July 2012

ABSOLUTELY kensington

Caryn Franklin Fashion’s favourite

activist on frocks and feminism

Mirror Mirror

JULY 2012 £3.95

TOP

5

summer festivals

At home in W11 with interiors guru StEphen Ryan

Summer Loving This season’s al fresco chic

S T Y L I S H . I N T E L L I G E N T. E L E G A N T. A B S O L U T E LY ABSOLUTELY NH KENS COVERS JULY 12.indd 2

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A beautifully presented three bedroom house with great entertaining space and a lovely west facing patio garden which offers the potential for off-street parking. room | Conservatory | Study | Three bedrooms | Two bathrooms | Drawing room | Kitchen/dining Vault | |

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Campden Grove 2,307 sq ft (214.3 sq m)

| Kensington | W8

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Asking price ÂŁ4,250,000, Share of Freehold

Kensington Sales 020 7938 3666

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DISTINCTIVE SERVICE The Royal Garden Hotel is pleased to be the official hotel partner for

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe The Royal Garden Hotel is just a stone’s throw away from Kensington Gardens, where the spectacular show is being performed, making us the ideal location to relax before or after the spectacle.

Join us at Park Terrace Restaurant to enjoy the unique Lion, Witch & Wardrobe themed afternoon tea and children’s menus or the seasonal Sunday lunch and dinner menus.

We look forward to welcoming you.

HEATHROW

KENSINGTON

KENSINGTON PALACE & GARDENS

HYDE PARK

KNIGHTSBRIDGE

WEST END

2-24 KENSINGTON HIGH STREET LONDON W8 4PT TEL +44 (0)20 7937 8000 FAX +44 (0)20 7361 1991 WWW.ROYALGARDENHOTEL.CO.UK

threesixty presents The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

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ABSOLUTELY JULY 2012

7 EDITOR’S LETTER 10 ABSOLUTELY LOVES

Absolutely’s top ten this month

30

38 PROFILE

Caryn Franklin interviewed

CULTURE 12 60 SECONDS..

Tom Scutt, theatre designer

14 WHAT’S ON July’s diary

STYLE

30 FASHION SHOOT

Swimwear on the roof

42 BIKE CHIC

Cycling in style

FOOD & TRAVEL 63 JESSE DUNFORD WOOD

42

The kitchen interview

74 SORRENTO SUN

Revisiting the beautiful coastline

INTERIORS 76 HOME SPUN

Spotlight on British design

79 DESIGNER HOME

Stephen Ryan’s W11 abode

PROPERTY

106 IN THEIR OWN WORDS 148 PROPERTY PORTFOLIO

38

COVERS NOTTING HILL

KENSINGTON

PHOTOGRAPHED BY CLARA MAIDMENT AT KENSINGTON ROOF GARDENS

PHOTOGRAPHED BY ELIZABETH GIBSON AT CHELSEA HARBOUR

ABSOLUTELY

ABSOLUTELY

CARYN FRANKLIN FASHION’S FAVOURITE

CARYN FRANKLIN FASHION’S FAVOURITE

JULY 2012 £3.95

NOT TING HILL

ACTIVIST ON FROCKS AND FEMINISM

ACTIVIST ON FROCKS AND FEMINISM

Bikini Beautiful

Mirror Mirror

PISTOL PANTIES’ DEBORAH FLEMING’S BEST BEACHES

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KENSINGTON

TOP

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SUMMER FESTIVALS

ROOM AT THE TOP

TOP

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SUMMER FESTIVALS

AT HOME IN W11 WITH INTERIORS GURU STEPHEN RYAN

Summer Loving This season’s al fresco chic

Swimwear on location at Kensington Roof Gardens

S T Y L I S H . I N T E L L I G E N T. E L E G A N T. A B S O L U T E LY ABSOLUTELY NH KENS COVERS JULY 12.indd 1

JULY 2012 £3.95

27/06/2012 13:24

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27/06/2012 18:35

DESIGNSALE Great savings on sofas, tables, wall systems and lots more!

Visit our professional Design Consultants in store and ask about our Free Interior Design Service or see all the great offers on www.boconcept.co.uk

ALSO SAVE UP TO 50% ON ALL CLEARANCE ITEMS.

BoConcept Notting Hill · 18-24 Westbourne Grove · London · W2 5RH · 020 7792 4111 · notting-hill@boconcept.co.uk

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EDITOR’S LETTER

F

inally, we are starting to feel summery here at Absolutely towers, thanks probably to Paradise’s fabulous summer ball, co-hosted by us and Kell Skott Haircare, where the Pimms flowed along with cucumber sandwiches and tiny cupcakes, helping us all along the route to contentment – so a big thank you to the lovely Shelley at Paradise for having us, and to everyone who came too.

It’s a lucky thing too that the rain let up for long enough to let us shoot our swimwear story at one of our favourite places in the world, the Kensington Roof Gardens. In general, this is quite an outdoorsy issue, with focus on cycling fashion as chosen by the Royal Borough’s Style the Cyclist competition, as well as a roundup of top festivals to look forward to over the coming months. But also this month we meet Caryn Franklin, the inspirational fashion feminist and unstoppable activist - though that makes her sound very serious when in fact she’s funny and chatty. Though not quite as chatty as Jesse Dunford Wood, the Mall Tavern’s awardwinning and charismatic chef, who makes a proper performance out of cooking, every day. Read about both of them in this issue of Absolutely. We hope you like it.

Pendle Harte Editor

EMAIL: PENDLE@ZEST-MEDIA.COM FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @ABSOLUTELY_MAGS FACEBOOK ‘ABSOLUTELY NOTTING HILL’

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ABSOLUTELY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Harriet Compston EDITOR Pendle Harte TRAVEL EDITOR Priscilla Pollara EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Katie Randall EDITORIAL INTERN Esther Smith EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Pearl Boyd, Hattie Edmonds, Juliet Kinsman ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Lisa Davis SENIOR ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER Rochelle Streater BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Greg Cole GROUP PROPERTY DIRECTOR Alexandra Hunter CENTRAL PROPERTY MANAGER Anna Hutton-Potts HEAD OF DESIGN Ray Searle SENIOR DESIGNER Stewart Hyde DESIGNER Andrew Mavin FINANCE DIRECTOR Alexandra Hvid MARKETING MANAGER Jessica Batten MANAGING DIRECTOR Sherif Shaltout

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Published by ZEST MEDIA LONDON, 213 WESTBOURNE STUDIOS, ACKLAM ROAD W10 5JJ WWW.ZEST-MEDIA.COM T: 020 7704 0588 F: 020 7900 3020 Zest Media London Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Zest Media London Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

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OUR HEROINE HULANICKI Absolutely has a soft spot for Barbara Hulanicki, whose Biba emporium in Kensington lives on in the collective memory, with old clothes and even shop furniture to be found in lofts and cupboards all over west London. There’s no dust on the enigmatic Barbara herself, however, who lives in Miami Beach these days (all the more reason for those trademark sunglasses) though she’s back in the Smoke at the moment launching, surprisingly, a range of fireplaces.

Not much call for those in Florida.

10 things we

Absolutely LOVE CLOG IT We are coveting these Swedish clogs, which come in all shapes and colours – but only on Fridays, when the Lotta from Stockholm stall takes residence outside Base Cuts on Portobello Road. Can’t wait till Friday? Try lottafromstockholm.co.uk

BIKE CHAIN On the subject of cycling, who can resist Alex Monroe’s beautiful vintage bicycle necklace?

We can’t. £210, alexmonroe.com

CYCLE CHIC Think The Sartorialist on two wheels and you have Cycle Chic, Thames and Hudson’s new volume dedicated to observing the most stylish people on pedals. Candid photographs of people cycling around town are shot by Mikael Colville-Andersen, whose Copenhagen Cycle Chic site was the first cycling fashion blog and spawned many others; the book is a delight. Cycle Chic by Mikael ColvilleAndersen (Thames & Hudson), £14.95.

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FREAK SHOW Just opened on Portobello Road is Chic Freak, described by its owner Tamarisk East-Rigby as a ‘fantasy dressing up box, sophisticated and feminine, with warm, welcoming vibes’. Selling highquality pieces from a selection of British designers including local designer BettyB and the wonderful Pam Hogg, the shop also offers a professional make-up service and feels like a glamorous backstage dressing room.

CRAZY HOMIES The basement at Crazy Homies has been transformed into the Chamucos Clubhouse, a dedicated tequila lounge serving cocktails with Tom Conran’s very own brand of the Mexican spirit. There’s a menu of authentic taqueria fare too, but the main focus here is the margarita, and the summery Devil’s Punchbowl surprise.

125 Westbourne Park Road W2; crazyhomies.com

BERRY HUES Mimi Berry’s luscious leather bags are all set to launch in shades of purple. We love the Ted bag, made in the UK from the finest Italian leather. The range is stocked at The Cross in Portland Road, Merchant Archive in Kensington Park Road and Supra in Chamberlayne Road.

Mimiberry.co.uk

MR FOX Fantastic Mr Fox returns to Holland Park this month in everybody’s favourite opera version of the classic tale. The family of foxes manages to outwit evil trio Boggis, Bunce and Bean in a production designed specifically for Holland Park’s Yucca Lawn. Tickets are like gold dust though. operahollandpark.com

STREET STYLE Mugs personalised for the W11-dweller come inscribed with Ladbroke Grove, Portobello Road and Notting Hill. And they make good souvenirs for people in other postcodes too.

Ceramica Blue, 10 Blenheim Crescent W11 ceramicablue.co.uk

BLOW OUT Absolutely loves a bit of colourful glass, so Vessel Gallery’s new range of handblown bottles by Finnish glass genius Tapio Wirkkala is high on the wish-list. The classic collection for Bolle now comes in these darling new colours. From £1,020, vesselgallery.com

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ABSOLUTELY | CULTURE

60TOM SCUTT seconds with...

Set, costume and puppet designer at threesixty’s The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in Kensington Gardens

What does the show owe to how you pictured The Lion, the Witch and a Wardrobe as a child?

I never read the book as a child so I was able to come to it relatively fresh. I grew up with the TV series, which held a kind of nostalgic grip on me – but looking back, it’s a bit ropey. I guess I just remember it being very unique and magical and that’s the most important thing in the delivery of the book on stage.

I knew it needed to transport us somewhere unknown.

What did you start with? Was Aslan the first look you worked on? He’s so striking.

I knew right at the beginning that Aslan shouldn’t be human. It’s so important to feel that a young girl is approaching an enormous and unsafe animal, it had to be something other than just an actor.

How did the levitating wardrobe centre stage come about?

Theatre in the round requires a democratic viewpoint. Entering a wardrobe is inherently a singular viewpoint and there was only one way for everybody in the theatre to experience the Pevensies’ awe on entering Narnia together. It also holds great power in the centre of the stage; I wanted it to feel totemic.

Were there technical hitches?

Tons! When a wardrobe gets stuck half up half down prior to a show, it’s a pretty nail-biting ride.

There’s a striking, sinister look to the trees. Why? The trees are mysterious. Masking pathways, hiding creatures. Tumnus says about the witch: ‘even some of the trees are on her side,’ so they needed to feel like spies.

The animals were wonderful.

Which was your favourite?

I think a lot of people have a soft spot for Hedgehog. She’s infinitely huggable. But I also really like the wolves for their threatening presence. We also have a newly introduced Doormouse who is starting to steal the attention, so look out for him.

What are you working on next?

I’m designing King Lear at the Almeida in August, The Life of Galileo at the RSC and The Flying Dutchman at Scottish Opera.

Shakespeare, Brecht and Wagner are a far cry from Narnia.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe continues until 9 September.

Box office 0844 871 7693 lionwitchtheshow.com

TOM SCUTT PICTURE COURTESY OF IDEASTAP.COM

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west london’s ultimate club for health, sports & relaxation

for you, for familes, for a wonderful summer

www.theparkclub.co.uk For further information and to arrange a club tour

call 020 8740 4599

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28/05/2012 11:37

ELLEN VON UNWERTH: DO NOT DISTURB FROM 1 JULY - 31 AUGUST

MICHAEL HOPPEN GALLERY

Pulses will race as iconic photographer Ellen von Unwerth brings her racy photographs of femme fatales and coquettes to the Michael Hoppen Gallery. Set in the beautiful Madonna Inn, LA, viewers become voyeurists as models enact scenes from a seductive fantasy wild weekend. Adored by the fashion industry, Ellen is listed as one of Time Magazine’s 100 Fashion Icons and has photographed major fashion campaigns; as well as album covers for Rihanna, Christina Aguilera and Janet Jackson. If that doesn’t whet your whistle, we don’t know what will...

3 Jubilee Place, SW3 3TD; michaelhoppengallery.com

July 13

th

BISHI: ALBION VOICE

THE PRINT ROOM If you haven’t had the pleasure of seeing Bishi perform before, here’s your opportunity. Rock up to the Print Room this month and experience the talents of the singer and multi instrumental DJ as she creates a truly visceral experience.

Performing her new album Albion Voice in 4d, this performance is set to be something you defi nitely don’t want to miss and probably won’t ever forget.

34 Hereford Road, W2 www.the-print-room.org

TO THE LIGHT TO 9 SEPTEMBER

SERPENTINE GALLERY Yoko Ono’s first show in a London public institution for more than a decade includes new and existing installations, films and performances, as well as archive material relating to several key early works.

Kensington Gardens W2; serpentinegallery.org

OPERA HOLLAND PARK UNTIL 18 AUGUST

HOLLAND PARK Strutt and Parker’s sponsored Opera Holland Park presents a mix of features, including dance productions and even a pop-up cinema. Taking its inspiration from the operas to produce original and enthusiastic work from new choreographers, Dance Holland Park on 7 July looks set to be a highlight.

operahollandpark.com

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INTRANSIT FESTIVAL 13 TO 27 JULY

VARIOUS LOCATIONS

STEFANO NICOLINI: CHAMPIONS UNTIL 11 AUGUST

RICHARD YOUNG GALLERY Now a familiar trope for July, the Olympic theme trickles into the Richard Young Gallery this month. Acclaimed fi ne art photographer Stefano Nicolini explores human athleticism through a series of 28 images ranging from the swimmer to the boxer.

As each of these disciplines are photographed, the unique physicality of each athlete comes to light and is captured beautifully in the fi nished shots.

4 Holland Street, W8 richardyounggallery.co.uk

WHETHER YOU’RE PUMPED FOR STREET PERFORMANCES, YOUR PASSION IS IN PUPPET SHOWS, OR IT’S ART INSTALLATIONS THAT FLOAT YOUR BOAT THIS EXCITING FESTIVAL HAS SOMETHING FOR YOU. ENJOYED

BY ALL AGES, INTRANSIT HAS AN INFECTIOUS FEELING OF FUN. RBKC.GOV.UK/INTRANSIT

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THE KENSINGTON PALACE PARTY 7/8 JULY

KENSINGTON PALACE GARDENS

MARTIN THOMPSON’S LONDON UNTIL 31 AUGUST

C99 ART PROJECT Martin was at the forefront of the digital photograph revolution and being liberated from the darkroom, he was able to push boundaries beyond the limits of conventional photography. This exhibition is a personal interpretation of the city that has become Martin’s muse. Prints are large format limited editions (of 30) archival inkjet prints, all presented in bespoke handmade frames.

99 Chamberlayne Road NW10

We don’t know about you but the opportunity to dance the night and day away gets us rather excited, hence, we shall be donning our dancing shoes to do just that in the beautiful gardens of Kensington Palace. Take tots down for a fun, free weekend of story-telling, art activities and, of course, dancing by the Gold Gates in the grounds. We’ll see you at 5pm for the Morris and Maypole community performance.

Kensington Gardens, W8; hrp.org.uk/kensingtonpalace

GLYNDEBOURNE: THE FAIRY QUEEN 22 JULY

GATE PICTUREHOUSE NOTTING HILL

As part of the 2012 Glyndebourne Festival, a live screening of The Fairy Queen comes to the Gate. Glyndebourne’s operas, accompanied by the outstanding London Philharmonic Orchestra and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, have long received wide acclaim. Presenting itself - as captured live in 2009 - as a take on Jonathan Kent’s production, expect an eclectic feast for the senses; including dancing, singing and flying horses. There’s even some cross dressing thrown in for good measure.

87 Notting Hill Gate, W11; www.picturehouses.co.uk/cinema/Gate_Picturehouse

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ABSOLUTELY | A RTS & CULTURE

LONDON C A LLING

Bowler hats to Mohawk barnets, beggars and buskers to red buses; as the capital dons its Olympian hat, Tate Britain puts the spotlight firmly on city life from 1930 to1980. Another London captures the streetscape in that formative half century, bringing together photographic social documentation from the iconic likes of Robert Frank, Henri Cartier-Bresson and Eve Arnold to lesser-known but no less fascinating talents. Shot all around the city, the personalities radiate through the pictures, from the gathered crowds at George V’s coronation and the Portobello stall vendors to the urban poor and the punks who owned the streets in the 1970s.

Another London’runs from 27 July to 16 September; tickets cost £10, book via tate.org.uk

Agenda

This month’s highlights

A R T A ND ICONS

Art and icons relating to London are the theme of a new public exhibition and auction at Christie’s opening this month. This outfit, worn by Margaret Thatcher, is one lot, as is this plaster model of Guy the Gorilla - and there’s even a real life Routemaster bus for sale. Viewing opens on 27 July and the auction is on 3 September. christies.com

S TONE ROSE S

The Stone Roses are celebrated at Whiteley’s this month by the collaborative work of music photographers Kevin Cummins, Paul Slattery and Ian Tilton. Images (70 under one roof) and memorabilia are on display to get us reminiscing about the past and excited about the band’s comeback this summer.

Until 12 August. whiteleys.com

THE RE V EL ATIONS

Just out in paperback is city boy-turned novelist Alex Preston’s’s second book, an unusual tale of four Londoners and a Christian cult. Set mostly in west London, it’s a highly anticipated follow-up to Kensal Rise-based Preston’s debut This Bleeding City, which was widely hailed as a triumphant story of credit crunch turmoil. Faber, £7.99

POP CULTURE

No history of London fashion would be complete without a nod to the Portobello Road.

A new exhibition at the Fashion and Textile museum (founded by former long-term Notting Hill dweller Zandra Rhodes, whose pink house on St Stephen’s Gardens was as unmissable as her pink hair) provides new insight into the period of 1955 to 1976.

On show are Mary Quant’s iconic minidresses, graphics by Peter Blake, Donovan’s purple flares and more. Pictured is the Pamla Motown wedge shoe, 1970. Exhibition runs from 6 July to 27 October at 83 Bermondsey Street, SE1. ftmlondon.org 17

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ABSOLUTELY | CULTURE

MAIN IMAGE: HATS BY PIP HACKETT; FROM TOP:STUDIO ATRIUM; BROWSING ARTWORK; GREAT WESTERN DOG SHOW; CUSHIONS

BY BANKE KUKU; GIRLS’ CLOTHES BY ILOVEGORGEOUS

OPEN HOUSE Great Western Studios’ open weekend is an extravaganza of shopping, eating and browsing

G

reat Western Studios is home to a thriving community of established and emerging creatives from all disciplines including i ncluding architecture, drawing, digital media, fashion, jewellery, music, painting, photography, sculpture and much more.

The open weekend is a rare opportunity for the public to see and shop behind the scenes, partake in workshops and watch beautiful things being made.

7&8 July, 12-6pm, Great Western Studios, 65 Alfred Road, W2.

Free admission 19

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What’s going on in

Covent Garden?

A killer concoction of time travel, murder and cryptic clues in a world where things aren’t what they appear to be…

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ABSOLUTELY | CULTURE

FIELDS OF DREAMS It’s festival season, so here’s Absolutely’s top five cultural weekenders

TOP: LATITUDE RIGHT: PORT ELIOT (PHOTOGRAPH: FIONA CAMPBELL)

LATITUDE FESTIVAL 12-15 JULY WHAT: This music festiva is equally big on theatre, literature and poetry.

WHERE: Henham Park, Southwold on Suffolk’s Sunrise Coast.

WHY GO: It’s a cultural extravaganza with acts ranging from Sadlers Wells’ ballet company to Sancho Panza, from Thomas Dolby to NW10’s own Tim Lott and from John Pilger to John Hegley. Oh, and lots of bands too, plus a vast family camping area and huge children’s field, as well as a designated zone for teenagers (‘inbetweeners’) HIGHLIGHTS: The Latitude Contemporary Art Award is one of the country’s largest contemporary arts funds and work by five selected artists is set to be judged for the £10,000 prize. Tour de Latitude is a cycle-to-the-festival initiative (all the way from Hackney); Norman Jay’s Good Times will bring a taste of the Notting Hill Carnival; headliners include Paul Weller, Elbow, Laura Marling, Bat for Lashes and Baxter Dury. We are looking forward to the Faraway Forest and the woodland sound system. latitudefestival.co.uk

PORT ELIOT FESTIVAL 19 - 22 JULY WHAT: The UK’s most imaginative arts festival WHERE: The picturesque rolling hills of St. Germans, Cornwall WHY GO: The festival will be taking a self-imposed ‘gap year’ in 2013, so get your fill of literature, fashion, food, film, music and whimsy while you can. We’ll be munching on morsels cooked by Nathan Outlaw and Angela Hartnett; sniffing out the fashion cognescenti (Anita Pallenberg, Stephen Jones, Barbara

Hulanicki); taking a dip in the Lynher estuary and dancing the night away to the psychedelic Toy. HIGHLIGHTS: The incredibly debonair Dominic West, BAFTAwinning star of The Wire, The Hour and Appropriate Adult will be interviewing eminent Sanskrit scholar and paragliding champion Jim Mallinson. Punk’s poet laureate John Cooper Clarke, plus appearances by British fashion legend Luella Bartley and emerging talent Mary Katrantzou. porteliotfestival.com 21

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SECRET GARDEN PARTY

SECRET GARDEN PARTY 19 - 22 JULY WHAT: A fusion of music, arts and activities.

WHERE: Mill Hill Field, a ten- acre, landscaped garden straddled by a beautiful lake in the heart of Cambridgeshire.

WHY GO: The summer party celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, with a Standing on Ceremony theme. If you’re caught in the flurry, expect to be carried by a more alternative than mainstream wind. If the sheer size of some summer festivals makes you feel stressed, the comparatively small size of SGP will come as a relief.

HIGHLIGHTS: Dance duo Orbital, along with American band Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros headline and the eclectic party continues with KT Tunstall, Little Roy and Caravan Palace. Don’t miss electronic Swedish band, Little Dragon.If you want to take a break from the music, experience a Walkabout Theatre performance, and get involved in one of their workshops too. Fancy a dance?

WILDERNESS VINTAGE

Do so barefooted at a disco and when you’re tired, collapse around a campfire to share tales at twilight. secretgardenparty.com WILDERNESS FESTIVAL 10 - 12 AUGUST WHAT: A banquet for all seasons.

WHERE: Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire.

WHY GO: This awardwinning weekender brings together music, food, theatre, talks and debates, cinematic happenings, late night parties, wellbeing and the outdoors.

HIGHLIGHTS: An epicurean feast from Fergus Henderson and St John; Latin lessons at The Idler, Future Cinema’s rioutous and interactive Bugsy Malone, plus music from Spiritualized. wildernessfestival.com VINTAGE FESTIVAL 13 - 15 JULY WHAT: The UK’s most glamorous festival.

WHERE: Boughton House, Northamptonshire WHY GO: Music, fashion, film, art and design, all with a vintage slant.

Expect vintage clothes and crockery, plus lessons in crochet, patchwork and darning.

HIGHLIGHTS: Friday 13th horror special, roller disco and music from west London’s own Gaz Mayall, Don Letts and Norman Jay. vintagefestival.co.uk

WIN

A pair of weekend camping tickets to Wilderness Festival send your name and address to pendle@ zest-media.com by 16 July, along with the answer to the following question: Where does the Wilderness festival take place?

The first correct answer to be pulled from our hat will receive the prize.

Normal rules apply.

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65 Westbourne Grove, London W2 4UJ

26/06/2012 16:41

JESS BATTEN AND LEAH DAY ROCHELLE STREATER, JACQUELINE SKﾃ傍T, KELL SKﾃ傍T, LISA DAVIS

ABSOLUTELY

Social

EWAN LACEY, KIRSTY MAUGHAN, JULIET KINSMAN, SHEENA SKINNER

Reporting from all the best parties in our area PARADISE SUMMER BALL

Absolutely teamed up with Paradise, Kell Skﾃｶtt Haircare and DJs Yasmin and Dan Lywood for a Pimms and cupcake-fuelled party (thanks, Rebel Bakery). A fabulous time was had by all.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMMA HARPIN

DJ DAN LYWOOD

PARTIES.indd 36

NISHAN BROWN AND NIFA MCLAUGHLIN

JODI GRAMIGNI AND LINDSAY BAKER

28/06/2012 12:37

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footwear -& foot care

C o m f o r t f o o t w e a r re t a i l e r o f t h e y e a r 2006 / 2009 / 2010 / 2011 & 2012

020 7937 9993 1 4 Ke n s i n g t o n C h u rc h S t re e t London W8 4EP info@footwiseuk.com www.footwiseuk.com

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Stunning photography for all occasions Events, Products & Portraits: www.charlottefieldingphotography.com Weddings & Celebrations www.cfp-occasions.com

Charlotte fielding_Final.indd 1 27/06/2012 14:38

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28/06/2012 11:57

ABSOLUTELY | ST Y LE

THE LOOK Absolutely’s favourite catwalk trend

Diane Von Furstenberg Leopard Lorena bikini £113, my-wardrobe.com

Yves Saint Laurent Anchor cut-away swimsuit, £510, harrods.com

Pink Sands Coral flowers bikini, £127, pinksands.gr

Issa Spring Summer 2012

Biscayne bay bow bikini, £190, heidiklein.com

Pret-A-Surf Polka dot swimsuit £310, pretasurf.com

New Waves

Pistol Panties Britney cut-out swimsuit, £179, pistolpanties.com

Our pick of the most beach-worthy swimwear this summer Cartier sunglasses, £470, ca ier.co.uk

Topshop Dark floral bikini £28, topshop.com

Churches Flora tapestry-weave loafers, £225, net-a-porter.com

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Paul Smith Straw sun hat, £135, paulsmith.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY | ST Y LE

FASHION NOTES LUC A S HUGH

Chanelling a sporty look in a zeitgeisty way? You need luxe, futuristic fabrics and graphic shapes.

W11’s own Lucas Hugh is the ultimate in luxe sportswear and the range is stocked at Kensington Park Road’s Merchant Archive.

Look no further. lucashugh.com

DA PHNE GUINNE SS

An auction of over 100 pieces from fashion icon Daphne Guinness’s legendary wardrobe raised funds for the Isabella Blow foundation.

Under the hammer at Christies were rare haute couture and accessories from designers including Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Chanel, Christopher Kane and Gareth Pugh.

JM DAV IDSON

There’s nothing more summery than a yellow handbag and J&M Davidson’s Roxy, pictured, ticks all the boxes. Tactile nubuck suede, calf leather trim and a brass shoulder chain – what more could you ask? £539, jandmdavidson.com

LOV E K R ’S L ATE S T

New to Chamberlayne Road’s tiny but well-edited independent boutique Love KR is London brand Olivia Rubin - and her summer stock is on sale now.

Prints include the pink zebra, pictured, and others inspired, unusually, by bricks and scribbles.

Also selling out are ethical panama hats and fedoras made in Ecuador

by Parachuti. lovekr.co.uk

COU V ER TURE

London-based designer Aya Nakagawa’s label Colenimo mixes vintage style with modern shapes in simple fabrics. This cotton dress is overdyed with organic indigo. £164, Couverture, 188 Kensington Park Road, W11

ABSOLUTELY LOVES...

MICROTREND

ON A WING

Five of the best 28

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Sakdidet Road Bird Double Ring £30, harveyni chols.com

Som erville scarves £120, shopthewestvillage.com

Paul & Joe Sister Bikini £135, netaporter.com

Simeon Farrar Tote Bag £85, liber ty.co.uk

Oliver Bona s Bird Dress £69, oliverbon as.co m

27/06/2012 15:30

Westway Summer Festival

14th & ly u J d n 22 nd 2 venues!

a 2 dates thing for Some ne! everyo

Westway Sports Centre:

Westway Development Trust

Portobello Green:

Enterprise & Opportunity Health & Wellbeing Sports & Fitness Education & Arts www.westway.org

Enhancing Local Lives

Saturday 14th July 12 noon – 5pm Family fun with games, music and food plus sports competitions, climbing, drummers and bouncy castles.

All activiti es free

Sunday 22nd July 12 noon – 7pm A day of music, arts activities, food and fun for all the family, plus kids zone, stalls and giveaways.

Music and dance on stage all afternoon.

Right next to the Sunday markets at Portobello Green.

GARDENS

S TA B L E WAY

OXFORD

For more details see www.westway.org call 020 8962 5720 or email info@westway.org

OXFORD

GARDENS

THORPE

Untitled-64 1 i.3652_WW_Summer Festival ad for Absolutely AW.indd 1

CLOSE

10:21 27/06/2012 10:04

Swimsuit – Herve Leger £396 Bracelet – Daisy £145

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Pretty

Flamingo Beach looks on location at the Kensington Roof Gardens PHOTOGRAPHY: CLARA MAIDMENT STYLIST: SHARNA NEWTON

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Swimsuit – Michael Kors £290 Necklace – Azuni £95 Left Arm. Bracelet – Coralia Leets £85 Ring – Lucas Jack £57 Right Arm. Bracelet – Azuni £69

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Swimsuit – Lisa Maree £145 Sunglasses – Linda Farrow Luxe £127 Shoes – Gianmarco Lorenzi £585 Bracelet – Azuni £66

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STOCKISTS United Nude – +44(0) 207 2407 106 Lisa Marie Fernandez – www.net-a-porter.com Lucas Jack – www.lucasjack.com Daisy – www.daisyjewellery.com Kara By Kara Ross – www.harveynichols.com Ashiana – www.ashiana-accessories.com Lisa Maree – www.net-a-porter.com Linda Farrow Luxe – www.theoutnet.com Gianmarco Lorenzi – www.gianmarcolorenzi.com Azuni – www.azuni.co.uk Michael Kors – www.net-a-porter.com Coralia Leets – www.giftlab.com Herve Leger – www.theoutnet.com Sophie Gittins – www.sophiegittins.com Pistol Panties – www.pistolpanties.com Lucy Folk – www.lucyfolk.com Philippe Audibert – www.net-a-porter.com and www.theoutnet.com Crow’s Nest – www.caratime.com R. Crescenti – www.dolcifollie.co.uk, 28a Hereford Road, W2 5AJ Victoria Beckham – www.theoutnet.com Mara Hoffman – www.net-a-porter.com Beyond Retro – www.beyondretro.com Jimmy Choo – www.jimmychoo.com Mouille – www.simplybeach.com Lara Bohinc – www.larabohinc.com Speedo – www.speedo.co.uk Parah – www.dolcifollie.co.uk Isharya – www.theoutnet.com Zimmerman – www.theoutnet.com

CREDITS Photographer: Clara Maidment Photographer’s assistant: Maria Monfort Stylist: Sharna Newton Stylist’s assistant: Niamh Connolly Hair: Yoshi Miyazaki Make-Up: Danielle Kahlani Models: Melissa Paula

Swimsuit – Michael Kors £290 Necklace – Azuni £95 Left Arm. Bracelet – Coralia Leets £85 Ring – Lucas Jack £57 Right Arm. Bracelet – Azuni £69

FASHION SHOOT JULY 2012.indd 36

27/06/2012 16:05

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Untitled-5 COCO NAIL1 BAR.indd 66

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PROFILE.indd 38

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LET’S BE

FRANK Pendle Harte meets fashion activist Caryn Franklin

F

or someone who’s worked in the fashion industry for 30 years, Caryn Franklin is surprisingly unfashiony. There may be shallow, materialistic, image-obsessed people in her industry, but she’s certainly not one and never has been. She’s political, unlike most fashion types, and funny. Her interests are identity and the politics of image, not shopping.

‘I was never – and I’m still not – interested in hemlines. If I thought that was all it was about I’d have to kill myself,’ she says, over roobois tea and soya milk in her NW10 kitchen.

Franklin is an unstoppable force, assertive and likeable it’s obvious why she’s so widely liked and respected. Her two daughters (age 19 and 12) complain that she spends too much time hunched over a laptop and she confesses that she’s an ‘addict’ - the stress, the activism.

For the past three years she has dedicated herself with a passion to All Walks Beyond the Catwalk,

a wide-reaching campaign that challenges the fashion industry’s narrow definition of beauty, which has been a massive labour of love. She says: ‘I’ve always been very vocal about what I see as an overly limited ideal that puts a lot of pressure on women. Whether the fashion industry likes it or not, it does. There’s nobody in the system caretaking women’s emotional wellbeing and that’s something we wanted to do...

I don’t want to be just looking at trends.’ Together with model

I can easily get into a rant,’ says Franklin. ‘But the average young woman today is shown more images of unachievable beauty in one day than I saw in my entire adolescence. So it’s not difficult to become preoccupied with how you look in the current climate.’

In her blog, Franklin is seething about a recent feature in the Express that airbrushed her face ‘and I think, 53 year-old women do not look like that.’

Transparency about image retouching is one of her issues – ‘we didn’t used to have a situation where a face would be stripped bare and a body routinely reconfigured, and it acts as brainwashing.’ She won’t allow any tinkering with pictures of herself (this shot by Chris Floyd is carefully lit and exposed but not retouched) and she tells me with horror that children are beginning to be offered rudimentary retouches to their school photos. ‘My daughters are growing up in an environment where they never see beauty ageing naturally - they see women

Nobody pays you for activism.

Nobody says ‘okay, I’ll give you a shedload of cash to cause problems’

THESE PHOTOGRAPHS HAVE NOT BEEN AIRBUSHED. CARYN FRANKLIN, PHOTOGRAPHED

BY CHRIS FLOYD

Erin O’Connor and PR Debra Bourne, the project recruited many of fashion’s biggest names and staged a variety of stunts to promote ‘a more individual and diverse ideal for beauty’ by shooting models in all shapes and sizes, generating debate with Lynne Feathersone and MP Jo Swinson and questioning the practice of airbrushing. ‘I don’t want to be too militant because

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in their 50s looking like 28 yearolds,’ she says (though they think she should just lighten up).

With a long-term association with i-D magazine (she worked there for six years in her 20s and has been a contributor ever since) and a face that’s recognisable to most of the population from The Clothes Show, Franklin is part of the fashion establishment.

Her distinctive grey streak, androgynous style and big smile haven’t changed much in the 14 years since she left the show.

She pays the bills by organising roadshows and compering events, but that’s only a part of what she does. ‘I do a lot of unwaged work - teaching and writing, and my website (howtolookgood.co.uk) is a love, not a business. Nobody pays you for activism. Nobody says “okay, I’ll give you a shedload of cash to cause problems.”’ But Franklin has never been quiet, since she decided at the age of ten that feminism was the only way forward. “Since then I’ve had a fantastic existence, I’ve traveled through war-torn areas with the headlights off to avoid snipers to deliver clothes to refugees, I’ve visited and talked with garment workers in their shanty homes made from corn oil cans in free trade zone, developing countries, I’ve done fashion shows in prisons and had much more variety than the average fashion person.’ It’s her politicised approach that makes Franklin a hero in an industry that rarely looks behind the veneer.

All hail Caryn. allwalks.org

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Interior Architecture & Design

Luxury interiors with attention to detail

Wilkinson Beven Design Prestigious residential and commercial projects for discerning clients, UK and worldwide.

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PEDAL PUSH

Kensington and Chelsea’s competition to design the most stylish outfit for cyclists produced these results. Absolutely hails local cycle chic Photography by Wayne Tippetts Hair by Kell Skött

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A

nyone who thinks that riding a bike requires lycra and polyester, and special funny moulded footwear, should think again.

Cycling, for those not involved in pedalling as a sport, can be a super stylish mode of transport.

And to prove it, Bikeminded, Kensington and Chelsea’s cycling campaign, ran a Style the Cyclist competition, inviting entrants to devise the sharpest cycling outfit from a huge range of pieces available at Harrods. The winning outfits are modelled here by jewellery designer Carolina Bucci and Sipsmith Gin founder Sam Galsworthy.

Bikeminded.org

CLARE BYRNE, STYLIST FOR CAROLINA BUCCI, SAYS..

‘The first item I chose was the Missoni slim-fit trousers. These seemed like the perfect trousers for cycling because they are fitted and cropped, so won’t get caught in a bike chain or get oily (I have had to scrub oil out of many a pair of trousers) and stretchy, so will be comfortable. I chose the top because it is loose and flowing, great for biking as you won’t get too hot.

It’s also quite long, so will cover your lower back when cycling, which is something I think about. Lastly, it is quite bohemian, which is a style I like. I was looking for something transitional too, as Carolina often has multiple things to do in a day, social/ personal/business. This outfit is casual enough for the school run but smart enough for business or an evening out.

I chose Carolina’s necklace because I thought if she was doing any business meetings it would be wise to wear something she made. Lastly I added a classic trenchcoat - a necessity in rainy London. This style of coat is perfect for cycling as it covers a lot of you without being long enough to get caught in the chain or back wheel.’

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ADELE ROBERTS, STYLIST FOR SAM GALSWORTHY, SAYS...

‘I wanted Sam’s outfit to have a real London bloke feel to it, that smart scruffiness that only the English can pull off. Sam describes his style as ‘left-field of conservative’ so I chose traditional pieces with a quirky edge to them. The lilac chinos, PS by Paul Smith, are the real statement of the look and give the whole outfit a playful, relaxed air. The Byard blazer jacket, again Paul Smith, is the perfect mix of classic and current with a subtle pink and blue check running over a traditional earthy hue. I couldn’t resist adding the Ralph Lauren Shepway vest to throw a country gentleman twist and the warm pink shirt, Boss Orange, softens the whole outfit. I think the key to a great cycling look is that it makes sense on and off the bike; a full-on suit isn’t going to work on a bicycle nor is a head-to-toe Lycra get up going to be well received at your destination.’

44

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ABSOLUTELY | ST Y LE

BEAUTY NOTES SA LON RE V IE W

PR IZE W INNER

W8’s Peach on the Hill Medspa scooped the top prize at the International Institute of AntiAgeing’s annual awards last month. The team was thrilled to pick up their gong at a glittering evening at the Dorchester, and delighted that as a small independent, they made such an impression. 140 Campden Hill Road W8; 020 7221 9464; peachonthehill.com

3

OF THE BEST

INGENIOUS NEW PRODUCTS The ultimate frizz cure.

JOICO’s sulfate-free Smooth Cure promises to last for 72 hours. From £12.95, joicoeurope.com

Caudalie’s new divine oil is aptlynamed with a heavenly scent and an instant effect on face, body and even hair. Caudalie is even planting a tree for every bottle sold, so it’s a winner all round. £25, caudalie.com Here’s a solution to the age-old problem of trying to paint your nails in the dark.

Lighting-up nail varnish, £10; newcidcosmetics.com

FE’s owner Sam Heydari and her team pride themselves on offering the best quality and outstanding service, striving to offer the ultimate in hairstyling, make up and beauty, and they deliver. I have never felt so relaxed and welcomed in a salon. I started my session with a Yon Ka Facial where all products are made with 100% natural ingredients and a week later my skin still feels soft and nourished.

After my treatment I settled down for a very much needed hair cut and for the first time in my life my hairdresser actually listened to me when I explained what I would like and she even showed me a few tricks to get my hair looking wonderful between appointments.

So with a new glossy mane and felling fresh-faced, I eagerly await my next visit to see my favourite miracle workers.

Leah Day 22 Kendal Street, W2, 020 7402 4442; fehairandbeauty.com

FEEL THE V IBE Powervibe, Westbourne Park Road’s fabulous Powerplate studio, offers special courses for couples looking to exercise together. And you don’t need to have similar fitness levels or strengths, of course – any discrepancies can be worked around (if not evened out).

Trainer Ronnie Kublova will get you both fitter than you’ve ever been.

95b Westbourne Park Villas W2, 020 7229 9614; powervibe.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY | STY LE

02

03 04

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Beauty For Her

10

05

Absolutely’s edit of the best summer beauty buys

06

09 08

07

1. Kérastase Bain Aprés-Soleil Shampoo, £14.90, kerastase.co.uk 2. Erno Laszlo Firmarine Eye Therapy serum, £125, harrods.com 3. Clarins Ever Matte Oil Free Foundation SPF 15, £24, clarins. co.uk 4. Givenchy Phenomen Eyes Waterproof Mascara, £22, houseoffraser.co.uk 5. Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat Highlighter, £25, yslbeauty.co.uk 6. La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 30 Spray, £17.35, laroche-posay.co.uk 7. Nars Mono Body Glow II, £44, narscosmetics.co.uk 8. Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturiser, £21, clinique.co.uk 9. Sharp Eau de Parfum by Andrea Maack, £85, andreamaack.com 10. Aveda Lip Saver, £11.50, aveda.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY | PROMOTION

Sculpt Your Body Slim in Six Weeks Louise Parker and her dedicated team are ready to bust your body into shape for spring

THE 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 long-term 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 49

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JIVITA AYURVEDA Jivita Ayurveda offers a wonderful summer treatment package to prepare the skin for the perfect tan. An exfoliating full body powder massage combined with a luxury facial treatment is offered for the price of £120. These treatments together not only give you cleansing that goes deeper than skin but also relaxation to get you in the holiday mood.

89 Chamberlayne Road, NW10 3ND 020 8964 4993 www.jivitaayurveda.com

Absolutely

HEALTH & BEAUTY Eight of the best local beauty spots

KELL SKÖTT HAIRCARE In the hands of Kell Skött Haircare’s award winning team, you can choose from just a simple trim or tidy up, through to a sharp new look. In-depth complimentary consultations mean that you will always come out with a style personalised just for you. Catering for both men and women, they have salons in W11 and W10.

020 7229 1671; 020 8964 3004; kellskotthaircare.com

MARCELA’S Summer is here at last! Marcela’s offers the most professional South American manicure and pedicure in town, as well as the best pain-free Brazilian and Hollywood pink Parisian waxing done by Nafy. Or feel relaxed with Tara’s great healing touch for facials and body massage, and leave Marcela’s feeling fresh and able to combat the stresses of daily life.

7 Holland Street, W8 4NA For appointments call 020 7938 1555.

COCO NAILS Enjoy a glass of fizz and some Ukai sushi with your manicure at Coco, which offers superior hand and foot pampering for men and women. Whether you’re in a rush or have time to linger, Coco has the perfect treatment.

267 Portobello Road W11; 020 7243 1113; coconailbar.com 50

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W10 PERFORMANCE Get Beach Body ready at W10 Performance, whose allinclusive gym membership offers personalised nutrition and bespoke personal training programs to help both men and women get fit and lose weight, quickly.

Unit 3 I 69 St Marks Road, W10 6JG 020 3489 5428 w10performance.com facebook.com/W10Performance twitter.com/W10Performance

EGO HAIR There’s a friendly, community feel to this Salusbury Road salon, with people popping in and out to chat. Ego is an ammonia-free zone, using L’Oreal’s Inoa and Dia colours -and it’s full of character and charm. Chatty owner Andy Loizou will entertain you as he works.

45 Salusbury Road NW6; 020 7625 4811

DESEYEN OPTICAL BOUTIQUE What will your face be wearing this summer?

Deseyen optical boutique have the latest ranges of sunglasses. Their huge selection includes the quirky quality of Alexander McQueen, and just arrived is the uber retro of Celine. Marc by Marc Jacobs and Juicy Couture add a funky modern feel and Carrera a sporty style. Mixed with the classic models of Armani and Dior there are designs to fit every face and situation.

With experts on hand to guide you in your choice, you just can’t go wrong.

First Floor Whiteleys Centre, Queensway W2 020 7243 4849

YOGA LOFT LONDON

Exclusive offer for Absolutely readers Get set for summer, tone your body and calm your mind with a visit to Yogaloft.

This friendly studio is a favourite with Queen’s Park locals welcoming everyone from complete beginners to experienced practitioners. Experience Iyengar, Hatha or Ashtanga yoga, Vinyasa Flow or a specialist pregnancy class in Yogaloft’s airy, light-filled space.

Visit Yogaloft in July and August and get your first class half price with this copy of Absolutely*. www.yogaloftlondon.com; 3 Lonsdale Road, NW6 6RA; 020 7625 2645 *Offer entitles Absolutely readers to attend their first timetabled class at half the drop-in price on presentation of this page, subject to availability. Open to new visitors only. One class per visitor.

HEALTH FEATURE.indd 51

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25/06/2012 11:19

28/06/2012 11:56

ABSOLUTELY | PROMOTION

THE WORKOUT-FREE WAY TO YOUR NEW BEACH BOD Want to look as fit as our sporting superstars?

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ashboard abs, toneperfect triceps and lean, lithe legs. This month is when the cream of the world’s sporting superstars hit the town, so awardwinning clinic, EF MEDISPA have upped their game, done the hard work for you and created a range of high tech, tailored beauty solutions to get your booty beach volleyball player perfect - without even having to break a sweat.

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ABSOLUTELY | ST Y LE

Diary of

Shakti Ananda

Ellis

personal training

Voted London’s best body trainers - Harper’s Bazaar

YOGA TEACHER FROM PORTOBELLO Shakti Ananda (38, real name Annabel) used to work in fashion PR. But after reading Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now, she had an ‘A-ha’ moment and gave it up. After completing her TTC at the Sivananda Centre in Madurai, she’s now a fully accredited yoga teacher. She’s also a Reiki Master and Lightworker. Her mission, aside from becoming enlightened in this lifetime, is to heal those around her and help humanity in its transition from fear to love.

10 am Long sleep-in to prepare for hosting tonight’s Breath Circle. Set intentions: to be a channel for Divine Love, to always act from heart chakra, and to hide valuables.

10.46 am Fill 27 pages of Dream Journal.

12.25 pm Have a cry, then make myself a quinoa and sunflower sprout salad.

3.32 pm To Portobello Wholefoods to buy Deep Breathe Yogi tea. Will also treat tonight’s Breath Circle attendees to Mrs Crimble’s gluten-free coconut macaroons. Not the cheapest but want to make them feel welcome. So far only four people coming, but trust the Universe to at least double numbers by 6 pm tonight.

4.41 pm Hide valuables - especially crystals.

5.03 pm Do short meditation in which ask the Ancients to assist with Breath Circle.

5.54 pm. First two arrive; Graham and Beth. Graham says he’s just back from six months at Osho’s Ashram in Pune.

Beth says she’s just been dumped by her boyfriend.

6.12 pm Make Yogi tea and serve Mrs Crimble’s gluten-free coconut macaroons. Graham takes three.

6.32 pm Decide to start without the others. We sit in a circle (although it’s more of a triangle) and I open by chanting the Gayatri mantra before we start the breathing.

6.36 pm Beth begins to cry. Tell her to focus on her breath and leave her personal issues at the door.

6.38 pm Graham has irritatingly loud way of breathing - like Darth Vader.

6.40 pm Beth says she needs to go home and call her boyfriend. She leaves, crying.

6.45 pm Resume the Circle. Graham seems to be panting now – very noisy. When I ask him to keep it down, he says this is how he was taught at the Osho Centre.

6.50 pm Tell Graham we cannot continue if he insists on panting like human pug. He leaves.

7.07 pm Finish Mrs Crimble’s gluten-free macaroons and retire to sofa with mug of Deep Breathe tea and ‘A Third Serving of Chicken Soup for the Soul’.

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti Baba Ganoush As seen by Hattie Edmonds

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DIARY OF A YOGA TEACHER.indd 52

28/06/2012 11:48

ABSOLUTELY | PROMOTION

SUMMER SKIN OFFER

THE CLINIC: Tucked away just behind Harley Street, visitors to the Waterhouse Young clinic would be forgiven for thinking they had stumbled across an exclusive members club, such is the elegant façade. Scaling the staircase up from the grand entrance does nothing to disabuse one of the notion, until, at the top, you are greeted with smiles and a genuine sense of welcome. Waterhouse Young’s eminently experienced team specialises in non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Sound intimidating? It shouldn’t. Between its registered aesthetic nurses, doctors and surgeons there is no team in London with more expert knowledge of facial structure.

WATERHOUSE YOUNG IS OFFERING ALL ABSOLUTELY READERS A COMPLIMENTARY COMPUTERISED SKIN ANALYSIS, A FULL SKIN CONSULTATION AND 20 PER CENT OFF THEIR TREATMENT PLAN UNTIL 30 JULY. QUOTE ABSOLUTELY. BOOK ON 020 7486 3849; WATERHOUSEYOUNG. COM

TOP 3 OTHER TREATMENTS: 1. Botox: The clinic specialises in administering Botox, the muscle relaxant which minimises the appearance of lines on the face, can tighten jaw lines giving a lift to the neck and is great for eliminating excessive sweating. The effects can last for three-to-six months. Each person is given a full consultation before-hand to determine exactly the effect they hope to achieve.

2. Dermaroller: Advanced micro-skin needling which catalyses the regeneration of collagen and elastin and as such is perfect for treating acne scarring, sun damage, facial and décolleté lines, stretchmarks and overall skin rejuvenation.

3. Dermal Fillers: A treatment which plumps the skin, immediately reducing the signs of ageing. The effects typically last 6 – 12 months, and at Waterhouse Young, the team uses a range of Juvederm and Restylane products.

SKIN DEEP

Absolutely checks in at the Waterhouse Young clinic for one revelatory HydraFacial THE WELCOME: The warmth of the reception is the first thing to strike visitors. As you reach the top floor – which is flooded with natural light – you are ushered into a comfortable waiting room, complete with copies of Vogue et al, and even iPads – and offered nuts with an anti-oxidant drink of your choice; detox, age defying, multi vitamin or energy.

THE PEOPLE: Norman Waterhouse is one of the UK’s leading plastic surgeons. He has held a number of senior posts including President of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. Richard Young is a specialist in craniofacial surgery with a particular interest in cosmetic surgery and facial rejuvenation. The most recent addition is Dr. Michele Engel, chosen to complement the team for her unsurpassed understanding of facial structure. She is renowned for her personal approach, which is entirely in keeping with the clinic’s culture. For her the art is in subtlety and enhancement, as opposed to radical change.

THE ETHOS: It is all about holistic care at Waterhouse Young. The onus is on treating individual needs, and rather than affecting a perfect symmetry or an identikit frozen face, the team focuses on augmenting natural beauty and looking at overall skin health.

Treatment options available include Botox, Dermal Fillers, Dermaroller, HydraFacial and Obagi; all patients are offered a computerised skin analysis prior to treatment to identify underlying issues such as UV damage, together with the visible ones. Using this alongside a thorough skin examination, the team formulates the correct treatment plan to fit each client’s lifestyle and get the results.

THE TREATMENT: I opt for the HydraFacial, which is aimed at re-surfacing the skin without lasers. Using a spiral shaped tip, my aesthetic nurse Chantelle expertly

extracts the impurities that have built up in my skin. Though slightly scratchy it is far from painful, and contrary to most skin treatments, I actually feel like it is doing something to ameliorate my skin.

The beauty of the treatment is it cleverly infuses hydrating antioxident serums. After, Chantelle shines red LED lights on my skin to increase collagen and elastin production.

THE VERDICT: Unequivocally the best facial I’ve ever had. My skin was instantly brighter, cleaner and fresher, and following the stream of compliments I got, I will certainly be back, perhaps even for Botox, a treatment I’d until now discounted.

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27/06/2012 17:53

ABSOLUTELY | K IDS

Absolutely TINIES How to keep them amused

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FOOD INTERVIEW Jesse.indd 58

27/06/2012 15:36

ABSOLUTELY | FOOD A ND TR AV EL

KITSCH

KITCHEN

Jesse Dunford Wood’s menu at the Mall Tavern cleverly revives some old favourites – some of them with added shock value. Pendle Harte meets him

E

LEFT: JESSE DUNFORD WOOD. ABOVE RIGHT: THE MALL’S PRIVATE DINING ROOM

ver since chefs became names, they have needed a signature dish.

There’s a permanent scramble for the most inventive recipe, most obscure ingredient, most unlikely collaboration, most unexpected combinations. Jesse Dunford Wood is no different – but for inspiration, he looks to the mundane, the overlooked and the frankly naff. This is a man who is making a career out of that gone-but-not-forgotten 1970s menu staple, chicken kiev. And not only that, but also artic roll. Aren’t those dishes best forgotten?

Dunford Wood is quite the charmer, and has a winning way with words. Resident at W8’s Mall Tavern for the past two years, it’s easy to see why the pub has vastly increased in popularity under his tenure, and much of it is to do with chicken kiev. Why the kiev?

“Everybody secretly likes kiev but probably don’t admit it,” he tells me over coffee in the Mall’s private room (apologising in advance for any smoke emanating from their balcony smokery). “It’s something you don’t see in any reputable restaurant. I thought it was a fun idea – it can be gastronomic, but it’s also simple enough for simple

pub people to tuck into.” Chicken kiev has been a fixture since he arrived; many regulars come specifically for it without even glancing at the menu. And in the wider world too, Dunford Wood seems to have unleashed a bit of a chicken kiev movement. “I watched Great British Menu last night and someone did chicken kiev. He got 10 out of 10,” he says, slightly crossly (a few days after our conversation, the Guardian runs an entire story on the return of the kiev, quoting Dunford Wood as well as Simon Hopkinson and Lindsay Bareham, and, happily, deeming

Dunford Wood’s method the best).

Dunford Wood’s story does not start with a childhood love of cooking, nor is there a foodie epiphany on a family holiday or a memory of his mother’s chicken kiev. Quite the reverse, because it wasn’t until the age of 18 that he even noticed food. Or rather, the lack of it. “I went to boarding school, where you get three meals a day provided on the dot and you never have to think about food. After that, you’re suddenly you’re thrown into the world and have to survive.” By coincidence, Dunford Wood’s 75 year-old 59

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ABSOLUTELY | FOOD A ND TR AV EL

recently separated grandfather found himself in the same position, (“we stood there, looking at the aga”) so together they muddled through, leaving Jesse with an enthusiasm for cooking that led him to start hosting dinner parties for his hungry art college friends.

Slowly, Dunford Wood grew to like the idea of cooking, which was “creative, delicious and gets people together – plus you can affect it with music and seating plans and people.” He didn’t want to be like his artist father – “I never wanted to spend my life on my own in a studio, painting. Not everyone likes art but everyone likes food, whether it’s chicken nuggets or foie gras, and everyone has to eat every day.” So he conceived the idea of

tables. “I was excited about playing the tables – it was a performance every day and I never stop being excited in this job.” Isn’t it tiring though? “Plays have runs and then the actors rest. And of course they have understudies.

It’s relentless and draining, but we’re like Les Mis, we’re going to go on forever,” he enthuses.

Enthusiasm is key here, because there’s a performance at the Mall Tavern twice a day, in the upstairs kitchen. There’s a kitchen table that seats up to ten, where diners are treated to Jesse’s dishes of the day while watching the staff work. With no waiters, chefs bring their own dishes to the table and Jesse is in his element, welcoming and providing chat. (On a recent

just say that it’s part performance art, part kitsch recipe revival, part sweet indulgence – and it certainly doesn’t look like any course you’ve ever tasted. One thing you can count on is that there will be arctic roll. But not as you know it. It might be flavoured with Maxwell House coffee, or with Birds Eye frozen peas. “We always have a shock value arctic roll on. Today it’s Fisherman’s Friends arctic roll – we’ve had curry, Monte Cristo cigar, liquorice allsorts and we’re always working on new ones.”

Not convinced? The proof, as they say, is in the pudding. Book yourself in to the Mall’s kitchen table and you’ll see. the malltavern.com

This is my dream of an ongoing money-making dinner party an “ongoing moneymaking dinner party” and a dream of becoming a chef.

The dream took Jesse from washing up in Edinburgh to Devon’s Gidleigh Park and a host of high class eateries all over America and Australia (including, unusually for a chef, a stint as a waiter at New York’s Balthasar brasserie) before returning to London. Working front of house taught him that “restaurants aren’t just about food, they’re about the experience. No matter what chefs may say, there are so many other contributing factors: there has to be a balance between the location and the food, there’s the timing, the lighting, the other guests.” Dunford Wood is a natural performer and he loved waiting

visit, we enjoyed boiled quail eggs with celery salt, as well as a clever tiny mouthful of asparagus soup served in an eggshell with the soft-boiled egg still in it, along with the classic cow pie and, of course, the ever-present chicken kiev). It’s theatrical and much more real than the Michelin-starred equivalent, where kitchen table diners are often separated from the working kitchen by glass as they are served up a hundred pound tasting menu. Here you are “on the front line of a real working kitchen, and this is the return of my dream of an ongoing moneymaking dinner party from when I was 18,” explains Dunford Wood.

And the real star of the show is the pudding, about which it would be rude to reveal too much here. Let’s

RECIPE EASY CHEESECAKE

MALL TAVERN SOFT SCOOP • 175g double cream • 75g caster sugar • 325g cream cheese • 1 zest of a lemon • Drop of vanilla extract, or fresh vanilla pods Whisk together until thick and creamy, layer it with fruit and cheesecake crumbs, (or crushed digestives or ginger snaps), and serve with extra sauce.

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Saporitalia

A piece of Napoli at 222 Portobello Road 020 7243 3257

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22/05/2012 25/04/2012 09:37 19:30

ABSOLUTELY | ST Y LE

RESTAURANT REVIEW

The Italian Job Absolutely tries two local trattorias

Casa Batavia, 135 Kensington Church Street W8, 020 7221 7348; casabatavia.com

T

he mark of a truly authentic Italian restaurant, aside from the food is the people running the show. Italians are passionate foodies and proud of it.

With the great Italian food tradition fixed in my mind I eagerly ventured to Casa Batavia, to be greeted by co-owner Paolo Boschi.

In his thick Italian accent he politely recommended delicacies from the menu; a seasoned London restaurateur, his vast knowledge of Italian cuisine is astonishing.

His partner in the venture is Nicola Batavia, who cut his teeth at the Michelin-starred Ristorante Birichin in Turin.

We started off our taste-bud trip to Italy with Antipastino all’Italiana. Mozzarella, olives and dried tomatoes were all bursting with flavour. My companion also enjoyed a delicate dish in which melt-in-your-mouth balls of fish sat atop a verdant hill of peas and salty pancetta. The pièce de resistance had to be my companion’s main course, however: pig cheek with Jerusalem artichoke and dried fruits, onion compote and raisins.

In true European style, the meat

was the main attraction. I enjoyed a spelt linguine pasta with zucchini, spinach, sweet chilli, spring onion and smoked ricotta from Piedmont - tasty, fresh and light.

I heartily recommend entering the threshold of Casa Batavia for an authentic delicious meal.

Katie Randall

Essenza, 210 Kensington Park Road W11, 020 7792 1066 essenza.co.uk

T

he well-established sister to equally popular Osteria Basilico and Mediterraneo is Essenza, an authentically Italian eaterie with an intimate, neighbourly vibe.

Waiters have an old-fashioned professionalism and food is traditional, simple and high class.

At our mid-week lunch, tables were inhabited by regulars as well as

the odd lone diner, highlighting, we thought, the general comfortableness of the place.

To start, it had to be the burrata, hand-made mozzarella from Puglia, with artichoke hearts, tomatoes and rocket, which was so improbably fresh and creamy that it was really only just holding itself together as a cheese, its consistency springy and marshmallowy.

It’s the speciality here and rightly popular. Also to start were calamari and grilled prawns with sweet chilli sauce, the squid crisp to perfection and the prawns juicy and sweet. Main courses were a simple and faultless spaghetti alla vongole, generous on the clams and light, plus a whole char-grilled sea bass with olive oil and herbs, with tasty sides of deep-fried breaded zucchini and sautéed spinach. To finish, a decadent chocolate and coffee tiramisu was supremely creamy and surprisingly subtle, while double espressos added to the kick. Now that the black summer truffle is in season, we’ll be back for the new specials too.

Pearl Boyd

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£5.50 £5.70 £6.40 £6.55 £7.25

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

£6.40 £6.40 £3.70

£2.85 £2.90 £2.70 £3.20 £2.70

£6.90 £7.50 £7.00 £7.60

£4.50 £5.00 £3.70 £4.90 £5.70 £5.50

£4.50 £6.10 £5.20 £4.90 £4.20

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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N J

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oor ahan

THE C H A M B E R L AY N E PUB & STEAKHOUSE

The Chamberlayne is without doubt the best steak and chips in North West London. Serving up to ten different cuts of 28 day matured Millers of Speyside Aberdeen Angus beef, including Chateaubriand, Cote de Boeuf, T Bone and Grand fillet our selection is superb.

Finest

Indian Cusine

For those who prefer fish, rotisserie chicken, pies and salads will find plenty to choose from on our extensive menu.

The last 49 years Noor Jahan are serving traditional style north Indian food prepared using only fresh ingredients and ground spices, no artifical colourings or preservatives are added to the original Indian flavours.

Set on two floors with a terrace, also with a private party room. It is the perfect location for business lunches or romantic dinners.

26 Sussex Place, Hyde Park Estate, Paddington, London W2 2TH www.noorjahan2.com ď‚ž 020 7402 2332 / 020 7402

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The Chamberlayne will be showing all of this seasons sporting events on our bar side this summer.

83 Chamberlayne Road Kensal Rise London NW10 3ND 0208 960 4311 w w w. t h e s a l u s b u r y. c o . u k

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THE S A L U S B U RY PUB & DINNING

The Salusbury pub and dining room is still leading the Gastropub revolution. After a tenth anniversary and an extensive refurbishment the Salusbury has kept itself true to its award winning formula of fantastic Italian food The Salusbury will be showing all of this seasons sporting events on our bar side this summer.

50-52 Salusbury Road Q u e e n ’s P a r k LondonNW6 6NN+44 020 7328 3286 w w w. t h e s a l u s b u r y. c o . u k

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FOODIE NOTES BELOW: BUBBLEOLOGY CAFE’S STRAWBERRY BUBBLE TEA

BLOW OUT

Taiwanese Bubble tea is hugely popular in Soho, apparently, and now it’s about to arrive in Pembridge Road, where the new Bubbleology café opens this month. Bubble tea is a Taiwanese drink, either milk or fruit based and served hot or cold.

Tapioca balls at the bottom of the drink have a similar texture to gummy bears and they are sucked up by an extra-large straw. Fancy that. bubbleology.co.uk

AR T DINNERS

Launching this month at Debut Contemporary Art is a new season of themed Art Dinners, where the Westbourne Grove Gallery teams up with local eateries to host a series of monthly foodie, arty evenings, inviting high-profile guests to ‘experience art as lifestyle.’ The theme for July is sport. debutcontemporary.com

W ELCOME TO GOODE A ND W RIGHT The delicious and unfussy fusion of French cuisine combined with - as the owners claim - the ‘Best of British’ at Portobello Road’s new Goode and Wright is already getting people talking. A standout treat is the brunch menu’s duck egg in a basket: an egg nestled inside a toasted brioche under a canopy of smoky chorizo and truffle honey drizzle. Equally incredible is the tender pork belly main - definitely worth trying if only for the crackling. And on the cheese board, there’s a winning combination of quince jelly and the English cheese, a delicious prelude to the traditional Eton mess which comes with a zesty lemon posset and a scattering of Heston Blumenthal-esque popping candy. Yum. 271 Portobello Road W11, 020 7727 5552; goodeandwright.co.uk

IN BR IEF: BL ACK & BLUE

It’s always busy, whatever the time of day, which is always a good sign. Not everyone can be wrong. I tend to always start with garlic prawns, which are beautiful, but decided to break from habit to have the in seasonal asparagus with poached egg and rocket. My colleague had tortillas with warm artichoke dip which I could not help myself from trying... again lovely. Although famous for their burgers which seem to be continuously passing my eyeline and looking very tempting, I went for the Shetland Isles salmon, and then the Chocolate Brownie which was divine. Service is faultless and efficient, ideal for a quick lunch or for taking your time.

BOX OF TR ICK S

Everyone is quite used to vegetable box deliveries – but the deli box is a new take on the idea.

Good Fork is a service that provides you with ingredients you didn’t even know you needed – sign up and you’ll receive a monthly box of surprise goodies that are designed to help you escape your culinary rut and try out something new. Our box came on a Mediterranean theme and included fennel seeds, Sicilian garlic pate (handy and multi-functional), a slice of Andalucian fig and almond wedge (good with cheese), smoky aubergine dip, white truffle glaze, a packet of Casarecce pasta and a jar of cornichons. thegoodfork.co.uk 65

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Hugo’s B R E A K FA S T - L U N C H - D I N N E R

Planning a wedding or a party?

A very special place for your event!

Scan me!

Contact Nick on: 0207 3721232 or email: dining@hugosrestaurant.co.uk please follow us: on facebook or twitter @HugosQP for all our special offers!

w w w. h u g o s r e s t a u r a n t . c o . u k / 2 5 L o n s d a l e R o a d , L o n d o n N W 6 6 R A Hugo's_FINAL.indd 1

20/06/2012 13:38

ABSOLUTELY | FOOD A ND DRINK

THE RIGHT STUFF

Political foodie Renée Elliott – founder of Planet Organic – spills the beans to Gemma Billington

W

estbourne Grove’s Planet Organic may be a local fixture these days, but it’s had a rocky path. In fact it owes much of its success to 1996’s random outbreak of mad cow disease. American-born founder Renee Elliot has come a long way since then: today, the chain has five branches and she lives the rural dream in Tuscany with her husband and three children.

Over Skype, she tells me her story, starting with college, where she discovered a revolutionary book, Diet for a Small Planet

by Frances Moore Lappé, which completely altered her eating habits and views on the farming industry.

Then in 1991, on a trip to Boston, she had a eureka moment on a visit to organic supermarket Bread & Circus, realising that she could emulate the store and bring organic to the mainstream.

The first opening was not exactly a runaway success back in late 1995 on the ‘dodgy’ end of Westbourne Grove. ‘It was terribly received,’ she says. ‘It was so dreadful that

by Christmas I was thinking that we would have to pack it in...’ The health-conscious, bohemian vibe of contemporary Notting Hill had not

mince her words. Her stern views on ingredients such as white flour, industrial farming (‘you think the farmers are doing the best for you and the government is protecting you and it’s just so not true’), plus a few eyebrow-raising facts (formaldehyde in curtains, apparently) can leave the average consumer feeling a little deflated; even guilty. ‘I understand the pressures on people’s lives’ she says, ‘my trademark really has become ‘very simple cooking’. This is the main focus of her book and is clearly an area that she feels passionate about.

The term ‘organic’ is a complex one, Elliott admits. It’s also, as anyone who sets foot in any of the five London Planet Organic stores, a complete way of life. Organic doesn’t just transcend to fruit and vegetables, but to meat, fish, cleaning products and cosmetics, which Planet has stocked ‘from day one’. ‘For me it was about providing a better everything. Elliot says, “toothpaste, meat, rice...”

Whether you embrace the organic revolution with open arms or with a roll of the eye, it’s difficult to feel anything but admiration for Elliott; for her phenomenal personal and professional successes and her continuous strive for the good life.

Planet Organic was was not exactly a runaway success back in late 1995 on the ‘dodgy’ end of Westbourne Grove

ME, YOU AND THE KIDS TOO IS PUBLISHED BY DUNCAN BAIRD, £14.99

yet bloomed. Eventually, despite the tumultuous start, the local press began picking up on the store and public interest steadily grew.

The main breakthrough, however, came in February 1996 when the country suffered an outbreak of mad cow disease (BSE). ‘Unlike a lot of health stores at that time, we had a fresh organic British meat and fish counter.’ Elliott explains. People started to buy their meat from us because of the fear of BSE.’ For all of Elliott’s friendliness, charm and wholesome family image - portrayed in her new cookbook, Me, You & the Kids Too - she is an intelligent woman who doesn’t

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Learn a skill for

life at leading London cookery school, Leiths Courses range from one day workshops to one year professional courses

Mr and Mrs Skött’s W11 diaries

Contact us to book now www.leiths.com 020 8749 6400

In which they go to Paradise, by way of north Norfolk

M

r Skött often reminisces about his mum making fresh bread and the smell of it baking wafting through the house. So, we jumped at the chance of an invite to QUARTER PAGE.indd 1 30/05/2012 12:55 1 28/05/2012 04:18 pm Scandi chef Signe Johansen’s Love Your Loaf bread making AbsolutelyMag90x134May2012V1.indd class. There is something very satisfying about making your own bread and Mrs Skott is currently enjoying waking up to the smell of freshly baked spelt buns and hoping it will last.

A double dose of Paradise this month. The lure of Sunday Bloody Sunday sessions was just too much for us. We left the Opportunities include: New opportunity for salon early on a Sunday and joined a great crowd at Paradise local and national festivals; young, dynamic people aged

by Way of Kensal Green to be greeted by perfectly spiced specialised workshops; 9 to18. After 20 successful bloody Marys. There is an art to cooking a good Sunday roast summer courses; years in Cambridge, we are professional headshots and opening our first London for a lot of people and the chefs at Paradise certainly know being part of the YAC film, branch in Notting Hill. what they are doing – add to that the cool vibe, the relaxed feel TV & theatre agency. and the Sunday papers – Sunday perfection.

Determined not to let the weather get us down we celebrated “Being part of YAC has opened up a summer with our Summer Ball at Paradise, a perfect combo whole world of possibilities!” of Pimms, cucumber sandwiches and delicious Rebel Bakery Ben Wilkinson, age 17 cupcakes made us forget that we needed to go home and put the heating on. A quick trip to north Norfolk last week revealed why it is known as ‘west London on sea’ – we met no less than three clients when we were up there.

The amazing beaches there remind Kell of the Danish ones he grew up on. The Skött dogs had a great time swimming in the North Sea. They obviously have Viking blood in them as it was freezing. We visited some of the gourmet hotspots that have sprung up there – the Gunton Arms in Thorpe Market is worth a visit. Prime rib of beef cooked over a giant open fire. It was enormous and just too good to leave, I’m afraid the Skött dogs will be disappointed though – that doggy bag was for us.

Back to Portobello and the Ally Capellino Bags for Bikes launch, at last a range that is practical yet stylish for cyclists.

To find out more about us and sign up Mr Skött had his eye on the lovely all weather waxed cotton for a taster day, please visit: panniers. That’s his birthday present sorted then. www.theyoungactorscompany.com

The Young Actors Company

yac

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AROUND THE WORLD WITH DEBOR AH FLEMING OF PISTOL PANTIES

Your five favourite places in the world?

MIAMI BEACH – where I am from.

PANAREA – an island off Sicily, where I went on honeymoon. There are no streetlamps at all on the island.

CAIRO – it is totally fascinating.

PARIS – I was born here. It sounds cliched, but there is no city more romantic than Paris.

PEMBROKESHIRE, WEST WALES – Where my husband is from. Very beautiful beaches and totally unspoilt.

What are your most exciting holiday adventures?

Costa Rica. I went for two months about 15 years ago. It is surrounded by three different oceans, the Caribbean, Atlantic and Pacific and the natural resources are vast. So you can be surfi ng the beach in the morning, boating through incredible mangroves in the day, and then hiking up a live volcano in the afternoon.

IN MY SUITCASE...

BIKINIS – lots of them.

Make sure that the first bikini you wear is a dark colour like navy but go brighter as you get more tanned.

MANY COVER-UPS – long and short, these are perfect for all occasions.

Two sandals, one day time and one evening – bit more glam.

LARGE BEACH TOWEL and lots of fun beach jewellery. This is the great way of dressing up a bikini.

LOTS OF SUN PROTECTION – I always start with a factor 30, working towards an 8 at the end of the holiday.

Do you have a favourite brand of clothing for holiday wear?

I wear my own brand but I love buying vintage – you do have to be careful buying vintage and make sure you always buy cotton. I also love towelling robes but again these are vintage. I recently discovered Beaumont Organic which is a cute British label, that has the perfect white shirt in soft cottons, plus a great towelling beach dress.

Best beaches?

SARDINIA – Costa Smeralda: the island of Cavalo has the most amazing secluded bay with beautiful crystal turquoise water.

PROVENCE – I love driving through the sunflower fields and seeing the coastline in the horizon.

CARTAGENA – in Columbia, where my mother grew up – beautiful long beaches.

ST BARTHS – for pure luxury and pampering.

SICILY – Zingaro nature reserve – the most beautiful rugged beaches.

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Waterworld TRAVEL ROUND UP

Watersports for adventurous types; yacht lounging for the not so.

Either way, here’s a selection of the best destinations

HOTEL EDEN ROC Ascona, Switzerland Influenced by its close proximity to Italy, Ascona is the charming Swiss town graced with a unique pseudoMediterranean climate that appears to escape the rest of Switzerland.

Though the snow-peaked landscape provides a striking backdrop, its other claim to fame is Lake Maggiore, the 68km-long wonder which sits majestically in all its splendour at the foothills of the Alps. Ascona is also the home of the Hotel Eden Roc, from where a visitor can enjoy the mountainous scenery, the inimitable character of the place and the watersports the Lake affords everyone. In fact, at The Hotel Eden Roc, a grand complex boldly decorated by interior designer Carlo Rampazzi in eccentric luxe décor, getting on

the water is a must. Among the many activities are team- building exercises on sailboats and fabulous speedboat jaunts to quaint daily markets in the nearby Italian town of Cannobio. Undoubtedly, the main draw here is the hotel’s for-hire private yacht, on which guests can sip champagne and watch the sun setting between the peaks while meandering around some of Lake Maggiore’s prime spots including the island Isola Bella. This may not be a place for jet-skiiers, because this, after all, is water-sports Swiss style.

Doubles on a B&B basis at Hotel Eden Roc available from CHF 190 (£127) pp per night, price based on two adults sharing and includes service, taxes and VAT To book contact +41 917857171

or visit www.edenroc.ch EasyJet flies to Milan Malpensa from Edinburgh, Gatwick and Luton. Prices one way start from £23.99 and include all taxes. easyjet.com

ONE & ONLY LE SAINT GÉRAN Mauritius Under swaying coconut palms and an ever-brilliant sky, visitors to Le Saint Géran may feel reluctant to do much else but kick back in this soporific resort. But Mauritian waters are some of the finest in the world, and this One & Only hotel knows just how to take advantage of the natural beauty that surrounds the resort all around. It is one of the reasons why all watersports at the hotel are offered on a complimentary basis. Pedalos, banana boats, tube rides or even

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kayaks, are yours for free day-long hire. Water-skiing is also popular, as are day-trips to The John Battleday Waterski and Wakeboard Academy or the Kite & Stand Up Paddle School, where daredevils learn how to kitesurf with seasoned professionals around them. For those looking for something even more spectacular, why not try snorkelling and windsurfing on the coral-sea lagoon close by? There are also mono-hull lasers and small catamarans to take out into the choppier water. Of course, if you’re keen to put your feet up at this resort, there are always myriad boat trips on offer which mean you can do all the sunbathing, snoozing and reading you like, out at sea.

A room at One&Only Le Saint Géran starts from £520 per night including taxes, based on two

people sharing a Junior Suite King on a half board basis. oneandonlyresorts.com

WYNDHAM RIO MAR BEACH Puerto Rico There are no less than 11 restaurants in which to indulge in the wondrous American, Puerto Rican and Caribbean fusion culinary delights at the Wyndham Rio Mar, a resort which sits happily in the middle of the El Yunque National Forest and the Atlantic Ocean, on the north eastern coast of the country’s main island. Food is a necessary requirement in order to help sustain one through the multitude of activities that await all visitors at this paradisiacal tropical spot. For as well as the merengue classes, beach yoga, sailing classes, wave runner afternoons and bingo,

the most lauded activity is the Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Tour, which can be booked via the Rio Mar. It’s an unforgettable and much sought-after experience: beginning at sunset, the participants paddle out on a kayak with a tour guide, and are taught how the dinoflagellates - the single-celled organisms which create a unique blue glow by releasing energy – bring this bioluminescent bay’s ecology to surreal life. Surrounded by silence and beams of marine blue in every direction, it’s an informative and peaceful trip.

Prices at the Wyndham Rio Mar Beach Resort start at US $159 (approx: £102) per night for a standard room, minimum five night stay. wyndhamriomar.com 71

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THE HOTEL: The Goodwood Hotel set in a glorious estate in the heart of the Sussex Downs. But this is far from just another sumptuous country hotel; Goodwood is, after all, home to the ‘world’s most beautiful racecourse’, an historic airfield, a racing circuit, home to the Dukes of Richmond and the place to which people flock annually for an eclectic sporting calendar of events. The elegant façade belies the modern interior, which packs in a health club, spa and a near-constant presence of Ferraris and Lamborghinis parked all around. Visitors to the hotel may happily partake in rounds of golf and horse riding, but many come simply to enjoy the hotel’s tranquil ambience.

UK GETAWAY

Goodwood Hotel West Sussex THE RESTAURANT: It’s hard to know where to start at this epicure’s dream. Install yourself either at the Richmond Arms, for its informal but cosy pub-like atmosphere, or at the Bar & Grill for its effortlessly relaxed brasserie menu (plus there are serene views out to the golf course from here).

But for something completely different, all hotel guests are granted access to dine at The Kennels, which is a splendid private members’ clubhouse, ornate in its Georgian architecture and rich furnishings, and was originally built on the estate for the 3rd Duke of Richmond’s Hunstman and hounds.

THE BEDROOMS: Choice is abundant at Goodwood.

Winningly, the suites are both spacious and cosy (think book shelves stacked with tomes), and are furnished with a beautiful melange of antique and thoroughly contemporary styles put together under the expert eye of designer Cindy Leveson. The equallymodern and comfortable garden rooms feature inter-connecting doors, making them ideal for larger groups or families, while the Character Rooms, which are situated in the 18th-century block of the hotel, ooze glamour in all their individually styled décor.

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: THE SPA: Head to The Waterbeach Spa for reflexology, volcanic pebble therapy, Indian head massages or for the very special ‘Nurturing Nights’ package; it cost £299 for two people, with all meals included for the day and night, and guests can choose between a facial, a luxury manicure and pedicure or a shoulder and neck massage to enjoy. Decleor and Carita products, used in all treatments, scent the air beautifully and help to create the peaceful atmosphere that the spa – and adjacent health club – emits.

Bed and Breakfast prices start at £140, while suites start at £305 per night. Call 01243 775537 or visit goodwood.co.uk

GET THERE: A regular service runs between London Victoria to Chichester Station, from where a 3-mile, 12-minute taxi ride will take you to the hotel.

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The Daily Telegraph

“

“

A legal force of nature

Marilyn Stowe is the senior partner at Stowe Family Law and one of the first solicitors to qualify as a family law arbitrator in England and Wales.

Leading the UK’s largest dedicated family law firm, she has more than 25 years’ experience handling divorce cases and family law proceedings. of the first solicitors to qualify as a family law arbitrator through · One the newly-formed Institute of Family Law Arbitrators (IFLA). first Chief Assessor and Chief Examiner of the Law Society’s · The Family Law Panel.

Fellow of the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers: · Aa global association of lawyers recognised for expertise in their

Located in WC1, Stowe Family Law specialises in family law issues; from divorce to cohabitees’ rights, with dedicated international and children’s teams.

The firm’s specialist in-house forensic accountancy department tracks down hidden assets and can provide immediate financial advice.

respective countries.

If you need family law advice, early support can be essential.

Stowe Family Law can help.

Contact 020 7421 3300 8 Fulwood Place, Gray’s Inn, London WC1V 6HG

Contact 01423 532 600 The Old Court House, Raglan Street, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG1 1LT

chiefexecutive@stowefamilylaw.co.uk

stowe family law may 12.indd 1

www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk

Contact 0161 926 1410 The Camellia Building, 38 Oxford Road, Hale, Altrincham WA14 2EB

www.marilynstowe.co.uk

29/04/2012 20:54

Sorrento Mythological

Having sworn off Italy’s Amalfi Coast for being overcrowded, Emily Wright is won over by the glorious old-world charm of the Excelsior Vittoria and the classical education she gets as she walks the Path of the Gods

I

taly’s gorgeous Bay of Naples is no stranger to great hotels, but the Excelsior Vittoria has the pedigree of being the first in Sorrento, and Italy’s oldest family-owned hotel (it’s been run by the Fiorentino family since it opened in 1834). It is also, in some ways, the most central and most low-key. You’ll miss it if you don’t look. It’s tucked away down a long drive lined with heavy-fruited citrus trees, just off Sorrento’s main square, Piazza Torquato Tasso, where everyone gathers for aperitifs and people-watching.

Inside, the hotel’s interiors are a gift to any period costumedrama. There are large, elegant salons with silk wall hangings, damask-covered furniture and

vast windows with stained panels overlooking a balustraded terrace and, beyond, a glistening sea and Vesuvius. Plaster cherubs smile down from the ceilings, and heavy gilt frames surround the ageing, foxed-glass mirrors, where 19th-century princesses would have once admired themselves by candelight. Look up, and you’ll see original ceiling frescoes, especially in the magnificent ballroom, where breakfast is served every morning.

The reception is packed with sepia photographs of luminaries rolling up in vintage classic cars, and Sofia Loren in her voluptuous prime, pouting on the balcony.

Of course, The Excelsior has had to keep up with the times. During its 172-year history, the hotel has built two extra wings, including a

bizarre chalet-like building created to please Austrian royalty, who holidayed here in the 19th century.

The hotel’s biggest selling point is its location, perched overlooking the perfectly curved inlet of the Bay of Naples, one of the world’s most famous stretches of coastline, and justly so. Thanks to rigid planning laws, the area has kept developers at bay, so the coast hasn’t been ruined by identikit villa building. Towns like Positano look much as they did 70 years ago, when writers like John Steinbeck came here to hang out in small bars with local fishermen.

Even so, things have changed. In summer, ten thousand tourists can descend on a town that was built to accommodate four thousand.

In high season, the charms of the

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area, with its slow-moving, trafficchoked coastal road, can start to fade fast.

Which is why you need to get your walking boots on and head for the hills. The Germans and Swiss discovered the delights of walking the mountains that loom over this coastline years ago; the Brits have recently started to realise what they’ve been missing.

One of the best-known walks is the Path of the Gods, which you can do at a brisk pace in about two hours, or three with a picnic break built in. The walk starts in the hilltop town of Agerola, and follows a mountain path -- scarily narrow in places with an unfenced sheer drop. On the way, you’ll enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the sea and the villages below, and can

see sights immortalised by Homer in The Odyssey (the Bay of Naples is where Odysseus heard the sirens singing to him). That myth gives you some idea of the area’s sensually beautiful landscapes.

The path finishes at a village called Nocelle. From here, you can jump on a bus down to Positano, or brave the old 1,700-step stairway that takes you all the way down.

Unbelievably, the nimble-footed locals still climb this stairway and some still use donkeys to carry shopping and goods with them -- it’s quicker than taking the long, circuitous route by road.

Positano is as lovely as you’ve been told. Small, white and labyrinthine, with a fine Baroque church and a sandy beach, it recalls island villages in Greece.

Back at the hotel, Vincenzo Galano, head chef at the Excelsior Vittoria, a born and bred Sorrento man, had rustled up plenty of sophisticated dishes involving special cuts of beef and fish.

The last time I came to this part of Italy, I swore I would never go back – it was too crowded. But I’ve changed my mind; it’s too lovely to ignore -just go early or late in the season.

Classic Collection Holidays (0800 294 9318) offers 7 nights at Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, Sorrento from £1661 per person this July, including return flights from Gatwick and private transfers.

For information on walking The Path of the Gods visit enjoypositano.com or call +39 334 23 54 122 75

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ABSOLUTELY | I NTER IORS

INTERIOR LOOKS

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HOME GROWN We’ve rounded up the best in British design for your home

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: PAUL SMITH CHINA AND THOMAS GOODE MAYFAIR TEA CUP, £115.00, PAULSMITH.CO.UK DAMIEN HIRST KINDNESS, DIAMOND DUST PRINT, £14,000, OTHERCRITERIA. COM (IMAGE © THE ARTIST AND OTHER CRITERIA) FRESH FAT BOWL, £200, TIMDIXON.NET WINE GLASS CHANDELIER, £395, SWEETPEAANDWILLOW.COM CHRISTOPHER GUY DINING CHAIR, POA, CHRISTOPHERGUY.COM

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: UMBEL LIBERTY PRINT SMALL RECTANGULAR TRAY, £18.95, LIBERTY.CO.UK WONDERFUL LONDON TEA TOWEL , £10, EMMABRIDGEWATER.CO.UK BURGESS TABLE , POA, ASSEMBLYROOM.CO.UK DREAM BUTTON BACK SOFA DESIGNED BY JAMIE GRAHAM, FROM £2,200, GRAHAMANDGREEN.CO.UK

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QUARTER PAGE.indd 1

17/05/2012 18:54

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p078.indd 1

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ABSOLUTELY | INTERIORS

ROOM TO REFLECT

Interior designer Stephen Ryan has worked on houses in the area for over 20 years. Absolutely takes a tour of his own W11 home How long have you lived here and what was it like when you moved in?

I had long admired the house before we noticed a developer had acquired it. It was built around 1860 as an artist’s studio house and as a result has large, wonderful windows throughout all floors. Great for the light, but quite hot in the summer months. Shutters and blinds control this problem quite well.

We moved in about eight years ago. The building was derelict and had plans drawn up by a developer.

We got in early and chose the best

unit of six that were going to be sub-divided. There were no floors and we could see the sky three floors above our level.

Getting in early meant that we could purchase the shell only and develop our own layout from scratch.

I knew exactly how I wanted it, based on lengthy vistas whenever possible and the options to create symmetry in all areas which is something that I am rather partial to. To my mind, symmetry creates peace and a harmonious whole. It is a classical balance and proportion that tends to work best in all my

work, whether contemporary or traditional.

There were no internal walls, no services, no stairs, no chimneypiece, just four rough walls so I had carte blanche to create the perfect space.

All the rooms are of a generous proportion, but they were very carefully planned and not an inch wasted. The master bedroom has two en-suite bathrooms which keep everyone happy. There are three bedrooms, the smallest used as a study with a dark palette and a mirrored wallcovering ceiling (we call this room Studio 54).

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There is a very generous lower hall with four tall mirrored wardrobes/ utility room and a further guest bathroom.

throughout, with the exception of the principal bedroom. All the floors were chosen to conduct the newly installed underfloor heating.

I notice a lot of mirrors. What is the effect of all the reflections?

I love to use mirrors architecturally as space enhancers and to create extra illusion of space.

There’s a lot of opulence.

Statues, big gilt picture frames, plinths. We sense that you like grandeur. Where does that come from?

There is perhaps a contemporary opulence. Indeed the wooden carved saints are 17th century but placed on polished steel plinths against sheet mirror. I actually do like things raised on plinths, I like any tricks that ‘take the eye up’ and this is particularly

There are various different flooring materials. What are they? Is the parquet original?

There is a parquet de Versailles floor in the drawing room, brand new but made and laid to look original.

The rest of the floors are stone-tiled

important when one has great ceilings heights to play with (3.8m, in our case).

Is that alligator skin on the kitchen door?

This is indeed real leather ‘printed’ to look like alligator skin. The colour is great with the scheme too.

You have a collection of unusual artworks. What is your favourite?

I like all the paintings and prints for different reasons and collected over three different homes. Some are very large so not sure what we’ll do if we downsize.

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ABSOLUTELY | INTERIORS

I love Sea Cow in the kitchen and La Bergere in the drawing room is appropriate for a designer’s home. I love its vibrancy in this otherwise sombre, monochromatic room.

MAIN PICTURE: RYAN’S SITTING ROOM, COMPLETE WITH SPHINXES. ABOVE RIGHT: SIGNATURE SYMMETRY; BELOW: SAINTS IN THE KITCHEN.

The guest bedroom is very orange, and has wooden walls.

Very different from the rest of the place. What’s the story behind that?

The unusual scheme started with an inherited red chair from The Prince of Wales investiture in Wales. It is in its original scarlet red colour which I reupholstered with Hermes orange leather.

I love red and orange together.

Many might recoil but I find it welcoming and jolly.

The guest bedroom is decorated with a very clever faux-woodgrain

by Nobilis.

What colours are used on the walls?

The drawing room has French upholstered walls using Cancun, a Pierre Frey taffeta fabric.

Most other rooms are painted using Dulux colour palette.

What is your favourite room?

Probably the drawing room, though having previously had separate dining room/kitchen arrangements, I do love this big open kitchen/dining room. stephenryandesign.com 81

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ABSOLUTELY | INTERIORS

Bright sparks

multi-fold timber doors

New methods lighting open up a world of opportunites for kitchen designers

L

ighting technology has moved ahead in leaps and bounds in the last few years. Only five years ago, LED lighting was only for commercial users, very expensive and not very user-friendly.

Now that’s changed, and one of the areas of interior design that has been affected most is kitchen design. LED lights are now available in warmer tones closely matching that of traditional energy-wasting halogen and incandescent lighting, it can also be easily dimmed and lamps are even able to switch from cool white to warm white.

As power and lumen output has increased it is now a practical proposition to replace standard halogen lamps with new LED lamps with minimal disruption and have a matching light output and colour and still reduce your lighting bill by up to 80%.

But it’s when you take a look at the kitchen display that you really find out just what can be done with LED lighting.

Colour changing tape lighting for plinths and shelves, movement sensor operating LED room lights and cupboard lights and even programmable lighting systems.

All of these ranges offer the same money saving advantages and long life of LED lighting but you can now afford to design your own stunning displays and the only restriction is your imagination.

Nu-Line offers free on site surveys and visits where you can see how individual lighting effects look in your own home, so make a date and go and visit Nu-Line. nu-line.net 305-317 Westbourne Park Road W11; 020 7727 7748

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

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LANDMARK LOFTS.indd 1

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27/06/2012 10:05

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ABSOLUTELY

PROPERTY JULY 2012

PEMBRIDGE SQUARE, NOTTING HILL, W2 A spacious two double bedroom apartment in a fine double fronted building on Pembridge Square. The apartment extends to approx. 1429 sq. ft. and boasts fantastic vaulted ceilings and access to the Pembridge Square communal gardens (subject to the usual consents).

Large reception room, Semi open plan kitchen, Two double bedrooms, Two bathrooms (one en suite), Separate cloakroom

Guide Price ÂŁ2,500,000 Leasehold

NH PROP COVER JULY 12.indd 63

020 7371 1111 hollandpark@carterjonas.co.uk

27/06/2012 16:33

Knowledge is the name of the game.

Know-how is staying ahead of it.

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Recently voted the best in the business, we go to great lengths to get the best results for our clients.

At Marsh & Parsons, we’re the leaders in the field when it comes to knowing the area in which we compete. With our experience, determination and raw energy, we are on track to get the best price for your property.

Local know-how. Better results. sales@marshandparsons.co.uk lettings@marshandparsons.co.uk 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

Lower Addison Gardens W14 £6,995,000 A magnificent family home occupying a wide plot with a large southerly garden. Beautifully refurbished to an exacting standard, this handsome property provides well balanced family accommodation over five floors, including a huge raised ground floor double reception room, a fully fitted kitchen/dining room and a family room that leads out to the south facing garden. The bedroom accommodation includes a large master suite and four further double bedrooms served by two large bathrooms.

HOLLAND PARK: 020 7605 6890 sales.hol@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

Scarsdale Villas W8 ÂŁ6,000,000 This superb family home has been beautifully refurbished throughout, providing substantial living accommodation with off-street parking and a south facing landscaped garden. The property comprises a modern kitchen leading onto the garden, two reception rooms, five bedrooms including a master with en suite bathroom and a further family bathroom.

Scarsdale Villas is a wide tree-lined street south of Kensington High Street. Freehold. Joint Sole Agent.

KENSINGTON: 020 7368 4450 sales.kns@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

Kensington Park Road W11 £3,500,000 A beautifully presented house set back from the road with views over the communal gardens of Ladbroke and Arundel Gardens. The elegant accommodation, arranged over five floors, includes a fabulous reception room on the raised ground floor level and a fantastic kitchen/dining room on the lower floor leading out to a walled garden. The bedroom accommodation includes a guest suite on the lower floor, a master suite on the first floor and a further two bedrooms on the top floor served by a family bathroom. Freehold. Sole Agents.

NOTTING HILL: 020 7313 2890 sales.not@marshandparsons.co.uk

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

Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/marshandparsons

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

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

SALES

We thought it only sporting to open the doors to our A showcase of our award-winning performance.

Overall Supreme Agency of the Year

Lettings Agency of the Year Awards 2011 GOLD

In association with The Sunday Times & The Times

Best Medium London Lettings Agency

Estate Agency of the Year Awards 2011 SILVER

Best Customer Service

Denbigh Close W11 £2,800,000 Located on a sought after central Notting Hill mews, this fabulous house boasts excellent reception space including a well proportioned living room leading to an open plan kitchen/dining room. The bedroom accommodation comprises two generous bedroom suites one of which occupies the entire second oor. Freehold. Joint Sole Agent.

Estate Agency Leader of the Year Peter Rollings Chief Executive

In association with The Sunday Times & The Times

Marketing Team of the Year

marshandparsons.co.uk/awards NOTTING HILL: 020 7313 2890 sales.not@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

Addison Road W14 £2,525,000 Having benefitted from a recent comprehensive refurbishment, in which the house was reconstructed behind its period façade, this striking property represents a “turn key” opportunity. The reception space is arranged over two floors including a double room that leads to a bespoke kitchen breakfast room and a further first floor room with access to a roof terrace. The bedroom accommodation includes a large master suite with its own private terrace and a further double bedroom served by a shower room. Freehold. Sole Agents.

HOLLAND PARK: 020 7605 6890 sales.hol@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

Wallingford Avenue W10 £1,895,000

Campden Street W8 £1,850,000

This impressive Edwardian house is presented in an un-modernised condition and provides a great opportunity to reconfigure, refurbish and extend (subject to planning permission). Located on a leafy avenue in the heart of the sought after St Quintin conservation area. Freehold. Sole Agents.

A beautifully presented three bedroom terraced house offering excellent living/ entertaining space throughout, with air conditioning and a large roof terrace.

Campden Street is located close to the shopping and transport facilities of Kensington Church Street and Notting Hill Gate. Freehold. Sole Agents.

NORTH KENSINGTON: 020 7313 8350 lets.nkn@marshandparsons.co.uk

KENSINGTON: 020 7368 4450 lets.kns@marshandparsons.co.uk

Linden Gardens W2 £1,350,000

Portobello Road W11 £1,250,000

Presented in immaculate condition throughout this stunning property benefits from a fabulous reception/dining room leading out to a delightful patio garden, a separate kitchen, two large bedrooms with excellent storage space and luxurious en-suite bathrooms. Share of Freehold. Sole Agents.

This fabulous apartment has been refurbished throughout to provide a magnificent open plan reception/dining room leading out to a large terrace, a kitchen/dining area with Neff appliances, two large double bedrooms (one en suite) and further bathroom. Leasehold. Joint Sole Agent.

NOTTING HILL: 020 7313 2890 sales.not@marshandparsons.co.uk

NOTTING HILL: 020 7313 2890 sales.not@marshandparsons.co.uk

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27/06/2012 10:35

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

With so many awards we needed another It’s a track record we’re really proud of.

Lettings Agency of the Year Awards 2012 GOLD

In association with The Sunday Times & The Times

Best Medium London Letting Agency

SILVER

Best Property Management Agency 501 - 1000 Properties

Overall Winner of UK’s Estate Agency of the Year Award 2010 GOLD

Estate Agency of the Year

In association with The Sunday Times & The Times OVERALL WINNER

of the UK’s Estate Agency of the Year

National Lettings Agency of the Year

Estate Agency of the Year Best Medium Awards 2010 London Estate In association with The Sunday Times & The Times

Agency

Hereford Road W2 £1,300 per week UK Best Medium Estate Agency

marshandparsons.co.uk/awards

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Located on the popular Hereford Road this stunning house boasts a spacious kitchen on the ground floor, a reception area and utility room with WC. The upper floors offer two double bedrooms, both with en suite bathrooms and generous storage. the property further benefits from a large roof terrace with incredible views.

NOTTING HILL: 020 7313 2890 lets.not@marshandparsons.co.uk

27/06/2012 10:35

Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/marshandparsons

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

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

LETTINGS

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

Needham Road W11 £1,650 per week

Hornton Street W8 £1,450 per week

Having been redecorated throughout this house offers a spacious hallway, a large double reception room, an eat-in family kitchen to the rear, a utility room and a family/playroom with bathroom. Over the top two floors there are three bedrooms including a master with en suite and a further family bathroom.

This beautiful three bedroom property is located in a charming period conversion moments from the amenities of Kensington High Street. The apartment boasts two bright reception rooms, a separate modern kitchen, two large double bedrooms, a large master bedroom and two bathrooms.

NOTTING HILL: 020 7313 6910 lets.not@marshandparsons.co.uk

KENSINGTON: 020 7368 4450 lets.kns@marshandparsons.co.uk

St. Quintin Avenue W10 £795 per week

Elsham Road W14 £450

This beautifully refurbished maisonette includes a kitchen/ dining room with wooden flooring which leads through to a bright reception room with double doors out to the garden, three double bedrooms and two beautifully finished bathrooms.

This simply stunning one bedroom apartment is situated on a pretty tree lined street. This apartment boasts its own private entrance and offers contemporary accommodation including a spacious reception room, a modern kitchen, a large double bedroom and a modern bathroom.

NORTH KENSINGTON: 020 7313 8350 lets.nkn@marshandparsons.co.uk

HOLLAND PARK: 020 7605 6890 lets.hol@marshandparsons.co.uk

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LIGHT WORK

Commemorating the Jubilee year and the 2012 Olympics in Notting Hill is an impressive new light sculpture, set to unveil on the roof of Marsh & Parsons’ Kensington Park Road office on 22 July, in time for the Olympic torch passing through Notting Hill Gate on 26 July.

Commissioned by the Notting Hill Improvements Group, Ring Stack is a seven-metre high artwork by renowned light artist Adam Barker Hill, which will be London’s only publically funded civic sculpture, raised by the people and local businesses of Notting Hill to commemorate the Jubilee year and the London 2012 Olympic Games. The sculpture will be visible to over 70,000 people every day, and remain on display until 2013. “This is the real spirit of London,” explains Tim Burke, Project Director. “It’s a public sculpture that exclaims: ‘Look! London is a creative city and Notting Hill’s not some postcard, but an innovative place to visit, work in, and to live!’

The budget for the sculpture is estimated to be £16,500. Pledges so far total £11,500, with a fundraising target to date of £5,000.

PROPERTY NOTES Absolutely’s monthly overview of the market

ON THE MAP

Addison Avenue W11 In 1999, these substantial and very stylish four bedroom houses were going for around a million. These days, you’re looking at over four million (though last year, one of them reportedly went for nearly twice that).

Headed up by St James’s Church, Addison Avenue is an attractive treelined row of semi-detached villas and terrace houses, built around 1840.

Knight Frank is currently selling a semi-detached four/five bedroom house in what it calls ‘without doubt one of the finest addresses in central London’ at £5,750,000.

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ABSOLUTELY | PROPERT Y

Absolutely A viewing in the life… W10

a, well, we sort of wanted something a bit more… you know,” she says. “Mmm,” I murmour understandingly. “A bit more… thing.”

“Brighter?” I suggest.

“No, no, the light’s great. We love the light. The light’s exactly how we wanted, it’s just…” She has an irritating habit of never getting to the point. I have dealt with these types before, but it doesn’t get any easier. Now she’s texting her husband, though he’s just as bad.

I have shown them over 100 properties in the past six months, each of them easily ranking right at the top of the world’s luxury scale, and each one has been a little bit too… or not quite… thing. Even the one with the frankly amazing view of Holland Park, the view that was top of their initial wish list, and which I had down as a done deal and even practically promised the vendor, wasn’t quite… you get the picture.

Still, their budget is huge and I am not going to let them get away. I nod sympathetically.

“If there were somewhere just like this, only not quite, and with a bit more… sort of… you know,” she carries on, while I nod encouragingly, checking the time on her phone as she gestures with it. I play my fi nal card. “There’s a place on Airlie Gardens that might be coming on next week,” I say. “Good views of the park, fabulous entertaining space, two en suites and a newly wired soundsystem throughout. Plus there’s a hot tub and German windows.” She looks blank.

“And a gym in the basement,” I offer. Her phone beeps; she checks the message. “Actually, maybe… do you have someone in Zurich? He’s being transferred. You know what we’re looking for… could you fi nd the same sort of thing, only in Switzerland? It looks like we’ll be there for three years at least. You know, we really want a place that’s very… thing.”

As seen by Pearl Boyd

HERITAGE NEWS

mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

Mountgrange Heritage has recently opened its third office on St Helen’s Gardens, and was involved in the successful St Helen’s Gardens Diamond Jubilee Street Party, serving refreshments from a bar at their smart new office in aid of the Brain Tumour Research Campaign.

Michael Wilson, Director of Sales at Mountgrange also ran an Auction of Promises with prizes donated by local businesses and friends including a Luxury Dog Grooming session from Pets in the City and a fabulous hamper from Plaza Deli on Portobello Road. The total raised by the auction and bar was over £1,200. Mountgrange Heritage will also sponsoring the annual Oxford Gardens Primary School Fair on 14 July.

Kate Marquart Winworth Ladbroke Grove

BEST RESTAURANT: The Moroccan Fish Bar, Golborne Road. The best place to soak up the bohemian atmosphere of Golborne Road.

Choose your fish and watch it being cooked to perfection.

Most enjoyable in the sun as seating is outside.

A LOST HOUR IN W10 WOULD BE SPENT: In Little Wormwood scrubs, walking my Norfolk Terrier.

The park is full of butterflies and it’s a lovely open space to think and relax in.

THE FINEST COCKTAIL IN SW3 IS: Harry at Cassis mixes an fantastic pear and chilli martini which is my current favourite. The well-known watermelon martini at Eclipse on Walton Street also never disappoints.

MOST INSPIRATIONAL SHOP IN W10: The Flowered Corner always has the best flowers and plants.

They keep me in fresh orchids.

FAVOURITE STREET IN W10: Bassett Road, - it’s a beautiful tree-lined street.

Easily my favourite in the area.

BEST PROPERTY TO LET IN W10: 3 Bedroom Apartment, St. Lawrence Terrace, W10 A charming three bedroom flat spread over two floors comprising two equal sized double bedrooms and one single room, two bathrooms (one en-suite) and on the top floor, a spacious and modern open plan kitchen / reception room, with doors opening onto a small balcony. The property has been recently refurbished and comes fully furnished. kmarquart@winkworth.co.uk 020 7792 5000

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Offices throughout the UK including 5 in London

carterjonas.co.uk

HOLLAND PARK

Elsham Road W14 A bright upper maisonette situated on this pretty tree lined avenue in Holland Park. It is currently arranged as seven bedrooms, a kitchen and a study but could easily be changed back to a spacious three/four bedroom maisonette.

Kitchen • Study • 7 bedrooms • En suite bathroom Shower room • Good storage

Guide price £1,395,000 Leasehold

Holland Park & Notting Hill 020 7371 1111 hollandpark@carterjonas.co.uk

NOTTING HILL

Clanricarde Gardens W2 A bright second floor flat situated within a smart period building and benefitting from high ceilings and wooden floors throughout.

Entrance hall • Open plan reception/kitchen room Master bedroom with en suite bathroom • Double bedroom Bathroom

Guide price £899,000 Leasehold

Holland Park & Notting Hill 020 7371 1111 hollandpark@carterjonas.co.uk

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HOLLAND PARK

Holland Park W11 A spacious lower ground floor flat situated within an impressive Italianate villa in the heart of Holland Park.

Entrance hall • Large reception room • Kitchen Dining room • 2 double bedrooms • En suite bathroom Shower room • Utility room • Patio

Guide price £1,250,000 Share of Freehold

Holland Park & Notting Hill 020 7371 1111 hollandpark@carterjonas.co.uk

KENSINGTON

Phillimore Court W8 A bright, west facing, lateral apartment which has been refurbished to an incredibly high standard throughout.

Open plan kitchen/reception room • Master bedroom with en suite bathroom and dressing area • Double bedroom Shower room • Communal roof terrace • Lift • Porter

Guide price £1,375,000 Leasehold

Holland Park & Notting Hill 020 7371 1111 hollandpark@carterjonas.co.uk JSA John D Wood 020 7908 1100 kcs.sales@johndwood.co.uk

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Offices throughout the UK including 5 in London

carterjonas.co.uk

BAYSWATER

Westbourne Crescent W2 An impressive, spacious apartment situated on the second floor of a Grade II listed stucco fronted building with south facing views and just moments from Hyde Park.

Reception room • Dining area and kitchen • 2 bedrooms Bathroom • Lift • Very good decoration

Guide price £995,000 Share of Freehold

Hyde Park & Bayswater 020 7402 1552 hydepark@carterjonas.co.uk

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HOLLAND PARK

BROOK GREEN

Abbotsbury Road W14

Sterndale Road W14

An attractive double fronted red brick period home set over approximately 4,000 sq ft and located in the heart of Holland Park.

A charming terraced house set over four floors in the heart of Brook Green.

Reception room • Dining room • Kitchen • 6 bedrooms 4 bathrooms • Playroom • Utility room • Roof terrace

2 reception rooms • Kitchen/dining room • 4 bedrooms 3 bathrooms • Private garden

£2,750 per week

£1,465 per week

Unfurnished

Unfurnished

Holland Park & Notting Hill 020 7371 3377 hollandpark@carterjonas.co.uk

Holland Park & Notting Hill 020 7371 3377 hollandpark@carterjonas.co.uk

NOTTING HILL

KENSINGTON

Lansdowne Road W11

De Vere Gardens W8

A fantastic apartment situated on the first floor of this imposing period conversion in this sought after tree lined street.

A fantastic mid terrace period family home set over four floors and situated in this wonderful location only minutes from Kensington Gardens.

Reception room • Kitchen • 3 bedrooms • Bathroom Access to communal gardens by separate negotiation

Reception room • Separate eat-in kitchen • 3 double bedrooms En suite bathroom • Further bathroom • Guest cloakroom • Terrace

£975 per week

£1,395 per week

Unfurnished

Holland Park & Notting Hill 020 7371 3377 hollandpark@carterjonas.co.uk

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Unfurnished

Holland Park & Notting Hill 020 7371 3377 hollandpark@carterjonas.co.uk

21/06/2012 12:43

PRINCES MEWS, W2 Freehold ÂŁ3,250,000

The most fantastic contemporary mews house located close to Kensington Gardens.

An exciting bespoke design by Paper Project Architecture and Design, completed in 2012.

The property has been completely rebuilt with the addition of two extra layers to incorporate a basement kitchen and a top floor master bedroom suite. To introduce maximum natural light throughout, in particular the basement, large glass skylights in the roof have been installed over a glass cantilevered staircase allowing the light to fall through the house from top to bottom.

17 Kensington Park Road, London W11 2EU

Email: info@domusnova.com Tel: 0207 727 1717 Fax: 0207 727 2030 Web: www.domusnova.com Domus loves: inspiring design at Themes & Variations.

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DENBIGH CLOSE, W11 Freehold ÂŁ2,800,000

A contemporary mews house arranged over three floors, positioned just off Portobello Road.

Offered in exceptional order throughout, the property comprises a ground floor reception space and cool open-plan kitchen and dining area. The whole top floor is an indulgent master bedroom with a stylish, modern bathroom. There are two further double bedrooms and two bathrooms on the first floor. Denbigh Close can be found off the Portobello Road, close to All Saints and Negozio Classica.

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COLLINGHAM GARDENS, SW5 Share of Freehold ÂŁ2,250,000

An elegant first floor South Kensington property that has been interior-designed with great style and imagination.

With terrific ceiling heights, the flat has been thoughtfully arranged to combine a double volume living area and a mezzanine level for the bedrooms, kitchen and dining areas. In brief; living room with large bay window, contemporary kitchen, mezzanine dining area, master bedroom suite, guest bedroom, family bathroom, study private balcony.

17 Kensington Park Road, London W11 2EU

Email: info@domusnova.com Tel: 0207 727 1717 Fax: 0207 727 2030 Web: www.domusnova.com Domus loves: Sunday lunch at The Abingdon in Kensington.

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GLOUCESTER WALK, W8

Share of Freehold ÂŁ5,600,000

An exceptional garden maisonette, with direct access to stunning communal gardens in Kensington.

Occupying the ground and lower ground floors, this exquisite four bedroom flat offers remarkable living space throughout. A stunning reception room with herringbone wood floors leads directly onto a private terrace and communal gardens beyond.

Together with a stylish kitchen/ dining room the property is perfect for entertaining. Of note is the sumptuous master bedroom suite with a dressing room and en suite bathroom.

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ABSOLUTELY | PROPERT Y

IN THEIR OWN WORDS Ivor Dickinson, Director of Douglas & Gordon

A good April and May does not a summer make

‘‘

A

re we going to make it? I speak for all estate agents, particularly in London, when I say that we go into this summer of 2012 with a certain degree of trepidation. That, by the way, is to put it mildly.

The D&G financial year starts on 1 April, and I couldn’t have been more pleased with our early results. Although a lack of property and too many estate agents has meant having property to sell has been a struggle, with other agents over-valuing and in some instances quoting ludicrous fees.

Oh, while I’m on the subject, saving £2,000 in fees may easily mean losing £50,000 on the price you achieve. In agency, as with so many things, you get what you pay for. Anyway, I digress. With such little property to sell and a real appetite to buy from within the UK and abroad, it has meant what property there is to sell has been selling, and at very good prices.

However, a good April and May does not a summer make.

Anyone planning for 2012 was always going to have to make significant allowances for outside factors and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with its extended bank holiday and some atrocious weather (I was going to say unseasonal, but based on the last few years, it’s becoming seasonal), will certainly affect June’s figures. Now, as I write we are in the midst of the Euros, and although I hope England go all the way, if they do, that will again prove a distraction to the serious business of investing in property. The footie is then closely followed by Wimbledon, and considering the corporate entertaining involved, this will again affect our market.

I haven’t even got to the “big deal”. July, August and September are when we do almost half our annual rental business. My daughter is working at the Olympics and has been advised to add two hours to her journey. Quelle horreur! I sense the Capital may come to a grinding halt and the lack of business in June will feel like a drop in the ocean.

I sincerely hope I am proved wrong and that blazing sunshine, euphoria over victory at the Euros, Andy Murray winning Wimbledon and a mountain of gold medals will instil a similar sense of euphoria throughout the UK and everyone will go out and buy a property to celebrate. Well, we can always dream. idickinson@dng.co.uk; www.dng.co.uk

‘‘ 107

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Chelsea Fulham & Parsons Green Kensington & Holland Park Knightsbridge, Belgravia & Mayfair Notting Hill & Bayswater West Chelsea & South Kensington

Sales Sales Sales Sales Sales Sales

020 020 020 020 020 020

7225 7731 7938 7235 7221 7373

3866 7100 3666 9959 1111 1010

Lettings Lettings Lettings Lettings Lettings Lettings

020 020 020 020 020 020

7589 7731 7938 7235 7221 7373

9966 7100 3866 9959 1111 1010

City Office Professional Valuations UK Commercial & Residential Residential Investment Property Management

020 020 020 020 020

7600 7318 7629 7318 7052

3456 5039 7282 5198 9417

struttandparker.com

Ladbroke Grove 1,194 sq ft (110.9 sq m)

| North Kensington | W10

A beautifully presented two bedroom flat, with excellent open plan entertaining space and a wonderful roof terrace.

| Kitchen/dining room | Two bedrooms | Bathroom | Shower room | Cloakroom | Terrace

Drawing room

Asking price ÂŁ1,300,000 Leasehold

Notting Hill Sales 020 7221 1111

Ladbroke Walk 1,324 sq ft (123 sq m)

| Notting Hill | W11

A charming three bedroom mews house with a stunning private garden, situated on a quiet cobbled street in Notting Hill.

Entrance hall garden

|

room | Kitchen | Three bedrooms with en suite bathrooms | Utility room Terrace | Private | Drawing Access to Ladbroke Square Gardens |

Garage

ÂŁ1,200 per week Unfurnished

Notting Hill Lettings 020 7221 1111

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Palace Court 1,149 sq ft (106.74 sq m)

| Bayswater | W2

A well presented two bedroom flat in this red brick, Victorian mansion block, situated moments from the green spaces of Kensington Gardens.

Entrance hall

| Drawing room | Kitchen | Two bedrooms | Bathroom | Shower room | Storage vault | Patio | Porter

Asking Price ÂŁ995,000 Leasehold

Notting Hill Sales 020 7221 1111

Queensborough Terrace 1,054 sq ft (98 sq m)

| Bayswater | W2

This modern and neutrally furnished apartment has been refurbished to an excellent standard and is situated within a recently built, stylish development.

Entrance hall

| Drawing room | Kitchen | Two double bedrooms | Bathroom | Balcony

ÂŁ825 per week Furnished

Notting Hill Lettings 020 7221 1111

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Chelsea Fulham & Parsons Green Kensington & Holland Park Knightsbridge, Belgravia & Mayfair Notting Hill & Bayswater West Chelsea & South Kensington

Sales Sales Sales Sales Sales Sales

020 020 020 020 020 020

7225 7731 7938 7235 7221 7373

3866 7100 3666 9959 1111 1010

Lettings Lettings Lettings Lettings Lettings Lettings

020 020 020 020 020 020

7589 7731 7938 7235 7221 7373

9966 7100 3866 9959 1111 1010

City Office Professional Valuations UK Commercial & Residential Residential Investment Property Management

020 020 020 020 020

7600 7318 7629 7318 7052

3456 5039 7282 5198 9417

struttandparker.com

Eldon Road 3,405 sq ft (316 sq m)

| Kensington | W8

This wonderfully spacious house is immaculately presented and offers fantastic family accommodation.

room | Study | Eat in kitchen | Master bedroom with en suite dressing room, | Dining room | Reading Three further double bedrooms | Family bathroom | Lower ground floor flat featuring kitchen, | sitting room, double bedroom and bathroom | Cloakroom | Paved garden

Drawing room

bathroom and balcony

ÂŁ4,500 per week Unfurnished

Kensington Lettings 020 7938 3866

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Observatory Gardens 1665 sq ft (154.68 sq m)

| Kensington | W8

An impressive two bedroom ground floor maisonette with the advantage of its own private street entrance, 24 hour porterage and an underground parking space.

| Drawing room | Kitchen | Dining room | Master bedroom with en suite bathroom Second bedroom with en suite bathroom | Cloakroom | Utility area | 24 hour porterage | Underground parking space

Entrance hall

Price Upon Application Share of Freehold

Kensington Sales 020 7938 3666

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Kensington Garden Square, W2. Guide Price ÂŁ3.5m

Wilfords London is an independent estate agency based in the heart of Kensington. We sell and rent Kensington & Chelsea’s finest properties offering you a bespoke service and outstanding results

6 Holland Street W8 4LT I +44(0)20 7361 0400 I www.wilfords.com I info@wilfords.com

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Codrington Mews, W11

ÂŁ1,675,000

1,100 SQ. FT / 102 SQ. M | 3 Bedrooms | House | Freehold | Nott ing Hill A wonderful mews style house with three bedrooms located on this quiet and sought after Mews in the heart of Notting Hill. The ground floor has been beautifully appointed throughout whilst upstairs retains the charm of an artisan cottage.

Wilfords London, 6 Holland Street W8 4LT wilfords.com

15:12

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Addison Road, W14

ÂŁ1,295,000

1151 Sq. Ft / 107 Sq. M | 3 Bedrooms | Share Of Freehold | Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea A wonderful three bedroom apartment located in Holland Park benefitting from good ceiling volume and floor to ceiling windows. This spacious flat provides excellent entertaining space and a picturesque balcony.

Wilfords London, 6 Holland Street W8 4LT wilfords.com

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21/06/2012 19:35

Rutland Gardens, SW7

ÂŁ1,950 per week

1290 Sq. Ft / 120 Sq. M | 3 Bedrooms | LONG Let | Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea A stunning three bedroom flat on a private gated street close to Knightsbridge.

Wilfords London, 6 Holland Street W8 4LT wilfords.com

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21/06/2012 19:35

ABSOLUTELY | PROPERT Y

UP YOUR STREET with Rollo Miles from John D Wood

Alba Place, W11

T

his stunning property located in one of Notting Hill’s premier mews, is located just off the world-renowned Portobello Road.

The mews is aptly located for all the trendy bars and boutiques of Notting Hill and this property has been designed in a distinctive Scandinavian fashion. Its unique features include a sauna room and plunge pool in the reception area. The kitchen/ dining area has a remarkable skylight which illuminates the bottom two levels of the property. There is a snug living room with under-floor heating and a fireplace: one could be forgiven for thinking that one is in a Scandinavian police drama rather than in London. Alba Place W11 is not in Norway, but located in gated mews just off Portobello Road with shared private parking. Notting Hill Gate Underground Station is a short walk away.

Guide price: £1,495,000 F/H John D Wood, 020 7727 2233, johndwood.co.uk

MARKET VIEWS Local property experts assess the climate

‘VIEWINGS 420% UP,’ SAYS MARTIN BIKHIT OF KAY AND CO

‘We are continuing to experience a strong demand for residential property in both our Marylebone & Regents Park and Hyde Park & Bayswater offices.

Our viewing numbers are up by a staggering 420% over the last three months compared with last year. Stock levels are finally starting to increase as the prevailing supply and demand imbalance adjusts to free up the market. The number of year-on-year properties for sale rose by 15% in 2011, with predicted further increases for the first quarter of 2012.

Average sales prices in our area have risen by 9.7% over the past year, the average price achieved on property sales has topped £1000 per square foot; 42% higher than the average rate recorded at the start of 2009, when the market was at a low. Currently, the average price per square foot of properties for sale is £1,430 for houses and £1,132 for flats. Assuming 95% of the asking price is achieved this would mean an increase in value of 9% for houses and 7% for flats.’ kayandco.com

‘WHY SETTLE?’ ASKS LAURENCE LAI OF FARON SUTARIA Other than the sun rising andsetting, nothing in life is a certainty. In my 22 years in estate agency, I have lost count of how many times I have been told by a potential client:“My property is the best in the street”. In some instances, I have actually agreed with them. Having the best the property in the street, however, does not necessarily mean that you will automatically achieve the best price.

That’s where I come in.

Most of us don’t move very often and therefore naturally want to secure the best price possible. Who would settle for a high price when a record price could be obtained? A good estate agent can

make the difference. Equally, when the market becomes softer and shows signs of levelling or (dare I say it?) falling, a good estate agent is able to respond, advise and act quickly, once again ensuring that the best price at that time can be achieved.

If you present your property in the best possible way and appoint an estate agent who has access to the best marketing, while offering experienced, professional and sound advice, you should achieve a great sale. Faron Sutaria has some of the finest properties available at most price ranges and to suit all tastes, with offices in all the prime areas of London (four in RBKC alone) and look forward to being an integral part of your move. faronsutaria.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY | PROPERT Y

Bective Leslie Marsh celebrates the wonderful gardens and squares of leafy Notting Hill

T

he agency’s new brochure, produced in partnership with the Ladbroke Association, delves into their history, uncovering a few interesting residents along the way.

Exploring the Ladbroke Estate’s origins as 18th century farmland to the housebuilding boom of the early 1820s, it transpires that the garden squares came about because of architect Thomas Allason’s vast experience in landscape gardening. But the financial crisis of 1825 put a spanner in the works, as did Londoners’ reluctance to consider a location quite so far west.

Early inhabitants included Punch illustrator John Leech, who lived in Holland Park Avenue in the 1850s and early 60s and the illustrator for Charles Dickens’ books, Hablot Browne. Better know as Phiz, Browne lived in Ladbroke Grove from 1872-1880 (we are particularly curious about the mystic, Helena Petronova Blavatsky, who lived in Lansdowne Crescent circa 1890). Towards the end of the 20th century, the area continued to attract the glamorous and the high-profile, from writers and film makers such as Richard Curtis to media businessman and Labour Peer Lord Hollick. And of course, worth a mention is the Hippodrome racecourse, which in the early 19th century was a troubled rival to Epsom Downs. bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk

THE GREAT OUTDOORS Barry Burrows offers his top tips on how to create the illusion of space in small gardens Clean lines When conceiving a garden in a compact space, create design lines that are clean and uncluttered. A confused space will create a small and cluttered impression.

Unity Use no more than three main materials, as a bits-and-pieces approach will cause visual disharmony.

Material size Smaller paving slabs will make a

small space seem larger; large stones will cause it to visually shrink.

Mirrors In a small space, the use of reflective elements in the walls increases the perception of space, doubling and redoubling the area you can see.

They allow the illusion of depth to be created, or sometimes even the trick of creating a ‘room’ that exists on the other side of a solid wall.

Dual use Where space is at a premium, the ability to change uses quickly is a

valuable resource. At one end of the scale, a table that folds flat into a deck creates an open area from a dining space with the minimum of effort, at the other, the sight of a car port gliding slowly into the ground, revealing a fully realised garden space on its roof, epitomises the extent to which this can increase the available space in a garden.

Barry Burrows, Managing Director bartholomewlandscaping.com 020 7931 8685 117

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Chelsea 020 7589 6677

Kensington 020 7795 4288

Notting Hill 020 7221 4805

Ladbroke Grove 020 7221 0330

Brook Green 020 7603 5181

Refreshingly different estate agents | bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk

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We believe in keeping it personal o reall an t p t a pri e on personal attention spe iall en it o es to selling or renting o r o e It’s something Keith Rigby, one of our Directors, prides himself on. He really gets to know his clients; their expectations, their concerns. Then meets the brief calmly, thoroughly, and with care.

“Clients tell me that they enjoy working with me because of my attitude that nothing is impossible and my in depth local property knowledge. It may be why so many of our clients – 97% in fact are happy to recommend us.”

Scan the QR code using your iphone or smart phone to download the Bective Leslie Marsh App.

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Chelsea 020 7589 6677

Kensington 020 7795 4288

Notting Hill 020 7221 4805

Ladbroke Grove 020 7221 0330

Brook Green 020 7603 5181

bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk

Artesian Village Gem

Courtnell Street Notting Hill W2 A beautiful Victorian house (184 sq m/1,975 sq ft approx.) boasting many original features and located at the preferred southern end of this pretty tree-lined street in the heart of the Artesian Village. 3 bedrooms, 2 dressing rooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en suite), cloakroom, reception room, dining room, study, kitchen, utility room, patio garden, roof terrace, front garden.

Freehold ÂŁ3,000,000 Notting Hill office bc@bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk 020 7221 4805

Refreshingly different estate agents

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Designer Chic

Westbourne Park Road Notting Hill W2

Freehold ÂŁ2,900,000

A charming three bedroom period house (184 sq m/1,980 sq ft approx.) in this Notting Hill office wonderful Notting Hill location. The property boasts many features including high bc@bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk ceilings, period fireplaces, wooden floors, floor to ceiling windows and original 020 7221 4805 shutters. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en suite), 2 cloakrooms, double reception room, dining room, kitchen, front and rear garden, roof terrace.

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Chelsea 020 7589 6677

Kensington 020 7795 4288

Notting Hill 020 7221 4805

Ladbroke Grove 020 7221 0330

Brook Green 020 7603 5181

bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk

Simply Stunning

Holland Park Avenue Holland Park W11 A stunning duplex apartment (84 sq m/901 sq ft approx.) in this central Holland Park location. The reception room has a bright open-plan southerly aspect, air conditioning, underfloor heating, feature fireplace, high ceilings and French doors providing access to a sun-trap 24ft decked flat roof. Master bedroom, en-suite bathroom, cloakroom, bedroom/study area, open plan reception room/ kitchen, utility room, access to flat roof.

Freehold ÂŁ1,275,000 Notting Hill office bc@bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk 020 7221 4805

Refreshingly different estate agents

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Grand Design

Bassett Road North Kensington W10

Share of freehold ÂŁ4,000,000

An outstanding and stylish lateral family home (415 sq m/4,470 sq ft approx.) Ladbroke Grove office principally over two floors of this double fronted Victorian Villa. Bassett Road mm@bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk is a beautiful tree lined street which runs west off Ladbroke Grove close to 020 7221 0330 local facilities including Portobello Road, Westbourne Grove and Holland Park. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (2 en suite), 2 cloakrooms, 4 reception rooms, kitchen, gym, storage, garden, off street parking.

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Chelsea 020 7589 6677

Kensington 020 7795 4288

Notting Hill 020 7221 4805

Ladbroke Grove 020 7221 0330

Brook Green 020 7603 5181

bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk

Architectural Dream

Leamington Road Villas Notting Hill W11

Freehold ÂŁ3,700,000

A superb Victorian family house (246 sq m/2,644 sq ft approx.) with a wider Ladbroke Grove office than average garden. Currently laid out as a self contained lower ground floor mm@bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk one bedroom apartment and upper triplex with stairs down to the garden.

020 7221 0330 This vibrant area is well served by many restaurants and bars. 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (1 en suite), cloakroom, 3 reception rooms, 2 kitchens, dressing room, utility room, storage, garden.

Refreshingly different estate agents

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Park Views

Dalgarno Gardens North Kensington W10 An amazing Victorian house (308 sq m/3,310 sq ft approx.) enjoys open views over this lovely park and has been thoughtfully refurbished to create a superb family home. Light floods into all the rooms and the house enjoys an open plan ground floor opening onto a south facing garden and versatile lower ground floor.

5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (2 en suite), reception room, kitchen, gym, playroom/ home cinema, utility room, steam/shower room, garden.

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Freehold ÂŁ2,950,000 Ladbroke Grove office mm@bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk 020 7221 0330

25/06/2012 11:57

Chelsea 020 7589 6677

Kensington 020 7795 4288

Notting Hill 020 7221 4805

Ladbroke Grove 020 7221 0330

Brook Green 020 7603 5181

bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk

Garden Haven

Monmouth Road Notting Hill W2 An immaculately presented house with a stunning landscaped garden, perfect for a short let over the summer months. The property offers excellent entertaining space with a beautiful double reception room. 2 bedrooms, study, bathroom, shower room, double reception room, dining room, kitchen, utility room, garden.

Designer Duplex

Talbot Road Notting Hill W2 A stunning triplex flat situated in this beautiful period conversion. The property is ideally located within close proximity of Westbourne Grove and Notting Hill Gate and benefits from wood flooring throughout and fantastic storage. 3 bedrooms, en suite bathroom with sauna, en suite shower room, reception room, kitchen, south facing balcony.

Furnished Short Let ÂŁ2,250 per week Notting Hill office kf@bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk 020 7221 5388

Unfurnished ÂŁ1,500 per week Notting Hill office kf@bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk 020 7221 5388

Refreshingly different estate agents

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Award Winning Garden

Cleveland Square Bayswater W2

Furnished/Unfurnished ÂŁ1,075 per week

An immaculate flat on the ground floor with access to the beautiful communal Notting Hill office gardens of Cleveland Square. The property has been finished to an exacting standard and in a contemporary style. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, en suite shower room, reception kf@bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk 020 7221 5388 room, kitchen, communal gardens.

Loft Style

Hewer Street North Kensington W10 A spacious loft style house, architecturally designed and finished in a contemporary style. The property boasts wood flooring in the reception areas and benefits from good natural light. 3 bedrooms, study, 2 bathrooms (1 en suite), reception room, kitchen.

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Furnished/Unfurnished ÂŁ900 per week Notting Hill office kf@bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk 020 7221 5388

25/06/2012 11:57

faronsutaria.co.uk

SALES & LETTINGS

HOLLAND PARK, W11 A wonderful classically proportioned 2nd floor apartment situated in an impressive double-fronted building in one of London’s finest addresses. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, reception room, communal gardens. £1,299,999 Leasehold 020 7229 2404 nottinghill@faronsutaria.co.uk

CLANRICARDE GARDENS, W2 Striking raised ground floor apartment sympathetically upgraded to marry contemporary and original features. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, reception room. £850,000 Freehold Share 020 7229 2404 nottinghill@faronsutaria.co.uk

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faronsutaria.co.uk

SALES & LETTINGS

CLANRICARDE GARDENS, W2 A superb and beautifully presented interior designed split-level apartment, entered on the 2nd floor of a converted period building. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en suite), reception room. ÂŁ1,900,000 Leasehold 020 7229 2404 nottinghill@faronsutaria.co.uk

LINDEN GARDENS, W2 An amazing penthouse apartment designed to the utmost detail with spacious accommodation and access to a lovely roof terrace via a spiral staircase. 2 bedrooms, 2 shower rooms (1 en suite), reception room. ÂŁ1,500,000 Leasehold 020 7229 2404 nottinghill@faronsutaria.co.uk

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KFH Primary Schools’ art competition winners announced

ol ry Scho a im r P rk ner don Pa Wimble st regional win e South w ool or Sch inner i n u J w eld Highfi st regional a e South

Little Eali ng Prima ry Schoo North w l est and c entral re gional

winner

Highfield Junior Bromley, Wimbledon Park Primary and Little Ealing Primary schools’ have all won £2,500 towards sports equipment for their school.

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Gloucester Square, Hyde Park, W2 £3,100,000 Leasehold Bayswater 020 7724 1222 Email sbw@kfh.co.uk

07.12 KFH Nottinghill.indd 2 Untitled-2 1

A four bedroom spectacular lateral apartment situated within a white stucco fronted Grade II listed building providing views and access to beautiful private gardens.

• • • • • • • •

Four bedrooms Reception and dining room Bespoke kitchen Three bathrooms High spec interior design Air conditioning Entertainment system Close to Hyde Park

18/06/2012 18/06/2012 11:04 12:02

Cleveland Square, Bayswater, W2 £1,000,000 Shared freehold Bayswater 020 7724 1222 Email sbw@kfh.co.uk

07.12 KFH Nottinghill.indd 3 Untitled-2 1

This stunning two bedroom flat is situated on this sought after garden square in Bayswater close to Hyde Park. The flat is bathed in natural light and boasts a spacious mezzanine guest/study area.

• • • • • • • •

Two bedrooms Handsome reception area Modern fitted kitchen En suite shower room Family bathroom Mezzanine area Access to private gardens Prime location

18/06/2012 18/06/2012 11:05 12:02

Cleveland Square, Bayswater, W2 ÂŁ625,000 A beautifully bright double aspect apartment boasting innovative interior design, with wide beam oak wood flooring and a high standard of finish. The accommodation comprises two double bedrooms (one with en suite shower) and grand reception room with clever mezzanine level. There is also access to the highly regarded private gardens.

Shared freehold.

Bayswater 020 7724 1222 Email sbw@kfh.co.uk

Queens Gardens, Bayswater, W2 ÂŁ1,100,000 A well presented, bright and well planned flat on the second floor of this period conversion with lift and access to private gardens. The accommodation comprises two bedrooms, study area and spacious reception room/diner.

Queens Gardens is a short walk to Hyde Park and Paddington stations. Shared freehold.

Bayswater 020 7724 1222 Email sbw@kfh.co.uk

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Ladbroke Terrece,W11 £625 per week Fantastic ground floor flat with excellent space, original wooden floor to the reception room and many original features. Reception room, eat-in kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. Furnished. Sole Agents

020 7221 2277 henrietta @ mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

Kensington Place, W8 £1,300 per week Fantastic house moments from Hillgate Village and Notting Hill tube station and a short walk from Kensington High Street. Reception room on split-level, kitchen, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, garden and off-street parking. Unfurnished. Sole Agents

020 7937 9976 mollie @ mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

Marloes Road, W8 £550 per week Spacious flat on the second floor of a period conversion. Close to High Street Kensington or Gloucester Road tube stations. Reception room, kitchen, two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Furnished. Sole Agents

020 7937 9976 mollie @ mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

Museum Street,W1 £475 per week

Pont Street, SW1 £1,250 per week

A unique and stunning maisonette in the heart of Bloomsbury.

Newly refurbished to the highest standard. Reception room, openplan kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. Furnished. Sole Agents

Beautiful flat in this desirable location with huge wrap-around terrace just minutes from the designer shops of Knightsbridge and Sloane Square. Reception room, eatin kitchen, two bedrooms, two bathrooms and terrace. Furnished. Sole Agents

020 7221 2277 henrietta @ mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

020 7937 9976 amanda @ mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

Liz Thomson Director

Amanda Man Manager

Mollie Crowley Negotiator

Susie Waterfall Manager

Henrietta Soames Manager

Nick Beckett Negotiator

Kensington Office 020 7937 9976 Notting Hill Office 020 7221 2277 North Kensington Office 020 8960 0181

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Barlby Road,W10 £675 per week Well proportioned apartment with fabulous south-facing terrace, 24 hour porter and underground parking. Reception room, kitchen, two bedrooms, two bathrooms and roof terrace. Furnished. Sole Agents

020 8960 0181 susie@ mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

Pembridge Villas, W11 £725 per week Stunning contemporary living space with beautiful secluded garden in the heart of Notting Hill moments from Westbourne Grove and Notting Hill tube station. Reception room, eat-in kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and garden. Furnished. Sole Agents

020 7221 2277 nick @ mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

Ladbroke Square,W11 £625 per week Beautiful flat on the raised ground floor of this lovely building with access to the eight acre gardens. Reception room, bedroom, eat-in kitchen, bathroom and communal gardens. Furnished. Sole Agents

020 7221 2277 nick @ mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

St Lukes Mews,W11 £575 per week

Horbury Crescent, W11 £650 per week

Stunning architecturally designed house in this wonderful cobbled mews close to Portobello Road. Reception room, bedroom, openplan kitchen, shower room and cloakroom. Furnished. Sole Agents

Superb first floor flat with balcony on this sleepy street tucked just behind Notting Hill Gate and literally moments from the tube station. Reception room, kitchen, two bedrooms, bathroom and large balcony. Furnished. Sole Agents

020 7221 2277 nick @ mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

020 7221 2277 henrietta @ mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

Summer has come early and with it a renewed energy in the rental market. Our lettings team has an enormous demand for flats and houses to rent and with the holiday period approaching a shortage of property for short term rentals. mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

…values that you’ll love

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Connaught Street, W2 ÂŁ2,750,000 Leasehold A charming and very pretty four bedroom Georgian town-house located in the heart of Connaught Village, close to Hyde Park. The property which benefits from a south-facing garden and many original features offers ample living space with two/three reception rooms and a study in addition to the four bedrooms and two bathrooms. The house would benefit from some general updating but offers tremendous scope to acquire this very smart mid-sized house in a prime location.To discuss opportunities in respect to acquiring the Freehold please call our Notting Hill office.

020 7221 2277 holly@ mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

Michael Wilson Director

Sarah Thomas Manager

Holly Webber Negotiator

Lewis Burnet Negotiator

Chloe Leefe Manager

Julia Lee Negotiator

Kensington Office 020 7937 9976 Notting Hill Office 020 7221 2277 North Kensington Office 020 8960 0181

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Westbourne Terrace, W2 £2,000,000 Share of Freehold Stunning first and second floor period balcony apartment refurbished to an extremely high standard with great attention to detail and considerable design flair.

The impressive range of accommodation comprises entrance hall, large drawing room with two sets of French doors leading onto west-facing balcony, high quality kitchen, dining room, three double bedrooms, two bathrooms (one en-suite), further mezzanine study area, lift, communal courtyard garden, private parking (on first come first served basis). Located close to Paddington (Heathrow Express), Hyde Park, Notting Hill and easy access to the West End. Joint Sole Agents

020 7221 2277 lewis @ mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

Our Notting Hill and Kensington sales teams are incredibly busy with frustrated buyers eager to acquire properties in the neighbourhood. Please give us a call or pop into any of our offices if you have something to sell now or in the future. mountgrangeheritage.co.uk

…values that you’ll love

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Ossington Street W 2

key

FEATU R ES

COOL, MODERN LIVING STYLISH TERRACED HOUSE 1110 SQFT/103.1 SQM

SOLD

S H A R E

OF

FREEHOLD

SOLID WOOD FLOORS RECEPTION ROOM

Notting Hill Gate Office

KITCHEN

t: 020 7727 7227 e: nottinghill.sales@anscombes.co.uk

UTILITY ROOM

15 Notting Hill Gate, London, W11 3JQ

THREE DOUBLE BEDROOMS TWO BATHROOMS

ANSCOMBES.indd 1

anscombes.co.uk

26/06/2012 15:16

Linden Gardens W 2

key

FEATU R ES

STYLISHLY REFURBISHED APARTMENT LOCATED CLOSE TO KENSINGTON GARDENS

PR IC E PERIOD CONVERSION

£1,395,000

S H A R E

OF

FREEHOLD

921 SQFT/85.5 SQM 25FT RECEPTION ROOM (WITH WOOD FLOOR)

Notting Hill Gate Office

MASTER BEDROOM WITH EN-SUITE SHOWER ROOM

t: 020 7727 7227 e: nottinghill.sales@anscombes.co.uk

SECOND DOUBLE BEDROOM

15 Notting Hill Gate, London, W11 3JQ

BATHROOM GUEST WC

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anscombes.co.uk

26/06/2012 15:16

Cleveland Terrace W 2

key

FEATU R ES

IMPRESSIVE APARTMENT GRAND STUCCO-FRONTED PERIOD BUILDING

PR IC E 886 SQFT/82.3 SQM

OIEO

£995,000

LEASEHOLD

LARGE RECEPTION ROOM MODERN KITCHEN/BREAKFAST ROOM

Notting Hill Gate Office

MASTER BEDROOM WITH EN-SUITE SHOWER ROOM

t: 020 7727 7227 e: nottinghill.sales@anscombes.co.uk

SECOND DOUBLE BEDROOM

15 Notting Hill Gate, London, W11 3JQ

SEPARATE BATHROOM

anscombes.co.uk

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Powis Square W 1 1

key

FEATU R ES

SPCACIOUS MODERN LIVING RECENTLY REFURBISHED

PR IC E MAISONETTE APARTMENT

£795,000

LEASEHOLD

905 SQFT/84.1 SQM RECEPTION ROOM/KITCHEN

Notting Hill Gate Office

TWO DOUBLE BEDROOMS

t: 020 7727 7227 e: nottinghill.sales@anscombes.co.uk

BATHROOM

15 Notting Hill Gate, London, W11 3JQ

GUEST W/C PRIVATE WEST-FACING GARDEN

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26/06/2012 15:17

PEOPLE YOU TRUST, HOMES YOU LOVE

CALL US NOW FOR A FREE MARKET APPRAISAL OR FOR A NO OBLIGATION CHAT ABOUT OUR SERVICES

R E A L E S TAT E S 85 Salusbury Road, Queens Park NW6 6NH 020 7372 5950 www.queensparkrealestates.co.uk Zoopla.co.uk I Primelocation.com I Findaproperty.com I The Property Ombudsman

QUEENS PARK.indd 1

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LANDLORDS London’s going crazy this summer so take time out and let us handle your property for you We offer: Free pre-purchase lettings advice Full lettings service Property management Furnishing and window dressings Refurbishment

Everything is handled in house all we need is your property

Nine offices open six days a week: Beaufort Park | Canary Wharf | City | Hampstead | Highgate Hyde Park | Imperial Wharf | Kensington | Knightsbridge

Association of Residential Letting Agents

Call us now on 0800 092 9656 or email info@brlets.co.uk | www.brlets.co.uk

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

West End

£400 pw Furn/Unfurnished

Studio/1 Bedroom | 1 Bathroom | Period Conversion

Close To Portobello Road Amenities | Two Tube Stations Nearby hyde@brlets.co.uk

Kensington

£450 pw Furnished

1 Bedroom | 1 Reception | 1 Bathroom | Period Conversion

Close To Two Tube Stations | Regent’s Park Nearby Hyde Park 020 7402 9866

Notting Hill Gate

£500 pw Furnished

Hyde Park 020 7402 9866

Hyde Park

hyde@brlets.co.uk

£550 pw Furnished

1 Bedroom | 1 Reception | 1 Bathroom | Period Conversion | Garden

2 Bedrooms | 1 Reception | 2 Bathrooms | Converted Period Building

Prime Location | Hyde Park, Tube & High Street Closeby

Recently Refurbished | Close to Hyde Park | Amenities & Tube Nearby

Kensington 020 7938 3522

kens@brlets.co.uk

Kensington

£650 pw Furnished

1 Bedroom | 1 Reception | 1 Bathroom | Apartment

Hyde Park 020 7402 9866

Kensington

£750 pw Furn/Unfurnished

3 Bedrooms | 1 Reception | 2 Bathrooms | Period Mansion Building

Lift | Porter | Parking | Portobello Market, Tube & Amenities Nearby

Apartments | Porter | Amenities & Tube Closeby

Kensington 020 7938 3522

Kensington 020 7938 3522

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

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kens@brlets.co.uk

Hampstead Highgate Hyde Park

hyde@brlets.co.uk

020 7435 9681 020 8341 2335 020 7402 9866

Imperial Wharf Kensington Knightsbridge

kens@brlets.co.uk

020 7348 7620 020 7938 3522 020 7581 2112

20/06/2012 10:47

Hyde Park

£900 pw Furnished

2 Bedrooms | 1 Reception | 2 Bathrooms | Town House

Balcony | Lift | Porter | On-Site Parking

Hyde Park 020 7402 9866

hyde@brlets.co.uk

Kensington

£925 pw Furnished

1 Bedroom | 1 Reception | 1 Bathroom | Period Conversion Kensington 020 7938 3522

£1,295 pw Unfurnished

£1,100 pw Furnished

Hyde Park 020 7402 9866

Kensington

hyde@brlets.co.uk

£1,600 pw Furnished

4 Bedrooms | 1 Reception | 3 Bathrooms | Serviced Apartments

Lift | Garden | Near High Street & Amenities

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Hyde Park

kens@brlets.co.uk

Garden | Terrace | Newly Refurbished | Close To Tube & Amenities kens@brlets.co.uk

3 Bedrooms | 1 Reception | 2 Bathrooms | Period Building

International Offices: Hong Kong Singapore

Kensington 020 7938 3522

3 Bedrooms | 1 Reception | 2 Bathrooms | Period Town House

Porter | Parking | Communal Garden | Residents Pool & Gym

Kensington 020 7938 3522

£900 pw Furnished

3 Bedrooms | 1 Reception | 2 Bathrooms | Modern Building

Patio | Recently Refurbished | Near Tube & Amenities

Kensington

Kensington

Porter | Lift | Terrace | Parking | Garden kens@brlets.co.uk

Kensington 020 7938 3522

kens@brlets.co.uk

Dubai India

20/06/2012 20/06/2012 10:44 10:47

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FOSBURY MEWS, W2 £2,250 PER WEEK

Luxurious three double bedroom house moments from Hyde Park.

A simply stunning and incredibly unique mews house in a quiet gated mews, offering 2000sq ft of accommodation and refurbished to the highest standard. With air-conditioning throughout, the house is contemporary and luxurious in style.

Marsh & Parsons, 020 7835 0620 marshandparsons.co.uk

PROPERTY

PORTFOLIO Absolutely’s monthly overview of the market

ADDISON ROAD, W14 £1,295,000

A wonderful three bedroom apartment located in Holland Park benefitting from good ceiling volume and floor-to-ceiling windows.

This spacious flat provides excellent entertaining space and a picturesque balcony.

020 7361 0400, wilfords.com

KENSINGTON PARK ROAD, W11

£3,750 PER WEEK

A elegant town house offering a spacious reception room complete with high ceilings, wooden floors and balcony, kitchen/family room, 4/5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, separate WC, utility room and patio garden. Modern, private decked patio garden, high ceilings, good storage.

Available end of July, unfurnished 020 7371 3600, hollandpark@cluttons.com

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ABSOLUTELY | PROPERT Y

LANSDOWNE COURT, LANSDOWNE CRESCENT, W11 £625,000

A tremendously light first floor apartment in this well-regarded art deco block, in a prime W11 location.

Of particular note is the dual aspect reception, with its outlook over treelined Lansdowne Road.

Lansdowne Crescent is minutes away from the shops, restaurants and travel links of Notting Hill and Holland Park, and is close to the world famous Portobello Market. One bedroom, one bathroom, reception room, kitchen and a long lease, expires 2135.

020 7221 9044 beaneypearce.co.uk

CLEVELAND TERRACE, W2 £995,000

Stylish west-facing lateral apartment set in a striking mid-terrace property. This two bedroom, two bathroom apartment is in very good condition with high ceilings, wood floors and three impressive sash windows in the reception room.

Hyde Park, Westbourne Grove and Queensway are all easily accessible.

020 7243 3535 www.homesite.co.uk

ST JAMES’S GARDENS W11 £3,500 PER WEEK UNFURNISHED

Generously wide and with excellent proportions throughout a wonderful period family house with a lovely south facing garden and access to the exclusive communal garden square.

St James’s Gardens is an exclusive garden square located at the northern end of Addison Avenue in the heart of the Norland Conservation Area, close to the open spaces of Holland Park and the many and varied specialist shops and excellent transport facilities on Holland Park Avenue.

020 7603 1217 johnwilcoxandco.com

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ABSOLUTELY | PROPERT Y

W

ith its whitewashed walls and the perfect symmetry of its outward façade, Absolutely has fallen for the charms of this house in Gordon Place. Not only is it perfectly positioned close to the shopping and transport facilities of Kensington High Street and Notting Hill Gate, it also benefits from proximity to the sprawling parkland and open spaces of Holland Park and Kensington Gardens. Ideal for brisk morning walks or lazy summer meanders on balmy evenings. The fourbedroom, four-floor property features plenty of entertaining space, with a large drawing room, family room, kitchen/breakfast room and a separate dining room. If al fresco dining is more your style, there is also a wonderful 68 ft long west-facing garden, mature with verdant grass and leafy flora and fauna.

There are two bathrooms of a good size and for the occupant with a little more baggage, three storage vaults reside on the lower ground floor. The property boasts elegant décor and style, leaving it perfectly poised for a young family or occupants eager to entertain.

Occupying approximately 2,235 sq ft, £4.25m from Strutt & Parker

PRIME PURCHASE

Absolutely succumbs to the elegant décor of this house in Gordon Place W8

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Shinfield Street, W12

£495,000 Leasehold

Winkworth North Kensington are proud to present a bright and spacious flat that offers two double bedrooms, an open plan double reception room with a kitchen to the rear and a large cellar. The property is in good order retaining many period features and has benefitted from a refurbishment including the installment of expensive brass door fittings. Shinfield Street is a leafy no-through street located nearly a stones through away from one of Europe’s largest shopping complexes, Westfield, but far enough away to enjoy the peace of a residential area.

Brooksville Avenue, NW6

£900 per week

An extremely high spec Edwardian house available to rent on Brooksville Avenue right beside the park in NW6. This property has two very large bedrooms and two luxurious bathrooms upstairs, downstairs are two spacious reception rooms with a contemporary kitchen at the rear leading to a good sized, easy to maintain patio garden. The property is end of terrace and so larger than average overall. Brooksville Avenue is a short walk to the Bakerloo line at Queens Park Station, and key bus routes to Central London. The road is regarded highly in the area and much sought after, with Salisbury Roads cafes, shops and restaurants close by. This house is available partly furnished.

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Hamptons Notting Hill Sales. 020 7717 5469 nottinghillsales@hamptons.co.uk

Colville Terrace, W11 - £1,050,000 - £2,350,000 - Leasehold A magnificent townhouse comprising of over 6,000sqft. It would make a Combining a timeless exterior with premium contemporary design. Four superb 2 and 3 bedroom apartments in the heart of Notting Hill. substantial residence with ambassadorial opulence and grandeur.

Linden Gardens, W2 - £6,850,000 - Freehold

Linden Gardens, W2 - £2,300,000 - Leasehold A very light three bedroom (1340 sq ft) largely lateral third/top floor apartment within an impressive period detached building tucked away behind Notting Hill Gate.

The Chevenings, NW6 - £545,000 - Leasehold One of 12 new stunning contemporary 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments finished to the highest of standards, ideally located in one of London’s most fashionable areas.

HAMPTONS SALES5.indd 63

Powis Court, W11 - £699,950 - Leasehold A bright flat with lovely views over the neighbouring church to the west and the architecturally famous Tabernacle to the East.

Kensington Park Road, W11 - £500,000 - Leasehold A lovely second floor flat in a period building just off Portobello Road. It has a smart open-plan kitchen, and one bedroom at the rear with a smart en suite bathroom.

22/06/2012 16:32

Hamptons Notting Hill Lettings. 020 7034 0405 nottinghilllettings@hamptons-int.com

Arundel Gardens, W11 - £365 per week - furnished

Ladbroke Grove, W11 - £385 per week - furnished/unfurnished A stylish and contemporary one bedroom apartment offering a spacious reception room and a good size double bedroom the rear of the property.

St Petersburgh Place, W2 - £675 per week - unfurnished A one bedroom apartment with access to private gardens, benefitting from an open plan kitchen living room with views over St Matthews Church.

Norland Square, W11 - £685 per week - furnished/unfurnished

Hippodrome Mews, W11 - £925 per week - unfurnished A brand newly refurbished, three bedroom house located in a quiet cobbled mews and a private roof terrace.

Pembridge Square, W2 - £1,250 per week - unfurnished

A stylish studio apartment with a separate kitchen, mezzanine bedroom, bathroom, excellent storage and access to communal gardens.

HAMPTONS LETTINGS3.indd 2

A spacious two bedroom, two bathroom garden apartment with access to both a private patio, communal gardens and tennis court.

A beautifully refurbished three bedroom maisonette within an elegant Victorian villa with a private roof terrace and use of communal gardens.

22/06/2012 16:34

Holland Park Office: 020 7727 5111 holland.park@jackson-stops.co.uk

Holland Park W11

Lettings: 020 7727 5222

jackson-stops.co.uk/London

ÂŁ1,850 per week Unfurnished

A beautifully refurbished second floor apartment located by the entrance to Holland Park and benefitting from a fabulous roof terrace, excellent storage and parquet wood flooring to the reception areas and master bedroom.

Large double reception/dining room, kitchen, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, study, WC, terrace, available immediately.

Holland Park Office: 020 7727 5222 holland.park@jackson-stops.co.uk

Fast find 48212

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

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21/06/2012 14:51

Holland Park Avenue W11

ÂŁ3,950,000 Freehold

Unusually wide and rarely available, Grade II listed, five double bedroom house on Holland Park Avenue.

Presented in good condition and retains original period features throughout. Situated moments from Holland Park tube station and Holland Park itself.

2809 sq ft/260 sq m, four/five bedrooms, three bathrooms, two reception rooms, kitchen/dining, garden.

Holland Park Office: 020 7727 5111 holland.park@jackson-stops.co.uk

JACKSON STOPS6.indd 2

Fast find 47613

25/06/2012 17:02

Show some balls Take part in the Annual D&G Tennis Tournament in aid of The Bob Champion Cancer Trust. All standards welcome.

Sunday 24th June, Battersea Park.

Call 020 7924 3553 or email info@bobchampion.org.uk

ÂŁ6,950,000 Freehold Brunswick Gardens, W8 A substantial Regency residence, immaculately presented and enjoying a fabulous South East facing corner position on this exquisite cherry tree lined street.

5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, Double reception room, Library, Cinema room, Kitchen/dining room, Study, 2 cloakrooms, Utility room, CCTV and video entry phone.

Kensington Sales Office: 020 7792 1881 kensales@dng.co.uk

DOUGLAS SALES4.indd 1

18/06/2012 13:36

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

ÂŁ1,295,000 Leasehold Campden Hill Gardens, W8 A fabulous maisonette of this detached period property arranged over the ground and lower ground floors.

Flat is shown as previously furnished.

3 bedrooms, En-suite shower room, Bathroom, Reception room, Dining room, Kitchen, Patio.

Kensington Sales Office: 020 7792 1881 kensales@dng.co.uk

DOUGLAS SALES4.indd 2

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SO LD LET £795,000 Leasehold Gordon Place, W8

“If you think hiring a professional is expensive, wait until you hire an amateur.”

Red Adair

A delightful refurbished apartment with private entrance and garden located on this pretty road in Kensington.

Kensington Sales Office: 020 7792 1881 kensales@dng.co.uk

2 bedrooms, Bathroom, Reception room, Kitchen, Garden.

£735,000 Share of Freehold Kensington Park Road, W11

A fabulous ground floor apartment in this popular portered building on Kensington Park Road.

Notting Hill Sales Office: 020 7727 7777 nhsales@dng.co.uk

Double bedroom, Bathroom, Reception room, Kitchen, Porter, Access to communal gardens.

DOUGLAS SALES4.indd 3

18/06/2012 13:36

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

£625,000 Share of Freehold Cornwall Crescent, W11

A fantastic garden apartment which has been refurbished in recent years to a high standard finished in a stylish and contemporary design.

Notting Hill Sales Office: 020 7727 7777 nhsales@dng.co.uk

2 bedrooms, 2 shower rooms, Open plan kitchen/reception room, Patio, Garden.

£599,000 Share of Freehold Linden Gardens, W2

An immaculately refurbished apartment that has been well designed creating an excellent one bedroom home.

Kensington Sales Office: 020 7792 1881 kensales@dng.co.uk

Double bedroom, Shower room, Open plan reception room/kitchen, Storage.

DOUGLAS SALES4.indd 4

18/06/2012 13:36

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.

ÂŁ1,200 per week Unfurnished Campden Hill Gardens W8

A fabulous, contemporary style apartment in this period conversion benefitting from high ceilings and wooden floors.

Kensington Lettings Office: 020 7792 1331 kenlets@dng.co.uk

3 double bedrooms, Bathroom, Shower room, Reception room, Kitchen, Patio.

ÂŁ750 per week Unfurnished Treadgold Street W11

An amazing architecturally designed ground/ first floor maisonette in this converted Art Deco building.

Notting Hill Lettings Office: 020 7727 8000 nhlets@dng.co.uk

2 double bedrooms, Bathroom, Cloakroom, Reception room, Open-plan kitchen, Balcony.

D&G LETTINGS3.indd 1

19/06/2012 11:03

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

£725 per week Unfurnished Strathmore Gardens W8

A superb, light and spacious flat situated on this quiet cul-de-sac just off Palace Gardens Terrace.

Kensington Lettings Office: 020 7792 1331 kenlets@dng.co.uk

2 double bedrooms, Shower room, Bathroom, Reception room, Open-plan kitchen, Garden.

£675 per week Furnished Royal Crescent W11

A fabulous maisonette on the 2nd/3rd floors of this period conversion with wonderful views overlooking the communal gardens.

Notting Hill Lettings Office: 020 7727 8000 nhlets@dng.co.uk

2 double bedrooms, Bathroom, Shower room, Reception room, Kitchen, Communal garden.

D&G LETTINGS3.indd 2

19/06/2012 11:04

Charlotte Pellew Atlantic Sailor and Senior Lettings Negotiator Having sailed the Atlantic, everything else is a drop in the ocean for Charlotte. Our people are what make us great, and Charlotte rules the waves.

douglasandgordon.com Extraordinary people

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Local know-how. Better results. sales@marshandparsons.co.uk lettings@marshandparsons.co.uk marshandparsons.co.uk

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