essence Issue 61

Cove61_Layout 1 01/05/2015 09:26 Page 1

www.essence-magazine.co.uk

Ad_Final.pdf

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

1

30/04/2015

15:15

TOURBILLONS

lalique.com

Lalique ad.indd 1

27/02/2015 15:00

1/2PP Adverts May_Layout 1 01/05/2014 15:52 Page 1

2 www.essence-magazine.co.uk

Editor_Contents_61_Layout 1 05/05/2015 14:39 Page 1

May 2015

Quality versus quantity More leaflets than ever are being shoved noisily through letterboxes in the hope of provoking a response to this year’s General Election contest. This never-ending stream of woodfibre seems to indicate that sheer quantity is winning over quality.

At essence we prefer the latter and perhaps our political parties could learn a lesson from Goldfinch Pianos, a company which creates some of the most unique versions of this sublime instrument. They do so for international clients and cater for individual tastes and whims, working in conjunction with renowned artists to produce stunning instruments that are works of art in their own right.

Also in this issue, we visit Mumbai, certainly the wealthiest and perhaps most western of India’s cities. Continuing the travel theme, we take a sojourn in Mallorca’s forgotten interior to view a world of crumbling castles and soaring mountains that provide a wealth of adventure activities.

The sporty Audi TT Roadster provides a tantalising glimpse of what motoring could be like during the long summer days to come; and, with the seasonal temperature change, Anita Feron Clark offers some style advice to put a spring into everyone’s step.

The usual selection of the best in food, travel and events will provide plenty to keep readers occupied as spring blooms.

The essence team

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

www.essence-magazine.co.uk 3

Editor_Contents_61_Layout 1 05/05/2015 14:39 Page 2

14

Travel

Hanna Lindon discovers crumbling castles, soaring mountains and oodles of adventurous activities on a trip to Mallorca’s spectacular interior. Often overlooked, the island’s interior possesses some inspiring sights that are a real must to see and experience.

Motoring

20

Euan Johns examines Audi’s all-new TT Roadster. With the roof down, the Roadster truly shows its sports car credentials and enables comparisons to be made with some of its more costly competitors.

4 www.essence-magazine.co.uk

Art

8

Goldfinch Pianos is a unique company offering an almost limitless selection of shapes, sizes, colours, materials and textures for its bespoke instruments. In collaboration with artists, Goldfinch produce some stunning works of art in their own right.

Food

28

Crates Local Produce chooses current seasonal offerings, including radishes, new potatoes, Coeur de Boeuf tomatoes and rapeseed oil, with recipes to try and enjoy.

Editor_Contents_61_Layout 1 05/05/2015 14:39 Page 3

Contents May 2015

24Style

Personal stylist Anita Feron Clark offers ideas to spruce up and put a zing into that all important spring look. This transition season can be a tricky time of year when it comes to our wardrobes, but help is on hand.

34Restaurant review

Nick Harman seeks and finds three London restaurants to set the taste buds alight without breaking the bank.

40Legal

Pippa Beesley a construction partner at Mundays looks at contract requirements when substantial building works are carried out on a property.

42

Finance

Finance Simon Lewis advises us to ‘Keep Calm and Carry on’, as whatever the outcome of the General Election things will not change a great deal as far as people’s investments are concerned.

44Education

Michael Connolly, headmaster at Cranmore School, West Horsley, discusses the importance of sport in the school curriculum.

48Long haul

Rebecca Underwood travels to India’s wealthiest city, Mumbai, and finds it be a mixture of old and new that transfixes the mind and delights the senses.

54 60

Events

Linda Seward’s detailed diary of the best of what’s on in theatre, music, exhibitions, arts, sports and countryside over the coming weeks.

Architecture

Ralph Guilor Architects’ recent project in an area of outstanding natural beauty in the Cotswolds brought into play all the design acumen gleaned from years of experience to satisfy stringent planning laws.

62Interiors

Jenny Allan looks at the trend for cinema rooms and takes us through the process of creating a wonderful cinema room of our own.

64Antiques

Jane Brown, of auctioneers Fryer & Brown, explains how the expansion of the internet has enabled the auction market to ‘go global’ and achieve best prices for clients.

32

Artisan food Shirlee Posner sources local niche producers and introduces readers to a friendly, family run farm shop, plant nursery and newly opened café, Elm Nursery and Joe’s Farm Shop.

essence team Acting Editor: Andrew Guilor Contributing Editor: Louise Alexander-O’Loughlin Publishing Manager: Rebecca Peters Production Manager: Linda Seward Designer: Sharon Smith Senior Designer: Jason Mayes, telephone: 01932 988677, email: editor@essence-magazine.co.uk Advertising Manager: Andrew Peters, telephone: 07980 956488, email: marketing@essence-magazine.co.uk Advertising Sales: telephone: 01932 988677 email: marketing@essence-magazine.co.uk Advertising Sales Executive: Nadine Schioldan, email: nadine@essence-magazine.co.uk Contributors: Hanna Lindon, Michael Connolly, Rebecca Underwood, Anita Feron Clark, Pippa Beesley, Simon Lewis, PJ Aldred, Shirlee Posner, Jennifer Sutton, Naomi Diamond, Euan Johns

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 is posted by Royal Mail to 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, London hotels and Heathrow airport lounges.

Design and production www.domino4.co.uk

MAY COVER www.essence-magazine.co.uk

© Maple Publishing 2015

Close up of Goldfinch Pianos’ custom-made crystal Steinway.

Courtesy of Goldfinch

www.essence-magazine.co.uk 5

London 020 8675 4808 www.indian-ocean.co.uk

IOTC DPS May.indd 2

16/04/2015 14:24

IOTC DPS May.indd 3

16/04/2015 14:24

essence art

Goldfinch hits high notes

Imagine your very own custom-built piano. A one-of-a-kind piece of contemporary British art, meticulously handmade using materials of unparalleled quality and precision-tailored technology. Whether for your personal enjoyment or as a truly extraordinary centrepiece, Goldfinch pianos are so much more than music... >

8 www.essence-magazine.co.uk

Goldfinch history Goldfinch, part of 1066 Pianos, is a family-run, Cambridge-based business that has been building some of the world’s finest pianos for over 40 years. Founder JR Norman was a physicist and concert piano-tuner who became dismayed at the high cost and poor construction of master-built pianos, and so applied his mind and scientific rigour to the traditional art of piano making.

Quickly becoming world-renowned piano makers, Goldfinch offered customers the chance to design their dream piano, a treat the company still prides itself on today.

Pianos are priced from £100,000 to £1,000,000, and creations include The Leaking Piano, a 40 inch work of art in Copenhagen which appears to ‘drip’ over three floors; The Louis XV, a reborn Steinway piano from the late 1800s, and The Baby by Based Upon, an innovative marriage of glass fibre, timber, brass, pigmented resins and liquid metal inspired by spiral patterns in nature.

The Baby by Based Upon, priced at £475,000, is a spectacular piano hand-sculpted by www.basedupon.com, a London-based artist studio, renowned for its unique and innovative contemporary British art – and fitted with a Goldfinch piano.

www.essence-magazine.co.uk 9

essence art

G

oldfinch’s custom-made crystal Steinway piano was commissioned by a wealthy Middle Eastern client and took a painstaking six months to build with every crystal carefully applied by hand. The musical artwork was constructed in collaboration with British contemporary artist Lauren Baker, renowned for her distinctive skull art installation in Tate Modern.

Goldfinch is a unique piano company offering an almost limitless selection of shapes, sizes, colours, materials and textures for its bespoke instruments. Hand built by a small artisan team in Cambridge, each piano can be installed with self-play ‘invisible controls’ allowing the piano to ‘play itself’.

The dazzling crystal piano is a stunning one-of-a-kind statement instrument showcasing the combined artistic skills,

essence info Websites: www.goldfinchpianos.com www.laurenbakerart.com

10 www.essence-magazine.co.uk

meticulous attention to detail and design ingenuity of master craftsmen, all of which has pleased director Tomas Norman. “It’s been a delight to bring another customer’s dream to reality,” he says. “We love nothing more than blurring the lines between timeless tradition and contemporary British art, but it’s not all about good looks – our craftsmanship is combined with cutting edge technology for that seamless finish and ultimate musicality.” Goldfinch’s work has attracted connoisseurs in major cities worldwide, including Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Sydney, Istanbul, New York, Paris and Dubai, and the company is very happy to indulge any personal tastes. l

Artist Lauren Baker Lauren is a British contemporary multidisciplinary artist who exhibits internationally. Recent work explores light, space, the after-life and other dimensions. She’s created installations at Tate Britain, directed the windows of Selfridges and her sculptures sell in Harrods.

Passionate about animals and conservation, Lauren is an ambassador for Save Wild Tigers and her artwork has raised over £50,000 for the charity to date.

She is renowned for her work using reflective material, including the world’s first infinity mirror coffin at Tate Britain, a seven foot mirrored geometric ‘Portal to another dimension’. Her creations include painted and embellished human resin skulls, animal skulls and sculpted animal heads. Lauren has been inspired by the time she spent in the Peruvian Amazon.

Following the success of her workshop and skull art installation at Tate Modern in July 2012, Lauren was invited by Tate Britain to host a largescale workshop. Her most intricate work, The Crystal Tigress, is a life-size tiger head sculpture encrusted with 52,000 Swarovski crystals. The artwork fetched a five figure sum at auction for Save Wild Tigers.

www.essence-magazine.co.uk 11

OCT_013_EssenceMag_Bespoke_275hx420w_FFNH_v1.indd 2

16/04/2014 09:23

Designed with you in mind.

Imagine a new house that is designed especially for you, tailored to your needs and budget, incorporating all the style and f lair you have always wanted.

With over thirty years’ experience in building exceptional, award winning properties, who better than Octagon to make your dream home a reality, and what’s more, one that is delivered on time.

To discuss your wish list, please call or email John Pope, our Bespoke Director on 020 8481 7500 or email johnp@octagon.co.uk

www.octagonbespoke.com

OCT_013_EssenceMag_Bespoke_275hx420w_FFNH_v1.indd 3

16/04/2014 09:23

essence travel

Mallorcan magic

14 www.essence-magazine.co.uk

All images © Spanish Tourist Board

Mallorca’s spectacular interior is perhaps often overlooked, but it does possess some inspiring sights that are a real must to see and experience. Hanna Lindon discovers crumbling castles, soaring mountains and oodles of adventurous activities on a spring trip to the island.

T

he medieval town of Alaro is secreted away into the mountains of central Mallorca, hemmed around by an amphitheatre of towering limestone peaks.

It’s less than half an hour from the bright lights of Palma and Magaluf – but there’s not a hint of the world made infamous by Sun, Sex and Suspicious Parents up here.

The few bars and restaurants that nestle discreetly in the narrow streets off the main square are focused around lip-licking local food rather than boozing and brashness.

Almond trees clad in candyfloss-pink blossom dot the verdant fields around the town, and the air smells enticingly of sun-parched herbs.

It was early evening when my partner Guy and I rolled into Alaro in our pint-sized hire car. The sun was sinking over the mountains and the temperature had dropped from baking to pleasantly warm. In the town square, a rustic panorama of old stone buildings centred around an exquisite church with locals nattering beneath shady restaurant parasols. The whole place hummed with contentment and there wasn’t a tourist to be seen.

“This isn’t what I imagined when you suggested Mallorca,” said Guy, rolling down the window so that the smell of home cooking drifted into the car. “Isn’t it supposed to be a huge package destination?”

Mallorca’s reputation as a tourism hub is based on the big beach resorts of the southwest coast. Visitors in search of sun, sand and nightlife make a beeline for this cramped corner of the island, leaving the rest almost completely free from tat and tourist trappings. The mountainous interior is particularly rich in both local culture and natural beauty, which is why we’d chosen to base ourselves inland.

Alaro can trace its history back to the Islamic period.

The town’s ancient castle – the Castillo de Alaro – was built in the thirteenth century and its ramparts still ramble majestically across the cliffs of the Sierra Tramuntana. As soon as we’d dropped our bags off at our cosy apartment, we hopped back in the car and made the winding trip up to the restaurant that sits just below the castle: possibly the best place on the island to watch the sun set. >

www.essence-magazine.co.uk 15

essence travel

Es Verger restaurant is housed in a scruffy old farmhouse and specialises in scrumptious local cuisine that will have you clammering for seconds. Rick Stein visited a few years ago and left claiming that the restaurant served: “the best lamb I’ve ever tasted, cooked in an oven that’s got to be a hundred years old.” We had the flavoursome paletilla cordero, along with rather too much excellent red wine, and decided to leave the hour-long hike uphill to the castle for another day.

Next morning was a scorcher. Guy declared it to be too hot for sightseeing, so we breakfasted on the veranda and pored through the guidebook trying to find a beach that was easily accessible and yet not likely to be paved with sunloungers. Magaluf, Palma and El Arenal were quickly ruled out for their package patina. Instead, we opted to brave a slightly longer drive to experience the golden sands of Port de Pollenca.

This scenic town still has its fair share of overseas visitors – nowhere with a sandy beach this perfect would be able to avoid attracting a few fans – but the vibe is far more relaxed and less garish than in some of Mallorca’s notorious hot spots. The horseshoe bay here is fringed with golden sand and overlooked by mountains, and there’s a smattering of excellent restaurants along the waterfront. Our favourite was Tolos, a hit with visiting cyclists thanks to a slightly random affiliation with Bradley Wiggins who is apparently a regular customer. Neither of us are members of the Lycra brigade, but we certainly appreciated the homemade pizzas, the giant paellas and the effusively friendly staff.

Back at Alaro that evening, we slowly began to realise that our sleepy little town was – there was no other word for it – posh. Our relaxed meanderings around the historic centre unearthed side streets packed with grand historic houses and a sprinkling of upmarket boutiques. The local supermarket was well stocked with organic food, and there was a health food store-cum-vegan café with a menu so delicious that it tempted us in for dinner. Ecosenalla turned out to serve dishes good enough to convert even confirmed meat lovers to flesh-free cuisine. We had vegetable paella and vegan tapas followed by a melt-in-the-mouth apple tart.

Alaro’s only must-do tourist experience is the two-hour strenuous uphill hike from the town to the 800 metre-high

16 www.essence-magazine.co.uk

Go explore...

Getting there: Several budget airlines serve the airport at Palma, including Ryanair (www.ryanair.com), easyJet (www.easyjet.com) and Jet2 (www.jet2.com). Return tickets are frequently on offer for under £100.

castle. In hot weather, the best way to tackle this scenic walk is to get up with the lark and be at the summit before temperatures begin to soar. We took a picnic breakfast and made the fifteenth century ruins by 9am, allowing plenty of time to gawp at the riotously lush scenery behind us and the imposing limestone peaks ahead. It was a glorious walk, although we couldn’t help but be a tad jealous of the group of riders who passed us breezily on their traditional Andalucian horses. There are several riding centres in Mallorca that organise treks like this, including Unicorn Trails and Hipica Formentor, and it’s a novel and exciting way to explore the island.

An alternative, if you don’t fancy walking or riding, is simply to take the car. It’s possible to drive up to Es Verger and hike to the castle ruins from here. Or, if even that short walk is too much, try the superbly scenic drive over the mountains from Alaro to Bunyola, taking in the full knockout beauty of the Sierra Tramuntana before continuing to one of the idyllic little villages of the north west coast – Banyalbufar, Estellencs and Deia are all barely-known gems.

For thrill-seekers, Mallorca is a famous climbing destination. Alaro has one of the best climbing crags on the island, tucked away behind a line of fragrant forest close to Castell d’Alaro. When we’d explored the castle and its tiny chapel – and heard the gruesome story of how two medieval heroes of Mallorcan independence were burned alive on a spit after defending the fortifications against Alfonso III of Aragon – we headed to this secluded little crag for an afternoon of sun-soaked climbing. If you’re new to the sport but fancy giving it a crack then Rock and Ride offer courses around the Tramuntana mountains and the coast.

There’s even the chance to try deep water soloing – an adrenaline-heavy activity where the intrepid climb ropeless on sea cliffs with the deep blue sea shimmering below.

Deep water soloing was an adventurous step too far for us, but we still managed to pack excitement and activity into that short trip – not to mention some much-needed relaxation and plenty of mouthwatering meals. If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten track destination with bags of beautiful scenery, history in spades and outdoor activities to entertain the whole family, this Mediterranean jewel should be at the top of your wish list. l

Getting around: A line-up of international hire companies serves the airport and the major towns, but it’s possible to travel from Palma to Alaro and beyond by bus (find details of routes and timetables at www.tib.org). Taxis are impractical if you’re keen to explore the mountains, but a good option for short distances.

Try www.majorcacabdriver.com or www.easymajorcataxi.com When to go: July and August are too hot to do anything but lie on the beach, but outside the prime summer months temperatures are generally perfect for exploring. The spring almond flowering season in February is particularly scenic, although it can be a little on the chilly side. In mid-spring and autumn, visitors can combine adventure activities in the mountains with afternoons spent lounging on the beach.

Where to stay: We booked a basic but comfortable apartment through Mallorca Activities (www.mallorca-activities. com), which specialises in accommodation and activities for outdoorsy folk. Looking for a more luxurious option? I’d recommend Mallorca Farmhouses (www.mallorca.co.uk) with its range of unique, off-the-beaten track casitas and country estates.

Where to eat: We enjoyed delicious meals at Es Verger (+34 971 18 21 26), Tolos (+34 971 86 40 46) and Ecosenalla (+34 971 51 82 93). There is also an impressive line-up of five Michelin-starred restaurants on Mallorca, including Es Molí den Bou in Sa Coma (www.esmolidenbou.es), Plat d’Or in Son Vida (www.sheratonmallorcagolfhotel.com) and the beautiful and secluded Es Raco d’es Teix in Deia (www.esracodesteix.es).

Top attractions: Rock climbing with Rock and Ride (www.rockandride-mallorca.com) and horse riding with Unicorn Trails (www.unicorntrails.com) or Hipica Formentor (www.hipicaformentor.com) are both exciting ways to explore.

Alternatively, why not hire a bike from Pollensa Cycling (www.pollensacycling.com) and see the island from two wheels?

Guidebooks: All the usual suspects produce guides to Mallorca, but Lonely Planet (www.lonelyplanet.com) and Rough Guides (www.roughguides.com) are two of the most comprehensive options.

Find out more: See the regional tourism board’s website (www.illesbalears.es) for additional information.

www.essence-magazine.co.uk 17

product focus KZW luxury pet furniture collection A love of dogs combined with a penchant for couture design led Princess Katalin zu Windischgraetz to combine a high standard of hygiene with absolute comfort in her designs for luxury, unique pet furniture.

Built with top quality wood, Katalin zu Windischgraetz’s creations are designed in a Marbella studio before handpicked Andalusian carpenters give shape to the product. Final stages involve intricate artistic handpainting of the pet beds and upholstery, along with the sewing and embroidery of top quality mattresses and covers. Each bed comes with two removable covers, easily washed and replaced.

This is not a ‘one size fits all’ solution for all dogs, hence the collection includes a wide range of pieces adapted for all breeds weighing up to 55kg. Furniture includes beds, sofas, mattresses and toy boxes with numerous different designs inspired from the sixteenth century Baroque up to twenty-first century contemporary styles.

The design structure of the pet furniture has been endorsed by vets and incorporates high quality, breathable foam mattresses and side rests. Mattresses have viscoelastic memory foam on the top side, to mould themselves to the pet’s shape.

Katalin zu Windischgraetz’s products provide the perfect addition for those looking to add luxury to their homes for their pets, whilst matching any interior design scheme.

Prices start from £949.

KZW Pet Interiors’ products are available online at: www.kzw-petinterior.com or contact +34 952 822 212.

18 www.essence-magazine.co.uk

Page 19 JH Lighting Bruce Doggy Daycare Adverts Issue 61_Layout 1 30/04/2015 14:49 Page 1

LIGHTING TO INSPIRE PRIVATE LIGHTING CONSULTANT

JOHN HODGSON LIGHTING SHOWROOM AND

IN-HOME LIGHTING CONSULTANTS Designer: Liz Hodgson MSc Lighting Design Mobile: 07946502170 www.johnhodgsonlighting.co.uk

“London’s Best Small Business 2014”

01932 798806

www.brucesdoggydaycare.co.uk www.essence-magazine.co.uk 19

essence motoring

20 www.essence-magazine.co.uk

Audi Roadster’s As the weather warms, thoughts of motoring through lanes in a sports car, top down with the wind ruffling the hair, make an involuntary and fleeting entrance into our psyche. Euan Johns examines Audi’s soft-top offering this year.

T

he open top, two-seat sports car is a classic concept, and the result of some clear thinking from Audi is the all-new TT Roadster. Strange as it may seem, the original thought process behind the development of the TT was for an open car. The fact that the Coupé has always preceded other models to date is owing to orders from on high; it’s therefore good to see the original intent coming through loud and clear in the Roadster. It allows the true sound and feel of the car to be experienced in a more intimate way that may be missed when the car has its hat on.

The new Roadster has a lot of aluminium in its construction and that includes the entire outer paneling. The obvious advantage of this is some good mpg figures and low emissions, especially on the diesel version (65.7mpg and 114g/km CO2). The TTS version eats the ground up in achieving up to 62mph in a respectable 4.9 seconds. It does so using an enhanced version of the two litre turbocharged engine of the TT. Power is sent to all four wheels through a six speed gearbox and delivers it all in a surge of thrust.

The big turbo does have a drawback; it’s slow to start this process and then delivers a surge >

www.essence-magazine.co.uk 21

essence motoring

“From the first generation on, it’s been a sports car for the senses – a driving machine with an authentic design. With the new TT Roadster, we have developed this concept and further improved the technical experience with innovations such as the Audi virtual cockpit.”

Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, board member for technical development, Audi of power that can take the driver by surprise.

This is easily smoothed out by choosing comfort mode for an all together more sedate ride, although we’re not in saloon car territory here. The opposite of comfort is extreme and this is most appropriate for flat, dry road conditions.

The car has a clean, crisp and unfussy appearance that somehow appears minimalistic, and that’s continued through to the interior. The Audi virtual cockpit is based around a 12.3 inch high resolution LED display, completely filling the instrument panel and replacing analogue dials.

For the techie, there’s a high speed internet option available via Audi connect that uses the latest high speed LTE (long term evolution) communication.

Compared with the Coupé, the Roadster’s body has been modified in some important areas. Back seats are absent and in their place are aluminium A-pillars concealing a second steel pillar in their interior, which in turn houses a solid steel tube. Vshaped steel struts reinforce areas underneath the engine and luggage compartments. In the TT and TTS Roadster a solid wall consisting of two box profiles separates the interior from the

22 www.essence-magazine.co.uk

luggage compartment. The upper area of this wall houses the rounded roll-over bars.

TTs were also originally designed as lifestyle cars rather than out and out sports cars. So, comparing them to the nearest opposition, which by all accounts (according to Audi) is the Porsche Boxster, is not quite apples with apples. Any decision will rest on how much potential purchasers are of a purist sporty persona. The more lifestyle TT is easy to become accustomed to and will suit as many people as it doesn’t.

There’s little to choose between the two if money is no object (the Porsche is far more expensive), it’s just down to personal choice.

This car has been available to order for a while, but deliveries in the UK will only start in June, so there will not be any thundering down lanes until then. The price tag is pretty reasonable, starting at just under £32,000 for the Ultra Sport through to the top of the range Quattro S line for another £6,000.

Obvious to say, it’s a car for the summer when drivers can lower the roof (which can be carried out on the move at up to 30mph).

Only then, and free from its hat, can the Roadster truly show its sports car credentials and enable comparisons to be made. l

essence info Website www.audi.co.uk

Books1pp_Layout 1 30/04/2015 14:36 Page 1

ebooks essence ebooks

Alpine Trials and Rallies – 1910-1973

by Martin Pfundner RRP £9.49

M

artin Pfundner, born in Vienna in 1930, took part in seven Alpine Rallies in the 1950s, and became clerk of the course for the first and second Austrian Grand Prix (Formula One) at Zeltweg (1963/64).

Alpine Trials and Rallies is Martin’s third book on the history of motoring and motor sport, for which he is well prepared as cofounder of Vienna’s monthly Autorevue and editor of Automobile Year’s German language edition.

The predecessors of today’s international rally sport, the alpine trials and rallies of 1910 onwards were an incredible test of endurance for early pioneers and their cars.

Becoming ever more international, the event would continue in various forms until 1973. This book, written by a seven time alpine rally competitor, is an in-depth history of this incredibly demanding event.

Illustrated with unique photographs and images of rally medals and trophies, this is an excellent book for the rallying enthusiast.

ISBN: 9781845846732 Print equivalent ISBN: 9781904788959 Published by Veloce Publishing Limited www.veloce.co.uk

Bluebird CN7 – The inside story of Donald Campbell’s last Land Speed Record car

by Donald Stevens RRP £18.99

D

onald Stevens was born in the East End of London, but grew up in Haywards Heath, the Sussex market town to which he was evacuated in 1939. In his early teenage years, Donald became fascinated by aeroplanes and other machines and, on leaving school, began training as a mechanical engineer. At 19, he joined designers Norris Brothers Ltd as a design draughtsman on the Bluebird K7 hydroplane. After completing his National Service in the RAF, Donald rejoined the company to work with the two chief designers developing the specification for CN7, and he later became project coordinator for its construction.

Since the early 1920s the name Bluebird

has been synonymous with world speed record breaking on land and water, driven first by Sir Malcolm Campbell, then his son Donald, and latterly by Donald’s nephew Donald Wales.

This book is the story of the design and construction of the fastest of the Bluebirds, the Campbell-Norris 7 (CN7). This car, now resident in the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, is the most sophisticated design ever produced for a wheel-driven record breaker. Using methods and materials developed for the aircraft industry, the CN7, given suitable running conditions, was capable in 1960 of a speed exceeding that produced by the wheel-driven record holder nineteen years later.

ISBN: 9781845848293 Print equivalent ISBN: 9781845842802 Published by Veloce Publishing Limited www.veloce.co.uk

www.essence-magazine.co.uk 23

essence style

Ready to put some

zing into spring?

S

pring has officially sprung! Now is the time to refresh our style: however, this transition season can be a tricky time of year when it comes to our wardrobes, so if any readers feel they need assistance to ensure they’re ready, whatever the weather, then the Feron Clark Style inbox outfit service could be just what is needed.

For just £149, a personal style file of 25 items, chosen by me to suit personal body shape, colouring, style personality and lifestyle, will be provided. That’s just over £5 an item – a small price to pay for expert advice to help fill a wardrobe with clothes personally styled. For more details, please see my website (www.feronclarkstyle.com).

In the meantime, my top five tips to revive wardrobes are a great place to start:

1. Earn your stripes Nothing says spring like a classic Breton top – this look returns every year and will always be a spring staple. How stripes are worn will depend on personal body shape. A neat hourglass can get away with stripes top and bottom, whereas a triangle shape should wear horizontal stripes on the top half to draw the eye upwards. Inverted triangles and rectangles should choose vertical stripes to show off flat hips and bottoms. For curvier body shapes such as full hourglass and oval, stripes work best as accessories, such as statement bags or scarves. Our favourites are

by The Nautical Company.

24 www.essence-magazine.co.uk

Far left: Stripes courtesy Pinterest.

Bottom right: hair courtesy @Cherylofficial Instagram

Emma Barrow

Personal stylist Anita Feron Clark offers fashion inspiration for the improving weather.

2. Choose new shoes

4. Blaze a trail

Refreshing personal style can be as simple as changing shoes. From chic flats to laceups, platforms to bright statement shoes and everything in between, there’s so much choice this season. It’s not quite sandal weather yet, so go for a closed toe that can be worn with trousers or a skirt to the office, or with denim for a more casual look.

Pointed flats add a sophisticated edge to any look. The pointed toe elongates the leg (try floral flats by Anthropologie), but beware of ankle straps if your legs are shorter (Next has some lovely silver flats).

A classic ballet pump (try French Sole) or a brogue-style shoe (available from Dune) will complement shorter legs. Bright blue heels (take a look at Jigsaw) add a pop of colour to liven up any outfit.

Invest in a classic blazer this spring – dressed up or down, it will double as a coat.

It doesn’t have to be smart and tailored if your lifestyle is quite casual – try soft linen for a more relaxed look as in blazers by Massimo Dutti.

3. Layer it up Light layers are the key to warmth without the bulk of winter woollies. Cashmere jumpers and cardigans are perfect and also a great way of adding some colour. Pure Collection has a great range of cashmere in beautiful colours as do Marks and Spencer.

Thin thermal tops under blouses and dresses are also a good spring staple.

5. Go for the chop For those who want a real change, a new haircut is one of the quickest ways to revamp the appearance. Celebrities including Cheryl Cole, Myleene Klass, Alexa Chung and Caroline Flack are doing it, so why don’t you?

The hairstyle of the season is either a ‘lob’ (a long bob that sits on the shoulders) or a blunt bob: both can be worn sleek and straight, or with waves. Just check with a stylist first to ensure the style chosen will suit face shape, style personality and lifestyle. Short hair can appear to be low maintenance, but it often requires daily styling and more frequent trips to the hairdresser. l

Š Stryjek | Dreamstime.com

essence info Anita Feron Clark With almost 20 years in the fashion industry: 12 years as a senior clothing buyer for Marks and Spencer and Austin Reed, four years as a lecturer in fashion buying and merchandising at The London College of Fashion and over seven years running a business, Feron Clark Style, Anita is able to impart practical advice in a fun and engaging way.

For more information contact 07799 856544 or e-mail anita@feronclarkstyle.com Website: www.feronclarkstyle.com

www.essence-magazine.co.uk 25

Adverts_Flavour_Layout 1 29/11/2013 11:03 Page 2

thomaspink.com SPRING SUMMER PRINTS AT THOMAS PINK

Food_4pp_Layout 1 30/04/2015 14:34 Page 1

essence food

At their best... right now Seasonal and local food offers taste, health and even economic benefits. Crates Local Produce highlights the amazing seasonal produce available from our region.

C

rates Local Produce is located centrally within the historic market town of Horsham and bursts with fresh, seasonal food sourced directly from local producers. For more details see www.crateslocal.co.uk. Follow on Twitter @crateslocal or Facebook page Crates Local.

Radish It is something of a surprise that the radish is of the same family as cabbage, but it should not be that surprising it is an edible root. There are many varieties, differing in size, colour and ‘heat’. We mostly see small, round and red radishes on supermarket shelves, but many greengrocers and markets extend beyond just the traditional Cherry Belle. More tubular is the French Breakfast with a white tip and mild flavour, whilst Easter Egg is available in a mix of colours and is more peppery.

One of the largest radishes is the Daikon, also know as Mooli. It is a white radish at over a foot long with a mild flavour, but crunchy so makes a great addition to any salad or stir fry and is good when pickled. The Daikon cooks well, as do many radishes which often gets overlooked.

Try roasting, grilling or even caramelising to make a perfect accompaniment to fish or meat. Choose firm radishes for use in salads, but don’t worry if they soften before use as they will still cook well. Image © Threeart | Dreamstime.com

New potatoes The most famous of all new potatoes is the Jersey Royal. It is protected by a PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) ensuring the variety can only be commercially called Jersey Royal if grown on the island itself. There is no doubt that a good crop of Jersey Royals is delicious, yet delicate, but the potatoes tend to be more flavoursome further into their short season. One reason they command such a high price is due to the steep, sun-drenched slopes on which the Jersey Royals are grown so crops mostly have to be harvested by hand rather than mechanically.

There are plenty of other really good varieties of new potato, one in particular is International Kidney which is the same variety as the Jersey Royal but grown elsewhere. This is a favourite grown at Morghew Park Estate in equally sun blessed Kent. The Estate also produces Swift and both varieties appear a good couple of months after the Jerseys, although they’re well worth the wait. Image © Duncanandison | Dreamstime.com

28 www.essence-magazine.co.uk

Food_4pp_Layout 1 30/04/2015 14:34 Page 2

Coeur de Boeuf tomato Whilst the English outdoor tomato season is not quite underway, specialist local growers have already started harvesting delicious, flavoursome varieties from their glasshouses. One such variety is a true giant, the Coeur de Boeuf, also referred to as Beefsteak, but a true Coeur de Boeuf is one of the most unusual looking tomatoes, heart shaped with large folds. It translates literally as ‘heart of ox.’

This tomato uniquely ripens from the inside out, so even when still greenish it will be ripe in the centre and, as the skin gets redder, the whole tomato intensifies in flavour. They can weigh as much as 400 grams, therefore just one big beast will happily feed a whole family. With a firm flesh, very few seeds, little water content and great flavour, this is a versatile choice and partners well with soft cheese, in a gourmet burger, stuffed or simply sliced on a plate, drizzled with oil and balsamic to show off its beautiful structure. Image © Pipa100 | Dreamstime.com

Rapeseed oil At this time of year, a high proportion of our fields are bright yellow with rape in full flower. The yellow fields have been around for years, long before we turned to rape oil for culinary purposes. Rape was primarily grown as a ‘break crop’ in rotation before cereals were grown again in the field. However, since we have discovered the merits of this golden oil being high in omegas 3, 6 and 9, vitamin E and half the saturated fat of olive oil, its production has vastly increased.

The oil has a more nutty flavour than the fruity taste of olive oil. It also reaches far higher temperatures before burning making it a great all rounder from salad dressing right through to frying, and has an especially good flavour when used for roasting. Just like olive oils, the quality of rapeseed oils differs enormously and the best remains cold pressed, extra virgin that preserves all the natural health benefits with a delicious flavour and golden colour. There are also geographical variations in taste and one of our most local producers, Sussex Gold, has been producing award-winning oils, dressings and even rapeseed based mayonnaises for many years.

Image © Pipa100 | Dreamstime.com

>

www.essence-magazine.co.uk 29

Food_4pp_Layout 1 30/04/2015 14:34 Page 2

essence food

Quail with caramelised radishes www.crateslocal.co.uk Serves two as a main Ingredients: Four quails One lemon Four bunches fresh radishes, small round or small tubular variety Two shallots Two cloves garlic Two tablespoons rapeseed or olive oil One tablespoon butter One teaspoon honey Seasoning Method: • Preheat the oven to 200°C/gas mark 6 and prepare the quails by washing, patting dry and putting a quarter of lemon inside each bird. Place in an oven-proof shallow casserole dish.

• Wash, dry, trim and cut in half the radishes.

• Heat the butter in a pan and, once bubbling, add the honey and seasoning before adding all the radishes, garlic and shallots. Lightly brown. Add all to the casserole dish ensuring to brush the honey butter mixture over the quails.

• Cook for 20 minutes until the birds are a golden brown colour.

• Serve with any combination of additional vegetables and potatoes or even couscous.

Mustard potato salad with ham www.crateslocal.co.uk Serves two or four as a side Ingredients: 600g new potatoes 100g of thickly sliced ham Six spring onions, finely chopped Handful chopped chives Half cup mayonnaise – try Rapeseed for flavour and colour Half cup sour cream or crème fraîche Two teaspoons wholegrain mustard Two teaspoons Dijon mustard Method: • Wash (and scrub if required) potatoes rather than peel and cut into half or quarter depending on size.

• Boil or steam the potatoes just until you can easily put in a fork, but try not to over cook. Allow to cool or just to become warm and dry.

• Mix the mayonnaise with the cream or crème fraîche, mustard and spring onions • Fold in the cooked potatoes in a large bowl or dish, sprinkle on the chives and serve with the ham.

30 www.essence-magazine.co.uk

Food_4pp_Layout 1 30/04/2015 14:34 Page 3

Simple Coeur de Boeuf salad www.crateslocal.co.uk Serves two Ingredients: One large Coeur de Boeuf tomato Two tablespoons butter Course sea salt Ground black pepper Method: • Slice the tomato from the crown down, around one centimetre thick.

• Lay onto a plate or serving dish and sprinkle with both the salt and pepper.

• In a small saucepan, slowly melt the butter until it bubbles, keep it swirling until it browns, but be careful not to burn it: a nutty aroma should rise and this will be enough.

• Pour over the slices of tomato and serve immediately while the butter is hot with rustic bread.

Chocolate & beetroot cake www.crateslocal.co.uk Makes one loaf cake Ingredients: One large beetroot 200g plain flour Three eggs 100g cocoa powder One tablespoon baking powder 250g light brown Muscovado sugar 200ml Rapeseed or sunflower oil 100g dark chocolate (70% or more), chopped small Two teaspoons vanilla extract Handful glacé cherries Icing sugar or chocolate buttercream to top Method: • Cook beetroot by boiling for around 20 minutes, peel when cool enough to handle and then allow to fully cool. Heat the oven to 190°C/gas mark 5.

• Add the beetroot, roughly chopped, to a blender or food processor and chop into smaller pieces.

• Add the eggs, flour, baking powder, vanilla and cocoa powder and blend together well.

• Slowly add in the oil and then stir in the chopped chocolate and roughly chopped cherries.

• Pour the mix into a lined loaf tin (900g-one kg size) and bake for an hour. Test with a skewer, ensure it comes out of the middle clean and turn out on to a rack to cool.

• Either dust with icing sugar (to remain a butter-free cake) or top with a simple chocolate buttercream icing..

essence info Crates Local Produce 24a Carfax, Horsham, West Sussex RH12 1EB Telephone: 01403 256435 Website: www.crateslocal.co.uk Follow on Twitter @crateslocal or Facebook page Crates Local

www.essence-magazine.co.uk 31

Artisan_1pp.V2_Layout 1 30/04/2015 14:27 Page 2

essence artisan food

DOWN O N T H E

FARM

Shirlee Posner of Eat Surrey seeks and finds the best small food producers, restaurants, cafés, pubs and shops, publishing a weekly review on her website. This month, she introduces us to a friendly, family run farm shop, plant nursery and newly opened café, Elm Nursery and Joe’s Farm Shop.

T

his story starts in the mid 1980s when Rita Thorpe, mum to Emma and Katie, decided she wanted a bigger back garden. The small farm she bought with her late husband just happened to be a going concern housing a popular farm shop.

When a large supermarket opened down the road in Burpham, the farm shop trade disappeared overnight. Rita realised she had to change tack, and being an adaptable person with a keen interest in horticulture, she read every plant growing manual she could find. With a newly developed set of green fingers she launched Elm Farm Nursery.

Up until a few years ago, the farm shop just had a few eggs, some pet food and jam for sale. Its direction changed when local farmer Joe popped in to propose to Emma, but it was meat not matrimony on offer.

He has a small-holding where he rears beef cattle and he needed to find a retail outlet. In addition he had some pigs and a few sheep that needed looking after. The idea appealed, and feeling the timing was right, they launched Joe’s Farm Shop at Elm Farm Nursery.

The shop has its own steady supply of freerange pork, beef and lamb, all traditionally reared, and whilst it’s not certified organic, it’s

32 www.essence-magazine.co.uk

as good as. I have been buying meat from Joe’s Farm Shop for the last five years and it never disappoints. Full flavoured from being matured properly and tender whatever the cut. This is a benefit from animals being humanely slaughtered and hung until top quality is guaranteed. Sausages are made for the shop at JL Butchers (rare breed specialists) in West Byfleet using Joe’s Farm pork. The shop also brings turkeys in from a farm in Oxfordshire for Christmas to complement its hams, sausages and beef.

Hogget is sometimes on offer and there is a barbecue range in the summer.

In addition to meat, Joe’s Farm Shop also stocks local milk and cheese (Norbury Blue, Dirty Vicar and a selection from High Weald) plus its own free range goose, duck, hen and bantam eggs.

Growing a small selection of fresh produce on site, in the summer there are freshly picked courgettes, squash, tomatoes and cucumbers for sale.

More recently, the shop has also been selling delicious meat pies supplied by local chef Jaqui Street. Using Joe’s Farm meat she has been baking wonderful savouries, sausage rolls, scotch eggs, pies and quiche to sell in the shop. This has been so successful that a

partnership has been formed and the Elm Kitchen Café is opening its doors in May 2015.

In a new purpose built space, the Café has a garden surrounded by rabbits, bantams, geese and ducks. It’s a great place for families to enjoy a hearty cooked breakfast, delicious lunches and hand-baked cakes for tea. You can also buy feed for children to nourish the chickens and bantams in the shop.

Keep your hopes levelled though when you visit. Elm Nursery and Joe’s Farm Shop is a relaxed family affair, bereft of highpowered marketing and slick advertising, but it is hard not to love it. Perhaps it’s because the chickens sometimes visit the shop, or because Rita, Emma, Katie and the team are always happy to see visitors. For me, part of the deal is the ethical food shopping providing local employment and a livelihood for the owners.

•

essence info Elm Nursery and Joe’s Farm Shop Sutton Green Road, Sutton Green, Guildford, Surrey GU4 7QD Telephone: 01483 755559 Websites: www.elmnursery.co.uk www.eatsurrey.co

Artisan_1pp.V2_Layout 1 30/04/2015 14:27 Page 3

PROVIDER OF

Pan fried pork fillet, with oven roast sweet potato chips and purple sprouting broccoli

T

his is the sort of meal I like to throw together on a Friday night if we have had a really busy week. I buy almost all my pork from Joe’s Farm as its full flavoured with a proper grainy texture. Making a white wine reduction with a spoon of something luxuriously creamy just adds a touch of celebration to the plate. Use regular spuds if you don’t like sweet and experiment with asparagus or whole green beans.

Serves two Sweet potato chips: Two large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into two centimetre squared chunks One tablespoon olive oil One clove crushed garlic Smoked sea salt and freshly ground black pepper For the pork: One pork fillet (approximately 275-300g), cut into two to three centimetre medallions Two cloves crushed garlic One to two teaspoons fresh chopped rosemary Salt and freshly ground black pepper Four to six tablespoons dry white wine 40g light or regular mascarpone

CREATIVE PR SERVICES, COPY WRITING & FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY TO ARTISAN FOOD PRODUCERS

Shirlee’s food reviews of independently owned cafes, restaurants, artisan food producers and farm shops in Surrey. A supporter of the local food movement with an aim to promote, support and champion their work.

I always tell a personal story by taking the time to meet the people behind the products or the brand.

Read my reviews here www.eatsurrey.co Twitter: @eatsurrey Instagram: @eatsurrey Telephone: 07917 891881 Email: eatsurrey@gmail.com

Pre-heat the oven to 200°C. 1. Firstly, prepare the sweet potato chips. Combine the garlic and olive oil in a bowl and add the sweet potato. Toss well to coat then tip onto a baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes.

2. Place the pork on a chopping board and beat with a meat hammer until it is one centimetre thick (or place the meat between two sheets of cling wrap and bash with a rolling pin). Sprinkle the meat with salt and freshly ground black pepper. When ready to cook the pork, put the broccoli in a steamer to soften.

3. Heat the olive oil in a heavy base pan with lid. Add the garlic and pork to the pan and cook for two to three minutes on either side. Sprinkle with rosemary and cook covered for five minutes.

4. To serve: divide the chips between two hot plates and top with broccoli.

Arrange the pork slices on top. Add the white wine to the pan in which the pork was cooked and turn up the heat to reduce the liquid. When it has reduced by half, stir in the mascarpone. As soon as the mixture bubbles remove it from the heat. Drizzle the sauce over the meat and serve immediately.

Shirlee Posner

Member of the Guild of Food Writers

www.essence-magazine.co.uk 33

RestaurantRev_4pp (original)_Layout 1 30/04/2015 14:40 Page 2

essence restaurant reviews

3 34 www.essence-magazine.co.uk

Image Š Steak & Lobster

London RESTAURANTS

Nick Harman unearths some interesting eateries in the nation’s capital city.

RestaurantRev_4pp (original)_Layout 1 30/04/2015 14:40 Page 3

All images on this page © Murakami Restaurant

Murakami Restaurant 63-66 St Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4JS wned and operated by Ukrainians, no Japanese chef in the kitchen and located in the traditional epicentre of serious food fleecing – Theatreland. Oh how the critics must be rubbing their hands with glee ‘this one writes itself!’

Well I’m no Japanese cuisine expert, and I’d say few non-Japanese are either, so judging a Japanese restaurant’s authenticity is not something I’d casually care to attempt. I can however say with some authority whether I like what’s on my plate or not.

Even I realise that Tom Yam soup is not actually a Japanese dish, but seeing it on the menu I ordered it anyway. And it was good, even if it had wandered off its usual culinary path.

Plenty of plump scallops, not the more usual prawns, plus a fine balance of sweet, sour and spice. It had vibrancy, aroma and colour and just about everything I like in a Tom Yam. The presence of coconut milk in a Tom Yam divides some people; it’s in the mix here and it works for me.

O

The design is fine: modern with lots of wood, all of it apparently sourced from the Ukraine, and with a fresh feel from walls of ubiquitous bare brick, but thankfully none of those filament lamps now everywhere.

Instead strange wooden stalactites, or is it stalagmites, I’m never sure, hang from the ceiling and one rear wall is apparently covered in a kind of moss.

Ordering is never easy in a Japanese restaurant, choice is usually overwhelming and Murakami’s menu is immense. Here confusion is avoided by the simple expedient of using lots of pictures, as well as a pre-set selection of plates, varying in price, of sushis, rolls and nigiri.

I picked randomly, having a vague idea of what I was doing, and ended up with some good, buttery salmon sashimi, seabass nigiri and maki rolls of varying sorts. Everything was as fresh as it has to be, and a lot fresher than some places I’ve been. The crunchy, golden flying fish roe on some of the maki was a

welcome contrast to the slipperiness of the filling and new style (sic) salmon sashimi with murakami sauce was a winner.

Murakami seems to fill a slot – decent priced, above average food for people probably just visiting London, or at least not after a destination restaurant. I liked it for what it is and have no problems with what it isn’t. www.katefrenchmarukami.com

www.essence-magazine.co.uk 35

RestaurantRev_4pp (original)_Layout 1 30/04/2015 14:40 Page 4

essence restaurant reviews

© Bloomsbury Street Hotel

Steak & Lobster Bloomsbury Street Hotel, 9-13 Bloomsbury Street, London WC1B 3QD t’s a funny thing about hotel restaurants, but if you carried me into one with a sack over my head I’d know instantly where I was as soon as it was taken off.

Usually it’s the clientele that give it away, the mix of young and old of no particular type, and then it’s the menu. In few other restaurants will you find such a global choice as you find in a hotel restaurant: pasta and sushi, pizza and paella etc.

Steak & Lobster only really offer two choices on the evening menu and you can probably guess what they are. Very few hotel guests will demand a larger choice. Steak and lobster is international food currency.

J and I however have come for lunch and we want something easy and affordable. The deal at lunchtime (12-5) is a selection of eleven dishes billed as neither starters nor mains, which was a bit confusing.

Needing more than one dish each, being hungry, we went for the most starter-like items – a lobster and brandy bisque, warm bread, Normandy butter, as well as

I

36 www.essence-magazine.co.uk

prawn and lobster cakes with a lime and coriander dressing.

Seeing as the waiter still had his pen poised expectantly, we also ordered a steak and caramelised onion focaccia with chips and chargrilled steak bites with dijonnaise. Did we want all four dishes brought at once? Well no, we didn’t, not really. The waiter raised a quizzical eyebrow at this.

The bisque went down well, powerfully flavoured and a generous selection of rolls and garlic butter padded it out nicely. The cakes were rather good, golden and crispy and not over-processed so they remained light and airy with enticing bits of prawn and lobster still clearly seen. The dressing lacked punch though.

Soon came the chargrilled steak bites with dijonnaise, which were indeed not much more than bites. J regarded this with some disappointment that increased when my chunky baps of steak arrived along with a pail of chips.

Yes, a pail and I’m afraid to say the baps were served on a fake sheet of newspaper. Fads take a while to reach hotel restaurants.

© Steak & Lobster

The meats were both quality steaks properly cooked, proper taste not cotton wool. My focaccia baps were very slippy slidy because of the onions and so my first bite saw all the contents rapidly leave by the rear entrance forcing me to laboriously, and messily, reassemble it all.

J looked on with amusement as he languidly speared another slice of his meat and tried to steal my chips when he thought my hands were full. I liked the chips, they were all random sizes and crunchy and fluffy and everything that I like chips to be. J thought they looked good and so ordered some for himself, however they never arrived.

Given the price, we had no real complaints.

A good value express lunch with food cooked without any particular élan but with professional expertise. A Ford Focus of restaurants: gets you where you want to be economically and in comfort, but doesn’t get the heart racing. www.steakandlobster.com

RestaurantRev_4pp (original)_Layout 1 30/04/2015 14:40 Page 5

Mayfair Pizza Co 4 Lancashire Court, New Bond Street, London W1S 1EY o, is it hot then?” asks J, pausing his first slice halfway to his mouth and studying my face closely. “Well it is a bit lively,” I try and say insouciantly, but the connections between brain and vocal chords seem to have been severed so I mime instead.

Something seems to be happening to the room, the walls have gone to a classic vanishing point and J looks like I’m viewing him through a fisheye lens. A voice in my head is yelling in panic, but a strange sort of detached calmness has come over me.

Mayfair Pizza Co has created what must be one of the hottest pizzas in the world. It’s made with fresh tomato and ‘Christ On A Bike’ sauce spread on a homemade base and topped with Nduja Italian sausage and spicy pork rib. Dried chilli flakes and smoked jalapeño powder are added alongside mozzarella and fresh scotch bonnets. Finally, the pizza is finished with burrata, peppery rocket and a drizzle of ‘For The Love Of God’ hot sauce.

Well we had to try it, especially after hearing that some tabloid journalist only made it to two

“S

slices before throwing in the napkin. What has happened to the press in this country?

What is surprising about this pizza is that it is actually very tasty. The Nduja is lush and the pork rib very good indeed. First you get all the flavour, and then comes the burn, cooled slightly by the burrata. Take it slowly and it’s bearable – just.

J decides that the main killer is the Scotch Bonnet, so scrapes some off a slice. I try the same and he’s right. Cranked down a notch the beast is semi tamed. “I feel like my eyes have been dry-cleaned,” says J after another bite, “everything seems sharper.” We decide this is a result of over-stimulated tear glands washing our peepers of London dirt.

We alternate slices of this pizza with a mild, inoffensive Truffle & Porcini Mushroom, Buffalo Mozzarella, Chopped Truffle, Parmesan, Truffle Oil pizza, which is a good counterpoint. It gives us a chance to check out the pizza base, which is just how I like it being crispy edged with some blackened burning and stiff enough at the centre to give you enough time to flip the ‘point’

© Mayfair Pizza Co: hottest pizza

back over itself before passing onto mouth.

We don’t, I have to admit, quite finish the fiery pizza; even with big glugs of West Country lager we can’t do it. We leave a small slice. But it’s more a result of eating too much of the other, plus starters, we’re actually full.

Full marks to Mayfair Pizza Co, the fiery pizza isn’t just a Man v Food gimmick, a pointless plate of hot sauce to be fed to an already dangerously sweaty American. It’s actually a very good pizza in itself and if I were them I’d keep it on the menu all the time for those of us that like it a bit hot and tasty.

Oh and yes we heard all the jokes about putting some loo rolls in the fridge before eating. Without being too specific, don’t worry.

It’s not hotter out than in. www.mayfairpizzaco.com

www.essence-magazine.co.uk 37

1ppDaisy_Layout 1 01/05/2015 09:16 Page 1

essence baking

Strawberries and cream cake

By Jen’s Cupcakery

W

ith strawberries almost in season, now is the perfect time to bake one of these classic beauties for friends and family.

Light as air strawberry rippled sponge encloses plump strawberries and whipped cream, best finished off with just a scattering of icing sugar and a few more pieces of fresh fruit on top. Simple, but spectacularly seasonal.

Ingredients: 250g Flora buttery (or unsalted butter but see Tip below) 250g caster sugar 250g self-raising flour One teaspoon vanilla extract Four large eggs A punnet of strawberries (and extra for decoration) Whipping cream

Method:

• Preheat the oven to around 180°C (160° fan).

• Grease and line two eight inch sandwich tins.

• Take around 170g of the strawberries and crush with a fork.

• • • • • • • • •

Tip: We have found Flora Buttery creates a really light, fluffy sponge that needs less beating and it won’t matter if you have forgotten to take the butter out of the fridge!

Then pass through a sieve until a lovely fresh purée is produced and set aside.

Cream the butter and sugar together until light and creamy in appearance and texture.

Add the vanilla extract followed by the eggs, one at a time.

Sift the flour into the mix and beat for a short while longer to ensure it is incorporated.

Spoon into the two baking tins and level with the back of a spoon.

Taking a small spoon, make five holes in the mix in each cake tin, down to the bottom of the tin, and fill with the strawberry purée.

Then, using a skewer, draw it through each part so that a swirled effect appears in the cake mix.

Place in the oven for around 25-30 minutes (depending on the oven).

Leave the cakes to cool in the tins for around ten minutes, then turn out on to a wire rack.

Whip up a lot of cream and then sandwich the two cakes together when cool.

Cover with a light dusting of icing sugar and then top with some of the larger, plump strawberries.

essence info Website: www.jenscupcakery.com Telephone: 07751 553106 Facebook: www.facebook.com/jenscupcakery Twitter: @jenscupcakery Blog: ilovejenscupcakery.wordpress.com

www.essence-magazine.co.uk 39

essence legal

Building contracts:

creating a firm foundation between the homeowner and suppliers Pippa Beesley is a construction partner at Mundays. Here she answers a question regarding building contract requirements for substantial building works to be carried out on a property.

Q

I am thinking of carrying out some substantial building works to my house do I need to have a contract?

Are there any standard form contracts available that I can suggest to my builder?

Are there any additional things I should be considering?

It is probably best to break this question down into three parts:

A

Do I need a contract?

A building contract, like any contract, is essentially an agreement by one party to do something for another for payment. It does not have to be written, but if it is not then how will you remember exactly what has been agreed and, in the case of any dispute, prove what has been agreed?

The terms and conditions of any building contract therefore should be recorded in writing so all parties know what has been agreed. The building contract will give you comfort and security of legal protection for your renovations and the investment you are making to your home. If properly drafted, it will also give you some protection against spiralling costs and ensure parties

are aware of what is expected and when, thus hopefully avoiding disputes.

A building contract is, however, only as good as the scope of works it describes so you will need to spend time considering what you want your builder to achieve, what each of you are responsible for, and for what price.

You will need to put in place instructions and drawings to monitor this which may involve appointing a designer (eg an architect) to assist you, and who may also be able to help administer the building contract.

The holy trinity for any building work is cost, time and quality. All of these need to be considered and documented in the building contract to give you some control over your project.

Are there any standard forms available?

There are numerous standard forms available on the internet. These include: JCT Home Owners or Minor Works Contract, RIBA Domestic Building Contract and Federation of Master Builders’ contracts.

It is important to consider which one is best for you as often complex contract terms

“For significant projects we would suggest you do retain a small percentage of each stage payment (the “retention”) the exact amount of which can vary depending on the complexity of the project...”

Pippa Beesley

40 www.essence-magazine.co.uk

are inappropriate for inexperienced parties.

Some of the contracts may also contain limitations that will need to be carefully considered and your legal adviser will be able to assist you in this regard.

Builders will sometimes want to use their own form of contract which will need to be carefully reviewed to check where the risks lie. We would recommend you seek legal advice to ensure that you are protected if the builder wants to use their own forms and this advice should also assist you in understanding how the contract works and the statutory obligations that will apply to both you and your builder.

What should you consider when deciding which contract to use?

When considering which contract to use there are a few questions you should be asking yourself to assist in making your decision and ensure you and your builder are in agreement on some important issues: l What is the contract value? Most contracts online will include a guide of the value of works for which they are appropriate, this can be used to help you decide on the most applicable. l Will there be stage payments or a lump sum to be paid on completion? Different forms will provide for different methods of payment. l Does the project need a professional consultant to administer it on the employer’s behalf? Some of the contracts require a contract administrator to be appointed which may be an additional cost that was not initially budgeted. This

© Kolotype | Dreamstime.com

may depend on the complexity of the project, the value and your own level of expertise. We would recommend for larger projects you do appoint a professional for example the architect who designed the works to oversee the development for you as they can be your eyes and ears on site and assist in keeping works on budget, on time and ensure the quality of the finish is maintained.

“A building contract can be complex and is governed by statute so many terms may be implied even if they are not specified.” l Who

is designing the works? Will the builder have any design responsibility? If so, this should be incorporated into the building contract and design obligations placed on the builder. If not then who is designing the works and do you have a contract with them? l Does the contract provide for retention? Has retention been agreed with the builder, if so this will need to be incorporated into the contract. For significant projects we would suggest you do retain a small percentage of each stage payment (the “retention”) the exact amount of which can vary depending on the complexity of the

project and can be discussed with your legal adviser. The retention will then be paid to the builder once all the works are completed and any defects are rectified, again the timing of which can be discussed with your legal adviser.

This is to encourage him to come back to rectify any defects in a timely manner. l How complex is the contract and will the parties be able to operate it in practice?

In order for the contract to work both parties to it must understand how the contract is designed to work. There is no point having a detailed contract if no one will be using it in practice.

In addition to these questions commercial considerations must also be thought through. For example the builder’s covenant strength (are any additional contracts required/available to protect your position should the worst happen and the builder goes bust – your solicitor should be able to advise you on this), who owns the copyright and will there be any damages for delay caused by the builder? Also ensure the contract contains provisions for any specific materials you require or that are required under your planning permission and that the site will be left in a clear and tidy condition after the works are completed.

A building contract can be complex and is governed by statute so many terms may be implied even if they are not specified. We would always recommend for substantial works you seek legal advice on the documentation to ensure your best interests are protected. l

essenceinfo Pippa Beesley is a construction partner in the Property department at Mundays specialising in non-contentious construction law and can be contacted on 01932 590621 or at pippa.beesley@mundays.co.uk.

This article is for information only, it does not intend to provide legal advice.

Mundays LLP accepts no responsibility for loss which may occur from reliance on information contained in this article.

For more information on property issues or to discover more about the personally tailored service Mundays can offer, please contact a member of the Mundays’ Property department.

Mundays LLP Cedar House, 78 Portsmouth Road, Cobham KT11 1AN Telephone: 01932 590500 More information about a range of property services can be found at www.mundays.co.uk

www.essence-magazine.co.uk 41

42 www.essence-magazine.co.uk

essence finance

Simon Lewis explains why investors should not panic, whatever the outcome of the UK’s General Election…

T

he only certainty of recent polls is that the outcome of the General Election is uncertain and if there is one thing that investors don’t like, it is uncertainty. It might therefore be fair to conclude that the coming weeks are likely to provide investors with a bumpy ride.

It is no wonder that the electorate is struggling to make up its mind. The last few weeks have heralded a bewildering and incoherent succession of promised giveaways to tempt fickle voters. Like a line of magicians frantically pulling rabbits out of hats in the hope of drawing applause.

Election campaigns have become so carefully stage managed, so laden with populist sound bites and so full of gimmicks that there has been very little debate about some of the more fundamental financial issues. It is such issues that predominantly occupy the thoughts of investors, remembering that ‘investors’ refers to a diverse group of individuals, institutions and governments around the world.

Whatever its political persuasion, there is no escaping the fact that government needs revenue to go about its business and implement its policies and such revenue is a simple determination of current tax receipts minus the cost of servicing existing debt.

The higher the debt, the higher the servicing cost, which means the more that needs to be raised from taxation if government spending is not to be reduced.

It is important to appreciate that this relationship is not simply linear. The higher the debt, the greater the risk of default, which in turn means the higher the rate of interest demanded by the country’s creditors.

In other words, the impact of additional government borrowing, over and above that deemed comfortably sustainable by financial markets is likely to be disproportionate in terms of the future cost to tax payers.

The difference in manifesto pledges between the main parties amounts to

£90 billion of additional national debt over the course of the next parliament. It must be remembered that the Government is already borrowing around £90 billion this year to meet current spending (the fiscal deficit) so debt is going to continue to increase unless a fairy godmother wins the election.

As described by the Chief Executive of the largest global asset manager, the UK is dependent upon the kindness of strangers, which reflects the fact that approaching half of the UK’s national debt is owned by overseas investors (creditors). It is evident that the Greeks do not enjoy being bounced around by their creditors and we have to think about whether we want to risk putting ourselves in a similar position, even if it is to a much lesser extent.

It is easy to become blasé about big numbers because politicians toss them around with abandon. However, there is no escaping the fact that £90 billion is a lot of money for a nation the size of the UK.

there is no escaping the fact that £90 billion is a lot of money Quantitative easing by the Bank of England (and other central banks) has acted to suppress interest rates and therefore reduce the cost of borrowing. In such circumstances, a prudent budgeter would use the reduction in interest payments to repay part of the amount owed.

However, it is easy to find excuses to justify imprudence. For example, the cost of government borrowing over 20 years is currently ‘only’ 2.4% per annum, so why not take advantage of cheap rates? The reality of course is that more money to spend now means less money to spend later. Even at 2.4%, additional debt of £90 billion equates to additional interest of £2.25 billion every year and this cost could easily double when the debt is refinanced on maturity.

Despite the above, global financial markets have many other anxieties to live with at present so in reality, we might be surprised by how muted the immediate reaction may be, beyond a modest slide in sterling if investors do not approve of the outcome.

So what are the factors that I think are going to have the biggest impact on UK investors over the course of the next six months?

In order of impact: Greek default – will they or won’t they?

US Federal Reserve monetary policy – will interest rates rise? l Eurozone economic growth – will it continue to recover? l Chinese economic growth – will it stabilise? l UK General Election – who will form a Government and what policies will be set out in the Queen’s speech? l l

Keep calm and carry on…l

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 46 years.

Simon is an independent financial adviser, 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 individual advice. To find out more about 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 Website: www.pmw.co.uk

www.essence-magazine.co.uk 43

Education_2pp_Layout 1 30/04/2015 14:37 Page 2

essence education

44 www.essence-magazine.co.uk

Education_2pp_Layout 1 30/04/2015 14:37 Page 3

Sport for all A

Michael Connolly, headmaster of Cranmore School, explores how to encourage and develop sporting enthusiasm and talent in children.

recent article in The Times analysed the performance of AB de Villiers who has been described as a ‘cricketing genius’. In fact, he is a great allround sportsman who was a phenomenal talent during his childhood playing rugby, hockey, football, tennis and much more to a remarkably high level.

It is interesting to contrast his experience with the modern trend which encourages children to specialise at a very young age.

Whilst it might appear to make good sense to support a child who shows a flair for a particular sport, there is much anecdotal evidence to indicate that for every child who makes it to the very top, far more have become disillusioned and lost interest through intensive coaching. This pattern has been identified in both school sport and in many of the clubs which operate at weekends up and down the country.

So how can we remedy this situation?

Well, we all recognise that children need a balanced programme of sport in their formative years which can be at school or through membership of a local club. It is from the opportunities to try a wide range of sports that most children identify which ones match their talents and real interests. In this way boys and girls are most likely to develop a lifelong love of sport which will bring them all the benefits of healthy living and social skills.

At Cranmore School we are committed to giving our pupils the opportunity to participate in individual and team games including football, rugby, cricket, tennis, swimming, golf, skiing and rowing. We are fortunate to have the facilities and staff expertise to support over 20 sports and many of our pupils achieve very high standards in competitions at a local, national and international level. However, more than that, we work hard to ensure our pupils really enjoy sport as we believe this is vital to sustain their interest and enthusiasm in the longer term.

Strictly speaking, it is never too early to introduce children to appropriate sports – we all know that many babies are really good swimmers before they can walk! Of course, it is all about the right balance and too much too soon might well have a detrimental effect on a child’s development. Parents need to exercise caution in not overloading their child with a diary full of sporting practices and matches as it can sometimes do more harm than good. This latter point has been picked up by the various professional bodies responsible for overseeing the development of young sporting talent.

A topic often hotly debated is the influence of competitive sport on children.

There was a time when the concepts of winners and losers had been virtually eradicated from the vocabulary. One can never lose sight of the importance of sporting etiquette – something which is often lacking within professional sport today, particularly with some of the football stars on TV – but the competitive dimension is a feature of sport which most children relish. It is no secret that independent schools have never abandoned their commitment to competitive sport and the outcome is clear with a significant number of their alumnae going on to compete at national and

international levels. It might be claimed that these schools have an inherent advantage as their facilities for sport are usually good if not outstanding. That stated, it is reassuring to know such investment is being put to good use to develop not only the sporting stars of the future, but pupils who just want to get better at what they do. So, a plea to all those adults involved in coaching children in our schools and local clubs: Roger Uttley, who ran sport at Harrow School as well as managing the England Rugby Team suggests: “The job is not just about how we can make the best pupils better, but what we can do to encourage and build selfconfidence in the majority who may not be particularly talented but who have the right to be encouraged, to be shown how to improve, and to achieve.” 1 1 Physical Education and Sport in Independent Schools edited by Malcolm Tozer.

•

essence info Cranmore School Cranmore School educates girls from two and a half to seven years and boys from two and a half to thirteen years. It is committed to providing a balanced curriculum which can develop each child’s potential.

Telephone: 01483 280340 Website: www.cranmoreprep.co.uk

www.essence-magazine.co.uk 45

Q U I N T E S S E N T I A L LY T R AV E L

THE TAJ MAHAL PALACE, MUMBAI, INDIA Stay in a Deluxe or City View Room with daily buffet breakfast, upgrade on arrival (subject to availability), ÂŁ70 hotel credit & early check-in/late check-out.

Picture used for purpose. Terms & Conditions apply.

From £136 per night for 2 people To book this offer please contact Quintessentially Travel on +44 (0)20 7022 6560 or email info@QuintessentiallyTravel.com & quote ‘ESSENCE’.

Q U I N T E S S E N T I A L LY T R AV E L . C O M

essence long haul

Mesmerising

Mumbai

Mumbai, formerly Bombay, is the fascinating Indian capital of the state of Maharashta. This bustling city is an overwhelming, colourful swirling maelstrom of more than 18 million people: Rebecca Underwood falls under its spell.

Fruit stall on footpath, Mumbai © Paul Prescott | Dreamstime.com

M

umbai is the wealthiest of India’s cities and offers an intriguing insight into a rich, vibrant culture and enthralling history. The gentle nature of the local people, known as Mumbaikars, ensures a warm welcome for visitors from near and afar.

Perhaps the most striking monument is the Gateway of India. Designed by George Wittet and located on the waterfront in the Apollo Bunder area, it was completed in 1924 and commemorates King George V and Queen Mary’s 1911 visit to Bombay. The yellow basalt arch reflects the Indo-Gothic style and stands 85 feet high. It was the first structure to come into sight for passengers arriving at Mumbai by sea. In 1947 India achieved independence and the last British troops marched through the Gateway, signalling the end of the British Raj. Today, the Gateway of India is the city’s most popular tourist attraction. Once a ceremonial entrance to India for visiting dignitaries, tourists today are keen to pass by the arch in the footsteps of royalty and to announce their arrival to bemused locals.

Another popular attraction, which opened in 1923 to commemorate King George V’s visit to India, is the magnificent Prince of Wales Museum, also designed by George Wittet. The museum’s 60,000 exhibits include a wide variety of Hindu and Buddhist sculptures, collections of porcelain, intricately carved jewellery boxes, glittering coins, delicate snuff bottles, silk and brocade textiles in striking colours, an assortment of carpets, miniature paintings and exceptional examples of decorative art.

48 www.essence-magazine.co.uk

To view another popular site, hop on the ferry from the Gateway of India and visit Elephanta Island, the site of the Elephanta Caves: a fascinating network of five Hindu and two Buddhist caves. The Hindu section features magnificent rock cut stone sculptures which date back to the fifth century and represent the Shiva sect. The Great Cave was once a Hindu place of worship and presents carvings of Shiva reaching more than sixteen feet in height. In 1987 the caves were recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Victoria Terminus railway station, now renamed Chhatrapti Shivaji, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This fabulous building in the Bori Bunda area was designed by Frederick William Stevens and reflects Victorian Gothic architecture and the style of the traditional Mughal. Built in 1887 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee, it is absolutely breathtaking and the fact that three million commuters jostle for space on the overcrowded trains every day provides an insight into life in the city.

For those with a taste for adventure, the best mode of transport is the auto rickshaw, a small three-wheeled vehicle surprisingly effective at negotiating the smallest vacant space in a long line of traffic. It’s a hair-raising, bone shaking experience and travellers are sure to feel at the heart of the action.

Be sure to visit the flyover bridge at Mahalaxmi railway station to be rewarded with a spectacular view of the Dhobi Ghat. Said to be the world’s largest open air laundry, it is the place where the laundry men, or >

www.essence-magazine.co.uk 49

India Tourism/Mumbai

India Tourism/Mumbai

Elephanta Caves

Chhatrapti Shivaji

Š Radiokafka | Dreamstime.com – children in Mumbai photo

essence long haul

: top ti.tpoursbylocals.coamnctoe

dv ww Visit w ivate tour in a liable r re p a a f k o ce boo e. assuran le local guid e th d b n l a a e g ic d th se a owle and kn pany promote or made il a m This co nd provides t rs are a ito tourism s. Website vis wn o ie r ir a e r e th ct itin e to sele te prior welcom d communica r tour, e n guide a g. Rates are p budget, a in k to o r o e b d to be kin ceed at their n a c h whic n pro itors ca and vis . ce own pa

ITC Grand Central’s Fredrick’s Lounge

India Tourism/Mumbai

The Gateway of India

Dhobis, work furiously side by side washing enormous mounds of laundry for Mumbai’s hospitals, hotels, local homes and businesses. The Dhobis stand in a concrete pen, filled with water, alongside a flogging stone, and the slaps of the linens and clothes are audible as they are washed by hand. Established in 1890 and owned by the municipal council, the Dhobis pay rental for the pen space and families have been living and working there for generations. In 2011 the Dhobi Ghat was featured in the Guinness Book of Records when it was noted that 496 Dhobis were washing clothes simultaneously in one location.

For weary travellers seeking the ideal place to stay and keen to take advantage of the highest standards of comfort and service, head for the ITC Grand Central located in Parel. This beautiful hotel, surrounded by lush verdant gardens, is inspired by the grandeur of

50 www.essence-magazine.co.uk

old Bombay’s British Colonial architecture and it is a tranquil haven away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Accommodation is spacious with contemporary furnishings, rich fabrics and comfortable beds with plump pillows ensuring a deep slumber. For those reserving accommodation in the Towers, located on the higher storeys, the American breakfast is complimentary and privileges include access to the sumptuous Point of View lounge, which affords spectacular views across the Arabian Sea and the city. It surely is the ideal spot for a pre dining cocktail or two. The twenty-four hour butler service is outstanding and guests feel pampered and appreciated. The hotel’s Kaya Kalp spa is highly recommended and provides relaxing treatments. There is also a spacious indoor pool and gymnasium for those keen to keep in trim.

ITC hotels are known for their excellent restaurants and for those keen to experience a first class culinary treat, the Grand Central’s exceptional Indian restaurant, K&K, offers a menu featuring an array of succulent dishes cooked in a wide variety of styles and served with aplomb. For a taste of China, visit the popular Shanghai Club, which again offers an outstanding culinary feast and excellent service. For those pressed for time, Hornby’s Pavilion, located on the ground floor, presents an impressive buffet with a wide range of international options to suit every palate.

For those seeking a bargain whilst in Mumbai and willing to part with more than a few Indian rupees, head for the High Street Phoenix Mall, considered to be one of the biggest in Asia. International brands include Hugo Boss, Chanel, Emporio Armani, Burberry, Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Jimmy Choo and Thomas Pink. For a wide range of linen garments and glittering gifts, Fab India and the Bombay Store are not to be missed.

Visit Mumbai, it really is the city that never sleeps. l

top tip :

K&K restaurant at the ITC Grand Central

Jet Air w daily fr ays depart tw om Lo ndon H ice Manch ea e via Bru ster and Birm throw, ssels. P ingham offers a herrin remier Class config gbone ur s access ation for eas eat y aisle and a li Enterta e-flat b in e extens ment includ d. ive cho es an ice of fi The in flig lm delicio ht menu off s. us dish ers es with wines an fi Visit w d Champag ne nes. ww.jet air or call 0808 1 ways.com 01 119 9.

Dhobi Ghat

India Tourism/Mumbai

Elephanta Caves

Mumbai was once an archipelago of seven islands, essentially fishing colonies governed by successive native empires, prior to being ceded to the Portuguese in 1535. The Jesuits and Franciscans built several churches in the city along with fortifications including the Bandra Fort, the Bombay Castle and the Madh Fort. Bombay’s natural harbour and its isolated position resulted in the English vying for control, and with the emergence of the Dutch Empire the English soon established an outpost in western India.

In 1661 Charles II married Catherine of Braganza, the daughter of Portugal’s King John IV, and the archipelago of islands formed part of her dowry, which was handed to the English. In 1668 the Royal Charter leased the islands to the East India Company for an annual fee of £10. The islands came under successive attacks from native forces followed by the Governor of Dutch India and in 1687 the East India Company relocated its headquarters from Surat in Gujarat

to Bombay. In 1737 the Portuguese presence ended and Bombay quickly developed into a major centre for trade attracting migrants from afar. The English eventually gained control through a number of treaties following the first Anglo Maratha War. In 1792 William Hornby, Governor of Bombay, was responsible for a major project to build a causeway which united the seven islands with a deep natural harbour. By 1838 the project was complete, the Worli creek was blocked and flooding of low-lying areas was prevented. Bombay was transformed into a significant seaport and the city’s economic development burgeoned. In 1853 India’s first passenger railway line was established and due to the outbreak of the American Civil War, Bombay became the world’s leading cotton trader. Four years later the Suez Canal opened, Bombay prospered greatly and in 1876 Queen Victoria was proclaimed Empress of India. India gained independence from Britain in 1947.

Paper tags © Andreykuzmin | Dreamstime.com

Mumbai history...

www.essence-magazine.co.uk 51

Project1_Layout 1 30/06/2014 12:07 Page 1

© Rido | Dreamstime.com

essence health

Ready for a

bikini body?

Have you had your sunglasses out recently? Summer is on its way! It is now we start examining ourselves for the swimsuit season. Check out a few of my summer essentials, as well as recommendations to help achieve your desired look for the sunshine, says aesthetician Naomi Diamond of The Epsom Skin Clinic.

L

et’s start with some basic homecare to get us ready for the up and coming summer season. Skin is the largest organ of our bodies, so don’t neglect it!

Exfoliating and moisturising the body is necessary to improve skin texture and tone.

Removing dry and dead skin cells will achieve a gorgeous glow and leave skin looking more even. Moisturising on a daily basis using hydrating and firming body creams will maintain hydration and improve elasticity, keeping skin soft and supple. Also try body brushing with a short, firm bristled brush. The trick is to brush firmly and reasonably quickly, in one direction towards the lymph nodes. This can help with the smoothing of cellulite.

My summer favourite Heliocare is a range of sun care products that provide a high level broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection whilst hydrating. Also with a patented anti-oxidant, the range protects skin against premature aging caused by daily sun exposure. With products specific to the face and body, in a variety of consistencies to suit individuals, there is something for everyone and it is safe to use on children. There are also oral capsules to provide anti-oxidant protection from the inside as well.

Hair reduction Laser hair reduction is an effective way of permanently reducing hair growth and now is the time to start. Using heat, treatment

targets the blood supply of hair, reducing it significantly, but also making what remains a lot thinner, softer and weaker.

Approximately six to eight treatments will be required for body areas and eight to twelve treatments for the face. The results will make remaining hair growth easier to manage and remove from home with little irritation or ingrowing hairs from approximately the third or fourth treatment.

Vein treatment Veins on legs can prevent the wear of shorts or skirts. However, help is at hand! There are multiple ways of treating different veins that can appear on legs. Laser targets the inactive vessel and causes it to collapse on itself; it is then removed from the body naturally leaving skin looking clear. Larger and slightly raised vessels can be treated with sclerotherapy where a solution is injected into the vessel causing it to shrink.

This is a specialised treatment carried out by a skilled nurse with years of experience.

Epsom Skin Clinics are now offering an innovative new treatment to effectively treat varicose veins with a vascular consultant.

This minimally invasive procedure uses laser to close larger vessels – it has very little downtime and is very successful. We are holding a consultation day in Epsom on Tuesday 28 April and in Surbiton on Tuesday 12 May from 5–8pm. All these procedures will reboost confidence with smooth flawless skin.

Body sculpting Accent Radio frequency treatment can be used for both the body and face. It causes heat within the skin to create a tightening effect and to stimulate collagen. The treatment can also be used deeper as more of a body sculpting treatment and to smooth the appearance of cellulite. A treatment once every two weeks would be needed, on average requiring eight to ten in total. Results are fantastic and offer the body a boost to complement diet and fitness regimes.

Dermaroller is a skin rejuvenating treatment that uses needles to stimulate collagen and remodel skin. When used in a combination package with laser skin rejuvenation, these two treatments can effectively improve the appearance of scars and shrink stretch marks.

Booking a complimentary consultation with one of our therapists could start you on a treatment plan to inspire confidence and ensure you’re feeling fabulous for summer. See our contact details below. l

essence info Epsom Skin Clinics Website: www.epsomskinclinics.com Telephone: 01372 737280 (Epsom) or 020 8399 5996 (Surbiton)

www.essence-magazine.co.uk 53

1 May 15 events_Layout 1 01/05/2015 10:29 Page 2

essence events

spotlight on...

Surrey Wildlife Trust Wildlife on the Water, Basingstoke Canal Tuesday 19 May, 10.30am–1.30pm Surrey Wildlife Trust cares for more than 9,000 hectares of the county’s countryside and encourages the public to help protect Surrey’s wildlife by joining as members and becoming a supporter or volunteer.

The Trust organises a number of events, one of which for May is a two to three mile informal walk along the Basingstoke Canal, near Brookwood, where local wildlife expert Pete Bickford, contact 07900 074794, will introduce plants, birds and hopefully some scarce early dragonflies for which the canal is a stronghold. Other events include a walk exploring Chobham Common on Saturday 16 May and a Norbury evening walk on Thursday 21 May. There are lots more – see website for details.

Information: 01483 795471 or surreywildlifetrust.org

Richmond Theatre Richmond Tuesday 12 to Saturday 16 May To Kill A Mockingbird Regent’s Park Theatre’s stunning production of Harper Lee’s novel.

Sunday 17 May Reginald D Hunter Superb comic on a new tour.

Monday 18 May Sex in Suburbia New comedy starring Claire Sweeney.

Tuesday 19 May Paul Merton’s Impro Chums A brand new show every night inspired by audience suggestions.

Tuesday 26 to Saturday 30 May And Then There Were None Celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Agatha Christie Theatre Company.

Sunday 17 May Al Murray – One Man, One Guvnor The Pub Landlord celebrates the twentieth anniversary of his incarnation.

Monday 18 to Saturday 23 May The Producers Jason Manford and Ross Noble star in this musical comedy based on Mel Brooks’ award-winning film.

Saturday 30 May Jasper Carrott’s Stand Up and Rock Veteran comic returns.

Wednesday 3 June Reginald D Hunter See listing under Richmond Theatre.

Friday 5 June Paul Merton’s Impro Chums See listing under Richmond Theatre.

Tickets: 0844 871 7645 or ambassadortickets.com/woking

Rose Theatre

Tickets: 0844 871 7651 or

Kingston-upon-Thames

ambassadortickets.com/richmond

Saturday 16 May Wild Neighbours with David Attenborough Environment Trust patron Sir David Attenborough will speak on the theme of urban wildlife.

Tuesday 19 May to Saturday 23 May King Lear Jonathan Miller directs Barrie Rutter in this remarkable production.

New Victoria Theatre Woking To Saturday 9 May Dead Simple Based on the best-selling novel.

Thursday 14 to Saturday 16 May Constellations A play about free will and friendship.

54 www.essence-magazine.co.uk

Four Spotted Chaser dragonfly (Stephen Duffy). Courtesy SWT

theatre

1 May 15 events_Layout 1 01/05/2015 10:29 Page 3

1 May 15 events_Layout 1 01/05/2015 10:29 Page 4

essence events Sunday 24 to Monday 25 May Voca People Eight singer-comedians create a production full of energy with more than 80 all-time favourite hits.

Tuesday 26 to Sunday 31 May The Tiger Who Came To Tea A production based on the popular picture book by Judith Kerr. For children aged three and above.

Dorking Halls Dorking Friday 22 May John Hegley Innovative comic poet performs.

Saturday 23 May Reginald D Hunter Superb comic on a new tour.

Information: 01306 881717 or dorkinghalls.co.uk

Information: 020 8174 0090 or rosetheatrekingston.org

The Electric Theatre

Information: 01372 742555/742227 or epsomplayhouse.co.uk

Camberley Theatre Camberley Thursday 28 May David Starkey – Magna Carta Renowned historian David Starkey talks about the history and legacy of the 1215 agreement as we commemorate its 800th anniversary.

Information: 01276 707600 or camberleytheatre.biz

Cranleigh Arts Centre Cranleigh Friday 15 May Luke Jermay Personal intuitive readings and future predictions for almost all the audience.

Saturday 23 May Shoe Kangaroo and the Big Bad Boot Children’s theatre with clowning, mime and puppetry. For ages four and over.

Information: 01483 444789 or

Paul Merton’s Impro Chums, Richmond Theatre, New Victoria Theatre, Woking, and G Live

electrictheatre.co.uk

Farnham Maltings Farnham Saturday 16 May Alice and the White Rabbit Indigo Moon’s dreamlike shadow theatre adaptation of the famous tale by Lewis Carroll.

Monday 18 May Of Land and Tongue An evening of dance set to live music.

Information: 01252 745444 or farnhammaltings.com

G Live Guildford Friday 22 May Paul Merton’s Impro Chums A brand new show every night inspired by audience suggestions.

Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 May Reginald D Hunter See Dorking Halls listing above.

Photo Johan Persson

Wednesday 13 to Saturday 16 May South Pacific Classic musical from Rodgers & Hammerstein.

Monday 18 May Ministry of Science No ordinary science show – this one comes with a hovercraft, cannons, lots of bangs and a pushbike that powers a blender...

Thursday 4 June Tim Vine The punslinger returns for his first stand-up tour in four years.

Tuesday 12 May Jaleo Flamenco Fusion of virtuoso guitar playing, songs, rhythm and soul-stirring flamenco dance.

Wednesday 20 to Saturday 23 May Blood Brothers: The Play A dark and emotional tale.

Harry Bennett (Jem) and company, To Kill A Mockingbird, Richmond Theatre

Tickets: 0844 7701797 or glive.co.uk

Guildford Fringe The Star Inn, Quarry St, Guildford Saturday 16 May Guildford Gag House A professional monthly comedy club based in one of the oldest venues in Guildford town centre.

Information: 01483 278000 or

Tickets: 0844 8700 887 or

cranleighartscentre.org

guildfordfringe.com

Photo Phil Nicholls (www.philnicholls.co.uk)

Epsom

Photo Idil Sukan, Draw HQ

Guildford

Epsom Playhouse

56 www.essence-magazine.co.uk Sarah McQuaid, Farnham Maltings

1 May 15 events_Layout 1 01/05/2015 10:29 Page 5

spotlight on...

The Surrey County Show Stoke Park, Guildford

Courtesy Magna Carta

Spring bank holiday Monday 25 May An unmissable family day out is offered on bank holiday Monday 25 May. The Surrey County Show offers visitors the opportunity to see hundreds of prize cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and horses, along with gun dogs, falconry displays, lumberjacks and live music. As if that wasn’t enough, there are also competitions for poultry, bees and honey, floristry and a fun dog show.

Grand Arena entertainment this year includes the Stampede Stunt Company’s ‘Magna Carta’ (pictured left) offering stunts and trials by combat; fast and furious Scurry driving, Grand Prix show jumping and hot air balloons.

Children can enjoy donkey rides, Punch & Judy and the intriguing Bocketts Farm interactive animal experience. With acres of shopping, rural crafts, celebrity chefs, cheese and breadmaking demonstrations and the annual Surrey Farmers’ Market, there really is something for everyone. For information and early bird reduced rate tickets, see contact details below.

Information: 01483 890810 or surreycountyshow.co.uk

music The Boileroom Guildford Thursday 14 May, 7pm Bella Hardy BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winner ‘Folk Singer of the Year’ 2014, Bella Hardy has launched a new album and is performing for one night only at The Boileroom.

Saturday 23 May, 7.30pm Fairport Convention The originators of British folk-rock music celebrate almost 50 years on the road, performing new material and old favourites.

Information: 01483 440022 or theboileroom.net

Cranleigh Arts Centre Cranleigh Wednesday 13 May, 7.30pm Michael Foyle: violin recital Award-winning violinist accompanied by pianist Maksim Stsura.

Saturday 16 May, 8.30pm Stan Webb’s Chicken Shack Legend of electric blues guitar celebrates 50 years of performance.

Information: 01483 278000 or cranleighartscentre.org

Farnham Maltings

G Live

tumour when she was five.

Rowan and her family have been supported by the Rainbow Trust throughout years of treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Over 300 musicians, including Guildford’s Vivace Chorus, Salisbury Community Choir, the Vasari Singers, Southern Pro Musica and local children’s choirs will come together to perform Rowan’s composer father Will Todd’s music, alongside Bob Chilcott’s The Salisbury Vespers.

Guildford

Information: 01483 444334 or

Wednesday 13 May, 8pm UB40 Live in Concert Veteran reggae and pop band perform new and favourite material.

Thursday 14 May, 8pm Al Stewart: Year of the Cat Live Tour Al Stewart plays acoustic versions from his musical back pages.

vivacechorus.org or willtodd.com

Farnham Saturday 16 May, 8pm Sarah McQuaid Talented eclectic singer/songwriter.

Friday 29 May, 8.30pm Girls and Guitars: Hannah Scott Performer who has played in support for 10cc and Seth Lakeman.

Information: 01252 745444 or farnhammaltings.com

Tickets: 0844 7701797 or glive.co.uk

Vivace Chorus Guildford Cathedral Saturday 23 May, 7.30pm A Concert for Rowan in aid of Rainbow Trust A fundraising concert inspired by Rowan Todd, who lives in Guildford, and was diagnosed with a brain

The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation Gallery Shalford, Guildford

The Art Agency

Until Friday 29 May British wildlife sculpture

by Simon Griffiths A self-taught sculptor, Simon Griffiths has turned his passion for birds and wildlife into a career creating unique artworks.

Monday 1 to Tuesday 30 June ‘Wild Calling’ by Sue Payton Sue Payton finds herself drawn to paint endangered mammals, especially big cats, African hunting dogs and wolves. She works mostly in oils. All sales support endangered wildlife. Gallery open Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm.

Esher

Information: 01483 272323 or

Tuesday 2 June to Monday 6 July Featured artist: Pam Carter Born in Tanganyika, east Africa, Pam came to Scotland at the age of thirteen. The artist’s main inspiration is in the Scottish land and seascape. Pam predominantly paints in oils and her work is in numerous private and public collections, including Royal Bank of Scotland.

davidshepherd.org

Information: 01372 466740 or

Information: 01483 444751 or

theartagency.co.uk

guildford.gov.uk/guildfordhouse

exhibitions

Guildford House Gallery High Street, Guildford Until Sunday 31 May Dialogue in Print: From Print @ The Park Two exhibitions of original prints: All at Sea and Dialogue in Print. A ‘meet the artists’ event takes place on Saturday 16 May.

www.essence-magazine.co.uk 57

1 May 15 events_Layout 1 01/05/2015 10:29 Page 6

essence events

Cranleigh Arts Centre 01483 278000 or cranleighartscentre.org Farnham Maltings 01252 745444 or farnhammaltings.com Odeon Esher 0871 2244007 or odeon.co.uk/fanatic/film_times/s89/esher Odeon Epsom 0871 2244007 or odeon.co.uk/fanatic/film_times/s88/epsom Odeon Guildford 0871 2244007 or odeon.co.uk/fanatic/film_times/s92/guildford The Screen Walton 01932 252825 or screencinemas.co.uk The Ambassadors Cinema, Woking 0844 871 6743 or ambassadortickets.com/cinema

The Lightbox Gallery and Museum

Rose Theatre

Woking

To Thursday 21 May VE Day Remembered An audio installation with recorded memories of VE Day to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe.

Saturday 23 to Friday 29 May Half term at The Lightbox The week includes an afternoon of family fun on Saturday; a hot air balloon children’s workshop on Wednesday and a marble run children’s workshop on Thursday.

Until Sunday 28 June The Ingram Collection: Planes, Trains and Automobiles A show exploring a rich source of inspiration for artists fascinated by the world surrounding them.

Until Sunday 5 July Damien Hirst: New Religion A body of work from the artist illustrates Hirst’s belief that “science is the new religion for many people”.

Information: 01483 737800 or thelightbox.org.uk

Courtesy Pam Carter/The Art Agency

cinemas

Return to the Sound, Pam Carter, The Art Agency

Kingston-upon-Thames

Information: 020 8174 0090 or rosetheatrekingston.org

Watts Gallery Compton, Guildford Until Sunday 7 June Liberating Fashion: Aesthetic Dress in Victorian Portraits Showcasing masterpieces by Victorian greats, including Watts, Leighton and more.

Friday 15 May and Friday 5 June Watts at dusk Discover the Artists’ Village at Watts Gallery, open until 9pm.

Investec Derby Festival 2014

Information: 01483 813593 or

McAllister Thomas

wattsgallery.org.uk

Godalming To Tuesday 19 May Gallery Artists: The May Exhibition Featuring work which will change through the show’s duration.

national trust

mcallisterthomasfineart.co.uk

Claremont Landscape Garden

New Ashgate Gallery

Esher

Farnham

Information: 01252 713208 or

Saturday 23 to Sunday 31 May, 10am–4.30pm Half term children’s trail: Wind in the Willows A children’s trail based on the classic tale of Mr Mole and friends.

newashgate.org.uk

Information: 01372 467806

Thursday 14 May to Saturday 27 June Printmakers Council 50:50 An exhibition celebrating the Council’s 50th anniversary.

© NT John Miller

Information: 01483 860591 or

58 www.essence-magazine.co.uk Bluebells at Hatchlands, National Trust

1 May 15 events_Layout 1 01/05/2015 10:29 Page 7

Ham House and Garden Near Richmond Monday 25 to Friday 29 May Half term fun Try some of the 50 things to do before you’re eleven and three quarters.

Information: 020 8940 1950

Hatchlands Park East Clandon, Guildford Tuesday 26 to Thursday 28 May, 11am–4pm Half term May-hem Special activities on offer. And don’t forget the bluebell walk in Little Wix Wood.

Information: 01483 222482

Leith Hill Place

out & about Birdworld Farnham Tuesday 26 to Friday 29 May Love your zoo week Celebrate local zoo week, with additional tours and demonstrations.

Information: 01420 22992 or birdworld.co.uk

Birtley House Guildford The Sculpture Garden To Sunday 31 May Over 150 exhibits set within the gardens of Birtley House.

The 1940s relived, Brooklands Museum

museum at night? Bring the family for a torch-lit tour.

Information: 01252 745444 or

this year’s Richmond Running Festival. Sign up now using the contact details below.

farnhammaltings.com/museum

Information: 020 8939 1829 or poppyfactory.org

Saturday 30 May, 5–6.30pm Outdoor concert: Peter and the Wolf Chamberhouse Wind Quintet with narrator present Prokofiev’s classic.

Information: 01483 899513 or

Guildford Model Engineering Society

birtleyevents.co.uk

Stoke Park, Guildford

Woking

Bocketts Farm

Information: 01306 711685

Fetcham

Sunday 17 May, 2–5pm Public open afternoon Miniature steam trains and more.

Saturday 23 to Sunday 31 May Spring spectacular half term Visit the Pony Parlour and more.

Information: gmes.org.uk

Polesden Lacey

Painshill Park

Until Sunday 19 July Taste of Wisley Flower (Flour) Fest Using edible flowers to liven up Taste of Wisley dishes, enter the Fest for the chance to have your dish featured in the Food Hall.

Information: 01372 363764 or

Cobham

Information: rhs.org.uk/wisley

bockettsfarm.co.uk

Wednesday 27 to Thursday 28 May Wild half term activity camp Den building, wild art and bush craft on offer for children aged eight to thirteen.

Dorking

Great Bookham, near Dorking Saturday 23 to Sunday 31 May, 11am–2.30pm Half term: #50things basecamp Visit the basecamp for exciting and fun activities.

During May Mrs Greville’s ‘Lost Garden’ Staff at Polesden hope to open the lower sunken garden after restoration, often referred to as Mrs Greville’s ‘lost garden’.

Information: 01372 452048

Brooklands Museum Weybridge Saturday 16 May The 1940s relived Re-enactors, the Brooklands Palais de Dance and lots more.

Tuesday 26 to Friday 29 May Half term family activities Car rides, children’s trails and more.

Information: 01932 857381 or

Surrey Hills

brooklandsmuseum.com

near Dorking Monday 25 to Friday 29 May, 11am–4pm Half term fun at Box Hill Family fun throughout the week.

Dorking Museum & Heritage Centre Dorking

Information: 01372 220644

Saturday 16 May Family activity day Every third Saturday of each month.

Winkworth Arboretum

Information: 01306 876591 or

Godalming

dorkingmuseum.org.uk

Saturday 23 to Sunday 31 May, 10am–4pm Children’s half term trails Fun, rain or shine. Don’t miss the spectacular display of bluebells.

Information: 01483 208477 or nationaltrust.org.uk

Museum of Farnham Farnham Saturday 16 May Museums at Night: Sleepover at the Museum Ever wanted to see and sleep in a

RHS Garden Wisley

sport Epsom Racecourse

Information: 01932 868113 or

Epsom

painshill.co.uk

Friday 5 and Saturday 6 June The Investec Derby Festival The greatest flat race in the world returns where spectators can enjoy spectacular horseracing, fashion and an unbeatable atmosphere.

The Poppy Factory Richmond Sunday 6 September Richmond Running Festival The Poppy Factory is seeking runners interested in taking part in

Tickets: 0844 579 3004 or epsomdowns.co.uk

farmers’ markets Camberley Saturday 16 May, 10am–3pm Cranleigh Saturday 16 May, 10am–2pm Epsom Sunday 3 May and 7 June, 9am–1.30pm Farnham Sunday 17 May, 10am–1.30pm Guildford Tuesday 5 May and 2 June, 10.30am–3.30pm Haslemere Sunday 3 May and 7 June, 10am–1pm Milford Sunday 17 May, 10am–1.30pm Ripley Saturday 9 May and 13 June, 9am–1pm Walton-on-Thames Saturday 2 May and 6 June, 9.30am–2pm Woking Thursday 21 May, 9am–2.30pm

www.essence-magazine.co.uk 59

essence property development

Sympathetic, sensitive and modern A recent development by an award-winning architect, Ralph Guilor, has provided a contemporary and environmentally sensitive home in an area of outstanding natural beauty, the Cotswolds.

S

atisfying local and national planning regulations is a difficult thing to do in most areas of Britain, but is perhaps even trickier to achieve in uniquely beautiful areas such as the Cotswolds. Experts in the field, Ralph Guilor Architects, guided its client through the planning minefield to develop a remarkable property.

The points raised from the local planning authority to negotiate the replacement of the existing dwelling provide an idea of just how complex the issues were.

The proposed development was to provide a “visually interesting and sustainably constructed replacement of the existing dwelling”, in materials that suited the area and to provide something architecturally different and modern.

An earlier proposal had run into a litany of planning objections, but with careful thought, the authority backed Ralph Guilor’s scheme owing to its “improved siting, design and choice of materials the proposed development will, by comparison with the earlier approved development, enhance the character and appearance of the site and surrounding area. It is considered to provide an improvement that will conserve the natural beauty of the AONB.” Judging from the images shown here, we couldn’t agree more.

To contact Ralph Guilor Architects, see contact details below. l

essence info Ralph Guilor Architects Telephone: 07792 904746 Email: ralph@yourarchitect.org.uk Website: www.yourarchitect.org.uk

60 www.essence-magazine.co.uk

The Cotswold property at a glance The property’s concept is based on the combination and juxtaposition of panels of different materials found in the locality – natural stone, glass, timber and render. l The dwelling includes a complete basement lit by two internal, three storey high light wells and two external light wells resulting in the basement accommodation feeling the same as the ground floor. The light wells provide fabulous views of the Cotswold escarpment and hills from all levels of the accommodation. l Accommodation includes five bedrooms, all ensuite, and four with their own balconies; a kitchen/breakfast room, dining room/hall, living room, study, gym and cinema room. The master bedroom suite covers the entire second floor and has two private roof terraces sunk into the flat roof affording complete privacy. l Open plan main living areas with large areas of glazing allowing as much solar gain into the building as possible. l Insulation and high standard equipment exceeding current building regulation requirements for thermal performance is included. l Energy efficient LED lighting used throughout. l Rainwater harvesting with a system capable of storing 6,000 litres of water has been incorporated. It is expected to meet all the required grey water supply. The dwelling is connected to the mains water supply for back up purposes. l Built in excess of current building regulations for energy efficiency, the building provides for low running costs and maintenance. l

St George’s Hill, Weybridge Stunning Luxury Home Built By Octagon Developments Accommodation includes master bedroom with twin bathrooms and dressing room, 5 further bedrooms, games room, cinema room, lift access to 3 floors, 1 acre west backing gardens with views, triple garage and a car turntable. Open weekends 10am - 4pm. EPC B 01932 843322 • andrew-grant@curchods.com

Guide £9,500,000

21 Offices

Surrey’s Best Multi Branch Independent Estate Agent 2013 & 2014

Saddle Stone May 2015 - Essence Magazine.indd 1

www.curchods.com 24/04/2015 17:04:26

Interiors1pp_Layout 1 30/04/2015 14:38 Page 1

essence interiors

A night at the movies A

Cinema rooms are rapidly becoming a must-have in the high-end property market. Jenny Allan of JCA Interiors offers advice on creating a wonderful cinema room in your home.

well-designed cinema room provides a great place for the family to spend time together watching television, films or sporting events in comfort.

The design of a cinema room is completely different to other spaces in the house, with lighting being one of the key aspects and the balance between aesthetics and function should be carefully considered.

Basements are often a favoured choice for location of a cinema room, but one can be created in any room of the house as long as windows can be completely covered with blackout lined curtains or blinds. To recreate a typical cinema experience, add dimmed floor lighting or for more old school glamour, crystal wall lights work well.

When choosing colour schemes, bright wall colours are not advisable as they reflect light back on to the cinema screen. Dark or neutral shaded walls are best because they

62 www.essence-magazine.co.uk

minimise light reflection and improve the overall viewing experience. Taupes and grey tones will help create the perfect cinematic atmosphere, while luxurious wallcoverings or padded fabric wall panels will make the room even more cosy and inviting.

Aside from the visual aspects, the audio experience in a cinema room is very important. Sound bounces off hard surfaces, so soft furnishings such as plush velvet fabrics and a thick pile carpet will absorb sound and prevent noise from reverberating around the room.

Obviously, the size of the screen should be in proportion to the size of the room.

Typically a home cinema room will have a projector, often on a drop down lift, and a projector screen with sound via integrated wall or floor speakers.

Seating layouts need to be relative to the screen and room size and there are a couple of popular options. Firstly, for a very authentic cinema experience, short rows of seating can be arranged with luxury chairs

or daybeds combined with a raised floor for seating behind. Just ensure ceiling height is adequate and the step for the raised floor is well lit. The second option is to have a large modular sofa which wraps around the room. Modular sofas offer flexibility as they can be reconfigured easily depending on the number of people the cinema room is catering for on a particular day.

Once seating arrangements are chosen, add beautiful cushions and throws as finishing touches. Also, be sure to include side tables or a coffee table for drinks and snacks, as well as a stylish drinks cabinet to complete the home cinema experience.

Cinema rooms provide complete escapism, a perfect place to relax with family and friends. There is no better way to watch a movie than in your own perfectly designed home cinema room.

•

essence info Jenny Allan is founder of interior design company JCA Interiors Telephone: 020 3714 9325 Email: info@jcainteriors.co.uk Website: www.jcainteriors.co.uk

essence antiques

Fryer & Brown

antiques excellence International expertise, technological advances and a building listed in the Domesday Book combine at a new antiques, jewellery and collectables auction house, Fryer & Brown, in Cobham. essence found out more.

F

ryer & Brown, auctioneers, has been established by Justin Fryer, Lin Fan and Jane Brown in The Old Mill on the Cobham Park Estate. A mill on this site is mentioned in the Domesday Book and the building retains the structure of the mill wheel with its main joist now above the auctioneer’s rostrum.

Inside is an ever-changing display of antiques, fine art and collectables offered for sale worldwide. Although the company’s owners’ backgrounds couldn’t have been more different, they were brought together by a shared love of all things beautiful.

Justin Fryer is the power behind the bidding button. An experienced IT professional, Justin has overseen the implementation of powerful bidding platforms which enable clients to bid from their office or home without having to attend auctions in person. Fryer & Brown’s clients have the choice of the-saleroom. com, which predominantly covers Europe; invaluable.com for the Americas and epailive.com, which covers the newly emerging Chinese and Far Eastern markets.

A saleroom with this international outlook is vital to obtain the maximum bid for vendors of antiques, fine art and jewellery.

The Far Eastern market has rapidly accepted the English auction market and demand for Chinese porcelain in particular is outstripping supply. Lin Fan, a Beijing native, is the primary contact for the Far Eastern market, supplying condition reports and providing telephone bidding and buyer support in Mandarin.

Jane Brown leads an expert team of valuers who cover all disciplines of antiques, fine art and collectable items. Jane learned her trade in Sotheby’s London saleroom, moved to Bonhams to become head of

64 www.essence-magazine.co.uk

Jane, Justin and Lin

The Old Mill Georg Jensen Inc. sterling silver coffee service

European ceramics and decorative arts and co-ordinated ‘fine sales in fine places’ for the south east for Phillips Auctioneers before deciding the time was right to set up as an independent auctioneer. International expertise has been enhanced by the recent appointment of Stephen Giles as head of jewellery. Stephen brings with him a wealth of expertise in fine jewellery, precious stones and watches.

The crossover between decorative arts and jewellery is strong. Fryer & Brown has been instructed to offer for sale a rare Georg Jensen Inc. sterling silver coffee service, which illustrates this overlap. (Estimate: £3,500–5,500 to be offered in June).

Georg Jensen Inc. was an offshoot of the main Danish company. After the German invasion of Denmark in 1940, the consequent end of exports meant that silver jewellery and hollowware made in Denmark were no longer available on world markets and the American subsidiary became the sole manufacturer of the Georg Jensen style.

The coffee set was designed by Alphonse La Paglia, who worked in US intelligence during the war, slipping to and from Italian beaches by submarine circa 1942-1945.

La Paglia also designed a wide range of handmade jewellery and hollowware during his time with Georg Jensen Inc. USA. He

fashioned sterling silver coffee services and candelabra as well as suites of brooches, bracelets, earrings and necklaces with sculptural blossoms, flower buds, leaves, seeds and acorns. La Paglia skillfully reinterpreted motifs inspired by the ‘Magnolia’ blossom finial on a teapot originally designed

by Georg Jensen in 1904, which is the design of the coffee service offered in the June auction by Fryer & Brown.

The June auction will be televised when the Antiques Road Trip team will film experts Charlie Ross and James Braxton. Come along to the saleroom and appear on TV! l

essence info Fryer & Brown Auctioneers Limited The Old Mill, Cobham Park Road, Downside, Cobham KT11 3PF Telephone: 01932 865026 Website: www.fryerandbrown.com Enquiries: janebrown@fryerandbrown.com

Start on the right foot www.notredame.co.uk Nursery & Reception Open Day: Thursday 21st May 12–2pm To register for this event please email: registrar@notredame.co.uk

ASPIRE INVESTMENTS AND PROPERTY DEVELOPMENTS

Design Develop Desire

Why compromise, if you are building a new house, a master suite should be a master suite.

CALL ASPIRE TO FIND OUT HOW TO BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME

www.aspirellp.com | info@aspirellp.com | +44 (0)1372 365754 Aspire-275x210-Advert-Essence bathroom.indd 1

29/04/2015 14:34