Belgravia Residents' Journal May 2013

BELGRAVIA Resident’s Journal

may 2013 • Issue 12

BELGRAVIA Resident’s Journal M A Y 201 3

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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: editor@residentsjournal.co.uk; or telephone us on 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

Dear Resident

,

The sad passing of Margaret Thatcher, a resident of Chester Square since 1991, leads naturally to our dedicating the That was then pages to her. It’s an impossible task to pick the Iron Lady’s most powerful speeches with an 800-word limit, but we hope our selection is varied enough to remind you of the awe-inspiring nature of our formidable first female Prime Minster (see pages 24-25).

Elsewhere we have news of Motcomb Street Waitrose’s tenth birthday (page 4) and Rococo Chocolates’ thirtieth (pages 8-9).

May’s Journal is an issue which touches heavily on the power of fragrance, as you will discover on pages 13-15. Never more appropriate now that spring’s aroma is definitely to be smelt, albeit in the winds.

I leave you with the news that this will be my final Belgravia Residents’ Journal. It has been a total pleasure launching the Journal this past year, and indeed the now extensive Residents’ Journal series which I now leave in the capable hands of Katie Randall. Belgravia’s residents are a pleasure to know and I have made many wonderful friends in the locale.

Thank you to you all.

Alice

Above / Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher stands with her arms raised at the Conservative Party Conference in Brighton.

The IRA tried to assassinate her with a bomb earlier in the day. (© Bettmann/ CORBIS,12 October 1984)

Managing Editor Katie Randall

Managing Director Eren Ellwood

Publishing Director Giles Ellwood

Editor Alice Tozer

Senior Designer Sophie Blain

Associate Publisher Sophie Roberts

Editorial Assistant Lauren Romano

General Manager Fiona Fenwick

Client Relationship Director Felicity Morgan-Harvey

Editor-in-Chief Lesley Ellwood

Production Hugo Wheatley, Alex Powell

Advertising Manager Hywel Kennedy

The Notebook

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

A decade of supermarket sweep

Waitrose on Motcomb Street has been replenishing Belgravia’s cupboards for a decade, after celebrating ten years at number 27 last month. Open seven days a week, from 7.30am9pm Monday to Saturday and 11am-5pm on Sunday, the branch is an invaluable local resource, down the aisles of which larder essentials can be found. Waitrose supplements the wide variety of other specialist foodstuffs available in the surrounding streets.

Here’s to another ten years!

Illustration: Russ Tudor

A cut above

Award-winning indulgence

In confectionery circles, there’s only one accolade worth its salt (or sugar) and that’s the Academy of Chocolate Awards.

Belgravia’s Rococo Chocolates has come away from this year’s medal bestowing ceremony with four golds, a silver and two bronzes – a fantastic achievement, not least for principal chocolatier Barry Johnson, who has only been with the artisanal temptation creators for a year. The Salted Chocolate Toffee and Crunchy Praline, the Kalamansi Lime Caramel and the Passion Fruit and Rosemary Caramel bagged best filled chocolate awards, whilst the ever-popular Madagascar House Truffle came away with gold in the unflavoured dark truffle category.

As they say, the proof is in the pudding so head down to 5 Motcomb Street to judge for yourself.

Motcomb Street’s very own scissorsmith Errol Douglas MBE has been named President of Fellowship for British Hairdressing, and was sworn in at the handover ceremony at the Dorchester on 22 April. The fellowship of like-minded tress-tamers and trendsetters is dedicated to promoting the best of British and international hairdressing. Errol takes up the mantle from Mark Creed, and has a string of ideas up his sleeve, including projects to encourage and nurture youth membership and initiatives to build the profile of the fellowship on an international level. ‘This is an incredible honour and I’m really looking forward to steering and further boosting the profile of a crucial and truly prestigious organisation from the top,’ said Errol, whose popular local salon caters for each and every hair type with exacting professionalism and panache.

Not in the Prime Minister’s backyard!

The Belgravia Residents’ Journal has already reported on this year’s annual Open Garden Squares Weekend – the bucolic blast from 8-9 June, which will open up the local horticultural environs of Belgrave Square, Chester Square, Eaton Square, Cadogan Place Gardens and Wilton Crescent Garden for the public to enjoy. Now it has been revealed that another secret garden, a short distance from Belgravia, has been added to the line-up: the gardens at Number 10 Downing Street. Stalked by resident cat Larry and the Chancellor’s tabby, Freya, a rare chance to wander around the garden where President Obama has admired the vegetable patch, and David Cameron steals a few minutes repose, is possible with participation in a public ballot. Forty entrants will be plucked from the hat at random on 21 May to participate in the tours taking place at 11am and 2pm on Saturday 8 June. Enter the ballot online at: www.opensquares.org

Hoarding fees reach new heights

Residents of Grosvenor-owned mews or communal gardens face increasing costs if they put up hoarding during basement or major building work. The rising fees will be put towards public improvement works, including local cleaning and repairs and will be set according to how long a resident has lived in the property in question, the scale of the works and the proposed period of time for which the hoarding will be installed.

Homeowners who have lived in a property for less than five years will be expected to pay £78,000 if they want to have hoarding installed for a year. Fees will be halved, however, for longer-standing residents and for major projects where the works planned are not subterranean.

The spirit of summertime

With the weather seemingly unable to make its mind up, it might seem premature to be planning our summer calendars but the dates of the annual Elizabeth Street and Motcomb Street parties should be scribbled into schedules, if they aren’t already.

This year, the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home will be the beneficiary of funds raised by the Elizabeth Street summer charity party held on 12 June and organised by the Belgravia Traders Association. A children’s party will take place from 5pm-6pm at nearby St Michael’s Church before the focus turns to the street at 6pm, when a dog show and parade by some of the adorable inmates from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home will kick off the celebrations. An auction, live music from covers band What Next?, and an array of food and drinks stalls will keep the party atmosphere flowing.

Motcomb Street will host its annual carnival on 26 June, from 5.30pm-10.30pm. In keeping with tradition, funds will be raised in aid of the Household Cavalry and, this year, for The Chelsea Community Hospital Schools too. Last summer’s party was testament to the immense sense of community spirit inherent among Belgravians and visitors from further afield (some 5,000 in total) who together raised an impressive £57,000 for the Household Cavalry and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

This time around, the evening will be equally entertaining with a celebrity opening, tribute acts, street entertainers, and an auction with fabulous prizes donated by local traders and boutiques, all diligently organised by members of The Motcomb Street Traders Association.

Words / Lauren Romano 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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The Calendar Bringing you the lowdown on local events in May

A Spanish education

Now’s the time to book in for lunch or dinner at The Halkin hotel, to see what all the fuss is about at Belgravia’s most creative answer to grandiose tapas dining, northern Spain style. The waiting list is lengthening daily at Amesta with Arzak Instruction; yes, that is the name of the new restaurant out back at the hotel, which formerly housed the popular Thai restaurant, Nahm. And, compellingly, the new joint is aptly described as exhibiting a Heston approach to Spanish tapas.

But why the lengthy name? It reflects a joint collaboration between the restaurant and chef Elena Arzak, of Arzak in San Sebastian – a family-run, world-renowned restaurant.

Whilst not actually cheffing at the set-up, Elena has been instrumental in the menu creation which (for lunch, à la carte) could see you testing, say, the Cordero con Café Cortado (Lamb with Macchiato, £32.00), Vieiras con Betacaroteno (Scallops with Betacarotene, £14.50) then Tizones y Nuez Moscada (Charred Sweets and Nutmeg Ice Cream, £12.50).

Weird and whacky the food is and, also just like Heston, the colours are often understated but the tastes prove highly rich and complex. In the same way that the restaurant name might bring to mind a technical manual, the restaurant décor smacks laboratory with what look like test tubes pinned like stalactites from the ceiling. They are in fact tubes of spices. But don’t be alarmed; it’s all part of the cryptic nature of the place. Well worth an adventure. Go hungry, very hungry. To book call: 020 7333 1234.

Right / Moon Rocks, a dessert at the restaurant

Asparaganza!

According to Grow it! magazine, the UK’s precious eight-week asparagus season started officially on 23 April. Not missing a trick, The Thomas Cubitt public house and dining rooms is holding a British Asparagus Dinner in its drawing room (left) on Tuesday 14 May from 7pm. Its supplier, Secrett’s Farm, will be present to explain a little about the juicy green stalks (which come from the lily family, did you know?), including their cultivation on the farm.

At £65 a ticket, the dinner is excellent value for an exquisite line-up: a canapé reception, wine and three courses including caveaged cheddar brûlée with poached asparagus, just for starters. The unassuming vegetable even creeps its way into dessert, in the guise of asparagus and dark chocolate mousse cake with salt caramel and peanut ice cream. The dinner promises to be quite an occasion – how else would you be celebrating Shakespeare’s birthday, in any case? And whilst we’re in literary mode, here’s what Proust had to say about asparagus: ‘…what most enraptured me were the asparagus, tinged with ultramarine and pink which shaded off from their heads, finely stippled in mauve and azure, through a series of imperceptible gradations to their white feet… exquisite creatures who had been pleased to assume vegetable form.’ Come back down to earth to book via email: nadine@cubitthouse.co.uk.

The Thomas Cubitt: 44 Elizabeth Street, 020 7730 6060

Stretch those legs

The Goring has recently teamed up with tour company Art History UK to create a series of six tailor-made tours celebrating the special occasions and festivals that punctuate the English calendar. ‘High Days and Holidays’ will play out over the course of the year, marking St George’s Day, May Day, Harvest Festival, All Souls Day, Guy Fawkes and Christmas in turn. Devised

by Art History UK founder Rose Balston, the tours will consider the capital’s artistic gems with enthusiasm and juicy anecdotes a-plenty. The Goring will be the start and end destination, where specially created cocktails will welcome back jaded guests after a long, memorable day. On Saturday 4 May, May Day will be celebrated with a wander around the National Gallery. Renaissance depictions of the ancient pagan ritual, rejoicing in spring and fertility and by the likes of Botticelli, Jan Van Eyck and Rubens will be discussed at length. Other images portraying the promiscuous love lives of the pagan gods and goddesses will also be considered as the afternoon pans out. www.thegoring.com

A cracking show

Those who think Perrier-Jouët is all about sipping champagne on the fifth floor of Harvey Nichols should think again. The champagne brand has a much wider-reaching agenda, as demonstrated by its recent formation of an Arts salon, comprising some of the UK’s most influential creative persons and inspired by Parisian salons of the eighteenthcentury. The salon has recently selected its first annual prize winner in emerging talent in contemporary craft. Hitomi Hosono, a London based ceramicist, will receive £10,000 for the development of her career. Hosono’s ‘A Feather Leaves Tower’ (left) wouldn’t look out of place in Belgravia and an exhibition of her work will be on display at the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel Chambers Club from 25 July until 4 August. Private viewings can be arranged by emailing Leo Findlater: leo@campbell-bell.com

Not such a British summer

Ascot has in recent years become stricter in its women’s dress code; not only are bare shoulders not permitted but dresses cannot have straps of less than one inch. Elizabeth Street’s Verónica Moncho Lobo had this at the forefront of her mind in the designing of her latest collection, which sports dresses apt for Ascot, Henley, Goodwood, Wimbledon and company.

But it’s not all a serious affair, as Verónica told the Belgravia Residents’ Journal: ‘The mood and colours for my spring-summer 2013 collection have been inspired by Andalusia and early spring flowers from the south of Spain.’ Spanish culture and colour have always had a very significant impact on the creativity of Verónica, who was born and raised in Argentina. ‘The English social season is an incredible opportunity to display different dress looks,’ she said. ‘I like to use innovative interpretations of classic fabrics such as technical lace… Summer coats and little jackets in light colours are always a feature in my collections for a total look in our unpredictable British summers.’

Waxing lyrical by local resident Briana Handte Lesesne

What woman doesn’t take a bath or like to enjoy a romantic dinner in the presence of… a few candles? Maybe she’s even wished she could create her own. Well she can, thanks to Rachel Vosper. During a course at the shop, my private chandler, Rachel, gave me a brief history on the art of candle making. Then, donning a fashionable black apron, I elected a beautiful grey glass vessel, the company’s signature colour. I chose Hellebores fragrance as it reminded me of an old Issey Miyake fragrance.

Three dipping cans resembled Russian samovars and these I was told act as a bain marie for paraffin wax, bees wax and vybar wax. In the centre of the vessel, I gingerly placed my wick-cotton, anchored by a small piece of zinc. Five ladles of hot wax filled her to the brim. Finally, once the wax had fully cooled, I trimmed my wick (the shorter the wick, the longer the burn). I was giddy as they wrapped up my own candle, something I had made myself, in a beautiful tissue-lined box with a ribbon to boot. Just one problem; I wasn’t sure I wanted to burn my hard work.

Rachel Vosper: 69 Kinnerton Street, 020 7235 9666

Reader offer Readers of the Belgravia Residents’ Journal are offered a fifteen percent discount on bookings made in May for Rachel Vosper’s candle-making courses. Please quote the promotion code: BRARV01. A minimum of four people and a maximum of six must attend the course, which costs £100 before the discount.

Verónica Moncho Lobo: 73 Elizabeth Street, 020 7730 6699

Do you have an event that you’d like us to cover? Send us an email: belgravia@residentsjournal.co.uk Words / Alice Tozer and Lauren Romano

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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100 percent

pure luxury

Alice Tozer pauses to appreciate Rococo Chocolates, which is celebrating thirty years in the chocolate bonbon industry

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hen Easter arrives, the atmospheric Rococo chocolate boutique on Motcomb Street comes into its own. Giant beady-eyed Peter Rabbit ‘eggs’, more the enduring ornament than the short-living exercise in cocoa discipline, headline a display which encompasses mighty chocolate goldfish and a steady supply of miniature eggs. The latter come wrapped in effervescent foil and labeled in their own delightfully playful manner, from the ‘Workaholic Hen’s’ load to the ‘Superior seagull’s’.

Indeed, Easter is the busiest time of year for the company and demand far exceeds Christmas, Halloween and Mother’s or Father’s Day, according to Julie Rosenberg, Events Coordinator at Motcomb Street Rococo which, as a wider brand, is this year celebrating thirty glorious years of

bringing us chocolate ‘enlightenment’, as they like to put it.

Rococo offers a quaintness and romance akin to Chocolat, the film. But this time it’s not Juliette Binoche as protagonist but Chantal Coady, who masterminded the whole, aged just 23, when she made the leap from the Harrods chocolate counter to starting her own on the King’s Road. The art of boxing chocolates, she had decided, even by Harrods’s standards could be vastly improved. Could the result be more perfect? The woman even has ‘cocoa’ tentatively entering her surname, as well as a French-sounding forename (though she is in fact American) and then she managed, in ‘Rococo’, to come up with a brand name which not only takes in the cocoa factor but also nods to one of the great époques of design.

It’s irrefutable that Rococo awakens the tastebuds, with sensitive effusions, the likes of sea salt, chilli, rosemary and black pepper inside the best-quality chocolate, to the point that they are possibly pioneers in using all four aforementioned flavours in a cocoa environment. But on another level, the brand captivates our visual sense, with distinctive packaging based on illustrations which began life in a dusty old catalogue for chocolate moulds, the sort your grandmother might have on her top shelf. Those fine-lined royal blue hens and quirky masks which are replicated on Rococo gift wrap could never have expected such fame. It is unsurprising to learn that Chantal’s early background was in textile design; she has certainly raised the bar (excuse the pun) in chocolate box design.

Last year, Chantal brought out a chocolate recipe book which is an artpiece in itself. In it, she wrote: ‘It is a huge pleasure to be embarking on this book. For me, chocolate is a deeply emotional subject. I am obsessed, and am fortunate enough to be surrounded by several tons of the best chocolate in the world. I think it is true to say that most of us love chocolate, but it is one of the most temperamental ingredients to work with. I want to share with you the dark secrets of what makes chocolate behave – or misbehave – the way it does, and demystify its nature.’ Her passion for chocolate couldn’t be clearer nor could she be asking (and this carries an air of irony given chocolate is an indulgence) for the stuff to be taken more seriously.

‘I find it amazing its been thirty years,’ Chantal says. ‘It really does not feel like it, and lots of exciting projects going forward mean that I am never bored!’ In celebration of thirty years in the trade, there is to be an imminent shuffling around of premises. Namely, the Marylebone branch (the second of three shops in total), will be moving to Moxon Street where it will be in good company alongside various culinary outlets.

For twenty years, the King’s Road Rococo sat diligently dishing out chocolates to its own exacting standards until a catalyst shook the running of Rococo; the marriage of Chantal to James Booth.

Formerly an acupuncturist and now MD of Rococo, Booth gave the steady state of affairs at Rococo a shakeup. Marylebone and Motcomb Street branches ensued until Rococo became the bold brand it is today, with a steady flow of wholesale operations, a thriving website for purchase and a commitment to ship you your chocolatecoated Rococo whole Arabica coffee beans (or some such) to anywhere in the world but the US, Hungary and Japan (who spoil the fun with their restrictions). All this the subtle but meaningful Rococo empire can now boast, as

well as an overbrimming blog and hands-on in-store courses galore – ‘how to make the perfect truffle’ being one. Motcomb Street Rococo displays a flexible approach to entertaining the chocolate-hungry, be it via hosting lucky local children’s birthday parties with the mother of all cakes at the Motcomb Street shop, or serving the flagging real mummies a rose ganache with their cappuccino at the tiny in-house café (or genteel courtyard garden).

It’s at the production kitchen in West Norwood that the bulk of the chocolates are made, with the exception of the ganache which is made on-site, at Motcomb Street. It’s at West Norwood that you’re most likely to find Barry Johnson, Rococo’s Principal Chocolatier, and the man responsible for doubling fresh chocolate production for the company in the first year he has held the position. With work and training variously at The Connaught, Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir de Quat Saison, the Academy of Culinary Arts Awards of Excellence, The Wolseley, Harrods and Cowarth Park hotel behind him and a handful of world chocolate medals to hang round his neck, Johnson is now responsible for such delectable Rococo taste-bud teasers as passion fruit, rosemary caramel (both out this spring) and salted chocolate toffee.

I’m fascinated to learn from Julie about the chocolate calendar which, a bit like the British winter, runs from October to April. ‘People don’t want to eat nearly as much chocolate in the summer as it’s hot. So our serious activity starts in the autumn with trade shows leading into Christmas.’

If you’ve an eye for a colourful flyer whilst standing at the Rococo counter waiting for change, you might notice the advertising of Mundy Cruising’s gourmet chocolate cruise in partnership with Rococo and including a stop in Granada. Julie explains how Rococo enjoys a close relationship with the Granada Cocoa Company and uses a fair share of the Caribbean bean in its produce (the other key player being Valrhona, a French supplier). ‘We use a lot of Granada cocoa in our house blend which is a single blend, in the same way that you might have a single blend grape in a wine.’ Come November, Chantal and James will be aboard. And anyone else with £3,000 they consider ripe to invest in high seas and a little cocoa tease can be too (www. mundycruising.co.uk). I can think of worse ways to feel sick at sea than overindulging in Rococo.

Illustration / Mai Osawa Photograph / Chantal outside Motcomb Street Rococo (photographer: James Murphy)

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Curtain call Alice Tozer meets Tim Gosling, bespoke furniture designer popular with Belgravians and whose unique style blends theatricality with decorum

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get the feeling that Tim Gosling is something of a workaholic. No sooner do I enter his Sycamore House abode just off Clapham Common, do I observe a flurry of activity on pause for our taking of tea: an open sketchbook of Venetian landscapes; half-framed archive material arranged on a table; and a ‘plaster room’ of white and gold (right) where the roof is about to be bashed in to (with any luck) reveal some historic cornicing. There’s a grand piano too, but he hasn’t played that for... an entire week.

On reflection, the enchanting Sycamore House, which Tim purchased in 1996, is rather like a mix between a quirky hotel in the country and the British Museum. There’s a ‘lifesize’ Egyptian statue of a sphinx in black, another of a Grecian discus thrower in white and multiple ornaments dotted about the place, collected from around the world and centuries old. All this, you must remember, is work for Tim Gosling. As a luxury bespoke furniture designer, he enjoys a symbiotic relationship with the decoration of his home. And indeed, the latter is as ongoing as his commissions are a-coming; he is gradually buying up more of his dwelling, a building that actually comprises flats which he has then knocked through to regain something of the original house (of which he has many black and white pictures and delights in the history). His few remaining neighbours have been warned in good humour; their days may be numbered.

Observing the scenes in his house and the frequent lashings of dramatic deep purple, it makes some sense that Tim studied theatre design, graduating from the Central School of Art & Design in 1987. He joined David Linley shortly after, becoming a director in 1993. He remained there for eighteen years but since going it alone with the freeing creation of Gosling, his own company, in 2005 he has binned the idea of ever having a shop. His belief in the art of bespoke is too great. It seems Tim would, literally, go to the ends of the earth to source rare, exquisite materials; the stingray leather sample he shows me from the Pacific Rim is a case in point.

Tim’s most notable projects include The Goring’s interiors and, most recently, the redesigning of a palatial hotel in Venice as well as designs for The Emily Todhunter Collection. Standard projects slotted in between would be country homes, London apartments, private yachts and the like. There’ve been some beautiful books more

than worthy of their coffee table accolade, too. Most topical is Tim Gosling London Secrets: A Draughtman’s Guide, featuring exacting sketches of London accompanied by historical nuggets presented with decorum and intelligence. It seems the fruit of a side hobby more than anything else; historic curiosity and reverence for old artefacts, and ensuring their longevity, just comes naturally to Tim. Could this technical, inquisitive, exacting nature, I ask, come partially from his father? Tim doesn’t deny it. Raymond Gosling, the scientist, was instrumental in deducing the structure of DNA. Tim had a unique upbringing as a result, variously in Jamaica (where he was born), the South of France and Chelsea, with schooling in Canterbury.

Tim’s a regular in Belgravia where he has completed many projects. He has observed a reciprocal relationship between Belgravia and Clapham Common, curiously.

Tim elaborates: ‘Anya Hindmarch [an accessories designer] and her husband James are good friends of mine. They live in Belgravia and have their London headquarters in Clapham, which has formed a creative enclave here. Florist Rob Van Helden has his studio in the same complex as Anya and now Jeremy Goring [owner of The Goring hotel], who is a great bundle of energy and enthusiasm, has moved to Clapham.’

Left to his own devices, Tim would, as a collector of fine antiquarian books, accept library commissions all day. It is not surprising that Belgravia’s home owners cottoned onto him and have brought him in to design bespoke furniture or complete entire interiors projects. His home is his muse, something his partner, artist/sculptor Jonathon Coleman, accepts. There’s even a change of colours to freshen the place up on the cards. Well, new season, new interior design – of course.

Above / A library Tim designed in a house on Eaton Square

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Floris is delighted to announce the opening of a new Bespoke Perfumery Boutique at 147 Ebury Street, Belgravia, 282 years since Mr and Mrs Floris opened the doors to their first Perfumery at 89 Jermyn Street.

More to smell

than meets the eye

Alice Tozer attends a bespoke gathering at Floris, organised by the Belgravia Residents’ Association

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t’s a Thursday afternoon and in the basement of Floris on Ebury Street, a small group of ladies of varying ages convene, all ears to the words of Shelagh Foyle, perfumer. This is one of the Belgravia Residents’ Association’s events and there is an immediate sense of cohesion among us, even if we didn’t know our neighbour beforehand. It is perhaps because every lady appreciates the mighty power of fragrance.

Juan Floris is the man from whom the brand takes its name. A Mallorcan, he arrived in England to work as a barber and comb-maker but by 1730 he had turned his hand instead to the art of Mediterranean fragrance, in a somewhat nostalgic move to remember his homeland. Today, Floris is the oldest English retailer of toiletries and perfumers to HM Queen Elizabeth II. In celebration of her Jubilee, The Queen accepted the label’s gift of a specially boxed version of the Royal Arms Diamond Edition, an updated version of that used to celebrate her birth in 1926 and uniting the aromas of rose, jasmine and sweet violet.

During the talk, we experience a glimmer of what a customer might expect from a bespoke perfume consultation at the shop, known as Customisation and costing £195 (including your 100ml of specially made perfume). We are handed samples of fragrances such as White Rose, Madonna of the Almond and Sirena and asked to note down our immediate reaction, as positive, negative or undecided; a true olfactory democracy.

After all, perfume is incredibly personal. Shelagh reminds us in gentle manner that smells may remind us of positive or negative memories and that there is nothing wrong with pondering over the sensory invasion, to decide whether it is purely familiar (for whatever reason) or actually an association you love. It’s all about discovering the client’s positive memory of smells.

‘From a neurological point of, we don’t fully understand how smell works,’ says Shelagh. Indeed this is part of the magic of the experience and in some ways one wishes to keep it as such.

‘What we do know is that the brain blocks out familiarity, so we can readily smell urgent smells, for instance smoke when a fire is starting – and make this association.’

Whilst there is a clear floral and sweet bias to Floris (ylang

ylang, jasmine, rose and orange blossom abound), Shelagh appreciates that not all ladies go for these scents, and may favour a more traditionally male, even musky, scent. Floris’s Sirena (Spanish for ‘mermaid’) would be one of these. ‘We tend to make a big distinction between gentlemen’s and ladies’ fragrances,’ she says, suggesting there is no actual foundation for this.

‘It has been a real journey to even persuade gentlemen that it’s OK to wear a fragrance. We’ve had to shake off that early twentieth-century association between homosexuality and fragrance.’ Floris opens its doors as wide to ladies as to gentlemen.

Indeed, the Prince of Wales is partial and Ian Fleming’s James Bond is a regular flaunter of Floris No.89.

There’s a few excellent tips to be had from testing perfumes in the presence of a scientific professional. One is to cup your hand around the paper stick on which perfume is sprayed for you to smell it and to breathe warmth onto it. This is intended to imitate warmth of skin, and it draws out notes not immediately apparent. A second piece of advice is to smell your inner elbow (where your own natural scent resides) to ‘clear your nose’. Multiple perfume testing, as any woman who has stepped inside a department store knows, can be giddying.

Floris has some 3,000 ingredients at its fingertips and during a Customisation you would get the chance to add your favoured one to base fragrances. Many of the aromas are oils and highly subtle.

Shelagh says: ‘When you cut a flower the chemistry changes so you end up with an oil that smells different to the flower.’ Some oils are problematic though; clove oils and spice oils can be dangerous.

Hence the existence of an International Fragrance Authority to regulate which smells pass as safe. India, apparently, is exempt.

There’s something very appealing to being able to not only make but also name your own fragrance, in a world in which we are constantly bombarded by adverts touting the latest regurgitation of fashion labels’ ideas of what we should all be wearing. If Stella McCartney et al can bring out their own scent, why shouldn’t each and every one of us? Thanks to the BRA for opening our eyes to a service which we are so lucky to have at our fingertips.

Illustration / Mai Osawa

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Beauty &Grooming Outside-in beauty and TLC on our doorsteps, for him and for her

Uncommon

scents

Three of the freshest spring perfumes, as uncovered by Briana Handte Lesesne

Inspired by the freshness and authenticity of the traditional Eaux de Cologne, Camille Goutal and Isabelle Doyen wanted to pay homage to Annick Goutal by revisiting three of the House’s iconic olfactory creations. Eau D’Hadrien combines the ultra-fresh notes of bitter orange petitgrain giving way to spicy and powdery basil and rosemary. Next up, Vétiver combines fresh Sicilian lemon with Haitian vetiver, softened by iris. Néroli, meanwhile, is reminiscent of a Mediterranean spring complete with notes of orange blossom, heliotrope and white musk. Beautifully packaged, this each among this trio of colognes comes in a splash bottle presented in a box next to a spray attachment. For the launch of the Les Colognes collection, Annick Goutal invites you to try all three scents in a limited edition set: Eau D’Hadrien, Vetiver, and Neroli (3 x 50ml) for £116.

Annick Goutal: 20 Motcomb Street, 020 7823 2176, www.annickgoutal.com

Jo Malone London’s Master Perfumer, Marie Salamagne, has created Osmanthus Blossom Cologne (£76 for 100ml) for launch this May. A limited-edition fragrance, it captures one of the many meanings attributed to the month of May: ‘the blossoming of flowers’. When asked why blossom scents are so popular, she hinted that women have always loved floral scents but today they are seeking out a different expression of these florals. Hence Marie’s adding of white peach to modernise the fragrance. She also highlights that blossoms are easy to wear as they are fresh and natural and not as powdery as true floral bouquets. Delicately exotic, this white flower based fragrance captures a perfectly balanced mix of apricot and supple leather. With top notes of petitgrain, middle notes of osmanthus blossom, and base notes of cashmere wood, this fragrance is exquisitely packaged in a light, floral etched bottle. The iconic twist of cashmere wood lends a creamy complement to a rich floral fragrance.

Jo Malone London: 150 Sloane Street, 0870 192 5121, www.jomalone.co.uk

The two latest fragrances to be introduced at Les Senteurs are Dries Van Noten par Frederic Malle and Cloon Keen Atelier Lune de Givre Eau de Parfum. Dries Van Noten par Frederic Malle (£155 for 100ml) witnesses mysore sandalwood, bergamot and lemon giving way to saffron, jasmin and patchouli. The fragrance is finished with a sweet edge from vanilla, sacrasol and peru balsam. From Irish perfume house Cloon Keen Atelier comes Lune de Givre (£65 for 50ml); fresh and woody in a soft expression. Ingredients include a woody blend of angelica flowers, orris, vetiver and galbanum, all kissed by the scent of powdery moonlight.

Les Senteurs: 71 Elizabeth Street, 0207730 2322, www.lessenteurs.com

Beauty

in a nutshell

Celebrating thirteen years as founder and creative force behind Ormonde Jayne, Linkda Pilkington answered our burning questions

What made you want to create your own fragrance line?

During my early work experience in South America, Africa and the Far East, I was surrounded by luscious flora and heady scents, which gave me my first appreciation of exotic oils and essences. There was never a time when I sat down and planned to create a perfume house; it has all come about through little more than happenstance. A close friend asked if I could develop a special scented candle for his Chanel boutique which got the ball rolling.

My husband came up with the name by taking my middle name and combining it with the street we lived on in Primrose Hill.

China and Latin America. The collection pays homage to the ever changing city of London, a crossroads from where we can view the world and a unique location where diversity can be celebrated on every corner and created by a London-based perfume house.

Could you tell us about your Perfume Portrait?

We wanted to find an innovative way to help our customers choose their favourite scent without having to spray ten different scents on their wrists. At the same time, we wanted to look back at Ormonde Jayne’s heritage of bespoke perfumery. The art of bespoke is to try to find out which oils evoke a positive sensation, so during the Perfume Portrait we take our customers on a voyage of true discovery using exceptional oils to help find signature scents. The Perfume Portrait focuses the mind on a sensual adventure. And yet, the whole process takes no more than five minutes and we carefully note down all your likes and dislikes.

Ormonde Jayne: 192 Pavilion Road, 020 7730 1381 www.ormondejayne.com

What was the inspiration behind your first fragrance, Ormonde Woman?

Ormonde Woman was the first perfume in the world to be created using hemlock. The philosophy of Ormonde Jayne is to look for oils not widely used in the perfume industry. Hemlock captured my imagination, knowing it is a poison used by the femme fatales of this world.

Who is the Ormonde Jayne woman?

Our clients are all very different but are united by being quite particular about looking for something unique which they know is well crafted.

What inspired you to create your Four Corners of the Earth fragrances in 2012?

The collection was launched on The Orient Express; a new angle but not a great departure from what we are known for. Our four scents embody the spirit of Russia, the Middle and Near East,

Under the sea, under the sun

Crème de la Mer has this May launched a sun cream line: Soleil de la Mer. This is ridiculously hot news for those who swear by the ‘miracle cream’ when under the rain and clouds. The brand’s signature ‘miracle broth’ is not missing from this line; a hand-harvested and fermented kelp, the broth is also infused with (you won’t guess) light and sound. To boost the rejuvenating power of the non-culinary broth, the sun collection contains ‘golden algae ferment’, to help renew the look of skin during and after time spent in the sun. Added to the mix, too, is ‘restorative waters’; a blend of leafy brown algae, lime tea extract and ‘deconstructed waters’. Confused? Just try it. If you swing by Harvey Nichols, the personable counter assistants will be more than generous with their time and knowledge during a complementary consultation. The sun range encompasses both Face and Body Lotions SPF 30 (£85 and £65 respectively) and a Face and Body Gradual Tan for £65, which appears white in the tube and which promises not to leave the slightest brown stain.

Surprisingly for a brand that seems to have recently burst onto the scene, Crème de la Mer has a fascinating history dating back to the sixties, when aerospace physicist Dr Max Huber suffered burns in a laboratory accident and began a personal quest to transform the look of his skin.

If you’re craving extra special (skincare) attention, sidle on down to Harrods for Crème de la Mer’s Golden Glow Treatment at Urban Retreat. The ritual (£135 for ninety minutes) goes the whole hog with face and body cleanse, exfoliation, massage and the application of the Face and Body Gradual Tan. As a result, you will be totally beach ready inside and out. Well, you can always be at West Wittering within the hour and a half... www.cremedelamer.co.uk Words / Briana Handte Lesesne and Alice Tozer 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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Healing

hands

Him: Sunday special

Every Sunday, Michaeljohn Beauty and Medispa welcomes skincare therapist Peter, who uses Neal’s Yard products to perform a variety of facials and massages, with his brilliantly named Ginger&Juniper business hat on. His Deluxe Anti-Ageing Facial (apt also for the younger adult, deceptively) comes highly recommended for both men and women and costs £130 for ninety minutes. The protagonist is frankincense, in its various guises as nourishing face mask, neck firming cream, facial oil and eye serum. Peter has a notably gentle manner; never before have I removed my eye make-up with such painstaking meticulousness, nor have I had a neck massage with such slow strokes, all of which truly aid in the relaxation process. Aside from being naturally skilled, Peter is at pains to really understand your needs and help you with his varied knowledge about which he is visibly passionate. He also offers home visits during the week if you have a special event to get ready for or just don’t feel like leaving the house!

Michaeljohn: 8 Motcomb Street, 020 7752 0652 www.michaeljohn.co.uk, www.gingerandjuniper.co.uk

Her: A graceful facial

Expert facialist at Grace Belgravia, the ‘exclusive private club for cultured, caring women who want the best for their health and well-being’, Abigail James is one of London’s most trusted facialists. Even if you’re not a member at Grace, you can visit her at the club’s medical wing. Being formerly based in the west country, Abigail used to treat clients whose skin was overly ‘weathered’ from the effects of the great outdoors. Back in London, it’s pollution that causes different skin complaints and we really should be doing something – and regularly – to counter it. Abigail’s gentle manner and healing aura separate her from the crowd, and you will recognise this during your consultation as part of one of her bespoke facials. Not the biggest fan of botox and the like, Abigail prefers to encourage the skin to heal itself and favours a mixture of natural products and those boasting cutting-edge ingredients. She’ll be sure to get out the OXYJet Leo Cool facial machine as part of your signature ninety-minute therapy (£175 for non-members), and won’t be afraid to burst a few deeply embedded whiteheads with a sterilised needle (which feels nothing worse than a rain droplet falling on you, I can assure). It’s also a good excuse to have a nose around Grace Medical and see what other wonderful health opportunities the new integrative practice could offer you.

A Dolphin detox

The Spa at Dolphin Square has teamed up Lemon Detox to turn fasting into a luxury. Here’s how it works: you get going with the drinking of the infamous nutrient and vitamin-rich Madal Bal Natural Tree Syrup (to be pepped up, in water, with ginger or cayenne pepper). Then, the next day you book yourself into the Moroccan hideaway spa at Dolphin Square, to stop you from straying. Here, you will encounter as much pastoral care in your fasting quest as you will professional capabilities in the hands-on treatment arena. An in-house consultant will get you enthused and educated, before waving you off (post fabulous massage and hammam experience) with a giant bag of lemons, ‘the syrup’ and a book on the subject.

You then have the choice of going cold turkey on food for between three and ten days. Or, you can choose the ‘relaxed’ version and gradually incorporate food, in the healthiest sense of the word. Such an approach is perfect for those who want to detox whilst maintaining some kind of day-to-day normality. Enter, then, Planet Organic’s three-day Lemon Detox Food Box, in association with Lemon Detox. Once this arrives on your doorstep, you will feel so spoilt by the hearty goodness of the super-sized gift box that you’ll feel a pang of guilt at the idea of any cheating. Leeks, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, garlic, chickpea flour and kalamata olive oil constitute about a tenth of the items that will be coming out of your ears. The harvest-like box, of which there are four varieties (£95), arrives with recipes prepared by a nutritionist, which only adds to the ease of the process.

You should put aside a full day at the spa. It might feel long at first but you will relax into the rhythm of things. It’s also good to pass through a couple of meal times there; when showing signs of hunger you’ll be bought a flask of the warm syrup. The Moroccan courtyard is cosy and exotic. The spa visit works profoundly on a psychological level and gives you an invaluable kick-start. For those wanting to be away from any temptation for longer, Dolphin Spa offers one and two-night packages (from £279) allowing clients to extend both face-to-face support time and hands-on therapy hours. But even with just the day option (£137), your massage or facial, hammam and full-body mud steam will leave you feeling cleansed and in the best possible place to take your body and mind in a new direction.

Dolphin Square Spa: Chichester Street, 0020 7798 6767 www.dolphinsquare.co.uk, www.lemondetox.com www.planetorganic.com

Grace Medical Clinic: 11a West Halkin Street, 020 7235 8900 www.gracebelgravia.com Words / Alice Tozer

Streetwise

Helping our local gents to anticipate all the elements this spring, with accessories as apt for home as for abroad

Come rain...

It’s May. It would be negligent of the Journal to ignore the meteorological implications of the jetstream on Belgravia’s residents. The humble umbrella, with its roots in Assyrian Nineveh, has been keeping people dry since civilisation itself, and with very little modification. We present three of their finest descendants, of an impeccably British variety and necessary statements for any English gent worth his briefcase.

Fulton Huntsman Umbrella, black, £19.

Peter Jones: Sloane Square, 020 7730 3434

... or shine

Orange painted straw hat - £120

There is certainly something of the flâneur in Hackett’s new spring-summer collection. And the hats are no exception.

These straw numbers are reminiscent of boathouse days. Mingling Caribbean fun with searingly bright colours and sun-bleached pastels, the result remains typically British. Think Ian Fleming on a beach. And if that seems a tad optimistic in our clime, think sartorial theatricality. These hats would go brilliantly with something bone, cream or ivory. Hackett is giving a playful nod to a Bohemian element here, and should be applauded for doing so.

Hackett: 137-138 Sloane Street, 020 7730 3331

Natural straw hat, £90

Fulton Riva Prince of Wales Check Walking Umbrella, black, £20.

Peter Jones: Sloane Square, 020 7730 3434

Paul Smith Walker Umbrella with multi-stripe trim, £130.

Harvey Nichols: 109-125 Knightsbridge, 020 7235 5000

Green straw hat, £65

Havana ball

Sunglasses become acceptable as soon as the sun starts streaming through the clouds, no matter the temperature. Prada has given the iconic Havana frame a new lease of life in the 140S (£285). And the outcome is rather handsome. Collapsible bridges and temples ensure the sleek frames can boast a compact and functional form ideal for travel, but it is the retro design that carries the day here.

Few classics are reborn as strong as the originals, but these put their forebears in the shade.

Prada: 43-45 Sloane Street, 020 7235 0008

Words / Henry Hopwood-Philips 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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Art Focus

Stepping out of town for a perusal of The Courtauld Gallery’s Becoming Picasso

I

n 1900 Pablo Picasso, aged only 19, was invited by the influential art dealer Ambroise Vollard to launch his career with a summer exhibition. The beginning of the new century was dominated by the startling artistic advances of the previous decade and the ambitious young Picasso set about staking his place in this milieu. Becoming Picasso is a neat encapsulation of a seminal year, the landmark coming of age of possibly the twentieth century’s most influential painter.

A fascinating boon for the show are the many examples of the artists Picasso sought to emulate in the adjoining galleries; very contemporaneous works, including those by Georges Seurat, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Edgar Degas and Paul Gauguin. Becoming Picasso is so arranged that the entrance can only be reached via French painting and German Expressionism of the era.

The first gallery reunites a selection of figure paintings, from the collection of over sixty, painted for the 1901 exhibition. Arriving from Spain in May with hardly any work to show, Picasso had a little over a month to prove his worth. With all the confidence and testosterone of youth, he set himself to assimilate the influential Parisian artists he most admired. Reviewer Gustave Coquiot wrote of him: ‘[Picasso is] an artist who paints all around the clock, who never believes the day is over, in a city that offers a different spectacle every minute. A passionate observer, he exults, like a mad but subtle jeweller, in bringing out his most sumptuous yellows, magnificent greens and glowing rubies.’ He aped their subject matter as well as their distinctive styles, consumed and then digested the very apogee of fashionable Parisian art. Amongst those works on display here, ‘Can Can’ shows a most obvious debt to Degas whilst the pointillist and powerful ‘Dwarf Dancer’ tips the hat to both Seurat and to Francisco Goya, an artist Picasso very much admired. The 1901 exhibition was a great critical and financial success; he gave them what they wanted and produced it all in a little over a month.

This breakneck pace of production was hardly a circumstance

suitable for reflective growth. The second half of the collection, painted in the latter part of 1901, represents a more considered and introspective Picasso; after the flurry of artistic production there was time and ego enough to start exploring some much more personal work. This marks the beginning of his search for his true voice as a painter. There are astonishingly conventional sources for his motifs, including the rather sentimental ‘Mother and Child’; an uncomfortable painting of a young girl cradling a dove, said to represent the innocence of childhood, ambiguous in its setting and in the treatment of the girl, resembling an disquieting toy doll. The stylistic experiments continue together with his own version of the homage, most notably to Degas and El Greco, and quite likely to Edvard Munch.

Reworking Degas’s famous ‘Absinthe Drinker’, he painted a series of expressionist versions, introducing a Harlequin character to the café setting together with strong black outlines and very restless expressive hand gestures. A sure sign of this introspection and the assertion of self are his two exceptional self portraits entitled ‘Yo, Picasso’ meaning ‘I, Picasso’.

The fun-filled exuberant Picasso of the Vollard 1901 exhibition gives way to an artist exploring darker themes. In February of that year he received word of the public suicide of his friend Carlos Casagemas, and in May moved into the dead man’s studio. In time, the ghost of his friend seems to have exerted a residual influence. The artist’s response was ‘Evocation’, a large El Greco inspired canvas depicting Casagemas’s spiritual ascent to a heaven, complete with his own horse and attended by Parisian prostitutes.

Through a year leading up to the famous Blue Period, the young Picasso established a pattern that was to serve him through his long career, a pattern of constant stylistic change and bold experiment.

Until 26 May www.courtauld.ac.uk Above (circle) / Self-Portrait (‘Yo - Picasso’), 1901, by Pablo Picasso, oil on canvas, 73.5x60.5cm, private collection From left / ‘Seated Harlequin’,1901, by Pablo Picasso, oil on canvas, 83.2x61.3cm, The Metropolitan Museum of Art © The Metropolitan Museum of Art/Art Resource/Scala, Florence ‘French Can-Can’, 1901, by Pablo Picasso, oil on canvas, 46x61cm Private collection

The reviewer, Jim Hanlon, is a London-based artist: www.jimhanlon.co.uk Right / ‘Anteros’

by Jim Hanlon Words / Jim Hanlon

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Motcomb Street Party 2013

it’s coming wednesday 26th june 2013

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 calvary foundation

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.

The

Belgravian Garden party

As winter begins to relinquish its grip, our attention is directed to summer socials al fresco. Katie Randall meets the lady in charge of filling our diaries with elegant community affairs over summer, Amanda Bond Elliott the Chairman of The Belgrave Square Garden Committee

O

ne must not get the hump when faced with adversity.

Amanda Bond Elliott is a testament to this old adage and when presented with the challenge of fostering a community around Belgrave Square she refused to back down. As the head of The Belgrave Square Garden Committee, she has worked tirelessly in partnership with Grosvenor to cultivate the square (and level the mound that used to dominate the gardens).

Belgravians will remember Belgrave Square’s mound; at one time a useful vantage point from which the estate’s gentry could survey

their empire. In the twenty-first century, however, it proved a blockade in the way of outdoor endeavours, maximising the gardens’ potential and social mingling. Amanda reminds us that from one entrance of the gardens visitors could not actually see across to the other side.

The local resident tells me that she initially became involved with the committee five years ago, due to a desire to walk her three dogs in the square’s leafy environs. When the opportunity arose in 2012 to step into her Chairmanship and Grosvenor announced plans to level the mound, a vision of soirées, children’s parties and Embassy

days was born in Amanda’s mind. ‘As Chairman I hugely appreciate Grosvenor’s generosity of spirit, fervour and enthusiasm for allowing the committee to hold events,’ she says, ‘I am continually grateful for their support and I want to continue to work to make Belgrave Square the most prestigious and loved garden on the Grosvenor Estate.’

Amanda has lived in Belgravia for ‘an awfully long time,’ moving back into the vicinity after her children finished school in Ascot. ‘When I joined the committee, I found out that no one really spoke to one another and I thought this was a great shame. I made it my goal to host these events in the square to give the residents the opportunity to converse and become friendly with their neighbours,’ Amanda explains.

She groups guests (this year there will be a cap of 400-450 people) on tables according to their street: ‘I had all these people who wanted to attend from all over Belgravia, so I put them all on the same table and it forced them to talk to each other. It really did work.’

As charismatic and vivacious a Chairman as ever there was, Amanda’s wit does not fail to arouse a few smiles when I meet her in The Berkeley Hotel – it is no surprise that people have received the events she curates so warmly. The sky is the limit for these parties with the annual social already evolving from a three-hour cocktail party to an elegant dinner. Amanda’s eventual plan is to host a ball in Belgrave Square. The Chairman is quick to reiterate, however, that ticket sales are controlled to ensure the events remain truly local; this would be no corporate shindig for businessmen to flash their cash with astonishing ticket prices. All of The Belgrave Square Garden Committee parties are held for residents and are run by residents. The money raised goes back into the garden, which costs a phenomenal amount of money to run every year.

It is not just the residents that are vitally important to Amanda; involving local business is also essential for any soirée. Many vendors in Belgravia are involved and thanks to a previous successful partnership last year, Davidoff will be providing an elegant cigar bar and Mosimann will lay on a delicious barbecue supper. ‘Our role as a committee,’ Amanda begins, ‘is to get people talking and to ensure that the residents are communicating with the local businesses.’ Her goal is to involve these independents in quotidian Belgravian life, so that the residents are less inclined to shop elsewhere – a commendable feat, I think we can all agree. Amanda cites the King’s Road and certain areas of Knightsbridge as places that have lost their village feel due to the encroachment of high-street shops and chains.

Ultimately, The Belgrave Square Committee operates with one focus: to

foster community spirit. ‘It should be a garden full of happy people, which is such a silly thing to say,’ says Amanda, ‘a membership garden where everybody is friendly and gets on frightfully well, with families comfortable in the knowledge that their children are safe in the square.’

So now that the committee’s parties are establishing themselves, I wonder what is next for Belgrave Square? A twinkle in Amanda’s eye reveals there is a plan. ‘I am a dog freak,’ enthuses my interviewee.

She owns a trio of lovable pooches (A labrador, a lhasa apso and a westie). Man’s best friend has not been overlooked and Amanda hopes to one day hold a charitable event in the outer garden for Dogs Trust (pets are not allowed in the inner garden). Inspired by the event in Mayfair’s Mount Street, this party would be for pooches and their owners and feature everything from doggie dinners on silver platters to a dog show. Amanda laughs and rebuffs any naysayers: ‘You might say “well how much money will people spend taking a dog to a cocktail party?” Well I would spend lots, it’s such fun.’ Personally, I am certain that any party Amanda and her committee throw would be a sophisticated, roaring success and judging by the escalating number of people eager to attend, Belgravia certainly agrees.

The Belgrave Square Garden Party is being hosted on Thursday 20 June at 7pm until late for drinks, dinner and dancing

by The Belgrave Square Garden Committee and Grosvenor. The Belgrave Square Children’s Tea Party will be held on 22 June from 2pm-6pm with live entertainment, games, craft and music. For more information please email: amanda@bondelliott.co.uk

Illustration / Russ Tudor

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Culinary

cornerstone

Alice Tozer is impressed by the new No 11 Pimlico Road, a reliable bistro-gastro affair

N

o 11 Pimlico Road sits at the entry point to Belgravia from the Victoria side. Where The Ebury Pub formerly stood, a smarter facade could not have been unveiled in its place. A comforting, clean, whitewashed plaster effect coats the angled exterior, which sits proudly on the corner of this street, famous for its appreciation of design. No pressure no 11.

The interior is the epitome of smart-casual, in the architectural sense of the phrase. Mellow creams and mints meet splashings of chrome and marble, managing a fine balance of sleek simplicity and homely comfort - the latter perhaps down to generous lashings of fresh tulips and a penchant for the upholsetered cushion on the corner sofa seating. A few bookshelves in the corner add an intelligent edge and make that section reminiscent of Nigella’s kitchen. There’s nothing of the mundane table rows to the triangle shaped floor, punctuated by a crescent shaped bar to which your eyes often drift. Plenty to look at, it’s a wide, airy space and the generous helping of window space is a major asset. Thank goodness they finally got permission.

No 11 is number one in the empire of new venture, Darwin & Wallace, with Mel Marriott at the helm.

Mel plays a very hands-on role and was present on the Wednesday lunchtime when I took a companion to sample the joint. There are no branded ‘starters’ as such which makes delving into mains an easy consensus. I went for Rocket Pesto Taglioni with chargrilled brocoli (£9.95) and a green salad side, whilst my companion ordered Steamed White Wine Mussels (£10.95) which came in a fantastic rustic pot with slabs of sourdough bread on the side. He thought a tomato and feta side salad to be in order, too.

We showed our unconventionality by choosing the red French Chiraz and its fullness and deep richness helped us forget the unseasonable temperatures outside. The steamed mussels were soon to be reported as plump and delicious and the addition of parsley,

thymne and tomato to the juices a master signature stroke. No need, it seemed, for the ubiquitous garlic. Distinctive, the juice apparently brought to life the plump muscles.

I was highly content with my taglioni. Whilst I knew it to be pasta when I saw it on the menu, I wasn’t entirely sure what shape it would exhibit on my plate. Thin spaghetti-esque laces arrived, in green and cream varieties, to form a herbacious whole with pesto dollop on top. Braised pine nuts were, as ever, a happy discovery. And parmesan shavings, by all means, did not offend.

It was rich, but I finished it all.

Feeling too full to order dessert after these substantial (but not ridiculously proportioned) mains, we had coffee and, crucially, I can officially report that No 11 Pimlico Road is one of a handful of places in London that actually know how to make the flat white. Hoorah!

Lunching with an advertising genius never allows a dull moment; ‘No 11 should introduce elevenses as a warming and convivial alternative to brunch,’ he declared. Now there’s a snacktime I haven’t heard mentioned since the days my mother would jam a 54321 bar and a glass of milk into my hand. Whatever happened to the 54321 chocolate bar?

At lunchtime during the week, for now at least, there’s no onslaught of customers so you’ll get served quickly by staff who are very professional yet personable. No 11 is subtle yet singular in its decor and food (there’s your usual pub greats but always with a sophisticated kick, be it anchovy mayo with the fish and chips or roast tomato thrown into the curry). It also oozes remarkable confidence for a venue that’s only been open for a few months. And I’ll let you into a secret – they do a mean breakfast too. Crushed avocado and feta on sourdough anyone?

Or would you prefer blueberry pancakes? I could sit on this corner all day at my new all-day food venue, holding the Belgravian fort.

‘No 11 should introduce elevenses as a warming and convivial alternative to brunch,’ declared my lunch companion, something of an advertising genius

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11 Pimlico Road, 020 7730 6784, www.no11pimlicoroad.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

Spring. Now edible.

100 years of The Chelsea Flower Show The Orange, only a short walk away from the Flower Show, will be celebrating this milestone with beautiful arrangements, floral-inspired puddings and cocktails.

020 7881 9844 reservations@theorange.co.uk T H E T H O M A S C U B I T T • T H E PA N T E C H N I C O N • T H E O R A N G E • T H E G R A Z I N G G OAT

That was

Then

Baroness Thatcher was a resident of 73 Chester Square from 1991 until her death in April. We celebrate her life with a small offering of extracts from her multitude of powerful speeches, followed by a few of her classic quotes There are dangers in consensus; it could be an attempt to satisfy people holding no particular views about anything. It seems more important to have a philosophy and policy which because they are good appeal to sufficient people to secure a majority.

A short time ago when speaking to a university audience and stressing the theme of second responsibility and independence a young undergraduate came to me and said ‘I had no idea there was such a clear alternative.’

He found the idea challenging and infinitely more effective than one in which everyone virtually expects their MP or the government to solve their problems. The Conservative creed has never offered a life of ease without effort. Democracy is not for such people. Selfgovernment is for those men and women who have learned to govern themselves.

No great party can survive except on the basis of firm beliefs about what it wants to do. It

is not enough to have reluctant support. We want people’s enthusiasm as well.

From a speech entitled ‘What’s wrong with politics?’ made at the Conservative Political Centre in Blackpool, 1968 Mr chairman, ladies and gentlemen, most of my Cabinet colleagues have started their speeches of reply by paying very well deserved tributes to their junior Ministers. At Number 10 I have no junior Ministers. There is just Denis and me, and I could not do without him. [...]

It is sometimes said that because of our past we, as a people, expect too much and set our sights too high. That is not the way I see it. Rather it seems to me that throughout my life in politics our ambitions have steadily shrunk. Our response to disappointment has not been to lengthen our stride but to shorten the distance to be covered. But with confidence in ourselves and in our future what a nation we could be! […]

If spending money like water was the answer to our country’s problems, we would have no problems now. If ever a nation has spent, spent, spent and spent again, ours has. Today that dream is over. All of that money has got us nowhere but it still has to come from somewhere. Those who urge us to relax the squeeze, to spend yet more money indiscriminately in the belief that it will help the unemployed and the small businessman are not being kind or compassionate or caring.

They are not the friends of the unemployed or the small business. They are asking us to do again the very thing that caused the problems in the first place. We have made this point repeatedly.

I am accused of lecturing or preaching about this. I suppose it is a critic’s way of saying “Well, we know it is true, but we have to carp at something.” I do not care about that. But I do care about the future of free enterprise, the jobs and exports it provides and the independence it brings to our people. Independence? Yes, but let us be clear what we mean by that. Independence does not mean contracting out of all relationships with others. A nation can be free but it will not stay free for long if it has no friends and no alliances.

Above all, it will not stay free if it cannot pay its own way in the world. By the same token, an individual needs to be part of a community and to feel that he is part of it. There is more to this than the chance to earn a living for himself and his family, essential though that is. […]

There is not a generation gap in a happy

and united family. People yearn to be able to rely on some generally accepted standards. Without them you have not got a society at all, you have purposeless anarchy. A healthy society is not created by its institutions, either. Great schools and universities do not make a great nation any more than great armies do. Only a great nation can create and involve great institutions – of learning, of healing, of scientific advance. And a great nation is the voluntary creation of its people – a people composed of men and women whose pride in themselves is founded on the knowledge of what they can give to a community of which they in turn can be proud.

If our people feel that they are part of a great nation and they are prepared to will the means to keep it great, a great nation we shall be, and shall remain. So, what can stop us from achieving this? What then stands in our way?

The prospect of another winter of discontent? I suppose it might.

But I prefer to believe that certain lessons have been learnt from experience, that we are coming, slowly, painfully, to an autumn of understanding.

And I hope that it will be followed by a winter of common sense. If it is not, we shall not be diverted from our course.

To those waiting with bated breath for that favourite media catchphrase, the “U” turn, I have only one thing to say. “You turn if you want to. The lady’s not for turning.” I say that not only to you but to our friends overseas and also to those who are not our friends.

From a speech entitled ‘The Reason Why’ given at the Conservative Party Conference, 1980

No-one would remember the Good Samaritan if he’d only had good intentions; he had money as well.’

London Weekend Television, 1980 My policies are based not on some economics theory, but on things I and millions like me were brought up with: an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay; live within your means; put by a nest egg for a rainy day; pay your bills on time; support the police.

News of the World, 1981 You know, if you just set out to be liked, you would be prepared to compromise on anything, wouldn’t you, at any time? And you would achieve nothing!

Interview for Press Association, 1989

Compiled by / Alice Tozer Illustration / Mai Osawa

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

The Residents’ Association’s

May round-up

by Sara Oliver

T

he world we live in is an increasingly competitive one in which young people are being asked to perform and stand out from the crowd. This reflects a response to universities and employers looking for more than just grades and experience.

Students are actively encouraged to broaden their horizons by developing their learning skills outside the classroom and engaging with the world around them. How can we all help each other and future generations to adjust and even thrive in a changing world?

One answer would be to provide a proper education that fully equips one to ‘fight the good fight’; a well-rounded character will provide further more confidence than just shiny exam results. In fifth-century Athens, Aristophanes, satirical poet of comic and stage, believed the way to qualify the new with the old system of values, was by blending the best of the traditional, well-regarded unwritten ethical laws which always served communities well, with constant shifts towards current ways of seeing and doing things. In other words, combining the best of the old and the best of the new.

It is our duty to help find ways to smooth the paths for up-and-coming generations. I know that I am not alone when thinking that there must be creative ways we can help our children and others’. The BRA would like to explore ways in which we can help make a difference in alleviating the burden of over achievement in the twenty-first century.

Optimism and uplift is what we are looking forward to, not doom and gloom, which in our opinion is a morally wrong environment for young enquiring minds. Every young person must be made to feel they have something to offer.

The BRA would like to work more closely with schools, local residents and businesses in helping to establish a mentoring system for students.

A careers mentoring and networking programme could be implemented in order to help bring the experience and valuable skills of adults to the table, so that they can be shared with young people. Are you or your business able to offer a programme, internship or apprenticeship?

Please get in touch if you would like to discuss how you can help with playing your part in helping a young individual within a community, to make their contribution to the wider world.

On another note, we are looking for budding writers, the next Ian Fleming or George Moore to write a short story which must be titled A Stranger in Belgravia. It can become a thriller, murder mystery, adventure, romance or biography – anything you think will make a good read. We ask for up to 3,000 words please and the competition is open to adults and children alike. Please check with an adult first if you are at school. The winners will receive fame by having their story published. The competition closes at the end of November 2013, giving you the summer to be inspired. We look forward to reading your exposé.

Until next month... www.belgraviaresidents.org.uk

Belgravian moments American Briana Handte Lesesne reflects on where home really is for an international resident

E

ntering passport control at Newark International Airport in late March, two pleasant words brought a smile to my face as I handed the officer my passport: ‘welcome home’.

My family and I went home to the US for our Easter holiday and spring break; home being Greenwich, Connecticut, on the eastern coast of the United States.

The weather, rest assured, was cold and windy there too although not quite as wet to the bone as in London. Service, convenience, ease and space awaited us in great quantities. We own a quaint carriage house built in 1895, with eighteen-foot kitchen ceilings, a butler’s pantry with cabinets full of china and crystal and double doors to hide my American super-sized washing machine and separate jumbo dryer. Our kitchen has beautiful French doors that open onto a lovely garden. With a newly built brick wall it encloses my sanctuary of rose bushes, peach trees, cherries and plums. My children and I raked the soil, plucked out unwanted stones, tilled and laid compost and grass seeds to reap spring’s rain and warmer weather. They even planted their own vegetable garden. On Easter Saturday morning, I boiled a dozen eggs and opened the traditional PAAS colouring kit, a staple of American Easters you might say. This Easter egg dye was invented by an American named William Townley, in 1893. He worked out how to concentrate dye in tablet form and launched the modern Easter egg dyeing kit. Little did he know that 120 years later his dye kits would still be enjoyed.

We laid out six mixing bowls on our farm-style kitchen

,

Regencyupheld T

he Grosvenor family’s ownership of its London Estate dates back to the marriage of Mary Davies to Sir Thomas Grosvenor in 1677. Whilst initially comprising some 500 acres of land, parts of the Estate have since passed out of the family’s hands and into those of individual owners. The Leasehold Reform legislation was designed to confer upon long leaseholders various rights to enfranchise.

In the 1820s, master builders such as Thomas Cubitt and Seth Smith were commissioned to create a great swathe of building in Belgravia, around Belgrave and Eaton Square.

Their works left a legacy of elegant houses in trademark cream, black iron railings and high ceilings in addition to generous mews accommodation, to let in horse-drawn London. This is still the impression a visitor to Belgravia gets today, in contrast to her neighbour, Knightsbridge.

Under the Estate Management Scheme, owners of

Son

gquan Deng / Shu tterstock.com table, then added water, a teaspoon of vinegar and a tablet of dye to each bowl. My children were wonderfully excited to dye their Easter eggs pastel shades of yellow, green, blue, orange, red and purple, carefully ladling the mix over the eggs, careful not to crack them. Later that afternoon, the dyed eggs were placed inside the refrigerator to await the Easter Bunny, after which we set off with Easter baskets in tow, for the annual Easter egg hunt at our club, The Belle Haven. Founded in 1889, it is located on the southernmost tip of Greenwich, overlooking Captain’s Harbour. The history of the club is rich with weddings, dining, dancing, lawn bowling, regattas and tennis tournaments.

Also on our holiday, we took a day trip to Sagamore Hill at Oyster Bay in New York, the former home of US President ‘Teddy’ Roosevelt. The most significant of events took place at Sagamore Hill during the seven summers that it served as Roosevelt’s summer White House, from 1902 until 1908. Our drive out to Long Island showed much of the damage from last year’s Hurricane Sandy with trees uprooted and beaches destroyed.

Alas, as our holiday in the US neared its end, I pondered our return to London. I imagined all the daffodils in full bloom in St James’s Park and many of the flowers in bloom in Belgrave Square Garden. Going into our second year of living there, and my son having picked up a slight English accent, I wondered whether the passport control officer at Heathrow would great us with a ‘welcome home’? Not quite yet, but soon I imagine.

Claire Allan looks into the Grosvenor Belgravia Estate Management Scheme, approved by the High Court in 1973, and which plays an important part in the preservation of one of the finest examples of Regency architecture in Europe enfranchised properties are bound by similar obligations which were contained in the previous lease of the property. Such restrictions under the scheme relate to alterations (including subterranean development), users (to retain residential use), general appearance and nuisance. As leaseholders continue to enfranchise, the sheer existence of the scheme assists in the protection of the value, heritage, fragility and inherent character of the ever-fragmented estate, something which some would say planning laws alone cannot achieve.

Whilst the scheme undoubtedly impacts on the enfranchised owner, it additionally acts as a safeguard against his neighbour’s undesirable development.

Claire Allan is a partner and head of Leasehold Reform at Child & Child. She won the award for Enfranchisement Solicitor of the Year 2012-13.

What is concerning you about living or trading in Belgravia? Write to us at: belgravia@residentsjournal.co.uk

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Residents’ Culture Two anonymous residents don’t want to be seen but wish to be heard...

Secret

Squirrel Secret Squirrel wonders whether we are destined to live a life indoors

A

t long last we’re seeing the first signs of spring, after an unbelievably prolonged cold spell. I’m sure that I’m far from the only person who’s looking forward to leaving the house without wearing practically my entire wardrobe. It’s often jokingly said that ‘Mad Dogs and English Men’ go out in the midday sun. In some ways that may very well be true, but can they blame us for that? We all need our vitamin D fill.

People of a certain generation (mine) were turfed outside at every opportunity by parents and school teachers alike. I even have memories of being made to play hockey in the snow. But it didn’t do me any harm and now I’m starting to feel nostalgic for those days when we appreciated the outdoors, and I’ll use Motcomb Street as an example of why.

Historically, Motcomb Street always had such a great ambience and buzz about it; residents and A-List celebrities sit outside there having breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee or a glass of wine and its also a street where locals and tourists converge.

Sadly, it would currently seem that that’s no longer the case. Due to the change in usage for some of the shops, a great amount of outside tables were lost. In addition to those, Westminster Council has now enforced the removal of even more outside tables. Motcombs Restaurant’s outside tables had been in place for thirty years prior to this and The Pantechnicon’s outside tables had been there since it opened six years ago. Both have been allowed to keep a minimal amount, but many locals, traders and visitors to the area are seriously unhappy with the sparse situation.

Belgravia has been voted as being in the top ten most sociable and friendly villages in the UK. Most residential homes in central London have no outside space, so please don’t take away from us those valuable patches which we have remaining in our streets.

Old

Sloper

Old Sloper responds to George Osborne’s budget

A

s usual, the Chancellor’s Budget can best be described as a ‘Curate’s Egg’, that is ‘good in parts’. The idea of the first £10,000 earned being tax free is a much welcome but long overdue measure. The five penny reduction on a pint of beer is, however, pointless particularly when the government is trying to reduce excessive alcohol consumption. This money could have been directed towards reducing fuel costs.

CGT and IHT yield less than one percent of the total tax take. Paying tax on the same money over and over again is patently unfair and these taxes should be gradually phased out. The abolition of stamp duty on some share transactions is welcome.

The very onerous and complicated SDLT measures should be abolished. High SLDT on ‘non-natural’ persons only stands to discourage wealthy overseas individuals from investing and spending their money in the UK. If the tax system were less complex and in some cases much less ‘hostile’ to slightly better-off people, then companies and individuals wouldn’t try and reduce their tax burden. Nondom tax is a ‘loser’ for the Exchequer. From 2008 to 2011, we lost 24,000 non doms; individuals who make a considerable contribution to our economy. Further, the Student Loans Company, it is reported, is owed in the region of £100million by overseas students. This is, of course, money in effect owed to the tax payer. We/they have little chance of ever recovering it.

The biggest saving could be made by cutting our enormous overseas aid bill, which currently sits at £11.75billion after an increase of nearly fifty percent. The only sensible thing the government has done recently on this is to channel it via British companies and not through often corrupt and incompetent politicians and bureaucrats. The Chancellor has a ‘duty of care ‘ to the taxpayer to spend the money it collects in a responsible and not a negligent fashion.

What’s your view? Write to us at: belgravia@residentsjournal.co.uk 028

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

VOYAGE TO BELGRAVIA

Annual Photography Competition 1st March – 30th September 2013

Visit website for full entry details

Sponsored by:

www.belgraviaresidents.org.uk Get social on twitter, facebook, pinterest Also check out www.perfectlybelgravia.co.uk

Estate Agents and Property consultants

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

PLANNED ROAD WORKS AND CLOSURES IN AND AROUND MAY STREET

PLANNED WORK

DATES

WORKS OWNER

Opposite 13 Lowndes Street

Install 6m of 1 way poly duct in footway. Provide one cabinet and base.

1-8 May

British Telecommunications 0845 601 4516

Outside 36-38 Lowndes Street

Connections projects: new individual supply including excavation of trench and laying one new duct in footpath.

15 April- 8 May

UKPN 0800 800 150

Outside 127-131 Pavilion Road

Connections projects: disconnection(approx depth 450mm)and excavation of joint hole in carrigeway.

1-15 May

UKPN

Opposite 172 Pavilion

Connections projects: new supply scheme (approx depth 450mm-600mm)and excavation of joint hole in carrigeway.

30 April-14 May

UKPN

Remedials in carriageway. All works in bay suspension.

30 April-2 May

Thames Water 0845 9200 800

30 Pont Street

It’s all go at Ebury Square

Work will be continuing on seven floors over the next couple of months on the new development at Ebury Square, being built by Berkeley Group. During the excavation of ground material from the lower-level basement, there could be up to fifty lorries a day removing material during the peak periods. This will be managed to ensure there is no congestion in the surrounding roads. These vehicles will use Cundy Street gate. Wheel wash facilities and road sweepers will be used if required.

There will also be routine deliveries of concrete and re-inforcement steel (generally via the Semley Place gate); again these will be managed by traffic marshalls. Once the façade installation begins, deliveries of scaffold, bricks and blocks will also start. Berkeley Group is working with Westminster Council to review whether any additional car parking spaces can be created in the immediate vicinity of the development. Planned project completion remains unchanged as the second quarter of 2014. Designed by leading practice Squire and Partners, and with interior architecture by Martin Goddard, these apartments and penthouses will (when all tools are put down) raise the standard for luxury living in London.

CCTV taken a click too far?

A local resident has written to the Belgravia Residents’ Journal expressing his concern over the use of camera enforcement cars, which capture parking offences using a rotating CCTV camera. The man, who did not wish to be named, wrote: ‘These instruments, used by WCC’s contractors, should only be used for terrorism and crime enforcement, as opposed to parking trivialities such as mistakenly ignoring traffic signs.’

Apparently, SEBRA (South East Bayswater Residents’ Association) reports that fines totaling £420,000 in six months have been levied on motorists mistakenly contravening a No Left Turn sign turning south into Westbourne Terrace from Cleveland Terrace westbound. ‘This sort of behaviour by the Council’s contractors is unacceptable and must stop,’ wrote the resident. ‘I believe that Councillor Susie Burbidge, last year’s Lord Mayor of Westminster, as well as SEBRA are quite rightly incensed by this.’ Any locals who are negatively affected by these car mobile cameras can complain to their ward councillors and also write to us at the Journal.

Do you wish to comment on any local planning stories? Send us an email: belgravia@residentsjournal.co.uk Words / Alice Tozer

Home Comforts Quizzing those who know Belgravia property inside out

Gapp in the

market

As one of the area’s longest-standing local agents, Best Gapp knows the area intimately. Head of the agency Alistair Boscawen shares his expert knowledge of the property market in this locale

How long has Best Gapp worked in Belgravia?

We have actually been in Belgravia and the immediate vicinity for 130 years, which is longer than any other agent. We were originally based in Sloane Square, before moving to our current location on Elizabeth Street in the fifties. I have personally worked in the area for ten years, starting my career in the country house department of another well-known international estate agent. I spent fifteen years there, before I made the move to the London market, which was a very steep learning curve.

Do you still believe it is a village?

Yes, there is still a village atmosphere. In areas such as Elizabeth Street, Motcomb Street or Pimlico Green, you see people interacting over a coffee in the morning or over a beer and great food in the local pubs, which is vitally important. People travel from all over Belgravia, and from wider London, to visit these areas.

In terms of specialist knowledge, what is required specifically for the Belgravian market?

Belgravia forms a part of the Grosvenor Estate, who are the landlords and in many instances the freeholders. Many of the houses and mews behind have been broken up and converted into flats, where the Grosvenor Estate remains the freeholder and the flats are on leases of various lengths. Agents need a working knowledge of leasehold enfranchisement, which is the acquisition of long leases and freeholds and is governed by various acts of parliament. If you possess this, it is a massive help and changes the manner in which you view a property, how you value it and how you advise your clients. A client can do far better in monetary terms if they sell a long lease as opposed to a short or mid-term lease, but they need to know the rules. This is what Best Gapp specialises in.

Have you noticed any specific trends in terms of what people are doing with their properties?

People are always looking to see how they can improve a property. The biggest change is the way in which we live. Openplan living is now the norm – whether in a house or a flat, kitchens are now a part of everyday living areas. Extra space adds value, so digging under the garden or creating a sub-basement to create a media room is another popular option, as is a mansard roof extension. A minimalistic look with clean lines is now popular and appeals to many overseas residents, as does the fully integrated audio visual system.

Do you see many families moving within Belgravia?

If families are moving within Belgravia, they are moving up. They might need more space as the family grows, or they stay where they are and expand into the basement or add another floor if possible.

Many English families have moved out now. They have taken the substantial amount of money they have been offered for their house or flat and have moved to areas such as Barnes or Wimbledon, where they get a similar space for considerably less money which leaves balance for capital investment, school fees, or a second home in the country. We have to remember that Belgravia is now part of an international market, with overseas buyers being the principal players, and this has a dramatic effect on values.

Do you partner with any of the Garden Committees in the area?

Yes, we are starting to work with the Belgrave Square Garden Committee in particular. We predominantly opted for them because Belgrave Square is open to Belgravia residents, whereas other Square Gardens are only open to those who are residents of the square. Best Gapp works for the broader community and as a local agent in an international marketplace we try to open up the local area so that more people can appreciate it. Best Gapp will be one of the sponsors at the Belgrave Square Garden Committee’s Summer Garden Party this year.

What do you think about current property prices in Belgravia?

As I have already mentioned, Belgravia is now part of an international market place, therefore people see it as a safe place to invest and this is reflected in the property prices within the area.

How is Best Gapp different from other agents?

We are a boutique estate agency in a niche market place and cover all aspects of a day-to-day agency. We handle everything from sales and lettings to advising clients on rent reviews, lease extensions, overseeing a building management project or advising on party wall awards. We work in the community and are proud to be a part of it.

Best Gapp: 81 Elizabeth Street, 020 7730 9253 www.bestgapp.co.uk

As told to / Katie Randall 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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An amusingtask Despite the economic climate, there are opportunities to be had in property development. Many are local and the overhaul of the structure can be immense, even in an unassuming mews house, as Alice Tozer discovers

S

teve Aldridge, owner of CityScope Developments, is checking up on proceedings at his latest venture, Chesham Lodge, when I arrive on site for a rare peek at proceedings in this, literally, halfway house. If you take a left where Chesham Place meets Belgrave Square, then sidle alongside the security set-up at the German Embassy, you’ll reach a quaint row of housing. Welcome to Chesham Lodge; a new build house in prime Belgravia and thus somewhat unique.

Many spuriously throw money into property investment without the know-how to make a serious return on the investment. Steve showed nous from the outset; when his grandfather died and left him some money, he invested it in a small flat, which he renovated and sold making a comfortable profit. He then went on to buy his second property, having the same success. Events ricocheted from there.

Little did he know that twenty years later, through hard work and dedication, he would become one of prime central London’s leading property developers, known for being reliable, consistent in the delivery of excellence and quality, and respected by leading estate agencies and his peers for a no-nonsense approach to developing properties.

Part of his success has been down to his niche focus. Steve says, ‘I believe it is important to pick a location in the market and in my case this is Belgravia, Kensington and Chelsea. I only search for properties and invest in these areas.’ Steve knows his locales inside out and claims he ‘always looks for the hidden gem.’

Aside from Chesham, he has developed local properties in Jubilee Place, Donne Place and Belgrave Mews West. With the property development market having become increasingly competitive, and over seventy percent of buyers coming from

Above / Chesham Mews as it is envisioned from the outside and inside

overseas, expectations from the latter are far higher than ever before. Developers find themselves required to constantly raise the bar of their refurbishments and incorporate new ideas to extract maximum value for their projects. Chesham Lodge has a double basement and is sympathetically renovated in keeping with the architectural environment. You wouldn’t know the depth of what was to await you inside. There is even a lift! Planning permission wouldn’t have allowed a roof terrace but the house was intelligently designed by Tessuto to maximise the use of natural light. A large bespoke glazed roof light is positioned at the top of a sinuously curved, oak staircase. Glazed floor lights and doors sit on the ground floor and basement areas.

Steve now has a portfolio of homes currently under development which are selling for up to £20million. ‘It is so important to know who the buyers are,’ he says, ‘and to keep up to speed with the latest in interior design, to know what they are looking for. Without this knowledge, it’s just cream walls and a soulless home.’ Steve’s houses are fully furnished with cutting edge technology prior to sell.

Even though the volume of development opportunities have been shrinking over the last five years, if you know what you are doing there are opportunities to be had. It is thus survival of the savviest, and of the least scared. Steve says, ‘Every project is a high-risk investment for both the investor and the developer; that’s what makes it an exciting industry to be in.’

Steve and his loyal team exhibit a meticulous attention to detail; handpicked Cararra marble adds elegance to Chesham Lodge’s kitchen and bathrooms. He engaged Knowles and Associates, specialists in subterranean development, and together worked very closely with both Westminster Council and Belgravia’s residents to submit plans that maximised potential with minimum disruption. Even the scaffolding (at the stage I visit) is done tastefully. Chesham Lodge will have taken twelve months to develop and will go on the market in June, for in the region of £15million. It is sure to be snapped up imminently.

www.cityscopedevelopments.com

The Belgravia

Directory

A compendium of the area’s key establishments

Estate Agents Andrew Reeves 77-79 Ebury Street 020 7881 1366

Harrods Estates 82 Brompton Road 020 7225 6506

Savills 139 Sloane Street 020 7730 0822

Ayrton Wylie 16 Lower Belgrave Street 020 7730 4628

Henry & James 1 Motcomb Street 020 7235 8861

Sotheby’s International Realty 26A Conduit Street 020 7717 5131

Best Gapp & Cassells 81 Elizabeth Street 020 7730 9253

John D Wood 48 Elizabeth Street 020 7824 7900

Strutt & Parker 66 Sloane Street 020 7235 9959

Cluttons 84 Bourne Street 030 3773 0020

Knight Frank 82-83 Chester Square 020 7881 7722

W A Ellis 174 Brompton Road 020 7306 1600

Wellbelove Quested 160 Ebury Street 020 7881 0880

Food & Drink BARS

CAFÉS

Amaya Halkin Arcade, Motcomb Street 020 7823 1166

Bella Maria 4 Lower Grosvenor Place 020 7976 6280

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

Caffe Reale 23 Grosvenor Gardens 020 7592 9322

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

PUBLIC HOUSES/ DINING ROOMS The Antelope 22-24 Eaton Terrace 020 7824 8512

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

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

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

RESTAURANTS Como Lario 18-22 Holbein Place 020 7730 9046

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

Mango Tree Manager: Chai Cuisine: Thai; Capacity: 150 46 Grosvenor Place 020 7823 1888

Health & Beauty BARBER

DOCTORS

GYM/ FITNESS

Giuseppe D’Amico 20 Eccleston Street 020 7730 2968

The Belgrave Medical Centre 13 Pimlico Road 020 7730 5171

The Light Centre Belgravia 9 Eccleston Street 020 7881 0728

The Belgravia Surgery 26 Eccleston Street 020 7590 8000

Colin & Karen Hair Design 39 Lower Belgrave Street 020 7730 7440

DENTIST The Beresford Clinic 2 Lower Grosvenor Place 020 7821 9411

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

HAIR SALONS

The Daniel Galvin Jr. Salon 4a West Halkin Street 020 3416 3116

MEDISPA

Bijoux Medi-Spa 149 Ebury Street 020 7730 0765

033

Home ANTIQUES Bennison 16 Holbein Place 020 7730 8076 Turkmen Gallery 8 Eccleston Street 020 7730 8848

BUILDER Capital Projects Ltd Gillingham Street (off Ecceleston Square) 07793 777 043 www.capitalprojectslondon.co.uk

Patrick Jefferson 69 Pimlico Road 020 7730 6161

FINISHING TOUCHES

ARCHITECTS/ DESIGN

Paint Services Company 19 Eccleston Street 020 7730 6408

Marston & Langinger 194 Ebury Street 020 7881 5700 Paul Davis + Partners 178 Ebury Street 020 7730 1178

ARTEFACTS Odyssey Fine Arts 24 Holbein Place 020 7730 9942

FURNITURE Ciancimino 85 Pimlico Place 020 7730 9959 Humphrey-Carrasco 43 Pimlico Road 020 7730 9911

Soane 50-52 Pimlico Road 020 7730 6400 Westenholz 80-82 Pimlico Road 020 7824 8090

GALLERIES

Jamb 107a Pimlico Road 020 7730 2122

88 Gallery 86-88 Pimlico Road 020 7730 2728

Lamberty 46 Pimlico Road 020 7823 5115

Gauntlett Gallery 90-92 Pimlico Road 020 7730 7516

Linley 60 Pimlico Road 020 7730 7300

The Osborne Studio Gallery 2 Motcomb Street 020 7235 9667

Ossowski 83 Pimlico Road 020 7730 3256

INTERIOR DESIGN

Christian Louboutin 23 Motcomb Street 020 7245 6510

Patricia Roberts 60 Kinnerton Street 020 7235 474

Philip Treacy 69 Elizabeth Street 020 7730 3992

Lord Milner Hotel 111 Ebury Street 020 7881 9880

Westminster House Hotel 96 Ebury Street 020 7730 4302

The Diplomat Hotel 2 Chesham Street 020 7235 1544

Lynton Hotel 113 Ebury Street 020 7730 4032

BOUTIQUE

Lime Tree Hotel 135-137 Ebury Street 020 7730 8191

Rachel Vosper (candles) 69 Kinnerton Street 020 7235 9666 Ramsay (prints) 69 Pimlico Road 020 7730 6776 Zuber 42 Pimlico Road 020 7824 8265

Chester Designs 9 Chester Square Mews 020 7730 4333

Fashion BOUTIQUES Le Spose Di Giò (wedding dresses) 81 Ebury Street 020 7901 9020 www.le-spose-di-gio.it

Hotels B&Bs B+B Belgravia & Studios@82 64-66 Ebury Street 020 7259 8570 Belgravia Hotel 118 Ebury Street 020 7259 0050 Cartref House 129 Ebury Street 020 7730 6176

Morgan Guest House 120 Ebury Street 020 7730 2384

Astors Hotel 110-112 Ebury Street 020 7730 0158 The Belgravia Mews Hotel 50 Ebury Street 020 7730 5434

The Rubens at the Palace 39 Buckingham Palace Road 020 7834 6600

Services BANKS Duncan Lawrie Private Banking 1 Hobart Place 020 7245 1234 www.duncanlawrie.com Royal Bank of Scotland 24 Grosvenor Place 020 7235 1882

BOOKMAKERS Coral Racing 67 Pimlico Road 020 7730 6516

EDUCATION Cameron House School 4 The Vale 020 7352 4040 Eaton House School 3-5 Eaton Gate 020 7924 6000 Francis Holland School 39 Graham Terrace 020 7730 2971 Garden House School Turks Row 020 7730 1652

William Hill 12 Buckingham Palace Road 08705 181 715

GEMS Hampshire School 15 Manresa Road 020 7352 7077

CHARITIES

Glendower Preparatory School 86-87 Queen’s Gate 020 7370 1927

British Red Cross 85 Ebury Street 020 7730 2235

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

Hill House International Junior School Hans Place 020 7584 1331 Knightsbridge School 67 Pont Street 020 7590 9000

Miss Daisy’s Nursery Ebury Square 020 7730 5797 More House School 22-24 Pont Street 020 7235 2855 Queen’s Gate School 133 Queen’s Gate 020 7589 3587 Sussex House School 68 Cadogan Square 020 7584 1741

Neill Strain Floral Couture 11 West Halkin Street 020 7235 6469

LIBRARY Victoria Library 160 Buckingham Palace Road 020 7641 1300

MOTORING Belgravia Garage 1 Eaton Mews West 020 7235 9900

POST OFFICE

Thomas’s Kindergarten 14 Ranelagh Grove 020 7730 3596

Post Office 6 Eccleston Street 0845 722 3344

EXCLUSIVE

PRINTING & COPYING

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

FLORISTS

Printus 115a Ebury Street 020 7730 7799

TRAVEL Bravo Travel 6 Lower Grosvenor Place 0870 121 3411

Judith Blacklock Flower School 4-5 Kinnerton Place South 020 7235 6235

Speciality Shops BAKERIES

CONFECTIONERS

JEWELLERS

Pet accessories

Baker & Spice 54-56 Elizabeth Street 020 7730 3033

Peggy Porschen 116 Ebury Street 020 7730 1316

David Thomas Master Goldsmith 65 Pimlico Road 020 7730 7710

Mungo & Maud 79 Elizabeth Street 020 7022 1207

Ottolenghi 13 Motcomb Street 020 7823 2707

Rococo Chocolates 5 Motcomb Street 020 7245 0993

CIGAR SPECIALIST

DELI

Tomtom Cigars 63 Elizabeth Street 020 7730 1790

BOOKS Belgravia Books 59 Ebury Street 020 7259 9336 www.belgraviabooks.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

La Bottega 25 Eccleston Street 020 7730 2730

GREENGROCERS Charles of Belgravia 27 Lower Belgrave Street 020 7730 5210 The Market Quarter 36 Elizabeth Street 020 7824 8470

NEWSAGENT Mayhew Newsagents 15 Motcomb Street 020 7235 5770

PharmacY A. Moore Chemist & Belgravia Health Foods 25e Lowndes Street 020 7235 5887

PERFUMERIES Annick Goutal 20 Motcomb Street 020 7245 0248

Floris 147 Ebury Street 020 7730 0304 www.florislondon.com

035

savills.co.uk

1

LIGHT, LATERAL HOUSE WITH THREE PARKING SPACES eaton row, sw1 2 reception rooms ø kitchen ø master bedroom suite ø 4 further bedrooms (1 en suite) ø 2 further bathrooms ø utility room ø roof terrace ø 230 sq m (2,479 sq ft) ø EPC=D Guide £5.45 million Freehold

Savills Sloane Street

2

Charles Holbrook cholbrook@savills.com

020 7730 0822

A WONDERFUL GRADE II LISTED FAMILY HOUSE chapel street, sw1 First floor drawing room ø 2 further reception rooms ø kitchen ø master bedroom suite ø 4 further bedrooms (1 en suite) ø further bathroom ø 2 guest cloakrooms ø 40ft garden ø terrace ø 287 sq m (3,088 sq ft) Guide £5.45 million Freehold

Savills Sloane Street Charles Holbrook cholbrook@savills.com

020 7730 0822

savills.co.uk

1

A HANDSOME BELGRAVIA HOUSE gerald road, sw1 3 reception rooms ø kitchen ø master bedroom suite ø 4 further bedrooms ø 2 further bathrooms ø utility room ø wine cellar ø garden ø 220 sq m (2369 sq ft) ø EPC=E Guide £5.5 million Freehold

Savills Sloane Street

2

Tom Lamb tlamb@savills.com

020 7730 0822

AN ATTRACTIVE FAMILY HOUSE IN THE HEART OF BELGRAVIA whittaker street, sw1 2 reception rooms ø kitchen ø 4 bedrooms ø 4 bathrooms ø garden ø double garage ø 255 sq m (2,755 sq ft) ø WC ø utility room ø EPC=E Guide £5.5 million Freehold

Savills Sloane Street Tom Lamb tlamb@savills.com

020 7730 0822

savills.co.uk

1 BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED FIRST FLOOR APARTMENT WITH HIGH CEILINGS eaton place, sw1 Entrance hall ø reception room ø kitchen ø master bedroom suite ø 2nd bedroom ø shower room ø gallery ø 2 balconies ø 134 sq m (1,440 sq ft) ø EPC=D Guide £4.25 million Leasehold, approximately 112 years remaining

Savills Sloane Street

Savills Knightsbridge

Richard Dalton rdalton@savills.com

Alex Christian achristian@savills.com

020 7730 0822

020 7581 5234

savills.co.uk

1 REFURBISHED TO A HIGH STANDARD IN A PRESTIGIOUS LOCATION chester street, sw1 Double bedroom suite ø reception room ø kitchen ø guest cloakroom ø period features ø raised ground floor ø 72 sq m (776 sq ft) ø EPC=C

Savills Sloane Street Georgina Bartlett gbartlett@savills.com

020 7824 9005 £850 per week Furnished

LOWNDES SQUARE, LONDON. SW1X TWO BEDROOMS FURNISHED

ÂŁ1,950

PER WEEK Stc Large open plan reception room, Two double bedrooms, Two bathrooms, Access to communal gardens, Porter.

An impressive newly refurbished apartment on the third floor of this smart sought after portered block is situated on one of the finest garden square in Knightsbridge. The property has been newly refurbished and finished to an exceptional standard throughout and comprises two double bedrooms fitted with bespoke wardrobes, two bathrooms (both en suite),

a spacious reception room open- plan to a fully integrated kitchen with a breakfast bar. Solid oak floors have been laid in reception areas and brand new carpets in the bedrooms.

Potential tenants are advised that administration fees may be payable when renting a property. Please ask for details of our charges. EPC rating C.

BELGRAVIA OFFICE 1 Motcomb Street, London SW1X 8JX +44 (0)20 7235 8861

belgraviaoffice@henryandjames.co.uk

henryandjames.co.uk

PONT STREET, LONDON. SW1X THREE BEDROOMS FURNISHED

ÂŁ1,750

PER WEEK stc Reception room, Three double bedrooms, En suite bathroom, Shower room, Neutrally decorated, Lift, Housekeeper.

This generous lateral apartment has a very spacious master bedroom suite, two further large double bedrooms and a further shower room. All bedrooms quietly overlook Pavilion Road, whilst to the front of the building there is a modern kitchen and a bright, well-proportioned reception.

This property has been neutrally decorated throughout and

furnished in a contemporary style. The property is available immediately and is profesionally managed. Pont Street is a great location just moments from Harrods and the amenities of Knightsbridge. Potential tenants are advised that administration fees may be payable when renting a property.

Please ask for details of our charges. EPC rating D.

BELGRAVIA OFFICE 1 Motcomb Street, London SW1X 8JX +44 (0)20 7235 8861

belgraviaoffice@henryandjames.co.uk

henryandjames.co.uk

EATON SQUARE, LONDON. SW1X LEASEHOLD THREE BEDROOMS GROSS INTERNAL AREA: 1,625 SQ FT/ 151 SQ M

ÂŁ1,700,000 stc Entrance hall, Drawing room, Dining room, Master bedroom with en suite bathroom, Two further bedrooms, Lift, Caretaker.

Located in arguably one of the best positions in central London, this duplex three bedroom apartment of 1,625 sq ft is presented in excellent condition throughout, providing classic style and space with a very generous reception room overlooking the square. Accommodation is comprised of two large bedrooms, one smaller bedroom/study and plenty of

built-in storage. There is a large reception room overlooking the square below and a spacious kitchen leading to a dining room. Eaton Square is situated between Buckingham Palace and Sloane Square, and is a moments walk from the international boutiques, restaurants and transport facilities of Sloane Street. EPC rating D.

BELGRAVIA OFFICE 1 Motcomb Street, London SW1X 8JX +44 (0)20 7235 8861

belgraviaoffice@henryandjames.co.uk

henryandjames.co.uk

PARKSIDE, LONDON. SW1X SHARE OF FREEHOLD THREE BEDROOMS GROSS INTERNAL AREA: 2,250 SQ FT/ 209 SQ M

ÂŁ5,950,000 stc Entrance hall, Three reception rooms, Kitchen, Utility room, Three bedrooms, Two bathrooms (one en suite) Lift, Porter.

Presented to an exceptional standard, this highly sought after period property offers a wealth of entertaining space which includes drawing room with doors leading directly to the balcony overlooking the park, impressive dining room and large family room. There are three double bedrooms, a master bedroom with en suite bathroom, two further

double bedrooms, bathroom and separate shower room. In addition there is a large kitchen/breakfast room, utility room and entrance hall. The flat has an abundance of character, wonderful views and numerous feature throughout which include in the drawing room, good ceiling heights, cornicing and fire place. EPC rating C. NB. Property is let till May 2014

BELGRAVIA OFFICE 1 Motcomb Street, London SW1X 8JX +44 (0)20 7235 8861

belgraviaoffice@henryandjames.co.uk

henryandjames.co.uk

2013-04-09 11:36:34

1

RESIDENTIAL

cluttons.com/london

Chapel Street London SW1X 4 reception rooms I 5 bedrooms I 4 bathrooms I kitchen/breakfast room I conservatory south-facing garden I EPC rating E A wider than average terraced townhouse with high ceilings and well proportioned rooms, located to the east of Belgrave Square close to Motcomb Street and Sloane Square

Guide price ÂŁ6,950,000 freehold Belgravia office

belgravia@cluttons.com

020 7730 0303

20

1

2013-04-09 11:39:15

1

RESIDENTIAL

cluttons.com/london

Eaton Place London SW1X reception room I 3 double bedrooms I 3 bathrooms I kitchen | guest cloakroom direct lift access I EPC rating C A newly refurbished maisonette located in the heart of Belgravia, renovated to an exacting standard and benefitting from a master bedroom suite with a walk-in dressing room

Furnished ÂŁ2,950 per week Belgravia office

belgravia@cluttons.com

020 7730 0303

Lancelot Place, Knightsbridge, SW7 A well-presented one bedroom apartment in this sought after Knightsbridge development complete with concierge, swimming pool, gym and underground parking.

The apartment on the first floor with balcony comprises reception room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, guest cloakroom and utility room. Available immediately for long term let on a furnished basis.

ÂŁ1,300 pw 020 7225 6602 karen.boland@harrodsestates.com

KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE: 82 BROMPTON ROAD LONDON SW3 1ER T: +44 020 7225 6506 MAYFAIR OFFICE: 61 PARK LANE LONDON W1K 1QF T: +44 020 7409 9001

HARRODSESTATES.COM

1195

WHERE London ’ s finEst pRopERtiEs tAKE pR idE of pL AcE

LONDON RESIDENTIAL SALES • LONDON LET TINGS • ACQUISITIONS NEW DEVELOPMENTS • ASSET MANAGEMENT • PROPERT Y MANAGEMENT

H A R RodsEs tAt Es .com

11952_HarrodsEstatesAD_A4.indd 1

12/04/2013 12:50

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

EBURY STREET, SW1

A bright one bedroom apartment, situated on the third floor of this modern block in a highly convenient location in Belgravia. Of particular note is the large south facing terrace on two sides, accessed from each end of the large reception room.

735 sq ft / 68.3 sq m Terrace 595 sq ft / 55.3 sq m

LEASE 87 YEARS PRICE £1,475,000 16 Lower Belgrave Street, Belgravia, London SW1W 0LN

ACCOMMODATION AND AMENITIES

Reception Room • Kitchen • Bedroom • Bathroom • Roof Terrace Underground Parking Space • Lift • 24 Hour Porterage Service Communal Gardens

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

Belgravia, Knightsbridge, Chelsea

EBURY STREET, SW1

A southerly facing ground and lower ground floor maisonette in this well-known Belgravia street. The property is well presented throughout with three double bedrooms and a private garden at the rear.

ACCOMMODATION AND AMENITIES

3 Bedrooms • 2 Bathrooms • Large Reception Room • Kitchen/Breakfast Room • Vault • Balcony • Patio Garden

1442 sq ft / 134 sq m

LEASE 86 YEARS PRICE £1,900,000

JSA WA Ellis | 0207 306 1610

sales@ayrtonwylie.com

KnightFrank.co.uk

Eaton Place, Belgravia SW1X

Recently refurbished spacious second floor flat An immaculate two bedroom lateral flat to rent on the preferred Sloane Square end of Eaton Place. Master bedroom with en suite bathroom and 2 dressing rooms, second bedroom with en suite bathroom, study, reception room, separate kitchen, dining room, entrance hall, lift access. EPC rating C. Approximately 178 sq m (1,920 sq ft)

KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings belgravialettings@knightfrank.com 020 3641 6006

Available furnished Guide price: ÂŁ3,250 per week (BEQ139175)

(All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, administration fees will apply when renting a property. Please ask for details of our charges.)

KnightFrank.co.uk

Eccleston Street, Belgravia SW1

Immaculate three/four bedroom Belgravia apartment An immaculate three/four bedroom apartment conveniently located in Belgravia. Master bedroom with en suite bathroom, 2 further bedrooms, 2 further bath/shower rooms, reception room, study/bedroom 4, kitchen/dining area, guest claokroom, entrance hall, utilty room.

EPC rating D. Approximately 181 sq m (1,949 sq ft) Leasehold: 87 years approximately Guide price: ÂŁ3,250,000 (SLA130126)

KnightFrank.co.uk/Belgravia belgravia@knightfrank.com 020 3641 5910 Joint Agent: Strutt & Parker bertie.hare@struttandparker.com 020 7235 9959

Cadogan Square, Knightsbridge SW1 • 2 Bedrooms

• Lift

• 2 Bathrooms (en suite)

• Access to Cadogan Square garden

• Reception room

and tennis court

• Open plan kitchen

• Approx. 1,310 sq ft (121 sq m)

• Resident caretaker

• EPC rating: current (C) potential (C)

Guide price £3,750,000 Leasehold with 100 years remaining

“ A beautifully designed flat on the fourth floor of this recently refurbished building”

Eaton Place, Belgravia SW1 • 3 Double bedrooms

• Fully fitted kitchen

• 3 Bathrooms

• 4 Balconies

• Guest cloakroom

• Approx. 2,037 sq ft (189 sq m)

• 2 Reception rooms

• EPC rating: current (D) potential (D)

“ A stunning first floor lateral apartment arranged over two substantial buildings in Belgravia”

£4,750 per week Furnished

For more information call, Lucy Morton on 020 7306 1630 or email lmorton@waellis.co.uk

W.A.Ellis LLP 174 Brompton Road London SW3 1HP

waellis.co.uk

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ESTATE AGENTS, SURVEYORS AND PROPERTY CONSULTANTS 81 Elizabeth Street, Eaton Square, London SW1W 9PG Tel: 020 7730 9253 Fax: 020 7730 8212 Email: reception@bestgapp.co.uk

www.bestgapp.co.uk Over 100 years experience in Belgravia

EATON TERRACE, SW1 A well appointed family house situated close to Sloane Square, arranged over five floors to provide spacious accommodation extending to 272 sq m (2,936 sq ft) with excellent entertaining space and a 14.6 m (47’) rear garden.

Freehold

£5,750,000

* * * * * * *

Drawing Room: Dining Room: 2 Further Reception Rooms: Master Bedroom Suite: 3/4 Further Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: Garden

ESTATE AGENTS, SURVEYORS AND PROPERTY CONSULTANTS 81 Elizabeth Street, Eaton Square, London SW1W 9PG Tel: 020 7730 9253 Fax: 020 7730 8212 Email: reception@bestgapp.co.uk

www.bestgapp.co.uk Over 100 years experience in Belgravia

HERBERT CRESCENT, SW1 A bright and spacious two bedroom apartment minutes from all the amenities Knightsbridge has to offer. With a spacious reception room and eat in kitchen this apartment offers superb living space with fantastic storage, all set in this sought after location. * * * *

Spacious Reception Room Eat in kitchen Two Double Bedrooms Sought After Location

£850 pw

EATON PLACE, SW1 A substantial three bed apartment set on the ground and lower floors of this stucco fronted building moments from Sloane Square. Reception room with high ceilings, fully fitted kitchen, three double bedrooms all with en-suite and a private courtyard. * * * *

Substantial Reception Room Three Double Bedrooms Three En-suites Private Courtyard

£2300 pw

77-79 Ebury Street, Belgravia, SW1W 0NZ www.andrewreeves.co.uk

GUILDHOUSE STREET, LONDON SW1 Leasehold £1,250,000 Newly refurbished 2 bedroom apartment on 3rd floor of purpose-built development, with light and spacious living room and balcony overlooking communal gardens.

• Fully fitted kitchen • 20ft x 19ft Reception room • Two double bedrooms • Two bathrooms • 24 hour concierge • Underground parking • Gymnasium • Leasehold – 239 years remaining

MONTAIGNE CLOSE, LONDON SW1 Fully Furnished £1,200 per week Exceptional 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom duplex penthouse with roof-top views over central London from three roof terraces. Large fitted kitchen, air-conditioning and 24-hour concierge. Two parking spaces. Gymnasium with sauna and spa. Fully furnished to a high standard throughout.

• 3 reception rooms • Large fitted kitchen • 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms • Air-conditioning • 24-hour concierge • 2 parking spaces • Gymnasium, sauna and spa

Lettings Office: lettings@andrewreeves.co.uk +44 (0)20 7881 1366

Sales Office: sales@andrewreeves.co.uk +44 (0)20 7881 1333

GRAhAm TERRAcE, SW1 A charming terrace house close to Sloane Square, arranged over three floors.

Energy Rating: E. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, shower room, 2/3 reception rooms, conservatory, garden, roof terrace.

Lease to 2045 Guide Price £1,850,000

2 double bedrooms, bathroom, reception room, roof terrace.

Lease to 2102 Guide Price £995,000

BELGRAVIA 020 7824 7900 belgravia@johndwood.co.uk

Belgravia Residents Journal May13.indd 1

D

R GEN E FO

IONS AT R

A charming flat situated on the top floor of a period building.

Energy Rating: D.

TRUSTE

EBuRy STREET, SW1

141 Years of Property

18

72 - 2013

www.johndwood.co.uk

10/04/2013 17:07

Chelsea Fulham & Parsons Green Kensington & Holland Park Knightsbridge, Belgravia & Mayfair Notting Hill & Bayswater West Chelsea & South Kensington

Sales 020 7225 3866 Sales 020 7731 7100 Sales 020 7938 3666 Sales 020 7235 9959 Sales 020 7221 1111 Sales 020 7373 1010

Lettings 020 7589 9966 Lettings 020 7731 7100 Lettings 020 7938 3866 Lettings 020 7235 9959 Lettings 020 7221 1111 Lettings 020 7373 1010

City Office Professional Valuations UK Commercial & Residential Residential Investment Property Management

020 7600 3456 020 7318 5039 020 7629 7282 020 7318 5196 020 7052 9417

Cadogan Place | Knightsbridge | SW1 4,016 sq ft (373.10 sq m)

A classically presented apartment with its own front door and the principal rooms of this beautiful terraced house, overlooking communal gardens.

Entrance hall | Reception room | Dining room | Kitchen/breakfast room | 3 en-suite bedrooms | Study/bedroom 4 | Shower room | Roof terrace | Patio garden | Access to communal gardens Asking price ÂŁ13,950,000 Share of Freehold

Knightsbridge 020 7235 9959 charlie.willis@struttandparker.com

Scan this QR code with your camera phone to read more about this property.

Free QR code readers are available to download from our website at struttandparker.com/qrcode

Chester Street | Belgravia | SW1 5,641 sq ft (524.07 sq m)

An outstanding, wider than normal, fully modernised Grade II listed town house with wonderful period proportions, near Belgrave Square.

Entrance hall | Drawing room | Dining room | Library | Kitchen | Family & play rooms | Study | Master bedroom suite | 4 further en suite double bedrooms | Courtyard | Terrace Price on Application Freehold

Knightsbridge 020 7235 9959 charlie.willis@struttandparker.com

Scan this QR code with your camera phone to read more about this property.

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Chelsea Fulham & Parsons Green Kensington & Holland Park Knightsbridge, Belgravia & Mayfair Notting Hill & Bayswater West Chelsea & South Kensington

Sales 020 7225 3866 Sales 020 7731 7100 Sales 020 7938 3666 Sales 020 7235 9959 Sales 020 7221 1111 Sales 020 7373 1010

Lettings 020 7589 9966 Lettings 020 7731 7100 Lettings 020 7938 3866 Lettings 020 7235 9959 Lettings 020 7221 1111 Lettings 020 7373 1010

City Office Professional Valuations UK Commercial & Residential Residential Investment Property Management

020 7600 3456 020 7318 5039 020 7629 7282 020 7318 5196 020 7052 9417

Eaton Place | Belgravia | SW1 960 sq ft (89.19 sq m)

An excellent one bedroom apartment on the second floor of this grand white stucco-fronted building.

Entrance hall/study | Reception room | Kitchen | Double bedroom with en suite shower room | Cloakroom Asking price ÂŁ1,750,000 Leasehold

Knightsbridge 020 7235 9959 bertie.hare@struttandparker.com

Scan this QR code with your camera phone to read more about this property.

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struttandparker.com

Year after year, we deliver excellent results for our clients.

We take pride in knowing that our philosophy, approach and passion for selling and letting property in London has achieved extraordinary results for our clients.

Our attention to detail, coupled with excellent customer service and expertise in the marketplace unveils a track record of delivering on promise every time. So much so that 97% of our clients said they would use us again.

We are proud to count amongst our clients many of the property industry’s leading professionals who choose to use us above their own agency.

So, if you wish to get the most out of your property, whether you are considering selling or letting, contact: Knightsbridge, Belgravia & Mayfair

3895 London 2012 Belgravia.indd 4

020 7235 9959

01/02/2013 10:41

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