Belgravia Residents June 2015 by Runwild Media Group

BELGRAVIA Resident’s Journal JUNE 2015

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ABU DH

Where will we find your perfect buyer or tenant? As the exclusive UK affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate network, we can reach quality buyers and tenants in 46 countries via 950 offices and a website visited 135,600 times a month. There’s no better way to open your door to the world. 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, visit www.belgraviaresidents.org.uk. We would highly value any feedback you wish to email us with: belgravia@residentsjournal.co.uk; or telephone us on 020 7987 4320.

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66 Sloane Street London SW1X 9SH Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7235 9959 knightsbridge@struttandparker.com struttandparker.com/christies

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05/12/2014 11:11

Dear Resident

As a friend says, there are only two seasons in England: autumn and June. So make the most of the weather and get involved in the polo – the closest it gets to Belgravia is The Hurlingham, see Bethan Rees’ interview with one of its stars, George Meyrick, on page 8, and Jennifer Mason takes a lesson on page 9. The Notebook on page 4 should keep readers up to date with local festivities; talking of parties, Henry HopwoodPhillips catches up with socialite and ex-soldier Christopher Hartley in this month’s Belgravian (page 10). On page 12 Catherine Foley heads down to a London Art Studies class at The Bulgari to educate herself about one of the world’s oldest art exhibitions, the Venetian Biennale. And keeping things beautiful, Elizabeth Sersta interviews local designer Veronica Basharatyan about how her fashion label is progressing. Elsewhere, Francesca Lee dolls herself up with the help of Michaeljohn (page 20). Please do not hestitate to get in contact with all your news and updates by emailing belgravia@residentsjournal.co.uk. Alternatively, tweet us @thebelgravian. We hope you enjoy the issue.

Managing Editor Francesca Lee Main Editorial Contributor Henry Hopwood-Phillips Editorial Assistant Jennifer Mason Editorial Intern Elizabeth Sersta Editor-in-Chief Lesley Ellwood

Managing Director Eren Ellwood Senior Designer Sophie Blain Production Hugo Wheatley Alex Powell Oscar Viney Alice Ford

Publishing Director Giles Ellwood General Manager Fiona Fenwick

Above / Hubert de Watrigant - After The Race (mixed media, 18x14 inches). Turn to page four for more information.

Proudly published & printed in the UK by

Executive Director Sophie Roberts RUNWILD MEDIA GROUP

Client Relationship Manager Friday Dalrymple Business Development Manager Nicola Bloomfield

Member of the Professional Publishers Association / ppa.co.uk

The Notebook

Who and what have been moving and shaking in Belgravia recently? We bring you up-to-date

Equestrian assets

Hubert de Watrigant is admired worldwide for his paintings of the racecourse. Though figurative, he experiments with techniques and looks for the moment when everyone else puts their binoculars down. It’s a habit that has won him many admirers and collectors, including the Queen, the King of Morocco, Sheikh al-Thani, Baron Guy de Rothschild and the Wildenstein family. Go and see if you rate him at a summer exhibition of his paintings (15 June10 July) at The Osborne Studio Gallery. The Osborne Studio Gallery, 2 Motcomb Street, SWIX 8JU, 020 7235 9667 (osg.uk.com)

Giving from the heart

Vigilance Properties, Belgravia’s local security company, is proud to work with the Ghurkas. 2015 is a landmark year, celebrating the bicentennial of the treaty with Nepal that founded the British Army’s legendary brigade. Sadly the country was devastated by a terrible 7.8 magnitude earthquake in April and suffered another in May, so Vigilance is looking to raise £50,000 (it has collected more than £10,000 so far) to construct a new earthquake-resistant school and service educational, medical and community needs in the country. Visit the website below to see how you can help. justgiving.com/ vigilanceproperties

An evening on the tiles

You know a street party is incredible when it attracts such a devoted following that it’ll insist on celebrating it, full-tilt, even in the rain. That happened to the Elizabeth Street party a couple of years ago, but no doubt the sun will have his hat on this year as the event coincides with the 10 year anniversary of The Thomas Cubitt pub. To celebrate, Cubitt House will be hosting the fun, which is all in the name of a good cause, this year raising money for Farms for City Children – a charity that gives city kids the opportunity to work on a farm in the countryside for a week. 10 June, 6pm onwards

Chocoholic delights

Rococo has thought about it, and is now prepared to offer its chocolate breakfasts all day. All you have to do is book. OK, if you want the taster menu, book three days in advance. Not exactly hard. That’s not the only good news either. As the weather improves, you can gobble the menu down in the seclusion of its Marococo garden. Rococo Chocolates, 5 Motcomb Street, SW1X 8JU, 020 7245 0993 (rococochocolates.com)

A night to remember

Gilded retinue

The society event of the year, the annual barbecue dinner party, hosted by the Belgrave Square Garden Committee, approaches. With music, drinks, dinner and a Davidoff cigar bar, many celebrations pass their zenith after initial enthusiasm wanes, but not the barbecue dinner party, which, like the fairer sex, cheese, wine and cigars, seems to improve with age.

The Duchess of Cambridge recently reopened The Goring hotel after a major refurbishment – marking the hotel’s one hundred and fifth birthday, and now it can also boast a fleet of handsome new footmen. Five in total, each for one of the hotel’s suites.

Tickets cost £100 for members, £115 for non-members. Dress code is smart or national dress. 18 June, 7pm-1am, RSVP: events@bsgc.london

The Goring, Beeston Place, SW1X 0JW, 020 7396 9000 (thegoring.com)

Street jamboree Keeping it tasteful

There’s a new store at 77 Elizabeth Street, called Salt. It’s not selling the condiment but a ‘curated collection’ of brands such as Zimmermann and Osman. It’s the latest venture for resortwear specialist Stephanie Alameida and will feature a personalised shopping experience provided by former Tatler stylist, Mark Kelly. Salt, 77 Elizabeth Street, SW1W 9PJ, 020 7824 8873 (saltresortwear.com)

Ars gratia artis

There’s a new art gallery on the block. Opening last month to the sound of Perrier Jouet, the Loughran Gallery held special toasts to artists Dave White and Nick Jeffrey. Attendees included actress and model Felicity Gilbert and fashionista Pandora Sykes, not to mention art aficionados-cum-rappers Saskilla and Darq E Freaker.

If one bash has put Belgravia on the map since its inception, it’s the Motcomb Street party. A non-profit event, this year the charities are the Household Cavalry Foundation and The Lullaby Trust. The latter famous for producing the research on sleeping babies which has reduced incidences of sudden infant death syndrome by 70 per cent. All the big local players (from Berkeley to Grosvenor) will be there, as well as the Tree of Life stall – full of prizes galore. Kicking off the entertainment, a mix of Tom Carpenter (of The Voice), Purple Fish (a cover band) and a Michael Jackson act, will be a mystery celebrity. Look out for various lookalikes, including Johnny Depp and Marilyn Monroe. £10 entry, 24 June, 5.30-10.30pm, (motcombstreetparty.co.uk)

Loughran Gallery, 20 Motcomb Street, SW1X 8LB, 020 7235 4326 (loughrangallery.co.uk)

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Motcomb Street Party 2015

it’s coming wednesday 24th june 2015

streetparty@motcombs.co.uk www.motcombstreetparty.co.uk o f f i c i a l m e d i a pa r t n e r s

supporting the household cavalry foundation

and the lullaby trust

If you’d like to become a Sponsor, please contact Sue Liberman – streetparty@motcombs.co.uk who will be delighted to discuss how you can proceed with this fantastic opportunity.

SPORT

home

Welcome

Chestertons Polo in the Park returns for its seventh year on 5 - 7 June – but with one crucial addition: the first England International match at Hurlingham Park since 1939. The Belgravia Residents’ Journal celebrates the momentous occasion by catching up with England international player George Meyrick, while Jennifer Mason tries her hand at the horseback sport

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Top of the

game

What are you most excited about at this year’s event? I always like playing in London; it’s so unique and the atmosphere is great. It’s not that often you get to play in front of such a large crowd. How do you feel about the first International England match returning to the Hurlingham Club since 1939? It will be such a cool thing to be involved with; it’s a part of history! Where did your interest start in playing polo? My grandfather always had horses and I was lucky enough to grow up on a farm where I learnt to ride. I got asked to play in a pony club team when I was seven or eight, which was so much fun. I got a bit more serious at school – I was in the team there and have just progressed ever since. I love it and knew it was what I wanted to be doing for the rest of my life. What do you enjoy most about the sport? It is the combination of horses, the thrill and the teamwork. The horses are a huge part for me, I love that side of it; I love sport in general, everything that is modern-day sport and being part of a team; I have always preferred ball sports, I

George Meyrick, England International player, speaks to Bethan Rees about this year’s event and his injury which almost stood in his path to success in the sport

like using hand-eye coordination. It is great to be a part of it. Your future in the sport was threatened through injury – what happened? I broke my foot; it was a very bad break. The doctors were unsure if I would be able to play polo properly again. But that is just part of the sport; there aren’t many players who haven’t had some sort of setback along the way. Despite what the doctors said I always somehow thought I would find a way to overcome it and fully recover, which I did. You’ll soon have engagements in the Middle East, U.S. and China – how do you feel about your role as a global ambassador? Really pleased, the more people I can teach about the sport and reach out to, hopefully means the more people want to be involved and attend matches. Increasing awareness of the sport is so important; it is a proper sport, horses are proper athletes and so are the players. What does the future hold for George Meyrick? I just want to carry on playing as high level for as long as possible. I would like the England team to get as strong as possible and compete with Argentina.

SPORT

Horsing around Jennifer Mason tries her hand on horseback and discovers it might not be as easy as it looks

’ve sat on the sidelines at a few polo matches over the years, soaking up the atmosphere, cheering on the side I’ve randomly chosen to support, and generally not having much of a clue about what’s actually going on in the game. Except when someone scores. That’s all about to change as I roll up for an exclusive Polo in the Park ‘experience’ at Ham Polo Club where head coach Charlie Wood and England international Malcolm Borwick are about to put me through my paces. As a rider and a keen sportswoman, I’m sure I can handle this. How hard could it be, right? The answer? Very. Starting off on foot with ministicks, I’m drilled in the four basic polo shots; the offside and nearside forehands and backhands. So far, so good – I haven’t knocked anyone out yet, and when I hit the ball it makes that pleasant ‘clack’ sound as the stick connects. Now for the full-size stick. To practise (before

I get a run of a few hits in a row my pony finally starts to get excited and I can feel her pushing forward to the ball. Sadly for her, I miss again, and all too soon it’s time to dismount and head back to the clubhouse. My verdict? If you’ve got the wherewithal to take up this sport it’s hugely rewarding and entertaining. But boy, is it tricky. For more information about the Polo Academy at Ham Polo Club, visit hampoloclub.com

As a rider and a keen sportswoman, I’m sure I can handle this. How hard could it be? they let me near the expensive polo ponies) I jump up on a wooden horse and begin swinging. After a brief period of misses while I adjust to the length of the stick and the height and width of my ‘horse’, I’m just starting to get the hang of it when I’m introduced to my steed for the afternoon and am suddenly faced with the realisation of what I’ve let myself in for. I’m a hugely competitive person and I don’t like to fail, so having felt rather good about my skills on the ground and stationary mount, I’m very aware of how much I want to succeed at the real deal. Used to riding with two hands in the traditional manner, limiting my steering to just one fist on the reins takes some getting used to, despite the extremely responsive polo pony beneath me. I’m anxious to do her justice (and even more anxious not to smack her around the head with my stick) but it’s obvious that she recognises the ineptitude of the rider on her back as each time I approach the ball for a miss-hit, she stops. After a bit more practice I feel like I’m almost getting the hang of it – I’m connecting with at least half the balls I pass – and when

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The

Belgravian FLASHMAN RETURNS

Henry Hopwood-Phillips talks to Christopher Hartley, Belgravia’s debonair answer to Rugby’s most famous alumnus, Harry Paget Flashman

PROFILE

e’re in Mark’s, the private members’ dining club on Charles Street. It’s the sort of place that gentleman’s clubs should aspire to be: neither a museum piece nor a hotel, but a living, breathing institution. Sat on the terrace, wreathed by plumes of smoke, Christopher goes into detail about a career that failed to take off in every sense. ‘I was taught to fly at 13 years old,’ he reminisces. ‘It was what I’d wanted to do ever since I could remember.’ Having distinguished himself at Rugby with a smattering of accolades that suggest he hardly received a single rip from a teacher (we’re talking Head of House, Head of CCF and Holder of the Big Side Bags – a term that translates into ‘head of the cross-country team’), my visions of Hartley as some sort of Flashman figure (a fictional alumnus) take a beating. The dream popped, however, because his ears refused to. ‘I was 20 and in the pressure chamber at RAF Henlow.’ Catapulted 20,000 feet in the air, in three seconds, he explains that this should have resulted in hypoxia (a lack of oxygen), which ‘ought to feel like being drunk.’ But his lack of reaction, followed by a failure to depressurise (due to narrow eustachian tubes), however, meant Hartley needed to reassess his direction of travel. He confesses the options were hardly appealing. Friends with insufficient eyesight ended up as either air traffic controllers or pilots for commercial carriers. ‘Worrying,’ I interrupt, failing to self-censor. It seems odd that Hartley doesn’t seem particularly rueful about the affair. ‘Well, in my final year at university, my girlfriend was housemates with both the daughter of the Coldstream regimental colonel and the daughter of Sandhurst’s commandant,’ he says with a twinkle in the eye. His path on the infantry side of the divide was not without hiccups either, however. Despite befriending the colonel of the Coldstream Guards, he made the jump into the Grenadiers. This was due to the fact that the latter ‘spent less time in Northern Ireland and did more fun things in general,’ but historically there is bad blood between the two regiments. The Grenadiers are technically the more senior of the two, because the longer service of the Coldstream Guards was completed in the New Model Army (of 1645), not the Crown. This good-humoured competition played itself out more viscerally when, whilst on a trench-digging exercise, Hartley opened his mail to ‘find first, an Argos catalogue, and second, a letter from the Colonel telling me what an arse I’d been for making the wrong choice,’ effectively making him, suddenly, persona non grata. The next few years read like a recent textbook

history of the British Army: deployments in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan as well as training in Canada, Sierra Leone and Belize mark a career in the forces surrounded by the incongruous life of uniforms, stress, fun, honour and death. A career best summed up in a tragicomedy episode near Kosovo where ‘I was trying, with a RN Serbian interpreter, to convince an Albanian woman, in the worst pidgin tongues, to move out of her house when we were all blown skyward by three grenades.’ Exiting the forces as a captain, having served as an adjutant in Afghanistan, he’d always known that military life would fail to provide two things: ‘marriage or an Aston Martin, and not necessarily in that order.’ Observing that neither were exactly cheap, he appreciated a career in banking must be beckoning him. This was 2008, however: finance was beckoning nobody in 2008. Lacking an easy route, Hartley devised his own. Starting Vigilance Properties as a cost-effective solution to illegal squatting, he used Ghurkas as caretakers all over London to guard properties worth around £670 million in total. Growing the business, he has achieved a £5 million turnover, employed 450 Ghurkas to date and won important contracts – it was Vigilance that was used, for instance, when the Mayor of London needed protection for London’s vacant fire stations. In December last year, Hartley stepped down as managing director (he still has shares) to found two new companies. The first, imaginatively named Hartley & Hartley, is in the property design and development business. Christopher works with his brother David, an alumnus of the Architectural Association – where both Zaha Hadid and Norman Foster (now Baron Foster of Thames Bank) studied. The brief is to pursue ‘a British touch and avoid the impersonal stamp, common today.’ The second is The Good Rubbish Company. Founded with an ex-member of the Household Cavalry, Dickon Lee-Wood, it involves employing ex-servicemen to ‘upcycle’ (avoiding straightforward disposal at all costs) the things people might otherwise throw away with no concern for the environment. How Hartley fits all of this in with being a committee member of several London clubs (Mark’s, The Cavalry & Guards etc.), one of the founders of London poppy day (‘which once managed to raise £50,000 in 24 hours’) and his louche reputation (I get invites to his next supercar jaunt to Monaco and a trip to Cuba for the finest cigars) is tricky to work out. He doesn’t even try to explain, ‘I’m happy’, Hartley contends, ‘I’ve got the Aston [Martin]; just need to work on the other one now.’

Lacking an easy route, Hartley devised his own

Illustration / Russ Tudor

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Malgorzata Kistryn/Shutterstock.com

Back to

school

Self-proclaimed art novice Catherine Foley tries to educate herself about the Venice Biennale by attending a London Art Studies evening lecture

ondon Art Studies (LAS) evening classes are hosted by the Bulgari Hotel in Knightsbridge. Welcomed by its founder, Kate Gordon, I am swiftly introduced to the other initiates; mostly young ladies and couples. Guests seem far more versed in the arts than myself, but armed with several glasses of plonk I shake off my insecurities and surf the enthusiasm of my new companions, one of whom seems to have stopped off between New York and Delhi for a roundup of art-world news. And this evening that news revolves mostly around the Venice Biennale: a subject (among others) that the lecturer, Ben Street, a freelance art historian, museum educator, writer and curator seems to know a lot about. This is fortunate as I know the square root of not very much. Fortunately, the raison d’etre of LAS seems to be its ability to assimilate novices like me. Apparently it’s the world’s oldest art biennale – 2015 being its fifty-sixth iteration. It’s also arguably the most significant fixture on the contemporary art calendar. Inaugurated in the 19th century, it aimed to increase trade through the Adriatic’s entrepôt. I learn, in an armchair in the cool, dark setting of the cinema (with a watermarked notebook to hand), that the Biennale grants access to secret corners of the city otherwise closed to the public, including the hidden gardens of the Giardini constructed during the Napoleonic era in the east of Venice in an effort to create more green space. This has been the traditional venue for the International Arts Exhibition since 1985, hosting the Central Pavilion and a further 29

pavilions, each built, owned and maintained by participants. But these are no normal contestants. The largest unit of participation seems to be entire countries. Those nations partaking each own a pavilion, commission a new artist and then offer a talent a platform on which to represent themselves and their patria homeland. It is now common for them to explore each other’s cultures and nationalities, and developing themes include: performance art, provocative art, conceptual art, not to mention experimental and immersion installations. Several of these stone marquees were designed and built by famous architects. Take the Austrian for instance; it was among the last works of Josef Hoffmann. Another

There’s more drama here than in a year’s worth of soaps location, the Arsenale, was once the largest pre-industrial centre of the world. Devoted, since 1999, to a bit more peace and love than the war its title evokes – it’s now a ginormous space for galleries. I take particular pleasure in Ben Street steering us through the ups and downs of the Biennale’s history. There’s more drama here than in a year’s worth of soaps. I still can’t

ART

Adriano Castelli/Shutterstock.com

Malgorzata Kistryn/Shutterstock.com

believe that in 1910 Picasso was removed from the Spanish salon through fear that his novelty might shock the public, or that Hans Haacke had the courage to address Germany’s history so brutally and honestly in 1993. The commotion clearly draws people and peoples in, however. Eighty-eight countries participated in 2013 and a further eight have joined for the 2015 Biennale, making what was initially a trade show of art to be bought and sold, now one of the world’s most impressive art exhibitions. It’s easy with Ben leading (he’s a brief, confident, engaging and emotionally attuned speaker) to lose oneself in the show – but it’s the vessel, London Art Studies, that particularly impresses here. Kate, like the best of hostesses is there as and when required, yet invisible when circumstances dictate. The result is that hardest of creatures to acquire: an atmosphere that is both fun and educational. I can’t really go back to school but I can go back to these classes. • •

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The LAS Lunch was started at Koffmann’s at The Berkeley in 2012. Lectures are limited to 14 students, and Michelin starred Pierre Koffmann prepares a special lunch for guests. 10am - 2.30pm; see website for details LAS Evenings take place at the Bulgari Hotel. 7 - 8.15pm; see website for details 020 7259 5634 (londonartstudies.com)

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Aforlady modern times

Elizabeth Sersta talks to a Belgravia resident, young designer Veronica Basharatyan, about how she started up her inspiring fashion label, Basharatyan V

Veronica Basharatyan

spot Veronica from afar, wearing one of her recent creations; a sprite-like tutu skirt from her diffusion line, Style Notes. She radiates power and grace – but of a young, feminine variety. She wanted a career in fashion from a very early age. However, ‘I had a deal with my parents, if I did a “serious, heavyweight” degree, then I would get to do fashion,’ she recalls. Therefore, after graduating in Economics at Moscow, Veronica flew to London to try out a few shortterm courses at Central Saint Martins on fine art, interior design and the like. Later she moved to London permanently. ‘I was sure I wanted to design ladieswear from day one,’ Veronica stresses. She did a foundation course at Central Saint Martins covering ladieswear design, textiles and print, which sparked an interest in fabric design; an avenue she pursued in surface textiles for womenswear at the London College of Fashion. I can see it traced onto the collections with a recurring signature ‘ribbon knit’ technique. The cherry on the cake was another qualification in ladieswear fashion at the Istituto Marangoni based in Milan. At first her custom was almost entirely based on requests from within her friendship groups. ‘They have stayed with me throughout the last four and a half years,’ Veronica notes gratefully. Her first official show as ‘Basharatyan V’ took place at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Moscow 2011. Shortly followed by Milano Moda Donna

Fashion Week, with two shows on schedule in February and September 2012. ‘It was very quick. I didn’t have time to realise what was happening,’ Veronica recollects. ‘I applied for the sake of applying. I never dreamt of getting there.’ Travelling back and forth between London and Milan for a year, she had to decide whether to stay in Milan or come back to London. ‘To be honest I always wanted to be back here: I started here, London is my place – I feel more comfortable and I love working here; it’s an inspirational city in every sense of the word’. Not a person to do things by halves, Veronica participated in London Fashion Week (2013), followed by two seasons with Fashion Scout and an independent show in September 2014. This year Veronica started a new diffusion line, Style Notes. ‘There was a demand for it from a younger audience,’ she explains. ‘These are people who want to own a Basharatyan V item but are not ready to spend large amounts of money on the main line.’ The concept sounds sensible. ‘It is all about styling what you already have in your wardrobe with a new garment.’

FASHION

Veronica’s collections vary drastically in style, a look that’s been influenced by her heritage. ‘I am made up of very different traditions. My father is an Armenian Christian; my mother, a Muslim Balkarian. Born in Moscow, I went to an American school. It is a big mixture, but it all comes together very well.’ She shares the importance of her family travels. ‘Each collection is exclusive to a certain country, culture or tradition.’ I’m eager to discover what sort of client Veronica attracts. ‘She is confident and likes to mix and match different things. This comes out as being quite powerful, because being confident is powerful. She remains feminine though, after all she is a lady,’ she answers. Just having the vision isn’t enough though. There has to be a plan and a lot of energy. Veronica paints a picture of how tough the market can be for young designers: ‘big department stores don’t want to take

London is my place – I feel more comfortable and I love working here; it’s an inspirational city in every sense of the word risks, the smaller boutiques shut down and go online,’ before going on to note the difference in the two markets she is conquering: ‘Moscow is more about dressing up and evening wear. My maxiskirts, long evening gowns and dresses sell better there. In the UK it’s more about the mini-skirts and jumpsuits. That’s not to say there’s no crossover though: my Style Notes skirt sells well in both markets.’ That’s the big picture, but what about on the ground. It must be more banal? ‘No, it is always different,’ Veronica reflects. ‘In Moscow I always try to visit stockists to get feedback from sales personnel,’ whereas in London she mostly sells through the online store and takes special orders directly from the studio in Victoria. So in London she’s on emails, going to meetings, checking production processes at the factory, visiting the PR office and making future plans. When I try to reduce her success to any sort of formula, after a short pause, she replies: ‘Try not to go to sleep too late and try to wake up early.’ (basharatyanv.com)

This image and above / The Style Notes skirts: collection A/W 2015/16, collections Style Notes by BASHARATYAN V “Sabina”, photographer: Sofya Bredikhina. All other images / Fashion Scout, London Fashion Week, A/W 2014/15 “Heidmork”, photographer: Christopher Dadey, February 2014

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Belgraviaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most famous restaurant, brasserie & bar

Open 7 days a week 26 Motcomb Street 020 7235 6382 email: info@motcombs.co.uk w w w.motcombs.co.uk

DRINKING & DINING

Tongue Thai-ed

Henry Hopwood-Phillips explores the vegetarian option at Patara’s Knightsbridge branch...

e need to talk about tofu, not Kevin. The rubbery brother of real food; that pale and insipid impostor, is actually bean curd’s underwhelming nickname. Vegetarians claim it was made by the Chinese (on purpose!) thousands of years ago, but the less credulous understand its invention was made necessary in the 60s when hippies started dying from malnutrition. That was all totally true history, until now. Tofu priew wan, Thai for ‘stop eating meat’ (or at least may as well be) might look as though somebody has chucked stuff into your scrambled egg but it tastes as if Aladdin – or a generic spice merchant – has scattered heat, light, darkness, sweet, sour and lemon-grassy flavours into your unprepossessing pile of moisture in a moment of whimsy. It’s not all a massive mercurial acid trip though; there are some sensible nouns in there – a Portobello mushroom, for instance. Flesh is also a forte. The Gressingham duck breast, stirred in a garlic, chilli and basil sauce is sweet and powerful – but not that lazy sickly-saccharine way. It’s wet and hot – without being deep-fat fryer sloppy too. This is interesting. Friends warned me that Patara had fallen a long way since it was on-trend and winning gongs in the noughties; the most damning opinions were that it was no longer ‘anything special’. But the worst thing I can think of as I wolf my food down is that it’s weird the restaurant has patronised me with a knife and fork when my chopstick skills are only one rung below ‘native’ on census forms.

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OK, so the décor is a tad underwhelming. It’s basically a large corridor bordered by orchids, but then entire families live in similar spaces for more money than some African countries’ Gross National Products around here. The service is a tad erratic too. It reminds me of that remote-controlled car I had that whizzed and whirred enthusiastically but ultimately failed to develop a relationship with my gearstick and buttons when I was letterbox-height. You can’t fault the food though. Or for that matter the drinks. I smash my way through a triplet of espresso martinis. They aren’t on the menu and yet out they come, chocolatey-sweet Kahlua on smoky coffee with a sweet rise at the end; it’s the adult equivalent of Nutella – and with all this caffeine I can still pretend I’m compos mentis. Everybody wins. Everybody, except for the lad next to me perhaps. I spray the face of a nearby orchid in a martini mist when he shouts ‘No! I will never marry her! Ever!’ desperately at two bemused girls across the table at the top of his voice – which is, incidentally, almost cartoonishly oriental. I eavesdrop on the rest of his chat; he seems an eccentric and talented chap, albeit trapped in a rather unexceptional body. Which, come to think of it, wouldn’t be a terrible way to describe Patara. Patara, 9 Beauchamp Place, SW3 1NQ, 020 7581 8820 (pataralondon.com)

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Beauty &Grooming Beauty on your doorstep from Rhea Papanicolaou-Frangista & Farrah Hamid, the experts at Prettly

La Roche-Posay, Anthelios If you have sensitive skin, this is the one for you. The long-reliable team at La Roche-Posay Laboratories is tackling the damage caused by long UVA. This line of dermatologistrecommended products has been updated for 2015.

Crème de la Mer, Reparative SkinTint SPF 30 Launched just last month, this brand-new offering from favourite Crème de la Mer is a wonderful, light option for your daily skin protection. Its tints are infused with innovative light-and-pigment technology which creates a translucent colour that comes in several shades to match varying skin tones. £65; Peter Jones, SW1W 8EL; cremedelamer.co.uk

From £11; Harrods, SW1X 7XL

Cellu-cup

Brighten

June is here and it’s time to celebrate the sun! We found some of the best that Belgravia has to offer for all your slimming, toning and general happy skin needs for summer.

Bliss Fat Girl Slim Arm Candy This one really gets us tank-top ready and is one of our top exciting products for summer. We love the moisturising feel and the massaging applicator which really works to help reduce the appearance of redness and bumps on your arms. £34; Bliss Spa, 60 Sloane Avenue, SW3 3DD

Though not available in UK stores just yet, this is such a cool one! (But we have an insider tip that it might be coming to shops here soon!) These handy little cups are massage tools made from silicone, which perfect the common ‘skin pinch and roll technique’ recognised by professionals to help fight cellulite. £16; birchbox.co.uk

Prettly.com At-home Pedicure What better way to get your toes summerready than with one of our very own at-home pedicures? Prettly.com’s Signature Classic or Gel At-Home Pedicure is a full-service pedicure, with our quality nail technicians coming directly to your home in Belgravia for the treatment. From £30; www.prettly.com ; enter code BELGRAVIA10 for 10 per cent off in June

Front and

Scenter

Meet the newest fragrance force in Belgravia

Lara Morgan

e were delighted this month to stumble across a new range of products called Scentered in our beloved Space NK stores. These lovely, non-greasy balms carry essential oil blends in a wind-up stick format, making them portable like lipsticks and easy to apply for busy women on-the-go. Lara Morgan, an accomplished entrepreneur and the local force behind the Scentered balms, sat down with us recently to talk about embarking on a venture in the highly coveted London beauty market, what has inspired her and the future for the range in London and beyond. What was the inspiration behind Scentered? Whilst building a global company, selling across many countries and travelling regularly, I learned to use great products from the leading aromatherapy companies, spa and skincare lines but often the oils, gels and rollerball products leaked under air-pressure, infuriating me as wasted expense and damaging my stuff! I was determined to offer a truly portable, practical and effective mood therapy product that would help any individual cope with the daily stresses and strains of juggling life, without the fuss. How does Scentered stand out as a brand concept among fragrance products in London? What is most exciting about it? Portable mood therapy – it encourages you to take a moment to stop, inhale and reset your mood, allowing you to gather yourself for whatever challenges lie ahead. You are an accomplished and experienced entrepreneur. Why did you choose a fragrance range as your next venture? Having licensed brands such as Asprey, Bulgari, Penhaligon’s and other world-famous products I’d learnt a great deal about the fragrance industry. Fragrance changes lives and aromatherapy is proven to improve wellbeing. I wanted to make a product that solved a problem, as I mentioned previously and bring innovation and life improvement to those using it. You have an amazing charity partner in Women for Women International. What led to that decision? Years ago, during the development of Scentered, we met the team running Women for Women International. Given the aim of our product and brand, we believe that those enjoying Scentered will also appreciate the value the charity brings to others who are actually juggling even more of life’s most basic challenges. Doing good whilst looking after others as well as our own wellbeing makes good sense.

B E L G R AV I A R E S I D E N T S ’ J O U R N A L

How did you meet your co-founder Fay Pottinger, and how do you complement each other? Fay and I have come on an amazing journey. She was my first graduate recruit when I was in the growth phase looking to bring like-minded people into my first company. She, like me, loathes waste, has a passion for all things natural, organic, recycled and repurposed. She has qualities I cannot begin to list that I admire daily but on top of being a world-class sales person is her desire to learn, to deliver outstanding quality and her determination to teach me professional marketing are massively valued. What’s coming up next for the range? We have been delighted with the response to our launch. We have a very international outlook and genuinely would like to see our product become a staple for every person’s jacket pocket, handbag, desk or bedside table. We are also working on range extensions into the home fragrance and bath and body categories. What’s the best part about living and working in Belgravia and London? What are some of your favourite places to visit, shop and dine in? I love The Thomas Cubitt and dine regularly there. I also recently held a dinner at The Pantechnicon Rooms, which was lovely. I have to confess that I am shockingly bad at shopping, and tend to be out and about at meetings during the day, but I can’t resist popping into Les Senteurs when I have the opportunity, to check out the latest fragrances and treat myself or a girlfriend to a beautiful new scent. Scentered products are now available in Space NK stores throughout London and Belgravia, including Space NK Hans Crescent, Space NK Duke of York Square, Space NK Victoria (uk.spacenk.com)

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HEALTH AND WELLBEING

It’s time to face

the music Francesca Lee confronts her ageing fears at Michaeljohn

’d like to say my face is my biggest asset. With everything else (ahem) starting to head southwards, I thought my face would stand the test of time. Alas, I was wrong. My once-rather-plumped up cheeks have become fuller; not thanks to Botox however, rather to discovering the finer foods in life. Much like a hamster, and believe me, if I could store food in my cheeks to nibble on throughout the day, I would. With my waistline expanding and my hair greying, so much so that I can no longer start to pull them out individually as there are too

In true 80s-style, I’m raving about it to anyone who will listen many, I have yet to accept the inevitable. Just this morning I tried to sweep a hair away from my face. But it wasn’t a hair. It was a line. I quickly put the mirror down. Luckily, the beauticians at Michaeljohn restored my confidence just the other week. Originally booked in for the new Hybrid Facial, which is for clients aged 30 upwards, they thought the HydraFacial for all ages groups was more apt. Oh, how I needed that boost. The non-invasive treatment uses a high-tech machine

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that promises younger-looking skin instantly: just what I needed. Combining cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, hydration and antioxidant protection simultaneously through hydradermabrasion, it really is super-effective, and I have had my fair share of facials. From peels to fads, masks to alternative therapies, I’ve tried them all, but they never seem to have any lasting results. This treatment, however, did, and a week later I can’t help but touch my face every now and then. Yes, I admit – I am rather odd. The thing is, I have never felt such smooth and soft skin. It’s like I’ve gone back almost three decades and become a baby again. And in true 80s-style, I’m raving about it to anyone who will listen, minus the bucket hat. Priced at £150 for one session, it’s worth every penny, and there’s also the option to have a course of 12 and only pay for 10. Me, I’m still basking in the benefits. Just don’t let me anywhere near a magnifying mirror. Available in Mayfair and Belgravia, 8 Motcomb Street, Belgravia, SW1X 8JU, 020 7752 0652 (michaeljohn.co.uk)

B E L G R AV I A R E S I D E N T S ’ J O U R N A L

“the fitness guru viewed by the entertainment industry as the 4th emergency service” The S und ay Tim e s , St y le M a g a zin e

“ When I n e e d e d to get in sh a p e f o r a f ilm, h e t o o k me s a f e ly d o wn f ro m a s i z e 1 2 to size 8 in just six weeks.. . Da v id ’s p ro g ra mme h a s ma d e me a ma z in g l y f i t a n d mu c h s ma lle r. ” Rach e l We isz, Actre ss

“The rewa rds are h u g e , y o u will d ro p t h re e d re s s s iz e s . ” H e llo Mag azin e

“H i s ro u ti n e s a re fun, I never get bored and they w ork. H e ’s al w ays the person I turn to.” L ily Alle n , Re cord in g Ar tist

“ Lose we ight and g a in f it n e s s in re c o rd t ime - wit h t h e B o d y d o c t o r ’s work o u t , a n y t h in g is p o s s ib le . ” The S u n d ay Time s, Sty le Mag azin e

T he be st t r ai n i ng i n t h e wo r l d - a n d i t ’ s o n yo u r do o r st e p

b e s p o k e p e r s o n a l t r a i n i n g • p i l at e s • n u t rit io n c lin ic • h o lis t ic t h e rap ie s • inj ury r e h a b i l i tat i o n • p ow e r p l at e • s mall gro u p t rain in g • c o rp o rat e f it n e s s p rogra mmes

Residents’ Culture Exploring the minutiae of residents’ concerns and encounters

Dear

Auntie Dear Auntie, I have hosted dinner parties for decades and had very few problems catering for vegetarians. Today, however, it is becoming impossible to serve half-decent food for a party above six in number because so many seem to suffer (or should I say boast of) several eating problems, allergies or preferences. How can I communicate this problem without alienating my suddenly-fussy friends?

Mrs Smythe

Dear Mrs Smythe, Thank you for your letter and may I say how much I sympathise with the problem raised. I find today’s spoilt and somewhat self-indulgent society difficult to comprehend as the self-interest shown by so many is depressing. I do not know how you invite your guests to your dinners, but may I suggest, if by the modern-day medium of the email, you give details of the menu if you know it, and if you do not, add NB at the bottom stating: “All food served in my home will be to the highest culinary standard, but sadly, will not be able to accommodate any individual’s requirements whether this is a dislike, allergy or fad.” If not via email, the spoken word can convey the same. Back in the day when folk were more interested in making a good impression rather than forcing their digestive system on fellow guests, if a particular morsel was not to their liking (for good reason or bad), nothing would be said by either side. I welcome this approach as what they can or cannot eat (rather like money and religion) is not dinnerparty conversation.

Yours ever, Auntie

Issues ranging from etiquette to depression afflict every area of the world, but not all places have a person as sage as our agony aunt to solve them… If you’d like any of your problems answered, email belgravia@residentsjournal.co.uk and we’ll forward on your concerns to Auntie.

Dear Auntie, We have a cat and next door has a cat. Our cat is tame and cute, theirs is feral and aggressive. Our cat has been hurt repeatedly by their cat and we have spoken to our neighbours in both polite and less-polite terms about the problem, all to no avail. I don’t know what to do now. Although it seems serious, we do not feel able to contact the RSPCA as no real crime has been committed.

Miss Burton

Dear Miss Burton, This is a very worrying situation for you, which needs careful handling. I would never involve the RSPCA on what is, essentially a domestic issue. I wonder if it would be possible to come to some sort of agreement with your neighbours as to when the two cats are let out – rather like a curfew for each? Not knowing your living circumstances of course, I suggest this with an open mind. Alternatively, I wonder if there are attack-repellent collars for cats as are made for dogs? I think they look pretty scary but I am told they do stop attacks on dogs. I imagine a joint visit to the local vet – as a mediator – has already taken place. It is possible the aggressive moggy is an unhappy cat due to some unfulfilling lifestyle. Failing all the above ideas, the most radical solution is to move home, which although sounds absurd on first reading may not be possible, but may afford the happiest solution.

Yours sincerely, Auntie

The views expressed on this page are not held by the Residents’ Journal. The page offers a platform for the voices of our local residents to discuss topics they feel relevant and important.

June roundup by Sue Liberman

s I mentioned in May, 2015 will see the redevelopment of The Pantechnicon Building which is situated directly opposite Waitrose on Motcomb Street. The Pantechnicon Rooms, on the corner of Motcomb & Kinnerton Street, are a public house and dining rooms named after the prestigious 1830s landmark building (The Pantechnicon Building). For clarification, the redevelopment of The Pantechnicon Building is in no way connected to The Pantechnicon Rooms. The Pantechnicon Rooms are not leaving Motcomb Street and will continue to be as much of a favourite with residents as it has been for many years. thepantechnicon.com.

Trading news….

Royal Ascot No.11 Cadogan Gardens has partnered with leading luxury hair salon Errol Douglas to create the ultimate ‘Haute Hat Hair’ package in celebration of Royal Ascot this June. Guests at No.11 can experience a two-night stay in a beautiful suite with Champagne on arrival as well as a full English breakfast daily. On the morning of the races, guests will be chauffeur-driven to the Errol Douglas salon in Knightsbridge where they will receive a mini manicure and have their hair styled to perfection in preparation for Royal Ascot. Senior stylists at Errol Douglas will not only style but also share their top tips to maintain the style when the guest wishes to remove their hat. Following the Errol Douglas experience, No.11 Cadogan Gardens can arrange for a car to pick guests up from the salon and whisk them on to a day at the races. Tel: 020 7730 7000 or reservations@no11cadogangardens.com. Grace Belgravia Grace Deli’Very Service offers five different menus; each designed to cater for a different set of dietary and lifestyle requirements, all delivered direct to your home. All menus are full of nutritious and delicious, restaurant-quality food aimed to support a healthy, balanced diet as well as sustained and controlled weight loss where desired. The Grace Cleanse Menu is the perfect way to kick-start your summer as it is gluten, dairy and refined sugar-free; the programme has reduced portion sizes and is ideal for those who are looking to give their digestive system a break and their waistline a pinch. Cost £32.50 per day. Contact wellbeing@gracebelgravia.com for more information. ‘Let Them Eat Cake’ An afternoon tea inspired by the opulence of Marie Antoinette’s court, at Pont St., Belgraves Hotel. At the helm of Pont St., is chef and author Sophie Michell –

currently Britain’s youngest female executive chef. Sophie says, ‘I’ve always found Marie Antoinette an intriguing character; she was seen as a figure of decadence, beauty and frivolity. It’s debatable as to whether her famous quote, ‘Let them eat cake’ was actually coined by her, but it did get me thinking about what would be the perfect afternoon tea. Combining this with Ruinart Champagne, one of the oldest Champagne houses in France, and their new flavour pearls, it was a seamless match.’ The Marie Antoinette Afternoon Tea is priced at £35 or £45 with Champagne included. Reservations: 020 7858 0100 Afternoon Tea with a Spanish Twist Ametsa with Arzak Instruction have launched an afternoon tea selection. Situated within The Halkin hotel, the new menu has Spanish twists on what is otherwise a distinctly British tradition. Created by Michelin-starred chef Sergi Sanz, the afternoon tea menu has been inspired by the hallmarks of Basque cuisine. The traditional sandwiches are replaced by a selection of savoury tapas, with highlights including pork croquettes, Iberico ham and manchego cheese pillows. Followed by a series of desserts, such as lime custard and banana tartlet or chocolate with churros. Afternoon tea is served with a choice of Jing Teas. Available every day 3pm to 5pm, priced at £26 per person (£30 per person with a glass of cava). For more information, please contact kate.richards@comohotels.com.

A new opening in Belgravia…

Food Filosophy June will see the opening of Food Filosophy at 9 Kinnerton Street. A lovely company selling fresh Greek food and coffee, Food Filosophy also has stores on Lower Belgrave Street and George Street. In addition, if there’s anything you would like to let me know about, I can be contacted on 07957 420911 or sue@sueliberman.com

Until next month...

If there’s anything you would like me to know about, I can be contacted on sue@sueliberman.com

B E L G R AV I A R E S I D E N T S ’ J O U R N A L

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Planning &Development Keeping you in the know about important street plans affecting Belgravia

Fit for an mp P Politics can be a dirty game, so why not rise above it all at The Panoramic development?

imlico’s waterfront is steeped in history. In Tudor times, it was originally meadowland close to Whitehall Palace. Henry VIII and later Elizabeth I used to exercise their dogs there – hence nearby ‘Lupus Street’ – before it later became farmland dotted with tiny hamlets. As we all know, in the 1820s the Grosvenor family commissioned Thomas Cubitt to develop Belgravia, which soon emerged as one of London’s most exclusive residential districts. A few years later, Cubitt was also asked to develop Pimlico as a southern extension. Less well-known is the fact its marshy land was reclaimed using soil excavated during the construction of St. Katherine’s Dock, by the Tower of London. Fast-forward a few hundred years, and rising above the marsh and staring at the landmarks of history (Houses of Parliament, Tate Britain and others) is The Panoramic. A 10-minute walk from Westminster, the 19-storey tower opposite Bessborough Gardens houses 90 apartments, all with access to a 24-hour concierge service, a residents’ gymnasium and a secure underground car park, making it the perfect place for a Member of Parliament. (russellsimpson.co.uk)

road works

PLANNING APPLICATIONS

STREET

PLANNED WORK

DATES

WORKS OWNER

DATE RECEIVED

ADDRESS

PROPOSAL

Grosvenor Place

Disconnection of electrical supply

1-4 June

UKPN (0800 028 4587)

1 May

Wilton Street

Repairs to first-floor balcony

Disconnect steel service from main

Chapel Street

1-6 June

National Grid (0845 605 6677)

1 May

Pont Street

Detailed method statement on protection of the trees submitted

D’Oyley Street

Paving works

8-22 June

Kensington & Chelsea (020 7361 3000)

1 May

Ebury Place

Installation of PV panels to roof

William Street

Resurfacing yellow box junctions

11-12 June

TFL (0845 305 1234)

15 April

Eaton Place

Replacement of metal balustrade

PROPERTY

Building

from scratch

The BRJ talks to the founders of Grangewood about how it became the competition to beat in the home-refurbishment business

rothers Richard and Mike Stevens are the faces behind the tree. The logo that is, not the sort of people behind shrubs you’re tempted to call the police about. Repairing and refurbishing some of Belgravia’s famously monochrome stock, their company, Grangewood, now turns over £35 million, with 140 staff and more than 400 people on site. ‘That was all merely a vision in 1992,’ Richard starts. ‘But the important elements were all there from the beginning, especially the family culture: trust sits at the heart of it,’ Mike notes, polishing off his brother’s sentence. The firm prides itself on having the very highest standards in the business. This approach paid off hugely when, during the last recession, it tripled its turnover. Grangewood chose to specialise in the top end of the market as the competition started to fold. I wonder whether this has resulted in fewer total projects. ‘Not really,’ Richard answers, ‘not unless you count 15-20 projects in Belgravia on the go as too few.’ The number should come as no surprise – it has powerful supporters locally. In 2007, the company won a framework agreement with the Grosvenor Estate to refurbish its rental stock. This has just been extended to 2019. ‘This is probably due to our allergy to all things corporate,’ Mike explains. He is keen to emphasise that bureaucracy, complacency, negligence and aggressive policies are scourges to be avoided at all costs. Perhaps this is why the company keeps winning awards. The latest of which has been the highest eco rating of ‘outstanding’ in BREEAM (the world’s foremost environmental assessment method system for buildings) internationally – the first Grade-II listed building to achieve this rating – for a property at Ebury Street. Eager to stay in the limelight, ‘we’re also sponsoring the Serpentine Gallery and have formed a new Arts & Culture division,’ Richard adds, no doubt to capitalise on the synergy between the design world and its own historic conservation business.

B E L G R AV I A R E S I D E N T S ’ J O U R N A L

That’s not to say that either brother has forgotten the nuts and bolts of the trade. ‘We carry out work on small apartments, all the way up to 20,000 sq ft residences,’ Richard details. Grangewood offers what it calls the ‘turnkey’ solution. The phrase adds up to an ability to recommend architects and designers to suit the requirements of clients and a capacity to obtain permissions from relevant authorities wherever needed. Summing up why he thinks Grangewood is unique, Mike observes that it ‘will never just walk away from a client. For us there is no “post-project vacuum.” If you have a broken pane of glass or a problem with the heating, we’ll help you deal with it.’ (grangewood.co.uk)

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The sky’s

the limit

Simone de Gale, a Belgravian architect, shares 10 top tips on how to succeed in her industry

Build good relationships

I always knew I would eventually start my own architectural practice, so when I started university, I began building relationships with people in industry. This gave me a feel for the realities of architecture in practice and what I should expect when I ‘got there’. I was very outgoing and keen to learn. I was encouraged to develop my knowledge, and when I started my business I had a handful of clients ready to hire me. We completed each project successfully, and in doing so, clients would commission us for further projects and also recommend the company to colleagues and friends. Most of the projects we have completed have been gained through word-of-mouth recommendations.

Develop a strong sense of style and character Design projects that are suitable for their surroundings It’s important to be passionate and sensitive to the surroundings when creating an architectural concept and it’s essential to be responsible and show understanding with regards to how a project is going to impact on its environment. It’s also crucial to demonstrate how a proposition will improve the building for its users and enhance the quality of its surroundings. I have found that putting a gentle and graceful innovation into a project, which elegantly sets new precedence for an area, has been a good way of producing successful architecture.

As architecture is very much based on subjective appreciation, it’s important to have a strong character and style, and to express this through the design. The distinctive qualities are then recognisable and this is very much what clients look for.

Keep up to date with planning legislation and building regulations Keeping up to date with these requirements also allows an architect to advise clients on the best way to approach a new project, and the best way to make planning and building control work in their favour.

INTERIORS

Look for opportunities to maximise project outcomes for clients As an architect, it’s my duty to advise my clients appropriately and to really make the most of a project. An architect’s knowledge will enhance the process and really help them to visualise and understand a proposal. Always start with the client’s vision and use it as the foundation of your work. Consider their aspirations and then take them further, using your expertise to develop the design, which will enrich the spaces within the project and give clients more than they were hoping for.

Do lots of networking and visit design trade shows As an innovative architect, I make a point of visiting design trade shows, as they’re a great place to meet new people and stay on top of the latest trends and emerging technologies. Often, you meet business owners and sales directors, who have solid information on the industry and current markets and are usually very willing share it. Knowledge and information are additional tools that you can use to help raise the excellence of your projects.

Consider sustainability and environmental impacts

Set a good example and support your peers

By specifying sustainable products and designing low-emission construction components, you help your client to reduce their long-term energy consumption, an obvious financial bonus while contributing to looking after our planet.

A number of people I studied with now run their own architectural practices, and I know many architects in the industry. It’s good to maintain relationships and mutual support is important as professionals share an understanding of experiences; it’s also a great way to keep abreast of what’s occurring in the industry. It’s really interesting working alongside and competing with fellow architects as this naturally creates a desire to improve the quality of your work, and helps maintain excellent standards, which is good for everyone.

Enter architectural competitions and awards It’s rewarding to be recognised for your work and efforts and it helps to keep you focused and create a circle of support for your work. By entering competitions, you’re exposed to incredibly innovative, abstract and fanciful concepts and you’ll learn about the projects and outcomes that the industry deems successful. In turn, this pushes the quality of work you produce and continues to raise the bar across the architecture industry.

B E L G R AV I A R E S I D E N T S ’ J O U R N A L

Do a good job

Quintessentially, do a good job for your client. Listen to their needs and really understand their requirements. We get so much work through recommendations from happy customers – you grow as a designer, expand your client base and of course add another successful project to your portfolio. (simonedegale.com)

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playhouses • castles • treehouses T: 01544 387100 www.theplayhousecompany.co.uk

POLITICS

The democratic

deficit

he recent election may have given a result yet it was one determined by an electoral system geared to an era when 98 per cent of the British voted for one of two parties. Nowadays the Labour and Conservative parties fail to clock up even 60 per cent. Whatever the turnout, the fact remains that under the First Past The Post (FPTP) system, a minority government can potentially preside over the UK with 30 per cent of the vote on a 60 per cent turnout – that’s rule based on the will of 20 per cent of the country. Begging the question, where exactly do we pool legitimacy here, in the ‘mother of parliamentary democracies?’ A few constituencies had the ‘fortune’ to contain marginal seats – this meant resources and attention were piled on to it by the main political parties. This honour came with the dubious privilege of being infantilised with short-term (and rarely fulfilled) perks and promises. For parts of the country not lucky enough to have acquired ‘swing’ status, however, votes took on a farcical and tragic aspect as they failed to make an impact on the political landscape outside their constituency’s boundaries. These votes were essentially squandered; they had no bearing on the greater result. Only 800,000 voters live in marginal constituencies. Historically, this has resulted in at least three elections that have been won by a party that gathered fewer total votes than its opponent. The wastage is prodigious. It could be argued that 15.7 million, or 53 per cent, of votes were essentially rendered frivolous by the electoral system in 2010. This is a structure in which

B E L G R AV I A R E S I D E N T S ’ J O U R N A L

Henry Hopwood-Phillips argues that time needs to be called on an electoral system that lacks a democratic mandate...

almost two-thirds of parliamentary seats are considered ‘safe’ (read ‘mind-numbingly tribal’) after all. Those parties (the Greens, UKIP etc.) that stick two fingers up to the apathy this situation generates, and attempt to reflect the fertile political diversity of the UK, are forced to struggle (in a futile exercise) beneath the electoral equivalent of a paving slab. UKIP, a party that has regularly polled between 10-15 per cent nationally (and is now officially the UK’s third biggest party) suffers the humiliation of just one MP. Yet under Proportional

Only 800,000 voters live in marginal constituencies Representation, the Electoral Calculus recently noted that the figure would stand nearer 70-100. The parties that will snatch them instead are those which cast their nets so far and wide that they essentially neuter their politics to become viable candidates, reminding one of Aristotle’s adage that ‘a friend to all is a friend to none.’ This huge disconnect exacerbates a situation in which political managers lack power and the real power has pretensions to apoliticism. In a merry-go-round of meaningless politicians, a stand must be taken against the system itself. What is perhaps most embarrassing is that a country that would pretend to set the gold standard for democracy, internationalism and the progressive inclination, insists on sticking to an electoral system that few but a handful of its ex-colonies would copy.

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The Belgravia

Directory

A compendium of the area’s key establishments

Estate Agents Ayrton Wylie 16 Lower Belgrave Street 020 7730 4628

Douglas Lyons & Lyons 33 Kinnerton Street 020 7235 7933

Knight Frank Lettings 82-83 Chester Square 020 7881 7730

Savills 139 Sloane Street 020 7730 0822

Best Gapp & Cassells 81 Elizabeth Street 020 7730 9253

Harrods Estates 82 Brompton Road 020 7225 6506

Knight Frank Sales 47 Lower Belgrave Street 020 7881 7722

Strutt & Parker 66 Sloane Street 020 7235 9959

Chesterton Belgravia 31 Lowndes Street 020 7235 3530

Henry & James 1 Motcomb Street 020 7235 8861

Marler & Marler 6 Sloane Street 020 7235 9641

Food & Drink BARS

CAFÉS

Amaya Halkin Arcade, Motcomb Street 020 7823 1166

Tomtom Coffee House 114 Ebury Street 020 7730 1771

The Garden Room (cigar) The Lanesborough Hyde Park Corner 020 7259 5599

PUBLIC HOUSES/ DINING ROOMS

RESTAURANTS The Pantechnicon 10 Motcomb Street 020 7730 6074 thepantechnicon.com

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

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

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

Uni 18a Ebury Street 020 7730 9267 restaurantuni.com

DENTIST

DOCTOR

HAIR SALONS

WELLBEING CLUB

The Beresford Clinic 2 Lower Grosvenor Place 020 7821 9411

The Belgrave Medical Centre 13 Pimlico Road 020 7730 5171

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

ARCHITECTS/ DESIGN

CLEANING

GALLERIES

Kudu Services

88 Gallery 86-88 Pimlico Road 020 7730 2728

The Library Bar (wine) The Lanesborough Hyde Park Corner 020 7259 5599

Health & Wellbeing

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

Home ANTIQUES Bennison 16 Holbein Place 020 7730 8076 Patrick Jefferson 69 Pimlico Road 020 7730 6161

Weldon Walshe 20 Grosvenor Place 020 7235 4100

Discreet, confidential cleaning services for offices and homes of distinction

27 Mortimer Street 020 8704 5988 kuduservices.co.uk

Gallery 25 26 Pimlico Road 020 7730 7516

Fashion BOUTIQUES Philip Treacy 69 Elizabeth Street 020 7730 3992

Herve Leger 29 Lowndes Street 020 7201 2590

Christian Louboutin 23 Motcomb Street 020 7245 6510

EXCLUSIVE

IT SUPPORT

Nevena Couture (clients by appointment only)

Lowndes Street 020 3539 8738 nevena.co.uk

Services BANKS Duncan Lawrie Private Banking 1 Hobart Place 020 7245 1234 duncanlawrie.com

The Caledonian Club 9 Halkin Street 020 7235 5162 caledonianclub.com

SOLICITORS

Dashwood Solutions Contact Jonny Hyam for all your IT needs 07787 507 407

POST OFFICE Post Office 6 Eccleston Street 0845 722 3344

Child & Child 14 Grosvenor Crescent 020 7235 8000 childandchild.co.uk

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

TRAVEL Passepartout Homes Ltd 020 7513 2876 passepartout-homes.com info@passepartout-homes.com

Speciality Shops CIGAR SPECIALIST Tomtom Cigars 63 Elizabeth Street 020 7730 1790

CONFECTIONERS Peggy Porschen 116 Ebury Street 020 7730 1316 Pierre Hermé Paris 13 Lowndes Street 020 7245 0317 Rococo Chocolates 5 Motcomb Street 020 7245 0993

DELI

VICKISARGE 38 Elizabeth Street 020 7259 0202

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

PERFUMERIES Floris 147 Ebury Street 020 7730 0304 florislondon.com

NEWSAGENT

Mayhew Newsagents 15 Motcomb Street 020 7235 5770 Mayhew Newsagents is a local Belgravian institution. As well as supplying the area with national and international newspapers and magazines, it provides an extensive range of stationery, computer supplies and postal services. Opening times: Monday to Friday 7am-6pm, Saturday 8am-2pm, Sunday 8am-1pm

Local delivery service available

La Bottega 25 Eccleston Street 020 7730 2730

JEWELLERS De Vroomen 59 Elizabeth Street 020 7730 1901

B E L G R AV I A R E S I D E N T S ’ J O U R N A L

031

Chester Row, Belgravia SW1 Five bedroom family house with patio garden This charming property has been brand newly refurbished and benefits from an abundance of reception space and is situated in a row of white stucco fronted terrace houses. Master bedroom with en suite bathroom, 4 further bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, drawing room, reception room, dining room, media room, kitchen with breakfast area, guest cloakroom, utility room, patio garden. EPC: E. Approximately 262 sq m (2,820 sq ft). Available unfurnished (furnished for marketing purposes only)

Guide price: £5,900 per week KnightFrank.co.uk/BEQ196602

KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings belgravialettings@knightfrank.com 020 3641 6005

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an administration fee of £276 will apply when renting a property. Please ask us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit KnightFrank.co.uk/tenantcharges

Belgravia Residents Journal June

11/05/2015 10:54:01

Chester Square, Belgravia SW1 Newly refurbished house in sought after position A white stucco fronted family home within this renowned Belgravia garden square. Master bedroom suite, 4 further bedroom suites, drawing room, dining room, reception/media room, kitchen/breakfast room, study, cinema, gym, steam room, sauna, shower room, wine cellar, laundry room, 2 staff rooms, 3 cloakrooms, lift, 2 terraces, garage. Grade II listed. Approximately 585 sq m ﴾6,291 sq ft﴿ Freehold

Guide price: £23,995,000

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

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/BGV130060

BRJ June - 74 Chester Square - crops

08/05/2015 17:27:36

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to talk property. Whether buying, selling, renting or letting, call Jonathan Hewlett on 020 7730 0822 to find out how Savills can help.

Jonathan Hewlett Head of London Residential 020 7730 0822 jhewlett@savills.com

savills.co.uk

SA82645 Belgravia Residents Journal WPB.indd 1

13/05/2015 08:36

savills.co.uk

1 LATERAL FLAT WITH NINE WINDOWS OVERLOOKING THE SQUARE eaton square, sw1 Entrance hall ø double reception room ø media room ø study ø dining room ø kitchen/breakfast room ø master bedroom suite ø 3 further bedroom suites ø guest cloakroom ø lift ø caretaker ø Grade II* listed ø 422 sq m (4,546 sq ft) Guide £19.75 million Leasehold, approximately 69 years remaining

08:36

Ayrton Wylie

Savills Sloane Street

Simon Ayrton sayrton@ayrtonwylie.com

Richard Dalton rdalton@savills.com

020 7730 4628

020 7730 0822

savills.co.uk

1 BELGRAVIA TOWNHOUSE IN PRIVATE CLOSE WITH OFF-STREET PARKING chesham close, sw3 First floor reception room ø dining room ø kitchen ø 3 bedrooms ø bathroom ø shower room ø guest cloakroom ø off-street parking ø 142 sq m (1,527 sq ft) ø EPC=F Guide £3.65 million Freehold

Savills Sloane Street

Savills Knightsbridge

Charles Holbrook cholbrook@savills.com

William Duckworth-Chad wdchad@savills.com

020 7730 0822

020 7581 5234

savills.co.uk

LETTINGS LAYOUT ONLY

BEAUTIFUL MEWS HOUSE IN BELGRAVIA eaton mews north, sw1 2 bedrooms ø reception room ø kitchen ø 2 bathrooms ø 99 sq m (1,071 sq ft) ø Council Tax=H ø EPC=E

Savills Sloane Street Izzy Birch-Reynardson ibreynardson@savills.com

020 7824 9005 Furnished £1,550 per week + £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* *£36 inc VAT for each additional tenant/occupant/guarantor reference where required. Inventory check out fee – charged at the end of or early termination of the tenancy and the amount is dependent on the property size and whether furnished/unfurnished. For more details, visit www.savills.co.uk/fees.

UPPER BELGRAVE BELGRAVE STREET, STREET,BELGRAVIA, BELGRAVIA,SW1X SW1X

PRICE PRICE ON ON APPLICATION APPLICATION LEASEHOLD LEASEHOLD TWO BEDROOMS BEDROOMS •• TWO •• TWO TWO BATHROOMS BATHROOMS••HIGH HIGHCEILINGS CEILINGS••OPEN OPENPLAN PLANKITCHEN KITCHEN WOOD FLOORING • SOUTH-WEST FACING • RESIDENT CARETAKER WOOD FLOORING • SOUTH-WEST FACING • RESIDENT CARETAKER••LIFT LIFT• •EPC EPCCC• •

BELGRAVIA BELGRAVIAOFFICE OFFICE 11 Motcomb Motcomb Street, Street,London LondonSW1X SW1X8JX 8JX +44 (0)20 7235 8861 belgraviaoffice@henryandjames.co.uk +44 (0)20 7235 8861 belgraviaoffice@henryandjames.co.uk

henryandjames.co.uk henryandjames.co.uk

CADOGAN SQUARE, KNIGHTSBRIDGE, SW1X

£2,250 PER WEEK • THREE BEDROOMS • BATHROOM • UNDER FLOOR HEATING • FURNISHED • ACCESS TO COMMUNAL GARDENS • PRIVATE WEST-FACING TERRACE • EPC E • PLUS £240 ADMINISTRATION FEE AND £60 REFERENCING FEE PER PERSON

BELGRAVIA OFFICE 1 Motcomb Street, London SW1x 8JX +44 (0)20 7235 8861 belgraviaoffice@henryandjames.co.uk

henryandjames.co.uk

Established 1897

Wilton Place, Belgravia SW1X A stunning family house that has been completely redesigned to create sunny, spacious accommodation of approx. 4510 sq. ft. comprising three reception rooms, large eat in kitchen, six double bedrooms all with ensuite bathrooms, swimming pool, sauna and decked roof terrace. The tenant will also have access to the adjacent award winning Wilton Crescent Gardens as well as the tennis courts in Belgrave Square.Two parking spaces are also available in the nearby council car park in Kinnerton Street by separate negotiation at £1500 per annum each, as well as on street parking with a resident’s parking permit. EPC rating D. Price per week: £8,250 Plus property fees: £180 Admin & £300-£350 Checkout. References: £42 per person* *http://www.harrodsestates.com/tenants 020 7225 6759 candice.fletcher@harrodsestates.com

KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE: 82 BROMPTON ROAD LONDON SW3 1ER T: 020 7225 6506 MAYFAIR OFFICE: 61 PARK LANE LONDON W1K 1QF T: 020 7409 9001 CHELSEA OFFICE: 58 FULHAM ROAD LONDON SW3 6HH T: 020 7225 6700 KENSINGTON OFFICE: 48-50 KENSINGTON CHURCH STREET W8 4DG T: 020 3650 4600

HARRODSESTATES.COM @harrodsestates

Established 1897

Ebury Square, Belgravia SW1W A stunning newly refurbished and interior designed apartment in this exclusive new development featuring a private resident’s gym, secure underground parking and a 24 hour Harrods Estates concierge service. The accommodation of approximately 1743 sq. ft. comprises two double bedroom suites with ensuite bathrooms, reception room with balcony overlooking the square’s gardens, and eat in kitchen. Available immediately for long term lets on a furnished basis. EPC rating B.

Price per week: £3,250 Plus property fees: £180 Admin & £190 Checkout. References: £42 per person* *http://www.harrodsestates.com/tenants 020 7225 6759 candice.fletcher@harrodsestates.com

HARRODSESTATES.COM @harrodsestates

Trevor Square

ÂŁ9,750,000 leasehold

Knightsbridge SW7

An immaculately presented 3 bedroom apartment with a private terrace situated on the 2nd floor of this highly regarded and exclusive residential building. Trevor Square is widely known to be one of the best residential developments in Knightsbridge & is ideally situated, being just a few minutes walk from Hyde Park, Harrods & the many internationally renowned boutiques of Sloane Street. The building offers 24 hr porterage & an underground parking space. EPC rating B

Knightsbridge & Belgravia

020 7235 8090

sales.knightsbridge@chestertons.com

chestertons.com

£1,950,000 share of freehold

Rutland Gate

Knightsbridge SW7

Superbly located in this prestigious garden square, is this newly refurbished top floor, 2 double bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment. The property is set within a beautiful period building overlooking the communal gardens & beneﬁts from lift access. EPC rating D

Knightsbridge & Belgravia

020 7235 8090

sales.knightsbridge@chestertons.com

We are the proud title sponsor of

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Knightsbridge & Belgravia

020 7235 8090

sales.knightsbridge@chestertons.com

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Chester Row, SW1 A beautifully refurbished town house with a fabulous Mediterranean style garden.

Freehold

ÂŁ8,850,000

* Drawing Room * 2 Further Reception Rooms * Kitchen/Breakfast Room * Master Bedroom Suite * 4 Further Bedroom Suites * Air Conditioning throughout

BASiL STREET SW3 S LOA Npresented E T Ethree RR ACflatEin this SW 1 maintained mansion building in the heart of Knightsbridge. An immaculately bedroom beautifully The building is ideally located for Harrods and therefurbished shops and of including the area,wood and flooring moments from Knightsbridge Stunning fifth floor mansion apartment which has been to restaurants a high standard throughout. The property underground offers excellent station. entertaining space and is well positioned for Sloane Square and Belgravia. Unfurnished. 1960 sq ft. ■

Three Bedrooms

•  Four Bedrooms Two Bathrooms •  Reception

■

•  Dining Room •  Kitchen

Reception Room Kitchen/Breakfast Room £2,750 per week + fees

■ ■

£3,300,000 Subject to Contract

Entrance Hall/Dining Area •  Entrance Hall Area •  Lift ■ Porter ■ Lift ■

•  Three Bathrooms ■ Loft Storage •  Cloakroom

■

1397 sq ft

•  Porter ■ EE rating E •  Underfloor heating

•  EE Rating E

Share of Freehold

www.ayrtonwylie.com +44 (0) 20 7730 4628 (Sales)

EATON SQUARE, SW1

A perfect 2 bedroom London pied-a-terre on the 4th floor (top) of one of these lovely Grade II* listed buildings. The flat has wood floors throughout and benefits from lots of natural light. 927 sq ft / 86.12 sq m

ACCOMMODATION AND AMENITIES

Reception Room / Kitchen • Master Bedroom with En Suite Bathroom • Bedroom 2 • Shower Room • Air Conditioning • Lift • Caretaker • Use of Square Gardens and Tennis Court (subject to annual fee)

NEW 20 YEAR LEASE £950,000 16 Lower Belgrave Street, Belgravia, London SW1W 0LN

sales@ayrtonwylie.com

facebook.com/struttandparker twitter.com/struttandparker

struttandparker.com

Kinnerton Street, Belgravia SW1X

A fantastic contemporary freehold townhouse offering excellent open plan reception space and an abundance of natural light throughout.

Knightsbridge 020 7235 9959 bertie.hare@struttandparker.com JSA Rokstone 020 7486 3320

ÂŁ3,950,000 Freehold

Eaton Place, Belgravia SW1X

An immaculately presented, one bedroom first floor flat in a premier Belgravia address.

838 sq ft (78 sq m) Reception room | Kitchen/ breakfast room | Master bedroom suite | Lift | EPC E

Knightsbridge 020 7235 9959 bertie.hare@struttandparker.com

ÂŁ1,950,000 Leasehold

facebook.com/struttandparker twitter.com/struttandparker

struttandparker.com

Bloomfield Terrace, Belgravia SW1W

Close to Sloane Square this fantastic Belgravia townhouse is now in need of modernisation.

Knightsbridge 020 7235 9959 toby.whittome@struttandparker.com

ÂŁ3,950,000 Freehold

BELGRAVIA

A particular take on property

2015

Resident’s Journal J U N E 201 5

I SSU E 0 37

Step inside your local office for a copy of magazine Market leaders in Knightsbridge and Belgravia

The Belgravia Residents’ Journal is published independently by Runwild Media Group with regular editorial contributions from Belgravian residents. We would highly value any feedback you wish to email us with: belgravia@residentsjournal.co.uk; or telephone us on 020 7987 4320.

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

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

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BELGRAVIA Resident’s Journal w w w. R e s i d e n t s J o u r n a l . c o . u k 020 7987 4320

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