CANARY WHARF MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2010 by Runwild Media Group

canary wharf D E CFEBRUARY E M b e r 2010 2010

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famous for engagement rings 56-57 BURLINGTON ARCADE PICCADILLY LONDON W1J 0QN TEL 020 7499 6814 - 9 HATTON GARDEN LONDON EC1N 8AH TEL 020 7831 3333

I S S n U 65 E 54

canary wharf

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Best of British

Hackett through the decades

Million Pound Machinery

The FIA GT1 World Championship

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shopping finance motoring interiors property DECEMber 2010 i s s u e 6 5

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contents

interview feature

he Porsche Design Studio was started by Ferdinand Alexander Porsche – the grandson of the founder of the Porsche sports car company Ferry Porsche – in 1972. When his family decided to keep family out of the company’s management, Ferdinand Alexander Porsche established his own industrial design company and the luxury brand, Porsche Design. You could say Ferdinand Alexander Porsche’s career started modestly. After attending school in Stuttgart, Germany, he began studying industrial design in Ulm, but he was dismissed by an examination board that doubted his talents. In 1957, he started practical training at the body design department of his family’s car company. It was the family tradition for every generation in the Porsche family to take part in creating a new car. Ferdinand Alexander’s project, the original Porsche 911, was presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1963 and production began the following year. Ferdinand Alexander channelled his gift for compelling and enduring design into the soon-to-be iconic Porsche 911 and the Porsche 904. In 1978 he teamed up with Swiss watchmaker IWC to develop a watch combining a non-magnetic automatic movement and a compass, the Kompassuhr. He retired in 2005, due to ill health, but it’s likely he is proud of what followed. This summer Porsche Design announced record results in the USA. The current managing director and designer Roland Heiler typically leads 25 design projects at any one time, and his responsibilities include keeping alive the design philosophy of Ferdinand Alexander Porsche. Watches have always been a mainstay of Porsche Design, though the range has spanned bathroom designs, a washing machine, furniture, knives, TVs, desk lamps (including one employing design aspects of a guillotine in its pull-out mechanism), tobacco pipes, pens made out of wire-cloth used in oil hoses for racing engines, and a grand piano. “If you analyse the function of an object, its form often becomes obvious,” said Ferdinand Alexander Porsche. To this day, his approach seems to be working. Of more than 130 awards Porsche Design has amassed in less than 30 years of existence, six were awarded in the last year. A Porsche Design mobile phone and shoe collection received the iF Product Design award, while the flyback Chronograph Rattrapante limited edition scooped the Red Dot award for high quality in design.

feature 12 Painting the town red Founder and managing director Ranald

Macdonald discusses the Boisdale spirit and its newest venture

Engineered

luxury

16 Engineered Luxury Roland Heiler tells us about Porsche Design’s enduring appeal and worldwide recognition for excellence

Porsche Design has attracted more than 130 awards since it began in the 1970s. Claire Adler speaks to Roland Heiler, the man charged with injecting the original Porsche spirit into a growing stable of boys’ toys

travel

35 ‘Twas the night before

Christmas...

Be inspired by our festive gift guide

THE

GREENHOUSE

EFFECT

Being green is the latest box that has to be ticked in all walks of our lives, but there’s a huge difference between saying it and believing in it through and through. Louisa Castle visits one hotel that claims to be the greenest in England

concierge 42 If the suit fits An interview with Vicente Castellano about the past, present and future of Hackett

connoisseur

pened earlier this year, The Green House is a beautiful eco-friendly boutique hotel which, according to the marketing literature, ‘lives, eats and breathes sustainability’. My mission was not only to see if this claim is to be upheld, but also to see if sustainability and style could make a happy marriage. Situated on the clifftops, just a two-minute walk from the white sandy beaches of Bournemouth and Boscombe, this Grade II Victorian villa has been extensively renovated with an investment in excess of £5m. On the surface, it mirrors what many other designer boutique-style properties offer, with contemporary décor, tactile fabrics and quality natural materials including wood, metal and glass, complementing the light, airy period rooms and gothic architecture. Dig deeper though, and you will discover the extensive thought and research which has gone into every aspect to ensure that this designer hotel minimises its impact on the environment at every turn, without compromising on style. Interior highlights include 100 per cent UK wool fabrics, woven on the isle of Bute; British designed and made wallpaper from Farrow & Ball just down the road - Forest Stewardship Council certified, printed with vegetable ink; sumptuous organic goose down duvets; and solid hardwood furniture, either reclaimed and recycled, or handcrafted in the UK from fallen trees damaged through storms or disease. Solar thermal energy, complemented by electricity generated on site, ensures that public resource is only used where absolutely necessary; showers pump out far fewer litres of water than is usual; and lighting has an array of low-energy features – even the flat screen TVs are backlit with LEDs, using less than a quarter of the energy normally required. Even the company car runs on recycled vegetable oil and the hotel staff members are encouraged to cycle to work, assisted by bicycle loans if required. In keeping with the hotel’s principles, the food served in the 60-cover restaurant by Head Chef, Gordon Jones, is sourced within a 30-mile radius of the hotel, and is organic or ‘home–grown’, wherever viable. Scotsman Gordon is passionate about quality, fresh, seasonal fare as well as animal welfare and, from speaking with him, he is thoroughly enjoying the challenge of his new role, finding many artisan producers in the nearby New Forest to fuel creativity for his menus. We were lucky enough to be treated to the hotel’s signature Nine Course Tasting Menu, which attracts locals as well as welcomed guests. Commencing with a delightful spiced pumpkin soup, our taste buds were taken on a journey to the sea and to the land with scallops and sea bream as well as Jacob’s Ladder and widgeon, rounded off with a deliciously light banana soufflé. Delicate flavours were balanced with subtle accompaniments and the stronger, earthy dishes emphasised with clearly thought-out rival tastes and aromas. This was luxury dining, and no argument from this self-proclaimed foodie. Complementary wines are sourced from Vintage Roots, a company that specialises in organic and biodynamic wines; each bottle is graded according to carbon footprint for consumer choice. If this makes you a little wary, as it did me, to be perfectly honest, then please do not worry. With

New and Old World grapes on the menu, the selection may be boutique like the hotel, but will not disappoint. You don’t have to be green through and through to enjoy the Green House, but you do feel a teeny bit virtuous. Just staying here is supporting the ethos of sustainability without compromising on luxury, style and enjoyment. Double Rooms start at £115 per room per night including breakfast. n For further information, visit www.thegreenhousehotel.com

MUST VISIT:

Boscombe Beach & Pier For cool surf types, the first Artificial Surf Reef has successfully transformed Boscombe seafront (5 minutes’ walk from the hotel) into a vibrant, water sports mecca, attracting a wide variety of people who enjoy chilling out with friends, family or the family pet. In fact, there are up to 25 water sports available on this stretch of coastline from Bournemouth to Poole, from kite surfing to boogie boarding. www.thesurfreef.co.uk www.coastwiththemost.com

All stylish beach lovers will adore the Hemingway-designed beach pods at the award-winning redevelopment, The Overstrand. The complex also houses the Sorted Surf School and the Urban Reef Cafe and glass-fronted restaurant, which are also committed to sustainability and ethical sourcing. www.boscombeoverstrand.co.uk

101

46 Fashion Black nights: evening glamour

calibre 76 Blowing hot and cold Matthew Carter can’t make up his mind about the new Renault Wind

84 Million Pound Machinery Exclusive access to the FIA GT1 World Championship race weekend

“The genius of Ferdinand Alexander Porsche is that the aesthetics always support the purpose of an instrument, rather than being a superficial styling statement,” says Heiler. In 2008, Time magazine voted Bounce, Porsche Design’s running shoes, designed in the Porsche Design Studio in Zell am See, Austria, and sold worldwide, among the 50 best innovations of the year. In the past year in the American market, Porsche Design turnover has risen 35 per cent and since the shoes were introduced, the company has sold 15,000 pairs. “Our customers are not only Porsche enthusiasts or Porsche drivers, but people who like our timeless, functional and purist design signature,” says Porsche Design Group CEO Juergen Gessler. In 2011, Porsche Design plans to launch its first motor catamaran. “It looks like a spaceship on the water and exceeds all known benchmarks for a 41-metre yacht. It offers capacity for ten guests and ten crew members,” says Gessler, whose job it is to bring complex state-of-the-art technology to classic accessories. Also planned for early next year are luxury Porsche Design pens. Still, the first product to emerge from the hands of Ferdinand Alexander Porsche was a watch. Watches have always proved to be central to the Porsche Design stable, right from the start. Why? “Having grown up in a family of engineers and automotive pioneers, Ferdinand Alexander Porsche understood well how to combine product aesthetics with perfect function and excellent craftsmanship,” says Heiler. “A watch has a lot in common with a performance car – both feature a high level of technical complexity, both are boys’ toys. Porsche Design is about engineered luxury.” The first watch was the all-black Chronograph I. “Inspired by the black felt of a racing car’s dashboard, the watch emphasised only the time, everything else was non-reflective – in other words, black,” says Heiler. “Rather than treating a watch as a piece of jewellery, he looked at it as an instrument of precision.” In 1980 Porsche Design brought out the first-ever watch containing titanium – the Titan, a chronograph developed with IWC. In 2004 it introduced the first chronograph with a mechanically driven digital display, which took four years to develop. For Porsche, watches are less pieces of jewellery and more instruments with a particular purpose, explains Heiler. “The aesthetics support the purpose rather than being a superficial styling statement. The original Porsche 911 was designed with the same approach,” says Heiler. “It’s a way of thinking.” n

calibre motoring

his is the company going back to its roots. From 1909 to the early 1950s, Morgan made around 30,000 three-wheelers and many looked broadly similar to this roadster. But no Morgan trike was ever powered by anything as potent as the 100bhp 1800cc Harley Davidson V-twin cylinder engine hiding under that aluminium bonnet. The thumper drives the single back wheel via a Mazda five-speed manual gearbox. But while it might look like a throwback to the 1930s, the new three-wheeler is a thoroughly modern machine, built using the latest techniques developed by Morgan. The tubular frame is wrapped in what Morgan calls aluminium superformed bodywork… and the whole thing weighs just 500kg. Hardly surprising, then, that the 0–60mph sprint will take less than 4.5 seconds, though that bluff nose and the exposed front wheels do their bit to ensure top speed is ‘only’ 115mph. Even so, you’ll need big balls to do that. What you see is what you get. The interior is as basic as it gets, there’s no weather protection and there’s precious little in the way of safety protection – though there are a pair of rollover hoops above the seats. The new Morgan Three-wheeler will be launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March with sales due to start in the summer at a price of around £30,000. Best of all, it’s homologated as a motorcycle, so it can used in the congestion charge zone with impunity. n

Back to the

future

This, believe it or not, is a brand new car and not an early April Fool. It’s a serious offering Matthew Carter has unearthed from the quirky British sports car maker Morgan, with sales due to start in the summer

comment

96 A new start Talking to Mulberry founder Roger Saul about fashion, farming and fuel

connoisseur 112 The Charm of Sharm Sun, sea and sand in Sharm el Sheikh

120 Pathway to Porto The spectacular transformation of Portugal’s second city

regulars 10 editor’s letter

86 gadgets

45 fashion

98 personal finance

57 health & beauty

111 travel

65 interiors

125 food & drink

76 motoring

131 out & about

83 sport

137 property

contributors...

RUNWILD M

Editor-in-Chief Lesley Ellwood

Editorial Director Kate Harrison

Editor

Louisa Castle

1. Claire Adler is a London-based freelance journalist specialising in jewellery, watches and luxury brands. Her work has appeared in the Financial Times, The Sunday Times, The Guardian and Harrods magazine. 2. Jamie Carter is a freelance journalist

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.

3. David Kuo is one of the UK’s leading

commentators on money matters. He is a director at The Motley Fool as well as providing daily insight and financial news for BBC London’s Breakfast Show.

Deputy Editor Annabel Harrison

Editorial Assistants Oliver Balcazar Penelope M Walsh

Fashion Editor Lucie Dodds

Senior Designer Hiren Chandarana Laddawan Juhong

Design Assistant Ashley Lewis

4. Sim Smith is a freelance journalist and

stylist based in London. A frequent contributor to prestigious publications, Sim has worked with ELLE Decoration, The Telegraph and The Financial Times.

5. Matthew Carter is a London-based freelance journalist who’s been writing about cars for most of his working life. A former editor of Autocar magazine, he is a serial car owner. 6. 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. 7. Carol Cordrey is an art critic and editor with popular columns in many magazines. Each year she organises sponsored art competitions offering attractive prize money and judged by distiguished artists. 8. Clare Murray is founder and managing partner of specialist law firm, CM Murray LLP. Clare and her colleagues advise a wide range of companies, professional firms and senior individuals on employment, partnership and business immigration law issues.

Production Fiona Fenwick Daniel Harris

Advertising Manager Ben Turpitt

Group Publishing Director Eren Ellwood

Project Manager Ella Kilgarriff

Managing Director Giles Ellwood

16 Heron Quay, Canary Wharf London E14 4JB T: 020 7987 4320 F: 020 7005 0045 www.runwildmedia.com

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.

Last minute Christmas gift guide, p. 35 Runwild Media Group Publishers of: Canary Wharf magazine The City magazine, Vicinitee VENUE – The official magazine of The O2

Subscriptions: A free online subscription service is available to Canary wharf, e-mail subscribe@runwildmedia.com for further details.

Longitude. Latitude. Attitude.

Portuguese Chronograph. Ref. 3714: So which of the seven seas is your favourite? This watch doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mind one way or the other. No matter where your travels take you, its mechanical chronograph movement will navigate you reliably to your destination. In fact, if you wear your Portuguese mainly on dry land, it may feel slightly underchallenged. But the best thing is: itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guaranteed not to let you know. Mechanical chronograph movement | Self-winding | Small hacking seconds | Antireflective sapphire glass | Water-resistant 3 bar | Case diameter 40.9 mm | Stainless steel | IWC. Engineered for men.

Jubilee Place, 45 Bank Street, London, E14 5NY, 020 7538 2332

2001774_P0L_210x297_p_DavidMRobinson_ZS_4c_en.indd 1

21.10.10 17:04

December

from the editor...

s I sit down to write my last editor’s letter of the year, the first reports of snow are hitting the news – it is the earliest widespread snowfall for 17 years.

Snow is a marmite situation. You love it or you hate it. That debate aside, it signals that the countdown to Christmas has begun. For those last minute Christmas shoppers we’ve some suggestions to help guide you through the gift-giving maze from whisky to warm the cockles, diaries to design your year and dream stockings to adorn the fireplace (p.35). For her there’s jewellery to dazzle (p.45) and designers to drool over (p.46); for him there’s watches vintage and new (p.53) and gadgets to get your hands on (p.86). And if the cold and snow, whilst Christmassy, is not your thing, we’ve got a great escape to Egypt and Sharm el Sheikh (p.112). Only four and a half hours on a plane, with guaranteed sunshine and activities galore it is the perfect winter sun destination and we test out three of the top hotels – what’s stopping you?

Closer to home we chat to Ranald Macdonald, self-confessed cigar aficionado and lover of all things fine, as he embarks upon a new destination in Canary Wharf, due to open on Burn’s Night (p.12); Roland Helier, creative director of Porsche Design lets us into some of the secrets of the marque’s design excellence (p.16) and Vicente Castellano, managing director of Hackett takes us on a journey through the brand’s past present and future (p.42). Finally, you may have noticed the new addition to our covers in the form of a knife and fork. We are proud to have joined forces with the Square Mile Salute, an evening celebrating the best in fine-dining from the best in the world as well as raising money for the Royal British Legion, Help for Heroes and ABF, The Soldier’s Charity (p.38). With food prepared by Albert Roux and Mark Flanagan, the Royal chef, to mention just two prestigious chefs and an auction that offers a holiday to Necker Island, it is billed to be a sparkling event in the 2011 calendar. All that remains, is a hearty merry Christmas wish from all the team at Runwild.

interview

feature

Painting THE TOWN

Red

One of London’s leading Scottish restaurants, Boisdale, has become well known for its red branding, eclectic hospitality and as a selfprofessed centre of excellence. With successful sites in Belgravia and Bishopgate, Boisdale will be opening their third and finest restaurant in Canary Wharf in January next year, set to become the flagship. Penelope M Walsh talks to founder and managing director Ranald Macdonald about the Boisdale spirit and its newest venture

oisdale began in rather unlikely circumstances, like many of the best British businesses, when Ranald Macdonald found himself in dire need of “something to do that would pay my way”, after failing his degree at St. Andrews for the third time. “I knew everyone drank wine. So I looked into the possibility of becoming a wine merchant. I didn’t know that much about wine – I was 21 at the time,” he recalls. A shoestring operation at this stage, Ranald worked from his mother’s dining room, printed his first wine list with the help of £120 from his father, put a large advert in the Yellow Pages (“like the internet at the time”) and started trading as Boisdale Wines. The business grew very quickly and in the first year, 1985, Ranald made around £100,000; in 1987 he opened a shoebox-sized shop on Ebury Street, followed by a similarly sized restaurant in 1988 (a small portion of the current site in Eccleston Street). By this time, “we were probably at a million odd sales”, Ranald tells me.

Since then, Macdonald has set himself up as something of a cultural attaché for Scotland. In addition to a restaurant menu featuring the finest ingredients Scotland can offer, Boisdale has also become famous for its distinctly indulgent mix of whisky, jazz and cigars. This mix, like fine malt, has been blended together and defines Boisdale’s character and charm. So was this character present from the off, or has it evolved naturally and just fallen into place? From speaking to Macdonald, it seems the answer is a little bit of both. “We weren’t a concept restaurant, we just did what we did and then in retrospect, when you see a bit of definition to what you are doing, you start talking about it differently. But at the time, we were just doing it,” he says. From the beginning, Macdonald explains, a Scottish influence was as important to Boisdale’s identity as his own: “I saw it as, I’m Scottish and Scotland has the best ingredients in the world. “Scotland can claim everything, the greatest and most distinctive ingredients and the most ancient,

feature interview

I saw it as, I’m Scottish and Scotland has the best ingredients in the world most respected, most colourful and most enjoyable culture. A lot of the best things in life appertain to Scotland.” So Boisdale was born of natural pride, or a desire to corner a gap in the market, I suggest. But, in fact, it seems key elements came together not as a product of planning, but in a laissez-faire manner that more fastidious restaurateurs would surely envy. It seems Macdonald simply amalgamated those things he personally valued and enjoyed, sure that there would be those who would appreciate and share his love of the finer things in life. “I love Scotland, whisky, cigars, jazz. Everything just came together,” he comments, adding “It’s nice to see something that people might enjoy, and provide them with the opportunity to enjoy it.” As such, Boisdale has just introduced “caviar for the recession”, something that is sure to go down well with Canary Wharf’s more anxious bankers. “By buying directly we can give you great quality caviar at around half the price of buying retail from a shop, but in a restaurant with the whole fun and theatre of having caviar. Four people can order a plate of premium Osetra caviar, that might coast £120–40 in a shop, for £50,” Macdonald says. Making luxury accessible seems to be one of the key principles behind Boisdale. “Our hamburgers are the same price as a gastro pub,” Macdonald agrees, “albeit with silver cutlery and linen napkins. I think charging too much for

things is very unattractive. I like the fact that we are egalitarian”, he adds. The most exciting development in the Boisdale repertoire has to be the new Canary Wharf restaurant, due to open on Burn’s Night (25 January). After success in the City, Boisdale began thinking about other potential venues. “I went to Canary Wharf three years ago”, Macdonald tells me, “and I felt so proud of it as a great British endeavour, a world class endeavour. It is a city in its own right, and it is a real capital of the East End, in every sense. I was very impressed and felt it was the place to be”. The move to Canary Wharf will be a real landmark for the Boisdale empire: “my dream is this will be our flagship, this will be what defines us,” Macdonald explains. Located in Cabot Square, Boisdale Canary Wharf will certainly be ambitious, grandiose even, set over 12,000 sq ft, with two floors, two terraces and a total capacity of 430. “It is an unbelievable space, the kind of space you can only find in Gotham city, where the Marvel comic heroes hang out, and there is no such huge space available in the real world really. It is right bang in the centre with majestic views,” Macdonald tells me enthusiastically. So how is this gargantuan space being put to use? “It is going to be at least four businesses,” Macdonald explains, and then rattles off significantly more than four sides to this grand arena of indulgence: “there will be a cigar shop with a

private terrace and one of the greatest selections of Cuban cigars on the planet; an oyster and caviar bar, with screens showing major sporting news; real ale and a big selection of draught lager; a huge, comfortable terrace; private dining rooms; the principle restaurant on the second floor, where you can eat simply and inexpensively; a live music venue with 200 covers (only 20 fewer than Ronnie Scott’s)” and finally, “a whisky bar, that’s our altar to our high church flagship, and that will be a glowing wall of amber liquid gold, the likes of which the world has never seen. It will literally be the greatest whisky bar on earth, taking connoisseurship to another level.” Who does Macdonald expect to see in attendance at this high church? “What I find most exciting is the complete cross section of people who come here,” he tells me. “I like to think we will be a destination for people who like excellence,” he adds. “If you are really into caviar, it is really nice actually to spend about £100 less a head on indulging in a certain royal beluga. If you like Cuban cigars, you won’t find a better selection. If you are really into whisky, there is nothing to compare. If you like various styles of jazz, blues and soul, we have that too, and if you like red walls, you are in luck.” n Boisdale Canary Wharf will open on 25 January 2011 For further information, visit www.boisdale.co.uk/CanaryWharf

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16.11.10 17:16

Engineered

luxury

interview

feature

David M Robinson Canary Wharf 2:Layout 1 26/05/2010 09:50 Page 1

4 Jubilee Place, Canary Wharf, London E14 5NY Tel: 0207 538 2332 www.davidmrobinson.co.uk

ROYAL OAK OFFSHORE CHRONOGRAPH www.audemarspiguet.com

christmas

feature

Christmas... ‘twasthe night before

gifts for

Her

Dear Diary...

Oh So OCCO

Timeless Beauty

Start the New Year on a fresh page with Debrett’s beautiful diary. The Lady’s Duck Egg Diary 2011 has a romantic, delicate blue leather cover with an ivoire moiré silk lining and fresh lemon ribbon. Designed to inspire, inform and entertain, the diary, also available in fuschia and gooseberry, is perfect for the girl about town, listing International and Charity Events in 2011.

There isn’t a loved one, friend or colleague who wouldn’t delight in receiving one of these boxes. OCCO awakens the senses and nurtures the skin during the winter months. Only the purest ingredients have been used: products in these gift boxes are 99 per cent natural, with 100 per cent natural fragrance.

Surprise your loved one with a beautiful yellow gold Patek Philippe watch, with a cream or grey dial and alligator strap. Patek Philippe patented the Annual Calendar mechanism in 1996, leading the way in technical innovation. The classic design and the beautifully crafted mechanical movement makes this an exceptional timepiece, to be treasured and passed down through the family: as the company says, ‘you never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation.’

Debrett’s Lady’s Diary 2011, £39.95 www.debretts.com

The OCCO Essential Gift Collection, £36 For further information, call 020 7468 6488 or visit www.occo-online.com. The pop-up boutique at 18 Royal Exchange, EC3V 3LP, will remain open until Christmas Eve.

Annabel’’s Box Of Treats The Mount Street Deli has launched a special edition Annabel’s Christmas Hamper, which offers the ultimate in gourmet indulgence. This one-of-a-kind hamper includes a selection of gourmet delights from London’s most prestigious and iconic members’ club, and provides customers with a fantastically festive opportunity to buy into the Annabel’s exclusivity. The hamper includes chocolate truffles, Sicilian pistachio biscuits, Foie Gras de Canard and Panetonne. The Annabel’s book is also included, explaining some of the Club’s secrets. Annabel’s Christmas Hamper, £200 + delivery, www.themountstreetdeli.co.uk

Christmas Philosophy Everywhere you look, the holiday season sparkles with festive spirit, inspiring feelings of childlike wonder and joy in the hearts of people of all ages. Find sweet-smelling treats for girls who are sugar and spice and all things nice from Philosophy’s Holiday 2010 range. The Holiday Greetings gift set includes the deliciously festive Coconut Macaroon body butter, Brown Butter Cookie bubble bath, and Pink Frosted Cookie lip shine to charm her prince this Christmas. Philosophy Holiday Greetings Gift Set, £18 (exclusive to John Lewis) 0870 990 8452

Patek Philippe Annual Calendar 5146, £23,210 Available at David M Robinson, Jubilee Place, 45 Bank Street, Canary Wharf, E14 5NY 020 7519 6763

GIVING ONCE, GIVING TWICE… Have you ever wondered what makes it on to a celebrity’s Christmas list to Santa? At this year’s Macmillan Celebrity Stocking Auction on 7 December, a host of glamorous A-listers’ dream stockings are auctioned off to raise more than £200,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support. Presents range from high-end luxury goods, such as signed Christian Louboutin shoes, to money-can’t-buy experiences like a one-off set visit to the recording of Ricky Gervais’ new TV show. To bag one of these brilliant stockings and give to a fantastic cause this Christmas, visit www. macmillan.org.uk/stockingauction to bid online between 1 and 6 December. Online bids are sealed: place your bid and maximum bid and these are placed for you on the night (you cannot bid live at the event).

feature xxxx

gifts for

Him Par For The Course This is a golf lover’s ideal gift, combining the world’s best golfers, the beauty of the south coast of England, gourmet food and the heritage of one of the world’s greatest courses. Experience the excitement of the Open Championship as it returns to Royal St George’s in Sandwich, Kent. With a variety of luxury packages to suit you and your guests, brought to you by Sodexo, it is a fantastic opportunity to spend all day with valued clients or friends. General admission tickets are on sale now at discounted rates: purchase an eight-day season ticket for just £195 (saving almost 20 per cent). Purchases must be made by 13 December to ensure that your tickets arrive in time for Christmas. To book, or for more information, visit www.opengolfofficialhospitality.com

Exquisite Penmanship

Winter Warmer

From Italy’s premier writing instrument manufacturers since 1912, Montegrappa pens are for those who appreciate style and quality. The materials, colours and finishes of the pens are exquisite, as is the craftsmanship. Limited Editions are their forte, commemorating Italian operas, cities and icons. For those who want to indulge in a little luxury, owning a Montegrappa is a ‘privilege of a lifetime.’

Albannach’s festive gift set includes a selection of their three own branded whiskies, available exclusively at Albannach, a specially engraved Albannach whisky tasting glass and a tasting booklet, all encased in a beautiful gift box lined with luxurious silk. This is perfect for family and friends, or as a company gift, with the option of adding corporate logos to the luxury box if required. This winter warmer, which can also be paired with a whisky master class voucher, is simply the perfect gift for him this Christmas.

Montegrappa Pen, £531.75 www.montegrappa.com, www.gbapen.co.uk

Albannach Whisky Set, £18 www.albannach.co.uk

A Musto Have

Treasure Trove

Going back to its roots, Musto’s A/W10 lifestyle collection celebrates 1964, the year in which founder Keith Musto won the Olympic Silver in the Flying Dutchman class at the Tokyo Olympics. All Musto ranges incorporate classic styling, exceptional quality and performance fabrics: driven by innovation and the cool style of the ocean, the A/W10 Collection illustrates individuality and a love of the outdoors. This classic jacket comes in navy or brown. Musto Jacket, £125 www.musto.com or buy at Musto, third floor of Austin Reed on Regent Street

Designer cufflinks are the ideal accessory for the well-dressed man, and Tateossian’s hand-crafted, sterling silver cufflinks will turn heads for all the right reasons. Black enamel detail gives the King Skull Cufflinks an aged, gothic effect, perfectly complemented by gold-plated crown and crystal cubic zirconia eyes. Tateossian has built an enviable reputation as one of the world’s leading jewellery brands, so you can be assured of top-quality materials, unique designs and attention to detail. These cufflinks are available from Henry Tibbs, the home of unique designer gifts for men and luxury mens’ accessories. If you want to find a stylish, practical gift that will be used for months and years to come, look no further. Explore the site to find grooming products, cufflinks, leather goods, items for the home, kitchen, office and much more. Tateossian King Skull Cufflinks, £195 www.henrytibbs.com

Top Website

www.applebyparva.com Aimed at busy professionals with little time for shopping, Appleby Parva is the onestop destination for luxurious, much-coveted Christmas gifts. This unique online emporium houses an extensive selection of extra-special gifts, which are all ‘Made in Britain’, and makes gift buying even easier by offering an exclusive three-hour delivery service right up until Christmas Eve, on selected items to Central London (Zone 1).

festive

Activities Every weekend from Saturday 4 – Sunday 19 December, 11am – 5pm

Visit Santa’s Grotto* FREE Art & Craft Workshops FREE Festive Face Painting Monday 20 – Friday 24 December, 10am – 4pm

Visit Santa’s Grotto* *Each visit to Santa costs £1, with all proceeds donated to charity.

Getting THere London Underground to Canary Wharf | Docklands Light Railway to Canary Wharf | London Buses

3 hours free parking at weekends and bank holidays when you spend £10 at any shop, café, bar or restaurant in Canary Wharf. Ask at point of purchase for a parking token. For information call 020 7418 2752

www.mycanarywharf.com Festive CityLifeAd v2.indd 1

25/11/2010 16:53

SHOPPING

Christmas at

Tiffany’s A pale blue box, tied with a white satin bow, is what every girl wants to find under the tree; make her dreams come true this Christmas and visit the sparkling new Tiffany & Co. store in Cabot Place, Canary Wharf In 1837, twenty-five year old Charles Lewis Tiffany, inspired by the current dynamic growth and extravagant tastes in New York, opened a new emporium. It sold ‘stationary and fancy goods’ and fashionable ladies in silks and satins descended upon the store, thrilled by the exquisite and beautifully patterned designs. Simplicity, harmony and clarity became the hallmarks of Tiffany & Co., and now, more than 170 years later, the very name has become synonymous with romance, style, luxury and quality.

TIFFANY BLUE Whether a milestone in the life of a family, or an individual’s crowning achievement, Tiffany gifts wrapped in the signature Tiffany Blue Box symbolize the rich heritage and unparalleled reputation of the company. The new 2,000 square foot boutique features marble detailing and iconic features of the famous Tiffany, New York flagship store, offering the celebrated Tiffany collections with an exclusive shopping experience to professionals, visitors and jewellery connoisseurs alike.

Tiffany & Co. has built an international reputation as a world-class jeweller of exquisite collections and the ultimate source of gifts for life’s most cherished occasions.

SUNSHINE STONE The new Tiffany & Co. jewellery collection features the rarest of the rare – radiantly yellow diamonds, distinguished by a pure sunlight colour, and with a level of saturation and intensity that places them among the world’s finest and most sought-after precious stones. The cuts and shapes of this extraordinary collection are inspired by the famous 128.54 carat Tiffany Diamond: stonecutters tailored the cushion cut to maximize the stones’ natural fancy colour. As only about one in 10,000 diamonds is a fancy colour and very few meet Tiffany’s standards, diamonds of such captivating beauty are among nature’s greatest treasures and will become part of the jeweller’s legacy. There is still time for seasonal shopping and the new Tiffany & Co. boutique in Cabot Place, Canary Wharf, is the perfect place for choosing those special gifts. Present your loved ones with one of those unmistakable boxes and sprinkle them with festive sparkle this Christmas.

Tiffany & Co. Cabot Place, Canary Wharf www.tiffany.co.uk 0800 2000 1122

SHOPPING

Belle of theWinter Ball Invest in sharp tailoring and festive sparkles from Canary Wharf to stand out at parties this Christmas 1 2

6 7 8

1 Laid On Lace Dress, £80, Oasis, Canada Place 2 Siren Tailored Jacket, £189, Reiss, Jubilee Place 3 Pretty Penelope Dress, £140, French Connection, Jubilee Place 4 Double Oblong Watch, £300, Pandora, Cabot Place 5 Evret Black Chintz Suit Waistcoat, £99, Ted Baker, Canada Place 6 Silk Crystal Clutch, £125, Jaeger, Cabot Square 7 Deanna Gloves, £95, L.K.Bennett, Jubilee Place 8 Lace Cuff, £75, Karen Millen, Jubilee Place 9 Jazzy Shoe, £135, Dune, Cabot Place

SHOPPING Prince

Charming

Smart, sleek and suave: head to Canary Wharf to complete your dashing Christmas look 1 3

8  9

1 ‘AR Red’ Blue Wool Mohair Suit, Jacket £265, Trouser £110, Waistcoat £85, Shirt £55, Tie £40 Austin Reed, Cabot Place 2 Grey Slim Fit Suit Jacket, £65, River Island, Cabot Place 3 Neat Silk Scarf, £19.99, Tie Rack, Canada Place 4 Charles Mohair Suit, £450, Reiss, Jubilee Place 5 Grey Shirt, £54.90, Massimo Dutti, Cabot Place 6 Voyage Mohair Waistcoat, £89, Reiss, Jubilee Place 7 Fashionable Crocodile-Look Card Holder By Boss Black, £69, Hugo Boss, Cabot Place 8 Alistair Shoe, £290, Church’s English Shoes, Cabot Place 9 Mafe Leather Belt, £45, Ted Baker, Canada Place  Round Silk H Cufflinks, £50, Hackett, Cabot Square

CELEBRATE LIFE’S UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS

Visit PANDORA’s new store in Cabot Place, Canary Wharf, to sparkle in your own individual way this Christmas Danish jewellery brand PANDORA celebrates our desire to be unique and the exquisite new Canary Wharf store certainly caters for this, housing a beautiful array of bespoke jewellery. 5 Looking for something extra special for your loved one this Christmas? Look no further than the luxurious LovePods collection from Danish jewellery company PANDORA. Every women loves to sparkle and PANDORA’s beautiful LovePods collection offers delicately handcrafted 18-carat white or yellow gold earrings, necklaces, rings, pendants and bracelets featuring brilliant hand cut diamonds and precious stones including purple amethyst, red topaz and smoky quartz. A vision to offer affordable luxury and contemporary design techniques gave way to the beginning of PANDORA’s first ever exclusive premium jewellery range. LovePods symbolise the journey from a podded flower during its tight, encapsulated and protected form to the gradual transition into a confident, striking and blooming flower showcasing its full glory to the world. Splash out on a set of the captivating stacking rings or simply get one stunning piece and then build her collection on future special occasions. Each ring contains one or more pods and these allow them to fit together giving the wearer endless combinations of looks from day through to evening LovePods is also now available in the luxuriously warm tones of Rose Gold. Visit the Canary Wharf PANDORA store to sparkle in style this Christmas.

PANDORA Cabot Place 020 7987 9801

1 Moments Charm Bracelet 2 Single Weaved Leather Bracelet, £35 3 Silver ring – White Gold Pavé Ring 0.37CT, £1,795

4 Gold ring – 18K Gold Pavé Ring 0.37CT, £1,535 5 Crystal pod – 18K Gold Pavé Ring 0.07CT, £410 6 Black pod – 18K Gold 1 Pod Ring, Spinel, £251

SHOPPING

WINTER WONDERLAND For traditional American style clothing with European chic, visit GANT’s brand new store at Canary Wharf For A/W 2010, GANT has re-examined its rich American heritage and explored the timeless elements of the East Coast. The Georgetown collection draws inspiration from college culture and the students’ classic, preppy style; Winter Nautical looks to the off-season atmosphere in coastal towns to revitalize maritime chic; and laidback Santa Fe is infused with the earthy tones and clear blue sky of a beautiful Arizona landscape. This season’s GANT Collection theme was inspired by the natural elegance of the ultimate First Lady, Mrs. O, with slim silhouettes, body con dresses and narrow pencil skirts. It is fused with a catwalk-ready edge, although still representative of established American casual wear. For a look that has an enduring style with a contemporary edge, re-define American elegance with GANT.

GANT Canada Place 020 7715 7470 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Navy Georgetown University Blazer £200 Wool Liner Trench Coat £300 Scarf £39 Leather Weekend Bag £329 Springfield Boots £149 Fancy Blocked Dress £150 Rugger Argyle Sweater £115

3 6 4

NEWS Canary Wharf Cyclists Urged to Book Bikes with Bobbies Cyclists are urged to register their bikes with the Metropolitan Police at a series of events at Canary Wharf over the coming months. Canary Wharf Group plc and the Metropolitan Police have teamed up for the ‘Cycle Marking and Registering Initiative.’ This has come in response to large numbers of bicycles being recovered by the police but, despite this, they are often unable to return bikes to their rightful owners or to prosecute offenders strongly suspected of stealing them. Richard Kemp CBE, Director of Security at Canary Wharf Group said: “Cycling is hugely popular in Canary Wharf and across London, with numbers growing every year. By registering with the scheme, Canary Wharf cyclists obviously give themselves a much better chance of getting their bike back should it ever get stolen.” The Police Cycle Task Team will be marking and registering cycles at Canary Wharf at no cost between 4pm and 8pm. Dates and locations are as follows:

Monday 6 December 2010

Montgomery Square

Tuesday 4 January 2011

Above the steps, Canary Riverside (near Canary Wharf Pier)

Monday 7 February 2011

Frobisher passage (under the DLR Bridge)

Monday 7 March 2011

East side of Canada Square (opposite Waitrose)

CWG and Land Securities Form Walkie Talkie JV Land Securities and Canary Wharf Group recently announced a joint venture partnership to develop 20 Fenchurch Street, EC3, also known as the ‘Walkie Talkie’. The proposed 37-storey building will provide approximately 690,000 sq ft of world-class space in floor plate sizes of 14,000 sq ft to 28,000 sq ft, with a sky garden on the top three floors. George Iacobescu, Chief Executive of Canary Wharf Group, said: “We are looking forward to this opportunity to apply our extensive experience as a developer of large, high-specification and bespoke office buildings for a diverse range of clients.”

events Stars celebrate opening of Canary Wharf Ice Rink Canary Wharf Ice Rink, sponsored by Thomson Reuters was recently declared officially open by celebrity guest Sharron Davies MBE, followed by a spectacular performance from The Imperial Ice Stars. Sharron Davies, one of Britain’s best ever Olympic swimmers, performed a stunning on-ice display, the first since her stellar performance on this year’s Dancing on Ice. She was joined by The Imperial Ice Stars, one of the world’s leading theatrical ice performance groups, internationally renowned for their breathtaking on-ice acrobatics. Davies said: “This is a dramatic setting beneath the iconic Canary Wharf skyline. Coupled with all the new bars, restaurants and shops here, it is one of the most exceptional places to skate. I encourage you all to get your skates on and get into the Canary Wharf festive spirit!”

Canary Wharf Ice Rink Canada Square Park Until Sunday 20 February Monday to Saturday 9.45am–11pm Sunday 9.45am–7.30pm Last Skate session begins one hour prior to closing time Tickets: online at www.ticketmaster.co.uk or call 0844 847 1556. Group tickets 0844 847 1546

Carols & Candles Service The Carols & Candles Service at 5.30pm is now fully booked however, Canary Wharf Arts & Events are delighted to announce due to the overwhelming request for tickets a second Carols & Candles Service will take place at the East Wintergarden on Tuesday 14th December at 7.30pm. Join us and enjoy the festive and community spirit at Canary Wharf, where all proceeds go to support international charity Mercy Ships and local charity Neighbours in Poplar. To register for tickets, maximum four per person, please email carolsandcandles@canarywharf.com

East Wintergarden, 43 Bank Street Tuesday 14 December 5.30pm (Doors open at 5pm) – FULLY BOOKED East Wintergarden, 43 Bank Street Tuesday 14 December 7.30pm (Doors open at 7pm) – SECOND SERVICE

London Ice Sculpting Festival Over three days in January Canada Square Park becomes the focus of the UK’s unique international ice sculpting competition. Teams of acclaimed sculptors from around the globe carve dramatic, large-scale works of art against the clock. Why not have a go yourself and tackle a small block of ice by signing up for a supervised Masterclass. Booking is first come, first served; simply sign up in when you arrive.

Thursday 13 – Saturday 15 January Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf For more information and to find out how you can take part in masterclasses visit www.mycanarywharf.com

art window galleries

Sasso Cosmico by Do Vassilikas-Konig, Westferry Circus Garden

Peter Randall-Page exhibition in Jubilee Park, Spring 2010

Showcases for up-andcoming artists, designers and craftspeople in Canada Place Retail Mall.

Nathan Walsh Until 3 January

Nathan Walsh belongs to a new generation of artists who are extending the boundaries of realist painting. He demonstrates an ambitious talent of combining photographic source material with the traditional skills of painting. Centauro by Igor Mitoraj, Montgomery Square

The ‘Art’ of Success

COMMUNITY GALLERY

London’s iconic Canary Wharf has scooped a prestigious international award for its public art programme. The famous business and shopping destination recently won the Christie’s Award for the Best Corporate Art Collections and Programmes at the 2010 International Art & Work Awards, presented in Barcelona on 4 November.

George Iacobescu CBE, Chief Executive of Canary Wharf Group plc said: “We are very pleased our efforts to bring character, culture and colour to a previously derelict part of London have been recognised as among the world’s best.”

www.nathanwalsh.net

In Jubilee Walk, the link between Canada Place and the Jubilee Line (next to Krispy Kreme). Devoted to works produced by local artists and community groups.

A Great Idea Until 3 January

A Spectacular ‘Waterfall of Words’ An art installation is providing an unexpected torrent of words in Canary Wharf, in the form of an illuminated waterfall. bit.fall by German artist Julius Popp produces an ever-changing cascade of words sourced from a live newsfeed from www.thetimes. co.uk. The words are seen falling in a wall of water beneath the DLR Bridge into the Middle Dock, in the heart of Canary Wharf.

Until 8 January 2011, bit.fall will be switched on daily, 7–9am and 4–10pm Chancellor Passage Under the DLR bridge over Middle Dock Canary Wharf FREE Visit www.mycanarywharf.com for details.

Display of the exciting things happening in Idea Store Canary Wharf, part of an innovative Tower Hamlets initiative in public library provision.

www.ideastore.co.uk

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18/11/10 17:16:09

christmas

feature

The wonderful season of goodwill and gift giving is now upon us. For those who need some extra festive inspiration, turn the page to find the perfect presents to spoil the lovely lady in your life or please the boys with our selection of luxurious treats and toysÂ

Christmas... â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;twasthe night before

gifts for

Exquisite Penmanship

Winter Warmer

Montegrappa Pen, £531.75 www.montegrappa.com, www.gbapen.co.uk

Albannach Whisky Set, £18 www.albannach.co.uk

A Musto Have

Treasure Trove

Top Website

christmas

gifts for

feature

Her

Annabel’’s Box Of Treats

Timeless Beauty

The Mount Street Deli has launched a special edition Annabel’s Christmas Hamper, which offers the ultimate in gourmet indulgence. This one-of-a-kind hamper includes a selection of gourmet delights from London’s most prestigious and iconic members’ club, and provides customers with a fantastically festive opportunity to buy into the Annabel’s exclusivity. The assortment of Christmas favourites includes Annabel’s chocolate truffles, Sicilian pistachio biscuits, Foie Gras de Canard, Torroni Baci nougat and Panetonne. The Annabel’s book is also included, explaining some of the Club’s secrets and disclosing the secrets of recipes from the Club’s chefs, past and present. Annabel’s Christmas Hamper, £200 + delivery Available from the Mount Street Deli, 100 Mount Street, London, W1K 2TG, or to order online from www.themountstreetdeli.co.uk

Dear Diary...

Oh So OCCO There isn’t a loved one, friend or colleague who wouldn’t delight in receiving one of these boxes. OCCO awakens the senses and nurtures the skin during the winter months. Only the purest ingredients have been used: products in these gift boxes are 99 per cent natural, with 100 per cent natural fragrance. The OCCO Essential Gift Collection, £36 For further information, call 020 7468 6488 or visit www.occo-online.com. The pop-up boutique at 18 Royal Exchange, EC3V 3LP, will remain open until Christmas Eve.

comment special event

GIVE THE GASTRONOMIC

SALUTE!

Taking place in the splendid surroundings of Guildhall in the heart of the City, the Square Mile Salute is set to be a key event on the New Year’s culinary calendar, offering an evening of the finest dining and raising money for charity in the process. Jemima Jameson finds out more about what you can expect on the night

osted by City favourite Chamberlain’s Events and restaurant (based in Leadenhall Market), the Square Mile Salute will be attended by several prominent dignitaries, including Mayor of London, Boris Johnson. So why not join them? This fantastic evening will feature a lavish banquet, prepared by an impressive line up of internationally acclaimed chefs. Each of the five courses (plus canapés and petit fours) will be prepared and presented by chefs who are masters in their chosen fields, including Albert Roux OBE, chef to the Royal Household Mark Flanagan and chocolatier William Curley, and served with expertly chosen wines. Set to be a real gastronomic delight, the Square Mile Salute has a charitable as well as an epicurean cause, meaning that you can indulge with a clear conscience. The event will raise funds in order to build and run Personnel Recovery Centres for troops that have been wounded and are in need of support when returning from active duty. These funds will be distributed to The Royal British Legion, Help for Heroes and ABF, The Soldiers’ Charity, and to honour this great cause and the troops it will help, the military-inspired event will feature elements of pageantry throughout, including an actual salute, in keeping with the event’s name. The idea for the Square Mile Salute came about when in 2009, Ray Steadman, owner of Chamberlain’s Events and Chamberlain and Thelwell seafood wholesalers, supported Paul Gaylor, Executive Chef of the Lanesborough hotel, with a Chefs for Heroes charity event. Paul’s son had been wounded in Afghanistan and, with a number of fellow chefs, Paul wanted to give something back to those who have given so much. In 2010 with Paul’s support, Ray joined with friends and industry colleagues - Philip Corrick, Executive Chef of the Royal Automobile Club, Gordon Hogg, owner of Finclass quality meat wholesaler and President of The Academy of Culinary Arts, Brian Turner – to put together this ambitious “signature” event, demonstrating what can be achieved by combining the cream of the hospitality industry with the support of the Square Mile’s finest. To raise as much as possible, the event will also include an auction of amazing prizes that money just can’t buy. Donated by Richard Branson and Virgin Limited Edition is a holiday to Necker Island, Branson’s private getaway in the Caribbean. There is also the chance to bid for a specially commissioned painting donated by the acclaimed Andrew Vicari, who has been dubbed “painter of kings and king of painters”. And if that wasn’t enough, the auction will also offer a three night stay at Fairmont Monte Carlo with the opportunity to watch the Grand Prix from a private viewing area. The Square Mile Salute will take place at 6.15pm on 10 February at Guildhall. Tables of ten are priced at £3,500 plus VAT. n

Ray Steadman and Matthew Marshall, Chamberlain’s Events

Guildhall

ON THE NIGHT: The Reception Attended by Mayor of London, Boris Johnson

Canapes and Sushi Martyn Nail, Claridges and Simon Young, Jumeirah Carlton Tower

The Banquet Hosted by Brian Turner OBE Starter - Albert Roux OBE & Glen Watson First Course - Mark Flanagan, The Royal Chef, the Royal Household & Christian Garcia, Chef to HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco Fish Course - Philip Corrick, Royal Automobile Club & Matthew Marshall, Chamberlain’s Meat Course - John Williams MBE, The Ritz & Jason Atherton Dessert - Benoit Blin MCA, Le Manoir Aux Quat Saisons Petit Fours - William Curley, Best British Chocolatier 2007-2009 For more information or to reserve a table, visit www.chamberlains.org/squaremilesalute, call 020 7987 3696 or contact Anne Donoghue at anne@chamberlainsoflondon.com

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DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER

Swiss watchmaker Rado, a pioneer in the use of premium materials, unveils a beautiful new collection â&#x20AC;&#x201C; elegant, refined and deceptively tough

ado presented their first timepiece collection in 1957; more than 50 years later, the watchmaking company is synonymous with timepieces demonstrating masterful technological and aesthetic performance. With the timeless Original, Rado introduced the first scratchproof watch to the market in 1962, a revolutionary move, and since has become known worldwide for its exemplary use of special high-tech ceramics. Their invention of the Rado high-tech diamond, with a hardness of 10,000 Vickers, resulted in Rado being the

manufacturers of the hardest watch in the world. The classic Centrix collection features three different styles, with highly flexible, tapered bracelets for an exquisite, streamlined appearance. The sleek, silver automatic comes in a jubilĂŠ version with eight single diamonds, and other versions make use of mother-of-pearl and inlaid sapphire crystals. Rado takes great care to ensure that the materials used are not only durable and beautiful, but also skin-friendly to ensure that elegance and comfort can exist side by side. n For further information, visit www.rado.com

if the

Fits From humble beginnings in Portobello market, menswear retailer Hackett has become one of Britain’s foremost brands. In the wake of a recent collaboration with Tag Heuer and the opening of the new Canary Wharf store, Hackett MD Vicente Castellano talks to Penelope M Walsh about the past, present and future of the brand

Even before working at Hackett, Vicente Castellano was no stranger to its charms. “When I was working in the stock market,” he tells me, “I used to wear a lot of Hackett and I really liked the brand”. It was while working as an analyst at Ibersecurities Inc. that first drew Vicente into the world of menswear. He specialised in the retail sector before moving to Pepe Jeans London as Licenses and International Director in 2000. Pepe Jeans London acquired Hackett from Richemont in 2005, and Vicente knew he was on to a winner. “From the beginning I understood that Hackett had big, big potential,” he recalls. That potential had as much to do with Hackett’s past as its future, and it lay in the existing strength of the Hackett brand and its history. “It is one of the few British brands still around and people appreciate the story behind Hackett,” Vicente explains. In fact, Hackett’s story is not simply one of several years in the trade, but of humble beginnings, unique like the brand itself. Started by Jeremy Hackett and Ashley Lloyd-Jennings in 1979, the

pair began hunting down secondhand pieces of traditional British gentleman’s apparel and selling on the cleaned and repaired items at a stall in Portobello market. The stall tapped into a niche but profitable market and soon became a thriving small business, with Jeremy and Ashley opening their first shop in 1983. “The history of the brand gives you a good DNA,” Vicente says. This value excited him early on: “We have something that you cannot buy. There are a lot of values in this brand that you cannot buy.” At the time of the acquisition, Hackett was beginning to lose sight of some of the elements that made it a distinct and special brand, especially the sense of “British-ness”. It was, I suggest, beginning to dilute its concept, perhaps spreading itself a little too thin. “You have to keep the vision and the backbone”, Vicente says, adding “we want to spread the word, as it were, but the goal is, as we grow, to keep the essence of the brand”. Vicente looked to re-distil Hackett’s sense of self, and as such one of his first aims was to bring Jeremy back. After all, who knows a brand better than its founder?

Moreover, Vicente felt that Hackett had “an incredible capacity to become luxury, but in a good sense, not something impossible to reach”. True, in terms of pricing, Hackett may not have the same luxury cache as a multithousand pound “IT” bag. But this is Vicente’s point. Hackett offers quality and style but is accessible, affordable, and as Vicente says, “real”. “When we arrived five years ago”, he adds, “the price was exactly the same as today, but the fabric, the craftsmanship and the design are all much better”. Above all, Hackett offers something unique, something with a story and a heritage and, as such, a sense of aspiring to a certain lifestyle runs through the brand. Since then, Hackett has gone from strength to strength, opening

interview

stores across London and expanding globally. But it has remained true to its original concept, maintaining a focus on vintage design in the new stores and taking design inspiration from vintage styles. From the very start, Hackett was defined by its second-hand origins, and so “Hackett keeps this quirky element in the new collections. One of our biggest inspirations”, Vicente tells me, “is from vintage pieces. We take much more inspiration from the past.” But the fashion industry is one that is obsessed by new, newer and newest, and so, with its strong sense of heritage and focus on the past, how does Hackett remain current? “It is not about following the latest trend”, Vicente explains, “but being consistent with what the brand is, and to keep evolving and reinterpreting. Britain has evolved quite a lot. It evolves every year and London is especially dynamic in that sense. The idea is to follow and understand these changes and adapt them to Hackett.” So it seems, an understanding of the different ages of “British-ness” is part of the life force that keeps Hackett current. “We evolve slightly each season, we try to understand what the customer wants each season, but we don’t make big changes because the Hackett customer is not looking for this. The Hackett customer is looking for detail, quality, craftsmanship, service; it is all about an experience. It is not about setting the trend each season. That isn’t Hackett, and that is not our customer,” Vicente says. So who is the Hackett customer? Hackett’s branding exudes a strong sense of British-ness that veers between a suave, James Bond-like cool, and a playful English boarding school of bygone era. As Vicente points out, perhaps one becomes the other: after all “we don’t see James Bond at boarding school, because Ian Fleming didn’t write about it.” So, to some extent, we have the two ages of James Bond, and in a similar way, Vicente tells me, the Hackett customer is divided into two groups, the two ages of man, as such. On the one hand, there are professionals, like lawyers and bankers, who need a sharp suit during the week and

something relaxed at the weekends. “And more and more”, Vicente says, “we are seeing a younger customer, who perhaps sees their parents buying Hackett, or perhaps their parents bought their first suit for them in Hackett, and from there they start to evolve into the brand.” Hackett has just opened a new store in Canary Wharf, and for those sharpsuited bankers and lawyers, it is the perfect fit. Canary Wharf is “definitely the right place to be for us,” Vicente agrees. Hackett’s customers “work there, they shop there, so you have a good customer base from day one”. But as Hackett knows, even the best fit needs to be tailored to the individual. As such, Hackett started with the collection, thinking about what side of Hackett would work best for the Canary Wharf customer, and focused the collection on formal wear and tailoring. “Once we had developed the collection”, Vicente says, “we designed the store to fit into the retail concept.” “It is difficult for a brand like Hackett to translate their identity into a mall, but I think we did a good job”, Vicente comments, “the store is different enough to the rest, but still keeps our character.” Challenges included the expanse of glass and the ceilings, which were much lower than the other stores, but this issue was partly solved with mirrors to open up the space. In collaboration with Tag Heuer, Hackett has also recently embarked on the first ever Hackett watch. “A lot of people were asking us about having a Hackett watch and from a man’s point of view, if there is one accessory that is the accessory, it is a watch”, Vicente explains. At the early stages of this project, Hackett realised that to offer their customers the best, it would be wise to team up with an already

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recognised expert in this field. Vicente tells me that it was important, when looking for a brand to associate with, that “we shared something with them.” Tag Heuer was a natural fit. “From day one it was obvious that we shared something with Tag, we saw a lot of common ground and shared vision.” Moreover, both brands had experienced a similar evolution and associations with similar sporting events. The project developed two distinct watches, a sleek smart watch for formal wear and a more casual watch for sporting occasions. Available as a numbered, limited edition of 100 per design worldwide, the watches display the same sense of discreet, tasteful style characteristic of Hackett and Tag Heuer, with subtle, understated branding and Hackett’s signature blue. The watches show a strong sense of Hackett’s identity, but the fact that they do so discreetly is in itself part of the Hackett DNA. So what does the future hold for Hackett? British style, Vicente tells me, travels well, and there are plans afoot to further “spread the word”, building Hackett’s global empire at a slow and steady pace, without overexposing the brand. Plans include expansion into the US and the Middle East, with, Vicente says, deals being done, “as we speak”. “Definitely”, he says, “in the next two years we will be in a good number of countries where we are not present right now”. Watch this space. n www.hackett.com

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Divine Decadence

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news GOLD MINE

Now in its 30th year, don’t miss out on Dazzle, an exhibition of contemporary jewellery unrivalled for its impressive and far-reaching range of beautiful, modern pieces. Taking place in the foyer of the Royal National Theatre, entry is free and the exhibition continues until 8 January. On offer is a great choice of modern jewellery design, with prices ranging from £15 to £5,000, covering every conceivable style and material, from precious metals and gems to plastics and reclaimed industrial materials. There are

displays from the hottest new designers from around the world, from Denmark to Vietnam. With so much on offer, Dazzle is the perfect place to hunt out special Christmas presents. There is even a section for men’s jewellery, for those tricky presents for the men in your life. Or treat yourself to something that will give festive fashion staples an unexpected twist, and that you will treasure forever.

After closing its doors in 1975, seemingly forever and breaking all the fashionistas’ hearts, Biba, the übericon of 60s and 70s fashion, recently relaunched, with its first collection in 35 years. Although updated, the collection remains true to Biba’s original spirit of bohemian luxury and 1920s influence. Crammed with silks, velvets, sparkling embellishment and glittery costume jewellery, Biba’s new collection breathes decadence and dark sensuality, with feather stoles and floor-length leopard print coats, while remaining ladylike. So make Sally Bowles your muse this Christmas and add divine Art Deco allure to your wardrobe. Available exclusively from House of Fraser www.mybiba.com

www.dazzle-exhibitions.co.uk www.lovedazzle.com

Quote of the month:

Fashions fade, style is eternal Website:

TREND:

The Charlie Clutch

British style icon Vivienne Westwood has just launched a brand new website. In addition to learning about the brand’s history, viewing the catwalk collections and finding out about exciting developments in the world of the Dame, for the first time, the website will also offer an online shopping facility, with clothing and accessories from Red Label, Anglomania and MAN available. The “Things I love” section is particularly inspired, where you can drag and drop anything that takes your fancy as you browse, to ponder guiltily over at your leisure.

MILITARY

Two truths of evening wear that ought to be universally acknowledged: accessories maketh the outfit, and regardless of how much you manage to pile in there, when it comes to bags, less is indisputably more. Wilbur and Gussie are well known for offering every permutation of the clutch imaginable, making it the perfect place to start when searching for a bag to finish off your Christmas outfit. The Charlie clutch is Wilbur and Gussie’s ‘signature’ style. This cute little silk envelope comes in various patterns and rich jewel-like colours, finished off with a sparkling, costume-esque clasp. www.wilburandgussie.com

www.viviennewestwood.com

MUST-HAVE ITEM:

The Military trend has become deeply encamped in the A/W collections, fortifying its fashion credentials for the last big push before Christmas. Jokes aside, this style stalemate makes military pieces a genuine fashion investment, standing its ground year on year. The Riley coat from Alice Temperley’s much-anticipated diffusion range adds a glamorous edge to an often utilitarian trend, embellished with the label’s signature silver braid and stud design. www.alicebytemperley.com

Alice by Temperley Riley Coat £440

Yves Saint Laurent

E14 Photography:

Diana Pai

Fashion Editor:

Lucie Dodds

Black shearling coat, £2,500, black buckle belt, £99, Jaeger, Cabot Square, 0845 051 0063. Black ‘Satin de Luxe’ hold-ups, £30, Wolford 020 7529 3000. Black suede boots, £160, Carvela at Kurt Geiger, Cabot Place, 020 7673 9869. Black leather clutch bag, £325, Aspinal of London, Cabot Place, 020 7719 0727, www.aspinaloflondon.com

Black ruffle zip and buckle dress, £599, black enamel necklace, £90 and cuff £70 all Jaeger as before

Leopard print trench, £79.99 and dress, £69.99, Zara, Cabot Place, 020 7715 1970. Leather belt, £99, Jaeger, as before. Brown patent stilettos, £130, Carvela at Kurt Geiger, as before

Black lace dress, Massimo Dutti, Cabot Place. Silver ‘Flutter & Wow’ cuff, £395, silver ring, £120 and silver and topaz ring, £390 all Links of London, Jubilee Place, 0845 120 2922 www.linksoflondon.com

Leopard print dress, £195, L.K.Bennett, Jubilee Place, 0844 581 5881

Thanks to Leanne and Robert at Canary Wharf Make-up: Yvette Redmond at Tiger Creative using Bare Escentuals Prime Time foundation primer, Eye Primer eyelid primer, bareMinerals original SPF 15 Foundation, Mineral Veil, bareMinerals Yellow Eyecolour in Soul (Texture: Velvet), Flawless Definition Mascara in Black & Lip Colour in Red Velvet Cake

Hair: Yvette Redmond at Tiger Creative using Kiehl’s Olive Fruit Oil Deeply Repairative Hair Pak, Creme with Silk Groom & Strong-Hold Styling Gel

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CONTEMPORARY

BRITISH STYLE With a distinguished history that dates back to 1745, Heming is part of London’s jewellery fabric, evolving with the times but always retaining the integrity that 250 years entails. But how do you define contemporary British style? To answer this question in a wider circumstance would take much conjecture and debate; after all, it is ultimately the search for values that bind a nation. When asked, ‘What does being British actually mean today?’ the plethora of responses you will receive is likely to blow your mind. However, in this instance we are interested in Heming, and a look behind the Burlington Arcade premises’ welldressed window front into the deeper workings of this respected jeweller. With an untapped 255-year history including regular royal patronage, the concept behind Heming hasn’t changed since Thomas Heming was made a freeman of the Goldsmith’s Company in 1746, becoming the pre-eminent British jeweller of the time. Today, Heming still uses the finest craftsmen and materials to create ranges or one-off pieces, always looking for the best of Britain’s emerging design talent to expand its offering. Furthermore, true to its heritage, the Burlington Arcade premises remain in the heart of the West End, only a short stroll from the original Thomas Heming shop in Piccadilly. The offering, I suspect, has evolved a little as Damian Scott, director at Heming, explains. “We have an extensive classic range for event driven purchases, typically beginning with a 21st birthday gift or engagement ring. These staples form the core of any jewellery collection and may include bespoke design elements. “I think it’s this concept that has influenced us most, that people have evolving jewellery collections and are thinking of them in such a way. Rather than simply selling a piece to a client, we strive to build a long-term rapport by offering an all-encompassing service to help manage their collection.

“It is all about the relationship and trust. And yes, whilst the starting point should be to love and enjoy wearing any piece of jewellery, it can also be viewed as a store of value comprising elements of intrinsic worth - rare natural gemstones, precious metals and exceptional, sometimes unrepeatable, craftsmanship. “That is where jewellery portfolio management comes in. When you consider the burgeoning wealth of emerging markets allied to supply side shortages in diamonds and precious metals, the upward pressure on values is irresistible. “This applies equally to vintage jewels and to watches (early 19th century through to the ‘80’s) which have already shown excellent returns over the past decade. And well-made, fashion-led ranges such as our Kaleidoscope collection, which introduces new seasonal colours through an array of gemstones currently offer excellent value for money.” The other strand to Heming’s offering is its collection of preowned wristwatches – a perfect complement to the dazzling jewels. Many of the watches are unused including limited edition models from the world’s leading makers such as Rolex, Patek and Cartier. So, does all of this represent contemporary British style? The answer is in the proud illustrious past, the emerging design talent and in the proposition of the jewellery collection as an enjoyable investment. Heming London, 18–19 Burlington Arcade 020 7499 7644 www.hemingjewels.com

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Mint’s Global Journey Docks at Canary Wharf In July, Mint’s first standalone store arrived at Canada Square, retailing a unique range of “globally inspired” fashion accessories The Mint brand is already available in some 600 fashion and gift retailers around the UK, and it is testimony to Canary Wharf’s retail drawing power that the company wanted its first independent store at this location. The “Globally Inspired” maxim is rooted in the fact that Mint scours the world to seek out exclusive fashion accessories, including a huge range of costume and sterling silver jewellery, fabric and leather bags, the UK’s biggest selection of Indian scarves, corsages, belts and easy-to-fit organic clothing. The range, based around handcrafted and rich, luxurious materials, takes its inspiration from the traditions and cultures of many different countries. Each fashion season the Mint design and development team sample some 5,000 items across four continents and 14 countries in order to make available over 1,500 new designs to their customers. These beautifully displayed and colour co-ordinated designs can be found at the Mint store at 1 Canada Square. In celebration of the festive season, Mint’s designers have selected a number of special gift packs which are colour co-ordinated, matching various scarves and combinations of jewellery items and retailing for as little as £60, inclusive of their bespoke gift packaging service. Ideal for the man in a hurry to do the right thing! Other gift pack combinations include a collection of two complementary sterling silver designs plus a matching silk scarf (as illustrated) specially priced at £100. Mint’s gift packaging service is also available free for any purchase over £50 up to the end of the year. So, if you are looking for some fashion inspiration this Christmas, go global with some expert assistance from Mint. n For further details contact Christina on 020 7512 9009 or e-mail Canarywharf@Mintdesignltd.com

Uniquely London New bags and travel accessories in retro transport moquette fabric for people on the move Covent Garden Piazza, London WC2E 7BB Shop opens daily or buy online

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MUST-HAVE ITEM FLEUR CHÉRIE

health & beauty

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GO NUTS This Christmas, Aveda has teamed up with Hope for Women (a fairtrade organisation, which provides sustainable employment for women worldwide) to launch five limited edition gift sets. Inspired by the tagua nut, they are not only gift sets with a difference, but ones that will also make a difference. The gift sets feature favourites from the Aveda range, along with a specially designed tagua nut hairband, created by artisans in Bogotá, and are packaged in a reusable gift box featuring a design inspired by the nut. The project engages women local to the rainforests of Columbia, providing a source of fairly paid income. As a result, this project helps to support 400 families and also to preserve 400 acres of rainforest.

Dubbed the ‘fleur chérie’ (cherished flower), the orange blossom has been treasured in the Mediterranean for centuries for its delicate and feminine aroma. Its essence, Neroli, takes its name from the Princess of Nerola, who made this subtle scent her signature. L’Occitaine has taken inspiration from the beloved orange blossom and its royal admirer to create the new Fleur Chérie collection of perfume and make up, using the sweet scent of this flower. L’OCCITAINE, Jubilee Place, Canary Wharf uk.loccitane.com

0870 034 2380 www.aveda.co.uk

treatment of the month: NAILS INC THREE-WEEK MANICURE Famous for their lunch break express manicure, Nails Inc has now introduced the three-week manicure, perfect for the party season. How it works: special gels are applied to the nails layer upon layer, each dried under a UV lamp. This creates a really hard, thick and solid surface, which ensures that your nails will not smudge the second you leave the salon, and will remain in perfect condition. The results: your nails really will last for weeks and are more likely to start growing out before they suffer any chips or flaking. The only downside is that there is not the same wide selection of colours available in the usual Nails Inc range. However, as the gels are completely impervious to varnish remover (provided it’s acetate-free), you can actually paint ordinary nail varnish over them and remove then as normal, leaving the surface of the gels intact. It’s worth bearing in mind, though, that you cannot remove the gels yourself and need to return to the salon, which incurs an extra charge.

VERDICT:

The manicure is long lasting, and is great for those on a busy schedule.

Nails Inc Three-Week Manicure (45 minutes) From £55 Nails Inc Cabot Place, Canary Wharf

GET THE LOOK A FLIRTY FLUSH

Slightly flushed, rosy cheeks appeared all over the A/W catwalks, like Louis Vuitton’s Mad Meninspired flirty femininity. Cream or gel blush gives a softer, more natural looking tint, which appears to be coming from within the skin rather than sitting on the surface. The new Becca Beach Tint is easy to apply and blend with fingertips or a brush, whilst the awarding-winning Becca Crème Blush has a silky texture that creates a natural looking finish. The Becca Kabuki brushes work well for blusher; densely packed with super-soft hairs, the brushes “buff” the pigments into the skin, creating a really light and even coverage. Start by locating the “apples” of your cheeks, which is where you would blush naturally. Swirl the Kabuki brush into the crème blusher, and then onto the back of your hand to work the pigments into the bristles. Apply blush just to the apples of your cheeks and then blend out with your fingertips. Keep the colour low on your cheeks to give a gently flushed rather than contoured look. 020 7225 2501 www.beccacosmetics.com

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THE SILENT KILLER High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is often considered a silent killer. If left untreated, people suffering from this condition can develop serious complications. The experts at The Wellington Hospital take a closer look at the dangers

Your blood pressure levels will vary during the day, that’s only natural as the stresses and strains of life take their toll. That said, anyone can develop high blood pressure and it doesn’t have an obvious cause. Hence it has been labelled the silent killer and deserves more attention than it typically receives. A common condition, high blood pressure is said to affect one in three adults in England. What is more alarming is that an estimated 18 per cent of adult men and 13 per cent of adult women have high blood pressure but are not getting treatment for it. According to NHS statistics, in 90 to 95 per cent of cases, there is no single identifiable reason for a rise in blood pressure, however all available evidence shows that lifestyle plays a significant role in regulating your blood pressure; age, poor diet, lack of exercise, being overweight and excessive alcohol.

How can I tell if I have high blood pressure? You may feel perfectly well, as high blood pressure usually causes no symptoms and generally will go undiscovered until a doctor happens to take your blood pressure. If you have very high blood pressure you may experience dizziness, headaches, blurred vision and possible breathlessness. The only way you can tell for sure if you have high blood pressure is to have it measured by your doctor.

Intrinsically linked to these lifestyle factors and high blood pressure is high blood cholesterol, and the UK population has one of the highest average cholesterol concentrations in the world. “From the evidence available to us today, it is apparent that heart diseases are not caused by a single factor, but rather a combination of them,” says Dr Al-Obaidi, consultant cardiologist at The Wellington Hospital. “Whilst there are factors that at the moment we cannot influence, for example familial tendencies, there are many treatable disorders and lifestyle changes that could make a substantial impact on the development of heart disease. Lifestyle changes are at the forefront of any measure to reduce heart illness, including healthy diet, regular exercise and sensible drinking. There are also conditions where medicines could be required. The commonest of these are high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. “My advice to people who have heart problems is that there is a whole variety of options and treatments which can restore your lifestyle to normal, and my advice to people without a heart illness is don’t wait for it to happen, act now and we can help you avoid it.” What are the dangers of having high blood pressure? High blood pressure in itself is not a disease, but it can cause serious health problems such as, heart disease and strokes. You are also more likely to suffer from kidney damage or failure. One of the most common and life-

threatening complications of high blood pressure is the damage caused to the brain. High blood pressure can affect the normal flow of blood to the brain, which in turn can lead to various complications. This includes transient ischemic attack (TIA) or ministroke, which can be an indicator of a more severe stroke in the future. Other problems are strokes, dementia and cognitive impairment. High blood pressure is also one of the main risk factors, as far as heart attacks and heart failure is concerned. The consistent strain on the heart muscles, due to high blood pressure, may weaken them causing arrhythmias and may also cause heart failure over the course of time. Dangers of high blood pressure are not mild symptoms, but are very severe conditions, which can sometimes have serious or fatal results. High blood pressure is on the increase; don’t get caught out. For more information call The Wellington Hospital Enquiry Line on 020 7483 5148 or visit www.thewellingtonhospital.com

Dr Al-Obaidi is a Consultant Cardiologist at The Wellington Hospital. His postgraduate research was undertaken at the National Heart and Lung Institute and his specialist training at the Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals. His practice encompasses patients with a variety of heart disorders, including coronary artery disease, heart failure and patients requiring pacemaker implantation.

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SMILE LIKE YOU MEAN IT The Bluebell Dental Practice & Clinic, despite the name, offers much more than just general and cosmetic dentistry. A visit can also result in smoother, line-free skin, thanks to their facial aesthetics and rejuvenation treatments

Bluebell Dental Practice & Clinic’s mission is to offer a personalised and friendly approach to dentistry, music to the ears of those nervous or apprehensive about visits to the dentist. All the conventional treatments are available, but should you wish to go the extra mile in pursuit of a perfect smile, staff can offer advice on a range of cosmetic treatments, including tooth whitening, Pro-Smile deep cleaning for stain removal, veneers and crowns. Invisalign, an invisible tooth-straightening procedure for adults, is one that is becoming more widely used: it allows teeth to be gradually moved into the correct place without the embarrassment caused by wearing visible braces in later life, as used by actress Katherine Heigl and others including, reportedly, Warren Beatty and Cameron Diaz. Wrinkle-reducing injections are an even more popular, and effective, procedure, not only for those in the public eye, but also for those keen to improve their appearance and prevent ageing. The practice’s Facial Rejuvenation technique temporarily smoothes frown lines and wrinkles by ‘freezing’ certain facial muscles: preventing their unwanted movements makes the area look smoother and less lined. When, according to expert media strategists, it takes only seven seconds to make a first impression, having a more youthful, revitalised appearance can boost confidence and improve professional performance, both in business and in social situations. Following a consultation about the best approach for each individual, Facial Rejuvenation

will be applied, in most cases, to the upper third of the face, eliminating frown lines, forehead creases, crows’ feet around the eyes and, of particular concern for smokers, telltale lines around the lips and mouth. This quick, painless treatment is a cost-effective and relatively safe way of achieving a rejuvenated appearance without having to go ‘under the knife’. The procedure only takes between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on how many areas are being treated. Apart from some slight bruising on the applied area, you will be able to go back to your normal daily routine immediately. Results will start to show in about 24 to 72 hours, with the main effects appearing approximately seven days later: skin will look and feel smoother, younger and more relaxed. This age-defying effect can last three to four months before gradually fading. Not only can this treatment be repeated, but frequent applications can often also result in lines and wrinkles in certain areas becoming less deep, which means longer intervals can be left between treatments. Take advantage of the special offer of £250, as opposed to the normal price of £380, which runs until Christmas. In addition to Facial Rejuvenation, the Bluebell Dental Practice & Clinic offers other treatments to enhance facial appearance, including lip enhancements and dermal fillers for deep folds, giving volume to skin and reducing ageing lines. All treatments are carried out to the highest professional standard, using Hyaluronic acid, a substance that occurs naturally in the body. The Bluebell Dental Practice & Clinic caters for patients’ lifestyles as much as possible, offering flexible early mornings, late evening and Saturday appointments, so arrange for a consultation today to discuss a subtle, but life-changing transformation in the way you look and feel. For further information visit the practice at: Stratford Practice, 55 Romford Road, Stratford, London, E15 4LY, 020 8555 1144 www.bluebelldp.co.uk

Great gift for Christmas or a treat for yourself Buy exclusively in store For more information visit www.seanhanna.com 26 Jubilee Place, Canary Wharf London, E14 5NY

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JAR

THE GUILT

Chris Robin, director of Janus Solutions, discusses the pursuit of pleasure and how to avoid tainting otherwise enjoyable experiences with guilt Most of us do not think of ourselves as bad people, so when we do something that is not in keeping with who we think we are, we have to create an internal story that makes that action acceptable. For example, if we choose to have an extra-marital affair, we might say, “my wife/husband doesn’t listen to me”. By making this kind of statement, we place responsibility for our own behaviour on someone else and justify our actions as understandable. We do this in order to avoid the guilt that arises from knowing we are doing something we should not be doing. The problem is that guilt gets in the way of pleasure. If what we do for pleasure involves guilt, we must remove the guilt, otherwise most of the pleasure will be lost. If, for example, we wanted to go on holiday alone without our partner or children, there would be little rest if we felt guilty about leaving them behind. We would therefore have to create reasons that we believe in, so that the holiday could bring the desired outcome. In this article, we are going to use the analogy of a ‘guilt jar’. When the lid is off, we feel the guilt and when the lid is on, we don’t. Everyone has one. It is important to remember that the pursuit of personal pleasure must, to some degree, be selfish as it is to the benefit of oneself at the exclusion of others. Think of a night out with colleagues when someone becomes so intoxicated they are hardly able to walk. This person will talk incessantly and insist that you listen, irrespective of whether or not you are interested. They will continue to do this because at that moment, they are wrapped up in their own world. When you next see them, they might explain their actions with, “I had such a stressful week, I needed that release on Friday night”, or some such statement, necessary so as not to feel the guilt that

comes from knowing that their behaviour was embarrassing. This statement puts the guilt in the jar and closes the lid.

For the drug or alcohol user, when the guilt

The guilt that accompanies drug use is just the same. The existence of the guilt is what creates the necessity to find reasons and justifications to explain to ourselves, and others, why we do what we do in the pursuit of our personal pleasure.

not happen, and instead you continue to use

If you have a dependency on drugs or alcohol, you no longer feel in control of when to use or drink; in fact, you feel that the drug or alcohol is in control of you. This is an entry point for guilt. However, your mind will tell you that if you continue feeling guilty, this will get in the way of the pleasure that you aim to get from the next few lines or drinks. It is therefore necessary to put the lid on the guilt jar. The justifications now used could include, “at least I don’t have to steal, I pay for this myself”, or “at least I don’t inject, I only snort”, or even “my family is not affected by this”.

arrives, usually on the comedown, you may say: “I have to cut down or even stop”. If this does or drink at the same level or more, you may begin to lose the belief that you can actually address or overcome your dependency. This can lead to a feeling of hopelessness, which in turn creates the context that is ideal to continue using or drinking. In order to address dependency, the user must look at the justifications and reasons that are used to keep the lid on the guilt jar, and question these in an honest and meaningful way. The answers will be difficult to deal with, which is precisely the reason they have been avoided. If you or someone you care about has a problem with drugs or alcohol, call us in confidence. We offer brief interventions that

focus on the drug or alcohol use, and we aim However, when the buzz is wearing off, the for rapid results. lid of the guilt jar re-opens: “I spent all my Janus Solutions wages last night”, “how did I end up in bed 020 3121 0063 / 07957 143150 with him/her?”, “did I really say/do that?” thepractice@janussolutions.co.uk The guilt is back, and can be accompanied www.janussolutions.co.uk by shame about the person you have become. The reality is that About the author: the guilt was always there, but it Chris Robin is a director at Janus Solutions. He made sense to keep it in the jar has worked with drug and alcohol users for the in order that it did not interfere past 20 years and is with the buzz, the pleasure. For the man or woman who has cheated on their partner, the guilt comes to the forefront of your mind when you return home and are met by a concerned partner who says, “Where were you? I was worried. I’m so glad you’re home”.

a trained counsellor, a renowned trainer in the UK of professionals working within the substance misuse field, and the co-author of the book: Crack Cocaine: The Open Door.

28 Oct 2010 LiveCheshire FPG Artesio_DPS and FPG Master 28/10/2010 18:31 Page 1

ARTESIO

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The Woven Beauty Bio Fires Come home to the comfort of a roaring fire this season, courtesy of furniture specialists Indian Ocean. Essentially contemporary in design, these gorgeous fires feel perfectly at home in period properties too. As stunning on the inside as they are on the outside, the fires are fuelled using cleanburning Bio Ethanol, which means – you’ve guessed it – no emissions, ensuring an effortlessly luxurious yet ecofriendly way to keep warm over the winter months. 020 8675 4808 www.indian-ocean.co.uk

Solo Block Fire, £2,295

The latest designer offering from online interiors specialist, Arredo, is the ultra trendy, über chic ‘Ami Ami’ chair. Manufactured in Italy by world famous interiors house, Kartell, ‘Ami Ami’ is sure to win favour among design savvy consumers. Combining artisan craftsmanship with the latest technology and materials, any number of these chairs can be used to add depth and personality to modern design schemes. Ideal for use as part of a dining set or for occasional seating, ‘Ami Ami’ comes in four en-vogue colour options; black, red, white and transparent. Crafted from super-strong Polycarbonate, the chair could be used in any number of applications, including a bathroom or pool room due to its versatile nature and splash-proof properties. www.arredo.co.uk

Real Flower Company Deck your door with beautiful fresh garden roses this Christmas. In a slightly more romantic twist on traditional decoration, this charming wreath is perfect for welcoming guests into the warmth. The wreaths are available in varying sizes and combinations and are all hand selected and tied by the people who grow them. Filled with natural scented flowers and herbs, you’ll have carol singers flocking to your doorstep from miles around. 01730 818300 www.realflowers.co.uk

Belgravia Christmas Sunday On Sunday 5 December, the shops of Motcomb Street, Elizabeth Street and Pimlico Road will be celebrating the festive season in style, treating shoppers and passers-by to a great range of special offers and lavish gift ideas. Beautifully decorated Christmas stalls will line some of London’s most stylish streets, selling everything from festive food and drink

to children’s presents, interior accessories and crafts. Father Christmas will be there too, along with his reindeer and carol singers, so why not take the kids along and turn it into one big festive family outing? 020 7630 1411, www.grosvenorlondon.com Belgravia Christmas Sunday, 5 December 2010 11am–4pm

Door wreaths, from £60

the trend Sim Smith looks at facets and folds for the contemporary office in a new take on modern masculinity

Wooden Split boxes modular wall bookcase by Peter Marigold, £164 (for a set of three), Skitsch 020 7589 1154; www.skitsch.com

Cardboard Speakers, £19.95, Muji 020 7323 2208; www.muji.co.uk

Crystal Luna limited edition sculpture in black by Lena Bergstrom for Orrefors, £1,375, Vessel Gallery 020 7727 8001; www.vesselgallery.com

Plane card, £3.50, Muji 020 7323 2208; www.muji.co.uk

Smooth batch-dyed polypropylene Masters chair in black by Philippe Starck with Eugeni Quitllet for Kartell, £120 per pair, Conran 0844 848 4000; www.conranshop.co.uk

Oak Papermaster magazine rack by Swedese £405, The Lollipop Shoppe 020 7655 4540; www.thelollipopshoppe.co.uk

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Vacuum formed plastic One Light Only (OLO) pendant light in polished gold finish, from £295, Lee Broom 020 7820 0742; www.leebroom.com Platinum, gold plate and black lacquer Meisterstück Solitaire piston fountain pen with 18K gold nib, £990, Montblanc 020 7730 7681; www.montblanc.com

Powder coated steel Ribbon table lamp in black, from £39, Habitat 0844 499 1111; www.habitat.co.uk

Powder coated steel Ribbon coat stand in black, £620, Decode 020 7254 9026; www.decodelondon.com

Wooden PILE ON game by Mamoru Fukui/Daimon Kanno/Yuta Fuki, £34, U+ Collection www.umbra.com

Metal and glass Atlas rectangular table in bronze finish, £1,549, Tom Faulkner 020 7351 7272; www.tomfaulkner.co.uk

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the address book

Sim Smith indulges in a shopping experience like no other on London’s New Bond Street

Armani Casa Next door to the fashion boutique that houses Armani’s latest couture collections is his home offering, Armani Casa. Perfectly situated for those who love the characteristic Italian style of his designs, it’s quite easy to spend an afternoon choosing between cashmere coats and silk-lined cushions. Step in through the unassuming exterior to what seems like a chic new hotel: subdued lighting, smooth music and a distinct air of cool. Corrugated steel-coloured panels line the walls and act as room dividers, expertly luring clients into what seem like private rooms. In an extension of his classic colour palette, Armani has devised a collection in muted taupe, washed-out grey and glossy black, seamlessly marrying both his fashion and furniture lines whilst creating perfect interiors for the contemporary home. The attention really is in the detail here; from juxtaposing textures of silk and steel to luxury accessories, nobody does elegant masculine style quite like Armani. Downstairs, larger room settings are on show: bedrooms, bathrooms and even an Armani kitchen. Walking round it, I can’t help but feel I’m in a plush Mayfair bachelor pad, all glossy, functional and sleek and, as I pass a concealed bar area, I secretly hope I might be invited back for cocktails! 113 New Bond Street, 020 7079 1930, www.armanicasa.com

Ralph Lauren Home Ralph Lauren Home is quite simply one of the most sought-after interiors collections around. Whether you’re decking out your city pad or country abode, this store really does have it all. Similar to his catwalk collections, Ralph Lauren’s Home line produces both a quintessentially masculine and feminine collection each season, so whether you’re looking for inspiration for a boys-only smoking room or a Park Lane princess boudoir, you will not be disappointed. With room settings that I would quite happily move into, the New Bond Street store effortlessly showcases Ralph Lauren’s all-American dream home from start to finish. Walk through super yacht-style bedrooms complete with leather buttoned beds and backgammon sets to Parisian-inspired living rooms filled with pale pink tulle-covered cushions and delicately beaded photo frames. There are always immense flower displays in the store with lovely scented candles flickering as you pass through into various rooms. The store also houses a fabulous home accessory and antique collection, which is perfect for extravagant gift buying or for adding a little touch of Ralph Lauren style to your home. No.1 New Bond Street, www.ralphlauren.com

Smythson Smythson on New Bond Street is marked by the distinctive Nile blue flag that hangs outside its doors. The period building seems very fitting for this archetypal British brand, housing one of the most coveted ranges of luxury leather goods. Established in 1887, Smythson is the proud holder of three Royal Warrants and is the only Britishrun luxury goods company on Bond Street. The store’s interior is as impressive as its facade, with beautiful cornices and broad-columned archways steering your path past the very striking green marble fireplace at the front of the store. Dark wooden cabinets and display cases show off a parade of coloured leather goods, accessories and musthave handbags to their very best, convincing passers-by to take a closer look. With inspiration drawn from archive pieces, new trends and a catalogue of products that span fashion, travel and business accessories, it’s no wonder that Smythson has such a dedicated following. The company also offers personalised stationery printing in store, perfect for those who are after something that little bit different. 40 New Bond Street, 020 7629 8558, www.smythson.com

120 Wigmore Street, London, W1U 3LS 509 Uxbridge Road, Hatch End, Pinner, Middlesex HA5 4JS Telephone: 020 7486 3080 http://www.halcyon-interiors.co.uk email: info.@halcyon-interiors.co.uk

London Golf Club Jack’s Inspiration

Jack Nicklaus’ success and vision as the greatest golfer in history is peerless, and was the inspiration for his two championship courses at London Golf Club. Jack’s vision demands the best in tournament golf, which is why we are excited to be part of the oldest Championship of all. Welcome to London Golf Club, host to The Open Championship Regional Qualifying.

To find out more call 01474 879899, or email us at info@londongolf.co.uk www.londongolf.co.uk

London Golf Club, Stansted Lane, Ash, Nr Brands Hatch, Kent TN15 7EH

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CANARY WHARF COLLEGE A new primary school is due to open in Tower Hamlets next year: we find out more about Canary Wharf College and its principal, Sarah Counter “I want to come to your school to learn to build and make things that work”. These were the words of a five-year-old boy visiting a consultation event for Canary Wharf College which, next year, will be offering a new choice of education experience for local children Currently the Department for Education is processing an application under the coalition government’s Free School scheme to open an independent free primary school in the heart of Canary Wharf. The vision of Canary Wharf College is to “live, share and celebrate the love of learning” and the curriculum will aim to deliver the highest academic standards with strong emphasis on maths, technology, science, creative arts and physical education. Principal, Mrs Sarah Counter, has a wide range of experience in education. She worked as an educational consultant on the formative stages of the first City Technology Academy in inner city Middlesbrough, and was later appointed as head to turn around a failing independent school. Having gained two all-round outstanding inspections in 2004 and 2007, she is a schools inspector herself, and last year Sarah was appointed to establish one of the New Model Schools, which she led to achieve another all-round outstanding Ofsted inspection within nine months of its opening. She is now keen to replicate this achievement in a free school which encourages high standards of behaviour, trust, and integrity, so enabling all children, whatever their background, to feel safe and valued. “There is a pressing need for more school places in Tower

Hamlets,” comments Sarah. “Council statistics show school age children make up 35 per cent of the borough population, compared with the inner London average of 18 per cent. The population is rising rapidly, with the number of residents set to increase from the present 215,000 to 300,000 by 2020. This overload on the local school system results in a lack of choice and disappointment for parents who live further from the best schools.” The College has been founded by a group of local parents and will operate independently, initially offering places for children in Reception and Years 1 and 2, with average class sizes of 20 pupils. A Year 7 class is planned to open in 2013. Admissions for the college, which is due to open in September 2011, will follow the statutory government guidelines, with preference given to those closest to the college. The college will have a Christian ethos, whilst welcoming those of other faiths. One parent attending the second consultation event wrote to say, “I’m sure I’m not alone in saying that I turned up wondering whether I would accept a place at the school, and left praying that I would get one”. Sarah Counter, Principal of Canary Wharf College, concludes: “The school trustees are delighted with the endorsement of the college from Tower Hamlets Education Department. Through excellence in education, the college will provide the foundation for every child; academically, socially and emotionally.” n For further information, visit www.canarywharfcollege.co.uk

The next consultation: 10am Saturday, 4 December Tompkins Restaurant, Pan Peninsula by South Quay Station

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of the best As the gift-giving season descends upon us, turn to our pick of the best British brands for inspiration, top quality and guaranteed excellence

The latest collection from GTO London has evolved out of a passion for the ultimate boy’s toy: the classic, iconic Ferrari. Launched at the glittering RM Auction, where the hammer fell for the James Bond DB5 Aston Martin, as driven in Goldfinger, the range owes its distinguishing features to the elegant interiors, engine parts and components that make up these worldfamous sports cars.

pieces include beautifully handcrafted cufflinks, tie pins, key fobs and money clips. Hand-stitched wallets and bespoke pieces are also available to order, making the perfect, unique present for the man who has it all. www.gtolondon.com

For 30 years, GTO Engineering has been dedicated to refurbishing, restoring and reconstructing antique collectible Ferraris. As such, all pieces are precision-made in the shape of Classic Ferrari engine parts, in gold, silver, rhodium and real Ferrari metal;

British

BRANDS

BOYS’ TOYS

SHOE BUSINESS It is said that you can judge a man by his shoes, so ensure yours are in tip top condition with a visit to James Shoe Care. This friendly, family run business, established in 1979, has an excellent reputation built on the high quality of service as well as personal attention to detail. Although specialists in shoe repairs, the company also offers a wide range of services, including engraving, key cutting, shoe shine, watch and jewellery repairs, logo embroidery, signage and exhibition support (mobile shoe shine). There are three James Shoe Care units conveniently located in Canary Wharf (Cabot Place, Jubilee Place, Churchill Place), in the Docklands area and at Westfield London shopping centre so there is no excuse. www.jamesshoecare.co.uk

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FOR A TRUE GENTLEMAN When Alfred Dunhill took over the family saddlery business in 1893, he dedicated himself to creating the very finest men’s apparel and accessories. Today dunhill combines this rich British heritage with style, innovation and functionality to create luxury menswear, leather goods, pens and men’s accessories, remaining ever faithful to dunhill’s business mantra: “It is not enough to expect a man to pay for the best; you must also give him what he has paid for.” Today, from the ultimate luxury of bespoke or custom made suits and shirts to luggage which can be created to your exact specifications, dunhill continues to provide exceptional and surprising products for the discerning gentleman. In the 21st century this innovation has resulted in the Revolette pen which, inspired by the spinning barrel of a revolver, combines three writing instruments in one, as well as the use of carved mammoth tusk or crushed meteorite upon the brand’s hard products. This Christmas, give the gift of adventure with the world-class, carbon fibre Explorer Snowboard, the gift of innovation with the Biometric Wallet (alarmed and linked to your mobile phone) or the gift of gaming with the sleek travel games compendium. www.dunhill.com

A VERY BRITISH AFFAIR Renowned for intrinsic British style since 1774, Mappin & Webb has earned a well-deserved reputation as a leading jewellery, silverware and glassware retailer and, thanks to the exceptionally high standard of craftsmanship and expertise, the company was granted the Royal Warrants in 1897 to become the silversmith to Her Royal Majesty the Queen and to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. With such historic credentials, Mappin & Webb’s latest collection of gifts and jewellery, A Very British Affair, invokes an age of elegance and simplicity. Jewellery items include the Sterling silver Jewellery Collection, the classic 18ct White gold diamond Timeless Collection and the eternity ring Encapture Collection. Gift items range from silver and crystal whisky tumblers to pyramid style decanters, hammered silver apprentice bowls and a range of photo frames and scented candles. The Mappin & Webb handcrafted and engraving service makes an occasion or that gift a touch more special or allows an existing family heirloom to be re-designed for contemporary fashion. www.mappinandwebb.com

THE FINER THINGS IN LIFE This year, British emporium William & Son celebrates a decade in their flagship store in the heart of Mayfair. William Asprey, Chairman of William & Son and a seventh generation member of the Asprey family, founded his eponymous luxury goods store at the start of the millennium, specialising in the eclectic, surprising and sometimes extravagant and offering customers a taste of the finer things in life. The distinctive William & Son ethos of beauty, quality, innovation, tradition and value is evident in every product and in none more so than the William & Son tenth anniversary commemorative watch. Limited to only ten numbered pieces, each watch embodies the brand’s love of traditional craftsmanship with a modern twist. In the fluid motion of its automatic movement, coupled with its sleek, round, rose-gold face, it is clear to see that quality and detail are of the highest standard and, in addition to the watch’s aesthetic, a ruby cabochon has been inserted to the winding crown, as well as a power reserve to the dial, highlighting the technical refinement. www.williamandson.com

motoring sports gadgets

like the wind fia gt1 world ............................ latest & greatest ...............................................

Picture credit: ‘Art Directors Realise Creative Photographer Thomas Butler’.

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PART OF THE TEAM

Red Bull partners with Racing Gold to launch a unique collection of limited edition, functional art, made exclusively from Red Bull Formula 1 car parts

very piece of the Red Bull ‘Part of the Team’ collection, manufactured by Racing Gold, is hand-crafted from components that have run and raced on Formula 1 cars. Like every car that competes, each item is unique and numbered, with its own life history, which details when and where it was raced with the team. Launched in November, the collection includes a floor-standing lamp made from a polished exhaust system, and stylish wall mirrors, which take their DNA from the brake discs that scrubbed the speed off the car’s wheels. The LED

desk lamps created from suspension pushrods and desk games inspired by brake disc detail would complement any modern office or living space. “At the very heart of Formula 1 is the art of creating the perfect racing car,” commented Christian Horner, who is the Red Bull Racing Team Principal. “This collection reveals elements of the car which are vital, often unseen, but stunning. These pieces are highly desirable and would be a fascinating talking point in any room.” n For further information, visit www.redbullracing.com/art

blowing

HOT & COLD O Matthew Carter can’t make up his mind about the new Renault Wind. It’s certainly different… but does that mean it’s any good? K, let’s get the jokes out of the way at the beginning. Renault’s latest is called Wind, as in a strong breeze. So what happens if you’re overtaken while behind the wheel? Is the other car passing Wind? Is the name for real or is it a wind-up? Boom, boom. Actually you could ask the same question about the car. Is Renault, maker of mundane hatchbacks, serious about producing a mini-sports car, a two-seat roadster with a clever retractable hardtop that flips out of the way when you fancy a little, er, wind in the hair? The answer is, yes. Renault is serious.

The French carmaker is clearly keen to cash in on its motor racing heritage by developing a sporting name for itself. A Renault engine sat in the back of the Red Bull that powered Sebastian Vettel to the 2010 F1 world title. And the latest generation of Renaultsport ‘Cup’ cars – strippedout, high-powered versions of the Clio and Megane – are the weapon of choice for many track day regulars. So a two-seat roadster wearing the Renault diamond makes a great deal of sense. Trouble is, I’m not sure the Wind is that car. Let’s take the good points to begin with. The roof is a spectacular success. Unlike retractable hardtops in

motoring

(four-seat) rivals like the Peugeot 207CC, the Wind’s roof doesn’t steal luggage space when lowered. It’s fabricated as a one-piece panel, so it’s lighter and far less complex than the two or three sections affairs of others, and it simply flips back to sit under the rear deck when not wanted. From coupé to roadster takes just 12 seconds and luggage space is totally unaffected. Best of all, only one other manufacturer has adopted this clever, simple, yet wonderfully effective roof system: Ferrari for the 575M Superamerica. Good company to keep. The downside is that the roof dictates the shape and layout of the car. The way it folds means there’s only room for two seats while, because it’s a single piece, the rear deck is unusually long. Indeed, the overall shape suggests Wind might be mid-engined, but underneath that lid is a simply huge boot rather than any oily bits. In fact, the engine is mounted conventionally at the front. There are two Winds on offer, a 1.2 turbo and a naturally aspirated 1.6 from the Twingo Renaultsport, both petrol. Renault claims a 125mph top speed for the biggerengined version, with 0–62mph taking 9.2 seconds, figures that aren’t going to set the pulses racing. Curiously, although the turbo version produces just 100bhp as opposed to the bigger unit’s 133bhp, it feels lighter and

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livelier. In truth, however, neither unit is particularly quick: Wind is more tourer than sports car as a result. And that’s a shame, as the chassis can clearly handle a great deal more power. There’s precious little body roll and the car is eager to change direction: it just feels a little sluggish. The worst element is the ride. Because taking the roof off a car, any car, reduces its structural rigidity, Renault has added bracing struts in the boot, reinforced the sills and added a glazed bulkhead behind the seats. Not enough, quite frankly. The ride remains choppy at all times and the constant vibrations felt through the steering wheel remind you that Wind is missing a roof. The steering, too, is disappointing, being rubbery and lifeless. As a driver’s car, Wind misses the boat. Inside, the cockpit is either claustrophobic or intimate depending on your viewpoint, but at least it does feel sporting and the wraparound sports seats are superb. The high sides and thick B-pillars make visibility tricky, while the instrument panel reflects badly in the sharply raked windscreen. And it’s a shame the plastics look so cheap. In contrast with that vast boot – thankfully the bracing struts don’t really steal load space – there’s precious little oddment space in the cabin, which will be irritating when using the car every day. Then there are the looks. I really can’t make up my mind about this one. Sometimes I see a slab-sided oddball with curious proportions; sometimes I see an interestingly quirky alternative to the norm. Style over substance perhaps, but there’s no denying it’s different. Whether that’s enough to lift it above the rest is another matter. First you’ve got the lack of rear seats. That might not be a problem, but if you’re going for a two-seater why not go for a serious sports car alternative like the Mazda MX-5, which in basic 1.8i SE form costs an almost identical £17,500? If you want a more involving drive, then you need a Mini Cooper Convertible. And that’s got the benefit of two rear seats, too. But if you’re looking for real performance in a small package, then there’s no alternative to the Abarth 500 which, at just over £14,000, is a comparative steal. If, on the other hand, you’re desperate for something rare, something that makes a real statement about you, then maybe the Renault Wind is that car. I’ve got a feeling you’re never going to see many of our roads, so standing out from the crowd will be a breeze. n

IN BRIEF Car: Renault Wind 1.6 VVT Dynamique Price: £17,300 Engine: 1,598 four-cylinder petrol Power: 133 hp Drive: Front-wheel drive

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28/9/10 12:28:23

getting a GRIP You might not like 4x4s, but if this winter is anything like last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d do well to change your mind, says Matthew Carter, after driving the latest VW Touareg

motoring

emember last year’s blanket of snow, the one that brought the country to a juddering halt? A mate of mine was caught in the chaos and had to spend the night in his car, trapped with a long line of fellow motorists on a major road that hadn’t been gritted or cleared. He was rescued the next morning by a guy in a 4x4, who pulled him out of the snowdrift and sent him on his way. All over the country other 4x4 drivers were doing the same thing and, for once, even the Daily Mail was lauding them as heroes rather than anti-social owners of ‘gas-guzzling Chelsea tractors’. And that just goes to show how daft this anti-4x4 thing is. Yes, there are some that are hugely powerful, ridiculously thirsty and produce too much in the way of emissions. Still, if people want to drive a V12-powered Audi Q7 then let them… after all, they are contributing enormously to the country’s coffers in terms of the road tax they pay and the fuel charges they have to meet. But when it comes to cars like the latest Volkswagen Touareg, the antis have got it so, so wrong. Think of the Touareg as an estate with big wheels. Yes, it has four-wheel drive but so what? If we have another bitter winter, Touareg-man will not only be safer than the rest of us in two-wheel drive hatchbacks, he’ll also be in a better position to help us out when we get into trouble. Gas-guzzling? Hardly. The 3.0 TDI, by far and away the most popular version, delivers 43.5mpg on the combined cycle and produces under 200g/km of CO2 emissions. Those figures are on a par with a conventional saloon with a similar power

plant – the Jaguar XF, for example – yet the VW is notably shorter so takes up less road space, as well as having the reassurance of four-wheel drive. As far as the antis are concerned, best not to let the facts get in the way of a good protest. Aside from its new Golf-like corporate nose, the latest Touareg looks broadly similar to the original, which first burst onto the scene in 2003. But in fact, this is a totally new version, rather than a facelift. Overall, it’s a little longer and a mite lower than before, but it is noticeably lighter to benefit both handling and emissions. The V6 diesel engine has also been breathed upon to be more efficient, while it’s mated to a remarkable eight-speed automatic gearbox, in which the two top gears are overdrive ratios to reduce fuel consumption. Add in Stop/Start, which cuts the engine when the car is stationary in traffic, and its environmental credentials can stand up to the closest scrutiny. On the road, the Touareg is a great place to be. You sit high up so have a better view of the road ahead, while the surefooted chassis provides a sense of security in poor weather that ordinary cars simply cannot match. The TDI engine is a real gem, providing plenty of low-down grunt at the same time as effortless top-end performance. The new transmission is pretty special, too, with wonderfully smooth shifts under all conditions. Thanks to the new longer body there’s a little more room in the rear, and the rear bench now slides forward and aft to increase legroom or load space as required. The ride is limousine-like, especially with the optional air suspension.

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For the latest Touareg, VW has acknowledged that most owners never take their vehicle off-road and so have removed the low-range gearbox that was a standard fit on the original. While that saves a hefty 200kg of weight, it does mean that fans of serious mud-plugging will need to specify the Escape version of the car, which retains the off-road hardware. Standard SE trim is generously equipped with satnav, leather, four-wheel drive, parking sensors and a plethora of safety equipment but the test Touareg was an Altitude model, to which is added a styling kit, bigger wheels and suspension lowered by 25mm. More useful additions include the multifunction steering wheel, Bluetooth and a headlamp cleaning system, though whether it’s worth the extra £3,500 VW ask for the upgrade is debatable. What isn’t debatable is the thanks you’ll need to give the 4x4 driver, as he rescues you from a snowy grave this winter… even if you’re an anti. n

IN BRIEF Car: Volkswagen Touareg 3.0TDI Altitude Price: £41,705 Engine: 2,967cc V6 TDI diesel Power: 240 hp Drive: Four-wheel drive

sport

calibre

Private Practice

sports

news

Winter Warriors After a dubious few months when organiser St. Moritz Polo AG had considered cancellation, the St. Moritz Polo World Cup on snow was given the go-ahead after all parties agreed a mutual solution and the local authority pledged its support. Held on the frozen Lake St. Moritz from 27 to 30 January 2011, the World Cup is the world’s highest level polo tournament on snow. Unlike previous years, patrons in 2011 will represent their countries of origin as they compete for the coveted trophy. www.polostmoritz.com/en

The ultimate indulgence for winter sports enthusiasts, hone your technique all year round with your very own private ski slope. The Skiplex “endless ski slope” is a large white treadmill about the size of a squash court, allowing up to four people to ski or snowboard at one time. The large, moving track is operated by a hand-held remote controlled device, which can speed up or slow down the track and increase or reduce the elevation. www.skiplex.co.uk

Say what?

I have decided it is best for me to retire from international cricket since my family and I are constantly getting threats.

Pakistan wicket keeper Zulqarnain Haider makes a swift exit from international cricket.

Riding High The London International Horse Show, from 14 to 20 December at Olympia, boasts a packed programme of equestrian competition, majestic displays and non-stop Christmas entertainment. This year the Ukrainian Cossacks will be wowing the crowds with their incredible stunt riding and the Household Cavalry will celebrate its 350th year, performing their outstanding Musical Ride.

Pedal to the Metal Located less than ten minutes from the City of London, TeamSport Tower Bridge is London’s new multimillion pound go-kart track. A must for adrenaline junkies, it has two tracks both running over two floors, which can be joined to create one enormous circuit. The track also has its very own “Stig” in the form of mysterious “Bruce”, who sets lap times for wannabe F1 drivers to smash.

www.olympiahorseshow.com

www.team-sport.co.uk/towerbridge

Runway to Rugby Proving the worlds of rugby and fashion can go hand in hand, Moschino has become the first international fashion brand to dress a rugby team, designing Aironi Rugby’s new official suits. Whether perfectly tailored suits made from the finest traditional British fabrics will help in the Italian team’s pursuit of the Heineken Cup is doubtful, they certainly give Aironi the aesthetic edge. www.aironirugby.eu

million pound

machinery Lee Brooks is given exclusive access at an FIA GT1 World Championship race weekend and finds a closely fought series that could give Formula 1 a run for its money…

t’s March 2010 and the Place de la Concorde in Paris is packed full of people jostling for position and feverishly snapping their camera phones in excitement. For one day only, a collection of majestic, head-turning cars line the street, glistening in the morning sunshine. But this wasn’t the car park of the rich and famous, rather a grand display of the machinery that would contest the brand new FIA GT1 World Championship. Some of the world’s most iconic marques including Aston Martin, Corvette, Ford, Lamborghini, Maserati and Nissan signed up to the ten-round championship and this month, after nine action-packed races, 48 drivers in 24 cars will compete in the final round of the series in the idyllic surroundings of San Luis in Argentina. The Potrero de los Funes circuit circles a volcano, providing a breathing backdrop to some of the world’s most spectacular supercars.

So far, the championship has visited a mix of legendary and iconic circuits including Silverstone, Interlagos and Spa-Francorchamps and state-of-the-art venues such as the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi, which is built on a specially constructed island, but the Argentinean venue is by far the most visually striking site, making it perfect for the season finale.

The dawn of a new era With Formula 1 dominating the motorsport headlines across the world, every other racing series is forced to battle on in the sport’s overbearing shadow, hoping to find a way to break its stranglehold. After just nine races, it looks like GT1 has found the solution: switch the focus onto the fans and the show – two elements that are crucial to the success of a championship, but have been overlooked by Formula 1 in favour of big business and political wrangling.

motoring

calibre

The American-based series Nascar and Australian V8 supercar series have already successfully heaped the focus on the fans by creating a set of rules that encourages close racing while allowing the public to get up close and personal with the drivers, the machinery, and the men and women who work tirelessly to meticulously build and re-build the cars. The challenge for GT1 was to repeat that model on a global scale.

Level playing field All the cars in the GT1 World Championship have had their performance equalised to keep the whole field close but allow each manufacturer to showcase their own devices and technical know-how. This prevents one team from running away with the title, while allowing for pure driver talent and technical understanding to shine through. Success ballast is added to the four finishers of each race to try and level the playing field in the following event. There are two races per weekend, which are limited to an hour to keep the fans’ attention while extra focus is put on the pitstops. Each team must use just two mechanics to scurry round and change all four tyres, while at the same time drivers complete a Le Mans-style switch halfway through the race to spice it up and prevent the races turning into a procession. The drivers are a mix of former GT champions such as current championship leaders Michael Bartels and Andrea Bertolini, ex-F1 drivers like Karl Wendlinger and Mika Salo, and sportscar racers like Britain’s leading hope Darren Turner. The championship offers them a chance to showcase their talents, which were otherwise stunted by poor machinery, lack of opportunity or difficult circumstances and a glance around the motorhomes and paddock show that they’re relaxed and enjoying racing more than ever. Another positive thing about this championship is that fans are able to get access to the paddock where they can mingle with the drivers, check out the team’s impressive motorhomes and team trucks, and get within touching distance of the beautiful machines that will take to the track later that day.

The future‘’’#s bright You just have to look at’ the now defunct A1GP World Cup of Motorsport series, which demanded each team use an identical chassis and races under a country banner rather than as individual drivers, to see that they don’t always work and while this season has been a good banker for GT1, there’s still a long way to go. But if the championship can continue to attract iconic racing brands, employ talented drivers from the likes of Formula 1 and World Touring Cars and continue to deliver bumper-to-bumper racing week in, week out, there’s no reason why it can’t succeed. Still not convinced? Check out the season finale in Argentina on 5 December to see what you’re missing. n For more information visit www.fiagt1world.com

gadgets

Jamie Carter presents the month’s hottest gadgets

handmade hi-fi From its roots as a ‘look at me’ product a few years ago, the simple iPod dock is increasingly a ‘look away now’ piece of nasty black plastic selling for £50. British brand Meridian Audio is looking to change all of that with this distinctive, powerful and thoroughly expensive iPod-ready hi-fi system. With a leather ellipse (available in black, chestnut or ivory) around a clever half-moon design, hand-stitched by the artisans of IM Kelly, Northampton, the M80 is the antidote to those mass-made iPod docks, but it’s what’s underneath that really sets this apart. Inside is a digital DAB tuner, as well as AM/FM bands, alongside a CD slot and two speakers capable of pumping out a remarkable 80-watts. There’s even a subwoofer strapped to its rear, above a plethora of ins and outs. The most important two let you attach

new gadgets

headphones and a wired iPod dock (included in the package), though there’s also some video outputs. It’s a giveaway that the M80’s CD drive, it seems, can also play DVDs so you could use the M80 with a TV as a do-itall home entertainment centre. Facets that ought to keep the M80 in one place are its lack of battery power and rather heavyweight design (no surprise, given that it also hides a subwoofer). It’s best used in an openplan apartment or large kitchen; the low frequency brilliance and high detail makes it overkill for a bedside table. Although excellent with digital radio, the M80 is best with music. Undistorted high volumes are possible and there’s plenty of power and precision in the mid-range, though it’s the pin-sharp sense of stereo that impresses most of all. Able to drag out some previously

Panasonic TX-P50VT20 50inch 3D plasma TV, £2,000 www.play.com

One for All Essence 4 universal remote control, £20 www.maplin.co.uk

unheard detail from our CD collection, the M80 is a mighty impressive piece of kit that also benefits from an excellent user interface. The buttons used to control the menus are completely unlabelled – the everchanging function for each button is displayed in yellow-on-black graphics on the OLED screen above the speaker. A ‘home’ button takes everything back to basics, but there’s a small – and lightly magnetic – remote that is arguably easier to use. Add the i80 iPod dock, which charges your Apple device while it plays, and Meridian Audio has created an excellent all-in-one device that delivers some true quality from beneath a luscious design.

Meridian Audio M80 2.1 stereo system, £1,500 www.meridian-audio.com

gadgets

calibre

SOUND IDEA

STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS

The flat screen TV has quickly become the norm in living rooms around these isles, but it’s come at a high cost; those super-slim bezels simply don’t have room for speakers. In a ‘why didn’t anyone think of this before?’ flash of inspiration, Alphason has integrated not only two meaty speakers, but also a subwoofer, into its latest TV support. Sporting a retro look, the Arena Soundstand is a cinch to hook up to any TV (using just one cable), and comes with a dedicated remote control. That extra remote won’t be welcome in most living rooms, but it’s worth it for the sound; impressive bass and mid-range sounds are joined by delicate treble highs – a massive improvement on any flat TV’s weedy efforts, especially for movies. Hand-built in the UK, the Arena Soundstand is available in white, black and black/ walnut and can support TVs up to 47 inches in size.

Brilliantly designed and carefully weighted, this slab of DAB – and more – is as functional as it is eye-catching. The AirStream 10 can act as a simple alarm clock for a bedside table, but it would be a shame to waste its online abilities; after connecting it to a home Wi-Fi network, this solidly made radio can stream any one of 15,000 online radio stations from across the globe, or, if you like your tunes just a little closer to home, the AirStream 10 can simply find MP3 files stored on your computer.

Monitor Audio AirStream 10 DAB and internet radio, £225 www.sightandsounduk.com

Alphason Arena Soundstand ARN1000 with built-in 2.1 speakers, £599 www.alphasondesigns.com

OYSTER CATCHER

In a market saturated in faux leather and plastic commodity cases, it’s tricky finding something to wrap around a beloved iPhone, but the Folio – the result of a partnership between US designer Prophetik and Griffin – melds both form and function. Look hard and you’ll see the Prophetik emblem impressed upon the front of the soft Tennessee leather body, which both grips an iPhone and provides space for an Oyster card, a couple of credit cards and some cash; what more do you need for a night out? Also available in black.

Griffin + Prophetik Brown Leather Designer Folio for iPhone, £50 www.griffintechnology.com

Arcam rCube iPod speaker system, £500 www.hifigear.co.uk

COOL AS ICE Now on sale in the UK, this collaboration between laptop maker ASUS and the much-lauded designers at Danish style brand Bang & Olufsen is one-of-a-kind. Built around an 18.3-inch screen and sporting two huge speakers, the NX90 is all about aesthetics – and power. On sale at Harrods and Selfridges, the NX90’s mirror-like polished aluminium casing is book-ended by two speakers that are more than three times the size of regular laptop speakers. The NX90’s unique look is the work of designer David Lewis, whose design studio is the main force behind the Bang & Olufsen look.

ASUS NX90 notebook designed by Bang & Olufsen, £2,500 www.asuslaptop.co.uk

Tivoli Model 10 table DAB/ DAB+/FM radio, £220 www.petertyson.co.uk

Denon AH-NC800 noisecancelling headphones, £250 www.advancedmp3players.co.uk

THE TIMEs ATLAS OF BRITAIN Great as a gift or a coffee table showcase, this new atlas is the most comprehensive reference to the character of our counties and country “Maps not only show the world; they

booking a holiday or hotel.

help it turn,” explains self-confessed

“Maps pepper logos, advertisements,

map addict, Mike Parker. “On an average day, we will consult some form of map approximately a dozen times, often without even noticing: checking the A-Z, the road atlas or the satnav; scanning the tube or bus map; a quick Google online or hours wasted flying over a virtual Earth; navigating our way

illustrations, books, web pages and newspaper and magazine articles: they are a cipher for every area of human existence. At a stroke, they convey precise information about topography, layout, history, politics and power. They are the unsung heroes of life.”

around a shopping centre; watching

This was just part of the exchange

the weather forecast; planning a walk

between cartophile Mike Parker,

or a trip; catching up on the news; and

travel presenter for radio and

CWpromotion

incorporate: topographic, thematic and historical maps; contemporary and historical accounts; and facts, statistics and images. All of these combine to provide an exceptionally detailed view of every county in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, enlightening readers as to the character of each part of the country. Jethro Lennox, Senior Publishing Manager of The Times Atlas of Britain, believes he was destined to become a cartographer after travelling much of the world before the age of five with his father, a specialist in tropical medicine. Jethro is regarded as an expert on geographical changes around the world and, as a result, has provided punditry on a wide variety of media outlets including Sky News and BBC Radio 4, talking about changes to mapping. He is also one of Britain’s foremost hill runners and has won several of the most challenging races in the sport, both as an individual and as a member of the Scottish Hill Running team. Of The Times Atlas of Britain, Jethro comments: “Our historical maps provide a fascinating look back at the past and an opportunity to compare with the present. The Atlas also provides outstandingly comprehensive information about the entire country, on a county by county basis – and

with over 90,000 places mapped and indexed, anyone living in Britain today should be able to find their local area and learn something new.” Beautifully presented, this hardback atlas is an ideal gift for all special occasions – from birthdays and Christmas to weddings and graduations – and is sure to appeal to anyone wishing to learn more about Britain, and those keen to solve quizzes and crosswords, as well as for lovers of all things map-related. The Times Atlas of Britain is priced at £90. For further information, visit www.atlasofbritain.com

FASCINATING FACTS Sunset Song by Lewis Grassic Gibbon, one of the classic novels of 20th century Scotland, was actually written in Welwyn Garden City. The highest point in Kingstonupon-Hull is shared between East Mount and Bransholme at 11m. “Hamilton is notoriously a dull place; if a joke finds its way into our neighbourhood, it is looked upon with as much surprise as a comet would be.” The Hamilton Hedgehog, October 1856.

television, and Mick Ashworth, consultant editor to Times Atlases at the launch of The Times Atlas of Britain, the first comprehensive atlas of Britain in 47 years. Alongside 160 pages of up-to-date, detailed reference mapping, this stunning coffee table book includes not only maps but also statistics, 450 images, historical mapping, fascinating quotations, descriptions of places and lists of well-known people born in each county; together, these present a clear portrait of Britain from which any user can form their own view on the current state of the nation. In-depth profiles of each county

a new loewe Connect 32 LED television worth up to £2,095 When looking for a new home entertainment solution, premium German brand Loewe has a stunning range of televisions that is sure to impress. With three core principles - minimalist design, exclusive individuality and meaning innovation Loewe televisions are the perfect complement to any modern home. A visit to Loewe Galerie Kensington will allow you to discover perfect sound and picture quality first hand, for the ultimate home entertainment experience. Whether you’re after a dedicated television or a bespoke, custom-designed multiroom system, a consultation and demonstration with one of the Galerie’s experts will identify the perfect audio-visual solution for your needs. The new Loewe Connect LED TV, one of the newest models in the range, is the ideal television for multimedia fans. Packed with networking features that allow the streaming of music and video content from your home PC, the Loewe Connect can also access the internet via the innovative in-built MediaNet feature – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The DR+ function means you can pause, rewind and record live TV at the touch of a button, as well as stop and start viewing room-to-room with the new “Follow Me” function. The Connect LED is available in a number of colour finishes – high-gloss white, chrome silver and high-gloss black – in 32” and 40” screen sizes. As well as offering the latest in LCD screens, Loewe also produces a range of audiovisual solutions, including Blu-ray players and audio systems.

For more information on Loewe’s range of firstclass LCD televisions and peripherals, or to arrange your personal appointment at Loewe Galerie Kensington, call 020 7937 7007 or visit www.loewe-uk.com

how to win For your chance to win a Loewe Connect 32” LED in a colour of your choice, simply answer the following question: The Loewe Connect LED range of televisions is available in which screen sizes? a) 32” and 55” b) 32” and 40” c) 55” and 70” To be in with a chance of winning a Loewe Connect 32” LED in the colour of your choice, email your name, telephone number and answer to competitions@runwildgroup.co.uk with LOEWE in the subject bar. The closing date for entries is 31 December, 2010. Terms and Conditions: Competition is open to UK residents aged 18 or over. Competition closes at 23:59 on 31 December 2010; entries received thereafter will be discarded. One entry per household. Loewe UK Ltd reserves the right to select an alternative winner, should the original winner not confirm delivery details within 7 days of notification. The prize consists of a Loewe Connect 32” LED in your choice of three colours. Prize is non-transferrable and there is no cash alternative. The promoter reserves the right to withdraw or amend this promotion. Promoter: Loewe UK Ltd, Century Court, Riverside Way, Riverside Business Park, Irvine, KA11 5DJ. By entering this competition you agree to your details being used by Runwild Media Group for marketing purpose. Please see www.runwildmediagroup.com/subscriptions for full terms and conditions.

0844 856 0202

www.theo2polo.com

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watches

RACING

calibre

spirit

Exploring the BRM website is like driving at top speed in a Formula 1 car through the opening credits of a Bond film: exhilarated but composed, you swerve along race tracks and around hairpin bends like a video game Daniel Craig

his makes complete sense; after all, pace, power and precision apply as much to the art of watch making as they do to fast cars, and one look at a BRM watch should be enough to convince anyone that luxury watches and motorsports have a great deal in common. The attributes of movement, control and precision are the essence of Bernard Richards Manufacture, a French company that specialises in the production of classic, beautiful timepieces. Named after its founder, BRM has the distinction of being the only French watch manufacturer and an exclusive, highly collectible one at that: to maintain the requisite hallmark of excellence, only 2,000 are produced each year. Experts agree that the French timepieces have injected a new lease of life into a market otherwise dominated by Swiss competitors, because BRM models have always paid a very clear tribute to the world of motorsports; the R50-T Reserve de Marche, for example, displays a masterpiece of craftsmanship shaped like a motorcycle engine behind the exposed movement. It is not surprising that this was made by a team of engineers with a serious weakness for motorsports, and that in 2008 BRM was asked to craft ten unique timepieces to accompany the rare and coveted EcosseHeretic street bike. The company’s genuine personal ties to the racing community are evident: many professional drivers have already been seen, in action, wearing one of BRM’s newest models. Bare essentials are the key to high performance: necessary are high-tech materials, outstanding engineering, superior skills and absolute dedication. The individual parts of a BRM watch work together so that it embodies the brand ethos of ‘racing spirit’, combining those essential qualities of movement, control and precision. Filled with the latest tools, machinery and highly skilled technicians, the BRM workshop is a cutting-edge atelier that allows Richards to control every aspect of production. Every watch begins as a solid bar of metal, which is then cut expertly to exacting specifications. Despite its French history, in the summer of 2010, the company launched a new watch model in two sizes, with a Union Jack design on the face and colours inspired by our flag, as a tribute to the United Kingdom.

Not only can British buyers show patriotism through their wrist jewellery, but there are also faces displaying the American and Italian flags, catering for our European and transatlantic cousins. Using the exceptionally user-friendly online Configurator, prospective owners are able to create their own virtual, bespoke BRM from 12,000 possibilities, choosing everything from the case and dial to the hands, crown, strap and even tachometer. It is an intriguing process, to be able to watch your watch, so to speak, assemble itself before your very eyes, and one that allows for much experimentation before settling on your bespoke combination. The wearer of a BRM watch shares the brand values of an endless quest for excellence and perfection, imbued with a strong racing spirit. n For further information, visit www.brm-manufacture.com

interview mulberry magnate personal finance retirement global living ex---pats .................

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US MID-TERM ELECTIONS

In 2008, Barack Obama was voted President of the United States in a historic and hard-fought election. Two years on, the tide of public opinion in America has turned

ast month’s US mid-term elections, which decide the balance of power in Congress until the next election, saw the biggest exchange of seats in the House since 1948; the Republicans won control of the House of Representatives, while the Democrats retained a slim majority in the Senate. Although Obama’s name did not appear on any ballots, the mid-terms are widely perceived as an appraisal of his performance since being elected. It is a blow for the Democratic party which, prior to the mid-terms, had a majority in both Houses; it

will be more difficult for Obama to push through legislation and he will have to work much more closely with his opposition. For the most part, former presidents have been able to develop a working relationship with leaders of an opposing party, but this is not always the case: the president’s spokesman Robert Gibbs has said, with considerable understatement, that the new balance of power will be a “test of whether we can work together”. The world will be watching closely over the coming months to see whether Obama is able to take this hurdle in his stride. n

new start

It’s a brave businessman who can steer a course between the competitive worlds of designer fashion, sustainable farming and alternative fuel, discovers Beverley Byrne – but entrepreneur Roger Saul has always been a fearless navigator

n 1971, at the age of 21, Roger Saul launched Mulberry, the iconic fashion label and luxury goods chain which defined ‘le style anglais’ and achieved success worldwide. Some 30 years later, having established the über-chic Charlton House Hotel in Somerset, he was ignominiously deposed from the company he’d created and nurtured. Bruised but not broken, he then turned his enterprising spotlight on agriculture. Having bought the 300-acre Sharpham Park Farm in 2004, he went on to develop a pioneering range of organic foodstuffs called Sharpham Park, and established an eco-lifestyle centre and shop at Kilver Court, formerly an old mill in Shepton Mallet. Currently, at the point at which most entrepreneurs are putting their feet up in Tuscany, this classic car enthusiast is also involved in a

quest to find a viable alternative to the combustion engine! On the surface, Roger Saul’s commercial interests may appear oddly disparate but, as I discover when we meet at Kilver Court, they are linked by a chain of creative steel. One of these links is hidden away behind the Mill. When Roger and his wife Monty, a former Dior fashion model, bought the premises in l996, they inherited a secret and neglected Victorian garden. For over a hundred years Kilver Court Gardens had been Somerset’s sleeping beauty, but since being rediscovered and renovated by Roger, this grand dame of the gardening world is now open to the public and enjoying a new lease of life. This is typical of Roger Saul’s modus operandi. Like a sculptor, his genius lies in seeing a vision of the future and, by sourcing, shaping and

enhancing the raw material, infusing it with vibrant new life. So where did it all start? “At Clarks Shoe Factory in Somerset,” replies Roger in soft and mellifluous tones. “My father started as a trainee manager and worked his way up through the ranks. On Saturdays I always enjoyed going to work with him and roaming round this huge and very hi-tech factory. It wasn’t so much the smell of leather which impressed me so much as the hard work my father put in, his way with people and the company’s exciting new projects. When I started my business with £500, a 21st birthday present from my parents, my father was a terrific support and my mother, who had been a highpowered personal assistant, became my first partner.” The inspiration for Mulberry

interview

started, as with all Roger’s enterprises, with a personal passion. “I loved fashion and during the late ‘60s I started collecting and wearing Victorian military uniforms, like those worn by the Beatles on the Sgt Pepper album. Soon everyone was prancing around in these jackets and I started buying and selling them in Portobello Road. I went on to work as an accessories buyer for John Michael, the ‘Fashion King of Carnaby Street’ and remember going to Bermondsey, where the London leather industry was based and all wholesale trade was conducted. I soon realised how easy it would be to design my own accessories and start my own business.” Roger’s talent for design subsequently reached the catwalks of Europe. “In the early ‘70s, I began designing and manufacturing accessories for top European designers. I was in a unique position to work for them and at the same time see what inspired their colour palettes and designs. This was my apprenticeship in the fashion world and Mulberry grew from that experience.” Surely, I suggest, losing Mulberry must have hurt? “During the l980s the brand was highly profitable, but growing fast, and we didn’t have the cash flow to support it. I was continually going to the bank, but it was the only way to grow within the market. To live this life of danger and opportunity you have to manage the fear and have balls of steel. It was the only way to get through it.” When New Labour gave control of sterling to the Bank of England, the fixed high export rate affected Mulberry’s future. “We went from making a 10 per cent profit in our European shops to a 15 per cent loss within a year. We countered by moving 50 per cent of our manufacturing overseas and changed the structure of the business, which was debilitating. By 2000, despite being badly torpedoed, we were back in profit but we had lost millions of our capital. This meant we had to open the door to other investors and Christine Ong seemed a good bet.” Sadly, the Singaporean billionaire proved to be Roger’s nemesis. In 2002 he was ousted after a two-year battle that culminated in his co-director failing to vote in his favour. “It was a

horrible time,” he confesses. “Monty’s father died the same weekend the coup was staged, and we found this very hard to forgive. We came out of that desperately trying to swim as they tried to take us out financially to prevent me creating another Mulberry. I thought about it but took advice from a close friend who said, ‘Roger, you have done everything you could do with the company – don’t look back.’ When the farm came up for sale alongside the family home where Roger and Monty had brought up their three sons, it seemed a serendipitous moment. And typically, Roger took his farm in a completely alternative direction. “I knew agriculture was unviable at the time so we had to come up with another model. My sister, who’d been suffering from cancer, had discovered an alternative to wheat called spelt, which had beneficial properties. This ancient grain had a unique nutty flavour perfect for bread, biscuits and breakfast cereals and was ideal for those with wheat intolerance. It became the cornerstone of our new organic enterprise. Now spelt is to Sharpham Park what handbags and belts were to Mulberry – the driving force behind the idea.” Sharpham Park also produces rare breed sheep, red deer and cattle, and Roger has established a butchery, which completes the label’s ‘field to fork’ image. Roger is an evangelistic advocate of organic farming. “It’s the only discipline where the farmer self volunteers to follow a method which you as a consumer know doesn’t involve pesticides, antibiotics and

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nurtures the soil. It’s about a farming method that completely respects the cycle of life within the countryside. I’m absolutely convinced that, unless we make radical change, we will have serious problems in our food supply in this country in times to come.” This rallying cry is also being applied to Roger’s involvement in the first Start Eco Car Trials series. The creation of HRH The Prince of Wales, Start aims to help people across the UK lead more sustainable lives, demonstrate what a more energyefficient, clean and healthy world might look like and how each individual can make a start. Forgive the pun, but Roger is the driving force behind the Start Eco Car Spectacular and by the time you read this, Start’s ‘A Garden Party to Make a Difference’ will have taken place in London. The event has been designed to showcase innovative new inventions along The Mall, and the ultimate Eco Car Spectacular will have taken place on the Mall outside Buckingham Palace. “We all know it’s essential to develop energy efficient power,” Roger concludes fervently, “and being personally involved in this quest is not only seriously exciting but crucially important. I don’t know exactly what part I’ll play in this, but I know I’m sitting at the forefront of sustainability from farming to transport and the view from here is fascinating. All my life I’ve been anticipating what people want, creating things out of nothing, bringing them to the market and trying to put a smile on their faces. Now, at last, it feels as if I’m in the right box.” n

comment personal finance

Santa Rally Is Coming To Town Dr David Kuo, director at the popular financial website The Motley Fool, explores why the festive period is a wise time to buy shares Did you know that January has historically been the best month to buy shares? It didn’t quite work out that way last year when London shares fell 4 per cent in January. Mind you, an odd blip every now and again is only to be expected when you are dealing with reams of statistics – I believe it is called rogue data. Putting the rogue data to one side, it seems that, according to data going as far back as 1919, UK shares have risen in January in three out of every four years. Nobody quite knows the reason behind the January phenomenon, though there have been many theories put forward to explain it, including the suggestion of a rebound in share prices following year-end tax selling. That would seem plausible if the end of the tax year coincides with the calendar year end. However, the January effect has also been seen in parts of the world that do not use 31 December as the end of their tax year. So much for that theory, then! The so-called ‘January Effect’ is particularly fascinating because it shows no signs of fading, despite being quite well known and very well publicised. In theory, such an obvious anomaly should disappear as traders try to take advantage of it by buying shares in advance. After all, wouldn’t you fill your boots with shares in December if you knew that they were going to rise in January? Some people do, which may in part explain the December effect. It seems that the last week of December has been the best week to buy shares: indeed, half of a year’s best ten days on the stock market tend to occur in December. In fact, the December rally is so well known that it is even has a special name – The Santa Rally. It seems that since 1920, shares have risen 61 per cent of the time in December. In other words, shares have risen in six out of ten Decembers. Over the last 80 or so years, the average monthly gain in December is 1.2 per cent, making December the third-best performing month of the year. What’s more, there

is little indication that the so-called December effect is diminishing. If anything, share price gains in December are stronger than ever. Last year, London shares jumped 4 per cent in December. No wonder traders can’t wait for Santa to come a-calling. Among the various explanations put forward for this somewhat bizarre occurrence in December, it has been suggested that stock market ‘bears’, who are generally quite pessimistic about shares, are either hibernating or on holiday! A more plausible explanation may be that fund managers are loading up with shares in readiness for the New Year, ridding their portfolios of embarrassing losers at the same time. Researchers have reported other apparent irregularities in stock market returns by examining other calendar-related effects. For example, the ‘Monday Effect’ suggests that the first day of the trading week tends to be the worst day to be investing in shares. Apparently, Mondays are as popular with traders as they are with schoolchildren! Meanwhile, another group of researchers claimed that shares tend to show higher returns on the last day and the first four days of each calendar month. This has been cutely called the ‘Turn of the Month Effect’. Other anomalies include the ‘Week of the Month Effect’, the ‘Holiday Effect’ and, of course, the ‘Sell In May And Go Away’ effect, which would have been a terrible mistake this year. London shares rallied some 14 per cent in the summer months. If truth be told, there are supposedly dozens of such market timing effects and many more, if you are prepared to spend time looking for them. It just goes to show that statistics can prove almost anything you want. Truth is, it is almost impossible to profit from calendar effects after you have paid broker charges, stamp duty and taken account of buy and sell spreads. In my view, it is far better to look for good shares that you can hold for the long term. And once you’ve found them, any week can be a good week to buy shares. Have a great Christmas! n

Dr David Kuo, director at the popular financial website The Motley Fool www.Fool.co.uk

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Investing in Fine Wine The current volatility in the stock market and low interest rates has led, in recent times, to a dramatic increase in fine wine investment. Nick Mendoza, solicitor at Howard Kennedy, warns about relying on misleading advice from wine merchants promoting wine as an estate planning tool There is an important distinction to be drawn between the Capital Gains Tax and Inheritance Tax treatment of investment quality wine. For Capital Gains Tax purposes, most fine wine will be considered wasting assets. A wasting asset, which is classed as an asset whose life does not exceed 50 years, is generally exempt from Capital Gains Tax, meaning that any gain accruing on a sale will be exempt from Capital Gains Tax. By contrast, where a person dies owning fine wine their executors are required to value all of the deceased’s assets on the basis of their ‘open market value’ at the date of death. As part of this process, wine cellars and fine wine collections must be valued at their open market value and included as an asset of the estate. Any increase in the value of fine wine from the date of purchase to the date of death must therefore be accounted for. Inheritance Tax is then charged at a rate of 40 per cent in the UK on the value of assets in an estate that exceed £325,000 at the date of death. This distinction has been overlooked by some wine merchants, who have incorrectly claimed in their sales literature that, for Inheritance Tax purposes, the value of a wine collection in an estate should be treated as its cost value. The result is that wine investors who are unaware of the correct tax position could be building up an unforeseen tax liability, which will only come to light at the time of their death.

There has recently been a general clampdown by HM Revenue & Customs on executors who fail to include realistic valuations for household goods, or exclude these items entirely from an estate. They highlighted in their most recent newsletter to estate practitioners that this includes wine, stating “…a wine cellar must be valued at its open market value for Inheritance Tax purposes at the time of the relevant occasion of charge”, which will be the date of death. Executors should, where appropriate, obtain professional valuations for household items, particularly when they include specialist collections such as fine wine, art or antiques. If no professional valuation is produced, then HM Revenue & Customs may ask executors to explain the basis of their valuation. If the basis of an executor’s valuation is incorrect, which could include declaring wine at its cost value, or if an executor has valued items based on their own knowledge rather than that of an expert, then HM Revenue & Customs may investigate further and seek to have their own valuation carried out. A subsequent finding by HM Revenue & Customs that the executors have failed to value these items properly will leave the executors in the firing line. As well as paying the additional tax, and any interest that is due on the additional tax, HM Revenue & Customs may charge a penalty, calculated as a percentage of the additional tax. Penalties of up to 100 per cent can be charged in some cases, and in every case the executors will be personally accountable. n

Nick Mendoza is a solicitor at Howard Kennedy www.howardkennedy.com

comment human resources

Releasing your Creativity

Chelsey Baker, business advisor and life coach, looks at lateral thinking to unlock creativity

n a highly competitive environment it is always a challenge to make yourself, your department or your company stand out from the competition, particularly if you’re involved in a ‘mature business’ where all the obvious routes have already been tried. So how can you acquire unbounded creativity? Our default way of thinking is to do so logically and rationally; however, this also means that we think in a structured, linear way, which is not at all conducive to original and innovative thought. Even in science and medicine, most breakthroughs are discovered by chance or by mistake; the simple fact is that the main purpose of the human brain is to be brilliantly uncreative. Worse, the more experienced we become, the more we’re locked into established concepts, patterns and organisations. Original thought is not easy. Naturally creative people have a tendency to use humour, because both ways of thinking depend on the same unconscious ability to change pattern, suddenly and mid-stream. The good news is that beyond humour, accident and mistake there is another method with which we can deliberately derail linear thinking and provoke

Lateral thinking doesn’t come naturally; it’s a skill that has to be learned, but once gained, is the gift that keeps on giving creativity; the use of lateral thinking involves removing the obvious, leaving behind traditional thoughts, and throwing away preconceptions. Lateral thinking doesn’t come naturally; it’s a skill that has to be learned, but once gained, is the gift that keeps on giving. At its core is the need to become unorthodox in your thinking; it is the ability to change your perception readily and to keep changing your perception until you reach your goal. There are three basic lateral thinking techniques for generating fresh ideas or uncovering an original approach: The Random Provocation, The Stepping Stone and The Escape. Random Provocation allows us to open our minds to a random force in order to become stimulated by something unexpected. The easiest and most productive way is to use a dictionary – it is also the most fun! Simply pick a page number at random, then the position of a word on that page; say the first noun after the eighth line down. Then apply the meaning or associations of that word, whatever it happens to be, to your task in hand.

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For example: whilst exploring concepts to reduce smoking, the randomly picked “Traffic Lights” produced the idea of a red band around a cigarette 1.5cm from the butt end to warn smokers they were entering the most dangerous zone. It works because it allows you to tap into a line of thought that would otherwise have remained hidden and it’s a technique regularly used by advertising agencies. The Stepping Stone method considers an idea for its movement value only, and uses it as a mental jump irrespective of its own value or practicality. You can completely reverse your problem to make the Stepping Stone idea sound quite illogical and still generate a result. For example: In considering river pollution, the Stepping Stone idea was the statement ‘Polluters should be downstream of themselves’. This led to the suggestion that factories should, by law, have their water inlets downstream of their own waste outputs so that they would be the first to suffer from unclean effluent. The Escape method allows you to approach your problem by deliberately focusing on the thing about it that you take most for granted, then question whether it is the only or the best way to do something. For example: the statement ‘The Police should recruit blind officers’ led to the idea that members of the public should act as the Police’s eyes and ears which, in turn, led to the highly successful establishment of the Neighbourhood Watch programme. The whole point of lateral thinking is that it unlocks confined and restricted thinking; it changes attitudes and produces a willingness and enthusiasm to search for even better and more creative concepts. Try it for yourself and get into the lateral habit by searching for different ways of looking at things. Open your mind and free yourself from rigid thinking. Think outside the box and let your inspiration and imagination solve your problems by looking at them from an unexpected perspective. n

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Employers Beware: The extended Equality Act 2010 Clare Murray explores the issue of extended liability for harassment of staff by third parties Many years ago, a young male associate came to me to explain, somewhat embarrassed, that a client had propositioned him after a work-related dinner. It was unexpected and unwelcome; he didn’t want to damage the client relations, but he did not want a recurrence either. We had to think carefully as to how to handle this highly sensitive issue, from the point of view of both staff and client relations. The legal position at the time also required us to act and protect our employee from sexual harassment by the client. This area of potential liability of employers, for harassment of their employees by third parties such as clients and suppliers, has been extended by the Equality Act 2010 (with effect from 1 October 2010). This potential liability now covers not only harassment on the grounds of sex (gender), but also age, disability, race, religion or belief, gender re-assignment and sexual orientation. Harassment is when one person engages in unwanted conduct towards another person related to the latter’s age, sex, disability and so on, which violates their dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment. The tribunals take account of the perception of the person on the receiving end of the treatment, the other circumstances of the case, and whether it is reasonable for the conduct to have that effect. Harassment also covers situations where the unwanted conduct is sexual in nature, such as sexually explicit comments or conduct with sexual overtones (as in the situation above). It need not be related to the victim’s sex but must be “of a sexual nature”.

The Equality Act imposes liability on employers for harassment of an employee by a third party. However, crucially, the employer is only liable where: • a third party subjects the employee to harassment in the course of their employment • the employer has failed to take such steps as would have been reasonably practical to prevent the third party from doing so, and • the employer knows that the employee has been subject to harassment in the course of her employment on at least two previous occasions by a third party. Employers can minimise the risk of potential liability from the outset by, for example: • implementing policies dealing with anti-harassment, dignity at work, equal opportunities and disciplinary matters • providing staff training on those policies • introducing a process of dealing with any employee complaints about third party harassment and documenting any action taken, including as appropriate a formal complaint to a corporate client about their representative and, if necessary, a request that that person be removed from the relationship in view of their harassing conduct • leading from the top – senior management should been seen to endorse and enforce the policy at all times. In our scenario, the matter was resolved quickly by having a quiet word with the individual client (who was even more embarrassed than the associate), and the relationship with the firm was unaffected. However, a far more formal and structured approach is normally necessary now. The unlimited and often eye-watering compensation claims that can be awarded against employers for discrimination and harassment claims by employees should be enough to ensure that employers take positive and proactive action to protect their staff. n

Clare Murray is managing partner at employment law firm, CM Murray LLP; email: clare.murray@cm-murray.com The contents of this column are for general purposes only. Specialist legal advice should be taken regarding specific circumstances.

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RISE OF GLOBAL

MOBILITY

London During The Olympics Thinking of inviting visitors or colleagues to London to enjoy the Olympics between June and the end of August 2012? The international relocation company Cartus has issued some helpful information on issues that need considering in a city where a major sporting event is scheduled, largely based on their experience with the World Cup in South Africa and the last Olympics in Beijing. If your guests are non-EU citizens who require visas, then apply for these as early as possible. In 2012 the UK immigration authorities will be processing a much larger number of visas for tourists, and all those involved in the Olympics themselves, over and above their normal throughput and capacity. Then there is the question of accommodation. The various options for temporary accommodation in London are already limited, and there is a predictable forecast of a shortage in mid-2012. London hotels are expecting fantastic occupancy rates and travel planners are advised both to book as early as possible and to check whether currently negotiated discount rates will still actually apply during the Olympics.

And then there is transport, the perennial challenge for all Londoners. Each Olympic spectator ticket that will be sold includes free travel on London transport. This is likely to make commuting journeys within London even more interesting than they are now. The roads are also likely to be more congested, as around 55,000 people are expected to require daily transport during the Olympics, most of them by bus or coach. You might to want to start planning now.

The Quality of Life HSBC International Bank commissions the annual Expat Explorer survey. It is now in its second year and remains the largest independent global survey of expatriate families. The survey comes to the conclusion that whilst career prospects are invariably improved by undertaking an international assignment, there is no guarantee that an improvement in quality of life will necessarily follow. Respondents cited Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Russia as being key places in terms of career development and financial gain. Yet these countries scored low in a league table seeking to measure quality of life. Of the top 25, Saudi Arabia was 25th, Qatar 19th and Russia 24th. In contrast, countries which score highly on the quality of life league table, such as South Africa, Spain and France, are not seen as ideal destinations to boost career or wealth prospects. Thailand headed the quality of life league table, knocking Canada off the top spot from the previous year. Bermuda, Australia, Malaysia and Switzerland all scored highly. Britain came 20th overall but scored very well for entertainment. According to the survey, how one settles into a country is vital but challenging. European countries were the hardest in which to make new friends, with 64 per cent of the surveyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s respondents finding this difficult in the Netherlands. The BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) were regarded as the most difficult countries to settle in, predominantly because of cultural challenges and local transport difficulties.

The Forum for Expatriate Management holds the annual Totally Expat show in London in May each year and the annual Global Mobility Summit in London in November. Both these event are also held annually in the US. For more information, please visit www.totallyexpat.com

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For global living international executives keeping up to date with the latest news is important

Britain’s

Best Expatriates

Brian Friedman discusses the effects of globalisation in terms of the influence and importance of expatriates, both in sport and in business

e recently reported on a magazine in the Arabian Gulf that had devised a chart of the most influential expatriates. With such a large multinational workforce, it is not surprising that their importance is specifically recognised in the Emirates. It would be interesting to speculate who would be on a list of the UK’s top expatriates, both inbound and outbound. By far the most noteworthy outbound is David Beckham who, along with his wife Victoria, has built a significant brand well beyond his football career. Recent press reports indicate that the Beckhams are likely to reside in the US long term, thus confirming his expatriate status. Various sectors of the UK economy have a consistent record of attracting foreign talent. Most recently it is sport, and football in particular, that has embraced internationalisation wholeheartedly. I wrote in my first column for this magazine that, “Global companies will now frequently select the best candidates for a particular role without giving any consideration to physical location”.

Where football differs is that team selection for the Premier League ignores the nationality and domicile of both the manager and the player when bringing them to the UK. The cosmopolitan nature of the sport is striking. At the time of writing, three of the four clubs at the top of the English Premier League are managed by non-UK nationals and one by a Scot. The manager of the English football team is an Italian. The top clubs draw on talent from many poorer parts of the world. Africa is well represented as, increasingly, is South America. Yet 30 years ago, English football would have been regarded as the most parochial of sports. Employing Scots and Irish players would have been the limits of ethnic diversity in many clubs. It is a measure of football’s social and economic importance that in all the discussions about the limits of immigration to the UK, pretty much from the outset the sport was exempted from the government’s immigration quota proposals. This has not gone unnoticed by the academic and business communities, in the process of arguing that what is

sauce for the football goose should be the same for their gander. One only has to think of some of the most prominent names in UK business to realise that football is not alone in seeking to attract top talent from anywhere in the world, and to pay for it very handsomely. One third of the Chief Executives of the FTSE 100 companies are not UK nationals. This is perhaps less surprising when one remembers that two thirds of revenue generated by the FTSE 100 comes from outside the UK. Names to conjure with include Bob Diamond at Barcap, Marjorie Scardino at Pearson and Bart Becht at Reckitt Benckiser (whose remuneration package would cause some of the top-rated footballers to go green with envy). Africa is now prominently represented by Tidjane Thiam at Prudential. Not everyone agrees that this is good for UK plc: however, even an FT columnist recently expressed the concern that top executive pay “is good for the success of a cosmopolitan managerial élite in capturing an unseemly share of the proceeds of globalisation”. But football shows that once started on the road to globalisation, it may be impossible to turn back. n

Brian Friedman is the Contributing Editor of Global Life and founder of the Forum for Expatriate Management. Founded in 2008, the Forum has over 4,000 members who collectively manage over one million expatriate moves. Members come from the leading bluechip employers of international assignees both in the UK and globally.

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Planning in the Age of Austerity Martin Bamford discusses the benefits of planning one’s retirement income during a time of financial frugality In this new age of austerity, the money available from the state to fund our lifestyles in later life is rapidly dwindling. The message for several years now has been to take personal responsibility for our retirement incomes. If we choose to rely on the State, we must accept that we will have to work for longer and receive less. Combined with a massive budget deficit to repair, the government is facing up to the challenges associated with longer life expectancy. The longer we all live, the more expensive it becomes to fund our retirements. A series of recent announcements looks set to shake up the state pension system. We had already heard from the previous government that the state pension age would be increased from 65 to 68, in stages over the coming years through to 2044. However, in the recent spending review, it was announced that the first transition, from age 65 to 66, will be accelerated and will happen more quickly than previously expected. Women will face an even faster transition than men. The state pension age for women was already on the increase, from 60 to 65, to match it with the pension age for men. As a result of the spending review, women will see their state pension age increased from 60 to 66 over the same timescale as previously being used. The current set of changes, from age 65 to 66, will affect those who were born between 6 April 1953 and 5 April 1960. Those with birthdays in this seven-year window will need to accept an additional wait before they are entitled to their state pension. Whilst legislation still needs to be put in place to confirm this timetable, those born after April 1960 are probably looking at a state pension age of 67 or 68. Having to wait longer to draw your state pension, whilst broadly still a generous system given improved life expectancy over the past few decades, is balanced to some extent by another big

state pension proposal. The coalition government has announced plans to radically overhaul the state pension system and provide a minimum state pension of £140 a week by 2015. This overhaul will mean getting rid of things like pension credit, which underpins the current means-tested system. It is also likely that the system will become based on residency in the UK, rather than the current requirement for a complete National Insurance (NI) contribution record. Basing entitlement to a flat-rate state pension at a more generous level, based on residency rather than contributions, is likely to be fairer to women who often have incomplete NI records due to their responsibilities as parents or carers. Having to wait longer before you get a state pension, even if at a more generous level, should prompt us all to consider our plans for income in retirement. With so many financial pressures in everyday life, planning for retirement income often gets pushed to the bottom of the list of priorities. Now, in addition to funding for a reasonable level of income in retirement, we have to consider funding the ‘gap’ between the day on which we want to stop working and when state pension benefits become available. This adds an additional layer of complexity to an already complex type of financial planning. Creating retirement income with the necessary degree of flexibility to fund a gap of several years requires careful planning. Of course, there will still be many who attempt to deny the need for retirement income planning, relying instead on the assumption that they will be able to continue to work in their old age, or perhaps fund their retirement through the sale of property. We have seen first hand how flawed these strategies can quickly become. Even if this is your ‘master plan’ for retirement, it makes sense to have retirement savings available as a secure plan B. n

Martin Bamford is a chartered financial planner at Informed Choice (www.icl-ifa.co.uk) and author of several best-selling personal finance books.

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TWO TICKETS TO WATCH TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR PLAY MANCHESTER UNITED ON 16 JANUARY 2011 Join Spurs Legends in the Danny Blanchflower Suite for an unforgettable match day experience, courtesy of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club. The premium package includes: • Three-course carvery meal with wine and liqueurs •C omplimentary Bar (three hours prior to the match and one hour post match) • Post-Match Buffet • Seats in the Upper West Stand Block 8 • Souvenir Gift • Match Day Programme • Meet the Spurs Legends Dress code: smart casual. No trainers, shorts or football shirts. Smart jeans are permitted. For more information, visit www.tottenhamhotspur.com/hospitality

THE PRIZE Premium match day package as described, including two tickets, to watch Tottenham Hotspur play Manchester United at White Hart Lane on 16 January 2011 Kick off at 4.10pm

how to win To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic match day package, email your name and telephone number to competitions@ runwildgroup.co.uk with TOTTENHAM in the subject bar. The closing date for entries is 31 December, 2010. Terms and Conditions: Competition is open to UK residents aged 18 or over. Competition closes at 23:59 on 31 December 2010; entries received thereafter will be discarded. One entry per household. Tottenham Hotspur reserves the right to select an alternative winner, should the original winner not confirm delivery details within 7 days of notification. The prize consists of a match day hospitality package, including two tickets, for the Tottenham Hotspur – Manchester United match on 16 January 2011 at White Hart Lane: please note that the package content is subject to change if the date or kick-off time is changed by the FA Premier League. Prize is non-transferrable and there is no cash alternative. The promoter reserves the right to withdraw or amend this promotion. By entering this competition you agree to your details being used by Runwild Media Group and Tottenham Hotspur Football Club for marketing purposes. Please see www.runwildmediagroup.com/subscriptions for full terms and conditions.

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travel destination food & drink

explore egypt ANTWERP ............... cariBbean scene

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A CELEBRATION OF LOVE

T The season is upon us and purveyors of luxury, Caviar House & Prunier, offer their most sought-after tin of caviar – YSL Love!

aking food pairing to the next extreme, luxury food and couture fashion collaborate in the latest venture between Caviar House & Prunier and Yves Saint Laurent; YSL Love Caviar. A celebration of the fashion icon’s love for caviar, previously unreleased drawings (from a selection of personal note cards) have been transposed onto the lids of limited edition tins full of the coveted black pearls. Containing his favourite Saint James variety from the sustainable Prunier caviar range, these

collector item additions are a must-have for any art, fashion or food lover and make the perfect treat on a chilly winter’s day. Caviar House & Prunier also have a new online gift selection, which offers luxurious hampers and accessories. The YSL Love Caviar starts from £345 for 125g. Bespoke, extra special YSL Love Caviar Hampers are also available – perfect for sharing with friends and family this Christmas. Available from Caviar House & Prunier nationwide. n For further information, visit www.caviarhouse-prunier.com

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Spectacular panoramic views, luxurious design and superb food “Battery sets new standards not only for Docklands, but for the whole of London itself.” – View London ‘Displayed real flair’ - Evening Standard ‘Completely brilliant’ – City AM

Creating a real stir amongst visitors and locals alike, Battery is a new restaurant and bar, set at the top of an amazing lighthouse-style building that provides spectacular panoramic vistas across the City and Docklands. With summer on its way, Battery can not only offer you a room with a view, but a delicious new menu wEnglish Asparagus Spears and Chargrilled Lamb Rack. Battery is now also open for Sunday lunch; come along between 12pm and 4pm and enjoy a delicious three-course menu including an amazing 30 day, dry-aged English sirloin ‘done the Yorkshire Way’ with cauliflower cheese, potatoes cooked in beef dripping and proper gravy.

34 Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf, E14 8RR (Please use entrance next to Four Seasons Hotel or via the Canary Wharf Dock. Valet parking available.) 0208 305 3089 www.battery.uk.com info@greenwich-inc.com

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SWEDISH DESIGN MEETS ITALIAN INDULGENCE On 1 December 2010, Design Hotels’™ newest member in Stockholm, the Nobis Hotel, opens. It has been designed by the renowned Scandinavian architecture and interior design firm, Claesson Koivisto Rune, and is located on Norrmalmstorg square in the heart of Stockholm’s business and shopping district. The 201-room hotel will have a very personal approach to service, and spaces include the Italian restaurant Caina, 24/7 Bistro, The Gold Bar and The Lounge. “The designers have drawn on their personal experiences as global travellers and created a contemporary luxury hotel, which is thought through in every detail from a guest’s perspective,” says Design Hotels™ founder and CEO, Claus Sendlinger. www.designhotels.com/nobis_hotel

LIFE IN THE MEDINA Be one of the first to explore the new Riad Dar Zaouia hotel in Morocco, the latest addition to the Angsana Riads collection. Officially opening on 1 January 2011, its name means ‘a place of retreat’ in Arabic and is designed for those seeking intimate, romantic surroundings in a quiet place of refined, relaxed elegance Tucked away behind the mystical walls of the medina and just a stroll from the famous

Djemaa el Fna square, the Riad has six unique deluxe bedrooms and one special suite, all with authentic Moroccan antiques and textiles. The hotel provides a host who acts as a personal assistant and creates tailor-made itineraries, from booking spa appointments to arranging specialist souk shopping and sightseeing excursions to the desert dunes or Atlas Mountains. www.angsana.com

Travel Fact Londoners have voted France the number one short haul destination for a happy holiday, according to the results of a new survey by the organisers of The France Show 2011. www.thefranceshow.com

Hold an unforgettable office party this year. Turkey and sausages are replaced by international cuisine and a concert by the BRIT Awardnominated British pop rock band The Feeling and Daisy B, featuring live acoustic music. The venue is The Hotel Saint Louis in Courchevel 1850 in France, situated opposite the Bellecôte piste with doorstep skiing, ensuite rooms and facilities for meetings, events and conferences as well as private dining and evening entertainment. The special four-day weekend price for 10–13 December 2010, including flights, transfers, half board with pre-dinner drinks and canapés, two-day Three Valleys lift pass and concert, costs £590 per person (twin room) and £690 (single room).

Website of the month: www.samsonite.co.uk

FLEXISKI

Samsonite has reported a boom in sales of its business laptop backpacks, up a staggering 350 per cent year on year, signifying a move towards the ‘modern briefcase’ and a huge turn towards the use of work cycle schemes, championed in London by Boris Johnson. Try out Samsonite’s Pro-DLX3 range, a sleek and sophisticated business case collection, constructed out of tough Armoured Nylon. This year the company celebrates its 100th anniversary as the world’s leading luggage brand.

For more information and to book, call 020 8939 0864 or visit www.flexiski.com

Brought to you in association with Small Luxury Hotels of the World, an unsurpassable collection of over 500 hotels spanning 70 countries, which offer an infinite variety of experiences.

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Sharm THE CHARM OF

Offering guaranteed sunshine, a wide range of hotels and one of the world’s premier scuba diving spots, Sharm el Sheikh has become a popular destination with Britons in search of sun, sea and sand. Emma Fitzmaurice discovers the resort and tests three of the finest hotels

he site of Sharm el Sheikh shows up as early as 1762 on a Spanish map but, until about 1968, it was nothing more than a quiet fishing community. However, in recent years, Sharm el Sheikh has become one of Egypt’s best-known and most visited beach resorts. In fact, in recent years, the Egyptian government has worked hard to spread around the holidaymakers by developing or encouraging the development of many other beach resorts – but Sharm remains the leading tourist spot in the Sinai and there are a number of reasons for this. First of all, it is a year-round resort, hot in the summer, but pleasant and warm in the winter, and it has an international airport that attracts both private and international charter flights – flight time from the UK is only four and a half hours, with minimal transfer time once you land. Next, the area on the tip of the Southern Sinai features some of the world’s most amazing underwater scenery. Here, one finds crystal clear water, rare and beautiful reefs, and an incredible variety of exotic fish amongst the colourful coral. Much of this can be seen simply by snorkelling off the coast, but of course it is well known worldwide for scuba diving, with easy access to some of the Red Sea’s most prominent and interesting dive sites. Just to the south of Sharm, on the very tip of the Sinai, is also one of Egypt’s oldest and most beautiful, mostly underwater protectorates, Ras Mohamed. To accommodate divers, Sharm has every possible amenity, including first-rate dive shops, centres and boats. Many of these are operated by Europeans, and they also provide excellent diving training. A few of the oldest include the Camel Dive Centre and South Sinai Divers. There is more to Sharm, however, than the beaches, sea and landscape. It is a well-developed area that almost seems more like a European resort than Egyptian, with

refined facilities and amenities including, these days, some more budget-oriented accommodations as well as five star hotels equal to most elsewhere in the world. And, while one is capable of spending any budget at their disposal here, for most Europeans, it remains a relatively inexpensive alternative to more costly beach resort alternatives elsewhere. Add to this the fact that, because of the number of tourists who continually pour into Sharm, there is just about every activity a holidaymaker could hope to find; name a water sport and it can be found here. There is also every other activity from off-roading to championship golf. The resort consists of three main areas: the old town, Sharm el Maya (Moya), and its bay; a number of other bays, where most of the tourist facilities are located, though in fact some very fine resorts are located elsewhere; and El Hadaba, where there are vacations villas, apartments, condominiums and a few hotels. Out of all the bays, probably Na’ama Bay, which means “pleasant” in Hebrew, is best known, and this is also where the most hotels are located. Up the coast just a bit, near the airport, one finds some of the newer, very exclusive hotels, including the Four Seasons, the Hyatt, the Intercontinental, another Hilton, the Sheraton, and the Movenpick Golf Hotel, which was host to Egypt’s first professional golf tournament. A number of other hotels are scattered about, including the Ritz Carlton and the Hilton Waterfalls to the south of Na’ama Bay nearer to downtown. Sharm el Sheikh is really, in the end, an extravaganza of entertainment in a beach setting backed by the natural wonders and historic enclaves of the Sinai. Let there be no doubt that Sharm is a tourist town with little other purpose, but the community has taken pride in making it more than a holiday destination. For further information, visit www.sharmelsheikh.com

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FOR INDULGENT FAMILY HOLIDAYS: THE RITZ CARLTON An immense blue horizon greets Emma Fitzmaurice as she walks into the huge reception area of the Ritz Carlton Sharm el Sheikh as glass replaces walls and makes the most of the hotel’s spectacular setting on the edge of the Red Sea The startling inky blue of the water is complemented by the deep green of the constantly watered lawns. Amazingly, after the arid, rocky terrain I’d crossed to get here, the extensive gardens are ablaze with blossom and flowers. Here you feel you are in your own oasis and the myriad other hotels don’t impose. The beach is private and boasts a multi-award-winning dive centre with a free trial session in any of the seven pools if you’re feeling adventurous. Two sides of my ground-floor deluxe corner room are floor-to-ceiling glass with stunning sea views and doors which open onto a spacious tiled patio leading to hammock swinging enticingly from two tree trunks, manicured lawn and coral beach. I can literally walk out of my ‘front’ door and head into the inviting sea to discover the multitude of colours that await beneath. Generously proportioned, the room has a full-size bath and separate shower, two deep armchairs and a decadently comfortable king-size bed. A wide-screen satellite television, minibar and kettle complete the home comforts. The pools, beach and gardens were never crowded and it was always possible to find a pleasant and secluded spot, within the

orbit of obliging, unobtrusive staff. Even though there are 321 rooms they are spread out over 100,000 square metres. This, and the fact that the beach area is a series of small coves rather than a single swathe of sand, adds to the feeling of peace and exclusivity. Beach umbrellas are permanent aesthetic features, woven from wicker and installed on palm trunks and the wooden loungers have thick mattresses. I found lunch at the relaxed, open-air, beach restaurant The Waves was a delightful experience with light, refreshing options in the setting of the Red Sea and the gentle breeze. Alternatively swim up to The Pyramid Bar & Grill for the signature grilled steak sandwich, fortunately there’s the lazy river back. Italian, Japanese and Arabian restaurants are the other dining options; Fayrouz is a great experience with authentic and modern Lebanese flavours and the El Kahn terrace with colourful rugs, brass lamps, Arabesque lamps and traditional cushion seating. And for the romantically inclined, candlelit dinners can be arranged in individual pagodas along the shore. There’s nightly entertainment in the Lobby Bar and lowkey activities during the day, as well as a children’s club. Kids will love the lazy river and water park. This is not hi-de-hi, though. The focus is on relaxing, fine dining and diving. Although we didn’t get the time to enjoy it, the Spa with its ten treatment rooms is very popular. It includes two couple’s rooms, a Thai massage room, Arabian massage tent overlooking the Red Sea and a full-service beauty salon. If you do want to focus on the Spa then the Red Sea Spa package comes highly recommended; this includes bed and breakfast, choice of spa treatment, one hour tennis session and airport transfers. For me the exclusive setting, tropical gardens and amazing techni coloured sea life on my doorstep made this stay memorable. For further information call 0020 693661919 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com

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FOR ULTIMATE LUXURY: THE FOUR SEASONS

Luxury, luxury, luxury is what we have come to expect from the Four Seasons Hotels, but this one is a little different, perhaps a little more inspired says Hermione Murray Currently, the Four Seasons is not only considered to be the finest hotel in Sharm, but it has also been ranked by the Egyptian Hotel Association as the finest resort in Egypt from the moment it was built. An ultimate luxury abode may not be for everyone, but then again, this isn’t the typical offering and everyone we have spoken to who has stayed at the hotel loves it. There are no stuffy staff here. They are both professional and super helpful and the resort is very well known for being quiet and relaxing. What’s more, even at full capacity there always seems to be space. Entering the hotel requires going through a few security measures, which might very well be expected since the hotel caters to some very special celebrity and political guests. Once through security however, guests are met at the reception area with lovely cold, lemon fragranced face towels and strawberry and banana fruit drinks, which are a welcome treat. After a painless and efficient check-in, travelling to your room is done à la golf cart. The resort’s rooms are clustered in villas that climb up a gentle hillside with the main resort building at the top along with all the family suites. The accommodation options include 136 private guest rooms, 27 of which are suites. All of them have a balcony or terrace, and most have stunning Red Sea views. Standard rooms and suites are spacious but if you need more room with your view then the Royal suite is the ultimate decadent experience, with stylish accommodation over 490 square metres that also includes several terraces,

a private garden, an outdoor pool and its own private beach. Of course, there are the typical amenities one expects of a good hotel, such as a pool and a number of fine restaurants, though none of these facilities could be described as typical. The hotel features five restaurants and grills. Our favourite was The Arabesque - an open concept restaurant that offers indoor and al fresco dining in the main building. Its Ablaq design is exquisite. It offers Mediterranean, Moroccan and Lebanese cuisine, and specialises in Middle Eastern mezzah and fresh seafood. More upscale, the Il Frantoio serves authentic Italian regional (northern Italy) cuisine in an intimate atmosphere. The heated, free-form main pool features a landscaped pool deck, island bar, private canvas cabanas, and even underwater music (yes, underwater music) and views of the Red Sea. There is no need to rise early, towel in hand, in order to find a suitable space. Of course, here in Sharm, the Four Seasons is indeed a beach resort, and therefore offers considerably expanded facilities. The private beach belonging to the Four Seasons stretches 100 metres and has imported, smooth white sand. Otherwise, the hotel has all the facilities one might expect from the best of the best; a tennis club, complete fitness centre and health and beauty spa and of course, dive centre. To conclude it is worth noting that The Four Seasons, Sharm is considered to not only the finest hotel in Egypt, but one of only a handful of the finest in the world. Rates start from £310 per room per night on a bed and breakfast basis (including tax). For further information call 00800 6488 6488 or visit www.fourseasons.com/sharmelsheikh

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FOR TOTAL RELAXATION: THE ROYAL SAVOY Michael Cronin experiences the all-inclusive Royal Savoy. Leaving his wallet in the room has never felt so good The reason being we were booked on the S Class Ultra all-inclusive package which is highly recommended; where all meals, a wide choice of soft and alcoholic drinks, sports and leisure facilities are included. Our extremely spacious and cool bedroom had a huge veranda overlooking the series of layered swimming pools, sun loungers and, in the distance, the Red Sea. Overall the modern design of the Resort is a blend of Arabic, Moorish and European architecture. The bedroom is contemporary with a four-poster bed and lounge area. In suite hospitality and entertainment include flowers, fruit basket, daily cakes and chocolates, soft drink minibar, tea and coffee, DVD library and wi-fi. Free laundry (seven items pp) is also part of this super package. Royal Savoy guests have the use of two private swimming pools with private bar and enjoy complimentary use of the Health Club facilities with sauna, jacuzzi, steam bath and gym. The White Knight private beach with a fine view of Tiran Island, has a bar, sports facilities and Sheikh Coast Diving Centre with its own reef and shipwreck for snorkelling and swimming. Begin the day with a leisurely breakfast in the Royal Lounge - the extensive buffet is fantastic with pastries, fresh fruits, hot and cold dishes. Outside on the terrace, however, is the ever-smiling egg chef, the man with the pan, who will cook your eggs and omelette any which way. Beyond the swimming pools, the landscaped gardens feature lush tropical foliage and waterfalls where you'll find several themed bars, bistros and restaurants. The Cave bar features oriental music where you can try a shisha water pipe. As you explore the resort, sip a chilled cocktail or two before deciding where to have lunch. Seafood Island located

above the beach offers sea views and a fishy feast. First come platters of salads, hummus, olives and flat bread, before main courses of grilled juicy prawns, squid or seabass cooked on a charcoal grill, served with skewered vegetables and rice. A siesta will be required after all this so find a lounger beside the private Royal Savoy swimming pools with their own bar. In the afternoon the Royal lounge is the place for tea and cake, then later on return here for an aperitif and canapés. For dinner, the only problem is choosing where to eat. For a romantic setting reserve a table at Caligula, lavishly decorated in an Ancient Roman decor, where from the moment you arrive service is formal, friendly and gracious. Dining here is a fun "do it yourself" affair, where you grill your choice of sizzling steak, lamb, beef ribs, salmon or tuna on a slab of hot volcanic rock. The restaurant is also a ballroom with classical Latino and salsa music playing, so after dinner, tango the night away. Alternatively, there’s Soho Square. This deluxe retail and nightlife concept has been created beside the Savoy Resort to offer guests a virtual mini "city centre" of boutiques, bars, restaurants, ice-rink, bowling, live music events and a London pub. This is a smart, sophisticated drinking, dining and entertainment venue where, ultimately you can dine around the world. In 2009 the Savoy Resort won "Egypt's Leading Resort Hotel" for the fourth year in succession and Soho Square won "World's Leading Family Entertainment Centre" at the World Travel Awards. Paying for an all-inclusive stay here is worth every penny and creates a much more relaxing ambience. You are welcomed like a VIP from arrival to departure, treated like royalty in the sun. n For further information call 0069 3602 500 or visit www.savoy-sharm.com

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connoisseur travel

Destination...

Antwerp

Brimming with hidden gems around every corner, the medieval city of Antwerp combines a culturally rich past with a vibrant and stylish present What to see::

Hands up!

Antwerp is awash with stunning historic buildings, showcasing distinct, intricate and beautiful Flemish architecture dating back to the Renaissance and Medieval periods. Take a stroll around the Grote Markt, the heart of Antwerp’s old town, where the old guildhalls and town hall sit. Here you will find the Brabo statue, whose story is intrinsically linked with the story of Antwerp itself. The statue depicts the Roman soldier Brabo brandishing the hand of a giant, who it was said cut off the hands of sailors who refused to pay him a toll to cross the Scheldt river. The hand has subsequently become the symbol of Antwerp, appearing in the town flag and also in the form of sweets on sale in the city. Also worth a visit is the Cathedral of Our Lady. This impressive 400ft tall medieval cathedral houses a collection of some of Ruben’s most famous paintings.

CityJet offers five direct flights from Monday to Friday with up to two daily on the weekend to Antwerp from London City Airport.

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For more information, schedules and to book your flight visit www.cityjet.com or www.londoncityairport.com

Where to eat:

In the stars

For a city its size, Antwerp has an impressive number of Michelin-starred restaurants. The elegant Dôme restaurant serves fine French cuisine in beautiful Art Nouveau surroundings. ‘T Fornuis is set in a sixteenth century house, and although quite pricy, serves some of the best cooking in Belgium. And don’t forget, Belgium is also the home of the humble chip. There are hundreds of frituurs (chip shops) in Antwerp, the oldest of which is the Friedkot Max on Groenplats, dating back to 1842. Adding to the atmosphere, the walls are adorned with chip inspired art work, including a whimsical adaptation of Rueben’s masterpiece Adam & Eve. www.domeweb.de ‘T Fornuis Reyndersstraat 24, 00 32 3 233 6270

Where to play::

Cheers!

The Belgians are well known for their beers, so if you count yourself a connoisseur, head to Kulminator, a beer café offering over 500 varieties. And for an unusual personal touch, if you fill in the visitor’s book, Kulminator will send you a birthday card every year! Also worth a visit is De Vagabt. This bar serves over 200 types of Jenever, a Belgian national drink, from which the English are thought to have got the idea for gin. De Vagant Reyndersstraat 25, 00 32 3 234 2137 www.devagant.be Kulminator Vleminckveld 32, 00 32 3 232 4538

Where to stay:

Size matters

Antwerp boasts several boutique hotels, each with an individual charm. The Matelote Hotel has been stylishly converted from a sixteenth century building, with ten unique rooms designed in a contemporary and minimalist style. Guests can also enjoy breakfast in the Michelin starred Gin-Fish restaurant. The Big Sleep B&B offers only one room, but one of gargantuan size, occupying the entire ground floor of a converted warehouse, including a decked terrace. www.hotel-matelote.be www.intro04.be/thebigsleep

Don’’t miss:

A girl’s best friend

In the sixteenth century, Antwerp was considered one of the world’s key financial centres with traders coming from Europe and Asia to buy and sell their goods. Antwerp is still a hotbed of trade and is considered to be the centre of the world’s diamond trade. Head to the Diamond District to visit the Antwerp Diamond Exchange, as well as numerous jewellery shops. If you are looking to buy diamonds in Antwerp it is possible to do so at a fraction of the cost of buying in the UK, but it is worth doing thorough research beforehand.

THE

GREENHOUSE

EFFECT

Being green is the latest box that has to be ticked in all walks of our lives, but thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a huge difference between saying it and believing in it through and through. Louisa Castle visits one hotel that claims to be the greenest in England

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connoisseur

MUST VISIT:

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pathway to

PORTO

In the last two decades, Portugal’s second city has undergone an incredible transformation. It’s always been a jumble of architectural styles, says Sarah Gilbert, but now a programme of urban renewal has preserved the historic centre’s winding lanes and tiled churches, and seen the creation of modern marvels

he home of port is also experiencing a culinary revival. With top chefs taking the region’s heavyweight ingredients and creating fresh-flavoured, contemporary dishes, Porto is well worth the visit. The Yeatman, a new and luxurious wine hotel set among the port lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia, is reason enough to visit the city. The terraced hotel, set in seven landscaped acres, blends cleverly into its surroundings. With grand public areas – including two bars – the spacious rooms all have private balconies with uninterrupted views over the Douro River and the jumble of red-tiled rooftops that make up old Porto. A decanter-shaped infinity pool follows the wine theme, as does the enormous Caudalie Vinothérapie® Spa, where options include barrel bath immersions, a hammam and a Roman bath. Food and wine are an essential part of The Yeatman experience and we began with sunset cocktails on the terrace outside the elegant dining room. Later, with the twinkling lights of Porto as a backdrop, award-winning chef Ricardo Costa served up a mouthwatering sevencourse tasting menu, making innovative use of local produce: hot vichyssoise with a brandade of bacalhau, Aroquesa veal, and Serra cheese with vintage port sorbet. The meal was accompanied with an impressive selection of Portuguese wine, chosen by the hotel’s Wine Director from the 25,000 bottles in the cellars, and rounded off with a sublime vintage port.

The following morning we crossed the Douro to explore old Porto, from the traditional blue and white tiles of the cathedral’s cloister, to the golden Gothic splendour of São Francisco church, and a slow climb up the 200 steps of the iconic Clérigos Tower for the panoramic views. Then to the Majestic Café for coffee and Moorish pasties de nata. Built in 1921 and frequented by artists, writers and bohemians, it has been restored to its former glory, all leather banquettes, marble and chandeliers. Livraria Lello is even more opulent – dating from 1906, it’s been voted one of the world’s most beautiful bookshops for its stained glass ceiling, intricate plasterwork and scarlet staircase. The steep, cobbled streets of Ribeira wind down to the bustling waterfront, lined with skinny medieval townhouses. Dom Tonho is a swanky restaurant built around the remains of the ancient city walls and where celebrities like to go when they hit town. We opted for lunch on the sun-drenched terrace, perfect for people-watching, and feasted on octopus with vinaigrette and Iberian pork, followed by fresh grilled sardines and succulent sea bass, washed down with a light and fruity Vinho Verde. But it’s port that the city is famous for. Taylor’s is one of the oldest producers and still run by the descendants of the Yeatmans and Fladgates, partners since the 1830s, and The Yeatman is right on its doorstep. We toured the dimly lit cellars, the heady smell of wine emanating from enormous oak barrels, and learned the difference between ruby, tawny and vintage before a tasting in the former library.

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Left to right: Porto old town The Yeatman, chef The Yeatman, bedroom Livraria Lello

That evening we headed to Foz, where the Douro meets the Atlantic – an upmarket neighbourhood of grand mansions, trendy restaurants and designer shops. At Restaurante Buhle – sophisticated and cosmopolitan, its wood and glass interior artfully blends inside and outside space – we sipped tart caipirinhas and dipped into the international fusion menu that marries traditional Portuguese cooking with European and Asian flavours. We rounded the night off in Clérigos and Galeria de Paris, where bar-hoppers spilled out of ultra-modern venues housed in retro buildings, filling the narrow street until the early hours. From old to new: the following morning we took a tour of the incredible Casa de Música. Built in 2004, the state-of-the art music venue is already a cultural icon, with astounding acoustics, a ‘floating bar’ and a series of themed salons, while the Fundação de Serralves, a world-class contemporary museum, is set in acres of parkland filled with intriguing sculptures. Then back to Foz for a stroll along the beach, before bagging the last table on the chic terrace at Shis for a leisurely lunch overlooking the surf. We followed starters of Asian-inspired crêpes and freshly prepared sushi, with baby squid stuffed with shrimp and rocket, and duck ravioli smothered in a rich and delicious port wine sauce. As we drank in our last views of Porto from The Yeatman’s terrace, we both agreed that this vibrant city was full of wonderful gastronomic and cultural surprises – and we couldn’t wait to return. n

connoisseur

The Yeatman: www.theyeatman.com, +351 22 013 4200, doubles from €185 in low season and from €290 in high season, based on two sharing, inclusive of breakfast and VAT

Dom Tonho: www.dtonho.com, +351 222 004 307 Restaurante Buhle: www.buhle.pt, +351 220 109 929 Shis Restaurante: www.shisrestaurante.com +351 226 189 593

Casa de Música: www.casadamusica.com Fundação de Serralves: www.serralves.pt

Getting there: Ryanair and easyJet fly direct to Porto

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Luxuriously finished, this penthouse apartment enjoys superb views of the city. Perfect for high fliers.

Beyond your expectations Seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greetings to all our customers. From new riverside developments to warehouse conversions, we have city apartments that are sure to fill you with festive cheer. With the panoramic views many of our properties enjoy, come night-time itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like the Christmas lights have been turned on just for you. Hamptons Tower Bridge

41 Shad Thames, London SE1 2NJ Sales. 020 7407 3173 towerbridge@hamptons-int.com Lettings. 020 7407 3172 towerbridgelettings@hamptons-int.com www.hamptons.co.uk

CHRISTMAS 2010 NOW TAKING BAR AND RESTAURANT BOOKINGS

www.camino.uk.com 28 Westferry Circus, E14 8RR 020 7239 9077 THE THAMES

food & drink

connoisseur

WINTER SUN

food & drink

news

THE MIGHTY OAK On 1 December, master whisky distiller The Macallan launches a unique collaboration with photographer Albert Watson, who has created more than 240 covers for Vogue and Rolling Stone, featuring icons such as Alfred Hitchcock, Mick Jagger and Kate Moss. The project is a photographic series, depicting the story and journey of the Macallan’s oak casks, which took Watson on a 12-day odyssey from the forests of Northern Spain to the Macallan distillery in Scotland. The Macalllan 20-year-old Sherry Oak will be available in a limited edition of 1,000, each with a set of ten portfolio prints unique to this edition, and a specially commissioned label by Watson, priced £700. The Macallan 1946 will be available in a limited edition of 36, with a signed one-off platinum print for a reserve price of £10,000.

Forget the diet; confectionary and Christmas belong together like star-crossed, gluttonous lovers. But if mince pie overload has set in, usher in a little Parisian charm with Ladurée’s new collection. Inspired by the sun, the Christmas collection symbolises New Year renewal and a hint of exotic warmth. The exquisite “Sun King” cream dessert and the “Sun” Yule log make great alternatives to Christmas cakes and puddings, filled with exotic coconut, mango, orange and passion fruit flavours, and the beautiful “Behind the Moon, the Sun” macaroon gift box alludes to the delicious promise of the New Year sun. And for fashionistas with a sweet tooth, there is also the recently launched John Galliano macaroon gift set. www.laduree.com

Raise your glass The masters of champagne at Ruinart have redesigned the classic champagne flute to create the perfect instrument for tasting. Available in a luxury gift set, accompanied by a bottle of R de Ruinart champagne, the glasses have a rounded base, a curve and a wider opening, allowing more air into the wine and giving the nose and palate a fuller sense of the champagne’s finesse and aromatic complexity.

www.themacallan.com

www.ruinart.com

ROKA Canary Wharf has just launched two new set lunch menus for Saturdays. Offering a selection of dishes from ROKA’s award-winning menu, the set lunches are priced £17 and £22. ROKA is also now open on Sundays and, from 11.30am, will be serving an impressive brunch, including their renowned dessert platters. ROKA, The Park Pavilion, Canada Square Canary Wharf

Food lingo:

Quote: Ozoni

An important part of New Year’s celebrations in Japan, ozoni is a soup made from mochi (sweet rice balls) and is traditionally the first food to be eaten after the sake toast on New Year’s morning. The custom started in the 15th century, when mochi offered to the ‘year god’ were simmered in fresh water over a new flame, with food from the mountains and the sea. Although today ingredients vary wildly depending on region, it is not ozoni without mochi.

Website:

E at, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we may diet.

Harry Kurnitz American playwright and novelist

www.designmynight.com

NEWS:

Designmynight.com is a new online concierge service, which can help you plan the perfect night out in London, by finding the newest and best bars and clubs around. Perfect for planning parties, the website offers a price comparison service and a free concierge service for corporate companies, making it an easy way to plan company dinners and corporate events as well.

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a dinner for two (value £150) at Camino Canary Wharf! Following the success of the original, award-winning King’s Cross location, another vibrant Camino restaurant is open to the public on the banks of the Thames. The new location boasts fantastic views south and west down the river from a spacious terrace, large sherry barrels add to the unmistakably Spanish feel and the menu consists of authentically delicious tapas. The tapas menu, made with ingredients sourced by head chef Nacho del Campo, offers a wide range of choice, with fresh meat and fish from the charcoal grill and the best Spanish vegetarian dishes also available: whilst the roots are traditional in terms of the best ingredients, simply served, with gutsy flavours, there are also some contemporary twists. The location means customers can shun the tube or bus – the adjacent Canary Wharf Pier makes it possible to arrive and depart from central London by Thames Clipper. Camino has been created as a place to enjoy the life, vigour and tastes of Spain, so indulge.

t: 020 7987 5511 http://www.el-faro.co.uk

El Faro

3 Turnberry Quay, Pepper Street London, E14 9RD

28 Westferry Circus, E14 8RR For further information, call 020 7239 9077 or visit www.camino.uk.com

how to win To be in with a chance of winning this dinner, simply email your name and telephone number to competitions@runwildgroup.co.uk with CAMINO in the subject bar. Competition closing date is 31 December. Terms and Conditions: Competition is open to UK residents aged 18 or over. Competition closes at 23:59 on 31 December 2010; entries received thereafter will be discarded. One entry per person. Prize is non-transferrable and there is no cash alternative. The prize must be redeemed in January 2011. The promoter reserves the right to withdraw or amend this promotion. By entering this competition, you agree to your details being used by RunWild Media Group for marketing purposes. Please see www.runwildmediagroup.com/subscriptions for full terms and conditions.

There’s more to Spanish food than just tapas...

“...the nearest I've got in Britain to a real Spanish restaurant.” Marina O’Loughlins, METRO

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food & drink

connoisseur

get away

from it all

Located in London’s Docklands, near the ExCeL Exhibition Centre, Caribbean Scene Royale offers Caribbean flavour and a hint of tropical warmth. Felicity Pankhurst finds out more

aribbean Scene Royale sits between the Royal Victoria Dock and the ExCeL Exhibition Centre, a great waterside location overlooking The O 2 and Canary Wharf. The restaurant also has a small outside seating area, which is sure to come into its own in the summer. At first, service was a little erratic, though it did warm up a little as the evening drew on. But even so, service wasn’t quite as efficient as I am used to for the prices and “laid-back” definitely became the buzzword of the evening. Part of this laid-back atmosphere was created by the distinctly Caribbean décor, which recreated a tropical paradise with thatched roofs and frescoes of turquoise seas and palm trees. The restaurant also has an open kitchen, where you can see all the action taking place. It was also where we saw our starters fairly promptly plated up and then wait for service for a good few minutes before we received them. The honey BBQ chicken niblets (£5.95) were good, served in a sweet, thick and sticky dressing with plenty of spice, and the cassava chips were wafer thin and crispy. The mini crab cakes (£7.50) were also served in a sweet and spicy sauce, similar to sweet chilli chutney, though the cakes themselves were a little soggy. Both dishes were served with an accompaniment of undressed lettuce, which was a good way to quell the ample spice. The main courses were the stars of the meal. The brown fish stew (£15.95) was made with red snapper cooked in a rich sauce. The fish was

well cooked, tender, with a slightly crispy edge and the sauce was sweet and delicious. This dish is usually served with traditional bajan cou cou (cornmeal), but this was finished, so we ate ours with rice and peas (another traditional Caribbean dish), which was as good as I have had. The oxtail cassoulet (£17.95) was delicious, although the dish was a little light on beans and heavy on bones. The meat was well cooked and very tender, and both dishes were enjoyable and hearty comfort food. With the main courses, we tried the fried plantain and festival dumplings from the interesting sounding list of typically Caribbean sides (all £4.75). Both dishes were simple but delicious. The fried plantain was soft and sweet and accompanied by ginger compote, and although it was not really compote (more a sprinkling of sweetened, syrupy pieces of fresh ginger) the flavours worked well together. The festival dumplings were made from a sweet, fluffy mix, which was deep fried, creating a sweet, super-crispy surface, and soft light dough inside. Although the taste and texture was light, the dumplings were very filling. The dessert menu offered few proper desserts, and steered mainly towards cakes and ice cream. We tried the carrot cake (£7.50), which was moist and full of flavour, and the accompanying rum sauce also had a good, strong flavour. Offering authentic Caribbean cuisine, Caribbean Scene is the place to go, but be prepared to embrace the laid-back Caribbean culture – sit back, relax and enjoy. n

Caribbean Scene Restaurant & Bar 020 7511 2023 www.caribbeanscene.co.uk

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The best food and drink that Canary Wharf has to offer American

Byron Hamburgers

Second Floor, Cabot Place 020 7715 9360

PLATEAU

Canada Place, E14 020 7715 7100

Gastro Pub

Rocket

Chuchill Place, E14 020 3200 2022

Mexican

Smollensky’s

The Fine Line

Reuters Plaza, E14 020 7719 0101

29-30 Fisherman’s Walk, E14 020 7513 0255

WAHACA 40 Canada Square, E14 020 7516 9145

Gourmet Burger Kitchen

THE GUN

Middle Eastern

Jubilee Place, E14 020 7719 6408

27 Coldharbour Lane, E14 020 7515 5222

Argentinian

THE NARROW

GAUCHO CANARY

29 Westferry Circus, E14 020 7987 9494

British

44 Narrow Street, E14 020 7592 7950

Indian

Memsaheb

CANTEEN

65 - 67 Amsterdam Road, E14 020 7538 3008

THE PARLOUR

25 Westferry Road, E14 020 7517 9233

Carribean

Jubilee Place, E14 020 7719 0333

2 Yabsley Street, E14 020 7515 8177

Italian/Pizza

The Park Pavilion, Canada Square 0845 686 1122

40 Canada Square, E14 0845 468 0100

Chef ColLin BROWN

Aniseed Bar & Indian Restaurant

MEZ RESTAURANT

571 Manchester Road, E14 020 7005 0421 Nina’s TAZA express

322 Burdett Road, E14 020 7093 3552

Oriental ITSU

Level 2, Cabot Place, E14 020 7512 5790 ROKA 4 Park Pavilion, Canada Square 020 7636 5228

TiffinBites

Royal China

30 West Ferry Circus, E14 020 7719 0888

AMERIGO VESPUCCI

SRI NAM

European

25 Cabot Square, E14 020 7513 0288

34 Westferry Circus, E14 020 8305 3089

CARLUCCIO’S

Seafood

The Battery

Docklands Bar and Grill

2 Reuters Plaza, E14 020 7719 1749

Royal Victoria Docks Western Gateway, E16 020 7055 2119

Gourmet Pizza

FIRST EDITION

Jamie’s Italian

25 Cabot Square, E14 020 7513 0300 REEBOK RESTAURANT

16-19 Canada Square, E14 020 7719 6408

French

18-20 Cabot Square, E14 020 7345 9192 Churchill Place, E14 020 3002 5252 LA FIGA

45 Narrow Street, E14 020 7790 0077

Pizza Express

CafÉ Rouge

Cabot Place, E14 020 7513 0513

Davys Wine Bar

The Four Seasons Hotel 46 Westferry Circus, E14 020 7510 1857

29-35 MacKenzie Walk, E14 020 7537 9696

QUADRATO

31-35 Fisherman’s Walk, E14 020 7363 6633

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1 North Colonnade, E14 020 7715 9515

CURVE

Marriott Hotel, West India Quay 22 Hertsmere Road, E14 020 7517 2808

Spanish CAMINO

28 Westferry Circus, E14 020 7239 9077 EL FARO

Turnberry Quay E14 020 7987 5511

Turkish Hazev

2 South Quay Square Canary Wharf, E14 0207 515 9467

W G OR N O K IN S F S A 3 TA ING TM 202 OK RIS 11 BO CH 75 0 02

Caribbean Scene Royale, the flagship restaurant, is a place to stimulate all 5 of your senses with exquisite food, delicious cocktails, aromatic rums, great music, friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere. Voted 2 years running “Best Caribbean Restaurant in the UK” (Caribbean Cuisine Consortium), situated on the dockside opposite the Crowne Plaza Hotel Docklands and just a short walk from London’s ExCeL Exhibition Centre on the Royal Victoria Dock.

Simply call us on 020 7511 2023 Email: reservations@caribbeanscene.co.uk Or visit us at www.caribbeanscene.co.uk • Hospitality • A la Carte • Set Menu • Entertainment

Whether you are considering a romantic meal, a large party, corporate event or simply want to cater for that special function, our team is here to assist.

W G OR NO KIN S F S A 3 TA ING TM 202 OK RIS 11 BO CH 75 0

Caribbean Scene Hospitality caters for those special Events, Corporate Parties and Annual Functions at our Docklands or Stratford restaurants or at a location of your choice. You can escape to the Caribbean with our variety of tropical mouthwatering menus, from Canapés to Buffet or Silver service Choose from variety of packages of entertainment including: • • • •

Steel Pans Cabaret Singers Limbo Dancing Our live in-house band, playing selections of reggae, calypso, soca etc.

Catering for corporate and private events such as: • • • • • • •

Anniversaries Award dinners Conferences Corporate Entertainment Fundraising Product Launches Weddings

connoisseur food & drink

The Grape Vine As you prepare for Christmas, Mike Carpenter (WSET Advanced) suggests festive fizz to celebrate the holiday season

f you have never been to Rheims (where Henry VI of England was crowned King of France, the only monarch to be sovereign of both countries) and Epernay, do go. Both towns, located in the centre of the Champagne region, are elegance personified. Nestling in rolling hills, there are vineyards as far as the eye can see and these produce, to my mind, the best of wines – Champagne, from the most northerly area of France to make wine. Wonderfully warm in summer, bitingly cold in winter; having visited the area in February, I can vouch for the cold winds that sweep down from North Eastern Europe. Treat yourself to a tour of one of the Champagne houses in either place. As I have done nearly a dozen, I am barred by my better half from doing so for at least the next couple of visits. The Bredon Cuvée Jean Louis Brut Nv is usually £25.99, but from 1 December, for the run up to Christmas, it will be half price, at £12.99 This elegant champagne is exclusive to Waitrose and made by the very reputable house of Piper and

Charles Heidsick. Charles Heidsick was the original ‘Champagne Charlie’, earning this nickname for his zeal in selling this wonderful product around the world. Bredon is made from mainly Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, the two black grapes permitted in the production of champagne. This gives good forward fruit. The blender, whom I have had the privilege of meeting, adds a hint of Chardonnay to give citrus balance and a satisfying ‘mouthfeel’. Bredon also has a pleasing mousse (bubbles to you and me), which always lifts the spirit. I shall be stocking up on this fantastic fizz, especially at this price, and would strongly recommend that you do the same. On behalf of Waitrose Food and Home Canary Wharf, a joyous Christmas to those celebrating the day and a prosperous and healthy New Year to all. n Bredon Cuvée Jean Louis Brut NV Bin 083851 £12.99 from 1 December (usually £25.99)

For further expert advice, visit Waitrose Food & Home, Canada Place, Canary Wharf or call 020 7719 0300

Forman’s - The Fishmongers 200gr Anchovies with olives Anchovies with garlic Hot-smoked trout fillets Smoked wild tuna Smoked scottish salmon Gravadlax Smoked wild halibut Hot-smoked eel fillets

£ 3.45 £ 3.45 £ 7.15 £ 5.60 £ 6.65 £ 5.69 £13.39 £ 8.45

Game Pate’s vacuum packed: Pheasant 250gr £ 7.50 Wild Boar 500gr £ 13.75 Wild Hare 1 kilo £ 25.00 Venison Duck Christmas Logs: Coffee & Baileys, Chocolate, Praline, Vanilla, Eton mess. 16cm serves 6-8 24cm serves 10-12 32cm serves 14-16 Christmas Cakes: Over 50 Cakes for all occasions (please visit our website).

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£ 15.95 £ 20.95 £ 27.95

Christmas Specials Brasserie

37 Westferry Circus, London, E14 8RR Open: Mon - Sun: 8am - 10pm tel: 020 7516 0022 ✸✸✸✸✸

place your order now at:

www.belgique.co.uk or in store.

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The Gift of Spa Limited Edition Christmas Gift Vouchers are available now from Six Seneses Spa We have created some wonderful Christmas treats at Six Senses Spa at Pan Peninsula to suit all needs and budgets. From deluxe spa packages for him and her, rejuvenating spa journeys for couples, to rebalancing detox treatments, there is something for everyone.

So give a gift that shows you care by logging onto our website, visiting the spa, or simply give us a call.

Close up detail of the fine art print

Kauto Star “In a Class of his Own” This is the ultimate limited edition art print of the best steeple chaser of his generation and arguably the most successful of all time. It’s available now. The study shows Kauto Star jumping the second last fence in his record breaking fourth King George VI Chase victory in 2009. The amazing winning margin of 36 lengths was emphatic; unbelievably subsequent Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Imperial Commander finished some 63 lengths behind Kauto Star, in fifth place. The artist. Caroline Cook, renowned, respected and loved for her works of horses has created this beautiful study of Kauto Star’s finest hour. Art Prints are available exclusively from Identity Images. Live racing commentary recorded Kauto jumped this fence perfectly. Raceform summed up his overall performance as magnificent: “Jumped superbly, settled midfield, steady progress 9th, went 2nd 12th and soon clear of rest, led on long run to 3 out, swept clear, magnificent.”

t: 020 7531 2320 www.sixsensesspas.com/london e: panpeninsulaspa@sixsenses.com (next to South Quay DLR) “London’s ultimate escape destination” Canary Wharf Magazine

A Superb Fine Art Limited Edition of 500 prints £97.50 On 310gsm Hahnemuhle Etching Paper - velvety smooth and simply the best art paper in the world - paper size designed for 24”x20” frame, image area 19.25”x15”. Each signed and numbered by the artist.

Order Online at www.identityimages.com or by telephone 01303 267635 Money back guarantee on any returns www.sixsensesspas.com/london - 2 Pan Peninsula Square London E149AH

Payments via Streamline & RBS WorldPay - Debit or Credit Card Normal delivery 7 days add £4.85 - 48 hours @ £10.50 Price for prints only - ready for framing

out about

out & about

connoisseur

Enchanted Nights It wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be Christmas without hearing carols by candlelight, so experience the spectacular, magical Christmas celebration of Carols by Candlelight at the Royal Albert Hall. The Mozart Festival Orchestra will be wearing wigs and full 18th century costume to match the evocative decorations and soft candlelight. This majestic tradition features music and song from Handel, Bach, Vivaldi and Corelli. 18, 21, 22, 23 & 24 December Carols by Candlelight Royal Albert Hall www.royalalberthall.com

A Date to Skate The Canary Wharf ice rink returns to Canada Square Park in the heart of the district for its sixth consecutive year, offering arguably the best outdoor skating facilities in London, including brand new, top-quality skates for hire and the festive Alpine CafĂŠ Bar with seasonal drinks and snacks. Overlooked by new bars and restaurants in The Park Pavilion such as Canteen, ROKA, the parlour and Wahaca, this majestic rink is a Christmas essential for all occasions. A newly built events facility, the Lodge, caters for private parties and events, offering a unique, purposebuilt Christmas party venue. 13 November 2010 to 20 February 2011, Canada Square Park www.canarywharficerink.com

Festive Frolics Classical impresario Raymond Gubbay returns to The O2 with his second Christmas Spectacular, with Anthony Inglis conducting the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. This popular festive extravaganza also features Rhydian Roberts, Ruthie Henshall and the Royal Choral Society. Expect breathtaking production with light displays, special effects and a dazzling indoor firework finale to start your Christmas with a bang. Christmas Spectacular, 23 December The O2 www.theo2.co.uk

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connoisseur

CANARY WHARF STORE OPENING HOURS

Break The Ice The third London Ice Sculpting Festival will be held in the centre of Canary Wharf, next to the ice rink in Canada Square Park. Look out for the timed competition between international teams of ice sculptors, who will be carving from two-metre blocks, taking inspiration from the theme of the Olympics. You can even give the art of sculpting a try and design a small block of ice in a free master class.

For Christmas and sales shopping, head to Canary Wharf to splash out

DECEMBER 2010

London Ice Sculpting Festival, 13–15 January Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf www.londonicesculptingfestival.co.uk

Brilliantly British This December, Val d’Isère hosts the Critérium de la Première Neige, the traditional Alpine skiing World Cup and the resort has decided to take on a different theme each year, corresponding to a competing nation. Britain is the first chosen nation, so expect the ultimate ode to Blighty with activities such as cream teas in the snow, darts competitions and British Wine tasting sessions. British Ski Champions such as Chemmy Alcott, Douglas Crawford and Alan Baxter will also be joining in the fun and games. www.skitotal.com

MOVIE OF THE MONTH

Monday 13......................................8.30am to 8pm Tuesday 14......................................8.30am to 8pm Wednesday 15.............................8.30am to 8pm Thursday 16............................8.30am to 8.30pm Friday 17...................................8.30am to 8.30pm Saturday 18.............................................9am to 7pm Sunday 19*..................................11.30am to 6pm Monday 20......................................8.30am to 8pm Tuesday 21......................................8.30am to 8pm Wednesday 22.............................8.30am to 8pm Thursday 23............................8.30am to 8.30pm Christmas Eve.......................................8am to 5pm Christmas Day.................................................CLOSED Boxing Day...........................................12pm to 6pm Monday 27...........................................11am to 6pm Tuesday 28...........................................11am to 6pm Wednesday 29.....................................9am to 7pm Thursday 30............................................9am to 8pm New Year’s Eve.....................................9am to 5pm

JANUARY 2011 New Year’s Day................................12pm to 6pm Sunday 2................................................12pm to 6pm Monday 3..............................................11am to 6pm Bars and restaurants will open late as normal Please check with individual shops, cafés, bars and restaurants for New Year’s Day opening and closing times * Half hour for browsing

Tron Legacy (3D) Certificate:............................................TBC Release Date:..........17 December Director:...................Joseph Kisinski Sam Flynn (Garrett Hedlund), a rebellious 27-year-old, is haunted by the mysterious disappearance of his father Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges), a man once known as the world’s leading video game developer. When Sam investigates a strange signal that could only have come from his father, he finds himself pulled into a digital world where Kevin has been trapped for 20 years. Father and son are forced to embark on a life or death journey across a cyber universe.

Diamonds In The Sky

the ICT: VERD

cal technologi A dazzling tains an re h ic r, wh spectacula amidst ry uman sto engaging h w. o sh t h lig and the sound

Welcome in the new year at the London Sky Bar in Westminster’s iconic Millbank Tower, boasting breathtaking views of the city from its 360 degree expanse of windows. The New Year’s Eve “Diamonds In The Sky” party is your chance to enjoy the spectacular, uninterrupted panoramic views of London with a sparkling drinks reception and midnight fireworks making this an unforgettable new year’s celebration. To book call 0845 500 2929 or email reservations@altitudelondon.com.