NOTED magazine - Winter 2015-2016

NOTED

WINTER 2015-2016 NOTED-MAGAZINE.COM

NOTED WINTER 2015-2016

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Contents 2 THE NOTICEBOARD

15 CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Kebab at Le Bab; pho at Pho & Bun; Tory Burch for Fitbit bangle; Rodin Facial Cleansing Powder; Vidal Sassoon Infra Radiance Hot Air Styler.

Things you must absolutely do

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FEATURE 14 TAKE NOTE

An expert and their craft

FOOD & DRINK 3 FOODIE NOTES

Dining hotspots to hotfoot it to

5 DINING DELIGHTS

Food hangouts that are the talk of town

SHOPPING

13 THE WISHLIST

If you only buy one thing, this is it

BEAUTY 15 BEAUTY NOTES

This season’s finest beauty finds

17 NO STRIPPING PLEASE

Potent but hydrating cleansers

18 DOUBLING UP

7 CHRISTMAS TIPPLES

For a very merry Christmas

8 GADGETS

Style meets technology

9 BEAUTY SETS

Look good, feel good

Tech and haircare to banish frizz

TRAVEL 19 TRAVEL NOTES

This season’s best travel hideouts

22 ROOM WITH A WINTER VIEW A trio of very cool views

10 HOME COMFORTS

From house to show-off home

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11 STOCKING FILLERS

Small but mighty festive gifts

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ABOVE LEFT TO RIGHT: Ponta dos Ganchos, Brazil; Kelo-Glass Igloo, Finland.

EDITOR KATE LAM (kate.lam@noted-magazine.com) ART FRANCES LÊ ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT PRIOR PERMISSION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED

THE NOTICEBOARD

PLAYING IT COOL If you’re going to be cold you might as well have fun doing so. Head to Frostival along the South Bank which may well be the coolest Christmas hangout in London thanks to its array of brilliant wintry experiences. With the London Eye as your backdrop, you’d be missing out on a trick if you didn’t take to the Eyeskate rink for a few laps. Make sure you have a spin in the Eye too for there are particularly tasty cocktail and Champagne capsules that’ll guarantee a very merry ride.

(Eyeskate from £9.45 per adult, Winter Cocktail Experience from £40.50 and Champagne Experience from £28.80. Open until 3 January 2016. southbanklondon.com)

ART LOVE AFFAIR GIN UP! Learn all you ever need to know about gin, from its medicinal origins to the modern day distillation methods and infusions that make it one of the most popular spirits in the world, during a three-hour lesson at the Ginstitute.

Don’t worry, you certainly won’t be going thirsty – there are four drinks to get through, culminating in a creation of your very own blend which will be bottled up for you to take home along with a bottle of Portobello Road Gin. Your blend will also be filed away so you can drink safely in the knowledge that you can always reorder more when the stocks are running low.

(The experience costs £110 per person. The Portobello Star, 171 Portobello Road, Notting Hill, London W11 2DY. theginstitute.com)

Get your year off to an enlightening start by finding a talented new artist or compelling piece of work to fall in love with. But where to find enlightenment? Try the London Art Fair for the best in modern British and contemporary art. You might want to visit the fair’s Photo50 exhibition too to explore this year’s ‘Feminine Masculine’ theme through 50 provocative photographs.

(Tickets on the door cost £20 (£15 in advance). Runs from 20 – 24 January 2016. Business Design Centre, Islington, London N1 0QH. londonartfair.co.uk)

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FOODIE NOTES

ULTIMATE HAPPY MEAL VERDEN 181 Clarence Road, Hackney, London E5 8EE. verdenE5.com

MAY FAIR FARES WELL MAY FAIR BAR The May Fair Hotel, Stratton Street, Mayfair, London W1J 8LT. themayfairhotel.co.uk

Eating until you’re full to bursting - that’s what Christmas meals are all about. But forego the tough prep work and round up your troops at Verden where an indulgent feast will be whipped up for your pleasure. Dishes are designed to be shared, with mains such as beef forerib, whole sea bass and honey-glazed ham being the crowning glory. If you can’t stop at just the one banquet, there’s a game feasting menu (sourced from the founder’s Lincolnshire farm) that runs until late January. £35 per person (groups of at least four or 12 required depending on menu).

Cocktails lovers ought to find themselves at the newly transformed May Fair Bar pronto, where they’ll be given an electric greeting at the neon blue-lit bar. The otherwise cool grey tones with glitzy mirror and glass finishes make it a lively spot to lounge about in, sipping on cocktails like Pear and Spice, a Belvedere vodka, pear, spiced honey syrup and Moët & Chandon mix. Failsafe small plates are available too – think Wagyu beef sliders and Tandoori king prawns.

HAVE A PIZZA THIS PIZZA PILGRIMS 15 Exmouth Market, Clerkenwell, London EC1R 4QD. pizzapilgrims.co.uk

This street food favourite has added a new base to their shop offering. Now, ravenous locals in Clerkenwell can pick up one of their seriously moreish Neapolitan pizzas, or even slurp it, as ‘pizza soup’ is also available. Think tomato soup blended with all your favourite pizza ingredients alongside a dunking pizza dough roll. Delicious. And if you’re not in a rush, marvel at the pizza box artwork on the wall as you head for warmth downstairs.

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DINING HOTSPOTS TO HOTFOOT IT TO

FOOD & DRINK

TIME FOR CHOC-TAILS RIVINGTON GRILL

28-30 Rivington Street, Shoreditch, London EC2A 3DZ. rivingtonshoreditch.co.uk

INNOVATION SENSATION INDIGO One Aldwych, Covent Garden, London WC2B 4BZ. onealdwych.com

Everyone loves surprises. If someone says they don’t, they just haven’t had one worthy of the admission. If you fancy testing out the theory, you’re onto a winner at Indigo. It has a fine showcase of seasonal British ingredients and it’s housed in a damn fine Edwardian building in the centre of London. But the astonishing revelation, after devouring the food, naturally?

The menu is entirely gluten and dairy-free. Who would have thought it? But yes, it has been stealthily cut out of everything from the beer-battered fish and chips to the Amedei chocolate mousse without a dent in the flavour stakes. Impressive.

Love chocolate? This is how you indulge. For a limited time only, you can spoil yourself with a multi-sensory experience that culminates in a chocolate-inspired jolly. Go behind the scenes at chocolate-maker MAST and see the cacao nibs being churned before your very eyes.

Your appetite will go into overdrive. Thankfully, a two-course meal, chocolate-infused cocktail and trio of gin truffles awaits over at the Rivington Grill. And as you’re in Shoreditch, it’s only right you have the Hipster X, a chocolate-infused Woodford Reserve concoction. The experience costs £35 per person. Available until 6 January 2016.

NEW KID ON THE BLOCK URBAN COTERIE M by Montcalm, 151-157 City Road, London EC1V 1JH. urbancoterie.co.uk

Taking dining to new heights in Shoreditch is Searcys restaurant Urban Coterie which opens on the 17th floor of the angular M by Montcalm hotel building. At the helm of the kitchen is chef Martin Zahumensky (formerly of Texture and Hibiscus) who will oversee a monthly changing menu of seasonal British dishes such as Brixham crab, apple and celeriac, and grilled monkfish with cockles, kale, rosemary and anchovy vinaigrette.

FAB BABS LE BAB 2nd Floor, Kingly Court, Soho, London W1B 5PW. eatlebab.com

Forget all the associations you may have had for the high street kebab as come New Year, they’ll be going gourmet. And you won’t be able to resist. With a starry team of former Le Gavroche chefs in the kitchen, expect wild and eclectic kebabs from roe deer shish with damson and isot pepper jam to sharing size pig’s head with crackling and turnip and carrot slaw. You can even pair them with Sipsmith cocktails, fine French wines or craft beers. Better still, they’re open late into the night, so perfect for midnight jaunts.

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FOOD & DRINK

DRAKE & MORGAN

6 Pancras Square, King’s Cross, London N1C 4AG. drakeandmorgan-kingscross.co.uk

You know you’re onto a good one when you start thinking about how the restaurant’s colour scheme and furniture might look in your own home. Aside from the sleek interiors, the menu is a good draw, consisting of familiar, home-cooked favourites like lamb chops with mint sauce

and duck breast with chilli glaze that lure you further into ‘this feels like home’ territory. You’re onto a winner with any of the steaks, which come out nicely charcoaled whilst desserts like hot fudge sundae with liquorlaced cherries make you squeal with glee.

DINING DELIGHTS We show you why these foodie hangouts are the talk of town

MANHATTAN GRILL

22 Hertsmere Road, Canary Wharf, London E14 4ED. manhattangrill.co.uk

REFORM SOCIAL & GRILL

Mandeville Hotel, Mandeville Place, Mayfair, London W1U 2BE. reformsocialgrill.co.uk

Sure, home-cooked dishes are great but sometimes you just have to hand it to the experts.

The winter menu here is a good place to start, with well-prepared, hearty British classics that will be worth your while to emulate. There’s a tender, glazed beef shortrib with walnutcoated beetroot to provide a satisfying,

crunchy point of difference. If you’re lucky enough to land plaice as the Catch of the Day, savour it neatly rolled up with capers and zingy bursts of lemon. On that note, you might as well finish with the lemon and raspberry posset which has just enough sharpness to reenergise the palate.

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If you’re ravenous and don’t care who knows it, you’ll do well here.

This is not the place to be exercising calorie-control. Expect Americansized portions with meals you can never grow old of, however much you resist. The steaks top everything else on the menu, and

they themselves can be topped with molten cheese and mushrooms if you can handle the extra flavour (yes, you can). Start as you mean to go on with extra-sweet desserts like the whippy chocolate sundae or zingy key lime pie.

FOOD & DRINK

PHO & BUN

76 Shaftesbury Avenue, Soho, London W1D 6ND. vieteat.co.uk

Whilst the name isn’t representative of the whole offering here, it certainly is an accurate portrayal of the restaurant’s tastiest dishes. They do more than hold their own to compete with the long-established joints around the corner in Chinatown. The rare beef pho noodle soup is chin-drippingly delicious

and packs a fragrant punch, whilst fluffy steamed buns housing beef patties and pork belly make for a truly indulgent alternative to the traditional burger.

You can even team them with wine and if you fancy experimenting, Vietnamese beer for a more authentic experience.

ASIA DE CUBA

45 St Martin’s Lane, Covent Garden, London WC2N 4HX. asiadecuba.com

All hail the bottomless brunch, for there isn’t much we’d rather do than indulge in a two-hour feast with a plentiful supply of cocktails or champagne. And there aren’t many places where you can gorge out and still feel completely civilised. It certainly has more style than your average and loaded with feel-good flavours of the Orient via Cuba to match.

When your cigar box of

treats arrive, nab the slowroasted pork and cheese roll, a sandwich to rule all sandwiches, then continue the pulled pork pleasure with Cuban eggs Benedict.

Finally, load up with unlimited Mexican doughnuts before concluding that no sugarfree resolutions will be made come New Year. From £48 per person.

PIQUET

92-94 Newman Street, Fitzrovia, London W1T 3EZ. piquet-restaurant.co.uk

It’s unusual to journey to a bar for the food. Drinks always take priority so accompanying food menus are often severely limited. However, with the Fir Room - the bar at Piquet - you get standout drinks (seriously fine wine and small-batch champagne) with equally formidable food fare.

There’s a casserole of tender cod cheeks with fried squid and chorizo that is joyful to launch

into after braving the outdoors, the type of meal you want to hunker down with all night long. Duck rillettes on crunchy sourdough toast offers smooth but meaty bites that feel endlessly addictive, whilst the piggy burger with a large smoked patty, pulled pork and bacon (with chips on the side) is pure gluttony, and completely irresistible.

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SHOPPING Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé Champagne Birdcage We’ll understand if you don’t throw away the gift box, not many champagne bottles do come specially packaged in such decorative cases. At the table, you can even crown it with a miniature birdcage stopper to help keep the bubbles perfectly fresh for your guests.

Perrier-Jouët Small Discoveries This pretty-as-a-picture champagne bottle has been lovingly created by Viennese design duo mischer’traxler.

With blooming Japanese anemones and fluttering butterfly silhouettes, it’s hard to take your eyes off the centrepiece but remember to do so, just enough to enjoy a few glasses of course.

£70, John Lewis

£130, Fortnum & Mason

Champagne Charles Heidsieck Bon Voyage With only 29 available for sale in the UK, you better get on the case. The beautiful leather travel bag houses four bottles of champagne, six flutes and a stylish maple wood walking stick which conceals one of the flutes in its handle. A special invitation to the Champagne house is also included.

Get in quick.

Disaronno wears Roberto Cavalli The flamboyant animal print that adorns this bottle marks the third design collaboration between the brand and a famed Italian fashion house. Roberto Cavalli has this year’s honour and in turn has created a pretty stylish collectable for those able to get their well-manicured hands onto it.

From £5,900, Harrods

£22, harveynichols.com

Raise your glass to the best.....

CHRISTMAS TIPPLES

One for every day of the week. And then some.

Absolut Electrik Here’s a bottle that perfectly channels what every party should be. The metallic, electric blue hue makes for a striking Christmas addition. If it doesn’t lift your spirits, we don’t know what will. £21.99, Selfridges

Harvey Nichols Snowed In Hamper As far as emergency kits go, this has got to be one of the best. With everything you need for an indulgent night in, from a truffle risotto kit to chocolates and more importantly, a bottle of champagne and malbec, this sleek hamper is perfect for when you can’t, or just don’t want to go out. £130, Harvey Nichols

Moët & Chandon So Bubbly Jeroboam What a way to make champagne even more special. We envy the lucky so-andso who has the pleasure of receiving this limited edition bottle which features a solid 18-carat gold seal, a gold-plated, engraved bubble label and an equally golden tie to match. £1,000, Selfridges

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Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge Le Café Parisien Resplendent in vibrant red and gold, this gorgeous bottle brings a touch of French class whilst the goods housed within ensures a good time all-round. An ideal gift for those nifty in the kitchen as well as the bar – just add a splash to a gooey chocolate pudding or use it to liven up a Christmas punch. £18, available nationwide

SHOPPING Smeg Stand Mixer It may have a touch of the retro but this mixer has every modern feature you need to get your bake on. Stainless steel and aluminium fittings ensure it stands the test of time and there are 10 speed variations so you get your dough consistency just right. There’s even a recipe selection to help get you started.

De’Longhi Dedica Whether an espresso, cappuccino or latte, this super-sleek coffee machine lets you unleash your inner barista. Well, it’s one way to ensure that your coffee is made just the way you like it. Load it up with ground coffee or pop a pod and when you’re done, you can even create the perfect froth to finish. £199.99, House of Fraser

£349.99, John Lewis

Beats By Dre Solo2 Luxe Enjoy your tunes with studiolike clarity and look good whilst doing so. This sleek, glossy new colourway will see to that. Solid, comfortable and compact, this pair of headphones is music to our ears. £169.95, beatsbydre.com

Tory Burch for Fitbit The fashionista’s activity tracker, this Tory Burch-designed bracelet is specially made to house your Fitbit Flex in a concealed latch so you can still monitor your fitness levels without compromising on style.

Crafted from pure stainless steel, the snap-on bangle is made with durability in mind, perfect for those gruelling workouts. £175, toryburch.com

UE Boom 2 Create the perfect party atmosphere wherever you lay this down. The Bluetooth pillar speaker provides thumping 360-degree sound for up to 15 hours and is so durable it will continue to blast your playlist uninterrupted however riotous the party gets. Come rain, sun or snow, here’s one speaker you can rely on all year-round. £169, ultimateears.com

Lumia 640 XL Workaholics needn’t fret over the festive holidays, there’s a way to balance work and play if you really must get the job done. The phone’s huge 5.7-inch display ensures maximum clarity whether you’re working on a PowerPoint presentation or watching a film. You needn’t worry about battery life either, you’ll get through a couple of days with ease. Now that’s productive. £219 (SIM-free), microsoft.com

Tech it up with the best .....

Jawbone UP3 A style statement in its own right, this rather fetching activity tracker holds a wealth of vital statistics to help encourage better fitness habits. Use the app to monitor your heart rate at any given time as well as your daily calorie burn. It’s the perfect wellness kick-starter come the New Year. £129.99, jawbone.com

CHRISTMAS GADGETS

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SHOPPING Champneys Heavenly Days Relaxing Collection An aptly named gift set, this trio has the essentials to help you wind down in style. Have a quick lather if you’re short on time or sink into a warm, fragrant bath during the colder nights.

Either way, slather on the floral-laced body butter to soothe tired and parched skin. £18, champneys.com

Morris & Co Fruits Hand Wash and Lotion Everybody needs a helping hand at Christmas. With a host of nourishing oils, this duo leaves hard-working hands thoroughly clean yet wonderfully soft. A decorative addition to the bathroom and guaranteed to leave an invigorating fruity finish.

Shay & Blue Precious Miniatures Create an irresistible scent trail wherever you go with these gorgeous pocket-sized fragrances. From blood orange and watermelon to salted caramel, this five-piece set of signature fragrances is a lesson in elegance. A beautiful way to spritz on the go.

£22, heathcote-ivory.com

£65, shayandblue.com

Head-to-toe pampering.....

BEAUTY SETS Because when you look good, you feel good Korres Guava Collection Dark winter mornings are tough but here’s a way to instantly transport your senses to more exotic climes. This lively shower gel and body lotion offers a burst of guava goodness so fragrant that you’ll find pleasure in those morning alarms in no time at all.

Natura Bisse Essential Shock Intense Collection It may be the turn of another year but you needn’t let the time show on your face.

Smooth on the serum to hydrate the skin and plump out wrinkles, then layer on the cream to boost the effects. The skin should regain its springiness, leaving you fresh-faced and radiant just in time for the New Year.

£20, debenhams.com

Philosophy Hope For The Holidays Who wouldn’t hope for soft, smooth, porelesslooking skin once in a while? Turn that hope into a reality with this small but mighty set of skincare essentials. An eye cream and day and night moisturisers mean you can have a great skin day every day.

£197, naturabisse.com

£25, johnlewis.com

Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Completely Exquisite This cleverly curated four-piece haircare set should see you into the New Year with headturning results. The shampoo and intensive conditioning treatment ensures hair is hydrated and strong from the inside, whilst the styling mousse and shine spray adds weatherproof volume and a glossy, healthy finish. £66, paul-mitchell.co.uk

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SHOPPING Good Things to Drink with Mr Lyan & Friends If anyone knows a thing or two about what’s good to drink, Ryan Chetiyawardana (Mr Lyan) does - after all, he was crowned this year’s world’s best bartender. In this 60-recipe cocktail book, learn how to master everything from a Manhattan to an Old Fashioned.

MiPow Playbulb Candle Fill your room with a continuous kaleidoscope of colour or link it up to the accompanying app to pick a colour to suit your mood. You can even make use of a scent chip to add a subtle fragrance, like a real candle, but without the flame. £19.99, mipow.com

£20, published by Frances Lincoln. amazon.co.uk

Surround yourself with Christmas.....

HOME COMFORTS Turn your house into a show-off home

The ScandiKitchen Cookbook Get your New Year off to an indulgent start with this collection of delicious Scandinavian recipes by ScandiKitchen Café owner Bronte Aurell. But what to try first? Go for Nordic fish soup or real Swedish meatballs. £16.99, published by Ryland Peters & Small. scandikitchen.com

Bloom & Wild Christmas Tree This may be one of the cleverest Christmas gifts yet. Slim enough to fit through your letterbox, simply pop up the canvas pot, unfurl the miniature pine tree and slip on the baubles and star. It’s tree-shopping made easy perfect for those short on time but keen to join in on the festivities.

The Conran Shop Gramovox Gramophone Speaker What a way to get the party started.

This gramophone adds a touch of class to your surroundings but it isn’t just a showpiece, it has musical substance too. Make use of its Bluetooth connectivity and it’ll play your tunes all night long. The most stylish way to share your playlist yet. £395, conranshop.co.uk

The Labrador Company Labrador Clock Who would have thought clock-watching could bring such joy? You’ll enjoy counting down the seconds with each wag of the dog’s tail and with a bit of clever placement, you could have a set-up that’ll amuse guests time and time again. £45, thelabradorcompany.co.uk

Wooden Bulldog Table Lamp Here’s something that won’t fail to lighten your mood. Once pieced together, this brilliantly fun wooden lamp is your ideal conversation starter. Switch it on and watch its belly glow. Look a bit closer and you might spot the cheeky little bone in there too. £40, iconiclights.co.uk

£25, bloomandwild.com

VOYA Christmas Spice Candle Warm and spicy with familiar uplifting notes of orange, cinnamon and clove, this candle will ensure a festive fragrant top-up throughout the Christmas season. £18, voya.ie

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SHOPPING

ARTISTIC LICENCE MeriMeri Santa and Reindeer Crackers Add more fun to the festivities with a six-pack of these brilliant cartoon-like Christmas crackers. You’ll get your joke and toy and you’ll be pleased with the silver foil hat upgrade too. £17.50, scp.co.uk

Fenella Smith Dogs Trust Notepad A special place to keep your notes (and doodles). And you can rest assured that for each pad you get through, 25% of the sale will go to the Dogs Trust, so scribble to your heart’s content. £8.50, fenellasmith.com

The Mindfulness Colouring and Activity Book

Karma Cola Fun and arty on the outside, with Fairtrade and organic ingredients on the inside. This may be the first time you’ll drink cola and feel actually good for it. Oh, and it’s pretty darn tasty too. £1.59, waitrose.com

Need a little help unwinding during the madness of the holidays? Grab your colouring pencils and shade in the intricate doodles or let just your mind run freely through the word puzzles.

By Gill Hasson and Gilly Lovegrove. £8.99, published by Capstone

Load up with this season’s coolest.....

STOCKING FILLERS Small but mighty and guaranteed to impress

Carluccio’s Chocolate Trees Silky smooth and each one individually hand-decorated, these milk, white and dark chocolate trees do look far too good to eat.

We give it 10 seconds… £8.95, carluccios.com

PAUL Bûche Chalet Eat this one whilst it’s fresh and admire the handiwork through your taste buds. After all, who can resist layers of almond biscuit and gianduja mousse topped with a praline pastry roof?

From £3.95, paul-uk.com

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SHOPPING Fulton Colour Pop Rose Umbrella Winter has come and that means the return of the brolly as our must-have accessory. This strong floral-printed number gets the job done and adds a flash of much-needed colour on an otherwise dreary day. £20, fultonumbrellas.com

JumpFromPaper Bag This bright and bold 2D design pops before your very eyes. Bags of fun and guaranteed to turn heads wherever you go. It’s also insanely zany, which is why you just have to have it.

From £89.99, firebox.com

Orelia Create Your Own Necklace No more awkward fashion moments.

Just pick your chain and choose from an array of pretty charms that’ll allow you to mix it up all-year-round so you always have the perfect piece to wear whatever the occasion.

Clever Cocker Spaniel Tote Bag

From £4, orelia.co.uk

STYLE MAVEN

Stylish and practical, keep this cute little tote on your person so you’ll never be caught out when you need somewhere to store your shopping. £10, artrookie.co.uk

Lindt x Thomas Sabo Chocolate Bear The treats that come housed in this limited edition gift are two-fold. You get to devour a 500g chocolate bear and then you can show off the beautiful Thomas Sabo charm that accompanies it. £125, selfridges.com

Flowercard Tea for Two Chocolates Love tea? Or even more fitting, love chocolate? This tin of edible cups, cupcakes, teapots and spoons is perfect for showing off when guests come round for tea. £21, flowercard.co.uk

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THE WISHLIST

LIGHT IT UP Bring light, style and a flash of fun into any room with this Paul Smith-designed Anglepoise lamp. Subdued shades of grey, blue, green and purple are conducive to a cool and calm working atmosphere whilst the orange accent brings a spark of energy when levels are lagging. And of course, you get the usual high quality construction and freedom of movement that comes with an Anglepoise lamp. This should help to get all your bright ideas flowing in next to no time.

ANGLEPOISE + PAUL SMITH TYPE 75 DESK LAMP, EDITION 2 ÂŁ160, ANGLEPOISE.COM

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TAKE NOTE

BOUILLABAISSE RESTAURANT

THE TASTEMAKER Being a restaurateur is tough work. A seasoned one knows that our appetites can’t be satiated for very long, so carving out a concept and identity that cuts through all the noise is crucial to survival.

Someone who has managed this feat is Kurt Zdesar, a former director at Nobu and founder of dim sum chain Ping Pong and Nikkei restaurant Chotto Matte. His latest venture Bouillabaisse aims to highlight the best in sustainable seafood. Here, Zdesar shares more about what makes him tick.

THE BALANCING ACT “I eat out on average five times a week so keep eating at home very simple. I’m content with cheese on toast, however it will be gourmet toast with artisan bread and cheese with the right amount of seasoning and perfectly grilled. I also spend time learning cooking techniques in my kitchens with Jordan Sclare (Executive Chef at Bouillabaisse). The most complicated cooking is when you use only three or four ingredients, something I try to emulate at home for guests.”

MEMORABLE RESTAURANTS Central in Lima, Peru. “Chef Virgilio created a menu that took me on a culinary journey through Peru’s rich bio-diversity, a meal that genuinely inspired me and was unforgettable.”

Gjelina in Santa Monica, California. “This place really struck a chord for me. It has a low-key yet electric, fun environment and has ethics about the food it serves. One of my favourite farm-to-table restaurants.”

Chez Robert et Louise in Paris, France. “An institution that everyone must visit. This discreet little restaurant serves amazing steak which the butcher carves up almost to order. Everything is grilled on an open fire that looks like a converted fireplace.

FOODIE TRENDS “More new concepts are focusing on sustainability (which they should), organic ingredients and nutrition. As we learn about the overwhelming benefits of eating well, the demand goes up. Demand creates the opportunity. Single-item menu concepts are also growing. They require a smaller kitchen brigade, fewer ingredients, less storage and have better buying power.

So long as an eye is kept on quality and service, it’s a good way to keep prices down.”

SHOWING ADMIRATION

A VALUABLE LESSON “I have come to learn a very different lesson after years of chasing profits. Seeing my staff grow, knowing they are happy, being able to say we’ve created something amazing - that’s what matters to me, that is success. The ultimate lesson is to take care of our health and relationships. In the pursuit of success one can easily forget about these.”

“I really admire Wholefoods for their commitment to ethical business. With restaurants, it’s much to do with their attitude. Some cherry-pick elements from other successful restaurants and create something very soulless. I love the concept of the family-run restaurant, something authentic with substance, you can sense the passion the second you walk in.”

Bouillabaisse, 4 Mill Street, Mayfair, London W1S 2AX. T: 020 3794 8448. bouillabaisse.co.uk

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BEAUTY NOTES A SNIP WITH YOUR SHOP No more flitting over town to get everything done.

At Liberty, you’ve now got it all under one roof pick up your gifts and walk out with a brand new hairdo, thanks to the stylists at Taylor Taylor. The fully functioning hair salon can cut, colour, style and provide treatments so you can be party-ready whenever the occasion calls.

(Taylor Taylor at Liberty, Regent Street, London W1B 5AH. taylortaylorlondon.com)

MAKE A SPLASH Please ensure you do one thing before the year is out: sink into a quiet, warm bath with a capful of this heavenly bath oil. With 10 essential oils including eucalyptus and geranium, it’s an antidote to help sooth a tired body and mind. You’ll walk away with a veil of softness to remember the moment by too.

(Olverum Bath Oil. £23.50, olverum.com)

BEAT THE GRIND This cleanser achieves the feat of being clever and beautiful. Its powder formulation lets you achieve a perfectly tailored cleanse with every wash – simply add water to soften the rice bran and sea algae granules for gentle exfoliation, or add a bit more for a completely smooth lather.

Either way, expect a bright and gloriously soft result.

(Rodin Facial Cleansing Powder. £32, liberty.co.uk)

SHINE ON This gadget will change the way you buff your nails forever. The micro-grain roller smooths out the bumps and ridges of each nail in a just a couple of seconds, leaving you with the perfect canvas for a perfect polish application.

Alternatively, use the additional polishing head to let the nails show off their newfound shine naturally.

(Revlon Shine Addict Nail Buffer. £19.99, superdrug.com)

SCRUB IN Just because your limbs are in hibernation, it doesn’t mean they should be forgotten about. Give your body a bit more care with a helping of this fragrant and moisturising sea salt scrub. Its limited edition scent of citrus, patchouli and musk makes it an ideal skin soother and smoother.

(Sabon Timeless Spark Body Scrub. £22, sabonuk.co.uk)

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BEAUTY

SCENT OF CHRISTMAS They’ve done it again. The experts who have captured some of the most intriguing, if not unusual, scents have outdone themselves with two new creations.

Christmas in New York is a comforting blend of spices, apples and roasted chestnuts whilst Mistletoe is an invigorating evergreen concoction.

(Library of Fragrance. £15, thelibraryoffragrance.com)

FEED YOUR HAIR A well-formulated duo that is kind to the skin and scalp and does an excellent job of visibly improving the condition of hair with every wash. Quinoa protein helps to add fullness whilst artichoke extract smooths the cuticle to leave hair perfectly soft and shiny. The more you use it, the better your hair looks.

CLEAN SWEEP

(Green People Quinoa & Artichoke Shampoo and Conditioner. From £9.95, greenpeople.co.uk)

Whip your skin into better shape by working this powerful anti-ageing treatment into your daily regime. Its key ingredient, DMAE, is a powerful anti-inflammatory that helps to prevent wrinkle formation. Just sweep a pad across the face, or press it in for greater effect, to firm and tighten the skin.

THE QUICK FIX You deserve every praise for having a go yourself but if you’re short on time, or desperately need to have it handled by an expert, drop by the dedicated Dry Styling Bar at a Charles Worthington salon. There, you can have your hair done in just 15 minutes so you needn’t be late for your next engagement.

(Perricone MD DMAE Firming Pads. £53, perriconemd.co.uk)

BODY ANTI-AGER

(£15 per appointment. Charles Worthington salons in Fitzrovia, Covent Garden and the City. charlesworthingtonsalons.com)

MOROCCAN OIL If you’ve had enough of winter but are unable to get away, why not try a sensory escape? Dab this intensely warm, sensual blend of essential oils onto the pulse points and allow your senses to take you to Fez, Morocco. Spicy and floral notes of cumin, vetiver and orange blossom make this exotic fragrance a joy to bask in.

If there’s just one body cream to keep close this winter, this zingy multi-tasker is it. Not only does it intensely hydrate the skin, tripling moisture levels in a single swipe, it also helps to stimulate collagen production leaving the skin smoother and firmer. It works especially well to protect delicate areas such as the hands, neck and chest.

(Murad Collagen Support Body Cream. £38, murad.co.uk)

(Kahina Giving Beauty Fez Perfume Oil. £67, beingcontent.com)

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BEAUTY

1. Sunday Riley Blue Moon Tranquility Cleansing Balm (£46, uk.spacenk.com)

You certainly won’t have to worry about getting the skin blues with this intensely hydrating cleanser-come-mask. Sure, it’s blue, but it’ll cleanse the skin as deeply as it moisturises and thanks to the therapeutic essential oils, you’ll feel like you’ve walked out of a spa every time you use it.

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2. Aromatherapy Associates Hydrating Renewing Rose Cleanser (£26, aromatherapyassociates.com)

You’ll enjoy massaging this fragrant rose and geranium cleanser into the skin – focus on any dry patches to sooth the irritation, safe in the knowledge that it will provide a gentle but effective cleanse no matter what the day has thrown at it. Take joy in how luminous the skin looks from the very first rinse.

3. Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser (£34, murad.co.uk)

Give your skin a thorough clean with this timesaving two-in-one cleanser and exfoliator. It’ll free your pores from trapped dirt and debris and the jojoba beads will lift them away, polishing the skin in the process without being abrasive. Skin is left wonderfully smooth and soft for the day ahead.

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NO STRIPPING PLEASE Potent cleansers that’ll help take the day off your skin whilst putting the moisture back in

4. Green People Purify & Hydrate Cream Cleanser (£24.95, greenpeople.co.uk)

This works wonders for skin that is prone to dryness. It contains a host of antioxidant-rich oils that nourish the skin and keep it protected from the elements but it also does a great job of lifting away make-up and dry flakes so the skin can breathe and radiate happily.

5. Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm

6. Living Nature Sensitive Cleanser (£21, livingnature.com)

No more skin flare-ups caused by harsh cleansers. This soap-free formulation with harakeke flax extract and organic virgin coconut oil removes impurities from the skin before replenishing it with a surge of moisture.

It’s gentle enough to purify and sooth even the most sensitive of skins.

(£15.50, johnlewis.com)

Feel the satisfaction as make-up melts before your very eyes. On contact with water, this balm liquefies to form a milky lotion that can be wiped away or washed off, taking any dirt and residue with it. The moisturising formula also leaves the skin soft and plump.

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BEAUTY

STRAIGHT TO THE TOP When hair is weak or damaged, even subtle temperature changes can trigger a hair disaster.

The answer is to repair it, from the inside out. With antioxidant-rich prickly pear seed oil, the Christophe Robin Regenerating Mask is a powerful hair healer that restores smoothness and shine from root to tip so hair is on top form once more. (£50, lookfantastic.com) This is no ordinary hairbrush. With the push of a button, the Braun Satin-Hair 7 Brush releases millions of invisible active ions that effectively remove static and smooth the hair as you work your way through the lengths. You can feel the softness and see the shine instantly. It’s time to give your brush an upgrade. (£21.99, houseoffraser.co.uk)

THE PERFECT BLOW DRY Give your blow dry extra smoothing power with a light touch of some Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum. Not only does it reduce drying time, the silicones form a shield around the cuticle, protecting the hair from temperamental winter conditions that can otherwise make the hair unruly very quickly. (£18.95, paulmitchell.com)

Is there no end to the joy that diamonds can bring?

It seems not, for they are destined to help us banish bad hair days forever too. The Nicky Clarke Diamond Shine Pro Salon Blow Dryer has a diamond-infused grille that releases frizz-controlling ions so hair dries with a smooth, glossy finish. It’s as close to a salon blow dry as you can get at home. (£63.99, boots.com)

DOUBLING UP Combine clever technology with targeted haircare for supercharged protection against frizz and flyaways

LOOKING HOT Once a week (or more often if your hair is damaged), replace your usual conditioner with the Korres Almond & Linseed Nourishing Hair Mask to provide an extra hit of hydration. It sooths dry and brittle hair brilliantly and thanks to vitamin B3 and provitamin B5, it will protect your hair against damage from everyday heat styling too. (£10, johnlewis.com) You needn’t be afraid of heat damage if you’re wrapping your hair around the Vidal Sassoon Infra Radiance Hot Air Styler.

Using infrared technology to ensure even heat, this timesaving tool gently dries and styles your hair in the same motion without drawing away excess moisture. Clever. It also leaves hair remarkably smooth with plenty of bounce through the lengths. (£34.99, boots.com)

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TRAVEL NOTES

JET-SET ISLAND Nothing beats a tropical Caribbean island getaway if you’re looking to escape the throes of a British winter. Bask in sunshine and luxury in Oil Nut Bay’s new Reef House villa which sits high up in the hills overlooking the marina village and pristine waters beyond. With such magnificent views to revel in, it’d be a shame not spend as much time outdoors as possible, whether lounging under the tiki huts or doing a few obligatory laps in the infinity pool.

EAGLE-EYED What a place to sit and wait for sundown. The romantic Eyrie lodge, so-called because it is perched so high up giving you an eagle’s eye perspective, boasts some of the best views over the hills and plains of the Ol Lentille wildlife reserve.

With 24,000 acres of land, there is plenty for you to see and explore, all expertly navigated by your safari guide, then you can return to your nest where once again you can feel like you’re on top of the world.

(The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille in Nanyuki, Kenya. ol-lentille.com)

DETOX RETREAT If you’re looking for encouragement to kick-start your healthy lifestyle come New Year, a stint at wellness retreat The Farm at San Benito ought to do it. Surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, immerse yourself in daily yoga, meditation, Thai Chi and aqua aerobics sessions to get your body and mind into its most tranquil state. You’ll also flush out toxins with nutritious raw vegan meals and unwind in style with much-needed evening massages.

(The Farm at San Benito in Batangas, Philippines. From £2,240 per person all-inclusive. healthandfitnesstravel.com)

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(Oil Nut Bay in Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands. From £1,400 per night. itcluxurytravel.co.uk)

TRAVEL

FRESH OFF THE ICE If you’re going to get back on the slopes day after day, you need to get some real sustenance in. At L’Apogée Courchevel, it’ll be Japanese restaurant Koori (translates as “ice”) fuelling you up for the season. Amongst slick, slate grey interiors with marble countertops, you can enjoy indulgent but delicately prepared dishes such as black cod with miso sauce and salmon with daikon radish.

That’s alongside the naturally popular choices of sushi and sashimi. And there’s plenty of Japanese tea and sake to help warm you up too.

(Koori at L’Apogée Courchevel, France. lapogeecourchevel.com)

BRAZILIAN BEAUTY It’s OK to want to hide away from the rest of the world every now and again, especially when your hideout looks like this. If privacy and peace is what you’re after, take up residence in one of the hillset bungalows at Ponta dos Ganchos. The resort sits on a secluded peninsula around lush rainforests and boasts uninterrupted sea views that are best enjoyed swinging in hammocks on the verandas. When dinner calls, head to the resort’s two-person only private island where you dine like you’re the only two people in the world.

(Ponta dos Ganchos in Santa Catarina, Brazil. theultimatetravelcompany.co.uk)

MORE IN MOROCCO Go on. Go against the grain and take yourself beyond Marrakesh when you’re musing about Morocco. For those who want to go beyond the Red City (so-called because of Marrakesh’s sunburnt-hued walls), Casablanca is a great shout. It’s ideal for culture vultures who thrive on exploring new cities but who insist on doing so in style and luxury. Meet your

hotel match in the form of the grand Mazagan Beach Resort which boasts an array of upscale bars and restaurants to suit any mood and appetite. Modern rooms come with a touch of Moroccanfare so you always feel culturally immersed without foregoing a bit of luxury.

(Mazagan Beach Resort, 24000, Casablanca, Morocco. Double rooms cost from £143 on a bed and breakfast basis and from £232 for full board. T: +212 5 2338 8000. mazaganbeachresort.com)

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TRAVEL

IN PLAIN SIGHT Set deep in the Serengeti is a number of Four Seasons lodges with close-up, on-the-ground views into the plains and wildlife that roam the park. One of the best spots for wildlife-watching can be found when doing a few laps in the open-air pool which overlooks a watering hole.

Here, you’re likely to come across elephants and baboons as they gather for respite from the day’s sun. Just make sure you have the camera ready.

(Four Seasons Safari Lodge in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. fourseasons.com)

DUTCH CHARMER Even if it’s just a city break, never underestimate the pleasure a comfortable room can bring at the end of a hard day’s sightseeing. Overlooking Keizersgracht canal is The Dylan, an ideally-located hotel with charming, loftstyle rooms that make a show of the building’s original wooden beams. When you’re not admiring the rooms, you can take to the city on one of the hotel’s bikes for hire and after you’ve circled back, enjoy some High Wine – their merry version of High Tea. (The Dylan Amsterdam, the Netherlands. dylanamsterdam.com)

GO PRO Ski lessons aren’t just for beginners - even the most seasoned of skiers can pick up a few nifty tricks from the experts to take their skills up another notch. Try Powder White’s latest ski package which arms you with all the techniques to transform your skiing from amateur to professional in a week. In a set of five three-hour sessions, you’ll learn everything from perfecting your carve turn to mastering a mogul run, as well as picking up more advanced offpiste and freestyling tips.

(The Powder White Complete Package costs from £949 per person and includes seven nights in a fully-catered chalet in Meribel, France. powderwhite.com)

TURKISH DELIGHT For the ultimate in authentic Turkish bath treatments, there’s only one place to be. The Safira Spa at Park Bosphorus Hotel in Istanbul is the largest of any European hotel and features a stunning, all-marble Turkish Hamam complete with saunas, steam rooms and a pool. Indulge in their myriad of revitalising beauty rituals until the thought of winter simply melts away.

(Park Bosphorus Hotel Istanbul, Turkey. cvkhotelsandresorts.com)

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TRAVEL

ROOM WITH A Winter VIEW

Finland Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Lapland, Finland. visitfinland.com

France Chalet Dorian in Megève, France. lecollectionist.com Here’s an idea of what lies under all that snow in Megève. At this private chalet, which has enough room for 12, you can lap up sprawling views over town and across at the mountains over three floors. Although the interiors encourage snuggling up inside by the fire with the curtains drawn, tall windows and wide sliding doors beckon you to admire the landscape wherever you are in the chalet until you’ve been successfully lured outside. But in or out, you’ll be treated like a king – concierge services by Le Collectionist means you can call in housekeeping, a nanny or even a chef at your whim.

If you thought Lapland was just for kids, how very wrong you are. The beauty of the wild outdoors in a snow-covered landscape has to be an enchanting sight for all. So why not bask in it in complete warmth and luxury inside your own glass igloo? These futuristic-looking glass domes that seem to emerge from the ground are ideal for stargazing. Better still, be one of the first people to stay in their brand new Kelo-Glass Igloos which combine cosy, traditional log cabins with the out-of-this-world views of their glass pods. You’ll have complete privacy, and with an authentic log-burning fireplace and sauna within striking distance, you won’t ever want to leave.

Italy Nira Montana in La Thuile, Italy. niramontana.com Waking up to views of towering Mont Blanc is a pretty magnificent way to start the day. With thick blankets of powder snow against rugged mountains and deep forests, it’s a scene you won’t be able to help falling in love with. But it has beauty and convenience, for the hotel is in an ideal spot for winter sport junkies who can’t wait to take to the slopes (a shuttle ride away) but who also need to luxuriate in comfort after the day’s exertions. Wannabe ski junkies can get up to speed quickly too - ski and snowboard lessons with a trained instructor are available.

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