Fabric Magazine August 2024 by Hatton Collective

OUTDOOR ICONS

Up the style stakes with design-led garden furniture

PASSION PROJECT

What’s happening in the market for luxury collectibles

GOSSIP GIRL

Sophie Habboo talks reality TV, revealing all, renovation plans and keeping it real in the Capital this summer

Treat yourself to a Gastronomic Getaway at Four Seasons

Summer in the city

If, like me, you feel as though summer is slipping through your fingers, we’ve everything you need to make the most of the remaining sunny days in this latest, gorgeous issue of Fabric. You’ll find news of what to see and do culturally, the low-down on all of the latest openings, picnic pointers and a review of a foodie staycation that offers the ultimate luxury escape from reality. And in our interiors section, we discover design-led garden furniture that will guarantee that your outdoor space is the epitome of style should you be hosting guests this season. Our cover star is podcaster Sophie Habboo, who found fame – and her husband Jamie Laing – through appearing on reality TV show Made in Chelsea. She might not be London born and bred, but she’s a Londoner at heart, and tells us how much she loves being here at this time of year. She and Jamie have just had an offer accepted on a new home; if a move is on the cards for you, too, you might want to check out what our experts have to say about making the most of the supposed ‘summer slump’. All of this, plus advice on investing in passion assets, all of your usual favourites, and so much more. Summer reading, sorted!

Liz Skone James liz@hattoncollective.com

OUR AGENTS

Arlington Residential arlingtonresidential.com

Aston Chase astonchase.com

Benham & Reeves benhams.com

Chestertons chestertons.com

Dexters dexters.co.uk

Druce druce.com

Glentree glentree.co.uk

Godfrey & Barr godfreyandbarr.com

Goldschmidt & Howland g-h.co.uk

Hamptons hamptons.co.uk

Heathgate heathgate.com

Jeremy James & Company jeremy-james.co.uk

Knight Frank knightfrank.co.uk

Savills savills.co.uk

TK International t-k.co.uk

Winkworth West End winkworth.co.uk

Read our exclusive interview on page 30

Editorial Director Liz Skone James Creative Director Penny Clements Interiors Editor Ali Howard Schools Editor Claire Atherton Client Services Director Becky Pomfret Social Media Manager Alice Bradley Production Alex Courtley and Heidi Pomfret

Publisher Katie Hutley

Advertising Debbie Russell debbie@fabricmagazine.co.uk +44 7811 347299 Helen Coston helen@inktop.co.uk +44 7974 891721 New Homes & Developments Karen de Pommereau karen@fabricmagazine.co.uk +33 6 70 80 42 45 Editorial and publishing enquiries 020 8242 6222

FABRIC MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED 12 TIMES A YEAR on behalf of REAP Magazines Ltd by Hatton Collective Ltd, 27 Mortimer Street, London, W1T 3BL fabricmagazine.co.uk

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Glentree Estates Trevor Abrahmsohn Goldschmidt & Howland Philip Green Savills Jonathan Hewlett and Liza-Jane Kelly Aston Chase Mark Pollack

Sophie Habboo Photographed by Luc Coiffait

Sophie wears: top and skirt by Christopher Esber at Koibird

CONTENTS / LIFESTYLE

The Made in Chelsea star on podcasting and the pitfalls of working with husband Jaime Laing

39 ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENTS

How to turn your passion into a portfolio that brings pleasure as well as ﬁnancial reward

43 STYLE

The hottest new launches and openings, plus we meet the founder of AVANTGUARD eyewear

46 FOOD & DRINK

The latest foodie news, a recipe for a tasty summer starter, plus our review of Pavyllon at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane

TRAVEL

51 SPOTLIGHT ON

Avoid the heatwave in Europe and create memories in Cornwall’s chicest hotels this summer

53 TRAVEL REVIEW

We take a short break in Windsor, and discover that everything really is better down where it’s wetter, under the sea at the Great Barrier Reef

INTERIORS

57 INTERIORS NEWS

The latest launches and luxurious new lines

61 INTERIORS TRENDS

Ditch the deckchairs, allow us to introduce this season’s most stylish, design-led garden furniture

64 AT HOME WITH

Architect Adam Richards’ home is the perfect blend of modern yet timeless; he shows us around

66 DESIGNER PROFILE

Olivia Outred introduces her interior design practice and tell us how she helps clients to create their dream homes

SCHOOLS

69 A CAPITAL EDUCATION

Meet headteacher Bryan Nixon of TASIS England, and discover tips for easing early years transitions

PROPERTY

73 TALKING POINTS

It’s time to take advantage of the ‘summer slump’, say our experts

74 HOT PROPERTY

The best homes on the market this month

90 LAST WORD

Introducing Glentree founder Trevor Abrahmsohn

Arrange a personal tour by calling 01283 559200 or email admissions@repton.org.uk

A perfectly balanced education in the heart of England

repton.org.uk

The current owners have remodelled the house creating a visually striking interior which features a central floating glass staircase, an impressive principal bedroom suite occupying the entire second floor and a large open-plan entertaining space on the first floor. The ground floor also boasts an additional bedroom, modern bathroom and a large study. The house also benefits from modern comforts such as underfloor heating and air conditioning, ensuring a comfortable controlled environment throughout the year. In addition, the house has the rare benefit of an integral garage.

LITTLE VENICE W9

A stunning three floor house of circa 2,500 sq ft/233 sq m in a charming cobbled mews superbly located within a short walking distance of Warwick Avenue underground station, the picturesque Regent’s Canal and within a few hundred yards of the cafés, restaurants and shops of Formosa Street.

Freehold Guide Price £3,500,000 Sole Selling Agents

8 Wellington Road, St. John’s Wood, London NW8 9SP info@arlingtonresidential.com

+44 (0)20 7722 3322 arlingtonresidential.com

Asking Price: £5,500,000 Freehold

Set behind a walled front garden with gated parking and a garage, an exceptional Victorian family house on Parkhill Road, Belsize Park, NW3 offering a blend of classic elegance and contemporary luxury. The spacious living areas within the property feature exceptional ceiling heights and are flooded with natural light, whilst ornate period detailing throughout the property adds to its grandeur along with a 85ft landscaped west facing garden. Parkhill Road is a highly sought after residential street with excellent access to transport links and local amenities.

HAMPSTEAD GARDEN SUBURB

LONDON NW11

ASKING PRICE: £3,850,000

WILDWOOD RISE

FITZROY CLOSE

HIGHGATE, N6

A rare opportunity to acquire a detached low built 5/6 bedroom contemporary family home (380.24 sq m/4,093 sq ft) tranquilly located off Fitzroy Park only moments from the vast open expanses of Hampstead Heath and Parliament Hill Fields.

Situated within a gated close of just five houses, the property has been in the same ownership since it was newly built and designed by celebrated architect Ted Levy. The house provides light and spacious well-planned accommodation arranged over just three floors and features a top floor studio room enjoying far reaching views, an integral two car garage, a newly landscaped wrap-around style garden and a passenger lift serving all floors.

Fitzroy Close is a highly desirable private close situated within 0.8 miles of Highgate Village, numerous outstanding schools including Highgate School, Channing, La Sainte Union and Parliament Hill School and within very close proximity to the green open spaces of Hampstead Heath and Parliament Hill Fields.

Large Open-Plan Living/Dining Room, Kitchen/ Breakfast Room, Utility Room, Conservatory, Top Floor Artist Studio with Dark Room and En-Suite Shower Room, Principal Bedroom with Dressing Room and En-Suite Bathroom, 4/5 Further Bedrooms, 1 En-Suite Shower Room, Family Bathroom, Guest Cloakroom, Passenger Lift, Balcony, Double Width Garage Accommodating 2 Cars and Additional Private Off-Street Parking, Wrap-Around Style Garden, Garden Shed. Council Tax: Band H. EPC: TBC.

Thurlow Road, Hampstead, NW3

£5,950,000 624SoleAgent|Freehold

On the open market for the first time in nearly sixty years, a four storey Victorian semi-detached family house, presently offering six bedrooms and two bathrooms, a drawing room, dining room, family room, and kitchen/breakfast room all arranged over four floors plus an attic.

This fine home now requires modernisation and refurbishment throughout but as it still retains a number of period features, once the works are completed, a new owner will have a charming and bright family home plus the benefit of a lovely walled garden.

The house is located just south of Hampstead Village and yet close enough to comfortably walk down to either Belsize Park or Swiss Cottage. All the shops, cafés, restaurants and boutiques, let alone the huge open spaces of Hampstead Heath, are just a short walk away. This presents a great opportunity for a buyer to create the home of their dreams in one of the most historic and beautiful parts of North London, and an early viewing is strongly recommended.

Fairway Close, Hampstead Garden Suburb, NW11

An attractive and charming double-fronted five-bedroom detached house of some 3,587 sq ft, located in this enviable private close directly opposite the Heath Extension. This desirable home requires updating and offers well-planned family accommodation over three floors. The ground floor comprises a double aspect drawing room, dining room, Smallbone custom-made kitchen/breakfast room, study and family/ tv room. On the first floor there is a principal bedroom suite with large dressing room, en-suite bathroom and terrace overlooking the rear gardens and a second bedroom suite with bathroom and terrace. The second floor is arranged with two further double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and a children’s den area/bedroom 5.

The house is further enhanced with a beautiful landscaped and secluded 110' lawn garden which backs directly onto Hampstead golf course and there is a double length garage plus additional parking for one car.

The Heath Extension is literally facing the entrance to the close and both Hampstead Village and Golders Green are within a short distance.

COTMAN CLOSE, NW11

£2,250,000

A beautifully presented four-bedroom family home situated in a quiet close just moments away from the Heath Extension.

Benefits including a private west facing rear garden, off-street parking, large principle suite with separate dressing room and flexible top floor accommodation contribute to creating this outstanding house.

Cotman Close is nestled in the heart of the south side of the Suburb, conveniently located for the shopping, transport, restaurants and amenities of both Temple Fortune and Golders Green.

ENTRANCE HALL: KITCHEN/DINING ROOM: LOUNGE: PLAYROOM: PRINCIPAL BEDROOM WITH DRESSING ROOM AND EN SUITE: 3 FURTHER BEDROOMS (1 WITH EN SUITE BATHROOM & DRESSING ROOM): FAMILY

BATHROOM: GUEST WC: REAR GARDEN: OFF-STREET PARKING

JOINT AGENT

TURNERS WOOD, NW11 GUIDE PRICE

£4,950,000

Nestled in one of the premier turnings off Wildwood Road and positioned directly opposite the Hampstead Heath Extension, this beautiful ‘Arts and Crafts’ house dates from 1917.

This 6 bedroom link detached family home, designed by architect George Lister Sutcliffe sits on one of the most unique plots of land in the Suburb. The property, which spans over 4,000 sq ft, sits on 0.45 of an acre garden and is arranged over 3 floors. It also backs directly onto The Turners Wood bird sanctuary, a 5.9 acre ancient private woodland only accessed by a handful of residents.

The garden features a terrace, tiered and well planted beds, a formal lawn with a small olive grove of 8 trees, leading onto a less formal, more meadow like area complete with gravelled French-Style outside dining.

ENTRANCE HALL: RECEPTION/DINING ROOM: KITCHEN/ BREAKFAST ROOM: LOUNGE: PRINICIPAL BEDROOM SUIT WITH DRESSING ROOM AND EN SUITE BATHOOM: 5 FURTHER BEDROOMS (1 WITH EN SUITE): 2 FAMILY

BATHROOMS: UTILITY ROOM: GUEST WC: GYM: SNUG: REAR LANDSCAPE GARDEN: OFF-STREET PARKING

JOINT AGENT

St Johns Wood Road, NW8

£2,500,000

Set in a prime postcode, be the first to discover this unique penthouse that has recently been constructed on top of an iconic building in St John's Wood. Moments from the Lord’s Cricket Ground and Regent’s Park, the impressive apartment has two double bedrooms, two bathrooms and breathtaking views of the London skyline across 360 degrees, energy rating b.

Dexters St John's Wood. 4 St Ann's Terrace, London, NW8 6PJ T: 020 7483 6300 E: stjohnswoodsales@dexters.co.uk

Hightgate Hill West, N6

£5,250,000

Situated in a sought after north London location, a unique Georgian home offering versatile accommodation. Perfectly positioned towards the top of the hill, this three bedroom house features an impressive Mark Parmenter designed open plan kitchen and reception room. In addition, there is a beautifully landscaped garden as well as a roof terrace with panoramic views of the city, energy rating e.

Dexters Highgate. 35 Highgate High Street, London, N6 5JT T: 020 8545 8584 E: highgatesales@dexters.co.uk

A charming family house

An outstanding detached home

WHAT’S ON IN LONDON

What to see and do in the Capital this August

EXHIBITION A Place

For the 20 artists currently in residence at Sarabande’s studios, A Place is a culmination of their time spent at the dynamic art space. Spanning six weeks, two group shows will explore the ambiguous space between comfort and change. The ﬁrst, Can I just…, runs from 1-16 August, followed by …stay longer from 22 August to 6 September. Expect striking works like Sophie Lloyd’s sugary portraits, Darcey Fleming’s woven hay bale twine entities, and Jo Grogan’s tulipadorned chair. Discover delicate photographs on leaves, ‘stained glass’ sugar sculptures, and intricate carvings, while paintings by Stephen Akpo and Koby Martin, and Daniel Prandi’s botanical renderings showcase nature’s magic. Not to be missed. 1 August- 6 September, Sarabande Foundation, 22 Hertford Road, N1 (sarabandefoundation.org)

THEATRE The Real Thing

MUSICAL

Fiddler on the Roof

Open Air Theatre’s summer season continues with this joyful classic, set in the tiny village of Anatevka in 1905. Tevye, a Jewish milkman, struggles to maintain his traditions while his ﬁve daughters challenge the old ways. As the world around them changes, Tevye must decide whether to stick to his roots or embrace the new. Director Jordan Fein breathes new life into this 1964 musical with a spirited production that features If I Were a Rich Man, Tradition, Matchmaker, and Sunrise, Sunset. The perfect evening under the stars, celebrating love, life, and the power of community in the Capital’s most magical amphitheatre. Until 21 September, Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, NW1 (0333 400 3562; openairtheatre.com)

This month, The Old Vic presents a biting Tom Stoppard comedy, directed by Max Webster (Macbeth, Life of Pi), and starring James McArdle (Mare of Easttown, The Tragedy of Macbeth) and Bel Powley (A Small Light, The Morning Show). Annie’s an actress, Henry’s a playwright, and their life is tangled in ﬁction. Their marriage began as an affair – can it still be the real thing? Exploring layers of play, reality, and deceit, The Real Thing is all about love, inﬁdelity, and the stories we spin. Max Webster says, “It’s an honour to direct one of my favourite plays at The Old Vic with this amazing cast.” A must-see. 22 August-26 October, The Cut, SE1 (oldvictheatre.com)

BALLET Swan Lake

The State Ballet of Georgia, known for its sleek grace and physicality, makes its London debut with this lavish production. Based in Tbilisi’s stunning Opera and Ballet State Theatre, the company has flourished under the artistic direction of Nina Ananiashvili, a former prima ballerina with the Bolshoi Ballet. She says: “Swan Lake is one of our best repertoires. It combines elaborate costumes, stunning choreography, exquisite ornaments... It was the first ballet that I performed in the Bolshoi Theatre and was my first and final significant performance at American Ballet Theatre. I can’t wait to share it with audiences in London for the first time.” 28 August-8 September, London Coliseum, St Martin’s Lane, WC2N (020 7845 9300; londoncoliseum.org)

ART Moco

This month sees the exciting launch of large-scale permanent art space, Moco – short for the Modern Contemporary Museum. Following its triumph in Amsterdam and Barcelona, the London gallery will exhibit new works and grand digital installations alongside iconic modern masterpieces by the likes of Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Yayoi Kusama and Keith Haring. At the helm are founders Kim Logchies-Prins and Lionel Logchies, a husband-and-wife team boasting over 50 years in the art world. The couple aim to inspire with an unparalleled anthology of works that would otherwise remain hidden in private collections. Make way for Moco! From 8 August, 1-4 Marble Arch, W1H (mocomuseum.com)

Jean Michel Basquiat, Antar Andy Warhol, Diamond Dust Shoes

Yayoi Kusama, Fire Pablo Picasso, Le Peinture

LUXURY LONDON LIVING

TALKING THE TALK

Sophie Habboo spills the beans on her time on Made in Chelsea, life with husband Jamie Laing, her podcasts, new home excitement, and her plans for the rest of the summer

Styling by Rachael Perry Make up by Nicolette Bella

Hair by Willis Galbraith Shot on location at The Langham, London

Photography by Luc Coiffait

Interview / LIFESTYLE

Sophie wears, opening page: top and skirt by Christopher Esber at Koibird

This page: blazer and shorts by The Frankie Shop; belt by Khaite; and necklace and rings by Matilde Jewellery

It is a sunny Thursday at the end of June, and the team have just finished photographing Sophie Habboo. Sitting down in the suite at The Langham where we have been shooting the cover, she tucks into a pear as we begin the interview. “Sorry, this is really rude of me,” she exclaims, “but I’m starving.”

The podcaster and TV personality has a busy weekend ahead, so I’ve promised to be quick. “We’re going to Glastonbury tomorrow,” she tells me. “Jamie is working there, and I am going in tow. We’ve got lots of friends there – it’s going to be so much fun. I’m excited for Dua Lipa, Coldplay… Shania Twain is going to be huge. I feel like I need to get loads of things done before we go though, but then, actually, do I? I mean people are just very messy at Glastonbury, so does it matter what I look like?” A weekend of camping does seem a little incongruous for the former Made in Chelsea star. “We should be in one of the tents that’s already set up, it’s organised by the BBC, so I’ve kind of left it with Jamie. But I think I’ll have a pillow, at least!” She laughs.

Sophie met her husband Jamie Laing, now a presenter on BBC Radio One’s Going Home show, when they were both appearing on E4 reality TV show Made in Chelsea. “I went to Newcastle Uni, and me and a lot of my friends used to get

Facebook messages asking us to go on the show. Obviously, we knew about it – it was very big at that time – but I was doing my degree, so it wasn’t something I could do,” Sophie tells me, recalling how her part in the show came about.

“I came to London after I graduated, and I was still getting asked. Initially I was interning at Annabel’s, the private members’ club, I was a PA, but it was an internship, and it wasn’t going to be forever, and I just thought, maybe I should go to the interview. So, then I went for the interview, and then I was like, oh, you know, maybe I should just try it…”

It was a good decision, the job not only introduced her to her future husband, but also proved to be a great experience.

“You get to travel the world and you have no responsibilities, and the filming is just fun and silly. But it wouldn’t have worked with us being in a relationship on it. When I left, it was definitely the right time for me to leave.”

The pair tied the knot in front of close family and friends at Chelsea Registry Office in April last year, before walking down the aisle for a second time the following month at a lavish ceremony in Spain, and in the lead up to the celebrations, they shared the highs and lows of their journey to the altar in a podcast called NearlyWeds. It proved so

Words by Liz Skone James

successful that it was rebranded as NewlyWeds after the wedding; each Monday the couple reveal everything that has been going on in their relationship – and absolutely nothing is sacred, even deeply personal things like Jamie’s sperm count. “We’re just like airing all of our dirty laundry for millions of people to hear,” she laughs, when I ask about the podcast.

Does it ever make her feel awkward discussing personal matters? “I think at the beginning I was very naive to the number of people who actually listened. So, I sort of thought, OK, well whatever, if it’s something embarrassing, or something too raw, no one is really going to listen. And then I slowly realised that actually – which is amazing – a lot of people do listen,” she admits. “But seeing the listeners’ reactions to us being so raw and authentic – they’ve loved it – and it just makes me realise, you know, that is kind of the way forward. And I don’t really know how to be any other way, so…” she shrugs.

Indeed, Sophie sees the podcast as being a little like couple’s therapy. “I think it’s really cathartic – we get all of our problems out. You know, we both live busy lives, and it gives us two hours every week to sit down and actually talk about things,” she explains. “Sometimes there’s a bit of a fight on the podcast, but you know, what relationship doesn’t have fights? We always end up resolving things.”

Earlier this year, the pair took the podcast on the road for a series of live dates across the country. “We loved it!” She tells me. “We took my dad with us, we had Jamie’s mum with us, my sister was doing my make up, my mum came to some of the shows, it was a real family event. It was just so much fun. And the listeners… it was so surreal being up there, we did the Apollo in Hammersmith two nights in a row, with like 7,000 people in the audience. It was crazy, and there were big queues, and it was really wild to see how loyal our fans are. It was actually a bit daunting at first. We were so nervous, and then you slowly, slowly get used to it, and you realise what works and what doesn’t work. I think it was tricky trying to navigate preparing for a show that can’t be rehearsed; we have to be authentic, and we can’t script it. Obviously the more and more we did it, the more we got into the flow, and it felt really good. At the end, I was like, oh my God, I don’t want it to be over, so we will definitely do it again, for sure, but there are no firm plans at the moment.”

NewlyWeds isn’t Sophie’s only podcast, she also records Wednesdays with fellow Made in Chelsea girl, Melissa Tattam. “It’s authentic, and

“I think it’s really CATHARTIC – we get all of our PROBLEMS out. You know, we both live BUSY lives, and it gives us two HOURS every week to sit down and actually TALK about things”

it’s very real… It’s the same as NewlyWeds, but it’s me and my best friend, and the listeners write in, and we read out their dilemmas – that’s what it’s about,” she explains. “I love doing both of them. NewlyWeds has been, well… working with your husband can be challenging! But it’s great. And with Wednesdays I forget that there are cameras or a microphone there, I’m just sat with my best friend, gossiping.”

There are plans afoot to take Wednesdays live, too, but in quite a different way. “Our Wednesdays listeners are very, very, very loyal and they are like a little family. We’ve actually got a subscription – so listeners can sign up for extra episodes and they really get the nitty gritty bits, it’s almost like behindthe-scenes stuff. And with that there’s a WhatsApp group that we’re all on, and we talk, and they will get first access to this live event.” So, what’s planned? “It is going to be really interesting; I think there’s about 200 tickets going out. It’ll be more intimate than a live show – we’ll just sit and have brunch with the girls, or boys, you know, whoever comes, and talk about their dilemmas. We’ll be giving advice in person, along with some lovely drinks and food and party bags and all of those things, in a lovely venue, so it should be really cute. And that’s going to be this summer.”

Sophie wears, opposite page: dress by Magda Butrym; and rings by Matilde Jewellery

This page: trench coat by The Frankie Shop; boots by Paris Texas; and earrings and rings by Matilde Jewellery

Both podcasts are produced by JamPot Productions, a media company owned by Sophie and Jamie. “We do a few other podcasts,” she tells me. “We did one called NearlyBaby, and it had Ollie and Gareth in it, two guys who got married and wanted to have a surrogate baby, and it was about their journey with having these twins. And then we’ve got Jamie’s new podcast, called Great Company, which is Jamie interviewing guests – he’s had Paloma Faith on, he’s had Elizabeth Day, loads of other people. It’s really good. We’ve got Now We’re Talking Baby, which is Cam and his wife Emily, and they have just had their baby, and again it was like the journey to parenthood. And there’s a few others in the pipeline.”

It all sounds very exciting – how much involvement does Sophie have with these other projects? “I am a director in the company. We have producers, and we’ve got a really amazing team at JamPot,” she explains, “and so I will sign things off, and, you know, get involved, but we have very creative employees who come up with the ideas and sort of fine tune the structure. And then they’ll bring us those ideas, and we’ll say whether we like it, or whether we think it will be a good idea.”

Speaking of idea development, I wonder whether there are any changes planned for either of Sophie’s own podcasts. “More of the same,” she assures me. “Jamie and I recently bought a house, which we are so excited about, because we’ve spent two years looking for this house. So, I think, naturally that will become a big part of our lives, and we’ll be talking about that. We’re going to be renovating it, and I’m sure that NewlyWeds will sort of move in that direction, and we’ll bring the listeners with us on that journey. You know, like what wallpaper we’re choosing – all the highs and lows of buying and renovating a house… because my God, is it stressful!”

Sucker as I am for property and interiors talk, this is music to my ears – so, what can Sophie tell us about what they have planned renovationwise? “The house doesn’t necessarily need work doing, I just think that we want to bring something of ourselves to it,” she shares. “Our aim is to be in by Christmas, so we’ve got a good couple months ahead of us. I love interiors, I love looking at all the different things, but it’s quite overwhelming, all of the options out there. Just trying to align Jamie’s tastes with my tastes… ultimately, I think we will probably just go with what I want,” she laughs. I can’t say I’m overly surprised by this admission.

The new house is close to where the couple already live, in Notting Hill, something that Sophie is very happy about. “It’s not far from where we live now, so yeah, we’re really happy with it,” she tells me. She waxes lyrical about her neighbourhood, so it follows that they are keen to stay local: “Portobello Road is amazing, there’s loads of little markets. There’s a jewellery shop called Jessie Western, which is amazing, there’s Lovers Lane Vintage, it’s got all these vintage designers like Roberto Cavalli. So, I love that too. Yeah, those are my favourite places. I like Sumi in Westbourne Grove for sushi. All my local restaurants, like Gold, I just love. They have got good vibes, they’ve got good drinks, they’re like cool, cosy… But there are just so many great restaurants in London generally. We’re spoilt for choice, aren’t we?”

She might not be a Londoner originally (she was brought up in Leamington Spa, in Warwickshire), but Sophie has very much adopted the Capital as her own since moving here. “I love everything about it,” she tells me, enthusiastically. “I love the buildings, I love that there’s just so many interesting people, doing all sorts of different things. You can go anywhere and get amazing cuisine, the best food ever. I love Harrods and Selfridges – if I’m in a bad mood, you just put me in there and I feel so calm and happy… And I feel like

anything goes in London really – you can do anything you want. I’m a big fan; I think nowhere beats London in the summer.”

Well, almost nowhere… “I have really excitingly got loads of my friends getting married this summer,” she reveals, when I ask about summer plans. “They’re all doing it in pretty cool venues. So, I’m going to Lake Como, and lots of fun things like that, which is really exciting. We’re going on holiday with Jamie’s dad. There are lots of fun things in the pipeline. I feel very lucky; I’ve got a very nice summer ahead of me. But I will also be spending a lot of time in London.”

Her perfect summer day in the Capital? “I would wake up, go to the gym, go grab an ice coffee. If I had something on, I would try to walk to it, put a podcast on and walk to that venue. Then, after that, I love going to Granger & Co for brunch – I’d get some avo on toast, some eggs (I’m so basic, it’s embarrassing). And then, you know if I wanted to see my friends, go to a nice beer garden and sit with them there. Go for dinner afterwards. Go sit in a park – Hyde Park, Kew Gardens, stunning. All of these gorgeous places.” Indeed, but first, Glasto…

New episodes of NewlyWeds are available to download every Monday, and Wednesdays every Wednesday

Sophie wears, opposite page: dress by PH5 at Koibird; shoes by Identità; and necklaces and rings by Matilde Jewellery

This page: suit by De La Vali; and necklaces and rings by Matilde Jewellery

LIFESTYLE / On location

THE LANGHAM, LONDON

Elegant accommodation, legendary hospitality, extraordinary food and drink and an unmatched location are on offer at this iconic London hotel

Set on Portland Place, at the top of Regent Street, The Langham, London offers guests an unrivalled position, right in the heart of the West End. With a long history dating back to 1865, it was Europe’s first Grand Hotel; representing the height of luxury, it boasted hydraulic lifts, air-conditioning and electric lights.

Still considered to be one of the finest hotels in the world, The Langham underwent a complete renovation in 2010, and work is constantly underway to ensure that it remains at the top of its game. The opulent lobby, with its ornate staircase, dramatic chandelier and soaring marble columns sets the scene: on offer here is the perfect mix of British heritage and modern luxury. The aesthetic continues throughout the 340 rooms and 40 suites – all are light-filled and timelessly elegant, with a neutral colour palette, dark-wood furniture and plush fabrics.

While every room is special, it is the suites that particularly stand out. The two-bedroomed Portland Suite is the latest to have been

transformed, with new upholstery, case goods, and lighting that have been meticulously designed by Richmond International and expertly crafted by Ben Whistler. And the quality speaks for itself – from the custom-made patterned veneers and embossed leathers to the Murano glass, marble, stained mirrors, and statement chandeliers, everything is exquisite. The works here also saw a spacious terrace added atop the hotel’s porte-cochère, offering guests the pleasure of enjoying al fresco breakfast, lunch, or drinks when the British weather allows.

Considered to be the birthplace of the afternoon tea, The Langham has always been famous for its food and drink. And the offering is ever evolving: this summer saw the opening of Chez Roux, a brand-new restaurant in the hotel’s Palm Court. Presenting a unique opportunity to experience renowned chef Michel Roux’s cooking in London, the menus here are inspired by his childhood memories of life in rural Kent in the 1960s. The contemporary, refined dishes showcase historical British

classics and traditional French cooking methods. And the menu is complemented by a selection of premium wines and Champagnes. It goes without saying that service is exceptional, making this a truly refined dining experience.

Also new this year is Alter Ego, a brand-new cocktail list at Artesian, The Langham’s world-renowned cocktail bar. The second edition of the bar’s ‘Ingredients of the Future’ menu, Alter Ego remains rooted in future-proof ingredients, whilst further pushing the boundaries of mixology by transforming unexpected ingredients into familiar and celebrated flavours. Think chicory, pumpkin, mushroom, daikon, tomato, leek, mung bean, kaffir leaves, walnut and marshmallow. Highlights from the menu include Pizza, a non-alcoholic concoction that captures the essence of the beloved Italian dish with savoury and herb-infused flavours. A visit to The Langham is anything but ordinary.

1c Portland Place, Regent Street, W1B (020 7636 1000; langhamhotels.com)

A brand new menu is being offered in Artesian, The Langham, London’s award-winning bar

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Alternative Investments / LIFESTYLE

INVESTMENTS OF PASSION

Luxury investments give their owners great pleasure, but how do the ﬁnancial ﬁgures stack up? We discover what’s happening in the market for passion assets

PThe latest Knight Frank Luxury Investment Index (KFLII), which tracks the performance of 10 popular investments of passion, edged into negative yearend territory, albeit by a fraction of a per cent, as almost all of the collectibles on the index, including whisky and cars, showed minimal to negative gains. That said, the art market grew by 11 per cent and watches by five per cent. And each of the 10 tracked assets still show positive growth across the board over a 10-year period, with rare whisky increasing in value by 208 per cent over the last decade and watches by 138 per cent. Putting these figures into perspective, it is worth noting that the luxury sector overall has felt the negative impact of high inflation and interest rates over the last 12 months. And since ‘investment’ comes second to ‘joy of ownership’ amongst the reasons given by ultra-high-net-worth individuals for collecting luxury assets in the Knight Frank Attitudes Survey, with other reasons given including ‘status among peers’, ‘belonging to a community’ and ‘intellectual interest’, the immediate figures are possibly less of a concern to keen collectors.

We spoke to experts in the ﬁelds of handbags, watches and art to get their view of the current market, and to ﬁnd out where they would invest their money. Here’s what they had to say.

Meg BonhamsRandellHead of UK and Europe Designer Handbags & Fashion

How is the handbag market performing? The luxury handbag market enjoyed strong results during the pandemic, and the market continues to perform well. Bonhams are ﬁnding that mid-range items (£500-£6,000) are particularly popular, which I feel is due to more people than ever turning to the secondary market to buy designer items. Certainly, any stigma about buying a second-hand handbag has vanished and consumers now see resale as a way of shopping sustainably. Auctions offer the luxury consumer the perfect way to be sustainable as well as giving access to one off and rarer pieces.

assion assets are luxury collectibles that hold emotional value as well as ﬁnancial, things like art, classic and super cars, coloured diamonds, ﬁne wine, handbags, jewellery, watches and whisky. For collectors, these non-traditional assets offer an interesting alternative to traditional investments, allowing them to enjoy the ownership of the asset while holding it in their portfolio.

But how do these markets perform? Despite a year where there were some record-breaking sales in the luxury investment market – among them

The Macallan Adami 1926 whisky for $2.6 million, a Patek Philippe Ref 2523J gold two-crown world time wristwatch for $8.5 million and a 1962 Ferrari 330 LM/250 GTO for $51.7 million – Knight Frank’s Wealth Report reveals that the luxury investment market actually fell in 2023.

The watch market was one of the strongest performers in the latest Knight Frank Luxury Investment Index

Meg Randell, Bonhams

Chanel: Blue Jean Caviar Medium Classic Double Flap Bag 2005-06

Which brands or makers are currently experiencing strong demand? Hermès and Chanel are our strongest performers, with Dior and Louis Vuitton slightly behind. Bonhams have been fortunate to offer several great vintage (older than 20 years) Chanel items and we are ﬁnding increasing numbers of vintage Chanel collectors and buyers turning to auctions to make their purchases. Classic Chanel handbags, such as the 2.55 Flap bag dating from the 1990s or 2000s that are in great condition, continue to perform strongly at auction.

Have there been any recent sales which have stood out? Bonhams recently held an auction of almost 250 pieces consisting of one woman’s wardrobe. She has incredible taste and the sale featured over 50 Chanel jackets, amazing Galliano for Christian Dior ensembles, Hermès Birkin, Kelly and Garden Party bags, and several Chanel classic Flap bags, some in sequin ﬁnish, and not forgetting a gorgeous collection of Hermès silk scarves. The sale proved extremely popular with 100 per cent of the items selling, with the majority achieving above the pre-auction estimates.

What would be your one piece of advice for somebody thinking of starting a handbag collection, especially if they are viewing their collection as an investment? Luxury handbags can be a great way of diversifying your investments as bags by Chanel or Hermès will often hold their prices or go up in value, but the main reason for investing in handbags should be simply for the joy! There aren’t many asset classes where you can purchase pieces you love, use them carefully and then sell later, and in most cases, for a proﬁt. My advice is to buy designs that you personally love and then you can’t go wrong. When buying speciﬁcally for investment opt for classic designs such as Hermès Kelly or Birkin bags or Chanel classic 2.55 Flap bags in neutral colours, they are unlikely to ever go out of fashion.

Philippe: Grand Complications 5520RG self-winding

What is the one handbag you dream of owning? I would love to own an original Chanel classic 2.55 bag from the 1950s when the bag was ﬁrst designed by the couturière herself, Gabrielle Chanel. Other than that, I really love green and gold so perhaps a green Hermès Kelly bag with gold hardware in size 28 would be pretty spectacular. bonhams.com

Hamish Robertson CEO And Co-Founder, The Watch Collectors’ Club

How is the watch market performing? The watch market peaked at the end of 2021 and has been falling ever since. Prices on the secondary market continue to fall for most models and even the most popular are seeing only stable prices instead of rising prices in most cases. Prices for new watches continue to be increased by brands where they can.

Which brands or makers are currently experiencing strong demand? The only brands that are seen to be doing well in terms of new watches are Cartier, Lange und Söhne and the perennially sold-out Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet. For Rolex, some models are waitlisted, but most are now available in a short time frame in most regions.

Have there been any recent sales which have stood out? Only in that the Spring 2024 auctions stood out for being weaker than expected for everything except the Patek Philippes.

What would be your one piece of advice for somebody thinking of starting a watch collection, especially if they are viewing their collection as an investment? As with most alternative assets, you’ll feel much better off if you buy what you like and be mindful of servicing and insurance costs.

What is the one watch you dream of owning? I’ve always liked the Hermès Arceau L’Heure de la Lune, now out of their range. One day I’d also like a ﬁrst series Gold Rolex Submariner from 1969. thewatchcollectorsclub.com

Hermès: Rose Sakura Swift Leather Birkin 25 2023

Patek

Patek Philippe: Aquanaut 5269R quartz

Hamish Robertson, The Watch Collectors’ Club

Hugo Barclay Fair Director, The Affordable Art Fair

How is the art market performing? Just as the art market has seen some stagnation on the Blue-chip side, SME galleries have also felt the pinch with high interest rates, inﬂation, and political instability. However, I speak with optimism: a change in political leadership should bring stability, which is essential for buyer conﬁdence.

What sort of pieces are currently experiencing strong demand? It’s an interesting time for art. We are seeing increased interest in AI-generated artworks, with several AI artists featured at our fairs this year for the ﬁrst time. This includes photographer Kelly De Geer from Gutmans Gallery, who uses AI to unlock new creative potential, capturing the imagination of many collectors. Environmentally conscious art is also on the rise, with more artists using organic and sustainable materials in their work, appealing to the ecoconscious buyer.

Have there been any recent sales which have stood out? We recently had our Hampstead edition of Affordable Art Fair, which always brings joy

Alternative Investments / LIFESTYLE

as we hear stories of galleries and their artists making notable sales. This edition attracted many cherished comedians and actors, including Ricky Gervais and Emma Corrin. One stand-out moment was when artist and printmaker Trevor Price’s work caught the eye of Rami Malek.

What would be your one piece of advice for somebody thinking of starting an art collection, especially if they are viewing their collection as an investment? Be inquisitive and curious – go to fairs, ask lots of questions, and immerse yourself

Art you connect with emotionally will bring joy every time you look at it, making your investment worthwhile

in the art world. Your taste and buying habits will evolve, so trust your gut and purchase work that makes you feel something. Focus on art that resonates with you personally rather than solely on investment value. When you buy what you love, you naturally curate a diverse collection that reﬂects your unique taste and personality. Art that you connect with emotionally will bring joy every time you look at it, making your investment worthwhile. Lastly, I would also say look out for emerging artists. They often create incredibly powerful work, and by purchasing from them, you support their growth and get in early on potentially valuable pieces.

What is the one piece of art/artist you dream of owning? I’m excited to announce that Ronald Mugabe’s works will be showing at Affordable Art Fair Battersea Autumn for the ﬁrst time, represented by Galerie Duret. He creates spectacular ﬁgurative portraits with a bold and unique style, expressing themes of hope, triumph, and freedom.

Affordable Art Fair returns to Battersea Park this October (16-20), marking 25 years since the ﬁrst ever Affordable Art Fair in 1999. (affordableartfair.com)

Kelly de Geer, Sombre Natura 02, AI production on aluminium, £3,400, 100x100cm, Gutmans Gallery

Kelly de Geer, The Sad Tale of the Cactus Motel 01, AI production on aluminium, 112.5x90cm, £3,200, Gutmans Gallery

Hugo Barclay, The Affordable Art Fair

PERSONAL STYLIST

The latest in luxury fashion, beauty and healthy living

A JOY TO BEHOLD

FRAGRANCE

Make some NOYZ

New Chelsea boutique SOROKA is the stuff of dreams. Spread across three ﬂoors at 174 Walton Street, the brand-new concept lifestyle store offers a cleverly curated mix of inspiring independent brands and artists from all around the world, covering jewellery, fashion, kids, wellbeing, lifestyle and interiors. Vintage jewellery is mixed with niche skincare and wellbeing brands from all corners of the globe. Beauty brands like Dook handmade soaps, Gazelli Skincare and Anima Mundi Apothecary sit alongside jewellery and fashion designers like Coucou Suzette and Clap Paris.

Jamila Asgarova previously worked as a creative director, designing for well-known beauty brands. From there, she founded a wellbeing clinic and brand with her mother. Colleagues here gave her the nickname Magpie, as she would return from trips abroad bearing new beauty products, robes or wellbeing items that could be sold in the clinic. From this passion for collecting beautiful things, SOROKA was born – the name comes from the East Slavic word for magpie.

Jamila tells us: “I’m thrilled to have ﬁnally opened SOROKA. It has been a labour of love over the past few years. My aim is to bring joy to people when they step into the store. I have painstakingly curated brands that are not commonly found in the UK, are exclusive to our store, or are beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces. I hope you experience the same joy in the store as I do.” 174 Walton Street, SW3 (sorokalondon.co.uk)

AESTHETICS

A sanctuary in the city

Crafting expressive, genderless and long-lasting fragrances inspired by raw feelings, NOYZ has just launched. Positioning fragrance as a new dimension of self-expression, with the power to explore and amplify who you are, it looks set to disrupt the industry. Available at Harrods and online at noyz.com, the exciting new brand debuted this summer with four fragrances developed by renowned perfumer, Jérôme Epinette – aromatic Sh**ty Day, citrussy Lost+Found, amber scented Unmute, and fruity and ﬂoral Love Club (£85, 50ml) –plus Monochrome (£150, 50ml), a parfum collaboration with A-list photographer Damon Baker, which is exclusive to Harrods. Founder Shaun Neff tells us: “We saw a massive white space in the fragrance market for a brand rooted in realism.” With that in mind, NOYZ is committed to making noise about mental health and has partnered with charity CALM to create space for real conversations that eliminate stigmas that still exist today. And that’s something to really shout about. noyz.com

Introducing The Ardour Clinic, the Capital’s newest wellness sanctuary, co-founded by leading aesthetic expert, Dr Paris Acharya and registered nurse and life coach, Anna Miller. Located in the heart of Marylebone Village, The Ardour offers a plethora of treatments from skin boosters and chemical peels to Dr Paris’ celebrity-favourite GlowGetter facial, but it’s not just about enhancing physical appearance, rather, the clinic uniquely marries award-winning aesthetics with holistic life coaching, blending cutting-edge treatments with personalised treatment plans to unlock inner confidence and holistic beauty. The focus is on helping clients on the journey towards achieving their fullest potential in every aspect of life – seamlessly intertwining the principles of longevity and life-enhancing treatments with scientifically-backed cosmetic procedures, it offers a true 360-degree approach to health and beauty, where external aesthetics meet internal wellbeing and life fulfilment. With a shared vision to redefine the standards of medical aesthetics, Dr Acharya and Anna Miller bring their unique blend of skills and experience to every client interaction here, in a gorgeous space that is light, bright and luxurious. We’re big fans. 28a Devonshire Street, W1G. To find out more, or to book an appointment, call 020 4553 5516 (@theardourclinic)

Jamila has curated a collection that she hopes will bring joy to her customers

Beauty and wellbeing products sit alongside jewellery in new boutique, SOROKA

ON FASHION: FAIZA SETH

When entrepreneur and philanthropist Faiza was diagnosed with the beginnings of a cataract, she began to explore developing her own eyewear brand

Tell us a little about AVANTGUARD and how the brand came to be I started the AVANTGUARD after I was diagnosed with the beginnings of a cataract at just 21-years-old and began to understand the importance of high-performance lenses; I now wear my AG shades all day and into the evening. My vision was to create a beautiful, sustainable, fashionable yet accessible eyewear brand that does good for the planet at the same time as providing the best protection for eyes.

Our gorgeous sunglasses boast impeccable attention to detail, luxurious comfort, and exquisite design, and the ultralightweight lenses are selected to offer the best UV400 and blue light protection, helping to prioritise the health of the consumer. But we are also passionate about protecting the health of the planet, too – we do this by avoiding harmful chemicals and opting for natural and recycled materials, and by creating durable eyewear that is built to last in an effort to reduce excess consumption.

Our glasses are manufactured in Japan, with lenses from Germany and acetate from Italy. We chose Japanese manufacturers as they’re known for the quality of their craftsmanship. We have built personal relationships with all of our suppliers and manufacturers, ensuring excellent communication and absolute transparency throughout the whole manufacturing process.

What’s your brand philosophy? At AVANTGUARD we have an eye for change – the brand was established out of a passion for merging quality eyewear with sustainability and avant-garde fashion, our products are the amalgamation of nature, science, and Japanese craftsmanship.

Describe your sunglasses style AVANTGUARD sunglasses are characterised by a modern, minimalist aesthetic that balances masculine and feminine elements, often redefining classic styles. Dahlia is my current favourite, it’s classically oversized and feels unique, yet won’t age. On occasions where I want to make a statement, I’ll reach for the Celosia, a distinctive cat-eye in a sandstone colour way (these keep selling out, so don’t delay buying a pair if you like these in this colour as much as I do!).

The brand was established out of a passion for merging quality eyewear with sustainability and avant-garde fashion

How do you want people wearing your sunglasses to feel? At AVANTGUARD we want wearers to feel confident, modern, and totally protected, while feeling connected to a more sustainable lifestyle.

Is there anyone you’d really love to see wearing one of your designs? Taylor Swift! We are huge Swifties here. But for me, seeing talented people who share our values wearing our shades is a dream come true.

What do you see as being the big trends in eyewear this summer? Sharp angles are a recurring theme in 2024 – a true style statement, paired with over-sized lenses they make for trendy and flattering shapes.

Fashion / LIFESTYLE

Can you tell us about the role of sustainability in your business? Our Rewilding collection is a plant-based eyewear range. Commonly, acetate eyewear is made from plastics, but we work with the highest quality cellulose bio-acetate, produced using cotton and wood pulp fibres from renewable sources. This bio-acetate is 100 per cent biodegradable, ensuring that once it reaches the end of its life cycle, it naturally and quickly decomposes without harming the planet. In the process of doing so, resources are circulated back into our environment, truly helping us towards achieving sustainable development. The rest of our models are made out of recycled acetate, and every pair is presented in a beautiful vegan leather case with a chemical free microfibre cleaning cloth made from recycled plastic bottles. Eco-friendly materials are getting increasingly easier to source, but they can cost a little more – AVANTGUARD glasses are designed with longevity in mind, so we believe that it is a worthwhile investment.

Our brand also utilises small batch manufacturing, in family run factories with local workforces. We prioritise quality over quantity, creating 300-piece batches for each available style, therefore preventing excess stock from becoming waste. All of this helps us to achieve an overall lower carbon footprint.

What’s next for AVANTGUARD?

We are continuing to work towards reducing our carbon footprint by investing in renewable energy sources and carbon offset projects, and we are always exploring new materials and processes with lower environmental impact.

Furthermore, we are looking to extend our commitment to sustainability beyond the point of sale by implementing a program for customers to return their worn-out sunglasses for recycling or refurbishing in order to increase the life cycle of each pair.

We would love to explore a collaboration with an established apparel brand looking to move towards a more eco-friendly, sustainable strategy. Our goal is to continue innovating within the field of sustainable eyewear, expanding our influence in fashion and environmental stewardship. Watch this space. theavantguard.com

Paul Ainsworth’s The Mariners’ Taramasalata on Toast

This simple, summery dip makes the perfect light lunch, and is taken from the celebrated chef’s long-awaited debut book

If you’ve holidayed in Cornwall, chances are you dined at one of Paul Ainsworth’s restaurants. A must-visit on the west country foodie trail, Paul Ainsworth at Number 6 in Padstow was awarded a Michelin-star in 2013 and holds four AA Rosettes. And the chef, who learnt his trade in London under Gary Rhodes, Gordon Ramsay and Marcus Wareing, also oversees Italian eatery Caffé Rojano in Padstow, and Rock pub The Mariners.

Paul’s long-awaited debut cookbook, For the Love of Food (Pavilion Books, £26), was published last month, and the beautiful book includes some of his favourite dishes from Caffè Rojano and The Mariners, as well as the dishes he loves to cook at home. From beach breakfasts and posh sandwiches to seafood specials and meat pie, everything is mouth-wateringly delicious and totally accessible for home cooks – these are dishes you’ll want to cook time and again. We love this creamy taramasalata on toast that is just perfect for a simple summer starter. Paul says: “Although this is a simple dip that is easily bought from the supermarket, there is no comparison to how extra

tasty and moreish it can be when homemade. I ﬁrst learned how to make it whilst working for Marcus Wareing at the Michelin-starred restaurant, Pétrus, and it’s a recipe that has stuck with me my whole career. When we opened The Mariners, we made it our own by cutting through the richness with pickled cucumber, enhancing the sea ﬂavour with seaweed, and adding a little touch of spice with pimentón.”

INGREDIENTS

• 400–500g piece smoked cod’s roe • 2 ice cubes • 1l olive oil • 50ml cold water • Juice of 1½ lemons • Fine salt • 1 garlic clove, peeled • 4 slices of sourdough • 10ml extra virgin olive oil • 1 tsp smoked paprika • 1 tsp dried seaweed powder • pickled cucumber • 6 sprigs of dill • Sea salt

METHOD

1. Split the cod’s roe in half and, using a spoon, scrape out all the roe and transfer to a food appliance with a blade attachment, or a blender, along with the ice cubes and blitz until smooth

(the ice keeps the blade cool and prevents it from splitting the roe). Spoon 250 g of the blitzed roe to the mixing bowl of a stand mixer, storing the remainder in the fridge or freezer to save for a later date.

2. Using the whisk attachment, gradually pour in the olive oil while whisking the roe on high speed. The trick here is to pour close to the side of the bowl as this will stop the whisk from making a mess with the oil. Once you have added roughly half the oil, stop the mixer and use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is incorporated.

3. Now add the cold water and lemon juice and carry on whisking on high speed as you slowly add the remaining oil. The cod’s roe mixture should start to thicken, with the oil emulsifying into the roe, and it will begin to resemble a light pink mayonnaise.

4. Once all the oil has been added, stop and taste the taramasalata. Add more lemon juice if needed and a pinch of salt to season. The mixture should be light, ﬂuffy and slightly looser than a mayonnaise consistency. If it is too thick, add a touch of cold water to loosen. Spoon the ﬁnished taramasalata into a bowl and keep in the fridge until ready to use.

5. To serve, cut the peeled garlic clove in half and rub the cut side of the garlic on both sides of the sliced sourdough. Drizzle some of the extra virgin olive oil on both sides of the bread, then season on both sides with some sea salt. Place on a chargrill pan and grill on both sides until crisp. Place the slices of chargrilled sourdough on a platter and spoon or pipe the chilled taramasalata over the warm bread. Season the taramasalata with the smoked paprika, seaweed powder, the pickled cucumber, and sprigs of dill, and ﬁnish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Issy

Croker

Food & drink / LIFESTYLE

ON THE MENU

Tuck into the latest foodie news from across the Capital

NEW OPENING

Up on the roof

Exciting news, a brand-new rooftop ﬁne dining restaurant from David O’Connor and Joe Mercer Nairne of the acclaimed Chelsea restaurant, Medlar is due to open this month.

Cornus, which takes its name from the native dogwood shrub, will build on the exceptional reputation cultivated at Medlar, with many former staff joining the new team – including Melania Battiston as wine director, and Mario Aranquez heading up the bar.

Incorporating techniques and ﬂavours discovered on his travels, Gary Foulkes (formerly at Angler) will oversee the kitchen, designing a menu that will showcase the best of the British larder, using seasonal produce sourced from some of his favourite independent suppliers.

The space, on the rooftop of Grosvenor’s Ice Factory at Eccleston Yards, takes inspiration from the orange and red autumn stems, and white summer ﬂowers of the restaurant’s namesake. Tactile fabrics, warm metallic details and responsive lighting systems will give the impression of being in an inner-city oasis. And huge windows offer skyline views, connecting the restaurant with the landscape. Not to be missed. 27c Eccleston Place, SW1W (@cornusrestaurant)

FOOD TO GO

PRÊT-À-PICNIC

Make lunch an al fresco affair with Le Deli Robuchon’s picnic offering. The famous food and drink emporium are once again offering build your own picnic hampers this summer, available from their stores on Kings Road and Piccadilly. Perfect for whatever the season holds, the build your own hampers can be made up from carefully sourced artisanal ingredients selected from across France, England, Spain and Italy – many loved and championed by Joël Robuchon himself – and include a can of Prêt-a-Porter Rose by Mirabeau. Choose from a range of sandwiches on a selection of house-made breads including ham and cheese baguette, beef baguette, vegetarian focaccia,

PRODUCT LAUNCH

Botanical brilliance

A brand-new gin has debuted in the bar at Hotel Café Royal, born through two-Michelin starred chef Alex Dilling’s love of a gin martini. Combining his favourite botanicals, 5 Pufﬁns is being served daily during ‘Martini Hour’, accompanied for the ﬁrst time with a selection of bar snacks. And with Alex in charge of the menu, it goes without saying that this new food offering is anything but

smoked salmon pain Viennois, or chicken and olive focaccia, and ﬁnish off with your selection from a range of different pastries and cakes including Japanese mango cake roll, vanilla ﬂan, raspberry tart and lemon meringue tart. Priced from £4.50 per item, the hampers are available for both in store pick up and home delivery. For details and to order, see robuchonlondon.co.uk

ordinary – think croque monsieur made with Paris ham, 24-month Comté and black truffle; and Scottish salmon rillettes with aged Kaluga caviar, sourdough toast and Amalfi lemon. Meanwhile, in the restaurant, a roaming gin trolley works the room for diners to enjoy 5 Puffins with their meal – whether over ice, neat or with a dash of tonic. Balancing perfumed notes of bergamot and verbena, this

very special gin complements the delicacy of each and every one of Alex’s dishes, from aged Kaluga caviar with white asparagus and Devon smoked Eel, to corn-fed poussin Spring pot au feu, with nettles and green asparagus.

5 Pufﬁns is also available to buy from 5pufﬁns.com and alexdilling.com, as well as at Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal, 68 Regent Street, W1B

Pavyllon at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane

To celebrate the restaurant’s first Michelin star, Four Seasons are offering a very special Gourmet Getaway overnight package, we put it to the test

Words by Liz Skone James

Faced with the rare prospect of a completely childfree weekend with a big birthday coming hot on its heels, my husband at I immediately start making plans. Self-confessed foodies, a special meal is our go-to when it comes to treating ourselves –preferably at a restaurant where there is no children’s menu, and where there are wines to accompany every course. Having read the many glowing reviews, we’ve both been wanting to visit Yannick Alléno’s Pavyllon London – all the more so since it was awarded its Michelin star earlier this year – and this feels like the perfect opportunity. “I’m just not sure I can be bothered to go into town on a Saturday evening,” my husband muses; I have the perfect solution…

Widely regarded as one of the world’s finest chefs, Yannick holds 16 Michelin stars across his 17 restaurants around the globe. Bringing his refined neighbourhood dining style to the Capital, Pavyllon is his first venture in London, set within the

prestigious surrounds of Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane – offering a British expression of his signature modern French dishes, it opened last summer and was awarded its first coveted star in this year’s awards. In celebration of this accolade, the hotel has introduced a special one-night Gastronomic Getaway package, which includes a six-course dinner at Pavyllon, with a signature cocktail beforehand at Bar Antoine, and breakfast the following morning. There’s no denying that it is an indulgence, but we don’t often splash out on ourselves.

Arriving with overnight bags, we are struck with the novelty of being tourists in our own city – because we’ve both lived here for over twenty years, we have never actually stayed in a London hotel. As we are swept through the grand revolving doors by the doorman and shown to the concierge desk, we feel a thrill of excitement. Our home for the night is to be one of the hotel’s Executive Conservatory suites. It is vast, with a long, catwalk-like marble hallway leading to a plush lounge area and from there through to the bedroom, where doors open on to a huge private terrace, cleverly planted so that it feels utterly private, and furnished with comfortable outdoor seating. The interiors are fresh and bright, flooded with natural light thanks to a wall of conservatory-style windows. The sleek bathroom is stocked with pampering Floris products and features a luxurious double vanity unit, a large walk-in shower and a deep soaking bath tub, there’s even a separate dressing room. It will do very nicely indeed.

The Gastronomic Getaway package celebrates Pavyllon’s first Michelin star

kitchen; here, very special places at the chef’s table are set. We are led to one of these prized seats and consider ourselves lucky indeed to have such an intimate view of the talented team at work.

We are dining on the six-course Immersive Mayfair menu, and, eyeing the beautiful dishes making their way out to the restaurant, we are impatient to get started. We are not left to go hungry though – delicate amuse-bouche quickly arrive, accompanied by warm bread and a dish of the creamiest butter we’ve ever tasted. We’d love to ask for seconds, but hold back, knowing that there is so much more to come.

The first of the courses is Obsiblue prawns, served with white bean puree and chorizo oil. Presented in the centre of a stunning, oversized iridescent dish, they look like a work of art, and, exceptionally tasty, they live up to their appearance. Next up, an exquisite Comté souffle, topped with a striking green watercress coulis and a decadent sprinkling of foie gras. We are in heaven.

Red mullet, cooked on the plancha grill, is served with a tomato extraction with saffron, lemon and basil. Yannick is acclaimed for his revolutionary extraction technique, which sees ingredients cooked in a vacuum to a highly specific time and temperature in order to harvest their purest flavour, before being cryo-concentrated to capture their very essence. While enhancing the taste, this also results in the final product being lower in sugar, salt and fat. We can’t quite get our heads around the wizardry involved, but the results are suitably out of this world. The final savoury dish of the evening is a perfectly pink duck Magret, served with delicious, sweet, marinated daikon. We round off the meal with strawberries topped with a cloud of verbena espuma, followed by a wickedly tasty hazelnut praline ripple ice cream with a punchy coffee and cardamom sauce.

As we sip on a fresh mint tea afterwards, it is the greatest of pleasures to recall that we need not make the journey home tonight. Instead, we stroll to the lifts and head back to the suite, falling gratefully into bed, feeling deeply appreciative of the crisp cotton sheets and soft, downy pillows. We sleep like the childless, and wake late the next morning, making ourselves Nespressos from the in-room machine to take out on the terrace, where we enjoy the early sunshine, before heading down to breakfast in Pavyllon.

The hotel might be perfectly placed to explore everything that Mayfair and the West End have to offer, but none of this is new to us. Far preferable is the opportunity to sit and revel in the glorious fact that we have nothing to do. Perched as it is above the traffic and crowds on Park Lane and Hyde Park Corner, our terrace is surprisingly peaceful – we sit and read, soaking up the sunshine and enjoying a celebratory drink. Later, we retire inside; while my husband settles himself on the sofa to watch the football, I run a bath, playing music from my phone through the Bose speakers set in the bathroom ceiling. It is utter bliss.

Later still, dressed for dinner, we head downstairs, and are shown through to Bar Antoine’s sunny al fresco terrace for a pre-dinner cocktail. The bar is Alléno’s first bar concept and is poignantly named after his late son. Here, the cocktail list has been curated by the chef himself, alongside head mixologist, Michele Lombardi, with drinks featuring extractions, foams, fermentations and fruits. For me, a Soulful Sip, a gorgeously punchy, summery mix of gin and vermouth with grapefruit and rice milk, and for my other half, an Ume Negroni, made with plum wine and Campari; both are excellent. Drinks finished, we are shown through to the restaurant. The interiors here were overseen by acclaimed Parisian designer Chahan Minassian and the space is elegant and modern, with a calming, light blue colour palette. There’s a quiet buzz, with diners sat around low, dark marble tables. A dark wooden bar commands the room, surrounding the open

By the light of day, the restaurant feels bright and relaxed, and we settle into the cushioned bench seating at one of the low tables in the window. There’s no buffet here, everything is à la carte, as you would expect. I order shakshuka eggs while my husband chooses eggs Benedict, and neither of us are disappointed. Had you asked us beforehand, we might have declared ourselves too full still for a cooked breakfast, yet neither of us leave even a smear of sauce on our plates – it would be criminal not to finish dishes that are quite so delicious, after all.

Rates for the Gastronomic Getaway package, which includes a six-course taster menu with signature cocktail, start from £1,150 for two people. Hamilton Place, Park Lane, W1J (pavyllonlondon.com; fourseasons.com/london)

Spotlight on / TRAVEL

THE BEST OF: CORNWALL

Head to the west country

for a break

that promises white sand beaches, tropical vegetation and the warmest of welcomes, served up with a pleasant cooling breeze

SCARLET

Sat on the cliff edge with sweeping views of Mawgan Porth beach, this adult only sanctuary is the perfect spot for those seeking a restorative escape from everyday life. After the views – endless Atlantic vistas are on offer from every room and public space – the spa is the star of the show here. Complete with woodfired clifftop hot tubs, a cedar wood sauna and an outdoor reed-filtered swimming pool, sustainability is at the heart of the spa’s wellbeing offering. Treatments, designed to restore your natural balance take place in tented, lantern-lit rooms and include a moment of stillness afterwards in the deep relaxation room’s suspended cocoon pods. A range of wellbeing classes, including yoga and Tai Chi, are also on offer.

HARBOUR HOTEL FOWEY

Set within an Area of Outstanding Beauty in Fowey, just five minutes’ walk from the centre of the pretty harbour town, this chic retreat enjoys a privileged spot where the estuary meets the sea. Part of the renowned Harbour Hotels group, it is housed in a striking Victorian building, set within immaculate splitterraced gardens that are bisected by the South West Coast Path. There are 37 individually styled rooms here, almost all offering estuary or harbour views. Interiors are tastefully nautically themed – a fresh, contemporary colour palette of blues and greens, inspired by the coast, complements whalebone-style lights, bright statement fabrics and white shutters. Marble-clad bathrooms are bright and calming, featuring oversized mirrors, large walk-in rain-showers, and toiletries by natural British brand, Bramley.

All-day dining is on offer in the Harbour Kitchen, Bar and Terrace, where the mesmerising views are more than matched by the delectable Cornish fare. Everything here is crafted from the very best locally sourced ingredients; signature specials include the seafood burger, and, of course, the Cornish afternoon tea (jam before cream, unless you want to offend the locals!).

harbourhotels.co.uk/our-hotels/cornwall/harbour-hotel-fowey

The restaurant offers a menu of stunning, seasonal food, and sustainable, slow-aged wines with a side of captivating coastal views – an all-encompassing celebration of nature’s generous gifts.

Accommodation ranges from cosy ‘just right’ rooms to the spacious ‘indulgent’ suites with private lounge areas, all offer outdoor space, inviting guests to slide open the doors and listen to the soothing sounds of the sea. A palette of deep, coastal colours draws from the nearby wildflowers, rock pools and sea mosses, increasing the feeling of being at one with the setting. scarlethotel.co.uk

THE BODMIN JAIL HOTEL

Cornwall’s most historic hotel is situated in a scenic spot on the edge of Bodmin Moor. Part of Tudor Hotels Collection, the Grade-II listed former jail has been completely transformed into a remarkable boutique property offering 70 contemporary guest rooms and a fascinating visitor attraction. Built during the reign of King George III, the jail was the first to introduce individual cells, segregated male and female areas, and hot water. Each of the new bedrooms has been designed using three former cells, featuring original doors and retaining the bars on the windows so each guest can experience a true slice of British history – though, with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, sumptuous bedding and a luxurious bathroom, complete with underfloor heating, that is where the prison parallels end.

In fine dining restaurant, The Chapel, executive head chef Dane Watkins has designed a menu that fuses traditional and modern cuisine, featuring locally sourced ingredients and seasonal flavours. This summer also sees the launch of the brand-new, more informal Moor Café, serving a selection of handcrafted Cornish sweet treats. Go on, lock yourself up in luxury. bodminjailhotel.com

A REGAL RETREAT

Mixing English heritage and modern glamour, Berkshire’s Windsor Lion is must for luxury-seekers

Words by Ali Howard

For an impromptu weekend getaway with minimal travel involved, Windsor takes some beating. That the town feels entirely un-London, yet is reachable within an hour appeals to our city-centric sensibilities. In a short train ride from Waterloo to Datchet, the bustle of the Capital quickly melts away, as does the stress of the working week. This is going to be fun.

Where history meets modern style and comfort, Windsor Lion is a captivating Grade II listed residence nestled in the heart of Old Windsor. The postcard-pretty abode traces its origins back to 1876 when it played a vital role in the Royal Windsor Tapestry Works. In fact, Queen Victoria entrusted her own beloved tapestries for repair here, so we know we’re in regal company.

We’re met by owner Lisa, who’s keen to ensure we have everything we need –and then some. After a quick tour of the ground floor, and a low-down of local attractions on offer (we’re just three miles east of Legoland here but it appears we’ve left the kids behind), we are left to our own devices. Wide-eyed and full of wows, we explore every corner of the house, deciding on which sumptuous bedroom will be whose over the next three indulgent nights.

Having undergone a meticulous renovation, the property harmoniously blends its storied past with contemporary comforts, resulting in a seamless fusion of old-world allure and modern convenience. In a nod to the property’s past, we’re met with a gallery wall of tapestries leading us up the stairs, while bold gold light fittings and dark, jewel-hued walls reflect the property’s playful, but elegantly grown-up vibe.

Every room boasts exceptional attention to detail, with period features lovingly restored alongside sleek, art deco inspired furnishings and state-

of-the-art amenities. From the inviting bedrooms to the expansive living spaces and well-appointed kitchen, every facet of Windsor Lion has been thoughtfully curated. Here, you can seek solace in a cosy reading nook as much as host a convivial meal in the elegant dining space – there’s room enough for a slice of peace as well as a lively dinner party.

With the full knowledge that our stay is short, we vow to make it out of the house and explore. Lisa has gifted us with delicious breakfast jams and marmalades from the Windsor Farm Shop (another local gem beloved by royalty), and we pay a visit to stock up on the foodstuffs we know we’ll want to take home and cherish. A lovely touch is that all the complimentary toiletries at Windsor Lion have the same local stamp, and the floral scents are intoxicating.

A slap-up local pub lunch is high on our to-do list, and we stumble across The Fox and Hounds in the nearby Englefield Green. Possibly the most dogfriendly drinking hole we’ve ever been to, we’re met with a wealth of waggy tails as we enter. But through to the elegant restaurant space, there’s a serene sense of calm, and we can’t wait to see what’s on the menu. We eye up our neighbouring diners’ plates and decide the Sunday roast is a no-brainer, as is our gluttonous starter of toasted flatbread and baked Camembert and the rudenot-to garlic shrimps, all washed down with a crisp Trebbiano and finished off with a truly indulgent vanilla crème brûlée. Back at the house, we have time to sit back and settle into a cosy movie night in the sumptuous living room with its plush velvet seating and its gilded, deco-inspired furnishings. It is the height of modern glamour. And as the end credits roll, we know we’ll be sad to say goodbye to our little Windsor bolthole. But we promise to return.

DETAILS

Rates from £2,500 for a 7-night break, based on seven guests staying. To book, visit oliverstravels.com or call 0333 888 0205

NATURAL TREASURE

Get up close to the hyper-coloured spectacle of one of the seven natural wonders of the world with a special excursion to the Great Barrier Reef

Words by Penny Clements

Spanning over 2,300 kilometres, the Great Barrier Reef stands as the largest living structure on the planet – a testament to nature’s grandeur, it is visible even from the depths of space. Comprised of over 2,900 individual reefs and 74 islands, this breathtaking marvel weaves a mesmerising tapestry of life beneath the cerulean waves. Its allure lies not only in its vast expanse, but also in the intricate maze of corals that provide sanctuary for a dizzying array of marine life, from majestic mammals to the delicate glow of phosphorescent fish.

Don’t just take my word for it, though, when David Attenborough declares a place “the most beautiful on earth”, it must be extraordinary. Having been exploring the planet’s greatest wonders for over six decades, the revered naturalist has remained firmly captivated by Australia’s Great Barrier Reef since his very first visit in the 1950s. And he’s not alone: every year, nature enthusiasts flock to the Whitsunday Islands off the Queensland coast, which serve as a hub for eco-tourism and a centre for the conservation of the Great Barrier Reef’s biodiversity and ecological significance. From the big draw – the reef itself – to the bountiful bushland and fantasy beaches, this scattering of green and white in the coral sea has long been a non-negotiable on any nature-lover’s bucket list… mine included.

Lochlainn Riordan

Like so many others, our Great Barrier Reef adventure begins in the enchanting Whitsunday Islands, a paradisiacal haven where lush mountains cascade into crystal-clear waters. Airlie Beach, the vibrant gateway to this aquatic wonderland, serves as our introduction to the natural splendour on offer here. While basking in the island life is undeniably captivating, the draw of the Great Barrier Reef beckons, casting its spell over our itinerary.

Having previously marvelled at the wonders of the reef in Cairns, our anticipation is high as we board a sleek catamaran to embark on our voyage from the Queensland mainland. The journey, spanning 40 nautical miles across the sea, will take us to Reefworld, nestled on the outer reaches of the Hardy Reef. Here, amidst one of the most spectacular stretches of the Great Barrier Reef, our exploration into the heart of this natural wonder will truly begin.

After a warm welcome from the crew and a briefing on safety measures, we are excited to set sail on our adventure, and with the sun casting its golden rays upon the glistening waters, we embark on a three hour-long cruise, anticipation building with every passing moment. As we reach Hamilton Island, one of the largest jewels in the Whitsunday archipelago, we make a brief, scheduled stop to welcome additional passengers aboard, before continuing to Reefworld. Nestled on the Hardy Reef, this multi-level reef facility stands as a beacon of adventure in the vast expanse of the ocean. As we dock, the air buzzes with excitement, and we waste no time in preparing to get into the water.

Photograph

Review / TRAVEL

Left: whether viewed up close through a snorkel, or from the helicopter, the reef is spectacular

Opposite: Reefsleeps offers the ultimate overnight opportunity for a nocturnal reef experience

Already provided with our own snorkel masks and fins, we eagerly bypass the queue of people waiting to get their equipment, eager to jump into the sea as soon as we are docked. With stinger season just beginning, we quickly don our protective gear and dive into the crystal-clear seas, accompanied by our own friendly patrol guides.

Descending into the azure embrace of the ocean, a world of wonder unfolds before our eyes. Snorkelling is undeniably one of the most immersive ways to experience the Great Barrier Reef’s glory, providing us with a front-row seat to this kaleidoscopic spectacle, its technicolour corals and exotic marine life painting a mesmerising tableau beneath the waves. And the deeper we venture, the more we appreciate the vibrant hues of the reef. Despite the looming threat of coral bleaching, the reef’s resilience shines through – the fact that only three per cent of corals here have been affected is testament to the local conservation efforts aimed at preserving this natural wonder. Strict rules are in place to allow wildlife to flourish, and they are clearly working: we navigate through a myriad of marine life and coral species, encountering Queensland groupers, dazzling shoals of paintbox parrot fish, and graceful green turtles grazing effortlessly on the reef beds. It is every bit as amazing as we have imagined, and we tear ourselves away for a brief lunch onboard the catamaran, enjoying a buffet-style meal with a delicious range of options.

The reef system is vast, meaning it’s only ever possible to explore a fraction of it on a flying visit like ours – though there are so many ways to see it. For those who prefer to admire the reef’s splendour from above the waterline, the semi-submersible offers a unique vantage point. Designed with a hull that is adorned with windows, this hybrid vessel allows you to peer into the depths below, offering a fascinating glimpse into the underwater world without the need to get your feet wet. Meanwhile, the observatory provides an immersive experience, with its windows offering a panoramic view of the marine life bustling by beneath the waves. And those really wanting to splurge out can hop onboard a helicopter for a short flight to marvel at one last vista of the reefs, where, if you’re lucky, you’ll spot humpback whales breaching 1,000 ft below you. However you choose to view it, the reef is spectacular; at the end of the day, we dry off and toast our good fortune with a chilled bottle of Champagne. Soaking up our surroundings atop the pontoon, we watch, mesmerised as the sky transforms into a patchwork of reds, pinks and oranges that dance across the deepening blue of the ocean.

As the day draws to a close, the giant floating playground transforms into Reefsleeps, offering overnight accommodation, including two unique underwater suites. These suites offer a one-of-a-kind opportunity to sleep beneath the ocean’s surface and witness the nocturnal wonders of the reef in the most intimate way. Each suite features its own bathroom with full showers and floor-to-ceiling windows looking directly out into the open ocean, framing stunning views of the deep blue yonder. An altogether different perspective is on offer up on deck, where guests can also choose to sleep under the Milky Way: a range of single and double beds are cleverly arranged for the ultimate, unforgettable stargazing experience.

Whether donning a snorkel to explore its depths, or admiring its beauty from above, everything about the Great Barrier Reef has amazed us, leaving an indelible imprint on our hearts – we are full to the brim with gratitude for the incredible experience. Sir David has not disappointed.

DETAILS

Prices for the one-day scenic return cruise, departing from either Airlie Beach, Hamilton Island, or Daydream Island start at £162pp. One night in a double Reefsuite room starts from £576pp and a Reefsleep Pod is priced from £262pp. For more details, and to book, see cruisewhitsundays.com

HOUSE STYLE

MAD FOR THE MED

Graphenstone partners with Mad About the House founder Kate Watson-Smyth to launch a new purifying paint collection for her Italian home. The set of 12 colours blends northern Italy’s romantic shades with the British countryside’s softer palette, designed for versatile interior combinations. Think Barolo (a deep wine), Gelato (soft pink), Giardino (vibrant green), and Ortensia (a rich mid-pink inspired by the hydrangeas that bloom underneath a bedroom window). The collection features all natural, sustainable paints, enhancing both aesthetics and health. From £27.50 (graphenstone-ecopaints.store)

ALICE’S TABLE

Whimsical homeware brand Mrs Alice unveils the new Santorini collection. Inspired by the boutique Grace Hotel Auberge and its stunning surrounding landscapes, the collection is a tribute to founder Alice Naylor-Leyland’s cherished family memories on the Greek island. Featuring four curated tablescapes: Grace, Aegean, Aphrodite, and Apollo, each captures the essence of Mediterranean elegance and more speciﬁcally, local Santorini charm. From £34 (mrsalice.com)

KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

London foodies assemble: Mayfair has welcomed Miele’s new Experience Centre, located directly opposite The Ritz. Celebrating its 125th anniversary, the German brand known and loved for its premium household appliances offers a state-of-the-art facility for us to roll our sleeves up and get stuck into, including immersive experiences, interactive displays, and live cooking demos – all of which are designed to showcase Miele’s exceptional quality, performance, and timeless design. 72 Piccadilly, W1J (miele.co.uk)

TAKE 5: CARNIVAL

1 Luxury ostrich feather floor lamp, £969.53 (minimalistnordic.com)

2 Empire center table, €7,990 (luxxu.net) 3 Romo black edition Lixier cushion, silver, £147.50 (sweetpeaandwillow.com) 4 Mimi chair, from £3,664 (bykoket.com)

5 The Filomena light shade, from £1,250 (coldharbourlights.com)

ELIZABETH PARASOL

East London Parasol Company’s Elizabeth is a thing of beauty. This luxe garden brolly features Warner House’s Balmoral print, a lively pattern of flora and fauna on a rich ruby red background. Drawing from 17th-century Chamba Rumals, the octagonal parasol features a waterresistant, screen-printed cotton canvas canopy with a swooping Arabian-inspired valance and plush taupe tassels, bringing a touch of the exotic to English garden settings. From £1,200 (eastlondonparasols.com)

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We provide fresh linen, towels, bespoke toiletries and kitchen essentials, as well as short-let guest insurance.

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THE MODERN PATIO

Garden furniture has evolved. We give you our pick of the best design-led patio pieces for the ultimate in summertime chic

Words by Ali Howard

INTERIORS / Garden furniture

1 BENCHMARK OF LUXE

Not all sun loungers are created equal. The Salinas bench from Talenti (opening page) is the ultimate in outdoor elegance and reﬁnement. Inspired by the hues of Salinas, Ibiza, it features a sophisticated interplay of structure, fabrics, and chic metal details. Its plush cushioning is supported by strong fabric slats, which create a stylish stripe underneath (choose a contrasting colourway to make it stand out), while angular armrests on either side are there to rest your head – or place your drink – adding versatility to the mix. POA (en.talentispa.com)

2 DINE ON DESIGN

Fenabel’s Pitágora outdoor collection, designed by the uber talented CarlesiTonelli studio, brings a fresh take on al fresco elegance. Established in 2004 by Davide Carlesi and Gian Luca Tonelli, the Portuguese studio is renowned for its dynamic approach, blending rigorous design with technical research – and a touch of humour. This collection, which comprises luxe outdoor seating, lounging and dining pieces, showcases the studio’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. It is the height of modern luxury, and it’s stylish and functional in equal measure. From €469 (fenabel.pt)

3 SEAT RETREAT

The Spa Chair by luxe outdoor furnituremakers Skyline effortlessly merges statement style with cosy, cocooning comfort. Designed by Valenciabased Noel Royo Asenjo, the tall, contemporary throne-like armchair is handcrafted from allweather black rattan, which is woven around a powder-coated aluminium frame and features contrasting bright white seat and back cushions –or a choice of pale, nature-inspired neutrals. This unique design is perfect for both indoor and outdoor spaces, making it an excellent choice for poolside lounging. From £1,940 (sweetpeaandwillow.com)

4 OUTDOOR ICONS

Swedish brand Grythyttan Stålmöbler has been crafting iconic outdoor furniture since 1930. In fact, this family-owned business is woven into the country’s industrial heritage, collaborating with top Scandi designers like Jonas Bohlin, Andreas Engesvik, and Nisse Strinning. Revisiting a classic, the A2 armchair, with its bold wooden slats and unique galvanised spring steel construction, has graced Swedish gardens for decades, while the upscaled Sunlounger A3, is a mid-century recliner, perfect for sitting back and soaking up the sun. Grythyttan Stålmöbler Collection from £165 (scp.co.uk)

5 ARTFUL CURVES

One way to elevate your patio space is with the addition of sculptural but nonetheless highly functional furniture pieces. With its rich visual texture, and its celebration of contemporary curves – from the smooth circular top to the voluptuous pedestal, the Gabri side table brings Italian-inspired sophistication to outdoor living. Crafted from a highly durable terrazzo mix, the nifty side table is available in two heights and three eye-catching colour combinations, giving you the ﬂexibility to play around with placement. From £681 (vivalagoon.com)

6 ARCHITECTURAL FLAIR

Danish design studio Space Copenhagen has teamed up with furniture and lighting brand &Tradition to introduce Thorvald, a chic outdoor collection inspired by Copenhagen’s celebrated neoclassical architecture. Thorvald features sculptural silhouettes and rhythmic lines across stackable seating and clean-lined outdoor tables. The collection is a nod to Danish Sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen’s mastery of form, and the eponymous museum housing his extraordinary sculptures. Airy and fuss-free, these pieces blend seamlessly into any outdoor setting. From £200 (spacecph.dk)

7 SWING STATE

Proof that garden swings are categorically not the reserve of kids, Myface’s Fable swing is a luxurious addition to outside spaces. This beautifully crafted furniture piece features a minimalist aesthetic with premium materials. With its sleek sofa-like design and its plated details, it is an entirely grown-up affair. Available as a single swing armchair, or as a twoor three-seater, it boasts a wealth of customisable options from upholstery fabrics to leather straps, and even the metallic ﬁnish of the frame itself, making it practically bespoke. POA (myface.eu)

Adam Richards At home with

This architect-designed home is a brooding, filmic gem in the heart of the rolling countryside

Words by Ali Howard

Nestled in the picturesque folds of the South Downs National Park, near Petworth, stands an architectural marvel that seamlessly blends the past with the present. This is Cadence, the modern yet timeless retreat designed by architect Adam Richards. The inspiration behind this stunning home is as intriguing as the structure itself, drawing from the visual and thematic elements of 70s sci-fi film, Stalker. Adam tells me: “While I was designing Cadence, I was reading a book by Geoff Dyer about a 1979 film directed by the great Andrei Tarkovsky, about a quest into a forbidden zone to reach a room where – it was rumoured – your deepest wishes would be granted. It struck me that building one’s own house is a similar quest, and the film’s visual combination of a pastoral green landscape with sculptural concrete spaces struck a chord.”

Walking up the sweeping private drive, past two cattle grids and into the rural idyll where Cadence sits, you cannot help but feel a sense of grandeur and anticipation. The brick exterior, reminiscent of a Roman villa in ruins, conceals a modern haven within. Adam’s design philosophy was clear: “I wanted to demonstrate that it’s possible to design a modern house with the atmosphere of an ancient one – without resorting to copying historical architectural styles,” he explains. The home, once a rambling farmhouse, has been transformed into a statuesque retreat. The backdrop of leafy woodland contrasts with the sleek modernity of the building, wrapped in brick and made from concrete derived from recycled materials. Inside, rendered walls give way to secret stairwells and hidden reading nooks, invoking sci-fi themes of dark and light, space and height. I wonder how, in Adam’s mind, the house relates to its immediate surrounds. “I always try to design buildings that – whilst clearly contemporary – somehow appear to have been there forever,” he says. “We picked up on the varieties of local brick, and on a round arch detail that we used for the windows. The house relates to the nearby folly towers, and its long slender plan sits neatly in the existing long, slender garden.”

Once inside, the calming contemporary interior is immediately evident. White oiled floorboards and sisal carpets underfoot create a serene base, adorned with a colourful array of tapestries and ceramics. These elements, Adam says, tell the story of the house as a “spiritual journey”. And his love for antiques and tapestries is palpable throughout the property. “I’ve always loved old tapestries: they’re full of stories, and they somehow create warmth and a sense of mystery about where the boundaries of the space lie. We acquired ours at auction – tapestry fragments are surprisingly affordable – and we compensated for their cut-up character by composing them like a Cubist collage, and then layering 1970s minimalist artworks by Robert Mangold in front of them, which was remarkably successful.”

Cadence is itself a tapestry of influences and references. The main living space is partly based on a medieval great hall and the central ‘sala’ spaces found in Palladio’s Veneto villas. The building rises to form a tower, inspired by the nearby folly towers and Sir John Vanbrugh’s belvedere at Claremont in Surrey. Adam’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in the semi-circular windows that echo the surrounding hills and allow natural light

At home with / INTERIORS

to ﬂood through. “We wanted spaces with grand proportions, and the tall windows give views up towards the distant hilltops,” he says, “bringing the presence of the surrounding woodland into our day-to-day lives. It’s wonderful to sit in the warmth behind triple-glazed windows watching storms swirling around outside!”

Despite its obvious grandeur, here, you’ll ﬁnd secret stairwells and hidden reading nooks. I wonder how Adam manages to create such cosy spaces within a building of this scale.

“I believe that houses should have a ‘cadence’: a rhythm of large and small spaces, of light and dark, grandeur and intimacy – each helps give meaning to the other,” he explains. “Part of the skill of design is understanding intuitively how people will feel in certain kinds of space or room and crafting a building to embody those moments. We managed to ﬁt extra hidden rooms into mezzanines off the double-height spaces, these contain en suite bathrooms for the guest bedrooms, reached by private staircases within the rooms.”

Adam’s personal touch is evident in every corner of the house. From the design-led furniture pieces he sources, to those he creates himself. I’m keen to know where he shops. “We ﬁnd many of the antiques at auction, and in the local Petworth shops,” he reveals. “I love Faye Toogood’s furniture, and Tom Dixon’s Wingback chairs. We often go to SCP, and I’ve started to design furniture myself, beginning with a giant table made from ash – these will soon be available to buy from Fisher Morrison.”

I ask Adam to pick out some of his favourite pieces in the house, whether furniture, artwork, or lighting. “We have a number of large abstract artworks by a wonderful artist called Helena Pritchard,” he reveals. “Her work sits beautifully against the concrete walls and enters into a lovely relationship with the ancient religious sculptures in wood that we collect. I designed a large built-in settle that we use as seating for dinner parties: its high back and sculptural sides create a wonderful sense of intimacy in the 4.5m high room, rather like being Saint Jerome in Antonello’s painting! And above the ﬁreplace in the sitting room is a giant photograph of the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, taken by Simon Norfolk – for me the particle accelerator resembles a medieval cosmological diagram, and is the spiritual centre of the house.” At Cadence, you cannot help but be drawn in by its enigmatic spirit. Cadence is available to rent for periods with Unique Homestays (uniquehomestays.com; adamrichards.co.uk)

ON DESIGN: OLIVIA OUTRED

Over the past ten years, Olivia’s eponymous studio has crafted unique, lively interiors, blending traditional techniques with modern freshness, and gaining prestigious industry recognition

How would you sum up your design ethos? We love using traditional decorating techniques, classic furniture and antiques in a fresh, modern and pared-back way, resulting in joyful interiors. I’m a colour enthusiast and lover of great art and unexpected furniture, which combined, results in inviting, standalone spaces that appear to have developed over time. We strive to create interiors that are full of life and character, where each piece of furniture is worthy of conversation, and each room feels harmoniously coordinated (but not staged) by combining pieces from the past with a contemporary sense of playfulness.

What can clients expect from an Olivia Outred project?

Our goal is to create dwellings that feel like a home rather than a project, and that reflect our clients’ values and sense of style. You can expect relaxed, elegant yet easy to live in rooms, with a focus on comfort and ease.

How do you work with clients to achieve their dream home?

Olivia creates calm, functional houses that appear to have evolved naturally over time

What drew you to interior design? From an early age I was keen on making spaces work differently, simply by moving furniture around and re-organising. This childhood obsession has led me to where I am now, co-ordinating full renovations and even designing new-build properties. Before becoming an interior designer, I worked as a croupier in London casinos to save up for university. In the casino, natural light and air were in short supply and I dreamt of creating beautiful light-filled interiors, so I applied for a degree in interior and spatial design at Chelsea College of Arts. After graduating, I assisted Philip Hooper at Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler, where I learnt the value of a wide range of projects and the different approaches that can be taken, depending on the building, brief and client. After that I headed up the interior design side of Lulu Lytle’s Soane before setting up my own studio in 2014.

We’re influenced by our client first, and building parameters second, meaning each interior is different from the last. I love designing houses and honing my listening skills so that I can work with clients to create a home they will love. I’ve learnt so much from observing how people use their homes, how they work and relax, what their children like doing, and how they entertain. These observations lead to the unlocking of unique designs with comfort at the heart of them. We love to bring colour, textiles and antiques into our designs, often using treasured items our clients have collected over the years, along with new pieces they’ve found.

Can you tell me about the role of sustainability at the practice?

We use antiques and vintage furniture in all our projects, and also love to re-use our clients’ existing furniture, often choosing to recover and repair an existing piece, rather than buying a new one. During the strip-out phase of a project, we try to donate furniture and fixtures that would otherwise be thrown away and we try

to keep shipping to a minimum. We suggest recycled products, such as Smile Plastics and SynSisal to name a few. We love using sustainable paints, such as Edward Bulmer’s natural paints, which are vegan, durable and easy to use. We suggest air and ground source heat pumps if our clients are keen to move away from gas, and we’re keen to learn more and do more; our clients are in total agreement that sustainability is essential.

What’s been your favourite London project so far? I’ve been so lucky over the years and have worked on some beautiful houses and apartments in London, many of which are not in print due to client confidentiality. But a favourite for me was an apartment in Kensington that had Parisian proportions and an elegant English feel, full of new and old furniture and art.

What’s next for you? My furniture collection is coming soon and is based on pieces I have seen on my travels over the years. oliviaoutred.com

MEET WOLDINGHAM’S NEW HEAD

Award winning Head Sue Baillie joins Woldingham in September 2024 from Queen Margaret’s, York

Sue Baillie has worked in co-educational, all girls’, day and boarding schools and has spent the last decade working to ensure a greater understanding of the importance of wellbeing for success inside and outside of the classroom. With a teenage daughter herself, Sue understands the importance of a well rounded education which places no limits on the aspirations of young people and the power of the parent/school partnership.

Sue believes that an all-girls’ education remains an important option for families, and it is the power of family and community which is at the heart of her vision for Woldingham as she joins this unique and forward looking school. Woldingham has been educating girls for more than 180 years and is uniquely situated in hundreds of acres of beautiful Surrey countryside within 30 minutes of London by direct train.

Woldingham has always understood the importance of community and each individual within it. At the heart of Sue’s and the school’s ethos is the belief that a nurturing and supportive environment is the cornerstone of academic success and personal development. Woldingham is a “greenhouse”, where students feel seen, cared for and challenged to be the very best version of themselves.

Opportunities abound at Woldingham both inside and outside the classroom, with the Kritikos programme for academic high flyers and the Thrive personal growth programme examples of the school’s individualised and

nurturing approach, giving every girl every opportunity to aim high, develop her potential and to have fun whilst doing it.

In a rapidly changing world, it is more important than ever that young people have the skills and knowledge they need to take their place in making a positive difference in their working and adult lives. Woldingham is a forward-facing institution with a long history of challenging the status quo and encouraging young women to be confident in their talents and ready to take their place alongside others. Sue leads a team of experienced educators who are experts at supporting girls to excel in their chosen field and who also know that the true magic of education lies in seeing young people achieve things they never thought themselves capable of. With a girl first approach, outstanding facilities and a determination to ensure that Woldingham prepares young women for their future lives, under the leadership of Sue Baillie there has never been a better time to see the difference at Woldingham and #WriteYourOwnStory

The next school open morning will be held on 21 September, to book a place, or to arrange a personal visit, see woldinghamschool.co.uk

A capital education / SCHOOLS

Bryan Nixon

TASIS England

How would you sum up the school in a sentence? A vibrant and compassionate global community dedicated to developing openmindedness and nurturing intellectual curiosity.

What makes it different? Our engaged and supportive community works together to provide an exceptional learning and living environment for our day and boarding students. The sense of belonging begins before a student and their family set foot on our campus and extends well beyond their years at TASIS England. Boarding and day families alike refer to it as a second home, and we host hundreds of alumni visits each year. In fact, we received the Relocate Award for Excellence in Education for 2024 for the extensive support we provide for families transitioning to our school community.

How would you describe the atmosphere? Inspiring! As a mission-focused school, many people (students, faculty, staff, parents and the Board of Directors) not only support our community but also drive it forward. They do this through innovative programs, hours of devoted service and supporting our students well beyond classes. There’s also a keen focus on making sure we promote the wellbeing of all through our co-curricular programs and our extensive wellbeing initiatives.

What about your personal educational ethos? I believe in encouraging learners to own their learning journey and inspiring them to believe in their potential while acknowledging the valuable contribution of others. Teachers are facilitators of learning as they prompt, challenge, support and guide students.

How do you balance your extra-curricular activities with the academic side?

Firstly, we call these activities co-curricular. Important learning and growth take place in these programs, which support and complement our academic curriculum. Secondly, we offer a host of sports, arts, clubs and activities, led by dedicated coaches and passionate teachers. These make sure students not only explore their passions but also challenge themselves

Pupils: around 700 girls aged four to 18

Founded: in 1887 by the pioneering women behind the Girls’ Public Day School Trust. The original school had just 20 pupils and was housed in the former Longton Hall Hydropathic Hotel

Entrance requirements: (4+) assessment day,

to try something new, promoting growth and development in daily academic classes.

Thirdly, we’re courageous enough to make counter-cultural decisions. For example, several years ago we decided to introduce a ‘no drop policy’ for our sports programmes. In other words, anyone who wishes to play or try a sport is welcomed, coached and given game time. This flies in the face of the usual competitive approach to sports. Interestingly, it’s also led to record participation levels and our best-ever set of external sporting event results.

How do you look after the wellbeing of your pupils? Student wellbeing is key to the exceptional learning and living environment we create at TASIS England. We have an extensive pastoral care team dedicated to safeguarding our students, reinforced by regular support

nursery report and meeting with parents; (7+) assessment day with papers in maths, reading and writing, plus a team-building exercise; (11+) entrance exam, interview and school reference

Destination universities: University of Cambridge, Leeds Conservatoire, Royal

Veterinary College, University of Warwick and University of York, among others. In 2023, 92 per cent of students won places at their first or second choice destination

Known for: providing a firstclass independent education, both academic and pastoral; encouraging students

and training for all our faculty and staff.

A Health and Wellbeing Centre, staffed with five registered nurses and visited by doctors three times a week, supports health and wellbeing 24/7 when school is in session. We also provide a social and emotional counselling service with qualified counsellors. In addition, we have trained Mental Health First Aiders within each boarding house to provide immediate help when it’s needed. And through our new ‘Thrive’ programme, each boarding student has a mentor to talk to about everything from sleep and nutrition to consent and dealing with peer pressure.

Finally, we provide an extensive array of wellbeing activities and initiatives to support our faculty and staff, who give so much to our students. Coldharbour Lane, TW20 (01932 565252; tasisengland.org)

to be bold, fearless and resilient (its motto is ‘Nyle ye drede’, or ‘Fear nothing’); supporting them to develop the self-belief and inner strength to outstrip expectations; empowering every girl to discover and nurture her unique talents Famous alumni: philosopher Elizabeth

Fees: from £5,595 per term. Bursaries and scholarships are available in years 7 and 12

Find out more: sydenhamhighschool. gdst.net

Anscombe, singer Elly Jackson (La Roux), jockey Khadijah Mellah, actor Margaret Lockwood, costume designer Sandy Powell

SCHOOLS / A capital education

A SEAMLESS TRANSITION

Moving from reception to year 1 shouldn’t be a big deal if schools prepare children well. And it’s not too late for parents to help

Words by Claire Atherton

If your child is about to move into year 1, you might be wondering how to help them make the transition. But according to Dr Sue Allingham, a consultant and trainer at Early Years Out of the Box, there should be no significant difference between the end of reception and the start of year 1. “Your child may be moving from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to the national curriculum, but the Areas of Learning they studied in reception have laid the foundation for what’s coming next,” she says. “So, if the school is well informed, the teaching will have progressed, but the child will still be at the centre. And the change shouldn’t even be noticeable.”

It’s also a good sign if your child has already met all their year 1 teachers and spent time in their new environment. Yet issues can still arise if teachers suddenly expect children, including the youngest ones, to sit at a desk all day and write. “Sitting and writing are both about core strength, which depends on a child’s stage of physical development,” says Sue. “And the difference between a child who turns six at the start of year 1 and one who’s only just hit five this month can be massive.”

Getting writing right

This difference can show up when schools use

Early Learning Goals (ELGs) to assess progress at the end of reception. For example, one of the requirements for achieving the ELG for Physical Development is that children can hold their pencil in a ‘tripod grip’. Which could be tricky for those with summer birthdays.

For Sue, the first step is to recognise that not achieving an ELG isn’t a failing – it’s just the stage your child is at in their development. Then it’s a question of reading your child’s EYFS profile thoroughly and understanding what it really means. That way, you can support them directly before year 1 starts in a few weeks’ time.

For example, if your child hasn’t yet mastered the tripod grip, don’t force them to practise for an hour a day. Instead, encourage them to play with dough or clay, do finger rhymes or write things in flour while you’re baking. “If you’re going on holiday, they could pick up little shells on the beach, or write in the sand with sticks,” says Sue. “Then you could create a photo album and write the captions for it together. It’s about having fun and encouraging your child to write things down.” Anything that strengthens the shoulder girdle, like swinging on monkey bars, will also help.

I’d be checking that the year 1 teachers have talked to the reception teachers about my child. Do they know that she does gym club and loves painting?

Two questions to ask the school

As well as supporting your child’s physical development, Sue suggests asking the school how it plans to keep year 1 children physically active. “The UK Chief Medical Officer’s guidelines state that children of five and above need 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity a day,” she says. “So, I’d be asking if the children get outside to do heartbeat-raising exercise, like kicking a ball, running or skipping, every day. And if the answer was: ‘Well, they have a 15-minute playtime in the morning and we do a shaky wakey video every day’, I’d want to know how they’re going to improve on that.”

Sue also suggests finding out how well the school knows your child. “I’d be checking that the year 1 teachers have talked to the reception teachers about my child. Do they know that she does gym club and loves painting? Will she be able to continue with those activities in year 1, and how will they help her?”

Finally, Sue points out that if a child’s EYFS profile shows they’re ‘emerging’ across the board, they’re entitled to continue with the EYFS curriculum at the start of year 1. “If you’re worried about their stage of development, speak to the school,” she says. “Your child shouldn’t be immediately forced into a different way of thinking if they aren’t ready.” eyoutofthebox.com

FACING THE FUTURE

A

forward-thinking education at Lancing College prepares pupils to take their place in the

world

Lancing College is a co-educational boarding and day school for 13- to 18-year-olds, set in West Sussex on the south coast of England. Pupils attend the school from across the UK and, with excellent transport links to international airports, the school is also very popular with international families. There is a cosmopolitan community: with children of over 40 nationalities attending.

Every year Lancing welcomes over 100 new pupils to the College in year 9 (13+). From the moment pupils arrive they become a part of a warm and encouraging community. Whether day or boarding, every pupil benefits from the allinclusive care and support of the Lancing ethos. New pupils join one of 10 Houses which will become their home for their entire time at Lancing. Within their house they will make firm lifelong friendships and have the strong support network of their Housemaster/Housemistress, Matrons, Tutors and peers, who positively influence their lives and guide them during their time at the school.

In validation of what is being done within and beyond the classroom, The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) recently recognised the College’s pastoral provision as a ‘Significant Strength’. It is one of very few schools inspected under the new framework to have been described as such.

Lancing has a holistic, forward thinking and coherent view of what education is about and how the various elements of an education there combine. Children who attend the school flourish. They make the most of all the opportunities and they develop into self-confident and well-adjusted young adults, ready to take their place in the world.

Joining Lancing College in year 9

The Lancing College Advance Programme is an early entry route for aspiring UK pupils joining Lancing in year 9. The Programme (pre-test) enables the children to engage in intellectual challenge and fun, meet new friends and take part in one-to-one interviews with teachers, whilst also getting a feel for the school. Following the assessment, successful pupils are invited back for a celebratory event with their parents to hear more about the process of joining the school. It is a chance for families to make new connections, building a sense of familiarity and a first step in their connection to the College. Registrations for this route are due by end of October of year 6.

New Pupils

Students starting in the upcoming academic year are invited to a New Pupils Day, another opportunity to make new friends and meet their Housemaster/Housemistress, so they feel comfortable and valued as an individual at Lancing College before their first day.

New third formers and sixth formers arrive a day before returning pupils to settle into their Houses and take part in fun induction challenges, assisted by school Prefects, House Captains and peer supporters. Once all pupils arrive back in school at the start of the new academic year, there is a yearspecific programme, so each year group feels confident, settled and ready for the year ahead.

Upcoming Saturday Open Days include: 28 September, 12 October and 16 November for year 9 entry and 5 October for sixth form. If you prefer a personal visit this can also be arranged, for details, visit lancingcollege.co.uk

A MODERN EDUCATION

Founded in 2020, Maida Vale School is vibrant, energetic and exciting

Located in the London borough of Westminster, Maida Vale School is a co-educational school for children aged 11-18, that is committed to providing an education of the highest quality that meets each individual child’s needs. It is part of the family-owned Gardener Schools Group – alongside Ravenscourt Park Prep School, Kew Green Prep School and Kew House School – which was founded by teachers with the overarching belief that talent must be nurtured, so that every pupil reaches their full potential. .

Individuality of thought and self-motivation are encouraged in all areas at Maida Vale School. The warm and supportive community provided combines innovative teaching with advanced facilities. The school believes a child’s education is a shared responsibility, one that works best when all parties are engaged – school, parents and the students themselves. This is why an ‘open door’ culture is in operation, where parents can drop in at any time, for any reason – be it to catch up over a cup of coffee or to talk with a teacher about their child’s progress.

Entry is typically at year 7 or year 11; Maida Vale School selects interesting, able and engaging students who will work together as a team supporting and inspiring one another. The innovative timetable, 90-minute lessons and three-year GCSE courses facilitate deeper subject knowledge, which is further underpinned by an impressive enrichment programme.

Smaller class sizes and a unique pastoral care system means every child is known individually. Students are assigned a Personal Tutor on arrival who remains their mentor, sounding board and guide throughout their time at the school, forming the backbone of support for both learning and personal development.

Maida Vale School believes that a truly modern, enriching and holistic education is not only the product of innovative teaching, but is complemented by state-of-the-art facilities. The impressive Victorian building underwent a complete renovation in 2019 meaning the school wants for nothing when it comes to educating today’s children. The creative arts classrooms are flooded with natural light from large windows with views across

London, making them an inspiring space in which to create.

Each STEM subject has its own specialised laboratory and Design Technology is taught in a professional workshop with cuttingedge equipment. The latest design software is installed on PCs in the adjacent Computer Science and CAD Laboratories. Whilst the Food Tech Kitchen, with 11 fully stocked workspaces, is an ideal learning environment for students interested in hospitality.

As for the performing arts, there are also Drama and Dance studios providing space for rehearsals, and the Maida Vale School Theatre can house audiences for productions. Both are supported by an impressive range of audio-visual equipment, which can also be used for guest speakers and music concerts. Inspired by being only a 10-minute walk from the former BBC Studios, where a panoply of rock royalty – David Bowie, The Beatles and Led Zeppelin amongst others – recorded sessions, the school’s musicians enjoy large rehearsal rooms and music classrooms for ensemble pieces, alongside spaces for individual practice. There is a grand piano and various other stringed and woodwind instruments available for pupils to use, as well as Macs equipped with the latest professional music production software. Students are taught to be creative, think critically and challenge ideas whilst learning to respect the opinions of others, to become people who are intellectually curious and socially conscious. The school recognises talent, allows pupils to feel they can take risks and brings parents into the process at every stage. This approach leads to excellent academic results, rounded, thoughtful students and happy school communities. To attend an upcoming Open Morning, visit maidavaleschool.com or email admissions@maidavaleschool.com

Maida Vale School is a co-educational school for children aged 11-18

THE AUGUST ADVANTAGE

Our property experts tell us why a ‘summer slump’ is no match for the savvy

With the summer holidays in full swing, it’s easy to assume the property market takes a hiatus in August, resulting in a summer slump. But insights from leading estate agents reveal a more nuanced picture, suggesting that the height of summer could in fact be a strategically advantageous time for property transactions.

Bambos Haralambous from Goldschmidt & Howland highlights the perception of a quieter market during the summer months. “The holiday season can move at a slower pace for property sales, although this largely depends on location and market dynamics,” he says. “It’s common for listings, particularly larger family homes, to be ‘rested’ during this period as clients are away for the school holidays. This can result in fewer publicly available properties, creating the impression of a quieter market. However, these periods can create opportunities due to reduced competition from other buyers and potentially motivated sellers.” With many families and potential buyers on holiday, serious buyers can capitalise on the less crowded market, securing properties ahead of the autumn rush when competition and prices typically escalate.

Jeremy Karpel from TK International challenges the notion of August as a dormant month for property transactions. “It’s easy to think of August as a property graveyard, but you’ll be surprised how busy it can actually be,” he argues. “Families may have gone on their holidays after the schools have broken up, but professional couples without children and older downsizers are very much around, and therefore can be very active during this time looking at property.” These demographics are particularly significant as they often have the flexibility and financial capacity to transact quickly, making August an opportune time for sellers to engage with motivated buyers.

It’s worth noting that August’s favourable weather also plays a crucial role in property viewings. “With fewer people around, getting

from appointment to appointment is easier and less stressful, and the weather is good, which tends to make all properties show so much better, which is good for both buyers and sellers,” notes Jeremy.

Vikki Broad from Hamptons echoes the potential benefits of August for property buyers, telling us that: “August can be a great time to purchase a property before the busy autumn season. While the upper end of the market does typically quieten down as many people go on holiday, the wider market remains active and can present a good opportunity for serious buyers. In fact, last August was unexpectedly one of the busiest months of the year. With fewer competing offers, you may be able to secure a better deal on a property that fits your criteria. Sellers who list in August are often highly motivated to complete a sale.”

The current market volatility adds another layer of complexity to the timing of property transactions, Vikki points out. “The market is a little unpredictable at the moment and post-election, we may well have another busy summer.

So for buyers ready to transact, the August ‘lull’ can be the ideal time to get ahead of the game.”

For buyers ready to transact, the August ‘lull’ can be the ideal time to get ahead of the game

Vikki Broad, Hamptons

Of course, this unpredictability underscores the importance of being prepared to move swiftly in a fluctuating market. Buyers who can act decisively during the summer months could find themselves at a distinct advantage, securing properties that may well become highly competitive in the autumn. So while the perception of a summer slump is not entirely unfounded, the reality is far more complex. August presents unique opportunities for both buyers and sellers, driven by reduced competition, active engagement from specific demographics, and sunny weather. In understanding these dynamics, savvy buyers and sellers can strategically position themselves to make the most of the summer months, potentially securing better deals and smoother transactions.

g-h.co.uk; t-k.co.uk; hamptons.co.uk

Photography

Kathy-Anne Lim

ON THE MARKET

We take a peek inside some of the finest properties on the market in Prime London this month

FOR SALE

Rudall Crescent, NW3

Designed by architects Theis + Khan, this Victorian mid-terrace house blends period charm with contemporary style. The flexible interior features a semi-open plan reception, kitchen, and family area that opens onto a pretty south west-facing patio garden. The first floor includes a study/bedroom with terrace access and a principal bedroom with dressing room and en suite; the second floor offers two double bedrooms, a family bathroom, and a south-facing terrace; while the top floor houses a spacious studio/ bedroom with cloakroom, offering stunning views over the Heath.

£2.8 million, Arlington Residential (020 7722 3322; arlingtonresidential.com)

FOR SALE

Heath Close, NW11

Situated in a cul-de-sac opposite the Heath Extension is this splendid family house – part of a development of ten houses designed by Parker and Unwin. Embodying the desirable Arts and Crafts style, it features exquisite decorative brickwork, oak-framed leaded windows, hipped roofs, and dormers with first-floor loggias. The current owners have transformed the interior, blending contemporary luxury with the historical charm of the original design. Offering ample entertainment spaces, five bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a mature garden, this property is perfect for those who appreciate both fine craftsmanship and a prime location. Guide price £3.5 million, Savills (020 7472 5023; savills.com)

FOR SALE

Southern Road, N2

This spacious five-bed house combines sleek modern architecture with a tasteful interior. With 3,502 sq ft of living space and an additional 170 sq ft of south-facing roof terraces overlooking Highgate Woods, it’s truly impressive. The ground floor features an open-plan kitchen/diner with sliding doors to the landscaped garden and a generous living room. The lower floor brags a versatile space for a cinema room, family room, or gym, plus a laundry room, while the upper floors include five double bedrooms, with the principal suite boasting a roof terrace and en suite. It is enticingly close to some top schools, too. £3.75 million, Benham & Reeves (020 8341 2335; benhams.com)

THE HIGH LIFE

Experience refined urban living in this Hyde Park penthouse with luxury amenities and exclusive garden access

Sitting stately within a distinguished period stucco building on Hyde Park Square, this exquisite penthouse offers refined urban living at its best. Spanning an impressive 2,325 sq ft of luxury accommodation, the residence is adorned with two elegant turrets, providing a unique architectural element. Inside, you’ll find three spacious en suite bedrooms, each offering privacy and comfort.

The dual-aspect reception and dining room creates a grand setting for entertaining, bathed as it is in natural light from multiple skylights and enhanced by rich wood floors. The sleek kitchen, fitted with premium Gaggenau appliances, caters to culinary enthusiasts, while the entire apartment benefits from air-conditioning, ensuring the ultimate in comfort throughout the year.

One of the stand-out features of this penthouse is the serene green views it offers. Overlooking both Hyde Park Square and

Gloucester Square gardens, residents can enjoy exclusive access to these tranquil spaces, providing a green oasis in the heart of the city. The building itself is meticulously maintained, boasting a porter and two lifts, ensuring both convenience and security. The location is equally impressive. Situated close to Paddington station, the penthouse offers easy access to the best of London – and beyond. Yet the surrounding area boasts an array of shops, cafés and restaurants, further enhancing the vibrant lifestyle on offer. You won’t need to go far to feel the buzz.

With features including communal gardens, a storage vault, and inviting architectural details both inside and out, this penthouse epitomises luxury central London living. The spacious, naturally well-lit interiors, combined with the prestige of a Hyde Park address, make it one exceptional home. £4.75 million, Chestertons (020 7298 5900; chestertons.com)

Randolph Crescent | Maida Vale, W9

Located in W2 - Gloucester Gardens, a bright three bedroom, third and fourth floor duplex apartment, set in a handsome Grade II period row of former houses, with a carriage driveway. Accessed through projecting Doric porches and with access to the attractive, well maintained, communal Gardens.

Gloucester Gardens lies in a convenient and envious location, with Queensway and the multi-faceted and ever popular Westbourne Grove, only a short stroll away.

Leasehold plus Share of Freehold: About 999 years remaining | Service charge : About £1,500per annum | Ground rent: Peppercorn | Council Tax Band: F

BAYSWATER & PADDINGTON | 020 7467 5770

Email: crosling@winkworth.co.uk, paddington@winkworth.co.uk

winkworth.co.uk/marylebone

On the market for the first time in 48 years, a truly wonderful Grade II listed rarely available six bedroom double fronted detached family home on Turners Close, Hampstead Garden Suburb, NW11 with a beautiful secluded south-west facing garden and off street parking in an exclusive close overlooking a stunning communal green, moments from the Heath Extension.

exceptionally presented

of the most

HARLEY STREET, LONDON W1G

WESTMORELAND STREET, LONDON W1G

A two bedroom, two bathroom apartment in a period block moments from the boutiques and eateries of Marylebone High Street.

Accommodation comprises of entrance hall, reception room, kitchen, master bedroom with ensuite bathroom, second bedroom and family shower room.

The property is located on the east side of Westmoreland Street close to the junction with New Cavendish Street. The shopping facilities of Marylebone High Street and Bond Street together with Oxford Circus and Bond Street underground stations are all within close proximity.

Heating and Hot Water included in the rent.

UNFURNISHED

£975 PER WEEK

A unique long leasehold building for sale sold with vacant possession.

The building is arranged over lower ground, ground and four upper floors. The medical accommodation is located on the lower ground, ground and first floors with a residential apartment on the second, third and fourth floor. The building benefits from a passenger lift serving ground floor to lower ground floor only.

Situated in the heart of Marylebone Village, Harley Street is conveniently located moments from Marylebone High Street together with the open spaces of Regent’s Park.

The building is located on the west side of Harley Street close to the junction with Queen Anne Street.

LEASEHOLD: 889 YEARS

£6,000,000

LAST WORD / Glentree

THE USP OF GLENTREE

Founder Trevor Abrahmsohn on what makes his family-run agency a stand-out in the industry

Glentree was founded in 1976 as the forerunner of modern estate agency as we know it today. Crusty old colonels bedecked with medals, sporting tweed jackets and handlebar moustaches were the service providers at the time. You can imagine, therefore, how refreshing it was for someone selling their home to meet a young lion from Glentree, brimming with enthusiasm and thirsting to make deals happen for the clients. With its bright green Floridian-coloured livery, the company offered an unabashed dynamic selling service, which consumers had wanted for so long in order to promote the sale or rental of their single largest asset – their home.

Our aspiration for clients was to always ‘turn base metal into gold’ by achieving audacious values for the letting or sale of their properties. Against all odds, we did this for ourselves by floating the business many years ago, and our

market capitalisation became double that of the large, multi-office agency chains at the time, which amounted to £200 million in today’s money.

Today, our USP is the use of strategic meetings between clients in order to ‘knock heads together’ and get the deal done. The last 10 per cent gap between buyer and seller is always the most difficult, and our job is to not only bridge this, but consolidate the deal at the crescendo. The task is closer to a psychological journey, where sometimes the mental software of both parties needs to be slightly adjusted – by us – to stop them becoming an inadvertent obstacle to an excellent deal. This is a subtle, nuanced process and is the antithesis of the ‘foot jammed in the door’ method of selling used by certain high-profile agents today, who crave attention regardless of merit. We are only happy when all participants are kicking their heels in the air, which would otherwise reflect a lop-sided transaction, destined for failure.

Somewhat immodestly, Glentree has been likened to the Goldman Sachs of the estate agency industry. If we are on your side, winning the contest is the only option. Today, we are a family-run business, with our values very much intact, and we treat every property as if we own it ourselves. Invariably, our clients become our friends and it’s not unusual for us to act for three generations of the same family, across time. We founded OnTheMarket.com and, jointly, Fabric, which was an attempt to protect the community interests of the industry, without any gain whatsoever for ourselves. Our probity and commitment are undiminished. We are totally focused on our catchment area and as such, we know a lot about a little! We share lofty aspirations with our clients, and we love what we do. glentree.co.uk

Trevor Abrahmsohn launched Glentree in 1976 with the ambition of achieving unrivalled property values for his clients

Hamilton Gardens

St John’s Wood, NW8

Unfurnished

£3,800 per week

Sole Agent

67–71 Park Road

London NW1 6XU 020 7724 4724 astonchase.com

An immaculately presented five bedroom Victorian family house (277.9 sq m/2,992 sq ft) which has been the subject of an extensive refurbishment programme. The house provides exceptionally light and spacious open-plan living featuring excellent entertaining areas and a 30ft south-west facing garden. Hamilton Gardens is one of the quietest streets in St John’s Wood, discreetly located approximately 0.4 miles from The American School in London (ASL), St John’s Wood High Street and St John’s Wood Underground Station (Jubilee Line).

Accommodation and Amenities

Principal Bedroom with Dressing Room and En-Suite Bathroom, 4 Further Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms, Double Reception Room, Open-Plan Kitchen/Dining Room, Gym, 2 Guest Cloakrooms, Patio Garden, Raised Terrace. Council Tax: Band H. EPC: D