Fabric August 2023

ON THE SURFACE

Sustainable options for the very fabric of your property

RUSTIC CHARM

Harriet Hastings’ vast barn conversion is pure bucolic bliss

ON THE WATCH

Nina Sosanya on upcoming roles and having a face that people recognise but struggle to place

THE ETHICAL ISSUE

FOR SALE

A GRAND FREEHOLD RESIDENCE WITH THE LARGEST FRONTAGE, IN THE BEST POSITION IN AVENUE ROAD.

IT HAS A RARE NEW PLANNING CONSENT FOR A 17,000 SQ FT (1,600 SQ M) SUPER-MANSION ON FOUR FLOORS WITH LUXURY INDOOR POOL COMPLEX, SET IN A LARGE 0.41 ACRE (0.17 HA) PLOT, WITH GARAGING AND ONSITE PARKING.

A RARE OPPORTUNITY

Guide price: £30,000,000

Agent

Sole

Cork flooring is beautiful and sustainable

Turn over a new leaf

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From flooring to finance, our focus this month is on sustainability, starting with a round-up of the most luxurious planet-friendly beauty products on the market – whether you’re after serums, scents or supplements, you don’t have to compromise when it comes to looking good. The same goes for giving your home a new look; armed with the right knowledge, you can make your renovation almost entirely sustainable. Read our feature to find out more, or take inspiration from interior stylist Emily Wheeler, whose charity Furnishing Futures is fighting London’s furniture poverty problem with sustainable solutions. And if you’re interested in building an investment portfolio that will have a positive impact on society and the environment, you can find out more about ESG funds with advice from our financial expert. Elsewhere in the issue, we have an interview with cover star Nina Sosanya, who will be back on screens this month in both Channel 4’s Screw and Amazon’s Good Omens 2 – we can’t wait!

OUR AGENTS

Arlington Residential arlingtonresidential.com

Aston Chase astonchase.com

Bargets bargets.co.uk

Beauchamp Estates beauchamp.com

Benham & Reeves benhams.com

Chancellors chancellors.co.uk

Chestertons chestertons.com

Day Morris daymorris.co.uk

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

Litchfields litchfields.com

Parkheath parkheath.com

Plaza Estates plazaestates.co.uk

Savills savills.co.uk

TK International t-k.co.uk

Winkworth St. John’s Wood winkworth.co.uk

Winkworth West End winkworth.co.uk

@londonfabricmag fabricmagazine.co.uk

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 Photography Director Emmanuelle Peri Assistant Picture Editor Georgia Watson

Production Alex Courtley & Heidi Pomfret Retouch Gabriel Moroney

Advertising Debbie Russell debbie@fabricmagazine.co.uk +44 7811 347299

New Homes & Developments Karen de Pommereau karen@fabricmagazine.co.uk +33 6 70 80 42 45

Publisher Katie Hutley

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

REAP LTD

Nina Sosanya Photographed by Danika Magdelena

Nina wears: dress by Bernadette

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

Liz Skone James liz@hattoncollective.com

CONTENTS / LIFESTYLE

30 SHOPPING

Beauty brands are becoming more mindful about their environmental impact and we’re here for it

31 CULTURE

Your guide to what to do in London this month

32 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: NINA SOSANYA

What makes for a good role? Ahead of the second series of both Screw and Good Omens, Nina Sosanya reveals all

37 SUSTAINABLE INVESTMENTS

Expert advice on finding investment opportunities that will do more than just make money

38 STYLE

Too hot to exercise? We reveal how the heat might just help you to up your fitness game

42 FOOD & DRINK

Introducing a green social club in the city and a beautiful new look at a landmark Mayfair pub

TRAVEL

45 SPOTLIGHT ON

It’s Festival time in Edinburgh; discover the city’s best places to stay

46 TRAVEL REVIEW

Take a trip to paradise: there’s nowhere quite like the Maldives for a luxury beach escape

INTERIORS

49 INTERIORS NEWS

Your guide to what’s new in the world of interiors

50 SUSTAINABLE SURFACES

Flooring, wallcoverings and upholstery fabrics that are putting the environment first

Your

54 AT HOME WITH Biscuiteers founder Harriet Hastings shows us around her exquisite historic home

56 DESIGNER PROFILE

Interior stylist Emily Wheeler on how she is creating soothing spaces for women and children who have fled domestic abuse

SCHOOLS

59 A CAPITAL EDUCATION

We chat to the head of Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate about what boarding can offer

PROPERTY

61 TALKING POINTS

Our experts explore the pros and cons of buying off plan and we look at some of the most exciting new developments currently available

62 HOT PROPERTY

The best homes on the market this month

90 THE LAST WORD

Introducing the new Head of London Residential at Savills, Liza-Jane Kelly

Tick off that bucket list with an unforgettable trip to The Maldives

Take a peek inside Harriet Hastings’ historic home

020 7402 9494

16 Park Road, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4SH

Facsimile: 020 7724 7055

Email: enquiries@bargets.co.uk

Magnificent Detached Low Built House on the Heath

Morland Close, Hampstead Garden Suburb, NW11

An exceptional, traditional and incredibly charming detached family home situated in this desirable setting in the corner position of this private quiet close opposite the Heath Extension. The properties impressive bright and lateral accommodation extends to approximately 4,240 Sq. Ft. over three floors, benefiting from off street parking for four cars, a double garage and a stunning, landscaped South West facing rear garden. Located 0.3 miles from Golders Hill Park, 0.6 miles from Golders Green Underground station and 0.9 miles from the fashionable shops, restaurants and cafes of Hampstead Village.

www.bargets.co.uk

An Exceptional Bespoke Ambassadorial Detached Residence

Winnington Road, London N2

This outstanding family home has recently been extensively refurbished and offers exquisite contemporary interiors, benefitting from smart technology accessed by either tablet or smart phone, as well as under-floor heating and air conditioning throughout. Arranged over three floors, comprising a breath-taking grand entrance atrium, offering magnificent volume, luxurious and spacious accommodation. There is also a separate summer studio house at the rear of a beautiful landscaped 185 Ft private rear garden.

Winnington Road is in close proximity to Kenwood, Hampstead Heath and within easy reach to Hampstead Village and Central London. Large entrance hall • 4 reception rooms • 7 bedrooms en-suite • Kitchen/breakfast room • Study • Utility room • Guest W.C • Summer studio house • Wine store • Terrace • 185 ft rear garden • Garage • Carriage driveway • Air-conditioning • Under floor heating

Freehold Sole Agent Price on Application

020 7402 9494

SPANIARDS CLOSE

HAMPSTEAD GARDEN SUBURB

LONDON NW11

ASKING PRICE: £7,950,000

Lyndhurst Road, Hampstead, NW3

Offersinexcessof£8,000,000

643SeparateSoleAgent|Freehold|EPCD 2BedroomFlat

An elegant, bright and substantial six-bedroom semi-detached house with the benefit of a separate self-contained two-bedroom apartment on the lower ground floor. The house is presented in excellent condition and the raised ground floor boasts a 23' bay-fronted reception room with working fireplace, together with a separate dining room and 21'4 kitchen/breakfast room. This floor features impressively high ceilings with original cornicing and there is direct access to a westerly-facing walled 60' rear garden. The first floor enjoys a large principal bedroom with dressing room and ensuite bathroom, as well as a second double bedroom with ensuite. There is also a separate laundry room. There are three further double bedrooms on the second floor along with a study and family bathroom. The third floor is a unique open-plan studio with balcony, shower room and kitchenette. The studio boasts panoramic and unrivalled views of the city of London.

This is a rare opportunity to purchase an entire freehold on one of Hampstead’s most attractive roads which is situated within a short walk to the amenities of Hampstead Village (Northern Line), Belsize Park (Northern Line), and Swiss Cottage (Jubilee Line). Hampstead Heath overground is also within a short walk.

Hollycroft Avenue, Hampstead, NW3

6342

£6,750,000

A gracious red brick Edwardian six-bedroom house, set back on the preferred south-west side of the ever popular tree-lined Hollycroft Avenue, within the much coveted ‘Croft’ roads of Hampstead. The generous accommodation is arranged over three floors, and whereas the house would benefit from some updating, it has been well maintained by the present owners and retains numerous period features and a great deal of charm. The house provides excellent reception space throughout the raised ground floor, with an elegant and welcoming entrance lobby, three intercommunicating reception rooms, a 30' kitchen/breakfast/dining room and guest WC. In addition the garage, which is connected internally to the house, has been converted to create a studio room, office or playroom.

The two upper floors offer a principal bedroom with large ensuite bathroom and two walk-in closets, five further double bedrooms, two further family bathrooms, utility room and second floor roof terrace with far-reaching views. There is a mature south-facing rear garden and off-street parking for two cars.

The leading estate agent for Hampstead and the surrounding areas

Pavilion Apartments

ST JOHNS WOOD, NW8

£2,150,000

A well presented 4th floor three double bedroom apartment with private South/West facing terrace and secure parking. The Pavilion Apartments is a stunning, contemporary portered building located opposite Lords Cricket ground featuring a magnificent entrance lobby and beautiful communal areas.

Entrance Hall | Reception Room with access to Terrace | Re-designed and recently refurbished kitchen | Master Bedroom with En-suite Bathroom | Two further Bedrooms | Family Bathroom | Guest Cloakroom/WC | Secure Underground Garage Space Entry Phone, Lifts & Concierge/Porterage | Private Terrace & Communal Gardens.

Lyndhurst Road

HAMPSTEAD, NW3

£865,000 Guide Price

A modern two bedroom apartment set within a period conversion on this sought after road in Hampstead, located just 800m from the station.

Reception Room | Kitchen/Dining Area | Two Double Bedrooms | Family Bathroom | 800m from Hampstead Underground Station | Village Location.

NEVILLE DRIVE, N2 GUIDE PRICE £5,250,000

On the market for the first time in over 50 years, and positioned in one of Hampstead Garden Suburbs finest turnings, set behind a deep sweeping carriage driveway, is this detached family home spanning 4,276 Sq Ft (397 Sq M) arranged over 3 floors.

The south facing grounds extend to 0.25 of an acre, which back directly on to Hampstead Golf Course, with the added benefit of an outdoor swimming pool. Internally the house is now in need of modernisation but gives the incoming purchaser the opportunity to personalise and remodel the home to suit their own requirements.

The current accommodation includes a large entrance hallway, dining room, double drawing room, kitchen breakfast room and a large double garage which can be converted subject to the necessary planning consents required.

On the upper floors there are currently 7/8 bedrooms including a principal suite with a terrace, offering far reaching views over the garden and golf course and a games room on the second floor with ample eaves storage.

WINNIN GTON ROAD, N2 GUIDE PRICE £1 1 , 000,000

Set behind a sweeping carriage driveway with off street parking for many cars, a beautifully maintained and presented, detached freehold residence spanning 10,180 sq ft (946 sq m) over four floors and featuring a magnificent spa complex which includes an indoor 14 meter swimming pool.

As you enter this fine home into an elegant reception hallway the ground floor accommodation includes a double sized drawing room, dining room and kitchen family room all with double French doors onto the patio overlooking the garden. Furthermore there is a bespoke study/library, oversized utility room, guest WC and cloakroom and separate tradesman entrance and WC.

On the upper floors there are 5/6 bedroom suites which includes a stylish principal bedroom with his and hers dressing rooms, luxurious marble bathroom, shower room and a private study. Additionally there is a very spacious home cinema room.

The spa area also benefits from a large gymnasium with an abundance of natural light as well as changing facilities, a steam room and direct access from the pool area to the delightful 100” mature landscaped rear garden.

Tetherdown, N10

£2,200,000

A charming semi-detached house which has been tastefully refurbished throughout. Offering a spacious open plan kitchen and reception room with direct access onto the large rear garden, ideal for entertaining friends and family. On the first floor you will find four double bedrooms and two bathrooms. Moments from all the amenities of Muswell Hill including many independent shops and eateries.

Dexters Muswell Hill. 418 Muswell Hill Broadway, London, N10 1DJ

T: 020 8444 2388 E: muswellhillsales@dexters.co.uk

dexters.co.uk

Winnington Close, N2

£6,950,000

Set on a prime cul-de-sac in Hampstead Garden Suburb, a double fronted detached house which would be a great blank canvas to add your own stamp. Providing generous ground floor accommodation with an eat-in kitchen, a reception room and a large open plan kitchen leading onto extensive gardens. Arranged across three floors, there are six bedrooms, four bathrooms and a terrace, energy rating f.

Dexters Highgate. 35 Highgate High Street, London, N6 5JT

T: 020 8545 8584 E: highgatesales@dexters.co.uk

Nestled on a private road near Hamilton Terrace, this exceptional low-built residence, which has been rebuilt to the highest standard, offers a unique luxury living experience. Spanning over 5,000 sq. ft. the property boasts a spa/massage room, a garage for two cars, air conditioning in all bedrooms, CCTV, and a cinema room.

David Brand – Sales Director 020 7182 1406

david.brand@chestertons.co.uk

This unique triplex apartment occupies the entire first and second floors of a beautiful detached period house and is located on one of the most famous and historical addresses in Hampstead. The property features a magnificent original staircase and a 23 ft. reception room with direct access to a private terrace with far-reaching views. Sam Gould – Sales Director 020 7182 1406 sam.gould@chestertons.co.uk

Exceptional Detached Home

Elm Walk, Hampstead NW3 Golders Green Underground Station: 0.7 miles

A beautifully presented house that seamlessly blends modern luxury with classic elegance. 3 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, 6 bedrooms (2 en suite), further bedroom, dressing room, utility room, study, double garage, off-street parking, private front and rear garden. Freehold | Council Tax Band = H | EPC = D

3,863 sq ft I Guide £5.25 million

James Diaper

Savills Hampstead

020 7472 5016

jdiaper@savills.com

savills savills.co.uk

Low Built Family Home

Woronzow Road, St John’s Wood NW8 St John’s Wood Station: 0.3 miles

Secluded Italianate villa set behind a walled and gated entrance, with a secluded 113 ft southwest-facing rear garden. 3 reception rooms, principal en suite bedroom with dressing room, 4 further bedrooms (3 en suite), family bathroom, utility room/boot room, swimming pool, roof terrace, front and rear gardens. Freehold | Council Tax Band = H | EPC = D

4,805 sq ft I Guide £15 million

Stephen Lindsay

Savills St John’s Wood

020 3043 3600

slindsay@savills.com

THE

TERRACES,

NW8 £2,650,000 SOLE AGENT

A bright and well-presented two bedroom flat situated on the third floor of this highly sought-after purpose built block. The apartment comprises two double bedrooms both with en suite bathrooms, a guest WC, a large reception room and private balcony, as well as a separate kitchen/breakfast room. The Terraces is a well-renowned building, benefiting from 24-hour porterage, passenger lifts and secure underground parking. It is extremely well-located for the amenities of St John’s Wood underground station (Jubilee line) and the many shops, cafes and boutiques of St John’s Wood High Street (0.2 miles).

Two Bedrooms With En Suite Bathrooms | Guest WC | Reception/Dining Room | Kitchen/Breakfast Room | Private Balcony | 24-Hour Porterage | Passenger Lifts | Secure Underground Parking | Share Of Freehold | EPC Rating C | Council Tax Band H.

ST JOHN’S WOOD | 020 7586 7001 stjohnswood@winkworth.co.uk

SUTHERLAND AVENUE, W9

£3,150,000 PRINCIPAL AGENT

A sensational three/four-bedroom maisonette, with a fabulous 22’ reception room with approximately three metre ceiling heights and French doors opening out onto a balcony with views across extensive communal gardens. The apartment occupies the raised ground and garden floors of an impressive converted Victorian terraced residence, with use of beautiful communal gardens with a tennis court. This desirable property offers approximately 2,000 sq. ft. of bright, well-planned accommodation which comprises of a grand reception room, a stunning principal bedroom suite with double doors opening onto a private garden with steps leading onto the communal gardens, a large kitchen/breakfast room and two further double bedrooms. The apartment retains stunning features including full length sash windows offering a wealth of natural light and well-proportioned accommodation. Sutherland Avenue is situated in the heart of Little Venice close to all the local amenities offered by this fashionable area including the shops and cafes in Clifton Road, the famous Regent’s Canal and the underground at Warwick Avenue (Bakerloo line).

Three Bedroom Maisonette | 22’ Reception Room | Period Features Throughout | Private Garden | Private Balcony | Access To Communal Gardens & Tennis Court | Share Of Freehold | EPC Rating D | Council Tax Band H.

MAIDA VALE | 020 7289 1692

maidavale@winkworth.co.uk

winkworth.co.uk/maida-vale

EARTH FRIENDLY BEAUTY

Our

roundup of the best luxury sustainable beauty products –because true luxury means not having to choose between the planet or your beauty regime

Bamford B Balanced Body Oil, £44 (bamford.com)

Floral Street Sweet Almond Blossom EDP, 50ml, £68 (spacenk.com)

Bioeffect EGF Power Serum, £165 (bioeffect.com/uk)

Monpure Follicle Boost Hair Density Serum, £83 (monpure.com)

Westman Atelier Skin Activator refillable serum, £138 (selfridges.com)

Irene Forte Pistachio Lip Balm, £40 (ireneforteskincare.co.uk)

Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Moisturizer, £45 (cultbeauty.co.uk)

Wednesday Evening Glowdrate Facial Oil, £110 (itswednesday evening.com)

Anatome Hair, Skin + Nails natural food supplement, £30 (anatome.co)

Evolve Organic Beauty Climate Defence Facial Cream SPF 30, £29 (evolvebeauty.co.uk)

Aesop Protective Lip Balm SPF 30, £15 (aesop.com)

The Natural Africa Resurrection Moisturiser, £95 (the naturalafrica.com)

The Muses Tonic Candle, £48 (themuseslondon.co.uk)

WHAT’S ON IN LONDON

What to see and do in the Capital this August

COMEDY String V SPITTA

Who needs Edinburgh when we have some of the best previews right here? Starring Kiell Smith-Bynoe and Ed MacArthur as two big hitters on the children’s entertainment circuit, the pair, one a would-be grime artist, the other a classical musician, must put aside their differences for a once in a lifetime booking: Anastasia’s sixth birthday. 1-10 August, Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street, W1D (020 7478 0100; sohotheatre.com)

EXHIBITION Emma Gibbons: Barbiecore

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll know that Greta Gerwig’s Barbie has inspired a world of pink, and London’s art scene has not escaped the buzz. This visually delicious exhibition features over 100,000 glitter resin capsule pills handmade by UK pop artist Gibbons, who counts Margot Robbie herself as a client. Until 29 August, ME London, Strand, WC2R (melia.com; emma-gibbons. co.uk/exhibitions)

MUSICAL La auxCageFolles

Shake out your feather boa: Open Air Theatre’s sizzling summer season continues with this glorious retelling of Jerry Herman and Harvey Fierstein’s classic musical, which first dazzled audiences and blew up boundaries on Broadway back in 1983. Including the show-stopping

I Am What I Am, this outdoor production promises to be nothing short of fabulous.

Until 16 September, Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, NW1 (0333 400 3562; openairtheatre.com)

THEATRE As You Like It

By Feast Creative

THEATRE Private Lives

Two British acting legends come together in this biting Noël Coward comedy, hailed as “both a witty and scathing study of the rich and reckless in love”. Starring Patricia Hodge and Nigel Havers, this production marks the 50th anniversary of Coward’s death. Fittingly it is one of the playwright’s most beloved works. 31 August-25 November, Ambassadors Theatre, West Street, WC2H (theambassadorstheatre. co.uk)

Following 2017’s acclaimed Othello at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, director Ellen McDougall makes her Globe debut with a joyous Shakespearian romp. Join Rosalind and Celia in this spirited tale of romance and redemption as the iconic stage is transformed into a verdant forest. Pure magic. 18 August-29 October. The Globe, New Globe Walk, Bankside, SE1 (020 7401 9919; shakespearesglobe.com)

By Tristram Kenton

By James Deacon

THE SECOND COMING

Words by Liz Skone James

Photography by Danika Magdelena

You’ll probably know Nina’s face, but where from? With a career spanning several decades, she’s appeared in countless TV shows including Teachers, Last Tango in Halifax, His Dark Materials, Marcella, Killing Eve and Staged, and of course, she played the private secretary to prime minister Hugh Grant in Love Actually “I think I’ve got one of those faces… You hear a lot of actors say the same thing, but people tend to look at me and go, ‘Either you work around the corner from me, or you’re on the telly, but I can’t think what it is’,” she laughs. “I’ve been doing it for over 20 years, so there’s quite a lot to draw on. Depending on the type of person, I can sort of guess, or I think I can guess what they’ve seen me in. I think Last Tango in Halifax was one of those that really appealed to a wide variety of people; that’s often something that I’m recognised from. If they’re people of a certain age, it’s Teachers And if all else fails, it’ll be Love Actually!”

More recently, Nina has been widely recognised for playing the lead in Channel 4’s darkly-comic Screw. In the series, which first screened at the start of last year and was written by Baftanominated Rob Williams, she plays Leigh, an enigmatic officer in a male prison. “There are things that attract such wide audiences, and that’s very true of Screw. It has a very wide demographic, which I think is fantastic. I don’t know if there’s any one type of person who is watching Screw, I think it goes really, really across the board,” she explains.

For Nina, the appeal was that it was like nothing she had ever seen on TV before. “On paper, it was a prison drama,” she explains. “It seemed like one thing, and then I read it, and it was another, because it was from a different perspective to anything that I’d seen. It was funny, it was pretty honest, it was quite shocking. But most of all, it was a lot from the officers’ point of view, which was the bit I hadn’t seen before. I was sent the first script and the opening scene is of a woman (Leigh) waking up in a prison cell. This is someone who’s clearly used to being there,

is kind of comfortable being there, and then she gets dressed in a prison officer’s uniform. And I thought that was not only a brilliant way to start any show, but a brilliant way to introduce a character. You just don’t know who she is, or what her motives are. And from the very first scene, you’re questioning and wanting to know more.”

This summer will see the second series hitting our screens, and Nina is delighted to be back in Leigh’s steel-capped shoes, patrolling the corridors of HMP Long Marsh. “There’s a bit of a thriller element to this series. It’s a bit darker, but it’s still funny. And I think, actually, the funnies sort of work even better set against the intensity of plotting in this new series,” she tells me when I ask what’s in store for the staff and inmates. “It starts only six weeks after the end of the last one. So, we sort of find the officers dealing with the aftermath of what occurred at the end of series one, with the murder of one of their own. They’re kind of dealing with trying to get back to some sense of normality. And of course, that’s just not going to happen… To say anything else would be giving away something that I wouldn’t want to. The joy of Screw is that it sort of confounds your expectations quite a lot of the time. We set up one sort of argument, usually with some sort of moral basis, and then we’ll sort of pull the rug out from under you.”

A role that Nina possibly isn’t recognised for so much is that of Sister Mary Loquacious of the Chattering Order in Good Omens, the Amazon adaptation of the book of the same name by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. The fact she is not recognised has nothing to do with the success of the show, which was critically acclaimed and loved by fans, but everything to do with the “bizarre upside-down satanic nun outfit and monobrow” she was required to sport throughout.

Nina is set to appear in Good Omens 2, which is due to screen at the end of this month, but this time in an entirely different role. Was she surprised to get the call offering her the job?

Nina wears, opposite page: dress by ALEMAIS; and boots by Underground England

This page: dress by Bernadette

With second seasons of two projects coming to television screens imminently, Nina Sosanya’s face will be everywhere this summer; she talks about being recognised, returning to familiar jobs and making something from nothing

Styling by Deborah Latouche

Hair by Molecia Seasay

Make up by Min Sandhu

“I mean, I was surprised that there was another Good Omens,” she exclaims. “Because I have long been a fan of the book, and I know that it’s a story in its entirety. When I got the call to be in the first series, I was sort of beside myself. I auditioned and I got the part, which was fantastic. And then I assumed that that would be it, because there were no more books because Mr. Pratchett was no longer with us. But, of course, Neil and Terry had been collaborating for a long time and had many ideas about how the story might go forward. And so yes, Good Omens 2 turned up. And I was completely surprised, because not only did I not know that that series would occur, but I also had no idea that I might have another role to play…”

The new role is quite different to the one she portrayed in the first series. “I play a character called Nina, which is a feat of imagination on the part of Neil Gaiman. And my friend, Maggie Service plays a character called Maggie – so draw from that what you will,” she laughs, when I ask about this new role. “We are both humans in the world of Good Omens: as you know, it’s set in a world that encompasses heaven, hell and everything in between. So, we are very much human beings who you meet in Soho, on the same street as where Aziraphale has his bookshop. Nina runs a coffee shop, and Maggie runs a record shop on the opposite side. Nina is a slightly… let’s say, sulkier version of me, I suppose. Quite acerbic. Doesn’t suffer fools gladly. And she just wants a quiet life. She’s fiercely independent. And she gets embroiled in the goings on at the shop across the road…”

What can she tell us about those goings on? “To give anything away… I can’t! I’m so frightened of saying anything I shouldn’t say,” Nina tells me, emphatically. “I mean, there’s so much that has to be top secret with Good Omens, because the thrill of it is finding out how just how inventive Neil Gaiman has been. And that’s the case with everything that he writes, it’s just it would be so sad to know what was going to come.”

Has she always been a fantasy fan, I wonder. “Yeah, I kind of grew up with fantasy. I was a big reader from a very young age. And it was always other worlds that just utterly absorbed and

fascinated me,” Nina agrees. “You know, whether that was the Hundred Acre Wood, or The Jungle Book. Or Enid Blyton – the more magical stories that she would tell like The Faraway Tree and The Wishing Chair. Then I started reading Piers Anthony and Ursula Le Guin, and then I discovered Douglas Adams, which was a kind of confluence of everything that I loved… this really irreverent sense of humour mixed with something that I feel is really profound. I think the best science fiction and fantasy is saying something very profound about where we are now, where we’ve been, where we’re going. It’s just a sort of different version of the world we live in. I don’t really see it as escapism, I just see it as a different way of looking at who we are.”

It is perhaps no surprise, then, that she is drawn to roles in these types of production. But what else appeals? “It’s really tricky to know what makes for a good role until it sort of turns up in front of you,” Nina explains. “I think it always has to be within the context of something that I also find interesting. I want to be part of telling some story that I’m interested in, that excites me in some way. Some characters that are so opposite to me or have a facet of themselves that are not me. Those are the ones that I find really interesting and that make my heart race a little bit. Then there are characters I can understand, because there are various traits where we do cross over, and I feel I’ve got some insight and might be able to offer something to the character, as well as what’s written there. That’s always fun as well. Yeah, the things I’m drawn to watch, I suppose, are the things that I would love to be in.”

One of her favourite ever jobs was in a series she finds that not many people have watched. “I keep telling everybody to watch it,’ she tells me. “It is a show called Little Birds, which was a fantastic ensemble piece that was on Sky. It was adapted from the book by Anaïs Nin. It’s very melodramatic. It’s set in the 1950s in Tangier. It’s got a multinational cast. It’s got Juno Temple in the lead, Hugh Skinner, and a whole host of amazing actors. It looks beautiful, and it’s quite out there, quite shocking. It’s Anaïs Nin, so it’s going to be… I’m playing someone called Lili von X and she’s a sort of very risqué fading film star from the 40s who’s come to Tangier because she’s been blacklisted in Hollywood, and she wants to make her own sort of surreal, weird films. She was a huge amount of fun to play. And it’s period as well, I love anything period.”

Nina has been acting for so long now that it is perhaps inconceivable that she might have ever done anything else, but I wonder what she sees herself doing in a parallel universe. “So many things,” she exclaims. “Archaeology, although I think I would have needed to be of a much more academic bent, and I’m just not. I always thought perhaps I would be a musician. Again, you need the talent for that, which I was sadly lacking. I think, actually, my family is sort of quietly creative – there’s just always drawing, painting, making things, fixing things… and I think I would love to have an alternative life as a carpenter. If I had my time over again, I would definitely train as a joiner, a cabinet maker.”

Indeed, the latter is not just a pipe dream – she is currently teaching herself basic woodworking skills. “I’m a beginner, and I’m teaching myself, so, you know, making boxes, stools, trays…” she reveals. “I don’t have the room to make anything larger. But I have grand designs that one day I will have a workshop… It sort of started before the pandemic, but once the pandemic hit, it was something that was really a very useful way to distract the mind. I guess I just love the idea of just making something out of nothing.” In that way, it is not so very different from what she does for her day job – taking the materials from the script and creating a believable 3D character. And after all these years it is something that she has become very good at. Good Omens season two launched on Prime Video on 28 July. The second series of Screw is coming soon to stream and watch live on Channel 4.

“I want to be part of telling some STORY that I’m INTERESTED in, that EXCITES me in some way”

Nina wears, opposite page: jacket and trousers by The Fold; and shoes by Bimba y Lola

This page: dress by Bernadette; trousers by The Fold; shoes by Bimba y Lola; and ring by Moushe Designs

INVESTING for PEOPLE and PLANET

When you invest money, it is used temporarily by a company or other body to fund their activities – but what if those activities do not align with your own personal values and attitudes towards social responsibility? Unfortunately, it is not always easy to know exactly how your investment will be used, but over the past decade investors have been demanding new ways to invest ethically, choosing funds that will have a positive impact on the world, while also making a profit. Put simply, they are looking for investment opportunities that will do more than just make money. Roy Coulson, head of proposition at Attivo Financial Limited answers our questions.

What are the different ways to invest?

Firstly, there are traditional styles of investment which take very little regard for anything other than investment returns in their area. You then have what are often called ‘ESG’ funds (Environmental, Social and Governance). These funds look at other parameters aside from just investment returns. Many fund managers have used the ‘S’ and ‘G’ parameters for a very long time, believing that investing in companies with good social responsibilities and responsible governance will lead to better returns. With advocates like Greta Thunberg bringing environmental issues into the public domain, and world events such as Covid and The Paris Agreement on climate change, ‘E’ is something that has come to the forefront in recent years and is becoming increasingly important to many investors. Environmental may cover different terminology such as Responsible, Sustainable or even Green investing. On the face of it they are all similar, whether you choose to invest in this way whilst still achieving capital returns, or to be more philanthropic and invest not for monetary returns, but in the biosphere. And you can often combine both with great success.

Do sustainable investments perform as well as traditional investments? This is a great question, and it comes down to different investment managers and their quality. At Attivo Financial Limited we use a hugely robust due diligence process and are fiercely independent, so we can select providers we see as the best in both spaces. In short yes, they absolutely can perform as well. Investment managers in this space will often carry out additional due diligence on companies to ensure that they comply with requirements. Usually, the more transparent a

company is, the better it is run. The issue is, there are bad providers out there, in terms of both investment return and in terms of greenwashing, this is where a good financial planner can really help match clients’ needs, objectives and beliefs to a quality strategy and an investment that takes account of their sustainable preferences.

Is it possible for my investment to actually help shape change? It is certainly possible to make a real contribution in this space: your fund or investment manager can use the underlying investments to hold companies to account, using shareholder voting rights in order to invest in good or change. In this way, you can decide how you would like your money to ‘do good’ and how much or how green you want to go; Attivo Financial Limited’s panel serves the entire spectrum.

How big is the sector? It depends how you measure it, but Bloomberg estimate that ESG assets may hit $53 trillion by 2025. That works out as being a third of all global assets under management (AUM).¹

How can I start investing sustainably? Speak to a financial planner, one that understands this space – many claim to, many only invest in this area, but what you want is someone who can offer both and can help to educate you if needed. For me, true independence is crucial, because then you know that you are being advised by somebody who offers a selection from the whole of the market, helping you to choose something that will meet your needs and objectives, as opposed to a more restricted offering. With a good planner on your side, you are well protected against greenwashing, and you should avoid investments that will be negatively affected by The Paris Agreement or government targets.

How can I ensure I am investing sustainably? Use a financial planner, I do myself. They can ask questions that you don’t ask yourself. A financial planner has access to research that most individuals do not. State what you want and ensure that you understand what you are investing in, and the potential risks. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.²

What is the future of sustainable investing? With global governments needing to cut carbon, help regenerate the biosphere and contribute to UN objectives, this sector will only get bigger. Indeed, I believe it will become the norm in years to come. Right now we are at the beginning of that journey and it is something that is considered quite new.

What are the best sustainable investments?

As with anything, the best investments are those that can help you deliver on your lifestyle financial planning objectives. You should never invest in something that cannot help you to achieve your own goals and objectives, or in something that does not support your own beliefs. Attivo Financial Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. To receive personalised advice that is focused on you, your needs and your future, contact the team (clientengagementteam@attivo.co.uk; attivo.co.uk)

1. Source: bloomberg.com/professional/blog/esg-assetsmay-hit-53-trillion-by-2025-a-third-of-global-aum/ 2. The value of investments and income from them may go down. You may not get back the amount originally invested. Some funds will carry greater risks in return for higher potential rewards. Investment in smaller companies can involve greater risk than is customarily associated with investments in larger, more established companies

Looking to build an ethical portfolio that will have a positive impact on society and the environment? Here’s how to go about it

PERSONAL STYLIST

The latest in luxury fashion, beauty and healthy living

TAKING THINGS SLOW

Hand crafted in a small British atelier, La Fixé is one seriously gorgeous slow fashion label that you really ought to have on your radar. The brand’s ethos is around consciously creating simple, buildable, forever pieces – a capsule wardrobe of daily luxury. Think luxe basics and high-quality soft tailoring crafted from tactile Italian silks, sumptuous organic cotton and luxurious British wool, all sourced in Europe and hand crafted in small batches. Built with sustainable practice and conscious consumerism in mind, from cotton shirts to silk camis, and fleece hoodies to tailored jackets, every piece in the collection is designed to be lived in and loved in a thousand different ways. We can’t get enough of the occasionwear pieces, which will see you through season after season of weddings and events. Elegant and cool, the Biarritz silk plunge jumpsuit (£450) is a particular favourite. And who could resist the Raya gold sequin shorts (£75) – guaranteed to have you dazzling at your next summer festival. (lafixe.com)

FITNESS

Join the club

Membership applications are now being accepted for one of this year’s hottest openings. Pillar Wellbeing, the destination health club within Raffles London at The OWO is due to open late this summer, along with the rest of the hotel. The club will form part of the Guerlain Spa, which will span 27,000 sq ft over four floors, with a spectacular 20m swimming pool, nine exquisitely designed treatment suites, an extensive gym and L’Atelier Guerlain, as well as the ground floor Pillar Kitchen offering nutritious dishes catering to all diets. Members will enjoy access to all the spa and gym facilities, alongside unlimited group exercise classes and a bi-annual personal wellbeing review. They will also be able to book coaching sessions from the team of highly qualified personal trainers and physiotherapists. Through core ‘pillars’ of movement, nourishment and recovery, personalised programmes delivered by expert trainers will focus on strength and stress relief. Memberships cost from £6,250 per year. For further details, see pillarwellbeing.com/the-owo

FRAGRANCE

Luxury for good

Having first launched earlier this year, luxury maison, Grace de Monaco has just introduced its third fragrance, Ombre Sereine. Grace de Monaco is a first-of-its kind luxury-for-good fragrance, home, beauty and accessories brand, with all profits from sales directly supporting the Princess Grace Awards programme. Princess Grace (formerly Grace Kelly) was well known for supporting emerging artists during her lifetime, and upon her death in 1982, her husband Prince Rainier III and friends (including Frank Sinatra, Gregory Peck and Cary Grant) honoured her legacy by creating the Princess Grace Foundation.

While the first two scents were created by big name players in the haute perfumery world, Grace de Monaco turned to an exciting emerging talent for this third scent. Xavier Blaizot, a seventh-generation perfumer, has crafted a complex fragrance filled with dichotomous delights: Ombre Sereine is light and dark, playful and sombre, a cocktailfuelled party and a smoky salon. Top notes of pink berry and mimosa are layered with bergamot, orange blossom and lavender, and mingle with deeper notes of leather and musk. Xavier tells us: “Personally, what makes this perfume special and unique is the synergy between old and new. It feels familiar, but fascinating and alluring all at once; it’s illusionary rather than precise.” £220, available exclusively at Harrods (gdmonaco.com)

Timeless in design, the bottle is crafted from the finest sustainable materials

The Raya shorts and Biarritz jumpsuit are part of the Salty Air collection from La Fixé

THE HEAT IS ON

British summer temperatures are increasing every year, with the Met Office announcing that this June was the hottest since records began. If you don’t have the luxury of an air-conditioned space to workout in this can have a negative impact when it comes to achieving your fitness goals; finding the motivation to get outside and get moving when the temperature rises is understandably difficult. And of course, there are risks associated with heat exhaustion and dehydration. But approach the way you exercise with caution and there can be advantages to embracing al fresco summer workouts: high temperatures can challenge your body in new ways, leading to improved performance, greater calorie burn, enhanced endurance, and even increased mental toughness. We spoke to personal trainer and founder of Sculptrition, Amanda Place about the benefits.

INCREASED CALORIE BURN

“When your body is exposed to higher temperatures, it needs to work harder to regulate its internal temperature,” Amanda explains. As a result, your heart rate increases, and your body burns more calories to cool itself down. “This extra effort can lead to a higher metabolic rate during and after your workout, helping you burn additional calories and promoting weight loss.”

IMPROVED CARDIOVASCULAR FITNESS

Exercising in the heat means that your heart needs to work harder to pump blood and oxygen to your muscles and regulate body temperature. On a hot day, it may circulate two to four times as much blood each minute as it does on a cool day. This needn’t be a bad thing, says Amanda. “The increased demand strengthens your cardiovascular system, enhancing heart and lung function over time. Improved cardiovascular fitness leads to better endurance, stamina, and overall cardiovascular health.”

MENTAL TOUGHNESS AND ADAPTABILITY

Taking on challenges outside of your comfort zone has an incredibly positive impact on your brain function and can help you to develop mental fortitude and adaptability. “The ability to maintain focus, stay motivated, and overcome obstacles can extend beyond your workout and positively impact other areas of life,” says Amanda.

VITAMIN D BOOST

Exercising outdoors in the summer allows your body to soak up sunlight, promoting vitamin D synthesis. “Vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining bone health, supporting the immune system, and regulating mood,” says Amanda. By combining exercise with sun exposure, you can maximise the benefits of both physical activity and vitamin D production.

TIPS FOR EXERCISING IN THE HEAT

While there are benefits to exercising in the heat, there are also risks and it can put significant strain on the body, so it’s essential to prioritise safety. Amanda shares these tips to help you keep in top form while training in the heat.

Time your workouts: Schedule your workouts during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening, to minimise exposure to peak heat.

Protect yourself from the sun: Apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and use sunglasses to shield yourself from harmful UV rays.

Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, breathable clothing that allows sweat evaporation as well as protecting your skin from UV exposure.

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workout to prevent dehydration.

Listen to your body: Pay attention to signs of heat-related illnesses, such as dizziness, nausea, or excessive fatigue. If you experience any symptoms, stop exercising and seek shade immediately.

To discover more about Amanda’s award-winning services, see sculptrition.com

Don’t completely abandon your fitness regime the moment the sun appears, says personal trainer Amanda Place, there are benefits to exercising in hot weather

Through her training company, Sculptrition, Amanda provides women with bespoke health and fitness coaching

LUXURY PRIVATE MATERNITY CARE

Offering consultant-led and midwife-led care, as well as antenatal classes, scanning services, neonatal baby checks and a community postnatal package, The Kensington Wing is the dedicated private maternity unit at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital

Providing women and birthing people with aroundthe-clock clinical care, comfortable en suite private rooms and hospitality services, the Kensington Wing is located in one of the safest hospitals in London. To offer additional peace of mind, it is next door to the hospital’s recently expanded and refurbished Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and a consultant anaesthetist remains on site 24/7.

The individual rooms and en suite facilities are a haven, while the catering and hospitality team ensure that every stay is relaxing as well as safe. On The Kensington Wing the consultant obstetricians, neonatologists, midwives, nurses, sonographers and maternity support workers provide care as a team.

The Kensington Wing’s highly experienced team of midwives welcome enquiries and the opportunity to discuss midwife-led care in more detail. These ‘meet the midwife’ sessions are always a relaxed and special time to talk and discover more without any obligation. For those women and birthing people who are appropriate for midwife-led care, the team provide full support throughout pregnancy, and the midwifery team are available 24 hours, seven days a week to offer advice or address concerns throughout pregnancy, birth and the postnatal stay.

Alternatively, the consultant-led care package allows mothers and parents to choose one of the Wing’s highly experienced consultant obstetricians to fully support their pregnancy and birth. The chosen consultant provides continuity and individualised expertise throughout this journey, building a relationship with the parents through the antenatal period, giving them the confidence to birth safely in line with their personal birth preferences. This support continues through the postnatal period, including at the six-week postnatal check.

For the ultimate luxury, comfort and discretion, and a unique postnatal experience, book to stay in the Kensington Suite. The Suite boasts hotel standard services and facilities and 24/7 on-site friendly staff, with an exclusive entrance for ultimate privacy.

The Kensington Wing enquiry team are always happy to support with these arrangements and answer any questions you may have. If you’d like to find out more, or to explore the facilities on offer, you can visit their website.

The Kensington Wing, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, Floor 3, Lift Bank B, 369 Fulham Road, SW10 9NH (020 3315 8616; thekensingtonwing.co.uk)

John CarlingfordChantarasak’s oyster and sea buckthorn nahm jim

Promising a ‘green social club’ in the city, there’s a new pop-up in town in the form of restaurant and event space, Outcrop. So, what’s on the menu?

to source sea buckthorn juice (available at health stores or online) then use lime and orange juice, at a ratio of five parts lime juice to one part orange juice.”

INGREDIENTS

• 1 long red chilli, seeds removed and chopped

• 1 red bird’s eye chilli, chopped

• 1 tbsp coriander root, cleaned and chopped (or coriander stem)

• 1 tbsp garlic, peeled and chopped

• ½ tsp salt

• 5 tbsp sea buckthorn juice (unsweetened)

• 2½ tbsp fish sauce

• 2 tbsp caster sugar

• 12 x Carlingford oysters

• Crushed ice to serve (optional)

METHOD

1. Make the nahm jim sauce by pounding the chillies, coriander root, garlic and salt to a smooth paste using a mortar and pestle. Add the sea buckthorn juice, fish sauce and caster sugar, then mix everything well so the sugar dissolves. Set aside for 10 minutes, allowing the flavours to mellow and marry together.

2. Shuck the oysters and clean them of any shell fragments. Tip away most of the oyster liquid then spoon the sea buckthorn sauce over each oyster, about a tablespoon for each. Rest the shells on a bowl of crushed ice and serve immediately.

180 The Strand, WC2R. To learn more, or make a booking, see outcrop.social

If you’ve not made it down Outcrop yet there’s still time, just… the exciting pop-up restaurant and art space on The Strand is due to close at the end of next month. It was designed as a new type of gathering place – a green social club in the city where people could come together to eat, drink and have fun, all whilst striving to have a positive impact on the planet. Conceived by Luca founders Johnny Smith and Daniel Willis, and three of the team behind Secret Cinema (Tom Allott, Andrea Moccia and Sabrina Goreeba), it plays host to an arts and music programme, including a central installation exploring the world beyond our senses. The perfect spot for a drink on a summer’s evening, award-winning bar manager Rob Simpson has curated a drinks list making use of hedgerow fruits, spirits and botanicals from the best producers across the UK. Choose from a selection of cocktails made using exclusively British ingredients, such as the British Margarita,

made from barley eau de vie, London honey and gooseberry, or the Outcrop Martini, which combines London dry gin with a homemade herb garden vermouth, served ice cold. Meanwhile, on the food front, Outcrop’s restaurant is run by AngloThai’s John Chantarasak. The chef has created a menu influenced by his Thai-British heritage, with a focus on British summer vegetables, and a smaller selection of native breed animals and line-caught fish – mostly cooked over charcoal, in keeping with the traditional cooking practices of rural Thailand. Expect dishes like these delicious oysters. John says: “Nahm jim is a traditional Thai sauce that marries spicy, sour and salty flavours together in perfect harmony. Lime juice is used in traditional recipes, but this version utilises sea buckthorn, an orange berry that’s native to Britain, to bring sourness and a background tropical fruit flavour to the sauce. If you’re unable

Photography by Ben Broomfield

The Barley Mow

Cubitt House has given this landmark Mayfair pub a beautiful new look, and the food offering is not to be missed

Words by Liz Skone-James

The British weather has thrown a spanner in the works – rooftop drinks are off; a more rain friendly pub dinner is on the cards. But this is The Barley Mow in Mayfair – no ordinary boozer. The pub was bought last year by the Cubitt House Group, who are known for injecting new life and a food-forward ethos into their portfolio of London pubs, notably The Princess Royal in Notting Hill and The Coach Makers Arms in Marylebone. Menus at all nine of the group’s London venues are overseen by chef director Ben Tish, whose stellar track record most recently includes Norma and The Game Bird at The Stafford London. We’ve had good experiences at other Cubitt House venues, and heard great things about The Barley Mow, so expectations are high.

We begin the evening downstairs in the lively bar, which despite its smart new look, still feels very much like a pub, albeit a very handsome one.

There are etched windows looking out on the comings and goings of Duke Street, a marble topped dark wood bar and comfortable leather bar stools with upholstered backs that, along with the excellent drinks selection, make us consider settling in for the evening. We don’t want to miss our booking upstairs though, so finish our drinks and head on up.

This, too, has been exquisitely renovated. In the style of a private members’ club, it features deep blue wall panelling, rich velvet seating, striking art deco style chandeliers and crisp white linen tablecloths. It is a small space, which lends it an exclusive feel, and it is already buzzing, even though we are here early. The sun, having decided to come out, streams through the windows up here, giving the room a wonderful glow – we do not regret altering our roof terrace plans despite the change in weather conditions.

Tucked away at a cosy corner table, we are well placed to spy on neighbouring plates of food, and everything looks excellent. Here, Tish has created a menu that features British classics served with Mayfair flair, with everything from Scotch eggs and pie and mash to native oysters and Dover sole with Champagne sauce.

Though I’ve been a proud Londoner for over 20 years, I’m first and foremost a Devon girl, and as such can never resist crab, so I’m gratified to find it on the menu. Gorgeously fresh as it is, the spiced brown crab salad with radish, fennel and apple does not disappoint, though it feels a little righteous alongside my date’s decadent truffled croque monsieur, which is as wickedly delicious as it sounds. My half a (very large) free range chicken comes dripping in tangy wild garlic butter and served with earthy morels. It is delicious, but it is the sides that truly shine: anchovy gratin dauphinoise (yes, really), Colston Bassett cauliflower cheese and the dreamiest creamed spinach. We spend a moment or two contemplating the Neal’s Yard cheeses, which, like sweeties at the supermarket tills, are temptingly displayed for all to see. Deciding against them takes serious restraint; we opt instead to share some brown butter Madeleines. They are served warm and are light as a feather; dipped decadently in crème fraiche they are the perfect way to round off the meal. It has been a memorable evening: this hidden gem combines genuine hospitality with excellent food and drink, and we will be back.

82 Duke Street, W1K (020 4553 1414; cubitthouse.co.uk/the-barley-mowmayfair)

The cosy upstairs dining room at The Barley Mow has the feel of a private members’ club

Charming, stylish hotel in one of London’s most elegant neighbourhoods

doylecollection.com/bloomsbury

THE BEST OF: EDINBURGH

All eyes are on the Scottish capital as the Festival comes to town this month. It is a destination with a thoroughly deserved reputation as one of the most beautiful and fascinating cities in the world, and when it comes to staying in style, you’re

GLENEAGLES TOWNHOUSE

The original Gleneagles, located in rural Perthshire, is the stuff of legend, so news that the iconic sporting and country estate was going to open its first ever city outpost on St Andrew Square in 2021 was met with great excitement. A luxurious haven in the city, Gleneagles Townhouse is located in the heart of Edinburgh, a stone’s throw from Waverley Station. Ostensibly an exclusive members’ club offering a host of brilliant benefits, it is also home to 33 boutique bedrooms open to non members. And they certainly match up to the standards set by its country cousin – each is uniquely designed to celebrate the heritage of the building (the former Bank of Scotland headquarters) while offering serious comfort. Think characterful wooden floors, luxurious fabrics, antique rugs and comfy king-sized beds. A vibrant all-day restaurant provides the perfect spot for breakfasts, long lazy lunches and spirited dinners, and there are two striking bars, including a rooftop terrace where guests can enjoy extraordinary views over the city. There’s even a chic gym and wellness studio, The Strong Rooms, housed in the original bank vault at the heart of the Townhouse. gleneagles.com/townhouse

THE WITCHERY

THE BALMORAL

An Edinburgh landmark for over a century, this Rocco Forte hotel is considered to be one of the great railway hotels, and boasts an unparalleled address on Princes Street. Attentive yet discreet service, 187 contemporary rooms and opulent suites, an AA 4 Rosette restaurant and a lavish spa are all on offer here – little surprise that The Balmoral was named 2022-23 AA Hotel of The Year Scotland. It celebrated its 120th anniversary last autumn; first known as the North British Station Hotel, it opened its doors in 1902, attracting notable guests to the city such as Laurel and Hardy, Sophia Loren and Elizabeth Taylor. And the influential guests keep coming. Don’t miss the irresistible – and award-winning – afternoon teas, served in the hotel’s striking Palm Court. Or, for a real taste of Scotland, whisky-lovers can choose from over 500 bottles in the atmospheric Scotch Bar. In Gaelic, the word “balmoral” translates to “majestic dwelling”, and it’s a moniker that couldn’t be more fitting. roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/thebalmoral-hotel

Edinburgh’s most atmospheric dining destination also boasts nine theatrical and lavishly decorated suites, each unique, and fabulously original. Nestled in an enviable position by the castle gates in the heart of medieval Edinburgh, The Witchery – sister property to nearby Prestonfield House –is set in a collection of historic buildings dating back to 1595 and steeped in Scottish history. From Gothic glamour to rooftop views, whichever suite guests choose here they are assured intimate, indulgent luxury. Think gorgeous antique furniture, sumptuous sort furnishings, a roll top bath for two and original oak panelling, lit by flickering candlelight. In The Vestry, reached via a flight of stone turret stairs, you’ll find silkupholstered walls and a dramatic, draped bed, while the Gothic Library suite features book-lined walls concealing a secret door – the ultimate romantic hideaway. Though each suite plays on the history of the setting, they are all equipped with the finest modern comforts – think Dyson hairdryers, GHD straighteners and Nespresso coffee machines. And of course, dining comes courtesy of the gorgeous restaurant – now in its fifth decade it is rightly renowned as an Edinburgh institution. thewitchery.com

spoilt for choice

ISLAND LIFE

Dazzling white sand beaches, coral reefs

Words by Katie Hutley

holiday of a lifetime

It would be fair to suggest that the Maldives, when discussed, holds a particular resonance for people; in a noisy, always on, technological world, there’s something about the remoteness, the famous pace (or lack of it) of life, the symbiosis with nature that really speaks to busy, burnt-out Londoners. In short, it offers complete and utter relaxation.

Mind you, you are owed some relaxation credit after a not inconsiderable journey to get there. Arriving, blinking, into Malé airport is where the experience starts. Greeted at the Banyan Tree resorts’ dedicated desk (both of our two hotel destinations are part of the acclaimed group), our bags are whisked away and are duly waiting for us onboard the Trans Maldivian Airways seaplane that, with its barefoot pilot, will finally deliver us to our island idyll. (A note for the more nervous passenger; TMA perform over 100,000 flights per year, so you couldn’t be in more expert hands.).

First destination on our itinerary is Angsana Velavaru. As first impressions go, nowhere I’ve been has ever left me as close to speechless. Nothing can prepare you – no number of photos or videos, no description, however vivid – for the almost psychedelic, preternaturally beautiful first glimpse of these islands. It’s like Dorothy stepping into Oz. Truly, this is a place that dreams are made of.

Speaking of dreams, top of my agenda was a tactical, refreshing nap – an evening of local Bodu Beru music and dancing awaited, and I was determined to enjoy it. The villas here are small but perfectly formed, and the beach front location makes this snooze an instant entry into my Top Three Naps of All Times chart. Waking myself up was no chore, either – an invigorating splash in the outdoor shower, housed in the private courtyard garden to the back of the villa, and I was ready to explore.

The “no news, no shoes” national catchphrase is resolutely true here… strolling around the grounds is an entirely barefoot experience, and even the reception and buffet restaurant are sandy underfoot. Angsana Velavaru is an all-inclusive resort, with five different levels of inclusivity package available, that offers three restaurants –the smartest of these, Azzurro, is on the unique twin island, a short shuttle boat across the water away, which is also home to their in-ocean villas. There’s a kids’ club, a marine centre – guests are invited to take part in ‘coral planting’ conservation

Above: guests can get up close and personal with the marine life in one of the exquisite in-ocean villas at Angsana Velarau

teeming with colourful marine life and accommodation offering true barefoot luxury – the Maldives are the obvious choice for the

Angsana Velavaru’s beach pavilion offers a dreamy spot for a wedding ceremony

work to help repair the reef after the damage caused by the rising sea temperatures precipitated by El Niño – and a spa, where I treated myself to an utterly blissful massage in an open-air therapy room, with the soft breeze and the calling of seabirds as the perfect backdrop.

Time passes in a blissed-out haze punctuated by highlights: exquisite meals and delectable cocktails, a midnight dip in the vast inifinity pool and – one for the bucket list – a sunset cruise where we were accompanied by a huge pod of dolphins, up to a hundred of them, putting on the greatest show on earth. A more pinch-me moment it would be hard to imagine.

Before I know it, it’s time to move on to our next stop, Dhawa Ihuru. Famed for having one of the best house reefs – the term for reefs situated directly in front of resorts – in the whole archipelago, the hotel has been recently relaunched under Banyan Tree’s Dhawa brand, and is the relaxed, more casual sister island to Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, just next door. Whilst our previous accommodation was hardly a built-up metropolis, the thing that is most striking about Dhawa Ihuru is its pared-back, at-one relationship with nature.

The island is teeming with life – waterhens, storks, a resident flock of love birds, lizards and crabs scuttling away as you walk along the sand. But the showstopper is the marine life. The house reef starts just a few steps from the shoreline, and snorkelling here is one of the best experiences of my life. It’s astonishing. A technicolour world with an immeasurable populace, I swim alongside flamboyant parrot fish, darting needle fish, shoals of mackerel flashing blue, who jump into the air intermittently, and even black tip reef sharks who amble lazily up and down the shoreline, far less interested in my presence than I am in theirs. A little further out to the other side of the reef wall and I spy octopuses creeping across the coral, and as the icing on the cake, am soon swimming

alongside a majestic turtle. That bucket list is seeing some serious tick-offs.

The more casual vibe of the island extends to the Riveli restaurant, which serves international cuisine (I’m thrilled to try the mas huni, a traditional Maldivian breakfast dish of finely chopped tuna, onion, coconut and chilli), and become particularly fond of the island’s signature version of a Tequila Sunrise, the Maldivian Sunrise. For a more formal dining experience, we head across to Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, and Ilaafathi restaurant, which offers a unique blend of Indian, Chinese and Western cuisine. It’s exquisite.

Inspired by, and certainly in spite of, the number of Maldivian Sunrises consumed, I commit to a life first: I set my alarm for 5am to rise early and witness the actual sunrise. When I tell you this is out of character, I would previously have scoffed at the merest hint of rising early on holiday; but spending even a few days here, immersed in such bounteous nature, I’m more conscious than ever of its preciousness, and the experience doesn’t disappoint. Indeed, visiting the Maldives has had the most profound effect on me, and when it’s time to go home, I shed actual tears at the prospect of leaving such a paradise. It’s about so much more than the sum of its picture-perfect parts; it is alchemy, it is magic, and it is now my happy place.

DETAILS

A beachfront villa at Dhawa Ihuru starts from £675 per night, exclusive of taxes and fees, based on the all-inclusive dine package. Guests can take advantage of the ‘All-inclusive Island Getaway’ offer with savings of 25 per cent on best available rate when booking a minimum of four nights, with complimentary speedboat transfers (dhawa.com/hotels/dhawa-ihuru-maldives)

A beachfront villa at Angsana Velavaru starts from £409 per night, exclusive of taxes and fees, based on the all-inclusive dine package (angsana.com/ maldives/velavaru)

The house reef at Dhawa Ihuru starts just a few steps from the shoreline

HOUSE STYLE

Latest launches, luxurious new lines and eye-catching trends

WOODEN WEAVES

Artisanal furnituremakers Pilgrim introduce their latest collection, Weft. Designed and handmade in-house by founder Paul Staden, the wall-hung cabinets and open shelving units feature intricately woven backs that are as functional as they are pleasing in form. In natural prime oak or homegrown ash, they will bring quiet beauty to the contemporary kitchen – or any room where you want to display and store your treasures.

From £399 (pilgrimhouse.co.uk)

ECO SEATING

Heritage furnituremakers ercol cements its stance on sustainability with a commitment to natural, British-made fabrics and eco-friendly fills. Founded in 1837, Abraham Moon uses only sustainably sourced yarns at their Yorkshire factory, while Ian Mankin produces fabrics made exclusively from natural, recycled, or certified organic fibres in their Lancashire mill. You’ll find cushioning made with 100 per cent recycled plastic bottles in the iconic, angular Aldbury chair.

From £1,340 (ercol.com)

TAKE 5: STYLISH SEASONING

STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN

With a new west London showroom and a growing global audience, Sophie Cooney Runners is making strides. The brand is the original creator of contemporary, Kiliminspired flatweaves crafted for statement staircases. Meticulously hand-woven and featuring graphic pattern and vibrant colour, these are characterful, craft-driven carpets –and they are entirely covetable. From £385 per m (sophiecooney.co.uk)

1 Brass salt & pepper mill set, £118 (rebeccaudall.com) 2 Sara Miller Chelsea salt & pepper set, £27.50 (portmeirion. co.uk) 3 Tahiti salt & pepper mills, £64.99 (uk.peugeot-saveurs.com) 4 Bellow salt & pepper grinder, £40 (limelace.co.uk) 5 Copper heart serving set, £37.95 (annabeljames.co.uk)

Sustainable surfaces

With a growing awareness of the impact our choices have on the planet, homeowners are increasingly looking to incorporate eco-friendly alternatives in the very fabric of our properties: think flooring, wallcoverings and other everyday surfaces that see a lot of heavy use. Combining renewable materials, age-old craftsmanship, and the latest innovative tech, these next gen products mean we no longer have to rely on carpets that contain harmful chemicals, or flooring that’s destined for landfill at the end of its life.

Cork is an ever-popular choice for discerning homemakers with a conscience. Cork trees are harvested for their bark, rather than cut down. Typically, the tree is carefully hand-stripped – a skill passed down through generations – while the regeneration process itself helps with CO2 absorption, offsetting millions of tonnes of carbon each year. Suffice to say, this is an entirely biodegradable and recyclable material, too.

As a flooring choice, cork offers organic warmth and texture, it proves highly strong and durable, and it’s also pleasingly low maintenance. “As trends come and go, flooring is much harder to replace compared to wall colours or furniture,” says James Scully, founder of forward-thinking flooring brand, Recork. “It’s therefore essential to choose a material that will stand the test of time. Although previously more popular in commercial spaces, cork is very much in the spotlight for our homes, thanks to its incredible sustainability credentials as an inherently natural, renewable material that plays a vital role in the fight against global warming.” (recork.co.uk)

Art+Loom is a Miami-based luxury rug brand that introduced their wares to the European market to much excitement at this year’s Milan Design Week. The brainchild of Samantha Gallacher, they deal in design-led carpets, handwoven in Nepal using ancient techniques and natural materials including allo, which is derived from the Himalayan giant nettle. Renewable and locally sourced, the plant is harvested for its durable fibres and can lay

Across flooring, wallcoverings and upholstery fabrics, these brands put the environment first, from practice to product

claim to being one of the most sustainable materials on Earth, thanks to its abundant and fast-growing nature. Typically grown without the use of chemical pesticides or fertilsers, it boasts a low environmental impact. It also has the ability to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, so in choosing a rug made with allo, you can indirectly support vital carbon capture efforts. (artandloom.com)

What we put on our walls can have a huge impact on the environment. Many household paints contain high levels of VOCs (that’s volatile organic compounds) as well as hazardous ingredients such as heavy metals – think lead and mercury, or solvents like benzene or xylene, that are harmful to ecosystems when they contaminate our soil or water sources. Seemingly innocent wallpapers can also be detrimental: some are made using toxic materials such as vinyl, PVC, and other synthetic chemicals that release harmful substances into the air over time. “It is so easy to decorate sustainably these days but check what you are buying first,” advises Abigail Edwards, founder of the eponymous wallpaper brand. “Make sure the papers are printed with non-toxic based inks. Many wallpapers will claim to be made from sustainably sourced materials but check that there aren’t any added nasties in there. Unlike standard ‘paste the wall’ wallpapers, our Eco wallpapers are made with 79 per cent renewable raw materials, the PET fibres have been replaced with plant-based fibres created from fermented starch, and the remaining 21 per cent is a water based latex binder. Thirty per cent less greenhouse gases are emitted during the manufacturing process and the papers are compostable.” (abigailedwards.com)

Francesca’s Paints is a brand that can lay claim to being one of the first eco paint companies in the UK. Founded in 1996 by colourist Francesca Wezel, the brand puts sustainability and environmentalism at the heart of all they do, with entirely plasticfree, breathable, and solvent-free paints on offer. And if you can’t find the exact colour you’re looking for, Francesca creates entirely bespoke shades, mixed to suit the client’s needs, so there’s really no excuse to not go eco. (francescaspaint.com)

With the leather industry closely linked to deforestation –tress are invariably cut down to allow for cattle grazing and the cultivation of animal feed – Ultrafabrics is a brand that offers a luxe vegan alternative. Marrying Japanese craftsmanship with state-of-the-art technology and sustainability-focused innovation, these are high-performance textiles for high-end furniture pieces – Morgan Furniture’s stylish Lugano collection being a case in point. (ultrafabricsinc.com; morganfurniture.co.uk)

From left: Abigail Edwards Misselthwaite wallpaper in Forest; Morgan Lugano dining chair; Art+Loom Ondula Rug

This picture: Francesca’s Paints Postcard from Barra in Traigh

We are excited to announce the opening of Alcera, a brand new luxury tile boutique in Finsbury Park, London. Our stunning collection of high-end, exclusively sourced tiles is perfect for adding a touch of luxury to your home. Come and visit us to see for yourself.

SUSTAINABLE STEPS TO A GREENER FUTURE

Alcera Luxury Tile Boutique is a destination where luxury tiles become an exquisite experience. With a curated collection of natural stone, porcelain, and ceramic tiles sourced from around the world, the brand offers a personalised service, exceptional craftsmanship, and a commitment to sustainability. Whether you’re a homeowner or an interior design professional, Alcera invites you to explore their showroom and embark on a transformative design journey.

“At Alcera, we believe that luxury and sustainability go hand in hand,” says managing director Alexandra Dumitra. “Our carefully curated collection of natural stone, porcelain and ceramic tiles is a testament to our dedication to offering exquisite products. We prioritise responsible sourcing, working with trusted manufacturing partners who share our vision for ethical production practices.”

By continuously optimising their delivery processes, the brand aims to minimise their environmental impact. And by working closely with their logistics partners, they prioritise efficient routes, consolidating shipments

whenever possible. “We believe that even small actions can contribute to a greener future,” says Alexandra.

You can expect a private, consultative approach from the brand, one that sets them apart from traditional tile shops. “We understand that choosing the perfect tiles for your project can be a daunting task. That’s why our experienced team of design professionals is here to guide you through the process. Our private consultations allow us to gain a deeper understanding of your vision, offering expert advice and tailored recommendations to bring your design dreams to life,” Alexandra says.

We’re told that during a consultation, we can explore various sustainable tile options that align with our aesthetic preferences. Whether we’re seeking a modern, eco-friendly porcelain tile or a stunning natural stone feature, the team will assist us in selecting the perfect tiles for our space. Reassuringly, Alcera also prioritises open communication, ensuring that our voice is heard throughout the entire design process.

Experience the Alcera difference and discover sustainable luxury that transcends the ordinary. From the moment you step into the showroom to the final installation of your tiles, Alcera’s goal is to provide you with a first-class experience that reflects their commitment to quality, style and sustainability.

To learn more about Alcera Luxury Tile Boutique, schedule a private consultation, or explore the collection, visit alcera.co.uk, call 07956 896562, or send an email to info@alcera.co.uk

alcera.co.uk/product/aro-blue-marble

Whether you’re looking for floor, wall, or outdoor tiling solutions, Alcera offers elegance with an environmental conscience

With beautiful golden and cream veins running through the slab, these Aro Blue Marble tiles are a true work of art

At home with

Harriet Hastings

The founder of artisanal iced biscuit brand, Biscuiteers proves her creativity goes beyond the kitchen – and the boardroom – as she shows us around her historic Suffolk home

Words by Ali Howard

Photography by Ali Heath

There are so many unknowns when it comes to home buying but for Harriet and family, this property was always on the radar – the house belonged to friends and renowned architects, Michael and Patty Hopkins. Harriet recalls staying here often, and thanks the previous creative owners for restoring it in the 1960s, introducing the commodious open-plan layout she and her family enjoy today. One complete unknown, however, was the notion that they would purchase a property at all. “It was a very spontaneous decision to buy it at that time as we weren’t actually looking for a house,” Harriet admits.

The sixteenth century longhouse (with converted barn) is located in deepest rural Suffolk, around 20 minutes from the coast in a large farming valley and with local towns Framlingham and Halesworth within reach. “We’ve owned the house since 1999,” says Harriet.

“It’s a family home that we share

with our four children – when they can escape from London!” With its exposed rafters, natural stone flooring and wooden beams, the house epitomises rustic charm. But there’s an undeniable modernity about it, too, with vast and dramatic Crittall-style glazing and a huge open fireplace that connects the main space, which takes up the entire ground floor. I imagine Harriet must feel deeply connected to nature here. “Absolutely!” She confirms. “Winters in East Anglia can be pretty dark and cold, so we really love our open fire. My favourite month of all is May, when everything is growing, but autumn can be pretty beautiful, too – just add a Sunday roast and a long walk on the beach...”

Here, the interior design playfully pulls in opposite directions. There’s plenty of space to spread out in:

“It flows quite naturally from the kitchen to the dining area and then the sitting room at the far

The vast table in the barn was commissioned especially for the space

end,” says Harriet. Yet the open fire becomes a cosy focus – much like a warming campfire. It’s little wonder strategically placed woollen blankets and floor cushions surround it. “I think the most important thing for me is the proportions of the rooms and the layout of the space. Badly converted buildings are hard to do much with, but a simple layout, like we have here, works really well and makes the most of the beautiful timber frame.”

As any period property dweller knows, there’s no such thing as a straight wall – even less so when you’re in a house originally built in the 1500s. Harriet’s bespoke kitchen is a triumph of design, then, with its unique open shelving that acts as both room divider and practical storage. “We had to think about the space really hard as all the windows are too low to put kitchen units under them,” she explains. “Our solution was to build two freestanding units with lattice shelving so that they wouldn’t block the light. And we’ve built lower storage under the windows.” Whether a happy accident or an intentional design feature, colourful glassware catches the light through the latticed shelving of this highly functional cook’s kitchen.

Harriet describes her interiors style as “pretty eclectic,” adding that it is “definitely a mix of modern and vintage. Our furniture is all bought locally from antique dealers or auctions, there’s quite a

lot of Danish mid-century pieces, although we commissioned the table in the barn.” Only in a space like this can you indulge in a specially made, sprawling dining table complete with a rustic wooden bench that will happily sit six – and that’s just on one side. I’m curious to know about Harriet’s choice of lighting, soft furnishings, and accessories.

“I buy homewares from a pretty wide range of places like Graham & Green and Anthropologie, the rug in the sitting room is from Oka,” she explains. “And we have Bestlite lamps throughout the house, which I love, and some lovely vintage copper lighting in the barn to go with the Tom Dixon balls.” A unique space calls for unique objects, trinkets, and curiosities, of which there are plenty here, yet there’s no suggestion of clutter, thanks to the abundance of open space, and of course, light. Vibrant striped throws and pigment-rich artworks bring colour to the otherwise neutral and nature-inspired palette. “The large Lillet picture is an original advertising print from the 1920s and it really works well in the space to create a focal point,” says Harriet.

I’m keen to find out what her most prized possession would be, after years of collecting and carefully curating. “I love the way the house has evolved slowly over the years, but if I had to pick a favourite it would be the orange velvet Victor Magistretti sofas in the barn. But I think my actual favourite

place to be is in the covered seating area outside the barn. It faces into the evening sun and I love to read there. I would prefer to be outside whenever possible!”

I wonder what’s next for Harriet and Biscuiteers. “We’re very busy finalising our 2023 Christmas collection at the moment,” she reveals. “We’ve also launched a US website and have re-started our European deliveries. And we’re excited to be working with a range of new luxury retailers this year, including a beautiful new co-branded line with Harrods.” For someone so busy it’s little wonder the bucolic lifestyle appeals, and here, Harriet – with the help of architect friends before her – has created the perfect country retreat biscuiteers.com

Fabric readers can get an exclusive 15 per cent off at biscuiteers.com using the code FABRIC15. Valid until 16 September 2023. Excludes e-gift cards. Maximum basket value £300, cannot be used on multi delivery checkout.

1 Saw cut chest of drawers, £625 (vincentandbarn.co.uk) 2 Tom Dixon copper LED pendant light, £425 (heals.com) 3 Pukka armchair, Rouille Gentle, £2,115 (ligne-roset. com) 4 Blanc d’Ivoire Maxon coffee table, small, £795 (sweetpeaandwillow.com) 5 Havanna green lambswool throw, £79 (countrymouse.co.uk)

ON DESIGN: EMILY WHEELER

This writer, interior stylist and social entrepreneur is fighting London’s furniture poverty problem with sustainable solutions – and creating soothing spaces for women and children who have fled domestic abuse

Words by Ali Howard

Tell me about Furnishing Futures

We are a new charity that creates and designs fully furnished healing homes for women and children who have been placed in unfurnished social housing after escaping domestic abuse. Social housing is typically given without any flooring, white goods or furniture and there is very little support available once the tenancy has been signed. Women have often had to leave everything behind and can spend months sleeping on cold concrete floors without a cooker to make a meal.

We work in partnership with the interiors industry to tackle the issue of industry waste, giving brands, interior designers, event companies and retailers a sustainable solution for products they can’t sell, such as returns, seconds, ex-showroom or dead stock, and we use these to create well designed, trauma-informed healing homes for women and children in need.

How did it come about?

I’m a registered social worker with nearly 20 years frontline child protection experience, but I am also a trained interior designer and I spent several years designing residential homes before becoming a real homes stylist and writer for magazines, and writing an interiors book, Creative Living London. I was meeting a lot of women who were in this situation, and I realised I had the skills to do something about it. It took me three years to grow the project into a registered charity, and we moved into our first warehouse in Leyton, East London seven months ago.

What is trauma-informed design?

Trauma-informed design means giving thought to how people who have experienced trauma are impacted by their environment, by paying attention to things like colours, textures, light, materials, sight lines and shapes to create spaces that soothe the nervous system and reduce stress.

Tell me about your collaboration with interior designer Rebecca Wakefield Rebecca has been a wonderful supporter of my work since the beginning and fundraised for me when I was doing this on my own from my house, working around my full-time safeguarding job and trying to raise awareness of the issue. We’d talked about her collaborating with me to redesign a

women’s refuge before the pandemic, but that got put on hold during lockdown. When life regained a little more normality we partnered with specialist refuge provider, Kiran Support Services, to redesign the communal living space and entrance hall of one of their refuges in London. We met with the residents and staff to understand what they would like, and Rebecca designed a beautiful, welcoming and homely space that feels like a comforting home from home for the women and children living in the refuge. We had amazing support from our charity partners Soho Home and Soho House, as well as donated product from brands including Sanderson, William Morris, Wickes, Arlo and Jacob, Lux Deco and bespoke artwork from Juliane Kellersmann and Tracey Turner, as well as lots of generous product donated by small independent brands, and Jungle, the commercial fit out company built bespoke cabinetry for the project. This meant we could create something really special, which the women say has transformed the way they feel about being in the refuge.

What is the role of sustainability in your work?

We are in the middle of a climate emergency and we need to do everything we can to reduce waste and the amount of things we send to

landfill. Furniture and textiles account for a huge proportion of the products sent to landfill every year and create toxic gases that pollute the earth and the atmosphere. I realised that the interiors industry could do better in terms of redistributing products that are no longer needed, and that we could offer the industry a sustainable solution to waste, as many of the pieces brands cannot use are in new condition or perfectly useable. Our model gives the industry the opportunity to have a sustainable solution to waste whilst creating powerful social impact.

What are you working on next?

We have a waiting list of women and children who are being rehoused and need support from us with creating safe and comfortable flats and houses for them after domestic abuse, so we’re very busy supporting families in London each week. Rebecca Wakefield and I are also going to be moving onto redesigning the seven bedrooms, kitchen, garden and nursery/playroom in the Kiran women’s refuge over the coming months; and Furnishing Futures is also redesigning the communal spaces in three women’s refuges in London for Solace Women’s Aid with the interior designer Clare Gaskin this year. furnishingfutures.org

Creative Living London, rrp £19.95, Thames & Hudson

Above: Emily has worked with interior designer Rebecca Wakefield to redesign the communal living space of a women’s refuge in London

A capital education / SCHOOLS

and moral development. A regular commitment will also bolster the university or employment applications of senior students. Our enrichment programme allows students to choose from a huge range of activities, including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, the Combined Cadet Force, music, drama, dance and sports clubs.

How do you look after the wellbeing of your pupils? We offer extensive provision to equip each student with the skills they need to be successful in education, their chosen careers and life in general. Our innovative Wellbeing programme supports their positive mental health and welfare. Students can make use of the extensive Peer Mentoring System which runs throughout the school. And our dedicated team of trained staff are on call all year round to offer support and guidance within their specialist welfare areas.

What do you think boarding can offer London children? Boarding schools provide a home away from home where children can enjoy their childhood while also learning the principles of adulthood as they grow and thrive. Boarders at QE also have opportunities to learn about other cultures from a campus that’s in the North Yorkshire countryside, yet still close to York and Leeds.

Daniel Machin

Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate

How would you sum up the school in a sentence? Queen Ethelburga’s is a truly cosmopolitan day and boarding school, with an ethos for every member of the community to Thrive@QE – both in terms of academic success and personal wellbeing.

What makes the school different? Our students and staff take pride in the diversity of our community and the varied aspirations of our students. QE is not a school where our students’ futures are dependent on what we think they should achieve. It’s a school where we take pride in their ambitions and work alongside students to find as many opportunities as possible to achieve them.

Our students know they don’t only need strong results to do this. They also need to develop into well-rounded, confident individuals with a diverse range of interests and skills, as well as respect for others and their environment.

SPOTLIGHT ON Newton Prep School

Pupils: around 630 pupils aged 3 to 13

Founded: in Battersea in 1991, with 70 children and seven members of staff.

The founder, Dr Farouk Walji, is still the chairman today Entrance requirements: younger children

How would you describe the atmosphere? Engaging and dynamic. Every day brings new and exciting experiences – and a lot of fun! Just this year, we’ve introduced Esports, written and produced a song and music video, and been the first school in the UK to enter the CityCar Cup.

What about your personal educational ethos? I believe that every young person at Queen Ethelburga’s deserves an excellent educational experience that helps them become the best they can be with the gifts they have. That’s why, as well as supporting them in their QE journey, we provide a wealth of opportunities to help them discover their own passions and learn vital life skills.

How do you balance your extra-curricular activities with the academic side? We strongly believe that taking up an activity is an important way of facilitating intellectual, emotional, social

Weekends at boarding schools can be as busy as during the week – and unlike in London, students don’t need to negotiate public transport! At QE, we offer a wide range of sporting, creative and performing arts, cultural and outdoor activities. Our boarding houses also host a varied programme of activities, encouraging students to socialise and follow their individual interests. And state-of-the-art sports facilities encourage students to maintain a healthy lifestyle and manage their own fitness.

Thorpe Underwood Estate, York, YO26 9SS (01423 333333; qe.org)

(nursery and reception) are invited to take part in a play-based assessment in the school; older children (years 3, 5 and 7) undertake an assessment in maths, English and reasoning and spend time in the school

Destination schools: (year 6) Alleyn’s School, Francis Holland School, Godolphin and Latymer, Lady Eleanor Holles School, Wetherby Senior School; (year 8) Bedales, City of London School, Dulwich College, Eton College,

Marlborough College, St Paul’s School

Known for: being ‘unashamedly ambitious’ for its pupils (who are academically selected) and instilling in them the values of kindness, tolerance and respect, along with the ethos that hard

work brings success.

The school also boasts outstanding facilities including three sports halls, three science labs, a 300-seat auditorium and a 125-seat recital hall Fees: from £3,780 per term (for the nursery)

Find out more: newtonprepschool.co.uk

North Bridge House

Book an Open Day

North Bridge House is on a constant journey of getting to know every child as an individual, realising their unique potential through a rich and diverse academic and co-curricular programme at every school stage.

‘Personal challenge with tailored teaching in a nurturing setting’ Good Schools Guide

NURSERY & PRE-PREP

WEST HAMPSTEAD 2 - 7 YEARS

SATURDAY 16 SEPTEMBER

NURSERY & PRE-PREP HAMPSTEAD 2 - 7 YEARS

SATURDAY 30 SEPTEMBER

PREP SCHOOL

REGENT’S PARK 4 - 13 YEARS

SATURDAY 23 SEPTEMBER

SENIOR HAMPSTEAD 11 - 16 YEARS

SATURDAY 30 SEPTEMBER

SENIOR CANONBURY 11 - 18 YEARS

SATURDAY 16 SEPTEMBER

FROM THE OFF

One obvious advantage of buying off-plan is that it often allows investors to snap up a property at a lower price than its market value upon completion. As the property market appreciates over time, off-plan buyers can benefit from capital appreciation, potentially yielding substantial profits while they wait to move in. Another advantage is having the opportunity to customise and personalise your new home to your own discerning taste. Glentree’s Lauren Abrahmsohn points out: “Why take what you are given when you could choose off-plan exactly what you want?” Take the plunge to buy off-plan and you can often choose your own interior finishes, fixtures and fittings, right down to the finest details.

“Quite apart from anything else you can choose your décor scheme and we all know how emotive this can be, and how it rankles when you have to accept a colour scheme that is not of your choosing,” says Lauren. “It reminds me of Henry Ford and his choice of colour for his Model T car: you can have any colour you want, as long as it’s black!”

While you may have your head in a book of paint colour samples now, it’s vital you do the homework and ensure your developer lives up to their promises once your home is complete, and for that you’ll need to whip out the tape measure. Rosy advises: “Check that the specification has been delivered, both in terms of layout, room sizes, finish, and appliances. If the specification states that built-in wardrobes are included, then they need to be there. Buying off-plan does give you a brand-new home, but as those who’ve purchased off-plan before will know, you will invariably get some snagging issues and will need to factor these into the process.” beauchamp.com; glentree.co.uk

Unless you’re into superyachts or space rockets, buying a property is likely to be the biggest outlay of your life. It may seem risky, but buying off-plan is an increasingly popular strategy for home-seekers looking to secure a property at an early stage of investment. Essentially, buying off-plan refers to the purchase of a home before it’s completed or even before construction begins, basing your decision purely on architectural plans and the promises of a developer to deliver on spec – and on time.

Rosy Khalastchy heads up Beauchamp Estates’ St. John’s Wood office. She tells us: “Buying off-plan can be daunting, as there is nothing to see except a brochure and plans, and if you’re fortunate, a model. It is therefore essential to know the developer and see any examples of other developments they have completed. It is also advisable that the specifications included are clearly documented and form part of the legal specifications of what you are buying. And where possible, it would be good to see samples of the final specs for kitchens, bathrooms and fitted units.”

Templars Court, NW11

Nestled in a leafy Temple Fortune is this boutique collection of eight new houses. Featuring luxury en suite bedrooms, high-spec kitchens with Miele appliances, private landscaped gardens and coveted off-street parking, these brand-new homes offer luxury modern living at its best. From £1.8 million, Glentree (020 8731 9500; glentree.co.uk)

Brent Cross Town, NW2

This ambitious £8 billion project is a joint venture between Barnet Council and trusted developers Related Argent, who have a track record on delivering to the highest specification. Excitingly, we’re promised workspaces, parks, schools, and even a brand-new high street, too. To register your interest, visit brentcrosstown.co.uk

St John’s Wood Park, NW8

The handiwork of award-winning architects Maccreanor Lavington, this luxe new development, desirably located on the east side of St. John’s Wood, features nine apartments including two penthouses. Expect utterly elegant living spaces finished to the highest standards. From £1.65 million, Aston Chase (020 7724 4724; astonchase.com)

TAKE 3: NEW HOMES

When it comes to buying off-plan, on balance, the pros outweigh the cons, say our experts

Why choose what you are given when you can choose offplan exactly what you want?

Lauren Abrahmsohn Glentree

TO LET

Park Place, SW1A

This stylish four-bed triplex penthouse is situated in the heart of St James’s, just a stone’s throw from the world-famous Ritz. But who needs a fancy hotel as a neighbour when you have the height of modern glamour at home? Set within a striking art deco-inspired building, complete with curvy frontage, the property boasts four bedrooms, each with its own en suite, a stunning entertainment-focused reception room that makes the most of those undulating curves, and a private roof terrace from which you can enjoy 360-degree views of the London landmarks. £4,650 per week, Dexters (020 7590 9595; dexters.co.uk)

ON THE MARKET

FOR SALE

Marlborough Hill, NW8

Boasting bags of character is this modern-built townhouse, located less than half a mile away from St. John’s Wood High Street and all its enticing offerings. If you like your property quirky, you’ll love what the current owners have done with this one: the garden level features a large chaletstyled entertaining space complete with a home bar, a cosy TV area, and direct access to the patio – it is ideal for parties. A chic and sleek modern stainless-steel kitchen with sociable and functional island meets you on the first floor, while the upper two floors comprise a stylish reception room and four well-proportioned bedrooms. £2.95 million, Winkworth (020 7586 7001; winkworth.co.uk)

FOR SALE

Courthope Road, NW3

On the market for the first time in over 70 years, this midterrace Victorian house boasts approximately 2,400 sq ft of luxurious accommodation set over four floors, meaning there’s more than enough living space for a growing family to enjoy. Outside space comes in the form of a beautiful south-west facing rear garden, as well as a roof terrace and additional balcony – enjoy the weather while it lasts. With the Savernake Road bridge to Parliament Hill and the Heath just a short stroll away, and excellent local schools nearby, its location is idyllic, too. £2.5 million, Day Morris (020 7482 4282; daymorris.co.uk)

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

CHARM IN ABUNDANCE

Looking for a period property with character? This historic estate is a dream come true

If you’re drawn to the rolling greenery of Hampstead, this is your chance to snap up your own patch. This sprawling family estate is located in the heart of Hampstead Village and is set within 0.6 acres of beautifully manicured gardens. Formerly known as Frognal Lodge, the estate comprises a pair of semi-detached Grade II listed Georgian houses that were once combined to form a grand singular property, as well as a separate coach house and garage. The nine-bed abode is arranged over two floors and boasts a spacious orangery with mature vines that leads directly onto the green carpet-like lawns that are framed with herbaceous borders, ornamental trees, and shrubs. You could not get any more quintessentially English.

The loveliness continues inside with a labyrinth of beautifully appointed rooms that make up the property’s unique and characterful layout. Expect period features aplenty with perfectly maintained parquet flooring, huge light-loving sash windows, and a magnificent staircase in natural wood complete with spiralling spindles. There are plenty of surprises in this property with room after room of versatile accommodation together with quirky book nooks and cosy sun traps. The split-level gardens, too, offer hideaway places with mature trees and red brick walls. Located in a huge verdant plot, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in a countryside estate here, but Hampstead tube station is just minutes away, as is the buzzy Hampstead High Street and of course the Heath in which nature lovers will have their fill. Some of the area’s top local schools are also within easy walking distance, making this one enviable address all round. Admittedly, you’ll need deep pockets, but this historic estate, on the market for the first time since 1931, really is the stuff of property dreams.

£22 million, Goldschmidt & Howland (020 7435 4404; g-h.co.uk)

This four bedroom duplex apartment (203 sq m/2,185 sq ft) is set on the ground and lower ground floor of this landmark building and offers 4m approx. ceiling height on the ground floor as well as a private garden.

designed and luxurious living spaces, full of natural light and finished to the highest of standards.

Principal Bedroom with En-Suite Bathroom, Three Further Bedrooms, Two Bathrooms, Spacious Living & Dining Area, Fully Fitted Kitchen, Patio, Garden, Parking Available by Separate Negotiation.

Price £4,495,000

SAVILLS St John’s Wood & Regent’s Park Residential Sales 020 3043 3600 savills.com

Designed by international award-winning architects Maccreanor Lavington the development comprises nine luxury apartments, including two penthouses. Situated in the east side of St John’s Wood, the apartments offer superbly

HIGHGATE, N6

An exquisitely presented semi-detached period house with spacious accommodation of approximately 2,800 sq. ft. arranged over three floors. The property has a large studio style bedroom, second bedroom and shower room on the top floor. Principal bedroom with bathroom en suite, another bedroom, family bathroom, and utility room on the first floor. The ground floor has an entrance hall, kitchen/dining room, large reception room, and guest cloakroom. There is a secluded South facing garden and gated off street parking for two cars.

£2,650,000 -

- Joint Sole Agent

BURGHLEY ROAD, NW5

A large Victorian home located on Burghley Road, a quiet residential turning within walking distance of Kentish Town High Street. The property benefits from spacious and naturally bright rooms across every floor, and provides flexible accommodation for the growing family, with a lovely west facing garden at the rear. The property sits just a short stroll from Tufnell Park station, where the Northern line gives quick and easy access to the City and West End. A number of schools are close at hand, including Eleanor Palmer Primary and Acland Burghley Secondary. Six

Jack And Jill En Suite Shower Room

£2,150,000 - Freehold - Sole Agent

49 The Bishops Avenue is an exceptional development within a gated landscaped setting with exceptional amenities including 24hr concierge, a swimming pool, secure underground parking and gym. The 5,160 sq ft home comprises 4 bedrooms and a private woodland garden.

This spectacular 4,162 sq ft family home adjacent to Waterlow Park comprises impressive open-plan living filled with natural light from the fully glazed walls. The home is well equipped with modern technology and benefits from a private terrace, off-street parking, and courtyard garden.

4 Bedrooms • 4 Bathrooms

PRIVATE TERRACE | GARAGE | HOME AUTOMATION | CINEMA ROOM

Guide Price £6,500,000

FREEHOLD • JOINT SOLE AGENTS

HAMPDEN GURNEY STREET, W1

A beautifully presented second floor three double bedroom purpose built apartment moments away from Oxford Street.

3 Bedrooms - 2 En-Suite Bathrooms - Shower Room - Reception Room - Kitchen - Balcony - Lift - Secure Underground Parking - EPC Rating C - 1,055 sq ft - Council Tax Band G

THE WATER GARDENS, W2

A great opportunity to purchase this one bedroom apartment with a lease of approximately 153 years on the sixth floor of this portered gate development on the Hyde Park Estate.

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DEVONSHIRE PLACE MEWS, WIG

Price: £6,500,000

An exquisitely designed mews house spanning over 2700 sqft, boasting a spacious terrace and integral garage. This home is ideally positioned with Marylebone High Street and Regent's Park a short distance away.

4 Bedrooms I 5 Bathrooms I 2 Reception Rooms I Garage I Dumbwaiter I Air conditioning throughout the property I Terrace I Council Tax Band HI

Leasehold I EPC Rating DI Approximately 2706 sq ft

Mitchell Murphy I Senior Sales Manager

+44 7783 779 723

mitchell.murphy@druce.com

NIN ET Y8GORDONROAD, W1 3

A beautiful redevelopment situated in West Ealing, with five apartments available for purchase. The apartments at Ninety8 Gordon Road are a mix of one, two and three bedrooms. The ground floor apartment includes its own private garden, while all apartments have access to a communal garden.

Share of Freehold I Outdoor Space I Newly Refurbished I Interior Designed I Close Proximity to Elizabeth Line I 10 Year Building Warranty I Off Street Parking (subject to availability)

Zenonas Georgiou I New Homes Sales Manager

+44 7854 669 205

zenonas.georgiou@druce.com

Features of note include, a well-proportioned, light south facing reception room giving an abundance of natural light. The apartment also has a long lease and separate kitchen.

Located in an enviable prime location, immediately behind Selfridges, right in the heart of what is arguably, the very best part of the West End.

The property has an array of transport links, including Bond Street (Central, Jubilee & Elizabeth), Marble Arch (Central, Baker St’, Jubilee/ Bakerloo) and Paddington mainline Station including the Heathrow Express, (Elizabeth, Bakerloo, Hammersmith & City, Circle & Districts).

LEASE: About 150 Years Remaining | SERVICE CHARGE: About £9,000 p.a. |

GROUND RENT: £100 p.a. |

COUNCIL TAX BAND: F |

EPC Band: C.

Daleham Gardens, NW3

£1,600,000 Asking Price

A magnificent 3 double bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment

Set in imposing double fronted detached period conversion

Great lateral space spanning the entire top floor

Over 1500 sq ft on the 2nd floor

Delightful communal gardens

Exceptional 21ft reception with feature fireplace

Belsize Park Office 020 7431 1234

Semi open plan high quality kitchen 13ft main bedroom suite with dressing area and bathroom

2 further double bedrooms, shower room and ample storage

Prestigious and peaceful location ideal for Hampstead and Belsize Park

Share of Freehold

Council Tax: Camden Band G.

South Hampstead 020 7625 4567 nw6@parkheath.com

West Hampstead 020 7794 7111 192@parkheath.com

Belsize Park 020 7431 1234 nw3@parkheath.com

Kentish Town 020 7485 0400 kt@parkheath.com

Kensal Rise 020 8960 4845 kensal@parkheath.com

Property Management 020 7433 6174 pm@parkheath.com parkheath.com parkheath_londonrealestate

FREEHOLD

SOLE AGENT

A delightful, fully detached, two storey, cottage style house, located in this ever popular position within 100 metres of Brookland School, thus within the narrow catchment area. This lovely home offers much larger than average entertaining space to the ground floor providing a double sized reception room, a separate dining room, a kitchen/breakfast room and guest cloakroom. The bedroom accommodation is well proportioned with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and other benefits include off street parking for 1 car and a large, well landscaped and maintained, west-facing rear garden. The property is in good decorative order whilst affording ample opportunity for incoming purchasers to create a luxurious and comfortable house at a timescale to suit.

Brookland Rise is an attractive tree lined road providing easy access to the North Circular Road (0.1 mile) and M1 (1 mile), ample bus routes and local shopping amenities of Market Place and Temple Fortune (0.5 mile).

3 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | triple-sized reception room | kitchen/breakfast room | guest cloakroom | delightful west-facing garden off-street parking.

Residential Sales Lettings & Property Management

HAMPSTEAD GARDEN SUBURB, NW11 £1,375,000

This elegant upper maisonette is situated in a beautiful Grade II listed white-stucco period house in the heart of Little Venice. The property boasts a large double reception room with two fireplaces, ornate cornices, a 27 ft. roof terrace, and access to the communal gardens and tennis court.

Westendarp – Sales Director

HARLEY STREET, MARYLEBONE VILLAGE, LONDON W1

We are delighted to bring to the market this spacious 4 bedroom apartment with terrace in the heart of Marylebone.

The duplex apartment is located on the fourth and fifth floor approximately 1,463 sq ft (136 sq m). The property comprises of four bedrooms, one en suite, further bathroom, kitchen, cloakroom, spacious living room and terrace. The building benefits from communal gardens, two passenger lifts and a porter.

The building is located on the East side of Harley Street at the junction with Queen Anne Street. Both Oxford Circus and Bond Street underground stations are within close proximity. The shopping facilities of Marylebone high street and Oxford Street together with the open spaces of Regent Park are also nearby.

LEASEHOLD: 72 YEARS UNEXPIRED £2,250,000

DEVONSHIRE PLACE, MARYLEBONE VILLAGE, LONDON W1

A unique apartment that is rarely available in the Marylebone village, spanning over two buildings.

The apartment is approximately 1,788 sq ft (166 /sq m). Comprises of two double bedrooms both with en suite bathrooms, cloakroom, reception room and kitchen with access to a west facing terrace.

Devonshire Place is conveniently located moments from Marylebone High Street together with the open spaces of Regents Park. The building is located on the west side of Devonshire Place close to the junction with Devonshire Street. Transport links can be found from a number of nearby underground and train stations (Baker Street, Bond Street and Regents Park), as well as access to the Marylebone Road, A40 and M40.

£3,250 PER WEEK

This spacious apartment is situated in a secure purpose-built mansion block with communal gardens and porter, close to St John’s Wood High Street and the underground station. The property comprises three double bedrooms, two bathrooms, a modern kitchen and a spacious living room with access to the private balcony.

Director

020 7182 1406

lenka.zavodna@chestertons.co.uk

Elm Tree Road | St John’s Wood, NW8

Lenka Zavodna – Lettings

LANDLORDS

ANDYOURRENTALINCOMEWILLBE GUARANTEEDFORAYEAR.

As London’s most experienced property agents, we are fully aware that people’s circumstances can sometimes change without warning, through no fault of their own. That is why we are now offering to protect landlords against the unknown by offering 12 months free* rent protection. This means that you can be guaranteed to receive 100% of the rent due to you, even if your tenant fails to pay, giving additional peace of mind for no additional cost.

For more information or book a consultation with us, email landlordservices@chestertons.co.uk.

www.chestertons.co.uk/rent-protection

A distinguished detached corner property, having recently been refurbished to a high standard by the current owners and boasting four generous sized bedrooms. Offering spacious and light accommodation arranged over 3 floors and approx. 2,490 sq ft (231.3 sq m). Lovely wrap around garden with sizeable patio and driveway for 1 car. Featuring a large air conditioned principal bedroom suite with luxurious en-suite bathroom on the 2nd (top) floor.

Within walking distance of Big Wood and excellent local schools, convenience stores, cafes, coffee shops & bus routes of the Market Place and Temple Fortune. Golders Green Tube on the Northern Line and Heath Extension are also close by. Early viewing of this fine family residence is strongly advised. Unfurnished on a long let.

Loudoun Road

St John’s Wood, NW8

Unfurnished

£2,300 per week

Joint Sole Agent

67–71 Park Road

London NW1 6XU

020 7724 4724

astonchase.com

A well-presented 5 bedroom contemporary townhouse (181 sq m/1,934 sq ft) providing excellent family accommodation arranged over three floors only and benefitting from both a private garden and a lock-up garage. The property is conveniently located within 0.2 miles of The American School in London and St John’s Wood Underground Station (Jubilee Line).

Accommodation and Amenities

Principal Bedroom with En-Suite Bathroom, 4 Further Bedrooms, 1 Further Bathroom, Shower Room (En-Suite), Reception Room, Study/TV Room, Kitchen/Diner, Guest Cloakroom, Lock-Up Garage, Off-Street Parking for One Further Vehicle, Private Front & Rear Gardens.

Council Tax: Band H. EPC: D.

IN HER PRIME

Liza-Jane Kelly is Head of London Residential at leading estate agents, Savills. We get the lowdown on her career and ask what she thinks makes London property so special

Tell us about your career to date and how you came to head up London Residential at Savills

I started my property career in Dublin in the early ’90s – a tough time in the housing market, but I learnt a great deal operating through that period, and many of the skills I gained then I still use today. I continued my property career in London working for Hamptons International, as it was known then. In 2005, a business partner and I acquired Marsh & Parsons and together we built the business to become an 18-office estate agency operating across the Capital. After selling Marsh & Parsons I was approached by Savills to join the London residential management team, to head up and grow specialist departments concentrated on the sale of properties up to £5 million. Over the last few years, this part of the business has grown and evolved significantly, both in terms of people and markets covered, and I am extremely proud of the results the teams have achieved. At the start of this year, I became Head of London Residential, taking over from Jonathan Hewlett who became Chairman of Savills Private Office late last year.

What does a typical day at work look like?

I always start the day with exercise, and while it keeps me fit, it also keeps me sane! No day is the same, but I do make it my mission to have most of my meetings in person where possible. We’ve just over 40 offices across London so my morning could begin by attending one of their weekly team

meetings, or I could be catching up with colleagues and clients at Savills’ global headquarters in Margaret Street. I have always valued connecting in person, even more so after the pandemic.

What’s been your greatest achievement so far?

Acquiring and then building the Marsh & Parsons business was a huge undertaking; there was virtually no infrastructure and my business partner and I had to put in place everything from HR to IT systems, as well as restructure the teams. It was 12 years of solid, hard work but we built a fantastic well-respected brand that became known across London. I recently celebrated my five-year anniversary with Savills – it’s been a pleasure to see and support the teams develop in this time and I’m looking forward to leading the business into the next phase.

Are you seeing any property trends in London?

I think the biggest trend that we will continue to see across London is a desire from buyers to live in a neighbourhood that offers a village-like lifestyle. London is so unique in that sense and offers a sense of community in spades, whether you’re in Wimbledon, St. John’s Wood, or Marylebone.

Where is the next London hotspot for property? The regeneration in and around Bayswater over the last few years has been much talked about, and with improved public spaces, greater connectivity,

and new build developments such as Park Modern, The Whiteley, and No. 18 Porchester Gardens, the area is well on the way to catching up with its prime London neighbours. Bayswater has also benefitted from buyers looking for more space for their money during the pandemic, as well as access to green space nearby. savills.com