Belgravia Residents' Journal April 2018

R E SI DE N TS’ JOU R NA L april 2018

Issue 71

w r i t t e n f o r t h e r e s i d e n t s o f b e l g r avi a

R E SI DE NTS’ JOUR N A L april 2018 • Issue 71

We highly value your feedback, for editorial enquiries, please email f.lee-rogers@residentsjournal.co.uk For advertising enquiries, telephone Sophie Roberts on 0330 113 3073 or email s.roberts@runwildgroup.co.uk

w w w. R e s i d e n t s J o u r n a l . c o . u k 020 7987 4320

Proudly published by

from the editor The old proverb ‘no matter how long the winter, spring

R ESI DE N TS’ JOU R NA L

is sure to follow’ rings particularly true in 2018. After

APRIL 2018 • Issue 71

seeing snow fall as late as mid-March, we’ve recently seen daffodils and snowdrops poke their heads through the cold earth, thus demonstrating a dramatic shift in seasons.

Spring brings with it new life of course, and this year, this is an aspect that is particularly close to my heart, as this issue will be my last before I commence my maternity leave to start a whole new journey. Fret not, though, as I leave you in the extremely capable hands of Victoria Sviggum, who will be taking up the reins until I return.

And what an issue it is: from interviewing chef Elena Arzak of Ametsa – who COVER: An illustration of Elena Arzak by Russ Tudor.

Turn to page 8.

made the trip all the way from San Sebastián and tells us about cooking Basque cuisine on page eight, to all the latest food news on page six, and finally, the best restaurants to visit for a particular occasion on page 10, there’s plenty of food for

Managing Editor Francesca Lee-Rogers Editorial Assistant William Monroe Editorial Intern Victoria Sviggum Editor-in-Chief Lesley Ellwood

thought. Meanwhile, we bring you the latest news about the celebrated Eaton Square Concerts on page 24. And if you’re in need of a break close to Belgravia, read our home-from-home feature about the Belgravia Suite at The Dorchester on page 26. Alternatively, our Great British Escape will give you plenty of travel inspiration on page 28. Finally, we’re now us on Instagram, follow us on @thebelgravian1.

Managing Director Eren Ellwood General Manager Fiona Smith

Francesca Lee-Rogers, Managing Editor

Publishing Director Giles Ellwood

CONTENTS

Executive Director Sophie Roberts Designer Paris Fielder Production Hugo Wheatley Jamie Steele Alice Ford Distributed to selected homes in Belgravia. The Belgravia Residents’ Journal is published independently by Runwild Media Group, with regular editorial contributions from Belgravia residents.

Please do not hesitate to get in contact with your news: email f.lee-rogers@residentsjournal.co.uk and, Twitter users, make sure you follow us @thebelgravian and on Instagram @thebelgravian1 Members of the Professional Publishers Association

notebook Bitesized news from across the neighbourhood

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keeping it simple Getting under the skin of quality treatments at Skinsmiths

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10

24

43

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food for thought The Journal’s guide to the best restaurants in the area

musical masterpieces Eaton Square Concerts launches its spring season

home away from home We test out The Dorchester’s Belgravia Suite

have i got mews for you A spotlight on the best mews houses on the market

jaipur guard with cheetah, 20x20

n ew s n i bl et s

f l o r a l fa n c y

Donna Ida’s new spring/summer 18 window ties in perfectly with Belgravia in Bloom.

The dramatic display encapsulates the brand’s Posh Folk Collection at its Elizabeth Street boutique. Created by acclaimed florist Dickinson & Doris using peonies, roses, cornflowers, spray roses, lilac and red berries, it matches the signature print in the collection, named Enchanted Meadow.

Until mid-June, 40 Elizabeth Street, SW1W 9NZ, 020 7730 4554, donnaida.com

Notebook

Bitesized news from across the neighbourhood

e a st e rn pr o m i s e

The Osborne Studio Gallery has announced a solo exhibition, The Hunting Party, by artist Lincoln Seligman, running from May to June.

Inspired by the architecture, landscape and turbans of India, 40 works showcase the artist’s recent travels to Gujarat and Rajasthan.

23 May – 13 June, 2 Motcomb Street, SW1X 8JU, 020 7235 9667, osg.uk.com

Correction: please note that the Belgrave Square Barbecue is being held on Thursday 21 June

o u t w i t h t h e o l d, i n w i t h t h e n ew

This summer, the arcaded bays of Victoria’s Terminus Place, with their Edwardian Baroque exterior, will be transformed into a threestorey market hall. Ever since 1909, the space has acted as a shopping arcade, and then a restaurant, and was home to superclub Pacha. However, it will now be overhauled by award-winning architects FaulknerBrowns and in a few months’ time, will open with 14 kitchens, three bars and seating for up to 300 people. The aim is for the food hall to work with leading restaurants, new talent, small businesses and local suppliers alike, as well as to engage with neighbouring restaurants and chefs. markethalls.co.uk 4

a s h i rt t h at f i t s

PDN London has opened on Ellis Street. The company, which started as a made-tomeasure only business, has grown and now features a full ready-to-wear collection that offers six styles, taking women from beach to boardroom. All shirts are made from Italian fabrics, and the collection, as well as being stocked at the Ellis Street shop, is also now available in Harrods.

5 Ellis Street, SW1X 9AL, 07730 988 016, pdn.london

LOCAL INTEREST

[ u p d at e s ]

NEW ON THE SCENE Grosvenor highlights the latest developments in the area

Ec c le ston Yard s

The new retail and business development is on track for its official launch this summer, with 80 per cent of units already let.

Located in south Belgravia, a stone’s throw away from Victoria station, Eccleston Yards is set to be a hub for creative enterprise and independent businesses spanning across retail, food, wellbeing and co-working.

Designed by architects BuckleyGrayYeoman, the entire development is set on 80,000 sq ft of beautifully restored and renovated unused space, housing 19 units as well as a courtyard with ample outdoor seating space.

Grosvenor is proud to be welcoming such an array of talented people and exciting businesses to the area, which includes the following: • Barry’s Bootcamp – one of four fitness studios in London (open) • Re:Mind – London’s first drop-in meditation studio and ecolifestyle store (open) • Central Working – provider of shared working space (open) • SMUK – a Scandinavian beauty

salon focused around natural beauty (open) • Tailor Made London – affordable high-quality bespoke garments made using scanning technology to get precise body measurements (opening in April) • The Jones Family Kitchen – a new restaurant from the team behind the Jones Family Project in Shoreditch (opening in April) • 50M – a concept by Something & Son providing upcoming fashion designers with retail space by the metre (opening this spring) • Tart London – the catering company’s first flagship site, which will accommodate a restaurant, café, event space and photography studio (opening this summer) “We have created a new destination that showcases and champions creative, independent talent,” says Joanna Lea, retail director for Grosvenor Britain & Ireland. “And these signings – across hospitality, fashion and wellbeing – completely embody the healthy and energetic spirit we aim to foster at Eccleston Yards.”

For more information, follow: @EcclestonYards on Instagram.

21 Eccleston Place, SW1W 9NF, 020 7312 6360, ecclestonyards.com

I n d ia n Summ e r Lifestyle brand Seraphina, which specialises in beach and lounge wear, has opened a pop-up store on Elizabeth Street. Founder and designer Fiona Hodges presents fresh and colourful pieces made from textiles hand-blocked and screen-printed in India.

The collection includes clothes for children such as bloomers, rompers and nightwear, as well as garments for women, including maxi-dresses and kaftans. Seraphina also offers a selection of products for the home, such as quilts and cushions.

Open until 13 May, 73 Elizabeth Street, SW1W 9PJ, seraphinalondon.com 5

lifestyle

w i ne wa i t ?

MU S I C AL M O M E N T S

Following the opening of Hamilton at the nearby Victoria Palace Theatre, The Lanesborough has launched its honorary afternoon tea. The musical, which largely sold out several months ahead, has proved a huge hit. Whether or not you have tickets, the hotel’s pastry chefs led by Gabriel Le Quang, have created something of a masterpiece. It includes an exotic lace cupcake, blackberry cheesecake, grapefruit religieuse, pecan pie and a Carib chocolate star, as well as scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, and a selection of classic finger sandwiches. £39 per person, or £49 with a glass of Champagne per person, Hyde Park Corner, SW1X 7TA, 020 7259 5599, oetkercollection.com

[NEW S]

food & drink

New online company Wanderlust Wine has launched its Wine On Demand service, which delivers wine to Belgravians within the hour. Ideal if the local merchant is closed, you can order wine when you want it, whether you’re on your way to a friend’s dinner party and you’ve forgotten to pick up a bottle, midway through a dinner party or simply if you’re enjoying a night in and don’t want to leave the comfort of the sofa.

To find out more, visit wanderlustwine.co.uk

All the latest to keep you sated from dawn to dusk

M i n i a ppet i se r s

New openings in the area

bu i lt on t h e i r re p u tat i on

Tart London has announced the launch of Eccleston Place, due to open this summer in Eccleston Yard. The duo behind the brand, Jemima Jones and Lucy CarrEllison, who run a renowned London catering company favoured by some of London’s top fashion brands, decided to set up a permanent venture in Belgravia. It will be a multipurpose venue incorporating a restaurant, retail space, fashion photography studio, and an events space in partnership with Tom Warren, founder of Lock Studios.

Eccleston Place by Tart London, 3-4 Eccleston Yard, SW1W 9AZ, eccleston-place.com 6

ABD EL WAHAB This popular Middle Eastern restaurant has now opened in the area. The UK outpost is the 19th Lebanese eatery for the brand. Think mezzes to mixed-grill skewers – ideal sharing food.

1-3 Pont Street, SW1X 9EJ, 020 7235 0005 OMAR’S PLACE A new Mediterranean restaurant has launched in Pimlico. Specialising in tapas and sharing plates, it’s the ideal enjoy a meal with your nearest and dearest this spring.

13 Cambridge Street, SW1V 4HP, 07881 777 227, omarsplace.co.uk

DISCOVER THE SURPRISING TWISTS OF NEW BASQUE CUISINE IN THE HEART OF BELGRAVIA

Michelin-starred Ametsa will take you on a culinary journey, pairing locally-sourced ingredients with the earthy flavours and techniques from Spain’s Basque region.

To make a reservation, please email ametsa.thehalkin@comohotels.com or call +44 20 7333 1234

the belgravian

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LOCAL INTEREST

IN THE BLOOD

Food, family and favourite dishes are the order of the day for award-winning chef Elena Arzak, as she celebrates the five-year anniversary of Ametsa at COMO The Halkin FRANCESCA LEE-ROGERS

Illustration by Russ Tudor

“I

always knew I wanted to be a chef,” Elena Arzak tells me matter-of-factly over breakfast. She has flown in from her hometown San Sebastián, where her three-Michelin-starred restaurant Arzak is based, to visit Ametsa at COMO The Halkin, its sister eatery in the British capital. This year marks Ametsa’s five-year anniversary, which, though impressive in restaurant years, is something of a drop in the ocean compared to Arzak, which has been in existence since 1897 and has been passed down through four generations of her family – one of Spain’s most famous culinary dynasties.

Elena learnt to cook from her father, Juan Mari Arzak, who took over the reins of the restaurant and then passed them down to her. At the age of 75, he is still very much “hands-on” – the Arzaks

are clearly an extremely driven and hard-working clan. Elena attended the local German school in San Sebastián, learning the language she would later use at hotel and cookery school in Switzerland. Thereafter,

about a range of subjects – food, family and favourite dishes – the last of which she declares is “anything with fish”, and, for each question, she has plentiful answers. She’s clearly very passionate and it’s apparent that

The perfect restaurant doesn’t exist.

The perfect restaurant is the one that makes the least mistakes she cheffed for an array of big names, including Albert Roux and his son Michel Roux Jr and Alain Ducasse, and at Ferran Adrià’s acclaimed elBulli, before returning home to become joint head chef with her father at Arzak and champion contemporary Basque cuisine.

What strikes me most about Elena is how down to earth she is for someone who, in 2012, was named Veuve Clicquot World’s Best Female Chef. We talk

she enjoys the hospitality element of her job. “I love to talk to the guests and get their feedback, from which I can learn so much. Because the perfect restaurant doesn’t exist. The perfect restaurant is simply the one that makes the least mistakes.”

This willingness to adapt to diners’ desires is demonstrated in the different way a typical dish on the menu in her two restaurants is cooked: in London, they use more spices, whereas,

in San Sebastián, they use more salt. Indeed, she remarks, “Some of the dishes that are successful in the UK may not have the same impact in the Basque Country, and vice versa.”

One of the most creative dishes on the menu at Arzak is Monkfish Cleopatra. “I’ve never been to Egypt, but I’ve always wanted to go, so, for the time being, I decided to create this dish,” Elena explains.

A waffle-like cracker surmounting the grilled fish represents the ruins, while a pecan-nut sauce represents the River Nile.

And the finishing touch?

Hieroglyphs made with pumpkin and chickpea purée, which translate as “I hope you like it”. The waiting list for tables at both venues shows that diners clearly do.

Amesta at COMO The Halkin, Halkin Street, SW1X 7DJ, 020 7333 1234, comohotels.com 9

[best in show]

Food For

THOUGHT The Journal reviews a quartet of restaurants in the neighbourhood and reminds readers about some long-standing favourites

BEST FO R : sun day lunc h

The Jumeirah Rib Room

There’s nothing quite as quintessentially British as a proper Sunday roast, and the Jumeirah Rib Room doesn’t disappoint, writes Victoria Sviggum The set Sunday lunch at this classically decorated restaurant includes a starter, main and dessert, as well as a complimentary Red Snapper cocktail (or soft-drink alternative), tea and coffee and petitfours. I mull over my decision while my Red Snapper – similar to a Bloody Mary but substituting gin for vodka – is prepared table-side. The result is delicious and I am intrigued to find that the restaurant uses its own version of Worcestershire sauce – made to a top-secret recipe, of course!

Having had enough time to peruse the menu, I opt for the warm salad of quail breast to start. The quail comes on a bed of kale and is accompanied by a Scotch egg, the yolk of which oozes out onto the plate when cut into. The meat is wonderfully delicate, and the added sprinkling of truffle shavings is the perfect final touch to this dish, which is also beautifully presented and garnished with violets.

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As soon as my main of signature roast rib of beef is placed in front of me, I start to salivate. The cut is thick and the meat has been cooked to a perfect pink. Succulent and tender, the quality is apparent – I’d expect nothing less from butcher Donald Russell, official supplier to Her Majesty the Queen. The Yorkshire pudding is light and flaky, the potatoes crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, and the seasonal vegetables colourful and crunchy. The gravy tops it off perfectly and I am truly content.

Although I don’t strictly need dessert, I order the

Manjari chocolate Black Forest delice with kirsch cream and am pleasantly surprised by how light it is. The meal ends with a cup of tea and a presentation of tantalising petit-fours. I can only manage one, but am delighted by the last burst of flavour before I call it a day.

A complimentary ride home in the Jumeirah Clubman is offered to those living or staying nearby. After such an indulgent meal, however, we decide to walk. What a pleasant way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Jumeirah Carlton Tower, Cadogan Place, SW1X 9PY, 020 7858 7250, theribroom.co.uk, jumeirah.com

lifestyle

BEST fo r : sh ari n g

Tozi

Sharing is caring – that’s the concept behind Venetian restaurant Tozi, writes Francesca Lee-Rogers ‘Tozi’ is Venetian slang for a group of friends, so it’s only fitting that, on a Saturday afternoon, many of the tables at the restaurant of the same name are packed with loved ones catching up over a hearty meal.

Spread over two floors and created

by B3 designers, the space is vast and has an open kitchen, making it the ideal spot to glance over at head chef Maurilio Molteni and his team.

After much scrutiny of the menu, my mother and I opt for a selection of calamari, burrata with heritage tomatoes and basil, and cured meats.

The first, although slightly too salty

for my palate, goes down well with a squeeze of lemon. The burrata, meanwhile, melts in the mouth, and the accompanying tomatoes have been generously drizzled in olive oil, giving them a deliciously soft texture – in short, the dish, although generously proportioned, is ever so moreish.

The next course comprises two pasta dishes: the buffalo ricotta ravioli with black truffle and the hand-cut pappardelle with wild-boar ragout.

There’s no denying that Italians know how to cook pasta, and these two dishes demonstrate this perfectly.

The former is full of flavour, and it’s no surprise it’s one of the restaurant’s most popular dishes. The latter, I imagine, would pair excellently with a glass of red, as the wild boar is supertender after being stewed in a rich tomato sauce.

Next up is roast cod, served with Castelluccio lentils, chard and salmoriglio, with the second dish comprising braised ox cheeks with wild mushrooms and mashed potato.

The fish is super-light, while the ox is a wholesome dish, probably best served in the winter. To finish, we enjoy a chocolate and Amaretto bonet, which is slightly too bitter for my liking. Overall, we’re impressed with the offering, but a word of warning: make sure you leave plenty of room.

8 Gillingham Street, SW1V 1HJ, 020 7769 9771, tozirestaurant.co.uk

BEST for : something new

Osh

Osh brings a taste of The Silk Route to the area, says Francesca Lee-Rogers Always having my eye on the capital’s restaurant scene, I’ve noticed more and more ethnic outposts pop up in recent times.

It’s clear the demand is there, even

for what could be considered as off-the-beaten track cuisine. Osh, an Uzbekistan restaurant, specialises in food from the intersection between the Middle East and Eastern Europe.

Since opening in March this year, it has received much local attention.

It’s spread across two floors, with a private lounge at the top. I’m welcomed into the bar area and indulge in a fruity Oriental Breeze cocktail that comprises hibiscus, pineapple, sumac and raisin. The atmosphere has a club-like feel, and I imagine it will be packed later on in the night.

My husband and I then make our way upstairs to the restaurant, which has a sumptuous look: think azure tiles, contrasting fabrics and bazaar-style décor. We can’t help but stare in awe at the interior.

Our attention is brought back into the room when we’re handed the menus. However, after much 11

assessment, we’re still none the wiser as to many of the dishes. We ask for guidance from the waitress, who explains that the whole premise of Uzbek cuisine is sharing, so we order some dishes that loosely make up starters and mains.

We commence with the pickled cherry tomatoes, which are bursting with flavour. The Kamchatka

crab croquettes dipped in spicy mayonnaise are another must-try.

After an aubergine-heavy starter – we find the aubergine tartare offers more or less the same flavour as the pickled tomatoes – we move on to the mains.

The shashlik comes in variations of meat or fish – we opt for the beef and Chilean sea bass, but from the smells emanating from the kitchen, they all seem enticing. Perfectly paired with lobio, a dal-like concoction of red kidney beans, onions and warming Georgian spices, it’s the ultimate comfort food.

A traditional Uzbek dish is then brought

BEST FO R : atmo sph e re

Timmy Green

Looking for a relaxed setting?

Then head to Timmy Green, writes Francesca Lee-Rogers Of all the restaurants in the area, you can’t quite beat the laid-back Aussie vibe of Timmy Green. When we walk in, we’re greeted with “How you going?”, and instantly feel the weight of a long day lift from our shoulders.

As we make our way to the table, live music in the form of a performer singing songs by the likes of Jack Johnson while accompanying herself on an acoustic guitar, makes for an even more relaxed vibe.

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to the table, which comprises slowcooked lamb served with carrots, peppers, chickpeas, lamb lard and rice. It’s a huge portion. After a brief break, we move on to dessert and share a pavlova.

We leave with a generous gift of a bag of organic fruits and vegetables, which are imported twice a week from Uzbekistan, and, as we make our exit, thoroughly sated, Jamie Laing, of Made in Chelsea fame, walks in to get the party well and truly started.

14-15 Beauchamp Place, SW3 1NQ, 020 3935 9555, oshrestaurant.com For the table, we order the mini bites of spicy tuna tostadas, avocado, yuzu cream; and betel leaves, coconut sambal, chilli, mint, cashews, candied papaya. The starter of Aussie barbecued lamb cutlets follows and transports me Down Under – it’s as though it has just come off a beach grill.

For the main, we both opt for the rump steak, seared on the Josper charcoal grill, which cooks at 500 degrees and gives the food a wonderful smoky taste, while holding all of the moisture and flavour within the meat. Accompanied by crispy duck-fat fries and chimichurri sauce, it’s a really fulfilling meal.

The Melbourne Mars Bar cheesecake ball and double cream is the ultimate finale to the Antipodean experience. It’s like being on the other side of the world, without having to leave the neighbourhood.

11 Sir Simon Milton Square, SW1E 5DJ, 020 3019 7404, daisygreenfood.com

lifestyle

BEST F O R : F REN C H C UISINE La P o u l e au P o t

This eatery has been a Belgravia institution for as long as anyone can remember. The interior is like stepping into a French restaurant, complete with dried flowers and curios and candlelit tables. What do we recommend that’s on the menu? French onion soup – it’s to die for.

231 Ebury Street, SW1W 8UT, 020 7730 7763, pouleaupot.co.uk

BEST F O R : B A S Q UE C UISINE Am et s a w i t h A r z ak I n st ru c t i o n

© random house

Elena Arzak and father Juan Mari’s iconic San Sebastián restaurant has been reimagined at The Halkin. This issue, Elena is our Belgravian – read all about food, family and her favourite dishes on page 8.

Amesta at COMO The Halkin, Halkin Street, SW1X 7DJ, 020 7333 1234, comohotels.com

BEST F O R : C HINESE C UISINE HUN A N

Hunan is the restaurant famous for not having a menu. Diners don’t choose – they just tell the team what they don’t eat and how spicy they like their food. It has been a recipe for success for the past 35 years, and promises to be so for many more to come.

51 Pimlico Road, SW1W 8NE, 020 7730 5712, hunanlondon.com

BEST F O R : IN D I A N C UISINE Amaya

Tapas-style Indian dishes, grilled or tandoor-baked, are the order of the day at Amaya, which is one of the most esteemed Indian restaurants in the area. The gourmet cuisine is prepared in a dramatic open kitchen.

Halkin Arcade, 19 Motcomb Street, SW1X 8JT, 020 7823 1166, amaya.biz

BEST F O R : S C OTTISH C UISINE B o i s da l e o f B e l g rav i a

Boisdale is our fail-safe option for Burns Night, but we love its jazz nights, whisky bar, cigar terrace and private dining rooms at any time of the year too. One thing’s for sure: there’s only one place to eat haggis, and that’s Boisdale. 15 Eccleston Street, SW1W 9LX, 020 7730 6922, boisdale.co.uk

BEST F O R : TH A I C UISINE M a n g o Tr e e

Serving what we think is the best Thai fare outside of Thailand, Mango Tree has won plentiful awards and it’s no surprise. Diners can choose from dishes such as pla pow: grilled fillet of sea bass wrapped in banana leaf and fresh lemongrass, served with spicy lime sauce.

46 Grosvenor Place, SW1X 7EQ, 020 7823 1888, mangotree.org.uk 13

lifestyle

BEST F O R : su s h i a n d s a s h i m i uni

We love the vibrant colours and exotic flavours of Uni’s Peruvian/Japanese fusion menu. We rate especially highly the restaurant’s succulent wagyu beef and juicy black cod.

18a Ebury Street, SW1W 0LU, 020 7730 9267, restaurantuni.com

BEST F O R : w i n e - l o v e r s pÉt ru s

© pride of britain hotels

It goes without saying that this one-Michelin-starred dining experience by Gordon Ramsay is exceptional, but what struck us most was the impressive glass-encased wine room that acts as the centrepiece to the restaurant and holds more than 2,000 different bottles of wine.

1 Kinnerton Street, SW1X 8EA, 020 7592 1609, gordonramsayrestaurants.com

BEST F O R : c l a s s i c fare the goring

Traditional and delicious British food always reigns triumphant in the Michelin-starred dining room, within a hotel owned by one family for a century. If you’re looking for the best of British cuisine, this is it.

15 Beeston Place, SW1W 0JW, 020 7396 9000, thegoring.com 14

BEST F O R : b i g - n am e r e stau ra n t marc u s

Marcus combines two-Michelin-starred cooking of French-style dishes with British ingredients. Dining options include à la carte, classic and seasonal tasting menus, a chef ’s table and a private dining room.

The Berkeley, Wilton Place, SW1X 7RL, 020 7235 1200, marcusrestaurant.com

BEST F O R : pr i vat e d i n i n g m o s i ma n n ’ s

There are few starrier chef names than Anton Mosimann – after all, he has cooked for the Queen.

Dine in one of the seven themed rooms in the former church, which include Lalique, Montblanc and Garrard.

11b West Halkin Street, SW1X 8JL, 020 7235 9625, mosimann.com

BEST F O R : g a st r o p u b t h e a l fre d t e n n y s o n

Known locally as Fred’s, this neighbourhood establishment is one of the go-to pubs in the area. We reviewed it a few issues ago and highly recommend the White Park beef croquettes and the beer-battered fish and chips. 10 Motcomb Street, SW1X 8LA, 020 7730 6074, thealfredtennyson.co.uk

Pioneer of the modern kitchen open to life – for 125 years Ultimate Kitchens ¡ pimlico.poggenpohl.com 125years.poggenpohl.com

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lifestyle

SPRIN G SKINCARE MUST- HAVES

1 G ARDEN VARIET Y

We can’t resist the pink tones of the new Dolce & Gabbana Garden make-up collection, from its vibrant fuschia and coral to the more muted nude and rose tones. The limitededition Rosa Duchessa blush compact has a rose imprinted on the powder, with varying shades for blending the perfect flushed cheek.

From £21, Dolce & Gabbana, harrods.com

[new s]

health & beauty Body and face-saving essentials

#1 TRUE BLUE

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The latest launch from Chanel is the Blue Serum Eye – a lightweight formula that melts into the skin, reducing the appearance of dark circles and lines.

From £57, chanel.com

# 2 RARE G EM

La Prairie’s new serum works overnight when the skin is best able to regenerate, and the delicate floral scent means it’ll whisk you off into beauty sleep in no time.

Platinum Rare Cellular Night Elixir, £894, La Prairie, harrods.com

LUCY BERESFORD (L) AND JILLIAN lavender (R)

STRESS: A Mindful approach E arlier this month, the renowned series of #GraceTalks continued at Grace Belgravia exploring stress and self Overwhelmed by mindfulness apps and programmes promising headspace? Lucy Beresford, Grace psychotherapist and host of an LBC Radio chat show explained how vital coping mechanisms for stress are: “The build-up of adrenaline, cortisol and a chemical of cocktails that are released when we feel stressed can build up and cause a myriad of health problems,” she explains. “Illness can be a red flag that our biochemistry is out of balance; stress weakens

our immune system, increases the likelihood of depression, accelerates ageing and reduces cognitive function. Blood pressure and heart rate increase as a result of cortisol, which, in turn, increases the risk of a heart attack. These physiological effects have a direct impact on our mood, quality of sleep and feelings of anxiety, restlessness and anger.”

The good news? Meditating has scientifically proven to have stress-relieving benefits. “By putting

ourselves into a condition of profound rest, our bodies recalibrate, repair and rebalance,” says Lucy.

Meditation improves concentration, slows ageing and improves cardiovascular and immune health.

It makes us happier and calmer by increasing self-awareness and emotional clarity, thereby improving our response to daily stress.

Check gracebelgravia.com/events for upcoming #GraceTalks and unmissable events at your local club 17

ELISABETH DANCEY, FOUNDER OF BIJOUX MEDI-SPA / HEADSHOT © SAREL JANSEN

lifestyle

THE EY ES HAVE IT t h e EDITOR RECOMMENDS . . .

Our eyes are our most precious gift and are our most fragile in terms of ageing. Even the bony eye socket changes shape with age.

Round, bright eyes surrounded by tight, plump skin become thinner, hollower and surrounded by baggy, crepy skin in seemingly no time.

From our late 20s on, we lose volume around the eye area, creating shadows and loose skin.

Hyaluronic acid fillers restore this volume safely and subtly, removing that tired look. The framework of the eyes can be restored; volume to the temples, tear trough, forehead and cheeks reawaken the light play around the eyes.

Toxin opens the eye, stops the frown and lifts the forehead.

The skin can be targeted by the brand-new Plasmage system – an alternative to eyelid surgery.

Plasmage, an easily tolerated energy treatment, takes about 20 minutes and visibly reduces baggy skin above and below the eyes, also removing brown marks, sunspots, and fatty deposits. Make-up covers any small brown marks left for a few days.

Skincare products maintain complexion quality on a day-today basis; look for hyaluronic acid, growth factors and antioxidants when purchasing eye creams.

In short, open your eyes to new concepts in medical beauty!

149 Ebury Street, SW1W 9QN, 020 7730 0765, bijoux-medispa.co.uk

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l i g h t fa n ta st i c

London interior designer Victoria Cator has moved into the world of fragrance and launched a collection of 10 candles, which includes everything from Santa Baby – ideal for Christmas – to the Casablanca – perfect for spring. £50, victoriacator.com

The Pure Gold and Collagen Facial at The Dorchester. The treatment starts with a plumping Pure Collagen Mask, followed by a lifting and toning massage. Twenty-four carat gold leaf is then applied and massaged into the skin with gentle, circular movements.

Finished with a final spritz of Pure Collagen Spray, it provides a youthful glow.

From £220 for 60 minutes, dorchestercollection.com

FACE VALUE

In her new book, Transform, make-up artist extraordinaire Toni Malt shows off her skills using unorthodox tools, such as stencils, Swarovski crystals and temporary tattoos, to create 60 different looks on one rather patient model. £38, assouline.com

SPRING INTO THE NEW SEASON

Grace is a powerful vision for women’s health, wellbeing and lifestyle, committed to providing the best in medical, fitness, wellness therapies, nourishing food and dynamic events.

Each of us have unique goals and membership at Grace is tailored accordingly. Be part of a powerful movement of women immersing themselves in the calm, restorative sanctuary of Grace and being inspired to be the best version of themselves.

11c West Halkin Street, SW1X 8JL +44 (0) 20 7235 8900 ¡ www.gracebelgravia.com To enquire please email: membership@gracebelgravia.com

[ i n t e rvi ew ]

Skin Confidence

made SIMPLE Changing the face of her industry by offering quality treatments that are accessible to all is the goal of Skinsmiths’ go-getting founder, as the Journal finds out FR ANCESC A LEE-ROGERS

I

f you’re looking for an inspirational woman, look no further than Jackie Smith.

Having founded Skinsmiths in New Zealand in 1994 with her husband and business partner David, she has seen her brand go from strength to strength since its inception.

After conquering the market on the other side of the world, the couple moved to London eight months ago to help set up 40 clinics in the UK, specifically in the capital for the time being. Given her credentials, it’s no surprise to learn that Jackie is also a motivational speaker and often gives talks about women in business.

Aiming to translate its success in the Antipodes to the UK, Skinsmiths is looking to revolutionise the industry by simplifying skincare, making it hassle-free and accessible.

This is likely why Jackie is very keen to point out that the brand occupies a unique space in the market, and that it’s most definitely not a beauty clinic: “We’re not about beauty; we’re about women’s confidence.

There’s a social construct that skincare is about vanity. It’s not vanity; it’s fundamental to who we are as people, because great skin is a 20

recipe for confidence.”

The experience offered by Skinsmiths certainly stands out.

Rather than offering a menu of specific and different beauty treatments, its clinics instead operate a solution-led approach to achieve long-term goals. A customer starts with a consultation to discuss their previous history of treatments, the issues they have with their skin and what they are looking to improve – for example, texture, frown lines or pigmentation. A minimum 12-month treatment plan is then put in place. In fact, such is the way they operate, the company only ever offers membership, as they don’t believe in ‘quick fixes’.

“One-off treatments never work.

When you dip in and out of something, you don’t get results; you need consistency,” Jackie enthusiastically affirms.

She goes on to explain how it is Skinsmiths’ core aim to make great skincare available to all, and to be “inclusive, not exclusive”.

An example of how they put this into practice is the Skin Health Plan, which allows customers to pay for their treatments weekly, fortnightly or monthly, depending on what works for them and their

Skinsmiths is looking to revolutionise the industry by simplifying skincare

photography © sarel jansen

lifestyle

budget. “We want women from all backgrounds to experience skin confidence – that’s our goal,” Jackie tells me reassuringly. “People want to look good for their age. They want the outside to reflect and represent how they feel on the inside. We have a mantra of ‘all kinds of beautiful’, and believe one size certainly doesn’t fit all.”

Given her two decades’ expertise, if Jackie could offer just one piece of skincare advice, what would that be? “I’d say it would be to wash your face at night and put a hydrating treatment on. Keep it simple.”

The company has a research department that looks into new treatment technologies that could improve their offering, but before implementing any, it always carefully analyses whether they’d actually add anything new. And it has exciting plans in the pipeline – having spent a number of years developing its own products, these are now being released into the UK market under the Skinsmiths brand.

And while this all seems plenty to be getting on with, global domination is also on the agenda for Jackie and David. Consolidating their position in London at the former Earth Spa premises, the Skinsmiths clinic refurbishment is set to be completed at the end of March, along with further branch openings in Hanwell and Fulham. The dynamic duo has also been busy creating a UK team that’s being headed up

by Richard North, allowing Jackie and David to decamp to New Zealand for a few months to catch their breath before they embark on their next international expansion, which looks to be either Canada, the west coast of America or Australia.

“We’re setting out to build an international company. We’ve been in this industry a long time now and it’s a journey we’re continuing across the world. It’s about how we can make a difference.”

Skinsmiths, Chantrey House, 4 Eccleston Street, SW1W 9LN, skinsmiths.com 21

lifestyle

i l l u m i n at i n g d es i g n

s p ri n g h a s s pru n g

Soane Britain has released its spring collection and it’s a breath of fresh air. Exciting new fabrics and wallpapers come in patterns such as Flower Flame, Giraffe Diamond, Pineapple Frond and Scrolling Fern. Other pieces include rattan furniture, lighting, scalloped chairs and a stand-out carafe table and candle lamps, both in brass.

50-52 Pimlico Road, SW1W 8LP, 020 7730 6400, soane.co.uk

[NEW S]

Jamb has added the Elmslie hanging lantern to its line of reproduction antique lighting. The design is heavily influenced by the arts and crafts movement of the late 19th, early 20th century and is made using traditional techniques.

A bell-shaped hood tops the glazed hexagonal body with a canted lower section on ball-feet detailing. The model with verdigris finish in copper is our favourite. £4,320, 95-97 Pimlico Road, SW1W 8PH, 020 7730 2122, jamb.co.uk

INTERIORS The latest looks for a stylish home

all the r i g h t a n g l es

l i k e fat h e r , l i k e s o n

Rare by Oulton now has a pop-up boutique in Harrods, open until the end of July. The brand, headed by father-andson team, Timothy and Oliver Oulton, presents a unique collection of antiques procured by the duo over the years, from all over the world. Timothy’s handmade furniture and accessories line, Timothy Oulton, is also available in store.

Until 31 July, Third floor, 87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL, 020 7730 1234, harrods.com, rarebyoulton.com

The Rug Company has collaborated with awardwinning German designer Sebastian Herkner to release the Mainland Light and Mainland Dark motifs.

Inspired by cityscapes, quadrilateral layers of differing textures are used to create a three-dimensional effect. Both carpets are available in various sizes.

From £2,210, rugcompany.com 23

lifestyle

[spotlight]

Musical

masterpieces Eaton Square Concerts launches its spring season

E

aton Square Concerts returns this spring, with performances taking place in April and May. It will see the return of pianist Piers Lane and the Gould Piano Trio. Piers’ programme explores a Viennese theme featuring Beethoven’s tempestuous Appassionata Sonata and transcriptions of songs by Schubert and Strauss. Meanwhile, the Gould Piano Trio performs music influenced by tragedy, including Shostakovich’s Piano Trio No. 2 in E minor, Op. 67 and Smetana’s Piano Trio in G minor, Op. 15.

Choral music is always a focus in Eaton Square Concerts’ programming. This season, there are two highly contrasting choral concerts. The first is presented by one of the world’s finest vocal ensembles, Stile Antico, renowned for their vibrant and expressive performances of music from the Renaissance. They perform Tenebrae Responsories by Spaniard Tomas Luis da Victoria.

The second brings the season to a close with a delightful programme of great English choral music from one of Britain’s

24

foremost choirs, the Holst Singers.

Every year, Eaton Square Concerts awards the St Peter’s Prize to an outstanding quartet from the Royal Academy of Music.

Former winners have gone on to forge successful international careers and win prestigious prizes.

This season includes performances from two of those St Peter’s Prize-winning quartets; Piatti Quartet (2011/2012) and the Czigány Quartet (2018). The Czigány Quartet opens the season with a programme that includes Debussy’s only string quartet.

Since being awarded the St Peter’s Prize, the Piatti Quartet has won second prize in the Wigmore Hall International String Competition.

It also performs string quintets with cellist Pierre Doumenge.

listings All concerts take place on Thursdays and start at 19:30 5 April: Piers Lane: Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Strauss 12 April: Piatti Quartet & Pierre Doumenge: Purcell, Boccherini, Schubert 19 April: Stile Antico: Victoria 26 April: The Gould Piano Trio: Haydn, Shostakovich, Smetana 3 May: The Host Singers: Holst, Elgar, Vaughan Williams, Parry Tickets are £18 per performance/ £12 concessions and include a complimentary glass of wine courtesy of Jeroboams, St Peter’s Church, 119 Eaton Square, SW1W 9AL, 020 7553 4039, eatonsquareconcerts.org.uk

local interest

[hi sto ry ]

way back when

Over the course of many years, Belgravia has been home to a plethora of notable figures.

The Journal takes a closer look at one who earned her place centre stage victoria sviggum

clockwise left to right: edith evans as cynthia dell in the laughing lady (1922) by alfred sutro © stage photo co., plaque and building © english heritage

D

ame Edith Evans was one of the most celebrated British actresses of the 20th century. Best remembered for her portrayal of Lady Bracknell in Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, she said of her craft: “What I want to give in the theatre is beauty, that’s what I want to give.”

Born on 8 February 1888, she was the daughter of Caroline and Edward Evans, who worked as a civil servant. She grew up at 109 Ebury Street in Belgravia, along with a brother, also Edward, who died as a child. At the age of 15, she began apprenticing at a court milliner’s shop in Buckingham Palace Road. During this time, she began attending evening drama classes locally.

In 1912, she played the role of Beatrice in an amateur production of Much Ado About Nothing and caught the eye of producer William Poel. He cast her in a minor role in in her first professional play, the 6thcentury Hindu classic Sakuntalá, in Cambridge. Later the same year, she made her London debut as Cressida in Troilus and Cressida.

What I want to give the theatre is beauty Evans went on to be a great success on the stage, assuming roles in both classic and modern plays and performing at some of the country’s most highly regarded theatres. Of her first season at the Old Vic, she said:

“It was altogether a momentous season for me and, on my only free day from rehearsals, I ran off and got married.” She wed George Booth in 1925, but the couple had been married for 10 years when he sadly died of a brain tumour.

The first time Evans played the character of Lady Bracknell that made her name was in 1939, at the Globe Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue. So captivating was her performance of this arrogant, upper-class Victorian woman, that she continued to play her on stage for many years to come. In 1952, she appeared in the same role in the film version, directed by Anthony Asquith.

In her later years, Evans veered more towards screen-acting. She was nominated for three Oscars in the 1960s, when she also won a Golden Globe, and received widespread critical acclaim – including a BAFTA – at the age of 80, for her leading role in 1967’s The Whisperers.

She continued to act until the age of 87, gracing the stage for the last time in a one-woman show entitled Edith Evans & Friends. She died in 1976 at her home in Kent, aged 88, having been honoured with the title Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to the theatre.

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[ s tay c at i o n ]

A Home Away

From Home Looking for the perfect short break? The Dorchester’s Belgravia Suite might just be the answer, as the Journal finds out francesca lee-rogers

T

here’s a hotel for every demographic, especially in and around Belgravia.

It is often said that the younger generation prefer the boutique and chic surroundings of The Hari, while their parents stay at the Jumeirah. Meanwhile, those who prefer the more iconic, grande dame-style British hotel may opt for a establishment slightly outside of the area, such as The Ritz, Claridge’s or The Dorchester. Those who favour the latter, won’t feel out of place in The Dorchester’s Belgravia-themed suite – part of its five-year suite renovation project, which has only recently been completed.

The Art Deco furniture gives a nod to the hotel’s beginnings Named after our prestigious neighbourhood, it certainly has the wow factor on arrival. There are sweeping views over some of London’s most iconic scenery: the hustle and bustle of Park Lane is counterbalanced with the verdant, 26

tranquil Hyde Park.

Inside, it is the epitome of tradition with the Art Deco furniture, giving a nod to the hotel’s beginnings in the 1930s.

A palette of blues, greys and golds feature in the living room, the marble fireplace and walnut flooring adding warmth to the surroundings, while the ornate drinks and mini bar cabinet – which includes a stash of Rococo chocolate – adds an Eastern touch. The bedroom is sumptuous and features gold and dusky pink tones. There’s also a heavenly smelling Rachel Vosper candle by my bedside. It’s easy to while the hours away in the suite, but alas, the spa awaits...

lifestyle

aromatherapy rose facial. The therapist listens attentively to my slight niggles and pains and dedicates more time to my back, while the soothing rose facial calms my skin. It’s honestly the most

It feels like a mini sanctuary

Located in the basement, it feels like a mini sanctuary away from the main hotel. Being eight months with child, I opt for the Mum’s the Word treatment, which includes a 55-minute aromatherapy pregnancy massage and a 60-minute

relaxed I’ve felt for a long while. The package ends with a file and polish in The Dorchester’s dedicated nail room, which features bottles of polish as a window display. Pamper complete, it’s time to head back to my Belgravia Suite for more rest and relaxation. That’s what weekends are for, after all.

Belgravia suites from £1,385, Mum’s the Word package £365, 53 Park Lane, W1K 1QA, 020 7317 6530, dorchestercollection.com

27

[ g r e at b r i t i s h e s c a p e ]

wine not?

Uncover the home of some great English grapes in the heart of the South Downs elizabeth blake

U

nless you’ve been living under a rock for the past year or so, you will have noticed that British sparkling wine is having a moment.

And if, like me, you love the idea of combining a weekend in the English countryside with a glass of brilliant bubbly, then Rathfinny Wine Estate should be at the top of your travel wish list.

Ex-hedge fund manager Mark Driver and his former City solicitor wife Sarah established Rathfinny in 2010. It’s situated in the midst of the picturesque, undulating landscapes of the South Downs in Sussex, just three miles from the coast. With the waters of the Channel sparkling in the distance and the verdant hills of the National Park surrounding you on all sides, it’s a postcard-worthy example of the best that rural Britain has to offer.

But it doesn’t just look good. With its south-facing slope, warm climate and chalk soils – similar to those found in the Champagne region – this is the perfect spot for producing world-class fizz to rival some of France’s finest. But Mark and Sarah’s ambitions don’t stop there; their

It’s a postcard-worthy example of the best that rural Britain has to offer

28

aim is to become one of the largest single vineyards in England and one of the largest in Europe, producing award-winning wines and sending them out to merchants around the world by the truckload.

There are currently nine vineyards between Sussex and Hampshire, and the team at Rathfinny asserts that the spirit among them is one of collaboration, with a collective purpose to promote sparkling wines from the region. Indeed, the drivers are so committed to the cause that they are fighting for restaurants

nationwide to have a dedicated Sussex Wines wine list to showcase their growing offering, which, by the end of this year, will include a blanc de blanc and a sparkling rosé.

There are also plans in the pipeline to release a vintage wine, though these bottles will need to be kept in the cellar for a further five to seven years.

I arrive at Rathfinny and embark on a tour of the vineyards under the expert leadership of Richard James, the vineyard’s operations and environment officer.

As someone partial to a good glass of wine but who would be the first to admit their knowledge of the subject is extremely lacking, I found

lifestyle

a large lunch and one too many glasses of wine, you can simply roll on over to Flint Barns, the vineyard’s on-site accommodation. Informal and relaxed, with welcoming and friendly staff, this is a place that exemplifies the ‘home from home’ adage and would make a great weekend retreat for a couple, but would work equally well as the venue for a mini-break with a

the tour to offer a fascinating insight into the processes of producing wine and the emergence of the British industry as a major player.

Richard began by explaining the life cycle of the grape, which starts in April, when the buds burst, and continues until October, when the fruit is harvested. I learnt that the secret to those all-important bubbles lies in the fermentation, and that it’s after the wine is fermented for the second time with yeast and sugar that carbon dioxide is forced into the bottle, thus creating the fizz.

Following this, the bottles are laid down in the cellar for three years, with the entire process, from vine to shelf, taking four years.

The tour ends with lunch at the winery’s restaurant, where a fourcourse menu showcases the best of local produce, including delectable creations such as truffle and goat’s cheese tarts, and a lemon posset.

Each course, as you’d expect, is accompanied by a complimentary glass from the vineyard’s range of equally excellent still wines, which are sold under the Cradle Valley label.

We’re also treated to an exclusive teaser: a glass of Rathfinny’s exquisite sparkling rosé. Crisp, dry and fruity, it is both refreshing and sophisticated, and it is at this moment that I vow never to touch a drop of Prosecco again. If you haven’t had the pleasure of sampling English sparkling before, I urge you to try this one when it’s released this year.

Richard had explained to us that the winemakers at Rathfinny limit the amount of sugar they add to the wine as they want the ‘fruit to do the talking’ – and it certainly does. Notes of fresh green apple and redcurrant are fresh on the palate, and, as we drink, he explains how it’s this fruity character that sets British sparkling wine apart from Champagne. He also relates how the estate is attempting to subvert the commonly held view that bubbly is a drink best reserved for special occasions – he tells us this rosé can be enjoyed throughout dinner and will pair particularly well with Asian food.

And the best part of a trip to Rathfinny? When you’re overwhelmed with lethargy after

The tour offers a fascinating insight into the processes of producing wine group of friends. Housing around 30 guests, the barns are cosy and sociable, with communal living and dining areas complete with roaring fires and copious board games. Everything runs solely on solar power, which, even in the depths of the British winter when we visited, clearly doesn’t prevent the rustling-up of a wonderful home-cooked breakfast.

Beyond the vineyard, there’s plenty to see and do. The nearby village of Alfriston is a veritable chocolate box of a place and brimming with antiques stores and art galleries, and is easily accessible either on foot or by car. I’d recommend the walk – on a sunny day, whatever the season, the views en route are beautiful.

A weekend in the country complete with spectacular scenery, wine and walks? I’ll raise a glass to that.

Rathfinny, White Way, Polegate, BN26 5TU, rathfinnyestate.com 29

DIRECTORY

All of the essentials are taken care of in our roundup for harmonious living

E state A gents Sothebys Realty 77-79 Ebury Street 020 7495 9580

Ayrton Wylie 16 Lower Belgrave Street 020 7730 4628

Henry & James 1 Motcomb Street 020 7235 8861

Knight Frank Sales 47 Lower Belgrave Street 020 3811 2473

Best Gapp 81 Elizabeth Street 020 7730 9253

John D Wood 48 Elizabeth Street 020 3151 5724

Marler & Marler 6 Sloane Street 020 7235 9641

Strutt & Parker 66 Sloane Street 020 3553 8393

Chestertons Belgravia 31 Lowndes Street 020 7235 3530 (lettings) 020 7235 8090 (sales)

Knight Frank Lettings 82-83 Chester Square 020 3740 4539

Savills 139 Sloane Street 020 7730 0822

Wellbelove Quested 160 Ebury Street 020 7881 0880

F ood & D rin k [BARS]

Amaya Halkin Arcade Motcomb Street 020 7823 1166

[C AF É S]

The Alfred Tennyson 10 Motcomb Street 020 7730 6074 thealfredtennyson.co.uk

[DELI]

La Bottega 25 Eccleston Street 020 7730 7411

The Thomas Cubitt 44 Elizabeth Street 020 7730 6060 thethomascubitt.co.uk

[PUBLIC HOUSES/ DINING ROOMS]

[ R E S TA U R A N T S ]

Tomtom Coffee House 114 Ebury Street 020 7730 1771

The Garden Room The Lanesborough Hyde Park Corner 020 7259 5599 The Library Bar The Lanesborough Hyde Park Corner 020 7259 5599

The Orange 37 Pimlico Road 020 7881 9844 theorange.co.uk

Motcombs 26 Motcomb Street 020 7235 6382 motcombs.co.uk

H ealth & W ellbeing [DOCTOR]

The Belgrave Medical Centre 13 Pimlico Road 020 7730 5171

[HAIR SALONS]

The Daniel Galvin Jr. Salon 4 West Halkin Street 020 7245 1050

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[WELLBEING] Bijoux Medi-Spa 149 Ebury Street SW1W 9QN 020 7730 0765 bijoux-medispa.co.uk

Bodydoctor A bespoke personal training and nutrition clinic in Belgravia.

Eaton Square 020 7235 2211 bodydoctor.com

Grace Belgravia 11c West Halkin Street 020 7235 8900 gracebelgravia.com

Skinsmiths Chantrey House, 4 Eccleston Street, SW1W 9LN, skinsmiths.com

Tomtom Mess Hall 14 Eccleston Street 020 7730 1845 Enoteca Turi 87 Pimlico Road SW1W 8PH 020 7730 3663 enotecaturi.com Ametsa at COMO The Halkin Halkin Street, SW1X 7DJ 020 7333 1234 comohotels.com

art & C ulture [GALLERIE S] Pullman Editions 94 Pimlico Road 020 7730 0547 pullmaneditions.com Luminaire Arts 19 Grosvenor Place SW1X 7HT 07966 236 969 luminairearts.co.uk

D IREC TO RY

Fashion [BOUTIQUES]

Philip Treacy 69 Elizabeth Street 020 7730 3992

[BESPOKE TA I L O R I N G ]

Stivaleria Cavallin 47 Elizabeth Street 020 3198 3269 stivaleriacavallin.com

Gio Genco 21 Motcomb Street 020 7259 6888 giogenco.com

[BRIDAL]

Le Spose di Gio 81 Ebury Street 020 7901 9020 le-spose-di-gio.it

S ervices [BANKS]

Handelsbanken Belgravia 14-15 Belgrave Square SW1X 8PS 020 7838 9000 handelsbanken.co.uk/ belgravia

[ E X C LU S I V E ] The Caledonian Club 9 Halkin Street 020 7235 5162 caledonianclub.com

[ M O V I N G S E RV I C E S ] Abels Moving Services UK, EU & International 020 3773 5796 info@abels.co.uk abels.co.uk Pickfords Gold Genesis House, Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, WD4 8LZ 0203 188 2544 pickfords.co.uk/pickfords-gold

[SOLICITORS]

Child & Child 11 Bressenden Place 020 7235 8000 childandchild.co.uk

[PSYCHOTHERAPY]

Suzanne Thomas DHC MRes, Hypnotherapist/ Psychotherapist 07770 378791 suzannethomas@ suzannethomas.co.uk suzannethomas.co.uk

[ T R AV E L & hotels ] Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel 21 Lowndes Street 020 7823 1234 Jumeirah Carlton Tower Cadogan Place 020 7235 1234

Astors Belgravia 106-112 Ebury Street SW1W 9QD, 020 7730 7511 astorsbelgravia.com The Hari 20 Chesham Place 020 7858 0100 thehari.com B+B Belgravia Offers 10% off for Belgravia residents 64-66 Ebury Street SW1W 9QD 020 7259 8570 bb-belgravia.com

S peciality S hops [C I G A R S P E C I A L I S T ]

VICKISARGE 38 Elizabeth Street 020 7259 0202 vickisarge.com

[C O N F E C T I O N E R S ]

Elizabeth Gage 5 West Halkin Street 020 7823 0100 eg@elizabeth-gage.com elizabeth-gage.com

Tomtom Cigars 63 Elizabeth Street 020 7730 1790

Peggy Porschen 116 Ebury Street 020 7730 1316

Pierre HermĂŠ Paris 13 Lowndes Street 020 7245 0317 R Chocolate London 198 Ebury Street 020 7730 5522

[ J EW E L L E R S ]

De Vroomen 59 Elizabeth Street 020 7730 1901

[ P E R F UM E R I E S ] Floris 147 Ebury Street 020 7730 0304 florislondon.com

[BULLION BROKER]

Sharps Pixley Limited 54 St James's Street 020 7871 0532 sharpspixley.com

[SECURITY]

My Local Bobby 07712 228 214 01992 676 270 info@mylocalbobby.co.uk mylocalbobby.co.uk

[ N EW S A G E N T S ]

Mayhew Newsagents

15 Motcomb Street / 020 7235 5770 Mayhew Newsagents is a local Belgravian institution.

As well as supplying the area with national and international newspapers and magazines, it provides an extensive range of stationery, computer supplies and postal services.

Opening times: Monday to Friday 7am-6pm, Saturday 8am-2pm, Sunday 8am-1pm Local delivery service available

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TO READ MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS VISIT www.luxurylondon.co.uk

@luxurylondonofficial 

@luxurylondonofficial 

@theofficialll

belgr avia property

Chapel Street, for sale at £8.95m, marketed by knight frank, knightfrank.co.uk

SHOWCASING THE finest HOMES IN AND AROUND BELGRAVIA

A DECADE ON

We interview the head honchos of sales and lettings at Knight Frank Belgravia

HAVE I GOT MEWS FOR YOU A spotlight on some of the most charming properties on quaint and cobbled streets in the area

GOING PLATINUM

Research reveals that £10m+ homes in the ‘platinum triangle’ have significantly outperformed

[ i n t e rvi ew ]

Consistency

IS KEY

The Journal discovers the secret of Knight Frank’s success

34

years, it has expanded into its own office on Chester Square – opposite the sales office on Lower Belgrave Street. Tom now has a team of six, some of whom have been there almost as long as himself, and together they consider themselves one of the most senior and, more importantly, successful teams within the business. Both Stuart and Tom are keen to point out that, as Knight Frank Belgravia has grown and evolved, they’ve promoted and added to their teams, enriching their offer.

Loyalty is clearly an asset across the board at Knight Frank. In fact, when I mention that it’s impressive that they’ve been at Knight Frank for

tom smith

S

tuart Bailey, partner and head of sales, and Tom Smith, partner and head of lettings, both at Knight Frank Belgravia, have a lot to celebrate. This May marks the office’s 10-year anniversary, and the duo have been there from the very start. “We opened in May 2008 and, just four months later, Lehman Brothers collapsed. It perhaps wasn’t the wisest time to open a new office!” Stuart admits.

However, although that first year was “financially challenging”, their hard work over the past decade has certainly paid off.

Stuart, who joined the team with seven years’ experience on the patch in Belgravia, puts their success down to relationships. “We hit the ground running because we already knew a lot of clients in the area, which is vital to business in Belgravia.” Stuart and his colleague Matthew Armstrong have been working together on and off in Belgravia for 17 years, ensuring clients benefit from their many years of experience and continuity.

The lettings department, meanwhile, was inaugurated in September 2008, and, back then, comprised a single desk. Over the

stuart bailey

FRANCESCA LEE-ROGERS

PRO PERT Y

a decade, they’re quick to reply that it’s a drop in the ocean compared to others in the business. “Many colleagues celebrate 20 or 30 years with Knight Frank,” Stuart tells me.

It’s this longevity and their long-standing client management that’s key.

“The secret to the area is relationships – year after year over 50 per cent of our business is repeat or recommendation business,” Stuart tells me. Tom adds: “We’re always in contact with our clients and reachable 24/7.” And the figures bear this out: even though, according to LonRes, there was a slight downturn in the market – 15 per cent less sales in Belgravia in 2017 than 2016 – Knight Frank has managed to maintain the same number of sales in the past two years. Stuart says: “Although market volume and transactions have softened, we’ve been consistent in the amount of deals we’ve achieved. We’ve gained market share and generated further business through focus on exceptional customer care and experience.”

Tom is keen to point out the synergy between sales and lettings, and that, more recently, there has been a pick-up in the lettings market.

“When the sales market is on the up, clients will sell, but when the market softens and they don’t want to sell, they’ll rent,” he says. Indeed, Tom and Stuart are in constant contact with each other, and will point clients in the other’s direction if they decide to let out their property rather than dropping the price dramatically – something which is rarely seen in Belgravia, as clients, investors and property funds tend to hold onto

an asset and wait until the market picks up.

Stuart adds: “Some sellers have become landlords, and hold on to the belief in capital growth a few years down the line, and are taking the yield they get at the moment as a half-decent margin. It makes Belgravia a safe place to live and invest in, as you don’t see dramatic falls – you just see it soften and stop.” By the same token, some tenants decide to rent a property in order to ‘try before they buy’, looking to potentially purchase it further down the line.

So, what exactly is it that has always made Belgravia so attractive to renters and purchasers alike?

“Fashion fades – only style remains the same,” Stuart says, quoting Coco Chanel.

He and Tom agree that it’s more what hasn’t changed, such as the white stucco buildings, neat garden squares and villagelike atmosphere that makes the neighbourhood appealing. After 10 successful years at Knight Frank, they’re looking forward to what’s in store for the next decade.

The secret to the area is relationshipdriven

Knight Frank Sales, 47 Lower Belgrave Street, SW1W 0LS, 020 7881 7722, knightfrank.co.uk Knight Frank Lettings, 82-83 Chester Square, SW1W 9HJ, 020 7881 7730, knightfrank.co.uk 35

Chapel Street, Belgravia SW1 A six bedroom townhouse with a roof terrace and double garage A double aspect corner house, presented in excellent condition. The house benefits from a south facing roof terrace, 2 balconies and a large garage. The flexible living accommodation makes it ideal for entertaining and family living. 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, staff room, dining room, drawing room, media room, kitchen/breakfast room, study, 2 guest cloakrooms, garage, roof terrace. EPC: F. Approximately 421 sq m (4,541 sq ft).

Freehold

Guide price: £8,950,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/belgravia belgravia@knightfrank.com 020 3641 5910

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/BGV180004

BRJ 25 Chapel Street April 2018

06/03/2018 11:41:50

3557

50

Celebrating 10 years as your trusted neighbour In the last decade, we have hugely enjoyed making a home for ourselves in Belgravia. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, let or rent, our experienced local team can help you find your perfect home, sooner.

Please come in and see us to discuss your property requirements. We’d love to help you.

Connecting people & property, perfectly.

Sales: 020 8115 3042 Lettings: 020 8115 3069

355722 KF_BelgMag_March18.indd 1

13/03/2018 17:06

[NEW S]

Going Platinum: Belgravia is London’s ‘most reliable’ super-prime address Surge in Middle Eastern interest is reported in Belgravia, Knightsbridge & Mayfair, as research reveals £10m+ properties in the ‘platinum triangle’ have significantly outperformed

A

notable surge in interest from Middle Eastern buyers has been reported in London, but only across a very select number of “platinum” postcodes.

Boutique agency Rokstone has seen enquiries from Saudi Arabia soar by 30 per cent over the past four months, together with a 20 per cent rise of buyers from Qatar, a 15 per cent rise from Bahrain, and a 5 per cent uptick from Yemen – and is predicting the trend to continue throughout 2018.

Political conflicts, stand-offs and the war in Yemen are driving more and more of the region’s wealthy residents to look at the safe haven of London, says the firm, and the preference is to specify just three traditional luxury neighbourhoods.

Apparently, over 70 per cent of Middle Eastern buyers will look at stock only within the so-called

Rokstone says Belgravia is London’s ‘most reliable superprime address’ platinum triangle of Belgravia, Knightsbridge and Mayfair – basically within a 10-15-minute walk of Harrods.

The world’s most famous department store isn’t the only driver, however. Contrary to what you may have heard, analysis

38

of LonRes data for these three areas shows very little in the way of discounting in the £10m-plus market during 2017. Rokstone found “very little or no gap” between vendor/developer asking prices and achieved values in Belgravia, Knightsbridge and Mayfair, leading the firm to declare Belgravia as “London’s most reliable super-prime address”. £151.3m worth of £10m+ sales were recorded in Belgravia last year, with super-prime homes achieving an average of £21.6m – both figures

pro pert y

trumping all other areas of the capital. An average difference of -4 per cent was recorded between asking and achieved prices, which was relatively tiny compared with some parts of town (we’ll get on to Hampstead in a bit).

Properties in the ‘platinum triangle’ continue to outperform

Middle Eastern buyers, with a 30 per cent rise over the past four months. This is being driven by the political and economic instability in the Gulf region.

What is interesting is that the Gulf investors are focusing all of their interest in buying property in the ‘platinum triangle’ of Knightsbridge, Belgravia and Mayfair. Go outside of this trio of addresses and their interest in buying declines significantly.

“Property values within London’s ‘platinum triangle’ of Knightsbridge, Belgravia and Mayfair continue to perform and hold their value. The typical superprime deal is over £14 million and the difference between asking and achieved values is typically -3 to -4 per cent, which is minimal. Outside of this area, within prime London values are less reliable, with the average deal dropping to just over £11 million and a significantly greater drop between asking and achieved values, averaging between -7 per cent to -9 per cent.” rokstone.com

S potl i ght on Vanbru gh Pri me Property The Vanbrugh Fund provides access to investment in the development of superprime residential property in London In 2014, the company completed the full restoration of the interior of 32 Chapel Street, Belgravia. At £3,100 psf, this sold at around 30 per cent more than specialist Belgravia agents expected. Together with their property adviser Fenton Whelan, they delivered

Knightsbridge also performed well, with £114.5m worth of £10m+ sales, an average sales price of £14.3m, and a difference between asking and achieved values of just -3.75 per cent. Mayfair’s figures worked out as a total of £85.5m, an average of £14.2m, and an asking/ achieved gap of only -3.28 per cent.

The firm recently tucked away a record £25m deal in Knightsbridge, involving the sale of two lateral apartments to an ultra high net worth family from Oman at a blended rate of £3,200 per square foot – the highest value periodproperty flat sale in the district for over two years.

Becky Fatemi, managing director of Rokstone says: “We are seeing a significant surge in enquiries and sales from wealthy

a world-class “turn-key” family house augmented by a huge media room and gym, on top of which they created a beautiful oasis of a garden.

More recently, they’ve been turning the top three floors of 15-17 Eaton Place into a stunningly appointed penthouse.

Visual cues on the outside of this classic Belgravia terrace lead to the creation of a subconscious expectation about space articulation on the inside, which is why a combination of beautiful design, and the fact that the huge floor plate is spread across two former properties, gives rise to an unexpected and delightful sense of space and grandeur.

To be marketed in the spring in

PrimeQResi

the £25-£30m bracket, it will be an amazing statement of a home. vanbrughprimeproperty.com

JOURNAL OF LUXURY PROPERTY

39

HANS PLACE, KNIGHTSBRIDGE SW1X

£2,875,000

LEASEHOLD APPROX. 984 YEARS PLUS SHARE OF FREEHOLD • TASTEFULLY REFURBISHED TWO BEDROOM APARTMENT • TWO EN-SUITE BATHROOMS • • RECEPTION ROOM WITH DINING AREA • KITCHEN • GUEST CLOAKROOM • • LIFT • RIGHTS TO ACCESS COMMUNAL GARDENS • 953 SQ FT • EPC C •

BELGRAVIA OFFICE 1 Motcomb Street, London SW1X 8JX +44 (0)20 7235 8861 belgraviaoffice@henryandjames.co.uk

henryandjames.co.uk

EBURY STREET, BELGRAVIA SW1W

£1,450,000

LEASEHOLD APPROXIMATELY 91 YEARS • TWO BEDROOM APARTMENT • TWO BATHROOMS (ONE EN-SUITE) • • TWO SEPARATE ENTRANCES • ONE LARGE EAT-IN KITCHEN WITH SECOND SMALLER KITCHEN • • RECEPTION ROOM • SOUTH AND WEST FACING ASPECTS • 1,153 SQ FT • EPC E •

BELGRAVIA OFFICE 1 Motcomb Street, London SW1X 8JX +44 (0)20 7235 8861 belgraviaoffice@henryandjames.co.uk

henryandjames.co.uk

HANS PLACE, KNIGHTSBRIDGE SW1X

£8,250 PER WEEK • SUBSTANTIAL SEVEN BEDROOM FAMILY HOME • SIX BATHROOMS (ALL EN-SUITE) • • OPEN-PLAN KITCHEN WITH DINING AREA • TWO RECEPTION ROOMS • STUDY • • GARDEN AND TERRACE • ENTRANCE HALL • LIFT • 4,275 SQ FT • EPC TBC •

BELGRAVIA OFFICE 1 Motcomb Street, London SW1X 8JX +44 (0)20 7235 8861 belgraviaoffice@henryandjames.co.uk

henryandjames.co.uk

PRO PERT Y

[o n the market]

have i got mews for you Four local agents spotlight the best quaint houses for sale and to let B o s c o b e l Pl a c e , m a rk et e d by Be st G a pp, ÂŁ 4 .7 5 m

An extremely desirable and unusually wide four-bedroom mews house with two garages and two additional parking spaces located within the mews.

Boscobel Place is a quiet cobbled mews situated just off Elizabeth Street in the heart of Belgravia, which provides a wide array of boutique shops, restaurants and local amenities.

81 Elizabeth Street, SW1W 9PG, 020 7730 9253, bestgapp.co.uk

E bu ry M ew s , m a r k et e d by H e n ry & Jame s , ÂŁ 1 , 100 p w

Excellent two-bedroom mews property available, comprising a bright lounge/dining room with plenty of natural light and a modern kitchen to the first floor. Two double bedrooms, an ensuite bathroom and full family bathroom are located on the top floor of this attractive home.

Ebury Mews is very well located, moments from Victoria and only a short walk from the prestigious restaurants, shops and amenities close to Sloane Square. This enviable location provides easy access to the high end, internationally renowned

shopping of Knightsbridge, as well as allowing an occupant the opportunity to enjoy the village-like atmosphere of Motcomb Street.

Furthermore, it benefits from close proximity to the leafy retreat of Hyde Park and the useful flagship store of

Waitrose on West Halkin Street.

The versatility, grandeur and superb layout of the flat makes this property the ideal home.

1 Motcomb Street, SW1X 8JX, 020 7235 8861, henryandjames.co.uk 43

PRO PERT Y

St M i c h a e l’ s M ew s , G r a h am Te r r a c e , m a r k et e d by S t ru t t & Pa r k e r , £ 2 , 9 5 0 p w

Superbly located within the prestigious Belgravia Place development, this immaculately presented four-bedroom lowbuilt contemporary townhouse offers light, spacious and flexible accommodation over three floors.

The house comes complete with underground parking, a patio garden and a terrace off the master bedroom suite.

St Michael’s Mews is situated only moments from Sloane Square but is wonderfully peaceful and secure.

66 Sloane Street, SW1X 9SH, 020 7235 9959, struttandparker.com

B o s c o b e l Pl a c e , m a rk et e d by K n i gh t F r a n k , POA

A four-bedroom mews house, newly built behind the retained façade with wonderful proportions and an abundance of natural light.

The property provides an exceptional first-floor reception room with an elegant study through double doors. The kitchen is superbly appointed and has a dining area with built-in seating, and there are two bedrooms with en suite bathrooms on the lower floor. The entire top floor is laid out as a master suite, with a spacious bedroom, large dressing room and a luxurious bathroom, plus a remarkable winter garden with a sliding glass roof. There is also a shower room on the first floor that would allow the study to become a further bedroom.

47 Lower Belgrave Street, SW1W 0LS, 020 7881 7722, knightfrank.co.uk 44

Chesham Place

Knightsbridge SW1X

An exquisite, newly refurbished flat arranged over the first floor of an attractive stucco-fronted building, redesigned to retain period features and create two double bedrooms and two bathrooms. The impressive first floor reception room provides the centrepiece with tall ceilings, floor to ceiling French doors, beautiful cornicing and a wonderful ornate fireplace. Chesham Place is ideally located in the heart of Belgravia, moments from Motcomb Street.

EPC rating E

chestertons.com

ÂŁ3,250,000 leasehold

Knightsbridge & Belgravia

020 7235 8090

sales.knightsbridge@chestertons.com

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ELIZABETH BELGRAVIA EcclestonSTREET, Square, Pimlico SW1 SW1

£1,695,000 Price: £1,750,000Leasehold Leasehold

superb first and second floor twoflat bedroom, bathroom apartment situatedafter in the heart overlooking of Belgravia the A Alateral unmodernised fourth floor situatedtwo in one of Pimlico’s most sought squares with easycommunal access to the excellent amenities of Sloane and the West End. The in property light to andthe excellent gardens.

The flat is located a shortSquare walk from many local shops Victoriaoffers and close spacious accommodation withlocal the benefit ofElizabeth having itsStreet own private street entrance and an elegant first floor shops in and Sloane Square. reception room opening onto a contemporary kitchen/breakfast room.

• Reception • Kitchen/ •breakfast room • •2Kitchen bedrooms • 2 bathrooms • 1-2 Reception rooms room • 2-3 Bedrooms 1-2 Bathrooms • Access to communal gardens Guest WC • Private1,531 entrance EPC (D)sq m) EPC•(F) • GIA (approx.) sq ft •(142.23

Montrose Place, Belgravia SW1 Chester Row, Belgravia SW1

£13,500,000 Freehold £6,950,000 Freehold

An exceptional low built mews house, newly refurbished and arranged over four f loors.

4984 sq ft (463 m sq) Entrance Hall| Drawing room | Kitchen/Dining room| Master bedroom suite | Four further bedrooms | Five further bath/shower rooms | Media room | Gym | Study | Utility room/Garage EPC Rating C Knightsbridge 020 7235 9959 | James.forbes@struttandparker.com

Eaton Terrace, Belgravia, SW1

£7,500,000 Freehold

A spacious five bedroom terraced house in the heart of Belgravia with the benefit of a superb garden.

Entrance hall | Reception room | Dining room | Eat-in kitchen | Family room | Master bedroom ensuite

A superb five bedroom freehold terraced town house with a large garden, garage and arranged 2,916 sq ft (270over sq m) five floors.

Four further bedrooms | Family bathroom | Shower room | Garden | Two Balconies | Study | Utility room Guest WC | Vault

rating m E sq) 3,184 sqEPC ft (295.8 Entrance Hall | Family room | Dining room | Kitchen | Drawing room | Study | Guest cloakroom | Master bedroom with en suite bathroom |Two bedrooms with en suite bathroom | Two further bedrooms | Family bathroom | Vaults | Wine cellar | Garden | Garage EPC Rating D Knightsbridge 020 7235 9959 Paul.Gransbury@struttandparker.com Knightsbridge 020 7235 9959 | paul.gransbury@struttandparker.com

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60 Offices across England and Scotland, including prime Central London.

Spring always brings out the viewers.

Whether you’re buying, selling, renting or letting, Spring is when the property market starts to warm up. And, at Strutt & Parker, we’re ready to get moving on your behalf.

Speak with one of our experienced and friendly professionals, who will be on hand to help you all the way.

Call the Knightsbridge & Belgravia team. +44(0)20 3813 9432

66 Sloane Street, London SW1X 9SH +44(0)20 3813 9432 | struttandparker.com 60 Strutt & Parker offices nationwide | 1350 Christie’s offices worldwide

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