Chiswick & The West May 2015 by Runwild Media Group

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

“…the Lyric embodies the creativity of Hammersmith and the keenness of the younger community. It’s a nucleus of inspiration and imagination that serves a wider society…” – PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

General Manager Fiona Fenwick senior Designer Lisa Wade Publishing Director Giles Ellwood

“…The area has such a bustling vibrant community and a number of wonderful food shops. I live right next door to the QPR football ground so I’ve even learnt to love the roar of the crowd and the floodlit sky during football season…” – Skye Gyngell

Executive Director Sophie Roberts Client Relationship manager Friday Dalrymple BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Nicola Bloomfield Production Alice Ford Hugo Wheatley Alex Powell Oscar Viney

“…Chi Gong is an ancient Chinese form of health maintenance, estimated to be thousands of years old and is similar to tai chi…” – News

“…Asking an artist what the future holds is a big question. Inspiration can come at any time and it’s not something that a creative soul can always predict…” – Arts and exhibitions

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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.

Publishers Association

“…Try your best not to think about the way in which Hardy represents social constructs of the period through language and metaphor, such as you may have done with the book for an exam. Or do, if you’re that way inclined…” – Film

[editor’s letter and contents]

From the

editor

CONTENTS

e’ve got a busy issue for you this month, with plenty of inspiration to get you out and about and enjoying the (hopefully warm) late spring weather.

Continuing with introducing local societies to readers and residents, we speak to the West Chiswick and Gunnersbury Society about all that it’s doing to improve Gunnersbury Station and how it helps the area balance commercialisation with residential life. Read all about it on page 14. Elsewhere, Tom Hagues visits Hammersmith’s Lyric theatre to have

hidden plaques to professional recording studios, find out more from page 16. For a sprinkling of artisitic brilliance, we profile local artist Philippa Jeffrey on page 12 and for a splash of culinary stardom, we interview Shepherd’s Bush resident and talented chef Skye Gyngell on

a tour of the hotly-anticipated new Reuben Foundation Wing. From

Han Solo’s model in progress, see page six

REGULARS 4

page seven. Residents’ letters and emails are on page 18, which all offer a glimpse

WHAT’S ON IN MAY All the best events to attend this month

HP SOURCE

Can the voting system improve?

WORD ON THE STREET

into what’s got people in the area talking this month. To keep yourself

The most pressing issues from vocal locals

up-to-date, flick to page eight and enjoy our informative news snippets.

FEATURES

We hope you enjoy the issue.

60 seconds with... skye gyngell

Finding out about her favourite local restaurant and her new book

getting to know: west chiswick and gunnersbury society

Introducing west London’s voice of reason

hammersmith’s greatest asset The addition to the Lyric is open and we get shown round its facilities

Francesca Lee, Managing Editor

news, events and reviews 8

in the know

ON THE COVER (left to right)

music makes the world go round

Skye Gyngell © Amber Rowlands; Lyric Hammersmith © Philip Meech; Mumford

May’s gigs and new releases

and Sons © James Minchin III; Wheatstone House © Telereal Trillium; Reuben

A comprehensive round-up of the biggest news

Bees © Kathryna Hancock; Babes in Toyland; Al Pacino © Andrea Raffin; Chiswick Park © Chiswick Park Enjoy-Work

grab the popcorn The biggest films that hit cinemas at the beginning of the month

Foundation Wing staircase in Lyric Hammersmith © Jim Stephenson; She Keeps 12

the profile page Learn all about local artist Philippa Jeffrey

Top picks for

MAY

The best events to attend this month

14-15 May teddy bears and blankets

16 May YOUNG, FREE AND TALENTED

16 May A BOUNTIFUL CROP

The age of the internet celebrity is in full swing with new names being thrown up every week to a barrage of ‘Who? No, never heard of them.’ Only the finest and most popular stand the test of time and ever-changing trends, and one such fellow is American vlogger Tyler Oakley. He’s hosting his stage show Tyler Oakley’s Slumber Party at the O2 Empire in Shepherd’s Bush, an event that will see a multimedia experience in music and comedy take place, with the audience invited to come dressed in ready-for-bed onesies. Don’t get too comfortable though: despite the show’s title you won’t be allowed to sleep at the venue.

We all know that the future is in the hands of today’s youth, but, thankfully, it seems as though those hands are perfect for the job. The Fine Art Big Draw Exhibition taking place at Falcon School for Boys is a perfect way to spend an afternoon, and it’s firm evidence that the next few generations of Chiswickians have got plenty to give to the world. Feel free to take along a magnifying glass and personal art adviser to check for authenticity, or simply attend and see what the newest set of local artists has to offer and applaud their many varied talents with paintbrushes and canvases.

Chiswick House and Gardens Trust is heralding the beginning of summer by flinging open the gates to its kitchen garden. As the first open day of the year, visitors will gain access to an area of the grounds that isn’t open all the time – great for those keen to tick off Chiswick House as ‘thoroughly explored’. Volunteers will be at hand to answer any burning questions about the kitchen garden’s upkeep, its progress and the various edible treats it has growing in it. It’ll also be a great chance to sign up to the volunteering scheme as well as purchase some goods from the nearby shop.

£28, 8pm, O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, Shepherd’s Bush Green, W12 8TT, 0844 477 2000 (o2shepherdsbushempire.co.uk)

Free entry, 1pm-5pm, St Michael and All Angels Church, Bath Road, W4 1TT, 020 8747 8393 ( falconsboys.co.uk)

Free, 11am-3pm, Kitchen Garden, Chiswick House and Gardens, W4 2RP, 020 8742 3905 (chgt.org.uk)

tyler oakley

volunteers in the kitchen garden

[EVENTS]

16 and 30 May JUST LIKE MAMMA USED TO MAKE

18 May GET INVOLVED

22 May THE GODFATHER OF ACTING

For those who like a challenge and enjoy the idea of making all their food from scratch, Mamma Anna has the perfect couple of sessions available this month. The store offers cookery classes in order to help its customers appreciate and get to know the art of pasta-making and, more broadly, Italian food, and this month is no exception. On 16 May, learn how to make the perfect picnic (Italian-style) and pop along on 30 May to try your hand at creating some Amalfi-baked gnocchi. You’ll never go back to packet pasta (time permitting, of course) and you can show off your new skills at your next dinner party.

Brentford & Chiswick Local History Society is hosting its annual general meeting on this evening and will be offering members the chance to attend an illustrated talk with historian James Wisdom afterwards. The talk will be about how to ‘read’ a historic town by discussing how buildings, landscapes and the area can act as historical sources almost as much as documents and photographs do. By way of preparing for what’s to come on the Society’s calendar, this talk provides background information for the group’s summer outing.

With his husky voice and Academy Awardwinning acting, Al Pacino is a Hollywood bigwig and he’s coming to a venue near you. Hosted at Hammersmith’s Eventim Apollo, An Evening with Pacino is a perfect night for Scarface, Godfather and Scent of a Woman fans to get to know their favourite star a little bit better. The on-stage interview, aided by some never-before-seen video clips, will offer an insight into the actor’s creative process and the inner workings of some of his greatest roles. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to get to know the man like the back of your hand.

pasta at Mamma Anna

From £45.75, doors 7pm, show 8pm, Eventim Apollo, 45 Queen Caroline Street, W6 9QH, 0844 249 1000 (eventimapollo.com)

£42 per person, 3pm-4pm, 3 Charleville Road, W14 9JL, 020 7998 7977 (mamma-anna.co.uk)

£9 membership, 7.30pm, Chiswick Memorial Club, Bourne Place, W4 2EL, info@brentfordandchiswicklhs.org.uk (brentfordandchiswicklhs.org.uk)

al pacino

[EVENTS]

Rest of London 15 May AFTER HOURS AT THE BANK

The Bank of England is opening its doors for an after-dark tour and talk of the museum dedicated to all things BofE related. It’s part of the Museum at Night programme taking place across London throughout the month of May, and visitors will be given the chance to see the usual displays as well as special presentations on our nation’s various banknotes. Plus, museum guides will be on hand to answer any questions you might have about gold (the metal, not the hit song by Spandau Ballet). Free, 5.30pm-9pm, Threadneedle Street (entrance in Bartholomew Lane), EC2R 8AH, 020 7601 4878 (bankofengland.co.uk)

online chatter 15-25 May CROSS-CULTURAL MAGIC

Alchemy, the festival that celebrates almost all things cultural, is coming to the Southbank Centre for its sixth year. It showcases the best dance, music, theatre, design, fashion, comedy and literature from South Asia and the United Kingdom and is bursting with things to see and do. This year, singer Shreya Ghoshal and the Jaipur Literature Festival will take up a two-day residency at the event and there will be free workshops to get involved with. Various times and dates for certain shows, see website for full details and pricing. Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX, 020 7960 4200 (southbankcentre.co.uk)

What’s got local tongues wagging recently? @chiswickish #Nods RT @guy_in_london: No burrito place in #Chiswick? That’s a shame.

@leighclothier Landed at Chiswick Park underground on Saturday, what a lovely Holden station.

@richardshock Delighted that my work, now in the Frivoli Gallery in Chiswick, is also on their website.

@BellAndCrownW4 A beer with a view. Oliver’s Island in front of

From 16 May RETURN OF THE LIFE-LIKE JEDI

Hardcore fans of Star Wars will have known about this for a long time, but for those who have a more fleeting interest in the film series, this will probably be the first they’ve heard of it (much to the disbelief of previously mentioned admirers): Madame Tussauds is running a Star Wars exhibition. For many months, the artists behind the scenes have been gently crafting the faces of Anakin Skywalker, Han Solo and Obi-Wan Kenobi for visitors to pose with and, depending on their level of fandom, attempt to caress. The exhibition will feature 16 of the series’ most villainous villains and celebrated heroes, as well as some of the more iconic moments featured in the much-loved movies. From £24.75, 9am-7pm, Madame Tussauds, Marylebone Road, NW1 5LR, 0871 894 3000 (madametussauds.com)

its geographical namesake! Get it while it’s hopped! #OliversIsland

@MC_Chats Fantastic day @TenPilates #Chiswick. Great to catch up and lay down some moves. @jofrancis82 @clerkin_peter. Brilliant from the academy guys.

@Chiswick_House Giffords Circus is coming to Chiswick House, tickets are selling fast so book now to avoid disappointment.

@HammersmithBID What a beautiful morning in Hammersmith. I hope you all had a wonderful bank-holiday Easter weekend.

@BeerGuideLondon Impressed with comfortable and friendly new @DraftHouseUK #Hammersmith. Great that they offer all beers in thirds, too.

@fostersbookshop Low tide in #Hammersmith this

morning #Thames.

@londonwalks Strand on the Green: Gothic in places. Han Solo’s model in progress

[NoTABLE RESIDENT]

60 seconds with...

SKYE GYnGELL

Tom Hagues asks the famous chef and Shepherd’s Bush resident some quick-fire questions

Apart from the restaurant link, what were your main reasons behind writing your cookbook Spring? Do you like the idea of sharing what you know and love? Opening my own restaurant has been one of the proudest moments of my career. After a search for the perfect location and collaborating with a number of wonderful artists, designers and architects, it was a fantastic feeling when we opened our doors in October last year. It was a long process but I’ve enjoyed it all and I suppose I just wanted to put that journey into words.

Do you have one great dinner party tip?

Make the table look gorgeous.

Best piece of advice for an aspiring young restaurateur? If you work hard you will succeed.

SKYE GYnGELL

What brought you to Shepherd’s Bush?

It’s quite central and when I moved here from Paris more than 20 years ago, it was somewhere I could afford. Now it feels very much like home to me as much of the fabric of mine and my daughters’ lives are here.

What are your favourite things about this part of west London?

The area has such a bustling vibrant community, and a number of wonderful food shops. I live right next door to the QPR football ground so I’ve even learnt to love the roar of the crowd and the floodlit sky during football season.

What sort of meals do you eat when cooking at home?

I always cook professionally the way I enjoy eating personally, so the food I cook at home is similar to the way I cook when I’m at work. It’s simple and ingredient-led, but more thrown together at home – I don’t worry so much about the presentation.

Which restaurant in the local area do you recommend?

Spring by Skye Gyngell (published by Quadrille, £25), photography by Andy Sewell. Release date 14 May

The Brackenbury on Brackenbury Road. Before it came along there was never really anywhere to eat around here, so it’s exactly what the area needed. It’s simple food but an underrated pleasure.

Do you have a sweet tooth or are you more of a savoury person?

Savoury. I love chocolate but there’s nothing better than a slice of sourdough bread with Vegemite and lots of butter.

How does your restaurant, Spring, fit into the food scene in London and what about it works well?

We worked really hard to create a beautiful and incredibly welcoming space in Somerset House where people come to enjoy themselves and feel comfortable and at ease. It’s more of a ‘feminine’ space which serves as an antithesis to the big, dark restaurants of the City.

In the

know

Keeping you informed with local news

Childbase Partnership which has nursery groups dotted across the United Kingdom. The excellent achievement was made even sweeter by the celebratory biscuits that the staff dished out to the children to mark the great results. (childbasepartnership.com)

kele baker teaching chi gong

UTTER TRANQUILLITY

Meditators rejoice: Chi Gong has established itself in Chiswick. The sessions are run by Strictly Come Dancing Argentine tango choreographer and director of the Life Force Chi Centre Kele Baker. Chi Gong is an ancient Chinese form of health maintenance, estimated to be thousands of years old and is similar to tai chi. The ever-smiling Kele has been teaching the gentle movements at Chiswick Pier House in order to help people find calmness within themselves. It’s perfect for people stressed out, overworked or just completely knackered and is decidedly healthier than gulping down a glass of wine in front of the television. Kele is running the 45-minute classes until 25 May, when she’ll be taking a break until September. £8 per class, Mondays 6.45pm and 7.45pm, Chiswick Pier House, Corney Reach Way, W4 2UG, 07970 599 445 (lifeforcechicentre.com)

GREAT FOR A SUMMER READ

Devonshire Day Nursery

WORK IS WHERE THE SMILES ARE

A local children’s nursery was recently listed by the Sunday Times’ Best 100 Companies to Work For list. Devonshire Day Nursery, based in Bennett Street, was awarded a three-star extraordinary rating and was recognised as the ninth best company to work for in the country. It also performed well in sub-categories of the list; it was ranked fifth for career development and third for job security. It’s part of the

Shepherd’s Bush has produced another author in the shape of James Dunford Wood and his novel Continental With Juice. The story is about the fictional and totally bankrupt Balkan country Ruritania, whose president desperately wants to invigorate the nation’s economy. He resorts to resurrecting the country’s previously overthrown monarchy in a bid to drum up a tourist attraction, but the heir to the throne has other ideas. Enter our Notting Hill-based hero; a man who is tasked with leading the first organised tour to Ruritania. The plot

[NEWS]

fantastic fitness

is a hilarious political satire and Dunford Wood has drawn on inspiration from his time spent as a backpacking tour leader in Europe and Asia to conjure up the tale. It mocks the money-grabbing tourism industry and opens the lid on the schemes that tour operators employ to make as much money as possible from unwitting tourists.

SHAKESPEARE COMES TO CHISWICK

Chiswick’s barrecore has a new package (barreNOURISH + TONE) available that helps people understand their body type and implement appropriate changes to their workout. Niki Rein, the founder of barrecore and nutritional expert, believes that you should combine barrecore’s great private training and classes with clean eating, which is just what the new programme teaches.

£9.99, available from magicoxygen.co.uk

Sir Trevor Nunn has been directing ArtsEd students in his adaptation of Two Gentlemen of Verona during the first few weeks of May. Nunn holds the title of youngest ever artistic director of the Royal Shakespeare Company and he has directed more than 30 productions. The cast of the performance comprised final-year students from the wellknown and revered performing arts school on Bath Road.

(barrecore.co.uk)

BOTTOMS UP

Fuller’s has launched a new ale and it’s been named after an island in the Thames. The beverage, named Oliver’s Island, is 3.8 per cent and has tropical and citrus tasting notes, made extra-zesty with the addition of orange peel in the ingredients. The golden ale will be a popular choice as the weather gets warmer and its refreshing nature will be best enjoyed beside the river and under the sun. Chiswick is renowned for its riverside drinking scene and this addition has been warmly welcomed by the beer-drinking community so far.

(artsed.co.uk)

AWARD-WINNING THEATRES

Plays and musicals often win awards, but in the case of the Bush Theatre in Shepherd’s Bush and the Lyric Theatre in Hammersmith, the venues themselves have been the recipient of some accolades. The Bush Theatre has been selected for a couple of Offies, an award established by OffWestEnd.com. It won ‘Best Theatre Bar’ and ‘Best Foodie Experience’ in the north west London category, while the Lyric Theatre won a special panel award for ‘Oustanding Achievement’ for its Secret Theatre project.

( fullers.co.uk)

GREEN-LINESS IS NEXT TO GODLINESS

Bottled tea £1.39, teabags from £3.99 (drinktg.com)

tg green teas, chilled and hot ranges

inside the lyric’s new screening room

davina mulford millinery

HATS ALL, FOLKS

The need for a showy hat is never as great as it is at this time of the year. From weddings to Royal Ascot, it seems that there’s always an occasion to brush off a wide-brimmed sunhat or clip on a fascinator during the summer. Davina Mulford Millinery has recently launched its spring/summer collection that’s been inspired by the landscapes of Cornwall. The hats have been designed with durability in mind and offer great value for money.

Two local entrepreneurs have launched a new range of green teas in both hot and cold versions. Called Tg Green Tea, it has no added flavourings – the flavour of the beverages is all natural and hasn’t been tampered with, something that the makers believe is vital for true enjoyment of the good-for-you drink. The pyramid teabags, used to make the hot version, are sold in resealable pouches that have been designed to keep the contents fresher for longer. The cold version comes in a bottle and contains no more than 30 calories with several flavours available: ginseng; mandarin and ginseng; jujube and ginseng.

(lyric.co.uk) (bushtheatre.co.uk)

(davinamulfordmillinery.com)

TEMPTING YOUR TASTE BUDS

SPOILT FOR CHOICE

Annie’s Chiswick has launched its spring menu, with some notable additions. Diners will be able to choose Parma ham and caramelised roast peach or Southdown lamb steak flavoured with fresh mint and rosemary. Wash it all down with cocktails during the cocktail hours on Monday-Friday, 5pm-7pm.

Nearby, award-winning butchers H.G. Walter has recently undergone a refurbishment. The family-run establishment now has newlyinstalled glass cabinets and walk-in fridges in which it shows off its varied produce. Pop in and have a peek at the new-look store and peruse some of the deli goods on offer.

(anniesrestaurant.co.uk)

(hgwalter.com)

[music]

Music makes the world

go round May’s gigs and new releases

live shows in the area watch this space Our recommendations for this month’s musical fill ALBUM Mumford & Sons’ new album Wilder Mind comes out on 4 May. Their folk sound has been popular in the past and we’re extremely confident that their latest offering won’t be much different in terms of success. £10 (mumfordandsons.com)

O2 SHEPHERD’S BUSH EMPIRE

BUSH HALL

19 May TWIN SHADOW

14 May CATHAL SMYTH

Real name George Lewis Jr, Twin Shadow grew up listening to Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Boyz II Men, Keith Sweat and Bobby Brown, and his first foray into music was singing in his local church choir. An eclectic mix, you might correctly notice. His talents don’t just stop at music, either. Mr Shadow has written a novel, entitled The Night of the Silver Sun. It’s a wonder how he finds the time to tour, so take this chance before he becomes simply too busy.

With his début solo album released at the beginning of this month, Cathal Smyth will be keen to show off what he’s got to offer at this show. His album is an emotional journey of honesty and self-discovery, inspired by the time he entered Cottonwood rehabilitation facility in Tucson after the break-up of a decades-long relationship. £25, 7.30pm

26 May BABES IN TOYLAND mumford and sons

SINGLE Roads by Lawson is our recommended single this month. This welcome return to the charts has been much

Yes, that really is the name of this band and not a kids’ TV show. The Minneapolisborn group found fame in the late ’80s, a time when big hair and spandex was in full fashionable favour and they were praised for capturing the mood of the time. See them this month and relive your 1980s punk phase you may or may not have forgotten about.

anticipated by the group’s loyal fan-base and will offer a glimpse into what their

£22.50, 7pm

new album will be like. 99p, released 24 May (lawsonofficial.com) GIG

O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, Shepherd’s Bush Green, W12 8TT, 0844 477 2000 (o2shepherdsbushempire.co.uk)

If you bless the rains down in Africa, the Toto performance in Hammersmith will be right up your street this month. The blast-from-the-past gig will be a good opportunity for avid music fans to tick this lot off their list of ‘bands I must see’ and enjoy the unmistakable sound of this

£13.50, 7pm

she keeps bees

15 May SHE KEEPS BEES

She Keeps Bees is the curious name of the Brooklyn rock ‘n’ roll band coming to Bush Hall this month. They’re young, talented and have been compared to The White Stripes, so they’ve got everything going for them. Some of their music has been described in the press as being hard to listen to but rewarding, but perhaps you should make your own mind up about whether it’s good or not.

well-established act.

£12, 7.30pm

£45.75, 26 May, doors 7pm, Eventim Apollo, 45 Queen Caroline Street, W6 9QH, 0844 249 1000 (eventim.co.uk) babes in toyland

Bush Hall, 310 Uxbridge Road, W12 7LJ, 020 8222 6955 (bushhallmusic.co.uk)

[film]

Grab the

popcorn A quick roundup of the newest films hitting UK cinemas at the beginning of May

ALL FILMS RELEASED 1 MAY

think). He turns to his heist buddies to help him out of the mess he’s in and the outcome is all-action fun.

UNFRIENDED

far from the madding crowd

FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD

Directed by Thomas Vinterberg Starring Carey Mulligan, Matthias Schoenaerts and Michael Sheen What is a madding crowd, you ask? It’s a good question and we aren’t sure, so maybe watch the film to find out. This is an onscreen retelling of the Thomas Hardy tale of Bathsheba Everdene and her three possible suitors (the lucky lady) and her having to choose. Try your best not to think about the way in which Hardy represents social constructs of the period through language and metaphor, such as you may have done with the book for an exam. Or do, if you’re that way inclined.

ELSA AND FRED

Directed by Michael Radford Starring Shirley MacLaine, Christopher Plummer and Marcia Gay Harden In what might be the soppiest tale of 2015, Elsa and Fred find love despite their advanced ages. Fred moves into a smaller

apartment after the death of his wife, and has the great fortune of meeting Elsa who bursts into his life like an uplifting whirlwind and teaches him that the time he has left on earth is precious and he should enjoy it as he pleases. She sounds like a bit of a busybody, we know, but Fred seems to enjoy her company and it makes for an entertaining (if slightly mushy) love story.

LACE UP 2

Directed by Rhys Horler Starring Gary Wasniewski, Thaer Al-Shayei Gerald Royston Horler Lo and behold, the second Lace Up film is here. Didn’t see the first one? No, neither did we, but this second one might be worth your time and money. Alfonso is down in the dumps after having his gym business taken from him and suffering the embarrassment of mucking up a heist, but things get a whole lot worse when he receives a phone call informing him that he has five days to pay back £400,000 (which seems unfair, we

Directed by Levan Gabriadze Starring Heather Sossaman, Matthew Bohrer and Courtney Halverson From the producer of the much-applauded Paranormal Activity comes this wholly unoriginal film that stars a load of actors using video messaging service Skype. It’s not like we’ve seen enough of the fly-on-the-wall horrors that rely on tension and quick scares to terrify the audience (expect nothing else when there’s almost no budget), so here’s another one. Similarly, we don’t have enough cheap horrors starring teenagers, so again, here’s another one. See it at your peril, but we can assure you that you’ve almost certainly seen it all before.

Monsters: Dark Continent

Directed by Tom Green Starring Johnny Harris, Sam Keeley and Joe Dempsie The Monsters have been around for about 10 years and the infected zones have spread all across the globe. It is, understandably, a bit of a nightmare. In the Middle East, an insurgency begins and the human race looks like it might be getting itself back on track. Sadly for the poor mites, there’s also a new wave of Monsters stirring in the same area and as you can imagine, a vast amount of trouble ensues.

monsters: dark continent

[ARTS AND EXHIBITIONS]

The

profile page

What you should know about local artist Philippa Jeffrey

THE RECEPTION

Philippa’s first exhibition Seed to Surface, showcased her current collection at the end of March, and was well received. The buzz around her work, and the artist herself, is undoubtedly a good sign.

THE FUTURE

Asking an artist what the future holds is a big question. Inspiration can come at any time and it’s not something that a creative soul can always predict. Philippa has thought about combining her designs with fashion – two things she knows plenty about. The idea of having a design on a scarf or item of clothing is something that she can image working well, as opposed to designing an entire line of clothes.

THE COLLECTION

pHilippa jeffrey

THE ARTIST

Philippa Jeffrey did a foundation art course at college before completing her Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Art with History of Art at the University of Leeds. From her very beginnings she was primed to become an artist. Her working life, however, took her down a slightly different path – she was a fashion producer and travel writer for famous glossy magazines for a decade. It wasn’t until she had children that she returned to her creative roots and began practising art again.

THE STUDIO

Philippa’s studio is in her home in Chiswick. She and her husband moved to the area when they got married, but not as a familyplanning move. It was a happy coincidence that they were living in Chiswick when their first baby came along and Philippa loves the village-like surroundings of W4, as well as having everything she needs right on her doorstep. Her studio is a place for her to escape and be creative.

THE ART WORK

Working mainly with acrylic rather than oil paints (‘acrylic means you don’t have the waiting period when the paint is drying. It’s faster and it suits me,’ she says), Philippa’s style has developed naturally. Her latest collection is a bloom of pinks, delicate greens and subtle off-white shades, most of which are painted onto boards and a few on canvases. She believes that having a signature style is important, though her latest collection wasn’t an intentional effort; she took a break from the work and came back with a fresh mind and it fell into place.

Philippa’s website lists her items and prices. What’s for sale at the moment offers a good opportunity to get hold of some original art created by a local artist. Keep your eyes peeled for her next collection, whatever and whenever it may be. (philippa-jeffrey.com)

THE INSPIRATION

With so much travel under her belt, Philippa’s never been short of inspiration, but rather than thinking ‘I wish I could paint this scene’, she prefers to photograph and then collage sights that she thinks are beautiful or worth collecting. And, instead of using a whole scene to inspire her work, Philippa finds it works best if she takes certain elements to apply to her work, making for varied pieces.

Pina Colada, acrylic paint on canvas, 2014, 44cm x 53cm

[politics]

hp source:

henry hopwood-phillips reports on local issues

the democratic deficit

he election will be over by the time you read this. Yet it will have been determined by an electoral system geared to an era when 98 per cent of the British voted for one of two parties. Nowadays, the Labour and Conservative parties fail to clock even 60 per cent. Whatever the turnout is, the fact remains that under the First Past The Post (FPTP) system, a minority government can potentially preside over the UK with 30 per cent of the vote on a 60 per cent turnout – that’s rule based on the will of 20 per cent of the country. It begs the question: where exactly do we pool legitimacy here, in the ‘mother of parliamentary democracies?’ Chiswick, sitting in the Brentford and Isleworth constituency, has the good fortune to sit in one of the few marginal seats – this means resources and attention are piled on to it at regular intervals by the main political parties. The Conservative incumbent, Mary Macleod, has a slim majority of just under 2,000, making it a key battleground. This comes with the dubious privilege of being infantilised with short-term (and rarely

were essentially rendered frivolous by the electoral system in 2010. This is a structure in which almost two thirds of parliamentary seats are considered ‘safe’ (read ‘mindnumbingly tribal’) after all. Parties (Green, Respect, UKIP etc.) that stick two fingers up to the apathy this situation generates and attempt to reflect the fertile political diversity of the UK, are forced to struggle (in a futile exercise) beneath the electoral equivalent of a paving slab. UKIP, a party that regularly polls between 10-15 per cent nationally, stands to potentially suffer the humiliation of no seats. Yet under Proportional Representation the Electoral Calculus recently noted that the figure would stand nearer 100 per cent. The parties that will snatch them instead are those which cast their nets so far and wide that they essentially neuter their politics to become viable candidates, reminding one of Aristotle’s adage that ‘a friend to all is a friend to none.’ This huge disconnect exacerbates a situation in which political managers lack authority and the real power has pretensions to apoliticism. In a merry-go-round of meaningless politicians, a stand must be taken against the system itself. What is perhaps most embarrassing is that a country that would pretend to set the gold standard for democracy, internationalism and the progressive inclination, insists on sticking to an electoral system that few but a handful of its ex-colonies would copy.

The Conservative incumbent, Mary Macleod, has a slim majority of just under 2,000 fulfilled) perks and promises. For parts of the country not fortunate enough to have acquired ‘swing’ status, however, votes take on a farcical and tragic aspect as they fail to make an impact on the political landscape outside their constituency’s boundaries. These votes are essentially squandered; they have no bearing on the greater result. Only 800,000 voters in the electorate live in marginal constituencies. Historically this has resulted in at least three elections that have been won by a party that gathered fewer total votes than its opponent. The wastage is prodigious. It could be argued that 15.7million, or 53 per cent, of votes

Henry Hopwood-Phillips argues that time needs to be called on an electoral system that lacks a democratic mandate

Getting to know…

the West Chiswick and Gunnersbury Society

We find out what’s happening on the western frontier of Chiswick

he sun is shining on Devonshire Road when I meet chairwoman Marie Rabouhans in the Classic Image Café. We begin by getting an overview of the Society’s remit, which includes residential streets and Chiswick Business Park and how the group operates. ‘Our area has a big mix,’ Marie begins. ‘It’s a sort of mosaic and we try to maintain a balance between the residential and the commercial side of things; the old and the new. The residents are also varied, from young professionals to families putting down roots.’ The patch is situated on the

border between Chiswick and Brentford, which Marie describes as being both good and bad. ‘There’s a lot of regeneration going on around here, which puts us under an awful lot of pressure. We’re not against development, but we want it to be the right kind.’ The Society is keen to keep a good relationship with developers and isn’t against everything under the sun. Instead it’s a constructive voice that offers alternatives and a considered opinion with regards to new developments. ‘If you spoil the area’s character, you destroy what attracts people to it in the first place,’ she says.

Marie believes that Chiswick’s open spaces are valuable because of the density of the residential streets, suggesting that over-developing in W4 would ruin this. ‘One thing we have on our patch, and are very pleased to have, is the Gunnersbury Triangle Nature Reserve. It’s a very special place, and this year it’s celebrating 30 years since its public opening. It’s mostly run by volunteers.’ Singing the praises of the location of the Society, Marie says: ‘We don’t have a river frontage, but what delights me about living here is that within 10 minutes I can be walking along the towpath of the Thames.’

Aside from fighting developments that threaten the area’s nature spots, the WCGS works with the local authority on roads in the surrounding area. With Chiswick roundabout in the Society’s patch and the heavily-congested and well-used Great West Road running through it, it’s no surprise they’ve been forced to combat enormous advertising structures. ‘The main road is one of the most valuable pieces of advertising space in western Europe because of the amount of traffic that passes through,’ says Marie. ‘Everybody wants to put LED-lit advertising screens up and I have attended several public enquiries to support the council in stopping these screens appearing. This is one of the pressures on our area – people who live under these advertisements don’t want them in their faces day in and day out, especially because they’re highly illuminated. You can see the lights from miles away sometimes.’ The preservation of the local residents’ way of life is of paramount importance to the Society. At the moment, the biggest issue it is faced with is Gunnersbury Station. Since the opening of the award-winning Chiswick Business Park, the number of people passing through the station has increased enormously. At peak times in the morning, with people arriving for work, Marie says

[LOCAL SOCIETy]

CHISWICK PARK

one staircase and platform. We’d like to see part of one of the car parks reclaimed and the space used as an extra platform – that’s the ideal scenario.’ With so many businesses and headquarters located on the ‘Golden Mile’ stretch of road, Gunnersbury Station is becoming a big transport hub in the area and is set to grow even more in the coming years. ‘Companies like Sky are based on the

‘We don’t have a river frontage, but what delights me about living here is that within 10 minutes I can be walking along the towpath of the Thames.’ that anyone trying to walk against the tide of passengers will find it incredibly difficult. ‘There’s only one narrow platform accessed by one staircase – so as you can imagine, when thousands of passengers walk up the staircase, people trying to go the other way sometimes have to wait for five minutes to let everyone past.’ The Society has been campaigning to have this situation changed, but it’s proving to be a difficult undertaking. ‘The station is owned and managed by different people and the building on top of it owns the car parks that used to be the extra platforms,’ Marie explains. ‘However, over the last 18 months or so, local MP Mary Macleod has set up a Gunnersbury Station action team, which the Society is part of. We had a meeting last week so the issue is being addressed, but it’s extremely difficult because of all the parties involved. The business park has put forward some money and some improvements have been made already, but the major issue is having only

Golden Mile where transport links are poor and employees are transported by minibus to Gunnersbury Station. It should be absolutely fine – we have the frequency of trains we need, but what good is that if you can’t access the platform to board them?’ Marie laughs. Transport is a big issue for the Society. In its patch there is only one station, Gunnersbury, so it’s obvious why it wants to see a bigger bus presence in the area. ‘We have a bus, the number 27, that comes down the High Road and turns into the business park which has a terminus at the northern end. Unfortunately though, there are no stops anywhere else in the park, so the bus is usually empty. Transport for London is positive that it wants stops at the High Road end of the park, but for some reason the business park is not yet on board,’ says Marie. ‘The irony is, the park used to be a place where buses were tested before they went out on the road. We still have empty

buses driving around the park, much like it was a few decades ago!’ For the Society’s current campaigns to be accomplished, it’ll have to work with all the parties involved, from Network Rail to Hermes Investment Management (the company that owns the building and car parks surrounding the station) to overcome the tensions that arise from conflicted interests. What’s clear is that the Society isn’t a source of complaints. It’s an organised network that wants the best for the area and its residents without isolating itself from the benefits of careful development, which is just what the local area needs. (westchiswick.org.uk)

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BEING A MEMBER The Society is non-political and it doesn’t matter what political persuasions you have – anyone can join. It’s a democratic operation. All members can attend the annual general meeting to elect the officers of the Society. There are at least two other open meetings each year when members can air their views. It is hugely informative. Members are kept up-to-date of all important developments. Membership is £10 per person each year. The price for concessions is £5 per person for the year.

One of Hammersmith’s

greatest assets Tom Hagues gets a glimpse at the sparkly new-look Lyric

stood in the foyer of the Lyric waiting for Jessica Hepburn, the executive director of the theatre, and at the time of my visit, the final touches were being put in place. Behind me were the freshly painted wall murals that point people in the right direction and ensure they can find what it is they’re looking for – I knew they hadn’t been up for long because the builders were just taking away the ladder as I walked through the door. I had no idea what to expect from this tour; perhaps it was going to be a simple refurbishment with some new additions here and there, but quite quickly I realised that I’d underestimated the scale of the work that’s been taking place over the last few, extremely busy, years.

The first redeveloped part of the project that visitors come across is the Lyric Café

Lyric Hammersmith

The first redeveloped part of the project that visitors come across is the Lyric Café. The original coffee shop and café had been ready for an upgrade for a while; it was nice enough but coming to the end of its lifespan and needed a bit of tender loving care and a dash of revitalisation. The refurbishment looked fantastic. Jessica said she wanted to pop in and see it before we began the tour, because it was the first day of its operating. She wasn’t disappointed – the place was a hive of coffee-drinking and cake-eating, much to her delight. The new tables, lighter and less bulky than the original blue ones, are Scandi-cool and attractive and the simple white tiling of the counter and bar area gives the whole place an edgy but casual feel. The cakes are displayed proudly on their own counter and the huge bowls of salad are just as impressive to look at. It is,

in short, a success. After poking our heads into the café, we moved upstairs. This is where all manner of theatrical magic happens and as a taster, Jessica showed me into the original two theatre spaces. One is a studio, a black-box room that provides the audience with an intimate theatrical experience and the other is a grand Victorian theatre with fine gilding and plush seating. It’s a surprising part of the building because rather than being in an enormous palladium, this stage and all of its traditional grandeur is nestled one storey above ground level. ‘It always comes as a bit of a surprise, having this here,’ Jessica said in a preemptive explanation. ‘It’s all replicated from the original Victorian theatre that was on a different site.’ With a quick whiz around the original building, it was time to venture into the new part. Separating the exisiting building and the new addition is a bar area. At the time of my visit, the man standing behind the bar was not a mixologist or pint-puller, but instead a carpenter, still fashioning the structure on which people would be able to lean during intervals and after performances. The space for this area is large and has enormous tables with tall chairs around them – perhaps 10 to a table – and this immediately struck me as a terrific idea. Since the whole rebuild is about community and the coming together of creative individuals, why not get everyone to sit at busy tables while enjoying

a new function room

a drink from the bar? I nodded my approval as I looked around at the carpenters and builders putting the rest of it all together. The Reuben Foundation Wing is the biggest part of the redevelopment and it’s an entirely new building attached to the original. As we walked across the main foyer, Jessica made a beeline for a corner at the back and pointed up towards the ceiling. I followed the line of her finger and found myself looking at a blue plate on which a short etymology of the word ‘thespian’ was written. ‘There are 22 of these hidden around the whole building,’ Jessica said. ‘Some are a lot harder to spot than others, but they all have something written on them to do with this theatre, or the theatre business in general.’ These blue plates are part of an exhibition by Richard Wentworth, an

I was overwhelmed by the volume of facilities that have been put into the building artist who won a competition to have his work put into the theatre. The other artistic winner, David Batchelor, has his successful submission on display outside. Jessica showed me into the depths of

[planning and development]

the reuben foundation wing staircase

the Reuben Foundation Wing and this is when I was overwhelmed by the volume of facilities that have been put into the building. In my mind, I was going to see a simple refurbishment with upgraded technology and additional extras, but as I soon became aware, the Lyric has become a hub of creative opportunity for youngsters in Hammersmith and the surrounding area. Recording studios of a professional quality that I wasn’t expecting sit alongside producing rooms with all the high-tech equipment needed to record music for an all-singing, all-dancing stage show. The dance studio, with its sprung floor and enormous mirrored wall is made all the more impressive by the light gushing in from the spherical convex skylight. There’s a huge filming suite with one wall entirely greenscreened, a room which is used by the BBC to inspire aspiring film makers. The theatre’s behind-the-scenes work all takes place on the site as well, Jessica explained as she heaved open an enormous door that revealed a vast workshop. In it, an array of different props and sets were being constructed, from phone boxes to pianos. One room, the costume storage, has a room that links it back to the original theatre, and this room is where costumes are made, repaired or altered. When I put my head around the door, it was full of young people whirring away at sewing machines with concentration set across their faces as they created intricate garments. In essence, the Lyric embodies the creativity of Hammersmith and the keenness of the younger community. It’s a nucleus of inspiration and imagination that serves a wider society, from theatre-goers to children who want to learn to dance or sing. (lyric.co.uk)

[letters]

Word on

THE STREET The most pressing issues from west London residents

EVERYTHING’S COMING UP ROSES Thanks to last issue’s article on the Chiswick Horticultural & Allotments Society, I’ve been inspired to start planting. I’ve now got a kitchen windowsill full of little testers, from tomato plants to parsley. I never imagined that you could get so much pleasure from watching the shoots grow and flourish and it filled me with a real sense of achievement. In the summer, I plan on growing some roses, although I’m concerned I’ve left it a little late so might have to try something else. Mrs Simpton, via email

LITTLE DISHES My family often eat outside in the summer months and I’m pleased to say that we’ve already started doing so, thanks to the glorious few days of sunshine we’ve had so far this month. It’s nice, because every year I

always forget how easy it is to lay out platters of delicatessen foods and let everyone help themselves à la Mediterranean countries. What’s even nicer is the fact I can pick all of these items up on my way home from work, either from my local butcher or deli. Who needs to go abroad when you can have it all here? Ms Michaels, via email

AL FRESCO I can’t begin to tell you how pleased I am at the council’s decision to do a U-turn on the proposed fee increase restaurants would have to pay to have seating outside on the pavements. I’m certain that the expensive price of having street tables would have caused dining hotspots to remove them altogether, which would have been a crying shame. Having tables on the pavements gives Chiswick a lot of character, and I think it creates a wonderful buzz during the summer. Mr Franks

looking for my mother-in-law, as she is a self-proclaimed chocoholic and her birthday is coming up. I’m open to ideas with flavours, the more unusual the better, just so long as the chocolate is of an exceptionally good quality! Can anyone help? Mr Baines, via email

PARENTAL PRYING

SPOTLESS AND BEAUTIFUL

I read an article in a newspaper recently that said teenagers are taking themselves off Facebook in a bid to avoid their parents snooping and seeing what they get up to. I’m not sure how much this is happening, because I have three teenage children (15, 17 and 19) and we all have a fabulous relationship on Facebook – I often post messages onto their pages and they don’t feel so embarrassed as to not reply. Also, I wouldn’t ever snoop on them and they know that. Perhaps this is a nonnews story? Mrs Ritchie

I was lucky enough to have an afternoon off work recently and I went down to Corney Reach Way to walk along the Thames path. I was happily surprised to see how active the locals are at keeping their streets clean. Without trying to be patronising, I must say it was so delighting to see home owners picking up the odd crisp packet or something. I find that in Chiswick, we have a real sense of pride of where we live and my afternoon out and about certainly provided evidence to support such a claim. Mrs Lombard

CHOCOLATE SEARCHING I’ve been searching for a really good chocolatier in the area for ages. I live in Shepherd’s Bush and am looking to branch out and find some real gourmet chocolate items, but not necessarily in gimmicky shapes (like shoes or teddy bears). I’m

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

[PROPERTY]

Property

the view from savills

news

Residential prices in London’s prime housing market fell slightly (0.5 per cent) in the first quarter of 2015 according to Savills’ research department. Following on from an average -2.6 per cent adjustment in the final quarter of 2014, this ultimately means the 12 month rolling average for house price growth in the prime London market has slipped into negative territory.

48 per cent of London basement builds fail safety checks

Almost half of domestic basement projects across parts of Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster failed unannounced safety checks during a two-day crackdown by the health and safety executive (HSE). The HSE inspectors raided basement sites across the three boroughs on the 11 and 12 March, slapping enforcement action on 62 of those sites – a 48 per cent hit rate. A total of 44 Prohibition Notices were served, requiring dangerous practices to stop with immediate effect. Twelve improvement notices were handed out requiring safety improvements to be made and 63 Notifications of Contravention were issued identifying material breaches. In a similar inspection drive last year, the overall enforcement rate across 107 sites was one in three (36 per cent). Inspectors judged conditions at two projects to be so dangerous that they ‘were forced’ to close the sites. More than two thirds of the Prohibition Notices served dealt with the risk of workers falling from height, either into unguarded excavations or through unprotected floor openings, as well as unshored excavations. Inadequate welfare provision accounted for half of the Improvement Notices.

Planners GIVE PERMISSION FOR High Road Telephone Exchange development TO GO AHEAD

Planners have given property management and investment firm Telereal Trillium the green light for a chunky and exciting new scheme in Chiswick. Permission has been granted for the demolition of the former BT Telephone Exchange on Chiswick High Road to make way for a mixed-use development providing 95 residential units (one, two and threebedroom), car parking and nearly 5,000 sq ft of commercial floorspace. The prominent 0.8 acre site has been redesigned by ColladoCollins Architects, with a brief to ‘enhance the visual amenity of the area and create a stronger visual statement on Chiswick High Road’. Telereal Trillium is looking to develop the scheme in a joint venture, with construction expected to start in late 2015. ‘This is an excellent opportunity to regenerate this part of Chiswick High Road and offer an essential contribution of housing to the local area,’ said Graham Edwards, CEO at Telereal Trillium.

Uncertainty surrounding the general election, the absorption of Stamp Duty changes and the potential for further taxation on high value property have all contributed to a market best described as subdued. At the time of writing, the general election looms, so much hangs in the balance. Though the fundamentals of demand and supply remain sound, the short term outlook for the prime property market heavily dependent on the extent to which questions surrounding political certainty and further taxation are settled. I expect fluidity to return promptly though as both buyers and sellers are able, once again, to make more informed decisions. Savills forecasts that prices in the prime London market will rise by 22.7 per cent over the next five years – assuming no further taxation of high value property. Therefore I anticipate a fairly swift bounce-back in values of the sort that was seen in 1998 and 2002 when price drops were contained (to below 5 per cent) and swiftly recovered thereafter. In the event of a mansion tax, Savills forecasts that prices will rise by a net figure of 15.9 per cent over the same five year period. In this case the strongest growth will likely be found in markets below the £5million mark as that’s where charges will probably be the least aggressive. In the event 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 The new development on the high road: Wheatstone House

savills.co.uk

SUPERB FAMILY HOUSE OFFERING LATERAL SPACE, OFF-STREET PARKING AND A SOUTH-FACING GARDEN grosvenor road, w4 2 reception rooms ø kitchen/dining room ø 5 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø bathroom ø shower room ø cloakroom ø garden ø off-street parking ø planning permission for a basement ø 237 sq m (2,551 sq ft) ø EPC=E

Guide £2 million Freehold

Savills Chiswick Christopher Bramwell cbramwell@savills.com

020 8987 5550

CENTRALLY LOCATED NEW BUILD APARTMENTS WITH PARKING horticultural place, w4 5 apartments ø reception room/kitchen/dining room ø 2 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø further bathroom ø underfloor heating and air cooling ø WiFi-controlled zoned LED lighting ø video entry system ø EPC=TBC

Prices from £650,000 Leasehold

Savills Chiswick Joe Williams jwilliams@savills.com

020 8987 5550

savills.co.uk

IMPRESSIVE EARLY VICTORIAN VILLA WITH A FABULOUS 101 FT GARDEN AND OFF-STREET PARKING grove park road, w4 4 reception rooms ø kitchen ø 4 bedrooms ø bedroom 5/study ø 2 bathrooms ø 2 cloakrooms ø garden ø Victorian greenhouse ø off-street parking ø 239 sq m (2,573 sq ft) ø EPC=F

Guide £2.3 million Freehold

Savills Chiswick Christopher Bramwell cbramwell@savills.com

020 8987 5550

EXTENSIVE WEST-FACING GARDEN ON A SOUGHT AFTER CHISWICK STREET netheravon road, w4 Reception room ø kitchen/dining room ø 5 bedrooms ø bathroom ø shower room ø cloakroom ø west-facing garden ø 162 sq m (1,744 sq ft) ø EPC=E

Guide £1.65 million Freehold

Savills Chiswick Joe Williams jwilliams@savills.com

020 8987 5550

savills.co.uk

LIGHT AND SPACIOUS FAMILY HOME OFFERING EXCELLENT ENTERTAINING SPACE findon road, w12 Reception room ø kitchen/dining room ø 7 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø bathroom ø shower room ø garden ø 239 sq m (2,573 sq ft) ø EPC=E

Guide £1.95 million Freehold

Savills Brook Green Natalie Sims nsims@savills.com

020 3618 3777

FANTASTIC CONTEMPORARY TWO BEDROOM MAISONETTE uxbridge road, w12 Reception room/kitchen ø study ø 2 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø bathroom ø roof terrace ø 81 sq m (872 sq ft) ø EPC=D

Guide £650,000 Leasehold

Savills Brook Green Dean Moriarty dmoriarty@savills.com

020 3618 3777

savills.co.uk

A STRIKING NEW DEVELOPMENT LOCATED IN SOUTH EALING abelard place, w5 3 houses with parking, roof terraces and garden ø 2 flats with a terrace ø 10 year structural warranty ø 64 sq m (694 sq ft) - 163 sq m (1,760 sq ft) ø EPC=B

Prices from £499,950 - £1.1 million

Savills Ealing Christopher Bramwell cbramwell@savills.com

020 8018 7100

SUPERBLY PRESENTED FIVE BEDROOM FAMILY HOUSE WITH A WEST-FACING GARDEN AND STUDIO west lodge avenue, w3 Reception room/dining room ø open plan kitchen ø family room ø 5 bedrooms (3 en suite) ø bathroom ø 2 cloakrooms ø utility room 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

1 2

savills.co.uk

LETTINGS LAYOUT ONLY

GROVE PARK GARDENS, w4

SUTTON COURT, w4

5 bedrooms ø double reception room ø games room ø kitchen/dining room ø garden ø off-street parking ø 314 sq m (3,372 sq ft) ø Council Tax=H ø EPC=E

3 bedrooms ø double reception room ø kitchen ø shower room ø communal gardens ø communal parking ø 110 sq m (1,183 sq ft) ø Council Tax=F ø EPC=F

Flexible furnishings £1,962 per week

Unfurnished £540 per week

+ £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* Savills Chiswick jgread@savills.com 020 8987 5550

BOLTON ROAD, w4

KEW BRIDGE ROAD, tw8

2 bedrooms ø double reception room ø kitchen/breakfast room ø 2 bathrooms ø attic storage ø mezzanine level ø 126 sq m (1,358 sq ft) ø Council Tax=E ø EPC=F

3 bedroom suites ø open plan reception room/kitchen ø w.c. ø 3 balconies ø underground parking ø 161 sq m (1,733 sq ft) ø Council Tax=H ø EPC=B

Unfurnished £650 per week

Flexible furnishings £1,154 per week

+ £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* Savills Chiswick jgread@savills.com 020 8987 5550

3 4

*£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

FABULOUS FIVE BEDROOM GEORGIAN TOWNHOUSE ON BROOK GREEN brook green, w6 5 bedrooms ø 2 reception rooms ø open plan kitchen ø 3 bathrooms ø south-west facing garden ø off-street parking ø 222 sq m ø (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 Ben Charlsey bcharlsley@savills.com

020 3618 3785

VICTORIAN FAMILY HOME SITUATED IN THE VIBRANT SHEPHERD'S BUSH ingersoll road, w12 5 bedrooms ø double reception room ø open plan kitchen/dining room ø 3 bathrooms ø rear patio garden ø 195 sq m (2,103 sq ft) ø Council Tax=H ø EPC=E

Unfurnished £1,100 per week + £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply*

Savills Brook Green 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.

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. The property comprises 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: £4,950,000

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

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/CWK140019

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22/04/2015 18:14:33

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: £1,650,000 - £2,400,000

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

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/CWK140032

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22/04/2015 14:18:33

Ravenscourt Road, London W6 A five bedroom terraced house by Ravenscourt Park This meticulously refurbished and elegant property is arranged over four floors. 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 WCs, modern kitchen/breakfast room, large family/dining room, patio garden and garden store, balcony and ample storage space. EPC: C. Approximately 216 sq m (2,355 sq ft). Freehold

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

Guide price: £2,150,000

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/CWK150048

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22/04/2015 18:16:02

Osier Mews, Chiswick W4 A spectacular three bedroom riverside town house This beautiful three double bedroom town house is situated in the exclusive gated community of Regency Quay and boasts arguably the best views of the River Thames. 3 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, WC, reception room, dining room, study, kitchen/breakfast room, 2 balconies, rear garden, off street parking and available mooring. EPC: C. Approximately 170 sq m (1,830 sq ft). Freehold

Guide price: £1,750,000

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

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/CWK150073

Osier- C&BG FNL

22/04/2015 14:43:07

Kew Bridge Road, Brentford TW8 An exceptional three bedroom apartment by Kew Bridge This three double bedroom apartment with enviable views of the River Thames, is set within an exclusive development next to Kew Bridge. 3 double bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, reception room, balcony, 24 hour concierge, residents fitness suite and private parking. EPC: B. Approximately 121 sq m (1,302 sq ft). Leasehold

Guide price: £1,375,000

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

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/CWK150008

Kew Bridge Road- C&BG fnl2

23/04/2015 12:18:15

St Albans Avenue, Chiswick W4 A beautiful four bedroom family home in the heart of Chiswick Conveniently situated only a short walk from Turnham Green tube station this delightful property has been finished to a high standard and is well presented throughout. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, WC, double reception room, modern kitchen/dining room, cloakroom and private garden. EPC: E. Approximately 152 sq m (1,638 sq ft). Available furnished

Guide price: short let £1,500 per week KnightFrank.co.uk/CKQ211569

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 Lettings st albans fnl

23/04/2015 15:09:09

[PROPERTY]

Lettings in the

sunshine

‘T

his really is the time for the house lettings market,’ says Elizabeth Holder, lettings manager at Knight Frank, as she shows us around a property on St Albans Avenue. ‘It’s been quite quiet in Chiswick during the Easter holidays, but it’s starting to get busy. The majority of people move from now until around mid-August; before the school year starts.’ Outside, the weather is mocking us, as it already feels like we have hit summer with bright sunshine filling the patio and filtering through the windows into the spacious kitchen. ‘My advice to landlords is, if you have a house to rent, put it on the market in June or July because by August, most people will have already found somewhere to live.’ The owners of this stunning short-let property have got in early. ‘This house is on a six-month let. It’s going at £1,500 per

to know Chiswick, it seems to have similarities with Notting Hill and Fulham. With its friendly village atmosphere, Chiswick has everything you need. It is the perfect place to live!’ Particularly for families it seems, as there is plenty of outdoor space and a great choice of schools; properties in the catchment area of the Belmont Primary School, Elizabeth tells us, often demand a premium. How has she found working in Chiswick for the last six months, compared to her old stomping ground of Notting Hill? ‘I am really enjoying working in Chiswick as I’m meeting new clients and seeing new types of properties, particularly new developments, that I am gaining experience with.’ This hasn’t deterred her in the slightest with 13 current instructions and more to come. The rental market is quite strong at the moment; the average yield across central London is just under 3 per cent and Elizabeth predicts that this will improve as the year continues. It looks like the sun will be shining in Chiswick for a while to come.

elizabeth holder

week,’ Elizabeth continues. ‘This is a typical size, finish and location; it’s very desirable.’ The appeal is obvious; a family can walk into this house with just a few suitcases and

Knight Frank, 64 Turnham Green Terrace, W4 1QN, 020 3757 6230 (knightfrank.co.uk)

If you have a house to rent, put it on the market in June or July because by August, most people will have already found somewhere to live have everything they need – four bedrooms, two bathrooms, beautiful décor and a breezy garden – without lifting a finger. Elizabeth explains that this is characteristic of what most applicants are looking for in the price bracket of £900-£2,500 per week. The property is nestled in Bedford Park – one of the ‘villages’ of W4 – which is a short walk from Turnham Green station. ‘I really like Chiswick,’ says Elizabeth. ‘As I’ve got

Hannah Lemon catches up with Elizabeth Holder six months into her new role as lettings manager at Knight Frank

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STC_FR_Chiswick&Brook_ResJournal_297x210_May15.indd 1

Proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of companies

28/04/2015 17:24

TO LET

AS CH GOAD ROVEWW12 GH RE E NUSRCH IDE R 12 ££13 1 , 60000 ,PW 0 0 0 /F 5R6E3E3HPCM OLD •• •• •• •• ••

refurbished Victorian VillaVictorian available July 2015 A superb architect designed family house 43/4 double bedrooms double bedrooms Bathroom 2 bathrooms and shower room Cloakroom Double reception room Utility Bespoke kitchen with cast stone surfaces

• • • • • • • • • •

Double reception room West facing garden with basalt slabs Stunning / dining spaceheating Oiled oakkitchen floor with underfloor West garden Eavesfacing storage Studio / office Close to Ravenscourt Park and W6 schools 1776 sq ft /1800 165 sq In excess sqmftapprox. / 167 sq m inc. storage. EPC - D

RYLE W12 G R E ETNTSCR I D EESCENT R OAD W 12 £ FR EEH OLLD £21, 36 50 0 , 0 0 00 F RE EHO D • • • • • • • • • •

wide Victorian - detached A handsome superb architect designedsemi Victorian familyhouse house 53/4 double bedrooms double bedrooms 22 bathrooms bathrooms and shower room Shower room en suite Double reception room Double roomcast stone surfaces Bespokereception kitchen with

•• •• •• •• ••

Kitchen / dining room West facing garden with basalt slabs Conservatory Oiled oak floor with underfloor heating 84’ south facing garden Eaves storage Cellar Close to Ravenscourt Park and W6 schools 2365 sq ft /1800 220 sq In excess sqm ft approx. / 167 sq EPC m inc.- D storage. EPC - D

Ravenscourt Road W6 £2,150,000 Freehold Hammersmith & Shepherds Bush Sales 020 8563 7100 | hammsales@dng.co.uk

North North

Chelsea Chelsea

Fulham Fulham

Situated on one of the most prestigious roads in W6 is this newly renovated Victorian house covering 2,423 sq.ft. The property boasts high ceilings and light in abundance in every room.

Hammersmith & Shepherd’s Bush Hammersmith & Shepherd’s Bush

Kensington Kensington

Kensington Gate Kensington Gate

5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, Double reception room, Large kitchen, Cloakroom, Balcony, Garden, EPC: C.

South Kensington South Kensington

Notting Hill Notting Hill

Pimlico & Westminster Pimlico & Westminster

douglasandgordon.com

Granville Mansions W12 ÂŁ520 per week Fees apply Furnished Hammersmith & Shepherds Bush Lettings 020 8563 4422 | hammlets@dng.co.uk

South

Balham

Battersea

Battersea Park

This wonderful mansion flat, with its own entrance, is filled with charm and character. The property is located just moments away from the local amenities of Shepherd's Bush.

Clapham

East Putney

Southfields & Earlsfield

2 double bedrooms, Bathroom, Reception room, Kitchen, EPC: D.

West Putney

St Albans Avenue, W4 £1,795,000 Freehold StGoldhawk Albans Avenue, W4 Freehold Road, W12 Prices From£1,795,000 £535,000 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 renovated fourHigh bedroom two bathroom home in this sought after location only a short walk from Turnham Green tube and the Chiswick Road. Build completion June 2015. One bedroom apartments from £535,000. Photos for guidance only. walk from Turnham Green tube and the Chiswick High Road. • Sought after location • 25’ Double reception room • Two bathrooms • • Sought after location 25’ Double reception room • Two bathrooms New development Linden • One 2 bedroom mew house of•• London • Walking distance ofbythe high Homes 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 Vibrant and central location • Close to Goldhawk Road tube • Build completion June 2015 • 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 garden Contemporary style Fourofdouble bedrooms EPC =D Excellent access both in and out • Range 1,2 & 3 bedroom apartments • Long leasehold •• 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 Waldeck Road, W4 £1,100,000 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 opportunity to acquire this family house interraced Dukes Avenue a west facing rear garden AA well presented four bedroom two bathroom Victorian house enjoying a south garden and located in this uninterrupted aspects over gardens towards the west. Located in this sought after road facing running off Chiswick High Road. walk from Turnham Green tubeinand the Chiswick High Road. A wonderful opportunity to acquire this family house 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 Road. sought after road close to the River Thames. The property is within the catchment area of Strand on the GreenHigh school and A wonderful opportunity to acquire this familythe house inLocated Dukes Avenue with a west facing rear garden enjoying uninterrupted aspects over gardens towards west. in(District this sought road running off Chiswick High Road. offers easy access to Kew Bridge (Overground) and Gunnersbury Line)after stations. EPC rating = E. 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 location Six bedrooms •• Catchment Off street parking • • oncentral the Green location Four• bedrooms area of Strand of the •Stand Semi-detached family house distance• of Two reception rooms • Freehold • Walking the high road • Large kitchen/dining room • Prime central location • Six bedrooms • Off street parking • Landscaped garden • Semi-detached family house • Two reception rooms • Freehold • •Stone’s throw from the river Thames • Two bathrooms Green school Wonderful west facing garden kitchen • EPC = E parking • EPC = D central location Six bedrooms Off street • Contemporary style ••• Vaulted • Four double bedrooms • Prime Semi-detached family house Two reception ••• Freehold Freehold Wonderful west facing garden kitchenrooms EPC = E • •Spacious open plan ground floor • SouthVaulted facing garden •• Semi-detached family house • Two reception rooms • Freehold Wonderful west facing garden • Vaulted kitchen • EPC = E • Wonderful west facing garden • Vaulted kitchen • EPC = E

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Eyot Gardens W6 ÂŁ1,695,000 This superb family house, located on a quiet residential street just off Chiswick Mall and moments from the river, offers fantastic open plan living space, four double bedrooms and a private patio garden. Freehold. EPC=D

Askew Road: 020 8102 0123 sales.ask@marshandparsons.co.uk

Charleville Mansions W14 ÂŁ1,395,000 A fabulous and spacious four-bedroom apartment offering very generous lateral living space, located on the raised ground floor of an impressive red brick mansion block in West Kensington. Leasehold. 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

Immaculate Immaculate plot plot with with South-facing South-facing patio patio Matching Matching people people and and property property in in London London for for 150 150 years. years.

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11/12/2014 12:53