EPICUREAN LIFE

VOLUME II ISSUE VI AUTUMN 2012 £6

a world of luxury...for those with discerning taste

CHINA – SHANGHAI SURPRISES BOLLINGER – A TOAST TO GREATNESS ROLLS ROYCE – GHOST IS UNBELIEVABLE PHWOAR HORSE – FABULOUS FASHION

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CONTENTS Cover: Elaine Deed's fashion pages offer a very different kind of DRESSage - see page 58.

SHOPPING & LIFESTYLE 8

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The Sweet Life A taste of Pierre Herme Shooting Star We meet Mr Luxury - William Asprey A Hidden Gem Discovering the world of Paulie La Vita Riva Celebrating 170 years of craftsmanship Dances with Horses Meet Georgie Somerset in her quest for Gold

FOOD & DRINK 24 32 34 38 88

So What’s Cooking?

News and Reviews from London’s restaurant scene At home with Bollinger Annabel Wilson is giddy about Ay Quoi de Neuf What’s Up Paris?

Live from New York Taking a bite out of the Big Apple The Tale of Mrs Lawton Silvena Rowe imagines a life gone by

TRAVEL 36

Nira Alpina A weekend in the Swiss Alps 37 Eat, Pray, Love Relaxing at the SHA Clinic 44 Travel Tales Epicurean Globetrotting 48 Hotel Splendido 4

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ART & INTERIORS 18

49 50 52 56

We visit one the world’s most sought after hotels Sri Panwa Thailand’s Paradise Beautiful Bordeaux We check-in at the Grand Hotel de Bordeaux & Spa Shanghai Surprises Victor Burnett explores the Chinese epicurean scene Dreaming in the Dolomites Epicurean delights on the slopes

Pillow Talk An Epicurean choice for the bedroom 20 Your Table, Sir! We find the best desks around 84 Gallery Spotlight We handpick the best of London’s art scene 86 Master of Art We meet Nonna Materkova

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I can’t live stylishly without...

We showcase this season’s must-haves 58 Phwoar Horse!

Elaine Deed pays homage to our Olympic Medalists

WATCHES & JEWELLERY 70

Watch me Sparkle!

The latest in horological fashion 76 A History of Time Longines show their passion for sport 78 All that Glitters!

We handpick some of the finest jewels

It has been a glorious summer of celebrations in which we showed the world the Best of the British Season culminating in the joyous Jubilee celebrations and, of course, the outstanding Olympics.

Thinking of the Olympics, I am finishing this final piece of the magazine on my laptop while sitting in a British Airways 747 on the way to China. I am very privileged to be visiting the Great Wall, the Terracotta Army and other landmarks of this fascinating country. As exciting as that may be, it is a story for our Christmas issue and I am equally excited about finishing our current issue which I am sure you’ll agree is fabulous.

This success naturally made me think of our team and how hard and passionately they work to bring you a great issue every quarter. So, huge thanks to all our writers and fashion team, each of whom is, in my opinion, worthy of a Gold Medal!

HEALTH & BEAUTY Natural Botox What’s the alternative?

CELEBRATIONS

Back to the Olympics and our unprecedented haul of medals and the spirit of the games permeated throughout the nation creating a feel good factor that I hope will have lasting effects.

We at Epicurean Life certainly enjoyed every moment of the games – even attending six events - and were very proud to be British and cheer on our amazing athletes.

FASHION

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EDITOR’S LETTER

MOTORING 80

Mercedes Benz World Unleash the Power!

82 Rolls Royce Ghost Seen to be believed!

As you peruse the following pages I’m sure you’ll enjoy: Victor’s visit to Shanghai, NY news from Norah, my discovery of skiing in the Dolomites, Annabel’s insightful interview with Jerome Phillippon of Bollinger, Azzy living a very high life cruising in a Rolls Royce Ghost and, of course, a gorgeous fashion spread from Elaine shot on location in beautiful West Sussex and so much more.

I sincerely hope you enjoy this issue and wish you all a truly Epicurean Life.

SOCIAL DIARY 90

Party People Epicurean Life brings you the best parties in town!

Eliza Burnett Editor WWW.EPICUREANLIFE.CO.UK

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ELIZA BURNETT

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DEPUTY EDITOR JULIET VICTORIA POVEY EDITOR AT LARGE FARZANA BADUEL

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FASHION EDITOR ELAINE DEED TRAVEL EDITOR ALEXANDER JACOBS

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ARTS EDITOR MARYANA GREENBERG Interiors Editor KELLY ADAMS

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CONTRIBUTORS 1 | DARREN PAUL

An accomplished photographer Darren continues to push the boundaries of contemporary photography always striving to find the ultimate image. Whether shooting commercial clients or refining his skills with his artistic studies of light and dark, he always produces images guaranteed to touch your soul. Darren’s talents have graced the pages of Epicurean Life for over a decade.

2 | VICTOR BURNETT

Definitely no nepotism here – even if he is the Editor’s younger brother – Victor is a talented journalist in his own right. He is a seasoned traveller who has globe-trotted from East to West.

For this issue Victor was invited to unveil the mysteries of Shanghai and Hong Kong and sought out some epicurean delights.

3 | ANNA WALLACE-THOMPSON

Anna is a respected journalist who specialises in Middle Eastern art and culture. She is the London Correspondent for Canvas, and also writes for publications such as The Art Newspaper and Frieze. With a BA in English Philology and an MA in English Literature, Anna heads the Media Relations team at Curzon PR.

4 | SILVENA ROWE

We’re sure you’ll recognise the very talented chef, food writer, and television personality Silvena Rowe. She has now joined our team as a regular contributor and - when not busy running her new restaurant Quince at The Mayfair Hotel – she will regale you with epicurean news and tales – her first instalment is on page 88.

5 | NORAH LAWLOR

Norah is based in New York City and contributes to several publications including Social Life and GlobalVision magazines. As former Society columnist for Avenue Magazine, Norah brings her expert knowledge of New York and Hamptons society, luxury lifestyle, travel and the jet-set scene.

6 | AKCELINA CVIJETIC

Akcelina is a Harley Street Ultimate Wellbeing Specialist who uses a multi-disciplinary approach to treat mind, body and spirit. She is sought after by leading business lights, celebrities and is also a health columnist for the luxury lifestyle magazine Hi Living.

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FRENCH EDITOR MARGARET KEMP U.S. EDITOR NORAH LAWLOR LIFESTYLE EDITOR ANNABEL WILSON HEALTH & BEAUTY EDITOR JACQUELINE SHAFFER SOCIAL EDITORS ALEX GALBRAITH / TARA HEWITT GRAPHIC DESIGNER RADOSTINA DOBREVA PUBLISHER AZZY ASGHAR

EPICUREAN LIFE MAGAZINE 121a Munster Road, Fulham, London SW6 6DH info@epicureanlife.co.uk www.epicureanlife.co.uk A very grateful thanks to all who contributed to the production of this issue that are too numerous to name and especially Alexander, Jacob, Farzana and Inayat.

Copyright © 2012 Munster Media Ltd. All rights reserved. Nothing in this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without the written permission of the publishers. Material submitted for publication is sent at the owner’s own risk and, while every care is taken, neither Epicurean Life nor Munster Media Ltd accept any liability for loss or damage. Although Epicurean Life has endeavoured to ensure that all information within this issue is correct, prices and details are subject to change.

Aaron Basha Boutique • 685 Madison Avenue • New York • 212.935.1960 • w w w. aaro n b as h a. co m 786

Athens

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Dubai

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Hong Kong

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Italy

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Kiev

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London

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Moscow

Harrods, Knightsbridge

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Tokyo

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fashion

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Elaine Deed says

I CAN’T LIVE

STYLISHLY

WITHOUT...

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1. …hunting for wildlife jewellery. It’s tally-ho and off to Powder Hill where the skilled craftwork of Nicola Pulvertaft, granddaughter of a hand surgeon, creates original quirky pieces in gold and precious stones as worn by Cameron Diaz and Drew Barrymore. Crafty gold and diamond fox ring with emerald eyes, £2,900. www.powderhill.com 2. …getting ahead with a furry hat. With Keira Knightly looking like a couture fashion advertisement, all swathed in taffeta, jewels and fur in the new Anna Karenina film, I can’t wait to join the current Russian fashion uprising and wear a Cossack fur hat with a beautiful embroidered and delicate dress as seen on the Temperley autumn catwalk. www.temperleylondon.com 3. …getting waisted. I’m going to tighten my belt and, maybe, remove a rib or two to create the key cinched-in and curvy silhouette for this season, as seen on the autumn/winter catwalks of Herve Leger, Fendi and DKNY (pictured). This is a waspish look, that, mark my words, will stylishly and literally take your breath away.

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4. …nature studying in Knightsbridge. As I ramble passed a collage of Elm trees replicating the avenue in Hyde Park from the original Crystal Palace in the new Ted Baker Brompton Road store, I will be picking from the autumn collection featuring English roses, peonies and cherry blossom in full bloom plus fur tippets, knits and long skirts, as pictured . Ted Baker, 75 Brompton Road, SW3.

5. …wearing jewels big enough to rattle. I’ll pile on the pieces from Joubi, who create one-of-a-kind jewels featuring diamonds and precious gemstones. Then I won’t need to clap at concerts because, as John Lennon declared at a 60s Beatles performance, “would the people in the cheaper seats clap your hands. And the rest of you, if you’ll just rattle your jewellery”.

Jewels, as pictured, from £650. www.joubi.com 6. …starting my own shoe collection. Move over Manolo.

Now I’m going to create my own footwear designs via online style site, Shoes of Prey, a bespoke service where you can choose your style, colour, fabric and size with an extensive choice from perfect pumps to skyscraping stilettoes. Prices from £100. Now where’s the red varnish? www.shoesofprey.com 7. …having a geometry lesson from Prada. If I can’t

decide which eye-dazzingly optical patterned piece to wear from the new autumn collection, I might as well opt for different ones worn together, head to toe, as pictured from the catwalk show. Prints are like buses - nothing significant for several seasons and, then, a plethora of great ones all at once.

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THE ART OF S WISS WATCH MAKING Major SwiSS watch brandS that are new but no longer in current collectionS Sold with an international guarantee

ALAIN SILBERSTEIN AUDEMARS PIGUET BLANCPAIN CARLO FERRARA DE GRISOGONO FRANCK MULLER HUBLOT PIERRE KUNZ PIERRE DE ROCHE

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shopping

The Spirit of Christmas Fair

shopping

Floris

The Sweet Life

by Alexis Parr Then there is the naughtiest new chocolate and hazelnut spread, Pate A Tartiner Pietra, (also 15pds.)

Infused with praline its subtle nutty chocolatey crispyness is like no other spread you have ever tasted.

30 October - 4 November 2012 at London’s Olympia The Spirit of Christmas Fair is packed full with exquisite, unique gifts and treats you will rarely find on the high street. With over 650 companies carefully hand-picked for their quality and originality, firm festive favourites combine with irresistible debutante brands from the worlds of interiors, fashion, food, gifts and lifestyle. Taking place 30th October4th November against the stunning backdrop of Kensington’s London Olympia, it provides the most discerning of shoppers the chance to shop, dine and socialise in style. Olympia Grand Hall, Olympia Exhibition Centre, London W14 Ticket prices start at £17.50. T: 0871 230 1089 www.spiritofchristmasfair.co.uk Epicurean Life is giving each new subscriber to our magazine a free pair of tickets to the show – (limited to first 5). Please send cheque for £30 for 1 year’s subscription to 121 Munster Road, Fulham SW6 6DH

Aesthetically stunning, Pierre’s creations are like works of art and indeed he is so heavily influenced by modern art he admits he is actually inspired by painters like Sol Le Witt sketching ideas for his new delicacies out first like an architectural plan on a notepad.

This enigmatic perfectionist genius from Alsace has descended from four generations of prestigious patisiers. He trained under master chef Gaston Lenotre and now lives in Paris where he has written several books on pastries and designed macarons personally for everybody from former French President Sarkozy to Patou, the perfume house.

Floris announce the opening of their new bespoke perfumery boutique in Belgravia this autumn.

282 years ago Juan and Elizabeth Floris first opened their doors to the Perfumery at 89 Jermyn Street. Now in this significant year, 2012, due to the popular demand of their Bespoke Perfumery Service the Floris family is delighted to announce the opening of their second British boutique in the heart of Belgravia, London. A growing waiting list precedes the opening of the new boutique which will continue to offer Floris’ unique Bespoke Perfumery Service as well as providing their eclectic range of scents for women, men and the home.

Like his old pal, our own top chef Heston Blumenthal, he has a talent for creating mesmerising concoctions out of seemingly conflicting but mind blowing taste sensations!

Epicurean Life went by Eurostar to Paris to meet Pierre over lunch at the Royal Monceau Hotel - a glamorous haunt that has been visited by everybody from Madonna to Winston Churchill - and whose restaurant serves Pierres signature puddings.

Fabulous Floris Bespoke perfume design £4500 The ultimate gift for you or for that special someone, the creation of a signature perfume.

A full consultation with the Floris perfumer will determine the preferred perfume profile and the direction to take for this exquisite new design. Using rare and precious essential oils and floral essences gathered from around the world, the Floris perfumer will custom blend an exclusive and individual fragrance. A truly unique experience which includes a minimum of three consultations over a six month period.

Fragrance customisation £195 Enjoy a 90 minute consultation with the Floris perfumer. Begin by choosing a fragrance from any of our ranges and the Floris perfumer will create a scent especially for you, adding new ingredients to personalise your chosen eau de parfum for a special occasion or as a memorable gift. www.florislondon.com

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And to watch the quietly intellectual Pierre create and tempt us with his trademark desserts in his penthouse studio which literally hd us drooling at the mouth as he came up with Chou Infiniment Citron -an explosive little lemon Choux pastry.

Vogue once called the dazzlingly inventive French chef, Pierre Herme - whose exquisite multi-coloured macaroons feature unusual ingredients ranging from chanterelle mushrooms to even Rochas scents - the 'Picasso of Patisserie'.

And now this culinary genius and award winning Master Patisier is bringing even more of his imaginatively delectable goodies over to his two Pierre Herme boutiques in London, namely in Selfridges and Lowndes St, Belgravia.

First, there is the adorable Les Jardins 'collection of ephemeral macarons' whose pretty 15pds pea green box contains seven mouth-watering pieces in new flavours ranging from rose, vanilla and clove, Jardin Secret to chocolate and lime, Jardin Sauvage.

This modest but brilliant man also comes up with amazing, innovative macarons like one made with Heinze tomato sauce and another with Osetra Caviar and Walnut Brandy!

THE RIDING CLUB LONDON The Riding Club London is an exclusive members club and concierge service that specialises in providing access to the finest horses, venues and instruction in London, the UK and internationally.

It offers unrivalled access and expertise to equestrian enthusiasts, from beginners to advanced levels. They work with leading experts and exclusive stables to arrange group trips, tailored experiences and instruction in

all disciplines of riding, including dressage, jumping, polo and hunting, sourcing the best horses for every event.

They also provide ultimate riding holidays such as polo lessons on a private estancia in Argentina or a spectacular riding safari in Kenya.

T: 020 3589 2385 www.ridinglondon.com

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INTERVIEW

SHOOTING

1. When did you did first take to shooting? I was brought up with it but

I do remember going round the garden with my Grandfather when I was about 10 and shooting at fir cones with a .410!

STAR

2. What is your first memory on the field? That would be when I used to beat

By Alexander Jacobs

the Helperby shoot in North Yorkshire, which belonged to my Step Fathers family.

William Asprey, Chairman of William & Son, is the 7th generation of the Asprey family to specialise in the sale of luxury goods.

For over two hundred years the Asprey name has been synonymous with craftsmanship and elegant gift giving of a superior quality the world over.

William’s immersion in the family firm started at an early age, as a porter and salesman in the school holidays. After leaving school, and following four years with the Royal Green Jackets, an avid horologist, William Asprey worked at both Watches of Switzerland and Mappin & Webb before returning to the family firm.

In 1999 William left Asprey & Garrard to set up his own company William & Son, which he did in 2000. William & Son is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year.

As Chairman, he seeks to maintain his family’s reputation in the historic surroundings of No.10 Mount Street, a perfect home for an emporium of luxuries. William & Son is an Aladdin’s cave of predominantly Britishmade luxury merchandise with an eclectic mix of items from exclusive watch brands, handcrafted jewellery, infinitely useful small leather goods and luggage to luxurious leather clad board games and sterling silver ornaments. As proprietor, William tries to source personally each item within the store.

at

3. Do you mainly shoot in the UK, or venture elsewhere throughout the year? Have gun will travel! I shoot mainly

William & Son has longstanding relationships with many of their suppliers and as a result offers a world renowned bespoke service.

Working with master craftsmen, William & Son can produce an unrivalled selection of custom-designed objets d’art, leather goods, intricate ornaments and trinkets. Each bespoke order is designed by an in-house team of craftsmen, from the drawing board to the finished product. With service from experienced and informed staff, shopping at William & Son carries on the traditions of quality, service and luxury synonymous with his past heritage.

In 2005 he opened up a dedicated gun shop two doors down at No. 14. A keen shot, William is carrying on the family tradition of building and selling the finest sporting guns possible as well as clothing and accessories. In his personal time William tries to spend as much of the season as possible shooting and is in essence an “Urban Ruralist”.

William is married, with three children and lives in Chelsea, London. His most prized possession remains his family and the time he is able to spend with them.

William & Son

10 Mount Street, Mayfair W1 T: 020 7493 8385

in the UK, but have been on a number of overseas trips to Spain, Hungary, America, Argentina, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Cuba.

4. Is there any animal you choose not to shoot (Woodcock etc)? Of the flying

variety no, and of the four legged variety I would find it hard to shoot an Elephant or a cat, unless it was either me or them!

5. What are the essentials to take on a day’s shooting? The right clothing!

There is nothing worse than being cold and wet.

6. Etiquette on the field is of the upmost importance- what are the thing(s) NOT to do? Do not shoot low

birds, do not poach from a neighbour that you do not know well, and do not disobey the rules of the shoot.

7. What would be a suitable gift for a host? Anything that shows thought and that

takes your host into consideration.

8. William & Son prides itself on its bespoke guns service – do you have anything special engraved on your guns? I have my dogs head engraved on the

top lever of my 28 bore, and games scenes that are taken from some paintings I have at home on the sides and base of the action.

9. Food, wine and of course slow gin are big parts of a day’s shooting – what are your fondest memories of a good hosts hospitality? Nigel Clutton at

Angmering has the best selection of liquors you can find anywhere, Knarsdale provided a wonderful array of seafood for lunch, and the dinners before are always memorable!!

10. And finally, if you could give one piece of advice to some starting out shooting, what would it be? Take a

loader with you when you start who can guide you through the maze of the etiquette and what to shoot so that you do not make a fool of yourself and to ensure that you are always safe.

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Autumn Winter 2012 Add Atelier Mercadal Citizens of Humanity Christopher Fischer Faliero Sarti Franco Ferrari Goldsign Goldcase Hale Bob Hogans JBrand Livinia Conti Max Moi Paulie Sylvie Schimmel Tara Jarmon Yves Salomon

13 HINDE STREET MARYLEBONE LONDON W1U 3BG TEL: + 44 20 7486 7935 OPEN SUNDAY 12PM – 5PM

31 CLIFTON ROAD MAIDA VALE LONDON W9 ISY TEL: + 44 20 7266 0210 OPEN SUNDAY 12PM – 5PM

www.paulieclothing.com

794 FINCHLEY ROAD TEMPLE FORTUNE LONDON NW11 7TJ TEL: + 44 20 8458 4422 OPEN SUNDAY 11:30AM – 4PM WWW.EPICUREANLIFE.CO.UK

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Health & beauty

shopping

Shhh

It's a Secret

Eliza Burnett discovers a hidden gem for all her shopping needs There is no secret in looking fabulous. There are wonderful designers out there creating beautiful clothes for the fashion forward thinking woman. The secret lies in buying the right clothes and accessories that complement your wardrobe and can be adapted to suit your lifestyle.

Epicurean Life has discovered a gem of a boutique away from the madding crowd that delivers just that – Paulie. A genuinely friendly store with staff experienced in dressing the modern woman from head-to-toe.

So forget your hectic lifestyle and let the team at Paulie take care of everything. Whether it’s something for casual lunches, weekends away in the country or an elegant evening affair this gorgeous boutique is a one stop shop and caters to a discerning clientele with a twist on classic clothing.

Paulie not only has their own label collection but also sells beautifully cut Italian and French clothes.

The range on offer is amazing - be it knee-skimming dresses, Citizen Brand jeans, cashmeres, furs, scarves or Hogan shoes and boots – they literally have everything to dress you from head-to-toe.

Their inspiration is taken from the traditional intricacies and blended with the cut and quality which once was the norm. The modern simplicity of their cut is softened by the feminine details.

An enclave of style with classic and quirky pieces at competitive prices, such as, classic cigarette pants from £140 – the boutiques are destined to become your personal secret. Paulie stores are open 7 days a week.

31 Clifton Road, Maida Vale, London W9 T: 020 7266 0210 794 Finchley Road, Temple Fortune, London NW11 T: 020 8458 4422 13 Hinde Street, Marylebone, London W1 T: 020 7486 7935

NATURAL BOTOX Alternatives Are you worried about Botox risks? Would you like a natural, pain-free solution?

Akcelina Cvijetic recommends the best alternative products to help you diminish wrinkles and create a more youthful looking complexion naturally.

PREVENT WRINKLE FORMATION NATURALLY In addition to buying natural product alternatives to Botox, practise the following preventative measures.

Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamin C (peppers, kiwi, strawberries) to boost your collagen and elastin production and antioxidants (green tea, berries, pomegranate) to reduce the effects of oxidative stress. Include fish for essential fatty acids, lean protein for amino acids and plenty of raw vegetables to increase your vitamin and mineral levels. Use sunscreen protection. Staying out of the sun and using natural sunscreen are great ways of preventing the formation of those lines and wrinkles in the first place.

Keep hydrated. Drink plenty of water and fresh coconut water daily to keep your skin looking smooth and hydrated. Cut out on aging habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol drinking and eating sugary and processed foods.

Exercise regularly. Get your beauty sleep to prevent lacklustre skin.

These factors will not just help prevent formation of fine lines and wrinkles but will also keep you looking younger and healthier for longer!

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EXPERIENCE HEAVEN'S NATURAL BOTOX Heaven launched new Limited Edition Golden Bee Venom Mask. It contains twice as much of the bee venom ingredient which has been hailed as “nature’s botox”. The magic ingredient works by creating immediate lifting, tightening and firming of your frown lines and wrinkles. This heavenly treat also contains soothing and moisturising manuka honey, shea butter, rose and lavender oil.

Fans include Gwyneth Paltrow and royalty.

With the exquisite golden packaging and only 500 jars produced, it sure is a beauty keepsake.

A patch test is recommended and is not suitable for anyone with a bee sting allergy! www.heavenskincare.com

TRY THE ULTIMATE MUSCLE FREEZER Rodial Glamoxy Snake Serum has been heralded as “botox in a bottle”. The serum’s key ingredient is SynAke, a neuropeptide that mimics the effect of the Temple Viper’s venom and has a freeze-like effect on the facial muscles. It also contains a special oxygen carrier Fiflow BTX which boosts glow and radiance with a 3D plumping effect. Pomegranate ellagic tannin provides a powerful antioxidant protection. Trials have shown wrinkles appearing less noticeable after just 90 seconds with a 50% reduction within four weeks. Kate Moss, Victoria Beckham and Naomi Campbell are amongst the fans. www.rodial.co.uk WWW.EPICUREANLIFE.CO.UK

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lifestyle

Lifestyle

Virtus

Riva! la Vita

Riva continues to place great importance on the strength their relationship with their customers. The company organises an annual Riva trophy for owners, held in different locations around the world, as well as regional events. Paula Procopio, brand manager at Riva, explains, “For the customer, when they buy a Riva, they don’t just buy a yacht. They buy something completely different, it is a way to enter in a family...when all our customers buy a boat, they feel like they are part of a bigger family”.

Case in point is the long weekend of Riva’s 170th anniversary celebrations, originating at La Spezia, stopping at St Tropez and ending in Monaco, including several Riva competitions and trophy presentation, a 21 strong, Aquarama parade led by Carlo Riva

remains unbroken, holding true the company’s adage that ‘a Riva is always a Riva’.

The continuity in design is the result of Mauro Micheli’s unerring creative vision, deep passion for, and dedication to the brand.

Part of an extremely charming and dynamic duo, the other half consisting of the deceptively boyish Sergio Berretta, who as chief executive of Officina Italiana, runs the business side of things; Mauro has been part of the design process at Riva for the past 27 years. He started as a design assistant in the technical department at Riva in 1985 and the 53’ Bahamas in 1991 was the first boat he was wholly responsible for designing.

the exception of the special collaborations with Gucci and Marc Newson on the limited edition Aquarivas. However, Officina Italiana still lent a supporting hand in the collaborations.

In 1993, Mauro and Sergio set up Officina Italiana. Sergio is open, bubbly, laughs freely and shares openly. Mauro is the experienced

Full of anticipation, I feel like a child in a candy shop as we make our way past row after row of Rivas at the Monaco Yacht Club; Rivales, Aquaramas, Aquarivas, Rivaramas, to finally step aboard the newest star – Virtus; 63’ feet of fluid fibreglass, teak decks, stainless steel trims, smooth oak, and plush leather.

Featuring two ensuite double cabins with enough closet space for short overnight or weekend trips, a bunk cabin with separate head, two large sundecks, a driving seat consisting of a three-seater sofa, a spacious cockpit with three sofas, a pop up electrohydraulically operated bimini cover which provides shade even at high speeds, Riva’s signature curvaceous, stainless steel trimmed double curved windshield (the ultimate wraparound sunglasses), the Virtus is protective and cosseting without losing its racy lines and sportive heart. It corners like a dream, and at 40.5 knots, conversation still flows smoothly.

This is a sleek, sporty hound that begs to be taken out for a run, and is a very sweet ride.

Sea splashed, lightly bumped, sunned and happy, we return to harbour, having lived Carlo Riva’s original vision of “sun, sea, joy of living”. The Virtus follows in the inimitable footsteps of its predecessors, with deep roots in the Riva tradition, yet continuing to forge ahead into the future, with its strong modern design aesthethic, and seamless blend of quality and performance. It is a winning combination that is sure to be a guaranteed success for the brand. I’d like mine in Grey Sand please.

Virtus

More than just a brand, it is a lifestyle, Annabel Wilson says a resounding “yes please” Heading off to Monaco for a long weekend of Riva celebrations, I am delighted to find Jenson Button in the seat behind me on the plane. A few silent school-girl giggles and texts to appreciative friends later (the same information received no response from my un-impressed, London bound husband, who was clearly too busy to appreciate handsome F1 drivers), and I turn my mind to the events ahead.

2012 is a very special year for Riva, one of the world’s most iconic and legendary boat makers. Long favoured by aristocrats, industry titans, Hollywood luminaries, and sporting world champions, 2012 marks the celebration of Carlo Riva’s 90th birthday, Aquarama’s 50th anniversary, and Riva’s own 170th anniversary.

From its humble origins 170 years ago, when founder Pietro Riva began repairing fishermen’s boats at Sarnico, Lake Iseo, to its gradual change to rowing, sailing, and transport boats, and final evolution into 16

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motor-boats, sweeping countless wins in boating awards and in international racing competitions; Riva has been long recognised for the continuity in the elegance of its boats, the excellence of materials used, and for its extraordinary safety at sea.

Much like its product evolution, Riva has been under various different ownerships in the latter years of its incarnation. In 2000, the Ferretti Group purchased the company from Rolls Royce, and the brand was in Italian hands once more. Norberto Ferretti, with his deep love for the brand, and laser focus on the details and liveability of the product, began a targeted programme to re-launch both the products and brand, focusing on quality, design, style and the creation of unique products. It was a coming home of sorts for Riva, kicked off by the largest Riva boat show in the company’s history, at the birthplace of Riva, on Lake Iseo in 2000.

Over 100 boats of Riva models throughout its history participated, led in the front by Norberto Ferretti and Carlo Riva.

and his family, lunches and a gala dinner.

More than 40 owners and their boats participated in the celebrations, with a minimum of 4-5 people per boat. The atmosphere was that of a big family, enjoying the best of what the Riviera offers. None of them knew each other prior to the event, but the bonhomie of the elegant and gregarious group was real, and evident that many became good friends. Everyone I meet, from owners, Ferretti Group and Riva representatives, designers, and dealers, all clearly have a palpable passion for the brand and its boats.

Master cabin, Virtus

The sharp line of the prow cutting through the water, elegant slope back, with the stern tapering down to the water’s surface, high shine of mahogany, signature trim and upholstery of turquoise and white. It could only be the Aquarama, Riva’s legendary dayboat that is still an enduring emblem of the headiest days of la Dolce Vita. From the classic lines of the Aquarama, to the muscular strength of the Rivarama and Virtus, the continuity of the core values of the brand

need to know: Riva designs and manufactures a range of boats, from the Iseo runabout at 27’ to the Athena super-yacht at 115’.

Iseo 27’ runabout: €535,000 Aquariva 33’: €825,000 Aquariva Gucci, Marc Newson Aquariva (both 33’): €990,000 Virtus 63’: €2.1M artist, deep thinker, sitting back and observing with the keen and honed eye of a born perfectionist. Both clearly have a deep commitment, belief, and passion for the products that they create.

Officina Italiana had the un-enviable task to renew the Riva brand in 2000, to reinterpret the myth, while still respecting the brand’s heritage and ensuring continuity of its distinctive characteristics. Riva is the only boat brand they design for, and Riva does not create or design any boats without them, with

The 170th anniversary celebrations included the launch of Riva’s stunning new Virtus 63’.

Reminiscent of a part-beast, part machine rising powerfully from the depths of the sea, the Virtus is a highly Mediterranean open boat that is the direct result of many existing customers’ requests to have a bigger open yacht, which is less about cruising, and more about enjoying entertainment time.

At the end of a weekend of living and breathing the brand, it is clear that Riva is ultimately still a company that is driven from the heart. Carlo Riva’s passion and love for quality and innovation turned the brand into a myth, a tradition which Norberto Ferretti, Mauro Micheli, and all company representatives are determined to continue, with charisma, elegance, and flair. Riva is more than just a boat, it is a lifestyle. And what a lifestyle it is - who wouldn’t want to live it? www.riva-yacht.com |www.riva170.com

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interiors

PILLOW

interiors

Talk

5 | Glove Double Bed – Bonaldo – Giuseppe Vigano (from £4,220) A sleek and elegant double bed with an emery leather bed surrounds. The headboard is made of stratified laminate in shiny lacquered and mirror-effect finishes.

The frame is available in a number of sizes. www.fcilondon.co.uk

1 | The Silver Gilt Designer Bed (£5,800) Intricately upholstered and elegantly proportioned, this bed is the perfect combination of contemporary style and classical form. With its gentle sweeping curves and floral ornamentation, the grand lit headboard is beautifully crowned with acanthus leaf and cut out scroll carvings which are repeated as a motif framed by incised lines both along the side rails and footboard. It is finished with delicate carved cabriole style legs and ball feet. www.ikandi-interiors.co.uk

6 | Savoir – Penelope (£12,000) Famous for hand-making the most comfortable beds in the world. Super King size upholstered in luxurious Christian Lacroix fabric. www.savoirbeds.co.uk

2 | Cullinan from The Diamond Collection (£5,500 to £21,875) The Cullinan features the signature 14-turn pocket sprung mattress, providing an equal depth of support and comfort. The Cullinan base is the perfect foundation for this luxurious mattress, featuring the best of modern technology combined with natural materials and traditional British craftsmanship. The generous layers of sumptuous upholstery in the base include blends of silky horsehair, cashmere and needled lambswool, creating an amazing depth of comfort. www.marshallandstewart.com

7 | Hästens (£3,000-£60,000) Handcrafted using all natural materials, Hastens beds have been made in Sweden for over 160 years perfecting the knowledge and skills of generations of master bed builders to create the finest beds imaginable. Every detail of a Hästens bed is finished by hand and tailored to the individual’s requirements. www.hastens.com/en 8 | Hortensia from The Diamond Collection (£5,500 to £21,875) This bed has a unique base designed to offer the convenience of drawers without compromising the depth of support and feel provided by a spring divan. A storage system which works in synergy with layers of pocket springs, ensuring this bed provides the unparalleled support. www.marshallandstewart.com

3 | Vi-Spring Sublime Superb with Sovereign Divann (from £8,940) Hand-crafted using only the finest natural fillings – real Shetland Isle and British fleece wool, horsetail, silk and mohair – providing the softest covering for thousands of Vi-Spring’s unique springs, hand-laid in a double layer for definitive comfort and support. www.vispring.co.uk

4 | Arch Crowned Bed (from £3,898) This Christopher Guy bed has an alluring headboard with a framed arch crowned and beautiful hand carved curls, which brings a dose of luxury to any bedroom setting. www.christopherguy.com

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9 | Tree Of Life Four Poster Bed (from £1,375) This ethereal poster bed combines the sinuous lines of twisting vines with a stately, elegant frame. This bed lends an element of ‘enchanted forest fantasy’ to the bedroom. Hand forged in iron, it is available in regal black and silver or black and gold. www.andsotobed.co.uk

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interiors

Your

interiors

TABLE SIR!

3 | Post Scriptum Writing Desk – Porada – G. Azzarello (£1,829) Contemporary desk with solid oak top, three drawers and pull-out tray supported by a chromed metal frame. Top and drawers in natural, walnut-stained or wengé-stained oak or open-pore lacquered in white, ivory, chocolate or black. www.fcilondon.co.uk

1 | Baxter – George desk (from £7,967) Unique desk featuring an elegant base in antiqued brassed steel.

With a leather covered top and available in a variety of colours and textures. Also features an inside drawer with a zebrano sheet veneer. www.annacasa.net

2 | Riveria Rouge Desk - Linley (£48,000) Inspired by the yachting world, this sleek and sophisticated desk is characterised by its high gloss, detailed inlay, rich patina and signature Linley secret drawers. Body constructed of walnut with the edges softened reflecting the curved edges of yacht furniture, designed to be both aesthetically pleasing and practical. www.davidlinley.com

4 | Visionnaire – Augustus desk (from £9,960) With a strong and confident design aesthetic this desk is made of groved, matt lacquered wood and a stainless steel base. Top available in either matt lacquered finish or soft leather. www.annacasa.net

5 | The Helix Executive Desk - Christopher Guy (from £10,494) This beautifully designed L-shaped work station is cleverly appointed with a built in, circular receiving station and is confidently supported by a graciously executed Helix pedestal. Available in both right and left configurations, it positions the executive for business and commerce with greatest confidence. www.christopherguy.com

6 | New York High Gloss Desk - Ikandi (£4,500) A truly stunning and unique desk in high gloss with silver inlay. Hand-crafted, this desk comes in a variety of colours, including silver, gold, black, cream and lead. www.ikandi-interiors.co.uk

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7 | Master Home Office Desk – Cattelan Italia – Yasuhiro Shito (from £1,808) Simple, yet stylish desk available in a number of different sizes and finishes including wood, leather, textured leather and lacquer with an optional tempered 6mm extra clear glass top. www.fcilondon.co.uk

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Mayfair

the heart of

c o c kta i l ba r | lo u n g e | re s tau ra n t | ch e f ’ s d i n i n g ro o m | a rt g alle ry | la cav e

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1 0 l a n c a s h i r e c o u r t n e w b o n d s t r e e t lo n d o n w 1 s 1 e y + 4 4 ( 0 ) 2 0 7 5 1 8 9 3 8 8 w w w. m e w s o f m ay fa i r . c o m WWW.EPICUREANLIFE.CO.UK

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RESTAURANT NEWS & REVIEWS

RESTAURANT NEWS & REVIEWS

SoWhat’s

Congratulations to Andy Mil of the London Cocktail Club who recently won the UK leg of the Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year 2012 which took place in Brazil.

Andy was inspired by the Hollywood film ‘Cocktail’ from the mid ‘80s and also won the Food Matching challenge which presented bartenders with the task of creating a pair of cocktails to match their choice of Latin American dishes.

Cooking?

Azzy Asghar and our team review London’s culinary scene

www.londoncocktailclub.co.uk

One-O-One at the Sheraton Park Tower in Knightsbridge is offering exclusive monthly tasting dinners hosted by one of Epicurean Life’s favourite chefs, Pascal Proyart.

The evening will conclude with Pascal presenting a signed copy of one of the evening’s recipes to each diner, as well as a small gift.

Tasting Dinners will take place on 24th October and 7th November starting at 6pm.

Tickets £99.

T: 0207 290 7101 www.oneoonerestaurant.com

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MASH OPENS IN LONDON

MASH London will be located on Brewer Street and is due to open in November. The brand has five restaurants in Copenhagen and two outside the Danish capital.

BLUE ELEPHANT

When I first moved to London from New York in1991 there was only one Thai restaurant everyone talked about. From its verdant interior of exotic plants and authentic décor, this restaurant literally had people coming from all over the UK to taste amazing and (then) unusual Thai cuisine served in a restaurant that had a river running through it!

Times have indeed changed and now Thai food is commonplace, with all manner of pubs serving satay starters and prawn toast, to the abundance of fine Thai restaurants across the UK.

The Boulevard, Imperial Wharf, Townmead Road, Fulham SW6 T: 020 7751 3111 www.blueelephant.com/london

BOMBAY PALACE REOPENS

The menu at Blue Elephant is an adventure for your palate and transports you back to days of Royal Siam. Delicate flavours and rich spices combine to create dishes using the freshest ingredients from Thailand following recipes concocted by world-renowned chef, Khun Noroor Somany Steppe.

I loved our visit to the new location as much as I had to its previous incarnation on many other occasions - a taste of Thailand by the

50 Connaught Street, London W2 T: 020 7723 8855 www.bombay-palace.co.uk

Bounce, 121 Holborn, London, EC1 www.bouncelondon.co.uk

81 Brewer Street, London, W1 www.mashsteak.dk

24 HOURS A DAY, 40 FLOORS UP, 1 GREAT RESTAURANT

The new look Bombay Palace near Marble Arch has been given a bold and stylish makeover. The iconic restaurant first opened its doors in 1981 and now has eight branches across the world from Kuala Lumpur to Beverly Hills, New York and Toronto. It is best known for its tandoori specialities all delicately grilled in the clay oven to seal the marinades and enhance the natural flavours of the ingredients.

Bounce is a two minute walk from Farringdon and Chancery Lane tube stations and is built on the very same site where the game of table tennis was originally invented by Jaques’ grandfather!

In just three years, MASH’s blend of sophisticated modern New York-style steakhouse, imbued with a twist of Danish informal eating and drinking, has seen it become one of Denmark’s most successful restaurant groups.

Thames should be on every epicurean’s itinerary. (by Azzy Asghar)

But still, there remains only one Blue Elephant. The iconic Fulham-Broadway restaurant, launched in 1986, may have moved to Chelsea Harbour recently but all that was wonderful remains. The river no longer runs through the restaurant but besides it!

It still brings you the very best of Thai hospitality and cuisine that stays true to the culinary culture and influences of Thailand.

Diners are seated in a grandly decorated ambience, listening to the trickling of waterfalls as the scent of exotic flora and fresh spices fill the air.

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It promises to deliver an unique night out featuring table tennis, cocktails, high-end dining and eclectic beats. The new 12,500 square foot, £2.5m venue is designed by award-winning interior designer Russell Sage (The Zetter Townhouse, The Hospital Club and The Savoy).

Phenomenally successful Danish brand MASH - or Modern American Steak House to give it its full name – has chosen London as the location of its first overseas restaurant.

CHEF PASCAL PROYART SEAFOOD TASTING DINNERS

Each month, guests will be greeted with a glass of Champagne and a selection of fish and seafood canapés. Chef Pascal will then host a five-course tasting dinner, explaining the details behind each of the dishes. Each course will also be paired with a glass of wine carefully selected by Head Sommelier Antonio Roveda.

Breeden. The duo teamed up with Joe Jaques – grandson of the game’s inventor, John Jaques III, to bring the concept to life.

BARTENDER OF THE YEAR 2012

You could spend a small fortune taking your friends on the London Eye for breath taking views of glorious London – or you could treat them to breakfast, lunch or dinner at Duck & Waffle - the new restaurant which has just opened on the 40th floor of Heron Tower.

The all-day menu offers seasonal British cuisine with European accents and encourages sharing with tapas style platters.

Designed by New York based architects CetraRuddy, it features an open kitchen, curved banquette leather seating, large communal wooden tables for groups and floor to ceiling windows that overlook the city. All dishes are served with a Gherkin!

40th Floor, Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2 T: 020 3640 7310 www.duckandwaffle.com

NEW HOUSE SAME HOME

Home House, one of London’s most exclusive private members’ clubs, is celebrating the launch of their acclaimed restaurant and bar in House 19 – which was designed by Martin Kemp.

BOUNCE ON BY

Europe’s first purpose-built ‘Social Ping Pong Club’ is opening this October in London.

Bounce restaurant will have seating for up to 130 guests with an expansive view overlooking the playing area. The open plan venue offers a tantalising menu, complimented by a 7ft wide open counter wood-burning pizza oven; a 40ft bar laid out in an arc around the playing area and 17 table tennis tables.

Bounce is the brainchild of entrepreneur and accomplished table tennis player Dov Penzik and the co-founder of All Star Lanes, Adam

The launch was timed to coincide with the appointment of their new Executive Chef Jeremy Brown, previously of The Ritz Hotel.

Aside from Chef Brown’s talents, highlighted in a new menu of gourmet British fare, House 19 will also showcase the club’s new works of art, curated by Serena Morton.

Arranged over three magnificent Grade I and II listed buildings, Home House is a magical mix of Eighteenth Century splendour and Twenty First Century avant garde. www.homehouse.co.uk WWW.EPICUREANLIFE.CO.UK

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RESTAURANT NEWS & REVIEWS

RESTAURANT NEWS & REVIEWS

BRASSERIE BLANC

As a ‘true Londoner’ I very rarely visit Covent Garden – except to visit the opera or ballet. I have always consigned that part of town, along with Leicester Square, as the domain of American and European tourists. Thus an invitation to visit Brasserie Blanc was met with mild trepidation. Do they not have a location in Chelsea or Knightsbridge I queried? Well, they don’t. But the empire grows and who knows what sites the future holds.

Anyway, the power of Raymond Blanc’s name is enough to get any serious epicurean to navigate the horde of tourists and venture to WC2, not forgetting Le Manoir is one of our favourite UK restaurants. Brasserie Blanc is a new ‘affordable’ chain serving quality French food that has picked up key sites around town through the purchase of the sadly defunct Chez Gerard Group.

Raymond describes it thus: “I am often asked what a Brasserie Blanc is. Well if the Manoir is a delicate waltz then the Brasseries are the Can Can. For sure, this is not a place for refined haute cuisine and three course meals.

Rather, Brasserie Blanc is a place for relaxed enjoyment where I can offer you simple, high quality food that comes as close as possible to the meals that my mother prepared for me at home in Besançon and at a price that encourages you to visit us regularly.”

And ‘it does exactly what it says on the can’ (or should that be Can Can?).The flagship restaurant has 95-covers and occupies a landmark site in Covent Garden. The site includes the 40-seat Bar Blanc, 40- seat Little B private bar and a Blanc Creperie on the ground floor with outside seating in the Covent Garden Piazza. Blanc’s menu features affordable French cuisine with starters from £5.20 and mains from £10. Service was friendly and attentive despite it being very busy. So I am glad to admit I was wrong – the area has definite charms and dining al fresco on the terrace and overlooking Covent Garden is actually quite good fun and great for people watching too. (by Eliza Burnett) 35 The Market, Covent Garden, WC2 T: 020 7379 0666 www.brasserieblanc.com

FRENCH FOOD AND FIZZ, FINGERTIPS AWAY!

Fabulous Covent Garden shop and bistro, Champagne + Fromage has launched a delivery service. Now you can have all your favourite French food and perfectly chilled fizz brought straight to your front door.

Speedy scooters whizz through London town bringing French fancies to wherever you are within an hour, ensuring you’ll never be left high and dry again.

city, so we are thrilled to kick-off our plans for international growth in Asia’s World City”.

Boujis 37 – 43 Pottinger Street, Central, Hong Kong www.boujis.com

So, whether you’re throwing an impromptu party, spending a lazy afternoon in the park or need to impress an important client at work, it’s only a phone call away!

Champagne + Fromage, 22 Wellington Street, London, WC2 T: 0207 240 1604 www.frenchbubbles.co.uk/ChampagneFromage

BOUJIS BOOGIES ITS WAY EAST TO HONG KONG

One of London’s most fashionable nightspots is winging its way east as October sees the launch of Boujis in Hong Kong.

The opening coincides with, and celebrates, the 10th anniversary of Boujis London – the club of choice for London’s influential, royal and glamorous crowd.

FRANCO MANCA – PIZZA WITH PASSION

It’s very easy to tell you that Franco Manca's pizzas are made from slow-rising sourdough and baked in a wood burning brick oven made on site by specialised artisans from Naples.

How their oven produces the slow levitation and blast-cooking process which locks in the flour's natural aroma and moisture, ensuring a soft and easily digestible crust. I could tell you how almost every respected food critic raves about this restaurant including Tom ParkerBowles.

Enjoy lunch a la Française with a selection of charcuterie and fromage, cold soups, mini sandwiches and other foodie favourites.

Matt Hermer, CEO of Ignite Group said, “Boujis Hong Kong is an exciting new venture for us and a project we have been developing over the past few years. We are excited to establish the Boujis brand outside of the UK; Hong Kong is an incredible, forward-thinking WWW.EPICUREANLIFE.CO.UK

FROM BUNTING TO HUNTING

From the discreet entrance outside, to the worn brown leather banquette seating and original rock ‘n’ roll music posters, including, of course, The Rolling Stones’ number one single, ‘Honky Tonk Woman’ guests will feel they have stumbled upon a hidden gem. They can enjoy a New York-inspired menu offering an eclectic range of cuisine spanning classic all-American dishes with elements of Italian and also deli-inspired food with many small plates served alongside larger ones.

Traditional serving methods are always preferred at BB&G and thus they are offering Whole Roast Grouse, served with Bread Sauce, Game Chips, Breadcrumbs and Game Jus.

This winter a touch of good old fashioned rock ‘n’ roll will arrive in Hollywood Road in the form of Honky Tonk. A New York inspired restaurant and bar, Honky Tonk will bring an edgy décor and atmosphere very different to anything usually found in London’s ‘Little Chelsea’.

The Hong Kong club will present Boujis London’s prominent resident DJ Klaus and famed Bongo Guru, Ameet.

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HONKY TONK COMES TO HOLLYWOOD

HAKKASAN LAUNCHES CHRYSAN

Hakkasan Group has launched Chrysan, a Japanese restaurant in partnership with Japan's highly respected Michelin-starred chef Yoshihiro Murata.

Chef Murata is the Chairman of The Japanese Culinary Academy, which promotes Japanese cuisine internationally by mentoring and inspiring chefs such as Ferran Adria and Heston Blumenthal.

Located within Broadgate West, Chrysan is the first of two restaurants to open by the Hakkasan Group within close proximity to Italian restaurant L’Anima, creating a culinary hub on the border of East London and the Square Mile.

Chef Murata is internationally acclaimed as the master of kaiseki – comparable to Western haute cuisine. He is the third generation chef patron of Kikunoi, a century-old traditional Ryotei restaurant in Kyoto, which holds three Michelin stars.

Broadgate West, 1 Snowden Street, London EC2 www.chrysan.co.uk

But forget Tom. Better still – I’ll tell you Been There, Done That! You see I was fortunate enough to be invited to Naples last year by Giuseppe Mascoli, the owner of the ever-growing brand, who personally taught me how to make the dough, roll it, and create a pizza!!

His passion was infectious and his knowledge on the history of pizza is either amazing or totally nerdy – depending on how you view it!

But his passion shone through in the end result. Even my novice attempt at pizza making was delish (!) thus you can imagine what happens when you put the pros to work.

Their flour is imported from Naples, organic tomatoes brought in directly from Salerno, single-estate organic extra-virgin olive oil is also imported – this is commitment to the cause of perfection and how you get leading critics drooling at the thought of a slice.

The Franco Manca empire continues to grow with plans for many more. Bravissimo! (by Azzy Asghar) BRIXTON - Unit 4 Market Row, London SW9 T: 020 7738 3021 CHISWICK - 144 Chiswick High Road, London W4 T: 020 8747 4822 www.francomanca.co.uk

6 Hollywood Road, Chelsea SW10 T: 0207 351 1588 www.honkytonkchelsea.com

NEW FROM NOVIKOV

Following the success of Novikov Restaurant & Bar, which opened in Mayfair in November 2011, Arkady Novikov has announced the launch of his next venture, a local restaurant in Knightsbridge.

Opening in November, on the site that was formerly the Brompton Quarter Brasserie, the Asian Brasserie by Novikov will be his second restaurant project outside Russia.

Committed to serving the local community, Novikov’s partner in the business is Valerie Zilkha, who also owns neighbourhood restaurants in Chelsea and Battersea.

In honour of the king of feathered game, the Grouse, and following on from The Glorious Twelfth, the award-winning Brompton Bar & Grill (BB&G) is now not only one of the few, but certainly one of the best places to come and sample this rare delicacy as the daily special of choice.

The Cleggan Estate has been in The Brompton Bar & Grill’s owner Francois O’Neill’s family for nearly two hundred years.

The Cleggan Shoot, one of the best in Northern Ireland, is situated in the North Antrim hills. Having been passionate from a young age about the traditions surrounding game, Francois supports a number of conservation projects throughout Britain. In particular, those dedicated to reintroducing the extinct Irish Grouse.

He told us: “Whilst I love to serve Grouse and be able to introduce its rich and unique tastes to those that may have never had the opportunity to try the dish elsewhere, I am also very conscientious to help protect and preserve the birds existence so that future generations to come will be able to continue to experience and uphold game traditions.”

243 Brompton Road, Chelsea SW3 T: 020 7589 8005 www.bromptonbarandgrill.com

223-225 Brompton Road, London SW3 T: 020 7225 2107 www.bromptonasianbrasserie.com

SPIANATA OPENS IN MAYFAIR

Rome’s most popular lunchtime choice, the Spianata sandwich, has arrived in London’s Mayfair. An essential part of Roman life, and made with the traditional flat bread Spianata, or to give it its local name, pizza Bianca romana, is served at the independent Roman bakery and paninoteca. Set up by Stefano Nicolai, Spianata&co says ciao! to the sorry sandwich by offering a truly different, delicious range of Spianatas, made with its own-baked bread, and filled with far from ordinary ingredients.

3 Hay Hill, Berkeley Square, Mayfair W1 www.spianata.com WWW.EPICUREANLIFE.CO.UK

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RESTAURANT NEWS & REVIEWS

RESTAURANT NEWS & REVIEWS restaurant Tonkotsu alongside legendary Bloomberg food critic Richard Vines, an Israeli tasting menu from one of Tel Aviv’s hottest chefs, a fusion of art and food that will see diners viewing Vincent van Gogh’s ‘Two Crabs’ before feasting on crabs, and a wild autumn flavours menu from up and coming Irish chef Robin Gill, fresh fromstages at NOMA and Extabarri.

QUINCE

Quince is the debut restaurant of renowned and multi-talented chef Silvena Rowe.

Located within the Mayfair Hotel off Berkeley Street, the restaurant promises a soulful, sensual and spirited experience. And, it doesn’t disappoint.

The menu features recipes handed down from grandmother to daughter over generations drawn on her Bulgarian/Turkish heritage.

The restaurant is my favourite kind of dining experience, that of sharing-plates. Whether on a date for two or a gathering with numerous friends, nothing is more fun and interactive than everyone sharing from mini-platters and enjoying the dining experience together as they comment on each dish and choose their favourites.

Combining the best of traditional Ottoman banquets and modern Middle Eastern street fayre – adding a healthy dose of spices, fruits and fresh flower petals, results in an away from-the-norm experience that yields rich flavours and textures.

Royal China

Queensway is where it all started for the Royal China chain, currently tallying at six restaurants. Although there are now a surfeit of contenders vying for London's King of the Dim Sum title, this branch is still the preferred choice of the locals and beyond who flock here on a Sunday morning to sample its multitudinous dumpling selection.

But, a restaurant of this size cannot survive on one busy sitting a week, so how does it fare the rest of the time? Pretty good if the regular flow of culturally diverse diners, befitting this no-man's land location is anything to go by.

On the night we visited, the clientèle was made up of locals, tourists and a large group celebrating an event which made them seemingly oblivious to our existence as they spilled over onto our table uninvited, eventually edging us out of the restaurant following a mammoth flash photography session covering all combinations of their party's members. Nice.

To begin, we shared the Imperial Vegetarian Hors H'oeurvres, which was too much for two people to have adequate stomach space remaining for main courses. The dish consisted of Spicy Bean Curd, which tasted like it had fallen into a crater of something unpleasant and MSG-like, rendering it pretty much inedible; the Pancake Rolls (AKA Spring Rolls) were bereft without the much needed sweet chili dipping sauce provided; 28

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the Seaweed was decent, but it was the Deep Fried Aubergine that succeeded in distinguishing Royal China from being just another local high street Chinese restaurant with identikit menus.

Tiring of food from the land, my guest ventured to the sea for her additional starter of Deep Fried Stuffed Crab Claw, which could have done with a tad more of a flavour injection.

For mains, we kept it pescetarian and ordered Steamed Black Cod in Ginger, and Sauteed Prawn with Cashew Nuts, accompanied by Fried noodles with Beansprouts and Pak Choi, all of which were huge portions we struggled to even eat half of.

The steamed cod provided a welcome alternative to the ubiquitous miso variant and was fresh and delicately flavoured. The seafood plate was well-balanced between the texture of the prawns and crunch of the cashews. Royal China probably isn't the destination dining experience it once was, but if you're in the area and have a hankering for an old fashioned Chinese meal or a Dim Sum extravaganza, you'll be well catered for here.

(By Shelley Rubenstein) 13 Queensway, Bayswater, London W2 T: 020 7221 2535 www.royalchinagroup.biz

Silvena is a larger-than-life presence, spending time with all the customers to explain her vision while offering advice on dish selection.

This personal touch extends to her team which are all very affable and welcoming.

A twist on the traditional Turkish staple borek – cigar-shaped filo tubes – of wafer-thin pastry filled with spinach and slow-cooked lamb shank were mouth-watering. A maincourse of spice-coated lamb cutlets was – as per the waiter’s recommendation – sublime, but two pieces was just not enough. As was a signature rice pilaf with blueberries, pistachios and lemon balm. (by Azzy Asghar) Quince at The Mayfair Hotel, Stratton Street, Mayfair W1 T: 020 7915 3892 www.quincelondon.com

Tickets £25 per person, including dinner and a cocktail on arrival.

The National Café, Trafalgar Square, London WC2 T: 020 7747 5942 www.thenationalcafe.com

CALABRESE LAUNCHES BAROQUE

Gerry Calabrese has quickly built up a reputation as one of the modern greats in the London bar and club scene. Now, with the creation of Baroque at the Playboy Casino, Gerry is finally bringing to fruition his dream of merging the luxury and glamour of a bygone era with a seriously modern twist.

PEYTON’S PLACE

Oliver Peyton’s new project - Friday night’s at Peyton and Byrne restaurant The National Café - will see the restaurant throw open its doors each week to anyone in the hospitality, creative industries or foodies with something interesting to say.

Oliver said: “The National Gallery is an amazing space and I want to use it to create a convivial experience that unites the best elements of the London dining scene: spectacular food, wine and cocktails, interesting conversation, culture, together with passionate and talented people. I see this as the foodie equivalent of an open-mic night: you never know what might happen and that’s part of the fun.”

Confirmed line-up includes: Japanese street food with Emma Reynolds from hit Soho

A selection of globally renowned luxury brands are hosting a must-see series of expert lunches at Mayfair based Novikov Restaurant & Bar. These informal - but informative events will include: Henry Herbert Tailors (27th September) This new kid on the Savile Row block offers the finest handmade suits and shirts to customers in London and across the UK. Sotheby’s (11th October) One one of the world's largest auctioneers of fine and decorative art, jewellery and collectibles. With 90 locations in 40 countries, each year it holds 250 auctions in over 70 categories. The Novikov lunch will be held during the Frieze Art Festival and will be hosted by an in-house expert on Italian art.

Armani/Casa (15th November) Armani/Casa was launched in 2000 as a separate division, though seamlessly linked to the other sections of the Armani Group. The company provides a platform for Giorgio Armani to set out his vision of the living space. The collection ranges from furniture to accessories and from fabrics to ornaments and lighting. The Novikov lunch will tie in with the launch of Armani/Casa’s latest collection.

Having undergone an extensive refurbishment, the venue has been transformed into a sumptuous space oozing luxury. The interior has been designed by CID Interiors and features sophisticated and extravagant decor; displaying golds, ruby reds, magenta pinks, heavy drapes, Louis XIV chairs and antique mirrors. Baroque is finished to the highest possible standard with an undeniably theatrical, flamboyant atmosphere.

14 Old Park Lane, Mayfair W1 T: 020 7491 8586 www.playboyclublondon.com

NOVIKOV HOSTS EXPERT LUNCHES

Held in the private dining room of the Italian Restaurant, there will be a maximum of 20 places at each event. Tickets are £50 and include a three course lunch and the expert talk.

SHOW STOPPING SUSHI

South Kensington is now home to London’s hottest new sushi venue, Sushi des Artistes, an eclectic new cabaret inspired JapaneseEuropean fusion restaurant

50 Berkeley Street, London, W1 www.novikovrestaurant .co.uk

London is the first sister restaurant to the hugely popular flagship site in Marbella.

Expect to find delicacies such as ‘Nothing At All’ grain fed fresh Chateaubriand sashimi with fresh wasabi, ‘Shall We Dance’ three kinds of foie gras nigiri and ‘Club Celebrity’ a touch of fresh black truffle and crispy soft shell crab tempura.

As enticing as the food and concocted with similar gastronomic gusto is the cocktail list, focusing on Champagne cocktails. The wine list is as also as diversified as the menu, offering something to compliment even the most unusual of courses.

85 Sloane Avenue, SW3 T: 020 3583 3797 www.sushidesartistes.com WWW.EPICUREANLIFE.CO.UK

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RESTAURANT NEWS & REVIEWS WABI LONDON

Pergerine Heathcote

Former Nobu head chef Scott Hallsworth is gearing up for the launch of Japanese restaurant Wabi London. Australian-born Scott spent six years at Nobu in London before being handpicked by Nobu Matsuhisa to launch Nobu Melbourne in 2007. The restaurant, located in Lincoln's Inn Fields, will serve a varied and seasonal menu of Japanese cuisine with a contemporary European twist.

Peregrine Heathcote was born in London in 1973. His paintings conjure a world of intoxicating glamour and intrigue and are sought after the world over. The characteristic themes ever present in Heathcote’s paintings evoke a nostalgic look at a hedonistic lifestyle reminiscent of the thirties and twenties through to the swinging sixties. Below we present Night-Time, to view other pieces from the his collection please visit www.peregrineheathcote.com or email peregrineheathcote@hotmail.com

Scott, who has cooked for the likes of Michael Jackson, the Beckhams, Robert De Niro and

Artesian at The Langham Wins World’s Best Hotel Bar Bill Clinton, is known for pushing the boundaries of gastronomy, creating dishes that are distinguished by their unexpected contrasts of flavours and textures. Expect such delicacies as foie gras martini with umeshu jelly, nashi and black vinegar; onsen egg with dashi-soy, truffle salt and chives and tea smoked duck tataki with burnt ginger amazu sauce.

36-38 Kingsway, London, WC2 www.wabirestaurants.com

Beringer Classic Collection

Since 1876 Beringer has been synonymous with the finest Napa Valley wines. The most awarded winery in the US, Beringer, is set to launch its new Classic Collection in the UK. The new Beringer Classic Collection is built on generations of winemaking history and expertise, combining the highest quality standards demanded by the Beringer legacy, with affordable, everyday value.

Beringer Classic Collection wines are sourced from select regions across California and marry seamlessly with a variety of culinary tastes, which make them perfect for pairing with food or simply served on their own.

Beringer Classic Cabernet Sauvignon, Beringer Classic Zinfandel Rosé, Beringer Classic Chardonnay and Beringer Classic Zinfandel. RSP £8.99

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Make mine a double!! Two reasons to celebrate for the iconic Langham London as the hotel not only claimed the title as ‘World’s Best Hotel Bar’ but their Head Mixologist Alex Kratena was awarded ‘International Bartender of the Year’ at the Tales of the Cocktail 2012 Spirited Awards in New Orleans.

Cocktail professionals and enthusiasts alike attended the 10th Anniversary of this exciting annual event with a schedule of seminars, dinners, competitions and tasting rooms where brands showcase their latest products.

Born in the Czech Republic, Alex Kratena has been Head Mixologist at The Artesian in The Langham, London since its opening in 2007.

He has developed an exciting menu of unique cocktails and blends, alongside London’s most exciting and eclectic collection of rums and an extensive Champagne list.

PISTE SLOPES INTO SOHO

This winter things will be going downhill at Archer Street in the best possible way with the launch of a new basement nightclub, Piste.

Piste will be reminiscent of traditional chalets with the décor featuring antique skis, snowshoes and distressed mirrors with playful stripy sofas and cushions creating a truly warm and welcoming après ski atmosphere.

To mark the opening, Piste will be launching a host of special cocktails, set to get you in the seasonal spirit. There will be nightly entertainment with resident DJs and regular pop up performances by staff singing wintery classics.

3-4 Archer Street, Soho W1 T: 020 7734 3342 www.archerstreet.co.uk

The Langham, 1c Portland Place, Regent Street London W1 T: 020 7965 0165 www.london.langhamhotels.co.uk

ALAN YAU LAUNCHES NAAMYAA CAFÉ

Naamyaa Café is the latest project from renowned restaurateur Alan Yau. Sister restaurant to Busaba Eathai, Naamyaa Café is an all-day dining, modern Bangkok style café offering a collection of food that captures the spirit of Bangkok. The menu offers Siam heritage classics, Bangkok street food and Western café staples, retaining Siam traditions and absorbing the colonial influences from its neighbouring countries and the new world.

Angel Building, 407 St John Street, Islington, London EC1 www.naamyaa.com

THE CHAMUCOS CLUBHOUSE

Restaurateur and entrepreneur Tom Conran has launched the new Chamucos Clubhouse downstairs at his Mexican restaurant Crazy Homies in Notting Hill. Named after his new super-premium Tequila Chamucos, the bar is a dedicated tequila lounge serving great cocktails made with the new cult tequila of choice.

T: 020 7727 6771 www.crazyhomies.com

NIGHT-TIME (20 X 30 inches) Available as a Giclee limited edition of 10 pieces, all numbered and hand signed by artist with studio stamp and seals direct from studio subject to availability.

Price £550 each excludes frame, free delivery within UK. WWW.EPICUREANLIFE.CO.UK

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PARIS Restaurants

PARIS Restaurants

QUOI DE NEUF

September, the holidays are over, fini, the French return to work with only one thought in mind: QDN cheri/e, Darling, What’s New? By Margaret Kemp

WHERE SHALL WE STAY?

At the handsome newly transformed 17th century Hotel Verneuil, the owner, Nicholas Nonon, in his charming way as charismatic as old Serge, explains “This is where people can feel at home, even if they are far from home”, he says offering me an armchair in the serene library.

Provençe born Flora Mikula learned to cook from her grandmother and chose a career as a chef so she could travel the world.

After New York, London and Italy, returning to France, Flora met and married Raphael Peraud while they were working for Alain Passard at the 3-Michelin star restaurant Arpége, Paris. Together they launched the left-bank bistro “Les Olivades”, dedicated to Provenće cuisine and, by this time, Flora was hailed as one of Europe’s top female chefs.

“We always talked of opening our own urban auberge, to express our personalities”, explains Flora. So the couple took time-out to search for the perfect address which they found in the Bastille area of Paris. “Auberge de Flora” opened its’ doors last June.

Over three floors, interior architects Simone&hug have created bright contemporary décor for the 21 gourmet themed rooms and ground floor brasserie with enclosed terrace. Flora’s in the kitchen and Raphael’s front of house, proud of his excellent wine cellar. “The accent’s on Mediterranean dishes with a modern spin, served all day, every day”, says Flora of her latest delicious project.

Auberge de Flora,

44 boulevard Richard Lenoir 75011, Paris T: +33 1 47 00 52 77 Menus from 25€ + A La carte/tapas/ wine Rooms average from 100€ + breakfast 12€ www.aubergeflora.fr

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Mark Singer and his wife Dominique transformed Le Petit Colombier, the great game addy, a short walk from the Arc de Triomphe, into, well, a triumph!

Mark, from Philadelphia and ze very French Dominique work in perfect tandem.

The newly decorated walls are punctuated with Dominique’s beautiful photographs.

Upstairs there’s three sumptuous salles great for cocktail parties, weddings, bar mitzvahs. And do check out the monument historique loo.

Brunch: If the street looks familiar it may be because of Serge Gainsbourg, France’s national treasure, who lived and died at No.5 bis rue de Verneuil. Now owned by his daughter Charlotte, there are plans to transform the house into a museum, rumour has it Jean Nouvel will lend a hand.

Hugo & Victor for a great selection of sweet and savoury and, with a nod and a wink to the Autumn wine harvest, Hugues Pouget’s Tarte au raisin muscat. www.hugovictor.com Do you know about Bread & Roses?

Created by elegant Frenchman Philippe Tailleur who once lived and studied in England, read, the best of British with a French twist. B&R are located on the right bank, next door to Hermés, the other space is near the Luxembourg Gardens. www.breadandroses.fr 110 De Taillevent

The Verneuil’s 26 rooms, with L’Occitane freebie products, are decorated with contemporary style and elegance, read, exposed beams, lovely bathrooms, by a young team of architects including Patrick Leghima and Charlotte Inchauspé for the design.

At 110, the tres chic, Pierre Yves Rochon designed space, just round the corner Les Caves de Taillevent, wine boutique. Cave director Pierre Berot selects "the best of" for this new and exciting food and wine concept.

“We’re open 7/7 with valet parking”, explains chef Emile Cotte (ex-PreCatalan). “And, the 110 are the 110 choices of fine wines available by the glass. “We’ve created a menu of wine/ glass pairings that match the dishes, of course you don’t have to stick by them, but we think it’s fun”.

There’s no restaurant, the concierge will make reservations where you might not be able to, say, La Sociéte, L’Atelier de Robuchon, Gaya Rive Gauche par Pierre Gagnaire, Ralph’s etc.

Sumptuous breakfasts are served below stairs, in what was probably the wine cellar, eggs, cereals and croissants and pastries by Dominique Saibron, teas by Damman, artisan coffees.

Located just off Saint Germain des Pres, Le Verneuil is peaceful and relaxing, you’re almost in the country, although a few minutes walk from Les Deux Magots, Café Flore and all ze action.

Hotel Verneuil

8 rue de Verneuil, 75007 T: +33 1 42 60 82 14 Metro: rue de Bac www.hotel-verneuil-saint-germain. com Hotel Verneuil

Night-watch:

“Nocturnes 228”, Wine tastings at Le Meurice Hotel, by uber-sommeliére Estelle Touzat and luxury snacks by Yannick Alleno. Book dinner at Le Dali afterwards. www.lemeurice.com Not forgetting the fabulous brasserie

by Dominique Bouchet (ex-Le Crillon). www.dominique-bouchet.com

JUST OPEN

Le Palais de Tokyo’s new eaterie. In the transformed spaces on the banks of the Seine, a restaurant which favours diversity, a place of contemplation more than consumption, a place combining spiritual nourishment with physical nourishment, a place in pace with the bold exhibitions, and a place which, come evening, creates a new look to prepare itself for the night. From noon to 2am. www.palaisdetokyo.com

TALK OF THE TOWN

WHERE SHALL WE EAT?

You’ll remember chef ’s talent from Dodin- Bouffant, after which his new restaurant is named, as well as Les Caves Gourmandes (which he took over from Eric Frechon) and Les Glenats. Broadcaster Jean-Luc Petitrenaud was there last week with super-chef Christian Constant and, former proprietor, Bernard Fournier has given Dodin his seal of approval. So no worries about the game.

“C’est une supercuisinière”, says chef Jean-Franćois Piège when asked about the talented Amandine Chaignot, until recently, second to Christopher Hache at Les Ambassadeurs, Hôtel de Crillon.

You’ve probably seen her peeping out from the kitchens of Prunier, winning Le Bocuse d’Or as commis, at the Plaza Athenée, Le Bristol, Le Meurice and now at Le Raphael where Amandine is Chef de Cuisine. Is this the year of the super-chefettes? Watch out for Stéphanie Le Quellec (winner of 2011 Top Chef) at the newly transformed Prince des Galles. www.raphaelhotel.com Amandine Chaignot

“There’s no signature dish, my menu’s based around the seasons”, says chef Singer who came to France with his parents when he was ten. “My mom influenced my choice of career”, he admits. “She was a great fan of Julia Child so, together we would make her recipes”, he recalls.

Le Dodin de Mark Singer

42 rue des Acacias, 75017 T: + 33 1 43 80 28 54 Lunch 38€ Dinner A La Carte about 35-60€ + wine www.ledodin.com

Say you choose Sandre en ceviché, gingembre, pamplemousse et moutarde violette. Billecart-Simon Brut Vintage at 23€ or 11 €50 depending on the size of the glass, is an excellent match. And, with the Merlan Frit “Colbert” sauce tomate, pomme purée, Bellet “Les Clos” 2010 Le Clos Saint Vincent at 20€ or 10€ for 14cl or 7cl.

Same idea for cheese and witty desserts, created by Miss Kumiko (ex-Robuchon).

Means you’ll taste fantastic vintages and say, “well cherie, I was inspired to write my latest book/design my new yacht/ climb Everest while tasting a superb Cheval Blanc 2004 chez Les 110”.

110 De Taillevent

195 rue du Faubourg-Saint Honoré 8th Metro: Charles de Gaulle Etoile, T: +33 01 40 74 20 20 Lunch formula 39€ + wine Average Spend A La Carte lunch or dinner 70€+wine www.taillevent.com

Philippe Excoffier Philippe Excoffier’s eponymous left bank bistro is near the Eiffel Tower. He’s not sure if he’s related to Auguste Escoffier, has worked with the greats, was once chef to Yves Saint Laurent, and Executive Chef at the American Embassy, Paris. His beautiful book “A La Table de l’Ambassadeur” was written with then Ambassador’s wife Dorothy Walker Stapleton. Excoffier’s signature dishes

are, Marbre de lapin (rabbit) à la sariette, oignons confit. Souris d’Agneau confite, haricot tarbais et son jus au thym citron and Grand Marnier Souffle.

Philippe Excoffier

18 rue de l’Exposition, 75007 T: + 33 1 45 51 78 08 www.philippe-excoffier.fr

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NYC restaurants

NYC restaurants Bagatelle New York

This summer, Bagatelle NY re-opened its doors with a new flagship location, where owners Aymeric Celente and Remi Laba (of Brand Essence) and Jonathan Segal and Celeste Fierro (of The One Group) joined forces to bring the restaurant’s renowned European flair back to the Meatpacking District. With sister properties in Los Angeles and St. Barth’s, Bagatelle NY is famed for its exclusive atmosphere and celebrity crowd including Kevin Connolly, Sofia Vergara and Nick Loeb. The restaurant’s design is inspired

by St Tropez and Paris, with classic European décor, architecture and artwork. Under the culinary influence of Executive Chef Romauld Jung, guests of Bagatelle NY can indulge in a selection of innovative, seasoninspired French Mediterranean dishes, as well as a wide selection of creative cocktails, inspired by the South of France. In addition to the fare, Bagatelle NY has become renowned for its daytime party scene, featuring an array of world-renowned DJs which transform the dining room into a classic, European-style celebration. Not to be overlooked is Bagatelle’s infamous “champagne brunch,” a celebration that is said to be the true pioneer of brunch parties in New York City; often imitated, but never truly duplicated.

Bagatelle New York 1 Little West 12th Street New York, NY T: (212) 488-2110 www.bistrobagatelle.com

Norah Lawlor’s guide to the City that never sleeps

New York

SL

Nights

SL (simyone lounge)

SL (simyone lounge) is one of New York City’s most exclusive nightclubs and lounges.

Owned by Eugene Remm and Mark Birnbaum of EMM Group, SL is a chic, 2,200-squarefoot subterranean venue located in the heart of the Meatpacking District, just below swanky, sister restaurant Abe & Arthurs. Any night of the week, from dinner until dawn, SL plays host to some of the hottest parties in the city, and is a favorite among celebrities including Rihanna, Sean Penn, Kim Kardashian, Leonardo DiCaprio, Madonna and Jay Z. This NY hotspot is a truly innovative space; once behind the velvet ropes, party-goers can enjoy SL’s front and back rooms, differently designed to accommodate the need of each guest. For a more relaxed setting, guests can enjoy the lounge’s front room featuring stone-exposed walls, a full bar and sleek décor, while the back room accommodates a more high-energy scene, with mirrored ceilings and walls, neoncolored art and live guest DJs. SL (simyone lounge) 409 W 14th Street New York, NY T: (646) 289-3940 www.emmgroupinc.com/nightlife/sl 34

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The Beatrice Inn

The Beatrice Inn will soon re-open to the public, as it has been transformed from a once famous New York nightclub into a cozy chophouse. Although the renowned restaurant will remain at its same prime Greenwich Village location, owner and Vanity Fair editor Graydon Carter, and partners Emil Varda and Brett Rasinski will reinvent the space—creating a chic restaurant that evokes a cozy atmosphere. The Beatrice Inn is styled to perfection, with a classic, neutral color palette, with black leather banquettes, working fireplaces, paneled walls, and a sky lit backroom with high ceilings. Under the culinary influence of Chef Brian Nasworthy, the chophouse menu will be season inspired and Italian-American in style, offering an array traditional dishes perfect for any palette.

To compliment the cuisine, The Beatrice Inn will also offer a classic cocktail menu, where guests can enjoy high quality drinks, including the forever-famous Beatrice Inn martini.

The Beatrice Inn 285 West 12th Street New York, NY T: (212) 929-6165

Bagatelle - Interior Bar and Stools

RYU - Dining Booth

The Dutch Outside

The Dutch

Located in the heart of SoHo on the corner of Prince and Sullivan Streets, The Dutch restaurant has quickly become one of New York City’s dining hotspots. This rootsinspired American restaurant, bar and oyster room opened in 2011 under the direction of successful restaurateurs Josh Pickard and Luke Ostrom and chef Andrew Carmellini, who traveled across the United States in search for the perfect menu selections to ensure The Dutch encompassed authentic, all-American cuisine. With a mix of traditional and adopted dishes, the restaurant’s menu offers guests an array of cuisine including fresh fish, choice meats, and quality produce.

The Dutch remains is traditionally styled, with the design inspired by great American taverns, cafes, country inns and seaside shacks.

The Dutch 131 Sullivan Street New York, NY T: (212) 677-6200 www.TheDutchNYC.com

RYU

RYU restaurant in New York City’s trendy Meatpacking District is the latest new addition to the area’s dining and nightlife scene. In collaboration successful nightlife gurus Chris Reda and Brian Gold, and Keeping Up With The Kardashians star, Scott Disick opened the buzzed-about restaurant this spring 2012, offering guests tasty, Japanese inspired cuisine, world-class cocktails, and an exclusive, chic atmosphere. RYU; meaning a Japanese school of thought, is a uniquely designed and intimate space, evoking an edgy and seductive vibe. With celebrity frequenters ranging from Kanye West to the Kardashian family, guests can enjoy RYU’s cozy décor, featuring circular booths covered in gold-hue leather, built-in banquettes, and a series of Japanese street art, body art and yukaza tattoo images which adorn the walls. In addition, RYU offers an elevated, semi-private dining area as well as private-label chop sticks for those guests looking to indulge in a more exclusive, opulent experience. For a late night, the bar at RYU expands to accommodate a nightlife scene, featuring punch bowls, large globes of ice, and VIP style bottle service.

RYU 46 Gansevoort Street New York, NY T: (212) 776-1446 www.RYUNYC.com RYU - Indoor Bar

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can enjoy high quality cocktails in a more intimate space. Once you’ve made it past the selective door, guests can enjoy the uniqueness of the venue, which features three distinct room options, including an LED lit Infinity room, a mixology bar, and a multifunctional cabaret room, which transforms into a retrostyle nightclub. With plans to open Pink Elephant in Dubai, Hong Kong and Rio in 2013 and 2014, this New York hotspot is sure to receive world recognition.

Pink Elephant 40 West 8th Street New York, NY www.pinkelephantclub.com Dream Hotel - PHD Rooftop

The Dream Hotel Downtown – PH-D Rooftop

Beaumarchais Booth

Brasserie Beaumarchais

Brasserie Beaumarchais, one of the hottest brunch spots and restaurants in New York City, offers guests a one-of-a-kind dining experience, notorious for hosting an array of celebrities, Hollywood elite, musicians and athletes. With frequent celebrity guests including Lindsay Lohan, Mary J Bilge and Debra Messing, Beaumarchais caters to an exclusive, cultured crowd, with the philosophy of offering guests a place to call their own while indulging in delicious food and celebrating life. With its refined décor, evocative of the days of Studio 54, Beaumarchais is a stylish spot evoking an authentic, European flair with expert service and fine, French Bistro fare. While the cuisine is exceptionally tasty, nothing compares to Beaumarchais’ “Beau Brunch” – the infamous weekend brunch party modeled after the “Joie de Virve” lifestyle made popular in the South of France, featuring a rotation of international DJs and endless Rosé wine and Champagne.

With sister locations in Sundance, St Barth’s and a brand new location in East Hampton, the exclusive, celebratory scene at Beaumarchais has surely become the industry standard for a chic, fun party.

Brasserie Beaumarchais 409 West 13th Street New York, NY T: (212) 675-2400 www.brasseriebeaumarchais.com 36

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XVI Rooftop Lounge

With a recent opening this past May 2012, XVI in midtown has been referred to as “Versailles in the sky.” Owner Josh Kaiser, formerly of nightclub Pink Elephant, styled the rooftop lounge after the large and lavish lifestyle of King Louis XVI. Reminiscent of a chateau courtyard, XVI features custom columns and furnishings, a 360-view of New York City, and gourmet cuisine and cocktails – perfect for guests looking to indulge in all things luxury and glamour. Opulent in every way, the decadent concept behind XVI is present through each aspect of the lounge.

This rooftop hideaway is perfect for those looking to relax, enjoying small plates made to share, refreshing cocktails and breathtaking view of Manhattan.

XVI 251 W 48th Street New York, NY T: (212) 956-1300 www.xviny.com

New York City’s first bi-level rooftop lounge, PH-D Rooftop at the Dream Hotel Downtown, is the perfect space for those who are looking to sip and enjoy the skyline.

Designed as the ultimate penthouse, PH-D is located on the 12th floor of The Dream Hotel Downtown, offering guests a panoramic view of the New York City skyline, and a comfortable, luxe space to enjoy cocktails and conversation. Tasteful yet luxurious in design, this NY nightlife staple features sleek indoor and outdoor furnishings, floor to ceiling windows and impeccable, finishing touches, including Italian Porto marble and amber Venini glass chandeliers. In addition to the design, PH-D includes a state-of-the-art audio and light system, and a rotation of worldfamous DJs for guests to enjoy.

The Dream Hotel Downtown—PH-D Rooftop 355 West 16th Street New York, NY T: (212) 229-2511 www.marblelane.com/#/phd

No. 8

This summer, renowned club maven Amy Sacco returned to the New York nightlife scene with No. 8, a revamped version of notorious New York hotspot, Bungalow 8.

With No. 8’s official re-opening this June 2012 at the new downtown Chelsea location, No. 8 still evokes its original vibe, with its chic style and ultra-exclusive crowd. Celebrities including Anne Hathaway, Zoe Saldana, Sean Avery, Jim Carrey and Peta Wilson have already visited the new venue, enjoying tableside champagne service, tasty bar bites and a high energy atmosphere. and The twostory lounge is decorated to perfection, featuring white and stripped banquettes, mirrored cocktail bars, a spinning chandelier centerpiece, a V.I.P booth with a zebraprinted couch and the renowned palm tree ceiling-scape. Sacco paired with LDV Hospitality – restoring the infamous nightclub and lounge to a level worthy of its namesake.

No. 8 357 W 57th Street New York, NY www.no8ny.com

Le Bain

Located just inside the Standard Hotel, is New York nightlife hotspot, Le Bain— a trendy, bi-level roof bar and lounge. Owner and Hotelier Andre Balaz opened the rooftop gem in 2010, offering guests a relaxing and stylish space for all celebrations. Le Bain is

sleek, and slightly retro in style, with floor-toceiling windows, all-black tile, matching tables and couches, silver, glittery color accents, and an indoor, four foot deep swimming pool centerpiece. Located up the venue’s industrial staircase, is Le Bain’s rooftop bar. Glassed in on all sides, the rooftop is styled for summer with an Astroturf lawn, plastic string lounge chairs and three large, pink waterbeds. Guests can enjoy fruity cocktails, bar bites and some of the most spectacular views of the Hudson River, New Jersey, and Manhattan – offering guests a truly innovative and unique nightlife experience.

Le Bain 848 Washington Street New York, NY T: (212) 645-4646 www.standardculture.com/lebain

Manzo Ristorante

Manzo Ristorante, located in New York City’s renowned gourmet Italian market, Eataly, stands as the city’s Mecca for gourmet Italian cuisine. Manzo evokes an authentic Italian atmosphere, featuring traditional table and chairs, white linen table cloths, industrial style lighting, and red color accents. With a menu focusing on meats from the United States, each dish at Manzo is prepared with precision and expertise, delivering a menu featuring both modern Italian and traditional Piedmontese dishes. Owners Mario Batali and Joe and Lidia Bastianich established Manzo as

Manzo Bar Eataly’s more formal dining experience, a restaurant that has a true focus on delivering authentic, flavorful fare, and in addition to the choice meats, Manzo also offers both Antipasti and Dessert menus; where guests can indulge in a complete dining experience.

Manzo Ristorante 200 Fifth Avenue New York, NY T: (646) 398-5100 www.eatalyny.com

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Pink Elephant

After years of anticipation, the legendary New York hotspot Pink Elephant officially held its re-opening in May 2012. Located in the heart of Greenwich Village, owners David Sarner and Robert Montwaid re-opened the club with a slightly new approach; styling the club as a chic, relaxed lounge where guests

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Lifestyle

Lifestyle

Blenheim Palace Enviably set in 2,000 acres of landscaped Capability Brown gardens and grounds, Blenheim Palace, one of Britain’s finest Palace’s and home to the 11th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, is the perfect setting for any special event.

2012 has seen the Palace embark on a new relationship with Searcys - the upscale hospitality company, which provides a contemporary edge to any wedding or fine dining experience. And just launched is The Marlborough Assignment, a themed James Bond incentive, ideal for a team-building day out which holds no bounds.

For further details, please telephone 01993 813874, or email Paul Liczbinski on pliczbinski@blenheimpalace.com www.blenheimpalace.com

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travel

travel

Distinctively, exceptionally, inimitably

Bollinger Annabel Wilson falls head over heels for the grande dame that’s a true fine wine lover’s champagne.

The region’s history is long; vineyards in the area had been producing wines since the 15th century, with champagne production starting in the early 19th century. Unique in the world of large champagne houses, Bollinger is still private, and family owned. It follows a centuries old production process (with a few modern enhancements), handed down through generations of the Bollinger family and loyal chef de caves. Time, finances, and other fleeting considerations are secondary to their respect for the tradition of their craft, and their infinite care and passion in pursuit of perfection.

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The key to Bollinger’s unsurpassed consistency in quality and taste is two-fold; the most stringent quality control and vast vintage reserves. The company maintains strict quality control through several tactics.

They employ a ruthlessly simple strategy when it comes to vintages - if it’s not a good year, they don’t bottle it.

The majority of grapes used are harvested by their own vineyards, of which over 85% are grand and premier crus. An astounding 94% of their non-vintage, entry level, special cuvee is from grand cru grapes, and their champagnes are made exclusively from the first pressing of the grapes - the rest is discarded. Their champagne has the longest ageing process of any producer’s; three years for the non-vintage special cuvee and five to fifteen years and upwards for their vintages.

They are aged mostly in oak barrels, (an extremely costly endeavour, Krug is the only

The biggest surprise of lunch lay in the superb pairing of a spectacular RD 1995 and a trio of the finest Comté. The RD’s luminous intensity, aromas of cashews, honey, stone fruits, and truffles, great structure and depth, is a flawless match made in heaven with the sublime roasted nut sweetness of the Comté.

Jérôme Philippon jokes that Comté and RD is the best simple lunch one could imbibe, and I cannot help but agree. The simple pairing is an epiphany of nature’s abundance, tempered by man’s gently guiding hand.

Comfortably ensconced in the light filled dining room, within walls of soft pastel green, graced by portraits of ancestors looking benignly down at the softly draped dining table with its gently swirling vine-leaf pattern, the sparkling crystal curves of five champagne

The meal concludes with a rather alarming bright pink dessert of tapioca pearls, vanilla, and raspberries. The Bollinger rosé (the rosé extension of the special cuvée, not to be confused with grande année rose), with its soft spiciness, and aromas of wild strawberries,

Maison Bollinger

Bollinger Vineyards Quietly interwoven into the sleepy village of Aÿ, sits one of the last great independent champagne houses. In 1829, Jacques Bollinger, an enterprising German merchant, married into the vineyard owning Villermont noble family, and the beginning of a dynasty was born.

and palate. Since my last visit almost a decade ago, the torch has passed from the venerable Ghislain de Montgolfier, to the quietly soft spoken Jérôme Philippon, the first non-family member to head the company as chief executive in its 183 year history. The torch may have passed, but much remains the same, in the best possible way. It is still the same unpretentious, unassuming, and humble house, working diligently with exacting standards, to produce some of the world’s finest champagnes.

other champagne to age in oak barrels), imparting a superior, unmistakable flavour.

Bollinger keeps an impressive reserve of past vintages in the miles of cellars that run, warren-like, under the chateaus, houses and streets of Aў. Over six hundred thousand magnums sit in the dimly lit, slightly musty cellars, the terroir from which they came seemingly rising up to infuse the air with the heady scent of oak, vanilla, fruit and acidity.

There they patiently sit, lovingly and precisely hand turned multiple times during the ageing process to ensure the correct settling of the sediment and yeast, until they are called upon to contribute their contents in the blending process and released to appreciative connoisseurs.

I feel deeply honoured to return to Madame Bollinger’s historical house on the Bollinger estate, for a day that educates both the mind

Jérôme Philippon, Bollinger's President

flutes bode of good things to come. Bollinger is essentially a house of Pinot Noir. The grape makes up the majority of the blend used in their champagne, whose vinosity, complexity, and structure, ensure its ageing potential, and that it can stand up to food exceedingly well. I had the unparalleled pleasure of experiencing this firsthand, as course after course was flawlessly matched by liquid gold and rose of the finest, silkiest bubbles.

The complex aromas, ripe peachiness, brioche undertone, distinctive structure, and liveliness of the special cuvée is the ideal palate awakening aperitif. The beautiful salmon pink of the grande année rosé 2004, with its aromas of almond and cherries, imparts just the right amount of spicy freshness to provide the perfect counterpoint to the smooth richness of the first course of a mabré of foie gras. The grande année 2002, all old gold, rhubarb, stone fruits, and toastiness, with its great body and length, impeccably accompanies caramelised scallops resting on a light celery puree.

need to know: Special cuvée £42 Bollinger Rosé £52 La Grande Anée from £72 La Grande Année Rosé from £85 R.D. from £170 Vielles Vignes: from £500 www.champagne-bollinger.com

redcurrants, and raspberries, rises nobly to the sweet challenge. At the end of an extremely memorable meal, in the company of dear friends, and charming hosts, it is exceedingly clear that Bollinger’s champagnes are first and foremost great wines, and drink beautifully from aperitif to digestif.

Run, do not walk, to your nearest fine wine merchant, and reward your palate with the fruit of the labour of generations of painstaking care and dedication.

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SPA

NIRA ALPINA

EAT, PRAY,

Akcelina Cvijetic jets off for a weekend retreat in the Swiss Alps.

Nira Alpina is located at the highest point of the stunning Engadin valley of Swiss Alps. Just five kilometres away from the glamorous St Moritz, overlooking Silvaplana lake, the hotel is connected via a private walkaway to one of the highest Alpine peaks, Corwatsch, by a cable car.

Flying with the national airline Swiss was great and its healthy meal option made me a happy bunny. A 100 minute flight to Zurich plus a three hour train transfer and I was relaxing on my suite balcony enjoying the stunning views of Alpine forests and twinkling Lake Silvaplana.

The train journey was well worth it for the breathtaking sights of nature’s masterpieces, rightly declared an UNESCO World Heritage site.

Being in the heart of mountains, apart from winter sports, summer activities are plentiful: hiking, mountain biking, kitesurfing, sailing, canoeing and horse riding.

My first activity was a three hour hike, Via-Gastronomica. Thanks to my great guide, Kai Ulrich, GM, stunning views and delicious Swiss food sampled at our pit stops, it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. I also visited a village cheesefactory and enjoyed touring St Moritz.

However, my personal favourite was a cable car trip to the highest local station at

need to know: Nira Alpina www.niraalpina.com Switzerland Tourism www.MySwitzerland.com Swiss: The Swiss national airline flies directly to Zurich from London Heathrow www.swiss.com

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3,300m, for the exhilarating feeling of being so high up and in the clouds. Amazing!

‘Nira’ comes from the Sanskrit word ‘pure’.

True to its name, Nira Alpina offers pure authenticity and luxury of a 4-star hotel. All 70 rooms and suites are tastefully decorated in Alpine style, with a large balcony, offering uninterrupted views of the lakes and mountains. They all have HD 32-inch flat screen, an iPod docking station, WiFi and super-king size bed with uber-comfortable pillows which make you sleep like a baby.

Swiss efficiency will delight you and the handpicked staff, Stephanie Fischer, Carina Ratzke and Anna Schriefer will enchant you.

After action packed days, I could not wait to experience some pampering. I loved the signature treatment, Nira Alpine Journey. A combination of deep massage, hot stones, wooden sticks and sacred sounds left me deeply relaxed and rejuvenated. I also enjoyed a warm crystal therapy massage. Colour gems were placed on my chakras to balance my body and mind. All treatments use organic Alpine herbs and brands; Alpienne, Spiezia and Africology. My friends loved a Swiss chocolate-mint body wrap and Head in Heaven facial. You can deepen your relaxation in an aromatherapy room with coloured mood enhancement lighting or the relaxation

room with fresh ginger, detox or sweet sleep infusions. Alternatively, try invigorating sports massage, gym, Rasul bath, whirlpool and cold-water waterfalls.

Apart from traditional Swiss cuisine at Stella Veglia, the head chef, Marek Wildenhain, delighted me with a lighter, international menu. He only uses fresh, seasonal ingredients raised or farmed within a few kilometres. His philosophy is to poach or bake dishes at low temperatures and as short as possible to preserve both, the flavour and nutrients.

My taste buds were tantalised by real, home-made muesli, fondue chinoise, raw Japanese amberjack, lemongrass baked yoghurt and tonka bean icecream, all served at Stars restaurant.

Bistro and Bar also offer mouth-watering menus. All breads and pastries are freshly baked at the hotel’s bakery and taste delicious.

Nira Alpina will seduce you, revive you and enchant you. Owned by an awardwinning hotelier Mr MPS Puri, it offers sincere hospitality, high standards and authentic experience true to his motto “Guests arrive as residents, leave as friends and return as family”. I cannot wait to return…

LOVE

now a convert. Their food philosophy excludes red meat, dairy, poultry, white sugar and starch, additives and preservatives but you can treat yourself to organic wine in the evenings if you wish. The mini-bar in the room offered orange and carrot juices, oatcakes and almonds and herbals teas - no wicked temptations and of course there is no smoking permitted. Only healthy stuff!

I highly recommend this wonderful place for a relaxing and luxurious break whilst detoxing, losing weight, and indulging in a comprehensive array of treatments.

On my return, as well as feeling marvellous, I was delighted to realise I had lost nearly 3kgs and discovered all sort of things about my diet and lifestyle with their advice on what I should change to achieve better health and ongoing coping mechanisms.

Kate Wake Walker spends a few days relaxing at the SHA Clinic

The whole stay was carefully arranged by Wellbeing Escapes, the UK’s leading spa and wellness tour operator, and included a Macrobiotic diet programme, diet, skin and aesthetics consultations, a healthy cooking lesson, (we are told we eat too many Yang

Set high in the Sierra Helada, within one of Spain’s largest nature reserves, the SHA Wellness Clinic has to be seen to be believed.

Boasting spectacular views, over the Mediterranean Sea and the pretty town of Villa de Altea, this is a beautifully picturesque spot.

The SHA Wellness Clinic was founded in 2009 by owner Alfredo Bataller Parietti.

Following a thirty year search for an effective treatment for various digestive problems, his health took a turn for the worse and a friend’s recommendation to visit a naturopath doctor - currently a member of SHA’s team – had amazing results. He was cured through a combination of natural remedies and a healthy diet. His full recovery inspired relatives and friends to follow suit and create an instant and loyal client base.

Their philosophy fuses together the health benefits of Macrobiotic food under the leadership of world-renowned chef Michio Kushi with relaxing and therapeutic spa treatments. The clinic sits beneath the welcoming Spanish sun within a contemporary, stylish five star resort… what more could a girl want?

My five day stay at SHA was, put simply, life changing. There are several types of menu available so I chose the detox and weight loss offering and although I had never sampled Macrobiotic meals previously, the cuisine was far more varied and consistently delicious than I expected. So much so, I am honestly

foods so we crave the Yin - extraordinary facts I enjoyed learning), Pilates, aquatic fitness classes in the hydro-pool and you can also select energy shifting massages, hydrocolonics and much more.

All the 93 suites very comfortable indeed – wonderful beds and facilities - although as a TV addict - there were only 3 English speaking news channels. However, the idea is to switch off so it forced me to read more than I do, go to bed early and wake up with the sparrows to join the 1.5 hour power walk each morning to the lighthouse – a great way to feel re-charged and I plan to return!

All organised expertly by Wellbeing Escapes at www.wellbeingescapes.com T: 020 7644 6101

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private Spa deck overlooking the 270 degree panoramic view of the Gulf of Thailand.

An anti-ageing fresh fruit facial consisting of watermelon, honey, orange and cucumber to leave skin bright and smooth, and a soothing foot massage complete the Body Herbal Renewal treatment. www.conradkohsamui.com

Discover Nevada Off the Beaten Path Here are the top

2 quirky places

Rachel, the UFO Capital of the World

Located along the Extra-terrestrial Highway, approximately 150 miles north of Las Vegas, this small town with just 100 inhabitants is a regular location for fans of UFO’s. Like many of Nevada’s town, Rachel was once a mining town which closed over 20 years ago. The first UFO spotting was in 1989 and since then the town has been bustling with visitors. With unique UFO photos, derelict deserts and a famous alien burger to try at the bar and restaurant named the Little A’Le’Inn- (pronounced “alien”), a visit to Rachel oozes family-fun and exclusive experiences; you don’t have to be a UFO fanatic to enjoy this attraction.

Ghost Town of Rhyolite

The secluded Rhyolite is classed as one of the best ghost towns in America. Situated on the eastern edge of Death Valley, Rhyolite was established in 1905 as a mining town during the gold rush but was abandoned in 1920. Since this time, no one has lived in the town.

The general store, train station, bank and jail still stand in the derelict town.

GORGEOUS GRENADA

Water Villas at Baros Maldives

Baros Maldives has upgraded five of their Water Villas which have been transformed into premium accommodation with the addition of a private swimming pool set in an expanded timber veranda deck above the lagoon, complete with loungers to offer the perfect spot to enjoy the view. These five villas are located at the end of the boardwalk jetty, ideal for taking in the glorious sunsets. The natural beauty of the Maldives and the elegance of the resort are reflected in these beautiful new water villas. www.baros.com

Banyan Tree Bangkok

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Banyan Tree Bangkok still offers up excellent value in a comfortable and convenient setting, for both business and leisure visitors to Thailand’s bustling capital. Located in the central business district, next to the venerable Sukhothai and slick Metropolitan hotels, the hotel is 5-10 minutes away from the nearest Skytrain station (essential when Bangkok traffic goes into its infamous gridlock at certain hours of the day), with easy access to shopping and

sightseeing. Banyan Tree’s expansive spa, is an oasis of calm, with 16 well appointed spa suites, an experienced team of excellent therapists, and an impressive treatment list. Originally the hotel’s helicopter deck, the Vertigo Grill and Moon Bar on the 61st storey is un-missable, where fine cuisine and wine accompany spectacular 360 degree city views. The hotel also has five other restaurants ranging from Japanese, Chinese, Thai, as well as an elegant teak rice barge for dinner on the Chao Praya river. www.banyantree.com

Byblos, Saint-Tropez Awarded Prestigious ‘Palace’ Distinction

Hotel Byblos Saint-Tropez has been officially promoted to ‘Palace’ status, one of the few French properties to claim this much coveted award. To qualify for the Palace distinction, hotels must have more spacious rooms than 5 star properties, better facilities and higher standards of service. The Palace distinction highlights the influence of France around the world and reinforces the position of the Byblos Saint-Tropez as an exceptional hotel on the international scene.

This award is a testament to Antoine Chevanne, CEO of the family owned Groupe Floirat, assisted by Christophe Chauvin, the hotel’s General Manager and his team. Since 1967, Hotel Byblos, the jewel of Groupe Floirat, has been a legendary icon of the Cote d’Azur.

Byblos resembles a Provencal village composed of small buildings placed side by side - a total of over 400 plant species; an expansive patio; a large swimming pool, a waterfront bar; two restaurants, a Sisley Spa and the ultrachic Les Caves du Roy nightclub; 91 rooms including 50 suites which were fully renovated in 2011. www.groupe-floirat.com

Mount Cinnamon in Grenada has just completed a brand new villa - Cinnamon Heights, a two-storey threebedroom villa, with en-suite bathrooms, comprising of two spacious lounges and two dining rooms on both floors. Its own infinity pool commands fabulous views.

The villa has been designed so all the rooms are seafacing and take in Grande Anse Beach and beyond to St. George’s. It is now available to rent. www.mountcinnamongrenadahotel.com

TO BOOK: America As You Like It offers selfdrive itineraries to Nevada from £730 per person, including return flights from London to Las Vegas, 7 days car hire and 7 nights room-only accommodation. sales@americaasyoulikeit.com, www.travelnevada.com

SLOPE INTO THE TIGER’S NEST

A New luxury lodge, nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps in central Valais, has just opened. Named after Bhutan's iconic temple, Tiger's Nest is a contemporary alpine lodge 1,550m up the mountains, in the east of Les 4 Vallées. Travelling time is just two hours by car from Geneva and three from Zurich.

Owned by a Hong Kong-based British family, the four storey lodge is furnished in a luxurious East meets West contemporary style. Featuring five beautifully appointed double bedrooms including, it enjoys spectacular views of the Matterhorn range of mountains.

On hand is a dedicated in-house team that includes a host, chef, driver and ski concierge – will provide the highest levels of service.

The area offers superb and reliable snow conditions with six ski lifts within a 12 minute drive of the house. Skiers can also easily access other parts of Les 4 Vallées – Nendaz, La Tzoumaz and Verbier.

Prices start from CHF 2,900pp (approx. £1,986), based on 10 adults sharing on a one week basis. Price includes daily chef-prepared breakfast, afternoon tea, a light lunch for non-skiing guests and dinner on 6 of the 7 nights.

Reservations +852 9183 0667 www.tigersnestlodge.com

MULTI-SENSORY FIVE HOUR TREATMENT AT CONRAD KOH SAMUI

Conrad Koh Samui has launched a five hour, multisensory Body Herbal Renewal treatment. Based on the Spa’s holistic principles for full body rejuvenation, the ritual complements the resort’s signature spa journeys and extensive range of cutting edge and traditional Thai healing practices. It costs approximately £283.

The Body Herbal Renewal ritual starts with an aromatic herbal steam bath, followed by an invigorating Meridian Massage. Also included in the ritual is a Spa cuisine lunch, where guests can choose from three-course menu concepts ranging from the De-Stress and Sleep Deeply, to Thai Treat and Energy Boosting, all served on the

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ITALIAN ESCAPE

Leading villa experts Think Puglia have introduced a new a stunning 18th century Palazzo to their portfolio.

Located in the heart of the Galatina, Palazzo Gorgoni combines contemporary luxury, historic charm and artistic flair. Its owner has restored it by having fun, putting his passion into it and embracing the original character and history of the building. Meticulously, lovingly and luxuriously brought back to life over the last few years, Palazzo Gorgoni charms, delights and pampers in equal measure. The amount of space is only one of the many surprises in store for guests who, even after a week in residence still find themselves chuckling and cooing at the wonder of it all. www.thinkpuglia.com

Joie de Vivre’s Saguaro Hotel Opens Doors in Scottsdale

Known for its fun and whimsical boutique hotels, San Francisco-based Joie de Vivre hotels has introduced its first property outside the state of California in Scottsdale.

The Saguaro has moved into Scottsdale and showcases the colorful, vibrant spirit of the Southwest throughout a 195-room boutique property. Distrito, The Saguaro’s signature restaurant, features a menu by Iron Chef Jose Garces, which highlights the savory street food of Mexico City and integrates it with modern Mexican cuisine. www.jdvhotels.com/hotels/saguaro

Discover Voyages of Discovery new ship

Voyages of Discovery has announced that the final refurbishment work on the 540 passenger ship is underway before setting sail on its maiden voyage on the 4 December 2012. Alan Murray, Managing Director, Voyages of Discovery, says: “The countdown to the launch of mv Voyager has now well and truly begun. We are all extremely eager to welcome a new ship into the Voyages of Discovery fleet and we believe that the addition of mv Voyager will enable our customers to really experience discovery cruising at its best. Alongside mv Discovery, the new ship will provide the best of both worlds, offering enhanced facilities without compromising on the Voyages of Discovery ethos.”

Cruises include: Voyage to the Caribbean – 18-day cruise from £999 per person.

A Tapestry of Central America – 21-day cruise from £2,839 per person.

Natural Wonders of Latin America – 22day cruise from £3,049 per person. www.voyagesofdiscovery.com

MAGICAL MARATHON IN TAHITI

Tahiti and her islands may hold the cure for those inspired by the recent British gold rush at the Olympics. Why not set the pace in paradise and participate in the first Tahiti Nui Half Marathon taking place on Saturday 3rd November 2012.

The St. Regis Mauritius Resort opens

Bask in the beauty of French Polynesia before taking part in the half marathon, which is open to runners of all levels. The 21.1km course runs along the east coast starting from Tiarei, and then weaving its way through stunning scenery of jagged cliffs, black sands and picturesque towns and villages, before finishing in Papeete, amidst the lush green landscape.

Situated on the South-West coast of the island, also known as the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, The St. Regis Mauritius Resort is set on the pristine white natural beaches of Le Morne, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Offering guests a new dimension of bespoke luxury, The St. Regis Mauritius Resort has 172 elegant guestrooms and suites featuring lavishly expansive terraces. Situated on the peninsula, nestled amongst the beautiful landscapes of the majestic Le Morne Brabant mountain and spectacular turquoise lagoon, the St. Regis villa features a private entrance, spacious bedrooms, stylish entertainment and dining areas, a private bar and spa, as well as two pools. www.stregis.com/mauritius

A “marathon village” will also be set up in the Paofai gardens of Papeete along the lagoon with views over the harbour and will be open from Wednesday 31st October.

A number of cultural events will be held in the marathon village and in the town of Papeete including demonstrations of traditional dances and sports, and art and craft activities. www.tahitinuimarathon.com www.tahiti-tourisme.co.uk

RANCHO VALENCIA

Award-winning Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa, one of Southern California’s most celebrated luxury resorts, situated in beautiful Rancho Santa Fe is due to re-open this month following a six month, US$30 million renovation. The hideaway, favoured by the likes of Bill Gates, President Clinton, Michael Jordan and Rene Russo to name a few, is nestled in a magnificent secluded canyon setting amongst 40 acres of rolling hills and lush landscaping, is renowned for its natural charm and classic California character. The Relais & Châteaux property offers guests richly appointed accommodations with the finest amenities, a coastal ranch culinary experience at the upscale restaurant, indulgent facial and body therapies at the Spa, refreshing pools, complimentary classes at the fitness facility and access to premium tennis and nearby golf facilities. www.ranchovalencia.com

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children’s bedroom suite and beach access, a spacious open plan drawing room, a dining room and spectacular decking surrounding a fresh water plunge pool.

The dedicated Chef, housekeeping staff, security and hospitality manager will look after guests every need offering tailor made menus, activities and trips around this magical island.

Luxury travel specialists, Scott Dunn (www.scottdunn. com, 020 8682 5070) offer six nights in an exclusive Vamizi Island Private Villa from £3,780 per person on a fully inclusive basis based on 8 adults sharing and includes return regional flights, economy class international flights and taxes.

LAUNCH OF VAMIZI PRIVATE VILLAS

Vamizi Island is part of the little known Quirimbas Archipelago and has a well established reputation as a stunning hideaway gem synonymous with indulgence and escapism on an unrivalled scale. In response to the demands of guests of Vamizi Lodge the two Vamizi Private Villas have been built and will continue to build on this reputation for privacy and luxury.

The airy pavilion style villas have been designed by award-winning architects to ensure a minimum footprint, avoiding existing trees and using locally sourced materials to ensure complete integration with the landscape. Both villas offer over 100 metres of private beachfront and are centred in their own 2 hectare plots.

The villas can sleep between 12 and 14 and offer four en suite bedrooms each with their own private beach deck, a

Elvas, Portugal, Crowned a UNESCO World Heritage Site

A small Portuguese city has been declared a new UNESCO World Heritage Site bringing the country’s total to 13. The garrison border town of Elvas, in the Alentejo region, and its fortifications were added by the World Heritage Committee due to it being an ‘outstanding example of a garrison town and its dry-ditched bulwarked defence system, which developed in response to disruptions in the balance of power within 17th century Europe’. Elvas is one of 26 new sites across the world added by the World Heritage Committee during its 36th session. www.whc.unesco.org/en/list/1367

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HOTEL SPLENDIDO Perfection comes at a price.

At the Splendido, just pay it.

MRS W IN SRI PANWA

Paradise Found

Soaring high above the coast in the southernmost tip of Cape Panwa, you could be forgiven for mistaking Sri Panwa for a blessed place between heaven and earth.

Splendid by name, splendid by nature.

Portofino is quite possibly one of the world’s most perfect towns, and the Hotel Splendido, one of the world’s most perfect hotels.

Ensconced in the protective embrace of rugged, rocky cliffs, high above gin clear waters of a protected marine sanctuary, this ex-monastery was abandoned by monks centuries ago due to too-frequent pirate attacks. Rescued from an ignominious fate, it was converted into a family summer house, and finally transformed into a hotel in 1901.

This grand old dame has lost none of its lustre and has held pride of place within the Orient Express hotel group’s firmament of stars since 1985.

Kissed by the sun, set within a veritable forest of towering cypresses, pine and palm trees, bedecked with hydrangeas and bougainvillea in eye popping shades only found in this part of the Mediterranean, the Hotel Splendido has views so pretty it hurts the eyes.

Sitting on my junior suite’s expansive terrace (generous by Italian standards), gazing out at sleek sailboats bobbing tantalisingly in the sparkling, azure sea, seagulls soar above the lush green landscape. On the opposite side of the bay, rising steeply up, classically elegant villas half hidden by the foliage reveal themselves like memories of a time long past.

Nothing disturbs the peace which envelops the Splendido like a deeply insulating cloak except for sweet birdsong, and the gentle fluffing of the cushions on the terrace by one of the many, ever vigilant, members of staff.

Oh, to have the staff and service of the Splendido! It is they, along with the magical

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views stretching in every direction, in each villa’s infinity pools, in the decorative reflecting pools that surround the bar and fun dining areas sunk into the pools. Staff are young, informal, hospitable, and charming, without sacrificing quality or service.

setting, that make the Splendido so very, very, special. Under the guiding hand of the wonderful Ermes de Megni, who has been at the helm as GM for the past 15 years; they are unobtrusive, yet relentlessly attentive. Service at the Splendido is the epitome of charm and grace. Formal enough, but never stuffy, friendly without overstepping boundaries, all members of the staff are clearly exceedingly well trained and take great pride in excelling at their jobs.

Details: 69 rooms and suites at the Hotel Splendido, and an additional 16 rooms and suites at the Splendido Mare.

Recommended room category: While some people prefer to be in the less formal, hustle and bustle at the Splendido Mare, I much prefer the Splendido for the views, tranquillity, and sense of place.

Rooms on the second floor have the most generous terraces.

Take a junior suite or above, placed closest to the water. Junior suites starting at €1,618 per night, to €5,400 per night for the two bedroom presidential suite. www.hotelsplendido.com

The rooms at the Splendido are decorated with a spartan hand, but no less pleasant for it, and in keeping with the minimal fuss of genteel seaside living. The saltwater pool overlooks the charming harbour, and bordered by a series of clever terraces, affording plenty of opportunities to please both those who like to see, and those who like to be seen. Endless miles of coastal paths will delight walkers, and those trying to counteract the effects of all too tempting Ligurian cuisine of the freshest seafood and pastas.

You will leave the Splendido and Portofino much lighter in wallet. In addition to the eye wateringly expensive room rates, the hotel conveniently provides all guests with printed shopping guides to help navigate the 100+ fine boutiques and waistline destroying restaurants, nestling cheek by jowl in the tiny harbour and town. You will leave with a heavy heart at departing such perfection, but with a twinkle in your eye, in the knowledge that such exquisite grace still exists in a small corner of a frenetic world.

By Annabel Wilson

need to know: 52 villas (ranging from one to five bedrooms), all with own infinity pools.

Life does not get much better than this. Sitting on my king size bed in the wall to wall, floor to ceiling glass aviary of the master bedroom, after a late morning swim, with a perfectly chilled glass of Sancerre in hand and soothing lounge music on the villa’s pre-loaded ipod.

As I gaze out over the U-shaped infinity pool that spills over seamlessly into the 180 degree endless ocean views, a few small surrounding islands gently dot the landscape, and I am seized by the irrational thought that I never want to go home. World weary sybarites, take note. A quiet oasis of luxurious escape and beauty awaits you on the under-appreciated south-eastern point of Phuket.

After glamming it up, people watching, and strutting your stuff in points further North (Amanpuri, Trisara, Catch Beach Club), flutter down gently to the most private roost for your final restful sojourn on the island. While Sri Panwa does not have a viable beach, it offers unparalleled peace and serenity, with some of the best views, and well designed resort and room spaces that I have ever seen.

Recommended room category: luxury one or two bedroom villas, starting at £750 - £950 per night.

Sri Panwa’s creators understood the unique terrain the resort inhabits, and have designed an extremely well conceived and well laid out property that manages to bestow privacy, space, and stunning views for all their guests, wrapped up in a low key but extremely pleasing, modern, sleek Thai design aesthetic which makes copious use of teak, glass, and stone. They also understood the calming effect of water on the eye and spirit, and it abounds everywhere. In the endless ocean

If you ever tire of the blissful cocoon of your villa, surrounded by every amenity you could require on holiday (espresso machine, fully stocked fridge and kitchen, excellent room service on tap delivered by smiling staff), go for a swim towards the horizon of the sea in the black infinity pool at Baba Lounge, indulge in the freshest sushi, seafood, or divine Thai cuisine, while away the magic hour before sunset and revel in the stupendous 360 degree views at Baba Nest, or charter a boat that will collect you directly from the property’s private pier and zip you to the surrounding islands in minutes.

Those wanting a bit more exercise or pampering can book private yoga and a variety of treatments at the spa. I virtually skipped along the stone steps that appeared suspended in water to the open air, wooden yoga platform, where we spent the next hour going through asanas at sunset, with the sea spreading out before us, as far as our eyes could see. A two hour massage and scrub followed, and we floated back to our villa in a dream-like, blessed out state.

Verdict? Beach lovers should satisfy their craving for sand and sea on the northwest coast of Phuket, but end their trip with a week at Sri Panwa for sheer peace, beauty, and serenity. Perfect for couples and families alike.

Sri Panwa T: +66 76 371-000 E: chill@sripanwa.com www.sripanwa.com

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BEAUTIFUL BORDEAUX Margaret Kemp checks in to Grand Hotel de Bordeaux & Spa

“I’m off to Bordeaux”, you say to friends/ clients/your boss. The response is always positive. They’ll ask questions. Are you visiting chateaux? buying wine? Margaux, Lafite-Rothschild? “What’s Bordeaux like these days, is it worth going?

The answer for France’s ninth largest city, on the borders of the River Garonne, is, an excellent destination for a couple of days, a week, and you’ll run into ex-pats who came for a weekend, decided they liked it, and stayed.

Since its recent transformation and the addition of a spa, pool and rooftop terrace, Grand Hotel de Bordeaux & Spa ticks all the boxes for your stay. Located, on a square, in

The multi-lingual staff will arrange, via their Wine Concierge Service, visits to the Bordeaux chateaux, just one, or all 5,000, by helicopter!

They’ll send you by motor-car to Arcachon Bay and Cap Ferret (one of France’s chic-est and best kept secrets) for tastings at oyster farms.

Take home: Cheeses from Jean d’Alos: www.jeandalos.com Canelés from Baillardran: www.baillardran.com Chocolates from: www.darricau.com Caviar d’Aquitaine: www.maisonservan.fr Fine wines from Max Bordeaux: www.maxbordeaux.com Cognac from: www.cognac-only.com

At L'Europe, the Grand Hotel's Brasserie, sip grands crus wines by the glass. Each month brings a theme, say, “Second Wines from Bordeaux Estates”or “Cool wines for warm weather”. Sommelier Jean-Michel Thomas (ex-Gordon Ramsay etc.) talks for hours on his favourite subject and works closely with Executive chef Pascal Nibaudeau on wine pairings for ‘Diners d’Exception’ in

need to know:

The fabulous contemporary space created by Dominique Bouchet: 5 Prestige suites, 2 Executive Corner suites, 1 Royal Suite with private entrance and Jacuzzi, Doubles from 250€ for a superior double room including breakfast for two. Menus Le Pressoir d’Argent from 90-160€ + A La Carte More information: Cycle Bordeaux: www.cyclebordeaux.co.uk Tourist Board: www.tourisme-gironde.com the heart of the old city, opposite the handsome Opera House, the neo-classical Grand was designed by architect Victor Louis in 1779 as a private residence.

The hotel owes its chic and hip elegance to Bordeaux businessman Michel Ohayon who, in 1999, bought both the 18th century listed façade and five adjacent buildings. Working with architect Michel Pétuaud-Létang and interior uber-designer Jacques Garcia, Ohayon’s project was to breathe new life into the hôtel adding a magnificent Nuxe Spa with pool and panoramic Jacuzzi-terrace which overlooks the rooftops of Bordeaux. Read, a delicate transformation that never detracts from the hotel’s rich and elegant history.

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the hotel’s “’Le Pressoir d’Argent’ 1-Michelin star restaurant. “I have no signature dish, my concept is ‘terre et mer’ mostly showcasing red wine. J’adore”, he sighs. “But, attention”, he warns. “Not everyone understands my cuisine!”.

Don’t miss the culinary theatre of the Silver Lobster Press. Breton blue lobster comes to table live, is then pan-fried in the kitchen, served naked or dressed with veal sweetbreads, asparagus and morels, depending on the season. The finalé is in the dining-room, claws and coral are pressed, creating an aromatic and unforgettable sauce. Cheese and Passion Fruit soufflé to finish anyone?

Combine your stay with a visit to the National Opera of Bordeaux. Local daily covered markets include: Les Capucins, the Rungis of Bordeaux. Marché des Quais de Chartrons for organic produce, oysters, breads etc. and, on Saturday, St.Michel a hip outdoor hip flea market. Look for rue Saint Catherine, the longest European pedestrian shopping area.

Maybe a weekend isn’t long enough!

Grand Hotel de Bordeaux & Spa, Leading Hotels of the World, 2-5 Place de la Comédie, Bordeaux T: 05 5730 4444 www.ghbordeaux.com

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TRAVEL

TRAVEL

SHANGHAI Surprises

The PuLi Hotel and Spa is an oasis of calm innovative vegetarian restaurant, whose Chinese name translates as “Vegetarianism without borders”. Wizardry in the kitchen produced unusual but delectable inventions, delicately made and beautifully presented.

The aim is to make vegetarianism appealing to everyone. As a true carnivore, they have done superbly well to create such a culinary menu, with new recipes and experiments a daily surprise.

An early start beckoned the following morning to catch our breakfast at the street stalls. We tasted the full range of local delicacies, everything from freshly pulled noodles to jian bing, a kind of Chinese breakfast burrito.

Victor Burnett explores the Chinese epicurean scene, hidden among one of the world’s most vibrant urban centres. Braving typhoons, assaults to the gastric juices, and spa treatments on his first trip to Shanghai, he reports on exceeded expectations, detoxing from facebook (but not Weibo), and comes away with a craving for a second helping It was midnight in Shanghai as the limo sped past seemingly never-ending kilometres of high-rise apartment blocks, with their scattered lights showing a city half-asleep.

The sheer scale of this megacity is staggering. 21 million people live here - that’s about three or four Londons!

Any preconceptions about potential claustrophobia were allayed on arrival at the PuLi Hotel and Spa, a luxury Urban Resort, and my home-from-home for the next four nights.

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by the sound of running water and soothed by the atmospheric lighting, I marvelled at one of the longest bars in the city. The tiles beneath my feet were the same design as the Forbidden City. Fu Dogs, exotic Chinese statuettes, welcomed me to my room, and hopefully will bring me luck and happiness.

No trip would be complete without a stroll along the Bund. We dined at Lost Heaven, a stylish Yunnanese and Burmese restaurant, which did not dissappoint on a packed Saturday night. The roof-top cocktail bar was set against the backdrop of the atmospheric night-time cityscape.

Eating in Shanghai is an experience to be properly savoured - expats say it is the only thing to do.

Another recommended haunt is the Ding Tai Feng, which serves dumplings of all descriptions, crabmeat and foie-gras being my personal favourites.

My first taste of authentic Chinese food came at Ye Shanghai, a restaurant housed in a Shikumen-style building, serving sweet local dishes.

Pausing only for a soothing hour-long massage at the Anantara Spa in the PuLi Hotel, it was time to dine at Greenology, an

Ye Shanghai

slightly dampened the remainder of our trip.

This meant our foraging in the Shanghai markets and outdoor temples were substituted by more indoor pursuits of the excellent Shanghai Museum, displaying Chinese heritage from ancient bronzes to indigenous clothing and scary Tibetan face-masks.

Another highlight was a visit to a gallery showing original communist posters, from the Maoist era, if you are in need of original gifts for your friends.

My final dinner was at the PuLi’s awardwinning Jing’An Restaurant, a resolutely epicurean experience. This epicurean will definitely be going back to monitor its future progress. www.thepuli.com

Sadly, two typhoons on the continent brought an unusual deluge of rain, which

Stylish, Spacious and Comfortable: my deluxe suite, with all the mod-cons was perfect for relaxing

Fu Dogs

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Wellbelove Quested Property Consultants 160 Ebury Street (corner of Eaton Terace), Belgravia, London SW1W 9JR T: 020 7881 0880 www.wellbelove-quested.com

Elizabeth Street, Belgravia SW1

TRAVEL

HANGING IN HONG KONG

By Victor Burnett

The idle traveller visiting Hong Kong for short-trip would be well advised to look up Hullet House. The city has no shortage of shops and restaurants, but if you want to experience the location of real Hong Kong through its history – no place is better.

A significant heritage site in its own right, dating from 1881, this splendid colonial setting is the perfect way to spend an unforgettable night or two in its ten intimate rooms or eat in one of its select restaurants nearby. Why, for us Brits , there is even a

TOP TIP

A charming, laterally arranged apartment situated on Elizabeth Street in the heart of Belgravia comprising a double bedroom with en-suite bathroom, a second double bedroom, bathroom, reception room, kitchen and dining room. The rear of the property commands lovely views over Chester Row and Gerald Road gardens. Elizabeth Street offers a small section of off-market shops, bars and restaurants.

Tenure: Leasehold approx. 57 years Price: £1,150,000 stc

Long stop over at HK Airport? Soothe any aching limbs in the Regal Hotel Spa, guaranteed to get you in a good mood and relieve away any flight hangover, while you wait for a connecting flight.

Escape the airport masses, and within minutes be enjoying a secluded massage. Luxury.

OM Spa 3rd Floor T: (852) 2286 6266 www.regalhotel.com

terrace on which to take a leisurely afternoon tea or indulge in a full English breakfast.

Overlooking the harbour, Hullet House is an ideally situated base from which to explore the vibrancy of Hong Kong, whether it be shopping for high fashion, browsing for a bargain in the local markets (from jade to silk pyjamas), scaling the peaks overlooking the city or cruising around the Harbour aboard the Aqua Luna, the hotel’s own red junk boat, watching the sun set.

And, did I mention the food? Many readers will be familiar with Aqua in London, off Piccadilly. The same Aqua Restaurant Group is behind this eclectic mix of fabulous eating venues, ranging from top-of-the-range Cantonese to a Mixed-Grill in the former stable block.

Each bedroom has its own balcony, perfect to sip late-night cocktails on, and has been individually designed – so your room look is a lottery. Together, the rooms visually and delicately celebrate the rich heritage of Hong Kong through its history to the present day.

Hullet House is a luxuriantly peaceful place to be in midst of such a thronging city.

Unforgettable. www.hulletthouse.com

Master Bedroom with En-Suite Bathroom | Second Double Bedroom | Bathroom | Kitchen | Dining Room | Views over Chester Row and Gerald Road gardens | 740 sq. ft.

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TRAVEL

TRAVEL

DREAMING IN

Ortisei, Val Gardena

THE DOLOMITES

By Eliza Burnett

For decades the spotlight on skiing in Europe has been on France, Austria, and Switzerland with Italy being treated like the poor relation, but, with the likes of George Clooney & Co making regular appearances on the slopes it exudes a different type of glamour – taking advantage of the scene rather than just to be seen!

6Imagine 1,200km of piste with 510 lifts across 12 valleys – all accessible with a single lift pass. This is far more than trendy Les Trois Vallées offers and also includes the Sella Ronda ski circuit which links four valleys.

With most of the skiing above 2,000m, supported through endless snow machines, it means that conditions are reliable all the way through to the end of season in mid-April.

It’s been a good ten years since I last braved the pistes and the first thing that struck me was how much had changed. From shrinking ski sizes, chipped (computerised, not damaged!) ski passes, travelators at the chair lifts, and even free Wi-Fi atop the mountains (perfect for a quick boasting session via social media!). Health & Safety is not solely a British concern, as not only are helmets commonplace, but now back protectors are everywhere too.

As the French slopes continue becoming further congested, skiing in the Dolomites offers an alternative of space and pace with a distinct lack of a skier’s worst enemy – the Restaurant Rifugio Emilio Comici

Dish created by Hywel Jones at Moritzino hut

need to know: Alta Badia Tourist Board www.altabadia.org Tel: +39.0471.847864 Val Gardena Marketing www.valgardena.it Tel: +39 0471 777721 Crystal Ski Crystal Ski (crystalski.co.uk; 0871 231 2256) Offers ski holidays to Selva in the Val Gardena valley in the Italian Dolomites with prices from £579 per person for a week’s catered accommodation in the Chalet Vanadis with flights from Gatwick and transfers.

Flights only are also available from Gatwick, Manchester and Bristol to Verona and prices are from £150 (includes all taxes).

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snowboarder. It caters for all levels of skier with intermediates benefitting the most.

I visited two of the twelve valleys – Alta Badia and Val Gardena. Alta Badia is where Mr Clooney hangs out and is also home to the five-star Hotel La Perla (www.hotel-laperla.it).

This should be everyone’s first choice for somewhere to stay in the area, not least as it houses the Michelin-starred La Stua de Michil.

This family-owned hotel has atmosphere in abundance – further endorsed by their multitalented chefs’ singing and dancing on a weekly basis – very amusing and infectious. A must-visit is the craziest wine cellar tour ever invented, something which would even bemuse the imagination of Mr Willy Wonka.

While skiing is the reason you’ll visit Alta Badia, as an epicurean, the culinary offering is the reason you’ll return again and again.

Luckham Park’s celebrated chef Hywell Jones has joined forces with ten other leading chefs to share their passions with mountain hut owners’ and the result is that each mountain stop turns into a gastronomic experience, and it’s not bank-breaking either.

Over in Val Gardena, check into the Gardena Grodnerhof (www.gardena.it), a member of the Relais & Chateaux group, which also has a wonderful spa. Every hotel offers the region’s signature treatment, the Hay Bath, which seeks to revive the body after a hard day on the slopes is wonderful.

Another must-visit in this valley is the Rifugio Emilio Comici (www.rifugiocomici.com), a mountain hut which bears claims to the title ‘the highest fish restaurant in Europe’ perhaps not the best selling point for a seafood restaurant but rest-assured everything is fresh daily. Accessible from the village of Selva it is a celebrity-magnet which has served award-winning food to Hollywood’s finest and royalty alike. Booking is essential.

Having experienced the Dolomites I can’t think of a reason to go anywhere else – the skiing is superb and extensive, the food is world-class and the hospitality inviting and all that set against one of the most beautiful backdrops in Europe.

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Horse

PHWOAR

Bare-back halter necklines, tightly-harnessed waists and high-riding hemlines are all phwoar factors for top designer looks that are perfect for the new season’s social eventing.

Even more perfect is the pairing of the age of the dramatic dress and stunning British dressage horses, paying homage to our equestrians, winning gold medals at the Olympics.

Our Fashion Editor, Elaine Deed, rounds up the well-groomed gowns, the glossiest accessories, shiniest jewels and my little pony.

Dressing up in party frocks and playing with real life Rainbow Dash, Twilight Splash and Princess Celestia. What more could a girl want?

Photographer: Darren Paul

Red petal couture dress, POA, Rebecca Cella.

Gold cuff from a selection at Aigner.

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Black lace and feather dress, £710, Jovani at HOLLIE de Keyser.

Stingray clutch bag, £1,700 and quilted heels, £830, CHANEL. Jewellery from a selection at Erickson Beamon

Fuchsia jersey asymmetric dress, £285, Halston Heritage.

Gold and leather bangles from a selection at Aigner.

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Sand and terracotta pleat dress, £1,155, Issey Miyake.

Antiqued silver plate and Swarovski pearl and crystal multi strand necklace, £760, drop earrings, £384, ring, £304 and bracelet, £397, Erickson Beamon.

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Unicorn print long dress, £349, Ted Baker.

Antiqued silver plate and Swarovski pearl and crystal necklace, £484 and bracelet, £481, Erickson Beamon.

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Aqua sequinned dress, £250, Koo-Ture.

Gold/leather belt and cuff from a selection at Aigner.

Jaipur Sunset blue topaz ring, £2,950, Marco Bicego.

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Rust pleated dress, £3,200 and leather harness belt, £2,000, Herve Leger.

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Clover silk chiffon dress, £1,296, Catherine Deane.

Jaipur Link earrings, £1,740, Jaipur Link bracelet, £3,750 and Jaipur Sunset amethyst ring, £2,950, all Marco Bicego.

CREDITS Creative Director/Stylist: Elaine Deed www.elainedeed.com Photographer: Darren Paul www.darrenpaul.com Hair and Make-Up using Illamasqua: Gill East www.gilleast.com Model: Kacy at Leni’s Model Management www.lenismodels.com With thanks to Georgie Somerset and her beautiful dressage horses.

Shot on location at Longdean Stud and Dressage Stables, Arundel Road, West Sussex.

STOCKISTS Aigner www.aignermunich.com Catherine Deane www.catherinedeane.com CHANEL T: 020 7493 5040 Erickson Beamon T: 020 7259 0202 Halston Heritage at Harvey Nichols T: 020 7235 5000 Herve Leger T: 020 7201 2590 Hollie de Keyser 69 Knightsbridge London SW1 T: 020 7235 0371 Issey Miyake 52 Conduit Street London W1 T: 020 7851 4620 Koo-Ture www.Koo-Ture.com Marco Bicego Marco Bicego Concession at Harvey Nichols T: 020 7201 8656 Rebecca Cella www.rebeccacella.com Ted Baker 0845 130 4278 www.tedbaker.com

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lifestyle

DANCES

with

HORSES It’s a golden hour for dressage after equestrian Team GB won those Gold Medals. Elaine Deed talks to Georgie Somerset, British competitive dressage rider, about what it takes to “dance” with a horse.

“My favourite horse was Paris 52. We bought him when I was 17 years old. He was a black stallion but easy to handle and had huge potential in dressage. He was a horse of a lifetime. Everyone loved him. And then he broke his leg. It was heartbreaking. And I went from being number one young dressage rider in the country to being just a girl with a couple of untrained horses.”

It is now four years since he passed away and Georgie Somerset, 25, is sitting in the gazebo, two whippets lying next to her, in the back garden of the medieval style Sussex house and stables where she lives and works with her string of horses and liveries. And I am trying not to sob listening to the story of Paris 52 (I cried all through Warhorse) and feeling for Georgie, losing both horse and hope. Such is the time necessary to train for dressage when you are a small independent yard that, since Paris 52, it is only now that Georgie has two horses, Santa and Eva, ready to give her the opportunity to compete seriously at international level.

Last month, she was at Greenwich for the Olympics, but as a spectator watching Charlotte Dujardin, a fellow dressage rider with whom she trains once a month, take memorable Gold Medals in the team and individual dressage events. Was she thinking, that could be me? Could we see Georgie go for Gold and glory in Rio? “There are only three places on the team, so the competition for selection is tough, 68

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LIFESTYLE especially now after the Olympics when everyone is upping their game. It’s not just about the Olympics, though. There are the European Championships and the World Equestrian Games,” Georgie says, adding with quiet determination, “But Santa is the perfect age for the Olympics – he will be 14 in 2016 – and Eva is one year younger.”

Georgie trains them both in her West Sussex yard, riding for hours everyday over the Sussex countryside and in the indoor school, as well as running the stables and looking after liveries, a total of 27 horses. It can be gruelling work for a young woman, with only one full-time groom, to help.

Yet, as her parents had stables and she has ridden from an early age, Georgie has never doubted that she would work with horses – and compete in dressage.

“I had my first dressage pony when I was 12 – and started at a weekly boarding school in Petersfield. I remember getting up at 5am on Monday to ride in the wind, rain or snow under the spotlight in our outdoor arena, before going to school and then I came home on Wednesday and did it again on Thursday morning.”

Such dedication paid off. Georgie represented Great Britain every year from 2002 to March 2008. This included being a medal winning member of the Pony team in 2003, then best of the British at the Junior Europeans in 2005. She was also best of the British in the team at the Young Rider Europeans in 2007 and won four international Young Rider classes, two in 2007 and two in 2008.

But is sitting on a pirouetting horse in an arena really a serious sport?

“The cold in the winter is the worst,” Sighs Georgie, “having to break the ice on the water troughs and getting frozen fingers. But the best thing is that horses are such levellers.

Working with another living animal takes patience and resilience. Horses aren’t always easy but that is the fun of it. Everyday is different. And, seeing a horse grow from a foal in the field into a successful competition horse and knowing you had an input is amazingly I had my first rewarding.”

“

A successful competition horse can be extremely valuable, both for winning medals and, if a stallion, for breeding. It is rumoured that Totilas, the Dutch world class Grand Prix horse was sold to the Germans for £10m.

And, apparently, eyewatering offers were made for Valegro, the mount of Charlotte Dujardin, almost as soon as she left the podium.

dressage pony when I was 12 – and started at a weekly boarding school in Petersfield. I remember getting up at 5am on Monday to ride in the wind, rain or snow under the spotlight in our outdoor arena, before going to school and then I came home on Wednesday and did it again on Thursday morning.

But the upkeep and training costs for an Olympic dressage horse are obviously far higher than those for, say, a potential medal-winning freestyle swimmer.

Equestrians, though, received only £13m of Lottery funding for 2012 less than half that allocated to swimming – and won five medals including three gold compared to three medals with no gold by the swimmers.

Currently Georgie is looking for a sponsor to help with her training and travel costs.

Meanwhile, she looks after other people’s horses on a livery basis to create essential funds. It takes determination and dedication and, sometimes, sacrifices.

“It makes me so mad when people question dressage as a sport.” declares Georgie. “The whole point of dressage is that it is supposed to look as though the horse is doing it by itself and the rider is not doing anything, whereas, in fact, it takes lot of effort. You are working every muscle to get the horse to perform like that.”

There is no doubt that the Olympics have changed the perception of dressage as an event in its own right and not just the less adrenalinfuelled phase of three day eventing. In fact, dressage has been an Olympic discipline for 100 years since 1912 and is defined by the International Equestrian Federation as “the highest expression of horse training”. And, who wasn’t moved by the poetry of horse and rider at Greenwich as Charlotte and Valegro seemingly danced to Land Of Hope And Glory?

”

To pursue her Golden dreams Georgie is seeking sponsorship – if you would like to discuss options please email her on gsomerset1@hotmail.co.uk

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WATCHES

WATCHES

WATCH ME

HUBLOT Hublot BB Boa Bang steel green £20,100

SPARKLE!

Marcus, 170 New Bond Street, Mayfair W1 T: 0207 290 6500 www.marcuswatches.co.uk

Alexander Jacobs takes time to discover the latest horological fashions

BOVET Amadeo Fleurier Rising Star Triple Time Zone Tourbillon with Reversed Hand-Fitting

Admiral’s CupChallenger 48 Day & Night Featuring a dial center bearing a world map, the new Admiral’s Cup Challenger 48 Day & Night provides an extremely readable dual time-zone display and day/night indication. This sporty and elegant model water-resistant to 300 meters is available in two limited-edition versions respectively expressing day and night. www.corum.ch

13 New Bond Street, London W1 T: 020 7409 2237 www.adler.ch

PATEK PHILIPPE Men’s Annual Calendar in yellow gold with cream dial and alligator strap £28, 640 Patek Philippe Salon, 15 New Bond Street, Mayfair W1 T: 020 7493 8866 www.patek.com

HUBLOT Hublot BB Boa Bang Brown £33,300

Gold

Marcus, 170 New Bond Street, Mayfair W1 T: 0207 290 6500 www.marcuswatches.co.uk

HARRY WINSTON – OPUS 12 Opus 12 defies the conventional rules of watchmaking. Time no longer reads via a pair of hands positioned in the center of the dial, but by the peripheral drive of 12 pairs of hands going from the circumference to the center. The hands, pointed towards the interior draw attention to the center of time. A retrograde hand, synchronized with the main minutes hand, advances along a five-minute sector. At the end of its travel it flies back to its initial position while the long five-minutes hand pivots and sets itself still.

In most watches the evolution of time is imperceptible. Opus 12, on the other hand, goes into action in a remarkable way, its hands changing the guard every five minutes. At each change of the hour, the movement executes a very elaborate drill exercise by the successive rotation of the hands. Below the retrograde indication, a floating small seconds hand graduated on a translucent ring passes above a powerreserve indicator.

171 New Bond Street, London W1 T: 020 7907 8813 www.harrywinston.com

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WATCHES TAG HEUER TAG Heuer CARRERA MIKROGRAPH 1/100th Second Chronograph, the first ever column wheel integrated mechanical chronograph with 1/100th of a second display by a central hand.

With 2 assortments, 62 jewels and 396 components, the HEUER CARRERA MIKROGRAPH 1/100th Second Chronograph is new a masterpiece of "Haute Horlogerie Suisse" setting a new milestone in grandes complications. www.tagheuer.com www.watches-of-switzerland.co.uk/TAG

WATCHES

HUBLOT Hublot Limited Edition King Power for London - 48mm, Skeleton dial, Carbon fibre case, Water resistant to 100m.

Comes with option black rubber strap.

Limited to 25 pieces. £23,000 Hublot Boutique 31 New Bond Street, London W1 and Harrods T: 020 3214 9970 www.hublot.com

The UR-110 TTH – A Question of Style The UR-110 ST sees URWERK continuing to embrace three-dimensionality in horological architecture. It is a model that well and truly appeals to the tactile senses, for it can even reveal itself when your eyes are closed. Run the tips of your fingers over its dial, and you will feel the perfect smoothness of the sapphire crystal soon replaced by grooves in the AlTiN bezel.

Marcus, 170 New Bond Street, Mayfair W1 T: 0207 290 6500 www.marcuswatches.co.uk www.urwerk.com

Admiral’s CupChallenger 48 Day & Night Featuring a dial center bearing a world map, the new Admiral’s Cup Challenger 48 Day & Night provides an extremely readable dual time-zone display and day/night indication. This sporty and elegant model water-resistant to 300 meters is available in two limited-edition versions respectively expressing day and night. www.corum.ch

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WATCHES

WATCHES

Jaeger-LeCoultre Rendezvous night and Steel £10,800 T: 0207 312 6803 www.jaeger-LeCoultre.com

ADLER Amadeo Fleurier 0 Tourbillon 7-Days with Reversed Hand-Fitting 13 New Bond Street, London W1 T: 020 7409 2237 www.adler.ch

ADLER Amadeo Fleurier 0 Tourbillon 7-Days with Reversed Hand-Fitting 13 New Bond Street, London W1 T: 020 7409 2237 www.adler.ch

GRAHAM CHRONOFIGHTER OVERSIZE BLACK SAHARA 47 mm steel with black PVD case, Black carbon left hand fast-action start/stop trigger and black rubber reset pusher, Black ceramic bezel, Domed sapphire crystal, anti-reflective coating on both faces, Smoked sapphire crystal case back. www.graham-london.com

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PATEK PHILIPPE Ladies’ Annual Calendar in white gold with Black Tahitian mother-ofpearl dial and alligator strap £33,310 Patek Philippe Salon, 15 New Bond Street, Mayfair W1 T: 020 7493 8866 www.patek.com

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WATCHES

WATCHES The model Agassiz 180th Anniversary Limited Edition model is an up-to-date version from the collection launched in 1982, as a tribute to Longines’ founder, Auguste Agassiz.

Longines

a History of Time

The Longines SaintImier Collection has been inspired by the origins of Longines’ watchmaking tradition.

The sleek lines and the distinctive lugs provide models with a subtle balance between classical and contemporary design.

By Eliza Burnett

the distinctive lugs provide a subtle balance between classical and contemporary design.

They are all fitted with mechanical movements whose intricate workings can be admired through the transparent sapphire back cover.

Finally, a prestige model embodies the quintessence of Longines’ watchmaking know-how. This timepiece, with a diameter of 44 mm, houses calibre L707, specially developed and produced by ETA exclusively for Longines. There is a choice of a black or silvered dial featuring 12 Arabic numerals and showing four retrograde functions (day of the week at 12 o’clock, date on the right-hand side of the dial, second time-zone with a 24hour scale on the left-hand side of the dial and a small seconds at 6 o’clock) as well as day/night and the phases of the moon. These exclusive models are mounted on a black or brown alligator strap, or a steel bracelet to match the rest of the design, all with a folding safety clasp.

And, to celebrate 180 years of the Longines brand they have released some limited edition pieces.

The Longines Column-Wheel Single PushPiece Chronograph 180th Anniversary Limited Edition recalls the brand’s historical commitment to timing and sport, while any women who are looking for timeless elegance will certainly be enchanted by the models Agassiz 180th Anniversary Limited Edition and the La Grande Classique de Longines 180th Anniversary Limited Edition. Finally the exceptional Longines Lépine 180th Anniversary Limited Edition piece in yellow gold provides an insight into the traditional watchmaking expertise from the brand’s heritage. www.longines.com

The most experienced watchmakers make final checks in the Lantern’s workshop in Saint-Imier.

Longines clock at Ascot racecourse.

Longines has long been associated with sport, starting with the first modern day Olympics in 1892 and repeated 14 times through the last century. Today, one of their passions is their commitment to equestrianism – resulting in their involvement in flat racing, show jumping and endurance events.

The Swiss watch brand, now in its 180th year, was the official timekeeper of Royal Ascot this summer and is heavily present at most of the major flat races around the globe – the Dubai World Cup, the Prix de Diane Longines, the Melbourne Cup Carnival and the Kentucky Derby to name but a few.

timekeeper for sport way back in 1878 and delivered a world first in 1912 when it introduced an electromechanical timekeeping system based on the broken-wire system.

Then, in 1945, they developed a light-beam finishing line using a photoelectric cell and revolutionised the art of timekeeping.

and elegance – all key features of the Longines brand.

Their reputation for excellence and elegance has been compounded by thier innovation in time keeping. It was the world’s first official

Their investment in equestrianism is not surprising given that the values of the sport are strength, endurance, technique, precision

The shape of the case – inspired by a model dating from 1945 – is a common theme throughout the collection. The sleek lines and

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This year they launched The Longines SaintImier Collection - named after the Swiss village where the brand was born and still remains today.

Celebrating 180 years of know-how with a limited series of 180 numbered pocket watches in yellow gold, fitted with a manually wound mechanical movement. Longines Lépine 180th Anniversary Limited Edition recalls the first pocket watches produced by Auguste Agassiz.

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Jewellery

Jewellery

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All that

Glitters

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8. GRAFF DIAMONDS- The pinnacle of luxury, Graff is involved in the entire process from sourcing each rough stone through to cutting, polishing and setting. Emerald cut Sapphire and round, pear-shape and emerald cut Diamond scroll motif necklace Diamond total: 49.68 Cts, Sapphire total: 67.30 Cts POA 6-8 New Bond Street, London W1, T: 020 7584 8571, www.graffdiamonds.com

1. Harry Winston - Harry Winston will sponsor the V&A’s exhibition ‘Hollywood Costume’ which will launch on 20th October. In celebration of the exhibition Harry Winston is recreating the ‘Isadora’ necklace worn by Kate Hudson as Andie Anderson in the romantic comedy, ‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days’ (2003). This specially commissioned necklace will be shown alongside the satin yellow dress to complete the stunning ensemble by costume designer Karen Patch and will be the only piece of fine jewellery featured in the exhibition. Tickets are now available at www.vam.ac.uk.

171 New Bond Street, London W1, T: 020 7907 8813; www.harrywinston.com

10. Ritz Fine Jewellery - Unique designs and appeal encapsulate the sophistication of the brand. Circle Paraiba Tourmaline, diamond and onyx ring set in white gold. £67,500 The Ritz Hotel, 150 Piccadilly, London W1 T: 020 7409 1312 www.ritzfinejewellery.com

2.Van Cleef & Arpels - Coccinelle Mystérieuse clip, white gold, diamonds, onyx, black spinels, yellow saphhires, red gold and Mystery Set rubies.

9 New Bond Street, Mayfair W1, T: 020 7493 0400, www.vancleef-arpels.com/en 3. Adler - Adler’s jewellers challenge the jewellery world by adopting an unconventional angle and often taking creative risks – resulting in unique and beautiful masterpieces. Set in 18kt white gold with oval cut rubies 69.29 ct and diamonds 92.19 ct.

13 New Bond Street, London W1, T: 020 7409 2237, www.adler.ch 4. MIKIMOTO - Golden Illusion - Layers of fabric, a resemblance to a stole worn around the neck, this is the design motif of Golden Illusion. The harmony and graduation of White and Golden South Sea pearls to Japanese Akoya pearls enhanced with a fusion of Diamonds evokes a hypnotic layering of the world’s finest gems.

179 Bond Street, London W1, T: 020 7629 5300, www.mikimoto.co.uk

6. Vacheron Constantin - Vacheron Constantin high jewellery creation from the Metiers d’Art range. The Kalla Haute Couture à Pampilles, which is a made to order, an extraordinary feat of diamond gem-setting. £532,070.

T: 020 7312 6830, www.vacheron-constantin.com

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7, 9, 11. AARON BASHA - Best known for the adorable baby shoe charms made famous in the 1970s, Aaron Basha also offer heirloom pieces that will be passed down through generations. Founded in the 1950s

by Basha and his family, the business still remains family-owned. Here we showcase a very small selection of their beautiful and very desirable pieces.

Available at Harrods and www.aaronbasha.com

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5. AVAKIAN - This most recent creation has been achieved using a daring combination of materials and colours, and an innovative inlay technique where a stone is set within another stone, in some cases the centre stone being surrounded by a fine micro-setting line of diamonds. Necklace, White Gold, Diamonds, Emeralds, 1 Emerald Cabochon and Sapphires (1 Oval Sapphire ) POA. 2 Cadogan Place, Chelsea SW1, T: 020 7235 1323, www.avakian.com

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Motoring

Alexander Jacob’s discovers a three-pointed star shining bright in a world of its own

Mercedes Benz World

Motoring

As a car enthusiast I have been very fortunate to race Ferrari’s at Monza, drive Bentley’s through the beauty of the Scottish Highlands, tour Lamborghini’s through Barcelona and take a private tour of the Aston Martin factory. Thus, a visit to Mercedes Benz’s showcase facilities in Surrey had a lot to live up to.

Having said that, I do own a new Mercedes and have always loved the brand, perhaps, and honestly, not quite as much as the former four but my budget is not in that league, yet.

For those unfamiliar with Mercedes Benz World, it is an ultra-modern facility that showcases the best of the brand with nods to its heritage in the museum, its racing legacy, and, of course, all the new models on display (and for sale). It is located on the legendary Brooklands’ site in Weybridge, Surrey, and is open to visitors from 10am to 6pm, 7 days a week and admission is free!

The highlights of the venue though – although the museum is wonderful - are the on-site race tracks, skid pads and 10 acre off-road terrain that allows visitors to engage with the cars and, under expert guidance, see what they are truly capable of. This is a fabulous day out not just for car buffs for but for everyone and that includes children who are encouraged to get involved.

If your kids are tall enough to reach the pedals of an A-Class (at least 1.5m), they’re old enough to drive at Mercedes-Benz World. Under the guidance of a professional driving instructor they offer 30-minute and 1-hour driving experiences, starting with the very basics. As the kids or you progress, they can take sessions to develop braking, cornering and emergency reactions. Then, move onto the main tracks, for advanced skills including dynamic handling and skid management.

For adults the excitement lies in the incredible models they have for you to drive. Experience the power of the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series - the most powerful C-Class of all time - a car that has to be driven to be believed. Experience 517 hp and an astounding 0 - 62 time of just 4.2 seconds, all on their purpose-built Handling Circuit. This car was built in very limited numbers and is completely sold out, so this may be your only chance to drive this dream machine!

My highlight was driving the Mercedes Benz SLS AMG. With its AMG 6.3 litre V8 engine, the SLS AMG, a twenty-first century reincarnation of the legendary 300 SL, which I was fortunate enough to drive with Mercedes Benz on a visit to Stuttgart, has a top speed of 197 mph and 0 - 62 in just 3.8 seconds, it has to be experienced to be believed.

For a slower pace their 10-acre off-road course sees you encounter a range of daunting driving challenges – from seriously steep inclines to extremely deep water – all designed to showcase the qualities of the superb M-Class and GLClass models. A professional driver accompanies you to ensure that you and your vehicle take every obstacle in your stride. Mercedes Benz – a world of fun!

T: 0870 400 4000 www.shop.mercedes-benzworld.co.uk

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Motoring

Motoring

Rolls Royce Ghost Azzy Asghar says this Ghost has to be seen to be believed!

The Ghost’s functions are displayed on two 9.2 inch LCD screens in front-seat backs; these can be angled to suit the viewer and are managed via a central rotary controller mounted on the armrest. Passengers can activate climate control regulating the temperature of the air on their side of the car, access TV channels and CDs, radio or browse the navigation menu. Those with a passion for music will enjoy an audio system delivering 600 Watts through a 10-channel amplifier and 16 speakers. USB and auxiliary inputs allow external audio devices to be integrated.

The Ghost has been an iconic name in the history of Rolls Royce motor cars since the early 20th century. Thus, the 21st century Ghost design team had a lifetime of tradition and heritage to uphold – as it is with every car that carries the famous Spirit of Ecstasy hood figurine. The marque prides itself on building world-defining motorcars, without compromise.

So it was these guiding principles that helped create the handcrafted new Ghost in September 2009, a model that won critical acclaim thanks to its stunning contemporary design and breath taking performance.

We recently drove the Rolls Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase version that is powered by the 6.6 litre twin turbo charged V12 directinjection engine that is coupled with an eight speed automatic transmission. It boasts 563hp and achieves 0-62mph in less than five seconds. This is a longer version of the Ghost intended to be ridden in rather than driven.

Underneath, the double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension contribute to the car’s outstanding ride characteristics. Combined with an intelligent, four cornered air-suspension system and electronic variable damping, it delivers an unparalleled drive and refinement that the most discerning motorists the world over expect from the most luxurious car brand in the world.

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contemporary straight grain to classic burr finishes. Veneer from the same tree is used in any car ensuring the grain matches throughout and parts age at the same pace. Underfoot deep pile carpets or lambs’ wool floor mats add a further touch of opulence.

A synonym for the highest levels of quality, each Rolls-Royce passes through up to 60 pairs of hands before leaving its birthplace of Goodwood. Master craftsmen and technicians spend 20 days and undertake 2,000 individual operations to create the Ghost Extended Wheelbase.

The Ghost paintwork takes up to seven days of painting and hand polishing to perfection.

It comes in 12 exterior colours, each of which can be contrasted by an optional Silver Satin bonnet.

The rear cabin is entered via coach doors that open to almost 90 degrees. Inside the spacious cabin a panoramic sunroof bathes natural light onto plush seats created using nine highgrade bull hides. Then add high quality wood veneers available in four different finishes ranging from

The car is as comfortable as it is refined on the exterior. The elegant and graceful lines of the car from nose to tail belie its huge size.

Although it is a beautiful car to drive, the interior comfort levels surpass the expectations of the most discerning and it is this grandeur and luxury that will tempt the most ardent driver out of their front seat to relish the passenger experience.

As you would expect, the Ghost features a series of complex electronic aids to keep it composed on every surface. These include ABS, ESP, DSC and many more – but the only letters that mattered to me were the RR displayed on the iconic front grill – that is truly reassurance of the highest order. www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com

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art

art

GALLERY

SPOTLIGHT

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3. Michael Hoppen Gallery Founded in 1993 and then expanding in 2000 to include a contemporary level, it has become a formidable presence in the international photography community.

They exhibit both well-known artists and up and coming photographers.

1. Plusone Gallery

Established in 2001, Plusone gallery focuses on contemporary figurative, trompe l’oeil and hyperrealist painting and sculpture, from some of the most renowned contemporary artists.

Daido Moriyama ‘Tights’ 7th Sept – 20th Oct

Diederick Kraaijeveld 17th Oct – 10th Nov An illuminating exhibition of exquisite wooden artworks by internationally renowned artist Diederick Kraaijeveld. With an unmistakeable playfulness to his pieces, Kraaijeveld creates assemblages that give a fresh spin on familiar American cultural icons.

Steeped in history the pieces have been recreated from genuine, coloured vintage wood that have been hand-collected from around the globe; with the collecting process is as important as the actual assemblage of the found materials.

89-91 Pimlico Road, London SW1 T: 020 7730 7656 W: www.plusonegallery.com

An exhibition of new work by one of the giants of Japanese photography, Daido Moriyama. This latest group of pictures entitled “Tights” is the development of his famous earlier series “How to Create a Beautiful Picture 6: Tights in Shimotakaido” of 1987.

Known for his raw, gritty gaze and his portrayal of Japan’s dark underbelly in the post-war era, Moriyama has created images that are both erotic and dramatic in their subtlety.

3a

Coinciding with a major exhibition at Tate Modern “William Klein/Daido Moriyama” which will chronicle how these two artists have influenced each other, and how they have both explored the cities of New York and Tokyo in their celebrated depictions of modern urban life.

3 Jubilee Place, London SW3 T: 020 7352 3649 W: www.michaelhopppengallery.com

2. Ebury Gallery

Established in 1990 at its present location in Belgravia, John Adams Fine Art at Ebury Galleries exhibits an eclectic stock of modern and contemporary art, with the emphasis on French 20th Century paintings.

1 2a

4. Mica Gallery

2B

Mica, nestled in the heart of Chelsea and Knightsbridge, is Europe’s first gallery specialising in Modern Islamic and Contemporary art from the MENASA region (Middle East, North Africa and South Asia).

Denise Mannoni ‘Primary Shapes’ 2nd – 16th Oct Exhibiting oil paintings from the 1950’s and 1960’s, Denise Mannoni had a natural gift for colour and the play of harmony is evident throughout her works.

She demonstrates a taste for the organisation and rhythm of colours and for a sense of design emanating from arabesque lines. Her pieces exhibit recurring themes of eyes, through figurative interpretation can present the forms of bodies.

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arTCF 29 Oct - 4th Nov

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An exhibition of promising new talent to represent the dynamic face of Pakistan to the international arena. All proceeds to be donated to TCF (The Citizen Foundation), a not-for-profit organisation that provides formal quality education reaching the most remote localities in the heart of underprivileged urban and rural areas, across Pakistan.

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ART

ART

Master of Art Nonna Materkova

Calvert 22 is a non-profit foundation dedicated to showcasing contemporary art and culture from across Russia, the CIS countries and Eastern Europe. Founded in 2009, it is the brainchild of St Petersburg-born economist Nonna Materkova. She tells Epicurean Life about this venture and her 20 years living in the UK.

dramatically changing way of life. This has resulted in a uniquely exciting and vibrant art scene.

Q: How do you see the market for Russian art faring in the West, particularly in the face of the current economic climate?

The Russian contemporary art market has traditionally been focused on Moscow and St Petersburg. When you consider the size of Russia as a nation, a huge amount of art has been overlooked and the Russian market itself is comparatively small. Secondly, Russia has not been hit by the recession as badly as other nations, meaning Russians have more money to spend on art. Finally, Russian art is being bought by foreign as well as domestic markets, resulting in wider recognition, increased collectors and more competition for available works.

VTBC Launch Event

Q: You have a Masters in Economics and Finance - where does your interest in Russian art and culture stem from?

While my career has been within the financial sector, I grew up in St Petersburg, the cultural capital of Russia, so art and culture have always been a significant part of my life. In London my interest in contemporary art was ignited and I took a part time course in art history at Sotheby’s.

Q: What are your plans for future projects?

I am working on a number of philanthropic projects centred on cultural development and education, including an online project (for launch in 2013) and an educational partnership with the University of St Petersburg. We hope to link them with major UK universities and have projects developed with the University of Edinburgh, RCA, the Courtauld Institute and University College London.

Q: Calvert 22 is the most frequently cited Russian cultural project in the UK. What was the motivation behind its inception?

I wanted to provide a platform for artists from Russia, CIS nations and Eastern Europe to share the vibrant art being produced in these regions. Calvert 22 seeks to provide a starting point for cross-cultural exchange – this is why it is not-for-profit, to provide curatorial freedom, make it accessible to all and not be governed by market forces.

V.Komar Skewers of Geometry 1967 I hope we succeed in presenting an alternative viewpoint and challenging existing stereotypes.

Q: Where is the funding and support derived for Calvert 22?

Initially Calvert 22 was funded solely by myself. We focussed on delivering a dynamic programme in line with our charitable objectives. I then sought funding from external channels.

In 2011 we were fortunate enough to forge a partnership with Russian bank VTB Capital.

The partnership seeks to showcase cuttingedge Russian artists in London and widen the exposure of the British public to creative Russian culture (as well as Eastern Europe and CIS nations) as part of a wider artistic programme. As strategic partner, VTB Capital is an invaluable support to us.

Q: What are some of the most successful projects Calvert 22 has undertaken?

Filippov Rimu-Rim 1990

Q: What do you see as the most commonly held misconceptions in the West regarding contemporary Russian art?

That it’s tied to private initiatives by individual patrons rather than artistic practice being encouraged in the public sector. The result is that a lot of modest yet significant art projects are overlooked. This is something that Calvert 22 is trying to change.

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www.calvert22.org Komar Melamid Military Parade 1972

Q: How is the creative community in Russia and the Eastern Bloc different from other European nations?

Q: Have you succeeded?

I feel we have opened the door for debate.

Changing attitudes takes time, but by educating on the context of the art on display

Highlights include the ground-breaking Between Heaven and Earth, which showcased 26 artists from CIS nations such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Mongolia. Not only was it the first time the majority of these artists had been shown in the UK, much of the work had never been displayed outside its native land. The exhibition garnered much attention, with coverage by Thomson Reuters, BBC World Service, The Independent, Times and FT. The Field of Action exhibition was also extremely ambitious. Originally shown at the Ekaterina Foundation in Moscow, it focused on the city’s Conceptualist movement, and was adapted for Calvert to present 100 works of art in the UK – from painting and sculpture to works on paper and video installations.

We are small, but, as I have learned in Britain, size does not matter! Calvert 22 continues to develop and my focus is not just on the Russian diaspora but also on integrating with the creative community of the East End. Upcoming projects include an exhibition by visionary Russian architect Alexander Brodsky, as well as an exciting joint project with the South London Gallery.

Between Heaven and Earth

Due to the tumultuous and complex history of the region, particularly in the last 30 years, artists seek to grapple with the changes of a WWW.EPICUREANLIFE.CO.UK

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EPICUREAN LIVES

Mrs

Lawton Silvena Rowe is not just one of the most talented chefs in Britain she is also a prolific food writer, and television personality. In 2011, she opened her new restaurant Quince at The May Fair Hotel in Mayfair.

Rowe was born in Plovdiv, Bulgaria to a Bulgarian mother and a Turkish father. Her father instilled in Rowe a love of cooking and passed down the traditions of the Ottoman cuisine. At the age of 19, she moved to London and cooked in the kitchen of the Notting Hill bookshop Books for Cooks, which led her to cook for Princess Michael of Kent, Ruby Wax and Tina Turner. She is a regular guest on the BBC's Saturday Kitchen and ITV's This Morning programmes.

We are thrilled she has joined the Epicurean Life team as a regular contributor and will display yet further talents away from the kitchen. Here she tells the tale of Mrs Lawton.

Enjoy.

EPICUREAN LIVES

My husband loves a good rummage in a second hand book shop, and Baggins Book Bazaar in Rochester, Kent, sees more of him on a Sunday than I do. Thrillers are his thing, but now and again he strays, more by accident than design, into the food and wine section, and looks to see if there is something interesting for the little woman indoors. Most of the time he fails miserably, but once in a blue moon, if I may mix a few metaphors, he finds the pot of gold.

A few weeks back he found a hand written recipe book, beautiful copperplate handwriting which I dream of being able to replicate, and signed Mrs Lawton, and dated 1937.

1937 was a year of great social and political upheaval in Europe, civil war raged in Spain, In Russia, Joseph Stalin was starting out on his great purge, and in Germany, Adolf Hitler, with the Gestapo at his beck and call, was ramping up his persecution of the Jews.

In Ethiopia thirty thousand people were executed on the orders of Benito Mussolini, and in the far east, China declared war on Japan.

On May 12th, George VI was crowned at Westminster Abbey following the abdication of his brother after he had decided to marry the twice divorced Wallis Simpson. Stanley Baldwin resigned and Neville Chamberlain became Prime Minister.

Manchester City won the English first division, with Charlton Athletic as runners up, Sunderland won the FA Cup. On the other side of the Atlantic recession had returned and by the end of the year more than ten million Americans were unemployed, marijuana was taxed, George Gershwin, John D Rockefeller and Jean Harlow died, Roberta Flack and Dustin Hoffman were born, and Amelia Earhart disappeared. Babe Ruth was receiving $25,000 per year for advertising Quaker Oats, whilst spinach growers in Texas erected a statue to Popeye, the Golden Gate bridge opened in San Francisco, ten died in the Memorial Day Massacre in Chicago, and thirty six died when the Hindenburg exploded at Lakehurst landing field in New Jersey.

On Broadway John Gielgud smashed box office records with his performance of Hamlet, John Steinbeck published Of Mice and Men, Tolkein the Hobbit, George Orwell, the Road to Wigan Pier, and Agatha Christie, Death on the Nile.

So who was the comfortable Mrs Lawton? I wish I knew, but in a way I’m glad that I don’t, instead I can create her. She was, such is my

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guess, a middle class lady, well educated, her husband is something in the city. She has two small children, and a nanny to look after them.

A maid keeps the house spick and span. They live in Chelsea and she has time on her hands.

There are more than two hundred recipes, and perhaps somewhat unsurprisingly, many of them are French, Cabillaud Belle Meunière, a rustic sautéed cod, with a butter, parsley and lemon sauce. Blanquette de veau, the classic veal dish with a sauce made with cream and egg yolks, soupe fausse tortue liée (mock turtle), and Paupiette de Merlan avec sauce fines herbes. Yet British classics are in evidence, boiled mutton and vegetables, and dumplings, grilled liver and bacon with pease pudding, roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, and horseradish sauce, perfect boiled cabbage.

Semolina and and rice puddings, jam roll, golden syrup sauce and custard.

Why write them down, for what purpose?

Maybe she was shown them by her mother, maybe by the family cook, but I like to think that maybe she attended L'Ecole du Petit Cordon Bleu in Sloane Street.

Cordon Bleu means blue ribbon. Henry III of France created the exclusive l'Ordre des Chevaliers du Saint Esprit in 1578 and it remained the most prestigious award until the revolution. Each member of the order was awarded a cross that hung from a blue ribbon and accompanying this ceremony were magnificent and sumptuous banquets, thus Cordon Bleu was named.

In 1895 a French journalist, Martha Distel, founded a weekly publication devoted to French culinary arts, which was published for the next seventy years. The first Cordon Bleu culinary school opened in Paris early the following year.

The most famous chefs of the day taught at the Paris school, and its reputation spread far and wide. Perhaps the most famous of these chefs was Henry Paul Pellaprat, teaching at Cordon Bleu for more than thirty years, he wrote L'Art Culinaire which sold over a million copies before the second world war.

It was two of Pellaprat’s students, Rosemary Hume and Dione Lucas, that established L'Ecole du Petit Cordon Bleu in 1933, first a one room establishment in Chelsea, and two years later in Sloane Street.

I have absolutely no proof that Mrs Lawton took lessons from Dione Lucas, or even if she knew of the school, but I like to think of her, wearing a broad shouldered, wide lapelled suit, its skirt a little below the knee, one of those Austrian style hats on her head, strolling along the King’s Road. Whoever you were Mrs Lawton, I hope you had a nice life.

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Party people

Party people Faiza Seth & Maya Stendhal George Lily & Lee Coleman

Zara Adams

Missoni party for

SOHAM FOR KIDS

Cash & Rocket

Angela Missoni hosted an intimate lunch in the Missoni boutique in aid of the very worthy Soham For Kids charity. Models showcased Missoni’s new season looks while guests dined on nibbles and champagne. (Missoni Boutique, 193 Sloane Street, Chelsea SW1) www.sohamforkids.org

Deborah Dugan & Dr Patricia

(RED) Tour Giorgio, Ashumi Sanghvi, Zahraa Saifullah & Sherry Nayyar Tarina Patel, Kanika Kapoor & Sherry Nayyar Friend, Pratiksha Patel & Ashumi Sanghvi

A group of 70 women took to the roads of Europe in (RED)-branded vintage and classic cars on the Cash & Rocket (RED) Tour from London to Monte Carlo. The caravan included entrepreneur and event organizer, Julie Brangstrup, (RED) CEO Deborah Dugan, Dr. Patricia Nkansah Asamoah from Ghana, LOVE editor Katie Grand, fashion stylist Charlotte Stockdale, Jo Wood ,model Lily Becker, sisters Jemma and Jodie Kidd, and entrepreneur Umberta Beretta.

The event is part of (RED)’s campaign (RED) RUSH TO ZERO to raise awareness and funds for the Global Fund’s fight against AIDS with a focus on reaching the goal of an AIDS-Free Generation by 2015.

Friend, Bahareh Khezr and Faiza Seth

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Ready to Go

Lilly Becker, Jo Wood, Boris Becker

Julie Brangstrup, Lily Becker, Jo Wood & Jodie Kidd

Julie Brangstrup

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Wellbelove Quested

Party people Kate Wake-Walker and Jane Carlton

Camilla Carr and Nick Stewart

Property Consultants 160 Ebury Street (corner of Eaton Terace), Belgravia, London SW1W 9JR T: 020 7881 0880 www.wellbelove-quested.com

Lower Belgrave Street, Belgravia SW1

Amy Poon and Adriana Enab Anoosheh Omidi and Katya Shestakova

MAD HATTERS’

show

Sarah and Christian Thompson

The Hurlingham Club was once again host to the glamourous Milliner’s Event in aid of The Children’s Trust Tadworth. Chairman Kate Wake-Walker and her dedicated committee, included, Epicurean Life’s Eliza Burnett and Farzana Baduel, and Jane Carlton (show producer), as well as many other fabulous volunteers.

Champagne cocktails, supper and glorious Milliner’s show were the highlights of the evening. A live Auction with Nick Stewart raised much needed funds for the charity. www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk Noha Kavvani and Helene Arnesen Eileen Spence-Moncrieff Outerbridge and Liz Brewer

A freehold investment property for sale comprising a commercial unit on the ground and lower floors and a self-contained four bedroom, two bathroom residential triplex unit above with its own separate entrance.

The residential unit measures 1,030 sq ft and the commercial unit 904 sq ft (GIA).

Price: £2,000,000 stc

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Freehold Investment Property | Four Bedroom Residential Unit | Ground and Lower Commerial Unit | Total Sq. Ft. 1,934 | Residential Area: 1,030 sq. ft. | Commercial Area: 904 sq. ft.

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Mary Ellis, Deana Goldstein and Rita Nissan Annabel Wilson, Farzana Baduel, XXX, and Samyra Rasheed

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Party people

Anna Clutton

Lucina Shearman

Nell Porter and Kathleen Van Praagh Beverley Shaw

Binky Felstead

Lady Julie Montagu and Azzy Asghar Jade Brede

Annabelle Ritchie, Henrietta Lubhperhand & Lottie Bradley Amy Nuttall (Downton Abbey)

Mr and Mrs Lorenzo Curci Natalie Coyle & Jenni Falconer

Laura Foreman

Kate Trowbridge

Passionata Dan from the Noisettes

George Sunderland, Max Thurlow, Polly Anne Monckton Olivia Lee

Luke Prendergast & Ellie Hooper

Raffles

Raffle-ites Tod Russell Welply and his son Tony

Jamie Richards Sachin Khanna & Charlie Hanbury

Members Club

Raffle-ites united for the 'Autumn party & re-design showcase' and enjoyed 'Pear and Cinnamon fizz cocktails' and mini bangers & mash in the newly refurbed members club. Designers 'Lambert & Brown' (also responsible for the design of 5 Hertford St.) were on hand to explain the inspiration behind the new look. Stunning girl group 'Passionata' set the tone with their powerful classical ballads. Later the 'Noisettes' took to the stage and entertained the crowd with hit song 'That Girl' and old time favourite 'Never Forget You'

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THE BEAUFORT CHARITY POLO DAY

The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry competed head to head in a closely fought charity polo match at the Beaufort Polo Club, Tetbury, UK. With polo legends Carlos Gracida (7 goals) and Miguel Novillo Astrada (9 goals) as Captains of the Royal Salute team and Zedan polo teams respectively, the spectators were treated to an exciting display of the sport.

The Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club Charity Cup raised over £60,000 for the charities Tusk Trust, Wellchild, and Child Bereavement.

Matthew Williamson & Paloma Faith Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Clive Owen & Thandie Newton

Rupert Penry-Jones & Martin Sander Pixie Geldof & Pam Hogg

AUDI in The City The opening of the world’s first digital Audi showroom – Audi City – was marked by a suitably momentous occasion at the new ‘cyberstore’ in London’s Piccadilly. The high profile launch event was attended by numerous VIP guests including Clive Owen, Thandie Newton, Bryan Ferry, Paloma Faith, David Gandy, Matthew Williamson, Sophie EllisBextor, Jamie Cullum and Rupert Penry-Jones.

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