Home House Magazine Issue 9 by Azzy Asghar

CAPTAIN CAROL! CAROL VORDERMAN

HOME GROWN

Home of Entrepreneurialism 1

Home House

HOLMES HOUSE Kelly, Our Golden Girl

HOMME HOUSE Meet Our New GM

FACE THE FUTURE PRO-COLLAGEN OVERNIGHT MATRIX The 1st ever formulation with ELEMIS Smart Drone Peptide Technology, targets areas of the face where stress shows the most.

WELCOME What a year it has been – as far as Home House is concerned anyway! Our 20 year celebrations brought together members, old and new and proved to all just how unique and special our sparkling establishment is.

specialist advisors. The club will provide the physical platform, together with a rich tapestry of members’ events with the focus on today – but especially tomorrow. With the enigmatic and engaging Sophie Chaney as General Manager at the helm, it will be plain sailing – plain meaning easy – never boring. But always remember our clubs and societies at Home House too. I fully believe that our club offers much more than so many others in the shape and form of cultural events, including Book Club meetings, Poetry Salons, Creative Writing Discussions, Debates and fascinating Q&As.

In this issue, be prepared to enjoy founder member Carol Vorderman’s words – a celebrated name whom I recently had the pleasure of meeting. You may think of Ms Vorderman via the media but did you know about her passion for flying and her role as Air Cadet Ambassador as the RAF celebrates its glorious and important centenary?

In the past, we have welcomed Butchery Master Classes and Fashion Catwalks, Sushi Making Precision Kitchen Moments, Barbers and Secret Suppers. Home House is a venue, a stage, a place to be… Did I also tell you about the yearly Dog Show, a Regent’s Canal Boat Trip and a Watch-making Workshop? Our regular live acoustic nights including living treasure, Ms Corliss Randall and her troupe belting out rock to R&B, torch songs to – well, what the evening demands? On another note, we are more than delighted to welcome Arnaud Demas and Sophie Chaney at Home House and Home Grown respectively.

As many of you may be aware, our new project Home Grown is scheduled to launch in the spring of 2019. A sister club to Home House – and only a pavement step away – Home Grown promises to be a dynamic space encouraging a global community of high growth entrepreneurs, investors, performance business leaders and

Since May, we have been supporting our annual charity, The Marylebone Project – a true neighbour, literally a stone’s throw from Home House. The charity provides 112 long and short term beds to homeless women and offers essential facilities. It surely makes one think what it is to have a home. If Home House is a haven – a continual developing entity, full of fun and camaraderie. All of us are part of a unique and unifying identity. Raise a glass!

Andrew Richardson Managing Director

Dear Fellow Members, Inspired by our charming and beautiful Cover Star, Ms Carol Vorderman, someone with less journalistic integrity might be tempted to say that our Club is busy with the final countdown of our ongoing anniversary celebrations, but, of course, I’m beyond that! The only number that I am interested in is the 20 years our club has been welcoming members and helping them enjoy London life in all its exuberance and eccentricity in such a wonderful palatial setting! Many things have changed in the 20 years, but a few constants – aside from our ethos of fun and frivolity – are some of our amazing staff members that have been with us since the very beginning. Their loyalty and passion is commendable and we meet a few of the longer serving team in the following pages. In this issue we also meet the new management team supporting Andrew – Arnaud Demas, Managing Director of Home House and Sophie Chaney who will manage the growth and development of our very entrepreneurial neighbour Home Grown! Add to all this, interviews with Dame Kelly Holmes, recipes from Chef Sophie Michell, Robin Dutt’s inimitable ponderings, Ladies of the House profiles and amazing party pictures, and we have the makings of another fabulous issue for you to devour. Please enjoy our fresh new look and, as always, we welcome your feedback and suggestions.

Azzy Asghar Publisher

Home House

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CONTENTS HOME HOUSE

FASHION | BEAUTY

Team 20

Haute Horology

Homeless Art

Style Notes

Ladies of the House

Objects of Desire

Home Grown

Seasonal Scents

Gym Tips

The Marylebone Project

Member’s Events

It’s a Dog’s Life

TRAVEL | CARS | LUXURY

INTERVIEWS 16

Captain Carol

Our New GM Arnaud Demas

Home Grown’s Sophie Chaney

Olympic Champion Kelly Holmes

Master Chef Sophie Michell

Instagram Star Natasha Grano

Burlesque Beauty Chrys Columbine

Business Insider Martyn Dawes

World of Interiors

Reader’s Choice

Travel Adventures

Moser Crystal

Eight for an Epicure

Miami and Fort Lauderdale

A Tale of Two Cities

Lamborghini Aventador S

PARTIES 06

HH20 Party

Flower Power Party

The White Party

Independence Day Party

Glow In The Dark Party

HOME HOUSE MAGAZINE AZZY ASGHAR - Publisher

azzy@epicureanlife.co.uk

CHRISTINA RAPTIS - Chief Editor

christina@epicureanlife.co.uk

Hanaa Foura - Senior Designer Advertising Queries 020 7731 7747

Home House Limited does not endorse nor recommend any article, product, service or information found within the magazine. The views and opinions of the authors who have submitted the articles to Home House Magazine belong to them alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of Home House Club or its staff. A very grateful thanks to all those who contributed to the production of this magazine – they are too numerous to mention individually. All rights reserved. Nothing within this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without the prior written permission of the Publishers. Although the Publisher has endeavoured to ensure that all information within this issue is correct. Prices and details are subject to change. Copyright © 2018 www.thealexandergroup.co.uk

his summer we dropped anchor and popped corks to celebrate 20 glorious years of Home House â&#x20AC;&#x201C; your Home away from the sea.Â The Atlantean Gods looked on, we swam with the mermaids, relaxed at the Waikiki Beach Bar, sipped Blue Lagoon cocktails and danced a sea shanty with the pirates of the Caribbean in a water-themed splash spectacular!

The Big Blue 20th Birthday Ball

HH20 PARTY

August 2018

Photography by Zach Gerard Productions

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HH 20

A Very Exclusive Club Celebrating 20 Years of Home House Staff Members

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We hear from some of our amazing longstanding team members including some who have been with us since the very beginning (some over 20 years!) This very special group have helped the club go from concept through to being recognised as one of the leading private members clubs in the UK – we thank them for all their hard work and dedication and introduce you to…

I have been working for Home Hamid Zahir House for 20 years – it has been a long ride but a nice one. When I first visited the House I just loved the place and I felt like I was in an old English movie especially when I was exploring the House and came across the old servant’s quarters in the basement – it seems like you have travelled 100 years back in time. Since joining the team I have seen many things happen from happiness to sadness, meeting new people and new staff. I’ve also had the pleasure of meeting numerous stars – one evening Lionel Richie walked into the restaurant and gave me a hug, the whole restaurant went quiet and everyone asked me how this happened obviously my replay to them was ‘the secret of the trade is nice things’. Also, I’ll never forget speaking to Brad Pitt while he was eating his breakfast, Madonna, Sting, etc my story is too long and I hope it will end in the best way. Overall Home House is great place to work and to be a part of!”

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Home House

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It may seem difficult to believe, even for me, however I have worked at Home House for twenty years, and what a wonderful two decades it has been! Home House is of course, special in every aspect, and although I have a small family at home, I think of Home House as my extended family. What’s more, not many people can say that they work in a historic building, built in the 18th century. The magic of Home House is its unique mix of members, all so varied and interesting and the fact that every day holds an element of surprise. As the Bison Bar Supervisor, I have to ensure that all is running as smoothly as possible, whether that means remembering how the very friendly and entertaining Sir Paul McCartney likes his margaritas; with orange not lime, to where people like to sit and often recalling their favourite item on the menu, even before they have ordered it!

Ali Bahay

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Ali Lazizi Attig

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I started to work for Home House back in 2004 in the Drawing Rooms. It has been a great experience working for Home House, I really love it and I still enjoy working here after all these years! I love meeting new members and interacting with them.

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I joined Home House in early 2000 as chef de partie. Adrian Martin joined the team as Head Chef in September 2002 from Scott’s, Mayfair, and I took position as Junior Sous, assisting Adrian running the kitchen and service of great food to the restaurant, Drawing Rooms and Private Parties. In 2008 I had the opportunity to support Robert Reid with the design and launch of Fernando Ferreira the kitchen for House 21, where we now serve Asian fusion dishes and sushi platters to both the Octagon Dining Room and bars and lounges in House 21. I now oversee the operations in all three of our kitchens supporting our Executive Chef, Sophie Michell. A dynamic environment and great memories over the years!

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Anadem Obille

I have been working in the gym and health spa department at Home House for 17 years now in a number of roles. I started as gym staff and receptionist and my current role is that of Gym and Health Spa Supervisor. The gym has grown in size and usage over the last number of years. Back when I started it was only House 19 and 20. Our staff canteen is now situated where our Pilates studio was then and we did not have any of the rooms in House 21. I think the gym has improved greatly over the years. I have met many members and guests during my time at Home House. I remember when Madonna stayed in the club she used to come down to the gym and workout which was one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had. Whilst she was training I would often find her ex-husband Guy Ritchie and his friends just having a wonderful time in the plunge pool instead of working out, they even snuck in a beer from the bar! The reason why I still enjoy and love working at Home House is because of the members. It is a place where I can both have a chat to long time members who have become like family and also welcome new members to the gym with a friendly smile.

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20 years of Home House. For me 18 years and counting, wow. ‘Finally’ I am an adult. Where have all these years gone? For the young members it may be difficult to understand what I mean, however the older ones, especially members from day one, they know what I am talking about. These years have gone so fast, for me it seems like a walk from Front of House to the Drawing Rooms. I started my journey with Home House in the Drawing Rooms and moved my way up to a management Marcel Deda position. Now with the Front of House team as a Senior Duty Manager we welcome our lovely members and their guests. The length of my employment says it all. For me, Home House is a great place to be. The building is great. I love the interaction with members, sharing day to day stories, quite often with a joke (I love this part), fulfilling their needs and taking on board their suggestions and feedback. For me Home House has greatly managed to combine the love of eating and drinking with various events where everyone can find something that they love. Being a part of all this is a great feeling.

Home House

Homeless Art

We learn about the unique art collection displayed around the House

CCG Debora Azzopardi

THE CYNTHIA CORBETT GALLERY The Cynthia Corbett Gallery is an international contemporary art gallery, representing contemporary artists and is a regular exhibitor at major international contemporary art fairs. The gallery has an annual exhibition programme, including curatorial projects in London, New York, and Los Angeles as well as collaborations with galleries worldwide. At Home House the Gallery presents Deborah Azzopardi, Lluis Barba and Tom Leighton along with artists from their Young Masters initiative, Elisabeth Caren, Lottie Davies, Fabiano Parisi and Isabelle van Zeijl. info@thecynthiacorbettgallery.com

Elisabeth Caren is a fine art photographer based in Los Angeles. Caren’s lifetime experiences in theatre and film heavily influenced her work, which has been described as classic and cinematic. Caren was shortlisted for The Young Masters Art Prize in 2014. Fabiano Parisi is a photographer of contemporary ruins, industrial buildings, swimming pools, factories, mental asylums, villas and theatres. Travelling across the world to America and throughout Europe, he captures these beautiful, yet enigmatic, places that most of us will never see. Parisi was shortlisted for The Young Masters Art Prize in 2012 and 2014. Fascinated by the art of the past and different perspectives on beauty through the ages, Fine Art Photographer Isabelle van Zeijl explores the aesthetics and techniques of the old masters to create present-day striking portraits. Lluis Barba’s epic, digitally manipulated images juxtapose iconic paintings from art history which he reimagines and populates with contemporary art, celebrities and leading personalities from contemporary culture. His work is held in major international public collections. Barba was shortlisted for The Young Masters Art Prize in 2009.

CCG Fabiano Parisi CCG Lottie Davies

Lottie Davies’ work is concerned with stories, memories, and personal histories. She takes inspiration from classical and modern painting, cinema and theatre as well as the imaginary worlds of literature. Davies won First Prize at the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Awards 2008 at the National Portrait Gallery and Young Masters Art Prize in 2012. Deborah Azzopardi has become world-renowned for her distinctive pop art images which she has been producing for the past 30 years. Her paintings and limited edition prints are lively, provoking and humorous as they celebrate the drama and joy of everyday life. Her images are also widely published internationally by Rosenstiel’s.

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The photographs of Tom Leighton engage with the urban landscape. By digitally altering photographs, he tries to deconstruct and retranslate the cities that we inhabit. Creating fictional landscapes allows him to ignore the constraints of possibility and logic, creating a believable view of the world, which verges on the surreal, but remains rooted in reality. His work is held in both private and corporate collections worldwide. IMITATE MODERN A contemporary London art gallery exhibiting paintings and sculpture, pop silkscreens and contemporary photography, located in the historical heart of Mayfair, Shepherd Market, the gallery is proud to exhibit artworks by emerging artists from around the globe, many of whom have now established successful careers and followings in the art world. For the Home House residency Imitate Britain presents works by Tyler Shields. sales@imitatemodern.com

Tyler Shields’ provocative work dances at the intersection of modern photography, glamour, outlandishness, and unthinkable. Fearlessness is key to Tyler, whether it is tying himself to a couch and hanging outside a 14th-floor window for a shot or creating a “no rules” environment in which the subjects produce an almost surrealist response to the scene. Working with subjects of all levels of celebrity (but most famously working with Lindsey Lohan, Rumer Willis, Colton Haynes), his work is free-willed, ephemeral and gritty.

CCG Tom Leighton

To inquire about any of the artworks in the House please e-mail charlie.smedley@aspaceforart.com

CCG Elisabeth Caren

Imitate Modern, Tyler Shields CCG Isabelle van Zeijl

CCG Lluis Barba Home House

Va Va Vorderman From featuring in television shows to being the first female Honorary Group Captain in the RAF, Christina Raptis meets the charismatic and inspiring Carol Vorderman.

Among the numerous professions you have done, which one did you enjoy the most?

I loved them all. And I love my life now more than at any other time. It has come full circle. When I was young my three passions were aviation, space (Moon landings when I was eight) and Cambridge University, which changed my life. I was just 17 years old, from a poor single parent family and on free school meals when I started studying at Cambridge at a time when those things didn’t happen. I can’t thank Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge enough for that opportunity in life. Now all these years later, I am on the Board of Directors of the NASA Challenger Centers, I live in a Fellows’ Flat in my old college in Cambridge and give bursaries to young people from a similar background to me, and I became the first female Hon Group Captain

Home House

in the Royal Air Force and I fly my own twin engine plane called Mildred. I plan on flying her round the world solo in two or three summers time to become the 11th woman to ever have done so. So yes, life is amazing and joyous and exciting and by hell I need another 50 years of it to complete all the mischievous, wonderful adventures I have planned. What inspired you to write school textbooks on mathematics?

I’m very lucky to have been able to practise my sums on television for all of those years. I loved it. But I loved it because I have always loved numbers. They were my friends as a child. When I was growing up in the 60s, there were four of us sharing a bedroom and I had to share a bed with my mum until I was nine. We had NO money at all, I grew up

on chips and my clothes were hand-me-downs. My mum was constantly exhausted bringing up three kids by herself at a time when this was not normal (we were the only kids from a divorced family in our Catholic school). The ONLY thing I could give my mum to make her happy was my school report. So numbers and being faster than everyone else at arithmetic and loving sums so much was my way to get that excellent school report which brought a smile to her face. They put me a year ahead in primary school, every time I did my “sums” I raced the clock, I wanted to be the fastest, and all those years later it proved to be the one thing which got mum and I out of the poverty trap. So, education is a passion and a love and to be able to help so many millions of young people over the years through my DK range of books has been a privilege. I also teach thousands of children online every day in my online school www.themathsfactor.com. At themathsfactor.com we specialise in taking primary school strugglers. They usually go from bottom set/bottom table in class to top set/top table within two months with us. They call me Aunty Carol and I know that learning numbers really really well will change their lives for the better. The immediate future belongs to the geeks, no question of that. Do you have any new plans for book writing?

I was very lucky to be the top selling non-fiction author of the year in two years. Firstly, in 2002 with Detox For Life, and then again in 2005 with How To Do Sudoku. I knew both would be massively successful. I’m currently finishing a synopsis for something which I believe will be as big. I think it’s groundbreaking. I’m truly excited about it so will be talking to some publishers soon. Just can’t wait for this one. When did your passion and love of flying begin? Did you always want to become a pilot?

I ALWAYS wanted to be a fighter pilot. I guess I was an adrenaline junkie inside, even though when I was young there was no opportunity to do anything remotely invigorating in that way. The nearest I got to cars in the 60s was sitting at the end of the road in Prestatyn taking down their registration numbers!! Ooh, now that was exciting!!! It kept me happy, aged five. We were dirt poor and so when mum married my step father (a crazy, loud, wonderful Italian builder) that’s when my dreams really started to come true. He loved cars, and in the backyard of the house he lived in (which mum and I went to live in on and off… she

kept leaving him!!) there were concrete mixers, and stock cars and a mechanic’s pit, and in the garage would be his prize possession… an Alfa Romeo. Hell, I loved that time. My first proper boyfriend (I was 16) was an autocross champion and rally driver so every journey with him was thrilling. Anyway, I didn’t know anyone in the RAF or anyone who had actually even been in an aeroplane (cheap flights didn’t start until the late 70s) but I still knew that I wanted to be up there and flying and doing it myself. The only thing I had going for me (no connections in aviation, a comprehensive-education kid on free school meals, Northern, and a girl...!!) was my brain. I was offered a place at Cambridge University and went there a year early when I was just 17. As one of the first 100 women to study engineering there, I got my Master’s Degree in 1981 BUT my flying dreams were dashed. I learned that the RAF wasn’t accepting women as pilots and British Airways had just closed down its training school. I had no money, mum was effectively homeless living in one room in student digs (she was aged 52 then, and had left my stepfather for the final time… so that was hard), so I got a job and thought about how I could look after her. That’s when my life changed… and the only place we could afford to live was in Leeds, where we bought a house in 1982 with a joint mortgage for £17,000. Mum read the Yorkshire Evening Post and the big article said that a new TV channel was starting called Channel 4, Yorkshire TV (down the road from us in Headingley) was making a new show called Countdown to go on it, and the producer couldn’t find anyone to do the “sums”. So without telling me, my mum wrote a letter as if it was from me, popped in a graduation photo, forged my signature and posted it off. Then she told me what she’d done. So with absolutely no desire to be on telly or be famous, but that’s where I’ve ended up, and because of it, I can now afford to fly my own twin engine beauty of an aeroplane – an uber modern gorgeous DA42. How did it feel to become the first female Honorary Group Captain in the RAF as Ambassador for the RAF Air Cadets?

I had been working for a number of RAF charities for quite some time and when I was asked to become Ambassador, well my heart leapt in the air. Every time I wear the uniform, I feel so humbled to be this tiniest part of such a brave and wonderful force. I give a lot of my time to the RAF on a voluntary basis and I love every single minute of it.

Home House

I give 30 to 40 days a year to my volunteering. I adore it and to be honest, I regard it as such a joy and privilege, I think I gain more than I give.

I was given a three year commission and then CAS (Chief of Air Staff) asked if I would like to do another three years. The answer from me was YEEEESSSSSS PLEASE, SIR… Can you tell us more about your involvement with various charities?

I give 30 to 40 days a year to my volunteering. I adore it and to be honest, I regard it as such a joy and privilege, I think I gain more than I give. My work includes being Ambassador for the RAF Air Cadets (60,000 of us in the organisation). The RAF Air Cadets is a huge part of the RAF itself. Most of the Royal Air Force board were air cadets and about a third of serving personnel were air cadets too. Some of the more front line squadrons are as much as 75% former air

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cadets. I also work promoting STEM to young people through major organisations. I’m the Ambassador for the All Party Parliamentary Group for General Aviation, on the Board of Directors with many astronauts of the NASA Challenger Centers in America, patron of CLAPA (as my brother had a cleft lip and palate), Ambassador for the Prince’s Trust which does phenomenal work with young people, Ambassador for the Wellbeing of Women charity and I work as an adviser in many quarters, help many charities and generally enjoy putting people together for the greater good. Education, aviation and space are my key three arenas. And I absolutely love every minute of cajoling and persuading and congratulating and encouraging everyone involved. Every minute of it.

You have an amazing figure – how do you stay so fit?

Well that’s very kind to say that, you obviously need a pair of glasses… Ha… I love being fit. I adore walking whether that’s around a city or hiking in hills. I walk fast and try to do around seven miles a day on average although this year has been less… I also run up staircases, don’t know why, it’s just what I do. I try to get to outdoor circuits and was doing three of those a week until recently. I’ll get back on that. I cycle a bit too. BUT I truly hate running and yoga? Ugh… “bendy is boring” is my motto even though I know it’s good for you, blah blah, I just get sooo bored within minutes and all the competitive bendy stuff that goes on… well count me out.

What projects are you working on at the moment?

Mum died last year and I had looked after her for very very many years. I was her carer and she lived with me for decades. The last years were far from easy. I also have two children and have been a single parent. My son is hugely dyslexic, and was in a special school for many years. Now he is studying Animation at university and my girl Katie has a Cambridge Masters Graduate in Physics and Chemistry (Gonville and Caius College). She is now a research scientist at Ph.D. level at Cambridge University researching into nanotechnology. She worked at NASA for a short time in the Curiosity Mars Rover lab designing experiments in the lab in the NASA Goddard Flight Center in Washington DC. Those experiments were then repeated on “ACTUAL Mars”… As I call it… Yes we walk the walk in terms of STEM in our family. So this year, I’ve changed agents and I’ve had time to re-engage with TV and my business and I have projects which are full steam ahead. Wow. It’s been heartwarming to be welcomed

so readily after quite a few years away from the main scene. So in the immediate future, lots for the BBC The One Show, hosting an ITV daytime show and also hosting the ITV Pride of Britain Awards in October. In November, I’m off to fly with NASA Operation Icebridge from Argentina. We will be flying the NASA DC8 over Antarctica many times to record ice activity and temperatures. It’s going to be very exciting. In August, I saw the incredible rocket launch of the Parker Solar Probe at NASA Kennedy Space Center. I haven’t seen a night launch before. It was spectacular. I’ve been working with Axiom Space, which is building the first commercial space station to launch in 2022. It will be a module to attach to the current ISS. It’s extraordinary and the possibilities of manufacturing in space and how, in micro gravity, the properties of materials change… Well, it’s absolutely incredible. Science and engineering has never been so exciting.

Photography by Darren Paul

What do you love about Home House?

I became a member when Home House first began as I knew Brian Clivaz from his time at Simpson’s in the Strand. In the mid-90s I had been hosting the first (and last) series of LIVE Chess shows on Channel 4. Nigel Short the British Grandmaster was playing in the world championship final with the (quite grumpy) Gary Kasparov. It went on for weeks. Gary won. We broadcast live from the Savoy Theatre which is next door to Simpson’s. For those who don’t know, Simpson’s is the home of chess in London and has an extraordinary history and association with the brain game. Simpson’s was our “canteen” and headquarters for quite some time and I got to know Brian there. Obviously he became one of the founders of Home House and invited me round. It was sensational. Nothing else like it in town at the time. I still love it today. It’s deeply impressive and the service is excellent. I love giving parties at Home House. Mind you, I just love giving parties anyway!

Makeup by Lauren O’Donnell

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LADIES OF THE HOUSE OUR MEMBERS SHARE WHAT THEY LOVE ABOUT OUR CLUB When the renowned Elizabeth, Countess of Home, had a vision in 1773 to build a sophisticated ‘Pavilion’ for the purpose of enjoyment and entertainment, we can imagine the kind of ladies that she wished to attract. Independent. Passionate. Fun. Fast-forward 245 years, and we meet some of today’s ladies – we think she’d be proud.

ancy Garrison Jenn is the global expert on headhunters and senior level hiring. She advises PE firms (Baincapital, Actis, Permira, Suncapital), Sovereign Wealth Funds (Dubai-ICD) and Corporates (Diageo, McKinsey, Natl Grid, Whitbread) on best headhunters globally. Right now she is working on assignments in Brazil, Copenhagen, South Africa, Nigeria and China. She also coaches CEOs and senior leadership students at LBS, INSEAD and PENNA undergoing a career transition or switching to nonexecutive/ NED roles. “I’ve learned through my career how important it is to be proactive, take risks and expand your network. Home House is the ideal environment to do so.” She is also passionate about fitness – especially boxing – which she does regularly in London and Miami. Married to a Frenchman who has been a Home House member for over 15 years, she joined the club just one year ago and is thrilled to be a member. “Why did I wait so long… Home House is the perfect club – friendly, incredibly diverse, entrepreneurial, lack of pretension, welcoming (amazing staff ), and offers so many new things to try – cooking, art, new ventures, wine tasting, boxing… and is one of the easiest places in London to network – ‘Everyone should build their network before they need it’.” She loves the bizarre architecture of the House where you can easily get lost or get into unconventional encounters… where each room tells a different story. She likes walking up the Robert Adam’s staircase (like a French museum or hotel particulier), the murals, the ceilings and the sophisticated, cool ambiance of House 21.

Michelle Gayle

“I always remember walking through the door and thinking, wow!”

Nancy Garrison Jenn

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ichelle Gayle is an actress, singer and author who has appeared on our TV screens in Grange Hill, EastEnders and Wolfblood. Michelle has enjoyed six Top 20 hits, three Brit nominations and the lead role of Belle in the West End show Beauty and the Beast and it was Beauty and the Beast that first brought Michelle to Home House. “The heads of Disney came over for the opening night and threw a huge party at Home House. I hadn’t been before; I always remember walking through the door and thinking, wow!” Michelle joined a few years later, when she was writing her first book. “I was struggling to write at home and I wanted to work from somewhere that was inspiring. Home House is beautiful and yet possesses a relaxed atmosphere so I thought it would be perfect. Now that I’m writing and creating shows for TV I’ve expanded to using it for meetings because I know that both the setting and menu will never let me down. The staff are great and the members are second to none. I hadn’t expected to make friends but people are so open and friendly here that it’s impossible not to. My Home House friends have genuinely enriched my life (especially when I beat them in Scrabble!) The Halloween Party is legendary – the costumes, the way the rooms are transformed and the fact that the staff fully embrace the event, all contribute to a wonderful night.”

sabel Baquero is a Director of Choreography and a Dance Performance Coach. She originally trained in Barcelona in Classical Ballet, flamenco, folk/classical Spanish dance, jazz, tap and ballroom dancing. In 1990 she came to the UK on a scholarship and graduated with Honours at the Performing Arts School the London Studio Centre. She has worked as a professional dancer in several productions for the BBC, including Wives and Daughters, Madam Bovary and Daniel Deronda, and has performed in various films, notably Shakespeare in Love, I Capture the Castle and Pride and Prejudice, in which she was also appointed Assistant Choreographer. Isabel has performed in several productions with the English National Opera and the Royal Opera in Covent Garden and has had a very important role in the choreography team and as lead dancer in Sir Richard Eyre’s production of La Traviata in London and around the world for the past 25 years! Her choreography credits include flamenco dance in Strictly Dance Fever in both 2005 and 2006, Barber of Seville for Garsington Opera, Carmen at Longborough Opera, La Rondine at the Royal Opera House, Movement Director of The House of Bernarda de Alba at the Theatre Clwyd and Flamenco Dance Coach and Mike Leigh’s film Happy Go Lucky. Isabel was also the flamenco dance coach and choreographer on BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing, and Ray Quinn & Maria Filippov’s in the 2014 series of ITV’s Dancing on Ice. She has a B.A. (Hons.) degree in Dance Education from Middlesex University and currently works as a freelance Choreographer and Dance Coach. Her choreography work is featured in the acclaimed Warner Brothers film Wonder Woman (2017). Isabel created all the dance scenes in the movie and was very honoured to work with Hollywood film director Patty Jenkins and actors Chris Pine, Dany Huston and actress Gal Gadot.

Isabel Baquero

Joëlle Deroy

o ë l l e D e r o y, F r e n c h -Te x a n a r t i s t , author, international cor porate expert and entrepreneur, is the Founder of Driving Change With Art Ltd. A consulting company headquartered in London which helps its clients from London to New York, via Paris, Shanghai and Sao Paolo – adapt and thrive... with art, with style! Based on trans-disciplinary thinking, Driving Change With Art gathers artists, designers, psychologists and human behaviour specialists. Their services include Adaptabilty Consulting – from the artist’s mind to the corporate psyche, Art Commissioning – from the art studio to the corporate scene, and Art Experiences – delivering different and deeper experiences to internal and external audiences, and engaging with businesses that have a story to tell. A member since 2012, Joëlle found at Home House not only a new home, but a unique place to meet outstanding personalities, who became hugely important in her life... including her British business partner Jean-Baptiste Leroux. When not in London, Joëlle hikes for long hours in the mountains, to fuel her artistic and business visions.

Joëlle found at Home House not only a new home, but a unique place to meet outstanding personalities

Home House

Sarah Edwards

arah is an Equity Partner at S&S Legis LLP and a Director of S&S Acquisitions Ltd. “I have been involved in the real estate industry for seven years and after qualifying as a solicitor, I was already ready for the next stage in my career and planned to set up my own law firm. The legal industry is extremely male dominated and my goal is to show all women that we can succeed in this industry just as well (if not better) than men. After a lot of hard work and planning, a year ago I set up my own law firm based in Mayfair with two other female partners who I also consider two of my closest friends. Working and travelling with two passionate, intelligent women with the same vision as mine can only be described as a dream come true. We now have two branch offices in Birmingham and Athens and the business continues to grow. I have absolutely loved being a member at Home House for the last two years and I have to say that clients are extremely impressed when I take them there. The exquisite décor and architecture really sets the scene and the service provided is next to none. The main appeal for me is that Home House has so many facilities unlike many other members clubs. I mainly use the club for a lunch time gym session or to attend the many social events. The events have massively helped my business flourish and would highly recommend attending these.”

“Home House really does feel like home…”

Jess Latimer

“Home House has become the perfect place to meet clients and share the beautiful spaces within the houses with people who enjoy the charm and atmosphere of one of London’s oldest private members clubs. It is rare to find a members club that is sophisticated, tasteful yet not pretentious. The uniqueness of Home House is that members enjoy engaging with each other.”

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ess Latimer, sold her Boutique Hotel – Cape View Clifton earlier this year and is now permanently based in London. She makes Home House an extension of her living room for business and pleasure. Cape View Clifton was the recipient of numerous awards, including Conde Naste Bridal Magazine’s Best Honeymoon Hotel in Africa Award and was featured in the Tatler Travel Guide, notably it received the Conde Naste Reader 5-star Travel Award, in 2016. Jess conceptualised the complete refurbishment and interior design and décor of the hotel and hand-picked the loyal and dedicated staff. This lead to the natural progression to launch Latimer Living, a UK based interior décor online retail outlet sourcing products from Southern Africa and Africa, which also offers décor services. The launch of Latimer Living was brought on by the incredible response and personal requests from her regular guests that had stayed at Cape View Clifton. Now joining forces with Michelle De Klerk – the founder of The Women’s Chapter, Jess is re-entering the Hospitality World as the co-founder of Luxef inity – a luxury hospitality consultancy and representation agency offering property management, sales, marketing and communications solutions to exceptional brands. With a partnership that combines over 20 years of experience and a huge influence in both the travel industry and high net worth community.

“H

Melanie Grace

ome House to me is truly a second home that combines wonderful people, an elegant atmosphere and true class which is why I have decided to have regular events for my company Corporate Angel Promotions here. I founded Corporate Angels in 2016, a company that provides outstanding brand ambassadors to support some of the world’s most prestigious events and luxury brands such as Jaguar and the Monaco Yacht Show. Two years on and we have excelled tremendously whilst having presence in over 12 countries. CA was also responsible for coordinating a five day event in Pakistan alongside the football player Ronaldinho. This was a hectic four days with a 47 seater private jet and the Pakistan Army… please feel free to grab me around Home House if you wish to hear some of our interesting stories! Corporate Angel Millennial events will be starting towards the end of October and myself and the team wish to empower, inspire and share our fantastic knowledge running a global company and also working with some of the world’s finest luxury brands and HNW individuals. Home House will always remain a home away from home and I look forward to having the pleasure of creating many more successful memories here. After previously founding the Winning Circle – Inspiring young Entrepreneurs, it is a passion to network with great people so please don’t hesitate to add me on LinkedIn or visit my business or personal site so we can connect. Have a wonderful time enjoying the comfort of Home House.”

Semina Koutiva

“I

am an Equity Founding Partner of S&S Legis LLP, a law firm and a Director of S&S Acquisitions a property finding and investor sourcing agency. Together with my sister and best friend we provide innovative and tailor-made advice to many clients domestically and internationally. People choose us because other than the fact that we are experts in what we do we also enjoy our work and have fun in the process. Passion for what we do is our common denominator. Speaking of passion, Home House comes to mind! I have been very passionate and committed throughout my legal career and I thrive to form long-term relationships with my clients. Home House has played a great part in this as I regularly attend meetings and entertain clients. It is truly a home from home! Most importantly, I love Home House because its location, iconic building, architecture, services, staff and social events make the membership truly unique. Not to mention the exceptional parties! The personal service is highly appreciated and incomparable to any other private members’ club. My friends and clients thoroughly enjoy visiting Home House as they feel relaxed and happy.”

aroline joined Home House in 2007, soon after launching a creative innovation agency called Happen. They hadn’t yet sorted out an office; she was commuting into London for meetings and was fed up with perching in coffee shops in between! Following a successful twenty year career in communications and innovation consulting, she and three male colleagues had co-founded Happen to help large corporates transform their innovation success rates. However – despite being a founding partner and director – Caroline was frequently accompanied by the nagging doubt that she didn’t deserve her success and would be found out as a fraud. Now recognised as the Imposter Syndrome this can result in talented over-achievers putting massive pressure on themselves to perform or holding back for fear of being exposed as a fraud – especially women in the minority within male-dominated businesses. Constantly feeling like a fraud ultimately took its toll and she quit Happen to find a different way of doing success. After taking a year out to reinvent herself, professional women started asking her to help them do the same. Her business, Attitude Coach, was born as a result. Caroline is now the go-to expert for professional women – and, sometimes, men – who want to step free of the Imposter Syndrome and other limiting attitudes so they can embrace and enjoy success, whatever that means for them. Home House has been Caroline’s home from home throughout – a place to meet clients and colleagues, as well as somewhere to socialise with Huntley, her beloved chocolate Labrador.

Caroline Holt

Home House

“I

am the founder and creator of “Belightfull “and “Made in Fitness” – dedicated to a luxuriously sweet and healthy lifestyle, where health, delicious taste and luxury meet. I have been working in the health, fitness and natural beauty industry for over 15 years and began when I came to London. Through the years I have built a very strong platform of techniques to help clients from all over the world improve their quality of life. I will always remember my first time visiting Home House. I came as a guest with one of my clients and I walked around for hours trying to capture all of it’s beauty and authenticity. Very soon after, I became a proud member myself. Home House has all that you can possibly ask for – a perfect central location and at the same time it is slightly hidden from unknown eyes and stunning untouched interiors, where anywhere you look, it steals your attention for a while. I love bringing my new and existing clients for meetings, consultations and, of course, the best parties in town. I am using all of Home House’s facilities starting from the Bison Bar for a nice cup of coffee next to the fire place to the beautiful open air garden in summer. The Drawing Rooms for my healthy and delicious lunch and meetings, restaurants for dinner and great selections of wines and, of course, the Spa/Gym area where I spend quite a bit of time working on my body and mind. Not many places can offer such a variety and luxury of service – the atmosphere in Home House is very different to most private clubs and I love he mixture of people from all over the world that actually speak to each other. I have met so many amazing people here in the last three years who are now my friends, colleagues and clients.”

“W

Anita Gleave

Home House

Viktoriya Khoma

“Not many places can offer such a variety and luxury of service – the atmosphere in Home House is very different to most private clubs...”

henever I am called an “Entrepreneur”, “CEO”, “Founder” – I still check to see who they are talking about! Born and raised in Cheshire, I studied my first degree in Theology and Education at Oxford and then taught in and around London. I became a Headmistress in 1996, studied for my M.Ed., then my Post Grad in Coaching and Mentoring. I have since been a Director of Operations, first for a UK and then an international group, before becoming a founding partner for an international group which, in the space of five years, grew to over twenty schools globally. Founding Chatsworth Schools has been a mind-blowing opportunity and one I never saw coming. Encouraged by investment houses, ex-colleagues and friends I am tremendously excited, humbled and proud. From the start of this adventure Home House has, literally, been my base. I was so lucky to find a club which has it all. One which is informal yet professional, selective yet inclusive, inspirational yet calm – such a kaleidoscope under one idyllic, central London roof! Everyone is so accommodating, and I have relished bringing interviewees, vendors, clients, colleagues and friends to share in the wonderfulness! Starting a company is certainly not for the faint-hearted, nor for those who value their sleep or sanity but for those of us raised on Kipling’s “IF”, who are just the right side of bonkers and who are committed to integrity, are pretty resilient and have a real passion, there’s nothing quite like it – just like Home House!”

Homme House

We meet the man adding a little French flair to our Club, Home House’s new General Manager, Arnaud Demas

rnaud started his career in the hospitality industry in France in 1996. He next made his way to New York in 2000 with the aim of learning and improving his English. He realised he loved it so much there, he decided to stay on for a further five years. “I worked about 30 miles north of New York City in Westchester County; I began on the lowest rung of the ladder as a runner and worked my way up to Captain”. His next move was back to Manhattan where he worked as a Head Sommelier for legendary chef Alain Ducasse’s Mix restaurant. With all this experience under his belt his employer offered him the chance to transfer to either Tokyo or London. “I chose London, as I thought it would eventually be a route back to New York. I was posted to The Sanderson Hotel as an Assistant Manager of the Spoon restaurant, and then on to 50 St James private members’ club as a Restaurant Manager for a year. Soon he was contacted again by Alain Ducasse Enterprise with another job offer back in New York. “My other half and I decided to go back and we ended up staying there for a year and a half at a restaurant called Benoit as a Restaurant and Wine Manager.” After enjoying New York Arnaud was transferred to Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester “This is where I joined the fine-dining environment back in 2008.” Arnaud was then appointed General Manager of The Greenhouse restaurant in Mayfair which he ran for over five years. He was then promoted to Operations Manager of MARC Ltd., helping them achieve numerous Michelin stars along the way both at The Greenhouse and Morton’s Club in Berkeley Square.

both saw it as a great opportunity which ticked all the boxes – it had all the diversity he was looking for from the F&B to the hotel side, to membership and bringing all that complexity in a job he felt would be fantastic for his future and career. “I came to have dinner here whilst I was being interviewed and found it very refreshing, the warm greetings from the staff. For me I need to believe in a product – it’s very important to be proud of where you are and what you do and I think it translates back to the customers. I want to elevate expectations and bring the standard to a different level whilst also keeping that quirkiness and warmth from the staff. We add value with the service which makes the difference to any business.” I really think Home House is special, he muses: “The club building is obviously a thing of beauty. It has so much character in every corner and comes with all this opulence needing to be looked after. We must remember that this building was not designed for modern hospitality but we make it work. Also the staff for me are so important, especially when you are in a members’ club. They bring that connection with the members and that’s why people love to come back. I was always impressed with this. I know that in this industry we have a high turnover, but we have been able to maintain a lot of our long standing staff.” And when Arnaud is not spending time with members and guests at Home House, he likes to visit the countryside. “I enjoy walking in the park with my wife and our dog, visiting a pub from time to time and coming back to the city refreshed for the next week. Also, wine and food are obviously very important to me!”

After so many years in the industry Arnaud realised he wanted a new challenge. A recruiter suggested the role at Home House and they

Home House

London Clubland: A Social Revolution

With 24/7 work culture on the rise along with an increasingly globalised economy, we explore the pivotal requirements in adapting to the entrepreneurial zeitgeist of the 21st century and aiming to remain at the forefront of the clubland scene, with the launch of our new private members’ club. Home Grown – Home to a dynamic, global, community of high growth entrepreneurs, investors, performance business leaders and specialist advisors…

ondon’s arcane world of private members’ clubs has transpired dramatically from its incarceration, synonymous for the conservative, old-money elitist, all-male bastions, where ‘Clubbable’ gentlemen deliberated politics and worldly affairs over a brandy in smoking rooms. Historically, dating back to the 19th century where London saw an explosion in the popularity of private members’ clubs, the gentry enjoyed the benefits of such rarefied refuges for the privileged, where membership was honoured through birth or association. Whilst a few of these long-standing establishments endure, London, now marked as a magnet for its burgeoning global wealth and the ubiquitous influence of a transient and entrepreneurial society, has brought about a new wave of contemporary clubs. Moving on from the clubs aristocratic in flavour, the end of the 20th century saw the rise of the nouveau riche and celebrity culture. Rock stars and those of social influence, as opposed to gentlemen became part of the ‘it’ crowd, gaining membership to clubs of a more liberal nature. As Home House celebrates two decades of being an exclusive social venue to enjoy some real fun with a hint of debauchery, just as our Countess of Home, who commissioned the build in 1773 as her ‘Palace of Pleasure’, would have wanted, contending the stereotype of the traditional club, the landscape of London’s 21st century economy now presents an array of opportunity. We are now experiencing a new wave of modern wealth, driven by an increasingly robust global entrepreneurial culture. Over the last ten years we have seen the number of SMEs increase by almost a third in the UK and the

Home House

diminishment of the 9-5 worker. In parallel to how times are changing, a business hungry society manifested on longer working hours, 24/7 operations, global stakeholders and better technology, has prompted the proliferation of coworking spaces and incubators as well as the emergence of modern-day business clubs. As we enter into a new era, the need for permanent offices is becoming less prevalent, with many drawn to a mobile approach, where networking manifests in an enjoyable manner without such segregation of business and pleasure. Hence the concept for Home Grown, Home House’s answer to all orders of business, was conceived. A hybrid, where professionals can work and establish refined connections amongst the discerning global entrepreneur and investment community, that ultimately become the headline makers of tomorrow, within a business environment marked with opulence – although, not to be misconstrued for a coworking space. The Grade II Georgian townhouses, situated moments away from Home House, at Great Cumberland Place, Marylebone, features seven business lounges, pitching and meeting rooms, a vast function space, premium dining and entertaining facilities and 35 bespoke bedrooms with General Manager, Sophie Chaney at its forefront. Home Grown will welcome, facilitate and encourage business at its heart, exclusively positioned to act as a catalyst for business growth within the strategically curated network of high growth entrepreneurs, international investors and specialist advisors that characterise its selected membership community. Besides, in this day and age, it’s

Restaurant

those at the forefront of the entrepreneurial ecosystem whom are often championed as the modern-day rock stars, so don’t be surprised if you rub shoulders with one or two in Home Grown. Despite the evolution the sector has undergone, private members’ clubs, both in the social and corporate sphere, remain as havens for society and business to be celebrated and we continue to adapt to the times.

The name Home Grown supports our whole ethos. We are providing the physical platform and curating the ecosystem to pioneer Britain’s entrepreneurs of tomorrow and help businesses to flourish, hopefully being conducive in the success stories of one or two unicorns on our way. Andrew Richardson, Managing Director

Home Grown Members’ Events

As we reflect on Home House’s staying power over the last twenty years, much is attributed to the associated social networks and connections between members, an intrinsic quality more important than ever given the transient nature of society today, built largely upon the club’s calendar of events and legendary parties. In a similar manner, a rich tapestry of events at Home Grown will not only assist in presenting the opportunity for members to develop networks with like-minded professionals and gain insight from industry leaders and high-profile key note speakers. The calendar has been designed to support and accelerate the entrepreneurial growth journey, addressing typically identified fundamental knowledge gaps as distinguished by UK Government backed data by The Scaleup Institute, being: • Leadership capacity • Access to markets • Finance • Talent and skills • Infrastructure

Our series of events that support a results-orientated approach for members’ professional and business development include: • Talent strategy breakfasts • Executive educations series • Monthly ‘open-mic’ pitching evenings • Invite only sector specific supper clubs and wine tastings • Talks by renowned business leaders • Monthly wrap up on markets • Meet the investor • Mindfulness and wellbeing sessions • Dinner series and social drinks

Join the entrepreneurial movement…

Home Grown is now accepting a limited number of applications for founder members ahead of its impending arrival in Spring 2019. We will be arranging introductory presentation breakfasts and evenings with individuals who register their interest at www.homegrownclub.co.uk with a view to enrolling founder members from January 2019. Places are strictly limited and subject to approval by the Membership Committee.

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Dual, Unicorn and Portfolio Memberships...

For those that wish to enjoy the benefits of both clubs, there will be a limited amount of dual memberships available to existing Home House members at the reduced founder membership rate, together with additional benefits. To register your interest please visit our website, or for further enquiries about our other membership categories on offer, such as Portfolio and Unicorn please contact info@homegrownclub.co.uk

Bar

Home Grown membership benefits include:

• Competitive corporate bedroom rates for members • Extensive calendar of members’ events • Investor opportunities • Complimentary use of a pitching or meeting room • Facilitation of psychometric testing and team dynamic insights • Access to online members’ platform • Discounted parking rates at NCP car park • The opportunity to have a voice – to become part of the ‘go to’ entrepreneurial community of Britain

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Dining

hy was it important for you to be part of the leadership team behind Home Grown?

What an opportunity! Roles like this just don’t come along very often and it’s an honour to be charged with bringing this new concept to life. Being part of a project from the beginning enables you to really shape the concept, culture and ultimately success so it’s something I just couldn’t turn down.

Heading into this venture, what would you say your leadership style is?

I’m very collaborative – I’m a trusting and positive person by nature and this is present in my leadership style. I generally trust people when I first meet them and if they prove to fall short of their promise, we can work together to support their personal growth. Effective leadership is all about bringing the best out of people and part of that is empowering people to allow them to flourish. It’s a fine line between giving people the freedom to share and execute their ideas and guiding them to be the very best version of themselves and leaving them out in the cold. 25 years working in the hospitality business with thousands of people from different cultures and who hold different sets of beliefs has helped me hone this important skill – I’m still learning.

Sowing the SEEDS With the exciting and imminent opening of our new business-focused sister club, Home Grown, we speak to General Manager Sophie Chaney about what its members can expect and what she brings to the role.

What is your vision for Home Grown?

Home Grown will be very different to Home House – we want it to retain the pivotal elements of the DNA of Home House, fun, conviviality and elegance but swing the focus of its day to day activity to support the, sometimes difficult, journey of entrepreneurs. It is really Andrew’s, our MD’s, baby and I am privileged to be trusted to make it a reality. It will be the place to go and do business; a fun, vibrant and very current place for people to do serious business whether that be to obtain the next round of funding or to meet the right people to help them get ahead in their endeavours. Some of our research has highlighted that being an entrepreneur, which is the majority of our membership base, can be an incredibly lonely place at times. We will be providing and cultivating a likeminded community of people where you can obtain support if you need it and it will also be a place where you can share ideas. We’ll have a host of business rock stars who everyone will want to know..! We want it to become the place to go in London, an entrepreneurial ecosystem, with credible partners in a fun and elegant environment which is well serviced to meet those needs. Where do you see the club in the future five years?

I see it as more than one. Home Grown Marylebone will be superestablished, it will be the go-to club and we will have hopefully already opened number two and working on the third. Perhaps we go regional and even international. What challenges have you faced with Home Grown so far?

The build is obviously one, we are laterally converting, modernising and fitting out four Grade II listed town houses, and that is never without challenges. But we have a robust team working tirelessly to deliver our vision. The second challenge will be acquiring the right people to deliver the service in the club. The hospitality industry is an increasingly competitive landscape and there is a smaller pool of talented individuals in the market. What are the key factors for a successful club?

With a new venture, we have to get the service right from the second we open the door, we need the right mix of membership, the right offer in terms of the facilities and physical infrastructure. Once we’re open, we then need to learn from how our members use the club and be agile enough to adjust just enough to keep evolving and improve every single day.

Home House

A HOME AWAY FROM HOME OUR AFFILIATE CLUBS Home House has multiple affiliated-club relationships around the globe where members can visit and enjoy world-class amenities.

01 CORE CLUB (New York) The legendary CORE Club in New York, with its stunning architectural features and an unstuffy approach that mirrors our own, welcomes Home House members up to three times a year to visit, dine and stay. New York’s powerful elite number among the CORE’s vibrant and diverse community of creativity and influence from the worlds of business, the Arts and politics. CORE provides unrivalled dining, meeting, sleeping and fitness spaces in beautiful surroundings; a continuously changing collection of artwork provides an inspiring backdrop to the stunning accommodation. With a dining room, lounge, outside terrace and four rooms for an overnight stay, every need and every whim is catered for at the highest level – only the best will do for our members. 66 East 55th Street | New York, NY 10022 www.thecoreclub.com Bookings via the Central Reservations team at Home House: reservations@homehouse.co.uk or 020 7670 2000

STOKE PARK, Country Club, Spa and Hotel (Buckinghamshire) Set amongst 350 acres of glorious parkland, lakes, historic gardens and monuments created over the last one thousand years, Stoke Park provides a unique combination of the traditions of an exclusive members’ club and the best of today’s sporting, leisure, entertaining and hotel facilities. All this in one of the most convenient locations in Britain; only 35 minutes from London and seven miles from Heathrow. Tee off at Stoke Park and play 18 holes of golf for up to a maximum of four players at this famous course for just £70 Monday to Friday or £95 on weekends and bank holidays. This represents a significant pricing privilege, being reduced from £150 (weekdays) and £230 (weekends). Home House members can also receive a 10% discount off the best available room rate and a complimentary Full English Breakfast. Park Road, Stoke Poges, SL2 4PG www.stokepark.com Bookings are made by contacting Jessica Barwell on 020 7670 2027 or jessica@homehouse.co.uk

Home House

03 THE BATTERY (San Francisco) Home House guests can eat and drink in two dining rooms and four bars and stay in one of the 14 guest rooms. The ambiance is Glass House meets Portobello Road, with a touch of Elton John vis-à-vis weathered leather belt tiebacks on a four-poster bed, horsehair wallpaper and gold lamé chairs. Like Home House, The Battery likes to instil a sense of culture and community. It’s a point furthered by the fact that cell-phone use in the evening is relegated to either the library or an oldfashioned phone booth next to an elevator whose frosted glass floor clears as you descend. Home House members can now enjoy a 10% discount on bedroom rates at The Battery which includes resident membership for the duration of the stay. 717 Battery St. San Francisco, CA. 94111 www.thebatterysf.com Bookings are made via the Central Reservations team at Home House: reservations@homehouse.co.uk or 020 7670 2000

04 FAENA ROSE (Miami Beach) Faena Rose is an exclusive, art and culture-based private members’ club located at the Faena District Miami Beach—a cultural neighbourhood that features a uniquely luxurious hotel, exquisite residences, innovative and immersive entertainment, destination shopping, and remarkable multi-use arts venues. Home House members receive the same benefits as Faena Rose members throughout the district during their visits, which includes access to Faena Rose’s robust calendar of the most engaging and transformative cultural experiences; a private reservations line for all of the district’s restaurants, Faena Theatre, and Faena Forum; preferred pricing at all of the district’s restaurants, bars, hotel rooms, and spa services; and access to the Faena Playa beach club and 22,000 square foot Tierra Santa Healing House, which offers Miami’s premier destination for fitness, wellness, and health. Home House members can enjoy access to Faena Rose at the Faena District Miami Beach as a guest up to three times within a calendar year as well as bedroom bookings at member rates. 3201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33140 www.faena.com/miami-beach Bookings are made via the Central Reservations team at Home House: reservations@homehouse.co.uk or 020 7670 2000

Home House

Beoplay

E6 Wireless Earphones These unique earphones deliver a consistent high sound performance in challenging environments and resist tear, sweat and moisture, £269. www.beoplay.com/e6

Hit the GROUND RUNNING Did you know that Home House has a very keen running club that stars yearly at the Royal Parks Half Marathon? If you would like to join the team please see Jessica Barwell for more information. To further inspire you we present a selection of sports necessities to help achieve your PB!

Under Armour

Men’s UA HOVR Phantom Running Shoes Providing a ‘zero gravity feel’, these super comfortable running shoes’ comfort comes from the anatomically designed, molded interior, the super-plush knit collar, and the layers of plush material that envelop your foot, £155. www.underarmour.co.uk

SueMe

Sports Performance Underwear Up your sporting game with these sustainable and stylish sports performance underwear made from 95% Beech Tree pulp creating a super soft, durable product to ensure you feel supported while training, £20. www.sueme.com

Home House

7452 Sports Sock Made with a rich bamboo-mix these sports socks have a cushioned foot providing additional comfort and also adds impact protection, and arch support, £5. www.hj.co.uk

Editor’s Pick Helly Hansen

SIGG

Lifaloft Hybrid Insulator Jacket

Scarlett Traveller Touch Bottle 100% leakproof, BPA free and made from lightweight recycled aluminium this water bottle is brilliant for those on the go, £16.99.

This lightweight, uber-cool jacket is perfect for everyday use. Developed using Lifa fiber and PrimaLoft’s extensive knowledge in synthetic insulation which helps to create a lighter but still warmer jacket for optimised fit and comfort, £160.

www.uk.sigg.com

www.hellyhansen.com

BUFF

Original BUFF

Iffley Road

Hove Running Top Track White

Worn in a wide variety of ways the new updated version of the legendary tubular activewear accessory protects from the elements and enhances sporting performance, £16.

This lightweight top is made from bespoke technical drirelease micro-blend fabrics to effectively wick away perspiration to keep you cool and dry whatever the weather, £80.

www.buffwear.co.uk

www.iffleyroad.com

Weird Fish

Jepson 1/4 Zip Marled Active Macaroni Sweatshirt Exercise in style in this comfortable sweatshirt – its breathable fabric makes it the ideal choice to wear for a bike ride or for a jog in the park, £40. www.weirdfish.co.uk

Brooks

Sparkhill Backpack Designed with practical innovations for the urban lifestyle, this durable bag is ideal for safely carrying all your belongings whilst commuting, £160. www.brooksengland.com

GOLDEN GIRL We meet the double Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes, who won Double Gold in the 800m and 1500m at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the first British woman to do so.

Who inspired you to start running?

My PE Teacher Miss Page (Debbie) – she was the one person at school that made me believe I could be good at something; she saw my talent and encouraged me to get into athletics. How important is mental strength when it comes to running?

It’s 80% of your performance because if you have put in the hard work and know your skill it’s then down to you to execute it. Having self-belief and confidence in your ability to perform is a massive thing. What was your training routine like when you were competing in the Olympics?

I trained six days a week and twice a day. At that level and at that stage of your career it’s a big deal to get the training right and it’s a very specific plan you have to follow. Did your military background help with your training/discipline?

My military background definitely helped with resilience and discipline. I think it also helped with the fact I was so strong having been a physical training instructor. How has your relationship with running changed since you retired?

I do it for fitness and enjoyment now, not because I felt I had to or because it ended up being a career. Do runners today have an advantage with all the technology available to them?

The enhancements in technology give athletes and their coaches/ support team the ability to monitor progression and performance better and also it becomes a level playing field out there as the technology advances.

Many Home House members are active runners. Where do you get your motivation for training from and what advice would you give to our members to stay motivated?

It starts with you. What do you want to get out of your fitness? Wellbeing? Fitness? Performance? Each one has its own goal and therefore outcome. That helps you decide on the training to achieve this. Doing different activities around running like the gym and classes can help you stay motivated and finding other members to run with can make it enjoyable too.

What do you love about Home House? Do you have a favourite room?

I have been to Home House for a lot of meetings and generally sit in the Gloucester Lounge or the Bison Bar but I’d love to visit The Vaults and Vestibule Bar! What is your favourite memory at Home House?

I have been for several events and private meetings but there is still so much for me to explore, my aim is to go to some of the events to create more social memories. I’m looking forward to my next visit!

RUNNERS ARE BORN BUT THEN THAT ONLY GOES SO FAR. WITHOUT DEDICATION TO THE TRAINING... YOU WON’T GET FAR

What do you think makes a successful runner – are runners made or born?

Runners are born but then that only goes so far. Without dedication to the training, commitment to the time, belief in the ability and a lot of time and hard work like most sports or industries, you won’t get far. Can you explain more about your charity the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust?

We support disadvantaged young people by training and developing world class athletes to deliver personal, social and emotional development programmes for young people facing disadvantage. Through transformational mentoring, young people become empowered to realise the attitudes and behaviours needed to lead a positive life. Our programmes are proven to have a lasting impact on the lives of young people and enable them to become healthy, achieve in education, enjoy career success and take part in meaningful activities. We target those who need our help most, not those who are easiest to reach – last year we ran programmes for care leavers, homeless people, young offenders, women at risk of sexual exploitation and those living within isolated communities.

@damekellyholmes

realkellyholmes

Home House

Everything is WORKING OUT! Our Gym and Health Spa manager Jon Drever discusses periodization – effectively planning your workout program

hope you all had a great summer and you are ready to get back into the gym and work towards your fitness goals for the remainder of 2018.

With that in mind, I thought it would be good to discuss periodization within your training to help you plan your training effectively. The National Strength and Conditioning Association describes periodization as “a method for employing sequential or phasic alterations in the workload, training focus, and training tasks”. In other words, you alter the reps, sets, intensity and types of exercises to allow you to adapt, achieve your goals or peak at a certain date for a competition, race or sporting event. Within the gym we notice many users stick to the classic 4 sets x 8/10 reps when performing resistance exercises. Whilst this is a good rep range for hypertrophy (building muscle), your body will quickly become accustomed to working like this and the adaptations you see will plateau. To keep you progressing in the gym, a beginner is best to implement a linear periodization model. This model will allow you to develop size, strength and keep hitting PB’s. An example of this would be to take your squat, deadlift and bench press. Over a 12-week program you would perform each exercise once a week for the following: • • •

Weeks 1-4 Hypertrophy (muscle building) – 5 sets x 12 reps Weeks 5-8 Hypertrophy & Strength – 5 sets x 8 reps Weeks 9-12 Strength – 5 sets x 3 reps

Our in-house nutritionist, Lizzy Cole, shares her expertise on fuelling your workouts. A good workout needs to be fuelled by good nutrition. Everybody and session is different; therefore, ideally, you’d work alongside someone such as myself to tailor your nutrition to these needs. I currently offer this to Home House members and have created the following guidance to help get you started. Pre-workout If you’re planning an intensive (think HIIT, spin etc) or endurance (lasting over 60 minutes) session, you’ll need sufficient carbohydrates to keep you going; a banana or toast with peanut butter are great options to have 1-2 hours beforehand. If, however, your goal is to burn fat and build muscle, it’s better to dial down the carbs and up the protein. For example, Greek yoghurt and berries is a great pick for those doing resistance training.

Volume

Post-workout

Intensity

Hypertrophy

Strength

Power

As the volume (Sets x Reps) decreases you will look to lift more weight (intensity). By doing this you are continuing to develop throughout the training program and avoid a plateau. Once you have completed the 12 weeks you can go back to the start and lift more weight at the higher rep range and therefore get greater adaptations from you training. For further information on Personal Training and nutrition please email jon@homehouse.co.uk.

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Post-workout, your body’s store of carbs is depleted and muscles need some TLC. Reach for a snack that combines good-quality protein (between 20-25g) and slow-release carbs, ideally within 30 minutes of leaving the gym. I like having a protein shake or bar, as they’re super convenient and there are some great products on the market. Lizzy is a fully qualified, registered nutritionist, with a demonstrated history of working in top establishments in both the US and UK, including UCLA, Protein World and Home House. She operates on a freelance basis, offering tailored dietary consultations, meal plans and nutrient analysis to those looking to improve their health for the better. For more info, and to book an appointment, visit www.nutritionbylizzy.com or email e.a.cole@ntlworld.com

Our executive coach and mentor Jon Treanor asks

‘Do you really know what you want?’

he large majority of people lack the confidence to achieve great things, they aim to be average to good. By keeping themselves small, it keeps them safe; they can even become a big fish in a small pond. To be great at something or in achieving great things can lead to finding ourselves in a lonely place, once you’ve reached the top, what now? We have to move out of our comfort zones to find out who we truly are. So many aim for and indeed achieve, mediocrity, they accept being average, normal and good. What many fail to realise is that at this level it’s harder to actually achieve as there is far more competition. Many lose their confidence, they underestimate themselves and believe others better, cleverer or more deserving than themselves. Most people are insecure in one way or another, the world is insecure; many of the wealthiest people I know are fearful about losing their fortune, they become obsessive, often paranoid. Almost all experience loneliness and feel isolation. Their self-regard may be high but for the wrong reasons, they are usually self-centred and aloof. Many coaches and mentors set goals with clients for them to aim to achieve something, to improve, to succeed, but what might be the cost? Most people actually don’t know what they want. It’s a question I used to put to clients all the time, ‘what do you want?’ This stumps many, it’s too wide a question, I stopped asking. It’s a bit like asking ‘What are your goals?’ The question is too broad; many stumble on answering this too. They are not really self-aware enough to know, to narrow it down to specifics.

Failure to prioritise is also a common trait, many have too many goals or their goals are ‘soft’ objectives. The real answers lie in each of us and we are all different. Many follow their dreams and become passionate about what they do, none of what I say is wrong, nor is it right, it is not critical nor judgemental it’s simply my observation. Whatever suits you is good for me, but whatever it is, ensure it excites something within you. If it doesn’t, then question how it serves you, does it really add to your life? Are you being true to it, really? Or, does it subtract from you, are you doing it for others or for yourself ? Try not to set goals but ‘a goal’. Make it big, make it brash, and make it stand out. Make it yours, own it, be excited by it, and put yourself on the path to achieving it. Move out of your comfort zone. May the force of yourself be with you!

Jon Treanor is an executive coach, mentor and Emotional Intelligence specialist. Jon runs exclusive 5 day breakways for people looking to achieve excitement and contentment in life. www.jontreanor.com

Home House

Perennials Fabric

Rose Tibetan Knot Rug Handmade using Perennials 100% solution-dyed acrylic yarn this gorgeous rug is resistant to mildew and fading and made-to-order to nearly any size, shape and colourway, £1,400 PSM. www.perennialsfabrics.com

Our selection of nature inspired décor

Staffan Tollgard Design Store

JL Moller Model 62 Chair

This solid wooden chair with a upholstered seat was designed by Niels O Moller in 1962 and is as relevant and beautiful today as it was then, £1,191. www.tollgard.co.uk

Davidson London

Collier Mirror

Simple yet versatile, this large circular mirror with a broad frame finished in sycamore stone inset with bevelled glass can be made to any size and finish, £3,719. www.davidsonlondon.com

Interdesign UK

Winny Sofa Bed Designed by Guido Rosati This comfy sofa bed looks great in any space and is perfect for overnight guests, £5,194. www.interdesignuk.biz

Home House

Black and Key

Clear Skies

This iridescent glass vase is inspired by the ceaseless mutability of light on the landscape, sky and water, by artist Adam Aaronson, £1,450. www.blackandkey.co.uk

Evitavonni

Porta Romana

Twig Lamp

Silver Sand Bed Linen

Inspired by nature, the Twig Lamp looks great in both classic and contemporary settings and is constructed from forged steel with a decorative burnished silver finish. Lamp, £876, Lampshade, £161.

Woven in Italy using the finest Egyptian cotton, these stylishly double flanged sets offer beautiful texture to a bed and emulate endless elegance. Edged Pillowcase Grey, £126. Border Pillowcase Grey, £220. Duvet Cover Grey from £588.

www.portaromana.com

www.evitavonni.com

Chaplins

Hubertus Clothes Stand by Mogg A contemporary nature inspired clothes stand, featuring stain polished brass coat hooks. Available in a mirror or panelled wood finish, £670. www.chaplins.co.uk

Bespoke Sofa London

Safari

This African inspired bench showcases upholstery with real Zebra hide and a solid wood plinth and will add a touch of style to any room, £2,040. www.bespokesofalondon.co.uk

Home House

THE ICON OF ELEGANCE AND PRECISION GROHE ATRIO

Consider the circle. A staple of natural geometry. A pure form at once soothing and dynamic. A visual metaphor for both completeness and eternity. For its new Atrio collection GROHE draws on this most elemental and elegant form to create an iconic object that is built to last. grohe.co.uk

Grace Thirty Years of Fashion at Vogue Grace Coddington Hardcover: 408 Pages This monograph and memoir showcases some of the most memorable photographs published in British and American Vogue from 1972 to 2002, and stories created by iconic fashion editor, Grace Coddington, £49.95. www.phaidon.com

Eternally Ritz Laure Verchère Hardcover: 224 Pages This volume is filled with elegant imagery illustrating the Ritz’s esteemed guests and showcases the impeccable work done to restore and rejuvenate the hotel while respecting its intrinsic history, £60. www.assouline.com

Massimo Listri. The World’s Most Beautiful Libraries Georg Ruppelt and Elisabeth Sladek Hardcover: 560 pages From the mighty halls of ancient Alexandria to the Morgan Library in New York, Massimo Listri travels to some of the oldest and finest libraries around the world to celebrate their architectural and historical wonder, £150.

Off the Shelf From fashion and art to photography and architecture, Eliza Burnett compiles a selection of desirable coffee-table books

www.taschen.com

The Eye Fotografiska Hardcover: 256 Pages Fotografiska, one of the world’s leading meeting places dedicated to photography, exhibits the best photographers in the world and this title features a unique selection of exhibited photography, £65. www.teneues-books.com

Home House

Living in Bali Reto Guntli, Anita Lococo and Angelika Taschen Hardcover: 472 pages Flip through this title to experience the green landscapes, majestic mountains and beautiful coastlines and traditional architecture of Bali, £15. www.taschen.com

Rolex: The Impossible Collection Fabienne Reybaud Hardcover: 194 Pages This beautiful volume showcases the most valuable and technically innovative models the luxury watchmaker has produced, £650. www.assouline.com

Amaze Cristina Mittermeier Hardcover: 256 Pages

The Allure of Horses A Very British Lifestyle

Uli Weber Hardcover: 160 Pages

Exploring the relationship between horse and rider, this title celebrates the “ever-so-British” passion through photographer Uli Weber’s fine portraiture and photographic craftsmanship, £110. www.assouline.com

Photographer Cristina Mittermeier captures some of the most endangered animals, remote communities, and extreme corners of the earth in this astonishing collection of nature photography, £65 www.teneues-books.com

Ballet: The Definitive Illustrated Story Viviana Durante Hardcover: 306 Pages Filled with rarely seen photographs, this title explores the history of ballet through the dancers, composers, choreographers, and iconic productions that have shaped this unique art form, £25. www.dk.com

Green Escapes The Guide to Secret Urban Gardens Toby Musgrave Hardcover: 384 Pages Flip through this treasure map of charming little-known gardens and hidden spaces for a rare chance to see the variety and innovation in the world’s most stunning and tranquil hideaways, £16.95. www.phaidon.com

Home House

SOPHIEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CHOICE Executive Chef Sophie Michellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love for cooking started at a young age when she would bake cakes with her grandmother. 23 years later and with 8 cookbooks under her belt, we sat down with the mum-to-be to talk about all things culinary.

Who or what inspired you to become a chef ?

I always loved cooking. Actually, to be honest with you, eating! I started cooking when I was quite young with my grandmother, it’s a bit of a cliché but it’s actually true. By the time I was 14 I got a job part time at a restaurant and really enjoyed it. I madly enough decided to leave school before doing any GCSEs because I was determined I wanted to be a chef so I got a full time job in a restaurant when I was about 15 and I’ve worked in restaurants ever since. I’ve been a chef for 23 years now, which makes me feel really old. But it’s a great job and I love it. What ingredient can you not live without?

Olive oil, definitely olive oil. It is a fantastic oil to cook and dress with. It has so many different variations, standards, and qualities. Also chili; I love chili. Chili is such an interesting ingredient – people see it as being quite one dimensional but if you look at the different kinds of ranges: dried smoked chilies in Mexico to chili flakes used in pastas in Italy and fresh chilies in Thailand. You get a really good range of flavours and textures and levels from all these different types. What is your favorite cuisine to cook?

This is a really difficult one because I’ve travelled so much since I was quite young and pull a lot of my inspiration from it. Malaysian and Indonesian food really inspired me when I was around 12 years old, then Italian and Mediterranean in my 20s. So it kind of varies, but when I’m at home I always tend to make quite strong, spicy, Asian food because I crave that quite a lot or I do a big roast. Roast lunches are what I cook more than anything. I tend to do Sundays with friends and family. Pierce Brosnan came over for Sunday Roast a few weeks ago, he’s probably my favourite house guest ever! What advice would you give a young aspiring chef ?

Try and absorb as much information and knowledge about food as you can to really inspire yourself and your cooking, Also, keep abreast of food trends and what’s going on. So much of my passion for food came from reading cookbooks and just absorbing information. Nowadays that’s so much easier with the internet and having access to information. Also, be prepared to work really hard and understand that there can be massive rewards at the end of the hard work. You have written several cookbooks, is there one that really stands out?

I’ve written eight cookbooks but the one I loved writing most was Chef on a Diet because it had quite ‘chefy’ recipes. It was all about passion and love of food and balancing that passion and love of food with being healthy and losing weight. Obviously the two don’t go hand in hand very often. Chef on a Diet was a real kind of food lover’s diet book but actually most recently I’ve just written Baking Without Sugar and that one was number one on Amazon charts and it’s been doing really well. It touched a nerve with people because I think we are really conscious that sugars are something we need to cut down on.

There is so much variation with what we can do with everything at Home House, I love that journey from morning to night with different styles of cooking.

How does the Home House menu differ from other menus that you have done?

Working at Home House is different because of the diverse amount and levels of menus we can create here. We have an Asian street food inspired bar menu in House 21 and then we have a very British seasonal theme in The Restaurant. This is fantastic because we have such good produce and veggies so it’s a nice showcase of those. I am really looking into making the whole of Home House more sustainable from a food point of view. That is very important to me. There is so much variation with what we can do with everything at Home House, I love that journey from morning to night with different styles of cooking. How often do you change the menu?

It’s like the Forth Bridge; you get all of them done – then you have to change them again. Three or four times a year we update our menus then we do special menus which change every day in various areas of the club. I’m really pushing the menu in The Restaurant and going to have some really interesting new dishes on there come autumn. It is a fantastic season from a produce point of view and it lends itself so beautifully to the pre-Christmas festivities. Where do you pull your inspiration from for these menus?

My inspiration comes from what I would want if I was a member of Home House. I kind of think about what the dining areas are useful for. I really want to work on giving the different areas and different menus an identity so people want to come here a few times a week. It has to be, essentially, a home away from home for people. It’s a members’ club so it’s got to really have that multitasking aspect for everybody. You recently tweeted that a PR agency asked if you wanted them to use stock photos of you because of your “condition”.

Yeah because I’m pregnant. She was like ‘now you have a baby coming, do you want me to use stock photographs?’ I said no! Look, obviously I feel huge and I’m used to being thinner so from an ego point of view maybe I can understand what she was trying to say. But that wasn’t what she was saying. I think it’s a very positive message to send to people. It’s acceptable for women to be pregnant and carry on working and it is also something that should be applauded, not something to be embarrassed and ashamed about. I was very surprised that that’s how a PR company were feeling which I believe is pretty tone deaf to the market. It reflected badly on them more than anything really. But I was still quite upset and like, cripes is that where we are at? What would be your advice for other women working in a mostly male dominated industry?

I think when you look at it from an executive level, most industries are male dominated. I have this conversation often and it is not just the chef industry. The chef industry is particularly bad though, I think there is only about 20% of chefs who are female and it’s a shame. Especially in our industry there is a massive staff crisis. So we need to be more accessible towards females. The tip I would give to a female in any industry, but especially in the food industry, is don’t have any limits. You’re always going to have battles and things that come up which are challenging but you get that in any industry and any gender. We need to stop imposing limits on ourselves and just pushing for the best you can do. Instead of thinking to yourself ‘Well I’m 35 now I want to have kids so I’m not going to push for that stronger job or push for a higher position’. You’ve just got to go for it and try and do what you can.

Home House

HOME HOUSE - CHARITY OF THE YEAR

The Marylebone Project Literally a stone’s throw from Home House, our charity of the year is The Marylebone Project

The charity’s ethos is that each woman is a very special person and through the themes of:

About the charity A Registered Social Landlord, set up through a partnership between Church Army and the Portman House Trust, the charity provides 112 long and short term beds to homeless women and offers essential facilities and support to women who visit its rough sleeper’s drop-in at the Marylebone Centre. The Marylebone Centre also delivers education, employment and training opportunities and meaningful activities in order to support service users into independent living. The charity also incorporates a social enterprise called Made in Marylebone. This provides a catering service (Munch in Marylebone) and Central London meeting venues (Space in Marylebone). Through doing this it offers training and work experience for service users whilst producing ongoing funding for The Marylebone Project. Those that the charity support, are often affected by substance misuse, unemployment, domestic violence and mental health issues. Whatever their story, the charity aims for the same ending; self-esteem, employment and independent living, by providing shelter, emotional support, education opportunities, spiritual space, and events in a welcoming and secure environment.

Home House

• • • •

Spirituality – that God loves each person regardless Hospitality – that all are welcomed Empowerment – equipping women to make informed choices Resettlement – encouraging and supporting women towards independent living

The Marylebone Project believes that it is and will continue to make a lasting difference.

Our support so far Home House’s year of support started in May and will continue until April 2019. In the first five months, we have raised £3,375 from the ticket revenue of selected members’ events and not forgetting the Mulligan at our Home House golf event. The charity has created a beautifully organised wardrobe of donated clothes – neatly ironed and arranged in garment types and sizes. This is an essential facility, offering the chance to take pride in one’s appearance, confidence and self-esteem. The female staff at Home House have embraced the challenge to enhance the charity’s ‘boutique’ and wardrobes across the capital are currently being given a zealous spring clean!

Promotional Feature

DIARY OF...

a Divorce Lawyer

We speak to Juliette Peters of Peters May

onday My first client of the day is a lady whose divorce I am finalising now that our forensic accountant has provided his report. Her soon to be ex-husband runs a string of successful nightclubs in Soho but claims that they are barely making a profit; a story I have heard countless times before. I had the business valued by a forensic accountant and, unsurprisingly, the accountant has proved that my client was right in believing that the shared business was a goldmine! The husband’s lawyer has already made a good offer to settle where my lady keeps the house in Hampstead and the holiday home in Nice. Just what she wanted.

uesday I am preparing for court today. A children case where I am representing Dad. His teenage daughter has decided she wants to live with him. Her Mum isn’t happy and is opposing the decision. Given the child’s age, the daughter’s views are going to prevail. Mediation may help both parents to communicate better as they must still coparent this young lady.

ednesday I have a run of children cases at the moment. I find them rewarding because I am making a difference to someone’s life. I take a call from a Mum that I represent. She is hoping to relocate to New York with her young son as she has been offered a fantastic new job over in the States. She is divorcing her husband, a case I am dealing with. Her estranged husband understandably does not want his son across the pond. We need to make a court application for permission to relocate the child, otherwise it will be deemed as child abduction.

hursday I love my job because there is never a dull moment. I walk into the office and receive a call from the Metropolitan police. My client who is dissolving his Civil Partnership has spent the night in the cells

following an argument with his partner. They had both consumed too much alcohol and argued over who was keeping what and it came to blows. The police kept my client in overnight to sober up. There is a lot of money at stake here and their Civil Partnership is long standing as it took place in the US long before we had same sex marriages or Civil Partnerships in the UK. I advised that one of them should move out whilst we sort everything out for their sanity. It is very difficult to live in the same house if you are going through a split as emotions can run very high. My client plans to rent himself a flat in Shad Thames for 6 months and things should begin to run more smoothly.

riday In the morning I see a bride to be who is getting married in 5 months. She has chosen her dress, booked the church and the honeymoon is sorted. Her wealthy parents want her to have a prenup as she is an only child and even though they are very fond of their soon to be son-in-law, they know the statistics and want her to be prudent. We run through the law on prenups and I will draft the document for her next week. In the afternoon, I see a very glamorous lady in her late 40s. She has been living with her ‘boyfriend’ for 15 years. He is in his 60s, very wealthy and they have no children together. She wants to discuss her rights in the house they share which is in his name. They own nothing jointly I discover. I break it to her that there is no such thing as a ‘common law wife’ and she has no rights whatsoever despite living together for so long. She is devastated. She hopes they will marry! A busy week. I am looking forward to spending the weekend in the country with my husband, young daughter, step sons and dog until it starts again next week. Juliette Peters is a longstanding Home House member and founding partner of Peters May, a boutique divorce and family law practice based in Mayfair. Juliette.peters@petersmay.com

www.petersmay.com

*The above should not be taken as legal advice and each case is dependant on its own facts.

Home House

Patek Philippe Boodles 220th Anniversary Patek Philippe World Time Special Series watch Ref. 5230G-012 in 18-carat white gold with a self-winding mechanical movement and world time, POA. www.patek.com

Boodles Raindance White Mother of Pearl White Gold watch featuring approximately 3.15-carat of round brilliant cut diamonds, £30,000. www.boodles.com

Haute HOROLOGY Azzy Asghar’s selection of exquisite timepieces for every occasion

TAG Heuer

Rolex

Piaget

Aquaracer watch with black sunray dial, 43mm steel case, aluminium black turning bezel, quartz movement and black rubber strap, £1,300.

Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 watch in white gold with a meteorite dial set with diamonds and 18-carat white gold bracelet, POA.

Altiplano Ultimate Automatic watch in white gold, black off-centre dial, black alligator-skin strap, 4.30 mm in thickness, one of the thinnest in the world, £27,200.

www.tagheuer.co.uk

www.rolex.com

www.piaget.com

Home House

Bulgari

Christopher Ward

Bamford Watch Department

LVCEA Tubogas watch with a stainless steel case and tubogas bracelet with black laquered dial and diamonds, £4,620.

C7 Apex Limited Edition 42mm watch with a grey diamond-like-carbon-coated and sandblasted marine-grade case, £2,995.

Limited Edition Bamford Mayfair watch, fully customisable - choose your dial colour, bezel, coating and type of strap, £425.

www.bulgari.com

www.christopherward.co.uk

www.bamfordwatchdepartment.com

De Beers Aria Half Pavé watch with white mother of pearl dial and three layers of refined diamond pavé, £9,700. www.debeers.co.uk

HUBLOT Big Bang One Click Italia Independent Dark Grey Velvet watch with a dark grey velvet dial, polished stainless steel bezel set with 42 diamonds, and black rubber and grey velvet strap, £16,500. www.hublot.com

Greubel Forsey Double Balancier watch in white gold with hand-wound movement, 4-minutes spherical constant differential rotation and transparent back, POA. www.marcuswatches.com

Home House

Our resident dandy, Robin Dutt, celebrates the work of Trevor Pickett

Rich Pickings

here is something gloriously mischievous about Trevor Pickett Esq. Always has been. Strategically, shall we say, un peu (but only a little) outre, he is king of his carefully crafted court. This year sees the establishment’s 30th birthday – the man himself is only 20-odd years older than the empire he set up in 1988. From the very start, even before his eponymous luxury goods boutique opened, at an impossibly young 16, he began work in specialist retail in Burlington Arcade, Piccadilly. Eight years later, he bought the business and renamed it, Pickett. It might be worth remembering that he actually started working ‘possibly from the age of being able to walk, toiling behind the counter’ of his parent’s bicycle shop in Essex. Obviously, ambition is the cornerstone and lodestone of this forever garrulous, fizzy (sometimes dizzy) and quip-a-minute creative who whilst luxuriating in the world of luxe, is not the type to not be so very hands-on. He has a great team he often cheekily berates. He means it/ doesn’t mean it? The jury’s out. But he is conscious that at the centre is himself – the heartbeat of the home that he built. Whilst it may be most gentlemen’s desire to do as little as possible, the dynamo within Pickett is powerful indeed. He welcomes you to his ‘den’ where he sometimes hosts chic lunches for the press, beneath the trading floors of his Albany/Burlington Gardens shop purposefully cluttered and styled to suggest a voyage of discovery. Manageable

Pickett Showroom, Burlington Gardens

Home House

chaos might also spring (with alacrity) to mind. But each piece from a signature quirky key ring to a suite of chic calf and canvas suitcases reinforces the idea of luxury – a word which, like couture often today can be conveniently ‘elastic.’ ‘I am often asked what luxury is,’ begins Pickett. ‘One special part is having the ability to create something utterly and completely yours that has your style and spirit.’ In an increasingly homogenized world – even where presentation is concerned – these two words are chosen by Pickett with reason. Polymath Jean Cocteau once opined that ‘we must feel sorry for Fashion for she has such a short time to live.’ Put simply, style can be eternal and when mixed with spirit, the wearer or bearer displays something of his or her visual autobiography. Pickett’s own visual autobiography seamlessly fuses London and Suffolk – twin paradises for him and each important. Pickett will be remembered by many in town and country as one of the pioneers of pashmina possession – that swirl of colour which can so inform an outfit – a clever device, understood as something primarily practical in the East. In the earliest days, he opened the Georgina von Etzdorf store on Sloane Street. This inspired and charming lady with something of Vanessa or Cressida Bell about her, brought high-impact prints and patterns to silk scarves and velvet stoles, informants of otherwise silent shoulders. His love of accent embraced gloves, jewellery, parlour games and indeed, kilim slippers which characters

as Lord Berners, Lord Glenconner or Lord Snowdon would surely have understood for their louche-luxe – especially when worn with a tumbledown studied negligence – a grandfather’s hand me down Poole & Co Savile Row suit. Pickett stands, as if centre stage in his basement retreat. ‘Gin and tonic?’ He asks whilst pouring before any response. And of course, there is more of one component than the other. Can you guess which? And when one says ‘asks’ one might as well replace this with ‘demands.’ Passionate about craftsmanship, Pickett celebrates the talents of such creators as Jo Malone for her fragrances, Freddie Launer for that indispensable royal handbag style favoured by HM The Queen and Monsieur Lesage – ‘king of embroidery.’ But he is also (as probably all of the above) only too aware that this exclusive eyrie is not perhaps unassailable with time as the arch enemy. The whole idea of the ‘shopping experience’ (he calls it a ‘reveal sensation’ at Pickett’s – but he would, wouldn’t he?) of discovery, of adventure is being or has been compromised by internet purchasing. To the young, what exactly is a leather bedside trinket tray for? Come to that, what is a trinket? The still truly elegant want a shopping safari with a much earned glass of champagne after a retail campaign. But reality is reality. One would be wise to be aware of it. Pickett is of course, pragmatic whilst acknowledging that such creators and services of old ‘are diminishing.’ But not thankfully, fully disappeared. Building a customer base of 30 years has of course, garnered loyalty. Keeping luxury relatively affordable is an aspect of the business and also ensuring that practically everything is made in England. This alone has an international magnetism when one considers, for example, British royal souvenirs manufactured in China. A bespoke service is now offered at the Leather Library in Burlington Gardens. Whilst Pickett may eschew fashion per se, he cannot refrain from crowing about his passion for the latest colour he is pushing – deep Burgundy – the strongest-selling hue of the British mid-1980s. But in his case this is not Northern Soul Boy in Burgundy waffle knits and grey Farah slacks – more rich, gleaming, luxurious elegance where the travel suite luggage is concerned, hinting of a time when travel was glamorous. Of course, it is not today. Ah, nostalgia. It’s a double-edged sword. Fall on it!

Trevor Pickett

Pickett - Burlington Gardens, W1 and Sloane Street, SW1

Pickett Briefcases

Home House

I can’t live

.. t u o h t i w stylishly

Temperley London Soleil Evening Skirt £1,695

Go from day to night with Christina Raptis’ selection of must-have statement pieces

Silhouette x Perret Schaad Special Edition Sunglasses £275 www.pretavoir.co.uk

Lock & Co. Hatters The Muse Cloche by Prudence £395 www.lockhatters.co.uk

www.temperleylondon.com

Coach Signature with Novelty Coated Canvas Signature Rose Print £350 uk.coach.com

Roland Mouret Ward Trouser £695 www.rolandmouret.com

Nadya Shah Anastasia Cape £1,200 Prada Cahier Shoulder Bag £2,090

www.nadyashah.com

www.farfetch.com

Alexander McQueen Studded Ankle Boots £595 www.farfetch.com

Home House

Aspinal of London Mini Trunk Clutch with Zig Zag Strap £550 www.aspinaloflondon.com

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Home House

Asprey Stargazer Pendant This dazzling pendant with a double star drop is illuminated by diamonds and set in 18-carat rose gold, £2,525 www.asprey.com

Harry Winston Pirouette Diamond Earrings Inspired by ballet’s most beloved turn, this design showcases a mesmerising arrangement of marquise and round brilliant diamonds, POA. www.harrywinston.com

Boodles Classic Roulette White Gold Diamond Bracelet This timeless bracelet from Boodles Roulette collection is the perfect alternative to a classic eternity ring, £10,800. www.boodles.com

STONE Paris Favourite Ring This gorgeous flower inspired 18-carat yellow gold ring set with diamonds will add a touch of glamour to your outfit, £4,370. www.stoneparis.com

Van Cleef & Arpels Bouton d’Or Collar – Pink Gold

Ruifier London NEXUS Latch Pendant

This stunning necklace is inspired by the curved lines of the paillette motif, a jewellery design created by Van Cleef & Arpels in the late 1930s, £98,400.

Inspired by the concept of connections this playful pendant in 18-carat yellow gold vermeil will add a modern and minimal twist to any outfit, £249.

www.vancleefarpels.com

www.ruifier.com

Messika My Twin Earrings Add a unique touch with these 18-carat white gold and diamond earrings, £2,060. www.selfridges.com

Home House

Objects of

Desire

Add a touch of sparkle with these dazzling jewellery pieces

Boucheron Serpent Boheme Ring This 18-carat white gold ring set with diamonds is a classic piece sure to impress, £3,000. www.boucheron.com

Graff Diamonds Classic Butterfly Single Motif Pendant A charming pendant featuring pear shape and marquise diamonds, suspended from a delicate white gold chain, POA. www.graffdiamonds.com

Bucherer Fine Jewellery Sphera Bracelet This 18-carat rose gold bracelet with a pearl is an elegant addition to your evening attire, £1,760. www.uk.bucherer.com

Chopard Happy Hearts Earrings These 18-carat white gold earrings composed of hearts set with opals and diamonds are a must-have accessory this season, £12,400.

Chaumet L’Epi de Blé Brooch

www.chopard.com/uk

This stunning 18-carat yellow gold brooch with brilliant-cut diamonds is a perfect addition to any outfit, £9,840. www.chaumet.com

Bulgari Diva’s Dream Kaleidos Ring This stunning ring in 18-carat rose gold, with pink tourmaline and pave set diamonds is the perfect statement piece, £6,950. www.bulgari.com

Home House

Social Butterfly

Christina Raptis speaks to Instagram star and influencer Natasha Grano

Please tell us about yourself ?

I’m a luxury influencer/blogger and entrepreneur from London. I do modelling, T.V presenting and I have my own charity called Give Your Heart Foundation which recently began. My roots are Greek Cypriot and British. Quite a mix considering one side bakes cakes with holes in them and the other cannot understand why a hole exists in a cake! How did you build your brand?

It all started two and half years ago whilst I was pregnant with my baby Rio. I always admired Instagram models and girls who ran their own companies through the internet world. And at the time I had a pretty bad shopping addiction (don’t we all) so I decided instead of paying for these items to arrive at my house every day how about if I was being paid to write about them and would receive them for free. So I studied the world of Instagram and online marketing throughout my pregnancy and 6 months after while I had lots of time on my hands. Every day I would watch YouTube tutorials on growing followers organically. I found myself a mentor online in the US and I did my own research too. I also took some short courses in this field. I decided who I wanted to brand myself like and then I would take the attributes I liked of these individuals. Then I literally hit the floor running with all this knowledge behind me and some goals ahead to aim at and a whole heap of photos of myself ready to write about. How did you decide what aspect of your life to focus on?

Oh girl! I knew from a very early age I was meant to be in front of the camera, I just knew it wasn’t just about modelling for me. I wanted to use my boarding school education I was lucky enough to have had and my spirituality to convey a bigger message to help women in the world.

I would like to see myself having helped millions of women across the world. I would like to know I made a difference.

want to truly be successful, then there is value on your health and well-being. Being a girl boss is about collaboration. It’s about supporting other women and lifting each other up. Collaboration increases creativity and efficiency. Being a girl boss means generating positive energy and spreading that love and kindness to everyone who comes into our path. How would you define luxury lifestyle?

Well that darling is simply enjoying the finer things in life – being able to travel when you want to sensational resorts and places, living a life in the fast lane, experiencing things that not everyone will get to experience in their lifetime. Seeing beautiful things, enjoying the best culinary delights across the globe, my goodness there are so many aspects of a luxury lifestyle. Many people are in fact living it without even realising. But if you take a look around and stop looking for it, it will come and rest softly on your shoulder.

What is your definition of the “girl boss”?

It’s actually an ambiguous term but, to me, it means working hard, but being able to take luxury breaks. Deadlines need to be met and business needs to flourish. If you

Home House

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

I would like to see myself having helped millions of women across the world. I would like to know I made a difference. That my charity also changed the lives of thousands of children in third world countries from the orphanages we built and raised them in. I would like to present the

BAFTA’s and using my platform in the public eye to spread love and light across the world.

niche as that will contradict your new glossy page. Keep it business girls! What do you love about Home House?

How do you balance work and personal life?

It’s actually pretty tough at times, I cannot lie. Being a mummy to a two year old, being a successful brand and entrepreneur and then making the two blend somewhere in the middle is far from easy. I am getting better at balancing it all now. I do regular meditations in-between my work and home life. I do a lot of spiritual work on myself too and really inject that into my work. I study Kabbalah and that has changed my life. What are your favourite three fashion items at the moment?

Right now as we are going into autumn/winter it’s such an exciting time for fashion! It’s our chance to leave the dreamy layers of summer behind and embrace richer textures and autumn shades. The first item I wouldn’t want to miss right now would be some elegant ballet pumps. Everyone from the likes of Audrey Hepburn to Alexa Chung adores a good pair of flats. My second favourite item would be something with the Gingham print. It really re-emerges year to year from the catwalks and designs from the biggest fashion houses – it’s now available in dresses, skirts, pants and even shoes! Definitely a must have! And finally my favourite fashion accessory for autumn has to be a classic felt fedora hat. They will always be in style so worth investing in ladies! Good fashion items are honestly a good investment.

Home House is the coolest of the members clubs, and the most diverse. There is so much to do, you can never be bored. It’s like a home away from home yet I live in Mayfair! I always meet such interesting people there and it’s great for networking. Some of my best friends have come from Home House. I love hanging out in the garden in the summer, it’s so dreamy! Do you have a favourite room?

Yes the George Hanbury! Oh my goodness, I lived in this room every weekend for almost for two years! Follow Natasha on Instagram @natashagrano

Who is your fashion icon?

Absolutely Marilyn Monroe! She really was a style icon in the making from her films in 1948; ‘Ladies of the Chorus’. She was dressed a tad more conservatively here, but she already showed the pin-up appeal that would eventually become a phenomenon across the world. Her high waisted pin-up bikini looks in the 50’s now give influencers, photographers and models such fabulous inspiration. What is your favourite social media platform? Why?

Probably a give-away as I’ve talked so much today about it... but Instagram of course! It’s the way forward in today’s world. Every brand now recognises the need for using influencers for publicity campaigns as opposed to spending huge amounts on one publicity advert. What is your strategy for maintaining popular social media content?

There are so many tricks and strategies to this. The key is to keep an aesthetically appealing page, so your followers know they will receive a certain thing from you. Keeping in tune with what your followers want, by asking them questions on your story regularly about what they would like you to post more of and always using great captions on your photos. This combined with bursts of your character on your Instagram story and in your photos will keep your followers entertained and you will gain new followers very fast. Of course, the photos posted need to be high quality with clean backgrounds or in keeping with what you’re promoting. What advice would you give to aspiring social media influencers?

Content is key! The first thing to do is take some high quality pictures (enough to post one a day minimum but aim for three a day to gain followers faster). When I first began I literally got my husband to take around 40 pictures of me in a variety of different outfits that would last me for a month of posting. If you want to monetise your posts then you need super-hot content. Avoid trying to upload pics of anything unrelated to your

Home House

Seasonal Scents

Ted Baker

Ted’s Sweet Treat Ella £30 (100ml)

Our selection of desirable fragrances

www.tedbaker.com

Parle Moi De Parfum

Papyrus Oud / 71 £98 (50ml)

www.selfridges.com

Floris London

A Rose For £160 (100ml)

Lalique

Pink Paradise £190 (100ml)

www.florislondon.com

www.lalique.com

CLEAN Reserve Avant Garden

Jo Loves

Nude Santal & Heliotrope £129 (100ml)

Jo by Jo Loves £115 (100ml)

www.spacenk.com

www.joloves.com

MALIN+GOETZ

By Invitation

citron vert £110 (100ml)

Peony Noir £55 (100ml)

www.malinandgoetz.com

www.michaelbubleperfume.com

Scent to your door... Sniph Sniph is the new way to discover and buy exclusive perfumes. Created as a monthly service that allows members to discover a new niche scent for £14 (8ml) per month, enabling you to discover 12 carefully selected scents per year for the same price as a full bottle - without commitments. It’s like wine tasting for perfume and a gift that keeps on giving! Founders, Lisa Kjellqvist and Tara Derakshan, travel the world in the name of scent to search and curate a personalised perfume selection to deliver to your door. Sniph aims to challenge consumer perfume habits of a ‘signature scent’ as an outdated marketing concept to keep consumers purchasing the same one. The perfume industry is dominated by a few global brands and Sniph aims to change this and give a voice to artisan perfume houses that value creativity and uniqueness. Build a fragrance wardrobe that matches various occasions and moods. Because life is too short not to smell your very best... 58

Home House

www.sniph.co.uk

Art de Parfum

Encore Une Fois £150 (50ml) www.artdeparfum.com

A Holistic Approach to Beauty and Aesthetics Lorena Oberg is a skincare and anti-aging expert with a twist as well as a Home House member. Her practice in Harley Street is frequented by celebrities and clients that fly in from all over the world. We interviewed her to get to the bottom of what makes her different from other practitioners and injectors.

Promotional Feature

hat is your area of expertise?

A couple of things. I am world renowned for tattoo removal and Permanent Makeup removal. I lecture and teach at conferences all over the world on this subject. However our unique and holistic approach to anti-aging is what I’m most proud of and what makes the most noise. What is different about your anti-ageing?

We combine our Aesthetic Treatments with Bio Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy. We know we age because we lose our hormones; this applies to both men and women. We also know that by topping up these hormones to the level of a 30 year old, we slow down the ageing process and more importantly ageing diseases such as dementia and osteoporosis. This obviously translates to better skin, energy, renewed sex drive, bone density and muscle weight which all makes us look better. Our approach is that we can rejuvenate you 10 years but we do it from the inside out. So do you use fillers and injections?

Of course we do. Fat loss in our faces as we age is what make us look... well...the age we are. The trick is to put this back TASTEFULLY. My philosophy is that no one should know you’ve had work done. People should comment that “you look well” “you look rested, have you been on a holiday?”. What made you use this approach?

This has been my own personal journey. I look at photos of myself 8 years ago when I was at my lowest and I don’t recognise myself. I had an undiagnosed underactive thyroid, my GP kept telling me I was “normal” and this compounded by early menopause due to stress meant my hormones were so dreadfully deficient that I could hardly get out of bed and was 5 stone overweight. What age should people begin to look into their hormonal health?

Once you hit 40 both women and men begin their hormonal decline. Women lose 85% of our hormones over a two year period. With men it happens over 20 years but it is still happening. That beer belly you can’t get rid of no matter how many hours you spend at the gym is a decline of testosterone. We gain weight, lose our sex drive overnight, experience depression (loss of Progesterone), hot flushes etc. All of this is so easy to balance, adding to your quality of life over the decades. What advice would you give?

Educate yourself ! Don’t expect your GPs and Aesthetic Practitioners to have the answers. Understanding hormonal health and getting the right treatment is what will keep you young. Botox and fillers help but work on the surface. Educate yourself on the subject, on nutrition and exercise. If I could recommend one book it would be “Ageless, The Naked Truth About Bio Identical Hormones” by Suzanne Somers. She interviews doctors and explains the process of ageing.

1 Harley Street London W1G 9QD Tel 0800 002 9696 www.lorenaoberg.co.uk

Home House

Beauty Mark Christina Raptis shares her favourite cult beauty products...

Editor’s Pick Skin Design London Sleeping Beauty Midnight Collagen Feast My skin rescue favourite – this deeply nourishing plant-based collagen treatment with essential oils, antioxidants and vitamins restores hydration and skin suppleness. I love putting this cream on before bed to wake up to rejuvenated super soft skin, £90.

Arbonne Gel Eye Masks Christophe Robin Hair Oil with Lavender This nutritionally-rich oil is my ultimate go-to for luscious locks. Applied as a pre-shampoo treatment the oil repairs the hair fibre and restores elasticity to damaged hair, £37.

After a long night out these gel eye masks are a saviour, they transform my tired, puffy looking eyes into wide awake ‘I’m a morning person’ eyes, £48. www.arbonne.com

www.christophe-robin.com

www.skindesignlondon.com

Angela Langford Bloom & Glow Radiance Restoring Face Oil This restoring face oil made with chia seed and sea buckthorn is perfect for nourishing, repairing, softening and boosting your skin’s radiance, £20.50.

111SKIN Y THEOREM REPAIR SERUM NAC Y2

www.angelalangford.com

This serum has anti-aging properties to build volume, repair and renew your skin, while amino acids work to improve skin’s elasticity, £190.

Kerasilk Beautifying Hair Perfume In between washes I love using this gorgeous hair perfume to keep my hair smelling amazing! The fragrance provides a silky hair feel, shine and even prevents static, £22.50.

www.111skin.com

www.goldwell.co.uk

J. One Jelly Pack This unique jelly-textured formula moisturises whilst creating a smooth, ‘Velcro’ base for makeup – firming, plumping and hydrating with one simple, fuss-free step, £32. www.cultbeauty.co.uk

Teoxane Cosmeceuticals RHA Serum Regenerative Skin Concentrate This is the ultimate serum to target dullness, dehydration, fine lines and wrinkles. It leaves my skin feeling hydrated, and looking smoother and brighter, £79. www.teoxane-beauty.co.uk

Home House

E EV VE RO ER O SS E E

London London

www.everoselondon.com www.everoselondon.com info@everoselondon.com info@everoselondon.com 020 3633 2555 020 3633 2555

Home House

Christina Raptis meets the beautiful and talented Chrys Columbine to learn about the

Art of Burlesque

ow did you get into the world of Burlesque?

I kind of stubbornly decided I was going to be a burlesque performer, when I first discovered the revival of the art form. On the one hand as a child, I was unmistakably a tomboy, planning to train for the Olympics as a competitive swimmer and martial artist, and refused to wear a skirt between the ages of 1214 years. The other side of me, was enamoured with old Hollywood films, prayed that one day I’d blossom with at least half the grace and glamour of the likes of my idols (Audrey Hepburn, Judy Garland), and rag-curled my hair parading my locks around like a childish Scarlett O’Hara. In 2004, I discovered burlesque at an underground club, courtesy of an amazing woman Gwendoline L’Amour who, along with Immodesty Blaize, was responsible for bringing burlesque to the forefront of British entertainment and the press. I got to know Gwen, shadowed her around a few shows including being a little-girl guest on stage with her on Eddie Izzard’s “Sexy” tour (and having a very made-up Izzard kiss my hand in full-blown makeup left an impression on a slightly awkward, “chav-tastic” little rap-metal chick). It wasn’t until 2007 that I finally dived into the autonomy of carving out my own niche and career in the still new, but rapidly rising art of burlesque. With the then, “the place” to go to for burlesque, a supperclub entertainment venue called Volupte, several acts were born. My Birth of Venus act based on Botticelli’s painting, Feminem where I came on stage with a real chainsaw and did a rap-burlesque tribute to Eminem, until finally I created an act using my skills as a trainedconcert pianist, where I played a Chopin Nocturne and de-robed at the same time – hence the name: “Naked Nocturne”. This act was the first ever of its kind to be performed in the world. From there, The Mail on Sunday, Ok! Magazine and Vogue Italia were quick to pick up my work, the local and international tours started and I did not, and have not, looked back.

You have performed all over the world – where was your favourite and why?

It would have to be in the Middle East, above all – Lebanon. I’ve always tended towards seeking pleasure in doing exactly what I was told I’d never be able to do… One of those “no-go’s” was to bring the full glamorous, elegant artistic potential of burlesque to the lands where the women actually celebrate everything that embodies feminine beauty and fabulousness… but also, to where I was told I’d “get in trouble” or even “get arrested”. Well guess what? I didn’t! I had a dream to put on a West-End-scale show at the prestigious Casino Du Liban in Beirut… Between a freak encounter with a British journalist living there accidentally tweeting me, an interview and front cover of the main Lebanese English-speaking newspaper (where I was literally skipping down the streets of Hamra like LittleBo-Peep in a bustle and feather fans), an amazing woman and event producer messaging me and us putting together the best cast possible to burlesque-man-or-woman – the whole experience was one of those freakishly-unexplainable “dreams-come-true” life experiences.

How I keep fit now is entirely different – whilst I am no “fingerpointing headmistress” at anyone’s lifestyle choices, I myself decided to stop drinking alcohol altogether 5 and a half years ago, and as a newly-qualified fitness professional, spend 5 days a week at the gym or outdoors training (no more than 1.5 hours at a time) at my karate dojo or boxing club. Coming from a background of being a sporty kid, exercising and training for me has never been an effort, but rather something I simply couldn’t live without. Whilst everybody has their different views on exercise, it is always inspiring to see folk from any walk of life, who never previously gave much thought to being active, decide to make a few tweaks to their lifestyle and make their fit and healthy habits a consistent part of their lives. You are keeping alive a dying art – do you feel this is a burden or responsibility?

I believe that the minute you find anything about your own art and creative living/reason-for-living to be a burden, is the day you should take an extended vacation far away from it and/or decide to embark on another professional or artistic quest. Does body confidence play a role in your performances? Were In the best possible sense of the word – yes, I do believe that any you always confident with your body? artist or art-ambassador who chooses to maintain an art that has Body confidence is one of the most important ingredients in had its heyday, was dormant for decades, and then reborn has a anyone’s makeup, for any action in life. It is responsible for aiding responsibility to keep its aura and creative fire alive. It is his or her job performance and achievement to one’s optimum level. Whether you’re to make sure the art evolves with the times and holds the attention and on stage, having butterflies galore to your core during a scary job love of the ever-changing crowds all over the world. interview, or simply relating one of your most memorable adventures The burlesque artists I most-admire these days, and couldn’t fall to a bunch of kids – if you 100% feel at ease asleep watching if you sedated me, (check out with yourself from your inner-spirit out, you Jolie Papillon, Betsy Rose, Vicky Butterfly, Sasha Body confidence is one of the most Flexy, Briana Bluebell (Australia) and Roxi D’Lite will always come across most-genuine, mostimportant ingredients in anyone’s likeable… and whether or not crowds, friends (USA) – not to mention Ivy Paige, burlesque singeror those around you are even aware, they will of-singers who “semi-finalled” on The Voice UK makeup, for any action in life. not be able to help but love and identify with this year ), are all constantly coming up with new you. Everyone has their own, incomparable assets that are to be utterly themes, choreography, ways of incorporating burlesque into existing embraced by themselves. Have I always been body-confident? Hell no! skills, such as ballet and circus – and everything under the creative As a child, one minute I loved being a puny, nervy matchstick that was umbrella they can muster. about to be snapped, next-minute I hated it and tried to bulk up (when watching footage of Sharon Davies take Olympic medals in swimming) What do you love about performing at Home House? by eating five white Magnums a day (although one needs no excuse Since I did a private party there back in 2015, then the Summer to eat a white Magnum or two); other times as a bloated early-teen Ball 2017 with various subsequent events, Home House has been a who went from being a size 8-12 in just weeks being baffled by drastic venue I’ve found most aesthetically-beautiful, and adventurous in bodily changes – then in my late-teens as a fashion model signed to terms of décor and themes. It is also one of the most friendly, diverse a big agency, hated the fact that my then-in, “heroine-chic” look was and warm establishments in terms of staff-members and frequenters “ruined” by my relentlessly curvy behind, and thought denying vital I’ve come across – and quite simply, the most fabulous members’ calories was a way to diminish it into virtual nothingness. Nope, I sure club, garden-gathering, gym, and hangout in town. as, have had my fair share of ludicrous, then-less-than-healthy, nowFor all of the reasons above, the atmosphere and vibe of the easily-laughable, body issues. crowds when performing, is always energetic, magical and friendlybeyond belief. The art of Burlesque is very physically demanding – how do you keep fit?

You’re absolutely right, it is physically demanding – but not necessarily referring to that sparkling, Swarovski-studded, at-your-best “ten minutes” onstage that is the demanding part. It is the mastering of full-mental-focus of creating the act, coming up with it in the first place, hours of rehearsing, sourcing the outfits, the props. What I have found taxing above all are the consecutive late-nights of performing, the mental stamina required for long tours, jetlag and often, lack-of-sufficient sleep, which contrary to the glamorous portrayal of touring divas, can be just as mentally taxing as physical exertion. It is vital to make sure all your essentials are taken care of – drink plenty of fluids, eat well and regularly and try to balance out your sleeping hours if 7/8-hours in one go isn’t possible.

Can you tell us more about your master-classes?

Sure. I take many fabulous women and men through a featherfan-dance class, and choreograph a routine with them. I have had a love-affair with giant feather fans since the dawn of my career, and I am blessed to be sponsored by the amazing Frou Frou Feathers (who have supplied for the likes of Strictly Come Dancing). I make sure everyone per-master-class is assigned a pair of fans each to “play” with for the two-hours, and learn all kinds of fabulous, naughty-butnice ways to work them. Most importantly, I dispel any possible myths about themselves, should they believe anything other than that they are all, totally fan-f***ing-tastic, sexy, awesome humans. Beyond that, I am saying nothing – you’ll have come along to find out the rest.

Home House

HOW WE’D SPEND IT! tr pe

olhead...

Nextbase 612GW 4K Dash Cam The first Dash Cam in the world to film in True (30fps) Ultra HD (4K) captures the absolute best possible footage quality; ensuring motorists are fully protected in the event of an incident, £249.99.

…

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the g entle

The sophisticated accessory is a work of art in itself, bringing a pop of colour and pattern to any traditional suited style, £120.

man

Geoff Stocker Radial Silk Scarf

the beauty maven…

th e

A selection of luxury gifts perfect for...

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer Protect your hair from extreme heat damage with fast controlled drying and built-in heat protection to help maintain your hair’s natural shine, £299.99.

Editor’s Pick

the scent addict…

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the music lover…

The Merchant of Venice Blue Tea Fragrance

Bang & Olufsen BeoSound 1

To date, the Blue Tea flower has never been used before in a fragrance, but after hundreds of combinations and elaborations, it has been masterfully bottled through the alchemy of perfumery, £180.

This portable wireless speaker features 360-degree sound performance, a rock-solid aluminum exterior, integrated access to Spotify, Deezer QPlay and TuneIn, and multiroom technology, £1,085.

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Home House

the tea aficionado…

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A luxurious selection of five mini quilted caddies each filled with Newby’s finest loose-leaf tea, presented in a sleek white gift box, £55.

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the

Newby Teas Gourmet Miniatures Gift Set

De’Longhi PrimaDonna Elite Experience Ecam 650.85.MS The ultimate at home barista – featuring a touch colour display, a multi-beverage function, and a smart coffee link app, you can personalise your recipes for the perfect drink at home, £1,699.

An annual homage to film’s most glittering and glamorous event in Europe, this limited edition is an explosion of exquisite and sophisticated flavours, £190. www.remymartin.com

the drinks connoisseur…

A rich, creamy, seductive aroma combining precious woods, resins, Christmas spices and citrus peel evocative of the famous drink recipe handed down from generation to generation in Puerto Rico, £55.

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Smeg x Dolce & Gabbana KLF03 Kettle

Editor’s Pick

Wilnelia Forsyth Coquito Candle

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Rémy Martin XO Cannes 2018

shi

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www.delonghi.com

Bringing together two iconic Italian brands, for the ‘Sicily is my Love’ collection, this retro 50s-style kettle is wrapped in a Sicilian-inspired print, designed by the fashion powerhouse itself, £499. www.smeguk.com

METAXA AEN Cask No 2 - Despina Part of “The Family of Original Casks”, the AEN Cask No 2 - Despina is a great testimony of METAXA craftsmanship: a complex spirit yet simply exceptional, £1,700. www.hedonism.co.uk

Home House

TRAVEL TALES

Azzy Asghar travels the globe in search of the newest luxury escapes for the discerning traveller

Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia An urban sanctuary encompassing the city’s most upscale shopping, nightlife and dining. Rising above Kuala Lumpur’s skyline, Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur will introduce a new level of prestige to the city’s vibrant Golden Triangle neighbourhood. Located next to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers and within minutes of the beautifully landscaped KLCC Park, the hotel provides a glamorous address where intimate and personalised hospitality can be enjoyed by international travellers and local luxury seekers alike. www.fourseasons.com/kualalumpur

Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar – Qatar Just a 20-minute drive from central Doha is Souq Al Wakra, an up and coming seaside district. Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli is a new five-star property combining artful Qatari tradition and contemporary design. The 101-room property is made up of two buildings, both former heritage houses where original character has been beautifully preserved, while sea and sand inspired interiors incorporate Al Wakra’s rich history as a pearl diving and fishing village. www.tivolihotels.com

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort – Maldives Nestled on a beautiful coral island in the Baa Atoll, a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve site, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort features 70 villas and suites – 41 on island and 29 over water. Poised over the sea on stilts and with an area of almost 200 square meters each, the overwater suites are amongst the largest a resort has to offer in the Baa Atoll region. Assembled by award-winning Milan-based architects PEIA Associati, the resort’s design takes inspiration from the ocean with a visionary approach towards environmental sustainability. www.marriott.com

West Hotel Sydney – Australia Located beside the iconic Darling Harbour and fashionable Barangaroo, West Hotel Sydney is distinctively independent in character. Full of designer touches, bespoke botanical motifs all 182 designer rooms offer bold sophisticated spaces with all the expected comforts. Experience a seasonal menu at Solander Dining, offering modern Australian all-day dining using locally sourced, fresh seasonal produce and Australian botanicals. Enjoy a drink seated at the stunning emerald green terrazzo marble bar, or sit in the open-air Garden Atrium surrounded by lush green foliage. www.westhotel.com.au

Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – Puerto Rico Recently reopened following an extensive renovation, the Ritz-Carlton Reserve property made its anticipated debut following the recovery efforts across Puerto Rico, signifying the re-opening of the island to tourism. Created as an open-air enclave infused with references to the surrounding natural landscape and diverse culture, Dorado Beach has been masterfully created to allure the world’s most discerning travellers through a bevy of one-of-a-kind lifestyle activities, including three spectacular 18-hole golf courses. www.ritzcarlton.com

The Bodrum EDITION – Turkey

Edelweiss Salzburg Mountain Resort – Austria Spend the winter months in the charming Grossarl Valley of the Salzburgerland region of Austria, at the Edelweiss Salzburg Mountain Resort which re-opens in December after a major construction project. New facilities include a relaxation room and gymnasium, a wine cellar and smokers’ lounge, and an Aquapark. In addition, a complete redesign to the hotel lobby and five dining rooms creates a cosy ambience. Four large light-filled rooms are available in the seminar centre and the health and beauty area has been extended to more than 3000m².

An Aegean utopia within the Yalikavak bay, The Bodrum EDITION brings a new energy to Bodrum, and is a natural Amphitheatre acting as a venue for 21st century recreation, socialising, and networking with an unparalleled vista overlooking the azure waters of the Turkish Riviera. The Bodrum EDITION redefines the hotel landscape in Bodrum bringing a new lease on outdated luxury by balancing sophisticated design and personalised, attentive service with one-of-a-kind food, beverage and entertainment offerings. www.editionhotels.com

www.edelweiss-grossarl.com

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Consensio Chalets, Le Grenier – France Le Grenier is the new addition to Consensio’s uber-luxurious catered chalet collection. The property is located in the heart of Meribel with the advantage of the Morel ski lift and Hulotte piste on its doorstep, whisking guests direct from pillow to piste. The stunning chalet sleeps twelve guests in six bedrooms and overlooks the Meribel valley. A fabulous spa with a huge sunken Jacuzzi, sauna, massage room and even a gym ensures guests can fully relax after a day’s skiing. www.consensiochalets.co.uk

Zannier Hotels Omaanda – Namibia The newest addition to Zannier Hotels, Omaanda is a five-star private lodge set within the exclusively named Zannier Reserve by N/a’an ku sê. Newly opened and overlooking the boundless savannah, the camp offers 10 luxurious round thatched huts, paying tribute to the traditional architecture of Ovambo. Sitting within the breath-taking countryside surrounding the Namibian capital, Windhoek, the incredible animal conservation reserve boasts 9,000 hectares offering plenty of scope for guests to explore during the daily game drives and excursions. www.zannierhotels.com/omaanda

Six Senses Uluwatu – Indonesia Set atop a rugged cliff, sharing spectacular ocean views with the island’s famed Uluwatu Temple, Six Senses Uluwatu has been brilliantly designed and is home to 28 Sky Suites, 62 one bedroom villas and seven two-bedroom villas which all draw upon the local culture, embrace nature, and offer every creature comfort. The spa features locally-inspired specialty treatments together with an extensive menu of signature therapies – whilst the resort’s own Balinese temple creates a tranquil setting and presents the true essence of the island’s deep cultural beliefs. www.sixsenses.com

Hotel Camiral – Spain Discover a stylish home away from home with the exceptional range of stylish suites available at the five-star Hotel Camiral. Featuring 145 rooms and suites set in the picturesque grounds of the world-leading PGA Catalunya Resort, Hotel Camiral is on the doorstep of the historic town of Girona and under an hour from the vibrant city of Barcelona. A chic design-led haven, and member of The Leading Hotels of the World, Hotel Camiral combines luxury, comfort, elegance and sleek design. www.hotelcamiral.com

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Crystal Clear Christina Raptis visits the glorious Czech Republic to discover the nuances of glassmaking with Moser

ennessee Williams once said, “When you look at a piece of delicately spun glass you think of two things: how beautiful it is and how easily it can be broken.” I couldn’t help but let this rumination dominate my thoughts as we toured the Moser Glassworks factory, one of the oldest, and perhaps the most distinguished, handblown glass companies not only in the Czech Republic but in the world. The city of Prague may get all the attention, but equally as beautiful, if not more so, is the spa town of Karlovy Vary located 120 km to the west of the capital. This stunning picturesque village which is nestled in a valley among the surrounding hills is world-famous for its natural springs, acclaimed international film-festival and as home to the magnificent Moser Glassworks empire. Here the art of glass-blowing continues unhindered by modern technology much as it has for thousands of years. A skill and an art passed down from one generation to the next with great care, passion and pride. The legendary Moser factory, which is located a stone’s throw for the city centre, has created some of the most stunning hand-blown crystal pieces for centuries and their craftsmen continue to create stunning samples sought by all from royalty through to aficionados of quality and luxury. A factory visit is a must and a tour of the onsite museum is the perfect way to both appreciate stunning pieces and learn more about the world-famous brand. Moser Glassworks is a member of the prestigious Comité Colbert, the association that aims to preserve and develop the traditional manual production of luxurious products. Founded in Karlovy Vary in 1857 by Ludwig Moser, they have supplied luxurious crystal to the distinguished homes and palaces of monarchs, politicians, and governments

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for more than 160 years. Thanks to this tradition, Moser crystal gained the moniker ‘Glass of Kings’. As each piece of glass is hand-blown, each piece of Moser Glassworks is unique in design and craft, ensuring the distinctiveness for each client. During our tour at the Moser glassworks factory, we were fortunate to experience the art of glass-makers for ourselves and even had a go at blowing our very own glass – like every other skill in the world – the professionals make it seem much easier than it is in reality! Produced without lead admixtures, the high lustre, sparkle, and harness in lead-free Moser glass enables the craftsman to perform precise cutting and engraving. We had the opportunity to see the Master engravers in action and even had a chance to try to engrave a glass of our very own! And once again the masters fooled us into thinking it was as easy as it looked. The adjacent museum showcases the entire collection of Moser crystal, ranging from rare historical pieces through to unique modern collections. Just looking around you get a feeling for the heaviness in history of this antiquated yet exquisite production industry and the burden on today’s Moser glass-blowers to carry on that incredible legacy. In ensuring their role and corporate responsibility and support for the crystal production industry, Moser Glassworks encourages the younger generation into this field by offering them the invaluable experience of working in a real glass-making facility. This will ensure not just the continuation of heritage, craftsmanship and skill for many more years to come but also the tradition of beautiful glass objet d’art that might emanate from the hills of Karlovy Vary but are desired all across the world. www.moser-glass.com

Discover Geneva - AGAIN! Azzy Asghar visits Geneva to discover the hidden gems of the city...

witzerland, or as it is lesser known, the Confœderatio Helvetica (CH), is, of course, inexorably and forever linked with CHeese, CHocolates and, of course, CHronology. However, despite having visited the country on numerous occasions, primarily for the Geneva Motor Show, Watch Fair and, of course, skiing, the country, and more specifically Geneva, has much more to offer as I discovered on a recent visit. I love the Swiss, who wouldn’t. I was once told they’re like the French but less arrogant and like the Germans but less harsh – both sound like the beginning of a great relationship. Across the years I’ve met many – they’ve always been sincere, kind and fun – just like my sister-in-law who is Swiss – and yes, she’s definitely not harsh nor arrogant! But when I was asked to visit Geneva to review as a tourist destination I was a bit reluctant as I thought I knew it well and always thought of it as one big lake and lots of conference centres – I couldn’t have been more wrong. Sometimes you literally can’t see the forest for the trees. You see, it was beyond the famous lake that the forest and those glorious mountains stand which in the end was the carrot that enticed me to visit Geneva. Please allow me to go back a step. It’s important that you know that I recently stopped smoking (5 months!) and have also become obsessed with running. I have completed one marathon (London) and in the next few months will compete in marathons in (Berlin, Tenerife, Malaga and Dubai – before returning to London 2019!). And thus, when I received an email asking if I’d like to run the trails above Geneva it left me intrigued – especially since I would be escorted by a Sherpa?! Geneva Airport is a very short 90 minute flight from London, and downtown Geneva is a short tram ride from there. Being Swiss, of course, the trains and trams run like clockwork. Seven minutes after boarding we’d reached the station and from there it’s a five minute walk to the Hotel Le Richemond which faces Lake Geneva. Voila! Hotel le Richemond occupies an imposing art deco and eclectic building which is truly magnificent. Its envious corner position, overlooking Lake Geneva, the Jet d’Eau, Brunswick Gardens, and Europe’s highest mountain, Mont Blanc, make it a perfect place to stay for business or pleasure. The five-star hotel rooms are beautifully appointed as you’d expect and very generously proportioned. The restaurant is tres soigné and how chef Philippe Bourrel has not been awarded a Michelin Star is a travesty. His pastry chef, Sébastien Quazzola, creates desserts that are equally eye-catching and flavourful as the entrees and was recently awarded pastry chef of the year by Gault & Millau 2019. The hotel’s epicurean experience is unparalleled and compares favourably to anything I’ve eaten in 20 years of restaurant reviewing. The hotel also boasts the only exclusive Spa by Sisley in Switzerland where you can be pampered in style with

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In my own Time! the finest products and by true experts. They also have a state-of-the-art fitness studio featuring TechnoGym equipment for a full body workout. The hotel’s location makes it ideal for short excursions to enjoy local sights or to venture further afield. We took a lovely walk to the Old Town and enjoyed discovering amazing history filled streets with charming boutiques, artisan shops, restaurants and wine bars. Lunch was taken at a delightful restaurant called Café Papon which has great views of the city, overlooks the park and is also adjacent to Switzerland’s longest bench which measures 300m! On another sunny afternoon we took a short tram ride across the river l’Arve to the town of Carouge. This Mediterranean style hipster town is a must and I wish I’d discovered it many a year ago. Thought of as a Genevan ‘Greenwich Village’ due to its fabulous restaurants, jazz bars, artisan shops, and quirky businesses – this trendy and very artsy little town is a must-see and a nice escape from the tumult of the city. Those who do indeed enjoy the hustle of a city should head down to Globus’ food emporium – a Harrods meets (or mates with) Whole Foods Market. This epicurean escape boasts a wine cellar with the finest wines, whiskeys, and champagnes anywhere in Switzerland alongside the finest cheeses, meats and vegetables along with artisan products extolling both Swiss producers and specialist growers from the world over. Back to my run – I met Dawa – not a Sherpa as I’d imagined but of the Sherpa tribe and incredibly experienced – we ran up some hills and then we ran back down – what else can I say. The scenery was breathtaking, the trails are only a 10 minute car journey from the hotel and Dawa is charming and fun and offers endless running tips along with advice on fitness and nutrition and much more! I will never visit Geneva again without booking a run with him – and neither should you. He is capable of going at any pace from ’leisurely’ enjoying scenery to ‘beat the mountain goat’ rapidly up the hill! Of all the 30 or so visits I’ve had to Geneva, I saw and learnt more on this trip than all the previous sojourns combined. It felt like it was my first time truly discovering Geneva – and I loved it. Geneva à la prochaine fois! LE RICHEMOND Jardin Brunswick 1201 Genève +41 (0) 22 715 7000 lerichemond.com

Azzy Asghar visits Geneva to learn that he is practically a Master of Horology

uch as it is that once you learn how a magic trick is performed that you never really enjoy it again – in the same way once you create your own watch you can never truly be happy with a watch made by a company that has no personal significance to you – even if that company might have an illustrious name such as Patek Philippe or Rolex. At least this was the case for me and I am a collector of watches who proudly has both the aforementioned and also several other pieces in his collection. But on a recent trip to Geneva I was quite fortunately introduced to a showroom-come-workshop which is Initium. This innovative company puts you centre-stage and, with the help of their in-house masters of horology, helps you and other people with no previous experience assemble an intricate timepiece complete with all the workings and mechanisms of the most sought after brands. In fact, they use the same exact skeleton and shell provided by the Swatch Group that is used by some of the leading brands of the world including Breguet and Tissot. The boutique is nestled on a quiet street in the Old Town of Geneva, a meticulous showroom where would-be horologists are welcomed with a drink and spend either a half or full day in the hands of a master horologist who teaches them all about watch movements and helps them assemble their own timepiece. There is literally no better feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction than when you insert the final wheel and the watch comes to life. Eureka! Once this is done you move to a table – like a candy store for adults – with watch faces, straps, bezels and more in every combination and colour so you can literally create your very own bespoke watch unlike any other. The in-house staff are uber-friendly and helpful and ensure that this once-in-a-lifetime experience is truly memorable and that you leave with a watch that you’ll cherish forever. Finally, you sit and enjoy a much deserved glass of bubbly to celebrate your achievement. The occasion of creating my own watch reminded me of the saying that is usually associated with completing the IronMan athletic event – which is ‘Do it once and brag for ever!’ Grand-Rue 17, 1204 Genève, Switzerland T: +41 32 953 10 87 www.initium.ch/en

Eight for an Epicure If you happen to be travelling overseas, there are plenty of jet-set dining destinations – here is a selection of Norah Bradford’s eight must-experience eateries for your next visit to New York, or further afield.

NEW YORK CITY

Greenwich Steakhouse Legendary Chef Victor Chavez along with Benny Gocaj bring you a dining experience unlike the rest – Greenwich Steakhouse offers a uniquely upscale New York City steakhouse experience in an exquisitely designed three-story West Village townhouse. In 2016, after an impressive 38-year long career with Smith & Wollensky, Victor Chavez retired. Less than a year into his retirement, Chavez couldn’t escape the dream of opening his own restaurant. Quickly changing gears, Chavez decided to make his comeback, but this time in a totally different intimate, downtown setting. www.greenwichsteakhouse.com

Fleming by Le Bilboquet The partners behind famously exclusive French restaurant Le Bilboquet are opening yet another restaurant on the Upper East Side. Billionaire mogul Ronald Perelman and restaurateur Philippe Delgrange opened Fleming, a 50-seat restaurant at 27 East 62nd Street between Madison and Park Avenues. Le Bilboquet has attracted the likes of Bill Gates, Bill Clinton, Martha Stewart, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Hugh Jackman, and Fleming looks to do the same. Fleming will serve many of the same dishes as the mothership two blocks south, plus some new Provencal-style offerings. Fleming is built to be more like the original version, with more limited seating and will be similar to the old Bilboquet, small and exclusive. www.flemingbylebilboquet.com

The Four Seasons Restaurant Not to be confused with the hotels of a similar name, The Four Seasons Restaurant is a classic dining and socialising hotspot. Recently reopened, the new location has two-stories, a bar room with a sunken centerpiece mimicking the landmark pool in the restaurant’s longtime former space, and a beige and honey dining room, all designed by Brazilian architect Isay Weinfeld. The original Four Seasons was one of New York’s most legendary restaurants. Opened in 1959, it helped define the modern age of seasonal fine dining in the city, and eventually also became known as the lunch hot spot for the rich and powerful. www.fourseasonsrestaurant.com

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The Playboy Club Opening this autumn inside the Cachet boutique New York Hotel, the re-launched Playboy Club New York will comprise of a lounge, a restaurant and a game room. The hotel is the debut American flagship property of Cachet Hospitality Group which describes itself as providing an urban cultural oasis with 105 contemporary rooms and suites all located amidst three outdoor gardens. The Hotel’s restaurant EDEN Local is a hip American eatery with Mediterranean influences. www.playboyclubnyc.com

TAO Chicago Drawing strong inspiration from TAO Downtown in New York, TAO Chicago is a dynamic two-level space, complete with four private dining rooms and a large bar. A grand staircase connects TAO’s ground and lower level seating, creating the ultimate platform to see and be seen. The custom staircase includes round banquettes and Chinese daybed-influenced sofas. As in New York, a 16-foot tall Quan Yin statue stands atop a koi pond; using 3D projection mapping technology, Rockwell Group’s LAB designed subtle animations bring the signature statue to life. TAO Chicago’s restaurant menu, created by TAO Group Partner and Chef Ralph Scamardella for the 275-seat restaurant, is complete with great Pan-Asian offerings from the sea, sky and land including TAO signature dishes like Satay of Chilean Sea Bass, Crispy Rice Tuna and a Wagyu Rib-Eye Teppanyaki. www.taochicago.com

AROUND THE WORLD

Dine a’la Mere with Silversea Why not experience five-star luxury at sea with Silversea on a cruise? La Dame by Relais & Châteaux features a bespoke menu by top chefs from the Relais & Châteaux team and is the highest expression of excellence of French dining that Silver Muse has to offer. The latest addition to the Fleet, the Silver Muse will be transporting passengers in luxury on voyages throughout Asia this autumn 2018. www.silversea.com

Make Noma Mistake… This is a must visit dining destination voted best restaurant in the world for four years in a row prior to taking a break, noma offers an unusual dining experience. The aim of this restaurant is to showcase Nordic cooking; using produce that is regionally available serving food that is clean and modern, though all the time acknowledging their heritage. www.noma.dk

Cecconi’s Dumbo New York Originally from London where its modern reincarnation was driven by Hani Farsi of Che fame, Cecconi’s has expanded its footprint, in particular to Los Angeles and now Brooklyn, New York. As an aside DUMBO is not a Disney reference but rather means Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass. With waterfront views of the neighboring Manhattan Skyline, Cecconi’s Dumbo New York is regarded as a modern day classic Italian restaurant serving hand-made pasta, seafood and dishes from Italy using the finest ingredients. www.cecconisdumbo.com

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Chotto Matte

We shopped ‘til we dropped in South Florida

SIMON SAYS!

here’s really no point in denying it – sometimes you just have to hold your hands up and face the facts. So here goes – my name is Christina Raptis and I am a shopaholic! And just in case it isn’t obvious – I’m extremely happy to admit it to the point of bragging. I’m not just a shopaholic but I’d like to think somewhat of an expert at it. And thus, when Simon Shopping Destinations came asking us to review some of their malls in Southern Florida – well as you know – we have to do what ‘Simon Says!’. We flew into Fort Lauderdale International Airport which is so much more civilised and less hectic than Miami. Once we had navigated US Immigration we were en route to the glorious Conrad Hotel. This towering South Florida beachfront resort sits right on the main strip and offers spacious suites, exquisite dining, and a luxurious award-winning spa – breathtaking views of the beach and Atlantic Ocean are complimentary! The hotel was the perfect base for our first shopping excursion to the only mall in the USA that has all of the leading stores under one roof – Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s and Saks Fifth Avenue – the Town Centre at Boca Raton – it was all I could do to control myself. Shopping in the USA is an experience like no other, and Simon Shopping Destinations have the largest collection of shopping destinations in the United States, with over 100 Simon Malls, Premium Outlets and The Mills offering the ideal mix of renowned brand icons in an unparalleled setting with a host of retail and dining options available. The Town Center at Boca Raton is one of South Florida’s top luxury shopping destinations featuring a mix of upscale and elite specialty shops and is currently undergoing a multimillion dollar renovation – adding even more shops! After shopping ‘til we dropped it was time to see the artistic side of Fort Lauderdale. We took a guided tour through the City of Hollywood to learn about The Downtown Hollywood Mural Project – a collection of curated outdoor murals by local, national and internationally recognised artists. The Mural Project’s goal is to curate contemporary outdoor murals at key locations in Downtown Hollywood in an effort to enhance and enrich the existing cultural fabric of the community. After our stroll admiring all the creative murals it was time to enjoy an

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authentic Italian dining experience at Louie Bossi Las Olas – we sat in their lovely garden and sipped cocktails and enjoyed fantastic pastas and original Italian fayre. Our itinerary was packed full of dinners, shopping, art, and yet more shopping! A further art excursion led us to the Frank Stella art exhibition titled Experiment and Change at the NSU Museum of Art. This was a unique exhibition encompassing Stella’s work throughout his lifetime with a mix of mediums, from sculptures to paint. The exhibition is breathtaking and showcases some of his finest pieces. Known as the ‘Venice of America’, there is no better way to cruise around Fort Lauderdale than by water taxi. We enjoyed a ride around the waterways taking in the beautiful surroundings and million-dollar waterfront properties...stopping for dinner at waterfront restaurant Shooters – piña coladas and tapas – a perfect break! The next morning we left bright and early for another day of you guessed it…shopping! Our next target was Sawgrass Mills – the largest outlet and value retail shopping destination in the US. Featuring more than 350 stores, including outlets from Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, and Ralph Lauren we were spoilt for choice. For more luxury-brand outlet shopping The Colonnade Outlets offers 70 exclusive outlets not found anywhere else in South Florida, including Burberry, Diane von Furstenberg, GUCCI, Jimmy Choo, Prada, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Versace. As we’re mentioned in the same breath as the world’s most luxurious magazines (wink!) – we were kindly invited into the very VIP area where select shoppers can escape from the hustle and bustle and relax in lavish surroundings, enjoy some refreshments and even have a personal shopper take care of all your needs. Very epicurean, very fabulous and tres chic indeed! After a shopping-filled morning we sadly had to say goodbye to Sawgrass Mills and Fort Lauderdale as it was time to move on quite swiftly to our next destination – Miami – via Brightline. This is Florida’s new hospitality-focused express intercity passenger rail service which connects West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami. It opened with a launch of eight northbound and eight southbound trips per day. Imagine some chic and fabulous boutique hotel running a train line and you get the picture – fabulous service, cool relaxing waiting areas and trains that run very efficiently! In just thirty minutes we arrived in Miami and checked into Loews Miami Beach Hotel. Situated right in the heart of South Beach the imposing art deco hotel is the perfect location to explore the area from. Florida and especially Miami has a rich tradition of fabulous seafood so we headed to Loews’ signature restaurant Lure Fishbar – we were definitely not disappointed. I woke in the morning ready for another round of shopping and

we headed to Dadeland Mall, Miami’s original and most iconic shopping centre, and home to Florida’s largest Macy’s. Spanning over 1.4 million square-feet, the shopping centre features more than 185 retail stores and restaurants. A revamped Fashion Wing with 102,000 square-feet of retail space houses all the leading luxury brands. The evening was spent enjoying Miami’s nightlife with a visit to Cibo Wine Bar the newest and largest Italian eatery in all of South Beach. Boasting 3,500 bottles of wine in a soaring two-story awardwinning wine room equipped with a harnessed wine angel to retrieve your favourite bottle whilst performing acrobatics is something not to be missed. A cirque du Soleil meets Oddbins if you will! The next hotspot not to be missed is newly-opened Chotto Matte which specialises in Nikkei cuisine – a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavours. The interior décor blends the artistic energy of underground Tokyo and modern sophistication of London’s Soho. The 219-seat restaurant and bar features lush, hanging gardens and a large floating ceiling which delivers year-round al fresco dining. The flavours in their creative ceviche dishes were amazing and some of the best I’d ever had – pure instragram magic on a plate but equally as wonderful on your palate. All were washed down with fabulous cocktails from their very skilled barmen. The original Wynwood Mural Tour is a must for art lovers. This formerly run-down area of Miami has been transformed into a soho style chic neighbourhood for arts and crafts and a day spent strolling the area looking at works from international artists is escapism from Miami hustle at its best. Another up-and-coming area is the Miami Design District – an ubercool neighbourhood dedicated to innovative fashion, design, architecture and dining experiences. Tenants include the cream of international luxury brands such as; Cartier, Celine, Christian Louboutin, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Prada and more. Located in the centre of the Miami Design district and the perfect spot for lunch is international superstars Emilio & Gloria Estefan’s ‘Estefan Kitchen’, a new fine-dining Cuban restaurant offering reimagined versions of traditional Estefan family recipes, making for a one-of-a-kind dining experience. After all the art, culture and, of course, shopping our trip exploring Fort Lauderdale and Miami sadly had come to an end. The savings and value in American shopping malls almost pays for the trip in itself ! We’re just waiting until Simon Says “do it again”. www.simon.com www.conradfortlauderdale.com DowntownHollywoodMuralProject.org FloridasHollywood.org www.louiebossi.com www.watertaxi.com www.shooterswaterfront.com www.gobrightline.com

www.chotto-matte.com/miami www.MiamisBestGraffitiGuide.com www.dacra.com www.estefankitchen.com www.sunny.org www.miamiandbeaches.com www.loewshotels.com/miami-beach www.dadelandmall.com

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A Tale of Two Cities

NH Collection Firenze Porta Rossa

NH Collection Milano President

What the Dickens! Italy is even more beautiful than you dare dream says Azzy Asghar

reat Expectations – the Dickens’ classic could be the perfect name for a travel guide book of a potential visit to Italy in anticipation of its great food, rich culture and amazing history. We stayed at the NH Collection Milano President Hotel located in the heart of the city and cheek by jowl to all the cultural and tourist hotspots. Entering the lobby, the warm, neutral colour palette and contemporary design that balances both elegance and comfort made for a warm welcome. Red accents within the furniture and elaborate light fixtures provide a pop of Milano flair that reminds guests they are in the design and fashion capital of the world. The rooms are of an equally impeccable design scheme. The soft colour palette is continued in the rooms which are anchored by sleek, modern furnishings and large, upholstered headboards. The design is clean and minimal without feeling sterile; there is a strong sense of modernity whilst still being comfortable enough to unwind with a bath in the freestanding tub and dive into the plush bed after a long day. After a night of restful sleep, we woke to an impressive buffet breakfast in the main dining room. From pastries, fresh fruit, cold cuts, yogurt and juices, there is an option for everyone in your party to fuel up for a day out exploring Milan. The hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from the city centre and the Milan Cathedral, a stunning display of gothic and neo-gothic architecture that took over six centuries of construction to complete. It is the largest cathedral in Italy. We also took a lovely excursion on an original 1970s tram that serves a delicious gourmet lunch, with champagne of course, as you travel around the city and admire the sights via a guided tour at a lovely leisurely pace. Italy and Italians are known for their dining and passion for food, and the Milano President’s concept dining experience Panhini is no exception. Featuring specially sourced and crafted Italian sandwiches, the NH Hotel Group’s Michelin-starred chefs have each contributed their own take on the classic sandwich to elevate it to another epicurean level. Combinations like black focaccia with taleggio cheese and red

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peppers or pork ribs with mint and coriander are served at the hotel’s chic Bar Le Colonne. The evening would be spent relaxing in the bar with hand-crafted cocktails and delicious bites. Then off to our very comfortable beds to relax in anticipation of visiting beautiful Tuscany. Our very own Dickensian theme of ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ continued the next morning as we departed to the beautifully romantic city of Florence. The NH Collection in Firenze boasts the world famous Porta Rossa. Nestled down a small cobblestone street, the Porta Rossa is thought to be the oldest hotel in all of Italy! It features a gorgeous 13th century tower and beautiful, original 19th century frescoes in many of the rooms that were only recently discovered and artisans were invited to peel back years of paint to show them in all their glory. The lobby echoes the building’s long history and feels distinctly Italian. Marble tiled floors, stone archways and dark wood accents provide a dramatic but cosy atmosphere. The rooms have a simpler aesthetic that is country chic – soft, upholstered furnishings, warm lamplight and more dark wood pieces continue the cosy feel. If you’re lucky, you might even get a glimpse of Brunelleschi’s spectacularly designed dome atop the Cattedrale di Santo Maria del Fiore right from your room’s window. A similar breakfast buffet is served at the Porta Rossa before a day out in beautiful Florence. It’s not long before we lunch at L’Osteria de Il Santo Bevitore, a traditional Florentine trattoria that served up a variety of Italian cold cuts, cheese, and of course, wine. Afterwards we took a fantastic tour, guided by Musement, a new travel agency looking to give visitors the best combination experiences a city has to offer. From the major sites like the Piazza del Duomo, part of the UNESCO world heritage site that covers the centre of Florence, to the charming Ponte Vecchio whose over water shops still excite visitors. Of course no visit to Firenze is complete without paying a visit to the magnificent Galleria dell’Accademia to see the Renaissance masterpiece that is Michelangelo’s Statue of David which is so incredibly impressive in person that no photo could ever portray. After returning to the hotel, we were ready to indulge and be spoiled at

the Savini Tartufi Truffle Restaurant, a partnership with the Savini Tartufi family who have been harvesting truffles for generations. Every dish at the restaurant is designed to be served with (or without) truffles. We savoured a traditional truffle risotto, a very interesting truffled gin, and even a truffle infused dessert. Each dish was beautifully presented and just had enough truffle so as not to be overpowering and enhance flavours. The NH Collection Milano President and Porta Rossa both offer contemporary, luxurious and still wholly Italian accommodation for whatever occasion might bring you to Milan or Florence.

NH Collection Firenze Porta Rossa Room rates for a Double standard room B&B • NH Collection Milano President: €259 • NH Collection Firenze Porta Rossa: €340 NH Collection Firenze Porta Rossa Via Porta Rossa, 19, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy www.nh-hotels.com NH Collection Milano President Largo Augusto, 10, 20122 Milano MI, Italy www.nh-hotels.com

NH Collection Milano President

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EXPERT OPINION: Buying a Ski Chalet We speak to Jessica Delaney, director of Alpine Marketing, on why purchasing a mountain home is becoming more than a luxury lifestyle choice, but also a smart investment… How long have you been in the Alpine property industry?

I have specialised in offering ski property services for over 15 years, and my team and I know all of the resorts extremely well. We are instructed on over 300 million euros worth of property and have the best portfolio of ski and summer real estate in Austria. We work exclusively with all the top developers across the Austrian Alps. As such, we are able to offer expert knowledge of our market. What ski resort is your favourite?

Obergurgl is my all-time favourite ski resort! There is something for everyone there. There is a great variety of challenging pistes (but every black run has a blue alternative for beginners or kids), there’s plenty of fun après ski and a great vibe! Obergurgl sits at 1900m and the skiing reaches beyond 3000m, so this is the perfect resort for pre-Christmas and late April skiing. Rental prices are so high that properties can achieve over 6% ROI in rental income alone. Why buy a property on the slopes?

A ski chalet or mountainside apartment is a key component of any international property portfolio. Our clients are very global and have homes all over the world. A ski chalet is a very special property and stands out from the rest as a romantic lifestyle acquisition. Very few properties enable their owners to enjoy skiing, snowy hot-tubs, and fireside hot chocolates throughout the winter, as well as hiking, cycling, and lake sailing in the warm summer months.

What types of ski properties are most popular?

Bigger is always better for ski property, as people like to visit in groups. We find that 3 to 4-bedroom apartments and chalets are the most popular amongst our buyers. This size of property works well for families and is popular amongst rental guests, ensuring a great rental investment. Hotel-concept properties, with spa facilities, restaurant, and concierge services are also extremely popular. Ski property owners like to feel pampered in the mountains! Is a ski property a good long-term investment?

Absolutely. We have seen consistent growth in property values across Austrian ski resorts over the last 15 years, and properties also achieve wonderful rental incomes, too. Almost all of our buyers, including at the super-prime level, rent their properties out to create a profit and use the property themselves for around 5 weeks per year. Plus – it’s an investment which makes excellent dinner party conversation too, unlike stocks and shares... Alpine Marketing are the leading agency specialising in the sale of ski property in the Austrian and Italian Alps, offering a high quality, specialist service to guide you throughout your Alpine property purchase. Jessica is a longstanding member of Home House and would be delighted to offer you a private consultation to discuss your search for a ski property. Email enquiries@alpinemarketing to arrange a meeting.

Luxurious Alpine Properties Boasting beautiful snow-capped peaks for skiing in winter, and warm crystal clear lakes in summer, the Austrian Alps pose a stunning attraction for property buyers from around the world. Whether you are seeking an investment opportunity for your portfolio or a private holiday home, we can help you discover a selection of properties to match your lifestyle. Get in touch to arrange a private consultation. As featured in...

+44 (0)20 7935 5132 alpinemarketing.com enquiries@alpinemarketing.com

POSTER CHILD Azzy Asghar drives the Lamborghini Aventador S

oming soon to a blank wall near you… if ever a car was a ‘poster child’ then this has to be it. A direct descendant of the original, which for me was the Countach – for millions of others it was the Miura and for others, perhaps, the Diablo – Lamborghini models that supplanted other models (of the female variety!) off from valuable wall space and fulfilled the dreams of young men the world over! And the fact that the brand new Aventador S that I was about to test drive was dressed in the same purple that we first saw on the 1990s 30th Anniversary 200mph Diablo made it even more of a showstopper. Our day began at Millbank Proving Ground. As you may know not just anyone is invited to the super-secret Area 51esque facility where numerous manufacturers covertly test upcoming or test models. Here every conceivable type of ‘real world’ road surface and some not-so-real have been created to test cars to their fullest. The not-so-real being an oval and banked track where you could hit speeds of 200 mph+ if you dare! Lamborghini invited a very fortunate few to see the newest model – the Aventador S. This is the heavily updated version of Lamborghini’s V12 supercar and replaces the old ‘plain’ Aventador. The updated exterior of the car was designed by Lamborghini’s head of design Mitja Borkert. It isn’t a purely cosmetic facelift, either. In fact, there are so many mechanical improvements that it’s actually easier to think of the ‘S’ as a completely new and not just improved model. The ‘S’ now has permanent four wheel drive and a slightly updated suspension which is controlled by the ‘Lamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Attiva’ (LDVA) unit in four selectable modes – Sport, Strada, Corsa, and Ego (individual). The major update to the ‘S’ is the fitment of a four-wheel steering system that allowed the engineers to completely retune the car’s chassis and steering system which in turn makes the car much more agile and thus more stable. Taking the car for a spin (or actually not spinning!) while performing slaloms around cones at the track was all the evidentiary proof we needed! The car was beautifully balanced and hugged the road and made manoeuvring incredibly easy. They are so pleased with it that they let us drive the ‘old’ Aventador and the new ‘S’ model one after the other to fully appreciate the difference. The new model has slight tweaks to its design and most noticeable is the front spoiler and splitter – which looks ever more menacing and alluring. Inside the cabin is as evocative a place to sit as always and the driving position is perfect as you sit surrounded by Alcantara, leather and carbon fibre. The Aventador S sits ready to steer into the hearts of another generation.

Lamborghini’s First Lady Not only was I lucky enough to drive the amazing new Aventador S – but I was fortunate to spend some quality time with Katia Bassi. The beautiful and dynamic Ms Bassi has joined the Management Board of the supercar brand as Chief Marketing Officer, and will report directly to the Chairman and CEO, Stefano Domenicali – she literally will be the Lamborghini’s First Lady! Her new role sees Bassi take global responsibility for the strategic direction of Brand, Marketing, Partnerships, Sponsorship & Co-Branding. She becomes the first woman to join the Lamborghini board in the company’s long and illustrious history. Over the course of our chat she wanted to express how important the female market was to the brand. “We believe Lamborghini has always been a company pushing the boundaries. I’m the first female CMO on the board – I think we have the responsibility as women to change things – but when I say that, I don’t mean in the concept of ‘Me Too’ – in the automotive world we believe we can bring added value to what women want. We also know by 2025, 38% of total wealth will be in the hands of women. So as a super sports car brand we look into that target market very carefully and we want to know what the challenges are and how to increase the confidence of women driving super sports cars. This will be made easier thanks to the fact we now have the Urus – but we believe all our cars are accessible for everyone. I also want to change the concept from Lamborghini being thought of as an aggressive car to rather an energetic one!” The confident Ms Bassi was very clear in her vision that Lamborghini is a brand equally for both men and women. “We believe together we can find a way to change things in the automobile world – Lamborghini likes to speak no gender.”

Price: £271,146 Engine: V12, 6498cc, petrol 730bhp at 8400rpm Transmission: Seven-speed automated manual Top speed: 217mph (350kph) Performance: 0-60mph - 2.9sec Gas Mileage: 16.7mpg www.hrowen.co.uk/lamborghini

Home House

Business Insider Christina Raptis meets with Martyn Dawes, Founder and former CEO of Coffee Nation and now mentor to high growth companies

Tell us how you started Coffee Nation Martyn

I already had a successful small consulting firm with my wife but I realised I had an itch to launch a consumer facing business. My inspiration came from a bizarre source – a photocopy company with machines in corner shops and small retailers all over the UK. I loved the model; a little revenue from lots of locations which seemed to give me what I was looking for – a business I could really scale up. I thought, great, I’ve just got to come up with another product that I could get into thousands of small shops! I headed to New York to research ideas and that’s when I saw how coffee bars were just taking off – this was the late 90’s and they were in their infancy in the UK too. What attracted me even more was seeing how much takeaway coffee was sold from 7-11 type stores in the US – I’d found my product – coffee to go from corner shops all over Britain! How did it go?

I had no trouble in signing up small shops to sell coffee and share the revenues with me but that was the easy bit. Actually getting people to buy a takeaway coffee in these locations was very difficult. Gourmet coffee twenty years ago just wasn’t part of British society as it is now so I used instant coffee machines as this was what most people drank at home. It was a tough time but I was determined not to give up. Within two years I had switched to fresh coffee beans and steamed fresh milk, using a small table top espresso machine and sales rocketed. I had the proof I needed and knew I had the makings of a new category – self serve gourmet coffee.

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From there what was the path to the incredible success you then achieved?

I then took the now proven concept to bigger retailers such as Texaco filling stations and Welcome Break motorway services. They loved the concept and results from pilot sites exceeded our expectations. That meant I could then raise funds to grow the company. It was early 2000 and I was competing with dot.com startups but I kept my nerve and by the summer we had raised 4 million pounds. We moved fast to secure more deals and in the following years Coffee Nation stations appeared all across the UK in Tesco Express, Esso forecourts, Moto motorway services and countless other locations such as railway stations, universities and airports. It was a very exciting few years. We had an amazing team and were ranked as one of the UK’s top 100 fastest growing companies for several years running. We were also awarded the Sunday Times/Virgin Atlantic Fast Track Innovation Award and I was fortunate enough to be an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award Winner. And you then sold the company just before the recession of 2008 I understand?

Yes, the company was growing fast and I decided to sell alongside our private equity investors – by the time I sold the business in 2008 we had sold some 100 million cups of coffee and had almost 700 locations across the UK. It was a great opportunity for me to crystallise the last 12 years and hand the business on to new owners.

And I believe you are involved with your wife in business again…

The company was then sold again and became Costa Express a few years later. I drove to the North West tip of Scotland from London last autumn and it was most satisfying to see Costa Express machines along the entire route!

Yes, Trudi was very successful growing the consulting firm we originally had together. She has since started another business which helps some of the largest companies in the world solve challenging business problems through people. This is very exciting – they are launching their new brand in November and I was recently appointed Chairman.

As a member of Home Grown can you give some advice to budding entrepreneurs?

For sure. Most start-ups fail within a few years and usually this is because there simply isn’t enough sustainable demand for what the entrepreneur is selling. People have more choice than ever and if customers aren’t literally beating a path to your door then you might plod along but you’ll never be a huge success. Find a big problem to fix or create something that doesn’t exist today but will really make a big impact in people’s lives. What made you publish your book, Wake Up and Sell the Coffee?

After selling Coffee Nation I noticed that many entrepreneurs were making similar mistakes to those I made in the early days and I also realised that whilst the encouragement to start a business is great, it’s what comes next that is so important but seemed to be little talked about – how to grow. I realised I had something to contribute, so my book is part lessons learnt from my own journey and part how to start a business with high growth in mind, a kind of blueprint or toolkit if you like. You can find a copy here: www.amazon.co.uk/Wake-Up-Sell-Coffee-highgrowth-ebook/dp/B00GIOLF1A Is this how you started mentoring Founders and CEOs?

“

What are your other projects and passions? Since selling my company I have re-connected with some childhood passions. Aviation was my first love and I wanted to be an airline pilot but I have a red-green colour vision deficiency so couldn’t get a commercial licence. I flew high performance gliders some years ago and five years ago got my private pilot’s licence and have since added multi-engine and instrument ratings. I now fly all over Europe and recently took my wife for a flight low level over Central London – this requires special approvals from Heathrow! I was also fortunate to fly with the Breitling jet display team from their base in Dijon earlier this year which was quite an experience! I know you are active with some charities too in the local area. Can you tell us more?

I love working with others to help them scale their companies.

Almost immediately after selling Coffee Nation I started to get asked by other founders and CEOs to help them on their journey, the book came later. I love working with others to help them scale their companies. I was fortunate in that the Chairman of my company was also my mentor and it was a great relationship that led to real success over many years. I only work with perhaps five or six companies at a time and some of these I have now been with for some years. In that time they have grown enormously and are some of the fastest growing companies in the UK today, worth hundreds of millions of pounds and employing over 1,000 people between them in sectors as diverse as food, energy, fintech and retail. I also get asked to work with the boards of corporates helping them to pivot to become more entrepreneurial.

”

How long have you been a Home House member and what do you enjoy the most?

I’d been to some great parties at Home House over the years and decided that I would love to join one day. I was then invited to join shortly after the sale of my company, so it’s been ten years! I now know so many of the team so it really does feel like a home from home. A lazy breakfast on the weekend, a great summer party, live music in the Drawing Rooms or a cigar and whiskey evening – it is just such a great all round club. My wife and I live just a short walk away, we are very lucky, so sometimes a cosy evening together catching up on the day over supper is nice.

Yes, I wanted to see if I could bring some of my background of building successful business to organisations with a different purpose. I have recently started working with PiP – Pursuing Independent Paths. This is a small charity in Paddington which helps around 60 adults with learning disabilities develop life and social skills to live more independently. Such is their success they are now seeking to grow and raise a million pounds to fund a new hub in Westminster and help more people from their long waiting list.

What are you looking most forward to about our new club Home Grown?

I think Home Grown is going to be a great success as I believe it will do something not really available currently, certainly in the West End. It’s a members club specifically for high growth businesses as opposed to a members club trying to be all things to all people. The primary focus will be to create a hub for ambitious growth companies, not start ups and the self-employed mind you, but those already well down the growth path, to interact with each other, the investment community and the best advisers – all under one roof. I am certainly looking forward to getting involved, introducing great companies and entrepreneurs – those on the way up and those who could come and share their stories. Finally we hear you are very active – does a fit body equate to a fit mind?

I wouldn’t go that far but I do know I get a bit cranky if I haven’t worked out in a few days. I combine running in Hyde Park and occasional half marathons with an insane workout called Barry’s Bootcamp. I have become a bit of an addict to this I’m afraid!

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OUT AND ABOUT WITH OUR MEMBERS

SHOOTING DAY Claire Zambuni, Home House shooting guru, hosted our first shooting event of the season at Hownhall Shooting School at Cowdray. Join us as we return to the woodland grounds surrounded by the stunning North Downs National Park on Saturday 2nd February 2019. Photography by Ben Wright

HOME HOUSE OPEN Now in its sixth year the Home House Open returned to Stoke Park on 19th June for an exclusive day of golf, premium hospitality and a first prize all-inclusive golf trip to New Orleans on offer to play in the 2018 Sportingclass Industry Final, hosted by Home Houseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Managing Director, Andrew Richardson. Keen golfer? We return to Stoke Park on the 2nd July 2018...

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ASCOT On the 20th June members donned their top hats and tails attending Ascot for the third year running at the Home House hosted table in the intimate Wyndam Club of the Royal Enclosure, with close views of some of worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest racehorses. Photography by Ascot

THE BOODLES Stoke Park has welcomed some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best tennis players to showcase their talents at The Boodles in the week leading up to The Championships at Wimbledon. Home House returned to Stoke Park to enjoy the unique mix of the English garden party and a select field of leading tennis professionals. We will be back for more centre court action next year on Wednesday 26th June 2019. Photography by Jordan Mansfield

POLO IN THE PARK Home House members enjoyed the exclusive VIP hosted area at Chestertons Polo in the Park. We return to Hurlingham Park on the 9th June 2019.

Interested in attending an event in 2019? Please keep an eye on the Home House website or for our mailouts, or get in touch with Jessica Barwell, jessica@homehouse.co.uk

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Flower Power Party May 2018 As part of our Chelsea Flower Show season, Home House went flower power fabulous at this floral party! Inspired by the swinging sixties and beyond, the night embodied the hippie spirit of passion, amusement, rebelliousness, utopia, experimentation, colour and creativity. There were Woodstock vibes, California dreaming, Vietnam protests and Isle of Wight festival flavours.

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The WHITE Party May 2018

Kicking off the summer season in style, Home House launched its first annual White Party. The evening was inspired by the famous White Isle and Miami Beach parties and was a fashion extravaganza of couture creations. The Grecian gods and goddesses came out to play in our heavenly House of hedonism and enjoyed a night of glittery delights! Photography by Zach Gerard Productions

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Independence

Day Party

We may be more than 3,000 miles away from our friends across the pond, but Home House sure knew how to throw a good Fourth of July party amongst an array of stars and stripes inspired entertainment, albeit on Friday 6th July! Joined by Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty we celebrated Independence Day in true American style with classic US pop and rock hits on the dance floor along with some modern flavours in the mix.

Photography by Zach Gerard Productions

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Glow in the Dark Party! April 2018 It was a night of neon luminosity as House 21 turned into a glowing spectacle. Glimmering face painters, dazzling dancers and neon performers provided a bedazzling cabaret. Ibiza classics and old school hits were rocking the dance floor and guests came dressed to impress in their glow in the dark refinery and bejewelled by glow sticks!

It's a Dog's Life Last year, we held our first ever event to celebrate our love of the canine world. And not before time: after all Home House prides itself on being unique in the club world for welcoming our four-legged friend. So, September 2017 saw the idea of a ‘garden party for mutts’ come to fruition! This year’s event was even bigger and better. Blessed with a wonderful Indian summer’s morning, the team were up bright and early to decorate the garden with balloons, bunting, dog portraits and display the array of rosettes and prizes. For the over-all winner, a bottle of shivering champagne and the prized ‘paw trophy’ awaited! Over 50 family and friends enjoyed the event with much laughter as the mutts went through their paces: the Dogility Course, Waggiest Tail, Adorable Eyes, Musical Sit and Best Party Trick. So, congratulations to this year’s winner, Caramel the Poochon and everyone for making the party such a memorable Home House event, but especially to our furry friends: Alfie, Archie, Bean, Blue, Caramel, Charlie, Gaia, Harvey, Herby, Joey, Lobo, Lola, Maultsby, Millie, Monty, Olive, Percy, Sam, Snoop, Toddington and Zoe for reminding us why you truly are ‘man’s best friend’.

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In memoriam

Fenella Fielding OBE

e are saddened by the news that Home House honorary member and star of film and stage, Fenella Fielding has died (September 2018).

Fenella, who celebrated her 90th birthday in 2017 was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in January 2018, for Services to Drama and Charity and had a career that spanned over seventy years. Her friend and writing collaborator Simon McKay wrote, “Fenella Fielding OBE passed away this afternoon peacefully. She died with her eyelashes on! Miss Fielding was an incredible talent. That voice! A unique woman, much loved by family, friends and fans. She will be missed tremendously.”

Fenella Fielding was best known for her film appearances in Carry On Screaming (1966), Doctor in Clover (1966) and Carry On Regardless (1961). Famous for her deep, husky voice, she had appeared on stage and screen professionally since her early twenties. Her stage credits include the title roles in Hedda Gabler (1969) and Colette (1970). She is also fondly remembered for a number of appearances on the Morecambe & Wise Show (1969-1972) as well as playing The Vixen in Uncle Jack (early 1990s). Her most recent TV appearance was Skins (2012). In 2017, she published her memoir (co-written with Simon McKay) ‘Do You Mind If I Smoke?’- the title is taken from one of her lines in Carry On Screaming in which she played vamp Valeria. Fenella loved Home House and frequented our ‘stage’ at a number of members’ events including one Poetry Salon that was so well attended that guests were sitting on the floor. Her last appearance was in October 2017 to entertain us with excerpts from her memoir. Thank you Fenella.

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Our Legal Eagle

Emily Lui

Emily Lui is Co-Head of Seddons’ Residential Team, acting for homeowners, buy to let onshore and overseas investors, developers and investment companies, high net worth individuals, and private banking institutions. With wide experience in all aspects of residential property, Emily is an expert in the high pressure Central London property market dealing with purchases, sales, refinancing and development, as well as matters relating to landlord and tenant. She deals with everything from the straightforward to the most complicated cases, and enjoys training members of her team in balancing commerciality and legal practice. Seddons is a top 200 law practice based in London’s West End, with a strong reputation for both commercial and private client work. They advise their UK and international clients on personal and commercial disputes, real estate, family law, estate planning, corporate law, employment law and more.

I want to help my daughter purchase her first home and will be providing some funds for her deposit which I would like to protect. Her mortgage company has asked me to put my name down on her mortgage and the title deeds of the property. I have heard this might have stamp duty implications, specifically regarding First-Time Buyers Relief, is this true? What is the best way for me to help my daughter?

It is only natural for a parent to want to help their child get on the property ladder, and in an ideal world this would be simple! Given the change in the SDLT rates (formally known as stamp duty) there are a few different factors you will need to consider before making a decision. First-Time Buyers Relief has been available since the 22nd November 2017 for purchases of residential property for £500,000.00 or less, provided the purchaser intends to occupy the property as their only or main residence. The relief is fairly generous, and for those purchasing their first home for £300,000.00 or less there will be no stamp duty. Where the purchase is over £300,000.00 but does not exceed £500,000.00, they will pay 5% on the amount above £300,000.00. To qualify for the relief the following conditions must be met: • There must be a purchase of a single dwelling. • The purchase price is not more than £500,000.00. • The purchasers are all individuals. • The purchasers are all first-time buyers who intend to occupy the dwelling as their only or main residence. • The purchase is not linked to any other land transactions (except some specific exemptions). This means that if you are added to the mortgage and the title deeds, then first-time buyer stamp duty relief will not be available as: (1) It is assumed you already own, or have previously owned, another property (worldwide); and (2) You are not purchasing the property with the intention that it will be your only or main residence.

It gets worse; if you (or your spouse) own any other residential property (worldwide) then the higher rate of SDLT will apply to the purchase and there may be other tax implications such as Capital Gains Tax on disposal of the property. Some mortgage companies will allow the property to be purchased in your daughter’s sole name with you being a party to the mortgage with her. This would make you liable for repayment of the mortgage without actually being an owner of, or having any interest in, the property but your funds will not be protected. There is no getting around this by using a Declaration of Trust to protect your interest in the property, as HMRC will look at the underlying beneficial ownership (i.e. you and your daughter) and so the conditions will not be met, plus the higher SDLT rate will apply. Alternatively, you could consider a “loan” to your daughter, which would be protected as a second legal charge against the property. This would require the consent of the mortgage company, which may be an issue. The simple way around the problem would be for you not to be on the mortgage and title deeds, and instead make an outright gift of the funds to your daughter. However, bear in mind that once you give the gift, you lose control of the money and there may be Inheritance Tax implications. If you foresee a wedding on the horizon, you may wish to consider whether a pre-nuptial agreement would be suitable. emily.lui@seddons.co.uk Tel: 020 7725 8064

DISCLAIMER: This article should not be relied on, or treated as a substitute for specific advice relevant to particular circumstances. No implied endorsement from Home House Limited.

5 Portman Square, London W1H 4NT www.seddons.co.uk

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From Portman Square in the West End, we advise our UK and international clients on real estate, family law, wealth management, disputes, corporate law, employment and more. As a member of Home House, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re here for you whenever you need us. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to have a no obligation chat over a coffee, please contact us on 020 7725 8000. Whatever the matter, Seddons is on your side. www.seddons.co.uk

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