scum is removed, cover the pan and transfer to the oven. Cook for 1½ - 2 hours or until the meat is tender.

Ten minutes before serving, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the peas and beans. Cook for 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender, then drain.

Take the casserole out of the oven and remove the bay leaf and sprigs of thyme. Add the peas and beans to the lamb with salt and pepper to taste, and serve straight away.

For an English twist serve the stew with some mint sauce.

Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking time: 11/2- 2 hours

Check the fish for small bones and use tweezers to pull out any that you find. Mix the flour with the salt and pepper and spread out over a large plate. Pat the fish fillets in the flour so they are evenly coated, and shake off any excess.

Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a high heat,. When the oil is smoking hot, place the fish fillets fleshy- side down in the pan and lower the heat to medium. Cook for 1-2 minutes on one side until golden, then turn the fillets over and cook for a further 1- 2 minutes until the second side is golden. Place the fish on a warmed plate and cover with aluminium foil. (NB If you’re cooking thicker slices or fillets (2-3cm thick), then 3-4 minutes on each side should be fine.

Wipe the pan with paper towels and return to a medium heat. Add the cubes of butter and heat until they melt and become light brown, then turn off the heat and add the lemon juice (stand back a little as it will splutter). Add the parsley and capers (if using), and swirl the contents of the pan around. Return the fish to the pan, spoon over the juices and serve immediately.

Preparation time: 10 minutes; cooking time: 10 minutes

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food&travel TOM AIKENS RESTAURANT

C

ooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all’ said Harriet van Horne. And this edict, written on the charcoal grey walls of the Scandanavian chic-style restaurant, is clearly a mantra which Tom Aikens follows. After reopening in January, he has returned from the brink, all guns blazing, with a tasty and adventurous menu of high-end French cuisine – always with an innovative twist.

A magnificent bread basket kicked off the meal, setting the bar high, with its trio of fresh warm rolls and matching butters (our vote goes to the bacon and onion). Starters were equally delicious: the crab and avocado rolls sang of summer, delicate with the soft flavour of crab coming through, whilst the salt-fried Clarence Court duck egg with dandelion, sourdough crumbs and sour onions were caramelised perfectly, beautifully presented on a salt stone plate.

Main courses hit the spot, in particular the baked trout with hay-baked Jersey royals and grilled white asparagus, which was theatrically unveiled from under a bell jar. And desserts proved a colourful explosion of flavour: the picture-perfect chocolate parfait was marvellously refreshing with its accompaniment of chocolate gel, bitter chocolate icecream and mint syrup, while the confit butternut transformed the root vegetable three ways into a scrumptious praline, cake and ice-cream.

To top it off, the wine list boasts an impressive selection from 300 international bins. Plump for the Cabernet Sauvignon from the Languedoc. Excellent.

43 Elystan Street, SW3, 020 7584 2003; tomaikens.co.uk

Restaurant REVIEWS Absolutely two of the best in Chelsea Green

THE MARKHAM INN

W

ith Mahiki, Whisky Mist and The Punchbowl already under their belts, Piers Adam and Nick House’s credentials are pretty good. And, once again, the dynamic duo has triumphed with this brasserie-style restaurant and bar aimed at ‘hungry travellers and maverick indolents alike’.

Here, it’s all about British seasonal produce – and Head Chef, Nick Stones, has gone all out, working carefully with local suppliers to ensure it’s nothing but the best.

The deliciously sweet Wye Valley asparagus proved this point perfectly, acting as a fantastic starter, accompanied by a poached egg and a sublime hollandaise sauce. The chicken and foie gras terrine with pear chutney and toasted sourdough was just as good, with its excellent combination

of flavour. The main courses showcased a solid selection of meat and fish. The grilled sirloin steak was a generous but wonderfully lean-cut, while the seared tuna, served with piperade and spinach, was tenderly cooked to perfection. Desserts were a delight. The raspberry millefeuille was stylishly but simply presented, not too rich with gorgeously sweet fruit, and the hot chocolate fondant hit dazzling heights accompanied by a completely scrumptious hazelnut ice-cream.

The Markham Inn is open for all-day dining, but go for dinner when the vibe is excellent and you can fully indulge in the excellent wine list. Or head over for Sunday lunch, when it serves the most magnificent roasts – comfort food at its best.

2 Elystan Street, SW3 020 7581 9139; markhaminn.com 85

RESTAURANT REVIEWS2-1.indd 85

30/05/2012 16:33

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30/05/2012 14:21

food&travel THE HOTEL:

Set on the edge of the New Forest, the impressive, Austen-esque sweep of parkland that greets guests as they roll through Chewton Glen’s gates serves as a fitting start to a stay at this quintessential country manor. A string of wellies, a glowing hearth, the glorious smell of wood smoke and a friendly welcome do nothing to allay the sensation that you are arriving for a relaxed country house stay – only at the most luxurious country pile you’ve ever seen. The stream that weaves its way through the hotel’s grounds demarcates the Hampshire/ Dorset border, so guests can literally leap from one county to the next. There’s a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts and a croquet lawn, but we opt instead for a simple walk through the impeccably manicured gardens, across the road to the small beach. It’s no wonder the hotel has scooped a myriad of awards. Look out for the thrilling Treehouse Suites opening this summer, which are the very epitome of rough luxe. Tarzan eat your heart out.

Chewton Glen, Hampshire UK GETAWAY

THE BEDROOMS:

The slightly circuitous route to the bedroom (one of 58) up and down various flights of stairs ultimately brings us back down to the ground floor – which, as it turns out, is a thoroughly excellent business; the luxurious garden suite has access from its French doors on to a private terrace with views across the grounds. Style does not sacrifice comfort and vice versa here; sumptuous yet airy, it is the elegant exemplar of a country hotel room – everything has been thought of, from the beautifully presented fruit to the half bottle of Nyetimber, which has been left for us to enjoy on the terrace.

THE BATHROOM:

A lavish affair, with a vast sunken bath, a powerful walk-in shower, and a superfluity of pleasingly plump fresh white towels.

PRICE TAG:

From £130 to 1,100 per night; 01425 275341; chewtonglen.com

GET THERE:

A train from London Waterloo to New Milton Station takes 1 hour 45 mins, from where a taxi takes five minutes.

the restaurants:

Under the expert leadership of head chef Andrew Du Bourg, Vetiver is one of a new breed of decidedly unstuffy country house hotel restaurants. There’s no starched formality, just unfussy excellence. Instead of the usual bread basket, we are presented with baba ghanoush and flat breads, which make for a welcome and delicious change.

A starter of crispy spiced duck and fennel cress salad was as light as it was exquisite, while kaffir lime steamed whole sea bream was superb. Don’t miss the excellent Hampshire cheese selection. Oenophiles, meanwhile, will delight in the 700-strong wine list.

THE spa:

Covered in awards, the spa is exemplary.

The hour-long Ananda facial, a healing and reviving treatment, lives up to its Sanskrit meaning – it is, indeed, blissful. The pool is up there with the most beautiful in the land, its classical Roman bath motif and huge Georgian windows making it all elegance while the hydrotherapy spa pools and the outdoor whirlpool are fun and relaxing.

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FESTIVAL FEVER TRAVEL ROUND UP

Three of the best summer literary festivals

HAY FESTIVAL

31 MAY – 10 JUNE The Hay Festival of Literature and Arts is quite probably the most celebrated literary festival in the world. Founded by the Florence family twenty-three years ago, this annual ten-day cerebral extravaganza, which takes place just a stone’s throw away from the Herefordshire border, continues to grow in popularity, attention and visitor numbers every year.

While most people come for the performances, talks, lectures and readings given by high-profi le authors, actors, broadcasters, poets and politicians, others simply come for its memorable setting.

In fact, there couldn’t be a better one.

Hay-on-Wye – nicknamed ‘The Town of Books’ – became a draw for bookworms when bibliophile Richard Booth opened a second-hand book shop in 1961 and inadvertently began a tourist trend which

has happily thrived ever since. To this day, thousands descend on the town simply for its antique and endlessly charming shops which are typically characterised by piles of old tomes.

The festival, which takes place in the fi rst week of June this year, arranges itself across several tents in fields rimmed by sheep and vast stretches of lush greenery.

What to expect for 2012? Oh, just Rob Brydon, Nicholas Parsons, Julian Clary, Boris Johnson, Andrew Marr, Terry Pratchett, David Starkey and music from Bryn Terfel and Billy Bragg.

And maybe some rain – what is a festival without it? – but you’ll be far too busy to even notice.

25 Lion Street, Hay-on-Wye, HR3 5AD Tickets cost from £3 - £20 To book, visit hayfestival.com

THE ALTHORP LITERARY FESTIVAL

15 – 17 JUNE The Althorp estate is well-known for regrettable reasons. It is, of course, Princess Diana’s final resting place and over the years, its popular six-room exhibition, ‘Diana: A Celebration’, has witnessed crowds-upon-crowds flood through its gates.

But the splendid 14,000-acre country estate near Northampton, which has been home to the Spencer family since the 16thcentury, has a few more strings to its bow that are certainly worth noting.

While the commemorative exhibition remains in tact and accessible at all times, the summer also sees Althorp host its annual literary festival.

Now in its ninth year, it welcomes guests and visitors from all walks of life. In its near-decade, it’s become a fi rm favourite

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hay-on-wye

Althorp

PORT ELIOT

amongst nearby locals as well as amongst those who are simply eager to learn in a picturesque setting.

This year, the Althorp organisers – sponsored by Christie’s auction house – have gone one better than their previous timetable, lining up, among others, former Chancellor Alistair Darling, author Louis de Bernières and broadcasters Jeremy Vine and Brian Sewell, while a special bicentenary surprise is to be held in honour of British hero, Charles Dickens.

It is firmly under wraps for now, but the advice from Newsnight’s Gavin Esler?

Simply: ‘don’t miss it’. And judging by the past nine years, you really shouldn’t.

The Stables, Althorp, Northampton, NN7 4HQ; 01604 770107 Adult day tickets are £12.50, children’s tickets cost £6, but are free for the under-fives. althorp.com/literaryfestival

PORT ELIOT

19 – 22 July Cornwall is always an idyllic place to spend one’s British summer. In July, however, a little spot near Saltash becomes just that little bit more alluring when the Port Eliot Festival comes to town.

It all started when the legendary Elephant Fayre came to an end in 1986, and Lord St Germans and his wife Catherine launched Port Eliot Fesitval (previously the Port Eliot Literary Festival). Their aim? To bring together a group of journalists, authors, poets and performers who would deliver a creative and spontaneous set of acts, all of whom were asked to ‘do something different with words.’

And that they did, for in its ninth year, Port Eliot enthusiasts are once again gearing up for an eclectic timetable. Among the flower shows, cabaret tents, stationed dressing up boxes and late-night dancing, its fans will be flocking for its schedule of unplanned,

impromptu talks, lectures and theatrical and musical performances given by some muchrespected talent.

Learn to cook with Rose Prince, laugh along with Miles Jupp, be read to by Kate Summerscale and dance along to Stornoway’s indie tunes. And if you still want more, Port Eliot has various fringe events in place to keep even the over-energetic sated. Head to the all-new odditorium, where guests learn about all things ‘odd’, while various children’s camps will keep all the young ones occupied and happy all weekend long.

Jarvis Cocker once branded Port Eliot as ‘the festival of ideas’. And who are we to argue with that?

Port Eliot Estate Office, Port Eliot Estate, St Germans, Saltash, Cornwall PL12 5ND; 01503 230211; adult weekend tickets £150; £75 for a child, while children under 8 go free; porteliotfestival.com 89

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TAILOR-MADE TRAVEL Luxury leather goods and accessories hand crafted in the United Kingdom

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FOOD&TRAVEL

Vive la

France

Katie Jarrett bids farewell to the bad old days of the school French exchange once and for all, and instead goes in pursuit of the real France – via lashings of tarte Tropezienne, naturally

A

nyone who’s ever been on a school exchange to France will know that one normally comes away having absorbed very little culture. That’s not because it isn’t there, but if you’re anything like me, you cry regularly down the phone to your parents, glean no knowledge of food except hoarding packets of Galettes Bretonnes in your room and – out of pure desperation – only learn how to shout ‘arretez la voiture et laissez moi sortir,’ or other such hopelessly useless gems.

So after accepting what was labeled a ‘gastronomic tour’ of France across

three regions I was prepared to revisit the old clichés. What I didn’t know before this trip was that I had previously been looking for the ‘real’ France in all the wrong places.

First stop was Deauville, which is to Paris what The Hamptons are to New York.

Known well to the French but not so well to the English, this is a seaside town boasting a rich history in north-eastern Normandy.

Houses in the town are painted in pastel shades and adorned with decorative quoins, turrets and delicate wooden balconettes.

Its claims to fame are numerous: Coco Chanel established her first luxury boutique here in the early 1900s, and it holds an annual film festival

in September, to which stars of stage and screen flock and can be found sipping chocolat chaud in its handsome patisseries.

Off the beaten track and a few miles away from the town centre is the extraordinary Les Manoirs de Tourgevilles, a four-star hotel situated in the middle of the countryside. Originally built as a film set

by Claude Lelouch, the film was abandoned and the structure – a neo-Norman manor house and a series of outbuildings – were converted by hotel group, Groupe Floirat.

The landscape around Les Manoirs is all rustic idyll. The apple orchards and green pastures strewn with horses and rickety wooden farm machinery are truly Chauceresque. Inside, it is like a royal hunting lodge.

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Rooms span one-, two- and three-floors, the sitting room sprawls the length of one of its cloisters and one is always met by a crackling fire. The resident restaurant, The 1899, headed up by Executive Chef Emmanuel Andrieu prepares traditional Normandy fare (starting, always, with the delightful Croquettes de Fromages Normands), giving a sense of old France ‘preserved.’

A short flight later, and I was in St Jean de Luz, a picturesque place in the Basque region. It is an old town which has suffered at the hand of its fair share of drama, having hosted a royal wedding – Louis XIV’s first marriage to 22-year old Maria-Theresa of

Spain in 1660 – and the evacuation of the Polish army during World War Two. In season, the fishing port accommodates the yachts and second homes of the European sailing elite. The architecture is

squares with coiffed trees, quaint clock towers and hyper-fashionable shops which sell sailing gear at exorbitant prices. Up on the cliff, Hotel La Reserve overlooks St Jean de Luz and its turquoise bay-trapped sea.

The view from one of the comfortable terraced rooms is of coastal paths, trendy shops and restaurants where you go to see and be seen. If Deauville hosts French aristocracy, then St Jean de Luz hosts the daredevils and trendsetters of French society. The Ilura restaurant at La Reserve embodies this daring. Head chef is 20-something Fabrice Idiart, who has been given the freedom to manage a kitchen which combines his creativity and a true knowledge of Basque

If Deauville hosts French aristocracy, then St Jean de Luz hosts the daredevils and trendsetters of French society varied: 16th-century churches and houses which have remained standing through batterings and beatings by war and sea, sit alongside 1960s hotel blocks reminiscent of English seaside towns, characteristic

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Opening page: St Tropez harbour; this page, clockwise: the restaurant at byblos; the pool at la reserve; the terrace at la reserve

same here: some come spread over mezzanines, while others come to life as two vast apartments attached at the hip.

Vincent Maillard’s Le Spoon, situated within the hotel, has racks of variety and a delicious ten-course tasting menu consisting of comfort food in the form of ‘bio boiled egg’ one minute, and experimental food, ‘octopus rock’, the next. It was all wonderful until the Tropezienne tarte appeared just as I thought I’d had my gastronomic fill for the night. Native to the region, the tarte is a custard cream cake made in heaven, which, when paired with a sharp raspberry sorbet turned me into what Martin Amis would call ‘a gurgling wizard of calorific excess.’

And that is the charm of this quaint port made famous by its annual influx of celebrity and billionaire visitors; when one thinks all eyes should be fixed on the marina, awaiting the arrival of another gargantuan vessel, in fact, St Tropez’s real delight is on one’s plate.

And so it was throughout my travels through these three corners of France; over

my umpteenth serving of Tropezienne tarte, I realised just how splendidly gourmand this country really is. There are secret recipes and long histories behind everything the French eat and for the entirety of this one fortunate week, all those I met on each contrasting coastlines, had successfully changed my perceptions of France through menus alone.

Suffice to say, I didn’t need to call my parents once.

For further information about Groupe Floirat visit groupe-floirat.com A Manor Room at Les Manoirs de Tourgéville, Deauville (+33 2 31 14 48 68; lesmanoirstourgeville.com) from €152* per room per night; Standard rooms at La Réserve, St Jean de Luz (+33 5 59 51 32 00; hotel-lareserve.com) cost from €95* per room per night; Byblos, St Tropez (+33 4 94 56 68 00; byblos.com) offers classic rooms from €424* per room per night. All the above prices are on a room-only basis based on 2 adults sharing.

cuisine (confit du canard, grilled sea bass à la biscayenne, fraises gariguettes de bayonne, and so on.) His repertoire is full of unexpected combinations (beef carpaccio and anchovy – anyone?) but they work.

Next stop was St Tropez and through the gates of exclusive five star Hotel Byblos. Away from the competing yachts at the water’s edge, this is undoubtedly where the beautiful people go, possibly one of only a few places in the world which can be ‘name-dropped’ without explanation - indeed, Rolling Stone Mick Jagger hosted his legendary raucous reception for his wedding to Bianca here.

The interior of Byblos reflects the tiny but endlessly idiosyncratic St Tropezienne alleys which wrap around the property. No two rooms are the 93

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ABSOLUTELY PROMOTION

Dog-like devotion

From the grooming salon to walks in the park, Pet Pavilion knows how to give pets the life they deserve...

My name is Jack and I’m My name isPet Jack and I’m in charge.

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Pavilion is my favouritePet shop.

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Heads and tails above the rest! and tails above the rest!

T

hose of us who are lucky enough to share our lives with a pet know just how important it is that our furry friends receive the very best treatment when they are away from our loving care. Pet Pavilion, with branches in Chelsea Farmers Market, Gloucester Road, Notting Hill and Wimbledon Village, offers just such high quality care and attention to the discerning pets of London. Founded in 1996 by Andrew and Jenny SavilleEdells, Pet Pavilion grew out of their love for their own dogs, and aims to offer the second-to-none range of services and products that they themselves look for. The couple travels the world to source the best, most exclusive accessories and the healthiest food and treats – some of which are only available at Pet Pavilion. All products can be delivered in London.

Pet Pavilion’s sought-after pet grooming service is provided by specialist, experienced groomers, all of whom are vetted by Andrew and Jenny. Their air-conditioned, state-of-the-art salons use the latest equipment to create a tranquil environment for their four-legged clients. The couple and their staff firmly believe that regular grooming is very much part of a dog’s general health and overall wellbeing, with every visit to the salon including a general inspection and close attention to your pet’s teeth, ears, nails and glands. The friendly and knowledgeable staff at Pet Pavilion will help you with any requirements or problems you might have, and will advise you if they feel that a visit to the vet might be in order.

Their central London dog walking service, which includes pick up and delivery from your home or office, transport in comfortable, safe and air-conditioned luxury pet carriers – and even a complementary drying service with the groomers in case of wet weather – already has a waiting list of eager dogs. petpavilion.co.uk

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food&travel A tale of two countries

Travel Notes

Tumble down charm, arresting beauty, exquisite food, honking chaotic traffic and vibrant street life… Italy and India have more in common than one might first think. Now two of the best bespoke tour operators Ampersand and Bellini Travel, have teamed up to create an incomparable 16-day journey; travellers will start at the fort palace of Ahilya in Maheshwar, where the fort’s owner and son of the last Maharaja of Indore will guide and host, and end the Indian leg at the majestic Taj Falaknuma Palace – formerly home to the Nizams of Hyderabad – with guided tours by William Dalrymple thrown in for good measure. Next up is Rome, starting with two nights at La Posta Vecchia (former seaside retreat of oil baron J. Paul Getty), tours from Rome expert John Fort, followed by a trip to the dazzling beauty of the Amalfi Coast. Book early for 12 – 26 October, from £9,720 per person, including flights, 14 nights’ B&B accommodation, most meals, private transfers and excursions throughout. ampersandtravel.com

Surf’s up

When we think of surfing hols, the image conjured to mind is mainly one of tending a beach barbecue while sandy-haired boys mess about in Newquay’s most impressive barrels.

This year, the Four Seasons Maldives show us how its done, big gun style, as it once more hosts the Surfing Champions Trophy while guests watch from the Four Seasons Explorer, or from the beach – where no doubt, a far superior seafood feast will sizzle on the barbie. Johnny Utah eat your heart out. surfingchampionstrophy.com

elephant steps Tree top

Getting back to nature is all very well, but 3am dashes to makeshift loos in the cold and dark plus a soggy tent interior can wear a little thin. Step forward then Sweden’s Treehotel, Mantis Collection’s newest addition, which is all about living amongst nature’s bounty – but in comfort, style and luxury. Conceived by owner Kent Lindvall and three Swedish architects, the design of all five treehouse suites is unflinchingly contemporary and almost anti-rustic – from the cleverly mirrored, sky-reflecting hovering box, to the UFO-reminiscent floating saucer. Perfect for spying the northern lights. Stay at Treehotel for 3,990 SEK (£374) per room per night, including buffet breakfast; mantiscollection.com

Nature lovers take note: The Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, Thailand, is offering guests the chance to get involved with research into elephant behaviour. The programme is overseen by John Roberts who holds the excellently titled post of ‘director of elephants’, along with Dr Plotnik, who said: ‘Understanding how elephants think and see their world will help us develop viable plans to protect them and their natural habitat.’ From 1 July; the half-day Elephant Researcher Program costs THB 11,000 per couple; proceeds go to the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation and Think Elephants International; fourseasons.com 95

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£29

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30/05/2012 14:36

ABSOLUTELY PROPERTY JUNE 2012

Rutland Gate, Knightsbridge, SW7 A modern two bedroom apartment situated in Knightsbridge offering a spacious open plan living area, two bedrooms and a bathroom. This period apartment benefits from a lift and access to communal gardens.

ÂŁ1,340,000 Freehold

PROPERTY FRONT COVER.indd 97

020 7584 7020 knightsbridge@carterjonas.co.uk

30/05/2012 16:31

We’ll sell your home... on the house.

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We’ll charge you 0% commission when you instruct our new Earls Court office to sell your property.

You may think we’re new to the area but we’ve been selling and letting property in the Royal Borough since 1856. It’s our unrivalled local knowledge – and knowing how to use it – that gets our clients better results.

To find out more call 020 7368 4458 or visit marshandparsons.co.uk/OnTheHouse

For full terms and conditions please visit:

marshandparsons.co.uk/OnTheHouse

Local know-how. Better results.

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Local know-how. Better results.

Balham

Chelsea

Hammersmith

Mayfair

Barnes

Clapham

Holland Park

North Kensington

Battersea

Earls Court

Kensington

Notting Hill

Brook Green

Fulham

Little Venice

Pimlico & Wesmister

Drayton Gardens SW1O £6,250,000 A rare opportunity to acquire a large end of terrace house. This fantastic family home offers flexible accommodation arranged over five floors comprising a striking double reception room, a contemporary kitchen and a large dining area. The bedroom accommodation boasts a master suite with a dressing area and luxury bathroom, three further en suite bedrooms, an additional shower room, a large private terrace and off-street parking. Freehold. Joint Sole Agent.

CHELSEA: 020 7591 5570 sales.chs@marshandparsons.co.uk

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See all of our properties online: marshandparsons.co.uk

Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/marshandparsons

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SALES

Maximum exposure to buyers... on the house.

Unequalled customer service... on the house.

Over 150 years experience... on the house.

Coleherne Court SW5 £2,700,000 Located on the ground oor of a highly sought after building in Earls Court, with direct access to communal gardens, this superb apartment boasts a large eat-in kitchen, a reception room with dining area leading out to the gardens, four large bedrooms and two bathrooms. Share of Freehold. Sole Agents.

Sell your property for free when you instruct our new Earls Court office. marshandparsons.co.uk/OnTheHouse

EARLS COURT: 020 7835 0620 sales.ect@marshandparsons.co.uk

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Local know-how. Better results.

Balham

Chelsea

Hammersmith

Mayfair

Barnes

Clapham

Holland Park

North Kensington

Battersea

Earls Court

Kensington

Notting Hill

Brook Green

Fulham

Little Venice

Pimlico & Westminster

Montrose Place SW1 ÂŁ2,500,000 This meticulously maintained mews house is located on the western side of Belgravia, close to Buckingham Palace Gardens and Green Park. The property comprises a large eat-in kitchen/dining room, an additional dining/reception room, a further reception room that could be remodelled to create a large fourth double bedroom, a master bedroom with excellent built-in storage, two further bedrooms and two bathrooms. Freehold. Sole Agents.

CHELSEA: 020 7591 5570 sales.chs@marshandparsons.co.uk

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Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/marshandparsons

Join us on Facebook: facebook/marshandparsons.co.uk

Visit our YouTube channel: youtube.com/user/marshandparsons

SALES

See all of our properties online: marshandparsons.co.uk

Courtfield Gardens SW5 £1,350,000 This immaculately presented first floor flat is located on the preferred eastern side of this popular garden square. The flat has a fabulous open plan kitchen/reception room with elegant high ceilings and French doors, which lead onto the west facing roof terrace and a large bedroom with en suite and a dressing room. Share of Freehold.

EARLS COURT: 020 7835 0620 sales.ect@marshandparsons.co.uk

Kensington Mansions SW5 £995,000 Located in the heart of Earls Court, this stunning property comprises a bright reception room with bay windows, a dining room, a seperate kitchen, a large master bedroom, a further double bedroom, a stylish bathroom, a shower room and lots of storage space.

The property is beautifully presented throughout and benefits from access to superb communal gardens. Share of Freehold.

EARLS COURT: 020 7835 0620 sales.ect@marshandparsons.co.uk

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Local know-how. Better results.

Balham

Chelsea

Hammersmith

Mayfair

Barnes

Clapham

Holland Park

North Kensington

Battersea

Earls Court

Kensington

Notting Hill

Brook Green

Fulham

Little Venice

Pimlico & westminster

Beaufort Gardens SW3 ÂŁ1,500 per week Presented in immaculate condition throughout, this stunning penthouse apartment provides an impressive reception room with access to a private roof terrace, a contemporary ďŹ tted kitchen, a master bedroom with en suite bathroom and access to the terrace, a second double bedroom and an additional shower room.

CHELSEA: 020 7591 5570 lets.chs@marshandparsons.co.uk

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LETTINGS

See all of our properties online: marshandparsons.co.uk

Courtfield Gardens SW5 £995 per week This immaculately presented apartment is located moments from the amenities of Gloucester Road. The property boasts a large, bright reception room, a modern eat-in kitchen, two large double bedrooms, a large study, two modern bathrooms (one en suite).

The property further benefits from a private decked patio and has access to the communal gardens.

EARLS COURT: 020 7835 0620 lets.ect@marshandparsons.co.uk

Wetherby Mansions SW5 £875 per week Situated on the first floor of a handsome period building in Earls Court Square, this stylish apartment is decorated beautifully throughout. The striking accommodation boasts a vast south facing reception room with plenty of natural light, a separate eat-in kitchen, two large double bedrooms and a modern bathroom.

EARLS COURT: 020 7835 0620 lets.ect@marshandparsons.co.uk

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Offices throughout the UK including 5 in London

carterjonas.co.uk

Knightsbridge

Sterling Street SW7 A brand newly refurbished house arranged over four floors situated in a quiet street in the heart of Knightsbridge. The accommodation comprises plentiful living space situated over two floors flooded with natural light looking onto a pretty west facing garden. There are three bedrooms, two with ensuite facilities and a separate bathroom, guest cloakroom, half- landing study area and under pavement vaults providing ample storage.

3 bedrooms • 3 bathrooms • 2 reception rooms Kitchen • West facing garden

Guide price £4,500,000 Freehold

Knightsbridge & Chelsea 020 7584 7020 knightsbridge@carterjonas.co.uk

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sOUth KensingtOn

Onslow Crescent SW7 A spacious three bedroom, three bathroom lateral flat situated on the seventh floor of a popular portered block. Melton Court is ideally located for the amenities and transport links of South Kensington. This flat has a contemporary double reception room, an eat-in kitchen and also benefits from 24 hour security as well as access to Onslow Gardens.

3 bedrooms • 3 bathrooms • Reception room • Kitchen • Lift • Access to Onslow Gardens

Guide price £1,999,950 Leasehold

Knightsbridge & Chelsea 020 7584 7020 knightsbridge@carterjonas.co.uk

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Offices throughout the UK including 5 in London

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KnigHtSbridgE

Ennismore Gardens SW7 A stunning duplex apartment on one of Knightsbridge’s premier garden squares. The bright property is laid out over the top two floors and has been refurbished to a high standard.

3 bedrooms • 2 bathrooms • Reception room Open-plan kitchen • 2 terraces

£1,295 per week Furnished

Knightsbridge & Chelsea 020 7584 7020 knightsbridge@carterjonas.co.uk

CHELSEA

Walton Street SW3 A stunning, recently refurbished flat in the popular red brick mansion block on Walton Street.

Double bedroom • Bathroom • Reception room Eat in Kitchen • Porter

£550 per week Furnished

Knightsbridge & Chelsea 020 7584 7020 knightsbridge@carterjonas.co.uk

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CHELSEA

KnigHtSbridgE

Kings Road SW3

Pavilion Road SW3

An immaculate flat on the 4th floor in a new development with on site gym, swimming pool and tennis courts.

An immaculate, newly refurbished flat on the first floor of a handsome period building on Pavilion Road. The flat is ideally located for the underground at Sloane Square.

2 double bedrooms • 2 bathrooms • Reception room Kitchen • Balcony • Parking

£795 per week

Furnished

Double bedroom • Bathroom • Reception room • Kitchen

£575 per week

Furnished

Knightsbridge & Chelsea 020 7584 7020 knightsbridge@carterjonas.co.uk

Knightsbridge & Chelsea 020 7584 7020 knightsbridge@carterjonas.co.uk

CHELSEA

CHELSEA

Redcliffe Gardens SW10

Sloane Avenue SW3

A bright and spacious top floor flat which has been neutrally decorated throughout and consists of a large open plan modern kitchen and reception room.

A very well presented studio flat on the ninth floor (with lift) of a portered building on Sloane Avenue.

Reception • Open Plan Kitchen • 2 Bedrooms • 2 Bathrooms

Open Plan Kitchen • Bathroom • Lift • Porter Inclusive of Heating And Hot Water

£550 per week

£375 per week

Furnished/Unfurnished

Knightsbridge & Chelsea 020 7584 7020 knightsbridge@carterjonas.co.uk

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Knightsbridge & Chelsea 020 7584 7020 knightsbridge@carterjonas.co.uk

25/05/2012 15:41

In their own words 110

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PROPERTY

Alix McAlinden Managing Director, PHOTO: RICHARD CLARK

s early as I can remember, I had a passion for property.

From a young age I had the privilege of being exposed to fantastic properties as my uncle is the renowned interior architect David Collins who has been responsible for some of London’s most iconic interiors.

Seeing these beautifully decorated rooms lit up my imagination. Although I quickly realised that I lacked his creative flair I was determined to pursue a career in luxury property.

What I love most about the job is getting to mix with people from all walks of life. I am a people person. It is essential for what we do and really what this business is all about. One of the first lessons I learnt was that you have to realise that the product is the applicant, not the property, and that people do business with people they like. In my younger years I was a professional musician for years and I feel that this has benefitted me as an agent because I enjoy making a lasting impression at every opportunity.

Being half Irish, half French and born in Africa, it was perhaps inevitable that I would end up working for an international company. When the chance to join Engel & Völkers arose, one of the world’s leading luxury property and yachting companies, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to put of all of my knowledge and skills to use. I had previously worked for one of London‘s leading estate agencies where I gained a firm understanding of how a successful, efficient and reputable agency should be run. I remain optimistic about the current central London property market which is still

PROP IN THEIR OWN WORDS.indd 111

appreciating despite uncertainty in the global economy. Overseas demand remains a constant feature and cash buyers are still the prolific driving force. Meanwhile, investment in prime central London property has become a preferred financial investment as a direct consequence of the uncertain financial climate and currency crisis in Europe and beyond.

Another aspect I enjoy is working closely with our Engel & Völkers Private Office which is also based here in London. The Private Office services our most exclusive clients, which means I am lucky enough to see inside ‘out-of-this world’ properties to match them up with prospective clients, who fly in from our vast pool of prospective premium contacts from our 500 global offices. Additionally, with so many international clients there is never a dull moment in our office on Brompton Road. Collectively we speak eight languages fluently; there is often a conversation taking place in another language which keeps us on our toes!

I’m fortunate enough to live in the area I work, which only increases my understanding of why it’s so soughtafter. I particularly love Walton Street, which is just a stone’s throw from our Chelsea office; it offers great independent eateries, beautiful shops and has a real community feel. I have spent plenty of time there recently as we have introduced six of the last seven buyers for properties on the street! Our office is located close to the fabulous Bibendum and opposite Aubaine and La Brasserie; please feel free to visit.

020 7590 3700 alix.mcalinden@engelvoelkers.com

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Palace Place, St James Park Exceptional living space

T

his spacious Penthouse apartment has been tastefully created by renowned interior designer Nicky Haslam. 1 Palace Place, SW1 is clad in solid Portland Stone with dramatic curved glazing that cuts an impressive figure amid the diverse architecture of the local area. The living space is exceptional for the area being in excess of 1700 sq ft with only the very best materials having been used, including natural limestone floors in the kitchen, hallways and wet areas, solid oak flooring in the living areas and wool carpets in the bedrooms. The apartment has a fabulous dual aspect open plan reception room with modern integrated kitchen, 3 double bedrooms (2 en suite), under floor heating, air conditioning & private parking space.

£3,295,000 – 999 Year Lease

ENGEL VOLKERS2.indd 1

0207 584 1100

chelsea@engelvoelkers.com

24/05/2012 12:12

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Hamptons Fulham Sales. 020 7717 5299 fulham@hamptons.co.uk

Bovingdon Road, SW6 - £2,250,000 - Freehold A wider than average “Lion” house in this popular residential street. The house has been refurbished to an exceptional standard, with spacious rooms and a private patio garden.

Settrington Road, SW6 - £1,600,000 - Freehold A superb period house in this popular residential street, with a private garden and a large roof terrace enjoying views over South Park, as well as a side extended kitchen.

In the year of medals, we are already on a winning streak.

Hamptons International Silver for Best for UK Large Estate Agency and Best for Marketing.

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PROPERTY

finlay street, sw6

This sensational end-of-terrace house is arranged over 2,800sqft. The fact that it is both exceptionally wide and light makes it all the more charming. There is a double reception room with two bay windows, four well-proportioned bedrooms (and a fifth study-comebedroom), and an unusually large master bedroom with an ensuite, plus a garage and a cellar. Situated on the Alphabet Streets near Bishops Park, there is an abundance of green space on the doorstep, as well 49ft landscaped garden.

And if that weren’t enough, there is also potential to extend a further 1000sqft. £2,700,000, freehold. Through John D Wood; 020 7731 4223; johndwood.co.uk

Fulham Fabulous

The very best of leafy Fulham’s family living

TOURNAY ROAD, SW6

This imposing six-bedroomed Victorian terraced house is arranged over an impressive 2,4000sqft. There are lovely original interior features, such as a pretty period fireplace in the double reception room, while the kitchen/dining room is truly the heart of the house, with views on to the rear garden. The perfect family home. £1,550,000; freehold Through Faron Sutaria, 020 7610 2080 faronsutaria.co.uk

parthenia road, sw6

Situated near the verdant Eel Brook Common, this beautiful end-of-terrace family house is awash with plenty of wonderful entertaining space. It has been meticulously refurbished by the current owner and as such would make provide a fabulous and flexible family home, close as it is to a variety of excellent schools. There is a spacious double-length reception room leading to a magnificent open-plan Smallbone kitchen with an extensive range of integrated appliances, from where sliding glass doors lead into the south-facing paved garden. The five-bedroomed, three reception roomed house (with a cellar) is fully air conditioned and has Lutron lighting in all the main rooms. £3,100,000, freehold Through Hamptons Fulham, 020 7384 1001; hamptons-int.com 117

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108 Beaufort Street Chelsea SW3 A beautiful family home that offers excellent flexible accommodation.

Double reception room, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (2 en suite) plus cloakroom, terrace and lovely courtyard garden Unfurnished ÂŁ3,250 per week Juliet Rawlings

020 7384 9544 Rawlings Property Consulting Ltd | 2 Eaton Gate, Belgravia | London | SW1W 9BJ RAWLINGS4.indd 1

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PROPERTY

Charming

Chelsea

Foreign finance

Ed Mead assesses the pros and cons of European investment, plus Chelsea’s crème de la crème

W

hile the Euro being at 1.2 to the Pound might be good news for your summer hols, it is a bummer if you’re trying to sell a property in London. Four years ago we basked in a busy property market and 1.6 Euros to the Pound; two years ago we were recovering some prices whilst volumes crashed, thanks to an exchange rate of almost 1-to-1.

Despite ruinous skiing holidays, most property people in London could see the advantages; indeed without the Europeans we’d have been in trouble. Now there seems to be a tiny hesitation from some of those Europeans. At what point do they turn from cheap currency buyers into safe haven buyers?

Short term, there seems little doubt that London is destined to see foreign investment regardless; Sterling remains weak, and its apparent haven status means Europeans will likely want to get some money out before exchange controls come in. Even the French may have their own economic reasons for coming here, so demand seems assured in the short-term.

Short-termism is endemic however, with plenty of head-burying going on, yet with mortgage rates rising, asking prices overheating and some foreigners perhaps becoming net sellers rather than buyers, I’d argue that a balance needs to be kept. It’s easy to be flattered by agents into believing your property is worth far more than it is but bear in mind you CAN ask for proof of what’s sold; do insist on seeing evidence.

Having said that, the immediate future looks good for prices, but continues to look bad for volumes. I know which I’d rather see. emead@dng.co.uk; 020 7225 1225; dng.co.uk

Paultons Square, SW3

£2,500 per week

Hans Crescent, SW1

£1,250 per week

This generous family home is spread over some 2464sqft and four floors. Ideal for a large family, it has five bedrooms, a capacious kitchen with a dining area, a bright reception room and it has been recently refurbished throughout, making it turn-key property. The real boon is that it is situated on a prestigious, not to mention beautiful, Chelsea garden square, just off the King’s Road, with all its foodie and retail delights. In addition to access to the communal garden, there is also a very pretty west-facing garden too, so anyone who snapped up this house would be spoilt for al fresco entertaining choice. It’s also a good proposition for commuters, for whom both Sloane Square and South Kensington stations are within easy walking distance. Through Wilfords London, 6 Holland Street, W8, 020 7361 0401; wilfords.com

Just moments from Harrods and Harvey Nichols, and hiding behind an original stone gabled façade in this elegant and characteristic Edwardian building, this two-double bedroomed, two-bathroomed apartment offers refurbished living space served by both a lift and concierge in the heart of Knightsbridge. The living is easy.

Through Benham & Reeves Residential Lettings, 020 7581 2112; brlets.co.uk

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020 7352 9556

Fernshaw Road, SW10 £950,000 Freehold Marloes Road, W8 £1,300,000 Leasehold

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stanleychelsea.co.uk

DamerTerrace, SW10 £600 per week Unfurnished Damer Terrace, SW10 £600 per week Unfurnished

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PROPERTY

Luxury Lettings Jaw slackeningly beautiful, this South Kensington house has style in abundance

WHAT An exceptionally presented, highceilinged seven-bedroomed house that has been interior designed over its impressive 6,000sqft, within a white stucco-fronted building characteristic of the area.

WHERE The property is ideally positioned on Queensberry Place, which is right in the heart of South Kensington and consequently all the eateries and gorgeous shops the area has to offer.

Also nearby is the vast open space of Hyde Park, as well as Knightsbridge with its plethora of boutiques.

WHY Aside from the spacious rooms and

meticulous decorative features, the space is key here. As well as seven bedrooms, there is a library/study, six bathrooms, a large cinema room, a sauna and a vaulted wine cellar. As such, it is both an ideal family home and a brilliant place for entertaining.

On the first floor there is a beautiful roof terrace, which means summer breakfasts are also a treat, as well as al fresco dining. All in all, the question really is, why not?

DETAILS ÂŁ7,000 per week CONTACT Through Marsh and Parsons Chelsea office, 020 7591 5570; lets.chs@marshandparsons.co.uk 123

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30/05/2012 16:28

PROPERTY

Absolutely

A cautionary tale

Juliet Rawlings, managing director of the independent Rawlings Property Consulting, explains why the property market is currently short on stock

‘As expected, March’s Budget – with the rise in Stamp Duty – created a brief flurry of hurriedly transacted property deals around the £2m mark. However, I believe it is a lack of stock which continues to affect the London property market. Sustained and exceptionally low interest rates mean that existing borrowers enjoying the benefit are reluctant to move on, fearing that a move will prohibit them procuring as favourable a mortgage deal. Nervousness in the job market and caution in the financial sector continue to make borrowing difficult. These combined factors mean that a chunk of potential buyers are staying put and the slice of the market between £850,000 and £2,000,000 has been largely eaten up, creating much frustration for purchasers at this level. Without some shift, there can be no movement further up the scale. At the moment the market is dictated by caution and with current low interest rates, people can afford to stay put and any plans of house hunting are firmly on hold.’

020 7384 9544; rawlingspropertyconsulting.co.uk

home from home The unhotel is the latest trend to hit the property scene. Increasingly, owners of high-end homes are opening their doors to guests while they’re out of town, allowing visitors a more authentic local experience. Onefinestay makes this possible in a hassle-free way, and among its portfolio is this sumptuous townhouse on Lots Road, where original Victorian features have been retained alongside glossy, contemporary interiors (the owner is an accomplished interior designer, who’s now looking forward to a couple of holidays on the house, as it were.) The company provides a full spectrum of services to members including cleaning and tidying, insurance and marketing.

020 7097 8948; onefinestay.com

SW6 Gary Hersham, Beauchamp Estates

Favourite SW1 restaurant?

Olivo in Eccleston Street.

It is difficult to find better quality Sardinian food anywhere else in London than here. The spaghetti alla bottarga is quite exceptional.

SW1’s best kept secret?

The florist stand on the southeast corner of Belgrave Square.

Here one can find an array of spectacularly fresh flowers every day at exceptionally good value.

The finest cocktail comes from?

The Rib Room at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower. The dry vodka martini is prepared with only a drop of martini – it’s the best in town.

The most stylish boutique?

Pierre Corthay’s show boutique Maison Corthay on Motcomb Street is a welcome addition to our selection of highbrow shops in Belgravia since opening at the end of 2011.

An exceptional SW1 property?

Eaton Mews North – £7,500,000 This newly refurbished mews house is in one of Belgravia’s most sought-after addresses. Three bedrooms, two floors of reception space including open-plan living and kitchen area, and drawing/ dining room.

020 7499 7722 beauchamp.co.uk

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London Lettings Chelsea & Riverside

Martin & Co welcomes you to their new office at 1 Cremorne Road, SW10

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Chelsea Manor Street SW3 l l

Interior Designed 2 bedrooms

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£1950pw

Portered Building Approx 1100 sq ft

Imperial Wharf SW6 l l

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Duplex penthouse 3 bedrooms

£1650pw

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Unfurnished Approx 1800 sq ft

1 Cremorne Rd Chelsea London SW10 0NA e: chelsea@martinco.com www.martincochelsea.co.uk 24/05/2012 16:51

PROFILE PROPERTY Lovely jubilee

Last month Messila became one of the first to sponsor a celebration the Queen’s 60year reign. On 30 May, historic cars, royal carriages and chic people descended on the Motcomb Street Traders Association for a gala and to toast our national figurehead in style. Here’s to her Maj! messilaresidential.com

MARKET COMMENT GEORGINA CLARKE, Jackson Stops

We have seen an active month here in Pimlico with mainly private tenant activity.

Corporate activity is still a bit sleepy – presumably due to a lack of spring time recruitment in the big institutions.

Hopefully this will improve through the year but we are not expecting great floods of executives, given the state of the Euro and the gloomy economy.

We have enjoyed bringing some good stock to the market which has let easily in a fairly buoyant spring market. As always, landlords are reminded that quality is important in order for their property to stand out and catch the corporate tenants who are coming to town. All mod cons are expected these days, and a tired property can stick in such a market unless it is realistically priced. We are happy to provide good honest advice with all aspects of the rental process and presentation of your property.

To find out more, call the Pimlico office on 020 7828 4050; jackson-stops.co.uk

Property News Street life

Ever since the royal wedding last year and the Diamond Jubilee this year, it seems that street parties are all the rage. On 19 June, Strutt and Parker hosts the fifth annual Ten Acres Residents’ Association street party, which is aimed at building the local community, with support from local businesses who are generous with raffle prizes and local church, St Andrew and St John in Park Walk. Simon Rose, partner at Strutt & Parker said: ‘It is a celebration of everything great about Britain, and street parties are a quintessentially British way to celebrate.’ Hear hear.

19 June, 6-9pm, Gertrude Street, SW10

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PROPERTY

upper cheyne row Chelsea, sw3 price upon application, freehold This vast five-bedroomed house (not counting the staff quarters) on Upper Cheyne Row is a contemporary dream. From the extraordinary floating library to the stunning mezzanine dining room, everything has been designed to immaculate standards. Oh, and there’s offstreet parking for two cars to boot.

Through Bective Leslie Marsh, 020 7589 6677; bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk

Absolutely

PRIME On the market in our manor

evelyn gardens south kensington, SW7

Chelsea embankment chelsea, SW3

£3,600,00, leasehold Housed within a handsome red-brick period conversion block, this exceptional maisonette, which occupies the second-, third- and fourth-floors, is situated on the western stretch of the garden square. There is a fabulous doublereception room, a galleried kitchen/dining room leading on to a west-facing roof terrace, and the whole property is wired throughout for a Lynn music system. Through John D Wood & Co, 020 7835 0000; johndwood.co.uk

£1,650,000; long lease and share of freehold This superb apartment – in a Norman Shaw-period building – is south-facing, with unparalleled views across the river to Battersea Park. There are high ceilings and wooden floors throughout, as well as an exceptionally grand reception room with floor-to-ceiling windows. Worth it for gazing through them alone. Through Chapeltons Estate Agents, 020 7351 1686; chapeltons.com 127

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Introducing the Naked Estate Agent.

Why do clients recommend us to their friends?

They say it’s our bespoke service. It’s more personal and more effective because we have nothing to hide.

No long term contracts to be tied into. No over-valuing properties to win instructions. No empty promises. And when we tell you we do our very best to get the price you had in mind, this is exactly what we do.

Right now we’re achieving the highest prices in our area.

And that’s the bare truth.

hello@crayson.com T 020 7221 1117 10 Lambton Place London W11 2SH

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Specialists in Selling

22/05/2012 18:06

Ledbury Road, Notting Hill W11 Wholly trinity – a cool, calm and collected apartment in a gracious landmark building at the heart of Notting Hill An architect designed, super cool duplex with a high quality contemporary finish and a fabulous address. Versatile accommodation and a sunny terrace, ample storage and state of the art technology.

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Two reception rooms Kitchen / breakfast room Master bedroom with dressing room & bathroom Second bedroom with en-suite bathroom Terrace, lift & secure underground parking space 2,168 sq ft / 201.4 sq m Guide Price £3,950,000 Leasehold – 125 years from March 2004

Sole Agent hello@crayson.com T 020 7221 1117 10 Lambton Place London W11 2SH

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Specialists in Selling

22/05/2012 18:06

PROPERTY

Prime purchase The perfect artist’s studio – without the smallest whiff of a garret WHAT A completely fabulous ‘artist style’ house, fully refurbished and flooded with light, with a jaw-dropping double-height ceiling and a seriously luxe feel throughout.

WHERE Barnaby Place is slap-bang in the heart of South Kensington, and thus ideally located for Knightsbridge and Chelsea.

And whilst you couldn’t be any more central, the road is private and has 24-hour security, meaning that the property has a wonderfully tranquil, tucked-away quality.

WHY Who wouldn’t want to be within walking distance of the capital’s most stylish quarters? The outside space has glass roofing, making it ideal for our varied British weather, plus the bathroom has the feel of a spectacular spa.

DETAILS £2,950,000, leasehold (127 yrs) CONTACT Farleys Estate Agents 44-48, Old Brompton Road, SW7, 020 7589 1234 farleysres.com

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LANDLORDS Open a window of opportunity and let us help you find the perfect tenant - celebrations all round!

Demand for rental properties is currently outstripping supply and we are seeing over 10 applicants for every property We urgently need properties to let in all central London locations

www.brlets.co.uk Nine offices open six days a week: Beaufort Park | Canary Wharf | City | Hampstead | Highgate Hyde Park | Imperial Wharf | Kensington | Knightsbridge Also: Hong Kong | Singapore | Dubai | India Call us now on 0800 092 9656 or email info@brlets.co.uk

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Association of Residential Letting Agents

21/05/2012 13:49

London’s Letting Agency www.brlets.co.uk

Wandsworth

£290 pw Furnished

1 Bedroom | 1 Reception | 1 Bathroom | New Development

Lift | 24 hr Concierge | Gym | Parking | On-Site Amenities

Knightsbridge 020 7581 2112

knight@brlets.co.uk

Chelsea

£380 pw Furnished

Studio/Living Space | 1 Bathroom | Refurbished Building Knightsbridge 020 7581 2112

Imperial Wharf 020 7348 7620

Wandsworth

£400 pw Furnished

Lift | Porter | All Amenities & Tube Nearby knight@brlets.co.uk

From £550 pw Furnished

2/3 Bedrooms | 1 Reception | 2 Bathrooms | Popular Development

Knightsbridge 020 7581 2112

Chelsea 2 Bedrooms | 1 Reception | 2 Bathrooms | Lift 24hr Porterage | Secure Parking | Near Sloane Square

Imperial Wharf 020 7348 7620

Knightsbridge 020 7581 2112

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imperialwharf@brlets.co.uk

020 7435 9681 020 8341 2335 020 7402 9866

knight@brlets.co.uk

£650 pw Furnished

Lift | 24hr Porterage | Parking | Balcony | Gym | Riverside Location

Hampstead Highgate Hyde Park

imperialwharf@brlets.co.uk

2 Bedrooms | 1 Reception | 2 Bathrooms | New Development

Lift | 24hr Porterage | Close to Tube & All Amenities

Nine offices open six days a week: Beaufort Park 020 8732 7980 Canary Wharf 020 7517 6088 City 020 7213 9700

£350 pw Furnished

Studio/Living Space | 1 Bathroom | Riverside Development

Lift | Porter | Tube & All Amenities Nearby

Chelsea Borders

Chelsea Borders

Imperial Wharf Kensington Knightsbridge

knight@brlets.co.uk

020 7348 7620 020 7938 3522 020 7581 2112

23/05/2012 14:57

Knightsbridge

£675 pw Furnished

2 Bedrooms | 1 Reception | 2 Bathrooms | Apartment

£700 pw Furnished

2 Bedrooms | 1 Reception | 2 Bathrooms | Riverside Development

Lift | Porter | Brompton Cross Location | Tube Nearby

Lift | 24hr Porterage | Parking | Balcony | Near Sloane Square Tube

Knightsbridge 020 7581 2112

knight@brlets.co.uk

Knightsbridge

Chelsea

£750 pw Furnished

Knightsbridge 020 7581 2112

Knightsbridge

knight@brlets.co.uk

£950 pw Unfurnished

2 Bedrooms | 1 Reception | 2 Bathrooms | Recent Development

4 Bedrooms | 1 Reception | 3 Bathrooms | Period House

Lift | 24hr Porterage | Parking | Landscaped Gardens | Near Kings Road

Terrace | Parking | Close to Tube & Amenities

Knightsbridge 020 7581 2112

Knightsbridge 020 7581 2112

knight@brlets.co.uk

Knightsbridge

£1,500 pw Furnished

1 Bedroom | 1 Reception | 1 Bathroom | Deluxe Development

Chelsea Borders

Lift | 24hr Porter | Gym | Parking | Pool | Moments From Harrods

Parking | Riverside Development | Tube Nearby Imperial Wharf 020 7348 7620

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£1,500 pw Unfurnished

4 Bedrooms | 1 Reception | 4 Bathrooms | Apartment

Knightsbridge 020 7581 2112

International Offices: Hong Kong Singapore

knight@brlets.co.uk

knight@brlets.co.uk

imperialwharf@brlets.co.uk

Dubai India

23/05/2012 23/05/2012 14:56 14:57

Pimlico Office: 020 7828 4050 pimlico@jackson-stops.co.uk

Winchester Street, London, SW1

www.jackson-stops.co.uk/London

£1,550,000 (STC) Share of Freehold

A fully refurbished, stylish and contemporary Pimlico “infill” house arranged over three floors.

Open Plan Split level Kitchen Reception Room, 3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, Internal Storage.

Pimlico Office: 020 7828 4050 pimlico@jackson-stops.co.uk

Fast find: AB48014

41 offices covering the UK London: office 17c Curzon Street W1J 5HU

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Cambridge Street, London, SW1V

ÂŁ2,500 per week

An exceptional family house in the heart of Pimlico. An unusually large period stucco fronted house of approx. 3,500 sq ft (325.15 sq m) with seven bedrooms.

7 Bedrooms including master suite, 2 Reception Rooms, 4 bathrooms, Open Plan Kitchen-Family Room, Service Kitchen, Garden, Roof Terrace.

Pimlico Office: 020 7828 4050 pimlico@jackson-stops.co.uk

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Fast find: AB46351

24/05/2012 09:41

Chelsea Office: Sales: 020 7581 5881 | Lettings: 020 7581 8431 chelsea@jackson-stops.co.uk

Moore Street, Chelsea, SW3

www.jackson-stops.co.uk/London

ÂŁ2,700,000 Freehold

Situated on one of the prime Chelsea streets, this is a unique house with off-street parking, presented in first class condition. The owners have been granted planning permission for a rear extension at ground floor level. Moore Street is moments away from the transport facilities at Sloane Square and the world renowned shopping found in Knightsbridge and the King’s Road.

2 bedrooms both with en suite bath or shower, study, separate shower room, reception room, fitted kitchen, utility room, storage, patio, roof terrace, planning permission for extension, garage. 1313 sq ft Chelsea Office: 020 7581 5881 chelsea@jackson-stops.co.uk 41 offices covering the UK London: office 17c Curzon Street W1J 5HU

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Lennox Gardens, SW1X

ÂŁ5,500 Per Week Furnished/Unfurnished

Occupying a prominent position in one of the most sought after garden squares in Knightsbridge, this is a triplex apartment offering accommodation on a scale rarely seen. With excellent views over the greenery of Lennox Gardens.

3 Reception Rooms, Kitchen, 4 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms, Terrace, 3395 sq ft/316 sq m Chelsea Office: 020 7581 8431 chelsea@jackson-stops.co.uk

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Get the love The all new bridge magazine, featuring our cover star Florence + The Machine is dropping through your letterbox, or available at your local D&G office now.

ÂŁ5,500,000 Leasehold Cadogan Square SW1 A beautiful maisonette with two terraces and a spectacular drawing room running the full length of a handsome red brick period building overlooking the square gardens.

2 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, Third bedroom with en-suite shower room, 2 reception rooms, Kitchen, Terrace, Patio.

Chelsea Sales Office: 020 7225 1225 chelseasales@dng.co.uk

D&G SALES3.indd 1

18/05/2012 09:56

Text dng to 84840 for details of properties near you now.

North Chelsea Fulham Hammersmith & Shepherd’s Bush

Kensington South Kensington Notting Hill Pimlico & Westminster

South Balham Battersea Battersea Park Clapham Southside

East Putney West Putney Southfields & Earlsfield

www.douglasandgordon.com

ÂŁ1,450,000 Leasehold De Vere Mews W8 A well-presented and light flat with two bedrooms in this private and gated mews, close to Kensington High Street and Hyde Park.

2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Reception room, Kitchen, Lift, Terrace (not demised).

South Kensington Sales Office: 020 7581 1152 sthkensales@dng.co.uk

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71% WOULD PAY MORE

Beauty’s in the eye of the Freeholder 71% of 300 people surveyed would pay extra for a flat with a share of freehold as opposed to a long lease.

Call our expert team on 020 7591 8746 to discuss the best options available to you.

£3,500,000 Leasehold –

A wonderful quietly located low-built house with Chelsea Sales: 020 7225 1225 a beautiful garden. chelseasales@dng.co.uk

Prince’s Gate SW7

4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, Kitchen, Garden, Storage.

£1,350,000 Leasehold Cornwall Gardens SW7

An immaculately presented two bedroom flat situated on this popular garden square.

approximately 42 years unexpired

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South Kensington Sales: 020 7581 1152 sthkensales@dng.co.uk

2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Reception room, Kitchen, Balcony, Lift.

18/05/2012 09:56

Text dng to 84840 for details of properties near you now.

North Chelsea Fulham Hammersmith & Shepherd’s Bush

Kensington South Kensington Notting Hill Pimlico & Westminster

South Balham Battersea Battersea Park Clapham Southside

East Putney West Putney Southfields & Earlsfield

www.douglasandgordon.com

£1,200,000 Leasehold Earl’s Court Square SW5

A well designed studio flat benefiting from a lift, balcony and access to communal gardens.

£1,000,000 Share of Freehold Callow Street SW3

A well-presented and extremely bright two bed flat on the top floor of a purpose-built block.

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South Kensington Sales: 020 7581 1152 sthkensales@dng.co.uk

Galleried bedroom, En-suite bathroom, Reception room with open-plan kitchen.

Chelsea Sales 020 7225 1225 chelseasales@dng.co.uk

2 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, Reception room, Kitchen/dining room, 2 terraces.

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Set your alarm We would like to welcome you into our offices from 8.45am to 7pm, Monday to Friday and 9.30am to 3pm on Saturdays. That’s over 56 hours of undivided D&G attention a week. Intense.

£2,285 per week Unfurnished Elystan Place, SW3

A beautiful four bedroom house located on a charming street by Chelsea Green.

£975 per week Furnished Tryon Street, SW3

An immaculate period house on this quiet street immediately off the King’s Road.

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Chelsea Lettings: 020 7581 6666 chelsealets@dng.co.uk

4 double bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, Cloakroom, Reception room, Kitchen, Roof terrace, Garage, Balcony.

Chelsea Lettings: 020 7581 6666 chelsealets@dng.co.uk

2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Double reception room, Dining Room, Kitchen/breakfast room, Study, Conservatory, Garden.

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Text dng to 84840 for details of properties near you now.

North Chelsea Fulham Hammersmith & Shepherd’s Bush

Kensington South Kensington Notting Hill Pimlico & Westminster

South Balham Battersea Battersea Park Clapham Southside

East Putney West Putney Southfields & Earlsfield

www.douglasandgordon.com

£625 per week Unfurnished Lexham Gardens, W8

A wonderful two bedroom property in this quiet location on Lexham Gardens.

£595 per week Furnished Manson Place, SW7

A refurbished flat located in this quiet cul de sac in the heart of South Kensington.

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South Kensington Lettings: 020 7589 5252 sthkenlets@dng.co.uk

2 double bedrooms, Bathroom, Reception room, Eat-in kitchen, Decked terrace, Communal gardens.

South Kensington Lettings: 020 7589 5252 sthkenlets@dng.co.uk

Double bedroom, Bathroom, Cloakroom, Reception room, Kitchen.

17/05/2012 18:40

Charlie Jones Polo Player and Lettings Manager Never look a gift horse in the mouth, especially when Charlie is at the reins. Our people are what make us great, and Charlie is the cream of the crop.

douglasandgordon.com Extraordinary people

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HAF Absolute Chelsea June 12 AD:Layout 1

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Award

winning hand and foot care

The Hand and Foot Spa 153 Fulham Road,Chelsea, London SW3 6SN 020 7589 1070 www.handandfootspa.co.uk

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