Gunter Botzenhardt Chef Proprietor of Le Nautique Restaurant German, lives in Guernsey, Channel Islands
Juri Miyawaki Tearoom owner chef and essayist Japanese, lives in Winchcombe, England
Tony Singh Kusbia Chef, Oloroso Restaurant Indian, lives in Edinburgh, Scotland
INTERNATIONAL FACES OF BRITAIN INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES
Andrea Bristow Owner of GreenWood Forest Park Ltd. Austrian, lives in Wales
Richard Bertinet Chef & Teacher at Bertinet Kitchen French, lives in Bath, England
visitbritain.com/media
Cherish Finden Head Pastry Chef, The Langham Singaporean, lives in London, England
2
Introduction We’re delighted to welcome you to Britain during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. I hope to introduce you to some exceptional people who have made Britain their home, and who are available to share their stories about their lives, and what they love about living in Britain, with you during your visit. We have people to interview from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, China, Cuba, Denmark, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Holland, India, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mauritius, New Zealand, Peru, Poland, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, UAE and USA. They are available to talk with you about the countryside, culture, fashion, food, heritage, music and sport. They have made Britain their home and bring an international flavour and their particular cultural perspective – for example if you want to get an Aussie’s perspective on recreating the beer brewed for the 1908 Olympics speak to Jasper Cuppaidge, Owner, Camden Town Brewery.
This is an exciting opportunity for the media to witness first-hand the breadth of cultural and ethnic diversity that makes Britain unique - we hope that their stories will enthusee you as much as they have us and you will take away a cache of interviews to enchant your readers and viewers.
How to use We have selected a strong selection of personalities in country categories – in an easy-to-use guide that is alphabetical with a biography, category and country. Each entry provides contact details and most people can be contacted directly. It couldn’t be easier. This is a unique opportunity to meet people from other countries who have made Britain home and celebrate what makes our country great - an essential resource during your stay and for future reference.
In the following guide you will discover restaurateurs to winners of Wimbledon, knitwear designers to sound engineers, professional footballers to hoteliers, musicians to curators, artistic directors to gardeners, and story-tellers galore.
Britain – You’re Invited.
Meet Hannah Lobelson, Wardrobe Manager, Shakespeare’s Globe; Bronte BlomhøjAurell, Founder of Scandinavian Kitchen; Ali Al-Habsi, Goalkeeper for Premier League Team, Wigan Athletic, and Loyd Grossman OBE, TV Presenter/Chef, and many more ‘Brits’ with an international twist.
Paul Gauger Global Leader, 2012 Games Media www.visitbritain.com/media
Media contacts in Americas New York Meredith Pearson PR Executive USA 845 Third Avenue, Floor 10, New York, NY 10022 T: 001 212 850 0377 C: 001 917 412 0124 E: meredith.pearson@visitbritain.org Kathleen O’Connell PR Executive USA 845 Third Avenue, Floor 10, New York, NY 10022 T: 001 212 850 0364 E: kathleen.oconnell@visitbritain.org Callum Roberts Business Development Assistant 845 Third Avenue, Floor 10, New York, NY 10022 T: 001 212 850 0336 E: callum.roberts@visitbritain.org Lisa Kearns PR & Communications Executive 845 Third Avenue, Floor 10, New York, NY 10022 T: 001 212 850 0327 E: lisa.kearns@visitbritain.org
Los Angeles Katrina Early Film Tourism and PR Manager (West Coast) 11766 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 1200, Los Angeles, CA 90025 T: 00 1 310 268 2132 F: 00 1 310 481 2960 E: katrina.early@visitbritain.org Odalys Flores E: odalys.flores@visitbritain.org
Canada Ted Flett PR & Communications Manager 160 Bloor Street East, Suite 905, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 1B9 T: 001 416 646 6676 F: 001 416 642 2240 C: 001 647.202.4184 E: ted.flett@visitbritain.org
Brazil Mitsi Goulias Press & PR Manager Centro Brasileiro Britanico, Rua Ferreira de Araujo 741, 1 Andar, Pinheiros, Sao Paulo, Sp, 05428-002 Brazil T: 0055 11 3245 7653 F: 0055 11 3245 7651 E: mitsi.goulias@visitbritain.org 4
Media contacts in APAC India and Middle East China - Beijing Tamily Liu Press & PR Executive Beijing Cultural and Education Section of the British Embassy, 4/F Landmark Building,Tower 1, 8 North Dongsanhuan Road, Chaoyang District, 100004, Beijing, China T: 0086 10 65906903 F: 0086 10 6590 0977 E: tamily.liu@visitbritain.org
China - Shanghai Bonnie Hua Press & PR Manager - China & Hong Kong VisitBritain/Cultural and Education Section British Consulate General Shanghai 1st Floor Pidemco Tower, 318 Fu Zhou Lu , Shanghai 200001, China T: 0086 21 5117 5838 E: Bonnie.Hua@visitbritain.org
Hong Kong Janice Cheung Representative HK & South China T: 00852 35157878 E: janice.cheung@visitbritain.org
India Srishti Bhatia PR Executive - India 202-203 JMD Regent Square, Merhrauli-Gurgaon Road, Gurgaon 122001, Haryana, India T: 0091 124 262 4255 M: +0091 981 003 5669 F: 0091 124 262 4200 E: srishti.bhatia@visitbritain.org
Japan Katsue Takeshima PR Manager VisitBritain, Kenkyusha Eigo Centre Bldg 3F, 1-2 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Japan 162-0825 T: 0081 03 5227 6233 F: 0081 03 5227 6240 E: katsue.takeshima@visitbritain.org
Australia Sarah Stevenson B2B and PR Executive Level 16, 1 Macquarie Place, Sydney NSW 2000 Australia T: 0061 2 8247 2248 E: sarah.stevenson@visitbritain.org
UAE and Saudi Arabia Carol Maddison Manager, UAE PO Box 33342 2nd Floor, Sharaf Building, Khalid Bin Waleed Road, Dubai, U.A.E T: 009 71 4 3960809 E: carol.maddison@visitbritain.org PR Agency: Sharon Salazar T: 00 971 4 390 1950 sharon.salazar@wallis-mc.com PLEASE ONLY CONTACT PR AGENCY THROUGH CAROL MADDISON
Media contacts in Europe Belgium Myriam De Mulder Press Executive Avenue D’Auderghem-Oudergemselaan 10 1040 Brussels T: 00 322 287 6223 M: 00 322 472 487964 E: Myriam.DeMulder@visitbritain.org
Denmark Jette Ward Representative Denmark Kristianeiagade 8, 3rd floor, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark T: 00 45 3375 5005 F: 00 45 3375 5080 E: jette.ward@visitbritain.org
France Florence Valette Communications Manager VisitBritain BP 70-154 75363 Paris Cedex 08 T: 0033 (0) 1 44 51 34 95 F: 0033 (0) 1 44 51 34 91 E: florence.valette@visitbritain.org
Germany Andrea Hetzel Media Relations Manager Dorotheenstr. 54 10117 Berlin T: 0049 30 3157 1941 F: 0049 30 31571940 E: Andrea.Hetzel@visitbritain.org Sabine Kalkmann PR Executive Dorotheenstr. 54 10117 Berlin T: 0049 30 3157 1942 F: 0049 30 3157 1940 E: sabine.kalkmann@visitbritain.org
Italy
Spain
Destination PR:
Silvia Bocciarelli Press and PR VisitBritain Italia c/o Consolato Britannico Via San Paolo 7 20121 Milano T: 00 39 02 72300228 F: 00 39 02 72020153 M: 00 39 340 3524660 E: silvia.bocciarelli@visitbritain.org
Maria Eugenia Benito Press and PR VisitBritain British Embassy Torre Espacio Paseo de la Castellana 259D 28046 Madrid T: 0034 91 714 6498 M: 0034 647 57 36 54 E: maria.benito@visitbritain.org (not open to the public)
Jo Leslie Head of International Destination PR T: 0044 (0) 20 7578 1037 E: jo.leslie@visitbritain.org
Netherlands
Sweden
Margot Eggink Media Relations Manager Prins Hendrikkade 186, 1011 TD Amsterdam (Postal address Postbus 20650, 1001 NR Amsterdam) T: 00 31 206077706 F: 00 31 206186868 E: margot.eggink@visitbritain.org
Helene Hofverberg Press and PR Manager Box 3102, SE- 103 62 Stockholm T: 00 46 8 4401 706 M: 00 46 702 58 64 53 E: helene.hofverberg@visitbritain.org
Norway
Switzerland/Austria
Kim Lovlie Marketing Executive VisitBritain Norway British Embassy 0244 Oslo T: 00 47 23 13 65 80 M: 00 47 971 04 944 E: kim.lovlie@visitbritain.org
Andrea Hetzel Media Relations Manager Dorotheenstr. 54 10117 Berlin T: 0049 30 3157 1941 F: 0049 30 31571940 E: Andrea.Hetzel@visitbritain.org
Poland Joanna Sosnowska Marketing Representative VisitBritain British Council, Al. Jerozolimskie 59 00-697 Warszawa T: 0048 22 695 59 25 E: joanna.sosnowska@visitbritain.org
Russia Ekaterina Merenchuk PR & Marketing Executive 10 Smolenskaya Naberezhnaya, Moscow, 121009 T: 00 74 95 95 67 310 E: ekaterina.merenchuk@visitbritain.org
Sabine Kalkmann PR Executive Dorotheenstr. 54 10117 Berlin T: 0049 30 3157 1942 F: 0049 30 3157 1940 E: sabine.kalkmann@visitbritain.org
Media contacts in London 2012 Games Media: Paul Gauger Global Leader 2012 Games Media T: 0044 (0) 20 7578 1180 M: 0044 (0) 7884 233 647 E: paul.gauger@visitbritain.org
Val Austin International Press Visits Manager T: 0044 (0) 20 7578 1039 E: val.austin@visitbritain.org Rose Hughes International Press Visits Officer T: 0044 (0) 20 7578 1038 E: rose.hughes@visitbritain.org Emma Fitzgerald International Press Visits Officer T: 0044 (0) 20 7578 1032 E: emma.fitzgerald@visitbritain.org Emma Wilkinson International Press Visits Officer T: 0044 (0) 20 7578 1156 E: Emma.Wilkinson@visitbritain.org Rmishka Singh PR Editor T: 0044 (0) 20 7578 1155 E: Rmishka.Singh@visitbritain.org Corporate PR: Mark Di-Toro Press Officer T: 0044 (0) 20 7578 1098 M: 0044 (0) 7919 392 137 E: mark.di-toro@visitbritain.org David Leslie Coporate PR Manager T: 0044 (0) 20 7578 1141 M: 0044 (0) 7919 392 137 E: david.leslie@visitbritain.org
Julian Jacome Broadcast Media Manager, 2012 Media T: 0044 (0) 20 7578 1188 E: Julian.Jacome@visitbritain.org
5
CONTENTS
6
Australia
Greece
Nigeria
Austria
Holland
Peru
Belgium
India
Poland
Bolivia
Italy
Singapore
Brazil
Jamaica
Slovakia
Canada
Japan
South Africa
China
Kenya
Spain
Cuba
Lithuania
Sweden
Cyprus
Luxembourg
Denmark
Macedonia
France
Malaysia
Germany
Mauritius
United States of America
Ghana
New Zealand
Zanzibar
Thailand United Arab Emirates
AUSTRALIA Sue Broadway
Jasper Cuppaidge
Director of The Exhibitionist
Owner, Camden Town Brewery
Sue Broadway has been making and performing work in the fields of circus and physical theatre since she toured the world as a founding member of Circus Oz. She was co-artistic director and performer with Ra Ra Zoo in London through the ‘80’s and early ‘90’s. She was the Circus Director for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Sydney Olympic Games and for the Asian Games, Doha 2006. She was also Associate Producer – Circus and Street Events - of Festival Melbourne 2006 at the London, England Commonwealth Games. She was Artistic Director of the Cultural Programme of the Oxfam Youth Partnerships Conference in Sydney, 2004 and 2007, and in New Delhi, 2010. Sue was awarded an Australia Council Fellowship in 1998 to pursue her fascination with Vaudeville and from this generated a show Eccentric Acts which toured all over Australia and to the UK and Brazil. From 2001 to 2003 she taught, directed and performed with A Nose of Her Own – a women’s clown project – in Wollongong, and created two shows Waiting Not Drowning and Baggage Carousel. She has twice performed her solo work at the Andorra Women’s Clown Festival. From 2006 to 2009 she was the Artistic Director at Strange Fruit, during which time she co-directed two shows with the deaf artists of Graeae Theatre Company in London and created a new work Ringing the Changes which premiered at the Melbourne International Arts Festival. She is currently directing the Moomba Parade for the third time running, and preparing for two projects in the UK – a performance event for the Olympic Torch Relay and an event for the Road Show Festival in Exhibition Road – The Exhibitionists.
I moved to London from Brisbane, Australia, 15 years ago. Started working in bars and pubs before becoming general manager of a few places. Bought the Horseshoe pub in Hampstead and started brewing beer in the cellar. From there decided to start a new brewery in Camden Town. We started selling Camden Town Brewery beer in September 2010 and are now the 3rd biggest brewery (volume) in London. We have a bar at the brewery so visitors can come and drink beer here (the freshest beer in London, England town) and tour the brewery. We’re also making a beer for the Olympics – the first London Olympics were in 1908 and at that time there was another brewery in Camden, called Camden Brewery. We’re looking back at the old brewing records and recreating a beer for London 2012 that would’ve been drunk during London 1908.
Contact: Anna Arthur Telephone: 020 7836 7660 Email: Anna@arthurleone.com Website: www.suebroadway.com Index
Top tips: Drink the best of the local beer on offer in London! There’s some brilliant beers being made here right now!
Contact: Mark Dredge Telephone: 0207 485 1671 (Brewery) / 07919577571 (Mobile) Email: mark@camdentownbrewery.com Website: www.camdentownbrewery.com 7
AUSTRALIA Pat Cash Winner of Wimbledon Pat Cash first came to the tennis world’s attention as a junior player in the early 1980s. He was ranked the top junior player in the world in 1981, and in 1982 he won the junior titles at both Wimbledon and the US Open. He turned professional in 1982 and won his first top-level singles title that year in Melbourne. Cash established a reputation on the tour as a hard-fighting serve-and-volleyer and for wearing his trademark black-and-white checked headband London, England and his cross earring. In 1983, Cash became the youngest player to play in a Davis Cup final. The crowning moment of Cash’s career came at Wimbledon in 1987. Having already beaten Mats Wilander in the quarter finals and Jimmy Connors in the semi finals, Cash defeated the World No. 1, Ivan Lendl, in the final. Cash sealed the victory by climbing into the stands and up to the player’s box at Centre Court, where he celebrated with his family, girlfriend and coach, Ian Barclay. This started a Wimbledon tradition that has been followed by many other champions at Wimbledon and other Grand Slam tournaments since. Since his retirement from the tour, Cash has resided mainly in London, coaching top players. He opened a tennis academy on the Gold Coast of Australia and has coached numerous top ranked Australian juniors. He is opening academies in Koh Sumui, Thailand, and in the Caribbean in St Lucia and the Dominican Republic. He has also worked as a TV commentator primarily for the BBC. A father of four, Cash is a keen guitar player and he took to the stage with INXS at his Australian tennis Hall of Fame induction at the 2003 Australian Open and has played with his own band at various events and festivals. Cash continues to be a draw card on both the ATP and Champions Cup legends tours having won the Hall of Fame event in Newport Rhode Island in 2008.
Did you know: • Cash is one of only four players to who have won both the junior and senior titles at Wimbledon. Björn Borg, Stefan Edberg and Roger Federer are the other three. •
He was tennis director and coach of the stars for the movie Wimbledon featuring Kirsten Dunst and Paul Bettany.
•
Cash has jammed on stage with members from bands such as Iron Maiden, Thin Lizzy, Rose Tattoo, Bad Company, The Cult, The Pretenders and more. He is thanked in the liner notes of the Iron Maiden albums ‘Somewhere in Time’ (album) and ‘Piece of Mind’ (Iron Maiden album) and featured in the band's documentary ‘Flight 666’.
•
He recorded the Led Zeppelin song Rock and Roll for the Armenian earthquake appeal playing guitar with John McEnroe and having Roger Daltrey (The Who) singing and Nicko McBrain and Steve Harris (Iron Maiden) doing drums and bass.
•
Pat is a qualified Reiki healer and Tarot card reader and has a love of alternative and spiritual healing.
•
In May 2001, Cash lost a clay-court exhibition match to the future World Number 1 Rafael Nadal, who was then only 15 years old.
•
Cash and Wilander played the first Grand Slam final in history indoors (Australian Open 88) after rain delays forced the closing of the roof midway through.
Contact: Duncan March (Manager) Telephone: 020 7288 7691 / 07956 447 811 Email: Duncan@patcash.co.uk / Duncan@etglobal.co.uk Website: www.patcash.co.uk 8
Index
AUSTRALIA Dr Tim Entwisle Director of Conservation, Living Collections and Estates- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Dr Tim Entwisle is a highly respected scientist and scientific communicator, with a broad interest in plants, science and gardens. He joined Kew in 2011 from the Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust in Sydney, where he was Executive Director for over eight years. Tim has responsibility for Horticulture at Kew Gardens, Wakehurst Place, Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank, Estates, and Conservation. Tim has worked as a scientist and senior manager in botanic gardens for nearly 20 years; and before that as a London, England Post-doctoral Fellow at The University of Melbourne after taking his PhD from La Trobe University on freshwater algae. Tim is author of over 70 scientific publications, including three books. While working at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne, Tim co-edited and contributed to the four-volume Flora of Victoria. He led planning and initial fund-raising for a £52m Capital Works programme leading up to the Botanic Gardens Trust’s Bicentenary in 2016. During his time as Executive Director the Trust has raised over £25m in capital funds and built a number of major buildings and gardens.
Contact: Bronwyn Friedlander Telephone: 020 8332 5605 Email: pr@kew.org Website: Press page- www.kew.org/about-kew/press-media/index.htm Kew home page- www.kew.org/index.htm
Index
Palm House at Kew Gardens Kew, London 9
AUSTRALIA Alesha Gooderham
Bill Granger
Executive Director/Owner, Snape Maltings
Food Writer & Restaurateur, Granger & Co
Living on the coast and yet only an hour from the world’s most exciting city, London. The mixture of history, culture and landscape within each county. Working with artists and producers for English made products. eg. stationery, textiles, pottery and food I have four children, two born in England and two born in Australia, so fortunate to mix both nationalities into our family and work life.
A self-taught cook, food writer and restaurateur, Australian Bill Granger opened his first restaurant, ‘bills’, in 1993 in the inner-Sydney suburb of Darlinghurst, at just 22 years old. This was followed by two other restaurants in Sydney - in 1996 and 2005. All have become firm favourites with both locals and tourists alike. In 2009, Bill and his family relocated to London and his first London restaurant, Granger & Co opened in November 2011 on Westbourne Grove. Bill also has four restaurants in Japan.
Suffolk, England
London, England
His nine cookbooks have become international bestsellers and been translated into several languages; his tenth is due to be released in autumn 2012. Bill also works regularly with various gourmet magazines all over the world and his three TV series have been viewed in over 30 countries. Appearance fee may apply.
Contact: Alesha Gooderham Telephone: 01728 688 303 Email: alesha@snapemaltings.co.uk / info@snapematings.co.uk Website: www.snapemaltings.co.uk 10
Contact: Sarah Canet / Alice Stanners / Ailsa Wheeler Telephone: 020 7610 9821 Email: Sarah@spoon-pr.com / alice@spoon-pr.com / ailsa@spoon-pr.com Website: www.grangerandco.com
Index
AUSTRALIA Brett Graham Owner/Chef, The Ledbury Brett Graham came to Britain from his native Australia in 2000 and, quite fortuitously, landed himself a job in one of the finest kitchens in London, namely Philip Howard's The Square. Just two years after his arrival, he won one of the industry's most prestigious awards, Young Chef of the Year. Meanwhile, at The Square, he had managed to climb the ranks to senior sous chef. In 2005, Graham launched The Ledbury with the backing of Howard and restaurateur Nigel PlattsLondon, England Martin. Since then he has really hit the heights: The Ledbury picked up its second Michelin star in 2010 and Graham's latest venture, The Harwood Arms, also received its first star some 18 months after opening in Fulham. ‘Cooking in London is really exciting and I love the energy of London. There is such a wide range of cultures and restaurants. When I’m not working I enjoy shooting and being out in the countryside,’ he says. Awards: Michelin Guide 2010: awarded two Michelin stars. Restaurant Magazine: Top 100 Restaurant Awards 2010 – voted No 1 and Restaurant of the Year. Zagat London Restaurants 2011 – No 1 Food Rating with 29/30.
Contact: Brett Graham Telephone: 020 7702 9090 Email: info@theledbury.com Website: www.theledbury.com
Index
11
AUSTRALIA Professor Stephen D Hopper FLS Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Professor Stephen Hopper is the 14th Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. He holds Visiting Professorships at the University of Reading, The University of Western Australia and at Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Perth. He was awarded a Commonwealth Centenary Medal for service to the community in 2003. He was honoured to become a Fellow of the Linnean Society and a Corresponding Member of London, England the Botanical Society of America in 2007, and received the Nancy T. Burbidge Memorial Medal from the Australian Systematic Botany Society in 2008. Stephen Hopper is a plant conservation biologist, best known for pioneering research leading to positive conservation outcomes in south-west Australia. Apart from extensive research in south-west Australia, Stephen Hopper has explored Australian deserts since 1980, and conducted field research in the USA since 1990 and South Africa since 1997. He is author/co-author of some 250 scientific publications (134 peer reviewed), and 14 books and monographs. He joined Kew, a World Heritage site and global plant science powerhouse, in October 2006, where he steered the preparation of celebrations for the organisation’s 250th anniversary in 2009. He has also led the development of a forward ten-year Breathing Planet Programme for Kew and its global partners. This collaborative programme aims to make an urgent and necessary step change in the application of science-based plant diversity solutions towards sustainable living and a reasonable quality of life in the face of accelerating climate change and the loss of biodiversity.
Contact: Kew Press Office Telephone: 0208 332 5684 / 07717 311 740 Email: pr@kew.org Website: www.kew.org 12
What do you like about living here? London is a culturally vibrant and rich city, as well as a magnet and hub for international visitors. London's global importance and centrality enables me to engage with a rich spectrum of people and organisations, private and government, interested in plants, and the contribution that Kew and its partners are making to plant-based solutions to global environmental change and addressing, and hopefully reversing, the ongoing loss of plant and fungal diversity. I am also lucky enough to live on site at Kew, having the surreal opportunity to enjoy 300 acres of a World Heritage site, with the richest collections of plants on the planet, in an organisation with a 250-year history as a centrepiece for plants and their use in human affairs, every day I'm in London. I am privileged to hold the best botanical job in the world. What’s your favourite part of the country? A difficult one. Kew is my everday lifeblood. My wife and I walk Kew most mornings before breakfast and I can't imagine a more engaging nor enjoyable way to begin the day in London. We pinch ourselves every time we circumnavigate Kew to remind us what an honour and a privilege it is. I have a special affection for the more remote and rugged parts of the UK in Scotland, Ireland and Wales, but I also enjoy the High Weald on the Downs south of London where Kew's countryside annnex at Wakehurst Place is based, with the Kew's Millennium Seed Bank, a biodiversity attraction accessible to the public and very much worth visiting. What are you looking forward to around 2012 and the Olympics? The London Olympics and 2012 will be a time when the international spotlight is brightest on the city. Kew will play its part in offering visitors a range of world-class experiences. Those seeking a little green respite from the hustle and bustle of the city and Olympics site will find it at Kew, with unforgettable collections and World Heritage botanic garden structures to walk among and enjoy. I also look forward to the progressive trend towards an ever greener Olympic Games, with London setting new standards. We all need to look at our own lifestyle and ways of engaging with the world if we are to chart sustainable ways of living in a rapidly changing and warming world. We need to imagine and deliver ways of living sustainably with nature, rather than fostering continuing loss of irreplaceable biodiversity. Kew and its global partners remain focused on plant-based solutions to this challenge, and I am most looking forward to sharing ideas and engaging with visitors to London on such fundamentally important issues for the future of people and the planet. Index
AUSTRALIA Alex Jones Landscaper, Gardener and Designer - London Designing and building gardens for top London hotels and private properties in some of London’s best known postcodes, whether this is roof terraces in Belgravia or hotel gardens frequented by showbiz and royalty alike.
London, England
What I like about living in the UK The fact that London has so much to offer, north, east, south and west. Wherever you go there is something exciting to do. I love that there is still so much more to discover… also I can go to Europe for the weekend.
It is always busy, exciting and unpredictable. The enthusiasm and interest for gardening in London. We have all kinds of people stop and chat with us while on the job. Top tips: 1. Use a bicycle or walk to see London. You see and discover so much. I love the way London is a series of villages all joined together. You do not see that on the tube. 2. When exploring London, look up. you see fascinating detail in all the buildings. 3. Use the Thames, you see London from a completely different perspective. Head east for historic London or west to the leafier, greener parts of London.
I feel that I am part of something. London has been here for so long and to be amongst that history is amazing. The old time manners and etiquette. Be it getting “a round in” at the pub, holding open doors, thank you notes in the mail, “good mornings” etc. What I like about working in the UK That my daily commute takes me passed Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and places from the Monopoly board. After 15 years, I still get a buzz from that. Going to the flower market very early and being part of the traditional hustle and bustle with all the characters that go with it. Then starting work and seeing London wake up.
Contact: Alex Jones Telephone: 07872 319 567 Email: londongardens@btinternet.com Website: N/A
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AUSTRALIA Tamara Kobiolke Hotel Missoni, Edinburgh I arrived in Scotland thinking I would stay for six months, possibly a year. That was in April 1999. I have tried to leave a number of times, but I keep getting drawn back. I love living here. The lifestyle in Edinburgh is clearly very different to the beach life I had in Australia and that’s exactly what I love. The distinction between seasons and the vast variety of landscape that you can experience in just an hour’s journey time, from the beautiful beaches of East Lothian and Eask Neuk of Fife, to the Pentlands, and only 90 minutes from Loch Lomond. With two great, and very different, cities in between.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Top tips: 1. Getting lost on the cobble stone streets of Edinburgh and enjoying the cafe culture. 2. Taking a picnic up Ben Lomond and stopping at the Glengoyne Distillery on the way home. 3. Cycling around Loch Katrine.
Contact: Tamara Kobiolke Telephone: 0131 240 1660 Email: Tamara.kobiolke@hotelmissoni.com Website: www.hotelmissoni.com 14
Loch Lomond Sitrling, Scotland Index
AUSTRALIA Hannah Lobelson Wardrobe Manager, Shakespeare’s Globe In the same year that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II celebrates sixty years on the throne with the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, and the world looks to London as it hosts the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Shakespeare’s Globe embarks upon its most ambitious and exciting year yet. Shakespeare’s Globe is one of the most popular visitor destinations in the UK, at the heart of the regeneration of London’s Bankside. Together the Globe Theatre, Globe Education, Globe Exhibition London, England and Tour offer a unique setting to explore Shakespeare in performance. The Globe has always been an international story, the vision of an American, which welcomes international audiences into its oak embrace. It has also sought to take the Globe’s work back out into the world through international touring and education programmes. Hannah moved to London in 2004 after studying Fashion at the Fashion Design Studio, The Sydney Institute of Technology in Sydney. Her first job in London was working for director Steven Spielberg on the film Munich.
Shakespeare’s Globe press office has prepared a selection of international feature and interview ideas, along with a 2012 press pack, and extensive images and b-roll footage. For more information, please contact Louise Gilbert or visit www.shakespearesglobe.com/about-us/press Languages Spoken: Spanish, English. Appearance fee may apply.
She started at the Globe as Wardrobe Assistant in 2005 and subsequently became Wardrobe Manager. She has also worked for the National Opera House and the Royal Shakespeare Company. This year Hannah will work with designer Jenny Tiramani on Original Practice costumes - a way of creating Elizabethan clothing today using the same materials and techniques that were used in Shakespeare's day - which means no velcro, poppers and sewing machines. They use the same dyes, materials, washing practices and hand sewing techniques that were used in the 1600's. Hannah will be working with awardwinning actor Mark Rylance for our 2012 Theatre season. Mark Rylance will take on two of Shakespeare's major characters - the title role in a new production of Richard III and a reprisal of his widely celebrated performance of Olivia in Twelfth Night, 10 years after its original premiere; both of which will be staged as 'Original Practices' productions.
Contact: Louise Gilbert Telephone: 020 7902 1476 Email: louise.g@shakespearesglobe.com Website: www.shakespearesglobe.com
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Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Bankside, London, England 15
AUSTRALIA Liam Lynch
Greg Malouf
Managing Director - T13
Chef & Food Writer, Petersham Nurseries Cafe
Liam is a change maker and Managing Director/owner of Square Pit Productions. Liam creates and delivers sustainable social enterprises. He delivered “Bridges�, Northern Ireland's first Urban Sports Park and he conceived and delivered the T13 concept, totally unique to Ireland. He has also designed and built Ramprage, Ireland's number one extreme sports roadshow. T13 is a former Harland and Wolff ship warehouse at Northern Ireland the heart of the Titanic Quarter and this concept venue is at the centre of urban and extreme sports events in Belfast, attracting competitors from all over the world.
London is a huge cultural mix, with exotic food interests from Asia Minor to North Africa. Living in Richmond is utterly beautiful, peaceful with the bright lights of central London around the corner Top tips: 1. Hanging out at the Wolseley for breakfast, scoffing Eggs Benedict with a Bloody Mary. 2. Filthy MacNastys in Islington serves up a mean London, England pint of Guinness with a single malt chaser 3. Of course I've always been a huge fan of Petersham Nurseries! I love it here as it is the perfect place to get away from the city stress and smell the roses. Appearance fee may apply.
Contact: Liam Lynch Telephone: 07788 600387 Email: liam@squarepit.com Website: www.squarepit.com 16
Contact: Charlotte Senn Telephone: 020 8332 8655 Email: charlotte@petershamnurseries.com Website: www.petershamnurseries.com Index
AUSTRALIA Mardi Roberts Sales & Marketing Manager, RidgeView Estate
Sussex, England
RidgeView Estate is dedicated solely to the production of the highest-quality sparkling wine from traditional Champagne varieties and methods. RidgeView Estate is just 1 1/2 miles north of the highest point on the Sussex Downs Ditchling Beacon. The whole estate runs to 12 hectares, with a further 2 1/2 hectares leased. RidgeView also has new clients who have recently planted or about to plant, under its direction, some 20 hectares of vines of the "classic Champagne" varieties along the Sussex and Kent areas bordering La Manche.
Established in 1994, Ridgeview was the vision of Mike and Christine Roberts who set out to produce the highest-quality sparkling wine from traditional champagne grape varieties and methods on the South Downs of England. The combination of chalk and clay in the Downland area of South East England bears an uncanny similarity to the Champagne region. A purpose-built underground cellar was created on site to emulate the ideal conditions for long, slow bottle fermentation. All wines are hand harvested with the ultimate care, pressed in their specialist Coquard sparkling wine press and bottled on site before being placed in the cellar for ageing. Mike and Christine’s vision has carried onto the second generation of the Roberts family with their son Simon who is joint winemaker with his father, daughter Tamara is General Manager, Australian born daughter-in-law Mardi is in charge of Sales and Marketing and the recent addition of their son-in-law as IT and Operations Manager. Ridgeview produces a range of core signature blends created from the classic sparkling grapes Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Bloomsbury is Chardonnay dominant, Cavendish pinot dominant, Fitzrovia the rosé, Grosvenor 100% Chardonnay and Knightsbridge 100% Pinot. The company also creates various own-label sparkling wines for leading wine resellers.
Contact: Mardi Roberts Telephone: 01444 241441 Email: info@ridgeview.co.uk Website: www.ridgeview.co.uk
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In just 10 years of sales RidgeView has won more than 160 medals and trophies including English Wine of the Year four times, numerous medals and trophies in international competitions and a recent award beating off the likes of Charles Heidsick and Tattinger. The estate’s wines have been highly praised by all the leading industry wine reviewers, including Jancis Robinson who recently commented that one of its wines was akin to a rustic ‘Bollinger’. What do you like about living here? The South Downs where we live really is a beautiful part of country with the vibrance and fun of Brighton on our doorstep. The compact nature of England, as compared to the vastness of Australia, is great for getting around. On the south coast of England we are only a one-hour train journey from London, which is a fantastic city to visit and I am always discovering different areas. London has incredibly beautiful parks, is surprisingly green and leafy and there is always something going on. The culture in England is so diverse with fantastic museums, art galleries, exhibitions, theatre, festivals and events. The BBC is terrific for the various radio programmes, TV, news and as a web resource. The pubs in England are fantastic and there is always a different one to suit your mood with great food. The curry houses are brilliant, so are the fish and chips and mushy peas, full English breakfasts and Sunday papers. The seasons in England are so diverse with spectacular autumns and spring. The music scene is brilliant with festivals and all the best bands touring. Coming from a country that is only 200 years old, the history and architecture constantly amaze me and one of the best things is having access to Europe and all its diversity on your doorstep. From a wine perspective it is fantastic that every wine outlet, and many pubs and restaurants, has such a good selection of wines from around the world. There is also a very strong wine culture and good education resources including great journalists, excellent general media publications and high-quality competitions. Like Australians, most English people are sports mad so I definitely get my sports fix including a very healthy banter with English friends over Australian sporting teams. I have also got used to the intricacies of soccer or football as they call it, even if you do need quite a lot of patience to witness goals.
Best Sparkling Wine in the World - Decanter Trophy In September Ridgeview beat world-famous Champagne houses to win one of the most important awards in the wine industry, named as the best sparkling wine in the world. www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/wine/7974936/English-wine-beats-champagne-to-win-Decanter-trophy.html 17
AUSTRALIA Mick Smith
Caolan Vaughan
Porthminster Beach Café Chef/Partner
Production Manager at Thornbridge Brewery
I love living in the UK as there is a real sense of seasonality, amazing produce, history and providence. So many food and hospitality influences so close!
I moved to the UK to experience a different lifestyle, culture and to further my worldwide brewing experience. Very happy to be working and loving Sheffield/Peak District. The UK is my mother’s birthplace so it’s a home away from home. As a gateway to Europe, it offers a great basecamp for me to travel while working fulltime in the UK. The Peak District is simply beautiful. Coming from Derbyshire, England an outdoor loving culture the UK does have a lot to offer; I love climbing and hiking in the Peak. Living outside London offers a different perspective of what real life in the UK is like, this has been a great opportunity to meet people other than Australians living in London. As we all know there are a lot of us over here. The people are very special. Beautiful and diverse country with a vast amount of hidden gems
Cornwall, England
Contact: Mick Smith Telephone: 01736795352 Email: pminster@btconnect.com Website: www.porthminstercafe.co.uk 18
Contact: Caolan Vaughan Telephone: 07739343515 Email: Caolan@thornbridge.co.uk Website: www.thornbridgebrewery.com Index
AUSTRIA Andrea Bristow
Angelique Thompson (aka “Upton Girl”)
Owner/Director of GreenWood Forest Park Ltd. Andrea Lived in London then Bangor for three years in the early 80s. Then 3.5 years in Northern Sudan followed by 3.5 years in Bedfordshire before returning to North Wales with Stephen to set up an environmental education centre called GreenWood Forest Park, aimed at the primary school market. GreenWood opened in 1993 and by 2007 was attracting 145,000 visitors per year, making it the leading family attraction in North Wales.
Proprietor, Upton House
Wales
GreenWood has always had a green ethos, from the Welsh oak framed, medieval design Visitor Centre to the Green Dragon - the world’s first people powered roller coaster and the BareFoot Trail. All rides and activities require the visitor to do some work, and by the end of a full day the children (and adults too) have had a great deal of fun and exercise. I like living and working in Wales because of the Welsh air, the diversity of people’s interests and the great Welsh community spirit.
My top 3 tips for foreigners moving to Wales are: 1. Learn Welsh 2. Join a Welsh choir 3. Be respectful and interested in Welsh culture
Born in 1971 in Austria grown up with a mother who loved cooking, baking and opera music. Studied Law in Vienna and passion for antiques and interiors developed at the flee markets in Vienna and Paris. Spend years abroad in Germany and USA. More studies brought Angelique to London for Interior Design and History of Art. Worked at Auction House Christies before working Cornwall, England and later running several furniture shops before setting up own Interior Design Company in Bristol. Married to Husband Paul. Bought properties in Cornwall before relocating and the purchase and complete refurb of derelict shop and private dwelling that became 5* Guest House and Interior Design Shop in April 2011. Top Tips: Move around, enjoy City and Country life in England with all it has to offer from amazing fireworks on bonfire night at Battersea park, to the smallest village fete in Yorkshire. Take any job even unpaid if it gets you closer to your dream, the bad jobs are the ones you learn the most from. Go clothes shopping in Glasgow and wake up the next day in Fowey, Cornwall where the mist sits over the estuary.
Languages Spoken: German, English.
Languages Spoken: German, Welsh, some Arabic.
Contact: Mrs Andrea Bristow Telephone: 01248 671493 Email: abristow@greenwoodforestpark.co.uk Website: www.greenwoodforestpark.co.uk
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Contact: Angelique Thompson Telephone: 01726 832732 Email: info@upton-house.com Website: www.upton-house.com/ 19
BELGIUM
BOLIVIA
Delphine Boel
Ximena Cordova
Artist
Phd in Carnival, university lecturer, founder and organiser of Tyne Carnival
Je suis Londonien….. I am a Londoner….. or at least I have been for most of my life. I came to London from Belgium with my mother when I was eight years old. London became my sanctuary and the place that shaped the better parts of my personality. London offered me a chance for freedom, liberty and through struggle and hard work it has given me a better future. London brings out the best in me. London, England Having graduated from the Chelsea School of Art and living the majority of my life in London, I am not just known as a Belgian artist, but as a British/Belgian artist. This is a special and proud distinction for me since many of my artworks are about my Belgian roots, but expressed in a British manner; provocative but with humour and a touch of sarcasm. As an emotional artist my work is a reflection of my life, my experiences and how I see and observe the outside world. I like to work big – the bigger the better. The work is often kitsch and full of bright colours. The artworks are mixed-media featuring sculpture, painting, neons, video installations and performances. My topics find their own medium and materials. The artists that I feel closest to are Tracy Emin and Louise Bourgeois.
Ximena is a specialist in Carnival and went to study with the leading Bolivian Carnival in Oruro, Bolivia, joining one of the troupes to perform, and inform, her PhD on this subject. She is the founder and organiser of the Tyne Carnival, an inclusive annual event of which the 2nd Tyne Carnival will take place on Saturday 30 June as part of ¡VAMOS! Festival, a NewcastleGateshead, England North East-wide festival that promotes Spanish and Portuguese speaking cultures with 6-weeks of events, this year between 1 June – 15 July 2012. She is also doing a talk on ‘Dancing with the Devils at the Oruro Carnival’ at Newcastle University on 28 June. The Festival itself has been awarded the Inspire Mark. Languages Spoken: Spanish, English.
There are many great things about London hosting the 2012 Olympics, but for me it is especially satisfying that the world gets a chance to see and experience first-hand this creative place that welcomed me as a child and still inspires and challenges me today.
Contact: Jim O’Hare Telephone: +32 (0) 472316 623 Email: jimohareuk@aol.com Website: www.delphineboel.com
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Contact: Cait Read Telephone: 07811 320447 Email: vamospr@gmail.com Website: www.vamosfestival.com
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BRAZIL Mr Luiz Hara (The London Foodie) Le Cordon Bleu Grande Diplome student – former investment banker, food blogger and supper club host.
London, England
I am an Italian-Japanese Brazilian who made London home 20 years ago. I am passionate about good food, and travelling to discover new dishes and cuisines. I used to work for a German investment bank but have recently left the City to pursue a career in food. Just as mad about wine, I also hold an Advanced Certificate from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET). I have been writing as The London Foodie since 2009, and feature among Wikio's top 20 London blogs.
The three good things about living and working in the UK are; this is one of the most meritocratic societies I have experienced. It doesn't matter where you are from, your background or colour, if you are good at what you do and have determination you will succeed. London has become one of the most gastronomically exciting places in the world in the last 15 years, and I cannot imagine anywhere else I would rather be for fantastic food, be it Japanese, Persian or Italian, than our capital. This is only possible due to the cultural melting pot that London has become, making it arguably the most eclectic world city. Languages Spoken: Portuguese, English.
I love eating good food - either at restaurants I review for the site or dishes I cook at home. I cook regularly and take great pleasure having friends over for dinner. I have started the London Cooking Club and host a monthly dinner party with 12 readers of the blog – a mix of regular and new readers. Since leaving investment banking, I moved to Tokyo to do Japanese food research, recipe writing and work at a Japanese Izakaya (casual Japanese restaurant). I returned to London in early 2012 to start the Grand Diplome at Le Cordon Bleu and the Japanese Supper Club, which I now run from my home in Islington, north London. The Japanese Supper Club has gained much popularity recently, having been reviewed by the Evening Standard, Singapore Airlines Inflight Magazine and the Brazilian GNT Channel and TV Record.
Contact: Luiz Hara Telephone: 07957284386 Email: luizhara@hotmail.com Website: www.thelondonfoodie.co.uk
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BRAZIL Marcello Tully Michelin Star Head Chef, Kinloch Lodge Hotel At the age of 14 Marcello Tully entered the catering industry, working part time in London as a commis-chef in a French restaurant, where he discovered a passion for food that would shape his career. He went on to study food at college and upon completion caught the eye of Albert Roux. For the following six years Marcello worked for Albert, honing his skills in developing new dishes. It was here that Marcello discovered a talent for getting the very best out of the simplest Scotland of ingredients. Marcello worked in a number of Roux establishments including; Albert’s then 3 Michelin star restaurant in Mayfair, Le Gavroche, Rouxl Britannia restaurant and La Boucherie Lamartine, moving on to be Albert’s head-chef at Home Roux. Following his years with the Roux Brothers’, Marcello took the vast experience he had gleaned from them and moved into the food development industry. Creating high-end dishes for the retail and airline sectors, Marcello’s products gained an exceptional reputation for being of the very highest quality within the catering industry. By 2008, Marcello had established himself as one of the UK’s top chefs and was approached by Scotland’s award winning cook and food writer Claire Macdonald. Claire was looking for a high calibre chef to head up the kitchens at her award-winning hotel, the luxurious Kinloch Lodge on the Isle of Skye, and Marcello knew he could bring something special to the role. He accepted the position, moving his family from Buckinghamshire to the Isle of Skye, and has since worked closely with Claire, developing the menu to create a fine dining experience to rival the very best in the UK. Within a year of arriving at Kinloch, Marcello and his team were awarded 3 AA rosettes for the restaurant. This was followed a year later by a much coveted Michelin Star, with his style of cooking being described in the current Michelin Guide as “Classical cooking displaying some clever modern touches” .
VisitScotland have also recognised Marcello’s talent and skills by awarding the Kinloch restaurant with a Gold Eat Scotland Award. In 2010 Marcello was invited to represent Scotland for Diageo’s whisky festival in South America. He has also represented Scotland at the prestigious Lust auf Genuss food festival in Germany. Awards: Michelin Star & Red Grape 3 AA Rosettes 3 AA Red Stars Eat Scotland Gold Award VisitScotland, 4 Stars Island Hotel of the Year, Scottish Hotel Awards 2010 Romantic Hotel of the Year, Scottish Hotel Awards 2009 What do you like about living here? The seasonal changes – There is something magical about a country with four very different seasons. Each one brings its own beauty, both with the landscape and the feel of the place. Sitting around a snug open fire in the dead of winter to watching the first signs of spring with the daffodils growing. When my family and I moved up here four years ago, we were told to expect all four seasons in one day and it’s absolutely true. The most amazing rainbows can be seen here too. What’s your favourite part of the country? My favourite part of the country would definitely have to be here – on The Isle of Skye. It’s a beautiful island to live on. The contrast of the mountains, lochs and sea is amazing. Made even more beautiful when the sun-shines!
Contact: Marcello Tully Telephone: 01471 833 214 Email: marcello@kinloch-lodge.co.uk Website: www.kinloch-lodge.co.uk
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CANADA Andrea Boyd
Assis Carreiro
Piper, National Piping Centre, Glasgow
Artistic Director & Chief Executive, DanceEast, Jerwood DanceHouse, Ipswich
Andrea Boyd was born and raised in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. From a family and community strongly steeped in piping tradition, she began piping at the age of nine. Piping is largely still considered a male world, but pipers like Andrea are showing women can be just as successful. Andrea’s piping achievements include winning the Young Piper of the Year, Benbecula, Western Isles in Glasgow, Scotland 2006; B March and B Strathspey & Reel at the Argyllshire Gathering in 2006; the Silver Medal at the Argyllshire Gathering in 2008 and the World Pipe Band Championships with St. Laurence O'Toole in 2010. In the past 12 months Andrea has performed at the William Kennedy Piping Festival, Armagh; the Gordon Duncan Memorial Competition, Celtic Connections; the Metro Cup Invitational Contest in New York and the Scots Guards Knockout Competition in Edinburgh. Andrea has a BA honours degree from St. Francis Xavier University, Nova Scotia, and an MSc in Political Communication from the University of Glasgow. Andrea is employed as a Development Officer at The National Piping Centre in Glasgow.
Chair Suffolk 2012; Artistic Director and Chief Executive of DanceEast since 2013 and led the capital appeal and building of the state of the art £8.9m Jerwood DanceHouse; nationally and internationally recognised for developing ground breaking programmes in dance including international leadership development; National Centre for Choreography and programming and leading DanceEast.
London, England
Passionate about Suffolk and Ipswich and on the steering group for a Vision for Ipswich. Honorary Doctorate and Visiting Fellow, University Campus Suffolk. Full bio attached. Other languages: Portuguese and French.
Andrea has lived in the UK for six years and loves living in the UK, and Glasgow specifically, as it is the hub of the piping world. She is now involved in the organisation of the world’s biggest piping festival, Piping Live! Glasgow International Piping Festival (6-12 August 2012), and enjoys the cultural side of Glasgow. As UNESCO city of music there is something on every night of the week and she regularly attends gigs and concerts. Andrea also loves the city’s green spaces and parks, as well as the fine restaurants and shopping in Scotland’s biggest city.
Contact: Kirsty Atkinson Telephone: 0141 440 6761 Email: kirsty@wire-media.co.uk Website: www.pipinglive.co.uk
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Contact: Emma Brightmore Telephone: 01473 295 238 / 230 Email: assis@danceeast.co.uk / emma.brightmore@danceeast.co.uk Website: www.danceeast.co.uk 23
CANADA Mark Fast
Kelly Richardson
Knitwear Designer
Artist, Mariner 9.
Mark Fast is a 30 year old Canadian born knitwear designer. He grew up outside the city of Winnipeg, in the countryside along a highway next to a forest. This minimal, peaceful lifestyle led him to wonder what life might be like beyond the familiar frontiers of Canada. Finally finding inspiration in London, Mark studied at Central Saint Martins for five years. He completed his BA there and went on to complete his MA in London, England February 2008. Mark has created knitwear for Bora Aksu, a collaboration that spanned three seasons. He has also collaborated with Stuart Vevers for the Loewe RTW AW09 show and with Christian Louboutin on shoes for his SS10 collection. Mark designs by hand on a domestic knitting machine. His work is formed onto the body as he knits, and he has devised innovative stitching techniques, blending lycra with viscose, angora or wool. He is inspired by the endless possibilities of lycra yarns, sculpting areas of tension and areas of volume over the body. Mark’s fascination with the cinema drives his creative process as he channels the energy of the characters who inspire him into his knits. Obsessed with texture, Mark’s most recent work explores the relationship of garments to the wearers body.
Contact: Anni Ahonen Telephone: 020 7851 7140 Email: press@markfast.net Website: www.markfast.net 24
Kelly Richardson was born in Burlington, Ontario, Canada and now lives and works in North Tyneside. With exhibitions at Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, CaixaForum, Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal, Centre Georges Pompidou and with her work selected for the Sundance Film Festival in 2009 and 2011, she is established as one of the most talented and exciting digital media artists of her generation. This summer Kelly Richardson is exhibiting a new NewcastleGateshead, England work called Mariner 9, commissioned by Tyneside Cinema’s programme for new media art Pixel Palace. Mariner 9 will explore the themes of the environment and our relationship with the natural world, as well as mankind’s attempts to communicate with, and discover more, about the universe. Mariner 9 presents a panoramic view of a Martian landscape set hundreds of years into the future, littered with the satellite remains from various missions to the planet. Kelly Richardson’s previous works have also featured terrestrial scenery from as far away as Texas (Leviathan, 2011) and closer to home from the Lake District (Exiles of the Shattered Star, 2006). The universal scope of her work echoes the international focus of the Olympic Games and would make her an exceptional ambassador for UK tourism in 2012. Her international standing as an artist and her experience of living in working in Whitley Bay for many years would also make her a strong and compelling spokesperson for England and the North East.
Contact: Anna Cornelius Telephone: 0191 227 5528 Email: anna.cornelius@tynesidecinema.co.uk Website: www.tynesidecinema.co.uk / www.thepixelpalace.org / www.kellyrichardson.net
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CHINA Nan Li
Dr Zhang Hongxing
Regional Business Development Manager Malmaison & Hotel du Vin Edinburgh
Senior Curator, Asian Department at the Victoria & Albert Museum
I came to the UK in 1999 to pursue my study. After finishing my first degree in Hospitality Business Management in England I moved to Scotland in 2005 to pursue my Masters degree at University of Strathclyde. After graduation I started my career in 2007 in hotel sales. I enjoy living and working in Scotland. Scotland is a beautiful country with Edinburgh, Scotland breathtaking scenery, splendid history and culture, and very friendly people. There are so many things you can do in Scotland, top three things on the list are; taking a trip to the beautiful Scottish Highlands, eating the national dish haggis, neeps and tatties for dinner, and joining a traditional Scottish Ceilidh dance with lots of friends. Languages Spoken: Mandarin Chinese, English.
Zhang Hongxing has worked as a senior curator for the Chinese Collections in the V&A’s Asian Department since 2004. The V&A holds one of the most important and comprehensive collections of Chinese art dating from 3000 BC to the present. In 2007, he co-curated the V&A’s major exhibition China Design Now. Between 2000 and 2004 Hongxing was a senior London, England curator at the National Museums of Scotland, during which time he curated several exhibitions including the Forbidden City: Treasures of an Emperor (2002), a major exhibition loaned from the Palace Museum in Beijing. He was also the editor of the accompanying catalogue The Qianlong Emperor: Treasures from the Forbidden City. Specialising in Chinese painting, Hongxing has studied at the Nanjing Arts Institute in China and completed his PhD at the School of African and Oriental Studies in London. He has lectured at the University of Edinburgh, University of East Anglia and Nanjing Arts Institute. He is currently working on a major exhibition of masterpieces of Chinese painting due to open at the V&A in 2013. Languages Spoken: English, Chinese.
Contact: Nan Li Telephone: 07779 097 673 Email: nli@malmaison.com Website: www.malmaison.com www.hotelduvin.com Index
Contact: V&A Press Office Telephone: 020 7942 2502 Email: press.office@vam.ac.uk Website: www.vam.ac.uk 25
CUBA Raul Speek Artist and Musician
Pembrokeshire, Wales
I was born in Cuba in 1958, the youngest of 11 children, and went to live with my father’s sister and her husband in Guantanamo after my mother’s death.
In 1989 my life took an unexpected twist when I was introduced to a crew from BBC Arena’s music and art series, whose documentary Havana reported on politically aware artists, poets and musicians in Cuba. As a result, I was offered a solo exhibition at Holland Park Gallery.
At 14 I won a scholarship to study navigation in Havana and it was here that I began to meet the artists and critics who were to form my future. In 1975 I went to the Institute Martires de Artemisa in Havana and, within 11 years, I had 12 solo exhibitions of my paintings in Havana and the provinces of Guantanamo and Holguin.
After a long wait for my exit visa, I arrived in London in 1991. I gradually found my feet and married Patricia, whom I had met in Cuba, who helped me greatly, arranging English lessons and helping me through my first exhibition and workshops here. Unfortunately, our relationship did not last and I found it hard to create for a while. However, eventually my work found a permanent home in the ever-changing atmosphere of Spitalfields. It was here I met artists such as Gilbert and George and Damien Hirst and it was here too, a year later, that I met Heather, whom I married 4 years later.
Castro’s Cuba provided me with a wide education and, in return, I (and other artists) was expected to take my skills out to the people in the countryside so that art could reach even those in the furthest corners of Cuba. I did this until I began my military training in 1980. It was here I found a niche painting murals and making maps. I joined the 10th October Group – the Association of Young Artists in Cuba – and became a founder member of Rene Portocarrero Serigrafia (silk screen) Workshop, sponsored by the Fondo Cubano de Bienes Culturales. Over the next 4 years I collaborated with people like Mimo Rotella, Julio de Parc and Jospeh Kosuth. I also participated in the Second Biennial of Art in Havana and, for 2 years, was Director of the State Art Gallery in Santa Cruz del Nortes outside Havana. As an artist in Cuba we were expected not just to paint but to participate in performance art, sculpture and music. I took part in visual arts collaborations with contemporary Cuban Jazz bands Mescla and Afro-Cuba at their concerts in Havana. I also participated in further projects for cultural revival in the mountains of Guantanamo and the restoration of Old Havana.
As Spitalfields developed rapidly I found myself pining for open spaces, so we decided to go to South Wales for a short break. That break has lasted until today – almost 11 years – as we visited an Old Chapel in Solva that happened to be for sale and bought it! It is our home gallery, in which there is a permanent exhibition: we both live and work in it and it is very much part of us. I exhibit regularly in other places and one trip, in 1999, was to Cuba with a BBC Wales crew – we filmed half in Solva and half in Cuba for a documentary called A Long Journey Home. It was exciting but bewildering to find myself back in Cuba after an 8-year gap. I had become a British citizen in the early 1990s and I will always live here. In Cuba art is part of community life and I would like it to be the same here. In December 2003/January 2004, St David’s Cathedral, 3 miles from our home, allowed me to hold a one-man exhibition titled The Passion. Several local schools brought parties of children along and it felt as it used to in Cuba – art became a real part of life. Since then I have exhibited abroad but have also made a point of working within Wales as this is where I found my home. Wales has changed the accent of my palette slightly and has allowed me the freedom to paint and be myself.
Contact: Raul Speek Telephone: 01437 721907 Website: www.raulspeek.co.uk 26
Languages Spoken: Spanish, English. Index
CYPRUS Tom Williamson Administration Volunteer - National Trust
Devon, England
Born in Nicosia, Cyprus, the second of six children. Our father was involved in the foundation of Fassouri Plantation near Limassol, having been born in Egypt and moving to Cyprus at the age of 5. I was initially educated in Limassol before continuing in England to O Level and completing my A Levels at English School, Nicosia and taking a year out to work at Skouriotissa Mine before returning to UK to go to University. Whilst at University I met my wife, Christine and we remained in UK.
This was just before the coup and civil war which split the Island in two. Because the Island now consisted of two countries, (one recognised by the rest of the world and the other not), I decided that I could not return as it was not the country I had known and loved. However, after 25 years, I did return to the South and have since been back to the North. My dream is to see the two parts of the Island reunited and back at peace with each other as my fondest memory is that of people from many ethnic backgrounds (Greek, Turkish, British, Armenian and many others) all living and working together and thoroughly enjoying life in a Mediterranean paradise.
Top tips for Cypriots wishing to live in UK: 1. They are normal! Drivers in UK drive on the left and, what’s more, some give way at roundabouts! 2. Almost everyone in the UK speaks English so, to a Cypriot, it should be easy to get from A to B. (However don’t rely on SatNav as you may end up on a footpath which may have been classified as a road in 1400 & something) 3. Make sure your waterproof is warm. In the UK the rain goes on forever and is cold. From my memory, the rain in Cyprus (when it occurs) is proper rain – it comes down by the bucket-load and, when finished, you can shed your lightweight (totally waterproof) coat because the sun must now shine! Languages Spoken: Can read Greek. A very minor smattering of Greek and French.
Contact: Tom Williamson Telephone: 01803 405947 / Mob: 07855996226 Email: tomwilly@blueyonder.co.uk Website: N/A
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DENMARK Bronte Blomhøj-Aurell Founder of Scandinavian Kitchen and Scandi Kitchen Trading Ltd The UK is a fantastic place to be an entrepreneur. Not only is the general perception of “doing it on your own” greatly appreciated by people around you, but there’s also a lot of support to be had from British business organisations. There really is a feeling here of being able to make it if you work hard enough for it. I really love that about Britain.
London, England Our main shop is in London and I adore this multi cultural city. We’re a mish-mash of people from everywhere in the world, but we are all united in this great city. We all belong here. London – and Britain – allows me to continue being Danish whilst being rather British at the same time. I also quite like the weather. No joke, I do: Rain is nice. Languages Spoken: English, Danish. Comprehension Swedish, Norwegian, French, German.
Contact: Bronte Blomhøj-Aurell Telephone: 07977 540 892 Email: bronte@scandikitchen.co.uk Website: www.scandikitchen.co.uk 28
Dr. Hans Christian Andersen Lecturer, Newcastle Business School (Northumbria University) Born in Denmark, resident in the UK since 1979, full-time academic, has worked at, or for, the universities of Hull, Newcastle, Northumbria, UCL and Vienna, involved in cultural events in Newcastle, freelance political commentator for Danish radio, formerly attached to the Guardian’s European Union supplement/page, academic specialist in tourism for NewcastleGateshead, England older tourists, in attractions (museums) management, in Hans Christian Andersen’s (1805-1875) life and travels and in the early development of the modern tourism industry. Newcastle/Gateshead is great for young people, for its well-developed modern city life with easy access to fantastic countryside and for having such friendly local people. Appearance fee may apply.
Contact: Hans Christian Andersen Telephone: 0191 227 3837 Email: hans-christian.andersen@northumbria.ac.uk hanschristian1@btinternet.com
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DENMARK Kit Graves Hotelier Marketing background from Denmark Been in the UK for 30 years working in the hospitality industry. Co-owns with husband six Lake District hotels employing around 450 people. Living and working in one of the most beautiful parts of the UK is obviously a huge privilege. During my time in the UK our business has experienced two recessions. However, so far we have managed to get through these difficult periods without suffering too much. I don't think it Cumbria, England is only due to our intensified marketing, but more because of where we live and work. There will always be visitors to the Lake District, we just have to be sure some of them stay with us.
2: Don't forget your roots. Take the best from both your country of origin and your new country, mix them together and use them to your advantage. I find people in Cumbria very friendly and have made good friendships here. There are also many interesting entrepreneurs that have blossomed over the last decades and inspired me and others. So apart from being famous for its beauty, its poets and its writers, the Lake District has much more to offer and I would not want to live anywhere else in the world. 3: Find a nice place to live and work, and in the hospitality industry it helps if your partner/husband is in the same line of business, as he/she otherwise might struggle to understand why you love your work so much and spend so much time doing it. Languages Spoken: Danish, English, Swedish, Norwegian and some German.
Top tips: 1: Don't get disillusioned by the negativity in the newspapers and on TV during recession times. Instead tackle the problems head-on by making your company lean and efficient, increase the marketing budget and be optimistic about the future. Being Danish I visit Denmark regularly and, in particular, love Copenhagen. A vibrant city full of good restaurants (10 Michelin restaurants in Copenhagen, but as I prefer original Danish food, I rarely visit the more fancy restaurants) and cheerful people. We also get fitter when we go to Denmark, as we walk and use our bicycles as much as possible together with the public transport system, which is very efficient. In the Lake District I enjoy walking and I'm particularly fond of the wonderful English tradition of afternoon tea, so most of our walks always end with this ritual.
Contact: Kit Graves Telephone: 017687 76551 Email: Kitberitgraves@aol.com Website: www.lakedistricthotels.net
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Waterhead Hotel Ambleside, Cumbria 29
DENMARK Charlotte Madsen Pringle Scandinavian restaurateur and caterer The entrepreneur behind Madsen is Charlotte Madsen Pringle. Charlotte is of Danish origin and born in 1977. She studied restaurant and hotel management in Switzerland before coming to London. In 2006 Madsen was started as a catering business on Charlotte’s kitchen table in East London. After two years Charlotte found a site in South Kensington to open a restaurant – building on the existing catering business. Madsen Restaurant opened in October 2008 with fifty London, England covers and a little terrace that seats eight diners. Madsen is a popular restaurant serving Danish open sandwiches, herring and a selection of traditional and modern dishes for dinner. What I like about living and working in the UK: • I like the entrepreneurial spirit here and I think it is a good place to start a business • I enjoy it is very international • I love the villages in the country-side as much as the big city of London Languages Spoken: Swedish, Norwegian, English, French.
Contact: Charlotte Madsen Pringle Telephone: 0207 225 2772 / 07932 455 146 Email: charlotte@madsenrestaurant.com Website: www.madsenrestaurant.com 30
Kensington Palace London Index
FRANCE Richard Bertinet
Raymond Blanc OBE
Chef and teacher at Bertinet Kitchen (cookery school)
Chef Patron of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons
Originally trained as a baker in Brittany, Richard has been in England since 1988 and is now very much an Anglophile. With 20 years experience in the kitchen, baking, consulting and teaching behind him, Richard came to Bath in 2005 to open The Bertinet Kitchen cookery school. As well as instilling passion through his teaching in the school, Richard works as a consultant for major manufacturers developing speciality products throughout the industry.
Born in Besançon, France, in 1949, Raymond Blanc is acknowledged as one of the finest chefs in the world. His exquisite cooking has been the major force in Britain’s food revolution over the last twenty years, and as a result he is the recipient of tributes from every national and international guide to culinary excellence.
Bath, England
Richard attracts people from all over the world to participate in his classes, in particular from America, Europe and Scandinavia. An impressive roster of guest chefs come to teach with Richard including Angela Hartnett, Clare Smyth, Mark Hix, Atul Kochhar, Michael Caines, Valentine Warner and Nathan Outlaw, many of whom return. Richard has also taught his baking skills to the brigades at a number of leading restaurants including Racine, Hix Restaurants and the Soho House Group.
Oxfordshire, England Raymond has never been formally trained. He began his career in England in 1972 as a waiter, took over the Rose Revived Restaurant when his chef became ill, and never looked back. He opened his own restaurant at the age of 28, ‘Les Quat’ Saisons’ in Oxford, and within just one year the restaurant had reached Michelin Star status. In 1984 he fulfilled a personal vision, creating the hotel and restaurant, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons which is now synonymous with all that is finest in dining and hospitality.
He has won several awards and accolades. The Bertinet Kitchen Cookery School was awarded winner for the Best Tourism Experience in the South West Tourism Excellence Awards 2009 and Richard was named as BBC Food Champion of the Year 2010. Richard has appeared on Saturday Kitchen, Market Kitchen, with Rachel Allen on her Bake! series and is often on features for local television. His most recent screening in America is a programme with New York based presenter Ruth Reichl on destination cookery schools entitled Gourmet’s Adventures with Ruth. There are a number of other appearances scheduled for this year.
Raymond is keen to share his visions, and to pioneer authentic, simple and delicious food for all. He has written a selection of best sellers, presented television series and opened the Raymond Blanc Cookery School at Le Manoir in 1991. As well as stimulating and exciting courses for adults, the school also offers courses for children.
Languages Spoken: French, English.
Appearance fee may apply.
Contact: Joanna Bertinet Telephone: 01225 445531 Email: info@thebertinetkitchen.com Website: www.thebertinetkitchen.com Index
Languages Spoken: French, English.
Contact: Tracey Clinton / Julia Sutcliffe / Claire Wilson Telephone: 01844 277 216 / 01844 271 271 / 01844 277 279 Email: Tracey.clinton@blanc.co.uk / Julia.sutcliffe@blanc.co.uk / Claire.wilson@blanc.co.uk Website: www.manoir.com / www.raymondblanc.com 31
FRANCE Ollie Couillaud Head Chef for Lawn Bistro and The Lawn Bakery Ollie Couillaud was born in Poitiers, France, in 1971. He studied at the Maison de la Formation in Poitiers, then took his Baccalauréat de Cuisine in 1988. His first cooking job, as an apprentice, was at Le Cheval Blanc in Vouillé, a family restaurant – both his mother and aunt worked there for more than 30 years and Ollie spent most of his childhood there.
London, England
Ollie moved to Canada from France in late 1988, working at Chateau Lake Louise in Alberta as Chef de Partie. He then moved to London in 1992, and his first position was as Chef de Partie with Philip Howard at The Square (then one Michelin star) from 1992-1993. He then joined Eric Chavot at Interlude de Chavot (one Michelin star) as Chef de Partie from 19931994, and then to Chez Bruce (one Michelin star) in Wandsworth, London, with chef Bruce Poole, as Sous Chef from 1994- 1998. Staying within that prestigious restaurant group, Ollie moved back to The Square in 1998 as Sous Chef when the restaurant acquired its 2nd Michelin star, and remained with Philip Howard for a further two years. His first Head Chef role beckoned with the same company when they launched La Trompette in Chiswick, west London, in 2001, where Ollie remained until 2005.
Ollie then decided to launch himself as a chef consultant, starting with The Hansom Cab in Kensington, a pub that was restored by Piers Morgan and investors, in November 2010. In addition, Ollie collaborated with some restaurateurs in Poland to open Butchery & Wine in Warsaw in March 2011. He also worked with Giant Robot, the group that owns prestigious private membership clubs such as Milk & Honey and the East Rooms – he assisted with fine tuning menu concepts and staff training. Enjoying the consultancy aspect to his career, Ollie then launched his own business – Sunshine Food Concepts – in early 2010, providing private chefs for dinners, cookery classes and tutored wine tastings. In summer 2011, Ollie then collaborated with restaurateur/investor Akbar Ashurov to plan the launch of The Lawn Bistro, which opened in Wimbledon Village in September 2011. In late April 2012, they will also launch The Lawn Bakery, also in Wimbledon Village. As Head Chef, Ollie oversees both businesses. “People are very open minded. London is a great, fun and cosmopolitan city, with so much on offer.” Languages Spoken: French & Spanish
In late 2005, Ollie joined The Dorchester Hotel in Park Lane to become Head Chef at The Grill for just over a year. Subsequently, he moved to join Tom Aikens as Head Chef for the launch of Tom’s Kitchen in Chelsea, London, in 2006. After a year, he shifted back to Park Lane to launch of Bord’eaux in the Grosvenor House Hotel, where he was Chef de Cuisine from 2007-2010.
Contact: Laeticia Loubet or Maureen Mills Telephone: 0208 947 4474 Email: info@networklondonpr.com Website: www.thelawnbistro.co.uk
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FRANCE Regis Crepy Chef Hotelier and Restaurateur in Suffolk Regis has worked in the hospitality industry for 35 years and he is one of the leading and influential chefs and restaurateurs in East Anglia. During this time he has consistently understood and delivered what his customers want – quality - delicious contemporary food, experienced and warm service and also value for money. His professional attitude and hard work has commanded tremendous loyalty and respect from customers whose votes result in national awards for his restaurants as well as from Suffolk, England his chefs and staff, many of whom have been with him for over 20 years. He organises regular popular cookery demonstrations with his chefs to raise money for charity. Born in Lille, France, Regis Crepy, 57, took a degree at the University of Lausanne. He then worked for a number of renowned French and Swiss restaurants, before moving with his wife Martine to the UK in 1985 to learn English.
Part of his success has been the very distinct identities of each of his restaurants. The cuisine is classic French but each has a character of its own, dictated by history and location. Mariners, the converted Dutch gun boat has a sophisticated brasserie style, Maison Bleue specialises in fish and sea food and was voted Good Food Guide’s East of England Restaurant of the Year for 2010 and 2012, while The Great House is the gastronomic jewel of the crown.
Spent the next 18 months working in restaurants in London and Hertfordshire before moving to Suffolk at the Great House in Lavenham – a Boutique Hotel - 15th century house situated in the heart of one of England’s finest medieval towns and once owned by the poet Stephen Spender, his brother Humphrey, the renowned photographer and artist and the writer Christopher Bush. Not really what he originally intended to do as he had his eye on working for bigger things, but he loved it, and twenty eight years on is still very much based in East Anglia. Regis bought two further restaurants, Mariners in Ipswich in 1994. And Maison Bleue in Bury St Edmunds in 1998.
Love to live in England because: Freedom of business and lifestyle. Quality of life. Customers’ loyalty. Platform to travel the world. I can source wonderful ingredients right on the doorstep. The people also are very cosmopolitan and embrace a wide range of cultures and ideas. They have a great ‘can-do’ attitude.
The accolades are testimony to Regis’s dedication: Good Food Guide’s East of England Restaurant of the Year for 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012; a César from The Good Hotel Guide 2009 for Restaurant with Rooms; AA Highly Commended Award and the AA Five Star Award for the quality of accommodation; in the Sunday Times it is one of seven of Britain’s Best restaurant with rooms; the Evening Standard London Escape voted it The Place you Need to Know. One of the 5 Acclaimed French Chefs of the ‘90th Anniversary Entente Cordiale’ – 50th Anniversary of D-Day and opening of the Channel Tunnel.
Languages Spoken: French.
Contact: Regis Crepy Telephone: Office 01787 247431 mobile 07767 225563 Email: info@greathouse.co.uk Website: www.greathouse.co.uk / www.maisonbleue.co.uk / www.marinersipswich.co.uk
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FRANCE Olivier Lavigne du Cadet Restaurateur – Zedel, London
London, England
Arrived in UK 18 years ago. Lived in London with few gaps when I went to Ireland and back to France. I always came back to the UK and London is my favourite city in the world for personal and professional reasons. Professionally, I see London as the gastronomic capital of the world (coming from a French man) as you have more types of cuisine at every level (Michelin to street food) than anywhere else in the world. The sector is vibrant and a mix of institutions and trendy new venues.
Personally, I love this city and the “English Phlegm” where everyone is accepted for who they are. This is certainly the best model of integration in the world and I never feel like a stranger here. Languages Spoken: Japanese - notion
Contact: Martine de Geus Telephone: N/A Email: N/A Website: www.brasseriezedel.com
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Eros at Piccadilly Circus London Index
FRANCE Bruno Loubet Chef Patron – Bistrot Bruno Loubet Chef Bruno Loubet recently returned to London after spending eight years in Australia, where he owned Bruno’s Tables in Brisbane, and worked at Berardo’s in Noosa and Baguette in Brisbane. Bruno was born in Bordeaux, southwest France, in 1961. He attended the Lycée Hotelier de Talence, which led to his first job as a Commis Chef at the Hyatt Regency in Brussels. After commencing National Service as Head Chef for the Admiral’s table, he earned the rank of Second Maitre. London, England Moving to London in 1982, he embarked on a Commis Chef role at La Tante Claire with Pierre Koffmann, and then on to Gastronome One, in the New Kings Road, as Head Chef where he was awarded the 1985 Good Food Guide’s Young Chef of the Year. Bruno then joined Raymond Blanc in Oxford as Head Chef at the two Michelin-starred Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons, and then moved as Chef/Manager to Le Petit Blanc, in Oxford. He returned to London as Head Chef at the Four Seasons, Inn on the Park, where he earned a Michelin star within a year. In 1992 Bruno went into partnership with Pierre Condou, opening Bistrot Bruno in Soho, which earned The Times Restaurant of the Year in 1993. Following the success of Bistrot Bruno, he opened L’Odeon in 1995, which was awarded The Times Restaurant of the Year in the following year. In 1997, Bruno ended his partnership to consult for various hotels in the UK and Asia. In 1998, Bruno joined Gruppo with Oliver Peyton, as Development Chef, where he was responsible for maintaining the standards for The Atlantic Bar and Grill, Mash (London and Manchester), Coast, The Admiralty and setting up Isola. He then decided on a lifestyle change, and moved his family to Brisbane, Australia, where he opened Bruno’s Tables, which earned two Gourmet Traveller stars in 2005, Good Life Chef of the Year 2004, and Restaurant and Catering Best Chef-owned restaurant in 2003. Bruno also wrote a regular weekly food column for the Brisbane News, as their resident chef. He then took over at Berardo’s and Baguette, before heading back to the UK in 2009.
In February 2010 Bruno opened Bistrot Bruno Loubet at The Zetter Hotel in Clerkenwell. In October 2010 Bistrot Bruno Loubet won the award for highest new entry at number 3 in the UK, at the National Restaurant Awards. Bruno’s first cookbook, Cuisine Courante, was published in 1992 by Pavilion, and a second book, Bistrot Bruno, in 1995, published by Macmillan and he is now working on a new book to come out next year. Bruno has done various TV appearances including his own 13-part series, Chez Bruno, for the Carlton Food Network, as well as stints on BBC’s Hot Chefs, Junior MasterChef and Australia’s The Great South East. Most recently Bruno appeared on the 2012 series of Masterchef as a guest chef and mentor. Bruno is married, with three daughters and lives in London. A keen gardener Bruno grows his own vegetables at home. He enjoys cooking for friends and family on his time off with the produce from his garden “London is such an exciting place for many reasons, especially restaurants. It’s a vibrant city, with huge diversity. There are amazing producers all over the country as well as accessible produce from all over the world.”
Contact: Laeticia Loubet or Maureen Mills from Network London Telephone: 020 8947 4474 Email: info@networklondonpr.com Website: www.bistrotbrunoloubet.com www.brunoloubet.com
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FRANCE Pauline Prot
Benoit Provost
HR Administrator, Sanofi (Healthcare company – Manufacturing Centre based in Fawdon)
Bar Manager / The Stafford London by Kempinski
I arrived in Newcastle six years ago to complete the final year of my diploma (English & German applied to Business and Economy). My objective was to stay one-year, spending six months at Newcastle University and six months on an industrial placement with a company, which I successfully completed. The experience was so successful that I never left Newcastle and fell in love with the city and its people.
NewcastleGateshead, England
During this process I also met my partner who had a similar experience 13 years ago – meeting a Frenchman in Newcastle was ironic but we are now both very proud of our French/Geordie twang.
Ben trained at Catering school in St. Nazaire, France for five years before travelling around Europe. The idea was to end the trip in England, where he planned to stay a year to improve his English. That was a long time ago and in 1993 Ben joined The Stafford and has been learning English ever since! In 1997 Ben became the Bar Manager replacing the late and beloved Charles, who will be proud to see the high standards and jovial atmosphere of the bar are still going strong.
London, England
Languages Spoken: English, French.
Languages Spoken: French, English. Top Tips 1. Never try to compete with a Geordie during a drinking session – you will always lose. 2. Mix with people – the Geordies are so welcoming. 3. Do not say too loud how beautiful this region is – we like keeping it to ourselves.
Contact: Pauline Prot Telephone: 07792 191112 Email: pauline.prot@sanofi.com paulineprot@hotmail.fr
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Contact: Karen Blank / PRCo USA Telephone: (212) 250 1015 Email: kblank@prco.com Website: www.kempinski.com/en/london/the-stafford-london/overview/who-is-who/ Index
FRANCE Pascal Proyart Executive Head Chef, One-O-One at the Sheraton Park Tower Pascal Proyart was born and raised in a small fishing village on the Brittany coast where his family have been restaurateurs for three generations. His formal chef training began at "Les Sorbets" Hotel School in Noirmoutier where he remained for two years, before his military service in Africa where he experimented with new flavours and cooking techniques. Pascal spent a decade working in a number of hotels and restaurants throughout London, England Europe, with Yves Mattagnes and Jacques le Divellec at the two-star Michelin Sea Grill in Brussels and the two-star Michelin Le Divellec in Paris. Proyart has won a number of catering industry awards including a "Trophée Lauffer Delta d'Or 1994" while at the Sea Grill, and a Silver Plate from "Chaîne des Rôtisseurs" in 1996. He has been Executive Chef at One-OOne since June 1998. The freshest fish, the finest French cooking, Pascal’s strong belief in sustainability and one of London’s most coveted addresses combine to make One-O-One one of the most highly acclaimed fish restaurants in London. In fact, it was recently recognised by The Sunday Times as the sixth best restaurant in Britain. Pascal has been at One-O-One in London for nearly 15 years. He loves the variety of international cuisine on offer in the city and gets excited about discovering new places and new flavours. As someone who is passionate about fish and seafood, he would definitely recommend making the early start to visit Billingsgate Fish Market in the Docklands – the atmosphere is always lively and bustling with more varieties of fish and seafood available than you can imagine! Languages Spoken: French, English.
Contact: Sarah Whitham, PR Manager Telephone: 020 7290 7107 Email: Sarah.whitham@starwoodhotels.com Website: www.oneoonerestaurant.com Index
Sheraton Park Tower London, England 37
FRANCE Alain Roux Chef Patron and Director of The Waterside Inn
Windsor, England
Alain Roux is Chef Patron and Director of the three-Michelin-star Waterside Inn at Bray. He spent eight years gaining experience in France, training first as a pâtissier in Paris then working in one, two and three-Michelin-starred French restaurants, including Restaurant Pic in Valence and La Côte Saint-Jacques at Joigny. He joined his father, world-renowned chef Michel Roux OBE, at the Waterside in 1992, working his way to sous chef in 1995 and joint chef patron in 2001. Later that same year he became chef patron, leading a team of over 60 staff.
Alain Roux commands respect around the world and is a true ambassador for his profession.The Waterside Inn has held three Michelin stars for 27 consecutive years. Only 12 restaurants can claim to have achieved this in the last 110 years and The Waterside is the only one outside of France. On living and working in the UK Alain says, “I find freedom to express myself in Britain. The people are open minded to good culinary tastes and influences from all countries and it's easy to fit into the British way of life if you come to live and work here.There cannot be a more lovely spot to welcome our guests than on the Thames at Bray." Languages Spoken: French (mother tongue). English.
Almost 30 years ago, Michel and his brother Albert founded the Roux Scholarship to develop the skills of young British chefs.Alain joined the Roux Scholarship Judging Panel in 1999 and plays a huge role in the organisation and continuity of the Scholarship which has upped the standard of British cooking across the board and influenced generations of chefs. Alain is part of the Chefs ‘Adopt a School’ scheme, visiting local schools to educate children about food and cooking and to demonstrate his skills. Alain is a Master Patissier in the International Association Relais Desserts, attending overseas seminars in the company of the best pastry chefs in the world. Alain is the only UK member of the Association.He is also a Gastronomic Ambassador for Eurostar International, advising on First Class menus.
Contact: Anne Hodgson Telephone: Telephone: 01628 620 691– Reservations and Reception Telephone: 01628 786 708 – Anne`s Direct Line at Alain Roux`s Office Telephone: 01628 771966 – General Number at Alain Roux`s Office Email: alainroux@waterside-inn.co.uk / annehodgson@waterside-inn.co.uk Website: www.waterside-inn.co.uk 38
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GERMANY Gunter Botzenhardt
Gregor Clemens
Chef Proprietor of Le Nautique Restaurant
Managing Director at Hand & Lock (embroiders)
Regarded by many to be a fine chef. Well-known and entertaining with many stories to tell about local events and food, seafood in particular. Well-known in German-speaking countries with plenty of media interviews.
Born 1982 in Leipzig, Germany. From 2006 to 2009 Head of Design ‘LAC ET MEL’ – Berlin, Germany. From 2010 to 2012 Studio Manager ‘Penrith Style’ – London, UK.
Guest chef at the Gourmet Festival – Sylt. Former president of Guernsey Chefs’ Circle.
Guernsey, Channel Islands
Since 2012 Managing Director ‘Hand & Lock’ – London, UK.
London, England
International competition chef. Languages Spoken: German.
Contact: Gunter Botzenhardt Telephone: 01481 721714 Email: lenautiquerestaurant@msn.com Website: www.lenautiquerestaurant.co.uk
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Languages Spoken: German – native. English - fluent.
Contact: Charlie Harrison Telephone: Mobile: 0044 758 1025397 Office: 0044 207 5807488 Email: gregor@handembroidery.com Website: www.handembroidery.com 39
GERMANY Max Fischer Hotelier/Chef Fischer’s at Baslow Hall Trained as a chef in Germany. Travelled/worked in France, Germany and Sweden. Attracted by work opportunity in UK. Top tips: friendly people, beautiful countryside and varied weather. Languages Spoken: German, English and French.
Derbyshire, England
Contact: Susan Fischer or Amy Wilkinson Telephone: 01246 583259 Email: susan@fischers-baslowhall.co.uk Website: www.fischers-baslowhall.co.uk 40
Baslow Hall Derbyshire, England Index
GERMANY Julia Harnischfeger Hotel Manager, Aloft London Excel Julia began her career with Starwood Hotels & Resorts in 2007 as the first Six Sigma Manager for Le Méridien Piccadilly and the former Café Royal in London. In January 2009, she was then promoted to the role of Director of Operational Innovation for Starwood’s England hotels where she was responsible for six hotels across four brands. Before joining Starwood, German-born Harnischfeger worked from 2001 as an analyst for Conrad Hotels at their global head office in London, England Brussels. She then moved to London in 2003 to take up the role of Reception Manager at The Conrad Chelsea Harbour gaining a promotion to become Director of Front Office in 2005. She holds a BA for Hotel and Restaurant Management from Washington State University, Swiss Campus. Harnischfeger is responsible for the 252-room Aloft London Excel hotel which opened on 31st October 2011. As the first Aloft hotel in the UK, Aloft London Excel has brought its innovative design, accessible technology and urban style to East London with Julia at the helm.
Julia is also a big fan of the markets you can find all over in London. Offering everything from food and clothing to quirky design items, they make a great way to while away the weekend. Languages Spoken: English, German.
Julia loves the dynamism and vibrancy of London and is very excited about the forthcoming Olympics. The ExCeL International Exhibition Centre is an official Olympic venue and is directly connect to Aloft London Excel so the hotel will really be at the heart of the action this summer. Julia is particularly fond of East London – she thinks it is a great area to explore if you are looking for unusual items or funky clothing that you won’t find anywhere else. East London also now boasts Europe’s largest shopping centre in the form of Westfield Stratford City so it is the hotspot for shopping at the moment!
Contact: Sarah Whitham, PR Manager Telephone: 020 7290 7107 Email: Sarah.whitham@starwoodhotels.com Website: www.aloftlondonexcel.com
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Royal Observatory Greenwich, London 41
GERMANY Eva Koch-Schulte Associate Producer, Shakespeare’s Globe In the same year that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II celebrates sixty years on the throne with the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, and the world looks to London as it hosts the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Shakespeare’s Globe embarks upon its most ambitious and exciting year yet. Shakespeare’s Globe is one of the most popular visitor destinations in the UK, at the heart of the regeneration of London’s Bankside. Together the Globe Theatre, Globe Education, Globe Exhibition London, England and Tour offer a unique setting to explore Shakespeare in performance. The Globe has always been an international story, the vision of an American, which welcomes international audiences into its oak embrace. It has also sought to take the Globe’s work back out into the world through international touring and education programmes. Eva Koch-Schulte is Associate Producer in the Theatre department. Eva was born and raised in Bad Driburg, Germany. Her fist role at the Globe was as an Education Intern in 1998. After studying her Masters ErlangenNuremberg, Germany, she returned to the Globe as Theatre and Music Assistant then Music Producer. Q&A with Eva Koch-Schulte Tell us about your role in the Theatre department at Shakespeare’s Globe. As Associate Producer I am involved in planning and setting up our theatre shows, tours and special events. I spend much time with paperwork like contracts, schedules, budgets and invoices. I also sort out day to day logistics around the shows, particularly for our touring companies. My favourite part of the job is welcoming and hosting the artists and looking after our performers during the season.
What do you enjoy about working at the Globe? We are a very small, ambitious team and we like to get our hands dirty! The theatre is only one part of the Globe, and it might look like a large institution from the outside, but from the inside it feels like a small, crazy, independent theatre company. All in our management team come from theatre-making backgrounds, so we love to jump in and help our performers and creative artists in practical ways. It makes the work varied and adventurous. We’ll do what it takes – from drafting contracts and solving strategic issues to brewing a vital cup of tea for an exhausted artist, driving replacement props to a touring venue or showing incoming audiences the way to alternative toilets while the main ones are broken (this only happened once). Tell us something we don’t know about the Globe. As a German, I am still flabbergasted by the fact that this busy, inventive theatre runs without government subsidy. It finances itself mostly through the money brought in by its enthusiastic audiences – and bear in mind that many of them only pay £5 per show. We have nothing like this in Germany. Over the years I have noticed that the more famous this theatre becomes, the less people seem to realise or indeed believe that we are surviving without tax money. Shakespeare’s Globe press office has prepared a selection of international feature and interview ideas, along with a 2012 press pack, and extensive images and b-roll footage. For more information, please contact Louise Gilbert or visit: www.shakespearesglobe.com Languages Spoken: German, English. Appearance fee may apply.
Contact: Louise Gilbert, Press & PR Officer 2012 Telephone: 020 7902 1476 Email: Louise.g@shakespearesglobe.com Website: www.shakespearesglobe.com 42
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GERMANY Heiko Litzke Owner of a language school and language holidays
Lake District, England
Following a round-the-world yacht race I married an Englishwoman, Clare, and we settled in Germany and started a family in 2000. Our two daughters were brought up bilingually and mastered both languages with ease by the age of two. This fact lead us to offer early English tuition to other young German children and proved to be the start of our business – teaching English to children and taking them on special language, adventure and cultural holidays to the UK.
Languages Spoken: German, English. Top tips: Embrace the cultural differences, have a good knowledge of spoken, colloquial English, and look out for the small, local businesses with original products and services.
We now run a network of language schools in the Hannover area in northern Germany and operate the “English Experience” out of the Lake District in Cumbria. Unlike many language tours on offer for teenagers, ours are more a family holiday without classroom teaching, but involving lots of outdoor activities and emphasising the differences between English and German cultures. German customers are all, without exception, absolutely enchanted by the Lake District, and many are returning for the second or third time. What I like best about the UK and, despite extensive worldwide travel wasn’t aware of before, is the natural diversity and beauty that the UK has to offer within a relatively small area. There is a rich history with lovely villages, towns and places to see. I especially like the small local attractions and museums that offer exciting educational opportunities for children (and adults alike). This is such a contrast to most German museums and attractions and so are perfect for our hands-on teaching methods. Furthermore, in the North of England, where we operate, the people’s friendliness and enthusiasm and their love of the outdoors is something that both I, and all our customers, remark on.
Contact: Heiko Litzke Telephone: +49 5130 928612 Email: info@english-experience.de Website: www.english-experience.de
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Tarn Hows Lake District, Cumbria 43
GERMANY Alexandra Loske Art historian / freelance writer The Royal Pavilion and University of Sussex Alexandra Loske is an art historian and freelance writer and translator with a particular interest in late eighteenth and early nineteenth century European art and architecture. She was born and grew up in Germany and came to England in 1997, where her first job was at the specialist art booksellers Shipleys in London's Charing Cross Road. She has been working at the University of Sussex since 1999.
Brighton, England
Alex is also the managing editor of the Frogmore Press, which was founded in 1983. Other interests include local history, bibliophilia and silversmithing. Alexandra obtained an M.A. in Linguistics and English Literature from Humboldt University Berlin in 1997 and ten years later added an M.A. in Art History from the University of Sussex. She then received a doctoral scholarship. Alexandra’s research is based at the Royal Pavilion, Brighton, where she also regularly gives guided tours and talks to international visitors. In 2008 Alexandra joined the team of associate tutors in the department of Art History at the University of Sussex where she lectures on colour theory, local history and architecture, as well as German Expressionism. Alexandra loves the vibrant atmosphere of Brighton and is particularly interested in its architectural history. She chose Brighton as a place to live and work 14 years ago, following a long tour around England. She was attracted to the cultural diversity and the thriving intellectual and art scene and feels very lucky to be based at the Royal Pavilion for her research and some of her work. Contact: Alexandra Loske Telephone: 01273 476065 / 07790 018866 Email: A.Loske@sussex.ac.uk / Alexbythesea@hotmail.com Website: www.sussex.ac.uk/profiles/107019 / www.sussex.ac.uk/arthistory/newsandevents?id=6820 http://colourlightandshade.blogspot.com/ / www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNKpKnAXkek 44
Royal Pavilion Brighton, East Sussex Index
GERMANY Sara Müller Exchange Envoy, economic regeneration division and tourist information team, Derby City council My name is Sara Müller and I’m 20 years old. I’m from a city in north Germany called Osnabrück. For several years I have lived with my parents not far from the city centre. I finished school after taking my A-Levels in May 2011. I’m really interested in other cultures and societies. It was always a dream of mine to live and work in a foreign country for a year and now the dream has come true. I love to read books, watch good movies, go to the theatre, dance and watch Derby, England football. I really like living and working in the UK. The culture is amazing. There are so many things to see like garden shows, castles, architecture, theatre and music. In Derby, for example, there are lovely streets packed with little shops and, for the first time, I went to a café where you can drink tea as well as buy books. I also visited the annual concert in one of Derby’s parks, which was amazing. It is a huge event of classical music and more than 30,000 people visit, but what was more astonishing was the free entry. The parks here are places where friends meet and families sit on their blankets and enjoy a picnic.
Working in a foreign country was strange at the beginning. I could speak the language, but there are colloquial terms you don’t learn at school. To talk to someone on the telephone was a challenge and you always think you are not friendly enough. But all the people I talked to were so nice. They don’t care about little mistakes in your language and accept me for who I am. Top tips: 1. Don’t be nervous of getting in touch with British people, as you can gain so much when you do. 2. Explore the culture and history. Visit cities, museums, gardens or just go shopping. Languages Spoken: German is my native language, but I can also speak English.
And don’t forget the lovely landscape here, or on the coast of Cornwall or the countryside of the Peak District. As a fan of Pride and Prejudice or other movies, you can visit places where they were filmed. The people who live here are always friendly, polite and interested in you as a person and I feel everywhere I visit that the people are proud of their country and their history.
Contact: Sara Müller Telephone: 01332 642398 Email: Sara.mueller@derby.gov.uk
Index
45
GERMANY Klaus Rehr
Jana Scholze
Consultant with Edge of Wales Walk
Curator of Modern Furniture and Product Design at the Victoria & Albert Museum
I am involved in tourism as part of Edge of Wales Walk and as a B&B owner. I enjoy living in the UK because of easy going people and the beautiful countryside. Languages Spoken: German, English. Appearance fee may apply.
Wales
Jana Scholze is Curator of Contemporary Furniture and Product Design at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. She has worked on two major exhibitions, Modernism: Designing a New World. 1914-1938 (2006) and Cold War Modern: Design 1945-1970 (2008). Her special interests are modern and contemporary design and exhibition theory, both subjects she has published on (including the monograph: Medium Ausstellung, Bielefeld 2004).
London, England
Languages Spoken: German. Speaks English fluently. .
Contact: Edge of Wales Walk Telephone: 01758 760 652 Email: enquiries@edgeofwaleswalk.co.uk Website: www.edgeofwaleswalk.co.uk 46
Contact: V&A Press Office Telephone: 020 7942 2502 Email: press.office@vam.ac.uk Website: www.vam.ac.uk Index
GERMANY Jens Schroeder Sound engineer, carpenter, etc Born in Hamburg in 1966. 1981 - 1984 Trains as joiner and guitar maker.
Wales
1984 - 1998 Works as guitar maker and pipe organ restorer, plays bass and drums in various Hamburg bands, avoids Germany’s compulsory army service by working two years in a hospital operating theatre.
1989 - 1992 Starts 'Sirius Guitars' a guitar manufacturing firm that specialises in extreme designs. Exhibits '90, '91, '92 at Frankfurt Musikmesse . Makes instruments for 'KMFDM', 'Cassandra Complex', 'Sleeping Dogs Wake' among others. 1992 - 1994 Joins 'Cassandra Complex' and 'Sleeping Dogs Wake' on their European tours as bass player, spends influential months in West Wales recording an album with 'Sleeping Dogs Wake'. 1994 - 1996 Moves permanently to Pembrokeshire and starts recording studio 'Dreamworld Studio' to work on various own albums.
2000 - 2001 Converts agricultural hangar to get workshop, sound and arts studio under a single roof. 2001 - 2004 Produces many more albums including own Welsh language remix project 'Tradd-Matic', starts building welsh 'Crwths', conceives the concept for 'fossilized future' and makes sculptures and reliefs in small series. 2004 Exhibition 'fossilized future' tours Germany and Wales. 2005/2006 son and daughter are born, starts space engineering (carpentry/construction) various interesting projects inc. Rhosygilwen concert hall. 2006-2012 many more Welsh folk records are produced, starts working in lime restoration, alternative energy. Builds Pembrokeshires only aquaponics system (vegetable/fish farm system) works as extra in Ridley Scott’s ‘Robin Hood’, and in sound department for two local films (Dantes Deamon / Playing Burton. Downsizes all operations to get more time… farm house restoration is ongoing… Languages Spoken: English, German. Appearance fee may apply.
1996 - 2000 Opens Dreamworld Studio for commercial use and records albums for many other artists including the UK Christmas No.4 of 2000 by the 'Cuban Boys'. Experiments for the first time with sculpture and casting techniques.
Contact: Jens Schroeder, Dreamworld Studio Telephone: 01348 891261 Email: jens@dreamworldstudio.co.uk Website: www.spaceengineering.net
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47
GHANA Caroline Dobinson Self-Employed African-themed events’ organiser based in Derby Caroline Dobinson, who is 38, has a degree in Biblical and Evangelistic studies from Sheffield University, a diploma in Event Organising and a certificate in PTTLS (Preparing to Teach in Lifelong Learning).
Top tips: Relish that there are equal opportunities in Britain. There is also the blend of quintessential English villages and spacious areas of natural beauty that co-exist alongside modern infrastructure and therefore create a thriving blend of Old and New. Finally, be prepared to embrace all cultures – integration is a must.
She is originally from Ghana in West Africa but has been living in the UK for 14 years. She established Step into Africa, an Africanthemed events company, a few years ago. Her Derby, England business prides itself on bringing an authentic African experience to the UK; alongside the events she also teaches African cookery, the latest exciting addition to the company’s repertoire. She is also the proprietor of Africa Shack, an e-commerce business selling authentic hand-made African goods. She loves the UK, especially Derbyshire and the Peak District, having lived there for the last 11 years. She says: “The countryside is spectacular and takes your breath away.” She has made fabulous friends who she regards as family; the people are so friendly. She loves the seasonal changes in the UK; spring oozes with freshness and new beginnings, winter is fresh and crisp with snow being the icing on the cake, summer is especially lovely as daylight goes on till late evening, and autumn is golden and the colours are rich and vibrant. The food is beautiful, especially the traditional fish and chips. Working in the UK, like anywhere else, is hard work, but it offers lots of opportunities, there is plenty of training to equip each sector, and brand Britain sells on the world stage. For Caroline, that makes it worth all the hard work.
Contact: Caroline Dobinson Telephone: 01332 663768 07860 102936 Email: caroline.dobinson@btinternet.com Website: 48
Index
GREECE Dr Seraphim Alvanides Reader (Associate Professor) in the Built Environment. Built and Natural Environment, Northumbria University I moved to the UK in 1994 for postgraduate studies at Leeds University (Masters and PhD).
NewcastleGateshead, England
I was then offered a post at Newcastle University and moved here in 2000. I fell in love at first sight with the city and have lived here ever since.
I moved to Northumbria University in September 2010: I changed employer, but I would never change home. Professionally, I am an urban social geographer with research interests in public health, obesogenic environments, active travel (walking and cycling) and environmental justice. The three things I like about the UK and the North East: 1. Work ethos and service commitment: you can really get things done here. 2. Polite and friendly people: beyond the stereotypes we tend to hear about. 3. The countryside: North East England is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Languages Spoken: Greek, English, French.
Contact: Seraphim Alvanides Telephone: N/A Email: s.alvanides@northumbria.ac.uk Website: www.northumbria.ac.uk/sd/academic/bne/study/aec/acestaff/seraphimalvanides
Index
Alnwick Castle Northumberland 49
HOLLAND Vera de Ruiter
Marcelle Hanselaar
Operations Director – Busybus Ltd (Sightseeing Tours)
Artist
I moved to Chester in 2003 with the intention to move onto Australia but I never left. I met my husband here whilst helping out a friend, filming a sightseeing tour in Wales, and ended up running the company! A perfect job for somebody who loves travelling as I now get to show visitors all the beautiful spots the UK has to offer. What I like about living in the UK, apart from the glorious weather, is the fact that it’s nearly ‘like home’ but with many subtle differences in culture, Cheshire, England habits, character. In my opinion much too little of the UK is explored by overseas visitors, and I can help them see a little more. Languages Spoken: Dutch, English.
Marcelle Hanselaar was born in Rotterdam, The Netherlands and travelled extensively in Asia and Europe before finally settling down in her studio in central London. Although she studied briefly at The Royal Academy, The Hague, 1962-64, in oil painting she is entirely self-taught. In 1992/93 and again in 1995/96 Hanselaar was invited to teach painting at the S.W.Teaching University, Chongqing, China, she also taught drawing at Sotheby's Educational Institute, London from 1989-'99.
London, England
Around that time Hanselaar became interested in etching and learned printmaking first at Morley College and later at Kensington & Chelsea College. Marcelle Hanselaar's early painting was abstract but from 1992 her work became completely figurative. Member of The London Group and the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers (RE)
Top tips: 1. Pontcysyllte Aqueduct – Walk across to ‘the other side’, then try to get a lift on a boat to get back! 2. Newborough Beach, Anglesey – In rain or shine, a lazy afternoon or a walk to the lighthouse. Wonderful views of Snowdonia in the distance. 3. Chester City Walls - See all the highlights of the city, just by following the city walls. Have you had much experience before with journalists and broadcasters? Yes. I have presented some features for Dutch local television – interviewing Dutch participants at the Town Crier Worldchampionship and the Eisteddfod in Llangollen for example. In addition to that I’ve written several articles about destinations in the UK and abroad. Example to be found here: www.dinkyguide.com/dinky-destinations/lake-district-via-ferrata/
Contact: Vera de Ruiter Telephone: 07896 099979 Email: vera@busybus.co.uk Website: www.busybus.co.uk 50
Contact: Marcelle Hanselaar Telephone: +44 (0)20 7828 1586 Email: maha@marcellehanselaar.com Website: www.marcellehanselaar.com
Index
HOLLAND Therese Heslop (-IJsseldijk)
Nicole Holroyd
Head of Visits and Marketing, Canterbury Cathedral
Estates Assistant, Pembrokeshire County Council
I married an Englishman in 1984 and moved from Amsterdam (where I worked for an advertising agency) to London (where I managed Cor van Zadelhoff’s UK property portfolio). Having divorced the English husband in 2000, I now live with a Frenchman and my two children in Canterbury. The Cathedral is one of England’s most visited attractions and welcomes just over one million visitors each year. The money from visitors is its most important source of income and I’m responsible for both operational matters and marketing the Cathedral as a visitor destination.
I moved to London in 1991 after meeting my English husband in Austria. We both worked and lived in London for the next 10 years. We love London for the Museums, the shows, the shops and the vibrant environment. I like the British-ness (the red buses, the big Ben, the pubs, British traditions and much more) In 2001 we moved to beautiful Pembrokeshire as we fell in love with it after a holiday. We had our son that same year. I work for Pembrokeshire Wales County Council and my husband works in the Jobcentre Plus. We love Pembrokeshire for many aspects, it takes us 10 to 30 minutes to go to any of the beaches (which are very spacious, not crowded even in the summer) the countryside is very versatile and fantastic any time of year. We love the history, the castles, each year we also try to visit different parts of the country as there is so much to explore. We have had visitors from in and outside Europe celebrating a British Christmas with us and that in its own right is something spectacular and very special. I could not see me ever moving from the UK as it is a fantastic Country. I am in the middle of launching my own weight management company which is aimed to teach people how to eat without diets and still be able to lose weight. A life changing programme.
Kent, England
Languages Spoken: Dutch, English, French, German. Top tips: 1. I absolutely love Kent – it’s beautiful and has everything one would think of as typically British: beautiful gardens, castles, cathedrals, quaint villages, lovely beaches and lush countryside. 2. English food, beer and wine – it’s delicious. Whitstable oysters, Shepherd Neame (the oldest brewery in England, 15 minutes from Canterbury) beer, and Chapel Down sparkling wine is as good, if not better, than French champagne. 3. I know all the best pubs and restaurants in Kent.
Contact: Therese Heslop Telephone: 01227 762862 Email: therese.heslop@canterbury-cathedral.org Website: www.canterbury-cathedral.org Index
Languages Spoken: Dutch, German (and English) 1. Try to visit the beautiful countryside, beaches, coastline and wildlife in Pembrokeshire. 2. Visit the British museums or castles, they are so much aimed for families, often they have re-enactments, so you and your children can feel what it was like to live in their times. Museums are no longer boring. 3. Try to celebrate a British Christmas
Contact: Nicole Holroyd Telephone: W; 01437 775874 H: 01437 741470 Email: nicole.holroyd@pembrokeshire.gov.uk Website: www.dietaddicts.co.uk
info@dietaddicts.co.uk
www.dietaddicts.com 51
HOLLAND Reino Liefkes
Niek van Zutphen
Head of Ceramics and Glass Collection at the Victoria & Albert Museum
Hotelier, Le Chene Hotel in the Forest parish in Guernsey
Reino Liefkes is Head of Ceramics and Glass Collection. He joined the V&A in 1992 and has been Head of Ceramics and Glass since 2003. Reino was one of the lead curators of the V&A’s new Glass Gallery (2004). He was the editor of Glass (V&A, 1997) and contributed to the V&A’s exhibitions Art Deco (2003) and At Home in Renaissance Italy (2006).
The relaxed Guernsey atmosphere, seeing people enjoy themselves in Guernsey and at our hotel. Languages Spoken: German, Dutch, English, French.
London, England
Guernsey, Channel Islands
Reino was also the Lead Curator for the Ceramics Galleries, responsible for the overall intellectual and curatorial content of the galleries, which opened in 2009. The V&A has the greatest and most comprehensive ceramics collection in the world and the new galleries tell the story of world ceramics with 3300 objects on display from the earliest Chinese pottery to contemporary ceramic art. Reino is also co-editor and a contributor to the accompanying book Masterpieces of World Ceramics. Languages Spoken: Dutch, German, English.
Contact: V&A Press Office Telephone: 020 7942 2502 Email: press.office@vam.ac.uk Website: www.vam.ac.uk 52
Contact: Niek van Zutphen Telephone: 01481 235566 / 07839 222222 Email: info@lechene.co.uk Website: www.lechene.co.uk Index
INDIA Himadri Bhattacharjee
Minesh Agnihotri Owner and Manager, Indian Restaurant My father first came to England in 1968 as a haematologist. My mother followed in 1971 and we settled in Hove. I trained in prosthetics and worked at Brighton General Hospital until I moved to a private practice in London where I worked for a company for four years. In that time I travelled extensively. I worked in India for one year to help set up a new practice. This also reminded me of how good Indian food was.
Restaurant & Bars Manager – Cardiff Marriott Hotel Languages Spoken: Bengali, Hindi, French, English.
Wales
Brighton, England
Approaching the age of 30 and the company being under some new management, I decided it was time for a change. At family dinners and having the luxury of some wonderful cooking by my mother, our family had always dreamt of opening a ‘real’ Indian restaurant. I then decided to act upon these many discussions to open a restaurant. At the time, I understood everything about the taste and philosophy of Indian cuisine but did not have the necessary knowledge of the catering industry. This is where I formed a partnership with Byron Swales (my brother’s best friend) who was a European chef. Byron did not have any understanding about ‘real’ Indian food. I introduced him to some great restaurants in London and he understood the difference. We opened Indian Summer in Hove in October 2001 serving my favourites like masala dosa and bhel puri. 2011 is Indian Summer’s 10th anniversary. I enjoy living and working in Brighton due to the diversity and cosmopolitan nature of the city. Having been here for the most part of my life, I have seen many changes, good and bad. We have our roots here and our children at local schools ready for the next generation! Languages Spoken: Bengali, Hindi, French, English. Contact: Minesh Agnihotri Telephone: 01273 711001 / 07810 004433 Email: manager@indian-summer.org.uk / menesh@me.com Website: www.indian-summer.org.uk Index
Contact: Himadri Bhattacharjee Telephone: 02920 399944 Email: Himadri.Bhattacharjee@marriotthotels.com Website: www.marriott.com 53
INDIA Ranjit Mathrani
Tony Singh Kusbia
Chairman & Co-Owner, MW Eat Ltd. London
Chef at Oloroso Restaurant Edinburgh
Before devoting his time to developing MW Eat, Ranjit Mathrani had a successful career as a senior official in the British Government, as a merchant banker with leading banks in the City, and in running his own independent international financial advisory company. His career in Government was in the field of London, England economic and industrial policy in the major economic and industrial ministries. He was a Director of Lazard Brothers, and Managing Director of the merchant banking arms of Standard Chartered Bank, and WestLB, which he left in 1993 to create his own financial advisory business. He was the High Sheriff of Greater London until April 2011. The UK is a highly civilised place to live and work. It has a high quality of life, a favourable business environment, the rule of law and sophisticated cultural activities
Born in Edinburgh, Tony Singh has established himself as a leading force on the Scottish restaurant scene as cofounder of Oloroso, the highly acclaimed bar and restaurant in the heart of Scotland’s dynamic capital city, for more than 20 years.
Tony has pushed the boundaries of culinary innovation, combining his Sikh upbringing with his love of Scottish produce. He first dabbled with cooking on a Youth Training Scheme at Scottish & Newcastle, which led him to Telford College in Edinburgh and the completion of an OND in Hotel Management.
Edinburgh, Scotland
His distinctive style soon developed and made him hot property in restaurant circles, leading to positions with The Royal Yacht Britannia, The Balmoral Hotel, Greywalls and Royal Scotsman Train and Gravetye Manor. These first-class credentials, combined with a passion for quality and a commitment to the highest-taste experiences, have secured him membership of the country’s leading bodies, including the Academy of Culinary Arts, the Craft Guild of Chefs, the Scottish Chefs Association and the Master Chefs of Great Britain. VisitScotland recently named Tony as one of the chosen few “Real Scots”. He is now an ambassador for Scotland and all things Scottish. He has the responsibility of promoting Scotland and its delicacies globally. Top tips: 1. The passion; everybody has a passion about their culture whether it is their food, their sport, or the history. 2. Friendliness; you will not get anyone friendlier than the Scots. 3. The diverse weather and scenery all over this great country.
Contact: Ranjit Mathrani Telephone: 020 7724 2525 Email: rm@realindianfood.com Website: www.realindianfood.com 54
Contact: Tony Singh Kusbia Telephone: 07572 430078 or 0131 226 7614 Email: olorosoltd@aol.com Website: www.oloroso.co.uk
Index
INDIA Dr Shyam Sunder Patiar International Consultant, GrĹľp Llandrillo-Menai Shyam was born in India and moved to Great Britain in 1966. He successfully completed his first degree in New Delhi prior to embarking on a Graduate Training Programme in London. Shyam spent most of his time in hospitality and tourism industry. In 1970, he entered into a teaching career preparing young people for the hospitality and tourism Wales industry which has lasted for over 40 years. At present, he is working as an International Consultant on numerous hospitality and tourism projects in UK, Europe and Asia. Shyam is also a visiting professor to international universities lecturing on global tourism. He has been recognised by the British Hospitality Association and the Craft Guild of Chefs for his contribution to education and training for the hospitality industry in the UK. He also sits on as a Board of Directors for the Leading Hotel Schools in Europe (Eurhodip). Languages Spoken: English, French, Hindi.
Contact: Dr Shyam Sunder Patiar Telephone: 07900 258 046 / 01492 542 316 Email: s.patiar@llandrillo.ac.uk sspatiar@hotmail.com Website: www.llandrillo.ac.uk Index
The Menai Straits Gywnedd, Wales 55
ITALY Matteo Berlucchi Co-founder, Vini Italiani, South Kensington, London I love living in London because it is the most cosmopolitan city in Europe. I am a serial entrepreneur and I find working in London is great because of the simplicity with which you can set up and run a company. The legal system is very clear and simple, there are a lot of skilled people for whatever job you have for them and Londoners are among the most dynamic and open minded citizens in the world.
Matteo comes from the Fratelli Berlucchi family of wine makers from Franciacorta, an area between Milan and Brescia celebrated for its method-champenoise sparkling wines. Matteo is a ‘serial entrepreneur’ in the digital sector and has been living in the UK with his wife and three children since 1993. Languages Spoken: English, Italian (bilingual).
London, England Top tips: • Experience every cuisine in the world, from Vietnamese in Dalston to Japanese in Acton! • Spend time in the wonderful parks London has to offer. • Take a river cruise from Westminster to Greenwhich to see London from a completely different perspective.” Vini Italiani is the home of Italian wine in London, set up by a group of friends from Italy with a passion for great wine. Vini Italiani, the only Italian wine store in the UK with over 500 labels, is an experience store – including not just the wine shop, but also meeting and education space, and they also host regular wine tasting events. Vini Italiani is a hub of Italian culture in London, and Matteo is one of the founders who shares a passion for great wine – and for wanting to help London experience all that is great about Italian wine making.
Contact: Sarah Tye or Gemma Bell at Gemma Bell PR Ltd Telephone: 020 7354 0100 Email: info@gemmabell.com Website: www.vini-italiani.co.uk www.gemmabell.com
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Vini Italiani South Kensington, London Index
ITALY Federica Bertolini
Giancarlo Bianchi
General Manager, Hotel Tresanton
Visitor Centre Manager / Penderyn Distillery
Languages Spoken: Fluent in Italian and English
Giancarlo is a multilingual swiss national with an indepth knowledge of our business that he regularly shares with visitors to the distillery. Giancarlo reflects the increasingly cosmopolitan and inclusive nature of welsh and british life that is a cornerstone of the olympic movement.
Cornwall, England
Contact: Federica Bertolini Telephone: 01326 270055 Email: manager@tresanton.com Website: www.tresanton.com Index
Languages Spoken: Native language is Italian, fluent in French and English.
Wales
Contact: Giancarlo Bianchi Telephone: 01685 813300 Email: StephenD@welsh-whisky.co.uk / Sianw@welsh-whisky.co.uk / giancarlo@welsh-whisky.co.uk Website: www.welsh-whisky.co.uk 57
ITALY Silvia Bungaro
Giuseppe Cannas
Community Engagement Assistant, Queenswood shop and info point, The National Trust
Head of Hair & Make-up, National Theatre
I have been living in the UK for about three years; I came over to learn the language and decided to stay to do my Masters. I graduated from the University of Southampton in Social Archaeology in 2010 and afterwards I was lucky enough to get a job as Visitor Experience Assistant with the National Trust so I remained in England and since then I have been Herefordshire, England working and volunteering with the National Trust in different roles while doing some temping alongside it all.
Giuseppe Cannas joined the National Theatre as Head of Hair & Make-up in 2011. He was previously Head of Make-Up & Wigs on the touring production of The Lion King in South-East Asia for nine years and has worked with different casts on this complex show in Australia and China, among other locations. He came to London from his native Italy at the age of 22 to train, then worked freelance, assisting on high-profile advertising campaigns such as Alexander McQueen both in the UK and the US before joining The Lion King team in 2002.
Languages Spoken: English, Italian, French.
Languages Spoken: Italian (native language), fluent English.
Contact: Silvia Bungaro Telephone: N/A Email: Silvia.bungaro@nationaltrust.org.uk Website: N/A 58
London, England
Contact: Fiona Walsh, Communications Manager, National Theatre Telephone: 020 7452 3061 Email: fwalsh@nationaltheatre.org.uk Website: www.nationaltheatre.org.uk Index
ITALY Ivano de Serio
Chiara Santero
Chef/Restaurateur, The Old Bakery Restaurant
Sales Advisor at Penhaligon’s
Born in Puglia in the South of Italy, trained at IPSSAR “E. Mattei” (International Chef School) for 5 years. Work experience includes: Michelin restaurant Il Sambuco In Italy; 5* hotels in Switzerland for 2 years; 1st Chef on board “The Sun” Princess cruises Lincolnshire, England for 1 year Private Yacht club as head chef for 4 years in the Cayman Islands Head chef at The Carre Arms hotel in Sleaford Lincolnshire for 2 years Head Chef Owner of The Old Bakery Restaurant in Lincoln for the past 8 years
I love living in London as it is such a fast-moving city where everyone can feel at home. It is an honour to work for such a prestigious brand as Penhaligon’s and I learnt and experienced so many things since I have been here. Languages Spoken: Italian and English.
London, England
The UK is a multi-cultural country, where i can express my creativity with my cooking, in Lincolnshire I can find fantastic fresh produces of the best possible Quality, most of them are daily picked for me, what can a passionate chef like me would want more? Top tip: 1: Always enjoy and celebrate life. 2: Be positive at all time (even if sometime it’s not that easy) 3: Take pride in everything you do. Languages Spoken: Italian, English, Spanish, French.
Contact: Ivano de Serio Telephone: 07772 667606 / 01522576057 Email: ivavoooo@hotmail.com / cookwithdeserio@hotmail.com / enquiries@theold-bakery.co.uk Website: www.theold-bakery.co.uk Index
Contact: Chiara Santero Telephone: 07429157460 Email: regentst@penhaligons.com Website: www.penhaligons.com 59
ITALY Alfredo Cramerotti
Matteo Frau
Director, MOSTYN, Wales’ leading contemporary art gallery
Chef/Patron – Red Lion Inn, Birchover, Derbyshire. After working in restaurants in my local area in Sardinia, I was offered a post at La Villa, an Italian restaurant in Derby.
I am a writer, curator, editor and artist working across a variety of media such as TV, radio, publishing, internet, media festivals, photography, writing and exhibition curating. I direct Mostyn, Wales’ largest contemporary art centre; co-direct AGM Culture, roaming curatorial agency and CPS Chamber of Public Secrets, media & art production unit (co-curator of Manifesta 8, the European Biennial of Contemporary Art, Region of Murcia, Spain, 2010).
Wales
I am Research Scholar at the European Centre for Photography Research, University of Wales, Newport, Visiting Lecturer in various European Universities among others NTU Nottingham Trent University, University of Westminster, HEAD Geneva and DAI Dutch Arts Institute, and Editor of the Critical Photography book series by Intellect Books.
At 18 years old, I left Sardinia and settled in Derby, working my way up to becoming head chef at La Villa. Eleven years later, my wife and I decided that the next logical step would be to purchase our own business, so in 2006 we bought The Red Lion Inn in Birchover, Derbyshire.
Derbyshire, England
Since buying the pub, we have developed the food service side of the business and gained a good reputation in the local area. We endeavour to provide a warm welcome, good quality food and beer. Being in the middle of the Peak District is an absolute blessing as we are surrounded not only by beautiful countryside, but also a wealth of skills, cultural heritage and a fantastic natural larder. Not only has the local community welcomed me and educated me about British culture, they have also shown great interest and enthusiasm for my own culture.
My own publications include the book Aesthetic Journalism: How to inform without informing (2009) and Unmapping the City: Perspectives of Flatness (2010). I am a strong advocate of the relevance of contemporary art to ‘unpack’ and discuss contemporary life.
I feel that Britain has provided me with many opportunities and a landscape that makes me feel at home.
Languages Spoken: English, Italian, German.
Languages Spoken: Italian, Sardinian, English. Top tips:
What I like of the UK? It is a great democracy, first of all; it is not perfect, of course, but as society it has strong ethics and a meritocratic approach where culture and business can thrive.
Contact: Lin Cummins Telephone: 01492 879201 07941 470145 (mobile) Email: lin@mostyn.org alfredoc@mostyn.org Website: www.mostyn.org www.alcramer.net www.linkedin.com/in/alcramer 60
1. Demonstrate appreciation and respect for the culture in which you live. 2. Maintain a sense of your own origins and share these with those around you. 3. Always try to give back as much as you take from your adopted country. Contact: Mr Matteo Frau, Mrs Alyson Frau Telephone: 01629 650363 (home/work) 07790 836169 (mobile) Email: Red.lion@live.co.uk Website: www.birchoverredlion.com
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ITALY Georgio Locatelli Restaurateur
London, England
Giorgio Locatelli is considered by many to be one of the best Italian chefs in the UK. At Locanda Locatelli, Giorgio serves traditional Italian dishes, emphasising the quality and freshness of the produce, as well as adding his own personal creative touch. That, together with a friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere, has made Locanda Locatelli one of the most sought-after restaurants in London. Locanda Locatelli has won a Michelin star in 2003 (Giorgio’s second), which was been retained since.
Giorgio Locatelli has two TV series: Pure Italian, 2002, aired on UK Food and ‘Tony and Giorgio’, filmed with entrepreneur Tony Allan, shown on BBC2. It was accompanied by a tie-in book. His own cookery book, Made in Italy, was published in September 2006, to raving reviews. Made in Italy was has received the ‘Best Food Book’ award at the Glenfiddich Food and Drink Awards 2007.
Giorgio’s cooking at Zafferano quickly became the toast of London. His culinary talents have earned him an enviable international reputation as well as a whole host of accolades including ‘Best Italian Restaurant’ at the London Carlton Restaurant Awards for two consecutive years and his first Michelin star in 1999. The essence of his cooking is to highlight the natural flavours of quality produce, much of which he imports directly from Italy. He opened his second restaurant, Spighetta, Blandford Street, in July 1997 and its sister restaurant Spiga, Wardour Street, in March 1009. Both received critical acclaim for offering great Italian food. In 2002, on the 14th February, Giorgio and his wife Plaxy, opened his first independent restaurant, Locanda Locatelli, in Seymour Street. The restaurant was awarded a Michelin star in 2003, which has been retained in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. Giorgio is also consulting at Refettorio, Italian Restaurant at the Crowne Plaza City Hotel.
Giorgio was born in 1962 and brought up on the banks of Lake Maggiore, Italy, in a village called Corgeno. His family ran a Michelin-starred restaurant, giving him an appreciation and understanding of food from an early age. After working for a short spell in local restaurants in North Italy and Switzerland, Giorgio came to England in 1986 to join the kitchens of Anton Edelmann at The Savoy. Four years later Giorgio moved to Paris and worked at Restaurant Laurent and La Tour D’Argent.
In 2010, Giorgio and Plaxy launched their first olive oil ‘Locadeli’ which is sold in Selfridges and on Selfridges online. They have worked in partnership with the owners of the small Tenimenti Montoni estate in western Sicily, who grow and harvest the Nocellara variety of olive, renowned for its green-gold coloured oil. Unlike other olive oils, Locadeli is unfiltered, allowing impurities to fall to the bottom, where they are then removed from the process, providing a pure taste and velvety smooth texture.
On his return to London a couple of years later, Giorgio became head chef at Olivo, Eccleston Street, before opening Zafferano in February 1995.
A family man, Giorgio lives with his wife Plaxy and their 2 children in Camden, London.
Contact: Anna McNeilly Telephone: +44 (0)20 8968 0202 Email: anna@bacchus-pr.com Website: www.bacchus-pr.com
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ITALY Gino Nardella
Alessandro Palazzi
Master Sommelier / The Stafford London by Kempinski
Head Barman at Dukes Hotel, St James’s
Gino became a Master Sommelier back in 1981 and still remains to be just one of a handful of Master Sommeliers in the United Kingdom. He has been at The Stafford since 1970.
Alessandro is a legend in London as one of the master mixers of a classic martini. For years the head barman at Dukes Hotel in St James’s. Dukes is known for the connection to Ian Fleming and the Vespa martini at Dukes was named by Ian Fleming after a character in one of his novels Vespa Lund.
Gino not only has sole responsibility for the world famous wine cellar's constantly changing inventory of between 18,000 and 20,000 bottles, but also prides himself on the wide selection of wines from London, England around the world. An integral part of his role, is to oversee the wine service in The Stafford's acclaimed Dining Room and to provide tips to would-be connoisseurs or discuss vintages with ardent oenophiles!
Languages Spoken: Italian.
London, England
Languages Spoken: English, French.
Contact: Karen Blank / PRCo USA Telephone: (212) 250 1015 Email: kblank@prco.com Website: www.kempinski.com 62
Contact: Susie Howard / Lucia Ruz / Sarah Millar Telephone: 020 7287 9601 Website: www.dukeshotel.com
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JAMAICA Paul Hall
Darren Moore
Football Coach and musician
Professional footballer
Regarded as one of the original ‘Reggae Boyz’, Birmingham-born Paul made 41 appearances for the Jamaican football side, scoring 14 goals – a spell which included playing at the 1998 World Cup. The former striker was an accomplished Premiership player with Coventry City and Portsmouth and has also played for Torquay United, Chesterfield and Walsall. Paul is now a qualified football coach and also raps in SKO Global www.skoglobal.co.uk Paul still lives in the Birmingham area and will be an ambassador for the city when the Jamaican Track and Field Team use Birmingham has their training base in July.
Darren Moore, born in Birmingham is a Jamaican professional footballer who plays for Wellington Amateurs as a centre back. He played football internationally for Jamaica, whose Track & Field team will be training in Birmingham this summer. In 2004 Moore received an award for 'Outstanding Contribution to Grass Roots and Community Football Projects' as part of the PFA's 'Let's Kick Racism Out of Football' campaign Darren lives locally and will be an ambassador for the city when the Jamaican Track and Field Team use Birmingham has their training base in July.
Contact: Jo Lumani Telephone: 0121 202 5072 / 07833 247629 Email: Jo.Lumani@marketingbirmingham.com Website: www.visitbirmingham.com
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Birmingham, England
Birmingham, England
Contact: Jo Lumani Telephone: 0121 202 5072 / 07833 247629 Email: Jo.Lumani@marketingbirmingham.com Website: www.visitbirmingham.com 63
JAMAICA Darryl Powell Football Agent Darryl Powell was one of a number of core players who helped Jamaica to quality for the World Cup in 1998. The son of a Reggae musician, Powell made 350 appearances in the Football League and Premier League, including spells at Derby County, Birmingham and Portsmouth. He is now a football agent, working out of Birmingham and will be an ambassador for the city when the Jamaican Track and Field Team use Birmingham as their training camp in July.
Contact: Jo Lumani Telephone: 0121 202 5072 / 07833 247629 Email: Jo.Lumani@marketingbirmingham.com Website: www.visitbirmingham.com 64
Birmingham, England
Selfridges Birmingham Index
JAPAN Juri Miyawaki Tearoom owner chef and essayist, JURI’S in Winchcombe Eight and a half years ago I couldn’t have imagined I’d be running a traditional British tearoom in this beautiful part of England – it started purely from an aspiration to live in the Cotswolds. In 1992, my father’s new post in London brought us to the UK from Japan. In 1995, I started at the University of St Andrews in Scotland yet it was during the summer holidays – when I visited my parents who were by then living in New York – that I became Cotswolds, England inspired by Martha Stewart’s knowledge of antiques, interiors, cooking, gardening and table co-ordination. Like her, I wanted to be a ‘life entertainer’. So during my stay in New York I took a flower arrangement course, developed an interest in interior design and joined a paint-effects class. After graduating I trained at Le Cordon Bleu in London and was granted the Grand Diplome. During my internship at Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir aux Quatre Saisons, my parents came to visit me and instantly fell in love with an old English cottage in the same village where I was staying. A couple of months later we all moved into the cottage and started a new life in Oxfordshire. While we liked it here, my parents wished to return to the Cotswolds, which they’d fallen in love with when we’d visited from London. We opened Juri’s Tearoom here in December 2003, as I firmly believed that this beautiful part of the country would fulfil my dream of becoming a life entertainer.
Contact: Miss. Juri Miyawaki Telephone: 01242 602 469 Email: info@juris-tearoom.co.uk Website: www.juris-tearoom.co.uk
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The first few years were not easy and we encountered numerous challenges; while I was trained as a pastry chef, when it came to English baking I knew very little. I have since learnt that England has a rich culinary history and this cultural heritage is worth preserving and passing on to the next generation. In 2005, we were awarded ‘Best Café of the Year’ in west UK and Wales area by Les Routiers and the following year we became a member of the Tea Guild of the UK Tea Council. Two years later we won the Top Tea Place 2008 award and gained many people’s attention. The Cotswolds has so much to offer to people who have different interests (gardening, antiques, fresh, local and organic foods,) and I feel this is my second home. We have worked with a wide variety of media including BBC One, NHK, National Geographic – USA and Dutch version, TV Tokyo, Asahi TV, Yomiuri, Sankei, AERA and JAL. News Week (Japan) magazine selected me as one of the 100 most-respected Japanese. In autumn of the same year, my second book, Tearoom at the Cotswolds, was published.
Tip 1: Respect tradition I love antique chinaware and furniture and I live in a Grade-listed building that is over 300 years old. This long history gives a special nostalgic atmosphere. People enjoy this, and the tradition of a tearoom. Tip 2: Living with Nature Appreciate the local nature and enjoy the benefits of fresh, local produce from fruit and vegetables, to dairy produce and meat. Tip3: Spirit of Arts and Craft Movement The Cotswolds is a true original of William Morris’s Arts and Crafts Movement, the spirit of which is still alive in many areas. My hand-made cakes and dishes are based upon this very spirit.
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JAPAN Chika Watanabe Head Chocolatier / Melt Chocolates. Ltd. Chika worked in a bank in Tokyo , but her passion was chocolate. Her dream was to travel to Europe and study to be a Chcolatier. In 2001, she left Japan, travelling to London to study at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu, where she studied chocolate, pastry and bakerly. Chika became a Pastry Chef at two of London 's top hotels Claridges Hotel and Lanesborough Hotel, working with some of Europe's finest Chefs.
London, England
She was then invited to become Head Chef at Melt, where she now heads a team of three Chefs. Her fresh, innovative designs and commitment to quality have earned Chika a reputation for excellence in London 's competitive culinary world. Both Japanese and British magazines have featured Chika as a bold chef who has brought Japanese art into a European tradition. 'My inspiration comes from Japan - where ancient tradition and new technology work together. I combine this with the European art of fine chocolate. I want to create something new, a style of chocolate that London has never seen before' What I like about living and working in the UK 1. UK is international, in terms of cuisine, culture, art. 2. People in the UK are knowledgeable for all topics like history, art, politics so that it’s very easy to start a good conversation. 3. People are open.
Contact: Chika Watanabe Telephone: 020 8962 0492 Email: chika@meltchocolates.com Website: www.meltchocolates.com
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Portobello Market Notting Hill, London Index
KENYA Ronnie Kimbugwe Head Chef at Bel and The Dragon, Cookham. The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Over the last nine years Ronnie has worked in a variety of roles for Gordon Ramsay including Michelin-starred restaurants such as Claridges and Restaurant Gordon Ramsay. He worked his way through the kitchen to become Senior Sous Chef at Gordon Ramsay at Claridges, where he managed the kitchen of the world-class restaurant. He also helped developed a new chain of Gordon Ramsay Gastro pubs. He trained under some of the world’s leading chefs including Gordon Ramsay, Mark Sargeant and Steve Allen, where he developed his expertise in high-quality French cuisine.
Windsor, England
Ronnie said: “I am very proud of my work in London but I have always dreamt about running a quintessential English restaurant in the country. I love living in Cookham with its character, charm and history. At the Bel and The Dragon we offer guests a superb culinary experience with a modern twist and an element of surprise using the finest local ingredients.” Languages Spoken: English, French, Swahili and Luganda. Top tips: 1. If you have the opportunity to go to a major city to live and learn, grasp it. 2. Trust your team – you are only as good as they are. 3. Buy the best ingredients you can.
Now heading up his own kitchen, the emphasis of the menus developed by Ronnie at the Bel and the Dragon are of the freshest and most sustainable local ingredients, a passion he developed from his Devon school days. His aim is to offer guests a simple but superb culinary experience with a modern twist and an element of surprise. Living in the UK has enabled Ronnie to learn from world-renowned chefs and given him the opportunity to rise through the ranks of the world of cuisine. Ronnie loves living in the Royal Borough for its peacefulness and tranquillity. He enjoys walking along the River Thames and believes the strong community spirit that the village of Cookham offers him, while still being on the doorstep of London, is the icing on the cake.
Contact: Judith Diment Telephone: 01628 672965 / 07860 162313 Email: Judith@thediments.co.uk Website: www.belandthedragon-cookham.co.uk
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KENYA Anne Wafula Strike Athlete Having lived most of my life in Kenya with a disability, the things I like most about living in the UK are the wonderful National Health Service and the accessibility for people with disabilities. I love the way the UK has embraced multi-culturalism and how everyone has the opportunity to pursue their dreams. Languages English, Swahili.
Contact: Anne Wafula Strike Telephone: 07746789446 Email: olympiastrike@hotmail.com Website: www.annestrike.org 68
Essex, England
Anne Wafula Strike Manchester, England Index
LITHUANIA Aista Jukneviciute Quality Technician & Assistant to the Management Team, Penderyn Distillery Aista is a multilingual Lithuanian national with an in-depth knowledge of our business that she regularly shares with visitors to the distillery. Aista reflects the increasingly cosmopolitan and inclusive nature of Welsh and British life that is a cornerstone of the Olympic movement.
Wales
Languages Spoken: Aista’s native language is Lithuanian, but she speaks English and Russian (can understand some Polish).
Contact: Mr Stephen Davies / Ms Sian Whitelock / Mr Giancarlo Bianchi Telephone: 01685 813300 Email: StephenD@welsh-whisky.co.uk / Sianw@welsh-whisky.co.uk / giancarlo@welsh-whisky.co.uk Website: www.penderyn-distillery.co.uk Index
Penderyn Distillery Penderyn, Wales 69
LUXEMBOURG Carole Gengler Sports Consultant and Businesswoman Breathe Unity Ltd, Sports PR, Sports Business Consultancy & Athlete Management Company
Brighton, England
Born and raised in Luxembourg, I soon realised that there was a big wide world out there which I was keen to explore. After finishing my hospitality management course I headed to Melbourne to do my last work experience placement followed by my dream of backpacking around Australia. I never looked back from there – I spent a few years travelling around Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, the US and Europe with short stints in Luxembourg and the UK before making England my permanent base in 2001.
I still had itchy feet though until I finally arrived on the South Coast and put roots down in Brighton, with the ocean on my doorstep. This was in 2005, and I can truly say that I feel totally at home here and cannot see myself live anywhere else in the world! There are of course some appealing exotic places but, although I live in a different country, I am very close to my family and like the fact that Luxembourg is only an hour’s flight away. Luckily my relatives all love coming over to Brighton too for the shopping, restaurants, bars, beach, cosmopolitan vibe and everything else Brighton has to offer, so I do get to see everyone on a regular basis. One of the things that I love most about Brighton is the fact that it is by the sea, with easy access to both London and the countryside, and has got everything you would expect from a big city when it comes to going out, shopping, culture, concerts and sport. And the people are great of course!
I co-own Breathe Unity, a Sports PR, Sports Business Consultancy and Athlete Management company, which means that I am actively involved in many sports events in the Brighton area, helping to raise their profile and get media exposure. I can honestly say that I love my job and get to meet lots of great, inspiring people. Current clients in Brighton & Hove include the Brighton Half Marathon, RISE 8K Undercliff Run for Women, the Martlets Friday Night Ride to the Coast and the RYA South East. We also work closely with a range of sports businesses in the city, some of which include Lagoon Watersports and Wake Up Brighton. On the athlete management side we support, amongst a range of elite athletes and World Champions in various sports, local athletes including kitesurfer Lewis Crathern who kitejumped over Brighton Pier last year and Brighton based adventurer Suzy Madge. Breathe Unity Network is a new, fast growing part of the business aimed at anyone with an interest in sports, from amateur and pro athletes to sports fans and followers. A uniquely designed platform, Breathe Unity Network or ‘BUN’ is a portal allowing members to create a free profile, gain exposure and be part of a network of opportunities. For more information about the business please go to www.breatheunity.com and www.breatheunitynetwork.com, and for more information about myself please get in touch! Languages Luxembourgish (mother language), English (fluent), German (fluent), French (fluent), Spanish (very basic knowledge), Italian (very basic knowledge).
Contact: Rebecca Richardson Telephone: 01273 467568 Email: rebecca@breatheunity.com / carole@breatheunity.com Website: www.breatheunity.com / www.breatheunitynetwork.com 70
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MACEDONIA Aleksandra Kostadinova Store Manager at Penhaligon’s Has worked for Penhaligon’s for 10 years, knows the brand and its products very well and is a Macedonian speaker Languages Spoken: Macedonian and English.
London, England
Contact: Aleksandra Kostadinova Telephone: 02077342062 Email: regentst@penhaligons.com Website: www.penhaligons.com Index
Regent Street London, England 71
MALAYSIA Ai – Lin Kee Data Executive, Cardiff & Co Ltd Came to Wales in 2002 on a work sabbatical leave from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and decided to remain. The quality of life in UK, a balance of work/play was one of the key factors that helped the decision to remain. In addition, living and working in Wales, especially in Cardiff, offers the best of both worlds – the buzz and vibrancy of a city as well as its accessibility to beautiful countryside and the great outdoors. The warmth and the ease of the Welsh people, made it easy to adapt and feel welcomed and for one to feel very much part of the community.
Wales
Languages Spoken: English. Chinese – Cantonese, Fukien and a little Mandarin. Bahasa Malaysia – similar to Indonesian.
Contact: Pat Crimp Telephone: 029 2087 1344 or 0770 297 3874 Email: ai-lin.kee@cardiffandco.com Website: www.visitcardiff.com 72
Shopping arcade Cardiff Index
MAURITIUS Riad Peerbux Head Chef, The Horseshoe Inn The dramatic Scottish countryside, the celebration of the seasons, the breadth of local produce that begs to be explored, the passionate people I meet and work with. Languages Spoken: Creole, English, French
Scotland
Contact: David Downie / Craig Docherty Telephone: 07889 702206 Email: riad@horseshoeinn.co.uk Website: www.horseshoeinn.co.uk Index
River Tweed Peebles, Scottish Borders 73
NEW ZEALAND Floyd Alexander-Hunt Globe Education Assistant, Shakespeare’s Globe In the same year that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II celebrates sixty years on the throne with the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, and the world looks to London as it hosts the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Shakespeare’s Globe embarks upon its most ambitious and exciting year yet.
Shakespeare’s Globe press office has prepared a selection of international feature and interview ideas, along with a 2012 press pack, and extensive images and b-roll footage. For more information, please contact Louise Gilbert or visit www.shakespearesglobe.com/about-us/press Appearance fee may apply.
Shakespeare’s Globe is one of the most popular visitor destinations in the UK, at the heart of the regeneration of London’s Bankside. Together the London, England Globe Theatre, Globe Education, Globe Exhibition and Tour offer a unique setting to explore Shakespeare in performance. The Globe has always been an international story, the vision of an American, which welcomes international audiences into its oak embrace. It has also sought to take the Globe’s work back out into the world through international touring and education programmes. Floyd is currently working as Globe Education Assistant in Globe Education. In 2010 Floyd, a keen performer, made it through to the final round of the Sheliah Winn Shakespeare Festival in Wellington and won one of just five acting awards for her special individual performance of Falstaff in The Merry Wives of Windsor. She went on to win a place to train at Shakespeare’s Globe in London for three weeks in July 2010 as part of the Globe’s summer education programme. Whilst at the Globe, Floyd heard of the gap year posts that the Globe offers every year, and is now working in the role of Globe Education Assistant. The role includes scheduling, financial administration and liaising with practitioners and students. She said “It’s a great role because I can get super involved in a variety of aspects in education and performance. It’s a very unique place to work and a unique experience, which I’m confident will be beneficial in applications for university, and my future career in theatre. It’s also fun, fastpaced and rewarding – I love to see the performers’ progression and work closely with the talented practitioners and students.” Contact: Louise Gilbert, Press & PR Officer 2012 Telephone: 020 7902 1476 Email: Louise.g@shakespearesglobe.com Website: www.shakespearesglobe.com 74
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Bankside, London, England Index
NEW ZEALAND Gillian Deacon Bed & Breakfast owner I relocated to the UK 11 years ago as I loved travelling and history. I spent the first six years in the delightful historical city of Bath offering hospitality to visitors in our B & B in the city centre. About to have our son, Toby, we decided to move to the English countryside for a quieter lifestyle. We wanted to find a friendly village with traditional values, and gorgeous scenery and we found a little corner of England that is truly exceptional in every way. The scenery in the Peak District National Park is breathtaking, our chocolate Derbyshire, England box villages are steeped in history, the locals are down to earth and very welcoming and we enjoy one of the top five stately homes just up the road, Chatsworth House. My cottage is older than my country, 280 years; how exceptional is that! We have the river Wye meandering through our garden teeming with trout. Owning a B & B, offering hospitality and showing off to our guests an exceptionally beautiful part of the country, which is also one of Britain’s best kept secrets, is a delightful way to earn a living. My top tips; get out into the countryside and find a local micro-brewery, they are truly unique. Find a village cricket green on a Sunday afternoon and mix with the locals, a real family affair. Pack your walking boots as you can take in the scenery as England offers the ‘right to roam’.
Contact: Gilly Deacon Telephone: 01629 813327 / 07810 545399 Email: info@rivercottageashford.co.uk Website: www.rivercottageashford.co.uk Index
River Wye Derbyshire, England 75
NEW ZEALAND Cory Furness
Anna Hansen
Head Gardener, Penhurst Place
Owner/Chef, The Modern Pantry
Top tips:
Born in Canada and raised in New Zealand, Anna studied business management before venturing out into the world of food. Anna first trained as a chef under Fergus Henderson (St John) in 1992 at his first restaurant venture, The French House Dining Room. She then worked with Peter Gordon (The Providores) in 1994 at Green Street and again in 1998 at The Sugar Club, Soho. She also spent a year in Melbourne, Australia working for Stephanie Alexander as well as stints in New Zealand.
1. The English Culture. It is as vibrant as it is varied. From Morris Dancing to Bell Ringing, folk music in quaint country pubs to the good old ‘a cup of tea will fix it’ attitude. But for me it was not enough to just watch and listen, I wanted to have a go, and I was completely hooked. I have been welcomed into many groups and communities and get to see this culture at its best. Cory Furness, the Morris dancing campanologist-kiwihead gardener!
Kent, England
2. The Diversity of Nature. Yes, even coming from New Zealand. The UK has such a rich and diverse flora and fauna, and especially around here in the Weald of Kent. Squirrels and Badgers are as exotic to me as a Kiwi and Kaka would be to you. The birdlife is particularly amazing, and I love waking up to the dawn chorus. 3. The History. The more I learn the more I want to find out. It is an awesome feeling to be part of a community of people that has existed for over 700 years. Tudor backdrops, Elizabethan parterres, medieval Halls. There is so much history around here you can help becoming a part of it. Working where Henry 8th walked, where Elizabeth II stayed, where Leicester Square originated, Viscounts and Lords! It stimulates the imagination and whets the appetite for knowledge. So my only tip is: Get out there! Don’t stick to the Cities, get into the countryside and see the real England! Languages Spoken: Te Reo Maori (Maori language of New Zealand).
London, England In 2001, Anna, Peter Gordon and partners opened their award-winning Marylebone restaurant, The Providores. Awards included the prestigious Catey's "New Comer of the Year Award" 2003, two AA Rosettes for culinary excellence in 2002 through 2005, and Square Meal 'Best New Restaurant Award', autumn 2001. Anna also acted as consultant chef to the award-winning Michelin starred New York restaurant PUBLIC. In 2005 Anna left The Providores to focus on developing The Modern Pantry, which opened its doors to critical acclaim in August 2008. Since opening, The Modern Pantry has gained two AA rosettes and been listed as a "Bib Gourmand" in the Michelin Guide 2009. In the same year Phaidon published "Coco", a book showcasing 100 of the world's top up and coming chefs of which Anna was one. She has since appeared on BBC’s Saturday Kitchen a number of times. The New Zealand Society awarded her the accolade of New Zealander of the Year 2010 and in 2012 Anna was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours. Anna's culinary philosophy is driven by the desire to please and excite the palate by renewing everyday cooking with modern ingredients and global inspiration, The Modern Pantry, in fact. The Modern Pantry Cookbook was published in June 2011 and is published by Ebury.
Contact: Tamsin Leigh – Head of Marketing Telephone: 01892 870307 Email: marketing@penshurstplace.com Website: www.penshurstplace.com 76
Contact: Anna Hansen Telephone: 020 7553 9210 Email: anna@themodernpantry.co.uk Website: www.themodernpantry.co.uk Index
NIGERIA Ambrose Harcourt Radio presenter and Ambrose Harcourt PR (AHPR), Brighton’s Juice 107.2FM Ambrose Harcourt has extensive experience of working in the media. He has worked in television with the BBC and has written scripts for television. The ITV Series ‘Nightshift’ had an episode especially dedicated to Ambrose’s late night radio programme called Nightime Heart and Soul. In addition to this he hosted a six part series called ‘Looking for Love’ for Meridian TV, which was also shown on Sky UK Living. In the past he has presented on Spirit FM in Chichester, Arrow Brighton, England FM in Hastings, Sovereign Radio in Eastbourne and Radio Chelsea in London with Planet 24. He has also worked in News and Sport with BBC Radio Five Live. He is well known for his late night love song shows and the popularity of these shows over sixteen years on Southern FM, Ocean FM and Capital Gold have earned him the name ‘Mr Lurve’. He currently presents “The Love Inn” on Brighton’s Juice 107.2 from Monday to Thursday, Ambrose also manages Ambrose Harcourt PR in public relations, AHPR Entertainment, the entertainment Agency, his charity, ‘Recycling 4 Africa’ and has just launched his latest company, Mr Lurve’s Wedding Specialists (MRLWS) from his offices in Hove. The most laid-back radio presenter in Sussex, and recently voted as having the ‘most recognisable voice in the South’, Ambrose grew up in the unlikely setting of the flatlands of East Anglia and still managed to acquire that supercool growl.
Ambrose is a regular host of fashion shows, having successfully compered several of these events in the past few years. He has also compered many prestigious balls and concerts plus he has introduced and worked with many international artists. In Sussex, his once a month residency at the Grand Hotel’s, Midnight Blues Nightclub with Mr Lurve’s Singles Night became legendary, introducing many couples and yielding quite a fair number of weddings and up until recently Ambrose was the resident DJ at Mayfair’s prestigious night club, Annabel’s. Ambrose has helped to raise money for many causes with the charities that he has been involved with including Muscular Dystrophy, Leukaemia Research, Mencap, British Heart Foundation, The Princes Trust, Help the Aged, Cancer Research and Scope. In the past, he took on an appointment as the Patron of the Good Life Diabetes Appeal in West Sussex and helped to raise £300,000 which helped to build a diabetes unit at Worthing Hospital. He is currently a Patron of St Barnabas Hospice and the Chestnut Tree House, the only Children’s Hospice in Sussex and helped to raise £5million in 3 years to build the hospice in West Sussex. He was also the face of ‘Relate’ in Worthing, as well as Brighton and Hove. His main project currently is Recycling 4 Africa, an organisation that has just achieved charity status thanks to all his persistent work. Recycling 4 Africa collects mobile phones and phone accessories and sends them over to Africa where they are recycled. The profits go on to help many African charities and will eventually help to build a Humanitarian hospital in Nigeria. It is a project close to Ambrose’s heart, and now that he has the charity status, he is launching the project nationwide. The main goal is to raise £2 million pounds in the next few years. Ambrose is also a member of the Independent Monitoring Board at Ford Open Prison, appointed by the Home Secretary as an independent adviser. He is also their Press Officer.
Contact: Ambrose Harcourt Telephone: 01273 206111 / 07850 736544 Email: ambrose@ambroseharcourtpr.co.uk Website: www.ambroseharcourtpr.co.uk
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Except for music and business, Ambrose’s greatest love apart from his family is sport especially Chelsea F.C. and he is a season ticket holder with the club and has been for many years. He is also an England supporter and was out in Germany supporting England in the World Cup a few years ago.
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NIGERIA Bert Williams MBE Brighton and Hove Black History Ambassador I have lived in Brighton and Hove since 1967, my first visit to Brighton was in 1960, when I arrived from Jamaica, I loved the place straight away, I moved down to Brighton after I left the Royal Air Force. I am retired now after working for the National Health Service (NHS) for 26 years. I do a couple of things including voluntary work for MOSAIC a Black and Mixed Parentage Family Group, becoming its first Chair person, the group Brighton, England is intended as a social network support group for adults and children of Black and mix-parentage families is now a charity in its 20th year.
I was instrumental in getting a plaque unveiled by the India Gate the southern entrance to the Royal Pavilion to commemorate the Indian wounded that were in the city. I am one of the organisers along with Davinder of the Chattri memorial group, which annually marks the memory to the Hindu, Sikh and Ghurkhas who were cremated on the South Downs at Patcham. This year we are organising a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the unveiling of the India Gate in remembrance of the sacrifices of Indian servicemen and Brighton & Hove residents during the Great War.
Along with my continued work with MOSAIC, and with Sarah Lee founded the Brighton and Hove Black History Project. Initially sparked from the interest in my own history I realised how much of a role that the Black and Minority Ethic people of the city played. Brighton and Hove Black History is a voluntary run organisation that strives to inform and educate people on the history of their city we live in. I have been invited to speak at a number of social events throughout the community as well as helping to organise events of my own; surrounding the topic. I was awarded the MBE in the Queen’s birthday honours list 2011, for my work in the Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities in Brighton and Hove.
Contact: Bert Williams MBE Telephone: 01273 234 835 / 07791 941 342 Email: bert@black-history.org.uk Website: www.black-history.org.uk 78
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PERU Patricia Oliart ¡VAMOS! Festival co-director & Lecturer at Newcastle University Patricia is originally from Peru, and came to study at Newcastle University. She has remained in Newcastle and has two grown-up children. She now teaches at the School of Modern Languages and is a co-director of ¡VAMOS! Festival, a North East-wide festival that promotes Spanish and Portuguese speaking cultures over six weeks of events. This year’s event is between 1 June – 15 July 2012. The Festival itself has been awarded the Inspire Mark.
NewcastleGateshead, England
Languages Spoken: Spanish, English.
Contact: Cait Read Telephone: 07811 320447 Email: vamospr@gmail.com Website: www.vamosfestival.com
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VAMOS quayside rehersal NewcastleGateshead, England 79
POLAND Agnieszka MM Kucharko Curator/Artistic Animator/Catalyst/Artist/Entertainer Born in Poland, lives and works in London, UK I have worked in the entertainment industry for a few years before completing Fine Art Print and Media at Wimbledon College of Art, University of the Arts London under Melanie Jackson and Loise Rowe. In 2010 also attended Transmedialle Kunst at Universit채t f체r Angewandte Kunst in Vienna, Austria under Brigitte Kowanz.
London, England Since 2010 acting as Visual Art Director for Deconstruction Project a not for profit art organization based in London, which she set up with two art historians - Kasia Sobucka and Karolina Merska. Deconstruction Project aims to bring British and Polish artists as well as their audiences closer together by strengthening cultural relations and establishing new contacts among artists, arts teachers, musicians and curators. Our ambition is to raise awareness about Poland and its culture, presenting it as a modern, creative, nation with a significant contribution to the contemporary arts. The Polish community has become as integral part of British culture and it is important to us to make Polish artistic achievements more visible and recognizable within the multicultural art scene in the UK. Apart from regular curatorial projects I am still actively participating in the arts within my own practice as an artist. Her latest curatorial project as part of the Polish Arts festival in Southend is an exhibition titled Subject to Change. Perspectives from UK based Polish born artsts, which will take place between August and September at the Kursaal Space. A project with association with artist, writer and curator Zbigniew Kotkiewicz.
Recent selected shows and exhibitions: 2012, Polish Arts Festival, Southend on Sea, 24 HOUR ART PROJECT, from Footnote to Art Series (Location to be announced) 2012, Peterborough Arts Festival, Metal Culture Commission - 24 HOUR ART PROJECT, from Footnote to Art Series, 2011, Kursaal Space , Southend on Sea, UK 2011, Shagaret El Dor, Cairo, Egypt 2011, Galeria Zderzak, Krakow, Poland 2011, The Encounter on Tank TV / online museum of artists' moving image 2011, Bloomberg New Contemporaries 2010, Institute of Contemporary Arts, London 2010, Homeless Gallery, Dilston Grove, London, UK 2010, Bloomberg New Contemporaries 2010, A Foundation, Liverpool, UK 2010, Young Polish Art, Metal, Chalkwell Hall,Southend on Sea 2010, Wimbledon College of Art, UAL, London, UK 2010, Wimbledon Art Space, London, UK 2010, Trinity Buoy Wharf, London, UK 2009, Die Angewandte, Vienna, Austria Best thing about living in the UK? Without sounding like a "life coach" or a quote from a self help book - If you have your mind set on something there are no heavy limits to achieving it. Of course you have to overcome the usual bureaucratic obstacles and put in the hard work but that is usually on route to everywhere as long as there is enthusiasm there is a way. You have a beautiful country rich with history. London has some of the most amaizing architecture - The city has some of my favorite brutalist buildings and structures (my secret love) Culture wise there are tens of everything to choose from every day. All you need is time to see it all! I have lived here for over 12 years and can honestly say that a have not had a single boring day... Languages Spoken: Polish, English
Contact: Agnieszka MM Kucharko Telephone: +44(0)7967324586 Email: agnieszka@deconstructionproject.co.uk Website: www.deconstructionproject.co.uk / www.kucharko.com 80
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SINGAPORE Cherish Finden Head Pastry Chef Singapore-born Cherish Finden is the multi-award winning Head Pastry Chef at The Langham, London. With over 20 years of international experience, Cherish has created an innovative and imaginative menu for the hotel’s centrepiece, Palm Court. Her work at The Langham has ranged from creating irresistible menu items inspired by the collections of top jewellery designers to developing magnificent showpieces such as an entirely edible 1.5-metre tall Faberge egg. The London, England pastry chef’s inventive edge has kept the hotel at the forefront of London’s culinary scene. Growing up as the eldest daughter in a family of 5, Cherish was often been responsible for preparing supper for the family. She began her working life in a different field altogether but after endless encouragement and a steady stream of compliments from her family and friends, Cherish was eventually inspired to further develop her talent at Shatect Culinary School in Singapore. Here, Cherish discovered a natural talent for making pastries using her creative eye to capture ideas from the world around her from colours and textures to specific objects. After leaving Shatect, Cherish indulged her competitive side and entered the Food & Hotel Asia International Culinary Challenge where she was awarded a Bronze Medal in Confectionary. The following year, Cherish joined the team at The Pan-Pacific Hotel, a five star hotel in Singapore, as Chef de Partie and for three years used her skills to create delicious cakes and desserts for the hotel’s various food and beverage outlets. Over the course of her career, Cherish has both supported and lead pastry teams at numerous luxury hotel establishments including Raffles Hotel Singapore and Marriott Hotel London before settling at The Langham, London.
Throughout her varied and exciting career, Cherish has continued to challenge herself through training courses and culinary competitions that have resulted in over 25 medals from international events around the world. Most notably, the Singapore Pastry Team led by Cherish came in first out of 32 national teams and won 8 gold medals at the IKA Culinary Olympics in 2000. Furthermore, Cherish’s work at The Langham earned them the prestigious Tea Guild Afternoon Tea award in 2010. With each and every creation, Cherish aims to capture the attention of her subjects, be they judges in a competition or guests of a hotel. While her constantly evolving style means that she does not have a signature piece, Cherish notes that elements of her upbringing in Singapore are always evident in her work. Many of her desserts involve use of more exotic Asian ingredients such as goji berry, snow fungus, red bean, ginkgo nut and blue ginger. Cherish’s enthusiasm and passion for her work has also resulted in invitations to appear on popular TV programmes among notable culinary peers including BBC’s Masterchef, Australian Masterchef and BBC 2’s Junior Bake-off. Cherish is continually testing and redefining the benchmark for the modern pastry chef. Her artistic flare and expert knowledge of ingredients allows her to explore more creative aspects of dessert making. Her contribution to The Langham has helped establish the Palm Court as the top London destination for afternoon tea.
Contact: Nick Barrington Wells, PR Manager, The Langham, London Telephone: 44 (0)20 7973 7515 Email: Nick.barringtonwells@langhamhotels.com Website: www.langhamhospitalitygroup.com
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SLOVAKIA Tomàš Libertiny Artist Tomàš Libertiny has been commissioned by Exhibition Road Show (28 July-5 August) to produce one of his trademark living bee sculptures. For ROAD SHOW, Libertiny will create a glass tower to contain a living sculpture with honeybees, commuting in and out. Scientific studies over the last decade that have focused on the impact of climate change on the decline of honeybee colonies are gaining London, England increased public awareness. Populations of the European Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) have been rapidly declining, with the population in England halving over the last 20 years. The institutions along Exhibition Road, the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and Imperial College, are all engaged in academic research around climate science issues; Imperial and the Natural History Museum both having their own bee keeping colonies for research purposes. At the same time, honeybees are also a very domestic pursuit for many households across the country; in this way, their decline brings climate science issues close to home. That many of us have such a close and personal connection to the honeybee serves to create a very powerful relationship between the viewer and the work.
“Concerned that the inhabitants be happy and well-treated,” says Libertiny, “I invite new colonies, looking to make a palace for their as yet infertile young queens honeybees, to make their home in this familiar yet foreign form. Looking at shape and colour as aesthetic considerations, I intervene in the process and therefore the object that the bees are producing. The sculpture's facade becomes a skin of beeswax honeycomb revolving around a light skeleton. Eager to impress their new matriarch, the bees work tirelessly on the structure and thus the installation is a testament to love and dedication, but also to the tragedy of an individual sacrifice for a better whole.” Tomáš Gabzdil Libertiny trained in Slovakia; in 2001, he was awarded George Soros’s Open Society Institute Scholarship to study at the University of Washington in Seattle, where he explored painting and sculpture. Libertiny received his MFA from the Design Academy Eindhoven where he graduated in 2006. His work has been acquired by the Museum of Modern Art in New York, Museum Boijmans van Beuningen and Cincinatti Art Museum, and he recently created pieces for Art Basel and the Venice Biennale.
Tomáš Libertiny’s practice poetically addresses the honeybees natural industry, encouraging them to create living hives upon sculptural forms which Libertiny creates, and which challenge and extend their natural building forms. In this way he seeks to create a link between the human industry that is contributing to the bee’s decline and their natural ability to match if not exceed the capabilities of man-made engineering, exposing the plight of the bees as an endangered species, but one that nevertheless continues to bring life, both to other living organisms and to this living architecture.
Contact: Anna Arthur Telephone: 020 7836 7660 / 07973 264373 Email: anna@arthurleone.com Website: www.tomaslibertiny.com
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SOUTH AFRICA Luke Simon Bates Supervisor at Buxton Tourist Information Centre I am a Springbok who was born in Cape Town and come from a family of five. I have two lovely sisters who have always spoilt their little brother, even though I am many miles away. My dad was born in Stratford Upon Avon and emigrated when he was still very young so England feels familiar and has become my home. After a year’s National Service in the South African Army I decided I’d like to see a bit more of the world so travelled “just for a year” to London. A month after Derbyshire, England arriving I met my future wife and, 15 years later, still call the UK home. I lived in London for ten years, working and studying. I attended the University of Arts London and graduated with a 2:1 degree in International Travel and Tourism Management. My first job in tourism was as a tour guide on one of the sightseeing buses where I met many travelling South Africans who were surprised to have me as their guide. The history that surrounds each square metre of London and each town and village of the UK has always fascinated me. As a fan of real ale I can satisfy my two loves in the historic pubs of the UK, from Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street to the Old Hall in Buxton. I then joined the English Heritage team at Eltham Palace and took the opportunity to move to the country and the Peak District as supervisor of Peveril Castle, one of the first Norman Castles to be built. Four years ago I jumped at the chance to become the supervisor of the Buxton Tourist Information Centre and love the opportunity to talk about one of my favourite subjects, the Peak District, to visitors to the area. I am lucky enough to promote, but also work in, one of the most impressive and vibrant tourist attractions in the Peak District, Pavilion Gardens, with its award-winning Victorian Gardens. I felt instantly at home in the Peak District; the people are the friendliest you’ll find and the scenery is breathtaking. My commute to work is through the Goyt Valley and, as I am waking up, I watch the mist roll through the valley. Since starting work at Buxton Tourist Information Centre we’ve had two wonderful children, Cerys and Cai.
They have Welsh names as Helen, my wife, is Welsh which always makes rugby matches interesting. When we drive into the surrounding countryside from our home in Chapel-enle-Frith to cycle or visit Chatsworth or to picnic by a reservoir, I tell Cerys that this is her playground. We are so fortunate to live in the Peak District as it is our playground and soon can become yours too. Languages Spoken: English/I can understand some Afrikaans. Top tips: 1. Embrace and enjoy the weather and make the most of your day. We refer to the weather as atmospheric. Take in the views; look at changing landscape – some of the best walks and enjoyable days are when the weather is wild. Remember to reward yourself after with a well-deserved pint or hot cup of tea in an old pub. You can experience four seasons in one day in the Peak District. 2. Don’t be afraid to taste the local cuisine and visit local farmers markets – you will be surprised at the wide variety of interesting and local food. Try the local beers and ales and visit the old traditional pubs. 3. Embrace the culture, eccentric traditions, myths and legends. There are so many to choose from including Morris Dancing, Well Dressing; Ashbourne Shrovetide Football. Go to the theatre rather than watch TV in your hotel. Local theatres, such as Buxton Opera House, often offer brilliant shows.
Contact: Luke Bates Telephone: 01298 813583 / 07977 148578 Email: bates890@btinternet.com / luke.bates@highpeak.gov.uk Website: N/A
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SOUTH AFRICA Candi Giacchetti General Manager of The Modern Pantry Restaurant I have always lived in London and love the cultural diversity of this vibrant city – from the people I meet each day, the food culture, wines, art, culture and events.
Languages Spoken: English, Afrikaans
London, England
Contact: Candi Giacchetti Telephone: 020 7553 9210 Email: candi@themodernpantry.co.uk Website: www.themodernpantry.co.uk 84
The Modern Pantry Restaurant London, England Index
SPAIN Oscar del Campo
José Pizarro
General Manager, Le Méridien Piccadilly
Chef Patron, Jose and Pizarro Restaurants
Oscar began his career with Starwood Hotels & Resorts in 1992 as a Guest Service Agent at the Sheraton Skyline Hotel in Heathrow, working his way up to become Front Office Manager, a role he held until 2000. He was then promoted to General Manager of the Arabella Sheraton Golf Hotel Son Vida in Mallorca, where he worked for five years.
London is the most exciting city in the world.
From 2005 onwards, the German-born Spaniard London, England managed the Sheraton Frankfurt Hotel & Towers – one of the largest hotels within Starwood’s portfolio with over one thousand rooms and 56 banquet rooms. In May 2007, del Campo was promoted to the role of General Manager at Hotel Imperial and Hotel Bristol - two iconic hotels in Vienna which are part of Starwood’s Luxury Collection portfolio – where he was responsible for around 350 members of staff.
Languages Spoken: Spanish, English.
There is nothing you can’t find or achieve here. Right now we are in the middle of such an exciting food revolution – London is bursting with the best cocktails, street food, artisan producers…wonderful.
London, England
In February 2011, Oscar returned to the UK to take on the role of General Manager of the chic 267-room Le Méridien Piccadilly hotel in London. Oscar is enjoying being back in England after his time in Germany and Vienna. One of his passions is classical music – something he was very much able to indulge in Vienna, renowned for its opera and classical music scene. Now he is in London, he is very excited about a recent partnership Le Méridien Piccadilly has created with the Philharmonia Orchestra. He would definitely recommend going to see the orchestra play in their Royal Festival Hall home on the Southbank. Oscar is also a big fan of the TATE Modern and the TATE Britain museums and goes to see as many of their exhibitions as he can. Languages Spoken: German, Spanish, English. Contact: Sarah Whitham, PR Manager Telephone: 020 7290 7107 Email: Sarah.whitham@starwoodhotels.com Website: www.lemeridienpiccadilly.com
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Contact: Hannah Norris, Nourish PR Email: Hannah@nourishpr.com Website: www.josepizarro.com
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SPAIN Jordi Tarrida General Manager, Turnberry Resort, Scotland Jordi Tarrida as General Manager of Turnberry Resort, Scotland. Jordi joins Turnberry from the Arabella Golf & Spa Resort in Mallorca. Jordi Tarrida began his career with Starwood Hotels & Resorts in 1980 as a Front Office Clerk at the Macuto Sheraton Caracas in Venezuela, moving to Frankfurt the following year to join the team at the Sheraton Frankfurt Hotel & Towers where he remained until 1986. Over the following nine years, Jordi held a succession of sales positions, Scotland including Sales Manager in the Sheraton Sales Office in Germany; Director of Sales at the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort and Director of Sales at the Sheraton Frankfurt Hotel & Towers. In 1995, German-born Tarrida became Area Director of Marketing, Spain and Portugal, for Starwood Hotels & Resorts. In this position Tarrida was responsible for the marketing strategy of all of the Starwood Hotels and Resorts in Spain and Portugal, including the Luxury Collection Hotel Maria Cristina in San Sebastian and Hotel Alfonso XIII in Seville.
In addition to Turnberry’s golf courses, Tarrida also manages the hotel’s signature 1906 restaurant, the elegant Grand Tea Lounge, James Miller Room, Ailsa Bar & Lounge, Duel in the Sun bar, panoramic Tappie Toorie restaurant, the indulgent ESPA spa and on-site outdoor activity centre offering quad biking, horse riding, fishing, off-road driving and falconry. Jordi would obviously recommend that any keen golfers visiting Scotland experience a round on one of the country’s world-renowned golf courses. The Ailsa course at Turnberry boasts breathtaking views across the Ayrshire coastline and is a truly memorable experience. Ayrshire is also a region known for its heritage and legend – home of Rabbie Burns and Robert the Bruce. Culzean Castle is less than 4 miles from Turnberry whilst Burns National Heritage Park is also nearby – perfect for exploring the countryside and history of this area of Scotland. Languages Spoken: German, Spanish, English.
In March 2000, Tarrida was promoted to the role of General Manager of the Westin La Quinta Golf Resort in Marbella, Spain where he managed the opening of the 172-room hotel and the development of the resort’s spa. He then moved to Mallorca in 2006, to take up the position of Area Manager Mallorca where he oversaw the renovation and rebranding of the 133-room St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort. In June 2011, Jordi moved to Scotland to take on the role of General Manager at the 150room luxurious Turnberry Resort in Ayrshire, Scotland, including the resort’s three world-class golf courses: the legendary Championship Ailsa golf course; the Championship Kintyre Course and the Arran Course, as well as the Colin Montgomerie Links Golf Academy and Scotland’s first and only tailor-made performance lab. Contact: Sarah Whitham, PR Manager Telephone: 020 7290 7107 Email: Sarah.whitham@starwoodhotels.com Website: www.turnberryresort.co.uk
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SPAIN Yolanda Vazquez Actress & Learning Consultant, Shakespeare’s Globe In the same year that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II celebrates sixty years on the throne with the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, and the world looks to London as it hosts the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Shakespeare’s Globe embarks upon its most ambitious and exciting year yet. Shakespeare’s Globe is one of the most popular visitor destinations in the UK, at the heart of the regeneration of London’s Bankside. Together the London, England Globe Theatre, Globe Education, Globe Exhibition and Tour offer a unique setting to explore Shakespeare in performance. The Globe has always been an international story, the vision of an American, which welcomes international audiences into its oak embrace. It has also sought to take the Globe’s work back out into the world through international touring and education programmes. Yolanda Vazquez, actress and learning consultant, was born in San Roque, Cadiz, South Spain. Yolanda lived in Spain until she was aged 10. She first visited the Globe soon after it opened in 1997 and has performed on stage in The Comedy of Errors (1999), and Two Noble Kinsmen (2000). She studied at the Drama Centre London.
You have performed on the Globe stage many times, tell us about the experience from both an actors and an audience point of view. As an actor, the Globe is an exhilarating place to work. The immediacy of and connection to the audience is something that you don’t often encounter. As the audience you are pulled in and involved, it’s a visceral experience. What do you enjoy most about your current role as Learning Consultant? I enjoy training new practitioners, helping them build their workshops activities and observing them develop their practice. Working with national and international teachers on continual professional development and sharing rehearsal room activities for use in the classroom is always satisfying. Shakespeare’s Globe press office has prepared a selection of international feature and interview ideas, along with a 2012 press pack, and extensive images and b-roll footage. For more information, please contact Louise Gilbert or visit: www.shakespearesglobe.com/about-us/press Languages Spoken: Spanish, English. Appearance fee may apply.
Q&A with Yolanda Vazquez Tell us a little about where you’re from. I was born in a town called San Roque, in the province of Cadiz, in southern Spain. The gardens at the back of my street looked onto the sea framed by Gibraltar and Africa. Although a small town, it was always very cosmopolitan, possibly due to the proximity of port towns like Algeciras.
Contact: Louise Gilbert, Press & PR Officer 2012 Telephone: 020 7902 1476 Email: Louise.g@shakespearesglobe.com Website: www.shakespearesglobe.com
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SWEDEN Sophie Best
Ingrid Karlsson-Kemp
Owner and working manager at The Abbey in Cheltenham, a four-star guesthouse
Artist at Moorland Studios
Born in Sweden in 1971, I came to England in 1991, as a young 19-year-old, having planned to stay long enough to polish up my English. I then went to Paris to improve my French, however, I failed this due to meeting my English husband. I moved to England permanently in 1996. For 18 months I worked as a data editor for Financial Times Data division before Gloucestershire, England taking the plunge buying my own business with my husband in 1998. I feel as English as I feel Swedish nowadays, having spent half my life in England. My top tips for success in England is firstly language. You need to speak perfectly. Secondly, embracing the culture and traditions of your adopted homeland. I still celebrate Swedish lucia and midsummer, but I also enjoy racing at Cheltenham Gold Cup, English Sunday walks followed by a pub lunch and spending summer holidays bodyboarding in North Devon. English life is different from Swedish, but that is just it, not better or worse, just different.
I have been here quite a while now, sort of landed here by accident. I like the diversity of the UK, the multi-layered society. I like the self-deprecating humour and the culture of irony. I like the spirit of managing queuing, traffic and huge populations. I like the art, literature and drama. I like the sheer beauty and diversity of scenery around the British Isles. I like the Brits. Languages Spoken: Swedish, English, German, French, Italian (un poco).
Peak District, England
Tips? Always wear layers and be prepared for change in the weather. Always expect road works (take a picnic in the car or on the train). Always be prepared to laugh (it helps in all situations).
Languages Spoken: Swedish, English.
Contact: Sophie Best Telephone: 01242 516053 Email: office@abbeyhotel-cheltenham.com Website: www.abbeyhotel-cheltenham.com 88
Contact: Ingrid Karlsson-Kemp Telephone: 01298 83394 / 07976 527009 Email: ingrid@karlsson-kemp.co.uk Website: www.ingrid-karlsson-kemp.co.uk Index
SWEDEN Katarina Lees Textile Designer Born in 1971 outside Gothenburg (Nodinge), I graduated from the University of Boras (BA in Textile Design) in 1999 and moved to the UK later that year. I am a textile designer and maker specialising in hand-woven rugs. I come from a long line of weavers and I am passionate about using traditional techniques to produce innovative designs for contemporary living. I work from a converted barn in the Peak District and my warm, colourful designs reflect both my heritage and the open, everDerbyshire, England changing landscape that surrounds my studio. I like living in the UK because it is an open-minded place. You don’t have to look, say or think like everybody else. I like village life in the Peak District, where people always have time for a chat and a joke and there is a sense of community. I love walking my dog in the vast landscape with its sheep and farms, where there is a pub at the end of the trek - even if you are in the middle of nowhere. Languages Spoken: Swedish, English.
Contact: Katarina Lees Telephone: 01298 210182 / 07789 743944 Email: dnksite@talk21.com Website: www.katarinalees.com
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THAILAND Ms Anonglak Somsrimee Thai restaurant owner I was born in a small farming village in the North East of Thailand and, at the age of 13, I gained entrance into one of the top schools in the area. From here I attended University in Bangkok studying Mass Communication, and after obtaining my degree I came to England to study for my Masters Degree.
Derbyshire, England My sister was already living in the UK and owned a Thai restaurant, so I worked in the restaurant part time while studying for my degree. It was while studying I met my future husband and, after having our son, we decided to open our own restaurant. It was a year of incredibly hard work and financial stress before we opened our doors but have never looked back since. What I like most about living in the UK is that with hard work and determination you can accomplish anything. Top tips: 1. Know what you want and don’t let people tell you it can’t be done. 2. Don’t let knockbacks demoralise you, it just means you have to try that bit harder. 3. Be a part of your local community; they are your customers so forge links and relationships and always use local companies if possible as this will benefit everyone. Languages Spoken: English, Thai.
Contact: Ms. Anonglak Somsrimee (Mim) Telephone: Work: 01298 24471 / Mobile: 07917 776264 Email: mim73@me.com / contact@simplythaibuxton.co.uk Website: www.simplythaibuxton.co.uk 90
Opera House Buxton, Derbyshire Index
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Sulayman Al-Bassam
Sultan Al-Darmaki
A British-Kuwaiti theatre director and playwright
Contemporary Middle Eastern designer
Sulayman Al Bassam, a British-Kuwaiti theatre director and playwright has lived and worked in the UK for almost two decades. His production of Richard III was the first Arabic-language production staged by the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Now based in London, Al Darmaki is the first contemporary Middle Eastern designer to have his work picked up by the museum and the first Emirati to be in that position - some achievement for a designer after just six months into his career.
Languages Spoken: English, Arabic.
Languages Spoken: English, Arabic.
London, England
Contact: N/A Telephone: 020 8980617 Email: N/A Website: www.sulaymanalbassam.wordpress.com Index
London, England
Contact: Fearnhurst PR Suzy Socker, suzy@fh-pr.com / Ella Wells, ella@fh-pr.com Telephone: 020 7317 2783 Email: Suzy Socker, suzy@fh-pr.com / Ella Wells, ella@fh-pr.com Website: www.darmaki.com 91
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Ali Al-Habsi
Zaha Hadid
Goalkeeper for Premier League Team, Wigan Athletic
Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid, founder of Zaha Hadid Architects, was awarded the Pritzker Architecture Prize (considered to be the Nobel Prize of architecture) in 2004 and is internationally known for her built, theoretical and academic work. Each of her dynamic and innovative projects builds on over 30 years of revolutionary exploration and research in the inter-related fields of urbanism, architecture and design.
Al Habsi became the first Omani to play international football in Europe when he joined the Norwegian club, Lyn Oslo, where he was voted "Norwegian Goalkeeper of the Year" in 2004. He began playing in his native country, Oman at the age of 17 and played in all of Oman’s matches at the 2004 AFC Asian Cup in China and also made four appearances for the team in their qualifying campaign for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. He was also Oman's firstchoice goalkeeper at the 2007 AFC Asian Cup, and currently has 70 international caps for Oman.
Lancashire, England
In January 2006, he joined Bolton Wanderers, where he made his full Bolton debut in the League Cup victory over Fulham in September 2007. In 2010, he joined the Premier League rivals Wigan Athletic for the 2010–11 season, and was named Wigan's player of the season. Wigan then signed Al Habsi to a four-year contract for an estimated £4 m transfer fee from Bolton. Yahoo! EuroSport awarded him the man of the match in December 2011, due to his several good saves in a match against Liverpool. Languages Spoken:
Born in Baghdad, Iraq in 1950, she studied mathematics at the American University of Beirut London, England before moving to London in 1972 to attend the Architectural Association School where she was awarded the Diploma Prize in 1977. She founded Zaha Hadid Architects in the 1980s and completed her first building, the Vitra Fire Station in Weil am Rhein, Germany in 1993. The MAXXI: National Museum of 21st Century Arts in Rome, Italy and the London Aquatics Centre for the 2012 Olympic Games are excellent demonstrations of Hadid’s quest for complex, fluid space. Currently Hadid is working on a multitude of projects worldwide including: High-Speed Train Stations in Naples and Durango; the Fiera di Milano masterplan and tower as well as major master-planning projects in Beijing, Bilbao, Istanbul and Singapore. In the Middle East, Hadid’s portfolio includes cultural, corporate, academic and infrastructure projects in Jordan, Morocco, UAE and Saudi Arabia, in addition to national institutions such as the new Central Bank of Iraq Headquarters. Hadid’s outstanding contribution to the architectural profession continues to be acknowledged by the most world’s most respected institutions. She received the prestigious ‘Praemium Imperiale’ from the Japan Art Association in 2009 and the Stirling Prize, one of architecture’s highest accolades, in both 2010 and 2011 from the Royal Institute of British Architects. Other recent awards include UNESCO naming Hadid as an ‘Artist for Peace’, the Republic of France honouring Hadid with the ‘Commandeur de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres’ in recognition of her services to architecture, TIME magazine included her in its list of the ‘100 Most Influential People in the World’ and in 2012, she received the title of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire from Queen Elizabeth II.
Contact: Premier League Press Office Telephone: N/A Website: www.wiganlatics.co.uk/page/ProfilesDetail/0,,10429~36152,00.html www.twitter.com/#!/AliAlhabsi 92
Contact: Zaha Hadid Press Office Telephone: 020 7253 5147 Email: press@zaha-hadid.com Website: www.zaha-hadid.com Index
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Elham Al-Qasimi
Shiza Khan
First Arab woman to set foot on the North Pole and the first UAE national to ski to the North Pole
Khan is one of a growing number of Emiratis who have chosen to pursue a first-class fashion education in the UK.
In 2004, Elham moved to London to study at the London School of Economics for an MSc in Management of NGOs.
Shiza Khan from Dubai chose to attend the London College of Fashion as she says it offers students more opportunities than they would get in Dubai.
On graduating with a Distinction for her thesis, Elham took an internship at the Overseas London, England Development Institute, a leading think tank for international development. Then she resigned to focus completely on her North Pole expedition.
Languages Spoken: English, Arabic.
London, England
Languages Spoken: English, Arabic.
Contact: Leisa Workman at Bell Pottinger Telephone: 020 7861 2446 Email: lworkman@bell-pottinger.co.uk Website: www.elhamalqasimi.com Index
Contact: N/A Telephone: N/A Email: N/A Website: www.linkedin.com/pub/shiza-nawaz-khan/24/2a2/b9a www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/fashion/from-dubai-to-london-the-uaes-designing-women 93
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Gillian Anderson
Ben de Lisi
Actress
Fashion Designer
Gillian Anderson was born in Chicago, Illinois. Soon after her birth, her family moved to Puerto Rico for 15 months; before moving to London, so that her father could attend the London Film School. When Anderson was 11 years old, her family moved again, this time to Grand Rapids, Michigan.
London based designer Ben de Lisi creates elegant, glamorous evening wear and beautiful bridal dresses. His signature style is instantly recognisable and he has developed a loyal fashion and celebrity following. Ben is one of the main Designers at Debenhams where he has his own BDL line which includes fashion and homewear. 2009 saw Debenhams relaunch the popular Principles range with Ben as the designer making him one of the most sought after designers in the country. 2010 also saw the launch of Ben's winning design for the new NHS hospital gown which is currently in production.
An award-winning film, television, and theatre actress, Gillian’s credits include the roles of Special Agent Dana Scully in FOX Television's long-running and London, England critically-acclaimed drama series, "The X-Files", illfated socialite Lily Bart in Terence Davies' masterpiece "The House of Mirth" (2000), and Lady Dedlock in the very successful BBC production of Charles Dickens' "Bleak House". In 2003, she won the Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers' Choice Best Actress Award for her West End debut in Michael Weller's two-hander "What the Night Is For". The following year, she starred in Rebecca Gilman's play "The Sweetest Swing in Baseball" which ran at London's Royal Court Theatre from March 25 through May 15, 2004. From May 14 through July 18, 2009, she played Nora in a new version of Ibsen's "A Doll's House" at the Donmar Warehouse in London. She received a Laurence Olivier Nomination for her performance. With her English accent and background, Anderson was mocked and felt out of place in the American Midwest and soon adopted a Midwest accent. To this day, her accent depends on her location — for instance, in an interview with Jay Leno she spoke in an American accent, but in an interview with Michael Parkinson she spoke with an English accent.
Contact: Maddi Bonura Telephone: N/A Email: maddibonura@independenttalent.com Website: www.gilliananderson.ws 94
London, England
Ben regularly contributes to various entertainment and news programmes as a fashion expert and was one of the main fashion contributors both here and worldwide during the Royal Wedding. I decided to be a designer when I started to make clothes for myself and became bombarded with requests from friends and family to make pieces for them as well. I was about 19 years old. The first garment I designed was a rain slicker type blouson jacket in black metallic PVC, sounds perfectly awful but back in the late 1970s I sold loads of them. I would describe my design style as blasé chic, quietly sexy, on the right side of being dangerous, effortlessly understated, pure, timeless, glamorous, polished. As a designer I can look at anything and be inspired, be it walking the dogs in Battersea park, at the MOMA in Manhattan, or on the beach in Greece. As long as I can see I can design so everywhere is my studio.
Contact: Jane Compton Telephone: 0207 836 3941 Email: ben@bendelisi.com Website: www.bendelisi.com Index
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Chris Fujiwarma Artistic Director at Edinburgh International Film Festival Chris has been a film critic, journalist, and film programmer in both the United States and Japan. He is the author of three books on film and has taught film studies at Yale University, Tokyo University, and elsewhere. Among the many things he loves about living and working in the UK are the friendliness of the people, the charm of the architecture and countryside, and easy access to a wide range of delicious ales, stouts, ports, and whiskies.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Languages Spoken: English, French.
Contact: Charlotte Gosling Telephone: 0131 5297377 Email: Charlotte.gosling@edinburghfestivals.co.uk Website: www.edinburghfestivals.co.uk Index
Edinburgh Festival Edinburgh, Scotland
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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Loyd Grossman OBE TV Presenter/Chef Loyd Grossman was born in Boston in 1950 and graduated from Boston University (BA cum laude), the London School of Economics (M Sc Econ) and Magdalene College, Cambridge (MPhil). After starting a career in journalism with Harpers & Queen and the Sunday Times he was diverted into television where as a writer, presenter or deviser he was involved in a wide range of programmes including Through the Keyhole, London, England MasterChef, Behind the Headlines, History of British Sculpture, Loyd on Location and Build Britain, He also wrote and presented a series, Composers at Home, for Radio 3. Loyd’s knowledge of and fascination with food led him to create his own brand in 1995, which became Britain’s most successful new premium food brand. His lifelong interest in history, the arts and heritage has involved him in a number of organisations. He is a former Commissioner of the Museums and Galleries Commission, a former Commissioner of English Heritage (where he was Chairman of the Museums Advisory Committee and the Blue Plaques Panel), a former Commissioner of the Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England, a founding member of the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council, past Chairman of National Museums Liverpool and of the Public Monuments and Sculpture Association. He founded the 24-Hour Museum (now Culture 24) and was its Chairman until 2005.
He was a member of the Court of Governors of the LSE from 1996-2009 and is now an Emeritus Governor of the LSE. In 2007 he was appointed Chairman of The Churches Conservation Trust, and in 2008 he became Chairman of the University for the Creative Arts. In 2009 Loyd was appointed Chairman of the Heritage Alliance which represents 91 of the non-governmental and voluntary organizations working in the heritage sector. He is a member of the Court of Assistants of the Company of Arts Scholars, Dealers and Collectors, a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. Loyd was appointed OBE in 2003 and was awarded a Doctor of Letters degree in 2007 by the University of Chester in recognition of his heritage work. In January 2011 the University of Lincoln awarded him an honorary Doctor of Arts degree in recognition of his contribution to the cultural heritage sector and in June 2011 he was made an Honorary Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Glaziers in further recognition of his role in the heritage movement. Loyd is a keen scuba diver and an enthusiastic guitarist: he has performed recently at the Glastonbury, Vintage, Guilfest and Rebellion festivals.
Loyd is Patron of the Association for Heritage Interpretation, President of the British Association of Friends of Museums and a Fellow of St Deiniol’s Library.
Contact: Peter Schnabl, Manager Telephone: 01666 502 133 Email: peter.schnabl@virgin.net Website: www.loydgrossmansauces.co.uk 96
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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Mary Heyler Music Strategy Adviser and Head of Sheffield Music Service I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. I came to the UK to participate in the finals of an international singing competition and met my former husband. I have lived in the UK for 27 years and have recently remarried at the ripe age of 56. I have a son who is 26 and working in Peru. I love everything about the Peak District. When I was working in London I heard about a job with Derbyshire County Council and jumped at the Yorkshire, England chance to move here. I had also discovered that I had a cousin who still lived in Edale and that a whole branch of my family tree came from Bradwell and Smalldale in the Peak District. I guess in some ways I have come full circle, growing up in Los Angeles and then coming to live in the beautiful Peak District where two members left to emigrate to the US more than 100 years ago. I have lived in the Peak District since January 2004. Top tips: 1. Keep an open fire during winter. It brightens the grey days. 2. Keep your voice down in public places – Americans can get a touch enthusiastic, which comes across as overbearing. 3. Have fun responses ready for comments such as ‘you come from California? What are you doing here? I like to say I came over for the weather.
Contact: Mary Heyler Telephone: 01298 71164 / 07903 670803 Email: m.heyler@gmail.com Website: www.sheffield.gov.uk/musicservice Index
The Winter Garden Sheffield, Yorkshire 97
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Dr Farah Karim-Cooper Head of Courses & Research, Shakespeare’s Globe In the same year that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II celebrates sixty years on the throne with the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, and the world looks to London as it hosts the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Shakespeare’s Globe embarks upon its most ambitious and exciting year yet.
Shakespeare’s Globe press office has prepared a selection of international feature and interview ideas, along with a 2012 press pack, and extensive images and b-roll footage. For more information, please contact Louise Gilbert or visit: www.shakespearesglobe.com/about-us/press Appearance fee may apply.
Shakespeare’s Globe is one of the most popular visitor destinations in the UK, at the heart of the regeneration of London’s Bankside. Together the London, England Globe Theatre, Globe Education, Globe Exhibition and Tour offer a unique setting to explore Shakespeare in performance. The Globe has always been an international story, the vision of an American, which welcomes international audiences into its oak embrace. It has also sought to take the Globe’s work back out into the world through international touring and education programmes. Farah oversees all research activity and chairs the Globe Architecture Research Group, who are currently working on the design brief and historical research of a 320-seat Indoor Jacobean Theatre onsite, set to open in 2013. Farah recently extended Globe Education’s higher education programme to the doctoral level by bringing into the organisation two Collaborative Doctoral Award students, researching theatre space and audiences, both of whom completed in January 2012. She is also a Visiting Research Fellow of King’s College London and co-convenes the Globe/King’s MA in Shakespearean Studies: Text and Playhouse. In addition to publishing articles and essays in books, her first monograph Cosmetics in Shakespearean and Renaissance Drama was published in 2006.
Contact: Louise Gilbert, Press & PR Officer 2012 Telephone: 020 7902 1476 Email: Louise.g@shakespearesglobe.com Website: www.shakespearesglobe.com 98
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Bankside, London, England Index
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Jayne–Leigh Thomas
David Tucker
Tour Guide (plays the part of Jonet Nimmo) at The Real Mary King’s Close
“The Garrison Keillor” of London Walks C’est moi. Putting myself up in large part because of my nationality! It’s maybe a hook for some of the American broadcasters that, “”What? London Walks is run by an American????”
Jayne-Leigh left her small home town near Seattle to study at Edinburgh University and is now working at The Real Mary King’s Close as the daughter of Mary King. My tips for visiting Britain are: 1. Experience the culture. 2. Explore the history. 3. Find out your Scottish Ancestry!
Edinburgh, Scotland
Been here since 73. (19 not 18.) Educated here. University College London. Ph.D. on Dickens. I think I can confidently say there won’t be many Americans who know London better than I do!
London, England
I’m a war bride. A little English rose thought I was her ticket to California. Retreaded academic.Television journalist for 20 years. London Walks guide since 1980. Mary and I have owned and run it since 1990. Ride a motorcycle. A bit of notoriety compliments of my extraordinary collection of hats (ranging from classic old English to off-the-charts Japanese trendy). Perspective’s maybe, by now, unique. It’s an outsider’s/insider’s. Became British a year ago. Dual national now. Best thing about it is it’s put a stop to my sprogs’ – they’ve been getting up to this antic since they were 6-years-old – saying, “mum, mum, call the Home Office and have dad deported.” Just about understand the offside rule. Cricket’s still a closed book. Which, surely, is reassuring. But I do know American sports. Am a very very very lucky guy. I’m married to Bhoopsie Whoopsie. I’ve got brilliant British kids who run rings round me. I’ve got a wonderful job in the world’s most interesting city. In short, I’ve pitched up in heaven without having to go to all the trouble and expense of dying. Anything else? Yeah. I two-for’ed last February. Met the Queen in Buckingham Palace in February. Wore Winston Churchill’s grandson’s suit for the occasion. Nuff said?
Contact: Sam Spencer Telephone: 01904 527734 Email: sspencer@continuum-group.com Website: www.realmarykingsclose.com Index
Contact: London Walks Telephone: 020 7624 3978 / 07595 161889 Email: London@walks.com Website: www.walks.com 99
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA David Sabel
Hannabiell Sanders
Head of Digital Media & Producer, National Theatre
An African and Latin hand percussionist
Following university in Chicago, US born David worked at the Jim Henson Puppetry Festival in New York, then moved to Paris to study at the Jacques Lecoq School before coming to London. He pioneered the National’s NT Live programme, whereby productions are broadcast live from the NT’s stages to cinemas around the world, currently reaching 16 European countries as well as the US, Canada, Mexico, South Africa, Australia, India and New Zealand – over 200 screens worldwide.
Hannabiell is a bass trombonist, a composer, an African and Latin hand percussionist, and leader of the band Hannabiell and Midnight Blue. Hannabiell, an African-American Jamaican born in New Jersey, USA, is a progressive music educator who is currently pursuing her PhD in Music at Newcastle University. She is working with Arto Lindsay in the Keep Your Hat On commission and also organising the Afro-Carnival Masquerade at Hoults Yard as part NewcastleGateshead, England of ¡VAMOS! Festival 2012, which is a cultural Olympiad Commission. The Festival itself has been awarded the Inspire Mark.
London, England
Languages Spoken: Fluent French.
Contact: Fiona Walsh, Communications Manager, National Theatre Telephone: 020 7452 3061 Email: fwalsh@nationaltheatre.org.uk Website: www.nationaltheatre.org.uk 100
Contact: Cait Read Telephone: 07811 320447 Email: vamospr@gmail.com Website: www.vamosfestival.com
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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Sherri Singleton Restaurateur, Hotelier and Cookery Teacher Sherri Singleton’s culinary background includes 25 years as a caterer, consultant, award-winning restaurateur and executive chef in both her native southern California and in the UK. As a teacher and chef, she has worked tirelessly to promote the revival of the kitchen and table as centres of creativity, community and pleasure. After several years of running her first restaurant The Stour Bay Café in Manningtree, Sherri decided to take a break in California. After two Essex, England years she returned in 2001 and launched the Mistley Kitchen Workshops to much acclaim. Featured in several publications, including Waitrose Food Illustrated’s ‘Best Cookery Workshops’ as well as Tesco’s Healthy Living Magazine, BBC Good Food and Woman and Home. The workshops have continued to develop, drawing keen cooks from all over the country. Needing more accommodation for the workshops, she purchased – with her husband, Professor David McKay – a run-down hotel opposite The Mistley Kitchen. In March 2004 she launched The Mistley Thorn, a boutique hotel and restaurant specialising in serving locally sourced produce at its seasonal peak. Within its first year, The Mistley Thorn was awarded a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Red Book and gained inclusion in all the leading UK food and accommodation guides. The Mistley Thorn has been featured in The Sunday Times, The Observer, The Daily Telegraph, The Financial Times, Waitrose Food Illustrated, The Week and Olive Magazine, among other publications. The Mistley Thorn has also been the editor’s choice in the Good Hotel Guide. Having spent many happy holidays in Italy enjoying the delights of open-hearth cooking, Sherri decided to extend her culinary knowledge and opened Lucca Enoteca on the former site of The Stour Bay in Manningtree. Specialising in artisanal wood-fired pizza, bread and pasta dishes, Lucca is a favourite for locals and visitors alike. Lucca has received national notice and is featured in Hardens and The Good Food Guide. Sherri is mum to 9-year old Isla, who loves to help in the kitchen and is a budding chef herself.
What I most love about living and working in the UK: The sense of community, the sense of humour, the national heritage, the arts and the fantastic food and drink (the weather is not so bad, either.) Top Tips: Explore East Anglia, which is easily accessed from Stratford. The area offers everything from world-class gardens, museums and galleries, monuments, universities and outdoor activities to beautiful villages, shorelines and river valleys. Being off the main tourist beat, it is also remarkably unspoilt, preserving a real sense of community. Our local shellfish is some of the best in the world. Mersea oysters, Harwich lobster and Cromer crab are amazingly delicious, not to mention sustainable. East Anglia is also home to a numerous and rapidly growing number of artisanal food and drink enterprises ranging from cheese to rare breed beef and pigs to wine and cider-making and wonderful organic produce. Visitors often think of England as wet and gloomy but this hardly applies to East Anglia where sunshine is plentiful and the annual rainfall is in the region of 20 – 25 inches a year – about the same as Barcelona and 15 inches less than Milan. .
Contact: Sherri Singleton Telephone: 01206 391545 / 01206 392821 / 07545 852751 Email: mistleykitchen@mac.com Website: www.mistleythorn.co.uk / www.mistleykitchen.com
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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Sonnet Stanfill Curator of 20th-century and contemporary fashion at the Victoria & Albert Museum Sonnet Stanfill is curator of 20th-century and contemporary fashion at the V&A, a post she has held since 1999. She was curator of the V&A‘s Ossie Clark display (2003) and in 2007 she curated New York Fashion Now, a display featuring the work of a new generation of New York-based designers. Sonnet also wrote the accompanying book of the same title (V&A London, England 2007) and has edited the publication From Club to Catwalk: Fashion in 1980s London which will be published by the V&A in 2012.Sonnet is working on an exhibition of 20th century Italian fashion due to open in Spring, 2014. Sonnet is the co-curator of the current V&A exhibition Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950, sponsored by Coutts, which runs until 6 January 2013. The exhibition includes a spectacular selection of ballgowns, red carpet evening gowns and catwalk showstoppers from 1950 to the present day by designers including Norman Hartnell, Vivienne Westwood and Catherine Walker. Languages Spoken: English (US), French, Italian (basic).
Contact: V&A Press Office Telephone: 020 7942 2502 Email: press.office@vam.ac.uk Website: www.vam.ac.uk 102
V&A London, England Index
ZANZIBAR Abdulrazak Gurnah Author Abdulrazak Gurnah was born in 1948 in Zanzibar. He came to Britain as a student in 1968 and now teaches literature at the University of Kent. He is associate editor of the journal Wasafiri. He is the author of seven novels, which include Paradise (shortlisted for both the Booker and the Whitbread Prizes), By the Sea (longlisted for the Booker Prize and awarded the RFI Temoin du monde prize) and Desertion (shortlisted for the Commonwealth Prize). His most recent novel is The Last Gift, published by Bloomsbury in May 2011.
Kent, England Photo credit: Mark Pringle
Languages spoken: English, Arabic.
Contact: Anna Arthur Telephone: 020 7836 7660 Email: anna@arthurleone.com Website: www.exhibitionroadshow.co.uk Index
The White Cliffs of Dover Kent, England 103