Kensington and Chelsea Review Autumn 2020

VO LU M E FI V E | I S S U E S E V E N | FR EE

The Cautiously Optimistic Issue Tiptoeing back into the world for post-lockdown meals, trips and more

PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDREW COLES

Welcome to the latest issue of Kensington & Chelsea Review.

Filled with art, auction, culture and luxury, Kensington and Chelsea Review is the magazine for the rather discerning resident of the Royal Borough.

KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW

E V I A N L A K E G E N E VA F R A N C E

EDITOR’S LETTER Yes, we’re not out of the woods yet when it comes to a certain pandemic; however, armed with some trusty hand sanitiser and a stylish mask, we’ve braved London’s restaurants, galleries, salons and hotels (and even a short-haul flight or two) to resume bringing you the best of the Royal Borough and beyond, aided and abetted by an army of immensely helpful safety-conscious staff.

Of course, we urge caution and consideration in the new normal, but should you wish to be sociable, we’ve found the European restaurants that make staycations feel a little more exotic, beauty treatments you can try from a distance and art you can see IRL. It’s been a tough time for all, so support your local businesses, give yourself a ‘you’re getting through this’ treat and join us in cautiously filling up our calendars once again.

(a source of enchantment)

Yours, in sanitary fashion,

THE KENSINGTON & CHELSEA TEAM P U B LIS H E R Talismanic Media F OU N D E R & M A N A G IN G D IR E C T OR Sid Raghava

CROSS ROAD BLUES (MADISON ST, NY), 2019 © OLI KELLETT COURTESY HACKELBURY FINE ART

C H IE F E D IT OR Kate Weir

CONTENTS

S U B E D IT OR Sarah Rodrigues A RT D IR E C T OR Harriet Bedder M OT OR IN G & B E A U T Y E D IT OR Lisa Curtiss

News

Borough and beyond.

8.

Art & Culture

Explore the latest openings, exhibitions and events from the

OF F IC E M A N A G E R Lee Marrero

Get the lowdown on what’s being hung up in London’s galleries, plus

wholesome shopping and the best place for spoiling your pampered pets.

S A LE S M A N A G E R Joseph McConville

18. Travel

C ON T R IB U T OR S Sid Raghava, Harriet Bedder, Kate Weir, Madévi Dailly, Sue Saunders, Lisa Curtiss, Sarah Rodrigues, Sara Darling, Sarah Lavigne, Tracy Borman, Andrew Coles, Emily Williams and Tani Burns.

All material in Kensington and Chelsea Review is strictly copyright and all rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system without prior permission of the publishers. Colour transparencies and photographs submitted for publication are sent at the owners’ risk and while every care is taken, neither the publisher nor their agents accept liability for loss or damage however caused.

The publishers can accept no liability whatsoeverof nature arising out of nor in connection with the contents of this publication. Opinions expressed within the articles are not necessarily those of Kensington and Chelsea Review and any issues arising therefore should be taken up directly with the contributor.

A N E V I A N R E S O RT H OT E L WWW.HOTEL-ROYAL-EVIAN.COM

4.

Embracing the staycation, a brief sojourn to Copenhagen and a loving look

at Italian comfort food.

34. Dining

Home cooking? We’ll take a breather thanks…especially as there’s

fabulous Greek cuisine, a new view-blessed Italian and a chic French popup to get our teeth into.

34. Shopping

A little cash-splashing enticement.

39.

Beauty

52.

Motoring

Products for pampering at home and safe salon styling.

Cars for country jaunts, city cruising and more.

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READ ALL ABOUT IT A rundown of news, from the worlds of art and culture (plus the items that intrigue us) all handpicked for the Royal Borough resident

T H E H O T TEST HARD SELTZE R Refreshing, fruity, low in fat: hard seltzers have been hip to sip this year. The KCR team have tried a few, but we’re particularly taken with Two Brooks fruity numbers. The family-owned, British startup have released three tasty flavours, mango, lime and passionfruit, all vegan, low in sugar and gluten free, made with natural ingredients. And, you can get your mitts on these refreshing drinks with very little effort – delivery service Weezy will speed them to you in just 15 minutes if you have a Fulham or Chelsea postcode. www.twobrooks.co.uk www./weezy.co.uk

HYPER JAPAN GOES ON L IN E If your plans to learn a new skill in lockdown didn’t go to plan, there’s still time to pick up a party trick with Hyper Japan’s online workshops. On 17 October you can learn the delicate art of Sumi-e (Japanese ink painting) with creative Akemi Lucas (from 10.30am to 12.30pm), and on the 10 October and 7 November you can learn how to make lotus flowers, cranes, samurai helmets and Christmas wreaths with origami master Alice Stern.

Buy your tickets at www.store.hyperjapan.co.uk

H EAD TO TH E BEA C H (SORT OF) One of our favourite Notting Hill eateries – largely for its bold and decadent decor – Beach Blanket Babylon is finally reopening their doors after a makeover and a new menu from former Ivy Collection chef Jan Pace. The interiors are just as opulent as they once were, with chandeliers, lashings of gold and such, and the menu has tempting brasserie dishes, including chicken Milanese with a fried egg, artichoke and truffle mayonnaise, and linguine chilli with aglio olio. Visit from Monday to Saturday,12 noon to midnight, and Sunday from 12 noon to 11pm. www.beachblanket.co.uk

BEAM US UP A hit in Highbury and Crouch End, Beam café has landed in Notting Hill.

Its Westbourne Grove outpost serves breakfast, brunch and a range of healthful dishes for lunch, using British and Mediterranean flavours. There are vegetarian and vegan options too. Try the goat’s cheese and beetroot Benedict, gluten-free buttermilk pancakes with berry compote and honeycomb or Turkish eggs with spicy beef sausage. The family-run business works with local communities to work on their concept, so make this your new neighbourhood hub. www.cafebeam.co.uk

C OLE T T E C H R IS T M A S H A M P E R S It’s not too early to start thinking about Christmas goodies, no matter the government restrictions, and Fulham Road’s family-run gourmet deli and direct to your door traiteur Colette has a bulging stocking of edible treats. They’re releasing luxury hampers, a festive dinner-party service and exclusive seasonal products from the likes of Mariage Frères and Ladurée. Plus, there will be seasonal hampers, such as the Alpine-style Fondue Quatre Fromages, filled with cheeses from Fromagerie Beillevaire. www.colette.co.uk 315 Fulham Road, Chelsea, SW10 9QH

S A AT C H I X W EDGEW O O D Some best-of-British names have come together to create the Saatchi Gallery’s elegant new afternoon tea offering.

Luxury caterers Searcys have teamed up with potters Wedgewood and South Coast wine Louis Pommery England to create beautiful plating and a sparkling accompaniment to the seasonal menu.

Expect John Ross Jr smoked-salmon mousse with crème fraiche, classic coronation chicken and cucumber sandwich fillings, plus, passionfruit mousse tarts, scones and black-forest cheesecake, all served on Wedgewood’s colourful Wonderlust collection. www.searcys-events.giftpro.co.uk/events/ chelsea-afternoon-tea-saatchi-gallery-bar

H I G H S T RE E T K EN’S

LUX E L OU N GIN G Comfort has been the fashion watchword of the year, and little seems to be changing there, so why not treat yourself to an upmarket pair of PJs? Desmond & Dempsey have just the thing, with a standout new collection of cosy wearables with graphic prints depicting tales from Grecian mythology and the ancient gods’ hedonistic tendencies. The unisex Ethereal Collection has nightgowns and pyjamas, sleep masks, shorts, camis and robes all in high-quality fabrics and ideal for WFH or just schlubbing about in style. www.desmondanddempsey.com

A N EW H A N KIES Chef Ani Arora has a new opening in Westbourne Grove: the third outpost of popular eatery Hankies, which serves fresh and aromatic North Indian dishes.

The cuisine is inspired by traditional street food and dishes are priced between £5 to £8, so mixing and matching is encouraged. These include spicy miso salmon with tandoori spuds, lamb chops marinated in Kashmiri chilli and honey, and the brand’s signature roomali rotis. Visit at 55 Westbourne Terrace, London W2 3UY, www.hankies.london

B A C K YA R D C IN E M A Those missing the immersive cinema experience, rejoice – Backyard Cinema has reopened in Covid-proof style.

Tickets will soon go on sale for the Snow Kingdom (from 16 October) – a wintry wonderland reached through Dr Portelli’s Curiosity Shop – and a film screening with giant beanbags. Plus, Capital Studios will reopen for drinks, food from Mother Clucker and Honest Burger and live music, with all safety measures in place. www.backyardcinema.co.uk

F R IG H T F E S T Sadly, Halloween events are looking a little light on the ground in the Borough; however, the legendary spooksters behind Arrow Video FrightFest will be holding an online pre-Halloween screening from 22–25 October, to ensure socially distanced thrills and chills. Stock up on theme-appropriate snacks, wrap up warm, turn off the lights and anticipate gore by the bucketload in 34 new films. www.frightfest.co.uk

S P IR IT OF CHRI S T M AS FAI R After the year’s disruption due to the ‘C’ word, it’s almost refreshing to think about another ‘C’ word: yes, Christmas.

From 2–8 November this year, London Olympia will deck its halls with seasonal stalls peddling Christmas cheer – and decorations, gifts, food and drink.

A chance to get unique goods from talented artisans, this is probably the easiest way to get your big shop done in one. Plus, there’ll be the Great Taste Award winners’ market and a Louis Roederer champagne bar. www.spiritofchristmasfair.co.uk

N E W M A RK E T Urban living just got a dash of rusticity, as High Street Kensington gets a new farmers’ market. Set next to the Town Hall and Library, more than 30 stalls will be laden with fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, dairy products and more tasty treats. Of note are the late-season plums, early-season apples, heritage tomatoes and brilliant boatfish – bound to boost your newfound lockdown cookery skills. www.lfm.org.uk/markets/high-streetkensington

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SHAN GRI-L A H OTEL Shangri-La Hotel at the Shard also reopened its doors in August with a sensational lineup of seasonal experiences to delight locals and holidaymakers alike.

On offer is the the Ultimate Staycation in the Sky, which includes a free upgrade to the next available room or suite category, for guaranteed breathtaking views over London, a private Harvey Nichols shopping experience, deluxe bath experience by Neal’s Yard Remedies, breakfast for two, served in the comfort of the guestroom, free parking and guaranteed early check-in and late check-out, plus 20 per cent off at TÎNG restaurant, GŎNG bar and Bar 31. www.shangri-la.com

MOD -MEXIC A N C U ISIN E Mexican chef Santiago Lastra’s debut restaurant KOL will welcome its first diners on 20 October. Coming to Marylebone’s Seymour Street, Santiago’s decision to drive forward with a 2020 opening is due to a desire to reignite momentum and a sense of hope in the hospitality sector, while getting his team back to work.

KOL will encapsulate Mexico’s soulful food culture, using the finest of British ingredients. The 56-cover dining room will offer two set menus, with the choice of either five or six courses. The KOL mezcaleria, the restaurant’s standalone bar, will serve a range of tequilas, mezcal, agave and other Mexican spirits. www.kolrestaurant.com

PA N T E CHNICO N Pantechnicon is a brand new dining destination and concept store exploring two cultures under one roof. It’s Belgravia’s new Japanese/Nordic dining and retail space, and the industry’s biggest launch this side of lockdown. All five floors are dedicated to contemporary creativity, from both cultures, housed in a beautiful Grade II-listed façade on Motcomb Street. As well as over 150 Japanese and Nordic fashion brands throughout the retail space, visitors can expect to find a pan-Nordic restaurant, intimate Japanese dining gallery, roof garden, specialist bottle shop and bar, and the UK’s first permanent outlet of Café Kitsuné. www.pantechnicon.com

CROMWEL L P L AC E Cromwell Place, South Kensington’s new flexible arts space, opens to the public on 10 October 2020. The hub will provide a safe environment to experience art in real life. It is a first-of-its-kind global arts destination and membership organisation, and has announced a diverse inaugural exhibition programme. Located in five Grade II-listed townhouses in South Kensington, with architectural direction from Buckley Gray Yeoman, it is home to some of the world’s most exciting galleries, collectors, dealers and advisors, with specialities ranging from antiquities and old masters through to 19th century, modern and contemporary art. www.cromwellplace.com

SIMON GU D GEON Renowned sculptor Simon Gudgeon, who exhibits work across the globe, has launched a new range of functional fine art for the garden, dubbed a ‘beautiful, functional and affordable’ outdoor range.

The collection includes seating, gates and garden objects such as ‘bug hotels’ and bird-feeder stands, which combine beauty and functionality. Simon is also planning swings and tree guards as he expands the range going forward. He’s well known for his minimalist, semi-abstract large-scale sculptures which feature in the collections of three generations of the Royal Family and many high-profile public spaces around the world, including Kew Gardens. www.simongudgeon.com

D U B LON D ON The Museum of London is pleased to announce that their display Dub London: Bassline of a City will now open 2 October 2020. The exclusive free display will celebrate dub reggae music and culture in the capital, from its roots in Jamaican reggae to how it has shaped communities and culture over the last 50 years.

Through collecting objects, memories and personal stories from some of Dub’s most iconic people and places from across London, including Hackney, Lambeth, Notting Hill, Ladbroke Grove, Harlesden and Lewisham, the display plunges you into the heart of dub reggae and invites you to explore this cultural phenomenon. www.museumoflondon.org.uk

T H E B LA C K B OOK Soho’s latest late-night wine bar launched 10 September looking to reignite old school Soho. The elegant Frith Street site, formerly TRADE relaunched as the Black Book, a definitive destination for winelovers and late-night revellers. Specialising in rare and interesting wines alongside classic brasserie dishes and bar snacks, the Black Book will provide those who inhabit the true Soho spirit – namely, those with a nose for a party – a sophisticated late-night hangout. With a menu of classic brasserie-style dishes, designed with wines in mind, options include roasted onglet with peppercorn sauce) and panfried cod with autumnal ratatouille and silken tarragon sauce.

S E N T U R ION KEY Luxury British retailer Senturion Key has unveiled a watch made from a meteorite older than Earth – which can also start supercars. The crowning jewels are the SW-M1 and SW-M2 models which feature parts of the Gibeon meteorite, estimated to be around 4.9 billion years old. Because of their highly collectible status, each subsequent number of the edition goes up in price. The first-ever SW-M1 meteorite watch has already sold for £127,600 on the first day of launch and now the next ultra-wealthy buyer will have to stump up £132,950 for number two of the series. www.senturionkey.com

GAUCHO The UK’s luxurious Argentinian steak restaurant collection Gaucho have expanded their offering with the launch of ‘Meat & Bun,’ a tasty new burger concept, available to order exclusively via Deliveroo from 2 September. Meat & Bun offers a menu inspired by the ingredients of the Pampas region, home to Argentina’s famous gauchos, who fed on bread and meat cooked on a traditional Argentine asado (barbecue). All orders can be decked out with any of the tempting sides on offer, namely the brisket bites and loaded chips with pulled brisket, liquid cheese and crispy shallots. www.gauchorestaurants.com

T H E A LB ION R OOM S Better known for tearing it up onstage, raucous Brit rockers the Libertines are now hoteliers in Margate. Their stylish new stay, the Albion Rooms is now open for bookings, and set along the seafront with seven rock-star styled rooms, it’s all set to draw in beach-craving creatives.

There’s also a restaurant, coffee house and the Waste Land bar, where poetry, life-drawing, live music and dancing will be held (Covid permitting, natch). Each room has an Apple Beats sound-system and toiletries from Margate’s own Haeckels, and the band have teamed up with Brewdog to create their own Wasteland IPA. Rooms start from £114 a night. www.thealbionrooms.live

A VE RY C HEES Y X M AS The UK’s oldest cheesemongers, Paxton & Whitfield, are releasing new festive cheeseboard selections (one British, one European), cheesy experiences (a tasting party pack and more), brimming-withgoodness gift hampers and homewares to elevate your cheese-eating experience to ensure a very merry – or at least very gourmet – Christmas. www.paxtonandwhitfield.co.uk

Bug Hotels by Studio Gudgeon-5175

Revellers at Notting Hill Carnival, Elkstone Road, 1991 © Peter Marshall and Museum of London

R O YA L L ANCASTER LO NDO N Iconic hotel, Royal Lancaster London, who have celebrated 50 years of serving eager travellers to the Big Smoke, reopened their doors in August. The spectacular hotel offers some of the most breathtaking, panoramic views of London’s skyline, and – having completed an extensive £85million renovation a year or so ago – is now ready to show it off, with a number of enticing welcome-back packages, including ‘Love London for Longer’ where guests can enjoy 25 per cent off when booking a minimum of a week’s stay. www.royallancaster.com

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ROYAL FLORAHOLLAND NAALDWIJK

LEVELLING UP IN LOCKDOWN C O M B AT TING THE K NO CK -O N EFFE CTS OF C ORON AVIRU S H A S BEEN D IFFIC U LT IN TH E H O S P I TALITY, FITNE SS AND CRE ATIV E IN D U STRIES. EMILY WIL L IA MS SPEA KS WITH A C O L L E C TIO N O F UP-AND-CO MING LO ND ON BRAN D S TH AT H AVE L AU N C H ED OR AD A P TED O V E R L OCK DO WN.

APEX

S O P H I E WILLIAMS ART (SWART) Creativity couldn’t have come in higher doses over lockdown; it’s what every entrepreneur needs to succeed. Luckily, a lot of freelancers and self-employed businesses have viewed this quiet period as a chance to diversify and kickstart new projects. One such individual is Sophie Williams, a London-based artist, who previously studied at Brighton University

‘WE PUT OUR TIME (WE HAD LOTS OF IT) AND ENERGY INTO MAKING SOMETHING THAT WOULD ALLOW US TO CONTINUE DOING WHAT WE LOVE”

and the Royal Drawing School. In the second year of her degree in Fine Art, her touching painting called ‘Just After Noon’ was exhibited in the National Portrait Gallery’s BP Portrait Award.

Emily speaks with her about her current work and what’s in store for her business: ‘Lockdown forced me to focus on commissions, paint 24/7 and brainstorm new ways to promote my services. Social media has been a particularly great way to outreach to new customers. I noticed a surge in interest for thoughtful and creative gift ideas for friends and family members who’d been going through a tough time. That’s when I had a lightbulb moment for a new idea.’

Throughout the coronavirus outbreak, the incredible work of the

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L IAN A C OC KTA IL C OMPAN Y With the hospitality industry closing down, affecting the livelihoods of 4.5 million people, the drinks trade ground to a shock halt. For the Liana Collection, a London business that connects independent drinks producers with the best bars in the country, they were determined to embrace the change that the industry was facing.

‘We put our time (we had lots of it) and energy into making something that would allow us to continue doing what we love’.

Its Founder, David Wood, went back to the drawing board, reimagined his drinks distribution business and formed the Liana Cocktail Company, inspired by the spirit brands that he represented. The innovative interactive cocktail experience comes in the form of a posted box containing three hand-made cocktails in eco-friendly pouches. The box’s QR code also links you to a virtual bartender who talks you through how the drink was made and how to serve it.

The Liana Cocktail Company has lots of exciting things to come, including their next volume of cocktails in time for Christmas. ‘For the next instalment, we are excited to be pairing with three key bartenders to tell their lockdown stories and how coronavirus has affected them. A percentage of all profits will go directly to the Drinks Trust, which is a charity dedicated to supporting people in hospitality who have been badly affected

by Covid-19’.

Enjoy cocktails wherever you are by ordering a box on at www. lianacocktailcompany.co.uk and get all the latest updates via @lianacocktailco on Instagram.

PA RT N E R I N W I NE SWART CLOTH IN G BY LIZZIE CHURCHILL PH OTOGR APHY

During lockdown, gyms and fitness centres were forced to close, meaning that fitness fanatics had to look elsewhere to get in shape for our ‘stay at home’ summer. Now that home workouts are the next best thing, investing in the right equipment is key. Introducing Apex, a new Bluetooth-enabled smart bike that’s shaking up the fitness scene. Not only is it more affordable than other competitors, but you can also link it to your tablet or TV to tune into fun interactive classes with BoomCycle, the biggest spinning gurus in the game.

Emily talks to Co-Founders, Charlie and Simon, about how their revolutionary product has faced up to the new normal: ‘Even though we’ve been working on Apex for nearly two years, the unusual circumstances we currently face have accelerated this growth exponentially.

In such a tough period for so many households, we want to make at-home exercise as fun, painless and immersive as possible. The physical and mental health benefits of regular exercise are indisputable, and there has never been a more important time for us to all to keep moving’.

Apex has invested in world-class fitness content on their social channels over lockdown to keep evolving just as people’s lives have had to. ‘We also wanted the bike to easily slot into people’s daily lives so we’ve devoted a lot of time to its functionality and design. We even offer it in four neutral colours – black, navy, sand and mist – to match your interiors’.

Apex bikes are a stylish and endorphinboosting addition to your home.

The tech-savvy bike costs £1,200, plus a £30 monthly subscription to the online workouts with professional spin instructors. The late-bird package includes a two-month subscription and a £100 workout bundle thrown in while your bike is on the way. Find out more at www. apexrides.com or @apexrides on Instagram.

NHS was crystalised in their hopeful rainbow emblem. This became a source of inspiration for Sophie’s limited edition ‘Flower For Life’ painting series. Each £50 pocket-sized oil painting features the vibrant rainbow colours, and she is donating 10 per cent of each purchase back to the NHS. To mark the release of this new collection she has also launched SWart Clothing, a range of hand-finished T-shirts featuring the flowers.

Sophie is available for bespoke commissions and has an upcoming exhibition at The Ridley Road Social Club in Dalston from 30 October to 6 November 2020. Keep up to date with her new art and clothing projects at www.sophiewilliamsart.com and @sophiewilliamsart.

London’s local parks became a place of refuge during lockdown, and the socially-distanced picnic trend did not go unnoticed for Sassy Digital founder and entrepreneur, Lucy Hitchcock. As a self-confessed rosé lover and picnic enthusiast, when Lucy was on route to meet her best friend for a glass or two, she found that keeping her wine cool in the heatwave was a challenge.

Fast forward two months and Lucy had brought Partner in Wine to life – a 750ml wine cooler bottle that keeps your desired drink cold for 24 hours on the go. Emily chats with Lucy to see why the pandemic felt like the right time to start up her new business and if there’s more in store. ‘I have several business ideas each week, but I knew I’d found the right one when it kept me up at night’ says Lucy.

‘Plus, once we were allowed outside to rediscover the joy of spending time with friends, it felt like the perfect product for lockdown’.

Luckily, Lucy’s digital marketing experience meant that launching in lockdown didn’t faze her: ‘I have spent years helping all kinds of businesses start up their brands with Sassy Digital, so I had all of the resources at my fingertips and a great team of people helping me’. Each Partner In Wine bottle costs £35 and she has four new colourways launching soon.

Enjoy cool wine any time with Partner In Wine. Order yours at www. partnerinwine.co.uk and stay tuned for the latest products at @partnerinwineuk on Instagram.

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JUST BARKING! SUE SAUNDER S FI NDS PA M P ER ED PO O C H E S AN D T O P-D RAW E R T RE AT S AT K E N SAL RI SE ’ S MOST E XCLUS IVE P ET B OUTIQUE

At the heart of our community on the top of Kensal Rise sits a very special shop indeed, with a pretty exclusive clientele.

Chamberlayne Road abounds these days with trendy boutiques and interesting eateries, which anyone can enjoy, but once you enter here, heralded by the satisfyingly loud ding-dong which alerts staff to a customer’s arrival, you are not merely showing off your quirky good taste. You are proudly declaring yourself to belong to a club with one fundamental basis for membership – you just have to have a dog.

That’s it! But, if you yourself are a dog-owner, you will already know that however tiny he or she may be, your life basically revolves around the needs of your four-legged friend. Here, in this cosy and colourful emporium – nothing clinical about it – you will find those needs most beautifully met. At this splendidlynamed salon, you have a place of two halves, but actually containing three things – rather like a Kinder Egg. There is the tempting shop at the front, where a dazzling array of specially selected goods cater to your canine companion’s every possible requirement, many of which some puritanical people might consider completely unnecessary.

Into this category falls the recently created range of doggy perfumes, ‘Virginia

Woof’, manufactured by the luxury brand, ‘Dogs and Horses’, for which the shop serves as a showcase. Each named after the owners’ own posse of favourite pets, I find ‘Rosie’ especially beguiling and wearable – even for humans like myself.

While the sights and smells at our own eye and nose level are piquing our interest, galvanised buckets brimming with dog-treats of every shape and size are bound to be setting tails wagging nearer ground level. Delectable scents of duck and venison waft down from a vast scrubbed-pine table, groaning with the weight of hefty rawhide plaits, designed to keep even a pony-sized mastiff distracted for half an hour or so. Henry the Eighth and any of his peckish wives might have delighted to nibble on any of the daintier bone-shaped delicacies. These tidbits are by no means cheap, but they are fit for royalty.

But what Buddy and Arlo and Milo and Max are really getting excited about is not so much the smell of chicken or cologne, but a far more earthy and elemental aroma. Like any good club, it’s what happens in the back that’s of most interest, and behind the protective double set of stable-type half-doors, not to mention the semi-soundproof swing-doors with the big, round windows a little way beyond them, is where the action really

happens. Here Teddy and Jack can hang with Coco and Ruby, and socialise to their heart’s content, for within these walls we are now in the wonderful world of doggy daycare.

A great big tree-shaded backyard awaits them outside, where they can let off steam and have a proper romp, but tucked in quieter corners indoors you will also find roomy, blanket-bottomed cages, perfect for shyer creatures to retire to, should anyone’s amorous advances, for example, become a trifle overwhelming.

In the midst of all this, glimpsed through sometimes steamy portholes, lies the creative hub of ‘Just Barking’, a busy workshop humming with the sound of hairdryers, electric shears and warm showers. For here, in an atmosphere of intense concentration, amidst frequent bursts of inspiration and imagination, is where the magic happens – this is the grooming parlour, where skilled hands and soft voices calm down nervous pooches, and carve their coats into works of art.

You might opt for the classic style for your breed, or turn your puppy into a teddy bear, or go for something slightly off-the-wall and more cutting edge…

Our sooty-grey poodle came out of there some years ago with a unique corkscrew cut, shaved bands contrasting with fluffy stripes spiralling round his body, trailing off down just his left back leg. He was the talk of Clapham Junction when we took him on the train that night.

Local celebrities, used to being the centre of attention themselves, obviously want their pets to be pampered, and look and smell as great as they do – Sara Cox is a satisfied regular, and Rita Ora has even been spotted on the premises.

But the whole ethos of the products and services is far from superficial…special treatments, like micro-bubbles for deep skin cleansing, and ultrasonic toothcare, not to mention essentials like nailclipping, skillfully and sensitively done, are fundamental to a dog’s basic health and happiness. The foods they stock are the very best – Lily’s Kitchen Wild Campfire Stew is a current favourite. If your best friend needs a fluorescent rain-poncho or a Donald Trump-shaped toy, this is the place to come.

But what your heart may beat for is the stunning range of handcrafted leather leads and collars, made locally in every colour of the rainbow – in fact the Rainbow Lead is a new classic. Discover more on the Dogsandhorses.co.uk website – you’d have to be Just Barking not to.

‘Just Barking’ Pet Boutique is at 116, Chamberlayne Road, Kensal Rise, London NW10 3JP For an appointment, call the salon directly on 0208 964 3231, or send an email to hello@justbarking.co.uk

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GOING GREEN FOR AUTUMN

T H E OR G A N IC P H A R M A C Y 7&8 Kendal Avenue, Acton W3 0A This is a hidden sanctuary in West London, offering a range of treatments to perk up the skin and within using vegan and organic products. Visitors can book in for everything from oxygen facials to non-surgical face-lifts. There is also a wellstocked boutique with knowledgeable staff selling an extensive range of supplements, homeopathic remedies, organic herbal tinctures and creams to support health concerns such as allergies, digestion, immunity, skin health, circulation and wellbeing. www.theorganicpharmacy.com

SARA DARLING DISCOVERS THE MOST EARTH-KIND STORES IN WEST LONDON Due to this year’s unprecedented pandemic, people are taking extra care of their health and wellbeing.

Thankfully, the Royal Borough has a plethora of healthy lifestyle options, so residents don’t have to travel too far to get hold of the best organic groceries, beauty treatments, eco fashion and food supplements which can benefit a meaningful way of life.

Look out for ethical brands and stores which support their employees and pay them a fair wage, give back to the community, use or supply organic products and those who aspire to have a low impact on the environment. Whether you’re searching for artisan goods, organic and vegan items, or ecofriendly beauty, check out our pick of Kensington & Chelsea’s best spots for those who care about the environment and want to make a difference.

D AY L E S F O RD FARMSHO P 76-82 Sloane Avenue, Chelsea SW3 3DZ

NAT OORA 245 Pavilion Road, Chelsea SW1X 0BP

When you think of all the delicious goodies you can get from a farm, Daylesford is a one-stop shop. With a butchery, bakery, creamery, fishmonger, grocer, café and dairy onsite, it’s no wonder it is popular with chefs, families and anyone who enjoys fresh food. With an online cookery school using organic produce, a wellness retreat and cookery books, Daylesford has it covered. And, if you’re in gift mode, there is a wide selection of wine, homewares and Bamford Bath & Body products to please even the pickiest present-receivers. www.daylesford.com

Situated in Sloane Square, this is the second store for the company, which certainly knows how to give its customers a different shopping experience.

More streamlined than your normal greengrocers, Natoora’s unique design, set over two-floors, makes it an emporium for the senses. As well as supplying fresh produce to 1,000 of the best restaurants in the world, Natoora aims to revolutionise the food system, building a transparent supply chain that respects the real seasonality of produce; it is also plastic free and works with partners on any food waste. www.natoora.co.uk

S IG N OF T H E T IM E S 5 Elystan Street, Chelsea SW3 3NT

SOU TH KEN SIN GTON FARMERS’ MA RKET Bute Street, South Kensington SW7 3EX Head to South Ken on a Saturday for the weekly farmers’ market. It began life in 2008 and now sells a range of local produce, free-range meats, organic eggs and baked goods. Regulars queue up by its Bute Street site to buy fresh south coast fish or shellfish from Christchurch Fish; browse seasonal organic vegetables from Ted’s Veg, Perry Court Farm and Wild Country Organics; shop organic eggs from Rookery Farm; find free-range meat, poultry and game from Beat Bush Farm and Fosse Meadows; and enjoy all things baked from Olivier’s Bakery, Miriam’s Munchies and Artisan Foods. You can even linger over a free-range sausage sandwich from the Parson’s Nose butcher while you shop. Open every Saturday from 9am www.lfm.org.uk/markets/south-kensington

Even fashion can be ethical, and designers and shops are catering for customers who want to be on trend and care for the planet. One of the easiest ways to give back is by upcycling and buying preloved, and one of the best places to do this if you are a fan of designer goodies is Sign Of The Times. A West London gem, this consignment store has been recycling London’s top frocks for more than 30 years, and is always worth a rummage for Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada and Yves Saint Laurent. With a high turnover of stock, you never know what you’ll get your paws on. www.wearesott.com

S IGN O F TH E TIME S

R E F OR M AT ION 186 Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill W11 2RH For a fashion label that really cares about what you’re wearing, check out Reformation. The LA-born brand claim ‘being naked is the #1 sustainable option’, but they do make some rather covetable things to wear, and wear again, for women with an eco-conscience.

They use rigorous measures in the processing of their fabrics, so the team behind the scenes are confident that they can provide eco-friendly manufacturing, and have a mission to apply ‘green measures’ at every stage of the lifecycle of clothes, ranging from wedding dresses to jeans to frocks and cosy winter jumpers. www.thereformation.com

DAYLESFORD FARMSHOP

R E FO R MATIO N SOUTH KENSI NGTON FA R ME R S ’ MAR KE T

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A MOMENT OF CALM WITH MINDWAVE MEDITATION

unprecedented times that nobody was prepared for, so now is the time to pick yourself up and shake off anything you want to shed. Now is the time to be the best version of yourself. Now is the time, more than ever to shift those negative habits and let go of what’s holding you back. The world is throwing so much at us right now that we really can’t afford to be anything but the best versions of ourselves. I truly believe that is what’s needed right now. A good start is to simply be aware of your daily habits. Just observe yourself and witness yourself in action going through the motions. What are you thinking about? What are you consuming? Where is your life going? Is it in the direction you want it to be?

Taking 100 per cent responsibility of one’s self allows you to take control and become the boss of you. This is the starting point.

Awareness is the first key to change.

W H AT A D VIC E W OU LD Y OU H AVE F OR S OM E ON E F IN D IN G IT H A R D

We could all do with a little inner peace at the moment, and Ali Epstone founder of Mindwave Meditation is the ideal guru for those seeking post-lockdown peace – although he wouldn’t want you to call him that. He’s quite possibly the chillest person we know, and with his easy northern charm, funny tales of his journey to meditation master, and total lack of pretension, he instantly puts you at ease. After our one-to-one session of breathing exercises, coping mechanisms and meditating, we wanted to ask him for some tips on getting through the pandemic and more.

P L E A S E G IV E US A BRIE F O V E RV I EW O F YO UR B A C K G RO UND AND HO W M E D I TAT IO N HAS HE LPE D YO U. Hi K&C Review. In a nutshell…as a dyslexic child, I was struggling through life due to lack of self-worth and self-care.

This brought an array of problems and issues to deal with while I was pursuing a music career and trying to ‘find myself’ in the process of that whirlwind. Now that I’ve overcome my own anxiety, depression and addictions, I feel compelled to share everything I’ve learned that worked for me. This is why I created MindWave Meditation. Meditation among many other practices and techniques has completely transformed my life, everything from my career to my relationships with others, but most importantly with myself and my outlook on living.

H O W D O E S SO ME O NE G E T S TA RT E D WHE N IT CO ME S TO M E D I TAT IO N? A great introduction into meditation has always been a guided relaxation audio or to find a local class. This will help one to relax and understand the true importance of resting. However, this is just a stepping stone into meditation. Students and seekers alike will inevitably yearn for more and tend to want to learn a much deeper practice to enjoy and explore in their own time. A deep, personal practice will always be more beneficial, especially for deeper healing and to further explore their inner world.

IN WH AT WAYS D OES MED ITATION HE L P U S BOTH MEN TA L LY A N D PHY SIC A L LY? The very act of mindfulness and meditation is to focus one’s attention on the present moment. Whether you follow your breath or use a mantra, this technique trains one to focus on one thing only for an extended period of time.

The mental act of repetition essentially teaches the meditator to learn how to concentrate. Concentration, focus, discipline and patience all follow suit when practised regularly. These become the building blocks for mentally being able to achieve your goals and desires. On a physical level, when you actively pursue and reach a deep state of relaxation on a daily basis you are allowing yourself to tap into the parasympathetic nervous system which allows the body to heal itself and manage stress. The body will start to cultivate more serotonin and other chemicals to increase and encourage growth over decay. The body will always try to heal itself if the mind allows it to.

So a tranquil coherence of the mind/body connection is imperative in this day and age.

HO W L ON G D O YOU TH IN K IT TAKES FOR MED ITATIN G TO H AVE A NOTIC EA BL E EFFEC T? You are always just one thought away from meditation and freedom from the memories of the past and the anxieties of the future. So instantly would be the short answer. To really notice a change in behavioural patterns and ‘bad’ habits, it’s purely down to the commitment of the individual. But anyone who meditates on a daily basis will absolutely, no doubt see and feel great benefit in their lives from the moment they return to reality after sinking deep into stillness. The act of meditating is very profound and a very individual experience. On a collective level, the effects of mass meditation are outstanding and I highly encourage exploring this.

HO W BEST C AN SOMEON E STIL L SEL F-ISOL ATIN G IN TH EIR H OME BUILD MED ITATION IN TO TH EIR RO U TIN E?

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T O F OC U S W H ILE W OR K IN G A meditation practice is probably the greatest activity one could do in a self isolating environment. Not only will it help you with all the aforementioned but it will help you to feel calm and safe within your own being. Changing the inner environment will ultimately change your outer environment and create a more peaceful mindset. Learning meditation or doing activities like yoga with the family, will only also encourage a healthier and more harmonious environment to live in too.

D O YOU H AVE A N Y TIP S FOR STAYIN G C A L M IN TH E FAC E OF C OVID AN XIETY? I created a YouTube channel for sharing weekly tips, tools and advice to help us through this moment in time. So I’d encourage your lovely readers to pop by and say hello over there. I’d recommend starting with anything that you connect with or the simple breathing tools and go from there. As a species, we’ve done incredibly well at shifting, adapting and evolving through hard times. I have absolutely no doubt that 2020 is just the pan boiling, so to speak, and there’s a lot of change that needs to be made.

We’re currently just experiencing a new reality, so stay calm and breathe, slowly, deeply, calmly. Your smile is your anchor, so use it as much as possible. Also I find that having a clear goal helps you to focus on a positive present and get you out of bed. As ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu says, ‘If you are depressed you are living in the past, If you are anxious you are living in the future, if you are at peace you are living in the present’.

WH AT’S A GOOD WAY OF MOVIN G AWAY FROM SOME OF TH E U N H EA LTH Y H A BITS YOU MAY H AVE P IC KED U P D U RIN G L OC KD OWN ?

I know a lot of people who were very fearful and questioning a lot of things in their life and formed some negative habits in lockdown. So first of all, be kind and compassionate to yourself and let yourself off the hook a little. These have been

F R OM H OM E ?

I created an audio, aptly named FOCUS for this very problem. It’s a free audio you can download that helps keep the mind focused while engaging in activity.

This audio was designed to help you tune in to the task at hand and commit to that one thing for an extended period of time. The track is soothing and uplifting to help keep you stimulated and in a positive mental state. There is also a breathing pattern you can try, which helps to oxygenate the body while eliminating stress. Alongside this I highly recommend watching out for distractions. Use your awareness to spot these triggers. To take it one step further I encourage committing to one activity at a time and even setting a timer for 20/40/60 minutes to stick to. Make this non-negotiable and get focussed. Really discipline yourself and achieve the results you truly desire.

W H AT A R E T H E G E N E R A L M IS TA K E S P E OP LE M A K E W H E N T H E Y ’R E T RY IN G T O M E D ITAT E ?

IS T H E R E A W R ON G WAY T O G O A B OU T IT ?

Y OU T H IN K T H IS IS H A P P E N IN G N OW ?

I believe any negative associations with wellness stem from a lack of understanding or fear of the unknown.

The Sixties hippie’s had the ideals but didn’t possess the core values of self-care as a foundation for long-term change.

We got great music, philosophy and art from that generation but it’s not until recent years that we’ve started to blend ancient wisdom with modern science.

Now, science has caught up with what the ancients have been telling us for millennia.

The heart, mind and body connection is the key to the growth of the individual.

We’ve moved past the Newtonian standard of what we can physically measure to be reality. Scientists working with quantum physics, neuroplasticity and neurobiology and other noetic sciences to name a few are all creating massive waves as to how we approach living in this new era. We are now acknowledging and readdressing these once termed ‘woo woo’ practices and techniques for our benefit and future generations too.

W H IC H S U P P ORT IVE P R A C T IC E S H AVE Y OU F OU N D T O H E LP F OS T E R A S E N S E OF C A LM A LON G S ID E M E D ITAT ION ?

My personal approach would be to look at the mind, body and spirit as three pillars to work on simultaneously.

So create a vision to aspire to and achieve, then I’d encourage daily positive thinking, a healthy diet and regular movement, water and exercise. A daily check in on your thoughts and learning to let go of the past and the future are high priorities. Meditation, breath-work, yoga, Qi Gong and walks in nature are also key.

Having said all that, all these are merely to keep one tuned, relaxed, aligned and focused on remembering to enjoy life, right here and now. The breath is really the portal to peace – this alone will help you to feel calm and at peace while you take on the day ahead.

W H AT D O Y OU T E LL P E OP LE W H O A R E P E R H A P S A LIT T LE S K E P T IC A L A B OU T T H E B E N E F IT S

A great question. Simply showing up to the class, the lesson or your sitting practice at home is the first big step.

Commitment, patience and having no expectations are the following steps.

It certainly is a journey, which you should process along the way and enjoy.

Giving up because you didn’t feel transcendental results on the first go would be a great shame.

Nurture, empower and inspire yourself by showing up each day with the intention of becoming a better person. ‘Every day in every way, I’m getting better and better.’

A great quote and affirmation from Emile Coue. Having a coach to guide you on the journey is ideal and that’s what I offer through the videos, one-to-one sessions and courses. So deciding to learn, show up and practise daily with a positive intention would be my advice.

OF M E D ITAT ION ?

D O Y OU T H IN K W E LLN E S S

Y OU F OU N D W OR K S B E S T

I learned a long time ago to not spend any time on trying to convince the skeptics.

I am a skeptic myself by nature, I personally believe it’s a healthy approach to life. There’s plenty of BS to avoid.

So my note to the skeptics is to follow what rings true and resonates with you.

Dive in and try it for yourself before you judge. There is no better experience than experience itself. Also, on that note, don’t allow the over the top, incenseloving hippie sorts deter you from a great meditation or yoga practice. Simply look for another class or another teacher.

Don’t shoot the messenger and just keep following your intuition.

Y OU ’R E IN A B A N D , S O H AVE A G OOD E A R , W H AT M U S IC H AVE

P R A C T IC E S H AVE B E C OM E

F OR M E D ITAT ION ?

M OR E A C C E P T E D IN T O T H E

As a kid and all through my teens and twenties I found deep solace in punk rock

M A IN S T R E A M – A N D W H Y D O

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and heavy metal. These days I like to listen to classical music while preparing breakfast and then mantra based music in the evening or to relax and sleep. A recent favourite is Mahamrityunjaya Mantra by Sacred Sound Choir. An ancient chant for healing and peace. However when I meditate I enjoy the silence. Learning to find peace and stillness within the silence is important too.

H OW D O Y O UR T R A N S F OR M AT I O NAL CO ACHI NG C OU R S E S W O RK? I’ve actually just released a mini video coaching course called ‘Dare To Discover?’ It’s over two hours of practical tips, tools and encouragement to help you figure out your goals and take the first steps towards making them a reality.

I’m so excited to be able to share this for those who are a little lost or maybe just in need of a big nudge. For those who are ready to fully invest in themselves and transform their lives, the six- and 12-week one-to-one coaching courses will help you to overcome your obstacles, learn to balance and manage life and make the steps to fulfil your life’s purpose.

You’ll learn to meditate as a starting point and through weekly video coaching calls and missions I prepare, we embark on a wonderful, transformational journey together. It’s such a wonderful experience watching people’s lives transform.

LA S T LY, D O Y O U HAV E ANY PA RT IN G W O RDS O F W I S DO M F OR A N Y ONE S T RUGGL I NG W I T H S T R E S S /T RAUM A CURRENT LY ?

Yes of course. In the year 2020 we are absolutely so blessed to be able to speak out and ask for help and to receive it.

There’s so much available out there, so much knowledge, wisdom and care. So my advice is to make these first simple steps. Forget about ‘the hows’, no need to worry about that. Myself and many others out there will take care of that part.

Opening up the conversation with oneself about overcoming the stress, depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, pain or lack of motivation, to name a few, is the very first step. So go and look in the mirror and ask yourself these three questions.

1) Am I sick and tired of being sick and tired?

2) Am I willing to make a change in my life to experience a better future?

3) Am I 100 per cent committed to making a change for that future?

If the answer is yes to any or all of the above, then seize the day. Realise that you have one life to live and goals and dreams to fulfil. No matter how big or small.

Your time is now and I encourage you to take the leap, honour yourself and seek help. You got this! Thank you for reading and don’t forget to smile and breathe slowly, deeply and consistently. I hope today brings you all the joy you can allow yourself to receive. www.mindwavemeditation.com www.youtube.com/c/MindWaveMeditation www.mindwavemeditation.com/focus www.mindwavemeditation.com/ whatweoffer Instagram: @Mindwave_meditation

KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW

PETER BOETTCHER - THE DESIGN MUSEUM

ELECTRONIC: FROM KRAFTWERK TO THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS AT THE DESIGN MUSEUM SARAH LAVIGNE CELEBRATES SOUND, DESIGN AND COMMUNITY IN A TIME OF SOCIAL DISTANCING.

Lightening-like strobes strike in the darkened rooms. Laurent Garnier’s hypnotic beats fill the audio space. Huge black panels, mounted on metal scaffolding, add a post-industrial edge to long corridors, lit only by spotlights, flashing screens and neon-blue signs.

It’s in this club-like atmosphere that the Design Museum introduces its first ever music themed exhibition, Electronic: From Kraftwerk to the Chemical Brothers.

A true club vibe but one which feels somewhat bittersweet.

It’s hard to forget that on the other side of these black walls, nightclubs and music venues are still victims of a global pandemic crisis. It seems even more valuable to be celebrating the electronic music scene, which is under increasing threat here in the UK.

The story of electronic music is one of people, technology and community. Over the last few decades, sound designers, artists and DJs have used the innovations of the 20th century to create a cultural movement which continues to push boundaries and bring people together, from the dancefloors of underground clubs to the mass gatherings of techno parades.

First presented at the Philharmonie de Paris, and given a UK revamp, Electronic remembers the decisive moments, travels to the key cities, celebrates the best DJs and picks out the most exciting collaborations which have exploded the genre into a worldwide cultural phenomenon. In an awesome set conceived by creative studio 1024 architecture, a collection of photographs, videos and installations explores the origins of the movement, underlines its intrinsic link with design, and analyses its farreaching cultural, social and political impacts.

The journey begins with a spot of history: a chronology of technological innovations in the form of modular synthesizers, sequencers, samplers and kits, from the early Moog and Roland conceptions, to the brilliant Ototo (a kit which allows users to generate sound from any conductive material). Alongside the instruments are the artists and pioneers who have each added a chip in the circuit board of electronic music. Black and white photographs surprise Pierre Schaeffer or Daphne Oram, experimenting in their sound research studios. Album covers of Kraftwerk’s influential Die Mensch-Maschine, New Order’s Blue Monday or Donna Summer’s ecstatically sexy I Feel Love remind us of the anthems which have defined the genre. Fast forward a few years to the height of club and rave culture with crowd

KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW

pictures of the Second Summer of Love, the Paris Techno Parade and Berlin’s iconic Berghain.

Closing the section is an ideal studio, as imagined by French pioneer Jean-Michel Jarre and featuring, among organs and effects pedals, his iconic laser harp, an instrument as entrancing visually as it is aurally.

Illustrated throughout the exhibition is the importance of collaboration between sound artists and designers. Walls of vinyl covers (like artist collective Tomato’s monochrome artwork for Underworld) and club posters (most notably Peter Saville’s graphics for Haçienda) demonstrate how graphic art can help cement an artist’s (or club’s) identity and produce an additional expressive dimension. An essential viewing is the Aphex Twin and Weirdcore’s partnership on the video for 2018 EP Collapse.

Using AI, the images are blended, texturised and synced to Richard D James’ signature breakbeat rhythms. Plug your headphones in to hear the track while watching a breakdown of the visual process.

But where Electronic truly excels is in its multi-sensory installations. In the year of their 50th Anniversary (and the year when co-founder and former member Florian Schneider sadly passed away), Kraftwerk 3D offers a glimpse of the band’s always innovative, robotic and modernist audio-visual live performance.

1024 architecture’s CORE, featuring Laurent Garnier’s soundtrack and dynamic lights gives a more club-like feel. But the most powerful experience comes from The Chemical Brothers and their audio-visual interpretation of Gotta Keep On [from their 2019 album No Geography]. Imagined by long-time collaborators Smith & Lyall and inspired by their No Geography tour, it drowns us in strobes, heat and smoke-machine haze, while on the screen, dancers in extravagant pink costumes catwalk to the beats.

Taking us to new hypnotic highs

All these album covers, club posters and live experiences dotted around the space help to construct a visual aesthetic of electronic music, and the showcase doesn’t fail to score its influence on art, fashion and dance, with exciting pieces by Christian Marclay, Raf Simons and Keith Haring. Full of abstract geometry and optical effects, in metallic tones, monochrome or acid colours, this aesthetic encodes a utopian and visionary ethos, one of freedom, unity and resistance, one which strikes well beyond the familiar hedonism.

On an EDM dancefloor – whether in an underground club, an

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‘THE STORY OF ELECTRONIC MUSIC IS ONE OF PEOPLE, TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNITY. OVER THE LAST FEW DECADES, SOUND DESIGNERS, ARTISTS AND DJS HAVE USED THE INNOVATIONS OF THE 20TH CENTURY TO CREATE A CULTURAL MOVEMENT WHICH CONTINUES TO PUSH BOUNDARIES AND BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER.’

empty warehouse or a field in the UK countryside – people from all walks of life and all social classes can let go completely and erase their differences. All through the exposition, huge pictures of ravers and dancers, captured arms raised, skin glistening with sweat and lips stretched in ecstatic smiles lay bare their feelings of instant communion. The EDM dancefloor has also served (and is still serving) as a haven for alternative types and minorities.

Tina Paul’s striking photographs of New York nightlife reveal how LGBTQ+ communities have found their freedom in the safety of disco and house clubs. And with its strict no-photograph policy, Berghain also provides an incredible sense of freedom. A tonguein-cheek cartoon by illustrator Virginie Kypriotis divulges the secrets of a hedonistic night in Berlin’s legendary club.

While the techno dancefloors of Berlin famously served as the sites of Germany’s cultural reunification, electronic music has also seen groups rallying off the dancefloor. Protest images in the last section show crowds coming together in response to government clamp downs and anti-rave laws, club closures or police raids, in France, the UK or Georgia. Female and genderfluid DJs can also find community, mentoring and opportunities in new collectives (such as Discwoman and No Shade), which go to great lengths to uncover and empower new talents and move electronic music towards new, more diverse horizons.

From the first second to the last, Electronic is a complete immersion in the world and culture of electronic music.

Laurent Garnier’s custom-mixed beats echo the set, while videos, photos and posters transport us through time and space. While there is plenty to be awed by, the exhibition reaches its dizzying heights in the installations, where all aspects of the culture fuse to create trance-inducing spaces. From its beginning, electronic music has looked to a utopian future for inspiration. In these difficult times, this ethos can help us paint an optimistic vision of the post-Covid world. How fitting then, that the Chemical Brother’s lyrics ‘Gotta keep on making me high’ should be the last words we hear before we leave. A final message of positivity and a plea to keep the scene alive.

Electronic: From Kraftwerk to the Chemical Brothers is running until 14 February 2021 at the Design Museum. You’ll need to bring a facemask and your own headphones and it’s strongly advised to book in advance. Get tickets at https:// designmuseum.org.

CROSS ROAD BLUES (DARTMOUTH ST, BOSTON), 2017© OLI KELLETT COURTESY HACKELBURY FINE ART

“WITH LOCKDOWN EASING, GALLERIES AND MUSEUMS HAVE BEEN WORKING ON SAFETY PRECAUTIONS TO ALLOW PEOPLE TO VISIT EXHIBITIONS IN PERSON.” H A C K E LB U RY F IN E A RT 4 Launceston Place, W8 5RL

ATELIER PICASSO AT BASTIAN COURTESY OF LUKE ANDREW WALKER

SARA D A R LI NG NAVI G ATES THE NEW RU L E S O F W E ST L O N D O N ’ S ART SC E N E S AND SE EKS OUT THE B ES T S OCI A LLY D I STAN C E D SH O W S.

S E R P E N T IN E G A LLE RY Kensington Gardens, W2 3XA While you’re enjoying some fresh air in Kensington Gardens, why not visit one of London’s architectural landmarks, the Serpentine, which is a hotspot for experimental art. The upcoming Formafantasma: Cambio show (29 September to 15 November) is set to be an in-depth look at the timber industry and its‘ legacy from the duo Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin. Their work taps into the ecological and political implications of humankind’s interaction with nature and imagines how we can move forwardin a less-intrusive, more sustainable fashion.

There will also be weekly live talks, dubbed Antenna Fantasma. As with all Serpentine exhibitions, entry is completely free. Book online for a socially distanced time slot; and bring a face covering. www.serpentinegalleries.org

With the city’s art galleries abruptly shutting their doors due to Covid-19 in mid March, London has taken a bit of a hit, and culture vultures have had to make their own entertainment for most of this year via online access to popular shows.

Even though fans have not been able to see the great masters or emerging work up close, tireless work behind the scenes has allowed the art world to reach a much wider audience in the comfort of their own homes. However, with lockdown easing, galleries and museums have been working on safety precautions to allow people to visit exhibitions in person.

To minimise risk of infection, galleries are following government guidelines. Expect radically reduced visitor numbers, one-way systems, spaced queueing and improved ventilation.

Many galleries have introduced booking slots (even for free shows) and visitors are encouraged to wear gloves and masks, while front-of-house staff will be in PPE. From small boutique spaces which curate internationally acclaimed shows for those in the know, to large spaces that host site-specific work, London is saturated with great art, and these tweaks will be welcomed by art fans across the Borough.

T H A C K E R AY G A LLE RY 18 Thackeray Street, Kensington Square, W8 5ET Hidden between the boutiques and restaurants around Kensington Square, the Thackery Gallery has been around since 1968, and has built an international reputation for representing and promoting some of the most exciting British artists working today. Now open for visitors, it has an exciting roster of shows in the works. We’re particularly taken with the melancholic yet ethereal floral still lifes from painter Judy Buxton, which will be showing at the gallery from 1–18 December. A one way system has been introduced and face masks essential. www.thackeraygallery.com

S A AT C HI G ALLERY Duke of York’s HQ, King’s Road, Chelsea, London SW3 4RY One of the Borough’s most intriguing galleries is opening its doors again to showcase the brightest new – and established – art stars at Start Art Fair (from 21–25 October 2020). You can buy tickets for the three daily, timed visiting slots now. The show is for collectors, critics and enthusiasts alike, and there will be work from acclaimed local and international galleries. You’ll see work from Lincoln Townley, Erika Navas and Nat Bowen and talented creatives from South Korea as Korean Eye’s 2020 exhibition Creativity and Daydream returns from its showing at the State Hermitage in St Petersburg. Plus curated projects will be held to add insight to the work on show. www.saatchigallery.com

S C IE N C E M U S E U M Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 2DD London’s top museum showcasing man’s greatest inventions is open again, and has precautions to keep its visitors safe.

Pre-booking a free ticket is essential, and there will be one-way systems and hand sanitiser at regular intervals so everyone can enjoy the 12,000 life-changing objects, which range from Stephenson’s Rocket to Helen Sharman’s iconic space suit to Tim Peake’s Soyuz Spacecraft. There are seven floors of galleries in a building a quarter of a mile long which sum up the past, present and future of technology. www.sciencemuseum.org.uk

V&A Cromwell Road, Kensington, SW7 2RL One of the most impressive museums in London is open again, and visitors can enjoy sculpture, furniture, fashion and textiles, paintings, silver, ceramics and glass, jewellery, architectural drawings, books, prints and photographs, via booked time slots and distancing measures throughout the building. The autumn exhibition is Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk, which presents the kimono as a dynamic and constantly evolving icon of fashion, revealing the sartorial, aesthetic and social significance of the garment from the 1660s to the present day. www.vam.ac.uk

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CROSS ROAD BLUES (MADISON ST, NY), 2019 © OLI KELLETT COURTESY HACKELBURY FINE ART

ART IN THE TIME OF COVID

This boutique gallery and art space is welcoming visitors by appointment, with a maximum of two visitors permitted in the gallery at a time, or up to four if together as a family or group.

In order to maintain social distancing, it’s advised to book in advance for the upcoming exhibition Oli Kellett: Fellow Humans (10 September to 31 October), a beguiling and emotive series of large-scale photographs focused on crossroads in North and South America, part of the artist’s ongoing Cross Road Blues series. www.hackelbury.co.uk

WA LT ON F IN E A RT S 152–154 Walton Street, SW3 2JJ MARCO BARBERIO APPLESTORE

If you have a burning desire to buy some fine wall candy, Walton Fine Arts should be your first port of call. Specialists in Modern, Pop and Street Art, the gallery deals in original paintings, lithographs, limited-edition prints and sculptures by international

artists. With over 7,000 sq ft at their disposal, there’s plenty of socially distanced space within which to enjoy work by Banksy, Andy Warhol, Joan Miró, Takashi Murakami, Francis Bacon, Nick Walker, Damien Hirst, Robert Indiana, Pablo Picasso, Jeff Koons, Tom Wesselmann, Bambi (the ‘female Banksy’) and Lawrence Schiller. Wear a facemask on entry. www.waltonfinearts.com M IC H A E L H OP P E N G A LLE RY 3 Jubilee Place, Chelsea, London SW3 3TD ‘Berbero’ is a Japanese word for licking, and it’s the name photographer and artist Masahisa Fukase gave to photographs of him touching tongues with friends in various Tokyo locales.

At once intimate and provocative, these images, on show for the exhibition Private Scenes (on until 24 October), are especially arresting at a time when touching seems so taboo. Also on show are his watercolour-embellished prints. The show shows his introspective nature and the act of photography as inescapable self-expression. www.michaelhoppengallery.com B A S T IA N G A LLE RY 8 Davies Street, W1K 3DW Further afield, the Bastian Gallery has a couple of shows for autumn which will appeal to fans of surrealism. ‘Atelier Picasso’ is a unique recreation of Picasso’s Cannes studio, offering a rarely seen exploration into his ingenious mind. An installation-style exhibition will feature a treasure trove of his objects including furniture, sculptures, ceramics, drawings and prints, from Picasso’s oeuvre, along with the Minotaur motif (his alter ego in the 1930s) as part of his persistent exploration of Classicism.

This will be followed by the first UK solo show of works by Paul Wallach, which runs until 23 Jan 2021. Using art to engage and question his surroundings, Wallach’s philosophy is ‘If a question is easy to answer then there’s no point in asking’, so expect thought-provoking work. No more than five visitors can view at a time (unless from the same household), and all visitors will be asked to wear masks when they enter the gallery. www.bastian-gallery.com

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QUESTION TIME WITH ARTIST: OLGA LOMAKA You can probably recall Olga Lomaka’s extraordinary Pink Panther ‘Infinity’ relief work featured in the Royal Academy’s 2018 Summer Show, curated by an equally colourful Grayson Perry.

Or her whimsical ‘Moscream’ sculpture, which toured worldwide, from the La Biennale di Venezia and the Museum of Moscow to Russian Film Week in London, at Kensington’s Exhibitionist Hotel. As an artist she is both prolific and yet shy; her artworks are playful, vibrant and humorous, and yet carry with them deep philosophical reflections. Our Culture Team sat down with the artist to get to know her a little better…

O L G A , CAN YO U TE LL US A LITTLE ABO UT YOU R B A C K G RO UND – YO UR UPBRING ING IN RU SSIA AN D L I F E B E FO RE YO U SE TTLED IN LO NDO N? I grew up in Moscow, but I always knew that it wasn’t my final destination. My mother is a psychologist and my father is a businessman, so it wasn’t a particularly artistic background, but they always encouraged extracurricular artistic disciplines – my brother studied at music school playing piano, and I went to art school. From around four years old I was often found painting all day from morning to evening, something which my parents noticed and encouraged in me. I’m grateful I could always count on their support. If I think back, I recall regular visits to museums, exhibitions and cultural events – we always went together.

This immersion in culture from early childhood developed within me a love of beauty and probably fostered an attitude towards style and a thirst for aesthetics.

It’s quite common for most people to forget their early experimentation with art, and what is seen to be a vocation rather than a career – it was a risky decision for me. I was convinced I was an artist, refused to give in to outsider pressure and decided to dedicate all my energy to the sheer joy that comes from making art. I am happy that I stood by my passion in life, though I promise you it’s not always an easy choice.

WH E N DID YO U FIRST CO ME TO LO NDO N A N D WH AT WAS THE MO ME NT YO U REALISED YOU WA N T E D TO LIV E HE RE ?

When I first visited London, I was 14 and studying English at a Summer School – it was difficult not to fall in love with the city.

The multi-cultural atmosphere, beautiful cobbled streets, the museums, the people, the bars – you name it. The dream was sealed, and I was determined that one day I would live in this magical, totally bewildering city. However, my fate took me first to the USA at 17 to continue my higher education and to kickstart my creative ambitions. I lived there for five years. Soon it was clear that London is where I wanted to be. London is the capital of the world’s contemporary art market – well, at least I think so – second only to New York. I took the step to fulfill my dream and moved here to study BA in Painting at Camberwell College of Arts and set up my art studio in Chelsea.

I see myself as a global citizen. I was lucky to live and work in Europe, US, Italy and of course the UK. A lot of my exhibitions take me to amazing places. Last year I exhibited work at Miami Basel and Venice Biennale for example, the year before we were in Milan for the International Expo, for an exhibition of my work.

Recently my largest sculptural piece hung on the same wall as a Banksy in the Royal Academy. It was selected by Grayson Perry RA whose Summer Exhibition marked the Academy’s 250th anniversary. It’s an honour and privilege to work as an artist because it takes you to places you never imagined.

KEN SIN GTON A N D C H EL SEA IS H OME TO SO MA N Y WON D ERFU L MU SEU MS AN D GA L L ERIES…D O YOU H AVE A FAVOU RITE? I love the Saatchi Gallery, V&A, Serpentine Gallery and Design Centre. For smaller galleries I am a fan of Tanya Baxter Contemporary Gallery, Pontone Gallery and Exposed Arts Projects. And Lomaka Gallery of course. I also always make sure I attend the Masterpiece art fair in the summer.

WH AT ARE YOU R OTH ER FAVOU RITE C U LTU RA L H IGH L IGH TS OF TH E AREA? I love Chelsea; it’s super cosmopolitan but still has a distinctive charm and a village feel. I love the proximity to Hyde Park and Battersea Park and the fact that Chelsea was once an artist and bohemian area makes me like it even more.

O W N G ALLE RY, LO MAK A G ALLERY? I opened a pop-up gallery (Lomaka Gallery) with the aim to represent young emerging artists. Many recent graduates find themselves looking for opportunities to show and create new work. I was so inspired by many amazing London-based artists who I met during my studies. Despite their talent and dedication,

The usual favourites are Harrods, Joseph on Brompton Road, all around King’s Road and Sloane Street. My favorite furniture design places to shop are Alfie’s Market and Pimlico Road for vintage pieces in London. Also worth a day trip is Tetbury where I literally lose myself in various antique shops. For more contemporary furniture and interior decoration pieces – the Conran and Connolly shops. For food, you can’t go wrong with Wholefoods but I also love Prezzemolo e Vitale’s, a small familyrun delicatessen supermarket.

OVE R T H E PA S T F E W M ON T H S OF LOC K D OW N , H OW H A S Y OU R LIF E S T Y LE B E E N A F F E C T E D ?

My fitness route changed because the gyms have been closed so I started running instead. I’ve never really been much of a runner but now I’m really into it. I’ve surprised myself. The hardest thing for me during lockdown is that I can’t travel or see my friends.

I’m sure this has been the same for everyone. I love to cook and I adore filling my house with friends. So far, I haven’t had any visitors and I am itching to have a housewarming! That’s the first thing I’ll do when lockdown is over and we are allowed to get together again. With my artwork, I have been keeping busy.

I am currently working on three series of works at the same time.

With the daily rush gone, the feeling that I won’t have enough time is not here. I just enjoy the process. I started to catch up with my reading, writing and even learning Italian again. But most importantly, I began to meditate two times a day, for an hour every day. Something I’ve always wanted to put it into my daily routine, but it did not always work out. It is an incredible feeling to just be in the moment.

As an artist I spend a lot of time alone at home working anyway.

Actually, the lockdown helped me to focus – the outside world stopped distracting me so I found I was creating more than ever.

For me, time was my biggest limitation but somehow time has become infinite – I have this strange feeling that it will never end.

The concept of time has disappeared. So it gives me freedom to be more creative, endlessly. Many artists around the world adapted to shutdowns by swapping physical spaces for virtual ones. I have been working on ‘fantasy projects’ and doing live streaming talks about my art and art in general on social media.

Artists have been recording their interpretation of lockdown by producing work. We artists tend to reflect on what is happening in the world through our art. But beyond that art also has the power to instill positive messages (Sir Peter Blake’s Rainbow, for example) support values and shared experiences. Art preserves what fact-based historical records cannot: how it felt to exist in a particular place at a particular time. Art, in this sense, is possibly a vehicle for social change.

C A N Y OU T E LL M E A B IT A B OU T Y OU R LAT E S T P R OJE C T, T H R OU G H T IM E A N D S PA C E ? W H AT H A S IN S P IR E D IT, T H E M AT E R IA LS U S E D , A N D W H E R E

When not working in the studio, I often spend my down time visiting local friends for dinners or barbecues when the weather allows. For drinks at the moment I am enjoying Sloane Square – because of coronavirus, there are lots of tables and chairs on the square and you can buy take away drinks at Vardo restaurant and Partridges. It is a very vibrant outside atmosphere. Also, Pavilion Road is a pedestrian street full of cafés and restaurants. It is fun now all of the restaurants and cafes have shared outdoor tables where you can enjoy outside drinks. I also like to stay active, so head to KX Gym or Hyde Park for running and meditation.

My new project ‘Through Time and Space’ is a series of chrome sculptures in my trademark style of pop, esoteric and magical.

The best way to predict the future is to create it. All creation begins with a thought. I am reminded in this work of ‘The Terminator 2, Judgment Day’, except here the melting chrome Pink Panther is the messenger from the future who came to remind us about the importance of the present moment. The Pink Panther is a mirror within the ever-shifting drama that plays out on its surface and you realise it’s your own reflection.

Despite the guise of humour, playfulness and vibrancy, this new series is of a deep spiritual, philosophical and psychological nature. It is an exploration of the universe, the consciousness which is embedded in it and the multi-dimensional realities of what is possible. The cartoon-like playful sculptures should evoke positive emotions just like the ones we felt in childhood: when trees were big and the rainbow shined at every moment.

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Follow Olga on Instagram @olomaka and @lomakaart www.olgalomaka.com

C R E AT IVE OU T P U T ?

W E C A N S E E IT ?

The borough is full of amazing places to eat and drink. I love Italian food so often head to Stecca or Olivio Mare. Wild Tavern is also lovely, and of course Claude Bosi, an elegant, two-Michelinstarred restaurant with the most amazing French haute cuisine.

If I feel like something Japanese I like Zuma or Yashin Sushi Bar, and if something more gastro pub, then the Cross Keys or the Abingdon.

The social distancing comes at a great price for both artists and audiences. So I have been working with different charities.

Recently I donated a work from my new print series ‘The Cosmic Voyage’ to the maternity ward at Chelsea and Westminster Hospitals. Inspired by and in support of the NHS Star Jumpers campaign, I thought a pop of colour and little bit of Pink Panther star-sprinkled magic would help to brighten the maternity ward walls and lift the spirits of NHS staff who are working tirelessly to help support expectant mums and their babies through the Covid-19 pandemic. I have also collaborated with the ecofriendly, ethically-manufactured kids’ clothing brand Bimbello to create some unisex t-shirts, featuring my favourite subject, the elusive Pink Panther (masked). The t-shirts cost £40 and 100 per cent of profits go towards the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Covid-19 Solidarity Response Fund. ( www.bimbello.com )

A N D W H AT IM PA C T H A S IT H A D ON Y OU R A RT A N D

WH ERE D O YOU L IKE TO H AN G OU T?

WH IC H RESTAU RAN TS ARE YOU R FAVOU RITES?

WH Y D I D YO U FE E L THE NE E D TO START YOU R

KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW

it was obvious that few opportunities were open to them.

My idea was to provide a dynamic open platform for the work of my peers. Established commercial galleries often showcase works of established artists, almost like a catch-22. If you have a profile, then you are shown by known galleries and there is little choice for emerging artists or even mid-career artists.

I always believed in diversity: smaller dynamic artist-run galleries are a sure way to empower emerging artists to showcase groundbreaking new work.

As a local, we’d love to hear a little about your home…

I live in a lovely white Georgian stucco townhouse. The whole building is impressively large, made up of three terraces – all in a uniform classical style, with basements and a mews house behind – typical of the area. As soon as I walked in it felt like home – full of light. Because I’m renting, I’m restricted with any structural work, but the rooms are bright and spacious, with white walls and high ceilings. This space is like white canvas: I have decorated the place with my furniture, art pieces and accessories to feel like home and to give it my character. I love to mix old with new. I purchased a few new pieces of furniture and few accessories to feel it has a complete harmony of the space.

Visually my work is bright and colourful with twists of playfulness and humour. I guess it reflects my personality… So, my living space is not an exception.

I like the bedroom to make you feel calm and relaxed, whereas I feel that the dining room should make you feel more lively and sociable. So I decorated my bedroom with blue, light grey and some pastel powder pink. Blue is a very calming colour that can make us feel centred, relaxed and serene. It’s known to help lower blood pressure, clear the mind and help steady one’s breathing.

A N D W H E R E D O Y OU LIK E T O S H OP ?

A N D S OM E IN F OR M AT ION A B OU T Y OU R LAT E S T C H A R ITA B LE C OLLA B OR AT ION S ?

KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW

Thinking back to March, the COVID-19 lockdown had truly thrown us all into disarray: home-schooling, working from home, strange new technologies and – for better or for worse – spending more time than ever with our partners and children. Thank goodness for the internet, offering up a glut of cultural respite. Our Culture Team takes a look at how the cultural sector responded through this period, how they have shifted and innovated, and how some organisations are exploring a digital-live hybrid future for the arts.

Here in our wonderful royal borough, rich with culture, where concerts and plays and performances across various venues usually ring out every single night, it’s been a little quiet. Things are beginning to open up, but nobody is quite sure when and how normality will really return. It has been an absolute joy to be able to watch some of our most well-loved institutions’ performances online, through platforms like YouTube or National Theatre Live, and everyone’s at it now, but over six months of lockdown it has slowly but surely emerged that free content online is not a sustainable alternative for those theatres and concert halls fighting for survival.

A £1.57 billion rescue package for the arts was always going to be welcome, but how much of it is going to simply keeping the lights on and holding up the bricks and mortar of buildings over 100 years old?

How much is actually going to the performers, the artists, the creatives, the individuals on stage and those behind the scenes, so that they can keep creating the art we love so much?

As the news agenda around these issues has evolved, we’ve all looked at how those more able can support those less so. Platforms such as Netflix have profited from audiences ravenous for entertainment. Netflix reported that almost 16 million people created accounts in the first

three months of 2020 – almost double the new sign-ups it saw in the final months of 2019.

But looking at more of the cultural offerings out there, in March we were recommended to try out Marquee TV, the ‘Netflix for the arts’. At the time, they were offering a 30-day free trial, in an initiative called ‘Every Night is Opening Night’. Catchy – and nothing to lose.

Their range of content is brilliant – ranging from Shakespeare to Akram Khan. Since they launched in 2018, they have been working in partnership with the UK’s leading organisations to showcase the best of the arts from around the globe, and the platform hosts on-demand performances from the world’s very best, including the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Royal Opera House, the English National Opera, the Bolshoi Ballet, Classic Spring and Glyndebourne, to name but a few.

And this year Marquee TV has focused even more on continuing to build initiatives to support the industry throughout the pandemic and beyond. We read about its first cocommissioned recording of dance-theatre piece Revisor by Crystal Pite and Jonathon Young, in collaboration with the BBC, and its plans to become more involved in the creation of new digital work. We enjoyed their Shakespeare Festival Weekend in July, in collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company. And it was great to dip our toes into contemporary dance more with ‘Summer Shorts’, a series of short films throughout August. We’ve just heard that they have partnered with Cheltenham Literature Festival this year, as well as the London Philharmonic Orchestra, which returns to the Royal Festival Hall on 30 September to launch ‘In the Stream of Life’ – a full autumn season of 13 concerts, all of which will be hosted on Marquee TV as their on demand partner for the season.

Marquee TV CEO and Co-Founder Simon

REVISOR - MICHAEL-SLOBODIAN; TONY PLETTS KRAFTWERK 3D BY PETER BOETTCHER - THE DESIGN MUSEUM

MARQUEE TV PRESENTS A NEW WAY FORWARD FOR ARTS ON DEMAND Walker says: ‘This has been one of the most challenging periods in history for arts and culture, particularly the performing arts sector.

I’m pleased that through Marquee TV we’ve been able to help ensure that audiences are still exposed to this vital content of our much-loved institutions, many of which we are working with in hand in hand to build a more sustainable future model, in both the physical and virtual worlds. This historic moment has made a live-digital model like ours a necessity for the continued development and growth of the creative sector and our much-loved arts venues, companies and performers.’

It’s clear that performers and organisations have been innovative in keeping active within their artistic spheres. The Royal Ballet have been performing on Regent’s Canal on Hoxton every weekend. In Peckham, there have been some brilliant performances going on as part of the Bold Tendencies experience at Peckham’s multi-storey car park. Nearby, Opera Holland Park has returned, as well as Regent’s Park Open-Air Theatre. But this is all well and good while the weather is nice. When temperatures drop, socially distanced audiences may be the only option…and this is not always financially viable.

So, we must look at necessity as the mother of invention and embrace change.

Accepting a digital world might seem a shift too far, but it needn’t be – it may just be one way in which we can all build a more cohesive and sustainable model, and one which can reach audiences worldwide. Hopefully more on-demand services will do their bit to keep performers performing. While they do, you can do your bit – keep donating to your favourite institutions, keep visiting whichever you are able to and keep the arts alive and thriving.

ENGLISH NATIONAL BALLET IN AKRAM KHAN’S GISELLE. PHOTO CREDIT LAURENT LIOTARDO

www.marquee.tv

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WHAT S TA RTED I N 2014 A S A DIG I TAL O U T L E T O N I N STAG RAM F O R AVANT A RTE’ S P ER S ONA L J OUR NEY I N T O T H E F I E L D H AS G RO W N INTO O NE OF THE B I G G ES T A ND M O ST I N F L U E N T I AL O N L I N E ART COMMUNITI ES IN THE W OR LD. CUR RE N T LY, T H E AVAN T ART E INSTAG R A M A CCOUNT HA S OVER TW O MI L L I O N F O L L O W E RS AN D THEIR NEW EDITI ONS S ELL OUT I N M I N U T E S. SO , W H O ARE T H E BRAINS B EHI ND THE B R A ND? TA NI BU RN S SPO K E W I T H C O -F O U N D E R AVANT A RTE CHR IS TIA N LUITEN A B O U T T H E I R RI SE T O SU C C E SS… Growing up in Almere, a small city in the Netherlands, Christian Luiten was not brought up in an environment rich in visual culture.

In a TEDx talk he gave back in 2017, of his hometown he lovingly satirises: ‘If you asked someone in the Netherlands ‘What’s the city you don’t want to live in?’, it’s probably the first or the second or the third answer, and one of the many reasons people don’t want to live in the city is because there is no art in it – you don’t have museums, you don’t have galleries, you don’t have art schools; it’s nothing compared to London.’

What Almere did have, it seems, was hip hop, and Christian was a big fan of Kanye West – a perhaps surprising entry point into launching what is now well known as one of the most influential online art platforms in the world, and inclusion in the Forbes ‘30 under 30’ list in 2018. That’s right, he’s not even hit 30 yet. Christian seems unabashedly bold, but it’s evidently paid off. After starting Avant Arte as an Instagram page and quickly gaining more than 20,000 followers, he dropped out of college, where he was studying economics, so that he could focus on the new business. ‘I was very naive, so I thought it was a success from the start,’ he says.

Christian founded Avant Arte with Curtis Penning, also from Almere. While casually pursuing the Picassos of our time, the platform quickly created a global community, including followers such as contemporary art specialists Brett Gorvy, Simon de Pury, and the Director of London’s Serpentine Gallery Hans Ulrich Obrist. Their goal is to empower the new art collector and help artists to reach the right audience, helping to make great art radically more accessible for their own generation and effectively remodelling the entire art ecosystem. Since 2017 they have been collaborating with the world’s most iconic contemporary artists to create limited-edition new artworks, sold through the platform.

Their editions sell out quickly – a recent collaboration with Jenny Holzer was sold out before it even officially launched.

‘Jenny Holzer was one the biggest artists we have collaborated with to date and was a real milestone for us.

We sold a limited-edition sculpture filled with condoms with text of Jenny on it to raise money for the NYC Aids memorial.

On launch day we had trucks with Jenny’s LED text riding around NYC.’

The lion’s share of the proceeds raised by the edition – a hand-blown jar full of slogans on condom wrappers called URGE AND URGE AND URGE – went to support educational and cultural programs around HIV and AIDs, as well as the ongoing maintenance of the New York City AIDS Memorial. Christian said:

‘When I first met Jenny she had a Paul Thek book on the table and we spoke about his work. I hadn’t realised that he, like many other artists, had been lost to AIDS. So when Jenny suggested we collaborate on this edition with the New York City AIDS Memorial, it felt like a good opportunity to share some of those stories and also raise awareness of the ongoing fight against HIV and AIDS to our community.’

Avant Arte’s latest collaboration is with Dutch collective Drift (artists Lonneke Gordijn and Ralph Nauta). The piece, entitled ANOTHER FUTURE, combines real dandelions and LED lights, telling the story of two distinct worlds – nature and technology – harmonising and becoming one. ANOTHER FUTURE embodies the dandelion’s beautiful juxtaposition of strength and fragility, softness and energy. With both depth and simplicity, this piece illuminates parallels between man-made and natural structures through deconstructive and innovative processes. In this piece,

KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW

© JENNY HOLZER, URGE AND URGE AND URGE, 2020

CHRISTIAN LUITEN FOUNDER @AVANT.ARTE

after picking and selecting each flower, it is reconstructed by hand, seed by seed, around an LED bulb. Through this method the artists raise fundamental questions about what life is – by learning from the Earth’s underlying mechanisms, the work highlights an essential need to re-establish our connection to it.

Christian spoke of the collaboration:

‘After all the years of working on editions, this is the first time we have collaborated with an artist from our home country which makes it especially exciting. DRIFT’s artworks and projects have fascinated us for many years now and so it’s really exciting to work with them on ANOTHER FUTURE. In such a fast-paced world, and especially right now, it feels essential that we slow down occasionally and look back to nature and think about how nature and technology could work together. I think this piece speaks that message beautifully.’

Avant Arte now takes Christian around the world, meeting with and signing the hottest artists around to collaborate on new work. But when in London, he loves going to the Serpentine, the National Portrait Gallery and hangs out at the Standard Hotel.

The jetset life indeed. So as a business founder, what words of wisdom can he share?

‘Start a business when you are young! You have nothing to lose so you can go all in.’ We could all do with some of Christian’s go-getting attitude, we think.

Follow Avant Arte on Instagram @avant.arte and check out their artist editions at www.avantarte.com

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‘SINCE 2017 THEY HAVE BEEN COLLABORATING WITH THE WORLD’S MOST ICONIC CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS...

THEIR EDITIONS SELL OUT QUICKLY – A RECENT COLLABORATION WITH JENNY HOLZER WAS SOLD OUT BEFORE IT EVEN OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED.’

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KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW

© ANDREW COLES

RENEGADES IN OXFORD CORY M A S ON A ND THE TEA M AT TH E O X F O RD ART I SAN D I ST I L L E RY ARE BRINGI NG THEIR B I G - ENER GY S TY L E , PASSI O N AN D I D E AS T O T RAD I T I O N AL BRITISH DI S TILLI NG. W ITH A G R OW I N G RE PU TAT I O N F O R MAK I N G T H E K I N D S OF DAR ING A ND HI G H- QUA LI TY B OO Z E T H AT I S FAST BE C O MI N G T H E D ARL I N G OF BARTENDER S A ND I NDI VI DUA LS AL I K E , AN D RE W C O L E S T H O U G H T I T WAS HIGH- TI M E TO S I T DOW N FOR A DR I N K .

Punk Rock. It’s not a style you’d usually associate with British distilling, but then again, the folks at the Oxford Artisan Distillery aren’t quite your usual British distillers, either. And as ‘Master Distiller and Spirit Guide’ (so reads his business card) Cory Mason whips me up a quick mid-conversation Manhattan based on the unique rye spirit he and his team craft by hand, it becomes readily apparent that things are done a little different around here. A little bit punk rock, to borrow a phrase.

The distillery and accompanying bar is housed in a crumbling stone barn at the top of Oxford’s South Park, with commanding views of the city’s famous spires at its doorstep.

This is true ‘seed to still’ production – as you sit and sip under the towering oak trees, you reflect on the fact that not only was your liquor distilled in a steampunk-styled still named Nautilus just a hundred metres away, but all of its organic ingredients were sourced from within a 50-mile radius.

But I guess you’d expect that from a man who proudly proclaims that ‘blowing yourself up at least once is a moonshiner’s rite of passage…’, a reference to his early days spent illegitimately perfecting his craft in his own industrial New York speakeasy.

Mason is clearly in his element here in Oxford. Joining the founders and working in concert to realise their vision, backed by a team of equally energetic booze creatives across production, front of house and marketing all feeding in their own individual ideas to the mix, he remains free to run riot out the back, making his spirits at all hours and improvising along the way.

Some of the more successful experiments are refined into regular products made available to customers but many remain as skunkworks one-offs. As Biggie Smalls belts out of a boombox the team discuss the merits of a small run of accidental cider, a project that inadvertently kicked off when someone forgot about some fermenting apple juice acquired from a local farmer for an experimental gin blend.

It appears haphazard but two of the distillery’s most popular labels were developed in exactly this way. Cuisse de Nymphe is a sweet gin liqueur, light-pink in colour, made by filtering gin mixed with apple, damson and sloe juice through a bed of roses.

Ver Viola is a gin infused with butterfly pea flower and rose, its bright-violet colour producing a striking visual when poured fiftyfifty into a double gin and tonic.

Ineffably inspiring and with an infectious energy, Cory is everything you think a rebellious craft distiller should be.

KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW

With great chat and a beguiling story, he’s a bang-up bar companion for a drink or three.

His accent betrays his rural Northern Californian homeland.

After a stint in Los Angeles, Cory ended up in New York at age 18, where he was exposed to a whole new world of ‘booze and cocktails.’ In The City That Never Sleeps, Cory rarely slept.

By ‘day’ he perfected his craft in venues like the Standard Hotel, Smith & Mills and Employees Only, and after-hours he ran a series of hipper-than-thou speakeasies in the shadier parts of Brooklyn. One, called Chickenbone, was in partnership with Dave Wondrich, contributing editor to Esquire and a global authority on classic cocktails.

Eventually Cory began to realise that his own home-brew absinthe, carefully crafted and sold to friends as more of an art project than an enterprise, was better than whatever he could buy. The realisation came at a salient moment in his life.

‘I had my first kid, my daughter was six months old and I was still working until five in the morning and it was actually swine flu that did it. I got sick and my daughter got sick and we were sitting at home and I realised, this isn’t worth it. I’m working all the time, we’re gonna get sick, we were living the lifestyle of 20-year olds into our 30s and I realised that we just couldn’t live this lifestyle anymore.’

Cory had a realisation that set the next phase of his life.

He enjoyed making alcohol far more than he enjoyed selling it, so after a period of reflection, he applied to study a Master’s program in distilling at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh.

He didn’t have most (any) of the prerequisites but a carefully crafted application highlighting his experience and a glowing letter of recommendation from Dave Wondrich eventually got him through the door.

Mason graduated with honours, worked with Dark Matter in Aberdeen to design the still and product for the first Scottish rum, was the Co-Founder and Director at Silent Pool Gin in Surrey, and even returned to Heriot-Watt as Visiting Scholar.

‘I stayed on for another couple of years and did research and mentored other students with my own lab. It was so messed up, I’d work the day and then I’d work until like three in the morning making booze and listening to loud music in my lab.

But actually, we did a lot of good scientific research in areas like high-gravity distillation and all this fun stuff. I’d always been a science buff but I’d never had a lot of formal training, so to get free rein to have a university’s ability to play with science and make really great alcohol was just awesome. And a successful

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‘AS BIGGIE SMALLS BELTS OUT OF A BOOMBOX THE TEAM DISCUSS THE MERITS OF A SMALL RUN OF ACCIDENTAL CIDER, A PROJECT THAT INADVERTENTLY KICKED OFF WHEN SOMEONE FORGOT ABOUT SOME FERMENTING APPLE JUICE ACQUIRED FROM A LOCAL FARMER FOR AN EXPERIMENTAL GIN BLEND.’

experiment means you have an amazing bottle of booze.’ All of this experience is wrapped up at the Oxford Artisan Distillery, where Cory has been given as close as you’ll ever get to a blank cheque to create the types of indulgent spirits he could only dream of in his bootlegging days.

Indulgent? The grain used for the company’s spirits are purely ancient varieties cultivated over a period of 25 years and grown exclusively for the distillery locally by John Letts, reviving wheat and rye varieties not seen outside of a seed vault since the late 1800s. The distillery is helping to fund John’s research into how these forgotten strains of wheat can produce food organically in a changing climate and the by-product is a totally unique distilled flavour. The distillery enjoys the highest possible level of organic approval, having recently been certified by the Soil Association.

The Oxford Artisan Distillery is arguably most well-known for their organic gins and vodkas, but it’s their rye spirit line that piques my interest. The Pure Rye can’t officially be called a whisky until it has aged for three years, a milestone that will be reached this December when the distillery’s first whisky will launch. In the meantime, it acts as a wonderfully light apéritif spirit enjoyed neat or in a cocktail, but if I’m honest it’s the Anniversary Edition that really holds my attention.

A student of spirits would be wise to taste these back-toback. The Anniversary Edition is the same base spirit as the Pure Rye but it has been matured for three years in new American oak, and finished in a Sauternes wine cask before being bottled cask-strength at an eye-watering 54.9 percent. But somehow, and I don’t profess to know how, the sheer strength of the alcohol has been overcome by flavours of sweet caramel and Werther’s. If you, like I, despair at the current state of the world in terms of Covid and Brexit and Trumpian politics, a slow sip of Oxford Rye Anniversary Edition really does make the world a better place. It proves that civilisation is not bankrupt, and if we can make something that tastes like this, then maybe we do have a future on this planet after all.

Or maybe I’m reading too much into it, can a simple spirit deliver salvation to a population? Who knows – Oxford is but an hour’s train ride from London and a hell of a lot closer than Scotland. Why not hop up there for a day, while you still can, and find out for yourself? www.theoxfordartisandistillery.com

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L IT T L E P ER K S T O H EL P Y O U TH RO UG H P O T EN T I AL LO C K D O WN OR B I G S P LAS H Y S P EN D S BE C AU S E, WEL L , I T ’ S B EEN A R O U G H Y EAR . P L U S A F EW C HI C H ALLO WEEN T R EAT S …

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www.nunababy.com

2 . FIRE HD 8 TABL ET, K IDS’ EDI T I ON £139.99 / www.amazon.co.uk

3 . TRYBI KE ST EEL 2-I N-1 TR IK E F OR KI DS £127.95 / www.scandiborn.co.uk

4 . E QUI L ONDON OR IGI NAL F ORMUL A SUPPL EMENT, 30-DAY SUPPLY £50 / www.equilondon.com

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5 . TINT S OF NAT URE HE NN A CREAM NAT URAL HAIR DYE

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£9.50 / www.tintsofnature.com

6 . FABL E & MANE, HOLIROOT S HAI R OI L £29 / www.faleandmane.com

7 . OR G ANI C COL OUR SYSTEMS LT D. ACTIVAT ED CHARCOAL SHAMPOO £42.90 www.organiccoloursystems.com

8 . V OLI T I ON CEL ERY GR E E N CREAM

50ml / £46 / www.volitionbeauty.com

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23. HA DE S , L DN MA CR O S CARF M AD E F RO M 1 0 0 P E R CE NT L A MB S W OOL IN H AW I C K, S C O T L AN D £90 / www.hades-shop.co.uk/collections/scarves

9 . B R I T ISH M USEUM X H& M , FLOWER- MOTIF VASE £29 / www.hm.com

14. S.A.R .K DAILY DOSE SHIRT (MADE FR OM 100 P ER CENT R ECYCLED SILK ) £345 / www.sarklondon.com

1 0 . R A C HEL SENDER POT HEA DS, FREDER ICA & GRETEL €55 / www.shop.rachelsender.com

15. HALO & HURT MY HEART YOU HAVE R ING AU$290 (around £164) / www.haloandhurt.com

20. A E S OP, P TOL E MY, A G A NICE A ND CA L L IP P US A R OMATIQUE CA NDL E S £80 each / www.aesop.com/uk

1 1 . E N SO CEREM ONIA L M AT CHA T EA T IN 20G £16.99 / www.ensomatcha.co.uk

16. NOBLE MACMILLAN CLASSIC TR AVEL WALLE T WITH SUEDE LINING £95 / www.noblemacmillan.com

21.B A R RY ’S CA CTUS CL UB , CA CTUS S UB S CR IP TION B OX £29 a month (free delivery), www.barryscactusclub.com

1 2 . L A D URÉE, FLEUR DE SOLEIL M A CA RON G I F T B OX £20 / www.laduree.co.uk

17. NICE PEAR CER AMICS, R UDE R ING £8 / www.nicepearceramics.com

22. G L E NL IV E T CA R IB B E A N R E S E RV E £38.59 / available from Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, the Co-op and Amazon

1 3 . H A D ES J OY DIVISION J UM PER £ 2 2 5 / WWW.HA DES- SHOP.CO.UK

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18. LIR IK A MATOSHI, STR AWBER RY MIDI DR ESS US$490 / www.lirikamatoshi.com

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19. B E S P OK E S HINJI NA K A B A VA NITA S R ING US$150 to $1,500 / www.s-nakaba.shop-pro.jp

24. TE K L A , F OR E S T G R E E N O RGAN I C C O T T O N HOODE D B ATHR OB E S £149 / www.teklafabrics.com 25. TR A S H V E LV E T CUS HION S from £50 / www.etsy.com/uk/shop/trashvelvet

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KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW

NOW OPEN Located in the heart of London’s most prestigious Royal Borough, the newly refurbished Forty Five Kensington offers a dining and gaming experience that sets new standards in style and sophistication.

Sample the delights of our luxurious new restaurant, offering fine dining with an inspiring menu of dishes from around the world. Equally as impressive as the menu is the level of service, with our team of highly trained staff attending to your every need.

After your meal, enjoy a drink in the relaxed surroundings of our elegant bar or experience the excitement of the Kensington Gaming Floor, where you’ll find all your favourite table games and state-of-the-art electronic gaming machines.

Whether you’re a discerning gamer wanting to take your skills to the next level, or simply looking to enjoy an evening of first class dining and entertainment, Forty Five Kensington promises to go above and beyond every expectation.

Open 5pm - 5am, 7 days a week

Restaurant Open 7pm - 1am, Wednesday to Sunday No membership required, over 18s only

Forty Five Kensington, 45 Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2EF

KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW

+44 (0)20 7589 4041 www.fortyfivekensington.co.uk

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KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW

ARCHITECTURE FOR DOGS AT JAPAN HOUSE LONDON HEAD T O J A PA N HOUS E LONDON TO D I SC O V E R A RAN G E OF SPACES FOR P OOCHES TO P ER C H , SL E E P AN D PL AY, RANGIN G FR OM THE B R ILLI A NT TO T H E BARK I N G MAD …

What did we do to deserve dogs?

Our furry friends have been a comfort now more than ever during lockdown. Visits to dog-fostering pages and enquiries to the Kennel Club and breeders have soared, and pups are in demand; so, it’s high time to consider how best we can live and interact with our pets.

Japan House London’s new exhibition, Architecture for Dogs, created and directed by Hara Kenya, is a free exhibition where world-renowned architects such as Ban Shigeru, Kuma Kengo, Sou Fujimoto and Itō Toyō, address our relationship to our canine companions. Each of the 16 designs – kennel, podium, hammock and others – take into account different breeds’ needs and personality quirks, from a Snoopy-esque rockable house with interactive toys for beagles to Sejima Kazuyo’s CandyFloss Cocoon, inspired by bichon-frises. The 16th work in the series

was created by Asif Khan – his minimalist black-felt ‘crater’ entices dogs with an added sheep-wool skirt and is designed to act as camouflage for black dogs.

And, if you’re feeling inspired to create a special environment for your pooch at home, guests are encouraged to style their own, and you can download blueprints of the works on display.

There will be a 3D tour, online talks and ‘live’ guided tours to engage visitors further, and small dogs can try out some of the pieces, such as the Architecture For Long-Bodied Short-Legged Dogs by Atelier Bow-Wow: a wooden structure with ramps to run up and down and niches to hide in.

Asif Khan says of the exhibition: ‘Architecture is very powerful. Dogs, like humans, are happy when they can fulfil their desires - adventure, sleep, play, being part of a pack. This can easily be found in nature, but often harder within

today’s homes. When dogs encounter a scenario in the form of architecture which is designed to stimulate their natural instincts, I think it might make them wag their tails.’

It’s a fascinating look at the inner workings of these companionable creatures, and – in all honesty – a muchdesired wave of cuteness to coo over.

Here humans get to embrace their playful side and pups leave with wildly wagging tails.

Architecture for Dogs will run for 18 weeks from the 19 September. Japan House London, 101–111 Kensington High Street, Kensington, London W8 5SA, www.japanhouselondon.uk.

TRUFFLE HUNTING IN THE TUSCAN HILLS H A RRIET BED D ER H EA D S T O T H E ROL L IN G H IL L S OF OF T U S C A N Y T O VIS IT ON E OF T H E L EA D IN G H OT EL S OF T H E WORL D , VIL L A L A M A S S A .

Nestled in the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside, Villa La Massa encompasses a wealth of regal history. Dating back to 1588, the Medici Villa is a sight for sore eyes, with its grandiose architecture paralleled only by its location on the banks of Arno river.

The hotel has now opened new accommodation to satisfy not only its loyal travellers – who often prefer to stay in the main house – but to encourage the arrival of newer visitors who often find the property booked up throughout its open season. After a successful launch of the Casa Colonica (one of five other on-site villas), the Limonaia, named for it’s conversion from its previous role as the winter lemon-tree greenhouse, now houses 10 luxurious yet tastefully contemporary rooms, including two beautiful suites with their own private gardens overlooking the river.

The ‘Noble Villa’ is an imposing four-storey terracotta Renaissance house with sage-green shutters at every window and flowers lining each wall. The romantic building features original frescoes, wooden canopy beds and linens in rich silks and brocades of the sort seen in grand villas throughout the region. It is here that David Bowie and Iman wed in the on-site chapel, and for this reason the villa takes pride

(and credit) for their long and prosperous 20-year marriage. We visit the bridal suite at the top of the villa and can see why it would have been an easy location to wed…the enchanting views of the winding river from the top of the property mean after the ceremony you wouldn’t have to leave to explore the surroundings.

Other notable guests of the property include Winston Churchill, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.

The villa not only has 22 acres of luxuriant countryside – including its own iris garden and cypress trees – for guests to explore, but it’s just 15 minutes (by car) from the Ponte Vecchio, perfect for those who want to catch an early ride to Galleria Degli Uffizi and grab a bite to eat from All’Antico Vinaio. It’s advisable to get in the queue early for both, especially the latter before you are too hungry.

We highly recommend the roasted cooked ham or Tuscan lard ciabatta with sweet gorgonzola, pistachio cream, pistachio grains and truffle for an early on-set heart attack – it’s definitely worth the wait.

Before we settle down to dinner in the on-site restaurant, Il Verrocchio, we are spoiled with a cooking demonstration by the villa’s executive chef, Simone Paredi, along with tasting local wines from the Chianti Rufina wine region where we are

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staying. The chef talks us through the different types of truffle and lets us try fresh gratings over silky pasta.

We are then led to our table to experience a traditional menu. We enjoy pastas, risottos, and seafood alongside gorgeous deep-bodied wines, with the ever-popular cacio e pepe proving a popular dish among the diners.

On our last morning we are treated to a massage at the Arnos Spa, where we try the exclusive cosmetic line by Officina Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, which is inspired by the fragrant flowers and aromatic herbs of the villa’s gardens.

aSeasonally, holidaymakers opt to go on truffle-hunting tours (usually around October) that can be arranged by the hotel among various other activities on offer.

We are treated to a private tour of the wine cellar and garden of Princesses Natalia and Irina Strozzi – the last descendants of Mona Lisa ‘The Gioconda’ – on their estate which dates back to 994. They then take us on a truffle-hunting expedition in their grounds, complete with loyal (and impressive) truffle-dogs. Following this experience, a selection of truffle produce was offered – from honey to cheese A truly perfect way to end a true Tuscan experience.

KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW

CHILLIN’ WITH THE DYLAN SID RAG HAVA CHE CK S I N AT HI P HO TEL TH E DYLAN AM S T E RDAM .

Amsterdam, the perennial toytown for adults, is hoping to change the fundamental scope of a large section of the 19 million tourists that travel to the Dutch capital every year. It has top credentials as a city blessed with a wealth of museums, innumerable arts institutions and cultural venues, architectural marvels bordering on the extraordinary, a city centre acknowledged as world heritage and liberal values second to none. Yet, unfortunately, it is still mostly known as stag-do central – a city infested with drugs and with debaucherous nightlife, where prostitution is the centre of attraction for a large majority of travellers.

Mayor Femke Halsema along with the support of Amsterdam’s long-complaining residents is working hard to change that hedonistic image and aiming for the more cultured and sophisticated visitor who appreciates Amsterdam for all that it is. We firmly agree that Amsterdam is so much more than just a seedy town. There is a palpable air of artistry and architectural beauty all around this ‘Venice of the North’ and there is a 17thcentury property on Keizersgracht, one of Amsterdam’s most famous canals, that embodies it all. The Dylan is Amsterdam in a nutshell. It is arty, luxurious, efficient and always committed to guests having a grand time. The hotel is located in the fashionable Nine Streets area, a short walk away from some of the city’s best museums, and boasts a cultured, personal service, restful rooms, a most enchanting courtyard and the Michelin-starred Vinkeles restaurant.

The Keizersgracht is an elegant street sandwiched between Herengracht and Prinsengracht and together with them forms the city’s emblematic canal belt. The Dylan graces this majestic street and the discrete entrance to this enchanting property leads to the aforementioned, picturesque courtyard. It might be a very good idea to learn some of the hotel’s history, as it was burnt down in the 18th century when it was used as a Stone Theatre and the gate in the front is all that remains of the original structure.

Similarly, Vinkeles is now based in the area that used to be a bakery till the early 19th century and the ovens, kilns and stoves were only rediscovered after the building took another form as a hotel. The kind and helpful staff at the Dylan will be more than happy to give you an enlightening tour.

K E I ZE R S GR A C H T 384, 1016 GB A M S TE R D A M , N E T HE RL ANDS +31 20 530 2010 The Dylan is a boutique 40-room hotel located in an exceptional 17th-century landmark on the Keizersgracht, one of Amsterdam’s most famous canals, in the stylish Nine Streets shopping district. The hotel is also a short walk from some of the city’s best museums including the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, and the Hermitage.

While its central location in this vibrant city provides an ideal base from which to explore the city from, the hotel’s personal service, immaculately decorated rooms, charming courtyard garden and Michelin-starred Vinkeles restaurant make a calm and comforting hub for a post-exploring wind-down. Doubles start from €420 a night, including breakfast www.dylanamsterdam.com

‘THE DYLAN IS AMSTERDAM IN A NUTSHELL. IT IS ARTY, LUXURIOUS, EFFICIENT AND ALWAYS COMMITTED TO GUESTS HAVING A GRAND TIME.’

The rooms at the Dylan are light and airy and ceilings loom high. The lovely suite I was in had the most gorgeous Japanesestyle interiors which could double up as an immaculate, luxurious dojo, especially as the summer sun streamed freely through the ample windows – this was at the height of summer in July when temperatures hit 35 degrees. Plus, the brilliant Bose soundsystem conveniently connected via Bluetooth and bass-lined the whole experience. There is also the most gorgeous ‘mini’ bar you’ve ever seen, with the largest selection of alcoholic drinks I’ve ever seen in a suite and some serious coffee equipment with enhanced ‘software’ – Amsterdammers are coffee buffs like no other. The bathrooms come with Aesop toiletries which have opulent scents.

There is a fitness room and gym, accessible to residents, and a glorious coffee room next to a giant fireplace for those cold, winter nights. The breakfast area in the courtyard doubles up as a bar in the evenings, and cocktails and champagne flow freely in a nod to the decadence that the city has become too well known for. So yes, the Dylan is everything Kensington & Chelsea Review loves. It’s enchantingly inviting and plush and the kind and responsive staff are eager to help. The smell of splendour abounds in its historic spaces, magical stairways, brilliant restaurants, bars and charming rooms. If you are looking for a top experience in Amsterdam, the Dylan should be your first stop.

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‘THE WALDORF HILTON IS A LANDMARK HOTEL WHICH BLENDS THE ELEGANCE AND GRANDEUR OF EDWARDIAN LONDON WITH MODERN COMFORT.’

Covid-19 has taken the joy out of summer and a lot of you might be looking to rescue the season in a last-ditch attempt at getting a dose of holiday mayhem in central London. Few locations in the world evoke ideas of history, culture and a general sense of joie de vivre than the iconic holy trinity that converges at Aldwych – Trafalgar Square, Strand and the West End – the location of our staycation property tip. The Waldorf Hilton is a landmark hotel which blends the elegance and grandeur of Edwardian London with modern comfort. Perfectly positioned in the very heart of London’s glitzy theatre district, the Waldorf Hilton is a short walk to the capital’s best shops, bars, galleries and landmarks such as the Royal Opera House, Somerset House and Covent Garden Piazza. Designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s brother-in-law, Sir Alexander Marshall Mackenzie, The Waldorf Hilton has an iconic façade bookended by two of the West End’s most prestigious theatres. Inside, the hotel houses 298 rooms including 19 suites, four restaurants and bars including Homage Restaurant, Good Godfrey’s Bar & Lounge, Private Homage and the Waldorf Tea Room as well as a stunning Art Deco entertainment space, Palm Court – which laid claim to London’s first Tango dancing in the 1920s.

Stacaytioners will be pleased to know that the historic hotel, which has undergone restoration work to the façade of the building, has reopened since July and is offering the Waldorf Weekender to mark the reopening a two-night package to celebrate the re-opening, The Waldorf Hilton is inviting those eager to take in the city’s sights with a two-night package, that on arrival treats guests to the hotel’s iconic afternoon tea, served in their room with a hamper of treats to enjoy throughout their stay. In addition, to help visitors make the most of their London stay, a free picnic hamper will be provided so guests can go out and explore the local area, with the added option of champagne for couples.

Families and couples alike will be treated to unlimited streaming, breakfast in bed throughout their stay and will have the option of inroom dining for their evening meals on either one or both nights at the hotel. Guests booking the couple’s package will have the option of a free bottle of wine with their evening meal too.

The reopening of the hotel also marks the completion of restoration works to the façade of the hotel, reviving the 111-yearold building to its former glory. Work has taken place on the detailed masonry that covers the building’s 190-foot frontage, which has been carefully carried out to maintain the Edwardian period details.

A WALDORF WEEKENDER SID RAGHAVA G ETS B A CK INTO THE HO T E L SCENE BY CHECKING I NTO ONE OF LON D O N ’ S MOST PRES TIG I OUS S TAY S .

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KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW

DOWNTIME IN DENMARK SAR AH R O DR I G UE S FI NDS N ORDIC C ON T EN T M EN T IN C OPEN H AGEN AN D BEYON D

Even before a time of uncertainty around travel, Denmark had a certain allure. Put it down to the fact that most of us will have imbibed some of its whimsy by osmosis in childhood, via a Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale – or attribute it to the more recent enthusiasm for ‘hygge,’ which seemed to inspire most of us to rush out and buy a load of cushions and candles.

Perhaps it’s the oft-touted fact that it’s been statistically proven to be the ‘happiest country in the world.’

Alternatively, you could put it down to the fact that cinnamon buns are always a good idea.

Whatever the reason, it’s safe to say that many travellers eager for a taste of that cinnamon-scented, hyggeinfused zest for life don’t travel far past Copenhagen. Its candy-coloured Nyhavn buildings, reflected in the still waters of the canals, its super-chic denizens, making cycling look so much more appealing than a MAMIL (that’s middle-aged man in lycra, for the uninitiated) ever could – and its exceptional food offering, with industrial areas finding new life as nightlife hubs and street food markets, make it ideal for a long weekend break. Even so, there’s life beyond the capital, as many of its savvy residents know.

Escaping to a summerhouse (sommerhus) has been a favourite pastime for Copenhageners since the end of the 19th century – and not just in the summer months, either. Denmark’s compactness, coupled with its intricate coastline, which means that you’re never more than 50 miles from the water, has seen Danes happily divide their time between centres for years – even, thanks to transport links and short journey times, maintaining inperson work commitments in the city while relaxing with the family elsewhere.

To put it into context: we land in Copenhagen at 10.20am. By midday, we’re in our summerhouse in Sjaellands Odde. And how glorious it is. I’ve always been a tad sceptical about the whole ‘happiest people in the world’ label, but

after five minutes swaying in a hanging chair on the wrap-around balcony, surrounded by blue skies and sprawling trees, I’m – as The Monkees would have said – a believer. When a doe and her fawn scamper across the vast lawn to forage apples that have fallen from the tree on our garden’s perimeter, I’m in hygge heaven.

Instances like these really characterise the nature of our time here: fleeting moments of intense beauty punctuating hazy all-round loveliness. We’re a mere 300 metres from the beach in one direction and a short cycle ride or walk to the other. The water is sparklingly clear and refreshing, no matter what time of day we dive into it – and distancing is easy to maintain. Back in the UK, there are heatwave scenes involving huge coastal crowds: in Sjaellands Odde, even when we see others scattered on the sand, it feels like the beach belongs to us.

It’s not that surprising when you crunch the numbers: the whole population of Denmark is less than six million – less than two-thirds that of London.

Nevertheless, many of those Danes are living the sommerhus dream: there are over 200,000 of them in the country, a decent proportion of which are available to rent.

If you’re looking for waterslides and beach bars, this is not the place – and as far as we’re concerned, it’s all the better for it. People of all ages shuffle down to the water at any time of day, swathed in bathrobes, which they shuck off before plunging quickly into the bracing sea.

There’s something rather wonderful about their casualness – so different from that semi-frantic rush for that perfect patch of sand (you know the one: equidistant from cafes, toilets and sea) on which to set up camp all day that you see in other destinations. There’s a relaxed certainty about it; an inherent knowledge that you may venture down any number of times in the space of a day, as and when the mood strikes, and the sea will be just as bracing

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and the surroundings, just as serene.

I’m fundamentally far too stressed and irritable to be able to lay claim to genuinely understanding the ‘hygge’ that’s so often waved, theoretically speaking, alongside the Dannebrog (Danish flag) but I feel like we experience it in a series of glimpses, during our days here. The woman in the long, gauzy white dress, gathering wildflowers by the roadside. The jetties, a feature of just about every beach, enabling you to enter the water without having to tiptoe agonisingly over rocks.

The odd phenomenon of tables laden with homewares and clothing outside other summer houses – like yard sales over which no one, other than the occasional honesty box, presides.

The glowing evenings that fire up the sky before the sun drops below the edge of the water – and the families who gather, draped in Nordic throws, to observe it.

The lakes which, astonishingly, don’t cost you anything to access, despite their perfectly maintained facilities, including lockers, boardwalks, changing rooms and toilets. The tall forests of proud trees through which sunlight angles. The long and slightly curved stick, left at the side of the road by a profusion of blackberries, inviting passersby to reach up and hook some down for plucking.

If a city fix is desired, Copenhagen is, obviously, within easy reach - but equally accessible is Denmark’s second city, Aarhus. A car ferry takes us from Molslinjen, a few minutes’ drive from the house, over the water to Jutland; arriving in Aarhus we drive straight on to Silkeborg, where the most famous of Denmark’s Bog People, The Tollund Man, reposes at the town’s eponymous museum. For a perfectly preserved 2000+ year old human sacrifice, his surroundings are informative but refreshingly lowkey – and, gazing upon his serene and accepting face, you get the sense that this is just how he’d want it. Perhaps that famous Danish sense of contentment is no new phenomenon.

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KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW

A HIDEAWAY IN HAMBURG SI D R AG HAVA E NJO YS A C OVID-PROOF ED BREAK AT T H E F ON T EN AY H OT EL

A very interesting element of Hamburg springs to mind when you first visit the Fontenay hotel, one of the newest entrants on the luxury scene. It is the lush vegetation and extensive waterways that surround the contemporary building on the eastern corner of Germany’s third largest city. The Japanese call Hamburg ‘the green city in the woods’ – and not without reason, as up to 30 per cent of the city is made up of green and natural landscapes. It rivals Rotterdam for the biggest port in Europe, and with more canals than Amsterdam the German city is a cosmopolitan destination which has kept its heart fervently close to nature and is a perfect destination for a long weekend of exploring on foot, by bike or, of course, water. Its green lung is the glimmering Alster Lake and the lush parkland that abounds in its immediate surroundings.

The Fontenay is a lakeside retreat and resplendent luxury property that opened in 2018, representing the perfect balance between natural surroundings and sustainable urban living – a balance that is there for all to see all throughout Hamburg. The Fontenay stands tall among the verdant vegetation in a truly worldclass and opulent setting.

Hamburg is testament to the great rebuilding spirit of the German nation and its enterprising people. Destroyed during World War II, the port city is a beautiful amalgamation of natural landscapes crafted from lakes and trees with a parallel commercial nous second to none. Music enthusiasts will be aware of the lasting impression that the city must have had on the Beatles – after all, they perfected their sound here – and the Elbphilharmonie concert hall located about two miles away from the Fontenay is a continuation of that tradition of music, arts and culture. In fact, the Fontenay is a perfect representation of Hamburg, both architecturally and spiritually, right from the free-flowing open spaces, innovative modern lines, capaciously luxurious outside spaces and practical modern interiors. All suites and double rooms and even the single rooms – all 130 of them – come with balconies, often with pristine views overlooking Alster Lake to lend the experience a majestic touch. The modern gadgetry and temperature/lighting motion controls within the rooms complement the luxury experience to a tee, and in these times

‘EXPLORING HAMBURG IS EASY FROM THE FONETENAY. A MERE 20-MINUTE WALK ALONG THE PEACEFUL BANKS OF ALSTER LAKE GETS YOU TO THE CITY CENTRE, WHERE VISITORS CAN ENJOY THE HISTORIC WATERFRONT THAT IS

KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW

HAFENCITY.’

of Covid-19 the hotel’s self-distancing measures seem very apt and modern.

Exploring Hamburg is easy from the Fonetenay. A mere 20-minute walk along the peaceful banks of Alster Lake gets you to the city centre, where visitors can enjoy the historic waterfront that is HafenCity.

Bicycles are an ubiquitous presence all around Hamburg and the Fontenay offers guests two wheels to borrow. Guided tours can also be booked through the concierge and these include the Heritage Tours which mark the sixtieth anniversary of the Beatles in Hamburg. Most residents will maintain that the best way to experience the city is via its waterways and huge variety of modes of transport, from canoes, pedal boats, sailboats, rowing boats, Venetian gondolas and even a Dragon boat for larger groups.

Food is a very serious business at the Fontenay too. Breakfast can be enjoyed on the alfresco summer terrace, with tables laid out under the ample trees for an all-day dining experience at Parkview restaurant. And, let me tell you, they believe in a breakfast of champions here.

The staff work tirelessly and diligently to deliver ‘the most important meal of the day’ to the highest standards. Further up on the roof at the Fontenay awaits more splendour and gastronomic perfection.

Lakeside is Julian Stowasser’s fine dining offering, perched high above the Alster.

Formerly of Weinsinn in Frankfurt, Julian’s cuisine is an interesting mix of international inspiration with a touch of classic French cooking.

The roof is also home to a 20-metre, indoor-outdoor infinity pool, which merges into the waters of the lake. Also on the roof is a large 500sq m outdoor bar terrace with a near panoramic view of the Hamburg skyline. All five of Hamburg’s main churches, the Elbphilarmonie and the Town Hall can all be seen from here And that sums up the Fontenay right then and there. It is a glorious modern property with a classic sensibility that represents the best that Hamburg has to offer.

For more information visit www.thefontenay.com.

The Fontenay hotel, 10 Fontenay, Hamburg 20354

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KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW

‘THE CROWN & GARTER ENCOURAGES YOU TO FEEL THE SIMPLE JOY OF BEING OUTDOORS IN BRITAIN’S GLORIOUS GREEN BITS, OR SIMPLY JUST BEING OUTDOORS AFTER WE’VE ALL BEEN COOPED UP FOR SO LONG.’

Crown & Garter pub with rooms, Great Common Road, Inkpen Common, Hungerford RG17 9QR www.crownandgarter.co.uk

KATE W EIR S P ENDS HER FI R S T P OS T-L O C K D O W N MINIBR EA K AT B ER KS HI R E’ S HOM EY C RO W N & GARTER P UB W I TH R OOM S .

DOWN TO CROWN KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW

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CAMBRIDGE IN A DAY

A L IT T L E OVER A N H OU R BY T RA IN F ROM L IVERP OOL S T REET OR KIN G’S C ROS S , C A M BRID GE IS A N EA S Y D AY T RIP. A N D REW C OL ES F IN D S T H AT W I TH IT S H IS T ORY, C U LT U RE A N D , OF C OU RS E, WORL D - FA M OU S U N IVERS IT Y, A DAY S P EN T S T ROL L IN G T H ROU GH T H E C OM PA C T C IT Y IS ON E WEL L S P EN T. You can’t miss it as your train arrives into Cambridge station: a large illuminated sign to your left, the size of a lorry, proclaiming the famous ‘Cambridge University Press’, the world’s oldest publishing house.

The university and its various adjuncts are to Cambridge what gin is to tonic.

Intrinsically linked – a famous pair – yet Cambridge is no regular student town.

The city and its past and present inhabitants continue to shape the world we live in. Charles Darwin penned the ‘Origin of Species’ here, Isaac Newton first described gravity, Alan Turing pioneered computer science, and the rules for a little sport called football were first written down and nailed to a tree in Parker’s Piece. Webcams, IVF, hovercraft, AI, the heart transplant, stem cells, and Sir David Attenborough are all gifts from Cambridge to the world.

A little over an hour up the trainline and easily walkable in a few hours, Cambridge is an ideal day-trip from London. A simple loop will reveal the best of the compact city’s architecture, history and style, with enough time left for a quiet pint in one of its many parks.

This isn’t intended to be a step-by-step guide, rather a loose list to point you in the right direction.

Start by turning left out of Cambridge Station’s main door, filter through the modern residential development and make your way to leafy Brooklands Avenue.

Follow it around the Botanic Gardens and into town on Trumpington Street, through the heart of the University.

The Fitzwilliam Museum and its impressive Palladian entrance hall will surely grab your attention, and as the official university museum, it houses an impressive collection of art and antiquities.

Even if you don’t venture inside on this occasion (entry is free but booking is required at time of writing), take note of the unique gilded pineapples on the balustrade. The grandfather of the museum’s founder, Matthew Decker, succeeded in growing the first pineapples in England in the early 1700s. So pleased were his family that the museum contains several tributes, including a famous Theodore Netscher portrait of ‘a fullygrown pineapple victoriously flourishing in an English landscape,’ painted in 1720.

Onwards into town, you’re now in the historical heart of Cambridge. Dodge the selfie-stick-waving tourists (far fewer these days) to see the famous sites – the curiously sculptural and high-tech Corpus Clock, the towering King’s College Chapel, the imposing entrance to Trinity College.

The wealth of these organisations is immense – Trinity disclose £1.34 billion in assets, which includes the o2 Arena and a 50 per cent shareholding in Tesco, and a local in any pub around here will tell you their own version of an old-wives tale of how you can allegedly walk to London or Oxford – or even Scotland – on land owned by Trinity. The colleges are usually open to the public for tours but remain closed to all but students at time of writing.

I find it best to limit your time at these famous sites, and instead spend a few hours getting lost in not only the narrow, cobbled laneways, but also in your thoughts about who has walked these streets before you, and in what circumstances. Cambridge is the secondoldest university in the world, founded in 1209 by fleeing Oxford scholars, and after plagues, wars and political upheaval untold it remains largely as it was when built. It’s a timely reminder that as terrible as the Covid situation may feel right now, many generations before us have endured far worse and our civilisation has emerged stronger for it.

By now you’ll surely be in need of caffeination, and for this Bould Brothers Coffee on Round Church Street is the only serious option. You’ll often have to queue but the brother’s specialty brews are the best in town and worth the wait. If it’s sunny, join the locals and sip your coffee sitting on the stone wall of the round church across the road.

From Bould, take a stroll through Jesus Green and onto Midsummer Common, where there’s a good chance you’ll see herds of grazing cattle.

Midsummer Common has provided ongoing grazing for animals since at least the 12th century, and local legislation still provides for ‘persons residing, owning or occupying land in the City of Cambridge to have the right to graze geldings, mares and cows from 1 April to 30 November, up to a total of 20 beasts.’ Quite where one should graze one’s beasts over the winter months is not provided for by council, mind you.

Keen walkers may want to use this

opportunity to head out of town, and you only need to walk for 15 minutes to find the true countryside. The path at the Easternmost end of Midsummer Common traces the River Cam all the way to the historic cathedral city of Ely, but the section to Baits Bite Lock is arguably the most scenic and takes around two hours return.

No matter how far you walk, turn around and follow the riverside towpath back into town and along the boardwalk section you’ll find several operators offering punting tours. Yes, the tours can be a little touristy but the view of the colleges from the River Cam is pure postcard as you serenely glide past, and the return tour is complete in under an hour.

It’ll be late afternoon by now, so step off your punt and into Cambridge Wine Merchants on Bridge Street. Spend a few minutes with your neck craned skywards selecting a bottle from their ceiling-high shelving, and crack it open on the terrace with an accompanying charcuterie plate.

Make your way through Market Square and across Parker’s Piece (football fans pay homage, don’t forget) to Mill Street, the city’s multicultural hub. There are some brilliant vintage shops along this stretch and extensive dining options – Syrian restaurant Damas Bridge (their Muhammara is spectacular) and Jordanian café Little Petra are both recommended.

A short stroll along Tenison Road, with a cheeky takeaway pint from the Salisbury Arms for those so inclined, will return you back to Cambridge Station and the conclusion of your day.

© ANDREW COLES

British breaks have never been more popular than they are right now as Covid-19 continues to scupper international getaways, and the countryside is experiencing an influx of city-dwellers eager to work in pastoral peace. So it seemed the right time for us to follow suit with a trip to bucolic Berkshire, where the Crown & Garter pub with rooms has reopened for boutique stays. This Londoner was thrilled at the thought of fresh air, leafy surrounds and bracing rambles; however, within minutes of arriving at this beautiful, 17th-century redbrick bolthole I was reminded that perhaps I am too used to city living.

As I frantically watched my phone search for a network, it dawned on us that there would be no WiFi in our room, and mild panic started to set in.

We were told the Internet is currently working from a dongle, so WiFi is only available in the main house. Serenely accepting this fact, we resolved to immerse ourselves in nature – or at least pick a perch for drinks in one of the hotel’s two exquisite gardens. Rooms are set around a daintily landscaped space perfumed by rosehip bushes, plum trees and rosemary shrubs, and leading off from the main pub is a large grassy beer garden. A bottle of wine was secured from the bar and the afternoon passed peacefully as we discerned diverse birdsong, cracked into the local gin and spent precious time away from our screens. Some of the comeliest country trails meander off from the pub’s village of Inkpen, so if you want to truly embrace nature, you’re all set to do so, just ask the immensely friendly staff and they’ll set you in the right direction.

After we rediscovered the art of genteel(ish) conversation, it was suddenly time for dinner – when we were done with another balloon glass heartily filled with gin, that is. Perhaps it was Berkshire’s fertile farmland, the chef’s knack with beautiful ingredients or the delightful inventiveness of the menu, but dinner was the highlight of our trip.

The terrine with generously torn chunks of chicken and black pudding matched with a spiky homemade piccalilli, the wonderfully pliant and juicy chicken breast with a just-right tarragon sauce and garlicky punch, the super-soft flavourfully pink lamb with Middle-Eastern-style accoutrements – each dish impressed more than the last. And, the showstopper of a dessert was a fondant cake with a silken damson centre and the surprise of a sweet yet earthy parsnip ice-cream that played very nicely with the fruity-chocolate filling.

Mindful of our data, we spent much of the night in the courtyard gazing up at the stars in a blissfully clear sky, before retiring to our room. A compact yet cosy haven with tastefully picked furnishings and a large bed – with high-quality linens – it’s ideal for a minibreak and to play pit stop between outdoorsy adventures. You have a desk, bottles of water, tea and coffee kit and a bathroom with a rainfall shower that removes any post-ramble grime with refreshing vigour – L’Occitane bath products are a thoughtful, luxurious touch, too. If you have coronavirus concerns, you needn’t fret, as you check yourself in, sanitisation stations are present and staff wear PPE. But, aside from fuelling up with a hearty breakfast or dabbling in the decadent dinner choices, it’s unlikely you’ll spend much time on the site – this is a hotel that encourages you to feel the simple joy of being outdoors in Britain’s glorious green bits, or simply just being outdoors after we’ve all been cooped up for so long – even if you barely make it beyond the gardens.

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KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW

SUMOSAN TWIGA

165 Sloane Street, Belgravia, SW1X 9QB

OMBRA

WORDS: KATE WEIR

1 Vyner Street, E2 9DG

WORDS: MADÉVI DAILLY Leaning over the side of Ombra’s terrace, I take a moment to tune in to the slow pace of life on the canal. It’s a peaceful Monday night, free from the crowds that usually loiter here on sunny weekends.

A waterfowl draws ripples in its wake on the water; squid-ink depths reflect opalescent skies; in the distance, a gondolier warms up his basso profondo… Alright, I’ll admit that last one is pure wishful thinking. Though you’d easily be fooled by Ombra’s cicchetti menu and reputation for just-right spritzes, the casual restaurant is more Hackney than Venice – both in body and in spirit.

Take the venue. Outside, there’s graffitied brickwork and bikes clinging to the railings, as one would expect in the heart of Hipstertown.

Inside, there’s a sense of space and light, with huge windows framing print-worthy views of the Overgroud and gasworks. That’s not to say Ombra sacrifices warmth to urbanite aesthetics: on the terrace, chunky communal tables set the scene for bubbled-up households coming together over a raucous grazing feast.

Grazing is what my friend and I are here for. Disappointingly, our masked waiter tempers my hunger for one of each cicchetti, recommending instead one antipasto and plate of pasta each.

But what could be more joyful than sitting outdoors on an early autumn evening, nibbling on crispy, salty, titchy snacks? After some negotiation, we reach a happy compromise. A small slab of focaccia is first to arrive, pillow-soft and amber-hued, followed swiftly by two fingersized arrosticini. ‘A meaty bite to start the night’, I quip at our stonyeyed waiter, who leaves us to our peals of laughter. The skewers are expertly charred, alternating morsels of deep-flavoured pork shoulder and sizzling beef fat. We dunk bread in pungent, moss-green oil and sip on rosé we don’t bother checking the provenance of. My friend declares the focaccia not salty enough, but the next morsel – a stuffed courgette-flower fritter – makes up for any sodium shortcomings with a hit of anchovies and smoky, melting scamorza cheese. Grilled sardines, served with gutsy hillocks of sweet pepper and sea aster, further transport us. I remember this – that sweet, giddy feeling of being on holiday.

The night darkens; candles are brought out. I wrap my mac around my shoulders, wistfully wishing for London restaurants to catch on to the continental magic of patio heaters. Thankfully, plates of warming, comforting pasta are just the cure. When lockdown hit, Ombra turned into a makeshift deli and pastificio, churning out handcut paccheri, linguine and tortelloni for the hungry neighbourhood.

Lucky locals: my plate of tagliatelle, scattered with earthy girolles and hazelnut, is wolfed down in no time, alongside truffled ravioli stolen from my friend’s dish. I had been wondering what to do with the lovage running rampant in my garden and here, in these sheep ricotta parcels, was the inspired answer.

But when my panna cotta arrives, I realise I’ve made a mistake.

It’s no fault of the wobbly pudding’s, but at Ombra, the savoury nibbles win hands down. Bring me burrata, coppa and prosciutto, mushrooms and ‘nduja, oysters and plump olives. There’s always room for more Venetian flair in my life.

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When two cuisines collide wonderful things can happen, just look at Oka’s pan-Asian delights, Jikoni’s thrilling Afro-Brit-Asian plates, Nobu’s iconic Japanese-Peruvian delicacies…

It seems that food from all countries has been gastronomically cross-bred; however, when I was invited to try Sumosan Twiga’s trio of new menus, even I had to raise an eyebrow at its muddle of Japanese and Italian dishes – the twain of which I thought would never, or at least very rarely, meet.

Intrigued, I headed to Sloane Street to investigate. The restaurant’s discrete doorway initiates you into its clubby ambience, as a doorman ushers you through and staff are radioed to notify them of your arrival. At the top floor is an elegant bar, although we only ascended to the first floor, where duly masked waiters weaved around circular greenleather banquettes. A menu is presented: on the one side is an array of nonna-pleasing paisan dishes (paccheri with lobster, trufflelaced risotto), and over the border there’s sushi, sashimi, yakitori, wagyu steak and other Eastern fare. And then, there are the ‘welcome back’ menus: the Japanese Taste of Sumosan, Italian-accented Taste of Twiga, and the Best of Both, which speaks for itself.

It’s rare that you’ll see burrata, California rolls and Bolognese cosied up on a table, so we opt for the latter. Soon, a globe of creamy

OPSO

10 Paddington Street, Marylebone, W1U 5QL

WORDS: KATE WEIR I’ve just about come to terms with the fact that I may not board a Continental flight this year, and while this won’t stop me from glowering at Tik Tok videos and Insta posts of #dreamy Santorinian sunsets and Myconian villas with luminously blue views, I can take comfort that one can experience something of authentic Ionian provenance right here in London.

Opso, a delightful Greek restaurant in Marylebone manages to make W1 feel a little more like the Med with its excellent Greek wine list and menu of high-quality sharing plates.

But, safety first – we feel quite cosy in our screened-off booth outside, and waiters are duly supplied with PPE masks. Our charming waiter hails from Crete and informs us that a menu has been planned for us – all the better as the choice is almost overwhelming, with an array of spreads, sashimis, serious vegetarian mains and Grecian classics with contemporary touches. We kick off with a cocktail, and from a menu with lengthy choices of gin and negronis we decide on a delicate Bubbles and Roses: Greek sparkling wine mixed with rose pressé – it’s delicious.

cheese surrounded by Datterini tomatoes, crab- and avocado-stuffed sushi, thick salmon sashimi slices and – our favourite – a tower of tuna tartare set atop avocado with a truffle oil, yuzu and soy sauce dressing.

We’re asked what wine we’d like and, baffled by the machinations of flavour-pairing, we settle on a bottle of prosecco. Next, spaghetti Bolognese is dished out tableside in solemn ceremony, meltingly soft Aberdeen Angus steak is plated with a silken sweet yet garlicky marinade, and a thick slice of aubergine has been stickied with miso and cooked to the consistency of plantain. For dessert we take a long-haul leap with a trio of ‘little moons’: ice-cream wrapped in glutinous rice dough.

The menu is definitely not to be called ‘fusion’, it’s more like two countries who’ve entered into a delicious treaty, but largely keep to themselves. It’s certainly a curious concept, but the cookery is serious, and head chef Bubker Belkhit (who hails from Morocco, adding yet another layer of influence to this culinary millefeuille) can rustle up a steak that’s more tender than an old-school love song, a tuna tartare with impressively mouthy Eastern flavours and elegantly prepped sushi – so, matchy-matchy be damned, Sumosan Twiga’s here to mix things up.

A plate of monkfish sashimi arrives dressed with top-drawer olive oil, lemon bitters and petite thyme leaves for a satisfying crunch. It’s fresh, light and flavourful, everything you want from Greek cuisine, a cracking start.

Then, the dip, served with pillowy hand-pulled bread from sister eatery Pittabun. The taramasalata is dressed with squid-ink crisps and kalamata olives and it’s as pungent and creamy as it should be – it’s soon scooped up with little regard to the many dishes yet to come. Next up, a calamari salad with basil pesto and bacon salsa that has a pleasing balance of sweet and salt, and feta saganaki, a dangerously decadent dish of baked feta with a crisp baklavastyle topping and lashings of honey, which ends up being a favourite of the night.

For the mains we request a bottle of Assyrtiko, a wine I haven’t had since a brief sojourn to Santorini a few years ago – the first sip takes me right back to private Jacuzzis, volcanic views and heady sundowners. We split two mains: the first, octopus on a bed of orzo with saffron, tomato jam and lemongrass is generous in size and taste, with many meaty chunks of seafood. The second is monkfish with a beetroot glaze on a bed of truffled spinach – a kind of Grecian take on miso-cod where the sweetness doesn’t overwhelm the subtle flavour of the fish.

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At this point in the meal, full and happy, we feel as if we’ve been well cared for by an adoptive Greek family.

But, we’re not done yet, there’s still dessert to come. We try to decline, but when a sugar-dusted confection filled with strawberries and basil leaves, edged with profiteroles and set atop homemade strawberry jam arrives, we weakly scoop it into our mouths.

Opso may well and truly do you in with its hearty fare, but in divine style – and, should you seek a little sunshinereplacement in your home, their deli stocks an impressive range of authentic Greek products. Holidays be damned, we’ll just hole up here a little longer.

KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW

TAVOLINO

MYRTLE

WORDS: KATE WEIR

WORDS: SID RAGHAVA

2 More London Riverside, SE1 2DB

1A Langton Street, Chelsea, SW10 0JL

A word to the wise: if you’re going to Thamesside restaurant Tavolino, book a seat on the terrace, or by the window at the very least.

This Italian eatery, headed up by a former Bancone chef, has a panoramic view that’ll make you a little misty eyed. Behind us Tower Bridge is immaculately framed and only appears more majestic as the sun slunk down. City Hall leans into it for a photobomb, and across the way there’s the HMS Belfast, beyond that 30 St Mary Axe (the Shard), 20 Fenchurch Street (the Walkie-Talkie), One Blackfriars (the Boomerang) and a host of other South Bank icons. At a time when the drudgery of lockdown and continuing Covid paranoia has made being a Londoner a lot less fun, it’s a rousing sight.

There may be some restaurants that let this holy grail of a view do the heavy lifting, but chef Louis Korovilas – a staunch believer in peak-quality ingredients and daily homemade pasta and bread – has crafted an elegant Italian menu to elevate your experience.

Burrata artigiana hails from Puglia, Barilotto cheese from Campania, red prawns from Sicily, gianduja from Piedmont and pistachios from Bronte – to accompany the made-on-site ice-creams – and seafood, vegetables and such are sourced fresh within the UK. With such heavyweight produce at hand you can be sure this is no tourist trap.

Tavolino’s decor has a retro charm to it, with walls the pinky-peach of Mediterranean villas, mint-green accents, half-curtains

pulled across the windows and forest-greenleather banquettes. There’s excitable chatter all around (perhaps a touch over date-night decibels) and a few bambini, so it certainly evokes the ebullience of a motherland taverna.

Slushie-style cocktails served on tap and mini negronis are a specialty here, but our eyes are on the refreshing Limone Frizzante (with homemade Limoncello, mint and soda) and a summery strawberry and rhubarb bellini.

Both are divine. Fried panelles (delicate potato cakes) arrive tied with lardo and smokedduck-breast ribbons like delicious presents, with a tangy anchovy dip, while my partner’s crab salad with potato, ricotta, onion and capers proves a masterful mix of flavours.

For mains, my bucatini – of perfect consistency, unmistakably handmade – is tossed in a strong shellfish stock, with sweet datterini tomatoes and red prawns – a satisfying, comforting dish that recalls sitting by the sea in Sicily. My partner’s lamb is tender at a spot-on medium rare, with an earthy spinach sauce and colourful peperonata.

Both pair very well with a juicy Tenuta il Cascinone red. When some slightly heavy handed pouring results in a broken glass, the charming waitress merely clears it up and presents us with a fresh side of seasoned wedges. For dessert, my partner opts for a classic tiramisu, which replaces the ricotta with the restaurant’s own ice cream, not to its detriment. My dessert, the Caffè Shakerato is in a similar vein (well, it has tiramisu liqueur in

EL PIRATA

5–6 Down Street, Mayfair, W1J 7AQ

WORDS: KATE WEIR

Off the top of your head, name me a reasonably priced restaurant near the east end of Hyde Park? Not easy, is it? With the likes of Hakkasan, Scott’s and Nobu nearby, things tend to get a little cha-ching when it comes to dining out. However, tucked away behind the glossy hotels bordering the park, we found El Pirata, a cosy, laidback tapas restaurant with more than a whiff of authenticity.

This sultrily lit space, with faux prints lining the walls and a spiral staircase descending through the floor is a refreshing change from the ‘do I have to wear heels?’ establishments close by. It’s been dishing up small plates and slices of excellent ibérico ham ( the superb Cinco Jotas brand, no less) since 1994, and those who’ve stumbled across it seem to follow loyally. After all, a 10-dish ‘Introduction to tapas’ menu is just £49 for two, and the wine list – always a nerve-wracking concept in this postcode – starts from a very reasonable £25.50 a bottle.

To start, the chef sends out a juicy pan con tomate, saltily charred padron

peppers and a plate of that dark rich ham. It’s a welcome easing in for what turns out to be a hefty feast. On the waiter’s recommendation we pick six dishes and soon our table is awash with bite-size treats. Jamón croquetas are perfectly creamy on the inside. huevos rotas especiales (egg, fried potatoes, chilli, prawns and chorizo) is a mountainous plate of bold flavour, calamari is a touch overcooked but palatable nonetheless, the tortilla is a generous slab, albondigas (meatballs) in a wine-laced sauce have an umami kick, and the seafood salad works as a zingy palate cleanser.

It’s a tremendous amount of food for a budget-friendly price, and aside from a few small tweaks here and there, we can’t fault it. Oh, and there was the fresh, homemade lemon sorbet for dessert. It’s no wonder an Uber had to cart us off home afterwards. If you’re in Mayfair, do your wallet and appetite a favour and head here, and be sure to stop by early in the day for the brunch: £35 a person for bottomless beer or sangria and a judicious edit of Spanish dishes.

KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW

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it), but it arrives in drinkable form, poured from the tap with espresso sorbet and grappa – a unique idea I can definitely get on board with.

It’s quite a magical fusion, this authentic, holiday-daydream-inspiring fare, and London’s old-school grandeur in your eyeline. We are somewhat saddened that the city’s typically drizzly weather has driven us from the terrace, but there are no diminished returns here and we’ll be back for riverside cocktails, slushies and perfect pastas soon.

If you’re looking for a taste of Ireland in London, look no further than Myrtle restaurant, right in the Royal Borough – near Chelsea’s former World’s End pub. Head chef and owner Anna Haugh is a familiar face on television and a seasoned regular of Saturday Kitchen Live. Her CV includes almost 20 years of working in places such as Phil Howard’s the Square, Pied à Terre and Paris’ Hotel Lotti.

Daniel Haugh, her cousin has teamed up with his talented relative at the recently reopened Irish gem which sports an impressive ‘A Taste of Ireland’ menu of seven courses paired with some delectable wines and new additions to à la carte fare as well.

Named in awe of Ireland’s most celebrated of chefs, Myrtle Allen, who has variously been called the ‘renowned matriarch of Modern Irish cuisine’ and the ‘the leading light of modern-day Irish cooking’, the stylish and wonderfully cosy eatery has proudly unveiled head chef Haugh’s work of four months perfecting the Irish fare on offer. The menu at Myrtle celebrates Irish produce sourced from each county, its history, and memories from people met and places visited in Anna’s past.

The tasting menu is the obvious route to go if you’re looking for the full experience. It commences with Bia Beag (Gaelic amuses bouches) and swiftly moves on to Clonakilty black pudding, wrapped potato from Cork and smoked scallop, Taylor’s of Lusk garlic, and crispy Gubbeen chorizo from a Irish charcuterie producer in Louth. One of Ireland’s beloved dingle

pies is accented with a touch of Kerry, with marinated lamb, chervil and broad bean purée.

There are other more adventurous offerings such as sea-buckthorn granita from Wexford and the ancient Gaelic carrageen-moss pudding, made with seaweed and Guinness chocolate sponge, surrounded by a chocolate mist from County Clare.

This is Ireland on a plate, but there are strong influences of Anna’s experiences in Paris which she manages to meld together in her immaculately adroit fashion. In keeping the spirit of Eire at the forefront, Anna works with Irish-based artisans for crockery and glassware, notably those from Dublin-based Brookwood Pottery, Galway Crystal and Mullingar Pewter, used for their wine goblets. Lunch includes a special three-course chef’s menu (available Tuesday to Saturday) made up of three ever-evolving courses, decided by Anna and what produce is available on the day. One thing is for sure, Anna has kept busy during lockdown and has come up trumps with her inspired menu. It is a privilege to have Myrtle in the Royal Borough, an Irish feast of epic proportions.

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KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW

HAYA LONDON

TEASE

WORDS: TANI BURNS

WORDS: TRACY BORMAN

184A Kensington Park Road, W11 2ES Perhaps I’m a bit late to the party, but when did hispi cabbage get so cool?

When did it get so good? I realise I’m jumping into this review in a rather unconventional way, but it was the first dish that sprinted into my mind when I sat at the keyboard, and it’s one I want you to order. As one of the new additions to Med eatery Haya’s menu – after they recently reopened in September – I’m impressed.

Haya is a neighbourhood Mediterranean restaurant with Israeli influences in the heart of Notting Hill.

It launched in September 2019, only to be forced to close due to lockdown in March 2020 – this means it’s been closed for longer than it’s been open.

But over the past six months, it’s stayed strong by delivering all its customer favourites – including harissa chicken thighs, braised lamb shoulder, baba ghanoush and a brilliant selection of fresh daily salads. They also happen to have a mean babka. But as restaurants have reopened, it is wonderful and telling to see some taking steps forward to not only to keep the old faithfuls happy, but also show some innovation.

And so, apart from the harissa chicken

19 Harrington Road, SW7 3ES thighs – which I absolutely could not go without having – all of the dishes I tried this time around were those new to the menu.

To start, the Willy Wonka-sounding ‘cheese marshmallows’ with chilli jam and charcoal salt. I was a little wary, I’ll be honest…when you love cheese so much, surely it can only let you down to have an ‘almost cheese’? But if you like cheese and you like marshmallows, imagine: strong parmesan taste with a melt-in-the-mouth texture helped along the way by tapioca, no less.

Next, the home-cured salmon with citrus vinaigrette, harissa oil, and herbs.

Aside from the hispi cabbage, which I’ll come to soon, the salmon was my favourite. Cured perfectly, there was something very Peruvian about it – fresh, fragrant, beautifully flavoured and with a strong textural contrast from the crispy fish skin to garnish. With these, a glass of the Carmel Selected Emerald (2017) from Israel.

Carrying on with the Israeli wine theme (I am always keen to taste food with grapes grown in the region of their inspiration), I’m opting for the Carmel Selected Mediterranean Red (2017)

to go with the mains. The harissa chicken is served beautifully – so moist and full of flavour – with beetroot endive and a crispy chicken dust (I appreciate attention shown to texture).

Finally, on to the hispi cabbage, with roasted aubergine, almonds and brown butter… Half a hispi cabbage, on a gorgeous bed of smoky aubergine (like a classic baba ghanoush texture, but with the powerful smokiness of a chef being bold enough to leave in the skin), sprinkled with toasted almond flakes and gorgeously, unashamedly buttered.

What I love about this place most is its balance of great design with a sort of lovely informality. It’s a perfect place for meeting with friends who may be a mix of meat eaters and vegetarians – every vegetable dish is given the same respect and attention as it’s meaty counterpart. For casual solo lunches as well as dinners with pals, it is a place to return to again and again.

The above came to less than £60 including wine, not including service charge.

TALAD EATERY

Authentic Thai food is surprisingly hard to come by in London – always on the verge of perfection but somehow still catering to the Western palate.

Bring me bold, unapologetic flavour, preferably on melamine plates.

Hotspots like Kiln and Smoking Goat have done a great job in bringing the cool factor to Thai cuisine, but their trendiness shifts you away from the neighbourhood, local feel I so often crave. I’ve also recently come across the wonderful Yaay Yaay stalls in Kings Cross and the City, which I absolutely adore for their perfect pad krapow, but occasionally you just want to take a pause, grab a seat and eat in.

Located in King’s Road’s iconic Furniture and Arts building, Talad Eatery is such a surprisingly welcome breath of fresh air, bringing authentic food from Northern Thailand and particularly the Isaan region to the heart of Chelsea. Many moons ago I’d have been queuing up outside the infamous Embargo – oddly in the same building – but I’m pleased instead this time to pass by to an unsuspecting door to this welcoming, bright café eatery. Inside are just a couple of tables, as well as spots for solo eaters

The creator of all this is Cosmo Lewis, former mixologist of the Ned, Soho Farmhouse and Annabel’s.

He is as passionate about the origin and health-giving properties of his ingredients as their flavour. He sources local products wherever possible, such as honey from the hives at London Bridge. Reishi mushroom, bee pollen, maca and lucama not only taste divine but help boost your immune system, relieve tiredness and reduce stress, while fiery ginger, turmeric and cayenne pepper are the perfect way to kickstart your metabolism – and your day.

If all of this sounds a bit worthy, then the cheeky humour of the menu, with many plays on the word ‘tea’, lightens the mood – as does the bright and fresh decor, with vivid yellow and white interiors and golden palm trees to entice you in. My daughter’s favourite feature was the giant ‘magic’ teacup which emitted steam at the press of a button. All very Instagramable.

Tease is perfectly situated a stone’s throw from South Kensington tube station and offers a wonderful alternative to the various café chains

that line the route to the museums.

The prices are competitive, too, and there are takeaway snacks available.

As I regretfully sipped the last blend that I had been given to sample, Cosmo (aware of my addiction) offered me a coffee for the road. But to my astonishment, I found that his delicious, health-giving teas had cured me. My only compulsion now is to return to Tease as soon as possible.

peach cognac and vanilla gold spray; and a Honfleur, Calvados garnished with a popping-powder-laced peach.

Both unique and very drinkable.

And thus began our romp through French gastronomy. Jammie Dodgeresque foie-gras-topped brioches with cherry jam are quickly plucked from the plate. In quick succession a steaming plate of moules marinière and a pail of frites arrive to be devoured with equal speed. A gloriously rich fondue follows with sourdough and breadsticks (and leftover frites) for dipping – it’s a warming hearty treat that’s perhaps best suited as an encore rather than mid-meal, but a favourite nonetheless.

We’ve barely had time to exclaim oh là là when a meaty beef-shin ragu with thick slurpable noodles and a pot of roe-topped salmon rillettes are placed in front of us.

Our pace may be slowing, but our appetite isn’t waning yet – after all, the pièce de résistance is yet to come.

We first see it in a cloud of smoke from the kitchen (all part of the theatre, no fire risk), and brought to us in long wooden box are pliant slices of moodily flavoured duck and Lyonnaise potatoes as buttery as any self-respecting French chef would have them. It’s a

triumphant end to the sort of European feast we may not be able to indulge in on its home turf for a while. And, while we’re tempted by the macarons and crème brûlée, we are well and truly fin. Luckily, belt loosening and near belly-flopping onto a velvet-upholstered banquette doesn’t elicit one eyelid-bat here, and that fun we mentioned earlier – there’s plenty more to be had in the bar upstairs.

JOLIE

533 King’s Road, Chelsea, SW10 0TZ

WORDS: TANI BURNS

As a self-confessed coffee addict, I might not be the obvious choice to review Tease – a bar entirely dedicated to the delights of tea. As I soon discovered, though, this new concept extended well beyond the confines of English Breakfast and offers a veritable cornucopia of iced teas, milk teas, adaptogenic milks, health shots and more. Just reading the menu made me feel a sense of wellbeing. All of the ingredients are fresh and natural, with not a grain of refined sugar in sight.

I was lucky enough to sample numerous creations, ranging from the taste sensation that was the beetroot, coconut water and kalamansi lime shot to the ‘Sweet Dreams’ iced tea (apple, rose and chamomile) and, my favourite, the divine Masala Chai served with creamy almond milk.

The combination of flavours was as delicious as it was unexpected, particularly the aptly-named ‘Longevitea’, which blended such exotic ingredients as reishi, maca and oolong with mushrooms and hazelnut milk. My 10-year-old daughter, who prides herself on never having let a mushroom pass her lips, polished off the lot.

459 King’s Road, Chelsea, SW10 0LR and a deli bar for takeaways. It’s open all day for a sit-down meal or to graband-go. As well as that, your favourite Asian cupboard staples and groceries are available in-store daily, as well as homemade kombucha.

Disclaimer: being half-Thai myself, I can be critical of Thai restaurants.

But here, one look at the menu had me smiling ear to ear. This is the real deal.

So, to start, the crispy prawns with a fragrant northern larb seasoning and Aunty Pen’s tum sua – if you are as obsessed with som tam as I am, tum sua is a fabulous alternative, adding to the classic punchy papaya salad some fermented fish and rice noodles. As a tip, ‘Aunty Pen’s recommendations’ are well worth believing. We opted for the choo chee salmon, a dish of pan-fried salmon, drizzled in red curry sauce that’s been infused in kaffir lime leaves – with some sticky rice perfect for mopping up all those lovely flavours.

But the real stars of the show were the Northern larb kua and the khao soi beef curry – both Northern specialities and dishes you will rarely see on any London menu. What I love about northern Thai food is that it takes you into a different geographical

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taste profile, packed with Burmese and Laotian flavour. It is unique from the cuisine of the country’s central regions, where dishes like green curry and pad thai hark from, or the south, where seafood is abundant alongside the rich dishes influenced by bordering Malaysia.

The Northern larb kua was a wonderful dish of seasoned pan-fry minced beef, with fragrant lemongrass, ma kwaen, mint, kaffir lime leaf and dry chilli powder, served on gem lettuce.

For me, if there was one dish worth journeying across London for, this would be it. And the khao soi beef curry was perfect – a coconut curry served with noodles, pickled mustard greens and chilli oil, it transported me to Chiang Mai, under cover on a August monsoon day, surrounded by the gentle rush of endless rain.

It’s pure comfort food.

We forwent pudding this time but opted for a takeaway iced Thai tea (‘cha chuk’), perfect for the walk home. I am such a fan of this place…I love the food, I love the neighbourhood feel, I love the concept.

All of the above came to just £70 for two, including service but not wine (of which there is a small but surprisingly good selection).

WORDS: KATE WEIR

The Chelsea Funhouse (formerly the World’s End) certainly lives up to its name. There’s checkerboard flooring, neon lights, jungle-print wallpaper, and a low-lit sultriness – set to a vibechecked soundtrack – plus a mounted unicorn head that pours champagne into your glass when you stroke its nose. Truly a louche, let’s-see-wherethe-night-takes-us kinda spot.

Last time I visited their menus mapped out exotic food journeys around the world, a concept that gelled well with the bohemian attitude here. When I heard that their next venture was a French-themed Lollipop-led pop-up going by the nom Jolie, I wondered how a cuisine associated with stiff white tablecloths and even stiffer waitstaff would be interpreted here.

As it happens, in very chic style.

Classic Gallic dishes and some given a little modern zhuzhing are categorised by terroir and mer, with duck in its very own category. We were recommended to try two or three dishes each from the sharing-concept menu, and being more gluttons than gourmands we opted for three each (as it happens, a very hearty meal). But first, cocktails: a Versailles with champagne (what else?), caramel-

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ADVERTOR I A L

HIT REFRESH AT THE EVIAN RESORT, LAKE GENEVA With the balmy fresh air, leafy Alpine trails, prime conditions for forest bathing and the inky blue waters at the best temperature for a spot of wild swimming, the summerautumn turn is the perfect time for a restorative visit to the historic wellness hub of Évian-les-Bains on the shores of Lake Geneva.

A bastion of France’s famed natural spa tradition constructed on the source of the mineral-water brand, the town’s beating heart lies in the 100-year-old Evian Resort, which offers visitors of all ages a chance to truly relax, unwind, and explore the things they love together, be it adrenaline-pumping watersports on the lake, guided hiking and biking trails with experts on the sport-and-culture concierge team, organic gardening and cookery lessons alongside the head chef at Michelin-starred Les Fresques restaurant, golfing tuition with former world pros, or exploring the fascinating history behind one of the country’s oldest spa towns.

The resort comprises two accommodation options, including the five-star grande dame, Hôtel Royal, which first opened its doors in 1909 in honour of King Edward VII, and still maintains original Belle Époque fittings and features designed to emulate the natural flow of water through the seasons. Meanwhile, the cosy four-star Hôtel Ermitage takes its inspiration from the surrounding woodland elements and provides the perfect space for family visitors, complete with flexible room setups and a selection of gardenview restaurants with healthy, child-friendly menus.

For pampering, Hôtel Royal has the Spa Evian Source, specialising in everything from high-tech personalised facials by French skincare guru, Biologique Recherche, to five-day chromotherapy rituals by Altearah, with a selection of treatments targeted to emotional and physical needs in between, including more intensive post-sport therapies and sunrise yoga classes. Meanwhile, the Ermitage’s Spa Quatre Terres excels in treatments for younger family members, using gentle organic products and an expert educational approach to address key wellbeing needs and promote appreciation for self-care from an early age.

Families will also delight in the dedicated on-site Kids’ Resort, providing a daily range of sport and leisure activities for all ages – including adventure excursions for teens – while parents enjoy the chance to indulge in some peaceful quality time, or even catch a seasonal concert at the majestic Grange au Lac classical music hall. Hotel Royal is the perfect place for a family adventure,

with free accommodation for under-13s and the new ‘Le Fabuleux Jardin’ rooms designed exclusively by My Little Room, using luxurious toys, cosy tents and stylish decor themed on the flora and fauna of the surrounding Alpine wilderness.

Also this season, the culturally curious can also discover the many sides of Evian through an exhibition by renowned holiday photographer Jacques Henri Lartigue (until 1 November) at Hôtel Royal, including seven prints he took while staying at the hotel itself with Sacha Guitry. Then, as evening descends, local history is combined with stellar entertainment at the Evian Casino, following an extensive refurbishment this summer. A plethora of traditional games are available to those partial to a holiday flutter, combined with regular games events, live music nights and gourmet French restaurant, Le Baccara, promising an exciting evening out for all.

This year, Evian Resort is also thrilled to extend its golf offering with the launch of its six-hole Lake Course, complementing its 18-hole Champions Course that plays host to the annual Evian Championship. A stunning facility with beautifully kept grounds overlooking the lake below and snow-capped Alpine peaks in the distance, golfers of all abilities can benefit from instruction programmes designed by David Leadbetter at the Golf Academy. Or, during the wetter weather months, from private sessions with Christophe Lacroix on the state-of-theart Golfzon simulator. Real enthusiasts can even theme their entire stay on their love of the sport with bed and breakfast accommodation available at the elegant seven-bedroom Manoir du Golf, nestled in the heart of the Evian Golf Club itself.

Evian is excellently situated at just a short – and exhilarating – Evian One catamaran ride across the lake from both Geneva and Lausanne. For road trippers, its location in the Alpine foothills makes it a perfect starting point for a mountain adventure in the summer, or an ideal base for touring the ski resorts of the surrounding Haute Savoie region in winter.

While visits can be planned on a bespoke basis, a range of bookable packages are available for all sorts of getaways, from spa and afternoon tea days for couples and friends, to five-day tailored wellness programmes and weeklong seasonal family trips that guarantee the best rates and additional extras to make an unforgettable holiday.

The team at Evian Resort aim to support booking confidence this year with a super flexible policy, allowing for penaltyfree cancellations and date changes up to 24 hours before arrival.

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THE

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Beauty EDIT.

EAT, BURN, SLEEP S A R A H R OD R I G U ES D I S C OVER S A PA I N - FR EE WAY TO W ELLN ES S .

Fad diets abound. Social media platforms seem to alternate between advertising ‘sculpting suits’ to ‘smooth out lumps and bumps,’ and workout regimes undertaken by people who, on closer inspection, turn out to be around 18 years old. It’s incredibly refreshing, therefore, to come across a plan that’s been devised by a woman in her forties.

Yalda Alaoui’s story is an interesting one, too. During the course of her first pregnancy, in 2008, she was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, a condition both painful and stressful. Years of fluctuating health followed, until she was diagnosed with a further condition – autoimmune haemolytic anaemia.

Unwilling to spend the rest of her life on medication, Yalda spent the next 10 years researching and experimenting with foods and lifestyle choices. Her programme, Eat Burn Sleep, is the result of that research, focusing on gut health and inflammation, which are not only key to weight loss, but also, she says, to wellbeing.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), which around 1 in 10 women in the UK are thought to suffer from, can be drastically improved by following the plan – but it’s

great for men, too, aiding such conditions as IBS and psoriasis, which affect around 17 per cent and two per cent of the population respectively.

Perhaps best of all, there’s nothing extreme about the programme – no sweaty HIIT workouts, no restrictive menus. I mean, as if the mention of ‘sleep’ in the title weren’t alluring enough, it transpires that daily meditations are also key to the plan.

‘Mental wellness is so important when it comes to health – 60 per cent of our neurotransmitters are located in the gut,” says Yalda, “We need to be well in our head for our bodies to function well - and we need also to be well in our bodies for our brains to perform. It’s a two-way street.”

But what about the ‘burn’?

Do followers of the plan need to spend hours on the treadmill?

According to Yalda, such punishing regimes are counter-effective. ‘So many people do high-intensity workouts and see no results, because hard workouts can be so inflammatory,’ she explains.

‘The workouts on the plan are not only suitable for both men and women, but they also improve your posture and your body composition, while being anti-inflammatory.’

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Furthermore, she advises leaving exercise out of the equation for the first week, while your body gets used to a new way of eating.

Walking, hydrating and meditating are the only daily ‘musts.’

As for the food, it’s more ‘dream’ than ‘diet.’ No fussy prep, loads of gorgeous colour and texture AND decent portion sizes: think Asian prawn and zucchini stir fry, beef stroganoff, crab and salmon roe salad… The days also start the right way, with the likes of flaxseed flatbreads and paleo pancakes (made with banana and ground almonds), while snacks – including coconut and chocolate macaroons, seed crackers and sesame squares – mean that there’s absolutely zero sense of deprivation to be endured. Advice is also given about food shopping and eating out, as well as how to deal with cravings and emotional eating.

The six-week-plan is split into two sections: the first three weeks focussed on rewiring patterns and habits around food and the second, around consolidation and long-term routines. I, for one, am looking forward to a winter that doesn’t leave me feeling sluggish and heavy. eatburnsleep.com

KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW

BEAUTY

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A U T UMN

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BE AU T Y BA SK E T W E ’ V E P I CKE D O UR FAV O UR I TE B E AUTY BU YS F O R T H E SE ASO N. FR O M SI L KY B O DY L OT ION S T O C B D SKI NCAR E AND PL E NTY I N B E TWEEN , R E A D O N FO R SO ME G E MS TO ADD TO YOU R B E A U T Y R E G I ME .

1. GUAVA & GOLD’S LUXURY BATH AND BODY COLLECTION Silky, deliciously scented and soothing, this wonderful range of bath and body products smell as good as they look – and work remarkably well, too. The range is formulated to combine luxury scents with quality botanical ingredients, all selected for their skincare properties and presented in packaging reminiscent of the bright colours of the tropics. The result is a bath and body range that truly soothes the body, mind and soul. www.guavaandgold.com

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6. LOVE HEMP Another of our favourite CBD brands, Love Hemp offers a wide and great range of cannabidiol products from oils, to drops, hemp-extract spays, body salves, and very moreish Jelly Domes, and CBD Chocolate Bites – perfect to enjoy on the go, or while relaxing with a cup of tea. All products are ethically produced and made with the highest quality ingredients. www.love-hemp.com

2. ZOETIC CBD SKINCARE RANGE There’s a host of CBD products on the market at the moment, but we particularly love those from Zoetic for their skin-healing properties and fantastic fragrances. Do try the CBD facial drops, Jasmine & Lavender CBD Night Cream, CBD Massage Oils and their Lemongrass and Ylang Ylang CBD Hand Cream, which smells divine. www.zoetic.com 2.

3. VEGAN SUGAR WAX Sugar Coated is the vegan sugar wax that sets the benchmark of Earth-kind hair removal. It’s made here in the UK with ecofriendly practices and ethical manufacturing at its heart. Easy to use and pleasantly scented, containing essential oils, the sugar wax delivers silky smooth, long-lasting results with no painful burns, hard-to-remove sticky patches or fuss. www.sugarcoatedhairremoval.com

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7. TED BAKER Ted Baker’s Opulent Crush range would make a wonderful treat or present. The products have a feminine floral fragrance of vanilla, tonka bean and amber with jasmine and rose. We love the very pretty vanity case set which comes with full-size Body Wash, Body Spray, mini Body Conditioner and indulgent Bath Fizzer to ensure you feel pampered.

Exclusive to www.boots.com 8. NEREUS LUXURY BEAUTY CARE RANGE A fantastic range of hair and skin care products which look smart and smell wonderful – and deliver great results. The company is super eco-conscious too, and was formed to meet the growing need for genuinely ethical and sustainable luxury beauty products. www.nereus.uk

4. DR LEVY STEM CELL MIRACLE REBOOT CURE New for autumn is the award-winning Dr Levy Switzerland® Stem Cell Miracle Reboot Cure: a complete Introductory Intense Stem Cell Trial Set at £99. All products in the range are inclusive, accessible, and suitable for all skin tones and types, and all genders – plus they’re wholly vegan and cruelty-free.

The Stem Cell Miracle Reboot Cure contains starter and travelsize products with a free product value of more than £120, to give consumers the chance to trial the full range for up to eight weeks before purchasing the full-sized individual Dr Levy Switzerland® products. www.drlevyswitzerland.com

KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW

5. SALCURA SENSITIVE SKIN RANGE Salcura was originally developed in the 1990s by German bioscientist Dr Martin Schiele. His unique combination of natural ingredients proved highly effective in soothing difficult-to-treat skin complaints. After a decade of research and improvement, this unique blend of ingredients launched as ‘Salcura’ – a range of products offering relief for those wanting an effective, natural alternative to chemical-based products. All of the range has been highly praised by those with troublesome skin issues from stress-induced acne to eczema. www.salcuraskincare.com

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9. THE NUE CO.’S THE PILL – ALL-IN-ONE SERUM Ever wished you could pop a pill and effortlessly solve your troubles? Now, you more or less can with the Nue Co.’s the Pill.

Combining fast-acting cosmetic effects with long-term functional ones, thanks to a blend of 27 powerful, clean ingredients – think orange oil, tiger grass, bilberry extract and kakadu plum – users claim to see an improvement in skin appearance after just one use, and even more significant effects after a month. £65 from uk.thenueco.com

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BEAUTY

SCEN TS FOR THE SEASON

LATEST AND BEST B E A UT Y GA D GE T S F O R A UT UM N

S U M M E R MAY HAV E SL I PPE D US B Y, B UT WH Y N OT K EEP T H E S E A SO N AL I V E WI TH SO ME WO NDE RF U L F LORAL A N D C I TR US FR AG R ANCE S. O UR B E AUTY EDIT OR LISA

FR OM C ELLU LI TE R ED U C TI ON TO S K I N TI G H TEN I N G A N D BO DY HA IR Z A P P ING,

C U RT I S S HAS CUR ATE D A SPE CI AL SE L E CT ION OF

TH ER E’S N EVER B EEN A W I D ER A R R AY OF ‘S A LON AT H OM E ’ T RE AT M E NT P RO DUCT S

S E N S AT I O NAL L E SSE R -KNO WN PE R FUMES GU ARAN T EED

TO I N C OR P OR ATE I N TO Y OU R B EA U TY R EG I M E. B EA U TY E DIT O R L IS A CURT IS S

T O T U R N HE ADS AND MAKE

R EC OM M EN D S TH E VERY B ES T OF TH OS E AT TH E LU XU RY E ND T HAT S HE ’ S RE CE NT LY

A N I M P RE SSI O N.

2. LE TEMPS DES RÊVES BY GOUTAL Think romantic Provence on a calm, balmy night, as the delicate fragrance of Mediterranean orange blossom floats through the air, and you’ll understand the character of this delicious perfume

by Goutal. Notes of precious neroli blend with sandalwood and white musks to kiss the skin with a fresh and elegant scent that is perfect for crisp autumn seaside strolls or city nights.

EDT £110 100ml. www.goutalparis.com

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3. TUSCAN EMOTION BY ERMANNO SCERVINO Here Italian lemon, green pear, rose and jasmine are masterfully blended to evoke the scent of the beautiful Tuscan countryside and evenings spent dining alfresco under the stars. It’s a fresh yet lasting scent which brings the very best of florals and citrus together and adds depth and richness with white musk and cedar.

EDP £93 100ml. www.ermannoscervino.com 4. GIA BY TOCCA Those who love the scent of deep Turkish rose and bright citrus will adore this very pretty yet potent fragrance from Tocca.

It’s feminine and flirty, yet not at all sickly, with tangerine, pink peppercorn and bergamot to freshen. At its base are rich and heady ylang ylang, tuberose, amber and vanilla. It’s unique, memorable and perfect for the season.

EDP £98 100ml. www.tocca.com

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PERMANENT HAIR REMOVAL AT HOME Heading to the salon for your regular laser or waxing appointments remains a challenge, so it’s definitely worth considering one of the home-use products that will give the smooth results you desire. We found the best to be Sensilight PRO from Sensica which uses the latest RPL technology to remove face and body hair from the root to gradually decrease hair growth. It’s safe, effective and long lasting.

The cordless device gives 600 flashes between charges, treats lower legs in just 15 minutes, and reassuringly comes with two free aesthetician consultation coupons and a free post-treatment cream.

Sensilight can cleverly control energy levels and flashes based on the user’s skin tone and condition. Its RPLTM reactive pulsed light monitors both throughout every treatment and does not flash over any areas with broken skin or very dark or very fair skin tones it’s not suited for. The device includes a UV filter and comes with two attachments – one for the legs/arms and another for more sensitive areas. This PRO version (£379) is one of three available.

There’s Sensilight Mini (£149) and Sensilight (£199) too – which are more compact and ideally suited for those on the go. www.sensica.com

NEWA This is the first FDA-approved home-use device to feature professional radio frequency – the same technology used by doctors and practitioners worldwide to deliver clinic ENDYMED aesthetic treatments that rejuvenate, lift and tighten the skin. The device has been proven to boost collagen, reduce wrinkles and restore radiance by tightening and lifting the skin, achieving pain-free, professional standard results in the comfort of your own home. It can be used several times a week and comes with a lift activator gel.

Dr. Christopher Inglefield, BSc, MBBS, FRCS(Plast), cosmetic and plastic surgeon says of the product: ‘The technology behind NEWA is second to none. It’s the very same technology behind the ENDYMED professional device based on 3DEEP Skin Science.

I’m confident that you won’t get a more effective skin tightening treatment outside of an aesthetic clinic – and that’s something truly exciting.’ NEWA Starting Kit £349. www.newabeauty.co.uk SENSILIFT FROM SENSICA Using the most advanced radio frequency technology (DRFTM) available for home use, Sensilift just needs to be used for five minutes on each area you wish to treat once a week over a twomonth period for very good results. This award-winning device boosts collagen production which reduces wrinkles, and lifts and tightens the skin. You can see results after just one use, and there’s no recovery or down time needed. Priced at £279 it comes with Base Gel worth £24.99 and Age-Defying Anti-Aging Cream is available to purchase separately at £34.99. www.sensica.com

CELLULITE REDUCTION AND BODY FIRMING Sensifirm from Sensica is a non-invasive and painless device that will help eliminate cellulite and reduce stubborn fat deposits. Featuring advanced Lipotherm RFTM technology it requires just 10 minutes once a week. Reassuringly, two free aesthetician consultations come with each purchase, and it is the first radio frequency device for reducing the appearance of cellulite to be cleared by the FDA for personal use. £299.99. www.sensica.com

5. AMALFI CITRUS BY DUNHILL Launched in 2019 as a series of four distinctive fragrances, the Signature Collection was inspired by the international and adventurous nature of Dunhill. Now, the journey continues with the addition of two new distinctive fragrances – our favourite being Amalfi Citrus, with its zingy lemon, mandarin and neroli, blended with the green notes of rosemary and green tea, and tempered wonderfully with the richness of cardamom, musks and woods.

EDP £120 100ml. www.harrods.com

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6. BLUE BY COACH Fresh and vibrant, this is an invigorating and joyous fragrance with zingy notes of lime, grapefruit and absinthe. It’s not all lightness though, as its opening notes are masterfully blended with black pepper and warm, sensual cedarwood and amber.

Perfect for all genders – and all occasions.

EDP £62 100ml. www.coach.com

KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW

STATE OF THE ART IONIC TOOTHBRUSH This science-led ION-Sei Electric Toothbrush incorporates an ultraviolet (UV) LED light in the tip which generates an ionic reaction with the titanium dioxide bar in the brush handle. Negative ions are released from the toothbrush which are clinically proven to suppress plaque-causing bacteria. The handle harnesses your body’s natural electrical charge, which leaves the teeth with a negative charge and further reduces plaque-causing bacterial build up. You even have the option to brush without toothpaste – either way ION-Sei’s technology will work and your teeth will be looking and feeling squeaky clean.

Testing it, we found it to be excellent even for those who suffer from sensitive teeth, as it has a choice of three brushing modes to deliver 31,000 sonic vibration strokes a minute. This gentle brushing technique removes the need for hard scrubbing that can damage the surface of the tooth, causing enamel erosion which can make teeth appear darker in colour, more susceptible to periodontal disease and increased sensitivity. £130. www.ion-sei.com

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A FACELIFT IN YOUR HOME One of the most popular non-invasive treatments in recent years has been facial lifting and tightening through procedures like Ultralift said to be favoured by the Kardashians. You might not know that there are some products now giving salon-quality results you can use in the comfort and privacy of your own home. The two we found to be the most effective and best to use of those we tested are NEWA, and Sensica Sensilift.

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SENSIFIRM FROM SENSICA

1. LADY TUBEREUSE BY MORESQUE Nothing comes close to the rich and heady scent of the floral of queens – tuberose, to be exact, which evokes memories of warm summer evenings in the tropics. Not dissimilar to frangipani, tuberose has extra depth and has been used in the finest fragrances for centuries. This new incarnation of scent by Moresque is one of the very best, marrying tuberose with ginger and hints of fresh citrus, and giving depth with tonka bean, amber and musk.

EDP £130 75ml. www.moresqueparfumshop.com

TES TED A N D C ON S I D ER S W ELL W ORTH TH E I N VES TM EN T.

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MOTORING

BEAUTY

How’s your head? And no, I don’t mean that with its cheeky Ru Paul’s Drag Race connotations. I mean how well coiffed is it after lockdown? Well, mine was in a sorry, near-feral, state: ends were split, roots were peeking out, it was parched and forlorn looking.

So, as I teased out yet more tangles, I was thrilled to be invited to Paul Edmonds’ Knightsbridge salon to experience a Shu Uemura hair treatment, cut and manicure with full safety precautions in place.

It gave me some comfort to know that since they reopened in July, the hairdressers have most likely seen some dodgy home trims and lurid home dyes, but I shouldn’t have been concerned, each member of staff is charming and didn;t flinch once at my dishevelment. The beauty of Paul Edmonds offering is that you can sneak into the salon and have pretty much everything polished – the menu covers facials, injectables, waxing and threading services too, so you can leave feeling and looking like a whole new person.

The salon itself is as sleek as you’d expect, with cushioned leather chairs and shiny surfaces, and a very luxurious touch, seats that fully recline as you have your hair washed. Staff wear PPE masks and your belongings are put into a cute tote that you can keep afterwards, temperatures are taken at the door and sanitiser bottles abound, so you feel totally at ease with the experience.

First, my moisturising Shu Uemura Art of Hair Ceremony treatment was applied, a bespoke blend to quench my poor dried-out strands that smelt deliciously floral for days afterwards. When it’s wrapped and ready to alleviate your hair woes, you’re placed under a rotating heated lamp, a not uncomfortable experience that lets all the good stuff penetrate your follicles.

While this was happening, Shanice the manicurist arrived with an impressive near-surgical-looking kit for getting my nails into shape. I selected a hot pink and let her work her magic with cuticle tidying, buffing and filing, soaking and softening. With your hand on a fluffy pillow being massaged before lacquered up and another expert working away at your hair you start to feel vaguely like a celeb client, even if the only thing you’re doing afterwards is having a few down the local. With my nails in immaculate condition (and still so at the time of writing), it was time to see my shiny new hair. A short cut and a gloriously voluminous blow dry later, I have smooth shiny locks with a hard-not-to-flick fringe and plenty of seductive movement.

It’s nothing short of a miracle. And, when I leave I almost prance by Harrods, whipping my hair about like an advert let loose.

Paul Edmonds, I’d doff my cap if it wouldn’t flatten my blowdry, you’re a master indeed.

THE MERCEDES-AMG GLC 4MATIC

SUPERSTAR SALON IT ’S PAU L EDM ON DS T O T H E RESC U E AS KAT E WEIR REVIVES H ER POST-LOC K DOWN LOOK .

Paul Edmonds, 217 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, SW3 2EJ www.pauledmonds.com Shu Uemura treatments from £50, cuts from £70, manicures from £20

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Viewed on the road, this is a striking, well proportioned and handsome vehicle. It looks – and indeed is – exceptionally well built. Broad and muscular with a purposeful stance it has ample kerb appeal.

Treatments to the exterior for this latest model include a striking AMG-specific radiator grille with vertical chrome-plated fins; restyled, flatter, LED high-performance headlamps with flare effect for the daytime; and running lamps and matte-black fins over the air intakes, which feature trim elements in Silver Shadow, enhancing the car’s visual presence yet further.

Seen side-on, the accentuated side-sill panels are a particularly striking feature of the SUV, in the way they give an optical illusion of lowering and elongating the whole vehicle. A similarly eye-catching feature are the aerodynamically optimised AMG light-alloy wheels, with the 19-inch variant with AMG lettering fitted as standard.

The distinctive rear end, too, with its broad apron, diffuser and two round twin tailpipes, adds to the sporty look. As with the front view, the redesigned LED tail lights provide for an unmistakable light signature.

Slip inside to find a cabin of design delights. Reflecting AMG performance pedigree, there’s a distinctive sporty look and feel throughout, including sports seats as standard, which offer improved lateral support to both the driver and front passenger. The upholstery, in black ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA microfibre, has striking red topstitching highlights and tastefully judged aluminium flashes, adding to the premium feel.

The cabin is remarkably spacious and a thoroughly pleasant place to be – even on long motorway journeys such as those we did on test. Large windows and decent leg, shoulder and head room give a bright and airy feel to appeal to even the most sensitive passengers.

The rise is just right too, and there’s very minimal wind and road noise.

The boot is large, and plenty big enough for luggage, sports kit and a huge Waitrose weekly shop.

Engine wise, the GCL benefits from an increase in the output of the 3.0-litre V6 engine of 17 kW (23 hp), taking it to 287 kW (390 hp).

The peak torque of 520 Nm is available from 2,500 to 4,500 rpm.

The GLC SUV takes a mere 4.9 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h. and on to a top speed electronically limited to 250 km/h.

This powerful AMG engine is visually identifiable by its engine cover with red-aluminium insert and AMG lettering.

As you’d expect, there’s a veritable raft of infotainment, safety and driving dynamics tech to enjoy. Highlights include the latest version of the excellent MBUX infotainment system which can be operated it’s operated via a touchpad, steering wheel buttons, voice or even gesture control. Any time you mentioned the ‘M’ word or say ‘Hey Mercedes’ it comes alive.

Out on the road, it’s a smooth, supple and rewarding SUV to

KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW

drive. The new standard-fit AMG steering wheel in with galvanised steering wheel gearshift paddles enable an even sportier driving style.

You can opt for AMG steering wheel buttons should you wish, to allow an even faster and more precise control of specific dynamic handling functions. Always safety in mine, thanks to the ergonomic positioning of the additional steering wheel buttons within the immediate grip area, the driver’s hands remain on the wheel at all times.

A well built, spacious and versatile SUV which is great to drive, tech rich and has oodles of kerb appeal. www.mercedes-benz.co.uk

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“IF A SUPER-STYLISH, SPACIOUS AND VERSATILE SUV IS WHAT YOU MIGHT BE SEEKING, THE MERCEDESAMG GLC IS CERTAINLY WORTH CONSIDERATION. NEW FOR THIS YEAR, THIS SUCCESSFUL MODEL HAS RECEIVED A RAFT OF ENHANCEMENTS, TRANSFORMING WHAT WAS ALREADY A GREAT CAR INTO A HIGHLY DESIRABLE BENCHMARK-SETTING, LUXURIOUS SUV.”

MOTORING

MOTORING

THE NEW JAGUAR F-TYPE Jaguar is renowned for producing some of the most admired sportscars in the world – think back to the famous E-Type loved by so many as just one example. The latest F-Type, just launched now, also embodies Jaguar’s exemplary design DNA and is set to charm ardent fans and those new to the brand, with its eye-catching, muscular yet elegant sweeping curves, and luxury materials throughout.

Rightly proud of this new model, Julian Thomson, Jaguar’s Design Director said: ‘Design the most beautiful sports car, with purity, proportion and presence that’s unmistakably Jaguar: that was the challenge we set ourselves. The new F-Type is more dramatic than ever, with even greater clarity of purpose in every line, surface and feature, and embodies true Jaguar design DNA. He continued: ‘State-of-the-art technologies together with luxurious materials and finishes deliver beauty with purpose in an interior which will delight driver and passenger alike even before the engine starts and the journey begins. Jaguar has been making sports cars for more than 70 years, and that rich heritage has inspired the team to create something truly extraordinary.’

F-Type’s award-winning design has evolved still further with a focus on even greater purity and discipline to the perfectly-sculpted form. Super-slim pixel LED headlights with subtly updated signature ‘Calligraphy’ J daytime running lights, and sweeping direction indicators, blend perfectly into the ‘liquid metal’ surfacing of the new clamshell bonnet, exaggerating the car’s visual width and accentuating its assertive stance. The new front bumper and subtly enlarged grille deliver even more visual impact and presence.

The muscular rear haunches enhance the F-Type’s inherently dramatic, purposeful form, while the new slender rear lights combine an unmistakable LED chicane signature, inspired by the Jaguar I-PACE all-electric Performance SUV, with subtle monogram pattern detailing and a fine ‘pinstripe’ beneath.

Slip inside to appreciate interior traditional Jaguar craftsmanship with rich, contemporary materials such as Windsor Leather and satin-finish Noble Chrome. Beautiful details include monogram stitch patterns in the seats and door trims, Jaguar Leaper motifs in the headrests, and subtle ‘Jaguar Est.1935’ markings on the centre console finisher, glovebox release button surround, and seatbelt guides.

The 12.3-inch reconfigurable Interactive Driver Display offers a choice of different display modes; including full map mode. As befits a true sports car, the default mode is characterised by the large central rev counter. This feature and the gearshift light subtly convey the F-Type’s driver-focused character and performance potential.

It’s not all about the new F-Type’s appearance though – it’s a great drive too. The range of powerful, responsive engines includes four- and eight-cylinder options, all matched to eight-speed Quickshift transmissions with full manual control using either the SportShift gear selector or the steering wheel-mounted paddles.

And, this latest model features even more driver-focused technology, including a reconfigurable, high-definition, 12.3-inch Interactive Driver Display, Touch Pro infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard and software-over-the-air functionality so future software updates can be made at the customer’s convenience, without having to visit a retailer. Two superb Meridian sound systems also offer enhanced sound reproduction.

Out on the road, this new head-turning F-Type is smooth, swift, responsive and rewarding – and it’s worth driving with the window’s down to appreciate its deliciously raucous exhaust roar. The cabin is beautifully crafted and comfortable too. A Jaguar to invest in and cherish for many years to come. www.jaguar.co.uk

MAZDA MX-5 GT SPORT TECH

A firm favourite of sportscar aficionados for years, the perennially popular MX-5 range has just been enhanced with the introduction of the stylish GT Sport Tech.

This flagship model is distinguished by 17-inch BBS alloy wheels and Burgundy Nappa leather seats, while across the whole range the MX-5 is available with Polymetal Grey Metallic paint for the first time. The updated version of Mazda’s sports car also benefits from extra standard safety equipment: from Sport models and above, the MX-5 features Front Smart City Brake Support, Lane Departure Warning System, Rear Smart City Brake Support, Traffic Sign Recognition and Driver Attention Alert. While Blind Spot Monitoring System with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Adaptive LED headlights and a reversing camera are standard on GT Sport Tech models.

As you’d expect for a car so famed for its dynamic abilities, the 2020 Mazda MX-5 retains the same award-winning mechanical set up as before. Introduced in September 2018, the updated 184ps version of the 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G engine features lighter pistons and con-rod, plus upgraded camshafts, exhaust valves, fuel injectors, throttle valve and air intake, all of which increase performance over the 160ps version that featured in the fourth-generation MX-5 at launch in 2015. As a result, the engine has a redline of 7,500rpm.

In addition with higher fuel pressure and more efficient combustion than the 160ps version, there’s an increase in torque across the rev range, while peak torque rises by 5Nm.

Compared to the 160ps version, the Convertible’s 0-62mph performance improved by 0.8 of a second to 6.5 seconds, while manual and automatic RF models are 0.6 and 0.5 seconds faster.

In addition, the tuned main silencer delivers a more powerful engine note.

The 2020 Mazda MX-5 is available in a choice of six colours – Arctic White Solid, Eternal Blue Mica, Jet Black Mica, Machine Grey Metallic, Polymetal Grey Metallic and Soul Red Crystal Metallic.

Mica, Metallic and Pearlescent paint costs £550, while Mazda’s signature Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint is £790 with Machine Grey Metallic £670.

A particularly clever feature of the new model is its unique three-piece fully automated roof, which is operated at the touch of a button and is one of the fastest retractable hardtops on the market – opening or closing in just 13 seconds even when moving at speeds up to 6mph. The front and middle sections disappear along with the rear window glass while the fastback buttresses return to their external position to deliver a unique roof down style profile and look.

Out on the road, the MX-5 GT Sport Tech is a dynamic and rewarding drive. Cart-like and agile it’s great fun and actually just as good bowling along on motorways as it is on tight and twisty country lanes. As compact, nippy and dynamic sports cars go, it’s a cracking choice. www.mazda.co.uk

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MOTORING

LEXUS LC500

LIMITED EDITION Most would agree, few cars are as elegantly stunning as the Lexus LC500. A masterclass in tasteful automotive design, it proves you simply don’t need tarty spoilers, OTT exhausts and acres of chrome when the model in question has all the genuine performance credentials it needs.

This beautifully proportioned halo model from the Lexus range is also great to drive, with a just-right ride, precise feel and plenty of power to play with. It excels on long motorway hacks as you’d expect, but handles perfectly on tortuous tight lanes too, and is far more agile than its size alludes.

Few models we’ve driven – and that includes plenty of flashy beauties from the famous Italian marques, garnered as many covetous looks as the LC, and questions too… It’s great to drive a car that’s a little out of the norm, something unique, special, and a million miles removed from the countless formulaic models churned out these days from many of the well known brands. A car to be proud of, to even dress up for – and most definitely not to take to the refuse tip or any other mundane errands that threaten to sully its sleek lines.

But back to the details: the LC 500 is a luxury 2+2 performance coupé taken from the award-winning aesthetic masterpiece, LF-LC concept. In fact, it’s one of the exceptionally rare times a production car appears as a full-on clone of the concept – so often they are a bland, watered-down poor substitute, but not here. It retains muscularity, a wide low stance and an imposing presence.

The cockpit too is simply one of the best you’ll see – it reminded us of a particularly luxurious private jet – with exquisite attention to detail, including hand-stitching, and use of carefully selected materials throughout, from the magnesium shift paddles and Alcantara® door trims, to the beautifully finished, tactile leather gear shift lever. Tech rich too – it features an LFA-inspired display with 3D effect, a multimedia screen with touch pad and large coloured head-up display keep you both informed and entertained.

Everything is perfectly arranged too. The controls and displays

are intuitively positioned, right where you need them, and frequently used controls, such as Drive Mode Select are naturally close to hand on the steering wheel. The ergonomic intelligence of the cockpit gives you the confidence to enjoy spirited driving.

Performance-wise, with a 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine and Direct Shift 10-speed automatic transmission, the LC 500 is amazingly responsive and far more frugal than you’d expect, at around the 34mpg mark.

The LC 500’s engine uses a dual intake inlet which helps the system breathe, and facilitates the engine’s fantastic sound This ‘naturally aspirated’ engine pairs wonderfully with the sports coupé as a whole. It complements the model’s linear power delivery, giving you ease of control and smile-inducing exhilaration when you’re behind the wheel.

There’s also a hybrid version now – the LC500h, and this features the world’s first four-stage Multi Stage Hybrid System; a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine combined with an advanced electric motor.

This delivers efficient, low-emission power and yet uncompromised sporting, evocative driving experience.

And, released just a few weeks ago, there’s also now a beautiful LC500 Convertible – just in time to enjoy the last of any warm sunny days before winter heads in. Whether you’re driving along a sunsoaked coastal road or over a dramatic Alpine pass, the new Lexus LC Convertible promises to deliver an unmatched level of open top luxury and awesome V8 power.

Stunning, high performance, dynamic driving, wonderful cars you must experience. Truly hard to beat. www.lexus.co.uk

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