Fabric Magazine January 2023

interview

On the joy of Comfort Eating and why sobriety is her secret superpower

TALKING TRENDS

Bring a little cheer into your interiors this new year

PLUS TREASURE TROVE

Nicola Gill shows us around her quirky pub conversion

LOCAL LOVE

Why St. John's Wood is London's grandest village

The best of London property Expert market insight

FROM THE EDITOR

There’s nowhere quite like home on a cold, grey winter day, and with everything that’s going on in the world, this year we’ve resolved to make our homes even more welcoming. We’ll be taking inspiration from Nicola Gill’s coastal home; quirky and colourful it’s proof that eschewing convention can pay off in an interiors scheme. It’s a sentiment you’ll be seeing more and more of this year. Just take a look at the latest design trends, as revealed in our interiors feature – vibrant, playful looks are the name of the game in 2023.

For cover star Grace Dent, home is extra special, as it’s the stage for Comfort Eating. This is, she believes, an important detail in the podcast’s success, making guests feel more comfortable, and therefore giving more candid interviews. See what she had to say about this in our own interview, where she also reveals why she went sober 18 months ago, and gives her tips to those thinking about doing it themselves this January. Until next month, so long.

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

ADVERTISING SALES

Debbie Russell debbie@fabricmagazine.co.uk 07811 347299 Karen de Pommereau (New Homes & Developments) karen@fabricmagazine.co.uk +33 6 70 80 42 45 REAP

ON THE COVER

Photography

David Vintiner

Styling Harriet Nicolson Hair & make up Anna Gibson

Grace wears: jumper (toryburch.com); trousers (gb.weekendmaxmara.com); ring (thomassabo.com); and shoes (gina.com)

Liz Skone James

CANFIELD GARDENS

WEST HAMPSTEAD NW6

A superb six-bedroom detached family house of grand proportions (492.1 sq m/5,297 sq ft) located in this premier residential road. The property offers luxurious family accommodation with state of the art fixtures and fittings throughout. Further benefits include two single garages and extensive off-street parking for four/five cars behind electric gates in addition to a stunning 90ft landscaped rear garden. Canfield Gardens is a tree-lined street located for easy access to Finchley Road. Excellent local supermarkets and stores are just moments away, as is the O2 Centre with its varied leisure, dining and shopping facilities. Transport links are equally impressive with excellent road links, frequent and numerous bus routes, Jubilee & Metropolitan lines at Finchley Road Underground Station and also equidistant to the London Overground/Underground at West Hampstead Stations.

Large Principal Bedroom Suite with En-Suite Dressing Room & Bathroom, Secondary Bedroom Suite with En-Suite Dressing Room & Bathroom, 4 Further Bedrooms (2 En-Suite), Family Bathroom, Drawing Room, Dining Room, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Media Room, Study, 2 Guest Cloakrooms, Utility Room, 2 Large Store Rooms, Air-Conditioning to Principal Rooms, Garden Store, 90ft Landscaped Rear Garden, 2 Single Garages, Off-Street Parking for 4/5 Cars Behind Electric Gates, Access to Large Loft Storage EPC: F. Council Tax: Band H.

Located on this ever popular road close to the excellent shopping, dining and public transport amenities of Golders Green, as well as the vast and beautiful open spaces of Golders Hill Park, is this spacious semi-detached five-bedroom house comprising 2,321 sq ft / 215 sq m of family accommodation arranged over three floors.

The property is well planned with an inner entrance hall leading to two bright reception rooms and a large 24'4 kitchen/breakfast room with direct access onto the rear south-facing 72' lawn garden.

The first floor comprises a main bedroom with en-suite bathroom, a further double bedroom with en-suite shower room, plus a third bedroom and shower room. There are two further bedrooms and eaved storage on the second floor that could be converted to provide more bedroom/bathroom space subject to the usual planning consents.

To the front is hard standing, providing off-street parking for two/three cars.

A substantial (3,938 sq ft gross) five/six bedroom house, offering generous and bright accommodation over three floors plus a detached double garage presently used as a self-contained treatment room/office. The ground floor boasts a large entrance hallway, a split-level intercommunicating double reception room totalling 45' in depth which leads into a conservatory with direct access onto a beautiful mature and well-stocked southerly facing garden. There is also a 29'6 kitchen/breakfast room with walk-in larder/utility room.

The first floor benefits from a large 25' principal bedroom with en-suite bathroom and dressing room/bedroom six, and two further rear bedrooms, both with en-suite bathrooms. The second floor provides two more double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and attic storage. This wonderful family home enjoys off-street parking to the front for three cars plus a further secure gated driveway for two more. Ideally located close to the entrance of Golders Hill Park and a short walk to Golders Green with its transport options and wide choice of shops, cafés and restaurants.

The leading estate agent for Hampstead and the surrounding areas

fabricmagazine.co.uk

fabricmagazine.co.uk

KINGSLEY WAY, N2 GUIDE PRICE £3,000,000

Situated in this highly sought after and extremely desirable cul-de-sac on the south side of Hampstead Garden Suburb is this 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom semi-detached family home offering over 2500 sq ft. Internally the property is offered in extremely good condition. It boasts 3 reception rooms and guest w.c to the ground floor as well as a stunning eat in kitchen diner. Both the kitchen and rear reception room offer French doors leading out onto a very private, west facing rear garden.

On the first floor there are 3 double bedrooms and a family bathroom. The principal bedroom suite which is across the back of the property, also offers a large ensuite bathroom.

On the second floor there are 2 further bedrooms with one benefiting from an en suite shower room whilst the other room has been utilised as a walk in dressing room/office.

There is off street parking and the amenities of The Market Place are close by as well the Heath Extension and Norrice Lea Synagogue.

Located in one of the finest private roads in Hampstead Garden Suburb is this detached family home with a plethora of original features, backing directly on to and enjoying views over the Hampstead Heath Extension.

Arranged over 3 floors and spanning 6,394 Sq Ft (594 Sq M), this magnificent bright and airy home features 3 reception rooms on the ground floor including a beautiful drawing room with French doors leading to the garden, a dining room, a family room and a well-equipped kitchen/breakfast room.

On the upper floors there are 7/8 bedrooms (6 en suite) including a luxurious principal bedroom suite with dressing room & en suite bathroom with far reaching views over the Heath Extension and a family/games room.

The majestic garden and terrace faces south & spans 107’ X 81’ with direct access via a gate on to the Heath Extension.

Further benefits include a gym, large garage and off-street parking for 4/5 cars.

Wood Vale, N10

£2,300,000

Close to the transport links of Highgate underground station, a semi-detached family home finished to a high standard. This four bedroom house has been tastefully refurbished by the current owners whilst retaining the original period features. There is a secluded garden offering ample entertaining space with a handmade wood fired pizza oven. In addition, the property has off-street parking and a garage with internal access.

Dexters Muswell Hill. 418 Muswell Hill Broadway, London, N10 1DJ T: 020 8444 2388 E: muswellhillsales@dexters.co.uk

Highgate Road, NW5

£1,700,000

Nestled behind landscaped gardens and a unique façade with striking arches, a three double bedroom house spread across three floors. There is a modern kitchen with a separate utility space and a large reception area leading onto the terraced garden. Providing the added luxury of a garden room complete with Islington oak flooring, underfloor heating and electricity, perfect for an office.

Dexters New Homes Central London. 66 Grosvenor Street, Mayfair, W1K 3JL

T: 020 7590 7299 E: newhomessales@dexters.co.uk

ST EDMUNDS TERRACE, NW8

A rarely available and beautifully presented 3 bedroom, 2 bath/shower room garden apartment located on this popular residential road. The property offers much sought after outside space by way of a decked rear garden, conveniently accessed through patio doors leading from both the reception room and one of the double bedrooms. The current owners have made a number of improvements during their tenure and the apartment provides extremely easy access to the wide open spaces of Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill Park, both approximately 2 minutes away.

The eateries, cafes and shopping boutiques of central St John’s Wood and Primrose Hill are within walking distance, with transport facilities including St John’s Wood Tube Station (Jubilee Line). RECEPTION ROOM WITH DIRECT ACCESS TO TERRACE GARDEN • FITTED KITCHEN • MASTER EN-SUITE WITH SHOWER ROOM • 2 FURTHER BEDROOMS • BATHROOM • EPC=C

ST JOHN’S WOOD, NW8

GOOD INTENTIONS wishlist

If you’re experimenting with a vegan diet this January, how about incorporating the principles into other areas of your life –from shoes and accessories to beauty products and alcohol-free drinks

Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons

Lemons

18 January-18 March, Harold Pinter Theatre

If you’re a lover of words, you’ll love this tender and witty romantic comedy, written by Sam Steiner. The play opened in 2015 at the Warwick Arts Centre and went on to receive three Judges’ Awards at the National Student Drama Festival. It’s since been performed at Latitude, Edinburgh Fringe, and the Camden People’s Theatre. This January, Lemons is seeing its much-deserved West End debut. Starring Jenna Coleman and Aidan Turner, and directed by Josie Rourke, the play explores language as currency. With a limited number of words at your disposal, how would you use them? What would you say? And perhaps most importantly, who would you give them to? Sharp, funny and not to be missed.

Panton Street, SW1Y (lemonstheplay.co.uk)

CULTURE

fix

EXHIBITION

David Mach: Heavy Metal

25 January to 25 March, Pangolin London

STAND-UP

Quip Shed Comedy

28 January, Marylebone Theatre

One way to banish the January blues is to treat yourself to a night of live comedy, and chuckle, guffaw and yowl away the gloom. It’s no coincidence then that this January sees the launch of a monthly stand-up show, in which you can

expect some of the biggest (and best upcoming) names in stand-up, including Ed Gamble, Phil Wang, Fern Brady, Ahir Shah, and Michael May. Artistic director of this exciting new cross-arts venue, Alexander Gifford says: “Audiences are getting to know us as a place where they can be sure of high-quality theatre and music, and it is exciting that this new year they will also be able to discover us as a home for dance, stand-up and the visual arts.”

Rudolf Steiner House, 35 Park Road, NW1 (020 7723 7984; marylebonetheatre.com)

Describing himself as “a kind of sculptural performance artist,” this renowned Scottish sculptor is not entirely at home in the confines of a studio. “I prefer to build installations and to work as publicly as possible,” he says. “I’ve built works in shopping centres, parks, streets and car showrooms as often as I have in galleries or museums.” Luckily for us, this King’s Cross art space has managed to pin him down for one incredible solo exhibition, which features a series of maquettes charting Mach’s development from sculpture to architecture, whilst probing the tension between the two disciplines. Expect a thoughtprovoking delve into the artist’s dynamic working processes and his natural desire to push the boundaries of contemporary public art.

Kings Place, 90 York Way, N1 (pangolinlondon.com)

Jason Bell

WORDS by ALI HOWARD

ART London Art Fair

18-23 January, Business Design Centre

With exceptional modern and contemporary works from both emerging and globally renowned names including Osborne Samuel Gallery, Purdy Hicks, Charlie Smith London and Galerie Olivier Waltman, this renowned collectors’ fair returns to the Capital, kicking off 2023’s international art calendar with a bang. Alongside the fair’s extensive line-up of over 100 gallerists, you can expect a programme of curated spaces, events, tours and lates to inspire. Curated talks include ‘Revisiting Modern British Art’, ‘The Fine Art of Commissioning’ and ‘Does the Artist’s Muse Have a Place in the Modern World?’, while the much-loved Photo50 showcase returns with a guest-curated exhibition of current trends. Dive in!

52 Upper Street, N1 (londonartfair.co.uk)

MUSICAL Sylvia

27

January-1

April, The Old Vic

This revolutionary story celebrates the lesserknown Pankhurst at the heart of the Suffragette movement, starring Sharon Rose as Sylvia, and Beverley Knight as Emmeline. Brought to life as a hip hop musical, with lyrics by Kate Prince, and original music by Josh Cohen and DJ Walde, we’re promised one rousing production. Matthew Warchus, artistic director of The Old Vic, says: “At long last, we are delighted to deliver the completed version of this hugely uplifting show, which first appeared at The Old Vic in an embryonic workshop version four years ago. Even then, this thrillingly kinetic, fun and emotional show was a giant hit with audiences and I’d urge you not to miss the much-anticipated finished article.”

The Cut, SE1 (0344 871 7628; oldvictheatre.com)

Beverley Knight and Sharon Rose star in the world premiere of Kate Prince’s tale of the lesser known Pankhurst sister

Grace Dent exclusive interview

NOT LIKE

Grace Dent talks Comfort Eating, her love of the buffet and how the decision to give up alcohol changed her life for the better

WORDS by LIZ SKONE JAMES | PHOTOGRAPHY by DAVID VINTINER STYLING by HARRIET NICOLSON | HAIR & MAKE UP by ANNA GIBSON

THE OTHERS

“When this issue goes out, we will just be on the last episode of season four of Comfort Eating, before we go into the break before season five,” Grace Dent tells me. “I recorded that one yesterday… hang on a minute, who did I have around yesterday?” She looks to her publicist for confirmation. “God, how could I forget? Yesterday Graham Norton was in my house,” she laughs. We are talking about Grace’s popular podcast, in which she invites famous guests to share the secret snacks they turn to for comfort, delving into how food shapes our story. “It is interesting how the formula makes people reveal things; I am just dead proud of it!” She tells me when I ask about the format. “It seems to kind of sweep away a barrier that is normally there. Jamie Laing, for example, was just an utter revelation. I thought that I was going to meet this really confident Made in Chelsea cheeky chappy, who would have this front up. And he brought mashed up Scotch eggs in a glass that he formed into a ball and decanted into a roll. It was disgusting, but he made this snack, and then he just began to talk about his parents, and their divorce… If you sat a celebrity down and said: ‘Hi, my first question is, do you think your parents’ divorce affected you?’, they would just say, what the hell is this interview?”

The fact that the episodes are recorded in Grace’s own home also works to disarm guests. “I open the front door – they don’t have to get past a receptionist. I open the door and they can see immediately that my front hedge, my actual front hedge, is growing out into the street and I need to go out there with some clippers. And they can see that my hanging baskets have died because I haven’t watered them, and they walk past that, and they find me chasing my cats – I have got two and I always have to scoop them up and hide them away because

they cry for attention right through the interviews. And that just sets the scene,” she explains. “I keep saying to my production team, look, I have lived in east London for 15 years, I have lived in London for 25 years… I should put the house on the market, it would be nice to get out of London, and I can see this horror in their faces. This is Comfort Eating, we do it right here in the living room, it wouldn’t be the same if we did it anywhere else.”

Of course, being at home can be equally disarming for Grace herself. “I don’t get to change personalities,” she tells me. “If I am having a sad, vulnerable day, where I am just feeling a bit crap about life, they get me like that when they come in, because I haven’t had the chance to puff myself up to be London, you know,” she says. “When Self Esteem came around I was having quite a weird day with a few different things that had happened, and I am not one of those people who cries easily, I pride myself on not being a crier, but as part of that interview, I said, ‘I am just going to read you some of your lyrics’, and I picked up this piece of paper and started reading, and just burst into tears. I was so embarrassed – there were tears coming down my face. She started crying, the crew started crying, and I thought, this would never have happened if we were recording this at the BBC. It was just something about being in my living room that brought that out in me.”

I wonder what the foods are that shaped Grace’s own early life. “I grew up on beige foods and mince and Findus Crispy Pancakes and butterscotch Angel Delight. And supermarkets were a big thing in my childhood, because this was when the really big supermarkets arrived and to me, good food was about having the best brands. To be able to have proper Coca-Cola and Smiths crisps… I still love those types of food today,” she reveals, explaining

that it was only when she moved to London that she sampled gourmet food. “I really fell in love with restaurants. I fell in love with the fact that I had come to a city where hundreds of new restaurants open every single year – and hundreds shut. It is this ever-moving land of change and plenty and innovation. And that just blew my mind.”

She recalls her early days in the Capital: “I had a little flat with three girls in Bounds Green. And we were right in the heart of this Greek Turkish community eating loads of delicious food. And there was an Irish pub nearby serving traditional Irish dishes, and I was going into Chinatown, and I was working in magazines, and you know what it’s like, suddenly you are on a press trip at a really expensive hotel and being fed quails eggs and finest pate and

“I WAS ALWAYS AWARE THAT THERE WAS A BIGGER, BETTER GASTRONOMIC WORLD OUT THERE”

caviar and oysters, and things that you have never ever had before. And that never stops making me excited, learning about food.”

It was a love affair that was to shape her career. “I was always aware that there was a bigger, better gastronomic world out there. When I was a child in Carlisle in the ’70s and ’80s, we would put on The Good Food Show and we would see Jilly Goolden swooshing wine around her mouth and saying that it tasted like babbling brooks,” she laughs. “I think that what makes me different as a restaurant critic is that I certainly didn’t eat those types of food as a child. I didn’t have that background. If you look at me and then look at the other restaurant critics, who I love very much, one of us is not like the others! I always say that it is an absolute fluke that I am in, doing what I do. The only reason that I am doing it is because it is one of the only things I can do. I have a very small skill-set – I am good at describing restaurants, and I am good at describing tastes and flavours, and I am good at selling the idea of why somewhere is absolutely brilliant, or being able to damn with faint praise to put you off spending £250 there because it is not very good.”

Grace’s career in food has seen her become a household name, though she believes it is not necessarily because people have read her columns, but rather that they have seen her appearances as a judge on MasterChef. “From the moment I got involved with it, it changed my life entirely,” she tells me. “I had been a journalist, and been on TV doing odd bits of presenting on and off through the late ’90s, the early 2000s, I was definitely on things… but the moment I went on MasterChef, it just meant that I could be in Aberystwyth trying to buy something in Boots, and an absolute stranger would walk up to me and ask what I really thought of that soufflé that I ate nine months ago, because they thought that my reaction was too kind,” she reveals. ‘I think that MasterChef is a familiar place of calm for a lot of people in a quite unstable world, and I am just really proud to be part of it. MasterChef is one of the greatest joys in my life. I have watched it since I was a little girl, sitting with my dad on the sofa in Carlisle, where we used to laugh our socks off at restaurant critics coming on and complaining about the standard of their foie gras!”

Grace’s most recent TV project, The Million Pound Buffet, is something altogether different, though no less fun. “The idea comes from my deep love of the buffet. I know it sounds silly, because some people do not see the buffet as being a higher form of gastronomic pleasure, but to me, I eat lots of fancy dinners, go to Michelin-star restaurants, and I always say that one of the happiest things is going to somebody’s party, wedding, christening… and the door opens to the banqueting room, and there is just a groaning table full of food. These things are just a joy. The idea of choice and abundance. And the fact of people being brought together with no airs and graces,” she reveals. “So, I was speaking to Channel 5 about it, and they said, ‘You know, the buffet actually makes a great deal of money in hospitality? You get these incredible, really expensive buffets where you go and spend £150 or $150 and fill your boots on lobster and caviar and things like that, and would you like to investigate that?’ And I said, ‘Yes, I absolutely would like to investigate the multi-million-pound buffet industry!’”

The show, which aired over the Christmas period and is now available to stream on My5 saw Grace visiting some of the most expensive all-you-can-eat buffets both here and in the States, learning the secrets of turning out gourmet food in Titanic quantities and getting stuck in at the buffet herself. “I just spoke to lots of people…

it is a travelogue really – a funny, happy travelogue about the psychology of the buffet,” she tells me. “I just had the time of my life. There is footage of me on the show, on my treadmill, which I call my road to nowhere, desperately trying to walk off the excesses of the thousands and thousands of calories that I had eaten. And then, also, buffet gets under your skin, so you will fill yourself up, and at 10 o’clock you won’t be able to eat another thing, but at 3 o’clock you wake up thinking about the buffet… so, there is this footage of me in a hotel in America eating the minibar chocolate at 3 o’clock in the morning because my sugar levels had crashed!” She laughs.

Though Grace’s sleep might sometimes be interrupted by the aftereffects of overeating, it is no longer affected by drink. “I stopped drinking completely about a year and a half ago,” she reveals. “I was just absolutely tired of losing half days and days to feeling wretched with drinking alcohol.

I tried so many times to just moderate. I’d think, oh I’ll just drink on the weekends, or I’ll only drink once next week. But the problem with my industry is that it is so convivial, it is so sociable – it is hospitality! And everywhere I went, every time I walked through the door, somebody put a glass of wine in my hand. Now, this doesn’t sound like a problem, but for years I feel as if everywhere I went, I always had a glass of Champagne in my hand. When I went on TV there would be drinks in the green room, and I would have a drink. And you go to parties, you go to launches, you go to award ceremonies, you for a girls’ night out, you go to meet somebody to talk about a job… you know, whatever it is, it turns into having a couple of wines, and I just thought, it seems that the only way to do this is to absolutely take alcohol out of my life.”

So she did just that, and she has absolutely no regrets. “I think that it is like a superpower, I really do. I feel like I have got double the amount of life that I had. I get so many more things done, and I just feel 100 per cent better,” she exclaims. “I highly recommend it. I gave up alcohol and then I started weightlifting, which is one of the best decisions that I ever made – it has just absolutely changed the shape of my body. The two things together: I feel like they have completely changed me. I am really conscious now that the lifestyle that I led when I was like 32, when I thought I was invincible, probably isn’t going to carry me through at this age. Look, you know, gout is a real thing…” she laughs.

Any tips for those looking to go dry this January? “You have to open yourself up to change. Nothing will change if nothing changes, and that’s it, really,” she shrugs. “I think that moderating is really, really difficult, but pulling the plaster off and not drinking at all, once you have got momentum, will change your life completely. I don’t want to criticise people who drink, or look down on it, because I drank, and I loved alcohol for years and years and years. But when you get through that hurdle of your first wedding, and your first work do, and the first Christmas day with your family when you are sober, once you get through all of those, the thought of going back and being this slightly drunk zombie on all of those occasions becomes a bit sad and frightening. You think, God, I don’t want to do that again, I don’t want to be that person again. So, yeah, forgive me if I am a bit evangelical!”

Grace wears, opposite page right: dress by Issey Miyake (fenwick.co.uk), shoes (toryburch.com); and ring (thomassabo.com)

This page: suit (aspiga.com); and shoes (gina.com)

Season 4 of Comfort Eating is available to download now. You can watch Million Dollar Buffet on My5

BESPOKE ANTI-AGING TREATMENTS

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With 20 years experience in the cosmetic industry, Dr Anne Mendelovici has become one of the best injectables Doctors in the UK. With her ‘less is more’ approach, she is the go-to Doctor for the most natural look.

Located on the famous medical district of Harley Street London, she offers complimentary consultation to all patients to discuss best treatment options. Don’t wait any longer and book yourself in now!

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Style& wellbeing

Yoga to move you

The gym isn’t for everyone – if you’re keen to be more active this year, but want to move in a more nurturing way, we suggest checking out The Yoga Library. The online platform was born after a series of successful Instagram-live sessions by London-based yoga instructor Jaime Hepburn during lockdown. Her human, accessible approach saw her gain a loyal and ever-growing following. Not only did these online classes give Jaime a sense of purpose, but they also resonated with so many who watched them that Jaime decided to create something more permanent. With a focus on how classes make you feel, rather than how they are working the body, Jaime encourages students to switch off and embrace intuition. And with a range of yoga styles on offer including Vinyasa, Slow, Power, Rest, Yin and Still, whether you’re looking for something dynamic, restorative or energetic, there is something for everybody. With names like Homeward, Reflection and Relinquish, users can find the perfect class depending on their mood at that time. Jaime tells us: “The Yoga Library’s aim is to help guide you back home to yourself by way of practice. Even though it’s online, I want people to say that they feel guided and supported, that the warmth and positivity reaches through the screen and into their homes.”

Monthly membership costs £19.99, offering full access to the collection of 250+ classes, with pay as you practice options also available. See theyogalibrary.co

A new plant-based partnership

The Lanesborough Club & Spa has just announced a new partnership with Royal Fern. Founded by dermatologist Dr. Timm Golueke, this luxurious plant-based skincare brand harnesses the anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and collagenboosting power of the resilient fern, to give more youthful-looking, firmer skin – dubbed Royal Fern Radiance. Don’t miss the new Signature Royal Fern Treatment, which is the perfect introduction to the products. The luxurious facial pairs a bespoke selection of products chosen to address individual skincare needs with dynamic massage techniques designed to lift, drain and sculpt. Effects that are amplified by the use of Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) – revolutionary sculpting gloves

are worn by the therapist to deliver microcurrent to targeted areas of the face, increasing absorption and amplifying the already considerable effects of the products. It is a sensation that is unusual, but not unpleasant, and is just one part of the treatment, which is – as you’d expect from The Lanesborough Club & Spa – gloriously relaxing and utterly indulgent. We were left with glowing skin that looked and felt better for days afterwards – no small feat in the middle of winter. Highly recommended.

£180 (60 minutes) and £240 (90 minutes). The Lanesborough Club & Spa, 2 Lanesborough Place London, SW1X (020 7333 7064; lanesboroughclubandspa. com; royalfern.com)

SUSTAINABLE LUXURY Good for people and planet

Living more sustainably doesn’t mean having to forgo style; you can shop more consciously at the beautiful Plum & Belle, an online lifestyle store launched by northwest Londoner Lucy Williams. Curating an irresistible selection of independent homeware, fashion and beauty brands that are handmade in the UK, it’s your one-stop shop for all things eco-luxe. We love the slow fashion pieces from London-based Hill and Headland, who use dead stock fabrics that would otherwise have been written off. Meanwhile, jeweller AngeB Designs works from her garden studio in west London to produce a collection that is all about reusing, recycling and reclaiming. And Plum & Belle’s own homeware products are equally irresistible – from gorgeous pochettes in vintage-style dead-stock fabrics, to pretty reusable fabric face wipes and brilliant brass trinket dishes, you’ll be spoilt for choice. plumandbelle.com

Dr Khanna, who leads the Dr BK Clinic has been practicing dentistry for over 25 years and is one of the world’s most eminent and respected facial aesthetics practitioners

Dr BK Dental and Medical Aesthetics Clinic

Determined to put on a brave face as I approach a milestone birthday (or celebrate it with an improved face, at least), I head to Harley Street. If anybody can help it is Dr Bob Khanna, one of the most highly respected facial aesthetic clinicians in the world.

At an initial consultation we chat about my main concerns, which takes a while… saggy skin, wrinkles, lack of definition, and my biggie, a double chin that is scarily close to becoming a triple. Dr BK fills me with confidence, reassuring me that things aren’t as bad as I imagine and explaining the various treatment options available. He is a big advocate for a holistic approach to aesthetics and is very clear that there’s little point undergoing treatments if I’m not prepared to put some work in myself by adopting a healthier lifestyle. I walk away with a treatment plan that fills me with hope and I can’t wait to get started.

My chin is the initial focus: a challenge that is met with injections designed to dissolve fat cells. The broken-down cells are then eliminated naturally through the lymphatic system in the following weeks. The procedure itself is a little uncomfortable, but anaesthetic applied locally means it’s bearable. Less bearable is the fact that my chin swells up enormously the next day, making me resemble a frog. I have been forewarned, though, and have adjusted my social diary accordingly. To tackle loose skin Dr BK has prescribed the ‘Cutis-Lift’. This clever procedure incorporates the use of micro-needling and radiofrequency to stimulate collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid production and promises to leave plumper skin and improve elasticity, whilst smoothing wrinkles and crow’s feet.

After two treatments on my chin, I am starting to see a real difference and it’s time to take the work upwards. I’m booked in for a thread lift, which I’m told is perfect for those looking to lift

the appearance of sagging skin around the jowl area. Giving all the benefits of a facelift without the risk of surgery, the procedure sees a suture-like material carefully threaded through the skin to lift and tighten, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. I am nervous about how invasive it is going to feel, but once again, the application of anaesthetic means it is not at all painful. The thought of what is happening is decidedly worse than the procedure itself and it is all over very quickly. The lifting results are instantly visible and extremely satisfying. Indeed, friends declare that I look ten years younger – I’ll take that, though there is more to come…

A few weeks later, I’m treated to some carefully applied fillers to improve definition around my chin and jawline. The results are spectacular and as I study the before and after photos, I can barely recognise my own face. The finishing touch is Dr Khanna’s signature HeartLips® treatment, which plumps up my lips, giving them a subtle heart shape. I feel inexplicably sad that this is to be my last appointment – the clinic has been so welcoming, with the friendliest therapists and front-desk staff I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. I have a feeling I’ll be back before too long, though – there’s such a large range of treatments and procedures on offer here, addressing every conceivable aesthetic issue from top to toe. BP

8-10 Harley Street, London, W1G (drbk.co.uk)

THE ORMSBY WINNING WAY

Luke Ormsby Hair might be relative newcomers to Primrose Hill, having only opened last summer, but the team are already making serious waves on the hairdressing scene there – and with good reason. What Luke Ormsby and his talented team don’t know about hair isn’t worth knowing, with years of experience under their belts, they’ve built up a loyal client base, offering everything from cuts and colours to hair extensions and Keratin blow dries. The online reviews speak volumes, and now the salon, along with the original Luke Ormsby Hair in Pinner, has won a Good Salon Guide Award.

The Good Salon Guide, the only independent guide to quality standards in hairdressing in the UK and Ireland, has recognised Luke Ormsby Hair as a 5 Star Hair Salon, Barbers, Eco Salon and Creative Excellence Salon. Gareth Penn, MD of the Good Salon Guide, tells us: “I am delighted that Luke Ormsby Hair has succeeded in reaching the standards required to become a member of the Good Salon Guide. Being in the Guide means a salon is among the best in the country.”

Located on Princess Road, 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 artificial fertilisers, pesticides and genetic modification. And they are ethical and fair trade, too. Add to that clever taps in the

backwash section that have been designed with a double filtration system that not only halves water usage but removes chemicals, heavy metals and sediment, including lead, viruses, bacteria, asbestos and fluoride from the water, and it’s obvious that Luke and the team are taking their ecoresponsibilities as seriously as their hairdressing.

Luke explains: “Being a member of the Good Salon Guide shows we are a fantastic salon in every way. It makes us all very excited about the future of our salon.” Devoted to providing a service that is second to none, he has developed a client promise. The Ormsby Way guarantees every client an in-depth consultation, a tailor-made hair care routine and all the advice needed to maintain their look at home.

The team are so confident that you’ll love what’s on offer, they’re offering all new clients to the Primrose Hill salon an exclusive discount of 50 per cent on any ladies’ or gentlemen’s cut and finish service with a senior stylist costing up to £70 between now and 30 January.

To take advantage, simply mention Fabric when booking. Or, pop in to see what’s on offer – the team invite you to enjoy a complimentary consultation over a delicious cup of tea or coffee.

46 High Street, HA5 (020 3538 2050) and 23 Princess Road, NW1 (020 7586 0969). To discover more, see lukeormsbyhair.com

North London hairdresser Luke Ormsby and his team have recently been recognised by the Good Salon Guide – if you haven’t tried the new salon in Primrose Hill yet, with an exclusive offer for readers this month, there’s never been a better time

RECIPE

The Ultimate Winter Broth

Feeling flat after weeks of overindulgence? Restore and reset with Detox Kitchen’s new Soup Cleanse – the three-day plan includes comforting, nourishing soups as well as fresh organic cold-pressed juices, making it a tempting choice for the winter months. All soups and juices are delivered to your door, along with a booklet offering support on how to approach your diet after day three. And everything has been designed to detoxify the gut, body and mind, setting you up for a happier, healthier new year. Get a taste of what’s on offer with this delicious recipe for warming winter broth. Detox Kitchen founder Lily Simpson tell us: “This soup is a combination of my two favourite soups, a Scotch broth and a mushroom broth. Two, surprisingly different soups. Scotch broth is typically made with pearl barley and root vegetables and a mushroom broth tends to be clearer and made with shiitake mushrooms to give it that umami flavour. So, combining the two seemed like a good idea. It brings the carby comfort of the Scotch broth and the earthy depth from the mushrooms.”

Vegan plan, £115 and protein plan, £125. To order, see detoxkitchen.co.uk

INGREDIENTS

200g pearl barley | 50g dried shiitake mushrooms | 1 tbsp rapeseed oil | 2 shallots, finely diced | 2 fat garlic cloves, peeled and sliced | 200g wild assorted mushrooms | 200g squash, peeled, deseeded and cut into 2cm cubes | 500ml veg stock | Juice and zest of 1 lemon | 200g cannellini beans, drained | 100g cavolo nero, finely sliced

METHOD

1. Wash the pearl barley in a large saucepan until the water runs clear. Cover with three times the amount of water and cook for 20 minutes or so until it is soft but still has a bite to it.

2. Meanwhile, soak the shiitake mushrooms in warm water for 10 minutes until softened.

3. Fry the shallots and garlic in the oil for 10 minutes or so until completely softened. Add in the wild mushrooms and sauté until golden. Add in the soaked shiitake mushrooms, squash and veg stock, and bring everything to a simmer. Place the lid on and leave to cook for around 20 minutes until the squash is almost cooked.

4. Add in the cooked pearl barley, lemon juice and zest, cannellini beans and cavolo nero and cook for a further 5 minutes. Turn the heat off and leave to stand for 10 minutes before scooping into bowls and serving.

Takuya Watanabe TAKU

Mayfair

What’s the last thing you cooked? A minced pork ramen for the TAKU staff meal. This is my specialty –I make it with minced meat along with ginger, spices, chillies and shallot all cooked together. Then I add dashi and season with salt and lots of pepper. Very simple but very delicious. You can find the recipe on my Instagram

What’s your signature dish? Funnily enough it’s not a Japanese staple, but Abalone risotto with white truffle. Among the world’s most expensive seafood, abalone are large sea snails with a buttery, salty taste.

Best meal you’ve ever eaten? The spicy boeuf hot pot from a small Chinese restaurant in Paris called Le Lac de l’Ouest. It’s a small and very casual Chinese restaurant similar to the bustling Chinatown restaurants here in London. The hotpot has a delicious combination

of coriander, spices and soft meat, and it tastes truly homemade.

What do you cook on your days off? Usually a Japanese hot pot with thin slices of lamb and seasonal vegetables, all bought from the local market.

Guilty food pleasure? You can’t beat the dim sum from Dumplings Legend in Chinatown, washed down with a nice cold beer.

If you could cook for anyone, who?

My Grandmother, who lives in Japan, so I don’t get to see her often. I would love to have her come and dine at TAKU.

What should no kitchen be without?

Soy sauce is the staple of my kitchen, I make my own blend at TAKU.

Takuya is executive chef at TAKU, a 16 seat Omakase in Mayfair, which opened at the end of last year.

36 Albemarle Street, W1S (takumayfair.com)

NEW OPENING

Psst… If you’re attempting Dry January, or perhaps considering a long-term alcohol-free lifestyle like cover star Grace, you’ll want to check out London’s first low and no tasting room, Club Soda, which opened in Covent Garden in November. The home of mindful drinking, it offers the opportunity to shop a curated collection of over 150 of the best low and no drinks brands, including partner brands Everleaf, Lucky Saint, Sentia, Crodino, Oddbird Wines and Double Dutch. So much more than simply a shop, you can drop in to enjoy a delicious drink mixed up at the bar or book in for interactive drinks and cocktail masterclasses.

39 Drury Lane, WC2B (joinclubsoda.com)

LONDON FOODIE

Pull the plug

Hands up all those who feel inundated with notifications; designed for those who want to totally switch off, Unplugged’s offgrid cabin escapes are the answer if you want to wean yourself off your devices this year. The company owns 16 beautifully designed, eco-friendly cabins in some of the most idyllic, natural locations around the UK including the Chiltern Hills and the New Forest. These are available to book for three-night digital-detox escapes, where guests are encouraged to lock their phones away for the duration of their stay – these are

swapped for an old school Nokia handset, a physical map to explore the scenic surroundings and an instant camera. And back at the cabin, books and board games help to fill the hours usually spent scrolling. With 72 hours seen as the optimum time to reap the benefits of a true digital detox, these breaks enable guests to improve problems associated with high screen time, such as brain fog, poor sleep quality, anxiety as well as lack of focus and productivity.

The gorgeous cabins are sustainably built and run solely on solar power, furnished with luxurious eco-brands like Piglet bedding, and stocked with

WELLNESS

kitchen essentials like Dark Arts coffee beans and loose-leaf camomile tea. All have been built with panoramic windows in the bedrooms, swapping blue light for starlight and helping guests to wake up naturally. The existing cabins are booking up fast for this year, but there’s good news, because the team have exciting plans to increase the number of cabins to 50 by the end of 2023. Co-founder Hector Hughes comments: “It’s been amazing to see the impact the digital detoxes have had so far. We’ve got big plans for the coming years and can’t wait to see where this goes.”

Unplugged 3-day Digital Detox stays start from £390 per cabin. For details and to book, see unplugged.rest

Maldives

Baros prides itself on being one of the first resorts in the Maldives to open to the public. Since 1973 it has been offering guests personalised service, authentic and bespoke experiences and opulent island living: this year the iconic resort will celebrate its 50th anniversary. With soft white sands, rippling coconut palms, impossibly pink sunsets and tropical greenery, the Maldives is an alluring destination for couples and there is nowhere better for a romantic break than Baros – we were delighted to be named ‘The Indian Ocean’s Most Romantic Resort’ for the tenth consecutive year at the annual World Travel Awards 2022.

Start the day with a private yoga or meditation session or visit the Serenity Spa for a tailored spa treatment inspired by the ancient wisdoms of Asia or the healing traditions of Africa.

We encourage all guests to explore Baros’ world class House Reef, whether that’s by themselves or joined by the resident marine biologist as part of the coral cube planting initiative. We have direct access to 30 of the world’s best diving spots, where guests can explore the underwater world and marvel at rays, turtles and sharks. My favourite dives are the fascinating ‘fluo night dives’.

RETREAT

Manifest a better 2023

If you’re looking to change, elevate or reignite your life this year, there’s help at hand thanks to an exclusive manifestation workshop led by self-development coach Roxie Nafousi that promises to help kickstart 2023 in the best way possible. It is part of an exciting weekend retreat hosted by luxury Hertfordshire hotel The Grove that has been designed to help guests to switch off from the outside world and discover how to start living their best life.

After struggling with depression for six years, Roxie realised it was her purpose in life to help others in a similar position to recover.

She is now an ambassador for the Mental Health Foundation, and the Sunday Times bestselling author of Manifest: 7 Steps to Living your Best Life; the retreat later this month will see her sharing her tips on Manifesting in person.

The weekend package includes one night’s bed and breakfast stay at the hotel and full use of the Sequoia Spa and its state-of-theart facilities, including a Vinyasa yoga class. As well as her hour-long Manifesting workshop, Roxie will host a Q&A session and a 30-minute meditation. And all guests will be treated to a copy of Roxie’s book and a gorgeous eco-conscious mat from Fable Yoga. With spaces filling up fast, you’re advised to grab your spot sooner rather than later.

The retreat runs from 20-21 January. Single rate occupancy rates from £568. For details, see thegrove.co.uk

The best spot for sundowners is at the iconic The Lighthouse Lounge as it sits above the Baros Lagoon and offers spellbinding sunset views. When dining here, the Cognac flambéed lobster bisque is a must try and is prepared tableside on a guéridon. Post-dinner, head to the Sails Bar, where you can enjoy live music performances by talented local bands several times a week.

For something extra special, we can arrange a fine dining experience anywhere on the island – from your villa terrace, to a secluded sandbank, nowhere is off limits, We can even arrange an intimate dinner on the Piano Deck, a unique floating wooden deck shaped like a grand piano.

For more details and to book, see baros.com

Hussain Azzam, senior villa host at Baros Maldives

Pasco Photography

DIGITAL DETOX

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a grandmother would ever want to her grandchildren to pass on where she came from what she didwhat she learnt incomparable volume all in one

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The gift of a lifetime The perfect gift, a lasting legacy

UNIQUELY CAMBRIDGE review

WORDS by PENNY CLEMENTS

Home-from-home is an oftenoverused phrase, but when it came to thinking about how to describe The Fellows House, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, for me it proved to be entirely true. Having grown up in the area, my partner and I had both explored Cambridge hundreds of times, but for a special weekend away, we wanted to do things differently – as holidaymakers rather than locals. There is something undeniably appealing about the potential of seeing something new, or even seeing something you’ve seen many times before but experiencing it in a new way.

Relatively new to the Cambridge scene, the hotel only opened its doors in 2021; set amidst the city’s beautiful parkland areas and, backing onto the picturesque River Cam it’s a delightful base from which to explore. Designed with both long and short stays in mind, The Fellows House beautifully merges apartment-style luxury living and more traditional hotel accommodation with its mix of guest rooms and self-catering suites. Neither solely hotel nor apartments, it is a new breed of luxury aparthotel offering tiered pricing options based on length of stay. All of which makes it very attractive to a broad customer base – from those with an appetite for stress-free business travel, to visiting academics wanting a base in the city, and those, like us, simply seeking a luxury weekend break. Whether guests choose an en suite bedroom, a spacious apartment suite or a compact but well-equipped studio, they are assured the exclusive comfort of home with the service and thoughtful design of a boutique hotel.

Where design is concerned, The Fellows House has pulled out all the stops with a luxurious aesthetic that plays on its historic location. From the copper-clad columns by the entrance with their jumbled alphabet celebrating Alan Turing’s

code-breaking talents, to the deconstructed bicycle parts hanging in the lobby honouring Cambridge’s love affair with the two-wheeled ride, there is cultural significance in every detail. And luxury runs through the hotel’s DNA (which just happens to have been discovered in Cambridge in 1953); the dramatic foyer with its expanses of grey marble, gold fixtures and high ceiling immediately sets the tone, while inside, the rooms and suites, each uniquely designed, offer rich accommodations adorned with luxurious linens and bespoke artworks. Fittingly, the 131 rooms and apartments are named for some of Cambridge’s best-known inventors and thinkers, with Sir Charles Darwin, Stephen Hawking and Sir Isaac Newton all honoured, among other notable Cambridge Fellows from over the centuries.

We are staying in the Attenborough apartment, a large space with a comfortable lounge area and a fully equipped kitchen complete with cookery books offering night in dinner inspiration and an espresso machine to fuel days of exploring. A door separates this spacious living zone from the bedroom, which is furnished with a supremely comfortable kingsized bed, and offers an en suite bathroom that is thoughtfully designed with walk-in Hansgrohe rainfinity shower and stocked with fluffy towels and White Company Noir toiletries.

Having checked in late in the day, we gravitate towards The Folio Kitchen, where dinner is being served. The imaginative menu here provides plenty of choice when it comes to both plant-based meals, and meat and fish; we dine on the biggest, gooiest ball of burrata topped with grilled peaches and Heritage tomatoes, followed by butcher’s choice of the day, a succulent T-bone steak. After such gluttony, dessert feels an extravagance too far, and we opt instead for a couple of espresso martinis. Rich, indulgent and expertly mixed, these are the perfect end to a delightful dining experience.

They give us a taste for more, and we head over to The Folio Bar for a nightcap. Squishy leather sofas combine with bookshelves, university crests, a pool table, board games and an open fireplace, giving the air of a college common room. Academia also inspires a dreamy collection of signature cocktails, celebrating the works of Cambridge alumni, these include ‘Theatre of Imagination’ after Quentin Blake’s incredible body of work, and ‘If I May’ influenced by A. A Milne (albeit for an older audience than his tale of Pooh and his friends).

After a peaceful and restful night’s sleep, breakfast the next morning is a laid-back, relaxed affair. It is served in The Folio Kitchen as an unlimited buffet, with tables groaning under the weight of sausages, eggs, mushrooms, beans, toast and all the usual suspects. There’s also fresh fruit, granola, cereal, smoked salmon, ham and cheese plates, a variety of freshly squeezed juices and more.

As ever, design, food and location are key when it comes to picking a hotel, but the amenities are just as important for a memorable stay – and The Fellows House exceeds expectations on this front, too. After breakfast we take a trip to the hi-tech gym, which has evidently been expertly put together. The pool area adds further wow factor; guests can kick back on one of the loungers, take a long dip or soothe weary muscles in the sauna and steam room.

The Fellows House has proved to be a treasure trove of hidden artwork, history, and architecture, with something new to discover around every corner, and our brief encounter has certainly left us wanting more – we will be back.

Prices from £170 per night, based on 2 people staying in a Kipling King room on a B&B basis (01223 949 499; thefellowshouse.com)

Part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, a portfolio of one-off hotels and resorts handpicked for their distinctive character and unique charm, The Fellows House proves the perfect base to explore this historic city

The Fellows

House offers the perfect blend of luxury facilities and first-class service with home-from-home style accommodation

Designers of Homes & Gardens of Distinction.

We are an award-winning, multidisciplinary Studio of architects, interior designers and landscape designers, working together holistically under one roof. With a reputation for timeless quality, we specialise in luxury projects for private residential clients across London and the South East. Architecture | Interior Design | Landscape Design

Interiors news

Make your house a home

THE SPICE OF LIFE

Fresh young paint brand YesColours introduces its latest hue, Loving Orange. Evoking pigmentrich cone piles of spices found in India and Morocco, the burnt orange shade proves a warming colour pop, whether it covers walls, furniture pieces or funky kitchen cabinets. This is a brand fiercely committed to bringing joy through colour, being planet-kind, challenging conventional supply chains, and keeping things local with a focus on supporting both suppliers and communities. Contemporary colour with a conscience.

From £21 (yescolours.com)

TRAY CHIC

Aaron Hales founded his eponymous London studio in 2014 with a clear design ethos: artisanship, narrative, and tradition. In a bold move away from his signature luxury silks, the designer’s latest focus is on leather, with a new collection of beautifully handcrafted trays. Ideal for jewellery and trinkets, these covetable pieces make a stylish tabletop accessory – and each one has its own unique story, from the romantic Chinoiserie style of the Aviary leather tray, to the folk art roots of the Tulip. Trust us, you’ll want to collect them all.

£145 (aaronhales.com)

Alchemist 2-seater in Plush Cranberry, from £1,599 (sofology.co.uk)

(roseandgrey.co.uk)

ABSTRACT ANIMALIA

Maximalist design studio, Bobo1325 introduces its latest wallpaper offering. Drippin’ Zeb features a dazzle of zebras with paint seemingly dripping down the wall, overlapping and merging, creating an eye-catching repeat pattern of stripes on stripes. But while these majestic creatures are famously black and white, here, the colourway is softened with off-white cream on a background of midnight blue. Create a stand-out feature chimney breast wall or choose to go wild with maximum coverage.

£180 per roll (bobo1325.com)

SEEING STARS

Original BTC’s new Alma pendant features a delicately perforated bone china shade that throws dots of light onto ceilings and walls, giving the effect of a starry night sky. It is the result of a dream collaboration between the brand’s director Charlie Bowles and Swedish interior designer Beata Heuman. The bell-shaped light, which is suspended from Original BTC’s signature sand cotton braided cable, comes in a choice of three tonal colourways: seaweed, natural and coral, each with a hand-painted base. Whether hung solo, or lined up in threes, the pendant brings instant Scandi warmth.

£489 (originalbtc.com)

TAKE 5: VIVA MAGENTA

Amuse La Bouche, cerise & fuchsia ruffle cushion, £69

The Place poster, £13.95 (desenio.co.uk)

Bloom pouffe, large, from £1,150 (sweetpeaandwillow.com)

Gilded chunky candlestick in red silver leaf, £160 (webbandgray.com)

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

doylecollection.com/bloomsbury

IN WITH THE NEW

Despite gloomy global affairs, indoors there’s a renewed sense of optimism. 2023’s interior trends offer a vibrant energy and a playful take on modern living

WORDS by ALI HOWARD

BACK TO THE ’70S

“Tile kitchen countertops, shag carpets and wood panelling everywhere has sent interior design into a time warp as of late. But while some aspects of ’70s design are questionable, there are certainly elements that you can keep hold of,” says interior designer Anne Haimes. “Balance retro pieces with modern styles for a more eclectic approach to ’70s influence. This will help your home look more curated without going overboard.” With their intricate, hand moulded design, and their dynamic glaze effects, Craven Dunnill’s Leeds Décor Amber tiles offer a homely warmth along with a cool, ’70s aesthetic. Create a textured kitchen splashback for added interest and instant retro appeal.

£17.94 per tile (cravendunnill.co.uk; annehaimesinteriors. co.uk)

TIMELESS HERITAGE

While some trends are fleeting, this one speaks to a sense of permanence – an antidote perhaps to uncertain times. Investing in quality materials and exceptional craftsmanship reaffirms our sense of place, whilst showing our homes some long-term love. “We see a return to classic, timeless, heritage style this year,” says Carolina Hansson, head of design at Luxury Flooring & Furnishings. “Hues of sage green and deep blues have grown in popularity along with modern classic style, incorporating shades of wood and panelling. We’re seeing strong uplifts in sales for herringbone parquet flooring, especially in lighter oak shades, which works really nicely in contrast with these tones. This style of flooring is classic and timeless whilst giving added texture that can really elevate a room.”

Painswick Amber Engineered Oak Click, £93.95 per sq m (luxuryflooringandfurnishings.co.uk)

CURVE APPEAL

Say goodbye to angular lines in 2023: curves, scalloped edges, and rounded silhouettes are set to be huge trends. Playful and romantic in equal measure, curvy lines have the ability to soften an interior space, making it irresistibly warm and inviting. “Undulating curves have become an enduring choice for smart, timeless interiors with a playful, light-hearted touch,” confirms Joanna Ross, general manager of design at luxury bedding brand Sheridan. “Beautifully elegant, scallops instantly elevate a design while adding a luxurious feel. Crafted from a cotton blend, our Tamber quilt cover boasts a unique scalloped edge for one-of-a-kind bedding. With its lustrous sheen and contemporary lining, it promises to bring an elegant feel and rejuvenate a bedroom.”

From £159 (sheridanaustralia.co.uk)

DOPAMINE DÉCOR

First came dopamine dressing, now there’s dopamine décor, a feel-good trend borrowed from fashion that plays with the notion of colour saturation. Designed to lift the spirits, we’re seeing pigment-rich furniture pieces, plush textures, and a riot of eye-catching patterns. “We’ve already started to see bold and colourful interiors, but they will be even more prevalent in 2023,” says Ann Marie Cousins, founder of AMC Design. “There has been more of a focus on creating surroundings that heavily influence our moods and wellness, so introducing a vibrant colour palette is a great place to start. Explore your more playful and nostalgic side and experiment with patterns and textures to create the ultimate uplifting atmosphere in your home.”

amcinteriordesign.co.uk

FLAWSOME DESIGN

As consumers, we’ve adopted a more mindful approach to the ways in which we furnish our homes, prioritising sustainability and giving pre-loved pieces a fresh look-in. “As we move into 2023, we expect that the desire to decorate with sustainability in mind will continue to be prevalent,” says Maryanne Cartwright, head of design at heritage wallpaper brand, Graham & Brown. “We’ll see interiors that embrace the ‘Flawsome’ trend, a design quality that celebrates the imperfections in previously hidden objects or artworks by restoring their beauty and giving them a new life. This idea that we can curate a unique identity by marrying the old with the new, and re-working pre-loved materials, is something that we predict to see in modern interior design.”

grahambrown.com

Flawsome: Originating from an artwork carefully selected from the brand’s archives, Graham & Brown’s 2023 Design of the Year, Florenzia symbolises the restoration of historical beauty

at home

NICOLA GILL

WORDS by ALI HOWARD

PHOTOGRAPHY by EMMA HARRIES

Tell me about your home The house was built as a pub in the 1700s (hence its current name, as it used to be called The London Stout House). It’s a traditional, timber-framed building and typical of the East Sussex style with its New England-style weatherboarding. It had been hanging around unsold for some months when I saw it. While inherently beautiful, it needed a lot of work and wasn’t for the faint-hearted! I bought it as a threebed, one-bath property, but while it looks like a modest cottage from the street, inside it’s a bit of a Tardis as there’s another floor (and the original pub cellar complete with baker’s oven) below it, backing onto the south facing garden, plus an original two storey extension at the back. By expanding that rear extension further along the ground floor, and with some layout juggling elsewhere, it became a very spacious four-bed, three-bath townhouse with a generous kitchen, separate dining room and a huge living room!

I understand it was quite the renovation project… The house had been lived in by a lovely Irish singing teacher for 25 years, it was decorated creatively in bright colours with a really warm, bohemian atmosphere. But there was no heating, the wiring was, to be polite, dated, the gas had been disconnected for decades and the very leaky shower left unfixed. The layers of dust were actually holding the house together in some places I think, and when all the furniture was moved out and the house was laid bare, the scale of the challenge became clear.

But you had experience on your side? I had renovated many brick-built Victorian, Edwardian and late Georgian houses before, but never a timber-framed property. I just hadn’t considered that when you take the layer of plaster off the inside of a timber-framed house it’s basically a shed! And when you take the weatherboarding off too, you’re just left with the supporting oak beams. Terrifying! Somehow the original roof, despite being very wavy, was absolutely fine, so that was something. Several deliveries of Celotex later, the house was insulated for the first time in its history, and everything was doused in wood worm killer for good measure while it was all exposed.

How would you describe your interiors style? I take my cues from the house itself and a large part of the fun is adapting my style and trying out new things with each project. Rye is a treasure trove of vintage, bric-a-brac, charity and antiques shops, plus

with This interior designer’s quirky converted pub is a riot of colour and pattern.

impossible not to smile when you enter The Old Stout House

high-end interiors boutiques, so rummaging around for things was a big part of the fun. Although there’s a real mishmash of eras and styles in the house, overall it definitely feels ‘period’, even if it’s not a defined one! Apart from the kitchen, which I deliberately wanted to feel modern in contrast to the rest of the house. So, I guess my style is ‘colourful eclectic’ which sounds clichéd but is accurate.

Tell me about your use of colour People have woken up to the joyfulness of living with lots of colour in their homes, so I really went for it. I was terrified I’d overdone it for a while when the paint was on and no furnishings were in (and the builders kept saying the colours were awful!), but now I love the way it’s all come together. At one point I couldn’t get down to the house for a couple of weeks and had to let the builders make decisions. There was a tsunami of paint pots to choose from and I had labelled all up as clearly as possible but in the general chaos of a big refurb things got muddled – and rather than stop they just took a punt in a few places! But it looks great and there was only one room where I had to tell them to paint over their choice. Once I had the wallpaper up, choosing clashing bedlinens and then building up the rest of the styling was a joy. It’s impossible not to smile going into the different rooms with all the uplifting colours.

Talk me through your furniture choices, do you have any particular go-to brands? I’m a bargain-hound! I love Dunelm, Wayfair, Maisons du Monde, H&M Home and Zara Home. Also Habitat, eBay, Vinterior, Etsy and Facebook Marketplace for designer and quirky things. Also Graham & Green, Atkin and Thyme, and Amara. I’ve just discovered Kave Home and The Masie. I’m always checking out the Anthropologie sales, and the Freemans designer collections from Abigail Ahern and others are brilliant, too. La Redoute has some great interiors things now as well.

Tell me about a few of your favourite pieces I love the huge modern chandelier light in the living room, a bargain from Made, now sadly no longer in business. It looks incredible against the April Mawhinney Lords and Ladies wallpaper in penicillin pink, and the super talented April herself is just the loveliest person to deal with. And the tiger throne chair. I found this on eBay for just £90. A lady who bought old chairs and reupholstered them for fun had made it, but her husband hated it and wanted it gone! It’s a total one-off. There’s also a solid wood African carved head light which I bought off eBay. Someone had converted the head into a lamp and drilled a hole for the flex through it, but I bought it with no shade and added the black raffia one – it’s bonkers but works! I also love the way the blue/green moth wallpaper clashes but blends with the blue/green bedding and green shutters in the twin room. I’d intended to send that bedding back as didn’t think it would work, but I ran out of time, and when I actually put it all together, I couldn’t believe how it looked so right. Then there’s the big picture on the mantelpiece in the living room, which is from a local junk shop. There’s an artist name on it but Google threw up nothing, sadly. It shouldn’t work against the wallpaper, as there’s no relationship at all, but somehow it just does. I’m also very fond of the art deco velvet folding cinema seat in the top bathroom. It’s screwed into the floor to prevent mishaps as of course it would have been part of a row and wasn’t very stable standing alone, so it’s now part of the house!

The Old Stout House is available for holiday letting through Cabins and Castles (cabinsandcastles.co.uk/the-old-stout-house)

GET THE LOOK

1. Don’t be afraid to colour clash, the brighter the better. The Raspberry Lampshade, from £165 (tinkerandtallulah.co.uk)

2. Give your woodwork a fresh lick – and make it vibrant. Passionate Olive Green paint, from £21 (yescolours.com)

3. Throw in a bold stripe for added interest. Satsuma and periwinkle midi stripe cushion, £75 (arleyhouse.com)

4. Adorn your walls with pattern and colour. Billie Arts and Crafts floral wallpaper, £69 per roll (bobbibeck.com)

5. Add plush texture with velvet seating. Floyd chair, Golden Spice, from £849 (theloungeco.com)

The house’s exterior is weatherboarded in a New England style

teachers to deliver a high-quality tutoring service. Created for pupils seeking academic success to empower them onto the next stage of their education.

To find out more or to sign up visit harrowschoolonline.org/tutoring

Schools

WORDS by CLAIRE ATHERTON

THOUGHT

NO GOING BACK

Alternative educational models, such as home, online and hybrid schooling were growing steadily before the pandemic. But since then, they’ve won a whole set of new fans – including these two mums.

Mimi Nielsen, London

“We put our four children into online schools during the pandemic because the school they were in wasn’t up to it.

My daughter went on to get three 3As at A level and is now studying at King’s College London. My son is studying for his A levels at Harrow Online and my younger two children are at another amazing online school.

They do need to be self-starters to learn remotely, but my son Cameron would argue that Harrow Online gives pupils the support to get there, even if they aren’t at the start. He has

friends from all sorts of backgrounds and they’re all doing well. The school is accessible to a lot more people than its bricks and mortar equivalent, but it has the same focus on academics and a wide variety of societies. Cameron is doing 4 A levels and an elective in stockbroking, which will give him a certification, and he also runs the online Debating Society. Competition for university is fierce, so you need something extra.”

Sabrina Ben Salmi, Essex

“I’m a mum of five, four of whom are school age. Three are doing hybrid schooling (home-schooling plus masterclasses at Brunel University, writing books, running workshops and participating in programs like We Speak Science). And one, Tray-Sean, is studying for A levels at Harrow Online, as well as running the Economics and Investment Society alongside his classmate. He wants to study economics at university then go into investment or asset management. He’s been running workshops for disadvantaged children on personal finance and personal development since he was 11!

All my children were at state school before but they weren’t supported, plus there was bad bullying. Now, we can still travel as a family, and they can develop a mature, self-managing approach. Tray-Sean is very ambitious, and being at Harrow is the thing that has made a difference. The school has really got to know him, which is unique – as soon as he started, the principal, success coach and tutors all got in touch with us directly. Tray-Sean is going from strength to strength.”

harrowschoolonline.org

MEET THE HEAD

Eilish Sleator

North Bridge House Nursery & Pre-Prep West Hampstead

What makes the school different? The organic and unique experience our children gain in the middle of London. From the sustainable products we use to the sheltered outdoor learning and play space, our facilities allow early learners to grow their own vegetables, hatch butterflies and attend Forest School. We can even transport them to different learning environments via 3D immersive technology.

How would you describe the atmosphere at the school?

Close-knit, warm, welcoming and successful. We have established great relationships with our families and are here to serve and grow with the local community. Having been awarded Top 20 London Nursery 2022 is testament to this. And from Nursery through to Reception and KS1, our children achieve well above age-related expectations.

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

Extra-curricular activities are key to all-round academic and personal development. As well as after-school clubs ranging from ballet, drama and street dance to science and construction club, we reinforce classroom learning with regular school trips. We also immerse our children in creative and outdoor experiences through our hugely popular Forest School.

How do you look after the wellbeing of your pupils?

NAME: GLENDOWER PREPARATORY SCHOOL

PUPILS: 272 girls aged 4 to 11

FOUNDED: in 1895, by two ladies who rented rooms over a furniture shop on Fulham Road. The school has been on its Queen’s Gate site since 1947

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Competition for one of the 36 annual places is so fierce that the school recommends registering your

daughter within a couple of months of her birth. You’ll then be invited to tour the school when she’s two, after which you can apply for the informal 4+ assessment. This takes place in the January of the year your child starts school and mainly looks for social maturity and willingness to learn in a group

DESTINATION SCHOOLS: recent leavers have gone to St Paul’s Girls’ School, North London Collegiate, Putney High School, Cheltenham Ladies’ College and Godolphin and Latymer

KNOWN FOR: producing socially aware, inclusive, capable and courageous citizens

FAMOUS ALUMNI: actress and photographer Koo Stark, princessturned-politician Gayatri Devi, actress and singer Carmen Ejogo

FEES: £7,450 per term including all stationery, lunches, milk or juice

Find out more: glendowerprep.org

It’s at the heart of everything we do from day one. Our programme of New to North Bridge events are a great opportunity for children and their parents to get to know one another and the school ahead of their start date. Our comprehensive PSHE curriculum also encourages children to be aware of and look after their own wellbeing, while our Wellbeing Dog has a great calming and cuddly influence.

Fordwych Road, NW2 (020 7267 6266; northbridgehouse.com)

A HOLISTIC APPROACH

St. Anthony’s School for Girls is renowned for achieving outstanding results in the 11+, with the last academic year being no exception. In spring 2022, the then Year 6 girls secured places and scholarships at a range of highly competitive schools, including South Hampstead High School, Francis Holland School, Channing School, Queen’s College, St Margaret’s School, North Bridge House, Belmont School, Queenswood School, Northwood School, Dwight School and boarding schools such as Wycombe Abbey School. Like those before them, the success of the class of 2022 is proof of their ambitious, hardworking attitudes, and the support they receive from highly dedicated teachers and committed parents.

The ethos at St. Anthony’s is to ensure that the girls are not only taught to pass examinations in isolation, but also that they acquire the skills, knowledge, and confidence to embrace secondary school with confidence.

This is achieved through the school’s 18 Month Curriculum, which begins in Year 5, when English, mathematics and science are taught by specialists in classes no greater than 12-14. Furthermore, individualised, bespoke learning pathways are in place, ensuring that all girls make consistent, concrete progress. Focus groups, helping hand tutorials and extension workshops are scheduled for everybody. Thanks to this, the girls grow in confidence, secure in their knowledge and confident to speak up and say: ‘I need help here’, ‘I don’t understand’, or ‘I would like to try a more challenging question’.

In this way, the girls become independent and self-assured. The care and attention they receive from truly committed teachers inspires them to try new things, to be unafraid to make mistakes and to remain steadfast and focused on finishing a task.

St. Anthony’s girls are independent and self-assured, prepared for life, not just exam success

This approach has been in place since the school’s foundation and the 11+ academic outcomes bear witness to its success. The girls do not live on a diet of 11+ examination practice in isolation; the curriculum in Year 5 and 6 is created with equal focus and importance being placed on drama, music, sport and clubs. Alongside exam preparation, they are engaged in enriching drama opportunities such as participating in the Young Voices concert at the O2, taking part in the Shakespeare in Schools programme, enjoying performances at artsdepot and producing their own yearly upper school summer production at the Phoenix Theatre.

Sport also provides a wonderful antidote to the intensity of academic endeavours, with the girls engaged in cross country running, netball and football, with weekly fixtures arranged throughout Year 5 and Year 6.

The girls are also encouraged to take on leadership roles, including those of Head Girl, Chair of School Council, Wellbeing Prefects, House Captains, Arts Ambassador and House Captains. In these positions of responsibility they are seen as exemplary role models by the younger girls, further enhancing their self-esteem, confidence and sense of self-worth.

The 11+ timetable at St. Anthony’s is a dynamic and stimulating programme, allowing the girls to embrace new challenges and begin to recognise their skills, talents and potential, while enjoying a broad, inspiring and academic programme, free from unnecessary and any counter-productive constraints.

It is a winning formula: happy, successful girls enjoy the best of childhood while paddling their canoes towards 11+ success. “I would do it all again!” commented one very happy Year 6 girl.

For further information, speak to the school office on 020 3869 3070 or send an email to admissions@stanthonysgirls.co.uk (stanthonysgirls.co.uk)

For one north London school, 11+ success depends on the perfect marriage of academic endeavour and enriching activities, coupled with teaching and support that is second to none

Co-ed nursery and Prep school for children ages 2 to 13

local love

ST. JOHN’S WOOD

The leafy streets here belie the central location, moments from Regent’s Park and a short stroll from the West End. Though it is known for its large villas and cosmopolitan high street of boutiques, delis and designer stores, the area is perhaps most famous for being home to Lord’s Cricket Ground and that very familiar zebra crossing

PHOTOGRAPHY

Soutine

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

FABRIC FAVOURITES Local heroes

VENICE LONDON, W9

For Goldschmidt & Howland’s Ben Haftel, this pretty patisserie “offers a hub for locals and visitors to the area to eat and socialise. The staff are all extremely helpful and they create incredible cakes.” Situated just down the road from Lord’s Cricket Ground, you’ll find this insta-worthy coffee shop is as easy on the eyes as it is tempting to your sweet tooth. Think plush velvet seating, chic brass accents, and a whole wall of blooming roses. On offer is a seriously seductive selection of cakes, including those for special occasions.

14 Clifton Road, W9 (020 7121 0003; venicelondon.co.uk)

UNICO, NW8

This is a destination establishment for those who appreciate the finest Italian gelato, with a wealth of refreshing flavours on offer, from Unico signatures including the cherry-rich Amarena, to Italian classics such as Tiramisu, and a refreshingly decent selection of vegan sorbets including Blood Orange. And not forgetting an accompanying coffee fix. Dean Whitley from Chancellors says Unico “definitely boasts the best ice cream and coffee on the High Street.” There’s really no excuse not to keep returning to try all the flavours.

138 St. John’s Wood High Street, NW8 (uk.unicogelato.com)

THE DUKE OF YORK, NW8

Jennifer Wratten from Dexters recommends a visit to this muchloved and community-centred local pub, located on St Anne’s Terrace. “It’s a cosy, stylish pub in the heart of St. John’s Wood and a personal favourite of mine,” she says. “The atmosphere is always warm and inviting, the bar staff are friendly, and the food is delicious.” The historic watering hole has been serving locals since 1826, and acts as a reliable landmark. “It’s also a hotspot for fans after they’ve watched the cricket at Lord’s,” adds Jennifer.

2 St. Anne’s terrace, NW8 (020 7722 1933; thedukeofyork.com)

Say what?

One of several artists drawn to this arty enclave in the early nineteenth century, Sir Edwin Landseer lived on St. John’s Wood Road. Known for his paintings of animals he is said to have maintained a menagerie of subjects at his home. A story, rumoured to have been started by Charles Dickens, told of a butler interrupting a dinner party to enquire: “Did you order a lion, Sir?” Apparently, the lion Landseer had been painting at London Zoo had died unexpectedly and the body had been sent to his home

Unico

Venice London

The Duke of York

MEET THE LOCALS

David Josephs

Owner, Panzer’s

My morning starts early with a swim in Parliament Hill Lido or the Ponds, followed by a walk with the dogs on Hampstead Heath. Then it is straight to the office in St. John’s Wood and a wonderful Freddo cappuccino at Panzer’s (introduced after many a trip to the Greek islands). I grew up toddling after my grandparents and parents as they shopped at Panzer’s. Every Sunday morning was spent playing in St. John’s Wood Church Ground and we would always stop for bagels with smoked salmon and cream cheese afterwards.

When I heard Panzer’s was in danger of being taken over by one of the large supermarket chains, I asked the owner if he might be interested in showing me the ropes and I soon became a deli owner and guardian of a much-treasured SJW institution. I’ve never looked back.

Between Panzer’s and its sister company All Greens, our business

Streethearts

is virtually 24/7. From 6am to 10pm, messages are flying between the New Covent Garden, Spitalfields and Milan markets, as well as UK producers, about supply, quality and prices. In a given week the prices can change dramatically, so one needs to be constantly aware of market conditions and any weather fronts across Europe that could indicate issues hitting us days or weeks later.

In St. John’s Wood, for all things laundry, I go to Madame George’s on Circus Road – there is nowhere better for dry cleaning or an alteration. And in season, there is no better day out than watching a test match or T20 match at Lord’s Cricket Ground.

When the sun is shining, I grab picnic staples from the store and set off for Regent’s Park with a rug and bottle of something bubbly. My favourite spot is the ‘secret garden’ off the Inner Circle at St. John’s Lodge Gardens. One of my first dates was

in Regent’s Park: we first went to see A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the wonderful Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre on a warm summer evening and then had a picnic in the park. It all went very well, until we attempted to leave the Rose Garden, only to find we had been locked in. It is lovely to have such memories on our doorstep to this day.

13-19 Circus Road, NW8 (020 7722 8162; panzers.co.uk)

COMMENT From our agents

“Not exactly urban and definitely not suburban, St. John’s Wood is perhaps best known for Lord’s Cricket Ground and the world-famous zebra crossing outside Abbey Road Studios. But the reason it has such great appeal to discerning home buyers is its close proximity to central London yet its charming low built architecture, all only a mile or so from the vast open spaces of Regent’s Park, Primrose Hill and Hampstead Heath.”

Rosy Khalastchy, Beauchamp Estates

“St. John’s Wood offers a super urban village feel. The High Street has created wide pavement areas, giving a great continental feel – in warmer weather we have seating outside the office for casual meetings over coffee with clients al fresco.

From Soutine to Panzer’s deli, there’s plenty to tempt your taste buds, and shops for all tastes, too. Tara Jarmon, SpaceNK and Regal Shoes are my particular temptations.”

CAVENDISH AVENUE

The detached villas here will appeal to those looking for a home with history. And the location is equally desirable –perfectly placed for central St. John’s Wood’s amenities

AVENUE ROAD

Extravagant mansions are the order of the day on this prestigious street – it probably won’t come as a surprise to hear that it’s home to some of the Capital’s most expensive homes

HAMILTON TERRACE

Wide and tree-lined, this imposing boulevard is one of St. John’s Wood’s most desirable addresses; the stucco villas, characteristic of the area, are always in high demand

Neir Gigi, Knight

Frank

“Designated a conservation area in the 1960s, the stock here includes period houses with some exceptional detached villas, flats originating from the 1920s and 1930s, both in popular mansion and purpose-built blocks, as well as plush new developments. Buyers can expect to pay between £1,500 and £2,000 per sq ft but we have recently sold properties for well over £3,000 per sq ft.”

Mark Pollack, Aston Chase

Parliament Hill Lido

Panzer’s

On the market

This month’s hottest properties

FOR SALE

WORONZOW ROAD, NW8

You wouldn’t know it from the street view, but this low-built detached stucco villa stretches back to give you an incredible 4,805 sq ft of luxurious accommodation. The property is not listed, meaning it can be extended even further if you’ve got grand designs on making this dream home even dreamier. Laid out mainly across two floors, the house offers the appeal of lateral living – but without the neighbours – and boasts a secluded 113 ft south-west facing rear garden with a stunning outdoor pool complete with pool house. Once you complete, you can look forward to your first dip later in the year.

£17 million, Savills (020 3043 3600; savills.com)

FOR SALE

HAMILTON TERRACE, NW8

If you’re looking for a new home to inspire your creativity, this Grade II listed property is a must-view. The former St. John’s Wood home of artist William Strang (with a Blue Plaque to prove it), the house dates back to 1830 and has been extensively and sympathetically refurbished by its current owners – who happen to have a seriously good eye for interiors. Arranged over a whopping 6,172 sq ft, which incorporates the original artist’s studio, there are delightful surprises around every corner. The absolute dream.

£11.75 million, Arlington Residential (020 7722 3322; arlingtonresidential.com)

FOR SALE PARK ROAD, NW8

This four-to-five bed lateral apartment offers oodles of versatile living space with its impressively sprawling floor plan. The family flat is positioned within Abbey Lodge, one of St. John’s Wood’s most desirable purpose-built blocks on the Crown Estate, and therefore comes with a wealth of benefits, not least the surrounding green spaces of Regent’s Park and the building’s own manicured gardens. Comprising two grand reception rooms, an eat-in kitchen, and up to five bedrooms, each with an en suite bathroom, residents can spread out in style.

£3.6 million, Winkworth (020 7586 7001; winkworth.co.uk)

Property news

are always connected to nature. “An absolute highlight at Spectrum is the living wall I’ve created as a sun-loving and wildlife-loving feature that benefits both nature and wellness,” says landscape and garden designer Melissa Jolly. Indoors, you’ll find the perfect blend of traditional materials and innovative tech, with hand-fitted bespoke kitchens boasting Siemens appliances, hydronic underfloor heating systems, and triple glazed windows. The attention to detail is second to none. But of course, none of this would be complete without a strong sense of community, and this is something built into the very fabric of the development. Architect James Walsh says: “In Spectrum, we have created a contemporary design to work around the way people want to live today and with the future in mind, so that they can feel connected to the communal gardens as well as enjoy private spaces”

Hillview Gardens, NW4. Prices start from £465,000, Debbie Ingram (020 8458 7040; debbieingram.co.uk)

NEW DEVELOPMENT Beautifully crafted living

There’s so much to love about NW4’s exciting new development, Spectrum. This unique collection of one-, two-, and three-bed apartments offers luxury modern living at its best, with gardens, balconies and underground parking amongst its long list of desirables. Positioned in a quiet residential area of leafy north London, and with excellent transport links into the Capital, its location is impressive, too. The picturesque setting features lush, planted courtyards, grassy lawns, and an imposing living green wall, reminding residents that they

ASK THE AGENT

What does 2023 have in store for the London Property market?

“In September, we forecast that prices would flatline in 2023 as the cost of living crisis and higher interest rates take their toll. However, the downside risks have increased since then. Higher than expected mortgage rates have increased the chances of price falls. We expect the prime markets, where more households own their homes outright, to fare better. While 2023 is likely to be a tough year for the housing market, we expect these downward pressures to ease as the year progresses, before the market begins to recover in 2024, with London leading the way.”

Aneisha Beveridge, Hamptons

Mumzad Soobhany

How long have you been in the business? 15 years.

If I wasn’t an estate agent I’d be… an airline pilot.

I love London because… it is vibrant, multicultural and a 24-hour city.

First London home? The first place I bought was a little two bedroom cottage in north London.

Where do you go for head space in the city? Alexandra Palace.

Best place to grab a coffee in the Capital? Coffee Circus in Crouch End – my local.

Most memorable let? One of our Super Prime properties located in Highgate. It had been on the market for a couple of years and I matched the property requirements for our client. They loved it and have taken it on a long term tenancy.

Property pet peeve? Properties that have one lock but 100 keys!

Favourite architectural style? Edwardian.

Penthouse or garden flat? If I were single, 100 per cent the penthouse, but given that I’ll have my wife and two kids I will take the garden flat!

London’s most impressive building? Smithfield Market.

Favourite Londoner? Michael McIntyre.

Any hidden talents? Remembering registration plates.

60 SECONDS WITH

Knight Frank

OKEHAMPTON ROAD

QUEEN’S PARK NW10

An exceptional and painstakingly refurbished five-bedroom Victorian house comprising 234 sq m/2,523 sq ft of internal living space arranged over three floors with a 69'11 ft private garden and off-street parking.

Upon entering on the ground floor, there is a grand double reception room featuring a working fireplace and high ceilings to the front of the property. Behind this there is an informal large and extended family room which includes an open-plan kitchen with dining area, dedicated utility room and reception leading out onto the extensive manicured garden.

Okehampton Road is moments from Tiverton Green, Chamberlayne Road and Queen’s Park, and all the amenities that this entails. Local transport links include Queen’s Park (Bakerloo) and Kensal Rise (Overground).

In a glorious period building opposite to Hyde Park, a truly impressive two bedroom duplex apartment with a fabulous high ceiling, stunning period features, set on the raised ground floor - as well as access to valet parking, 24hr concierge, swimming pool, underground parking, steam & treatment room, gym and secure gated complex. The property features a bright living room, set over two floors with a walnut timber flooring, fully fitted separate kitchen, Miele appliances, granite worktop, reception/dining area with marble tiled flooring. The master bedroom includes a generous Italian-designed fitted wardrobe, an en suite bathroom.

With a fused blend of contemporary interior design while retaining original period features, including moulded cornices, open fireplace surround and sash windows. The apartment is wired for sound and features lighting and a comfort cooling system operated by a control panel. Together with electric underfloor heating the bathrooms have chromium brassware by Fantini & Spanish & Italian marble tiles.

The Lancasters was originally a parade of magnificent, stucco-fronted Grade II listed houses with grand portico entrances, decorative bottle balustrades, cornices and window surrounds dating from the mid-19th century, an architectural treasure, restored around the original architecture.

DEANS MEWS, MARYLEBONE VILLAGE, LONDON W1G

This three bedroom mews house is approximately 2,019 sq ft (188 sqm). The master bedroom with fitted wardrobes has an en-suite bathroom, two further double bedrooms with fitted wardrobes, second en-suite bathroom, utility, kitchen, large living room with wooden flooring and a roof terrace.

Deans Mews is a quiet cul de sac in the heart of the Marylebone Village just off Cavendish Square. The mews is in an excellent location close to Bond Street / Oxford Street, with an array of shops, restaurants and boutiques at your door step. Marylebone High Street with its many amenities is only moments away with Regents Park within a ten minute walk. Bond Street, Oxford Circus, Baker Street underground stations are nearby.

FREEHOLD £2,850,000

WIMPOLE MEWS, MARYLEBONE VILLAGE, LONDON W1G

The accommodation comprises of an open plan kitchen/reception room, shower room, utility cupboard with separate washer and dryer, the master bedroom, two double bedrooms and a family bathroom.

Wimpole Mews is situated in an enviable location, in the heart of Marylebone Village, and within easy walking distance to 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 Regents Park are also nearby. The building benefits from a live-in caretaker, communal heating and hot water system.

Garage available under separate negotiation.

Unfurnished.

A beautifully restored house (310 sq m/ 3,338 sq ft) forming part of a Nash Terrace of only 3 houses. The property has been refurbished to an exceptionally high standard, featuring a large kitchen/ breakfast room on the ground floor and an impressive master bedroom suite occupying the entire second floor. The house also benefits from Crown Estate parking, together with use of Park Square Gardens, a private garden with 2 grass tennis courts.

Accommodation and Amenities

Principal Bedroom with En-Suite Bathroom, 3 Double Bedrooms (2 with En-Suite Bathrooms), 1 Further Bathroom, Drawing Room, Reception Room, Family Room, Kitchen, Utility Room, 2 Guest Cloakrooms, Front & Rear Patio Courtyards, Access to 2 Storage Vaults & Wine Cellar, Crown Estate Parking. Further Underground Space Available.  EPC: D. Council Tax: Band H.

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