Fabric November 2022

The defi nitive guideto London living

FROM THE

I can’t believe that it’s time for our Christmas gift guide – it seems no time since we were sweltering in August’s heatwave. Something that was very much on our minds when we were thinking about how to theme our selection; this year, more than ever, it feels that we need to be a little more responsible with our buying. With that in mind, while still being utterly indulgent, every present we’ve put forward for your delectation is sustainable, organic or responsibly produced: happy browsing. Of course, once we fell down the Christmas rabbit hole, it felt only natural to bring you a guide to the very best in home bars. Parties promise to never be the same again. We’ve also been anticipating the visual feast of festive television shows, and one of the most highly anticipated series on this year’s schedules has to be the final instalment of His Dark Materials – we caught up with star of the show Dafne Keen to find out what’s in store. I hope you enjoy the festive warm up…

Liz Skone James Editor liz@hattoncollective.com

FABRIC TEAM

Editor

Liz Skone James Art Director

Penny Clements Interiors Editor

Ali Howard Schools Editor

Claire Atherton Photography Director

Emmanuelle Peri Assistant Picture Editor Georgia Watson Publisher

Katie Hutley Client Services Director Becky Pomfret Production

Alex Courtley, Heidi Pomfret Retouch

Gabriel Moroney

Dafne

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REAP LTD

Trevor Abrahmsohn Glentree Estates

Philip Green Goldschmidt & Howland

Jonathan Hewlett Savills

Mark Pollack Aston Chase

ON THE COVER

Photography

Joseph Sinclair Styling

Emily Tighe Hair and make up

Kate Rawsthorne

Dafne wears: blazer (thedecklondon.com); top and skirt (monki.com)

Cosy up: high-tech soft furnishings

THIS ISSUE

GUIDE

Looking for gifts that don’t cost the earth – literally? From A-Z we’ve sustainable suggestions aplenty

FIX

What to see and do in London this month

INTERVIEW: DAFNE KEEN

How His Dark Materials has been both family and home to her, and what she’d like to do now that it has come to an end

Responsible beauty, dazzling lab-grown diamonds and a technique to help you manage seasonal stress

We take time for tea and round up the very best

calendars on the market this year

Winter breaks with the wow factor and our review of a luxurious wellness break in Spain

INTERIORS

Ensure that your parties are the toast of the town with a perfectly planned home bar set up. Cheers!

AT HOME WITH

Sacha Kemp-Potter’s home is a glorious mix of mid-

pieces with design-led, contemporary style

SCHOOLS

Your guide to

LOVE

schools in the Capital

We’re head over heels for Primrose Hill’s village feel and friendly community, not to mention that view…

news

views

A newly refurbished 2nd floor apartment comprising 816 sq ft / 75.81 sq m situated in this popular building on Hamilton Terrace. The flat is arranged as two double bedrooms, a family bathroom, separate kitchen and a bright reception room with high ceilings. Other benefits include a lift, communal gardens, and a single lock-up garage with electrically operated door located to the rear of the building.

LEASEHOLD COUNCIL TAX: WESTMINSTER/BAND F EPC: E GUIDE PRICE £1,195,000

An architect inspired/designed three-bedroom apartment occupying the whole of the second floor of this period property and arranged over 1,167 sq ft / 108 sq m.

features an entrance hall, southerly facing 26ft living room with open-plan kitchen, principal bedroom with ensuite bathroom and

room, 2nd bedroom with ensuite shower room, bedroom three/study, guest cloakroom, utility cupboard and underfloor

LEASEHOLD COUNCIL

Winkworth (Heidi)

DALEHAM GARDENS

A substantial detached residence (701 sq m/7,549 sq ft) discreetly appointed behind a charming landscaped front garden, providing contemporary well-planned family accommodation featuring generous entertaining areas and a private south-east facing rear garden.

Daleham Gardens is situated on the southern slopes of Hampstead between Akenside Road and Belsize Lane. The amenities and restaurants of Belsize Village as well as Belsize Underground Station (Northern Line) are less are less than 200 metres away whilst Hampstead Village and Hampstead Underground Station (Northern Line) are also very close by.

An extremely rare opportunity to acquire a striking lateral duplex apartment (3,936 sq ft), predominantly arranged over the ground floor of an imposing detached residence and accessible via the original front entrance with a wonderful 104' private southerly facing rear garden, which features an 11 metre swimming pool. This exceptional family home also enjoys sole use of a substantial carriage driveway for 6-8 cars and the property is to be sold with the benefit of the freehold for the land covering the garden and driveway.

The apartment is entered via the original front door and provides excellent living and entertaining space, by way of a beautiful drawing room with a large bay window, a separate dining room, spacious kitchen/breakfast room, a particularly generous principal bedroom suite with an elegant en suite bathroom and walk-in dressing room, and a further double bedroom with en suite bathroom.

The lower ground floor features a further 27'8 x 22'11 reception room, which leads directly via bi-folding doors to the substantial rear garden, in addition to a further bedroom, bathroom and utility room.

The property is located within approximately 150 metres of Hampstead Heath and the extensive facilities of Hampstead Village.

A beautifully presented six-bedroom semi-detached house (4,263 sq ft/396 sq m gross), which in recent years has been extended and totally refurbished throughout to an extremely high standard. The ground floor accommodation is ideal for entertaining and boasts a 31' x 20'6 reception room with full height sliding doors onto a magnificent southwest-facing 116' landscaped rear garden. In addition, there is a separate bay fronted dining room, study and a fully fitted kitchen/breakfast room also providing access to the garden.

The first floor enjoys a magnificent 26' principal bedroom with dressing area and en suite bathroom and there are a further three double bedrooms and two bathrooms (one en suite). The second floor lends itself to two more bedrooms (one with a separate dressing room), a family shower room, utility room and a large loft storage area. The meticulous refurbishment includes air conditioning and underfloor heating and the house also enjoys off-street parking for 2-3 cars.

Situated within a short walk to the transport facilities of Finchley Road which provide easy access into the West End and City.

ENTRANCE

REAR

STORE:

PRICE

On the market for the first time in nearly 50 years, is this remarkable and rare detached home, set behind gates and on circa 0.4 of an acre with off-street parking, backing directly, on to Hampstead golf course.

Arranged over 3 floors, you enter into a grand entrance hallway which leads on to a magnificent drawing room which is bathed in natural light with 2 sets of French doors leading on the garden, a recently installed designer kitchen/breakfast room with Miele appliances and a dining area which also has access to the garden.

Further benefits include a guest wc, utility room and a double length garage which could be converted subject to HGST approval.There are 5 bedrooms (3 en suite) on the upper floors including a spectacular principal bedroom suite with an unusually high vaulted ceiling, a dressing room, en suite bathroom and private terrace with delightful views over the grounds. Wildwood Road is one of the finest residential turnings and is a stones throw away from the Hampstead Heath Extension and offers easy access to both Hampstead and Highgate villages.

SOLE AGENT

WILDWOOD

SHERINGHAM, ST JOHN’S WOOD

Bishopswood Road, Highgate N6 Hampstead Heath: 0.5 miles

Road, St John’s Wood NW8 St John’s Wood

If you’re looking for a gift that doesn’t cost the earth, literally, then check out our pick of planet friendly presents. Whether from B Corp certified producers or artisanal craftspeople, everything in our A-Z is climate positive, sustainable or responsibly produced

A TRUE GEM

With over 25 years’ experience in the industry, Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery provides a shining example by putting the customer front and centre

Harriet Kelsall Bespoke Jewellery takes great pride in offering something altogether different. Each of the brand’s ‘stores’ is seen as a working design studio, with its own identity that is tied into the local community and surroundings. One of these stores is on the high street in trendy Primrose Hill, another is on Cambridge’s historic Green Street, where the team have won a number of awards for their store design and merchandising. The Hertfordshire Jewellery Centre is an award-winning Tudor barn conversion set in rural Hertfordshire.

At 3,500 sq ft, it’s an impressive space that houses a design studio and workshop, as well as showcasing the gorgeous ready to wear collections. In each location you’ll find designers rather than salespeople, letting customers know that they are cutting through the noise and going straight to the source.

To mirror its picturesque London location, only a stone’s throw from Chalk Farm tube station and the neighbouring borough of Camden, the Primrose Hill studio has a casual, urban feel.

With designer desks and consultation areas on the ‘shop floor’, customers will know that they’re in a Harriet Kelsall Bespoke studio as soon as they walk in.

Harriet herself lived in Primrose Hill for many years and knew the community well, so when it came to opening the London studio, she knew just how to complement the local area. The studio was influenced by the cosmopolitan surroundings in its merging of industrial styling with contemporary design – exposed concrete and differing textures provide a ‘modern urban’ feel. The relaxed, fashionable feel of the area is mirrored by the open plan layout, which includes a generous window space across the front of the studio to encourage light to flood in, while also allowing passers-by to see the designers at work.

For the Harriet Kelsall team, it is important that customers feel empowered to join in with the bespoke design process. Every stage is kept as transparent as possible, with everything in plain sight – from the designers’ sketchbooks to the beautiful, re-useable bamboo jewellery boxes.

Harriet herself lived in Primrose Hill for many years, so it felt like the natural location for a studio and store

The London Studio & Shop offers a unique retail experience where qualified jewellery designers offer a ‘clean sheet’ bespoke design service in a relaxed, high street setting. Jewellery is also available to purchase from the shop, including unique engagement rings as well as beautiful dress jewellery. The welcoming studio is a vision of colour thanks to the beautiful jewellery on display alongside an impressive gemstone collection, inspiring mood boards and fascinating displays about how the brand works ethically within the industry.

This bespoke design process gives Harriet Kelsall’s expert designers the privilege of capturing the unique story of every customer, with many one-off designs reflecting the stories and personal experiences of the people who commission them. For the Harriet Kelsall team, there is nothing better than getting to know customers, hearing their stories and using elements of their narrative to make jewellery that they will love for the rest of their lives.

To discover more, pop in to speak to the team today. 69 Regent’s Park Road, NW1 (020 8154 9500; hkjewellery.co.uk)

Could you help transform cancer diagnosis in London?

When the doctors told Stephen (pictured right) he was at risk of lung cancer, he was terrified. But worse was the weeks-long wait. “It was an extremely difficult time,” he said. “My dad had cancer and now I was possibly having to go through the same. Not knowing was horrible.” Your support today could save patients like Stephen an anguished and prolonged wait.

By donating to the Royal Free Charity’s Winter Appeal, you could help introduce London’s first same-day diagnostic service for lung cancer patients.

Without this innovation, others like Stephen will continue to face delays for diagnosis which, in turn, can impact on treatment and survival rates. This medical first for London will transform cancer diagnosis and treatment in our hospitals. But only with your support. Please donate today by either scanning the QR code, visiting royalfreecharity.org/fabric, calling us on 020 7317 7772, or by filling out the below form and posting to: FREEPOST Royal Free Charity

£32 £46 £54I would like to give: My own amount £ I would like to make my donation go even further

I am happy for all gifts of money that I have made to the Royal Free Charity in the past four years, and all future gifts of money that I make, to be Gift Aid donations.

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I am a UK taxpayer and understand that if I pay less income tax and capital gains tax in the current tax year than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all of my donations across all charities, it is my responsibility to pay any difference. The Royal Free Charity reclaims 25p for every £1 you donate from the tax you pay for the current tax year. If you change your name, address or tax status, do let us know. If you allow the Royal Free Charity to claim Gift Aid on your generous donation, this extra funding from the government will allow us to deliver our full range of support services for staff and patients across the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, and to facilitate research and innovation to improve the future of medical care.

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thanks, I’d prefer not to hear from you by post. You can change the way we contact you by calling 020 7317 7772 or emailing fundraising@royalfreecharity.org. Privacy statement: We will never give your information to other organisations to use for their own purposes. Your personal details will be used only to provide you

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can read more about how we manage your personal data in

what’s needed now: your support today could help introduce

wellbeing.

further,

will always go

all.

The Royal Free Charity have used a model and alias to tell a story similar to the experiences of many people diagnosed with cancer in our local hospitals.

Will you help turn this vision into a reality for cancer patients?

CULTURE

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

Merry Marylebone

10 November, Marylebone Village

If you’re yet to experience that magical Christmas tingle, it’s guaranteed to happen here. As is tradition, Marylebone Village plays host to a festive light switch on this November, heralding the start of Christmas shopping. With extended opening hours and exclusive promotions across a wealth of high-end boutiques, there’s gifts galore to be had. But of course, this is so much more than a timely retail opportunity: think charity tombola, foodie stalls, live music, Santa’s grotto, fairground rides and of course, the obligatory celebrity switch-on moment. We can feel that seasonal shiver already. marylebonevillage.com

Floral masterclass

From 26 November, Blooming Haus Studio

This one’s strictly for morning people, but you know what they say about the early bird… Luxe London florist Blooming Haus is opening its studio doors for a series of seasonal masterclasses that’ll have you creating opulent tablescapes and festive wreaths like a pro. Led by master florist Michal Kowalski and his business partner Michael Dariane, the workshop involves a prompt 7.30am start (you were warned) at the Battersea studio before a short walk to New Covent Garden Flower Market, where you’ll pick up your botanical goodies. Back at the studio there’ll be coffee and pastries to warm you up and ensure you’re feeling sufficiently sparkly before getting stuck in.

5 Havelock Terrace, Unit 4G, SW8 (020 3389 9609). The masterclasses will run during November and December with more dates to follow. See bloominghaus.com for details.

CHRISTMAS CRAFT

WORDS by ALI HOWARD

The Carlines

Until 10 April, Burgh House

We’re reminded that artistic talent really can run in the family as Hampstead’s magnificent Burgh House hosts a three-in-one exhibition this autumn, showing the work of four generations of the Carline clan, spanning over a century. Paintings by Sydney, Hilda and Richard Carline will be on show in Those Remarkable Carlines; Hermione Carline is the House’s Artist in Focus in Shifting Memories (look lively, this one ends 6 November); while Hermione’s daughters, Josie and Madeleine Hunter come together in Mantelpiece. The pair have been commissioned to create a bespoke installation for Burgh House, drawing on their backgrounds in set and production design, art direction and textiles. A multi-generational must-see.

New End Square, NW3 (020 7431 0144; burghhouse.org.uk)

Drunk Women Solving Crime

8 December, Leicester Square Theatre

This is an irreverent true crime podcast that says what it does on the tin. Indeed, hosts Hannah George, Catie Wilkins and Taylor Glenn tackle personal crime stories and unpick historical cases – all with a tipple in hand. Since lockdown, it has become a word-of-mouth phenomenon, picking up comedy awards and boasting guest appearances from the likes of Katherine Ryan, Richard Osman and Sara Pascoe. But while Drunk Women may have been a sanity-saving pandemic staple, live it’s even better. Fresh from Edinburgh Fringe, the trio’s first ever live tour kicks off this autumn with dates across the country, and it ends right here in the Capital for one fittingly boozed-up Christmas finale. It’d be a crime to miss it.

6 Leicester Place, WC2H (020 7734 2222; leicestersquaretheatre.com)

EXHIBITION

Jack Davison: Photographic Etchings

Until 12 November, Cob Gallery

Using methods of chiaroscuro, framing, and exposure as instruments of abstraction, Davison expertly uncovers the surreal and the sensual in everyday life. This is the celebrated photographer’s first commercial show in the UK, with prices starting at £800 – a must for art lovers looking to take home a slice of gritty noir. Davison says: “I love photography for its ability to be playful and free, for the moments of spontaneity that are uncontrolled – and which create something far greater than the sum of its parts.”

205 Royal College Street, NW1 (020 7209 9110; cobgallery.com)

London Jazz Festival

11-20 November, various venues

Celebrating its big 3-0 with a bang, the London Jazz Festival brings an enticing line-up of worldclass musicians and exceptional new talents to venues across the Capital, kicking off with a glittering opening gala at the Royal Festival Hall. Other highlights include Pete Cunningham’s Ishmael Ensemble at Kings Place (11 November), Camilla George’s album launch at the Jazz Café (16 November), and five-time Grammy Awardwinning vocalist Dianne Reeves, known and loved for her R&B stylings, her improvisational prowess, and her mastery of the audience –so much so that the festival has added a second Reeves date. Catch the jazz icon at Cadogan Hall on 12 November, or at Queen Elizabeth Hall the following evening.

Various London venues, efglondonjazzfestival.org.uk

© Jack Davison, courtesy of Cob Gallery

Adventures in Art

12 November, Haymarket Hotel

For one special day, Haymarket Hotel shines a spotlight on founder Kit Kemp’s personally curated collection. Led by Kit Kemp Design Studio’s Willow Kemp and India Dickinson, we’ll also get the lowdown on how to collect and hang our works. Kit’s picks include a striking monochrome painting by John Virtue and a 22-foot-long installation by Sue Lawty in the hotel’s impressive lobby. And that’s just the start, we’ll also get a walking tour, taking in some of Mayfair and St James’s most prestigious art spaces.

£110, including walking tour and afternoon tea or three-course lunch. Buy tickets at designmynight.com

Dafne Keen exclusive interview

COMING

AGE

As the third and final series of His Dark Materials premieres on the BBC, star of the show Dafne Keen tells us how the role has shaped her career and what it has taught her about life

WORDS by LIZ SKONE JAMES

PHOTOGRAPHY by JOSEPH SINCLAIR | STYLING by EMILY TIGHE HAIR AND MAKE UP by KATE RAWSTHORNE

Dafne wears: top (hilduryeoman.com)

Dafne wears, this page: blazer (esauyori.com); top (raquette.co); earring (mimanera.com); rings, vintage Opposite page, jacket and shorts (a-jane.com); earrings (thomassabo.com) and ring (mimanera.com)

Since the publication of Northern Lights, the first of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy in 1995, millions have read the books and they have garnered countless awards and accolades. The third book, The Amber Spyglass, was the first ever children’s book to be awarded the Whitbread Book of the Year Award, confirming that, though these were written for a young audience, with rich, deep themes that encompass religion, gender, the existence of the soul, love, duty and the inevitability of death, this was work that warranted an audience of all ages. A fact that was further cemented when the BBC’s adaptation of the first of the books appeared on screens back in 2019.

The lavish series, which was produced in collaboration with HBO and adapted for screen by writer Jack Thorne, who is known for his work on This is England and National Treasure, was a hit with audiences, and attracted glowing reviews from critics. It was quickly renewed for a second series and now the long-awaited third and final series is about to be screened.

Leading the stellar cast is 17-year-old Dafne Keen, who appears as Lyra, the main protagonist of the books – it is a role she has played since the age of just 12. “She has been with me for all of my teenage years – it is insane,” Dafne tells me, when we sit down to talk. “It was devastating to say goodbye. I remember the moment when we wrapped. Everyone was clapping, and I said goodbye to everyone, and we were all hugging, everyone was congratulating each other, and I got home, and I’m not going to lie to you, I had a little cry! That crew has been with me since the age of 12 or 13. They have been crucial in my life; they have been my family and they have been my home for the last four years. So, leaving them was devastating.”

Recalling how the role came about, Dafne tells me: “I first auditioned when I was about 11, during the filming of Logan. And then I got a call back, but after that I didn’t hear from them for a year. So, I thought they had cast somebody else,” she shrugs. “And then, it was the day I wrapped a movie I did called Ana, and I got an email from them saying, ‘We need a tape in by the end of the weekend, we’d love to see you’. So, I got myself together – I was in this hotel in the middle of nowhere on a tiny island off the coast of Puerto

Rico, it had no Wi-Fi, we didn’t have the right lighting to do the audition… I had been stung by a jellyfish an hour before, so I did it with a huge rash on my face,” she laughs. “I sent it in, and because of the whole Wi-Fi thing, it didn’t arrive in time. But somehow, they saw it, and I got a call from them saying that they would love to meet me in person. So, I went over to London, and I had my chemistry read with Ruth (Wilson, who plays Mrs Coulter), and then a month later I was told that I had got the part. It was very surreal. I was so, so happy. And I couldn’t wait to get on set.”

When it came to it, that first day was both exciting and terrifying. “I found it so intimidating. But I always feel terrified when I walk on set. You are under so much pressure – you’re thinking that this is a character who everybody loves. You have to be fair to the book and portray a character who is adored by everybody.”

Though the books had a cult following, Dafne admits that she hadn’t read them herself before getting the part. “I religiously read them, backto-back, in two weeks whilst on set,” she reveals. “I became absolutely hooked onto them, and now I love them, and I think that they are brilliant.” She is particularly fond of her alter ego Lyra. “I think it is really rare to see interesting, strong, unsexualised females in film and TV. I think that is super special,” she explains. “I feel like Lyra is one of those characters who is an unlikeable female, according to the standards of the patriarchy. And it is so fun to play someone who, actually, if she was a man, nobody would be saying that she is unlikeable. But this show is a space where real females, who aren’t perfect and quiet and submissive, are accepted, and are loved by fans, and it is so brilliant to see the reaction that everybody has to her.”

Indeed, playing such a role throughout the best part of her formative years has been character building, Dafne believes. “She has taught me so much, because she has been with me for all of my teenage years,” she tells me. “I think it is so easy when there is pressure on you, to feel like you are not comfortable to take decisions, and Lyra is an example of just taking the decisions, and just going with the decisions she has taken. And I think it is so important, especially as women or as people of minorities, to trust your gut. Because sometimes we are told not to trust it, because we are wrong, and we

don’t have the right judgement. So, I think that is definitely something she has taught me.”

What can Dafne tell us about what’s in store for Lyra and the rest of the cast in this final series? “I can say that it is personally my favourite season so far, first of all. I can say that it is darker. I can say it is more adult, and I can say that it has a bit of everything. I can’t really say much more than that though,” she smiles.

Dafne made her debut playing Ana on the television series The Refugees from 2014 to 2015, before her breakthrough starring as Laura in the 2017 superhero film Logan, in which she received widespread critical acclaim for her acting. Born in Madrid, she is the daughter of British actor Will Keen (who appears alongside her in both The Refugees and His Dark Materials) and Spanish actress, theatre director and writer María Fernández Ache, so it was perhaps inevitable that she would follow this path.

“Both my parents would bring friends over, and they would talk about theatre. And what my parents would do at home would be either run their lines or write scripts. Or, from when I was very young, they would read me what they had written, or talk about things they had written, and ask me what I thought,” she recalls. “I was always very included in their artistic process. I think I was always taught to think much more with the creative part of my brain than the academic, in a way. I was always either making short films, or writing short stories, or having extremely ambitious projects like – oh, I’m going to write a novel! I always had a wild project on my hands. I think it was inevitable I would fall into some sort of artistic category.”

She recognises, of course, how invaluable their input and encouragement have been. “I always had the advice of veterans, I guess,” she explains. “My mother has been my acting coach from day one. She has just now stopped coming on set with me and coaching me.” Perhaps most important though, Dafne believes, was their insistence that she stay in school no matter what came her way workwise. “I have a tutor on set, and when I am not on set, I go to school and follow my normal education. My parents were always very determined for me to not leave school, because they thought it was very important for me to realise that normal life was school, and it

was my friends, and it was me having to negotiate my social status, without acting or my career being involved,” she explains. “I am so, so grateful that they did that, because it is so easy to lose yourself in this industry. There are so many people when you are working who will tell you how amazing you are, even if they don’t think it, so it is easy, if you do not have people to ground you, to believe that. And I am so grateful that my parents made me stay in school where I had to negotiate my position, where I had to prove my worth every day. I had to make my friends without having the distinction of being the lead actress. And I have maintained those friends; my best friends I have known for years and years, since before acting. I think it is so important to know who is there for you, and who is there for other reasons.”

Dafne is so grounded, in fact, that it is easy to forget that she is so young. She comes across as thoughtful, confident, self-assured and wise beyond her years. She is modest, too, though it would be understandable if she were not: at just 13, she was named a Screen International Star of Tomorrow in 2018, and the same year she won ‘Best Female Newcomer’ at The Empire Awards. “It is wild, and it is such an honour.” She exclaims when I bring these accolades up. “I feel, extremely, extremely, extremely lucky. Extremely blessed and extremely grateful. I feel grateful to the people who watched Logan, and who liked Logan. I feel grateful to James Mangold for giving me a chance in Logan. I feel grateful to Bambú Producciones for casting me in The Refugee, which was my first job. I feel grateful for all of those people who have helped me to get to where I am – for my mum, for coaching me. I just feel very, very thankful for the people who have believed in me and who made those things possible.”

And she is convinced that these awards have played their part in the subsequent development of her career. “I think, sadly, the film industry is very hierarchical, in a way, so if you have some sort of award, or proof that you can do your job well, I think it is easier for studio execs to consider you. Because you are a safe option,” she says. As for future jobs, I wonder if there is anything particular she would like to do next. “It is so hard when you are a child actor, because you always get the same kind of jobs,” she reveals, “so I am really glad that I am at a stage where I can get out of that sort of feral tween who is slightly wild and does crazy stuff. I’m happy that I get to not do that anymore, because that served a purpose in my life, but I am kind of over that now. So, I am very happy that I will get to play more mature, different, varied roles.”

Indeed, she is currently busy filming in London, though when we talk she is unable to reveal anything about the project. All she will say is how happy she is to be here. “I love London, I think that it is one of the best cities in the world,” she exclaims. “But working here, I am a bit sick of how useless the tube is. I am from Madrid where the tube is really efficient, where you have phone signal. It’s quick, it’s not too warm, you don’t have wind blowing through the windows, it doesn’t get stuck in tunnels…” she laughs. “Other than the tube it is a brilliant city. It has amazing theatre, it has great cultural life, it has an amazing social life, it is beautiful. I love London, I think, genuinely, it is one of my favourite places on earth.”

The eight-episode third and final season of His Dark Materials will debut this December on BBC One and be available to stream on BBC iPlayer

Dafne wears: blazer (thedecklondon.com); top and skirt (monki.com)

“IT IS SO EASY TO LOSE YOURSELF IN THIS INDUSTRY. THERE ARE SO MANY PEOPLE WHEN YOU ARE WORKING WHO WILL TELL YOU HOW AMAZING YOU ARE, EVEN IF THEY DON’T THINK IT”

wellbeing

The enchanted forest

Great hair, anywhere

Celebrity stylist Michael Douglas has just launched a high-tech hairdryer that looks set to rival the best on the market. Michael’s vision has always been to empower the consumer with the tools and insight to help them to style their hair anywhere: “The first and must have tool for any look is a hairdryer,” he says. But this isn’t just any dryer: the mdLondon BLOW hairdryer is compact, light, powerful and intuitive. At 1,600w it’s one of the most powerful available, but it’s 10db quieter than the average, so quiet, in

fact, that you can even hold a conversation while drying. Surprisingly, considering all that power, it weighs in at just 572g, making it the lightest high-powered dryer on the market, and the first full-size pro-dryer that is suitable for travel (and with a 3m power cable, even if those hotel room sockets aren’t where you need them, you won’t have a problem reaching the mirror). Flexible and versatile heat and speed settings, plus, not one, but two directional nozzles, mean that whatever your style, you’ll be able to achieve it effortlessly. And a clever self-cleaning function means that long-lasting performance is guaranteed. Available in a chic blue-grey or a smart olive grey, it’ll look the part on your dressing table, too. Your party season hair depends on it…

everything is made with respect for introduction into the luxurious world of

If you’ve not heard of responsible beauty brand Forest Essentials, you’re missing a treat. It was founded over 20 years ago by Indian beauty trailblazer Mira Kulkarni. Much coveted in India, it is backed by Estée Lauder and used in spas and hotels across the country. From luxurious facial oils to hydrating shower washes and repairing hair masques, the indulgent range of hair, body and skincare products and experiences are pure, potent and powerful, combining the ancient beauty rituals of Ayurveda with a stylish, modern aesthetic. And everything is made with respect for both the environment and the local communities. Excitingly for us, a stunning flagship store is set to open this month in the heart of Covent Garden. The store – which looks just as good as the products – will give an introduction into the luxurious world of Ayurveda, offering personalised Dosha consultations designed to decode the science behind the Ayurvedic process and demystify the three Doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha). Post consultation, shoppers can browse recommended products suited to their specific Dosha and will be offered advice and tips on how to best manage other elements of personal wellbeing, from sleep, to stress management and nutritional needs. And, just in time for Christmas shopping, there’ll be a chance to shop the newly curated gifting selection, all presented in gorgeous keepsake boxes. A truly feel-good retail experience.

28 James Street, WC2E (forestessentialsindia.com)

The new mdLondon BLOW hairdryer is one of the most powerful on the market, yet incredibly lightweight, making it great for use both at home and away

The future of diamonds

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but only when they don’t cost the earth… literally. As concerns about our impact on the planet multiply, and demands for sustainability increase, the jewellery market has been looking for new ways to give customers what they want. In 2019, London-based British brand The Diamond Store was one of the earliest brands to recognise the appeal of lab grown diamonds. Mimicking how diamonds are created in nature, art meets science in this incredible process; the result is a fully certified diamond that is all but identical to its naturally occurring counterpart, but that has a far less detrimental impact on our planet. Up until now, the process has been used only for white diamonds, but The Diamond Store has just launched a new collection of dazzlingly coloured lab-grown diamonds. Rare and covetable, naturally-occurring coloured diamonds are not widely available, but The Elara Collection, which features a range of contemporary earring, necklace and ring designs set in white gold, gold or platinum, with pink, yellow and blue lab grown diamonds at their centre, changes this. Jeremy Kanzen, CEO comments: “No longer reserved for royalty, coloured lab grown diamonds bring luxury within reach of us all. This is a particularly exciting launch for The Diamond Store, and we can’t wait to see our customers wearing these stunning jewels.”

All jewellery in The Elara Collection is handfinished in the UK with prices starting from £1,499 (thediamondstore.co.uk)

BOOK

In tip tap shape

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – or so we’re led to believe, but late nights, shopping stresses and the prep that goes into hosting friends and family can leave us lacking in festive spirit. Help is at hand from manifestation coach Poppy Delbridge, whose client list includes the likes of Caroline Rush CBE, Fearne Cotton and Laura Whitmore. Not only a powerhouse of positivity but also one of the world’s leading Rapid Tapping experts, Poppy has just released a new book, Tapping In, that sets out exactly how this science-backed method can transform your mindset, helping you to live your best life – whatever that might be.

Through using the fingertips to tap on certain meridian points on the face and body, users of this emotional freedom technique can clear emotional tension, used regularly the technique can help to change habits, cure phobias, and even relieve physical pain.

As well as teaching the technique to readers, the brilliant book also provides a blueprint to achieving self-belief, explaining how to reprogramme perceptions of what is possible and apply a practical and strategic plan to any aspect of life – whether it’s career, finances, life or relationships that need to be improved. It’s a manual for living that none of us should be without.

£16.99, Piatkus Books

All we want for Christmas…

Firmly on our wish list this year is this gorgeous gift from multi-award-winning skincare brand OSKIA. Whether you see it as Christmas countdown, or a gift that keeps on giving after the big day, The 12 Days of OSKIA is highly covetable. Inside the elegant

red vanity case you’ll find ten mini-sized products alongside three gorgeous accessories. Each and every item is a hero from the OSKIA range – think Renaissance Cleansing Gel, Moon Salts and Restoration Oil. But this is something you’ll be enjoying long after the

products have been used up – crafted from luxurious red vegan leather and lined with rich blue velvet, the vanity case has been designed to be cherished for years to come.

£170 (oskiaskincare.com)

THE ORMSBY WAY

hat Luke Ormsby and his talented team don’t know about hair isn’t worth knowing

– just ask anybody familiar with the Pinner salon, where they’ve been tending to client’s tresses since it opened in 2020, offering everything from cuts and colours to extensions and Keratin blow dries. And this summer saw the team opening a brand-new salon in Primrose Hill.

Located on Princess Road, the new salon is light and bright, decorated with accents of natural wood and lush green plants. The aesthetic is a clue to what’s on offer here; like the existing salon, the chic new salon has sustainability at its heart, with a vision of creating not just fabulous hair, but a better planet, too. All the luxurious products used are 100 per cent organic, free from additives and genetic modification. And they are ethical and fair trade, too, sourced from one biodynamic farm in Bologna. Everything is packaged in gorgeous apothecary style amber glass bottles, which protect the contents from UV damage and are recyclable. Even the hair colourants used are organic –chosen because they offer excellent coverage, even on white hair.

Luke and the team are dedicated to responsible water usage, so backwash stations are fitted with special shower heads designed to halve water usage at the same time as doubling water pressure for the ultimate hair wash. These clever taps also incorporate a double filtration system that removes nasties including lead, viruses, bacteria, asbestos and fluoride from the water. The resulting water is not just healthier, it results in shinier hair, too, because the filtration process creates negative ions that help to eliminate frizz.

Devoted to providing a service that is second to none, the team have developed a client promise. The Ormsby Way guarantees every client an in-depth consultation, a tailormade hair care routine and all the advice needed to maintain their look at home. They’re so confident that you’ll love what’s on offer that they’re offering all new Primrose Hill clients a free cut and blow dry worth at least £70 with a colour service, or, where colour is not booked, a discount of 40 per cent on their first appointment –simply mention Fabric when making your booking.

23 Princess Road, NW1 (020 7586 0969; lukeormsbyhair.com)

“I LOVE THE NEW SALON – IT IS STYLISH AND SPOTLESS, AND THE ORGANIC HAIR PRODUCT LINE JUST SMELLED SO IRRESISTIBLE I BOUGHT ALMOST THE WHOLE RANGE”

Somaiya Khan-Piachaud

“BRILLIANT HAIRCUT. WILL BE BACK AGAIN SOON. WOULD RECOMMEND TO ANYONE”

John O’Brien

“I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS SALON AND I CAN’T WAIT TO VISIT AGAIN SOON!“

Danielle Colley

“I JUST LOVE GETTING MY HAIR DONE HERE. SUCH A LOVELY AND RELAXING SALON, FROM THE DECOR TO THE MASSAGE CHAIRS AND THE TEAM BEING SO WELCOMING. AND, OF COURSE, MY HAIR ALWAYS LOOKS FAB. SO GLAD I FOUND THIS GEM!“

Courtney Waugh

With a special offer just for Fabric readers, if you haven’t yet checked out Luke Ormsby Hair in Primrose Hill, now’s the time to book W

Afternoon tea at The Guardsman

More familiar with our usual central and north London stomping grounds, it is only while making our way to St James’s Park to enjoy the floral tributes left for Her Majesty that we stumble across The Guardsman, a small luxury boutique hotel on Buckingham Gate. With the Queen very much on our minds, we decide that it is the perfect spot to stop and raise a toast to her memory. In fact, once inside we’re tempted to upgrade our glass of bubbles to a Champagne afternoon tea, which looks too good to resist (it is only fitting, we justify our decision, having read that the late Royal was fond of a teatime treat herself). The restaurant here might be subterranean, but it is flooded with autumn sunshine thanks to a striking lightwell above the staircase. Calm and refined, with shelves of books and curios lining the walls, it has the feeling of a private library, more akin to a members’ club than a hotel.

Bubbles in hand, we peruse the menu; the food might be decided, but where the teas are concerned there’s plenty to choose from. All organic, some of the Canton teas on offer are biodynamic, and, fascinatingly, some come from abandoned tea farms where the plants now grow wild. The pastries are inspired by the flora and fauna of the Royal Parks that are on the hotel’s doorstep – there’s an adorable

toadstool shaped strawberry mousse topped with a sugar butterfly, the chocolate ganache is piped in the shape of a rose, and the carrot cake is styled as a potted carrot plant. It takes all our restraint to hold off on these until we’ve eaten the savouries. We’re glad we do, though – these are not to be missed: exquisite Burford Brown egg on Turmeric loaf, tangy smoked salmon and cream cheese on sourdough and a delicious truffled chicken mayonnaise. And the

patisserie items are all the sweeter for the wait. We’re mindful to leave room for the freshly baked scones, which come in both fruit and plain varieties, served warm with rich clotted cream and strawberry and raspberry jam. It has been an utterly indulgent afternoon – we couldn’t be happier to have stumbled across The Guardsman. We will be back. LSJ

£45 per person. 1 Vandon Street, SW1H (020 7309 9200; guardsmanhotel.com)

£29.95 (pactcoffee.com)

(mariagefreres.com)

5: ADVENT CALENDARS

Ayo Adeyemi, Executive Chef at Akoko

What’s the last thing you cooked?

A traditional Nigerian meal moinmoin and dodo (fried plantains) with my mum at her house. Living in Singapore for nine years, this was the first time I had seen her in three years, so it was truly special.

What’s your signature dish?

At Akoko our speciality is jollof rice, which is served with barbecue native lobster, the claw poached alongside a pepper soup made from the shells.

What do you cook on your days off?

It is always Chinese food as my wife is Singaporean Chinese and we lived there for nine years. A favourite is brinjaul, which is type of eggplant, served with mince pork and tofu.

Best meal you’ve ever eaten?

It has to be at Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet in Shanghai. I flew there from Singapore for one day only, especially to go to the restaurant. It is a tenseater restaurant and an incredibly immersive experience.

Guilty food pleasure Take one Big Mac and one McSpicy burger from McDonald’s in Singapore –sandwich them together and you have my guilty pleasure!

If you could cook for anyone, who? It would have to be the Obamas, as I truly admire what they have achieved. But I wouldn’t want to just cook for them, I would love to sit down and eat with them, too.

What should no kitchen be without?

A good kitchen porter – a professional kitchen cannot run without one and they need to be respected and treated in exactly the same way as the sous chef. Every position in the kitchen is so important.

Most recently found in the kitchen at the internationally recognised Tippling Club in Singapore, Ayo took over as executive chef at Akoko last month. 21 Berners Street, W1T (020 7323 0593; akoko.co.uk)

OPENING

Neighbourhood news

Fans of much-loved Notting Hill-based Kuro Coffee will be excited to hear of their recent expansion, which sees the team now occupying several sites on the corner of Hillgate Street. Joining Notting Hill’s vibrant foodie scene, Kuro Eatery is a 30-cover all-day dining restaurant. The kitchen here is headed up by

Andriannos Poulis, who comes to Kuro from Mazi. Inspired by his Greek heritage and a particular love of fish, Poulis’ menu showcases a melting pot of Mediterranean influences, focusing on clean flavours with uncomplicated small plates made utilising the very best seasonal produce available.

Meanwhile, the Kuro Kiosk has become Kuro Bakery, which is headed up by Nicolas Ruty, who joins from The Savoy where he was head baker. On the menu are freshly baked sourdough, pastries and traditional Japanese milk bread Shokupan. Finally, an aperitif and wine bar has been added to the original Kuro Coffee

site. Overseen by a new sommelier, it is perfect for a pre-dinner drink. And there’s more in store next year, when the team plan to redevelop the rooftops of their sites in a community initiative incorporating working beehives and vegetable beds.

To learn more, see kuro-london.com

CELEBRATORY MENU Gather and be grateful

the holiday season in style with CUT at 45 Park Lane’s memorable Thanksgiving celebration. A collaboration between exec chef Elliott Grover and celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, the extra special menu will be served for one day only on 24 November. For the traditionalists, there are all the Thanksgiving favourites like Norfolk Bronze turkey with cornbread stuffing, cranberry compote and gravy; sides of sweet potato with torched marshmallows and roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon and chestnuts; and, of course, Key Lime pie for dessert. But for those looking to indulge with something a little different there’s plenty to choose from, too. Think Yellowtail sashimi, black truffle, ponzu and pickled wasabi or Dorset crab and lobster cocktail to start and mains of Champagne and white truffle risotto or Australian Wagyu beef. The best bit? You don’t have to wash up.

per person.

Park Lane, W1K (020 7493 4545; dorchestercollection.com)

A JEWEL IN HAMPSTEAD’S CROWN

In the heart of Hampstead, the newest all-day dining destination from First Restaurant Group boasts self-contained apartments, too, making this an appealing spot for both locals and holidaymakers alike

Have you discovered Hampstead’s newest all-day dining destination yet? This summer saw an exciting new opening in the heart of our favourite north London neighbourhood, and if you haven’t yet visited, we highly recommend getting down there. Oak & Poppy is the latest venue from First Restaurant Group, the team behind Maida Vale favourites The Summerhouse and The Waterway, so it goes without saying that the food, service and atmosphere are excellent. Seasonal nutritious dishes are the order of the day here, with an emphasis on casual grazing from breakfast right through to dinner time. Whether it’s a coffee pitstop to set you up for a day at work, or a glass of fizz at the end of the evening, there’s something for everybody and every occasion at Oak & Poppy. And a peek at the lunch and dinner menu confirms why the early reviews have been so good – plant burger with house fries; lemon sole with a

vibrant fennel salad, crushed potatoes and green salsa; and maple, soy and lime glazed salmon with egg noodles, pak choy, shiitake mushrooms and sesame seeds, for a start. The cocktail menu looks equally tempting – hands up for the Poppy-colada with Bacardi Blanco, Malibu, coconut water and pineapple foam. Summer memories in a glass.

But it’s the venue itself that we think is extra special – interiors have been imagined by creative director Meredith Winston and the dining room is housed in a gorgeous conservatory featuring a retractable glass roof and decorated with lush greenery and with a striking tree at its centre. The days of al fresco drinking and dining might be over until next summer, but this is undoubtedly the next best thing.

Meanwhile, upstairs, two self-contained one-bedroom apartments offer gorgeous holiday accommodation that is ideal for those wanting a London location that is a little removed from the noise of the West End and handy for the Heath. Light and bright, taking advantage of their huge windows, the spacious apartments have

been decorated and furnished with a modern aesthetic that respects the building’s original architectural features – think period fireplaces, vaulted ceilings with wooden beams and exposed brick walls. With fully equipped kitchens, modern bathrooms, spacious reception areas with sofa beds, and supremely comfortable bedrooms, both apartments offer accommodation for couples and families alike. And a true home from home feel makes them equally suited to short breaks and extended stays. But best of all, they are perfectly positioned to take full advantage of the food and drink offering downstairs at Oak & Poppy.

Mitch Tillman, founder of the First Restaurant Group, says: “We are thrilled to have opened our newest venture in Hampstead. The new site continues First Restaurant Group’s commitment to offering something for everyone, delivered with excellent service in an inviting setting in which all are welcome”.

48 Rosslyn Hill, NW3 (020 3479 4888; oakandpoppy. co.uk)

A striking tree at the centre of the restaurant reflects its gorgeous Heath-side location

Light and bright, the one-bedroom apartments have a home-from-home feel

SOLE AGENT

Clearly the property could be refurbished to restore it to its former glory, as a substantial mansion, however we believe that the majority of interest will be in obtaining planning consent from the London Borough of Barnet for full demolition and redevelopment to provide the following;

To develop a brand-new super mansion of circa 25,000ft² plus, on 4 floors, with Indoor Pool etc., b) Two large mansions side-by-side, with Indoor Pool and Leisure, set inapproximately half an acre each c) A new development of luxury apartments with Indoor Pool facilitiesetc.

Experience untouched nature

A one-of-a-kind wilderness retreat in Swedish Lapland has just reopened following an extensive renovation. Loggers Lodge has been taken to the next level following a major investment, retaining the authentic feel of a simple cabin in the woods, while being sympathetically elevated to incorporate sustainable technology and luxurious comfort.

Set deep in a forest in northern Sweden, the cabin was originally built in the 1800s as accommodation for loggers transporting timber to sawmills on the coast. When the current owner Eric Borg discovered it, he dreamt of creating a destination where guests could completely disconnect from the outside world and experience untouched nature in its purest form. Working with lifelong friend and business partner Jörgen Drugge he has created just this. On offer here is crisp, clean air, total silence, and complete privacy – whether experiencing the Lodge enfolded in the deep snow of a winter wonderland or exploring the forest under the extraordinary midnight sun in summer. The luxurious accommodation features two comfortable, Scandinavian-inspired bedrooms, along with a glass-walled sauna, offering outstanding forest views, and a hydrotherapy hot tub with retractable roof. A vast selection of outdoor activities are available, with a personal itinerary created for every guest by Eric – snowmobiling, snowshoe hiking, foraging woodland walks, forest bathing yoga and freshwater swimming are all on the agenda. Meanwhile, meals are prepared by Jörgen, who is a trained chef – think traditional Swedish gourmet food of exceptional quality. Breakfast may include foraged berries, local creamy yoghurt, homemade jams, and freshly baked cinnamon buns. Dinner, enjoyed by candlelight, in the warmth of the central fireplace might include Kalix caviar with blinis; slow cooked moose fillet; and Arctic raspberry parfait. This really is heaven on earth.

Full board rates from £3,800 for a two-night stay for two people (£7,200 during the winter season), inclusive of transfers, one experience per day and use of all activity equipment. See loggerslodge.com

BREAK

Pristine pistes

If you’ve hankered after the untouched snow of your own private mountain, this is the break for you. The Tschuggen Grand Hotel’s annual Private Mountain event offers guests the unique chance to enjoy the first snow of the season with exclusive access to the Hörnli ski resort in Arosa. Running from 1-4 December, it presents an opportunity to ski before the official opening of the Hörnli’s famous slopes. The three-night event boasts a schedule of exciting activities and adventures all centered around this year’s theme of a ‘Winter Fairytale’, where guests will see Arosa transformed into a magical winter wonderland, filled with dancing snow angels, festive music and endless culinary highlights. There’s coaching on offer from the former Swiss Ski racer Didier Cuche and the chance to test out top manufacturer, HEAD’s latest ski range. Off the mountain, and after a long day of skiing, signature winter cocktails will be served at the Après Ski Champagne Party and delicious alpine inspired delights at the celebratory dinner. But perhaps most exciting is the scenic Gondola Spa, which will see guests treated to mesmerising spa experiences high up in the Urdenbahn Gondola. An experience like no other, this is truly living the high life…

For more information and to book, see tschuggen.ch/ru/

Zürich

With its fairytale downtown and leisurely lakeside culture, Zürich is the perfect destination for a city break, and there’s nowhere better to stay than the legendary Dolder Grand, overlooking Lake Zürich, on the fringe of the Adlisberg forest.

For guests looking to immerse themselves in the outdoors, Lake Zürich, the wooded slopes of the Käferberg mountain and the nature reserve around the Greifensee lake are perfect for walking and bike riding, offering awe inspiring views of the city and Alps. Ask the team at The Dolder Grand to pack you a picnic of fresh alpine cheeses, charcuterie, and chilled Champagne, and enjoy a leisurely afternoon of sightseeing.

For those keen to explore further afield, the beautiful Rhine Falls is within easy reach. The Swiss Alps are close-by, too, with Rigi, the “Queen of the mountains,” and Säntis, the highest mountain in Eastern Switzerland, just a little over an hour away.

You can discover Zürich’s art culture through unique exhibitions and galleries. Located in the heart of the city, the Kunsthaus Zürich is Switzerland’s biggest art museum. Displaying works from the 1600s up to the modern day, Kunsthuas holds significant art collections, including pieces from Monet, Picasso, Beckmann and Corinth. With some of the world’s greatest masterpieces on display.

Back at the hotel, don’t miss this month’s Shaolin-inspired meditation retreat, which runs from 18 November. The two-day programme is led by the venerable Shi Xing Mi, an internationally renowned Shaolin monk. Designed to integrate and cultivate the mind, body and spirit, Shi Xing Mi will guide an intimate group through Shaolin fitness and breathing exercises, as well as meditation and mindfulness techniques. An antidote to the dark winter days, the focus is on meditative practices for a more positive mindset.

For more information, see thedoldergrand.com

Jens Maier, chief concierge The Dolder Grand

BACK TO HEALTH

WORDS by BECKY POMFRET

Recovering from a bad back, I sit up straighter than I’ve been able to in weeks when I first read about a hotel in Spain that offers high tech body treatments in a luxurious setting, just outside Girona. Being ‘healed’ whilst sipping cocktails beside the pool sounds very much like my kind of mini break.

5* Hotel Camiral is part of PGA Catalunya’s Golf and Wellness resort and is set in 300 hectares of verdant grounds. Voted number one Golf Resort in Spain, it is home to two golf courses including the acclaimed Stadium Course, which is consistently ranked among the best in Europe, and is the past home to the Spanish Open. I’m not there for golf, though, oh no, I’m staying in the newly opened Wellness Centre in one of seven suites. A place where I will be perfectly situated to don a robe and be in the steam room in under a minute.

The 72 sq m suites are stunning; huge windows look out over acres of Mediterranean forest. With a kitchen and living area, a huge bed, and a dressing room situated outside the luxurious bathroom, I can safely say I’ve lived in smaller flats in London!

Suites also come equipped with personal fitness accessories such as yoga mats and gym balls – if only I were in better physical shape (ahem). On checking into any hotel, it is customary for me to check out the minibar – this one is filled with nutritious Flax & Kale smoothies and healthboosting snacks, along with an integrated filtered water tap that helps to reduce plastic waste.

After a chat with the team in the Wellness Centre, in which we discuss my current health concerns, I’m given a programme of treatments; I can’t wait to get started. There is a wide range on offer here, from vitamin IV drips through to Oxygen Chamber Therapy, as well as carefully curated nutrition plans, with meals delivered straight to your suite. Talk about being thrown in at the deep end, though: my first treatment is, to be honest, rather terrifying. Cryotherapy is at the forefront of wellness technology, working both inside and out it is reportedly incredible for repairing cells, reducing adrenal stress and releasing endorphins. I’m already a fan of Wim Hof and cold showers (a 30 second drench counts, right?), but this is three minutes in a chamber at -110 degrees. I go in with a friend and we pick Kate Bush’s Running up that Hill to listen to as a

Set in the rolling green landscape of the PGA Catalunya Resort, Hotel Camiral promises luxury and tasteful elegance, in harmony with an unrivalled wellness programme

A luxurious resort in Spain balances pampering with wellness, providing the perfect place to rejuvenate and recuperate

distraction. Boy, do we need it. Employing some serious breathing techniques and some very interesting dance moves we somehow survive our ordeal and come out feeling exhilarated, with tingling skin. We’re dispatched for a well-earned lie down on what looks like a sun bed, for a mysterious-sounding photobiomodulation session. This is red-light therapy, which helps to deliver energy into the cells, dealing effectively with pain and inflammation and assisting skin repair. Whatever the benefits, it is a relaxing 20 minutes, and is much appreciated after the freezing three minutes that preceded it.

All this high tech wellness leaves us with a big appetite, so it’s fortunate that next on the agenda is a tasting dinner. 1477 Restaurant is an impressive space; decorated in natural colours and textures, with huge picture windows, tall bookshelves, and nature-inspired artwork. We choose to eat on the terrace, though, which overlooks the pool. Here we tuck into a delicious menu including tuna fillet tataki and chicken with Catalan-style stuffing. A particularly stand-out dish is a cashew nut white gazpacho with smoked eel. We’re treated to a wine pairing with each course – the hotel has its own vineyard, so we know we are in safe hands.

Nature is evident everywhere at the resort –alongside the vineyard and the forests, the hotel is home to a million bees (we go home with a pot of honey produced from their hives), and the aquatic eco-systems of the grounds have been designed to attract wildlife and are paradise for tortoises in particular. There is something special about staying somewhere that is so connected with the natural world.

After a blissful night’s sleep, we are back to the Wellness Centre, and, while waiting for our next treatments, we take a look around; there are inside pools (one cool, one warm), and another outside. With floor-to-ceiling windows and a view of the gardens from the sauna and steam rooms it’s another example of how well the hotel blends outside and in, and the space is incredibly serene. Today’s treatment is a blissful two hours

of body exfoliation and massage. If heaven is a place on earth, then it’s right here being treated to a Mindfulness Ritual. My back issues are all but forgotten thanks to the treatments I have enjoyed, which seem to be a mixture of science and magic.

Later in the day, freshly scrubbed and having floated back down to earth, we visit Girona, a beautiful medieval town just 15 minutes away by car. Indeed, with Barcelona only an hour away, the hotel’s location couldn’t be better. I’m already planning my return: a few lively nights in Barcelona followed by a couple recovering at the heavenly surrounds of Hotel Camiral. Combining state of the art treatments with top-notch food and wine in a beautiful part of the world, this really has been the very best kind of break.

Suites from €561 (£476), deluxe rooms from €175 (£151). For details and to book, see hotelcamiral.com

Interiors news

THE CHICEST CHILL Italian appliance brand, Smeg partners with renowned Champagne brand, Veuve Clicquot in a timely collaboration for seasonal entertaining. The limited edition FAB28 and FAB10 refrigerators marry Smeg’s instantly recognisable, mid-century inspired curves with Veuve Clicquot’s iconic yellow – complete with elegant branding. The launch of the Clicquot fridge marks the 250th anniversary of the Champagne Maison, Veuve Clicquot’s winery, which has been producing bubbly since 1772. Both the mini and full-sized refrigerator launch online and at Smeg’s flagship store on Regent Street this November. We’ll drink to that!

From £2,500 (shop.smeguk.com)

HEATED HUGS

With advice to heat the human, not the home during the energy crisis, Dutch start-up Stoov has come up trumps with its Big Hug heating pads and Ploov cushions, both of which use longwave infrared heating technology to keep us toasty warm. The heated pad and cushion covers come in an array of contemporary fabrics and colours, from soft fleeces in white, beige and black, to cosy knitted pinks, greens, terracotta and denim blue. Founder Teun Van Leijsen says: “We are passionate about sustainability, technology, and energy saving, and are aware of how important all these factors are in the current challenging climate.”

Cushions from £99.99 (stoov.com)

SPICE UP YOUR WALLS Spice Market is the new collection from McLaurin & Piercy, which brings colour, vibrancy, and homely warmth to our walls this month. Drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of trade, craft and the natural world, the wallpaper collection, printed on a choice of grasscloth or vellum, pays homage to the traditions, history and peoples of the Indonesian Islands. Expect a vibrant mix of tropical plant life and exotic animalia native to the region, from the painterly illustrations of Maluku to the lush vertical mangroves of Balinese.

£240 per roll (mclaurinandpiercy.com)

TABLE CANDY

Newly launched British home and lifestyle brand Atelier Raff releases a collection of vibrant tablecloths with matching napkins inspired by founder Sophia Ayrton-Grime’s favourite candies. The green and white Broadway Stripe, and the red and white Candy Cane, both 100 per cent linen, prove perfect backdrops for our seasonal tablescaping schemes. But not overtly Christmassy, these bold parallel and sharp diagonal lines will see you through the festivities and well into SS23.

Tablecloths £85, set of four napkins £36 (atelierraff.co.uk)

Rebel Knit Malachite wallpaper, £125 per

(thecuriousdepartment.com)

African print cushion, small diamonds, £49 (lolaandmawu.com)

Melvin armchair, £1,010 (sweetpeaandwillow.com)

1970s cut glass Czech chandelier, £1,200 (skinflintdesign.co.uk)

Medby green side table, £249 (cultfurniture.com)

PARTY SEASON!

WORDS by ALI HOWARD

RAZZLE DAZZLE

A standalone drinks trolley brings immediate glamour to a living space, and it proves a versatile number, too, if you don’t want a permanent home bar set-up. “Once you have styled the space with all the essentials – from barware to booze – a failsafe way to finish the look is to add in a few decorations,” says Rockett St George co-founder Lucy St George. “You want the space to sing and not be hidden away, so go as big as you like and let your bar take centre stage. Embracing a theme is the best place to start, whether that is considering a seasonal colour theme or curating your bar cart around your favourite cocktail.”

Disco ball drinks trolley, £195 (rockettstgeorge.co.uk)

CABINET MEETING

The Chester bar cabinet from Andrew Martin is a stylish addition to living spaces, but one that doesn’t immediately scream home bar – until it’s opened up to reveal its mirrored interior, sensor activated LED lighting, and its decoinspired brushed brass stem racks. Ideal for intimate gatherings, the pull-down front doubles as a nifty surface for mixing drinks, while the unit’s grain-matched walnut exterior and solid walnut branch-like legs make it one aesthetically handsome furniture piece. But we’ll raise a glass to its functionality, too.

£2,295 (andrewmartin.co.uk)

RAISING THE BAR

A modern open-plan kitchen is often seen as the heart of the home. When it comes to hosting, then, it seems a natural fit to double up on cooking and entertaining space: guests can prop up the kitchen island instead of the bar.

Whether you’re installing a permanent home bar or simply adding a standalone drinks trolley to your living space, a dedicated spot for entertaining is always a welcome addition

Daval’s new half-height fitted furniture range includes the Salcombe Charcoal home bar (above), which comes complete with custom accessories like under-cabinet stem racks to safely (and decoratively) store wine glasses, ample shelving for tall bottles, and a mirrored backing, which awards the unit a slice of evening-ready glamour.

Daval furniture is made-to-order and made-to-measure with kitchens starting from £10,000 + vat (daval-furniture.co.uk)

SPECIAL RESERVE

New research shows that some homeowners are willing to spend more on bespoke cabinetry for drinks and glassware than on a kitchen renovation, proving that the home bar trend is here to stay. Fitted furniture brand Neville Johnson’s offering (top) includes handy hidden storage to keep your bar well-stocked; mirrorbacked shelving that gives decorative bottles and glasses extra sparkle; and even a nifty library ladder for when it’s time to reach for that 1988 Bordeaux you’ve been saving.

From £3,000 + VAT (nevillejohnson.co.uk)

IN THE MOOD

If you’re dedicating a corner of the living room to a home drinks set-up, don’t forget to set the mood with ambient lighting. “A home bar is a statement piece,” says Peter Legg, lead designer at Där lighting. “Often people choose to section these areas by using an eye-catching wallcovering to define the space. Clear glass or crystal designs will let the design shine through and won’t distract from the focal point. If the wallcovering has a horizontal pattern, try to position the top of your light against a defined line to keep the flow.”

Nimbus 6 light pendant, £426 (darlighting.co.uk)

WINDING DOWN

Serious oenophiles will need serious storage solutions for their growing collection. With space at a premium in the Capital, it’s little wonder the spiral wine cellar is a popular choice – not to mention an impressive status symbol. West London based Spiral Cellars offer fully bespoke subterranean wine storage, individually tailored to clients’ needs and available space. Naturally ventilated and providing the perfect cellaring conditions, they can hold up to 1,600 bottles.

Chin chin!

From £24,550 (spiralcellars.com )

Set the mood in your new bar area with a statement wallcovering and the perfect choice of ambient lighting

WORDS by ALI HOWARD

SACHA KEMP-POTTER PHOTOGRAPHY by ANNA STATHAKI (Portrait by Gavin Elder)

Tell me about your home

From the outside it looks fairly similar to the rest of the street, except it’s the only house that’s not pebble-dashed and painted white, ours is flat rendered and left in its natural state, which is a lowly warm taupe colour that complements the grey painted woodwork. I live with my husband (we met at Tom Dixon’s workshop 30 years ago, he was training to be an architect and then became a specialist metal worker and builder). We have two boys aged 17 and 14, and a terrier called Roger. We’ve lived in the house for 11 years.

What was it like when you bought it?

It had suffered a major flood, the mains water supply to the water tank in the roof had been continuously running for weeks, some ceilings had fallen in, and walls in some of the rooms were black with mould. Because it was so wet, the paint had completely peeled off the doors and woodwork. The internal walls and floor joists were sodden, and the original 1930s parquet floor in the hallway had buckled. It meant that the whole house had to be stripped back to its bare bones just to dry it out before work could even begin. But when we saw it in its derelict state, we could both see the potential.

That sounds like quite a project…

The build took a few years, we employed a building contractor to do the structural work and

then my husband and his team took over. When we moved into the house it was still a building site. We had no kitchen and no finished floors. One pipe, which was coming out of the wall in the spare room bathroom became our temporary shower! But the house was watertight and warm.

What do you usually look for in a property?

For me, a home has to have a south or west facing garden, that’s essential. When house-hunting I used Google Maps to work out the roads that I wanted to live on because they faced the right way and had large gardens. I need a home full of natural light and a real sense of space, which is a hard thing to find in the city. Our garden is such a feature, we have a sunken trampoline and a tree house, which is actually a pole-house because there were no trees for the boys when they were small! We have planted everything in the garden and it’s amazing how little time it takes to become established.

What’s it like having a garden work space?

My garden studio is a very peaceful place to work, there are no distractions, no kids, never an opportunity to get sidetracked... I also use the studio for storage of all our printers, files and my much-loved materials library, which I’ve collected over many years. I’ve designed a few garden studios and my top tips for clients are: make sure it’s as nice as your house, or you’ll never want to

work in it; make sure it’s insulated and warm; make sure there’s enough natural light – skylights that face north or east are great as they will let in light but not overheat the space. And make sure you are hardwired. If your Wi-Fi connection isn’t good enough you’ll never work in it.

How would you describe your interiors style? It’s essentially modern but with a mix of eras. My role as a designer is to turn ideas into reality through clever design and the layout of spaces. When I draw, I design with a careful attention to detail, it’s the detail that makes an interior stand out and become an elegant backdrop for beautiful furniture. I like to combine classic furniture from the mid-century with the very best designled contemporary pieces. I also like to include statement pieces in bold colour and pattern or texture, never both though.

Has the look evolved organically over time or did you have a clear vision from the get-go?

The way we use the house has changed hugely over the last 11 years and it’s important to be flexible. The needs of a young family are completely different to those of having teenagers. When my children were small, we all wanted to be together but once they became teenagers they wanted their own spaces and to be as far away from adults as possible, so the design of the house has had to change with some of the rooms taking on

at home with

The interior designer has transformed an unassuming 1930s semi into a refined family home featuring design classics and bold colour pops

Sacha (right) lives in her London home with her two teenage sons, husband and terrier, Roger

The garden studio provides a quiet space to work, away from the distractions inside the house

a different function. I knew from the start how I wanted the house to look, with a minimal kitchen and flashes of colour throughout, but over time it’s evolved into something more. I liked the idea of having the more formal traditional rooms in the front part of the house, which has all the original 1930s features, it’s here that the rooms have full height wave curtains. They’re made from soft wool. In the ground floor sitting room they’re bright red and in our bedroom on the first floor, Eames green. They are warm and lively and the wave design is elegant and simple; a beautifully made curtain can bring a room together.

Tell me about your furniture choices, do you have any particular go-to brands?

Our dining table is the most used piece of furniture in the house, it’s the classic tulip table with a marble top designed by Eero Saarinen, by Knoll. I also really like B&B Italia sofas, they’re comfortable, hardwearing, and timeless. I have many Barber Osgerby tabletop lights and floor lights – including three Bellhop lights, which I’m always moving around the house to create a different feel as the light changes. I also spent years looking for the perfect dressing table and finally found a 1950s one in Max Inc, which is a fabulous furniture shop around the corner from my house. If I’m passing I can’t help but go in, but sadly I don’t have enough space for much more furniture!

Can you talk me through your favourite picks from your art collection?

I love buying artwork; it doesn’t happen often enough. I like going to the Summer Exhibition, I attend each year with an old friend and I know exactly what I like and don’t like. I have bought a few pieces over the years. I bought a fabulous piece by Cornelia Parker a few years ago, which has pride of place in our bedroom. I also have a King of Kong print from the collection Mountains of Kong by my old friend, the artist Jim Naughten. Also, on the wall is Black Swan by the street artist Gaia whose work I have admired for years after continuously driving past his rabbit mural on the side of a building in Hoxton. Either side of this are a couple of works by Peter Blake, who I’ve loved since I was at art school. One day I hope to own works by John Wragg or Humphrey Ocean – at present I just look at them on display in galleries!

What’s your favourite spot to relax in?

The open-plan space at the rear of the house looking onto the garden is my favourite, with the dining table and the relaxed secondary seating area. I love sitting in the sunshine reading the paper on a Sunday morning, looking out onto the green garden. And when guests arrive they are naturally drawn to this part of the house, too.

kemppotterdesign.com

THE LOOK

1. Celebrate angular mid-century lines with statement dining chairs. Butterfly chair, ochre, £499 (lercolani.com)

2. Bold colour pops can come in all shapes and sizes. Glass arch vase in dark green, £50 (thehappyblossoms.com)

3. Add clean, contemporary Scandi-style overhead lighting. Stockholm pendant light, £99 (housecosy.com)

4. You can’t go wrong with a design classic. Keep it neutral and focus on the shaping. G Plan Connie sofa, large, £1,499 (theloungeco.com)

5. Mix natural wood with ’60s shaping for a cool but calm look. Maxton coffee table, natural, £910 (sweetpeaandwillow.com)

Designers of Homes & Gardens of Distinction.

We

PUTTING PUPIL WELLBEING

FIRST

How an independent north London school group is using evidencebased research to help strike a healthy balance between academic development and personal wellbeing

High support, low pressure

Health Day last month and as the government works

bring the Mental Health Act 1983 into the 21st century,

at the forefront of public health matters.

in the workplace

living

the

of

so

health

support,

pressure’ ethos, North

a life-course approach

mental health,

“We are aware that academic success is inextricably intertwined with physical and mental wellbeing. We therefore aim to use every educational opportunity to promote our students’ wellbeing – not just via a broad, structured, and carefully designed PSHE programme, but via a wealth of co-curricular activities, support structures and indeed, by ensuring student wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do,” says Brendan Pavey, Executive Headteacher of North Bridge House.

From the Pre-Prep School’s award-winning Philosophy for Children programme, which encourages children to talk about deep and meaningful ideas, to an on-site counsellor for Senior School students, North Bridge House actively promotes free communication in an environment where pupils feel seen and heard.

Ten per cent of children aged 5-16 years have a clinically diagnosable mental problem¹, yet 70 per cent of children and adolescents who experience mental health problems have not had appropriate interventions at a sufficiently early age.² To help raise staff and parents’ awareness around how to best support and foster good mental health in children, the school hosts training and workshops with mental health experts, as well as guest speaker sessions on topics such as social media and screen time, adolescent behaviours and body image. A subscription to a digital library of evidence-informed resources, curated by leading researchers and mental health professionals, further provides advice to empower the whole

Evidence-based research is something the school takes very seriously in its academic and pastoral provision. While collaborating with UCL’s Institute of Education in developing metacognition in students, enabling them to effectively evaluate their own learning behaviours, the school has implemented a later midweek start for Prep and Senior students, shaping the school week around the adolescent body clock and current findings regarding teen sleep.

But it is much more than the curriculum and timetable design which contributes to pupil wellbeing at North Bridge House. The whole school environment is designed to positively impact on children’s growth and development, throughout infancy and adolescence. Top 20 London Nursery, North Bridge House Nursery & Pre-Prep West Hampstead uses natural and sustainable products wherever possible, boasts sheltered outdoor teaching and play space as well as herb and vegetable planters, and is home to the children’s much-loved Wellbeing Dog. Here children connect with nature – which has been directly linked to improving mental and physical health in the early years – as part of their everyday life, learning more about themselves and their surroundings while enhancing their creative, communication and problem-solving skills.

“Our aim is to create a healthy balance between academic development and personal, social and emotional development, connecting children with the world around them to promote both mindfulness and key critical thinking skills,” says the Nursery & Pre-Prep Head of School, Eilish Sleator. “The school environment itself is designed to stimulate the children through all kinds of sensory, practical and organic experiences, which they can otherwise lack living in central London or surrounded by today’s technology. Whether it’s hatching chicks and butterflies, sculpting in the mud kitchen, or growing their own basil and parsley, here they have an opportunity to develop an understanding of and respect for nature, which not only supports the seven areas of learning and development in the early years, but promotes feelings of calm, purpose and self-worth.”

At NBH Senior Hampstead, the school has just been shortlisted for an Excellence in Sustainability Award by the Independent Schools Association, and from the wellbeing garden to the school allotment, which produces food for the canteen; the emphasis on emotional and physical wellbeing is fundamental to school life. While studies have shown that gardening and spending time in green spaces has a positive impact on mental health, reducing stress and anxiety and releasing serotonin and dopamine; by ‘growing their own’, children are also more likely to make healthier food choices, research suggests.

The recent Global Be Well Day, an annual event in the school calendar which celebrates the everyday focus on student wellbeing, saw talks from a leading clinical nutritionist and the owner of a sugar-free bakery, continuing to educate students on the importance of diet and nutrition, while Prep School pupils filmed and produced their very own ‘Behind the Scenes’ documentary, looking at the school catering team’s focus on a balanced diet.

“Educating our children on the importance of healthy eating and its impact on their wellbeing is much more than showing and telling,” says Executive Head, Brendan Pavey. “It’s involving them in the act of feeding themselves. Whether it’s our Reception pupils making sushi rolls in cookery club or our Prep School students harvesting their own potatoes, our children are far more invested in a healthy lifestyle when they are part of creating this lifestyle and can gain a sense of responsibility and achievement from the process.”

Deeper rooted in the very fabric of the school, societies such as the LGBTQ+ Society and Plants, People and the Planet provide students with a sense of belonging and security. “Adolescence is a challenging time for children and with it can come concerns over image, questions over identity,

struggles to ‘fit in’, and doubt regarding self-worth,” says North Bridge House Senior Canonbury Head of School, Charlotte Tassell-Dent. “Our enrichment programme encourages the development of skills and tools necessary to deal with changing hormones and general adversity, including coping strategies, self-regulation, and emotional literacy.” While the school’s Plants, People and the Planet group combines mindfulness and gardening with environmental council, the LGBTQ+ group leads on initiatives to support the Stonewall charity as well as the school’s mission to celebrate the individual.

In a society where 50 per cent of mental health problems are established by age 14 and 75 per cent by age 24³, the Good Schools Guide describes North Bridge House as ‘a safe haven for developing teens.’ And with its integrated vision for education and wellbeing, the school continues to prove much more than simply its academic worth to families appreciative of its ‘emphasis on good mental health and resilience’, grateful for its ‘real understanding of family pressures’, and in agreement that ‘young people need ability to talk about mental health issues.’

For admissions enquiries, call 020 7428 1520 (northbridgehouse.com)

1 Green,H., Mcginnity, A., Meltzer, Ford, T., Goodman,R. 2005 Mental Health of Children and Young People in Great Britain: 2004. Office for National Statistics.

2 Children’s Society (2008) The Good Childhood Inquiry: health research evidence. London: Children’s Society.

3 Kessler RC, Berglund P, Demler O, Jin R, Merikangas KR, Walters EE. (2005). Lifetime Prevalence and Age-of-Onset Distributions of DSM-IV Disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62 (6) pp. 593-602. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.62.6.593.

Schools

WORDS by CLAIRE ATHERTON

MAD ABOUT MUSIC

A level music is in major decline in the state sector. In 2006 there were over 10,000 entries; by 2020 there were fewer than 6,000. And if the numbers keep falling at the same rate, there could be none at all by 2033.

According to Mark Richards, Senior Deputy Head at Queen Anne’s School in Caversham, the issue isn’t a lack of interest. “Class sizes tend to be small at A level, and schools don’t necessarily have the right staff, budget or resources,” he explains. The picture is very different at Queen Anne’s, whose “inspiring and bespoke” curriculum allows it to support colleagues and students in the state sector. Initiatives include giving students free tickets to professional Live@QAS concerts, running a virtual support and resource-sharing forum for music teachers, and hosting regular workshops and activity days for pupils in the state sector. The school has even supported students from the local boys’ grammar school through their A level music programme – two of whom are now reading music at Oxford University.

What’s behind this passion for keeping the subject alive? “People think it’s practical, but it’s also very academic, and teaches valuable life skills,” says Mark. “At A level, you learn to scrutinise musical scores and think about them critically. So, if you end up being a barrister, for example,

you can scrutinise texts, write critically and stand in front of a jury with great confidence.”

If all this is music to your ears, Mark has two tips for how to nurture your child’s love of music.

1 Encourage them to learn an instrument, for the sense of discipline, motivation and wellbeing it brings. But consider the potential of their chosen instrument when it comes to music-making. A violinist would have plenty of opportunity to play in an orchestra, for example.

2 Take advantage of the amazing concerts and events that London offers. We’re blessed with fantastic facilities, and many great orchestras are now working with schools and families. At the Southbank Centre recently, pupils could even sit with the London Symphony Orchestra during one of its rehearsals. And many leading orchestras are offering free or reduced tickets for children and young people.

qas.org.uk

NAME: Harrow School

PUPILS: 830 full-boarding boys aged 13 to 18

FOUNDED: in 1572, under a Royal Charter granted by Queen Elizabeth I

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: For entry in Year 9, you’ll need to register your son by the end of Year 5, supplying a school reference. All applicants sit the ISEB Common Pre-Test; successful boys sit the Harrow Test and the

Common Entrance or Academic Scholarship exam. For entry in Year 12, register your son by early September of Year 11, supplying various documents including a handwritten letter from him to the headmaster. If those pass muster, it’s tests, references and an assessment day

DESTINATION UNIVERSITIES: in 2022, 15 boys took up places at Oxbridge, seven at Ivy League schools and twothirds at Russell Group universities

KNOWN FOR: its 324-acre estate, archaic slang and distinctive straw boater

FAMOUS ALUMNI: former Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill, poet Lord Byron, film writer Richard Curtis, actor Benedict Cumberbatch

FEES: £15,570 per term

Find out more: harrowschool.org.uk

How long have you been head? 13 years. I came to the school fresh from my teaching degree in 1994 and never left! Consequently, when I became Head, I’d taught all year groups. But most importantly, I already knew the staff and the children – and where the biscuits were kept.

What attracted you to the school? Its family feel and how happy the children were. We have a strong academic focus, but not at the expense of the children’s wellbeing.

How would you sum up the school in a sentence?

A happy, safe and supportive environment for both children and teachers.

What makes it different?

We aim to provide a nurturing, home-from-home environment. To support this, we have very colourful classrooms, no school uniform and call each other by our first names.

What’s your personal educational ethos?

Children need to have periods of boredom. Every moment of their day is now structured, and I feel we’ve lost some of the vital downtime that allows imaginations to develop. (You can probably tell that I was dragged to church every Sunday!)

How do you balance your extracurricular activities with the academic side?

We recently extended the school day, which allows us to provide not only hot lunches, but also childcare from 8am to 6pm. Each day has a theme such as STEM, performing arts or team games, and staff lead associated activities and tasks.

We’re also very lucky to have a number of local facilities, so sport is a very important part of our timetable.

Charterhouse Square, EC1M (020 7600 3805; charterhousesquareschool.co.uk)

Caroline Lloyd

Charterhouse Square School

SPOTLIGHT ON YOUR 30-SECOND GUIDE TO THE PICK OF THE CROP OF LONDON SCHOOLS

SHAPING FUTURES

Haberdashers’ Boys’ School is a leading independent day boys’ school for students aged four to 18. Situated in an idyllic 100-acre co-educational campus in Hertfordshire, Habs Boys shares its wonderful location with its sibling school, Haberdashers’ Girls’ School. In September Habs Boys and Habs Girls started teaching A Levels in co-educational classes, with students sitting a minimum of one A Level in mixed gender classes across at the other school. And in January 2023 the brand-new, purpose-built, Pre-Prep building will open, bringing all years together on one site for the first time in history.

The academic performance at Habs Boys speaks for itself. At GCSE, 61 per cent of the grades awarded were 9 and 95 per cent were 7 to 9. At A Level, 52 per cent of the grades awarded were A* and 86 per cent were A* to A.

Whilst outstanding outcomes remain a priority at Habs, great exam results are just one part of the educational journey at the school and are not possible without the other academic and extensive co-curricular opportunities on the campus, which create relevant life skills and character development opportunities for all students. The school encourages all students to make full use of the incredible campus, exploring their individual interests and passions, in and beyond the classroom.

The purpose of the school is to empower young people to make a profound and positive impact on society. This requires personal adaptability and resilience, curiosity, genuine empathy and a sense of responsibility for the people and the world around them.

The community at Habs Boys is diverse community with a strong global perspective. The school’s roots are firmly in its philanthropic founding principles, and this guides its deep sense of responsibility in the world. This environment, combined with an innovative teaching approach, prepares students for the fast-moving world.

out about and register for in person or virtual open days, see habsboys.org.uk

At Haberdashers’ Boys’ School, great exam results are just the beginning, a rounded education both in and beyond the classroom prepares young people for a world that demands flexibility, creativity, resilience and critical thought

local love

PRIMROSE HILL AND REGENT’S PARK

The grand crescents of colourful houses are a hint at what’s on offer in this most sought after of London villages, with its eclectic high street and vibrant community of locals. Then there’s the view from the Hill itself, and the hundreds of acres of green space on offer in neighbouring Regent’s Park. Small wonder the area is in such high demand

Sam’s Café

Our Agents

Arlington Residential arlingtonresidential.com

Aston Chase astonchase.com

Bargets bargets.co.uk

Beauchamp Estates beauchamp.com

Bective bective.co.uk

Behr & Butchoff behrandbutchoff.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

Sandfords sandfords.com Savills savills.co.uk

TK International t-k.co.uk

Winkworth Maida Vale winkworth.co.uk

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

Winkworth West End winkworth.co.uk

Local heroes

OKA, NW1

“While there are some outstanding Japanese Restaurants in the West End, OKA, located on Regent’s Park Road, receives my nomination as one of a handful of Japanese restaurants in north west London offering great food which is served quickly,” says Marc Schneiderman, from Arlington Residential. “It is ideal for when you don’t want to sit in a restaurant for hours.” As OKA proves, fast food doesn’t always equate to junk food – far from it, in fact. The kung pao chicken, miso black cod, and the bulgogi beef are all finger licking good

71 Regent’s Park Road, NW1 (020 7483 2072; okarestaurant.co.uk)

NUYU LONDON, NW1

Primrose Hill locals know there’s no need to travel into Harley Street for the best in aesthetics and skincare with this boutique clinic on their doorstep. Offering a wide range of treatments from dermal facial fillers to Botox, microdermabrasion to laser hair removal – and including the latest, innovative treatments such as Pro ilo – you can find your best self right here.

Local resident Gemma Ward says: “I can’t recommend NuYu highly enough, and in particular, the awardwinning Dr. Arti Singh. I know I’m always in safe hands with her.”

9 Princess Road, NW1 (020 3204 2020; nuyulondon.co.uk)

PARK MUM, NW8

Orly Lehmann from Knight Frank nominates this female specialist personal trainer, AKA Becky McDonald, as her local hero. As the name Park Mum suggests, Becky takes outdoor classes on Primrose Hill. “She came up on my Instagram. I’m really wanting to get in shape, having had a child. It’s nice to see somebody helping the community using a communal space. I did her Saturday morning class, which was really good, and I hope to become a regular if my husband can look after our son! You can tell she plans her classes very carefully, and it’s lovely to meet other women locally.”

Primrose Hill Park, NW8 (parkmum.com)

what?

There’s history aplenty in Regent’s Park, which, along with its palatial terraces and villas, was designed by architect John Nash as a work of architectural and landscape art, but older still than the Regency architecture are a couple of prehistoric tree stumps beside the waterfall in the inner circle. Between 20- and 100-million-yearsold, the fascinating fossilised tree trunks were brought to the park by the Royal Botanical Society in the mid 19th century, to be displayed in their garden here

NuYu London

OKA

Park Mum

MEET THE LOCALS

Luke Ormsby

Owner, Luke Ormsby Hair

“I have just opened my second salon on the beautiful Princess Road in Primrose Hill. When I began looking for a second location I wasn’t looking in any area in particular, but when I came across these premises, I fell for them immediately. The area is so special, and I feel extremely lucky to have found such a perfect space here; Luke Ormsby Hair Primrose Hill really is a little gem!

I travel into the area in the morning from my home in north west London and I am always blown away by how beautiful it is here. And the community has been so warm and welcoming. I’m an animal lover so I’m a big fan of the many beautiful pooches who live locally – it’s so lovely to meet them strolling around with their owners.

Generally, for lunch and a cup of green tea (my fuel!), I’ll pop to Sam’s Café on the corner of Chalcot Road and Fitzroy Road. The food selection is really good and the team there are always so friendly.

When it comes to finding a local bite to eat or a drink after the salon closes, I’ll pop into the La Collina, an authentic Italian restaurant at few doors up at 17 Princess Road, and then on to The Engineer pub for a drink or two.

Primrose Hill and its wonderful residents have welcomed me and my team with open arms and I’m so grateful for the local generosity of spirit.”

Princess Road, NW3 (020 7586 0969; lukeormsbyhair.com)

3

Streethearts

CHALCOT CRESCENT

Primrose Hill’s most iconic street, thanks to those Instafamous pastel-coloured terraces. A film-makers’ favourite, too, it was home to the Brown family in the Paddington Bear films

REGENT’S CRESCENT

A meticulous restoration of this curved stucco terrace at the southern edge of Regent’s Park saw it launch as the Capital’s only new-build development with a Grade I listing in 2020

REGENT’S PARK ROAD

The heart of this urban village, this pretty curve of Victorian buildings offers upscale shopping opportunities alongside everyday essentials, as well as a host of delis, cafés, restaurants and bars

From our agents

“Primrose Hill is home to some of London’s most attractive architecture and its hilltop park and village-like atmosphere are also big pulls for buyers. While famous for its pastelcoloured Victorian terraces and sought-after Chalcot Square, you’ll also find larger villas and townhouses, contemporary homes and flats with pretty terraces and balconies. Prices range from around £600,000 for a one-bedroom flat and £3 million upwards for a family home.”

“Popularity and scarcity of property stock make Primrose Hill a tight market to invest in with off-market purchases from serious buyers most common due to our pre-registered waiting lists. A property with a large garden and potential for expansion in King Henry’s Road attracted intense interest with a sale agreed to a local couple, over 15 per cent above asking price. This is not uncommon at the moment.”

Vikki Broad, Hamptons

“I love the villagey feel here. There are some fantastic eateries in the area for all occasions and one of my personal favourites is Greenberry Café. This incredible café in the heart of Primrose Hill does the most amazing brunch, so you’ll often see a queue forming from quite early on a Saturday morning! Another favourite of mine is Odette’s, recognised as an iconic neighbourhood restaurant, it is best known for its cosy setting and its delicious Sunday lunch.”

Elias Raymond, Savills

Jeremy Stecker, Benham & Reeves

La Collina

Sam’s Café

On the market

This month’s hottest properties

FOR SALE / RENT

HANOVER TERRACE, NW1

If, like us, you’ve often found yourself glancing wistfully at Regent’s Park’s spectacular Nash terraces, imagining yourself living there, here’s your opportunity. Offering around 6,000 sq ft of practically palatial accommodation, and with breathtaking views over the Park and its calming boating lake, this Grade I listed home is a rare find. Including seven bedrooms, six bathrooms, four receptions, and even a separate mews house, the beautifully restored property mixes period grandeur with modern luxury.

Sale price £22.5 million, rental price from £17,000 per week, Aston Chase. Contact Howard B Kayman (07973 271691; astonchase.com)

FOR SALE GLOUCESTER AVENUE, NW1

This two-bed lateral flat is positioned on the first floor of a smart period townhouse and features an abundance of natural light, thanks to its huge sash windows and enviable high ceilings. Both bedrooms open out onto a bijou balcony at the front of the property, providing the perfect spot for a morning coffee or a cheeky night cap, while cream walls and ashy wooden floors keep the look light and bright throughout. Located in the heart of Primrose Hill, the apartment offers a seriously enviable address, too, with everything you could want on your doorstep.

£720,000, Chestertons (020 7267 2053; chestertons.co.uk)

FOR SALE

REGENT’S PARK ROAD, NW1

The stuff of (childhood) dreams, this magnificent six-bed, four-bathroom residence is doll’s house pretty. Behind the pastel blue render, there’s suitably grand and well-proportioned living accommodation to be had, including an extended living space under the garden, complete with sky lights in the lawn. Original period features are in abundance here, as is a wholly versatile floor plan. Particularly swoon-worthy is the principal bedroom with a family sized en suite and a walk-in wardrobe to suit Carrie Bradshaw volumes of clothing, shoes, and accessories.

£7.5 million, Goldschmidt & Howland (020 7043 4433; g-h.co.uk)

NEW DEVELOPMENT

A novel idea

Situated in the heart of leafy Hampstead is this chic new development that combines contemporary architecture with seriously high-spec living accommodation. Novel House is the handiwork of The Linton Group, whose visionary thinking and original design sets them apart as both house builders and interior designers. “Linton always approaches a development opportunity with a pure, singular and ambitious vision in mind,” says managing director, Gary Linton.

“In Novel House, we have succeeded in creating something rare in central Hampstead – luxurious new design-led residences for exceptional lifestyles.” Duplex apartments here offer house-like living, but with all the benefits of a contemporary development at your disposal. Indeed, there’s a wealth of enviable luxuries on offer, from private landscaped gardens to secure underground parking, a state-ofthe-art gym, and a personable,

24-hour concierge service, awarding you the security of a lock up and leave lifestyle. And while it may be an imposing red brick building, architecturally, the development proves sympathetic to its verdant surrounds and its peaceful, laid-back location. With just two duplexes and one two-bedroomed flat remaining, interested parties should look lively.

From £3.5 million, Glentree (020 8731 9500; glentree.co.uk)

How will the stamp duty cut impact property prices?

“Together with other measures designed to boost the economy, a cut will intensify and prolong demand in the housing market. However, what the Chancellor is giving away, the Bank of England will more than take away. Many buyers will find the impact of rising mortgage rates soon eclipses the benefit of a stamp duty cut, which will keep firm downwards pressure on prices next year. The cost of a five-year fixed-rate mortgage has almost tripled over the last year and this upwards trajectory will continue. Almost four million first-time buyer mortgages have been issued since 2009, which is a large group of homeowners who don’t know what it’s like when monthly interest payments rise meaningfully. The gravitational forces of higher rates will bring house prices back down to earth irrespective of any stamp duty cut.”

Tom Bill, Knight Frank

Slowman Hamptons

How long have you been in the business? My first role was as a junior negotiator in 1988.

If I wasn’t an estate agent I’d be… a football agent.

I love London because… you can get decent food from across the globe within a few miles’ radius.

First London home? A flat in Whitechapel.

Favourite London street? Brick Lane.

Where do you go for head space in the city? Walking along Embankment, the view of the river is completely soothing.

Best place to grab a coffee in the Capital? A Casa di Anna in Willesden Green.

Favourite London restaurant? Rules in Covent Garden.

Most memorable sale? My first flat that I bought, and knowing it was mine!

Property pet peeve? Buyers who price chip at the last minute (luckily few and far between).

Favourite architectural style? Georgian.

Penthouse or garden flat? Garden flat.

London’s most impressive building? The Royal Albert Hall.

Favourite Londoner? Sherlock Holmes.

Creature comfort? Häagen-Dazs Pralines & Cream.

Any hidden talents? I can still (just about) do 60 press up in 60 seconds!

WIMPOLE STREET, MARYLEBONE VILLAGE, LONDON W1G

Jeremy James and Company are delighted to bring to the market this delightful two bedroom apartment situated in a stylish Period Conversion comprising of 6 apartments.

The apartment is approximately 1,283 sq ft (119.2 sq.m.) and comprises of two double bedrooms, one en suite bathroom, a reception room, a separate dining room, kitchen and second bathroom. This unique apartment benefits from two terraces and a sky light in the reception room, making it light and airy.

The building is located on the east side of Wimpole Street, close to the junction with New Cavendish Street. Wimpole Street is located moments from the shopping facilites of Marylebone High Street. Bond Street and Oxford Circus underground stations together with access to the A40/M40 are within close proximity. The open spaces of Regent Park are also nearby.

STREET, MARYLEBONE VILLAGE, LONDON W1G

The apartment is located on the first floor, served by a passenger lift and comprises of two double bedrooms both with wardrobes, bathroom, reception room and kitchen. The apartment has been reconfigured by the current owner installing solid oak wooden floor throughout. The kitchen designed by Poliform with a hot water tap from Quooker and appliances from Siemens. The bathroom from Starck with Dornbracht fittings and large sectioned seamless limestone flooring by Kredenza. The apartment also benefits from underfloor heating throughout.

The building is located in the heart of the Marylebone Village close to the junction with New Cavendish Street moments from Marylebone High Street with its bustling restaurants, bars and fabulous high-end boutiques. Bond Street underground station are within easy walking distance. The green open spaces of Regents Park are also nearby.

Ingram Avenue

Hampstead Garden Suburb London NW11

Furnished

Principal Agent

week

Set in beautiful surroundings is this Ambassadorial residence (938.4 sq m/ 10,102 sq ft) offering modern and elegant newly refurbished interiors throughout. There is a carriage driveway and a pretty landscaped garden with Turners Wood Bird Sanctuary at the bottom of the garden. Kenwood House is around the corner and Highgate and Hampstead are close by.

Accommodation and Amenities

Principal Bedroom with En-Suite Dressing Room, Bathroom & Private Terrace, 5 Further Bedrooms (All En-Suites), Large Entrance Hall with Marble Flooring, 2 Reception Rooms, Dining Room, Library, Study, 2 Kitchens, Utility Room, Cinema Room, Separate Staff Bedroom with En-Suite Bathroom, 2 Cloakrooms, Rear Garden, Driveway/Off-Street Parking.

Council Tax: Band H. EPC: D.