Fabric, July 2014

F A B R IC J U LY 2 0 1 4

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SUMMER IN THE CITY

WWW.FABRICMAGAZINE.CO.UK JULY 2014 | £3.80

E L Y T S E F I L • Y T I R B E L E C • Y T R E P O R P

W W W. FA B R I C M AG A Z I N E .C O. U K

Your Yourreward rewardfor forallallthe thelate latenights nightsininthe theoffice. office.

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Listing details

ÂŁ5,750,000 Property for sale - 5 bedrooms

An elegant, enviable residence with 5 spacious bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Superbly appointed kitchen with Aga, 3 reception rooms and dining room. Located near to schools and upmarket shops, this exquisite property is in a much sought-after location.

View on map Floorplans (1) Nearby stations/schools Call agent Email agent

primelocation.com/apps

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Anscombe & Ringland Arlington Residential Aston Chase Bargets Beauchamp Estates Bective Leslie Marsh Behr & Butchoff Benham & Reeves Benham & Reeves Residential Lettings Brian Lack Chesterton Humberts Cluttons Day Morris Druce Fox Gregory Glentree Godfrey & Barr Goldschmidt & Howland Hamptons Harris Latner Heathgate Jeremy James & Company Kerr Gilchrist Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward Knight Frank Litchfields McGlashans Parkheath Plaza Estates Regents Residential Sandfords Savills TK International Vickers Winkworth York Estates

contents J U LY 2 0 1 4

Several summers ago – somewhere between England and Spain, a crying child and a tipsy teen – I had a mid-air epiphany. “No more,” I thought, as the former turned beetroot, the latter puce, “will I take overpriced flights to over-peopled sun traps.” Last year, I spent high summer here. It was, in short, awesome. Beautifully bright and blissfully quiet, I resolved never again to miss London at its loveliest. So call this issue a propagandist piece. I urge you to go against the tide and try it. In case you need any convincing, we’ve pulled out all the stops. Top tips to get your garden ship-shape for summer; style advice for the tricky sartorial season; and, of course, our Summer in the City special, in it everything you need to know for a magnificent few months.

We don’t want it to get too busy though, so do keep it to yourself.

N OUT O Y M IS S P LY C O D O N ’T H T N MO YO U R LO N D O N ’S S S Y LO OF RTY G ROPE TO P P

FABRIC O T E B I R C S SUB

3 3 .6 0 N LY £ F O R O , V IS IT S E U S 1 2 IS S R D E TA IL O.U K FO Z IN E .C M AG A IC R B FA

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41 HOT LIST

60 MY LONDON

What to see, where to go and what to do this month

How Queen’s Park is his ’n’ hers heaven for Fabrice and Libby Limon

44 LUST LIST

We’ve got the summerin-the-city kit, now we just need the sunshine

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47 FABRIC EXCLUSIVES

Stretch into shape with an exclusive yoga offer, then reward all the good work with a slap-up meal, on us

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79 Editor Liz Skone James Acting Editor (maternity) Cassia Geller, tel: 020 7292 5651 Art Director Andrew Campbell Photography Editor Matthew Beaman Deputy Picture Editor Emmanuelle Peri Staff Writer Ali Howard, tel: 020 7292 5539 Sub Editor Naomi Misquita-Rice Contributing Editors Giles Chapman, Flora Hughes-Onslow, Adrian Justins Account Director Katie Hutley, tel: 020 7292 5593 Senior Account Manager Becky Pomfret, tel: 020 7292 5678 Production Sarah Bolwell, Peter Davies, Sara Laney Advertising Sales debbie@fabricmagazine.co.uk, tel: 020 7734 2303 New Homes Manager Karen Ingoldby REAP Magazines Ltd Debra Sharron, Trevor Abrahmsohn (Glentree Estates), Robert Bartlett (Chesterton Humberts), Philip Green (Goldschmidt & Howland), Jonathan Hewlett (Savills), Mark Pollack (Aston Chase) Cover illustration: Mads Berg

Fabric is published on behalf of REAP Magazines Ltd by Forward Worldwide, The Griffin Building, 83 Clerkenwell Road, EC1R 5AR. © Forward Worldwide 2014. All rights reserved. All information correct at time of going to press.

Reproduction in whole or part (including storage by any electronic means) is prohibited without prior permission of Forward Worldwide. Forward Worldwide and REAP Magazines Ltd accept no responsibility for the views expressed by contributors to the magazine. Colour reproduction: Zebra. Printing: Polestar Chantry.

62 MOTORING

A week driving vintage cars round the desert?

Don’t mind if we do

63 TECHNOLOGY

Enjoy the sunshine and all the sporting action (or not) with the finest wireless speakers around

49 STYLE & WELLBEING 67 SUMMER IN THE CITY

Embrace the warm weather with our beauty must-buys and guide to being the best dressed city slicker in town

52 FOOD & DRINK

So little time, so many amazing new places to get your eat on in

54 INTERIORS

We all know size doesn’t matter; it’s what you do with it. Maximise your assets with clever planting and fab garden furniture

59 TRAVEL

Mini-breaks on the mind?

Look no further than our fair city for your next trip

From rooftop bars and inner-city beaches to al fresco everything, we bring you a whole season of fun in the sun

74 POSTCODE CRUSH

All that glitters may not be gold, but trust us, Golders Green is every bit as precious as it seems

77 PROPERTY

The hottest properties on the market, and a healthy dose of news

81 ASK THE AGENTS

Upping sticks? Our agents advise on how to manage your home when working abroad

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Hampstead Borders NW2 A beautifully presented and extended family home in a wide tree lined avenue close to the lower slopes of West Heath.

The bright and inviting accommodation extends to in excess of 3400 sq ft with the added benefits of an integral garage and a delightful rear garden.

5/6 Bedrooms | Bedroom 6/Study | 2 Bathrooms (1 En Suite, Space For Third) 2 Reception Rooms | Kitchen/Family Room | Utility Room | Guest Cloakroom Integral Garage | Landscaped Rear Garden | Carriage Driveway | EPC=E

TENURE GUIDE PRICE

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FREEHOLD ÂŁ2,500,000 SUBJECT TO CONTRACT

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Years of Local Service Success

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1984 - 2014

AVENUE CLOSE , NW8

An extremely large 5/6 bedroom first floor apartment situated in this exclusive luxury purpose built block set behind and within wonderful landscaped communal gardens along Avenue Road, probably the most exclusive road in St John’s Wood.The flat comprises 2,679 sq. ft./248 sq. m and features a 33 ft. reception room, a balcony and casual off street parking.

The development is set behind a sweeping driveway and is within a mile radius of the fashionable shops and restaurants of St John’s Wood and Regent’s Park. St John’s Wood tube station (Jubilee Line) is within walking distance of the property.

LONG LEASE £4,500,000

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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Entrance Hall Guest Cloakroom Reception Room/Dining Room Fitted Kitchen Master Bedroom with En Suite Bathroom and Dressing Room/Bedroom 6 4 Further Bedrooms (Two with En Suite) Shower Rooms Bathroom Porterage Lift CCTV Entry Phone Within Easy Reach of Bus Stop EPC=D

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Years of Local Service Success

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1984 - 2014

ST JOHN’S WOOD , NW8

A handsome detached Grade II listed Victorian villa set behind a wide frontage, well appointed in this excellent prime residential location at the heart of St John’s Wood.

This substantial home is presented in good order throughout and comprises 3,773 sq ft/350.5 sq m arranged over four floors, featuring gracious reception areas, stunning kitchen/family living area, off street parking, garaging and mature south facing rear garden.

• Entrance Hall • Guest Cloakroom • Drawing Room • Sitting Room

FREEHOLD JOINT SOLE AGENTS SAVILLS PRICE UPON APPLICATION

• Family Room • Kitchen/Breakfast Room • Utility Room • Five Bedrooms • Three Bathrooms • Off Street Parking • Garage • South Facing Garden

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Guide Price ÂŁ5,750,000

Freehold

A fully renovated substantial semi-detached family home on Antrim Grove, Belsize Park, NW3. This stunning house benefits from 5 bedrooms, 4 reception rooms, 3 bathrooms, air conditioning in the principal rooms, a rear garden overlooking the allotments, residents parking and further comprises a separate staff/guest suite with kitchenette, en-suite shower room, dressing room and its own private entrance.

Energy Efficiency Rating - E51

Hampstead 020 7435 4404

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£7,999,950

Freehold

An outstanding, detached 7,160 sq ft family home on Broadlands Road, Kenwood, N6 offering an impressive 48 ft “triple” reception room, family room, study, kitchen, utility room, guest cloakroom, a well established south facing garden, carriage driveway with electronic gates and 2 garages. Well located for Kenwood House and the Heath beyond.

Energy Efficiency Rating - C70

Hampstead 020 7435 4404 . Highgate 020 8347 2600

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ST JOHN’S WOOD NW8

Rare opportunity to acquire an Italianate villa The property provides the rare opportunity to acquire a substantial family house set in private spacious grounds, located in the heart of St John’s Wood on a large corner plot fronting Norfolk Road and Woronzow Road.

Originally built in circa 1860 as an elegant Italianate villa with bay windows, stone dressings and gabled roof, the house benefits from reconstruction and complete internal refurbishment undertaken in 1999 to designs by renowned Paris-based architect India Mahdavi Hudson.

Planning consent has been granted for a lower ground floor development of c.3,000 sq ft to provide substantial further entertaining and reception space.

JOINT SOLE AGENTS

020 7402 9494

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020 7722 9793

Accommodation • Entrance hall • Reception room • Study and sitting area • Dining room • Family room • Guest cloakroom • Family kitchen/breakfast room • Utility room • Master bedroom suite with his and hers dressing rooms • 3 further bedrooms • Family bathroom • Garage • Off street parking for 3-4 cars • Large south facing walled garden £13,950,000

HAMPSTEAD NW3 A new low built mansion in Hampstead. Set behind a deep carriage driveway and electric gates, the house has been newly built to an exemplary standard.

The accommodation extends to approximately 12,400 sq ft.

• Galleried entrance hall and drawing room • Dining room, study, family room and office • 2 master suites • 4 further principal suites • 3 further staff bedrooms

020 7402 9494

• Separate nanny's flat • Fully fitted kitchen and separate commercial kitchen • Cinema room and wine cellar • Leisure complex including swimming pool, gym and steam room • Integral garage and off street parking for 10 cars JOINT SOLE AGENTS PRICE UPON APPLICATION

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An Ambassadorial style double fronted detached residence offering elegant accommodation and occupying a prominent position in this desirable tree lined road.

Hampstead NW3 On the market for the first time in over 30 years this exceptional home has been meticulously maintained to an exacting standard and incorporates numerous outstanding features, amongst which are well appointed reception rooms, a unique and authentic Japanese studio house complimented by a comprehensively landscaped 120 ft mature garden featuring a breathtaking koi carp pond.

The well proportioned and lateral accommodation in the main house is arranged over three floors with the benefit of four principal suites on the first floor.

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Ground Floor • Grand entrance hall • Drawing room • Dining room • Family room • Breakfast room • Kitchen • Utility room First Floor • Master

bedroom suite with dressing room and en suite bathroom • Three further bedroom suites on the first floor (all with dressing rooms and bathrooms) Second Floor • Three

further bedrooms • Large study • Two Bathrooms

Outside • Authentic

circa 1,300 sq ft Japanese Studio House • Extensive landscaped gardens incorporating substantial Koi carp pond • Garaging for three cars with carriage drive and ample parking

Price on Application Freehold Sole Agent EPC rating D

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UP TO 70% off furniture *

available all day, every day at ACHICA.com

FURNITURE AND HOMEWARE BRANDS AT EXCEPTIONAL PRICES ANYWHERE YOU CAN GET ON-LINE

EXHIBITION

Ablade Glover: 80th Anniversary OCTOBER GALLERY, WC1

The work of this venerable African artist is particularly intriguing since its aesthetic is based in both abstraction and realism. Glover’s lively market scenes go one way or the other depending on the viewer’s proximity, and it’s these clever shifts of focus that not only keep us on our toes, but they keep this 80-year-old painter at the top of his game, too.

Celebrating that big birthday, the exhibition honours a man whose lifelong passion for the colour, energy and vibrancy of his native Ghana is clear throughout his multi-faceted canvases.

Using just a palette knife, he builds colour in thick impasto strokes, with heavy layers of the brightest hues invoking the bustling crowds, the thriving market stalls and the dusty shanty towns. You can almost feel the heat…

3 July to 2 August, 24 Old Gloucester Street, WC1 (020 7242 7367; www. octobergallery.co.uk)

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T H E AT R E

Shakespeare in Love

NOËL COWARD THEATRE, WC2 Despite turning a mighty 450 this year, the Bard’s popularity shows no sign of waning.

Celebratory performances of his 36 plays – from Hamlet and Macbeth to the lesser-spotted Henry VI, Part 3 – have been popping up all over the country to mark the occasion. But we all enjoy a bit of a back story too (however far that story may stray from biographical accuracy).

Based on the multi-Academy Award-winning screenplay by Tom Stoppard and Marc Norman, this theatrical reinterpretation of the muchadmired film will feature Tom Bateman as the promising but tormented young playwright Will, and Lucy Briggs-Owen as Viola De Lesseps, his forbidden muse. Perhaps not one for the purists, but when it comes to pure theatrical indulgence we, too, are totally in love.

Opening 23 July, St. Martin’s Lane, WC2 (0844 482 5141; www.shakespeareinlove.com)

EXHIBITION

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EXHIBITION

Sickboy: Make It Last Forever

THE OUTSIDERS, W1 A pioneering light in Britain’s street art movement, Sickboy has gone from underground graffiti artist to the upper echelons of the art world elite. Indeed, if you wake up one morning to find his iconic ‘temple’ logo sprayed on your wheelie bin, it could be worth a staggering £50,000. Marking his first London gallery appearance, this multi-disciplinary exhibition seeks to freeze-frame the ephemeral and reckless nature of our existence with progressive paintings, sculpture and installations. Expect to witness his ground-breaking temple shrines, distinctive Sickboy coffin and the ever-popular Superman sculpture, which depicts the superhero’s bloody encounter with a wall (Sickboy by name, Sickboy by nature). A unique multimedia visual diary, it’s not to be missed. 25 July to 30 August, 8 Greek Street, W1 (020 3214 0055; www.theoutsiders.net)

Steve Hurst: War Toys

PANGOLIN, N1 As 2014 marks the centenary of the First World War, it’s fascinating to see how our cultural interpretation of the event – in literature, in music and in art – has evolved 100 years on. One such interpretation comes from the hands of sculptor and war historian Steve Hurst, whose work poses uneasy questions about accountability and the true human cost of war. Drawing on his own experience as a boy growing up against the backdrop of WWII, his lifelong interest in global conflict presents itself, now, as a series of enigmatic sculptures and relief works, often seen through the eyes of a child: March of Folly is a push-along toy that tells of war’s tragedy and futility. Gripping, poignant, unmissable. 9 July to 23 August, Kings Place, 90 York Way, N1 (www.pangolinlondon.com)

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

GIG

Mavis Staples

UNION CHAPEL, N1 This Chicago-born diva had the best possible education in rhythm and blues, raised as she was singing in local churches and as an integral part of her family group, The Staple Singers (otherwise fondly known as God’s greatest hitmakers – high praise indeed).

It’s fitting, then, that some 64 years later she finds herself singing in the chapel again, at this incredibly special one-off concert. In case you need your memory jogged, her extraordinary career takes in a plethora of hits, including Respect Yourself, I’ll Take You There and Let’s Do It Again. We can’t think of a more appropriate venue in which to host this remarkable talent.

This promises to be a night nothing short of magical. 10 July, Compton Avenue, N1 (020 7226 1686; www. unionchapel.org.uk)

EXHIBITION

Will Cotton

RONCHINI GALLERY, W1

Love her or loathe her, there’s no denying that Katy Perry is one popular lady.

The singer has over 53 million followers on Twitter – more than the entire population of South Africa. She also happens to be one of the modern-day icons that New York artist Will Cotton focuses on in this, his first UK solo show – one teeth-jarringly delicious exhibition. His large-scale oil on linen paintings are sweetness to the extreme, likened to landscapes of a flawed utopia where sickly sweet confectionary becomes a metaphor for pure pleasure. With a knowing nod to the Rococo movement, Cotton’s candyfloss cloud formations and angelicallyposed nudes are as addictive, visually, as the saccharine goodies he so teasingly proffers. Until 9 August, 22 Dering Street, W1 (020 7629 9188; www.ronchinigallery.com)

S U M M E R PA R T Y

House of Mask

SECRET LOCATION This summer it’s all about the hidden party.

With a string of secret soirées taking place in Bristol, Manchester, Glasgow, Birmingham and Leeds, House of Mask will be hitting the Capital on Friday 1 August. We’d love to tell you more about this thoroughly immersive event, but that would spoil the fun. You can, however, count on an evening of mystery, surprise and intrigue, inspired by the colourful nightlife of El Vedado, a vibrant district of Havana. And with the likes of DJs B.Traits and Groove Armada at the helm of the launch event, we suspect this could be a night to remember. Look out for the neon skull that marks the hidden location and promises to reward the curious and favour those looking for the unknown. Intrigued? You can thank us later. 9pm ’til late, 1 August (events@ cubanisto.com; www.cubanisto.com)

Pigs4Kids is delighted to announce that A Perfect Day, a street party like no other, will return to Avenue Road, NW3, in all its colourful glory this September.

On Sunday 21, this fun-filled event supporting children with special needs will have something for everyone – food, drink, market stalls, music, children’s activities, an action-packed fun fair, a tombola and lots, lots more.

Kevin Spacey, Trinny Woodall, Kathy Lette and Maureen Lipman have been among the thousands of guests who have enjoyed a carnival atmosphere at this amazing event in the past.

If you’re a stall holder or a local business looking for a sponsorship opportunity, an entertainer, or simply someone with some spare time, then A Perfect Day would be delighted to hear from you. Contact the Fundraising Team on 020 7681 8080 (extension 133) or email fundraising@ swisscottage.camden.sch.uk

THE

LUST

Just a little bit of kit to help you make the most of those long summer days and hot city nights

LIST

■ Summer is no time to Tube it – this stylish set of wheels is the only way to travel Single Speed Bike, £359.99 (www.foffabikes.com)

■ It may not be very city, but it is pretty – and perfectly suited to a sunny day Red Strong Sun Hat, £57.89 (www.globalbabe.com)

■ Come over all Wordsworth with some London-loving verse in the park Ode to London, Jane McMorland Hunter, £9.99 (www.batsford.com)

■ Quite simply summer in a glass, with a super-cute case to boot Apple and Elderflower Martini Case, £185 (www.tipplesworth.com) 44 | WWW.FABRICMAGAZINE.CO.UK

■ Yes, we do like to be beside the seaside, but it’s equally easy to bring the beach to you 1950s Fashion Sling and Deck Chair, £55 (www.johnlewis.com)

■ Pounding pavements never looked or felt so good Arizona Striped Birkenstocks, £165 (www.matchesfashion.com)

Sale now on 15% off new orders Ends Sat 26 July

ARAM STORE SALE Celebrating 50 Years As London’s Best Modern Furniture Store (EST. 1964 - 2014)

Order any lounge chair at 15% off RRP and add the matching footstool at 50% off

Plus ‘Drive Away’ an exclusive Aram Anniversary toy van with every furniture order

ARAM STORE 110 DRURY LANE, COVENT GARDEN, LONDON WC2 TEL: 020 7557 7557 MONDAY – SATURDAY 10AM – 6PM (THURS UNTIL 7PM) SUNDAYS IN SALE 12PM – 6PM WWW.ARAM.CO.UK ARAM CONTRACTS TEL: 020 7240 3933 ARAMCONTRACTS@ARAM.CO.UK

Truscott Arms giveaway

Oskar’s Bar giveaway Like most of London – nay, the world – we’ve been banging on about Dabbous since it first opened its doors two years ago, waiting out waiting lists for just one more taste of their coddled egg. Sometimes, though, all we want is a cracking cocktail and a bite to eat without a four-month queue – which, miraculously, we’ve also found at this Fitzrovia hot spot. Oskar’s Bar sits below the restaurant, a splendid drinking den run by master mixologist Oskar Kinberg. Serving up creative interpretations of classic cocktails plus inspiring new tipples – think barrel-aged negronis, the gin and meadowsweet Sugar Plum Fairy, and everything in between – alongside a bar menu courtesy of Dabbous (featuring that coddled egg), and trussed up in the same scrapyard-chic style as upstairs, the basement bar is the last word in city cool. But you don’t have to take our word for it; Oskar’s is offering up the chance to win two rounds of their famous cocktails for two. Cheers!

In the case of Maida Vale, we face quite the conundrum: coming within any distance of Warwick Avenue, we find it nigh on impossible not to break into a bit of Duffy. It’s annoying, frankly, and a little embarrassing. But there are some things worth singing for, and The Truscott Arms is, indisputably, one of them. From tasty titbits like scotch quails egg with salsa verde to mammoth meals like the rack of lamb for two, the innovative award-winning menu makes it our go-to gastropub, bar none. This month, they’re oh-so-kindly offering one Fabric reader the chance to sing for their supper*, giving away a three-course dinner for two with wine pairings. *Singing not obligatory – you could just enjoy a magnificent meal, like a normal person…

Photography: Craig Smith

Hotpod Yoga offer We may have been sun saluting almost as long as we can remember, but yoga remains something of a mystery to us Fabric folk. How are some people so flexible? What on earth is a ‘Half Lord of the Fishes’ (it’s not even Sanskrit!)? When will we be able to put our legs behind our heads? It’s question after question. But at least one thing makes sense to us: Hotpod Yoga. Hot Vinyasa flow classes held in womb-like inflatable pods, it really does do what it says on the tin. After a hugely successful series of pop-up classes, the innovative practice spaces can now be found in permanent spots around London, offering beginners and pros alike calming sessions that can burn up to 700 calories. Hotpod Notting Hill is spreading the zen this month, too, giving the first 50 Fabric readers to get in touch a whopping 50 per cent discount on their first purchase. Say hello to a clearer, calmer and infinitely less confused you.

F U L L D E TA I L S A N D T E R M S A N D C O N D I T I O N S AT W W W. FA B R I C M A G A Z I N E . C O . U K

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RECLAIMED WOOD & STEEL TABLE Inspired from a love of Apple Mac and Wood textures comes a beautiful, modern dining experience thanks to the Mac+Wood bespoke table.

macandwood.com question@macandwood.com 020 3287 9161

Made to order from reclaimed wood and steel.

All sizes and matching benches available.

Visit our website for details and to make an enquiry.

Barton Perreira Dillinger Sunglasses, £250

Kelly Love Exotic Nights Leather Biker Jacket, £550 Taisir Gibreel Silver Dew Rainbow Dress, £180, and Scarf, £139

Her

Henry Graham, Wolf & Badger “Summer can be so short we jump at the first chance we get to dress for it. But with the weather changing from hour to hour, how do you wear your summer dress well and prepare for all eventualities? Start with a colour that suits your skin tone, and a silhouette that’s flattering yet free-flowing.

We love these vibrant silk crêpe de Chine shift dresses

by Taisir Gibreel – available in a host of bold prints.

Don’t be afraid to mix fabrics or colours, either, like with this Kelly Love leather jacket, which has a cool print lining too. Add a lightweight scarf to keep you warm if it gets a bit chilly, some cute sandals from La Paire and you’re good to go.”

46 Ledbury Road, W11 (020 7229 5698; www. wolfandbadger.com)

Boglioli Dover Hopsack Jacket, £545

The London Look

Forget capsule holiday wardrobe conundrums – staying chic during a summer in the city is a sartorial minefield. How do you keep your cool when it gets hot under the collar and prep for that ever-present chance of rain? Two of our favourite boutiques offer seasonal style inspiration to help us dress without distress

La Paire Viola Sandals, £109

Incotex Slim Linen Shorts, £175

Castañer Espadrilles, £75

Him

Mats Klingberg, Trunk “At Trunk we like to keep things simple, and go with a look that works in most situations.

A great navy jacket should be at the foundation of every man’s wardrobe; this summer we’re particularly keen on Boglioli’s exceptionally fine Dover Hopsack Jacket, paired with a Salvatore Piccolo white Oxford shirt. The combination of formal detailing with a sporty washed fabric means it can be worn in almost any setting. A pair of chinos would look good with this, but for a hot sunny day we recommend a pair of nice beige shorts from Incotex in a cotton/linen mix. The iconic espadrille is a great option for a warm day, so on the feet we’d put on a pair from Castañer, then top it all off with a pair of hand-crafted sunglasses from Barton Perreira.” 8 Chiltern Street, W1U (020 7486 2357; www.trunkclothiers.com) WWW.FABRICMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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Revitalising Leg and Foot Spray £14 (www.bloomandblossom.com)

Paul and Joe Blotting Paper £4 (www.asos.com)

Hot in the city essentials

So you’re dressed to impress, but what about that face? Sunny skies, city smog and overcrowded Tubes mean your make-up bag has to work harder than usual come summertime. Don’t sweat it; try our beauty must-buys

Chanel UV Essentiel, SPF 50+ £41 (www. boots.com)

Acqua di Parma Blu Mediterraneo Deodorant £27 (uk.spacenk.com) Laura Mercier Oil-free Tinted Moisturiser £34 (www.johnlewis.com)

Oribe AntiHumidity Hairspray £37 (uk.spacenk. com)

END R E CO M M

Elemis Total Glow Bronzing Body Lotion £34.50 (www. timetospa. co.uk)

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Laura Mercier Secret Finish – Mattifying, £23.50

Textured Cosmetics Bag £215 (www.sophiehulme.com)

Margaret Dabbs Medi Pedi For me, June was the month of the hot foot – the month when glorious days and dresses were marred by having to hide terrible toes in stifling shoes. I just was not prepared; the heatwave hit and I still had horrible winter feet. Overworked and under-paid-attention-to, I needed to get those feet fixed, quick. So I hotfooted my hot feet down to Margaret Dabbs. Veritable guru of all things foot-shaped, I’m told her clinic and nail spa is the only place to get them seen to. Her Medical Pedicure promises to scrape, buff and cream feet back to things of almost newborn beauty.

Taken by a trained podiatrist, Medi Pedis occur in a private room somewhere between a fancy surgery and a spa – but instead of stethoscopes or whale song, here you’ll find the world’s comfiest chair. 45 minutes in this luxuriant leather throne alone is probably worth the money. But there’s a little more to it than that.

Years of neglect and stomping around mean there’s rather a lot to be getting on with. My feet aren’t too bad, but hard skin, blisters and “are those bunions?!” do reveal the hard time they’ve had. My lovely podiatrist sets to work with a terrifying selection of tools, educating me on footwear and foot care too. Being all lovely stuff like dead skin, you don’t feel a thing – just a final massage and the almost out-ofbody experience of looking down at lovely feet that can’t possibly belong to you.

With a lick of colour from a pedicurist upstairs, I’m looking almost like a proper, well-groomed person. This may just be the dawn of a new, polished era, I think. Until, that is, I pull two left flip-flops from my bag. Well, nobody’s perfect.

From £80 (before polish). 7 New Cavendish Street, W1 (020 7487 5510; www.margaretdabbs.co.uk)

Photography: PlainPicture

CITY FITTY

Welcome the good weather with top tips from Queen’s Park fitness centre Movers & Shapers • The weather’s warmer, so you will be wearing less.

But don’t panic; embrace your summer wardrobe.

Get outside, enjoy our beautiful parks and resolve to walk more – it’ll make all the difference.

• Water, water, water. It’s the first rule in any healthy eating regime and the one that people ignore most. If you feel thirsty, drink!

Carry a bottle with you; stay hydrated to feel less lethargic.

• Investing in some new kit really can get you motivated for exercise.

• Add veggies!

Swapping your sandwich for a salad is a simple way to up your fibre, lower calories and sustain energy.

• We recommend short and sweet in terms of exercise – try a brief HiiT class to boost your metabolism. And work with a friend to stay motivated.

Whether walking in the park or taking a class, commit to it together.

68 Salusbury Road, NW6 (www.moversand shapers.co.uk)

H O T TA B L E

The New Angel Like a hot bath, a cup of tea, and a Sex and the City marathon, there are few sights more welcome to rain-soaked folk than a carvery, a glass of Champagne and a big smile from a sharp-suited man who may just give you dinner. So it was that I found Notting Hill’s New Angel on a stormy summer’s evening: a stained-glass chocolate box of a restaurant on a pretty residential street promising all of the above – a very welcome sight indeed.

Actually, we never got as far as the carvery – there was quite enough to be getting on with at this new opening from controversial, many Michelin-starred celebrity chef John Burton-Race without it. His first London restaurant in 12 years, the French-influenced New Angel is piquing understandable interest, perhaps explaining the surprisingly lively crowd for such a dismal mid-week day.

I’m not usually of the view that staff make or break a meal (case in point the Chinatown haunt beloved of Londoners almost because of its uproariously poor service), but if there’s one thing I’ll remember The New Angel for – beyond the Champagne on wheels and euphoriant chocolate mousse trio – it’s its staff. In equal parts proper and personable, attentive and interesting, my dinner date and I could have quite happily

From confit of Scottish salmon (main image) down to the devilish desserts, John Burton-Race’s (above) menu certainly put a smile on our faces

Biskies With queues for Cronuts signalling a demand for baked goods not seen since Marie Antoinette lost her head, it’s fair to say that hybrid sweet treats are very much in vogue.

At least they certainly are at Fabric Towers, where the glorious merger of cookies, cakes and biscuits have got us all a-flutter. Things of pretty-as-a-picture, 52 | WWW.FABRICMAGAZINE.CO.UK

passed each other up to hang out with the sommelier or any one of the waiting staff. But there was the small matter of eating to attend to.

And attend we did, to a pretty smoked salmon amuse-bouche; to almond and apricot foie gras with truffle honey, and confit salmon (the foie gras won, surpassing the fish on the ‘oh my god’ scale of appreciation); to ‘gently poached’ Devonshire lamb, and veal with goats curd tortellini (the crueller of the two came tops again – how very French); and finally to the chocolate mousse trio and a lemon and strawberry mille-feuille – all accompanied by a cleverly-curated selection of wines.

Overall, The New Angel’s food is, in every way, perfectly formed; none is bad, all is good, and some is really, really good. A little safe, perhaps, but would I have thought so if I didn’t know the famously daring mind who devised it?

Probably not. Like the team behind it, food at The New Angel just makes you pleased. Elements of the décor do seem ill-fitting for such a slick operation – namely the Laurent-Perrier shrine at the entrance – but, besides this, there’s really very little to complain about.

Honestly, from the edibles to the atmosphere, I failed to find fault with a thing. Which is a shame, because I do so love to complain with my coffee.

Lucky, then, that as we rolled out onto the streets of Notting Hill on the crest of a particularly acute post-dinner high, it was still raining. Bloody weather. CG 39 Chepstow Place, W2 (020 7221 7620; www.thenewangel-nh.co.uk)

buttercream-filled glory, Biskies are the brainchild of health-conscious sisters Cutter and Squidge (ok, they’re not celery sticks, but Biskies are 100 per cent natural). With flavours like Marathon Runner (chocolate, peanut butter and salted caramel) and We Bake a Tart Well (almond and cherry), and a pop-up at Selfridges, we expect to see the French Revolutionstyle food frenzy continue. (www.cutterandsquidge.com)

Wedgwood Tea Think tea, think… well, probably think Tetley, actually – it’s alliterative, after all. But think high class, high tea with parlour-perfect porcelain and the crusts cut off, and you really ought to be thinking of Wedgwood.

Creating the last word in elegant teaware since 1759, the British brand is turning its attention to filling our cups too – a move they say has “been brewing for over 250 years” (ooh, and they’re funny). Sourcing ingredients

from the world’s best estates, Wedgwood introduces four ranges: the core range (that’s your Earls and your English breakfasts), wild strawberry teas (that’s obvious), the taste of history range (which tells the story of tea drinking since 1777) and the Lord Wedgwood blends (a tea tour of the Wedgwood family history). And, of course, they’re all packaged in the charming style we’ve come to expect from Wedgwood. Stick the kettle on then. (www.wedgwood.co.uk)

BRITISH STREET FOOD AWARDS

3 of the best… new central London eateries

THE PALOMAR

When, last month, the Evening Standard described it as the most interesting dining experience in town, dinner reservations for The Palomar went through the roof. But the innovative menu – hailing from modern-day Jerusalem – and busy, buzzy vibe of this new Soho restaurant mean it was always guaranteed to garner a loyal following. From mezze sharers to ‘touch-it-and-I’ll-kill-you’ mains like pork belly tagine and sweetbread bourekas, it’s a very welcome addition to the neighbourhood. 34 Rupert Street, W1 (020 7439 8777; www.thepalomar.co.uk)

VILLIERS COFFEE COMPANY & DINING ROOM

Gordon’s Wine Bar has been a bon vivant’s top spot since day dot, and now the youngest generation of Gordons are set to make viving that much bon-er with Villiers Coffee Company & Dining Room. Five doors down from the bar, sisters Rose and Sophie serve up an informal all-day menu, creating an intimate drinking and dining den come evening. Think oysters, polenta chips, burrata and steak, Aperol cocktails and a lively old-school vibe – keeping Villiers Street firmly in epicurean favour. 31a Villiers Street, WC2 (www.villierscoffeeco.co.uk)

THE APE & BIRD

We adore Russell Norman and Richard Beatty in the way we did boy bands as teens; we’ve loved all their records (from Polpo to Mishkin’s to Spuntino), had some very memorable moments with them, and if they ever split up we’d be distraught, Take That-style. Thankfully, there’s little chance of that, if this pubcum-restaurant is anything to go by.

Serving a smart take on comfort classics – pig trotter scotch eggs and blood pudding hash – with local ales and proper cocktails, this may just be one of their greatest hits. 142 Shaftesbury Avenue, WC2 (020 7836 3119; www.apeandbird.com)

Gone are the days when street food meant slumming it; now we’d rather eat from a van than at a table. To celebrate the caterers of this moveable feast, street food collective KERB hosts the annual Street Food Awards. Come down to the London heats to gorge on the competition. 19 July, Granary Square, N1 (www.kerbfood.com)

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TAKE IT OUTSIDE

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Pictured: Skin chair, £98.50, Evolve table, £338, Calligaris (www.calligaris.co.uk)

and honeysuckle will all do the job. If you have a ledge, put some window boxes there and you can then plant up some colour.”

A FINE ROMANCE

e’re adaptable creatures, us Londoners, and it’s testament to our strength of spirit that despite the demands of modern living, it’s somehow still in our blood to make the most of our immediate environment and tend to our outside space – however small that space may be. After all, gardening is good for the soul, and it’s through this very limitation of square footage that urban gardens in particular become all the more creative. With the help of the very green-fingered Martine Davis of the Balcombe Street Window Box Company, here are our top tips to maximise on that precious patch…

W

corner will bring interest and will totally change the space. Bamboo is a great contemporary-looking plant, or alternatively you can use topiary buxus or cloud trees.”

Words: Ali Howard

THE COOLEST COURTYARDS

There’s something magical about an enclosed outdoor space – like a secret garden that’s yours and yours alone. This diminutive back yard in Ladbroke Walk (above) has been cleverly transformed into an oasis of calm with smart decked walls, shrewd planting and the ingenious use of an oversized mirror to create the illusion of space. It’s the perfect place to sit, sip and, quite literally, reflect.

Cue & Co. (www.cueandco.com) Martine’s tip: “Think of the space as an outdoor room, which may help you see it in a totally different way. Soften the edges: a collection of pots of different heights in each

If your urban garden extends to nothing more than a six-ft-wide balcony, fear not. It’s all the more cosy for a romantic nightcap (or indeed a lazy coffee the morning after). No city balcony is complete without a bistro set, and this ornate Ophelia table and chairs (above) has been designed with the British weather in mind. But don’t forget the greenery – believe it or not, there’s still room. £255, Alison at Home (www.alisonathome.com) Martine’s tip: “If the balcony has a railing, hanging a window box using a bracket works really well. Not only does this give you a focal point, but it also frees up that precious space. And a tall pot at either end with a bay tree, olive or bamboo will bring some much needed green.”

IN MINIATURE

Undoubtedly the smallest of city gardens, the simple addition of a window box can make a big difference if you’re living it up in a luxury high-rise development.

Who says you have to have an actual garden to enjoy a spot of weeding and pruning? Don those gloves with pride and get planting.

Martine’s tip: “You can be as bold as you like with window boxes, from going all evergreen to full flower displays. Mix in herbs if you want a mini kitchen garden.

Remember: when choosing flowers and plants consider if you are in a shady or sunny position. And don’t forget to water your plants – the soil should be kept moist at all times. If you have an outdoor tap then having a watering system can take the work off your hands.”

Martine has been transforming London pads with her pretty creations for over ten years. Visit www.window-box.co.uk for further details

A MODERN TERRACE

The best city gardens are all about entertaining, and where there’s room for a patio set, there’s room for a summer filled with outdoor dinner parties and barbecues.

Architect and interior designer Thomas Griem has created a multilevel terrace for this Hampstead townhouse (above) that’s ideal for both dining and lounging. We love the contrast between the sleek man-made materials and mature planting. (www.tg-studio.co.uk) Martine’s tip: “Put life onto your walls by using trailing plants on trellis fencing. Jasmine, clematis WWW.FABRICMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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BOLD

BOTANICALS

Noix De Tubéreuse Candle Miller Harris, £40 (www.fenwick.co.uk)

Use your illusion Garden Floral Cushion £90 (www.selfridges.co.uk)

Daley Peoneden Lampshade £125 (www. houseofhackney.com)

Havana Tropical Hip Flask Disaster Designs, £12.99 (www.mollieandfred.co.uk)

Too many flowers, not enough vases? Yes, we have that problem too. Well, no, we don’t, it’s usually the other way round, but if you do find yourself making use of an old wine bottle to display your blooms, you’ll love this. Part objet d’art, part vase, these eye-catching creations from Dutch designer Pepe Heykoop are not only visually arresting – the multi-faceted geometric design catches the light beautifully – they’re in aid of a good cause, too. The delicate vase covers are handmade by the women of the Pardeshi community in Mumbai as part of a project set up by the Tiny Miracles Foundation, which aims to break the poverty cycle of 700 people in the slums of Mumbai by 2020. Inspiring stuff. £15.50 (www.couchdesign.co.uk)

HIT THIS

BERTANDMAY.COM

We’re suckers for a vintage Mediterranean tile with a fascinating back story. Reclaimed and re-loved, here you’ll find a treasure haul of the most beautiful patterned tiling, rescued from the bulldozer, restored and made available to us sentimentalists. Click on a tile and you’ll uncover its origin: a bar in Seville or a hotel in Milan… We’re fully in love.

C’est chic Our new design crush, Guillaume Alan combines minimalist elegance with exquisite materials to create a range that epitomises modern luxe. Just lay your eyes on this satin armchair in leather and cashmere and we’re sure you’ll fall under the Parisian designer’s spell too.

From £6,100, 1 Hay Hill, W1 (www.guillaume-alan.com)

V&A Garden Birds Side Plate £35.70 (www.creative-tops.com)

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A little insight into the mind of a designer: when we ponder the Capital’s green public spaces, we think of Regent’s Park’s beautiful rose garden or Hyde Park’s serene Serpentine. But for bespoke rug maker Jennifer Manners, the endlessly fascinating and intricate pattern of a London park gate floats her pedalo. And we say vive la différence, because without it we wouldn’t have this endlessly fascinating and intricate Gate rug in bubblegum pink. Delicious! From £804 (www.jennifermanners.co.uk)

Words: Ali Howard

Parklife

Hometown glory Besides spa days, teatime, and a place to put our in-laws, we’ve never paid much heed to our city’s hotel scene. But since we’re all loved up with London this month, we thought it might just be time for a little vacay in our darling town – after all, it boasts some of the finest hotels in the world. And that list has just got longer…

Last month, Firmdale Hotels – of boutique beauties like the Soho and Charlotte Street Hotels – opened ‘urban village’-style Ham Yard Hotel on 3/4 acres of historic London land (left).

In the opulent-meets-eclectic style Firmdale is famed for, the hotel enjoys shops, first-class drinking and dining, a spa, 176-seat theatre and rooftop garden. Oh, and an original 1950s bowling alley imported from Texas, naturally.

And if you ever make your way out of Ham Hotel heaven, you’d better make it to Marylebone – where the long-awaited first UK property of international hotelier André Balazs opens its 26 rooms to guests. Welcoming diners since February, the tireless team behind the Chiltern Firehouse has spent months getting the hotel Goldilocks-perfect, adding beautiful bedrooms to its fabulous food and setting in this Grade II-listed firehouse. (www.firmdalehotels.com/hotels/ london/ham-yard-hotel; www.chilternfirehouse.com)

3 of the best… hotels for art lovers

HOTEL ARTS BARCELONA

HOTEL KRISTIANA, LECH

If its concierge team hasn’t already convinced you that a mini-break in Barcelona is a weekend well spent (eyes right), we urge you to investigate the Hotel Arts a little further. A true connoisseur’s paradise (really, the clue’s in the name), the hotel basks in the light of Frank Gehry’s iconic gold fish sculpture, and displays an unrivalled collection of contemporary Spanish art, including original works from expressionist Luis Feito and abstract painter José Manuel Broto.

From £245 per night, B&B (+34 93 221 1000; www.hotelartsbarcelona.com )

While this chic Austrian ski resort seems an unlikely place to find an art collection equally suited to a gallery, the boutique Hotel Kristiana boasts just that – combining a traditional aesthetic and an Antiques Roadshowworthy collection of home accents with more than 200 contemporary paintings, sculptures and original prints. Spend a day tearing up the slopes, then put your feet up with a drink amongst pieces from the likes of Max Cole, Roy Lichtenstein and Sam Francis. From £269 per night (+43 5583 25610; www.kristiania.at)

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL FIRENZE

Even before renovations revealed 16th-century frescoes, the sprawling 11-acre sculptured gardens, sumptuous interiors and imposing Renaissance architecture of Florence’s Four Seasons made it a top pick for aesthetes come to Italy. Now, it proudly displays such art as you’d be hard-pushed to enjoy elsewhere – at least without the crowds – including mythological reliefs in the lobby by Bertoldo di Giovanni (one of Michelangelo’s instructors, no less).

From approx. £500 per night (+39 055 26261; www.fourseasons.com/florence)

THE BEST OF

B A RCA No, it’s not London, but it is pretty lively.

And just a hop, skip and short-haul flight away, you can enjoy all the Catalonian capital’s delights and be back in time for tea. The team at the Hotel Arts Barcelona takes us around town: Something foodie Two Michelin-starred restaurant Enoteca serves up innovative Mediterranean fare made from quality local ingredients and freshly-caught fish, all overlooking Barcelona’s marina.

Something fun Learn how to cook traditional Spanish dishes with a modern twist at Cook & Taste. The class starts with a tour of the local market, and ends with a meal to sample the fruits of your labour.

Something cultural Skip the crowds and visit the lesserknown Museu d’Història de la Ciutat. A fascinating historical 101, explore everything from Gothic architecture to the remains of one of Europe’s largest Roman settlements.

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Fabrice & Libby Limon

From its fresh grub to its great pubs, Queen’s Park ticks all the boxes for Quintessentially Spirits MD Fabrice Limon and his nutritional therapist and yoga instructor wife Libby How long have you lived in Queen’s Park?

We’re fairly new residents, having moved down the road from Notting Hill only eight months ago.

Why did you decide to buy here?

Our primary reason was that we needed more space. We didn’t want to move too far from an area we already knew and loved, and Queen’s Park ticked all the boxes – great location, transport links, atmosphere and lots of nice places to eat, drink and shop!

What do you like about the area?

So many things – the park, farmers’ market, yoga studios and the ease of getting into central London. It’s also within walking distance of other great areas like Little Venice, Golborne Road, Portobello Road and Kensal Rise.

Describe the area in five words Relaxed, friendly community, green, and vibrant.

What are your favourite local cafés and restaurants?

We love Ida on Kilburn Lane as it’s like eating in an Italian family’s dining room! For Sunday roasts we often head to The Chamberlayne in Kensal Green, and we love Minkies for coffee.

Where do you go for an afterwork drink?

This is a real treat for us as we both work long hours, but if we do both finish at a reasonable time we’ll grab a glass of wine or a vodka cocktail at The Salusbury or The Alice House.

Where do you like to shop?

We love the farmers’ market, and there are also some great interior and antique shops along Chamberlayne Road that were invaluable when we were decorating our new home.

Describe your perfect day here Firstly, we like to head to Frame for a morning yoga session (more Libby!) before taking a stroll over to the

Fabrice and Libby love Ida, above, for its classic homecooked Italian fare; The Salusbury, below left, is one of their top places for a tipple; below: Fabrice’s luxury spirit, Quintessentially Vodka

farmers’ market. We’ll often grab a coffee from GAIL’s on the way. Once we’ve picked up some tasty food for the week, we love to go to the park to read the papers if it’s nice and sunny.

What did you look for in a home?

Good location, space, character, development opportunities and outside space.

Have you done much work on the property?

Yes, and we’re still finishing a few bits off at the moment. We’re also hoping to work on an extension at some point, but for the time being the space we have is definitely ample for what we need.

If you hadn’t chosen here, where else might you have looked?

We looked into the possibility of moving to Kensal Rise or North Kensington. We also considered moving east to be closer to our family but it wasn’t for us – we just love being west!

Describe your interiors style Eclectic. We love historical pieces, especially anything dating from Victorian to mid-20th century. We’ve been known to mix chandeliers with industrial light fittings and lime plaster with bold colourful wallpaper!

We love bringing together different concepts to create our very own style.

Finally, what’s new for you?

Libby has recently expanded her nutrition clinic (originally based in Clerkenwell) to the West End, with the opening of her new clinic on Wigmore Street. She also has her holistic boot camp, REBOOTCAMP, at Frame Studios in September for those looking for a detox retreat experience on their doorstep. (www.libbylimon.com) As for me, we have had a very busy summer with Quintessentially Vodka sponsoring June’s London Collections: Men. We have also recently launched the brand in Ibiza, with more exciting news to follow later in the year! (www.quintessentiallyvodka.com)

Ida Restaurant, 167 Fifth Avenue, W10 (020 8969 9853, www.idarestaurant.co.uk); The Chamberlayne, 83 Chamberlayne Road, Kensal Green, NW10 (020 8960 4311, www.thechamberlayne. com); Minkies, ‘Glasshouse’, Chamberlayne Road, NW10 (020 8969 2182, www.minkiesdeli.co.uk); The Salusbury Pub, 50-52 Salusbury Road, NW6 (020 7328 3286, www.thesalusbury.co.uk); The Alice House, 53-55 Salusbury Road, NW6 (020 7624 0008, www.thealicehouse.co.uk); Frame Studios, 27 Beethoven Street W10 (020 8960 4849, www.moveyourframe.com); GAIL’s Bakery, 75 Salusbury Road, NW6 (020 7625 0068, www.gailsbread.co.uk) 60 | WWW.FABRICMAGAZINE.CO.UK

The ‘tin snail’ rides again The Citroën 2CV was famous as peasant transport in post-war France, and as a thrifty yet chic city runabout in London. Most of these ‘tin snails’ have rusted away, but now an organisation called 2CV Adventures has bought and done up no less than 16 examples in identical red-and-white livery. They’re primed and ready to take part in organised slow-driving tours in which groups can enjoy a bit of friendly competition against a backdrop of breathtaking scenery. Events planned for 2015 include a week travelling the Silver Road between Santander and Malaga in Spain in March, the ‘Marrakech Express’ in April, and the ‘Bull Run’ around Pamplona in July. Alternatively, you can just hire a couple for a road-going birthday party. (www.2cvadventures.co.uk)

Peeping inside the new Volvo XC90 To its detractors, it’s the ultimate Chelsea Tractor. But to its huge fanbase of loyal owners, the XC90 is simply the most capable and commanding 4x4 around, with excellent performance and off-road capability when called for. Volvo has finished creating its all-new replacement, and has decided to start building the anticipation by releasing this image of what many consider the existing car’s finest asset: its super-comfortable cabin. The design draws inspiration from Sweden, Volvo’s homeland, and among the oasis of soft leather and locally-sourced wood is a handcrafted gearlever made of crystal glass from famous Swedish glassmaker Orrefors. The rest of the cabin’s ambience is uncluttered, down to the virtually button-free sat nav screen that’s like an in-car tablet. The entire car will be revealed by the end of August, and we can’t wait to see it. (www.volvocars.co.uk)

This classic Aston Martin starred alongside Roger Moore and Tony Curtis in the cult 1971 TV adventure series The Persuaders. This showbiz provenance propelled the car to a world auction record for a DBS model of £533,500 at a Bonhams sale a few weeks ago. Now it’s set to be one of the star car attractions at ‘Salute To Style’, a summer garden party held at The Hurlingham Club in Fulham from July 16-19. The small-screen icon will be sharing the delightful spot alongside the Thames with other displays of automotive art and racing car technology, amid a festival of art, music, food and wine from all over the world. Best of all, you don’t have to be a member to enter. (www.hurlinghamclub.org.uk/salutetostyle) 62 | WWW.FABRICMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Words: Giles Chapman

Persuading you to head south?

A moveable (visual) feast Bang and Olufsen is renowned for the design of its home entertainment products, and the BeoVision Avant is a welcome addition to the B&O fold. This remarkable 55-inch screen is the Danish brand’s first Ultra HD TV, and is capable of showing so-called 4k pictures, four times as detailed as today’s Full HD broadcasts. The Avant has also been beautifully engineered with a stand that moves the entire television into viewing position when the set is turned on, then back to a wall-hugging location when off (table, floor and wall bracket options are available). This is complemented by speakers that emerge and unfold from beneath the television when it’s turned on, then retreat inside when the TV is no longer in use. Clever stuff. £5,995, plus stand (www.bang-olufsen.com)

Ted Baker Rockall headphones Stylish, high performance over-ear headphones with a smart foldable construction. £180 (www.tedbakeraudio.com)

OF T HE BEST OUTDOOR WIRELESS SPEAKERS

Bargain bassline Sony SRS-X5 Eight hours of battery plus 20W of power and crisp, clear sounds from a 2.1 speaker system

Words: Adrian Justins

Pretty as a picture Smartphones and tablets are capable of taking reasonably decent photos, but holding them up in front of you when taking pics looks about as cool as Vince Cable in a hoodie.

Anyway, for really good-quality photos you still can’t beat a dedicated camera, such as the gorgeous Leica T. With a wonderfully clean design, the camera is a pleasure simply to hold, its body having been carved from a single aluminium block – the surface has no screws and, bar flash and battery, there are no moving parts. Photographically, it’s no slouch either, offering interchangeable lenses, a generous 16GB of memory built in (plus SD card slot) and remote control via Wi-Fi. An external viewfinder and selection of equally adorable leather cases are also available. £1,350, body only (www.leica.com)

Pure Jongo S3 Can be used as part of a Pure multi-room audio setup or simply for taking in tunes al fresco

Bayan Audio Soundbook X3 Supports higher-quality aptX Bluetooth, has a handy FM radio tuner and a ten-hour battery life

For those of us unable to justify splurging over £100k on the extraordinary Statement amplifier from Naim, the high-end British hi-fi company has kindly unveiled its most affordable music system to date.

The Muso is a much more wallet-friendly device, capable of playing wirelessly streamed CD-quality tunes, streaming internet radio from a smartphone or computer as well as accepting hi-res audio via USB. It can be configured for multi-room use and used as a TV soundbar. If you drive a Bentley, you’ll already have an idea of the sound quality Naim is capable of. With 450W of power, Muso is a treat for the ears, as well as the eyes. £895 (www.naimaudio.com)

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Finding yourself in London in the summertime is a little like being let in on a closely guarded secret. As the masses head beach-wards, the crowds part, and it’s a smart set of city slickers who get to stretch out in our miraculously-moreopen open spaces. With the sun a-shining and the whole of London poised as your personal playground, there’s every reason to feel smug as you wave goodbye to the throngs and experience our city at its very best. And with a Terminal 5-sized list of places to go and things to do, you’ll marvel that you ever thought of leaving…

I L L U S T R AT I O N S M A D S B E R G

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SUMMER IN THE CITY

A metropolis it may be, but London doesn’t exactly lose out when it comes to verdant land and places to play outdoors. What with the parks and pleasure gardens, rolling hills, and swimming spots aplenty, it’s positively bucolic. Get into your finest gallivanting gear and explore our favourite ways to make the most of the sunshine

IN THE SADDLE

Boris aside, cycling is easily the coolest way to get around in summer. Enjoy the wind in your hair (under your helmet, of course) and a whole new perspective on the city. Andrew Edwards and Max Leonard, authors of City Cycling: London, plan a sunny day’s cycle in NW. “London: a busy, confusing city, or one of the greenest in the world, where you can ride for miles through parks and along canals without seeing a car; a succession of characterful villages best discovered by bike? Really, both can be true; but the Capital is a cycling city.

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side of town, via museums, galleries and parks, the metropolis is yours when you ride.

In Hampstead you’ll encounter something in short supply in the rest of London: hills. Heading up to the Heath, take a breather halfway, turning right before Belsize Park station for the Modernist Isokon Building, former home to Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth. From here, it’s more pleasant cycling to Hampstead proper through the back streets. Head up Parliament Hill, past George Orwell’s house, on which is the first of many blue plaques for famous local residents.

Dismount to climb the final part of Kite Hill, where on a

windy day you’ll see kites flying with the whole of London behind them. It’s a great place to explore by bike, so search out the cycle routes – if only to see the parade of local dogs being walked.

Leaving the Heath by the ponds, you’re at the bottom of Hampstead Village – and in the middle of some impressive architecture, like John Keats’ former home, now Keats House Museum, and Two Willow Road. Cycle slowly through the picturesque back streets, then up around Frognal Rise and up, up, up to Whitestone Pond.

Out of breath? Relax: this is the highest point in London, and the site of the Hampstead Observatory. From here, head past (or into) The Spaniards Inn and definitely take a detour to Kenwood House. Heading to Highgate, you can visit Marx and Rossetti at the cemetery, then into the village for a well-earned drink; The Flask is particularly cycle-friendly.”

From City Cycling: London (www.thamesandhudson.com)

THE LIFE AQUATIC

Yes, cycling’s cool, but it’s also pretty hot work – and you’ll need to cool down if you’ve made it up the Heath. Luckily, London is primed for just that, boasting a host of scenic spots in which to take a dip.

The three iconic Hampstead Ponds are your go-to for a really rural doggy paddle – with lush surroundings and fresh water fed from the River Fleet – or head to Parliament Hill Lido for a more conventional affair (www.cityoflondon. gov.uk). If you’re in town, go west to Hyde Park, where you can paddle with the duckies in the Serpentine Lido’s 110m of open water swimming (www.serpentinelido.com).

LIFE’S A BEACH

Photography: Stuart Leech

If all that al fresco frolicking has got you pining for the seaside, never fear: we bring the beach to you, as our city gets a Riviera facelift. South Bank’s beach is back as the Sandy Neighbourhood, a miniature metropolis built among the sand (www.south bankcentre.co.uk). Up Finchley way, JW3 will be turning its piazza into a sandy oasis, with a beach-side BBQ and a waiter service right to your deck chair (www.jw3.org.uk). Finally,

the Roundhouse will once again be turning its terrace into Camden Beach: 900 sq m of sand, beach huts, music, ping pong, end-of-the-pier amusements and food and drink (www.roundhouse.org.uk).

Who needs the Côte d’Azur?

THE SECRET GARDEN

But if you’re more of a dry land kind of person, there’s plenty of that to be had too.

In our fair city you can find a patch of grass where you least expect to. N1 way, Camley Street Natural Park is a vast nature reserve of wetlands, woodland and meadows (www. wildlifetrusts.org), while the pretty Duncan Terrace Garden is a more refined waterside affair (www.islington.gov.uk).

West Heath’s spectacular Hill Garden and Pergola is less well-known than some of its neighbours (www.hampstead heath.net), but the area also enjoys the perfectly-polished Fenton House gardens, with rose gardens and a 300-yearold orchard (www.nationaltrust. org.uk) and the wilder, wooded Adelaide Nature Reserve (www. camden.gov.uk). If you’re out west, visit W10’s Meanwhile Gardens – a perfectly peaceful canalside community garden (www.meanwhile-gardens.org.uk).

And if you need a bit of calm

“Ride for miles through parks and along canals without seeing a car; visit a succession of characterful villages best discovered by bike” in the heart of town, the Phoenix Garden at St. Giles is a heavenly city space boasting the West End’s only frogs (www.thephoenixgarden.org).

…AND BREATHE

Above: seaside cheer at the Roundhouse; left: the South Bank Centre becomes an al fresco oasis in summer; below left: keep your cool at Parliament Hill Lido; below right: Yotopia comes to St. Martin's Courtyard

After all that lovely fresh air, even the most tightly wound should have reached a place of peace. But if you think you can get any more zen without keeling over, try one of the al fresco yoga classes taking over the city this summer.

Yotopia will be hosting free sessions in St. Martin’s Courtyard (www.yotopia.co.uk), or you can get sun saluting on the grass in Primrose Hill (www.tranquillityinthecity.com) or Finsbury Park (www. mindfulmovements.co.uk). Birds, bees, and bridge pose? Can’t get more om than that.

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SUMMER IN THE CITY

Our mothers always said “you make your own fun” (not annoying at all), and with a sprinkle of sunshine over our city’s many beauty spots it shouldn’t be hard to keep the momentum going all summer long. But why bother? Not when there are so many fantastically fun things laid on for us. Sorry Mum…

FEELING FESTIVE

Thank HRH we never bothered to put away that bunting; it may be two whole summers since the Jubilee, but street party fever hasn’t waned one bit. If we had a penny for every fabulous festival, fair or fête on this season, we could get to Burning Man. But would we?

Hell no. Not with Hampstead Summer Festival kicking off the summer with a week-long celebration of art, culture, food, music and sport (6-12 July, www.hampsteadsummerfestival. com). This month also sees Portman Village get into the 70 | WWW.FABRICMAGAZINE.CO.UK

festive spirit with a very British bake-off (23 July, www.portman village.com) plus Kilburn Festival (13 July, www.kilburnfestival.co.uk), Bloomsbury and Holborn Summer Festival (11-12 July, www.bloomsburyassociation.org.uk) and, well, there’s loads of ’em…

August’s highlights include Queen’s Crescent Summer Festival (9 August, www.qcca.org. uk) and, of course, the grande dame of summer celebrations, Notting Hill Carnival (24-25 August, www.thenottinghillcarnival. com). And don’t forget Queens Parade Summer Saturdays: art, activity and top entertainment (www.queensparade.org).

EN PLEIN AIR

After all that, you may well need a sit down. Thankfully, there’s ample opportunity to do just that, as our entertainment heads outdoors. If it’s high brow high jinks you want, Opera Holland Park is back with a spanking season that includes Cilea’s Adriana Lecouvreur (www.rbkc.gov.uk), while Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre continues to captivate, with Porgy and Bess and To Kill a Mockingbird still to come (www.openairtheatre.com). And for something a little more intimate, you can watch Romeo and Juliet performed on Lauderdale House’s tea lawn (www.lauderdalehouse.org.uk).

Then, of course, there’s film. Riding the wave of the unusual and immersive cinema screenings that’ve taken over London, this summer will see our favourite

films shown in the most stunning of settings. Between the Nomad Cinema stopping in Queen’s Park, Coram Secret Garden and everywhere in between to complement films like The Goonies and Pulp Fiction with food from London’s best restaurants (www.whereisthe nomad.com); the Luna Cinema getting equally adventurous under the stars in Regent’s and Holland Parks (www. thelunacinema.com); and the Backyard Cinema sitting us down with armchairs, Honest Burgers and beers at Camden Lock (www.backyardcinema. co.uk), we won’t have time to go to work.

SAIL AWAY

Photography: Hydar Dewachi; Nick Mann

We may just have time to test out our sea legs though, as The Floating Cinema takes to our waterways. The unique canal boat will make its way from east to west London this summer, hosting onboard performances, talks, workshops and screenings, plus open air film festival weekenders, as it goes

(www.floatingcinema.info). And if you’re still feeling shipshape, shimmy on down to SS Atlantica’s Summer Boat Party (26 July, www.ssatlantica. com). Think live bands, cabaret and cocktails on an elegant cruise liner straight outta yesteryear, thanks to retro drinking hole B&H.

BIG KIDS

Who, by the way, are keeping us rather busy at the moment, as they bring us the tenth annual Chap Olympiad in Bloomsbury. Deemed Britain’s most eccentric sporting event, you’ll find the best dressed folk this side of the Jazz Age, fuelled by classic cocktails, competing in such events as Umbrella Jousting and Bakewell Battles (12 July, www. thechapolympiad.com). And once all that frolicking has helped you regress a little, head to Regent’s Park to play out some childhood fantasies. Run away with the circus – and enjoy spectacular views of London as you fly through the air – at Gorilla Circus Flying Trapeze

The best dressed folk this side of the Jazz Age, fuelled by classic cocktails, competing in Umbrella Jousting

School (www.gorillacircus.com).

Or check out ZSL’s Zoo Lates, where you can enjoy all the animals after dark, with a drink in hand (www.zsl.org).

ACTUAL KIDS

But enough about us, there’s still the small matter of the summer holidays to attend to. If you can’t ship ’em off to summer school (joking, of course), you’d better find something fun to do with the little darlings or we’ll have a pint-sized riot on our hands.

As if by magic, this summer sees a kiddies’ events calendar like no other – it’s almost as if we planned this. Back on board, the Puppet Theatre Barge will be docked in Little Venice this month, enchanting audiences with music, marionettes and shadow puppetry (www.puppetbarge. com). Or you can send them out to sea, as such, with a whole host of watery activities at Regent’s Canal’s Pirate Castle (www.thepiratecastle.org).

If they’re more landlubbers, little ones will love Belmont

Farm in Mill Hill, which offers regular petting sessions – and a cracking café for you (www.belmontfarm.co.uk). Or if they need to expend some extra energy, head to Highgate Woods, where Monkey-Do days will see them swinging through the trees à la Tarzan (30 August to 1 September, www. monkey-do.net). Then it’s off to Kenwood House’s storytelling Sundays for a bedtime story or two (www.english-heritage.org. uk). We rather think we’ll be ready for a nap after all that excitement too…

Previous page: ZSL’s Zoo Lates, proving age really is just a number; above, main image: Umbrella Jousting at The Chap Olympiad; above: family time at Kenwood House; left: the Floating Cinema docks in London’s prettiest canalside locations

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SUMMER IN THE CITY

Where are our manners? We’ve made it all the way through summer and have yet to even offer you a drink! No matter, the next round’s on us, and with the Capital in an al fresco eating and drinking frenzy, we shouldn’t struggle to find a good spot for a sundowner

GO CONTINENTAL

Most of the year here, eating outdoors seems like a foreign concept. But in the summer months London surges to make like they do on the Med; and for a city famed for its rain, we enjoy a remarkable number of places to get your al fresco on. By day, you’ll find us on Rooftop Kitchen’s terrace enjoying home-baked cakes and views over London – or maybe you won’t, so well hidden is it (www.rooftopkitchen. co.uk). Sunny Saturdays are spent at Kenwood House’s Brew House (www.companyof cooks.com), while a long lunch break will see us hiding in the trees on Fields Bar & Kitchen’s terrace (www.benugo.com).

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For a nice bit of pub grub, Hampstead’s Garden Gate’s Arcadian beer garden has been called the best in London (www. thegardengatehampstead.co.uk), Maida Vale’s Waterway lets you lunch right on the waterfront (www.thewaterway.co.uk), and a plate of freshly-dressed crab in the garden of Primrose Hill’s Engineer will transport you straight to the British seaside (www.theengineerprimrosehill. co.uk). For fine dining come evening time, we’re making our way to Marylebone, where the Chiltern Firehouse’s stellar combo of Nuno Mendes’ menu and a pretty garden courtyard will be enough to keep us well fed and watered ’til winter (www.chilternfirehouse.com).

Unless, of course, we’re having

classic French cuisine in Boulestin’s beautiful courtyard – once Henry VIII’s tennis court (www.boulestin.com). Or up on Orrery’s lavender-filled roof terrace for French cheeses and salads (www.orrery-restaurant. co.uk). Or… well, the list goes on. At this rate we’ll have to start having two dinners.

SUMMER ANTHEMS

Actually, maybe double that; not only have we got a terrace for every tipple, but some of our favourite foodie folk are amping things up for the summer. Clearly we’re already enamoured with Orrery, but their seasonal makeover into a Provençal hideaway is every bit as nice as Nice. In fact, the brains behind this French beauty, D&D, are spreading summer cheer all over town: Coq d’Argent in Bank becomes Yacht d’Argent – a St. Tropezinspired rooftop oasis, trussed up like a super- yacht serving Champagne and seafood; both

aestival On the Roof with Q (opposite). The lawned terrace opens all day for everything from BBQ-ed meats and mean cocktails to afternoon tea and juices (www.selfridges.com).

Sundae Girls

PICK UP A PICNIC

Photography: Belinda Lawley; Nick Hopper

Le Pont de la Tour and Bluebird gain beautiful beaches; and Soho’s Carom hedges its bets with an indoor garden featuring SAD lights and vitamin cocktails, just in case rain looks set to stop play (www.danddlondon.com).

And they’re not the only ones. Portman Square’s Churchill Bar is also going Provençal, filling its terrace with fresh herbs, Frenchthemed cocktails (above) and food à la Française. Argyll Street’s Aqua Kyoto, which already boasts one of the best rooftops in town, adds a bit of vitamin D to the vertiginous experience with a seasonal Sunshine Menu (www.aqualondon.com), while Camden’s Q Grill comes to Selfridges’ roof terrace with the exceptionally

Of course, if you really want to embrace the great outdoors, it’s gotta be a picnic. But picnics are a palaver, and the sad sandwiches of summers past have rather put us off the whole hamper affair. Luckily, some of our favourite green spaces are now served by people much better placed than us to pack a picnic. Up on Hampstead Heath, The Bull and Last will fill a wicker hamper with a real feast of British and French delicacies – salads, cheeses, terrines and a superb sausage roll (www. thebullandlast.co.uk). If you’re in St. James’s, Novikov’s gourmet picnics come with Asian or Italian grub – or you can mix and match (www.novikov restaurant.co.uk) – while The Place and Jus de Pommeraie have paired up to bring you Mediterranean dishes and beautiful juices in Regent’s Park (below, www.melia.com).

Lucky, really, that another perk of staying in the city is that you don’t need to bother about that bikini bod.

PEA AND MINT ICE CREAM OR LOLLIES WITH CHOCOLATE

How could you not want to be Hemsley + Hemsley? Totally gorgeous and terribly talented, the sisters have been keeping the fashion world very well-fed through their Vogue cookery column, and have just released a super-healthy, super-tasty foodie bible, The Art of Eating Well. Their happy, healthy little lollies are the ultimate sweet treat for a summer’s day.

INGREDIENTS

(MAKES 900ML ICE CREAM)

ICE CREAM BASE • 350g frozen petits pois • 1 tin full-fat coconut milk • 150g full-fat probiotic natural yoghurt

• 4 tbsp raw runny honey • 1 tsp peppermint extract or 50g fresh mint leaves and a dash of peppermint extract • Pinch of sea salt

1. For the pea and mint ice cream base, blend all the ingredients (bar the cacao nibs) until very smooth.

2. For the chocolate sauce, measure out all the ingredients into a small bowl and stir together with 9 tablespoons of hot water.

3. To make the ice cream, place the pea and mint base into an ice cream maker and churn until you have ice cream. When it is ready, scoop into bowls, sprinkle with cacao nibs and drizzle with chocolate sauce to serve.

4. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the pea and mint mixture into ice cube moulds and freeze. Pulse the frozen cubes in a food processor for ice cream.

• Handful of cacao nibs, optional CHOCOLATE SAUCE • 50g cacao powder • 80g raw runny honey • 1 tbsp coconut oil

5. To make 12 lollies, make up half the quantity of pea and mint base and add about 4 teaspoons into the bottom of tall shot glasses or lolly moulds and pop into the freezer. After 20 minutes or so, insert a lolly stick into the pea mixture and pour some of the chocolate sauce around it. Repeat with the pea and mint base and finish with the chocolate sauce, freezing for 10 minutes between layers. Freeze the finished lollies for a further 2 hours, then enjoy.

The Art of Eating Well by Jasmine and Melissa Hemsley, photography

by Nick Hopper. Ebury Press, £25. (www.randomhouse.co.uk; www.hemsleyandhemsley.com)

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GOLDERS GREEN NW11

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et me guess… somewhere on the Northern line?

Good guess – you’ll find this cosmopolitan neighbourhood sitting pretty on the Edgware branch between Hampstead and Brent Cross stations. Conveniently, it’s a stepfree station too, so there’s no excuse not to visit. Here you’ll discover beautiful houses, lovely local shops and plenty of parkland with the verdant Hampstead Heath nearby. In fact, the area covers Hampstead Garden Suburb too, with its wide, tree-lined streets and attractive architecture. The suburb was the brainchild of philanthropist Dame Henrietta Barnett, whose vision in 1906 was to create an affordable neighbourhood where Londoners of all classes and incomes could live side by side. Conversely, it’s now considered to be one of the wealthiest areas in the country – but that’s the London property market for you!

Talking of which, what kind of homes are up for grabs?

The majority of the housing stock in Golders Green has a distinctly suburban feel, but in the best possible way: think large, semi-detached red brick Edwardian homes with inviting bay windows and verandas. There’s also a good choice of luxury contemporary apartments on offer, with some smart new developments

L

popping up. The roads around Golders Hill Park lay claim to the area’s largest properties on the market – West Heath Avenue and West Heath Drive are highly desirable, while Golders Green Crescent offers the best of both worlds, tucked away as it is in perfect tranquillity, yet handily close to the Tube station.

Ooh, I like the sound of tranquillity.

Tell me more about the park.

You’ll certainly find it here: a local treasure, the park was opened to the public in 1898 and has been considered a historically important part of Hampstead Heath ever since. It boasts attractions such as a croquet lawn, tennis courts, beautiful plant displays and a café. The kids will be kept well entertained too, with a play area, a butterfly enclosure and, excitingly, a children’s zoo with a very popular animal adoption scheme. A ring-tailed lemur could be theirs for £50 a year. Imagine that! (Although, sadly, not to take home).

The area’s good for kids, then?

I’ll say. And with some excellent options when it comes to choosing a school, you might want to think about putting down some roots.

Golders Hill Primary is a much-loved and long-standing educational stalwart, while The King Alfred school is equally highly-rated and will take the kids through to sixth form.

Here you’ll discover beautiful houses, lovely local shops and plenty of parkland with the verdant Hampstead Heath nearby Then there’s the Torah Vodass – a very good Orthodox school for boys aged from five to 11 years old.

Great! Any chance of some retail therapy once I’ve dropped the kids off?

Of course. You’ll find plenty of interesting independent shops as well as a wealth of international restaurants and cafés along Golders Green Road, the characterful main drag. You’ll be in charity shop heaven too, if that’s your bag, with vintage clothing gems and pre-loved bric-a-brac at every turn. Don’t be surprised when the bustling high street turns uncharacteristically quiet between sunset on Friday and sunset on Saturday, though. This is one of the Captital’s largest Jewish communities.

A bit of quiet at the weekend too?

Sounds positively heavenly!

Local heroes

Words: Ali Howard Photography: Alamy

EATING AND DRINKING L’ARTISTA When you discover a real Italian pizzeria in the neighbourhood, you can’t help but come back for more – exactly the case with Golders Green residents and this long-established eatery. So much so, in fact, that many are on first name terms with the staff. (Now there’s a solid recommendation for you).

Opened in 1985 by a close-knit group of friends from all over Italy, L’artista prides itself on keeping its traditional familybased approach to Italian cuisine – you’ll witness the obligatory spinning pizza doughs from the open kitchen – whilst offering locals a buzzy, contemporary atmosphere where they can chat, drink and dine in comfort. Compleannos come in the form of a parade of clashing pizza tins and music while the entire restaurant joins in on the rousing Happy Birthdays. It’s no wonder this feisty establishment is one of the area’s best-loved. La dolce vita incarnate. 915-917 Finchley Road, NW11 (020 8731 7501; www.lartistapizzeria.com)

INTERIORS OMA KITCHENS Cutting-edge kitchen design on your local high street? It sounds too good to be true. But this gem, sitting inconspicuously on Golders Green Road, supplies and installs quality German kitchens that are seriously high fashion and reliably high function. Boasting a state-ofthe-art computer design service

that will help you create your dream cooking and eating space, you can choose from a vast range of super-sleek kitchens – from the avantgarde to the traditional, the classic to the contemporary.

By no means strangers to the big, high-end names in kitchen appliances either, OMA supply Gaggenau, Miele, Siemens, Neff and the like. Of course, all you need now is that plush Golders Green pad in which to live out all your domestic goddess fantasies, but we think the kitchen’s a very good place to start. After all, it’s the heart of any home.

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AGENT VIEW

TREVOR ABRAHMSOHN

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Describe the area in five words Traditional yet contemporary, cosmopolitan, vibrant.

What are your favourite streets?

Those surrounded by parks and open spaces, especially in the areas close to the Heath and Golders Hill Park.

What kind of property can you expect to find in the area?

Semi-detached and detached family houses. Prices range from £1 to £4 million for the best locations, but more modest homes can be bought for £350,000 for flats up to £600,000 for the houses.

What advice would you give to buyers?

WINKWORTH Be prepared for some competition; the area is in high demand. If you see something you like then go for it.

What are your predictions for the local market?

Prices will remain strong given the lack of supply and belief that the area represents excellent value for money compared to surrounding neighbourhoods. While it has always been extremely popular, now it’s really arrived!

What type of people tend to live in the area?

All groups, many who’ve had close ties over several generations. Recently there’s a greater diversity as the search for better value – but still with good access to schools and the West End – expands out of central London.

Graham is director of Winkworth Golders Green (020 8458 8313; www.winkworth.co.uk)

GRAHAM GOLD

Photography: Alamy

Golders Green is eclectic, multicultural and reassuringly suburban. Its transport facilities are unequalled, the High Street buzzes, and there are more restaurants and delicatessens than you can shake a stick at – akin to New York! It’s a friendly and inviting environment, good for schools and families and close to the treasured areas of Hampstead and Highgate, as well as being reasonably close to the West End. One of my favourite restaurants, Likya is a buzzy, inexpensive Turkish place where, once seated and bathed in their unique hospitality, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in the best part of Istanbul. It’s a GLENTREE thrilling eating experience. I also love the utility store, where you can get almost anything under one roof, and the Phone City Shop on the corner is a true one off. As long as you speak one of the six languages they converse in, you’ll get instant service.

Every nationality known to man and beyond lives in the area. There are pockets of Chinese, Polish, Nigerian, Indian, Israeli, English and Iranian. A walk down the High Street is part of life’s rich tapestry; as soon as the sun shines people spill out onto the pavements drinking their espressos and lattes and shooting the breeze – with lots of hand gesticulations to accompany it all.

Trevor is managing director of Glentree Estates (020 8458 7311; www.glentree.co.uk)

NEWS

60 SECO NDS WITH...

SIMON ROSENBLATT

ASTON CHASE

Winning luxury

We’re sure the new owners of 48 Totteridge Common will feel pretty smug when they snap up this super-stylish five-bed mansion. After all, they’ll have a spectacular double-height main hall, a home cinema, a comprehensive spa and leisure suite, a library and three acres of private grounds to enjoy – all set within a magnificent family home that’s been decorated and furnished to the height of chic by interior designer to the stars, Rachel Beckett, of R Interiors. Jealous? Well, yes, frankly we are, not least because number 48 has just been awarded a prestigious gong, to boot.

At the recent Evening Standard New Homes Awards, developers Octagon picked up Best Luxury House in London for this Totteridge Common property. We’re too busy swooning to argue with that! (www.octagon.co.uk)

A better let?

The Mayor of London has just launched the first London Rental Standard. Now, before you go getting too excited, this doesn’t mean a cap on London rents, but it is a city-wide badge of accreditation for landlords, enabling tenants to rent with confidence. We asked Marc von Grundherr at Benham & Reeves Residential Lettings for his take on the announcement. He tells us, “Reputable agents are already members of

ARLA or the Property Ombudsman.

There are rogue agents out there who don’t play by the rules, but simply creating new rules won’t help. Letting agents are already required to put tenancy deposits into a protected and regulated scheme, and so creating a new law that tells them (again) that they must do this won’t necessarily make them into compliant agents.” It seems you can take a rogue landlord to water... (www.brlets.co.uk)

Psst…

We hear that one famous feline has been shopping for the purrrfect multimillion pound pad around Notting Hill and Westbourne Grove – though she’ll be hanging onto her plush pad in the Hollywood Hills too. So what’s top of the wish list for her new home from home in the Capital? “Lots of space, privacy and a gym.”

And, of course, something with the X-factor, don’t cha think?

City pad or leafy suburb?

Leafy suburb Home gym or home cinema?

Home cinema Hampstead Heath or Primrose Hill?

Primrose Hill Buy to let or buy to live?

Buy to live New build or period charm?

Period charm Dote on dogs or care for cats?

Dote on dogs Hyde Park or Regent’s Park?

Regent’s Park Black cab or Boris bike?

Boris bike Swinging jazz club or off to the opera?

Jazz club Saturday night or Sunday morning?

Saturday night French bistro or best of British?

French bistro Dining out or dinner party?

Dining out Dressed up or dressed down?

Dressed up Real ale or fine wine?

Fine wine Action-packed or poolside holiday?

Pool-side Good book or Hollywood blockbuster?

Blockbuster English Breakfast or skinny latte?

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SALES

Primrose and proper

GLOUCESTER CRESCENT, NW1

This dream home of a property has only changed hands once in the last half century, which is undoubtedly testament to its many charms. Grade II-listed and set within the Primrose Hill conservation area, you’ll find sleek, minimalist living spaces in chic harmony with original period features. There’s even a hidden bookcase door, which leads into a secret room. How very Scooby Doo! With so much to love about this four/five-bed family home, you might just find yourself staying put for another 50 years. And the location ain’t half bad either: Regent’s Canal and Park are within easy walking distance, not to mention the bustling Camden Town. Lovely.

Guide price £3.95 million, Savills (020 7472 5000; www.savills.com)

£1,250 AVERAGE HOUSE PRICE PER SQ FT IN NORTH LONDON

History repeating ELM ROW, NW3 A house that you can truly call a home? This Grade II-listed Hampstead home dates back to 1723 and comes complete with its own rich history of notable owners including Sir Henry Cole, founder of the Victoria & Albert Museum, and current resident, Labour whip Lord Mitchell. Quintessentially Georgian, it has a wonderful south-facing walled garden and panoramic views towards central London from the upper floors. With five bedrooms including a master en suite and a dressing room on a mezzanine floor, we’re pretty sure you’ll fall in love with its period charm. Only romantics need apply. £6.5 million, Aston Chase (020 7724 4724; www.astonchase.com) and Knight Frank (020 7317 7954; www.knightfrank.co.uk) 78 | WWW.FABRICMAGAZINE.CO.UK

“THE SUMMER MONTHS REALLY HIGHLIGHT THE VALUE OF ACCESS TO OUTSIDE SPACE. HOMES THAT FRONT ONTO A PARK DELIVER ON THE APPEAL WITHOUT THE NEED TO MAINTAIN A GARDEN” Rosy Khalastchy, Beauchamp Estates

Do judge a book… CLIFTON HILL, NW8 Another Grade II-listed gem is this well-apportioned house in the heart of St. John’s Wood that’s arranged over four floors and offers three to four reception rooms, plus five bedrooms and the homeliest of kitchens. If you’re a sucker for first impressions, you won’t be disappointed – the family home’s façade is as pretty as its interior, with its charming doll’s house aesthetic and grand entrance. The mature garden, too, has been well-loved, that much is clear. Picture, if you will, a beautiful pink-flowering magnolia tree, rose bushes and climbing wisteria – a picture-perfect London pad. £6.35 million, Behr & Butchoff (020 7722 7222; www.behrandbutchoff.com)

LETTINGS

Don’t judge a book…

HYDE PARK SQUARE, W2

You wouldn’t believe it, but this contemporary cool loftstyle apartment is housed within a grand, stucco-fronted Grade II-listed building, which also happens to brag one of London’s finest addresses. An eclectic mix of stark, exposed brickwork and stately period features, its uniqueness is its charm. Just take a gander at the magnificent master bedroom with luxurious bathroom, the double-height reception room overlooking the award-winning communal gardens and the romantic spiral staircase. We can think of worse places to live. £1,100 per week, Cluttons (020 7262 2226; www.cluttons.com)

£606

Highgate’s finest THE GROVE, N6

What’s not to love about this magnificent family home? Thoughtfully interior designed to complement its many original features, the house offers a voluminous reception room with pretty parquet floor, a fully-fitted kitchen/diner with Aga, and a master bedroom with en suite and his ’n’ hers dressing rooms. But the property’s pièce de résistance must be its beautifully manicured, and frankly sprawling, 90-ft rear garden with the perfect patio area for a spot of summer entertaining. We can imagine many a G&T sipped gleefully on that patio while the kids wear themselves out on the lawn. Perfect! £5,000 per week, Day Morris (020 7482 4282; www.daymorris.com)

AVERAGE WEEKLY RENT FOR FLATS IN NORTH LONDON

Party perfect HOLNE CHASE, N2 Arranged over three floors, this substantial family home comes complete with six bedrooms, three generous reception rooms, a carriage driveway with space for four cars and one invitingly large rear garden that offers lawn and patio space aplenty. All of this, of course, adds up to the perfect property for summer parties. (Well, your mind only goes one way, doesn’t it – anyone for Pimm’s?)

Impress your guests with a superb oversized Poggenpohl kitchen/ family room too and you’ll be nothing short of the hostess with the mostest from Hampstead Garden Suburb. £2,350 per week, Litchfields (020 8458 5000; www.litchfields.com)

“DUE TO THE CHANGES IN MORTGAGE REGULATIONS AND THE NATURAL INCREASE IN CORPORATE RELOCATION LEVELS DURING THE SUMMER, WE’RE EXPERIENCING A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN ACTIVITY IN THE LETTINGS MARKET” Ben Sloane, Chestertons

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NEW DEVELOPMENTS

Laterally lovely RENAISSANCE, EN4

This enticing and inviting gated development comprises eight threebed luxury apartments and features a characterful, period-like exterior. Tucked away in the lush and leafy Hadley Wood, it promises the very best in lateral living: one glance at its expansive façade will confirm these are some seriously spacious abodes to spread out in. Developers Heronslea promise only the very finest design and materials along with the kind of sky-high specifications you’d be likely to find in the central London luxury market. But this is practically Hertfordshire and, as such, residents can enjoy the delightful countryside as well as the convenience of nearby Cockfosters Underground station. Perfect! POA, contact Statons to register on the priority mailing list (020 8440 9797; www.heronslea-group.co.uk)

52,400

Designer dreams COLLEGE CRESCENT, NW3

Designed by the acclaimed American architect Alfred Munkenbeck, this collection of six stylish houses oozes modern luxe. Brilliantly boxy, with expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, each property brags a spec list of contemporary features that reads like a designer’s dream: Gaggenau appliances, Quooker hot water taps, zoned underfloor heating… But it’s not all about the super-new and super-stark – blending old and new, the development sits alongside a restored Victorian coach house that forms part of the site. With a communal courtyard, vast private garden spaces and summer-ready roof terraces and balconies, you’d be wise to book a viewing pronto. Prices start from £3.95 million, Goldschmidt & Howland (020 7435 4404; www.g-h.co.uk)

NEW HOMES NEEDED ANNUALLY IN THE CAPITAL

Perfect pied-à-terre 21 WAPPING LANE, E1

Fancy a city crash pad with a difference? The first new build in Wapping for over a decade, these penthouse apartments are akin to luxury boutique hotels, with designer pieces peppered around the sleek living spaces. Even the kitchens echo those of London’s finest restaurants: Basaltina stone worktops, lacquered cabinets, butcher’s block-style surfaces… At the heart of each chic pad is a master suite with a walk-in wardrobe. But perhaps best of all is the sculptural spiral staircase, which leads to a roof terrace affording 360-degree views across the Capital. Breathtaking! POA, contact Wendy Lane (07787 437318; wlane@ballymoregroup.com) 80 | WWW.FABRICMAGAZINE.CO.UK

“RISING ASSET AND RENTAL VALUES ENSURE THAT THE LONDON RESIDENTIAL MARKET IS EXTREMELY BUOYANT. STRONG FORWARD SALES AND A LACK OF STOCK ARE THE KEY FEATURES OF THE NEW HOMES MARKET” David Galman, Galliard Homes

“I am working overseas for two years and want to let my home while I am away. What advice would you give?”

Letting your home, even on a temporary basis, means you must comply with the same lettings regulations that a ‘professional’ landlord does. If you are a leaseholder, check your lease allows you to sub-let and ask permission from the freeholder or managing agent. Ask permission from your mortgage lender and inform your insurance provider too. Next, check lettings regulations. You’ll need to provide Gas Safety and Energy Performance certificates and ensure furnishings comply with fire safety standards.

BENHAM The property is no longer your home, it’s a rental & REEVES property and must appeal to tenants. Take an RESIDENTIAL objective look at its presentation and make sure it’s LETTINGS up to scratch. If not, consider redecoration or new furnishings to meet the standards tenants expect. It’s best to use a letting agent as they’ll advertise your property widely. They’ll organise thorough referencing, prepare an inventory, register the tenant’s deposit and arrange a tenancy agreement. Use a professional agent who is a member of ARLA (Association of Residential Letting Agents) and other industry schemes such as the Property Ombudsman and The Dispute Service. You’ll need them to manage the property too, covering everything from collecting the rent (and chasing any arrears) to organising repairs.

Finally, you must declare rental income to HMRC, but there are a number of expenses you can set against tax. These are the basics, but do talk to an experienced letting agent for the complete picture.

Anita is managing director at Benham & Reeves Residential Lettings, Hampstead (020 7435 9681; www.brlets.co.uk)

Illustration: ShutterStock

ANITA MEHRA

You must seek the advice of a good agent who is ARLA registered. Our agents are members of several regulatory bodies and consumer-orientated watchdogs, including ARLA, who ensure a certain level of service and take part in the Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme, which is as important for the landlord as it is for the tenant. It’s also important to ensure that your agent has a strong local profile and knows their market well whilst still achieving an international reach, allowing your property to be marketed to the largest possible audience. They’ll DRUCE need to be able to advise on maximising the highest achievable rent and on finding the best tenants for your property – the reliability of your tenant will be especially important if you’re living abroad.

You should negotiate a break clause in your contract too. If you need to return to the UK, this will be hugely helpful in allowing you to come back within a two-month notice period. Another suggestion would be to take tax advice. Living overseas will affect your tax rights on your rental income in the UK, so some knowledgeable advice on this from a reputable company would be a good idea.

Finally, choose an agent that offers a full and respected property management service, so the day-to-day running of the property can be dealt with from the UK. Your chosen agent should deal with any issues with your interests represented fully and professionally, allowing you to concentrate on your new life in a new country.

Simon is director at Druce, Marylebone (020 7935 6535; www.druce.com)

SIMON HEDLEY

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P I A N O YA R D K E N T I S H

T O W N

N W 5

NB the photographs are representative of the finish

Piano Yard is an enchanting gated mews, inspired by the colourful architecture of New Orleans. Now available 3 bedroom town house with roof garden and 2 bedroom apartment with terrace.

• Landscaped courtyard garden • Bike storage and service area • Parking available • Short walk to Kentish Town underground station • From £825,000 - £1,095,000

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FABRIC AGENTS Anscombe & Ringland www.anscombes.co.uk Arlington Residential www.arlingtonresidential.co.uk Aston Chase www.astonchase.com Bargets www.bargets.co.uk Beauchamp Estates www.beauchamp.com Bective Leslie Marsh www.bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk Behr & Butchoff www.behrandbutchoff.com Benham & Reeves www.b-r.co.uk Benham & Reeves Residential Lettings www.brlets.co.uk Brian Lack www.brianlack.co.uk Chesterton Humberts www.chestertonhumberts.com Cluttons www.cluttons.com Day Morris www.daymorris.co.uk Druce www.druce.com Fox Gregory www.foxgregory.co.uk Glentree www.glentree.co.uk Godfrey & Barr www.godfreyandbarr.com Goldschmidt & Howland www.g-h.co.uk Hamptons www.hamptons.co.uk Harris Latner www.harrislatner.co.uk Heathgate www.heathgate.com Jeremy James & Company www.jeremy-james.co.uk Kerr Gilchrist 020 7431 0003 Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward www.kfh.co.uk Knight Frank www.knightfrank.com Litchfields www.litchfields.com McGlashans www.mcglashans.co.uk Parkheath www.parkheath.com Plaza Estates www.plazaestates.co.uk Regents Residential www.regents.uk.com Sandfords www.sandfords.com Savills www.savills.co.uk TK International www.t-k.co.uk Vickers www.vickersestateagents.com Winkworth Marylebone www.winkworth.co.uk Winkworth St. John’s Wood www.winkworth.co.uk York Estates www.yorkestates.co.uk

Pictured: Kent Terrace, NW1. £5.75 million, Sandfords (020 7723 9988; www.sandfords.com)

the finest homes to buy or rent Sales 86 – 122 Lettings 123 – 135 WWW.FABRICMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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STORMONT ROAD

HIGHGATE N6

An immaculate recently restored and beautifully finished house with a gated carriage drive and large west facing garden.

Bespoke interior finishes including bespoke American black walnut doors, limestone/marble floors, air conditioning and underfloor heating, integrated Crestron AV system & Lutron lighting.

Hall, double drawing room, dining room, study, impressive open plan kitchen/family room, office, 8 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, cinema, gym, indoor pool with steam, sauna, changing room and shower, chilled wine cellar, laundry, garage, gated carriage drive, landscaped 122ft west facing garden. EPC=C

FREEHOLD ÂŁ12,950,000

020 8458 7311 www.glentree.com

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Local Expertise International Reputation Sales 020

8458 7311

Web www.glentree.com Email sales@glentree.com

KENWOOD, N6 ÂŁ8,950,000 FREEHOLD A magnificent detached eight bedroom family home set in half an acre of grounds behind a carriage driveway with electronic gates, off street parking, double garage and a beautiful south facing garden with Tennis Court. Additionally there is a self-contained cottage with three bedrooms, two bathrooms (one En-suite), kitchen/breakfast room and reception room leading out to a patio garden. The accommodation extends to over 7,500 sq ft and is sold with planning permission for a I, 800 sq ft leisure centre with swimming pool, sauna, cinema and wine cellar on the lower ground floor.

Entrance Hall, Living Room, Dining Room, Study, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Guest WC, Master Bedroom with En-suite Bathroom, Dressing Room & Balcony, 7 Further Bedrooms (2 En-suite), 2 Further Bathrooms, Further Kitchen, Rear Garden, Tennis Court, Garage, Carriage Driveway, EPC Rating - D, Cottage EPC Rating - C SOLE AGENT

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Local Expertise International Reputation Sales 020

8458 7311

Web www.glentree.com Email sales@glentree.com

WINNINGTON ROAD, N2 £12,750,000 FREEHOLD An elegant detached freehold house occupying a prime position on Winnington Road. This fine family residence is set well back from the road behind a gated carriage driveway which provides ample secure parking and leads to a large garage. The house occupies a substantial plot and features a magnificent and mature rear garden extending to over 220’ in depth. Accommodation is arranged over four floors with the centre of the house being a dramatic galleried staircase naturally illuminated by a large skylight. The garden level is devoted to luxurious leisure and includes a large swimming pool, gymnasium with a glass wall overlooking the pool, steam room and two changing rooms. Winnington Road runs off Hampstead Lane and is opposite the magnificent grounds of Kenwood House which lead directly to the unspoilt 790 acres at Hampstead Heath.

SOLE AGENT

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Hampstead Heath, NW3 A substantial six bedroom Victorian house just a few minutes walk from the Heath. The property is very well proportioned and offers ample accommodation for the growing family across four floors, and is enviably positioned halfway along this quiet street, and benefiting from a glorious west facing rear garden and an additional roof terrace area. 6 bedrooms (1 en-suite), classic double reception room, large kitchen/dining room, family bathroom, 2 separate wc’s, utility room, west facing roof terrace & enclosed rear garden, cellar residents permit parking, EPC Rating TBA.

ÂŁ2,250,000

Freehold

Sole Agent

This office also handles residential lettings 2 Fleet Road, NW3 2QS

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020 7482 4282

email : sales@daymorris.co.uk

HOLLY LODGE GARDENS, N6 An imposing detached double fronted house, situated in this highly desirable position at the summit of the private Holly Lodge Estate, directly opposite beautiful gardens, within a short walk of the Heath and Highgate Village. This spacious and bright family house has the benefit of high ceilings and open fireplaces. The flexible accommodation comprises; Master bedroom with dressing room, bathroom, study en-suite, 3/4 further bedrooms, 2 further bathrooms (1 en-suite) second study/bedroom 5, large reception room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, guest WC, substantial detached gym, store room/garage, off street parking, 78’ garden. EPC Rating E.

Guide price: ÂŁ3,000,000

Freehold

Sole Agents

This office also handles residential lettings 61 Highgate High St, N6 5JY

020 8348 8131

email : highgate@daymorris.co.uk

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THE PENTHOUSE

THE HEATHS, WEST HEATH ROAD NW3

JOINT SOLE SELLING AGENTS

A STUNNING PENTHOUSE APARTMENT IN A HIGHLY REGARDED DEVELOPMENT ON WEST HEATH ROAD ACCOMMODATION & AMENITIES Entrance Hall • Drawing Room • Dining Room • Kitchen/Breakfast/Family Room • Master Bedroom Suite • Bedroom 2 En Suite • Study • Guest WC Direct Lift Access • Gated Development • Concierge • Comfort Cooling 2 Roof Gardens • Terrace • Balcony • Utility Room • Wine Cellar 444 sq m (4,781 sq ft) • EPC=B Leasehold, approximately 983 years remaining plus Share of Freehold PRICE UPON APPLICATION

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THE PENTHOUSE

ELDON GROVE, HAMPSTEAD NW3

JOINT SOLE SELLING AGENTS

IN THE HEART OF HAMPSTEAD VILLAGE OUTSTANDING DUPLEX PENTHOUSE APARTMENT ACCOMMODATION & AMENITIES 2 Reception Rooms • Kitchen/Dining Room • Master Bedroom Suite with Dressing Room • 3 Further Bedroom Suites • Utility Room • Secured Lift Access to Both Floors • 2 Balconies • Roof Terrace • Off-Street Parking 259 sq m (2,792 sq ft) • EPC=D

Leasehold, approximately 114 years remaining plus Share of Freehold GUIDE PRICE: £4,950,000

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Stormont Road

Kenwood N6

IN THIS EXCLUSIVE ROAD, A BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED 3,459 SQ FT SEMI-DETACHED FIVE BEDROOM PERIOD HOUSE SET BACK FROM THE ROAD BEHIND A GRAVELLED DRIVEWAY PROVIDING OFF STREET PARKING FOR TWO TO THREE CARS.

JOINT SOLE AGENTS

This three storey bright family home is offered for sale in excellent decorative order throughout, providing three reception rooms on the ground floor including a lovely conservatory, a Mark Wilkinson kitchen breakfast room, and access on to a beautiful and mature 72’ rear garden. A particular feature of the house is the double volume central hallway and the added benefit of both a basement and a loft which could easily be extended to provide a media room and gym as well as further bedroom accommodation subject to the usual consents. Stormont Road is located between Kenwood and Highgate (with its excellent cafe’s, restaurants and specialist shops) and right opposite the open expanses of the Heath and the Kenwood Estate.

GUIDE PRICE £4,250,000 | FREEHOLD | EPC: E

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INTERIOR DESIGNED APARTMENTS FOR SALE IN THE HEART OF MARYLEBONE VILLAGE

TWO APARTMENTS SOLD, THREE APARTMENTS REMAINING. NOW SHOWING HERON-PLACE.CO.UK

Jeremy James and Company 33 New Cavendish Street Marylebone Village London W1G 9TS Tel.: 020 7486 4111 E-mail.: jjandco@jeremy-james.co.uk 114 | WWW.FABRICMAGAZINE.CO.UK

New development of five interior designed apartments, two and three bedrooms for sale.

• New long lease • Sizes from 1,500 to 2,200 sq ft • Parking available

LITTLE VENICE, LONDON W9

A stylish ground and lower ground floor maisonette with a private patio garden giving direct access to communal gardens in a converted terraced house. Set in this popular tree lined avenue the property is within easy reach of all amenities including excellent transport connections and Clifton Road 2 Double Bedrooms. En-Suite Bathroom and Shower Room. Utility Room. Open Plan Living Space with Kitchen Area. Epc Rating D

Share of Freehold

ÂŁ1,345,000

211-213 Sutherland Avenue, Little Venice, London W9 1RU T: 020 7289 1692 F: 020 7266 3941 E: property@vickersestateagents.com W: www.vickersestateagents.com 116 | WWW.FABRICMAGAZINE.CO.UK

SOUTH HILL PARK GARDENS | NW3 An end of terrace five bedroom family house, superbly located in this sought after enclave and offered in very good decorative condition throughout.

The flexible accommodation which is currently arranged as a 29’8 formal reception room on the raised ground floor, with the kitchen, dining room and conservatory on the lower ground leading to the garden.

The first floor has two double bedrooms and a family bathroom and the second floor is devoted to the master bedroom suite with dressing area and en suite bathroom as well as a separate shower room. There are two further bedrooms on the third floor as well as ample storage space within the eaves.

The property is also enhanced by a delightful patio garden and planning permission has recently been granted to extend the lower level.

The numerous amenities and transport facilities (Hampstead Heath Main Line) of South End Green are within close proximity, as is Hampstead Heath.

Sole Agent Freehold EPC: C Guide Price ÂŁ3,350,000

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Guide Price ÂŁ4,500,000

Freehold

A charming and rarely available 6 bedroom family house on Ashworth Road, Maida Vale, W9 comprising of a double reception room, second reception room/TV room, a wonderful conservatory incorporating a fully fitted kitchen and dining area, utility room and further benefits from a front garden and a delightful rear garden of 68 ft.

Energy Efficiency Rating - E54

Little Venice 020 7289 6666

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6

4

CATO STREET, W1 An architecturally designed house built over four floors in this very quiet location. The contemporary décor compliments this warehouse style home which is flooded with natural light.

DRAWING ROOM, SITTING ROOM, KITCHEN/DINER FOUR BEDROOMS, THREE BATHROOMS, GUEST WC GARAGE

FREEHOLD

£2,250,000

CRAWFORD STREET, W1 This modern top floor apartment offers great natural light and well planned accommodation. Crawford Street is located within a few minutes walk of Baker Street and Marylebone High Street.

RECEPTION ROOM, OPEN PLAN KITCHEN TWO BEDROOMS, BATHROOM

115 YEAR LEASE

OFFERS IN EXCESS OF £800,000

ENFORD STREET, W1 A contemporary duplex apartment in this modern building.

The apartment offers excellent entertaining space with a private terrace.

RECEPTION/DINING ROOM, OPEN PLAN KITCHEN THREE BEDROOMS, THREE BATHROOMS, TERRACE

125 YEAR LEASE

£1,400,000

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GLOUCESTER SQUARE W2 Newly refurbished and extremely spacious six bedroom family house on five floors in a lovely position close to Hyde Park.

6 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms, Cloakroom, 5 Reception Rooms, Kitchen, Sauna, Roof Terrace, Balcony, Communal Gardens, Off Street Parking. ÂŁ3,500 PER WEEK (fees apply)

OFFICES AT KNIGHTSBRIDGE & MARBLE ARCH

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www.plazaestates.co.uk

PARK STREET W1 Beautifully refurbished four bedroom house, arranged over five floors in the very heart of Mayfair close to both Oxford Street and Hyde Park.

4 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms, Cloakroom, 2 Reception Rooms, Kitchen, Balcony. ÂŁ3,750 PER WEEK (fees apply)

MARBLE ARCH: 29-31 EDGWARE ROAD LONDON W2 2JE 020 7724 3100

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ONE HYDE PARK, KNIGHTSBRIDGE SW1 A stunning apartment beautifully designed by Candy & Candy located at One Hyde Park in the heart of exclusive Knightsbridge providing stunning views of London. The property offers an unparalleled range of services to its' tenants including full access to the adjacent Mandarin Oriental's Residents Services and use of all the facilities including 24/7 concierge, fully equipped gym and swimming pool.

ACCOMMODATION ■ 3 DOUBLE BEDROOMS ■ 3 EN-SUITE BATHROOMS ■ GUEST BATHROOM ■ 2 RECEPTIONS ■ KITCHEN AMENITIES ■ BALCONY ■ 24 HOUR CONCIERGE ■ STORAGE AREA ■ PRIVATE UNDERGROUND PARKING (WITH VALET PARKING) ■ DESIGNATED WINE CELLAR ■ HEALTH & LEISURE FACILITIES

FURNISHED EPC RATING C TENANCY FEES MAY APPLY, PLEASE CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION

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PRICE ON APPLICATION

£1,500 pw

£460 pw

Un/furnished

Unfurnished

An enchanting cottage on Addison Way, Hampstead Garden Suburb, NW11 benefiting from a private garden.

2 Temple Fortune 020 8209 9333 Energy Efficiency Rating - E49

£775 pw

4

Highgate 020 8347 2601

£3,150 pw

£1,195 pw

Unfurnished

An extensive family home on Randolph Avenue, Maida Vale W9 offering a rear garden, terrace, and off street parking.

Energy Efficiency Rating - E47

Little Venice 020 7289 6633

4

3

5 West Hampstead 020 7433 6869 Energy Efficiency Rating - D60

Energy Efficiency Rating - D61

Highgate 020 8347 2601

£995 pw

Unfurnished

A spacious duplex apartment on Compayne Gardens, West Hampstead NW6 boasting two large balconies.

3

Unfurnished

A modern family home on Barrington Road, Crouch End, N8 boasting a beautiful landscaped garden.

A substantial Victorian family home on Whitehall Park, Highgate, N19 situated close to the many shops and restaurants of Highgate Village. The property features a double reception room, spacious conservatory and a private rear garden with patio area.

Energy Efficiency Rating - D56

1

4

2

Unfurnished

A well presented apartment on Lyndhurst Road, Hampstead, NW3 featuring a private, secluded, patio garden.

3

Energy Efficiency Rating - E48

Hampstead 020 7431 0624

3

2

Set fees apply for all tenancies: £138.00 administration fee per tenancy + £24.00 referencing charge per Tenant/Guarantor. For variable charges and deposits explained please visit www.g-h.co.uk

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Executive Rental Specialists 020 7486 6711 sales@mcglashans.co.uk / lettings@mcglashans.co.uk

Harley House, Marylebone Road W1 A beautifully presented owner’s home with spacious accommodation of approximately 1,670 sq ft benefiting from 24 hour porter. Living room, dining hall, eat-in kitchen, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, study/bedroom 3, lift. £2,000 per week Furnished/Unfurnished

Clifton Gardens, Little Venice W9 An amazing first and second floor apartment in a traditional period house. Drawing room leading to dining room, kitchen, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, guest cloakroom, use of private communal garden. £2,700 per week Furnished/Unfurnished

Chiltern Court, Baker Street, Marylebone NW1 A spacious 2 bedroom apartment on the 4th floor of a secure mansion block. 24hr porterage, dining hall, living room, kitchen, bedroom with en-suite shower room, double bedroom, bathroom. £750 per week Furnished

Broadley Terrace, Portman Gate, Lisson Grove NW1 A 1st and 2nd floor maisonette with balconies overlooking the communal courtyard. Living room, kitchen, master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, double bedroom, family bathroom, guest cloakroom, gym membership, private underground parking space. £600 per week Furnished

Bryanston Mews West, Marylebone W1 A lovely, ground and first floor mews maisonette with its own entrance. Living room/dining room, eat-in kitchen, master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, 2 double bedrooms, family bathroom, WC, patio. £1,000 per week Unfurnished

Devonshire Mews South, Marylebone W1 A rarely available property in this sought after mews, renovated to the highest specification.

Living room open plan to dining room onto large kitchen with breakfast bar, 4 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, guest wc, garage, garden. £2,950 per week Unfurnished

43 Marylebone Lane, London W1U 2NS

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