BELGRAVIA Resident’s Journal J U LY 201 2
I S S U E 002
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Editor Kate Harrison
Editor-in-Chief Lesley Ellwood
Associate Publisher Sophie Roberts
Deputy Editor Elle Blakeman
Production Hugo Wheatley
Project Manager Alice Tozer
Head of Design Hiren Chandarana
Production Manager Fiona Fenwick
Head of Finance Elton Hopkins
Designer Sophie Blain
Client Relationship Director Kate Oxbrow
Managing Director Eren Ellwood
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from the
Editor It’s summer and Belgravia has been spoilt with an array of summer street parties, on top of its Jubilee celebrations. Hotstepping it from Motcomb Street by day to Elizabeth Street by night, we were there and caught some of the action on page 5 (The Notebook).
From Jubilee to Olympic Games, we really are spoilt this year. But who’s been giving the food at the Games much thought? One Belgravian who certainly has is chef extraordinaire Anton Mosimann who will be reconnecting with his Swiss roots as he prepares cuisine for London 2012. Read about precisely how and alongside whom on page 6 (Food fit for the Gods). Don’t miss our monthly calendar on page 12, designed to inspire you with ideas for local events this July season, from cakebaking to country escapes. Then get back down to business on page 17 with our interview with Pimlico Road design favourite, Joanna Wood, (The Belgravian) who tells us a thing or two about her route to the top of the international interior design ladder whilst keeping it stricly local. Have a glorious mid-summer and enjoy your July journal.
Photograph: Wilton Row, SW1 / Savills - see page 39
The Belgravia Residents’ Journal is published independently by Runwild Media Group with regular editorial contributions from The Belgravia Residents’ Association. To become a member of the BRA, see page 21.
We would highly value any feedback you wish to email us with: editor@residentsjournal.co.uk; or telephone us on 020 7987 4320.
The Notebook
Who and what is moving and shaking in Belgravia this month? We keep you up-to-date
Squat a lot of trouble Belgravian homes have long been target areas for squatters but it seems that the financial crisis is the latest cause and is provoking a new wave of squatters in the area. Squatters in London’s most affluent neighbourhoods as a whole are said to have increased two-fold in the last twelve months as the global crisis has brought an influx of foreigners seeking, yet failing to obtain, a job and a roof over their head. Also to blame is the increase in foreign billionaires buying so-called ‘trophy homes’ in the area, which they leave vacant for months on end. In the context of today’s global insecurity they see prime London properties as safe investments. High rental prices and unemployment may also leave some of these properties empty. Be the cause what it may, the number of applications for court orders to evict the intruders has doubled in affluent London boroughs in a year. There have been a whole host of reported cases of squatter sagas in the last few years in Belgravia. In 2009, one group was eventually evicted from a £12million-house on Chester Square near the home of Baroness Thatcher, only to set up camp a few weeks later in a seven-storey Georgian house a short distance from the former wife of Roman Abramovich. The group of six moved into the nineteen-room property during the time at which it was under renovation. Squatting debates raise issues about the need for shelter versus the rights of property owners. Legislation does not currently penalise squatters; the police can only move in if the squatters damage or steal something. There is even a section of the Criminal Law Act of 1977 that protects the occupants of a property, regardless of whether they own it. However, new laws are expected later this year to make the practice a crime with up to a year in jail or a £5,000 fine as penalty. Feel strongly about squatting in Belgravia or have a related story to share? Email us at: letters@residentsjournal.co.uk
Business move for Belgravia media high-flyer Linda Mindel Carvell of Belgravia Productions (82 Bourne Street), has been appointed media consultant of Anjli London, a company which makes handmade clutch bags and shawls. The firm has tasked Carvell with developing the company’s brand image in particular. Carvell has been Media & Marketing Consultant at Belgravia Productions since 2005. She is already Style and Celebrity Commentator for Talk Radio, the largest Englishspeaking radio station in Europe; Media & Marketing Consultant for Cocorose London (designer of foldable ballet pumps and selected by BAFTA for their Gift Bags to Nominees & Presenters at the 2010 BAFTA British Film Academy Awards) as well as Fashion & Beauty Editor for Surrey Occasions Magazine.
Illustration: Russ Tudor
Abramovich paves way for home win Roman Abramovich, owner of Chelsea Football Club, has put his Lowndes Square mansion on the market for £70 million after planning permission on the property expired. This provides an opportunity for a buyer willing to pick up the baton to finish renovations on the nine-flat building and create one of London’s finest homes. It is estimated that £15 million will be required on top of the asking price to finish the project Abramovich started; one in which he envisaged an eightbedroom mansion spread over five storeys above ground and three basement levels, housing a cinema, indoor pool, steam room, sauna, children’s study and entertainment room.
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Motcomb Street Jubilee Pa
Belgravia has been putting on all the fun of the fair this season, with its Jubilee celebrations and street parties galore. . .
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Elizabeth Street Summer Pa
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Illustrations: Mai Osawa
Food fit for
the Gods
The mighty McDonald’s may be London 2012’s official restaurant but some highly-revered chefs will be putting the cherry on top at the Games, including Belgravia’s Anton Mosimann. Alice Tozer reports
W
hen Great Britain won the Olympic bid in 2005, few could have imaged such a flawless run-up to the event. We tend to possess a Great British Mistrust in our own national competence. But it’s all gone splendidly well so far, give or take a few question marks over public transport and a budget abuse or two. Imperfections are to be expected but one area which the organisers, LOCOG, should ensure doesn’t go to pot is the food.
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The London Olympics 2012 presents a prime opportunity to display British cuisine at its most genuine. And pressingly-so given that British national cuisine is a conversation-piece which tends to greatly amuse foreigners. One man who will be adding his tuppence worth to efforts to challenge any ill perceptions is chef Anton Mosimann, owner of Mosimann’s private dining club in Belgrave Square. Mosimann, of Swiss heritage, has partnered up with The House of Switzerland, the
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country’s official hospitality centre at the Olympics. The duo are seeking to knock out top-notch Swiss food with emphases on Swiss classics, homely cooking and signature dishes from the region of Berner Oberland, the higher part of the canton of Bern. Mosimann will think up food for the Swiss Olympic Committee on the one hand and the general public on the other. For the lay Olympic-goer there will be a Bernese Chalet with an invitingly rustic presence and the intimacy of a caveau. Its menu will be one of Swiss comfort food. That’ll be good for the downpours then and is a food genre that one would imagine the Alpine country does quite well if fondue is anything to go by. Next up will be Brasserie Swiss; a chic, modern à-la-carte set-up offering greater refinement with signature dishes from Anton. Various food stalls will then offer the ultimate in take-back-to-your-seat convenience, such as Swiss favourites Bratwurst & Buerli, Roesti To Go and Raclette Takeaway. Swiss though it is, the cuisine will feature the freshest local ingredients from Britain. Mosimann might be exhibiting his Swiss flair for the benefit of the Games but he is perfectly well versed in British culinary traditions. The chef cooked up a right royal banquet for the Queen at her Jubilee celebrations, which also marked fifty years of his cooking career. His lunch menu at Westminster Hall for 750 went something along the lines of ‘Marinated Uist Island salmon with Lyme Bay crab and fresh herb salad with lime soy dressing; saddle of Welsh Cambrian lamb with braised shoulder of lamb, grilled English asparagus, Jersey Royal potatoes and Jubilee Sauce’ whilst dessert translated into ‘chocolate délice, bread and butter pudding and seasonal Scottish berries.’ He then rustled up a Ceylon tea served with petits fours that was, remarkably, made from a bush planted by the Duke of Edinburgh during a state visit to Sri Lanka in 1954. It was at The Belfry in Belgravia that Anton Mosimann established his flagship private dining club in 1987. The area was ideal for his tendency towards international cuisine, both modern and traditional, combined with serious quality control. The venue itself overflowed with historic features and contemporary accents alike. The club now houses six private dining rooms, each presented by a prestige marque the like of Lalique, Bentley, Montblanc and Parmigiani Fleurier. Mosimann’s Party Service has catered for a fair few major sporting events such as The Beijing Summer Olympics in 2008 and The Vancouver Winter Olympics in
2010. The Diamond Jubilee aside, Mosimann provided top nosh for the royals at the Wedding Banquet of Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at Buckingham Palace last year. (Mosimann’s has held the Royal Warrant for catering services from HRH The Prince of Wales since 2000.) The British Prime Minister and his office at no. 10 Downing Street are also catered for by the main man. Security guards at the Games are under orders to confiscate any food deemed ‘excessive’ and, in a déjà-vu airport set-up, bottled water, cartons and liquid over 100ml in size will be scooped away on entry. And yet London seems set to top Beijing on the food front, at least. At the 2008 Chinese-hosted Olympics, no food or drink could be bought into the Olympic Park at all, which will not be the case at London although security will be tight and restrictions will apply. One spectator at the Beijing Games told The Residents’ Journal, ‘Apart from one very overcrowded McDonald’s you could only get your hands on Snickers and Chinese crisps. There was no substantial hot food. It was the subject of many moans.’ However, criticism has been thrown at the outlined (high) prices of the food at London 2012. Mosimann is not alone in his capacity as celebrity chef at work at the Games. English-born Angela Hartnett, protégée of Gordon Ramsay, holds the contract to cater at the Olympic Hospitality Centre in partnership with Smart Hospitality. She will cook for marketing partners and their guests as well as the International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Club. Throughout her Olympic challenge, Hartnett (MBE) will continue her day job of propping up Murano, the Michelin-starred Mayfair restaurant she bought from Gordon Ramsay earlier this year. Elsewhere at Olympic venues, there will be catering groups a-flurry working away on their own allocated patches: Compass Group, Aramark, BaxterStorey, Sodexo and The NEC Group are some. They have a hefty task to hand with some 14 million meals being the estimated total after you’ve counted the 9 million ticket sales, the 23,900 athletes and team officials, the 20,600 press members alongside thousands of workforce indiciduals. LOCOG Chief Executive Paul Deighton says, ‘People will view their experience of London 2012 in many different ways, including how good the food was.’ Talking to Caterer Search about the committee’s approach, he explained, ‘Our tier one catering partners will work with a number of smaller
‘Anton Mosimann might be exhibiting his Swiss flair for the benefit of the Games but he is perfectly well versed in British culinary traditions’
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caterers to help deliver key parts of their catering offer, and work with a multitude of large, medium and small food producers to showcase the best of British food.’ We’ve all been getting in the mood for Olympic cuisine since the early spring thanks to BBC2’s programme, Great British Menu: The Olympic Feast, during which the nation’s greatest chefs have been battling for the chance to cook their own superlative Olympic banquet and to showcase contemporary British cooking at its finest. The chefs have been tasked with shaping a menu that captures the Olympic spirit of the athletes themselves; food that is breathtaking and awe-inspiring. One chef created an Olympic dessert inspired by the podium of bronze, silver and gold, with lids of each shade propped on top of three quintessentially British dessert pots. Another worked on the five-rings theme for his main course, with small savoury bites forming the wobbly inner centres of edible, colourful outer bands. McDonald’s has achieved official restaurant of London 2012 status and subsequently built its largest restaurant worldwide at the Olympic Park; one which can cater for 1,500 bums on seats tucking into Chicken McNuggets (rest assured, these will be made from British Chicken only according to a recent McDonald’s UK statement). Even if the US giant were not involved, it is looking unlikely that a traditional British food affair (bacon rolls, pork pies et al) would be the name of the Games. More likely we will see utter international culinary variety which is a fair reflection of the UK restaurant scene. Foreign punters can get their Sunday roast education elsewhere lest they forget there is life outside the Olympic Park. With all tastes catered for at the Olympics, hopefully even the French will find something they can stomach. A certain group of Gallic activists have already caused an Olympic stir by demanding that French be used on all signage, every announcement and each leaflet at London’s Olympic Stadium. They are sure to be pacified once they hear quite how extensively McDonald’s are moving in at Stratford, what with France being the world’s No.2 consumer. Thank goodness for le big mac, international language of communication.
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‘Foreign punters can get their Sunday roast education elsewhere lest they forget there is life outside the Olympic Park’
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LONDON FLAGSHIP BOUTIQUE 29 LOWNDES STREET • KNIGHTSBRIDGE • SW1X 9HX T: +44 20 7201 2590 E: store@herveleger.co.uk
Streetwise
We stroll around the lanes of Belgravia and note retail news of the month
Belgravia’s
shop of the month
Just the Italian wedding job ‘Those who in July do wed, must labour for their daily bred’, or so goes the rhyme. It’s the best month of the year for a wedding in this country and Belgravia is the optimum location in London for brides to shop lavishly. Known for its housing a ‘wedding quarter’, the area is home to some of the most exclusive names in the bridal business, from fashion designers to hairdressers. And one bridal dress shop which really stands out is Italian brand Le spose di Giò whose dresses ooze purity, flawless style and richness. The name was established in 1975 and is run by Giovanna and Marisa De Capitani. With ateliers already in Bologna, Bergamo, Monza and Varese, they launched a range in this country eight years ago. There is a beautiful collection on offer this season, incorporating soft details such as drapery alongside contemporary design. For an edgier feel there are also sophisticated skirt and trouser suits to try on as well as the increasingly popular short-length dresses which give the bright and breezy feel of marriage being all in a day’s work. 81 Ebury Street
Top of the
range
Belgravian boutiques that will add the finishing touch to a bride’s day are...
Floral couture, darling Working from his Belgravia boutique, The Flower Lounge, Neill Strain is reputed as one of Britain’s leading floral designers and a trend-setter within the industry. Famed for his panache and theatrical style, Neill will transform your wedding venue into a world of floral magic and romance with bespoke designs ranging from cutting-edge to traditional with a twist.
Fresh take on pearls
Erickson Beamon has a thick notepad of private clients, from Angelina Jolie to Lady Gaga. At the Belgravia boutique, glittering snowflakes freeze into delicate drop earrings and black roses bloom on bangles. Their artistry has been immortalized in the collections of the V&A and the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum, where the ‘Dollhouse’ chandelier earrings are permanently housed. Find a traditional pearl with a modern edge to add personal identity to a discerning bride-to-be. Necklance (£1,163) and earrings (£192), both antiquated silver plate with Swarovski crystal and pearl
38 Elizabeth Street
11 West Halkin Street Images: Mary-Jane Maybury Photography
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The Calendar
Bringing you the status quo for the most appealing organised events in Belgravia and beyond this July
A country outing en famille
The Belgravia Residents’ Association invites readers to accompany them on a visit to the magnificent French Renaissance-style château that is Waddesdon Manor, designed by French architect Destailleur in 1874 for Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild. On Thursday 5 July, the Association is organising an introductory tour of the House, its fine Victorian gardens and the Rothschild Collection. There will also be a guided tour of the wine cellars, with an informal talk about the contents of the 15,000 or so bottles stored in the vaults. The day will conclude with a tasting of Rothschild varietal wines conducted by Waddesdon’s sommelier. The whole hog costs £55, which includes return transport to Belgravia. Waddesdon Manor is in Aylesbury which, you will see, appears to be Belgravians’ county of the month if you turn to the next page to read about The Marriage of Figaro next door. To book go to: belgraviaresidents.org.uk/events-management. For details email: communications@belgraviaresidents.org.uk. www.belgraviaresidents.org.uk
Above / South front of Waddesdon Manor
Fine chocolating al fresco
The benefits of yoga are well-touted, but committing to weekly classes is a lifelong threat for so many of us. But that is no longer good enough now that Empowering Yoga, founded by instructor Joanne Cohen, has become an offering of the discipline in Belgravia. An accumulation of her twenty years’ experience of practising and learning different styles of yoga across the world, Joanne’s classes are of the Vinyasa-influenced Hatha genre and suitable in group and one-to-one format. As well as yoga, Joanne works as a RaphaYad bioenergy therapist, helping clients enhance their self-healing abilities by way of releasing energy blockages and enhancing cellular communication. Fancy a bit of that for a change? It’s on your doorstep.
Rococo is Belgravia’s one-stop shop for the discerning chocolate lover, as locals know. However, you may not be au fait with the dainty and beautifully designed secret garden tucked out the back which, now we’re at the height of summer, comes into its own. Here, Rococo’s chocolates can be sampled in peaceful surroundings. Customers may accompany said indulgences with a cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate and take some time out from the hustle and bustle of the day. If you have enough self-control to save your cocoa purchases until you get home, Rococo also offers homemade cake as an accompaniment to the hot drinks. The garden is even open to those who want to enjoy some food purchased elsewhere in a tranquil setting, but there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to leave entirely chocolate-free once you’ve seen what’s on offer.
7-9 Eccleston Street; www.empoweringyoga.co.uk
5 Motcomb Street
Yoga for procrastinators
The marriage of outdoor opera and nibbles
Have your cake and make it Soon August will be upon us and, whilst we’ll have the Olympics and Paralympics to entertain us, we will be experiencing a certain summer lull. Seize the month; turn your hand to cake making and you will start the autumn with renewed vigour (and skill). The Peggy Porschen Academy offers a ‘Large Blooms… Open Peony and Parrot Tulips’ course with Jacqueline Butler on 30 and 31 August (9am-5pm both days; £845) teaching techniques for making flower centers, buds, leaves and the many wired petals needed to form their large blooms, with particular focus on the over-sized open peony (with stamens) and the parrot tulip. Alternatively, sign up for ‘Springtime Favourites: Ranunculus, Sweet Peas and Filler Flowers with Jacqueline Butler’ on 28 and 29 August (9am-5pm; £880). Walk away with the savoir-faire to create a stylised Ranunculus and delicate Sweat Pea, in all stages of bloom that is. If you get the bug for it, you may want to consider a professional Peggy Porschen Diploma which would do wonders for a career, or even a little sideline, in cakemaking.
Belgravia residents Christopher and Mardi Gilmour have recently obtained a country bolthole, becoming custodians of Winslow Hall near Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire. They are encouraging Belgravians to get out of town upon an evening and sample opera in their beautiful grounds in the form of Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro, performed by Stowe Opera. Winslow Hall was described by Marcus Binney in The Times as ‘the Rolls-Royce of English domestic architecture’ and, happily, stage performances will be provided there. It was built by England’s greatest architect, Sir Christopher Wren, and the events will take place in a fully covered marquee should rain spoil play. Boisdale Jazz Club members attending the performance on Saturday 21 or 28 July are invited to attend a special drinks reception hosted by Christopher and Mardi Gilmour at the Hall from 5pm, for an extra £10 on top of the opera’s asking price of sixty. For more general information email: christophergilmour@btinternet.com and to book contact Stowe Opera’s box office on 01280 848 275. Evening performances will have a scheduled ninety-minute supper interval and the grounds are apt for picnicking. Could life get any more civilized? Available dates are: Saturday 21 July, 6pm; Sunday 22 July, 3pm; Wednesday 25 July, 6pm; Thursday 26 July, 6pm; Saturday 28 July, 6pm; Sunday 29 July, 3pm. www.stoweopera.com Photography: Igor Bulgarin / Shutterstock.com
116 Ebury Street
Walk away with the savoir-faire to create a stylised Ranunculus and delicate Sweat Pea, in all stages of bloom that is
Q: What’s the best pub quiz in the area? Instead of seeing off the weekend inside with a cup of tea and moaning about the sub-standard television offerings, why not get a last blast of fresh air by heading out to The Fox and Hounds’ pub quiz? Held on the last Sunday of every month at 8pm, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a drink and put your general knowledge to the test. Tucked away on a back street and a stone’s throw from Sloane Square, The Fox and Hounds is an unpretentious but smart, snug and cosy pub with a very traditional history. Until just 1998, it was one of the few remaining ‘beer only’ pubs in London. Beware, quiz kick off times may be affected this season owing to the European Football Championships. Call to check.
Key events a little fu
rther afield:
urt Flower Shower 2-8 July ˜ Hampton Co BBC Proms 2012 13 July ˜ Start of The ony Games Opening Cerem 27 July ˜ The Olympic er Opening ckingham Palace Summ 8 July ˜ Last day of Bu er concerts s’ Kew the Music summ 3-8 July ˜ Kew Garden of Bond Style ning 007: Fifty Years 6 July ˜ Start of Desig at the Barbican Centre
020 7739 6367 29 Passmore Street
Do you have an event that you’d like us to cover? Send us an email: calendar@residentsjournal.co.uk
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Art Focus
Out and about on the Belgravia art trail, and beyond...
‘Les courses’ by Jean Paul
‘Jardin Public animé sur la Côte d’Azur’ by Lucien Adrion
‘Olympia’ by Max Papart
Think yourself abroad This July, the John Adams Fine Art Gallery at Ebury Galleries will exhibit works from artists across Europe who you may not have encountered previously. Works from a range of different artists have been plucked from the gallery’s main collection and these include Max Papart, Lucien Adrion, Louis de Grandmaison, Claude Venard and Gen Paul. Altogether, it is an eclectic selection of modern and contemporary art. From the bright and abstract paintings of Papart to the soft watercolours of Adrion notwithstanding the striking natural photography of Grandmaison, the exhibition will offer a broad array of possibilities to engage your artistic interest. 200 Ebury Street
Going, going… going? This July, the Gordon Watson Gallery will take part in Masterpiece London. The capital’s most prominent art and antiques fair, this city-wide event has involved the participation of one-hundred and eighty exhibitors and attracted the attention of eighteen-thousand visitors since its launch in 2010, notably Elton John and HRH Prince Harry. The Gordon Watson Gallery will bring a specialised twist to proceedings with a showcase of elegant furniture, objects and lighting. It is a rare opportunity to view some exquisite examples of oh-so-varied twentieth century design. 28 Pimlico Road Walnut and upholstered armchair, Robsjohn Gibbings, USA c.1950
A call to the world for British patriotism Plus One Gallery is this month hosting an exhibition entitled London’s Calling. In it, hyperrealist art meets Britain meets London. Participating artists come from all corners of the planet; Mexico, the United States, Zimbabwe, England, Scotland and Spain. It is designed to offer a ‘slice of the essence of Britain, of London, in each painting as seen through the eye of each of the artists’. Over a score of never-before-seen pieces will be on show and they will depict everything from atmospheric urban landscapes of London neighbourhoods in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, to iconic landmarks in the City of Westminster, never forgetting the odd unexpected depiction of Her Majesty the Queen. There will be English foodstuffs on and lots more in between the British bricks and mortar and Abbey Road offerings. But pay heed for nothing is quite as it seems, as panoramic views splay out in front of you. Take a moment to realise that you’re getting more than a natural eyeful. After all, this is hyperrealism we are talking about and it has to be seen to be believed. 4-28 July 89-91 Pimlico Road
A pair of bronze and upholstered stools, Garouste and Bonetti
Above from left / TenPence, Francisco Rangel, 120 x 120 cm oil on linen A Little Bit of Love, Tom Martin, Acrylic on aluminium composite panel, 100 x 140 cm
Seeing RED Victoria Suarez sees how the land lies this year at the Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition 2012
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he Summer Exhibition is the London art scene’s democracy. Anything goes (so long as you can get it past the judges). That is to say there is no theme and artistic styles, genres and media tumble upon one another in a cacophony of visual suggestions. As you enter, the walls of the Wohl Central Hall strike in their fiery red lipstick tones. A mimicking of Matisse’s The Red Studio, it has a very loose Olympic Games feel (or was I just looking for one?) present in the powerful Chemical Track by Derek Boshier (acrylic, £40,000) and Leonard McComb’s gold statue of a nude. This room will be your rock. When you lose sense of which walls you have hunted down (which you will), head for red and re-set the compass. Taking in the exhibition excites a whole wave of emotions. You’ll see what you consider skill alongside what deplores you; you’ll be intrigued then momentarily bored; inspired and the next minute feel cheated on. Your idea of a work that should sell for £54,000 probably won’t tally with theirs; and you’ll likely think some modestly-priced works to be deserving of much more. Given the sheer volume of juxtaposed works, you will re-enter a room only to see a flying unicorn bang slap in the middle (or similar) that you previously missed. An interesting psychological process this definitely is. The good news: when you find works of art you like, of which there will be a good cluster, you will really like them. There’ll be relief and re-found faith in humankind. For me Black Treacle (egg tempera, Joel Penkman, £1,500) was one such hyperrealist finding, and E-migration - will I make it? drew me in, unsuspectingly (digital print and drawing, Joanna Ciechanowska, £400). In this piece, hundreds of tiny zebras are printed to
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perfection in a cantering mass - the great annual migration in East Africa but with one made an example of, printed in green. This, and ample other works, set me thinking about the role played by a work’s title. In other instances, I felt it was the only aspect of merit involved - the cryptic title but what credit can really be given to this when it references a painfully bare work? The quantity of red (‘sold’) stickers on every type of work imaginable show how many disagree, and that’s just what this artistic forum is about. So, what’s the bad news? Well one piece is the droning noise of the cello in the back room also known as Trilogy; Kettle’s Yard. Jayne Parker has ‘expressed her interest in musical expression’ (by zooming up close on drawn out minor cello strokes, intermittently focussing the camera on a large pebble). Making headlines is a rather normal painting by Felix Chadwick-Histed because, withTrees (acrylic and oil; not for sale) he becomes the youngest ever exhibitor, at ten. I’d love to know what the judges’ criteria are, though keeping it a mystery creates a certain magic somewhat akin to never having spoken to The Queen, let alone knowing what she really thinks about anything. With all the contradictory feelings awakened by such a diverse range of ‘art’ (a term which will require your redefinition per square-metre covered), you could credit the exhibition with offering a sensual microcosm of life itself. It does become more of an experience than an exhibition per se. ‘Have you done the Summer Exhibition?’ you might ask your neighbour, as opposed to ‘Have you been to see it?’. Until 12 August www.royalacademy.org.uk
Above from top / View of the Central Hall, Installation view of Gallery III All photographs courtesy of John Bodkin
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another level
Taking gastro to
From the girolles to the galettes to the Earl Grey ice cream, Alice Tozer finds refined gastrofood to recommend at The Thomas Cubitt
T
he Thomas Cubitt enjoys a fine reputation for food. Having already casually sampled the excellent ground floor lunch menu, I entered the first-floor restaurant for dinner on a Monday night with a quiet confidence in the place; one in harmony with that which Elizabeth Street herself exudes, happy headquarters to the gastropub. It was in 2005 that The Thomas Cubitt opened in its current guise, the result of local residents and property developers Barry Hirst and Stefan Turnbull taking charge of what was previously the Joiner’s Arms pub. After some passionate revamping, it newly bore the name of the celebrated builder of Belgravia. The first-floor dining rooms possess a decayed elegance and understated style. There’s a feeling of being in one’s own (rather sizeable) dining room, where walled candles cohabit with 70s-style shaded lamps. There’s a little French je ne sais quoi at work here too. The floor is not the conformist polished parquet it could have become but looks more to be the original wood. Generous lashings of coffee and cream cover the walls. Weekdays in the entire building are buzzing. Having ordered a bottle of 2010’s New Zealand Pinot Noir (Clos Henri, Le Petit Clos Marlborough, £36) from an impressive wine list, my guest and I began devouring our starters. He had entered virgin territory with the ‘Carlingford rock oysters (on ice), shallot dressing and lemon’ (£11.50) which he handled with manly guts, commenting on the potency of the red wine vinegar and shallot accompaniment (I maintain that it’s always the sauce that makes the oyster). I was captivated by his half a lemon which came covered in a sort of mini, mosquito net tied with a bow. Perhaps this had been conceived to stop juice squirting absent-mindedly into one’s eyes. Who knows but it looked good. I chose ‘Hand dived Scottish scallops, summer truffles, cauliflower and girolles’ (a type of wild mushroom), also £11.50. Scallops caught by divers contrast with those done so using a dredge across the sea floor and aren’t
meant to be so gritty. With The Cubitt’s outstandingly succulent take on these sea creatures, they have fast become a favourite of mine. Mains arrived in the form of the ‘28-day dry-aged Castle of Mey Beef Wellington, roasted carrots & thyme juice, £19.50’ (for him) and ‘Halibut fillet, warm potato galette, red spring onion & fennel salad, Heritage tomato, £21.50’ (for her). My guest raved about his aptly-salted al dente carrots for some time though wasn’t totally convinced by the slightly overcooked beef. Still, meat tenderness is a question of taste. One thing was clear; the Cubitt’s chef wasn’t French (he is in fact Phillip Wilson, a Kiwi). I was particularly enthralled with my potato galette (‘crusty cake’) which was keeping my halibut company. The fish was tender yet not flakey and had been flipped over such that its scales sat upon the surface. A crisp skin, it worked surprisingly well like this. Dessert proved to be one of those that you feel you’d come back and demand on its own one sodden afternoon. I was only sorry I’d late-lunched and couldn’t quite devour the ‘Baked custard tart, lemon curd, Earl Grey ice cream, £7.50’ because the ice cream was opulent and the custard pie simply the far superior version of the little, foil-tinned classics. My guest trooped his way through the cheeseboard (£11) helped on by a light, fruity Tawny Port (Dow’s, £4.50). The cheese was good but he was particularly taken by the fanned apple and fig ‘salami’ (interesting choice of noun for what was essentially a jam). Ever the pub, all the desserts are listed next to a recommended dessert wine. There are a fair few quirky twists to The Cubitt’s upstairs evening menu (strawberry rice pudding, anyone?). This is a skilled act in a venue which still concerns itself with peddling the good old beef Wellingtons and chips of this world. Just that the latter are ‘Potatoes, chipped’ at this particular, smart public house. 44 Elizabeth Street 020 7730 6060
EXTRA TIPS: e cocktail (£8.50) or th •Try the Black Blazer 0) Blackberry Mule (£9.5 Thomas Cubitt. ns a-flocking to The ia av gr Bel see ts as ro •Sunday advance Book at least a week in private llpapered second-floor wa lly ifu ut bea e th t ou ow. •Rent teen or The Atrium bel Dining Room for four Minimum spend £700
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The
Belgravian all in a day’s work
Joanna Wood has been helping Belgravia’s bon viveurs live well for a quarter of a century. Alice Tozer has tea with her
W
hen I meet Joanna Wood in the back offices of her eponymous shop on Pimlico Road, I am served Earl Grey in the finest bone-china, floral cup and saucer I’ve ever sipped from. That, amidst a mountain of carpet samples. I feel at home. It’s her domain after all - high quality interiors accessories, plucked from far flung corners of the planet. Add wallpaper, lighting, upholstered furniture, interior architecture and design to the equation and you’re starting to get a tick-list for the capabilities of this formidable Belgravian. Joanna makes no bones about declaring that she has worked damned hard to get to the top of the interior design tree. ‘And I’m lucky because I remain fascinated by what I do. I might find myself dealing with a French provincial theme in the morning and a chic New York penthouse in the afternoon. I love that.’ It was in 1985 that Joanna set up shop. The site at number 48a was formerly a Methodist chapel but when she came upon the place it was a mere shell and core. An interior designer’s dream, one would assume. She had always wanted to build her own business; her mother had an antiquarian bookshop which perhaps installed in her daughter a spirit of independence. Joanna’s going down the interiors route with it makes particular sense in retrospect. ‘I have been conscious of my surroundings from a young age,’ she recalls. ‘I remember at nine years old enjoying rearranging the furniture in my room.’ ‘Aged twenty-one, I considered a career in interior design and had two options: get a degree or work in a shop. I chose the latter. Today, I wouldn’t employ anyone who didn’t have formal drawing training. Given eighty percent of our work is computer-led and fast, today those skills are required.’ There are twenty people in the back office of whom at least a quarter have worked for Asprey’s. Joanna herself got her first job because she speaks French (or rather, ‘I can be polite to decorators and say the colours’). A fair peppering of the products
in her shop are French or Italian. It’s a small but fully stocked emporium of temptations, from Chelsea Check Slippers (£40) to fleur de lis spoons (£5.50); and from domino sets (£43) to cheque plates (£15.95). Joanna is a staunch supporter of defending independent crafts and businesspeople and sources her shop’s products accordingly. ‘I’m hoping there is the beginning of a backlash [against the chains]. Accessorize, pasteurise, homogenise, boringize. Don’t you think?’ It follows that she set up the Pimlico Road Association, alongside David Linley and Mark Boyce. Shopkeepers with the help of Grosvenor Estate and local government - united. Joanna cites a recent occasion when a local vigilante approach within the Association sent some undercover shoplifters a-scarpering (ladies dressed to lunch, intending to steal). ‘There was a sort of closing of ranks on that occasion,’ says Joanna. ‘But overall, we work to improve the brand.’ The brand? Street branding is something very Belgravian. ‘Each street is different but they are complementary. Elizabeth Street is fashion and food; Pimlico Road is art and design, though it wasn’t like that when I first came here,’ she says. ‘In the early seventies, it was a flamboyant mix of cafés, launderettes, butchers and antique Illustration: Russ Tudor dealers.’ Joanna will next year add a sixth business to her name; a shop on Elizabeth Street stocking fabric, wallpaper, lighting and upholstery. Unflustered by the financial crisis, she declares, ‘This is the second recession I’ve lived through; they do come to an end. I’m very proud that my little corner is weathering the financial storm so well. The Belgravia property market is robust which makes us very busy.’ Joanna has lived in homes from Bourne Street to Eton Terrace. ‘Belgravia is a village within a city. And London is the most exciting city in the world, culturally.’ It’s not like she hasn’t explored her options. Before knocking at the doors of interior design she lived in Geneva, where she worked for the United Nations. But in the end, having learnt to fully appreciate the art of chocolate and cuckoo clocks, she cut her losses and wasn’t sad to return to her roots.
‘Accessorize, pasteurize, homogenize, boringize’
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That was
Then
Neville Chamberlain lived at no. 37 Eton Square from 1923 until 1935. Whilst there, he was Minister for Health, afterwards becoming Chancellor of the Exchequer and guiding the British economy adeptly through worldwide economic recession. His reputation suffered as Prime Minister, when he carried out a highly unpopular policy of appeasement with Hitler’s Nazi Germany, saying he had secured ‘peace in our time’ just prior to the Second World War erupting. Here he writes to his sisters from his Belgravia home and elsewhere
25 Jul y 1931, Westbourne
2 August 1931, Dalchosnie, Kinloch Rannoch, Perthshire
My dear Ida, According to your letter “Politics get more and more satisfactory”. But I hardly think this is what you meant to say for I expect you would agree with me that they are like the weather – couldn’t be worse, and won’t be better till we get another Government. [...] This has been quite a busy week in one way or another. On Monday I had Edward Irwin to dinner and we had a long and very interesting talk on both home and Indian politics. He doesn’t seem at all changed to me and in spite of all criticisms I retain my belief in him. Did you see his damaging quotation from a speech of Winston’s in 1921 (after the Dyer incident) in which he twice proclaimed that India must be given “Dominion Status”? On Tuesday I went and did a “talkie”, not directly political but to please British Movietone News (Ye Gods! What a name) who have helped the C.O. a good deal in cinema work. […] On Wednesday Lord Grey came to lunch. We invited the Hilton Youngs too as he is very keen about birds and she can talk about anything and we had a very pleasant party, Grey chatting about fishing and birds and Lloyd George of whom he remarked “He is a very difficult man to follow”!...
Dear Hilda, [...] I am almost afraid to give you our first impressions of this place lest they should seem extravagant but we all agree that it is the nearest to perfection we have yet experienced. [...] This morning the children and I went on a grand walk up the moor. […] The heath was out though not the heather and we found the two sorts of staghorn moss and various other flowers including the wild yellow saxifrage. It was good to be on the moors again and smell the bog plants and the birches. There are any amount of rabbits to shoot, and Sir John has left word that he would like us to kill three brace of grouse on the 12th. […] There was so much talk going on about a National Government last week that I thought it was desirable to have a talk before we separated so I got Austen, Hailsham, Philip C-L. and Sam to dine with me on Wednesday night and we had a long and useful discussion. […] You will have seen what happened on Thursday. I had intended to make a strong attack on the Government, but I found the City was so nervous that that sort of line
followed by a provocative speech by Snowden might have precipitated a flight from the £. So I went to see Snowden and told him that if he would give an assurance that he would use the recess to study ways and means of economy I would tone down my speech, say nothing offensive, express confidence in the soundness of the position and end with an appeal instead of an attack. Snowden at once jumped at the offer. He warmly agreed that sooner or later the country had got to face up to the realities and expressed great concern at the seriousness of the position. I think he does realise the situation though probably he is the only member of the Government who does.
17 April 1932, 37 eaton
square, sw1
My dear Ida, One can’t work at Budget all day long. Moreover I have sent my notes up to the Treasury to have amendments retyped and they won’t be back till after tea. […] This ridiculous Press keeps on ringing up and sending round callers to ask for another photograph or to know what I am doing now. Lambert says they have been told to make a “story” and daren’t go home without one. I sent word to the last comer that I was taking all my meals as usual and reading a book. I wonder what he will make of that. […]
23 April 1932, 37 eaton square, sw1 My dear Hilda, I have had a pretty measly time since the budget as the lumbago came on as soon as I sat down on Tuesday. […] The trouble is that while the lumbago is certainly better I woke up early this morning with a sharpish attack of gout. I don’t like that, not only because it is very painful but also because I cannot avoid the conclusion that it is a sign of overwork […]. I agree with you that I have got off very cheaply with such an unpopular Budget. I had quite a lot of support from the speeches of back benchers and though there was a very strong feeling about the beer duty I am told that it was a good deal better after I had made my explanation and that we shall be able successfully to resist an amendment. I get a certain number of abusive letters – mostly from beer drinkers, but on the other hand from people who count, including a good number in the City. [...] I have had some very gratifying comments showing that the wisdom as well as the courage of refusing to make concessions yet is widely recognized. The Governor writes that it is almost the first honest Budget since the War. […] I have even got a series of verses, better perhaps in intention than in execution, on the “Budget of Prudence”. Extracts from ‘The Neville Chamberlain Diary Letters Volume 3: The Heir Apparent, 1928-1933’ edited by Robert Self; pp 319-321 and pp 269-272, Ashgate (2002)
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Illustration: Mai Osawa
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Established in 1972 we have 40 years’ experience in matters affecting Belgravia and its residents. Local decisions have to be made every day from how new buildings should look to which way traffic should flow.
We know that residents care deeply about the neighbourhood and their way of life and we aim to support them through our initiatives and activities. Join us and discover more about life in Belgravia.
For more information or to join, please visit:
www.belgraviaresidents.org.uk
Residents’ Culture We interact with readers about top-notch cultural and community events
fire
I’m on
Rebecca Ross gets in the Olympic mood with a novel theatrical interpretation of a 1981 classic sporting film that has inspired many a runner
P
icking up the cultural Olympic torch, Edward Hall’s new stage production of Chariots of Fire this month bursts onto the West-end stage. Following the journeys of British runners Eric Liddell (Jack Lowden) and Harold Abrahams (James McCardle) to the 1924 Paris Olympics, the story celebrates the spirit of competition, with the rivalry, the camaraderie, and the fierce passion to win but also the decency and sportsmanship of a more honourable age. With slick choreography, Vangelis’ iconic score and an awful lot of running, the stage production carves out its own niche against the Oscar-winning film of the same name. Insightful characterisation, and a witty, poignant script underpin a pared-down production, but it is the inventive staging and sheer energy of the show, that have propelled it from a sold-out run at The Hampstead to an equally bright premiere at The Gielgud. Dignified patriotism rather than cheap jingoism, this production encapsulates the best of Britishness, and by the time the last strains of Jerusalem fade you will be proud to be member of this ‘green and pleasant land’. www.chariotsoffireonstage.com 22 Jun-10 Nov 0844 4825130 If you get the chance to enjoy Chariots of Fire at the theatre, send us a 200-word review and we may publish it. Email: culture@residentsjournal.co.uk
Write to us What is concerning you about life in Belgravia at the moment? Good or bad, we’d love to hear from you. Please email your ‘letters’ to the Editor, for possible publication, with name and profession to: letters@residentsjournal.co.uk
Become part of your local Residents’ Association The Belgravia Residents’ Association invites residents to become members. If done so soon, they will receive a copy of the 2012 Black Book magazine and the latest Belgravia tote bag. This year the BRA is forty years old and so it is a fitting moment to sign up. The Association has a committee that meets regularly with Grosvenor and The City of Westminster. It also has four sub-committees, the members of which attend council and police forums. The Association works hard to maintain its meaning in the area some four decades after its inception and is encouraging community support. To join, send a cheque for £30 (private membership) or £60 (corporate membership) made payable to The Belgravia Residents’ Association to The Membership Secretary, 21 Wilton Place, SW1X 7AX. Include your name, address, contact telephone number and email address. Alternatively visit: http://belgraviaresidents.org.uk/join-us
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WWW.GUINEVERE.CO.UK
+44 (0)20 7736 2917
Planning &Development Keeping you in the know about important street plans affecting Belgravia
Parking Victory on Bourne Street and Ebury Street
Eccleston Place development
The Belgravia Residents’ Association has managed to get agreement for eleven extra parking spaces for residents in Bourne Street and Ebury Street. This is following many complaints from residents unable to park on their return home after 10pm. The council has converted single yellow lines into parking spaces. James Wright, Chairman of the Belgravia Residents’ Association, said ‘We are delighted we were able to liaise with the council and gain their support in this matter’.
The Urban Land Institute’s panel has consolidated aspects from its recent meeting concerning the development of the area around Eccleston Place. It is now entering the next phase of engagement when it will come to its own conclusions and meet again with local stakeholders. The ULI released a letter to all those present at the meeting which brought together eighty local residents, businesses and public bodies. It has been officially communicated that there is potential to create a new neighbourhood with its own distinct identity and community; not Belgravia, Victoria or Pimlico but something ‘that would complement all three.’ This new neighbourhood should aim to make the most of the area’s existing strengths, such as its excellent transport links and its thriving entrepreneurial and business community. There is also a clear commitment in the document that the new area will be dynamic yet house oases of calm; that it should provide a mix of accommodation to suit a wide range of occupiers and also that it should be flexible at a cultural level. Perhaps the most significant mention was that Victoria Coach Station will be relocated in the near future. Then, development of the area is envisaged from 2014.
Office upgrade
Full marks
A rare opportunity has arisen to rent a three-storey period office building, right in the heart of Belgravia. Featuring an exceptional south-facing courtyard garden, it allows natural sunlight to sweep across the rooms and is quietly located within a short walk of Sloane Square.
Belgravia’s Chester Square has made recent headlines as Finchatton closed a sale on a seven-storey, 8,200 square foot property. The sale, which received the full asking price of £32.5million, has made a nice anniversary gift for the ten-year old prime property company.
Ames Belgravia 020 7730 1155
Finchatton www.finchatton.co.uk
Planned Road Works and Closures in JuLY STREET Lowndes Square
PLANNED WORK Excavation in CW to Repair Blocked Gully
DATES 28 June - 04 July
WORKS OWNER Kensington and Chelsea 020 7361 3000
Brompton Road
Hoarding build
1 June - 2 Nov.
Transport For London 0845 305 1234
Knightsbridge junction with Brompton Road (One Hyde Park)
NRW *E2MAIN* VMS Olympic Signage. No Cway restrictions
23 June - 15 Sept.
Transport For London 0845 305 1234
Knightsbridge junction with Brompton Road (Central Island)
NRW *E2MAIN* VMS Olympic Signage. No Cway restrictions
23 June - 15 Sept.
Transport For London 0845 305 1234
Basil Street
Gas piping - 11.5m in carriageway and 8.1m in footway
23 June - 31 July
Fulcrum Pipelines Limited 0845 6413010
Brompton Road
Excavation of cables and wiring to repair/replace a frame & cover 16 July
Cable & Wireless 01908 845 000
Knightsbridge
Preventative and future proofing in preparation for the Games 23 - 27 July
Thames Water 0845 9200 800
Brompton Road
Build of Measures Phase mobile works
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16 - 17 July
Transport For London 0845 305 1234
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All images © English Heritage
Botany
in Belgravia
Richard Brown profiles the career of George Bentham, one of England’s greatest botanists, who lived in Belgravia from 1861 until his death just twenty-three years later
B
orn on 22 September 1800, George Bentham entered the world in the first year of a century that would be characterised by revolutionary botanical findings and the emergence of radical evolutionary theories; it was a century in which Bentham’s scientific endeavours would later grant him the title of England’s greatest systematic botanist. Coming from a family steeped in academic achievement – his father Samuel was a noted engineer and architect, while his uncle, Jeremy, was the famous social philosopher and leading welfare reformer – George was well placed to pursue a lifetime of scholastic enquiry. At just seven years old, Bentham was already able to
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speak French, German and Russian. In the following years, during his family’s residence in the country, he learnt Swedish before moving to France where he studied Hebrew and mathematics. Remaining in France after the end of WW1, Bentham studied at Angoulême where he became interested in botanical studies, originally through A. P. de Candolle’s Flore Française. The idea of identifying plants via analytical tables shown in the book captivated Bentham who began testing their reliability on every plant he saw. The seeds of an illustrious career had been sewn; an 1823 trip to London would provide the nourishment needed for them to grow.
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From that year on, not only was Bentham brought into contact with a brilliant circle of English botanists but he was also persuaded to act as his uncle’s secretary, a man from whose work ethic Bentham would take inspiration. In 1826 Bentham entered Lincolns Inn and began reading for the bar. A career in law, however, was something he would not pursue. Gaining a position of independence on inheriting his uncle’s Belgravia property in 1832, Bentham was able to engage in the study of his favourite topic: botany. After marrying Sarah Jones (daughter of Sir Harford Jones Brydges) in 1833, he began working full-time for the Horticultural Society at Kew. In the years that followed, Bentham was able to publish his Labiatarum genera et species, for which he visited every herbarium in Europe, and Commentationes de Leguminosarum generibus, a publication completed during a winter in Vienna. Bentham’s residence at Wilton Place began in 1861
when he moved into number 25, having previously occupied the nearby property at 91 Victoria Street. A man of pragmatism and method, his daily routine was systematic. He would take the train to the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, work in the herbarium between ten and four, return home to write up his notes, before dining in quiet, only occasionally seeing friends. During the time he lived at Wilton Place, Bentham was able to publish Genera Plantarum which, compiled with Sir Joseph Hooker, not only gave a revised definition of every species of flowering plant, but also marked a new age in the narrative of botanical studies, remaining until this day the standard classification used by the world’s botanists. Yet while Genera Plantarum may exist as Bentham’s greatest work, it is his Handbook of British Flora that remains his most famous. Written again in collaboration with Hooker, the book was used by students for over a century, running into many editions and becoming known simply as Bentham & Hooker.
‘He would take the train to the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, work in the herbarium between ten and four, return home to write up his notes, before dining in quiet, only occasionally seeing friends’
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Photography: Image courtesy of City of Westminster Archives Centre
Death in
the rafters
Bryony Warren sheds some light on the considerable credentials of one of Belgravia’s architectural secrets, George Elias Basevi
O
n 15 October 1845, fifty-one year-old Elias George Basevi fell to his death through an opening in the floor of the old bell chamber in the West Wing of Ely Cathedral whilst inspecting repairs to the building. This may sound like the kind of dramatic and unlikely death usually reserved for soap opera villains, but it was perhaps a fitting end to the life of a man who dedicated his professional career to the design and upkeep of buildings throughout England. He left behind a wife and eight children, as well as a legacy of edifices whose classically-influenced and Gothic formations
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can still be seen today. A less-celebrated counterpart of Thomas Cubitt, Basevi’s contribution to the design and construction of Belgrave Square is as strikingly impressive as his untimely death is intriguingly bizarre. Born in London in 1794, the son of a city merchant and, incidentally, a cousin of Benjamin Disraeli, Basevi soon caught the attention of Sir John Soane, the architect whose simple but imposing neo-classical style had earned him a professorship at the Royal Academy and, in 1831, a knighthood. On completing his training in 1816, Basevi followed in the footsteps of his mentor and travelled to the
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continent to take inspiration from the architecture of his Italian and Greek forbears. His return to London in 1820 heralded the beginning of professional success, with an exhibition at the Royal Academy and the opening of his own architectural practice in Albany. With all this under his belt, Basevi decided to shift his attention to a slightly different area of the business, becoming the first surveyor of The Guardian Assurance Company. It was this role, involving personal inspection of buildings that were either at great risk or insured for large amounts of money, which would eventually set the scene for his death at Ely. The diverse range of buildings designed by Basevi is testament to the breadth and depth of his architectural skill. From Gothic churches in Chelsea and Twickenham Green (St Jude and Saviour and Holy Trinity, respectively) to almshouses in Stamford and Ely and the stables at Bretton Hall in Yorkshire, Basevi’s designs are scattered across the country. He was even commissioned to create a new frontage for the chapel at Balliol College, Oxford, but this eventually fell through due to the intervention of fellows who preferred the work of an alternative architect. Next time you venture out of Belgravia, it might be worth taking a moment to ponder the architecture around you. There is a good chance you may be looking at a building that reminds you of somewhere closer to home. Whilst it is often thought that Belgrave Square was purely the brainchild of Thomas Cubitt, it was in fact a collaborative project in which Basevi played a very prominent role. An architect called Thomas Cundy II designed the street layout; the villas at the corners were the work of Louis Cubitt, Philip Hardwick, HE Kendall and Sir Robert Smirke; and Basevi himself coordinated the terraces. This remains Basevi’s best-known contribution to London architecture, but it was his design of Cambridge’s Fitzwilliam Musem that allowed him to make his most weighty professional mark. Upon winning a competition to design a museum for Cambridge University, funded by Viscount Fitzwilliam, Basevi started work on the building, taking Capitolium at Brescia as his inspiration. Tragically, Basevi did not live to see the fulfilment of his designs for the Fitzwilliam museum. The project fell into the hands of two further architects, first Charles Robert Cockerell and then Edward M Barry, and the exhaustion of funds meant that it was not until 1875 that the entire operation reached completion. Despite the recent erection of a statue of Basevi in
Belgrave Square, it is perhaps fair to say that his name would not ring many bells amongst residents of the area. Basevi’s achievements and talent are somewhat in the shadow of Thomas Cubitt, whose fame and notoriety undeniably surpassed that of his contemporary and colleague. Basevi was an architect as much concerned with the structural practicalities of a building as with its aesthetic worth; his less glamorous commitment to ensuring high standards of safety and quality in the buildings that he was charged with surveying was equal to his commitment to design and artistry. Consequently, his impact on the architectural world is often overshadowed by either better-known figures of his generation or the darkly fascinating nature of his death, neither of which should be allowed to outshine the very real and important effect he had on the buildings of Britain during the nineteenth century.
‘Whilst it is often thought that Belgrave Square was purely the brainchild of Thomas Cubitt, it was in fact a collaborative project in which Basevi played a very prominent role’
Above / Ely Cathedral
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The Belgravia
Directory A compendium of the area’s key establishments
Estate Agents Ames Belgravia 80 Ebury Street 020 7730 1155
Harrods Estates 82 Brompton Road 020 7225 6506
Knight Frank 82-83 Chester Square 020 7881 7722
W A Ellis 174 Brompton Road 020 7306 1600
Ayrton Wylie 16 Lower Belgrave St. 020 7730 4628
Henry & James 1 Motcomb Street 020 7235 8861
Savills 139 Sloane Street 020 7730 0822
Wellbelove Quested 160 Ebury Street 020 7881 0880
Best Gapp & Cassells 81 Elizabeth Street 020 7730 9253
John D Wood 48 Elizabeth Street 020 7824 7900
Strutt & Parker 66 Sloane Street 020 7235 9959
Food & Drink BARS Amaya Halkin Arcade, Motcomb Street 020 7823 1166 bBar and Restaurant 43 Buckingham Palace Road 020 7958 7000 The Garden Room (Cigar) The Lanesborough Hyde Park Corner 020 7259 5599 The Library Bar (Wine) The Lanesborough Hyde Park Corner 020 7259 5599 Tiles Restaurant and Wine Bar 36 Buckingham Palace Road 020 7834 7761
CAFÉS
Caffe Reale 23 Grosvenor Gardens 020 7592 9322 The Green Café 16 Eccleston Street 020 7730 5304 ll Corriere 6 Elizabeth Street 020 7730 2087 The Old English Coffee House 1 Montrose Place 020 7235 3643 Patisserie Valerie 17 Motcomb Street 020 7245 6161
ITALIAN Como Lario (Italian) 18-22 Holbein Place 020 7730 9046 Da Scalzo Art Brasserie (Pizzeria) 2 Eccleston Place 020 7730 5498 Il Convivio (Italian) 143 Ebury Street 020 7730 4099
The Belgravia (Classic) 152 Ebury Street 020 7730 6040 The Duke of Wellington (Classic) 63 Eaton Terrace 020 7730 1782 The Nag’s Head (Classic) 53 Kinnerton Street 020 7235 1135
Olivo (Pizzeria) 21 Eccleston Street 020 7730 2505
The Pantechnicon (Gastro) 10 Motcomb Street 020 7730 6074
Tinello (Italian) 87 Pimlico Road 020 7730 3663
The Thomas Cubitt (Gastro) 44 Elizabeth Street 020 7730 6060
Belgravia Coffee Bar 4 Lower Belgrave Street 020 7730 3738
Tomtom Coffee House 114 Ebury Street 020 7730 1771
Zafferano (Italian) 15 Lowndes Street 020 7235 5800
The Wilton Arms (Classic) 71 Kinnerton Street 020 7235 4854
PUBS
BRITISH FARE
Bella Maria 4 Lower Grosvenor Place 020 7976 6280
Valerie Victoria 38 Buckingham Palace Road 020 7630 9781
The Antelope (Classic) 22-24 Eaton Terrace 020 7824 8512
Bumbles Restaurant 16 Buckingham Palace Road 020 7828 2903
RESTAURANTS Ken Lo’s Memories of China Manager: Ardjan Kelmendi Cuisine: Chinese; Capacity: 120 65-69 Ebury Street 020 7730 7734
Nahm Manager: Tarama Archer Cuisine: Thai; Capacity: 100 The Halkin Hotel Halkin Street 020 7333 1234
Mango Tree Manager: Chai Cuisine: Thai; Capacity: 150 46 Grosvenor Place 020 7823 1888
Salloos Manager: S. Quershi Cuisine: Pakistani; Capacity: 55 62-64 Kinnerton Street 020 7235 4444
The Sekara Manager: Kantsi Gunasekera Cuisine: Sri Lankan; Capacity: 50 3 Lower Grosvenor Place 020 7834 0722
Petrus Manager: Paulina Trocha Cuisine: French; Capacity: 86 1 Kinnerton Street 020 7592 1609
Apsleys Manager: Pasquale Cosmai Cuisine: Italian/Mediterranean Capacity: 100 The Lanesborough Hyde Park Corner 020 7259 5599
La Poule au Pot Manager: Lionel Banda Cuisine: French; Capacity: 70 231 Ebury Street 020 7730 7763
Yogoji (Yoga) 54a Ebury Street 020 7730 7473
Motcomb Green 11-12 Motcomb Street 020 7235 2228
HAIR SALONS
Stephen Casali 161 Ebury Street 020 7730 2196
Health & Beauty BARBER
DOCTORS
Giuseppe D’Amico 20 Eccleston Street 020 7730 2968
The Belgrave Medical Centre 13 Pimlico Road 020 7730 5171
DENTISTS
The Belgravia Surgery 26 Eccleston Street 020 7590 8000
The Beresford Clinic 2 Lower Grosvenor Place 020 7821 9411 James Hull Associates 2 Eccleston Street 020 7730 4948
Dr Kalina 109 Ebury Street 020 7730 4805
GYM/ FITNESS
Colin & Karen Hair Design 39 Lower Belgrave Street 020 7730 7440 Daniel Galvin Jr 4a West Halkin Street 020 3416 3116
MEDISPA Bijoux Medi-Spa 149 Ebury Street 020 7730 0765
SPAS
Motcomb Street Dentist 3 Motcomb Street 020 7235 6531
The Light Centre Belgravia 9 Eccleston Street 020 7881 0728
Errol Douglas 18 Motcomb Street 020 7235 0110
earthspa 4 Eccleston Street 020 7823 6226
The Wilton Place Practice 31 Wilton Place 020 7235 3824
Michael Garry Personal Training 54b Ebury Street 020 7730 6255
Gianni and Claudie 22 Motcomb Street 020 7235 7275
Glow Urban Spa 8 Motcomb Street 020 7752 0652
Bennison 16 Holbein Place 020 7730 8076
Howe 93 Pimlico Road 020 7730 7987
Keshishian (Carpets) 73 Pimlico Road 020 7730 8810
Hilary Batstone 8 Holbein Place 020 7730 5335
John King Antiques 74 Pimlico Road 020 7730 0427
Lauriance Rogier Lamps 20a Pimlico Road 020 7823 4780
Home ANTIQUES Anno Domini Antiques 66 Pimlico Road 020 7730 5496 Anthony Outred Antiques 72 Pimlico Road 020 7730 7948
B E L G R AV I A R E S I D E N T S J O U R N A L
029
The Belgravia
Directory Nicholas Gifford-Mead 68 Pimlico Road 020 7730 6233
Odyssey Fine Arts 24 Holbein Place 020 7730 9942
Rose Uniacke 76-78 Pimlico Road 020 7730 7050
DIY
Sanaiy 57 Pimlico Road 020 7730 4742 Tomasz Starzewski Home 229 Ebury Street 020 7730 8886 Turkmen Gallery 8 Eccleston Street 020 7730 8848
ARCHITECTS/ DESIGN Clifford Tee + Gale 5 Eccleston Street 020 7730 9633 Donald Insall Associates 19 West Eaton Street 020 7245 9888 Marston & Langinger 194 Ebury Street 020 7881 5700
Blakes of Belgravia 7 Eccleston Street 020 7730 2999 Blakes of Belgravia (2) 5-7 Kinnerton Street 020 7235 2166
FINISHING TOUCHES Frame Designs (Framer) 57 Ebury Street 020 7730 0533 L&B (Exclusive bed linen) 6-7 Motcomb Street 020 7838 9592 Luke Irwin (Rugs) 22 Pimlico Road 020 7730 6070 Paint Services Company 19 Eccleston Street 020 7730 6408 Pullman Editions (Posters) 94 Pimlico Road 020 7730 0547
FURNITURE Ciancimino 85 Pimlico Place 020 7730 9959 The Dining Chair Company 4 St Barnabas Street 020 7259 0422 Hemisphere 97 Lower Sloane Street 020 7730 9810
Soane 50-52 Pimlico Road 020 7730 6400 Talisman 190-192 Ebury Street 020 7730 7800 Westenholz 80-82 Pimlico Road 020 7824 8090
GALLERIES
Jamb 107a Pimlico Road 020 7730 2122
88 Gallery 86-88 Pimlico Road 020 7730 2728
Lamberty 46 Pimlico Road 020 7823 5115
Ahuan Gallery 17 Eccleston Street 020 7730 9382
Linley 60 Pimlico Road 020 7730 7300
Eleven 11 Eccleston Street 020 7823 5540
Lloyd Loom Showroom 20 Pimlico Road 020 7730 6574
Gallery 25 26 Pimlico Road 020 7730 7516
Mark Wilkinson Kitchens 10 West Halkin Street 020 7235 1845
Gauntlett Gallery 90-92 Pimlico Road 020 7730 7516
Michael Reeves Associates 30 Pimlico Road 020 7730 3009
Gordon Watson 28 Pimlico Road 020 7259 0555
Nicholas Haslam 202 Ebury Street 020 7730 0445
John Adams Fine Art 200 Ebury Street 020 7730 8999
Paul Davis + Partners 178 Ebury Street 020 7730 1178
Rachel Vosper (Candles) 69 Kinnerton Street 020 7235 9666
Travis Perkins (Builders) 61-63 Pimlico Road 020 7730 6622
Ramsay (Prints) 69 Pimlico Road 020 7730 6776
Ossowski 83 Pimlico Road 020 7730 3256
Julian Simon Fine Art 70 Pimlico Road 020 7730 8673
ARTEFACTS Joss Graham 10 Eccleston Street 020 7730 4370
Sebastian D’Orsai (Framer) 77 Elizabeth Street 020 7730 8366
Patrick Jefferson 227 Ebury Street 020 7730 6161
The Osborne Studio Gallery 2 Motcomb Street 020 7235 9667
Mark Ransom 62-64 Pimlico Road 020 7259 0220
Zuber 42 Pimlico Road 020 7824 8265
Promemoria UK 99 Pimlico Road 020 7730 2514
Plus One Gallery 89-91 Pimlico Road 020 7730 7656
INTERIOR DESIGN Chester Designs 9 Chester Sqare Mews 020 7730 4333 Coote & Bernardi 59 Pimlico Road 020 7730 6064
Joanna Wood 48a Pimlico Road 020 7730 5064
Living Interiors 57 Ebury Street 020 7730 0545
Leonie Brown Interiors 2 St Barnabas Street 020 7730 4433
RESTORATION
Lynton Hotel 113 Ebury Street 020 7730 4032
Belgravia Rooms 104 Ebury Street 020 7730 1011
Morgan Guest House 120 Ebury Street 020 7730 2384
The Diplomat Hotel 2 Chesham Street 020 7235 1544
Paul Hahn 5 Lower Grosvenor Place 020 7592 0224
Humphrey-Carrasco 43 Pimlico Road 020 7730 9911
Hotels B&Bs B+B Belgravia & Studios@82 64-66 Ebury Street 020 7259 8570 Belgravia Hotel 118 Ebury Street 020 7259 0050 Cartref House 129 Ebury Street 020 7730 6176
Westminster House Hotel 96 Ebury Street 020 7730 4302
James House Hotel Bed and Breakfast 108 Ebury Street 020 7730 5880
BOUTIQUE
Lord Milner Hotel 111 Ebury Street 020 7881 9880
The Belgravia Mews Hotel 50 Ebury Street 020 7730 5434
Astors Hotel 110-112 Ebury Street 020 7730 0158
Lime Tree Hotel 135-137 Ebury Street 020 7730 8191 The Rubens at the Palace 39 Buckingham Palace Road 020 7834 6600 The Sloane Club Lower Sloane Street 020 7730 9131
Tophams Hotel 24-32 Ebury Street 020 7730 3313
LUXURY The Berkeley Wilton Place 020 7235 6000 The Goring Beeston Place 020 7396 9000 The Grosvenor 101 Buckingham Palace Road 0845 305 8337 The Halkin Hotel Halkin Street 020 7333 1000
Services BANKS Barclays Bank 8 West Halkin Street 08457 555 555
Royal Bank of Scotland 24 Grosvenor Place 020 7235 1882
William Hill 18-20 Elizabeth Street 08705 181 715
BOOKMAKERS
British Red Cross 85 Ebury Street 020 7730 2235
Duncan Lawrie 1 Hobart Place 020 7245 1234
Coral Racing 67 Pimlico Road 020 7730 6516
NatWest 141 Ebury Street 0845 303 0933
William Hill 12 Buckingham Palace Road 08705 181 715
B E L G R AV I A R E S I D E N T S J O U R N A L
CHARITIES
CLEANERS Belgrave Dry Cleaners 8 Lower Belgrave Street 020 7730 9978
Buttercup Dry Cleaners 49 Pimlico Road 020 7730 2912 Byblos 18 Eccleston Street 020 7730 4545 Ebury Cleaners 63 Ebury Street 020 7730 4430
031
The Belgravia
Directory Elias Cleaners 3 Motcomb Street 020 7235 2920
EDUCATION Miss Daisy’s Nursery Ebury Square 020 7730 5797 St Peter’s Church of England Primary School Lower Belgrave Street 020 7641 4230 Thomas’s Kindergarten 14 Ranelagh Grove 020 7730 3596
FLORISTS
LIBRARY
Judith Blacklock Flower School 4/5 Kinnerton Place South 020 7235 6235
Victoria Library 160 Buckingham Palace Road 020 7641 1300
Neill Strain Floral Couture 11 West Halkin Street 020 7235 6469
MOTORING
TRAVEL
Belgravia Garage 1 Eaton Mews West 020 7235 9900
Bravo Travel 6 Lower Grosvenor Place 0870 121 3411
Nikki Tibbles for Wild at Heart 30a Pimlico Road 020 7229 1174
Masterpark Knightsbridge (Parking) Kinnerton Street 0800 243 348
Woodhams 45 Elizabeth Street 020 7730 3353
Post Office 6 Eccleston Street 08457 223344
POST OFFICE
PRINTING & COPYING Printus 115a Ebury Street 020 7730 7799
Celestial Travel 1 Lower Grosvenor Place 020 7828 3311 Diplomat Travel 12 Eccleston Street 020 7730 2201
Specialty Shops BAKERIES Baker & Spice 54-56 Elizabeth Street 020 7730 3033
Rococo Chocolates 5 Motcomb Street 020 7245 0993
De Vroomen 59 Elizabeth Street 020 7730 1901
Les Senteurs 71 Elizabeth Street 020 7730 2322
DELI
Erickson Beamon 38 Elizabeth Street 020 7259 0202
Pet accessories
Ottolenghi 13 Motcomb Street 020 7823 2707
La Bottega 25 Eccleston Street 020 7730 2730
Poilane 46 Elizabeth Street 020 7808 4910
GREENGROCERS
CIGAR SPECIALISTS
Charles of Belgravia 27 Lower Belgrave Street 020 7730 5210
Tomtom Cigars 63 Elizabeth Street 020 7730 1790
The Market Quarter 36 Elizabeth Street 020 7824 8470
CONFECTIONARY
JEWELLERS
Peggy Porschen 116 Ebury Street 020 7730 1316
Carolina Bucci 4 Motcomb Street 020 7838 9977
Pierre Herme 13 Lowndes Street 020 7245 0317
032
David Thomas, Master Goldsmith 65 Pimlico Road 020 7730 7710
Kim Poor 53 Elizabeth Street 020 7259 9063
NEWSAGENTS Mayhew Newsagents 15 Motcomb Street 020 7235 5770 Y B Patel 25 Grosvenor Gardens 020 7834 0579
PERFUMERY Amouage 14 Lowndes Street 020 3031 9872 Annick Goutal 20 Motcomb Street 020 7245 0248
Mungo & Maud 79 Elizabeth Street 020 7022 1207
PharmacIES Keencare Chemist 6 Lower Belgrave Street 020 7730 8747 Walden Chymist 65 Elizabeth Street 020 7730 0080
Polishers F Bennett and Son 9 Chester Square Mews 020 7730 6546
Stationers Grosvenor Stationery Company 47 Elizabeth Street 020 7730 4515
B E L G R AV I A R E S I D E N T S J O U R N A L
BELGRAVIA Homes &Property
showcasing the
finest HOMES & PROPERTY from the best estate agents
Beautiful
homes
Luxury properties and the most exclusive addresses to inspire Property: W.A. Ellis Pg 48
Eaton Mews North, SW1X
￥Price on Application | Freehold
A newly refurbished wider than average mews house providing lateral accommodation and situated in the best position in one of Belgravia’s most sought after addresses. The property benefits from a large ground floor kitchen and open-plan living area with high ceilings, first floor drawing room and dining area spanning the entire width of the property and 3 bedrooms with the finest shower rooms. An area of the ground floor has the right and capacity to be used as a private garage if and whenever required. Entrance hall, Reception/dining room, Study, Utility room, Cloakroom, Drawing room, Master bedroom with en suite shower room, Guest with en suite shower room, Bedroom three, Shower room, Interior designed by Katharine Pooley, Two free car parking spaces
JSA: Beauchamp Estates 1 Motcomb Street, London, SW1X 8JX 020 7235 8861
belgraviaoffice@henryandjames.co.uk henryandjames.co.uk
Eaton Place, SW1X
ÂŁ4,150,000 | Leasehold
A particularly elegant two double bedroom first and second floor apartment, with three sets of floor to ceiling French windows with excellent living space and a quiet private balcony. Further benefits include direct lift access and air-conditioning throughout. Eaton place is conveniently located in the heart of Belgravia and only a short walk from all the amenities and transport links of Sloane Square and Knightsbridge. Reception room, Two bedrooms, Two bathrooms, Lift, Balcony, Air conditioning
1 Motcomb Street, London, SW1X 8JX 020 7235 8861
belgraviaoffice@henryandjames.co.uk henryandjames.co.uk
Carysfort House, SW1X
ÂŁ1850 per week | Furnished
This fantastic bright penthouse apartment of this highly sought after portered period building is located on one of Belgravia’s prime streets. The property has been recently neutrally redecorated, fitted with new carpets and furnished in an elegant, contemporary style. This light, split-level maisonette accessible with lift has a large master bedroom suite, two further double bedrooms, a second bathroom and a modern kitchen openplan to the reception room. The property is available furnished from the end of July. Three bedrooms, Two bathrooms, Open-plan kitchen & reception room, Porter, Lift
1 Motcomb Street, London, SW1X 8JX 020 7235 8861
belgraviaoffice@henryandjames.co.uk henryandjames.co.uk
Eaton Place, SW1X
ÂŁ1,750 per week | Furnished/Unfurnished
The apartment has been finished and furnished to a high standard with wood floors throughout reception areas comprising an elegant drawing room, a modern kitchen open–plan to a dining room, two patios, four double bedrooms and five bathroom (three en-suites), access to Belgrave square communal gardens (by separate negotiation). Eaton Place is located in a quiet residential area yet within a short walking distance to Sloane Square, Knightsbridge and Victoria. Available furnished or unfurnished. Reception room, Dining room, Kitchen & utility area, Four bedrooms, Four bathrooms, Two patios
1 Motcomb Street, London, SW1X 8JX 020 7235 8861
belgraviaoffice@henryandjames.co.uk henryandjames.co.uk
savills.co.uk
1 A WELL PRESENTED GRADE II LISTED TOWNHOUSE eaton terrace, sw1 3 reception rooms ø kitchen/breakfast room ø master bedroom suite ø 3 further bedrooms ø 2 further bath/shower rooms ø gym ø wine cellar ø terrace ø 305 sq m (3,284 sq ft) Guide £6.5 million Freehold
Savills Sloane Street
Savills Knightsbridge
Richard Gutteridge rgutteridge@savills.com
Matthew Morton-Smith mmsmith@savills.com
020 7730 0822
020 7581 5234
savills.co.uk
1 STUNNING HOUSE SET IN A CHARMING AND TRANQUIL BELGRAVIA MEWS wilton row, sw1 First floor drawing room ø dining room ø cinema/ media room ø study ø kitchen/breakfast room ø master bedroom suite ø 3 further bedroom suites ø utility room ø cloakroom ø parking ø 318 sq m (3,422 sq ft) Guide £11.95 million Freehold
Savills Knightsbridge
Savills Sloane Street
Matthew Morton-Smith mmsmith@savills.com
Noel De Keyzer ndekeyzer@savills.com
020 7581 5234
020 7730 0822
savills.co.uk
1
A LIGHT AND SPACIOUS PENTHOUSE WITH BEAUTIFUL VIEWS OVER THE GARDENS eaton square, sw1 Entrance hall ø 2 reception rooms ø kitchen ø master bedroom with dressing room and en suite bathroom ø 2 further bedrooms ø bathroom ø guest cloakroom ø utility room ø 3 balconies ø lift ø porter ø 259 sq m (2,789 sq ft) Guide £9.95 million Leasehold
Savills Sloane Street
2
Richard Dalton rdalton@savills.com
020 7730 0822
DELIGHTFUL LATERAL APARTMENT IN THIS SOUGHT AFTER LOCATION elizabeth street, sw1 Entrance hall ø reception room ø kitchen ø master bedroom ø guest bedroom ø bathroom ø 69 sq m (742 sq ft) Guide £1.495 million Leasehold
Savills Knightsbridge Katie Rumbellow krumbellow@savills.com
020 7581 5234
savills.co.uk
1 FAMILY HOUSE WITH POOL, PORTER AND PARKING IN BELGRAVIA STREET graham terrace, sw1 4/5 bedroom suites ø 2/3 reception rooms ø kitchen ø swimming pool ø gym ø double garage ø south-facing roof terrace ø air-cooling ø 505 sq m (5,434 sq ft)
Savills Sloane Street Simon Fernandes sfernandes@savills.com
020 7824 9005 £15,000 per week Furnished
Knight Frank
Eaton Square, Belgravia SW Four bedroom lateral apartment
A south west facing apartment on the second floor of this popular building in a prestigious garden square. Master bedroom with en suite bathroom, 3 further bedrooms, 2 further bathrooms (1 en suite), drawing room, dining room, kitchen, guest cloakroom, lift, porter. Approximately 204 sq m (2,200 sq ft) Leasehold 61 Years approximately Guide price: ÂŁ6,950,000 (BGV120062)
KnightFrank.co.uk/Belgravia belgravia@knightfrank.com 020 7881 7722 JSA McDowell Properties info@mcdowellproperties.co.uk 020 3551 2545
Knight Frank “ The Knight Frank Belgravia Lettings team are a pleasure to work with. It is refreshing to work with an agent who knows what they are doing. They are knowledgeable about our market, proactive in delivery of our product, efficient and always helpful. Despite being part of a large global organisation with an extensive client list, we feel we are provided with a bespoke service not expected by a company of this size.” SM
LET South Eaton Place, Belgravia SW1 asking rent: £5,950 per week
EXCEPTIONAL RESULTS LET Chesham Place, Belgravia SW1 asking rent: £7,800 per week
Our teams at Knight Frank have let some of the very best prime central property in London. With 245 offices in 43 countries we have unrivalled access to a global network of applicants looking to make London their home. But don’t just take our word for it, our clients have shared their success stories too.
LET Chester Square, Belgravia SW1 asking rent: £13,000 per week
LET
LET
Green Street, Mayfair W1K asking rent: £4,750 per week
Chester Square, Belgravia SW1 asking rent: £8,900 per week
LET
LET
“ Thank you for helping me to find a suitable property and negotiating terms on my behalf. I greatly appreciate your efficiency and courtesy, both of which made a potentially stressful and difficult time quite straightforward and trouble free.” MR
Mount Street, Mayfair W1K asking rent: £3,500 per week
Eaton Square, Belgravia SW1 asking rent: £10,000 per week
We speak your language wherever you are. EngLIsh • RussIan • ChInEsE • FREnCh
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15:18
Knight Frank “ Knight Frank has been absolutely brilliant, head and shoulders above any other firm I’ve dealt with, but you in particular are just a total star. It has been such a pleasure working with you. In a million ways, large and small, you go out of your way to help your clients, and I can’t tell you how rare that is.” WD
LET
LET
One Hyde Park, Knightsbridge SW1 Asking rent: £17,500 per week
Park Lane, Mayfair W1K Asking rent: £12,000 per week short let
If you are interested in renting or selling your property please do not hesitate to contact your local office on the details below:
LET Lower Belgrave Street, Belgravia SW1 Asking rent: £8,500 per week
LET Lygon Place, Belgravia SW1 Asking rent: £15,000 per week
020 7881 7730 belgravia@knightfrank.com KnightFrank.co.uk/Belgravia 020 7349 4300 chelsea@knightfrank.com KnightFrank.co.uk/Chelsea 020 7871 5070 hydepark@knightfrank.com KnightFrank.co.uk/HydePark 020 7937 8203 kensington@knightfrank.com KnightFrank.co.uk/Kensington 020 7591 8601 knightsbridge@knightfrank.com KnightFrank.co.uk/Knightsbridge 020 7871 5070 marylebone@knightfrank.com KnightFrank.co.uk/Marylebone 020 7499 1012 mayfair@knightfrank.com KnightFrank.co.uk/Mayfair
LET The Knightsbridge, Knightsbridge SW7 Asking rent: £4,000 per week
LET Frederick Close, Hyde Park W2 Asking rent: £3,250 per week
“ I have been most remiss and not thanked you personally for the speed and efficiency with which you took on the commission for our flat and found us a tenant. I am most appreciative of the excellent work you and your colleagues have done for us and we look forward to working with you in the future as well.” LM LET Whittaker Street, Belgravia SW1 Asking rent: £4,500 per week
Discover how our global search can show your property to the world in eight languages at KnightFrank.com/GlobalSearch Ger M A n • ItA l I A n • P ort uGue se • sPA nIsH
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EATON PLACE, SW1
EATON SQUARE, SW1
Beautifully refurbished ground and lower ground floor duplex apartment in a stucco-fronted building in the heart of Belgravia, with good access to Sloane Square, Knightsbridge and Victoria.
A beautifully refurbished ground and lower ground maisonette on this desirable garden square with access to Eaton Square gardens and tennis court. Close to Sloane Square and Knightsbridge.
3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms.
2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room.
Furnished £2,950 per week
Furnished £2,495 per week
EATON MEWS SOUTH, SW1
GRAHAM TERRACE, SW1
Recently refurbished mews house finished to an immaculate standard, situated between Chester and Eaton Squares, with good access to Sloane Square, the King’s Road and Knightsbridge.
An unusual end-of-terrace townhouse situated in this wonderful location close to Sloane Square and the shops and restaurants of the King’s Road.
3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms.
4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms.
Unfurnished £1,600 per week
Furnished £1,000 per week
BELGRAVIA 020 7824 7900 belgravia@johndwood.co.uk
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4 bedrooms, en suite bathroom, 3 shower rooms (1 en suite), reception room, dining room, study, media room, cloakroom, gymnasium, wine cellar, roof terrace, garage, mews parking.
TRUSTE
Discreetly situated mews house rebuilt to the highest standards behind its period faรงade.
D
R GEN E FO IONS AT R
09:09
GROSVENOR GARDENS MEWS NORTH, SW1
140 Years of Property
18
72 - 2 012
Freehold Guide Price ยฃ4,995,000
BELGRAVIA 020 7824 7900 belgravia@johndwood.co.uk
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Basil Mansions, Knightsbridge, SW3 This beautifully refurbished three double bedroom lateral apartment (2,060sq.ft. / 191sq.m.) is located on the second floor of a prime residential apartment block on Basil Street with a 39ft/12m long reception room benefiting from two large bay French windows open onto a large balcony. The property is ideally arranged for entertaining and family living.There is also a large reception hall and a spacious kitchen / breakfast room. Basil Mansions is a well run Edwardian apartment block with resident caretaker, lift and security. Located moments walk from Harrods, it is ideally located for the fabulous international amenities that Knightsbridge and Sloane Street has to offer.
ÂŁ7,870,000 Subject to contract 020 7225 6509 Nicholas.shaw@harrodsestates.com
KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE: 82 BROMPTON ROAD LONDON SW3 1ER T: +44 020 7225 6506 MAYFAIR OFFICE: 61 PARK LANE LONDON W1K 1QF T: +44 020 7409 9001
HARRODSESTATES.COM
Pont Street, Knightsbridge, SW1 A fabulous one bedroom apartment on the ground and lower ground floors of a substantial red-brick building set back from Pont Street. This property boasts a large reception room with high ceilings and a resident porter. Situated on the southside of Pont Street the property is ideally situated for the amenities of Knightsbridge , Sloane Street and Sloane Square. This would make an ideal pied-a-terre or rental investment. ÂŁ1,495,000 Subject to contract 020 7409 9205 Hassan.basma@harrodsestates.com
KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE: 82 BROMPTON ROAD LONDON SW3 1ER T: +44 020 7225 6506 MAYFAIR OFFICE: 61 PARK LANE LONDON W1K 1QF T: +44 020 7409 9001
HARRODSESTATES.COM
www.amesbelgravia.co.uk
Groom Place, sW1
AMESBELGRAVIA PROPERTY CONSULTANTS
ÂŁ2,500,000 Freehold
A delightful and quietly located mews house on three floors approached via a patio garden and with the rare benefit of windows enjoying light from all four points of the compass. In addition to the patio one can obtain a key to the nearby Belgrave Square Gardens. 3 en-suite bedrooms | Guest WC | Reception room with open plan kitchen | Separate utility room | Patio Garden.
80 Ebury Street, SW1W 9QD | T: 020 7730 1155 | M: 07769 558152 | ca@amesbelgravia.co.uk
www.ayrtonwylie.com +44 (0) 20 7730 4628
EATON TERRACE, SW1
A fine Grade II listed family house (3,194 sq ft / 296.7 sqm), with light and airy rooms. The house has the further benefit of a very pretty 43’ (13m) rear garden.
FREEHOLD £5,950,000
ACCOMMODATION AND AMENITIES
Drawing Room • Double Reception Room • Kitchen/ Breakfast Room Family Room / Bed 6 • Study Master Bedroom with Dressing Area and En Suite Bathroom • 4/5 Further Bedrooms • 3 Further Bathrooms • Shower Room Guest WC • Utility Room • Wine Cellar • Boiler Room • Further Vault • Garden.
16 Lower Belgrave Street, Belgravia, London SW1W 0LN
sales@ayrtonwylie.com
Wellbelove Quested PROPERTY CONSULTANTS 160 Ebury Street, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9JR www.wellbelove-quested.com 020 7881 0880
Elizabeth Street Belgravia SW1 A charming, laterally arranged apartment situated on Elizabeth Street in the heart of Belgravia comprising a double bedroom with en-suite bathroom, a second double bedroom, bathroom, reception room looking out onto Elizabeth Street, kitchen and dining room. The rear of the property commands lovely views with an outlook over Chester Row and Gerald Road gardens. Elizabeth Street offers a small selection of upmarket shops, bars and restaurants.
Master Bedroom with En-Suite Bathroom | Second Double Bedroom | Bathroom Kitchen | Dining Room | Views over Chester Row and Gerald Road Gardens | 740 sq ft
£1,150,000 Subject to Contract Leasehold
Ebury House Elizabeth Street Belgravia SW1 An impressive three bedroom, three bathroom, fourth floor penthouse apartment situated on Elizabeth Street, Belgravia. Refurbished to an excellent standard three years ago, the property boasts a large reception room with dining area, a good sized kitchen with top of the range appliances, three bedroom suites and a guest cloakroom. Elizabeth Street is renowned for its boutiques and fashion retailers, retaining a ‘village-like’ atmosphere.
£2,500,000 Subject to Contract Leasehold
Fourth Floor Penthouse Apartment | Three Double Bedroom Suites Reception Room with Dining Area | Kitchen | Guest Cloakroom | Air Conditioning Integrated Sound System | Air Conditioning | Independant Central Heating and Hot Water Lift | Management Scheme | 1,617 sq ft.
Wellbelove Quested always have a number of off-market opportunities available. Please contact the office for further details
ESTATE AGENTS, SURVEYORS AND PROPERTY CONSULTANTS 81 Elizabeth Street, Eaton Square, London SW1W 9PG Tel: 020 7730 9253 Fax: 020 7730 8212 Email: reception@bestgapp.co.uk www.bestgapp.co.uk Over 100 years experience in Belgravia
SOUTH EATON PLACE, SW1 An attractive one bedroom flat with a patio garden situated in this highly sought after street just off Eaton Square, close to the shops and restaurants of Sloane Square and Elizabeth Street. The property would make an ideal pied de terre and could be improved with some modernisation.
Leasehold 28 Years
ÂŁ825,000
* Entrance Hall * Reception Room * Dining Room * Kitchen * Bedroom * Bathroom * Patio Garden
Chelsea Fulham & Parsons Green Kensington & Holland Park Knightsbridge, Belgravia & Mayfair Notting Hill & Bayswater West Chelsea & South Kensington
Sales 020 7225 3866 Sales 020 7731 7100 Sales 020 7938 3666 Sales 020 7235 9959 Sales 020 7221 1111 Sales 020 7373 1010
Lettings 020 7589 9966 Lettings 020 7731 7100 Lettings 020 7938 3866 Lettings 020 7235 9959 Lettings 020 7221 1111 Lettings 020 7373 1010
City Office Professional Valuations UK Commercial & Residential Residential Investment Property Management
020 7600 3456 020 7318 5039 020 7629 7282 020 7318 5196 020 7052 9417
struttandparker.com
Lennox Gardens | Knightsbridge | SW1 1,279 sq ft (118.8 sq m)
A well presented and superbly positioned two double bedroom apartment on the raised ground in this sought after address. Entrance hall | Double reception room | Kitchen | Master bedroom with en suite shower room | Second double bedroom | Bathroom Asking price ÂŁ3,250,000 Leasehold
Chelsea 020 7225 3866 Knightsbridge 020 7235 9959
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Whittaker Street | Belgravia | SW1 2,748 Sq ft (255.3 sq m)
A rare opportunity to acquire this exceptionally well arranged four storey house with south facing garden, double garage & resident estate manager. 2 reception rooms | Kitchen/breakfast room | Master bedroom with en suite bathroom Two further bedrooms | Study/bedroom four | Shower room | Garden | Double garage Asking price ÂŁ6,250,000 Share of Freehold
Knightsbridge 020 7235 9959
Scan this QR code with your camera phone to read more about this property. Free QR code readers are available to download from our website at struttandparker.com/qrcode
Chelsea Fulham & Parsons Green Kensington & Holland Park Knightsbridge, Belgravia & Mayfair Notting Hill & Bayswater West Chelsea & South Kensington
Sales 020 7225 3866 Sales 020 7731 7100 Sales 020 7938 3666 Sales 020 7235 9959 Sales 020 7221 1111 Sales 020 7373 1010
Lettings 020 7589 9966 Lettings 020 7731 7100 Lettings 020 7938 3866 Lettings 020 7235 9959 Lettings 020 7221 1111 Lettings 020 7373 1010
City Office Professional Valuations UK Commercial & Residential Residential Investment Property Management
020 7600 3456 020 7318 5039 020 7629 7282 020 7318 5196 020 7052 9417
struttandparker.com
Dorset Mews | Belgravia | SW1 2,616 sq ft (243 sq m)
A lovely mews house situated in this quiet location in the heart of Belgravia and benefitting from secure underground parking. Reception Room | Dining Room | Kitchen | Three bedrooms | Three bathrooms Cloakroom | Utility Room | Parking | Porter | Balcony ÂŁ2,995 per week Furnished/Unfurnished
Knightsbridge 020 7235 9959
Scan this QR code with your camera phone to read more about this property. Free QR code readers are available to download from our website at struttandparker.com/qrcode
struttandparker.com
A new batch of potential buyers has just arrived. As Knightsbridge and Belgravia remain the prime destinations for overseas property investment, it continues to attract a wealth of international buyers. In the last six months, 75% of our registered buyers and tenants were from overseas. If you want to market your property now or would like to talk about how we can help you, do call either Charlie Willis, head of sales or Nina McDowall, head of lettings. 66 Sloane Street, London SW1X 9SH. Call 020 7235 9959 or email Knightsbridge@struttandparker.com today
Chelsea Fulham & Parsons Green Kensington & Holland Park Notting Hill West Chelsea & South Kensington
3460 International Ad A4.indd 1
Sales 020 7225 3866 Sales 020 7731 7100 Sales 020 7938 3666 Sales 020 7221 1111 Sales 020 7373 1010
Lettings 020 7589 9966 Lettings 020 7731 7100 Lettings 020 7938 3866 Lettings 020 7221 1111 Lettings 020 7373 1010
11/05/2012 15:52