The Vicinitee Magazine Dec 2008

VICINITEE DECEMBER 2008

DECEMBER 2008

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Gordon ramsay’s TasTe of ChrisTmas Read the inteRview and take a peek at his upcoming exceL show

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contents

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22 COVER STORIES 22

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F E AT U R E S

oRIENT EXPRESS Josephine O’Donoghue explores Singapore in the first installment of this epic journey

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Lonely hotel syndrome Alice Tozer looks at the newest offerings on the lone traveller market

52 christmas dash

An extensive guide to the best

last minute gifts for all the family

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obscure christmas A peak at the wierd and wonderful christmas celebrations from around the world

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Come kon tiki How to bag a sensational sunning and sleeping spot on the Cote D’Azur

90 tASTE OF CHRISTMAS Gordon Ramsay tells us about the man behind the brand

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jersey - the best bits A look at what’s happening on this little action packed island the fastest way to purify Re-vitalise with the ultimate detox in Bodrum, Turkey

66 fashion

Café de Paris

40 excel yourself

The world’s first global

aerobatic airline 46 ultimate status symbol

What does your watch say

about you?

63 fashion update

Style secrets for him and her

84 artscene

Philip Sutton Ra 106 Tis the season

Party planning expert Sophie

Lillingston tells us how

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contents

44 88 36

REGULARS 8 EDITOR’S LETTER 36

MOTORING

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ONLINE

82 Competitions 83

CULTURE

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FOOD & DRINK

108 life coaching

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109 MOTLEY FOOL 110 citylife recommends 112 WHAT’S ON 116 PROPERTY

Editor the December issue Welcome to the December edition of Vicinitee magazine.

Although it’s been hard to ignore the recent economic news, many of the financial issues facing us will mean some change in one way or another. It is however important to remember that change can be a good thing and even small changes in our personal lifestyle will result in extra-ordinary outcomes. With any downturn in the economy comes opportunity and the ability to launch innovative and successful businesses, so expect some positive changes along the way. Christmas is a time of celebration and one of the most important times of the year to reflect on the past, acknowledge the present and to look to the future with renewed confidence.

This December sees the exciting launch of our very own privilege club ‘Vicinitee VIP,’ which has been created to maximise and enhance your lifestyle. Many of you will have seen the recent press, announcing the launch of the new ‘Vicinitee VIP Card’ and we briefly touched upon the benefits of this exclusive offering in last month’s edition. We are delighted to announce that the ‘Vicinitee VIP’ card with its exclusive concessions and privileges is now available. To find out how you can receive your VIP card, please visit www.viciniteevip.com or email vip@vicinitee.com so you can take full advantage in time for Christmas.

Alongside the launch of ‘Vicinitee VIP’ our events team kick off the winter season with the launch of the Vicinitee Ski Weekender in Chamonix, France. Taking place from 26th February – 1st March 2009 this specially tailored package promises to be an action packed weekender with activities to suit everyone. Chamonix offers breathtaking scenery alongside ideal snow conditions for skiers of all ages and abilities with an abundance of après Ski in style. Take advantage of our 10% discounted rate for Vicinitee.com registered users, places are strictly limited so please register your interest or to find out more information email skiweekender@vicinitee.com Continuing with our Christmas theme, one event not to be missed this December is the new Taste of Christmas event which celebrates the best in Christmas food, drink and entertaining. Hosted by Gordon Ramsay at London’s ExCeL from 4th-7th December 2008, visitors can not only sample and buy delicious food and drink, but can also enjoy a fantastic festive shopping experience and taste the very best from the UK’s finest chefs, restaurants and merchants all under one roof. For more information you can visit www.tasteofchristmas.com Broadgate Ice Rink is now open and you’ll find Broadgate Circle transformed into the City’s premier outdoor ice rink, providing visitors with the perfect location for a magical skate. So why not enjoy some winter fun with a group of friends; ‘après skate’ with work colleagues or practise your skating skills with an invigorating whiz around the arena. With an array of bars and restaurants surrounding the Arena, Broadgate is the perfect place to watch others take to the ice and soak up the winter fun atmosphere. Skate hire and private or group lessons are available. For more information, log on to the ‘What’s On’ guide at vwww.vicinitee.com where you will find our December theme page showcasing many forthcoming events and this month’s exciting new competitions. For those of you who would prefer to browse Vicinitee Magazine online this new feature is now available to view online at www.vicinitee.com On a final note, we are delighted to advise that our Vicinitee magazine is now available to view online. Simply log on to the Vicinitee homepage and follow the appropriate link.

The Vicinitee team wishes you all a wonderful Christmas.

Keep reading and we’ll bring you closer to the space around you.

Richard Fischer Marketing Director Vicinitee.com

Giles Ellwood Managing Director RunWild Media

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CITYLIFE MAGAZINES Editor: Lesley Ellwood Editorial Director: Kate Harrison Deputy Editor: Kasha Van Sant Editorial Assistants: Stephanie Baxter, Josephine O’Donoghue, Alice Tozer Art Editor: Carol Cordrey Motoring Editor: Matthew Carter Beauty Editor: Kate Hughes Fashion Editor: Lucie Dodds Finance Executive: Kätlin Maasik Sales Director: Eren Ellwood P.A. to Sales Director: Ella Kilgarriff Graphic Designers: James Britton, Hiren Chandarana, Victoria Wren PR & Marketing Manager: Rebecca Walton Managing Director: Giles Ellwood P.A. to Managing Director: Charlotte Evans

020 7987 4320 020 7005 0045 city@runwildmedia.com www.runwildmedia.com

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16 Heron Quay, Canary Wharf, London E14 4JB RunWild Media Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and RunWild Media Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

Subscription: A free subscription service is available to employees at City offices. E-mail city@runwildmedia.com for further details. For other readers, 6 & 12 month subscriptions are available at £15 & £25 respectively, to cover postage and packaging. For details of subscriptions and advertising, please contact us on 020 7987 4320.

CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE: Claire Adler is a London based freelance journalist, specialising in jewellery, watches and luxury. Her work has appeared in the Financial Times, the Daily Mail, the Sunday Times, The Guardian, The Times, Spectator Business, Wallpaper*, Intelligent Life and House & Garden. She also writes for fashion news service WGSN, hotel magazine IN London and magazines published by Bentley, Harrods and Watches of Switzerland, amongst others.

Jamie Carter is a freelance journalist based in Cardiff. Specialising in gadgets and technology, Jamie has written for the likes of T3, Home Cinema Choice and The Guardian as well as a number of websites. He writes on flatscreen TVs for What Video and What Plasma magazines and away from technology is also a regular contributor to BBC History and Real Travel magazines.

Martin Bamford is one of the youngest and most successful financial planners in the UK. He runs his own firm of financial advisers – Informed Choice – and regularly contributes to various financial publications. His personal finance book The Money Tree, published in 2006, is a best seller.

Kate Hughes has an established reputation as one of the UK's leading celebrity hair and make-up artists. A regular guest beauty presenter on television, she has worked with a wide selection of actors, presenters, musicians and models.

Kate's hair and make-up consultancy, 'It's All About You', transforms women for weddings, special occasions and red carpet events.

Dr. David Kuo is one of the UK’s leading financial experts, and is head of Personal Finance at Fool.co.uk, the country’s top website for independent financial comparison. As well as providing daily comment and financial news for BBC London, he presents Money Talk­­– Fool’s weekly podcasts which cover all aspects of personal finance.

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The Loneliness of the

Long Distance Business Traveller (2008)

It’s not film; it’s reality. Business travellers unsurprisingly suffer feelings of isolation when they are abroad. Now, they are increasingly able to turn to comforting set-ups aimed specifically at them, says Alice Tozer

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he business traveller is an intrepid breed. The dangers he faces are manifold – and all for the mere successful development of his firm.

They range from the realms of psychological pressures created by a need to perform supremely well in an unfamiliar environment, to sexual risk-taking and malaria, and this is before we’ve even touched on travellers' diarrhoea, the constant replay of emotional issues left at home, and the ill temperament that several days of no choice over inadequate

sleep forces upon even the best among us.

And yet perhaps the most menacing sideeffect experienced by the frequent business traveller is that of social isolation. But let’s give this some officialdom; in its full terms, I’m referring to lonely hotel room syndrome.

Pioneering the field of professional enterprises quelling the malady is Executive Women’s Network, and its online business travel networking site, SkyLounge. Members – female business travellers – are made aware via automatic alerts when others

lifestyle

are in the same city, at the same time.

SkyLounge members, once registered, can open their own Lounges free of charge and invite colleagues, contacts and acquaintances – even friends – to join. They can see their contacts’ upcoming trips and when someone is in their same city it lets them know in real time by sending an e-mail alert. The interactive travel lounge was born out of the idea that women have more specific needs, namely safety and cultural issues, when it comes to the problems which every business traveller faces when trying to network socially during trips.

It’s a common misnomer to believe that having Internet access in your hotel (or

indeed any) room is a panacea to loneliness; the Facebook hug is, in some sense, a cruel reminder of the fact that you are, at that moment, utterly deprived of the real thing.

Three hours spent upon an evening in a hotel room, “virtually” networking, could be replaced with genuine interaction with other human beings whom you have semiplanned to see. The world really is, seen the SkyLounge way, a mere village.

Founder of the Executive Women’s Network to which SkyLounge belongs and sometime director of the board of the Swiss-Swedish Chamber of Commerce, Kerstin Hoghielm, believes the SkyLounge solution is “sophisticated enough for

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the Facebook hug is, in some sense, a cruel reminder of the fact that you are, at that moment, utterly deprived of the real thing business travellers but at the same time easy to use,” connecting all of its members around the world “in a private manner.”

Kerstin continues: “It’s a nice feeling to have someone that you have something in common with at your destination.You don’t always have to meet but sharing tips and advice can make your trips much more productive and fun.” It takes three minutes to open a lounge, which is then easy to use, saves time, money and is free.You can decide to make the lounges public or private.

“We expect to have over 250 lounges in the next two months,” adds SkyLounge founder Marcel van Gemerden, who envisages some 15,000 users in the near future.

Hoghielm has some organised networking events up her sleeve for the members, too, but she might not be leading the way with this one ever since Kim Rix, who started out as a board-level PA, founded The SaVVy Club. In her previous life, Kim was responsible for organising the busy commercial and social lives of directors and CEOs. She took her knowledge and experience to the next entrepreneurial level, founding a club which aims to help business travellers overcome lonely hotel syndrome, via the organisation of a multitude of yearly social events. These include cocktail parties, connoisseur wine tastings, chef’s table dinner parties, opera at Glyndebourne, a day at Royal Ascot with celebrity jockeys and polo-playing lessons; together creating a readymade social outlet for business travellers who like to have the work-life balance in mind, even when strictly ‘on business’ abroad.

When it comes to general services offered by hotels to business travellers, the latter look, on the surface of it, to be thoroughly spoilt; hotels arrange flights, insurance, currency conversion, taxi transfers, suit sparkling, in-house business-traveller lounges and bars… a list of services ad infinitum.

However, hotels don’t do much to tackle, at least not in any authentic manner, feelings of loneliness. That was, until the Hyatt’s latest hotel brand – The Hyatt Andaz, on Liverpool Street – entered new territory earlier this

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lifestyle

year with its much talked-about and unique reader-in-residence service. From this day, a whole can of worms was opened: can, or indeed should, a hotel help us with our loneliness demons?

In actual fact, the Andaz was only trying to be a bit different; as a boutique hotel whose guests largely comprise the business traveller type, it brands itself on its uncomplicated sophistication and cutting edge approach to the hotel experience. The reader-inresidence service saw guests relish the opportunity to enjoy a homelike atmosphere complete with a "living room" instead of a traditional lobby. The big story came when journalist for The Times, Damian Barr, leapt to the rescue at the hotel to help sleepless, lonely guests with their literary needs and at no extra charge. In the mornings, guests were able to consult Barr for a literary prescription of relevant texts, and then book him for a private literary lunch or dinner in one of the hotel's five restaurants and bars.

As the night drew in, they could request Barr's in-room read-aloud services from a specially devised Book Menu. Finally, he hosted a read-in on April 27, reminiscent

of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s renowned sleep-in at the Amsterdam Hilton.

Barr has since dreamed up Silent Cinema for the hotel, instead: a worldwide first, in which punters wear wireless headphones and watch films on a full-size cinema screen, experiencing a stark absence of soundtrack, crunching popcorn and suppressed mobile phone drills. The idea is to simulate the “movie at home” feel. (You can’t pause the film to run to the toilet but you can still hear the action if you keep your headphones on.) There is a bar on hand, too: a sure homely recipe, fit for the appreciation of the homesick business traveller. December 14 will see a ‘silent screening’ of The Shining; an event also open to the public.

It’s one thing for gap year travellers to leave their social encounters abroad down to coincidence, but for business travellers, time is of the essence. As it goes, business travel is reported to be half as rife as it was five years ago and it is set to suffer further under the current economic climate. There is simply not a second to lose in testing out these services, next time you feel a spell of lonely hotel syndrome coming on. After

Silent Cinema at The Hyatt Andaz, Liverpool Street

all, wouldn’t it be tragic if the day that any man or woman’s business travelling jaunts came to an abrupt end arrived before they had managed to get a day at Ascot, a slyly networked drink facing the Hong Kong skyline with the colleague of their affection, and a world-first silent movie session all “on the company”? n www.savvyclub.co.uk www.andaz.com guestservices.londonliv@andaz.com

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GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGH STREET

Josephine O’Donoghue examines the commercial side of the festive season and asks, “Do they know it’s Christmas time at all?”

THE NATIVITY Last year, The Daily Mail reported that a staggering one in three children and young adults had no idea that Jesus was born in Bethlehem.Yet, as I flicked through the range of absurd answers given by school children to a list of Christmas questions, I found myself more surprised that they did know that Jesus was born in Bethlehem.

“Jesus was born in a barn – a shed or barn.

Or it might have been a stable. It was one of the three anyway” explained nine year old Ellyshia. When asked to name the gifts that the wise men brought to the infant, six year old Dominic answered, “I don’t know what the three wise men brought Jesus but I would have given him a tin of biscuits. I think Mary, Joseph and Jesus would have all liked a biscuit”. Six year old Matthew was adamant that “There were sheep, horses and a crocodile outside the stable”, whilst Molly, also six, revealed that “Jesus was a newborn king – but there were a lot of newborn kings so he wasn’t the only one”.

Cute as these answers are, they display a startling lack of knowledge of the Christmas Story and why we celebrate it each year. Ben, aged seven, gave the most common answer: “We celebrate Christmas because Santa comes and gives us lots and lots of presents”.

GIVING GIFTS Although the figure of St. Nicholas has his origins in the fourth century, the more modern concept of a Father Christmas has his roots in the early seventeenth century; so have we been doomed to commercialise the celebration ever since the tradition of giftgiving began?

What started out as a token of good will (echoing the giving of gifts from the Magi to the newborn Christ and the Christian ethic of giving to others) has over the years developed into a custom so ingrained in our society that it often takes an entire twelve months to pay off one year’s Christmas expenditure, before beginning on the next.

In 2006, the average Christmas spend rose by a whopping 22% according to a survey by Deloitte – that’s an increase of £2.2 billion since the previous year, and a rise to almost £17 billion. Of course, in today’s economic climate we may see a fall for the first time in twenty years; the same Deloitte survey this year predicts a fall of around 7%. But how did we get there in the first place?

“Too often, today’s manner of living means that Christmas suffers from a materialistic mentality” warned Pope Benedict XVI last Christmas, as the shopping season reached its peak and families prepared for the festive break. Lamenting that children and

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teenagers were being deceived by “false models of happiness” pushed by adults who lead them down “the dead-end streets of consumerism”, he called for an end to the senseless Christ-less Christmas.

As children grow used to writing lists of desired gifts for Father Christmas, receiving countless presents every year without fail and putting little thought into the true meaning Christmas, is it any wonder they grow up to be the same consumerist adults influencing the next generation?

Soon enough, a Christmas crammed with rich food (half of which lies wasted after a heavy session of over-indulgence), a pile of meaningless and over-priced toys (half of which lie wasted after the battery dies) and a dustbin full of greetings cards and wrapping paper (half of which lies wasted as you forgot to recycle it) was a common scene across Britain come Christmas afternoon – and has been for the last fifty years. The result of a generally materialistic lifestyle, the reality is that excess is no longer seen as excess; it’s normal.

MAKE A CHANGE In a society like ours, it’s difficult to change tradition at Christmas time. A holiday filled with nostalgia and merriment, cutting back on time-honoured family customs, extra special gifts or favourite food might sometimes just feel like a transformation into Scrooge rather than self-improvement.

One person who is trying to change the pattern is celebrity cook Nigella Lawson who, in recent months has revealed how she taught her children to value the true meaning of Christmas. A brave move for any parent, she made them give away their

Christmas presents to children at the Great Ormond Street Hospital. “I don’t want to turn Christmas into a thing about shopping,” Nigella reasons, and with an estimated joint fortune of £110 million (with husband Charles Saatchi) she is working hard to ensure that her children, fourteen year old Mimi and twelve year old Bruno, do not become materialistic. “One year, I was incredibly nasty and strict,” she admits, “I made the children choose a present that they wanted to keep and take the rest to Great Ormond Street”.

Reducing the materialism of the festive season needn’t be such an extreme change.

The giving and receiving of gifts doesn’t remove from the true meaning of Christmas, it simply needs to be placed within the right

focus and context. In fact if you think about it, Jesus was the very first Christmas present.

Christians believe that as God gave his son to us out of love, so we are able to exchange gifts (guilt-free!) in celebration of his gift and in love for each other. As the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams is quick to point out, “belief in giving through Santa Claus does not generate a moral code; it does not generate art; it does not generate imagination. Belief in giving through God is a bit bigger than that”.

THE PC BALANCE Of course, by the time we’ve re-aligned ourselves with a more appropriate attitude towards the commercialism of Christmas, it may be that Christmas has disappeared from

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lifestyle

(Christmas) gives us a moment of stillness in a more and more feverish environment

the UK altogether. The new reign of political correctness is working hard to convert Christmas trees to Holiday trees, roast turkey to halal chicken, nativity plays to winter shows and generally banning all decorations and mention of the C-word in the workplace.

“Christmas is in danger of being turned into a secular winter festival,” states Dr Rowan Williams, “all through political correctness and consumerism”.

Britons are being increasingly angered by newspaper reports that carols are being censored to remove religious references, tinsel outlawed as offensive to people of other faiths and the Christmas office party cancelled in the name of work-place equality. In 2004 John Midgley co-founded the Campaign Against Political Correctness against what he regards as “a pervasive evil” in modern life and British traditions. “We have talked to the Muslim Council of Britain and other religious groups and they have no problem with people celebrating Christmas,” he argues.

“The middle-aged middle-class are trying to airbrush our traditions out of this country but they are merely alienating the very people they claim they are trying to help.”

At the other end of the spectrum, it seems that at least a little sensitivity is always advisable in matters of a religious nature.

In Poland last year political correctness was nowhere to be seen when an advert for Red Bull showed a fourth Wise Man presenting the infant Jesus with a can of the famous energy drink. The Holy Family are seen to be visited in their Bethlehem stable by four Wise Men; the fourth is carrying a box of cans and proceeds say “Mary, Red Bull is an energy drink which gives you wings. How else could the heavenly host keep it up?” Needless to say that the Polish state radio and TV council received numerous complaints by viewers whilst the Catholic Church demanded its immediate withdrawal. “Such exploitation of Christmas traditions is scandalous” said Bishop Tadeusz Pieronek, a professor of church law in Poland.

Christmas 2008 Bishop of Manchester the Rt Rev Nigel McCulloch points out that rising figures of attendance each year show “the busy season hasn’t crowded out the hunger for the Christmas message”. His meaning is clear – taking an hour from your frenzied festive celebrations allows a moment of reflection, a quiet time that many have craved for a long time without realising it.

“And Christmas gives us just this” echoes Dr Rowan Williams, “it gives us a story to listen to. And it gives us a moment of stillness in a more and more feverish environment.”

“It gives us a story. If you go to a carol service, you’ll notice that it isn’t just about the story of Jesus’ birth. It starts right back at the beginning of human history and tells us that everything started well and then everything went wrong, and we got so tangled in habits and attitudes that trapped us and damaged us that we couldn’t get out again. So the question stares us in the face...

‘Is this your story?’ Did you start well and then find yourself snarled up in things that drain your life and energy?”

It is true that we desperately need a break from the relentless hold of our workaholic and consumer-driven lifestyles; not only at Christmas time, but all the time. With current issues regarding the credit-crunch and political correctness reaching a head,

this could be the perfect opportunity to create new traditions – ones that preserve the customs of an ‘English Christmas’ but with a new focus of multi-cultural tolerance, Christian giving and charity.

Whilst the credit-crunch plays havoc with our economy, is it actually having a positive effect on our spiritual well being, as we stop to re-evaluate both our bank balance and the meaning of Christmas? n

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23/9/08 14:16:43

THE MOST

WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR

Stephanie Baxter finds a combination of the weird and the wonderful in Christmas celebrations around the globe

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love Christmas. In fact, the more traditional the affair, the better. Give me carol singing, tinsel, Midnight Mass, Brussels sprouts, Christmas crackers, the Queen’s speech and fairy lights, and I’m very happy indeed. As happy as a very happy person in Disneyland, to be precise. I love it all.

Well, almost all of it. There are some aspects to Christmas which I’m sure we’d all feel better without. The inevitable Christmas Day family arguments which usually arise out of some dispute about whether the word ‘dongle’ or some other such obscurity is allowed in Scrabble.

(A dongle is a computer device used to allow the running of protected software, by the way.) Or the unnecessarily long queues in every shop and hoards of people who seem to turn extremely nasty whilst doing their Christmas shopping. Perhaps with the dreaded credit crunch casting a black cloud over the commercial aspects to the season we might be able to get back to basics this Christmas. To get into the seasonal spirit, therefore, we might do well to look to some of the traditions and events our international neighbours enjoy each year, if only for some comic relief.

Over the festive period, Mexicans enjoy a piñata party on eight consecutive nights, where an animal or star-shaped figure made from papier-maché is filled with candy and gifts, hung from the ceiling and spun around whilst someone is blindfolded and given a stick with which to hit the piñata in an attempt to break it,

thus releasing the goodies. This might sound all very jovial and light-hearted, but the Mexican people actually take this ritual extremely seriously, to the extent that there is an annual piñata fair held near Mexico City, where workshops in piñata-making are offered. It’s a serious business, this papier-maché. What better way to relieve your frustration after a row with family members or a turkey-basting catastrophe than to beat something with a stick. Sign me up for the workshop.

If the mother-in-law is something that you dread each year, then look no further than Yugoslavia for a quick-fix solution. On the second Sunday before Christmas, children tie their mother’s feet to a chair and shout with what I can only assume to be pure glee on their darling little faces, “Mother’s Day, Mother’s Day! What will you pay to get away?”, which then prompts a bout of giftgiving from their poor, ransomed mother. The following Sunday they do the same to their father under the pretence of Father’s Day, and again refuse to let him go until he gives them presents.

If playing this same trick on your mother-in-law is met with some objection, you can always claim you’re trying to be more multicultural.

For the pesky big brother who still blames his oh-so-hilarious wind-breaking antics on you or the uncle who thinks it’s amusing to laugh at the new haircut that never was quite what you intended, make a grand gesture in front of all the family with

a Christmas gift they’ll never forget. In Greenland, kiviak is a gastronomic Christmas dish held in high esteem by the locals. The raw flesh of an auk (penguin-like bird) is left to decompose for several months having been buried under a stone in sealskin. To the British mind, this sounds pretty horrendous, but it is actually considered to be a delicacy among the people of Greenland, a point upon which you can play if the recipient of your thoughtful gift starts to complain.Your words of “What do you mean you don’t like my homemade Greenlandic present that took me months to make?” will be met with looks of severe disapproval, the shaking of heads and general tutting towards said brother or uncle. How ungrateful of them.

All year round, Finland provides humour to the world through its array of bizarre events which include wife-carrying and mobile phone-throwing competitions. It may come

as a bit of a shock, then, to hear that the Finnish nation seem to decide to take some time out from their usual wacky activities around Christmas time. In fact, they might just come top in the sensible stakes of the season. On Christmas Eve it is usual to visit the famous steam baths for a relaxing soak; surely the perfect antidote to the stresses that threaten the big day itself. Maybe you should take a leaf out of their book. If you feel it all becoming a bit too much for you, pack yourself off to some swanky spa and leave the chaos to be sorted out by your nearest and dearest.

You’ll feel a lot better for it. 

Just for a laugh The traditional English Christmas as seen by the rest of the world: After a hard day’s baking and gift-wrapping on Christmas Eve, everyone gathers round the Christmas tree for a dramatic reading of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Stockings are hung over the fireplace, and a pork pie and a can of beer are put out for Father Christmas. (Those are the only things the English eat and drink for the rest of the year, of course.) The Christmas Day lunch consists of turkey and roast potatoes, and Brussels sprouts are the only vegetables. Boxing Day sees young British boys going round the neighbourhood collecting money in clay boxes, which will later be broken open and the contents given to the poor. *Please note: this is 2008, not 1908.

taste of the

ORIENT

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Travelling back in time, Josephine O’Donoghue travels from Singapore, through Malaysia and Thailand, in search of colonial glamour on the Eastern and Oriental Express. In the first of a three part series, she explores the city of Singapore and begins her epic journey on the iconic green and cream train

S

ingapore is much greener than the stereotype would have you believe.

Orchids in vivid colours and giant green palm leaves lined the streets as we sped away from the airport towards the central district; delicately fragranced wreaths of flowers were waiting in our chauffeur driven Mercedes; and carefully manicured gardens flashed by in a blur of lush green trees and vegetation – this was a far cry from the grey and drizzly drive to Gatwick we had sat through less than 24 hours before.

For a city known primarily for its business and commerce, Singapore is remarkably beautiful.

Crammed with parks and gardens, surrounded by ocean, and homeland of the tropical orchid, it is a city of multiple characteristics and startling contrast.Turn the corner from the high-powered financial district into the bustling markets of Little India and Chinatown, indulge in a serious shopping session on Orchard Road before chilling out in the tranquil Botanic Gardens, or take a trip to the famous zoo and later visit the chic Raffles Hotel for a classic Singapore Sling.

Travelling to Asia with my Mum, on our first holiday together for goodness knows how many years; we wanted a trip of a lifetime. A real break for a very hard-working teacher, I wanted to ensure that she was really pampered this time. Forget a week in Cornwall or the Lake District with a bag full of exercise books for marking, we were leaving work far behind us and indulging in a girly holiday of fine dining, local culture, incredible scenery, (even more incredible massages)

and a lifetime of special memories.

For an unforgettable stay, and one that epitomises the Singaporean reputation for attention to detail, the Mandarin Oriental never disappoints.

Our sumptuous deluxe room harmonised the elements of nature in a décor of leaf shapes and natural materials to create a calming atmosphere and luxurious comfort with breath-taking views of the city.With all the usual trappings of a luxury hotel room (huge bed, even huger flat-screen HD TV, Molton Brown products and sparkling marble bathroom) it was the extra details that made the Mandarin Oriental stand out. A pretty basket contained a traditional tea-pot and tea for our refreshment; a lacquered pot of natural sea salts decorated with fresh orchids sat beside the bath tub; and a fresh bowl of tropical fruits was replenished each day.

The hotel itself ensures perfection in every area – from the dramatic lobby decorated with stylish floral arrangements and stationed by immaculate staff, to the sanctuary of the spa with its calming music and subtle aromas; from the award-winning Cherry Garden Chinese restaurant decorated in a fusion of traditional furniture and modern accessories, to the rooftop swimming pool and dedicated cocktail bar (widely acknowledged as the best pool in Singapore).

After a first night’s glorious sleep, we ventured down the lift to MELT:The World Café, where we were greeted with endless food stations offering up breakfasts from all across the globe.Whether you’re after a full English fry-up, Scottish smoked salmon, a croissant and orange

Hotel Lobby, Mandarin Oriental

juice, spicy Sri-Lankan Potato Curry or Singapore Noodles – every possible breakfast food is prepared beautifully, ready to help you wake up and enjoy the day.

Having managed to leave the hotel (and it was hard leaving such a gorgeous hotel, even for a day!) we set about our short journey to

Little India. An assault to all the senses, Little India is a haven of smells, sights, tastes and sounds; we wandered into a treasure trove of silverware, brassware, wood carvings, colourful silk saris and street-side vendors cooking traditional foods. An area unique to the culture of Indians in

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riding the wheel whilst sipping a cocktail of whisky, peach and lychee syrup, rose apple and grenadine - and you can even keep the cocktail glass as a souvenir!

Singapore, Little India was in the midst of Deepavali celebrations during our visit.The streets were transformed into a sparkling and colourful fairyland of decorations, and the brightly lit streets were a flurry of shoppers.

Taking a break from the city shopping scene (the main hobby of locals and tourists alike) we took a cab to the Singapore Botanic Gardens (www.sbg.org.sg) for a spot of lunch and a gentle stroll.

Spread across 52 hectares of carefully maintained parkland, the gardens house some of the island’s most impressive plant collections.

A gardening enthusiast, this was a particular highlight for my Mum, who spent a good couple of hours in the various zones photographing the most exquisite orchids and tropical plants, and posing by the towering Heritage Tree and water features. An absolute must-see is the National Orchid Garden;

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countless plant species grow here, including a range of extremely rare specimens.With over 20,000 orchid plants on display, the diversity is truly astonishing.

Driving back towards the Mandarin Oriental, it’s hard to miss the giant ferris-wheel in Marina Bay (www.singaporeflyer. com). Standing tall at 165m (the rough equivalent of a 42 storey office block) and with 28 pods big enough to hold 28 passengers each, it’s become Singapore’s most popular tourist attraction. Costing $240million, the Singapore Flyer is an observation wheel modelled on the concept of the London Eye – but on a much larger scale.

On a clear day, a 360-degree view of the city can be seen, and the onboard compass helps passengers spot various landmarks, and even glimpse Malaysia and Indonesia.

Peering down from the heights of the Flyer, we saw the Singapore Formula 1 pit building and race track, partially obscured by the towering buildings, we could still see large portions of the route, and the finish line. A regular adult ticket is priced at $SD 29.50 but for $SD 69 passengers can upgrade to the Singapore Flyer Signature Cocktail Flight, riding the wheel whilst sipping a cocktail of whisky, peach and lychee syrup, rose apple and grenadine – and you can even keep the cocktail glass as a souvenir!

After a busy day of sightseeing, we made sure to stop at the Oriental Club Lounge in the hotel, where we were entitled to a complimentary afternoon tea (alongside a range of Club benefits including late check-out until 8pm, complimentary champagne breakfast and cocktails before

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Axis Bar and Lounge (Night), Mandarin Oriental

dinner) – a feast of delicate sandwiches, tiny tartlets, baked cookies, glazed fruit pastries and miniature scones accompanied our pot of Earl Grey, as we enjoyed a break from our busy timetable. The Oriental Club Lounge is perfect for those travelling on business (or for those such as myself who can’t go too long without an online fix) providing complimentary access to the Internet, exclusive use of the meeting room with teleconferencing facilities for up to two hours per day and complete concierge services.

Although leaving the Mandarin Oriental was a wrench, we checked-out and jumped straight

back into our chauffeur driven car, eager to board the famous Eastern and Oriental Express. Keppel Road Station was our starting point and smart uniformed stewards led us to the gleaming carriages; entering our State Compartment the iconic train snaked out of the station and north through the city. Soon we were headed over the Straits of Johor and into Malaysia... n

For more information on the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, visit www.mandarinoriental.com or telephone (+65) 6885 3030 for reservations

Post Prandial Slings Raffles Hotel is the classic colonial icon of Singapore. Opened in 1887 as a colonial bungalow guest house by the Sarkies brothers, the hotel was named after the founder of Singapore: Sir Stamford Raffles.

Birthplace of the world-famous Singapore Sling (invented by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon between 1910 and 1915), favourite destination of countless A-list celebrities, royalty and VIPs, and renowned for some of the best restaurants in the world, you cannot visit Singapore without stopping off at this famous landmark.

In the mood for seafood, we opted to dine in the open-air Raffles Courtyard. Located in the central courtyard of the hotel, the restaurant enjoys a tropical setting surrounded by giant green palms and native plants and a colonial style structure with white arches. Designed as a nostalgic nod to ‘Old Singapore’, the

Raffles Courtyard Restaurant

colonial cocktail bar, traditional al fresco kitchen, table umbrellas and live music make the courtyard a relaxed place to spend a leisurely evening.

The Honey Sesame Prawn (wok-fried fresh prawns with a honey sesame glaze, served with Pickle Papaya Salad) was a great choice of starter; sweet yet savoury and so deliciously more-ish, we quickly demolished the helping and could probably have eaten another. The traditional Fish Soup (double boiled water with Goby fish and dried scallop, ginger and wolfberries) was served in a bamboo cup – a familiar dish in south-east Asia, the soup was incredibly flavoursome and a light predecessor to our next course. The main event was a platter of Live River Sea Bass, steamed with Nyonya Ginger Flower sauce; not quite knowing what to expect, the sauce was surprisingly hot! Quite a contrast to the delicate light flavour of the sea bass, the combination of spices and textures was wonderful. Complemented by Stir-fried Kai

Lan with minced garlic, and Seafood Fried Rice with egg, prawn, fish, crab meat and dried scallop we had quite a feast before us.

Despite feeling relatively full at this point, we couldn’t resist ordering the Deep Fried Banana Fritter (a well-known favourite of most travellers in Asia!) but this time accompanied with Green Tea Ice-Cream and Red Bean paste – exquisite.

Of course, we couldn’t leave Raffles without a famous ‘post prandial sling’ and promptly ordered two as we sat under the starlit sky amongst the palms in the courtyard. As my Mum sipped her first ever Singapore Sling (nothing else will ever match up to this for her now) we sat back to enjoy the music of the band and savour the decadence of the moment.

Dinner at the Raffles Courtyard Restaurant is priced at $SD 85 per person. For more information on Raffles Hotel, visit www.raffles.com or telephone (+65) 6337 1886

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bustling city centre, with Small Luxury Hotels of the World you won’t be disappointed.

Undoubtedly, one of the greatest attributes of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World brand is its impressive geographic spread. With a presence in over 70 countries, you have more choice than ever, whether you are travelling for business or pleasure; and with an average hotel size of just 55 rooms, you can be confident that the service you receive will be truly personal.

With such an unrivalled selection of hotels, it is not surprising that many people have chosen to become a regular guest of Small Luxury Hotels of the World properties. This has been made even more attractive by the luxury hotel brand’s guest recognition programme, The Club of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, where every stay is personalised and tailored to guests’ individual tastes.

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As a Club member you will be extended special privileges and benefits that will make your stay even more memorable - from complimentary upgrades (subject to availability) to access to a choice of a specially selected collection of exclusive offers. Whether it is a rejuvenating spa treatment in the Maldives, a West End show in London, or wine tasting in New Zealand, you can be assured of a wonderfully luxurious experience as a member of The Club of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. As a Club member you will also have the use of the exclusive Club Concierge, which provides you with access to the world’s leading clubs, restaurants, venues and events. So, if you are looking for the best seats in the house at a Broadway show, a reservation at your favourite table at an exclusive Paris restaurant or tickets to the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, let The Club Concierge take care of all the arrangements - leaving you with more time to enjoy your stay!

To join The Club of Small Luxury Hotels of the World visit www.slh.com/club

Come Kon Tiki

In anticipation of Spring / Summer 2009, now is the best time to bag a sensational spot for a sunning and sleeping combo on the Côte d’Azur, says Alice Tozer

H

olidaying in a hideaway hut has immediate personal appeal and especially so if it’s one of the luxury sort. There’s a natural exoticism to the campingin-hot-climes idyll but, let’s face it, thoughts of peg bashing, having trundled down to Mediterranean coastlines by car (Millets’ tent complete) don’t quite cut it.

That’s why Kon Tiki Village in France’s Provence-Côte d’Azur region is such a welcome compromise. Situated a stone’s throw from the chic port of St Tropez, the self-catering, easy-

going ‘village’ has a touch of Thai about its aesthetic. Kon Tiki plays itself down by referring to its accommodation – Tiki Huttes (yes, ‘huts ‘) – as mobile homes.

Rather, they are commendably smart, wooden chalets sleeping up to six, complete with wellequipped kitchen, sofa quarters, television and a large veranda.

You could almost be on an animal-less French beach safari.

The Kon Tiki meritocracy is such that the huts are priced by row, relative to their distance from the Tiki swimming pool (aka the sea). The front row of

huts is the most exclusive given the unspoilt views afforded of the ocean, less than a hundred metres opposite. However, the burgeoning shrubbery of dry palms just a hop and a skip behind these huts give the so-called Garden Tiki Huttes a particular charm. Positioned in tipi-style circular layout (minus the central campfire), the foliage among them creates considerable privacy whilst not compromising on neighbourly warmth.

These two echelons of hut are the most sought-after and bookings are often made the

preceding December for stays ranging from Easter to October (the months when the village is open for action, though it is open for bookings all year round). The south of France has an idyllic climate of long lingering summers and mild, short winters so April and September are both good bets for some Mediterranean heat without the crowds.

Kon Tiki strikes a comfortable balance between self-contained holiday set-up providing useful amenities (a small supermarket, washing machines and even an onsite doctor) and laissez-faire attitude of freedom to do your own thing. Flintstone-esque electric buggies are driven by staff around the village, contributing to its quaintness

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and efficiency. There is an onsite café, beach bar and restaurant in which to dabble, particularly if you find one of the well-lit sofa zones at the water’s edge; perfect for a sun downer with the late summer sun if, as in my case, you visit in mid-September.

Kon Tiki Spa, a recent addition, allows you to crank the indulgence levels up a touch.

The basic, whitewashed walls and exterior nature of the spa give it an unusal, ancient Roman feel. Visitors can enjoy outdoor workouts on stationary exercise bikes or board a lesser-known brand of the Power Plate machine. Leather massage chairs and two small saunas complete the set-up. For those harbouring a guilty conscience after lunchtime’s battered anchovies, there are ample activities from beach volleyball, to table tennis tables and tennis courts perched on the top of the hill which also doubles as a security-guarded entrance and reception to the downwardly inclining, ocean worshipping village.

The fact that the French are prominent among the many European nationalities who stay at Kon Tiki (a large proportion are also Scandinavian), gives it immediate kudos, especially since the commercialisation of the St Tropez region is a bit of a sore point with some longtime locals. (St Tropez has gone from quaint fishing port to private yacht and helicopterhounded glamour hub in the past fifty years.) French visitors at Kon Tiki take to pétanque in the central courtyard which doubles as an entertainment stage at night. The perfectly innocuous Elvis impersonator who performed one night to surprising enthusiasm from his crowd is the only incongruous

aspect to KonTiki and to be put down merely to the oddity that is the European sense of humour.

You must of course leave the village, not least given the wealth of offerings nestling among the Var department’s magnetic coastline. A trip to St Tropez market is an easy must for picking up high quality fish from the old fish market, wreaths of garlic and continental, characteristically moist tomatoes, say – any such fresh produce fit for pottering around within your Tiki kitchen.

Kon Tiki organises buses to and from St Tropez town centre on market days, and the very friendly reception staff are knowledgeable about the local area and well-equipped with resources. If you have the time to explore even further, a boat from the central port at St Tropez to Nice is a novelty well worth the effort. The relatively small vessel takes roughly two hours, port to port (one way), and will expose you to the aesthetic marvel of Cannes enroute, via a mildly salt-spitting nautical adventure.

There’s something very satisfying about losing some of the frills a hotel can force upon us, when instead it focuses our attention on the raw surrounding beauty of our destination and the base delights of a good bit of wining and dining at one’s own pace. If you do want to notch it up a level, Kon Tiki’s stretch of Pampelonne

beach (which, by the way, is not officially private but feels it) is host to a couple of popular highend bars. St Tropez’s night life is a ten minute cab or public bus ride away.

By day or by night, sitting on the stretch of unspoilt beach and clear open turquoise sea, and casting a glance back at the impeccable, symmetrical lineup of Tiki Huttes bowing their heads to the Med, it’s hard to imagine you’re still in Europe and haven’t been washed up on Bali shores. n

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www.tiki-hutte.com Riviera Village Kon Tiki Plage de Pampelonne Route des plages 83 350 Ramatuelle St Tropez FRANCE (00 33) +4 94 55 96 96 Tiki Huttes are priced between 50 and 355 Euros per night depending on the season and type of hut.

How to get there

BY TRAIN London to St Raphael: Take the Eurostar from London to Paris, then the TGV from Paris to St Raphael (total journey time approx 8.5 hours).

Prices vary but average £90 one way, per person.

St Raphael to Kon Tiki Village: Ramatuelle and St Tropez are notoriously hard to access because they don’t have train stations; however the easy train journey from London to St Raphael is well worth the final effort. A boat or bus can be taken from St Raphael to St Tropez, and then a taxi from St Tropez to Kon Tiki will cost approx 25 Euros. www.raileurope.co.uk

BY PLANE Nice and Toulon are the nearest airports

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The Joys of Jersey For an island measuring just nine miles by five, Jersey has a lot going on. Sarah Gilbert dispels the myths

I

t may be famous for cows, potatoes and Bergerac, but its tranquil air belies an eventful and dramatic history. Elizabeth Castle, Mont Orgueil and the Jersey War Tunnels are just a few of the reminders of its turbulent past.

Jersey also has an incredibly varied landscape – from rocky coves, to long stretches of golden sand and a lush, green interior, all perfect for exploring – and it’s fast becoming a centre for adventure sports, such as sea kayaking, blokarting, rock climbing and coasteering.

But I wasn’t there for history or adventure. I was there to spoil myself; to have an indulgent weekend getaway, with tax-free shopping thrown in. Jersey boasts that it is has more five-star hotels per capita than anywhere else in the UK

and I chose The Club Hotel & Spa as my base; a chic and contemporary boutique hotel right in the heart of the island’s capital, St Helier.

The décor is elegant and grownup – granite bathrooms and power showers, polished wood, leather headboards and sumptuous bedding – striking the right balance for both business and leisure guests.

After a buffet breakfast in the hotel’s NewYork-style café, it was time to hit the shops.The narrow, pedestrianised streets of St Helier make shopping a pleasure. Many of the shops are housed in delightful old buildings, such as De Gruchys department store. All the familiar chain stores are there, as well as lots of smaller independent shops not to mention the jewellery shops like Aurum, renowned for its

bespoke collections.

At the Central Market, a Victorian gem complete with a canopied roof, ornate ironwork and traditional stalls set around an elaborate fountain, I found everything from jewellery to local produce, including Jersey’s worldfamous dairy products.

I left the town laden with clothes, DVDs, perfume and cosmetics, and headed to the La Mare Vineyards at the north of the island.The family-owned estate produces its own wines and liqueurs, as well as delicious handmade chocolates and preserves.

Their speciality, Black Butter, is a traditional Jersey preserve made with apples, sugar, herbs and spices.

Exhausted after my retail therapy, it was time for therapy of a different kind at the hotel’s stateof-the-art Club Spa. After a dip in the turquoise-blue saltwater pool, I opted for the aptly-named Shankara Bliss treatment.

The ultimate Ayurvedic

body treatment includes gentle exfoliation, an aromatic herbal body mask, luxurious oils, and a heavenly face and scalp massage. Between the soft lighting, ambient music and Paulina’s soothing hands, I almost floated away.

Jersey has a world-class culinary scene and that evening I only had to walk downstairs to arrive at one of the island’s best restaurants, the fabulous Michelin-starred Bohemia.

The restaurant has a buzzy, informal feel and is packed with both locals and out-of-towners.

The service is sublime and the chef, Shaun Rankin, never fails to deliver inventive dishes that allow the flavours of the fresh, local ingredients to shine through.

After a champagne cocktail in the bar, I feasted on a salad of Jersey Chancre Crab, with Tomato and Avocado Ravioli and a Crab ‘Beignet’; followed by a succulent Fillet of Angus Beef served with woodland mushrooms and Perigord sauce. And just when I thought it

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KEY FACTS Getting there Flybe fly to Jersey from Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Exeter, London Gatwick, Manchester, Norwich and Southampton. Fares start at £19.99 one-way including taxes and charges. Visit www.flybe.com or call 0871 822 6100

Jersey shore

The Club Hotel & Spa Green Street, St Helier Jersey, JE2 4UH Tel: 01534 876500 www.theclubjersey.com Double rooms start from £99 The spa The Shankara Bliss treatment at The Club Spa costs £135 Allow 1 hour 50 minutes www.theclubjersey.com/spa.cfm

Longueville Manor

couldn’t get any better, the divine selection of mini desserts arrived.

It would be unthinkable to leave Jersey without a visit to the coast and the following morning I worked off some of the previous night’s excesses with a stroll along St Brelade’s Bay, stopping off at the diminutive Fisherman’s Chapel to admire its exquisite fourteenthcentury murals.

On my way back to St Helier, I even managed to squeeze in some more shopping.The Harbour Gallery in St Aubin’s has three floors full of original and accomplished arts and crafts.

My last stop was Longueville Manor. Set in acres of beautiful landscaped gardens just outside St Helier, its sixteenth-century oak-panelled dining room is perfect for a long, leisurely Sunday lunch. Fresh-caught seafood and home-grown produce take pride of place on the menu and I took my time over Hand-dived Scallops, and Roast Line-caught Seabass

Bohemia Bar & Restaurant Tel: 01534 880588 www.bohemiajersey.com A la carte menu: 3 courses start at £49 Bohemian Lounge

Longueville Manor Tel: 01534 725501 www.longuevillemanor.com A la carte and set priced lunch menu available – 2 courses £15.50 and 3 courses £20 For information on Jersey, visit www.jersey.com or call 01534 448800

with Poached Royal Bay Oysters; rounding off the meal with a selection from the inspired cheese board and a glass of fine port.

As I left the island, my luggage wasn’t the only thing that weighed an extra few kilos. But Jersey’s only a short hop from the City, so I can always go back for an activity holiday! n The Club Hotel & Spa

© Hong Kong tourist board

BUSINESS TRAVELLER: hong kong

Star Ferry

Cat Hughes discovers the financial heart of the Far East

Where to Dine?

Hutong

Hong Kong is a city where ancient traditions and the modern world live side by side.

A place where wars were fought over opium, now long after the opium dens have vanished Hong Kong has become Asia’s financial centre and the west’s gateway to the Far East. This is a classic, Mandarin Oriental hotel

but exotic destination for the discerning business traveller.

Where to stay?

Mandarin Oriental

Overlooking the glittering Victoria harbour, the Mandarin Oriental has been at the centre of society and business since the

1960s. This recently refurbished hotel offers, stylish luxurious rooms complete with touch screen phone, wireless internet and an IT butler. You can relax in The Mandarin Oriental’s new spa and enjoy a massage, the Chinese herbal steam room and a Kneipp pool. www.mandarinoriental.com/hongkong 00852 2820 4202

The Four Seasons

The Four Seasons is located in the International Financial Centre, which is the heart of the Hong Kong’s financial district.

A popular hotel with business people, the Four Seasons is one of the city’s most luxurious hotels. Rooms offer wall to wall windows with stunning views over Victoria harbour, deep baths and wireless internet.

The hotel’s pools are an oasis of calm; you can relax in the infinity pool or enjoy the view from the whirlpool. Swimmers can also listen to music via the underwater speakers. www.fourseasons.com 00852 3196 8888

A traditional restaurant which invokes the opulence of old imperial China, Hutong located on the 28th floor of One Peking in Tsim Sha Tsui, has fabulous views over the city. Chef Calvin Young creates traditional Northern Chinese food, with a modern twist – there is no MSG in sight, only subtle and spicy flavours. Amongst his tempting dishes are Braised Prime Beef with Chinese spices wrapped in lotus leaves, Crispy de-boned Lamb and if you’re feeling experimental, Shark Lips marinated with ginger and garlic. www.aqua.com.hk 00825 3428 8342

Spoon by Alain Ducasse

Located in the Intercontinental Hotel in Kowloon, Spoon is a unique concept restaurant.

Ducasse gives guests the freedom to mix and match food and cooking styles.You can customise your main course with different sauces and accompaniments. He also combines western and Asian

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Spas ESPA, The Peninsula

Billed as haven on earth, the ESPA at The Peninsula is a sanctuary in the middle of chaos.

The spa combines European and oriental techniques delivered by top class therapists. One treatment you should try is the holistic massage. It begins with a fresh ginger foot buff to give you spiritual grounding, followed by warm oils with hot volcanic lava stones on your chakra points to clear blocked energy and to end, a four handed massage.

The Peninsula www.peninsula.com 00852 2920 2888

Four Seasons pool

food, so there is something for everyone. The restaurant’s décor is another talking point; highlights include eelupholstered seats, mink cushions and 550 hand blown Venetian glass spoons.

Intercontinental Hotel www.hongkong-ic.intercontinental.com 00852 2721 1211

Peninsula Hotel Spa

Seal the Deal The Best Tea House

If you want a traditional way to seal the deal, a tea house is the place to go. Tea drinking has been ingrained into the Chinese culture for centuries and The Best Tea House is the forerunner in keeping Chinese

Spoon

tea ceremonies alive. With a range of teas on offer from green to scented, this tea house will provide a different experience and it’s healthy too. www.besttea.com.hk

What to do?

Day Trip

10,000 Buddhas Monastery Perched on Po Fook Hill, the monastery has some 12,000 Buddha lining the wall of the main temple. Dozens of gold life-size statues of Buddha’s followers flank the 400 or so steps to the monastery. There are several temples to see, laid out over two levels and a nine storey pagoda that can be climbed – that’s if you’re fit enough to take on even more steps.

Where to shop If you’re looking for luxury and designer stores, the Pacific Place in the Admiralty is where you need to go. It has over 130 plus outlets including the famous Lane Crawford and Seibu department store. If you’re on the hunt for antiques and more traditional stores head down to Cat Street Bazaar. This place is full of old style stalls and shops selling a myriad of goods from old coins to stone carvings.

Travel Accessory When you’re travelling you can miss your loved ones the most.

You may not be able to take them with you, but you can at least take their photographs.

Made from Amazon mock croc calf leather this Aspinal photo envelope is perfect for keeping your special pictures of loved ones. The interior is lined in Aspinal’s signature contrasting stone suede and the separate Swiss made zipped pocket is lined with silk.

From £59.00 www.aspinaloflondon.com

the hottest card to hit london this winter ‘Discounts at hundreds of shops, bars, restaurants and services, ‘Slap’ on the counter goes my card; ‘‘Ching ching’’ goes the discount’ THE SUNDAY TIMES, STYLE

‘So much free champagne you could bathe in the stuff’ CARTIER INTERNATIONAL

‘Discounts at big-name fashion stores… free drink every day of the year… access to the best parties and events in town’ THE MAIL ON SUNDAY

Vicinitee_VIP_DPS_Dec08_revC.indd 1

london’s most powerful network Vicinitee VIP members gain access to an exciting world of

pocket guide containing comprehensive listing on exclusive

exclusive concessions and privileges. They think big, they work

Vicinitee VIP venues and services where preferential rates apply.

hard and they want to shop, dine, go out, work out and party

Our association with The Renaissance Club, means Vicinitee

with the absolute minimum of hassle. In short, they are living

VIP members enjoy access to hundreds of exclusive deals,

life to the full and don't want anything to get in their way.

As a club, we retain the right to be exclusive and we make no apologies for that. We provide the perfect opportunities to relax and spend time with other like-minded people and our events provide the ideal platform for this with regular invitations to exclusive parties and events - ranging from the simple & elegant, to the wild & extreme. Our parties are by invitation only and take place in stylish London locations or at famous sporting and social events, with the added benefit that our members may bring their guests to most events.

Vicinitee VIP members are kept up-to-date on Club activities with regular emails, which inform them of up and coming events,

brokered with London’s leading bars, restaurants, retailers, nightclubs and essential services - enhancing your lifestyle whilst saving you time & money. We only form partnerships with companies that members have requested, or that we would use ourselves. Now the legwork has been done – all you have to do is go out and enjoy the affiliations and the privileges arranged on your behalf.

The beauty of Vicinitee VIP membership lies in its flexibility no matter what you are looking for; a health club, a bar, a restaurant, a taxi, film premieres, a tanning studio - they are all available to you, at exclusive rates, using your VIP membership card.

member deals and services. On joining, we also provide a handy

Take your first step to membership, visit www.viciniteevip.com and benefit from our special launch promotion.

london’s most powerful network

25/11/2008 16:58:01

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motoring

THE BEGINNING OF

INFINITI Matthew Carter asks who, right now, needs a powerful sports coupé with a thirsty V6 under the bonnet? If it’s the new Infiniti G37, every BMW 3-Series Coupé driver for a start

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f timing is the essence of a good joke, there’s a bunch of motor industry executives who’d better steer well clear of the stand-up circuit.

As the world slips into economic meltdown and the environmentalists step up their attack on ‘gas-guzzling 4x4s’, now is probably not the best time to launch a new luxury brand with a 5.0-litre V8 off-roader as your flagship.

Infinity CEO Jim Wright shrugs his shoulders and says: “We started out on this trail three years ago and no-one back then forecast this.” But then, brightening, he adds: “Anyway, who’s to say what market conditions will be like in two years time.”

Infiniti, the new brand in question, has actually been around for 20 years, but until now has been available mainly in the USA. In simplistic terms, Infiniti is Nissan’s answer to Toyota’s Lexus, a luxury top end marque

offering rather more than the respective mainstream brands can offer.

Now Infiniti has finally reached Europe, and it’s done so with a range of five models so totally out of step with market conditions that you’ve got to laugh: maybe they are comedians after all.

There are three 4x4s on offer – the top-of-the-range V8-powered FX50S, the smaller-engined FX37 and their baby brother, the EX37 – plus a four-door saloon, the G37 Sedan, and its svelte two-door equivalent, the G37 Coupé. Smaller-engined is a relative term here: as the ‘37’ in their name implies, power comes from a 3.7-litre V6 petrol engine that develops 320hp.

But to dismiss Infiniti as out of step would be to miss out on a seriously impressive range of cars.Yes, money might be tight right now, but as the boss suggests, in a couple of years time we might well be wondering what

motoring

all the fuss was about. And if not, Infiniti will have a range of diesel engines in the 4x4s by then, anyway.

Impressive though both the EX and FX ranges are, it’s the G37 that is likely to worry the German establishment most. Not in terms of numbers perhaps – Infiniti believes exclusivity is key to its future success – but in what the car can do.

Aimed at the BMW 330 saloon and coupé, the G37 offers more of everything for less money. Take the G37 GT Coupé, for example. When it arrives in the UK in the middle of next year, around £31,000 will get you a seriously good-looking car that’s clearly a stylish coupé rather than a two-door saloon. While space in the rear is limited – the sloping roofline sees to that – it’s much more than a 2+2 and the boot is huge.

It excels in two important areas: interior quality and on the road. Like Lexus, Infiniti has built its reputation on luxury by mixing top materials with exemplary quality and understated style. The G37 Coupé lives up to that billing, with a pleasing mix of leather, aluminium trim and high-grade fixtures and

Infiniti has built its reputation on luxury by mixing top materials with exemplary quality and understated style

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fittings.

Unlike Lexus, however, Infiniti has also nailed its flag to the performance car mast.

While a Lexus is built for the sybarite who demands absolute comfort above all else, the Infiniti combines comfort with the sort of driving dynamics that would make a BMW driver sit up and take notice.

The G37, after all, is powered by a more potent version of the engine that allows the feisty Nissan 350Z to punch above its weight. In the Infiniti (and the soon to arrive 370Z), the smooth V6 has a seriously impressive howl as the rev counter nears the engine’s impressively high 7400rpm red line. Top speed is limited to 155mph and a 0-60mph time takes less than 5.9 seconds.

And that’s from the auto, a deliciously silky seven-speeder.

If you want more, head for the G37S, which has a six-speed manual gearbox and some serious chassis tweaks that turn it from grand tourer to full on performance car.

Both versions have a beautifully balanced rear-wheel drive chassis, but the S adds active rear wheel steering, stiffer springs and dampers and a limited slip differential to ensure all the power that’s fed to those large back wheels make it to the Tarmac rather than being spun away in a cloud of tyre smoke.

From a performance point of view, the GT and S are remarkably similar – the manual will get you to 60mph 0.1 sec quicker and,

Infiniti combines comfort with the sort of driving dynamics that would make a BMW driver sit up and take notice

frankly, who cares? – but the S is the more focused of the two. The rear wheel steering helps manoeuvrability at low speeds and adds stability at higher speeds, while the stiffer springing sharpens the handling to the point where, if you didn’t know any better, you’d swear this was a German car.

The controls are weighty – the shortshift manual box, in particular, demands a positive hand – but the brakes are reassuring and the ride, though firmer than in the GT, is always compliant.

So far, so good. The Infiniti can look the BMW in eye and give as good as it gets. But then it’s time to compare equipment levels, and that’s when the Infiniti starts streaking off into the distance.

It’s not just that the Japanese car is comprehensively equipped, it’s more that it has equipment – as standard – that you just can’t get anywhere else. Like self-healing

paint, for example: light scratches simply disappear in the heat of the sun.

As well as the usual electric-everything stuff, it has a rear view parking camera so you see what’s behind rather than rely on an over sensitive bleeper. It has an Intelligent Key, which means the car can be driven even if the ignition key stays in a pocket.

It also has adaptive lights, 14-way power

driver’s seat and Bluetooth connectivity for the phone. And while sat nav plus voice recognition is extra (as it is in the BMW) the optional multimedia pack includes a purpose designed BOSE sound system.

Well-equipped and comfortable, with top levels of performance and handling and with genuine exclusivity on its side… who’s laughing now? n

motoring

39

EVERYONE’S

A WINNER

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es, I know that Lewis Hamilton won the F1 World Championship, stealing it from Felipe Massa at the last corner, but that hasn’t stopped Ferrari producing a limited edition special to celebrate the title. Well, its title…

Thanks to the efforts of Massa and teammate Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari took the F1 Constructor’s Championship ahead of McLaren, making it the 16th time the Prancing Horse has won the trophy since it began in 1958. Fittingly, then, the celebratory F430 Spider has been given the name Scuderia Spider 16M. At first glance, it’s a typical special edition: fancy paint job, special plaque on the rear grille plus a silver ‘limited series’ plaque on the dashboard. Oh, and a customised Ferrari iPod Touch with 16GB of memory,

though why anyone would want to listen to that when there’s a V8 singing away just behind your ears is another question.

But there is a little more to this Ferrari. For starters, power has been increased from 490hp to 510hp and, in common with the Scuderia version of the F430 Coupé, it has Ferrari’s paddleshift F1 gearbox.

More significant is the crash diet it’s been on, as it’s lost some 80kgs over the standard Spider.

As a result, top speed goes up to 195mph and its takes just 3.7 seconds to sprint to 62mph from rest. It is, says the company, the fastest open-top road Ferrari yet around its own Fiorano circuit.

No official word on price, but it will be north of £181,500.

And there’ll only be 499 examples made for worldwide consumption. Wonder what they would have done if Massa had taken the driver’s title, too. n

EXCEL

YOURSELF

High fliers fly higher; Josephine O’Donoghue checks in with the world’s first Global Formation Aerobatic Airline

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ast week, I went flying with the world’s only Aerobatic Airline. Behind me sat my pilot and about ten feet to my right and left sat the three other passengers, with three other pilots... in three other aircraft! Then, as if this wasn’t completely mind-boggling already, my 8-seat, 4-engine, 8-winged ‘airliner’ proceeded to loop and roll with sheer precision before splitting into pairs to simulate 2v2 aerial combat.

Just a few hundred feet away in the first class departure lounge (where 20 minutes previously I had been treated to a gourmet buffet lunch) my

contorted but exhilarated face was displayed on the widescreen for all my friends on the ground to enjoy, transmitted via one of the plane’s six on board digital video cameras and live data link.

I am certainly not what you might describe as an adrenaline junkie, but as my pilot, former Red Arrow Dave Slow explained before we took off, the mission on a flight such as this is to “explore your perceived limits, without pushing you beyond your real ones”. In other words, each flight is individually tailored make it as exciting as possible without making you feel unwell.

After 20 minutes of loops, rolls and stall turns above the clouds, Dave seemed to instinctively know that my limits had been suitably explored; he returned me gently to terra firma whilst my enjoyment curve was still bending in a positive direction!

Back at the passenger terminal, we were assisted out of the 5-point harness and

parachute by the attentive air hostesses, escorted back to the balcony and lounge for a champagne reception and rewarded with our very own private air display by the world class Blades Formation Aerobatic Team. Two words: bloody brilliant.

Since their first display engagement at the Beckhams’

lifestyle

pre-world cup party in 2006, The Blades have displayed to more than 5 million people all over the world, including high profile events such as the Queen’s 80th birthday at Balmoral, the launch of the Bahrain Financial Harbour and the Cannes International Advertising Festival. However the four specially built Extra 300 aircraft are more than just highly advanced super powered carbon fibre flying machines.

They are the headliners and central asset of 2Excel Aviation Limited, a communications company founded by Ex-Royal Air Force Wing Commanders Chris Norton and Andy Offer.

This is what really sets The Blades apart from any other aerobatic team; not only are they the world’s first aerobatic airline and the only full time civilian

display team in the country, they are a “business communications tool” capitalising on the prestige of their military heritage united with the unique mass appeal and impact of air shows.

After many years of planning, Chris and Andy stood The Blades up on 1st April 2006 proudly sharing their birthday with the anniversary of the foundation of the Royal Air Force and the overarching company 2 Excel Aviation Ltd sprung into operation shortly afterwards. It seems that Chris and Andy aspired to create a global sensation with this unique business and with two OBEs between them and over 40 years of military experience commanding some of the finest squadrons in the world, Chris and Andy should be well equipped to deliver on this

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lifestyle

43

www.2excelaviation.com

ambition.

On the day that I visited The Blades, they were also hosting a number of associates from the business world on a ‘team building’ day and a group of highly trained ex-RAF pilots who were having a tailored flying competition comprising mission planning exercises, simulator competitions and some real time air-to-air combat. Most recently, 2Excel was asked to provide a staff retention event for over 40 people from a large company; with the opportunity for every employee to hover a helicopter, fight a Top Gun competition, and of course fly with The Blades; the value to team morale and motivation must have been immeasurable.

As a business tool, 2Excel Aviation Ltd has endless solutions for the modern company; ranging from team-building to staffretention events, corporate hospitality to conferences, and leadership training to product launches, they can deliver. The exceptional qualifications of the staff and the impressive network of uniquely qualified

partners, provide the opportunity to help businesses achieve lasting solutions to their issues and challenges in a new environment. Clients are involved in every part of the events, including the flying, learning and developing a myriad of new skills and techniques in the process.

The solutions that staff and participants find together are relevant to all, applicable and quite unforgettable, thus creating a corporate experience far longer-lasting than that of an outdoor activities or sports day. Each of the bespoke events at 2Excel Aviation is designed to fit the individual needs of the client; an incredibly flexible (if not slightly unusual) tool in the business world, the Blades pride themselves on ensuring that their clients can use their new found skills to achieve their own objectives in a more lasting way. 

2Excel Aviation: The Facts • Events with 2Excel can cater for 5 to 1,000 guests • Conferencing facilities are available for everything from product launches to corporate hospitality

• Clients can take advantage of the unique heritage of the 2Excel Team for effective management and leadership development training with a difference

• Guests can fly in 6 different aircraft types available from 2Excel Aviation

• The team has flown 800+ passengers to date • The Blades have displayed live in front of 5 million+ people to date • Guests are looked after by highly experienced First Class BA and Virgin Hostesses

• Every pilot in the display team is an Ex- RAF Red Arrows display pilot •...And most importantly, every guest and client has loved the

For more information on The Blades and 2Excel Aviation Ltd, call 01604 671 309 or visit

experience without exception (even a client who in her 70 years had never flown in her life!)

ONLINE JAMIE CARTER PRESENTS THIS MONTH’S TECHNOLOGICAL HIGHLIGHTS

LIGHTEN THE LOAD The laptop just got replaced. Still with a 80GB hard drive and allencompassing connectivity, LG’s new X110 Netbook weighs just 1.19kg.

That might be its key attraction, but a 10-inch LCD screen and fullsize keyboard don’t hurt, either. Nor does its embedded 3G HSDPA connectivity for accessing the internet, as well as both wireless and wired options.

LG X110 Netbook £POA www.lge.com

PILLOW TALK

Falling asleep to music just got personal. The Sound Asleep pillow, just £20, is fitted with a tiny speaker and can be connected to any MP3 player, radio or even a TV. With your head on the polyester pillow and the sound turned down, it’s even possible to listen while your partner is sleeping. And while the sound quality is rudimentary, it’s far comfier than headphones – and ideal for late night radio.

Sound Asleep pillow, £20 www.soundasleeppillow.com

REFERENCE POINT German brand Loewe doesn’t make many TVs, but when it does, it does things in style. Take its modestly named new Reference screen. This 52-inch LCD TV has a built-in 500GB hard drive for making recordings and it can also wirelessly fetch music, photos and video direct from your PC or Mac. Matching speakers and a Blu-ray media centre will also be included when the system launches next summer.

Loewe Reference 52 Full HD+ 100, £18,000 www.loewe-uk.com

PLACE IN THE SUN

It may be marketed as a planet-saving device, but the best reason to buy Roberts’ new solarDAB is its total lack of cables.

By using its solar panels, its built-in rechargeable batteries can store up to 27 hours worth of radio time, so it works in the dark. Available in white, black, red, green and pink.

Roberts solarDAB digital radio, £80 www.robertsradio.co.uk

DIGITAL DIVIDE Despite the rise and rise of digital music, who doesn’t yearn for a CD player and reference quality sound at home? Complete with gold-plated terminals and a high-precision CD drive, Yamaha’s CDS700 concentrates on bringing the best sound possible from your discs, but it’s fully compatible for the digital age, too – put a memory stick in its front and it can also play MP3 files.

Yamaha CDS700 CD player, £300 www.yamaha-uk.com

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WHOLE HOUSE HI-FI Creative has come up with a solution that transforms a laptop into an audio system for your house. It bypasses a laptop’s basic sound by broadcasting everything on your laptop – MP3 music, iTunes, games and even audio from movies – to a wireless receiver connected to any speakers in your house. There are no cables needed and different zones can be created around a home.

LOUD AND PROUD If you want the very best sound quality, don’t cut corners on loudspeakers. And if you want the very best, Acoustic Energy’s Reference Series is a good place to start. The British audio expert has just released a Special Edition in the form of the AE1 Mk III SE. Based on a design that’s stood the test of time over two decades, the AE1 Mk III SE comes in hand-finished Piano Black or Pearl White and Cherry real wood veneer. But be quick – only 250 pairs are being made.

Acoustic Energy AE1 Mk III SE, from £2,500 www.acoustic-energy.co.uk

Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Notebook Sound Card and Receiver, £59.99 www.creative.com

FIFTH ELEMENT Samsung has been making budget Blu-ray players for some time, and its fifth attempt is the most advanced yet. The BD-P2500’s processor can extract even more fine detail from high definition discs as well as upscaling DVDs. Connect it to your broadband box and you can also indulge in each Blu-ray discs’ online extra – such as downloading trailers, watching special featurettes or contributing to online forums.

Samsung BD-P2500 Blu-ray player, £300 www.samsung.co.uk

HANDS FREE

Designed for listening to music and making calls on the go, Jaybird’s JB-200 wireless headphones use Bluetooth connectivity.

Ideal for mobiles and laptops, a small adaptor means the JB-200 phones can also be used with an iPod or almost any other MP3 or audio gadget. Comes with carrying pouch, three spare ear buds and a charging dock.

Jaybird JB-200 wireless headphones, £79 www.advancedmp3players.co.uk

HUNTER GATHERER

You’ve probably been talking back at a sat nav for years, but Zoombak has just pushed the GPS idea far beyond driving. The size of a matchbox, the Zoombak Personal GPS Locator can be strapped to pets, cars, bikes and whatever else you don’t want to lose. You then track the progress of the Locator on a map via a website.

Zoombak Personal GPS Locator £99.99, plus £9.99 monthly fee www.zoombak.co.uk

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A CLOCK WITHIN

A CLOCK Sarah Collinson takes a look at the ultimate status symbol for the modern man; what does yours say about you?

Urwerk 202

watches

A

re you the elegant owner of a classic and timeless model, or you have chosen an edgier route with a modern designer piece? Is it chunky and heavy, or slim and lightweight?

Does it boldly state its purpose with a wide face and simple band, or is it subtly disguised as an ostentatious piece of jewellery that wouldn’t look amiss at an evening party?

Whatever type you choose, it is undeniable that the watch you wear is a personal statement of your character and style; certainly more so than any other accessory. Choosing it should therefore be a big decision – it should go with everything, it should be a projection of your personality and, most importantly, you need to love it.

It is an investment and, as such, needs to be chosen with due consideration, care and attention.

Unlike other accessories that we invest in, a watch actually has to work. It is pointless having the latest Swiss designer model (probably costing you as much as a small car) if you are constantly late to meetings and miss the executive class check-in.

Modern mechanisms thankfully mean that this isn’t a common problem (unless you buy your ‘Rolex’ from a slightly dodgy character out of the boot of a car). However, there is one secret of watch design that has been ensuring accuracy for centuries and is still recognised as one of the most valuable features of luxury timepieces – the Tourbillon.

Meaning ‘whirlwind’ the Tourbillon mechanism was invented in 1795 by French watchmaker Abraham-Louis Breguet as part of his quest for perfect accuracy. Due to the effects of gravity, a standard watch could potentially gain or lose two seconds a day, meaning at the end of the year it could be fast or slow by up to twelve minutes thirty seconds. Breguet’s ingenious mechanism counteracted these negative effects on timekeeping by mounting the escapement and balance wheel in a rotating cage that would revolve around itself – essentially a ‘clock within a clock’. Although extremely technical in concept, the introduction of a Tourbillon meant creating the most accurate watches in the world.

The Tourbillon soon became synonymous with expert watch making and was at the absolute forefront of style and design. The complex handmade mechanisms made the

Girard Perregaux Jackpot

Breguet Double Tourbillon

Breguet models far more expensive that the average eighteenth century pocket-watch and they soon became the fashion statement of the French aristocracy. Queen Marie Antoinette is said to have been fascinated by the whole concept of the Tourbillon, King Louis XVI bought several of Breguet’s designs and Napoleon was one of his most loyal customers, relying on the accuracy of the watches for his military campaigns.

Interestingly, it is rumoured that Napoleon invented the half-hunter pocket-watch in the heat of battle when, wanting to see the time immediately, he cut a hole in the front cover of his Breguet. The design made the jump to wristwatches in 1930, retaining its reputation among the European elite as the epitome of design and technical perfection.

Although experts of modern watch design have almost rendered the practical need for the Tourbillon obsolete, it is still one of the most valued features of premium watches and collectors’ models. They are fascinatingly complicated and visually enticing, the ‘clock

47

inside the clock’ seeming to almost dance inside the normal face, and crafting the miniature handmade mechanisms is still viewed as a skill demonstration by the most expert designers. The select few wearers of a Tourbillon in modern society project a sophisticated style, but are also part of this expert heritage that has dominated watch design for over 200 years.

For those seeking to fully represent Breguet’s heritage, the classic Breguet Tourbillon is still available, complete with the traditional self-winding mechanism and silvered, hand engraved gold dial. It is a beautifully crafted model and the design has been updated from Breguet’s days to be water resistant at 30m. The Tourbillon is so highly respected that numerous twentieth century high-end watch makers have included the mechanism in some of their most luxurious models.

Each time they have added aspects of their own traditions to Breguet’s design to create modern pieces with a heritage one can only dream of.

The Girard-Perregaux, Vintage 1945 Jackpot Tourbillon is a unique piece which reinforces Girard-Perregaux’s position as an innovative and creative brand in the watch industry by introducing a world premiere in watch design. A ‘talking piece’ based on a playful concept into the highend Haute Horlogerie collection, the Vintage 1945 Jackpot Tourbillon is a truly impressive breakthrough model. It combines a Tourbillon with gold bridge and a slot machine inside the pink gold case of the watch. The challenge in this design concept was not only to reduce a slot machine to the size of a watch but to combine all different functions; an entirely new integrated caliber, which is the result of a development of more than 2 years.

In celebration of Boucheron’s founding in 1858, the famous jeweller joined forces with trailblazing watch designer Richard Mille, the man renowned for reinventing the science of watchmaking for the twentyfirst century, to create the Richard Mille 018 Tourbillion ‘Hommage a Boucheron’.

The design represents the perfect union of ostentation and practicality with the mechanics of the Tourbillon being made from semi-precious and precious stones. Every watch is unique with a different combination of stones hand chosen for each by the skilled

Audemar Piguet Royal Oak Carbon

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jewellers of Boucheron. The models are all finished in 18ct gold and each piece is so intricate and time-consuming that only 30 pieces have been made. Coming from the same jewellery house that crafted the famous tiara of the wife of Tzar Nicholas II, this watch is the ultimate in designer luxury.

At first glance the Patek Phillipe 10 day Tourbillion is far less flashy than the Opera One or RM 018. The rectangular dial is simple and the platinum art-deco case is of a modest size, the only obvious glamour coming in the single gem quality diamond at 6 o’clock. It is however a work of technical genius and incorporates a Tourbillon with a10 day power reserve, plates of diamond and 29 varied jewels set in gold chantons.

Patek Phillipe is renowned for breaking mechanical conventions and this is the first model that combines the mechanics for such a power reserve with the complexities of the Tourbillon, all of which can be viewed through the sapphire caseback. It is a perfect model for those who pride themselves on understated elegance.

Although the technology has survived for over 200 years, the popularity of the Tourbillon shows no sign of abating. Watch design is becoming more technical by the day but Breguet’s design keeps reinventing itself to fit modern fashions and technology. These designers have all modernised the Tourbillion meaning that this innovation has little chance of becoming obsolete.

Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey are seen as Tourbillon experts and the continuing philosophy of the company is to bring the highest degree of precision possible to their watch making. The Greubel Forsey Quad Tourbillon, or QTD, astoundingly includes two double Tourbillon mechanisms, each with an inner balance wheel. The case is platinum, the dial gold and the bridge is clear sapphire for a superb view of the tourbillon wheels.

Like other GF pieces it is classically designed, but the technological brilliance has taken the Tourbillion directly into the next design era.

In April 2008 Audemar Piguet introduced the Royal Oak Carbon Concept Tourbillon – a sleek black design reminiscent of the early

Richard Mille RM 018

90’s Tag Heuer model. It is ultra-light and is the first watch equipped with both a case and movement made from carbon. This futuristic material, combined with titanium pins, is more reminiscent of the military rather than civilian watches. The titanium fastened alligator strap is black and the tourbillion weighs an incredible 0.45 grammes. There is a linear dial which may take some time to get used to reading but it is a unique design asset and well worth a few days confusion.

Similarly the Urwerk 202 is a step away from the traditional designs. Famous for their rebellious take on watch making, this model is no different, incorporating both the brand’s patented Revolving Satellite Complication and an innovative new winding system regulated by compressed air.

The classic Tourbillon has been reinvented with the traditional rotating vanes being replaced with cutting edge miniature twin turbines for unsurpassed accuracy. The case comes in white gold, red gold or black and, although the face has an unusual dial, the hands are extendable making it extremely easy-to-read. This really is the cutting edge of time technology. n Patek Phillipe 10 Day

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Deep Blue Diamond

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Going, Going,

Gone...

Self confessed petrol head, senior jewellery specialist and director at Sotheby’s, Joey Hardy has one of the most enviable jobs in the jewellery business. In between meetings at darkened bank vaults, lecturing on cruises in the Amazon and filming for the Antiques Roadshow, the auctioneer talks individualistic chic with Claire Adler

oey Hardy hates the tube.That’s why she uses her Honda CB500 motorbike to make the journey from her South London home to Sotheby’s Bond Street headquarters.

“Yes, I’m a petrol head. I’ve always loved speed and the noise of engines. It started when I was growing up, working in my father’s garages,” smiles the expert on pearls and precious pieces, who is also the proud owner of a 1973 three litre V8 mimosa yellow Triumph Stag.

“Just yesterday, as I rode past the queues of people trying to get into the District Line, I felt fantastic.With a bike, no-one else dictates to you how long it’s going to take to get to work - it’s my independent streak. I also love the individuality; the bikes have character and nostalgia.”

The juxtaposition of rare jewels and motorbikes in a 46 year old mother of two is perhaps surprising. But it’s this same combination of individualism, forthrightness and feminine sensitivity that Hardy brings to her job daily.

Thanks to Sotheby’s London Rocks, a series of successful selling exhibitions of contemporary jewellery by living designers, which she orchestrated in 2006 and 2007, Hardy has earned herself a reputation as someone who cultivates and supports independent minded designers. She’s also not a fan of conformity.

“Discerning women are now seeking something unique. People don’t want to walk into a party wearing the same dress and it’s just the same for jewellery,” she says. “Contemporary jewellery somehow gives people permission to give compliments and turn jewels into talking pieces. A huge part of the appeal is meeting the person who made your jewellery. Whenever I wear jewellery by contemporary designers like Jane Adam, Leo de Vroomen or Pippa Small, people always start asking me about them.”

After studying to become a goldsmith and silversmith at the prestigious Sir John Cass School of Art and Design and valuing rough diamonds at De Beers, Hardy’s feisty independent streak was fine-tuned during her years as a polished diamond trader based in

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Diamond ring

Sapphire and diamond parure

Antwerp, during which she regularly travelled to Tel Aviv and Mumbai.

“At the time I was the only woman on the trading floor at the Tel Aviv diamond exchange, amongst a sea of orthodox Jewish men.

Many times, people let me jump the queue, assuming a young blonde woman didn’t know anything. But I had a great boss and he taught me so much, which helped me get ahead,” she remembers.

Before joining Sotheby’s, Hardy was the diamond expert at Phillips auction house.

Nowadays, she is used to people placing copious amounts of trust in her. It could be a person who feels guilty about selling a family heirloom because they need the money. Or someone who is selling because they don’t want the jewellery to go to their spouse.

“You have to be incredibly sensitive to people’s needs and wishes. But I love following the journey of each piece from beginning to end, even down to securing the best price for it under the hammer. Sometimes, if I think a particular period isn’t doing too well, I would advise a person to sell later. But it’s always satisfying to see jewellery go to a good home,” she says.

What Hardy loves most about her job is the fact she never knows what she’s going to see next.When one man came in to Sotheby’s

looking for a diamond ring, Hardy soon discovered he owned a vineyard. He ended up buying a mid 19th century ring with an intricate vine leave design on the shank.

“Many years ago, a lady came in and showed me a ruby. It was synthetic and I didn’t know how I was going to tell her,” remembers Hardy.

“We always sit the person down, gauge their expectations and break it gently. I told her the news, at which she confessed: “I was just testing you.” She then produced two 10 carat stones worth about £50,000 each which we later sold.The next week I flew to the lady’s bank vaults in Switzerland where she showed me an amazing Cartier 1920s pink diamond which she asked me to sell. For a long time, that stone remained the most expensive pink diamond sold at auction,” says Hardy.

From the Sotheby’s Institute to private country houses and cruise ships in the Amazon and the South China Seas, Hardy meets many potential buyers via her sellout talks and courses. Attendees at her Sotheby’s Institute courses and seminars come from afar a field as South America, Asia and India to revel in her expertise. Many have become regulars at Sotheby’s sales.

Auctioneers are paradigms of discretion and Hardy is no different. If she is concerned by the credit crunch, she doesn’t let on. “Our

Sapphire and diamond parure

November sale in London was very good.

The top 10 lots went to private buyers, not dealers. It’s a good time to sell and to buy.

Natural pearls, good quality coloured stones and contemporary pieces are selling well and you can never go wrong with signed pieces

by Cartier Van Cleef and Boucheron from the 1920s and 1930s,” she advises.

Still, as auctioneers go, Hardy is more down to earth and slightly less formal than most. And she has a wicked laugh.

In her constant quest for the next dazzling consignment, Hardy’s international travels take her from “dark and noisy bank vaults beneath the Central Line” to private houses “where a person might pull something out from underneath a bed”, or the corner of a magnificent castle. “Sometimes you don’t even get offered a biscuit. I’ll be sitting there as the dog is served a biscuit and a drink and I’ll be looking at a tiara and thinking, I wouldn’t mind a drink myself,” she laughs. n

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retail

AMARONI

A GOLDEN GIFT Luxury train operator OrientExpress has launched a range of unique and exclusive travel experiences to celebrate The Golden Age of Travel and to provide a myriad of travel adventures; romance, glamour, luxury and memories that last a lifetime. The four special travel experiences hark back to the Golden Age when travel itself was the luxury experience and not just a means of transport. They are the perfect excuse to splash out and celebrate in style this Christmas. Each travel experience will be beautifully presented in a gift box and will include a voucher for travel as well as specially selected items from the Venice Simplon-OrientExpress signature boutique.

From £550 to £250,000, depending on package www.orient-express.com

Savour these beautiful lifestyle gifts from Amaroni, apt for adding a splash or colour and artistic cheer to the homes of family or friends: www.amaroni.com 01205 260 384

U+ Chilla champagne cooler, £131.84

Bugatti Diva Espresso Machine in chrome, £488.57

LAST MINUTE

CHRISTMAS GIFTS Inspirational gifts without the headache

SUITS THE ENVIRONMENT, SIR The Beyond Carbon Neutral collection offsets three times its carbon emissions, responding to the increasing appetite for sustainable fashion. Designed by savvy tailor Austen Pickles, each suit offsets 300% of all carbon emissions generated in the manufacturing and transportation of each suit through tree planting and habitat creation in the UK and renewable energy schemes globally. This is set to be the ultimate chic green Christmas present for him for 2008. Hurry – this is a limited edition collection! £495 Charcoal & Chalk www.charcoalandchalk.co.uk 020 7240 3823

A COLOURFUL TRUNK LOAD Know a man jetting off for some winter heat? Make his journey, with some luxurious Vilebrequin swimming trunks. Born in Saint-Tropez in 1970, the brand presents a new collection of exotic prints for Christmas 2008. The bright, ever-colourful philosophy is portrayed in an array of enticing themes; exotic fruits, melting ice-cubes and delicious cocktails. Also, back by popular demand, old time favourite prints rejuvenated in a vintage spirit, and rereleased in time for the holiday season.

Prices range from £80 - £125 www.vilebrequin.com Fulham Road Store, 020 7589 8445

A RARE DIAMOND International, award winning Australian fine jewellers, Calleija, specialises in the rarest pink diamonds, naturally and ethically sourced from the Argyle Mine, Western Australia. Natural Argyle Pink Diamonds have a remaining supply of just ten to twelve years left and with only one in every thirty million carats being the elusive pink colour, Calleija’s signature pink diamond jewellery pieces have become highly covetable and sought by collectors worldwide as sound investments!

STICKY DELIGHTS The Christmas range by GAIL’S provides beautifully packaged Christmas foodie gifts, made from the finest natural ingredients.

Products include: Christmas Fruit Cake; an assortment of steamed Christmas Puddings including Original Brandy, White Chocolate & Cranberry and Chocolate & Stem Ginger, German Ginger Bread ; Stollen; Biscuit Assortments and delicious Pan Forte.

Snowflake Necklace £39,800; Snowflake Earrings £34,100 www.calleija.com The Royal Arcade Old Bond Street 020 7499 8490

Available at GAIL’s stores in Hampstead and Notting Hill www.gailsbread.co.uk

TWO IN ONE Lifestyle website Caroline McGrath has added Tonfisk’s unique Newton Milk & Sugar set to its range of Scandinavian products designed to complement the most stylish home. Newton is a new way of serving sugar and milk from the renowned Finnish design company Tonfisk. The mechanism is based on gravity: you can pour the milk without removing the attached sugar bowl, which stays level while you tip the jug.

BLACK IS BACK The style-conscious traveller’s ultimate accessory is the new 48-hour bag from J.M. Weston. Truly designed with the long weekend traveller in mind, the 11 by 20 inch bag features an especially wide opening to allow easy access during short journeys and last minute trips, as well as a convenient zipped inner compartment. The 48 Hour Bag is available in charcoal canvas and black bull calf, or in taupe canvas and ebony bull calf. £795, also available: corresponding wash bag, £108 www.jmweston.com 3-5 Burlington Gardens, W1S 3EN 020 7434 4121

Available in black or white, £40 www.carolinemcgrath.co.uk

A spa you will both love For true pampering indulgence Ushvani leaves nothing to be desired. A luxurious day spa with highly-skilled therapists trained in the philosophy of spiritual harmony and natural treatments as taught in South East Asia. The Asmara ‘love’ Suite is the most idyllic environment in which to treat a loved-one.

Appointed with beautiful Malaysian furnishings, this is a place of serenity where you relax in your private steam room and deep, sunken stone bath before experiencing Ushvani’s luxurious therapies on the suite’s twin treatment beds. www.ushvani.com 0207 730 2888

ESSENTIAL LUXURIES For the ultimate Christmas gift for the discerning male, how about a Quintessentially membership? Grant him access to the world of Quintessentially whose expert fixers are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to aid and assist him through 2009 – whether it be sourcing tickets to the much anticipated sporting events, providing access to the hottest gigs in town, securing last minute hotel reservations and travel deals, or simply booking restaurants, Quintessentially is there to help. £750 for the year www.quintessentially.com 0870 850 8585

RESCHKE A good bottle of fine Red often makes a well-received present. Reschke, the leading fine wine label from Coonawarra offers a selection of fantastic reds, making your Christmas shopping that much easier. The UK importer of the Reschke family’s wines is H&H Bancroft who sells a mixed case of twelve bottles (75cl) for £215. www.bancroftwines.com

A CHOCOHOLIC’S HEAVEN If you know someone who really likes chocolate, look no further.

Gift membership of the Tasting Club opens the door to a whole new world of authentic chocolate. Making the perfect gift for the budding chocolate aficionado! You choose the membership option and your recipient chooses when to activate it. The delectable gift comes complete with its own smart embossed scroll, tied with elegant ribbon, to brandish on the day. Suitable either for direct delivery to your recipient or to your address so you can give it yourself.

From £16.95 to £950 depending on membership types, ranging from 1 month to 5 years www.hotelchocolat.co.uk 08444 93 13 13

DESCAMPS Luxury French brand Descamps’ Christmas gift collection is the ultimate in indulgence for friends and family who deserve a touch of luxury. From chic travel bags to haute couture dressing gowns and indulgent cashmere accessories, Descamps is the destination for ultra-luxe Christmas gifts.

ETERNAL SILVER The stunning Eternal jewellery range is made from Argentium, a revolutionary new metal that is brilliantly white and shiny, and doesn’t tarnish. The designer, Simon Harrison, has previously collaborated with Vivienne Westwood, Givenchy and John Galliano.

The collection is available in Ernest Jones stores nationwide www.steerwell.com 01428 664718

Available at 6 Marylebone High Street, Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Liberty and Selfridges www.descamps.com

Heart Link Bracelet, £195

retail

Crème de la Linley A partnership made in heaven, Crème de la Mer, the world’s most coveted moisturiser and LINLEY, the celebrated British interior design company, have collaborated to create the ultimate ladies gift with The Luxe Keepsake Box. A fine wood and faux shagreen presentation box that houses the coveted Crème de la Mer Moisturising Cream, this really is a gift of timeless luxury. £795 Available at Selfridges stores

BRAUN SERIES 7 A simple pleasure for the man who dislike frills and fuss but likes to keep at the top of his shaving game, the new Braun Series Range, which includes the Series 7, will definitely please.

Available at major pharmacies nationwide and at amazon.co.uk

Perfect scents Private Blend by Tom Ford is a personal scent laboratory that contains twelve unisex fragrances, each focusing on a single top note that is enhanced and complemented by a handful of secondary notes. The result is twelve classic fragrances that enable the wearer to discover scents that suit their personality and to become the curator of their own unique fragrance collection. Scents include Bois Rouge (which smells like red cedarwood), Tobacco Vanille (reminiscent of pipe tobacco), Tuscan Leather (extremely sensual) and our favourite, Noir de Noir (oriental and earthy). Inspired by the rich brown glass of the apothecary bottle, the packaging comes in two sizes: the 50ml flacon (£90) - architectural and functional - or the sizeable and weighty 250ml decanter (£250).

Available in Harrods, Harvey Nichols & Selfridges stores

A HAMPER WITH A CONSCIENCE Owned by Jamie Barber, Villandry is one of London’s best loved gourmet destinations. Its 2008 range of Christmas hampers is inspired in name by the Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol and features a selection of sweet and savoury delicacies from England, Italy and France.

The Villandry Peace and Harmony hamper embodies the perfect sentiment at Christmas time. It contains a selection of organic and eco-friendly products including Peace Oil, recommended to Villandry by Cherie Blair. Peace Oil is produced in Israel between many faiths and the profits go towards improving relations in the Middle East. £99.75 www.villandryhampers.com

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Relax and Rejuvenate Kate Harrison massages away the stresses of city life with a break at The Grayshott Spa

A

formal affair with canapés to relax. The suite in the main mere hour from being served in Bubbles, a manor house is both airy and London, The contemporary ‘bar’ that serves Grayshott Spa stylish with tranquil views an impressive range of H20 is nestled in a over the grounds and after a from the ‘water menu’, freshly picturesque corner of the Surrey swift but comprehensive health squeezed fruit drinks, exotic countryside, surrounded by 47 consultation, it’s soon time for teas as well as Organic wines acres of gardens, woodlands lunch. and low-calorie Champagne and lawns. Once the home of Food is prepared with health the Victorian poet Alfred Lord in mind and delicious menus are in the evenings, which is then followed by a 3-course à la Tennyson, the property stands created within the parameters Carte menu in the main proud and as you dining room. enter, the words early morning walks take The new ultra‘pax intrantibus’ place daily across the modern spa is (peace on arrival) beautiful grounds and into renowned for the etched overhead, set the national trust woodland quality of its natural the tone for what therapies and therapists is intended to be a with a wide range of holistic highly relaxing retreat. of balanced nutrition. Breakfast treatments on offer including An oasis of serenity, this is quite simply out of this world Reiki, Shiatsu, Reflexology and peaceful haven has recently been and for those who fancy some Cranial Osteopathy. Catering refurbished and is perfect for personal time, it can be enjoyed for both male and female those wanting to kick-start a in bed. Lunch is served in the guests, Grayshott features healthier lifestyle and provide form of a buffet; with discretely a Hydrotherapy Suite, heat the ultimate escape from the colour coded plates indicating pressures of everyday living. what portions of particular foods treatment areas and relaxation rooms. There is also a new Armed with a fluffy white should be chosen for the most dedicated beauty area, complete balanced of diets. robe and slippers, my guest with manicure and pedicure Dinner is a slightly more and I are ushered to our room

health&beauty

stations.

Spa packages created specifically to maximise the benefits for health and wellbeing are available to suit most personal objectives. I decided to indulge in the detox package complete with Vital Energy Detox Massage, Citrus Detox Body Wrap, Hydrotherapy Marine Mineral Bath and Lymphatic Stimulation, each performed by a highly skilled therapist. There is also a strong focus on health and beauty treatments specifically tailored for new mothers and mothers-to-be, and a wider range of treatments dedicated to men.

The facilities at Grayshott are excellent. Early morning walks take place daily across the beautiful grounds and into the National Trust Woodland, and a schedule of fitness programmes, exercise classes and activities are available for anyone who wants

to make the most of their stay.

With both indoor and outdoor tennis courts, a nine-hole golf course and an indoor and heated outdoor pool, Grayshott offers facilities for all seasons. Pilates, Meditation and Yoga classes are also available to help further relaxation and personal training sessions or a tennis lesson with the resident pro can be arranged.

The in-house cinema offers daily film viewings and regular talks can be attended on all subjects from health and how

to handle stress, to talks on gardening and herbs.

Whether you’re looking for a healthy kick-start or simply an opportunity to unwind in front of a log fire, you will no doubt leave Grayshott with a glowing complexion, feeling deeply relaxed, rejuvenated and as the departing slogan above suggests, ‘salus exeuntibus’, full of health as you leave. n

Grayshott Spa Headley Road Grayshott Nr Hindhead Surrey GU26 6JJ Tel: 01428 602020 www.grayshottspa.com

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Purification the fast way The detox has become a necessity of modern day living says Kate Harrison

health&beauty xxxxxxx 59 xx

I

like to think I eat well, take regular exercise and despite the daily skinny latte and ‘odd’ glass of wine am in reasonable health. Of course I could do more but considering the pressures of working life, I think I do quite well to juggle the work-health balance. So when faced with a 7-day detox and fasting programme in Bodrum, on the southwest coast of Turkey, I felt confident that I would manage the challenge with relative ease.

I arrive at The LifeCo Centre to be met by simple decor, the open air corridors lined with white walls and white beanbags and bench-like chairs sporadically clustered for group detox talks or videos. The bedrooms too are basic but clean and contain everything you will need, each with a private patio area. Upon arrival, I notice a small herb salad and 2 apricots placed on the bedside table - my final meal for seven days. I begin to feel slightly apprehensive and ponder exactly what I’ve let myself in for.

An hour later I am sitting at the ‘juice’ bar having my initial briefing session. Having filled in an in-depth health questionnaire I am taken through the itinerary and philosophy of the detox program.

Today, the modern world offers us a life of convenience and as a consumer population we are becoming ever more expectant of the quick fix. But with technological advancement comes an alarming departure from what is natural and good. With depleting oxygen levels, genetically modified foods and increased toxicity everywhere, it is enough to bring out the closet hypochondriac in anyone! Increasingly stressful socioenvironmental factors also spell trouble as stress hormones such as cortisol wreak havoc on our health and well-being. Well, not any more, especially if the aim is to purge the body of environmental toxins!

How it works The LifeCo detox program is based on a 7-day juice fast which involves drinking ‘shakes’ (juices combined with detox supplements) and taking minerals and herbs to complete the nutritional intake.

The fasting process allows each and every organ, gland, tissue and cell in the body to detoxify and rejuvenate itself. Or as one of the other ‘fastees’ observed, “detoxing is like servicing your car after 200,000km, all the hoses and filters are washed, the interior is polished and every nook and cranny is thoroughly cleaned”.

If it all sounds a little too simplistic then the mechanics of the system may eradicate doubt. The combination of Psyllium seed and volcanic ash-derived Bentonite clay with water and fruit or vegetable juice facilitates

intestinal cleansing. Acting like a sponge, the toxins are attached and absorbed and passed through the system. When sipped slowly the clay can settle so it is best to swallow it as quickly as possible and follow immediately with a glass of water!

It doesn’t stop at clay either, as drinking at least 6 cups of a high electrolyte soup broth rich in minerals, preferably laced with as much cayenne pepper as one can handle, to speed up the detoxification process; is advised. Herbal teas are also offered and become a welcome alternative.

The daily program follows a consistent schedule and if you oversleep or happen to be absent at ‘serving’ time the staff will come to find you, even interrupting treatments to ensure that you take all supplements at the prescribed time.

Set among mandarin orange groves in the stunning Aegean town of T端rkb端k端, you are minutes away from a dip in the turquoise bay and if you do choose to go for a relaxing walk, the staff will be happy to prepare a take-away pack for you, just try to avoid meal times as the smell of sizzling barbeques can be incredibly tempting.

The effects You may be left wondering how this impacts upon the body. In short the first 4 days of toxin elimination means tiredness. Everyone has a different reaction to the purification process and after a tough second day I take some comfort in the fact that feeling worse during the first three days, means that the program is working hard to release larger amounts of toxins from my tissues. In fact with a bloodstream carrying up to ten times its normal load of toxins, small wonder that I feel weak, fatigued, light-headed and nauseous.

The LifeCo emphasis a two pronged approach and the taboo that is colonic irrigation, is another vital aspect to the detox. The very mention of the word colon prompts embarrassment these days, so at the suggestion that it be flushed with warm water, embarrassment turns to suspicion or sheer panic. However, it is a vital aspect that can be carried out using the daily DIY method which is supplemented by an appointment with the nurse on day 3 and 6 of the program to ensure that you are thoroughly cleansed.

Outdoor Massage

health&beauty

Other treatments There are additional remedial methods to get the purification process working optimally.

For example a traditional Turkish Hammam will help remove dead skin cells, open pores and allow the toxins to leave the body via the largest organ in the body, the skin. The use of the sauna and steam bath is encouraged to help to sweat out impurities and to kick start the lymphatic system.

The floatation tank is a great way to get away from the impact of the detox process where you can relax in stillness.

Massage therapies are also available and are a relaxing and pampering way to help your body remove any toxins that might still be hanging around. The LifeCo therapists are all highly skilled in traditional Balinese massage, Thai massage, Aromatherapy massage, Abdominal massage, Shiatsu and Reflexology.

Strenuous exercise is not encouraged as all energy is needed to assist the body to repair organs, however light yoga is recommend twice a day as this helps to stimulate the organs. Meditation is also an important aspect as it helps to bring harmony both mentally and physically.

The simplicity and open air design of the centre lends a purity and natural calm to the environment - relaxing and peaceful, it truly allows you to practice inner stillness.

Support mechanisms I quickly find my favourite spot, lying across a white towelling chaise longue by the juice bar, overlooking the pool in contemplation or enjoying some much needed sun rays before accepting my physical reactions to the detox process. The staff, all of whom have completed the fast themselves, are fantastic and a much needed support. Assessing each of us accurately to acknowledge what stage of the detox we are at and whether they can make us a cup of herbal tea to help with the strain or merely offer a smile of understanding. Mirey, the centre Manager is always available and acts as an inspiration to all as she lost 50kg following the detox plan and subsequent lifestyle changes - and has photos to prove it!

Evenings are spent listening to inspirational talks and videos on how to adapt your modern lifestyle to incorporate healthy changes, such as the virtues of going organic or finding dairy-free alternatives to obtaining calcium and protein. A vegan diet is promoted and the benefits of raw foods explained. The philosophy of retaining the body’s natural ph balance is explored and ways of achieving this recommended.

The progress Detoxing the body in such an extreme manner might not seem worth it but I am

The LifeCo Centre, Bodrum

61

keen to stick it out. My patience is rewarded by day 4 in the form of a noticeable yellow coating on my tongue and a strange odour emanating from my skin. I am reassured this is another positive sign that the toxins are making their way out of my body.

On day 6 I feel well enough to sit by the pool and watch the ‘bartender’ tending to some organic wheatgrass patches, and am picking up tips for how to grow this miracle substance at home. Yet again our favourite topic of conversation arises, “so what will be the first thing you eat when it’s all over?” and for once we don’t have long to wait.

I arise on the final day and jump on the weighing scales to find a total weight loss of 4.5kg. With my tongue still a little furry, I drink the last of my shakes and head to the final de-brief where helpful tips are given on how to lure myself back into a full and varied diet. Although my energy levels are back to normal it is recommended that a further 3 days will give me more dramatic results as I was highly toxic. Right now as I delve into my fresh watermelon before leaving I decide that I am feeling pure enough.

The details The LifeCo detox is like pushing the re-start button and having a new opportunity to address health and lifestyle habits. Although the detox program is primarily about wellbeing and organ replenishment, weight loss is a natural side effect of the process, and in general women will lose up to one dress size while men can expect to shed up to one kilo per day.

The detox offered at The LifeCo is an all encompassing program and one that will send you on a physical, mental and emotional journey. It is a personal challenge where you are educated along the way and emerge feeling re-vitalised, replenished and full of positivity on how to support your health and begin afresh once you return home. n The LifeCo Bodrum Bağarası Mahalle Ada Otel Çapraz Göltürkbükü Bodrum Tel: +90 252 3776310 Web: www.thelifeco.com Email: info@thelifeco.com

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Sharpen up your act Canali, the ultimate in Italian luxury tailoring, opens its second UK store at Liverpool street

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anali, is a name that is synonymous with taste, tailoring and Italian tradition. The brand, which is regularly worn by the president elect Barak Obama arguably the world’s new style icon, and several Hollywood film stars such as Nicolas Cage and George Clooney, is set to open its second store in the heart of the city.

Every garment is exclusively designed and produced in Italy to the strictest tailoring

standards. For example, the canvas in suits, jackets and overcoats is always stitched, never fused resulting in a sharper more tailored look.

It is the fabrics that give Canali the reputation for exceptional quality. Only the finest natural fibres are selected from the best producers in the world, often these are exclusively made for the tailor. Precious fabrics such as cashmere and the sophisticated super 150s wool, and rare materials such as horsehair, pure cotton, pure bamberg, corozo, horn and mother of pearl are used.

The Canali story began in 1934 with the brothers Giovanni and Giacomo Canalli. They opened a tailoring workshop dedicated to the manufacture of high quality clothing. In the 1950s with the second generation of the family, sales swelled. In the mid seventies the firm opened its doors to foreign buyers and by the 1980s exports were responsible for 50 per cent of overall sales. Now Canali has a presence in over 44 countries and is the brand of choice for the world’s movers and shakers. And this year the brand become the preferred suppliers for the European Ryder cup team 2008 and 2010.

The new store will debut with the brand’s Autumn / Winter collection. Last winter’s heaviness is replaced by soft and light fabrics and monochrome is swapped for blue,

purple and gray. There is a nod to British fabrics, which are seeing a renaissance this season with the Prince of Wales check. This season’s silhouette is slimmer than before with narrow lapels and slender pants.

Jackets are shorter and lighter in construction with more natural shoulders.

Canali has created some special and exclusive garments the first of which is the unconventional dinner jacket.With deconstructed light weight shoulders, and pointed lapels that come to life with soft embroidered velvets, prints, Cavallino leather effects and traditional patterns made with virtual flowery or jacquard decorations.

The Exclusive Special Edition line named the Winter Tale offers the crème de la crème of textiles such as super 160s, 180s and 200s wool and new blends such as cashmere-chinchilla. Suites are typically Anglo-Saxon in taste, style and pattern; offered exclusively in super 160s wool, the jacket has clean lines with exact but measured shoulders and luxury finishings such as pure silk button holes. In essence the Autumn / Winter 08 collection mixes the old with the new, while the fabrics used are new and cutting edge, the design, silhouette and quality stays faithful to the tailoring quality distinguished by the brand for more than three generations. n Opens 5 December Liverpool Street 18-31 Eldon Street City of London EC2 www.canali.it

fashion

Paul Smith Shirt £225, frockcoat £699 and tie £65 020 7379 7133

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thomaS Pink Bow-ties from £30 020 7498 3882 www.thomaspink.com

DaviD morriS 18ct white gold ‘Savile’ watch, £40,000 020 7499 2200 www.davidmorris.com

Photography: Jason moore

fashion Editor: lucie Dodds

SmythSon Black pigskin cufflink box, £215 08705 211311 www.smythson.com

linkS of lonDon rose gold ‘tusk’ cufflinks, £950 0845 120 2922

Style Update

seasonal

HIM

DaviD morriS 18ct white gold and diamond set carved emerald bead cufflinks, £38,000 020 7499 2200 www.davidmorris.com

ErmEnEgilDo ZEgna Cufflinks from £119 020 7581 2700 wwww.zegna.com

Dunhill loafers, £305 0845 4580779 www.dunhill.com Dunhill Scarf, £125 0845 4580779 www.dunhill.com

kilgour Black spot umbrella, £165 020 7734 6905

LKBenneTT rivoli, £120, 0844 581 5881 www.lkbennett.com

Louis VuiTTon minaudiere £790, 0202 7399 4050 www.louisvuitton.com

Photography: Jason moore

Fashion editor: Lucie Dodds

LuLu Guinness Lips, £225, 020 7823 4828 www.luluguinness.com

Style Update

seasonal ClUTCHes Vintage clutch £750 from a selection at Bruce oldfield, 020 7584 1363.

Dress £3,078, alberta Ferretti, 020 7235 2349

smyThson maze £525 08705 211311 www.smythson.com

HER

Jimmy Choo Cloud £795 020 7823 1051

Lara BohniC Tatiana £675, 020 7730 8914 www.larabohinc107.co.uk BLush B-lush £295 www.austique.co.uk

BoTTeGa VeneTa aT maTChes Blush satin £615 as before

competition

DESIGNS ON YOU!

WIN A WEEKEND AWAY ™ with Design Hotels As part of its Seasonal Spaces promotion, the international lifestyle hotel brand Design Hotels™ is offering an opportunity to win a complimentary weekend stay at two of its member hotels. The Dominican in Brussels and 101 Hotel in Reykjavik, Iceland offer stylish comfort in two of Europe’s most interesting cities. Stunningly designed and centrally located they are sure destinations for modish modern day travellers. The prize includes a two night weekend stay for two people at either of the above hotels, including breakfast.

Design Hotels™ represents and markets a hand-picked collection of more than 170 hotels in over 40 countries across the globe. Member hotels are independently owned but united by a commitment to individuality, progressive architecture and design, an authentic connection to the hotel’s location.

To learn more about Design Hotels™ and their current Seasonal Spaces promotion, giving you more time or more space at some of your favourite hotels visit: www.designhotels.com/seasonalspaces For your chance to win, simply send your name, address and telephone number to: competitions@runwildmedia.com, stating ‘DESIGN HOTELS COMPETITION’ in the subject line of your email. Closing date: 31 December 2008. The Editor’s decision is final.

Terms & Conditions A weekend stay (Friday & Saturday night) for two people in a twin or double room on a complimentary B&B basis at the following hotels: The Dominican in Brussels, Belgium / 101 Hotel in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Apart from breakfast, all other meals, all beverages, telephone calls, spa treatments, items from the minibar, activities etc must be paid for.

Travel is not included.

Holiday insurance is not included and must be purchased before travel.

The prize is non-transferable, there is no cash alternative nor is any spending money included.

The prize cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion.

The prize is valid until 30 April 2009 (101 Hotel) and 31 December 2009 (The Dominican) and is subject to availability at all times.

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From left Micheal wears black tuxedo £1,450, shirt £185, bowtie £65 and scarf £185 all Kilgour, 020 7734 6905.

Hannah wears bronze lace dress £880, Ben de Lisi, 40 Elizabeth St, SW1, 020 7730 2994. Belt £149 Fenwick, 020 7629 9161.

Anthony wears black cotton silk waistcoat £530, white voile evening shirt £745, black wool mohair evening trouser £665, black velvet bow-tie £100 all Tom Ford from a selection at Harrods, 020 7730 1234.

Matt wears all black velvet and satin tuxedo from £320, dress shirt £80, bow-tie £30, cufflinks £120 all Hackett, 020 7939 6865 www.hackett.com.

Kim wears black dress £1,050, Ben de Lisi, as before. Black patent belt £79, Fenwick, as before.

‘Café de Paris’ Photography by: Jason Moore

Fashion Editor: Lucie Dodds

Hannah wears navy silk dress £470, Emilia Wickstead, 020 7373 3412 www.emiliawickstead.com Kim wears navy silk one-shoulder top £195 and black high-waisted silk organza skirt £250, Emilia Wickstead, as before. Blue satin and jewelled clutch bag £129, Wilbur & Gussie and black satin headband £29.95, Both Fenwick, as before.

Kim wears black sequin and beaded dress, £3,078, Alberta Ferretti, 205-206 Sloane Street, SW1, 020 7235 2349. Black suede Glint stilettos, £550, Jimmy Choo, www.jimmychoo.com

Matt wears shirt £225, grey frockcoat £699, Paul Smith, 020 7379 7133.

Kim wears black cashmere turtleneck £650, gold sequin and feather skirt £9,380, alligator belt £1,200 and suede gloves £250 all Ralph Lauren Collection, 020 7535 4600. Black satin hairband £29.95, Fenwick, as before.

Micheal wears black double breasted tuxedo £895 and white shirt £135, Dunhill, 0845 4580779 www.dunhill.com Anthony wears bespoke black textured satin tuxedo £3,800, Marcella dress shirt £79, satin bow-tie £45 and satin cummerbund £79 all Gieves & Hawkes, No1 Saville Row, W1, 020 7434 2001 www.gievesandhawkes.com Hannah wears black body £210, black wool trousers £280 and pleated belt £100 all Emilia Wickstead, as before. Black satin hairband £29.95, Fenwick, as before. Silver metallic clutch from a selection, Anya Hindmarch, www.anyahindmarch.com.

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Anthony wears black cotton silk waistcoat £530, white voile evening shirt £745, black wool mohair evening trouser £665, black velvet bow-tie £100 all Tom Ford from a selection at Harrods, 020 7730 1234.

Hannah wears gold sequinned dress £1,695 Stella MacCartney at Matches www.matchesfashion.com. Leopard print clutch £129, Wilbur & Gussie at Fenwick, as before.

Micheal wears double-breasted tuxedo £895 and white shirt £135, Dunhill, as before.

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Models: Hannah and Kim at Profile Model Management. With thanks to Gemma. Anthony Micheal and Matt at Premier Model Management. With thanks to Jon. Hair: Paula Mann and Michelle Foxley using Paul Mitchell Luxury Haircare Products Make-up: Michelle Foxley using Estee Lauder and Paula Mann using Dermalogica Fashion Assistants: Cathy Lauren and Kat Mackie Shot on location at CafĂŠ de Paris, London. www.cafedeparis.com.

With thanks to Andrew.

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culture

83

On

Screen

Cat Hughes previews the latest releases

The season to be jolly is upon us, and every year the cinemas are awash with colourful wise-cracking animated films and dysfunctional families functioning at Christmas. But this season it’s a little different, as the Christmas blockbuster is not a happy Disney and Pixar film or anything starring Tim Allen, but a dark and thrilling teenage vampire movie, Twilight. (Out December 19th)

Julia Dark and thrilling are also the words to describe this month’s review. Julia is a thriller, a gangster movie, and a film noir all rolled into one. Starring Tilda Swinton (Narnia, Burn After Reading) and directed

by Erick Zonca, (The Little Thief) Julia is a 40 yearold alcoholic, who’s manipulative, unreliable and a compulsive liar. Between shots of vodka and one night stands, Julia feels like life has dealt her a losing hand.

During an AA meeting Julia meets Elena, (Kate Del Castillo) also an alcoholic, who wants to kidnap her estranged son from his millionaire grandfather. With the promise of a huge financial reward, Julia kidnaps the boy, Tom. (Aiden Gould) While on the run Julia crashes her way through the Mexican border, where on the lawless streets of Tijuana, things take a sudden and dangerous turn for the worse.

The story is told through an alcohol infused lens and focuses on the disaffected relationship that emerges between her and Tom. Nothing is explained, least of all her addiction and events unfold in a haphazard way leaving Julia in over her head.

Swindon was a joy to watch, she pulled off the role in a tragically beautiful way; a mean feat for a person who does not drink. Zonca’s unique brand of directing is what makes this film so good, he films the facts, plain and simple; there is no deeper story and no moral. If you’re looking for an alternative Christmas film this December Julia is a must-see.

5/5 OUT DECEMBER 5 DIRECTED BY ERICK ZONCA

Also on this month Madagascar: Escape to Africa is the latest instalment of the Madagascar franchise.

On the distant shores of Madagascar the motley crew of New Yorkers form a rescue plan. Taking off in a make shift plane they stay airborne long enough to make it to the African mainland. Here the captivity-born and bred crew encounters for the first time their wild counterparts. Out December 5. The Secret Life of Bees is a touching coming of age tale set against the backdrop of the Civil rights era in South Louisiana. 14 year-old Lily haunted by the memory of her

late mother flees with her carer Rosaleen to South Carolina. Out December 5. After leaving the army Bob Wallace teams up with three other dancers and performers to perform a show at a lodge in Vermont.

White Christmas is a feel good seasonal story, which will leave you feeling all warm and gooey inside. Out December 12.

Starring Emma Watson and Dustin Hoffman, The Tale of Despereaux is an animated tale of a mouse born in a miserable town, who dreams of glory. When he is thrown out of town for defying the rules, Despereaux

embarks on a magical adventure involving a rat and a princess named Pea. Out December 19. Australia, starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman has been the subject of much hype. An epic and romantic action adventure set in Australia during World War II. An English aristocrat travels to the faraway continent and meets a rough local and reluctantly agrees to join forces with him to save the land she is to inherit.

Out December 26.

ArtScene

by CAROL CORDREY - carol@artalone.com

PHILIP SUTTON RA

O

ne of Britain’s most successful post-war artists became an octogenarian this year yet his work continues to exude radical freshness and vigour, qualities which first revealed themselves when Philip Sutton graduated from London’s Slade School of Fine Art in 1953.

In that period, Britain was an austere, grey place but you would not guess it from Sutton’s work then and now. Full of rich colour and spontaneous brushstrokes, his paintings give the impression of an artist bursting with enthusiasm to paint everything around him! And so he did, ranging from a tree in his garden to a vase of flowers, a local view, a local girl, wide open seas and skies, his dog, his homes and himself but he painted them in vibrant and often unnatural colours. On the printed page, those subjects

may sound mundane but as the paint hit his canvasses, Sutton’s innovative painting style amalgamated with his love of the natural world and those same subjects morphed into glorious works of art.

When Philip Sutton graduated from the Slade, his talent was recognised with scholarships which enabled him to travel to Spain, Italy and France, though he was to return to his alma mater two years later to teach.

Subsequently, Sutton became a member of the London Group which was established in 1913 (and still exists) as an exhibiting society for progressive artists who challenged the conservatism of the art establishment, especially the Royal Academy; Pissarro, Epstein, Sickert, Roger Fry and John and Paul Nash were amongst its early membership.

In 1956, London gallery Roland, Browse and Delbanco (known as The Connoisseurs because

culture

85

Left to right: The House in Manorbier True Intent All For Your Delight Russian Painter

of the owners’ reputation for spotting and selling high quality art) showed its admiration for Sutton’s work by giving him a one-man show. That same year, he left his teaching post and went to live in Fiji for two years, then spent many years working around the globe before settling in Wales where he now lives. His work seems to have been infused with the glowing colours of exotic flora and fauna and the Mediterranean light that he experienced on his many travels abroad. Sutton’s own explanation is that when it comes to deciding on the use of colour, he enjoys “the freedom to choose from a kaleidoscope of options rather than matching reality”.

This approach reflects the philosophy of the Fauvists, of which Henri Matisse (1869-1954) was a dominant figure. The Fauvists used vibrant colours for emotional or decorative effects which Philip Sutton’s work has been famed for. For example, he presents us with foliage suffused with blues to depict a lush, Welsh garden in high summer as in The House in Manorbier; or a red face devoid of traditional moulding but with loosely defined, black features in AYoung Lady from Pembroke. Equally

unusual is the blue hair on the head and face of The Russian Painter and the riot of colour and patterned textiles in True Intent All For Your Delight – clearly a fitting tribute to Matisse.

The artist’s love of colour extends to his picture frames. Sometimes they are painted simply, as in The Wind is Fresh, the Sky is Bright, where the choice of colour focuses our gaze on key features or tones within the composition; at other times, the frames have lavish decoration as in The Painter’s Imagination where plant material extends from the foreground of the landscape into the corners of the frame as if depicting nature that knows no bounds.

Throughout Sutton’s long career his output has been prolific, encompassing numerous prints and painted ceramics, notably for Poole Pottery and the Fulham Pottery Project. A film about his work was made by the BBC for the Arena programme, whilst HTV made another about his series of Shakespeare paintings which enjoyed a successful national tour.

In 1989 he was elected Royal Academician (RA) but he has been the recipient of many other awards. Museums around the globe, including the Tate, have demonstrated their

respect for Sutton by purchasing his work.

This latest exhibition brings us a cornucopia of visual richness which is just the tonic we all need in these gloomy days. It also coincides with the publication of the Royal Academy book, Philip Sutton, Life and Work, priced £25.

So, whatever your budget, Philip Sutton is the source of joyous works that are guaranteed to bring you Christmas cheer. n

Philip Sutton RA at Eighty GALLERY 27 (and in the adjacent gallery space) 8 – 13 December 2008 27 Cork Street London W1S 3NG Tel: 020 7734 7595 Exhibition transfers to THE RICHMOND HILL GALLERY 16 December 2008 – 25 January 2009 26 Richmond Hill Richmond TW10 6QX Tel: 020 8940 5152 www.therichmondhillgallery.com

BLOOMING MARVELLOUS!

Mary Jane Vaughan talks to Josephine Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donoghue about the importance of good floristry and the power of stylish arrangements to transform parties and events

lifestyle

“F

lowers arrive every single morning,” says Mary Jane, “all fresh from the UK and Holland. Our bouquets and arrangements are then tailored to each order and specification by trained and experienced florists, before being shipped in water for their journey”.

Mary Jane Vaughan has a passion for flowers; since founding Fast Flowers in Fulham in 1983, she has built a team of award winning florists and a cuttings book so crammed with press mentions and articles that she really doesn’t need much more advertising. Recognised for her simple, yet achingly stylish bridal bouquets and event arrangements, Mary Jane enjoys a status of one of the best florists (a title regularly pointed out by publications such as the Sunday Times and Elle Magazine).

As “the last name in bespoke floristry” (Elle Magazine), Mary Jane cares deeply about the quality and freshness of every individual bloom. “We care about the freshness of the flowers and about the design of each bouquet”, emphasises Mary Jane, “We care that flowers are delivered efficiently and that the communication with you, the customer, is friendly, knowledgeable and efficient”.

Simplicity really is the key word for Mary Jane’s flower designs. “Flower arranging should be like Italian cooking” exclaims Mary Jane, “use the best ingredients and they’re so beautiful you only do the minimum to them in order to preserve that beauty”. Using

the vase more as a prop than as a vase, Mary Jane has a unique eye for beauty; on occasion she has placed groups of glass vases together and simply rested the flowers just touching the rim, at interesting or unexpected angles.

A surprising form for a floral arrangement, it looks stunning.

Surprise is certainly an element that she seeks in her creations, “if I can surprise the guests with a tulip upside down, they will look at the tulip with a fresh outlook and realise what a stunning flower it is” she points out. “Put a tulip right way up in the same vase and they will just walk past”.

Providing a large range of floral arrangements to suit any occasion, Mary Jane is particularly proud to offer a service which chooses flowers for their eco-friendly qualities.

In selecting blooms that have travelled no more than 300 miles by road, she can ensure a greener gift bouquet or environmentally friendly wedding centrepieces for example, and makes sure that these are packed using only natural materials such as paper and raffia.

A favourite in the City, Mary Jane’s regular clients wouldn’t plan an event without her; also hiring out props such as vases and urns, she is able to create large scale arrangements, the perfect wow-factor for high-profile parties, conferences and launches.

With a client list including AOL, British Library, Calvin Klein, Coutts, Ralph Lauren and Starbucks it’s plain to see that once clients experience Mary Jane’s magic with flowers, she’s the only one who’ll do. n

Mary Jane Vaughan Fast Flowers 609 Fulham Road, SW6 0800 854 236 www.fastflowers.co.uk

87

GET CREATIVE WITH

CAKE BOY Josephine Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donoghue catches up with Eric Lanlard to discover the secrets of a truly delicious Christmas

Selection of Cake Boy desserts

food&drink

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Dessert counter at Cake Boy

E

verybody knows that Christmas is one of the most stressful times of the year.The pressure of buying the right presents, finding the perfect little black party dress, coping with the in-laws, harnessing the kids’ wild excitement and entertaining guests is enough to cause even the best of us to crumble.Well, help is at hand – in one area at least.

Eric Lanlard is renowned for his melt-in-the-mouth desserts and delicious cakes; a master patissier, Eric moved to the UK 18 years ago and has since earned himself a reputation for incredible cakes and an A-list client base.Twice the winner of the Continental Patissier of theYear at the British Baking Awards, Eric’s unique fusion of craftsmanship and creativity has ensured a loyal following including Madonna, Claudia Schiffer and Liz Hurley. Knowing just how much everyone enjoys a little extra indulgence around Christmas time, Eric is sharing his expertise with the rest of London this festive season, in order to ensure we make the best desserts we possibly can.

The Cake Boy ‘cake-lounge’ and high-tech cookery school

is housed in a luxury housing riverside development in South West London and is a laid-back environment in which to learn new baking skills; even for those hopeless in the kitchen! “I want to instil a new confidence in my students,” says Eric, “often people wrongly assume that to make desserts and cakes is difficult. I want to dispel these rumours in my classes”. Priding himself on an approachable and accessible teaching manner, Eric is quick to describe his baking sessions as friendly and relaxing – “if my students are comfortable, then they will feel able to learn and understand”. Eric’s Christmas classes are based on his regular sessions where participants can book classes for themselves and between 8 and 15 friends.

Popular for celebrations such as hen nights, Eric is well practised when it comes to teaching the fine art of a patissier!

Aiming to teach the secret of successful baking, Eric places emphasis on planning and timing, “It’s essential to follow the recipe exactly because baking is a science not an art form,” he reveals, “the creativity starts once Tart au Citron

the cake or pudding comes out of the oven”. So, even those to whom creativity is a foreign idea can create something delicious for that special Christmas meal or festive party – and certainly not every cake needs to be iced and decorated to look tempting.

Students in Eric’s Christmas classes also learn the key to choosing and baking with chocolate; teaching the basics about what makes a good chocolate, how to choose chocolate and how to look for quality in chocolate, participants can improve their desserts simply by making informed choices.

“Cocoa is essential, like wine”, enthuses Eric, “you have to use your senses to detect the type of flavour the chocolate will give to your recipe”.

A couple of hours very well spent, these convenient classes are a collection of handy tips, lessons and new ideas from a true expert. Save yourself days of stress and worry with a set menu of desserts to recreate at home, and the experience to repeat the process in your own kitchen. By the end of his session, Eric maintains that his students will have successfully learnt how to select and use the finest ingredients and combine them in mouthwatering recipes to create simply the most delectable desserts on offer this Christmas season. n For more information on the Cake Boy Studio, visit www.cake-boy.com or to reserve a place in one of the Christmas classes, call 020 7978 5555

Christmas Classes 4 December StreSS Free ChriStmaS Baking in this class, eric will teach students how to ensure their Christmas baking is stress free and will also include a demonstration by a top chef on how to create an alternative Christmas dinner.

4 hour class including lunch with wine, £100 per person 10am – 2pm, 12 places available 18 December ChriStmaS Baking this is a class designed to give students the opportunity to create show-stopping desserts and party puddings that will cover all the season’s festivities and events.

4 hour class including lunch with wine, £100 per person 10am – 2pm, 12 places available 20 December ChilDren’S ChriStmaS Baking the Christmas baking class for children is the ideal holiday activity. this will be a fun lesson with lots of opportunities for children to have hands on experience and use their imagination to create exciting sweets and treats for Christmas. £30 per child

Have a cracking Christmas

TASTEofChristmas

In the beginning there was the Word, as Kasha Van Sant discovered when she spoke to Gordon Ramsay all good generals he knows when to advance and when to retreat, having tested the waters in several markets.

Prague, Paris, Tokyo, New York; from operations such as Verre in the ultra trendy Dubai Hilton Creek Hotel to Cielo at the Boca Raton resort in Florida, Ramsay has a list of ventures that reads like an airport destination board. But with fingers in several pies, which country has been the biggest challenge?

“Our recent opening in Versailles was a huge challenge. The team have worked incredibly hard and the results are phenomenal. Ask me again how it has gone in March when the Michelin Guide comes out.”

No doubt nails and numbers will be crunched within an inch of their lives but somehow I think not the maestro’s – despite being incredibly hands on I suspect the shrewd Mister Ramsay has picked his teams carefully. The common denominator being chef stars that will push through the ranks at his behest. Stuart Gillies stalwart, Jason Atherton - hungry; Angela Hartnett – reliable, and these are but a few. With the acquisition of the Tante Marie Cookery School and the ‘The Gordon Ramsay Scholar Award’ going from strength to strength, fresh recruits will come under the watchful eye of Gordon Ramsay, ready when ripe.

His drive is evident but what motivates the man and makes him get up in the morning?

“On a weekday it’s the teams in the restaurants. Each brigade works day in day out to ensure every customer who steps through the door has an experience they won’t forget. Every team works as a strong unit, they become your second family. On a weekend it’s the children

“My biggest

weakness would have to be cars, especially my Ferrari. And

my Ducati bike, an amazing machine

“

I

would like to think that I have a fairly decent relationship with words. I like them, they like me, sometimes we argue, get stuck or lost; but on the whole we’re rather a good match for one another. I use them liberally to gauge or engage people or sparingly to offend if need be. And it seems I may have discovered an unlikely kinship with another ambassador of the word.

Although Gordon Ramsay is known primarily for his skill as the new breed of ‘super chef’, a veritable ‘Terminator’ of the culinary world; it’s not his vol au vents that spring to mind at first discourse.

Gordon’s mode d’emploi involves a plethora of words that have become his trademark. In fact turning the air more blue than a Van Gogh could be the Ramsay metronome.

Say what you will about the man but he announced his expletive-led entry into the British psyche, heart, mind and often under the skin, with a resounding ‘on the spot bouncing’ - YES! Prominently fixed as the British culinary icon that quite possibly makes other ’super chefs’ bristle with envy, Ramsay is battling onwards. Single minded, focused, determined to reign supreme, the empire is growing exponentially and I was keen to know what would come next.

“We still have so much to achieve.

My aim is to hold three stars in London, New York and Paris. That would be the ultimate. What’s next? Early next year we are re-opening The Savoy Grill. The room is going to be mind blowing as is the food.

We’re going to visit the Escoffier original menu and bring it into the 21st century.”

This is strategy, acute perception and deployment of troops at its best. Like

>

91

92 TASTEofChristmas

>

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3 rd of da ce an ri 9. . st p £1 M02 4 e y t h ou W jo o r y e R En ts f ing cod v ke sa ing t ic ok

that make me get up on a morning – often literally. Because I’m normally home very late in the week, Saturdays and Sundays are family time. We’ll lie in late, have a lazy brunch and do something together, even if it’s just sitting and watching a film.”

With Ramsay often spotted in the press with A-list Hollywood celebs I wondered what the last film he saw was. A highoctane thriller perhaps? Perhaps not.

“Tana and I took the children to the High School Musical 3 premiere earlier this year.

The kids absolutely loved it but I have to admit I did fall asleep half way through.”

Since the sacrifices most successful chefs have to make are well documented, having any time for his family seems an impressive feat. With the impending festive season, dare I ask about Christmas Day? “I always join the team in Claridge’s on Christmas Day for the lunch service which means I’m normally home for around 4:00pm to finish cooking the family meal. I’m not very good at sharing cooking with Tana, I prefer to be in control but she will start the Christmas lunch and then I’ll come in and finish it off in time for the glory! “ So how does he relax away from work and family?

“I take my motorbike out for a spin or I go running. Running is an incredible stress reliever and on a weekend I’ll often do 15 miles round Richmond Park. Next year I hope to run my tenth London marathon.”

This comes as no surprise, physical and mental fitness are one and the same. And retail therapy?

“My biggest weakness would have to be cars, especially my Ferrari. And my Ducati bike, an amazing machine.”

Fairly humble yet typical choices for the man who is allegedly one of the world’s highest earning chefs. But then he also denies being a sex symbol to some and balks at the thought of surgery or Botox proclaiming, “I don’t know where they would start.”

A tepid Ramsay would have been a shock to the system; an angry Ramsay pushes predictability despite his admission to being “wound up by traffic jams”, a real Ramsay? We will never know as he did not pop out from behind the curtain for long enough to be ascertained. But if my crash course on the psychology of fairytales is anything to go by, then Gordon’s favourite, Goldilocks and the Three Bears is very telling indeed, but that is another ‘Once upon a time...’ It’s now time to get it just right. Somehow I think Goldilocks may have done exactly that. The End.

4-7 DECEMBER – EXCEL LONDON

LIVE FOR 4 DAYS ONLY!

LIVE – Gordon and friends take on Christmas

Thank Gordon it’s Christmas!

in a sizzling kitchen theatre with inspiring cook-offs and special guests.

All tickets guarantee a seat in one of Gordon’s live Christmas Theatre performances.

SHOP for unique gifts and the best in food and drink, so you can get set for the festive period.

TASTE delicious signature dishes from a range of London’s finest restaurants including some of Gordon’s own.

4 -7 DECEMBER – EXCEL LONDON

Event tickets on sale now at:

tasteofchristmas.com

or call the ticket hotline on 0871 230 5581 BOOKING CODE RWM02. TICKETS ARE LIMITED

To make your fairytale come true, meet Gordon Ramsay at Taste of Christmas, ExCeL where he will be signing copies of his latest book ‘Cooking for Friends.’

25_TOC_CanaryWharf+CityMags_Nov_FP.indd 1

22/10/08 12:43:10

party

Mini Beef Yorkshire Puddings £5.99/12s

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surprise

celebrate

Mini Pork and Chorizo Koftas £5.49/12s

All the best this Christmas.

All chilled party food 4 for the price of 3 available from 26th November to 6th January.

Cheapest item free.

Merry Christmas from waitrose.com

I’m all for sharing recipes, I know a thing or two about ® but unfortunately Gordon’sGordon perfection.

But Alexander don’t samenew way.level took feel it to the a whole Their is a closely whenrecipe he struck gold in 1769. guarded secret, known and only After years of passion bydedication, 6 trusted employees. he hit upon the Amazingly, perfect mixit’sofbeen herbsthat andway spices for 239 years, you Gin. forover his Special Dry so London Well,blame let’s face younot don’t can’t themit,for get to become wanting to sharea itworld with wide me. phenomenon by being average Anyone would think I had ado bigyou? mouth.

The GORDON’S and GORDON’S THE G IN G&T words and associated logos are trade marks. © Tanqueray Gordon & Co. 2008.

The GORDON’S and GORDON’S THE G IN G&T words and associated logos are trade marks. © Tanqueray Gordon & Co. 2008.

TASTEofChristmas

news What not to miss at Gordon Ramsay’s upcoming Taste of Christmas show at ExCeL

GORDON RAMSAY CHRISTMAS THEATRE IN ASSOCIATION WITH

You’ll be forgiven for thinking that Gordon Ramsay has put his own special stamp on the proceedings and nowhere does this come more into effect than on stage at the Gordon Ramsay Christmas Theatre. No, it’s not panto but it is creative cookery at its best. Gordon is joined by Mark Sargeant and Olly Smith as they dive into some well loved dishes. Don’t forget to check out the daily timetables to see when the boys will be doing their stuff! What better way to get your taste buds tingling in time for the festive season!

BIG NAME RESTAURANTS

Forgive us for stating the obvious but the Taste of Christmas is all about food, and good food at that. That’s why we can say hand on heart that we are as proud as punch of the restaurants here at the show. Some of the picks of the Gordon Ramsay crop are here to show you the diversity of the brand.

Take Boxwood Café and maze Restaurants to name a few. Well if it’s all about name dropping then they don’t come bigger than Michel Roux Jr and the legendary Le Gavroche.

Watch out for him and the rest of the best that the British restaurant scene has to offer.

STAR CHEFS No food show would be complete without its stars. And it is without a shadow of a doubt that the chefs will steal your hearts and stomachs.

The ubiquitous Gordon Ramsay will be presiding over the proceedings with signings for his latest book, Cooking for Friends and carrying out cooking demonstrations, proving that the culinary dynamo really can be in more than one place at once! He is joined

by Chefs Stuart Gillies, Jason Atherton, and Angela Hartnett who take over the Tante Marie Christmas Cookery School Theatre. With the freshest seasonal ingredients from sponsors Waitrose, these three wise men and woman transform them into Christmas delights with a difference. The perfect way to educate and delight the palate.

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news TANTALISING DISHES

Food glorious food! With the festive season creeping ever closer, grabbing those last minute ideas has never been more crucial. There’s no need to panic as the list of recipes ready for you to sample is endless. Each restaurant at the Taste of Christmas event will be showcasing three dishes so if you’re lucky you may get a starter, a main and a dessert. And even better still, you get to sample and even buy the dishes to take away! Enjoy Cuttlefish Wrapped in Pancetta from Fino Restaurant or the Lemon Possett with Apple Compote from York & Albany. Now there’s no reason why you can’t mix and match the inspirations for the Christmas table!

THE RAMSAY ARMS All that walking around sampling delicious food, watching cookery demonstrations and shopping till you drop can be hard on the feet.

So why not rest them at the Ramsay Arms whilst you have a rummage through your exciting Christmas purchases? Brought to you in conjunction with those famous thirst quenchers, Heineken - it’s the perfect watering hole for watching the hustle and bustle in comfort.

Does the sound of the purest maple syrup tapped from trees in Vermont, or extra large, extra crunchy peanuts from Virginia sound amazing? Then check out The Authentic American Food Company and the very best that America has to offer.

GORDON’S SPIRIT & WINE EXPERIENCE Have you ever been stuck for what drink to pair with what food? Well now you don’t have to because the mighty chef’s namesake Gordon’s Gin are coming to the rescue. The main sponsors of the show are giving it all away in Gordon’s Spirit and Wine Theatre, where leading wine experts Nigel Barden and Gordon’s Gin ambassador Tristan Stephenson show you how to mix it, drink it and enjoy!

news SERVES UP A PERFECT

CHRISTMAS

Unveiling the best Christmas ever, Gordon’s are preparing to offer novices and experts alike the opportunity to discover contemporary twists on festive food and drink favourites. Throughout Taste of Christmas, visitors will be offered advice from Gordon’s gin ambassadors and the countries’ leading chefs on creating surprising but perfectly paired menus.

Celebrating a Christmas classic, Gordon’s brand ambassadors will reveal the art to serving the perfect gin and tonic - one which just like the perfect dish, is all about quality ingredients and delicate balance of flavour. Presenting a twist on this iconic drink, visitors will also learn how to create the Ramsay G&T – using a dash of cranberry and wedge of lime - sure to become a new Christmas favourite. Take a trip to the Wine and Spirits theatre and learn how to prepare Christmas dishes and drinks that will ensure you can offer guests a Christmas culinary extravaganza.

TANTE MARIE CHRISTMAS

Supported by

COOKERY THEATRE

Gordon Ramsay’s rising stars Stuart Gillies, Jason Atherton and Angela Hartnett cook up a storm. They will be joined by the chefs from the other guest restaurants at the show. So expect to see Atul Kochar of Benares, Francesco Mazzei of L’Anima, Tristan Welch of Launceston Place and many more.

TASTEofChristmas

TASTE INTERNATIONAL This show is isn’t just about the UK as we give you a flavour of Taste abroad, not least how other people spend their culinary Christmases.

So join representatives from Belgium, Sweden and Greece as they offer unique insights into their traditions. Joining them will be English millers, Allisons and sugar producers, Billingtons who will be running baking classes and Nescafe who will be showcasing coffee beans from around the world.

KASTEEL CRU It’s time to get bubbly with Kasteel Cru, after all it is the season to be jolly.

Just as well because this 5.2% ABV premier blonde lager is fermented using champagne yeast. So it has a delicate straw like appearance and more bubbles than you can shake a stick at! Lively and exuberant in character, it delivers maximum refreshment with minimum bitterness. Add the notes of rose petal, tarragon, tangy lemon peel and ripe gooseberries and you’re left with a crisp and zesty little number with a drier and more sparkling finish than other premium lagers.

And since the Kasteel ‘crew’are a generous lot why not take advantage of their Festive Farewell and grab yourselves a goody bag on the way out! So go on, let your hair down and make sure you’re with the blonde that has more fun!

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Tis the season to be sparkling

TASTEofChristmas

101

Throw the perfect party Planning Christmas drinks for friends or neighbours? Take note of Frances Quinn’s dos and don’ts and you’ll have maximum fun with minimum fuss

Whether it’s a few drinks for the neighbours, or dancing till the small hours and aspirins in the morning, the secret of a great Christmas party is all in the planning. At this time of year, the first big issue is timing: everyone has so much on at Christmas that it’s worth sounding people out before you even choose a date. For maximum availability, choose the week between Christmas and New Year: office parties are over, and everyone’s sick of watching repeats of Only Fools and Horses and rowing with relatives.

Once you’re sure you’ll have some guests, it’s time to plan the food and drink, and here, the golden rule is to keep it simple. It’s more stylish – and infinitely better for your sanity – to offer three or four sorts of canapés on generous platters, than to knock yourself out serving 16 types of tartlet and every form of oriental snack known to man. As for drinks, Waitrose offers sale or return on wine and beer, so buy a bit more than you think you’ll need as rushing out to the all-night garage for emergency bottles of lukewarm plonk will not win you the ‘Party Thrower of the Year’ award.

Set the mood with flattering lighting: masses of little tea lights always look festive, and everyone looks good, or at least better, by candlelight, though make sure the candles are safely placed!

Even if you’re not expecting dancing, background music helps to create a relaxed atmosphere, and if you’ve got (or can borrow) an MP3 player and speakers, it’s worth taking an hour or so beforehand to put together a nice long playlist that you can just start and leave.

On the night, designate a couple of willing helpers to keep everyone supplied with food and drink, so you’ll be free to mix and mingle, making sure no one’s stuck on their own or trapped in a boring conversation. I still begrudge the two hours of my life spent pinned in a corner as a fellow party guest explained every detail of his prostate surgery while the host ignored my plight and had a fabulous time on the dance floor.

On the other hand, there’s a fine line between deserting your duty and being the control-freak host/ess from hell.

With all that to think about, there’s a good chance you won’t get to eat a thing yourself, so my final tip is to make sure you’ve got some delicious treats and a glass of something nice hidden away for when everyone else has gone home. Then you can put your feet up – and start planning for next year…

A taste of Christmas

Let us help with the food Waitrose Entertaining makes party food easy: just choose from the selection in our brochure or at waitrose.com, order your food and pick it up on the day (or in some areas, have it delivered). We’ve got a wide range of canapés and sandwiches, plus more substantial dishes that are perfect for buffets.

Try this menu, or put together your own favourites.

Waitrose Entertaining drinks party for 30 Choose a mix of hot and cold canapés to make life easier, and don’t forget to cater for vegetarians.

Sweet canapés, perhaps served with coffee, are a nice way to bring the party to a close.

1 x Crostini canapés (vegetarian), £38/54 pieces 1 x Vol-au-vent (some vegetarian), £21.50/60 pieces 1 x Smoked salmon canapés, £22.50/48 pieces 2 x Cheese straws and chorizo croquettes, £16/48 pieces per pack 2 x Mini tartlets (filled with banoffee, strawberry, Bakewell and chocolate), £7.95/36 pieces per pack Great presentation adds a personal touch: garnish with sprigs of fresh herbs, and serve on unusual platters such as mirror or slate tiles, wooden boards or sushi mats.

Perfect planning: • One bottle of wine or champagne will give six glasses. Allow two or three glasses per person for a drinks party.

• Allow about eight savoury canapés per person for a drinks party lasting around an hour; for longer, you’ll need between 10 and 12 per person.

Welcome to Christmas at Waitrose. This year, our buyers have searched the world to find wines, beers and spirits to help you make this your most enjoyable Christmas ever. Our comprehensive guide takes you from a classic French Fleurie to a zesty New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc – giving an insight into different taste profiles offered by different climates. And don’t forget our online service – Waitrose Wine Direct, perfect if you want to order a case or find a wine that’s not available in your local branch.

• You can order wine and spirits online at waitrose. com/wine, where you’ll find lots of special offers and free delivery.

Visit waitrose.com/wine or call 0800 188 881. Delivery is free anywhere in the UK mainland.

Happy holidays!

• Pin up a couple of local cab numbers near the phone, so that people can sort out transport easily when they want to leave.

• Don’t forget you’ll need to chill your white wine.

If the fridge is full of food, a bath full of very cold water is a good substitute – or put the wine in buckets of water out in the garden.

• You can borrow glasses free from your local Waitrose branch; just ask at the customer services desk.

• Have clean cloths or kitchen towel handy for spills.

Bo

3 rd of da ce an ri 9. . st p £1 M02 4 e y t h ou W jo r y e R o En ts f ing cod v ke sa ing t ic ok

4-7 DECEMBER – EXCEL LONDON

LIVE FOR 4 DAYS ONLY!

LIVE – Gordon and friends take on Christmas in a sizzling kitchen theatre with inspiring

Thank Gordon it’s Christmas!

cook-offs and special guests.

All tickets guarantee a seat in one of Gordon’s live Christmas Theatre performances.

SHOP for unique gifts and the best in food and drink, so you can get set for the festive period.

TASTE delicious signature dishes from a range of London’s finest restaurants including some of Gordon’s own.

4 -7 DECEMBER – EXCEL LONDON

Event tickets on sale now at:

tasteofchristmas.com

or call the ticket hotline on 0871 230 5581 BOOKING CODE RWM02. TICKETS ARE LIMITED

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22/10/08 12:43:10

food&drink

103

Mortal offerings fit for the Gods Vivat Bacchus has been a Classic London restaurant for those in the know for five years, serving top quality wine and the finest of South African-inspired cuisine. At long last, it has put a second gold star to its name, as Alice Tozer finds out

S

ince August, Vivat Bacchus has owned a second branch a mere grape pip’s throw from London Bridge station. As the restaurant’s name suggests (‘long live Bacchus’ – God of Wine), wine is given pride of place at both Vivats via temperaturecontrolled wine cellars housing a cross-section of the world’s best bottles, selected with finesse.

The idea is for guests to have the option of perusing the shelves before any cork-popping begins.

The lower lodgings offer modern European cuisine with South African overtones, this being the nationality of its founding duo. I began with smoky, velveteen Seared Scottish Scallops, Avruga Caviar and Crème Fraiche with a glass of Billecart-Salmon Brut (£22.50).

I egged my dining companion on to elect Crocodile Spring Rolls with smoked chilli jam (£8.50), since it sounded like something I mightn’t get to try a bite of again in a hurry. From Zondernaam to Devon’s Crest, with a splash

of Pinor Noir in between, in tandem with each course we were serenaded by superlative wines by our zealous French waiter.

Expertly prepared mains straight from the motherland include Springbok and Carpaccio of Kudu, but Vivat does not confine itself to any one culture’s cuisine, as my main course testified: Prawn and Butterfish Thai Green Curry (£16.50) served with confidently aromatic, steamed jasmine rice. South Africans know what they’re doing when cooking meat, which is why my companion confidently chose Grilled Galloway “Black Face” Ribeye Steak (£17.75) – a 225g 35 day aged meat, served with Pont Neuf potatoes and béarnaise sauce.

What could possibly make our hitherto plentiful experience even more hedonistic? Cocoafuelled desserts en mass and an entire room full of cheese, of course. We thus dabbled, not to be defeated, in an artisanal

ice-cream legal and a bitter coffee cheesecake. Good job we had the Napoleon’s favourite dessert wine to counterbalance the pang: Klein Constantia Vin de Constance (2001). Finally, a meander into the walk-in cheese room resulted in our own bespoke selection of some the most delectable of Anglo-French lactic crumbliness.

Circumventing PWC and Ernst & Young bods should soon become acquainted with their local Vivat, not least when needing to butter up clients.

For everyone else; when you’re next desperately seeking affordable quality spritzed up with novel international tastes, I’d bet you several bottles of Burgundy, and stone sober, that London Bridge’s impeccable Vivat Bacchus couldn’t possibly disappoint. n www.vivatbacchus.co.uk

wooden board of desserts for two. The Vivat Bacchus Dessert Platter (£15) comprises a Martini glass of chocolate mousse, the creamiest pistachio

Vivat Bacchus 4 Hays Lane London Bridge SE1 2HB 020 7234 0891

Since this review, Vivat Bacchus has introduced a new, enticing winter menu as well as some irresistible Christmas menus, priced between £30 and £38 per person. See the Vivat Bacchus website for full details.

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lifestyle

SIOBHAN’S CREDIT CRUNCH WEDDING TIPS Feeling the pressure to tighten your belt as wedding costs are running away with you? Here are some ideas on areas where you can save The Reception A buffet is less expensive than a silverserved or plated meal. If your reception costs are escalating beyond your budget why not have an afternoon tea or cocktail reception instead? Magnums of champagne offer twice the amount as a bottle and not at twice the price. Bear this in mind when ordering the champagne for your toasts.

Bellini, Kir Royale and Bucks Fizz are all delicious reception cocktails and made with Cava or Prosecco work out a lot less expensive then champagne.

Wedding Attire Many ‘artificial’ fabrics have the same weight, sheen and movement as the natural one, at half the price. Perfect when considering the bridesmaid dress fabric.

The wedding gown is always one of the major wedding expenses, but well worth it. You may want to consider hiring your dress to save money or selling it after the

event. You can usually re-coup 50-70% of the price. Tiaras and costume jewellery can be hired at a fraction of the cost of purchasing these items. Choose shoes that you could wear again. Have them dyed after the wedding and you have an elegant pair of evening shoes. You do not have to have a going away outfit, if money is tight, wear your dress all night and leave in it.

Make the most of your dream dress. Using a professional wedding hair and make-up artist will usually work out less expensive then booking a salon-based artist to come out to you for a half-day’s work.

The Cake You do not have to have a three-tier wedding cake, if one or two tiers is sufficient to feed all your guests, why spend the extra? If you know someone who can bake your wedding cake and then take it to a professional for icing and decorating, this can save you 10-15% on the price of the

cake. If you do not want to spend a fortune on your wedding cake, enquire at the supermarkets as many now supply them.

The Flowers and Decor Choose flowers that are in season. Check with your ceremony location if they have any other weddings on the same day as yours. If you can all agree on the same floral decoration, you can share the cost. To decorate your guest tables, buy ribbon and tie it round the napkins in attractive bows – a cheaper alternative to flowers. For eye catching ice cubes to dress your cocktail bar, freeze edible flowers inside them.

Napkins tastefully tied help enhance your table décor. Masses of flowers in one colour create a wow factor. You can use cheaper flowers but just lots of them. n For more information on Siobhan’s services, call 020 7481 4338 or visit www.siobhancraven-robins.co.uk

food&drink

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enjoy a

White Christmas Forget the diet - our latest recipe is a full-on, festive feast to enjoy before, during and even after Christmas. Why not make a few and give to family and friends for presents? Enjoy and happy holiday from deWintons!

WHITE CHOCOLATE PANETTONE PUDDING Panettone is a classic Milanese bread thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s usually prepared and enjoyed for Christmas and the New Year and dates back to the time of the Roman Empire.You can buy your panettone from any local supermarket or Italian delicatessen. Most panettone comes in 500g rounds, so please remember to slice in half before using.

METHOD 1

Preheat the oven to 150 Degrees C, Gas 3.

2

Place the milk, cream and vanilla in a saucepan, bring to the boil and then set aside.

3

In a bowl, whisk the eggs, caster sugar and grated nutmeg together.

4 Add the mixture slowly to the milk, cream and vanilla in the saucepan, whisk and then pass through a fine sieve to make the custard sauce.

5 Cut the panettone into quarter pieces and then slice each into six or seven slices approximately 15mm thick.

6 Put three slices of the panettone into a large, rectangular baking dish. Sprinkle the white chocolate drops over and then place the remainder of the panettone slices on top.

7

Pour the custard over the panettone slowly and press down gently until it is completely submerged under the custard. Leave to stand for 30mins.

8 Stand the baking dish in a roasting tin and surround with boiling water to come halfway up the sides of the dish.

9 Cook at 150 Degrees C for 45mins to 1hr until there is no custard left in the bottom of the pudding and it feels S springy to touch.

EDIENT 10 Once out of the oven sprinkle with caster sugar and place under a pre-heated grill until the sugar caramelises.

11 Serve with vanilla custard or cream.

INGR

e panetton x ilk m t fa ll 250g fu x m ea l cr m ) 250 double scrapped (split & x od p l m la 0 il 5 n 2 va s p x olate dro 1 white choc x s g eg g e 0 15 whol x gar su er st 5 ca x tmeg 50g rated nu g ly h es fr of ch in P

We hope you enjoy making this dish at home but, alternatively, why not let deWintons take on the responsibility and get us to prepare it for you? Whether you have a private dinner party or a corporate event to organise, we cater for all occasions. So, if you want some of our delicious food, catered and served by delightful people, give us a call on: 020 7627 5550 or e-mail: info@dewintons.co.uk www.dewintons.co.uk

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THE

PARTY

SEASON Josephine O’Donoghue chats with partyplanning expert Sophie Lillingston, about the magical world of her Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties

P

eople look forward to Christmas parties all year, and New Year’s Eve has people planning for months in the run up to the big event. A great opportunity to let your hair down, catch up with old friends, exchange gifts and generally have a good time, these nights out are often the highlight of the festive season.Yet, after years of the same old venue, recycled tinsel and soggy sausage rolls, it becomes inevitable that even partying with the best of friends will become a little bland.

This is where party-planning guru Sophie Lillingston steps in. As an expert events co-ordinator, she has been responsible for some of the most stunning parties of the last decade. Vibrant cocktail bars with exclusive DJs, stately homes serving majestic banquets or intimate candlelit tents in the Moroccan desert – whatever the occasion and whatever the vibe, she can create some of the most unusual party settings.

Having recently launched a home styling service for busy City workers, Sophie explains a little more about holding Christmas parties at home.

“When people have their homes styled for Christmas, or ask us

to plan a Christmas party for them at home, they often go with a more traditional style”, she explains “It’s all about colours and textures – lots of fruits, ribbons, pines, candles and velvets are used in our designs, and we try and bring out the warmth of the season in deep reds, plums, mossy greens, burnt oranges.”

For those who enjoy the typical ‘English Christmas’ Sophie advises that clients go for a decadent dinner party.

For a more intimate affair, Sophie can create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for a party of friends to enjoy before leaving for Christmas, the perfect dinner for a family or just something different to ease the repetitive pattern of endless cocktail parties.

With a penchant for dramatic and unusual table settings, Sophie shows me a recent demonstration table she put together on which towering candelabras are covered with moss and deep red roses.

Although traditional in colour and style, the way she uses her materials is unusual and rather quirky – beside the candelabra sits a smaller candle surrounded by figs and flowering artichokes, bundles of cinnamon sticks

wrapped in ribbon and various other moss structures. In her ‘Charlotte’ table setting Sophie uses hops with pomegranates to create more of a country feel, alongside hydrangeas, grapes, orchids and deep red roses.

Pewter plates or wine goblets can add a period element, particularly effective when serving traditional

game dishes reminiscent of the past. By fusing the traditional concepts of candles, flowers or natural materials with a modern approach to design, Sophie’s vision results in a truly unique decor; she suggests using red dogwoods, pussy willow and moss for an alternative to the Christmas pine tree and red roses.

However, if another Christmas dinner just isn’t your thing and a lively cocktail party is just what you need to bring the festive spirit into your home, then Sophie has the perfect solution.The ‘Music Box’ is a full DJ set-up previously only available within the industry at clubs and bars – now Sophie is using them in her private parties where professional DJs can mix the perfect set for your event. Alternatively, Sophie often suggests saxophonist Heather Hoyle, a stunning musician who offers a range of musical set lists for parties and is always a hit! In amongst a collection of caterers and chefs, entertainers, florists and musicians, expert mixologists are also on hand for Sophie’s parties; recommended for this season are dessert themed cocktails such as Lemon Meringue, Apple Strudel, Mandarin and Pomegranate and Baked Pear with Cinnamon,

offering a range of naughty indulgences for the perfect Christmas party Hiring an exclusive venue

ultra-modern club, a Cuban fiesta or a seventies disco – the choice is endless.

The ultimate escapism, and

Step inside a winter wonderland of snow, a Bollywood shrine, an ultra-modern club, a Cuban fiesta or a seventies disco for New Year’s Eve means that Sophie and her design team can really go to town with unusual designs. In the last year or so there has been a growing interest in the tee-pee as a replacement for the conventional marquee.

Designed around a central fire, these exciting new venues have the ‘blank canvas’ quality of a marquee allowing for almost any design imaginable. Step inside a winter wonderland of snow, a Bollywood shrine, an

to me, the best way to welcome in the NewYear, is a destination party. Of course, these range from a Hogmanay celebration in Scotland, to a hideaway villa in France, from a skiing break in Cortina to staying in a castle in Ireland. A popular choice with Sophie’s clients is a four or five day jaunt to Morocco and at this time of year in particular, to Marrakech.

Here, Sophie doesn’t simply arrange dinners and cocktails, but an entire break which could include hot air ballooning over the

Sub-Saharan desert, belly dancing and music from local entertainers, private dinner parties, luxurious accommodation, horse-riding in the desert and spa experiences in the traditional Moroccan hammam steam baths. Attention to detail sees Sophie and the team sourcing rugs, tents, linens, glassware and fruits from the local area and creating a stunning backdrop to a truly special celebration.

So, for the ultimate showstopping Christmas or NYE party this year, whether at home or overseas, Sophie really should be your first port of call.

A fountain of ideas, creativity and unbridled enthusiasm, her parties really are the crème de la crème of the events industry. n For more information on Sophie Lillingston, visit www.lillingston.co.uk

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ARE YOU GOING TO LIVE FOREVER – OR DO YOU JUST BEHAVE AS IF THAT WERE TRUE?

by Raj Persaud, Consultant Psychiatrist

T

alk to any young person and they appear convinced that they are going to live forever. Get to my age and no matter how impressive you are on the treadmill, your heart rate and those disquieting pains will dictate otherwise.

It’s well known from psychological research, and any parent will confirm that young people, particularly adolescents, tend to be risk takers. That’s why you are more reluctant to lend your car to your 17 year old son than your 57 year old sibling. As you get older, you become more cautious, checking you locked the front door properly and always putting your seat belt on.

The propensity for gambling with their lives and their health explains why students at school and university are much more likely to experiment with drugs than those in their thirties. Statisticians already know all of this is true, you try getting car insurance below the age of 25.

There are various theories why teenagers and those in their twenties tend to be so much more risk-loving than older folk. One is that the latest neuroscience findings now suggest that the brain doesn’t finish maturing until much later than previously realised.

Neuroscientists had thought the brain stopped growing by and large by the late teens. Now, we think it’s the early twenties.

It could be even later. Given the frontal lobes are the last part of the brain to finish maturing (this is the area of the cerebrum responsible for planning and judgement) it would appear that juvenile delinquents, or indeed just juveniles, are labouring under a deep biological inability to take the long term into account.

There is, however, a more psychological account for the difference in outlook between young and old, and that hinges on the concept of your ‘time horizon’. Time Horizon is the idea that your behaviour today is determined by how far into the future you are looking and what you are looking at on that horizon.

Ellie Mattai and Paul Beamish based at the School of Management in Richard Ivey School of Business at The University of

Western Ontario in Canada have published some fascinating research which puts flesh on the bone of the concept of ‘time horizon’.

They examined almost 300 of the largest US firms over a five year period at the end of the 1990’s to examine how likely such firms were to acquire others. The fascinating finding was that as Chief Executive Officers neared retirement, they tended to become more conservative as regards the risky business of leading their companies into acquiring others.

Mattai and Beamish argue this marked change in the behaviour of companies as the CEOs approach retirement is because the subjects in question were becoming more mindful of their final remuneration packages.

CEOs tend to ‘cash out’ with stock options and other instruments which link the chief’s final compensation to the firm’s overall success at that moment.

It seemed from the research that the CEO became more mindful of not ‘rocking the boat’ or endangering the overall position of the company, because they were worried about the effect taking risks would have on their final pay packet.

Mattai and Beamish contend that CEOs emphasise ‘legacy conservation’ as they approach retirement. They found that a longer CEO ‘career horizon’ is associated with a higher likelihood of their company engaging in international acquisitions. They also found that CEOs nearing retirement with high levels of in-the-money unexercised options and equity holdings were less likely to engage in international acquisitions than CEOs with low levels of in-the-money options and equity holdings.

Basically, CEOs nearing retirement exhibit a growing aversion to risk in the way they guide the company. A theory that accounts for this profound change in behaviour is that concerns for conserving a legacy of success induce the Chief’s avoidance of risky strategic choices that can dampen down firm performance in the short run, and hence taint the CEOs’ reputations in their last years of employment.Yet these might be precisely the kind of decisions that would in the longer

term help the company grow substantially.

Mattai and Beamish are suggesting that CEOs almost seem to become myopic in their considerations near retirement, meaning that they develop a focus on the short-term implications of their strategic investments rather than long-term considerations of firm growth.

The basic point of Mattai and Beamish’s research is that even if a takeover is in the best long term interests of a company, as the CEO of that firm nears retirement age, he or she is much less likely to make decisions that are in the best long term interests of the company they are running. Instead, they become much more ‘short term’ in outlook. This means they don’t take risks.

This translates into fewer take-overs even if this would in fact be good for the firm in the longer term.

Mattai and Beamish are appealing to a well established psychological principle that people in general value more what they already own compared with what they could theoretically own in the future. The practical implication of this is that they require much more to give up what they already have, compared with what they would be willing to pay to acquire it. What this means is we tend not to risk what we already have in order to gain what we don’t.

At least according to Mattai and Beamish’s research this tendency is markedly accentuated as CEOs near retirement.

The practical implication for all of us, whether we are CEOs or not, is to more consciously consider the time horizon we are using when we make any decision in life. It would appear helpful to bear in mind a longer time horizon when it comes to decisions that have better long term outcomes for us, even if there are short term costs. n Reference: The accentuated CEO career horizon problem: evidence from international acquisitions Strategic Management Journal Volume 29, Issue 7, Date: July 2008, Pages: 683700 Elie Matta, Paul W. Beamish

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MONEY LESSONS FROM 2008 Although a terrible year, 2008 offers many lessons to be learned for the discerning investor

by DR. DAVID KUO Head of Personal Finance at money website Fool.co.uk

T

here are no two ways about it, 2008 was a dreadful year. It’s also one that most of us will be glad to see the back of. But just because it’s been a year that we will want to forget, it doesn’t mean we should. Learning the lessons of 2008 can help us avoid making similar mistakes again if, Heaven forbid, we are made to go through something this awful again.

So what have I learned this year?

• Don’t ignore cockroaches There is a theory that says if you see one cockroach then there are probably more around. And just because you haven’t seen them yet, it doesn’t mean they’re not there. When applied to business, it means that if one piece of bad news leaks out then there is a high chance that more bad news could be just around the corner.

In January, stock markets around the world stumbled amid growing fears that the subprime mortgage crisis could cause a major recession in the US. The slow and painful slide in shares culminated in a plunge on 21 January. However, a recovery followed when a quick look around failed to reveal more roaches. But little did we know that the six-legged pests were lying in wait for the right moment to strike.

• You are never too big to fail The roaches were out in force seven months later in August.They claimed a number of big US investment names that included Bear Stearns, Merrill Lynch, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and AIG, all of which had to be rescued from the brink. However, Lehman Brothers, which many thought was too big to fail, was left to wither.

In Britain, Bradford & Bingley was

also allowed to collapse, while Alliance & Leicester and HBOS were rescued by their peers. Elsewhere, Royal Bank of Scotland and Lloyds TSB were resuscitated through an injection of cash from the taxpayer.

In hindsight, perhaps Lehman was too big to fail. Its collapse sent shockwaves that rocked financial institutions around the world. But no one at the time could have predicted the impact its collapse would have on the volcanic island of Iceland.

• Be greedy when the markets are fearful With so much bad news around, it’s easy to throw in the towel and call it a day. But selling your investments at any price, which is also known as capitulation selling, is something that investors who are putting away money for the long-term should try to avoid at all costs.

Following capitulation, prices should, theoretically, reverse or bounce off the lows. Warren Buffett summed it up

Lehman was too big to fail. Its collapse sent shockwaves that rocked financial institutions around the world • If something looks too good to be true…

Iceland bore the brunt of bank failures in the West when investors questioned not only the health of its banks, but the solvency of the country itself. Quizzical eyebrow were raised over the very generous savings rates that Icelandic banks were offering. And when depositors asked if ever something can ever look too good to be true, they quickly realised it can’t.

Glitnir was the first Icelandic bank to fall, and Icesave and Kaupthing quickly followed despite protests from their management that nothing was amiss.

However, it soon became apparent that the banks’ coffers were as barren as the country’s treeless landscape. Thankfully, savers were bailed out fully by the UK Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

perfectly when he urged investors to be fearful when the market is greedy, but to be greedy when the market is fearful.

But for most of us, it’s not too important even if the market doesn’t immediately rebound off its lows. By ensuring that you invest regularly, you benefit from one of the secrets of successful investing, namely pound-cost averaging.

And by making regular investments, you sidestep the temptation to time your jump in and out of the market, because you will probably get the timing wrong more often than not anyway.

Let’s now bid adieu to 2008, and look forward to a better 2009.

Merry Christmas to all! n

Fool.co.uk Seriously good with money

TM

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cityliferecommends

citylife

recommends

The Exclusive CROSS Christmas shopping event Citylife readers are being treated to a special evening of Christmas Shopping at the Cross store in Cabot Place, Canary Wharf on Thursday 4th December from 5 – 9pm.

Complimentary wine and luxury chocolates will be provided on the evening as well as a generous 15% discount on all items purchased and free engraving on selected items.

For your tickets and the chance to win £100 worth of Cross vouchers on the evening please email your name and the name of any guests you wish to bring to Cross@focuspr. co.uk Our favourites include the stunning Apogee Executive Collection of pens and matching cufflinks (pictured), available in precious metal finishes including sterling silver and platinum, and rose gold. Prices for this collection vary from £50-£65 for the cufflinks and £120 - £220 for the pens.

Cross has gifts that are perfect for loved ones and colleagues at Christmas.

Since its founding in 1846, Cross has become synonymous with quality, innovation, craftmanship and design. www.cross.com

Convenient Christmas Looking for luxurious gifts with the utmost convenience? Kuati is an exciting new e-boutique specialising in chic hand-crafted presents. With great ideas for men, women and children you’re bound to find something you love.

These uber-cool ‘Rain Earrings’ by Citrine by the Stones (£95) are one of our favourites. www.kuati.com

Silhouette hosiery Indulge this Christmas with a perfect hourglass figure.

Bodytoners Opaque Hourglass Toner defines the waist and smoothes away lumps and bumps. Say goodbye to “Bridget Jones” pants and hello to that extra helping of Christmas Pudding! £15 available from Debenhams www.aristoc.com

cityliferecommends

A Royal time

Good vibrations

Royal Day Spa is an exclusive boutique style spa located in the historic spa town of Tunbridge Wells, Kent (less than an hour from London by train or car). While away the day swimming in the salt water pool, using the gym, taking a yoga class, having a sauna or simply catching up on your reading or having a snooze in the ‘bedroom’ - an exquisite post treatment relaxation area with one huge bed, sumptuous cushions and throws.

Looking for a quick fix miracle cure to fit into that Little Black Dress? Celebrity fitness trainer Jane Dowling has designed an intense 20 minute power plate workout specifically for timepoor female professionals who want to look fantastic this party season.

Priced at £20 per session (or £180 for ten).

020 7403 9988 www.fitnessforeverybody.co.uk

www.royal-dayspa.co.uk 01892 616 191

Party time

Ego Trip

Looking to cut budgets without cutting back on the fun? The ‘Starty’ (stay at the office party), introduced by Red Snapper Events, brings the party with all its trimmings direct to you. Starting from £35 per head (canapés, drinks and décor included) the ‘Starty’ phenomenon will bring a little seasonal cheer to your office.

Ego’s notebook has been souped up to Bentley’s exacting standards with the limited edition ‘Ego for Bentley’. The colour options of the lacquered inside match the car’s most popular exterior paints. As beautiful on the inside as it is on the out, it comes with the latest Microsoft Vista Ultimate software, a 64-bit processor and a 160Gb hard drive.

020 7064 0850 www.redsnapperevents.com

Retail rendezvous Take a break from the hustle and bustle and enjoy the new price friendly menu by ‘Espelette’ at the Connaught. The stunning new conservatory is a pristine venue from which to enjoy the sweeping festive views of Mayfair’s village life. Offering bistro style food with a more informal appeal the ‘prix fixe’ menu offers 2 courses for £19.50 or one course and a Kir Royale for £19.50. Perfect for a spot of retail relief or a quick but satisfying business lunch.

The Connaught, Carlos Place, Mayfair, London W1K 2AL 020 3147 7100 www.the-connaught.co.uk

£10,000 www.egoforbentley.com

111

WHAT'SON

Our guide to this month’s top events

6 December

7 December 2008, 4.30pm

ART & EXHIBITIONS

EVENT

THE MOVING ROOT

BBC RADIO 3 CHOIR OF THE YEAR

Southbank Centre artist in residence, Gauri Sharma Tripathi’s new piece explores the unique bond between two dancers.

The Clore Ballroom Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX www.southbankcentre.co.uk

The search for a new choir will conclude in December this year, when the choir performance is held at the Royal Festival Hall. Adults, children and youth, as well as people from open categories are all able to take part for the title of BBC Radio 3 Choir of the Year 2008.

© Chris Nash

Royal Festival Hall Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road SE1 8XX www.southbankcentre.co.uk

9 – 19 December

10 - 13 December

EVENT

ART & EXHIBITIONS

SPITALFIELDS WINTER FESTVAL

MAGNIFICENCE OF THE TSARS

This year’s Winter Festival offers a series of concerts including the Monteverdi Choir and the English Baroque Soloists. For those with a sense of adventure many enjoy Spitalfields Christmas Carol – part walk, part performance. There are also outdoor events in Spitalfields market.

The grandeur of Imperial Russia will be captured in this display of dress and uniforms worn by the Tsars, their courtiers and officials for over two centuries.

www.spitalfieldsmusic.org.uk 020 7377 1362

Victoria & Albert Museum Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL 020 7942 2000 www.vam.ac.uk

CH

R GU

BY ON I S T A FR AL M R A ID L O A N AY R S T 19 DE D E E TH RS E D DE PLALIV CE CE E MB D RY ER

Gift Vouchers Hampers Flowers Wine Gifts

Tel 0845 603 7979

www.johnlewis.com/sfb

10 - 23 December

Is Your Career Important To You?

THEATRE IDA BAR: SO THIS IS CHRISTMAS Former music hall singer turned elderly rap star brings her own brand of R ‘n’ B artificial hip hop to the Barbican.

Featuring live mixing from the hot young DJ Godslove, comedy from Jess Robinson, a round of bingo and a Christmas sing-along.

The Barbican Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS 0845 120 7527 www.barbican.org.uk

14 December EVENT THE VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS

© Museum of London

We can thank the Victorians for Christmas like we know it today; they started many of our current traditions.

This festive walk takes a look at just some of the aspects they created, from the Christmas tree and Christmas cards to Salvation Army bands and immortal Dickensian Christmas stories.

The Museum of London London Wall, EC2Y 5HN www.museumoflondon.org.uk

• •

10 December – 3 January MUSIC THE THIEF OF BAGHDAD Based during a war in a futuristic London three children take refuge in a theatre, the stage door man befriends them and starts to tell them a story.

The story whisks them to another world – one of excitement and drama.

Based on the Arabian night’s tales the children find themselves in a fantasy world of genies and magic carpets.

Royal Opera House Covent Garden, WC2 9DD www.roh.org.uk

Until 17 December ART & EXHIBITIONS MY VOICE WILL GO WITH YOU This Edward Fornieles first major solo show, he employs the full spectrum of expressive possibilities from installation, sculpture, film performance, collage and paintings. He engages with consumer culture and seeks the idealisation of perfection and beauty.

Paradise Row, 17 Hereford St, London, E2 6EX

• •

Redundancy worries, need to professionally prepare your CV? In need of some professional career advice?

Considering changing your role, company or even industry?

Thinking of negotiating a pay-rise, promotion or bonus?

Forward your CV (however old) to careerhelp@selfinvestcareers.com and we will send you back some free pointers to demonstrate just how useful we can be.

Details will not be retained or forwarded and remain strictly confidential.

Uniquely tailored CV and Covering Letter Services – Form Completion – Interview Skills Training – Psychometric Testing – Career Change Advice – Self-Confidence Coaching – Work Issues/ Problems Advisory Service – Salary Negotiation Advisory Service – Performance Appraisal Advice – Document Proof Reading – Complete Makeover

T: 020 7612 4968 F: 020 7927 3353 E: info@selfinvestcareers.com www.selfinvestcareers.com

WHAT'SON

Our guide to this month’s top events

17 - 30 December

19 December

THEATRE

MUSIC

THE NUTCRACKER

HAYLEY WESTENRA’S CHRISTMAS WISHES

A Christmas classic, the English National Ballet Presents the Tchaikovsky classic. Follow Clara as she travels to the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets with her toy Nutcracker that has come to life on Christmas Eve.

As part of the Raymond Gubbay Christmas, Hayley Westenra gives a unique performance with a mix of classic Christmas carols and a selection of her own hits.

The London Coliseum www.ballet.org.uk

The Barbican Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS 0845 120 7527 www.barbican.org.uk

18 December – 3 January

19 December – 11 January

THEATRE

MUSIC

ANGELMOTH

LOST AND FOUND ORCHESTRA

Angelmoth transports its audience into the fantasy world of Pippanouska and the characters who inhabit a dusty old library. Their lives change forever when they encounter the angelmoth, ethereal butterfly like creature, who leads them on a fantastical journey of wonder and adventure.

The creators of Stomp stage their biggest and most energetic performance yet. Strings are replaced by bowed saw section; woodwind and brass become bellows, bottles and kettles. With a sprinkle of dance and comedy you have the perfect evening out.

Saddlers Wells Roseberry eve, EC1 4TN 0844 412 4300

Royal Festival Hall Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Searle &Co

SEARLE & CO. LTD Established 1893 Jewellers & Silversmiths

Celebrating 75 years at Number 1 The Royal Exchange. xchange.

Searle &Co Searle and Co. Ltd 1 Royal Exchange Cornhill, London EC3V 3LL T 020 7626 2456 | F 020 7283 6384 www.searleandco.ltd.uk info@searleandco.ltd.uk

115

Until 18 January

Until 18 December

EVENT

EVENT

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM ICE RINK AND CHRISTMAS FAIR

WORLD PRESS PHOTO 2008

Natural History Museum Cromwell road, SW7 5BD 020 7942 5000

Photographers from all over the world are looking to take part in this renowned celebration of photography, which has been active since 1955. A variety of topics, including hard news and portraits.

The winners are selected from 80,536 pictures that were submitted by 5,019 photographers, from 125 countries. © Tim Hetherington

The Natural History Museum’s 900 square foot ice rink is back for the season, with its own bar where you can watch your friends and family skate while you warm up with a glass of mulled wine. The Christmas Fair is also back, with 24 chalets selling anything from, original clothing to toys to jewellery.

Southbank Centre Belvedere Road London SE1 8XX 0871 663 2501 www.southbankcentre.co.uk

31 December

Until 4 January

EVENT

EVENT

NEW YEAR FIREWORKS

CHRISTMAS PAST

Join the 700,000 people who line the Thames and fill Trafalgar Square for the annual fireworks and lighting display that takes place on the London Eye.

The rich traditions and customs of Christmas in England can get lost amid the hustle and bustle of the modern festive season. Each year the Geffrye sets out to rekindle some of the magic of Christmas by decorating its eleven period rooms with different style of decorations from the centuries.

www.london.gov.uk/newyearseve

Geffrye Museum Kingsland Road, E2 8EA © Dave Wilcox

o

events

Until 11 January

Until January 2009

EVENT

ART & EXHIBITIONS

TOWER OF LONDON ICE RINK

ANDY WARHOL: OTHER VOICES, OTHER ROOMS

The battlements of the Tower of London provide a magnificent back drop for skating gracefully (or not) around one of London’s best ice skating rink. www.toweroflondonicerink.com

This is a fresh prospective on Andy Warhol work; visitors will be immersed in Warhol’s way of thinking. His iconic paintings and prints, including Marilyn Monroe and Campbell’s soup tins, will be shown alongside video, TV programmers, films, photos, delicate drawings, album covers and wallpapers patterns.

Southbank Centre Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX 0871 663 2501 www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Until 25 January

Until 15 February

ART & EXHIBITIONS

ART & EXHIBITIONS

THIN WILD MERCURY

SISLEY IN ENGLAND AND WALES

An exhibition of photographs on Bob Dylan by Jerry Schatzberg, in association Raj Prem Fine Art Photography, shows a reveling portrait of one of the greatest icons in popular culture – shot through the lens of this close friend and acclaimed photographer and director Jerry Schatzberg.

The Proud Gallery 32 John Adam Street, WC2N 6BP www.proud.co.uk

Sisley in England and Wales provides a chance to celebrate Alfred Sisley’s work. This exhibition explores the more unknown side of Sisley and represents a rare phenomenon an impressionist painter’s sustained attempts to capture the British landscape.

National Gallery Trafalgar square www.national gallery.org.uk

Rocking Villas Preconception is a funny thing; it usually goes hand in hand with stereotype and cliché and is often ill judged and totally off the mark.

Kasha Van Sant explores further

A

note of caution to those who think that the Rocksure Property Fund which provides luxury stays for the affluent and well to do, in various locations round the world, must be something to do with time share.

So what is it? Unlike the traditional notion of being allocated a period of time in which to share a location, Rocksure allows all the members of its fund to own the property in question. In this case we are talking plural rather than singular, as six properties co-exist. Now on its second fund

known as Bravo, it would mean owning the bricks and mortar of properties in Buzios, Brazil; Adriatic Coast, Croatia; Colorado, USA; Marrakech, Morocco;The Algarve, Portugal and Phuket, Thailand for £189,000. After a 7 - 8 year maturation period the fund closes to give way to another portfolio. During this period investors are able to take the rather daunting task of owning a property portfolio abroad, by not “going it alone”.They can “spread the risk” over the six destinations, they have a “planned exit” with properties sold and the proceeds divvied

up.What’s more, with a rental potential the rest of the time, the properties keep earning, certainly in marked contrast to the time share.

The brains behind the operation, directors David Rogers and Desmond Patrick-Smith are a combination of charismatic showmanship and quiet brooding reserve. An intriguing mix, but it seems to work. And work well, for the expertise that the two bring exceeds 50 years knowledge of the international luxury travel market under the umbrella of Abercrombie & Kent as Chief

Operating Officer and Managing Director, Europe respectively.

David Rodgers who originally trained to be a barrister elaborates on the time share label and how in his final days at Abercrombie & Kent he came across the American concept of the destination club, “So you sign a cheque for x amount and it’s like buying membership access, you don’t own anything. And I thought ‘that will never work in the UK’. So I enhanced the idea and added a key factor. Let the shareholder own 100% of the properties. That’s the difference between us and timeshare.”

But what will this buy you?

A pretty impressive chunk of a property worth at least £1million, that comes without a need to maintain, staff or furnish. All a

internationalproperty stone’s throw away from sun, sea, sand, skiing or golf. And often a combination of several, thus dubbing each home “the House for all seasons.” Think, a 5-star luxury hotel that you own for a rent free period of 4 weeks per year.With only a small number of people allowed entry into the fund and that’s after having a credentials and income checks (£250,000 of assets over and above your house or an income of over £100,000 over several years); standards, quality and time allowed for stays are not diluted or impacted upon.

According to David this makes for a more “intimate” investment, with only 40 units of investment within the Bravo fund.

So what kind of people have bought into Rocksure?

“They’re in their early fifties, most are still working and are comfortably wealthy, own houses worth £1 - 2 million in value. They’re not the super rich. Accountants, lawyers, entrepreneurs, MPs and then there are some people who don’t have defined jobs and are just naturally rich.”

The bottom line is that these are people that want a normal house, something that is special but not “super grand, with butlers”. David admits that Rocksure shareholders would be horrified by that. In a visit to the Algarve property David and Desmond put their money where their mouths are. This property, Casa Alto do Cerro in Loule is a stunning 5 - bedroom affair with 360˚ panoramic views over the Algarve and the Atlantic Ocean, a heated swimming pool and expansive grounds.

And absolutely everything you would expect from a top notch villa. Throw in all the mod cons, computer access, a cook to prepare meals; it’s definitely not to be sniffed at.

So what’s nearby? The historic town of Loule, is an active market town dating back to the 12th century with medieval castle remnants and a hilltop church.

Then there’s Val do Lobo with its golf course and beachfront, and of course Quinta do Lago which is perfect for a seafront lunch whilst enjoying the views overlooking the lakes of the renowned Ria Formosa Natural Park – arguably one of the most beautiful natural areas in the Algarve.

Quite obviously a lot of research has gone into finding this location.

Desmond Patrick-Smith sources all the properties and the furnishings that go in them; he leaves no stone unturned when looking for the best each location has to offer.

With the British climate being what it is, there is no doubt that bookings to certain areas of guaranteed sunshine will be popular. How does the holiday booking system work, do people get double booked I wonder?

“There’s a private reservations website for the shareholders. They can see the whole calendar for the six properties and they make a request. If someone else happens to want that time slot also then the computer, which is set to specific criteria, will know if you took the same slot in the same location the previous year. So the person who hasn’t been, will get priority.”

It all sounds incredibly easy and exciting in theory but what

117

Bravo Fund • 40 units in total • Subscription cost for one unit £189,000 entitling owners to an average of 4 rent-free weeks p/a • Subscription cost for ½ unit £94,500 entitling owners to an average of 2 rent-free weeks p/a • Annual Management and Maintenance Contribution £1,800 per full unit • Destinations = Brazil, Croatia, Colorado, Morocco, Portugal, Thailand • Sale of properties and repatriation of capital after 8 years • Properties can be rented out if entitlement weeks are not taken • Shareholders will receive 60% of the net rental achieved

Rocksure Rentals • Mid season villa rental rates for 2008: • El Goute (sleeps 8 adults + 2 children) in Marrakech, Morocco costs from £2,995 per week • Rock House (sleeps 10) in Breckenbridge, Colorado costs from £3,486 per week • Villa Arawan (sleeps 10 - 12) on the island of Phuket, Thailand costs from £3,115 per week • Casa Bella Vista (sleeps 10) in Buzios, Brazil costs from £2,600 per week • Casa Ato Do Cerro (sleeps 10) in the Algarve, Portugal costs from £2,495 per week

happens if you cannot or do not wish to commit to the 7 - 8 year maturation period? David explains that the option to leave is given, and that particular share is offered to other members of the fund who may wish to increase their holding.

Rocksure will even help facilitate the process if need be.

In conclusion there is something rather beguiling about this fund, or perhaps it is the charisma of its founders, think the man from Delmonte, for luxury property.

As the climates will dictate there’s probably a Panama hat thrown in for real somewhere! Rocksure so named for its stability or as David says, “the ability to afford security and withstand economic pressures.” But surely with the economy tightening its belt in such a manner this could be tricky times?

“We launched the second fund straight into the teeth of the gale right into the downturn. In January 2008 people hadn’t identified

the consequences of it and in the first half of the year we did very well and raised £3-4 million for the Bravo Fund but we have been lucky because the Alpha Fund did so well.”

There are other funds around the world and there is absolutely no reason why this one should stand out from the crowd, but it does. And if that isn’t enough of a parting thought then the soon to be launched Capital Fund for apartments in selected cities around Europe, should be. For more information on spending weekend breaks away in apartments in places such as Cannes, Prague, Marbella,Venice and more, be sure to see the Rocksure website! n Rocksure Property www.rocksureproperty.com Tel: 01993 823 809 Rocksure Rentals www.rocksurerentals.com Tel: 01993 823 809

Stake your Place in Europe’s Most Exciting Investment Market Buying off-plan property in a market where values are appreciating is a guaranteed way to ensure an immediate return on your investment.

No market in Europe is enjoying the same level of growth as that of North Cyprus.

With revived reunification talks now taking place in Cyprus, property prices in the North are poised for a

boom. Whiterocks offers investors the chance to purchase superior property in order that each of our clients may capitalise on the push toward reunification.

Thanks to a world first partnership with market leaders Group RCI, investors in Whiterocks can expect maximum occupancy rates for their properties. A two bed, two balcony luxury

apartment at Whiterocks can be bought from £85,000.

Investors should anticipate annual rental returns of up to £13,000 - a yield of 15 % thanks to Group RCI’s global marketing network.

Predicted 15% Annual Yields

“At the moment property prices in the North are half of property prices in the South of the island, and a third of that in Spain. Should reunification happen, property prices, falling with tourism are likely to rise rapidly, so would-be early birds should start thinking about investing now.”

thefestivalhall.org.uk

Daily Telegraph Online, June 12 2008

An investment in the right place at the right time.

Today is the Day to Make Your Best Investment Yet Though property in North Cyprus has been enjoying fantastic appreciation in recent years some investors have been reluctant to invest because of the political climate.

But the election of Demetris Christofias to the Republic of Cyprus presidency in February 2008 has turned sceptics into optimists. He joins his TurkishCypriot counterpart Mehmet Ali Talat as the second piece of a

pairing determined to solidify a solution to the political situation in Cyprus.

They have already met more times this year than their long standing predecessors met in their entire political careers.

Since September 3rd 2008, the date on which negotiations officially began, Christofias and Talat have been holding regular meetings in order to work out the specifics of a blueprint for reunification.

£12,000 Worth of Furniture, Fittings and Equipment is Included in the Price.

When the gap between the two sides of the island closes so too will the difference in property prices, and it is the early bird investors who are set to gain most from the union.

Five star luxury throughout. Visit www.whiterocksbafra.com for full details of the fixtures, fittings and equipment included.

2008-11-25 Magazines R1.indd 2-3

lovethefestivalhall.org.uk

The Whiterocks resort has been designed by Blue C’s major shareholder, IDL (EU) Limited, a team of highly respected, award-winning architects who have worked with some of the most distinguished names both on the high-street and in property development, in the UK and overseas.

Their experience and expertise, combined with Blue C’s incontestable

initiative in developing unrivalled property the world over, are the foundations on which the Whiterocks resort is based.

Blue C believes that their Whiterocks resort raises the standard for property in North Cyprus, and the company is adamant that they are uniquely positioned to provide uncompromising quality and specification, making Whiterocks a far more lucrative investment

opportunity than any other property currently available in North Cyprus.

These high calibre properties represent a level of quality that will both immediately attract holiday makers, thus securing lucrative rental returns, and also endure well into the future, thereby granting the possibility of reselling the property in years to come.

Unprecedented capital appreciation forecast

Invest Now Before Prices Rise

lovethefestivalhall.org.uk

Thanks to a world first partnership, Blue C Developments are delighted to be able to offer all of our clients the advantage of using an industry leading rental corporation, Group RCI, to manage the bookings on each apartment and, crucially, to maximize the monthly yield that each of our investors receives on these fantastic properties.

Group RCI manages a network that includes over

3 million members and accesses a massive number of international databases, extending the advertising reach of these fantastic properties and ensuring that each property will be bringing in rental returns for the vast majority of the year.

Group RCI offers our clients a hands off investment opportunity, with all aspects of the property’s maintenance and management taken care

of. Each investor is guaranteed 70% of the monthly rental returns on their property.

But that’s not all. With reunification now in sight, your £85,000 initial investment could grow to £190,000 in less than two years, as the disparity between property prices in Northern Cyprus and the Republic of Cyprus closes.

Not Just an Investment – a Continual Source of Income!

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ASKING AND ANSWERING ALL THE KEY INVESTMENT QUESTIONS Published November 2008 Cyprus Property Market Profile

Sponsored by © Copyright Visium Group Limited 2008

25/11/2008 18:09:17

KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

Lothbury, The City EC2

Exceptional one bedroom apartment Stylish and beautifully presented one bedroom apartment set in this lovely period building in the heart of the Square Mile. This fully furnished apartment has been finished to a very high standard boasting a large reception room with double height ceilings, a separate fitted kitchen, double bedroom and a bathroom with shower. ÂŁ750 per week

Knight Frank City Lettings gary.hall@knightfrank.com 020 7606 1560

KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

Oliverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wharf, Wapping High Street E1W Lovely 2300 sq ft Warehouse conversion

Beautifully presented 4th floor 3/4 bedroom, 3 bathroom 2300 sq foot apartment set in this attractive warehouse conversion on Wapping High Street. This stunning unit has a lovely open plan kitchen reception room, stunning bathroom suites, excellent storage, lovely wooden flooring, under floor heating in the bathrooms, park views and underground parking. Available from mid/late December ÂŁ1000 per week

Knight Frank Wapping Lettings wapping@knightfrank.com 020 7480 6848

KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

Empire Square, Long Lane SE1

Chimney Court, Brewhouse Lane, E1W

Modern two double bedroom two bathroom apartment set in this lovely 24 hour portered development in SE1 close to Borough underground station and London Bridge. This fully furnished apartment has a open plan fitted kitchen, modern bathroom suites, balcony and underground parking.

Spacious two double bedroom two bathroom warehouse conversion set in central Wapping. This lovely apartment has a good size reception room with an open plan fitted kitchen, private terrace, exposed brick work, high ceilings and large windows. Also boasting porterage and secure parking.

£520 per week

£525 per week

Knight Frank Wapping Lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

Knight Frank Wapping Lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

Old Sun Wharf, Narrow Street E14 Lovely duplex two double bedroom two bathroom apartment set in this smart portered development on Narrow Street in Limehouse, moments from Limehouse DLR and a short walk in to Wapping and Canary Wharf. This furnished apartment has a good size reception room with wooden floors, a separate fully fitted kitchen, good storage and a private balcony with stunning views of river Thames. £450 per week Knight Frank Wapping Lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

Times Square, City Quarter E1 Stunning one bedroom 1st floor apartment set in this brand new luxury development on the corner of Leman Street, close to Tower Hill and The City. This stylish flat has been finished to a very high standard boasting a bright reception room, a fully fitted kitchen, luxury bathroom suite, wooden floors, a private balcony and contemporary furnishings. £375 per week Knight Frank City Lettings 020 7606 1560 gary.hall@knightfrank.com

KnightFrank.co.uk

Navigator House, Southwark, SE1

Dunbar Wharf, Limehouse E14

A listed Victorian warehouse conversion situated just off vibrant and fashionable Bermondsey Street. A two bedroom flat, arranged over two floors finished to a very high standard. En suite shower, bathroom, balcony, parking space. 175 sq m (1885 sq ft)

Offering panoramic views of London and the River Thames, a superb 2 bedroom apartment on the sixth floor of a well maintained portered development. River views from all principal rooms, and presented in good order throughout. 105 sq m (1135 sq ft)

Share of Freehold

Share of Freehold

Guide price: £1,500,000

Guide price: £750,000

Knight Frank Wapping 020 7480 6848 sales@knightfrank.com

Knight Frank Wapping 020 7480 6848 sales@knightfrank.com

Capstan Court, Wapping E1W Immaculately presented, 2 double bedrooms and spacious reception giving access onto a large terrace.

Residents also have access to the riverfront terrace at Merchant Court. Daytime porter. Secure allocated parking.

121 sq m (1303 sq ft) Share of Freehold Guide price: £539,999 Knight Frank Wapping 020 7480 6848 sales@knightfrank.com

Reeds Wharf, Shad Thames SE1 On the banks of the River Thames with stunning views up and down stream. Oozing with character and on the top two floors of a small listed Victorian warehouse, a rare chance to create a completely individual living space.

Currently arranged with 5 bedrooms, 2 reception rooms, two bathrooms, lift, private parking. 268 sq m (2887 sq ft) Leasehold: 125 years approximately Guide price: £2,000,000 Knight Frank Wapping 020 7480 6848 sales@knightfrank.com

docklands excel

l Sales 020 7582 7989 l Lettings 020 7476 0125

London's Finest Properties

Sales l Lettings l Corporate Services l Property Management Sales Address

Bedrooms

Floor

Price

Ref

Paramount Court, University Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 6JW

Studio

3rd floor

£225,000

2552

Axis Court, 15 Chambers Street, Shad Thames, London SE16 4WG

Studio

1st floor

£250,000

1467

Ontario Tower, Fairmont Avenue, Canary Wharf, London, E14 9QB

Studio Suite

22nd floor

£280,000

541

Gainsborough House, Canary Central, Cassilis Road, Isle of Dogs, E14

1 bed

2nd floor

£305,000

2309

New Providence Wharf, 1 Fairmont Avenue, London, E14 9PW

1 bed

17th floor

£305,000

1777

Coral Apts, Capital East, Royal Victoria Docks, London, E16 1AQ

1 bed

1st floor

£315,000

2495

Seacon Tower, Hutchings Road, Canary Wharf, London E14

2 bed

1st floor

£379,900

2506

Marina Heights, Basin Approach, Limehouse, London, E14 7JA

2 bed

2nd floor

£380,000

2619

Antonine Heights, City Walk, Long Lane, SE1 3DF

2 bed

4th floor

£440,000

2522

Horseshoe Court, The Edge Apts, Brewhouse Yard, EC1

2 bed

4th floor

£485,000

2270

London House, Aldersgate St, London, EC1A 4HU

2 bed

3rd floor

£485,000

2469

New Providence Wharf, 1 Fairmont Avenue, London E14 9PA

2 bed

15th floor

£495,000

2295

Seacon Tower, Hutchings Road, Canary Wharf, London, E14

2 bed

15th floor

£529,950

1925

New Providence Wharf, Fairmont Avenue, London, E14 9QJ

2 bed

16th floor

£560,000

2519

Lettings Development

Bedrooms

Floor

Features

Rent Per Week

Ref

Colorado Building, SE13 7RD

1

8th

Onsite Facilities

£190

7255

Colorado Building, SE13 7RD

1

4th

Parking

£219

2755

Hopton Road, SE18 6TH

2

2nd

Fully Furnished

£253

2371

Venus House, E14 3SP

1

2nd

Massive Apartment

£255

2116

Idaho Building, SE13 7QG

2

5th

Private Roof Terrace

£288

2054

Ontario Tower, E14 9QB

Studio

£290

6106

£295

5652

£300

7262

12th Flooded with Natural Light

Lowry House, E14 9LL

1

Ground

Fully Furnished

Coral Apartment, E16 1AQ

1

Westgate, E16 1BN

2

8th

Fully Equipped Gym

£315

6752

Constable House, E14 9LH

1

4th

Courtyard Views

£320

2098

Eastern Quay, E16 1AX

2

7th

Wrap Around Balcony

£370

7061

Lumina Court, E14 9SU

2

7th

Stunning Marina Views

£370

7077

Marina Heights, E14 7JA

2

2nd

Stunning Marina Views

£390

108

Ontario Tower, E14 9JA

2

4th

Interior Designed

£525

7109

10th Stunning Dockside Views

For more properties in Docklands and across London please see our website.

www.liferesidential.co.uk

Central London 020 7582 7989

Acton 020 8896 9990

Docklands 020 7476 0125

Deptford & Greenwich 020 8692 2244

Christmas bonus for tenants.

A number of our landlords are offering a huge 50% discount on the first months rent to tenants that move in before 31st December 2008.

Call us to find out about the properties that are included in this offer.

Hamptons Tower Bridge Lettings Lettings. 020 7407 3172 towerbridgelettings@hamptons-int.com Hamptons City Lettings Lettings. 020 7236 8399 citylettings@hamptons-int.com www.hamptons.co.uk

Xmas lets ad TOW A4.indd 1

21/11/08 12:47:33

Tower Bridge Office 020 7407 3173 towerbridge@hamptons-int.com

www.hamptons.co.uk www.hamptons.co.uk

Property Property address address

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Lloyds Wharf, Mill Street, London, SE1

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towerbridge@hamptons-int.com

Firstname FirstnameSurname Surname

Office OfficeLondon LondonHouse HouseDepartment Department01403 01403262828 262828 Email Emailhorshamcountryhouse@hamptons-int.com horshamcountryhouse@hamptons-int.com

Price Price on on application application Freehold Freehold £549,000 Leasehold

An Anexpanding expandingnetwork networkof ofover over85 70offices offices--local, local, national national and and international international 70

Tower Bridge Office 020 7407 3173 towerbridge@hamptons-int.com

www.hamptons.co.uk www.hamptons.co.uk

Vogans Mill, SE1

The Flag Store, SE1

Empire Square West, SE1

Dragonfly Apartments, SE16

£895,000 Leasehold A superbly presented and much improved 10th floor three bedroom apartment with stunning views across the City and South London, including Tower Bridge and the Thames.

£699,000 Leasehold A 10th floor 785 sq ft two bedroom apartment within a Berkeley Homes development, enjoying spectacular views of the City and having a balcony and underground parking.

£645,000 Leasehold A beautifully presented and recently refurbished warehouse apartment in central Shad Thames, with fantastic character. This 1154 sq ft loft style apartment has no chain.

Prices from £249,000 to £585,000 Leasehold A new development of 1 & 2 bedroom apartments, many of which overlook St James’ churchyard, with spacious balconies of terraces.

Prices from £249,000 to £585,000. Penthouses now released.

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tion

ational

Ginger Apartments, SE1

£349,000 Leasehold

A third floor 565 sq ft one bedroom apartment within a portered development, having a juliet balcony, underground parking and a communal leisure complex.

Tamarind Court, SE1

£395,000 Leasehold

A one bedroom penthouse apartment within a converted warehouse, in the heart of Shad Thames, boasting a full length terrace and high ceilings. No onward chain.

An expanding network of over 85 offices - local, national international An expanding network of over 70 offices - local, national and and international

128

internationalproperty

INVESTING IN

BRADFORD Alistair Powell, CEO of 7CI explores investing in northern gem, Bradford

B

radford, a metropolitan borough of WestYorkshire, has excellent transport links, a skilled work force, heavy investment into infrastructure and a strong tourism market. It is home to many of the region’s largest companies and massive regeneration projects are boosting the local economy.

In line with its regeneration programme, the city’s population is growing at twice the national average and this is predicted to continue with money being injected into several different areas including infrastructure, tourism and retail.

Research group OMIS tipped Bradford to be one of the top cities in the UK equipped for future growth.

Airport expansion plays a strong role in the local economy as it provides considerable benefits to local commerce including direct and indirect employment and stimulates tourism.

The Leeds Bradford Airport, just twenty minutes from the city centre, is considered one of the fastest growing in the UK. It has just unveiled a scheme for a terminal extension after being purchased by European private equity firm Bridgepoint.The first phase, which will cost around £28 million as part of a £70 million investment plan, will bring 2,000 new jobs to the area. As a result, 30 new flights have been announced. Furthermore, in August, the airport experienced over 345,000 passengers which is a five per cent increase on last year and the highest number experienced in a single month.This expansion will increase the region’s ability to compete with rival airports such as Newcastle, Manchester and Liverpool.

Further to the airport expansion, a number of other projects will assist the regeneration of the Bradford district, boosting the local economy, creating opportunities, prosperity and jobs. Over £2 billion has been earmarked in the next few years, creating a further 6,000 new jobs.This includes a £340 million Westfield Bradford (Broadway), a major retail led mixeduse regeneration project in the heart of the city centre, the £110 million redevelopment of Lister Mills, formererly the largest silk manufacturer in the world, and £350 million for the Channel Urban Village, a mixed use residential development.

Bradford also has a strong tourism industry and is worth over £400 million to the local economy. Over half the district is green open space stretching from Airedale, the Wharfedale Valley and the hills of the famous Pennine moors, declared an Area of Outstanding National Beauty (AONB). It has nearly 40 parks including 10 English Heritage sites.The National Museum of Photography, Film & Television is the most visited museum outside London with 750,000 visitors each year. It is easily accessible and has a strong motorway network. It is also of equal distance between London and Edinburgh, Liverpool and Hull.

The city boasts a strong service sector which accounts for over three quarters of the region’s employment. It is home to Morrisons, the UK’s fourth largest supermarket chain, Kelda, the utilities giant andYorkshire Building Society, which is currently dominating the best buy tables as the second most consistently competitive lender during the third quarter of 2008.

For investors looking to take advantage of the market in Bradford,The National House Hotel is a strong investment opportunity.

Bradford has one of the lowest hotel rooms to population ratios across the UK, with National House Hotel offering twelve per cent rental guarantees for three years. A feasibility study was recently carried out and

occupancy levels are expected to peak at 75 per cent with a room rack rate of £120. It is anticipated that the average net room rates will be approximately £85 – £90 per night with an average occupancy of 65 per cent. On the purchase price £99,950, investors will be provided with an approximate 12 per cent yield from year four onwards. 70 per cent finance is available.

The National House Hotel is part of a large mixed use development, comprising of 106 residential apartments, bars, restaurant and gymnasium.The hotel is located within sight and walking distance to the city centre, with Bradford’s high street, bars and restaurants being easily accessible. It boasts a number of facilities including swimming pool, extensive spa, conference facilities and onsite restaurant.

There is no other hotel in the area which offers the same facilities.

The four star 150 bedroom hotel will be operated by either one of the Accor brands or Crowne Plaza. Construction of phase one residential commenced in spring 2008, National House is due for completion January 2010. n For further information on 7CI’s investment properties call 0 203 22 900 70 www.7cinvest.com invest@7cinvest.com

&OR FREE ADVICE CALL 0203

22 900 70

/FlCES OPEN FROM AM UNTIL PM '-4 -ONDAY TO &RIDAY

www.7cinvest.com RS 1 E OU AS 8 H PH N 4 % TI 75 OU LD SO

The Flaxby Country Club And Spa 5+ 14% Guaranteed Rental

14% GUARANTEED RENTAL FOR 1ST YEAR, 13% FOR THE SECOND YEAR, 12% FOR THE 3RD YEAR AND 50% OF THE NIGHTLY ROOM RATE FROM YEAR 4 ONWARDS. DELIVERING AN ESTIMATED 18% INCOME YIELD BEFORE CAPITAL GROWTH FROM YEAR 4 ONWARDS.

s GUARANTEED RENTAL FOR ST YEAR s LUXURY HOTEL WITH SPA FACILITIES s ,OCATED ON A HOLE GOLF COURSE s 0RICES FROM a

s lNANCE AVAILABLE

London

Emirates

Shanghai

Level 33 25 Canada Square Canary Wharf London E14 5LQ

Business Central Towers - A Level 33, Po Box 705 TECOM, Sheikh Zayed Road Dubai, U.A.E.

Chong Hing Finance Center 288 Nanjing West Road Shanghai 200003

t: +44 (0)203 22 900 70

t: +971 (0)50 7144 614

t: +86 21 6135 7161

ARABIAN

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January

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eeing as post Christmas heralds the advent of the New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Resolution and all things wholesome, we shall be bringing you inspiration from stars such as Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow with the renewed vigour and vitality of the MACROBIOTIC WOMAN. As promised thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s part two of LUXURY TRAIN TRAVEL aboard the famed Orient Express. But if you want to celebrate stylish watch design, then come with us as we learn the Bremont watches story in our MADE IN ENGLAND feature. We also have a fascinating peek into the next decade with the FUTURE LABORATORY and to keep in the present we have interior designs inspirations for your home from the best hotels around in DESIGNS ON YOU. For this and much more be sure to pick up a copy!

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WaTCh ouT! the touRbiLLon exposed royal exChanGe make a Last minute chRistmas dash where every piece is a work of art 56–57 BURLINGTON ARCADE PICCADILLY LONDON W1J 0QN TEL 020 7499 6814 www.hirsh.co.uk

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