Managing Editor Francesca Lee
What’s inside
Editorial Assistants Tom Hagues Henry Hopwood-Phillips Editorial Intern Elizabeth Sersta
An insight into this issue
Editor-in-Chief Lesley Ellwood Managing Director Eren Ellwood
“…Competition is fiercer than a riledup lion and eagerto-please local restaurateurs come and go like buses…” – Restaurant review
General Manager Fiona Fenwick senior Designer Lisa Wade Publishing Director Giles Ellwood Executive Director Sophie Roberts Client Relationship manager Friday Dalrymple BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Nicola Bloomfield
“…As ever, such naivety proves to be my undoing and when Anny gets us to start working our abs, legs and back muscles, I begin to feel the strain…” – HEALTH AND FITNESS
Production Alice Ford Hugo Wheatley Alex Powell Oscar Viney
Published by
RUNWILD MEDIA GROUP
One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AX T: 020 7987 4320 rwmg.co.uk
“...The committee working with Cathy is made up of a varied group of volunteers, but with one thing in common: they all have a love for the arts…” – LOCAL FESTIVALS
Members of the Professional
2
© Universal Pictures
Publishers Association
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.
“…I’m invited to have a taste of the menu at lunchtime. I roll my eyes, sigh heavily and shake my head while saying: ‘Well okay, if I have to’...” – A Day in the Life of
“…Don’t expect a multi-layered comment on society, nor should you assume it’s going to be laced in arthouse cinema style: it is what it is, and that’s a whole lot of fun...” – FILM
[editor’s letter and contents]
From the
editor
W
CONTENTS
e’re now officially halfway through the year, meaning we can all sit back and say to each other: ‘I just don’t know where the time’s gone’,
while enjoying the warm weather. The summer months are great and whether you’re going on holiday or staying in the area, you’ll be sure to have a good time. Discover activities at home from page four; the What’s On pages have plenty of inspiration for you. And, to enjoy the warm evenings, flick to our theatre roundup on page nine for some of the best open-air theatres and performances in London. Meanwhile, on page 14, Tom Hagues uncovers the delights of an Italian restaurant in Hammersmith, with Italian food that’s so authentic you might not need to go abroad to enjoy Italy’s flavours. Perhaps save
Bell Eames’ stall at the Chiswick pop up – page five
REGULARS 4
eating for after the activity on page 15, however, where we give yoga with a twist a try. The HF ArtsFest takes place this month and you can read all about
WHAT’S ON IN JUNE All the best events to attend this month
16
HP SOURCE
Who’s winning and who’s losing in today’s world?
21
WORD ON THE STREET
The most pressing issues from vocal locals
it from page 10. The Bedford Park Festival (two weeks of unadulterated
FEATURES
fun) also happens in mid-June, and you can read about the top events
10
fest to impress
Finding out about the HF ArtsFest
12
exquisite taste
Chiswick welcomes Neptune to the High Road
from page 17. Last, but not least, we get nosy on page 20 and discover what goes on behind the scenes at Smokehouse in Chiswick.
14
Buon appetito, hammersmith L’Amorosa strikes a chord with its fabulous flavours
We hope you enjoy the issue.
15
slim while you’re swinging
18
LOCAL RESIDENT
A yoga class like you’ve never seen before Belinda Donovan speaks to producer Matthew Byam Shaw 20
Day in the life of... Smokehouse We find out what goes on behind the smoke
Francesca Lee, Managing Editor
news, events and reviews 8
That’s a wrap
Novak Djokovic © AELTC/Jon Buckle; The Seagull © Bronwen Sharp; Smokehouse
9
theatrical masterpieces
Chiswick, Theatre in the Square © David Tett; Ravenscourt Art; The Bedford
Our roundup of open-air theatres
Park Festival; Bush Theatre; L’Amorosa; Entourage © 2015 WARNER BROS.
17
a fortnight of frolicking
Films hitting the screen in June
ON THE COVER (left to right)
ENTERTAINMENT INC
The Bedford Park Festival’s key dates and top events
3
Top picks for
JUNE
The best events to attend this month
11-24 June CIRQUE DE CHISWICK
13, 14, 20 and 21 June ART ATTACK
17-20 June FOUR WALLS DON’T MAKE A HOME
Giffords Circus – a family-run establishment – will descend upon Chiswick House and Gardens this month for 24 performances. The circus is a ‘vintage’ one and offers fun for all the family with its 90-minute thrilling shows that will capture the hearts and minds of audiences. It’s quite an arty theatre, since the performances experiment with various forms of circus, combining theatre, opera, dance and puppetry to wow and entertain. This year’s show is entitled Moon Songs. You can expect hand-made costumes, danger-defying acrobats and a much-loved goose.
As part of HF ArtsFest taking place this month, Ravenscourt Art is popping up rather pleasingly with its show comprising original and affordable art. It will be a great opportunity to meet the artists and find a piece of work that catches your eye or makes you smile. Paintings, prints and greetings cards will be available to purchase, all of which have been designed by three local artists: Arabella Harcourt-Cooze, Polly Nuttall and Julia Everett. From seascapes to portraits, there will be a wealth of talent to choose from and the greatest thing about it is that all the brilliance, artistic charm and talent come from local residents.
HOUSE is coming to Olympia, but it’s not the thudding music genre we’re talking about. This event is a curated collection of brands and specialists showcasing their products and wealth of knowledge to help you come up with inspiration for every room in your home. As part of the event, the HOUSE Theatre will feature experts from the industry giving presentations with a focus on modern trends and decoration. Go and learn, find out what’s in and what’s for the bin and get all the bits you didn’t think you needed.
Adults £25, children £15, see website for times on all dates, Chiswick House, Burlington Lane, W4 2RP, 0845 459 7469 (giffordscircus.com)
ravenscourt art
4
Free entry, 12noon-5pm, 303 Goldhawk Road, W12 8EU (ravenscourtart.weebly.com)
the house exhibition
£16 if booked in advance, £20 on the door, 10am-6pm, Olympia Grand, Olympia London, Hammersmith Road, W14 8UX, 0844 412 4623 (house.events)
[EVENTS]
20 June BUSINESS POP-UP
20 June CUP OF TEA AND A DASH OF TANGO
1 and 2 July A GREAT OPERA-TUNITY
If you fancy a little bit of everything but don’t want to traipse around the streets to get it all, panic not. The Chiswick Pop Up, a regular event taking place each month, will have various local businesses, producers, designers, artisans and upcyclers all under one roof for your delectation. Chiswick is full of creative individuals, and this pop-up will be a great way to see them in action and sample some of their wares, talents and offerings. Pop-ups are very much ‘in’ at the moment and are adored by foodies, shopaholics and art fans to name a few. This one has it all, so bravo to it.
For people well-versed in the tango, foxtrot or waltz – and even those who aren’t – this afternoon will be a knee-slapping, teaswilling bonanza of fun. Some Like It Red Hot, an all-female band who specialise in swing music, will provide the swinging sounds for this tea dance, whisking attendees back to the roaring ’20s. The numbers played will include work by Jerome Kern, Cole Porter and Henry Mancini, and by the end of the afternoon there won’t be a pair of feet standing still (unless that pair belongs to someone eating a plate of delicious afternoon tea).
Focus Opera is bringing two productions to Chiswick House at the beginning of July, marking the 11th anniversary of the annual summer opera season in the house’s gardens. This will be the group’s third year, giving guests the opportunity to picnic in the setting sun. The performances are La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi, which tells the story of a Parisian courtesan who sacrifices all for love and the other is Johann Strauss’s Die Fledermaus. This one’s a comedic telling of the revenge taken by Dr Falke after a practical joke spins out of control.
Free entry, 11am-4pm, Barley Mow Centre, 10 Barley Mow Passage, W4 4PH (thechiswickpopup.co.uk)
£10, including afternoon tea, 3pm-5pm, St Michael and All Angels Parish Hall, Bath Road, W4 1TT (bedfordparkfestival.org)
pop-up stall from bell eames
£35 adults, £18 children, 7.30pm both evenings, Chiswick House, Burlington Lane, W4 2RP, 07944 219 538 (chfriends.org.uk) ( focusopera.com)
focus opera
5
[EVENTS]
community spirit the cast of Citizen Squid
online chatter What’s got local tongues wagging recently? @SuperSaturday00 Who else feels like skipping down the #Chiswick High Street today? #sunshinemakesmehappy
@Dreamy_DaysBake Sun is shining in Chiswick #lovelondon #chiswick #sunshine
@CllrGaryMalcolm Lib Dem Councillors celebrate 30 years of For most of the month, Lyric Square in Hammersmith will be abuzz with various Theatre
the Gunnersbury Triangle #chiswick #ealing
in the Square events taking place for the fifth year in a row. The programme intends
#southfield
to draw in passers-by and invite them to enjoy free, top-quality performances. They take place at lunchtime and it’s all absolutely free. Here’s what’s happening:
@GAILsBakery
9 & 10 June
Good morning from Erika and the GAIL’s
BOY MEETS GIRL
Bakery, #Chiswick team
Don a pair of headphones from the Zest Theatre Tent and follow Boy and Girl as they journey into the unknown in an interactive love story set in Hammersmith.
@Kings_Mall
16 & 17 June
What are you doing in #Hammersmith this
MONOTONE MAN
weekend? Share your best bits with us!
Stuck in a routine that’s not exactly exhilarating, Monotone Man finds
#HappeningHammersmith
out what can happen if he breaks his routine of commuting through London. Explore the colourful side of life with this exciting tale.
@StrokeAssocLDN
23 & 24 June
A huge thank-you to the #Hammersmith
CITIZEN SQUID
and #Fulham community for supporting us
Hold the phone: a gigantic squid has crawled into the square, but how
to #MakeMayPurple for stroke
did it get there? This interactive puppet spectacle (which is so big, you simply won’t be able to miss it) inhabits the square for two days. All show information and up-to-date timings available on 020 8741 6850 or at lyric.co.uk
@AndyTheWineGuy Seriously tasty-looking sausage rolls at HummingbirdW12 where everything looks fresh and inviting #ShepherdsBush
Further afield
@McGee_Group A great morning at #ShepherdsBush promoting #CycleSafety! #ExchangingPlaces #CLOCS
21-28 June LONDON PRIDE
There’s plenty going on throughout the week of London Pride, but the main celebrations take place on 27 June. Last year, more than 750,000 people attended the event – which happens to be one of the biggest LGBT+ celebrations in the world – and the organisers want this year to be even bigger. Trafalgar Square hosts the main stage with live entertainment on 27 June. In Soho there will be a Cabaret Stage, Women’s Stage and Family Area and the parade’s theme is ‘Pride Heroes’. (prideinlondon.org)
6
@MPSShepBushSgt I just got to work. No cup of tea for me as no water on Uxbridge Road thanks to a burst water main. #w12 #shepherdsbush #parched
TM
playhouses • castles • treehouses T: 01544 387100 www.theplayhousecompany.co.uk
[FILM]
That’s a
wrap of Jurassic Park, the plot has been taken, altered slightly and given a new angle and is out in cinemas ready for your enjoyment. It’s all a little bit similar to the first movie, but if you’re willing to look past that and want to relive a late ’90s classic, this is the film for you. In this picture, Isla Nublar (which we’re starting to think is definitely not a holiday destination) becomes a dinosaur theme park which backfires horribly and, yes, it sounds very similar to the other one because it is.
© Universal Pictures
Directed by Paul Feig Starring Melissa McCarthy, Jason Statham and Jude Law Like a personal trainer in the first week of January, Melissa McCarthy hasn’t been short of work recently. In this latest project, she plays a desk-bound CIA analyst who volunteers to go undercover to infiltrate the world of a deadly arms dealer and prevent a diabolical global disaster. It’ll be the usual laugh-a-minute masterpiece with American slapstick and the occasional Brit thrown in for good measure. If you miss this one, don’t panic – McCarthy will probably release a new film again in a couple of weeks so you won’t miss out.
jurassic world
12 June JURASSIC WORLD
Directed by Colin Trevorrow Starring Chris Pratt, Judy Greer and Ty Simpkins A whopping 22 years after the shenanigans
8
© 2015 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC
5 June SPY
© 20th Century Fox
spy
Grab the tissue box, this one’s a sob story. After a horrific car crash, the lives of a young couple intertwine with a much older man as he reflects on a past love. Sounds soppy, doesn’t it? This film stars Scott Eastwood, son of Clint, and hasn’t followed his father’s habit of starring in Westerns – mostly because that genre ain’t big enough for the both of them.
Directed by Kyle Balda and Pierre Coffin Starring Chris Renaud, Pierre Coffin and Sandra Bullock One for the kids and any parents who enjoyed these little yellow fellas’ performances in Despicable Me, this familyfriendly animation tells the tale of Bob, Kevin and Stuart. They are three minions who are recruited by supervillain Scarlet Overkill and her inventor husband Herb, with the idea of taking over the world. Don’t expect a multi-layered comment on society, nor should you assume it’s going to be laced in art-house cinema style: it is what it is, and that’s a whole lot of fun.
19 June ENTOURAGE
Directed by Doug Ellin Starring Adrian Grenier, Jeremy Piven, Kevin Connolly Movie star Vincent Chase, together with his boys Eric, Turtle and Johnny, are back in business with superagent-turned-studio head Ari Gold. This movie is based on the exceptionally popular television show of the same name that was made by HBO. It’s comedic and has that oh-so American big-budget feel, so it’ll make perfect summertime viewing and won’t push you to use your brain very much.
19 June THE LONGEST RIDE
Directed by George Tillman Jr. Starring Scott Eastwood, Britt Robertson and Alan Alda
the longest ride
26 June MINIONS
entourage
© Universal Pictures
© 20th Century Fox
What’s hitting the big screen in June
minions
[theatre]
Theatrical
masterpieces Plays and shows to kick off the summer on the doorstep 10-13 June STRANGERS WELCOME
Written by Charlotte Jennings, this performance is billed as a dark absurdist comedy that questions (rather deeply) whether we as a human race are destined to repeat history over and over again, or whether we are actually progressing. The plot follows Dr Ivan, a man with a keen sense of history and an appetite for answers. Passionate about his research, he divides his time between that and searching for the perfect woman, while his socially-awkward assistant, Kaiser, idolises his success with women. However, when Dr Ivan meets Jodie, a woman obsessed with dolls, it becomes clear that he might have met his match.
works tirelessly to keep his hands on the throne, despite violent competition from his nephew Arthur. Under pressure, John turns to terrible methods to get his own way.
self-doubt and the ruthless pursuit of happiness confusing lives, loves and literature. It sounds a bit like a soap opera, but you won’t be disappointed.
From £5 standing, from £17 seated, see website for various times, Shakespeare’s Globe, 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, SE1 9DT, 020 7401 9919 (shakespearesglobe.com)
Prices vary, 7.45pm Monday-Saturday, matinees 2.15pm Thursday and Saturday, Open Air Theatre, Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, NW1 4NU, 0844 826 4242 (openairtheatre.com)
highly recommended Throughout June GYPSY Receiving rave reviews from the national press and those in the thespian know, Gypsy is a musical worth seeing more than once. Imelda Staunton plays Momma Rose, a woman who drags her children
£15, £12 concessions, 7.30pm, Tabard Theatre, 2 Bath Road, W4 1LW, 020 8995 6035 (tabardweb.co.uk)
success does come for her children, the
open air
everyone involved and it soon becomes
around America in an attempt to make them succeed on stage. When mild travelling theatre life begins to get to clear that it’s not the happiest way to live. Eventually, at the climatic ending, Gypsy Rose Lee is born – who goes on to become
king john
1-27 June KING JOHN
It would be a travesty if we were to list some open-air performances without mentioning something happening at The Globe – even if it is actually only partly open-air (it still counts). King John is a lesser-known historical play by that oh-so-famous bard, but it’s a corker. It takes place after the death of Richard the Lionheart as his brother John
From £24.50, 7.30pm Monday-Saturday, matinees 2.30pm Wednesday and Saturday, Savoy Theatre, Strand, WC2R 0ET, 0844 871 7674 (gypsythemusical.uk)
the seagull
19 June – 11 July THE SEAGULL
This one’s perfect for the summer months, because it’s outside and offers the best of both worlds: being able to enjoy the warm weather and a terrific performance at the same time. The Seagull is a masterpiece written by Anton Chekhov, and this performance is an adaptation by Torben Betts. For those interested in the themes of the performance they’re seeing, listen up: this drama contains romantic jealousies,
© Photo Johan Persson
© Bronwen Sharp
© Bronwen Sharp
a famous burlesque dancer.
gypsy
9
Fest to
IMPRESS
As the second annual HF ArtsFest arrives this month, Bethan Rees meets two of the organisers to find out what goes into coordinating a borough-wide, week-long celebration
bush theatre
T
he borough is alive with the sound of music (and art, literature, comedy, film and performance) as the area starts hotting up with the buzz of all things cultural for the second year of the Hammersmith & Fulham ArtsFest, running from 8-14 June. Celebrating the wonderful and diverse nature of this part of the capital, this grassroots event provides a platform for all community arts organisations and aims to bring a more collective awareness of culture to the borough. Meeting Cathy Robertson, chair of HF ArtsFest, instils a sense of hope as her zeal for participation in the arts shines through her Canadian smile as she talks about the festival, and the fact that the entire project steered by her is volunteer-led only adds to this. ‘I’m the chair, but I’m rarely
10
As a grassroots project, ArtsFest secures its funding through various sponsors, both corporate and private sitting down,’ Cathy says through laughter, acknowledging the irony of her title. Cathy started her career in advertising and has always had a mix of arts clients, so she’s used to working with her creative hat on. ‘I’ve always had a passion and interest in the arts,’ she explains. ‘Before the ArtsFest, I helped expand the Neighbourhood Watch
in my area of the borough because I had two teenage kids walking around the area and thought it might help to keep them safe, but it also helped me to understand how the council works,’ says Cathy. The ArtsFest was conceived after a conversation with Cllr Greg Smith of Hammersmith & Fulham, who was trying to re-launch the area’s libraries. ‘He said to me, “We want more people to use the library” and I thought about it, and suggested an arts festival. I thought it might make the library more interesting and part of the community,’ she enlightens me. The committee working with Cathy is made up of a varied group of volunteers, but with one thing in common: they all have a love for the arts. Sam Deards heads up the marketing for HF ArtsFest and runs Twice as Nice Comedy which showcases stand-up comedians like himself. ‘I’m a west London boy, born and raised, and I’ve always been very interested in the arts.’ He tells me that Cathy approached him to run the comedy section of the festival. As a grassroots project, ArtsFest secures its funding through various sponsors, both corporate and private. ‘This year and last year, we were able to get a fast-track grant from the council,’ Cathy explains. The sponsors include Westfield (which also sponsored the 2014 event), and with HF ArtsFest planning to host an event on 12 June where Bhavan dancers and three other groups will perform in the atrium of the west London shopping centre. ‘How cool is that, right?’ Cathy asks. ‘So cool,’ I answer. This year’s festival is set to see a huge range of subjects and mediums, and Cathy believes that ‘because they’re so disparate it’s a great opportunity to bring them together’. From tours of Blythe House (the V&A Study & Research Centre) where visitors can explore archive collections and meet the curators, to a night of jazz from the 606 Club at Brook Green Hotel; from watching the incredible Albert & Friends Instant Circus perform, to
[LOCAL FESTIVALS]
FESTIVAL INSIGHT Laura Grivainis Thorne of 606 Club pop-up gig and Samuel Deards of Twice as Nice Comedy tell us about Smith’s Cocktail Bar in the Brook Green Hotel and its role in Hammersmith & Fulham ArtsFest 2015
What’s so great about the venue for a comedy or jazz gig? Laura: It’s the perfect place for our 606 Club pop-up jazz gig, because it’s an intimate room with a fantastic vibe. The audience is in close proximity to the musicians which makes for a really special experience. Sam: Smith’s cocktail bar is a great venue for comedy as it has a cosy and intimate feel – essential for a good comedy night. It is also well-placed to pull in a great audience of local residents and businesses.
Tell us a little bit about the atmosphere
Bush theatre
during events like these
But after the curtains have been taken down and the stages put away, what does Cathy wish to gain from HF ArtsFest? ‘The main thing is to make the arts community more vibrant and more visible so that people will want to come here, rather than go to the West End.’ And with such a diverse and jam-packed schedule this year, here’s hoping.
an open day at the newly refurbished Lyric Hammersmith, there is truly something for everyone at HF ArtsFest. However, as streamlined as it may appear on the outside, I can assure you that having spoken to Cathy and Sam that blood, sweat and almost-tears go into organising the festival. ‘You’re dealing with things that change all the time, with people cancelling, so you have to think on your feet a lot,’ Sam explains. ‘The biggest challenge is creating something from nothing and having something at the end that is of interest and value,’ adds Cathy.
Laura: Well, the ethos of the 606 is very much about the music, and the people who come to our shows really appreciate that – there’s a lot of love and respect for the musicians. Likewise, people who attend events as part of Hammersmith & Fulham ArtsFest want to support their local arts scene, which makes for a fun, upbeat atmosphere. Sam: From putting on various comedy
For the full line-up and more information, visit hf-artsfest.com. For details on how to become an event sponsor, email Cathy Robertson at crobertson@hf-artsfest.com
events, and particularly for last year’s HF ArtsFest, there is normally an upfor-it audience who are there to enjoy themselves and always eager to laugh.
What do you love about HF ArtsFest? Laura: Firstly, we love that the festival exists! This is its second year and 606 is really pleased to be participating, along with all the other dedicated individuals who are involved. It’s great to have the attention brought to what we do. Sam: I like the way the HF ArtsFest covers all events, from the big venues right down to the grassroots organisations, encouraging pop-up events in different venues and engaging with the whole spectrum of the Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham. 606 Club pop up event: £8, 6.30pm, 10 June,
Cathy Robertson
© David tett
Brook Green Hotel, 170 Shepherd’s Bush Road, W6 7PB (606club.co.uk) Theatre in the Square: Rash Dash
11
[promotion]
Exquisite
taste Chiswick will be home to smart interiors store Neptune from the end of this month
A
s summer begins, it’s the perfect time to take a fresh approach to styling your home. Lifestyle brand Neptune is on hand to help in west London, with the opening of its 11th store on 25 June. Located on Chiswick High Road, the store will be Neptune’s largest London shop with inspirational ideas and products for living, dining, bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, gardens and more. On its opening weekend, from Thursday until Sunday, the first 20 customers each day will receive an exclusive Neptune goodie bag and Neptune will also be offering visitors the chance to win £2,500 worth of Neptune gift vouchers to spend in-store.
12
A British company with a passion for innovative design, understated quality and a commitment to good value, Neptune is proud of its heritage and committed to using the best raw materials, designers and craftsmen. Founded in 1996 by John Sims-Hilditch and Giles Redman, its ethos is a simple one: to bring together their passion for beautifully designed products, with an appreciation and respect for their customers. With John’s wife Emma Sims – Hilditch, recently named as one of the UK’s leading 100 interior designers, as its design director, Emma ensures that the collections retain the classic brand identity whilst simultaneously keeping up-to-date with
market trends and new initiatives. A whole home concept that redefines interior design, furniture and customer service, Neptune’s hand-crafted collections are built to last a lifetime. And with inhouse interior designers on hand to advise customers in the Chiswick store, the look and style can be tailored to be truly unique to your home, so whether you’re looking to update just one room or makeover your whole home, visit the new Neptune Chiswick High Road store from 25 June for style inspiration and tips. Neptune Chiswick, 305-307 Chiswick High Road, W4 4HH (neptune.com)
CHISWICK
Chiswick opening weekend... Join us for a glass of fizz & some sweet treats whilst taking in our beautifully edited collections of homeware, accessories & décor. Opening Weekend Thursday 25th – Sunday 28th June 10-5pm 305 - 307 Chiswick High Road, London W4 4HH | 0203 814 1220 | neptune.com/chiswick
[RESTAURANT REVIEW]
Buon appetito,
Hammersmith
Tom Hagues discovers the simple delight that is L’Amorosa, the Italian restaurant that knows what it’s about
l’amorosa
T
here is no shortage of small, independent restaurants in west London nor, more specifically, in Hammersmith. Competition is fiercer than a riled-up lion and eager-toplease local restaurateurs come and go like buses. A concoction of customer loyalty, superb food and a sense that the brilliance is effortless is what keeps diners traipsing through the doors of small eateries, and this is undeniably difficult to achieve. Enter L’Amorosa on King Street, a restaurant that’s hit the nail so perfectly on the head you’ll consider living at one of the tables in order to gain constant access to its menu. L’Amorosa is an Italian restaurant that doesn’t have a single pizza on the menu: ‘hurrah!’ cry foodie purists. By not offering pizza, the restaurant immediately signals to its customers that it knows not only what’s what, but also how to make you groan with delight.
14
The staff at L’Amorosa are professional and attentive and leave you to it I sat down at the table early on a Thursday evening. The longer evenings had just started to kick in, so the sun was out and people had arms and legs on show on the pavement, so I’d already remarked how Mediterranean the evening seemed before I’d even seen the food. When I eventually turned to the menu, (a great beast of a thing that is agonising to choose from) I settled for the green beans and cuttlefish with olives and tomatoes which was drizzled in olive oil, giving the dish that glossy, full-of-goodness appearance you always find when abroad. It was a
simple plate, which was the first hint that I was in for something delicious. Italian food isn’t French-style fancy, it’s designed for lazy eating in the sun; it’s meant to be easy to throw together using fresh and few ingredients gathered from local sources. And that’s what this starter was. I also tried some of the bresaola starter (cured Italian beef) which was substantial in its flavour and glorious to look at, thanks to its crimson-red colour and presentation on the plate. The main courses, a rich, moreish wild boar ragout and a bowl of potato and Parmesan ravioli (‘it’s like gnocchi and pasta had a love child!’ I cried) were topped off with a selection of sorbets and a vanilla panna cotta with mango and passion fruit coulis. It was all simple cuisine and a total pleasure to eat, which make it even more marvellous in my eyes. Why go all fancypants la-di-da when you can let the flavours do all the work? As important as it is, food isn’t everything when it comes to restaurant experiences. The service plays a large part in your enjoyment of the meal and I find that an overzealous waiter is less welcome than a case of wedding-day hives. Thankfully, the staff at L’Amorosa are professional and attentive and leave you to it – the frequent drink refills are so discreet it’s as though the glasses are self-replenishing. In short, the level of service is very good. A great experience with even better food, L’Amorosa is a serious contender for ‘the restaurant I’ve enjoyed most this year’ and with only half a year left to go, it’ll probably retain the top position. For authenticity, boycott the chains and dive into proper Italian food which can be found in the newly-founded Regione di Hammersmith. L’Amorosa, 278 King Street, W6 0SP, 020 8563 0300 (lamorosa.co.uk) rating
[health and fitness]
Slim while you’re
swinging Tom Hagues gets turned upside down and inside out at an anti-gravity yoga class
A
nny Hooker strides over to me when I enter through the door of her Pilates studio in Chiswick, her hand outstretched and smile beaming. ‘Welcome!’ she exclaims. Hanging from the building’s beams are silk-like, red hammocks and, under them, yoga mats that I recognise and have used before. I eye up the hammock I’ll be using and Anny shows me that it’s perfectly safe. ‘This can support the weight of a baby elephant,’ she informs me. Confident that I weigh less than a baby elephant (well, hoping at least) I get ready to join her and my five other classmates in some anti-gravity yoga. I begin by lifting myself into the hammock in a sitting position. So far, so good. Swinging with my feet off the floor, I think to myself that this might be quite good fun – it’s already more interesting than the usual yoga class. ‘Lift your right leg over so that you’re straddling the hammock,’ Anny calls out. I stretch my leg over the side of the hammock and follow Anny’s instructions to get myself into the position that’s aptly referred to as ‘the womb’. Nestled out of sight and hanging snugly above the floor, it really is like being (not that I can remember) inside a womb. Anny gets me to relax and breathe deeply in our respective hammock cocoons. It’s at this point that I begin to tell myself that this anti-gravity yoga malarkey is relatively easy, not to mention exceptionally relaxing. As ever, such naivety proves to be my undoing, and when Anny gets me to start working my abs, legs and back muscles, I begin to feel the strain (all beneficial, of course). One move, known as ‘the bat’, completely stumps me, much to my amusement. It requires wrapping myself up in the hammock, tucking my legs under my levitated bottom and then completely rotating myself round so that I’m hanging upside down in the hammock. I, being a newbie to all of this, simply can’t get myself to spin around. I’m stuck mid-rotate and
anny hooker
Anny comes to rescue me. I’m better at the stretching moves and am delighted when Anny gets me to swing. With the hammock wrapped around tops of my thighs, I stretch my legs, walk forwards on the mats and await Anny’s instruction. ‘Three, two, one… Release!’ she says. After a flicker of hesitation, I pick up my feet and let myself swing backwards, feeling a huge, childish smile spreading across my face. On the upswing, I stretch my legs out and breathe and on the down-swing, I stretch my spine out. It’s like being a child in a playground. After getting over the initial terror of
having the blood rush to my head and the feeling that my eyeballs are going to explode – all completely normal, I’m assured – I come to realise that this is fun. It works the mantra of yoga into a different, exciting class that I think is one of the best ways to do it. Thanks to spending my time upside down or swinging back and forth in the air, it’s unlikely that I’ll find a better way to do yoga. Anny Pilates, Grove Park Studios, 188-192 Sutton Court Road, W4 3HR, 07930 581 979 (pb-online.co.uk)
15
[POLITICS]
hp source:
henry hopwood-phillips reports on local issues
WINNERS AND LOSERS Henry Hopwood-Phillips considers those who suffer the consequences of globalisation
G
lobalisation – by which we mean the integration of the global economy through trade, migration and investment flows – has created more winners than losers. But the process is uneven: the gains are greater for short-term capital flows rather than fixed investment; for capital rather than labour; for the highly qualified and the footloose than for the unskilled and the immobile, and for developed countries rather than for most of the poorest countries. Consequently, the distribution of gains is unequal and the disparities of outcome a source of great (and growing) resentment. While, theoretically, globalisation and trade liberalisation benefit participating countries in terms of income and wellbeing, at an individual level the changes required may not always be positive. Certain types of jobs may disappear; salaries may be lower for workers in affected industries, as well as those in other industries requiring similar skills. Workers may also find themselves in competition with foreign migrants, again meaning more competition for jobs and
16
lower salaries. As with any change, there are winners and losers, and the losers cannot be expected to support globalisation without some promise of being given the opportunity to share in the gains that it produces. The rising tide of globalisation has not lifted all boats equally; it is now associated with growing inequality. There is a number of reasons for this: globalisation facilitates the adoption of new technology, allows individuals with high human capital access to a bigger labour market and allows sellers of goods and services access to a larger pool of potential purchasers. Doing business on a global scale acts as a magnifier for success. This disproportionately benefits the welleducated, mobile, adaptable members of the workforce who are best placed to exploit the changes. The welfare state and restricted state initiatives are very limited tools for assuaging the effects of these trends. Many of globalisation’s losers suffer most on the housing ladder. House building has not kept up with demand. Migration is not the only factor driving the increasing number of new households in
the UK: increasing atomisation of existing households through divorce and people staying single for longer are also driving demand for separate housing. A further factor is the relative unattractiveness of non-property types of investment, leading to a new class of owner, the amateur buy-to-let landlord. With an increase in migration has come an escalation in diversity. This benefits tourism, the arts, literature, cuisine and all those who appreciate a varied culture. But it also brings problems, most notably in the form of terrorism and the voluntary segregation of religious or racial groups. Not all immigrants hold liberal values. Differences in cultural norms and ethics have been a sensitive subject in recent years, to the point where behaviour that is both illegal and considered morally wrong in the mainstream has been tolerated or overlooked in minority groups for fear of giving offence or igniting racial tensions. In conclusion, until Britain starts to consider, in a meaningful manner, those who are suffering on globalisation’s uneven playing field, British politics will be dramatically skewed by the haves and havenots division. This, in turn, will play itself out on a dark civilisational backdrop of general myopia (barely 60 per cent of companies consider their strategic objectives on a timescale greater than three years according to The Economist) and a form of cultural nihilism – an attitude Britain can ill afford.
[local festivals]
A fortnight of
frolicking The 49th annual Bedford Park Festival is being held this month. Here’s the only guide you need for navigating your way through two weeks of summertime fun on 12–28 June
WHY GO?
Rather than spending your time squelching around knee-deep in mud while the person behind you throws beer down the back of your shirt, the Bedford Park Festival is less Glastonbury, more Last of the Summer Wine-y. It’s family-friendly, locally-minded and best of all, it’s just down the road, meaning there’s no setting off at silly o’clock to get there.
GREEN DAYS FÊTE AND CRAFT FAIR
THE BEDFORD PARK FESTIVAL If the Green Days weekend is the appetiser of this meal of a fortnight, then The Bedford Park Festival is the more-than-impressive main course. This year, the festival has plays, poetry, lectures and literary talks, film screenings, musical entertainment, Artists At Home and the Bedford Park Open Gardens. Here are our favourite offerings.
Artists At Home
Sixty-eight artists and craft workers open their home-based studios across Chiswick, Hammersmith and Shepherd’s Bush. Meet the artists, buy at studio prices, place commissions or simply browse the artworks. Admission free, 19-21 June, Friday 6pm-9pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am-6pm
This takes place on the first weekend (13 and 14 June) and comprises a bandstand with live music and entertainment, fairground rides and games, edible treats and thirstquenching beverages plus a craft fair that features 20 exhibitors, each offering a wide selection of craftworks. There’s also a Cycle Zone where you can get cycling advice (‘try not to fall off ’ is the most helpful tip) as A Night At The Opera well as free bike maintenance. Milly Forrest and her For kids, there’s a five-a-side colleagues from the football tournament and fancyRoyal Academy of KEY DATES dress competition – the theme Music (who brought 13 and 14 June of which is Alice in Wonderland Green Days Fête and Craft Fair and Alice Through the Looking 12-28 June Glass, so expect several rabbits and mini Mad Hatters running The Bedford Park Festival around – as well as faceFor full information, visit painting, games and various bedfordparkfestival.org activities. For those of a more traditional disposition, there’s a Jam and Chutney Making Contest, the Great Green Days Bake-Off, the High-RollerTombola and, thankfully, the Champagne Lottery. The Photographic Exhibition and Competition will be held in St Michael & All Angels Parish Hall throughout the duration of the weekend.
you The Marriage of Figaro in 2013) are returning for an evening of opera, with works by Mozart, Beethoven, Rossini and others. £12, 20 June, 7.30pm, St Michael & All Angels Church, Bath Road, W4 1TT
WB Yeats Anniversary Lecture: A Hundred Thousand Stages
Poets Cahal Dallat and Anne-Marie Fyfe explore how WB Yeats’s Bedford Park neighbours, through pageants and local am-dram, inspired the stagecraft that revolutionised 20th-century theatre. £10, 20 June, 2pm-3pm, The Studio, 2a Blenheim Road, W4 1UA
An Evening of Film and Food: Pride Screening
Settle down and be captivated by the awardwinning film Pride, starring Imelda Staunton and Bill Nighy. A supper of fish and chips will be served before the screening, so what’s not to love? £15 including supper, 27 June, 7pm, St Michael & All Angels Parish Hall, Bath Road, W4 1TT
13 June 11am-6pm, 14 June 11.30am-5.30pm, Acton Green, located opposite Turnham Green tube station
17
Resident profile:
matthew byam shaw
Belinda Donovan talks to producer Matthew Byam Shaw about his love of west London and what he’s been up to recently
I
meet up with Matthew Byam Shaw over coffee in Brackenbury Village. Matthew is very much a local celebrity; having been the producer of The Audience and Wolf Hall (the latter of which is now on Broadway and receiving rave reviews), he is well-known for his extraordinary work. He travels to the USA every two weeks for both shows, which leads to us talking about the convenience of travelling to Heathrow from Hammersmith – half an hour to Terminal 5 door-to-door. He emphasises “how amazing it is to work with Hilary Mantel”. Apparently she can speak in the voice of Thomas Cromwell – a talent that not many can claim as their own. Matthew is on the board of the Bush Theatre in Shepherd’s Bush and we agree that it’s a fabulous local theatre and a huge bonus for the local community. Its performances are always of the highest quality and it has always been a shining star in the area. There is a number of reasons why it’s so popular. In my eyes, the building is absolutely beautiful and has such terrific architectural features. Secondly, it’s becoming a food-and-drink hotspot, thanks to its impressive café and bar area. The library-like design wouldn’t be out of place in an old stately home. When discussing the area, Matthew admits that he loves west London and feels a sense of pride about it. I press him to tell me his favourite restaurants: they include The River Café and the Anglesea Arms, and I can definitely vouch for these places. Matthew’s sister (actress Clare Byam Shaw) and his mother also live in Chiswick. Matthew and I discuss his famous family; John Byan Liston Shaw was a pre-Raphaelite
18
painter, the art movement of which Andrew Lloyd Webber is a notable collector. Matthew’s grandmother is painted as Ophelia, which is hung in Leighton House Museum, just a stone’s throw away in Kensington. Matthew has been in the borough since 1987, originally residing in St Elmo Road with partner Melanie Thaw, who he met at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. Thaw is the daughter of Sheila Hancock and they have three children: Jack who is
Fox, as well as Andy Harries, the celebrated Left Bank producer of The Crown, Strike Back and DCI Banks, live on Chiswick High Road, and often walk around Ravenscourt Park discussing The Audience with Matthew. As we finish our coffee, Matthew has to dash off to one of his many productions and I’m left impressed with the incredible energy that he puts into the plays he juggles at at the same time. He’s obviously very dedicated to the local area, and as I say a final farewell, I make a note to see one of his productions
Matthew has been in the borough since 1987, originally residing in St Elmo Road with partner Melanie Thaw studying at the University of Sussex, Lola who attends Latymer School and Louis who’s at Brackenbury Primary School. At the turn of the millennium, Matthew moved to Brackenbury Village and got into producing – a change from his usual acting roles. He formed the theatre production company Playful Productions in 2010 and is celebrating five years of running the company by putting on The Audience with Helen Mirren, Wolf Hall on Broadway, The Audience with Kristin Scott Thomas and American Buffalo with Damian Lewis, John Goodman and Tom Sturridge in the West End. As well as producing the UK tour of Shrek: The Musical and managing Charlie and the Chocolate Factory plus Wicked in London, Matthew is about to take over the reins of Mack and Mabel. He tells me that the local (and ever so distinguished) producer Robert
very soon. It’s not as though I’ll have to try very hard to do this of course, because Matthew’s shows are all over the West End at the moment. Failing that, I suppose I could always hop on a plane – easy enough from west London as I previously mentioned – and see something of his work on Broadway. It must be a real wonder to see your productions performed on the stage, both home and away. I take my hat off to Matthew for all of the hard work he puts into his career, and it certainly pays off. For anyone looking to see a quality performance in the West End, then look no further than one of Matthew Byam Shaw’s wonderful masterpieces. For more information on Matthew’s theatre production company, Playful Productions, visit playfuluk.com
Š helen maybanks
[interview]
matthew byam shaw
19
[OUT AND ABOUT]
A day in the life of…
chiswick smokehouse
Tom Hagues visits Simon Holroyd of Noble Inn Group to find out what goes into the day-to-day running of a brand-new restaurant
to excuse himself for. A normal day, however, is a little less frantic. ‘As a director, I travel around our sites a lot and spend time at each one. When we visit, we start the day with a managers’ meeting – me, the head chef and general manager of the site,’ he says. It sounds like all the usual managerial stuff goes on at these meetings: discussing customer feedback, what’s been going on in the week and what’s going well, or isn’t. This all sounds very dull to you and me, but for Simon it’s vitally important. He must know what’s going on at all times. (Insert pun about smoke and clear vision here.) Simon then tells me that at lunchtime he orders ‘an array of different dishes from
I
arrive at the site in Sutton Lane North in the midst of some tree trimming and garden landscaping. I pick my way through the wood chippings and walk into the welcoming, wooden-walled magnificence that is Chiswick Smokehouse. I’m directed off to the left of the bar and into the Whisky Room – a room that wouldn’t be out of place in Westminster. Surrounded by rich leather and the smell of coffee brewing, I settle down to find out what goes on behind the scenes of Noble Inn Group’s latest venture. ‘We’ve got a lot going on today, because it’s the run-up to the opening day,’ Simon Holroyd of Noble Inn Group tells me. ‘The furniture’s coming later, the garden’s being finished and so we’re getting bits done that’s a little bit different to a normal day.’ Right on cue, a gentleman comes in to ask about something to do with the plumbing, which Simon has
20
résistance, the thing that I’ve been waiting to see: the smoker. Simon opens Smoky Joe (the name I’ve given the big, silver beast of a machine) and inside are great hunks of meat, slowly cooking in the charcoal-tinted heat. This stuff is smoked for more than 10 hours and tastes beautiful, because of course good things come to those who wait. After I’ve been walked through a busy Smokehouse day, I’m invited to have a taste of the menu at lunchtime. I roll my eyes, sigh heavily and shake my head while saying: ‘Well okay, if I have to.’ Chiswick Smokehouse, 12 Sutton Lane North, W4 4LD, 020 3819 6066 (smokehouse.pub)
Sometimes we’ll have a whole goat hanging in here the menu’. This horrendous part of his day is woefully endured so as to make sure that each plate of food is consistent with the high standards of the company’s directors. There are some more practical elements to the running of Smokehouse, of course, and Simon takes the time to show me around some of the behind-the-scenes magic that goes on. ‘Sometimes we’ll have a whole goat hanging in here,’ he announces, as he opens a large walk-in fridge. I ready myself to see a goat hanging from the ceiling of it but Simon pops his head in and says: ‘Oh, not today. It’s already been butchered.’ Every part of the animals that Smokehouse buys gets used, even to the extent of using fur for throws in the restaurant. Vegans and vegetarians keep away. Outside the kitchen is the pièce de
Smokehouse Shortrib Bourguignon
the smokehouse pass
[LETTERS]
Word on
THE STREET The most pressing issues from west London residents
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
ADAM AND EVE IT
ADAM AND EVE IT I can’t believe just how quickly the summer comes round, and I know I’m not the only one. So many of my neighbours have remarked on how the season sneaks up on you (very stereotypically British, I know!), but it just goes to show that we all lead such busy lives. This has caused me to take a step back and enjoy a bit of calmer downtime before the summer really kicks into full swing later in June. It’s all very well rushing away on holiday, but I for one am very much looking forward to enjoying the peace and warm weather in west London’s parks. Mrs Lutkin via email
FEELING FINE I recently took up an exercise class in Chiswick. I live in Hammersmith, but the class
is worth travelling to, because the guy who runs it is brilliant and the class really fun. I just wanted to write in to say that doing exercise has made me feel great and I can’t believe just how many gym classes are available in our local area. I’ve also taken up jogging to the class – weather permitting, of course – and there are always so many other people out doing the same thing. Does anyone know if there are any clubs or groups who run together? I’m considering setting up something like this if not! Mr Carter via email FEELING FINE
I can’t help but bump into people I know in Shepherd’s Bush and really like the sense of community we have here, despite the fairly sprawling area that is west London. Wouldn’t it be great to have some street parties? I know some people have them but I wonder whether the council would consider creating a big event where lots of streets can set up parties up individually during one afternoon – we could see if we could hold a long one along a series of residential streets, or something. Imagine the fun it would be, plus we could try and make a world record. It’s food for thought, at least. Mrs Pennysmith
ELECTION FALLOUT
no idea how well she’ll do. Does anyone know her or what she’s like? I saw that video of her (it was shown on BBC One’s Have I Got News For You) where she went completely blank and couldn’t answer a simple question that was put to her. I suppose you shouldn’t judge a tired campaigning MP after one mind-freeze, but I hope she’s better in Parliament! Mr Vincenzo
RE: CHOCOLATE SEARCHING
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
ELECTION FALLOUT Very disappointed with the loss of the wonderful Mary Macleod as our MP – I think she did a lot for us and was very affable. I also feel as though she knew what she was doing. Ruth Cadbury, her successor, has a lot to live up to in my opinion, but I have
Last month it was my mother’s birthday, so I wanted to make her happy with some Belgian chocolates. My friend told me about a place that had opened in South Kensington called Jeff de Bruges. I ended up buying her a selection of chocolates, and she said they were the best she’s ever eaten. The shop is beautiful and has lots of choice with nice packaging. I thought maybe this would help with searches for good-quality chocolates! Ms Ghelma via email
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
21
It’s all smiles in
chiswick
Ramsey Conyers, office head at Knight Frank Chiswick, tells Nigel Neilson that confidence has returned to the area
‘T
he reality here,’ Ramsey Conyers begins, ‘is that people are happy that there’s activity again after the election. We’ve got double the amount of offers this month than we did last month, and we’ve agreed double the sales. There’s been a big pick-up but it’s all to do with confidence.’ Before the election, many people were nervous when it came to dealing with the property market, but Ramsey tells us that that’s now changed. ‘People who are looking to move are now doing things – they’re viewing, offering and deals that were taking place are now exchanging because people are confident enough to say that they want it to go ahead,’ he says. He goes on to tell me that buyers and vendors are being proactive, rather than holding off, and this is what has caused movement in the local market. Ramsey praises Knight Frank’s advice, saying: ‘We got the election result that our research was leaning towards and now we’re making real headway in the market.’ This is undoubtedly great news for both people selling their property and those looking to buy.
For property worth over £2million things are really starting to move swiftly because of people coming in from central London. ‘In the last week we’ve seen a real upsurge with applicants looking in the £4million£6million bracket scale and that’s a direct result of our sucess in Central London. ‘Properties that have been on the market are now getting bids and those people are
22
image © Rob Cadman
We got the election result that our research was leaning towards and now we’re making real headway in the market
ramsey conyers
[PROPERTY]
and vendors across the property spectrum. Ramsey says that: ‘Buyers, whether they want more space or a better location, will
‘There are new buyers coming on but there are also those who have been on the books for a while who are now out offering and
We have just launched a three-bedroom maisonette and within two days it has already received bids over the asking price pounce when the right property comes up, but we’re seeing that happen more because people are just so much more confident.’ Buyers and sellers often worry that the market might crash, meaning they overpay or sell for too little, but Ramsey assures me that this isn’t the case and people are putting their house on the market without fear. ‘I can already see a 60 per cent rise in stock for next month than this one,’ he nods. ‘It takes time for everything to filter through after change – in this case the election result – but we’ve had some great exchanges and we’re getting called in a lot more to sell.’ To highlight his point, Ramsey tells me about a property that Knight Frank has on its books. ‘We have just launched a three-bedroom maisonette and within two days it has already recieved bids over the asking price,’ he says. Knight Frank’s realistic pricing seems to be the key driver behind in this fantastic result – Ramsey believes that going on at the right price often means vendors achieve more than they expected. As the conversation comes to a close, Ramsey is clear: ‘Confidence is back and that will materialise into pricing. It means more viewings and being able to do differential trading.’ Chiswick, it seems, is very much in business.
viewing.’ To put it simply, the market’s wheels have started to turn properly again thanks to the confidence gained from the election result and the bidding and exchanging has done wonders for buyers
Knight Frank Chiswick, 64 Turnham Green Terrace, W4 1QN, 020 3757 6230 (knightfrank.co.uk)
image © Rob Cadman
coming into the market to see what’s out there,’ Ramsey explains. Stock in the prestigious £4million£6million price range has been low until now. Ramsey clarifies: ‘We’ve got a beautiful house on Barrowgate Road that’s now come down to a more competitive price. We have two fantastic properties coming on in Bedford Park which will be phenomenal and this is all happening because people are now motivated to put them on the market.’ Movement at this high end is immediately very good news for the local property market. To explain where this movement is coming from, it’s best described by Ramsey:
ramsey conyers
23
Barrowgate Road, Chiswick W4 An exquisite seven bedroom detached family house This impressive three storey, Edwardian home is located on a highly desirable and sought after residential road in Chiswick. 7 double bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, WC, bespoke kitchen/breakfast room, dining room, large reception room, family room, utility room, study, gym, landscaped rear garden with garden store, off street parking, CCTV. EPC: C. Approximately 500 sq m (5,382 sq ft). Freehold
Guide price: £4,500,000
KnightFrank.co.uk/chiswick chiswick@knightfrank.com 020 3757 6230
@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk
KnightFrank.co.uk/CWK140019
Barrowgate- C&BGjne2015new
28/05/2015 10:42:17
Cyg
2:17
Cygnet House, Chiswick W4 A superb four bedroom, Grade II listed period house with stunning river views Situated in the highly sought after riverside location of Chiswick Mall, Cygnet House has been completely refurbished and comprises a sizable entrance hall, large double reception room, kitchen/family room, patio, utility room, 4 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 WC and a garage. There is also a garden to the rear of the house in addition to a separate and private riverside garden to the front of the property. EPC:E. Approximately 195 sq m (2,094 sq ft). Freehold
Guide price: £2,750,000
KnightFrank.co.uk/chiswick chiswick@knightfrank.com 020 3757 6230
@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk
KnightFrank.co.uk/RVR100030
Cygnet House C&BG june15 cm
18/05/2015 14:03:12
The Crescent, Chiswick W4 Eight elegant townhouses set within a gated development An outstanding new gated development comprising eight expansive three and four bedroom town houses, built to the highest specification throughout. The development boasts private gardens, terraces, private parking, CCTV and excellent public transport connections. Plots 1-9 approximately 228.9 sq m (2,464 so ft.) Plots 7-9 approximately 176.4 sq m (1,844 sq ft). Leasehold: approximately 999 years remaining
Guide price: £1,800,000 - £2,350,000
KnightFrank.co.uk/chiswick chiswick@knightfrank.com 020 3757 6230
@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk
KnightFrank.co.uk/CWK140032
Chiswick Crescent C&BG june15 cm
18/05/2015 14:02:20
Eml
2:20
Emlyn Road, Chiswick W12 A beautifully presented four bedroom semidetached house Arranged over three floors this immaculate Edwardian house offers over 2,000 sq ft of well balanced living accomdation. The property further benefits from a huge 102 ft west facing garden with a delightful south facing summer house. 4 double bedrooms, large reception room, dining room, modern kitchen/breakfast room, conservatory, 3 bathrooms, WC, rear garden, summer house. EPC: E. Approximately 187 sq m (2,012 sq ft) Freehold.
Guide price: £1,799,950
KnightFrank.co.uk/chiswick chiswick@knightfrank.com 020 3757 6230
@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk
KnightFrank.co.uk/CWK150020
Emlyn Road C&BG june15 cm
18/05/2015 14:07:20
Kew Bridge Road, Brentford TW8 An delightful two bedroom apartment by Kew Bridge This two double bedroom apartment with enviable views of the River Thames, is set within an exclusive development next to Kew Bridge. 2 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, reception room, balcony, 24 hour concierge, residents fitness suite and private parking. EPC: C. Approximately 75 sq m (807 sq ft). Leasehold
Guide price: £720,000
KnightFrank.co.uk/chiswick chiswick@knightfrank.com 020 3757 6230
@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk
KnightFrank.co.uk/CWK150090
Kew Bridge Road- 2 bed- c&bg june 15cm
18/05/2015 14:04:30
CBG
4:30
Thames Road, Chiswick W4 A newly refurbished two bedroom house An immaculate two bedroom house located in the idyllic area of Strand on the Green finished to a high standard. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 ensuite), reception room, eat in kitchen. EPC: B. Approximately 89.5 sq m (964 sq ft). Available unfurnished
Guide price: £550 per week KnightFrank.co.uk/CKQ217277
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 Thames Road Lettings cm
18/05/2015 16:57:07
[PROPERTY]
Property
the view from savills
news
Up until the general election last month, the market could be best described as being on pause. However after the result – a Conservative majority, a real positive for the property market – we expect much of the deferred demand from the pre-election period to flow back into the prime market over the remainder of 2015 and 2016, particularly given that
How Does Your Garden Grow? pricING outside space
First-time buyers drive 20 per cent surge in prime London demand
Overall demand for prime London homes shot up by 20 per cent in Q1, says Marsh & Parsons, with first-time buyers and investors each accounting for nearly a third of sales. Twenty-nine per cent of prime London property purchases were made by investors in the last three months – down from 37 per cent at the end of 2014 – while a huge spike means that 28 per cent of sales went to first-
30
been removed from the market. On the supply side, it will take some time
image © Philip Bird LRPS CPAGB
The Chelsea Flower Show last month prompted some timely workings on the value of outside space by Marsh & Parsons. The agency has been going through its register and estimated that the presence of a roof terrace or balcony adds an average of 12 per cent to the value of a property, rising to as much as 25 per cent in coveted Chelsea. David Pittman, associate director and sales manager of Marsh & Parsons in Holland Park, says: ‘As the mercury rises, Londoners don’t want to be cooped up inside and want to be able to feel the wind in their hair. For the right buyer, a balcony or, more particularly, a roof terrace, will add significant value to a property in the area. Some of the more petite family houses have roof terraces in place of a garden, and in these cases the value will be increased by approximately 10 per cent more than the same property without any outside space. Having direct access to one of W11’s wonderfully desirable communal gardens can increase a property’s value by 20 per cent or significantly more.’ The firm reckons that just under a third of flats that come on to the market have a balcony, roof terrace or communal garden and these tend to sell faster than those with no outside space, which makes sense. Interestingly, the agency also worked out that the average price per sq ft of outside space in the capital is around £897, but you can pay up to £1,925 in South Kensington.
the spectre of a mansion tax has now
for the high level of available stock that built up during the cautious pre-election period to be absorbed, and we expect that would-be sellers who adopted a ‘wait and see’ approach before the election will now bring more stock to the market.
time buyers, says the estate agency. First-time buyers accounted for 21 per cent of deals in Q4 2014; the escalation has caused mortgage-funded transactions to jump by 17 per cent in the past three months. As a result, one-bedroom properties have outperformed most other unit sizes; one-bedroom values have risen by five per cent (£75 per day over the past year) compared with 1.7 per cent annual growth across the market as a whole. Marsh & Parsons is now reporting that its ratio of registered buyers per property has risen from 10 in December 2014 to 12 in March 2014. ‘First-time buyers have been riding a wave of fortuitous circumstances recently – with almost unheard of mortgage rates, reduced upfront stamp duty costs and support schemes like the Help to Buy ISA inflating confidence,’ says Peter Rollings, CEO of Marsh & Parsons. ‘Combined with a more accessible pace of property price growth so far in 2015, more people have been able to take the plunge into the homes market. Prime London property has always been a bastion of investment, but it’s encouraging to see the drawbridge being lowered for everyday Londoners who live and work in this city. ‘However, there is, and always has been, some aspirational prime central areas that are out of grasp for new buyers and these will remain an investment stronghold. Addresses in Kensington and Chelsea will always entice buyers looking for unparalleled capital returns.
In terms of potential price growth, restored market confidence needs to be considered in light of where we were prior to the period of pre-election uncertainty. The prime London market was looking much more fully priced than the one in and beyond the commuter zones, meaning it will have to operate in a relatively high-tax environment, thanks to the stamp duty increases imposed in December 2014. It is therefore in prime markets outside London where we expect to see the greatest value increase. Improvements in the London market are likely to be significant enough to trigger a ripple effect across those beyond the capital, as buyers relocating from London find it easier to sell their existing homes and take advantage of the price differentials with the rest of the country. Savills’ five-year prime market forecast predicts steady growth, totalling +22.7 per cent in prime London and +23.9 per cent across other prime regions. 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
1
IMPRESSIVE AND ELEGANT FAMILY HOUSE SITTING ON THE BANK OF THE RIVER THAMES chiswick mall, w4 Main house: ø 3 reception rooms ø kitchen/ conservatory ø 3 bedrooms ø riverside garden ø Guest house: ø 3 reception rooms ø kitchen ø 4 bedrooms ø gated off-street parking ø 525 sq m (5,652 sq ft) ø EPC=E
Guide £5.5 million Freehold
Savills Chiswick Christopher Bramwell cbramwell@savills.com
020 8987 5550
2
BEAUTIFUL GRADE II LISTED GEORGIAN HOUSE WITH AN EXCEPTIONAL GARDEN stamford brook avenue, w6 Reception room/artist's studio ø 2 reception rooms ø kitchen ø 4 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø further bathroom ø utility room ø cloakroom ø mature walled garden ø off-street parking for 2 cars ø 239 sq m (2,577 sq ft)
Guide £3.25 million Freehold
Savills Chiswick Joe Williams jwilliams@savills.com
020 8987 5550
savills.co.uk
1
REFURBISHED FAMILY HOME WITH A CONTEMPORARY FINISH AND PERIOD FEATURES addison gardens, w14 Double reception room ø kitchen/breakfast room ø 5 bedrooms ø bedroom 6/playroom ø 2 bathrooms ø 2 shower rooms ø utility room ø roof terrace ø garden ø 39 sq m (2,573 sq ft) ø EPC=F
Guide £2.9 million Freehold
Savills Brook Green and Shepherd's Bush Camilla Harris charris@savills.com
020 3618 3777
2
STUNNING THREE BEDROOM APARTMENT WITH EXCELLENT ENTERTAINING SPACE maclise road, w14 Reception room/kitchen ø study ø 3 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø bathroom ø utility room ø garden ø 115 sq m (1,238 sq ft) ø EPC=D
Guide £1.55 million Share of Freehold
Savills Brook Green and Shepherd's Bush Dean Moriarty dmoriarty@savills.com
020 3618 3777
savills.co.uk
1
VICTORIAN FAMILY HOUSE WITH A WEST-FACING GARDEN grange road, w4 Double reception room ø dining room ø kitchen ø 6 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø 2 cloakrooms ø cellar ø west-facing garden ø 275 sq m (2,960 sq ft) ø EPC=E
Guide £2.395 million Freehold
Savills Chiswick Joe Williams jwilliams@savills.com
020 8987 5550
2
CHARMING PERIOD FAMILY HOUSE WITH SOUTH-FACING GARDEN IN A CENTRAL CHISWICK LOCATION wavendon avenue, w4 Double reception room ø kitchen/dining room ø 5 bedrooms ø family bathroom ø shower room ø utility room ø cloakroom ø south-facing garden ø 194 sq m (2,099 sq ft) ø EPC=E
Guide £2.25 million Freehold
Savills Chiswick Christopher Bramwell cbramwell@savills.com
020 8987 5550
savills.co.uk
1
SEMI-DETACHED FAMILY HOME WITH EXCEPTIONAL ENTERTAINING SPACE twyford avenue, w3 Reception room ø study ø kitchen/dining room ø 6 bedrooms ø 2 family bathrooms ø cloakroom ø cellar ø garden ø 285 sq m (3,068 sq ft) ø EPC=E
Guide £1.7 million Freehold
Savills Ealing Christopher Bramwell cbramwell@savills.com
020 8018 7100
2
SUPERBLY PRESENTED FIVE BEDROOM FAMILY HOUSE WITH A WEST-FACING GARDEN AND STUDIO west lodge avenue, w3 Reception room/dining room ø family room ø open plan kitchen ø 5 bedrooms (3 en suite) ø bathroom ø utility room ø 2 cloakrooms ø separate studio/office ø west-facing garden ø 256 sq m (2,756 sq ft) ø EPC=D
Guide £1.55 million Freehold
Savills Ealing Christopher Bramwell cbramwell@savills.com
020 8018 7100
L L O
savills.co.uk
LETTINGS LAYOUT ONLY
1
FABULOUS SEMI-DETACHED FIVE BEDROOM FAMILY HOUSE grove park gardens, w4 Double reception room ø games room ø kitchen/dining room ø 5 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø 2 further shower rooms ø utility room ø garden ø off-street parking ø 314 sq m (3,372 sq ft) ø Council Tax=H ø EPC=E
Savills Chiswick Joanna Read jgread@savills.com
020 8987 5550
Flexible furnishings £1,962 per week + £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* *£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 dependent on the property size and whether furnished/unfurnished. For more details, visit www.savills.co.uk/fees.
savills.co.uk
LETTINGS LAYOUT ONLY
1
LUXURY THREE BEDROOM APARTMENT WITH BALCONY AND IMPRESSIVE VIEWS skyline house, w5 Open plan reception room ø kitchen ø 3 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø further bathroom ø use of fitness suite and spa ø 24 hour concierge ø underground parking ø 113.45 sq m (1,221 sq ft) ø EPC=B
Unfurnished £1,150 per week + £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply*
Savills Ealing Hannah Woodley hwoodley@savills.com
020 8987 5550
2
CHARMING COTTAGE CLOSE TO THE COMMON AVAILABLE FOR SHORT LET st. matthews road, w5 Double reception room with wooden floors ø kitchen ø 3 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø further bathroom ø courtyard garden ø period features ø 89.71 sq m (966 sq ft) ø EPC=E
Furnished £675 per week + £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply*
Savills Ealing Hannah Woodley hwoodley@savills.com
020 8987 5550 *£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 dependent on the property size and whether furnished/unfurnished. For more details, visit www.savills.co.uk/fees.
L L O
savills.co.uk
LETTINGS LAYOUT ONLY
1
FABULOUS FIVE BEDROOM GEORGIAN TOWNHOUSE ON BROOK GREEN brook green, w6 2 reception rooms ø open plan kitchen ø 5 bedrooms ø 3 bathrooms ø south-west facing garden ø off-street parking ø 222.2 sq m (2,395 sq ft) ø Council Tax=G ø EPC=D
Unfurnished £2,250 per week + £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply*
Savills Brook Green and Shepherd's Bush Ben Charlsey bcharlsley@savills.com
020 3618 3785
2
FANTASTIC NEWLY REFURBISHED APARTMENT ONLY 0.2 MILES FROM THE CENTRAL LINE granville mansions, w12 Reception room/kitchen ø 3 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø wooden floors throughout ø 99.58 sq m (1,072 sq ft) ø Council Tax=E ø EPC=D
Flexible furnishings £646 per week + £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply*
Savills Brook Green and Shepherd's Bush Ben Charlsey bcharlsley@savills.com
020 3618 3785 *£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 dependent on the property size and whether furnished/unfurnished. For more details, visit www.savills.co.uk/fees.
Wingate Road W6 £1,999,999 Freehold
This family home is on one of the most colourful streets in Hammersmith. The fully extended ground floor provides open-plan living space which leads onto Hammersmith & Shepherd's Bush Sales the west-facing garden.
4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Double reception room, Kitchen/breakfast room, 56 ft. west-facing garden, EPC: D
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
Granville Mansions W12 £500 per week + admin fees* Furnished Hammersmith & Shepherd's Bush Lettings
An extremely smart, neutrally decorated mansion flat that benefits from its own entrance. The property boasts high ceilings and original features throughout.
2 double bedrooms, Bathroom, Reception room, Kitchen, EPC: D
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
TO LET
W12 O ST R M IELM S TOON ROAD G R OV E W12 £16,9855 0PW £R 3 0E11 £ , 0 0 0/ F E HPCM OLD •• •• •• •• ••
A stylish and sociable family house near Askew Road An outstanding Victorian family house 45 double bedrooms Bathroom 2 bathrooms Shower room en suite suite Reception Cloakroomroom
• • • • • • • • • •
Dining room open to kitchen paved garden Generous basement family / and media room Good quality Kitchen Double reception room with matching fireplaces Cloakroom / utility Martin Moore kitchen / dining room Available / 07 / 2015 unfurnished 35' marble31paved terraced garden 1453 sqinternal ft / 135 sq m approx. - Esq m approx. EPC - D Gross area 2422 sq EPC ft / 225
O R M ISTO ROVE W12 I S TO N G R OV E W 12 £1, FR EEH LD £ 1 ,88 5 0 , 0 0 0 F RE EHOL D • • • • • • • • • •
An outstanding Victorian family house 55 double double bedrooms 22 bathrooms bathrooms Shower Shower room room en ensuite suite Cloakroom
•• •• •• •• ••
Generous basement family family//media mediaroom room Double Double reception reception room room with withmatching matchingfireplaces fireplaces Martin Martin Moore Moorekitchen kitchen//dining diningroom room 35’ 35' marble marble paved pavedterraced terracedgarden garden Gross internal internal area area2422 2422sq sqftft//225 225sq sqm mapprox. approx.EPC EPC--DD
St Albans Avenue, W4 £1,795,000 Freehold StParkside Albans Avenue, W4 Freehold Place, W12 Prices From£1,795,000 £525,000 Leasehold 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 superbly presented anddirectly recently renovated fourHigh bedroom two bathroom home this sought after location onlyLondon a short Parkside Place, located opposite beautiful Ravenscourt Park, brings theinvibrant and fashionable West walk from Turnham Green tube and the Chiswick Road. A superbly presented and recently fourspecification bedroom two home inapartments this sought and afterone location only a house. short walk fromto Turnham Green tube andrenovated the Chiswick High Road. lifestyle your doorstep in a collection of high 1, bathroom 2 and 3 bedroom 2 bedroom 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 Road. walk from Turnham Green tube and the Chiswick High Road. • Sought after location • 25’ Double reception room • Two bathrooms • • Sought after location • 25’to Double reception room • Two bathrooms New development Linden • Close Roadroom tube • Show homegarden now open • Walking distance ofbythe high Homes road • LargeGoldhawk kitchen/dining • Landscaped •• • Sought after location • 25’ Double reception room • Two bathrooms Walking distance of the high road • Large kitchen/dining room • Landscaped garden mews house Vibrant central location • 10year NHBC warranty • One two bedroom • Contemporary style • Four doublereception bedrooms • EPC =D after location Double room bathrooms •• • Sought Walking theout high •• 25’ Large kitchen/dining room •• Two Landscaped Contemporary style Four double bedrooms EPC = Dfromgarden Excellentdistance access inof and of road London. • Build completion June 2015 • Prices £525,000 •• 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
w w w. a n d r ew n u n n a s s o c i a t e s . c o . u k w w w. a n d r ew n u n n a s s o c i a t e s . c o . u k w w w. a n d r ew n u n n a s s o c i a t e s . c o . u k w w w. a n d r ew n u n n a s s o c i a t e s . c o . u k
020 020 020 020
8995 8995 8995 8995
15 0 0 15 0 0 15 0 0 15 0 0
Dukes Avenue, W4St Albans Avenue, W4 £2,500,000 Freehold £1,795,000 Avenue, W4 £2,500,000Freehold Freehold StDukes Albans Avenue, W4 £1,850,000 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 wonderful spacious opportunity to acquire this family house inLocated Dukes Avenue a west garden AA deceptively 2002 sqft Turnham Victorian house in this popular residential location only running arear short distance fromHigh Turnham uninterrupted aspectswalk over gardens towards the west. in this sought after facing road off Chiswick Road. from Green tube and the Chiswick High 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. Green tube (District Line) and the Chiswick High 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. 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 •• Freehold Off street parking • • Victorian househouse • Five• bedrooms •Attractive 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 • Semi-detached family house • Two reception rooms • Freehold • •Popular location • Two• bathrooms upward chain Wonderful west facing garden Vaulted kitchen •• No EPC = E parking Prime central location Six bedrooms Off street • Contemporary style • Four double bedrooms • EPC = D • Semi-detached • Two reception rooms ••• EPC Freehold Wonderful facing house garden Vaulted kitchen EPC== DE • •2002 Sq Ft west family • 28’x• 19’ family kitchen •• Semi-detached family house • Two reception rooms • Freehold Wonderful west facing garden • Vaulted kitchen • EPC = E • Wonderful west facing garden • Vaulted kitchen • EPC = E
w w w. a n d r ew n u nwnwa w. s s o c i a t e s .n c o . u k 0 2 0 8 9 9 5 15 0 u k0 w w w. a n d r ew n u n n a s s oacnidart eew s . c ou.nunka ss o0c2i0a t8e9s .9c5o .15 0 0 0 2 0 8 9 9 5 15 0 0 w w w. a n d r ew n u n n a s s o c i a t e s . c o . u k 0 2 0 8 9 9 5 15 0 0 w w w. a n d r ew n u n n a s s o c i a t e s . c o . u k 0 2 0 8 9 9 5 15 0 0
Intelligent Risk Management & Execution
EXPERT IN FOREIGN CURRENCY
Why RVB?
Approach
About
If you are needing to convert currency
RVB assists you in understanding
RVB Currency UK Ltd is a UK
to buy or sell a property, RVB delivers
each and every step of the process, so
registered company, number 7586693,
a blend of intelligent and practical
that we can provide you with the best
regulated by the FCA as an Authorised
solutions, with the sole purpose of
tailored solution to meet your specific
Payment Institution (FRN: 593854)
protecting you from losing money
requirements, for any currency scenario.
and by HMRC as a Money Transmitter
unnecessarily due to excessive charges
Our core value is that your interests are
(license number:12653819).
and currency market volatility.
at the heart of every decision.
+44(0) 20 3137 6885
18 Savile Row, London, W1S 3PW
info@rvbcurrency.com
SP
ON TI
HA
W RD
ICK
ER
D
N NE
WALPOL E G D NS
A3000
ON TT
WEL L
LA
ES L EY R
OA D
ON CO SUTT U RT
E G RA NG R
GDNS
RD
W E L L E S L E Y R OA D
ARLI N GTO N
UGH
4
W E L L E S L E Y ROA D
B O RO
RD N
M
00 0 A3
00
OA D
GUNNERSBURY
ON R I N GT
OX FO RD
OA D
K RD
A31 5
D
NN
H R OA
RD
SUTT ON L
THORN
CK HIG CHISWI
BURL
A406
ARA D E
AC
L AN E
MARL
C EN T
RD
A315
A30
ON
IC CH I S W
R ES
EY H E D G E
RD
TI
LA
CHISWICK PA R K
RC
R RD
D
VE S IL
POW E
R RY
NE
E OM
SU
AV E
G
AC
POW E R
G U N N E R S B U RY
T ON
U
RD
M
OB
K
E
Chiswick Park
TR
T
LLO L A N BO
AN
Do your best work in Chiswick You’ll find everything you need. Inspirational workspace. World-class IT facilities. Expert support team. And a ready-made business community to connect with. So you can focus on what you do best. Accelerate your business. Grow. And thrive.
Office space
Business lounge
Now in 400 locations in UK and 900 cities across 120 countries and 3000 worldwide. Meeting rooms
Call us. Let’s talk business. Building 3, 566 Chiswick High Road, London, W4 5YA
0800 756 2501 regus.co.uk
Co-working
Good news travels
quickly
Marsh & Parsons Brook Green head of sales Tom Reeves and head of lettings Graeme Young talk about the election result’s impact on the local housing market
I
n the run up to the election, the market reacted to the possibility of the muchfeared mansion tax. It saw a relative slow down as people decided to wait until the election results had come in before making the decision to buy or sell, especially at the higher end. Even viewings and new buyer registrations dropped across all of London as a general rule, but there were still a few transactions here and there for the team at Marsh & Parsons. Post-election, things turned around for the better – almost immediately. ‘It’s great news for the London property scene now,’ Tom Reeves begins. ‘Since the election result, we’ve seen a massive increase in general enquiries.’ Tom elaborates the situation with an anecdote. ‘Before the election, we had a property online that didn’t receive very much attention so we took it down. After the results had been announced, we put it back up – at the same price – and we’ve had 15 viewings there in one week,’ he says. This is typical across the whole of London, and the general consensus is that
confidence has been restored and people are pushing through with their planned purchases in this now-stable arena. After the Conservative victory, people have been registering with Marsh & Parsons left, right and centre because of the confidence that is now sweeping the capital. This is excellent news and Tom confirms it: ‘It’s really, really great news,’ he says. But what about the lettings market? ‘From the beginning of mid-February, the amount of people registering for lettings has gone through the roof,’ Graeme says. With positive changes happening on both the lettings and sales sides of the market, was it a confidence game or was this turbulent period down to other factors, political or otherwise? ‘I think it’s more of a confidence boost,’ both Graeme and Tom agree. ‘We weren’t really affected by it too
much, but you could sense something – there was almost a clog. However, we still saw a lot of re-lets with our extensive landlord portfolio,’ Graeme continues. ‘For lettings, since the election, we’ve maintained our high turn over of lets, but we’re now also seeing a lot of new landlords take a leap of faith,’ Graeme smiles. ‘We’re also getting a lot of accidental landlords – people who are renting out their houses in Brook Green and downsizing to smaller properties in central London and they can do that because they’re confident that they will be able to find tenants for their Brook Green houses,’ he explains. He goes on to explain about Brook Green’s vast spectrum of tenants. ‘It’s interesting because there’s such a huge array of tenants meaning there’s no simple case-study occupant. It
From the beginning of mid-February, the amount of people registering for lettings has gone through the roof just makes my job more fun!’ he laughs. The mixture of great schools, transport links, nearness to Notting Hill and central London, as well as its proximity to Imperial College means that tenants in this area range from families to students. Brook Green is a diverse area and perfect for both renting, letting out properties and buying and selling homes. Combining buildings and green spaces that are similar to those in neighbouring West Kensington and a fantastic, confident market, Tom and Graeme might just find themselves inundated with sales and rental instructions within a matter of weeks.
© sarel jansen
Marsh & Parsons Brook Green, 107-109 Shepherds Bush Road, W6 7LP, 020 7605 7760 (marshandparsons.co.uk)
46
Š sarel jansen
[PROPERTY]
Graeme Young (left) and Tom Reeves (right)
47
Stamford Brook Road W6 ÂŁ2,400,000 An exceptional semi-detached six-bedroom family house with views across Stamford Brook Green and situated within easy reach of both Turnham Green Terrace and Chiswick High Road. Freehold. EPC=D
Askew Road: 020 8102 0123 sales.ask@marshandparsons.co.uk
A
Goldhawk Road W12 ÂŁ1,195,000 A superb three-bedroom period apartment set over two floors, recently refurbished to the highest of standards throughout. The property also boasts bi-folding doors which open onto a generous south facing garden. Share of Freehold. EPC=C
Brook Green: 020 7605 7760 sales.bkg@marshandparsons.co.uk
Brook Green W6 ÂŁ2,250 per week A spacious, five-bedroom, end of terrace Georgian town house with a secluded, lawned garden, overlooking the open spaces of Brook Green and beautifully presented throughout. EPC=D
Brook Green: 020 7605 7760 lets.bkg@marshandparsons.co.uk
Elegant, high-end dwelling exquisitely decorated througout Matching people people and and property property in in London London for for over over 150 150 years. years. Matching
It’s never too late...
LUXURY BODY BUTTER IN WHITE CASHMERE FROM THE BATH & BODY COLLECTION
www.lilouetloic.com
LetL-Ad-Runwild-whtKL.indd 1
05/05/2015 15:01