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ART & DESIGN ISSUE 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 MAY_COVERS_v2.indd 3

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CONTENTS May 2014 07

EDITOR’S LETTER

10

WHAT’S ON

LOCA L 13

GALLERY ROUND UP The neighbourhood’s most exciting independent spaces

16

GET YOUR ROCKS OFF Chrissy Hynde, a life in music

FA S H I O N 20

ROYAL COURT Start the summer in garden party style

31

MY STYLE Alexandra Mann shares her inspirations

FOOD 50

FROM LIMA TO LIVERPOOL STREET Executive turned restaurateur Martin Morales on his love of Peruvian cooking

53

FOOD REVIEW Martin Morales’ Andina

INTERIORS 57

INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS The best of Clerkenwell Design Week

51

CREATIVE LIVING A peak inside Ally Capellino’s Dalston digs

5

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15/04/2014 17:06

GREAT MUSIC DESERVES BANG & OLUFSEN BEOLAB 18 EXPERIENCE IN STORE NOW

Bang & Olufsen introduces a new range of wireless loudspeakers featuring: • astounding acoustic performance • uncompromising design and craftsmanship • technical innovation Audition the new wireless loudspeakers at our store and prepare to be amazed.

Bang & Olufsen of Swiss Cottage is now wholly owned by Bang & Olufsen of Denmark.

Bang & Olufsen of Swiss Cottage 79-81 Fairfax Road, London NW6 4DY Tel: 020 7624 4243 Email: swisscottage@bang-olufsen.co.uk Web: www.bang-olufsen.com/swisscottage.

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May 2014

EDITOR’S letter

T

he designer Charles Eames once said, ‘Eventually everything connects – people, ideas, objects.’ It’s a fitting thought to lead us into our Arts & Design issue, especially with Clerkenwell Design Week returning this month. Now in its fifth year, the three-day festival centres on London’s leading design showrooms as well as four special showcases; we introduce you to some of the most intriguing exhibitors later in the issue.

We also have art-inspired fashion for him and her, as well as a round-up of the area’s most exciting independent galleries.

London is well-served by public galleries, of course, but how often do you remind yourself that there’s a Victoria Miro on a Hoxton backstreet, or a Gagosian a few minutes from King’s Cross Station? Some of the world’s most fascinating and forward-thinking artists are right there for the ogling, and our guide is a good place to start.

Ally Capellino started out in art school and ended up one of the country’s best-regarded designers, whose exquisite bags and leather accessories are bywords for quality and understated cool. Proving her artful eye extends to interiors, Capellino takes us on a tour of her boho Dalston home, which is filled with found objects snaffled on the designer’s trips around the world. She clearly has the spirit of a collector, and it’s this curatorial impulse, this love of discovery and ability to discern the beautiful from the banal, that seems to me like the fuel driving the area’s ongoing rebirth. Inspiration is everywhere, and eventually everything connects.

Here’s to an interesting May.

ABSOLUTELY

EDITOR HELEN BARON EDITORIAL ASSISTANT CATHERINE HALES EDITORIAL INTERN DEMI MILLARD PROPERTY EDITOR HUGO HUNTER TRAVEL EDITOR GEORGIE LANE-GODFREY ART DIRECTOR RAY SEARLE PRODUCTION MANAGER STEWART HYDE SENIOR DESIGNER PHIL COUZENS MID-WEIGHT DESIGNERS GEMMA ISTEED, ANDREW MAVIN PRODUCTION DESIGNER TAHIR KAPUCU ARTWORKER EKREM YILMAZ

Helen Baron Editor

JUNIOR DESIGNER EDWARD TAYLOR, REBECCA NOONAN PRODUCTION CONTROLLER CHRISTINE MANN NORTH & CENTRAL ADVERTISING MANAGER KRISTIAN LIBETTA ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER TOLGA SAYLAN GROUP PROPERTY DIRECTORALEXANDRA HUNTER PROPERTY DIRECTOR ANDY ELMER PROPERTY MANAGER EMILY SAUNDERSON FINANCE MANAGER MARIANNE MCFADDEN FINANCE DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTOR GREG HUGHES MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT For advertising enquiries please call 020 7704 0588 or email: advertising@zest-media.com Subscriptions are available simply by emailing marianne@zest-media.com. You can receive an online subscription for FREE or a postal subscriptions for 12 months, £30 respectively (to cover postage and packaging). Please email us with your preferred option and details.

ZEST MEDIA LONDON 213 Westbourne Studios, Acklam Road, London W10 5JJ, 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 errorss. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

www.zest-media.com

TWEET ME @absolutelyedhel Email: helen.baron@zest-media.com Follow us on Twitter @Absolutely_Mags Facebook ‘Absolutely Magazines’

On the covers City & Angel: Gemma dress £550 Borough & Docklands: Ellie dress £895 ellielines.co.uk East: David Longshaw dress davidlongshaw.com

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08/04/2014 15:18

FLOWER POWER

Absolutely

Florals are back in for summer and if you fancy giving this feminine look a bit of extra edge why not try a monochrome look? This short suit from Hobbs is not for the meek but if worn with confidence combines the best of the floral trend with a bold androgynous twist.

Jacket, £169, Shorts, £89, 15 Hampstead High Street, NW3; hobbs.co.uk

PLUMP IT UP

Cushions and whimsy go together like Leonardo di Caprio and Oscar rejection, so add a little eccentricity to your sofa with these fabulous cushions from Silken Favours. There are even different options for dog and cat lovers. £95, available from CoChineChine, 74 Heath Street, NW3; silkenfavours.com

SIT ON IT

For those Londoners lucky enough to have a garden, a deck chair is a precious commodity, especially one as arresting as this insect number from DeCasa. Add a glass of Pimms, a sunny day and the new Joanna Trollope and you've got yourself the perfect Sunday. £220; decasa.co.uk

Born to Run

ike and jewellery desigener Alex Monroe have teamed up to create a beautiful bespoke necklace. The catch? This one-off piece is not for sale and is reserved for those who complete the 10k ‘We Own The Night’ run on the 10 May. Sign up to the race to be in with a chance to win Gold, Silver and Bronze! nike.com/weownthenight

N

EDITOR’S PICK

L O V E S

GLOBETROTTER

Plot the course of your next holiday while snuggled up on the sofa with this Map of Europe throw from Indigo and Rose. Just make sure not to spill coffee on Italy – they're real snobs about blend. £95; indigoandrose.co.uk

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16/04/2014 10:31

AgENDA / M AY don’t miss NT Live:

CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHTTIME 22_May Tricycle Cinema

ollowing its smash-hit live broadcast in 2012, the National Theatre production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time returns to cinemas.

Christopher, fifteen years old, has an extraordinary brain – exceptional at maths while ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. When he falls under suspicion of killing Mrs Shears’ dog Wellington, he records each fact about the event in the book he is writing to solve the mystery of the murder. But his detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a frightening journey that upturns his world. 269 Kilburn High Road, NW6; tricyle.co.uk

F

in the cinema

Maleficent

O

nce upon a time, there was a beautiful princess called Aurora, who had two loving parents, three fairy godmothers and who was cursed to prick her finger on a spinning wheel on her 18th birthday and fall into an everlasting sleep. But this story isn’t about her. Angelina Jolie stars in the highly anticipated film about one of Disney’s most evil villains, providing an insight into the origins of Maleficent - here’s a hint, she didn’t start off bad. Directed by Robert Stromberg and featuring a haunting soundtrack that includes songs from indie darling Lana del Ray, this film could either be a brilliant addition to the Disney canon or destroy everyone’s childhood. We can’t wait to see which.

In Cinemas 28 May

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ABSOLUTELY ART& CULTURE

Once Upon a Time in a Western 7_10 May Jacksons Lane

Up and Down 13 May_8 June Phoenix Cinema

Based on the much-loved children’s book by Oliver Jeffers, Up & Down is theatre company GaGa Theatre’s debut production. Adapted and directed by award-winner Matt Aston and scored by highly acclaimed composer Julian Butler, this play tells the funny and touching story of a penguin who dreams of flying and the boy who tries to help him. Combining traditional theatre with modern technology, GaGa Theatre aims to make children’s theatre accessible to local communities, creating a fun and stress-free experience for all the family. 52 High Road, East Finchley, N2; phoenixcinema.co.uk

This brand new show, the biggest yet from the award-winning, internationally touring troupe of clowns Le Navet Bete, takes audiences on an interactive, fastpaced journey across the Wild West.

The town of Kidneystone is threatened by outlaw and all-round bad guy Loco Pedro who is secretly in cahoots with the Mayor to rob the town’s train of all its gold. Directed by John Nicholson of acclaimed physical theatre company Peepolykus, Once Upon a Time in a Western integrates live music, comedy, audience participation, pistols at dawn and sugar glass bottles. 269A Archway Road, N6; jacksonslane.org.uk

Not that Kind of Girl

by Lena Dunham

10 May St Marylebone Parish Church Grounds

Release your inner treasure-seeker and spend the day hunting for bargains at Cabbages and Frocks’ vintage market. Attendees can expect several stalls bearing homewares, clothes and accessories. Singer Rose Lancaster will be there to provide shoppers with the perfect soundtrack to browse to, including songs from the 20s through to the swing, romance and jazz of the 30s, 40s and 50s. Happy hunting!

Marylebone High Street, W1, 020 7794 1636; cabbagesandfrocks.co.uk

Clerkenwell Design Week 22_24 May throughout clerkenwell Despite only being in its fourth year, Clerkenwell Design Week has established itself as a pivotal event in the art and design calendar. With over 60 showrooms, a wealth of creative businesses and more architects per square mile than anywhere else on the planet, CDW is the ideal opportunity to discover emerging artists, experience the work of established craftsmen and gather inspiration for any of your own ongoing projects. Clerkenwell, EC1; clerkenwelldesignweek.com

The Christopher Jenner Collection for Drummonds THE BOOK

Cabbages and Frocks Vintage Market

Art & Design Events

W

hether you consider her the voice of a generation or a self-important, perennially nude twentysomething, her current influence is undeniable. Despite being only 27 years old, Dunham has penned her memoir, which she describes as ‘stories about wonderful nights with terrible boys and terrible days with wonderful friends, about ambition and the two existential crises I had before the age of twenty.’ For fans of Girls and Tiny Furniture this will be a must-read and will perhaps provide an insight into the mind of one of the most successful and unconventional young women in show business. Available for preorder from Amazon, £9.02; amazon.co.uk

20_22 May The Gallery, Craft Central Designer Christopher Jenner and Drummonds of London continue their creative collaboration with this latest instalment at Craft Central as part of Clerkenwell Design Week. Jenner’s work takes its cue from Drummonds’ artisanal heritage by combining cast iron, polished steel and traditional enamelling techniques with English carpentry in oak, walnut and driftwood and custom colourways.

The collection will range from £4,000 to £9,000.

33-35 St John’s Square, EC1M; craftcentral.org.uk

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ABSOLUTELY ART& CULTURE

GALLERY

ROUND-UP

Shezad Dawood: Towards the Possible Film at Parasol Unit

Forget what you’ve heard about the art world’s retreat into central London: from big names to bright young things, some of London’s most exciting independent art galleries are on our doorstep

GAGOSIAN

WHITE CUBE

THE APPROACH:

THE APPROACH:

The name Gagosian has been synonymous with contemporary art almost since Larry Gagosian opened his first gallery in Los Angeles in 1979. These days the company is a truly global concern, and its King’s Cross site is no slouch when it comes to staging headlinegrabbing shows. Artists on their roster have included Francis Bacon, Georg Baselitz and Diane Arbus.

The White Cube empire includes galleries as far afield as Hong Kong and Sao Paulo, but the Bermondsey outpost is the brand’s largest, with a 60-seat auditorium, bookshop and several stunning exhibition spaces.

Its minimalist approach to interior design is encapsulated in its name, but the artists who show here are pretty major – or on their way to becoming so.

DID YOU KNOW…

DID YOU KNOW…

Gagosian is an active purchaser of art paying $48.8 million for a Matisse bronze auctioned at Christie’s in 2010.

White Cube Bermondsey staged London’s largest ever showcase of the work of lauded German painter Anselm Kiefer.

CURRENT EXHIBITION:

CURRENT EXHIBITION:

Giuseppe Penone, Circling (from 11 April)

Andreas Gursky (from 30 April)

6-24 Britannia Street, WC1; gagosian.com

144-152 Bermondsey Street, SE1; whitecube.com

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GALLERY

ROUND-UP

ABSOLUTELY ART& CULTURE

Installation,Infinite City at Zabludowicz Collection

THE ZABLUDOWICZ COLLECTION

Trisha Baga

VITRINE

THE APPROACH: As its name suggests, the Zabludowicz Collection showcases works from the collection of founders Poju and Anita Zabludowicz, which contains over 5,000 pieces by more than 500 artists. New commissions by up-and-comers take their place alongside the more established pieces, and all exhibitions are free to access.

THE APPROACH:

DID YOU KNOW…

Founded in 2010 by Alys Williams, Vitrine focuses on emerging and mid-career artists, with the aim of supporting new talent and encouraging interdisciplinary practices. The institution exhibits across two sites on Bermondsey Street and Bermondsey Square.

The gallery is sited in a former Methodist Chapel. Built in the late 19th century, it served as the central place of worship for the Methodist community in North London until 1963.

CURRENT EXHIBITION:

Infinite City (until 12 May)

DID YOU KNOW…

The Bermondsey Square location is actually a stunning, 16 metre long gallery window, available to view 24 hours a day.

CURRENT EXHIBITION:

Dave Charlesworth, Visions from the Top of a Maypole (Bermondsey Square; until 20 April)

Images courtesy of Vitrine. Edwin Burdis, ‘The Plumbers’, 2014.

185 Bermondsey Street, SE1 and Bermondsey Square; vitrinegallery.co.uk

176 Prince of Wales Road, NW5; zabludowiczcollection.com

PARASOL UNIT THE APPROACH:

Parasol Unit was only founded in 2004 but has already earned a reputation for spotting new talent and supporting emerging artists. The gallery operates as an entirely nonprofit foundation, and its capacious exhibition space, curatorial expertise and free entry policy – together with a programme of educational events – make it something of a local treasure.

DID YOU KNOW…

Parasol Unit is located right next door to Victoria Miro, another gallery definitely worth a gander – so you can double up without making for any extra travel time.

CURRENT EXHIBITION:

Shezad Dawood, Towards the Possible Film (until 25 May) 14 Wharf Road, N1; parasol-unit.org

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The Tile Box

40 Offord Road, Islington N1 1EB 020 7700 1444 www.thetilebox.co.uk

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14/03/2014 15:10

NO PRETENCE Rock legend Chrissie Hynde speaks to Shaun Curran about four decades in music and her abiding love for London

I

n 1973, Chrissie Hynde made a decision that would change her life. Disillusioned with her native Ohio and in hope of something better, she left for London. She was 22 years old. What happened over the next few years was unplanned, unpredictable and sometimes unpleasant, but save for a brief stint in France, Hynde ended up settling in northwest London for good – while also becoming one of the most iconic singers in rock history.

It’s now 2014, and spending time with Hynde is enough to bring out nerves in even the most veteran interviewer. After all, she’s sold over 25 million records as part of The Pretenders and as a solo artist; she’s also a fierce campaigner on a range of social issues, from the environment and free trade to (perhaps most notably) animal rights.

The first thing I notice when we meet is that, despite having spent nearly four decades in London, her American drawl remains. It’s accompanied by a feistiness

that has seen off many an inquisitive hack.

Recalling signature tune and number one hit Brass in Pocket, Hynde is modest to the point of dismissiveness: ‘It was 35 years ago, I can’t remember.’

And when discussing the state of modern music, her stance is as brutal as her language.

‘There isn’t enough ‘f*ck off’ in music today,’ she remarks. ‘And there’s too much attention paid to fashion – it seems as if it’s meant to carry the music now... to compensate for it. But really, who cares what I’m wearing? Some dumb-ass might, but that’s their problem. Most of the time I just look like a roadie.’

It all makes Hynde a singular subject: alert, electric, even dangerous. But get onto the subject of London itself, and there’s a glimpse of serenity. It’s like Hynde can revel again in the escape she made all those years ago.

‘I actually started out in Clapham,” she tells me, “and spent time around the southeast of London, just for no reason other than I ended up living there. I think

I knew somebody who rented up here in northwest London and was encouraged to do the same. I don’t know – it was a long time ago – who knows why these things happen and we end up where we do? I came from the outside and I stayed up around the canal. It seemed like as good a place as any.’

Of course, falling into an area (and then falling in love with it) is a reality many Londoners will recognise.

‘That’s true,’ she continues. ‘The thing is, as a creative person I have always moved around a lot with what I do, always looking for that creative spark. But I never wanted to move out of this neighbourhood. Having kids cements you even more to an area – you don’t want to disorientate them. Might I have lived in every borough of London if it was just me? Perhaps. But we’ll never know.’

Never one for the celebrity lifestyle, Hynde is protective of her privacy. She says her house ‘is on a quiet street, very basic, with not much to it – it’s just somewhere I can sit in the garden and relax. I’m uncomplicated. But northwest London is a great place, even if it has changed. It does

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ABSOLUTELY PROFILE

Left: Chrissie Hynde plays the Royal Festival Hall on 14 June, five days after the release of her debut solo album, Stockholm.

feel different [these days]; but then, everywhere in London and the rest of the world has changed. There’s not a great deal you can do about that.’

Hynde, who also scored a number one hit partnering with UB40 on I Got You Babe, has a daughter, Natalie, with Kinks singer-songwriter Ray Davies, himself a native North Londoner born in Fortis Green in Muswell Hill. Hynde also has a daughter, Yasmin, with Simple Minds singer Jim Kerr. Hynde brought both girls up on her own, sending them to Camden School for Girls and instilling in them her own headstrong nature and activist streak. Natalie was even arrested recently for protesting against fracking.

‘I’m just happy that she has a belief system,’ Hynde replies, when asked about the protest, which took place in the West Sussex village of Balcombe. ‘People walk around like zombies and don’t even think about what they are doing; action is good.’

Activism has always been an important part of Hynde’s life. She admits to being arrested ‘a couple of times’, usually for protesting against cruelty to animals, but creativity is just as important to her as politics.

Her forthcoming record, Stockholm, is the first to be released under her own name.

‘I’ve been asked [to record a solo album] a million times and I just thought, ‘Why not?’ But it’s been a big step for me.’

As its title suggests, the record was made in the Swedish capital with Bjorn Yttling of Peter, Bjorn and John, and features, improbably, a guest appearance from Hynde’s longtime friend (and tennis superstar) John McEnroe. Even more inviting, however, is an appearance – alongside Hynde’s twisting lyrics and unmistakable vocals – by Neil Young, who plays guitar on Down the Wrong Way. Hynde has supported Young on tour in the past (including at his Hyde Park gig in 2009) and says that having the legendary singersongwriter lay down the riff was the highlight of her career.

‘Of course it is,’ she says. ‘Every guitar player in the world worships Neil Young. He’s the reason we are here. I’ve toured with him in the past and I know him a little, but not

“ The bit I really like is playing shows, playing with a band,” she says.

‘Everything else is a bit tedious ” really enough to get on the phone to him and say, ‘Come and play on my record’. But we had a song where the chords sounded like him, and I told Bjorn we should get him to play it. I was only doing it to impress Bjorn.

Well, not ‘impress’, but to get a rise from him. They are very stoic, these Swedes. They are not gushy.’

Her praise of Young might be effusive and unreserved, but “gushy” is hardly an adjective that springs to mind when you think about Hynde, either, and her rebellious streak still runs deep. It’s not long before we stumble upon another opening for the singer to display some defiant ambivalence, when I ask about her hopes for the new record.

‘You know, the bit I really like is playing shows, playing with a band,”

she says. ‘Everything else is a bit tedious. You do what you have to do.

I’m not too bothered about whether a record does well or not because I’ve never really cared that much. I’m not supposed to say that, because I’m supposed to be more ambitious, but the truth is that I hope it does okay, because then I get to tour. But that is as much as I invest in it emotionally.’

She continues, ‘I have no idea if there is an audience that wants to hear this. And if it doesn’t do well, then what are you going to do?’

But with forty years of success under her belt, it seems unlikely this megastar will be dropping off our radars anytime soon.

thepretenders.com

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15/04/2014 16:33

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ABSOLUTELY FASHION

LIFE REALLY DOES IMITATE ART AS WEARABLE BRUSH STROKES AND FIGURATIVE PRINTS APPEAR IN THE MOST EXCITING SPRING COLLECTIONS. IT’S TIME TO EMBRACE YOUR INNER ART STAR.

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White blouse, £75, bananarepublic.gap.co.uk Orange jacket, £490, goatfashion.com Turquoise pillbox hat with veil, £95, Bronte @ hat-gallery.co.uk

R O Y A L

C O U RT g e t i n t o t h e su m m e r m o o d with the be st in garden pa rt y fa s h io n Photography: Catherine Harbour Styling: Abi Rogers

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Blue lace detachable collared dress, £595, Lover @ oxygenboutique.com Earrings, £18, dahlia.com Pink frill shoes, £245, lkbennett.com Rings, £18, dahlia.com

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15/04/2014 13:50

Red bodycon dress, Torn by Ronny Kobo, £250 @ spottedonceleb.com Necklace, £35, dahlia. com Green pill box hat, £95, Bronte @ hat-gallery.co.uk Bag, £800, fairchildbaldwin.com

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ABSOLUTELY FASHION

F A S H I O N

N O T E S WORD UP

Typography has never been so trendy (well, except for in the Eighties) and as such the SS14 catwalks were awash with cheeky slogans and wordplay.

The mood was definitely more go-logo than no logo, with Ashish controversially collaborating with Coca-Cola. Whether you want to convey an ethical message or just tell people where you’ve been lately, get it off your chest. TOD Sweater, €125; claudiepierlot.com

WORK IT GIRL

Ingenue? Ingenious! How clever that their SS14 collection features a rainforest of colours to welcome the Spring. With graphic prints, classic wrap dresses and dazzly jumpsuits, each piece is ideal workwear for the modern gal. Any one will turn heads at a working lunch – and see you through till dinnertime too. ingenuelondon.com

EDITOR’S PICK

DAVID LONGSHAW A firmly established British fashion favourite, previously named a ‘Designer to Watch’

by Vogue.com and a Rising Star by Elle, Camdenite David Longshaw’s whimsical creations combine exquisite construction with vivid hand-drawn illustrations. The SS14 collection tunes into the current preference for pastels, but with an emphasis on the contemporary; designs that are all about the attitude with which you wear them. greenwichfreeschool.co.uk

style tip THE BEST WAY TO STAND OUT THIS SPRING is with a spritely pair of wooden shoes (i.e. clogs). Not as orthopaedic/ unsightly as they sound, Swedish Hasbeens have been trotting out style-savvy clogs for some time now – and if you’d rather not shuffle about in mules, you can opt for the cute bootie variety (as pictured here). They’re sure to add a light-hearted note to a serious fashion outfit.

MODERN LOVE

Covert do a fine line in luxurious, modern accessories, including a divine and diverse selection of iPad and iPhone sleeves. Look the part with our personal favourite, the sleek Suki case made of the finest faux leather, ostrich and pony skin.

Hold shut with a chic magnetic clasp and you’ve the perfect fashion-functional tablet case.

POA; covertaccessories.com

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ARCHITECTURAL

Living in Space is the home of innovative interior design, build and architecture.

Our interior designers are committed to creating a home environment tailored to suit your individual needs. Whether you are looking to furnish your new home, remodel a bathroom, or a whole house refurbishment we will guide you through the process with creative ideas and a skilled design team.

www.living-inspace.co.uk

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020 7722 3131

INTERIORS

Interior Architecture Design + Build Extensions, Basements, Loft Conversions Kitchen + Bathroom Design Bespoke Joinery Soft Furnishing Design

43 Englands Lane NW3 4YD

11/10/2013 12:23

MY STYLE

ABSOLUTELY ST YLE

Costume designer turned accessories artisan ALEXANDRA MANN reveals what inspires her colourful creations

MY STYLE ICON absolutely has

MOST INSPIRING EXPERIENCE

to be Diane Kruger.

She has both elegance and cool, always looking effortless, stylish and unique.

I think she’s fab.

Hanging out with William Owens, my late grandfather.

Not a designer or artist but he taught me how to cook a mean fry-up, how to pour home brew (real ale; he had a beer barn) and how to make the best bubble and squeak (always use lard or dripping).

He sang like an angel and always encouraged me to follow my dreams. He was a paratrooper during WW2 and survived Arnhem. He was so super cool. Him and seeing Chiwetel Ejiofor play Othello at the Donmar Warehouse: mind-blowing.

FAVOURITE BAG DESIGNER

ALICE WAESE

Fleet Ilya. He started out making harnesses influenced by saddlery. Production is still by hand in Dalston which I admire greatly. I am currently lusting after a Waspie with braces...

FAVOURITE DESIGNER

FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION

Ibiza. It's the place I feel most at home, dancing from sunset to sunrise. I missed my flight home last year. Twice. But Pete Tong's set at Pikes was totally worth it!

STYLE ICON

Vivienne Westwood. I was lucky enough to work for her in my twenties. There is no one quite like her for classic British irreverence.

On my second day at work I saw her completely naked – she was so confident in her alabaster skin. She has 'it' in the sense that you can feel her in the room before you see her. Most of my wardrobe is Vivienne Westwood Gold Label and Next AW is one of her best collections to date. I also still dream of a YSL 'Le Smoking' ensemble… alexandramann.com

MOST TREASURED POSSESSION My Alice Waese rings, a Damir Doma hoodie from Hostem (so loved it’s now threadbare) and my Welsh cake griddle.

Boyish girl Lauren Hutton and girlish boy David Bowie

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Central Saint Martins Short Courses 2014 Special Offer - Book any short course/s using promo code ‘absolutely’ in the next 10 days and save 10% off

Animation Architecture Bespoke training Business skills Ceramics Courses for under 19s Creative process Daytimes Digital design Digital film and video Dual city Drawing Evenings Fashion Fine art Graphic design Interior design Jewellery Journalism Online learning Painting Performance Photography Portfolio preparation Printmaking Product design Saturdays Sculpture Study abroad Textiles Theatre design Weekends Writing

www.arts.ac.uk /csm/shortcourses Short Course Office, Central Saint Martins, Granary Building, 1 Granary Square, King’s Cross, London N1C 4AA, UK. Email: shortcourse@csm.arts.ac.uk Sign up for special offers and updates by email: www.arts.ac.uk/csm/subscribe.

Telephone enquiries and Customer service: 020 7514 7015 (From overseas dial +44 20 7514 7015)

CSM.MAY.indd 1 CSM-Artscom_FP_City&Angel,East,Borough&Docklands,NorthByNorthWestAbsolutelys-April2014.indd 1

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ABSOLUTELY KIDS

Wallflower Perks

Give kids a sense of room ownership with Hibou Home’s charming Enchanted Wood collection of luxury wallpapers, featuring woodland creatures, magical tea parties and whimsical family picnics.

Available in Peony/White, Lilac/ Aubergine and Duck Egg Blue/White. £48 per metre;

hibouhome.com

FANCY A CUPPA Young design enthusiasts will love this new range of Moomin enamelware… though we predict they’ll prove just as popular with adults as with kids. Plus they’re durable enough for picnics and camping trips. £17.95;

themoominshop.com

MAY FLOWERS Time to get small ones into gardening with a bright and personalised planter. With a choice of seeds, the Flower Box will generate five easy-to-grow annual flowers for your child’s first-ever garden. £25.95;

plantabox.co.uk

Kids notes How to Keep Little Ones Amused

GOURMET GRUB Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse has turned his talents to cooking for kids, creating a book filled with 100 simple recipes.

Each dish is accompanied by nutritional information from dietician Paule Neyrat, so every meal is as healthy as it is haute.

Alain Ducasse Cooking For Kids by Alain Ducasse and Paule Neyrat (£15.95, Rizzoli New York);

amazon.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

WHAT A HOOT ini-me off on a field trip?

Make sure she/he has everything needed for the day (and is taken seriously) with this little Peanut & Pip owl backpack.

Suitable for clever clogs. £19.95, Igloo Kids, 300 Upper Street, N1; iglookids.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY EDUCATION

New Model Cool An innovative secondary in south-east London is fast becoming one of the leading lights of the free school movement, reports Amanda Constance Illustration By Phil Couzens

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t’s ‘one of the country’s most impressive and forward-thinking free schools’, according to Rachel Wolf, Director of the New Schools Network; Lord Adonis, the former schools minister says: ‘The teachers and staff are passionate about the importance of education, and they combine their passion with great professionalism and skill.’ The Evening Standard has cited it as one of London’s top five ‘new model’ schools with its ‘relentless focus on standards’.

On Ofsted’s Parent View website 100% of responding parents said they would recommend the school to others. So what is so great about Greenwich Free School?

‘The teachers here are all massive geeks,’ says Sarah Jones, current Acting Head of the school and one of its co-founders. ‘They are fantastically hard-working, they love their subject and they pass that excitement about learning on to the children.’

Jones also says that because GFS is a free school, ‘we can go above and beyond the national curriculum’. This means educational school trips every fortnight and a teaching syllabus that can stray into areas left untouched by other schools.

‘We’re doing Philosophy at the moment, discussing Utilitarianism!’ Jones declares with unqualified glee.

Since opening its doors in September 2012, GFS has been different. Firstly it is much smaller than the average inner-city secondary school. When it reaches full capacity by 2018 there will be 700 pupils (including 200 in the sixth from), other locals schools average 1140 pupils. With only 25 pupils in a class and only 100 pupils per year, teachers can really get to know – and spend time with – the pupils and vice versa.

There is also a tough ‘high expectations, no excuses, no shortcuts’ ethos that applies to children and staff. Pupils are banned

“ Greenwich Free School has a tough ‘high expectations, no excuses, no shortcuts’ ethos ” from bringing their mobile phones into school, uniform is smart and behaviour strictly policed.

The school also operates on an extended day. School starts at 8am and finishes at 5.30pm. The last hour of the day is spent on ‘enrichment’ activities such as debating, Latin or sport; the school claims its pupils will spend a third more time learning than most children.

Academically, the school follows a rigorous ‘depth before breadth’ curriculum

giving pupils more time to master the fundamentals of Maths, English and Science. And as well as classic ‘academic’ subjects such as Latin, pupils from Year 7 have lessons in PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics) and ICT is replaced by ‘Computer Science and Enterprise’, teaching pupils to master commercially valuable technical skills. It couldn’t be more up Michael Gove’s street.

Which isn’t surprising as GFS was the brainchild of the right-leaning think tank Policy Exchange, which itself was cofounded by Michael Gove to do this very sort of thing. Jonathan Simons, current head of Education at Policy Exchange and now Chair of Governors at GFS was one of the school's co-founders.

Sarah Jones said the idea for the school came to her after going through the Teach First programme (a Labour government initiative which saw top graduates recruited to teach in challenging schools) and teaching in Greenwich for all of her career.

She loved the area, ‘but I had become frustrated by aspects of the education system – like not being able to take children out on an educational field trip and not having enough time in the day on any given subject for pupils who were struggling.’

One of the key things for her was the extended day, ‘we wanted to look at longer days for academic and non-academic reasons’. Learning for the joy of learning seems to be fundamental to the GFS ethos.

As Jones says: – ‘We care about more than just exams. Every lesson should be exciting, challenging and different.’

It’s not all been plain sailing. The muchlauded founding head, Lee Faith, left the school in December after just a couple of years ‘to pursue other things’. Jones insists it’s not been a problem as ‘the team here is very strong’ but it must have been disruptive at best. A new head, Oliver Knight has been appointed and will start at Easter.

The school is obviously doing something right. It’s already very oversubscribed, and not just by pupils. ‘We have been very lucky with recruitment,’ says Jones. ‘Teachers want to work here because it is different and because our kids are so great.’ But how do you get great kids? ‘By having great teaching,’ she laughs.

greenwichfreeschool.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY PROMOTION

Pick of the

BUNCH Absolutely’s favourite local businesses

OPEN AIR THEATRE he award-winning Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is a firm fixture of summer in the city, providing a cultural hub in the heart of a Royal Park. Opening on 15 May, the 2014 season includes All My Sons, Hobson’s Choice, the Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess and To Kill a Mockingbird.

0844 826 4242 openairtheatre.com

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BLOOM PERFUMERY his new ‘concept’ store specialises in niche fragrances, stocking a vast and unique collection of scents and candles from the most interesting independent perfume houses around the world. If unique, bespoke (and often exclusive) perfumes tickle your fancy, head down to the Shoreditch store and check out the new brands just in.

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4 Hanbury Street, E1; bloomperfume.co.uk

BIBLIOTHEQUE ibliotheque have a fabulous range of mosaics ranging from; gold & silver, iridescent, glass, solid glass through to eco-friendly recycled glass mosaic in great colours & styles. All can be viewed @ all three showrooms.

Architectural Showroom N10 – 0208 365 2084 Boutique Showroom N10 – 0208 883 3715 Hertfordshire Showroom EN6 – 01707 649 932 bibliotheque.co.uk @Bibliothequeltd

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TIM MOSS

very project is truly bespoke, designed & considered to fulfill each customers needs & desires& has the quality & character that is expected from hand crafted furniture. All our cabinetry is hand made on site at our North London workshop by an experienced team of traditional joiners.

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326 Dukes Mews, N10, 020 8444 9911; timmoss.co.uk

MYHOME ut your spring cleaning in the hands of the professionals. Myhome’s cleaning service is tailored to meet the individual needs of each client, so they will visit you at your property, assess your requirements and then prepare a personalised quotation. All Myhome employees complete a comprehensive training programme and undergo a strict vetting process including police checks. 020 7923 2266;

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islington@myhome.co.uk, myhome.co.uk

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B E AU T Y n o t e s

TOM TOM CLUB Nude tones are everywhere this season and we’re glad of it: natural beauty is always the way forward.

There are times, however, when we need a teensy bit of help – and the new Tom Ford Spring 2014 collection for nails and lips is where we’ve found it. Try Lip Color Sheen, In The Buff (£36) and Nail Lacquer, Sugar Dune. tomford.com

WHY EYE MAN Oh Alexa, why, why, why do you always look so good? Is it because your predilection for striking Sixties peepers has seen you team up with awardwinning cosmetics brand Eyeko to create a limited edition range of waterproof mascara and eyeliner?

If that’s the case, we want some too. £35 for the set; ukspacenk.com

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AB SO LU TELY B E AUT Y

SPRING FLING Beauty brand AERIN celebrates spring with its new Essentials Collection.

Sticking to its trademark rose theme, the range includes a rose balm for the lips and rose hand and body cream as well several new make-up products and a set of beautifully packaged brushes in a pink patterned case. aerin.com

LUNCHTIME FIX Ask for? The HydraFacial Where? Waterhouse Young he Hydrafacial is like a souped-up version of microdermabrasion – among resurfacing procedures, it’s the first that simultaneously hydrates the skin. My therapist, Anna, ushers me into a sleek treatment room and takes me through the steps. First, a tube is applied to my face and water used to remove dead skin cells and impurities while bathing the new skin with cleansing (and of course hydrating) antioxidant serums.

Anna takes care to spend time on my t-zone, where the pores are enlarged. The action is ultra-soothing, combining the relaxing effects of a more conventional facial with the results-driven potency of a medical one. It’s worth noting that the result is skin that feels much smoother than it would after microdermabrasion – which uses salt crystals to exfoliate. Anna then applies red LED lights to my face to aid circulation, reduce redness and irritation and stimulate collagen and elastin production. The procedure can be used to combat hyperpigmentation and wrinkles (the deep delivery of re-hydrating serums plumps out fine lines) but is equally useful for acne sufferers; its decongesting power clears pores and improves the appearance of blackheads (and, by extension, many other inflammatory conditions, such as puffy eyes).

The facial improves overall skin texture and complexion immediately, but the benefits can be maximised with a series of treatments; you can maintain results with a treatment every two to four weeks. HB

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HAIR-RAISINGLY GOOD Hairdresser to the stars Trevor Sorbie has undergone a makeover. Not the man himself, of course, but his brand new Salon Approved collection. Divided into five ‘regimes’ (Straight, Colour, Volume, Curls & Waves and Frizzfree), much-loved hero products sit alongside newbies such as Colour Enhance Oil and Volume Big Hair Powder – all rebranded in slick new packaging. From £5.29; available at Boots, 35-37 Islington High Street, N1; trevorsorbie.com

GIVE IT SOME SMELLY We’re stoked that posh candle brand Diptyque is branching into skincare.

Based around the idea of ‘metamorphosis’, the product range will include lotions and potions produced according to the principles of ‘lightness, fluidity and freshness’, and if the candles are anything to go by, they’ll smell divine.

Prices start at £35; spacenk.com

3 OF THE BEST

TONERS 1

3 2

1. Murad Essential C Toner, £34, Smooth You Dalston; murad.co.uk 2. Carita Lagoon Water, £34; carita.co.uk 3. de Mamiel Spring Facial Mist, £42; demamiel.com

From £200, Waterhouse Young Clinic, 21 Devonshire Street, W1; waterhouseyoung.com

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ABSOLUTELY PROMOTION

Health Kick Herbalised UK offer a new approach to weight loss, fitness and superior health

ith reports of the hottest summer on record just around the corner, it’s time to don the bikinis and lose the shirts! However, showing more skin isn’t a welcome thought for everyone; for those feeling uncomfortable about their weight, its practically torture. That’s where Herbalised UK comes in.

A neighbourhood-based service provider, Herbalised UK is not about miracle cures (that always inevitably fail) but about good nutrition and providing advice, care and the right products to community members, in addition to informing people about the importance of nutrition for optimum health and wellness.

Of course, everyone is different.

Lifestyles vary and people lose weight at different rates, which is why

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Herbalised UK aim to tailor their plans to the individual. This begins with an with an initial assessment, which looks to identify any areas of concern and allow coaches to formulate a plan to improve them. The service is not all to do with superficial enhancement, however – Herbalised UK also carry out Health Checks in order to analyze specific internal areas of the body to determine any problems that could possibly to lead to long-term illness. The tests include the use of advanced computer equipment to diagnose areas of concern including body fat percentage, visceral fat rating (internal fat around vital organs) and BMI. All these will help a nutrition coach to come up with the best course of action, based on the facts. The bespoke element of Herbalised UK sets them apart, removing the frustration

“ A neighbourhoodbased service provider, Herbalised UK is not about miracle cures ”

of endlessly dieting with no results.

By prioritizing health, Herbalised UK allows you to lose weight in a safe and effective way. By summer, you’ll be the first one at the pool!

HIGHLIGHTS • Full evaluation including Body Fat %, Visceral Fat Rating, Body Mass Index and Basic Metabolic Rate • A report on internal body stats • Information on life threatening conditions resulting in an individual report with a consultation with expertly trained nutrition coaches • Coaches to advise on how to progress through the course and remedy any undesired results.

Advice and care 100% of the time so you achieve the perfect results.

Get in touch now on 0844 543 3900 info@herbalised.co.uk 3 Oakleigh Road North, Whetstone, N20; herbalised.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY B E AUT Y

EDITOR’S PICK

Crabtree & Evelyn Wisteria Eau de Toilette, £28; crabtree-evelyn.co.uk

Mac A Fantasy of Flowers in the Meadow Mineralize Eye Shadow, £17; maccosmetics.co.uk Clinique Happy in Bloom Perfume, £26.50; selfridges.com Lanolips Lip Ointment in Rose, £7.99; boots.com

Marks & Spencer Florentyna Eau de Toilette, £12.50; marksandspencer.com

Daisy!

Aromatherapy Associates Orange Flower Moisturiser, £47; aromatherapyassociates.com

DAISY! 10 of the best beauty products inspired by Mother Nature

Caudalie Small Harvests Limited Edition Hand and Nail Cream in Blackcurrant Leaf, £6; caudalie.com

Paul & Joe Secret Garden Collection Eye Colour Palette, £11; asos.com

Marc Jacobs Daisy Delight Edition Eau de Toilette, £48; debenhams.com

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil, £30; renskincare.com

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INTERIOR DESIGN

07850101011

sarah ross.indd 2

SPACE PLANNING DECORATION AND FURNISHING

interiors@sarahrossdesign.com

DESIGN & BUILD LIGHTING

www.sarahrossdesign.com

10/02/2014 17:23

ABSOLUTELY B E AUT Y

EDITOR’S PICK

Mallow

Anne Gerard Parfum Cuir de Nacre, £100 for 60ml

Osmanthus

Parfumerie Générale L’eau de Circé, £81.50 for 50ml

Frangipani

Huitième Art Parfums Manguier Metisse, £88 for 50ml

Lotus

Les Parfum des Rosine Rose d`Ete, £84 for 100ml

HEAVEN

Rose

Parfumerie Générale Summer Roses of Isparta, £81.50 for 50ml

SCENT

Top Spring picks from artisan perfumery Bloom of Shoreditch

Lilac

L’eau de Phaedon by Phaedon Paris, £69 for 100ml

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LondonEyeHospital

TM

World leader in ophthalmology

0808 2713691 With state-of-the-art facilities in Harley Street and Wimpole Street – right in the heart of London’s internationally-acclaimed medical district – the London Eye Hospital is a dedicated ophthalmic hospital treating all eye conditions and caring for patients from all around the world.

We offer the very best in patient care, comfort and service and use the most advanced, proven techniques and technology – often unavailable elsewhere – to deliver freedom from glasses and contacts. Our comprehensive treatments also extend to retinal and plastic surgery. Above all, we make sure we fully understand your condition and lifestyle before identifying a range of treatment options – and then help you choose the best one for you.

Our ophthalmic surgeons are the most experienced and highly qualified in their field. All new patients are allocated a UK-trained consultant chosen to match their specific needs – backed up at all times by our specialist nursing team.

Whether you are attending for your first consultation, or day-case surgery and follow-up appointments, the London Eye Hospital offers easy access by rail, road and air – plus the chance to combine your visit with all that London has to offer.

Surgical Department London Eye Hospital 29a Wimpole Street London W1G 8GP UK

Out Patient Department London Eye Hospital 4 Harley Street London W1G 9PB UK

Telephone: Local: 0808 2713691 / Overseas: +44 (0) 207 060 2602

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ABSOLUTELY B E AUT Y

M A K E U P

I N S I D E R BURBERRY SS14

Arabella Preston on how to get that springtime bloom in your cheeks

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EDITOR’S PICK

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omen have been reddening their cheeks for millennia in a bid to attract a mate. Flushed cheeks speak on a primal level of youth, health and heightened sexuality.

Thankfully modern make-up is a million miles away from the ochre and wine residue of Roman times. Powders, gels, tints, creams – there’s a plethora of products to choose from, in shades from palest peaches and pretty pinks to the perfect dusky rose.

Ultimately, blush is about bringing a natural-looking health and glow back to your skin. Think about how you look after a run or exercise class. Flushed cheeks and a dewy glow are the elixir of youth.

Traditional powder blushes give a lovely soft finish and are easiest to use and get right.

Burberry have a wonderfully subtle tangerine blush with the merest hint of a sheen.

Cream blushes are the best for adding moisture to your skin and enhancing that misty youthfulness. I love the Wild About Beauty multi-purpose tint: it can be used on the apples of your cheeks (dab into the centre then pull out onto your cheekbone), but also makes a lovely lip colour.

Gels are the latest products to bring a flush to our cheeks. They give the glow of a cream but the staying power of a powder. The By Terry Cellularose Blush is a knock-out. The colours look extreme in the pot but when dabbed and blended into skin turn into the subtlest, sheerest tint imaginable. And Benefit has a new tint this spring in the form of Lollitint – a glorious lilac-toned hue that requires immediate blending on application but won’t budge once dry.

But we have to leave the final word to the make-up maestro Francois Nars.

His product names are notorious, with his best-selling Orgasm Blush telling it like it is.

The latest launch is called, quite simply, Sex Fantasy. I rest my case.

1 Chantecaille Cheek Creme

£19.50; uk.spacenk.com 2 NARS Blush in Sex Fantasy

£21.50; uk.spacenk.com 3 Benefit Lollitint

£24.50; benefitcosmetics.co.uk 4 Clarins Multi-Blush Cream Blush

£18; clarins.com 5 Burberry Light Glow Tangerine Blush

£29; uk.burberry.com 6 By Terry Cellularose Blush Glace in Flower Sorbet

£38; uk.spacenk.com 7 YSL Blush Palette

£42.50; yslbeauty.co.uk 8 Wild About Beauty Multi-purpose Tint in Lynee

£16.50; wildaboutbeauty.com

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ABSOLUTELY PROMOTION

Neighbourhood

WATC H East London used to be the preserve of butchers and bakers - now it’s the natural home of boutique businesses and specialist suppliers.

MEXICAN WAVE ree from the usual Mexicana cliches (sombreros, droopy moustaches) and rich in imaginative culinary ideas, Boho Mexica is a strong contender for the crown of best Mexican restaurant in London.

The low-key, low-lit ambiance is perfect for romantic meals or fun with friends, and the cocktails are on another level.

Just don’t say ‘Ay, caramba’.

151-153 Commercial Street, E1; bohomexica.co.uk

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VISIT OLD SPITALFIELDS MARKET

BRANCH ON THE PARK ranch on the park is Victoria Park’s treasure trove of a jewellery shop.

Owner Goldsmith Julia Cook has been quietly yet very efficiently covering London and much further afield with her jewels.

Pop in and buy jewellery straight from the cabinets or get more involved and commission Julia to make something special in her unique style, always a very pleasurable process. Shop prices start from £10. 0208 5337977

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branchonthepark.co.uk

ead to Old Spitalfields Market on Monday 5 May for a full day of African fashion, arts & crafts, edu-tainment, live music, networking and food as well as a free drumming workshop, West-African storytelling, styling sessions, face-painting, workshops for the kids and a fashion catwalk on stage! spitalfields.co.uk

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EASTEND PRINTS rom her gritty, urban work space in Shoreditch, Helen Edwards runs the independent art printpublishers and online shop, East End Prints. Whilst entertaining her two year old son, she spends most of her time seeking out fabulous and talented emerging artists and illustrators to sell online and via art markets.

Local stockists of her prints include the East London Design Store and Tuk CIC; eastendprints.co.uk

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THE MERCANTILE

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he Mercantile is an

independent women’s clothing boutique and a truly special find. Based on the outer edge of Spitalfields Market housed in an old grocers store on Lamb Street, it is packed full of contemporary labels from across the globe. Each piece is carefully selected and curated mixing together entry point brands with designer, fairtrade and artisan.

Service is friendly and the atmosphere relaxed and laid back.

themercantilelondon.com

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Now serving authentic Mexican BRUNCH on SUNDAYS BOHOMexica MEXICA.indd 2 Boho Sept12.indd 1

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ABSOLUTELY FOOD

Nice ‘n’ Spicy THERE’S NARY A DISH IN EXISTENCE that doesn’t benefit from a little spice, as John Gregory-Smith well knows.

The Hackney chef has scoured the globe for recipes for Mighty Spice Express, his second cookbook to specialise in the exotic, dried and delicious – and this time every dish is designed to be rustled up in minutes. Time to spice up your life.

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fo o d

news

MY LOCAL LARDER SAM WILLIAMS is Head Chef at Café Murano and lives in Limehouse he wealth and variety of produce available in East London is enough to keep any chef on their toes. While there is plenty to get excited about, a favourite destination of mine is the London Honey Company, which produces hives from urban bees – some of their hives are on the roofs of high-rise flats! Their honey provides the Café Murano cheesboard with a unique frame and is totally delicious. As a honey enthusiast, another personal favourite is Isle of Purbeck honey, a vibrant and distinctive Spring honey characterised by nectar from the tiny, white horn blossom.

Billingsgate Fish Market is right on my doorstep, and when I get a chance I love rising at the crack of dawn and heading out to watch the punters bargaining for their prized fish. The range of fresh produce on offer is really impressive and I never leave emptyhanded – usually I have a lobster or two and some beautiful hand-dived scallops tucked under my arm. Maltby Street Market is another winner, and I often saunter down the Ropewalk on Saturdays, sampling the artisan produce. For any odds and ends, or just for a browse, I’ll stroll down to Spitalfields Market.

For a glass of red, Sager and Wilde is a great place to chill. The staff are always pleasant and have a real understanding of what they offer.

Another favourite haunt is Merchants Tavern for when I’m in the mood for a Negroni in front of the fire. For a full local dinner, I really enjoy visiting Zucca on Bermondsey Street. Sam Harris is a fantastic chef, so you’re always guaranteed a good meal – and the venue itself is so vibrant. cafemurano.co.uk

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MUST TRY

BONNIE GULL nother new opening on the nautical theme is Bonnie Gull Seafood Cafe, Clerkenwell’s version of Noho’s Bonnie Gull Seafood Shack. The Foley Street original is known and loved for its ‘shells and rolls’, a range of perfectly prepared oysters, crabs, mussels, fish finger sandwiches and the like – all of which can be taken away or enjoyed in the ‘Fifties British seaside’ surrounds of the restaurant itself. We look forward to paying the Exmouth Market iteration a visit…

55-57 Exmouth Market, EC1; bonniegull.com

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Makes Thi

RECIPE of the month FOR THE TAHINI YOGHURT:  300g/10½oz/scant 1¼ cups yoghurt  2 tbsp tahini  ½ lemon TO S E RV E

1 bag of green salad I N ST R U C T I O N S

Book of the month

EAT, DRINK, NAP Soho House, international members’ club and general purveyor of luxury, has published a beautifully illustrated 300-page book that reveals the secrets behind the club’s best-loved recipes and ace interiors: from a foolproof mac ‘n’ cheese to high-end wallpaper. Look through the keyhole of the coolest house on the block with this gorgeous coffee-table book. £30; Preface Publishing

OCEAN VOYAGE Events specialist Platterform has returned to the Hothouse in London Fields for its latest pop-up project: an 81-day adventure themed around maritime exploration and the Age of Discovery. Guests can sip nautical cocktails at the Captain’s Bar or swill cask ales and rum rations in the Barrel Hold, while a rotating crew of visiting chefs mastermind a seafood extravaganza. The whole affair will last just 81 days… so don’t miss the boat. Access via arch on Martello Street, E8; platterform.com

SAFFRON CHICKEN MANSAF WITH TAHINI YOGHURT & GREEN SALAD S E RV E S F O U R

READY IN 40 MINUTES mansaf is a Jordanian dish traditionally made with lamb and served on a huge platter. The lamb is cooked with a thick yoghurt sauce and served on a bed of rice, with nuts and herbs scattered over the top. It’s a dish meant for sharing, as is this fast interpretation.

My version is made with chicken thighs instead of lamb and is seriously spiced up with saffron, cinnamon, cardamom and a heavy grating of nutmeg. Instead of making a traditional yoghurt sauce, I have included a speedy variation using yoghurt blended with wonderfully rich tahini and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Although I have used parsley, pine nuts and almonds to serve with the mansaf, you could add other herbs and nuts instead. Go crazy – for a great mansaf, the more you throw on top the better. The only thing I would insist on is that you share your mansaf with friends and family over a really good bottle of wine!

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INGREDIENTS

FOR THE SAFFRON CHICKEN MANSAF:  350g/12oz/1¾ cups basmati rice  600ml/21fl oz/scant 2½ cups chicken stock  ¼ tsp saffron threads  2 onions  3 tbsp olive oil  6 cardamom pods  4 garlic cloves  2 tsp ground cinnamon  3 bay leaves  500g/1lb 2oz boneless, skinless chicken thighs  55g/2oz/heaped ⅓ cup pine nuts  1 large handful of parsley leaves  ½ nutmeg  55g/2oz/scant ⅔ cup flaked almonds  sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

* Put the rice in a bowl, cover with cold water and stir. Leave to one side for a few minutes to soak and allow the starch to release. Pour the stock into a saucepan and bring to the boil over a medium heat. Once boiled, add the saffron, stir well and remove from the heat. * Meanwhile, peel and slice the onions. Heat the oil in a large, shallow saucepan over a medium heat and add the onions. Mix well and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden. * Crush the cardamom pods by pressing down with the side of a knife, and add them to the cooked onions. Peel and crush in the garlic, then add the cinnamon, bay leaves and a good pinch of salt. Drain the rice and tip it into the pan. Mix well so that the grains become coated in the oil and spices. * Pour over the saffron stock and stir gently.

Put the chicken thighs on top of the rice and poke them down with a spoon. * Bring to the boil, cover, reduce the heat to low and cook for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. * While the chicken and rice cook, put the pine nuts in a small frying pan over a medium heat and toast for 4–5 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until golden. Remove from the heat and leave to one side. * To make the tahini yoghurt, tip the yogurt into a serving bowl, add the tahini and a good pinch of salt. Squeeze in the juice from the lemon, mix well and add a grinding of pepper.

Leave to one side. * Finely chop the parsley and leave to one side, then tip the salad into a serving bowl. Once the saffron mansaf is cooked, grate over the nutmeg and add half the pine nuts, flaked almonds and parsley. Season with salt and pepper, and mix well with a fork. Scatter over the remaining nuts and parsley, and serve with the yoghurt and green salad.

Taken from Mighty Spice Express by John Gregory-Smith (published by Duncan Baird Watkins, £20), available to buy on Amazon.

Find more cooking advice from John Gregory-Smith at eattravellive.com.

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FROM LIMA TO LIVERPOOL STREET

Absolutely talks to Martin Morales, London’s ceviche king, about quinoa, cocktails and what makes Peruvian cuisine so special ABSOLUTELY You’ve led a pretty colourful and successful life thus far; what made you quit the corporate world to pursue cooking?

MARTIN MORALES I’ve worked for companies both small and large, as well as on my own projects from DJing to producing events that bring food and music together. I suppose I have worked for brands like Disney and Apple that could be called ‘corporate,’ but it was the creative elements of these jobs that appealed to me. At university I ran an event called Global Kitchen with food and music from around the world and I have always done supper clubs. For the last ten years, I’ve wanted to work with Peruvian food and culture. It’s my background, I was born in Peru, I’ve been cooking since I was nine years

old and I’m crazy about Peruvian cuisine. While at Disney I started to think about how I could do it more permanently and make it my living. It was time I stopped talking about doing it and did it.

ABSOLUTELY What has been the highlight of your various careers? Is there an underlying theme to everything you’ve done?

MARTIN MORALES I see my role as restaurateur and chef as being hugely creative. I feel like an artist before anything else. It is frustrating when you work in a larger company and your creative streak can’t be harnessed so easily. I like working with an audience and customer base; that was the case when I was a DJ and when I was signing music acts to record labels.

“ Peru is the country with the most national dishes in the world. ”

ABSOLUTELY How did you find the process of becoming a restaurateur? It’s a notoriously difficult business...

MARTIN MORALES It was a big gamble. My family and I nearly went bankrupt. We sold our house and, luckily, through a steady following and exciting investors, eventually managed to open Ceviche in Soho (in 2012). But I’ve never been happier than now – my work and private life are not separate but completely interlinked. We aren’t perhaps as financially comfortable, but I am my own boss, in charge of my own future and I love every minute of what I do. I also take the responsibility of employment very seriously. By bringing something special to the neighbourhood, my hope is for it to be enjoyed by all, from shareholders to employees. I see opening restaurants as a chance to tell a story.

ABSOLUTELY You’ve received a lot of good press from food critics – notably the hardto-impress Giles Coren. Is support like that valuable?

MARTIN MORALES Opening a restaurant is a huge endeavour. It’s a performance where you’re being watched every minute of every day that you’re open.

The demands are enormous and the kitchen can be a hostile environment. I try to make my restaurants enjoyable and fair places to be. Egos are left outside the door and employees are free to be creative, to be pioneers.

Ceviche has become a place where chefs and restaurateurs go to eat and when they come in, we treat them like kings because we know how hard the business is and how hard they’ve been working. We earn our stripes person by person. We’re also blessed to be in London, where customers are excited about the 'new'.

ABSOLUTELY Your second restaurant, Andina, is in Shoreditch; did you expressly want to open a restaurant in the area?

MARTIN MORALES Ceviche feels completely part of the Soho neighbourhood. We opened Andina at the end of 2013 and its proposition was different. I’ve lived and worked in East London for years so I feel a kinship with it. The restaurant is a sanctuary amid the madness and fun of Shoreditch. There’s a café area by the entrance, a juice bar and a games and

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ABSOLUTELY FOOD

music room for private dining – and it’s an all-day affair with breakfast. The food is Andean, where Ceviche focuses on coastal cuisine. Every dish and cocktail on the menu is different apart from the Pisco Sour.

ABSOLUTELY Can we attribute the recent explosion of interest in ceviche to you?

MARTIN MORALES I’d like to think we played a part in that. There have been Peruvian restaurants in the UK before but none that had the vision to express traditional dishes in a modern and fun way. We don’t just do it for hard, ugly cash but for the love of cooking, out of a desire to uphold the quality of the cooking. We threw the dice and the risk has paid off in terms of customer numbers and feedback. Ceviche itself has been around for 2,000 years, but the UK wasn’t really aware of it. Even now there are recipes which don’t pay attention to the particulars of the balance of lime, chilli and salt, or that treat it like a floppy salad. We try to pioneer extreme flavours and Tiger’s Milk, which we use, is now appearing as an ingredient elsewhere – even fast food restaurants are looking at what we’re doing. It’s wonderful.

ABSOLUTELY What marks Peruvian cuisine out from other Central or South American cooking?

MARTIN MORALES Peruvians are obsessed with food; that’s not always the case in other countries. We have a mixture of unique influences from our indigenous cultures as well as ingredients that can only be found in Peru. The migrations of so many cultures to the country has led to a fusion of ingredients and a gastronomic legacy not found anywhere else.

The biodiversity is immense too, with different ingredients growing at

different altitudes. Peru is the country with the most national dishes in the world, as per the Guinness Book of Records.

ABSOLUTELY

And how is Andean cuisine

be any boundaries. What better way to get our music out there than to set up our own label? We’ve released a compilation – Peru Maravilloso – which represents the best tracks from the late Sixties to the early Seventies in Peru.

different?

MARTIN MORALES Andean culture is derived from the Incas, as well as pre-Columbian and pre-Incan cultures before that. We’re talking more about the use of quinoa and different types of corn. There are 3,500 different types of potato in the world and 2,500 come from Peru! The oldest peanut was found in Peru and dates back 7,000 years. Certain types of beans and chilli come from the Andes, so the variety is huge and that forms the basis of a lot of Peruvian cooking.

ABSOLUTELY You set up a record label, Tiger’s Milk, with the express purpose of supporting and promoting Peruvian music. How does that work in a restaurant setting?

MARTIN MORALES The idea is to be creative whether that be in music or cooking, and I don’t think there should

ABSOLUTELY Tell us about the cookbook and Amantani.

MARTIN MORALES I am a trustee for Amantani – a charity that manages safe boarding houses for deprived children living in the Quechua district of southern Peru. We now have three of these ‘educational homes’ and through the cookbook, Ceviche Peruvian Kitchen, plus Tiger’s Milk and various events, we raise funds for them. The book is relaunching soon with local versions in the U.S, Holland, Sweden, France, Germany and Peru – and £1 of every sale will go to the charity.

amantani.org.uk; 1 Redchurch Street, E1; andinalondon.com

MEET MY WORLD Martin Morales and the Andina team are inviting guests on a culinary tasting tour of the Andes of Peru.

Expect a series of short films made by Peruvian children alongside an array of bite-sized Peruvian delicacies – so you can eat what you see on screen.

6-7 May, Millbank Cinema & Media Centre, Millbank Tower, 21-24 Millbank, SW1; meetmyworld.org

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FOOD REVIEW

PISCO SOUR SERVES 1 • 50ml Pisco Acholado • 1 egg white • 3 drops of Angostura or chuncho bitters

FOR THE SOUR MIX • 30ml lime juice • 20ml sugar syrup

ANDINA

HELEN BARON takes a tasting tour of Peru – without leaving East London

P

eruvian food is high on London’s agenda right now. Once the favourite talking-point of smug travellers newly returned from South America, we have Martin Morales to thank for making it available to everyone in London.

A Peruvian-born DJ and media executive-turned-chef, Morales risked everything to found Ceviche in Soho. It was a canny move. Giles Coren labelled the restaurant ‘the dieter’s restaurant dream’ and the foodie world’s high-fliers flocked to check it out.

The public did the same, and soon there came a cookbook (named The Sunday Times Cookbook of the Year) and even a record label.

Given such remarkable success, an East London outpost was a logical next step, and the result is Shoreditch’s Andina, which takes Morales’ love of Peruvian food and culture and gives it a sharp new spin.

Andina’s menu is distinct from that of Ceviche – only the

signature Pisco Sour cocktail turns up on both. Ceviche (the foodstuff, that is, not Morales’ restaurant) is Peru’s answer to sushi, and while it’s represented here (of course) the overarching theme is food from the mountainous Andean region rather than the coast. Clearly the Andes are fertile ground for foodies, then, because Andina’s menu is so rich in exotic offerings that it comes with a glossary of ingredients.

My companion and I are here for dinner, and the key, we are advised, is to mix and match the small dishes and sample a diverse range of delicacies.

Ceviche is a must, obviously, and the mark of quality is in the ratio of ingredients; fish comes sliced and full of flavour, the delicious Tiger’s Milk marinade zingy with lime. It’s also healthy, a nice change from the capital’s current obsession with ‘gourmet’ fast food. Even my companion’s quinoa burgerbrioche bun, feels comfortably light and free of junk.

We order a superfruit smoothie as a nutritious precursor to several colourful Pisco-based cocktails.

But you don’t have to eat healthily: the desserts especially are as sticky, sweet and exciting as you’ll find. We rounded off our meal with a mini wooden canoe of lightly powdered and gratifyingly crispy pumpkin doughnuts (or picarones) complete with purple maize syrup and chocolate fudge.

With Andina, Morales has succeeded in cultivating something different from Ceviche in Soho and it feels like one of the few places in East London that can happily mix it up with bankers, hipsters and the average Joe alike. There are colourful, characterful touches – the Peruvian retablos on the way to the loos, the private dining room with its wall of vintage Peruvian vinyl. And the menu is simply outstanding. The food here tastes new, which is a rare thing; it’s also very reasonably priced, and brought to you by staff who seem genuinely eager to share with you the delights of Peruvian cuisine.

Cynical Londoners beware: the Latin welcome here may well bring a smile to your jaded mush.

If it doesn’t, the food certainly will.

1 Redchurch Street, E2; andinarestaurant.com

There are two ways to make this cocktail. You can either put all the ingredients into a blender with three ice cubes and blend until smooth, or you can fill a shaker with ice, add the other ingredients and shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds.

Carefully hold the froth back with the lid of the shaker or blender and pour the liquid into a chilled glass; you will still end up with a drink with a good head of foam. To serve, add three drops of bitters.

NOTES

Chuncho bitters is a Peruvian bitters made from Andean herbs or Angostura bitters makes an excellent substitute.

If you need to make more than one drink, note that one egg white will make enough froth for four drinks if blended or two drinks if shaken.

SUGAR SYRUP You can buy this syrup, but it’s much cheaper and quicker to make at home and is better fresh and chilled. Measure 100g granulated sugar into a jug and pour over 100ml freshly boiled water. Stir until all the sugar has dissolved and then chill. A quick way to do this is to plunge the jug into a bowl of iced water.

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HOME TRUTHS Absolutely takes a tour of designer Ally Capellino’s Victorian conversion flat in Dalston

A

lly Capellino, who launched her first collection in 1980, is the designer of enduringly popular leather accessories and handbags toted by some of London’s most fashion-forward trend-setters. Having lived in various East End locations over the years, she now resides with her two children in a bright and airy Victorian conversion in Dalston. It was the ‘upside-down’ layout of the flat – with the sitting room and kitchen on the upper ground floor and the bedrooms and bathrooms on the floor below – that first attracted her, along with the high ceilings and abundance of natural light.

Capellino immediately set about making the space her own, painting the doors and skirting boards black and laying wood floors throughout, which she also painted black in the sitting room and kitchen.

‘I wanted it to have a feeling of light and space, but at the same time be homely and comfortable,’ she says. ‘I’m not very good at chucking anything away, so inevitably it’s more messy than I’d like!’

Double glass doors were added at the rear of the kitchen overlooking the garden, along with a balcony so that she and the children could enjoy breakfast on the sunny terrace. The glass doors allow even more light to flood into

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the room, which also has floorto-ceiling windows at both ends.

Well-known for her use of durable yet beautiful materials in her bag designs, Capellino’s home reflects her simple, pared-back aesthetic.

A huge wooden table, which had a former life as a countertop in her Wardour Street shop, now has pride of place in the kitchen.

‘It slides around on some old Habitat trestles, but we can get up to about twenty people around it,’ she says. ‘It’s a lovely piece of very heavy oak.’

When Capellino first moved into the house, the lower ground floor had just two rooms, which she describes as ‘dreary’. To these she added en-suite bathrooms, creating restful bedroom suites for herself and the children that open out onto the large garden with its fruit trees and flowering shrubs.

Her own bedroom is decorated

simply, with an orange monk’s habit functioning as a colourful bedspread, while her bathroom is lined with bright yellow tiles, both colours that feature heavily in her collections.

‘I’m a bit of a hippy, I suppose,’ she says, ‘and I love to be surrounded by things that I’ve picked up on travels, or that have been given to me and hold some nice memories.’

Ally describes her home as a work in progress.

‘I’m lucky enough to be in a job where visual stimulation is part of my research,’ she explains, ‘and so it is something that’s always feeding me.’

The most important thing to her when decorating is that the objects she brings home have meaning and are connected to the people and places she loves.

‘I don’t shop for anything, I’m a complete impulse buyer. I went shopping recently because all our cushions had fallen to pieces, but I didn’t see anything to connect with. Then my son and his girlfriend bought some wacko fabric in the market, and made up some cushions for my birthday. I don’t know how well they go, but they have a story and a link to something important, so they work.’

Extracted from Creative Living London, published by Thames & Hudson at £19.95 allycapellino.co.uk

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A B S O LU T ELY I NTE R I O R S

GET THE LOOK

Absolutely shows you how to recreate the style of Ally Capellino’s quirky, vibrant living room

Pattern Print Curtains

Liberty of London has long led the way in printed textiles. A room can quickly become too busy with a heap of mismatching prints, so keep the patterns sparse in number and subtle in hue. The soft blue offers a calm contrast to the attentiongrabbing sofa and the delicate pattern frames the magnificent window. Asaka C Tana Lawn art print, £22 per metre; liberty.co.uk

Moroccan Pouffe

Capellino’s wanderlust and eye for the exotic have resulted in a rich, organic aesthetic that runs throughout her home. An authentic Moroccan pouffe is a subtle, fun way to add a touch of spice to your living room. From £59.99; moroccanbazaar.co.uk

Pop Sofa

A retro-inspired sofa in a bright colour adds character while keeping things clean and contemporary. This Graham & Green model comes in a cotton or a luxurious velvet fabric, for an even softer and more bohemian feel. From £1,595; grahamandgreen.co.uk

Floor Lamp Reel Table

The theme of repurposed objects continues with Capellino’s large coffee table of upcycled wood, which started life as a giant cable reel. The reclaimed wood and markings give the piece a brilliantly authentic flavour. Cable Coffee Table by Salvation Furniture, £350; notonthehighstreet.com

Floor lamps of the Anglepoise variety add real character to a space, looking as they do like some lanky relative of Wall-E come to glow cheerily at your shoulder. There are many and varied alternatives to the classic design available these days, and they don’t have to break the bank. Antwerp Matt Stone Oversized Floorlamp, £275; heals.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY INTERIORS CLERKENWELL DESIGN WEEK 2014: THE PICK OF THE BUNCH

I N T E R I O R

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Wallpaper Magazine recently named Wireflow the winner of their ‘Best Line Work’ award – which is a posh way of saying that Arik Levy’s new pendant lighting collection is a-m-a-z-i-n-g.

Described by their creator as ‘sculptures of light in space’, the lights look like 3D blueprints peeled from the page and suspended in air: the perfect blend of structure and subtlety.

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WOOP STUDIOS Initially, it’s an odd premise, but look closer at Woop Studios and we defy you not to be fascinated.

Bringing a singular slant to the weird and wonderful world of collective nouns - as in ‘a murder of crows’ or ‘a charm of finches’ - the firm’s graphics are bold, bright and a guaranteed talking point – no less than you’d expect from the team who spent much of the past decade working on the Harry Potter franchise. woopstudios.com

EDITOR’S PICK

CHAIRMAN WOW

This Babe armchair from Munna’s new Time Collection is too cool for school…. so buy it for the home instead.

POA; munnadesign.co.uk

4

5 1. Louis Chair, £1,695; andthendesign.co.uk 2. Canteen Utility Chair, £246; verygoodandproper.co.uk 3. Jasper Morrison CAP Chair, £POA; cappellini.it/en 4. Motek Chair, £POA; cassina.com 5. Mary Q Chair, £POA; munnadesign.com

GO POTTY London-based designer Hend Krichen works in tandem with artisans in her native Tunisia to produce handmade luxury homewares drawing on her birth country’s long history. The Tunisia Made project has given rise to a diverse range of ceramic accessories that blur the line between objects and art, ensuring that the best traditional techniques result in pieces of the finest quality. We love. hendkrichen.com

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I M M A C U L AT E CONCEPTION Jessica Batten discovers much to love in the unsung Italian region of Puglia

taly might not seem the ideal destination for a traveller in search of the unexpected; after all, the entire world is aware of the glories of the Old Country, from ancient Roman architecture to the style and sophistication of modern Milan. Most of us have seen too many snaps of goofy tourists prodding the leaning tower of Pisa for its oddness to capture our imaginations, and a single afternoon in Florence is enough to show that, whatever the magnificence of its attractions, they’re anything but undiscovered.

Casting your wondering gaze on the original Venus de Milo is all very

well, but nothing robs the moment of its magic like a two-hour queue and an accompaniment of squawking school-kids. Take heart, though, because there’s still one corner of Italy that can provoke a revelation or two.

Puglia is a huge region in the heel of the Italian boot that’s as rich in history as it is poor in actual wealth.

Long neglected in favour of sparklier cousins such as Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast, a series of recent investments have begun to open the area up to holidaymakers, who are discovering that what Puglia lacks in glitz it more than makes up for in scenic beauty, traditional charm and exquisite food. What Puglia also has is Borgo Eznazia, a truly startling luxury complex located 45 minutes from Bari airport. Hidden

away along winding roads in the deep southern countryside, it brands itself ‘a new concept in hospitality’ – and to be fair, it does offer something remarkably different.

Puglia is a dry yet fertile region of low limestone hills and rolling plains dotted with grottos and sinkholes, and the design of Borgo Eznazia takes this landscape as its inspiration, melding traditional forms with contemporary craftsmanship in strange and striking ways. The intention was to create a classic Puglian village tailored to very modern mores, and the ten-year project (which began in 1996) saw the owners plough €150 million into its construction.

The resulting estate is spectacular and utterly unique, feeling at once completely new and as if it has lain

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there undisturbed for centuries.

Built from ‘tufo’, a local limestone, virtually every aspect of the architecture and interiors bears witness to the region’s history.

Glass walls showcase agricultural produce such as almonds and wheat, while antique farmers’ keys and piles of old newspapers (formerly used by farm wives for kindling) testify to the subsistence lifestyles of rural days gone by. The complex’s main building is built in the style of a masseria, a fortified farmhouse specific to Puglia, while the guest accommodations echo other forms of local dwelling. There’s La Corte, the main house, elegant and tranquil; Il Borgo, a ‘village’ of stylish contemporary apartments; and Le Ville, an assortment of indulgent private villas complete with chefs and private pools. My partner and I stayed in Il Borgo, which was perfect for us: relaxed yet lively with no lack of luxuries. The overall vibe was poised somewhere between sleepy hill town and buzzing film set, with cobbled streets opening on to a charming piazza that hosts live entertainment every night during peak season. Cinema screenings, markets and music are just a few of the treats on the menu, all of which gain from the beautiful landscaping and flowering bougainvillea that trail over every wall, rooftop and neatly placed rural relic. If it sounds like Disney World via Cinema Paradiso, that’s because it is – but the artificiality of the environment is so brilliantly (not to mention expensively) realised that it never feels wrong. Indeed, this is where

Justin Timberlake married Jessica Biel: an A-list endorsement if ever there was one.

As if the singular styling of Borgo Egnazia isn’t pleasant surprise enough, Puglian gastronomy provides another revelation. Lovers of all things fishy will be in heaven, and the olives are out of this world.

With six restaurants and bars on site (though not all of them open in low season), the options available range from haute cuisine to rustic Italian comfort food. The chef in charge of it all is Mario Musoni, a Michelinstarred maestro and leading light in the Slow Food movement. Musoni believes in zero food miles, and most of the produce used on the complex comes from its own estate. The results are gorge-worthy.

Of course, eating feels so much better when you’ve earned it, and another advantage of Borgo Egnazia’s completist approach is that a veritable mountain of activities is available to exercise body and mind, from bike riding and watersports on the estate’s private beach to ceramics classes; in that sense, it’s a great place for

a family trip. A few days in and already fearful of our return flight, we made a bid to take a slice of Italy home with us, signing up for a cookery class hosted by a real live farmer’s wife. Using the freshest of ingredients (the tomatoes were almost laughably red) we made a simple pasta dish that tasted about three million times better than anything you might find at home. Not that we could recreate it later; some of the magic of the surroundings must have leached into the sauce.

Last but not least on our hit-list was a trip to the estate’s Vair Spa, which stays true to the aims of the hotel by offering only Italian

products and a variety of traditional treatments. My massage, followed by a private soak in the Roman bath, was just the thing to ease away the last few cares of home, and put me in good shape for a few forays into the countryside around the complex.

It’s tempting, of course, to stay in Borgo Egnazia (not to mention the spa itself) for the entirety of your stay, but a short drive around the local area reveals stunning coastal scenery, romantic olive groves and several beautiful small towns – including the fishing village of Gallipoli and Ostuni, a hill town of stunning white buildings.

Of course, the one road you want to avoid is the one back to Bari and the airport. Yet after a week in Borgo Egnazia, there’s at least one thing to reassure you as you wend your way back towards normal life – the fact that there are still amazing discoveries to be made, and that they aren’t always as far away as you might think.

Rooms at Borgo Egnazia range from 360E to 2000E a night. borgoegnazia.com

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THE RESTAU RANT

The restaurant is elegant enough for an evening out (as well as another

UK

g e t a w a y

CROWN AMERSHAM

lesson in interiors, thanks to its rustic industrial touches). The bar, too, is equally welcoming, with tasteful throws littering the timber benches. Moreover, the food is worth the trip alone: locally sourced ingredients from hand-picked suppliers are the key to the pub’s winning take on hearty, British classics.

No stodge and nothing boring here: just the kind of grub to make rainy nights indoors feel like a blessing rather than a curse. The desserts are a real highlight – the peanut butter ice-cream is the stuff room-service heaven is made of.

A

bevy of charming, timber-clad pubs line Amersham’s picture-perfect High Street, though The Crown, (as its name suggests) sits head and shoulders above the competition . The thoroughfare is an architectural historian’s dream, spanning five centuries and everything from Elizabethan inns and Georgian mansions to cute Victorian cottages. Most of the buildings have been sympathetically turned to new purposes, as dinky delis and inviting boutiques; it’s a contemporary Cranford, but in the best possible taste.

THE ROOMS Crawford’s design scheme tends toward the minimal, which means

THE HOTEL

rooms which exemplify the building’s working roots. Clean lines and crisp linens are punctuated by the bright red of Roberts radios, while more traditional, spartan touches come in the form of sheepskin rugs and Jakobs wool blankets. Rooms vary in size, with larger ones in the main inn and family suites with four-poster beds facing the outer courtyard. These all come with rainforest showers and (luxuriously, if you like a wallow) a roll-top bath in the bedroom. The beautifully fragrant smellies are by The White Company.

The Crown is an olde worlde Elizabethan coaching inn that’s been tastefully rejigged to suit the mores of the modern guest. The hotel appeared in the

film Four Weddings and a Funeral, and it’s clear why: a homely, antiquarian aesthetic is applied throughout, with the understated furnishings and old tones conjuring the kind of warmth set designers kill for. Despite the authenticity of the place, a make-over by interior designer Ilse Crawford (she of Soho House fame) has brought the hotel sharply up-to-date without losing any of its charm.

£ THE DAMAGE

Rooms in the main inn start at £129 and include breakfast.

16 High Street, Amersham, HP7 0DH; thecrownamersham.com 73

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A b u D h a b i? D o !

Adrenaline junkies, businessmen, sunseekers and tourists – Abu Dhabi has something for everyone.

Gemma Billington explores the UAE’s fast-paced, ever-changing capital

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When you think of the UAE, the mind tends to automatically picture the ostentatious glamour of Dubai, but Abu Dhabi (which is actually the capital Emirate) is hot on its glittering neighbour’s heels.

Unlike the colourful, exotic souks and bazaars depicted in the second Sex and the City movie, which was set in Abu Dhabi but filmed entirely in Morocco (though I suppose this particular gaffe is the least of the film’s problems), the city is an amalgamation of clean, highly modern structures and barren desert. Absolutely everything is pristine; from the expansive roads to the architecture, the impeccablydressed residents and their cars – which seem to only be available in white, silver or black. Even the sky itself is permanently devoid of unsightly clouds.

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D

escending blearyeyed into Abu Dhabi international airport at 1am, the pilot, in a jovial manner, informed us of our punctual arrival and that the weather outside was an eyebrow raising 31°C. Had I misheard? From the spectacular luxury of Etihad Airline’s pod-like seats in Pearl Business Class, everything was plush, cool and perfectly tranquil. As we swiftly made our way from the baggage reclaim area to a fleet of white taxis awaiting us, however, it transpired that the pilot had not, in fact, been exaggerating.

We stayed at the glamorous Rotana hotels and our first stop-off was at the man-made Yas Island, home to the famous Formula One racing circuit. There are plenty of uniquely UAE excursions to enjoy: shopping in enormous malls, eating out at world-class restaurants, dune buggy experiences, watersports, desert safaris.

There’s also a blossoming culture scene, with the intriguing (and controversial) Louvre Abu Dhabi – dubbed ‘the desert Louvre’ – due to open next year on nearby Saadiyat Island, along with the world’s largest Guggenheim and a performing arts centre designed by Zaha Hadid.

However, our first taste of Abu Dhabi was of its slightly less cultural attractions.

After a speedy visit (and dip) in the newlycompleted Yas Waterworld waterpark, we popped into Ferrari World, an enormous museum-cum-theme park which is conveniently (for adrenaline junkies) situated next door to the Formula One racing circuit. The sweeping, tent-like roof in trademark Ferrari red is practically a landmark of Yas Island, and car lovers will feel like they’ve died and gone to heaven. If you feel so inclined you can take a ride on the world’s fastest rollercoaster here – the Formula Rossa – which reaches speeds of 120mph in just six seconds.

For less high-octane experiences though,

Oman

Meaning ‘Green Mountain,’ Alila Jabal Akhdar is the first ever luxury resort to open in the stunning Al Hajar mountains of Oman. With sustainable architecture, a destination spa and a cliffside pool and restaurant overlooking the blankets of roses which swathe the highlands in spring, this new hotel is set to be a real Arabian beauty.

Room only starts from $310; alilahotels.com

Ritz Carlton Doha

Here at Absolutely we do love a good view and the Ritz Carlton Doha doesn’t fail to deliver. We love their fine dining restaurant La Mer with its unobstructed panoramas across the Doha skyline – quite possibly the city’s most romantic restaurant.

Guess what? The food isn’t half bad either. ritzcarlton.com

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try the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. One of the world’s largest and most expensive mosques (they do nothing by halves here) the building is a breathtaking feat of architecture; imposing, snow white and, as with the rest of Abu Dhabi, immaculate.

Despite being cloaked beneath a billowing abaya – as a woman, you are transformed into a concealed, floating pillar of black so as to abide by the mosque’s strict dress code – the atmosphere is relaxed, warm and welcoming. This reflects the current attitude of Abu Dhabi; one of underlying and unwavering tradition, but with a thoroughly modern perspective that embraces Western interests.

This is partly due to the fact that the UAE is a booming business epicentre, with a burgeoning media hub and an influx of expats. The ‘locals’ that I encountered were all from various backgrounds – India, Egypt, Algeria, Britain – and all described life in Abu Dhabi as a completely unique experience.

Nightlife is increasingly popular in Abu Dhabi though kept relatively low-key and tucked away inside hotel bars and clubs.

After a stunning Indian feast at Rangoli restaurant in Yas Island Rotana, we were whisked into town to a sister hotel to experience Abu Dhabi’s only Bavarian bar. Bustling and smoke-filled, I ordered

a Mojito (I’m no beer fan, much to the group’s dismay) and marvelled at the scenario. After all, there I sat quaffing a Spanish cocktail in a German-themed bar in the heart of the UAE. How’s that for multiculturalism?

No sooner had we settled back into Abu Dhabi than we were packed away into the white taxis again and driven bright and early to Fujairah – roughly a three-hour drive to the east.

The extreme contrasts between old and new are rarely more apparent than when witnessing them as a passenger. Huge, modern buildings give way to acres of desert, and I never did grow tired of the sight of wild camels.

We were put up in another Rotana hotel, the 5-star Al Aqah Beach Resort & Spa. With sandy beaches, inviting pools at every turn, colonial style rooms, cocktail bars and that intense, wonderful heat, it’s no surprise that cultural excursions are low on the agenda here. Another attraction of Fujairah is its unique location, as it borders the Indian Ocean instead of the Arabian Gulf, making it a haven for divers. We took a short boat trip to Snoopy Island (named after the Peanuts character as it resembles the lazy canine’s reclining silhouette) and went for a snorkel under the guidance of Frank, a mellow, nomadic diving instructor from Germany, who provided us with beers and sodas straight from the cool box after our dip.

All holidays have one lasting crystalline moment that you take home with you.

As I watched the sun begin its descent behind the looming Hajar mountains, the call to prayer suddenly began, like an ethereal choir formed from the mountains themselves. Cold drink in hand, refreshed from the swim with that beautiful sound reverberating through the air, I had a moment of clarity: it was this moment.

THE LOW DOWN Thomas Cook Signature – 5 nights in Abu Dhabi and Fujairah from £870 pp. Staying two nights at the 5 star Yas Island Rotana on Yas Island and three nights at the Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa in Fujairah on room and breakfast, based on two adults sharing and a June 2014 departure date, including coach transfers; the twin-centre option includes transfers between the two hotels. thomascooksignature.com

Etihad Airways runs a triple daily service from London Heathrow and a double daily service from Manchester to Abu Dhabi from where guests can fly to a choice of 84 worldwide destinations.

For more information or to book, call 0845 608 1225 or visit etihadairways.com

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Bang & Olufsen introduces a major breakthrough in wireless sound with three new design icons ireless audio just got serious – and now sounds seriously good.

With the launch of three new wireless speakers, Bang & Olufsen once again confirms the brand’s dedication to outstanding acoustics, uncompromising design and craftsmanship as well as technological innovation that makes life simpler for discerning users. Sound that is reproduced as the artist intended it to be has long been a Bang & Olufsen hallmark and with Immaculate Wireless sound, Bang & Olufsen brings this tradition of acoustic authenticity into the wireless age for the first time ever.

The new wireless line-up includes BeoLab 17, a placeanywhere compact speaker with outsize sound; BeoLab 18, the latest incarnation of Bang & Olufsen’s sculpturally iconic audio columns for walls or floor; and BeoLab 19, a radically redesigned subwoofer that pumps refined bass with a visceral punch – and looks too good to hide. “These new speakers are at the vanguard of a new era of high-end sound,” says Lars Fredsgaard, Speaker Category Director at Bang & Olufsen. “Until now, speakers with this level of performance had to be wired. Our latest launch uses a robust wireless standard with enough bandwidth and channels to deliver a listening experience the way the artist intended it.

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While they have integrated the WiSA standard into the new speakers, Bang & Olufsen has also rethought nearly everything about exterior design, custom-made components and dedicated digital sound engines. With an acoustic lens tweeter and 21-lamella front, available in solid oak as well as black or white, BeoLab 18 marks a quantum leap in the evolution of Bang & Olufsen’s signature column speakers. BeoLab 17’s wedge-like form makes it easy to place anywhere from bookshelves to walls and the BeoLab 19 draws on the extraordinary rigidity of a 12-faced dodecahedron and two drivers operating in-phase to eliminate unwanted vibrations.

Since they run on the new WiSA standard, all you need to do is plug the active speakers into the mains in a room with any WiSA-compliant transmitter in order to link wirelessly to your TV, Blu-ray player or set-top box. For example, all Bang & Olufsen Immaculate Wireless Sound speakers work seamlessly, simply and spectacularly with the WiSA-updated BeoVision 11 television. With WiSA-compliant transmitters and receivers integrated into the physical and digital design, Bang & Olufsen now delivers unparalleled acoustic performance in a wireless surround setup. Of course, you can also connect the new speakers with wires, just as you can add wireless speakers to an existing wired setup if so desired.

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13/03/2014 15:18

15/04/2014 10:40

Smart knows where to be seen when selling.

Over 30 million visits per month

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MAY 2014

ABSOLUTELY

PROPERTY

Southwood Avenue, N6 An outstanding period house conveniently situated near Highgate village. The accommodation is flexibly arranged over three floors and comprises a generous double reception; terraced garden; dining room linked to the kitchen; six bedrooms and two bathrooms.

ÂŁ1,200 Per Week + Fees Benham & Reeves Residential Lettings, Highgate office | 020 8341 2335 | brlets.co.uk

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www.martyngerrard.co.uk

CRANLEY GARDENS, N10 £1,999,999 FREEHOLD

A five bedroom detached house with off street parking.

• 5 Bedrooms • 3 Receptions

THE OWNERS LOVE...

“The perfect location between Muswell Hill, Highgate and Crouch End and the fantastic walks in Highgate Woods and Alexandra Palace” “That there is never a problem with parking even for our visitors” “The sunshine in the kitchen in the morning and the views from the top of the house”

• 4th Reception/study with potential separate entrance and own wc • Kitchen diner leading to rear garden • 4 Bathrooms (3 En-suite)

WE’VE NOTICED...

• Utility room

There is potential for a self contained study or au pair’s room with it’s own WC or bathroom which would have a separate entrance.

The rear garden is not overlooked by the houses behind.

• Lutron automated lighting system • EPC Rating - E

Muswell Hill office • T: 020 8444 3388 • E: N10@martyngerrard.co.uk • 300/302 Muswell Hill Broadway, Muswell Hill, London, N10 2QR

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www.martyngerrard.co.uk

HAMPSTEAD GARDEN SUBURB, NW11 £824,950 SHARE OF FREEHOLD

A three bedroom grade II listed purpose built maisonette.

• Grade II listed duplex • Close to popular schools

THE OWNERS LOVE...

“The sense of community and wonderful neighbours” “Being in the heart of the suburb with excellent schools and green spaces within easy reach” “The high ceilings and ample storage really add to the feeling of space”

WE’VE NOTICED...

The property offers views over the beautiful communal gardens to the rear.

There is an annual service charge in the region of £2,000.

• Located between Bigwood and the Hampstead Heath extension • Fitted kitchen • Separate wc • En-suite bathroom • EPC Rating - D

To comply with the 1979 Estate Agents Act, please note that the seller of this property is related to a member of this firm.

Finchley Central • T: 020 8346 0102 • E: N3@martyngerrard.co.uk • 365 Regents Park Road, Finchley Central, London, N3 1DE

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www.martyngerrard.co.uk

ST. MARY’S AVENUE, N3 £1,500,000 FREEHOLD

A five bedroom family house located in a tree-lined Avenue off Hendon Lane.

• Master bedroom suite • Downstairs cloakroom

THE OWNERS LOVE...

• Utility room

“We love our garden and pretty much planted everything ourselves so come rain or shine we’re out there with the kids creating our own adventures” “We love our neighbours, there is lots of families on the street and parallel streets. Lots of the kids go to schools and nurseries within a short walk”

• South facing garden • Within the local Eruv • Close to transport • EPC Rating - D

WE’VE NOTICED...

There is scope for a further ground floor extension (subject to planning permission and building regulation approval). The house is set behind a large carriage drive providing ample off street parking.

Finchley Central • T: 020 8346 0102 • E: N3@martyngerrard.co.uk • 365 Regents Park Road, Finchley Central, London, N3 1DE

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www.martyngerrard.co.uk

CHURCH VALE, N2 £1,850,000 FREEHOLD

Located on the popular Ringwood Estate is this imposing five bedroom fully detached residence.

• 6 Bedrooms • 3 Reception rooms • 2 Family bathrooms

THE OWNERS LOVE...

• En-suite to master bedroom

“The home is ideal for raising a family with spacious rooms and a lengthy garden” “Having an open plan kitchen is lovely when entertaining guests” “Our balcony makes watching the skyline views indescribable”

• Garage and off-street parking • 2 Balconies overlooking the garden • EPC Rating - D

WE’VE NOTICED...

The property is close to Eden Primary School and Fortismere Secondary School.

The property has a garage which can be converted STPP.

East Finchley • T: 020 8883 0077 • E: N2@martyngerrard.co.uk • 66/68 High Road, East Finchley, London, N2 9PN

MARTYN GERRARD_NXNW.indd 5

14/04/2014 11:13

Completely at home in North London.

Our services Sales and Lettings Property Management Block Management Property Solicitors Chartered Surveyors Financial Services Visit kfh.co.uk

With over 35 years’ experience and 50 branches across the Capital, our local knowledge and London network will ensure we achieve the right result for you.

Our dedicated North London branches include • Belsize Park • Muswell Hill • Crouch End • St John’s Wood • Highgate • West Hampstead

KFH.indd 2 brand adverts_May-June.indd 5 KFH MASTER

07/04/2014 09:50 09:58 31/03/2014

Courtside, Crouch End, N8 £1,500,000 Freehold Crouch End 8348 8181 Email sce@kfh.co.uk

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A stunning contemporary house situated on a quiet cul de sac on the Highgate side of Crouch End. The house has been extended by the current owners and offers flexible living arranged over three floors.

• • • • • • • •

Five bedrooms Three bathrooms South facing garden Off street parking Views over tennis courts Sought after location Close to local schools EPC rating C

31/03/2014 07/04/2014 09:48 09:58

Highgate West Hill, Highgate, N6 ÂŁ899,950 An exceptional two bedroom garden flat finished to a high standard to offer a blend of period character and contemporary styling.

This property is ideally positioned between Highgate Village and Hampstead Heath.

Shared freehold. EPC rating C. Highgate 020 8341 6666 Email shi@kfh.co.uk

Lydford Road, Brondesbury Park, NW2 ÂŁ1,500,000 A substantial six bedroom, three bathroom semi detached house in immaculate condition. Located on the edge of the Mapesbury Conservation Area, moments from local amenities and Willesden Green underground station. Freehold. EPC rating E. West Hampstead 020 7328 2238 Email swh@kfh.co.uk

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31/03/2014 07/04/2014 09:49 09:58

Priory Road, Crouch End, N8 £2,275 pcm Part furnished

A stunning and exceptionally large two bedroom refurbished period flat with a balcony. Located within easy reach of the amenities of Crouch End, the green spaces of Alexandra Palace and Priory Park and Hornsey train station.

• • • • • •

Two bedrooms Beautifully finished Spacious reception Stylish bathroom Balcony EPC rating E

Crouch End 020 8341 1110 Email lce@kfh.co.uk £210 tenancy agreement fee per property. Other fees apply, visit kfh.co.uk/lettingsfees

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Osier Crescent, Muswell Hill, N10 £3,034 pcm Furnished or Unfurnished Muswell Hill 020 8883 2340 Email lmh@kfh.co.uk

Located in a quiet cul de sac, this impressive five bedroom house offers three bathrooms, large living room, separate kitchen and plenty of storage space.

• • • • • • • •

Five double bedrooms Three bathrooms Fully integrated kitchen Wood flooring throughout Refurbished to a high standard Off street parking Private garden EPC rating C

£210 tenancy agreement fee per property. Other fees apply, visit kfh.co.uk/lettingsfees

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ABSOLUTELY Property

Showcase Caesar Matthias

Sales Manager at Abacus Estates

� 0207 431 3777; abacusestates.com

STRONG STOCK LEVELS APPEASE THE NATURAL MIGRATION TREND

S

ince I became manager of Abacus Estates’ West Hampstead and Kensal Rise branches in 2012, I’ve experienced the market going from strength-to-strength. The first quarter of 2014 has been particularly strong, with our own sales income up 332% from the same period last year.

Many of the Capital’s fairly wealthy buyers have now been priced out of Central London, so are flocking to West Hampstead in droves; families are queuing up to buy pretty period houses, enjoying the area’s great selection of independent schools and proximity to Hampstead Heath.

Young, successful professionals are lured by a vibrant entertainment scene and no fewer than three train stations, which offer easy commutes to various parts of London. And a flow of famous faces adds to West Hampstead’s well-heeled crowd, firmly rooting its position as one of North West London’s most desirable neighbourhoods. We’ve seen an influx of new buyer registrations this month as a result of the area’s increasing popularity. To help as meet this demand with supply, we’re offering new sellers a discounted sales rate of 1%; just give us a call before July 1st 2014.

�

A beautiful five bedroom house to rent in Belsize Park

A

fabulous, five bedroom, two reception period house with a conservatory and separate lower floor studio flat in one of Belsize Park’s most prestigious roads.

The property comprises of reception room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, lavish master bedroom suite, three further bedrooms, two further bathrooms, top floor study, self-contained nanny studio and guest cloakroom.

The house also benefits from a conservatory, roof terrace, patio garden and garage with remote controlled access. Glenloch Road is one of Belsize Park’s premier streets, close to all amenities and just minutes from transport links to the City.

Details

Glenloch Road, NW3 £2,750 Per Week

Contact

Sandfords, Primrose Hill Lettings 020 7722 7997; sandfords.com

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Holt Close, N10

£1,625,000 Freehold. Sole Agents

Rhodes Avenue, Muswell Hill Borders, N10

£1,250,000 Freehold. Sole Agents

An absolutely stunning four bedroom, four storey house backing onto 70 acres of woodland and offers spacious, exceptionally well modernized and tastefully decorated accommodation. The timeless design of this circa 1972 built town house is very much of the moment offering elegant contemporary living at its absolute best featuring a fabulous split level 30’ living room and a superbly fitted kitchen/dining room. Situated on this quiet residential turning overlooking Highgate Wood and favourable distance from Tetherdown primary school. Both East Finchley and Highgate under ground stations (Northern Line) are close by (0.6 miles). Early viewing of this stunning home is strongly advised.

Contact our Muswell Hill Office on 020 8444 1771

Providing bright and spacious accommodation throughout is an attractive five bedroom 1930’s style semi detached family home which is set over three floors. This lovely house benefits from off street parking for one car and a stunning In-Toto kitchen/diner with concertina double glazed doors that lead out to a super 85’ south-westerly facing rear garden. The property overlooks Rhodes Avenue primary and Alexandra Park secondary schools which virtually guarantees catchment for both schools. Also close at hand is Muswell Hill Broadway, Alexandra Park, Palace and its main line station with connections to the city (Moorgate and Old Street) and a short bus ride from Bounds Green tube station (Piccadilly Line).

Contact our Muswell Hill Office on 020 8444 1771

BRANCHES AT MUSWELL HILL, CROUCH END AND EAST FINCHLEY TATLERS.indd 1

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www.tatlers.co.uk

Fortis Green Avenue, East Finchley, N2

ÂŁ975,000 Freehold. Sole Agents

A well proportioned and maintained three bedroom semi detached family home presented in good decorative order throughout.

The property benefits light rooms, fitted kitchen, bathroom with separate wc and a good size rear garden. Fortis Green Avenue is located south of Fortis Green being within catchment for Fortismere secondary school and within favourable distance of Tetherdown primary school. Within equal walking distance of Muswell Hill Broadway and East Finchley tube station (Northern Line).

Contact our East Finchley Office on 020 8883 1001

Nelson Road, Crouch End, N8

ÂŁ1,300,000 Freehold. Sole Agents

We are delighted to introduce to the market a most charming double fronted period property. Arranged over three floors there are five double bedrooms, the master bedroom is en-suite with a dressing room, two contemporary bathrooms , sitting room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room and cloak room. There are several large cupboards dispersed throughout the house which give ample storage. The large south facing garden can be accessed via the hallway or directly from the kitchen. In a desirable location and within easy reach of the vibrant Crouch End Broadway, local shops and good transport links into central London via Harringay and Finsbury Park Station makes this property a perfect family home.

Contact our Crouch End Office on 020 8341 4050

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Call on 020 7354 3000 for a FREE quote Commercial & Residential Property Corporate & Commercial Disputes Employment Insolvency Wills & Probate

HELP WITH THE LEGAL ISSUES WHEN YOU BUY OR SELL YOUR HOUSE

Andrew

Partner Residential Property

“ highly recommend Andrew lint. e is e tremely courteous efficient and thorough.”

“A very efficient service. Colman Coyle did particularly well dealing with difficulties arising at the last minute.”

PROPERTY LAW SERVICE

Buying or Selling Commercial Property Enfranchisement Landlord & Tenant Lease Extensions Property Disputes

pper treet slington ondon 020 7354 3000 property@colmancoyle.com

www.colmancoyle.com

orward thin ing straight tal ing COLEMAN COYLE_C&A_JAN.indd 2

1984 - 2014

anniversary

Celebrating 30 YEARS in business | 1984 - 2014

10/02/2014 10:24

TOTTERIDGE VILLAGE N20

“QUEEN ANNE” STYLE RESIDENCE

• Master bedroom suite with balcony, fitted dressing room & luxury en suite bathroom • Guest bedroom suite • 4 further bedrooms with en suite bathrooms • Formal drawing room and dining room • Bespoke fitted study • Family room • Guest cloakroom/wc • 2nd wc and boot room

POA

• ‘Christians’ fitted kitchen/breakfast room featuring vaulted glazed ceiling • Exquisite south facing landscaped gardens incorporating tennis court and extensive sun terrace • Enclosed forecourt entrance with gated access • Integral garaging for 2/3 vehicles • Abundance of internal and external features including under floor heating • Excellent transport links (central London 28 mins), M1/ M25 motorways

For an appointment to view, please contact sole agents Real Estates 0208 445 3132 Offices at: 74 Totteridge Lane, N20 020 8445 3132

realestates.indd 1

14/14a Sussex Ring, N12 020 8445 6387

info@realestates-wsp.co.uk www.realestates-wsp.co.uk

14/04/2014 17:28

ABSOLUTELY Property

SPOTLIGHT ON CROUCH END

THROUGH THE KEYHOLE...

PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE

Abraham Rawat

Branch Manager at Castles, Crouch End � 020 8348 5515; castles-estateagents.co.uk

Shakespeare Terrace, Cecile Park N8 - P.O.A.

A

n exquisite contemporary home arranged over five floors, measuring 3261 sq ft. The property currently comprises four double bedrooms, including a 23ft master suite, two guest cloakrooms, two en-suites and an additional bathroom. Further benefits include a spacious kitchen/diner, two receptions, dining area and utility room, two balconies, southerly-facing rear garden and cinema room.

BEST SCHOOL

Within walking distance are a number of desired schools, including Coleridge, St Gildas and St Peters of Chain.

RAINY DAY

Now open, the much awaited Arthouse… hooray!

The Arthouse will showcase film, fine art, live music, discussion groups, theatre, live streaming, workshops, dance, and comedy.

7

RECEPTION

One of two spacious reception rooms leading from the dining room. The room benefits from high ceilings and sleek neutral detailing. The internal balcony overlooks the kitchen/diner, with floor to ceiling glazing and door opening onto the garden.

7

EXTERIOR

7

KITCHEN/DINER

Imposing and complimenting neighbouring properties whilst maintaining its own individual unique modern charm.

Comprehensive and practical with a hidden utility area. It also boasts a double height ceiling onto the reception above.

FUN FOR FREE

Nearby Parkland Walk; London’s longest Local Nature Reserve supports a remarkable range of habitats and wildlife.

SPORTS & REC

Local favourites are tennis at Coolhurst Tennis Club and Priory Park, football at Highgate Woods School and cricket at North London Cricket Club.

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020 8348 5515

crouch.end@castles-estateagents.co.uk

www.castles-estateagents.co.uk

Crouch End Sales & Lettings

Priory Road, N8

Hanley Road, N4

£1,100,000 FREEHOLD

£499,999 SOFH

Chadwell Lane, N8

Tetherdown, N10

£350,000 LEASEHOLD

£525,000 LEASEHOLD

· 4-5 bedroom period home · Private rear garden · Space and character features · Ample storage via cellar/eaves

· One bedroom, top floor apartment · Hotel style concierge service · Security & entry system · Balcony & communal roof terrace

· 2 bedroom, split-level flat · Kitchen, reception, bathroom · Variety of transport options · Bright, spacious rooms

· 2-3 bedroom, split-level flat · Top floor of period residence · Tetherdown/Fortismere schools nearby. Offered chain free

12 Topsfield Parade, London N8 8PR CASTLE_NXNW.indd 2

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ABSOLUTELY Property

Property Development FOLIO LONDON, N1 Folio London is a new residential development comprising a six-storey apartment building in Islington N1. Located off City Road, between Shoreditch and Islington, Folio is just a few minutes’ walk from Old Street underground station.

The building provides an onsite gym and an exclusive concierge service. All of the apartments have been finished to a superb standard, with generous proportions and high specification kitchens and bathrooms, as well as private balconies.

Knight Frank are pleased to offer a selection of one and two bedroom apartments available to rent. Prices starting from £425 per week for a 1 bed and £585 per week for a 2 bed.

Knight Frank, Islington 020 3657 7360; knightfrank.co.uk

MULBERRY MEWS TOWNHOUSE DEVELOPMENT, N5 Taylor Wimpey Central London has launched a selection of high specification, five bedroom townhouses at Mulberry Mews.

The new townhouses are located opposite Highbury fields, set around a tree lined square and benefitting from private gardens, large open plan kitchen and living spaces, floating staircases and large utility rooms.

The exclusive collection of elegant townhouses are set over four floors and offer a wealth of superbly appointed living spaces designed to meet the demands of modern family life. The secure gated community, large reception spaces and separate master suites mean that there is ample space for those looking for extra square footage but don’t want to compromise on style or luxury. The show house is open now.

Guide Price: from £2,600,000 Hamptons International, Islington 020 7717 5303; hamptons.co.uk

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NEW PIANO NEW P INA ENW O P INA ENW O PIANO

2 Bed Apartments 3 Bed Penthouses 32 Bed Houses Bed Apartments

ORLEANS COME S TO YA R D, K E N T I S H T O W N. ORLEANS COME S TO YA D,A KNES NCT O I SMHE TSOTW O RR LE ON. O RR LE ON. YA D,A KNES NCT O I SMHE TSOTW YA R D, K E N T I S H T O W N.

3 Bed Penthouses From 2Prices 3 Bed Bed Apartments Houses 3£795,000 Bed Penthouses 23 Bed Bed Apartments Houses Prices From 3 Bed Penthouses £795,000 3Prices Bed Houses From £795,000 Prices From £795,000

80% SO 8 0L%D SO 8 0L% SO 8 0 %D LD

SOL

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INSPIRED BY THE DISTINCT ARCHITECTURE OF NEW O R L E A N S . P I A N O YA R D I S A N I N T I M A T E , P R I VA T E NW S PLY I R EB D T HE EW D ST RC H TI T IENC T U F RNTE O WF NI E U I BL Y T M S ID E IVNECL TO PAM EN H RE EHO EA L E A N S . P 9I AENXOC LYA R D I S A N I N T I M AT EO , P R I VART ES A L E .

K E NI N TO ISSR PHI RTEODWBNY. T H E D I SUTSI INVCE THAORMCEHSI TAERCET N U R EWOFFON EW N E W LY B U I L T M E W S D E V E L O P M E N T I N T H E H E A R T O F O R L E A N S .YP TI AHNE OD IYA R D CI S AN N ITTI EMCATTUE R, EP ROI VA TE RMCIEH K E NI N T ISSPHI RTEODWBNPlease . 9 call E Xagents C LSUTor SI IN V E THAO S full A Rdetails.

E N O W FFON R ESW ALE. register online for N EO WRLY D ERVDE LI SO PA M N ATTHE E, PHREI VA A R TT EO F L EB AU N ISL.T PM I AENWOS YA N EI N N TT I IM KEN NE TW I S LY H TBOUWI LNT. M 9 EW XC SVI VE EL OHPOMMEENST AI N R ET N S LDUEor HO EW H EFAORRT SOAFL E .

Please Ecall agents register online for full details.

K E N T I S H TOW N . 9 E XC LU S I V E H O M E S A R E N OW F O R S A L E . +44 (0)20 7399 8600 pilcherhershman.co.uk

Please call agents or register online for full details.

Please call agents or register online for full details.

+44 (0)20 7284 0101 b-r.co.uk

A D EV ELO P M ENT BY LO ND O N B UIL D INGS

+44 (0)20 7399 8600 pilcherhershman.co.uk

+44 (0)20 7284 0101 b-r.co.uk

+44 (0)20 7399 8600 pilcherhershman.co.uk

A D EV ELO P M ENT BY LO ND O N B UIL D INGS

+44 (0)20 7284 0101 b-r.co.uk

+44 (0)20 7399 8600 pilcherhershman.co.uk

A D EV ELO P M ENT BY LO ND O N B UIL D INGS

+44 (0)20 7284 0101 b-r.co.uk

A D EV ELO P M ENT BY LO ND O N B UIL D INGS

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IN THEIR OWN

WORDS HAMISH GILFEATHER Manager: John D Wood & Co. Photography: Rebecca Noonan

I

have always been interested in property, architecture and interior design. When I was young I wanted to be an architect or racing car driver. I didn’t manage the fi rst but I do now own classic cars, so half achieved the second! Sadly, having young children, aged 7, 5 and 2, has put a stop to any further racing extravagances for the foreseeable future. My interest was probably inspired by one of my grandfathers who was a well known architect in the 50s and 60s (the other an engineer) and my mother, who having fi nished her operatic career, turned her hand to refurbishing multiple houses over the years. After fi nding out that a degree in architecture took over seven years, I decided to do a much shorter BSc and then began my career initially at Mercedes, then Habitat, working for a commercial estate agency, then a brief stint with Warner Bros before moving to John D Wood & Co. I’ve been working in the Primrose Hill office of John D Wood & Co. for almost eight years and continue to enjoy it. Primrose Hill is a lovely place to work as it is, for the most part, unspoilt and the lack of traffic and high street brands is refreshing - it genuinely feels like a village, and having been here for some time, I know an awful lot of people and get a huge amount of repeat business, which is very rewarding.

Most of the clients we deal with are British, but there is also a noticeable percentage of Italians, South Africans and, more recently, French settling here due to the opening of the Collège Français Bilingue de Londres in Kentish Town. Due to the volume of demand, the physical size of Primrose and the fact that when most people move into the village, they rarely move out, prices are very strong indeed and properties regularly have to go to best and fi nal bids. Prices have especially risen over the past 9-12 months, from approximately £1,000 per square foot to nearer £1,200 per square foot and on the odd occasion, considerably more, hitting £1,700+ for particularly nice houses.

Although prices are very high, I cannot really see them dropping anytime soon; unlike somewhere like Notting Hill or Islington, Primrose Hill has very defi ned borders so there is not anywhere for it to expand to. Primrose Hill is one of the nicest places to live and work in London. It’s relaxed, friendly has some lovely property, is incredibly convenient and I thoroughly enjoy working here.

020 7586 9060; johndwood.co.uk

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ABSOLUTELY Property

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KING HENRYS ROAD, NW3 An elegant apartment set over the raised ground floor of a handsome period building, close to Primrose Hill, Belsize Park and Swiss Cottage. Approx. 776 sq ft. Energy Rating: E. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, reception room.

Lease to 2150 Guide Price £875,000 SOLD

Chalcot Crescent, NW1

SOLD

Guide £3,850,000 Fitzroy Road, NW1

SOLD

Guide £3,500,000 King Henry’s Road, NW3 Guide

PRIMROSE HILL 020 3151 6295 primrosehill@johndwood.co.uk

JDW.indd 2

SOLD

£2,000,000 Regent’s Park Road, NW1

Guide £1,395,000

johndwood.co.uk 08/04/2014 09:59

GLOUCESTER AVENUE, NW1 A charming family home set over 4 floors (basement flat separate) with a private mature walled garden and fantastic roof terrace with far reaching views. Approx. 1,918 sq ft. Energy Rating: D. 5 bedrooms, bathroom, 2 reception rooms, dining room, utility room, terrace, garden.

Freehold SOLD

Chalcot Road, NW1

SOLD

Guide £3,695,000 Sharpleshall Street, NW1

SOLD

Guide £3,250,000 Chamberlain Street, NW1

PRIMROSE HILL 020 3151 6295 primrosehill@johndwood.co.uk

JDW.indd 3 Absolutely Magazine Templates 2

SOLD

Guide £2,950,000 Gloucester Avenue, NW1

Guide £1,100,000

johndwood.co.uk

08/04/2014 09:59 08/04/2014 09:02

ABSOLUTELY Property

Property

Round up

FREEHOLD

Highview Gardens, N3

ÂŁ1,995,000

ďż˝ 020 8346 0102; martyngerrard.co.uk

A

n extended and exceptionally refurbished five bedroom, three bathroom, fully detached family home with landscaped terraced rear garden, located off Hendon Lane. The back of the house is completely made of glass on the ground floor and the sunlight pours through. All bedrooms are wonderfully spacious and the largest two have fantastic dressing rooms and en-suite bathrooms. In addition to the landscaped garden there is a large roof terrace accessed via a bedroom on the first floor.

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ABSOLUTELY Property

5

MINUTES WITH...

Colin Gillibrand

Marie Curies’ fundraiser day in Hampstead helped

by Oliver’s

� 020 7586 9006; kfh.co.uk

� 020 7431 1020; oliverstown.com

What makes you the go-to-agent in the area?

With over 15 years of lettings experience in the central London market, I feel I have the knowledge and expertise to guide landlords through any situation they may encounter.

liver McHugh praises the extraordinary people of Hampstead who took part in Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal fundraising in March: “The Rotary Club of Hampstead did a fabulous job. Such a great cause and with such a happy and enthusiastic crowd, with help from Frances Holland School students! We assisted with our Pond Street branch premises, and we enjoyed a second year of fundraising in their company. We really feel we have done something worthwhile for the NW3 community, and will do so again! Our next action will be in support of the Keats Community Library Art sale fundraising on Saturday 26 April”.

Lettings Manager at Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward’s Belsize Park branch

How long have you been in the area? I have been managing the Belsize Park office for over four years now and have also been living locally for the same period of time. I absolutely love the area and all that it has to offer.

What is your company ethos? To act in an ethical and professional manner, ensuring that we provide the best service we possibly can to both clients and tenants.

What can we expect for the market in the Spring/ Summer? As the weather warms up, we should begin to see an increase in the number of properties coming to market as a large percentage of recent buyers and overseas investors place their investment properties on to the rental market.

Fortis Green, N2

O

Oliver McHugh Director of Oliver’s

FEATURED PROPERTY

£2,995,000

P

rickett & Ellis are offering a rare gem in a particularly leafy location between Muswell Hill and East Finchley, close Fortismere School. It is a Grade II listed double fronted 1816 residence of great character, and it is bigger than it looks – the sympathetically modernised 3300 sq ft of accommodation includes 14 rooms! Set in a third of an acre, behind a 100 ft front garden it offers great potential for a large garage, storage or studio to be built, subject to consents.

� 020 8883 0033; prickettandellis.com

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BELSIZE GROVE

GUIDE PRICE: £1,750,000

BELSIZE PARK, NW3

A substantial, three double bedroom apartment of 1,511 sq ft set on the ground floor of an impressive, stucco fronted, Victorian house in Belsize Park. This exceptionally well appointed property benefits from a 26’ x 23’8 reception room with French doors leading to a private west facing patio, a master bedroom with fitted wardrobes and en suite bathroom, two further double bedrooms, bathroom, a contemporary kitchen with large pantry, utility room, beautifully landscaped communal gardens and designated parking for one car. Belsize Grove is a wide tree lined street that runs perpendicular to Haverstock Hill, giving convenient access to Belsize Park underground station as well as a wonderful selection of shops and restaurants. EPC=D.

HOLYROOD COURT

GUIDE PRICE: £2,150,000

GLOUCESTER AVENUE, NW1

An immaculately presented two double bedroom (1,187 sq ft / 110 sq m) ground floor apartment set within an exclusive gated development in Primrose Hill. This fabulous apartment has been refurbished to an exacting standard and comprises a 26’3 reception room with patio doors leading to a beautifully landscaped private rear garden, fully fitted contemporary kitchen, master bedroom with dressing area and en suite bathroom, second bedroom with en suite shower room and guest WC. Further benefits of this impressive apartment include 24 hour porterage and secure underground parking for one car. Holyrood Court is conveniently located for the numerous shops, restaurants, bars and transport facilities of Primrose Hill, Regent’s Park and Camden Town. The green open spaces of Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill are also just moments away. EPC=C.

Ricky Dengel Sales Manager ricky.dengel@sandfords.com

KFH.indd 2

Lyndi Persaud Sales Negotiator lyndi.persaud@sandfords.com

Primrose Hill Sales T: 020 7722 7997 E: phsales@sandfords.com 107 Regent’s Park Road Primrose Hill, London NW1 8UR

09/04/2014 14:52

sandfords.com

GLENLOCH ROAD

£2,750PW +FEES

LONDON, NW3

A fabulous, five bedroom, two reception period house with a conservatory and separate lower floor studio flat in one of Belsize Park’s most prestigious roads. The property comprises of reception room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, lavish master bedroom suite, three further bedrooms, two further bathrooms, top floor study, self-contained nanny studio and guest cloakroom. The house also benefits from a conservatory, roof terrace, patio garden and garage with remote controlled access. Glenloch Road is one of Belsize Park’s premier streets; close to all amenities and minutes from transport links to the City. EPC=E

GLOUCESTER AVENUE LONDON, NW1

£900PW +FEES

A charming, three double bedroom (1,135 sq ft) apartment arranged over the entire second floor of an impressive detached period property in Primrose Hill. This wonderfully light property comprises of a large reception room with cast iron fireplace, fully fitted kitchen/breakfast room, master bedroom with built in wardrobes and en suite shower room, two further double bedrooms, family bathroom and beautifully landscaped communal gardens. Gloucester Avenue is a wide tree lined street conveniently located for easy access to Regent’s Park, Primrose Hill and the numerous shops and restaurants of Primrose Village. Camden Town and Chalk Farm underground stations are both close by. EPC=D.

Stephanie Stevenson Lettings Manager stephanie.stevenson@sandfords.com

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Primrose Hill Lettings T: 020 7722 7997 E: phlettings@sandfords.com 107 Regent’s Park Road Primrose Hill, London NW1 8UR

Potential tenants should be advised that, in addition to rent, an administration fee of £252 per property plus £30 reference fee per tenant will apply when renting a property. Please contact us for further information on other charges that may apply or see our Tenant’s Guide which can be downloaded from our website.

09/04/2014 14:52

ABSOLUTELY Property

Ask the Experts Our panel of professionals give you the edge in the property market

ANDREW FLINT � 020 7354 3000 / colmancoyle.com

From Colman Coyle gives his expert advice on all your legal property questions

Q. I am looking to buy a flat and the property I am interested in is situated in a building where there are two other flats. I have been told that the freeholder isn’t involved much with the building and I wanted to know whether I should be concerned about this.

Vidhur Mehra

Finance Director Benham & Reeves Residential Lettings � 020 7319 9780; brlets.co.uk

HOW MUCH IS THE TENANT’S DEPOSIT AND WHAT HAPPENS TO IT? It is standard practice to take a deposit equivalent to six weeks’ rent. It must be registered with an approved Tenancy Deposit Scheme such as The Dispute Service. An inventory is carried out at the beginning and end of the tenancy and used to assess any damage, missing items or other costs which the landlord can claim against the deposit. Any unpaid rent can also be claimed. Once an agreement on deductions is reached, they are paid to the landlord and the balance is returned to the tenant. We carry out this process for our property management clients. If any disputes arise that cannot be resolved, the case can be referred to the Tenancy Deposit Scheme and an independent arbitrator will make a binding decision.

Matthew Smith Sales Manager at Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward’s Highgate branch � 020 8341 6666; kfh.co.uk

SHOULD I HAVE A SURVEY CARRIED OUT? Regardless of how confusing it may appear, a survey can be an incredibly important part of a property purchase and can help you identify costly future repairs before you are legally committed. Surveyors are trained to provide a detailed overview of your property and will help you to understand what condition the building is in and which elements may be a cause for concern. Many buyers feel that they are covered by the bank commissioned mortgage valuation, but these are for your lender’s benefit only and will only determine the value of a property. There are two different survey options available. A homebuyers report offers an assessment of the condition and value of the property with a summary and a guide to what are essential repairs or just recommended works. A more detailed buildings’ survey provides a full breakdown of the fabric and condition of the property with diagnosis of defects and repairs down to the smallest detail and can be a real eye opener to the true condition of a property.

A. This is not an uncommon scenario and you are right to raise questions about the freeholder’s involvement in the building. What you will need to be sure of is that the freeholder is fulfilling his obligations in accordance with the terms of the lease. These will usually compromise covenants for the freeholder to maintain the main structural parts of the building including the roof, foundations and external walls, as well as the common parts. It is also usually the responsibility of the freeholder to arrange the buildings insurance, although some leases do provide for each lessee to arrange their own cover.

Your solicitor will raise enquiries about the maintenance of the building, request a copy of the buildings insurance policy and ask about service charge payments.

If there is no regular service charge then there is unlikely to be a reserve fund, so when major works need to be done you will be asked for a capital contribution which could be substantial. Of course, it is also possible that the freeholder might have instructed managing agents to manage the building, in which case there could well be a regular service charge and a reserve fund. Again, these are things that your solicitor will find out so you can make an informed decision as to whether the flat is the right one for you.

ASK THE EXPERTS Contact property partner Andrew Flint with no obligation on (0)20 7354 3000 or email andrew.flint@colmancoyle.com  www.colmancoyle.com 80 Upper Street, Islington, N1 0NU

SPOTLIGHT ON: N8 Average asking price - £620,566 | Average asking rents - £1,654 pcm | Average property value - £567,130 Data provided by property website 110

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Estate Agents Since 1988

Camden Town, NW1

Sales Lettings Property Management

OIEO ÂŁ1,000,000, Leasehold

A stunning 2 bedroom penthouse apartment with extraordinary views providing stylish contemporary living (1205 sq. ft.) in the heart of Camden. The vast, bright and sunny open-plan

living-room with a relaxing sitting area, diner and a luxury kitchen opens out to a long balcony, and is perfect for entertaining friends and family in style.

Kentish Town Sales: 020 7284 1222 | Kentishtown@oliverstown.com

Hampstead, NW3

OIEO ÂŁ2,900,000 Freehold

Tranquillity reigns supreme in South Hill Park NW3. This contemporary house is backing onto the pastoral ambient surrounding Hampstead Ponds. The accommodation is flexible, arranged

over three floors, and the layout could create a 4/5 bedroom home complete with balconies overlooking the Heath, a private garden and off street parking. SOLE AGENTS

Hampstead Sales: 020 743 1020 | Hampstead@oliverstown.com info@oliverstown.com | oliverstown.com Hampstead, 5 Pond St, NW3 2PN, +44(0)20 7431 1020 | Primose Hill, 47a Chalcot Rd, NW1 8LS, +44(0)20 7722 5054 |Kentish Town, 189 Kentish Town Rd, NW5 2JU, +44(0)20 7284 1222

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Offices throughout London

Kinefold House, York Way Estate, N7

£395,995 Leasehold – 95years remaining

A stunning two double bedroom flat conveniently located between Camden and Islington. Situated on the seventh floor of purpose built block this flat is very spacious, with superb views of London. This property is offered on a chain free basis and the service charge includes heating and hot water for the apartment. EPC = E

Camden Office 020 7482 8920Camden@edmundcude.com

Greville Mews, NW6 £1,365,000

£1,365,000

Situated on a peaceful mews street in a vibrant area, this five bedroomed, four bathroom detached house is arranged over three floors offers fantastic contemporary interiors and private garden to the rear. Located within a close proximity to the range of local shops and amenities of Kilburn High Road while the closest transport links are Kilburn High Road Station and Kilburn Park Station. EPC = C

Camden Office 020 7482 8920Camden@edmundcude.com

Acton  Balham  Bloomsbury  Battersea  Camden  Clapham  Dulwich  Fulham  Hammersmith  Islington  West Hampstead

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Camden High Street, NW1

Price Range of £525,000 - £1,000,000

A rare opportunity to acquire one of the six apartments which have a contemporary one or two double bedroom apartments in a newly refurbished block ideally located opposite Camden Town tube station. These stylish properties all features high ceilings, modern shower room and kitchen. Ideally situated in the heart of Camden Town next to great transport links and local amenities. These properties are offered on a chain free basis with a lease in excess of 200 years. There is also an option to purchase all six. EPC = C Camden Office 020 7482 8920Camden@edmundcude.com

Acton  Balham  Bloomsbury  Battersea  Camden  Clapham  Dulwich  Fulham  Hammersmith  Islington  West Hampstead

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The spoils of the hardy workplace warrior.

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LANDLORDS WE have the tenants YOU have the keys Demand for rental properties is currently outstripping supply and in some parts of London we are seeing over 8 applicants for every property We urgently need properties to let in Hampstead, Highgate and environs

Call us now on 020 7319 9783 or email info@brlets.co.uk or visit www.brlets.co.uk

DUBAI | HONG KONG | INDIA | LONDON | MALAYSIA | SINGAPORE

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