Sale Now On
10 AUGUST 2020
FROM THE
EDITOR
M
addox Gallery is proud to present Terry O’Neill ‘Every Picture Tells A Story’, an exclusive retrospective exhibition devoted to the renowned and celebrated British photographer, Terry O’Neill. Spanning over 60 years, no other photographer has embraced the span of fame, capturing the icons of our age. From the faces of film to fashion, movie stars to musicians and presidents to pop stars, Terry has become one of the world’s most collected photographers. His work now hangs in national art galleries and private collections around the world. Andy Warhol (1928–87) was one of the most recognisable artists of the late 20th century, yet his life and work continue to fascinate and be interpreted anew. A shy, gay man from a religious, migrant, low income household, he forged his own distinct path to emerge as the epitome of the pop art movement. The most astonishing cars ever produced, a line-up of worldfamous luxury brands, and one of the UK’s most beautiful historic royal settings. That’s the successful recipe for the Concours of Elegance, returning to Hampton Court Palace from 4-6th September. Nobu London Old Park Lane has reopened its doors after several months of lockdown. An integral part of London’s dining scene for over 23 years, customers are ready to return for their taste of Nobu.
Faye Manning Editor
Editor Faye Manning Editorial Assistant Katie Miller Sub Editor Nicholas Peter Fashion Editor Lara Accison Design & Production Lisa Wade ACCOUNT MANAGERS Vanessa Lane, Nicola Drew, Lisa Westerman, ACCOUNTS Kathy Manning, Andree Georgiou Directors Rory Smith, Patrick Smith
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CONTENTS OUT & ABOUT
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LUXURY OUTDOOR LIVING
83
INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE
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We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month, plus enjoy food and drink in the local area Making the most of the great outdoors this summer The finest independent schools in the UK
THE LUXURY TRAVEL GUIDE
115
YUMMY MUMMY MAGAZINE
137
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
163
HOUSE & GARDEN
201
Heading out of London to explore the rest of the world The luxury parenting publication for discerning mothers living in London Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best A collection of London’s finest interior companies
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www.thelifemagazines.com
out & about – We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month – I M AGE : CONCOURS O F ELEGANCE
OUT & ABOUT
Ahead of the ambitious redesign of prestigious Grosvenor Square
Be part of the conversation
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rosvenor Square, London’s second largest garden square is set for redesign ahead of its 300th anniversary. Located just a short walk from Oxford and Bond Street, the green space is cherished by residents, workers and visitors alike as a calm oasis to escape the hustle and bustle of central London. In London’s densely populated capital, the relevance of green spaces is more important than ever before, not only are these spaces essential to health and wellbeing, they play a vital part in meeting the challenges of the climate emergency currently faced. The ambitious redesign of Grosvenor Square aims to rethink the role of an urban square at a time of climate crisis, transforming it into a thriving place for people and planet. Grosvenor Britain & Ireland are inviting Londoners to be a part of the redesign of the Square through a series of virtual experiences and Big Topic Talks. The series aims to help Londoners of all ages understand green spaces and the issues affecting them better. The Big Topic Talks series will host a variety of speakers including Dan Raven-Ellison, National Geographic Contributor and Guerrilla Geographer, and Alice Bell, Climate charity
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“The Big Topic Talks series will host a variety of speakers”
worker. Young nature enthusiasts can also take part by downloading a children’s discovery pack, where they can learn about biodiversity heroes and colour their dream green square. Almost three centuries on, Grosvenor want to reawaken this sense of wonder and secure a bright and sustainable future for this celebrated public green space. Londoners can have their say on the redesign by taking part in the survey, http://bit.ly/ GShaveyoursay Full details on the redesign process of Grosvenor Square and the virtual experience series can be found on the website https:// grosvenorsquare.org or on Instagram and Twitter.
OUT & ABOUT
The Royal Parks unveils birthday gift to the NHS
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n celebration of the NHS’ 72nd birthday, The Royal Parks charity has created two special flowerbeds in front of Buckingham Palace, containing 45,000 white and blue flowers. Measuring 12 metres by 5 metres, each flowerbed spells out NHS in giant letters that can be enjoyed by park visitors, and even viewed from the sky. The special flowerbeds are located in the iconic setting of the Memorial Gardens, that is part of St James’s Park, and sits in front of Buckingham Palace. Every summer, the Memorial Gardens are planted with 22,500 plants grown in the Hyde Park Nursery. One of the plants included in the annual design is scarlet geraniums, selected to match the tunics of The Queen’s Guard at Buckingham Palace. This year marks the first variation of the design in decades. Mark Wasilewski, Park Manager at St James’s Park, explains: “We believe it’s the first change of design to the Memorial Gardens in decades, perhaps since the First World War when the flowerbeds were planted with potatoes. We wanted the flowerbeds to replicate the colours of the NHS, so the letters are formed of white begonias, against a blue background of drought resistant succulents. Happy birthday to the NHS and thank you for everything you do.” Rob Dowling, Assistant Park Manager at St James’s Park, said: “We have a long tradition of commemorating events and major occasions
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“Every summer, the Memorial Gardens are planted with 22,500 plants grown in the Hyde Park Nursery”
through the use of carpet bedding. For the Diamond Jubilee in 2012, a 3D crown was planted in St James’s Park, but this is the first time we have done this in the Memorial Gardens. We hope it demonstrates how special the NHS is to The Royal Parks and is just a small token of our appreciation for all their hard work and dedication this year, and every year.” The NHS flowerbeds, will be in situ until midSeptember. Following this, the Memorial Gardens will be filled with 50,000 yellow wallflowers and red tulips, ready for next spring. royalparks.org.uk
OUT & ABOUT
TOWER BRIDGE REOPENS FOR LONDONERS
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ower Bridge has reopened its doors so visitors can discover the rich history of the Bridge and experience one of the best views of London’s skyline. To provide reassurance to visitors, Tower Bridge has been certified with the ‘We’re Good To Go’, COVID-19 industry standard, and has created a new guide to help prepare visitors for a safe and enjoyable visit. The one-way visitor route begins in the North Tower where visitors will discover how the Bridge was built and the story of the famous divers. Next to explore is the West Walkway, looking out at views of London, before stepping onto the iconic Glass Floor, where Londoners can look down onto the tranquillity of the River Thames. After walking down the South Tower with more learning about the Bridge on display, visitors can follow the blue line commemorating the workers of Tower Bridge. Finally, visitors can soak up the atmosphere in the Victorian Engine Rooms and complete their visit in the gift shop. Chris Earlie, Head of Tower Bridge, said: “Our
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team can’t wait to welcome Londoners when our doors reopen, to offer an escape from routine, to inspire Londoners, and entertain families with our incredible stories. For the first time, all that Tower Bridge has to offer is exclusively for Londoners, many of whom may have walked over the Bridge daily or viewed from afar and can now step inside.” To book and view the new visitor guidelines, visit: towerbridge.org.uk
Safety measures In addition to the one-way visitor route, Tower Bridge has installed a raft of new measures to ensure visitor safety and can be viewed via the Tower Bridge website and as a downloadable PDF to help visitors plan their visit. The guidance includes: • Opening hours, with extended hours to support staggered visitor flow (10:30-19:00) • Details on the one-way route • Pre-booking information • Safety measures on arrival, including protected search and screening • Social distancing within the Bridge • Hygiene and disinfection • Use of toilet facilities
OUT & ABOUT
Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour Announces new format for
Focus/20 13 – 18 September 2020
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n this most unprecedented of years, the annual autumn design event will be recalibrated to provide a unique platform for 120 showrooms and 600 international brands to present their new collections. A collaboration of ingenuity, creativity and positivity, the pioneering hybrid show will strengthen the Design Centre’s mantra to ‘connect, converse and create’ at a physical event in London, as well as reach out to a wider global audience, remotely. The safety and well-being of its community and visitors is a priority, and every aspect of Focus/20 will be highly considered. Operating within government guidelines, tailored visits will bring people to the Design Centre, while a virtual programme will share online the same culture of generosity and celebration that permeates all editions of the show. In the last months, decor has never come under greater scrutiny. People cooped up at home are craving change and professional designers have taken on new work and are completing existing projects. Visitors to Focus/20 will be able to see in person those elements that are vital to their schemes: those first looks of the latest colours, patterns and materials, alongside key details like scale, craftsmanship and artisan finishes. Adding
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THE DETAILS
another layer, a curated selection of house guests in the Design Avenue will bring fresh perspectives. The online programme aims to spark everyone’s imagination and curiosity. An exceptional line-up of live stream webinars and talks will see international designers, experts and thought leaders share their work and specialist knowledge, alongside discussions on what’s shaping the future of design and business-focused sessions about how to take a professional practice to the next level. There will be insider insights into the new collections and inspiring sessions that enhances discovery of the world’s most exciting design brands. As a Design Destination at the London Design Festival, Focus/20 is proud to be at the heart of the wider momentum across the capital.
For more details visit dcch.co.uk 13 – 18 September 2020, 10am – 6pm #Focus20AtDCCH @designcentrech
OUT & ABOUT
LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES EXCITING PROGRAMME OF PROJECTS 12-20 September 2020
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he 18th edition of London Design Festival returns to the capital this autumn as a symbol of London’s determination to maintain its creative and cultural leadership. Since its inception in 2003, London Design Festival has played a key role in bringing together the greatest thinkers, practitioners, retailers and educators to celebrate and promote design annually across the capital, and to put a spotlight on London’s creative brilliance. London has the largest creative economy of any city in the world, and its design reputation is internationally renowned. One in six people in London work in the creative industries and it has been the fastest growing sector of the economy in recent years, but the effects and impact of the pandemic has disproportionately affected the creative industries, causing a catastrophic setback to the sector. Following a number of cancellations and closures, the Festival this September will provide a platform for the design community to showcase work at a time when it is needed more than ever, helping to stimulate the creative economy and support young and emerging designers as well as more established names. While international travel continues to be affected, this year’s Festival will have a strong
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local focus and will be a Festival for Londoners. In addition to Landmark Projects and Festival Commissions, Partner events across the Design Districts will enable visitors to walk between shows and discover something new. Physical installations will take place alongside virtual exhibitions, and a digital edition of the Global Design Forum will bring the latest design thinking to a global audience and allow the widest possible access to creative content. This year will also see the introduction of a new digital portal for freelancers to promote their work across the Festival’s platforms. London Design Festival Director, Ben Evans CBE says, “The show must go on. Showcasing is essential for the sector to survive and this year, more than ever, we are determined to offer every opportunity for designers to be seen and heard.” London Design Festival has since earned the reputation as a key calendar moment of London’s autumn creative season, alongside London Fashion Week, Frieze Art Fair and the London Film Festival, attracting the greatest thinkers, practitioners, retailers and educators to the capital, in a citywide celebration. londondesignfestival.com #LDF20 Instagram: L_D_F_official Twitter: L_D_F Facebook: LondonDesignFestival
“Physical installations will take place alongside virtual exhibitions, and a digital edition of the Global Design Forum will bring the latest design thinking to a global audience and allow the widest possible access to creative content” Clockwise from top left: La Muralla Roja, Ewa Michali; Adorno, Sara Szyber; Japan House
Stunning Vegan Leather collars that
MAKE YOUR POOCH POP! www.buddyandbone.com
FEATURE
UBER LAUNCHES RIVER BOAT SERVICE in partnership with Thames Clippers
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ondon’s black taxis or ‘a black cab’ or affectionately the ‘London Cabbie’ have and always will be part of what makes our capital so special to residents, commuters and tourists alike. They were already equipped to deal with Covid 19 having a glass partition separating the driver from passengers. And the cabbies expert ‘Knowledge’ of London’s roads and little back streets holds no bounds. For something different, Uber is launching a London commuter boat service in partnership with Thames Clippers. Rebranded Uber Boat, the 20-strong fleet will cover trips up and down the River Thames from Putney to Woolwich from 23 piers across London. The service will allow Uber users to book a river journey through the app and board using a QR code on their phone. Uber Boat will be following all possible hygiene and social distancing rules, including reduced capacity and that passengers must wear face masks in line with Transport for London (TfL) guidance. The San Francisco company has also confirmed that it will be charging passengers the same price for booking a boat as it does for their cabs. Uber has already got bikes and food deliveries covered although their taxis are grounded as they await a London licence to be re-issued. Last year it added London Tube and bus
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updates to the app. Uber could be on a mission to be the one-stop app for all your transport needs? Uber’s regional general manager for northern and eastern Europe – Jamie Heywood, said in a statemen: “Many Londoners are looking for new ways to travel around the city, particularly when they start commuting back to work. Later this summer we will launch the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers in London as a means for people to arrange travel on the river and road, all through the Uber app.” Delighted by the partnership, Thames Clipper’s co-founder and CEO Sean Collins further remarked, “The new partnership sees Thames Clippers and Uber, who both pride themselves on safety, reliability, and comfort, come together. It will allow us to link the two travel modes of river and road, providing Londoners and visitors with even more options to commute, visit, explore and enjoy our city by river.” Thames Clippers tickets will still be available to buy elsewhere and the boats remain part of the Oyster network. Over 4.3 million people use the River Thames for commuting and travelling each year, and over 40 per cent of passengers have said they will increase their use of Thames Clippers in the future as an alternative means of getting around the city.
“The new partnership sees Thames Clippers and Uber, who both pride themselves on safety, reliability, and comfort, come together”
ART
Twiggy, London 1966
Brigitte Bardot, Spain 1971
‘Every Picture Tells A Story’ Terry O’Neill at Maddox Gallery
M
addox Gallery is proud to present Terry O’Neill ‘Every Picture Tells A Story’, an exclusive retrospective exhibition devoted to the renowned and celebrated British photographer, Terry O’Neill. Spanning over 60 years, no other photographer has embraced the span of fame, capturing the icons of our age. From the faces of film to fashion, movie stars to musicians and presidents to pop stars, Terry has become one of the world’s most collected photographers. His work now hangs in national art galleries and private collections around the world. Terry began his career at the birth of the 1960s. While other photographers concentrated on earthquakes, wars and politics, he realised that youth culture was a breaking news story on a global scale and began chronicling the emerging faces of film, fashion and music who would go on to define the Swinging Sixties. By 1965 he was already being commissioned by the most prominent magazines and newspapers in the world. “When Elizabeth Taylor asks you for a favour, you don’t say no”, this initiated the celebrated image of Taylor and Bowie when Terry was asked to initiate a meeting between the two for the 1976 film ‘The Blue Bird’. The moment captures the
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Elizabeth Taylor and David Bowie
“Terry began his career at the birth of the 1960s. While other photographers concentrated on earthquakes, wars and politics, he realised that youth culture was a breaking news story on a global scale”
extraordinary and intimate introduction between two icons, directed and composed by Taylor. The shot still highlights their instant chemistry and solidified a lifelong friendship between them. In the first retrospective show since his death, the exhibition includes a portfolio of witty and strikingly original photographs from Elton John, Paul Newman, Mick Jagger, Clint Eastwood, Joan Collins, Brigitte Bardot, Sean Connery and many others. www.maddoxgallery.com
ART
Local Artist Launches New Collection of prints and cards in her LIPS Series
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ne might be an independent woman of the millennium, but is she a feminist? Namoh’s LIPS collection is an
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exploration of the true essence of a woman, by looking at the women who have influenced the life of the artist. Some are real, some are fictional, and some mythological. The quotes used are sometimes their own, and sometimes the artist’s interpretation of what she believes they might have said. One common thread running through the series is that they are all strong women. Isn’t that the basic criteria of being a feminist? All in all, the artist has tried to capture the essence of their character in the most simple and poetic way possible. Namoh offers an eclectic collection of fun, light hearted and sometimes reflective, designer artwork. Her life and experiences find a creative outlet for London based artist’s work. Namoh’s products and designs embrace a range of emotions, styles and artwork. We believe ‘art’ is a process. It starts with a thought, becomes a reality and finally, interacts with its owner and becomes part of the environment. It is a journey that keeps on giving. And It is this journey that we love taking every day. namoh.co.uk
Prints are available in various sizes like A4, A3, A2, A1 and A0. We also print custom sizes. We print the A4 and A3 sizes on heavyweight matt 350gsm card-stock. We print the A2 and A1 posters on matt coated robust 170gsm paper. All posters printed on FSC Certified paper stock.
ART
TATE MODERN presents Andy Warhol
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Until 15 November 2020. A new look at the extraordinary life and work of the pop art superstar
ndy Warhol (1928–87) was one of the most recognisable artists of the late 20th century, yet his life and work continue to fascinate and be interpreted anew. A shy, gay man from a religious, migrant, low income household, he forged his own distinct path to emerge as the epitome of the pop art movement. This major new exhibition at Tate Modern – the first at the gallery for almost 20 years – offers visitors a rare personal insight into how Warhol and his work marked a period of cultural transformation. Drawing upon recent scholarship, it will provide a new lens through which to view this American icon. Featuring over 100 works from across his remarkable career, the show will shed light on how Warhol’s experiences helped shape his unique take on 20th century culture, positioning him within the shifting creative and political landscape in which he worked. While he is best known for his iconic paintings of Coca-Cola bottles and Marilyn Monroe that held up a mirror to American culture, the exhibition will emphasise recurring themes around desire, identity and belief that emerge from Warhol’s biography. Key works from the pop period, such as Marilyn Diptych 1962, Elvis I and II 1963/1964 and Race Riot 1964, will be examined in relation to contemporary issues around American culture and politics, while Warhol’s limitless ambition to push the boundaries of media will be represented via his famous Screen Tests 1964–6 and a recreation of the psychedelic multimedia environment of Exploding Plastic Inevitable 1966. Visitors will also be able to experience Warhol’s floating Silver Clouds 1966 installation, initially meant to signal his ‘retirement’ from painting in favour of moviemaking. He famously stated that ‘good business is the best art’: the exhibition will look at how Warhol’s forays into publishing and TV, as well as his interest in club culture.
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The exhibition will emphasise his skill as a painter and colourist with a room dedicated to the largest grouping of his 1975 Ladies and Gentlemen series ever shown in the UK. These striking portraits depict figures from New York’s transgender community, including iconic performer and activist, Marsha ‘Pay it no mind’ Johnson - a prominent figure in the Stonewall uprising of 1969. Warhol’s final works of the 80s, such as the poignant Sixty Last Suppers 1986 – on view at Tate Modern for the first time in this country – will be considered in relation to the artist’s untimely death as well as the unfolding HIV/AIDS epidemic, which ultimately went on to impact the lives of many in his close circle. The exhibition will be accompanied by a fully illustrated catalogue, as well as an extensive programme of public talks and film screenings with exclusive new merchandise collections in the gallery shops. For further information call 020 7887 8888 visit tate.org.uk or follow @Tate #AndyWarhol
Top: Debbie Harry 1980, Private Collection of Phyllis and Jerome Lyle Rappaport 1961 © 2019 The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc / Artists Right Society (ARS), New York and DACS, London Left: Marilyn Diptych 1962, Tate © 2019 The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc / Artists Right Society (ARS), New York and DACS, London Above: Self Portrait 1986, Tate © 2019 The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc / Artists Right Society (ARS), New York and DACS, London
ART
Welcome back to Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village reopen our temporary exhibition ‘Unto this Last: Two Hundred Years of John Ruskin’. Featuring works by J. M. W. Turner, John Everett Millais, Edward Burne-Jones and other leading artists of the nineteenth century, this exhibition examines Ruskin’s legacy as a social reformer, ecological thinker, and educator. Our exhibition ‘Norman Ackroyd CBE, RA: Etching the Archipelago’ has also reopened at Watts Contemporary Gallery and features over 40 aquatint etchings by Britain’s leading landscape artist and printmaker. Families can enjoy activities and installations in our woodlands and creative activities to take home are included in the cost of admission. Our Tea Shop serves delicious seasonal food and table service. Throughout August we are offering up to 50% discount on food and nonalcoholic beverages Monday – Wednesday, as part of the Eat Out to Help Out scheme. We also have outdoor seating so visitors can enjoy refreshments in the open air and our new takeaway menu. All our visitors, including members, need to pre-book admission. Book your ticket www. wattsgallery.org.uk Our Shop, Tea Shop and Contemporary Gallery require no admission ticket as we operate a queuing system. Find out more about what to expect from your next visit to Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village and book online wattsgallery.org.uk
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atts Gallery – Artists’ Village has reopened, and we are delighted to welcome you back. The health and safety of our staff, volunteers and visitors remain our top priority, so we have introduced some new measures to keep everyone safe. We are proud to have obtained Visit England’s ‘Good to Go’ status. To ensure a safe and comfortable experience for our visitors we have increased cleaning, reduced capacities in our indoor spaces and provided PPE to our staff. We also ask all our visitors to wear a face covering whilst inside our indoor spaces. Discover our Historic Galleries with renowned works by our founder G F Watts, created over a prolific 70-year career. We are also delighted to 38 AUGUST 2020
“Families can enjoy activities and installations in our woodlands and creative activities to take home are included in the cost of admission”
ART
Caro Paintings
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aroline is originally from Amsterdam, Holland but lives in London since 2016. She has had several exhibitions in Holland and in London art galleries over the past years. The majority of Carolines work consists of collections and women shapes, although she made individual art work, she emphasizes on her collections. Love for the ocean, Inspired by Picasso, Women in abstract and Let’s face it’ are her main collections. A distinctive signature from her which returns in all her paintings are straight lines and cubicle shapes mixed with a contemporary art style. Caroline is starting her art classes in the first quarter of 2021. The fashion runways and the beauty of women are what inspired her to create her latest collection ‘Strength’. Her background in fashion clearly comes back in this collection. There is a bit of mystery in the face expression which you have to believe but can also be intriguing. By using elements of abstractionism and realism at the same time there is contradiction in her work, you have to take an extra look and have your own imagination.
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As this collection is about the power and beauty exposed by so many different women, ’Strength’ is the only true name for her latest collection. You can find more of her work and additional information about the paintings and available art classes at www.caropaintings.com or on Instagram & Facebook @Caropaintings
“The fashion runways and the beauty of women are what inspired her to create her latest collection ‘Strength’. Her background in fashion clearly comes back in this collection”
ART
Art by Mark Stopforth “Flag fen”, 40x40cm (Oil, chalk and pencil on canvas)
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ark’s work over the past twenty years has been devoted to those landscapes that are associated with the untamed and wild landscapes that can be found in the Moors, Fens, Fells and Estuaries of Britain. He has carried those impressions of the sublime in the landscape that were left on him as a child growing up in the Fens of East Anglia, impressions that are still relevant to his work today. It is this sense of the liminal landscape that persists. A line between two worlds, given its focal point in the horizon. It is also something he keenly feels and anticipates when the first marks of charcoal, pencil or paint are made on the paper, that he is breaking into another plane or perceptual depth, this “liminal” space which is so important to his work. Marks influences are many and varied and include the calligraphic paintings of Cy Twombly, the tonal ink paintings of Hosagawa Tohaku and the landscapes of Constable, Claude, Cottman and Turner. He has exhibited work around the country, most notably on a number of occasions at the Royal West of England Academy in Bristol as well as being shortlisted for SKY’s Landscape Artist of the Year 2016, he was also a finalist for TOAST’s “works from the heart” 2017. Mark has also been successful as a published poet being shortlisted for the Brit Writers’ Award 2012 and winning Fleeting Magazines International Best Short Writing 2010. “Mark Stopforth’s work captured me from the first. The delicate relationship between expression, fluidity and order is one that occupies me in the searches of my own work, and in encounters with art that moves me. Mark is one of those rare artists able to balance these qualities with quiet precision,
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calibrating his affect exactly to the point at which its reach should cease, leaving a clear space in the ether where we can take up and build with the strands that he has placed so carefully. Only in this way can landscapes draw themselves in mind, and draw us to look outwards again, anew. This is art that leads us away from its own self-effacing fluency to a world that floats above it all, always forming before our eyes, imprinted long after the fact.” (Jim Aitchison - Jim is a contemporary visual composer who has created performances and visual scores around the country, most notably in alliance with Tate Modern and Tate St.Ives, and is a lecturer at Falmouth University.)
Work for sale can be found at markstopforth @Instagram and markstopforth.co.uk Commissions can be sought through contacting Mark via email mark.stopforth@hotmail.com Mark is represented by: Gallery57 The John Davies Gallery ModernArtBuyer
Left: “...pollen drifts and summer storms” (oil, pencil, charcoal and chalk on 41x28cm)
Bianca Prettau is a Brussels-based painter who currently focuses on semi-abstract cityscapes by using alternative contemporary painting methods and tools. Her lately ongoing URBAN collection (acrylics on medium/large size canvases) is increasingly collected worldwide; art collectors and galleries interested to find more information are invited to visit prettaugallery.net or singulart.com/en/artist/bianca-prettau-7643
ART
The Art of Buying Art
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hanks to the Lockdown, it was not uncommon for us all to be stuck at home and left, literally, staring at the walls. As such, it was a good time to revisit the items that we’ve put on those walls and whether they still give us pleasure. Alison Phillipson - who specialises in sourcing contemporary art for private and corporate clients - comments: “We can all get pretty immune to what we’ve got on our walls. Family photographs and heirlooms will always have a special resonance, but often the prints or paintings that we bought maybe many years ago have perhaps lost their charm. Having reproductions of work by great masters - whether they’re Pissarro or Picasso - is fine, but personally I find new work by artists who are active
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“My role is to talk through what people are looking for: is it a painting, sculpture or other medium?”
today is fantastically exciting to engage with. “And certainly, if you’re thinking of refreshing the visual landscape of your home there has never been a better time to buy contemporary art. There is a wonderful group of talented young artists producing stunning work at accessible prices.” Of course, contemporary art can be an intimidating part of the art world with which to engage. The bad press it often gets overlooks some of the tremendous work that is being done. When setting up Phillipson Fine Art, eleven years ago, Alison appreciated both this challenge and also the opportunity it presented. “It’s not uncommon for us to help people who have been looking to invest in contemporary art for a long time but just hadn’t been able to connect with the right work. My role is to talk through what people are looking for: is it a painting, sculpture or other medium? And also to consider the space for which it is intended. “That can entail the interior of someone’s home. There’s no point in being precious about that dynamic: for a piece of art to truly work it has to be in a setting which shows it to its best advantage. You wouldn’t hang a 5ft-high Rothko in a 16th century cottage with 6ft ceiling heights.” Phillipson has a First-Class honours degree
in Fine Art and History of Art and an MA in Contemporary Art Theory, but it is her love of contemporary fine art that shines through when she talks about connecting clients to artists. “It’s fascinating to watch an artist develop and follow them on that journey. Yes, some of my clients have made gains on the art that they have bought through me, but the common denominator amongst them all is that they love the pieces they buy and value the connection with the artist who has created that work.” This combination of art expertise and an understanding of what clients are looking for is at the heart of what Phillipson Fine Art does. “We have some clients who we may only ever source one piece, and others who are assiduous collectors. Part of the enjoyment of what I do is
the details Phillipson Fine Art +44 (0)7767 677 677 alison@phillipsonfineart.co.uk phillipsonfineart.co.uk
working with a wide range of people whose only connection is their interest in contemporary art.” Throughout the process great care and diligence is taken to match a client’s personal tastes, their requirements and, of course, their budget: “We’ve helped clients source works from £500 to over £100,000,” Phillipson reports, “and also have commissioned pieces from specific artists. “Our approach to the purchase and commissioning of fine art is to create a very personal dialogue that is always bespoke, discreet and sensitive to our client’s aspirations and tastes.” She works with exceptional artists and will purchase either direct from an artist or from a gallery. “It is enormously satisfying to bring things of beauty into people’s lives and also help artists develop their careers,” she reflects. So, who are some of the artists that she finds most exciting at present? “That’s like having to say who your favourite child is,” she laughs. “I would have to mention the sculptor James Capper and the painter Masaki Yada whom I think are both tremendous talents. I shall now wait for the ‘what-about-me?’ emails from all the others I know!” So if the art on your wall began to pall during Lockdown, it might be an idea to give Alison a call and start investigating the vibrant world of contemporary art.
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ART
ONE PAINTER – TWO PERSONAS
THE DETAILS
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hings change over time. An aspiring painter may set out on an artistic journey in Chelsea, on a foundation course, in 1983, but her style takes time to evolve. Over the course of nearly 40 years it naturally evolves some more. The challenge for the artist is how to embrace different fascinations within the same practice? One answer is a ‘nom de plume’ or, rather a ‘nom de pinceau’. Thus, in the same way that J.K. Rowling writes crime novels as Robert Galbraith, large scale oil on canvas abstract artist Fleur Cowgill paints pictures of flowers and fruit in water colour and acrylic under the soubriquet ‘Iris John’. The oil paintings are created in Cowgill’s studio next to Billingshurst station in Sussex, where she shares a large industrial space with other artists and sculptors. It is an environment of high creative energy, busy again now since returning from lockdown, a hive of inspiration inducive to expressive output. Fruit and flowers are painted on the dining room table. ‘I arrived at the name Iris John by combining the Christian name of one of my
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Working with other artists during lockdown, in a suitably socially distanced manner, Fleur Cowgill established an online gallery. You can view and buy her work there now – see harlequingallery.com
grandmothers with the surname of the other,’ says Cowgill. ‘Women of another era, they both loved flowers and sitting working at the table reminds me of taking tea with them. I don’t think either of them would much like my abstract work, but flowers are much more genteel – which is probably what they hoped their granddaughter would become.’ Lockdown sideswiped the art business. Cowgill had been working towards a major show as part of Brighton’s ‘Artists Open Houses’ trail in May, only for it to become a victim of Coronavirus. It has now been rearranged for November. However she had work selected for one of the first London exhibitions to be held, at La Galleria in Pall Mall, in July and says it was nice to get back to some semblance of ‘normal’, albeit there could be no private view. Yet every cloud has a silver lining. ‘The benefit of having a double personality,’ she says, ‘is that whilst Fleur Cowgill wasn’t allowed out to go to her studio, Irish John could bring flowers in from the garden, sit at her table and paint to her heart’s content.’
CAROL BROWN
Nature being the source of inspiration for British born, New York artist Carol Brown. An abstract exploration of the beauty and complexity she finds.
Visit: www.carolbrownstudios.com and @carol_brown_studios on Instagram www.its-brown.com
E McKnight Art Colour is Eleanor’s passion she loves to create paintings breaking down the barriers resulting in semi abstract and abstract pieces to bring calm and escapism to any space. She cannot get enough of the landscape, her love of blue is apparent but all colours excite her. Her vision is to create a piece of art which is unique and will add beauty to any room, both traditional and contemporary.
www.eleanormcknightart.com @Eleanormcknightart
LIKE DIAMONDS 6, 110 x 82 cm, Mixed Media on Acrylic, 2020
ART
Anna Van den Hövel takes you on an abstract world tour
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lobal is not just the theme in the pictures of Anna Luisa van den Hövel. The artist fascinates on an international level with rugged surfaces and elegant motifs. In the world of fine arts, nature by itself has always been a popular model. Not without reason. Original forms, a rich variety of unadulterated colours and mystical landscapes have also captivated the Munich artist Anna van den Hövel. Growing up between the coast of Menorca, the Alpine landscape of Austria and urban Munich, the urge to explore and experience the world emerged early on. So she traveled across all the continents and fell madly in love with our fascinating planet. On her travels, the curious explorer collected mental snapshots that are still rooted in her deep emotions today. A very important aspect are the photographs that Anna has been able to collect over the years all over the world and now serve as a blueprint for her paintings. Her works are not about depicting lifelike landscape paintings. “Our body is a great asset - so I include this directly in my works, using my hands and feet as a paintbrush. “ Anna van den Hövel wants to give the viewer more. She connects the creative process with its own individual perception of the world. Expressive and unconventional techniques are used. After a long study of materials, Anna has
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found the perfect mix for her works to create a collage through layering and blending. She combines acrylics, pigments, lacquer and materials such as sand, earth or mortar to make the images in her head a reality. “My definition of art is to create something with my hands that expresses who I am,” says the artist about her work. Her works are more than just painting. The often large-format canvases with generously applied layers wrap the viewer through powerful movements and offer a surprisingly new and charming view of our planet. “Birdview”, a series from her creative cycle. The bird’s-eye view makes her motifs smaller, smaller and powerless. Only the big picture of colours, shapes and materials offers the viewer a scope to perceive buildings, objects and landscapes. The success proves Anna right. Currently, exhibitions are planned in Los Angeles and New York. Her agent in the US is none other than Guy Hector. With “the Art House” he already manages many great artists in North America. In addition, her art does not just show on the canvas but together with the shoe innovation “Mime et moi”, Anna van den Hövel designed the look of an exclusive shoe limited to 100 pairs. This makes it clear that the young creator is well equipped for her journey on the catwalk of the international art scene: with talent, techniques and heart and soul. hoevelvandenart.com
ART
Introducing the inaugural Wimbledon Homes & Antiques Fair
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his exciting new event located in South West London combines what we think is the best of homes & antiques presented to you by an impressive range of stall holders from across the UK and Europe. Imagine your favourite vintage store and a Parisian flea market rolled into one – then add in one of those secret off-the-beaten track furniture shops and finally the bric-a-brac junk shop of your dreams… you’ve found Wimbledon Homes & Antiques Fair ! Brimming with an abundance of antique, vintage, retro, collectables, garden ephemera, furniture, paintings and more, we’re sure you’ll be inspired by what’s on offer. No matter what you’re looking for, someone at Wimbledon Homes & Antiques Fair will be selling it! Gates open at 10am with FREE parking. Admission is £1 (Children under 16 FREE). Home Delivery Service & Hot & Cold Refreshments. Wimbledon Homes & Antiques Fair, Prince George’s Playing Fields, Bushey Road, Raynes Park, London SW20 8TE 07895 262 799 info@sw19antiques.com sw19antiques.com
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“Brimming with an abundance of antique, vintage, retro, collectables, garden ephemera, furniture, paintings and more, we’re sure you’ll be inspired by what’s on offer”
Due to current circumstances, it is vital that your home is safe and secure. Like many of our clients located elsewhere, you also can have peace of mind that your home will be looked after by Private PA.
We can look after your property with regular visits to include checking your post, keeping in touch with you, and scanning over any documentation that requires your approval. Let us check that your property is well maintained and that any enhancements or work you need carried out is supported and monitored by us. In these unprecedented times, things can quickly become overwhelming and little problems become big overnight. If you’re struggling to find stability in your home or business, Private PA can give you peace of mind that everything in your life is under control and running smoothly. We are happy to work with you virtually or in person when needed Mobile: 07714 100 370 Email: amanda@privatepa.co.uk Or have a look at our website for ideas at www.PrivatePa.co.uk
ADMISSION ÂŁ1.00 (CHILDREN FREE) FREE PARKING OPEN 10AM-3PM OUTSIDE STALLS HOME DELIvERy SERvICE HOT & COLD REFRESHMENTS
OUT & ABOUT
The World’s Most Regal Car Park This September, automotive royalty gathers in Hampton Court Palace for the world-famous Concours of Elegance
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he most astonishing cars ever produced, a line-up of world-famous luxury brands, and one of the UK’s most beautiful historic royal settings. That’s the successful recipe for the Concours of Elegance, returning to Hampton Court Palace from 4-6th September. Following formal approval from Historic Royal Palaces, the Concours of Elegance – presented by luxury watchmakers, A. Lange & Söhne – is the first major international concours d’elegance event since March, and the perfect chance to gawp at one-off Alfa Romeos, race-winning Bugattis, coach built American rarities and a lineup of ‘Future Classics’ from the likes of Singer, Koenigsegg and Pagani. Originally launched at Windsor Castle in 2012, the event has grown since, hosted at St James’s Palace in 2013, Hampton Court Palace in 2014, the Palace of Holyroodhouse in 2015, back to Windsor in 2016 and then finding a semipermanent home at Hampton Court Palace from
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2017. As the Concours of Elegance evolved over the years – always with a stunning collection of cars at its heart – it has morphed into a celebration of luxury goods, fine food and drink, wonderful music and superb displays of art. The line-up of cars is a veritable feast of the most famous brands in the world; Ferrari, Rolls-Royce, Bugatti and Lamborghini all feature. But each car in the Concours must be invited to attend, and to get an invitation, your car must be extremely special. An expert Concours of Elegance Steering Committee of motoring aficionados pick one-offs, rarities and models with incredible backstories to invite to Hampton Court Palace to create a truly special line-up of vehicles. The Concours of Elegance’s centrepiece display is reserved only for the most extraordinary vehicles or astonishing motoring feats. This year, is a specially curated collection of McLaren F1 GTRs that finished 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 13th at Le Mans 24 Hours in 1995. All five cars will be parked side-by-side at Concours of Elegance 2020; the
“The perfect chance to gawp at one-off Alfa Romeos, race-winning Bugattis, coach built American rarities and a line-up of ‘Future Classics’”
winning Kokusai Kaihatsu Racing car, the thirdplace Harrods-liveried car of Andy Wallace, Derek Bell and Justin Bell, the fourth-place Gulf Racing F1 GTR, the Giroix Racing Team F1 GTR that finished fifth and the 13th-placed Societe BBA car. In addition to the spectacular McLaren F1 GTR centrepiece, visitors can expect to see two one-off Alfa Romeos in the show’s very special Main Concours display - demonstrating the best in contemporary engineering and hand-crafted design. The Alfa Romeo 6C 2300B and 2500 were among the most expensive cars in the world during the ’30s and ‘40s, featuring engines designed by one of the great automotive designers of all time; Vittorio Jano, His engines helped both cars to amass a number of impressive race victories. They finished 1st and 2nd in their class at the 1937 Mille Miglia, 1st, 2nd and 3rd at the 1937 Targa Abruzzo in Pescara, took victory again at Pescara in 1938 and won the Targa Florio in 1950. Concours of Elegance’s tribute to 70 years of motorsport’s top echelon includes five exceptional F1 cars, each representing a pinnacle of achievement in F1’s constant quest for speed. The group comprises cars every enthusiast will recognise Ferrari, Williams and Lotus machines
“Concours of Elegance’s tribute to 70 years of motorsport’s top echelon includes five exceptional F1 cars” inextricably linked with racing heroes such as Sir Stirling Moss, Niki Lauda and Damon Hill. For those not yet old enough to enjoy the thrills of a road car, Concours of Elegance is proud the introduce the Junior Concours. Celebrating the best of half-scale hand-built pedal, electric and petrol-powered cars of all ages, the Junior Concours, will see parents and their children taking on the roles of Works Drivers and Mechanics. Nearly 1000 cars will gather in the Palace AUGUST 2020 53
OUT & ABOUT
grounds for a number of other features, including the seventh annual Royal Automobile Club Trophy. The UK’s finest car clubs, from RollsRoyce to Ferrari will enter their most spectacular vehicles for an opportunity to win a much-vaunted place among the Main Concours collection of cars in the 2021 event. Alongside these magnificent cars, visitors may explore Hampton Court Palace and visit a vast array of street-food outlets and enjoy champagne by the original Champagne Charlie, Charles Heidsieck. There’s the opportunity for some luxury shopping, too, with pop-up boutiques from the
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likes of fine horologists A. Lange & Söhne and their intricately crafted German timepieces, and fashion brands like Niccolò P.’s signature polo shirts. With a new Official Insurance Partner, Chubb Insurance, and Specialist Dealer Displays from the likes of Frank Dale, Bell Sport & Classic, Jaguar Land Rover Classic, Export 56 and more. Clearly, it’s worth addressing the elephant in the room. With audience welfare in mind, the organisers have created a new Covid-19safe operational plan that includes revised hospitality and restricted visitor numbers, with the introduction of separate morning and afternoon tickets. Should government guidance negate the running of the event, all tickets can be refunded or rolled over to 2021. concoursofelegance.co.uk
“Alongside these magnificent cars, visitors may explore Hampton Court Palace”
FEATURE
Get married on the luxurious Longleat Estate may be the choice for you. This venue is suitable for 12 to 35 guests starting from £180 per person. The eccentric suite, located in the penthouse apartments of Longleat House, is available as a package which includes venue hire, catering, VIP Safari Park Tour in 4x4s for all guests on the day and more.
Further venue choices on the Estate Nestled among the beautiful Formal Gardens, you’ll find the Orangery, circa. 1807. This location offers a truly romantic ceremony and reception looking out onto the Love Labyrinth or you could host an outdoor blessing within the beautiful Secret Garden. Alternatively, if you’re looking for more of a contemporary feel, there’s the option of a marquee on the bank of Half Mile Lake, or the blank canvas option of The Longhouse where your creativity can flourish.
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ocated in Wiltshire, Longleat boasts heritage, picturesque photographic opportunities and alternative entertainment to ensure you have a truly bespoke wedding. The elegant Estate has been the home to 16 generations of the Thynn(e) family, spanning nearly 440 years. It was the venue of choice for The Viscount and Viscountess Weymouth, Ceawlin and Emma’s wedding in 2013. Now, you can follow in their footsteps and celebrate your wedding within the historic Grounds and Formal Gardens of the 900-acre Estate.
Longleat House The Grade I Listed, Elizabethan Longleat House features an impressive Great Hall, retaining original 16th century features and gorgeous Green Library with an exquisite chandelier, housing over 4,000 rare books mainly collected by the 2nd Marquess. Both rooms can be used for ceremony and wedding breakfast. You could then follow with your evening reception in the atmospheric stonevaulted beer cellars beneath Longleat House. If you are looking for a venue for a small gathering, then the Lord Bath’s Banqueting Suite 56 AUGUST 2020
Fulfil your wildest wedding day desires The Estate is most famous as the UK’s original Safari Park with a wide range of wonderful animals that can be part of your big day. You and your guests can feed sea lions, observe the gorillas and spot the hippos on a private boat tour on Half Mile Lake, marvel at the big cats with your own, exclusive Safari Bus. Or, extend the celebrations with astonishing VIP Experiences before or after your wedding day. Let your imagination run free with the range of entertainment that can add astonishment to an already unforgettable day.
THE DETAILS Every wedding at Longleat is bespoke so get in touch if you want to find out more. Browse the possibilities at longleat.co.uk/weddings or call 01985 844328.
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OUT & &ABOUT FOOD DRINK
NOBU LONDON
SAFETY & STYLE
The iconic Japanese restaurant in Mayfair is making the most of life after lockdown.
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obu London Old Park Lane has reopened its doors after several months of lockdown. An integral part of London’s dining scene for over 23 years, customers are ready to return for their taste of Nobu. The famous Black Cod Miso is sure to be at the top of many lists for diners, while the Baby Tiger Shrimp Tempura was cited as the mostmissed dish by customers while at home. Bright and spacious, with large windows that look out towards Hyde Park, Nobu London was the first European location of the now globally renowned brand, named after chef and founder,
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Nobuyuki Matsuhisa. A pioneer in Japanese cuisine, Nobu’s innovative food has amassed a devoted following the world over. In addition to exceptional sushi, hand crafted by some of the world’s most talented chefs, Nobu’s iconic dishes include New Style Sashimi thinly sliced sashimi seared with hot olive oil and sesame - and Crispy Rice - cubes of crisped sushi rice served with spicy tuna or salmon tartare. For those who haven’t yet returned to the city, or who are pacing their return to restaurants, these favourite dishes are still available on Nobu London’s takeaway menu, which launched during
“A pioneer in Japanese cuisine, Nobu’s innovative food has amassed a devoted following the world over”
lockdown. A first for the long-standing location, the restaurant responded to customer demands by putting together a selection of items, including sake and wine, available for collection at the restaurant or delivery via Deliveroo and Supper. The at-home experience proved popular and will continue to be available seven days a week. From guiding customers step-by-step through ordering a food delivery, to sharing recipes to recreate Nobu dishes at home, keeping in touch with customers was hugely important to the Nobu team. “We have guests that we’ve been serving since the doors first opened, where we know several generations of their family,” said Andrew Milne, Director of Operations. “When you see the same people every week for several decades, you can’t allow that to slip away, even during a pandemic.” Staying connected with their patrons also helped Nobu London prepare to reopen its doors in July. By the time the Government announcement was made the Nobu team had already caught up with numerous regulars, welcomed new customers through its delivery partners and even supported birthday, graduation and anniversary celebrations held at home through its takeaway business. “We had a good sense of how our customers were doing,” said Andrew. “We knew what they’d missed out on, what they were looking forward to and, most importantly, how we could help them feel safe enough to dine out again.” While safety was certainly a priority for returning Nobu customers, experience was a close second. The team have worked hard to put in place measures that ensured all the Government guidelines were met, while maintaining their Nobu
values, from outstanding food to impeccable service. The restaurant has been adapted to allow for safe social distancing while dining. All areas of the building are being regularly and thoroughly cleaned, with all staff observing frequent handwashing and the highest possible standards of cleanliness. Smart steps have been put in place to limit contact, such as innovative QR code menus guests simply scan the code and view the full menu on their phone or other smart device - and onetouch menus for each customer’s use only. The team themselves are also being supported with daily wellness and temperature checks and proper protective equipment to allow them to get to and from work safely. Customers can rest assured that everyone, from the manager welcoming them, to their dedicated server and the chef working hard in the kitchen are going above and beyond to ensure that everyone dining at Nobu enjoys a safe, untroubled and happy meal. Nobu London is open for dine-in and takeaway. To view opening hours, full health and safety measures and book a table visit: noburestaurants.com 020 7447 4747
“When you see the same people every week for several decades, you can’t allow that to slip away, even during a pandemic”
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FOOD & DRINK
MOONSHINE SALOON BRINGS THE WILD WEST TO THE CITY!
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London’s only immersive Wild West cocktail experience
riginally designed as a pop-up experience, Moonshine Saloon welcomed thousands of visitors at its previous home in West London. It is now located permanently in the heart of the City, just a short walk from Liverpool Street and Aldgate Stations. The experience has become Design My Nights highest rated cocktail experience, along with almost all 5* reviews across TripAdvisor, Facebook and Google. It has also featured on popular TV show Celebs Go Dating along with BBC features. Visitors to Moonshine Saloon become a part of the story as they bring their own liquor and become the beating heart of a covert liquor operation led by King of the Moonshiners, Clyde Cassidy. The Law was closing in on the operation in West London so the new location provides a fresh home for outlaws to learn the art of smuggling and supplying illicit liquor during the Great American Frontier. Outlaws can try their luck at card games or be trusted enough to receive a closeup inspection of Cassidy’s notorious Moonshine Distillery. The new location also sees a new element - guests celebrating special occasions can select a specific character such as The
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Mayor or the Deputy when booking their place, who will form an integral part of the storyline that unfolds. Visitors are served bespoke, delicious cocktails - expertly prepared by world-class mixologists and barkeeps, who combine smuggled liquor with bitters, syrups, liqueurs and garnishes to make contemporary and classic cocktails. Inventive Productions, the team behind Moonshine Saloon, created the experience as part of a series of experiences that all link together within a wider world. For instance, following events at Moonshine Saloon and with Prohibition coming into full effect, Mr Cassidy turned to nationwide bootlegging, prescribing “medicinal liquor” under the disguise of a pharmacy. Customers can purchase covert remedies from Cassidy’s, a unique online cocktail delivery experience for people to enjoy at home. With all this criminal activity, it all had to come to an end. Guests can experience life behind bars at Alcotraz - the worlds first prison-themed cocktail experience. Fear not though, Mr Cassidy has managed to turn this place as crooked as the rest. Visits typically last around two hours and cost £35.99 per person (includes 4 cocktails using guests brought spirit of choice).
THE DETAILS Moonshine Saloon 28-30 Houndsditch, London EC3A 7DB Open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 6.15pm-10:15pm and Saturday 5pm-11.15pm Bookings can be made online: moonshinesaloon.com/bookings Or via Design My Nights Instagram: @MoonshineSaloon Facebook: @MoonshineSaloonLondon Twitter: @MrClydeCassidy
FOOD & DRINK
Gabeto & Shaka Zulu Summer and let the Cuban beat get you in the party spirit! gabeto.co.uk
Shaka Zulu Fancy a meal out with a difference? Shaka Zulu in the heart of Camden Market is London’s largest South African restaurant set over a ground-breaking 27,000 sq foot. This spectacular restaurant, bar and club offers amazing food, drinks, live music and daytime family entertainment. Summer in Shaka Zulu is all about the amazing Cocktails and sumptuous A La Carte Menu. From our sharing cocktails such as Mandela’s Guests, the Cape Town Share and Monkey Brothers, to our award-winning selection of Whiskies and Rums there really is something for everyone to enjoy. Our restaurant menu is bursting with big ticket items including Harissa Buffalo Striploin, Blackened Cajun Salmon and Chermoula Grilled Seabream. You can also enjoy up to £10 off your meal per person (not including alcoholic drinks) with the Government Eat Out To Help Out scheme on a Wednesday throughout August* Shaka Zulu is truly a theatre of food, so be prepared to be entertained this Summer! *Terms and conditions apply. See venue websites for details. shaka-zulu.com
Gabeto Just a short stroll from both Camden Town and Chalk Farm stations, lies Gabeto – a Latin retreat nestled away in Camden’s iconic market stables and home to authentic Cuban inspired tapas & classic cocktails. The buzz of the Cuban party spills onto the downstairs and upstairs terraces where you can enjoy live music and ice-cold beer from our specially designed mobile bar. Our menu is just as lively as the atmosphere which features mouthwatering dishes such as Salmon Ceviche Tacos, Bell Pepper and Black Bean Fajitas and Fiery Grilled Seabass! You can also enjoy up to £10 off your meal (not including alcoholic drinks) per person with the Government Eat Out To Help Out scheme Mon – Wed in August* So, head on down to Gabeto Terrace this 64 AUGUST 2020
Summer in Shaka Zulu is all about our amazing Cocktails and sumptuous A La Carte Menu
FOOD & DRINK
ALCOTRAZ
THE DETAILS For details of opening hours and to book online visitalcotraz.co.uk or via Design My Night Tickets cost from £29.99 (including four cocktails from your smuggled liquor and just under two hours inside the experience) Alcotraz Penitentiary: Cell Block Two One Two, 212 Brick Lane, E1 6SA Cell Block Six Eight, 68a Neals Street, WC2H 9PA Cell Block One Three, 13 Kings Road, BN1 1NE Instagram: @alcotraz_uk Twitter: @alcotraz_uk Facebook: @AlcotrazPenitentiary
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The immersive cocktail experience
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aying homage to cult TV shows like Orange is the New Black and Prison Break, Alcotraz has cemented itself as one of London’s leading alternative nights out. Located on Brick Lane since 2017, the notorious prison-themed venue opened two new sites last year - Covent Garden and Brighton following phenomenal consumer demand. It has generated global headlines, creating controversy and thrilling audiences looking for a memorable night out. Each Cell Block, accommodating up to 40
inmates at a time, unlocks its doors revealing a secret speakeasy prison cocktail bar. The stakes couldn’t be higher and covertness is paramount when guests attempt to smuggle liquor past The Warden and into the hands of some of Alcotraz’s longest-serving inmates, who transform the contraband liquor into delicious cocktails. The experience begins as soon as a ticket is purchased. Guests – or inmates - are given their own processing number to bring their liquor and covertly meet the Crooked Guards. Don’t expect to swap pleasantries, code words and knowing looks are what’s required to commence your journey. A game of cat and mouse, inmates attempt to smuggle their liquor into Alcotraz encounter a cast of actors as a theatrical storyline plays out. With orange prison jumpsuits, inmates are led to their cells where they come face to face with shady characters and the jails notorious bootlegging gang who transform your illicit liquor into bespoke, delicious contemporary and classic cocktails. Combining world-class cocktails with a theatrical experience, Alcotraz meets the demand for experiential nights out. Alcotraz Penitentiary is one of many immersive cocktail experiences from Inventive Productions, including the Western-themed Moonshine Saloon and the Prohibition-Era inspired cocktail delivery experience, Cassidy’s.
FOOD & DRINK
Created by mixologists, shaken by you!
Introducing The Cocktail Delivery Company
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hake up your nights this summer! The Cocktail Delivery Company is proud to deliver delicious premium cocktails nationwide. Created by world-class mixologists with decades of cocktail experience, the new delivery service couriers premium, freshly made cocktails straight to your door, so all you need to do is select, shake and pour. Founded by the experiential drink specialists at the 43 Club, The Cocktail Delivery Company offer a true bartender quality serve allowing any novice cocktail maker to serve a completely professional drink from home. Choose from a long list of classic serves from the ever popular Porn Star Martini (£30 for 6 serves) to the crowd pleasing gin Bramble (£31.70 for 7 serves). For something a little different, choose from the ever changing and developing Club Signatures which include the new addition Lost in Mexico (£30 for 7 serves); a punchy mix of tequila, mezcal, pineapple and a specially crafted basil cordial. There is also a wide range of delicious mocktails and for those looking to throw a proper party; choose from the specialist party boxes. Fancy something not on the menu? The Cocktail Delivery Company also creates bespoke cocktails to-order for those after something specific. Each serve comes with garnishes and a handy
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“Choose from a long list of classic serves from the ever popular Porn Star Martini to the crowd pleasing gin Bramble”
‘how to’ guide so you can pour like a pro. All cocktails abstain from using artificial flavours, sweeteners and preservatives plus they are completely fresh so ensure you drink them before the use-by date. All packaging is 100% recyclable and any waste created from making the cocktails; goes on to make something else, whether it be the garnishes or development for new serves. The Cocktail Delivery Company is available nationwide with next working day delivery. For more information please visit: thecocktaildeliverycompany.co.uk
FOOD & DRINK
Photography: Matteo Piazza; Words: Giulia Palmieri
VyTA: Experience Italy In The Heart Of Covent Garden
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n the heart of the iconic Covent Garden Piazza you’ll find the vibrant and effervescent VyTA restaurant. You’ll be transported back in time to 1960’s Italy once you step foot into the opulent restaurant. With an array of luxurious decorative details and geometric stylisations, the electrifying energy of the mixologists, the magnetic pull to the grand terrace and its views over Covent Garden, this is sure to be the go to spot for Londoners. VyTA pays attention to every detail to create a truly memorable dining experience for every single guest. With impeccable attention to detail, first class service and welcoming staff, this is a restaurant that puts the guests needs first. Enjoy the luxurious authentic Italian menu while sipping on sumptuous cocktails that are sure to invigorate your senses. With a modern twist on classic Italian dishes and a focus on fresh fish, executive chef, Mario Bruno will guide you through every dish on the mouth watering menu, helping you select which dish to indulge in. Chef Mario will be personally greeting every guest at each table which adds to VyTA’s truly unique dining experience. Finish off the perfect culinary experience with one of their hand picked wines from the VyTA award-winning collection. You’ll truly feel as though you’ve escaped London for an Italian oasis.
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To end on a sweet note, indulge in their decadent selection of desserts, paired wines, or a genuine Italian coffee. The scene is now officially set for one of the most spectacular dining experiences you can find in London. The terrace boasts live DJ sets that add to the feel good element of your experience that allows you to sit back, relax, and enjoy an allencompassing sensory experience. In the words of Daniela Colli, founder of the Rome-based award-winning architecture and interior design studio COLLIDANIELARCHITETTO, that brought the restaurant to life “VyTA Covent Garden is a wonderland of colours and shapes, designed to surprise, celebrate and entertain people who’s looking for a world of pleasure”. No expense is spared to ensure that your experience at VyTA is definitely one for the books. 21 The Market, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8RD 020 7654 3030 vytacoventgarden.co.uk
FOOD & DRINK
SugarSin
Sweet Shop of the Year 2019
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oted as the Best Sweet Shop Central SugarSin need not be a step into the dark, but a London 2019, SugarSin is in the charming tour through captivating confectionery. Theatre District of Covent Garden! A bright blue shop that stands out from Shop at SugarSin its more austere fellows, SugarSin is the home of Spend up to £30 or more online at sugarsin.co.uk some of the most delectable sweets in the whole and use code ‘Strawberry 20’ to get 20% off your of London. Firmly planted at the high-end of the order. market, SugarSin is a haven for pick n mix-lovers, Whilst SugarSin is working hard to bring its a tribute to chocolate-lovers, and a home to unique entire pick n mix offering online, to know more cocktail & fruit flavored candy. about how you can order SugarSin pick n mix Sourcing products of the highest quality from to be delivered to your doorstep, send an email the best confectionery suppliers in the UK and to hello@sugarsin.co.uk. It is a simple process Europe, SugarSin brings a unique collection of where you virtually choose your sweets to create confectionery for vegetarian, vegan, gluten- and your own bespoke box or jar of luxury pick n mix dairy-free diets. 90% of SugarSin products are sweets. hand-packed in-house with utmost care ensuring Visit SugarSin at 1 Russell Street, London, every bag, box or jar reflects the SugarSin ethos of WC2B 5JD. Tel: 020 8616 5959. great quality and outstanding taste. The Email: hello@sugarsin.co.uk. sugarsin.co.uk emphasis on quality is at the core of all SugarSin decisions, never READER compromising on this aspect of OFFER: SAVE its business. This ethos is what brings people coming back time after time, in the search for a repeat of an excellent experience. Finding a sweet shop with a vast variety of products, wonderful staff, and in the perfect location is no mean feat. Becoming the destination for those wanting a premium sweet experience is no accident. It is the result of years of work, building a fine reputation that has garnered the respect of Londoners, tourists and – thanks to the Royal Opera House being a stone’s throw away – theatregoers. Owned and managed by Jiten Shah, the adoration he has for the shop is reflected in the customer service SugarSin provides. A visit to
20%
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“SugarSin brings a unique collection of confectionery for vegetarian, vegan, gluten- and dairy-free diets”
Looking for a construction company that can deliver your dream home hassle free? Flare Project Management is a family business specialised in high-end residential and commercial refurbishments, extensions, basements and loft conversions. Whether you are planning a complete upgrade, or simply a new kitchen, a new bathroom or perhaps painting and decorating, we have the right team for your project! Working closely with architects, designers and clients we always go the extra mile to make sure your dream comes true.
www.flareprojectmanagement.co.uk info@flareprojectmanagement.co.uk
OUT & ABOUT
Chocks away for the Virtual Spitfire 10K Race! 29 August – 15 September 2020, RAF Museums, Cosford and London
T
he popular Spitfire 10K is going virtual this year! The RAF Museum starts the Battle of Britain commemorations in a slightly different format. Ordinarily, the event would see runners racing across the airfield at Cosford and through the streets of north London, but with the health and wellbeing of participants in mind the 2020 Spitfire 10K event will be a virtual one. Participants are invited to join in over the August bank holiday at 10am on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 August, the original race days. Trophies and prizes are up for grabs, and runners who submit their times will appear on the leader board. Or you can complete the 10K to fit your schedule
“Participants will be rewarded with a highly sought-after 2020 Spitfire 10K medal”
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and ability, by splitting the distance into a few runs or walks. The virtual race can be completed any time between 29 August and 15 September - the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Participants will be rewarded with a highly sought-after 2020 Spitfire 10K medal, an absolute must for any runner’s medal collection! The “RAF Spitfires” (RAF Rugby 7s Team) are taking part, with team members raising funds for the RAF Museum and sharing their tips with other runners on social media. Families can join in the Spitfire Family Run, a shorter 1km race suitable for all ages, with participants rewarded with a medal upon completion. Help honour those who defended our skies during the Battle of Britain by fundraising and pledging to raise £80 for the 80th anniversary and receive your race day t-shirt for free. Spitfire technical t-shirts (£10.00), running vests (£12.00) and cotton family run t-shirts (£5.00) can be purchased when registering.
THE DETAILS Entry costs £22.50 per person and £20.50 for the Armed Forces Community. All proceeds go towards the RAF Museum. The Museum is now open daily with measures in place to ensure a safe and great day out for the whole family. FREE ENTRY! Visitors are kindly asked to pre-book their arrival time at rafmuseum.org Follow the RAF Museum on Twitter - @rafmuseum Facebook - @RAFMJoint Instagram - @rafmuseum RAF Museum London, Grahame Park Way, London, NW9 5LL RAF Museum Cosford, Shifnal, Shropshire, TF11 8UP
BRIGHTWATER M E M O R I A L
P A R K
As the first privately built, above ground indoor mausoleum in the UK, Brightwater Memorial Park is a modern, uplifting alternative to cemeteries and crematoria. Combining a state-of-the-art burial facility, an exemplary level of service and a serene, natural setting extending to over 14 acres of private gardens and grounds, Brightwater Memorial Park is the ideal place to create your legacy.
You can now reserve your final resting place at Brightwater Memorial Park‌ For more information, please visit our website at www.brightwater.group info@brightwater.group | 01689 850 880
OUT & ABOUT
LIFEBOAT 52-02 A
n exciting new chapter is about to open for one of the most famous lifeboats built by the RNLI in its history. The prototype Arun class lifeboat 52-02 RNLB Sir William Arnold served her Channel Island Station, St Peter Port, Guernsey from 1973 to 1997 and saved 223 lives. Lovingly restored, by her current owner to how she would have looked in her operational life, 52-02 has been given a new lease of life and is set to open as a floating education and Lifeboat
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Experience Centre in London’s St Katharine Docks. Open to the public for guided tours and visits, she’ll also be the unique classroom and base for Blue Lamp Afloat RYA Training Centre, offering shore based courses and a unique team building experience venue. The Arun class lifeboat was the darling of the RNLI’s fleet during the 1980s and into the 90’s. A noble winner of a Design council award, of the 46 Arun’s built many went on to continue their lifesaving careers overseas after being retired from the RNLI. Many of them were involved in award winning rescues, 52-02 being the most famous. A total of 15 medals were awarded to her coxswains and crews for various rescues performed in horrendous sea conditions, including gold, silver and 13 bronze. Now the public can go on board and get to see close up, what life would be like on a lifeboat during a rescue mission as London’s only floating lifeboat museum. For more information visit lifeboat5202.com.
OUTDOOR C ARE LIVING
“Luxury later living and care– “the Signature way”
Delivering peace of mind
Beautiful interior design, five-star amenities, landscaped gardens, fine dining and the highest level of bespoke care and service. These are traits not historically associated with care homes, however times are changing and the sector is evolving.
L
eading this luxury paradigm shift is Signature Care Homes, driven by an unwavering vision to change perceptions of the sector forever, with a number of award-winning care homes all rated good or outstanding by CQC across London and the Home Counties. Following a period of lockdown, in line with government guidance Signature Care Homes are now reopen to visitors, including family members, friends and potential residents who could benefit from its industry leading accommodation and support. Homes are expansive and accommodate the spaciousness in which to adhere to social distancing, with each also completing a bespoke risk assessment and implementing new protocols. Chief operating officer Kay Cox is quick to reassure that despite the easing of lockdown “the health and safety of residents, families and team members remains the number one priority above all else. We continually monitor the situation and will adapt as required – striving for excellence in
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our safety protocols as if our own relatives are in our homes.” From independently procuring personal protective equipment (PPE), conducting widespread whole home testing, assembling additional specialist training and creating new safety measures, Signature acted quickly and decisively amidst changing circumstances. Indeed, one resident asserts “you couldn’t have asked for a better response.” As a result, its homes are well prepared to look to the future whilst robustly managing future Covid-19 related risks. Beyond the beautifully designed homes, which include industry-leading clean air filtration systems and a breadth of amenities, it’s the award-winning 24 hour care and nursing expertise that remains at the heart of what Signature Care Homes does. “That’s the Signature way” as Kay Cox puts it, highlighting an unwavering dedication to treating every resident with the respect, dignity and individuality they deserve. Tailor-made care plans are designed around individual needs, and skilled
“Signature Care Homes are now reopen to visitors, including family members, friends and potential residents”
staff focus on supporting independence as much as possible to enable active and fulfilling lifestyles for all residents. This is all supported through electronic care planning which provides additional peace of mind for family and friends. Signature at Wandsworth Common is the groups newest and most luxurious home, offering assisted living, 24 hour nursing and specialist dementia care. Residents have the choice of spacious studios with large en suite wet room and kitchenette or a one-bedroom apartment with separate living room, kitchenette and bedroom. Residents can enjoy a range of exceptional lifestyle facilities akin to the globes finest hotels and cruise ships including a sky lounge with beautiful panoramic vistas across London, a cinema, cafĂŠ, hair salon, restaurant, private dining room, terrace gardens and even a chauffeur service. Residents living with dementia in our dedicated
communities benefit from specialist care delivered in spacious and airy studio apartments with top of the range facilities including spa bathrooms, separate living room, activities area, kitchen and lounge as well as a private balcony. With just ten apartments in each community alongside person centred, carer to resident ratios you can be sure your loved one is always getting the very best care and attention. Dedicated wellbeing teams provide a wide variety of stimulating and engaging activities bespoke to the resident’s own interests and needs, all delivered within a comfortable environment. Since opening in March 2020, Signature at Wandsworth Common has had zero cases of COVID-19* and is happy to announce that they are now re-open to visitors and prospective residents. Appointment numbers are limited so please do call in advance to book your show around.
THE DETAILS Call 0208 108 9651 or visit signature-care-homes.co.uk to find out more. *Correct at the time of publishing
AUGUST 2020 79
L AW
Pensions on Divorce – Can I get a Share of My Spouse’s Pension?
P
Liz Francis, Managing Partner at Hanne & Co Solicitors, explains…
ensions are a minefield which Family lawyers must grapple with in many financial remedy cases. They can be seriously complicated. The law did not always provide for pension sharing since pensions were not an asset that Judges paid much attention to. However, it gradually dawned that a pension can be one of the most valuable assets a family has and legislation was finally introduced to provide that pensions could be split and shared between spouses in Divorce proceedings. Pensions are now routinely shared as part of the overall financial settlement in divorce. In a long marriage the court would want to ensure that both parties have the same amount of pension income going into retirement and state pensions are also taken into account - although they cannot be shared. Once a pension sharing order is obtained and implemented, a debit is applied to the Scheme member’s fund and a corresponding credit applied to the scheme of the recipient spouse. Pension sharing means that the recipient then has control over their own fund and can take it when they want to, subject to the rules. However, there are different types of pensions and some are ultimately more valuable than others.
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The difficulties come in comparing different types of pensions as Defined Benefit (DB) pensions (final salary schemes) are very different to Defined Contribution (DC) schemes (money purchase schemes) – and even vary within schemes. Some people have SIPPS (selfadministered schemes) or there might be an overseas pension or a FAS scheme. An actuarial report will often be required to ascertain how these pensions can be shared fairly and, for example, to come up with a fair actuarial value for DB schemes so as to compare them more consistently with DC schemes. However, there are different methods of valuation as well as varying assumptions and projections for the future which could mean that different actuaries may come up with different figures. There is also the possibility for the parties to offset the values of their pensions against other marital assets to achieve fairness in sharing their assets on divorce Finally, there are the inevitable tax complications which may need expert consideration especially given the new rules giving people more flexibility when drawing down their pension. Those with large pension pots would need to consider an IFA’s advice as well as a specialist family solicitor and possibly an actuary.
Liz Francis is the Managing Partner of Hanne & Co Solicitors
“It is important to find a law firm with the range of expertise to cover all situations and who you can develop a trusting relationship with”
We have an exciting range of offers and discounts available to new members who join us in August 2020. We’d love to talk to you about how you can become part of our elite group of singles.
Find Love with The County Register, a Traditional Off-Line Dating Agency Introductions to genuinely available men and women looking for long-term commitment. A safe & confidential, offline way to meet new people. All members interviewed and ID checked. Contact Our Experienced Membership Advisers on 0800 644 4110 or email at enqiries@thecountyregister.com | www.thecountyregister.com
At The Little Hanging Garden Company we make unique and innovative outdoor and indoor living plant designs and create wedding favours and table decorations to suit your wedding theme. We specialise in echeveria’s and other succulent plants. The majority of which are propagated and grown in our own greenhouses.
Our succulent living wreaths are made by hand, using an assortment of plants which are artistically placed, choosing textures and colours to achieve a living work of art
Liz Viney liz@thelittlehgc.co.uk 07760137645 www.thelittlehanginggardencompany.co.uk
LUXURY
outdoor living guide
– Making the most of the great outdoors this summer – I M AGE : GARDEN TRADING CO
OUTDOOR LIVING
[ NE W S ]
OUTDOOR LIVING TURN UP THE HEAT As the day draws to an end, it doesn’t mean your time outside has to. This great collection of outdoor heaters will extend your days into evenings, transforming your garden or patio into a warm, cosy, and inviting space. dobbies.com
Bring Festival Fever Home this Summer With many festivals now postponed until 2021, it’s time to rethink one of our favourite summertime staples whilst we wait for their return next year. Carve out a little relaxed corner for the main event. Fire pits and chimineas will keep everyone warm when the sun goes down, whilst adding a sense of occasion. Pile up blankets and cushions for softness and comfort. gardentrading.co.uk
FABULOUS FEATURES Visually striking, the outdoor spiral water feature showcases an ultra modern design with a spiral shape that neatly wraps the showering water streams. Or, create a sense of calm and tranquility alfresco with the Elite water feature in granite. charltonisland.com
AL FRESCO DINING Upgrade your outdoor dining experience by bringing a fresh botanical look to the table with ProCook’s new bamboo picnicware range. These reusable bamboo dinner plates, side plates, bowls and tumblers are perfect for picnics, BBQs and casual outdoor dining. procook.com 84 AUGUST 2020
picnic time Get out and about this month, with Helen Round’s pure linen wraps, bags and bowl covers that provide sustainable alternatives to single use plastic options. Machine washable, they can be enjoyed again and again in the great outdoors. Each piece is handmade in Helen’s Cornish studio, sewn by a team of skilled local artisans then hand printed using traditional screen printing techniques. helenround.com
OUTDOOR LIVING
S
ummer is the ideal time to enjoy your garden, as we make the most of the long-awaited warmer weather, lighter evenings, and extra time outside. As gardens burst into colour, spring planting efforts pay off, with glorious foliage textures and flower displays filling our garden and patio containers with colour and fragrance. The perfect setting for entertaining or simply to switch off and unwind, keep your garden looking its best with Dobbies Garden Centres summer gardening action plan. With helpful tips for smart watering and practical pruning – there is still time to add a quick burst of colour with Dobbies summer bedding plant picks. Dobbies Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles, shares his advice to beat the heat and keep your outdoor space looking in tip top condition all summer long…
1. When to water Watering is key during peak summer months when your garden is less likely to get what it needs naturally from rainwater. Early morning or evening is the optimal time to water plants, avoiding the hottest part of the day when this will quickly evaporate, and allowing a chance for plant roots to take in what they need. Water in the evening, so that the plants have time to drink up the water before the heat of the following day and make sure water is directed at the base of plants, rather than over the top, to ensure the water gets to where it is needed.
2. Essential pruning Regularly dead-heading flower borders will extend the flowering season well into autumn, particularly for Dahlias, Roses and cottage garden Perennials. Any early flowering herbaceous plants that have already died back can be cut back and tidied, whilst some will grow back with a second flush of foliage and flower for a late season display, such as Geraniums and Delphiniums. Prune Wisteria cutting whippy side shoots back to around five leaves to 20cm in length.
3. Everything’s rosy Many Roses will put on another display of fresh blooms, particularly David Austin varieties renowned for their fragrance and long season of flower colour. Dead head spent blooms and boost with rose fertiliser to encourage healthy growth and a late summer display. Tie in whippy growths on rambling Roses to bear next year’s trusses of flower, 86 AUGUST 2020
Summer Gardening Action Plan
positioning each stem as near to horizontal as possible. Training new growth in this way helps to encourage a prolific flower display along their length.
4. Show lawns some love Lawns are put under extra pressure during high summer months, but established lawns that dry out and have brown patches will recover with some TLC and when rain returns - so don’t panic if they do. Regular mowing is best for a healthy lawn, reducing the cutting height to help prevent drying out. Keeping the blades slightly higher will also help the grass resist the extra summer wear from garden games and stay at home picnics. Why not leave some areas of grass to grow to allow wildflowers to flourish, supporting wildlife and pollinating insects.
5. In the shade Just as you wouldn’t want to sit in glaring sun without any protection, potted patio plants will be much happier to be moved to a shady spot during peak heat, especially important during a heatwave. You could also stand container grown plants in saucers of water if it gets excessively hot.
6. Save water Switch off the water sprinkler and help conserve water by holding off using the hosepipe or washing the car. Make the most of rainfall by installing a water butt, which will mean you don’t end up with a garden full of parched plants in the event of a heatwave or hosepipe ban. Another benefit a water butt brings is that plants actually prefer rainwater, as it is naturally the correct pH for most plants. Rather than pouring the water away that is used in cooking for boiling vegetables or pasta, save it and allow to cool for later use in your garden. Reusing water for the garden is much more sustainable and will cut down your monthly water usage, better for the environment and your pocket.
Tips for success fresh new growth for a continued supply of leaves for summer dining. Cut back spent summer fruiting raspberry canes to the ground, tying in the new whips for next year’s crop as you go. Beetroot, radishes, spinach, lettuce and salad crops are all fast growing and can be sown for an extended season of fresh vegetables.
8. Summer bedding plants picks You can’t beat summer bedding plants for a burst of quick colour. Whether you’ve got a large garden to co-ordinate, or just need a few pots to brighten up your balcony or windowsill, there are endless ways to use bedding plants, making them one of the most popular additions to any summer garden.Spruce up your patio with a few planted containers, try a hanging basket to brighten up a doorway, wall or fence. You won’t find a more lowmaintenance group of plants.
Add water-retaining gel and slow-release fertiliser to the compost when you are planting to give your plants the best possible start. Keep on top of watering, usually once a day, and never let the compost dry out. Snip off faded flowers to encourage new blooms to grow For more top tips visit dobbies.com or listen to the Dobbies’ gardening podcast: dobbies.com/content/podcast.html
7. In the kitchen garden Throughout the summer months, water tomato plants consistently and regularly - adding a high potash tomato feed for healthy growth and fruiting. Pinch out side-shoots of tomatoes to concentrate growing energy into trusses of fruit. In August, cut back herbs such as chives, mint and parsley, that are looking tired. This will encourage AUGUST 2020 87
OUTDOOR LIVING
A TREE HOUSE For Your Children
I
t’s a dream of many children to own their own tree house where they can escape and immerse themselves in fantasy and imagination. The tree house has long been a symbol of the freedom of youth, and of creativity running wild. Tree houses have changed over the years, from rickety and unsafe structures, to modern designs that now even incorporate swings, slides and climbing frames. Despite their evolution, their popularity has remained consistent. When you really want to give your kids the ultimate custom tree house or wooden playhouse for the garden, getting a bespoke timber building from skilled craftsmen guarantees you get exactly
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“The tree house has long been a symbol of the freedom of youth, and of creativity running wild”
All images courtesy of Cheeky Monkey Treehouses
what you want! The shops are full of playhouses barely big enough for the children’s toys and with a similar limited shelf life! If you really want to give your children a playhouse or tree house that lasts their whole childhood, bespoke wooden buildings are ideal. Bespoke treehouses are a big trend in many gardens; with elaborate designs built high up on stilts, within and around branches. They can take on many different shapes sizes, colours and themes, too, and feature a number of cute accessories and fun activities to keep kids entertained throughout the summer! And you don’t need a tree to have a tree house. It can be built in the right location for you. The areas surrounding your tree house could be landscaped with shrubs, trees or a lawn - whatever is needed to enhance the appearance of your treehouse. Your children’s safety is of paramount importance. The construction process of a treehouse can be demanding - not kids’ stuff at all; requiring a great deal of planning and ensuring European safety standards are met. Approach specialist tree house companies and get recommendations from friends. It is crucial that you receive professional advice and guidance, with construction and installation done by experts to keep your child safe. Provide them with a fantasy hideaway in natural surroundings by making a part of the garden their own. www.cheekymonkeytreehouses.com
Bespoke design & build treehouses, playhouses and elevated platforms. Commercial & International commissions welcomed
TEL: +44 (0)1403 732452 www.cheekymonkeytreehouses.com
AUGUST 2020 89
OUTDOOR LIVING
Save Our Insects Hannah Stephenson
reveals how to create a bed for pollinators.
W
ild pollinating insects like bees, butterflies and hoverflies, have suffered drastic declines in recent decades, both in terms of numbers and biodiversity, according to Buglife, the Invertebrate Conservation Trust. Many species have suffered such declines, the Trust warns they’re being pushed to extinction, due to a number of factors, including lack of space for wildlife in our countryside and in our towns and cities, and the use of pesticides. So, there has never been a better time to fill your beds and borders with flowering plants and trees which are magnets to pollinating insects.
What size is your border? If you have a narrow plot then use space vertically, perhaps with climbing shrubs - such as honeysuckle or passionflower - which bees and butterflies love. In many gardens, borders are too narrow and beds too small, but plants can be scaled up or down simply by increasing or decreasing the number of each plant you put in. Just bear in mind how quickly and how large your plants will grow, as before you know it, just one flowering shrub could have taken over the whole area. If you have room, the minimum width for a border should be around one metre, in which to grow a dwarf shrub and some smaller perennials. Group three or five of the same plant together in a cluster, and choose those which are in 9cm or one litre pots, which will give them space to fill out. If you are wanting a layered effect of plants in your border, you’ll need more space - a minimum of a 3m width and 1m depth, but ideally more. Think of the colour If you want deep pinks, blues and mauves, good combinations include sea holly (echinops), with echinacea and the light, airy Verbena bonariensis which self-seeds prolifically - and all are a magnet for bees in summer. Lavender, purple lupins, alliums and pink roses also combine well. If you’re more of a hot colour type, preferring sizzling reds, bright yellows and burnt oranges, you may prefer rudbeckia and heleniums to brighten your border. When choosing your plants, opt for singleflowered types which are native, rather than hybrid and double-flowered varieties. And don’t forget shrubs which flower at different times of the year, such as the bright yellow mahonia, providing plenty of pollen for hungry bees in spring.
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Front of the border For an easy maintenance border, you can’t go wrong with cranesbill geraniums for both ground cover, colour and interest from insects. Geranium ‘Rozanne’ is a winner, with its open, mid-blue flowers, which go on from spring to autumn. Some catmint can be grown towards the front of the border, including including Nepeta x fassennii, which has an informal, sprawling habit, while heucheras provide excellent foliage contrast, ranging from deep purple to acid green. Their spikes of wispy flowers also attract bees. If you want colour and insect interest into late summer, the ice plant, Sedum spectabile, provides a cool silver leaf and flowers in late summer and autumn. Middle of the border There are so many mid-height plants to place in the middle of a border, from the lollipop-shaped alliums which can be dotted through a scheme, to rudbeckia, perennial salvia, sea holly, roses and thistle-like cirsium. This section will probably offer you the most choice. Back of the border Fast-growing flowering shrubs - such as buddleias and ceanothus - will provide nectar for butterflies and bees, while tall foxgloves and delphiniums and eupatoriums will add colour and form behind lower-growing plants, as well as interest for pollinators. Are there rules to follow to attract pollinators? According to Buglife, the key things to remember are that native plants are best, as well as close relatives to native plants, so many cottage garden varieties will fit the bill. Herbs are also good - lavender, rosemary, marjoram, chives. Provide a range of plants that will supply nectar and pollen throughout the year, from early spring to late autumn. Don’t forget trees, if you have room. In the spring, pollinators will gather on the blossom of apples, pears, cherries, hawthorn and blackthorn. Plants with different shaped flowers will provide a range of resources for different types of pollinating insects - some bumblebees favour deep flowers, which they can access with their long tongues, others require more shallow flowers, or blooms with big ‘landing pads’ like ox-eye daisies.
OUTDOOR LIVING
Mix & Match for your Home and Garden delivered within three days and assembled in just 3 minutes: no tools needed. The brand also offers a 30-day trial and free no- questions-asked returns. Unlike traditional flat pack and home assembly furniture, Snug’s products are made to last, with comfort and ‘Snugness’ being central to the brand’s ethos. The brand’s clever and unique design means that you just take the pieces out of the box, twist the legs on, pop on the arms and slide in the back.
M
odern trends have seen an embracing of outdoor areas for relaxing, entertaining and recreation – Bridgman’s new collection has been developed to blur the lines further between indoor and outdoor. Bridgman was founded over 40 years ago manufacturing & selling quality interior furniture. Best known today for the finest quality outdoor furniture, the company have launched their first mix and match in/out collection which is so durable it can withstand the outside elements but at the same time, is so stylish it can be used indoors too. Bridgman’s commitment to quality ensures all products are manufactured from the finest materials to withstand the best and worst natural elements, and their award-winning designs have been further refined to suit indoor as well as outdoor requirements. Choose the combination that best suits your style and space - from a selection of tables with aluminium or teak frames and tabletops in glass, high-pressure laminate, ceramic marble or ceramic slate; alongside chairs from fully upholstered to modern rattan – all low maintenance with virtually stain proof cushions and upholstery. Select the table size to seat 4, 6 or 8 people, and personalise your dining set by choosing the tabletop and chairs that fit with your style.
Snug Sofas Since 2019, Snug has single-handedly re-invented the whole sofa buying experience, by offering comfortable, stylish and high-quality sofas which are 92 AUGUST 2020
Introducing the UK’s First Sofa Bed in a Box by Snug Since the launch of Snug in March 2019 the demand for sofa beds has increased in the UK driven by ever-shrinking living spaces and savvy consumers who want to make the most of their homes. The comfy sofa seamlessly turns into a cosy guest bed with more than enough room for two - a real home away from home and has been specifically designed to fit through the toughest of spaces, tight door frames and around awkward corners. Inspired by mid-century design, the Sofa Bed is upholstered in stain-resistant, easy-care fabric and is available in three contemporary colourways: Mid Grey, Navy Velvet and Forest Green Velvet. Delivery is guaranteed within three days, ideal for families and friends who are coming to stay with short notice, with a 30-day trial and free noquestions-asked returns..
You can find Bridgman and Snug at the following locations:Enfield: 82 Lockfield Avenue, EN3 7PX Old Amersham: 7 Whielden Street, HP7 0HT Walton on Thames: 22 - 24 New Zealand Ave, KT12 1QD www.bridgman.co.uk www.snugsofa.com
AN EXPERT & CARING COMPANY PROVIDING
TREE & LANDSCAPE SERVICES TO THE HIGHEST STANDARDS
T
he Tree Agency provides an expert, professional and qualified arboricultural and horticultural service for domestic, private and commercial clients. We pride ourselves on carrying out tree work and landscape operations to the highest levels of quality and safety standards. We have over 40 years’ experience within the industry and we are fully insured.
Our insurance cover includes: • Professional Indemnity cover (of £2m) for our Consultancy services. • Public Liability cover (of £10 m) for our Tree Work Operations & Landscape services. • Product’s Liability cover (of £5m) for our ‘Products’ i.e. tree support systems, tree and shrub planting, and built landscape. • Employers’ Liability cover (of £10m) for Employees & Contractors.
For further details please contact Darryl Parkin, The Tree Agency The Treehouse, 25 King Edwards Grove, Teddington Middlesex TW11 9LY Telephone: 020 8274 0107 Mobile: 07960 123580 Email: info@thetreeagency.co.uk Web: www.thetreeagency.co.uk
TTA Business Card v2 5th (Pantone 21/8/08 CMYKcolour 21/8/08 9:25 577) am Page 2 TTA Business Card v2 5th colour (Pantone 577) 21/8/08
9:24 9:24
Page 2 (iTree consultancy) (eTree planting) Page 2 (iPlant landscape) (eTree surgery)
TTA Business Card v2 5th (Pantone 21/8/08 9:24 am CMYKcolour 21/8/08 9:25 577) am Page 2 TTA Business Card v2 5th colour (Pantone 577) 21/8/08 9:24 am The Tree Agency
darryl parkin
The Tree Agency
darryl parkin The Treehouse The Treehouse 25 King Edwards Grove The Treehouse 25King King Edwards Grove, Teddington, Middlesex 25 Edwards GroveTW11 9LY Teddington, Middlesex TW11 Telephone 020 8274 0107 Teddington, Middlesex TW11 9LY Mobile 07960 Telephone 020 8274 0107 Telephone 020123580 8274 0107 Fax 02007960 8274 123580 0119 Mobile info@thetreeagency.co.uk Fax 020 8274 0119 www.thetreeagency.co.uk info@thetreeagency.co.uk
9LY
The Treehouse 25 King Edwards Grove The Treehouse Teddington, Middlesex 25 King Edwards GroveTW11 9LY Mobile 07960 Telephone 123580 8274 0107 Teddington,020 Middlesex TW11 9LY info@thetreeagency.co.uk Mobile 07960 Telephone 020123580 8274 0107 www.thetreeagency.co.uk Fax 02007960 8274 123580 0119 Mobile info@thetreeagency.co.uk Fax 020 8274 0119 www.thetreeagency.co.uk info@thetreeagency.co.uk www.thetreeagency.co.uk
www.thetreeagency.co.uk AUGUST 2020 93
OUTDOOR LIVING
Time for extra space? If you’re dreaming of creating an extra room in your garden, perhaps now is the time.
E
xpanding your current living space, whether that be for home working, exercise, or somewhere special to sip a cocktail in the evening, installing an outdoor room has never been so simple. Now, more than ever, we’re escaping to our gardens and turning our outdoor spaces into spectacular spots. Regardless of where you’ve spent lockdown four long months starring at the same set of walls - this time has given us the opportunity to reflect what makes the perfect home interior and exterior. Sixteen weeks later, people have a wealth of ideas for improving living and making space – and garden rooms from Cabin Master are definitely the answer. Forget the falling down shed, with broken window and tatty leather armchair, our garden rooms are purpose-built structures and take pride of place in your garden. Need space for quiet contemplation? Crave your very own studio for writing, painting or other crafting activities? You can have a garden room to enjoy. If you’re looking for real WOW factor –
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congratulations, you’ve found us! Every garden room at Cabin Master is designed with you in mind. They are created and manufactured to suit your needs, come fullyinsulated and are professionally fitted by our skilled UK-based team. At Cabin Master, we’ll create the perfect room for your garden and you will be involved in the design process every step of the way. You’ll choose the windows and doors and you’ll work with our team to create your bespoke garden building. Did we tell you we have 25 different buildings to choose from at our show site in Nottingham? We design, manufacture and install all our own fully-insulated buildings and every single project is created in our Derbyshire-based factory. Work with the Cabin Master team, and you will receive a free site survey and free design drawings. We can put your base in, paint the interior and install all the internal electrics – from sockets to spotlights. The only job we leave for you is organising the official opening and inviting friends and family to the celebratory ribbon cutting ceremony!
THE DETAILS For more information about all our garden rooms, or to arrange a site survey or quote, give the Cabin Master team a call on Nottingham 0115 932 8888. Alternatively, why not pay us a visit at our Nottingham Garden Room show site, Cabin Master, 251 Toton Lane, Stapleford, Nottingham, NG9 7JA.
INDEPENDENT
SCHOOLS GUIDE – The finest independent schools in the UK – i m a g e : Q UEEN ETHEL B URGA ’ S COLLEGIATE
EDUC ATION
Home Schooling – Top 5 Tips
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ith all of us adjusting to the “new normal”, the enthusiasm for home schooling can start to fade. To re-motivate your children (and possibly you) Gabbitas put together 5 Top Tips to help boost your home schooling plans until the schools reopen again. • Routine School timetables are no longer applicable and therefore it is up to you to devise a new one. Familiarise yourself with how your child’s schedule used to look like (if you haven’t already). Together, create a new plan where you mark study sessions and subjects. If you notice this plan doesn’t work after a week, be flexible, and change the plan for the following week. • Follow the school curriculum Many independent schools provide study materials. Get advice from your school if you are unsure on what exactly your children should be studying. They will be able to tell you not only the general areas to focus on but will often provide individual study advice. • Enlist extra help Enlist help from a tutor. Tutors create structure in the week which helps with a routine. They help students get back on track with their studies and give direction in preparing for the next academic year. One session a week can consolidate course work from school, energise and stimulate. Tutors are also role models for older children who might be looking into choosing a direction for their further studies. • A designated learning area Designate an area in the house that is specifically for studying which means no access to mobile phones, video games or toys. Laptops should 100 AUGUST 2020
only be allowed for the purpose of learning and monitored while your child is studying. Your child will soon learn that this is a designated study area and will have a strong association with the space. • Don’t learn for them It can be difficult to wait for our children to make mental connections. That leads to dripfeeding or sometimes doing the exercises for them. This doesn’t teach them anything. It is a short-term solution and does nobody any favours. To impart a love of learning, let your child make their own mistakes and encourage them to solve problems themselves – even if it takes longer. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need any information or assistance with home schooling. Our experienced consultants are always ready to help so that your child can reach their full potential. gabbitas.com
“Together, create a new plan where you mark study sessions and subjects. If you notice this plan doesn’t work after a week, be flexible, and change the plan for the following week”
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EDUC ATION
Success For ArtsEd Students Zoe Brough has attended both the Day School and Sixth Form and will be starting Year 13 in September. Nominated for an Olivier Award for her performance as Iris in The Nether at The Royal Court/West End, Zoe has also played Young Lily in J.K Rowling’s iconic play, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre.
Thrilling Futures for ArtsEd Sixth Form Pupils
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or 100 years, ArtsEd has nurtured the very best creative talent, fuelling every pupils’ passion for performance at the same time as developing their full academic potential. Alongside achieving excellent GCSE and A Level results, ArtsEd prides itself in preparing their pupils for the wider world. Alumni include doctors, lawyers, teachers and business executives, alongside creatives working right across the performing arts industry. This year, ArtsEd students have enjoyed vocational success, both on stage and screen.
Exciting Ventures for ArtsEd Day School Pupils Olivia Beaumont, a day school pupil, played the role of Young Maeve in Netflix hit: Sex Education. Olivia loved being on set with the talented team of actors, directors and crew who were all very encouraging: “I was so excited to be offered the part of young Maeve who is such a strong character, to show the audience a glimpse of her early life and to work with the amazing Sex Education team” Meanwhile, Kai Plummer, another Day School pupil, played Young Simba in the West End production of Disney’s The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre.
“Olivia Beaumont, a day school pupil, played the role of Young Maeve in Netflix hit: Sex Education”
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ArtsEd Sixth Form students also thrive in their chosen career. Ella Balinska, an alumna of ArtsEd Sixth Form played Jane Karo in the recent reboot of Charlie’s Angels. Written, directed and produced by Elizabeth Banks, you can now watch the film on your favourite streaming service. Meanwhile, Sixth Form pupil Isabella Pappas bagged a nomination for Best Supporting Actress in the 2019 WhatsOnStage Awards, and she will soon be playing the protagonist’s daughter Charlotte in new six-part ITV drama: Finding Alice. The production stars Keeley Hawes, Joanna Lumley, fellow ArtsEd alumnus, Nigel Havers, Jason Merrells, Gemma Jones, Kenneth Cranham and Sharon Rooney. Excited by this project, Isabella said: “To work with actors of such calibre and alongside Keeley, breathing life into these complex characters is incredibly exciting, and I very much look forward to audiences meeting them.” And most recently, the widely anticipated West End production of Disney’s Frozen announced their complete casting which includes leading lady of stage and screen and ArtsEd Alumna, Samantha Barks as Elsa. We cannot wait for the production to open in Spring 2021 at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Adrian Blake, Headteacher, says: “ArtsEd’s unique balance of vocational and academic study give our alumni a deep seated confidence and broad skill set that supports successful career paths both on and off stage.
THE DETAILS You can find out more for yourself by attending ArtsEd’s Open Evenings on 22 & 23 September and 25 November. Register to attend at artsed.co.uk
the opportunity to arrange a virtual visit
THE LUXURY
travel GUIDE
– Heading out of London to explore the rest of the world – i m a g e : W INGED B OOTS
TRAVEL
T Luxury Lodge Holidays in the Derbyshire Peak District
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here is no better place than the Derbyshire Peak District to enjoy a short break or a family holiday. The Peak District is ideally located in the Heart of England and is bursting with majestic landscapes, stunning views, stately homes and unique family attractions. Award winning Landal Darwin Forest is situated between Matlock and Bakewell and combines luxury self-catering lodges with fantastic onsite facilities. Whether you want peace and tranquillity on a romantic break, action packed adventures or fantastic local attractions for entertaining friends and family, our lodges provide the perfect base from which to explore. The luxury lodges at Landal Darwin Forest are nestled within a 47 acre woodland paradise. The parks 135 lodges are sympathetically interwoven into the forest, which enables you to get back to nature and enjoy the picturesque environment. We have created a holiday park where children can explore, and young and old will feel carefree and relaxed. There are several types of accommodation options to choose from which will keep the whole family happy. Most popular are our spa lodges that include a private hot tub on the veranda and really enable you to appreciate the serenity of our forest setting. We also have a number of pet friendly lodges. At Landal Darwin Forest we have created the perfect setting for you to relax, enjoy your holiday and leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life far behind. Landal Darwin Forest is the perfect destination to enjoy a family holiday. Our fantastic onsite facilities include Evolution Health & Fitness, which has a swimming pool, spa, gym and beauty rooms. For the younger members of your family, Little Monkeys indoor play centre will provide hours of fun and entertainment. The Activity Den is perfect for older children with pool tables and a games room to keep them entertained. We also offer a range of fun activities onsite that are suitable for children and adults. Let our qualified instructors train you in the art of archery or the skills of fencing. The more adventurous could experience the thrills of bodyzorbing, waterwalkerz or snorkelling! For all the family to enjoy, we have a tennis court, mini golf and an abundance of footpaths and cycling trails. If you want to give yourself a break from cooking you can enjoy a coffee and lite bite at the Explorers cafe or you can visit the Foresters bar and restaurant which has an extensive menu serving fresh, locally sourced produce. Many families enjoy celebrating Christmas or New Year at the park, or gathering the family together for a birthday or anniversary. No matter what the time of year, we are confident your friends and family will have a fantastic break. www.darwinforest.co.uk
LA DOGANA Exceptional Umbrian farmhouse villa to rent
A family business providing exclusive valet parking at Gatwick Airport since 1992.
Try our hotel… Have your car collected from the Terminal Forecourt and walk direct into check-in. On your return your car is delivered to the Forecourt and you can drive straight home. • TUSCAN/Umbrian border • Centuries old villa farmhouse • Our home • Sleeps 11 • Pool • Private • Views • Therapeutic atmosphere
Available September 19 till October 3. Some weeks 2021. www.ladogana.co.uk
No Buses – No Waiting Our customised car park is only 3 minutes from The terminal enabling a prompt and reliable service. Car Park vetted annually by Surrey Police and holder of Trading Standards ‘Buy with Confidence’ award.
Book online at: www.tudorrose.co.uk or telephone 01293 822844
10% Discount Code TRLM010
TRAVEL
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR FUTURE TRAVEL PLANS As international travel opens up, we caught up with personalised management company Winged Boots to find out what we should look out for when booking our next holiday
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f a worldwide pandemic has taught us one thing, it’s to never take anything for granted. Spending time with family, exploring the world and making memories… life is about filling our hearts not our bank accounts. Now that travel is accessible, and after so much time in the same small bubble, a holiday is just what some of us need. Whether you choose a UK staycation, a trip to Europe or even further afield, be sure to do your research before booking and speak to a trusted and experienced travel agency. To give you the lowdown, we spoke to our friends at Winged Boots, a personalised management agency that specialises in luxury travel to pick their brains on what to consider when booking your next holiday.
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FLEXIBILITY “Read the terms and conditions and make sure your travel plans have good flexibility before committing,” advises David Ox, Winged Boots’ managing director. “Airlines are offering fantastic terms at present, and an experienced travel agent will ensure that hotels provide flexible conditions too. “This is where travel agents will prevail over the internet. Booking your holiday with someone who is experienced in the industry, who has great relationships with suppliers and can call a hotel directly with any requests and customer questions; in my opinion, this customer service will far succeed a quick click of a button on a price comparison site,” he adds.
“All Winged Boots’ personal travel managers hold a minimum five-years’ experience and the business is built around its outstanding reputation”
TRAVEL
“THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO TRAVEL”
David shares his firsthand experience of what it’s like to travel now
All Winged Boots’ personal travel managers hold a minimum five-years’ experience and the business is built around its outstanding reputation and five-star customer service. The friendly and knowledgeable team has visited every continent and can share first-hand experience for hotels from around the world, offering a personal insight that no amount of internet research will be able to offer.
ACCREDITATIONS It goes without saying that you want to book with an agency that has its travel accreditations and licenses. “Winged Boots is protected by ATOL, a government-run financial protection scheme operated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA),” explains David. ATOL covers package holidays that include flights and means that if the ATOL protected company fails and your holiday can no longer go ahead you will be entitled to a refund if you are yet to travel, and hotel costs and flights home if you are abroad.
FINANCIAL PROTECTION And finally, be sure to book with a company that offers complete financial protection. “We’re part of The Travel Trust Association (TTA),” David explains. “The TTA is one of the leading associations for the travel industry and is the only network in the UK to offer 100% financial protection to the consumer, ensuring total customer confidence.” With more than 20-years of industry experience, the TTA also shares its passion, expertise, skills 122 AUGUST 2020
and knowledge with its members to support travel companies, with the customer always at the forefront. “Your money sits in a trust account, under lock and key. Every penny is protected, and should the worst happen, and your holiday is cancelled for matters out of your control, your money is safe,” David confirms. Exactly what you want to hear in the current worldwide climate. We hope this has given you the support to book your next trip with complete confidence. For more information or to book your next holiday contact personalised travel management company Winged Boots on 0203 319 4404 or email info@wingedboots.co.uk for your complimentary, no-obligation quote. For further travel inspiration visit wingedboots.co.uk
“I flew to Spain in July and was shocked at the short queues throughout the airports. Other holidaymakers kept their distance and all respected social distancing guidelines. It was very polite. “The resort was quiet, usually unheard of during peak summer season, but it was a pleasure to be there. The service levels are so high, and the locals are grateful for the tourism. Everyone from taxi drivers through to restaurant owners were friendly and welcoming. We had a fantastic stay. “Never has there been - and neither is there likely to be - a time like this to travel internationally. The entire experience was great, and I am already planning a weekend trip for August.”
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Yummy Mummy magazine
AUGUST/SEPT 20 issue 35
YUMMY MUMMY
ZSL London Zoo reopens
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London landmark set to welcome back visitors after unprecedented three-month closure
SL London Zoo opened its gates to visitors on Monday 15th June for the first time since its historic closure on 21st March - after months of lost revenue put the oldest scientific zoo in the world in a perilous position. The iconic landmark closed for the first time since World War Two then immediately offered up its car park to NHS key workers and sending packages of perishable food from its Terrace Restaurant to nearby hospitals. Beyond the closed gates, life carried on for its dedicated team of zookeepers - as the charity behind the zoo launched a new fundraiser to support the care of its 18,000 animals. Behind the scenes, devoted zookeepers – some living on-site in the Zoo’s Lion Lodge guest accommodation observed social distancing while cleaning Penguin Beach, preparing food for the giraffes and caring for the meerkats, while the nearly 200-year-old charity appealed to the public for donations to help cover the costs.
Staff have been busy preparing the zoo for visitors while waiting for the green light to open the gates; numerous measures are now in place to ensure that the zoo is a safe, inspiring place for visitors to enjoy the wonders of wildlife, while supporting ZSL’s vital science and conservation work. Additional handwashing facilities and sanitiser stations have been placed across the Zoo, while 2m distance markers have been laid out in exhibits and one-way routes introduced to control the flow of visitors. The Zoo’s Terrace Restaurant remains closed for now - with feeding time for visitors replaced by takeaway provisions at a number of
“Additional handwashing facilities and sanitiser stations have been placed across the Zoo”
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snack bars across site. ZSL London Zoo’s Chief Operating Officer Kathryn England said: “Along with the rest of the country, we watched as this unprecedented situation unfolded around us and began making detailed plans in anticipation of having to do the previously unthinkable - close ZSL London Zoo to the public. “A core team of zookeepers, vets, security and grounds staff stayed on-site and to make each day as normal as possible for our muchloved residents, many of which are endangered species and part of important global breeding programmes.” “We’re delighted that we can once again welcome visitors to ZSL London Zoo. We’ve gone to great lengths to make the Zoo a welcoming and safe space for people to visit, including installing additional hand sanitation points and creating colourful one-way wildlife walks across our 36-acre grounds - ensuring visitors can experience the natural world while observing social distancing. After weeks of behind-the-scenes work - painting route markers and putting up more than 2,000 new directions and signs - we’re looking forward to connecting people with nature again, a mission that has been the beating heart of ZSL for nearly 200 years.” While the news is certainly cause for celebration, it does not signal the end of ZSL’s urgent fundraising efforts: the increased safety measures mean London Zoo will be offering pre-allocated, timed entry slots, limited to just 2,000 visitors a day - well below the numbers needed to recoup the charity’s costs. Director General Dominic Jermey added: “Reopening is an important step towards securing ZSL’s future but is by no means an instant fix. We rely heavily on zoo ticket sales to fund our vital conservation work, and after months of enforced closure we still urgently need support. “We battened down the hatches to weather
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Sir David Attenborough:
the storm - furloughing staff and cutting costs wherever possible - but our animals, many of which are threatened in the wild, need the same outstanding level of animal care whether we are open or closed. “We are enormously grateful to all those who have generously donated to our cause during this unprecedented time, but we still need support to get our zoos back on their feet, our conservationists working back in the field and our scientists investigating wildlife diseases such as Covid-19.”
Safety measures introduced: • All visitors must book tickets in advance • Contactless entry • Limited to 2,000 visitors per day, split into morning and afternoon slots • Takeaway food only available • 2m distancing markers in place around the zoo • Three one-way trails to keep visitors flowing in the same direction • Handwashing facilities and sanitiser available throughout the zoo • Outdoor benches and tables meticulously cleaned throughout the day • Animal talks have been suspended to avoid gathering crowds • Indoor and walkthrough exhibits such as the Reptile House will not yet be accessible to the public. To book tickets to explore the wonders of wildlife at the world’s oldest scientific zoo head to zsl.org
“The Zoological Society of London has made an outstanding contribution to conservation and to our understanding of wildlife for 200 years. ZSL now faces its toughest challenge to date - Coronavirus led to the sustained closure of London and Whipsnade Zoo cutting off vital income. Put bluntly, this national institution is now, itself, at risk of extinction” “ Its two zoos, London and Whipsnade, are home to over 20,000 animals, many of which are globally threatened and some already extinct in the wild. ZSL has already supported the re-introduction of some of the most threatened species back into the wild and helped to increase wildlife populations globally. With 75% of new infectious diseases, including COVID-19, originating from animals, ZSL’s work researching and tackling these issues is needed now more than ever. “Without your help, we could see the closure of the world’s oldest scientific zoo, home to thousands of animals and the place where generations of people have forged a love of wildlife through their joyful encounters with animals. Now more than ever we must support the work of this global conservation charity.”
YUMMY MUMMY
PREPARE YOUR CHILD (AND YOU!) FOR STARTING SCHOOL Making the transition to primary school is a huge milestone in children’s lives - here’s how to make it a smooth one. By Lisa Salmon. written down, it’ll help them take responsibility for their own belongings - otherwise you risk a lot of lost possessions over the next school year. She suggests playing games, ordering the letters in their name, making labels for their book bag, creating a bedroom sign for their door, or moulding it with play dough.
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tarting primary school for the first time involves more planning than just buying a new uniform (if their school has one) and pencil case. Getting a four or fiveyear-old ready for the huge transition from home, childminder or nursery to ‘Big School’ needs plenty of preparation and support. This is something early years specialist Claire Russell and nursery teacher Suzanne Roberts know all about. As Russell, founder of playHOORAY! (playhooray.co.uk), which provides play ideas and prompts for young children, says: “When it comes to preparing your child for school it’s not all academic, it’s about supporting and preparing them from a social, emotional and general wellbeing perspective too. “Parents shouldn’t panic or put any pressure on themselves or their young children,” she adds. “Don’t forget children will pick up on your own anxieties about them starting school, so it can be really beneficial to prepare together for the new chapter in both of your lives.” Russell and Roberts have compiled these 14 tips to help parents and children navigate the transition and sail through starting primary school... Recognising their name It’s not necessarily about children being able to write their own name, says Russell, but about them recognising their name, as it will be on their belongings. If they can recognise their name
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Counting Counting doesn’t mean reading, writing and ordering numbers one to 10, as that involves a lot of skill for a preschooler. Instead, practise counting through songs and stories, and try playing with numbers and noticing them when out and about - on doors, buses and price tags, etc. Practise wearing the uniform Suzanne Roberts, teacher and manager at Burgess Hill Girls Nursery in Sussex, says children should practise wearing their uniform and PE kit, and just generally dressing themselves. “Lots of parents forget this and then expect their child to be comfortable on their first day,” she says. “Uniforms can be very different to what your child is used to wearing. Children of this age can be sensitive to change.”
“Practise counting through songs and stories, and try playing with numbers and noticing them when out and about - on doors, buses and price tags, etc”
Exclusive Footwear
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YUMMY MUMMY
No laces Roberts suggests parents should avoid buying new school shoes with laces. “Your child has to become more independent, so help them as much as possible by either buying shoes with Velcro straps or slip-on trainers or plimsolls.” Toileting independently Ensure that when going to the toilet, your child is able to undo his or her trousers, wipe their bottom and wash their hands. Tidy tots Help them become more independent by encouraging your child to hang up their own coat and bag on arrival at nursery or at home. Ask them to do some little chores at home, too. Prepare them by teaching them to put their shoes together at home, or putting some of their own belongings away. “By helping them to be more independent, you’re helping them to feel confident and selfassured,” explains Roberts. Eating independently “Don’t expect miracles, but do encourage your child to use their cutlery correctly, eat independently, and try clearing their plate away when finished,” suggests Russell. Read school information If you haven’t already done so, it may be too late to visit the school, but make sure you read any information the school has sent. Practise the school run Practise taking the journey to school, so it’s not so alien. Use it as an opportunity to talk about any anxieties your child may have. Play taking turns games A lot of children in one space means they’re going to have to learn to share and take turns. Russell advises that parents help children practise by playing lots of games together as a family or with friends, to help them learn to wait for their go. Read bedtime stories Most schools will send home books or even homework, so it’s a good idea, if you don’t already, to build books and reading into the bedtime routine now. Try books like Topsy And Tim Start 132 AUGUST 2020
School by Jean Adamson, Starting School by Allan and Janet Ahlberg, or Harry And The Dinosaurs Go To School by Ian Whybrow. No comforters Leave special toys - comforters, blankets, or teddies - at home. Don’t linger Explain to your child that they’re going to have the best time ever - implanting this idea is very powerful, stresses Roberts - and that you’ll see them later. If you forget to tell the staff something, don’t go back into the room; pop to the reception desk and they’ll pass on a message.
Hide your emotions Starting ‘Big School’ can be a very emotional time for parents, but don’t show your child you’re upset on their first day. “If they see you upset, they’ll think they should be upset too, and this is very unsettling,” explains Roberts.
YUMMY MUMMY
Nannycare We talked to Claire Magee, MD of Nannycare, to find out more about their goat milk based Follow on formula for babies. Claire’s story Claire Magee is MD of Nannycare, the goat milk baby formula company which has 30 years’ experience in goat milk nutrition. Looking back to her childhood, Claire suspected that cow’s milk and cow’s milk products did not really suit her and, as her older sisters began to have children, she was surprised to discover that all baby milks were based on cow’s milk. This inspired her to embark on a personal search for an alternative to cow’s milk formula so that parents could have a genuine choice for their little ones.
The magic of goat milk Claire discovered that goat milk is one of the oldest sources of human nutrition and has some interesting features which make it special and a natural alternative. It played an important part in ancient Egypt because of the goat’s ability to provide high quality milk. In the western world however, there has been a distinct focus on cow’s milk largely because the cow is a much larger animal and its milk cheaper to produce.
A natural choice Goat milk has a different protein composition to cows’ milk, which makes it behave differently in little tums. Once digested, goat milk’s soft curds break apart more easily, and that makes it soft and gentle on tiny tummies. Unlike most baby formulas which use ‘skimmed’ milk, we use the ‘whole’ milk. This means the natural goodness of the milk fat is preserved, which is one of the essential nutrients also found in breast milk.
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A simpler process Our process is a minimal one. There is no over-processing which means we protect natural nutrients like nucleotides and phospholipids which are present in the whole milk. We then only add the further ingredients the baby needs and we never add things like palm oil, sucrose or maltodextrin, keeping our products as close as possible to their natural source of whole goat milk. Claire explained ‘At Nannycare, we talk to mums every day, and we know that all they want is for their little ones to be happy and healthy and feeding well. And contented babies and toddlers mean happy families – and that leaves much more time for getting closer to nature on a lovely outdoor walk, hunting for mini beasts or splashing in puddles!’
Where can I buy Nannycare Follow On? Nannycare Follow On milk is now in selected Tesco, Boots, Waitrose, Asda and Morrison’s stores and available on Ocado and Amazon, or order in local independent pharmacies. .
How can mums find out more about Nannycare Follow On? If you’d like to talk to us, we love to hear from mums to answer your questions personally so you can call our Careline UK: 0800 328 5826 ROI: 1800 937 375, email us on enquiry@nannycare. co.uk or visit our website for more FAQs nannycare.co.uk *Important notice: Goat milk formula is not suitable for infants with diagnosed cow’s milk protein allergy. Breastfeeding is best for your baby. Follow on milk should only be used as part of a mixed diet and not as a breastmilk substitute before 6 months. Consult your healthcare professional for feeding advice
YUMMY MUMMY
Emporio Armani Junior Collection Autumn/Winter 2020-21
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or Autumn/Winter 2020-21, the Emporio Armani Junior collection offers a series of pieces inspired by the silhouettes and materials of the Emporio Armani men’s and women’s collections, creating a complete wardrobe that looks towards the world of adults with casual, sporty and chic flair. For girls, the eclectic range includes dresses with all-over prints and dainty outfits in denim or velvet with macro houndstooth or damier motifs in shades of pink, blue and black; for boys, blue, red and black dominate the colour palette for comfortable and versatile bomber jackets, trousers, tracksuits and sweatshirts, with tape-style or allover logos for a fun and modern look. Additionally, more formal outfits, including
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jackets and suits, make use of soft velvet, the distinctive, elegant, versatile fabric that is a signature of the Armani aesthetic. The adorable Manga Bear, with its unmistakeable and iconic silhouette, features on space-themed T-shirts and sweatshirts, accompanied by planets, stars and astronauts, as well as on baby sets and accessories for children between 0 and 36 months old. Completing the looks are colourful shoes, combat boots, backpacks and belt bags featuring the Emporio Armani eagle pattern. The collection is available now in select Emporio Armani Junior retailers including Harrods, Selfridges, Childrensalon, Child’s Play and at www.armani.com
“The eclectic range includes dresses with all-over prints and dainty outfits in denim or velvet with macro houndstooth or damier motifs”
Boy 1- Red baseball cap with logo £ 35, Blue cotton Shirt with logo £ 100, Single-breasted jacket with lapels £280, J04 jeans in cotton and linen £120, Red backpack £115, Leather sneakers £140 Boy 2-Blue baseball cap £35, Quilted jacket £210, Shirt with detailing and guru collar £135, Perforated leather sneakers £200, J04 jeans in cotton and linen £120 Boy 3- Single-breasted jacket with lapels £280, Print shirt £100, Checked tie £70, Blue cotton trousers £90, Leather sneakers £140 Boy 4 – Fine knit hat £30, Fine knit scarf £45, Gingham print cotton shirt £100, Five-pocket trousers in cotton gabardine £90, Backpack £115, Cotton socks £10, , Perforated leather sneakers £200
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This image: Velvet hoodie £130, Wing collar shirt with pleated inserts £140, Checked cotton trousers £105 Right: Girl 1 – Print dress £200, Silver leather bag £165 Girl 2 – Velvet headband £70, Velvet dress £125
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Knit hat £40, Jacket £210, Black and white dress with logo £150, Leather bag £100
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Boy 1 – Blue baseball cap £35, Gilet £115, Knit sweater £185, Velvet tracksuit pants £130, Sneakers with laces £150 Boy 2 – Red baseball cap with logo £35, Bomber jacket £210, Joggers £140, Sneakers with laces £150
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Hat with logo £35 , Bombe jacket £210, Knit sweater with logo £150, Print shirt with patch pocket £100, Cotton pants £115
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Girl 1 – Knit hat £ 40, Sweatshirt dress £ 240, Belt bag £ 85, Knee high socks £ 10, Leather sneakers £ 150 Girl 2 – Fleece cap with logo £ 50, Padded jacket £ 250, Tracksuit £ 250
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Care. Kindness. Trust. Consideration. Our childcare solutions are built around these values.
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ockmybaby London specialises in providing families the most personal, reliable and professional childcare solutions possible. A Client said this about us: “Your service is by far the best nanny service out there – personal, reliable, the easiest to work with”. We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.
“We make finding dependable nannies and babysitters simple and straightforward” We are trusted to find the best nannies and babysitters and by interviewing every single one of them, we help take away the stress of finding someone that not only loves working with children but is fully accredited and qualified. We work very hard to give you the peace of
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mind and build valued, warm and respectful relationships between families and their nannies. We don’t waste your time sending you lots of inappropriate CVs but arrange only relevant introductions that result in successful, long-term placements. We make finding dependable nannies and babysitters simple and straightforward, always personal and always appreciating the confidence you put in us. Rockmybaby’s Owner, Karin Elkorchi says: “I am a working mum with a daughter working as a nanny. We are very proud of the service we give. It’s exactly what I dreamed we’d do when we started out”. Now it’s what makes Rockmybaby so different. A personal and professional hands-on approach to find the perfect solution for every family. Just like our Client said. rockmybabynannyagency.co.uk
YUMMY MUMMY
Supporting and Empowering a Positive Birthing Experience
C Testimonials “I found hypnobirthing useful. It definitely helped me focus and remain calm in the early stages.” – Sarah. M
Janet is a wealth of knowledge, bringing support and confidence to women. Janet makes you feel at ease and will help all women feel confident and knowledgeable to make positive informed choices. I highly recommend Janet as an hypnobirthing teacher. I am honoured to have trained alongside Janet, she added much wisdom to our training. – Kelly KW
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ovid-19 has caused a lot of changes to the way women and their families experience maternity services. Maternity units have had to apply restrictions to number of face to face antenatal/postnatal visits, limit to the number of birth partners and only permitting one birth partner during the birth and up to two hours following the arrival of baby. These changes have resulted in a number of unpleasant pregnancy and birth experiences and have encouraged a lot of families to seek private midwifery care to enable them to exercise their birth rights more freely, receive extra support in their own homes and enable the involvement of their birth partners. Passionate about supporting, empowering positive birthing experiences and beyond; The Duchess Birthing Club was founded by Janet during the Covid-19 outbreak. The Duchess Birthing Club aims to offers invaluable private 1:1 courses and support for women and their families living in London and Surrey as to enhance their experience of pregnancy, birth and beyond.
Services include Private 1:1 Midwife led KG hypnobirthing, birth preparation,
breastfeeding support, private antenatal care, postnatal support and baby massage from 6 weeks. These services can take place in the comfort of your own home with the use of medical grade PPE’s or at one of our Covid secure clinics based in Clapham Common* and Harley Street* (*subject to availability). Janet is privileged to have helped hundreds of women and their families over the last decade make their experiences as positive and healthy as possible. As a KGH trained hypnobirthing teacher, midwife, RCM accredited baby massage teacher and a mother of READER two, Janet’s mission is to provide an OFFER: SAVE informed and personalised service that aims to encourage and support a calm, confident and empowering welcome into parenthood for every birth experience. For more information on prices and service please visit the website theduchessbirthingclub.co.uk or call us on 02075014045/ 07908299146 to claim your £50 voucher towards any booking with this article (*voucher valid till January 2021).
£50
Expecting a baby? Anxious or fearful about childbirth? Or simply need extra support caring for your newborn. We care and want you to have a positive birthing and parenting experience. We offer personal pregnancy care either in your own home or at one of our covid secure clinics (Clapham Common and Harley St). Private Midwifery services are provided by an expert midwife with over 10 years experience. Private 1:1 Hypnobirthing sessions are delivered by the same midwife who is also a KG Hypnobirthing expert in a space and time that suits you.
Services we provide • Private 1:1 Birth preparation • Private KG Hypnobirthing • Antenatal • Postnatal visits • Breastfeeding support • Baby massage from 6 weeks and unlimited email support
info@theduchessbirthingclub.co.uk 02075014045/ 07908299146
YUMMY MUMMY
Safe in the sun
Exposing your child to too much sun may increase their risk of skin cancer later in life. Sunburn can also cause considerable pain and discomfort in the short term
Tips to protect your child from sunburn • Encourage your child to play in the shade – for example, under trees – especially between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is at its strongest. • Keep babies under the age of six months out of direct sunlight, especially around midday. • Cover exposed parts of your child’s skin with sunscreen, even on cloudy or overcast days. Use one that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or above and is effective against UVA and UVB. Don’t forget to apply it to their shoulders, nose, ears, cheeks and the tops of their feet. Reapply often throughout the day. • Be especially careful to protect your child’s shoulders and the back of their neck when
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they’re playing, as these are the most common areas for sunburn. • Cover your child up in loose, baggy cotton clothes, such as an oversized T-shirt with sleeves. • Get your child to wear a floppy hat with a wide brim that shades their face and neck.w • Protect your child’s eyes with sunglasses that meet the British Standard (BSEN 1836:2005) and carry the “CE” mark (check the label or ask the manufacturer). • If your child is swimming, use a waterproof sunblock of factor 15 or above. Reapply after towelling.
“Be especially careful to protect your child’s shoulders and the back of their neck when they’re playing, as these are the most common areas for sunburn”
YUMMY MUMMY
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BABY CLOTHES WITH ZIPS
www.zippyup.com
@zippy.up
YUMMY MUMMY
Tap into brand new children’s interiors
D
esigning children’s bedrooms can be a challenge. Ideally, you want to invest in furniture that is timeless and will withstand the years of playfulness and recklessness. Luxury Lifestyle Emporium Cuckooland has a variety of versatile and gender neutral children’s furniture, ideal for any interior space. With children constantly growing up fast through different stages, from joyful kid to a stylish teenager, it is important to consider buying furniture that will last. The brand new bedroom range, the Stage from Woood, would be perfect for withstanding those older years as well as those earlier years. Pair the Stage Bed with Drawers with the Stage Desk for a stylish yet playful children’s bedroom. If your room lacks that space element, opt for the Morris Single Bed for your child’s bedroom. Create a classic bedroom by matching with
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the Woood Morris Wardrobe and the Woood Morris Bedside Table. The Seaside Lille + Low Bunk Bed from Oliver Furniture is the perfect solution if you’re looking for a bed that won’t dominate the room. Featuring a secure bed guard, this bed is perfect for your keeping your child safe at night. The Seaside Lille + 5 in 1 Cot Bed from Oliver Furniture is also a wonderful children’s bed that can be adapted as your child grows. Keep your kids bedroom tidy but still stylish with the Casami Beach House Bookcase and the Casami Beach House Cupboard. Store anything from books to their favourite toys and watch as their room springs to life with this optimum storage. cuckooland.com
“With children constantly growing up fast through different stages, from joyful kid to a stylish teenager, it is important to consider buying furniture that will last”
YUMMY MUMMY
FAMILY FUN RETURNS TO THE ® LEGOLAND WINDSOR RESORT
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he sound of excited children and families enjoying a fun day out together has returned to the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, after reopening on Saturday 4 July. In line with Government guidelines, the Resort welcomes guests back to enjoy its rides and attractions with enhanced hygiene and safety measures throughout, to ensure a brilliant, safe day out for all. As well as the theme park, the two onsite themed Hotels are also open for holidaymakers. As part of a phased reopening, the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort is initially open
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YUMMY MUMMY
with a reduced guest capacity and social distancing measures have been introduced across the Resort, including clear floor markings and signage in ride queues, restaurants, shops and Hotels. On the rides, some rows and seats are left empty to keep guests a safe distance from each other, and rides are cleaned frequently throughout the day. The LEGOLAND Windsor Resort team wear protective clothing and all around the Park hygiene screens have been installed at service counters. Guests are asked to prepare carefully for their visit and to pre-book online, pack face coverings for all the family to wear and be ready to have their temperature checked on arrival at the Resort.
“The DUPLO Dino Coaster is the perfect first rollercoaster for little ones” The LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort’s bigger and better DUPLO® Valley is now open, following a magical makeover and the launch of the world’s first ever DUPLO rollercoaster, the DUPLO Dino Coaster*. The DUPLO Dino Coaster is the perfect first rollercoaster for little ones. Inspired by a DUPLO Dinosaur, budding explorers will hop aboard a brightly coloured dinosaur carriage, before soaring past supersized DUPLO brick dinosaur models! Children’s imaginations will be captured from start to finish, DUPLO Valley welcomes new and updated attractions that can keep little ones entertained for hours, including the transformation of the ever-popular outdoor play area Brickville, into DUPLO® Playtown which now has a brand-new rocket play structure. Standing at an impressive 5.3 metres, aspiring astronauts can enjoy the interactive play panels, slides and more. Families can also take to the skies at the new look DUPLO Valley Airport with three new coloured helicopters for little pilots to choose from. And at the popular DUPLO Puppet Theatre, there’s a brand-new show for families to watch throughout the day. DUPLO Valley is also home to the Resort’s awesome outdoor water play areas; Splash Safari and Drench Towers and Raft Racers, alongside a host of family rides designed firmly with little ones in mind. From the gentle riverboat Fairy Tale Brook ride – where fairy tales from The Three Little Pigs and Sleeping Beauty come to life in over 158 AUGUST 2020
THE DETAILS *Children must be 0.9metres or over to ride the DUPLO Dino Coaster. For information about all the new health and safety measures and to pre-book tickets visit: legoland.co.uk/reopening Tickets are from £26pp when booked online 1+ days in advance at www.legoland.co.uk Families can book a LEGOLAND short break at the unique LEGOLAND Hotel and enjoy the bigger and better DUPLO Valley with stays from £73pp at legolandholidays.co.uk.
4 million LEGO® bricks, to the DUPLO Express train ride. Plus, for 2020 the much-loved Atlantis Submarine Voyage ride has a new look and name; LEGO® City Deep Sea Adventure. A new preshow invites young explorers to join the mission to discover a lost underwater city and hidden treasure, amongst real life sea creatures! Recruits need to keep their eyes peeled for the LEGO sea turtles made up of 16,384 LEGO bricks! Watch out for the Diver, Europe’s first ever talking Minifigure, who comes bursting to life as guests pass by! Karen Glassey, Operations Director, the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, said: “After three and a half months in lockdown we can now welcome families back and start creating wonderful summer memories. The health and safety of our guests and team continues to be our top priority and we’ve been working around the clock to ensure a safe and fun experience will be waiting for everyone.
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YUMMY MUMMY
Oh Mumma:
The luxe subscription box for the modern mum and her baby
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s a mum, finding time for yourself can feel pretty impossible (especially now) but what a difference it makes when you do. Taking care of yourself is anything but selfish...it’s essential. We created Oh Mumma to give mums everywhere that moment even if means hiding in the bathroom to enjoy it! Launched in November 2019, each box has 5-7 handpicked beauty and lifestyle products for new/expecting mums and something for her little one’s ever changing needs. The Just for Mum box is exactly that, products tried and tested by mums suitable for mums and the Mum and Baby box includes soenthing special for her baby too. Many of the brands in the box are founded by mums just like us, on a mission to develop products that really deliver on their promises. Expect to see these brands with some well-known and loved brands too. With 2100+ new babies being born every day in the UK alone, it’s time to give mums something special. Whether it’s her 1st or 5th baby, each one brings new challenges. 160 AUGUST 2020
Oh Mumma’s mission is to support mums in every way. Send the perfect gift to show a mum you are thinking oif them, even if you can’t be with them. Gift a box to brighten her day. Each box is worth twice the RRP making it a great gift whether you send one box or sign up for a subscription. We PROMISE to keep it real and always show the good and REALLY messy side of mummahood. We BELIEVE in getting behind mums with BIG dreams and supporting their brands so you will always find a few inside the box. We KNOW that mum’s mental health matters and that’s why 1% of profits go to the PANDA’S Foundation who support families experiencing pre and post natal mental illness. Most of all we just want to find a way to put a smile on another mum’s face. Head to ohmumma.com to find out more, read our guest blogs and follow us on social media.
“We PROMISE to keep it real and always show the good and REALLY messy side of mummahood”
Knee or Shoulder pain affecting your daily life?
Sports Med London RESTORE. REpAIR. RECOnnECT. Established by a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon based in London with over 20 years experience, specialising in the surgical and non-surgical management of Knee, Shoulder & Soft Tissue Sports Injuries. Whether you are an elite athlete or a novice, play five-aside-football at the weekend or are simply suffering from aches and pains, we are here to help you get back on track and to get you moving again. Our highly trained and experienced multidisciplinary team will provide you with a thorough assessment, diagnosis and treatment plan, using the very latest techniques available.
Appointments available daily Face to Face, Video & Telephone Consultations available For more information: T: 020 7394 6614 E: sportsmedlondon@outlook.com W: www.sportsmedlondon.co.uk
fashion, HEALTH
& beauty – Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best – i m a g e : SIL K E LONDON
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
[ NE W S ]
FASHION & BEAUTY SUPER-CHIC FOR SUMMER IT’S A WRAP! Here at Life Magazines we love the hair wrap from Silke London. Tested on hair with extensions that have been coloured and always a tangled mess in the mornings, the results are impressive! No knots, tangles or frizz. Waking up to hair as straight and silky as it was at bed time. The hair ties are great, they slide out really easily and as promised, no kinks or damage to already weak and brittle hair. The write ups are great, the reviews even better! Go see for yourself at silkelondon.com
KISS AND MAKE UP If you’re ready to get savvy about your beauty routine, you can’t go past Young Living’s new natural makeup line, Savvy Minerals by Young Living. This natural mineral-based makeup collection combines premium formulas with pure ingredients to embrace your natural beauty without sacrificing your skincare standards. youngliving.com
PURITY PROTECTS We love this hand sanitiser: the plant based alcohol is proven to kill 99.9% of all bacteria and microbes; With aloe vera and essential oils. puritx.com 164 AUGUST 2020
For unique pieces your friends won’t have, head to new superchic boutique, FABRIC, in Old Amersham. Stocking cool and casual European clothes, such as this pretty candy-stripe wrap dress from Barcelona based brand, Designers Society - your go-to for boho chic. Pop in to FABRIC and browse their easy-to-wear collections for your summer fashion inspo. fabricfashionstore.co.uk
A CLOSE SHAVE In times of environmental crisis, it’s incumbent on a gentleman to do his bit for the planet – ditching a plastic razor for a once-in-alifetime stainless steel safety razor. wildeandharte.co.uk
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
a daily dose of beautY
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sweeteners. And what’s more, it’s only 32 calories per sachet! Beloved by thousands, Absolute Collagen is specially formulated to deliver the optimum amount of collagen in the easiest, most convenient dose - pop a sachet in your handbag, gym bag, or glove compartment for a handy beauty boost that fits perfectly with your everyday routine, however hectic! Versatile and ready-mixed, you can enjoy straight from the sachet or in your favourite hot and cold drinks and snacks. We might not be able to turn the clock back, but Absolute Collagen can help you be the very best version of yourself. Key benefits include thicker, more lustrous hair, plumper, brighter skin and glossier, stronger nails - and a real glow that will get you noticed! Join tens of thousands of Absoluters across the world already seeing and feeling the benefits, and see for yourself why Absolute Collagen has over 1500 five-star reviews from customers like Jane, who says “I can see the difference under my eyes, the bags are less prominent and the lines around my cheeks and mouth are less defined. Just looks and feels fresher!” and Leyla who says “hair, skin and nails have all had a massive boost!” Choose Absolute Collagen and enjoy a daily dose of beauty. Plus, enjoy an 18% discount when you subscribe today. absolutecollagen.com
id you know that from the age of 25, the body’s natural collagen levels steadily start to decrease? By 50, we’ve lost around 50% of our collagen - which causes some of the most common visible signs of aging, including thinning hair, weakened READER nails, dull skin, fine lines and OFFER: SAVE wrinkles. And did you know that a lack of collagen also contributes to painful joints, weakened ligaments, and decreased bone health, too? To counter these visible signs of aging and nourish your body with a radiant glow from the inside out, try Absolute Collagen. This awardwinning, female-founded and family-run premium beauty and wellness brand is the brainchild of Maxine Laceby, and delivers 8000mg of best quality hydrolysed and ready-to-drink liquid collagen in each nifty little 10ml sachet. Made in the UK from the highest quality marine collagen, Absolute Collagen is ethically and sustainably sourced and contains the maximum amount of collagen per sachet on the market. Plus, all ingredients are 100% natural, with added Vitamin C but no dairy, gluten, cholesterol, fat, or added binders, acids, fillers, or chemical
18%
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Maxine Laceby, Founder and CEO of Absolute Collagen.
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
DAME JUDI DENCH’S MOST FASHIONABLE MOMENTS FROM THE 50S TO TODAY The actor and British Vogue cover star loves an intricate coat on the red carpet. WORDS: PRUDENCE WADE
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t 85 years old, Judi Dench has become British Vogue’s oldest
cover star. The actor - known for her roles in the James Bond franchise, Shakespeare in Love and more - is on the front cover of the fashion magazine’s June issue. In the accompanying profile, her daughter Finty Williams says: “After the photoshoot, she came back literally thinking she was Beyonce.” This isn’t the first time Dench has made a fashion splash. Not only has she been ruling the stage and the screen since the Fifties, but she’s had some pretty incredible looks along the way. Her style has always been timeless and classic, not slavishly tied to trends. Here are some of her biggest fashion moments.
1970 The Seventies...
The Fifties... Nowadays, most of us board flights wearing leggings and hoodies. This wasn’t the case in the 1950s; back in 1959, Dench touched down in London in a particularly chic, shaggy coat. Of course, this was all topped off by her signature pixie crop - a look the 85-year-old still models today.
1950
1960
The Sixties...
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Even though this is a stage costume, we’re still counting it as a huge fashion moment. Back in 1968, Dench played Sally Bowles in the musical Cabaret, and did so in a series of racy outfits befitting the iconic character.
Dench married fellow actor Michael Williams in February 1971. She did so in an outfit perfect for a winter bride, wearing a white coat with a fur hood and a big grin on her face.
Inspired by all things magical, BISOULOVELY carefully crafts the jewelry of your fairytale dreams. Each piece is whimsical and ethereal, with celestial motifs that are sure to be a stunning addition to your collection. With new pieces added to the collection every month, BISOULOVELY will surely be a shop you visit more than once for pieces that will speak to your inner starchild. Shop online at bisoulovely.com
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
1980
The 2010s... There was a stage when Dench would only really be seen wearing black on the red carpet. However, over the past decade or so she’s embraced colour, and is often seen wearing white - for example, the chic outfit for the 2012 premiere of Skyfall. The only arbiter of cool we’re interested in, Dench wore a black leather biker jacket on The Graham Norton show in 2014. She layered lots of delicate necklaces together - a jewellery trend which has recently taken over, making her a bon afide style icon. For the 2017 premiere of Victoria and Abdul, a film about the friendship between Queen Victoria and her Indian servant, Dench stepped out in a pale blue outfit with an beautifully embroidered coat.
The Eighties...
2010
Dench kept things sleek and elegant for the 1982 Baftas, wearing a black turtleneck outfit which would still very much work on the red carpet today.
The Nineties... When winning the best actress award for playing Queen Victoria in Mrs Brown at the 1998 Baftas, Dench showed you can never go wrong with a black velvet evening gown. But her undoubted signature style can be seen in her 1999 Oscars outfit, when she won best supporting actress for her role in Shakespeare in Love. It involved a floaty long dress, a chic coat over the top, and in this instance we have to give a special shout out to her intricate clutch.
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1990
2000 The Noughties... Let’s take a moment to appreciate the actor’s blue crushed velvet coat and matching choker, worn to the premiere of Iris in 2002 - and hope she still has the jacket in her wardrobe. The Noughties was also very much Dench’s black phase, but she showed dark colours don’t have to be boring at the 2002 Academy Awards with a gown featuring delicate detailing around the waist. Like the legend that she is, for the premiere of Quantum Of Solace in 2008, Dench bedazzled ‘007’ onto the back of her neck. Dench didn’t used to wear a lot of colour, which is what makes the lemon gown worn to the premiere of Nine in 2009 such a knockout.
HONEY CORN Honey Corn is a boutique, 100% natural and organic skincare range which contains honey “liquid gold”. Honey Corn’s potent anti-ageing properties; promote healthy, radiant, supple skin. Their essential mix of honey with botanic, organic and natural plant-based ingredients have been formulated to nourish, hydrate and protect skin. The Honey Corn range is a rich fusion of clean and superior ingredients, high in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins together with a high mineral content. Honey Corn makes your skin glow - whatever the season. Honey Corn is a gender neutral/ unisex, skincare brand for him and for her. Fragrance free, nutrient rich, it soaks right in and won’t leave a greasy residue. Our range is hyperallergenic and perfect for those who have sensitive skin. You will feel it’s effects instantly and your skin will thank you for it. One of Honey Corn’s active ingredient is honey aka liquid gold. Their range is certified organic and natural. Honey Corn was born out of the desire to create clean botanic, organic, natural skincare products which posses curative properties that promote and maintain healthy skin. Their products contain high quality plant based ingredients and honey. Our philosophy is always, BOTANIC ORGANIC NATURAL. www.honeycornuk.com @HoneyCornUK
PAMA London is combining high functioning activewear with sustainability by using regenerated nylon ECONYL®, a material made with plastic pulled from our oceans. The brand is dedicated to loving you and our planet with its eco-friendly fabrics and fit-to-form designs. pamalondon.com
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
Beauty Masks for Summer
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o the summer is here but you are still not sure if you can travel abroad, and even if you do you are not sure if you can come back! Whether you get away or not, you will be forgiven for thinking that you deserve a self pampering treat, and if a trip to the salon still feels off the cards then we have just the thing for you. SKIMONO’s After Sun Indulgence Pack contains an award-winning trio of beauty masks for face, hands and feet for a full pampering session that delivers a super serum soaking for the skin that really helps you look and feel your best. A favourite of celebrities, make-up artists and those simply in the know (such as NHS staff, to help combat the effects of PPE and excessive hand sanitising), SKIMONO is dedicated to developing ultra effective skincare solutions outside of the daily routine that really work hard to make you look and feel your best. Presented in a beautiful envelope pack, the After Sun Indulgence Pack includes a bio-cellulose sheet mask for the face, ostensibly for After Sun but excellent for all round deep moisturisation, cooling inflamed skin & reducing redness; Intense Nourishment glove masks for the hands eradicate the dryness caused by frequent hand sanitising and leave your hands feeling softened & refined; and finally our personal favourite, the Total Conditioning sock masks for the feet that need to
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be experienced to be believed - moisturising deeply to soften that stubbornly hard skin and smooth those cracked heels, this has to be the best footcare product for getting your feet summer ready. So whether you are escaping on holiday or opting for a staycation this summer, show your skin some love with SKIMONO. RRP £30 available at skimono.com and luxury beauty retailers.
“SKIMONO is dedicated to developing ultra effective skincare solutions outside of the daily routine that really work hard to make you look and feel your best”
BLUE VELVET SHOES Blue Velvet, the home of contemporary and Luxury footwear direct from the heart of Europe. Always one step ahead, they have established themselves on their quality and first-rate service.
Visit Blue Velvet Shoes at 174 Kings Road, SW3 4UP or call 020 7376 7442 buy online www.bluevelvetshoes.com
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
THE PERFUMIST: From royalty to you
O
ver 300 years of making perfumes and colognes strictly and privately for kings and royalties, we decided to offer our work to the public. Everything we offer is 100% limited, natural, and extremely rare. We have been working, designing and making perfumes, from father to son, for over a century. The job of a Perfumist or a perfume maker in Arabic is called “Attar.” it’s considered one of the oldest, hardest, and most respectable jobs. In fact, the first documented perfume made in history was in the Middle East, where the art of perfume
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making was refined by Arabs and Persians. Islamic culture was the main reason for the development of Western perfumery: the French took the steam distillation process from the Arabs and the world of perfumery in the West was born, with its creation indebted to two Arabic men forever: Al-Kindi, and Jābir ibn Hayyān. We belong to that school, we are not just perfume makers and collectors but we are connoisseurs and purists in one of the oldest and most sophisticated arts in the world, perfumery. theperfumist.com
% h 15 nt de or mo co 5 f is se 1 th U NE ut TO ho RS ug A ro ST th f of Fine jewellery for everyday wear! Dripping in diamonds and gemstones, all set in 18k gold and higher, the pieces are wardrobe staples that are eye catching. With thoughtfully created styles that are modern yet sophisticated, Starstone Jewels aims to make fine jewellery accessible to everyone. Whimsical pieces in the new summer collection are a mix of white, yellow and rose gold, perfect for keeping the best moments close to your heart. Instagram name: starstonejewels Website: www.starstonejewels.com
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
The Perfect Red Lip
We put three new releases to the test.
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he ideal red lip is the holy grail of make-up. We all have different colourings, so the perfect lipstick varies from person to person, but there are some constants we look for. This might be the lipstick’s staying power, its texture or how easy it is to apply. Many of us have had the same faithful lippy for years, but what if there’s a better option out there? Yes, trying a new lipstick is a gamble, but we’ve done the hard work for you. We put three new releases to the test, to see if it really is possible to nail the perfect red lip...
Georgia tried... KVD XO Vinyl Lip Cream in Tulip
Sophie tried... Stila Shine Fever Lip Vinyl in Hot Pursuit On first inspection, Stila’s latest offering has a slick consistency, which looks like a smooth, coloured gloss. But it’s the strong colour when applied that makes this product different - it’s so highly pigmented, it’s almost opaque. Hot Pursuit is a deep, dark cherry red (and even smells of cherries) with a slight blue tint - great for making teeth appear whiter. The product is so dense it can be quite hard to even out, and the colour is so dark it’s actually difficult to blend out patchiness. However, this density means you can also use the brush as a lip liner to draw the perfect cupid’s bow, or neaten out the edge of your pout. It does take a while to dry (leaving behind its glossy texture) and eventually goes quite tacky and clings to your lips, giving it good durability - perfect for day-long wear, and it doesn’t smudge after a few drinks. Once dried, it looks more like a matte lipstick with a high, glossy shine, and gives the effect of a plump, pillowy pout. If you’re looking for lacquered lips in a deep, lush, jammy red, Shine Fever Lip Vinyl is a musttry for a touch of Forties Hollywood glamour. Price: £17 176 AUGUST 2020
Claire tried... Diego dalla Palma Moulin Rouge Matt Lipstick in 266 This lipstick glides on like silk and is a seriously beautiful colour, like a scarlet red mixed with a hint of cherry pink - the sort of shade that immediately makes you feel fabulous the second you put it on. The texture is great too, and although it’s matte (I always find less shine preferable), it’s not so dry that it shows up every little line on your lips, which can be ageing. The packaging’s nice and the product looks great, but sadly, this lippy has no staying power. Admittedly, I did eat lunch not long after applying it, but my family were quick to point out it had smudged all over my face. I cleaned myself up and what was left of the colour soon disappeared, which is really disappointing, particularly as it’s not cheap. I wouldn’t trust it in any social situation based on my test, so it looks like it’s a lipstick for lockdown - just a little something to wear around the house. Price: £20.42
I was always firmly in the ‘red lipstick doesn’t suit me’ camp. I thought of it as either too grown-up - I always remember seeing my grandma applying it - or too bold for my skin tone. But the KVD XO Vinyl Lip Cream has converted me. A product that’s suitable for vegans, I tried the shade ‘Tulip’. The formula is unlike anything I’ve used on my lips before, combining bold pigment that goes on like a slick, creamy gloss, but dries quickly with a vinyl-like shine to it. You have to make sure you get the stick right into the corners of the mouth so you have no gaps of colour; KVD recommend using the tip of the applicator to line your lips, then lying the applicator on its side to fill in. I also really appreciated the sweet vanilla scent (I don’t like the weird taste some lipsticks leave behind). As for staying power, it smudged a little when I ate, but the colour remained intense for hours. What I noticed more than anything is how confident I felt wearing this product - I love how glossy it is and how it seemed to plump my lips up. I will be using it on my next trip to a bar, that’s for sure. Price: £14.40 (was £18), Debenhams
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
5 OF THE BEST
CAT EYE SUNGLASSES If you have an oval shaped face, lucky you, pretty much any frames suit you, so it’s up to you whether you prefer a skinny or supersized style. If your face is heart-shaped (wider at the top, narrowing to the chin) or triangular (a wider jaw and narrower forehead), the exaggerated brow line of cat eye sunglasses is particularly flattering, but you’ll want to choose larger frames to balance your features. For round faces, you want to complement your shape, so choose angular frames. Similarly, square faces would benefit from a more rounded cat eye look.
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Feline-inspired frames are a summer essential, says Katie Wright.
“If you have an oval shaped face, lucky you, pretty much any frames suit you, so it’s up to you whether you prefer a skinny or supersized style”
hen you think of all the classic sunglasses shapes, from little round frames to giant square shades, perhaps the most divisive of all is the ‘cat eye’. It’s easy to dismiss winged sunnies and claim ‘they don’t suit me’, but in actual fact, they can be hugely flattering for a variety of face shapes - you just need to find the right pair. And that’ll be easy to do this summer, because the eyewear collections are full of catty creations, ready to provide the finishing touch to your floral frocks and jungle print playsuits. So, how do you find the right cat eye sunnies for your face shape?
Ready to find your perfect pair? Here are five of our favourite feline frames... Chimi Aqua #006 Black, £89
Marks and Spencer Collection Angular Cat Eye Sunglasses, £12.50 Topshop Mag Tortoiseshell Feline Sunglasses, £11.20 (were £14) And Other Stories Angular Cat Eye Sunglasses, £23
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Oliver Bonas Oversized Cat Eye Peach Sunglasses, £24
Exclusive Footwear
www.harrylou.co.uk IG: harryloushoes
Ease, Luxury & Glamour
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
OLIVIEREWILSON skin
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LIVIEREWILSON Skin, offering Microneedling rollers that are uniquely simple, lightweight, easy to use and very effective. Dermatologist inspired and clinically proven to rebuild skin’s health, strength and hydration. A non invasive treatment that boosts the skin’s natural reparative process to smooth wrinkles, combat blemishes and reverse sun damage. This treatment effectively repairs tissue, exfoliates dead skin cells, minimises pores and improves elasticity. With continued use, fine lines will soften and the skin regain more of its natural glow and lustre. Get ready for a radiant luminous complexion and achieve professional results at home. OLIVIEREWILSON Microneedling rollers for FACE and BODY provide a natural, highly effective treatment that rolls a sterile needle device across the skin. This treatment creates invisible pathways that encourages active ingredients to flood the skin far more successfully than a simple topical application could ever achieve. Research has shown up to 3x amplified absorption. This treatment triggers the skin’s in-built repair mechanism sending it into ‘healing’ mode. This helps rebuild the skins structure, laying down new collagen fibres to strengthen the skin and enhancing cell turnover faster than you naturally would. This is skin rejuvenation. Microneedling is perfect for treating skin concerns such as pigmentation, uneven skin tone, enlarged pores, dry skin, fine lines, acne scars, stretch marks and hair loss. OLIVIEREWILSON rollers are durable, high quality precision tools using micro-fine medicalgrade, sterile titanium needles for a non-invasive treatment with no downtime. Gamma radiation
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sterilised and hermetically sealed. Simple, slick, recyclable packaging. All rollers are sold with OLIVIEREWILSON Sanitising Spray, a pH neutral solution containing only Water and Hypochlorous Acid. Refine. Rejuvenate. Renew. The pursuit of healthier skin. “I spent a huge part of my life not liking my skin. The struggle against uneven skin tone, pigmentation and dry skin remains an ongoing battle. Learning to love the skin I’m in is a journey I’m still on which has led me to create this range of Microneedling rollers and my vision for OW. Age, hormones, diet, UV and more can all impact the health and vibrancy of our skin. Despite all of these challenges, your skin can be improved with the right treatments and products. OLIVIEREWILSON is my skin revolution. I’ve been skin obsessed from a very young age. Appreciating there is no gender, just needs. There is no colour, just needs. Luminosity for everyone is my quest. The Body is mesmerising. Skin is beautiful. Hydration is vital. The long term benefits of Microneedling are incredible and the instant effects are equally powerful. I wanted to capture and create a hydrating delivery system and skincare range sitting between Dermatologist grade treatment and home treatment. I wanted to transform the face and body to its most healthy and hydrated form. My whole belief is that if your skin is properly hydrated you will radiate a healthy, natural glow. Luminosity from me to you”. Catherine Wilson, FOUNDER Join the OLIVIEREWILSON newsletter and get 10% off your first purchase. olivierewilson.com
“OLIVIEREWILSON Microneedling rollers for FACE and BODY provide a natural, highly effective treatment that rolls a sterile needle device across the skin. This treatment creates invisible pathways that encourages active ingredients to flood the skin far more successfully than a simple topical application could ever achieve. Research has shown up to 3x amplified absorption”
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
Michael Platt is Open! Do Visit
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ichael Platt, Goldsmiths & Jewellers are delighted to be back. Both the shop and on-site workshop have reopened to the ‘new normal’. Being in lockdown has meant being away from nearest and dearest, very difficult times and, for most, it hasn’t been possible to celebrate special occasions; Michael Platt is now ready and raring to provide some sparkle. Were you prevented from attending a special celebration, or realise now how valued a family member is or want to show your appreciation to someone who was especially supportive and kind during the isolation of lockdown, mark the occasion now, show your appreciation or thanks with a very special piece of jewellery. Jewellery speaks directly from the heart. the deepest of feelings and sentiment can be expressed with Jewellery. The perfect piece of enduring Jewellery says so much more than words ever can. Whether the jewellery boldly declares Thank You; You’re appreciated; We’ve Missed You; I Love You; Well Done; Congratulations; You’re So Special or just marks a moment in time, it always does a brilliant job of reflecting heartfelt emotions. For jewellery to have emotional impact, one doesn’t need to spend zillions; it’s the thought that counts. Choosing a special jewellery gift conveying sentiments is easy at Michael Platt in Wimbledon Village; choose from a magnificent selection in silver, gold and platinum.
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A custom made Bespoke Piece of Jewellery is the ultimate thoughtful jewellery gift. With some imagination and a little effort, a wonderful unique piece can be tailor made in-store to suit requirements and budget. Michael Platt specialise in working directly with customers, guiding them through the exciting journey of the bespoke jewellery process. Jewellery given with meaning and thought will be highly valued and forever treasured. It has recently been a tough time for all, very rough indeed for some with a new everyday ‘normal’ for most, including Michael Platt. Feel secure in visiting; the shop and on-site workshop are safe environments with regular excellent standards of hygiene and cleanliness constantly applied. The whole area is misted regularly with anti microbial surface protector; all staff wear face masks, sometimes gloves, and customers must wear masks and hand sanitize on entry. Plexiscreens have been introduced to all serving areas with cleaning and sanitizing completed after each customer leaves. With an on-site workshop all jewellery is properly cleaned and sanitized. Many things have changed but the standards of customer care, expertise, workmanship, creativity and friendly welcome (behind the face mask!) are all still exactly the same. Visit soon.
THE DETAILS Michael Platt Goldsmiths and Jewellers 1 Church Road, Wimbledon Village, SW19 5DW Tel: 020 8947 4774 Open Tuesday-Saturday michaelplatt.co.uk
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
MEDITATION WALKS
As we adapt to our new normal, many of us are finding it hard to concentrate. Liz Connor hears how taking a walk can help to clear the brain fog. (headspace.com). If, like many, you’re struggling to focus on work at the moment, Romotsky says it’s a great tool for improving your concentration and kick-starting your creative mind. “By incorporating mindfulness into exercising, we can help ground the mind, let go of negative thoughts, and manage the mind-body connection. Regular meditation trains and re-programmes the mind to be more open and less reactive.” Alongside this, meditation can also enhance empathy, increase your attention span and help you to sleep better at night. “It’s also scientifically proven to help alleviate stress and increase happiness,” Romotsky adds. “It allows you take a step back from stressful situations, pause the mind and feel better in the moment.”
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he last time you went for a walk outdoors, how engaged were you in the surroundings? Were you scrolling through social media, replying to a WhatsApp message and listening to a podcast episode, or were you truly taking in the sights, sounds and experiences around you? Taking a walk outdoors can work wonders for your mental and physical health during lockdown, but to truly embrace the benefits, experts say we must bring our body and minds in sync. Known as ‘walking meditation’, this type of mindfulness in motion is about more than just getting from A to B. Rather, it’s an opportunity to clear your mind of any internal worries, by hyperfocusing on the rhythm of your steps and tuning in to what’s going on around you. What is walking meditation? Also know as ‘kinhin’, this type of peaceful practice is part of several forms of Buddhism that involve movement and periods of walking between long periods of sitting meditation. If you struggle with traditional meditation, taking your practice outside gives you an opportunity to harness your awareness and focus on the present, rather than being distracted by internal thoughts, worries or fears. Proponents often perform a ‘body check’ while walking, noticing how every area of their body feels as they move from foot to foot. Alongside this, it’s important to tune into what’s going on around you, whether that’s passing cars in a city, or birds tweeting in the countryside. “Taking mindful moments for yourself whilst exercising is important to help get perspective on your thinking,” says Sarah Romotsky, director of healthcare partnerships at Headspace
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“If you struggle with traditional meditation, taking your practice outside gives you an opportunity to harness your awareness and focus on the present, rather than being distracted by internal thoughts, worries or fears”
How can you do it at home? Although it’s called a walking meditation, Romotsky says that doesn’t mean we’re walking around on autopilot or with our eyes closed. “Instead, walking meditation is mindfully walking using a meditative technique, with eyes open, and at a pace that suits you, with our attention on the immediate setting around us.” She adds: “Try meditating by focusing attention on the environment around you, taking in all the sights, sounds and smells - particularly those you would not normally notice. “Whilst moving, your attention should be focused on the act of doing and the sensations your body is experiencing. This can prevent distracting and stressful thoughts, helping you to refresh the mind, and tune into the rhythm of the body.” It’s also common for people to first do a sitting meditation in a private space, using an app like Headpsace, and then take their meditative state outdoors on a walk. This is a great way to ease yourself into the practice. “If you can’t get outside right now, moving around your house, room by room , can also be an effective mode of physical and mental exercise. “While walking around in your home, be sure to check in with your body and how it feels. Is it heavy or light, stiff or relaxed, and how are you carrying yourself ? Tune into what’s going on around you in your surroundings.”
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
Cannacares launches new range of CBD products CBD brand, Cannacares announces a new themed range to celebrate pop-up stores in Hampstead, Guildford and Farnham
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n response to popular demand, Cannacares is pleased to announce that it will be opening three pop-up shops in Hampstead, Guildford High Street, and the Lion & Lamb Shopping centre in Farnham in August*, bringing its multi-range CBD products to the high street. Hampstead High Street will be the first pop-up too pen on 10th August. These will be exclusively sold in-store during opening week and are tailored to customers’ most popular needs. The ranges will include three different application methods - Tincture Oils, Sprays and Vegan Capsules - and formulated with curated botanicals and essential oils to ensure optimum relief of each theme. Cannacares are retailing a Sample Kit of the new range at £20. Cannacares is one of few UK suppliers to go beyond the classic oil, with prices starting at just £9.99, their mission is to deliver a high-quality CBD product offering at a fantastic value. Since their launch in 2019, Cannacares has been committed to bringing a variety of application methods to their community as they know that one product doesn’t fit all.
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Their bestselling patches have become a stand out product as the unique, transdermal application method makes them an ideal option for those on prescription drugs, as the CBD bypasses vital organs such as the liver. The company offers an affordable £15, full-range Introductory Kitincluding oil, capsules and cream totalling 650mg worth of CBD- allowing customers an opportunity to sample the latest innovations to see what products and methods work best for them. Cannacares offers a completely transparent service- providing full ingredients lists, a 24/7 online chat service and third-party lab results. The company works with established pharmaceutical R&D teams and manufacturers, and all products will be compliant with the soon-to-be enforced UK Novel Food legislation. Cannacares are delighted to now have the opportunity to bring these conversations offline at their high street shops in London and the South East. The stores will also feature CBD products from other selected partners. *Guildford and Farnham date TBC cannacares.co.uk
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“The ranges will include three different application methods Tincture Oils, Sprays and Vegan Capsules - and formulated with curated botanicals and essential oils”
Nourish your skin with this unique Shea + Silk Body Butter. Expertly handcrafted to glide onto your skin like silk while delivering hydration and nutrients to the skin that help keep it soft, smooth, supple, moisturised, naturally radiant and utterly kissable. PureTropix.com instgram.com/puretropix
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
Polish my skin with rose petals?
Yes, Please!’
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ntroducing Hello Glow Rose Dust: a magical 100% natural, preservative free facial cleansing polish containing pure rose petals. An anti-aging product, it shows an instant result, by lifting dead cells and leaving the skin soft and glowing. Continued use minimises fine lines and evens pigmentation. The story of how Hello Glow Rose Dust was created is like a true fairy tale. Once upon a time there was a girl (let’s call her Ma) who was born to wealthy landowners in rural India. As she grew up, her interest in skin care deepened, and she would often be found hunting in the land for nature’s bounty to beautify her skin. After she was married, the young couple moved to the city, Mumbai then called Bombay. The maid she employed also happened to work for a very well known Bollywood actress. Being
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the early 1940s, filming was crude, and the harsh lighting played havoc with the complexion of the actress. Being in great demand, the actress consulted leading skin doctors and apothecaries to access the best formulae nature has to offer. The maid observed her actress mistress applying the products with amazing results, and would share this with Ma, who painstakingly wrote down in her diary the ingredients and the meticulous method of blending them together. Fast forward many, many years and just before her death, Ma decided to use the invaluable information recorded in the diary, to empower and support the welfare of women. The magical formulae have been used to create Hello Glow products, and Hello Glow Rose Dust has begun its journey to provide women all over the globe a beautiful way of keeping their complexion smooth and radiant.
THE DETAILS Hello Glow Rose Dust comes in eco friendly packaging, costs £5.99 (with FREE UK delivery) and is available from www.roselinkuk.com
The Harley Street ENT Clinic Our experienced ENT specialists diagnose and treat a variety of ear, nose and throat problems as well as balance and sleep disorders. The Harley Street ENT Clinic is the most prominent specialists in London with five of the UK’s top ear, nose and throat surgeons providing a touch of a family run business. • State of the art equipment and testing facilities • Highly qualified audiologists and scientists • Same day appointments for emergencies * Latest CQC inspection overall rating was GOOD • Includes The Harley Hearing Centre led by exceptional audio-vestibular scientists performing a range of comprehensive hearing tests • In-house Pharmacy Whether you need an ear specialist to help with your child’s recurring infections or a nose specialist who can tackle your snoring, our clinic can help. From your initial consultation to your final treatment, our ENT surgeons will be there to provide advice, answer your questions, and help you to feel better.
For more details and to arrange an appointment visit www.harleystreetent.com Tel: 020 7224 2350 | Email info@harleystreetent.com 109 Harley St, Marylebone, London W1G 6AN
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
Exceptional cancer care at Cancer Centre London
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stablished in 2003, Cancer Centre London is an award-winning specialist oncology centre located in Wimbledon, South London. Patients at the Cancer Centre can access some of the UK’s most experienced cancer consultant doctors and an experienced team of cancer specialists who are dedicated to supporting patients through their personal cancer journey, and looking after both their physical and emotional wellbeing. Worried about cancer? For people worried about cancer, Cancer Centre London offers patients a comprehensive range of diagnostic services to help detect and diagnose cancer including: • genetic testing for breast, ovarian and colorectal cancers and for rare cancers • health screening for a range of cancers including skin, bowel, breast, ovarian and prostate cancer • a rapid access diagnostic clinic which patients can access to identify a range of medical conditions, not just cancer • nuclear medicine including Pet CT scans, to assist with more precise diagnosis and staging. If you are worried that you might have cancer, you can help you get tested and diagnosed quickly at Cancer Centre London. Treatment for all forms of cancer A recognised centre of excellence for cancer treatment, Cancer Centre London provides treatment for almost every form of cancer from blood through to liver and lung cancer. Cancer treatments include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, advanced VMAT and IMRT radiotherapy,
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Treatment is available for: • blood cancer • bone cancer • brain cancer • breast cancer • cancer of the unknown primary • cervical cancer • gastro-intestinal cancer • head and neck cancer • liver cancer • lung cancer • pancreatic cancer • skin cancer • urological cancer • and pre-cancerous conditions, such as Solar Keratosis and Bowen’s Disease. We are also able to treat a number of non-cancerous conditions, including Keloid scars, heterotopic bone formation, Dupuytren’s Disease and overactive thyroid disease.
“Cancer Centre provides treatment for almost every form of cancer from blood through to liver and lung cancer” stereotactic radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy and surgery. Helping patients live well with and beyond cancer The Cancer Centre also provides a wide range of supportive services from a dedicated cancer information centre through to complementary therapies, counselling services, support groups, dietician, specialised physiotherapy and more, all available to help patients and their loved ones live well with and beyond cancer. To find out more about Cancer Centre London visit cancercentrelondon.co.uk/ To book an appointment call 0203 883 6112 / 0203 883 3380 or email opd@cancercentrelondon.co.uk
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
Highgate Private Hospital
working with the NHS during the Covid-19 Pandemic
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uring the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, Highgate Private Hospital situated in North London and part of the Aspen Healthcare Group dedicated all of its resources to Whittington Health NHS Trust to care for patients within the local healthcare community. In a move that saw Highgate Hospital unite with the NHS, more beds, life-saving ventilators and extra healthcare staff were made urgently available to the Health Trust to help the national health service manage the expected surge in Covid cases. The successful partnership resulted in Highgate looking after some of the Trust’s most vulnerable patients in a safe Covid-free environment at Highgate Hospital. Daily outpatient space was created for immune-supressed patients to receive biological infusions, and also for patients attending regular Parkinson’s and Falls Clinic. In addition, many post-operative orthopaedic trauma patients were admitted to Highgate for recuperation. As the pressure on the NHS beds lifted, but self-isolation guidance continued to affect Whittington staffing levels, Highgate Hospital sent 30 clinical staff to work on the Whittington wards and theatres to help care for frail elderly patients. Highgate’s successful partnership with the NHS meant that vulnerable patients who needed timecritical healthcare during the crisis were able to get the care and treatment they urgently needed. Douglas Watson, Highgate Hospital Director said, “It has been a privilege to work together and help the NHS during this challenging period in history. We were delighted to welcome these patients to Highgate Hospital and to provide a safe
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environment for their care and to help lighten the load of our NHS colleagues. Kate Hoffman, Group Chief Nurse and Head of Clinical Services at Aspen Healthcare, said the partnership was a crucial step in the fight against coronavirus. “Nothing gives us greater pride than to stand with our NHS family at this time of national emergency,” she said. “We have a huge role to play in supporting NHS patients in our local community and will help the health service in whatever capacity we can.” Highgate Hospital has since received numerous letters of thanks from patients and colleagues who appreciated the dedication and hard work of the team. “They are an inspiration and have done Highgate Hospital proud! They all have an amazing work ethic, were committed to the cause, always went the extra mile for us (including swapping shifts at short notice), fitted in very quickly into our ways of working, never complained, took everything on the chin and were loved, respected and admired by us all. In fact, it was heart-breaking see them go.” “Warm greetings to all of the team, some of whom have become real friends, so valuable in these hard times :)! It may sound odd to enjoy memories of time spent in hospital... but I do.” Highgate Hospital is still working to support the NHS but in addition is now open to patients funding their own treatment and to those with private health insurance. highgatehospital.co.uk
“The successful partnership resulted in Highgate looking after some of the Trust’s most vulnerable patients in a safe Covid-free environment”
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
Why King Edward VII’s is the hospital of choice for self-paying patients
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ing Edward VII’s Hospital is an independent private hospital with a proud history of Royal Patronage and a reputation built on quality of care. The Hospital provides an extensive range of treatments that can be self-funded, both surgical and medical, ranging from life-improving hip replacement surgery to life-preserving prostate cancer treatment. Self-paying patients are able to choose their specialist and avoid waiting lists, getting back to enjoying everyday life with as little disruption as possible. Investment in the latest cutting-edge technology not only continues the Hospital’s tradition of attracting the best specialists, it also helps deliver the highest standards of diagnosis, treatment and aftercare to its patients. The outstanding quality of nursing care has been the Hospital’s trademark for over 120 years and it’s what patients talk about long after they have gone home. What truly sets the Hospital apart is that it provides medical care with the human touch, where its focus never waivers from its patient. What’s more, the Hospital is also a registered charity. Its charitable work includes providing life-changing medical treatment to veterans of the Armed Forces through its Centre For Veterans’ Health. Any surplus the hospital makes is invested back into facilities, equipment and the provision of subsidised treatment to veterans.
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All this means that King Edward VII’s is the hospital of choice for self-paying patients who expect more. To enquire about paying for treatment, contact the dedicated patient services team at King Edward VII’s Hospital, 5-10 Beaumont Street, Marylebone, London W1G 6AA. www.kingedwardvii.co.uk; 020 7467 4344.
“The outstanding quality of nursing care has been the Hospital’s trademark for over 120 years”
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FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
A leading centre for
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ing Edward VII’s Hospital is one of the UK’s leading centres for urology, bringing together an exceptional multidisciplinary team of consultant urologists who are all leaders in their specialist field. Collaborating to offer an integrated service, and with the very latest in diagnostic and surgical technology at their fingertips, the Hospital’s specialists work together to provide outstanding personalised, patient-centred care at the cutting edge of modern medicine. Conditions treated include prostate cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, incontinence, erectile dysfunction, stone disease and benign diseases of the prostate. The Hospital was the first in the Harley Street area to acquire the da Vinci xi© robot, allowing its expert surgeons to perform precise, minimally invasive robotic procedures. At the forefront
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of diagnostic and surgical technology, and with specialist urology nursing, it can deliver the very best end-to-end care to patients no matter what their condition.
The most advanced diagnosis and treatment for prostate cancer Focal therapy and robotic surgery at King Edward VII’s Hospital offer patients the most advanced and minimally invasive prostate cancer treatment available. In the UK, approximately 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime. It can be confusing for men to know whether they should be checked for prostate cancer, and having any symptoms that might be related to prostate cancer can be worrying. If you’re concerned about prostate cancer, there are tests that can be carried out by your medical
“The Hospital recently welcomed the London Urology Specialists to the team. Learn more about our amazing consultant urologists at kingedwardvii.co.uk”
urology in the UK
specialist to check for any signs of the disease including MRI, Ultrasound and biopsy. If a definitive diagnosis of prostate cancer is made, there are many treatment options and while this might feel bewildering, the wide range of options represents a chance to choose the right one, along with your medical team, to successfully treat or manage your cancer. King Edward VII’s Hospital brings together a team of internationally renowned prostate specialists and has invested in cutting-edge diagnostic and surgical technology to facilitate the highest standards of diagnosis and minimallyinvasive treatment for prostate cancer.
Focal therapy for prostate cancer Focal therapy is a treatment suitable for men who have medium (intermediate) risk prostate cancer, ideally in one part of the prostate. As it treats only the cancer, and a small area around the cancer, the side effects of treatment are much less than those for traditional prostate cancer surgery or radiotherapy. This treatment option requires a careful assessment of the prostate using MRI and biopsy information. For men who are suitable, it is done as a day surgery procedure. Follow up includes careful monitoring using MRI scans and sometimes biopsy. In many cases it allows men to continue to have good sexual and urinary function, whilst treating
the cancer. As it’s a small treatment, it can be repeated, and if necessary, surgery or radiotherapy can be used at a later date. There are a number of different energies used in focal therapy for prostate cancer, including ultrasound (High Intensity Focussed Ultrasound, or HIFU) and electroporation (or NanoKnife, passing an electrical current across the tumour to treat it). King Edward VII’s Hospital is one of the few private hospitals in the UK to offer these cutting-edge treatments.
Robotically assisted prostate surgery
THE DETAILS If you are concerned about your prostate health, or you have received a diagnosis for prostate cancer and are considering private treatment, call a member of the dedicated patient services team at King Edward VII’s Hospital to discuss your options: 020 7467 4344 Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm kingedwardvii.co.uk
Prostate surgery is offered to men with prostate cancer that hasn’t spread further than their prostate, or that has only spread a short distance. It aims to cure prostate cancer by completely removing the prostate and all of the cancerous cells. King Edward VII’s Hospital has recently invested in a da Vinci Xi© robot which enables your surgeon to perform minimally-invasive surgery with an advanced set of instruments. Surgeons using the da Vinci Xi© are able to remove the prostate gland through a few small incisions (cuts). The benefits of this advanced technology include smaller scars, a shorter hospital stay, less pain after the operation and a greater likelihood of sparing the nerves around the prostate which control erections and urinary continence. AUGUST 2020 199
Todd Bennett is pushing an outdated watch industry towards nowadays fashion trends. Outstanding design combined with premium watch materials and a fair price make it a perfect accessory for a man, who likes to stand out and impress without breaking the bank. www.toddbennettwatch.com
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garden SPONSORED BY
Expert property solicitors for all aspects of residential conveyancing. www.slatergordon.co.uk/property
– Keep it local for everything house and home – I M AGE : wa l l s a u c e
H OUSE & GARDEN
[ NE W S ]
INTERIORS COCKTAIL HOUR Tray Isola from Artisan Abode features a stunning marble effect paired with a brass look rim and handles with a pretty patina detailing. Ideal for serving drinks at home. The look of a luxury marble without the weight! artisanabode.co.uk
A POP OF COLOUR Upholstered chairs in shades of blue velvet are the perfect foil for a dining table. “We’ve extended the Hamilton collection, adding to the oatmeal and grey linen fabrics to include a lovely pale blue velvet and a royal blue velvet. The chairs look amazing in the new colours, and have really given our Surrey showroom a summery lift,” said Sarah Cook, co-founder of the online luxury furniture and home accessories retailer. The blue dining chairs look particularly striking partnered with La Residence Interiors’ collection of round and rectangular weathered oak dining tables. laresidenceinteriors.co.uk
Futuristic and faceted, Cut from Tom Dixon is an exercise in optics. Its space-age mirror finish when off transforms to reveal a translucent kaleidoscopic gem when switched on. Produced in both chrome and smoke finishes, small and long, pendant and surface. Cluster for maximum effect. brand-designs.com
Relaxed Coastal Vibes Although we may not be able to go on those much-loved holidays to the coast at the moment, it doesn’t mean we can’t create a holiday feel in our homes. The Painted Furniture Company’s laid-back designs and cool colours make this easy to achieve, whether we’re dreaming of a Cornish fishing cottage or a New England beach house. paintedfurnitureco.co.uk
BEST OF BRITISH Marmalade of London produces, beautiful fragranced candles, reed diffusers and hand and body washes and lotions. The brand is proudly handmade in Great Britain. marmaladeoflondon.com 202 AUGUST 2020
Cut above the rest
H OUSE & GARDEN
Beautiful rugs from Bazaar Velvet
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lacing a rug in your space should be one of the more important decisions that you make when furnishing your home says Christopher Mould owner of Bazaar Velvet (BV) London’s luxurious rug company, as this generally is one of the larger furnishings in the room. Work from the bottom upwards he says as too often this is left until last and then budget, style, size and time are all compromised. A rug can anchor everything together in the room so it’s an important decision. A room without a rug just seems unfinished. BV have a large showroom over two floors set in Chelsea Design Quarter amongst many other high end interior brands and have a vast selection of over one thousand beautiful handmade rugs available immediately. Their collections are constantly evolving and include contemporary to classic pieces and everything in between. The team are proud to have released six new Core Collection designs this year. Inspiration is taken from the latest interior design trends as well as historical sources, to form
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timeless, sophisticated designs that sit as beautifully in the interiors of today as they will long into the future. Designs draw on sources from the Art Deco period as well as botanical illustrations from the 19th - 20th century. Rockefeller and Shards reflect the shapes displayed in some of the most grand Art Deco buildings of the world, these sumptuous modern classics will add a sense of sophistication to many a room. Botanic and Viola are distinctly more feminine created from historical floral elements, elegantly composed that is reminiscent of a traditional oriental design. This creative interpretation is refreshingly unique, yet its pleasing symmetry and is reassuringly recognisable. Also new this year, are exciting extensions to their abstract ranges. The complexity of these designs are truly outstanding, with countless blended colours and intricately hand carved high and low pile it’s like having a giant canvass on the floor, pure art. Traditional craftsmanship and outstanding quality are an important aspect of the Bazaar Velvet ethos, and therefore they are strong
“Designs draw on sources from the Art Deco period as well as botanical illustrations from the 19th - 20th century”
advocates of the rug construction method of hand knotting. There is currently much confusion amongst consumers regarding rug quality, but a hand knotted rug created from natural materials is undoubtedly the most superior option. With workshops in Rajasthan India and the Kathmandu valley Nepal, they have an amazing team of skilled artisans to create their rugs and every process is done by hand. In each rug they produce, up to eighty people would have been involved in the making over several months from shearing the sheep, hand spinning the wool, dying the wool, drawing the graph for the loom, weaving, finishing and packing. Something close to their hearts is the charity Good Weave, a non-profit organisation which is eradicating child labour in the carpet industry and other industries and raising public awareness of child labour and other exploitative labour practices, expanding the market for exploitationfree products. By administering of the Good Weave label on products certifying that they have been made without the aid of child labour, forced labour, or bonded labour providing children in vulnerable worker communities with concrete opportunities for education and vocational training and stimulating and increasing employment opportunities for adults so that parents can better
“With workshops in Rajasthan India and the Kathmandu valley Nepal, they have an amazing team of skilled artisans to create their rugs�
support their families. As well as guiding you through their vast inventory of stock rugs, you can also choose to have a bespoke rug made maybe one of their designs in larger or smaller sizes or tweak colours, materials etc. Realistic rug visuals can be provided on screen, and different qualities shown in a vast range of samples. Bazaar Velvet are currently offering a free consultation to readers to establish, size, colours and styles that would fit to your spaces and can also include a home trail of suitable stock rugs, surely a great way to try before you buy. Their sale is now on with savings up to 50% off. Showroom: Bazaar Velvet, 2 New Kings Road London SW6 4SA bazaarvelvet.com Tel: 020 7736 9693 AUGUST 2020 205
H OUSE & GARDEN
How has COVID19 Changed Furniture Sales? “These changes have resulted in an increase in their online business by 30%”
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ith many of us avoiding social contact amidst the COVID-19 guidelines, MY Furniture have made it easy for customers to still have a full shopping experience without leaving home. With the onset of the Global Pandemic, every business has been affected and required to make changes in order to adhere to guidelines and make their products safely available to their customers in MY Furniture, retailers of a wide range of luxury, high-quality furniture throughout Europe, online and also via their retail outlets in Nottingham and London, adapted to the situation by firstly introducing a Video Call Facility, so their customers from all over Europe can find the product they would like to see in more detail without leaving home. To access this facility, there is a ‘Request Video Call’ button on the website which can be clicked and a member of the MY Furniture team calls back at a suitable date and time to show the customer their desired item. What’s more, customers can even choose between FaceTime, Skype and WhatsApp to ensure the contact is 206 AUGUST 2020
made via their favourite App. As a result of introducing the Video Call facility they have boosted their export sales into Europe, as anyone can now visit their showroom virtually! Secondly, MY Furniture introduced an appointments system rather than an open door policy so they can control the flow of customers into their showrooms. In addition, all their deliveries were handled by couriers who delivered only to the front door and not inside the property. These changes have resulted in an increase in their online business by 30% and a noticeable increase in older people buying online who would previously not have shopped this way. MY Furniture have also been able to hire more people within their business, unlike many other businesses who have had to furlough workers or even make redundancies. They are also welcoming foreign nationals into their business and offering opportunities to workers from across Europe, with further planned job opportunities in the coming months. The entire MY Furniture range is available at my-furniture.com, with fast and reliable delivery throughout the UK, Ireland, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Austria, Belgium, The Netherlands and Sweden.
Surrey Interior Design British Handcrafted Inframed kitchen Images Š Sarah London Photography
We Template Fabricate and Install top quality stone worktops at a very competitive prices. Approved fabricator of top leading stone manufacturers in UK Marble Granite Quarts Worktops fully Installed within 3-4 days. Best Reputation in Surrey. Miele Appliances Cheaper than online Prices. Miele Dealer Centre 6 The Parade, Kingston Road, Leatherhead KT22 7SR www.surrey-interior-design.co.uk 01372877280 | info@surrey-interior-design.co.uk
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Light & Bright
Rooms feeling a bit dark and dingy? Here’s how to brighten them up… Words: Luke Rix-Standing
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omes tend to feel pokier the more time you spend in them – and at a time of national claustrophobia, we could all benefit from a bit of a refresh. Here’s how to make your home feel bright and breezy, without spending hours in showrooms or breaking the bank…
Let there be light Often, the simplest way to brighten up a dwelling is to add more light. Use accent lighting (smaller, directed sources like lamps) to emphasise focal points, like desks and tables, and give a space a sense of texture and contrast. Make sure said lights aren’t too concentrated, though – you’re going for layered illumination, not a spotlight from a police interrogation room. Consider kitting out fixings with ‘white light’ bulbs, which serve up a cool, daytime feel compared to their cosier, yellower counterparts.
Leave your windows clear Could you do more to maximise natural light? Placing a tall item of furniture next to a southfacing window is a classic design sin, and you don’t want hatstands or shelving unit casting a swathe of shadow across a room that should be bathed in light. If possible, keep your furnishings low-slung across the board. However cluttered your floor space, if most of the volume of a room is empty, it provides unbroken lines of light and sight. The higher the ceiling seems, the breezier and bigger the room will feel.
Add some plants The positive effects of nature on the psyche has been studied time and again, and even a few paltry pot plants can help a room feel instantly fresher and more lively. Spending time around greenery has a regenerative effect, and indoor-appropriate options range from large-leafed peace lilies to lowmaintenance succulents, palms and cacti. If your fingers lack even a tinge of green however, there’s no shame in opting for faux options. Today’s synthetic flowers are far less cardboard-like than in years gone by.
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abode, and a little strategic positioning can really optimise the ambience. A mirror opposite a door can visually double a room’s depth, lending any area the illusion of space, while a mirror opposite a window sends natural light bouncing from wall to wall. For added glamour, you could even experiment with mirrored furniture.
Consider your colours There’s nothing to say you can’t go for darker colours in small spaces, providing it’s done right. But generally speaking, lighter shades absorb
“However cluttered your floor space, if most of the volume of a room is empty, it provides unbroken lines of light and sight”
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light far less than darker ones, and a fairer palette leaves a room looking big, bright and breezy. Pale, natural woods, whitewashed window sills, a creamcoloured couch or on-trend pastel furnishings – anything that takes your fancy can play a part in this – but most important by far is your paint or wallpaper. Dark walls can be elegant and attractive, but if it’s bright and airy you’re after, you might want to go for softer shades.
Give it a good clean Which do you think looks brighter and cleaner: a surface coated in a layer of grey grime and dust, or a freshly cleaned surface sparkling in the morning sun? The humble duster is perhaps your greatest ally in the battle against dinginess, and you won’t always be able to tell whether an area is poky until you’ve seen it after a good scrub.
‘Wash’ your walls No, not another way of telling you to get cleaning – by ‘wash’ your walls, we mean bathe them in horizontal splashes of light. This is usually achieved by putting a lamp tight against the wall, so that light spills across the surface at an acute angle, giving the impression that the whole space is aglow. Wall-washing can be as economical as it is attractive, and it’s better to bathe one area with a 210 AUGUST 2020
broad sheet of light than clutter it with a crowd of fixings.
Include at least a little contrast It may sound counter-intuitive, but an entirely light space can start to feel cold and washed-out. Try to integrate some darker colours with slim, linear furnishings like chairs or picture frames, that adds definition to the overall look. Contrast is your friend, and the light will shine all the brighter for the introduction of a little dark.
JWJ
I N T E R I O R S
Bespoke interior design service to fit your taste, lifestyle, timescale & budget. Providing interior advice, upholstery, curtains and much more nationwide. Working with clients to turn houses into homes, utilising space to the best ability. www.jwjinteriors.co.uk
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KES: Perfect Lighting
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ighting design plays a pivotal role in the ability to alter perceptions. It has undeniably become one of the most imperative aspects to interior design, possessing the ability to change the way people encounter and understand architecture. KES lighting was established in 1985 with the vision of becoming the empire they are now. With 35 years of passion and experience under their belt, there is no doubt that lighting is what they know. A family run business built from the ground up, their skill and understanding of the field has led them to become one of the leading lighting suppliers in the UK. Taking pride in their expert quality customer care, they work with the most esteemed manufacturers in the industry. KES Lighting supply to a multitude of customers, from architects to interior designers, their specialist knowledge knows no boundaries. Situated in Bedworth, Warwickshire, KES lighting have one of the biggest showrooms in the country and is home to the most lucrative and prestigious of brands. Their central location only intensifies the popularity of the business, shipping all around the UK and internationally. KES Lighting offer a plethora of styles and visions, from contemporary to classical, comprehensive yet simplistic, whatever your atheistic, they will deliver. KES work with some of the most renowned lighting manufacturers in the world. From the
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“Taking pride in their expert quality customer care, they work with the most esteemed manufacturers in the industry�
Hudson Valley Lighting Group who collaborate with famed designers such as Martyn Lawrence Bullard, to Masiero who, with a flair for technology and modern designs, create unique pieces with authentic Italian craftmanship. KES also supply Schuller Lighting who are distinguished by their dynamism as well as Kolarz who are known for crafting opulent masterpieces. KES are proud to be an Authorised Lighting Partner of Schonbek lighting. Rich in heritage and known for their commitment to beauty, Schonbek undoubtably leads the way for breathtaking innovation. Ranging from classically elegant designs of traditional chandeliers, to contemporary crystal pendants with outpours of regality, the balance between function and beauty is flawless. The world-famous Swarovski crystals are the epitome of class and decorum, they deserve the spotlight of Schonbek’s designs. For more than a century, Schonbek have sculpted centrepieces that evoke memories and spark conversations, with every piece intended to be a cherished heirloom for generations to come. Ageless style in an ever-changing world is often hard to come by, yet Schonbek have mastered the skill of characterizing their designs with sophistication that transcends time. To own a Schonbek is to own a share in history. Book an appointment with one of their experts now. keslighting.co.uk
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+VENOVO
– when a kitchen starts to float A profile of the design team at neongrün, Hamburg
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esigners Sören Jungclaus and Mathias Knigge are the creators of Poggenpohl’s +VENOVO: an aesthetically scaled-back piece of furniture which offers added value by enhancing open living spaces. Questioning the tried and tested, improving functionality, intuitive use of materials and a striking design sense: these are neongrün’s key objectives. It’s under this name that Sören Jungclaus founded his product design company in Hamburg. Ever since he finished his studies, he has focused his work on the interface between architecture and design. He brings a blend of passion and patented, detailed solutions to every
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product he designs, from the very first concept right through to the finished prototype. None are meant to be stand-alone items. Jungclaus does not confine himself to a purely creative realm. Instead, he supports the creative process with an examination of user behaviour and a product’s environment. The goal is, ultimately, to offer a unique added value, just as with +VENOVO for Poggenpohl. +VENOVO, a kitchen newcomer, is a response to overarching contemporary trends such as urbanisation and mobility. It stands, as if floating on its sleek twin frames, for freedom and flexibility. It seamlessly blends into open living space. “It has to look attractive from every angle,” says Sören Jungclaus, referring to +VENOVO’s aesthetic efficiency in organising a variety of tools and functions, from hob to refrigerator. “People seek out visual calm, and we seek out minimalism,” Jungclaus continues. His collaboration with Mathias Knigge in developing +VENOVO was all about reinventing the kitchen. “It was important to us that we always had the piece in mind for living space, and therefore as a piece of furniture,” explains Knigge. An engineering graduate and designer, Knigge has been advising companies on
the design and development of products which are characterised by a special proximity to the user since 2004. neongruen.de poggenpohl.com Right: neongrün. L-R: Sören Jungclaus, Mathias Knigge
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Hodkin & Jones
The Finest Quality
The beauty of fine plaster mouldings was the business of Herbert Hodkin of Hodkin & Jones in 1868 and from those early beginnings for over 150 years now, the company have been associated with the design, manufacture and installation of quality fibrous plaster products still produced by hand now as then.
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odkin & Jones range of mouldings offers one of the most comprehensive selections of fibrous plaster mouldings available. With traditional elegant cornices from Georgian, Victorian, Gothic, Regency and Art Deco periods right through to popular modern day contemporary stepped cornices. Often Architects and Interior Designers create designs not available from standard ranges, which is where Hodkin & Jones offer a bespoke service. From drawings they are able to manufacture mouldings to exact dimensions specified, whether it is a bespoke ceiling design to create a grand space or a cornice specific to the particular project they are working on. Restoration of Listed buildings and historical properties is also a speciality of Hodkin & Jones with many buildings having mouldings reproduced and installed by their team of fixers, overseen by a dedicated contracts manager. Many of the most exclusive properties in London have mouldings from Hodkin & Jones,
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but confidentiality agreements are strictly adhered to by the company, so unless clients, or their representatives allow promotional documentation, the company would never allow images to be taken and used for marketing purposes. This would be a stumbling block for many companies needing images to promote their company, but as a lot of business undertaken by Hodkin & Jones is from architects and interior designers who are already aware of their reputation and also recommendation from contractors who have worked previously with them, this is not a major issue but of course they are always delighted when they are allowed to showcase their work. Hodkin & Jones undertake projects both nationwide and overseas with installers working on a daily basis in London and the surrounding counties. They also have there own transport department to ensure all products are delivered safely and on time.
THE DETAILS For more information, visit the company’s web site on www.hodkinandjones.co.uk. For a free catalogue or to discuss your requirement, call the sales team on 01246 641214
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Popular Geode Artist Brings More Designs to Wallpaper
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ue to popularity, Lara Skinner has updated her agate effect wallpaper collection at Wallsauce. With a passion for embracing textures upon layers and forming collages, Lara’s collection at Wallsauce comprises of intricately detailed agate patterns amongst other precious stone replicas. The sophisticated collection has designs that would create a beautiful feature wall in tranquil bedrooms and contemporary living rooms. Lara has always had a strong interest in art and loves anything involving creativity. Having studied Graphic Design/Illustration at Camberwell College of Art, Lara began her career in designing record sleeves that appeared on the shelves in HMV and Virgin Megastores. Speaking to Lara, she says: “A lot of my work is rooted in the natural world and a country walk can be as inspiring as wandering around a gallery or seeing a new exciting art exhibition. Having recently relocated to Devon, a daily walk on the beach is a must in any weather. The rock formations, geodes and strata are beautiful colour chameleons as the seasons
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change, with direct sunlight they actually sparkle. I love jewel tones and mixing these into marble/ agate designs with lots of gold, it creates a luxury layered story. Geode/marble/agate patterns emerged in the design world a while ago, adorning fashion, homeware, soft furnishings etc and they don’t look like disappearing any time soon!” This uber-stylish mural collection is available on a choice of wallpaper materials, including removable wallpaper, which is great for rented homes. Visit Lara Skinner’s collection of agate wallpaper murals to see the range of designs available at Wallsauce. wallsauce.com
“A lot of my work is rooted in the natural world and a country walk can be as inspiring as wandering around a gallery”
• Bespoke Oak Doors • Architectural Hardware • Oak Door Frames
We deliver our bespoke designs across the UK
07940 067952 www.bespokehardware.co.uk sales@bespokehardware.co.uk
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Cor Blimey! Object Cor
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nspired by nature, motivated by tactility, devoted to craft and passionate about individuality. As a Crafts person Florence Carter, the founder of Object Cor Limited, is passionate about the ‘feel’ of the objects we surround ourselves with daily. Florence initially trained as a silversmith, spending long hours at a bench, and working predominantly by hand. It was during this time that she developed her curiosity about our sense of touch. Crafts people develop their skills through doing and making, and over time acquire a deep understanding of the material they are working with, but how does touch affect all of us from day to day? This question became a focus for Florence and discovering the embedded connection between touch and emotion, grounded Object Cor’s focus on texture. Florence explains that there is an evident connection between our sense of touch and our emotions. If you explore our etymology of language for example the word ‘feel’ is associated with touch but also our emotions, and we often use words that describe texture or temperature to help express an emotional reaction. In fact, if we meet someone who is tactful or tactless, it literally means that they either have touch or lack touch! Florence is also passionate about the importance of spending time in nature and the benefits it can have on our wellbeing. Living in urban built environments definitely has its perks, but it does mean that we have distanced ourselves from our natural environment. That primitive and endlessly tactile natural world, bursting with sensory stimuli that leaves us feeling refreshed, calm, and more grounded, is all too often a car journey away these days. Object Cor aims to capture just a little of this remarkable habitat by applying it to some of the items we interact with daily around the home. In so doing, the aim is to create momentary
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opportunities to reconnect with nature through our sense of touch. Object Cor currently has two lines of luxury cabinet handles that are available in any of their five house textures. They also offer the possibility to have a bespoke texture applied to any of the handles which could tell your own story, evoke an emotion, or perhaps tie your handles in with another feature in the house. All items are beautifully crafted to order here in the UK with a real focus on the quality of finish and workmanship. Object Cor also welcomes inquiries for bespoke commissions and is currently developing a light switch design which will totally change the experience of switching your lights on and off. Handles start at £30, If you would like more information check out their website objectcor.com for more info or send an email to info@objectcor.com.
“Object Cor currently has two lines of luxury cabinet handles that are available in any of their five house textures”
Hingstons Of Wilton Purveyors of Antiques and decorative items (est. 1976)
T: 01722 742263
E: nick@hingstons-antiques.co.uk
The Old Bell House, 2 Shaftesbury Road, Wilton, Salisbury, SP2 0DR
www.hingstons-antiques.co.uk
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Flatweave flooring designed, woven and hand-finished in the UK Flooring is currently taking centre stage adding colour, texture and interest to every room in the house.
Rugs For rugs and wall-to-wall fitted flooring, multiple widths are hand-sewn together by skilled craftspeople. During the design process special consideration is given to how the stripes will join to create a continuous pattern. Rugs can be finished with a clean simple hem or bound with a linen tape to provide the added benefit of being reversible.
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oger Oates Design has been creating iconic flooring for over 30 years, with an ethos firmly rooted in heritage and craftsmanship. Staying true to traditional techniques the 100% wool flatweave is woven on specially adapted Hattersley looms in small scale British mills using a specially blended British Cheviot wool that is spun and dyed in Yorkshire. It is the lifting and drafting of the loom that gives the flooring its unique texture, and the woven edge and supple nature means that it can be expertly fitted onto almost any staircase. The narrow widths can also be hand sewn together to create highly distinctive rugs and wall-to-wall flooring. All design and hand- finishing takes place in the Herefordshire workshop.
Wall to wall
The hallway
To install the flatweave as fitted floorcoverings multiple widths are hand sewn together to fit the dimension of the space. The seam is hidden within subtle classic lines or textured stripes.
The hallway sets the mood and tone of a home so rather than playing it safe, create a vibrant, welcoming space that reflects the style of the rest of the house. In transient areas you can afford to be adventurous with colour and pattern. A bright runner will add instant impact and draw the eye up through the house. Use paler shades of the same colour in rooms leading off from the hall or pick out accessories in similarly bright colours to add interest to neutral rooms.
Stair runners On wooden or stone floors, if laid with underlay, runners soften the resonating sound of crashing feet but allow the character of wood or stone beneath to be visible making them far chicer than fitted carpets. Stair runners are a stylish and practical choice. Stripe runners are especially versatile complementing wooden floors, decorative tiles and patterned or floral wallpaper.
Bespoke
Referencing the rich archives, the designs and colours continually evolve, preserving the unique and distinctive hand-writing, but with a contemporary edge. Currently there are over 100 designs in the collection across a carefully edited colour palette of eye-catching brights, classic monochromes and soft neutrals. At the heart of the collection is the stripe; there is something for everyone from bold, dramatic borders to understated, fine lines. A handful of the border designs have a complementary ground design that work in harmony for stairs and landings. This truly British product has become a design classic furnishing floors in chic, urban residences and rural retreats not only in the UK, but across the globe.
For those that desire something totally unique, Roger Oates offers a bespoke service. Designs can be customised in colours to suit any scheme and rescaled for narrower and wider width staircases.
The details The complete collection can be viewed on the website or by appointment at the Chelsea Showroom. Small samples for colour reference and larger returnable samples are available on request. Flatweave is unlike other floorcoverings and fitting requires a high level of skill and knowledge. Roger Oates Design offers a full estimating and installation service and someone is always on hand to offer advice on colours, designs and widths. rogeroates.com Tel: 020 7351 2288
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new in town
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ina Marika Tarnowski is the creative force behind Woodchip & Magnolia, a design house famed for its striking wallpaper, fabrics and bold fearless pattern. Aged just five she told her school teacher she was going to be a wallpaper designer and that’s exactly what she did after graduating from Leeds College of Art in 1997 with a BA (Hon’s) in Surface Pattern and Textile Design. Fast forward, and after 18 years as Head Stylist and Design Manager for British wallpaper house Graham & Brown, Nina has now gone solo. Alongside husband Paul, an industry expert who spent 16 years at the helm of Graham & Brown’s technical team, Nina launched Woodchip & Magnolia with a determination to do things her own way. Her vision to bring together her creativity with Paul’s technical know-how have made Woodchip & Magnolia unique in the pioneering way they use traditional design skills in a digital world. Freed from the deadlines and seasonal launches most design houses adhere too, Nina can launch the designs she loves when the mood takes her. Her designs are available to order the minute they are unveiled online. With a determination to protect the environment at the heart of their business, Woodchip & Magnolia manufacture all their own wallpaper and fabrics in-house so their business remains as eco-friendly and sustainable as it possibly can be. They work with artists they love and boast unique ranges, including a stunning collection of wallpapers and velvets from vintage style queen Pearl Lowe – their wallpapers now hang in the bedrooms of supermodels, five-star hotels and legions of family homes. Because interiors need never be boring again! www.woodchipandmagnolia.co.uk
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Fearless - Available in 7 colourways: A timeless damask with a hidden serpent, bold with a twist! Fear is something that biological creatures developed to help them survive in nature Nina has a fear of snakes it is said to be the most common phobia in existence.
Here are the new offerings from Woodchip & Magnolia: Ava Marika Emerald Wallpaper: A new colourway of our iconic Ava Marika our customers wanted so we listened Our take on the ‘Dutch Masters’ moody floral look. Ava Marika is an expressive green floral with touches of rouge, blush and bursts teal. We have expressed the true potential of digital print and experimented with scale without it be overpowering in your home.
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Biophilia Wall Mural: A biophilic scene featuring lush vegetation created from a vintage botanical encyclopedia the perfect way to bring the outside in.
Doris - Available in 7 coloursways: Oversized florals and atypical quirks, this is the wallpaper for the originals. For those strong characters who know what they love and embrace it. Jacobean in its style, Doris is a modern take on a whimsical print redrawn by hand.And like its namesake, Nina’s Grandmother Doris, this design is dynamic, courageous and packed with passion. If ever history was reimagined, this is it!
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Lepidoptera - Available in 3 colourways: Butterflies are insects in the macrolepidopteran clade Rhopalocera from the order Lepidoptera. Adult butterflies have large, often brightly coloured wings, and conspicuous, fluttering flight. The Butterfly 228 AUGUST 2020
Plumage​- Available in 7 colourways: At the start of her design career, Nina was told not to use caged birds in her wallpaper designs. You see, there is a superstition that caged birds in the home bring bad luck. It all goes back to the days of taking canaries down the mines to test for deadly poisons in the air. Plumage in all its glory, sets these caged birds free allowing them to mingle among the rich flora and fauna and bring happy vibes to your home.
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ROSIE BROWNE CLAYTON
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ime to sort out that space, create a new office at home, make your home work for you. We’ve found an innovative, affordable, fast way to do it. Inspired by her background in construction law and drawing classes at university, Rosie retrained in interior design, at KLC school in London and has been working on projects in the UK and France for over 10 years – and we think they’re très chic. This gorgeous Belle Epoque villa in the South of France (above) is her handiwork. Check out this
Victorian townhouse in West London, once two grimy flats that hadn’t been lived in for 15 years, it’s now a modern, airy family space (below, right). These are both obviously big projects but what we like about this Oxfordshire-based interior designer is that she also offers a really affordable bespoke online service. It’s super-quick, so very appealing if you’re busy. The whole process is completely digital, and in as little as one week (depending on the amount of to-ing and fro-ing), she’ll email you a design concept and floor plan for the room with a curated list of furniture (anything from antique stores, and artisan makers to established suppliers depending on your brief and budget) and trade discounts where possible. You will have all the details at a click right down to the number of paint pots to order. Then it’s over to you to purchase items to at your convenience. rosiebrowneclaytondesigns.com Find review and more projects on Houzz.co.uk
“Rosie retrained in interior design, at KLC school in London and has been working on projects in the UK and France for over 10 years”
Creatd Interiors is a carefully curated collection of home accessories, with an emphasis on organic, artisan and design led products.
Climatised Coatings are a superb range of external wall coatings that are tough, flexible, durable and weatherproof. • High build breathing coating suitable for all types of external walls • All the latest colourings available • Nationwide service with over 20 years experience • Guaranteed not to flake, peel or chip for 10 years • Not affected by acid rain or salt laden atmosphere. This resurfacing is applied by high pressure spray by our own fully trained staff • All our work is done by our highly trained personnel to an exceptionally high standard of details, rarely seen these days.
01244 378488 or for A quote visit www.climatisedcoatings.co.uk
Tel:
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For more inFormation visit www.creatdinteriors.com Follow us on instagram@creatdinteriors
THE ASpEn poRcELAin Wood TiLE RAngE
1A Brickwall Lane, Ruislip, Middlesex, HA4 8JR - 01895 621 651 18 King Street, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 1EF - 01628 624 546
info@spacers-uk.com | maidenhead@spacers-uk.com
Specialist plastering company that has been established for over 30 years. Recently, the firm were selected in LUXLlfe’s 2018 Leading Designers Awards where they were awarded the accolade Most Outstanding Plastering Firm in London. They also won the Plastering Company of the Year award in LTG Lifestyle Awards 2018/2019 and the Best Plaster Restoration Company South East England award of BUILD 2018 Construction & Engineering. Established in 1990, London Plastercraft Ltd have the largest range of stock cornice patterns anywhere with over 200 Victorian patterns, more than 100 Edwardian and over 100 Georgian, along with many other modern and period designs. Currently they have been developing cornice patterns to incorporate L.E.D lighting and also air conditions flow through designs.
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luxury interior design by Rose Narmani
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ose Narmani is a luxury interior design studio based in Kensington, London providing elegant, sophisticated and timeless interiors to residential and commercial properties across the whole of the UK and worldwide over the past decade. A selection of their recent luxury projects includes a mansion house in St. George’s Hill, a listed townhouse in Stockholm and an 8000 sq. ft villa in the Middle East. Rose Narmani luxury interior design have worked on many exclusive property projects for high net worth individuals and celebrities. At Rose Narmani they appreciate how important it is to the property owner for the final result to exceed their expectations. Rose Narmani fully appreciates that an interior design project, no matter how big, is a journey and they have a fantastic team to ensure the process is enjoyable and rewarding. Now more than ever interior design affects all people on a daily basis and that is why sophisticated spaces that work with the specific lifestyle and tastes can provide a much greater satisfaction to everyone’s daily lives. Rose Narmani are renowned for their attention to detail and the contrasting styles they use. Their team leave no stone unturned when it comes to sourcing the appropriate items for each project. They have built impressive relationships with suppliers all across the globe which gives their clients the greatest option when it comes to furnishing a property. The variety and combination of colour and texture used throughout their projects shows the skill and expertise that the design team possess. A selection of Rose Narmani’s work can be viewed at their website www.rosenarmani.com
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Rose Narmani provides tailored interior design, interior architecture, home styling and home dressing services. Whether it is a single room or a whole house design including property renovation then Rose Narmani can create that luxurious space that amazes people as soon as they walk into the room and will be remembered by all who experience it. Rose Narmani collections is a combination of bespoke furniture which is suitable for homeowners who are seeking to design their home by themselves. Each collection presents a colour and syle scheme which flows throughout every room.. Rose Narmani Luxury interior design will leave a lasting impression which can be enjoyed over and over again for many years to come. Rose Narmani will happily discuss any potential project for free by booking a one hour consultation through their website. You can also follow them on Instagram for daily interior design inspiration @rosenarmani.interiors
“Rose Narmani fully appreciates that an interior design project, no matter how big, is a journey and they have a fantastic team to ensure the process is enjoyable and rewarding”
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Coldharbour Lights
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ighting designer Lottie Davies is a native Londoner with roots in southern Spain and western Wales. At the heart of her practice is a love of play, palpable in her designs and fundamental to her first career as a theatre actor. Lottie has always had this dual interest, starting with her degree combining Theatre with Art & Design. She went on to train at the Jacques Lecoq International Theatre School where, for two years, a core class was Analysis of Movement; of materials, of the elements and colours to name a few. This continues to inform her work. Lottie says: “For my two-tiered feather light shade, the Bertie, the rhythmic swing of the chains, the madness of the movement of light through the crystals and the soft ruffle of a breeze through the feathers are all ludic and essential aspects of the design. So too is the soft weightlessness of the feathers, thrown into relief by the weight of the cold, hard crystals. I can envisage how actors or dancers could embody these elements on stage. That’s why these creations are more than light shades to me, they can be another presence in a room; a playful and responsive element that can be interacted with through touch, light and movement.” Lottie had a first taste of selling her own designs
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at the age of 14 in Portobello Road Market where she had a tiny corner of a stall to sell her wire jewellery from. Lottie describes it as her first taste of the double satisfaction of not only making something beautiful, but of finding someone else who loves it enough to buy it. Lottie is proudly European. She spent several years in her 20s living in Italy and France and speaks four languages. In the 1990s she toured theatre shows in France and 20 years later she returned to Paris to show at the international interiors show, Maison & Objet in 2019. 2020’s plans have been postponed to 2021 when Lottie looks forward to taking Coldharbour Lights to The International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York in the spring and The London Design Fair in the autumn. Coldharbour Lights’ name pays homage to Coldharbour London studios in Brixton where the company took root. Now Lottie works from her garden studio in south London which has enabled her to work safely throughout the lock down. coldharbourlights.com Main images: Taran Wilkhu
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bathrooms TREAT YOUR FEET! Don’t slip, grab one these brandnew bath mats and give your toes a tantalising tickle when you step out of the bath redcandy.co.uk
WONDERFUL WOOD a touch of glamour The Newton bathtub is an outstanding moment of inspiration. A luxury statement piece created in order to fulfill the needs of our clients that are looking for the best in contemporary furniture design mixed up with luxurious details and high-quality materials. The richness of the Ring mirror lies within its reflection. Ring evokes an antique unreachable treasure that could only be found in the most remote place on Earth. maisonvalentina.net
Ultimate Period Style The Invincible Collection from Swadling Brassware is their flagship range. Combining brass and ceramic, the result is a sturdy, quintessentially British look that stands the test of time. swadlingbrassware.co.uk
IT’S OK, IT’S OKA We love this little modern bathroom set. It comprises a square pot made of resin then veneered in faux shagreen. Ideally sized to hold make-up brushes or toothbrushes. Decant liquid soap or hand lotion into the stylish Dispenser, and use the rectangular tray for displaying both the items. oka.com 240 AUGUST 2020
This Duck Board from Garden Trading Co has a simple design which creates a non-slip surface in the bathroom, and the Southbourne floor standing single cabinet in Beech is ideal for storage. gardentrading.co.uk
London DE specialise in bespoke diamond and coloured gemstone jewellery, handmade in their London workshop. They can create any design to order and only deal in responsibly sourced gemstones, purchased directly from ethical sources at the very top of the supply chain.
Contact them directly on +44 (0) 2078 594 754 or support@londonde.com to arrange a free consultation in their Hatton Garden studio. Visit www.londonde.com and follow @london.d.e on Instagram.
for appointments (due to covid rules) call 0208 318-3753 137 Lee Road, Blackheath SE3 9DS Jo.blackheathkitchens@gmail.com follow on instagram @blackheathkitchens
blackheathkitchens.com
Quartz and wood worktop specialist From creation to installation Full refurbishments - ceiling to floor 5* reviews We work with your budget Finance available
I first heard of BHK via my Doctor who suggested I contact them, She had a full kitchen refurbishment and was very impressed and happy with the final result. I met Jo & Stewart & off we went. They listened, designed, created & installed my dream kitchen & worktops. The quality of the kitchen & workmanship is excellent .. I love it !! HB (Blackheath) So happy with our New kitchen & refurbishment project which BHK completed recently. professional, quick, informative & fantastic finished Kitchen. Would definitely recommend A & H (Greenwich) We are delighted with our New Kitchen from BHK. The quality is fantastic of both the refurbishment and Kitchen.. The whole team really friendly & helped us deciding on the colours, design process, even ordering in sample doors. Great service & fab finish .. J&M (Catford)