Chiswick & The West November 2015 by Runwild Media Group

Managing Editor Francesca Lee

What’s inside

Editorial Lead Tom Hagues editorial intern Emily Adams

An insight into this issue

Editor-in-Chief Lesley Ellwood Managing Director Eren Ellwood General Manager Fiona Fenwick

Publishing Director Giles Ellwood Executive Director Sophie Roberts Client Relationship manager Friday Dalrymple SALES EXECUTIVEs Joe Rutherford Kate Emmett Production Alice Ford Oscar Viney Hugo Wheatley Jamie Steele Published by

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One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AX T: 020 7987 4320 rwmg.co.uk

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image © 20th Century Fox

senior Designer Lisa Wade

BRIDGE OF SPIES

“His plan is to exchange a KGB spy being held by the government of the United States, and it’s a nail-biting story if ever there was one.” – FILM

“I love blingy rings (not the tacky kind) and often find ones with beautiful big gems at markets when I go on holiday.”

“The jingling of bells can almost be heard and the scent of mulled wine will soon be filling bars across west London so it’s time, as Elton John would insist, to Step Into Christmas.” – What’s On

“Run by Jason Wells, the Brew menu has been inspired by his Melbourne roots. with head chef Patrick Coleman and head of food and beverages Julien Maisonneuve by his side, they have turned local seasonal produce into customer favourites.” – FOOD AND DRINK

– LETTERS 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.

“Nope, not the bottle of beer with a lime wedge stuffed down the neck, The Coronas is actually a rock band that originates from Dublin.” – MUSIC

brunch at brew

[editor’s letter and contents]

From the

editor

CONTENTS

ovember, these days, brings the start of the festive season, whether you like it or not. Expect to hear Wham! playing in department stores and, if you

haven’t seen any already, your first glimpse of a Christmas tree. With

this in mind, we’ve rounded up some events to attend that will keep this encroachment at bay; turn to page four to see what you can get up to before everything is covered in fake snow. Flick to page eight to read about Laura Lewis, the Hammersmith

the most alcoholic of twists, and find out why she loves W6. As ever, we’ve got all of your entertainment needs covered with our film and music listings (pages 16 and 18, respectively), and over on page 14, we interview Krystal Dockery and Karl Queensborough

businesswoman revolutionising sorbets, by giving them a kick with

Chiswick house and gardens, see page 12

REGULARS 4

WHAT’S ON IN NOVEMBER

WORD ON THE STREET

The most pressing issues from vocal locals

who will be portraying Cinderella and Prince Charming in this year’s pantomime at the Lyric (sound the Christmas claxon!). For fabulous nails and relaxation-inducing products, turn to

All the best events to attend this month

FEATURES

page 24 to read reviews of local manicures and pedicures, as well as

5 minutes with...

some of our favourite picks for relaxing in the bath.

custodians of beauty

We hope you enjoy the issue.

...Laura Lewis, the Hammersmith woman revolutionising sorbet Talking art collections management with Matassa Toffolo lots to see, lots to buy Dispelling the myth: High Road Auctions is open to everyone

francesca Lee, Managing Editor

news, events and reviews 10

the bulletin

ON THE COVER (left to right)

Ready, steady, eat

Fathers and Daughters © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.; a property sold

Tasty treats and festive favourites around the area

by Gardiner Residential; Pitshanger Lane businesses; Joe Satriani © Stephen

Oh no it isn’t!

Keeping you up-to-date with what’s happening in the local area

We catch up with the lead actors of this year’s pantomime at the Lyric

Fourie; potential Filmworks Cinema scheme in Ealing; a model showing a Davina Mulford Fedora; Print Hall installation project at the UK

from The Architecture of Diplomacy: The British Ambassador’s residence in

Washington DC by Anthony Seldon and Dan Collings, 2014; local businesswoman Laura Lewis; Samuel Buttery, Krystal Dockery and Karl Queensborough (cast of Cinderella at the Lyric) © Helen Maybanks

that’s a wrap Top flicks for film enthusiasts

Ambassador’s residence, Washington DC, photo by Julia Toffolo © Eric Sander

just wanna dance the night away Selected concerts in the area this month

Looking good and feeling fabulous Where to get great manicures and pedicures

Top picks for

NOVEMBER

The best events to attend this month

17 November JUST A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY

21 November IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY

21 November TOP TRUMPETS

Ealing Central Library frequently hosts talks and lectures, and this month is no exception. The Last Battle on English Soil is an informative evening marking the tercentenary (three-hundred-year anniversary) of the final conflict that took place on English soil in Preston, Lancashire. The talk will look at why the battle took place and who fought it, as well as giving a blow-by-blow account of the whole thing. Dr Jonathan Oates will take the lead and he’s written a book on this subject, meaning he’s an authority on the topic.

The holidays are coming whether you like it or not. As is always the case, Christmas starts a good month before it’s supposed to, which is great news for fans of the festivities, but the worst nightmare of grizzly Grinches. Chiswick is no exception, and the Christmas fair at the Catholic Centre takes place this month. It’ll feature a selection of arts and crafts and other goodies to buy for gifts or to make your home the most festive it’s ever been. The jingling of bells can almost be heard and the scent of mulled wine will soon be filling bars across west London so it’s time, as Elton John would insist, to Step Into Christmas.

This is an evening of fine music conducted by Philip Hesketh, and the audience will be treated to three performances: Sergei Prokofiev’s Cinderella Suite (No.1), Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake Act 3 and Chiswick resident John Carmichael’s Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra, with a solo by trumpeter Barry Yardley. Pop along not just for the excellent performances, but also to support West London Sinfonia, an orchestra that’s been around for 45 years. It plays five local concerts each year and one in central London, as well as the odd one abroad every now and then.

Tickets available from the library, £3, library members £1.50, 6.15pm, 103 Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre, The Broadway, W5 5JY, 020 3700 1052, ccslibraries.com

TOP TRUMPETS

Free entry, 10am-4pm, 2 Dukes Avenue, W4 2AE, 020 8747 5900

£14, concessions £12, 7.30pm, St Michael and All Angels Church, 2 Bath Road, W4 1TT, 020 8997 3540, westlondonsinfonia.org

IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY

[what’s on]

24 November AN INSPIRED ARTIST

28 November LET’S GET QUIZICAL

29 November AN EDUCATION

Matthew Morgan, the adult-learning officer at the National Gallery, is giving a talk about Joseph Mallord William Turner (‘JMW Turner’ will do) at Chiswick Pier House. Head down to learn about Turner’s links with the river at its western end, and how it stimulated an artistic passion within him. Turner lived all along the Thames during various points in his life, residing in Brentford, Isleworth, Hammersmith and finally St Margarets, where he built Sandycombe Lodge. Morgan’s talk on the famous artist will enlighten any attendee.

Grow Chiswick’s quiz night is a chance for people to show off their useful and useless general knowledge and it’s regularly a closely contested affair. Make sure you’ve swotted up on everything, from the lives of pop stars to kings and queens. Brush up on your capital cities and prepare some linguistic factoids, because anything could trip you and your team up during this evening of interrogation. For those who have never attended a quiz night before, here are some of the Journal’s favourite team names (there’s no need to thank us): The Quizards of Oz, Agatha Quiztie, Les Quizerables and Trivia Newton John.

The Good Wine Shop’s autumn tasting takes place this November and it’s a great opportunity to explore some new grape varieties and get inspiration for your Christmas drinks list. With around 30 different bottles available, the evening will allow attendees to find something they like and make sure they know what to avoid in the future. It’s also a good opportunity to get to know about the places where some of these beverages come from and if you like them enough, they can be on your dining room table in time for Christmas lunch.

£3, members of Chiswick Pier Trust go free, doors 7pm, talk at 7.30pm, The Pier House, Corney Reach Way, W4 2UG, 020 8742 2713, chiswickpier.org.uk

Arrive for 7pm, St. Michael’s Church Hall, Elmwood Road, W4 3DY, growchiswick.org

Free, 12noon-6pm, RSVP by emailing chiswick@thegoodwineshop.co.uk, 84 Chiswick High Road, W4 1SY, 020 8994 8184, thegoodwineshop.co.uk

AN EDUCATION

[what’s on]

Across London 14 November THE LORD MAYOR’S SHOW

This extremely London-centric event takes place in mid-November and promises onlookers a huge amount of exciting opportunities to witness an age-old tradition. This year is the 800th anniversary of the first occasion, meaning there has been plenty of chance to get it all down to a fine art. A flotilla kick-starts the day at around 9am, followed by the main procession at 11am and the grand finale comes in the form of a firework display at 5.15pm. To kill time between the procession and the fireworks, why not embark on one of the free walking tours taking place from around 3pm? Free, various central London locations, see website for full information, including timings, 020 7606 3030, lordmayorsshow.org

online chatter What’s got local tongues wagging recently?

@Martha_English GREAT BRITISH HIGH STREET OF THE YEAR AWARDS – Chiswick Named Top 5 in London category

@helen_bleep Burning question of the day: Will they ever finish the footpath repaving in Shepherd’s Bush?

19-22 November TASTE OF LONDON

@AngusWoodhead

Tobacco Dock hosts a gathering of London’s greatest chefs, restaurateurs and drinks specialists for this food-tastic event that’ll warm your cockles as winter descends across the capital. Big glass cubes will encase the chefs who will be creating their culinary delights for you to sample, while the balconies outside will overlook the live music taking place, so most of your senses will be satisfied. It’s definitely worth the trek across town.

Gin tasting at Sipsmith Distillery, Chiswick,

Adults £15, children £8, 19 November 6pm-10pm, 20 November 11am-4pm and 5pm-10pm, 21 November 11am-6pm, 22 November 11am-5pm, Tobacco Quay, Wapping Lane, E1W 2SF, 0871 230 7132, london.tastefestivals.com

Just popped in to @w6art Studio 16

London. @sipsmith #Sipsmith #Gin #sloegin #gintasting #londondrygin

@sallygrumbridge @OpenArtSpaces terrific screenprints, jewellery & 3D work #art #printmaking #Hammersmith #openstudios

@raemorrismusic On the tube to Shepherd’s Bush Empire. What a strange day

@PTBrandandID Have you seen the new Shepherd’s Bush branch for Burgista Bros? More exciting projects to come! Watch this space...

@ealingeagles Ealing Eagles is a friendly club for runners of all abilities. For joining info visit us at ealingeagles.com

hyde park winter wonderland

@rorypecktrust Huge thanks to @LinhPNguyen for running

20 November until 3 January HYDE PARK WINTER WONDERLAND

From the end of November, Hyde Park will be home to this festive nirvana that tempts people to travel to London from far and wide. Expect an enormous observation wheel, two circuses and more carnival games than you can shake a tinsel-wrapped stick at. Entry is free so you can go for a wander through the lights, the buzzing atmosphere and renditions of Wham!’s Last Christmas solely to get into the spirit of it all without needing to buy a ticket. Free, from 5pm-10pm on 20 November, 10am-10pm thereafter, Hyde Park, W2 2UH, hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

the Ealing Half Marathon on 27 Sept and raising over £340 for RPT!

@BassamMahfouz Ealing wins international award for cycle safety system

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SAVE £20

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swooneditions.com/chiswick or call 020 3137 2464

Save £20 on a £200 minimum spend. Prices shown accurate at time of print. Cannot be used alongside any other offers or promotions – ends at midnight on 29.11.15. Full terms can be found at swooneditions.com/terms

[RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT]

5 minutes with...

laura lewis

We grabbed the cocktail-sorbet queen for a quick chat about Hammersmith and her products DOES anywhere in THE SURROUNDING AREA SELL THEM?

Yes, I love seeing them being sold in Partridges a bit further down the road in Sloane Square.

How has THE sorbet range been received so far?

Really well, actually. Because the packaging is so nicely designed with the pretty illustrations, I’ve found that people like having them on show at events like weddings and parties.

Do you have plans for any new flavours or products in the near future?

Yes! I’m planning on doing some gin-based ones for definite and I’d hopefully like to throw some more parties.

Laura making a margarita

ushice, a west London-based company that offers ‘sorbets for grown ups’, is taking the frozen world by storm. Its cocktail-inspired flavours include strawberry daiquiri, piña colada, mojito and margarita, and the products are all dairy-free. The company is headed by Laura Lewis, and the idea for Lushice came to her after she decided to see what dairy-free frozen dessert she could whip up to take to a friend’s house. She wanted to recreate the tasty flavour of cocktails, and added a last minute splash of alcohol to the concoction in the ice cream maker. Miraculously, she found that the alcohol resulted in an extra-smooth frozen treat and the rest, as they say, is history. The frozen delights have less than two per cent alcohol in them, so they’re just the right amount of naughty. She lives in W6 and loves it as much as we love alcoholic desserts, which is really quite a lot.

How long have you lived in Hammersmith for?

I’ve lived here for just over a year.

Where’s your favourite place to eat in the area?

lushicesorbet.com

That’s a tough question, but definitely The Bird in Hand in Brook Green – it does delicious pizzas.

What do you like most about living in Hammersmith?

It’s buzzy, which is something that I really like. I absolutely love being in west London so I think it’s safe to say that I’ll be here for a while.

Where did you get the inspiration for the sorbets?

I simply thought to myself: What kind of person doesn’t like cocktails?

Which sorbet flavour are you most enthusiastic about?

Oh, strawberry daiquiri for sure.

Where can we get our hands on some of them?

A variety of farm shops and delis in England stock them.

Laura with her products

The

bulletin

Emily Adams has November’s low-down on local goings-on

Change of plans

Revised plans for a new sports facility in Hammersmith Park have been agreed, following concerns by local residents. The original scheme, signed in March 2014, agreed to a 35-year lease with a private company. However, locals feared the scale of the project with private ownership would result in the loss of community use. Having addressed these concerns, the council has now agreed to a shorter, seven-year lease with the development of a 10-pitch centre, a club house with changing facilities, café, toilets and cycle racks. The council has also negotiated free access for residents with low incomes and a limited parking area. The new facility is expected to open mid-February 2016. lbhf.gov.uk

A driver’s dilemma

Residents living near Westfield Shopping Centre and QPR Football Club are helping Hammersmith & Fulham Council decide how to make parking easier for everyone. At present, a shared-use parking bay system is in place on residential streets in Controlled Parking Zone J (CPZ J), but it seems local residents have been struggling to find spaces in the evenings and at weekends when parking restrictions do not apply. To address the problem, CPZ J residents will receive a consultation booklet and questionnaire so they can give their input on any of the possible changes. lbhf.gov.uk

Hold on to your hats

If you thought fedoras were for special occasions only, it might be time to think again. Working away in her west London studio, milliner Davina Mulford has created the Everyday Fedora, handmade with the

hold onto your hats

finest fur felts to complete your winter wardrobe. Taking up to two weeks to craft and create, each hat is individual with customers being able to choose any colour and trim to make the most flattering fedora they can imagine. davinamulford.com

Redevelopment to restart

Seven years on and the saga of Ealing Cinema may finally be coming to an end. The Secretary of State has approved Ealing Council’s application for a Compulsory Purchase Order of the abandoned site. The decision will give the green light to a £100million Filmworks cinema scheme and total redevelopment and transformation of the area. With work potentially starting in the second half of 2016, Ealing could once again be home to a cinema by as early as 2018. The project, put forward by

redevelopment to restart

[NEWS]

Land Securities, is set to include shops, 161 homes, and an eight-screen cinema. According to the company, a large number of residents were in favour of the decision. ealing.gov.uk

An apple a day

Ravenscourt Park Hospital has been rescued by Abu-Dhabi based group VPS Healthcare, and is set to reopen as a private cancer care facility. With a reported £105million investment in the hospital, it will be the first private hospital in the country to offer proton beam therapy, a new type of radiotherapy, in 2017. The hospital will reopen with 150 beds and employ around 950 healthcare professionals, including consultants, according to founder and MD of VPS Healthcare, Dr Shamsheer Vayalil. It will also be the first launch in Europe for the company which currently owns and runs hospitals in UAE, Oman and India. vpshealth.co.uk

Brilliant businesses

Best Customer Service, Best Local Employer and Best Independent Retailer are just some of categories for this year’s Hammersmith and Fulham Brilliant Business Awards. Last year saw more than 400 people gather at the Town Hall to celebrate the winners and this year is set to be another success. Residents, workers and customers can all join in the public vote to help crown their favourite

brilliant businesses

businesses in Fulham, Hammersmith and Shepherd’s Bush, while businesses are able to nominate themselves for the special Judges’ Prizes. The Awards Ceremony will take place on Thursday 19 November. lbhf.gov.uk

Best in show

Pitshanger Lane in Ealing has reached the final three in the race to become The Great British High Street in London. Now with strong competition from Raynes Park

and Roman Road, Pitshanger Lane was up against 230 entries, beating Chiswick High Road to get to the top. Its category aims to find the most innovative high street showcasing the best of London. The contest is led by a not-for-profit, governmentfunded organisation that helps to regenerate and transform local centres across the country. The final decision will be made by combining a judging panel and a public vote, so good luck to all the businesses and residents of Pitshanger Lane. thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk

best in show

Ready, steady,

eat!

Emily Adams rounds up all the latest tasty treats and festive favourites around the area

Festival fever

Chiswick High Road is about to shake up Sunday proceedings with a new monthly food market. Following the success of the food and drink festival EatChiswick in June, the organisers are in the process of planning a new monthly Sunday market. Potentially starting from early next year, it is hoped that it will build on the area’s reputation for great food and restaurants with local eateries and restaurants having their own pop-up stalls. A regular market could pave the way for a bicycle distribution scheme for locals; groceries could be delivered straight to their door. The plan is being discussed by Hounslow Council’s transport team. eatchiswick.com

An extra slice

The Great British Bake Off may have come to an end for the year, but that’s not to say we’re not still baking mad. This year the highlyanticipated BBC Good Food Bakes & Cakes Show is moving to London’s Olympia and on this instance, one ticket also gives you free access to the BBC Good Food Show. But most importantly, baking bbc Good Food bakes & cakes legends Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood will be among this year’s line-up. You might even see Michel Roux Jr., James Martin and Tom Kerridge wandering around, cooking live in the Supertheatre or signing all your favourite recipe books. Free masterclasses for all levels of bakers and cake crafting-demonstrations will get you ready and raring to go for next year’s Bake Off. 13-15 November, Olympia London, Hammersmith Road, W14 8UX, 020 3405 4286, bbcgoodfoodshowlondon.com

A new kind of Brew

All-day Aussie dining is soon landing on Chiswick High Road, all the way from Melbourne. With a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere ideal for every meal of the day, it will be the fifth London Brew to open in just six years. Run by Jason Wells, the menu has been inspired by his Melbourne roots and with head chef Patrick Coleman and head of food and beverages Julien Maisonneuve by his side, they will turn local seasonal produce into customer favourites including Turkish eggs with hung yoghurt and hot chilli butter. Look out for the new wood-fired pizza oven cooking up some exciting new creations too. Ever fancied switching up your classic Hawaiian for some tasty confit duck or salted beef ? 142 Chiswick High Road, W4 1PU, brew-cafe.com

brunch at brew

Chooks in Chiswick?

The new kid on the block this month is Chooks, a place where chicken lovers from anywhere can indulge in the secret family recipe of buttermilk chicken. Chooks prides itself on creating the ‘perfect union of marinating and grilling the best chicken’ and features some interesting family sharing dishes with an array of different poultry pieces. It even offers its own takeaway service so you can enjoy it in the comfort of your own home. 31 Haven Green, W5 2NX, 020 8998 0225, chooks.me

fried chicken

[food and drink]

A big bird, the trimmings and mince pies … It’s time to start feasting We’ve gathered together some of our favourite places to enjoy a festive roast in the lengthy run-up to the big day, because you can never have too much of a good thing (also, it’s never too early to begin) The Gate

THE CITY BARGE

For the vegetarians among you, it has to be The Gate. With vegan and gluten-free options also available, The Gate has got every eventuality covered. Swap the turkey for some Christmas rotolo, aubergine schnitzel or Thali for a twist on our festive favourites. Since 1989, the restaurant has offered some interesting alternatives from a range of different cultures and their Christmas menu is just as interesting. We love the sound of the plantain fritters starter and the apple, fig and cinnamon crumble, and if you just can’t wait until the big day, the festive menu is on offer throughout the whole of December.

THE CROWN AND ANCHOR

The Crown and Anchor

51 Queen Caroline Street, W6 9QL, 020 8748 6932, thegaterestaurants.com

The City Barge

We think it’s safe to say there’s no other restaurant putting in as much effort as The City Barge this Christmas. Every week in December, it’s hosting themed events, quizzes, Christmas jumper nights and endless amounts of festive food and drinks. If you don’t want the sit-down feast, you’re more than welcome to hire a room overlooking the river to enjoy a selection of canapés or a buffet reception. We recommend getting involved in The Barge Festive Bakeoff for the adults and Best in Bake for the little ones.

Chiswick House and Gardens

This friendly pub is pretty certain that it’s on to a winner with its festive menu and it might just be right: how about stout-cured smoked salmon to start, followed up with the traditional turkey? Or if you’d rather not see another big bird for a whole year, you’ll be more than happy with the slow-cooked flat-iron steak. And once you’ve munched your way through all that, of course there’s pudding. Oh, and then there’s mince pies and clotted cream after that too, so be prepared to settle in for the long haul.

For something a little bit different, and for the first time ever, you can enjoy the festive period at Chiswick House and Gardens. It’s newly restored and ready to welcome guests, meaning you can hold your Christmas party in the famous house. The Burlington Pavilion and the Chiswick House Café are both available for hire and there are packages designed to help you organise and plan your event. Resident caterers Company of Cooks can offer quality food and drink with canapé receptions, or lunch and dinner parties.

374 Chiswick High Road, W4 5TA, 020 8995 2607, crownandanchorchiswick.co.uk

Burlington Lane, W4 2RP, 020 8742 2762, chgt.org.uk

THE CITY BARGE

27 Strand on the Green, W4 3PH, 020 8994 2148, citybargechiswick.com

CHISWICK HOUSE AND GARDENS

Oh no

it isn’t!

Pantomime season is just around the corner (oh yes it is!) so Tom Hagues speaks to the actors portraying Cinderella and Prince Charming in this year’s festive production at the Lyric

his year’s pantomime at the Lyric is the much-loved tale Cinderella, led by Karl Queensborough and Krystal Dockery as the two main characters, with Samuel Buttery playing Buttons. Karl and Krystal have both performed at the Lyric before, but in the ensemble of various productions rather than in lead roles. I begin by asking them what it will be like as the leading players and whether they’ve picked up any tips from being ensemble cast. “Yes, I definitely picked up some tips from watching the leads, especially with how they interact with the audience,” Krystal says assuredly. How will performing be different, now that they’re fronting the show? “You get a different audience every night,” begins Karl, “and a lot of the time they’re mostly kids so they react differently, so we’ll have to be on our guard for that. It’s much more work – obviously we’ve got more lines, more dances and songs to learn. But being in the ensemble cast really helps you gain the confidence you need to be able to lead a performance.” The two have been at the Lyric for several years. The organisation has exceptional youth programmes and gives younger performers the chance to act, sing and dance on stage when they might not normally have such an opportunity. “I joined in 2007, and since then I’ve seen the Lyric put on loads of workshops with directors and casting directors, which is when I got my first experience of being on stage here,” says Karl. They both nod enthusiastically when asked whether other cast members at the Lyric are extremely supportive of their success. “Oh yeah, everyone’s chuffed to bits that we’re doing Cinderella,” they smile. “I think the Lyric is a really supportive environment anyway,” Krystal tells me. “Whoever you are, whether you work in the office or behind the scenes, it’s great for giving support. Because we’ve been here for a while, everyone knows who we are and have been a great help in getting us to this point.”

Sam Buttery, Krystal Dockery and Karl Queensborough

Krystal Dockery as Cinderella and Karl Queensborough as Prince Charming

[theatre]

Were the two of them picked out from the ensemble? “No, we had to audition. We both had two recalls,” they tell me. Was the process nerve-racking? Considering the two of them knew almost everyone on the panel, I’m curious. “The fact that I knew everyone made it more stressful,” Karl says. “I didn’t want to disappoint them and I wanted to make the Lyric look good as well as showcasing what I could do. It was also nice, though, having people in the room that you know, supporting you and wanting you to do well.” I ask Krystal the same question. “For the first round, I came out thinking how terribly it had gone

and that it was the worst audition I’d ever had,” she laughs. “For the recall it was my birthday so I was really happy and excited for it, which made it much better.” I meet with the pair before rehearsals have started, so I ask whether they’ve met their cast-mates yet. “We met Sam, who plays Buttons, a few weeks ago for a photoshoot but we’ve not met anyone else,” they say. But what about when they do all meet – do they tend to bond with everyone at a big cast meeting? “I don’t think any of the other people have performed at the Lyric before, but because it’s such a welcoming

environment I don’t think we’ll have any problem bonding with everyone,” Karl says. Cinderella is Krystal’s professional début, which would be a daunting task for anyone. Is she ready, or is she utterly terrified? “When I got the phone call to say that I’d got the part, I sat there in silence, but I was screaming inside. Once I had put the phone down I cried for about a week and kept thinking ‘This is so stressful! What if I forget my lines?’ – I was in a state of panic. It’s only recently I’ve decided that it’s really, really exciting!” she beams. “I’ve always wanted to play Cinderella as well,” she giggles. Is it likely to be a traditional performance? The Lyric is known for ‘shaking things up a bit’, so I assume that it’s likely to be performed in an old-fashioned format but with a modern twist. “The pantos here are always a bit more ‘urban’,” says Krystal while Karl nods along. “They tend

Is it likely to be a traditional performance? The Lyric is known for ‘shaking things up a bit’ to feature songs that are in the charts as well, so everyone can sing along – it’s very modern,” Karl pitches in. What about their characters? “It depends what the director wants. I had an idea of Prince Charming being quite posh, but I’ve been told to just speak in my normal voice,” states Karl. “I hope my take on him breaks the stereotype he has.” Krystal agrees – it looks like it’s shaping up to be a pantomime that’s ever so slightly different. Can they sum up what their respective characters are going to be like in three words? “Charismatic, lively and spontaneous,” says Karl. For Krystal, it’s: “Ballsy, headstrong and… nice.” All good qualities, of course. As our chat draws to a close, I ask them about their futures. They’re both young actors; Karl is 25 and Krystal is 23, so they have long careers ahead of them. What do they really want to achieve? “I’d love to do a film with Will Smith, or a television series,” says Karl. “I want to be the first black Glinda in Wicked,” Krystal says without hesitation. Two talented leads are at the helm of this year’s pantomime and I have nothing but high hopes for the show. From £15, Saturday 21 November 2015 – Sunday 3 January 2016, see website for times, Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King Street, W6 0QL, 020 8741 6850, lyric.co.uk

[FILM]

That’s

a wrap

If you like popcorn, comfy chairs and blockbusters, you’ve come to the right page

6 November BROOKLYN

Directed by Davis Guggenheim Starring Malala Yousafzai This documentary takes a look at activist Malala Yousafzai and her incredible story. After speaking out about girls’ education in her region of Pakistan, she was targeted by Taliban gunmen and severely wounded. The film explores the aftermath of the attack and includes the famous speech that Malala made to the United Nations, which

Directed by Gabriele Muccino Starring Amanda Seyfried, Russell Crowe, Aaron Paul and Diane Kruger A tale of heartbreak and family, Fathers and Daughters is about a Pulitzer-winning writer who is struggling with being a widower and father after a life-altering mental breakdown, while his grown-up daughter struggles to forge connections of her own. A dramatic and moving film that will ensure there’s not a dry eye in the cinema, so take plenty of tissues.

6 November HE NAMED ME MALALA

he named me malala

13 November FATHERS AND DAUGHTERS

6 November BURNT

Directed by John Wells Starring Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller and Daniel Brühl Cooper plays Adam Jones, a chef who destroyed his career through a mixture of drugs and diva-esque behaviour. He gets his act together and moves to London, where he’s given the reins of a restaurant but he dreams of opening his own in Paris, a place that could have the potential to achieve three Michelin stars. ‘Never underestimate a man with everything to lose,’ says the film poster, and we think it sounds like it’s going to be a pretty exciting movie.

world’s most influential people and indeed one of the richest. His vast technological empire expanded so rapidly and in such an impressive fashion, it’s not hard to see why this film attracted an all-star cast. This picture takes us back to a world pre-Apple, a place where the iPhone hadn’t been invented yet and everyone was still using Walkmans and cassettes. It’s set backstage at three iconic product launches and ends in 1998 with the unveiling of the iMac, giving us a glimpse at the mastermind behind the machine.

steve jobs

27 November BRIDGE OF SPIES

Directed by Steven Spielberg Starring Tom Hanks, Mark Rylance and Alan Alda Based on a Cold War incident in the 1960s, Bridge of Spies tells the tale of lawyer James B Donovan, who is entrusted to negotiate the safe release of a pilot whose U-2 spy plane was shot down over the Soviet Union. His plan is to exchange a KGB spy being held by the government of the United States, and it’s a nail-biting story if ever there was one.

fathers and daughters

13 November STEVE JOBS

Directed by Danny Boyle Starring Michael Fassbender, Kate Winslet, Seth Rogen, Jeff Daniels, Katherine Waterston and Michael Stuhlbarg Steve Jobs was undoubtedly one of the

Directed by John Crowley Starring Saoirse Ronan, Domhnall Gleeson and Michael Zegen Flitting between 1950s Ireland and New York, young Eilis Lacey has to choose between two men and two countries. This film is written by author and screenwriter Nick Hornby and is based on Colm Tóibín’s novel of the same name. It also stars Jim Broadbent and Julie Walters, and its production was undertaken by companies from Ireland, the UK and Canada, making it a truly international spectacle.

is arguably one of the most significant of its kind in this decade. For something hardhitting this November, look no further.

bridge of spies

Inspiring After-School and Holiday Courses For 6 to 13 year olds

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[music]

Just wanna dance

the night away

Grab your señoritas who can sway and hot-foot it down to these local gigs o2 empire

eventim apollo

11 November LORD HURON

£16.50, doors 7pm joe satriani

10 November JOE SATRIANI

Grammy-award winning Joe Satriani has sold more than 10 million albums, which puts him in the running to be the biggest instrumental rock guitarist of all time. With his colourful (and enviable) CV, Satriani has worked with the likes of Mick Jagger and used to teach now-famous musicians how to play the guitar. He supposedly found inspiration to learn the instrument himself when he was 14, after hearing about the death of Jimi Hendrix. We can only imagine how calloused his fingers are. From £40.25, doors 6.30pm

12 November JOHN GRANT

In the 1990s and early 2000s, Grant was part of a band called The Czars, before taking flight and launching a solo career in 2010. Music is his true love and his début

album was met with critical acclaim. It was applauded for its personal theme, leading it to be named the Best Album of 2010 by British music magazine Mojo. £34.75, doors 7pm

19 November MARILYN MANSON

His real name is Brian Hugh Warner and most people will recognise his milkwhite make-up and generally terrifying appearance. Manson was a music journalist before fronting his eponymous band, of which he is the only constant member. The name was devised by juxtaposing two famous American figures: actress Marilyn Monroe and murderer Charles Manson. See website for prices, doors 7pm Eventim Apollo, 45 Queen Caroline Street, W6 9QH, 0844 249 4300, eventimapollo.com

An indie folk band based in Los Angeles, it takes its name from Lake Huron in the USA where group founder Ben Schneider used to go to visit when he was growing up. When at the lake, Schneider would sit around campfires passing the evening by playing music, just how you can picture it in a film. The act was originally a solo one, but Schneider began to add members for live shows, most of whom he had known since childhood. Lord Huron’s the kind of group that music journalists would describe as being ‘authentic’ and having ‘a raw sound’. We just think they’re entertaining and pretty talented, but you can make your own mind up.

lord huron

13 November THE CORONAS

Nope, not the bottle of beer with a lime wedge stuffed down the neck, this act is actually a rock band that originates from Dublin. Arguably the band’s greatest claim to fame is the fact that they supported Paul McCartney in 2010, and in 2013, they opened for Justin Timberlake in front of 40,000 fans. £15, doors 7pm O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, Shepherd’s Bush Green, W12 8TT, 0844 477 2000, o2shepherdsbushempire.co.uk

Above: Hammer Price £13,500, A late 19th century icon

Auction every Tuesday from 6pm, viewing Saturday – Tuesday 10am - 6pm Right: Hammer Price £41,000, Emil Nolde (German, 1861 -1956), 'Kopf Junge Frau Rotes Kleid'

A unique auction house for fresh inspiration, individual interiors and antique finds, Hammer £95,000, a chinoise- furniture and porcelain. featuringLeft: fine arts, price silver, jewellery, rie bronze and cloisonné jardinière by this advertnecessary. Ferdinandseven Barbedienne Free valuations days a week, no Bring appointment with you and receive a free …….

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Emil Nolde (German, 1861-1956)

Junge Frau Rotes Kleid' 7 days a'Kopf week, just pop in no appointment necessary Give us a call or email w4@highroadauctions.co.uk to arrange a house visit Auction of Antiques, Interiors & collectables held every Monday at 6pm, Viewing Saturday to Tuesday 10am-6pm On site café offering delicious home-made food

30-34 Chiswick High Road, W4 1TE | 020 8400 5225 | w4@highroadauctions.co.uk | www.highroadauctions.co.uk

Custodians

of beauty

Amanda Stücklin discusses the complex issues at the heart of art collections management with Freda Matassa and Julia Toffolo, the faces of Matassa Toffolo

meet Freda Matassa and Julia Toffolo, the duo behind the new Art Collections Management partnership Matassa Toffolo in the café at Sotheby’s on New Bond Street, one of the centres of the London art market. Here, only a few weeks before an evening auction of Impressionist and Modern art achieved a total of £178.6 million with the star lot, Gustav Klimt’s breathtaking 1902 Portrait of Gertrud Loew selling for £24.8 million. Given where we are the conversation inevitably turns to art, and who better to discuss the subject with than Freda and Julia. Both have blue-chip art backgrounds. Freda, who has been named one of the top ‘50 Women to Watch in the Arts’, was previously head of collections management at the Tate, and registrar at the Royal Academy. Julia was formerly deputy director

Freda Matassa (left) and Julia Toffolo (right) at Purdy Hicks Gallery, London, with paintings by Pierre Bergian

and senior registrar of the UK Government Art Collection, managing and displaying its large fine-art collection in British embassies around the world, as well as 10 Downing Street and numerous high-profile government buildings in London. Over coffee, we discuss how the art market has evolved into a billion-dollar global business with artworks being traded like commodities – albeit high-end commodities. I ask if it is right that art should be put into such a category. “To many, ‘Art’, in the broadest use of the word, may appear to be a commodity”, says Freda “but in reality it’s not. Art is quite different. More often than not you are dealing with something that is absolutely unique, that isn’t mass-produced and can’t be replicated. There are so many facets to a work of art. Yes, there is always a value, be it

intrinsic or otherwise, and when that value starts to creep up into the millions then sometimes things can get difficult.” Freda notes that quite aside from any cultural associations and connections, there can also be family considerations, with art often becoming subject to financial and legal processes. And then, finally, what so many people forget – most works of art are produced from sensitive materials. “Essentially, at the end of the day we are all simply custodians of art. It’s our duty and responsibility to ensure that we maintain artworks from previous generations, as well as ensure that the art of our own time is preserved for longevity.” So clearly art isn’t just the glamour, glitz and champagne so many of us now associate it with. Julia explains: “The art market is a very serious business, and as

[ARTS AND ANTIQUES]

‘Print Hall’ installation project at the UK Ambassador’s residence, Washington DC, by Julia Toffolo

a collector or would-be collector there are lots of things to consider that can be a little daunting. Our combined art backgrounds and experience of working in collections management, installation, display, cataloguing and transport has taught us the gold standard in managing cultural objects. It became clear to us that the same quality of care was not always in place in private and corporate collections, so we decided to go into partnership and set up an art collections management business

insurance. I equate it to buying an expensive car and not keeping it in a garage or having it serviced regularly. Julia agrees, observing that “Collectors enjoy the thrill of the chase and the purchase but think the maintenance is boring – luckily that’s the bit we enjoy! And besides, an up-to-date, full inventory is vital for insurance purposes, quite aside from peace of mind.” Both go on to explain how with the vast range of galleries, art fairs and websites available today, anyone can now afford to

Collectors enjoy the thrill of the chase and the purchase but think the maintenance is boring that would provide advice and guidance on all aspects of collections management to museum-quality standard.” At risk of sounding a little dim I ask what art collections management is. “In a nutshell,” answers Freda, “it’s knowing what you have, where it is and caring for it responsibly. That might sound pretty simple, but you would be surprised how many people get it wrong!” It appears that even when large amounts of money have been spent, very few really consider the after-care – the importance of inventories, conservation, rationalisation, display and storage, quite aside from appropriate

acquire art – there are so many different entry levels. Added to which, markets all over the world are expanding, but collectors rarely know the right questions to ask before they make a purchase. For example, where the art in question has come from, what it is made of, and, if they are buying a contemporary work, what are the artist’s intentions in terms of maintenance and display? An indication of the duo’s standing in the art world is the fact that they were asked by Parliament to propose a list of artists from which the Speaker’s Advisory Committee on Works of Art could select the 2015 General Election Artist. The artist

finally chosen for the commission was Adam Dant. The resulting work, a monumental drawing in ink entitled The Government Stable recording the Election was unveiled to the public for the first time at Portcullis House during London’s annual Open House Weekend in September. Dant’s picture now joins the Parliamentary Art Collection. Finally, before we part company, I ask what is the most important reason for collecting and owning art. Both unanimously agree that it should be quite simply pleasure. But as they have carefully explained, we have to remember we are simply short-term custodians, so it’s our responsibility to respect and care for the things we love. matassa-toffolo.com

Forthcoming London Art Fairs Winter Olympia Art & Antiques Fair, Olympia 2-8 November, olympia-antiques.com Asian Art in London 5-14 November, asianartinlondon.com

Lots to see,

lots to buy

High Road Auctions is doing a good job of dispelling the exclusive auction house image, as Tom Hagues discovers

guy haskell

me about his career history; from Sotheby’s to Phillips, he’s seen a lot. I ask him whether he’s done any auctioneering. “Yes, I did some valuing and selling when I was in Newcastle.” After working for such big names, I ask Guy if he finds High Road Auctions a different environment to work in. “Those places are very traditional,” he nods. “But you have to move with the times, particularly when it comes to selling. That’s what we do here in Chiswick in terms of what we take in – we will sell anything if there’s a market for it.” This means that at each week, there’s often an eclectic mix of items on sale. “We certainly have modern items selling next to more classical lots,” Guy confirms. He goes on to tell me that he was attracted to High Road Auctions as a career move partly because of the broad variety of objects that it takes in. “Also, what I really enjoy is seeing the process the whole way through.” From being there when it comes in, to the cataloguing, photographing and then watching it sell, Guy likes the hands-on approach. This is something that he can do at Chiswick. With a large range of items coming in, that must also translate to a variety of customers, too. Guy chuckles: “Yes,” he

ou’d be forgiven for walking past High Road Auctions without realising what it was. Through the big windows at the front, you can see a trendy café, usually buzzing with life. It’s just another coffee shop, you might think. However, behind the laid-back frontage is a collection of items that span centuries and continents, and anyone is welcome to go in and have a look. Auction houses and antique shops are lumbered with the image of being dusty, cluttered places. It’s the complete opposite in Chiswick, with High Road Auctions spread across a bright and airy space, with music playing, the sounds of people chatting over a coffee and customers truly engaging with the staff and the pieces that are on sale in store. I sit down with branch manager, Guy Haskell, and managing director Chris Blackie to chat. “I started in Northumberland for Sotheby’s,” Guy begins. “As is the case with everyone, I was a porter first, and worked my way up, meaning I had maximum exposure to a whole range of items. That grounding as a porter allowed me to learn a bit about everything and become a bit of a Jack-of-all-trades.” Guy tells

chris blackie

smiles. “And you learn very quickly to not judge a book by its cover – you never know what’s going to come out of that bag until it does. Often you get a scenario where a customer will get out what they consider their best bit first, but it’s actually the last bit they show us that’s the best.” This thrill of never knowing what’s going to come into the Chiswick shop makes what Guy does so enjoyable. The shop has a fast turnover, something that Guy thinks makes High Road Auctions stand out. If something comes in on a Wednesday afternoon, it’ll be up for sale the following week on Tuesday evening. “It’s this level of service that people like,” Guy says. Does he have any advice for someone bidding for the first time? “If you like it, bid for it,” he responds, quickly and assuredly. This sums up, for me, what High Road Auctions is all about. It’s less about picking and choosing which items go to auction and more about instilling confidence and giving everyone a chance at auction. The industry is changing and High Road Auctions is leading the way. 30-34 Chiswick High Road, W4 1TE, 020 8400 5225, highroadauctions.co.uk

ÂŠ sarel jansen

[LOCAL INSTITUTION]

guy haskell and chris blackie

Looking good and feeling

fabulous

Find out where to get great manis amd pedis in the area, and peruse our top picks to help you find some relaxing respite from the winter

Best feet forward

Bethan Rees tries out Chiswick’s latest beauty clinic in order to find out what makes its pedicures so great

icking back in the leather chair inside Chiswick’s newest nail bar, having my feet massaged to a point of euphoria where my head involuntarily knocks back and my eyes shut, my mind begins to wander back to the origins of a pedicure. I used to think this was a US phenomenon that grew out of the 1990s – and I’m not wrong in thinking that as such – but think more Babylonia than Baby Spice. More than 4,000 years ago, noblemen would use solid gold tools to give themselves pedicures, and in Ancient Egypt, carvings in a pharaoh’s tomb were found to show what looks like the royal leader having much attention paid to his feet and legs. Snapback to reality (and 2015), and I’m sat in The Nail Bar Chiswick, which opened at the end of October next door to its sister shop, The YOU Clinic. The modern setting features a ‘wall of colour’ where visitors can choose their nail polish options. Opened

in 2006 by two sisters, Rachel and Sonya Cross, The YOU Clinic specialises in all sorts of skincare and beauty treatments, from reflexology to tanning, laser hair removal to massages. Magdalena Kaczorowska, my therapist for the morning, graduated in 2011 and specialises in CND Shellac and Leighton Denny Expert Nails manicure and pedicure treatments, as well as St Tropez spray tanning, and keeps me relaxed with cups of tea accompanied by Lotus biscuits and a stack of magazines. Today, I’m having the luxurious Leighton Denny Pristine Pedicure with shellac colour finish. Magdalena begins by asking me to select my colour; I go for a deep red to match my alreadypainted fingernails. Following this, she begins to rub my feet with a scrub that uses diamond dust and pumice particles, which leaves my feet as smooth as the hum of the Ferarri which cruises past while I’m sat here. Next up, Magdalena slips some heated

booties onto my feet, which look like white pixie shoes or miniature tipis, after applying a foot masque containing three enzymes, which gently nibble away at hard skin and conditions it. I admittedly feel a little silly in the white waders, but the gentle warming effect is hard to argue with. My feet and lower legs are so relaxed now that the thought of having to use them again to walk out of The Nail Bar is extremely daunting. My nails are buffed to a glass-like shine and the therapist applies a rich red shellac colour which dries in no time and leaves me with a spectacular lustre finish. I leave the fresh, new nail bar with my feet sliding around in my socks thanks to them now being so soft, while thinking that this must be what a new-born baby seal feels like once its exfoliated itself on sand. Pristine pedicure with Shellac colour, £42.50, The Nail Bar Chiswick, 5a Chiswick Terrace, W4 5LY, 020 8742 2266, theyouclinic.co.uk

[beauty]

Nailed it Elizabeth Finney’s nails have never been treated before, so it’s with some trepidation that she visits HC LuxSpa for her first ever manicure

s I walk through the serene and innocently quiet Westfield shopping centre, I can’t help but envisage what it will be like over the next two months. Frantic grabbing of gifts for loved ones and the swiping of cards through machines, all with I Wish it could be Christmas Every Day playing on repeat in the background. Luckily, the HC LuxSpa is nestled in the centre of Marks & Spencer, perfectly situated for a mid-shopping spot of relaxation. The well-established nail bar offers a range of treatments, from an express manicure (20-30 minutes) to Rock Hard gel extensions. The therapist deftly buffs, files and cleanses my sorry-looking nails before applying the forms (a technical term) and the Rock Hard LED Gel, all while filling me in on many years of nail care education missed. She chats away knowingly about how important strengthening your nails is, about cuticle oils and balms. Both members of staff that I meet are friendly and amiable, if a little bemused by my novice nail knowledge. My nails are then lightly covered with Rock Hard Opening Act non-acid primer to protect them and

Rock Hard Headliner clear brush-on gel. After the extensive and carefully applied line-up acts, I’m excited for the main event. She meticulously wraps the forms (I’m fluent now) around my nails and applies the gel, which appears to have a mind of its own. However, I’m relieved to see her whip it around the surface of my nail with expert ease using a fine-tipped brush, rounding the gel off at the perfect length. After several short stints under the LED light, she files and buffs the nail into shape and I marvel as she flicks a brush loaded with Artistic Colour Gloss over each nail, with admirable attention to every minute detail. I go for a French manicure, opting for a white hue called Purity and a pink named Promises. After another pause under the blue LED light, she polishes my paws off with Dadi’Oil cuticle treatment and a soothing Salt of the Earth whipped body crème in white ginger. I’ve officially been converted – a luxurious nail treatment really is the perfect pit stop while frantically shopping. If preening takes a backseat to shopping this month, fear not – HC LuxSpa has just launched a Brow Bar, so you can nip in mid-shop and be treated, hassle-free.

Rock Hard Nail Extensions, £60, SpaBrow™ Package of six treatments, £100. HC LuxSpa at Marks & Spencer, Westfield Shopping Centre, Ariel Way, W12 7GA, 020 8266 2200, hcluxspa.com

THE BEST PRODUCTS FOR A RELAXING TIME in THIS MONTH

A FEW DROPS

If you’re looking for a sweet smelling, soothing treat, you can’t go wrong with Jo Malone’s goods. The bath and body range is crammed with natural conditioners and this amber and lavender oil is a spicy mix of almond, jojoba seed and avocado oil. Not only will your skin be hydrated, you’ll smell amazing too. £40, Jo Malone Amber and Lavender Bath Oil, stocked at Jo Malone, Westfield, Ariel Way, W12 7GQ, jomalone.co.uk

FOR THE ATMOSPHERE

A SPOT OF AFTER CARE

Hand-poured in their very own London laboratory, the Ormonde Jayne osmanthusscented candle gives you over 55 hours of calming candlelight. With a high percentage of the finest fragrant oils, the simple yet sophisticated candle is scented with lime, pomello, mint, galbanum and jasmine. Light the wick and you’ll soon find bliss.

You’ve got the bath running and the candle burning away, so all you need now is some ultra-relaxing body oil to complete the ritual. Aromatherapy has it covered with its massage and body oil with chamomile, vetivert and ylang ylang to calm, comfort and prepare you for a peaceful night’s sleep. Relaxation complete; you’re welcome.

£48, Ormonde Jayne osmanthus scented candle, available online at ormondjayne.com

£42, Aromatherapy Relax Body Oil, available online at aromatherapyassociates.com

[LETTERS]

Word on

THE STREET The latest from west London’s vocal locals

A BIG CHISWICK THANK YOU I have wanted to write in to thank you for the last few issues now; I’ve found this magazine to be incredibly helpful for discovering what’s going on and the features make for very interesting reading, too. - Mr Torton

RUN, RABBIT, RUN My son is looking to join an athletics club in order to get his fitness levels up before going to secondary school. He wants to compete in the county league for long-distance running and has never really shown much interest in anything like this before. My husband and I are therefore at a loss at where to look and so far haven’t found anything that seems promising. It doesn’t matter what day of the week the club meets or anything like that, we just need something that caters for an 11-year-old to run around a track a few times a week. - Mrs Williams

run, rabbit, run

PARKING FIASCO

shaken and stirred

SHAKEN AND STIRRED My brother loves bourbon cocktails so for Christmas I’d love to treat him to a class where he can learn how to make his own to a professional standard. Last year I bought him all the equipment (and a rather expensive bottle of the amber liquor he’s so fond of) but he hasn’t used it for lack of skill. Is there anywhere, preferably in Hammersmith or Shepherd’s Bush – Chiswick at a push – where I can sign him up? - Mr Nugent

BEJEWELLED I love big, blingy rings (not the tacky kind!) and often find ones with beautiful big gems at markets when I go on holiday. They’re wonderfully individual and I like that they have a story, but I wondered whether there was anywhere in Ealing that sells something like these. I know it’s likely that they’ll be more expensive, but I can’t keep waiting until I go abroad to buy these little accessories. - Ms Jolley

I think the time has come for me to finally have some off-road parking built outside the front of my house. It would mean losing my smart little front patio, but frankly I can’t keep leaving my car on the road. I lost a wing mirror last month, thanks to a careless driver, and sometimes people park so close I can’t get out of the space. It’s going to start causing neighbourly tensions, which of course I don’t want. How do I go about getting the kerb outside my house lowered to a proper dip? I can’t find any information on it from Hounslow Council, but that might just be me not looking very thoroughly. - Mr Vhari

BUTTER FINGERS Does anyone know of a drycleaner near the Strand on the Green that would be able to help me remove a large red wine stain from my linen shirt? I’m new to the area so don’t really know anywhere reliable yet. - Mr Seiz

replies Asked: September 2015

Where are carol services taking place in the area this year? We will be holding our annual Carols by Candlelight on Sunday 6 December at 5pm and 7.30pm at St Paul’s in Hammersmith. Tickets will soon be available via sph.org and they’re free. - Ms Joiner

carols by candlelight

Asked: October 2015

Why doesn’t the Piccadilly line stop at turnham green? I’m sure many residents will put Mr Bleza right; we’ve been trying to get the Piccadilly Line to stop at Turnham Green for a while. It’s not for want of trying! - Lady Hollins

piccadilly line butter fingers

If you have anything you’d like to share, ask or say, email us at chiswick.bg@residentsjournal.co.uk, write to us at Runwild Media Group, 6th Floor, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AX or tweet us @ChiswickWestJ

Canary Wharf Ice Rink

31st October - 27th February Canada Square park, Canary Wharf

booK TICKeTS TodAy SponSored by

icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk offICIAl bAr & KITChen provIder

[PROPERTY]

Property

the view from savills

news

Head of west London residential Christopher Bramwell explains the west London property market to those in the dark

The decisiveness of the election result was expected to boost confidence in the prime London market, however, it remains

92 per cent of homeowners are ‘confident in house price rises in their area into 2016’

The consensus is that property prices will increase by 7.2 per cent over the next six months, says Zoopla, with 92 per cent of homeowners “confident in house price rises in their area into 2016.” The East of England has the highest percentage of optimistic homeowners, with 97 per cent expecting the price of property in their area to rise over the next six months. Homeowners in London and the South East are almost as confident, with 96 per cent of respondents across those regions expecting price appreciation. Zoopla’s survey also found that almost half 41 per cent of homeowners are planning to improve their property, and that 9 per cent plan to refinance their house. The proportion of respondents planning to sell property has risen to 19 per cent

Sentiment around the accessibility of funding is more volatile having bottomed out at 15 per cent last year. Despite homeowner confidence around house prices, sentiment around the accessibility of funding is more volatile. While the percentage of respondents declaring it harder to get a mortgage now than three months ago has almost halved (49 per cent to 26 per cent) since the Mortgage Market Review (MMR) was introduced in April 2014, the fact that more than a quarter of homeowners have noticed a recent increase in difficulty suggests that it isn’t all plain sailing. Lawrence Hall, Zoopla’s head of public relations, said: “As the end of the year approaches, homeowners are the most optimistic they have been in some time. With the brightening national economic outlook – with real-terms wages rising and consumer confidence almost back up to pre-recession levels – this bodes well for the property market in 2016.” He went on to

add: “While traditionally the estate agency market tends to take a break over Christmas in terms of completions and viewings, homeowner confidence shows no sign of slowing down and many individuals use the end of the year as a landmark to evaluate how much their property has appreciated over the calendar year.”

relatively price-sensitive. In the aftermath of the election, prices across prime London rose by 2.3 per cent on average, having fallen by 1.4 per cent in late 2014. This reflects the increased transaction costs resulting from successive reforms of stamp duty and, in the more domestic markets such as Ealing, Chiswick and Hammersmith, the ongoing impact of the Mortgage Market

Transaction levels continue in healthy vein – HMRC

The residential property market continued its relatively healthy trend through September, with 106,030 transactions lodged with the Land Registry. The seasonally-adjusted estimate of the number of residential property transactions increased by 0.8 per cent between August 2015 and September 2015. This month’s seasonally adjusted figure is 5.4 per cent higher compared with the same month last year. For September 2015, the number of non-adjusted residential transactions was around the same level as in August 2015. The number of non-adjusted residential transactions was 5.4 per cent higher than in August 2014. Peter Rollings, the CEO of Marsh & Parsons said: “There was a real step-change in the gears of housing market activity over the summer, and since June property sales have been ticking along nicely, with this month-on-month rise being the latest cause for optimism.”

Review has constricted buyers’ ability to step up the housing ladder. It will take time for the market to adjust to these additional constraints before the fundamentals of demand for prime property restore growth. This will moderate price increases. As such, Savills Research has pushed out a five year forecast by a year to 18 months, with expectation that price growth to the end of 2020 will average a total of 18.2 per cent in the prime central London market. In brief, the fundamentals of wealth generation support medium-term price growth. However, this is likely to be muted in the short term as the market, which currently looks fully valued and fully taxed, adjusts to a new fiscal and regulatory backdrop.

In the event that you require more advice, do not hesitate to get in contact with Christopher Bramwell. Savills, 020 8987 5555, cbramwell@savills.com, savills.co.uk

Christopher bramwell

savills.co.uk

Whether small or tall Move with Savills

BROOK GREEN

Guide £1.295 million

CHISWICK

KEITH GROVE W12

1,634 sq ft

CASTLE ROW W4

EPC=D

CHISWICK

Guide £1.125 million

1,249 sq ft

THE CHAPEL W3

EPC=D

Guide £1.295 million

CHISWICK LODGE W4

1,572 sq ft

EPC=B

EALING

Guide £1.1 million

893 sq ft

ABELARD PLACE W5

1,760 sq ft

EPC=C

EPC=B

Guide £975,000

SPELDHURST ROAD W4 2

EALING

Guide £850,000

CHISWICK

BROOK GREEN

Guide £790,000

1,076 sq ft

DALLING ROAD W6

872 sq ft

EXEMPT

EPC=D

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SUTHERLAND ROAD W4 874 sq ft

ABDALE ROAD W12

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If you’re thinking of buying, selling, renting or letting, please get in touch with our Brook Green, Chiswick or Ealing offices. EALING

£519 pw + fees apply*

FORGE COTTAGES W5

1,319 sq ft

EPC=E

Move with Savills

* Fees to include drawing up the tenancy agreements and reference change for one tenant – £276 inc VAT one-off fee. £36 inc VAT for each additional tenant/occupant/guarantor reference where required. Inventory check out fee – charged at the end of or early termination of the tenancy and the amount is dependant on the property size and whether furnished/unfurnished. For more details visit savills.co.uk/fees

savills.co.uk

GENEROUS LIVING ACCOMMODATION AND VIEWS OVER RAVENSCOURT PARK ravenscourt road, w6 Reception room ø dining room ø kitchen ø 3 bedrooms ø bedroom 4/reception room ø 2 bathrooms ø cloakroom ø front and back garden ø 170 sq m (1,835 sq ft) ø EPC=E

Guide £1.735 million Freehold

Savills Chiswick Joe Williams jwilliams@savills.com

020 8987 5550

TWO BEDROOM APARTMENT WITH COMMUNAL GYM AND GARDEN chiswick green studios, w4 Reception room/dining room ø kitchen ø 2 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø further shower room ø balcony ø underground parking ø lift ø concierge ø communal gym and garden ø 102 sq m (1,098 sq ft) ø EPC=B ø EPC=B

Guide £1.025 million Share of Freehold

Savills Chiswick Emma Sims esims@savills.com

020 8987 5550

savills.co.uk

UNIQUE CONVERTED COURTHOUSE BLENDING HISTORICAL CHARM AND URBAN LIVING north end road, w14 Open plan reception room/kitchen ø media/ family room ø 2 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø further bathroom ø utility room ø cloakroom ø courtyard ø Grade II listed ø 244 sq m (2,626 sq ft) ø EPC=C

Guide £2.495 million Leasehold

Savills Brook Green and Shepherd's Bush Christopher Bramwell cbramwell@savills.com

020 3618 3777

DOUBLE FRONTED FIVE BEDROOM HOUSE OFFERING FANTASTIC LATERAL LIVING devonport road, w12 3 reception rooms ø study ø open plan kitchen/ dining room ø 5 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø 2 bathrooms ø garden ø off-street parking ø 241 sq m (2,594 sq ft) ø EPC=D

Guide £2.25 million Freehold

Savills Brook Green and Shepherd's Bush Natalie Sims nsims@savills.com

020 3618 3777

Small or tall? Move with Savills in Ealing

Savills Ealing 3 The Green London W5 5DA 020 8018 7100 ealing@savills.com

savills.co.uk

SA85635 The West Journal WPB.indd 1

21/10/2015 10:51

savills.co.uk

BEAUTIFUL GEORGIAN COACH HOUSE WITH A STUNNING WALLED GARDEN the butts, tw8 2 reception rooms ø kitchen/family room ø 4 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø bathroom ø cloakroom ø garden ø 202 sq m (2,174 sq ft) ø EPC=D

Guide £1.65 million Freehold

Savills Ealing Christopher Bramwell cbramwell@savills.com

020 8018 7100

STYLISH AND STRIKING FAMILY HOME WITH GARDEN AND SEPARATE STUDIO baldwyn gardens, w3 2 reception rooms ø kitchen/dining room ø 5 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø 2 bath/shower rooms ø cloakroom ø studio ø garden ø 225 sq m (2,422 sq ft) ø EPC=D

Guide £1.85 million Freehold

Savills Ealing Matthew Gilbert mcgilbert@savills.com

020 8018 7080

10:51

savills.co.uk

LETTINGS LAYOUT ONLY

A FABULOUS AND BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED VICTORIAN TERRACED HOUSE loris road, w6 5 double bedrooms (2 en suite) ø further bathroom ø open plan kitchen/family room ø double reception room ø garden ø 257 sq m (2,769 sq ft) ø Council Tax=G ø EPC=E

Unfurnished £1,500 per week + £276 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee and other charges may apply*

Savills Brook Green and Shepherd's Bush Ben Charsley bcharsley@savills.com

020 3618 3785

STYLISH GARDEN FLAT IN A POPULAR LOCATION sinclair road, w14 2 bedrooms ø shower/steam room ø open plan reception room ø bespoke kitchen ø storage ø garden ø 106 sq m (1,132 sq ft) ø Council Tax=E ø EPC=D

Flexible furnishings £595 per week + £276 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee and other charges may apply*

Savills Brook Green and Shepherd's Bush Ben Charsley bcharsley@savills.com

020 3618 3785 *£36 reference *£36 inc inc VAT VAT for for each eachadditional additionaltenant/occupant/guarantor tenant/occupant/ where required. Inventory check out fee Inventory - charged at the end of or early guarantor reference where required. check termination of the tenancy and the amount is dependent on the property out fee – charged at the end of or early termination size andtenancy whetherand furnished/unfurnished. For more details including of the the amount is dependent on the propertyinventory size andfee, whether furnished/unfurnished. example For more details, visit www.savills.co.uk/fees. visit www.savills.co.uk/fees.

L L O

savills.co.uk

LETTINGS LAYOUT ONLY

A BEAUTIFULLY REFURBISHED FAMILY HOUSE IN BEDFORD PARK fairfax road, w4 5 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø further bathroom ø shower room ø double reception room ø utility room/basement ø 3 cloakrooms ø garden ø 237 sq m (2,552 sq ft) ø Council Tax=E ø EPC=D

Unfurnished £2,400 per week + £276 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee and other charges may apply*

Savills Chiswick Joanna Read jgread@savills.com

020 8987 5550

STUNNING APARTMENT IN A POPULAR DEVELOPMENT chiswick green studios, w4 2 bedrooms ø bathroom/jacuzzi ø shower room/sauna ø reception room/kitchen ø further reception room ø dressing room ø patio ø 147 sq m (1,580 sq ft) ø Council Tax=G ø EPC=C

Flexible furnishings £1,100 per week + £276 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee and other charges may apply*

Savills Chiswick Joanna Read jgread@savills.com

020 8987 5550 *£36 reference *£36 inc inc VAT VAT for for each eachadditional additionaltenant/occupant/guarantor tenant/occupant/ where required. Inventory check out fee Inventory - charged at the end of or early guarantor reference where required. check termination of the tenancy and the amount is dependent on the property out fee – charged at the end of or early termination size andtenancy whetherand furnished/unfurnished. For more details including of the the amount is dependent on the propertyinventory size andfee, whether furnished/unfurnished. example For more details, visit www.savills.co.uk/fees. visit www.savills.co.uk/fees.

Thornton Avenue, Chiswick W4 An exquisite five bedroom semi detached Victorian house Having undergone a complete refurbishment to exacting standards, this wonderful home is presented in immaculate condition throughout. 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, WC, dressing room, bespoke kitchen/dining/family room, reception room, study, basement/utility room, front and rear gardens. EPC: E. Approximately 267.50 sq m (2,880 sq ft). Freehold

Guide price: £3,250,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/chiswick chiswick@knightfrank.com 020 3757 6230

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/CWK140009

The

The Avenue, Chiswick W4 A delightful five bedroom, Grade II listed semi detached house in Bedford Park This wonderful family home is ideally located in the prestigious Bedford Park Conservation Area, designed by E W Godwin. 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, wetroom, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, conservatory, reception, study/playroom,cellar, front and rear gradens, off street parking. EPC: D. Approximately 222 sq m (2,390 sq ft). Freehold

Guide price: £2,495,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/chiswick chiswick@knightfrank.com 020 3757 6230

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/CWK140009

The Ave 18 C&BG nov 15

22/10/2015 14:05:11

Kew Bridge Wharf, Brentford TW8 An outstanding three double bedroom apartment by Kew Bridge Due for completion in March 2016 this apartment occupies an enviable position in the development, with each room affording delightful views of the river. The Kew Bridge development boasts a 24 hour concierge, residents fitness suite and secure underground parking. 3 double bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, kitchen, open plan reception/dining room, 2 balconies, utility room. Approximately 135.5 sq m (1,458 sq ft). Share of freehold

Guide price: £1,695,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/chiswick chiswick@knightfrank.com 020 3757 6230

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/CWK150182

Joh

John Bull Place, Chiswick W4 Four newly built three bedroom houses within an exclusive development Four architect designed three bedroom homes, recently constructed to the highest of standards. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, downstairs WC, large open plan reception, kitchen, rear garden, allocated parking. EPC: B. Approximately 102 sq m (1,100 sq ft). Freehold

KnightFrank.co.uk/chiswick chiswick@knightfrank.com 020 3757 6230

Guide prices from: £960,000

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/CWK150086

John Bull Place- c&bg nov 2015

22/10/2015 14:15:45

Aintree Lodge, Chiswick W4 A delightful two bedroom detached lodge in a quiet residential development This well presented two bedroom lodge is surrounded by mature gardens, giving a wonderful sense of privacy. The property is situated just south of Turnham Green with the delights of the shops, bars and restaurants of Chiswick High Road close by. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen, reception room, garden, garage. EPC: E. Approximately 86.52 sq m (931 sq ft). Leasehold

Guide price: £899,950

KnightFrank.co.uk/chiswick chiswick@knightfrank.com 020 3757 6230

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/CWK150035

Aintree Lodge- c&bg nov 2015

29/10/2015 14:22:34

:34

Homefield Road, Chiswick W4 A beautiful five bedroom house with off street parking and a private garden A semi-detached family house is situated on a desirable street close to the Chiswick High Road. The property comprises 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a large reception room, kitchen/family room, utility room, garden and offstreet parking. This house benefits from large windows, high ceilings and wooden floors in the reception. EPC: D. Approximetely 2,618 sq ft (243.2 sq m) Available unfurnished Guide price: £1,600 per week Knightfrank.co.uk/CHQ227825

KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings chiswicklettings@knightfrank.com 020 3757 6230

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

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

CBG 156 SSA Lettings - Homefield Road 4

27/10/2015 10:11:33

[PROPERTY]

One year

later

t’s been a booming year for Knight Frank’s office in leafy Chiswick. Now very much at home in its spot on Turnham Green Terrace, the office recently celebrated its first anniversary. “Our first year has flown by, and the team and I have enjoyed every minute.” I ask him about the coffee and croissant morning the office recently hosted for the local community. “It was great having our birthday celebration after a year had passed, getting old clients in and seeing them again,” Ramsey tells me. “There’s a feel-good factor out there and you can really tell,” he continues. Ramsey is delighted with the way the year has gone, but what’s the reason for the successes and brilliant sales? “It’s about pricing right,” he begins. “I think that more than ever, pricing is very important and we’re seeing properties sell quickly and for a very good result once we’ve advised on a market-appropriate price.” There’s good reason for Ramsey’s (and his clients’) confidence about his results and his predictions and projections – the

SUccess story: grosvenor ROAD

market-leading research team that Knight Frank has behind it is what provides it with its first-class knowledge. “We have a very good research team, one that’s certainly worth shouting about, and one that other agents don’t really have,” Ramsey nods. The new Knight Frank offices opening across London are testament to the department’s outstanding knowledge and this is proven in Chiswick, with Ramsey seeing some exceptional sales. In more recent weeks, Ramsey praises the market’s possibilities. “Autumn started with a bang with two record months, both in terms of new stock and sales agreed,” he tells me animatedly. “Within Knight Frank, the south west region has outstripped our central London teams in terms of price increases and activity.” This is all good news

Autumn started with a bang with two record months

The Journal talks to Ramsey Conyers, Office Head of Knight Frank Chiswick

Ramsey Conyers

and sounds promising for Knight Frank and its clients, especially since the only way is up, as Ramsey explains. “Our market forecast for London is 3.5 per cent growth, and between 2015-2019, it’s at 25.8 per cent. This is good news for my vendors, but should also provide reassurance and instil confidence in buyers to proceed now, rather than risking having to pay more in the future.” Is there a possible reason for this, I ask? “We’re enjoying a sustained period of low interest rates,” Ramsey smiles. I ask Ramsey about some recent successes that are noteworthy – he obliges and explains one way that Knight Frank gets its results. “Our recent sales that have been upwards of £3million have come from our central London network,” Ramsey explains. “The buyers broadened their horizons to Chiswick thanks to the communication within Knight Frank.” The first year has set the bar high, but this isn’t something Ramsey and the Chiswick team are worried about. The buyers across London that are active and ready to purchase, are brought to W4 through the Knight Frank central London network, and with a culture of communication and in-house networking, it’s fair to say that the clients of Knight Frank are going to continue to find themselves very satisfied indeed. 64 Turnham Green Terrace, W4 1QN, 020 3757 6230, knightfrank.co.uk

UK RESIDENTIAL, EUROPEAN & INTERNATIONAL REMOVALS Import, Export & Storage by Air, Road & Sea

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Crate ad 268x190mm 020 3468 9616.indd 1

16/10/2015 12:22

Atwood Road W6 £1,499,999 Freehold

An immaculately presented, light and bright, family home situated in the heart of Brackenbury Village. This end of terrace house has recently been Hammersmith & Shepherd's Bush Sales completely refurbished throughout.

4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (1 en suite), Reception room, Kitchen, Cloakroom, Garden, Roof terrace, EPC: E

020 8563 7100 | hammsales@dng.co.uk

South North

Balham Chelsea

Battersea Fulham Fulham

Battersea Park Clapham East Putney Southfields & Earlsfield West Putney Hammersmith Kensington Kensington South Hammersmith & & Shepherd’s Shepherd’s Bush Bush Kensington KensingtonGate Gate SouthKensington Kensington

Notting NottingHill Hill

Pimlico Pimlico&&Westminster Westminster

douglasandgordon.com

Antrobus Road W4 £1,050 per week + admin fees* Unfurnished

A fully converted house set with in a desirable location. Recently refurbished to an outstanding standard throughout, the property's double reception room Hammersmith & Shepherd's Bush Lettings boasts high ceilings and large windows.

4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Reception room, Kitchen, Cloakroom, Front and rear gardens, EPC: F

020 8563 4422 | hammlets@dng.co.uk

Good to know... *An initial one-off tenancy agreement fee of £240 (inc VAT) per property and a £45 (inc VAT) referencing charge per person will apply. At the end of the tenancy an inventory check-out fee will be charged, this amount will depend on the size of the property and whether it is furnished/unfurnished. For more details visit www.douglasandgordon.com/tenants/infoandcharges

DORVILLE VAL E T TACRESCENT R OAD W 1 2 W6 £12 0C PCM £ 6 500 0PPW W / |£ 2£52 8 1 60 P M • • • • • • • • • •

A substantial perfectly presented semi-detached family house A family house, available unfurnished Close to Ravenscourt 4 double bedrooms Park and good W6 schools 6Shower bedrooms room 2Bathroom Bathrooms en suite) en (1 suite Cloakroom Double reception room

•• •• •• •• ••

2Kitchen reception rooms room with under-floor heating / breakfast Kitchen / dining room and conservatory Patio garden Garden withthroughout side access Wood floors Extensive cellar / laundry Available immediately - furnished / unfurnished 2443 approx. EPC - E 1216 sq ft / 227 113 sq m approx.

BPERCY I N D E N RROAD OAD WW12 12 ££1,5 2 , 3 9050,0 , 0 0 0 0F FREEHOLD REEHOLD •• •• •• •• ••

A lovely wide Victorian family house cleverly interior designed Victorian family house 35 double doublebedrooms bedrooms 32 bathrooms bathroomsand (2 en suite) shower room Cloakroom Cloakroom Double receptionroom room Double reception

•• •• •• •• ••

Fabulous family family/ kitchen / dining room Basement media room West facing patio garden Kitchen / dining room High quality internal finishes Utility and larder Current planning permission to extend to add 4th bedroom SW facing garden with separate entrance 1806sq sqftft/ /248 168sqsq approx. EPC 2670 mm approx. EPC -E EPC - D- E

A family

Business

ÂŠ Vera Bardo

Elizabeth Finney speaks to homeowner Maggie Campbell with Ian and Emma Gardiner of Gardiner Residential about why Ealing is the next big thing for families and why location is so important

EMMA AND IAN gardiner

[PROPERTY]

ucked away behind a privet hedge on a road peppered with leafy trees in Ealing, I arrive at a classic, detached Victorian house. Its owner, Maggie Campbell, welcomes me in through the checkerboard central hallway into a spacious open-plan kitchen and living area, which is flooded with natural light thanks to the bi-folding doors that open out onto the garden. Both the house and the local area seem to be very family-orientated, something Ian and Emma Gardiner of Gardiner Residential are focusing on. “We’d like a young family to move in, as it’s a family home with the option of a one-bedroom flat for parents or relatives,” Emma Gardiner informs me. The six-bedroom property has been a home to Maggie and her family for nine years and I can see how much they’ve made it their own in that time. The living space leads through to a library area and into a vast family room through two archways instead of doors, making much of the ground floor completely open and accessible. Across the hall lies an elegant drawing room and study, an area of the house which can be reworked into the aforementioned self-contained onebedroom flat. “That’s been a play room, it’s now mine and my husband’s office,” Maggie tells me. “The previous owners’ mother and father lived in those rooms, so it’s quite a multi-functional house.” One of the most noticeable things about the property is the sheer space within it. The five double-bedrooms are generously proportioned and carefully decorated, with sleek yet homely and personal interiors. Both the bathrooms and the kitchen are opulent and sophisticated. Ealing, with its many transport links and vast amount of open space, has been at the forefront of a growing number of Londoners’ minds who are looking to up-size away

from the city centre. Looking around this stunning property while hearing Maggie sing the area’s praises, I can understand why Ealing is such a hotspot. “There is a really strong community,” she says. “The children all know each other from school and all the mums are well-acquainted. It’s not like being in central London here, you bump into people you know all the time.” With the promise of Crossrail arriving in 2018, Ealing is buzzing. “It’s amazing how many restaurants and coffee shops are springing up,” Maggie muses. “The dynamic is completely changing,” Emma adds. “Ealing is on par with Chiswick in terms of property

The values in Ealing have increased by 9.3% prices. I would say a year ago it wasn’t, but an average house in Chiswick costs about £1.3million and in Ealing it’s now around that mark as well.” Maggie sums up why she likes the area. “For the children, I like the fact that they grow and get independence,” she says. “We’ve got a bus stop right outside the door and when they come home late it’s all street lit.” Emma goes on to say: “It is north of The Broadway, a five-minute walk to the tube and children don’t have to cross the road to get there.” In terms of raising a family, Ealing’s wealth of private schools is drawing a steady crowd from other areas of West London. “I had all my children in different schools at one point, all in walking distance,” Maggie tells me, adding: “You can afford choice here, so you don’t worry about picking one school to suit all of them.” With so many different aspects of Ealing coming up roses, could it be said that the area has been undervalued in the

past? “Definitely. That’s why we opened, we are not a town agent,” Emma says keenly. “This year, the market is stable. The massive increase was about two years ago when it really shot up,” Ian adds. “Every year it just keeps going. The market in central London has really helped Ealing.” Gardiner Residential, one of the first boutique estate agencies in the area, is perfect for the job of selling this family home filled with character. Personal and accessible, their approach to property focuses entirely on tailoring its services to the customers’ needs. “You want to be able to ring somebody you know and not have to go through six employees and have different sales people taking your viewings,” Maggie tells me animatedly. “At Gardiner’s you get the same person, you get continuity.” Emma adds: “It’s important to be held accountable. I’ve lived in Ealing my whole life, so I bump into customers all the time. You need the ability to work with somebody and listen to what they want,” she says. The area specific relationship that the Gardiners’ build with each of their individual clients is certainly an attribute that is working in their favour. Gardiner Residential has been open for six years, and business is booming in the more rural areas of London. In fact, the values in Ealing have increased by 9.3% in the last year. As Ian points out, you can get a large detached house in Ealing for a similar price as a much smaller flat in Notting Hill. “The Notting Hill and Kensington houses are so expensive, that to buy a house there you need between eight and £10million,” he informs me. “London is so busy now, people are always looking to move and what’s great about Ealing is that there is a huge variety of properties. It’s so much more than price per sq ft here – it’s the house, the location, and the great schools.” Gardiner Residential, 4a Spring Bridge Road, W5 2AA, 020 8579 5242, gardinerhomes.co.uk

From Left: ian gardiner, maggie campbell, emma gardiner

Edgehill Road W13

£3,950,000

Situated in one of Ealing`s most desirable roads this substantial, Grade II listed, detached family house offers approximately 4,714 sq ft of living space, arranged over three floors. The entrance hall gives access to all the main rooms on the ground floor with drawing room, dining room and reception room all with views onto the wonderful garden with summer house. On the upper floors there are eight bedrooms, study, bathroom and a shower room. To the front of the property is off street parking & garage.

Gordon Road W5

£2,750,000

A substantial and immaculately presented six bedroom detached double fronted Victorian family house located in this popular tree lined residential road just moments’ walk from Ealing Broadway station. This beautiful home offers generous proportions throughout with an appealing layout arranged off a wide and welcoming central hallway. Arranged over two floors this is an ideal entertaining house. On the ground floor are three reception rooms, large eat in kitchen family room with bi folding doors leading out on the beautiful large mature rear garden. Upstairs are six bedrooms, family bathroom, en suite bathroom.

WE EALING Ian Gardiner

Emma Gardiner

Kira Russo

Anne Marie Cahill

Koo Dahinden

Ainsdale Road W5

ÂŁ925,000

A stylish and contemporary three bedroom house which is totally screened from the road and offers spacious living with the benefit of all rooms opening on to secluded outside space. The property incorporates impressive fixtures and fittings with modern kitchen and bathrooms. This ultra-modern house boasts floor to ceiling windows throughout which flood the whole house with spectacular natural light. This home is perfectly designed for entertaining with the house having a real sense of flow. This really is contemporary living at its best.

Hartington Road W13

ÂŁ450,000

A brand newly refurbished two bedroom first floor flat (with lift) which benefits from wood floors, smart new kitchen with fitted appliances, utility cupboard and bathroom. The property is conveniently placed for the transport links of both Ealing Broadway and West Ealing and includes secure covered parking. The property has been fully renovated and benefits from solid wood floors, chrome ironmongery, chrome switches and sockets, brushed stainless steel recessed down lights throughout, blinds, smoke and heat detectors. The Kitchen is fully integrated and there is plenty of natural light.

Telephone: 020 8579 5242 Email: info@gardinerhomes.co.uk www.gardinerhomes.co.uk

St Albans Avenue, W4 £1,795,000 Freehold StStAlbans W4 £1,795,000 Freehold Marys Avenue, Grove, W4 £1,150 per week To Let St Albans Avenue, W4 £1,795,000 Freehold Stsuperbly Albans presented Avenue, W4 A and recently renovated four bedroom two bathroom home in this sought after£1,795,000 location only Freehold a short A presented and foursituated bedroom bathroom homestreet in thisinsought after location onlyarea a short Asuperbly stunning detached five recently bedroom family home ontwo a quiet residential the popular Grove Park of walk from Turnham Green tube andrenovated the Chiswick High Road. A superbly presented and recently renovated fourHigh bedroom two bathroom in this sought after location only a short walk from Turnham Green tube and the Chiswick Road. Chiswick, offered in immaculate condition throughout. St Marys Grove is home well located for the open spaces of Chiswick A superbly presented and recently fourHigh bedroom two bathroom home in this sought after location only a short walk from Turnham Green tube andrenovated the Chiswick House and Grounds and is within walking distance to Road. the Chiswick Mainline Station and the River Thames. EPC = E. walk from Turnham Green tube and the Chiswick High Road. • Sought after location • 25’ Double reception room • Two bathrooms • • Sought after location location • 25’ Double reception room • Two bathrooms Excellent residential • Retaining period features • Two reception rooms • Walking distance of the high road • Large kitchen/dining room • Landscaped garden •• • Sought after location • 25’ Double reception room • Two bathrooms Walking distance of the high road • Large kitchen/dining room • Landscaped garden garden Stunning family home • Five bedrooms • Large landscaped • Contemporary style • Four doublereception bedrooms • EPC =D after location Double room bathrooms •• • Sought Walking distance of the high road •• 25’ Large kitchen/dining room •• Two Landscaped gardento the station Contemporary style Four double bedrooms EPC = D distance Contemporary finish • Three bathrooms • Walking •• Walking distance of the high road • Large kitchen/dining room • Landscaped garden Contemporary style • Four double bedrooms • EPC = D • Contemporary style • Four double bedrooms • EPC = D

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Dukes Avenue, W4St Albans Avenue, W4 £2,500,000 Freehold £1,795,000 Dukes Avenue, W4 £2,500,000Freehold Freehold Woodstock Road, Bedford Park £1,725,000 Dukes Avenue, W4 £2,500,000 Freehold Dukes Avenue, W4 to acquire this family house in Dukes Avenue with a west facing rear garden £2,500,000 A wonderful opportunity enjoying Freehold

A superbly presented and recently renovated fourwith bedroom two bathroom homeenjoying in this sought after location only A wonderful opportunity to acquire this family house inLocated Dukes Avenue a west facing rear garden This superbly presented three bedroom mid terrace property is Chiswick located inHigh one of Bedford Park’s most sought after uninterrupted aspectswalk over gardens towards the west. in this sought after road running off Chiswick High treeRoad. from Turnham Green tube and the Road. A wonderful opportunity to acquire this family house in Dukes Avenue with a west facing rear garden enjoying uninterrupted aspects over gardens towards the west. Located in this sought after road running off Chiswick High Road. lined streets. The house has been neutrally decorated throughout to an exceptionally high standard, whilst retaining many A wonderful opportunity to acquire this family house in Dukes Avenue with a west facing rear garden enjoying aspects gardens towards the ofuninterrupted the original “Arts and over Crafts” style features. EPCwest. = E. Located in this sought after road running off Chiswick High Road. uninterrupted aspects over gardens towards the west. Located in this sought after road running off Chiswick High Road. • Prime central location bedrooms • Off street parking • Two bathrooms • Sought after location •• Six • 25’ Double reception room Prime central location Six bedrooms •• Guest Off street parking • • in Bedford Parkhouse • 17’ •Bespoke kitchen/breakfast room cloak room •Located Semi-detached family Two reception rooms • Freehold • Walking distance of the high road • Large kitchen/dining room • Landscaped garden • Prime central location • Six bedrooms • Off street parking garden • Semi-detached family house • Two reception rooms • Freehold • •Close to Turnham Green station • Three double bedrooms • Private west-facing Wonderful west facing garden • Vaulted kitchen • EPC = E parking • EPC = D Prime central location Six bedrooms Off street • Contemporary style • Four double bedrooms • Semi-detached house •• Two reception ••• Freehold Freehold Wonderful west family facing garden Vaulted kitchenrooms EPC = E • •37’ double reception room • Bathroom •• Semi-detached •• Two reception •• Freehold Wonderful west family facing house garden Vaulted kitchenrooms EPC = E • Wonderful west facing garden • Vaulted kitchen • EPC = E

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Most agents are content with just marketing your property. Why not use an agent who is only satisfied with selling your property? Below are examples of our recent successes:

Warwick road NW10 SOLD £1,300,000

• Four bedroom Town House • End of terrace

Falcondale Court NW10 SOLD £355,000

Grange Park W5 SOLD £700,000

• 1 bedroom flat in new Bellway development • Many disappointed buyers, property of a

• 3 bed flat in desirable location • Sold within days

similar ilk required

SPECIAL END OF YEAR OFFER! Until the end of 2015, Kings London are offering you the chance to sell your property for just 0.75%*. In addition to this, if you have a property to let, we will manage your property for one year at no extra cost whatsoever.* Please call us today on 0208 579 3523 to find out more. *Terms & Conditions apply

A: 82 St Marys Road, London, W5 5EX E: ealing@kingslondon.co.uk T: 0208 579 3523

Working alongside

Computer generated image of Queen’s Wharf and Hammersmith Bridge**

IT’S TIME TO MOVE UP STREAM ELEGANT HOMES OVERLOOKING THE THAMES A R R A N G E A N A P P O I N T M E N T AT O U R S A L E S O F F I C E TO DAY Q U E E N S W H A R F.C O. U K 020 7205 2819 A collection of riverside apartments all featuring balconies, many with expansive views of the River Thames and Hammersmith Bridge. All studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments combine quintessentially British interior design with a modern twist. Prices from £590,000*

* Prices correct at time of going to press. ** Computer generated image is indicative only.

Tabor Road W6 ÂŁ1,850,000 Tabor Road W6

A beautifullyA presented beautifully four-bedroom house presented situated on one four-bedroom of the most sought-after roadshouse in Brackenbury situated on Village, close to Hammersmith Village, and Goldhawk close Road to underground Hammersmith stations. Freehold. EPC=D and Goldhawk R

Brook Green: 020 7605 7760 sales.bkg@marshandparsons.co.uk Brook Green: 020 7605 7760

sale

Avenue W14 Fitzjames ÂŁ1,750,000 Avenue W14 ÂŁ1,750,000

efitting from An impressive a porter three-bedroom , a lift,apartment beautifully benefittingmaintained from a porter, a lift,communal beautifully maintained gardens communal and gardens and most premier streets located in West on oneKensington. of the most premier streets EPC=C in West Kensington. EPC=C

605 7760 sales.bkg@marshandparsons.co.uk Brook Green: 020 7605 7760 sales.bkg@marshandparsons.co.uk

The launch of Crucial Café at the Hogarth Health Club has made it easy to enjoy healthy, delicious foods before or after a workout. A café with a difference, this new eatery is founded on the expertise of qualified clinical nutritionist, Ruth Wood, and is the perfect partner to complement the Hogarth’s holistic approach to health and well-being.

Together, let us inspire, guide, motivate... and nourish you! Call Jo or Hampus now on 020 8994 0500 to arrange a club tour. The Crucial Café is now open to non-members, until 3pm daily Crucial Café at the Hogarth,

Airedale Avenue, Chiswick, London W4 2NW www.thehogarth.co.uk 020 8994 0500 www.crucialfood.com 020 8747 4047