Mayfair Life Magazine May 2014 by Fish Media Group Ltd

MAYFAIR & ST JAMES’S LIFE

MAYFAIR LIFE & ST JAMES’S

ISSUE 60

MAY 2014

Royal Ascot 2014 London’s Royal Parks

w w w. t h e l i f e m a g a z i n e s . c o m

A Taste of London Cartier Queen’s Cup Final

WWW.THELIFEMAGAZINES.COM

Classic and Supercar Pageant SUNDAY 22nd JUNE 2014, ST JOHN’S WOOD HIGH STREET, 11am-5pm

THE QUALITY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE MAY 2014

L O N D O N L I F E | E V E N T S | FA S H I O N & B E A U T Y | H O U S E & G A R D E N

Royal Ascot is one of the iconic summer highlights of the British sporting and social calendar. Five days of world class racing, pageantry, high fashion and fine dining, celebrated through this year’s theme of ‘The Great British Drama’. Royal Ascot attracts some of the best horses from around the globe, with the hats, shoes and dresses at Royal Ascot as colourful and creative as the jockeys’ silks. Taste of London, the world’s greatest Restaurant Festival returns to Regents Park. London has arguably become one of the top culinary hotspots in the world and the best of British talent will be showcased in one stunning location. Hampton Court Palace Festival have announced the complete line-up for this year’s event. Acts including Dionne Warwick, George Benson, Van Morrison and The Beach Boys will perform in the historic main courtyard of the magnificent Tudor Palace, providing a truly unforgettable experience. If you have a love for classic cars, race down to either the St John’s Wood Classic & Supercar Pageant, where this year they will be hosting some exceptional cars including Stirling Moss’ beautiful C Type Jaguar, and Rod Stewart’s fabulous yellow Lamborghini Miura SV, or Gumball 3000, who are bringing its largest rally yet to London’s Regent Street. Enjoy the globe’s biggest stars and adrenaline junkies showcasing 120 supercars – transforming Regent Street into the most expensive car park in the world. Nowhere makes gardening more fashionable than the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. A catwalk of creativity, the latest trends and the pinnacle of garden design, make this show the one the world wants to see. The crème de la crème of the gardening world will be wowing visitors so make sure you are there to enjoy gardening at its most glamorous. Alan Titchmarsh will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of RHS Britain in Bloom and Alan’s own 50 years in horticulture. Our Outdoor Life supplement brings together an army of experts that can help you create the garden of your dreams. If you need advice on landscaping, paving, or installing a luxury swimming pool, this guide is for you.

This gives you just a small taste of exciting events & articles featured in this month’s issue...

GET THIS EDITION ONLINE

Faye Manning Faye Manning Editor

PUBLISHED BY THE FISH MEDIA GROUP LTD, THE RIDINGS, WOODFIELD LANE, ESSENDON, HERTS , AL9 6JJ.

0844 800 8439

www.thelifemagazines.com EDITOR Faye Manning EDITOR’S ASSISTANT Katie Miller SUB EDITOR Alex Lux FASHION EDITOR Rachel Gold SENIOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Vanessa Lane DESIGN & PRODUCTION Toni Perry ACCOUNT MANAGERS Sinead Sheil, Anita Hill, Nicola Drew SALES James Marshall DIRECTORS Rory Smith, Patrick Smith

Interior Design & Architecture

Welcome to our May issue...

refresh Architecture Chartered Architects Design and planning Building specification and regulation Construction project management

Interior Design Kitchens Bathrooms Livings Rooms Dining rooms Studies

revive

Bedrooms

invent Inspired architecture and outstanding interior design. Our designs are an expression of both contemporary and classical style; we offer architecture and interior design from a single room to a house extension or a complete house refurbishment. Whatever you wish for in terms of style, we have the experience and expertise to create it for you, combined with first class design and project management skills, which ensures that your project is a complete success. A turnkey solution for today’s discerning client. Our team of Chartered Architects & Interior Designers will inspire you with individually tailored and refreshing designs that will add value as well as style to your home. If we sound like a company you would like to work with please call for an initial consultation, it is free and without obligation, or visit our website to view our recent projects. T: 01372 221800 E: design@bicknell-interiors.co.uk www.bicknell-interiors.co.uk

Hascombe House, 73 The Street, Ashtead KT21 1AA

LONG WALK VILLAS WINDSOR

A Royal Address. Long Walk Villas is an elegant gated terrace of 9 classical townhouses that line Long Walk and overlook Windsor Great Park. These traditional style properties are hand crafted to the highest specifications and offer 4/5 bedrooms and numerous spacious reception and entertaining areas. Within easy reach of the town centre, each house benefits from secure parking, private landscaped garden and rooftop terrace. M4 motorway 5 min – Heathrow Airport 20 min London Paddington 29 min – London Waterloo 57 min Prices from £2.75 million

Show house in Kings Road, SL4 2AH Open daily, 10am – 4pm, 020 3137 8266 Selling agents: Hamptons Windsor, 01753 855 555 Email: longwalkvillas@octagon.co.uk www.octagon.co.uk

e m ale ho or s ow d f Sh ase le re

Out

Don't Miss

We are delighted to announce that our stunning show home has now been released for sale at Roxburgh Place. Russett House is a luxury 6 bedroom detached home on an exclusive gated development, and is yours to own including all of the fixtures and fittings. Make an appointment to view before it is too late.

Price ÂŁ1,950,000

ROXBURGH PLACE | PARK FARM ROAD | BICKLEY | KENT BR1 2PF

Open Thursday to Monday 10amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;5pm

020 8295 4900

020 8295 3597

Visit shanlyhomes.com and use our 24 hour online booking system

andrewhenry.co.uk

WARRINER GARDENS, SW11 4XW

STYLISH SHOW HOME NOW OPEN Located in the heart of chic Battersea, Warriner Place is a bespoke collection of just nine impressively large family townhouses finished to the highest specification. Located close to Battersea Park Underground secure parking Large townhouses ranging from 2058 sqft to 3801 sqft Car lift Private walled courtyard gardens

Prices from ÂŁ2.1m to ÂŁ3.65m Show Home open Thursday to Monday 11am to 6pm. To book your appointment, please call: 0207 622 8725 or Selling Agents Barnard Marcus: 0207 228 8686

shanlyhomes.com Photography of Warriner Place. Prices correct at time of press.

Have you heard... “It’s not just the kitchen, but the level of service from the beginning to end has been exemplary” Elizabeth, Bath - December 2013

raymunnkitchens.co.uk AVAILABLE AT:

Ray Munn Kitchens Ltd, 429 Upper Richmond Road West, London SW14 7PJ T. +44 20 8487 5774

PICTURED: OFFER:

Price of similar sized Chichester kitchen including those cabinets not on show is £8,200. Buckland Cooker Hood & Corbels £1,555 *Sink base cabinet offer available when you spend £8,000 in one transaction on kitchen furniture. Orders must be placed by 28th Feb 2014 and delivered by 31st March 2014. For full details please ask in-store or visit neptune.com/offers.

NK F SI T O EE INE FR AB C SE BA

c B Cranbrook Basements

26-28 Hammersmith Grove London W6 7BA Swimming pool 6 Wine cellar 6 Family room 6 Gymnasium 6 Guest suite 6 Spa 6 Cinema 6 Kitchen

www.cranbrook.co.uk 0800 525 883 Free no obligation initial design survey, feasibility advice, quotation and 3D visualisation

00332

FS 39931

00332

Contents Editors Letter

Contents 13 Local Life, Arts & Events Classic and Supercar Pageant Going Underground at Hamleys Cartier Queen’s Cup Final Macmillan’s Longest Day Golf Challenge Own a captured moment in time at The Affordable Art Fair Ebb and Flow Gumball 3000 Roars home to London Spring into the Royal Parks Grow London Open Garden Squares Weekend Masterpiece London 2014 Andy Murray at the BNP Paribas Tennis Classic 2014 The Great British Drama of Royal Ascot 2014 Art for all Foodies Festivals this Summer Hampton Court Palace Festival

14 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44

Food & Drink Get Ready For London Wine Week Taste of London Pret-a-Portea A Fashionista’s Afternoon Tea at The Berkeley

46 46 48 50

Feature Salcombe Harbour Hotel & Spa has landed Relaxation Perfection Jodie Kidd Revealed as official face of The Investec Derby Festival 2014 Gatwick Airport Meet And Greet Parking

52 52 54 56 58

Education Sydenham High team cooks up a storm for national competition

60 60

Fashion Sizzling Summer Sensations A little bit of luxury for your legs... A Normal Woman Get set for summer

68 68 70 72 74

Health & Beauty Treatment for varicose veins Selfridges launches The Beauty Project The science of sleep: How much are you getting? Overcome Depression Without Drugs Urban Conditioning... Dr Ariel Haus Hay fever Hell Skin check Summer feet

76 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90 92

House & Garden Create A Restful Retreat Make an entrance! How to create a welcoming hallway John Bly Antiques - Marquetry Choosing the right bath 7 of the Best Interior Design Trends The Natural Wood Floor Company

94 94 96 98 100 102 104

Outdoor Life The RHS Chelsea FLower Show A Contemporary Paradise Garden The top 10 garden flowers that can sell your property Take the plunge with an outdoor swimming pool Top tips from a beguiling National Trust garden in Hampstead A Celebration of Gardening at Chelsea Fringe Making an impression How to host an elegant garden party The perfect solution to your space needs

107 108 110 112 114 116 118 120 122 124

Simple and elegant... shutters are the perfect focal point for any room 128

Window shopping Beautiful new timber windows

www.ayrtonbespoke.com Telephone 020 8877 8920 Email enquiries@ayrtonbespoke.com 406 Merton Road, London SW18 5AD

EV E N TS

ST JOHN’S WOOD NW8 BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

Classic and Supercar Pageant PRESENTS

SUNDAY 22nd JUNE 2014, ST JOHN’S WOOD HIGH STREET, 11am-5pm KINDLY SPONSORED BY KNIGHT FRANK, FOX GREGORY AND HR OWEN

ollowing the immense success that was last year’s Classic and Supercar Pageant, the St John’s Wood NW8 Business Association is once again organising an exceptional day of entertainment.

Last year, the pageant attracted thousands of visitors eager to have the opportunity to view cars with a value of close to $100 million, including Clark Gable’s Mercedes 300SL Roadster, a Ferrari 365 California Spyder, a 1928 Speed Six Bentley and Stirling Moss’ 250GT SWB Ferrari. This year they will be hosting some quite exceptional cars including Stirling Moss’ simply beautiful C Type Jaguar, the first car in the world to win a race with disc brakes, when Stirling won the 1952 Grand Prix of Reims: A priceless aluminium Mercedes 300SL ‘Gullwing’. Only 29 of these incredibly rare cars were ever made and this example is the only one to have raced in the famed Mille Miglia: 1 4 M AY 2 0 1 4

Rod Stewart’s fabulous yellow Lamborghini Miura SV, which was one of only 7 Right Hand Drive versions were ever made: The High Street will once again be closed to traffic, with the local restaurants and shops open for business. To entertain the youngsters there will be an even bigger and better funfair, with added rides for teenagers, this time at the southern end of the street, along with a display of Birds of Prey from Fir Tree Falconry and a wandering Jazz band. Altogether a wonderful day out for all the family whatever the age! As with the pageant in 2013 they will be raising funds for Rays of Sunshine (who grant wishes for terminally ill children) and St John’s Hospice. For further details please visit www.stjohnswoodnw8.com

EV E N TS

GOING UNDERGROUND AT H A M L E Y S

Hamleys, The Finest Toy Shop in the World, has a new attraction for visitors to their London store on Regent Street.

he Hamleys Underground, on the store’s lower ground floor, sees a tube station come to life through experiences including games, such as a NERF tunnel target board, a kiosk and entertainment as well as through the design elements from London’s most famous transport system. Central to this underground-themed adventure land, is an actual train driver’s cab that entered service on the Piccadilly line in the 1970s. Families can have their picture taken, plus there are themed games, kiosks and entertainment to engage febrile young minds. The attraction comes courtesy of a partnership between the Regent Street store and the London Transport Museum, together culminating in 400 years of history. So if, like many others recently you have been wondering where your tube train has been, look no further than Hamleys! Ralph Cunningham, Retail and Brand Director said: “We are delighted to be the only place in London where families can enjoy the experience of being in the driver’s cab of an underground train, making a trip to Hamleys all the more exciting. We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with the London Transport Museum.”

to be adding such a significant attraction to our Regent Street, toy shop.” About Hamleys Hamleys rich history began with William Hamley, a Cornishman from Bodmin, England. William Hamley dreamed of the best toy shop in the world when opening his toy shop at Holborn, London in 1760. Some 253 years later, Hamleys as the finest toy shop in the world, is synonymous with bringing magical experiences and joy to children. Hamleys’ flag ship toy shop, with thousands of toys across 7 floors, can be found in London at 188-196 Regent St. In 2013 Hamleys, as a global brand, extends significantly further than the famous London toy shop. Hamleys can be found in 12 countries with stores in the UK and Ireland (Glasgow, Cardiff and Dublin) and across the world in cities including Moscow, Dubai, Mumbai, Delhi, Copenhagen and Malmo. Hamleys London is open Monday – Friday from 10am – 9pm 9.30am to 9pm on Saturdays and 12pm – 6pm on Sundays. 188-196 Regent St, London W1B 5BT

Gudjon Reynisson, CEO said: “Combined, Hamleys and the London Transport Museum represent 400 years of history and I am absolutely thrilled 1 6 M AY 2 0 1 4

www.hamleys.com

Exhibition 16 May 2014 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8 March 2015 London Transport Museum Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 7BB

Year of the Bus is supported by and delivered in partnership with:

EV E N TS

Sunday 15th June 2014

Cartier Queen’s Cup Final

It is with Great Pleasure that Cartier announces its 30th Year of polo sponsorship

n Sunday 15th June 2014, the Cartier Queen’s Cup Final will mark Cartier’s 30th year of polo sponsorship. As the longest standing polo sponsor in history, “The King of Jewellers”, is proud to celebrate and honour its longstanding relationship with polo, the “King of Sports”. We would like to take the opportunity to look back and celebrate the wonderful years that Cartier has been privileged to support polo worldwide. Cartier first sponsored the International Day in 1984 and since then, the Cartier International Day became the largest and most prestigious polo spectator event in the world, attracting over 25,000 people in Windsor Great Park at Guards Polo Club. It was for 27 years that Cartier sponsored the International Polo day at Guards Polo Club before deciding to sponsor the Queen’s Cup, one of the world’s leading polo tournaments. With the best polo players in the world participating, it is a highlight for the sport’s elite and spectators alike. Past players have included HRH Prince Philip, who played in the final and HRH Prince Charles who won the trophy. HM The Queen first presented her cup to Guards Polo Club in 1960 and historically attends Finals Day. Cartier Queen’s Cup takes place between Tuesday 20th May - Sunday 15th June, attracting the sport’s leading players from across the globe. Her Majesty historically attends Finals Day, on Sunday 15th June, to present the Cup to the winning patron.

1 8 M AY 2 0 1 4

Thirty years later, Cartier continues to hold its signature of tradition and passion the world over. Events such as the St. Moritz Polo, the Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge, The Cartier World Elephant Polo championship and the first polo event in Beijing have all contributed towards the embodiment of what polo and Cartier have achieved together. Cartier polo events are always a much anticipated event in the British social calendar and while the sport of polo has embedded itself in British culture, it has never ceased to expand to other parts of the world. From Cartier’s first ever sponsorship with the International Day at Guards, to the Cartier Queen’s Cup polo, guests have included royalty, celebrities, the respected polo community and many more. Cartier polo events have seen some of the world’s most famous faces such as the Royal Family, Angelina Jolie, Colin Firth, Keira Knightley, Sharon Stone and Emma Watson to name a few. Cartier and polo’s long standing rapport has resulted in something truly iconic and it is a relationship that Cartier is honoured to uphold for years to come. www.cartier.com

The Cartier Queen’s Cup is always 22-goal polo at its best - with players and ponies at the top of their game. Don’t miss any of it. Members and non-members can purchase tickets

through the Ticket Office so call now on 01784 437797 for more details. Non-members can also book online at www.guardspoloclub.com

EV E N TS

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Four heroes. 72 holes. One epic battle...

21st JUNE 2014

Macmillan’s Longest Day Golf Challenge The Longest Day Golf Challenge is the toughest test in golf. You’ll need all your strength, (super) powers and drive to overcome the 72 holes, 300 shots and 20 mile walk.

acmillan’s Longest Day Golf Challenge pits you and your team of superheroes against all manner of adversaries; whether it’s that devilish Par 3 or the fiendishly sloping green on the 8th. Your super powers could win you a trip to a top European course - as well as helping to give power back to people affected by cancer. Last year’s epic challenge saw 850 teams take part, and raise a heroic £780,000 to help people affected by cancer in the UK.

Celebrities that took part in last year’s Macmillan Longest Day Golf Challenge sponsored by adidas include Anton Du Beke, DJ Spoony, Charlotte Jackson, Matt Dawson, Zoe Hardman, Russ Bray, Mark Foster, James Jordan, Pete Graves, Adam Levanthal, Lee Dixon.

for free to show their support for your challenge. And you can make your event the topic of conversation at your club by popping a poster on the notice board. So get your ‘Fantastic Fore’ together and get ready to once again take on golf’s toughest challenge. To kick start your fundraising simply set up an online sponsorship page with JustGiving, which lets friends, family and colleagues sponsor you from anywhere in the world. To register or for more details, please visit the website at www.macmillan.org.uk/longestday

About Macmillan Cancer Support More than one in three of us will get Think you have what it cancer. For most of us it will be the takes to overcome the toughest fight we ever face. And the 72 holes this year? feelings of isolation and loneliness Getting involved is easy. All you that so many people experience need to do is assemble a team make it even harder. But you of three or four players, register, don’t have to go through it alone. decide on a date to play and start The Macmillan team is with you CHAMPION SWIMMER MARK FOSTER ALONGSIDE MEMBERS OF THE ADIDAS raising loads of money for Macmillan. WORLD every step of the way, with the nurses GOLF TEAM DURING THEIR LONGEST DAY CHALLENGE AT STOKE PARK GOLF CLUB. and therapists helping you through Approach a golf club where you often play or are already a member, as treatment. The experts on the end of the phone. The advisers telling you they’ll be most likely to support your challenge. Ask permission from the which benefits you’re entitled to. The volunteers giving you a hand with the golf club to tee off at first light, making sure the course will be open. And everyday things. The campaigners improving cancer care. The community remember to tell the course superintendent that you’ll be there. there for you online, any time. The supporters who make it all possible. Book specific tee times for each round so you aren’t held up. And get permission from the club to play through other players on the day. Organise lunch with the club at a certain time. They might even provide it 2 0 M AY 2 0 1 4

The Macmillan team is there to support you every step of the way. For more information or to donate visit www.macmillan.org.uk or call 0808 808 00 00.

Destined to create the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most beautiful bathrooms

Battersea I Clerkenwell I Knightsbridge I Mayfair I Wandsworth I Kent I Surrey 0333 011 3333 At Home Design Service available

EV E N TS

PERFECT DAY BY GEMMA HARWOOD £800

PARLIAMENT HILL BY STEVE EDWARDS £420

OIL ON LINEN AT FAIRFAX GALLERY AT THE AFFORDABLE ART FAIR, HAMPSTEAD

ETCHED AND CUT LINO AT EAST LONDON PRINTMAKERS AT THE AFFORDABLE ART FAIR, HAMPSTEAD

Own a captured moment in time at The Affordable Art Fair

iscover the fun of collecting art on glorious Hampstead Heath this June. For the fourth year, the Affordable Art Fair is popping up for four days of fabulous art, offering the usual mix of eclectic, exciting, contemporary art and action-packed workshops for all to enjoy. It’s a chance to not only buy, but learn about and engage with, contemporary art all priced between £40 and £4,000. 110 galleries will be exhibiting thousands of works by hundreds of contemporary artists, meaning that a day out at the fair is quite literally, a feast for the eyes. For those eager to get creative on the heath, there is a tempting menu of free hands-on workshops all centred around the theme ’A Feast of Art‘ including cardboard cakes and treats and a recreation of an Arcimboldo head made from real fruit and veg! Affordable Art Fair Director Romy Westwood says on buying art, “Buying original art gives great pleasure, both as something to have in your home to enjoy for years, but also the satisfaction of knowing that you are also supporting the careers of artists by investing in their work. For me, buying a piece of art because you love it, and not worrying about how much it may increase in value makes it doubly worthwhile.” Lower Fairground Site - Hampstead Heath Thursday 12th June – Sunday 15th June Opening hours: 11.00am – 6.00pm (Charity Private View Wednesday 11th June & Summer Art Soirée Thursday 12th, 5.30 – 9.30pm) Ticket prices: £10 - £20 (concessions £8 - £13) Tickets are now on sale at www.affordableartfair.co.uk

2 2 M AY 2 0 1 4

GIFTS OF SUMMER BY BECKY BLAIR £3,640 ACRYLIC ON CANVAS AT FOURWALLS CONTEMPORARY AT THE AFFORDABLE ART FAIR, HAMPSTEAD

12 – 15 June 2014 Hampstead Heath London Contemporary Art £40 – £4,000 affordableartfair.co.uk

Fair sponsor:

EV E N TS

Saatchi Gallery from 11

Ebb and Flow

th June 201 15th 4

A Photographic Exhibition by Chinese photographer Qin Yuhai

“Photography is my immutable way of life and water is the subject of a lifelong artistic pursuit” QIN YUHAI

‘Ebb and Flow’ is a photographic exhibition by renowned Chinese photographer, Qin Yuhai. Opening in the UK in London, it is presented by Fuhai Culture: Beijing Fuhai Culture Development Co., Ltd., an organisation engaged in art and culture from Beijing, China. The exhibition features a world exclusive of new studies of water taken from the Chinese landscape over a period of many years. All the images are based on Qin Yuhai’s long engagement and relationship with Mount Yuntai in central China’s Henan Province. The photographs, taken on a 10x8 camera, are the result of years of learning and understanding how best to represent the essence of water. At the same time, the exhibition is an exploration of the nature and language of photography. Qin Yuhai comments: “Water always fascinates me and tranquility overcomes me every time I fix the lens of my camera on it. My sense of self and the world vanishes and in my mind’s eye water becomes alive. The photographs in this exhibition are abstract yet they express my freedom from the bondage of the real world and my very self. They highlight my adherence to the philosophical call for harmony between nature and man. The beauty of water is beyond description; curves and colours are used to present water as a substance without a smell. Ripples and waves are intended to present the freedom of water from any fixed shape or form. Photography is my immutable way of life and water is the subject of a lifelong artistic pursuit.” Hiroji Kubota, multi-award winning Japanese contemporary photographer, says: “Qin’s works achieve an indescribable visual impact on the viewer. The glistening waves seen in his photos and the light that dances across the water’s surface lure the viewer into pondering the countless changes water assumes 2 4 M AY 2 0 1 4

in volume, colour and shape. Only by possessing the keenest comprehension of Chinese culture can a person create art of this calibre. Visitors will marvel at the wonder water generates and will find a sudden love and admiration for it.” Qin Yuhai was born in 1953 in Tailai County, Heilongjiang Province in China. He has been taking photographs most of his life and has won many awards. This is his first exhibition in London. For more details on Ebb and Flow, an exhibition by Qin Yuhai, visit: www.activeukchina.com/ebbandflow Life magazines have 5 pairs of tickets available For your chance to attend the private view on 11th June 2014 at Saatchi Gallery, 6.30-9pm email Hannah@ashcommunications.com with the subject line ‘Ebb and Flow – Life magazine competition’ Facebook: www.facebook.com/EbbandFlowExhibition Twitter: @EbbandFlow2014 Instagram: EbbandFlow2014 Ebb and Flow is sponsored by Zen Elegance Jewellery and is presented by Fuhai Culture Development Ltd. Saatchi Gallery, Duke of York’s HQ, King’s Road, London, SW3 4RY Admission is free Opening hours: 10am-6pm, 7 days a week, last entry 5:30pm Fuhai Culture Development Ltd aims to promote Chinese art and photography within an international arena with the objective of being recognised by the art world.

Luxury European Furniture since 1962

London & M25 Luxury Furniture Showrooms 020 7760 7560

wharfside.co.uk

EV E N TS

8th June 201 4

REGE STREENTT

GUMBALL 3000 ROARS HOME TO LONDON

TWO CONTINENTS, FIVE COUNTRIES, 3000 MILES, SEVEN DAYS

umball 3000 returns to its birthplace... LONDON, for its biggest rally yet, shutting Regent Street down for unprecedented hordes of fans to enjoy the globe’s biggest stars and adrenaline junkies transforming it into the world’s most expensive car park.

To celebrate its 15th year, the herculean event’s 120 supercars & extraordinary drivers will roar 3,000 miles across two continents and five countries in seven days, via motor racing circuits, football stadiums and castles. Miami provides the prestigious starting line for this unparalleled adventure, which stops for explosive parties in Atlanta and New York, when private jets and cargo planes propel them to Edinburgh, before the rally comes to London where it all began back in 1999. The capital will blaze with a galaxy of megastars participating in the rally. Previous celebrity Gumballers include Kate Moss, Kylie Minogue, Johnny Knoxville, Guy Ritchie, Billie Zane and Adrian Brody. The real stars of the show however, are the fans who will be treated to an enormous Gumball Festival during the whole day on Sunday June 8th, filling the historic artery of the capital with extreme sports demonstrations; live music; celebrities; a kid’s zone; car displays and much more. That evening, Gumballers purr down the streets amid extraordinary carnival processions, for an uproarious welcome from whooping London crowds, which are expected to be the biggest in its history. They will then transform Regent Street into a once-in-a-lifetime vision of dazzling, stationary supercars against the street’s iconic backdrop, when they display their motors overnight.

2 6 M AY 2 0 1 4

The superstar participants of this year’s rally will then head to London’s most A-list club and decadent circus, Cirque Le Soir for their astronomic after-party, to enjoy extraordinary, immersive performances from its world-famous performers. The British public will also enjoy a rare glimpse behind the velvet rope of what the papers have branded “London’s, if not the world’s, most fashionable nightclub,” when Cirque Le Soir fills Regent Street and the roaring Pit Stop with a breath-taking procession of weird and wonderful circus acts. While London recovers from Gumball’s assault to every sense, the eclectic mix of royals, rock stars, supermodels, playboys, Sheikhs, oligarchs, millionaires and sports greats cross the Channel to Paris, before heading across Spain to the stunning city of Barcelona. The finish line in Ibiza will be awaiting them after a short drive and ferry ride, ready for the grand finale celebration weekend, partying on an unimaginable scale. Staggering sums of money will be raised for the rally’s Gumball 3000 Foundation during the week-long trek, through its jaw-dropping auctions, which have broken numerous world records - last year’s phenomenal prizes included The Tron Legacy Night Cycle, the original Kitt steering wheel, signed by David Hasselhoff who also took part in the rally - and a private lesson with Tony Hawk and signed skateboard, which went for £38,000, making it the most expensive skateboard ever sold. www.gumball3000.com www.regentstreetonline.com

EV E N TS

HYDE PARK

RICHMOND PARK

GREENWICH PARK

KENSINGTON GARDENS

Spring into the Royal Parks Spring has sprung, and to celebrate we have handpicked ten things for you do in the Royal Parks this season. From listening to jazz musicians in Greenwich Park, watching theatre in Regent’s Park, to discovering different species of bats in Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, there is something to cater to every taste.

REGENTS PARK

REGENTS PARK OPEN THEATRE

COUNTRY LIVING SPRING FAIR 2014

RICHMOND PARK

Row, Row, Row Your Boat Hire a rowing boat or a pedalo and glide through the picturesque surroundings of Greenwich Park, Hyde Park or Regent’s Park. In Hyde Park jump on the sun powered ‘Solarshuttle’ which will take you from the boathouse to the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain.Dates vary, check locally with parks.

Spend The Day At Richmond Park Golf Course Following a multi-million pound refurbishment by Glendale Golf, play in the glorious surroundings of Richmond Park from 1 June. A new eco-friendly clubhouse will offer refreshment opportunities in the form of a coffee shop, bar and restaurant. Membership not required. www.glendalegolf.co.uk

Guided Walk Of Isabella Plantation In Richmond Park This Spring, come along to one of the free guided walks of Isabella Plantation, as it bursts with colour from the exotic rhododendrons and azaleas in bloom. Dates of walks are listed on www.royalparks.org.uk/whats-on. Every Wednesday, catch a free return minibus service to the Plantation. Stopping at all gates in Richmond Park the service will give the public, especially those without cars, a greater opportunity to visit this 40 acre woodland garden. Minibus service will operate every Wednesday, from 10.30am-3.30pm in forty minute intervals, through to 26th August.

Diana Memorial Playground In Kensington Gardens Inspired by J.M. Barrie’s stories of Peter Pan the commemorative Diana Memorial Playground, will fire up the imagination of any child as they navigate their way through a wooden pirate ship moored on a beach, share stories in real tepees, and explore the sensory trail. Time left? Seek out the bronze statue of Peter Pan on the stump of a tree blowing his pipe.

Enjoy An Evening Of Live Jazz In Greenwich Park Following a refurbishment, the popular Pavilion Cafe reopened on 13th April. Located a stone’s throw from the Royal Observatory, the cafe will be hosting an evening of jazz with musicians from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, every Friday from 9th May until the end of August. Kids welcome. Watch Theatre In Regent’s Park Grab a glass of Pimms from the bar and take your seat in the award winning Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Opening on 15 May, Arthur Miller classic ‘All My Sons’ will be the first production of the season. www. openairtheatre.com Play Cricket In Greenwich Park From 1st May until 30th September play cricket in the Grade 1 listed Greenwich Park, which offers unparalleled views across the River Thames to St Pauls Cathedral and beyond. Included in the price is use of the changing facilities in the Pavilion. To enquire or book the pitch contact Christine Sheffield on 0300 061 2380 Become A Bat Detective On 16th May, a bat expert will lead you through Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park as you discover several different bat species – including common pipistrelles, soprano pipistrelles, and noctules. Learn how they hunt and separate bat facts from bat fiction. Bat detectors are used so that bat echolocation calls are audible to the human ear. Children over eight, accompanied by an adult, are welcome. 8.30pm-10pm. Entry £5. Book in advance. www.supporttheroyalparks.org 2 8 M AY 2 0 1 4

Experience Trooping The Colour On 14th June Once a year, to mark the Sovereign’s official birthday, a military parade and march-past takes place in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen on Horse Guards Parade Ground in St James’s Park from 10am. On the same day at 12.52pm, spectators can watch the magnificent 41-Gun Royal Salute in The Green Park followed by a flypast over Buckingham Palace at 1pm. Enjoy A Bike Ride Through Richmond Park Soak up the sunshine and increase your fitness by hiring a bike from Parkcycle in Richmond Park. Located at the Roehampton Car Park, both adult and children’s bikes are for hire by the hour. About The Royal Parks Almost 40 million Londoners and tourists visit the eight Royal Parks each year. The 5,000 acres of historic parkland provide unparalleled opportunities for enjoyment, exploration and healthy living in the heart of London. The Royal Parks are Bushy Park, The Green Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, Richmond Park and St James’s Park. The Royal Parks also manages Victoria Tower Gardens, Brompton Cemetery, Grosvenor Square Gardens and the gardens of 10, 11 and 12 Downing Street.

For further information please visit www.royalparks.org.uk

EV E N TS

GROW LONDON

SOMETHING WONDERFUL WILL BE BLOOMING ON HAMPSTEAD HEATH FROM 20th -22nd JUNE

ROW London, the city’s first urban garden show will open its doors to a garden shopping paradise within a specially built marquee near South End Green. The show will appeal to any design-savvy gardeners who’ll relish the chance to find an enticing array of fabulous plants, garden accessories, furniture, ideas and inspiration, all in one place. Look out for glorious parasols from Sunbeam Jackie, or jaunty garden chairs from Deckchairstripes. Garden Brocante will be bringing restored and revamped vintage cans, tubs and antique accessories and those in search of a cool and contemporary look will love the sleek garden furniture from Barbed (clever, weatherproof tables and chairs) and Marnie Moyle from Green Oak Furniture will be bringing characterful benches. Seasoned gardeners will be fascinated by the range of rare and hard-to-find shrubs, trees, flowers and seeds. Crûg Farm Plants will be bringing a range of wondrous plants which the intrepid founders have scoured the globe to source. There will be heritage seeds to buy, specialist species to marvel at and a wealth of pots and plants to take home (there’s even a plant ‘nursery’ where you can leave your plants until you’re ready to leave.) There will be a range of unusual pots and containers to snap up and clever ideas for vertical growing, too. A programme of talks from gardening experts will offer inspiration and information. For instance, Shane Connolly (who designed the interior

3 0 M AY 2 0 1 4

of Westminster Abbey for the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge) will be there along with Mark Diacono, Val Bourne and Naomi Schillinger, who’s a great advocate of urban and neighbourhood gardening. GROW London will offer visitors a great day out. Laithwaite’s Wine will be offering English sparkling wine at their stylish café and bar so there’ll be a welcome chance to relax while you plot how best to transform your garden, allotment, patio or balcony. And for children, Dawn Isaac (of CBeebies) will be demonstrating how to make garden lanterns and seed cards.

GROW LONDON PROMISES TO BE A FABULOUS FAMILY DAY OUT. GROW London Marquee, Lower Fairground Site, East Heath Road, Hampstead, London NW3 1TH HOW TO GET THERE TRAIN or BUS – Hampstead Heath overground station is just three minute walk away. Buses C1, 24, 46 and 168 stop at South End Green. OPENING TIMES Friday 20 June – 22 June 10am – 6pm

TICKETS Adult Advance £10 (plus booking fee) Adult Door £16 Concession Advance £8 (plus booking fee) Concession Door £14 Children under 16 Free For more details, please visit www.growlondon.com

FAIR SPONSOR

20¬22 JUNE 2014 HAMPSTEAD HEATH STYLISH FURNITURE RARE PLANTS BEAUTIFUL ACCESSORIES FINE TOOLS GROWLONDON.COM

EV E N TS

Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th

GEFFRYE MUSEUM

June 2014

WARWICK SQUARE

THE ROOF GARDENS

CLEVELAND SQUARE

Open Garden Squares Weekend presented in association with the National Trust.

pen Garden Squares Weekend takes place in London again this year with 218 hidden and little-known gardens - 21 new for 2014 - opening to the public. The gardens range from the historic and traditional to the new and experimental. They include classic London square gardens, roof gardens, urban wildlife and ecology centres as well as the gardens of historic buildings, institutions, restaurants and schools. Established in 1998, Open Garden Squares Weekend is the London Parks & Gardens Trust’s highest-profile event, underpinning its aim to increase knowledge and appreciation of London’s green open spaces. Notable NEW gardens this year include: Highbury Square, N5 Football fans can tread the hallowed turf at the former home of Arsenal Football Club. The stadium, designed by Archibald Leitch and built in the Art Deco style, has been converted into private apartments. The pitch is now a minimalist, modern garden, comprising evergreen hedges and grassy spaces, intersected by glass walls, integrated lighting and water features. The garden is usually closed to the public and will open for the first time for OGSW 2014. Entry by public ballot, see website. Pembridge Square, Notting Hill W2 A beautifully maintained and cultivated large garden square, featuring different garden spaces for quiet reflection or play. Previous visitors include Princes William and Harry whose primary school used the gardens as a playground! Thrive Battersea, Main Garden, SW11 Thrive is a national charity which uses gardening to change lives. Its project in Battersea Park features three glorious gardens created entirely through the skills and commitment of the charity’s beneficiaries., disabled people from across south and west London. There are guided tours, not only of this garden but also the other gardens that Thrive maintain in Battersea Park - the Jo Malone Old English Garden and the Herb Garden.

Her Majesty The Queen to Presidents of the United States and other world leaders. The garden is shared by residents in No 10 and No 11, as well as guests from both buildings. The terrace and garden at Downing Street were constructed in 1736 shortly after Walpole moved into Number 10. The garden is dominated by an open lawn of half an acre that wraps around in an L-shape. Tubs of flowers line the terrace and roses line the main pathway through the garden. Entry by public ballot, no purchase necessary, see website. Gardening Leave at Royal Hospital Chelsea, SW3 A haven for veterans and serving military personnel who seek horticultural therapy, working with staff and volunteers to grow vegetables for the Hospital, and cut-flowers for the Chapel and State Apartments. The garden is extremely private and encompasses a quiet area, a poppy bed, raised beds for the less mobile and has plenty of seating, showcasing many ways of growing vegetables in containers, which the veterans can then take home. The Roof Gardens, W8 Above the former Derry & Toms department store and, briefly, the iconic Biba clothes boutique, these gardens opened in May 1938 with three themed gardens, all now extensively restored and replanted: the Spanish Garden in the style of the 1950s, the Tudor Garden based on the Biba ethos and the English Woodland as a 21st-century environmental and wildlife garden with fully-grown oak and fruit trees and a flowing stream inhabited by Mandarin ducks and the infamous flamingos. Many gardens also present stalls, music, entertainment, family and art activities, food and drink. One ticket gains access to all gardens (bar those with special conditions for entry) for both Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th June. An advance weekend ticket is £10 (including fees/p&p) available from www.opensquares.org or from City Information Centre (CIC - between St Paul’s Cathedral and Millennium Bridge). A ticket bought over the weekend itself is £12. National Trust Members can go half price. For children under 12, admission is free all weekend.

Other highlights of the 2014 Weekend include: Number 10 Downing Street, SW1 The official residence of the British Prime Minister, and also the place where the Prime Minister entertains guests - from 3 2 M AY 2 0 1 4

For more information about Open Garden Squares Weekend visit: www.opensquares.org www.facebook.com/LondonOGSW @OpenSquares

ds Ki Go ee Fr RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, 8 – 13 July 2014 Preview Evening: 7 July Members’ Days: 8 & 9 July

rhs.org.uk/hamptoncourt RHS Registered Charity No: 222879/SC032262

EV E N TS

‘187’ BY ELIZABETH TURK EXHIBITED BY HIRSCHL AND ADLER

A PAIR OF GEORGE III CARVED GILWOOD ARMCHAIRS, C. 1760, ENGLISH, ATTRIBUTED TO JOHN GORDON EXHIBITED BY RONALD PHILIPS

MASTERPIECE LONDON 2014 I N

A S S O C I A T I O N

W I T H

R B C

W E A L T H

M A N A G E M E N T

26TH JUNE – 2ND JULY 2014 (PREVIEW ON WEDNESDAY 25 JUNE) SOUTH GROUNDS OF THE ROYAL HOSPITAL CHELSEA, LONDON SW3

asterpiece London returns to the world’s capital of culture to celebrate its 5th anniversary edition. The 2014 offering of exquisite art, antiques and design from across the world, with over 90% of exhibitors returning, cements Masterpiece London’s role as a leading international fair which is pioneering in its advocacy of cross-collecting. With capacity for up to 160 exhibitors, and with many galleries already signed up, the fair will once again bring to London a wealth of exceptional UK and international exhibitors, including Adrian Sassoon (UK), A La Vieille Russie (US), Alessandro di Castro (Italy), Apter-Fredericks (UK), Blain Southern (UK) Carpenters Workshop Gallery (France & UK), Dickinson Fine Art (UK), Galerie Willy Huybrechts (France), Gordon Watson (UK), Geoffrey Diner (US), Hancocks (UK), Hemmerle (Germany), Les Enluminures (US), Mallett (UK), Offer Waterman (UK), Osborne Samuel (UK), Peter Finer (UK), Peter Petrou (UK), Philip Mould & Co (UK), RobFilant + Voena (UK), Ronald Phillips (UK), Rupert Wace Ancient Art (UK), Sebastian + Barquet (US), Siegelson (US), Shapero Rare Books (UK), Symbolic & Chase (UK), Thomas Gibson Fine Art (UK), and The Fine Art Society (UK).

Steeped in over 180 years of history in watchmaking, and as one of the largest and most respected leaders in high-end watchmaking, Jaeger-LeCoultre is also proud to announce special support for a leading UK charity, Marie Curie Cancer Care, which is the beneficiary of the Masterpiece Marie Curie Party. In 2014, Jaeger-LeCoultre will be the official partner of this Party and Private Dinner. The Masterpiece Marie Curie Party will take place on Tuesday 1st July at 7pm, the second year that the charity has been the beneficiary. In 2013 the Midsummer Party, chaired by Heather Kerzner, raised a record of £840,000, beating Marie Curie’s target of £500,000 by a phenomenal amount. Nazy Vassegh, CEO of Masterpiece London, said, “We are delighted to welcome back such a significant portion of our 2013 exhibitors. Our 5th fair will mark a milestone for us within the international art fair circuit and this level of support highlights the strength of our cross-collecting offering”. Opening Times

Preview Objects and artworks of the highest order will be Wednesday 25th June, 11.00-22.00 ‘REVERSO’ WATCHES WITH ENAMELLED INDIAN presented across multiple disciplines; paintings DESIGNS. CONTEMPORARY, SWISS DESIGNED AND EXHIBITED BY JAEGAR LECOUTRE and works on paper, ceramics, rare maps, sculpture, Open to the public photography, jewellery, important furniture and Thursday 26th June & Friday 27th June, 11am-9pm contemporary design will all be offered for sale. All Saturday 28th June & Sunday 29th June, 11am-7pm works were stringently vetted by a committee of experts before the fair opens, Monday 30th June & Wednesday 2nd July, 11am–9pm giving buyers every confidence in their choice. Tuesday 1st July 11am – 6pm followed by the Masterpiece Marie Curie Party at 7pm Jaeger-LeCoultre is pleased to present the first international exhibition of its Hybris Artistica Collection of exceptional timepieces. The JaegerLeCoultre Hybris Artistica Collection includes twelve fascinating timepieces that represent an unprecedented combination of design, technical construction, watchmaking art and exquisite craftsmanship. Individually and collectively the ‘Grandes Complications’ range of 12 watches highlights the manufacturer’s leadership in Grandes Complications and, thanks to its in-house workshops, its boundless creativity in ‘Métiers Rares’ – the fine arts of enamelling, gemsetting, and engraving. 3 4 M AY 2 0 1 4

Ticket Prices Preview Ticket: £100 per person – limited availability Public Ticket: £25 per person Midsummer party ticket: £95 per person

For the latest news and developments go to www.masterpiecefair.com Join the Facebook group Masterpiece London or follow on Twitter at @MasterpieceLndn #MPL14

EV E N TS

WIMBLEDON CHAMPION

ANDY MURRAY confirmed for BNP Paribas Tennis Classic 2014 THE HURLINGHAM CLUB, LONDON 17th – 20th JUNE 2014

MG are thrilled to announce that the reigning Wimbledon Champion Andy Murray will be amongst the tennis stars to play at the IMG-owned BNP Paribas Tennis Classic this summer. Taking place at the prestigious Hurlingham Club, BNP Paribas Tennis Classic is one of the most intimate tennis events in the social calendar and the perfect warm-up for Wimbledon. VIP tickets and hospitality are on sale now. On confirming his place in this special event, Murray said: “Playing at the Hurlingham Club last June was the perfect way for me to warm up for Wimbledon. It’s a great setting and I’m looking forward to playing again this year.” Murray will be joined by a world-class line-up of tennis legends including: Tim Henman, Goran Ivanisevic, Mark Philippoussis, Pat Cash and crowd pleaser Mansour Bahrami, who will all play throughout the tournament, with more top current players to be announced in the coming weeks.

of the current stars of today as they warm up for Wimbledon, as well as a number of tennis legends. In escaping the crowds, the tournament gives spectators the opportunity to combine unforgettable tennis with first-rate hospitality experiences. Matches take place on Centre Court, which seats an intimate crowd, tennis players mingle with guests off court and there’s also the opportunity to play tennis with the professionals in the PRO-AMs. So, come and discover the best kept secret in tennis. Soak up the Garden Party atmosphere as you enjoy VIP hospitality and watch tennis from the stars of today and the ultimate Legends of the game in one of London’s most intimate and breath-taking settings. The Hurlingham Club, Ranelagh Gardens, London, SW6 3PR Price: Packages available from £150 inc. VAT per person

Owned and managed by IMG, the global sports, fashion and media company, the BNP Paribas Tennis Classic takes place at the height of the summer tennis season, the week before Wimbledon.

Booking information: 020 8233 5854 BNPParibasClassic@imgworld.com

Set in the tranquil 42 acre grounds of one of the most renowned members’ clubs in the country - the Hurlingham Club - the event showcases some

www.BNPParibasTennisClassic.com www.facebook.com/IMGTennis IMGTennis

3 6 M AY 2 0 1 4

the ultimate family Club for health, sports & relaxation

experience the difference

www.theparkclub.co.uk

call 020 8740 4599

EV E N TS

Tuesday 17th to Saturday 21st

JUNE 2014

The Great British Drama of

Royal Ascot 2014 Royal Ascot is one of the iconic summer highlights of the British sporting and social calendar. Five days of world class racing, pageantry, high fashion and fine dining, celebrated through this year’s theme of ‘The Great British Drama’.

he centrepiece of Ascot’s year, Royal Ascot, is arguably the world’s most famous race meeting. First organised in 1711 at the behest of Queen Anne, each day of Royal Ascot traditionally begins with the Royal procession in which the Queen, her family and guests, parade in front of the packed grandstands in their horse-drawn carriages. The Queen has long had a special affinity with the meeting, although her personal success has heightened over the past two years after her horse Estimate won the Queen’s Vase during Royal Ascot 2012 and won the feature race of the entire meeting, the Gold Cup, last year. Royal Ascot attracts some of the best horses from around the globe and promises to be another draw for the world’s best racehorses. Ascot’s Head of Communications and International Racing, Nick Smith said: “Last season’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Treve, Europe’s best horse on current rankings looks like lining up in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes while from further afield the likes of No Nay Never for the USA is likely to return after his sensational win in the Norfolk Stakes last year. Hopefully The Queen’s Estimate will be back to repeat her magnificent performance in the Gold Cup last year.” Off the track, the Royal meeting will as ever draw eyes from the international world of fashion. The hats, shoes and dresses at Royal Ascot are as colourful and creative as the jockeys’ silks. Gentlemen in the Royal Enclosure are required to wear black or grey morning dress with a waistcoat and tie and their incredibly smart, attire serves as the perfect foil for the ladies who, within certain guidelines, get a much freer remit for expression. Fine dining has always been an important ingredient of the Royal Ascot experience. The new multi-million pound restaurant On 5 will open for the first time at this year’s Royal Meeting with Michelin starred chef Tom Kerridge hosting events, boasting breathtaking views across the racecourse. The Panoramic Restaurant also has a Michelin starred chef as its host as Atul Kochhar brings a taste of India to proceedings. French gastronomy house

3 8 M AY 2 0 1 4

Lenôtre also comes to Royal Ascot for the first time this year, where diners can feast on traditional continental cuisine created from ingredients arriving fresh from Paris every morning in Balmoral, Carriages and Sandringham restaurants. The exquisite Parade Ring restaurant with views overlooking the Parade Ring, exclusive Trackside and Windsor Forest Restaurants with stunning views of Ascot Heath and theatrical new Royal Ascot Village completes Royal Ascot’s Fine Dining portfolio. Royal Academist David Mach will have his latest work ‘Great British Drama’ on display. The work celebrates the breadth of appeal of Royal Ascot and brings together decades of the world’s best racing, pageantry, style and elegance into one stunning piece of art. Charles Barnett, Chief Executive of Ascot Racecourse, said: “This is a captivating snapshot of Royal Ascot past and present, which encapsulates everything that is special about the week. We feel David has captured perfectly the verve and vibrancy of our historic event.” Royal Ascot 2014 will feature 17 Group races, including seven Group Ones, with total prize money across five days in excess of £5.3million. The minimum value of any race at Royal Ascot remains £60,000. A shift in scheduling for the 2014 meeting sees the feature race moved back from the third to the fourth race each day at a Royal Ascot which is looking like having a distinctly International feel. All races throughout the week will be televised live on Channel 4. Tickets to Royal Ascot range from £17-£75 with addition group discounts available. There are three ticket types available; The Royal Enclosure (members only), Grandstand Admission and Silver Ring Admission. There are a range of Fining Dining options at Royal Ascot showcased accordingly to the enclosure they afford guests entry into. Fine Dining starts from £250 per person. To book tickets visit www.ascot.co.uk/royal-ascot-2014 or call 0844 346 3000.

EV E N TS

BANKSY - HEAVY WEAPONRY SPRAY PAINT ON CANVAS

£120,000

MY ART INVEST, 150 COMMERCIAL STREET, LONDON E16 Ever dreamt of owning a Banksy? Perhaps an original Conor Harrington is more up your street?

y Art Invest, a brand new gallery and unique art-buying online platform that is changing the way people consume art opened it’s doors in East London last month, with hundreds of wellheeled Londoners attending a high-profile launch party.

The revolutionary new concept makes buying artworks by world-renowned artists possible for millions of people for the first time by dividing art works into shares. What’s better still - buy a quarter of the shares of any art work and you will have the option to take it home for a quarter of the year to hang on your very own wall. The collection presents a diverse spectrum of work, with the launch focussing on street art, giving you the chance to follow in the footsteps of Kate Moss and own work by household names like Banksy or Shepard Fairey through to leading contemporaries like D*Face and Katrin Fridriks. The global art market totalled £39.3 billion last year, an increase of 8 percent and the highest level since 2007 - so for many, investing in art has not only been a pleasurable experience but also a hugely successful financial venture. With My Art Invest, the possibilities for investing in art are hugely democratised offering you the chance to own a range of works for the price of one - and with the chance to take the artwork home, you could have a different artwork on your wall every three months! 4 0 M AY 2 0 1 4

Founding Director Tom-David Bastok told us that the concept was created “with the vision of making buying art something that isn’t reserved for the financial elite. Through our unique trading platform we hope to change the way that people engage with art and by giving them the freedom to take ownership over works that they enjoy with the possibility to spread their investment over many works.” The 26-year-old told us that he was excited to open a gallery in the UK after such tremendous success in France and will welcome anyone to his new gallery. The new space hosts a rotating exhibition of 25-35 artworks from My Art Invest’s collection with these changing every month. Visitors to the state-of-the-art gallery are offered the use of dedicated iPads that enable them to buy shares in artworks on display in real-time through a registered account on the platform’s dedicated app. My Art Invest has a proven track record in France where almost 6,000 customers have gained an average return of 30% in the last three years. Plans are currently underway to develop a rolling programme of My Art Invest Guru workshops and events, where visitors to the gallery will be able to learn about the art market and artworks from some of the industry’s leading experts. Visit www.myartinvest.com and follow @MyArtInvest on Facebook and Instagram

EV E N TS

London welcomes four fabulous Foodies Festivals this Summer Foodies Festival, the UK’s biggest celebration of food and drink, has announced four London dates as part of its nationwide summer line-up. In an exciting development, two brand new festivals, run in partnership with English Heritage. MARBLE HILL HOUSE - 24th - 26th MAY KENWOOD HOUSE - 30th MAY - 1st JUNE

CLAPHAM COMMON - 6th - 8th JUNE BATTERSEA PARK - 15th - 17th AUGUST

oodies Festival Marble Hill will take place over the May Bank Holiday weekend in this stunning and historic riverside parkland near Richmond. Foodies Festival Kenwood House comes to Hampstead Heath at one of the nation’s most celebrated stately homes, recently refurbished to the tune of £5 million. The London dates are completed by a return to Clapham Common and Battersea Park which last year saw 30,000 and 34,000 people respectively enjoy a vast array of culinary activities.

hourly demonstrations from outdoor cooking expert Rob Kennedy, a Vintage Tea Tent that will hold daily tea dances, alongside a Vintage Kitchen Market. A Feasting Tent will become the social hub of the festival.

This year welcomes an extensive array of top chefs, including Great British Bake Off winner John Whaite, Steven Edwards and Adam Handling, winner and runner up of MasterChef: The Professionals 2013, and 2012/2013 MasterChef victors Shelina Permalloo and Natalie Coleman. Commented Natalie, “As MasterChef Winner 2013 I am really pleased to be taking part in the Chefs’ Theatre at Foodies Festival this year, particularly with so many well respected chefs involved. I’ll be cooking my favourite summer recipes and visitors will have the chance to take the recipes away with them to cook at home. “

Back by popular demand at Foodies Festivals this year is the Aga Rangemaster Chefs’ Theatre, where top chefs will be whipping up some fabulous summer dishes. In other highlights, guests can sample incredible cocktails at the Drinks Theatre, buy local artisan fare at The Producers’ Market and dine on a vast array of ready-to-eat dishes on Street Food Avenue. Even younger visitors are well catered for thanks to The Children’s Cookery Theatre, which will give them the opportunity to cook food from around the world. One day adult tickets for Foodies Festivals at Marble Hill, Kenwood House, Clapham Common and Battersea Park cost £15 (£12 Friday ticket and concession).

Also in attendance will be Anna Haugh-Kelly, head chef at Gordon Ramsay’s London House; Michelin starred Birmingham chef and Great British Menu judge Glynn Purnell and Michael Wignall, winner of two Michelin stars at The Latymer at Pennyhill Park Hotel and a guest judge on MasterChef: The Professionals.

A three day adult ticket costs £25 (£18 concession) and a one day VIP ticket - including a glass of bubbly on arrival, access to the VIP tent with its own private bar and views of the entertainment stage; a goody bag and priority entry in theatre and masterclass sessions - costs £48 (£45 on Friday). Children aged 12 and under go free to all Foodies Festivals when accompanied by an adult.

New features this year include… A Chocolate, Cake, Bake and Preserves Theatre, a BBQ Arena featuring

Tickets are now available from www.foodiesfestival.com or by calling 0844 995 1111.

4 2 M AY 2 0 1 4

SUN 15 JUNE - FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY!

BOX OFFICE 020 8858 7755 www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk

Summer courses for young people AT MOUNTVIEW INTRODUCTION TO DRAMA SCHOOL Two-week courses specifically designed for students aged 17+ who are planning on training in acting or musical theatre at drama school. Taught in groups of 14 to 16 they give a taste of the life of a Mountview student and prepare participants for the audition process. 28 JUL – 8 AUG | £725 ENGAGE! Week-long courses for young people aged 9 to 16 years old develop acting, singing or dance skills through fun and dynamic workshops. Students work in small groups towards an end-of-course show for family and friends. 28 JUL – 1 AUG | 5 – 9 AUG | £175

Find out more and apply

MOUNTVIEW.ORG.UK/SHORTCOURSES · 020 8826 9217

EV E N TS

George Benson, Dionne Warwick, The Beach Boys, Van Morrison & Jamie Cullum amongst the line-up for Hampton Court Palace Festival 2014 11th â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 25th June

Hampton Court palaCe Festival

istoric Royal Palaces and PWR Events are thrilled to announce the complete line up for this years Hampton Court Palace Festival; George Benson, The Beach Boys, Dionne Warwick, Jamie Cullum, Van Morrison, Rick Astley & Jason Donovan, Jools Holland and the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra will all perform in Henry VIIIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s open air courtyard. The ten-time Grammy award-winner George Benson will perform hits from his impressive back catalogue including Give Me The Night, Lady Love Me (One More Time) and Turn Your Love Around on 23rd June as well as songs from his latest album Inspiration: A Tribute to Nat King Cole. The Beach Boys who are known as the

14 0 MA AY Y 2 20 01 14 4 4

EV E N TS

holds the unique status of performing with musicians who have achieved success in every decade of the 20th Century. He will be joined by the fantastic Gilson Lavis and special guests include Melanie C and Marc Almond and guest vocalists Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall. And with his fantastic Rhythm & Blues Orchestra they will raise the roof of the magnificent Palace once again.

ultimate American rock band from California will be gracing the audience with their musical talents on 24th June with an extra performance 25th June due to popular demand. Known for their top hits including: Good Vibrations and Wouldn’t It Be Nice. With 28 studio albums and 4 live albums to choose from we are sure they will not disappoint. The legendary singer and 5-time Grammy Award winner Dionne Warwick will perform on 13th June. On confirming her slot at the Festival, Warwick said: “I am thrilled and look forward to coming back to the UK this summer as this will be my first performance at Hampton Court Palace Festival! I am told that it is such a special and unique experience and, of course, all will be treated to a concert of favorite songs that will be familiar to their ears and also a few new ones from my recently released 50th Anniversary album, “NOW!” The most successful UK jazz artist ever, Jamie Cullum will make his Festival debut on 17th June. With a Grammy, two Golden Globes, two BRITs, GQ Music Man of the Year, Sony Radio Award under his belt, Jamie will treat the audience to his classic hits and songs from his new album Momentum. On 20th June, pop sensations Rick Astley and Jason Donovan will perform a double-header singing all their big hits. On confirming his slot at the Festival, Rick said: “I am overjoyed to be playing at Hampton Court Palace this year. I’ve just moved and now live four minutes away, so Jason and I

The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra also returns for another classical evening. th 11 –25 th spectacular Conducted by Ben Palmer, the Orchestra will perform scores from are going to have a garden party the mainstream masters of classical before the concert. It’ll be like a music: from Mozart to Tchaikovsky, home gig and the perfect way you Grieg to Elgar and Debusy to Strauss. start the summer.” Look forward to A fireworks display will provide a visual an evening of all the hits, including the fanfare to round off this superb evening. song that shot him to fame Never Gonna Give You Up. Hampton Court Palace Festival is renowned for creating a truly unforgettable experience. Star of stage and screen Jason Donovan Artists perform in the historic main courtyard has had a glittering career since the days of of the magnificent Tudor Palace providing Neighbours and his subsequent success in the an intimate atmosphere for an audience of world of pop music. He has performed stage 3,000. VIP Packages are available in the State roles in Joseph, The Rocky Horror Show, Chitty Apartments and Festival-goers can also arrive Chitty Bang Bang, Priscilla and The Sound early (doors open at 5.30pm) to enjoy picnics of Music. Jason will treat us to classic hits on the Palace Garden lawn or underneath a including Sealed with a Kiss and Nothing Can luxury waterside gazebo before the show. Divide Us.

june

2014

Van Morrison makes a welcome return to the Festival this year. Winner of six Grammy Awards, and a BRIT Award for his outstanding contribution to music, he has also been inducted into both the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame. The singer and composer of such classic hits as Brown Eyed Girl, Bright Side of The Road, Have I Told You Lately That I Love You and many more, creating the perfect summer sound. In addition, there will be an enchanting night of opera on 21st June. The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra will present a special midsummer concert conducted by Renato Balsadonna and featuring the beautiful voices of soprano Deborah Norman and rising star Noah Stewart. Always a sellout favorite at the Festival, Jools Holland will open the summer concerts. Jools’ phenomenal success has seen him sell millions of records throughout the course of his career and he

To hear further announcements and to book tickets, please register on www.hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com www.facebook.com/HamptonCourtFestival or follow on twitter @HCPfestival MMAY 15 1 AY 22 00 11 44 4

FO O D & D R I N K

GET READY FOR

LONDON

WINE WEEK Block out your diary! The team behind London Cocktail Week have now launched the inaugural London Wine Week.

unique seven day celebration of the capital’s flourishing wine scene, set against the backdrop of some of London’s finest bars and restaurants; London Wine Week is designed to decode the wine list and give you new confidence and knowledge when ordering. Always seem to fall back on old favourites? Feel overwhelmed by the vast number of options? The festival will help you discover new grapes, varieties and vintages usually unavailable by the glass. Simply buy a wristband for just £10 to be part of the self-guided Wine Tours, and use the specially created pocket-sized guidebook which maps out all the venues taking part. From dusty wine vaults to classic hotel bars, top-end restaurants to tiny hidden gems – flash your London Wine Week wristband throughout the week to qualify for premium wines by the glass and taster wine flights, each for just £5. The festival will also be championing the wealth of incredible independent wine merchants who will be throwing open their doors during the week to offer masterclasses, meet the maker sessions and discounts on bottles for wristband wearers. And as if this wasn’t enough, there will also be a full schedule of ticketed, bespoke events – all a complete departure from the pre-imagined white tablecloth and spittoon tastings, and instead tapping into the pop-up phenomenon and emerging street food movement.

4 6 M AY 2 0 1 4

London Wine Week 2014 Venues include

2nd - 8th

June 2014

10 Cases, 28-50, Albion, Almeida, Antidote, Apero, Avenue, Bar Pepito, Barrafina, Bedales, Benares, Bleeding Heart, Boisdale, The Boot & Flogger, Borough Wines, Bread Street Kitchen, Camino, Blackfriars, Camino, Canela, Caxton Bar at St Ermin’s, Chisou, Chiswell Street Dining Rooms, Churchill’s Port House, Circus, Citizen M, Copa de Cava, Cork & Bottle, Fino, Fish Market, Foxlow, Harvey Nichols, Hawksmoor, High Timber, Hix Oyster & Chop House, HIX Soho, Hixter, Iberica, Imli Street, Jamie Oliver Barbecoa, Jamie Oliver Fifteen, Kettners, Kopapa, L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, La Bottega, Le Secret des Rôtisseurs, Le Vieux Comptoir, L’Entrepôt, MASH, Mele e Pere, New Street Grill, Northall Bar, Corinthia Hotel, One Canada Square, One Kensington, Pall Mall Fine Wines, Paternoster, Planet of the Grapes, Plateau, Portal, Public House, Quaglinos, Quarter Bar and Lounge, Quo Vadis, Rivington Grill, Rotorino, Royal Exchange Grand Café, Sager & Wilde, Shoryu, Sign of The Don, Skylon, Smithy’s Wine Bar, The Ape & Bird, The Butlers Wharf Chop House, The Don, The Fulham Wine Rooms, The Gun, The Jugged Hare, The Kensington Wine Rooms, The Providores & Tapa Room, The Table, The Vintry, The Well, The Wine Pantry, Tramshed, Union Street Bar, Village East, Vinoteca, Vivat Bacchus, Voltaire, Whyte & Brown, Wine Wharf, Wright Brothers. Join the conversation @LDNWineWeek and head to www.londonwineweek.com to get your wristband - on sale NOW.

DON’T MISS OUT ON A MATCH THIS SUMMER!

Watch live World Cup matches with friends and colleagues in the heart of Mayfair at the London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square. Tickets include 2 bottles of beer or two glasses of wine and a Football Feast Platter. 13th June Spain vs. Netherlands th 16 June Germany vs. Portugal 17th June Brazil vs. Mexico th 19 June Uruguay vs. England 24th June Costa Rica vs. England Other match dates are available …

2000hrs kick-off 1800hrs kick-off 2000hrs kick-off 2000hrs kick-off 1700hrs kick-off

Call 020 7514 1512 to book your date(s) - £15 per person or £140 for a group of 10. London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square Duke Street, London W1K 6JP MarriottGrosvenorSquare.com For hotel bookings T: 020 7493 1232 Freephone: 0800 221222

For Gordon Ramsay dining reservations maze: 020 7107 0000 maze Grill: 020 7495 2211

All rates include VAT and are subject to availability at the time of your call.

For Luggage Room reservations T: 020 7514 1507 E: info@LuggageRoom.co.uk

FO ONDTS & DRINK EV E

TaSTE of LoNdoN The world’s greatest restaurant festival returns to Regent’s Park

t is time to put the foodie event of the year in your diary….Taste of London is back with a new Wednesday evening preview session added due to popular demand. This year will not only see some of the world’s greatest chefs converge on Regent’s Park, but the event will also celebrate future culinary stars. London has arguably become one of the top culinary hotspots in the world and the best of British talent will be showcased in one stunning location at Taste of London. Taste of London 2014 is delighted to announce the names of inspiring, culinary masterminds who will be headlining this year’s foodie extravaganza! • Making his Taste Festivals debut is the effervescent two Michelin starred chef Tom Kerridge. • Taste favourites Alfred Prasad, Ben Tish, Pascal Aussignac, Theo 18 4 MA AY Y 2 20 01 14 4 4

Randall and Daniel Doherty are back by popular demand. • Massimo Bottura, chef patron of Osteria Francescana, a three Michelin star restaurant based in Modena, Italy which is number three in The World’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards list • René Redzepi, of the world famous restaurant Noma. • One of the country’s greatest chefs, Michel Roux Jr. and joining him is fellow Le Gavroche chef Monica Galetti. • Hot new names include Bobby Chinn, Tom Sellers and Cyrus Todiwala. Taste of London serves up 40 of the hottest restaurants in London with visitors getting the opportunity to try tapas sized dishes from these incredible eateries in one stunning location. New to the restaurant line-up for 2014 is Meatliquor serving possibly the finest and most talked about burgers in London, trendy new Vietnamese hot spot House of Ho, serving a fusion of traditional and modern cuisine and Assado, a

FO O D &EVDERNI NTS K

18th-22nd perfect blend of Portuguese, Goan, Brazilian, Indian and Cyprian cuisine. Joining them is Chop Shop, the butchers shop inspired restaurant. Returning for the second year are sister restaurants Duck & Waffle and Sushisamba – both guaranteed to thrill even the toughest critic. The event would not be the same without Taste of London favourites Le Gavroche, Club Gascon, Salt Yard and Spice Market. The Truscott Arms and Tamarind will add variety to the already strong restaurant line-up. Visit the new Taste of London website for the full line-up. London hotspot and Royals favourite Mahiki is thrilled to treat tiki lovers to a fabulous Taste of London experience like no other. Get your Mahiki ticket and enjoy access to the Mahiki Bar with cocktail masterclasses, complimentary cocktails, famous DJs, limbo dancing plus much more. Laurent-Perrier will once again host their popular, delicious and educational champagne Masterclass but with a unique twist for 2014 – following a Cuvée Rosé reception, visitors will experience a blind tasting incorporating three of their white champagnes. As part of a worldwide Taste Festivals collaboration, Electrolux is back as a key sponsor of Taste of London. The Electrolux Taste Theatre will host an array of world class chefs and up and coming talent showcasing their culinary skills. Returning for 2014 is Electroux Chefs’ Secrets, offering visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal with culinary legends in an interactive cooking demonstration.

june

2014

Taste of London is delighted to welcome Korea Foods for the first time who will be showcasing their country’s finest food alongside the wonderful Gizzi Erskine who will be hosting Korean masterclasses. Guests looking for an oriental flavour can enjoy Taste of Thailand from the Royal Thai Embassy. Visitors will experience a selection of London’s best Thai restaurants, music, entertainment and cooking, alongside a number of Thai exhibitors. If this isn’t enough, sharpen your kitchen skills with live chef displays at the new Cook Skills Theatre hosted by Valentine Warner, take part in sushi making masterclasses with Inamo, pour your own Czech style serve at the Pilsner Urquell Tank Beer pouring pods or unwind with a glass of champagne in the SPG VIP Lounge. Finish off your day with a silent disco in the Mortimer’s Orchard marquee. Over 55,000 visitors are expected to dine from 40 of the capital’s top restaurants, serving a mix of British, French, Pan Asian, Japanese Fusion, South American and Italian cuisine, shop from 200 boutique food and drink stalls, enjoy fine wine tasting and watch some of the world’s finest chefs demonstrate their skills. Treat your taste buds at the world’s greatest restaurant festival and one of London’s chicest social events of the summer!

Tickets are available to purchase from See Tickets via www.london.tastefestivals.com or by calling 0871 230 7132 MMAY 19 5 AY 22 00 11 44 4

FO O D & D R I N K

Pret-a-Portea

A Fashionista’s Afternoon Tea at The Berkeley Miu Miu Tote Bags and Christian Louboutin Heels are baked to Perfection

emon biscuits, white chocolate mousses and blueberry compotes are all set for the annual couture makeover inspired by the world’s top fashion designers, as the Berkeley in Knightsbridge launches its new Spring/Summer 2014 Pret-a-Portea collection. A firm date in every fashionista’s diary, Pret-a-Portea is designed to add a creative twist to the classic elements of the traditional English afternoon tea with cakes and pastries resembling the latest catwalk designs for the style conscious. This season’s Pret-a-Portea at the Berkeley includes fashionista delectables such as Miu Miu’s exotic-skin tote bag with chocolate pecan moelleux, Christian Louboutin’s chocolate biscuit Pigalle Spike heel with fresh turquoise hue icing and signature red sole and Dsquared mini strapless mango bavarois dress with a blueberry compote topped with hot pink lampshade hat. Inspired by this season’s print craze of grids, triangles concentric circles and more, Victoria Beckham’s geometric print cherry and white chocolate mousse shirt is a real flashback to geometry class. Pirouetting onto the stand this summer is Alberta Ferreti pretty in pink Sicilian Guava and lemon verbena pannacotta with striped ballerina-inspired skirt and strappy show tuile and perfectly on trend radiating “positive energy” and the “joy of living”.

The Berkeley pastry chefs visit London fashion week shows to get their inspiration for the colours and the textures of the new collections. Prêtà-Portea will echo the season’s trends of soft pinks, festive sparkles and patterns galore. Prêt-à-Portea is served in The Caramel Room at The Berkeley from 1-6pm every day priced at £41 per person. £51 including a glass of Laurent Perrier champagne, or alternatively for the fashion conscious, £57 per person including a glass of couture champagne) To make a reservation for Prêt-à-Portea call 020 7235 6000. About The Berkeley In leafy Knightsbridge, the Berkeley, part of Maybourne Hotel Group is the essence of contemporary chic. With stunning rooms and suites, two Michelin-starred cuisine from Marcus Wareing, Pierre Koffmann’s French Brasserie, classic British dishes in the Caramel Room, fashionista fancies for afternoon tea at Prêt-à-Portea, cocktails in the Blue Bar and the Spa complete with rooftop pool, the Berkeley is rich in pleasure and discoveries that will surprise and enchant. www.the-berkeley.co.uk

Making her debut to Pret-a-Portea and taking the fashion world by storm is Simone Rocha’s pineapple and coconut Savarin shirt dress with a “wow” lime punk spun sugar. Transforming wearable pieces that make high profile dressing a breeze is Emilia Wickstead striped fuchsia pink and orange joconde with tropical crème patissiere blazed with a twirly fruit cone. Boasting some of the globe’s most stylish women as fans, Oscar de la Renta’s flirtatious summer pistachio sponge cake dress topped with poppy seed parfait and edible flower adds timeless glamour to this summer’s most fabulous parties. Splashing onto our plates this season is Karla Colletto’s lemon biscuit swimsuit with cherry red icing and pretty rosette-appliqued neckline. 5 0 M AY 2 0 1 4

About Maybourne Hotel Group Maybourne Hotel Group owns and manages Claridge’s, the Connaught and the Berkeley, three of the world’s most legendary five-star hotels, located in the heart of London. Maybourne Hotel Group is committed to delivering authentic and unique guest experiences that reflect the individual nature of its hotels, its guests and its staff whilst maintaining a timeless elegance and intuitive service style that are the hallmarks of its properties. www.maybourne.com

FO O D & D R I N K

Salcombe Harbour Hotel & Spa has landed

Covetous waterfront position, Harbour Spa & New Jetty Restaurant

ow open, the extensive refurbishment has resulted in a chic new hotel on the edge of Salcombe Estuary, complete with a coastal retreat spa, cinema room, waterside restaurant and wide outdoor terraces; all taking in the panoramic vista, overlooking one of the most dramatic coastlines in the UK. With 50 luxury linen bedrooms, most with private balconies to enjoy the unrivalled views, guests can slide open the wide glass doors and breathe in the fresh sea air. With a G&T in one hand and binoculars in the other, which come as standard in each of the bedroom’s ‘balcony baskets’, afternoons can be spent watching the yachts sail by. The hotel’s new destination restaurant ‘The Jetty’ takes full advantage of its waterside location, with menus created by award winning Chef Patron Alex Aitken, who retained a Michelin star in the New Forest and Dorset for 14 years, and top local chefs delivering mouth-watering fresh and seasonal dishes. Taking centre stage at The Jetty is the Crustacean Bar, overflowing with the freshest catch to choose from. Drifting out onto an open outdoor terrace, al fresco lunches will roll into dinner and drinks and dancing under the stars at this all day bar and restaurant. Sunken into the cliff side, the new Harbour Spa is lavishly spread out over two floors. Featuring five treatment rooms, fitness suite, indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and stream room, guests can curl up in a private poolside

5 2 M AY 2 0 1 4

With the multi-million pound refurbishment of Salcombe Harbour Hotel & Spa now complete, the luxury development is set to become the region’s most desirable waterfront hotel, spa and restaurant.

cabana, looking out to sea, or bliss-out with an indulgent ESPA or Harbour Signature treatment. With a Wedding Suite for up to 200 guests, Salcombe Harbour Hotel & Spa is set to become the most sought after wedding venue in the UK. Couples can take their vows against the backdrop of Estuary views, flowing into a Champagne reception on the private outdoor terrace and photos on the water’s edge. Arrive by land or sea, private moorings are available for the hotel’s seafaring guests and personal valet parking is a given. Direct trains are also available from London Paddington to Totnes (20 miles away). Salcombe is the perfect escape any time of the year. This idyllic coastal town in the most southerly part of Devon is surrounded by picturesque villages, impressive coastal scenery, Blue Flag beaches, and all within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Explore the narrow winding streets of Salcombe, with its many chic boutiques, or head to the hills for a romantic coastal walk equipped with a Jetty picnic. Not forgetting water-based activities like yachting, paddle-boarding, shipwreck diving and surfing... Prices are from £199 per room/night with breakfast Bookings: www.salcombe-harbour-hotel.co.uk 0844 858 9187

F E AT U R E THE FRON LANDSCAPE

PONTFAEN BARN NIGHT SKY

THE FRON PONTFAEN BARN

STRAWBERRY WOOD BARN

Relaxation Perfection Brecon Beacons Holiday Cottages have over 350 fabulous self-catering holiday cottages and farmhouses in and around the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park and Black Mountains, Wye Valley and beyond. Nearer than you think, only three hours from London and less than three hours from Birmingham – the area is perfect for a relaxing weekend break in a cosy cottage with a great log fire or just getting away with family. There is plenty for children to do and dogs are welcome in many of the Brecon Beacons Holiday Cottages. You can also explore the Brecon Beacons National Park in Tomos, the Twizzy electric car – which is available to hire from Brecon Beacons Holiday Cottages. The Cottages shown above are Pontfaen Barn is a beautiful 200 year old substantial stone barn designed and converted with great flair with stunning views across fields with wild flowers and wide open countryside where you can watch the sheep and cattle graze. Pontfaen Barn is a wonderfully remote and truly secluded retreat with urban influences and having the added charm of being surrounded by many of Mark Harrell’s large contemporary paintings showcased throughout the barn. The barn has kept the soaring height, with the main barn featuring the great original internal A-frame oak beams. The barn offers modern elegance and luxury nestled in the foot hills of the Brecon Beacons with its white walls, high ceilings and bi-fold doors, the natural light and sunshine floods in to each room. This is a perfect spot to 5 4 M AY 2 0 1 4

have a get together with friends sleeping 8 in four bedrooms. Strawberry Wood Barn is an elegant and contemporary converted barn with stylish furnishings and décor successfully combining the antique with the modern. Perfect for 10 guests for family get together or party with friends. Stone terraces and large lawns with a play area make it perfect for children to play and the adults to relax. Remote and secluded and set on the side of the Black Mountains with views over the picturesque and hidden valleys below, this is a truly very special place to stay. The Fron is a fabulous and spacious luxuriously comfortable farmhouse ideal for a special get together with friends or family sleeping 10 guests in 5 bedrooms with king sized beds and 4 bathrooms. Set in a spectacular location with panoramic views of the Welsh rolling countryside of Mid Wales at the foot of The Epynt Mountain and on the edge of The Brecon Beacons National Park. With a professionally designed catering kitchen with marble works surfaces and oak doors this is a wonderful kitchen to cook up and enjoy a dinner party with friends and relax after in the large Sauna or Hot Tub in the garden. For more information about Brecon Beacons Holiday Cottages Ltd, Brynoyre, Talybont-on-Usk, Brecon, Powys. LD3 7YS Call 01874 676446 or email enquiries@breconcottages.com www. breconcottages.com

Special occasions At Llangoed Hall

Following a multi-million pound refurbishment at the home of fashion icon Laura Ashley, visit Llangoed Hall, the Award-Winning country Hotel. Nestled in the Brecon Beacons and only 9 miles from Hay-on-Wye, Llangoed Hall is the ideal stopover location for the upcoming International Hay Book Festival which runs from Thursday 22nd May to Sunday 1st June. Llangoed Hall, Llyswen, Brecon, Powys LD30YP Tel: 01874 754525 Email: enquiries@llangoedhall.com www.llangoedhall.co.uk Twitter: @TheLlangoedHall

Winner of the Hotel of the Year 2014, Wales. Winner of Restaurant of the Year 2014 for Great Britain & Ireland.

Brecon Beacons Holiday Cottages Cottages in The Brecon Beacons, Wye Valley and Black Mountains

01874 676446

www.breconcottages.com

EV E N TS

Jodie Kidd revealed as Official face of The Investec Derby Festival 2014 and Philip Treacy announced as Official Hat Designer

EPSOM DOWNS RACECOURSE, FRIDAY 6th & SATURDAY 7th JUNE 2014

he Investec Derby Festival has announced British Supermodel Jodie Kidd as Official Face of the event and milliner to the stars, Philip Treacy will continue his role of Official Hat Designer for his third consecutive year. The news coincides with the unveiling of three unique images where Jodie can be seen modelling a variety of styles inspired by three areas of the event, The Hill, the Duchess Stand and The Queen’s Stand. The Investec Derby Festival, is the highlight of Britain’s sporting and social calendar. More than 125,000 people will flock through the gates during the two day festival to enjoy a combination of spectacular horseracing, fabulous fashions and an unbeatable atmosphere – firmly establishing the occasion is as ever, a summer event not to be missed. Investec Ladies’ Day on Friday 6th June attracts a wealth of stylish ladies for a classic day’s racing. An eclectic mix of eye catching millinery and the latest fashion trends can be spotted across the racecourse as spectators gather to soak up the afternoon’s incredible racing. The highlight race of the day will be the Investec Oaks, which features some of the world’s finest three year old fillies battling it out for £425,000 in prize money. Investec Derby Day on Saturday 7th June 2014 remains one of the most famous events in the world’s racing calendar and the Investec Derby, in its 235th year, is the UK’s most valuable race worth £1.325 million in prize money. Firmly established as the most exciting and prestigious race of the season, the famous Epsom track will play host to Europe’s best horses and riders, all eager to take home the Derby title. Jodie Kidd A modern day fashion icon and acclaimed British supermodel has always had a passion for horses. With her father a former show jumper

5 6 M AY 2 0 1 4

and both herself and her brother professional polo players she is the perfect fit for an event synonymous with its eclectic style, sporting greats and prestigious racing, she commented; “I am really proud to take on the role of official face of the Investec Derby Festival. Modelling three different looks for the shoot shows that despite its prestigious racing reputation, fashion is a huge part of the day. I have been a fan of horses since I was 10 years old and find racing almost hypnotic, I look forward to sporting one of Philip Treacy’s creations and watching these beautiful animals compete in the greatest flat race of them all!” Philip Treacy With his creations favoured by international fashion icons including Madonna and Lady Gaga, Philip Treacy is the ultimate choice when it comes to millinery. He commented; “Fashion at The Investec Derby is a level playing field. Revel in the freedom of being able to play with different colours, styles and trends. Anyone can wear millinery and The Derby provides the ultimate platform to do just that. I look forward to taking on the role of Official Hat Designer once again and seeing a wealth of beautiful headwear on Derby Day!” Rupert Trevelyan, Regional Director of London Racecourses commented: ‘The Investec Derby Festival has always been a unique two day event providing customers not only with world class racing but plenty of entertainment off the track too. Often referred to as the ‘people’s event’ we work towards ensuring there is something for everyone who joins us over the Festival and 2014 is set to be bigger and better than ever!” For further information on the enclosures and to book tickets please visit www.epsomdowns.co.uk or call Epsom Downs Racecourse on 0844 579 3004.

www.michaeltims.co.uk

020 7409 2233

CONSULTANT SURVEYORS VALUERS & ESTATE AGENTS

ST JAMES’S STREET, LONDON SW1 SUPERB FLATS TO RENT Situated in the heart of St James’s in a fine period building a superb selection of flats enjoying open aspect views over St James’s Palace. Good sized living rooms, kitchen, two bedrooms, two bathrooms and gas central heating. Passenger lift and door entry system. EPC: TBC

from £975 per week LONG LET

MICHAEL TIMS +COMPANY 80 DUKE STREET, MAYFAIR LONDON W1K 6JG Tel: 020 7409 2233 Fax: 020 7409 2223 Email: property@michaeltims.co.uk

Member of the M.T International Real Estate Group. Founder member of the Leasehold Advisory Group.

F E AT U R E

Gatwick airport Meet and Greet parkinG

ver 20 years ago Trevor Bryan saw an opportunity in the market place to improve the airport parking arrangements that was generally offered to the public at Gatwick Airport. Having been in the travel business for over a decade he could see the many advantages of valet parking had over it’s park and ride competition. The problem was that the cost of valet parking was prohibitive and unavailable to most peoples pockets. From a Tudor farmhouse a couple of miles from Gatwick Airport Trevor offered a nights stay with a personal chauffeur service to the airport. The Customers vehicle was then safely stored until his return when it was personally delivered to the Customer on the terminal forecourt. Tudor Rose Meet and Greet Parking was born. Business grew to a point where all rooms were taken but Customers still wanted to

28 6 MA AYR2C0H 5 142014

avail themselves of the unique parking service. Trevor rented a site only 2/3 minutes from both terminals and it wasn’t long before the car park became full and business was thriving. In 1999 came an opportunity to purchase the old Reigate Road Garage site north of the airport and after a year of negotiations and a hefty loan managed to purchase the site. The site was perfect as it was only a couple of minutes from both terminals and had the advantage of an office in the centre meaning that security was easy to manage. With considerable investment in the refurbishment of the site, it lent itself easily to providing a meet and greet parking service at a reasonable cost. Valet Parking (or meet and greet as it is sometimes known) was offered at the airport but it had always been at a considerable premium for the well off, sometimes costing three times as much as park and ride.

Collecting and delivering vehicles on the terminal forecourt meant that Customers could knock as much as 2 hours off their travelling time and eliminate the hassle and worry of getting to check-in on time. Business grew and in 2005 the acquisition of Hookwood Lodge further enhanced the range of products offered by Tudor Rose. Hookwood Lodge Hotel offers spacious, tastefully decorated en-suite bedrooms. Set in 20 acres of parkland it offers the peace and quiet of a small rural estate yet is only 3 - 4 minutes from both North and South Terminals. The same fast valet parking service that the company prides itself on is still the core of the business. Tudor Rose is an Approved Operator with Gatwick Airport, the car park holds the coveted ParkMark® award from the Association of Chief Police Officers and is ‘Buy with Confidence’ approved by Trading Standards.

A family business providing exclusive valet parking at Gatwick Airport since 1992.

340 Old York Road, Wandsworth Town London SW18 1SS

COLOUR MEETS PATTERN TESSA PEARSON AND IRENA SIBRIJNS

A glorious burst of colour and pattern: collectable monoprints and mixed media paintings; unique ceramics both decorative and utilitarian. 3035

Thursday 22nd May – Saturday 7th June HOP, SKIP AND A JUMP CATHERINE INGLEBY

New works in oils and charcoals by renowned sporting and equestrian artist Catherine Ingleby, exploring the powerful movement of animals. Supported by animal sculptures from Dawn Benson and Rosemary Cook.

Try our hotel…

Thursday 12th June – Saturday 28th June

ONE DAY SUMMER COURSES AND WORKSHOPS Provisional programme: Introduction to print-making, Watercolours, Mixed Media, Life Drawing and Photography.

Gallery open daily 10.30am - 5pm; 4pm Sundays; 8pm Thursdays www.oilandwater.co.uk penny@oilandwater.co.uk 020 8704 4327

Our purpose built site only 3 minutes from both Terminals providing customised care for your valuable vehicles. Very competitive prices. Book online at: www.tudorrose.co.uk or telephone 01293 822844

10% Discount Code TRLM0010

RICHMOND

Pawnbrokers

“Get an Instant Cash Loan Against Your Assets Today” LOAN AGAINST YOUR:

jewellery, watches, gold, cars and logbooks, art, designer handbags, antiques, fine wine, cherished plates, stamps, coins, rare books & other collectables.

WE ALSO BUY GOLD AND SILVER

CALL: 0208 948 4867 or bring your items to: 55 Kew Road | Richmond | Surrey | TW9 2NQ

www.prestigepawnbrokers.co.uk

Queen Ethelburga’s York, North Yorkshire

•

Ranked by the daily Telegraph the top Northern day and Boarding Co-Educational School for Academic results - average UCAS point score

• • • •

Over £65m invested in new facilities

• •

New £6m Sports Centre Wide choice of GCSEs, A-Levels and BTECs 98% of 6th form students go to University; mostly to prestigious Russell Group Universities Confident, happy and highly successful students Next Open Day is 7th June 10.30 ~ 3.30.

Come and see for yourself what makes us so special.

rosemead fishmedia ad 125x90:Layout 1

1/4/14

10:05

Page

Independent Co-educational 3-11 years. Founded 1942. ISA & IAPS

We all look forward to meeting you at our

Open Morning Tuesday 3rd June 9.30-11.00 Tours of the school are held on Tuesday mornings Bursaries available

020-8670 5865 Prep Department, 70 Thurlow Park Road, SE21 8HZ Pre Prep Department, Elmcourt Road, SE27 9BZ email: admissions@rosemeadprepschool.org.uk www.rosemeadprepschool.org.uk

www.qe.org Thorpe Underwood Hall, Ouseburn, York | 01423 333330 info@qe.org

ASHBOURNE COLLEGE A Level Scholarships Music and Performing Arts

• One of London’s best private colleges • Outstanding facilities for music, drama and art including state-of-the-art composing and recording software • Emphasis on study skills, independent thinking and individual attention has produced excellent exam results and university destinations • Informal, university-style approach and wide range of cultural activities • Opportunities for full and partial scholarships for students with exceptional talent and academic ability.

Contact admissions on: 020 7937 3858 admissions@ashbournecollege.co.uk

college.co.uk

Ashbourne Independent Sixth Form Kensington, London W8 4PL

WESTMINSTER SCHOOL www.westminster.org.uk

‘For the right girl or boy, simply the best.’ Good Schools Guide

16+ ENTRY FOR GIRLS & BOYS To find out about Open Days and online registration please look at our website.

13+ BOYS ENTRY To request a prospectus or to arrange a tour of the school, please call 020 7963 1003 or email registrar@westminster.org.uk For information about 7+, 8+ and 11+ entry to Westminster Under School please go to www.westminsterunder.org.uk Westminster School is a charity (No. 312728) established to provide education.

TAP1953_LifeMagazineAd_137x210mm_V1.indd 1

28/06/2013 12:12

www.hurtwoodhouse.com

Education for Life.. School Tours with the Headmistress To book 020 7348 1793 www.stjamesjuniors.co.uk Earsby Street | London W14 8SH Registered Charity No. 270156

ST JAMES Junior School for girls and boys

...and all of a sudden, nothing is impossible. ‘The Gold Standard’ Sunday Times ‘A haven of expertise in the centre of London’ CReSTeD

London’s leading day school for specific learning difficulties 020 7976 5456 fairleyhouse.org.uk

CD_0761 FH_LifeMag Trimmed ½page 125(h) x 185mm(w).ind.indd 1

04/04/2014 14:59

E DUCAT I O N

Sydenham High team cooks up a storm for national competition

ydenham High School aims to make a difference to its students’ education in more than academic terms, with a strong extracurricular and enrichment programme. This includes participation in the Young Enterprise scheme which aims to encourage entrepreneurship by getting teams to develop and produce a product to sell at a profit. For the second year running the joint Sydenham High and Dulwich College Young Enterprise teams are showing themselves to be the

ones to beat in the scheme’s national awards. The Minerva team’s Kids Cook It children’s international recipe book won best product at the Wandsworth Trade Fair in February, having been a huge sales success and making them a healthy profit. This was quickly followed by the Best Company title at the Lewisham heat of the Young Enterprise Awards. Next stop the London finals with their second edition, which will include desserts. They join the Revive team who have also made it through with their scented candles business which launched over Christmas. Both teams are now looking for local outlets to take their products.

What makes us different is the difference we make... From scientific exploration to personal discovery, our outstanding education goes way beyond the curriculum Find out more at our open events: Junior

Sat 27 September 10am-1pm Weds 8 October 9.30-11am

Senior

Weds 25 June 6.30-8pm Sat 20 September 10am-1pm Weds 1 October 9.30-11am

See our website for further Autumn Open Events & bookable Taster Days 020 8557 7004 admissions@syd.gdst.net www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net 15 & 19 Westwood Hill, London, SE26 6BL

4 01 r2 s e b ip em sh pt olar e h S in & sc rm ries o F a th urs Six of b l na ils tio ta ra r de i p o ins s f an act u t in Jo Con

CE 4113 Fulham Life Advertisement:Layout 1 4/4/14 12:33 PM Page 1

Co-educational, academic excellence is closer than you think. Alleyn’s School, Dulwich: 14 minutes from London Bridge; 12 minutes from Victoria.

Westminster 3 miles

Surrey Quays 4 miles

Notting Hill 6 miles

Marble Arch 5 miles

Knightsbridge 6 miles

Greenwich 4 miles

Fulham 6 miles

Clapham 3 miles

The City 5 miles

Chelsea 6 miles

Borough 5 Miles

Battersea 5 Miles

Balham 3 Miles

Independent day school for boys and girls aged 4–18. Dedicated daily coaches serving inner and outer London.

OPEN DAYS 2014 11+, 13+ Wednesday 17 September 2.00pm 11+, 13+, 16+ Saturday 4 October 9.30am 16+ Tuesday 4 November 2.30pm 11+, 13+ Wednesday 5 November 2.00pm All welcome – no need to book For more information visit our website alleyns.org.uk Tel: 020 8557 1478

Fulham Prep School

Alleyn’s School

Is your child the next sporting sensation, or perhaps a very good all rounder? Find out how your child can reach their full potential by calling 020 7371 9911 (reception to year 2) or 020 7386 2444 (years 3 to 8) www.fulhamprep.co.uk

FA H IUORNE F ESAT

SIZZLING SUMMER SENSATIONS! Put the Pimms on ice…Summer is here! Or so the calendar says anyway!

ox 2 in West Wimbledon, the specialist boutique catering for stylish ladies size 14-30 is a unique boutique selling stunning fashions for ‘real women’ in a comfortable and relaxed environment.

The striking collections are predominantly made in Europe and designed to flatter the fuller figure and all age groups. The shop is full of beautiful linens and light weight clothing to see you through the summer months. From countryside to city life; from Henley to Ascot; from outdoor concerts to barbecues at home, you will find a great choice for any occasion. Our thoughts turn to holidays in the summer months and whether you are preparing for a lovely getaway at home or off to a more exotic location, there are plenty of eye-catching pieces to ensure you look sensational whatever the location. Whether you’re looking for a bit of beach glamour, planning a city break or off to cruise the ocean waves, Box 2 has something to add a touch of class and sophistication to your wardrobe. This summer sees a plethora of gorgeous linen and chiffon prints along with the staple jerseys and linens, plain and textured, in bold, bright colours as well as more muted tones, to suit all tastes. The MA AYY2 02 10 41 4 63 80 M

main problem you are likely to face is how to make the difficult choice of what to buy and what to pack! A dazzling range of distinctive jewellery and accessories will complete your look and attract much positive attention! You can see the collections on line at www.box2.co.uk but also be aware that there are many other styles available in store only. Good transport links, easy, free parking and provision of refreshments all serve to enhance the whole Box 2 shopping experience! Box 2, 267 – 269 Coombe Lane, London SW20 ORH Tel: 020 8947 9797 Email: wimbledon@box2.co.uk www.box2.co.uk

ABOUT US

DESIGNERS A-Z

SHOP

S T YL E F I L E

Luxurious hand picked everyday style... now open! Unlike independent retailers, online giants lack the ability to be selective and flexible in their stock buying and, up to now, most high end online shops have focused on designer editorial wear, rather than the uncomplicated morning ritual of getting dressed into that luxurious, hand picked style, which women actually covet. Flavia Young, the founder of luxe-layers.com, realized that there was, therefore, no current offering for the level of personalized service clients are left craving when shopping online. Luxe-layers.com is an independent online boutique based in Barnes, SW London, where global customers can ﬁnd an exclusively curated edit of the best in luxurious everyday wear, from

great cut jackets, snug sweaters, perfect-ﬁt designer jeans to that ever important party dress. All garments are expertly and personally selected from established and new exciting American,

267-269 Coombe Lane London SW20 0RH 020 8947 9797 open Mon - Sat 9.30 - 5.30 FREE local parking

exclusive summer collections now in stock

award winning boutique

Brazilian and European designers – with only luxe fabrics making the cut!

Enjoy! www.luxe-layers.com

sporti g feet sports shoes for sporty people

Great service and expert advice Footwear for all major sports Adults and kids sizes Free gait testing/ running analysis Free digital foot scanning Specialists in sports insoles

10% OFF

WITH THIS AD BEFORE 30 APRIL 2014

RICHMOND

9 King Street, Richmond, TW9 1ND Tel: 020 8948 6059 Call for your FREE MAIL ORDER CATALOGUE 01273 835341 or visit us at: www.box2.co.uk

PUTNEY

3 Lacy Road, Putney, SW15 1NH Tel: 020 8780 0558

www.sporting-feet.com

FA S H I O N

A little bit of luxury for your legs... with StockingsandHoldups.com

ourcing the most luxurious stockings, holdups and tights from across the globe, they have the most aspiring photography so you can see just how beautiful your legs will look when you are wearing them. A little bit of luxury for your legs, StockingsandHoldups.com hold stock ready for immediate despatch, and all orders delivered FREE in the UK. They ship all over the world and have had some amazing celebrity orders so far! Prices start from £10. StockingsandHoldups.com designs have deep tantalizing lace tops with faux suspender detailing; some have delicate metallic thread embroidery in the detailing, or a rich red embroidered design on a dark black semi opaque stocking. Why not try their light fishnets, or say it with Stockings; they have Je t’aime written up the back of

7 0 M AY 2 0 1 4

one design or their traditional seamed stockings or tights. Perfect for weddings or that extra special evening in! StockingsandHoldups.com have delicately perfumed stockings, with pheromones, so if the sight of you in stockings is not enough, then they will weave some magic around your partners senses and make you feel just that little bit more confident you’ll get your man… So if you are looking for something to make you wedding dress look even more stunning or if you want something to make that evening dress look just that extra special, then visit www.stockingsandholdups.com. Making you feel amazing from your thighs to your toes… A little bit of luxury for your legs.

JOIN THE UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FINEST HEALTH CLUB & SPA PROUD WINNERS OF THE NATIONAL FITNESS AWARD MUSWELL HILL THE AVENUE N10 2QE CALL 020 8482 3000 MILL HILL HALL LANE NW4 4TJ CALL 020 8457 3300 LABSPA.CO.UK

The Lab offers a calm, energising atmosphere, beautiful surroundings and superb facilities where you can escape the stresses and strains of modern day living and emerge refreshed, restored and energised.

FA S H I O N

London Life Interview by Lindley Baptiste

A Normal Woman ‘Did you know that 45% of British Women are sized 16 or more, that 16 is actually the average dress size of the UK’s women. Surprising then how few women size 16+ we see in the media...’ I’m sitting in a very welcoming ‘atelier’ tucked away off the main high street in Barnes, where I’ve just been introduced to Carolyn Draper, founder of the Carolyn de la Drapiere label, which specialises in exclusive designs for women sized 14+. She is wearing one of her signature wrapover dresses, in a sumptuous purple jersey, accessorised with classic pearl studs and a vintage venetian glass necklace, considering it’s the late afternoon of a normal working day she looks effortlessly amazing... With rails full of beautiful garments, I’m struck by how relieved Carolyn’s clientele must feel, when they first step into this cornucopia of clothes designed exclusively for them. Shelves are crammed with enticing lengths of jewel coloured fabrics and limited edition prints for creating bespoke oneoff items, with a liberal sprinkling of vintage jewellery and buttons. Carolyn says ‘Women describe the studio as a sanctuary, somewhere to buy clothes designed by someone who understands the difficulties of finding beautiful pieces which fit curvaceous women well. Many end up not wanting to leave, trying things on and planning their next visit! When I asked Carolyn about the best piece of style advice and her own style she responded ‘Wear clothes that make you happy and express your personality, not simply because it’s fashionable and don’t be afraid to experiment with shapes. As for my own style I’d like to think of it as elegant, 7 2 M AY 2 0 1 4

shapely, feminine, glamorous and luxurious. Carolyn continued ‘ I love Paloma Faith and Helena Bonham Carter for their quirkiness and Helen Mirren, who is timeless and elegant – I like people who make their own style. I’d love to design for Adele, she’s amazing, Christina Hendricks and Kirsty Allsopp. When I asked how Carolyn created a new design she laughed saying ‘first thing – how do I enhance a woman’s best bits? Curves are so amazing so I like to accentuate those’. Her favourite piece is a wrap over dress, ‘the simplicity is so understated and yet each season there’ll be something that can be tweaked to evolve it just a little more’. Carolyn started her company Carolyn de la Drapiere seven years ago after sitting having coffee in a square in Sicily, surrounded by amazing boutiques all selling ‘small’ clothes – she could produce beautiful clothes using quality silks and fabrics for curvy women – just like her - sometimes she has to pinch herself to make sure it isn’t all a dream! She has been proved right as her proudest moments have been seeing the satisfaction from the women who have visited her studio and left with a wonderful outfit that fits perfectly and the best bit is they keep returning. For more information about Carolyn De La Drapiere visit the boutique at Studio 6,The Mews, 46-52 Church Rd, Barnes, London, SW13 0DQ, call 020 82888 919 or email design@drapiere.com www.drapiere.com

FA S H I O N

Get set for summer With the holiday season just around the corner, what better excuse is there for investing in some gorgeous summer must-haves from online boutique Gray & Osbourn.

hether it’s an entire holiday wardrobe you’re looking for or something special for an important date in your summer calendar you don’t need to look any further than Gray & Osbourn’s latest collection. After 25 years of delivering quality, choice and confidence boosting style to their customers, Gray & Osbourn know more than a thing or two about dressing women for every occasion. From lazy weekends in the country to formal events, and from finding you the perfect pair of figure flattering jeans to a head turning wedding outfit, it’s all here in one easy-to-shop online collection. Gray & Osbourn take the fear factor out of

7 4 M AY 2 0 1 4

trying new looks. Translating key trends from the runway to everyday and blending them effortlessly into your existing wardrobe. This season alongside their can’t-do-without classics such as easy-wear jersey and figure flattering shift dresses look out for the new power prints, sugar sweet pastels and luxe separates to add an instant update to your summer style. Their own label collection is packed full of hand picked designs that you won’t find on your high street. Add to this page after page of the designer labels you love such as Gerry Weber, Body Frock, Apanage Betty Barclay and NYDJ. Each collection is carefully edited to suit every aspect of your lifestyle and is bursting

with style tips and accessory suggestions to help you look and feel fabulous from top to toe.

You can shop online right now at www.grayandosbourn.co.uk As a special summer treat they’re offering all readers a 20% discount and free P+P* on their next order. Just quote the code ULGA9 when ordering. Terms and conditions

*Discount can only be used once and not in conjunction with any other offer. Not available on clearance. New customers only.

Short Courses 2014 Central Saint Martins

Animation Architecture Bespoke training Business skills Ceramics Courses for under 19s Creative process Daytimes Digital design Digital film and video Dual city Drawing Evenings Fashion Fine art Graphic design Interior design Jewellery Journalism Online learning Painting Performance Photography Portfolio preparation Printmaking Product design Saturdays Sculpture Study abroad Textiles Theatre design Weekends Writing

www.arts.ac.uk /csm/shortcourses Short Course Office, Central Saint Martins, Granary Building, 1 Granary Square, Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cross, London N1C 4AA, UK. Email: shortcourse@csm.arts.ac.uk Sign up for special offers and updates by email: www.arts.ac.uk/csm/subscribe. Telephone enquiries and Customer service: 020 7514 7015 (From overseas dial +44 20 7514 7015)

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

7 6 M AY 2 0 1 4

Mr Michael Gaunt Consultant Vascular Surgeon Varicose and Thread Veins

BREEZE INTO SUMMER WITH NEW LEGS AND A NEW YOU

Did your legs let you down last summer because of varicose veins or thread veins? Why not do something about them so that you can look forward to this summer with confidence? Consultant vascular surgeon Michael Gaunt has opened a new Harley Street practice specialising in varicose and thread veins. He is a leading venous expert, experienced in treating varicose veins with both the Endovenous Laser and ClariVein techniques. Varicose veins are often considered a cosmetic condition but if neglected can result in complications. Minimally invasive local anaesthetic procedures can be used to treat varicose veins on a walk in, walk out basis. If you would like to book a mini-consultation, including an ultrasound scan, for just ÂŁ95 or if you would like to find out more about your treatment options call 01223 305858 or visit www.michaelgaunt.com

BMI Bury St Edmunds Suffolk

Spire Lea & Nuffield Health Cambridge

Spire Norwich Norfolk

The London Clinic Harley Street

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

Selfridges launches

1st May to 12th June

2014

The Beauty Project S

Selfridges continues its commitment to providing customers with extraordinary and beyond-shopping retail experiences with the launch of The Beauty Project, exploring the definition of beauty and what it means in today’s society.

ix themes – all representing aspects of the on-going beauty debate have been chosen – from the windows scheme, to the special product selection and in-store services, to talks and workshops. They are Men and Beauty, Age and Beauty, Adornment/Extreme Beauty, Global Beauty, Androgyny and Natural Beauty. All themes are illustrated by a new and un-retouched advertising campaign, showing faces of unknown characters next to the line: Hello Beautiful. Each character embodies an aspect of beauty today. The Beauty Project debates At the heart of The Beauty Project is The Salon and its thematically curated programme. With exclusive contribution from over 100 speakers and experts, The Salon will tackle questions such as the History of Beauty and Ugliness, How to Look Good at 100 (or can there be beauty in old age and how to achieve it, or is beauty only the preserve of youth or perceived youth?). Intelligence Squared, the world’s premier forum for debate and intelligent discussion, and beauty guru Sali Hughes will hugely contribute to curating some of the most searching talks at The Salon at Selfridges. Organised through an exclusive collaboration with Dove, with their considerable knowledge of women and their relationship with beauty and body image to bear through weekly day-long curated discussions and workshops. Among the 100+ contributors and panellists are Labour MP Diane Abbott, plastic surgery artist Orlan, interior designer Nicky Haslam, editor Dylan Jones and former Apprentice and social commentator Katie Hopkins. Film: Selfridges have commissioned filmmaker and curator Kathryn Ferguson to produce a series of four incisive and impactful interview-based mini documentaries on themes such as north and south divide in beauty attitudes in the UK; The films will be showcased on selfridges.com where viewers will be encouraged to engage with each film and exchange views on all the elements of the Beauty Project. The Beauty Project beautifies The Beauty Project also celebrates the diversity in beauty, the ways it can be changed, enhanced, transformed and gives customers the means to explore their own beauty journey to their superself. Thousands of products and dozens of treatments and services have been reviewed and edited to showcase the most up-to-the-minute, powerful and original available in 2014, anywhere in the world.

7 8 M AY 2 0 1 4

They include Male Grooming A true male grooming destination covering the basics of shaving to haircare, skincare, well-being and anti-ageing products. The Travel Shop the most diverse assortment of travel size products from the beauty world’s best brands. The Rude Boyz Barber Shop a new old fashioned yet unbeatable shaving destination for men. The Tattoo and Piercing Parlour If permanent tattoos are a step too far, customers can choose from Henna by Pavan (the world’s fastest henna artist) or a specially commissioned collection of temporary tattoos from fashion brands. The Face Gym simply put, a gym workout for the face. It is based on the antiageing, energising and collagen-boosting finger moves developed by the experts behind this new technique. Beauty and the Feast at Selfridges’ Food Halls For the Beauty Project, Selfridges’ food buyers have sourced the best brands and produce to provide customers with edible solutions to their beauty and well-being ambitions. A whole selection of sugar-free, gluten-free, dairy-free foods and dieticians on call.

The Beauty Project online The beauty debate is also available online, inviting everyone to comment and engage through Selfridges’ and its partners’ social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the hashtag, #beautyproject, and at Selfridges.com where the project takes over the site. Selfridges’ have also forged an exciting and exclusive partnership with Google+ making The Beauty Project at Selfridges accessible to everyone, anywhere in the world. Key debates and talks throughout The Beauty Project will be hosted by a Vlogger and streamed via Google+ Hangouts on air, allowing customers that cannot attend in person to join and follow the discussion, live, in real time on Selfridges.com, Selfridges’ YouTube channel or the Google+ page via Hangout on Air. Google’s video chat technology, bridges the gap between the physical and digital experience, whereby users can participate and join the debate regardless of their location. Selfridges’ partnership with Google+ continues in-store through Google+ Photos and an in-store Google+ Booth. Customers can have their photo taken to feature as part of the ‘Hello Beautiful’ advertising campaign to appear in a Selfridges’ Oxford Street window, on Selfridges.com or to share with friends and family on their own social networks using #beautyproject. www.selfridges.com

Tooting Bec Lido Opening

24th May - 30th September 2014.

■ The UK’s largest open air swimming pool is great place to swim relax

and enjoy the summer. ■ 91.5 Open Air Pool. ■ Relaxation and Sunbathing Area. ■ Paddling Pool.

Lido Opening Times Main pool 24th May-31st May 6am-6pm 1St June -31st August 6am-8pm 1st September- 30th September 6am-5pm Paddling 24th May-31st May 1st June-31st August

TOOTING BEC LIDO

Tooting Bec Rd, London SW16 1RU

020 8871 7198 www.tootinglido.co.uk Café 24th May-31st May 1St June -31st August 1st Sept -30th September

7am-6pm 7am-7pm 8am-5pm

10am-6pm 10am-6pm

All opening hours are weather permitting and subject to change. *children under 8 years old MUST be supervised by a parent or adult (18 yrs or over) throughout their use of the pool facilities. Maximum ratio of 3 children to 1 adult. Those supervising must accompany the children in the water.

Operated by Places for People Leisure Ltd on behalf of Wandsworth Council

PFP80632

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

The science of sleep:

How much are you getting?

We are creatures of habit, especially when it gets to bedtime. We sleep on the same side of the bed, have the window open just so, the bedroom door ajar. Some swear by hot baths, herbal tea or a glass of wine to help them drift off.

e need it like we need water, and we are obsessed with improving what scientists describe as our “sleep efficiency” – There’s an entire sleep industry offering technology and drugs, but to what extent are we just the victims of our own anxiety? Does our need fuel the industry, or is it the other way round?

obesity, for instance, there is only a true link for people who sleep less than five hours a night. There’s no evidence that people who sleep six to seven hours are any fatter than those who sleep seven to eight. And if you really are overweight and a ‘short sleeper’, it might be better to do 15 minutes of brisk walking a day than spend an extra hour sleeping.”

Many people take great care to follow the same routine on going to bed. But none of it ensures that you stay asleep. According to a study carried out by researchers 37% of us have one or more symptoms of insomnia on most nights, whether that means having trouble falling or staying asleep, waking frequently or waking up feeling worn out. Just over half wake several times some nights, and a further 26% most nights. Staying in bed longer doesn’t make it better, as studies prove that, with sleep, quality beats quantity.

If you wanted to be wired up to a polysomnogram, which records brainwaves and other vital signs to find out how well you sleep, you could check into a sleep clinic, or buy a DIY device such as the Jawbone UP24 bracelet, which tells how long and deeply you sleep.

“The idea that adults need eight hours of sleep is nonsense – it’s like saying all women should fit into a size-eight dress,” says Prof Jim Horne, the founder of the Sleep Research Centre at Loughborough University. “Our research shows that, on average, actual sleep for the adult population of this country is only about seven hours. And there’s very little evidence for the idea that previous generations slept longer, that we’re chronically sleep-deprived. We’ve never had it so good: the average worker 100 years ago shared his bed not only with his partner, but children, fleas, bedbugs, dampness and noise. Our bedrooms today are warm, we have duvets and spring mattresses. Lamentations about poor sleep are nothing new – the Romans complained about it. And just because we sleep more at weekends doesn’t necessarily mean we need it, just like we don’t need seconds of pudding.” As for the idea that blue light is disruptive, it might be true, but we must remember that part of sleep is settling down to relax, and if you’re looking at iPads and playing computer games, it gets you excited – I think both interfere with sleep”. Prof Horne also questions the quality of many of the studies that purport to prove connections between health problems and a lack of sleep. With 8 0 M AY 2 0 1 4

In Britain one in 10 take sleeping pills, compared with one in 4 Americans. There are also new medications such as Modafinil, a stimulant intended for sufferers of narcolepsy that the NHS warns “is not a replacement for getting enough sleep”, For those who prefer natural remedies, there are 85 different options on Holland & Barrett’s website, from valerian tea, used by those sleepless Romans, to CherryActive, a product made with Montmorency cherries, which, according to the manufacturers, “are high in naturally occurring melatonin”. And then, of course, there is what we use to counter the effects of poor sleep: one report last year showed the British coffee-shop market was growing 7-8 times faster than the economy. There are other reasons why we wake up. Alcohol tends to help people get to sleep but commonly disrupts sleep in the second half of the night, causing people to feel quite shabby on waking, Avoiding starchy or sugary foods at dinner-time to stave off blood-sugar falls in the night, which the body will seek to correct by [activating] the stress response. This can cause individuals to wake in the middle of the night in an alert state that can make it difficult to drop off again. We can now look forward to a good night’s sleep... hopefully it’s not a case of dream on!

Bringing Rapid Access Diagnostics to Central London

Alliance Medical London, Harley Street Centres provides gold standard imaging and radiology services to help clinicians plan optimal patient care without delay.

Once the referral form has been received, we aim to book the patient in for their scan and have the report done within 48 hours.

Alliance Medical London has been providing imaging and radiology services in central London for over 10 years to both private and NHS patients.

• NEW cardiac outpatient services • NEW lung assessment service • NEW neurology service • Extended urology and men’s health services

• Extended services across orthopaedics

“By bringing rapid access diagnostics to central London, we are improving the Harley Street private patient experience that we oﬀer.” For clinicians, we are also running a programme of CPD accredited educational events throughout the year. Please email cpdseminars@alliance.co.uk for further information.

• • • • • • • • • •

New consulting room facilities State-of-the-art imaging technology 1.5T MRI - Siemens Sonata 3T MRI - Siemens Magnetom Skyra CT - GE 750 low-dose high definition PET/CT X-Ray Fluoroscopy Ultrasound Single visit multi-modality imaging

10-11 Bulstrode Place, London W1U 2HX 136 Harley Street, London W1G 7JZ Contact Patient referrals

Telephone 0845 456 8878

Fax 0207 935 7715

Email london@alliance.co.uk

Web www.alliancemedicallondon.co.uk

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

Overcome Depression Without Drugs

Depression is the most common mental health disorder in the country, affecting about 1 in 10 people every year.

hose who suffer from depression will face difficulties in all aspects of their life – from getting out of bed in the morning, to conducting healthy relationships or focusing on office work. Unfortunately, the most commonly prescribed treatments for depression don’t always work. In fact, studies show that up to two thirds of those who suffer will continue to do so despite taking antidepressants and/or undergoing psychotherapy. Even more troubling is that many patients suffer crippling side effects from medication, such as weight gain, decreased sex drive, sleep problems and tiredness. Many patients feel this negates the whole reason for taking them in the first place. Up until recently, very little could be done for those who suffered this fate. However, The London Psychiatry Centre, a leading clinic on London’s Harley Street has now introduced and pioneered repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS). This is an exciting newly licensed and approved treatment in the UK to treat depression which involves stimulation of an area of the brain that regulates mood through a pulsed

8 2 M AY 2 0 1 4

magnetic field. rTMS is safe, effective, and without side effects. Treatment using rTMS is short but intense, around 25 minutes per session. Five sessions each week are required for 2-6 weeks. If a person suffers from depression, the chances of fully recovering with antidepressants and therapy are 30% after 3 months. After one year of multiple drug attempts, the chances increase to 55%, whilst placebo gives a 25% recovery. In comparison, at The London Psychiatry Centre 66% of the patients treated with rTMS have fully recovered after an average of 4 weeks of treatment and without side effects. Further, the positive rTMS effects were found to last up to a year. Dr Rafael Euba of The London Psychiatry Centre comments: “What I like to see as a psychiatrist is my patients improving. That’s what I find rTMS is able to achieve, and that’s very pleasing — it’s very rewarding.” To find out more, contact The London Psychiatry Centre at www.psychiatrycentre.co.uk or call 020 7580 4224.

Beat Depression without Antidepressants at The London Psychiatry Centre

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is a ground-breaking treatment for adult patients with Clinical Depression which involves painless stimulation, via a pulsed magnetic field, of an area of the brain that regulates mood. rTMS offers a solution to those suffering from depression who have not responded to antidepressant medication or psychotherapy. The London Psychiatry Centre is the only clinic in the UK that offers patients cutting edge, fully approved and licensed rTMS treatment as routinely used by the Johns Hopkins Hospital, Mayo Clinic, Harvard and other clinics in the USA.

At The London Psychiatry Centre, 66% of the patients treated with rTMS have fully recovered after an average of 4 weeks of treatment and without side eﬀects. Figure 1: The London Psychiatry Centre Recovery Rates

Depression treatment with rTMS is: •

An alternative to antidepressants

•

Highly eﬀective

•

Long lasting

•

Non-invasive

•

Generally pain free

•

Without side eﬀects typically experienced with antidepressants.

29%

Full recovery Improved by 50% Improved by 75%

66%

No response

The London Psychiatry Centre is regulated and approved by the Care Quality Commission.

The London Psychiatry Centre, 72 Harley Street, London W1G 7HG.

To find out more about rTMS, call 020 7580 4224.

www.psychiatrycentre.co.uk

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

GARY OUSBY

Urban Conditioning...

“Sorry, I haven’t got time for lunch” “I’m working late again tonight” “I don’t have time for breakfast or I will miss my train” “There’s not enough hours in the day to fit in the gym as well”

o any of these sound familiar? Over the past few years, the London lifestyle and culture has become dangerously fast paced to keep up with economy and global demands. People are regularly working 12 hours a day, which often includes weekends. This doesn’t even take into account the commute into work and corporate entertainment after hours. Unfortunately, this lifestyle takes its toll on our bodies and health, resulting in bad diets, depleted sleep and not to mention alcohol consumption. For these reasons, Gary Ousby has developed Urban Conditioning, Gary Ousby has been a fitness consultant for over 20 years. He is qualified in sports science, sports psychology, sports nutrition, sports condition, yoga, pilates and much more. He has worked with people from all walks of life, from lawyers, actors, athletes, celebrities, to office workers and housewives. These experiences have given Gary a very collective and extensive understanding of various lifestyles and the challenges that come with that. Urban Conditioning has been specially designed to work around and improve your lifestyle by: Improving mental alertness Decreases muscle pain

8 4 M AY 2 0 1 4

Improving heart and lung function Decreases joint pain Increases energy and concentration Improves strength Decreases blood pressure and cholesterol Improves mood Decreases lethargy Increased metabolic rate Improves elasticity Improves all over general wellbeing For more information regarding Urban Conditioning, please contact Gary Ousby at Physical Wellbeing who will help to develop a plan for you that will rebalance your life. Studio Location The Mayfair Hotel Stratton Street London W1J 8LT

Consulting Room 2 Harley Street London W1G 9PA

Tel: 07796 696 264 Email: info@physicalwellbeing.co.uk www.physicalwellbeing.co.uk

BUPA CROMWELL HOSPITAL

NEW PAEDIATRIC WALK-IN CENTRE

Bupa Cromwell Hospital is an internationally renowned private hospital, based in the heart of Kensington and Chelsea. Our Paediatric Centre offers a full range of care for children, and we have recently launched a new Paediatric Walk-in Centre, treating patients aged 0-16 for minor injuries or conditions such as: Acute infectious illnesses Cuts, abrasions, lacerations and wounds Ear, nose and throat conditions

Feeding problems Gastroenterological or respiratory illnesses General medical conditions

Monday to Friday 5.00pm - 9.00pm Saturday 10.00am - 8.00pm Sunday/ Bank Holidays 10.00am - 6.00pm t: 020 7460 5878 e: paediatricwalkincentre@cromwellhospital.com w: www.bupacromwellhospital.com/childrens-walk-in

h e LT a lH t& hB E AU T Y H EeA a b uty

Dr Ariel Haus has been using Carboxytherapy at his Brazilian clinic for 10 years and is delighted to announce its arrival at his Harley Street Clinic in London. His most sought after treatment request has been for the treatment of dark under-eye circles also known as ‘bags’ under the eyes and Dr Haus sees this as the ideal treatment for an overworked city like London where looking good counts. A very minimally-invasive treatment which is safe and fast and can be done in around 5 minutes, the treatment of dark undereye circles will showcase a profound improvement in the skin texture and contour as the majority of dark under-eye circles are caused by poor circulation beneath the lower eyelids. Rejuvenating this area with Carboxytherapy is an excellent way to bid farewell to those undesired dark circles/bags. Dr Ariel Haus injects a small amount of carbon dioxide gas just beneath the skin of the lower eyelid; this is virtually painless and risk-free. Around 2-4 treatments are needed and in some cases 6 all spaced one week apart. The results following the injections are that circulation increases and dark under-eye circles improve and most look to have completely disappeared. Carboxytherapy dates back to the 1930s and by using this additional carbon dioxide the body recovers from poor blood flow and in turn the body reacts by increasing the oxygen flow to the target area (in this case under-eye circles). Furthermore Carboxytherapy increases collagen formation in the skin by giving it a more youthful appearance.

100 o c t o b e r 2 0 1 1

8 6 M AY 2 0 1 4

Carboxytherapy Combat Dark UnDer-eye CirCles with

DR. ARIEL HAUS london’s Most talked about brazilian Doctor

before

after

Dr Ariel Haus is registered as a medical practitioner in Brazil, the United Kingdom and Portugal. The specific noninvasive cosmetic treatments that Dr. Haus offers are: • Skin peels to remove the effects of sun damage and also to rejuvenate the skin • Treatments to address wrinkles and frown lines • Dermal fillers (bioplasty and Restylane SUBQ) to smooth out deeper wrinkles and lines • Skin treatments, rejuvenation and hair removal using eMax laser • Body sculpting, cellulite and fat removal with Velashape, the latest technology to achieve non-surgical liposuction. In addition to his private clinic in Harley Street, London, Dr. Haus also works in the NHS and by arrangement is also able to see patients in Rio de Janeiro. Dr Ariel Haus only uses non-invasive treatments and

Dr haus has regular columns in uK magazines and is often consulted by manufacturers of leading skin products and brands to offer insight and his opinion owing to his extensive experience. medicines that have been approved by the relevant regulators in the U.K. In most cases, these procedures have also been approved for use in other countries in Europe and the United States. Carboxytherapy sessions are priced from £180.00 for one session. www.drhausdermatology.com & http://drarielhaus.blogspot.com 10 Harley Street, London W1G 9PF 020 7467 1525

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

HAY FEVER HELL

ay fever, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, affects one in five people in the UK. According to John Collard, clinical director of Allergy UK, hay fever is a type of allergy. It happens when your body makes antibodies in response to certain triggers, such as pollen. It’s most common in children and, particularly, teenagers, but you can develop hay fever at any age. The symptoms usually include sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, and stuffy nose. What causes hay fever? In Britain, hay fever is mainly caused by grass pollen. Around 95% of hay fever sufferers are allergic to grass pollen. Tree pollen can cause hay fever too. Around a quarter of hay fever sufferers are allergic to tree pollen. Mould spores and weed pollen can also trigger symptoms.The pollens that cause hay fever vary from person to person and region to region. The amount of pollen in the air will affect how bad your hay fever is. There’s more likely to be more pollen in the air on hot, dry, windy days than on cool, damp, rainy days. Research shows that pollution, such as cigarette smoke or car exhaust fumes, also makes some allergies worse. When is hay fever worst? The time of year at which you begin to experience hay fever symptoms depends on the types of pollen you’re allergic to. Trees release their pollen in March to early May while grasses release pollen from late May to early August. Weeds and certain shrubs release their pollen in late summer. The hay fever season can therefore last from March to October. And if you’re unlucky enough to be allergic to more than one type of pollen, you may only have just two or three months without symptoms in the winter before the cycle starts again. Tips to relieve hay fever Avoiding exposure to pollen is the best way to reduce the allergic symptoms of hay fever: K eep windows shut at night and first thing in the morning S tay indoors when the pollen count is high (between 50 and 150) Wear wraparound sunglasses. P ut some petroleum jelly just inside your nostrils to trap some of the pollen. D on’t mow the grass or sit in fields or large areas of grass. Wash your hands and face regularly. Avoid exposure to other allergens, such as pet fur, or environmental irritants, such as insect sprays or tobacco smoke. Hay fever treatment As with most allergies, the best way to control hay fever is to avoid the triggers. However, it’s difficult to avoid pollen, particularly during the summer. Even straightforward hay fever can be debilitating, causing runny eyes, sleepless nights, bunged-up nose and headaches. A range of over-thecounter products can treat the symptoms of hay fever, including tablets, nasal sprays, eye drops and creams. Antihistamines are the usual treatment for the main symptoms, such as itchy, watery eyes and runny nose, while steroid nasal sprays are the main treatment for a stuffy nose. Hay fever in pregnancy Hay fever during pregnancy can be a particular problem. Hormonal changes make nasal congestion more common during pregnancy, and this often gets worse during hay fever season. Pregnant women are also advised not to take some hay fever medicines. Hay fever and asthma Speak to your GP or pharmacist before you decide on a hay fever treatment. It’s particularly important to speak to your GP if you have asthma. Hay fever often makes asthma symptoms worse. If this happens, you may need to increase the dosage of your asthma medication.

8 8 M AY 2 0 1 4

start yoga. tri now. 2 weeks for ÂŁ20* unlimited yoga + pilates classes...for everyone treatments, organic cafĂŠ + lifestyle shop at triyoga primrose hill, chelsea, soho + covent garden 020 7483 3344 www.triyoga.co.uk

* Valid for all mat classes 1 offer per person â&#x20AC;&#x201C; new visitors only

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

Skin Check NORMAL SYMMETRICAL

BORDERS EVEN

COLOUR UNIFORM

DIAMETER <6MM

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in a mole? A mole (or naevus) is the term applied to any spot on the skin. Many molesare coloured (pigmented) but some have no colour. What is a Melanoma? A melanoma is the medical term for a mole. This simply means any pigmented or n on pigmented lesion; it does not mean a cancer. Although most moles are brown, they can vary from flesh coloured through yellow and blue, to black. Moles can be many different shapes and can be single or multiple, on almost any part of the body. Everybody has moles; some people have more than others. Most moles have formed before the age of 20, but some people can get new moles well into their 30s or beyond. Melanoma Symptoms The vast majority of moles remain benign (non cancerous) and never cause any trouble. However, a small number may change with time and have the potential to become a cancerous mole (malignant melanoma). If a mole changes in size or colour, if it itches, is painful or bleeds, or if new nodules develop around it or it looks red and inflamed then the mole should be removed for examination. Melanoma Treatment It is important that moles are removed properly so they can be thoroughly examined. It is usually recommended that moles are removed with an ellipse of normal skin around them, aiming for a 2mm margin of clearance. Most of the moles that are removed turn out to be fine. Pathologists (doctors who examine tissues under the microscope) use different terms for benign moles. They may be junctional, juvenile, blue, compound, dermal or intradermal. All these are descriptions for benign (non cancerous) moles. Some will be what are called dysplastic moles. These are thought to be precancerous moles that have the potential to become malignant melanomas if they are left. Although many of them may not turn cancerous it is impossible to tell and so they should probably be removed. The next stage after the dysplastic 9 0 M AY 2 0 1 4

MELANOMA ASYMMETRICAL

BORDERS UNEVEN

COLOUR VARIATION

DIAMETER >6MM

mole is the malignant melanoma in situ. This has just turned cancerous, but does not have the ability to spread. Like the dysplastic mole, it is cured by removing it properly. Malignant melanomas proper have the ability to spread around the body, so the earlier they are caught the better. It seems that the most important factor in determining whether a malignant melanoma may have spread or not is its thickness. This is measured in mm and is called the Breslow thickness. Depending on the thickness, a wider removal of the skin around a malignant melanoma is usually recommended. Malignant melanomas that are less than 1mm thick have a greater than 95% chance of causing no further trouble. Another way of measuring the thickness of a malignant melanoma is the Clarkeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s level. This relates to which layers of the skin the malignant melanoma has penetrated. This is less accurate that the Breslow thickness in predicting the likelihood of further problems.Melanoma Specialists As with other cancers, it is important that people who have had malignant melanomas are treated by a team of specialists. Melanoma specialists include a dermatologist, a surgeon and perhaps a plastic surgeon, an oncologist and a pathologist. Malignant melanoma risk factors Some groups of people should be regularly checked for abnormal moles. These include people who have had a malignant melanoma before, or there is a family history of it, fair skinned, fair haired or red haired people and those with a large number of moles, as well as those who have had considerable sun exposure in their lives, particularly with episodes of severe sunburn when they were young. For more information or to get your moles checked contact The London Skin Clinic at 108 Harley Street, London W1G 7ET Call 0207 563 1234 or email info@108harleystreet.co.uk www.108harleystreet.co.uk

108 Medical Chambers at 108 Harley Street is a consultant-led and delivered independent clinic offering the highest standards of professional care with a minimum of delay in relaxing and friendly surroundings.

MEDICAL CHAMBERS 108 HARLEY STREET LONDON WIG 7ET

The specialist clinics located at 108 Harley Street are:

The London Breast Clinic – Fully integrated breast care service for all benign and malignant disease with on site digital mammography, ultrasound, cytology and core biopsy allowing rapid diagnosis. Breast screening, genetic and family review also available on site. The London Skin Clinic – Experts offer same day consultation and surgery under local anaesthetic for conditions including melanoma, skin cancer, cysts and other benign lesions, together with diagnosis and treatment of general dermatological conditions. The Gilmore Groin and Hernia Clinic – Over 30 years’ experience of the diagnosis and treatment for sportsmen and sportswomen with Groin Disruption / Sportsman’s Groin (Gilmore’s Groin) and adductor injuries, together with herniae of all types both primary and recurrent. Both open and laparoscopic repair are available as appropriate. The London Rectal Clinic – Expert opinion and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, malignant and benign disease of the colon and rectum including rectal bleeding, haemorrhoids, pilonidal sinus, fissure and fistula. Bowel cancer screening is also available. The London Sports Injury Clinic – A cutting edge, multidisciplinary service that specialises in non surgical solutions for sports and orthopaedic injuries. In addition the clinic focuses on human performance and wellness. “You don’t have to be a professional athlete to be treated like one”. 108 X-ray and Imaging – Rapid access to full field digital mammography, ultrasound and where appropriate needle aspiration cytology or core biopsy. A full range of plain film investigations, general ultrasound including abdominal, gynaecological and small part imaging. A full breast screening service is also available.

For more information visit: www.108harleystreet.co.uk Telephone

Facsimile

Web

020 7563 1234

020 7563 1212

info@108harleystreet.co.uk

www.108harleystreet.co.uk

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y

Summer feet

Use these 10 summer footcare tips from The Society of Chiropodists & Podiatrists to get your feet in shape for summer! 1. Trim your toenails for summer Use proper nail clippers and cut straight across, not too short, and not down at the corners as this can lead to ingrown nails. File them, if that’s easier. 2. Go barefoot Go barefoot or wear open-toed sandals whenever you can in the hot weather (except when you’re in a communal shower or changing area) to help stop your feet getting sweaty and smelly. 3. Forget flip-flops Don’t be tempted to wear flip-flops all through the summer. They don’t provide support for your feet and can give you arch and heel pain if you wear them for too long. 4. Change socks daily If you have to wear socks in hot weather, change them once a day and choose ones that contain at least 70% cotton or wool to keep your feet dry and stop them smelling. 5. Remove hard skin Hard, cracked skin around the heels is very common in summer, often caused by open-backed sandals and flip-flops rubbing around the edge of the heel. Use a foot file, 9 2 M AY 2 0 1 4

emery board or pumice stone to gently rub away the hard skin, then apply a rich moisturising cream such as aqueous cream or E45 to soften the skin. 6. Banish blisters Blisters strike more often in hot weather. They’re caused by rubbing, especially between the toes if you’re wearing flipflops with “thongs”. Lorraine Jones, a podiatrist from The Society of Chiropodists & Podiatrists, says the key to preventing summer blisters is to keep your feet dry, wear shoes or sandals that fit well and aren’t too loose, and give your feet ample rest so they don’t get hot and sweaty. If you do get a blister, don’t put a plaster over it. Leave it to dry out on its own. 7. Ring the changes Wear a variety of different sandals and shoes during summer to help prevent cracked heels, hard skin and blisters. Lorraine says: “We understand that when the summer arrives, people are naturally going to opt for lightweight footwear such as flip-flops and flimsy sandals. However, we’d recommend alternating your footwear so that you aren’t wearing this style of shoe day in and day out.”

8. Watch out for foot infections The floors of communal showers and changing rooms at open-air and hotel swimming pools are hot spots for infections such as athlete’s foot and verrucas. Don’t wander around public pools barefoot. Protect your feet by wearing flip-flops in the changing room and at the pool edge. 9. Tackle sweat If you have sweaty feet in the summer, it’s even more important to wash your feet each morning and evening in warm, soapy water then dry them thoroughly. You can also use an antibacterial wash, which helps deal with foot odour. Then wipe them with cotton wool dipped in surgical spirit and dust them with talc. 10. Get help if you need it Basic hygiene and nail cutting should be all you need to keep your feet healthy. But if you have any problems, such as hard skin that you can’t get rid of, it’s best to seek professional help. Your GP will be able to advise you on local foot services. Registered podiatrists (also known as chiropodists) are trained in all aspects of care for the feet. The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists can help you find a local podiatrist. www.scpod.org

40 STORES ACROSS LONDON

Get your Pre-Holiday Tan Spray and Sunbed Tanning Available STATE OF THE ART EQUIPMENT - 80 STORES NATIONWIDE

V600

iBED

iDREAM

SUN ANGEL

Equipment differs depending on location

NEW CUSTOMER PACKAGES AVAILABLE

www.thetanningshop.co.uk

MYSTIC HD

H OUS E & GA R D E N

CREATE A RESTFUL RETREAT Your bedroom should be a place of comfort; somewhere you can go to feel warm and cosy, the place where you can spend the night properly unwinding with a long, uninterrupted sleep.

s life’s pace quickens, people are finding it more difficult to build time into their lives for rest. The lines between work and home are fading, with many people doing substantial portions of their work at home. In fact, with nearly everyone bringing home some work these days, the home has lost its status as a sanctuary. We need a place where we can detach ourselves, and as a result, people are increasingly embracing the concept of the master bedroom suite. Master bedrooms have been around as long as houses, but master bedroom suites are a relatively new concept. Essentially, a master bedroom suite is a home within a home. It’s a refuge where one can enjoy a space free of the many demands of modern living. It’s a hideout for finding peace. Master bedroom suites come in many shapes and sizes, as unique as the lives they are designed to insulate. Most are designed to support three aspects of life: Daily personal routines Rest and relaxation Romance If you are planning a full makeover, you need to decide on a theme – Country Style, Contemporary, Hollywood Glamour, or even Retro. This is crucial not only for personal taste but also creating a relaxing atmosphere where you will be at your most comfortable. Calm neutral schemes come to life by introducing textured fabrics and

9 4 M AY 2 0 1 4

tactile wallpapers and good design can still incorporate blackout lined curtains and blinds enabling your room to be both beautiful and practical. Whatever you do, invest in a good bed. The same with pillows and duvets – quality is very affordable and aids sleep. Ideally, purchase a duvet larger than your bed (e.g. king size if you have a double), this reduces the inevitable fight for cover and adds an aesthetic air of luxury by draping down the sides of the bed. Choosing the right bedroom lighting for creating an oasis of tranquillity For years now, people no longer have just one light source per room. Ceiling lighting in the form of a ceiling lamp or hanging lamp still functions perfectly well for general lighting purposes. For settling into a good book you’ll probably switch off the ceiling lights and switch on the wall lighting. Naturally the atmosphere is also important. Mood lighting helps create the right atmosphere. It’s also a good idea to have dimmable lighting in the bedroom. This allows you to set the level of lighting according to your mood. Don’t forget about coloured lighting for creating that special atmosphere in your bedroom. You could also use LED strip lighting to create a cosy and warm effect. Whatever your bedroom becomes, it must be a place that you love to visit! The more tranquil you feel, the better you will sleep.

‘Queen Anne’ Style Residence

TOTTERIDGE VILLAGE, N20 aster bedroom suite with balcony, fitted dressing M room & luxury en suite bathroom Guest bedroom suite 4 further bedrooms with en suite bathrooms Formal drawing room and dining room Bespoke fitted study Family room

POA

uest cloakroom/wc G 2nd wc and boot room ‘Christians’ fitted kitchen/breakfast room featuring vaulted glazed ceiling Exquisite south facing landscaped gardens incorporating tennis court and extensive sun terrace

nclosed forecourt entrance with gated access E Integral garaging for 2/3 vehicles Abundance of internal and external features including under floor heating Excellent transport links (central London 28 mins), M1/M25 motorways

For an appointment to view, please contact sole agents Real Estates 0208 445 3132 O F F I C E S 74 Totteridge Lane, London N20 8QG

020 8445 3132

A T

14/14a Sussex Ring, Woodside Park, N12 7HX

020 8445 6387

www.realestates-wsp.co.uk

H OUS E & GA R D E N

Make an entrance! How to create a welcoming hallway E

The hallway is the first room guests see in a house. Make yours warm and welcoming with our inspirational design tips and advice…

ntrance ways tend to be dark and narrow but painting them white isn’t necessarily the best option. “Hallways, especially busy family ones, can take a lot of wear of tear and white be very unforgiving, as well as cold, so a better option, is to choose a light, bright colour in a warm tone. Choose a colour that is a shade or two lighter than the main room the hallway leads to, and it will help create continuity between the two spaces. As this room is primarily a walk-through, you can afford to make a strong design statement and be bold with colour and pattern. Patterned wallpaper with a slight shine will help reflect the light, while vertical stripes can create the illusion of height. If you’re concerned about knocks and scratches, a practical option is to have painted wood panelling on the bottom of the wall, with statement wallpaper above. Feature flooring Flooring in a hallway needs to be durable but choose wisely and you can create impact while being practical too. If you have a particularly long and narrow hallway, a chequerboard effect on the floor will create the impression of width - the wider the tiles, the wider it will look. Hallway runners are a great way to inject colour, while colourful striped carpet will instantly enliven a stairway. If you have bare wooden stairs, consider painting each step a different shade of the same colour or have fun with stencils to create patterns or words. Let the light in Hallways can often be dark, so getting the lighting right is essential. If you

9 6 M AY 2 0 1 4

have a high ceiling, a large pendant light will act as a beautiful centrepiece and be the first thing that people see when they enter your home. If the ceiling is low, pendant lights will have the effect of making the room feel smaller, so wall lights are the better option. Mirrors are a good way to reflect natural light and give the illusion of more space. A large mirror placed at the end of a hallway instantly provides depth, making a hallway feel larger. Storage solutions Hallways can easily become cluttered so finding a space for coats, keys and shoes is a must. A wooden bench with storage If you have room, offers storage as well as a useful seating area. The more floor space you can see, the larger your hallway will seem and there are lots of great wall-hung cupboards available. Make a feature Hallways may be small but that doesn’t mean you can’t create a stunning focal point. A narrow console table with a pair of lamps and mirror above makes a pretty focal point - while a vase of fresh flowers or a scented cinnamon candle will create an inviting aroma. A group of family portraits is another great way to add interest and personalise the space. Generally, it’s best to hang fewer, larger pictures as opposed to several smaller ones, as it can make the space seem more confined and cluttered. With a little imagination and the right colours, storage and lighting, you can create an inviting entrance you’ll love coming home to and will want to show off.

www.rogeroates.com

H OUS E & GA R D E N

JOHN BLY ANTIQUES

Marquetry Just because you don’t hear much about something that was once the height of fashion doesn’t mean to say it’s dead.

he ancient and decorative craft of marquetry was first introduced to England in the early 1600’s and for three generations it displayed the skill and imagination of the makers as well as the wealth and taste of its patrons. It involves the use of thin sheets of timber, either natural, variously stained or bleached being cut into shapes which when placed together rather like a jigsaw puzzle will form pictures ranging from intricate floral arrangements to architectural motifs to landscapes and more recently portraits. It went out of favour by 1700 and was not seen in fashionable workshops until the 1770’s when once again it became the most sought after decoration on fine furniture. Although it lost this status by 1800 other forms of marquetry appeared and lasted throughout the Victorian period. One of these was Tunbridgeware, which has the appearance of mosaic but, like original marquetry, the pictures are formed before being applied to the surface of the item to be decorated. Mosaic scenes are created in much the same way as a parquet floor and the furniture decoration - parquetry.

9 8 M AY 2 0 1 4

The aftermath of two World Wars saw a dearth of artistic activity from which there has been a slow recovery until really the 21st century. Prior to that marquetry could be described as a hobby rather than a commercial form of decoration. But that has changed and both amateur and professionally made marquetry is back in fashion. Of the latter the Linley brand name is a world leader using lazer technology, but it is the former individual, handcrafted marquetry that gives me most pleasure in noting its renaissance. There is now a Marquetry Society with fellow member Marquetarians all over the world. The range of subject matter knows no bounds, with portraiture being a surprisingly successful diversion, and classes for young children being well and keenly attended. With regular international exhibitions, marquetry is surely and deservedly on its way back to the forefront as a fashionable decorative art.

John Bly 533 Kings Road, Chelsea john@johnbly.com

H OUS E & GA R D E N

Choosing the right bath

CALABAR BATH Create a stunning focal point in your bathroom with the Calabar Freestanding Bath in daring orange - highly dramatic and extremely contemporary.

When choosing a new bath, usually it is the shape and size of the room which dictates what sort of bath you buy.

ou will need to think about how you will be using the bathtub, above all, it should be comfortable. Consider the shape, size and depth of the bath, do you have space for a freestanding bath or limited space where a shower over the bath would work best.

Freestanding baths remain a popular choice either sitting directly onto the floor or mounted on wooden or chrome supports. a freestanding bath can either stand alone, be raised on a platform or be located along a wall with the length going along a wall but aesthetically they need space at each end to show off their contours. Moving a bath away from the walls also has implications as far as weight distribution is concerned. You may need to check your bathroom flooring to ensure the floor can cope with the weight. It’s not just a question of how much the bath weighs when it’s empty but when it’s full – water + person. Shown in Farrow & Ball Charlotte’s Locks paint finish - For a truly personalised design to your bath you can select from a range of RAL colours for the outer to contrast the white inner. The lighting you choose can have a huge effect on the mood of your bathroom, lighting in a bathroom can be quite different from any other room in the house. It can create drama and ambience, set a mood and make the bathroom a haven, a place to unwind at the end of a stressful day. Consider light “layers”- light from different sources which are controlled separately to create different effects. A dimmer switch is a simple yet effective way to control the amount of light within the bathroom. Available from Ripples: www.ripples.ltd.uk 116 Fulham Road Chelsea London SW3 6HU Tel 0207 373 3668 26 England’s Lane London NW3 4TG Tel 0207 449 9594 12 Lichfield Terrace Sheen Road Richmond TW9 1AT Tel 0203 166 4008 1 0 0 M AY 2 0 1 4

BC DESIGNS Boat Bath, cast from solid aluminum, with a hand-polished finish, this show-stopping boat bath would make a glamorous addition to any bathroom.

20%

discount*

Wall-to-wall imagination Fantastic wallpaper murals. Any wall, any size, any space. Simply choose a mural from the thousands available, enter your wall measurements and resize the design to fit your wall. Email: hello@ohpopsi.com Tel: 0161 923 0234.

For news & offers: facebook.com/ohpopsi

* To receive your 20% discount, simply like and message us on Facebook quoting â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;London Life.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Offer ends 31st May 2014.

TREEHOUSE HARDWOOD FLOORING

QUALITY ENVIRONMENT FOR QUALITY OF LIFE Specialists in high quality solid and sustainable hardwood flooring We carry a huge range of woods from around the world, displayed at our Notting Hill showroom in large sample boards to assist clients, designers and architects, in planning interiors. Board and strip flooring wood block and decking, bespoke floor production. Other services, special project installation, wall panelling, staircases, doors, worktops, cabinetry, natural stone & many other interior related products. Exceptional value, experienced craftsmen, quality installation.

Showroom : 116 Talbot Rd, Notting Hill, London, W11 1JR E-mail sales@treehouseflooring.co.uk Tel: 020 7460 0376 www.treehouseflooring.co.uk

EV E N TS

7I N TOF THE BEST E R I O R D E S I G N T R E N DS A

ny proud homeowner knows that keeping your home looking its best is just as important as keeping yourself wellgroomed. Redecorating your entire property can be costly in both time and funds, but subtle nods to the latest trends in interior design keep things looking and feeling fresh.

Here are the key interior trends for 2014 that you may want to think about incorporating: TREND 1 TURQUOISE The pastels and beiges of previous seasons are being firmly placed to one side as 2014 sees us embracing richer jewel tones. Turquoise is undoubtedly the must-have colour of the year; if you don’t want to commit to a full feature wall in the colour, then consider adding some accessories such as cushions, throws or rugs to bring in the trend. Be sure to choose shades that are rich as opposed to more subtle tones this look is all about opulence. TREND 2 MIXING TEXTURES The fashion world saw an explosion of texture in 2013 as quilted fabrics and leather became big news. In 2014, this trend seeps into the world of interior design. Leather cushions can be mixed with corduroy throws to add interest to your sofa, or add some excitement to the bedroom with blends of fur and satin. The key is to mix your textures to create an eclectic feel. TREND 3 SHEER DRAPES If you have read our blog post on how to make apartments look bigger, then you will know that light is an essential to making the most of your space. Luckily, in 2014 one of the most fashionable things you can do for your dwelling is to open up the space around your window by replacing heavy curtains with light, sheer fabrics. Choose sheer curtains

1 0 2 M AY 2 0 1 4

or simply pick up some fabric from a local market to drape over your curtain pole for a casual, bohemian look. TREND 4 OPULENT KITCHENS Minimalist kitchens were the height of interior fashion a few years ago, but simplicity takes a back seat in 2014 as glamour arrives on the menu. Don’t get glamour confused with gaudiness, however; this look is all about decorative, Eastern-inspired lighting, sparkling metals such as brass, and richly painted wood. Some quirky accessories such as ornate kettles and teapots add the perfect finishing touches for this trend. TREND 5 VINTAGE PIECES Tying in with the luxury that the other trends encompass, this season your home accessories should all have flair and originality. The best way to do this is by picking up vintage, one-off pieces that nobody else is likely to have A vintage armoire or chaise longue are the ultimate statement pieces, but you can also achieve the look with smaller items such as a vintage clock on the mantelpiece or some vintage movie posters. TREND 6 TRANSPARENT FURNITURE Certainly not a trend for the faint-hearted, in 2014 acrylic furniture is going to become big news in interiors. Fans of minimalism will adore the added space and light that transparent chairs and tables allows for in a room, while fashionistas will love the retro feel that it creates. If you’re not quite brave enough to go for full acrylic, then transparent legs on sofas or tables will create the same effect, though more subtly. TREND 7 HEXAGONS In 2014, things get very edgy. In fact, the more edges the better. Things that were traditionally square in shape – think tiles, tabletops and mirrors – are given a modern twist by appearing in hexagonal form.

Have you heard... “Your furniture is really beautiful and the service is excellent.” Richard, St Albans October 2013

neptunefulham.com Neptune Fulham 87-93 Wandsworth Bridge Road, London SW6 2TD 0207 371 99 97 info@neptunefulham.com

DINING

LIVING

BEDROOM

B AT H R O O M

GARDEN

KITCHEN

H OUS E & GA R D E N

DISTRESSED SAND ENGINEERED OAK

OAK AGED PARQUET WOODBLOCKS

ENGINEERED OAK SILVER WHITE

The Natural Wood Floor Company LONDON’S PREMIER WOOD FLOORING MANUFACTURER & SUPPLIER

here’s nothing quite like a wooden floor for bringing warmth, texture and style into the home. As well as stunning looks and decorative appeal, wood is a very practical option, being easy to maintain, extremely hardwearing and very versatile. But with so much choice when it comes to wood species, plank widths, finishes, textures and colours, choosing the right product can seem rather daunting. To make an informed decision, it pays to do your research by visiting an established and reputable company’s showroom. As well as being offered practical and reliable advice, you will also be able to evaluate the quality of the products and assess the company’s environmental credentials.

as their silver and grey finished boards, so you can compare the different products and the looks they create.

The Natural Wood Floor Company is a successful family run business, which has been manufacturing the finest quality wooden flooring for over 20 years. Their Wandsworth showroom, with free parking, displays an impressive collection of over 140 different flooring designs, along with matching flooring accessories and maintenance products.

Environmental issues are high on the agenda and all of The Natural Wood Floor Company’s products are manufactured from sustainable timber. The company also operate a zero waste policy, meaning that every single part of the tree is utilised in the manufacturing process.

The company’s varied and stylish flooring designs cater for all tastes and budgets. You’ll find their impressive engineered, solid wood, pre-finished, parquet and chevron ranges on display, so you can take a closer look and discuss your requirements with the experienced, friendly sales team. Classic designs are displayed alongside more contemporary styles, such 1 0 4 M AY 2 0 1 4

As well as manufacturing their existing range, The Natural Wood Floor Company is adept at anticipating future flooring trends, which not only provide the latest, fashionable looks but also stand the test of time. Their new distressed flooring gives timber boards a new depth by combining visible textures and intricate grain patterns with accentuated deep splits, cracks and knots. Available in a choice of finishes; Antique, Sand and Old White, to match your own style and decorative needs.

To find your perfect floor visit www.naturalwoodfloor.co.uk or visit the showroom. The Natural Wood Floor Company 20 Smugglers Way, Wandsworth, London SW18 1EG 020 8871 9771

BEAUTIFUL WOODEN

FLOORING FOR

STYLISH

LIVING

Manufacturers of engineered, solid Wood, Pre-finished, Parquet Woodblocks & flooring accessories.

FREE PARKING AT THE LONDON SHOWROOM î&#x201A;&#x160;e natural Wood floor company, 20 smugglers Way Wandsworth london sW18 1eg telephone 020 8871 9771

one of the largest wood f looring manufacturers in europe. over 20,000 sq m of f looring in stock, covering 140 different designs. Plus a wide choice of cleaning and maintenance products.

Visit

www.naturalwoodfloor.co.uk to view the full flooring range

OUTDOOR LIFE T H E

Q U A L I T Y

G U I D E

T O

Y O U R

I D E A L

O U T D O O R

MAKING THE OUTDOORS

YOUR NEW CE LIVING SPA

S P A C E

M A Y

2 0 1 4

N WITH SO MANY TELEVISIO AND ES PROGRAMMES, MAGAZIN NING AND BOOKS DEVOTED TO GARDE BUYERS OUTDOOR DESIGN, HOUSE IOUS BIT AM RE ARE BECOMING MO IT EN WH AND MORE DISCERNING G KIN MA COMES TO CREATING AND OR SPACE. THE MOST OF THEIR OUTDO

GET CREATIVE WITH OUR GARDEN EXPERTS

OU OOR LIFE EV ETNDTS

The rhs Chelsea

Tuesday 20Th - saTurday 24Th May 2014 | royal hospiTal Chelsea, sW3

owhere makes gardening more fashionable than the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. A catwalk of colour and creativity, the latest trends and the pinnacle of garden design make this show the one the world wants to see.

The creme de la creme of the gardening world will be wowing visitors so make sure you’re there to enjoy gardening at its most gorgeous and glamorous. The RHS Chelsea Flower Show, sponsored by M&G Investments, is back in a spectacular show brimming with colour and creativity. Highlights of the 2014 RHS Chelsea Flower Show • The 2014 show will be as exciting as ever and plans are already gathering momentum! Here are just a few of the highlights at this stage: • In the Great Pavilion, new exhibitors include Drointon Nurseries, City of Cape Town, Creative Garden Design and PW Bamboo, whilst longstanding exhibitor Hilliers will be creating a stunning display on the Monument site at the heart 6 0M Y A2Y021041 4 1 8 AM

of the Great Pavilion to mark their 150th anniversary • Other anniversary displays include NAFAS’s display celebrating their Emerald anniversary titled “A Green Thought in a Green Shade”, a one-off display by Perennial marking their 175 years of support for horticulturists and a stunning display by South West in Bloom highlighting “Fifty Golden Years of Bloom” • Hooksgreen Herbs are staging a herb garden inspired by Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit stories. • New for 2014, Discovery (in the Great Pavilion) replaces RHS Environment and showcases the best scientific and educational exhibits from the world of horticulture Alan Titchmarsh celebrates 50th Anniversary of RHS Britain in Bloom RHS Vice President Alan Titchmarsh is designing the RHS Britain in Bloom garden at this year’s show, sponsored by M&G Investments, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of RHS Britain in Bloom and Alan’s own 50 years in horticulture. It is almost 30 years since Alan has designed a garden at the world’s most famous horticultural event. This year Alan is joining forces with another RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold medal winner, Kate Gould, to create ‘From the Moors to the Sea - a celebration of RHS Britain in Bloom’, which will be a garden feature demonstrating how the 300,000 volunteers help to make Britain bloom as well as exploring Alan’s relationship with horticulture through his life. Alan Titchmarsh, said: “I can think of no better way of celebrating 50 years as a professional gardener, and 50 years of RHS Britain in Bloom, than by creating a garden for the RHS at the Chelsea Flower Show. ‘From the Moors to the Sea’ is

OU T D O O R ELNI TS FE EV

FloWer shoW a joyous celebration of our floral heritage and the people who do their bit to conserve our islands’ plants and flowers and realise the importance of beautifying our surroundings whether in village, town or city.” Pavilion exhibits commemorate outbreak of First World War Life on the frontline in World War I will be the focus of a floral exhibit in the Great Pavilion at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year. Birmingham City Council has joined forces with the Royal British Legion and the charity Thrive for the floral exhibit. The display will feature wartime memorabilia as well as giant poppies and reconstructions of the trenches. Pennard Plants will also be commemorating the outbreak of the war with two back-toback gardens reflecting the times before and after 1914. Chelsea Show Gardens unveiled • The bright young stars of horticulture will be taking centre stage with many gardens being designed by new, up-and-coming talent, with exhibitors giving young people the opportunity to be a part of this world-class show. • Hugo Bugg, will be designing The RBC Waterscape Garden, for Royal Bank of Canada. Embrace the Rain has been designed to illustrate global water issues, whilst demonstrating practical water management solutions for the home gardener. • Brothers, Harry and David Rich, are together designing a garden for environmentally responsibly utility provider, Bord Na Mona. The brothers return to Chelsea with their first show garden, after having designed an Artisan Garden at the show in 2013. • Inspired by the personal experience of his brother’s tours to Afghanistan with the armed forces, Matt Keightley, will also be designing his first show garden. Hope on the Horizon, for servicemen’s charity, Help for Heroes, represents the complex path towards recovery experienced by injured and sick personnel. Other Show gardens include: The Laurent-Perrier Garden, The Homebase Garden, The Telegraph Garden, and The M&G Garden…. The M&G Garden, designed by award-winning Cleve West M&G Investments, the title sponsor of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and a leading international investment management company, has commissioned award-winning landscape designer Cleve West to create a contemporary paradise garden.Invented by the Persians more than a thousand years ago, paradise gardens are spaces for sanctuary and contemplation. Cleve is known for designs which

combine the classic with the contemporary and in his plan for The M&G Garden he is using ancient elements of water, shade and planting to create a paradise garden fit for 2014. The result is a showcase of how British garden design has evolved yet retains many features that have stood the test of time, an approach that reflects M&G Investments’ own company values. The M&G Garden’s centrepiece is a tall, octagonal fountain within a sunken base, built from traditional British Bath limestone and flint. The water flows into four rills, through a stone edged sunken terrace and into an octagonal perimeter. The rills are a nod to the four rivers that are said to have flowed through the Garden of Eden, which many might think of as the original paradise garden. Behind the fountain, flanked by yew hedging, is a vast limestone relief depicting the Tree of Life, painstakingly engraved across five panels by Cleve himself. The tree’s carved roots reach out to the planting below it, giving life to The M&G Garden and representing the roots of many gardens throughout the world. Cleve West says “M&G has done a tremendous job working with the RHS as title sponsor of RHS Chelsea and I’m excited to be returning to the Show and working with them.” Chelsea Artisan Gardens include: 75 years of The Roof Gardens in Kensington The Roof Gardens in Kensington have long been one of London’s most spectacular and extraordinary landmarks and 9th May 2013 marked their 75th anniversary. The Spanish Garden created by Ralph Hancock in 1936 is the basis for this design, which takes inspiration from its Moorish pillars, iron gate and balconies. The Spanish Garden is an inspiring and bright garden that reflects the past and present styles of The Roof Gardens and showcases their accessibility for all. To buy tickets visit www.rhs.org.uk/chelsea. All tickets must be bought in advance. Established in 1913 on the grounds of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, the show has become one of the most celebrated annual events in the world and is now hailed as the catwalk of the gardening world. Since its beginning, the show has grown from 244 exhibitors in 1913 to more than 500 today. It now attracts 161,000 visitors each year and brings the world’s best horticulture to the heart of London.

For more information, and to book tickets please visit www.rhs.org.uk 7 MM AYAY 2 0 1240 1140 9

OU T D O O R L I F E

AWARD-WINNING GARDEN DESIGNER CLEVE WEST BRINGS

A CONTEMPORARY PARADISE GARDEN TO THE 2014 RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW

Winner of seven RHS Gold Medals returns, after a one year hiatus, as designer of The M&G Garden

&G Investments, the title sponsor of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and a leading international investment management company, has commissioned award-winning landscape designer Cleve West to create a contemporary paradise garden.

Invented by the Persians more than a thousand years ago, paradise gardens are spaces for sanctuary and contemplation. Cleve is known for designs which combine the classic with the contemporary and in his plan for The M&G Garden he is using ancient elements of water, shade and planting to create a paradise garden fit for 2014. The result is a showcase of how British garden design has evolved yet retains many features that have stood the test of time, an approach that reflects M&G Investments’ own company values. The M&G Garden’s centrepiece is a tall, octagonal fountain within a sunken base, built from traditional British Bath limestone and flint. The water flows into four rills, through a stone edged sunken terrace and into an octagonal perimeter. The rills are a nod to the four rivers that are said to have flowed through the Garden of Eden, which many might think of as the original paradise garden. Behind the fountain, flanked by yew hedging, is a vast limestone relief depicting the Tree of Life, painstakingly engraved across five panels by Cleve himself. The tree’s carved roots reach out to the planting below it, giving life to The M&G Garden and representing the roots of many gardens throughout the world. Arithmetic and ancient science inform other aspects of the design. The number four is referenced again in the planting of four trees around the fountain, representing the classical elements of earth, air, fire and water. Each tree sits in a bed of planting in which perennials, bulbs and herbs jostle for position.Key flora include; English Yew (Taxus baccata), Hairy Canary Clover (Dorycnicum hirsutum), Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Hairy Melic (Melica 1 1 0 M AY 2 0 1 4

ciliata), Bear’s Breeches (Acanthus ‘Rue Ledan’), Silver Mound (Artemisia schmiidtiana), Centaurea ‘Phoenix Hybrids’, Dianthus carthusianorum ‘Miss Farrow’, Gillenia trifoliata, Purple Toadflax (Linaria purpurea), Senecio polyodon, Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Euphorbia ‘Compton Ash’, Mint (Mentha sp.) and Thyme (Thymus sp.). “I was inspired by the idea that the ancient gardens of Persia, Greece and Italy still influence the way we create gardens today and I wanted to celebrate that in The M&G Garden. I also enjoy weaving a contemporary dynamic within what might be seen as a traditional context, it can bring a great energy to a garden” said Cleve West. “Paradise to me is any place where you can lose yourself and where, for a moment at least, time stands still, hopefully this garden will allow people the opportunity to do that. He continued: “M&G has done a tremendous job working with the RHS as title sponsor of RHS Chelsea and I’m excited to be returning to the Show and working with them.” Jacqui Haskins, M&G Marketing Director, commented: “It’s always an honour to be working with the RHS, helping to showcase the best in horticultural design and each time unveiling The M&G Garden anew. We have watched Cleve’s work at previous Shows very closely and so we are thrilled to be working with him for the 2014 Show. Not only do we feel that’s Cleve’s impression of a paradise garden resonates well with our values at M&G, we are also confident that Cleve’s innovative yet contemporary style of planting will produce another crowd pleasing success.” 2014 marks M&G’s fourth year as the title sponsor of RHS Chelsea. M&G has been managing the money of individuals and institutions for more than 80 years.

CLEVE WEST

M&G GARDEN DESIGNER

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show runs from 20th – 24th May 2014 at Royal Hospital Chelsea. www.mandgchelsea.co.uk www.clevewest.com www.rhs.org

OU T D O O R L I F E

ROSES

LAVENDER

FUSCHIA

TULIPS

SWEET PEAS

The TOP 10 garden flowers that can sell your property Following a recent survey by Homebase, the following is a list of the ten most popular types of garden flowers most attractive to house hunters! A growing investment for the future!

LILIES

JASMINE

GERANIUMS

Sunflowers Bright and cheerful sunflowers are the tenth most likely garden flower to cement a house sale. These flowers can grow to be as tall as 6 feet or possibly even higher depending on the flower itself.

Hydrangea Hydrangea’s billowing blossoms come in at number nine. They are popular garden shrubs with delicate heads of flowers in shades of pink, white or blue and pretty autumn colour and leaf shape. The mophead and lace-cap hydrangeas are most well-known for their ability to change colour in different soils.

Geraniums One of Britain’s most popular perennials, geraniums take eighth place. Geraniums, also known as Pelargoniums, are one of the most popular bedding plants in the UK. There are a wide range of geraniums to choose from, available as plug plants and mature potted plants. Geranium plug plants are so easy to grow and are ideal for beds and borders as well baskets and containers.

Jasmine At number seven is the delightful and fragrant Jasmine. A popular climber with a delicate scent, and there are many cultivars for summer and winter. Jasminum officinale (summer jasmine) is perfect for a sunny, sheltered spot in mild regions in the UK.

Lilies One of the most magnificent garden bulbs, so it’s no surprise that lilies tend to impress potential househunters. Lilies are the artistocrats of the summer border. Most will grow in partial shade or full sun, in any welldrained, fertile soil although some require lime-free conditions.

Sweet Peas As we move into the top 5, Sweet Peas not only look pretty, but they smell amazing too, and one of the most popular annual flower. Sweet Peas like a sunny home in the garden in fertile, well-drained soil. Smaller cultivars are available for hanging baskets and containers.

1 1 2 M AY 2 0 1 4

HYDRANGEA

SUNFLOWERS

ulips T There are few plants more cheering than a tulip, which may be why potential home buyers are drawn to them. Tulips are amongst the most popular of bulbs, valued for their brilliant flower colours and shapes. Plant in autumn for a show of spring flowers.

uchsia F At number three, the very popular fuchsia, a pretty shrub with unusuallyshaped flowers. Fuchsias are grown for their very attractive, usually pendent flowers that are borne more or less continuously from summer to autumn. They are useful in summer-bedding schemes, containers or in the ground. Some fuchsias are hardy enough to be used as hedges and in permanent plantings.

Lavender The second most popular plant, Lavender is an easy to grow, evergreen shrub, that produces masses of beautifully scented flowers above green or silvery-grey foliage. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in a sunny border, container, herb or gravel gardens. Lavender is best planted April-May as the soil is warming up.

And in first place? The traditional English Rose. These beauties come in a range of colours, many with scented blooms, and they can be grown in borders, containers, over arches, pergolas and as ground-cover. They are easy to grow and live for a long time, if looked after. Planting time is late-autumn to early spring. There are so many roses to choose from, and if you do like the finer things in life, this can be illustrated through your choice of rose. Wonderful names such as Champagne Moment, English Elegance and Savoy Hotel.

You can have as many different varieties as you wish to maintain what is England’s great gardening heritage. In order for your garden to flourish successfully, you need to maintain it and keep it healthy on a daily basis. The types of flowers you choose will have a large impact on the overall outcome of your garden. Which flowers you choose will ultimately be your choice and regardless of the kinds or colours of your flowers, your garden will be a wonderful piece of work for everyone to admire…including potential house buyers!

Gardens designed to create and inspire 20% off design with voucher code LANDONE20

w w w . l a n d s c a p e o n e . c o . u k

LandscapeOne:design 0800 848 8053

1-4 page-May 2014-paths.indd 1

01/05/2014 1

15 Year Guarantee

• Puddle free

• Easy to maintain • No loose stone • Long lasting Britain's Specialist in • UV stable Permeable Resin Bound Paving Contact us for an Installer in your area 0800 612 6329

www.suresetmyhome.co.uk

OU T D O O R L I F E

Take the plunge with an outdoor swimming pool They’re glamorous, highly desirable, fun and great for parties. And if you’ve been stuck in a car or train on a sweltering summer day, nothing beats diving into one as soon as you get home. A swimming pool in the garden will keep you fit and have friends beating a path to your door on a hot day.

swimming pool is not guaranteed to increase a property’s value or render it more sellable, even if it’s a large enough home to make a pool, along with a tennis court, de rigueur. In fact, with young families’ safety concerns, it could reduce the number of potential buyers, so do bear this in mind if you are planning to sell at a later date. Outdoor pools (not counting the above-ground temporary ones) will cost from about £30,000 up to £100,000, but keep in mind this is a lifestyle choice, not an investment. Have a swimming pool because you want one and will use it, and forget the “added value” bit. And do check whether you need planning permission before you start to create your dream pool.

What is fun is a “pool house” A new structure or converted outbuilding with a fold-back glass wall, tables and chairs and a fridge-freezer stocked with ice creams and drinks. A glass-sided building or converted barn could, of course, house an indoor pool, which may be the ultimate British-weather compromise. “If it’s south-facing you could have the best of both worlds. Open the fold-backs when it’s warm, close them when it’s not, and you can still use the pool in winter,” says Christopher Bailey at Knight Frank’s country house department. Where can I find a contractor and how do I choose one?

Position is everything: south-facing, out of the wind, away from falling leaves and the right distance from the house provides maximum enjoyment. There are two main types of swimming pool: above ground pools and submerged pools. Aboveground pools tend to be cheaper because you don’t have to dig a hole and fit them but submerged pools are more traditional and provide easier entry for children or elderly people. In addition to the type of pool, you will have to decide on the type of materials you want your pool to consist of. There are three common finishes: liner; fibreglass shell; and tiles. These all require different amounts of maintenance and will affect the overall price of the job. You can use eco-friendly equipment such as ground source heat pumps and solar pool covers can reduce running costs. Increasingly popular is a pool as part of an outdoor entertaining area, perhaps with other leisure facilities, like a hot tub or play area. The addition of a spa to your swimming pool really adds a social dimension. What better way is there to while away some time in comfort and warmth, without all that energetic swimming? Outdoor swimming pool design can include automatic covers, landscaping and garden buildings for changing, plant and equipment. You could also consider a beautiful tiled motif on the floor of your swimming pool to add a touch of personality. You can even design your own! 1 1 4 M AY 2 0 1 4

Of course, contractors advertise in local directories and online but the problem with choosing one like this is that you will have no idea of how reliable, professional, and expensive the company is before you deal with them. The best thing to do is to ask people you trust, who have had pools built, exactly who it was that they used. Neighbours are always a good source of information! In addition to this, always check that a contractor has up to date insurance, covering him for any damage that might be caused to your property. Costs of buying and installing a swimming pool? The estimate that you are given will comprise of two parts: the contractor’s labour rate and the materials rate. Often, however, labour will be included in an overall estimate price as opposed to being calculated daily. It is very important to get multiple quotes as prices can vary wildly. It is recommended that you obtain at least 3 estimates. It is also worth asking if they will guarantee their work – and how long for! You should also be sure to get a written estimate with a breakdown of all the costs. The final price should not deviate greatly from this guide price (provided no unforeseen problems surface). Please also bear in mind the cost of running and maintaining the pool after it is built. This ranges from £200 to £800 per season, depending on the size of the pool and the insulating materials.

Origin leisure

the original indoor outdoor pool company

Your project. From beginning to end...

Building perfect pools for over thirty years. Ring Origin on 01895 823366 or email for our brand new brochure info@originleisure.com www.originleisure.com

OU T D O O R L I F E Fenton House Picture Laura Nolte

Rosa Celestial Picture Laura Nolte

Rosa Graham Thomas Picture Laura Nolte

Top tips from a beguiling National Trust garden in Hampstead The gardens at Fenton House in Hampstead are at their peak during the summer months, with unmissable colour, scent and relaxing spaces to take in the view. With vibrant displays of flowers and long, refreshing days to look forward to, it’s time to make the most of nature, with a healthy serving of sunshine.

ational Trust Gardener Andrew Darragh, from Fenton House, gives his top tips for roses and borders: “After working in London gardens for over 10 years and Fenton House for over 3 years, I have modified the RHS methods to suit the needs of the roses in the city, for better garden displays. My top tips on growing roses: The main route to success for healthy roses in a garden is to prune well and nor too over-enthusiastic. Prune out 1-2 older stems and cut the other stems down to a height according to the type of rose. With climbers and ramblers it is essential that those long new shoot that have grown over the summer months, are tied in and are prioritised over older stems to give you a mass of flowers the next year. The textbook suggests to prune for wind rock in late autumn and then prune harder again around Feb/March. However, in sheltered conditions, I only prune once as soon as new shoots appear in the new year. This allows the rose to focus its new shoots where needed instead of wasting its energy on tip growth or great long shoots that will only get cut off. It is known that roses can be very labour intensive plants needing lots of feeding, watering, and pest and disease maintenance. There are thousands of varieties of roses to purchase, but if you can to get the right rose for your conditions then the after care will be easier.

My favourite roses There are so many varieties, it is difficult to choose my favourite..but here are a few good doers and those to see in most gardens: Rosa “Graham Thomas” is a bright yellow rose that repeat flowers. I find it easy to grow and is known to be one of biggest and best of the yellow David Austin English Roses. It looks amazing in our rose garden at Fenton House. Rosa “Ballerina” is a hybrid musk rose is very commonly used. The sheer quantity of flowers explains why, and is easy to grow. Rosa Brother Cadfael is an easy to grow, vigorous shrub. It has amazing pink flowers, similar to a peony flower. It is a new rose to Fenton house this year, and a great addition to our terrace borders. Climbers and ramblers Rosa “Chaplin’s Pink” climber: It’s not for all tastes as it is a very bright pink. That said it is really good one if you want a rose to thrive in a dappled, shady conditions. 1 1 6 M AY 2 0 1 4

Andrew Darragh

National Trust Gardener at Fenton House Picture Alexa Loy

Rosa “Cecile Brunner” is a massive climber, rising to 6 metres. It has a beautiful mass of little blush pink flowers that resemble a miniature hybrid tea flower. Rosa “Alberic Barbier” is a great white flowering rambler with dark glossy green leaves, perfect to grow over a tree or pergola as is has very bendy pliable shoots. We are using this on the walls around the rose garden and I hope that the foliage will creative a perfect backdrop after the flowers have finished. Under-planting roses Under-planting roses have been nearly unheard of for many years and for good reasons, due to the fact that under-planting can often harbour pests and diseases, compete with the roses and in some cases make it hard to prune or dead head. That all said if you’re like me and find it hard to see a mass of bare soil and only one peak season, there are benefits. It gives a succession of flowering plants that hide the bare bases of the roses, suppresses the weeds and keeps the soil looking as if has a better humus-rich activity, rather than having been hoed to an inch of its life. Below are a few flowering plant combinations that go well with roses The classics are often low-growing herbaceous plants, relatively easy to establish and grow. Alchemilla mollis – Lady’s Mantle G eranium species H euchera species And also…. F oeniculum vulgare ‘purpureum’ bronze fennel Verbena Bonariensis Allium Gigantum and others Verbascums species D igitalis purperea and other species All of the above are a little taller but are easy to see through, allowing light to get through, and give height at the front or the back of the border. A visit to a National Trust property or garden helps support the charity’s work caring for special places for future generations. Spend a summer’s day taking in the views and the scents of flowers in an English country garden. For more information, visit : www.nationaltrust.org.uk Hampstead Grove, Hampstead, London, NW3 6SP Telephone: 020 7435 3471 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fenton-house

We undertake: Tree & Shrub Planting • Supply of Plants • Advisory Services Site Clearance • Mulching of Beds • Insurance Quotations

Planting Planting Services Services

s For All s For All Pantiles Tree Planting Services We undertake: We undertake:

Tree & Shrub Planting Tree & Shrub Planting Free quotations • All staff fully qualified • Public liability insurance Supply of Plants Supply of Plants Advisory Services Advisory Services Site Clearance Site Clearance Mulching of Beds Mulching of Bedsonline now Rootgrow online now Insurance Quotations with gel for bare Rootgrow root plants 360g Insurance Quotations with gel for bare

01932 872195 www.pantiles-nurseries.co.uk root plants 360g ONLY Free quotations £8.99 ONLY All Free staff quotations fully qualified £8.99 Public liability insurance All staff fully qualified Public liability insurance

n t s f o01932 r a l l872195 .co.uk n-nurseries.co.uk tsforall.co.uk

-nurseries.co.uk

OU T D O O R L I F E

from

17th May

2014

A Celebration of Gardening at

Chelsea Fringe The second Chelsea Fringe will begin on Saturday 17th May, and run for three weeks at a host of different venues and settings across London.

uilding on the success of the inaugural 2012 Chelsea Fringe, it will feature a wonderful mixture of public spectacles, horticultural happenings and community celebrations. The Fringe is all about harnessing and spreading some of the excitement and energy that is created around gardens and gardening. The project is to give people the freedom and opportunity to express themselves through the medium of plants and gardens, and allow full participation. Overlapping with but entirely independent of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the Fringe explodes out of the showground geographically, demographically and conceptually. Its events encompass everything from grassroots community garden projects, to avant-garde art installations. Their open-access principle means that just about anything goes in the subject of gardens, flowers, vegetable-growing or landscape. The Fringe showcases a wide range of work from professionals and enthusiasts, both from the gardening world and beyond. Contributors create installations, events and experiences, exhibits, talks and walks. Anyone can enter a project in the Chelsea Fringe; registration starts at £10 for a one-day event, while most projects pay £25 (volunteer/community rate).

Projects already confirmed for 2014 include: Making Meadows 17th May As part of the restoration of the 18th century landscape at Strawberry Hill House Chelsea Fringe are installing a large area of wildflower meadow into the lawns and planting a wildflower meadow as a green roof on the visitor centre roof. Come and see the meadows being planted and hear about how you can do this in your own garden during a short walking tour. Tours will start at 2pm and 4pm on Saturday 17th May and Wednesday 4th June. Behind the Wall 23rd & 24th May - 7am-8.30am As part of Chelsea Fringe 2014, New Covent Garden Flower Market are offering a tour to show what is ‘Behind the Wall’ of the Market. You will get to see the place that inspires London’s florists and learn about the history of the 1 1 8 M AY 2 0 1 4

UK’s largest Wholesale Flower Market. There are only 20 place available on each tour so book now to avoid disappointment. To book your place on the tour visit chelseafringe.com Nector Collectors 28th & 29th May – 11am-3pm Have a look around the gardens of the Isis Education Centre at The LookOut in Hyde Park, as part of this year’s Chelsea Fringe. See the sunshine pond, butterfly border, meadow, mini-beast area and stunning carved entrance poles. Explore the grounds, then sit on the terrace and relax in tranquil park surroundings. If you’re feeling creative you can also join in on craft activities inside the beautiful Isis Education Centre. Lost Gardens Of The Strand Walk 3rd June 6.30-8.30pm As part of London’s Chelsea Fringe, this walk will explore the gardens that would have bloomed along the Strand in London – grand gardens, personal gardens, secret gardens, and the garden echoes that still remain. Expect some surprises, quiet moments and new insights to one of London’s busiest streets. Horniman Gardens Festival 8th June Join us for a day of family events and quirky performances inspired by the Horniman Gardens. The programme will include music on the bandstand, planting activities, vegetable instrument-making workshops, herbal cocktail masterclasses, guerrilla gardening and tours of the gardens by the Horniman gardeners The Piazza Garden 8th June – 10am-4am For one day only, Wimbledon Piazza will be turned into a garden – with a little help from local residents! Everyone will bring a contribution – flowers, fruit, bird tables…. – all adding up to a beautiful space for the day. Participation is open to all but registration of contributions is essential for planning the garden. Please contact Caroline on cpankhurst2005@yahoo.co.uk to state what you would like to bring.

For further details of events, registration and to reserve spaces on tours, please visit www.chelseafringe.com

OU T D O O R L I F E

Win A Luxu Fortnumry Mason T & Hamperea

It’s about time. At NFU Mutual we believe in taking the time to get to know our customers face to face. That’s why, when you visit one of our branches the first question we might ask you is “would you like a cup of tea?”

FU Mutual was founded in a teashop in Stratford-Upon-Avon over a century ago and, during that time, we have grown and diversified to provide insurance, investments and pensions. We realise that your home is more than simply bricks and mortar: it’s where you raise your family, entertain your friends and keep some of your most treasured possessions. That’s why we take the time to work closely with you to tailor your home and contents cover to your individual needs, so that your home and possessions are properly protected against the unexpected. To help you protect the things you value, we have just launched NFU Mutual ‘Bespoke’ a new insurance package for those with high-value homes and contents worth over £100,000. Whether you have a contemporary home full of modern art or a listed town house filled with antiques, we can help you correctly value and insure your home and its contents (charges may apply), together with any land or outbuildings attached to your home. As the recent storms and floods highlighted, the true test of any insurance policy comes when you have to make a claim. Whilst relocating families is always a priority in situations like this, we also understand that domestic pets may also need alternative accommodation in the event of a major fire, storm or flood. Water can ruin fine art and antiques and they might need to be removed from the premises and placed into secure storage until the property has been dried out and repaired. In some cases, this could take up to three years, particularly if the property is listed or requires complex repairs or restoration. At NFU Mutual we are committed to providing a personal, local service where our customers and their families are known by their name and not just their policy number. In the event of a claim, our strong local presence means we can respond to your requests and instructions quickly. We also have a specialist claims team on-hand to help and support you through the claims process.

Competition To celebrate the launch of NFU Mutual ‘Bespoke’ and, in recognition of our longstanding affinity with tea, we’re offering one reader the chance to win a luxury Fortnum & Mason tea hamper. Packed full of goodies, including three heritage tea blends in decorative caddies, a tin of Piccadilly biscuits, a jar of golden raspberry preserve and a Fortnum & Mason tea strainer, the hamper also contains a St James fine bone china tea set for two. To enter, all you have to do is email your name and address to pressoffice@nfumutual.co.uk and tell us the answer to the following question: Where was NFU Mutual founded? This promotion is open to residents of the UK, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man aged 18 or over only and excludes employees and agents of NFU Mutual or their families or anyone with any professional association with this promotion. The closing date for entries is Monday 30th June 2014. The winner will be notified online and by post within seven days of the end of June. Once the prize is accepted, the prize will be delivered to the winner’s address within 30 days of the Draw Date. Full terms and conditions can be viewed at www.nfumutual.co.uk/londonnorthtermsandconditions

For more information contact NFU Mutual at Tiddington Road, Tiddington, Stratford upon Avon CV37 7BJ www.nfumutual.co.uk

M AY 2 0 1 4 1 1 9

OU T DEO O L IR FE H OUS &RGA DEN

Making an impression

“You never get a second chance to make a good first impression” ... so the saYing goes. from the grandest of countrY estates to the humblest of homesteads the same holds true

mong the first thing a guest sees on a first visit is the house name or number sign. A Lead sign from Redfields exudes true class, an understated style that would become both castle and cottage. Lead has a beautiful, blue-grey patina that mellows with the passing seasons, a natural hue that blends well with all colours of brick, stone and stucco. Lettering can be accentuated in complimentary colours and either burnished or antiqued at your request. Redfields signs are made to last, when wood rots, cast iron rusts and slate laminates, lead remains. Lead is renowned for its incredible durability, indeed some Roman lead plumbing is still in service to this very day. Lead’s malleability allows it to be easily bent to follow the curve of a wall or tree. Redfields signs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes and we will happily quote

1 12 8 0MM AA Y Y 22 00 11 44

for bespoke designs. Signs can be made double sided for hanging and we can supply beautiful English wrought iron brackets and posts to suit. Redfields signs are individually hand crafted from the purest refined lead at our Hampshire foundry. The signs are made from old wooden patterns in the traditional way. Letters and numbers are laterally inverted

(mirror image) and aligned by eye before the sign is moulded in sand. Redfields is a small company of craftsmen specialising in the design, manufacture and restoration of decorative leadwork. They catalogue a wide range of fantastic garden ornaments including statues, fountains, planters, cisterns and sundials. Redfields specialises in bespoke planters and window boxes, it is their greatest pleasure working with their customers from thumbnail sketch through to the installation of a unique garden feature. Paul Henson at Redfields says “ there is nothing more satisfying than installing a beautiful statue and leaving it to patinate and mellow into its new home for generations”... Nice work if you can get it.

Telephone: 02392 870000 Email: sales@redfields.co.uk www.leadsigns.co.uk

Sawn stone steps Architectural ironwork Waterproof guarantee

t: 020 8673 8785

info@englishcitystone.co.uk

www.englishcitystone.co.uk

OU T D O O R L I F E

How to host an elegant garden party Garden parties are a gorgeous and elegant way to celebrate in summer, perfect for either a small celebration, say, a girls’ get-together, or a larger occasion, such as a birthday or engagement party. There’s a certain elegance to eating in the garden, a little thought about decoration and atmosphere goes a long way. Here are some easily achievable suggestions... A smart occasion deserves a formal invitation. Specify a dress code if desired, or leave it blank for casual outdoor attire. ecide on food themes and serving styles. Your menu will depend in large D part on how you plan to serve your guests. Will you hire staff to pass around trays of finger food? Or would you prefer that people serve themselves from a buffet? If you are going to have individual place settings, consider large platters of food that can be easily set on the table — or on a buffet — for people to help themselves, such as roast and grilled meats, salads, antipasto plates and cheese boards. Of course, if you’ve planned a themed party that will guide your choices. Whatever you serve, make sure it’s easy to serve and eat. esignate an outdoor bar area, D with pitchers of mixed drinks as well as easy-access bottles. Use real wine and champagne glasses for extra elegance. Ensure you have a wine cooler, or champagne on ice to greet your guests on arrival. You could create a signature mixed drink. Make ahead and serve in pitchers, to cut down on bartending time. And sophisticated summery cocktails are a must! Always be sure to provide interesting non-alcoholic drinks too. Create a space to relax before and after dinner by opting for smart furniture with comfy cushions. Parasols not only add instant glamour, but they also provide shade and define the seating space. Make sure there’s enough seating for all your guests. You don’t want your party to turn into a game of musical chairs. Background music is essential in setting the tone – just shuffling your iPod won’t create the right ambience. As a rule of thumb, start with gentle music like jazz, and gradually up the tempo, by the end of the evening you may well be dancing until the early hours. And It’s good to have a theme in 1 2 2 M AY 2 0 1 4

mind; depending on your guests and the occasion. Alternatively, if you are looking to host a larger and lively party, you could hire a DJ, space pending of course. S uccessful summer parties usually continue after dusk so plenty of outdoor lighting is essential to keep the party going. Take indoor style outside with low-voltage lighting, specifically for garden use, can involve much more than a simple outdoor spotlight. A garden chandelier using LED bulbs and rubber coated also makes it waterproof. Lanterns or even candles in jars placed on each step in a garden or patio will give a soft magical light, and also make it easier for guests to negotiate tricky areas in the dark. alloons make a great day-to-night B garden party decoration. Use a limited palette and opt for outsized, round balloons to give a grown-up, designer look. To take them from day to night, pop a balloon LED into the inflated balloon before knotting the neck, so that when dusk falls the balloon begins to gently glow. Float on pools and ponds, fill with helium and anchor with lengths of ribbon and tent pegs, or simply tie into decorative bunches and hang in trees around the garden. ake space for the kids - If you’re arranging a party where there will be M children as well as adults, you’ll need to give them some space of their own. A child-sized picnic bench mean you can keep an eye on them while they have space to eat and play in peace! Lawn games are an excellent idea at a garden party, not everyone has a croquet set stored away, so any interactive game will be fun. And lastly, ensure you can keep your guests dry if the summer sun does turn to rain. We are in the UK after all! But no one can throw a good party like the British.

RA N

99 CRAWFORD STREET, LONDON W1H 2HN

FU LL

0800 211 8357

www.marshallandstewart.com

AV 8 LO -64 AI N 0K LA D IN O N G’ BL SW S R E 6 OA AT 2D D U ,

FIRENZE WITH DELICATE HANDCARVING AND STUD DETAILING.

There is nothing so beautiful as something well made

H OUS E & GA R D E N

THE PERFECT SOLUTION TO YOUR SPACE NEEDS

stablished in 2008, Estbury Basements have become one of the leading basement companies operating in and around the London area. Their growth and success has largely been down to their specialist knowledge and experience coupled with their personal client approach. The company has, and continues to be built largely on referrals and recommendations from past and present clients. Estbury Basements was formed initially, when their owners were reconnected through a mutual friend some 6 years ago after not seeing each other for over 15 years. They originally met at school 20 years earlier! Danny had been working in basements the entire time and Richard had a building company that was looking to capitalise on the ever-increasing demand for basements. It made perfect sense to combine their knowledge and expertise. The idea was to create a company that could compete with the largest out there but strip it back, lose the sales staff and big offices and offering the clients a direct and personable approach without compromising on the workmanship and final finish. This meant that they could offer an excellent service for a very competitive price, which very soon propelled them into the company they are today. Still applying those rules as their foundation, Estbury Basements have built up a great team around them, including a full design department consisting of a highly experienced Architect, Engineer and Interior designer, all with proven backgrounds in basement designs.

1 2 4 M AY 2 0 1 4

In addition to this they also have a very specialist and knowledgeable site management and personnel team but managing all the while to keep a close-knit team, they have resisted the urge to grow further and risk losing touch with their clients. Estbury Basements are proud of their highly experienced construction team and have a designated fit-out arm for the perfect finish. 2014 has seen the launch of their new division that caters just for waterproofing and specializes in transforming cellars into usable spaces. They can either offer a full bespoke turnkey service taking you through the planning stage, design, construction and fit-out through to hand over or manage each section separately. Either way they are confident they can help you transform your home Danny and Richard have seen a tremendous growth over the past few years in basement requirements due to the increasing cost of properties limiting the options to relocate so the demand for basements has never been greater. Please feel free to call Estbury Basements for a free no obligation consultation. Either Richard or Danny will be at the initial meeting and you will have constant contact with them throughout the whole process for complete piece of mind. Tel: 0844 357 9420 info@estbury.com www.estburybasements.com

beautiful timber windows GÜTLIN CLOCKS & ANTIQUES

One of London’s largest selections of antique grandfather clocks and French mantel clocks All types of antique clocks repaired FREE b e sand p o k restored. e s a s h & c a s eESTIMATES! m e n t w i n d o w s Come and visit us at the showroom: 606 King’s Road SW6 2DX406Tel: 020 7384 2804 Merton Road, London SW18 5AD Telephone 0208 877 8920 www.gutlin.com E-mail: mark@gutlin.com www.ayrtonbespoke.com

London’s oldest supplier of British & European quality Door, Window and Cabinet Hardware

Locks & Handles

Architectural Components Ltd Unit 2, 25 Effie Road, Fulham, London SW6 1EL close to Fulham Broadway station

Tel 020 7751 3397 Fax 020 7736 1282 sales@knobs.co.uk Comprehensive stocks held at the showroom of all associated architectural ironmongery, locks & latches, hooks, brassware, electrical switch & socket plates, taps and bathroom accessories.

www.doorhandles.co.uk

SYLVANUS WOODCRAFT se 40 le ct % ed o sh ff ut te rs

Your local shutters specialist Request your free home survey for expert advice, measuring and a no-obligation quote Call FREE on 0808 250 2582 or visit premiershutters.co.uk

Bespoke Furniture, Kitchens, Bookcases and Wardrobes, Built in Cupboards, Architectural Joinery, Sash Windows & Doors, Wooden Step Ladders Call 07968 275 145 or sylvanus@sylvanuswoodcraft.com 35 Enterprise Ind Est, Bolina Rd, London SE16 3LF

www.sylvanuswoodcraft.com

H OUS E & GA R D E N

Simple and elegant...

shutters are the perfect focal point for any room

t may be the simplicity of shutters that makes them so effortlessly stunning – it’s almost certainly what makes them fit beautifully with so many design schemes. Whatever trend or look you’re going for in your home, you’re sure to find a shutter in a style and colour to complement your room perfectly – whether you’re looking for natural wood or a clean and contemporary painted finish. But it’s not all about looks, shutters are incredibly practical too. As you’d expect, they provide excellent control over light and privacy, but there’s more to them than you might think. They also give fantastic insulation to windows – perfect for draughty homes – they’re easy to keep clean and they’re extremely hardwearing, so it’s not just their classic style that will stand the test of time. Spoilt for choice If you’re sold on shutters but you’re not sure whether they’re within your budget, think again. There are so many ranges, from hardwood through to LDF, which make shutters an achievable option for most. What’s more, there are a variety of shutter styles and finishes to choose from – you can even get bespoke shutters for shaped

1 2 8 M AY 2 0 1 4

windows, and waterproof shutters for bathrooms. The options really are endless. Local expertise Premier Shutters, based in Basildon, pride themselves on providing unrivalled experience for anyone looking for shutters for their home. Their staff live and breathe shutters, so you can be confident that you’ll not only get sound advice, you’ll also be absolutely delighted with the finished product. Their specialist surveyors bring their knowledge – not to mention their wide range of samples – to you in your home. They’ll take precise measurements, offer simple guidance and leave a competitive quote – all without the pressure of a hard sell. You’ll be surprised just how many options there are when choosing shutters, so having a friendly expert on hand to answer questions and provide honest advice really is invaluable.

You can book a no-obligation home survey or simply request a brochure by calling FREE on 0808 250 2578 or visiting their website at www.premiershutters.co.uk

Stunning new 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments with balconies in the heart of vibrant SW18 with London on your doorstep

selling FAsT Cgi representation of The schoolyard

Don’t miss out. To book a viewing at our marketing suite call 0844

406 9288 or visit www.theschoolyardsw18.com BLIPP The Schoolyard marble with logo to find out more. Download ter pos free Blippar app

rt adve

et pack

zine maga

n scree

Battersea Park

7327_Advert_LifeMag_9MAY.indd 1 EXCLUSIVE

r poste

08/05/2014 17:24

PREVIEW DOWNLOAD THE BLIPPAR APP AND

BLIPP THIS POSTER

YOU COULD WIN

zine maga

£10,000 DOWNLOAD THE BLIPPAR APP AND

BLIPP THIS PAGE

Blippar, 4th ﬂoor, The Place, 175 High Holborn, London, WC1V 7AA United Kingdom. info@blippar.com

northcote Road

Font = Pill Gothic 300mg light and Bold

FILL SCREEN WITH IMAGE DOWNLOAD BLIPPAR

BLIPP...

IMAGE JUMPS TO LIFE!

EXCLUSIVE RESIDENCES,

PREMIER

ADDRESSES

THE NEWCOURT PHILOSOPHY OF GREAT LOCATION, INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN AND UNRIVALLED SPECIFICATION DELIVERS EXCLUSIVE RESIDENCES IN PREMIER ADDRESSES. CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS INCLUDE Number One Oxshott, Surrey KT22. An exclusive gated development of ten luxury apartments. Prices from £995,000. Available now.

Ellerton Road, London SW20. Two beautifully crafted 6 bedroom properties circa 7,600 sq ft. POA. Summer 2014.

Graburn Place, East Molesey KT8. Four elegant 5 bedroom detached properties. Prices from £2 million. Available now.

Mayfield Road, Weybridge KT13. Two individually designed 6 bedroom detached properties circa 6,300 sq ft. POA. Autumn 2014.

Details correct at time of print. Please quote reference: LM05

T: 020 7458 4856 E: sales@newcourt.co.uk W: www.newcourt.co.uk

DEVELOPMENTS BY AWARD-WINNING

AN D FU NC M TI R O FO AS

PA CE

B H AT

O M P O SS

IB I LI T

IE S A SHOWROOM FULL OF IDEAS AND IMAGINATION, SHOWCASING THE LATEST PRODUCTS AND INNOVATIONS. DEDICATED, EXPERT HELP ALWAYS ON HAND AND A LIBRARY OF DESIGN BOOKS TO BROWSE. DESIGNED BY

Station Court . Townmead Road . London . SW6 2PY . Phone: 020 7610 9503 . info.londongallery@roca.net Opening times: Mondays to Fridays from 9.00am - 5.30pm . Saturdays from 11.00am to 5.00pm @rocalongallery