essence issue 103

essence PRICE | £3.95

ISSUE 103 | JULY/AUGUST 2019

Also inside this issue: ALL GOOD THINGS COME...

Tesla’s Model 3 GAME ON Best locations to enjoy game YOU’VE NEVER SEEN ENOUGH Simon Reeve interview SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS Fragrance house Culti

A dream come true Christie Prades interview

www.essence-magazine.co.uk essence is available online and free to subscribers

Go beyond luxury As soon as you open the door to an Aspire luxury property, you’ll sense you’re somewhere special. We build with integrity, refining every single element to create homes that are completely breathtaking and utterly unique.

Your dream home, brought to life by Aspire.

For more information about our luxury design and build solutions, and to book a no obligation meeting with us to discuss your dream build, please call us on 01372 621 162 or email info@aspireluxuryproperties.com Extraordinary homes for extraordinary people.

STIX038_1806_Aspire_Essence_Ad_DPS_210x275_AW.indd 2

18/06/2019 13:24

STIX038_1806_Aspire_Essence_Ad_DPS_210x275_AW.indd 3

18/06/2019 13:26

CARE AT HOME Our mission is to support and give you the control you need to retain your independence and have a better quality of life in the comfort of your own home.

Premium dog walking service based in Weybridge Serving the local community

07545 808739 Group walk one hour £12.50 Solo walk one hour £16 Dog sitting 24 hours £35 Fully insured • DBS/CRB certified Canine first aid qualified Eight years’ experience Air-conditioned vehicle Email: jrmdogwalking@gmail.com Facebook: JRM Dog Walking Instagram: jrm_dog_walking 2 essence-magazine.co.uk | JULY/AUGUST 2019

We offer a broad range of services to ensure we have every base covered. It’s all part of our tailored approach to care; everyone’s situation is different so our care options reflect that WE OFFER: Personal care and support Domestic services Live-in care / Night care Specialist care Respite Companionship If you are considering what sort of care you or your loved one might need, why not get in touch?

Tel: 020.7916.7270 01932.851151 Email: info@hartwigcare.co.uk info@hartwigcare.co.uk Email: www.hartwigcare.co.uk www.hartwigcare.co.uk

contents Issue 103 | JULY/AUGUST 2019

8 | Interview | CHRISTIE PRADES

Gloria and Emilio Estefan’s life story is portrayed in the musical On Your Feet! Christie Prades is the Cuban-American singer playing Gloria Estefan in the production and, for this versatile performer, it is a dream come true. Andrew Peters found out why.

14 | Motoring | TESLA

Euan Johns examines Tesla’s long-awaited and most affordable addition to its current range of electric vehicles, the Tesla Model 3.

8

18 | Garden design | ALLADIO SIMS

Bella Alladio of Alladio Sims Garden Design Limited shares her top ten tips for us to create a garden worthy of an RHS show.

20 | Theatre interview | SIMON REEVE

Simon Reeve had a humble start in life, but with the help of a certain Andrew Neil became an author and television presenter, meeting some of the most extraordinary people on the planet. James Rampton found out what makes Simon tick.

30 | Legal | MUNDAYS

Céline Winham, solicitor at Mundays LLP, explains what exactly bullying and harassment at work is, what it can mean and your rights.

14

32 | Finance | PMW

Simon Lewis, CEO at Partridge Muir & Warren, explains how technology can be a useful tool in modern society, but advises caution and consideration before giving complete trust to anything it can offer.

35 | Tax | EVERFAIR TAX

Gillian Everall of Everfair Tax offers guidance to essence readers on the ways to manage tax complications on the death of a partner or parent.

36 | Fashion | HEIDE KLEIN

Sizzling summer fashion from Heide Klein with its latest collection of beach and swimwear.

40 | Pastimes | GAME SEASON

Claire Zambuni looks at some of the best places to enjoy this healthy and sustainable food in Surrey and London.

20

44 | Food review | STEPHANIE BROOKES

Stephanie Brookes, BBC Radio London food expert, offers her pick of an eating establishment for this month, COYA in Mayfair.

46 | Artisan food | EAT SURREY

Shirlee Posner introduces essence readers to a unique retail outlet for local food producers, the Dorking Food Float.

48 | Events | SURREY

Linda Seward’s diary of the best of what’s on in theatre, music, exhibitions, arts, festivals and the countryside.

54 | Interior design | ALESSANDRO AGRATI

36

Emily Bird talks to Alessandro Argrati, founder of Culti, to find out what sets it apart from other luxury fragrance brands.

58 | essence | PROPERTY

A selection of some of the area’s finest houses from Surrey’s best estate agents and developers.

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 3

I S I N H E R I TA N C E TA X P O S I N G A T H R E AT T O YO U R E S TAT E ?

While most people are aware of Inheritance Tax, many continue to ignore the issue and overlook their potential liability; in doing so, collectively gifting to HM Revenue and Customs several billions of pounds each year. We can help create and implement highly effective strategies aimed at reducing your estate’s Inheritance Tax liability. Contact us for further information.

The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time and are dependent on individual circumstances.

DOMINIC MARCUS FINANCIAL CONSULTANCY LTD Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management Tel: 0203 286 6021 Email: dominic.brockes@sjpp.co.uk Web: www.dominicmarcus.co.uk The Partner Practice represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products.

The title ‘Partner Practice’ is the marketing term used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.

H2SJP30122 09/18

/18

58

54 PHOTO COPYRIGHT: COYA

44 essence 103

Dream on It’s not been much of a summer so far, but having been spoilt by last year’s, plus the added feel-good factor following the three lions in the FIFA World Cup, this year has a lot to live up to. Happily, the lionesses have succeeded in lifting the gloom on the path to possible glory, do we dare to dream?

COVER: CHRISTIE PRADES PHOTO COPYRIGHT: KENNETH LAM

essence team

Editor: Andrew Guilor Contributing editor: Louise Alexander Contributing editor: Claire Zambuni Publishing manager: Rebecca Peters Production manager: Linda Seward Designer: Sharon Smith Digital design: Jason Mayes telephone: 01932 988677 email: editor@essence-magazine.co.uk Commercial director: Jane Barnfield-Jukes telephone: 07795 206030 email: jane@essence-magazine.co.uk Advertising sales enquiries telephone: 07980 956488 email: marketing@essence-magazine.co.uk Contributors: Simon Lewis, Andrew Peters, Euan Johns, James Rampton, Stephanie Brookes, Linda Seward, Shirlee Posner, Gillian Everall, Emily Bird, Claire Zambuni, Céline Winham, Emanuela Alladio.

essence magazine

Maple Publishing Limited, the publishers, authors and printers cannot accept liability for errors or omissions. Any artwork will be at owner’s risk. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the copyright holder and publisher, application for which should be made in writing to the publisher. The opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. essence reaches key addresses in Cobham, Oxshott, Esher, Weybridge, Guildford and outlying areas. Properties in all the major private estates, including St George’s Hill, the Crown Estate and Wentworth Estate, receive the magazine 10 times per year. essence is also distributed to selected estate agents and is available at city businesses and all local town high streets.

Design and production www.domino4.co.uk

Something that interviewee Christie Prades dreamt of when small was following in the footsteps of her childhood heroes, Gloria and Emilio Estefan. That’s what she has succeeded in doing by playing Gloria in the musical biog of the Estefans’ life: On Your Feet! Following the show’s huge success in America, the UK tour is here and Christie explains to Andrew Peters what it’s like to follow a legend.

Also, touring is television presenter Simon Reeve, well-known for his downto-earth documentaries travelling the Earth providing insights into people worldwide. It’s all a long way from the photocopying room where his dream began, as James Rampton found out.

In this month’s essence, Euan Johns discovers the Tesla Model 3, which aims to bring more affordable electric motoring to the UK market. In the light of the recent Woodford investment fund news, Simon Lewis provides his views on technology and advises us not to take everything on face value.

Summer would not be summer without a dip in the sea and Heidi Klein offers its seasonal selection of swimwear. As August approaches, Claire Zambuni finds the best eateries where game can be enjoyed in Surrey and further afield.

In addition, Bella Alladio of Alladio Sims Garden Design reveals her tips on how to construct an RHS-worthy show garden. Stephanie Brookes enjoys COYA in Mayfair and Shirlee Posner finds a high street Dorking outlet providing fresh local produce.

As always, this issue of essence has a mix of tax, legal, education and foodie advice, alongside not to be missed competitions. The diary of events offers places to visit and there’s a pick of some of the region’s finest properties.

The essence team

© Maple Publishing 2019 Maple Publishing Limited, Regus, Wellington Way, Brooklands Business Park, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0TT

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 5

IOTC DPS July.indd 2

11/06/2019 12:57

IOTC

12:57

IOTC DPS July.indd 3

11/06/2019 12:57

A DREAM COME TRUE Christie Prades is a Cuban-American singer, dancer, actress and writer currently playing Gloria Estefan in the musical On Your Feet!

Andrew Peters found out more about this versatile performer.

Q Christie, you were born and raised in Miami and being a Cuban-American is just one of the similarities you have with the Estefans. Did your background and upbringing help you portray Gloria Estefan?

A Absolutely. I sincerely feel that being Cuban-American as well as being from Miami have definitely helped me so much in regard to diving into the role that is Gloria. I just get the storyline on such a personal level: everything from the jokes we say, to the lingo that’s written, to the clubs mentioned in the show which were beyond popular in Miami.

My parents used to go all the time when they were first married.

There are many similarities between Gloria and me. For one thing, both our moms’ birthdays are on the same day and they both have the same profession – school teachers.

Not only that, but my mother is from the province of Santiago in Cuba, and Emilio Estefan is from there as well! Scary how many things we have in common.

Q You went to the same college (Miami Dade) as impresario Emilio Estefan – were you a fan of the music from a young age?

A Most definitely. Gloria and Emilio were huge examples to me on how to manifest any dream you have into reality. They started from the ground up and built an empire, not to mention new age sound from nothing. Their music was timeless to me and still is. >>>

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: KENNETH LAM

8 essence-magazine.co.uk | JULY/AUGUST 2019

Interview | CHRISTIE PRADES

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 9

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: DAN WOOLLER

10 essence-magazine.co.uk | JULY/AUGUST 2019

QUICK FIVE One item you cannot leave home without?

My phone. And apparently an umbrella in London. LOL! Favourite food? I love bread, pasta and cheese.

Guilty pleasure when not touring?

Socialising and going out at night.

Main inspiration? Definitely my mom and my fairy godmother Gloria.

Glass half full or half empty? I’m a Sagittarius, so always half full. Always.

Q Who was the first person to tell you that you had talent? Did you believe it yourself at the time?

A I think this answer is pretty universal: my mom, ha ha! She always encouraged me to sing in front of everyone. I always did it for the simple love of it, however, she was the one with a bigger vision. I have her to thank for that.

Q Did you ever dream you would end up being as successful as you have become?

A You know, it’s a funny thing when people ask me this. I feel I’m always striving toward a new goal, so I never feel the sensation of: I made it. More of an enjoyment and love for what I am doing in the moment, but always shooting for a higher star. I never dreamt I’d be in London leading a West End show though. This has been a beautiful blessing.

Q Prior to On your Feet! you’d been in a number of smaller productions and played the role of Gloria as understudy for quite a while on Broadway. How did you become the lead in the show?

A First of all, let me say that I loved being a swing on Broadway! It was the hardest job (aside from leading the company), but made me so much more of a malleable artist and performer. My brain was trained for any and everything to happen in live theatre.

I covered seven tracks, including the first cover. It was in September 2016 that Gloria herself had come out and watched me play her. From then on, she stayed in contact and in February 2017 she asked if I wanted to lead the first US national tour after my run on Broadway.

The rest is history. After 20 months on the road, Gloria then asked me if I was interested in London. Of course, I had to say yes!

“The whole cast feels lucky to be able to show the country the spice that we bring and the happiness and the joy that comes with our music and our culture.”

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: KENNETH LAM

Q Is this the ideal part for you?

A 100% yes, if I wanted to also represent myself and my culture on a personal level. Which, let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to be their organic selves while playing someone else?

Q In the production, you’re on stage for a long time, missing only two numbers. How do you manage to pace yourself?

A I used to run track and field. I was a long-distance runner in high school and one of the first things I was taught was pace and saving your best for last, especially during one or two-mile races.

Throughout the show, I’m constantly thinking of my pace, physically as well as vocally. I never stop focusing on that: it has been the only way I have been able to last this long doing so many shows.

Q On the Broadway run, the production made history by having a predominantly Latino cast. Did this help ease the gruelling workload of the shows?

A In regard to the storyline or cultural aspect of it? Yes. It brought many challenges as every show does, but the cultural aspect and intention behind it? That runs in our blood! It came naturally!

Q How rewarding do you find singing and dancing to bring people to their feet?

A A dream come true. Honestly. >>>

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 11

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: KENNETH LAM

Profile: Christie Prades Christie Prades is a Cuban-American singer, dancer, actress and writer born and raised in Miami, Florida. Christie has worked as a bi-lingual vocalist and writer for multiple artists including Qwote, Maffio, Kymani Marley, Fito Blanko and JetSetVega.

Along with continuously working in the recording booth, Christie has worked with multiple theatres around the United States as a musical theatre performer. She has played the lead role of Vanessa in the Tony-Award winning Broadway show In the Heights in the Actors Playhouse in Miami, as well as at the American Stage Theatre in St. Petersburg, Florida, where she won Best Lead Actress in a Musical at the 2015 Theatre Tampa Bay Awards. The Heights Miami cast also won Best Musical and Best Musical Production at the 2014 South Florida Carbonell Awards. Christie has played the lead role of Kate in The D*Word musical in the Las Vegas Hotel in Nevada.

Along with theatre, Christie has appeared in national commercials including Taco Bell, Burlington Coat Factory and Barry University, and began her acting career after having initially booked a lead role in the SAG independent film titled If You Only Knew which received incredible reviews at the Sundance and Tribeca film festivals in California. Christie Prades is a proud member of the Actors Equity Association, and currently works/trains in New York City.

Q The UK tour started in Leicester and has now moved to London for a limited time before touring the country from September.

Have you found British audiences as enthusiastic as the US? A I always got word that British audiences are usually more reserved when it comes to cheering. This is not true with our show. They are epic and loud! I love it!

Q On stage, who are you hoping to impress other than the audience?

A I don’t hope I impress anyone. I just always hope to get every single person out in the audience feeling as if they just saw themselves and their personal struggles through Gloria’s story. It’s all about humanity and what we all go through in the real world: struggles, heartbreaks, setbacks, fails, tears, laughs – life.

Q What challenges did playing Gloria Estefan present that you hadn’t previously experienced?

A Eight shows a week playing this global superstar is no joke. I sing about 19 songs throughout the show, so it has been quite a challenge.

Especially singing in ‘her voice’, all while trying to interpret her, never imitating her.

Q The show has been a huge success in the States. Do you pay any attention to social media or any production’s ratings?

A I never really look at ratings of other shows. I do enjoy hearing word of mouth and what people think about the shows before I attempt to try and see any.

Q Any highs and lows you’d care to mention?

A A lot of sacrifice when it comes to a personal life. But if you love what you do, then it’s all worth it.

12 essence-magazine.co.uk | JULY/AUGUST 2019

Q Having toured America with On Your Feet! you must be getting used to life on the road?

A I haven’t had a chance to really settle in between the national tour and UK production, so I am indeed used to it. Although I have never been this far from home before. It’s exciting.

Q Are you a fan of the Royal Family?

A Yes. I’ve watched every show there is about them. Ha! I was stunned when I met Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall at the Olivier Awards.

Q What do you think the Estefans have done for Cuban-Americans?

A They have paved the way for so many of us in so many ways.

Everywhere from job opportunities, to political actions, to making my childhood dreams come true.

Q Music is very much in your blood, and you’ve written and collaborated with various artists. Is it your ambition to do more writing?

A I have fallen madly in love with acting and interpreting lyrics and music up close in front of a camera. I’m definitely interested in film and television, or incorporating a musical drama/comedy on screen.

Music is always a first love though. v essence INFO

On Your Feet! is currently playing at the London Coliseum until Saturday 31 August and will then tour the country from September. Christie Prades will not be on the UK tour after August and will only perform in London.

Websites: www.onyourfeetmusical.co.uk and www.londoncoliseum.org

T: +44(0)1483 300 055 (UK)

www.meerson.com

Limited edition Pop’Art release.

Hand-crafted in Switzerland from £23,000 in titanium and £34,500 in solid gold.

ALL GOOD

THINGS COME...

The Tesla Model 3 was mentioned in despatches over three years ago and has finally been ‘pencilled in’ to land on British shores in July. Euan Johns examines Tesla’s long-awaited and most affordable addition to its range.

W

ell here it is, it’s been a bit of a wait. We all know that a certain Mr Musk has been having a few personal issues, along with his company’s. Perhaps that’s part of the reason the Tesla Model 3 took so long to be offered for sale to UK customers. Well, let’s not dwell on all of that, the fact is it’s here and it’s been worth waiting for.

What do we get for £38K plus? That buys the (entry level) Standard Range Plus with rear-wheel drive and 258-mile range.

Over 56k buys the Performance model with its 0-60mph time of 3.2 seconds and a range of 329 miles. Sitting in the middle of these two is the Long Range AWD priced at £47,900 that stretches the range to 348 miles. It’s still pretty swift, with the 362bhp from its dual motors offering a 0-60mph time of 4.5 seconds.

Looking at the Model 3, it could only be a Tesla – its arrowed shape is like a Model S that’s been shrunk in the wash, but is far more appealing to the eye. In the flesh, although actually longer than a BMW 3 Series by almost seven centimetres, it’s surprising how compact it looks. Large side areas of glass, together with rather stubby front and rear overhangs, help mask the car’s size, a neat illusion.

As with the latest Model S and Model X, there’s no traditional front grille: the air intakes are positioned under the number plate.

Some imaginative design has taken place within the headlights making them narrower than the 3’s bigger siblings. It’s a head-turner to be sure, no worries on that front. >>>

14 essence-magazine.co.uk | JULY/AUGUST 2019

Motoring | TESLA MODEL 3

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 15

“The Model 3’s popularity is down to several factors, with cost being one of them. Monthly prices for the Model 3 start at around £400 per month, which is almost half the cost of Tesla’s larger models. It also undercuts comparable EVs such as the Audi e-tron and Jaguar I-Pace.”

Paul Harrison, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Leasing.com

What’s it like on the inside? It takes minimalism to a new level: purchasers won’t need declutterer Marie Kondo’s advice to help tidy anything up. Just two things appear on the dash: the touchscreen (which pretty much controls everything, but actually can be a little distracting whilst driving), and the steering wheel with two buttons and a couple of stalks behind it. That’s it, this car owns minimalism.

Hot or cool air is provided through what looks like a slim slot running the full width of the dash above the white panel and behind the screen, while sockets for smartphones (four in total) and storage space is hidden behind gloss black panels on the centre console.

This car performs too: its acceleration is exhilarating and provides the most fun. In fact, it’s very addictive and almost silent, putting more expensive machinery to shame.

The ride comfort is a little firmer than its larger and more expensive stablemates, but nothing to write home about.

The popularity of Tesla is mirrored by the Tesla Model 3 which has quickly become the most popular electric car people want to lease. During May, it outshone other electric models such as the Audi e-tron and Jaguar I-Pace, generating more lease enquiries within seven days than its rivals managed during the entire month. The long waiting period undoubtedly helped contribute to this huge early surge in interest. If the Model 3’s popularity continues in a similar vein over the next few months, then Tesla may deliver its first mass-market electric car.

The marked increase in interest in the Model 3, I-Pace and e-tron during the first five months of 2019 is a strong sign that consumers are ready to make the jump to next-generation vehicles. The Model 3 is still not exactly cheap, but charging up to 80% capacity can take just 30 minutes and cost £14, against £40 for a comparable conventional car, so savings can be made in that way.

If anyone is still deliberating, in my opinion the Tesla Model 3 has to be the coolest car from the future that can be bought right now. v

16 essence-magazine.co.uk | JULY/AUGUST 2019

Top 10 electric and hybrid car enquiries for May: Toyota RAV4 Tesla Model 3 Hyundai Ioniq Toyota C-HR Jaguar I-Pace Toyota Corolla Audi e-tron BMW i3 Lexus UX Kia e-Niro

essence INFO www.tesla.com

Imagine a place you love

PLUS lunch taken care of

Welcome to Retirement Living PLUS at Edward Place, Walton-on-Thames At Edward Place, you can enjoy the independence of owning your own apartment, with the added reassurance of additional tailored care and support to suit your needs.

Rental options available

A lovely place to call home, Edward Place is ideally located on Churchfield Road in Walton-on-Thames, just a short walk away from the bustling High Street and the Heart Shopping Centre.

Please ask for details

All apartments feature a fully fitted and easily accessible kitchen, and a walk-in shower with a stylish rain shower feature and slip-resistant tiling.

Security and comfort is ensured with intruder alarms and a camera entry system.

With a beautiful landscaped garden, charming bistro^ and friendly staff on hand, you can enjoy your retirement to the full.

This stunning development offers:

Staff on-site 24 hours a day Domestic assistance included Maintained gardens Social lounge

Find out more about Retirement Living PLUS in Walton-on-Thames

A delicious lunch served daily^

Call 0800 153 3418 today

Lifts for easy access to all floors

or visit mccarthyandstone.co.uk/edward-place

Wellbeing suite

1 bedroom apartments from ÂŁ396,000# 2 bedroom apartments from ÂŁ526,000#

Edward Place, 14 Churchfield Road, Walton-on-Thames KT12 2FR #Subject to availability. ^At an additional charge.

SC001773

Show complex open Tues - Sat, 10.30am-5pm

HIGH society

Bella Alladio of Alladio Sims Garden Design Limited shares her top ten tips for creating a wonderful garden worthy of an RHS show garden in our homes.

Frame the view: most gardens are viewed from the house and in

order to work they need to relate back to it; the key details of the architecture of the house need to be repeated within the garden and the views out need to be nicely framed and lead the eye, inviting you out to discover the garden.

Keep it simple: keep the material choices to a minimum, for instance

one type of stone used in different finishes for inside and out or for areas of the garden with different characters, and use repetition in the planting too to create a sense of harmony.

Create a private haven: introduce a secluded area that feels intimate

and tranquil where you can sip a glass of wine or sit and relax.

Introducing vertical elements such as a semi-transparent screen, a wall or a tall hedge works wonderfully, creating an unexpected space that breaks down the emptiness of a garden and spurs us on to walk and discover what’s beyond.

Create spaces that look good in every season: June is the month of the year where every garden looks its best, with lavender, geraniums, alchemilla, roses etc. all flowering their socks off. Yet these plants can also fade quickly and leave an empty gap for many months to come. Try and avoid planting that fades too quickly and choose instead a good backbone of evergreen shrubs and perennials with pretty seed heads for structure in the winter.

18 essence-magazine.co.uk | JULY/AUGUST 2019

Profile: Alladio Sims

Alladio Sims Garden Landscape Design Ltd creates distinctive gardens.

Jon Sims and Bella Alladio started the company after collaborating on a Silver Gilt winning show garden at RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. The two directors continue their collaborative approach throughout their practice with Jon’s background in interior architecture giving distinctive spaces and Bella’s passion for plants and photographic eye adding great texture and contrast.

Jon and Bella in the show garden they created for the Istanbul Flower Festival in 2016

Disguise the ugly bits: every garden has a view or wall you shouldn’t

be looking at. Use plants and paths to lead your eyes away from them, distracting you to look elsewhere.

Boundaries are key: Use hedging to frame a sharp and clean lawn or a well defined border. This will produce neat shapes that will help to keep maintenance to a minimum and will make the garden look crisp and fresh.

Let the plants speak for themselves: don’t overcrowd them but

give them space to breathe and to get established. Think about it in terms of layers of vertical interest and bring some taller perennials towards the front to break the mould and create a dynamic border and more interesting look.

Garden design | ALLADIO SIMS

Left: Use splashes of colour throughout. Add bold cushions and accessories to pick up the colour in the planting scheme IMAGE COURTESY OF ALLADIO SIMS GARDEN AND LANDSCAPE DESIGN LTD, LONDON PRIVATE GARDEN, 2019

Below: Create a secluded space – whether it’s your gin and tonic terrace or a quiet corner to sit and relax, every garden needs the perfect corner to create a bit of privacy IMAGE COURTESY OF ALLADIO SIMS GARDEN AND LANDSCAPE DESIGN LTD, LONDON PRIVATE GARDEN, 2018

Be bold: choose more of the same thing, so for instance put together two plants of the same colour (such as bronze fennel and black phormium) to create a good textural foil for the rest of the garden.

You can achieve a comparable result by repeating similar shapes at different levels (such as round pots, round lawns, allium heads etc.).

Don’t be afraid of grasses: grasses add a softness and a texture that

is invaluable to any garden and they have very good longevity too, especially the ones with interesting seed heads.

Use splashes of colour to draw attention: but keep the overall

picture harmonious by restricting the colour palette. The effect you are trying to achieve is pleasing and not a muddled mix! essence INFO

Framing the view – when designing the garden it is best to think of how it will be viewed from the house, and to try and create a long view or an interesting path to lead the eye and invite exploration IMAGE COURTESY OF ALLADIO SIMS GARDEN AND LANDSCAPE DESIGN LTD, LONDON PRIVATE GARDEN, 2019

Alladio Sims Garden Landscape Design Limited Regional office: Lower Bourne (Farnham) Surrey, GU10 3RE Website: www.alladiosims.co.uk Email: Hello@alladiosims.co.uk

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 19

YOU’VE NEVER SEEN ENOUGH Simon Reeve had a humble start in life and with help from Andrew Neil he became an author and television presenter. He has met some of the most extraordinary people on the planet and has embarked on a nationwide tour. James Rampton found out what makes the man tick.

Q Simon, what inspired the terrific idea of doing this new live show, An Audience with Simon Reeve?

A I’ve had some magnificent adventures and met some of the most inspiring people on the planet. So, obviously, I’ve got lots of tales from my travels and this show is a tremendous opportunity to share them with audiences across the UK. There’s a lot that I see and film that never makes it into the programmes, so there’s also behind-the-scenes stories to tell and footage to show.

I also like doing things that are a bit challenging and nerve wracking – and performing a live show is certainly a challenge that gets the ticker going. I like the adrenaline rush.

Q Tell us more.

A I’m very keen that people push themselves into unfamiliar territory.

The world can seem a scary place, but it really isn’t. This is the golden age for travel. These days, ordinary people can have adventures that in the past only kings and queens could have dreamt of. You can go anywhere now. But people are sometimes reluctant to leave their holiday resort. They are told that they should simply go to a resort and sit by the swimming pool being milked for cash while being served drinks in primary colours. I’m urging people to go beyond the confines of the resort. That’s where you get the best memories. >>>

20 essence-magazine.co.uk | JULY/AUGUST 2019

Interview | SIMON REEVEÂ

Russia with Simon Reeve

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 21

New Showroom Now Open

Cliveden

New collection for 2019 Founded over forty years ago, Bridgman has a proud heritage of supplying quality, luxurious furniture. For 2019 we have introduced the Cliveden Modular Collection featuring our exclusive waterproof cushions, working with the National Trust helping the charity look after hundreds of special places for the benefit of millions of people every year.

See See this luxurious collection alongside quality home and garden furniture in our new Walton on Thames showroom.

Essence Magazine Full Page July 2019V2.indd 1

INSPIRED LIVING

Luxury Furniture Since 1977

Brassey House, 22 - 24 New Zealand Ave, Walton on Thames, Surrey KT12 1QD www.bridgman.co.uk

20/06/2019 14:17:13

7:13

Simon Reeve (middle) with guards in Mogadishu, Somalia, one of the most dangerous places in the world Below, inset: Simon pictured in Mogadishu whilst filming Indian Ocean with Simon Reeve, Kenya to Somaliland PHOTO COPYRIGHT: ANDREW CARTER

Profile: Simon Reeve

Q But will you have some pre-show nerves?

A Yes, of course. Walking out on stage is scarier than many of the experiences I’ve had on my travels – even the crazy ones. Imminent death doesn’t bother us as much as social embarrassment!

Q Do you hope this show might inspire people?

A Definitely. I want to entertain people, but I also want to inspire them – even if it’s just a little bit. I want the show to prompt people to go on their own adventures and encourage them to get out of their comfort zone in life. I also want to remind people that starting from nothing doesn’t need to stop you from achieving your dreams. Everyone seems to think that to be on TV you need to have got straight As at public school, but I don’t come from a media family or a wealthy, travelling background, and I left my local comprehensive with basically nothing and went on the dole. I started work in a mailroom. I never went to university. Don’t tell anyone!

Q Are you enjoying meeting your audience face to face and sharing a Q and A with them?

A Definitely. And they’re great! It’s wonderful to see them, meet them and have a chat and get some feedback. In a strange way I really like being put on the spot and I love probing questions. On stage, I just hope they’re picking up on my enthusiasm for the idea of pushing yourself in life.

Q What might people take away from An Audience with Simon Reeve?

A Well, people are telling me that the live shows are inspiring them, which is wonderful to hear. I’d love it if people left one of the events feeling they can now do anything that they have dreamt about and never got round to trying. We all need a bit of a reminder to live the life we want to live, because time is short. If your goal is to break out of a rubbish job, I’ve done that. It is possible. Have faith. Give it a try.

Don’t put it off. Just do it!

Simon is an ambassador for the nature conservation organisation WWF and has been awarded a One World Broadcasting Trust award for an “outstanding contribution to greater world understanding”, and the prestigious 2012 Ness Award by the Royal Geographical Society. His books include Tropic of Capricorn and The New Jackals: Ramzi Yousef, Osama bin Laden and the future of terrorism, a New York Times bestseller, published in 1998, which predicted the rise of Al-Qaeda and a new age of apocalyptic terrorism. His book One Day in September, the story of the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre is also an Oscar-winning documentary film.

Q Was adventure part of your upbringing?

A No. I definitely wasn’t born into it. When I was a kid, we only went abroad once when we took the ferry to France to go camping. I didn’t get on a plane till I was working. When I was growing up, people didn’t travel in the way they do now. We have forgotten that. I remember the first Spanish and Greek restaurants opening in London during the late 1970s. That was the result of British people taking Freddie Laker-type flights abroad. I only came to travel and adventure as an adult.

Q What was your childhood like?

A I grew up in tropical Acton in West London. My adventures were restricted to riding my BMX and my grandmother’s magical mystery tours. She would take my brother and me in her car when we were very little to explore exotic, unknown places like Hounslow. Sometimes we even got as far as Chiswick! I never stowed away on a plane. I never imagined I’d live the life I have today. My aspirations and dreams were very limited.

Q How were your school days?

A I didn’t get on with school. I spiralled down in a bad way and came quite close to deciding whether or not I would end it all. I was at a very low point. I flunked an exam, walked out and never went back. I left school with basically no qualifications. >>>

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 23

New: Enjoy All-Inclusive Drinks on Your Next Dubai Holiday Upgrade your next escape by taking advantage of our new all-inclusive drinks offer at Sofitel The Palm, Dubai. Enjoy an unlimited selection of premium beverages (both alcoholic and soft drinks) at 10 restaurants & bars across the resort from midday – 11pm.

This special package also includes meals on a Half Board Dine-Around basis, so you can tuck into breakfast as well as lunch or dinner at a choice of 6 restaurants including Porterhouse, one of the city’s most popular steakhouses - all at no extra cost!

Available for a limited time only. Call 0208 329 2685 or visit letsgo2.com.

5 Nights + Half Board Dine-Around + All-Inclusive Drinks + Return Flights from

Call 0208 329 2685 Book online www.letsgo2.com Trident Court, 1 Oakcroft Road Chessington, Surrey, KT9 1BD

ÂŁ1,085pp

4.8/5 Independent Service Rating based on 214 verified reviews

TRUSTED

MERCHANT Prices are per person based on two people sharing a room travelling in September 2019. Subject to availability. Full T&Cs at letsgo2.com. Prices correct 2018 as of 17/6/2019.

“Well, it’s top secret of course. I probably shouldn’t say anything. But OK, twist my arm.

I’m filming a new series where I’m travelling the length of the Americas.”

Simon out hunting with the Ache community in Paraguay PHOTO COPYRIGHT: WWW.SIMONREEVE.CO.UK

Q What happened next?

A I was on the dole for a long while. Then I got a few jobs. I ran some charity shops, but organising people of a certain age into a roster was a very tricky art. I worked in a jewellery shop for a day and at the Ministry of Defence for half a day. After I walked out, Special Branch came looking for me because I had worked in a secret department. I got turned down for a job as a white van driver, even though no-one else applied for it. I was lost.

Q How did you turn things around?

A I got a job as a post boy on The Sunday Times and my world began to open up. I owe my career to Andrew Neil – I’m sure you’ve rarely heard that sentence before! I was very lucky. His idea was to give the post boys an opportunity to have a crack at working on the paper. Everyone else on the paper was Oxbridge, and I was very London. I was pretty unusual, but I was keen and eager and they gave me a chance.

Q How did your career progress from there?

A I was this pathetic kid suddenly thrown into an environment where people were doing very exciting things and working on serious investigations. I carved out my own niche – and that was the making of me. At first, I became an expert in fixing these vital big photocopying machines they had, so they couldn’t sack me. Then I fell into investigating terrorism, as you do. I started researching the first attack on the World Trade Center in 1993, and eventually wrote the first book on Al-Qaeda which came out in 1998. Nobody read it.

Then I wrote some other books and worked on hardcore investigations where I spent time undercover.

26 essence-magazine.co.uk | JULY/AUGUST 2019

Q What changed things for you?

A 9/11 happened and suddenly I was chucked into the world of TV. I’d written the only book in the world about the biggest story of the time. I also knew people who died as the Towers came down – I’d met them when I was researching my first book.

Q What did that lead to?

A The BBC wanted me to make a series for them. The first ideas were a bit daft. They included wanting me to infiltrate Al-Qaeda. I didn’t think that was a very good idea. In the end we settled on the idea of going on adventures in parts of the world that weren’t often on TV, and into which we would try and work light and shade, both adventure and issues. The first BBC series I did in 2003 was called Holidays in the Danger Zone: Meet the Stans, and it was all about my journeys in the Stan countries to the north of Afghanistan, including Tajikistan and Kazakhstan. I loved it from the first day of filming. It was very well received, which was a surprise to me as the presenter. So, the BBC had me back, and since then I’ve made more than 100 programmes around the world.

Simon filming the TV series Greece

Q What can you tell us about the BBC TV series you are currently filming?

A Well, it’s top secret of course. I probably shouldn’t say anything.

But OK, twist my arm. I’m filming a new series where I’m travelling the length of the Americas. From top to toe. It’s my biggest, most dangerous, most epic journey yet. I’m travelling through the two continents that together form more than a quarter of the land surface of our planet. We’ve started the journey already, and right from the beginning it’s been completely mind-blowing.

Q Is there anywhere you wouldn’t travel?

A I don’t think so. You can go almost anywhere. I’ve had extreme experiences that are unfiltered, upsetting and raw. But I don’t think we

Taking tea with the Maasai in East Africa whilst filming The Tea Trail with Simon Reeve PHOTO COPYRIGHT: FREDDIE MARTIN

need to shy away from them. We just have to approach them carefully and sensibly. You need to go in with your eyes open and keep your wits about you. It really is a very safe world, as long as you take some basic precautions. We have to get things in perspective. Remember we live in a country where thousands of people are hospitalised each year just putting on their trousers! You can travel almost anywhere, as long as you wear a seatbelt and avoid hotel salad buffets!

Q So how did you approach it?

A We thought of going in with Special Forces as our guards, but they would have been ripped apart, and the inmates would then have turned on us. So, we went in with the very best bodyguard anyone could have in that situation: The Bishop of San Pedro Sula, wearing a very large crucifix. He could look after us and stop the ludicrously dangerous gangs from holding us hostage or chopping off our heads.

Q What are the most unusual things you have eaten on your travels?

A I’ve eaten everything from penis soup in Madagascar to barbecued rat in Laos. That was so bad that even the scrawny dogs in the local market wouldn’t touch it. I’ve even had a roasted sheep’s eyeball, which was actually rather delicious. Food is obviously a real window into a culture.

If you want to rack up some memories, I’m always pushing people to eat the craziest food. Food is often where the most interesting experiences lie.

Q On your travels, you have done some extraordinary things, such as being arrested for spying by the KGB, electrocuted in a war zone, protected by stoned Somali mercenaries and witnessed trench warfare in the Caucasus. But what has been your most extraordinary experience?

A It’s hard to pick just one. But in the city of San Pedro Sula in Honduras – the deadliest place in the world outside an active war zone – two colleagues and I went into a prison controlled by the inmates. It had thousands of men crammed into a very tiny space. It housed some of the most dangerous people on earth, people who have skinned other gang members alive. It was a cross between Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and an eighteenth-century sweatshop. It had all sorts of shops like a barber’s and a café, and people were making candles, clothes and wigs in their little cell factories.

Q So, who did you run into there?

A We met men with tattooed tears running down their cheeks, each one indicating a person they had killed. We met the leader of one of the most fearsome gangs in Central America, and all he wanted to talk about was this Nativity scene made out of recycled rubbish that he had been building in the prison yard. A panel was coming around the next day to judge all the prisoners’ Nativity scenes. It was bizarre beyond belief. That is how surreal life on this planet can get.

Q Are you not terrified in a situation like that?

A No, I wasn’t nervous. But it was certainly very, very intense. When you walk in to somewhere like that, your senses are so alert to the danger you don’t have the chance to experience fear. After visiting the prison, we sank quite a lot of whisky as we did a post mortem on the experience.

Q Do you let your young son come face-to-face with danger?

A I’m really keen on people doing more and going further and pushing themselves. But that doesn’t entirely apply to my seven-year-old son who I intend to tether to my ankle till he’s in his 30s! I love him too much to let him go. Having said that, we’re fairly relaxed about most dangers. We live in a wild and remote spot and every day my son runs through the forest with our big dog. He’s got an enormous playground to enjoy right there. >>>

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 27

Simon in Mogadishu filming Indian Ocean PHOTO COPYRIGHT: ANDREW CARTER

Q What does your wife think of your trips?

A For some reason she’s just keen I up my life insurance above the rate of inflation. No, she’s very adventurous herself, and she knows that adventures add huge meaning to life. I’m not foolhardy and I’m not doing it for my own delight. I think there’s real value in travelling the planet and sharing experiences with others – whether that’s your grandmother telling everyone how wonderful Namibia is or me coming back from a remote place with a TV programme. My wife worked with me on some of my earlier programmes, so she knows they’re not a jolly jape.

Q What qualities do you need in your job?

A I’m very enthusiastic about the world. Part of my job is to go “wow!” a lot – and I can’t stop doing that in real life because that’s how I really feel! I also have a great deal of curiosity – that’s crucial – and I’d like to think that I do care. I cry a lot. I get very emotional and uplifted by the sights and people I meet. An openness to other people really helps.

That is how we understand each other and how we break down the barriers that divide us.

Q Do you think you’ll ever get bored travelling?

A Absolutely not! What telly presenter would say: “I think I’ve seen enough now”? As long as I’m allowed, I’ll be out there. When I’m travelling, my senses are not just tingled, but rattled every minute of every hour.

Q You were brought up in Acton, but you now live in Devon with your wife and son. How do you find life in the country?

A I was pretty happy in London, but my wife, who’s also a Londoner, said: “We’ve got to move to the countryside. This is our chance to go and live somewhere healthier.” She sort of forced me. Now, whenever 28 essence-magazine.co.uk | JULY/AUGUST 2019

I say perhaps it might be a bit easier with my work if we moved back to London, my son tells me: “You can, but I’m not going. I’ll be really cross with you.” He loves it in the wild.

Q Your wife Anya Reeve is a camerawoman and campaigner.

Can you tell me how you met?

A We met at a rather glamorous party. I had a proper love at first sight moment. I saw Anya across the room and that was it – I was instantly smitten.

Q What common misapprehensions do people have about you?

A I’m in my 40s, but I’m really lucky that some people think I’m a couple of years younger. I’ve stopped telling people I’ve had plastic surgery because they take it seriously – I’ve even had emails asking where I got the cut! People also think I must be yet another public school graduate posho, but I grew up in Acton. I lost my strong west London accent, but I can still put it on when needed.

Q Finally, what are the benefits of going travelling?

A Travel teaches us that we should embrace life and not live it on our knees. It’s a wonderful and immediate way of pushing our buttons and exciting our senses. We have an enormous planet of seven billion stories and magnificent sights to see and incredible food to eat. Anyone who isn’t mortgaging their grandparents or their grandchildren to get out in the big world needs their head examined! v essence INFO

Tickets for An Audience with Simon Reeve are available at www.simonreeve.co.uk.

Psychology, psychotherapy, psychiatry and counselling For adults, young adults, children and couples We can all have difficulties in everyday life and encounter problems that we simply find hard to cope with alone.

At times like these it can be helpful to talk things over in confidence with an experienced counsellor, psychotherapist or psychologist who will enable you to explore your concerns in a safe, contained environment, to help you develop appropriate strategies and techniques to cope with your life difficulties in a more effective way.

We offer clinics in Weybridge, East Molesey and coming to Guildford soon.

Take a step forward and contact the practice for a free telephone consultation:

Telephone: 0333 0096 321 www.thepractice.co.uk

Bullying and harassment

IN THE WORKPLACE

Céline Winham, solicitor at Mundays LLP, explains what exactly bullying and harassment at work is, what it can mean and your rights.

T

Céline Winham is a newly qualified solicitor in Mundays’ employment team. She has previous experience in a range of employment matters acting for both employer and employee clients, as well as litigation experience across different tribunals and courts up to the Court of Appeal.

Contact Céline Winham of Mundays LLP on 01932 590581 or by email at celine.winham@mundays.co.uk

30 essence-magazine.co.uk | JULY/AUGUST 2019

he terms ‘bullying’ and ‘harassment’ are often used interchangeably to describe hostile behaviour which harms, intimidates or humiliates someone. The impact on the individual of either is usually the same.

The effects of bullying at work can be wide-ranging, including stress and mental ill health amongst employees, bullying-related absences, staff turnover and lost productivity.

Research undertaken by workplace dispute organisation ACAS in 2015 highlighted an estimated £18 billion annual loss to the economy resulting from bullying in workplace.

When it comes to claims that an employee is being mistreated at work, harassment has clear legal definitions, however, there is no such claim in law for bullying.

Harassment The Equality Act 2010 (EqA) is intended to protect people from discrimination in the workplace and it defines harassment as: “unwanted conduct related to a relevant protected characteristic” which has the “purpose of effect of violating an individual’s dignity or creating an intimidating hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment” for that individual.

It can be seen that the EqA definition of harassment at work is therefore much narrower than the ordinary meaning of the word, as the unwanted conduct must be related to a protected characteristic for an employee to be able to make a claim.

The relevant protected characteristics are: Age Disability Gender reassignment Race Religion or belief Sex Sexual orientation For example, if an employee was being frequently teased and humiliated at work for being gay and colleagues continually made offensive and crude remarks, this could constitute sexual orientation harassment and could also be direct discrimination under the EqA. The employee concerned could bring a claim in the Employment Tribunal against their employer, who may be liable for the acts of their employees (known as ‘vicarious liability’). To bring a claim for harassment, the employee does not have to actually have a protected characteristic if the conduct has the same “purpose or effect” and is “related to” a protected characteristic. It is enough for the employee to be associated with a person with a protected characteristic or because they are wrongly perceived to have one.

Where an Employment Tribunal finds that an employee has suffered discrimination or harassment, it can award compensation for: financial losses arising from the discriminatory act; injury to feelings; and personal injury.

Legal | MUNDAYS

OTHER LEGAL CLAIMS THAT CAN FLOW FROM BULLYING INCLUDE: PHOTO COPYRIGHT: KATARZYNA BIAŁASIEWICZ | 123RF.COM

Compensation for injury to feelings is awarded in line with three bands (known as the ‘Vento’ bands): lower, middle and upper – ascending in degrees of seriousness and regularity of the acts complained of. A recent case has, however, confirmed that even in cases of one-off harassment, compensation can fall into the middle band, not just the lower band.

The Tribunal can also award additional compensation known as ‘aggravated’ damages in certain situations.

Vento Bands for Injury to Feelings Awards (as at 6 April 2019): Lower band

£900 to £8,800

Middle band

£8,800 to £26,300

Upper band

£26,300 to £44,000

Bullying If bullying at work was related to a protected characteristic, it might constitute harassment as set out above, or direct discrimination under the EqA. However, there are still a number of legal, financial and reputational issues that can flow from bullying in the workplace which is unrelated to a protected characteristic.

Employers have a duty to protect the mental and physical welfare of their employees and there are other avenues of establishing legal liability for bullying where it does not fall within the discrimination or harassment remit. However, employers will be wary of

allegations of bullying or harassment where they are used in defence by an employee, for example where the employee has been placed on a performance improvement plan.

Before bringing any Tribunal claim, an employee will have been expected to have attempted to resolve the issue with the employer. The first step for any employee facing harassment or bullying should therefore be to use their employer’s policies and procedures, such as raising an informal or formal grievance prior to considering bringing a claim, whilst being mindful of time limitations to bring a claim. Limitation periods can be as little as three months (less one day) for most Tribunal claims.

Additionally, an employee must notify ACAS and engage in their ‘Early Conciliation’ scheme to try and resolve the dispute before issuing Tribunal proceedings.

essence INFO

Mundays LLP 400 Dashwood Lang Road, Weybridge, Surrey KT15 2HJ Telephone: 01932 590500 Website: www.mundays.co.uk The contents of this article are intended as guidance for readers. It can be no substitute for specific ad ice Conse uently we cannot accept responsibility for this information, errors or matters affected y su se uent chan es in the law, or the content of any website referred to in this update. © Mundays LLP 2019.

Automatic unfair dismissal if the employee is dismissed for alleging that the employer had infringed their statutory right, such as an employee’s right to have their safety and welfare protected by their employer and to work in a safe environment. This claim can be brought in the Employment Tribunal.

Constructive dismissal if the employee was forced to resign as a result of the conduct, based on a breach of the implied term in the employment contract of mutual trust and confidence between employer and employee and the employee had worked there for at least two years.

This claim can also be brought in the Employment Tribunal.

Harassment under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 which does not have to be related to a protected characteristic but where there is a “course of conduct”, which means some element of repetition to the behaviour. This claim would be brought in the ordinary Courts.

Personal injury where an employee has suffered psychological injury and the employer was in breach of their duties, such as those under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974.

This claim would also be brought in the ordinary Courts.

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 31

Technology isn’t always on your side Simon Lewis, CEO at Partridge Muir & Warren, explains that technology can be an extremely useful tool in modern society, but advises caution and consideration before giving complete trust to anything it can offer.

M

ost of us are probably guilty of typing our symptoms into an internet search engine to find out what might be wrong with us. Why do we instinctively feel that what is served up, which often includes a myriad of ‘sponsored’ links to potential remedies, is of any real value? It takes 10 years of training to become a fully qualified general practitioner in the UK, so how can we fool ourselves that 20 minutes on Google will give us an insight into what might be wrong with us?

It is human nature to want to have some power over our lives so the misapprehension that technology will provide us with such power is seductive. The reality of course is that far from guaranteeing that we are all better informed, technology makes it easier for those who control it to influence our views and behaviour; and our best interests are often not well served. We are all in danger of acting with unconscious incompetence.

What has all of this got to do with financial planning and investment? Well, just like the example above, technology has enabled convenient and apparently credible solutions to help everyone to plan their finances and

manage their investments. These solutions have become popular and incredibly lucrative for those that own them, but they are not without their pitfalls for those who use them.

A timely reminder of how investors can be taken for a ride is provided by the sorry tale of Woodford’s investment funds, that have trapped billions of pounds of investors’ money with no clear end in sight. At least not one that doesn’t involve the permanent destruction of a big chunk of their hard-earned savings.

Although others are also guilty, the online investment platform Hargreaves Lansdown (HL) was by far the largest promoter of Woodford funds, which attracted well over £10 billion of investors money.

The platform provides access to thousands of funds, but most investors are herded towards a narrow list of funds, referred to as the ‘Wealth 50’. To quote from HL’s website, “The Wealth 50 is a shortlist of our experts’ favourite funds.

We’ve spent decades and thousands of hours crunching the numbers, and meeting fund managers, to uncover funds we believe have the most potential in each sector. To date, we’ve had an enviable track record.”

“Human nature hasn’t really changed in thousands of years.”

32 essence-magazine.co.uk | JULY/AUGUST 2019

Finance | PMW

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: TWINSTER PHOTO

“A timely reminder of how investors can be taken for a ride is provided by the sorry tale of Woodford’s investment funds.”

Really? Woodford’s investment strategy was causing eyebrows to be raised throughout the investment management sector a long time ago. We spotted the warning signs early last year and methodically pulled our clients out by the year end. We identified that Woodford’s funds were following an increasingly risky investment approach by allocating an escalating proportion of their funds to shares in companies that were not listed on the stock market. Although the objective was to enhance returns, there was a corresponding acceptance that risk for the investors would be increased.

Whilst there is nothing wrong with making long term investments, they have no place in an open-ended investment fund. This is because such funds must be able to meet redemption requests and therefore need to be able to easily dispose of the investments that have been

made. Investments in companies that are not stock market listed are not liquid. They are also more difficult to value.

We took this change in approach as a sign of overconfidence because the manager assumed that new money from investors would keep flowing in and did not legislate for a reversal of this trend. Overconfidence is not something that we tolerate when allocating our clients’ money to investments. Sadly, when investment stories end sourly it is usually because those managing the money have lost sight of whose money it really is.

HL also has some explaining to do because, whilst Woodford’s flagship fund remained on the ‘Wealth 50’ until its suspension, HL had been quietly pulling out its own money for some months before. It is an inescapable truth that it’s easier to get your

own money out when you are cheerleading others to put it in. I would hope that this issue will be on the agenda for the regulatory investigation that is now underway.

You might think I am indulging in schadenfreude, but I’m not. I’m angry, firstly because novice investors have been unwittingly steered into a high risk fund and also, because events like this taint everyone involved in investment management.

We should all embrace technology because it can make our lives more productive and enjoyable. But we should not allow our appreciation of these benefits to let technology conceal the fact that service providers want something from us, and we all need to be vigilant to understand exactly what this is and make a conscious decision that we are happy with it.

And let’s not forget that, whilst technology evolves quickly, human nature hasn’t really changed in thousands of years. There will always be ‘snake oil salesman’ peddling a solution for your problems or needs and technology lets them in through your front door. Be on your guard…v

essence INFO

Simon Lewis is writing on behalf of Partridge Muir & Warren Ltd (PMW), Chartered Financial Planners, based in Esher. The Company has specialised in providing wealth management solutions to private clients for 50 years and was recently voted Wealth Manager of the Year: Southern England at the City of London Wealth Management Awards imon is an independent financial ad iser, chartered financial planner and chartered fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment. The opinions outlined in this article are those of the writer and should not be construed as indi idual ad ice o find out more a out financial advice and investment options please contact Simon at Partridge Muir & Warren Ltd. Partridge Muir & Warren Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Telephone: 01372 471 550 Email: simon.lewis@pmw.co.uk If you would like to receive similar articles by email please visit: www.pmw.co.uk

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 33

Education | OECD STUDY

In a social state A recent international study has found that head teachers in England are more likely to face problems with pupils bullying online and misusing social media than in any other developed country.

The OECD think tank reported the experiences of more than 250,000 teachers in 48 industrialised countries and regions. The results have shown there appear to be particular problems with cyber-bullying in English schools (schools in Scotland, Ireland and Wales were not part of the survey). The study, carried out every five years, looked at the working lives of teachers around the world. It indicated an increase in bullying in English schools - driven by online bullying and harassment and problems caused by social media.

Of England heads surveyed: 14% faced problems each week caused by “hurtful” material posted about pupils, compared with an international average of 2%, with the United States having the next highest proportion – 10% 27% faced problems each week caused by pupils receiving “unwanted contact” online – in the form of cyber-bullying, compared with an international average of 3%, with Australia having the next highest proportion – 16% In France, mobile phones have been banned from school. Andreas Schleicher, the OECD’s education director, has called for more regulation of social media to alleviate the current situation where individual heads are left to try and cope. The OECD education expert urges education systems to find a way of dealing with the impact of social media and internet use on young people. He specifically warned of a lack of regulation in England, which left schools having to find their own response. Of course, apart from the emotional harm of bullying the misuse of social media was hindering learning and needed to be addressed at a wider level.

The education secretary Damian Hinds has been drawn into the debate that young people are growing up with a warped view of what is normal because so much of what they see on social media is false. The education secretary wants “fewer selfies” and more “authenticity”. He warned of the risk of online bullying and the pressure of “negative body images” on social media.

“It’s the dark side of the modern age, and it’s clearly about social media.”

Andreas Schleicher OECD’s education director

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: ANTONIO GUILLEM | 123RF.COM

34 essence-magazine.co.uk | JULY/AUGUST 2019

All this is of course not new and has been brewing for some time, it’s something that every government should attach high priority to as it appears that a growing number of children are being subjected to unacceptable behaviour. This is a part of modern life which may well have consequences for them growing up into adulthood.

Parents of course have a say in the matter too, but a large proportion of a child’s time is spent at school and it is here that relationships are forged. The current situation means that it is merely adding to head teachers’ workloads and deflecting them from doing what they have to do, that is making sure the children in their charge receive the best possible introduction to learning and life skills as possible.

Tax | EVERFAIR

Managing tax complications on the death of a loved one Gillian Everall of Everfair Tax offers guidance to essence readers on the ways to manage tax complications on the death of a partner or parent.

PHOTO COPYRIGHT: ISTOCK

T

he death of a loved one is one of the five most stressful times in your life, and when you are feeling low, having to deal with complicated tax issues is not easy. So what do you need to know?

First things first, has the deceased left a will?

If not, or if the will is considered invalid, in legal terms this is known as dying intestate, and strict rules govern how an estate may be distributed.

Only individuals who are married, or in a civil partnership at the time of death, along with certain close relatives, are able to inherit under the rules of intestacy. Co-habiting partners have no right to inherit. If the deceased has left a will that is not legally binding, the rules of intestacy will determine how the estate is distributed, and not the will itself.

The next step is to consider whether an inheritance tax return is required for the estate, and this would also need to report lifetime gifts.

Covering seven years before the date of death, lifetime gifts will include cash and assets gifted by the deceased, along with the sale of any assets which contribute a loss to their estate.

An annual tax return will also need to be completed for the deceased to the date of their death if they traditionally needed to complete one.

And the estate will need to file annual tax returns to report income and gains on estate assets until probate is granted and the assets distributed to the beneficiaries.

It is important to ensure that all available allowances and exemptions are used to reduce the inheritance tax liabilities. Currently the first ÂŁ325,000 of an estate is tax free under the nil rate band exemption, and gifts to a spouse or civil partner are also tax free, with any nil rate band not utilised on the first death being available to the surviving spouse or civil partner.

There is also an option to enter into what is termed a deed of variation under which a beneficiary can redirect their inheritance within two years of the death, providing all beneficiaries of the estate agree. This may be very helpful where a beneficiary has enough assets of their own and can allow them to transfer inheritance to perhaps a discretionary trust for their children.

For help in managing your inheritance tax planning or a loved one’s tax liabilities, please call Everfair’s friendly team on 01932 320800, email info@everfairtax.co.uk, or visit the website www.everfairtax.co.uk.

essence INFO

Gillian Everall is Managing Director and Head of Private Client Tax Services for Everfair Tax based in Weybridge. Everfair Tax specialises in UK, US and Expatriate Tax and provides a unique tax advisory and compliance service to help manage personal or international complexities and the changing of family or business circumstances.

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 35

Malta frill maxi dress ÂŁ295

36 essence-magazine.co.uk | JULY/AUGUST 2019

Fashion | HEIDI KLEIN

ON THE BEACH Heidi Gosman and Penny Klein launched Heidi Klein – the UK’s first one-stop holiday shop in 2002. The focus was on exclusive styles and prints and that has ensured a celebrity following, including Kate Moss, Olivia Palermo, Sienna Miller and Jennifer Aniston, as well as maintaining a strong relationship with the press and a loyal customer base.

As Heidi confirms: “We set out to reinvent swimwear shopping into an exciting and enjoyable experience, while providing everything our clients desired in order to look and feel gorgeous on holiday, all under one roof.”

essence INFO

Heidi Klein Chelsea 257 Pavilion Road, Chelsea, London SW1X 0BP Telephone: 020 7259 9418 Heidi Klein Westbourne Grove 174 Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill, London W11 2RW Telephone: 020 7243 5665 Website: www.heidiklein.com

Tybee island balcony bikini £195

Core textured binding racer back one piece £220

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 37

Amoudi bay tie kafkan £195

38 essence-magazine.co.uk | JULY/AUGUST 2019

Fashion | HEIDI KLEIN Mombasa button halter one piece £220

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 39

GameON August 12 marks the Glorious Twelfth and the start of the game season. Game is a fabulous resource of the great British countryside and celebrated and championed by many renowned chefs. Claire Zambuni looks at some of the best places to enjoy this healthy and sustainable food source in Surrey and London.

Surrey The Swan Inn, Claygate, Surrey

José Pizarro, The Swan Inn is based in the Surrey town of Claygate and has a true British pub feel. José Pizarro is renowned for his three critically-acclaimed restaurants and tapas bars in London’s Bermondsey and Broadgate and this venture is the fourth in his stable. However, Pizarro has given some pub classics a Spanish twist, as well as serving some famous José delicacies such as tortilla and hand-carved, 100% 5J Jamo Iberico. We asked José to tell us a little about why he loves cooking with game. “Boar is a fantastic meat,” he says. “The taste is unparalleled because the boar roam around the woodland, eating flora and fauna – very happy pigs! It is very popular in Andalusia and a regular feature on our menu at The Swan Inn. I love game and generally my favourites are rabbit (available all year round), partridge and wild boar.”

Two of the dishes José plans to serve at The Swan Inn this season, venison filet with wild mushrooms and chestnuts and partridge, are featured in his book Andalusia: Recipes from Seville and beyond.

José prides himself on The Swan Inn being in the heart of the community – a Spanish bar where many of the locals meet. The innovative and authentic food served is a talking point as it has fast become a go to restaurant and bar in the Esher area.

Website: www.josepizarro.com/jose-pizarro-the-swan-inn-esher

The Duke of Cumberland Arms, Henley, Fernhurst

Simon Goodman, chef and owner of The Duke of Cumberland Arms, is passionate about serving seasonal game throughout the year. Perched on a hill with breathtaking views, this is everything a great country pub should

40 essence-magazine.co.uk | JULY/AUGUST 2019

be. It is a gem, located on a hillside with wonderful views of the lush South Downs’ flora. With a fine dining restaurant, this pub is set in the heart of a rural community. Simon himself is a keen shot and is part of a syndicate at a local pheasant shoot.

Simon is passionate about communicating the many benefits of game: how good game is for you being high in protein and low in fat, as well as locally sourced. It truly is a harvest from the British countryside surrounding The Duke of Cumberland Arms and he notes how much it has grown in popularity over the past few years.

Simon says: “Game is such a varied product and can be cooked in all manner of ways. We demonstrate this at our regular Game Tasting Evenings at The Duke of Cumberland Arms held throughout the season where we showcase a ten course tasting menu with several different types of game.”

Website: www.dukeofcumberland.com

Pastimes | GAME SEASON

experiences is what it’s all about. We also believe that game is healthy and want to help change perception around it. Initiatives this year include our gourmet dinner series that we run more or less bimonthly.

Still this year, we’ve got our grouse dinner, game and Bordeaux, and have previously hosted venison and Languedoc wine dinners. Two years ago, we had a bit of fun with game and made KFP – or Kentucky fried pheasant – which was excellent! We have also made a grouse gin served with pickled bilberry and lavender which we served last year and was a great success. We also always make a big deal of being the first restaurant in London that will be able to serve grouse following the Glorious 12th thanks to our relationship with our suppliers.”

Website: www.thejuggedhare.com

Corrigan’s Mayfair

Since opening in 2008, Corrigan’s has seen a steady stream of accolades coming its way. Irish chef Richard Corrigan combines the earthiness of his rural upbringing with contemporary flair and style to create a menu that is not only reflective of the seasons, but also of the very best game and wild food. A seasonal lunch menu at £34 for three courses is a great way to sample the celebrity chef’s work.

Website: www.corrigansmayfair.co.uk

Mac and Wild, Fitzrovia

The door handle of this Fitzrovia restaurant – a decommissioned (one hopes) shotgun – hints at the delights that lie within. Starting life as a streetfood venture, Mac and Wild brings the very best of Scottish produce and cuisine to London: a daily ‘shotgun special’ sees a wild bird always on the menu, complete with traditional game chips and gravy, while the Venimoo burger harks back to Mac and Wild’s streetfood days, combining one venison patty, one beef patty, cheese, bearnaise sauce, pickles and caramelised onions into one heartstopping experience – side salad optional. And what better to go with game but one of the bar’s whiskey flights?

Website: www.macandwild.com Venison fillet with wild mushrooms and chestnuts, José Pizarro The Swan Inn, from Andalusia: Recipes from Seville and beyond

by José Pizarro, published by Hardie Grant PHOTO COPYRIGHT: EMMA LEE

London round-up The Jugged Hare, Barbican

The Jugged Hare is a pub venture from Ed and Tom Martin, the brothers behind a number of smart pubs, bars and restaurants around London. Based in the Barbican, it describes itself as the capital’s leading game restaurant. The menu is a celebration of the best seasonal produce that the British countryside has to offer: venison from the grill, Devonshire river trout and rabbit all make an appearance, alongside more classic gastropub fare such as pork belly and beef burgers. An open kitchen and charcoal grill contribute to the lively atmosphere! Expressing its passion for game, the team at The Jugged Hare told us: “Game is everything to us – championing British ingredients and suppliers and providing high quality culinary

Rules, Covent Garden

A stalwart of the London dining scene for hundreds of years, serving traditional British food and specialising in game cookery, there’s almost nowhere better to get a taste of game. There’s something pleasingly carnivorous about the phrase ‘haunch of venison’ and finding it on a menu is often a sign of a good meal to come!

Website: www.rules.co.uk

National The British Game Alliance

Up your game consumption as soon as the season begins. Pheasant, partridge and grouse all contain more protein and less fat than chicken and can be sampled from restaurants and supermarkets across the UK. The British Game Alliance (BGA) was formed 18 months ago and continues to promote game meat as a healthy, nutritious and tasty food source to the public with the help of its Eat Wild campaign. The BGA ensure it’s high welfare and sustainable too! To find the nearest stockist of BGA assured game meat, visit www.eatwild.co. >>>

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 41

Baking | JEN’S CUPCAKERY

Simon Goodman’s pigeon pie recipe

Simon Goodman is chef and owner of The Duke of Cumberland Arms and says: “Pigeon is great to cook at any time of year and the combination of pigeon with wild mushrooms in this recipe is like autumn on a plate. I think it is so important to use seasonal local produce; there is nothing like getting up on a fresh autumnal morning, pulling on the wellies and heading off shooting to escape from the hustle and bustle of a busy kitchen.”

Ingredients Two pigeon breasts 500g puff pastry One tablespoon olive oil One pinch salt 150ml red wine One egg

200g wild mushrooms 50g butter One clove garlic One pinch pepper 20g pea shoots One tablespoon wholegrain mustard

Step-by-step To make the pigeon stock, fry off chopped onion, leek, celery, carrot and then add the pigeon carcass, cover with water and bring to the boil, skimming off any impurities from the top of the pan. Then allow the stock to simmer for 20–30 minutes.

To make the puff pastry parcel, roll out the pastry and cut two rectan les Cut out the centre of one and place on top of the other and egg wash. Place in oven until golden brown and then leave to one side.

Reduce the pigeon stock and red wine by half resulting in a sauce-like consistency, then add wholegrain mustard and leave to one side. ry off the wild mushrooms in utter with arlic, salt and pepper ry the pi eon reasts s in side down in a com ination of utter and oil for two to three minutes, turning until both sides are golden brown and leave to rest.

Place the puff pastry parcel in the centre of the plate, fill with wild mushrooms and place slices of the pigeon breasts on top. Pour the red wine and mustard sauce around the parcel and garnish with pea shoots.

42 essence-magazine.co.uk | JULY/AUGUST 2019

Gluten-free ginger and pear polenta cake Polenta adds amazing texture and makes a gluten-free bake. Succulent pear and ginger create a delicious spicy cake and, even better, it’s a one bowl wonder. We turned up the heat by adding both stem and crystallised ginger, but feel free just to use one.

TOP TIP: To ramp up the ginger, substitute some juice from the stem ginger for pear juice.

Ingredients 150g unsalted butter 125g golden caster sugar 110g polenta One and a half tablespoons gluten-free baking powder One teaspoon almond extract 180g ground almonds Three eggs Three to four pieces of stem ginger in syrup (chop finely) and/or three tablespoons chopped crystallised ginger 415g can of pears (drained and chopped into small pieces) – use fresh if handy, but only if very ripe Icing sugar and pear juice for drizzle Method reheat o en to C C fan rease a cm nine inch cake tin or one pound loaf tin. Line the base with baking parchment.

In a large bowl, beat all the cake

ingredients until well combined (yes, it is as easy as that!).

Spoon the mixture into the pan or tin and smooth the top before popping in the oven for around 40–45 minutes, depending on thickness of pan or tin used.

Test using a skewer to make sure the cake is baked through.

Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before carefully turning out Create the dri le y mixin three to four teaspoons of pear juice and six tablespoons of icing sugar to form a smooth paste, then drizzle over the top of the cake.

essence INFO

Website: www.jenscupcakery.co.uk Telephone: Email: mail@jenscupcakery.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ jenscupcakery Twitter: @jenscupcakery

The next superfood?

Leading nutritionist, Lily Soutter, from London, comments on a new health craze.

A

new health craze, inspired by Kim Kardashian, has made its way to UK supermarket shelves.

Whilst camel milk is new to us in the west, it has been consumed for thousands of years in other parts of the world and is popular in North Africa and the Middle East. It’s a major source of nutrition where water is scarce and this sturdy animal can survive for a month without water, yet still produce milk.

Both cow and camel milk are highly nutritious, but differ slightly in their nutrient offering. Camel’s milk comes with a higher quantity of minerals, such as zinc, and around five to 10 times the amount of iron.

What’s more, it contains three to five times the amount of vitamin C – handy in desert conditions where fresh fruit and veg may be sparse.

On the other hand, it has been reported that camel milk contains lower amounts of fats, protein and carbohydrate in comparison to cow milk, and also lower levels of vitamin A, E and certain B vitamins.

It is, however, important to note that the nutrient composition (including fatty acids) of camel milk has been found to differ from country to country, and is correlated to the environmental and farming conditions, so it’s currently hard to provide accurate measures of its nutrient content.

Are there additional health benefits from camel milk?

Preliminary research suggests camel milk may be better than cow milk for those lactose intolerant, but larger trials are needed before this can be confirmed.

In relation to other health claims that camel milk can prevent diabetes or treat autism, most research has been carried out on rats and more needs to be conducted on humans. It’s important to be mindful of sweeping health claims around camel milk with no current conclusive studies to support claims.

In fact, the Food and Drug Administration instructed a company to remove health claims from their website so as not to mislead the general public.

In summary, camel’s milk is highly nutritious, but so is the less expensive and more readily available cow or even goat milk. Many of the additional nutrients found in camel milk can be found from other local and easily accessible food sources. Opting for camel milk is a personal choice, and for those keen to try this alternative, it is now available to purchase at ASDA for £2.85 per 235ml. essence INFO

www.lilysoutternutrition.com

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 43

MY MONTH IN FOOD PHOTO COPYRIGHT: DAVID P MACDONALD

Stephanie Brookes, BBC Radio London food expert, offers her pick of an eating establishment for this month, COYA in Mayfair.

COYA Mayfair PHOTO COPYRIGHT: COYA

I

’ve always been greedy with food, which certainly comes as no surprise to anyone, and sharing was never especially high on my agenda, particularly as a child. I would place both arms outstretched and create a kind of barrier to prevent my brother (or anyone else for that matter) getting anywhere near my dinner: a rather comical side of children’s often territorial nature with food. Thankfully, I’ve matured (a little) since then and certainly no further tantrums in restaurants to be had, last I can remember.

Sharing food, or ‘sharing plates’ as many restaurants now popularly advertise, is a subject that divides many of us, generally because our inner child seeks to have a meal all to itself.

In more recent years, I have come to appreciate and enjoy the sharing experience, obtaining enjoyment seeing how my fellow dining companions feel about the food. It’s also reassuring to know that you feel the exact same way about a dish, or indeed feel so differently towards something which can spark plenty of interesting discussion. And so,

44 essence-magazine.co.uk | JULY/AUGUST 2019

when I heard COYA was all about the sharing, my grown-up self was more than onboard.

COYA, located in the heart of Mayfair, has a distinctly sexy, mature vibe which positively emanates as you’re escorted downstairs to what feels like an intimate, private members’ club. You are met by another greeter who suggests a cocktail at the bar before heading to the table. It feels like a rather elaborate way of getting to the actual eating, but on casual Fridays I’m more than happy to be led astray.

On the subject of drinks, COYA does cocktails particularly well: try the Pisco Punch which is a potent yet refreshing blend of homemade pineapple sugar, Pisco Italia, fresh orange and lime juice.

As you will eventually discover, post cocktails that is, COYA’s menu is a vibrant array of modern Peruvian sharing dishes with a particularly attractive choice of ceviche – an immediate no-brainer for me.

I leapt on an order of the sea bass, presented in a generous silky mound with a mixture of red onion, sweet potato and white corn. The clean, citrus

Food review | STEPHANIE BROOKES Tuna ceviche PHOTO COPYRIGHT: COYA

Pisco Sour PHOTO COPYRIGHT: COYA

notes of the milky juices are balanced well with the crunchy vegetables that offer some satisfying texture. The second offering of yellowfin tuna, soy and sesame seeds was a more meaty, salty experience with a great umami taste from the soy and delicate sweetness from the tuna. The only downside to sharing these dishes is you only get a few precious mouthfuls, yet, when the quality of the fish is this good, it’s just a joy to eat.

We quickly moved on from the sweet simplicity of the ceviche to an altogether heartier offering with a plate of spicy beef fillet, crispy shallots and star anise.

The perfectly charred sear of the beef was a promising visual, and the rich velvety meat was exceptionally tender with a sweet and spicy addition from the star anise, lending a slight liquorice note which worked well. The accompaniment of salty shallots gave the dish that much needed crunch. And no quicker were we mourning this over-too-soon dish than two garlicky-chicken skewers quelled our voracious appetites. The skewers were given a moreish, spicy kick courtesy of the aji amarillo pepper.

The only thing I would say about the sharing plate experience is that it can get rather addictive seeing these tempting little dishes arrive at your table in tenminute intervals. Excitement was definitely in the air with the arrival of Chilean sea bass. Unlike the ceviche, this sea bass was cooked through in a rich, creamy sauce which seemed to thicken almost by

magic as our waitress gently stirred the bubbling pot.

The dish was a soothing, comforting stew which had a gentle heat running through from the aji amarillo, yet never veered into uncomfortably hot territory.

At this point it’s fair to say our lunch reservation had surreptitiously moved into early dinner, but it’s a very easy thing to do in a place like COYA; the cocktails, the tempting plates and good conversation keep you wanting that little bit more. essence INFO

COYA 118 Piccadilly, Mayfair, London W1J 7NW Telephone: 020 7042 7118 Email: info@coyarestaurant.com Websites: www.coyarestaurant.com; www.stephaniebrookes.com

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 45

Buoyant f loat

Shirlee Posner introduces essence readers to the Dorking Food Float – a unique retail outlet for local food producers located in Dorking’s high street.

T

From left: Volunteer Maddie with Phil May and Tim McEntire

he historic market town of Dorking is known for its antique shops, independent cafés, live music and the great food of many of its public houses, bars and restaurants. The town has a quirky vibe and a remarkable and totally unique local food model, offering a high street retail opportunity to over twenty-five local producers.

Every Friday and Saturday, the Food Float is set up outside Barclays Bank on Dorking High Street with a wonderful selection of local produce: freshly-baked cakes and pastries, craft and artisan bread, local honey, eggs, chicken, charcuterie and cheese, all of which are grown, produced and created within a 20-mile radius of Dorking. Impressive.

Executive directors Tim McEntire and Phil May (part of a group of six founding members) run the stall with volunteer Maddie.

Chatting to them it’s clear the Float has become an important service to the local community. It’s run by two part-time paid members of staff and supported by a team of volunteers. Often when community initiatives like this launch, they can fizzle out after a while, but this ‘not for profit’ community interest company is as strong as the day it started, and that was just over ten years ago.

Before helping set up the Food Float, Tim already had a stellar career as a successful chef and restaurateur. In 2014 he assisted Local Food Britain place Surrey on the food map when Surrey food was showcased at the House of Commons during David Cameron’s era. His knowledge of the local food movement has been essential to the Food Float, assisted by the local community’s resistance to Sainsbury’s proposing a store in the town.

A clear desire to support the local food movement was enough for this enterprise to launch.

The first stall was opened on 6 March 2010 and in 2016 the Dorking Food Float won the Surrey Life Food and Drinks Award for Service to the

46 essence-magazine.co.uk | JULY/AUGUST 2019

Community, which Tim says was a huge lift and fantastic recognition for the work they carry out.

However, without a static home, how do they manage the stock and deliveries for the stall?

Setting up a temporary shop takes a huge amount of careful organisation. Some of the Float’s suppliers deliver directly to it, for example, bread from Chalk Hills Bakery (craft and sour dough breads from Reigate) and more traditional loaves from nearby Westcott Bakery. While Nutbourne Tomatoes, a local grower of incredible tasty tomatoes in Sussex, meet Tim at an agreed location to load the produce into his car. The Float is only open at weekends and so there is time around this to ensure there is enough stock. Tim will always find a way to transport stock to the Float by any means possible.

Other suppliers include Debbie Nicholas whose jams, curds, marmalades and chutneys are available at several local farm shops around Dorking. For the Food Float, Debbie also makes freshly-baked cakes too. The Float had bottles of her pink elderflower cordial – with the flowers picked from a bush at Etherley Farm to transform into this quintessential English mixer. Pink elderflowers are rare compared to white and the result is the prettiest pink cordial.

Etherley Farm produces free-range eggs, chicken, ducks, geese and turkeys. More recently it has added beef and lamb to its range with its own herds and a butchery on site. When a Michelin star chef (Steve Drake at Sorrel) features produce from this farm on his menu you know it’s hitting the mark.

Current fresh produce on the Float includes strawberries from Secretts in Milford, asparagus from Sondes Place Farm near Westcott, tomatoes from Nutbourne Nursery and watercress from Kingfisher Farm in Abinger Hammer, to name a few. A full list of producers can be found on the Float’s website (details below).

This is seasonal eating, so expect the produce to rotate accordingly and enjoy when it’s locally grown and at its best. In addition to the products available at the Float, on a weekly basis joints of meat can be ordered online.

The Food Float takes regular orders for vegetable boxes and will carry out local doorstep deliveries. Customers can add jars of honey and other non-perishables too. Phil told me his work means he meets local people and many have become regular visitors and friends.

He also says people shop with them as they can be more flexible than other food retailers. An elderly lady, for example, who buys eggs from the Float likes to buy three at a time and the team is more than happy to oblige.

This is a brilliant community business providing so much for its customers. If you are in Dorking, pay a visit to the Food Float and give it your support.

essence INFO

Website: www.foodfloat.org Facebook: @FoodFloat Twitter: @FoodFloat Instagram: @foodfloat Shirlee Posner is a food writer and blogger at www.eatsurrey.co.uk and provides social media management, web copywriting and food photography.

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 47

The diary Linda Seward’s ’s diary of the best of what’s on in theatre, music, exhibitions, arts and the countryside.

Theatre New Victoria Theatre Woking

Tickets: atgtickets.com/woking

Sunday 28 July Rhod Gilbert: The Book of John

Cranleigh Arts Centre

The Rectory Garden, High Street Tickets: cranleighartscentre.org

Friday 2 August The Winter’s Tale

Bring a picnic and deckchairs for this special open-air performance.

Leading comic talent on tour.

G Live

Tuesday 6 to Saturday 10 August Saturday Night Fever

Guildford Tickets: glive.co.uk

A new music and dance show which pays homage to the 1977 Travolta classic.

Wednesday 17 July and

Tuesday 27 to Saturday 31 August Amélie

Hate Myself 1999

Heart-warming musical starring Audrey Brisson and Danny Mac. Monday 2 to Saturday 7 September The Mousetrap

Classic country house thriller.

New Wimbledon Theatre Wimbledon Wimbledon

Tickets: atgtickets.com/wimbledon

Monday 9 September James Acaster: Cold Lasagne

New show from this very talented comedian.

Thursday 1 to Saturday 3 August Tabby McTat

Tale of friendship from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Guildford Shakespeare Company Stoke Park Railway

Friday 12 to Sunday 14 July Dance Overture 19

Tickets:

Display of jazz, ballet and contemporary dance.

Saturday 13 to Saturday 27 July The Merry Wives of Windsor

Saturday 10 August Totally Tina

We’re told this is probably the closest thing to a live TT concert.

Chapterhouse Theatre Company Haslemere Museum

Tickets: chapterhouse.org

Thursday 25 July A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Open-air theatre in this most picturesque location.

guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk The Merry Wives of Windsor, Guildford Shakespeare Company PHOTO COPYRIGHT: STEVE PORTER

The GSC’s 14th annual open-air season continues with Shakespeare’s popular comedy set in the late 1970s at the unique venue of Stoke Park Railway.

Polesden Lacey Shakespeare Polesden Lacey Open-Air Theatre, Great Bookham Tickets: dorkinghalls.co.uk

Saturday 6 to Sunday 7 July Love’s Labour’s Lost

Romance, fun, wit and humour.

48 essence-magazine.co.uk | JULY/AUGUST 2019

Dance Overture 19, New Wimbledon Theatre

essence | EVENTS

Festivals

Rose Theatre Kingston Kingston-upon-Thames

Tickets: rosetheatrekingston.org

Festival on the Farm

Thursday 8 to Sunday 11 August Tabby McTat

Godstone Farm

See listing under G Live.

Tickets: godstonefarm.co.uk

Monday 9 to Saturday 14 September Friendsical

Saturday 27 July to

Musical parody.

Celebrate 40 years of Godstone farmyard fun with lots to do including crafting, messy play, music zone plus lots more.

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Guildford

Tickets: yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

Good Vibes Festival of Wellness

Monday 8 to Saturday 13 July The Girl on the Train

Chessington School, Chessington

Adapted from Paula Hawkins’ popular novel.

Tickets: purpleskyevents.co.uk

Saturday 20 July La Bohème

Saturday 24 to Sunday 25 August

OperaUpClose return with their acclaimed version of Puccini’s opera.

Music Boileroom Guildford

Tickets: theboileroom.net

Throughout the year

A community hub showcasing music, events and the arts.

See website for gig details.

Sandown Park Racecourse Esher

Tickets: thejockeyclub.co.uk

Reflexology, massage, osteopathy, talks, craft, foodie marketplace and more on offer.

Guildford Summer Festival Various locations Information: guildfordsummerfestival.co.uk

To Saturday 10 August

The Festival continues with events to enjoy including Guildford Fringe Festival (to 28 July), Guildford Lions Charity Raft Race (6 July), Cheese and Chilli Festival (20 to 21 July), theatre, music and more.

International Youth Arts Festival

Wednesday 24 July Madness

Kingston-upon-Thames

Racing followed by an open-air concert from one of Britain’s best-loved bands.

Friday 5 to Sunday 14 July

Thursday 8 August Jess Glynne

An evening at the races followed by a concert from singer Jess.

Vivace Chorus

Holy Trinity Church, Guildford Tickets: vivacechorus.org

Saturday 6 July In the mood for summer

Easy listening favourites.

Madness, Sandown Park Racecourse

Sunday 1 September

Information: iyafestival.org.uk

Lots of theatre, children’s shows, music, dance and comedy.

Jazz, Gin and Blues Festival The Enchanted Woodland, Loxwood Meadow Tickets: jazzginblues.co.uk

Sunday 18 August

Intimate crowd of just 500 can enjoy a stellar line-up of jazz and blues artists, alongside local gin and real ale producers and food stalls.

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 49

WIN a family ticket to see

in the West End

Sleeper, Neverworld

Miss Cackle’s Academy for Witches is now accepting new students.

So, make sure you know the Witches’ Code, get yourself a familiar and let Mildred Hubble show you the ropes!

Mildred Hubble is just an ordinary girl who found herself in an extraordinary place: a school for witches. But not everyone is thrilled

by Mildred’s unexpected arrival and her less than predictable ways.

Can she overcome the objections of stern Miss Hardbroom and the conniving tricks of jealous Ethel Hallow?

Now in her final year, accident-prone Mildred and her fellow pupils are about to embark on their most important mission yet, when an old enemy returns with a plan for revenge that threatens not just the Academy, but the whole world…

Featuring all of Jill Murphy’s beloved characters, this action-packed new stage adaptation by Emma Reeves (Hetty Feather) is directed

by Theresa Heskins (2017 UK Theatre Award for Best Show for Children and Young People) and includes original songs, music, magic and a dose of Mildred’s unique brand of utter pandemonium!

Summer adventure at National Trust PHOTO COPYRIGHT: NT/JOHN MILLAR

For a chance to win a family ticket to see The Worst Witch, simply visit www.essence-magazine.co.uk and answer the following question: What kind of academy is Miss Cackle’s? Is it: a) for goblins b) for warlocks c) for witches Closing date Friday 26 July 2019.

essence INFO

For more information and to book tickets, please visit www.nimaxtheatres.com Terms and conditions: One reader will win a family ticket (four tickets, minimum one adult) to see The Worst Witch at the Vaudeville Theatre valid for all Monday to Friday performances until 30 August 2019. Subject to availability. No cash alternative. Travel and accommodation not included.

50 essence-magazine.co.uk | JULY/AUGUST 2019

Warrior, Christine Charlesworth, Surrey Sculpture Society, RHS Wisley

essence | EVENTS

Spotlight on...

The Loxwood Joust

The Loxwood Meadow, Loxwood, West Sussex Saturday 3 & 10 and Sunday 4 & 11 August Now in its eighth year, The Loxwood Joust is described as “two weekends of mediæval mayhem” and is a unique, fun and educational day out for all the family.

From 10am to 6pm, visitors can see an all-action jousting tournament, stage performances from singing group the Mediæval Baebes on 3 and 4 August, with Trobar de Morte from Spain performing on 10 and 11, wandering minstrels, a battle camp and marketplace. In addition, companies of actors, a court jester and dance troupes all compete for attention. Activities include have-a-go archery, face and wound painting, pelt the peasant and a sword school. Gilbert Savage, the executioner, returns with his rack, a replica of one used in the Tower of London.

New for 2019 are the Faerie Realm and pagan wedding site. With plenty to eat, drink and be merry about, an experience not to be missed.

Tickets: loxwoodjoust.co.uk

Neverworld

John Darlings Farm, Hever, Edenbridge, Kent Tickets: neverworld.co.uk

Thursday 1 to Sunday 4 August

Featuring Craig David, The Vaccines, Sleeper and many more.

RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival 2019 Hampton Court, East Molesey

Tickets: rhs.org.uk/hamptoncourt

Monday 1 to Sunday 7 July

A plethora of beautiful gardens and plants on display.

Weyfest

The Rural Life Centre, Tilford Tickets: weyfest.co.uk

Friday 16 to Sunday 18 August

Four stages set in ten acres of stunning woodland this year featuring The Brand New Heavies, Reef, Lightning Seeds, The Selecter, Gabrielle, Scouting for Girls and so much more.

Woking Food and Drink Festival Woking town centre Information: wokingfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk

Friday 30 August to Sunday 1 September

Feasting, entertainment and activities.

Exhibitions Haslemere Museum Haslemere

Information: haslemeremuseum.co.uk

To Saturday 31 August Summer exhibition: awesome African animals

Find out more about the animals that live in the second largest continent in the world.

New Ashgate Gallery

National Trust

Out and about

National Trust properties offer perfect venues to explore. We list a few, but visit nationaltrust.org.uk for more and for details of the outdoor theatre programme.

Bocketts Farm Park

Claremont Landscape Garden

Fetcham

Tickets: bockettsfarm.co.uk

Saturday 20 July to Sunday 1 September A magical adventure

Enjoy crafts, music, pony and tractor rides and lots more.

near Esher

Brooklands Museum

Farnham

Information: 01372 467806

Information: newashgate.org.uk

Saturday 20 July to

Weybridge

To Saturday 27 July Diaspora

Wednesday 4 September Six weeks of summer adventures

Tickets: brooklandsmuseum.com

Twenty artists and makers of African/Caribbean heritage showcase their diverse work.

Activities throughout the holidays and outdoor theatre during July.

Surrey Sculpture Society

near Dorking

Sunday 14 July Supercar day

All-marques event with Ferraris, Aston Martins, Bugattis and more.

Polesden Lacey

Thursday 1 to Friday 30 August, weekdays only Brooklands summer fête

Various locations

Information: 01372 452048

Information: surreysculpture.org.uk

Saturday 20 July to

To Sunday 14 July National Trust Hatchlands Park

Sunday 1 September Summer crafts and games

The Society’s 25th anniversary celebrations continue.

Enjoy giant games and craft activities.

Games of Swingball, hopscotch and quoits, or people watch from a deckchair whilst sipping a drink.

Saturday 17 August to

Winkworth Arboretum

Sunday 22 September RHS Wisley

Godalming

Claygate Flower & Village Show

Information: 01483 208477

Information: claygateflowershow.co.uk

Follow a trail of sculpture featuring more than 100 works from some of the south east’s finest artists.

Sunday 1 September Live Local, Love Winkworth 10

Saturday 13 July, 1.30pm

Annual community day.

Claygate Recreation Ground

Marquee, dancing, fun fair, classic cars, dog show and so much more.

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 51

WIN

a pair of tickets to see

at the London Coliseum Her voice. His vision. Their story.

Gloria and Emilio Estefan’s smash-hit musical comes to London direct from Broadway for a strictly limited season. On Your Feet! is the inspiring true love story of Emilio and Gloria and charts their journey from its origins in Cuba, onto the streets of Miami and finally to international superstardom.

Starring Christie Prades (In the Heights, West Side Story), reprising her role as Gloria Estefan, George Ioannides (Annie, Mamma Mia!, An Officer and a Gentleman) as Emilio Estefan, Philippa Stefani (Rent, In the Heights, Wicked) as the Alternate Gloria Estefan, Madalena Alberto (Evita, Cats, Les Misérables) as Gloria Fajardo and Karen Mann (Sister Act, Fiddler on the Roof, Sweeney Todd) as Consuelo.

This exhilarating musical features some of the most iconic pops songs of the era, including Rhythm Is Gonna Get You, Conga, Get On Your Feet, Don’t Want To Lose You Now and 1-2-3. Directed by two-time Tony Award® winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde), with choreography by Olivier Award-winner Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys) and book by Academy Award® winner Alexander Dinelaris (Birdman).

Winner of 26 Grammy awards, Gloria Estefan has sold over 100 million records worldwide. Emilio Estefan is a founding member of the pioneering Miami Sound Machine.

“Music was the biggest thing that got us through our life, and hopefully our music can also inspire other people as well.” Gloria Estefan For a chance to win a pair of tickets to see On Your Feet!, simply visit www.essence-magazine.co.uk and answer the following question: Which city in Florida is associated with the Estefans? Is it: a) Cape Canaveral b) Miami c) Boca Raton Closing date Monday 22 July 2019.

essence INFO

For more information and to book tickets, please visit londoncoliseum.org/whats-on/on-your-feet and onyourfeetmusical.co.uk Terms and conditions: One reader will win two tickets to see On Your Feet! at the London Coliseum valid for all Monday to Thursday performances until 29 August 2019. Subject to availability. No cash alternative. Travel and accommodation not included.

52 essence-magazine.co.uk | JULY/AUGUST 2019

Prudential RideLondon Surrey Classic PHOTO COPYRIGHT: PRUDENTIAL RIDELONDON

Farnham Maltings

Prudential RideLondon

Tickets: farnhammaltings.com

Information: prudentialridelondon.co.uk

Saturday 31 August to

Sunday 4 August Surrey Classic

Farnham

Sunday 1 September Outdoor cinema

Screenings of Saturday Night Fever and E.T. in the courtyard.

Gatton Park Reigate

Tickets: gattonpark.com

London and Surrey

See 150 of the world’s top cyclists battle on a televised 183km route through London and Surrey as part of this great festival of cycling.

RHS Garden Wisley Woking

Sunday 7 July, 12 noon–5pm Gatton Country Fair

Tickets: rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley

Animal displays, live music, children’s fairground and more.

Sunday 1 September Family fun garden adventures

Ladyland Farm

Saturday 20 July to

with The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Horley

Marking the 50th anniversary of Eric Carle’s classic book.

Information: ladylandfarm.com

Saturday 17 August to

August weekdays only, 11am–3pm

Sunday 22 September Surrey Sculpture Society Trail

Conducted fun educational visits during school holidays: see and interact with the animals.

Painshill Park

See separate listing in Exhibitions.

Surrey Wildlife Trust Various locations

Cobham

Information: surreywildlifetrust.org

Tickets: painshill.co.uk

Monday 5 to Thursday 22 August Wild Explorers Holiday Club

Saturday 20 to Sunday 21 July Painshill summer weekend

Georgian-themed activities.

Suitable for children aged five to 11.

Friday 16 to Saturday 17 August Open-air cinema

Tuesday 6 to Thursday 15 August Wild Rangers Conservation Club

Screenings of Bohemian Rhapsody and A Star Is Born.

Developing an enthusiasm for nature for children aged 11 to 17.

New look showroom

F

amily-run furniture specialist Bridgman made its high street debut six years ago. Since then it has opened showrooms every year.

The latest Walton on Thames showroom comes with a new look and more space enabling it to house a greater selection of products. The impressive 3,000 sq. ft showroom highlights Bridgman’s commitment to the town as a premium retail destination.

A wide selection from Bridgman’s signature outdoor and conservatory ranges, together with a carefully selected collection of bespoke home furniture are displayed.

“The development of a new, improved and much larger showroom in Walton has presented us with a blank canvas on which to realise new trading ideas and also to implement suggestions based on feedback from loyal customers.

No expense has been spared designing a retail environment in which customers can enjoy a relaxed shopping experience,” says Alex Bridgman, Sales Director.

essence INFO

Bridgman Brassey House, 22-24 New Zealand Avenue Walton on Thames, Surrey KT12 1QL Telephone: 01932 242707 The showroom will be open six days a week, from 10am to 5pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 53

SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS Emily Bird talked to Alessandro Argrati, founder of Culti, to find out what sets this company apart from other luxury fragrance brands.

54 essence-magazine.co.uk | JULY/AUGUST 2019

Interiors interview | CULTI

F

ounded 30 years ago by Alessandro Argrati, Culti are one of the leading home fragrance makers in the world and are also hailed as the inventors of the very first reed diffuser. Based in Milan, each scent has been born from Alessandro’s experiences of the world and take up to six years to perfect from the finest ingredients.

Q What sets Culti apart from other home fragrance brands?

A I’m an architect so I try to mix design and function together to create something that reaches all over the world. Over 70,000 bottles of fragrance are opened everyday throughout the world and whilst I won’t say we are the original fragrance creators; we are, however, completely different to all of the other products in the industry. We are living in a world where there is too much product and sometimes we like to take a step back to remember who we are as a brand and what is the new frontier of ‘luxe’. By doing this, Culti is able to offer something very different in the world of fragrances. We are recognised throughout the globe for our high quality in everything we create, from the fragrances themselves, to the timeless design of the bottles and the matching of quality across all of our fragrance options.

Q What is so unique about the Culti fragrances?

A We have just 14 fragrances, which is rare for a fragrance brand with most normally working with 50 plus. We consider our fragrances as an olfactory garden where every scent complements the next, yet each is entirely unique. These 14 fragrances allow us to offer the complete olfactory experience and each scent is born from a unique story. These scents then permit you to create your own personal fragrances in

the home by layering them to form unique blends. The aromas then become something special which is always ‘you’. The materials used are also the same materials used for personal fragrance, so the liquid in the room sprays and diffusers have such high quality that if some gets onto the skin it doesn’t matter.

With other fragrance companies, you will also see that they include a certain level of perfume content in every fragrance, however our scents each have a unique level of perfume to enhance the subtleties of each note. No Culti fragrance is made in a laboratory, nothing stems from chemicals, instead they are born from experiences which are personal to me. Everything starts in the kitchen, where we ‘cook’ the fragrance to capture the right scent for the experience. For example Mareminerale is taken from the sea in the morning, whereas Mountain is created from my own ski chalet where I wanted to take the scent of the wood with me so I cooked the wood with steam and water to obtain the fragrance which immediately gives the atmosphere of the mountains.

Q What gave you the idea to create the first diffuser?

A Fragrances create a magic atmosphere around us, and this has been made even more possible by Culti. Thirty years ago, I added sticks to a bottle of fragrance, as sometimes you don’t have time to spray room sprays throughout a room or light a candle, so I created an option for permanent diffusion that permits people to maintain scents inside the home at all times. Fragrances shouldn’t be smelt up close, for example straight out of the bottle, but should be left to permeate the surroundings before a true sense of the scent can be discovered. This system is the only natural way to diffuse fragrance throughout the home. But the real difference between other diffusers and the original Culti diffuser, is the quality of the materials we use that maintain the same level of fragrance for the duration of the diffusion. By placing different diffusers in different rooms in the home, you can create your own fragrant atmosphere that follows you through each space. >>>

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 55

Q What are your favourite fragrance pairings?

A One of my favourite fragrances is the first scent I created, Terra, which is mandarin and vanilla, but I like to play with and mix it with many of the fragrances. It’s one of my best but they are all my babies.

Q How are new luxury fragrances created?

A The company extensively controls the creation of each new fragrance, nothing is casual about the development. So, when I come up with the idea to create a new fragrance I need to respect everything I’ve done in the past to come up with a new scent which can be blended with those that came before it. My idea for creating fragrances is to not mix too many elements together, just a few clear and pure notes, to match the Italian spirit. Because of this it can take more than three of four years to create each new fragrance as we have to form the new scent on its own, but we cannot introduce it to the family until it respects and complements all the existing fragrances.

Q What is the best Culti fragrance to begin with if you are new to the brand?

A Tessuto is one of the best fragrances to start your Culti journey with, it is the most popular fragrance thanks to its universal notes which appeal to everybody. It was created 30 years ago and at the time I had the idea I had been working in a textile factory and I was inspired by the scents behind silk and linen, so as a nose I captured the spirit of the materials in a single bottle. Once you are used to the Tessuto scent, you can then look at exploring the rest of the collection to discover your own personal blends. Tessuto can then be transformed into your own personal fragrance by layering it with other scents like Oderosae. We have now created fragrances that you can use for every season, for every place and for every moment in which we live. They are also fragrances that can be adapted for mood, and evolving tastes.

Q Can you tell us about your new fragrance, Oficus?

A As with all of our fragrances, Oficus was not created casually.

I had some experiences in Buenos Aires and southern Italy where I discovered the atmosphere that came from the fig trees which grow there. It is this ambience which I have captured in the bottles of the new Oficus fragrance.

56 essence-magazine.co.uk | JULY/AUGUST 2019

First you smell the skin of the figs, then after a few seconds the sweet inside is revealed. This is the magic of fragrances, the possibility to surprise. This fragrance can of course be matched with other scents from the collection such as Tessuto which will relax the strength of Oficus. Or if I want to make the scents of the south even stronger, I can combine Oficus with the bitter orange of Aramara to capture the sunshine’s energy.

Q What Culti fragrances do you use in your own home?

A I normally have four fragrances in my own home. The base is always Thé and Tessuto, then I change the other two depending on my mood and the season. For example, at the moment I am using Aramara too, and then I always have one fragrance that is completely different to transform the scent of a room whenever I wish which at the moment is Oficus, but this could change at any point.

Q How important do you think fragrance is for your home/ environment?

A I would say home fragrance is more important even than personal fragrance/perfume as we sleep, live and move both day and night in our homes, so choosing home scents shouldn’t be casual, they should be carefully considered. Culti, is not just a brand, it is a culture to live by. v essence INFO

Websites: www.culti.com, www.amara.com This article first appeared in The Lux Pad

Timeless luxury...individually tailored

st agon riors ard at

eir

es are e are wing to

n be. d finishes gbone eme is th a ssical

al End and e station uare and m

Finding your next home...

BARNES Private Office www.barnes-london.com

Knight Frank www.knightfrank.co.uk

Trenchard-Arlidge www.trenchardarlidge.co.uk

John D Wood www.johndwood.co.uk

Curchods www.curchods.com

Broadway and Parsons Green takes Grosvenor Billinghurst 17 minutes to Oxford Circus and just www.grosvenorb.co.uk half an hour to Canary Wharf.

Heathrow Airport is 32 minutes away from nearby Hammersmith Underground.

Aspire Fulham has a vibrant mix of shops, www.aspireluxuryproperties.co.uk restaurants and bars, whilst Bishops Park and the river provide some peace and quiet. Nearby Ofsted ‘outstanding’ rated schools include Fulham Cross Girls School, London Oratory School as well as APW Lettings independent schools such as Fulham www.apwproperty.com Prep School.

For further information please contact Octagon on 020 8481 7500 or Strutt & Parker on 020 7731 7100.

Waterfords www.waterfords.co.uk

Octagon 020 8481 7500 | OCTAGON.CO.UK www.octagon.co.uk

16/02/2018 58 essence-magazine.co.uk | JUL/AUG 2019 17:22

8 High Street, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 3DY Telephone: 01932 588288

essence

PROPERTY

Silver Birches £2,175,000 Fairmile Copse Lane

A spacious, highly specified home, built in 2009 by Consero Homes and located in the prestigious Fairmile area, close to Reed’s School.

Silver Birches is a traditionally built, six-bedroom, five-bathroom family home, designed over three floors.

On the ground floor there is a generous entrance hall leading to a drawing room, family room, kitchen/dining room, study, utility and cloakroom. The entrance hall also provides access to the integral double garage.

The first floor comprises five bedrooms, three of which have en-suite facilities, and a family bathroom.

The master bedroom also benefits from a dressing room. There is a sixth bedroom on the second floor, as well as a large cinema/games room and another bathroom. To the rear there is a well-maintained garden with a heated swimming pool. A gate provides direct access to Reed’s School playing fields.

The location of Silver Birches is convenient for both Oxshott Village with its local shops, railway station and the ACS. Oxhott train station is within walking distance and this is also an excellent commuter location with the A3 giving access to Central London, M25, Heathrow and Gatwick airports.

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 59

8 High Street, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 3DY Telephone: 01932 588288

Eaton Park Road ÂŁ3,495,000 Cobham

A modern, immaculately maintained family home, located in one of the most sought-after private estates in Cobham.

To the second floor, there are two further bedroom suites, one having the added benefit of a kitchen.

Exceptional ceiling heights and large Georgian windows continue throughout. A bespoke staircase runs through to the top of the house and is lit up by the roof light above.

The house is set back and has a generous amount of parking and an integral double garage. A solid wooden gate and mature planting offer total privacy. The northwest facing garden has recently been landscaped. It has an irrigation system and a designated area for a fire pit/ barbecue, casual dining and seating. There is a hidden trampoline area and further recreational space to include a two-hole putting green.

Ground floor accommodation comprises a lounge with gas fire, dining room, office, family room, kitchen/ breakfast area, garden room with bi-fold doors to the garden, a utility room and cloakroom. Flooring downstairs has travertine tiles, only the media room is carpeted. Both the kitchen and utility rooms have granite worktops.

The four bedrooms on the first floor all have en-suites.

The master bedroom suite includes a lounge area leading through to a large dressing room with walk-in wardrobe and an exceptional bathroom.

The High Street and Cobham & Stoke d’Abernon train station are both just over a mile away. Fantastic schooling is in abundance with many private schools nearby, including Danes Hill and The ACS International.

A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES

FIVE OAKS, WOODLANDS ROAD WEST, WENTWORTH ESTATE, VIRGINIA WATER, GU25 GUIDE PRICE £3,250,000

Five Oaks is a wonderful six bedroom residence which sits proudly in a private and elevated position behind electric gates and gardens of approximately one acre.

Six bedrooms, five reception rooms, six bathrooms, off street parking, double garage, secondary accommodation, 6,920 approx. sq ft.

EPC rating: C.

ASHWAN, CHRISTCHURCH ROAD, VIRGINIA WATER, SURREY GU25 4PJ P.O.A

Ashwan is a magnificent, detached family home completed to an outstanding level of specification, including Crestron controls, Chesneys fireplaces, Stepevi carpets and heated granite driveway.

This luxurious, well-proportioned, ten-bedroom residence is set over four floors. Ashwan is approached through electric gates across a large driveway creating ample parking and leading to an underground ten car garage with remote control door opening.

EPC rating: C.

SUNNINGDALE | 01344 291639 sunningdale@winkworth.co.uk

winkworth.co.uk/sunningdale

OFFICES IN LONDON, THE COUNTRY AND OVERSEAS SEE THINGS DIFFERENTLY

Cadogan House Cadogan House is a beautiful, classically-designed eight-bedroom home with indoor pool, set in 1.2 acres of landscaped gardens on Surrey’s Wentworth Estate.

At the end of a private road behind electric gates sits Cadogan House – a home for entertaining on a grand scale. The imposing double-height entrance hall features a bespoke timber staircase with cast iron balusters linking the ground and first floor. secondary staircase and six-person passenger lift serve all floors.

The drawing room, with seating for fourteen, is divided into three areas: a reading area with Edelweiss self-playing piano, main seating area with bespoke Regency-style chimneypiece and a garden area bathed in sunlight throughout the day. The drawing room has windows to all four aspects and access to the gardens and terrace. The comfortable family sitting room, with intimate corner sofa and contemporary wing chair, has a deep blue colour scheme contrasting with the lighter colours of the drawing and sitting rooms. A wet bar with fridge and ice box ensures guests are well-served. The dining room is the epicentre of the house: Delicate turquoise panelling is offset by hand-printed Chinese wallpaper. A high-gloss walnut dining table sits beneath a chandelier from Soho Home. At the end of the enfilade is the south-facing study. The kitchen features appliances from Gaggenau and Bosch around an oversized granite island.

The 12m pool is lined with Italian ceramic tiles which enhance the crisp, clean lines of the architecture. The gym has a large picture window looking over the east garden. Massage and shower rooms complete the pool complex.

essence INFO

BARNES Private Office Telephone: +44 (0)20 7935 5797 Chris Maclean or Alex Newall Email: bpo@barnes-international.com Website: www.barnes-privateoffice.com

In the centre of the master bedroom suite – some 1,200 sq ft – a fire within a bespoke limestone chimneypiece provides a focal point. Hand-painted wallpaper from Hong Kong and fabrics from Lelievre of Paris and Colefax and Fowler of London accentuate the calm space. Her dressing room has over 10 metres of hanging space and a shoe room for accessories. In her master bathroom, Botticino marble walls and floors are accentuated by the rare British limestone ‘Stoneycomb’, quarried in Derbyshire. Wallpaper from Hermes completes the look. His dressing room provides nearly ten metres of hanging space. A signature desk from Decca in Macassar Ebony and American walnut give a comfortable opportunity for late-night working. In his bathroom, Botticino marble is accentuated by the deep New Saint Laurent marble vanity worktop and feature shower wall, providing an elegant and rich harmony.

Cadogan House has three distinct gardens: An entertaining lawn shaded by four betula albosinenses and the majestic parottia persica; The southern lawn provides a level surface of some 100 sq m; Hidden behind a row of thuja plicatae, lies a pond and woodland garden where an extensive mixture of quercus and pyrus calleryana chanticleer have been planted. The main terrace and formal lawn face due south, ensuring sunlight throughout the day.

62 essence-magazine.co.uk | JULY/AUGUST 2019

JULY/AUGUST 2019 | essence-magazine.co.uk 63

A handsome Edwardian family home.

1

5

3

3

2 Guildford, Surrey GU1 Located on the sought-after Ennismore Avenue, the property is a truly charming family home that has an abundance of character, natural light and period features throughout.

• • •

Detached garage and parking High ceilings Approximately 0.47 miles from the high street

Our Guildford experts, Morten Boardman and James Ackerley, look forward to helping you. morten.boardman@knightfrank.com 01483 665932

Guide price

£1,275,000 knightfrank.co.uk Connecting people & property, perfectly.

A very adaptable country house.

1

6

3

2

2 Seale, Farnham, Surrey GU10 A beautiful country house set in an enviable rural location, offering very flexible accommodation over two floors, with the majority of the rooms on the ground floor. drawing room with doors to the garden and an open fire.

• • •

40 ft kitchen/breakfast room 3 acres Tennis court

Our Surrey expert, Tim Harriss, looks forward to helping you. tim.harriss@knightfrank.com 01483 665932

Guide price

£1,925,000 knightfrank.co.uk Connecting people & property, perfectly.

Benner Lane, West End, Surrey GU24 9JQ • £700,000 Situated in the highly desirable village of West End, this period detached residence dates back to 1905, occupying a stunning southerly facing plot, measuring in excess of 175ft and with potential to modernise and extend STPP.

School Road, Windlesham, Surrey GU20 6PB • OIEO £800,000 This recently extended and modernised four/five bedroom detached residence provides 1,587 sq ft of accommodation and benefits from a wealth of period features, luxury open-plan kitchen/diner, ample parking and rear garden ideal for entertaining.

WATERFORDS CHOBHAM • 32 HIGH STREET, CHOBHAM, SURREY GU24 8AA • 01276 903300 • WATERFORDS.CO.UK

APW Lettings, Weybridge 134 Oatlands Drive • Oatlands Village • Weybridge • Surrey • KT13 9HJ t: 01932 857300 e: weybridge@apwproperty.com Office hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm. Saturday 9am to 5pm

www.apwproperty.com Rydens Avenue, Walton-on-Thames, KT12 £5,250 per calendar month Available: 8 August 2019 Number of bedrooms: Six Superb, modern family home built to a high specification, conveniently situated within walking distance of Walton Station and High Street.

Set over three floors, boasting six bedrooms, five bathrooms, three receptions and a stunning modern kitchen/breakfast room. The property is approached via electric gates leading to the driveway and integral garage and offers a secure rear garden.

Stafford Square, Weybridge, KT13 £2,350 per calendar month Available: 31 July 2019 Number of bedrooms: Four Walking distance to Walton and Weybridge stations, Oatlands Village amenities and Weybridge High Street.

Beautifully presented family home offering three double bedrooms, refurbished family bathroom and master ensuite bedroom. Renovated eat-in kitchen/breakfast room with bi-fold doors to secure/enclosed rear patio and garden. Also benefits from a double garage in block.

Divisional Managing Director Berkeley St Edward, Paul Vallone, comments: “Many people aspire to live in a London village, especially one with an established community as bustling and lively as Wimbledon. The exceptional ambience of this popular location is abuzz with tennis fever this time of year adding to the appeal of these outstanding homes.”

July sees Berkeley Homes launch The Mansions, a new collection of classic contemporary apartments. Superbly situated in Copse Hill minutes from Wimbledon village with its array of cafés, boutiques and sporting facilities, these homes give buyers the opportunity to enjoy an enviable lifestyle close to a chic London village.

The Mansions comprises a choice of spacious one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments and penthouses, priced from £549,950.

Open-plan living areas feature floor-to-ceiling windows that allow the space to fill with natural light which is further enhanced by a private balcony or terrace. Residents benefit from secure underground parking, a concierge service, residents’ gym and private cinema. The Mansions are set against a stunning backdrop of meadows and picturesque parkland and are arranged around a beautifully landscaped garden square.

Quirky and full of charm, Wimbledon Village has long been one of London’s most popular hotspots. Along its pretty streets are an eclectic mix of artisan stores, independent shops, cafés, restaurants and bars set among stunning period buildings.

The wonderful open space of Wimbledon Common is a short stroll away, perfect for enjoying a leisurely walk, running or cycling.

The common has many sports facilities, including riding, cricket and football, and is also home to The Royal Wimbledon Golf Club.

From Wimbledon station, trains to London Waterloo by national rail take just 17 minutes and by District Line tube, services reach London Victoria in around 30 minutes. Heathrow and Gatwick Airports are both around a 40-minute drive away, via the nearby A3 and motorway network.

For more information or to make an appointment to view the show apartment call 020 8003 6139 or visit the-mansions.co.uk.

Courtlands Avenue, Esher • £1,750,000 • EPC: E

Situated in one of Esher’s most popular private roads and sitting in grounds of approximately a third of an acre, this spacious detached family home o ers in excess of ,000 sq ft including four double bedrooms, three bathrooms, lounge, snug, study, utility and wonderful open plan kitchen/dining/family room. carriage driveway to the front and wonderful secluded garden to the rear make this a delightful home for entertaining, scope to enlarge STPP. There is access via a path to the picturesque West End village area with pub, cricket green and arsons arm.

Fir Tree Close, Esher • Guide price £2,250,000 • EPC: E

Situated on a si eable plot in a popular Esher cul-de-sac is this spacious, detached, family home. The property o ers approximately , 00 sq ft of exible accommodation including five bedrooms, three bathrooms, two receptions, study, kitchen/breakfast room, dining room, utility and double garage. urther scope for significant enlargement, sub ect to the usual planning consents. Esher town centre is close, o ering an array of boutiques, restaurants, Everyman cinema and the main line train station providing routes in to ondon Waterloo in under 0 minutes.

ESHER 01372 462211 • WWW.JOHNDWOOD.CO.UK

OXSHOTT

£1,245,000

A four-bedroom family house in delightful, secluded south west backing garden approximately .3 acre. Cul-de-sac location, approx. 1.5 miles Oxshott station.

Three reception rooms, extensively fitted kitchen/breakfast room. Ensuite bathroom and family shower room. Double garage. Detached pool house with heated jacuzzi and resistance pool.

JOINT SOLE AGENTS

COBHAM GRANGE

01932 864242

£425,000 and £440,000

TWO INDIVIDUAL FIRST FLOOR APARTMENTS approx. 200m from shopping centre. Hotel-style entrance hall and residents’ clubroom, landscaped rear garden and basement parking. Hall, lounge/dining room. Well fitted kitchen. Two double bedrooms. Ensuite shower room and bathroom. Vacant possession.

SOLE AGENTS

01932 864242

OXSHOTT

£695,000

Extremely well renovated Edwardian semi-detached house, walking distance of station and shops. Large hall, two reception rooms. 12' x 11' kitchen with Raeburn.

Three bedrooms. Re-fitted bathroom. 116ft. south east backing garden. Potential for extension.

SOLE AGENTS

01932 864242

Estate Agents in Cobham, Stoke D’Abernon and Oxshott for over 80 years

omputer-generated image

Autumn launch for Broadoaks Park Bringing an exclusive homes to Surrey’s wellctagon s and customary e cellent each Parsons Greenstandard, takes Kim comments; “This is my first inished toBroadway The fourth floors are home tocollection a family of 125 connected est yfleet, ctagon evelopments has announced home will be fitted with high specification fittings, the latest 17 minutes to Oxford Circus and just opportunity to work with Octagon bathroom and the additional double the release of the first phase of homes at its flagship development, home technology and contemporary kitchens and bathrooms. half an hour to Canary Wharf. since founding my luxury interiors bedrooms, each featuring built in roadoaks ark, which will launch this eptember.

Heathrow Airport is undergoing 32 minutes aaway company, and to come on board at wardrobes and two also enjoying est yfleet town centre will be significant from nearby Hammersmith concept stage is exciting, en-suites. eaturing two-bedroom apartmentsthe and three, four and fivere-development pro ect the s heer ouse will be replaced allowing tobe create a truly bedroom houses, the lu ury housebuilder will us also releasing a with a newUnderground. mi ed use scheme centred around landscaped Innovative outdoor space includes the offering two bedroom isted lodge house, a uni ue opportunity walkways. isting amenities include a aitrose and rows of aspirational home to show their Fulham vibrant mix of shops, covered lower courtyard gardens, to purchase a piece of the site s e tensive history. independent caf s has and a restaurants, whilst the asingstoke anal potential purchasers. and bars, whilst landscaped space to the front and and ey restaurants avigation provide pictures ueBishops walks. ocated minutes from est townBishops centre and train Park and the river provide some Row townhouses are rear, as well as private balconies andyfleet s“The which regular in services into ondon large aterloo in ustso we are Guide prices will start at £625,000 forOfsted a two-bedroom apartment, peace and quiet.

Nearby surprisingly inside, terraces. station, The pièce deruns résistance minutes, when complete, roadoaks ark will offer one to from £800,000 for houses and there is two-bedroom ‘outstanding’ rated schools ainclude focusing on creating free flowing outdoor living comes in the form of si -bedroom lu ury homes. longside new-build, there will Listed lodge house at £495,000. Register your interest at Fulham Cross Girls School, London spaces within the show home to the roof top terraces from Plots 8 and be carefully restored, refurbished and converted homes from www.broadoakspark.co.uk, or contact Octagon on 020 8481 7500.

Oratory School as well as demonstrate how flexible the 9, which give residents unbeatable e isting isted buildings, including a red-brick Grade isted independent schools such as Fulham different rooms and levels can be. views towards the River Thames. mansion, original lodges, and a coach house, which will be Prep School.

Using sophisticated tones and Plot 9 willconverted also feature to all floors. intoasiliftbeautiful apartments. textures, from greys, bronze finishes For further information please Launchingetthe within Plotscheme in Showhome acres, the low density residents will andensures woventhat leathers to herringbone contact Octagon on 020 8481 7500 1 in early be February, Octagon brought able to en oy the e tensive landscaped grounds inprints, this popular and geometric the scheme is or Strutt & Parker on 020 7731 7100.

Kim Harvey of Kim town.

Harvey Interiors commuter contemporary and elegant with a onboard to create an aspirational tailored finish, inspired by classical Tim anks, of ctagon, comments e are delighted to scheme within the London British building style and history.” be broadening ctagon s offering through such a diverse omputer-generated image townhouse. In addition to the high range of properties at roadoaks ark. The collection of homes Bishops Row offers exceptional quality finishes and specifications showcase the e tensive skill we have developed over the past transport in to the West End and synonymousyears, withranging the Octagon name, from intricate restoration worklinks to purpose-built the City.

Nearby Putney each room has been given a personal apartments. ur signature landscaping will run throughout theBridge station provides access to Sloane Square and feel, withwhole bespoke cabinetry and hand site, offering pictures ue outlooks and wonderful communal green spaces.

London Victoria, whilst Fulham sourced artwork throughout.

020 8481 7500 | OCTAGON.CO.UK

INNOVATIVE FABRICS F

ounded in 1990 with a passion for innovation and a philosophy to offer the ultimate collection of luxury outdoor furniture, Indian Ocean continues to break design boundaries in the use of many different fine materials, pioneering an environmentally-sound future for the industry.

Indian Ocean offer advice on furnishing the smallest balcony, country garden or super yacht, together with a complete design and planning service to make the most of any space.

Pimlico Club Chair from £875

New Outdoor Collection

Now available from Indian Ocean is the Pimlico Club Chair and Marina Lounger upholstered in the new Outdoor Collection, in collaboration with Romo. Combining contemporary style with practicality and durability, Indian Ocean is now offering a unique collection of outdoor fabrics from Romo. A desirable mix of intriguing geometrics and statement designs create an inspiring arrangement of characterful decorative weaves. This playful collection brings invigorating colour combinations and exciting textures to outdoor settings.

essence INFO

www.indian-ocean.co.uk ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Marina Lounger from £1,755

72 essence-magazine.co.uk | JULY/AUGUST 2019

Abel

London’s Premier Mover Moving London’s Finest Homes

Request your moving consultation today by calling 020 3582 3291 London Office: Abels Moving Services, Commercial Way, London, NW10 7XF

Abels - Full Page London 210x275.indd 1

home@abels.co.uk | abels.co.uk

21/05/2019 13:33

T H E U LT I M AT E DESIGN

BUILD

At Octagon, we have over 40 years experience and an unrivalled reputation for building spectacular, one-of-a kind homes to the highest standard of luxury. Our discreet bespoke service takes clients on a journey from planning stages through to handing over the keys, with our in-house experts on hand every step of the way.

Whether an Arts and Crafts country home, inner-city apartment or Georgian inspired townhouse, our team of architects, interior designers and project managers help clients realise their dream homes. Whether you have a piece of land already secured, wish to replace an existing property or completely renovate your current home, Octagon Bespoke can help you transform your vision into something truly unique. Bespoke projects start from ÂŁ1m.

020 8481 7500 | OCTAGONBESPOKE.CO.UK

STU7461_OCTAGON_ESSENCE_BACK_COVER_AD_AW.indd 1

17/06/2019 16:49