Belgravia Residents' Journal March 2017 by Runwild Media Group

Resident’s Journal MARCH 2017 • Issue 58

Knowing every square inch of Knightsbridge and Belgravia. It takes a s&pecial agent. At Strutt & Parker we make it our business to hold the keenest intelligence on the areas we choose to specialise in. It’s outstanding on-the-ground knowledge that’s made us market leaders in Knightsbridge and Belgravia for the past four years. For your super-prime property requirements, we’re your deep source for service and discretion. Call James Forbes on 020 3813 9500.

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Dear Resident, March is all about spring cleaning, and what better way to be inspired to be out with the old, in with the new than with our interiors special this month? From all the latest news (page 9) to spotlighting seven interior trends that are making waves on page 13, we bring you up-to-date with new ideas for your home. Meanwhile, Francesca Lee-Rogers speaks to classic design expert and the man behind the well-known Pimlico Road brand, Howe London, Christopher Howe on page 10, and we give you inspirational ideas on how to scent your home on page 16. Elsewhere, denim expert Donna Ida Thornton tells us what she likes most about the area on page 25 and we bring you all the latest news from the Belgravian food scene on page 18. Enjoy the issue!

COVER: An illustration of Christoper Howe of Howe London by Russ Tudor. Turn to page 10 to find out more.

Managing Editor Francesca Lee-Rogers

Publishing Director Giles Ellwood

Designer Paris Fielder

Editor-in-Chief Lesley Ellwood

Executive Director Sophie Roberts

Managing Director Eren Ellwood

Client Relationship Manager Friday Dalrymple

Production Hugo Wheatley Jamie Steele Alice Ford

General Manager Fiona Smith

Sales Executives Joe Rutherford Perry King

Distributed to selected homes in Belgravia. The Belgravia Residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Journal is published independently by Runwild Media Group with regular editorial contributions from Belgravian residents. Please do not hesitate to get in contact with your news; email: contact@residentsjournal.co.uk and Twitter users, make sure you follow us @thebelgravian Members of the Professional Publishers Association

Forest, blue and gold

Persephone ii, studio

Olympia, Studio

[LOCAL INTEREST]

THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER

The genre of landscape painting has been central to the development of the language of paint over the years. And this month and next, Long and Ryle gallery is celebrating this work with an exhibition entitled Time Memory and Landscape that brings together six painters for whom the subject is central to their practise. It’s so inspiring, it will get you planning your next country escape or picking up a paint brush, for that matter. 23 March-21 April, 4 John Islip Street, SW1P 4PX, longandryle.com

DID YOU KNOW?

That what was once St. James Theatre is now the Other Palace and is part of The Really Useful Theatres Group which has now opened. Belgravian resident Andrew Lloyd Webber has invested in the theatre so that new musicals can be developed in the space. Look out for more information in upcoming issues…

notebook

Keeping you up-to-date with what’s going on in the area IT’S BACK

Eaton Square Concerts returns this spring and tickets are now available to buy. Kicking off with twice Grammynominated saxophonist Amy Dickson on 30 March, there’s plenty to keep culture vultures entertained. As a solo artist, Amy performs throughout the world with many of the great orchestras and in recent seasons has performed at the Royal Albert Hall, Sydney Opera House and the Konzerthaus, Vienna. Her third album Dusk and Dawn, attained the coveted No. 1 position in the UK Classical Album Charts. 7.30pm, 30 March, tickets from £12, St Peter’s Eaton Square, 119 Eaton Square, SW1W 9AL, amydickson.com 4

KICK BACK AND DINE

Christian Mushenko

Launched in February on Wilton Road, Lorne is the first restaurant from sommelier Katie Exton and chef Peter Hall. A collaboration between front-of-house and kitchen, it was born out of the desire by its co-founders to share their love of restaurants and create a fun, convivial space where food and wine sit as equals. Featuring a modern British menu and a destination wine list, it’s a must-visit this spring. 76 Wilton Road, SW1V 1DE, lornerestaurant.co.uk

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BOOK AND BRUNCH IN BELGRAVIA

Visit Lowndes Bar & Kitchen and experience the brand new Book and Brunch Sundays from 26 February. Choose from delicious brunch dishes including poached eggs with smashed avocado and brioche French toast with sautéed bananas as well as bottomless tea or coffee. Guests will also receive a side of literature courtesy of the monthly changing book specially selected from local store, Belgravia Books. Set menu including a book is £30.00 with the option of bottomless bubbles for an additional £15.00. To book your table call 020 7858 7223 or visit lowndesdining.co.uk.

17-02-07, Belgravia Residents Journal - LBK Book and Brunch.indd 1

09/02/2017 11:04:17

[CULTURE] here to stay

Belgravia Gallery is showcasing a permanent exhibition of drawings and signed original lithographs by Nelson Mandela, shedding light on his calls for peace and imprisonment for 27 years on Robben Island under South Africa’s apartheid government. The reflections on his incarceration, created from 2001-2004, include a lithograph of Mandela’s handprint and six pastel drawings, one of which features a swallow – according to Mandela the only free creature on the island. 23 Maddox Street, W1S 2QN, 020 7495 1010, belgraviagallery.com

Images courtesy of: Nicholas Jones

Images courtesy of: Belgravia Gallery

[news]

art news New work and exhibitions

Wen Wu Wen Wu

light up, light up Head to Crane Kalman Gallery from 2 March for an exhibition by Nicholas Jones inspired by his first-hand experiences viewing the northern lights (aurora borealis). Having made three trips to Finland to witness the phenomenon and inspired and captivated by its otherworldly beauty, the 60-piece exhibition is Jones’ attempt to evoke the spectacle on canvas. 178 Brompton Road, SW3 1HQ, 020 7584 7566, cranekalman.com

Wen Wu

figures and forms Borrowing from Pre-Raphaelites as much as the pre-war School of Paris, there’s more than meets the eye at Chinese painter Wen Wu’s exhibition of “literary” paintings at Riflemaker. Each human figure is in the shape of a Chinese syllable, imbued with a hazy mysticism that makes her work challenging on more levels than one. 6 March – 7 April, riflemaker.org 7

A Rest Unlike the Rest

20 Chesham Place, London, UK SW1X 8HQ | +44.0.20.7858.0100 | info@thehari.com

The Hari-Print AD.indd 1

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[LIFESTYLE] TROPICAL CLIMES

Frette has launched its spring/ summer 17 collection, which is inspired by tropical countries and their rich cultures and heritage. Following on from the Tropic of Cancer range, the new offering presents a global journey through a selection of fascinating countries including India, China, Nigeria, The UAE and Mexico. The serenity of deserts to the charm of secular architecture has been interpreted into the brand’s signature style. frette.com

READ MORE ABOUT HOME FRAGRANCE ON PAGE 16

SMELLS LIKE ROSES

A celebration of femininity, the latest concoction by British perfumer Floris is the perfect scent for spring. Available as both a candle and room fragrance, Peony & Rose is a floral fusion of its namesake ingredients, violet leaves and ivy. Hints of green tea, cinnamon, clove and musk add a warming, somewhat spicy undertone to the otherwise sweet scent. From £25, 147 Ebury Street, SW1W, florislondon.com

[news]

interiors Spruce up your home this spring

BON JOUR MONSIEUR STARCK

SMOKE AND MIRRORS

David Linley’s designs always inspire intrigue: whether it’s searching for a secret drawer or admiring the mind-blowing marquetry. Linley’s SS17 collection revives the trompe l’oeil effect featured in some of the designer’s early work. His range of Pop Art-esque mirrors create optical illusions such as looking into the reflection of a swimming pool or checking a car’s rear view mirror. Modern marquetry at its most stylish. From £500, 60 Pimlico Road, SW1W 8LP, davidlinley.com

Philippe Starck has launched a new table version of his Bon Jour Unplugged lamp. You can charge and use it portably for up to six hours, and control light emission with a dimmer switch. Starck’s playful wit shines through as he encourages owners to interchange the lamp’s crown ( from pleated fabric to luminous yellow plastic), depending on one’s mood or décor. Bon Jour Unplugged, from £224, flos.com 9

the belgravian

[LOCAL INTEREST]

the eye of the beholder The man behind Howe London, Christopher Howe, tells the Journal about the story of his Bourne Street shop, his Pimlico Road Showroom and his love of 18th-century design Francesca Lee-Rogers

Illustration by Russ Tudor

he saying that art imitates life couldn’t be more true for Christopher Howe of Howe London. He’s a man of many tales, and the furniture and fabrics in his shops tell a million stories – but more on this later. First, he tells me about the interesting way in which he acquired his original shop on Bourne Street more than 30 years ago. “Back then, it was the first time I’d driven up Pimlico Road and it was somewhat daunting as there were all these grand antique shops that I’d never seen before. I turned left onto Bourne Street and parked on a yellow line just outside number 36 – you could do that in those days as there was probably only a 50 per cent chance of getting a ticket – and saw a ‘Best Gapp, to let’ sign above a shop. It was completely derelict but I was very

much interested in its potential.” Christopher, who originally trained as a sculptor, decided to make a call there and then at a telephone box in what is now known as Orange Square. He got through to estate agent Courtney Manton and arranged a meeting at the shop with his then-girlfriend the very next day. “I knew when we walked in and she said the smell took her back to her grandfather’s workshop that we had to try and get it,” remembers Christopher. However, as it was to let by tender, they had to submit somewhat of a guess bid, and they both agreed on £10,000 per annum. “I don’t know how, as we were up against many others who were well-established in the area, but somehow we won.” Today, what is both the shop and Christopher’s home on Bourne Street,

is not only an emporium of the very best fabrics, textiles and wallpaper but is also an eclectic mix of some of the pieces he has collected over the years, including objects he found at Bermondsey Market in the late 1980s, pieces from his travels and antiques.

The furniture and fabrics in his shops tell a million stories Those who work for Christopher know that he expects only the very best – and they’re keen not to let him down. During our interview in the main Howe furniture showroom on Pimlico Road, deliveries of antiques and new pieces arrive, customers flock in and out and there is a general buzz about the place – I imagine no

two days are the same. There are also two very well-behaved pooches – who I can only imagine are keen to test out the brand new dog beds that are the latest addition to Howe London. And when I ask Christopher about the story behind the sofa I’m sat on, he tells me how the piece was inspired by 18th-century design. “That era was all about the detail, the beauty and craftsmanship,” he says. Christopher, who works with workshops all over Great Britain, is not only helping to keep the art of craft alive, but finds antique pieces a muchloved home at Howe London, so that they’re around for many years to come to carry on their own story. 93 Pimlico Road, SW1W 8PH, 020 7730 7987, 36 Bourne Street, SW1W 8JA, 020 7730 7991, howelondon.com 11

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[LIFESTYLE]

[INTERIORS]

trend alert Local Belgravian interior experts spotlight their top seven interior trends of the moment compiled by: francesca lee-rogers

Photographer: Lucie England-Duce

#trend 1: all things bright and beautiful

“One of the trends we’re seeing more of this year is a bolder use of colour within the house. I believe that after the uncertainty of 2016, humanity is feeling the need to express itself in the home a little louder, and we’re seeing more walls covered in inky tones, such as deep greens and navy. I’m also loving the resurgence of dusty pinks that look fantastic against darker colours and metallics; it’s so fresh, modern and chic.” – Catherine Dal of Cat Dal Interiors, Eaton Mews South

Photographer: John Englefield Stylist: Katrin Cargill

#trend 3: go green

“Green is having its moment having been voted Pantone’s Colour of the Year. It can be notoriously tricky to use, but we love using it and adore its energy and resonance. Our recent interior for Devonshire Club defines, we think, what is gorgeous about the colour.” – Emma Jefferson, March & White, Buckingham Palace Road

#trend 2: The return of segregated spaces “There’s a rise in a renewed interest in the intricacies of gothic design, and we’ve also seen a return of the morning room. After years of open-plan living, homeowners are looking to re-create an escape room that separates from the open-plan living area. This space can be used for displaying and showcasing prized collections of glassware, ceramics and vases.” – Pippa Roberts, The Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair, Battersea Park 14

Photographer: Leon Chew

[LIFESTYLE] #trend 4: art

Still Life by Claude Venard French 1913-1999

“While the trend in our business is always for quality over anything else we are currently selling a great deal of works with bright colours and broad brush strokes and I expect this to continue throughout the year.” – Paul Toberman, Haynes Fine Art, Pimlico Road

Summer Pleasure by Josephine Graham Scottish 20th/21st century

#trend 5: functional but fancy

“We’re embracing a new version of the British eclectic style with a more streamlined contemporary twist. The new eclectic style is about decluttering the space while adding rich layers of texture creating a unique personality. A style is emerging where every piece in the room has function expressed with sculptural elements. It’s all about plush fabrics, fun fur, textured rugs and mixed metal accent pieces.” – Ann Marie Hess, AMH Interiors, Eaton Gate

#trend 6: fringing and subtle warmth

“Fringe is as big in interiors as it is in fashion; consider fringed edging on curtains or bullion fringe on a sofa for old-fashioned elegance. Warm tones like copper and terracotta are taking over the fascination with all-white-everything, and this will work well with the metallic trend that is definitely here to stay.” – Letty White-Spunner, Jane Churchill Interiors, Pimlico Road

#trend 7: materials matter

“In this current age of retail obsession, the concepts of reclamation, re-purposing and upcycling (that have become trendy) can be seen as symbols of a pushback against a throwaway culture, and encourage us to redefine the way we buy and value the objects in our life. “Independent of short-lived fashions or trends, the Howe approach to re-purposing materials is objective and practical; the very best materials will withstand the test of time and we embrace the natural wear and tear that comes from their history and use. It is great to see a return to craftsmanship as people look deeper into how things are made, and the materials that go into them.” – Amy Pliszka, Howe London, Pimlico Road 15

[INTERIORS]

HEAVEN SCENT

The Journal picks five ways to fragrance your home this spring FRANCESCA LEE-ROGERS DIFFUSER

Belgravian resident Joan Collins has launched her new I am Woman Body & Soul Collection that includes this stunning fragrance diffuser. Bursting with citrus top notes, musk and a woody base with floral scents, it will make your home smell beautiful in no time at all. £32, Urban Retreat at Harrods, 5th Floor, 87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL, urbanretreat.co.uk

CANDLE

Wellbeing brand Mauli has launched its limited edition Sundaram & Silence candle. With scents of jasmine, rose and sandalwood, along with its pure essential oils, it’s housed in a hand-blown glass and as the wick burns down, a screen-printed message reveals itself. £55, local stockists include Grace Belgravia, Bvlgari Spa and Space N.K., maulirituals.com

ROOM SPRAY

Here at the Journal, we can’t get enough of brand Amouage. First it was its Sassy range but now we’ve fallen head-over-heels with its Spring Sonata room spray. The classics of gardenia, jasmine and lily are teamed with more exotic flowers such as frangipani and ylang ylang that evoke a feeling of spring/ summer. £55, Amouage, 14 Lowndes Street, SW1X 9EX, amouage.com

3 SCENTED PAPER

INCENSE

No home fragrance list would be complete without one of Fornasetti’s products. Add a touch of glamour with its incense sticks. 4 £45, Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL, harrods.com

This perfumed paper by Acqua di Parma is ideal for lining your drawers and shelves. Decorated with the Acqua di Parma logo, it is scented with the refined essence of Colonia. You can also line your jumpers or fine knits with it so that each time you wear them, they have a beautiful and fresh smell. £44, Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL, harrods.com

[LIFESTYLE]

[hotels]

pop-art party Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park unveils a colossal collage created by pioneering artist Sir Peter Blake

ritish pop artist Sir Peter Blake has recently unveiled his largest piece of work to date, spanning the entire façade of Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park and the equivalent to 38 double-decker buses. The pop art pioneer been commissioned by Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group to create the spectacular collage to conceal the five-star European flagship hotel’s renovations over the coming months. Forget tarpaulin, a party of famous faces will shield the Knightsbridge hotel while building work takes place, flecked in colourful confetti.

Entitled Our Fans, the collage echoes The Beatles 1967 Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album cover and stars 100 prominent faces spanning art, entertainment and culture, ranging from Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren and Joanna Lumley to Graham Norton, Christian Louboutin, Jane Seymour OBE and Whoopi Goldberg, all of whom are regular guests with the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr also feature in the buoyant Beatlesinspired collage, as well as celebrity chefs Heston Blumenthal and Daniel Boulud.

“This artwork was very different to my usual way of working,” said Sir Peter Blake, often referred to as the ‘Godfather of British Pop Art’. “A collage is very time consuming and laborious, but this was more a matter of arranging the figures and making them work together – making sure no one had a cut-off shoulder or missing legs – that’s the skill of it. It was an amazing project to work on.” How many iconic characters can you recognise? Mandarin Oriental, 66 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7LA, 020 7235 2000, mandarinoriental.com 17

cheffing at home

Two Michelin-starred restaurant Marcus at The Berkeley is without doubt one of the area’s finest eateries. And luckily for those who wish to replicate Marcus Wareing’s success and have a taste of his cooking without having to reserve a table weeks in advance, he has released a new cookbook entitled Marcus at Home. With sections including midweek, weekend and entertaining, there’s a recipe for every possible occasion. £9.99, amazon.co.uk

[news]

food & drink The latest food and drink trends, new releases and additions to the Belgravian food scene

LEARN FROM THE MASTER

If you fancy starring on the next series of Masterchef, then you may need all the practice you can get. Luckily, Pétrus can give you a helping hand with its three-hour masterclass run by head chef Larry Jayasekara. The course, which can accommodate up to eight attendees, is held in the heart of the restaurant and will focus on cooking a Gordon Ramsay stalwart, the famous beef Wellington. At lunchtime, aspiring chefs will swap their utensils for the table as they sit down for a threecourse lunch with paired wines. And with a Pétrus goody bag complete with recipes from the day to take home, what’s not to love? 5 March and 23 April, 9am-12noon master class then 12.30 onwards, a three-course lunch with wine pairing, £275 per person, 1 Kinnerton Street, SW1X 8EA, 0207 592 1609, gordonramsayrestaurants.com 18

sugar and spice

We know it’s still a month away, but we couldn’t help but get a little bit excited when we saw that Prestat has launched its new Hot Cross Bun Spiced Easter Egg. Combining velvety milk chocolate with a secret spice recipe, each egg is also filled with a clutch of mini gold foiled eggs – that’s our Easter egg sorted then. £17.50, Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL, harrods.com, prestat.co.uk

[LIFESTYLE] THE STRONG STUFF

DID YOU KNOW?

Dominique Ansel Bakery will soon be offering afternoon tea. Known for its Cronut®, it will be yet another excuse to visit one of our favourite foodie establishments this month. 17-21 Elizabeth Street, SW1W 9RP, 020 7324 7705, dominiqueansellondon.com

Nothing will quite get your guests talking like this skull-shaped Crystal Head Vodka. Created by Dan Aykroyd, legendary actor and musician, the hand-crafted glass skull bottle is filled with pure vodka with no additives, glycerol, citrus oils or sugars. The bottle took two years to design and is based on the mystery of the 13 crystal skulls that have been found around the world, which some people believe contain healing powers. £59.95, Harvey Nichols, 109-125 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RJ, harveynichols.com

THREE OF THE BEST... BOTANICAL GINS Gin is having a ‘craft beer kind of moment’ and it’s certainly become the drink of choice. Now that the weather is turning, the Journal has picked three of the best that are ideal to sip this spring

1. EDGERTON PINK GIN

Distilled from a unique combination of 15 botanicals including juniper, orange peel, cassia bark, grains of paradise and damiana, this blend is fragrant and herby and certainly packs a punch, and owes its colour to pomegranate extract. From £36, Harvey Nichols, 109-125 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RJ, harveynichols.com

2. Bloom London Gin

If you’re a floral fan, then Bloom should be your tipple of choice. A blend of honeysuckle, chamomile and pomelo makes it light and delicate on the palate. From £24, Waitrose, 27 Motcomb Street, SW1X 8GG, waitrose.com

3. Slingsby Rhubarb Gin

A chocoholic’s delight

If you’ve not yet headed to R Chocolate since its opening, make sure you think of an excuse to this month. The Journal tried it out and we’re big admirers of its chocolate-infused Champagne – it’s perfect for washing down the sweet treats that include everything from lemon drizzle cake to strawberry and Champagne mousse, and the all-important scones of course, half of which have a chocolate addition. 198 Ebury Street, SW1W 8UN, 020 7730 5522, rchocolatelondon.co.uk

Using its awardwinning London Dry Gin, Slingsby has sourced handgrown Yorkshire rhubarb which it has crafted using pure single grain spirit and Harrogate spring water. Originally produced as a limited edition batch, it proved so popular that it’s now a permanent edition. From £39.99, Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL, harrods.com

[investment]

Fine wine

SPECULATION Not just a post-Brexit pick-me-up, it looks like the phenomenon of procuring premium plonk for profit is here to stay JAMES LAWRENCE

rance, with its clement climes, may have mastered the process of turning grapes into wine, but the British soon cottoned on to the fact that they too could make a few bob investing in it. For centuries London has been a wine trading hub – British collectors were some of the first ones to coin the concept of investing in wine, purchasing excess cases of Bordeaux classics such as Château Palmer to sell at a later date. This provided welcome funds for younger models and was the pursuit of wine aficionados, rather than a full-blown investment market. Times change. Global demand – particularly from Asia – continues to rise for the world’s finest wines.

wine....in light of market volatility and poor returns, it is being recognised as a genuine alternative asset class,” explains Tom Gearing, managing director of Cult Wines. The pertinent question is – where should investors be looking? According to fine wine trading platform Liv-ex, Bordeaux remains a safe bet if you’re buying for profit rather than pleasure. “An important aspect of any investment is liquidity, and Bordeaux provides the best of this. It produces world-renowned highly rated wines in good quantity,” says Liv-ex director Justin Gibbs. His advice to would-be investors is to stick to the blue chips – most

“The Champagne 50 Index is currently at its highest ever level. It hit 289.56 at the end of July after climbing eight per cent over the past year” Indeed, in a post-Brexit climate, fine wine is increasingly being promoted as a relatively safe investment in turbulent times. According to recent research published by investment specialists Cult Wines, one in four wealth managers expect demand for wine investing to increase significantly over the next 12 months. “Intermediaries are clearly seeing increased levels of interest in 20

Bordeaux wine investments are made in a very narrow spectrum, about 10-15 Bordeaux properties that are (almost) certain to increase in value due to their global renown and consistently high Robert Parker scores. Particularly when reselling to Asian markets or to wine merchants, you must purchase wines with Parker’s critical approval to ensure a good return. Such properties include

Châteaux Margaux, Lafite Rothschild, Angélus, Haut-Brion, Mouton Rothschild, Latour, Ausone and Cheval Blanc. “Investors must also remember to, if at all possible, choose the best vintages,” adds Gibbs. “Those that might be considered now include 2005, 2009, and 2010. The 2010 vintage was released at the top of the market and has fallen considerably. It currently offers

[LIFESTYLE]

WHERE TO KEEP YOUR WINE Wine and Spirits merchant, Justerini & Brooks, has looked after the needs of discerning wine collectors around the globe for more than 260 years. Holding near to £200 million worth of wine from more than 3,000 of the world’s greatest Châteaux, estates and domaines, this luxury merchant has an unrivalled portfolio. As the largest distributor in the UK of fine wines from Burgundy, Barolo and Germany, it is no wonder that Justerini & Brooks takes enormous pride in the exceptional care it gives to storing customers’ wines. Cellarers (Wines) Ltd, stores customer reserves on behalf of Justerinis’ clients. The company’s Octavian vaults lie 100 feet below the Wiltshire hills, ensuring perfect humidity and temperature conditions. The bespoke storage facility and keep-safe for customers’ rare and collectable bottles was established in 1972. justerinis.com

Five Winning Wines for a return on Investment 1. Burgundy

5 3

The wine writer Hugh Johnson describes top Domaine de la Romanee-Conti as having “reserves of flavour beyond imagination,” and the wines sell for crown jewel prices. Wine lovers can rest assured

that investing in a younger vintage of DRC is bound to reap rewards. 2006 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti La Tache - £11,000 for a case of six from Berry Bros. & Rudd (BBR)

2. Bordeaux Château Pontet-Canet is a firm favourite with savvy investors. Prices have risen steadily since the 2003 vintage and the wine is one of Liv-ex’s – a benchmark

index for fine wine prices – strongest performers. It may not have the status or renown of Lafite, but it is equal in quality. 2011 Pontet-Canet – £353.40 for a case of

value relative to its release. It is important to remember that, as with all investments, timing is everything. With wine, the demand-supply equation is the basic principle: prices go up in value as the wine gets older.” Things have come a long way since the days of tunnel vision toward the Bordeaux region, though. “In 2013, barely 25 per cent of our turnover was from Bordeaux sales, 20 years ago that would have been unthinkable,” says Berry Bros. & Rudd fine wine buying director Max Lalondrelle. Our tastes have diversified significantly over the past decade – top Burgundy, Californian and Italian wines now fetch impressive prices on the global market. Again, the secret is to purchase wines that are globally revered. In Italy, that includes Ornellaia and Sassicaia, while California’s Screaming Eagle attracts obscene prices on the secondary market. Equally, the wine world has long adored Burgundy and its wines, often released in minute quantities, in complete contrast to Bordeaux. China, in particular, has gone crazy for top Burgundy over the past five years – a case of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC) sold for 22

US$38,081 in Hong Kong in 2014. So it appears to be a good time to be buying into red Burgundy, whose dazzling perfume is delivered solely by the Pinot Noir grape. Champagne has also attracted the attention of investors, following the hyped 2002 vintage. “The Champagne 50 Index is currently at its highest ever level. It hit 289.56 at the end of July after climbing eight per cent over the past year,” says Gibbs. Yet Liv-ex is also quick to point out that not all Champagne brands are the golden goose of fine wine investment. It once again advises speculators to: “Stick to the blue chips – strong brands with established track records – as the spectrum of brands that appreciate in value is small.” That exclusive club includes: Krug, Louis Roederer’s Cristal, Taittinger’s Comtes de Champagne, Salon, and Pol Roger’s Winston Churchill. Overall though, the mood in the markets is one of extreme bullishness, with wine proving itself to be a safe bet in uncertain financial times. While Brexit may yet prove to be the economic disaster many forecast, in the short term at least, it has done the luxury wine market and brokers a world of good.

six from BBR

3. Champagne Dom Pérignon is named after the famous 17th-century cellar master and Benedictine Monk who first blended Champagne. It remains both a delicious drink and a sound investment choice – on the day of the 2004 vintage release, one UK merchant reported sales of over £1 million after just three hours. 2006 Dom Perignon – £631.20 for a case of six from BBR

4. Tuscany Sassicaia was commercially established in the 1960s by Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta on the beautiful Tuscan coast. Top vintages tend to sell very well, due to their potential as an investment vehicle and Sassicaia has been massively influential in making Super-Tuscans world figures. 2011 Sassicaia – £1,362 for a case of 12 from BBR

5. Bordeaux Château Palmer has been a darling of critics and investors for many decades. Such is the demand for the wine in China that Palmer fakes were becoming rife, forcing the Château to secure all its Château Palmer bottles with Prooftag seals; a wine you can truly buy with confidence then! 2010 Château Palmer - £1,700 for a case of six from BBR

[LIFESTYLE]

[review]

SLOANE RANGER The Journal finds out why The Botanist always fits the bill Francesca Lee-rogers

henever I pass The Botanist on Sloane Square, there’s always a buzz about the place. The restaurant is usually packed and the bar even more so. And its reputation clearly precedes itself as my friend who accompanies me has already heard all about its famous botanical cocktails. Tonight, it’s even busier as it’s Burns Night. As usual, the bustling street is somewhat of an extension to the bar and the well-heeled Chelsea crowd flit in and out for cigarette breaks. It’s where plenty of new money mix with some old money. It’s where local residents retreat to gossip. It’s where one wishes the walls could talk…

The bustling street is somewhat of an extension to the bar and the well-heeled Chelsea crowd flit in and out I take a seat in the restaurant that has been cleverly sectioned off so that there’s no overspill from the bar. The floorto-ceiling windows

mean it’s an ideal spot for people-watching and it also floods the space with light. The interior is also bright with cream leather banquette seating, an Art Decostyle chandelier and a back-lit mural featuring the flora and fauna

works of 18th-century botanist Sir Hans Sloane. For the starter, I opt for the crab served alongside melba toast and salad. It’s presented in a shell and although the crab is relatively light, the portion is huge. Next up is traditional Scottish

blackface sheep haggis, sauerkraut and pancetta – a must for Burns Night – served with a red wine jus. It’s certainly wintry food and an accompanying glass of red wine washes it down perfectly. A crème brûlée with millionaire’s shortbread is served for dessert but done so theatrically with the waiter brûléeing at the table and the flame so large, I wonder whether it’s a health and safety hazard. It’s the ideal end to a wonderful evening, and it’s clear that the flame really does shine bright at The Botanist. 7 Sloane Square, SW1W 8EE, 020 7730 0077, thebotanistlondon.com 23

suit style

B IS FOR BOOK

French fashion guru Agnès B. has documented her approach to design and the history of her brand in her new clothbound book Styliste, which presents design sketches, press clippings and photographs by Agnès B. alongside the work of a number of high-profile fashion photographers including Peter Lindbergh, Ellen von Unwerth and Bruce Weber. A coffee table essential. agnès b. styliste is available from 7 March, £30, Abrams Books, abramsbooks.com

Gieves & Hawkes has released its SS17 campaign and a seasonal colour palette of pistachio, pomegranate, raspberry and duck egg blue is set against neutral staples including navy, grey and khaki. Tailoring is at the heart of the collection, with formal suiting in linen and wool fabrics that favours a twobutton, single breasted construction at the fore. gievesandhawkes.com Gieves & Hawkes

[news]

fashion The latest style news from around the area

bridal catwalk

Jenny Packham

To celebrate the launch of the 2017 Bridal Collection, Jenny Packham is holding an exclusive catwalk show and Champagne afternoon tea at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park on 1 April from 3pm. The event will offer prospective brides the chance to sip Champagne and sample the Mandarin’s newlylaunched afternoon tea, before a preview of the 2017 collection. Workshop-style pop-up stations by other leading industry experts include Jo Malone and Bobbi Brown, and guests will receive a goody bag to take home with them. Tickets are £30 per person, to book a place email events@jennypackham.com

LIKE A BOSS

BOSS Menswear presents Wardrobe Staples, a capsule collection made with the modern man in mind. The SS17 collection has a number of great additions when it comes to giving your wardrobe a spring clean, including essential denim jeans and a classic white t-shirt. Other items that will add something to the clothing armoury include a reversible bomber jacket, a soft wool sweater and a range of accessories featuring coordinating belts and clean white trainers. 109-125 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RJ, 020 3514 2096, hugoboss.com

[LIFESTYLE]

[5 minutes with…]

DONNA IDA THORNTON The denim guru takes five minutes out of her hectic day to tell the Journal all about her lifestyle and what she likes most about her Belgravia base

Home for me is… anywhere that my husband Robert Walton is. We met when I opened the first Donna Ida boutique in Chelsea 10 years ago and have been together ever since. As well as Belgravia, I love spending weekends out in the country with our three chihuahuas Julio, Fernando and Eduardo. I like Belgravia because… it is a village in the heart of London full of beautiful, bespoke retailers and London’s best eateries. It’s a friendly neighbourhood and you quickly get to know people as there are plenty of cafés with outdoor seating from which to relax and watch the world go by. I like Elizabeth Street in particular because… it’s a beautiful cobbled street. I love how all the retailers are so individual and it’s also home to the likes of Philip Treacy milliner, luxury pet accessories store Mungo & Maud for the most pampered pooches in the world, and cigar specialist Tomtom. When I’m in the area, I always find I’m drawn to... the charms of pink parlour Peggy Porschen, home of the best cakes, as well as the delicious croissants from French bakery

I am happiest when… the sun is shining. London is always the most beautiful on a crisp spring day when the flowers start to bloom.

Poilâne. Baker & Spice is also a great place to grab breakfast and catch up with a friend over coffee. You’ll always find me in… Oliveto on Elizabeth Street when I’m on a carb day ordering my favourite pizza. I have half with pepperoni and the other

half with mushrooms and parmesan cheese and truffle oil.

What matters to me the most is… health and freedom.

This year I plan to… keep growing my brand. The Ida and Donna Ida brands are expanding with Rizzo the Ankle Skinny, Sadie the Boiler Suit and Pimp My Margot Culotte being our best-selling denim styles. You’ll also find the label stocked in Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge.

My philosophy is… if you’re going through hell, keep going. The perfect quote from Winston Churchill, proving that no matter how bad things are, they will always pass. 40 Elizabeth Street, SW1W 9NZ, 020 7730 4554, donnaida.com 25

The programme ThaT works for everybody - including your body “masher of The couch poTaTo, shapeshifTer To The sTars, The bodydocTor is a god” SATURDAY TIMES MAGAZINE

“This isn’T jusT anoTher quick fix - i should know, because i’ve Tried Them all” HARpER’S BAZAAR

“The mosT memorable weighT losses ever” GLAMOUR MAGAZINE

“scrawny To brawny in six weeks” MEN’S HEALTH

The Best Training In The World - And it’s On Your Doorstep www.bodydoctor.com / 0207 235 2211 / eaton square, belgravia sw1 / south audley street, mayfair w1

[LIFESTYLE] WHERE TIME STANDS STILL

Skeyndor Timeless Prodigy has launched at The Peak Health Club & Spa in Knightsbridge. The range, that includes a serum, a cream and a facial treatment, utilises advanced anti-ageing technology and is only available at approximately 10 spas and clinics in the whole of the UK. As well as being able to buy the products, the luxury 90-minute facial costs £220 and is the ideal spring pick-me-up. Jumeirah Carlton Tower, Cadogan Place, SW1X 9PY, peakhealthclub.com

A SPRING IN YOUR STEP

[news]

health & beauty

Those who are on the lookout for a new spring perfume, make sure you check out Signorina in Fiore by Italian fragrance house Salvatore Ferragamo. Available exclusively at Harrods, the new addition has been inspired by the colourful petals of a blooming flower, and pays homage to a woman’s femininity. From £36 for a bottle of 30ml Eau de Toilette Spray, Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL, harrods.com

New treatments and products to preen and pamper

THE THICK OF IT

If, like us, your hair is suffering from lack of volume, fret no more: Hershesons has introduced a thickening hair cut for tired tresses, promising to boost barnets and give instantly fuller and thicker locks. Designed by stylist Scott Ade, it has been created specifically for clients with fine hair who, he says, struggle to find a volumising look that doesn’t require too much maintenance. The result is a choppy cut that is adapted to suit each person’s face and – best of all – can be rough dried, straightened or left to dry naturally. From £70, available at Harvey Nichols Beauty Lounge, 109-125 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RJ, harveynichols.com

lip service

Burberry has released its Liquid Lip Velvet in 14 bold shades. Combining rich pigment with a comforting texture and smooth glide, the non-drying formula keeps lips supple and moisturised, ensuring the colour does not dry, fade or crack, with the finish lasting for up to eight hours. £26, uk.burberry.com

[LIFESTYLE]

[review]

style me pretty

Thermal scissors are the latest hair hit, that have glossy results, as the Journal finds out Francesca Lee-Rogers

“M

y main inspiration is Victoria’s Secret models,” says Josh Rees Hole, part of Urban Retreat’s Hair Salon Elite Team in Harrods. “In fact, it would be my dream to work backstage at one of their catwalks.” Josh, whose career has taken him all over the world from the catwalks of fashion capitals to exotic islands, is an inspiration and has a very loyal following indeed naming VIPs and royal family among his clients. And, it’s no surprise; as soon as I meet him, I feel instantly at ease and we’re soon deep in conversation. I learn that when he’s not jet-setting around the

I’m fascinated by the technology and learn that the heat of the scissors warms the keratin within the hair to seal the ends world with his work, he can be found colouring, cutting and styling at the one-stop-beauty department on the fifth floor at Harrods. Josh is also a pioneer in the hairdressing industry, and is always on top of his game in terms of new products, tools and technology. And the latest innovation has seen him introduce the use of hot thermal scissors to his 28

work. Although twice the price of one of his usual cuts, I’m not surprised he has been inundated with requests. After a wash and a cup of tea, I’m in the chair and once the scissors are at optimum heat, Josh cuts my hair with an overall trim and layers at the front. I’m fascinated by the technology and learn that the heat of the scissors warms the

keratin within the hair to seal the ends as they are cut – perfect for getting rid of my dead ends. A classic blow-dry later and I’m genuinely surprised at how voluminous and shiny my hair is. Just like a Victoria’s Secret model. If only…

£300, Thermal Cut & Blow-Dry by Josh Rees Hole, Urban Retreat, Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X, urbanretreat.co.uk

N o M O R E F O O d E N V Y. Your local private dining club for a deliciously healthy food and wine experience. Organic wine and superfood cocktails.

11c West Halkin Street, Knightsbridge, SW1X 8JL To make a dining reservation or to order now +44 (0)20 7235 8900 www.gracebelgravia.com

M E D I C A L

S P A

F I T N E S S

N U T R I T I O N

C u l T U R E

[health and wellbeing]

A Perfect Fit The Bodydoctor’s training has transformed Sophie Dahl, Lily Allen and some of the UK’s best football players and has launched a series of new programmes. We find out how anyone can benefit from his fitness regimes kate harrison

“G

et fit, lose fat, call the doc. If you do that, I will change your life forever,” says personal trainer David Marshall. Having seen the results first-hand, I know he’s right. Think of pretty much any newsworthy body overhaul from the past two decades and you will find this man behind it, holding kettlebells. Marshall is the trainer responsible for taking Sophie Dahl from a point-proving size 18 model to a beautifully svelte – and healthy – size 8; he sent Lily Allen away three dress sizes smaller in just six weeks; and turned Rachel Weisz into an uber-lean Russian sniper for her role in Enemy at the Gates.

The philosophy is rather clean cut; train to a level where the body accepts excercise Better known as the Bodydoctor, Marshall has been transforming bodies – and lives – for more than 20 years. With a who’s who of highprofile clients passing through his studios – ranging from England footballers to actors, models and 30

TV presenters – Marshall has complete faith in his abilities to make people fit and enjoy the process. “You only look good when you feel good, and you only feel good when you’re healthy. That only happens when you restore your body to optimum health and put your body back into balance. The aesthetic is a by-product,” Marshall says with conviction. “You need to have fun doing it or you look for excuses to quit, and you need to enjoy life while you’re doing it.” I personally completed Marshall’s six-week training programme and emerged a stone lighter and two dress sizes smaller (while still enjoying the odd glass of wine). With an abundance of energy I never thought humanly possible for a mother of three children under five, I can vouch for the prolonged success of his training techniques. Marshall is an intriguing character with a larger-thanlife personality. “Bless you my child for you have thinned”, is a phrase that can often be heard as you finish your final reps.

Marshall takes the drudgery out of exercise with humour and has surrounded himself with the very best to ensure optimum results; no wonder he’s been referred to as “The fitness guru viewed by the entertainment industry as the fourth emergency service”. Marshall’s A-team works in unison to ensure a holistic approach to his fitness regime, which explains his ability to achieve maximum results in minimum time. The trainers are fantastic – each having signed up to the Bodydoctor cult themselves. They make sure you don’t slack off even for a single rep; an hour spent

[FEATURE]

at the gym is exactly an hour of working out. Marshall has even put together a handy eBook so you can keep up the programme while on the go. Renowned nutritionist Amanda Moore completes the magic circle, with a personalised guide to ensure you get the most out of your training sessions. She collaborates with local restaurants and has devised a healthy eating menu, which can even be delivered to your door (check out the bento boxes from Go Chisou, a personal favourite). The studios are predictably kitted out with every fitness machine you could possibly imagine – and a fair few you couldn’t. Based on resistance training over a full range of movement (a bit like yoga or pilates with weights), a combination of exercises are designed to fatigue

each muscle group in turn. The philosophy is rather clean cut; train to a level where the body accepts exercise. Ultimately, practising each exercise with correct posture and core awareness gears your body towards maximising your energy expenditure in minimal time. Once learned, the exercises are hard to forget. Marshall’s favourite, the GTS, is a machine that uses a glideboard to replicate every kind of lunge and resistance exercise conceivable. Every exercise works from the tummy out. “You create lean muscle, you raise your metabolism, you burn fat and lose weight – simple,” he chants happily. So popular is the equipment that Marshall has launched a series of small group training sessions with a maximum

of six participants per class. Marshall is keen to assure that this programme is about getting people healthy, not weight loss. If you need to lose weight you will; similarly if you need to put it on, then you will. In the days of a looming national health crisis, his attitude is something we should all pay attention to. In fact, Marshall has devised the Bodydoctor Junior fitness programme to help combat the growing issue of childhood obesity and provide a positive outlet for pre-teens and teenagers at the constant mercy of technology and social media. “You only have a happy kid if you have an active kid,” he points out. He hopes to implement a fitness regime into schools nationwide to provide the right education for children from an early age that will see them through life. The Bodydoctor doesn’t stop there. With bespoke training in mind for everyone, Marshall will soon be launching couples training Fit for Love, based on his belief that “A couple that sweat together, stay together”. Training in pairs is perfect for those preparing for a wedding or a parent looking to spend some quality time with their child. Simply put, subscribe to the Bodydoctor fitness regime in whatever capacity, do the sessions and enjoy the results. David Marshall at Bodydoctor Health & Fitness, 36 South Audley Street, W1K, 020 7499 9990, or 119 Eaton Square, SW1W, 020 7235 2211, bodydoctor.com 31

[travel]

God’s own

COUNTRY No Great British escape is complete without a visit to the United Kingdom’s biggest county: Yorkshire Francesca Lee-Rogers

eing a born and bred proud Yorkshire lady, I often dream of rolling hills, country walks and sitting in an old-fashioned cosy pub by the fire, especially when I’m in the London rat race. There’s nothing quite like a good cup of Yorkshire Tea, Yorkshire pudding dippers (the traditional giant pudding sectioned into morsels) or a visit to Haworth, made famous by the Brontë sisters. So when I had the opportunity to visit The Devonshire Arms in Bolton Abbey, Skipton, I was delighted to return to my homeland. Upon arrival, my husband and I pass through the foyer where wellington boots and waders await their next hotel guest as we make our way to the entrance. There’s a huge roaring feature fire, and although this would usually grab my attention, I’m soon distracted by Alfie, the white and fluffy labradoodle. I start chatting to its owner (they’re friendly folk up north) and find out one of the main reasons she picked The Devonshire Arms to get married is so that her dog could attend her big day. A lady after my own heart, the hotel has already scored highly due to its dog-friendly policy and that it treats its visiting canines to only the very best; there’s a pet

concierge to welcome your dog on arrival, a welcome pack complete with a selection of treats and a blanket, as well as the opportunity for every man and woman’s best friend to sleep on a four-poster dog bed. Pooches aside, we make our way to a Deluxe Room on the first floor. Overlooking the Devonshire Estate, the surrounding Yorkshire Dales and Beamsley Beacon, the view from the window is a 180-degree vista of God’s own country.

However, the room, although perfectly equipped with all the mod cons including a Nespresso machine and even two mini loaves of homemade Yorkshire Parkin, as well as being beautifully decorated, is a little on the small side and slightly tired in places. Aspects such as the grouting and fabric bathroom screen could do with a little attention. The latter is also somewhat confusing and even the porter seems a little baffled as to why the screen that’s used

[LIFESTYLE]

to hide the modesty of those in the restroom can only be opened and closed via the bedroom. I assume it was put in place so that those in the tub can still enjoy the room’s outlook, but it is somewhat of an oversight. Niggles aside, my husband and I continue our exploration of the hotel. Our attention soon turns to the lounges; from a Cocktail Lounge to a Dog Lounge, there’s one for every occasion. It’s a clever idea as it means couples can have their own privacy and space. The only feature lacking is a proper bar with beer on draught, and although the brasserie next door can accommodate, it’s a shame that there’s not a dedicated area within the main part of the hotel. That evening, my husband and I dine in The Burlington Restaurant and opt for the eight-course tasting menu with matching wine. Head chef Paul Evans’ stand-out dishes include a starter course of salmon with avocado, heritage beetroot and salted cucumber that’s artistically presented, while the richness of

the Guinea Fowl main with parsnip and wild mushrooms is cut through with the sharpness of the pear. The dessert of the apple cheesecake with honeycomb also deserves a special mention. Both the food and service is faultless and the generous portions of wine mean that there’s very little room for coffee and petit fours. The next day breakfast is also enjoyed in The Burlington Restaurant, and after eating what feels like our weight in food over the past 24 hours, my husband and I decide to stretch our legs with a walk to Bolton Abbey. We stroll by the River Wharfe, all the while soaking up the magnificent views of the ruins of the Priory, and even spot a money tree along the way. The legend goes that in the late 1980s after a windy night a tree fell and foresters pulled the tree to the side of the path, and it has since become laden with coins, but how they got there is open to interpretation.

For me, it serves as somewhat of a metaphor to consumerism versus natural beauty. Philosophy aside, later that day we reluctantly leave and head back to London and I vow to return to Yorkshire more often, especially if money really does grow on trees. NEED TO KNOW Francesca Lee-Rogers was hosted by The Devonshire Arms. Bed and breakfast rooms start from £135, dinner and bed and breakfast starts from £200 per room. For more information and reservations, call 01756 718 111, email res@devonshirehotels.co.uk or visit thedevonshirearms.co.uk. The Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa, Bolton Abbey, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 6AJ

[LOCAL INTEREST]

[column]

RESIDENTS’ CULTURE Sue Liberman brings us her monthly Belgravian musings

12 April-26 July, Goldsmiths’ Hall, devroomen.co.uk

Cubitt House – Banquet Series Cubitt House is delighted to launch a series of four banquets throughout 2017 named The Pie Banquet, The Beef Banquet, The Nose-to-Tail Banquet and The Game Banquet. With the menu and decor unveiled on the evening, relax into your throne and watch the frivolities unfold, as they create a truly memorable experience. Pie Banquet Tuesday 7 March The Thomas Cubitt, The Drawing Room Pies were a staple at every banquet and were often made using elaborate figurative moulds, glazed and adorned, occasionally with a stuffed animal or bird to indicate their contents. With an abundance of pies to get stuck into, from coffyn pies to sharing pies, steep yourself in tradition and feast like a nobleman. Priced at £70pp, inclusive of food and drinks. Guests will be seated banquetstyle; bookings accepted for groups of any size up

to 15 people. 020 7730 0070 or reservations@ cubitthouse.co.uk De Vroomen: Harmony in Colour and Form When Leo and Ginnie started working together in the early 70s, they developed a signature style of jewellery unlike anything seen before. In June 2002, De Vroomen opened its doors at 59 Elizabeth Street, where it continues to serve discerning jewellery lovers. The Goldsmiths’ Company is delighted to present De Vroomen: Harmony in Colour and Form, a celebration of

five decades of artistic collaboration between renowned husband and wife team, Dutch goldsmith Leo de Vroomen and British jewellery designer and artist Ginnie de Vroomen. The showcase brings together more than 100 pieces of De Vroomen jewels, sketches reflecting the creative process, as well as Ginnie’s vivid paintings inspired by nature and the urban landscape. In essence, bold, sophisticated jewellery with flowing lines is placed in conversation with polychromatic abstract art. It’s an exhibition not to be missed! Free, Mon-Wed, 10am-4pm,

Belgravia in Bloom It was wonderful to see so many residents, traders and businesses taking part in Belgravia in Bloom 2016. There were fabulous floral displays throughout Belgravia. The theme for Belgravia in Bloom 2017 is Children’s Books. A fun theme with so many ideas to choose from. A few examples are: Harry Potter, Alice in Wonderland, James and the Giant Peach and The Very Hungry Caterpillar. What’s your favourite children’s book? Belgravia in Bloom will take place at the same time as the Chelsea Flower Show from 22 to 27 May. Exact plans are currently being finalised by Grosvenor but are to once again include retailers, hotels, pubs, restaurants, churches, schools, residents’ houses and the gardens in Belgravia. Categories are currently being decided, more on this next month. In the meantime, for updates, please visit grosvenorlondon.com

If there’s anything you would like me to know about, I can be contacted on 07957 420 911 or at sue@sueliberman.com

[PROPERTY]

[PROPERTY NEWS]

Angela gregson joined

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT We bring you the latest Belgravia property news

NEW ENTRANCE OPENS AT VICTORIA

The Journal details the on-going works at Victoria

t seems as though there have been endless renovations at London Victoria station over the past few years, but the end is in sight and passengers can use the new and improved entrance without having to negotiate the hustle and bustle of the streets surrounding the station. Situated on Victoria Street by Bressenden Place which is near Cardinal Place, the new entrance provides an easy-to-access route

to Victoria underground with its newly-opened north ticket hall, making it easier than ever before for commuters to start and end their journey. Part of a £700 million project to improve the station, it is being done in stages and is due for completion in 2018. Once completed, it will be double the size of the original station since work began in 2009.

Child & Child in March 2016 as a partner in the Dispute Resolution team. She qualified in 2003 and specialises in

property disputes

Have you ever wondered why many of the houses in Belgravia have the same external appearance, although many of them are now in private ownership? The reason lies in so-called Schemes of Management, which were introduced by the Leasehold Reform Act 1967 (which allowed homeowners, in certain circumstances, to purchase the freehold of their houses from their landlords) and the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 (which permitted individuals to purchase their flats). Schemes of Management operate in the same way as leasehold covenants and allow estate owners, such as the Grosvenor Estate, to maintain an estate’s original appearance once its various properties have been enfranchised. Schemes of Management allow the estate owner to make and enforce regulations to preserve the character and appearance of the estate. They typically require freeholders living in an estate to obtain prior written consent before undertaking any alterations to the external appearance of a property. There is often also an obligation on freeholders to maintain the external appearance of their property and gardens, as well as to keep them in good repair and in a clean and tidy condition. The management scheme binds all future owners of the land and it is the property owners who pay for the scheme through an estate charge. They must also pay the estate’s legal and surveyors’ charges when an application is made to carry out works. Freeholders can face legal proceedings if they do not comply with the terms of the management schemes. The FirstTier Tribunal (Property Chamber) does have jurisdiction to vary the terms of the estate management schemes, on the application of a freeholder, but such applications are rare. 4 Grosvenor Place, SW1X 7HJ, 020 7235 8000, childandchild.co.uk

To find out more, visit tfl.gov.uk 35

DIRECTORY

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

Estate Agents Ayrton Wylie 16 Lower Belgrave Street 020 7730 4628

Harrods Estates 82 Brompton Road 020 7225 6506

Knight Frank Lettings 82-83 Chester Square 020 3740 4539

Savills 139 Sloane Street 020 7730 0822

Best Gapp 81 Elizabeth Street 020 7730 9253

Henry & James 1 Motcomb Street 020 7235 8861

Knight Frank Sales 47 Lower Belgrave Street 020 3811 2473

Sothebys Realty 77-79 Ebury Street 020 7495 9580

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

John D Wood 48 Elizabeth Street 020 3151 5724

Marler & Marler 6 Sloane Street 020 7235 9641

Strutt & Parker 66 Sloane Street 020 3553 8393

[CAFĂ&#x2030;S]

[PUBLIC HOUSES/ DINING ROOMS]

[RESTAURANTS]

Food & Drink [BARS]

Amaya Halkin Arcade Motcomb Street 020 7823 1166

Tomtom Coffee House 114 Ebury Street 020 7730 1771

The Garden Room The Lanesborough Hyde Park Corner 020 7259 5599

La Bottega 25 Eccleston Street 020 7730 7411

[DELI]

The Library Bar The Lanesborough Hyde Park Corner 020 7259 5599

The Orange 37 Pimlico Road 020 7881 9844 theorange.co.uk The Alfred Tennyson 10 Motcomb Street 020 7730 6074 thealfredtennyson.co.uk The Thomas Cubitt 44 Elizabeth Street 020 7730 6060 thethomascubitt.co.uk

Health & Wellbeing

Motcombs 26 Motcomb Street 020 7235 6382 motcombs.co.uk Tomtom Mess Hall 14 Eccleston Street 020 7730 1845 Enoteca Turi 87 Pimlico Road SW1W 8PH 020 7730 3663 enotecaturi.com

Home & Culture

[DENTIST]

[WELLBEING]

[ARt]

[GALLERIES]

[DOCTOR]

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

Bryan Ellery Bronze Portraits 07760 227 878 bryanellery@hotmail.com bryanellery.com

Pullman Editions 94 Pimlico Road 020 7730 0547 pullmaneditions.com

The Beresford Clinic 2 Lower Grosvenor Place 020 7821 9411

The Belgrave Medical Centre 13 Pimlico Road 020 7730 5171

[HAIR SALONS]

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

Bodydoctor A bespoke personal training and nutrition clinic in Belgravia. Eaton Square 020 7235 2211 bodydoctor.com

Roses Only P13-14 New Covent Garden Flower Market, SW8 5NA 0207 622 1622 rosesonly.co.uk

Luminaire Arts 19 Grosvenor Place SW1X 7HT 07966 236 969 luminairearts.co.uk

[directory]

Fashion [BOUTIQUES]

Philip Treacy 69 Elizabeth Street 020 7730 3992

[BRIDAL]

Herve Leger 29 Lowndes Street 020 7201 2590

Nevena Couture (clients by appointment only) Lowndes Street 020 3539 8738 nevena.co.uk

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

[BANKS]

[MOVING SERVICES]

[PSYCHOTHERAPY]

[SOLICITORS]

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

Abels Moving Services UK, EU & International 020 3773 5796 info@abels.co.uk abels.co.uk

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

Child & Child 4 Grosvenor Place 020 7235 8000 childandchild.co.uk

Services

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

Pickfords Gold Genesis House, Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, WD4 8LZ 0203 188 2544 pickfords.co.uk/pickfords-gold

[TRAVEL & hotels] Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel 21 Lowndes Street 020 7823 1234

Jumeirah Carlton Tower Cadogan Place 020 7235 1234

Passepartout Homes Ltd +32 50 69 99 10 passepartout-homes.com info@passepartout-homes.com The Hari 20 Chesham Place 020 7858 0100 thehari.com

Speciality Shops [CIGAR SPECIALIST]

Tomtom Cigars 63 Elizabeth Street 020 7730 1790

[CONFECTIONERS]

Peggy Porschen 116 Ebury Street 020 7730 1316

Pierre HermĂŠ Paris 13 Lowndes Street 020 7245 0317 R Chocolate London 5 Motcomb Street 020 7245 0993

[JEWELLERS]

De Vroomen 59 Elizabeth Street 020 7730 1901

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

[BULLION BROKER] Sharps Pixley Limited 54 St James's Street 020 7871 0532 sharpspixley.com

[SECURITY] Vigilance Properties 20A Eccleston Street 020 3416 5340 vigilanceproperties.co.uk

[NEWSAGENTS]

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

Ebury Square, Belgravia SW1 Beautifully presented two bedroom apartment in period building

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

This immaculate two bedroom flat positioned on the first floor has been recently refurbished whilst retaining period features. The property benefits from being bright and spacious with luxury fittings and high ceilings. Master bedroom with en suite bathroom, further double bedroom, shower room, reception room, kitchen, two balconies. EPC: D. Approximatley 142 sq m (1,528 sq ft). Available furnished Guide price: £3,250 per week

KnightFrank.co.uk/BEQ186513

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

All potential tenants should be advised that as well as rent, an administration fee of £276 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property. Please ask us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit KnightFrank.co.uk/tenantcharges

BRJ - March Ed - 7, 72 Eaton Square

14/02/2017 10:45:44

17 E

5:44

Ebury Square, Belgravia SW1 Spacious lateral apartment with garden square views A turnkey lateral apartment, finished to a very high standard with elegant interiors, located in the heart of Belgravia, London’s most prestigious village neighbourhood. 3 bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, kitchen, media room, generous living space comprises a drawing room, reception room and dining room, all of which overlook Ebury Square. The abundance of a natural light, 2 balconies and views over landscaped gardens present a very desirable central London outlook. There is also a separate self-contained guest/staff apartment on the lower ground floor. EPC: B. Approximately 383 sq m (4,127 sq ft). Leasehold: approximately 996 years remaining

Guide price: £12,250,000

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

@Belgravia_SW1 KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/BGV170001

17 Ebury Sq March 2017 BRJ

31/01/2017 15:36:13

WHADDON HOUSE, BELGRAVIA SW1X

£2,998,000

SHARE OF FREEHOLD • THREE BEDROOMS • THREE BATHROOMS • SPACIOUS RECEPTION ROOM • KITCHEN • BALCONY • • RESIDENT PORTER • UNDERGROUND PARKING SPACE • EPC D •

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

henryandjames.co.uk

• TW

CADOGAN GARDENS, CHELSEA SW3

£2,000,000

SHARE OF FREEHOLD • TWO DOUBLE BEDROOMS • TWO BATHROOMS • RECEPTION ROOM • SEPARATE KITCHEN/DINING AREA • • ACCESS TO COMMUNAL GARDENS • RESIDENT CARETAKER • EPC E •

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

henryandjames.co.uk

KINNERTON STREET, BELGRAVIA SW1X

£1,295 PER WEEK • TWO BEDROOMS • TWO BATHROOMS • TWO RECEPTION ROOMS• EAT-IN KITCHEN • PATIO GARDEN • • SONOS SOUND SYSTEM • AIR-CONDITIONING • BESPOKE FURNITURE• EPC E• Plus £240 Tenancy 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

[PROPERTY]

[NEWS]

POTENTIAL GAINS IN WESTMINSTER, VICTORIA AND PIMLICO Surveying prices and pipelines in ‘the next sought-after prime areas of London’

hough just a short trot from both Mayfair and Belgravia, Westminster and its environs have offered quite the discount for canny Prime Central London buyers in recent years. But for how much longer? According to LonRes data analysed by Knight Frank, the average price in the area outlined below between January and September last year was £1,300 per square foot; that’s 47.3 per cent lower than the equivalent figure of £2,469 recorded in Mayfair and 35.1 per cent below Belgravia’s £2,004 ( for those after even better value, it should be noted that nearby Pimlico averaged £970k). What is more, Westminster’s top achieved price of £2,019 in the same period was 56.5 per cent below the highest figure achieved in Mayfair and 63.4 per cent lower than Belgravia. Neighbouring Victoria’s remarkable transformation from grubby transport interchange to buzzy hub is having a big effect, as Knight Frank’s Robert Oatley explains: “Few areas in Prime Central London offer such good value compared to neighbourhoods that are a five-minute walk away. There has been a huge amount of investment over the past three years and the smart money has woken up to the area’s potential.” Savills has also been looking into that potential, and says the massive regeneration programme

underway in and around Victoria is creating the opportunity for Westminster and Pimlico to become “the next coveted areas of prime central London”. Some interesting trends are being observed, particularly in terms of the type of buyers now moving in. Between 2014 and 2016, over three-quarters of prime buyers were purchasing an additional property, says Savills, compared to an average of 55 per cent across the whole of Prime Central London. As additional purchases now get clobbered with another three per cent in stamp duty, and increasing numbers of commercial units are converted into resi, the research team expects the proportion of buyers purchasing a main residence to go up significantly as the resi market expands. Much like the rest of London, the short to medium term prognosis

is for some “price sensitivity” as buyers continue to come to terms with the new fiscal landscape, but this could play into Victoria, Westminster and Pimlico’s favour. The scarier transactional costs at the higher end have led to price growth in lower-value areas outperforming the rest of the market. It may not seem like much, but the annual growth of 0.1 per cent recorded in Victoria in the year to November was significantly better than the -4.8 per cent seen across Prime Central London, and streets ahead of the -10 per cent registered in some of the more expensive areas of town. primeresi.com

PrimeQResi Journal of Luxury Property

The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings

Drawing of St Dunstan-in-the-West by SPAB Scholar Ptolomy Dean

Founded by William Morris, the SPAB protects the historic environment from decay, damage and demolition. It responds to threats to old buildings, trains building professionals, craftspeople, homeowners and volunteers and gives advice about maintenance and repairs. Since 1877 countless buildings have been saved for future generations.

Information about maintaining your home is available through events, courses, lectures, publications and telephone advice. To support our work why not join the SPAB? Members receive a quarterly magazine, our list of historic properties for sale and access to our regional activities.

www.spab.org.uk 020 7377 1644 A charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England & Wales. Company no: 5743962 Charity no: 1113753 37 Spital Square, London E1 6DY

Graham Terrace

Knightsbridge SW1W

A well-proportioned 3 bedroom freehold house withÂ wonderful reception areas on the ground floor leading to a terrace with stairs down to the 26ft garden. Graham Terrace is extremely well located being close to the quaint shopping village of Elizabeth Street & also close to the amenities of Sloane Square & the Kings Road. EPC rating E

ÂŁ3,500,000 freehold

Knightsbridge & Belgravia

020 7235 8090

sales.knightsbridge@chestertons.com

chestertons.com

[PROPERTY]

[profile]

IN THE KNOW How market research helps Strutt & Parker target their market FRANCESCA LEE-ROGERS

ast year, Stanhope approached Strutt & Parker to analyse the profile of tenant demand and the main ‘tribes’ within the rental market, creating a report entitled Urban Renters that identifies what people need, want and aspire to in the rental sector. “It’s a really useful snapshot of the market and it helps us to categorise demographics and ensure that we have the right stock on in order to maximise rentals,” says Nina McDowall, head of lettings at Strutt & Parker, Knightsbridge. Nina, who joined the agency in 2004, specialises in flat and house rentals in Prime Central London and deals with both professional landlords as well as those who have single properties to rent.

“The amount of detail is vastly important to protect both landlord and tenant” Over the years Nina has seen a huge change in terms of the amount of legislation required within the rental sector. “It’s a constant learning process, but the amount of detail is vastly important to protect both landlord and tenant,” she tells the Journal. Indeed, it is this knowledge that is the foundation of the landlord-estate agent relationship. “I have clients that I have been working with for 10 to 15 years and 46

in order to maintain that relationship, the level of service has to be exceptional.” Attitudes towards renting have also been detailed in the research and how, for some other countries such as Switzerland, renting is the norm. This type of tenant is coming into Prime Central London and is having a positive impact on the market. “We have a very global audience in Knightsbridge and Belgravia and many international tenants don’t think twice about renting for a long period of time. Our average tenancy is 33.5 months, which is well above the market average,” details Nina. Strutt & Parker also has a healthy amount of stock on at the moment

that ranges from traditional period homes to new builds. “There’s such diversity, meaning we can match properties exactly to the tenant’s needs; whether they’re a student, a high-net-worth individual or looking for a pied-à-terre, there’s plenty of choice.” 66 Sloane Street, SW1X 9SH, 020 7235 2208, struttandparker.com

PontSTREET Street, BASiL SW3SW1 E G E R TO N three T Ebedroom R R AC S W 3maintained mansion building in the heart of Knightsbridge. An immaculately presented flat in E this, beautifully An unmodernised penthouse maisonette offering an incoming purchaser an opportunity to The building is ideally located for Harrods and the shops and restaurants of the area, and moments from Knightsbridge create penthouse a wonderful familyBrompton flat with magnificent views frontof and back. building. Unfurnished. 2000 sq ft. Stunning overlooking Square arranged across the both fourth floor this Victorian underground station. • 4 Bedrooms Three Bedrooms

■ ■

•• 3 Four Bedrooms Bathrooms Two Bathrooms • Reception

■ ■

• Dining Room • Three Bathrooms

• 2 Reception rooms ■ ■ Reception Room ■ ■ Kitchen/Breakfast Room Price £3,500,000 Lease

82 years £3,250 per week + fees £3,300,000 Subject to Contract

■ ■

• Kitchen Entrance Hall/Dining Area

• Cloakroom • Lift ■ ■ Loft Storage Area • Kitchen

• 2050 sq ft ■ ■ Porter ■ ■ Lift remaining

• Two Balconies • Garden Terrace

■ ■

1397 sq ft

• Additional staff flat ■ ■ EE rating E (by sep neg)

• Lift • EE Rating C

Share of Freehold

Eaton Square, Belgravia SW1

ÂŁ3,475,000 Leasehold

A superb two bedroom lateral apartment in one of Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest addresses.

Knightsbridge 020 7235 9959 Ollie.Blakelock@struttandparker.com

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

Eaton Place, Belgravia SW1

ÂŁ8,700,000 Leasehold

Knightsbridge 020 7235 9959 Paul.Gransbury@struttandparker.com

/struttandparker

@struttandparker

struttandparker.com

Lyall Mews, Belgravia SW1

ÂŁ7,950,000 Freehold

A remarkable newly conceived house on Belgraviaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier mews.

Knightsbridge 020 7235 9959 james.gilbert-green@struttandparker.com /struttandparker

@struttandparker

struttandparker.com

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

Resident’s Journal MARCH 2017 • Issue 58

We highly value your feedback: belgravia@residentsjournal.co.uk or 020 7987 4320

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

Proudly published by

RUNWILD MEDIA GROUP

66 Sloane St, London SW1X 9SH 020 3813 9500 | struttandparker.com

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

Written for the residents of BELGRAVIA march 2017 • Issue 58