The City Magazine April 2016 by Runwild Media Group

Charlize Theron

London

Fashion Week

Top trends for A/W16

Takes it to the Max

Marc Newson

car candy McLarenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 570GT Aston Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s DB11 & The new Audi R8

On redesigning the world

Extreme Sports

The toughest ultramarathons on earth

The Caterham Academy The City Magazine gets its racing licence

Back to Basics

The British start-ups transforming your wardrobe

LO NDO LO NDO N NE N W NEYO W RYOR K MI K LAN MI LAN MU N MU I CN HI CMAN H MAN C H ECST H EEST R EGRLASG G LASG OW OW

M ESUR E ET D ÉMESUR E *

ATELIER PARMIGIANI 97 MOUNT STREET, MAYFAIR, LONDON W1K 2TD, TEL. 020 7495 5172 LONDON

LEICESTER

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World’s thinnest (3,4 mm) automatic ﬂying tourbillon Platinum micro-rotor World’s lightest titanium cage (0,255 g) Hand ﬁnished movement, case and dial Hermès calf strap 100% engineered and made by Parmigiani Manufacture Switzerland www.parmigiani.ch

issue no.

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APRIL 2016

contents on the cover 22 Charlize Theron The uncompromising actor on beauty with age and the award-winning Mad Max 27

Marc Newson Apple, Qantas, Louis Vuitton: meet one of the greatest designers of his generation

41 London Fashion Week The latest trends from the catwalks of London Fashion Week 63

Back to Basics The British start-ups transforming your wardrobe

68 Extreme Sports The toughest ultramarathons on earth

COVER STORY: P o w er P l a y

74 Car Candy Featuring the McLaren 570GT (p.14), Aston Martin DB11 and the new Audi R8 76

After ten years, the Audi R8 is still the world’s common sense supercar

p78

The Caterham Academy The City Magazine gets its racing licence

REGULARS

60 94

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

CITY LIFE: The Edit The commodities and consumables raising our interest rates this month The Social Believe the hype: Sushi Samba is well worth the trip

COLLECTION: Gold Standard Audemars Piguet goes for gold in its new collection 36 Work like a charm Superstar jeweller Fawaz Gruosi talks De Grisogono, diamonds and the future 46 58

STYLE: Frill Seeker Ruffle a few feathers with a frock full of fabric Turn Back Time Rewind the clock to pick the best pieces from the past

OUT OF OFFICE: Making Waves Head coach Jane Figueiredo on Tom Daley’s preparation for Rio 82 Arts & Interiors: Albert Oehlen Welcome to another artist that should appear on your agenda 85 Who’s Who of luxury wine A glimpse into the exclusive world of rare wine

HOMES AND PROPERTY: 136 Royal Westmoreland The hideaway on the west coast of Barbados where residents live the lifestyle that dreams are made of

s luxurylo nd o n.c o.uk s

HUGO BOSS UK LTD. Phone +44 (0)20 7554 5700 hugoboss.com

London BOSS City Stores Canary Wharf One New Change Eldon Street

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APRIL 2016

Contributors

E d i t o r - in-Chi ef Lesley Ellwood

E d i tor Richard Brown

D E P UT Y Editor tiffany eastland

S ta f f Writer MELISSA EMERSON

E d i t o r i a l a ssis tant david taylor

Se n i o r Des ign er LISA WADE

B RAND C ONS ISTEN CY

Hugh Francis Anderson

Chris Hall

James Lawrence

Hu g h h a s w ritt en f or a

Chri s i s d e puty editor of Q P

A self-confessed win e

w i d e ran ge of publi cation s,

w at ch ma gazin e, and ha s al s o

obsessive, Jam es i s our go-to-

in clu din g T h e May fai r

w ritt en ab out t e chn o log y and

grape connoi sseur. Turn to

Ma ga zi n e an d T h e G entl em an’s

cars f or th e li ke s of Wi re d and

page 85 for th e low-down on

Jou rn a l, sp e c i ali sin g in sty l e,

E s qui re . O n p a ge 78, Chri s get s

th e lasting power of th e fin e

f itn e ss , trav el and m otorin g.

hi s hand s on Audi ’s l at e st R8

win e market, and th e industr y

O n p a ge 6 8 , h e ent ers th e

V10 to se e w hat ’s chan ged in

giants wielding th e most

g r u el lin g , elit e w orl d of th e

th e d e cad e sin c e th e

inf lu ence ( p.85).

ultra m arath on .

lin e’s bir th .

Laddawan Juhong

Ge ne r a l Manag er Fiona Fenwick

P r o duction Hugo Wheatley Alice Ford Jamie Steele Danny Lesar

P r oper t y D irec to r Samantha Ratcliffe

E x ecu t i ve D irecto r Sophie Roberts

M a n a g i n g D ir ec to r Eren Ellwood

Adistar wool primeknit tee, £47, Adidas, adidas.co.uk

Leather headphones, £475, Audi, merchandise.audi.co.uk

Wine access system, £279, Coravin, harrods.com

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RUNWILD MEDIA GROUP

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Jennifer Mason

Josh Sims

Mark Westall

Jennifer, an avid car fan

Josh i s a freelance writ er

Mark i s editor -in-chief of onlin e

Members of the Professional Publishers Association

and amat eur racing driver,

contributing to th e likes of

art and culture magazin e FAD,

i s th e motoring editor for

th e Financial Times, The Times,

creative director of FAD Agency

luxur ylondon .co.uk, and i s

Wallpaper, The National and The

and our regular source of

currently w orking through

Rake. For The City Maga zine,

information about int eresting

driving h er ‘ bucket li st ’ of dream

Josh talks to on e of th e great est

arti sts. On page 82, Mark

responsibility for unsolicited

cars. O n page 74, Jennifer pores

design ers of hi s gen eration ,

introduces us to German arti st

submissions, manuscripts and

over th e lat est Aston Martin

Marc Newson ( p.27).

and polymath Albert Oehlen .

figureh ead , th e DB11.

Runwild Media Ltd. cannot accept

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. Subscriptions A free online subscription service is available for The City Magazine. Visit the subscriptions page

Billfold Wallet, £120, Aston Martin, astonmartin.com

Celebrating Monogram backpack, Louis Vuitton / Marc Newson, uk.louisvuitton.com

Untitled (Baum 44), oil on dibond, Albert Oehlen, Gagosian Gallery, gagosian.com

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issue no.

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APRIL 2016

f r o m t h e E D I TOR

he devil is in the detail, they say. It certainly was at last month’s Baselworld watch fair. Facing slumping export figures, the Swiss watch industry played it safe. Talk of ground-breaking smart-watches, landmark movements and revolutionary new

materials fell silent. There was no reinvention of the (column) wheel. Instead, we got incremental updates to bread-and-butter collections. That’s not to say the show left us bereft of wrist candy to lust after. We’ve already compiled our 2016 wish-list and we’ ll be presenting our objects of desire next month. One man who has dedicated his life to the finer details is Marc Newson. Widely regarded as the greatest designer of this generation, Newson has devised everything from champagne bottles to samurai swords for everyone from Apple to Qantas. Remarkably, his creations account for almost 25 per cent of the total contemporary design art market. Find out how Newson turns anger into inspiration on page 27. Detail reigned supreme at London Fashion Week, too. Months of hand embroidery adorned the A/W16 collections, while sequined cocktail dresses at Burberry sent social media into a frenzy (apparently). Like any fashion week, London delivered on the frivolous and the ridiculous. Turn to page 41 for five trends that might actually work in a real-world wardrobe. Elsewhere in the issue, you’ ll find Audi’s new R8, Aston Martin’s new DB11 and McLaren’s new 570GT. Judge for yourself how well their respective designers have done. Enjoy the issue.

Richard brown, editor

Other titles within the RWMG portfolio

On the cover The new Audi R8. Artist: Sebastien Preschoux. Photographer: Benedict Redgrove. Image courtesy of Audi

A website. A mindset. A l ifest yle.

w w w.luxurylo ndon. c o .u k

MBII

A PI LOT ’S WATCH SH O U L D EN DU R E E VERY T H I N G T H E PI LOT DO E S . The Bremont MB range is built in collaboration with British firm Martin-Baker, the pioneers of the ejection seat. At their test centre, the watches are strapped to the wrist of a crash-test dummy and shot out of the cockpit. Enduring forces of between 12G and 30G in the process. But this doesn’t mean the MB is built for endurance at the expense of performance. It’s a beautifully-engineered mechanical chronometer certified 99.998% accurate by COSC.

City of London Boutique 12 The Courtyard, Royal Exchange, London, EC3V 3LQ Tel: +44 (0) 207 220 7134

City Life

APRIL 2016

Grape Expectations Celebrate Malbec World Day with a tipple or two from the largest selection in the UK Malbec World Day celebrates the moment when, on 17 April 1853, President Domingo Faustino Sarmiento of Argentina made it his mission to revolutionise the country’s wine industry. His main vine import was Malbec. The rest is history. M Restaurants is celebrating in its own style, with a shrine to the inky red. A collection of 100 Malbecs will be on sale by the glass or bottle – the largest selection available in the UK – at M Threadneedle Street, Victoria Street, and M’s unique Wine Store. Raise a glass to Mr Domingo. 17 April, mrestaurants.co.uk

the CAR Supercar luxury The McLaren 570GT brings an unprecedented level of comfort to the sports car experience. The 570GT has a panoramic roof to make the interior lighter, extra storage and leather interior as standard. This is still a McLaren, however; with a 3.8-litre V8 engine and a lightweight carbon fibre MonoCell II chassis. Sports Series models offer a phenomenal power-to-weight ratio. From approx. £154,000, cars.mclaren.com

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abl nsum o c d h an mont dities mmo rates this o c e Th st ntere our i

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the HOTEL Champagne lifestyle Hôtel de Paris has partnered with Don Pérignon to deliver guests a one-off, pop-up suite – Suite 321. The MonteCarlo hotel invited some of the most prestigious designers to leave their mark on a space where two synonymous brands collaborate to reach new heights. The first night’s stay in Suite 321 starts from €4,500 (approx. £3,504) for two guests. For reservations contact resort@sbm.mc hoteldeparismontecarlo.com

the exhibition Ali’s Private Heaven In 1974, weeks before Muhammad Ali would face George Foreman in Zaire in what came to be known as The Rumble in The Jungle, photographer Peter Angelo Simon visited him at his ‘Fighter’s Heaven’ retreat in rural Pennsylvania. Over the next two days, Simon captured 33 rolls of images of the icon unguarded, away from the glare of the media. Available to pre-order as a hardback from Reel Art Press, these never-before-seen photos of the man behind the myth are also on exhibition at the Serena Morton Gallery from 8 April – 28 May. Muhammad Ali: Fighter’s Heaven 1974, £40, Reel Art Press, and on exhibition at Serena Morton II, 345 Ladbroke Grove, W10, serenamorton.com Images Peter Angelo Simon

the scents

1. Neroli Portofino EDT spray 50ml, £145, Tom Ford, selfridges.com; 2. GIRL by Pharrell Williams, POA, Comme Des Garçons, doverstreetmarket.com; 3. Cedro di Taormina EDT 150ml, £87, Acqua di Parma, uk.acquadiparma.com

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

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| NEWS |

the BOOKS

the toy

the wish list

1 Off the Road, £27, Gestalten, shop.gestalten.com

Electric Eccentricity

2 Out of the Box, £22, Rizzoli Publications, amazon.co.uk

The Morgan EV3 looks at the world of zero emissions from a completely new angle. Bespoke and hand-crafted, the exhilarating little motor weighs less than 500kg and celebrates British manufacturing at its best. Zero-62mph in less than nine seconds and a top speed in excess of 90mph promises to make the threewheeler a thrilling experience. The enjoyment of tailored manufacturing is only increased by its environmentally-friendly approach, and with a range of 150 miles, there’s plenty of fun to be had. Production starts at the end of the year, so be on your marks. morgan-motor.co.uk

Unruly Places, £15, Houghton Mifflin, bookdepository.com

the BAR

on the egde

Square-frame tortoiseshell acetate sunglasses, £235, Saint Laurent, mrporter.com

Scout cotton-ripstop anorak, £314, Battenwear, mrporter.com

the cOLLABORATION

Heritage Horology Available in the UK exclusively at END. Clothing, Timex has teamed up with Red Wing Shoe Company to create a limited edition collection of three stylish and hard-wearing timepieces. Using Timex’s heritage Waterbury watch as a base for the design, Red Wing have used their famous leather for the straps, with the brand’s logo stamped along the side as a guarantee of authenticity. £79.99-£99.99, endclothing.com

rest/fest At the Copper Canyon Cocktail Bar, you’ll need to order something to take the edge off. This Tall Arquitectos project boasts panoramic views of the Basaseachi waterfall, Mexico, but first you’ll have to overcome your fear.

1 2

Thadee showerproof fur-felt hat, £355, Maison Michel, matchesfashion.com

the holiday

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Restival Sweden is the second in a series of international nomadic rest/fests, deigned to give guests amazing experiences, in an off-thegrid setting. From 10-15 and 16-21 June, Restival goers will seek respite at an eco-luxe camp on the edge of Swedish Lapland. Five nights/six day allinclusive packages from £1,950 excluding flights. For more information, visit restival.global

Senator Observer, £7,800, Glashütte Original, glashuette-original.com

Multitasker holdall in Oak calfskin, £1,150, Mulberry, mulberry.com

Suede Chelsea boots, £315, Common Projects, mrporter.com

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

gangster’s paradise Enter the mysterious 1920s world of the Peaky Blinders at the Tick Tack Club, located behind an innocuous wallpaper shop front near London Bridge. Enjoy a glamorous five-course meal and, when the mood takes you, descend into the gambling den to indulge in backstreet bookmaking and raucous sing-a-longs. The staff will not break character, however hard you try. Tick Tack Club, London Bridge, aplaceintime.co.uk/1921

l a i c o s The

Basement snacks

Underneath the members-only London Capital Club, find @15 Bar and Restaurant, a Mauritian-inspired British restaurant recently refurbished and ready to welcome the great and the good from the Square Mile. The dishes are substantial but light; the monkfish in saffron a particular highlight. The barman and waiters are attentive and more than happy to suggest their favourite dishes. With more word-ofmouth, this relatively quiet restaurant deserves to become a solid feature of the area. Well worth searching for. @15 Bar and Restaurant, 15 Abchurch Lane, EC4N, londoncapitalclub.com

ife] [City L

the ZES d WITH LINARY CRA e h is r U u C o n nd icure hes a aunc the ep l t s e KEEPING ile’s Lat re m squa

HOP TO IT Opened by brothers Chris and Jeff Galvin, most notable for gourmet French restaurants La Chapelle and Galvin at Windows, new pub deluxe Galvin HOP offers the same considered approach as its high-end siblings, but in a relaxed and vibrant continental pub setting. The décor is inviting, the service is jovial and professional, and head chef Jack Boast has every right to live up to his name. Located next door to La Chapelle, it makes for a refreshing contrast, especially after a pint or two of the house special Pilsner Urquell, brought in huge vats from the Czech Republic every week. Galvin HOP, 35 Spital Square, galvinrestaurants.com

AFTERNOON

DELIGHT

No, not that kind: here are some of London’s best – and most inventive – afternoon teas

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

Ge r m an Gymna sium Hearty grub in an old German gym, with Black Forest gateau, apple strudel and a host of traditional German and Austrian savoury snacks. £18.50, germang ymnasium .com

San c t um S o h o Meaty treats and chocolat e indulgence, ending in a signature cocktail or f lagon of Jack Daniel s and a cigar on th e roof t errace £35/£50, san ctumsoho.com

T h e Ri tz For th e old-school among us, Th e Ritz has been doing aft ernoon t ea right for more than 100 years. Th ey ’ve had tim e to w ork out th e kinks £52, theritzlondon .com

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| NEWS |

Among the highlights were the Wagyu Gyoza which were served with Kabocha purée

RESTAURANT REVIEW: SUSHI SAMBA

have it both ways Words: lillie ashton

hen Sushi Samba opened its doors in the summer of 2012, the hype was almost unprecedented. Almost four years on, the London post, which sits at the top of Heron Tower, continues to boast the kind of demand you’d expect of a newly opened restaurant – it’s no secret that getting a last-minute table any night of the week is ambitious. If you book ahead, we’d say it’s worth the wait. Expecting to dine at a Japanese restaurant, it took my colleague and I a moment to get our heads around the fact that there’s a whole lot of samba to this sushi. The Brazilian influence is evident, not only in the menu but also in the interior and the overall relaxed vibe. It goes without saying, the views are spectacular. However, with the number of sky-high restaurants to compete against, Sushi Samba really mustn’t rely on

We l l i ngt o n Loun ge For th e h ealth-conscious reveller, th e Wellington Lounge provides refin edsugar -free aft ernoon t ea . Guiltless can b e delicious £42, wellington-lounge.co.uk

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its views alone. Luckily, it doesn’t. If anything, the views can unfortunately overshadow the creativity and genius of executive chef Claudio Cardoso. The evening got off to a great start, with the best Negroni I’ve ever tasted (and I assure you, I’ve had a fair few in my time). In true Sushi Samba style, there was nothing ordinary about this Negroni – it was made with Hibiki Japanese Whisky, Aperol, sweet vermouth and umeshu – a sweet and sourtasting Japanese liqueur. From here, we were fortunate enough to sample the Omakase menu, a selection of dishes selected by Cardoso, who kindly introduced himself during the meal, not only to us but other customers too. Among the highlights were the Wagyu Gyoza, Black Cod Anticuchos (Peruvian skewers) served with Peruvian corn, and the Churrasco Rio Grande

H ou se re staur an t, Nat i o nal Th e at re Standard afternoon tea based on award-winning plays such as One Man, Two Guvnors, but with a fascinating tour of the theatre £35, nationaltheatre.org.uk

Ribeye. When it comes to dessert I’m often wary of sweets in a fusion restaurant, but on this occasion, I had no reason to be. The Chocolate Banana Cake with maple butter, plantain chips and vanilla rum ice cream is not to be missed. Just when we thought it couldn’t get better, we learned of a collaboration taking place on 16 April. For one night only, Cardoso will share his kitchen with world-renowned chef Virgilio Martinez of Michelin-starred Lima London and Central in Lima, Peru. The collaboration will result in an eight-course sharing menu from the dynamic duo. If Sushi Samba has been on the bucket list, April 16 would be the time to cross it off. Tickets cost £150 per person and can be purchased by calling 0203 640 7330 or emailing reservationslondon@sushisamba.com with LIMA in the subject line.

C i n namo n S o h o A fun Indian slant on a Briti sh staple, with Bangla scotch eggs, spiced scon es, quality t eas and masala chai £25/£35, cinnamonsoho.com

Ich i Su sh i For an east ern-style aft ernoon , tr y Ichi Sushi , with seafood and sake inst ead of th e usual triangular fare £25/£34, ichisushi .co.uk

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

The Chai Ki CHARM

Ten years ago Rohit Chugh swapped the trading floor for the world of cuisine. Last year he brought the exotic flavours of India to Crossrail Place, Canary Wharf with Chai Ki

y using bold Indian flavours and traditional cooking techniques, while introducing new ingredients from around the world, Chai Ki offers a menu bursting with beloved Indian dishes with a modern and experimental twist.

Where does your passion for Indian gastronomy come from? I grew up with Indian home cooking and I was also lucky enough to visit India every year. Chai Ki is all about sharing the flavours that I grew up with and still crave myself. We’re not trying to recreate India, rather be inspired by it.

What inspired you to bring this concept to Canary Wharf?

Chai Ki, Crossrail Place

Rohit’s favourites Breakfast: I’m always tempted by one of our Bacon Breakfast Buns with a Monsoon Malabar coffee. If I’m not in a rush though, I’ll go for Buttermilk ‘Chaas’ Pancakes with bacon, honey and maple syrup or Miso Curry Leaf Scrambled Eggs and Masala Beans. Lunch: I am partial to the Chicken Pear Chaat in the Restaurant and Himalayan Ribs in the Toddy Shop. Dinner: When I’m with friends, the Miso Butter Chicken is a must.

canarywharf.com

@yourcanarywharf

I was drawn to the unique Norman Foster design for Crossrail Place. There’s a New York/Hong Kong/Tokyo vibe. It is very different to the rest of London, especially being surrounded by water and with a fantastic Roof Garden. Chai Ki, Crossrail Place; chai-ki.com

Photography by Philip Waterman | Stylist Deborah Latouche

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19/02/2016 14:29:05

| LIFESTYLE |

BON VIVEUR

Our man-about-town, Innerplace’s Nick Savage, gives you the insider lowdown on LONDON’S most hedonistic haunts

London’s Best Ceviche Bars

few years ago you couldn’t swing a cat in London without hitting a new Peruvian restaurant. But now that the trend has tapered off, it’s easier to get a spot at the bar, and anyone who’s been to Peru can attest that the place you want to post up for a pisco sour and a bowl of ceviche is the bar…

Innerplace is London’s personal lifestyle concierge. Membership provides complimentary access to the finest nightclubs, the best restaurants and top private members’ clubs. Innerplace also offers priority bookings, VIP invitations and insider updates on the latest openings.

Ceviche Old Street Within moments of arriving in Lima last year, I was greeted by a familiar sight – Martin Morales’ beautiful cookbook Ceviche. If there’s anyone out there serving as an ambassador for the Peruvian dish, it’s Martin, and if you’re keen on getting a forkful of it, head straight to the Silicon Roundabout, where he has recreated a cevicheria peruana in all of its authentic glory. It looks as if it were directly transposed from Lima’s historic district, with chocolate-coloured Peruvian hardwood panelling used to construct an expansive L-shaped bar. Behind it, you’ll find chefs shaking up an array of pisco-based cocktails (they’ve even managed to replicate spirits like gin and whisky with pisco ‘impostors’), a rotisserie on which perspiring hens perform slow revolutions, and a phalanx of ceviche savants mixing it up. Señor Ceviche Señor Ceviche was spearheaded by Harry Edmeades, an entrepreneurial Englishman who learned the tricks of the trade while working in various kitchens in the Barranco – Lima’s bohemian arts district. Perched above Kingly Court, his newest restaurant mirrors its eponymous dish and pops with brash colour, with South American graffiti and signage papering its walls from floor to ceiling. Edmeades’ ceviche explodes with flavour, and the pricing is very competitive, perhaps the most reasonable in the capital. It’s loud and fun with Motown on the stereo, the perfect preparation for an

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

evening on the town. Make sure you order the sea bream and king prawn ceviche, which includes the rather unorthodox addition of chorizo.

innerplace.co.uk

TOP FROM LEFT TO RIGHT Coya London; Ceviche Old Street CIRCLES FROM TOP TO BOTTOM Causa Milagros at Ceviche Old Street; Tiradito Chifa at Ceviche Old Street; Lima Floral

Pisco Bar at Coya Coya is by far London’s most luxurious and sultry Peruvian, and there’s no mystery as to why it has sprung sibling restaurants in glossy locations like Miami and Dubai. Launched by the team behind Roka and Zuma, Coya’s basement dining room is dimly lit and populated by the svelte clientele who frequent Mayfair restaurants. The Pisco Bar is a sight to behold with murals painted on the walls, hammeredcopper pendant lighting, and a particoloured wooden block bar with wooden stools and turquoise leather cushions. More importantly, it also boasts a large selection of pisco, which is put to good use in a menagerie of cocktails. There’s an extensive list of ceviches, with ingredients running the gamut from blue prawns to corvina.

LIMA Virgilio Martinez is a boss. He’s one of the best culinary minds to come out of Peru and his restaurants require a visit, whether in his home country or here in London. His Fitrovia eatery Lima quickly won a Michelin star with its technicolour gastronomy. Not long after, Martinez opened his second London restaurant, Lima Floral in Covent Garden. There was a larger selection of ceviches on offer as well as a basement bar named Bajo, where guests could repair for an amazing array of pisco sours. Not one to rest on his laurels, he’s now launched a retail offering at Harrods, where guests can take away some of his most popular dishes. But my heart still lies in the downstairs bar in Fitzrovia where I first sampled his ceviche and pisco-laced take on a Bloody Mary. Eating his food is almost as good as going to the source.

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19/02/2016 14:28:49

harlize Theron has a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most outspoken and fearless women, and at almost 5ft10, the statuesque South African is as beautiful as she is brazen. She is also fiercely independent and gives the impression that she could take on any man – and tends to swear like one, too. In last year’s Oscar-winning Mad Max: Fury Road, the striking beauty was both captivating and terrifying in her role as Imperator Furiosa, and even writerdirector George Miller knew better than to ask Theron to play second fiddle to the film’s male protagonist. “The original Mad Max created such a vivid world... George really created a female character that I’ve never read anything like before,” Theron declares. “It’s a really challenging piece of material. Originally I was like, ‘Uh, I’m not going to play the f***ing girl for Mad Max.’ Then I read it and I was like, ‘Oh, Mad Max, I feel sorry for you!’ That rarely happens – it’s two great characters. It’s not the original Mad Max. It’s the revamped Mad Max. It’s Tom Hardy, who’s incredible. So, the whole thing is just exciting – very, very exciting.” Fury Road turned out to be more than just exciting – it’s a work-of-art in the eyes of the movie-going public and critics alike: an explosion of colour, action and violence set in a dystopian wasteland that leaves most blockbusters feeling like a slow yawn. The film won five technical Academy Awards, including film editing and production design, making it the overall winner on the night. It’s a feat made even more impressive given the Academy’s general dismissal of sci-fi – Star Wars: The Force Awakens won nothing despite being America’s highest-grossing film ever. Though technically magnificent, it is the lead performances that make it so compelling; the silent fury of Tom Hardy’s Max against Theron’s verbal explosions. One of the key early moments comes when Max and Furiosa battle it out in the dirt before she is willing to join forces with him. “This is not just two people standing there punching each other,” explains writer-director Miller, on whom Theron has clearly left a mark. “This is a question of which one of them is going to survive. I remember thinking [when Theron was driving the war rig back to base camp during production and he was sitting behind her]: ‘She is the Imperator, and if this was a real wasteland and we were at war, I’d be really happy she’s on our side.’” He adds: “I can’t really think of another character in cinema quite like her. I’m sure that other people might find connections, but just the way the character was conceived, and how Charlize took it on and transformed herself and played it, she did

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

MAX TAKING IT TO THE

Hot off her incredible performance in Mad Max: Fury Road, Charlize Theron proves she’s every bit as feisty as the characters she plays. Maybe even a little bit more so… WORDS: KAREN ANNE OVERTON

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| INTERVIEW |

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THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

“There have been

great female

action characters, but there’s just been

nothing quite like this”” WRITER-DIRECTOR GEORGE MILLER ON charlize theron in MAD MAX: FURY ROAD

opening page Charlize Theron at the 2016 Academy Awards, ©A.M.P.A.S. Right Charlize Theron at the premiere of Mad Max: Fury Road, photo by Tinseltown, 2015 opposite page, clockwise from top Charlize Theron and Seth MacFarlane in A Million Ways to Die in the West, © Bluegrass Films; Theron as Aileen Wuornos in Monster, © Media 8 Entertainment; Theron with her Oscar for Best Actress at the 76th Academy Awards in 2004; Theron as Imperator Furiosa in Mad Max: Fury Road, © Warner Bros.; Theron as Helga Svelgen in 2 Days in the Valley, © Rysher Entertainment

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

it with such authority. There have been great female action characters, but there’s just been nothing quite like this.” When it comes to playing strong female leads, Theron is no novice: in 2004, she won an Oscar for her portrayal of serial killer Aileen Wuornos in Monster, and she shines too in comedic roles, such as Seth MacFarlane’s A Million Ways to Die in the West, playing the gun-toting babe in a world of incompetent and childish men. There’s some tragic background to this strength of character, on and off screen. Aged 15, Theron saw her mother Gerda shoot her father when he came home one night to their farm in South Africa and threatened to kill them both in a drunken rage. The experience has certainly helped her plumb the depths of tragic characters. “I went through a traumatic event when I was young and somehow that kind of experience shapes you,” she says. “It enables you to understand darkness and tragedy... But I don’t ever let my work drag me down into my characters’ problems. I can go down deep into a dark character and those kinds of psychological states and then slip back into my normal life pretty quickly.” Interestingly, even when portraying a vicious psychopath like Wournos or a one-armed warrior like Furiosa, Theron still carries a grace and beauty, something she weaves, perhaps unexpectedly, into the fabric of the characters she’s playing. When she was in her twenties, though, some casting directors were wary that this ex-model was too pretty and striking for most roles. She soon proved them wrong though with her performances in early films like 2 Days in the Valley and The Devil’s Advocate, and since then no one has dared suggest that her looks could hinder or overshadow her performances. Chameleonlike, she can go from the grotesque to the divine – witness the Dior J’adore perfume campaign in which she dazzles. Last August, the actress turned 40, a milestone she embraced in a world that seems to think women have less to offer the older they get. “Women find their strength and power in their sexuality, in their sensuality within, through getting older and being secure within that,” she says. “It’s ironic that we’ve built the beauty world

around 20-year-olds, when they have no f***ing concept about wisdom, what life is about, having a few relationships below their belt and feeling hardships, to grow into their skin and feel confident within themselves and to feel the value of who they are, not because of a man or because of something like that. And I think that’s such a beautiful thing.” This is why, she says, women come into their prime in their forties and yet for some reason society insists on treating older women like wilting, faded flowers; yet men, she posits, are seen as fine wines that improve with age. “It’s such a misconception, and it’s such a lost opportunity because that’s when I think women are really in the true moment of their sensuality,” she says. Over the years, directors and costars have described Theron as a ‘ballsy’ woman but one with enormous talent and sensitivity. She is currently single after having several high-profile relationships, the most recent being veteran actor Sean Penn. The match made perfect sense as Penn, ex-husband of both Robin Wright and Madonna, is well known for being a difficult and intense personality – and if any woman were up to the job it would be Theron, but the relationship ended after a year-and-a-half. Being single doesn’t faze the actress though: she is utterly independent and has adopted both of her children – Jackson, now four, and eightmonth-old August – as a single parent. Nor does it worry her that some men may find her feistiness too much to handle. “I’ve met all types of men in my life,” she says. “What I’ve found is that most men’s reactions to me are a reflection of their own insecurities that have nothing to do with me and really speaks to their character and not mine. “I’ve never tried to appear less forceful or be less assertive in order to make a man feel more secure or feel better. I have always dreamed big and wanted to make the best of my life. I’ve never wanted to compromise, otherwise I would not be happy. I’ve always wanted a man who recognises my dreams and goals and appreciates all those aspects of my character and is confident enough in his own self not to feel threatened by that.” Theron often makes statements like that. For example, she once admitted that marriage has “never meant anything” to her and that for her, “fame has no value”. She strives to be bigger than the media’s perception of her, and more than anything she wants to be free and uncompromising. And why should she compromise? She’s the woman who took on Mad Max, and won.

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| INTERVIEW |

photo Featureflash Photo Agency

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THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

| INTERVIEW |

Artist at Work Having worked with everyone from Apple to Qantas, Marc Newson is considered one of the greatest designers of this generation. Josh Sims sat down with the man whose work accounts for almost 25 per cent of the total contemporary design art market

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THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

clockwise from above Aquariva by Marc Newson; Qantas A330; Dassault Falcon 900B; Aquariva by Marc Newson; Qantas First Class Lounges in the Sydney All imagery courtesy of Marc Newson, © 2016 Marc Newson Ltd

“It doesn’t cost any more energy to do something differently, better”

“M

y job is to find solutions, so I have to know the problems. The more exposure to the problems out there, the better my response will be,” is how Marc Newson summarises his job. “Travel helps. Go to Japan, for instance, and see how they solve even mechanical problems – it’s very contrary to the way we in the West are brought up to tackle the same problems. But I work across such a broad space, in many different types of industries, that it’s important, as I think it is for any designer, to have a comprehensive understanding of contemporary culture.” It is this, perhaps, that has allowed Newson, 52, not only to design pens and a bunk-bed, jets and dish-racks, rocking horses and champagne bottles, kettles, torches, mobile phones, restaurants and shops, mirrors, taps, chairs, cars, coffee cups, lights, shotguns and clothes for some of the world’s leading manufacturers of both high-end and

more quotidian products, but, arguably, to become the most important industrial designer of his generation. He has pieces in the permanent collections of more than 20 museums around the world. His Lockheed Lounge – one of his very first, self-built products, an aluminium-clad chaise longe – sold last year for US$3.7m, becoming the most expensive piece sold at auction by a living designer to date. Those who want to spend less might buy the Apple Watch he co-designed with Jony Ive, or to fly with Qantas – he’s the airline’s creative director. Today, Newson is as busy as ever, which is saying something for a man who insists on working hands-on with each project he takes on, rather than leaving the grunt work to an assistant. He’s working on an office chair for Knoll, as well as many other projects that, inevitably, he can’t talk about in detail. He’s just designed a toaster and a new clothing collection for G-Star Raw – “the first problem I wanted to solve with that was the problem of my wardrobe,”

Designer Domination From the latest technology to the world of luxury goods and one-of-a-kind cameras that fetch $1.8 million for charity, Marc Newson has consistently pushed the boundaries of design. Here are a few highlights, past and present, from an astounding portfolio Celebrating monogram backpack, Louis Vuitton, louisvuitton.com

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

(RED) camera, Leica, leica-camera.com

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| INTERVIEW |

Newson jokes. Indeed, he’s so in demand, that these days, “I tend to pick projects based on what I want or need, on purely selfish terms. And I’ve always wanted a decent toaster. A wheelie-bag too. I’m a consumer like everybody else. I acquire things and sometimes even in this world the choice is not available and that irritates me. I try to look at things from the perspective of a consumer too. What could they want? What do I want? And the list is getting smaller.” Newson likes to see his role as, ultimately, limiting choice: he refers to himself as a collator or refiner, with his intention always to create a best-in-class product – the idea being that a design might be so good that nobody would ever need another version. He concedes that this is easier said than done, citing an office chair he has been working on for Knoll “for years” and speaking of the unexpected complexity of the project – how the chair has to meet constraints of pricing, work for all types of physique, and acknowledge all manner of health and safety criteria. He has spent a lot of time looking at office chairs, seeing how other people have tried to tackle the problems. Most of Newson’s designs reflect his distinctive, colourful, curvy, organic, materials-driven aesthetic, in which everything and anything from shagreen to carbon fibre to polyethylene to steel might play on his palette. This is the man who made a shelf from a five ton block of marble and decked a speedboat in micarta – made from layers of resinlaminated linen. But, he suggests, he has also had good timing on his side: the fact that many manufacturers and consumers are only now, it seems, waking up to good design’s potential. “I’ve spoken with Jony [Ive] about this and we’ve both said we think a pent-up anger [at the design around us] is our greatest source of inspiration – looking around and saying ‘that’s horrible!’,” he says. “That anger is inspirational because you understand that it doesn’t cost any more energy to do something differently, better.

Apple Watch Sport, from £299, Apple, apple.com

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Reversible Tour Jacket, G-Star, g-star.com

The Zvezdochka sneaker, Nike, nike.com

Of course, everyone has different taste and there are many solutions to a problem, so I’m only talking about when it’s really bad. And design doesn’t always result in quality. After all, there’s a lot of lip-service paid to the idea that something is ‘designed’, especially when you’re working within the imperative of the market, which is about offering choice for choice’s sake.” A keen collector of vintage cars, he is particularly disappointed by car design today, blaming designers’ over-dependence on computer software to find solutions, rather than their own experience and imaginations. This is why Newson refers to himself as “very much a pen and paper man” – he carries with him a big yellow, sketch-stuffed notebook wherever he goes. “[Computers mean] a lot of industrial designers are really stylists, and increasingly so,” he says. “But the thing is that a computer is just a tool. What’s missing is the sense that the best ideas still come from deep within your head. If you’re always working with computers your thinking is subject to that piece of software. I can look at a car and tell you what software it was designed with. I don’t think that’s a phase – I think my generation are last of a breed. We represent an old way of working that will be lost, at least until software becomes much more intuitive.” Not that he is opposed to computers per se. Indeed, while the layers of management and marketing has historically made some of his work for corporate clients “like hitting your head against a brick wall”, he believes that it is his job alone to dictate the design solution. If you don’t want his ideas, don’t hire him – working for Apple has given him new hope. Newson is not about to reveal what his next project for the tech giant will be, but he will say that his work for it – which is currently taking up some 60 per cent of his time – has been reassuring. Here, he says, is the biggest company in the world right now and its primary message is the desirability of good design. “It vindicates design’s importance,” says Newson. “And that gives me cause for a huge sigh of relief.”

M fountain pen, £385, Mont Blanc, montblanc.com

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

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THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE CITY MAGAZINE DELIVERED TO YOUR DESK FOR FREE EMAIL YOUR NAME, ADDRESS & THE COMPANY YOU WORK FOR TO CITYDESK@RWMG.CO.UK

| BUSINESS &WEALTH |

The Taxation of

Landlords

Last summer, the Chancellor announced the capping of tax relief on mortgage interest payments for residential landlords – here’s what to expect down the line Words: craig Hughes, director, Brown Butler, leeds

2017/18:

uring last summer, the Chancellor announced changes to the taxation of landlords and one of the most significant of these is the capping of tax relief on mortgage interest payments for residential landlords. In the last autumn statement, it was further announced that there will be a three per cent SDLT ‘surcharge’ for acquisitions of second homes.

Restriction of tax relief on interest

75% of finance costs will be relieveable as under current rules; 25% restricted to basic rate tax deduction

75%

Currently interest paid on a loan used to purchase a property which is let can be deducted from the rental income received before the profits are subject to income tax. As a result of this favourable tax relief, many landlords have focussed on reinvesting rental profits into acquiring new properties rather than paying down their existing debt. Unfortunately, in the future, residential landlords will only be allowed an income tax deduction at the basic rate of 20 per cent on the interest paid. These changes are being phased in over three years from 6 April 2017 (see opposite). These changes do not impact commercial property, nor do they impact property held within a company. Companies will continue to deduct loan interest as a business expense. General options which could help landlords adapt to these changes include: reducing the value of mortgages; restructuring lending against commercial property; or incorporating the portfolio so it is a company.

one

2018/19:

50% of finance costs will be relieveable as under current rules; 50% restricted to basic rate tax deduction

50% 2019/20:

25% of finance costs will be relieveable as under current rules; 75% restricted to basic rate tax deduction

25% 2020/21:

All basic rate tax decuction

All

Incorporation

It may be possible to ‘incorporate’ your property portfolio, and there are capital gains tax reliefs for doing so. Advice should be sought as to whether this is possible because there are various conditions which need to be met.

Stamp Duty Land Tax

A further levy on property investment and multiple residential property ownership is to be introduced by way of an additional three per cent on top of current SDLT rates from 1 April 2016. This will be charged on the purchase of additional residential property (eg. buy-to-lets and second properties over £40,000). There are exclusions for the acquisition of property portfolios. The flowchart below illustrates how the new tax rate can apply.

Rent-a-room relief

Rent-a-room relief is often forgotten but can be valuable tax relief where you let out a room in your house to a lodger. Fundamentally, the renta-room scheme is a relief that provides that the rent received by an individual from a lodger (up to a prescribed limit) can be exempt from income tax. From 6 April 2016, if the gross rents are less than £7,500, the income is ignored for income tax purposes. Where gross rents are more than £7,500, advice should be sought as there are alternative ways of calculating your taxable rental income. For further information please contact Robert Solyom (robertsolyom@brownbutler.com) or Craig Hughes (craighughes@brownbutler.com) or call 0113 246 1234

How many properties do you own at the end of the day of the transaction?

yes

The transaction is not subject to the higher rates, regardless of what the property is used for

yes, but the previous property has not yet been sold

The transaction is not subject to the higher rates

The transaction is subject to the higher rates, but a refund is available if the previous main residence is sold within 36 months

Two

Is the property being purchased replacing your main residence (which is being sold)?

The transaction is subject to the higher rates

Member of the EISA

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THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

112341 Penhaligons Equinox Bloom Ad Runwild Media 1

10/03/2016 15:56

WATCHES & JEWELLERY Celebrating the delightful and the divine from the world of fine jewellery and haute horology

TWO WORLDS COLLIDE To celebrate the 85th anniversary of the Reverso wristwatch, Jaeger-LeCoultre has given Christian Louboutin free reign to apply his own inventiveness on the iconic timepiece. The original Reverso was designed by Jacques-David LeCoultre in 1931 at the request of British army officers in India. They wanted a watch that could stand the trials of a polo match. LeCoultre’s answer was a flip dial watch whose face could be concealed against the wrist during play. Louboutin’s Reverso Classic Duetto is available in two sizes: 34.2mm x 21mm and 40mm x 24.4mm. It retains the watch’s emblematic face on the front, while the back takes on a far more Christian Louboutin feel – framed, as it is, by two rows of diamonds on either side of the dial. Reverso Classic Duetto, small (pink gold) £15,200, medium (steel) £7,950, Jaeger-LeCoultre, jaeger-lecoultre.com

| COLLECTION |

jewellery

Words: olivia sharpe

Bee Line Vogue On

British Vogue has been setting trends in the world of design for a century. In light of this milestone, royal jeweller Mappin & Webb – which appeared in the very first issue published in September 1916 – has chosen to collaborate with the publication on a unique piece of jewellery. The limited-edition Vogue 100 sterling silver bracelet pays tribute to the magazine’s centenary through the engraved medallion and diamond set charm, and honours Mappin & Webb as one of Britain’s leading silversmiths. This reputation was cemented in 1897 when it was granted a Royal Warrant by HM Queen Victoria. Vogue 100 bracelet, £295, Old Bond Street, W1S, mappinandwebb.com

DRAMA QUEEN

There has evidently been a hive of activity at Theo Fennell’s Chelsea workshop because the company has just released a series of pieces in collaboration with Forevermark diamonds. “It has been wonderful to work with the best cut, most recognisable, ethically-sourced stones in the world. I believe we have done them justice,” Theo Fennell comments. Fusing the jeweller’s trademark meticulous craftsmanship with Forevermark’s diamond expertise, it is a partnership that has got the jewellery industry buzzing, with standout pieces including the Bee brooch. Featuring a 3.13-carat diamond with pavé stones and set in 18-carat gold, it also doubles up as a pendant. Bee brooch, £125,000, 169 Fulham Road, SW3, theofennell.com

Ahead of the Game

Never one to rest on her laurels, Lydia Courteille’s new Queen of Sheba collection reigned supreme at this year’s Paris Haute Couture Week where it was unveiled. The jeweller has paid homage to the legendary biblical figure in 18 high jewellery pieces comprising precious stones that originate from Ethiopia, the country she famously ruled over. A ring featuring vivid tsavorites and tourmalines is set in earthy brown rhodium gold to showcase its natural beauty, while a green peridot tiara surrounded by diamonds, sapphires and tsavorites (that form two snakes in the centre) is the perfect tribute to the mythical queen. £POA, lydiacourteille.com

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

As we await the 2016 Olympic & Paralympic Games in Rio, all eyes are on Brazil and how the country will shape up in preparation for the world-famous event. Brazilianborn jeweller Lily Elia, however, has already proven her weight in the fine jewellery industry. Since launching her company, Lily Gabriella, in London in 2011, it has gone from strength to strength and this year sees the arrival of her first website. Allowing customers to browse through collections and buy pieces online, the site also showcases the latest collection: Love Me. Sassy Chic and Ouh Lala ear cuff, £750 each, lilygabriella.com

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| collection |

WAtches

Words: Richard Brown

Collector’s Edition The recently revealed Luminor 8 Days Set is sure to make any self-styled ‘Paneristi’ weak at the knees. The collectible set contains two watches inspired by models created between 1993 and 1997 – the period from the brand’s first public collection, to the year it was acquired by the Richemont group. Only a tiny number of watches were produced in that period and they have become highly sought-after. The box contains a Luminor Black Seal Left-Handed 8 Days, a Luminor Daylight 8 Days, and a model of a slow-speed Siluro a Lenta Corsa torpedo. Luminor 8 Days Set, £15,200 panerai.com

Gold Standard The world’s most iconic precious metal has been reintroduced to one of Audemars Piguet’s most iconic watches. Missing from collections for years, yellow gold returns to a range of the brand’s Royal Oak timepieces. Considered a purer alternative to red or rose gold, yellow gold versions of eight watches are now available, including the Royal Oak Chronograph, Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar and Royal Oak Selfwinding. City boys will be thrilled. audemarspiguet.com

STRIKE THREE Ahead of Baselword 2016, the brothers behind British brand Bremont have announced the launch of three new core collection timepieces. The MBII (£3,595) is now available with a white dial and features a striking new look, with a distinctive knurled effect on the aluminium barrel; the ALT1-C Polished Black Chronograph (£4,695) adds to Bremont’s first non-limited edition polished steel range; while the ALT1-ZT/51 (£4,295) is one of the brand’s most handsome timepieces to date. bremont.com

WORL TRAVELLER

Time travel is the watch world’s current buzzword du jour. Everyone from small independents to industry heavyweights is thinking up ways of keeping us on time wherever we are on the planet. While lacking second time zone or world time functions, Vacheron Constantin’s updated Overseas collection has been designed with the jetsetter in mind. The range includes five new models (12 references in total), all of which are equipped with manufacture movements and are waterresistant to a minimum of 50 metres. Available in steel or gold, the sporty timepieces can be dressed up or kept casual thanks to easily interchangeable bracelets and straps. vacheron-constantin.com

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THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

Work Like A

cHARM

Fawaz Gruosi has become a superstar on the international jewellery scene and, at 63 years old, he shows no signs of slowing down. The Geneva-based founder of De Grisogono discusses women, diamonds and the future with Olivia Sharpe

harm is an impossible thing to define, but very easy to spot. I can therefore confirm that after meeting Fawaz Gruosi, founder of De Grisogono, he has it in diamonds. And judging from the steady stream of female celebrities pictured with him over the years, I am not the first woman to think so. This year, De Grisogono opened its new London flagship and while the design project was undertaken by the David Collins studio, Fawaz played a big hand in terms of the overall look and feel. The sumptuous interior, from the emerald green and ruby red upholstery to the amethyst floors, complements the vivid gemstones on display. The space is divided into three separate areas – the Corte, Stanza del Tempo and Grand Sala – based on the idea of a traditional Italian house to tie in with the founder’s Florentine heritage. At 63, Fawaz Gruosi hasn’t let standards slip, impeccably dressed in a custom-made suit courtesy of Milanese tailor A.Caraceni and a bespoke Turnbull & Asser shirt. As he talks airily, lightly waving a cigarette around and occasionally pausing to sip his coffee, I can see how the sophisticated jeweller, with his old school Italian glamour, has won over so many female fans. Fawaz founded his company in Geneva in 1993 and it currently boasts 14 stores around the world, but he insists that he wants to cap the number at 30. “My principle from the beginning was for ladies at cocktail parties not to be wearing the same jewellery pieces,” he explains. “This is what has been happening in fashion for a long time, but it has almost never happened with us and I want to keep it that way. This is why I’m against opening

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

too many shops. It will mean losing the charm of the company.” The jeweller’s playboy lifestyle has been well-documented over the years (his annual Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc parties in Cannes have become the stuff of legend), but make no mistake, he has never lost his shrewd business acumen. Having started De Grisogono on a shoestring, unable to afford “to open a chocolate shop never mind a jewellery company”, this made him more resolute than ever to steer his own path. “If you look in every major city – New York, London, Paris, Milan, Dubai – you see so much jewellery. I realised that the market needed something new, something different.” While financially hard up when starting his business, Fawaz had a wealth of experience in the industry (albeit no formal training), starting as young as 18 working for a jeweller before being taken on by two heavyweight brands: Harry Winston followed by Bulgari. As Winston’s representative in Dubai in the late ‘70s, Fawaz was given a taste of true luxury, looking after clients when the oil boom in Saudi Arabia had resulted in “money falling from the sky”. Like something out of Wall Street, he was taken out for lavish lunches and dinners and barely worked three hour days, but he confides how he soon got tired of the high life. “Life was getting too easy and I was scared, scared because I realised I was starting to develop the same mentality as them. There is nothing wrong with that if you have the money, but I didn’t. If I had stayed another three years, I don’t think I ever would have left.” Fawaz went on to work for Bulgari for eight years under the mentorship of then CEO Gianni Bulgari. A huge contrast to

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| COLLECTION |

If you look in every major city – New York, London, Paris, Milan, Dubai – you see so much jewellery. I realised that the market needed something new, something different.

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THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

Dubai, after three months of being confined to Gianni’s office living off an apple and a yoghurt every day and “nearly dying from the cigarette smoke from six in the morning until midnight” (when he no doubt picked up his habit), Gianni gave the then 33-year-old Fawaz the post of looking after VIPs worldwide. “It was probably the best time of my life”, he reminisces. “Bulgari was considered God at the time and pieces were selling like hot cakes.” However, according to the jeweller, a family disagreement resulted in the CEO walking out in 1985 and Fawaz following him. Both experiences taught Fawaz some invaluable lessons, the most important of which was that he had to offer something different from a market that had become tired and derivative. “There were a lot of rich people who bought a lot of jewellery, but they stopped buying because it had all become the same.” After splitting from his two partners, he took his first (of several) major business risks when he started buying black diamonds, which at the time had no market value. After receiving a lot of criticism, he nearly decided to pack it in altogether, but then he received his big break in 1995 when two other big name jewellers starting using the stones too. From then on, it seemed that everything the jeweller touched turned to gold – he next invested in milky diamonds. Up until that point, they had been widely disregarded as “defective stones”, but Fawaz rebranded them ‘icy diamonds’ and they were an overnight success. Along with mixing unusual stones and materials, the jeweller was breaking new ground when it came to design, experimenting with off-the-wall creations that were praised for their daring, playfulness and ingenuity. “I was coming out with a lot of craziness, but that craziness was quickly becoming something that was considered innovative.” A true artist, Fawaz has never sacrificed design in favour of making a profit and he therefore puts shape first, stones second. “You have to be completely crazy to

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

cut a 15-carat ruby because it is extremely unusual and rare to find, and you lose a lot of the weight by cutting it.” Fawaz’s motto is: “It is in the freedom of details that you find pure luxury.” In 2000, De Grisogono launched its first timepiece collection. A relative stripling in comparison to other historic Swiss watchmakers, I ask Fawaz what distinguishes his contemporary designs apart. “It’s very simple. A lot of jewellers sell classic watches that are exactly the same style as their grandfathers’. I don’t do jewellery sets because the client ends up looking like a Christmas tree. It’s like clothes. You mix colours, styles, but you

“I hate it when a few ladies come into my store because 90 per cent of the time we lose a sale” have to have a bit of taste to put them together properly.” While acknowledging at the time that he knew nothing about the mechanics of watchmaking, what he has always known is design. Therefore, tired of seeing the same old traditional styles, Fawaz instead wanted to create more simple, pared-back pieces that emphasised function. Over the years, De Grisogono has brought the watch industry forward with pioneering innovations, such as the Meccanico DG: the first mechanical watch to power a digital-style display. Fawaz teases that the one thing his female customers all share in common is jealousy: “When a lady comes into our shop, there is typically another woman with her saying, ‘no it doesn’t suit you’, or ‘no it’s too expensive.’ So I hate it when a few ladies come in because 90 per cent of the time we lose a sale.” However, it is clear that it is his love of women that has enabled him to tap into the kind of jewellery they want to wear. And he even goes so far to admit that one of his longest-standing clients, Sharon Stone, shares many similarities with him. “She is the one I get along with most because she’s a bit crazy like me. She’s always fun, but very difficult at the same time,” he finishes, smiling. Today, De Grisogono is a truly global force and although its founder notes that the rest of the industry is afraid of how the current political unrest will affect sales in the future, for the jeweller it is business as usual. “I’m going on like everything is perfect.” And considering Fawaz’s life experience, you can see why. 15a New Bond Street, W1S degrisogono.com

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| COLLECTION |

All store images courtesy of: Adrien Dirand

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THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

| fashion |

STANDOUT

STYLE: London Fashion Week A/W16

Fabulous, frivolous and often downright ridiculous, we sift through the weird and wacky to give you the top five trends of A/W16 words: tiffany eastland

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THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

wice a year, British fashion designers are given the floor as the world’s most influential media outlets and retailers watch on. London Fashion Week, which has run since 1984, ranks alongside New York, Paris and Milan as one of the ‘Big Four’. The City Magazine was at Brewer Street Car Park, home of London Fashion Week, as the fashion world came together for the recent A/W16 showings. If you’re far removed from the fashion world, you’d perhaps have been a little confused wandering down Brewer Street between 19-23 February. In fact, I witnessed (and was rather entertained by) one very confused and frustrated gentleman, I’d love to quote him, but it’s too explicit and very probably off the record. This fashion week is frivolous and often ridiculous. However, as Dame Natalie Massenet, chairman of the British Fashion Council, rightly

At last official count, this industry was worth £26billion to the UK economy, and employed more than 800,000 people highlighted in her opening speech, fashion remains a powerful and important contributor to the British economy. In fact, at the last official count, the industry is worth £26billion to the UK, and employs over 800,000 people. So shake your head all you like at the woman wearing Lego on her head, but these figures are spearheading a very lucrative industry. London was very proudly the first capital to live stream shows from the central venue in 2009. This season, the British Fashion Council further amplified its events to a global audience, taking the world of London Fashion Week to outdoor digital screens for the first time. Among other highlights was the return of Alexander McQueen and Mulberry to the London Fashion Week schedule, and what a schedule it was. Here we put the spotlight on five of our favourite trends for A/W16. Which are you brave enough to embrace? OPENING PAGE Main image: Burberry Circles from left to right: Sophia Webster; Charlotte Olympia; Burberry Beauty THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Elisa Sednaoui, Alexa Chung and Suki Waterhouse front row at Burberry; Backstage at Burberry; J. JS LEE catwalk show; Backstage at Burberry; Post show at the Regent Street Burberry flagship; Suki Waterhouse at Burberry; Charlotte Olympia presentation; Backstage at Burberry

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

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| fashion |

trend alert: A LOVE STORY Love was in th e air at London Fashion Week A/W16, with model s wearing th eir h earts on th eir slee ves as th ey took to th e catwalk. Things h eat ed up at Antonio Berardi with on e particularly play ful and passionat e ox-blood ensemble, w hile romance was born at Temp erley London and Erdem. Delicat e embroider y, f lirty frill s and thigh-high splits set a seductive ton e to th e season , w hile cin ema played a key role at Mar y Katrantzou. Wild At Heart, Natural B orn Killers, and Baz Luhrman’s R omeo and Juliet were referenced throughout, and m etallic love h earts innocently adorn ed garm ents, exploring th e notion of y oung love.

LEFT TO RIGHT Temperley London; Temperley London; Antonio Berardi; Mary Katrantzou; Temperley London; Mary Katrantzou

trend alert: that ‘70s show It may seem somewhat repetitive to list the ’70s, yet again as a top trends for A/W16, but when the designers do so well to reinvent the unconventional fashion design of that daring decade, it would be a shame not to. At Temperley London, homage was paid to Diane von Furstenberg and her iconic ’70s wrap dress, while at Burberry and Mary Katrantzou it was all about the oversized poet collars – a regular collar with pointed ends that tended to be elongated. At Burberry, emphasis was also placed on the midi, which refers to a popular skirt length of the 1940s that was later revived in the ’70s. John Burr Fairchild, publisher and editor-in-chief of Women’s Wear Daily, declared 1970 as the year of the midi – perhaps it’s actually 2016. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Backstage at Mary Katrantzou; Close up of detail at Mary Katrantzou; Temperley London; Burberry

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THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

trend alert: sheer perfection L ittl e w a s l ef t to th e im a gin at ion thi s sea s on , w ith sh e er fabri c s front and c entre at L on don Fa shion We ek . Antoni o B erardi w a s lo v in g l a c e , w ith th e majority of hi s m o d el s b earin g at l ea st s om e. We fel l in lo v e w ith hi s emb el li sh ed , red l a c e , f lo or - l en g th gow n that t ake s th e l ea d to th e ri g ht . O v er at Mar y K atrant zo u, th e sh e er nature of th e c o l l e ct ion w a s s om e w h at gui sed by d emure d e si g n . A s th e li g ht s cam e up on th e catw al k , pl eat ed A-lin e skir t s an d dre sse s pro v ed rath er re v ealin g up on se c on d g l an c e . In a simi l ar v ein , at Temp erl e y L on d on, fabri c w a s in abun d an c e w ith lon g , v o lumin ou s skir t s an d thre e - qu ar t er l en g th sl e e v e s e xp o sin g m ore th an y ouâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d ant i c i p at e .

Antonio Berardi

Mary Katrantzou

Temperley London

trend alert: sequin city Bright, shiny objects are bang on trend for A/W16, so prepare to twinkle from top to toe. Burberry led the way with sequinned minis covered in swirly â&#x20AC;&#x2122;70s wallpaper patterns. It would seem that this season is about sparkle, certainly not subtlety. Temperley London also dared to dazzle, opting for an all-over embellished nude ensemble, while DAKS added a bit of glitz to an overcoat, the perfect touch for a little evening glamour. LEFT TO RIGHT Burberry; Temperley London; Burberry; Burberry; Backstage at Burberry; Burberry

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

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| fashion |

BACKSTAGE BEAUTY Backstage at Mary Katrantzou, make-up by Lynsey Alexander

Natasha Zinko

When the models at Mary Katrantzou filed out on the Sunday of London Fashion Week, it was hard to say what was more striking, the clothes or the beauty. Feeling inspired by the stars and hearts adorning this collection, makeup artist Lynsey Alexander opted for perfectly painted Cupid’s bow lips. Using MAC make-up, Alexander achieved flawless complexions which allowed the Retro Matte Liquid Lip in Dance With Me All Over to very nearly steal the show. That said, the quirky Cupid’s bow was challenged a little by a weirdly wacky hairdo masterminded by hairstylist Duffy. Using L’Oréal Professional products, Duffy achieved a graphic fringe that sat at right angles to the face. Perhaps not a look you’ll be dying to try come Saturday, but nonetheless clearly in tune with the collection. Backstage at Burberry, make-up by Wendy Rowe

Temperley London Temperley London

trend alert: cape town It would seem the cape is making yet another comeback this season, in all its billowing sweep and passion. If last season you didn’t dare don the ‘anyone fancy a duel’ look, perhaps A/W16 is the time to face the trend head on. At Temperley London, capes were heavily embroidered with pretty floral motifs, while at Natasha Zinko the cape offering was kept dark, dramatic and slightly villain-esque. Off the catwalk, there were a few front-row capes that caught our eye, but our favourite by far was owned by Alexa Chung – a Burberry beauty, of course. We say long live the cape.

Wendy Rowe, in short, is a legend, more specifically she’s Burberry’s make-up artist consultant. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of witnessing Rowe at work, you’d understand the anticipation and excitement for the Burberry beauty on show at London Fashion Week. Previewing new additions to Burberry makeup inspired by the runway collection, the look was very heavily influenced by the graphic sequin embroidery and electric colour palette seen at the show. Rowe achieved an illuminated flawless finish with dewy nude lips, leaving the eyes to sparkle, quite literally. A dark, metallic palette was used over the eyes, with loose glitter applied to the outer corners and along the top cheekbones for an added touch of opulence.

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Alexa Chung front-row at Burberry, wearing Burberry

Off the catwalk, there were a few front-row capes that caught our eye

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

| STYLE |

frill seeker ruffle a few feathers with a frock full of fabric

2 5

3 4 1. Erdem S/S16 2. Erdem S/S16 3. Gucci S/S16 4. Michael Kors S/S16 5. Erdem S/S16 6. Gucci S/S16 7. Simone Rocha S/S16

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

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42, Conduit Street - London

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| STYLE |

spring fling Awaken your senses this season with our pick of a beautiful bouquet of scents

“Afternoon tea and a bouquet of the first spring flowers” - Equinox Bloom, Penhaligon’s

Equinox Bloom, from £90, Penhaligon’s, penhaligons.com

Jolie Fleur Fragrance Collection, £84, 100ml, Tory Burch, toryburch.co.uk

Paco Rabanne’s new, limited-edition fragrance reigns supreme in this beautiful rose gold bottle, but the real talking point is its apparent ‘goddess accord’. O lymp ea Aqua , £ 49, Pa co R abanne, pa corabanne.com

Millicent, £75, Deco London, deco-london.com

Th e sublim e green jade gemston e has b een covet ed by Emp erors and Ari stocrats for thousand s of years, so it make sense that Splendia b e th e n ew object of our desire. L e Gemm e Imp eriali-Splendia , £235, 100ml , Bulgari , harrods.com

Prada Candy Kiss is just what you need after a long, grey winter. Boasting a distinctive musk scent, this beautiful new fragrance is infused with uplifting vanilla and orange blossom nuances. The results? Addictive. Better yet, the gorgeous scent lingers on the skin longer than most, making a lovely lasting impression. Prada Candy Kiss, from £46.50, Prada, prada.com

Dewy Lily of the Valley & Star Anise, £39, Molton Brown, moltonbrown.co.uk

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

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Reset the clock.

Get time on your side with Dr Sebagh’s iconic, glow-restoring serums. Serum Repair

Supreme Maintenance Youth Serum

Dr Sebagh’s award-winning, cult serum with 60% hyaluronic acid intensively hydrates and plumps the skin for instantly glowing results. Perfect for day or night, or as a pre-party radiance boost.

A highly powerful super-serum, Dr Sebagh Supreme Maintenance Youth Serum plumps, hydrates and protects skin whilst boosting its natural glow. Oil-free, for all skin types, this potent concentration of ingredients, including resveratrol, Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid and three antiageing peptides, helps kick-start collagen production and visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles.

Rose de Vie Sérum Délicat More than just a pretty bottle. This powerful, silky, organic rose oilbased serum is an essential treatment to restore the skin’s natural barrier and vitality. Calming, soothing and antioxidant-rich, it reduces redness and protects and smoothes dry, mature or sensitive skin.

Used alone or mixed to create your perfect, personalised blend, find Dr Sebagh serums in stores and online at drsebagh.com.

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

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| out of office |

URBAN FOX Peel back the layers in light of spring Photographer: Dominic Nicholls Stylist: Kristine Kilty @ Lovely Management

White cotton slim-fit shirt, £370, Brunello Cucinelli, brunellocucinelli.com; Three-piece Albemarle suit in Champagne wool, £695, Chester Barrie, chesterbarrie.co.uk; Shadow Play pocket square, £65, Mulberry, mulberry.com; Gentleman’s stainless steel Annual Calendar Nautilus braceletwatch, £29,090, Patek Philippe, patek.com; Silver cufflinks, £75, Hackett, hackett.com

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THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

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| out of office | THIS PAGE Bone cotton rayon sweater, from £350, Amber leather collarless blouson with heat sealed trims, £995, Blue silk tassel diamond print evening scarf, £190, Hardy Amies, hardyamies.com; Classic Fusion Blue King Gold (45mm), £17,700, Hublot, hublot.com OPPOSITE PAGE White cotton slim-fit shirt, £370, Brunello Cucinelli, as before; Chevron print jacket, £750, Chevron print scarf, £194, Duchamp, duchamplondon.com; Navy filtration trousers, £650, Hardy Amies, as before; Classic Fusion Aerofusion Titanium Moonphase (45mm), £12,100, Hublot, as before

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THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

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| out of office | Light grey cotton crewneck t-shirt, £145, Gieves & Hawkes, gievesandhawkes.com; Yellow checked wool mohair trousers, £650, Hardy Amies, as before; Grove optical white matte croc embossed leather slip on trainers, £395, Jimmy Choo, jimmychoo.com; ALT1-C/Green watch, £4,395, Bremont, bremont.com

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THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

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| out of office | THIS PAGE Light grey check suit, £695, Duchamp, as before; White merino V-neck knit, £450, Kilgour, kilgour.com; Shadow Play pocket square pine green, £65, Mulberry, as before; Gentleman’s rose gold moonphase Nautilus strap watch, £28,640, Patek Philippe, as before OPPOSITE PAGE Amber cotton rayon jumper, from £350, Hardy Amies, as before; Beige suede jacket, £2,650, Tod’s. tods.com; Charcoal wool trousers, £2,800, Kilgour, as before; Paisley silk handkerchief, £50, Chester Barrie, as before; Classic Fusion Blue, King Gold (45mm), £17,700, Hublot, as before

Photography Assistant: Nicole Tusznio Fashion Assistant: Cristal Storm Harvey Grooming: Amy Brandon @ Lovely Management Model: Jay Conroy @ Select Model Management Shot on location at South Place Hotel, 3 South Pl, EC2M, southplacehotel.com

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THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

JM Weston Le Moc’ 16 COLLECTION Indulge in timeless footwear with JM Weston’s 2016 Le Moc’ collection. Inspired by the iconic 180 loafer, worn by bourgeois Parisian teenagers in the 1960s and businessmen everywhere today, Le Moc’ Weston is made using the same techniques as the original back in 1946. A broad palette of colours ensures a bright step for everyone, and the new range compensates for a lack of reinforcement with a raised toe and thickened forefoot, giving structure to the leather in spite of its flexibility. The perfect shoe to pound the streets of the capital, for students and CEOs alike. jmweston.fr/en

Turn back time Rewind the clock to pick the best pieces from the past

Mayfair suede bomber, £750, Hackett, hackett.com

Made and Crafted suede bomber, £700, Levi’s, johnlewis.com

Water repellent jacket, £730, Officine Generale, mrporter.com

Suede field jacket, £729, Brooks Brothers, brooksbrothers.com

Tricks of the suede Suede hooded jacket, £578, Our Legacy, farfetch.com

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

If y ou haven’t b een living under a rock, y ou’ ll have noticed th e swath es of su ede across London . Join th e rest of th e city in a love for ’70s luxur y leath er that will stick around for som e tim e to com e. O f ficin e Gen erale of fers th e classic su ede zip-up to chann el y our inn er Jam es Dean , w hile L e vi’s Made and Craft ed su ede bomb er takes tw o current trend s and roll s th em into on e. Hackett and O ur L egacy add little twi sts in a high collar and hood , and Brooks Broth ers cuts a traditional shap e with a sturdy field jacket. Just watch out for rain .

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| FASHION |

Straight shooting

Navy towelling, £125, Orlebar Brown, orlebarbrown.co.uk

Straight leg, £209, Canali, canali.com

FROM TOP Faine white cotton, £125, Orlebar Brown, orlebarbrown.co.uk; Navy pineapple, £575, Valentino, liberty.co.uk; Camp collar voile, £115, AMI, mrporter.com

Once upon a time, straight leg trousers made you look either like a university dean or an unfashionable dad. Today, a certain, more forgiving fit of chino has merit. Try Italian tailors like Brunello Cucinelli or Canali, who know how to make the look work, or brands like Thom Browne that introduce a slightly slimmer line. Above and below trousers available at farfetch.com Pleated trousers, £140, AMI Alexandre Mattiussi

Houndstooth, £520, Brunello Cucinelli

Cotton jacquard, £105, Folk Clothing, mrporter.com

Cotton poplin, £200, Acne Studios, mrporter.com

Striking collars The 1950s are back, at least on the catwalks. Camp collar, bowling, Hawaiian – call it what you will, the flat-collared shirt is back with a bang. An easy way of adding character to both formal and informal outfits, wear a jacket for laid-back formality, or jeans to sell the ’50s vibe. Mr Porter delivers when it comes to this style, with Acne Studios, AMI and Folk all producing quality shirts. Valentino adds print into the equation, for a smart Hawaiian feel, and Orlebar Brown keeps it simple with block colours.

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Straight leg, £565, Thom Browne

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

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and friends and found it incredibly frustrating because no one style worked on everyone. I realised I was never happy unless I designed the glasses specifically for somebody.

What sets the Tom Davies eyewear apart from other eyewear brands?

for your eyes

only

When it comes to eyewear, one size most definitely doesn’t fit all. Glasses designer and entrepreneur Tom Davies prefers to take the guesswork out of choosing frames by going bespoke

yewear has truly become one of the most crucial style accessories of choice; glasses are, after all, the first thing people see on your face. Tom Davies realised early on just how crucial it was to get it right. With his new store opening in Cabot Place, Canary Wharf in May, you can ensure you have eyewear that fits flawlessly.

What inspired you to make bespoke glasses? When I started designing bespoke glasses, I didn’t even realise I was doing it. I was practising on family

Framed to perfection

What we do doesn’t exist in any other eyewear shop or optician. Every design we have here is made bespoke to our clients. We take photographs, take measurements of brow line, hair line, nose, ears and more. When it comes to the frame, we take into account colouring, personality and occupation. I partnered up with Zeiss to be able to offer bespoke lense prescriptions and use their equipment to provide the best eye tests available. Now we get hospitals referring their patients to us because our machines are 100 per cent accurate and give correct prescriptions instantly.

Why did you decide on a Canary Wharf store? Opening a store in Canary Wharf felt like a really good step to take. This store will have the most luxurious clinic, plenty of space and the top equipment. Our process depends on who the client is and how much time they’ve got. We can do bespoke services in ten minutes. It’s totally possible to pick a frame, check what needs to be tweaked, then get it made. It’s going to be sports orientated, featuring a 100-piece sports performance collection. We’ll be offering effective, bespoke prescription glasses tailored to specific sporting needs. Tom Davies, Cabot Place, Canary Wharf

Using advanced digital software, subtle changes are made to frame to enhance natural features

Configured to fit your face Bespoke glasses start from £495. Tom Davies can also be requested to design glasses through an exclusive service available from £5,000.

canarywharf.com

@yourcanarywharf

| fashion |

Back to Basics The new British brands where the mantra is buy less, buy better

tom cridland Luxury menswear brand Tom Cridland is campaigning against fast fashion, with the eponymous founder’s sweatshirts, t-shirts and now blazers guaranteed for 30 years. Boasting patrons such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Craig and Ben Stiller, expect Tom to make even bigger waves in 2016. 30 Year Sweatshirt, £65

brydon brothers Inspired by four brothers, this young belt company has breathed new life into an accessory that is all too often taken for granted. Premium stretch webbing, 100 per cent Argentinian leather and solid buckles lend a strong, luxury feel to each Brydon Brothers belt. From £55

duke & dexter Started by Archie Duke at the tender age of 18, this luxury shoe brand combines a traditional British style with cosmopolitan colours, patterns and imagery. The sheer comfort of the velvet, along with a modern rubber sole, has seen stars such as Eddie Redmayne join the Duke & Dexter fan club. From £95

spoke Instead of releasing new collections every 12 weeks, Spoke constantly revises its key pieces. Obsessive work on everything from the shape of the pockets to the thickness of the buttons – not to mention over 150 cuts of trouser – gives you significantly more choice than with other brands. From £79.99

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THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

| LIFESTYLE |

Back in Black Watch modifier George Bamford is out to bring some masculine luxury to the grooming world

You’re most well-known for the Bamford Watch Department. Why have you decided to move into grooming? Over a Sunday roast with my mother [Lady Bamford], I was discussing how I wanted to extend the brand into other fields and my mother suggested working together and using her experts at Bamford Bath and Body. She has an amazing team who are dedicated to creating the best products from the most exquisite ingredients.

Hand and Body Wash (250ml), £25

Your father founded JCB excavators. Your mother established Daylesford Farm and Foodshops. Were you always going to be an entrepreneur yourself ? I grew up with the family motto of ‘Jamais Content’, meaning never satisfied, so I am always looking for possible new ventures and inspirations. My father believed in education and provided me with a wonderful education but he also said that you have to stand on your own two feet. He didn’t believe in silver spoons and instead encouraged me to forge my own path. How important is collaborating with your mother, and what specialisms do you both bring? My mother has great expertise in meticulously crafting incredible products and Bamford Grooming Department combines our shared philosophy of good design and well made products. I wanted to enter the market with all the products that a man would need for a few days’ travel. I am into the fine details in my watch business and I applied this here with the package design and details such as the shape of the shaving oil and the feel of the rubberised textured stickers. The black theme continues as it is masculine, and starting Bamford Grooming Department was about creating something that’s mine and for men. I feel that in a man’s world there isn’t much and it is very easy to say you are marketing to men but it tends to be unisex. We took a precise approach to the design and scent. The range had to deliver so we have packed the products full of interesting natural active ingredients. Which is your favourite of the grooming products, and are there plans to expand the collection? I love the exfoliating face wash. I love that I can use it once and I’m fully refreshed and ready for the day. We have our manicure kits from our accessories range and wash bags will be following, as well as some other items I cannot disclose yet.

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

Shampoo (250ml), £25

“We took a precise approach to the design and scent. The range had to deliver” Shave Oil (30ml), £30

Travel Kit, £70

Candle (410g), £70

All Bamford Grooming Department ‘Edition One’ products are available from Dover Street Market, Colette Paris, Fortnum & Mason, Bamford stores and online at mrporter.com and bamfordgroomingdepartment.com

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n i lo c h og ls o n@ a nndig (in s ta g ra m o) cr hioflfsi n o .ncaonmd g r i f f i n f o l l o W u s o n i n s ta g r a m @ n i c h o l s o n a n d g r i f f i n n i clo h og l so) on@ a nndig fs in (in s ta g ra m cr hiof l o.ncaonmd g r i f f i n (in s ta g ra m lo g o) @ n i c h o l s o n a n d g r i f f i n

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THE LAND OF SMILES Leave the rucksack at home and experience the real Thailand – with a slice of luxury Thailand is a unique jewel in the crown of Southeast Asia. The perfect brew of ancient culture, stunning mountains and paradisiacal coastline makes visiting a must for almost every perpetual traveller. However, it’s not just for backpackers and those in search of a spiritual awakening. In a travel special, we show you the best Chiang Mai and Phuket has to offer (like the pictured bird’s nest pool villa at Keemala resort), along with a few handy tips on how to avoid the tourist-traps and plan an authentic Thai adventure.

On the Run Ultra marathons are the latest craze in the ever-expanding world of supreme fitness. From wild rainforests to frozen wastelands, Hugh Francis Anderson discovers more about these extreme endeavours

Competitors compete in the 2015 Marathon de Sables, ÂŠ Marathon de Sables, marathondessables.co.uk

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

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THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

6633 Ultra, image courtesy of Likeys 6633 Ultra

“This is an

extraordinary

event for

amazing people in an

incredible

place”

steve dietrich founder & managing director of runultra

lthough each ultra marathon differs, all competitions require entrants to race, semi-non-stop, for well over 100 miles in some of the most treacherous terrain known to man – the deserts of the Marathon des Sables, the rainforests of the Jungle Ultra or the arctic north of the 6633 Ultra. Indomitable to the masses and conquered by the few, these races have become the final frontier of human pursuit. “It doesn’t matter how fit you are; it doesn’t matter how experienced you are,” says Kris King, race director of the Jungle Ultra. “Everyone struggles through the race, everyone thinks it’s tough.” Ultra marathons have grown in number and severity over the past decade. It used to be that completing a marathon was considered the pinnacle of fitness, but

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

nowadays, athletes and amateurs alike regularly cover more than two marathon distances in a single week of training. Ultra marathons are a way of pushing yourself further. It all started with the Marathon des Sables. “This is an extraordinary event for amazing people in an incredible place,” says Steve Dietrich, founder and managing director of RunUltra. “The event takes you away from everything you have – your history, your self-perception – it doesn’t matter who you are in your ‘normal’ life; the Marathon des Sables will level you and expose your inner strength, your vulnerabilities and all your potential to achieve what will become a defining point in your life.” For a few thousand quid and some pretty damn hard work, you can explore the world like never before, discover something about your resolve, and be one of only a few hundred people to claim ultra marathon-running status. “Many [participants] are businessmen with office jobs, where they’re in a very corporate structure,” says King. “They are hunting; one, to push themselves, and two, to chase adventure.” Fitness depending, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to reach race fitness. It all depends on what you’re training for. The 6633 Ultra, the toughest arctic ultra marathon on the planet, takes place in sub-zero conditions, where preparation for the cold is imperative to completion. “It will not only test you physically,”

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the jungle ultra The Jungle Ultra, the world’s toughest tropical ultra marathon, takes place in the Peruvian Amazon rainforest. Running more than five marathon distances back-to-back, competitors are pushed to unprecedented extremes. Beginning in Cloud Forest, competitors travel 10,500ft down the Amazon jungle, which sees them tackle a whole host of varying terrains, all in humidity levels that are close to 100 per cent. Competitors must carry all provisions throughout this five-stage event, with the only aid coming in the form of water at marked checkpoints. Where: Cuzco, Peru When: 3 June 2016 Cost: £2,000 Distance: 230km beyondtheultimate.co.uk

the marathon des sables The Marathon des Sables takes ultra marathon racing to another level through the blistering Sahara Desert. A non-stop event in which competitors race for 156 miles in temperatures that regularly reach 500C, it was the first, and is still widely considered the hardest, ultra marathon in the world. Participants are self-supportive, with water given at marked checkpoints, and all aim to complete the race in five to six days.

says Martin Like, the event’s founder. “It will also test you mentally and challenge you to be completely prepared and to have plans A,B,C,D,E,F and G for when things go wrong.” Similarly, the Jungle Ultra requires unfaltering concentration. “It’s a whole different ball game when you’re running around in 100 per cent humidity,” says King. “You’ve always got to be aware of where you’re putting your feet and hands, because of snakes. There are a lot of things that can go wrong very quickly.” According to Like, ultra marathons represent the ultimate endurance activity. “As it stands today,” he says, “I think ultras are pretty much on the outer levels of where we can push ourselves mentally and physically.” Perhaps in another ten years they will have to evolve to tackle harder terrain and longer distances within tighter timescales, but for the time being ultras remain the events to quench all most demanding of adventure thirsts.

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Where: Sahara Desert, Morocco When: 8 April 2016 Cost: £3,650 Distance: 250km marathondessables.co.uk

the 6633 ultra The 6633 Ultra is the most gruelling arctic ultra marathon on Earth in which competitors race for up to 350 miles in sub-zero conditions. Beginning in Whitehorse, Canada, competitors cross into the Arctic Circle for the rigorous solo expedition that ends some eight days later. All competitors carry their own provisions and equipment, and the event is split into two distances, 120 miles or 350 miles.

above, left 6633 Ultra, image courtesy of Likeys 6633 Ultra Above Marathon des Sables

Where: Yukon, Canada When: Dates for 2017 TBC Cost: From £2,600 Distance: 193km or 563km 6633ultra.com

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

Making waves

Since winning the World Title at 15, Tom Daley has become one of the biggest stars of British sport. A few months from Rio, head coach of Dive London, Jane Figueiredo is quietly confident, discovers David Taylor

“When you come together as a team, you can create phenomenal things”

Why did you decide to make the move from the US to coach in the UK? I’ve worked with Alexei [Evangulov, head of British diving, who described Figueiredo as a “genius”] before in Russia, and won eight medals with him. Coaching somebody of Tom’s ability, work ethic and personality, I felt I could add to his repertoire. The process from being a little toddler to being world champion at 15 is incredible. We’re just sort of building on that. When you get to the top, it’s about details. It’s similar to high-end cars: they’re all fast, but there are little things that can make them even better. Absolutely: they’re fine-oiled machines, aren’t they? The analogy is great; I relate to Tom’s body – mentally and physically – with a Formula one racing car. All the minor things can really make a difference. What sort of attributes would you say are necessary for a world-class diver? Work ethic is number one – that drive every day to be the best athlete that you

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

can possibly be – and the passion for your sport. Tom’s very passionate about diving and his work ethic is incredible. We work really well together in that respect. When you come together as a team, you can create phenomenal things. When you first started working with Tom, he had a bit of a sweet tooth. In terms of nutrition and training, what is needed to reach the top of his sport? When he initially came to me, I just put him in touch with a nutritionist who could actually help him learn a lot more about what’s required. I would say that his physique and physical attributes right now are exactly where I need them to be, and a lot of that credit is due to him just being much more disciplined. Nutrition in sport seems to have been transformed – for instance with Novak Djokovic [whose career was turned around after a diet change]. There’s no question about that. If you’re physically in the right place, you’ll mentally

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T it l e ist 915 D D on’t let th e classic design fool y ou : extra weight in th e sole and toe make th e club more forgiving, and th e 16way adjustable hosel accommodat es most golfers’ n eed s £379, titleist.co.uk

be in the right place: physical strength equals mental strength. I’ve said that all along with Tom. If you can be physically the best you can possibly be, that will give you the edge, and I think Djokovic is a great example of that. The European Championships take place next month. How important are they in terms of gearing up for Rio, and how is the team feeling? We’re excited about having them in London, and coming away with as many medals as we can. The European Championships, especially in the year of the Olympics, are an important stepping stone. You want to have a good competition, because that obviously helps with confidence.

Master the Course

The 80th Masters will showcase the best talent in golf. Tee-off like McIlroy with these world-class drivers

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We saw how influential the 30 per cent less weight in the home crowd was in 2012. Do crown creates a lower centre of you take home advantage gravity for longer, higher drives. into account? Plus, the colours mean you Tom had great support here won’t lose the club if you at the World Series last year; throw it in frustration the crowds came out and it £300, store.nike.com obviously helped us – he won gold in that particular event. This year is about getting the crowd to show their support for the home team, but also helping us prepare for Rio, because Cobra King LTD Pro being able to deal with crowds and getting in the right frame of mind will be great All hail the King: the lowest practice for Rio. centre of gravity on the market Tickets for the European Aquatics means more distance and less Championships – the biggest event to be spin. Designed with the Center held at the London Aquatics Centre since the 2012 Olympic and Paralympics Games for the Advancement of Science – from May 9-22 are now available. Go to in Space. Because they could euroaquatics2016.london £349, clubhousegolf.co.uk

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C al l away Gre at Big Be rth a Th e classics don’t n eed much tweaking, and Callaway has made things simpler, with t en grams of adjustable weight to h elp y ou fade, draw or hit it straight. Th ey aren’t responsible for th e bunkers £329.99, completegolfer.co.uk

TaylorMade M1 A head that provides nearly 2,500 settings for distance, loft, fade and draw isn’t something to be sniffed at. The T-shaped adjusters will also help you look sharp out on the course £399, clubhousegolf.co.uk

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

Aston’s New Chapter Say hello to Aston Martin’s new figurehead, the sleek-lined DB11 Words: Jennifer Mason

here’s a new kid on the block at Aston Martin this year and it looks set to be the leader of the pack. The first car launched under the brand’s new ‘Second Century’ plan, the DB11 is the exciting new figurehead of AM’s lauded DB bloodline – not to mention being a dynamic GT worthy of its sporting heritage (and its links to Britain’s most beloved superspy). The DBs have always been at the forefront of AM design and technology. The line has brought us classic icons like the DB2/4 and DB5 and, more recently, the limited-edition concept DB10, designed especially for Bond’s latest outing, Spectre. But this new model showcases a fresh new direction, with its pioneering aerodynamics and potent new engine making it the most significant new Aston since the introduction of the DB9 in 2003. According to company boffins, the DB11 is the most powerful, most efficient and most dynamically gifted DB in Aston Martin’s history. Not a small claim to make, especially since it’s also considered by AM CEO Dr Andy Palmer to be “the absolute embodiment of what an Aston Martin should be”. Big words, but will they hold true? The DB11 certainly looks good – but then, so do all Astons. The proof will be in the road test, and I for one can’t wait to get behind the wheel of this head-turner. Aston Martin DB11, from £154,900, available from autumn 2016, astonmartin.com

Dynamic Driving To properly harness the DB11’s power, AM has introduced multiple driver-selectable dynamic modes (GT, Sport and Sport Plus) to progressively intensify the response of the engine, eight-speed automatic ZF transmission, electric power steering and Torque Vectoring for an exemplary driving experience.

The Power The DB11 is powered by a 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12, designed in-house at AM. It produces 600bhp, with a top speed of 200mph and a 0-62mph time of 3.9seconds – making it the most powerful production DB model ever.

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

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Lift Off The DB11’s makeover is not purely aesthetic; innovative aerodynamics play their part too. Front end lift is reduced by the grill-like Curlicue which releases high-pressure air from inside the wheel arch via a concealed vent within the side-strake.

Tech-Savvy AM has collaborated with Daimler AG for its fullcolour 12" TFT LCD display instrument cluster and the centrally-mounted 8" TFT infotainment screen. The DB11 also has an autopark assist feature, with a 360-degree bird’s eye-view camera for safe manoeuvring at slow speeds.

Draw the Line Rear end lift is reducted by the AM AeroBlade™ – a virtual spoiler fed by subtle air intakes at the base of each C-pillar. Air flows through the bodywork before being released as a jet of air from the aperture in the rear decklid.

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THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

theisrace on

We’ve got the car, we’ve got the kit, we’ve somehow got our racing driver’s licence. Fasten your seatbelts, The City Magazine is going motor racing Words: Richard Brown

e’ll come clean. Jen and I have never driven a Caterham. Sure, the brand has graced the pages of this magazine numerous times before. But we’ve always had the good sense to commission someone accustomed to the ways of these light-weight racers. Between us, the number of racetracks Jen and I have visited totals none. The motor racing tuition we’d received prior to last month equalled nada. When I was invited to race an Ariel Atom around a car park last year, I got lost and came last. Out of 30. Suffice to say, when Caterham approached The City Magazine about becoming the headline sponsor of its 2016 Academy racing series, the invitation owed everything to the type of people for whom this magazine is intended, rather than to the racing credentials of those who put it

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

together. I write about watches, mainly. Jen covers cars with a radio, heater and a roof. The Caterham Seven we’re now in possession of, having accepted the manufacturer’s offer before we’d even finished reading the email, is bereft of the above luxuries. Instead, it comes with low-grip tyres, a roll bar and flappy pieces of rubber for doors. When it rains, you get wet. When it’s cold, so are you. A 1600cc Ford Sigma engine delivers 125 bhp to a car that weighs roughly the same as a horse. Think of it as a rocket with wheels. Our first race takes place on 23 April, when we’ll line up at Aintree against 27 other competitors (the Academy is split into two series, comprising an equal number of novices). Follow our progress in the coming months in this magazine and online at LuxuryLondon.co.uk. Wish

us luck. We’re going to need it.

The City Magazine Caterham Academy

The Caterham Academy was devised as an introduction to motorsport. Exclusively for drivers who have had no previous race experience, the Academy is an all-inclusive package containing every element required to start and compete in motorsport. Team support is not allowed in this series, so technical support is provided as part of the Academy package at every event by Caterham. In this way, those with little or no mechanical experience are not at any disadvantage and you can’t buy your way to the front of the grid. The Caterham Academy is now in its 20th year. All years have sold out. Entry to the 2017 series starts from £23,995. caterhamcars.com

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the season ahead Friday 1 April Castle Combe

Saturday 23 April Aintree

Saturday 21 May

Curborough Eight

Saturday 11 June Rockingham

Saturday 16 July Snetterton

Saturday 13 August Oulton Park

Saturday 10 September Croft

Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 October Donington Park

A 1600cc Ford Sigma engine delivers 125 bhp to a car that weighs roughly the same as a horse

Caterham a history The first Caterham was launched as the Lotus Seven in 1957. It was designed by Colin Chapman, founder of Lotus Cars. Available fully-built or in home assembly ‘kit’ form, it embodied the Lotus brand’s famous ‘added lightness’ philosophy. Chapman sold the rights to the Seven to Caterham Cars in 1973, the then leading Lotus dealer, opting to focus on limited series racing cars and outright Formula One glory. Today, more than 50 years since Chapman’s original design was launched, Caterham offers the latest development of the iconic Seven in six road-going versions, each named after its own respective bhp per tonne output.

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THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

Power W

hen the Audi R8 was first introduced – a decade ago now – it very quickly became inseparable from the tag of “everyday supercar”. It had the power and the looks, but was tractable enough to trundle around town and came with very few of the idiosyncrasies that are usually part and parcel of supercar ownership. It could be had for Porsche 911 money, and its shared platform with the Lamborghini Gallardo fast-tracked Audi’s credibility in supercar circles. Ten years later, much has changed. The R8 is still yoked to a Lambo – the Huracan – but Audi and Porsche are both owned by VW, so the idea of a sub£100k rival to the 911 is deemed counter-productive. That means we’ve said goodbye to the V8 version of the R8, leaving just the V10. It comes in ‘standard’ or ‘plus’ guises, wringing 533bhp or 602bhp from the 5.2L engine respectively. It’s a bit like finding out that your local curry house has stopped offering everything apart from a madras and a vindaloo. What do you do in such circumstances? You order the vindaloo, that’s what. I jumped in the Plus and headed for the South Downs to find out what else has changed. In line with Audi’s other models, the R8 has had an angular makeover and looks closer to the rest of the range than the old one ever did. You’re unlikely to mistake it for a TT though – the R8 has a lot more presence than pictures can convey. The first R8 was hardly effete, but this – this is mean. The V10 Plus gets a carbon spoiler and enormous rear splitter as standard, and you can bring various other carbon fibre trim to the party with the Sport Plus pack. Looking as fierce as it does, you hope the drive is going to match up. Step in and... wait... what’s this? Normal, sideways-opening doors? Still the sensible supercar, I see. Once you’re settled in, it’s still common-sense central. Buttons are where you want them to be and do what you expect; there’s a nice big screen and easily workable menus. Visibility is great for a car like this – even looking out of the back, over that exposed V10.

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

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A decade after its birth, the Audi R8 remains the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s common sense supercar, writes Chris Hall

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THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

Setting off through central London, the R8 was a house cat, gliding over speed humps and patiently sitting in traffic – engine auto-shut off and all. You don’t drive a canary-yellow V10 supercar because you like pootling about, however, and once I got clear of the M25 I got a bit of a twitch in my right leg and realised that 602 horsepower and four-wheel drive will let you be very un-sensible indeed. Oh yes. It is hard to keep up – no pun intended – with the power being doled out by fast cars these days. 602 is just a number. But it equates to two Golf Rs under the bonnet – and only 200kg more to push around. The R8 is a cold-eyed, merciless dispatcher of roads. Accelerating hard well into three figures, it feels every inch a car that yearns to demonstrate its 205mph top speed. I stopped off at Birling Gap (better than Beachy Head, with fewer people) to compose my first thoughts. Buffeted by wind and cold, and scaring myself silly peering over the unprotected chalk cliffs, it was the opposite experience to my drive. The R8’s strength is its enormous capability – you can hug corners at speed with ease, never really feeling like you’re close to the edge of the envelope. Some will love it – others will crave a bit more danger. Back in the car, I plotted a jagged path towards Winchester and went looking for the R8’s fun side. ‘Dynamic’ mode is a good start, bringing stiffness and loudness to the fore. In all honesty, though, it’s too stiff in ‘Comfort’, and there’s not a big enough difference between the two. And the pop-crackle-burble of the

Deep interrogation of the menus produced more supercarappropriate touches

audi r8 THE VITALS Engine 5.2L V10 Power 413.0 lbft @ 6,500 rpm Torque 398.3 lbft at 8,700 rpm CO2 33 g/km 0 to 62mph 3.2 seconds Top Speed 205.1 mph Price £154,700, as tested

exhaust on the overrun is entertaining, but after a while it sounds synthetic. Which is a shame as the sound of the V10 accelerating is just superb. No turbochargers to hold back that top note, and it revs keenly up to 8,500rpm. Deep interrogation of the menus produced more supercar-appropriate touches – like displays that log your G-force and show how much of the prodigious power and torque you’re using. With everything set to maximum attack, I tried to hit personal bests between Petworth and Petersfield, and all other things being equal I’d probably still be there now. I still wouldn’t have got the car to step far out of line, but the speed and the cornering are just so addictive. I will say this, though: anyone over six foot will get pretty stiff after a couple of hours, and on English roads you will long for a softer ride. They’re small things set against the immense quality of the car, but when the McLaren 570S can fix both and drive with a greater sense of theatre, it means the R8 falls slightly short of perfection. My hopes are on the soft-top Spider, when it comes along (likely to be next year). Losing the roof will up the sense of occasion; let’s just hope they can smooth out the ride at the same time. Ultimately, though, Audi has produced an absolute stunner; a supercar you’d really want to drive every day.

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

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THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

ART FOR ART’S SAKE Mark & Hannah Hayes-Westall have been working in, and writing about, contemporary art on and off for almost 20 years. Each month they introduce an artist that should appear on your agenda

This month: ALBERT OEHLEN WHAT’S SO INTERESTING? The artist as consummate outsider is an image we’re all familiar with. From troubled Van Gogh to Warhol, Bacon, even Damien Hirst, there is no end of figures identified with new ways of looking at the world, ways that, it is implied, could only be derived from their outlier viewpoint, the distance between them and the rest of the world. There are parallels with the representation of influential musicians like David Bowie, but, as with music, the view of the lone genius developing new ideas in isolation is quite wrong. The art world is, if anything, even more closely knit than that of the music community, and artists like the German painter and polymath Albert Oehlen occupy a vital role within it. In common with music, art can

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

Find the work Gagosian 20 Grosvenor Hill W1K gagosian.com

concern itself with external issues or it can investigate itself, the very nature of art itself. In music, the sometimes difficult-to-enjoy sound experiments of innovators like Brian Eno, Kraftwerk and Afrika Bambaataa have been used by their successors as the groundwork for the development of ambient, electronic, and hip hop, and in the art world certain artists have taken the same role, acting as vital catalysts for the artists around them. For artists, and for collectors with the desire to play a role in the ongoing writing of art history, Oehlen is a painter with just such a position. So it’s no surprise that a recent talk by the artist at his London gallery, Gagosian, was attended equally by influential collectors and artists. Oehlen’s work has dealt with the

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nature of artwork itself for many years. Associated with the punkish, hard-partying Neue Wilde (New Wild) movement of the late 1980s, along with artists like the late Martin Kippenberger, Oehlen’s early art was a response to the work of neo expressionists like Joseph Beuys, who preceded him and who dismissed all figurative, representational art, in the process becoming the new establishment. Living in a culture rooted as much in nightclubs and music venues as museums and galleries, Oehlen and his contemporaries refused to pay homage and deliberately rejected the ideas of their predecessors. Playing in bands and creating art, Oehlen’s work from this time encompassed figurative and intentionally ‘bad’ painting, and a period in which he bound his work by artificial constraints – using only grey tones, for example. His infamous ‘bad painting’ of Hitler (1986), completed during this period, was executed in a palette of only yellow, blue and red. By the late 1990s, Oehlen had embraced technology as an aid to playing with the

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act of painting, creating collaged imagery that he then brushed and sprayed over, using the type of huge inkjet printers that were used for advertising billboards. More recently he has used tools like Computer Aided Design (CAD) programmes in creating collages. In his latest work, Oehlen employs trees as central figures on huge canvases. The tree motif has been a part of his art for more than 20 years and references the earlier work of artists Georg Baselitz and Piet Mondrian, though the artist himself is typically self-deprecating, calling the centrepieces of his latest output ‘those psychopathic trees’. Using an unnatural palette of magenta, white, black and electric blue, the tortured shapes are rendered in a style that implies CAD design, with apparently spray-painted elements calling to mind both trees and fractures. The technological appearance is, typically for Oehlen, a joke on the viewer, with the stark lines suggestive of design software actually made by meticulous hand painting with oils, challenging us to rethink our preconceptions about the act of painting. Oehlen himself recently said: “I’m an experimenter who can live with the contradictions and even the mistakes that experimentation entails. If we were talking musically, it’s definitely Frank Zappa, not Leonard Cohen.” Somewhat ironically, the joke may now be on the humorous iconoclast. With recent solo exhibitions held at world-class institutions such as the Museum Moderner Kunst, Vienna (2013), the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York (2015) and the Kunsthalle Zürich (2015), the outsider has become venerated by a new generation of artists.

All artworks © Albert Oehlen. Courtesy the artist and Gagosian Gallery. Photo: Mike Bruce

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

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Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Who in Luxury Wine I

James Lawrence unveils the movers and shakers behind the most sought-after wine in the world

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f anyone wants an example of how a luxury product can weather almost any financial storm, they should look at wine. Despite the global economy uncertainties of the past 10 years, fine wine has remained largely immune to the fallout from the financial crisis, with demand continuing to grow for the rarest bottles. At auction houses in London and Hong Kong, collectors spend astronomical sums on top vintages, their avaricious appetite for luxury wine seemingly insatiable. The net result of this powerful demand is that the fine-wine industry has never been in such a strong position, nor have its key stakeholders wielded more influence. Yet for the uninitiated in wine, such figureheads often remain in the shadows, only known to fellow wine professionals. But knowledge, as they say, is power; collectors and connoisseurs will want to get acquainted with the following giants of the fine-wine industry...

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

people

Michel Rolland International wine consultant

Bernard Arnault Chairman and CEO of LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy) This remarkable man wields more power and influence in the world of fine wine – and particularly Champagne – than anyone else today. Based in Paris, Arnault now controls an empire of 70 luxury brands, including six Champagne houses, wineries in Argentina and New Zealand’s iconic Cloudy Bay. The fact that the conglomerate’s annual turnover is in excess of £22billion is undoubtedly partly due to its ownership of legendary bands such as Krug and Dom Perignon, the former producing some of the most expensive Champagne ever. In just over 25 years, Arnault’s LVMH group has grown from the initial merger in 1987 into the foremost luxury-wine producer in the world.

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

FROM TOP Bernard Arnault; Michel Rolland; Robert Parker

Michel Rolland is perhaps the wine industry’s most valuable human resource. A oenologist from Bordeaux, Rolland is today recognised as one of the world’s most talented winemakers, with his craft in high demand across the globe. Since January 2016, Rolland has been the consultant for more than 200 wineries in all continents, including Tuscany’s Ornellaia, Napa Valley’s Screaming Eagle, Château Figeac in Bordeaux and Clos de los Siete in Argentina. And, naturally, his fees are as impressive as his reputation; only the wealthiest brands can afford his services. Why employ Rolland? The answer is simple – just one session with him can transform a solid four-star wine into a superlative one. His vast experience has turned around the fortunes of countless wine estates, and better wines mean higher market prices. Needless to say, his waiting list is considerable.

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Robert Parker Wine critic A former lawyer from Maryland, Robert Parker continues to be the most influential and respected wine critic working today. His magazine, The Wine Advocate, commands the absolute loyalty of many thousands of subscribers, who eagerly await Parker’s assessment of new vintages of fine wines, particularly the latest Bordeaux vintage. Adopting the standard US 100-point wine scoring system, his wine scores ignite the markets of Europe, Asia and the US, where collectors and wealthy consumers can be counted on to search out wines on the basis of Parker’s recommendations. After several decades in the business, the effect of his views on wine are still global. Wines rise and fall on the basis of his judgments – a high score from Parker can transform the fortunes of a onceunknown brand into a force to be reckoned with. Surely, the wine trade will never know such a voice, such a power, ever again.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Image courtesy of Krug; Moet Cellar Moet Academy; Domaine de la RomaneeConti vineyard; Moet Cellar Moet Academy; Screaming Eagle; Dom Pérignon

to 8,000 cases are released per year, all of it on precious allocations. Demand, therefore, far outstrips supply, meaning collectors will pay any price for a drop of this exquisite nectar. And so DRC is living proof that fine wine knows no recession; it continues to break world records for its prices achieved at auction. A case of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti 1990, for example, went for HK$1.5 million at Hong Kong auction house Zachys in January. Or, in other words, this is a wine solely available to the world’s billionaires.

Screaming Eagle Napa Valley First among the great Californian superstar reds, Screaming Eagle is America’s most expensive and sought-after wine. Just 500 cases of its super-concentrated, immense and profound Cabernet Sauvignon are made each year, at prices that would make your eyes water. Of course, that makes no difference to collectors, who will pay any price at auction, if the wine turns up at all – it is currently only sold via an exclusive mailing list and directly to prestigious restaurants. So, despite the intense demand, few oenophiles are actually able to purchase Screaming Eagle, a deliberate trick by its reclusive owner, Colorado multi-billionaire Stan Kroenke, to ensure the mysticism surrounding the wine is near impenetrable. No other luxury brand could survive and indeed thrive by keeping its supply so purposefully limited, yet Screaming Eagle does just that. A testament, perhaps, to the intoxicating allure of cult wine.

Brands Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Burgundy If one estate represents the power of the fine-wine trade, then it is undoubtedly Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. With a lineage that dates back to the 13th century, DRC, as it is referred to by devotees and critics alike, is considered by many to be the world’s greatest wine. Yet only 6,000

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THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

Enjoying the ride Sitting pretty in the south-western most corner of Europe, underexplored Portugal makes for the perfect road trip, writes Richard Brown

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

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THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

Porto

The role of wine becomes apparent when travelling through the Douro, where summers are red hot and winters bone cold

Porto

Sintra

The Algarve

he Romans were the first to grow wine in northern Portugal, where they settled in the 5th century BC. The area is isolated from the moist, temperate waters of the Atlantic by the Marão Mountains, creating a dry and severe microclimate where temperatures vacillate dramatically with the seasons. It’s no surprise, then, that this landscape gave birth to fortified wine – an ideal beverage for stoking a fire in the belly – and the blood that now runs through Porto’s veins. It’s quite possible here to be half drunk more than half the time. Between the wine offered by hotels, restaurants, street vendors, river boats and the myriad port houses that populate the south side of the Douro River, it’s hopeless to try and escape the city’s most famous export. Which isn’t a problem. Port’s smooth and sweet characteristics lend themselves perfectly to a city that’s best enjoyed at a snail’s pace. Offering culture in spades, it’s surprising that tourism in Porto still feels like it exists in an embryonic state. The recession hit Portugal hard and its second

where to stay

Image © Saiko3

Lisbon

The Algarve largest city has yet to learn how to fleece you. Rooms, restaurants, river boats – all are remarkably reasonable. Three courses under the Dom Luís I Bridge (above), for example, will cost you around £20 each – including wine. For now, Porto continues to fly under the radar; recent foreign investment suggests it might not stay that way for long. TAP Portugal flies directly from London Gatwick to Porto twice daily, return fares starting at £120 including all taxes and surcharges, flytap.com, 0345 601 0932

InterContinental Porto You can amble from the port houses and riverside restaurants that line one side of the Douro, to Porto’s hilltop Town Hall on the other side of the city, in around 90 minutes. Bafflingly, Porto has been overlooked by almost all major luxury hotel groups, so that the only hotelier you’ll have heard of in its centre is InterContinental. It’s housed in the Palacio das Cardosas, one of Porto’s most impressive buildings. Admirably, when

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

renovation was underway for the hotel’s 2013 launch, developers chose to retain the palace’s original facade and architectural characteristics. A grand exterior gives way to elegant, contemporary interiors. Rooms are vast, high-ceilinged, light-drenched and marble-clad. You can throw a stone at all of Porto’s major attractions from the terraced windows in your stately bedroom. intercontinental.com

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Where to Eat the yeatman The Restaurant at The Yeatman is the only eatery in the city to boast a Michelin star. Perched on the southern side of the Douro, the hotel is terraced like an amphitheatre, with an infinity pool at its bottom shaped like a wine decanter. The Restaurant is nestled atop its uppermost echelon, offering exceptional views of the city’s iconic landmarks. The Dom Luis I Bridge, the Porto Cathedral and the Funicular Guindais are all luminous in the evening, while the river runs darkly below. As dinner draws to a close, opt for a post-pudding Ten Year Old Aged Tawny. It’s the perfect note to end an unforgettable meal. Nick Savage the-yeatman-hotel.com

cafeina

boa nova In 2014, the Portuguese Pritzker Prizewinning architect, Álvaro Siza, handed over the keys to one of his most famous achievements to one of the country’s most celebrated chefs. Having made his name with DOC (Douro Valley) and then DOP (Porto), Rui Paula opened Boa Nova (a 15 minute drive from Porto) with the aim of establishing one of the best fish restaurants in Northern Portugal. He succeeded. More than that, he might just have set up the country’s most ambitious fish restaurant, full stop. Be warned, food is served in the most experimental sense. If your idea of fine dining is a filet steak cooked well done, this place isn’t for you. If you like challenging your taste buds, Boa Nova will blow your mind. A 14-sequenced tasting menu costs approx £90 per person. ruipaula.com

Porto’s allure lies in its old-world charm. Should you want to escape to Manhattan for an evening, make for Cafeina. Partlibrary, part-private-members’-club, part-trendy-wine-bar, Cafeina is Porto’s most fashionable food haunt – attracting a suitably well turned-out crowd on our Tuesday night visit. The restaurant is housed in a nondescript 19th-century manor house, a ten minute drive from the city centre. Inside, background music passes from jazz to house to classical. The menu takes you from Portugal to Spain to Italy to France. The service was impeccable and everything we ate, from bread to dessert, was superb. cafeina.pt

The Yeatman Hotel Last year, The Yeatman was named Portugal’s Best Boutique Hotel at the prestigious World Travel Awards, which will come as no surprise to anyone who has ever stayed there. The hotel boasts a Michelin star restaurant (see below), an award-winning spa, unbeatable views and the largest collection of Portuguese wines in the world. The hotel can also arrange an afternoon foray up the Douro Valley. The hotel is owned by the Fladgate Partnership, which also runs Taylor’s, Croft and Fonseca Port. Rows of vines cast long shadows down the

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hills at Quinta do Panascal, where Fonseca is still produced in the traditional way. During the harvest in September, the large stone troughs are filled with grapes before local workers join arms and tread in lockstep, creating the juice that eventually becomes wine. Nick Savage The Douro Experience is a four night programme that includes a Michelin star dinner, day trip to the Douro Valley and a guided tour at Taylor’s Port Wine Cellars. From £306 per night, the-yeatman-hotel.com

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

lisbon

It may not enjoy the limelight of other European capitals, but Lisbon is a city of laid-back charm with a thriving cultural scene

idway between Porto and Lisbon lies Fatima. In July 1917, while shepherding sheep, three local children witnessed an apparition. A lady in white sent the children a message consisting of three secrets. The first presented a vision of hell; the second predicted WWII; the third was kept under lock and key by the Vatican until 2000 – it prophesied the murder of a Pope. Pope Pius XII officially declared the apparition worthy of belief in 1947. Today, hundreds of thousands of Christians make the pilgrimage to Capelinha das Apariçoes, the spot where the Virgin Mary allegedly appeared, every year. The Algarveignorant to any of this were a couple of Completely plonkers in a VW Polo. When the Brazilian and I pulled

Lisbon

Lisbon’s maze of mosaictiled streets are a great place to get lost

where to stay

Basilica of our Lady, Fatima

off the motorway looking for somewhere to pee, en route to Lisbon, it was quite the surprise to stumble across the fourth largest Catholic church in the world. Whether you’re religious or not, Fatima is an extraordinary place. It’s impossible not to be impressed by the scale of the basilicas, chapels and monuments that have been built to commemorate the children’s vision. As the apparition correctly predicted, two of the children died shortly after witnessing it – Jacinta Marto in 1918, Francisco Marto in 1919. Their cousin, Lúcia, became one of Catholicism’s most important sisters. She passed away in 2005, aged 97. Fatima is far more than a place to pee. Lisbon was a two day affair. We wasted one of those at the LISB-ON dance festival. The music and setting – a

small park in the city centre – were spot on, but a lack of beer and food vendors meant that it was impossible to get a Super Bock, or burger, from mid-afternoon. The American Bridge Company did not build the Golden Gate Bridge. But when it constructed Lisbon’s ‘25th of April’ water crossing, it certainly borrowed from its design. And by borrow, read stole. The similarity between the two cities doesn’t end there. Like San Francisco, Lisbon is an undulating series of hills licked by an enlivening ocean breeze. Like its Californian counterpart, the city has a bohemian vibe lent to it by a lively art scene. Public squares teem with street performers and back alleys are littered with independent craft shops. Get your bearings by visiting São Jorge Castle. Lisbon’s maze of mosaic-tiled streets are a great place to get lost, but as long as you’re walking uphill, you’ll get to the castle eventually. From here, Lisbon is a sea of terracotta-tiles broken up by verdant tree canopies and white-stone palaces. After taking in fantastic views of the enormous Tagus estuary, a saunter passed the National Pantheon and Church of São Vicente de Fora to the north east makes for the most architecturally-rewarding path back into town.

The Oitavos The Oitavos is a design hotel in fashionable Cascais. During the summer, it hosts a series of monthly gigs from local upcoming artists. You get the picture, it’s a trendy hotel for trendy people. Luckily, they let us in. Which was great, because the six-year-old, supercontemporary abode provided the perfect bolthole from which to explore Lisbon (20 minutes by car) and the much closer Atlantic coast and Sintra Cascais National Park. While the colour scheme in the open-plan hotel is blue, the philosophy is green. The sea-water swimming pool is heated through an air conditioning system, you can opt not to have your sheets washed every day, and toiletries will only be replaced once they are empty, which kinda makes sense. That’s not to say The Oitavos scrimps on luxury. A spa, gym and indoor swimming pool are all accounted for. As is a sushi bar, French-inspired Gastro restaurant and a golf course that was last year voted the 58th best in the world by Golf Magazine. All 142 rooms are enormous. Large enough to host a

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

CrossFit class, or, as we did, to accommodate some prebreakfast lunging. Each boasts sea views, large terraces, two flat-screen TVs, sofas, iPod docks and toilets that wash your bottom for you – a fountain feature that elicited particular delight from the Brazilian. theoitavos.com

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sintra Sintra

An enchanting hilltop retreat surrounded by palaces, it’s no wonder that Sintra inspired one of England’s greatest Romantic poets

Lisbon

The Algarve

The Palace of Pena

“glorious Eden” was how Lord Byron described Sintra. Like the legendary lothario, we happened upon the hilltop retreat north-west of Lisbon by chance. Bryon missed his boat to Malta and made for the Portuguese capital instead, stumbling across Sintra soon after. We were flicking through a coffee table book in our hotel room when the pages fell open on a palace that looked like it had been designed by Walt Disney.

For centuries, Sintra was a playground for the Portuguese royal family Further reading revealed the castle to be part of Quinta da Regaleira – a four-hectare estate of turrets, towers, chapels and grottos imagined by merchant millionaire Carvalho Monteiro in the early 20th century. The Unesco World Heritage Site status of Sintra’s historic centre suggested it might be worth a day trip. As it turned out, we could have spent a week there. For centuries, Sintra was a playground for the Portuguese royal family. Eccentrics and oddballs

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Image © Vlada Z

Quinta da Regaleira

Sintra Town Centre

commissioned summer escapes in the form of mountain-top citadels. While palaces date back to the 12th century – and a Moorish castle to four centuries before that – it was the Romantic period that shaped Sintra’s most enchanting attractions. Byron’s gift to the impossibly pretty town was a couple of lines in Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage; Monteiro’s was Quinta da Regaleira. The Brazilian coffee magnate must have been a theatrical chap, for in 1904 he commissioned an Italian opera set designer to transform his estate into a bewildering botanical adventure populated with architecture from a fairy tale. Visible from any point in Sintra is the Palace of Pena. The work of another 19th-century eccentric, King Ferdinand II, the part-castle-part-monastery comprises two wings: an original, 16th century church, and a newer annexe built by the King in the mid-1800s. The wings are ringed by a third architectural structure, a fantasised version of an imaginary castle, complete with battlements, watchtowers and a drawbridge. In 1994, repair work restored the original colours of the Palace’s exterior: pink for the former monastery, ochre for the New Palace – allowing you to separate the authentic from the pastiche.

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

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the algarve

It boasts some of Europe’s most glorious stretches of sand, but the Algarve offers more than blue waters and sandstone caves

Vila Joya

The Algarve

Vila Joya

or its winding roads and jaw-dropping scenery, Italy is fabled as being God’s very own racetrack. Portugal’s sweeping motorways and dramatic coastal byroads mean that it’s hardly a country that’s a chore to tour by car, either. Stick to major roads and the drive from Lisbon to the Algarve takes less than three hours. After five days of trawling around cities – as peaceful and unperturbed as Portugal’s are – we arrived on the outskirts of Albufeira ready to flop.

Where to stay vila joy

where to eat

Dieter Koschina

It’s clichéd in travel writing to describe the hotel in which you’ve been invited to stay – for free, usually, in a suite, sometimes – as a place you’d never want to leave. We didn’t leave Vila Joya for 48 hours. Vila Joya’s reputation precedes it. The property was originally bought by a German doctor and his wife as a summer retreat in 1978. Four years later, it opened as a hotel. Today, the 20-bedroom abode remains a

For 11 consecutive years, Vila Joya has been named Europe’s Leading Boutique Hotel family affair, owned by the couple’s daughter, Joy. For 11 consecutive years, Vila Joya has been named Europe’s Leading Boutique Hotel at the World Travel Awards. It’s restaurant has been awarded two Michelin stars for the past 17 years. In 2014, it came 22nd on the World’s 50 Best Restaurant List. Perched on a hill beside the sea, it’s the sound of waves that wake you. Each of Vila Joya’s 12 double rooms and eight suites are individually decorated in a half-Arabic-half-Portuguese style. There’s a gym, a plethora of nearby golf courses and a fantastically disproportionate spa for a hotel that can accommodate less than 50 guests at a time. Beautifully bright, landscaped grounds feature palm trees, cypresses and exotic flowers. It’s all very Garden of Eden, right down to the birdsong and butterflies. Unlike Adam and Eve, we were happy to stay put

Vila Joy Restaurant For all of its beaches – which, whether you’re a surfer or a sunbather, are undoubtedly some of the continent’s best – the Algarve is lacking in the sort of picturesque marina towns that populate other stretches of European coastline. With Vilamoura having gone the way of Faro and Albufeira, the Algarve’s most honest eateries are found in smaller fishing villages away from its welltrodden, neon-clad towns. The restaurant at Vila Joya doesn’t have to contest with local competition. You won’t find food like this until you hit Lisbon or Spain. With a mostly European

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menu, Austrian super chef, Dieter Koschina, has given Portugal its first entrant to the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list – jumping from 37th place in 2013 to number 22 in 2014. As the sun sets, fairy lights add serenity to the half-outdoor restaurant. Just as impressive as the food and wine – and boy was it impressive – was the graciousness of the staff. The fact that several had served Vila Joya for more than 30 years tells you something about the family vibe of this extraordinarily special place.

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Violently Happy

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Phuket may be Thailand’s biggest and busiest island, but it’s also home to the country’s swankiest hotels and hideaways. Graeme Green uncovers three of the finest on this island, and perhaps any other

“Y

ou’re a fighter,” says kickboxing instructor Sompetch Jumpatong (or ‘Petch’), spurring me on. “Harder. Kick harder.” Down in the gym of the new Keemala resort in Phuket, the two of us circle the room, Petch calling out moves: left punch, right punch, left knee, right knee, kick. Five final swinging kicks into Petch’s pads and my one-to-

main image Point Yamu by COMO circles, from left La Sirena Italian Restaurant at Point Yamu by COMO; Paresa Resort Phuket; The Spa by Paresa; The breakfast buffet at Keemala

Islamic morning prayers and birdsong from the surrounding forest create a gentle start to the day one session is done. I’m covered in sweat; training in Thailand’s national sport, Muay Thai kickboxing, is a tough workout. No one in their right mind would come to Phuket to pick a fight. Beyond the gym, the island’s sweltering heat and abundance of beaches keeps things decidedly laid-back. But this is also the biggest and busiest island in Thailand; with so many people getting away from it all, it can seem difficult to actually get away from it all. Unless, of course, you know where to look… I’d come to stay at the Keemala Resort and Spa, one of the most talked about new openings in Thailand. That’s largely due to the eye-catching design; with bird’s nest villas, safari-style tents and onionshaped treehouse towers, the inland resort, around ten minutes from Kamala beach, has a playful ‘enchanted forest’ feel. There’s nothing else like it on Phuket. I stay in a bird’s nest villa, a vast, quiet space with a massive bed, a huge bathroom with a gold-coloured mosaic floor and its own private ten-metre long infinity pool overlooking Kamala Bay. Islamic morning prayers and birdsong from the

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surrounding forest create a gentle start to the day, which gets more energetic with my morning Muay Thai session. Not just a national sport, Muay Thai is a form of selfdefence, which is learnt by young Thai boys and girls across the country, Petch tells me. “We learn Thai boxing to protect ourselves. I learnt from my dad, to protect myself, because I’m small. But it’s also very good for your body, for fitness, for strength.” The rest of my stay couldn’t be less energetic. I make good use of the Mala spa, with a Harmonizing Massage on the day after my flight, a full-body massage with ginger and lemongrass oil that’s so calming I almost fall asleep, and a firm, decidedly non-sleeping traditional Thai Massage the following day. Dinner’s served in

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

Bird’s nest pool villa at Keemala Resort and Spa

Pool at Paresa Resort Phuket; Circle: Tent pool villa bedroom

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

the Su Tha restaurant, which plays laidback pre-club bar-style music and offers Thai classics on the menu, like Phad Thai, peanutty Massaman curry and fiery Tom Yam soup. In the morning, I head out with Tatchakarn Thanadechapasn (or Karn) from the hotel for a Heritage Walk of Old Phuket Town. “Phuket’s always been a big trading point, on the Spice Route and also for tin,” Karn tells me, as we drive into town. She’s also seen Phuket change over her lifetime, from the early days when backpackers started visiting this island paradise, through to the big resorts and five-star hotels: “When I was young, it was very green everywhere. You could count the number of cars on the island. Now, it’s so busy.” We stroll around the Old Town, exploring Buddhist and Taoist shrines where incense fills the air. On the edge of town, there’s a statue of a golden dragon. “That is Hai Leng Ong, king of the south seas,” Karn tells me. “People from Phuket think the island itself is the dragon rising from the sea. If you look at a map, it can look like that.” We continue on to Wat Mongkol Nimit, the ‘Royal Temple’, next to Soi Rommanee, where Karn points to the street sign: “Rommanee means ‘pleasure’ or ‘happy ending’, so you can guess what used to happen here? It was the red light district during the tin-trading period, where merchants and traders would go to release their energy.” I move on from Keemala to Paresa, a luxury hotel high up on the coastal cliffs along from Kamala beach. “This area’s known as Millionaire’s Mile,” operations manager Mirko Corbello tells me, as he shows me to my villa. “The price of property is outrageous.” The hotel makes the most of its sunset-facing, west coast location, with every villa, pool, restaurant and spa looking out over the Andaman Sea. I spend the afternoon swimming in the sleek pool, even though my villa has its own private one (both looking out to sea). The rooms are minimalist but spacious, with large ocean-view windows. In the evenings, after dark, I watch the lights of fishing boats come on across the Andaman Sea. I head out early in the morning with the hotel’s Adventure Team guides Patrick and Alif, driving up to the northern tip of Phuket and into Phang Nga province to Lampi Forest, an area of greenery so quiet that dogs are sleeping in the road. We hike a circuit around Lanpi Waterfall, the park’s ranger Mi Aiganiyapon Chaanyannua leading us up into the humid forest on leafy,

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NEED TO KNOW moist pathways scattered with mushrooms, some of them of the ‘magic’ variety. At Tonprai Falls, a quick drive away, we take a cooling dip in a rock pool, before a banquet lunch set up under the shade of a wide lukmai tree: shrimp, tuna, salmon, salads, cakes… Apart from a few locals and a colourful cockerel strutting across the grass, it’s empty here. Of the many thousands of tourists on Phuket, it seems no one knows about this place. From Paresa, I travel across to the east side of the island, to Point Yamu by COMO hotel, overlooking Phang Nga Bay. The hotel also has an impressive coastal location, with views out across the Andaman Sea. The giant lobby is filled with colourful flowers, while suites are decorated in cooling white

People from Phuket think the island itself is the dragon rising from the sea and blue. There’s also one of the coolestlooking swimming pools I’ve come across in Asia here – three sections totalling 100 metres, with cool blue-white tiles that match the sky, so it feels like you’re halfswimming, half-flying. After a day by the pool, a signature shambhala oil and hot-towel massage in the spa, and a blue crab and coconut curry in the Thai restaurant Nahmyaa, I head off the following morning from the pier at Yamu village on a wooden motorboat, sailing out across the ocean to COMO’s new, exclusive beach club. The strip of beach on Nakayai Island is decked out with sun-loungers, a bar and restaurant, cabanas, with kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) to borrow. The small, uncrowded beach is far away, physically and mentally, from the crowds and busy bars of Phuket’s tourist epicentre Patong. “You know the James Bond movie The Man With The Golden Gun?” one of the waiters asks me. “Over there,” he points to a cluster of limestone islands across the open ocean, “is where they filmed it. James Bond Island is just over there.” I borrow a SUP board and head out in their general direction, but they’re too far to try to reach. It feels good, though, to be standing upright on the Andaman Sea, the sun beating down, looking over towards the islands. The sea’s calm and it’s easy to make progress, until overconfidence, or the swell from a passing motorboat, topples me from the board into the water. I get back on and paddle out further, but I’m shaky and tumble again. It doesn’t matter, though; not only is the water warm, but out here there’s no one around to see me fall.

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Keemala

Cottages, houses and villas start from £358 (19,050THB) to £480 (25,500 THB) per night, including breakfast, but excluding VAT and tax. One-hour spa treatments start from £58. City tours and Muay Thai kickboxing sessions can also be arranged with the hotel. keemala.com, or call + 66 (0) 76 358 777

Point Yamu by COMO

Rooms, suites and villas cost from £169 (9000THB) to £2,216 (118,000THB) per night, including breakfast, plus 18.7 per cent tax and service charge per suite per night. One-hour spa treatments start from £77 (4,125 THB). comohotels.com/pointyamu or call +66 (2) 625 3322

Paresa Resort

Villas and suites cost from £311 (16500THB) to £1,782 (94,500THB) per night. One-hour spa treatments start from £42 (2200THB). Paresa’s Adventure Team can also arrange excursions, including the Jungle Trekking Expedition and Waterfall Picnic. paresaresorts.com or call +66 (0)76 302 000 Thai Airways (thaiairways.co.uk, 0330 400 4022) has return flights from London Heathrow to Phuket, via Bangkok, starting from £530. For more on Thailand, see tourismthailand.org Su Tha Bar at Keemala

Welcome pavilion at Keemala

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

hotel of the month: Shangri-La Hotel Chiang Mai Lillie Ashton discovers the blissfully calm and laid-back nature of Thailand’s northern capital during a stay at the oasis that is the Shangri-La Hotel Chiang Mai All too often we travel to the furthest corners of the globe, only to stay at the sister property of that five-star hotel on Park Lane (or at The Shard on this occasion). In our defence, we know what to expect, and therefore reduce the risk of being left downright disappointed. So when I was sent on an assignment to review the Shangri-La Hotel in Chiang Mai, I thought I knew exactly what I was getting. In some respects I was right; the service, attention to detail and standards were as expected, exceptional, but what I didn’t anticipate was a truly traditional Thai hotel, and furthermore, a very Chiang Mai hotel. If you’ve ever stayed in a ShangriLa hotel or resort, you’ll know that the destination drives the design. The company may be Hong Kong-based, but each of the hotels and resorts reflect their surrounds, and diverse ones at that given the ShangriLa’s presence in five continents. Nestled amongst forested foothills, the Shangri-La’s Chiang Mai post represents the blissfully calm and laid-back nature of Thailand’s northern capital. This peaceful oasis offers respite from the whirlwind pace of life that us Londoners become immune to, and an escape for those that have come from its bustling southern rival, Bangkok. Furthermore, Northern Thai décor adorns what is a truly spectacular lobby, and permeates the 281 rooms and suites with integrity – there’s no mistaking where in the world you are. During our visit, my husband and I stayed in the beautifully appointed Horizon Club Deluxe room, and reaped the benefits of access to the Horizon Club lounge. Every evening from 17.30 to 19:30, happy hour was well attended with complimentary beer, wine and spirits offered to guests, alongside a nightly cocktail, not to mention a great selection of deliciously tempting tapas. My advice: pace yourself, there are four fantastic bars and restaurants serving international and Cantonese cuisine, alongside light bites and afternoon tea, so it would be a shame not to sample the diverse offering, including the daily breakfast buffet. If for some reason your appetite’s still not satisfied, unlikely as it may be, you can head to the city’s famous Night Bazaar,

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which is within easy walking distance. When we weren’t eating, which if I’m honest, really wasn’t all that often, we’d make use of the hotel facilities, including the outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzis (there’s more than one), sauna and steam room (not so much the fitness centre for us, but it does exist). And for those looking for some serious relaxation during your stay, a trip to CHI, The Spa at ShangriLa Hotel, Chiang Mai really must not be missed off your itinerary. Situated in a beautifully landscaped garden, and surrounded by lotus ponds, this peaceful oasis offers guests Thai herbal and flowerbased treatments that have their origins in local customs of the ancient kingdom of Lanna. Upon arrival, the spa receptionist will conduct a brief consultation to determine which treatments will best suit your needs. This, my friends, is a happy place. Our stay at the Shangri-La Chiang Mai was short, but it was oh so sweet. Horizon Club Deluxe Room, from THB 5,500 (approx. £112) per room per night, shangri-la.com/chiangmai/shangrila

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sip Not to be missed is the Woobar at the W Retreat, Koh Samui. Not only does it offer stunning views of the northern coast of the Gulf of Thailand, but every Thursday is Mo-hee-toe Madness with free flowing mojitos, nibbles and deep house sounds for around £26 per person. For even more creative cocktails, the Drink Gallery at The Library, Koh Samui, is inventive mixology at its best.

my thai

Luxtripper

Luxtripper is a luxury travel search website with propriety ‘Where To Go When’ search technology that presents travellers with a list of suggested personalised trips in seconds. Luxtripper was founded by Nena and Richard Chaletzos. Nena and Richard love to travel and are passionate about making holiday search and booking quicker and easier. luxtripper.co.uk

image Reflection pond at W Retreat, Koh Samui

Nena and Richard Chaletzos, co-founders of innovative holiday search website, Luxtripper, tell us how to avoid the tourist-traps and plan an authentic Thai adventure Go with : O n e of th e b eauties of Thailand i s that it has som ething for ever y on e – solos, couples, groups of friend s and families – because it ’s a real m elting pot of cultures and exp eriences.

the hidden gem Koh Yao Yai is a lesser discovered paradise with the most beautiful beaches, snorkelling and impressive limestone rock formations. Reach the island by boat from Phuket and remember to take cash with you as this total Thai escape doesn’t have cash machines.

savour

Every visitor to Thailand must try Pad Thai, and even better than trying it, is learning how to cook it as most five-star hotels offer cookery courses. On the islands, another must is fresh seafood from the beach sellers, cooked on charcoal in front of you and costing no more than £10 for a whole lobster!

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image Treepod dining experience at Soneva Kiri (photo: Cat Vinto)

explore Island hopping is a great option in Thailand. If you’re staying in Phuket, then Koh Raya Yai is just 45 minutes by boat and has white beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters and great views back towards Phuket from Siam Beach. If you’re staying on Koh Samui, then try Koh Tao and if you’re staying in Krabi, try Koh Lanta.

Stay : Accommodation in Thailand ranges from ch eap and ch eer ful b each bungalow s to out-of-thi sw orld five-star luxur y resorts, and e ver ything in between . O ur luxur y fav ourit es include th e Conrad Koh Samui , an exclusive pool villa hideaway on th e southwest tip of th e i sland; and th e Keemala Phuket with som e of th e most di stinctively design ed villa suit es th e countr y has to of fer.

spa

Soneva Kiri Koh Kood is a tranquil spa paradise located on one of Thailand’s least populated islands to the south east of Bangkok. The spa promises to take guests on a sensory journey with treatments including mud massages, Thai herbal baths, silk facials, warm oils of Ayurveda and a rich selection of wellness rituals.

shop Throughout Thailand, there are some really great night markets where you can find great bargains. Local crafts and home décor items are some of our favourites with unique carvings, artwork and furniture to be discovered and then shipped back to the UK. Our tip would be to bring an extra suitcase for all your buys.

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

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PROPERTY Covering THE CITY, Wapping, Shad Thames, Shoreditch & Islington

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PROPERTY NEWS

Keep tabs on the market, whether you are living or investing in the capital

SALES ANDREW GROOCOCK, partner and

department head at Knight Frank Canary Wharf, comments on the trends in the residential sales market The property market in Canary Wharf is in good health. While we have a couple of uncertainties on the horizon in the form of an increase in stamp duty on second homes and the EU referendum, the market is still buoyant and transactions levels are high. Clearly all vendors need to be aware of these impending issues, and as a result ensure that properties are priced correctly. The highest price quoted by an agent does not make them the best placed agent to sell your property. Whilst we all want to sell our properties for as much as possible, it is often the case that by sensibly pricing your property you will ultimately achieve the best price. When you appoint your agent, price and fee are of course big drivers, but you should also look at what that agent can do for you. Do they have a local office network? The crossover of buyers between areas means that your property will get greater exposure to a larger buyer base. Do they have international reach? With London being considered a safe haven for property investment all around the world, why would you preclude yourself from having your property exposed worldwide? Can the agent demonstrate that they have sold similar properties? Just because an agent says they are active in an area, does not mean that they are going to have the ability to sell your property; make sure they have sold in your development before. Do they have experienced negotiators? If they only have very inexperienced staff then the chances of you getting the best price for your property are severely limited. So while it is important to consider price and fee, it is also important to consider other factors, particularly when there are uncertainties in the market. During times of uncertainties, the choice of agent becomes even more fundamental, experience in this industry really does count for a lot.

According to new research by Wetherell, house prices below £1 million are set to become extinct in Mayfair and the wider West End, with less than five per cent of homes now sold in Mayfair priced below seven figures, none priced below £750,000 and the majority sold (49 per cent) now priced between £2 million and £10 million. – 2016 research by Wetherell, with data analysis by Dataloft MEET CALA homes Luxury developer CALA Homes is hosting an event this month in partnership with Savills. Taking place on 14 April at Savills’ Canary Wharf office from 11am – 6.30pm, the event will introduce its new high-end Trueloves Grange development in person. Located in Ingatestone, Essex, the private, gated community includes 11 detached five-, six- and seven-bedroom family homes, and starting at 3,217 sq ft, they are each as expansive as the views of the open countryside that surround them. Situated just a ten minute drive from the M25 and with Ingatestone offering direct trains to Liverpool Street Station in around 30 minutes, it is a rural haven for commuters who need easy access to London but want to enjoy more space and the charms of countryside village life. The homes’ interiors maintain very high standards and boast quartz stone work surfaces, instant hot and filtered cold water taps, a recessed television to view from the bath in the master en suite and walk-in, wetroom style showers. Have all your questions answered and find out more about availability on the night at Savills, based at 20 Canada Square, Canary Wharf. Trueloves Grange, CM4, from £1,780,000, 01628 536 229, cala.co.uk

Knight Frank Canary Wharf 020 7512 9966 knightfrank.co.uk/canarywharf

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| PROPERTY |

HEART & SOUL Inigo Scout, a new British textile company is providing more than just beautiful blankets. With every limited-edition, artist-designed blanket purchased, ten children in need of warmth are given blankets of their own, with the help of registered charity partner Knit For Peace. Woven using the highest quality wool, in the finest mill in Scotland, each heavyweight blanket is produced in a limited edition of 60 and comes signed by the artist. The first collection consists of Selvedge, by Vietnamese artist Kimvi Nguyen; Shore, by British artist, Tim Robinson; and Microscopic by Tim Fishlock, another British artist. Each blanket retails for £1,100, and comes in its own exquisite canvas wrap with leather stud detail, and includes international delivery by the leading art packing and shipping firm Martin Speed. inigoscout.com

NEW KID ON THE BLOCK

The Berkeley Group has set out to transform one of the most economically deprived areas in south-east London, in what’s said to be one of the most ambitious regeneration schemes in Europe. Kidbrooke Village, a 30 year project in partnership with the Royal Borough of Greenwich, is a six stage development expected to reach completion in 2030. The scheme will provide homes to nearly 5,000 people, but is also expected to create in excess of 20,000 jobs, and boast 35 hectares of open space. Thus far, 1,224 homes, 229 permanent jobs and 76 apprenticeship roles have been delivered. The Construction Skills Centre, has been set up on site to support young people entering the industry. berkeleygroup.co.uk

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LETTINGS CHRISTOPHER PAXTON, head of lettings

at Knight Frank Canary Wharf, comments on the trends in the residential lettings market The performance of the prime central London lettings market has historically been linked to the health of the financial services sector. It is therefore unsurprising that against the background of volatility on global financial market, rental value growth in prime central London has been declining since May 2015. The start of 2016 has been overshadowed by fears surrounding the impotence of central banks, and the prospect of negative interest rates triggered a fall in the share price of European banks and spread uncertainty in markets already digesting low oil prices and a Chinese economic slowdown. As a result of this uncertainty, rental values fell -0.1 per cent in February, which was the fifth consecutive decline and meant annual rental value growth, fell to -0.2 per cent. It was the first time annual rental value growth has been negative since June 2014. Average gross prime yields were flat at 2.92 per cent. This trend has been exacerbated by high supply levels, particularly at above £1,500 per week, as a result of more vendors deciding to let their properties due to uncertainty over taxation and price growth in the sales market. Consequently, tenants feel little urgency to agree deals and the result is that a growing number of landlords need to reduce their rental income expectations. More volatile economic conditions and a weaker financial services industry mean corporate budgets are reduced, which lowers demand for higher value rental property in particular. This effect can be seen when you juxtapose the annual rental value growth (one per cent) for properties worth less than £1,500 per week, with the -1.6 per cent decline for properties worth more than £1,500 per week. The same effect means that price growth for flats has out-performed houses in the last year. Given the supply and demand imbalance, there is also a marked difference between newly-refurbished and un-modernised properties. For example, in Marylebone, rental property in the best condition will achieve an average of £1.15 per square foot per week, which compares to 80p per square foot per week for properties that have not been updated. *This is an exerpt from Knight Frank’s Residential Research: Prime Central London Rental Index Knight Frank Canary Wharf 020 7512 9966 knightfrank.co.uk/canarywharf

THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

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Peninsula Heights, Albert Embankment SE1 Four to five bedroom apartment for sale in Peninsula Heights A very desirable apartment of some 3,982 sq ft created originally from three apartments. It occupies the entire 6th floor with unrivalled views towards the Houses of Parliament and the river Thames. 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, study, 2 kitchens, reception room, dining room, 4 balconies. Approximately 366 sq m (3,943 sq ft). EPC: D. Leasehold: approximately 101 years remaining

Guide price: £6,500,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/riverside riverside@knightfrank.com 020 3641 5932

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/RVR160002

City Mag April 2016

11/03/2016 15:21:24

A VERY IMPORTANT DECISION We pride ourselves on exceptional service and unrilvalled market knowledge, with a global netowrk of 417 offices across 58 countries that can showcase your property to the widest possible audience. To arrange a free market appraisal, please call us on 020 8166 5375 or visit KnightFrank.co.uk/wapping Guide price: £825,000

Merchant Court, Wapping E1W Totally refurbished spacious one bedroom flat with fabulous river views in part new build part conversion. 1 bathroom, reception/dining room, open plan kitchen, study, balcony, garage parking space, communal riverside terrace and weekday porter. Approximately 75 sq m (807 sq ft). Leasehold: approximately 106 years remaining. wapping@knightfrank.com Office: 020 8166 5375

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

Guide price: £1,895,000

Olivers Wharf, Wapping E1W Beautifully presented flat on the fourth floor of a handsome listed Victorian warehouse. 1 bedroom, 2 bathrooms, reception/dining room, resident porter, parking and lift. Approximately 213 sq m (2,289 sq ft). Share of freehold: 952 years and 11 months remaining. wapping@knightfrank.com Office: 020 8166 5375

297h 210w Mayfair Mag

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WHAT'S YOUR NEXT MOVE? We pride ourselves on exceptional service and unrivalled market knowledge, with a global network of 417 offices across 58 countries that can showcase your property to the widest possible audience. If you are considering letting a property this year, please contact us on 020 8166 5366 or visit KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings Guide price: £430 per week

Bridewell Place, Wapping E1W

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Contemporary and spacious apartment very close to Wapping Overground station. 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, kitchen, reception/dining room, day time caretaker and allocated parking space. EPC: F. Approximately 59 sq m (633 sq ft). Available furnished. wappinglettings@knightfrank.com Office: 020 8166 5366

All potential tenants should be advised that as well as rent, an administration fee of £276 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property. Please ask us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit KnightFrank.co.uk/tenantcharges

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

Guide price: £600 per week

Roman House, City EC2Y Spectacular modern flat completed in 2014. 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, reception/dining room, kitchen, residents' gym and 24 hour porter. EPC: B. Approximately 49 sq m (527 sq ft). Available furnished. wappinglettings@knightfrank.com Office: 020 8166 5366

297h 210w Mayfair Mag

17/03/2016 14:23:24

Cit

LOOKING TO LET? We pride ourselves on exceptional service and unrivalled market knowledge, with a global network of 417 offices across 58 countries that can showcase your property to the widest possible audience. If you are considering letting a property this year, please contact us on 020 3823 9930 or visit KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings

Guide price: £1,295 per week

Crawford Building, London E1

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Impressive and contemporary brand new 20th floor 3 bedroom apartment to rent in the One Commerical street development in Aldgate. Accommodation comprises 3 double bedrooms, 2 luxurious and modern bathroom suites. Available furnished. aldgatelettings@knightfrank.com Office: 020 3823 9930

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

Guide price: £895 per week

Exchange Building, London E1 A two bedroom flat to rent in excellent order with high ceilings and full of natural light within this popular Art Deco place. The reception room with dining area adjacent to the kitchen, master bedroom with dressing area and en suite.Available furnished. aldgatelettings@knightfrank.com Office: 020 3823 9930

City Mag March Prue new new

17/03/2016 14:20:15

Sevenoaks, Kent A stunning new Georgian style house of approximately 6,394 sq ft Sevenoaks station 1.2 miles Located within the prestigious Kippington Estate. Large reception hall, 4 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, 6 bedrooms (4 en-suite), further bathroom, first floor laundry room, large cinema/games room. Substantial detached garage. Landscaped garden of about 0.46 acre approached by 100m driveway with electronic gates. EPC: B. Approximately 594 sq m (6,394 sq ft). Freehold

Guide price: £3,350,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/sevenoaks sevenoaks@knightfrank.com 01732 744477

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/SEV120379

Rosewood House - City Magazine - REVISED FINAL

17/03/2016 09:15:32

Beautifully crafted apartments starting from £655,000 Launching in April

Marketing Suite 14–15 Stable Street King’s Cross, N1C 4AB

KINGSCROSS.CO.UK

0747 Argent Fenman Advertising City_FP_March_ART.indd 1

11/03/2016 15:33

OLD STREET

OIEO £1 million

EAGLE POINT EC1V 2

863 sq ft

EPC=B

Open new doors Move with Savills SHOREDITCH

OIEO £1.85 million

AVANTGARDE TOWER E1 2

TOWER HILL

Guide £990,000

LOVAT LANE EC3R 2

782 sq ft 2

LONDON FIELDS

Guide £1.35 million

LAVENDER GROVE E8 3

EPC=B

1,072 sq ft EPC=E

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ELEPHANT & CASTLE STRATA SE1 3

935 sq ft 2

SURREY QUAYS

EPC=B

Guide £595,000

SEAFARER WAY SE16 2

Guide £925,000

715 sq ft EPC=B

WHITECHAPEL

CANADA WATER

794 sq ft EPC=B

Guide £550,000

CHANNEL HOUSE SE16 2

EPC=B

Guide £1 million

CRAWFORD BUILDING E1 2

1,290 sq ft

775 sq ft EPC=D

15/03/2016 15:49

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Call us 7 days a week on 020 7877 4640 savills.co.uk

SOUTHBANK

£1,400 pw + fees apply*

ONE TOWER BRIDGE SE1 3

OLD STREET

EPC=B

£715 pw + fees apply*

EAGLE POINT EC1V 2

777 sq ft

GREENWICH

EPC=B

£545 pw + fees apply*

HAZEL LANE SE10 3

1,122 sq ft

998 sq ft 3

EPC=B

WAPPING

£800 pw + fees apply*

NEW CRANE PLACE E1W 2

1,340 sq ft

CANARY WHARF

EPC=C

£650 pw + fees apply*

DUCKMAN TOWER E14 3

1,026 sq ft

OLD STREET

EPC=B

£695 pw + fees apply*

SHOREDITCH HEIGHTS N1 2

800 sq ft EPC=B

ALDGATE

£825 pw + fees apply*

SLOANE APARTMENTS E1 3

CANADA WATER

EPC=B

£462 pw + fees apply*

BAROQUE GARDENS SE16 2

SOUTHBANK

764 sq ft EPC=B

£995 pw + fees apply*

ONE TOWER BRIDGE SE1 2

977 sq ft

1,064 sq ft EPC=B

If you’re thinking of buying, selling, renting or letting, please get in touch with our Canary Wharf, Shoreditch or Wapping offices. WAPPING

£650 pw + fees apply*

HERMITAGE WATERSIDE E1W 2

Move with Savills

782 sq ft EPC=C

* Fees to include drawing up the tenancy agreements and reference change for one tenant – £282 inc VAT one-off fee. £36 inc VAT for each additional tenant/occupant/guarantor reference where required. Inventory check out fee – charged at the end of or early termination of the tenancy and the amount is dependant on the property size and whether furnished/unfurnished. For more details visit savills.co.uk/fees

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15/03/2016 16:20

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Quaker Street, E1 £525 per week, Furnished (charges apply)* Two bedroom apartment in the heart of Spitalfields. EPC: B

Lamb Street, E1 £550 per week, Furnished (charges apply)* A two bedroom top floor apartment in the heart of Spitalfields. EPC: D

Black Friars Lane, EC4 £675 per week, Furnished (charges apply)* Modern and stylish two bedroom apartment located moments from St Pauls. EPC: D

Portsoken Street, E1 £690 per week, Furnished (charges apply)* Stylishly presented two bedroom apartment moments from Tower Hill.

Upper Thames Street, EC4 £650 per week, Furnished (charges apply)* A rare opportunity to rent a river facing apartment in the Queens Quay development. EPC: F

Whetstone Park, WC2 £625 per week, Furnished

Hamptons City Office Sales. 020 7717 5435 | Lettings. 020 7717 5437

EPC: C

(charges apply)*

Modern and stylish one bedroom apartment located moments from Lincoln’s Inn Fields and Holborn EPC: B

*Tenant Charges Tenants should note that as well as rent, an administration charge of £216 (Inc. VAT) per property and a referencing charge of £54 (Inc. VAT) per person will apply when renting a property. Please ask us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit www.hamptons.co.uk/rent/tenant-charges

Commercial Street ,E1 £795,000 Leasehold A warehouse style apartment in Spitalfields. EPC: C

Wallside, EC2 £3,500,000 Freehold A freehold house in the Barbican EC2Y. EPC: Grade II Listed

Mitre Street, EC3 £1,300,000 Leasehold A stunning penthouse apartment with private roof terrace. EPC: C

Dufferin Street, EC1 £1,200,000 Leasehold A top floor warehouse conversion with roof terrace. EPC: D

Exchange Building, E1 £1,050,000 An exceptionally spacious Spitalfields flat with parking. EPC: B

Herball Hill, EC1 £950,000 Leasehold A 948 sq.ft two bedroom apartment close to Farringdon. EPC: C

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Kelross Road, N5 A stunning bay fronted five bedroom period house nestled within the ever popular Sotheby conservation area in Highbury. The current owners have restored and maintained this home to the highest standards with great care and attention to final detail. There are many original period features retained, including fireplaces, ceiling mouldings and wonderful stained glass. The layout of the accommodation provides excellent living space on the ground and garden floor with two grand reception rooms and an extended eat-in kitchen. EPC: E

Hamptons Islington Office Sales. 020 7717 5453 | Lettings. 020 7717 5335

£2,300,000 Freehold • • • • • •

Beautiful family home Five bedrooms Two lovely reception rooms Extended kitchen area Two bathrooms Rear garden

Downham Road, N1 A beautiful mid terrace house perfectly positioned on a popular road in the heart of De Beauvoir Town. The house has been meticulously designed, offers a perfect blend of Victorian character and modern elegance throughout. With two floors of living space the house welcomes those who enjoy entertaining with a double reception and an open plan dining area and kitchen. The country style kitchen accompanying this space offers a high quality finish, fitted appliances and soft closing cupboards. EPC: D

£1,287,500 Freehold • • • • • •

Period house Three storey Three bedrooms Double reception room Open plan kitchen/dining room Rear garden

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Compass Court , SE1 £1,100,000 Leasehold Compass Court is a rare find. The property benefits from a porter, secure underground parking and lift. EPC: D

Cinnamon Wharf, SE1 £950,000 Leasehold A two bedroom 1033 sq ft apartment on the fifth floor of this popular Shad Thames development. EPC: C

Churchill House, SE1 £1,600,000 Leasehold Accessed via charming secluded gardens, this top floor duplex apartment is incredibly quiet with leafy views and luxurious size. EPC: E

Lloyds Wharf Lofts, SE1 £1,900,000 Leasehold A rare find in Lloyds Wharf, this block and apartment is chock full of character. EPC: D

Spice Quay, SE1 £2,850,000 Leasehold Situated on the East end of Spice Quay, this apartment is like no other within the block. EPC: C

Springview Heights, SE16 £885,000 Leasehold Beautifully refurbished, this two bedroom apartment provides a spacious open plan kitchen reception presented in immaculate condition. EPC: C

Hamptons Tower Bridge Office Sales. 020 7717 5489 | Lettings. 020 7717 5491

| PROPERTY |

Insider Knowledge

Q1 IN THE CITY & EAST Diana Alam, Head of Residential Development Sales, JLL

t the start of the year, JLL predicted that 2016 would provide a sound base for home owners, buyers, renters and landlords, with anticipated house price growth of five per cent and transaction volumes rising to 1.28 million. However, while the UK economy is one of the safest and strongest in the world, the London property market may feel the effects of the unrest of overseas economies, but here in the City and east, the mainstream housing market has had a great first quarter. Whilst there is a firm eye on April 1 and the EU referendum, the off plan investment sector has seen clients from around the world continue to choose London as a safe place to invest their money. Investors

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The growing popularity of the area is signified by the number of new developments are particularly active in the £500,000£1.5m price bracket where the three per cent additional stamp duty on buy-to-let properties coming into effect in April isn’t too onerous. The developers who have chosen the City and east to redevelop have done so with a huge amount of thought; the allround quality of living in the area will be mind-blowing and the growing popularity

of the area is signified by the number of new developments which have launched already this year, with many more in the pipeline. Until now, what we have lacked, especially in the east, is choice, but not only do we now have developments with high specification apartments, but also a range of on-site facilities to take the day’s stresses away, from hotel-like spas, club lounges on high floors, cinemas, 24-hour concierge services, gymnasiums, and, for some, lovely outdoor spaces. We are seeing a continued interest in these quality developments, with those offering residents an easy commute to work in Canary Wharf and the City being the most popular. 020 7337 4004, jll.co.uk/new-developments

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AVANTGARDE TOWER, SHOREDITCH E1 ● ● ● ●

2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms Approx. 820 sq ft (76.2 sq m) 2 Balconies

● ● ● ●

On site gym 24 Hour concierge 0.1 mile from Shoreditch station EPC: B

Guide price £835,000 Leasehold For more information, call Bernard Cully 020 3813 5836 or email bernard.cully@eu.jll.com

16-17 Royal Exchange London EC3V 3LL

jll.co.uk/residential

ZEISS BUILDING, SOUTHWARK SE1 ● ● ● ●

1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom Approx. 600 sq ft (55.7 sq m) Balcony

● ● ● ●

High specification Located in Zone 1 0.3 mile from Southwark station EPC: B

Price £545 per week Furnished For more information, call Neil Short 020 3813 5949 or email neil.short@eu.jll.com

Potential tenants are advised that administration fees may be payable when renting a property. Please ask for details of our charges.

16-17 Royal Exchange London EC3V 3LL

jll.co.uk/residential

www.cbreresidential.com/uk

Chancery Station House, Holborn, WC1 Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, penthouse, Victorian building, private terrace, fifth floor, lift access. EPC rating C. Guide price £1,495,000

Gough House, City, EC4 Grade II listed former print works building, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, morning porter service. EPC rating D. Guide price £1,395,000

St John Street, Clerkenwell, EC1 Four bedrooms, three bathrooms, second floor, private balcony and communal roof terrace, warehouse conversion, lateral apartment. EPC rating C. Guide price £2,350,000

Three Cups Yard, Bloomsbury, WC1 Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, one reception room, private outside space, Grade II listed Victorian school building, ground and first floor. EPC rating D. Guide price £1,600,000

+44 (0)20 7205 4611

westend.sales@cbre.com

www.cbreresidential.com/uk

Burleigh Street, Covent Garden, WC2 A rare and historical house ideal for entertaining

Recently refurbished throughout the property is arranged over five floors and comprises 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a library, separate dining room and generous reception room. Available to let immediately on a furnished basis. EPC rating D.

Guide price ÂŁ3,500 per week +44 (0)20 7205 4553

westend.lettings@cbre.com

agent focus The Changing Face of Developments with CBRE

As London continues to see a rapid rise in the construction of new build developments, two of CBRE’s experts comment on the diversification of the market, new sales technologies and how the consumer must always remain at the centre of its business

ith offices in Bond Street, Covent Garden and Canary Wharf, CBRE may not appear to have as many boots on the ground as other estate agencies, but it believes having fewer offices allows it the freedom to capitalise on London’s various burgeoning markets and new-build developments. “Unlike other agents who may have a more high street presence, we aren’t bound to particular areas geographically, so tend to operate wherever our clients need us. Currently we are focussing our attention on Clerkenwell, Farringdon, the City and its surrounding areas. They were previously underrated but are now highly in demand both to live and work in,” says James Burrows, CBRE’s associate director of sales. The impending arrival of Crossrail in Farringdon is frequently cited as a factor in the increasing attention paid to this part of the city and Burrows offers statistics to back up the real-time effect on the cost of living in the area. “Since 2008, average house prices have increased by 62 per cent in these areas, which broadly compares to that of prime central London.” The rising prices seem to be prompting rising demands from buyers – whose checklist for amenities from cinema rooms to spa facilities can be lengthy – and the last ten years in particular have seen a big increase in new build developments that can offer all of the mod cons. “The

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ABOVE (L-R) Mike Knowles; James Burrows BELOW The Charles opposite, from top Henrietta Street; The Tavistock

benchmark for luxury has just been raised so high in recent years and developers are much more sympathetic to buying habits,” suggests Burrows. “It naturally creates more demand in both the sales and lettings markets and also more choice, so buyers and tenants are far pickier.” In light of this, CBRE, as well as the developers, has had to plan its approach carefully to secure the ever more discerning buyers’ business. “We’ve always had a more cerebral approach to our work – it’s what made us the largest commercial property advisor in the world – and it’s an approach we’re now bringing to the residential market, using insight and analysis to identify the best opportunities and get the best value for our clients, whether it’s buying a property, or selling, letting or managing a current investment for them,” adds Mike Knowles, associate director of lettings. Capitalising on the improvements in technology, such as using virtual reality headsets to give buyers of off-plan properties a vision of their future home, is one such way agents can help their clients to make a more informed decision. In one recent report, Heather Bellini of Goldman Sachs Research says she expects virtual and augmented reality to become an $80 billion market by the year

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2025, and CBRE are open to the potential of its use. As Knowles continues: “There is still a place for professional photographs but buyers and tenants can see past that and quite often this won’t show the whole property. It isn’t enough to be able to see what the property looks like from the outside anymore – you want to be able to imagine living there. We recently partnered with Virtual Walkthrough [who create 360 degree virtual tour software]

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so that we can show properties from a viewer’s eye perspective.” Although such techniques may allow CBRE to remain ahead of the curve when it comes to new build properties, Knowles also believes that the market for older homes shouldn’t be neglected. “Clients expect all of the latest technology and state-of-the-art design from a new build development as well as extra amenities which don’t always come as standard in older developments. For example, a concierge, gym and swimming pools. That said, the character of a second-hand home just cannot be beaten, so it does entirely depend on the buyer or tenants’ needs, whether that’s location, interior design, outside space, eco-characteristics or amenities. Essentially what is important and what is deemed as value for money or a good rental investment varies from person to person.” Such awareness of the complexities of the market and a solid understanding that a property purchase requires a personal approach when a client is investing significant funds, is what really makes CBRE stand out in such a competitive market. CBRE Residential, 9-12 Bow Street, WC2E, 020 7240 2255, cbreresidential.com

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Cumberland Mansions Mansions W1H W1H £2,650,000 £2,650,000 Cumberland Cumberland Cumberland Mansions Mansions W1H W1H £2,650,000 £2,650,000 A recently refurbished three-bedroom lateral apartment, located close to the wide open spaces of Hyde Park. EPC=D A AArecently recently recentlyrefurbished refurbished refurbishedthree-bedroom three-bedroom three-bedroomlateral lateral lateralapartment, apartment, apartment,located located locatedclose close closeto to tothe the thewide wide wideopen open openspaces spaces spacesof of ofHyde Hyde HydePark. Park. Park.EPC=D EPC=D EPC=D Marylebone Sales: 020 7935 1775 sales.mar@marshandparsons.co.uk Marylebone Marylebone Sales: 020 7935 1775 sales.mar@marshandparsons.co.uk MaryleboneSales: Sales:020 0207935 79351775 1775 sales.mar@marshandparsons.co.uk sales.mar@marshandparsons.co.uk

Radnor Road Road NW6 NW6 £1,895,000 £1,895,000 Radnor Radnor Radnor Road Road NW6 NW6 £1,895,000 £1,895,000 An impressive three-bedroom Victorian terraced house, set on one of Queen’s Park premier roads. Freehold. EPC=F An impressive three-bedroom Victorian terraced house, set on one of Queen’s Park premier roads. Freehold. EPC=F An Animpressive impressivethree-bedroom three-bedroomVictorian Victorianterraced terracedhouse, house,set seton onone oneof ofQueen’s Queen’sPark Parkpremier premierroads. roads.Freehold. Freehold.EPC=F EPC=F Queen’s Park Sales: 020 7624 4513 sales.qpk@marshandparsons.co.uk Queen’s Park Sales: 020 7624 4513 sales.qpk@marshandparsons.co.uk

York Street Street W1H W1H £1,750,000 £1,750,000 York York York Street Street W1H W1H £1,750,000 £1,750,000 A beautiful two-bedroom townhouse, ideally positioned for the amenities of Marylebone. Freehold. EPC=C A AAbeautiful beautiful beautifultwo-bedroom two-bedroom two-bedroomtownhouse, townhouse, townhouse,ideally ideally ideallypositioned positioned positionedfor for forthe the theamenities amenities amenitiesof of ofMarylebone. Marylebone. Marylebone.Freehold. Freehold. Freehold.EPC=C EPC=C EPC=C Marylebone Sales: 020 7935 1775 sales.mar@marshandparsons.co.uk Marylebone Marylebone MaryleboneSales: Sales: Sales:020 020 0207935 7935 79351775 1775 1775 sales.mar@marshandparsons.co.uk sales.mar@marshandparsons.co.uk sales.mar@marshandparsons.co.uk

Prowse Place Place NW1 NW1 £1,175,000 £1,175,000 Prowse Prowse Prowse Place Place NW1 NW1 £1,175,000 £1,175,000 A unique three-bedroom house arranged over three floors, located in the heart of Camden Town. Freehold. EPC=B AAunique unique three-bedroom house arranged over three floors, located in the heart of Camden Town. Freehold. EPC=B A uniquethree-bedroom three-bedroomhouse housearranged arrangedover overthree threefloors, floors,located locatedin inthe theheart heartof ofCamden CamdenTown. Town.Freehold. Freehold.EPC=B EPC=B Camden Sales: 020 7244 2200 sales.cam@marshandparsons.co.uk Camden Camden CamdenSales: Sales: Sales:020 020 0207244 7244 72442200 2200 2200 sales.cam@marshandparsons.co.uk sales.cam@marshandparsons.co.uk sales.cam@marshandparsons.co.uk

SOUTH LONDON’S LEADING AGENTS

Cape Apartments, Rotherhithe New Road, SE16

One bedroom from £399,995 Two bedroom from £499,995 Three bedrooms from £625,000

JUST LAUNCHED This luxury development is raising standards in the area, through welldesigned layouts and exceptional quality finishes. All eight apartments benefit from European Oak flooring, Smeg dishwashers, hobs, ovens, microwaves and fridge freezers. The position is great being under 700m from three stations: Surrey Quays (400 meters) Canada Water Jubilee line, and South Bermondsey (London Bridge 4 minutes) and it is less than 50 meters from Southwark Park. The location also has exceptional investment potential being between two of London’s most exciting regeneration areas; Bermondsey and Canada Water. The development is already proving popular, so book your viewings or request a brochure now.

• • • • • •

Smeg and CDA appliances Stone composite worktops Full height double glazed windows European Oak flooring Porcelain tiles to bathrooms Waterfall taps and rainfall showerheads

020 7403 0600 www.kalmars.com

Mill Lofts, County Street, SE1

Prices from £1,375,000

LAUNCHING NOW Mill Lofts is a terrace of four generously proportioned and contemporary styled two and three bedroom luxury live/work houses, all exceeding 2,300 SQ. FT. Designed by leading local architects, Alan Camp Associates, this character scheme has been carefully crafted to meet the needs of today’s creative professionals.

• • • • • •

Over 2,300 SQ FT Hardwood Oak flooring and staircases Crosswater large freestanding baths Power shower with Rainfall shower head Italian kitchens by Domia Materia with Corian worktops Miele intergrated appliances

County Street has an appealing quiet mews feel yet is very conveniently situated for the buzz of Bermondsey Street and Borough being less than 800 meters from both. It also has exceptional growth potential being within 400 meters of huge regeneration scheme happening at The Elephant and Castle.. MILL LOFTS

Chislehurst 020 8295 4900 Locksbottom 01689 882 988

Beckenham 020 8663 4433 Bromley 020 8315 5544

Chelsfield Park BR6

£1,950,000 F/H

A fantastic opportunity to acquire a brand new detached luxury home within one of Kent’s favoured prestigious locations ‘Chelsfield Park’. Offering approx. 5,300 sq ft of internal accommodation over three floors, and sitting on a 1/2 acre plot with woodland aspects to the rear.

Contact Locksbottom 01689 882 988

West Wickham BR4

£1,499,999 F/H

The Old Rectory is without doubt one of the area’s finest Grade II listed homes. Built in the 17th Century with an abundance of original features. • •

Six Double Bedrooms Four Reception Rooms

• •

Original Features Energy Efficiency Rating F

Contact West Wickham 020 8432 7373

Orpington 01689 661 400 West Wickham 020 8432 7373

• • • •

Six Double Bedrooms Five Bathrooms Double Garage Energy Efficiency Rating B

Bromley BR2

£1,225,000 F/H

Located just 0.5 miles from Bromley South Station is this stunning five double bedroom, double fronted period home. • •

Five Double Bedrooms Imposing Edwardian Home

• •

Carriage Driveway Energy Efficiency Rating E

Contact Bromley 020 8315 5544 A member of

The Acorn Group, incorporating:

langfordrussell.co.uk

An idyllic countryside location

woodmans cottage Now complete and available to view, this five bedroom luxury new build detached house forms part of the exclusive private gated Yaldham Manor Estate, and is set in the idyllic countryside location of Kemsing, Sevenoaks.

ÂŁ1,300,000 F/H

purelake.co.uk To book an appointment to view, please contact:

01689 882 988 acornnewhomes.co.uk Incorporating:

Sat Nav Ref: TN15 6NN

| PROPERTY |

DEVELOPMENT SHOWCASE

Sundridge Park

series of brand new two- and three-bedroom apartments are now available to view at Sundridge Park, an exclusive luxury development in Kent by Millgate Homes. Its 41 townhouses, apartments and detached homes are nestled in truly unique green surroundings. Approach Sundridge Park along the halfmile secluded driveway and you enter a world of timeless elegance. The park surrounds a mansion – the inspiration of Humphry Repton and John Nash, arguably England’s greatest landscape gardener and architect – and is being lovingly restored to recreate its original Regency splendour. Millgate’s approach to the architectural design at its Sundridge Park development was to create a ‘modern traditional’ style. This look is not about copying the past, but developing and improving upon the classical design and

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marrying the traditional and timeless exteriors with all of today’s modern conveniences. The vision was to create contemporary homes in the context of a great historical house and its gardens. The discrete and secluded location gives the houses and apartments their own identity while still enjoying the benefits of the park and golf club. When planning the development, it was essential that the homes enjoyed views of the gardens. Making the landscape an essential part of the architectural design gives Sundridge Park a true countryside feel while still being close to London. With such strong and unique historical connections, classical architecture that would complement the existing mansion seemed a natural choice. Inside, the impressive two- and threebedroom apartments are beautifully

finished throughout, with contemporary interiors, private balconies or terraces and underground parking or garages. Cleverly designed accommodation provides fully fitted kitchens with integrated Siemens appliances and spacious living and dining areas, while generously proportioned bedrooms include stunning master suites with walk-in wardrobes and deluxe ensuite bathrooms. Millgate’s passionate desire for exclusivity, individuality and hand-built craftsmanship has ensured that each of the homes at Sundridge Park has been painstakingly designed and specified to create the finest possible living standards.

prices from £695,000

Sundridge Park, BR1 3TP 020 8313 9163 millgatehomes.co.uk

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Surf

Putt

Dive

Dine

Here in Barbados, every day is just waiting for you to design it. From diving our wrecks and working up an appetite for the day’s catch. To sporting action on land and sea – or total inaction involving a lounger, a book and a glass. We’ve also taken the magic inside. Our architect-designed two to five bedroom residences are exquisitely finished, and located right on the shoreline.

UNNA Luxury Resorts & Residences

For holidays and home ownership visit portferdinand.com and stpetersbaybarbados.com. Then call 0800 097 0847.

Beautiful places to press pause

THE POINT OF NO RETURN Tucked away in the hills of the prestigious west coast of Barbados, Royal Westmoreland is the exclusive hideaway where residents lead a lifestyle of dreams

his is a cautionary tale – when holidaying in Barbados, you may find yourself taking extreme measures to extend your stay. If that fails, you’ll most certainly be booking your next Barbados break before the first is over. So what is it about Barbados? It’s hard to say – it could be the idyllic year-round climate, excellent restaurants, beautiful beaches, lush hills, flourishing botanical gardens, or perhaps the varied cultural calendar. I guess, the better question to ask is, ‘what’s not to like about Barbados?’ The answer is simple, ‘nothing’. And so the cautionary tale continues… Royal Westmoreland, private estate and world renowned golf resort, is perfectly positioned in the rolling hillsides of St James, which is situated on Barbados’ prestigious west coast. The properties are sold freehold and range from luxurious one-bedroom apartments to stunning seven bedroom villas, scattered amongst 750 acres of landscaped grounds. The Royal Apartments start from US$395,000, while the latest Sugar

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| PROPERTY |

Cane Mews four-bedroom semi-detached villas fetch around US$1.75m. If you’re looking for something specific, don’t be misled into thinking you’ll be forced to select from a catalogue of properties, that’s not the case at Royal Westmoreland. Custom build properties give buyers the freedom to create a luxury villa to meet their needs, on prime plots at some of the most sought-after addresses on the island. At the elite end of the estate, plots spanning up to 50,000sq ft are available freehold from US$975,000 to US$3.96m. If you have something very specific in mind, there’s even opportunity to employ your own team of architects and engineers. If you prefer the idea of buying off plan, the design team has gone to great lengths to meet the varying needs of different buyers, so you’re bound to find something that fits the bill. The Royal Apartments offer a choice of one-, two- and three bedroom residences ranging in size, from 830sq ft to 2,000sq ft. However, if the associated living space of a villa appeals, there’s the option of a Royal Villa or a Sugar Cane Ridge Villa. The former is a three bedroom residence, boasting French doors that open up to a living and dining area, and a partly covered terrace that’s perfect for entertaining. Before I potentially burst your bubble, I should mention that there’s only one Royal Villa remaining for sale, so don’t delay. Finally, the Sugar Cane Ridge Villas are semi-detached properties with idyllic views of the golf course, and the option of a four metre plunge pool or sun terrace. As an owner or guest at Royal

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Westmoreland, you’re granted access to the 7,045-yard golf course that was designed by acclaimed course designer, Robert Trent Jones Junior. And for true enthusiasts, lessons are available from the director of golf, British professional golfer, Bill Longmuir. Membership benefits also extend to use of the Sanctuary pool, gymnasium and tennis courts for those in search of some rest and relaxation, and the Beach Club at Mullins Bay serves up local cocktails as you watch the ocean wash up on the pristine beach. If perhaps the lifestyle sounds lovely, but you really need it to appeal to your rational side, you are in luck. For those not quite ready to make the full commitment, Royal Westmoreland offers a fractional ownership program that starts at US$53,600, and when it’s time for an upgrade, the resort will buy it back at ten per cent uplift. Furthermore,

The design team has gone to great lengths to meet the varying needs of different buyers

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Rear exterior of the Idyll Moments Villa with pool; third bedroom in the Idyll Moments Villa; Ninth hole of the golf course; golf course; Idyll Moments Villa dining area

the Barbados economy has long been one of the most prosperous in the Caribbean and it is regularly included among the best foreign places to invest for a number of reasons. As a member of the British Commonwealth, investors benefit from a stable government, a low rate of tax for those whose income comes only from foreign sources, an efficient and transparent judiciary system, and high standards of medical care. Add to this, a resort-wide increase of eight per cent over the last two years, not to mention, two of the highest possible awards in the categories of ‘Best Golf Development’ and ‘Best Single Property’, at the International Property Awards 2015-2016, and you have all the justification a rational mind could possibly need. For more information, visit royalwestmoreland.com, or contact the sales team on 01524 782649

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LETTINGS

£520 pw | £2,253 pm

Duckman Tower, Lincoln Plaza E14 • 22nd floor winter garden

• Snooker room

• Swimming pool

• Meeting rooms

• Residents gym

• 24hr concierge

For more information call our Canary Wharf branch on: 020 3668 1030

LETTINGS | MANAGEMENT | SALES | SERVICED APARTMENTS

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LETTINGS

£1,400 pw | £6,067 pm

Tudor House, Duchess Walk, London SE1 • Prestigious new development next to Tower Bridge

• Exclusive use of leisure facilities

• Large private balcony with City and River views

• Simulation games room • Secure parking available

• 24 hour concierge For more information call our Tower Bridge branch on: 020 7234 0666

020 8896 9990 | liferesidential.co.uk

17/03/2016 17:16

SALES

£875,000

1 Pepys Street, Tower Hill EC3N • Located at the heart of London City • 860 sq ft

• Luxury on-site concierge • Moments from Trinity Square gardens

For more information call our County Hall branch on: 020 7620 1600

LETTINGS | MANAGEMENT | SALES | SERVICED APARTMENTS

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SALES

£1,900,000

North Block, County Hall Apartments, Belvedere Road SE1 • 1434 sq ft duplex apartment • Direct views of the London Eye • Moments from the banks of the River Thames

• 2 secure underground parking spaces • Indoor heated swimming pool and SPA

• 24 hour concierge For more information call our County Hall branch on: 020 7620 1600

020 8896 9990 | liferesidential.co.uk

17/03/2016 17:17

WAKE UP TO THE BEST VIEWS IN LONDON THE TRIPLEX PENTHOUSE - ALBERT EMBANKMENT An exclusive penthouse set at the top of this landmark building just off Albert Embankment, with private terraces featuring sensational views of London.

Price: ÂŁ6,000,000

For your personal invitation please contact Jessica Munday on 020 3538 3156 or email jessica.munday@telfordhomes.london Selling Agent:

www.telfordhomes.london Price correct at time of going to press. Photography of The Triplex Apartment.

CALA H O ME S

FOR COUNTRY LIVING WITH CITY CONVENIENCE JUST ASK CALA Photography at Trueloves Grange

LONDON LAUNCH EVENT To find out more about making a move to this rural haven, join us at Savills, 20 Canada Sq, Canary Wharf. Thursday 14th April from 11am to 6.30pm

An impressive gated development of 11 luxury 5, 6 & 7 bedroom family homes in the idyllic village of Ingatestone. 50% sold already. Don’t miss out. Prices from £1,780,000 Showhome open daily, 10am to 5pm

TRUELOVES GRANGE, TRUELOVES LANE, INGATESTONE, ESSEX, CM4 0NQ

CALL 01277 508 781 CALA.CO.UK

CWAPR Photography has been enhanced in post production

Computer generated image

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18/03/2016 16:09

INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO Regenerating a Profit Whether it’s investment in transport links such as Crossrail or in public spaces, opting for an area that is still on the up could be the answer to securing a strong investment. Here we choose three prime properties in areas seeing significant regeneration

KING’S CROSS QUARTER Following a series of regeneration initiatives including plans for 20 new streets and ten new public squares, King’s Cross and its surroundings are attracting big tech businesses such as Facebook, Google and Amazon. Meanwhile, Regal Homes is setting the standard for luxury residential in the area. Its new King’s Cross Quarter development consists of 118 Manhattan Suites, one- and two-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom penthouses. All finished to a high standard, the Germanengineered kitchen units are fitted with top-quality quartz stone worktops and Bosch appliances, while bathrooms are hotelinspired and bedrooms maximise storage with built-in solutions and fitted wardrobes. from £740,000 King’s Cross Quarter, N1 020 7328 7171 regal-homes.co.uk

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| out of office |

8 OVER 5 Launching this month as it completes, this small, but by no means insignificant, collection of apartments is situated in the heart of Clerkenwell, in a former warehouse building dating back to the 19th century. Developer Stanhope has retained some of the charming original features such as its Victorian sash windows, whilst a new extension to the rear adds the space and additional natural light required for comfortable, modern living. The duplex apartment is set across the original building’s fourth and fifth floors. Nearby Farringdon has good connections to the City and West End currently, and with its Crossrail station projected to open between 2018 and 2019, values are expected to remain buoyant. from £815,000 8 over 5, EC1R 020 7101 2020, residentialcityfringe@colliers.com 8over5.co.uk

“Now launching its third phase with a total of 71 properties for sale, it offers a wide range of one, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments and duplexes”

HARVARD GARDENS Elephant and Castle is another area of major regeneration in London and L&Q’s Albany Place development has been selling rapidly. Now launching its third phase with a total of 71 properties for sale, it offers a wide range of one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments and duplexes – beginning with properties in its Elliot Apartments building. Nearby Burgess Park – the borough’s largest – has received £8 million in investment, so having the convenience of living close to excellent Zone One transport links needn’t mean sacrificing enjoyment of green space. Every property also benefits from its own balcony or patio and spacious open-plan interiors. Transport links include nearby buses and the Bakerloo and Northern lines at Elephant and Castle station. All residents also have access to secure communal cycle storage. from £450,000 Harvard Gardens, SE17 0844 406 9800 harvard-gardens.co.uk

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THE CITY MAGAZINE | April 2016

145

LIVE TA L L One of the tallest residential towers in Europe, South Quay Plaza has much to offer. With a unique combination of spectacular London views, eye-catching architecture and first class amenities; all built and designed with the exceptional quality that naturally comes with a Berkeley home, South Quay Plaza isn’t just about living up high. It’s about living tall.

Prices from £690,000. For more information, call 020 3811 1532. Sales and Marketing Suite open daily from 10am to 6pm.

www.southquayplaza.london Proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of companies

Prices and details correct at time of going to press. Computer generated images depict South Quay Plaza and are indicative only.

Winston, made in England using the ямБnest quality full grain European calf MADE IN ENGLAND

LONDON

JERMYN STREET BURLINGTON ARCADE KNIGHTSBRIDGE ROYAL EXCHANGE CANARY WHARF

BIRMINGHAM

BURLINGTON ARCADE, NEW ST

NEW YORK 7 WEST 56TH STREET

CROCKETTANDJONES.COM

BRUSSELS RUE DE NAMUR

PARIS

CHAUVEAU LAGARDE BOULEVARD RASPAIL