CITY NOV 09

THE CITY MAGAZINE

www.irelandinspires.co.uk

When it comes to business, Ireland is the business. From state of the art conference centres to luxurious five-star castles, whatever you’re looking for you’ll find it here, all served up with our famous Irish hospitality. With breathtaking scenery and recreational activities like golf, sailing or a soak in the spa, who says you can’t mix business with pleasure?

For more information on hosting a business event in Ireland email info@irelandinspires.co.uk or call 020 7518 3355.

NOVEMBER 2009 ART • INTERIORS • FASHION • MOTORING • BEAUTY • SHOPPING • BUSINESS • GADGETS • FOOD & DRINK • UK & INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY

Business events with the ultimate break-out area.

26/10/2009 09:44

THE MAVERICK

Henri Leconte puts on a good show

WORKING IN THE WEST BANK

Life from a new perspective

REGENERATION GAME

I S S U E 25

MA4816_TI_A4_ad.indd 1

NOVEMBER 2009 issue 25

The new face of King’s Cross

HOT PROPERTIES

UK & International

Sales

style winter thursday 26 november

in

12noon to 8pm

exclusive store discounts | fashion shows |entertainment | goodie bags (5pm to 8pm)

(from 5pm, whilst stocks last)

shops | bars | restaurants

www.mycanarywharf.com

LETTINGS

Canary wharf’s ever popular winter in Style event is the perfect introduction to the party season ahead. with a superb selection of leading brands, you’ll find a fabulous choice of fashions and accessories. to get your festive shopping off to a flying start, many stores discounts up to 30% on E14 the day.* £259,950 Leasehold Building Ares Court E14 are offering £219,950 Leasehold of Michigan Spacious one bedroom apartment locatedVale in a peaceful riverside setting Highly desirable one bedroom apartment in this sought after gated Humber Road, SE3 £369,995 St Johns Park, SE3 £335,000 St Josephs £310,000 Two bedroom, two bathroom purpose built flatwalk situated the ever Situated in thedevelopment heart of the Westcombe Park area we strongly urge an including First floor one bedroom in theoffering highlystylish desirable New Providence Wharf.

Just a short to inCanary riverside offering on-site facilities pool, gym, converted apartment popularSt Joseph’s Vale development so this flat is sure to prove immediate appointment to view ideally located for Westcombe Park contemporaryliving with all the charm of the era. Accommodation Wharf’s bars, restaurants and finest shops boasting two balconies, state of jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and 24 hour concierge.

Close to Mudchute popular with the city professionals. and Maze Hill BR. comprises lounge to front, immaculate kitchen and luxury bathroom. the art gym and waterside pool.

DLR.

A Gift From the Gods. . . . . . . . . . 20% off L.K. Bennett. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Aspinal of London . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off L’Occitane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Austin reed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15% off Molton Brown (when spending £40 or more) 20% off Myla . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30% off Brilliant inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off neal’s Yard remedies . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Cards Galore. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Oasis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Charbonnel et walker . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Paperchase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10% off Charles Fish (excluding watch brands) . . . . 20% off Charles tyrwhitt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Perfect Presents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Choice (selected items only) . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Phase eight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Cecil GeeE14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£335,000 . . . . . . 15% off robert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Leasehold Pan Peninsula Leasehold CityDyas Tower. .E14 £350,000 Eltham Road, SE12 £309,995 Lee Terrace, SE3 £460,000 Dacre Gardens, SE13 £285,000 Crabtree evelynapartment . . . . . . in. .this . . .exclusive . Three . 20% off runners need . . . . two . . .Purpose . . . .build . .maisonette .apartment . . 20% A large 14th floor one&bedroom A large two bedroom, bathroom inoff the prestigious City Hall floor two bedroom conversion represents one not to be missed. In bedroom garden flat offered with sole use of an 80’ private with accommodation set over three levels development.

Finished to the highest standards marble tiled Tower and located to addition there is a pretty 30’ private rear garden and off street parking.

Aashort walk from the village, the propertydevelopment. also benefits from a Presented aingreat light and space.

A location whichnear is popular David Clulow Opticians . . . . .including .Located . garden. . 20% off Scribbler . parking. . . . . . . . . . . .andgives . .first. .time . good .from .feel. .ofcondition 20% off The property is conveniently located for localand shopsair andconditioning.

BR stations.

20’9 reception room, off street with buyers. concierge and parking. bathroom, solid wood floors next to modern Southfitted kitchen, Canary Wharf/Transport.

Benefits Quay DLR station. .and of Canary Dune . . .close . . . to . .the . . .extensive . . . . . .amenities . . . . . 20% off Wharf. Sweaty Betty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Fat Face. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10% off ted Baker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Fiorelli. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10% off the Body Shop (when spending £25 or more)20% off Vision express . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15% off French Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off warehouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Gap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Gap Kids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Other offers available at: Bang & Olufsen, Jones Bootmaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Burger King, Crussh, Montblanc, nicolas wine, Kate Kuba. . . . . . . 20% off (15% off Ugg Australia) Singapore Sam, the Gentry Barber Shop, Karen Millen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off the Gentry Hair & Spa, tiffinbites, Zazà Laline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off

Boatyard Apartments E14£395,000

£410,000 Leasehold Belgrave Court E14 Church

£650,000 Leasehold Shell Road SE13 Braxfield Road SE4 £449,995 View House SE4 £329,900 A attractive bay fronted Victorian home.

Lounge with doors dividing, A charming a very well presented three bedroom period terrace A wonderful opportunity to purchase this unique four A luxury two bedroom, third floor flat in Canary Wharf’s finest new riverside A luxury two bedroom, twoto bathroom 5th flooroffers. apartment in bedroom Canary *Correct at time of print, terms and conditions apply individual store quality fitted kitchen/diner which leads onto a secluded lawned rear house, situated in a very popular road and is offered with no ondetached family house, located on a quiet street close to all the local address. offers impressive Thames / Canary Wharf views a high Riverside presented in excellent condition offering views garden, three Its good size bedrooms. goingand chain. amenities and benefits from no on-going chain of the River specification including wood flooring & stone worktops. Close to Island Gardens Thames. The development benefits from security, concierge and one DLR giving great access to Greenwich and Canary Wharf. secure parking space. Short walk from Canary Wharf.

Canary Wharf Office - 020 7715 9700 www.kingsturge.co.uk docklands.sales@kingsturge.com www.kingsturge.co.uk London offices in Knightsbridge, Canary Wharf, Blackheath and Greenwich With With London offices in Knightsbridge, Canary Wharf, Blackheath, Brockley and Greenwich

www.mycanarywharf.com

xxxxxxx

3

Canary wharf’s ever popular winter in Style event is the perfect introduction to the party season ahead. with a superb selection of leading brands, you’ll find a fabulous choice of fashions and accessories. to get your festive shopping off to a flying start, many stores are offering discounts of up to 30% on the day.* A Gift From the Gods. . . . . . . . . . 20% off Aspinal of London . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Austin reed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15% off Brilliant inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Cards Galore. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Charbonnel et walker . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Charles Fish (excluding watch brands) . . . . 20% off Charles tyrwhitt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Choice (selected items only) . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Cecil Gee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15% off Crabtree & evelyn . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off David Clulow Opticians . . . . . . . . 20% off Dune . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Fat Face. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10% off Fiorelli. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10% off French Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Gap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Gap Kids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Jones Bootmaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Kate Kuba. . . . . . . 20% off (15% off Ugg Australia) Karen Millen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Laline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off

L.K. Bennett. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off L’Occitane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Molton Brown (when spending £40 or more) 20% off Myla . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30% off neal’s Yard remedies . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Oasis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Paperchase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10% off Perfect Presents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Phase eight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off robert Dyas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off runners need . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Scribbler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Sweaty Betty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off ted Baker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off the Body Shop (when spending £25 or more)20% off Vision express . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15% off warehouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Other offers available at: Bang & Olufsen, Burger King, Crussh, Montblanc, nicolas wine, Singapore Sam, the Gentry Barber Shop, the Gentry Hair & Spa, tiffinbites, Zazà

*Correct at time of print, terms and conditions apply to individual store offers.

www.mycanarywharf.com

True Character

True characters are a rare breed that stand out from the crowd. Just like the new Lotus Evora, they lead, not follow.

An exclusive proposition, the Evora uses unique and innovative aluminium chassis technology wrapped in iconic Lotus styling. Its character traits of sophistication, agility and dynamism are clearly portrayed, backed up by legendary Lotus ride and handling.

Inside, bold shapes and beautiful materials are linked in unison, offering a virtuous combination of simplicity, comfort and style using exquisite detailing and handbuilt craftmanship. A unique mid-engined 2+2 layout offers striking levels of everyday practicality without compromising the characteristics of a true sportscar.

www.lotusevora.com

RWM advert.indd 4

Fuel consumption in mpg (l/100km): Urban 22.8 (12.4), Extra Urban 43.5 (6.5), Combined 32.5 (8.7) CO2 emissions: 205g/km An extraordinary combination of performance and economy confirm the Evora as the 21st century sportscar, a true Lotus, worthy of the name.

Lotus Evora 2+0 £48,450 OTR, Lotus Evora 2+2 £50,825 OTR. Model shown: Evora 2+2 £54,299 OTR, including optional Premium Upgrade Pack (£2495) and Quartz Silver Lifestyle Paint (£979).

OTR costs include: VAT at 15%, delivery, PDI, first service, number plates, valet, 12 months’ road licence and a full tank of fuel.

24/9/09 09:02:06

contents COVER STORIES 16 WORKING IN THE WEST BANK Life from a new perspective 20 REGENERATION GAME The new face of King’s Cross 82 THE MAVERICK Henri Leconte puts on a good show

82

F E AT U R E S 18 AGAINST THE ODDS

Why the British support the

underdog

27 THE GRASS IS GREENER

Why more people are going

back to ex-employers

24 ENTER THE DRAGON

The Lord Mayor’s prestigious

Dragon Awards

36 QUINTESSENTIALLY BRITISH

Luxury British-made style from

William & Son 38 FASHION

Country Pursuits 46 TURNING JAPANESE

Chef Rainer Becker tells us more

about his new restaurant

38

49 FOLLOW YOUR NOSE

Claire Adler profiles Floris 52 READER’S DIGEST

Kate Harrison tries out the

famous Mayr Cure 58

EAST MEETS WEST Josephine O’Donoghue enjoys the best of eastern and western Europe

62 ISLAND PARADISE

Charlotte Evans flies half way around the world to paradise

65 A WORLD APART

Kate Harrison explores the tranquil island of Ko Phangan

62 52

B U R L I N G T O N

R O S E

NATURAL PINK AND WHITE DIAMONDS ONE OF A KIND HANDMADE BY HIRSH www.hirshlondon.com

WHERE EVERY PIECE IS A WORK OF ART

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

contents

74 REGULARS 10 EDITOR’S LETTER 13 OUT & ABOUT 22 MARKET COMMENT 33 OBJECT OF DESIRE 44 fashion news 55 HEALTH & BEAUTY 60 24 HOURS IN...

71 GADGETS

110

74 MOTORING 81 SPORT 84 ARTS & CULTURE 87 FOOD & DRINK 97 BUSINESS experts 103 INTERIORS 113 CITYLIFE RECOMMENDS 117 PROPERTY

71

OBJECTS OF DESIRE

objects of desire

Hora Mundi i

HORA MUNDI I

www.jean-mairetgillman.com

www.jean-mairetgillman.com

Live

Magazines Editor

the Sept/Oct issue

CITYLIFE MAGAZINES Life is its own journey...

Over the past two years we have brought you all the very best of what life has to offer, the magazine was born and has grown and evolved with each issue and season. As we present to you our second birthday issue, it’s all about change: Editor-in-Chief

editor’s letter

Editor From single to couple – this month we spend a lot of our time investigating everything you need for the perfect wedding day; from planning the stag-do – exactly what are the stylish stags Editorial Director As the clocks go back and the winter nights draw in it’s a time doing on their lastseason nightdawns of freedom day with for reflection: A new and the these scene isdays? being – settoforcounting down to the perfectDeputy Editor hints and tips from our panel of experts.

We investigate what dress shapes suit your personal Christmas... and here at Runwild we’re taking advantage of this Editorial Assistant time to what make some changes. style, to say in the speech and how to look great on your big day, or indeed any day as Motoring Editor we try out isthe latest treatments going under One of these yours truly.and Butgreatest please don’t worry, our –founding editor, the needle with semi-permanent Lesley will remain very much involved in the direction and strategy make up, oxygen treatments, Tui Na massages and generally getting fit the hard work (and Fashion Editor of our titles as Editor-in-Chief. most rewarding) way. Beyond this you will be noticing some Senior Designers

changes coming through the titles in the next few months, with the From summer to new autumn – moving from what can only be described as a changeable summer introduction of some regular features and a more ‘bite-size’ appeal.

As always, feedback requested and welcomed... into autumn, it your is one of myismost favourite times of the year. I am an autumn girl, and that’s

Production Manager

Lesley Ellwood Louisa Castle Kate Harrison

Josephine O’Donoghue Ruth Sherrington Matthew Carter Lucie Dodds Hiren Chandarana Laddawan Juhong Jenisa Patel Dan Hyde

As thisbecause issue, the my timehair for reflection with that our lead notforjust matchescontinues the colours the leaves turn this season. I love the colours articles; Bel Trew looks at at complete lifestyle changes working with Publishing Director that nature throws us during the fall, of course but most of all it is theGroup excuse the change in Eren Ellwood those less fortunate in Palestine (p.16), Catherine Quinn asks if the weather gives us to reinvestigate our wardrobes that excites me most!

From to Ella Kilgarriff P.A. to Groupstatement Publishing coats Director workplace grass really is greener (p.27) and Kate Harrison tests out profiling local boutiques, our fashion pages are truly blossoming.

Sales Manager Andy Williams The Mayr Cure (p.52) for the ultimate body and lifestyle detox.

Andthose from to editor – this issue is myfor lasta bit at the Live Cheshire, For in editor less reflective mood but still looking of ahelm of Live Manchester PR &and Marketing Manager Rebecca Walton change, we’veto holiday destinations to tempt drives that I am going test out the theory thatyou, the test road to London is paved with gold. IManaging leave you all Director Giles Ellwood make heart beat that little of bit my extrateam and festive diningyou to for your support over the past two years in theyour very capable hands and thank tantalise tastebuds.

Finance Manager Annette Habel that hasyour made the magazines the successes that they have become.

So sit back, relax and enjoy the read.

Wishing you good health, wealth and happiness.

020 7987 4320 020 7005 0045 city@runwildmedia.com www.runwildmedia.com

cheshire Live

CHESHIRE’S PREMIER GUIDE TO LUXURY LIVING • S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 0 9 I S S U E 2 0

Live

Live

MANCHESTER’S PREMIER GUIDE TO LUXURY LIVING • SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2009 ISSUE 20

Business events with the ultimate break-out area.

SEPTEMBER 2009 ISSUE 12

When it comes to business, Ireland is the business. From state of the art conference centres to luxurious five-star castles, whatever you’re looking for you’ll find it here, all served up with our famous Irish hospitality. With breathtaking scenery and recreational activities like golf, sailing or a soak in the spa, who says you can’t mix business with pleasure?

For more information on hosting a business event in Ireland email info@irelandinspires.co.uk or call 020 7518 3355.

NOVEMBER 2009 ART • INTERIORS • FASHION • MOTORING • BEAUTY • SHOPPING • BUSINESS • GADGETS • FOOD & DRINK • UK & INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY

Louisa Castle Editor

Manchester

RUNWILD

THE CITY MAGAZINE

www.irelandinspires.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2009 issuE 25

WEDDING COUNTDOWN STEP BY STEP GUIDANCE FOR THE BIG DAY

SHOOT TO THRILL FABULOUS AUTUMN FASHION MAKE IT MEMORABLE 32-PAGE WEDDING SPECIAL MEETING MALCOLM A RELUCTANT CELEBRITY

MEET THE MITO ALFA ROMEO’S NEW SUPERMINI

WIN! WIN! WIN! 12 MONTHS FREE MEMBERSHIP AT OAKHILL ACADEMY

Part of the R W Media portfolio, including: Live Manchester and Live Ribble Valley

U

P

THE MAVERICK

Henri Leconte puts on a good sHow

RunWild Media Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and RunWild Media Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

WORKING IN THE WEST BANK

Life from a new perspective tHe new face of King’s cross

HOT PROPERTIES

uK & internationaL

26/10/2009 09:44

ADMIRABLE AUTUMN THE FASHION BEFORE THE FALL

O

SCULPTED SYMMETRY ENHANCE YOUR NATURAL ASSETS

25

MA4816_TI_A4_ad.indd 1

R

WINTER WARMERS 16 HeronFASHION Quay, Canary Wharf, London E14 4JB TO WARM THE SOUL

REGENERATION GAME

I S S U E

THE PERFECT DAY E DRESS D I A FORG DREAM, DESIGNMAND YOUR PERFECT WEDDING

THE CITY MAGAZINE Getty Images Gallery

One Canada Square Live Cheshire Canary Wharf E14 5AB Wedding Shoe www.shutterstock.com

Subscriptions: A free subscription service is available to employees at City offices. E-mail city@runwildmedia.com for further details.

For other readers, 6 & 12 month subscriptions are available at £15 & £25 respectively, to cover postage and packaging. For details of subscriptions and advertising, please contact us on 020 7987 4320.

CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE: Claire Adler is a London-based freelance journalist, specialising in jewellery, watches and luxury brands. Her work has appeared in the Financial Times, the Daily Mail, the Sunday Times, The Guardian, The Times, Spectator Business, Wallpaper*, Intelligent Life and House & Garden. She also writes for magazines published by Bentley, Harrods and Watches of Switzerland, amongst others.

Dr. David Kuo is one of the UK’s leading commentators on money matters. He is a Director at the popular investing website The Motley Fool – Fool.co.uk. As well as providing daily insight and financial news for BBC London’s (97.4FM) Breakfast Show , he also presents Money Talk – the Fool’s weekly podcasts where guests from the world of money thrash out the financial issues of the day.

Martin Bamford is one of the youngest and most successful financial planners in the UK. He runs his own firm of financial advisers – Informed Choice – and regularly contributes to various financial publications. His personal finance book The Money Tree, published in 2006, is a best seller.

Jamie Carter is a freelance journalist specializing in gadgets and technology, Jamie has written for the likes of T3, Home Cinema Choice and The Guardian as well as a number of websites.

wahaca brings the spirit of Mexican market eating to Canary Wharf: respect for quality ingredients, passion for vibrant, honest food and the pleasure of sharing with others‌

, avilion P k r a The P a Square Canad aca.co.uk ah blog.w ca.co.uk waha

Opening November 9th

Voted Best Mexican in London

lifestyle

13

CIGAR CHIC The Lanesborough is ticking all the right boxes this season ensuring they retain their prestigious following in the heart of Knightsbridge. They are the first hotel to offer state of the art VAIO laptops to all guests and the only place to sell the world’s oldest cognac, dating back to 1770. Head to the Garden Room for a taste of liquid history (that was bottled in the same year Beethoven was born) where experts are on hand to pair this tipple with high quality cigars. So, with your ancient cognac in one hand and cigar in the other spend an evening in London’s most talked about smoking venue. www.lanesborough.com

BROADGATE ICE RINK Broadgate will be transformed once more this season into the perfect winter venue for entertaining friends, family or colleagues. A quintessential Christmas past time, ice skating is the perfect night time activity to enjoy in the run up to the festive season. Located in the heart of the City (close to a selection of London’s finest restaurants and most popular bars), the ice rink operates on a ‘turn up and skate’ basis, so no booking is required. Why not enjoy an early ‘pre-theatre’ menu or post-work cocktails, before heading to the rink for a night of dancing on ice, or ice breaking hilarity (depending on your level of skill)!

However, if you’re hopeless on skates don’t panic – call the Arena office to book lessons with professional instructors, and if this still isn’t enough, remember skating isn’t the only option available on ice. This year, the rink will play host to a winter broomball league (think ice-hockey, but with brooms instead of hockey sticks and trainers instead of skates!). Turn up and watch the men’s or mixed leagues on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights in January (call the Arena Office for further details) or give it a go during a private session. The rink may be booked by the hour for either skating or broomball on Wednesdays and Thursdays between 6-9pm (£450 per hour) and is a fantastic treat for special occasions, a night out with friends or fun corporate bonding.

&

The rink is open from 14 November – 7 March, and has a 100 person capacity.

For ticket prices and opening hours, visit www.broadgateinfo.net

out about

The nights may be drawing in, but there’s plenty to do...

DAZZLE LONDON This exhibition at the National Theatre is the perfect opportunity to buy from fifty of the top jewellery designers such as Sophie Harley, whose designs featured in the latest Bond movie. If you’re not shopping for gifts, why not treat yourself to some Christmas party statement jewellery from by Marie Anderson which would look fabulous paired with a classic black low cut dress in this season’s velvet.

9 November – 9 January www.dazzle-exhibitions.co.uk

DECODE: DIGITAL DESIGN SENSATIONS This fantastic exhibition explores artistic compositions that marry the relationships between music, movement and high tech gadgets. Showcasing the latest developments in digital and interactive design (from small screen based graphics to largescale installations) the works are displayed in collaboration with leading digital arts organisation onedotzero. Also showcased is YesYesNo, an advanced facial mapping technique and voice recognition system that creates music based on the individual allowing you to compose a masterpiece.

From 8 December For more information, call 0844 209 1770

14

lifestyle

BONFIRE NIGHT AT ALTITUDE 360 Escape the crowds this bonfire night at Altitude 360. Enjoy panoramic views of all the firework displays across our fair city, whilst sitting atop the Millbank Tower. This venue caters for all levels of leisure, be it an intimate dinner for ten or a roof raising party for 600; let loose in style at this chic and elegant venue.

ALTITUDE 360 29th Floor, Millbank Tower www.altitudelondon.com

BELGRAVIA CHRISTMAS SUNDAY This event could convert even Scrooge himself, as in and around Belgravia will be restricted to the transportation of Santa, his reindeer and rickshaw elves. Stalls selling homemade gifts and mulled wine offer refreshment between an opportunity to sing carols with the choir. This event is guaranteed to delight each one of your senses, and get you firmly in that festive mood.

6 December Pimlico Road, Elizabeth Street and Motcomb Street

ANISH KAPOOR EXCLUSIVE SUNDAY EVENINGS The Dukes Hotel in Mayfair has collaborated with the Royal Arts Academy to present a highlight to otherwise dull Sunday evenings. Internationally renowned modern artist Anish Kapoor will be exhibited for a limited time only, featuring famous sculptures such as Shooting in the Corner. A visit to Dukes would not be complete without an indulgent cocktail where Ian Fleming is said to have coined the term “shaken not stirred.”

Exclusive ticket holders will also receive an invite to a two course meal and a glass of Villa Maria wine.

Tickets cost £38.75 per person.

For bookings call 020 7491 4840

LONDON JAZZ FESTIVAL Calling all Jazz lovers (or those wanting to try something new), the London Jazz Festival runs from 13-22 November and brings the best Jazz performances from America, Europe and of course, Britain. With free performances on offer the festival is designed to captivate and broaden audiences with a chance to become actively involved with the music. www.londonjazzfestival.org.uk

LA CLIQUE A jaw dropping mixture of the most outrageous performances in cabaret, burlesque and circus acts ensures an unforgettable night. Coming to London at The Roundhouse from 20 November, this world sell out tour has been classed as impossible to define.

Don’t miss this visual spectacle, and satisfy your intrigue and experience this marvellous event for yourself! www.lacliquelondon.com

CL_Nov09_Cartier(outlined).indd 1

26/10/09 12:47:14

WORKING IN THE WEST BANK The recession may have disrupted your long-term career plans here in the UK, but travel overseas to work with those less fortunate and you’ll soon have a new perspective, says Bel Trew

I

t is 6pm, just outside Balata Refugee camp, in The West Bank, Palestine. A football match is in its closing seconds; some kids are in trainers, most are not.

The final goal is scored and one boy, shirt over his head, starts doing a victory lap around the scrubby concrete pitch. Their 28-year-old referee and coach, James*, gently consoles the losers in broken Arabic. The boys chatter away in basic English about Real Madrid and next week’s match. They tease James about his height and his sunburnt nose.

Two months previously, at 6pm James would have been in a suit at his desk in the City. “I knew about the ‘re-structure’ almost a month before it happened, it wasn’t a case of ‘if’, just ‘when’. I was determined to make the most if it. It is terrifying and wonderful at the same time to take break from your career, from your life. So I took my redundancy package and decided to come to Palestine. To work with people who have so little.”

James is not alone.The VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas) has seen a two-fold increase

17

All images by Elena Martinez

currentaffairs

in applications since last October – with the majority of these additional applicants coming from a financial background. Project Hope (the Palestinian-International NGO James is linked with) had never had a banker volunteer.

However, since January at least five volunteers are ex-employees of the financial industries.

“Times are very exciting out here” says James as he picks up the football cones (Project Hope’s resources are pretty limited, and with a lack of funding James had to bring a lot of his own equipment). “Nablus has basically been closed off to the world for nine years – the checkpoints and curfews made it almost impossible to enter. But in the last month the Israelis opened these checkpoints into the city; it makes it so much easier for international NGOs to get in and out.”

Grassroots charities in Palestine, like Project Hope, struggle with funding mainly because of badly informed Western ideas about this part of the world and the situation.

Even the kids feel it – when I asked them what the Western perception of their culture was, ‘terrorist’, ‘third world’, ‘suicide bombs’ and ‘violence’ were the words used. Quite a highly-charged vocabulary for a class of 12 year olds with beginner’s English.

It’s clear that Project Hope is an integral part of Nablus’s development, especially whilst the city fights to rectify the catastrophic economic effects of the conflict.

Set up in 2003 in the thick of the Intifada by a 23-year-old Palestinian woman Samah Atout, and 25-year-old Canadian Jeremy Wildeman, Project Hope is one of the only NGOs offering education in the area. Most importantly it is run by both internationals and Palestinians together, and for many children Project Hope is the only language education they get.

“Education is everything here in Nablus” Sophie* explains, a 32-year-old American ex-consultant – another employment victim of the recession. “When Tawjihi results

(A-Level equivalent) are announced the whole city holds its breath – the celebrations here were crazy.”

In times of relative peace the people in Nablus are very conscious of the importance of academic qualifications, particularly as unemployment is estimated to have risen to 20% in the city and almost double that in the camps. To give you a comparison, that’s twice (or in the case of the camps four times) the unemployment rate in the UK during the worst of the recession. This is tough for a city

that used to be the financial centre of Palestine – nine years of curfews and checkpoints have destroyed the economy.

Sophie continues, “What is also really interesting about Nablus, and Palestine as a whole, is the emphasis on education for women”. At the main University in Nablus, more than half of the students are female – many traditional ‘male’ jobs are also available for women, for example there are female police officers.

“I came here with Project Hope because of their emphasis on peace and education” explains James (HOPE actually stands for Humanitarian Opportunities for Peace and Education). “I teach English and Sports with the kids, and have Business English classes

and a CV workshop for the Uni students.”

Sophie teaches English, Art and Aerobics – fitness classes for the local women are in high demand especially as obesity is a rising problem in this area. French, Photography, Music and Drama are also offered.

Both James and Sophie talk warmly about their classes in two of Nablus’s refugee camps, Askar and Balata. Comprised of the Palestinians who fled their homes in 1948, the children James and Sophie teach are now third generation refugees. Project Hope runs blog classes with the kids as part of their ‘Bridge to the World’ programme, allowing the refugee children to communicate their stories to the rest of the world. Oxford University is currently using the programme as the basis of research for their Refugee Studies Centre.

“What these children have lived through is breathtaking – they’ve seen family members killed in front of them, they’ve dodged tanks, and had their houses bombed” says James, “The psychological damage is palpable, for example, wetting the bed is a huge problem for the children out here. Especially as the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) are still in the city and camps in the middle of night making arrests. But that’s another story.”

Sophie has plans to set up her own yoga school, whilst James still applies for jobs abroad but he’s changed his tack.

“It’s a cliché, but seeing old bullet holes in the wall of a child’s room puts your life very sharply into perspective. I’m not just looking for a role in the financial industries any more. Who knows; I’ve got an interview on my return to the UK, we’ll have to see.”

And will he be back? “Of course! Who’s going to keep an eye on my budding Beckhams?!” n

For information about working with or donating to Project Hope, visit www.projecthope.ps

18

currentaffairs

From Susan Boyle to Billy Elliot, Britain loves the underdog. Kaye Holland wonders why...

COME ON,

THE UNDERDOG!

I

t’s 11 April 2009 and the first round of the Britain’s Got Talent competition. As 47-yearold Susan Boyle, a dowdy never-beenkissed charity worker from West Lothian, took to the stage and spoke of her dream (to become a successful singer like Elaine Paige) the judges and crowd collectively sniggered, sneered and rolled their eyes.

But as ‘SuBo’, as the press have dubbed her, stepped forward, opened her mouth and began to sing I Dreamed a Dream from Les Miserables, everything changed. The judges’ jaws dropped, the crowd was on its feet cheering, and today (thanks to the wonders of YouTube) the Scottish Cinderella can count President Obama, Oprah Winfrey and Demi Moore as fans.

Fast-forward a few months to the Wimbledon final, which saw Swiss star Roger Federer seeking his sixth victory at the All England Club, and a record 15th grand slam title. The Wimbledon crowd loves Federer – one of the favourite sons of SW19 – and most showed up expecting to see their hero send his American opponent, Andy Roddick, packing as he had done so often in the past.

But a resurgent Roddick refused to lie down and it took 4 hours, 18 minutes and a fifth set that lasted an hour and a half, and an incredible 30 games before Federer finally won the 2009 Wimbledon crown (if not the crowd, who had found themselves unexpectedly rooting for Roddick).

“As the guard of honour was forming and the dignitaries were getting into position, a chant rose soft at first, but growing in resonance and fervour until it was taken up by every man in the stadium: ‘Roddick, Roddick, Roddick . . . ’” writes The Mail’s Martin Samuel. “The loser stood and the roar that greeted [him] was louder than has been heard for any beaten finalist. Indeed, when Federer was called forward there was barely a difference in decibel level.”

Both of the above stories show how Brits love to support the underdog – the person (or team) with the least potential to win.

The question is why? The answer, I think, is three fold. First there’s the element of surprise. No one expected Boyle to possess a voice so stunning that it could cause Demi Moore to well up. Similarly few, if any, thought the all American Roddick could (and would) push Federer to the brink. And, for example, when Manchester United won the 2008-9 Premiership for the 11th time everyone (save for die hard Reds) yawned, because victory was inevitable, thus proving that the unpredictability of underdogs is part of their allure.

But only part; when, in August, the newlypromoted Burnley FC shocked mighty Manchester United (and the world) by winning 1-0 at their tiny Turf Moor stadium, we rejoiced not only because it was against all the odds (Burnley are listed as 5000 to 1 to win the Premier League this season, while

United are near favourites) but because it appeals to our sense of fairness. Manchester United has a huge payroll and an endless supply of talent; conversely the Clarets have no national sponsors and their kits boast an emblem from a local oil supplier.

Our deep rooted desire to see justice served is certainly one reason why we love the underdog, as a study by Joseph Vandello (University of South Florida and author of The Underdog Effect) makes clear. Vandello looked not only at sports, but also at politics: in one study involving the IsraeliPalestinian conflict, participants were given the same document about the history of the area but two different maps. One map depicted Palestine as the smaller country, the other Israel. In each and every instance, the subjects sided with the smaller – thus underdog – representation.

But mostly we love the underdog because we see in them something of ourselves.

Simply put, most of us are not children of privilege and as such we can identify with the person who comes from the back of the pack: for example, Barrack Obama (the son of single mother) compared with George W Bush (the offspring of a president and the grandson of a United States Senator).

We empathise with the underdog not only because we can relate, but crucially because their success and endeavours allow us to dream for we all have our own private dreams; from the middle-aged man who still thinks he might be ‘discovered’ playing five-a-side football to the teenage girl singing into her hairbrush, hoping to become the next Britney or Madonna. The triumph of the underdog gives us hope that our time too might still come. n

THE

Offering work, rest and play in a brand new piece of central London, The King’s Cross development programme is one of the largest in Europe and is intended to engender the transformation and regeneration of the entire area. But how is the dream going to become a sustainable reality asks Louisa Castle?

O

ur first port of call is the property development company Argent, who has partnered with LCR and DHL to deliver the 67 acre, 8 million sq ft mixed use scheme.

“The King’s Cross development is a brand new piece of central London; a new piece of City,” comments marketing director, Steve Alderson.

“It is the perfect location in the City; it has more transport links than anywhere else in the capital, spaces for living, working and spending time at leisure – and the development will have a ‘ripple’ effect of improving the entire area beyond its initial boundaries.

“The development will enhance the already vibrant scene in the King’s Cross area, highlighting its character and grittiness, whilst ensuring safety and cleanliness.

“The response that we have had from local residents so far has been very positive; we make sure we keep locals informed, and we have a dedicated public helpline. It’s a very exciting project.”

On the work front the development will offer 5 million sq ft office space which coupled with unrivalled transport accessibility, will shift central London’s commercial focus directly to King’s Cross.

In all aspects of the development the environment plays a vital role, indeed the scheme is responsible

Granary Square © Anderson Turzic

Illustrative Masterplan © Townshend Landscape Architects

The Great Northern Hotel Arcade at King’s Cross Station’s new entrance © Miller Hare

Kings Cross Central’s Marketing Suite at the German Gymnasium © John Sturrock

GAME View looking south over the scheme © Simon Hazelgrove

KING’S CROSS

business

for planning the most energy efficient office building in central London: 1 Goods Street, which the partners are in discussion with Sainsbury’s to bring their UK Store Support Centre to.

Through energy-efficient building design, the application of the latest technologies and connection to a site-wide Combined Heat and Power (CHP) distribution network, the development aims to cut carbon emissions by at least 50% relative to 2005 levels and will set new environmental standards for city office buildings.

And with award-winning architects such as David Chipperfield, Allies and Morrison, and Porphyrios Associates in the pipeline, it is set to be a very attractive eco corporate offering.

To compete with this impressive work scheme, a rest initiative will see the development of over 2,000 homes, attracting a mixed and vibrant community of families, couples, retired workers and young professionals. All homes and workplaces will benefit from the planned world-class public open spaces to further achieve the aim of “creating places and spaces that will inspire, excite and inform”.

A true community spirit will be encouraged with the development of these parks and squares, representing further “a real step change in the quality of the public realm at King’s Cross with high quality and genuinely public new streets and open spaces” (Camden Council, March 2006).

Access to the Regent’s Canal will also be improved, including terraced steps up to Granary Square; a new square for London with stunning pavilion buildings; dramatic fountains and the ability to hold large scale activities and events.

As for the ‘play’ element, vast

amounts of retail space will entice shoppers from all over London with the finest high-street stores, locally run and independent shops, boutique units and convenience stores. And with much of the retail offering being housed in conservation areas and historic buildings, the character of the area will be retained.

Michelin-starred restaurants and local cafés will ‘spill-out’ into the public realm, and the diverse range of eclectic stores, food ‘clusters’ and outdoor seasonal markets will offer a true culinary dream, adding further to the 90,000 sq ft of retail and catering already open in St. Pancras International Station.

New theatres, independent cinemas, exhibition spaces, new community facilities and annual festivals are going to be developed in order to complement the already established and thriving creative scene (the adjacent Kings Place is home to two orchestras and music auditoria). The importance of arts and music will be acknowledged with permanent visitor attractions and ‘Artist in

The King’s Cross developmenT is a brand new pieCe of CenTral london; a new pieCe of CiTy Residence’ initiatives.

The King’s Cross Central development has already been awarded “One of England’s 20 Best Heritage-Led Developments” from English Heritage and has been commended for its dedication to integrating and reusing old buildings, giving new uses to twenty historic buildings and structures including the Grade II Listed Great Northern Hotel,

the Granary Complex, the (four) Gas Holder guide frames, the Fish and Coal Buildings, the German Gymnasium, Midland Goods Shed and the Coal Drops.

With such accolades already being associated with The King’s Cross development and Argent’s commitment to create “places and spaces that will inspire, excite and inform,” all is set to create a sustainable new piece of central London in which we can work, rest and play. n For more information on the King’s Cross development, visit www.kingscrosscentral.com

IMPRESSIVE FACTS: WORK •

4.9 million sq ft of office space

•

buildings to be classified as breeam ‘excellent’ or above

•

buildings commissioned by awardwinning architects

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aim to cut carbon emissions by at least 50% relative to 2005 levels

REST •

2,000 homes and serviced apartments

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44% offering affordable housing options

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650 planned student units

•

over 40% of the development will become public open spaces

•

10 new parks and squares 20 new streets

•

3 new bridges

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more than 400 mature trees

PLAY •

500,000 sq ft of retail space

•

160,000 sq ft of the retail based in conservation areas and historic buildings

•

90,000 sq ft of shops, restaurants, cafés and bars already open at st. pancras international

21

22

business&finance

Alpesh B Patel, Fund Manager and Principal, Praefinium Partners

Market coMMent Praefinium shares an insight on 2009 investment

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it”

S

antayana’s quotation is often used in moral discourses. Is this of any value with regards to your financial planning?

If we compare the great depression of the 1930’s with today, using equity indices to replicate economic conditions as illustrated:

One may ask; is there a striking similarity?

For some this creates anxiety, for others, opportunities; should you be concerned? Do you think history repeats itself?

Before you run off and sell all your remaining stocks, we suggest that you first consider the differences between the 1930’s and current global economies. Some politicians will now praise their ‘bail-out spending’, but let us think differently. In the 1930’s, the world economy was largely dominated by the so called ‘Western economies’. What’s different today? Indeed, most ’Western economies’ have been diagnosed with the crisis virus. However, Asia’s share of the global economy is now significant. In these difficult times GDP growth rates have remained strong – for example: India’s GDP for 2009 is forecasted

as + 5.4 % by some and as high as 9% by others while western economies struggle to achieve positive growth at all.

What if you expect that things will evolve differently from the 1930’s, are you prepared to take a ‘historic risk’? Investors who have survived the recent financial market bust with money to invest are all facing the same dilemma. Should I leave my money in the bank where interest rates are at historic lows? Do I have the confidence that my bank will be around in a year from now?

If you are looking for alternatives, we suggest that you consider Indian equities.

Why is India different? To put it simply, there is solid domestic demand, this has been unleashed through significant buying power from the growing middle class. In addition, India is much like a crouching Bengali tiger in the form of growth from a significant agricultural sector.

Therefore, if you are looking to increase your wealth at a pace faster than your peers, we suggest that you consider an allocation to India into your portfolio. n Next month: How to participate in the Indian growth story

Alpesh B Patel a.patel@praefinium.com Praefinium runs an India Fund

ENTER

THE DRAGON In today’s economic climate, corporate social responsibility risks finding itself on the back-burner. If you attended this year’s Dragon Awards you’d be forgiven for disagreeing…

A

t the first Dragon Awards ceremony in 1987, the City was “charged with a lack of care, and for not becoming involved in the problems of inner cities existing on its door step.” Since then over 130 awards have been given to companies (ranging from small local enterprises, to large multi-national businesses) for outstanding examples of corporate social responsibility. Encouraging more companies and financial institutions to become involved in the local communities, the scheme has gone from strength to strength and remains the only London-wide scheme that recognises Corporate Community Involvement (CCI).

The City has had a lot on its plate over

the last 18 months; failing banks, record numbers of redundancies, a broken economy and an uncertain future and as the big bosses struggle to keep up both business and morale, one might assume that charitable giving is set to slide even lower on the list of priorities. Thankfully, this is not the case.

Celebrating last month (with a wellattended black-tie Annual Dinner), The Lord Mayor was delighted to commend those companies who, throughout the difficult period of 2008-9, have displayed an acute awareness of meaningful corporate social responsibility, going beyond expectation to improve the local community. Lord Mayor, Ian Luder commented that: “With a

business

noticeable influx of applications it is evident that even in these tough times, organisations are recognising the real value of community initiatives not least for the benefits they bring their employees”.

Of particular interest is the ‘Social Inclusion Award’ which this year was awarded to Broadgate Estates for their work with Cambridge House in Southwark. “Broadgate Estates as a corporate entity first got involved with Cambridge House around three years ago,” says Mike Thornton (Client Director).

“Our objective was to allow Cambridge House to become a more operationally efficient and cost effective organisation.”

Showing extraordinary support for the organisation, Broadgate Estates has leveraged their supply chains, cascading

28% of The CompAnies who enTered The drAgon AwArds 2009 sTATed ThAT They hAd inCreAsed Their CommuniTy ACTiviTy in response To The reCession involvement to their service partners at an early stage. According to Mike, “this collaborative approach, harnessing executive level expertise and leadership from the outset, is unique from other corporate social responsibility initiatives”.

The process is making a huge impact on the local community in Southwark, and to date Cambridge House has benefitted from products/services worth over £200,000 and 28 days of specialist consultancy free of

charge, thanks to Broadgate Estates. “This has enabled Cambridge House to focus on what it does best – helping people.”

Of course, long-term involvement with the local community and charitable organisations can also bring long-term commercial benefits. “The work we are doing is to help the local community and as a result we hope to build a good reputation for the future,” explains Mike. Enhancing their brand and reputation amongst existing and potential corporate clients; providing networking opportunities; increasing their exposure to new market sectors; and using their property management and security skills for social good are just a handful of the benefits enjoyed by the company as part of this scheme.

“The partnership has been very good for our brand,” says Mike. “We have continued to grow over the last 18 months, despite the recession.”

After announcing the winners for the prestigious awards, The Lord Mayor said: “There has been a step-change in the commitment businesses have given to corporate community involvement this year, which made for some very exciting entries to this year’s Dragon Awards. The business benefits of CCI programmes have been grasped during the last year, with the reputational, HR and even the newbusiness networking benefits of effective CCI programmes striking a chord with more and more firms.” n For more information, categories, application guidance and online application forms visit www.dragonawards.org.uk For further questions, call 020 7332 3608

25

InterestIng Fact: The name and the Award statuettes are based on the dragons that have guarded to gates to the City of London for centuries. These dragons can also be found on the City of London’s coat of arms.

a lIttle more about cambrIdge House...

A multi-purpose voluntary charity, Cambridge house works to help alleviate poverty and support social change in the local area of southwark. Currently providing services such as a Law Centre, Community development scheme, young people projects and Community Centre (alongside offering support for those with learning disabilities or family problems) Cambridge house is a vital resource for the local community. in addition to its own services, Cambridge house also supports other community groups, voluntary organisations and local initiatives. for more information on Cambridge house, visit www.ch1889.org

26

business

LONDON’S FIGHTING BACK 2010 welcomes London’s first International Convention Centre

L

“London’s fighting back – we want to attract more international events and overseas companies to the capital, building on the seven million business travellers that come each year. This £165 million investment in the capital’s first International Convention Centre (ICC) at ExCeL London underlines out commitment to offer top quality facilities for business. Add to that a superb range of hotels, a comprehensive transport network and an unrivalled range of attractions for business travellers, London is the place to be if you want to create a successful event.”

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London

ondon’s business tourism industry is worth over £3.2billion.

Our capital is in the top three of the most popular cities in the world, as well as being the financial capital of the world.Our hotels run at a massive 85% occupancy and we also have the world’s busiest airport with Heathrow welcoming approximately 90million visitors each year.

Formed in order to strengthen and develop London’s business tourism offering, September saw the launch of a new Business Tourism Group, endorsed by the Mayor’s office. The group will be looking at improving and building London’s business tourism profile before, during, and after the 2012 Olympic Games, with a key focus on delivering conventions and events for London. The group will involve both the public and private sector to ensure that the City works together to bring further high profile events to the capital.

One such venture is the International Convention Centre (ICC) London ExCeL – a £165million development – the first purpose built large scale convention venue in London. Set to open in May 2010 (on time and on budget) it is the result of collaboration between clients, buyers, and industry experts.

Kevin Murphy, CEO ExCeL London states “ICC London ExCeL is completely privately funded without strain on the public purse but with a projected economic benefit of £1.6billion by the end of 2011”. ICC London ExCeL also represents the first

Olympic venue to be completed, some two years ahead of the Games – it will host multiple sporting events, located between the Olympic Village, central London and London City Airport.

ExCeL is the perfect location for London’s ICC; in business tourism terms, London’s product has been moving east for the last decade. The regeneration of the Docklands, the transport connections, the success of London City Airport and the Eurostar, alongside the 2012 Olympic Games means the site can provide access to, host, sleep and entertain large scale events in a purpose built, safe and secure environment. n THE ICC •

1,000 new jobs (estimated 3,200 by 2011)

•

32,500m² of flatfloor event space

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4,500 m² semipermanent auditorium with seating for 5,000 delegates

•

20 conference/ meeting rooms

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Extra 625 underground car parking spaces bringing total to 2,225

•

The expansion increases ExCeL London to almost 100,000 m² in size.

The 50% increase is equivalent to 14 football pitches

business&finance

27

THE GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER Would you go back to work for your ex-employer?

Catherine Quinn discovers why ‘boomerang hiring’ is seeing staff reunited with the companies they left behind

W

hen it comes to making progress in your career, the trick is to move forward.

Which is why few staff look back once they’ve opted to leave one company in favour of another. But this could all be about to change as the current skill-short market forces employers to try and tempt exstaff back into the fold. But would you really want to work for the same company after you’d already left?

“I’m really pleased to be back” says Fiona Thomson who works as a PA for Sky, having left briefly to try out a different role, before returning to her previous employer.

Although Fiona was perfectly happy in her original role, a newspaper jobs page caught her eye, persuading her to try out for a different position elsewhere. “It teamed some of my personal interests with a promotion, so I applied, and got the job,” she explains. “But I was always very happy working for Sky.” According to the statistics, Fiona is by no means alone in returning to a former employer. Sky has benefited from 65 returning staff in the last 12 months alone, and recent findings by Enterprise RentA-Car show that

a quarter of staff return to old organisations.

In fact Fiona is just one of many so-called ‘boomerang hires’ – or staff who return to an original role or company having initially left for pastures new.

The phenomenon is tipped to be due to the recent economic downturn, where staff opt for the safety and comfort of companies they already know, rather than risking a new role in a new organisation.

For some, however, the idea of returning to a company once you’ve left has the ring of failure about it. After all, in terms of career progression, forging forwards is often linked with moving on. And surely if a staff member has left a company it’s because the working environment hasn’t suited their needs?

Mike Dickson, director of executive recruiter Hudson disagrees. “Boomerang hiring is not a reflection of a company’s ability or inability to retain” he explains.

“In fact, it says the opposite – it says that a company has managed to create an environment that the candidate should never have left in the first place. Bringing someone back to the company is actually a fantastic retention tool – it gives you the chance to send a message to the rest of the company that your business is so good, people who have seen what else is out there still want to return.”

For some staff, however, the idea of going back to an old employer is unappealing, despite the allure of a familiar environment. A survey on behalf of office recruiter La Crème found that less than a third (31%) of staff would consider working for an ex-employer.

“Obviously in a skill short market, employers are looking at new and different

ways of filling their vacancies and exemployees are a logical pool of potential talent,” says La Crème director Jo Stuteley.

“But it can be risky, particularly if their original reasons for leaving have not really been addressed”.

For many, of course, the trend can also be seen as somewhat symbiotic – particularly during a period of recovery from economic hardship. Returning staff know what they’re coming back to, whilst employers benefit from lower training and induction costs, not to mention validation of their working environment.

One employee who certainly agrees with this sentiment is Fiona Thompson. Having successfully been rehired by Sky, she’s is more than happy with her decision. “I have discovered the grass is definitely not greener, and I’m hoping to be here for some time to come.” n

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citylifepromotion

A HELPING HAND For those who just can’t find enough hours in the day, why not consider an on-site corporate concierge service to help ease the load, says Joe Mann Did you know that a recent survey identified that 80% of employees spend at least 20% of their working day on personal tasks?

As expectations increase and technology promotes instant communication, workers often find themselves under pressure to answer the demands of their personal lives, alongside their daily workload in the office.

Certainly, most employees would rather not spend time at work trying to organise personal tasks and do not want to waste lunch breaks and weekends doing mundane time-consuming chores.

Costly to employers and stressful for employees, this lost time is precious and is an indication of the need for change. The UK’s leading on-site concierge business, Wizz2u, services major corporate and residential clients; with almost ten years experience, they hold an unrivalled reputation in the on-site concierge industry and are well known for exceeding their clients and customers expectations.

BENEFITS OF A WIZZ2U CONCIERGE INCLUDE: Increased productivity and concentration during working hours Better company image and appeal by making a strong statement to staff and customers that you value and support your workforce Improvement in staff morale An important selling point when it comes to recruitment Increased workforce focus by ensuring that PAs and other support staff concentrate on work related matters rather than personal tasks for their immediate employer Time and cost saving assistance to the employer with tasks such as corporate travel, corporate gifts, corporate entertainment etc..

Wizz2u can assist employers in introducing benefits that are practical, useful and valued by the entire workforce with products and services to suit all budgets and tastes within the company. The hours wasted by staff are visibly reduced and their contentment

increases, as the on-site concierge handles requests efficiently and cost effectively.

Anthony Gee, Managing Director, states that placing a trained and experienced concierge directly into your offices to look after your employee’s lifestyle management has proved to be incredibly successful, and the company boasts a high level of long term client retention. Usually located in highly visible and accessible areas (such as a reception or staff rest area) your employees can telephone, email or visit the concierge desk with their requests and access a comprehensive range of products and services.

Wizz2u concierges are based in their client’s offices so that the tailored service becomes incredibly personal to the employees; the concierges immerse themselves into the culture of their assigned company and Gee says that maintaining this high level of customer service ensures that all employees feel valued by their employer.

Wizz2u offers on-site concierge services from just £50 per employee per annum For more information, visit www.wizz2u.com or email enquiries@wizz2u.com

Praefinium boasts superior access to return oriented global investment opportunities. By implementing a distinct investment philosophy, our investors benefit from our superior market insight, intelligent diversification and expert systematic approach.

YOUR BRIDGE TO GROWTH

Praefinium Partners Ltd. | 84 Brook Street | Mayfair | London W1K 5EH | www.praefinium.com

IRELAND: OPEN FOR BUSINESS Accessible, great value and offering that world-renowned hospitality, Ireland offers the business traveller a new alternative for conferences and events.

Years of growth and unprecedented levels of investment in infrastructure means that Ireland offers some of the most sophisticated and well-equipped venues in Europe. It also offers variety; from Dublin’s new iconic convention centre that can accommodate up to 8,000 people and is due to open in 2010, to the new Aviva Stadium on the site of the world’s oldest international stadium, formerly Lansdowne Road, and from the stylish designer city centre hotels to the luxury lakeside havens.

But there’s so much more to offer than stateof-the art conferencing facilities; excellent local produce served simply or in a Michelin-star restaurant and washed down with a requisite Jameson’s, Guinness or Irish coffee; endless outdoor activities to explore from the races and golf to walking and fishing; and boundless landscapes to experience and welcoming faces to remember.

This is a great time to discover what the magic of Ireland can add to your next event.

For further information and inspiration please visit the website.

TOURISM IReland, 020 7518 0800

www.irelandinspires.co.uk

•

Close to home, yet a world away – average one hour flying time

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Stunning locations – choose from city chic or country style and everything in between

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Over 100 flights from 29 regional airports

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Tee-off on world-class golf courses

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First class facilities

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Indulge in pure spa experiences

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Day delegate rates from £22pp

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Take advantage of the exciting team building opportunities from race days to cookery courses

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24hr delegate rates from £70pp •

Join in the craic at the end of the working day

Make it your business to check it out…

WWW.IRELANDINSPIRES.CO.UK

ACCESSIBLE, AFFORDABLE HOSPITALITY

To celebrate 150 years of pioneering Swiss watch making, Tag Heuer brings to commercial reality the first advanced integrated mechanical movement of the third millennium.

The mechanical wonderment of the TAG Heuer Monaco V4 was first unveiled as a concept watch at BaselWorld 2004, the world’s first watch with belt drives, linear mass and ball bearings. Today, the dream has become a reality.

Only 150 pieces, made in platinum, have been hand manufactured in the TAG Heuer La Chaux-deFonds workshop. Available November 2009.

100,000 CHF (approx. ÂŁ65,000) www.tagheuer.com

33

object of desire: haute horologie

lifestyle

CHOCOLATE HEAVEN Paul’s theme for Christmas 2009 will be ‘Winter Palace’ with rich ruby, emerald, blues and gold used to create two stunning shop windows alongside opulent spices and festive flavours.

Filled truffles and ganaches will include ‘Orange with Clove and Cinnamon’, ‘Nutmeg & Star Anise’ and ‘Spiced Mandarin Caramel’. Paul will also be creating his famous ‘Gold, Frankincense & Myrrh’ bars along with a ‘Gingerbread Spice Milk Chocolate’ bar and a ‘Cranberry with Angelica and White Chocolate’ bar. Finally, don’t miss his award-winning spiced hot chocolate.

Paul A. Young Fine Chocolates 20 Royal Exchange 020 7929 7007 www.paulayoung.co.uk

PEACOCK CHIC In response to fashion’s fascination with plumage and feathers, Boodles have created a new collection inspired by the tail feather design of the proud and regal peacock. The extensive Boodles Peacock collection includes a colourful suite setting luscious mint green tourmalines and diamonds into stylised deco settings. Pieces include elegant drop earrings, a striking cocktail ring and a timeless, stylised pendant.

Drop earrings, £12,500 Boodles 2 & 3 The Courtyard Royal Exchange 020 7283 7284 www.boodles.co.uk

christmas

COUNTDOWN TO Get ready for the festive season with a selection of luxury gifts from the Royal Exchange

ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS The Enchanted Lotus Collection

by De Beers is a celebration of the unexpected and eternal. De Beers’ exceptional craftsmanship has created an ethereal micropavé where the diamonds appear to float on fine white gold.

This beautifully discreet setting enhances the brilliance of the diamonds, creating a collection of truly delicate and sophisticated pieces. The Lotus Band Ring, with its exquisite thread of woven diamonds, is perfect as a statement piece or as the everlasting wedding band.

De Beers diamonds set in white gold, 1.41 carats, £3,300 De Beers 13 The Courtyard Royal Exchange 020 7929 2777 www.debeers.com

FATHER & SON GIFTS Vilebrequin’s Christmas swim shorts are a nod to the season’s silver tree decorations and the exquisite threads used in embroidery.

Turtles are embroidered onto laminated silver fabric using shiny black thread. Italian manufacturing provides the necessary expertise for this limited edition model, which goes on sale on 25 November in selected Vilebrequin stores.

Available for father and son (2-6 years), priced at £160 and £80 Vilebrequin 26 Royal Exchange 020 3206 1022 www.vilebrequin.com

THE ULTIMATE GENTLEMAN For Christmas 2009 Penhaligon’s has commissioned a series of bespoke wallpaper prints, each featuring a fantastical animal and accented with an abundance of colour and texture. These prints have been used to transform the traditional hat box into a modern and luxurious gift, each containing a selection of Penhaligon’s products, from fine fragrance to complete grooming kits – there’s something for everyone.

The Gentlemen’s Endymion Collection, £70 Penhaligon’s 4 Royal Exchange 020 7623 3131 www.penhaligons.com

RELAX & ENJOY The benefits of massage and the intoxicating effects of aromatherapy oils are endless, so why not try the trio of seductive Ménage A Trios massage oils from Agent Provocateur this Christmas. Arouse, refresh and stimulate the senses; Rose Passion is an uplifting and soothing scent for relieving stress; Sensual Ylang Ylang reduces tension and boosts sensuality; and Tuberose Intoxication is a deep and rich fragrance which is warm and seductive.

Ménage A Trios Massage Oils (3x 30ml), £39 Agent Provocateur 5 Royal Exchange 020 7623 0229 www.agentprovocateur.com

NATURE INSPIRES The Malachite Collection from Smythson is inspired from the colours and textures of natural woodland and semi-precious stones. The signature briarwood clasp (with brushed gold setting and enamel sides), is made from an Italian briarwood tree root traditionally used in making tobacco pipes. The Collection comprises a mix of books, diaries, travel, beauty and jewellery accessories.

Large Malachite Brush Roll, £325 Smythson 7 Royal Exchange 020 7621 1037 www.smythson.com

LONDON CALLING Lulu Guinness was inspired by her traditional British heritage and has based her most recent collection on her love for London.

With her classic wit she has taken her favourite London icons and incorporated them into prints, clutches and purses. The Union Jack symbol features on three striking clutch bags; the sequinned Flag Felicity is a chic envelope style clutch celebrating traditional British.

Flag Felicity, £275 Lulu Guinness 23 Royal Exchange 020 7626 5391 www.luluguinness.com

AGENT PROVOCATEUR || ARTISAN | BOODLES || BULGARI || CARTIER || CHURCH’S || CROCKETT & JONES || DE BEERS || GRAND CAFÉ AND BAR || GUCCI || HERMÈS || IMPERIAL CITY || JO MALONE || L’OCCITANE || LORO PIANA || LULU GUINNESS || MILLEPERLE || MOLTON BROWN || MONT BLANC || NAPKET || OMEGA || PAUL A. YOUNG FINE CHOCOLATES || PAUL SMITH || PAVAROTTI’S || PENHALIGON’S || PRETTY BALLERINAS || ROYAL EXCHANGE JEWELLERS || SAUTERELLE || SEARLE & CO || SMOKER’S PARADISE || SMYTHSON || TATEOSSIAN || THEO FENNELL || TIFFFANY & CO || VILEBREQUIN || WATCHES OF SWITZERLAND || WINT & KIDD

Royal Exchange, Bank, City of London, EC3V 3LR

www.theroyalexchange.co.uk

QUINTESSENTIALLY

British

Josephine O’Donoghue meets William Asprey to find out more about the luxury Mayfair brand, William & Son, and what makes them stand out from the crowd

W

illiam Asprey is the seventh generation of the Asprey family to make his fortune through the sale of classic luxury goods – so he knows exactly what he’s doing. In the space of just ten years, he has built a hugely successful luxury brand, going from strength to strength, even in the midst of the recession.

Located in a prestigious location on Mount Street in Mayfair, and boasting a Royal Warrant within the first decade of business, William & Son is the quintessential British luxury brand. “We chose the Mount Street store in Mayfair, quite simply because it was the best we could find. It’s difficult to find good properties in the City and we were lucky that Coutts were moving out of there.

For luxury brands, it’s the place to be.”

Our gifts are classic because we dOn’t brand them, and the quality speaks fOr itself. we design and make things tO last, and it shOws Branching away from the family company, Asprey, William decided to launch his own high-end company, with his own selection of luxury gifts, watches and jewellery. I asked him what the company was all about, and he replied that his ethos was really quite simple: “We care about the quality and beauty of each and every product, alongside the quality of service that we offer to all our clients. We aim to provide them with exactly what they want, and they benefit from our knowledge and dedication – something that is not always available in a lot of places.

A patriotic brand, William & Son is proud to showcase a range of the ‘Best of British’. “The ‘Made in Britain’ stamp is so important to us,” emphasizes William “Because we still have the skills and craftsmanship in this country. We always try and find British suppliers and craftsman first, before looking elsewhere. Actually, we are the last privately owned British luxury goods company and so buy British wherever possible.”

An ‘Aladdin’s cave’ of treasures ranging from leather goods and pens, to watches and jewellery, a trip to William & Son turns out something different every time: “We don’t tend to order or make things in bulk” explains William. Clients at William & Son know that their purchases are classic not only

interview

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MUST-HAVE ITEM

for their timeless design, but also because every other home and/or person doesn’t have that same product.

“We target anyone who appreciates originality and unique beauty” says William.

“Our range appeals to the individuals who enjoy individuality – all of our products can be personalised too, which adds another dimension to finding something special for a particular room, person or occasion.”

Browsing the eclectic range of products, there seems to be something for everyone – a variety of styles and colours within the ‘classic British’ brand. “We have no ‘typical’ client,” says William.

“A few months ago a man came in to the store; he was a dish-washer at a nearby hotel.

He had just gained British citizenship and was looking for a new passport cover. The same day, we could serve royalty or a pop star.”

Coming up to Christmas, the store becomes even more magical, filled with beautiful gifts and home accessories perfect for dressing your house for the festive season. “For Christmas we’re expecting the William & Son crackers to sell very well” says William. “With beautiful packaging, each one still has the traditional paper hat and joke but also contains a gift from out range, chosen specifically for the recipient.

“Come to William & Son to find the perfect gift – we will have it. Even for the man or woman who has everything, we can help you design something new or personalise one of our existing products.

Our timeless pieces always sell well – beautiful watches, well-cut diamonds.

Everything in our range is classic, which means they’ll still be stylish in twenty, thirty, forty years time.”

While ‘classic British’ is the overall focus, William insists you can still find accessories and jewellery which are ontrend for seasonal fashions. “Although we don’t follow high fashion and vogue trends, you have to pay attention to the colours and styles to some extent. We combine these trends with high quality materials and craftsmanship to create a product that lasts longer than the fashion trends.You will find things in our store that nod to the current

Graf von Faber Castell Pen of the Year 2009 at William & Son This year’s ‘must-have item’ from William & Son is the Limited Edition Pen of the Year 2009.

Inspired by the horse (and brought to life by German weaving expert Dorit Berger), the pen is woven with horse hair.

Towards the end of the eighteenth century, the mane and tail of the horse began to enjoy a high status as an elegant material for chair coverings; because of its natural properties and sophisticated processing, horsehair is still today used for extravagant furnishings and luxurious fashion accessories.

The use of horsehair for weaving can only be achieved by masters the traditional art of weaving by hand and Dorit Berger is the only expert in Germany. However, horsehair presents an extra difficulty as the hairs are relatively stiff and short, so cannot be spun to a continuous thread and are unable to be woven in the conventional way.

fashions, but they will last a long time – they’re not disposable style.”

Unlike some of the older luxury companies in the City, William & Son is young enough to adapt and change as it grows. Inspired by clients, William chooses new lines based on their shopping habits and responses. “The bespoke service we offer is popular, and often helps us to develop our own range” he reveals. “A few years ago we had a lady who ordered a backgammon set in brilliant orange leather. We would never have chosen this for the range, but once made, it looked fantastic! We asked her if she wouldn’t mind, and the following year we included some of the orange leather in the range. The bespoke service allows us to hear from our clients and find out what they really want – an input which is valuable to our new designs.”

A family business with a name synonymous with luxury, a visit to William & Son is the epitome of British style. From the eclectic to the extravagant, from the special to the surprising, with William & Son you’ll find the perfect gift every time. n For more information, visit www.williamandson.com

To create the filigree pattern of this pen, the horsehairs have to be carefully selected and roughly 70 hairs are interwoven individually for each centimetre of fabric – an extremely time-consuming process.

Hair by hair, a weave comes about with a unique changing texture, contrasting the platinum body of the pen; every horsehair fountain pen is a work of art.

Each pen is accompanied by a certificate bearing Dorit Berger’s signature, attesting to the limited edition and certifying the quality and genuineness of the horsehair used. The pen is carefully ‘run in’ by hand, and the 18-carat bicolour gold nib is available in the widths B, M, and F. Each pen is individually numbered and only 2,000 will be produced worldwide. On request, a pen can be specially made from the tail hair of your own horse.

Graf von Faber Castell Pen of the Year 2009 £2,200

Country Pursuits Photography by: Jason Moore at Tiger Creative Fashion Editor: Lucie Dodds

Alex wears brown suede and fur collared jacket, £1,495; grey cashmere zip jumper, £145; grey cashmere scarf, £125 all Gieves & Hawkes, 1 Saville Row, W1, 020 7434 2001 www.gievesandhawkes.com Brown leather driving gloves, £99 from Pickett 32/33 Burlington Arcade, W1, 020 7493 8939 www.pickett.co.uk

Alex wears black and white herringbone tweed panelled cap, £175; midnight blue/black dry hand wool linen jacket with velvet collar, £795; black chalk stripe doeskin yoke-back tapered leg trousers, £495; mole wool mohair argyle v-neck sweater, £450 all Burberry, 020 7806 1303 www.burberry.com

Black quilted leather jacket, £3,559; cream silk polo neck jumper, £949; grey tan leather trousers, £769 all Ermenegildo Zegna, 37/38 New Bond St, W1, 020 7518 2700 www.zegna.com Brown leather driving gloves, £79; Aspinal www.aspinaloflondon.com Brown leather boots, £265; Gieves & Hawkes as before

Collared jumper, £299; tweed jacket, £649; grey jeans, £165 all Paul Smith 020 7379 7133 www.paulsmith.co.uk

All vintage sporting props with thanks to Farley, 020 8749 9925 and Bapty Ltd, 020 8574 7700 Grooming: Ben Mohapi @ Punishment Ltd Models: Alex and Etienne at Premier Model Management Thanks to Flo

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fashion Jimmy Choo for H&M Finally, every girl can own a pair of Jimmy Choo’s with an exclusive collaboration that sees the illustrious designer join forces with H&M. The collection is set to be a shoelovers dream, featuring everything from high heels and thigh-high boots to gladiator flats and ballet pumps. These are shoes with attitude and are perfect to make a statement this party season!

fashion

news

In H&M stores as of 14 November www.hm.com

The Exchange Second hand dress Agency Opens

John Smedley Knitwear Join John Smedley as he celebrates 225 years of producing the finest Merino wool and cashmere pieces. The man cardigan continues to be the epitome of geek chic and Smedley presents suitable characters such as ‘The Owl’ to his A/W collection.

This channels ‘Oxbridge chic’ with a mixture of cable knits in muscovado and camouflage tones. Thick rimmed glasses and bow tie optional!

Clearing out your wardrobe is a task to be reckoned with. I dread to think what lurks in the depths of mine (which actually stretches across the depths of two other family member’s spaces) but as the season’s change, it’s time to dig out those vacuum packed bags of chunky woollen knits in time for winter and turf out those ‘what was I thinking’ items by heading over to The Exchange.

Your wardrobe hogging items can be sold for half the profit in this boutique store owned by interior designer Birgit Israel. I’m looking forward to heading over for some great finds without the hassle of unreliable ebay sellers.

www.johnsmedley.com

Apple and Mulberry It’s now safe ladies, you never have to leave home without the comfort of your Bayswater bag which now contains padded sections for your MacBook, clever compartments for your Ipod and eyelet holes for headphone access. Whoever said fashion wasn’t practical?

The Exchange 72 Gloucester Rd SW7 4QT 02070520028

Available from Selfridges

Boots If, like me, you weren’t graced with the limbs of a gazelle, then the constant harping on about OTT (over the thigh) boots is proving quite tiresome. Instead, invest in The Salvador ankle boot from Kurt Geiger (£160).

Website of the month:

www.hutchinsonexclusive.com

French Connection This season French Connection has provided us with beautiful studded, fringed and ruffled pieces for both day and night.

‘My Wardrobe’ is a new feature to the site, allowing you to co ordinate outfits and create that all important wish list in the build up to Christmas.

Buy of the month:

www.kurtgeiger.com

Oscar London t-shirts Renowned for luxury wardrobe staples, British brand Oscar London is offering a 25% discount off their current collection - bag your bargain now!

Shop of the month:

www.frenchconnection.com

www.specialdiscount.iwearoscar.com

Bargain of the month:

Hutchinson With Danni Minogue as a fan, this new net-aporter website is one to watch and offers everything from vintage to street-wear to designer pieces from all over the world.

Trend of the month: The Bold Shoulder Like any fashion lover, the spirit of Balmain is embossed into every shoulder pad this season as the design house genius, Christophe Decarnin, captures the silhouette perfectly. Not only does the broader shoulder contain waist-shrinking properties but it also comes in handy when the Starbucks morning queue requires added aggression and assertiveness.

shops | bars | restaurants

www.mycanarywharf.com

TURNING JAPANESE Some chefs take decades to build up an international restaurant empire and a worldwide reputation. But for Rainer Becker, success has followed success and in the last five years he will have opened eight Japanese restaurants across the world. Canary Wharf is the latest location to get a taste of Becker’s award winning restaurants but he admits to Dominique Brady that he still gets first night nerves

“I

overwhelming and so quick that we hadn’t had a chance.” still get the same feeling as when I opened the first Zuma Indeed, Becker explains the last five years have been “exhausting” in London in 2002. There’s a quiet confidence but there’s and he still seems in shock at what he has achieved. There is none of also that nervous feeling you get when you just don’t the bluster and swagger of Gordon Ramsay, instead Becker seems know what’s going to happen.” baffled at how he and business partner Arjun Waney have achieved Becker has restaurants in all four corners of the world: Dubai, such meteoric success.

Hong Kong, Istanbul, Arizona and a new restaurant launches in “We really didn’t plan this, it wasn’t a structured business plan, it Miami next year. However, German-born Becker describes London evolved. Now looking back I don’t as his home and spends most of his know how we did it because we time here. After leaving a 14-yearI’vE bEEN wATchING cANARy whARf didn’t have a big corporate structure.” career at the Hyatt hotel group wITh AmAzEmENT ovER ThE PAST There is, however, one key spanning several different countries, fIvE yEARS – IT JUST kEEPS GRowING country which is missing the Becker he chose to launch his first restaurant touch – his homeland, Germany.

Zuma in London.

ANd ExPANdING He hesitates when I ask him when “For me, London was and still he will open a restaurant there and is the culinary centre of Europe.

There’s lots of competition here which makes the restaurant scene very then answers more carefully. “Being German of course I would love good and it keeps you on your toes. As long as you ensure that the to open a restaurant there but it’s not on our map at the moment product you’re offering here is good, the rewards can be great because because German cities do not have the size and energy we need at it’s is such a huge and multicultural city, there are lots of tourists.” this time. London and other cities which are similar in terms of size His first restaurant in London was located in Knightsbridge and his and culture really work for us; German cities are smaller and not so second, Roka, opened in 2004 in Fitzrovia.Yet Becker insists he has multicultural and so we wouldn’t have the confidence that it would had his eye on a site in Canary Wharf for a long time. be busy enough every night as we are in all our other restaurants.”

“I’ve been watching Canary Wharf with amazement over the past Becker may be a German who specialises in cooking Japanese food, but he is still a Londoner at heart. It was, however, traditional five years – it just keeps growing and expanding. We have always German cooking which fired Becker’s passion for food from an early looked at Canary Wharf and considered locating there, but over age. “My passion for cooking started when I was six or seven years the past couple of years the company’s success has just been so

interview

old and I would help my mum in the kitchen and I started learning different cooking techniques.”

After training as a chef, he had stints at some of Germany’s top restaurants, including the Michelin-star Koenigshof in Munich and Goethehaus in Bensberg. Then he joined the Hyatt group and his interest in Asian food blossomed.

“I opened a restaurant in the Hyatt Regency hotel in Cologne called Graugan, where the concept was east-meets-west fusion food.

They sent me round the world to experience the flavours of the east and I stopped in Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore. But straight away Japanese food had the strongest appeal.”

After three years in Cologne, he was first sent to Australia as an executive chef, then to Tokyo to be the executive chef at their Park Hyatt. Over six years he launched five award-winning restaurants and developed his own twist on Japanese flavours.

“When I arrived in Japan I initially found Japanese food a little bland because my palate had been exposed to so many international flavours and spices – Japanese cuisine doesn’t use many spices to enhance the flavour – they work more with the natural flavour of the product. But after a couple of months my palate changed and I began to notice the complexity of the food.

It looks simple but requires very different methods of cooking and an understanding of flavour.”

He describes Roka not as a “traditional” Japanese restaurant but as “Japanese restaurant that has adapted to the western palate.” And, undoubtedly it’s been a hit with critics and customers alike judging

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by the number of awards and packed restaurants that Becker can, but doesn’t, boast of. One of the reasons why Roka will be a success in Canary Wharf, as elsewhere is Becker’s understanding of what a customer wants.

“I just want them to enjoy it. For me, going to a restaurant is about enjoyment of – the food, the service, and the atmosphere. All of these things are very important and we’ve got a beautiful bar in front of the restaurant where you can come and just chill out after a day at work. Roka most importantly is about enjoying yourself.”

Becker is clearly excited about this latest opening at Canary Wharf “we wanted Roka Canary Wharf to be a combination of our Charlotte Street original but have a personality of it’s own, we have dishes that are exclusive to Canary Wharf created by our group executive chef Nic Watt and head chef Yoshi Muranaka” He apologises profusely at the end of the interview “My English is not the best, I probably haven’t phrased things as well as I meant them.” I find myself reassuring one of the most globally recognised chefs on his near perfect English. But it’s this modesty and down to earth approach, as well as his enjoyment of life, which informs his restaurants and must be his secret ingredient to global success. n Roka, Canary Wharf is now open.

For reservations call 020 7636 5228 The Park Pavilion Canada Square Canary Wharf www.rokarestaurant.com

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YOUR

FOLLOW

NOSE Over the years, Floris customers have spanned the gamut from conservative to bling – from Margaret Thatcher to Donatella Versace, David Cameron to the Sultan of Brunei.

But Claire Adler discovers the sweet smell of success is an unapologetically oldfashioned experience

E

ver since its beginnings in 1730, the covetable location of the Floris boutique on Jermyn Street has proved an advantage when it comes to supplying London’s royal palaces.

“Staff can walk round orders to Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace, although it’s not as easy with Windsor and Balmoral of course,” says chairman John Bodenham, the eighth generation of his family business.

Bodenham may make it sound blasé, but Floris has been serving the British monarchy and the high society of St. James’s for 279 years. Back in 1820, James Floris, the son of the company’s founder, received the first of 16 Royal Warrants granted to Floris. Ever since,

the company has always held at least one. Today, Floris holds Royal Warrants from both the Queen and Prince Charles.

But British royals are far from the company’s only high profile customers. Bodenham is himself loathe to namedrop, but James Bond creator Ian Fleming always wore Floris; Florence Nightingale penned personal thank you letters for it; and in the 1992 film Scent of a Woman, Al Pacino plays a blind character who recognises the woman he desires by the fact that she is wearing Floris.

Noel Coward was a regular customer and references Floris in his 1925 London play Hay Fever. Laurence Olivier favoured Floris Malmaison and Carnation, while Oscar Wilde sprayed his carnation with it.

As Bodenham leads me up the stairs at the back of the shop through the offices, almost every wall is covered with either old portrait paintings of family members or certificates of royal warrants. From inside the first floor boardroom, looking out through the windows onto Jermyn Street, the view includes the outline of the richlycoloured red and gold coat of arms, the symbol of that first Royal Warrant – from

His Majesty King George IV – which still hangs above the outside of the shop.

It all started when Juan Famenias Floris arrived in London fleeing his birthplace of Menorca, then at risk of being overtaken by the Spanish.

Seeking his fortune in London, he became the resident barber at the St James’s Hotel on Jermyn Street, building up a loyal clientele powdering wigs and shaving.

He soon married the woman of his dreams, who brought with her a handsome dowry enabling him to set up his own business. Re-creating the aromas of his Mediterranean youth from memory, blending oils and essences transported from Europe, he imported hair combs from Menorca and made shaving brushes, hatpins, toothbrushes and fine toothcombs on the premises.

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health&beauty

This was the age of the dandy.

Vain and fashion-conscious gentlemen routinely sported bouffant hairstyles, rendering combs essential items. Floris’ first royal warrant in 1820 was an appointment as smooth pointed comb maker to George V. “This was a time when even if a bomb went off, a man’s hair wouldn’t budge,” quips Bodenham.

Floris customers included Beau Brummell, the ultimate nineteenth century dandy and the man credited with having taken five hours to dress, and recommending his boots be polished with champagne. His choice of Floris fragrance was clearly nothing if not discerning.

“Today each Floris product, be it fragrance, bath essence or hand cream, may have up to 40 different ingredients,” says Bodenham. “We are involved in selecting each one, checking the quality and ensuring we pay the right price for it.”

Attention to detail at Floris means that when sales staff return change to customers, they place it on a velvet pad before passing it over.

The custom harks back to a time when it was considered unseemly to touch a customer’s hand.

Earlier this year, Floris began responding to an increasing number of requests for bespoke perfume and recently introduced a Bespoke Perfumery Service. The company is quite literally, turning back the pages of its original hand-written fragrance formulation books.

On view at the back of the shop in a dimly lit, otherworldly room, hefty volumes display beautiful hand-written records of ingredients swirled together to blend the perfect fragrance for aristocrats centuries ago, from Russia’s

Grand Duke Orloff to Horatio Lord Nelson. They are surrounded by paraphernalia dating back to the company’s beginnings, including original Floris perfume bottles, hair combs and handwritten letters from the likes of Florence Nightingale and Mary Shelley.

During up to five consultations, customers can choose and understand the essential oils of the scent that best suits them and even select genuine antique Floris bottles.

The last time the company clocked this much interest in customised fragrance was in the late 1970s.

Some established British families have enjoyed a tradition of repeat ordering special Floris fragrances for generations.

“The Guinness family have always used a burning essence vaporising set, which we continue to produce exclusively for them. The volume of the order means we can justify making it,” explains Bodenham.

Classics from those old custom-made fragrance order books include the refreshing citrus floral fragrance Special 127, probably the brand’s most well known and well

loved fragrance to this day and one of John Bodenham’s own favourites. Bringing together the leaf, flower and fruit of the orange tree with petitgrain, neroli and orange oils blended with lavender, geranium, patchouli and musk, it was originally created in 1890 for Russia’s Grand Duke Orloff.

“When the Grand Duke Orloff popped his clogs, my grandfather brought it out in larger volumes and it is still hugely popular,” says Bodenham.

But Special 127 has long been a favourite of women too. Eva Peron preferred it customised with slightly fresher top notes and regularly had it shipped to Buenos Aires in large containers, while the Duke of Windsor used it to woo Mrs Simpson.

Today, the youngest generation of Bodenham’s are all trained in the world’s perfume capital, Grasse, in the South of France and the Floris store routinely hosts talks by head perfumer Shelagh Foyle, to groups of enthusiasts whose interests range from the history of London to how to choose and wear perfume. n www.florislondon.com

READER’S DIGEST Kate Harrison travels to Austria to test the infamous Mayr Cure but can she change her ‘digestion lifestyle’ and give her body a true detox?

WHAT IS THE MAYR CURE? Devised in the early 1920s by Austrian nutritionist Dr Franz Mayr who lived to the age of 90 and believed that all health problems are digestion related, The Cure is not only based around what you eat, but how and when you do it.

By fasting once a week or fortnight, and living ‘on the cure’ for 2-4 weeks every year, you remove the toxins in your intestines on a regular basis – consequently improving not only your digestion, but your overall health.

The Cure aims to change your eating habits, help you to develop a healthier lifestyle and attitude, and improve your personal weight and posture.

I

’ve always liked the idea of detox; the theory that I can flush out all the negative pollutants in my body and start again from scratch, building it up into something healthier and stronger. I’ve tried several detox programmes, some at home, some in health spas and even the odd beauty bootcamp! But it didn’t take me long to realise that this one was different. This one offers a lifetime of improvement, not just a quick fix.

Although I was apprehensive about the scale of change from my daily routine (and the stricter rules than previous detox programmes), the Mayr Cure is a reassuringly well-established eating plan – with the backing of genuine medical experts – and has been working for its followers for nearly a century. I chose the famous Mayr & More clinic, established for over thirty years and overlooking the beautiful Lake Wörthersee in Austria – the stunning scenery compensating for the punishing week ahead.

After a thorough initial consult and examination where my tongue, eyes, posture and the shape of my intestine were assessed, I was placed on the Level 2 diet, which consisted of a spelt roll with a protein spread and sheep’s yoghurt for breakfast; a watery alkaline soup (to rebalance my body’s PH level) for lunch; and perhaps a weak broth for dinner. Level 1 is a spelt roll and some milk in the morning and tea for the remainder of the day, so I counted myself lucky!.

Although grateful to have something to accompany my daily protein spread, the spelt roll isn’t much of a treat. Left to harden for three days after baking, it is a key part of the Mayr diet, known primarily as a ‘chewing trainer’ and only secondly as a food substance. Most people today swallow their food after giving it one or two chews and it enters the intestines very hard which puts stress on the gut. Here, you learn to chew every mouthful of food 40 times until it is a thin liquid pulp. Mayr believed that if

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DOCTOR MAYR’S RULES: you chew your food to liquid it’s easier to digest, which makes your gut more efficient which is the root to good health. It takes ages to chew every mouthful 40 times, so when you’ve spent 20 minutes masticating spelt bread, you’re not only bored, you’re also full.

Each day begins with a dose of Epsom salts (taken to increase bile flow and flush out the intestines) – so the small amounts we did eat didn’t stay inside for long, especially as we were advised to consume three to four litres of water per day!

75 per cent of guests at the Mayr are regulars, returning for their annual MOT and all claim to return from their stay looking and feeling ten years younger, with friends insisting that they must have had ‘work’ done whilst away. I tried hard to keep this in mind as my head began to pound on day three of the diet. The daily massage sessions became my main focus to see me through the mornings and the wonderful pampering beauty treatments on offer were an extra pleasure to fine-tune my exterior to match my ‘regenerating’ insides.

Vigorous exercise is not advised whilst on The Cure as energy levels can, understandably, dip in your first few days. There is a gym with state-of-the-art machines, a pool and pedaloes to take out onto the lake, but they don’t mind if all you do is a little light yoga, as too much exercise impedes the detoxification process. Nordic walking soon became my exercise of choice and, pacing through the local nature trails, I could feel myself being rejuvenated in the sunshine and the Austrian fresh air.

The most modern of medical methods have been adopted at the clinic and a stay at Mayr & More can involve regular appointments with fully trained doctors, with an array of tests available to simply put your mind at ease or diagnose a nagging complaint. With a focus on preventative care and diagnostic treatment I was fascinated by the range of treatments on offer, from full body ultrasound scans and innovative laser treatments to blood oxygenation and ear acupuncture. Subjecting myself to various intolerance tests, thyroid checks and hooking myself up to a drip to be infused with vitamin C and B, I really felt I had immersed myself into The Cure.

Kneipping was also a daily treatment for me during my time at Mayr & More, to help improve my circulation. It very simply entailed alternately dipping my legs into tubs of hot and cold water which was much

needed on days that I was resting for large amounts of time.

Guests are strongly recommended to take morning and afternoon naps to really relax, and three times a week I was brought a hay-compress to place on my liver. The heat of the compress aids liver detox, and sent me off to sleep for my nap, just like a hot water bottle. Although the pace may seem slow, the reduced calorie intake and tiring effects of the detox meant that early nights were a must; I was tucked up in bed by 9pm each night – a refreshing change from my life in London.

The Mayr regime is not just about cleansing the system but also about teaching the patient how to carry on into real life. After a week at Mayr & More I felt relaxed and rejuvenated and leaving 6lbs lighter and with a noticeably flatter stomach, I felt ready to keep up the good work. The best bit about The Mayr Cure is that it is achievable and sustainable.

Whilst the time spent in the clinic is a more involved and dedicated treatment, eating well and slowly is something that we can all integrate into our daily lives.

Testament to The Cure is the fact that four months later trace elements remain in my household. Breakfast has become the new dinner, tea the new coffee and we all sit around the table to chew our food properly. I still walk around my local park, Nordic walking sticks in hand and have learned to breathe through my stomach. What’s more, if I do fall off the wagon or need some support, The Organic Pharmacy health clinics throughout London are open to all clients who have visited the Mayr & More and have followed The Mayr Cure. Having tried and tested so many methods, the Mayr is certainly one of my favourites, however I will be returning next year to get me back on track and complete my yearly cleanse. n

• Eat slowly, take short breaks

between mouthfuls; look at your food • Chew slowly and carefully, breaking down the entire mouthful • Do not read, watch TV or talk during a meal • Do not eat anything past 7:00pm • Eat your main meals for breakfast and lunch, and only eat a very small dinner • Drink 3-4 litres a day during the cure, and 2.5 litres on a normal day • Do not drink sparkling drinks or fruit juices • Brew herbal tea to be weak and avoid caffeine • Make time to rest in the day, as well as at night • Spend more time outdoors • Repeat the cure once a year

7 nights at Mayr & More starts from €1,745 per person (approx. £1,500) based on a single occupancy in Category A room.

The price includes initial and final medical consultation, 2 x manual abdominal treatment, 1x therapy rate, 1 x detox massage, 2 x 25min massage, 1 x alkaline powder, 1 x urine analysis, 1 x stool blood test, 3 x hay liver packs, 2 alkaline detox bath, 1 x alkaline mineral infusion, 1 x salt therapy as well as use of all facilities and access to daily exercise classes. Flights are not included in the price.

For information and bookings please call 360 Travel on 020 7437 3601 or email ilana@360travel.co.uk

ORGANIC PHARMACY: The Organic Pharmacy has partnered with the Mayr and offers a pre-detox three weeks prior to your departure date, to ensure you get the most out of your stay. Their team of expert homeopaths are trained on The Mayr cure and act as a support system to keep you on track once back to the routine of everyday life.

For more information or advise call The Organic Pharmacy on 020 7351 2232.

“Where Business meets Beauty” Entrepreneur Chelsey Baker and Richard Farleigh of BBC TV's Dragons’ Den are looking for real women who have a flair for fashion and the potential to become a model business woman PRIZES The winner will receive: Personal mentoring from Richard Farleigh £5000 worth of essential office supplies to start your own business A photographic campaign in The City Magazine Participate in a catwalk show by top London designer Private Business coaching worth £10,000 An exclusive TV interview A designer evening dress from a celebrity designer Make up and beauty products worth £500 Competition open to females only age 18-30 You must be resident or work in London You must be able to attend the semi final and grand final in London T&C's apply see website for more details

If you have the drive, determination and innovation to become the UK's next success story then enter this unique competition dedicated to beauty and business acumen.

APPLY ONLINE NOW! www.citytopmodel.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY Pedicures, perfumes and pampering to indulge in during these winter months tHE ULtIMAtE OXYgEN FOOt tREAtMENt

Margaret Dabbs is widely known as London’s premier podiatrist, using innovative techniques to gibe effective long-lasting results for chiropody conditions. The Ultimate Oxygen Foot Treatment is a luxurious experience which trims, buffs and files away dead tissues, revealing fresh illuminated skin underneath. Clients are seated in the Oxygen Therapy and Vibration chair, which slowly releases oxygen directly onto the face, whilst the client simultaneously receives a luxury foot massage using Margaret Dabbs’ own, specially-formulated oils and pedicure lotions.

Finally, nails are buffed and shaped to perfection to complete the ultimate foot pampering treatment.

60 minutes, from £135 www.margaretdabbs.co.uk

LUXURY MANICURE CAvIAR HYdRAtINg PEdICURE

This is a fabulous firming and hydrating treatment for renewing tired feet. After intensive softening masks and caviar products to recondition your skin, they are left soft, silky and finished with your choice of polish.

75 minutes, £85 www.lanesborough.com

This luxury treatment includes a full manicure as well as a scrub and massage of the hands.

The scrub is carried out with a refreshing Comfort Zone Fruity Peel before a relaxing massage with Comfort Zone Lushly Hand Balm. In addition, enjoy a paraffin wax treatment, which will leave your hands feeling silky soft. Finish off with a choice of nail polish colours from Essie (all latest colours, including the matt grey tones in vogue this season).The perfect manicure.

60 minutes, £60 www.the-berkeley.co.uk

OUR TOP 5 WINTER FRAGRANCES FOR HIM & HER FOR HIM

FOR HER

1 miLLion, PACo rAbAnne £44 (100ml), www.pacorabanne.com

Amber & LAvender CoLogne, Jo mALone £64 (100ml), www.jomalone.co.uk

8 88, Comme des gArCons £61 (100ml) Stockists: 020 7494 6220

L’eAu Ambree, PrAdA £64 (80ml), Stockists: 020 7494 6220 Love in White, Creed £130 (75ml) available from Harrods, 020 7730 1234

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OF THE BEST

LIFESTYLE MANAGEMENT SERVICES For those who need to re-address the work-life balance in the run up to Christmas, a personal concierge might be the perfect solution...

WIZZ2U One of the UK’s leading on-site concierge businesses, Wizz2u services major corporate and residential clients – and with almost ten years experience, they hold an unrivalled reputation in the industry. Benefits gained from a Wizz2u concierge include increased productivity, focus and concentration from employees; better company image and appeal; improvement in staff morale and cost-saving assistance to the client with tasks such as corporate travel, corporate gifts, and corporate entertainment all arranged from a one-stop-shop.

Unique in its field,Wizz2u find that having an on-site presence helps to distinguish themselves from their competitors.Wizz2u not only delivers a professional, efficient and cost effective concierge service, but they also have their own in-house travel agency, cleaning & maintenance companies to further add to the peace of mind offered to clients. With their 400 suppliers,Wizz2u can help you cope with anything from a passport renewal, a leaky roof, your kids birthday party to Christmas shopping or an intensive house clean.Wizz2u take on the stressful part of the daily routine leaving you with enough time to enjoy life to the full!

For more information, visit www.wizz2u.com

BON VIVANT Bon Vivant is a concierge and luxury lifestyle management service based in London, offering a highly personalised service. Bon Vivant’s members have access to an all-encompassing luxury lifestyle management and concierge service; travel services (including the creation of bespoke travel itineraries, flights, hotels, restaurants, reduced rates, free upgrades and complimentary benefits); Members’ Clubs with entry to private clubs, guest-lists, and table service at exclusive nightclubs; Priority reservations and complimentary champagne at top London restaurants; discounts at a range of lifestyle services (including hair salons, spas and florists); and all your travel, leisure and lifestyle needs catered for in one membership. All members are allocated a personal bespoke lifestyle executive, whom they contact on a one-to-one basis, ensuring the highest level of personal service. Each member is also entitled to nominate one additional person who may use the service on the member’s behalf, at no additional cost.

Bon Vivant offers personal and corporate memberships on a monthly and annual basis.

For more information, visit www.bonvivant.co.uk or email info@bonvivant.co.uk

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LIVE MORE LIFE I’m waiting for the plumber; I forgot your birthday; I can’t get out of the office; I just don’t have the time. For those always strapped for time and reaching for the next excuse, lifestyle management could be the perfect solution.

With LiveMoreLife, clients can stop saying sorry and start saying “It’s under control”. Clients pass the company a list of things to do and quite simply, they carry out the tasks quickly, efficiently and to deadline – people will start to wonder how you get it all done! Their day job is letting you focus on your day job; you can’t afford not to!

For more information, call LiveMoreLife Lifestyle Management on 020 7384 3295, email info@livemorelife.co.uk or visit www.livemorelife.co.uk

MY LIFESTYLE PA Based in London, My Lifestyle PA offers a huge number of services, ranging from booking a holiday, sorting out home filing systems, to viewing flats on their clients’ behalf and finding hard to source items. Director Emma Fletcher comments, “There are so many time-poor people in London who would benefit hugely from their own Private PA.” My Lifestyle PA provides clients with professional PA and lifestyle management services so that your free time becomes your own. However hectic your life, they will help you take control, smooth things out and relax.

And with Christmas fast approaching, what better time is there to get organised? In addition to the huge number of services already on offer, My Lifestyle PA can assist with Christmas shopping; gift-wrapping; decorating your tree; stocking the fridge and cupboards for Christmas; writing and sending out your Christmas cards; assisting with Christmas parties; organising special Christmas treats; car hire for the Christmas period; and even planning a special break! Give yourself a stress-free Christmas, and let My Lifestyle PA do all the hard work.

With no membership fee you can use My Lifestyle PA’s services as much or as little as you need, simply pay by the hour when you need their services. Fully insured and with rates starting at £35 per hour, it couldn’t be simpler to have support on a completely flexible basis.

For more information, call 0300 900 1000, email info@mylifestylepa.com or visit www.mylifestylepa.com

LONDON CONCIERGE SERVICES In today’s busy world it’s refreshing to know that there is a company you can call on around the clock to make your life a little easier. London Concierge Services provide a personal lifestyle manager 365 days a year. The company’s current clients use their concierge around the clock for services such as Christmas shopping, restaurant reservations, travel services, sold out concert tickets, property services and errand running. We will deliver any requirement no matter how obscure.

There are two simple ways to make use of the service; an annual membership priced at £1,260 per annum gives you your own personal concierge 365 days a year, or a pay as you require service at £20 per hour for office based requests and £35 per hour if we are out on your behalf.

For more information call 07875 321 634 / 01622 206 940, email info@londonconciergeservices.co.uk or visit www.londonconciergeservices.co.uk

Old city

EAST MEETS WEST Josephine O’Donoghue combines a short break to northern Croatia with a day in Venice and a night aboard the Venice Simplon Orient Express

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o me, a short break means three days in a European capital. Lovely, yes – but formulaic after a time. Think Easyjet; boutique hotels; street cafés; and an inescapable pressure to ‘see the sights’ and appreciate the culture.

With three days off work, I wanted to get away from the office and away from London – but without the pressures that a city break so often includes.

Forget cocktail bars on the top floor of a towering hotel; forget art exhibitions that take up half a day; I wanted the laid back continental lifestyle for a few days, without time constraints or any great expectations.

Fortunately, a couple of friends had just returned from the charming coastal town of Rovinj (in the northern region of Istria, Croatia) raving about its old world charm, friendly locals and slower pace of life.

With temperatures ranging from 20-30°C in summer (and sea temperatures reaching an impressive 28°C in August) it

presents itself as the perfect location for a short break. I decided to put it to the test.

Travelling with friends, we arrived in Rovinj one late afternoon in early June.

Leaving our bags at the hotel (the fabulous 5* Hotel Monte Mulini, with beautiful rooms and wonderful staff), we decided to take an early evening stroll through the town as the sun dropped into the sea and the sky turned from pink, to orange, to purple. The town is widely known as one of “the most photogenic towns in the Mediterranean” and it doesn’t take long to appreciate its unique beauty.

Once an island (a shape clearly visible in its layout) and fishing town, Rovinj sits on a stunning piece of coastline, with twentytwo tiny islands close by. An area of protected natural heritage, its rocky coast, beautiful woodland and ancient town offer endless possibilities for recreation (biking, horse riding, jogging and sailing amongst

of Rovi

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the most popular). Utterly charming (especially as the sun sets and the night lights begin to twinkle), Rovinj is a maze of winding streets, interlocking squares, markets, craft shops, restaurants, bars and musicians.

An enchanting location, you can feel your worries ebb away with the gentle crashing of the waves around the town – hardly surprising then, that it is becoming ever more popular with the stressed British.

Whilst there is quite a choice of hotel accomodation in Rovinj, the newest and most luxurious hotel is the beautiful Monte Mulini. My room had a subtle interior decor based on the natural surroundings and gorgeous balcony which I could leave open overnight. With a panoramic view of the Adriatic Sea and Zlatni rt woodland along the coast, it was the perfect place to unwind with a book or glass of wine.

Despite the numerous restaurants in Rovinj, the hotel restaurant is usually the best choice for the first night of a holiday; we dined at the restaurant Mediterraneo, and sampled dishes from an innovative fusion of well-known and traditional Greek, Spanish, Lebanese and North African cuisines. The Wine Vault is the second of Monte Mulini’s fine dining restaurants serving a combination of French and Mediterranean cuisines, and is the more formal of the two.

With 550 carefully selected Croatian and imported labels and one of the best Croatian sommeliers, Emil Perdec – the Wine Vault is widely considered the hottest restaurant in Istria.

Happily ensconced in the Hotel Monte Mulini for three nights, we got to know the local area well; the surrounding natural beauty is breathtaking and whether you’re going for a fish picnic on the Limska draga fjord (which comes highly recommended) or going trufflehunting in nearby Grožnjan the views are absolutely spectacular.

For most travellers on short breaks in Europe, the journey home is nothing to look forward to. Budget airlines with hidden costs and ridiculous limitations on luggage make the journey a stressful end to what should be a relaxing break. But this is where a little extra planning goes a long way. Rather than driving back to Pula or Trieste airports (the two closest to Rovinj), we drove around the coastline to Venice, where we spent the morning exploring the winding canals of this beautiful city. From Venice we were able to board the iconic Venice Simplon Orient Express (VSOE) train and travel in glorious luxury all the way back to London. No arduous checkin or extra baggage charges here! (Good job too, as my suitcase was crammed with bottles of delicious Istrian olive oil, jars of truffles and Croatian wine not available outside the country).

Looking forward to the journey home was an entirely new experience, but one I am keen to repeat. The VSOE (as appears in the

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most recent Chanel No 5 advert starring Audrey Tautou) is the epitome of glamour; original 1920s carriages restored to their former glory, Venetian glass panels in the dining cars, walnut panelling in each compartment, and the finest attention to detail I have ever experienced. This is what luxury, glamour and timeless elegance looks like.

Leaving Venice late on a Saturday morning, the glossy blue and gold train snaked through the breathtaking scenery of the Italian Dolomites and the Swiss Alps. We enjoyed a delicious lunch together whilst watching the mountains pass us by, chatting to the other passengers and marvelling at the beauty of the famous train. As I sipped champagne in a high-backed arm chair, and gazed out at the sublime mountain views I soon acknowledged that nothing comes close to this kind of travel.

Attentive stewards serve tea and cakes in each private compartment mid-afternoon – after which you might take a nap or enjoy a book. There’s something about train travel that Hotel lobby slows you right down; alongside the gourmet cuisine and endless champagne, time is another luxury offered by the VSOE. As we socialised over cocktails in the bar car and dined on the most exquisite French cuisine that evening, the stewards passed through the carriages,

O STAY:

tel oms at Ho Double ro i start from €230 ulin Monte M . breakfast g in includ it is v s n o ati For reserv or call m converting the compartments o .c a tr ww.mais into comfortable bedrooms with w 85 52 800 250 +3

soft white towels, crisp bed linens and extra blankets. The train continues its journey through the night, and once tucked up in my bed, I was gently rocked into a deep sleep by the rhythmic movement of the carriage.

The train passed through Paris Gare de l’Est the following morning, stopping to pick up fresh lobsters for brunch later that morning – after a quick stroll for a morning newspaper in Paris and a mouth-watering brunch with champagne, we were speeding towards Calais and the British Pullman train at Folkestone.

All too soon we were pulling into London Victoria train station, at around 6pm on a Sunday evening. Boarding urant the plane to Trieste on o resta errane Medit Wednesday seemed but a dim memory after five days exploring the beautiful region of Istria and journeying across Europe on the Orient Express.Yes, this was a short break, but for once I came home feeling rejuvenated, and satisfied that I had experienced something more than a weekend tourist trap. A fantastic combination, Rovinj and the VSOE combine the very best of Europe on both sides of the Adriatic and I cannot wait to do it all over again next year.  THE VENICE SIMPLON ORIENT EXPRESS For more information, visit www.orient-express.com

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ISTRIA DON’T MISS… ...the main Church of St. Euphemia in Rovinj where the relics of the saint (a fourth-century woman from Constantinople) are kept.

From the church plateau there is a wonderful view of the open sea

...the Batana (flat-boat)

Museum in the town centre; this flat-bottomed boat is unique to Rovinj (and the small museum takes no more than 30 minutes)

...walking or cycling in the Zlatni rt parkland forest, near to the Hotel Monte Mulini ...an island cruise – boats leave hourly from the Rovinj port to St Andrew’s island where the Laterna restaurant serves delicious Istrian dishes for lunch and dinner

...spa treatments at

the Monte Mulini Hotel – the hotel’s Signature Gold Massage was one of the best I’ve ever had, using rich massage oil made from ancient Asian medicinal herbs, 22-carat gold, essential plant oils and algae

Hotel

...a visit to the nearby town of Pula to see one of the most well preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world (alongside a selection of highend boutiques and wine bars!) spa

ski weekender!

Presents

FEB

2010RY RUA

Vicinitee VIP is delighted to announce its forthcoming Ski-Weekender to be held in February 2010.

Register now for further information skiweekender@vicinitee.com

“Let us show you how its done!�

Join us for sun, skiing and schnapps, what could be better!

Off Piste guides, Snow Shoeing, Husky sledging, Paragliding and many more activities available to suit your weekend.

Limited spaces available.

For further information, or to register your interest please email: skiweekender@vicinitee.com

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HOURS IN....

BARCELONA Dominique Brady explores Spain’s second city and shares some of its best kept secrets for a 24 hour stay 10am: EXPLORE Start the day with a stroll down one of the most famous boulevards in the world, La Rambla, with its bustling mile-long collection of fortune-tellers, human statues and musicians. Food aficionados must pay a visit to La Boqueria, one of Europe’s largest and most famous food markets. The market gets busy by the afternoon so it’s best to head there in the morning and the early bird will secure a spot at the popular pintxos bars (the Catalonian version of tapas). Bar Central and Bar Pinotoxo are among the most popular with locals.

sits on a small mountain on the edge of the city and once you’ve taken in the views, visit the numerous gardens or the 1992 Olympic site. Then a short amble through the park will take you to the Fundació Joan Miró, home to over 225 paintings and 125 sculptures by the Spanish surrealist.

12pm: A TASTE OF GAUDI Cross over the Placa de Catalunya and onto the Passeig de Gracia for La Pedrera (The Stone Quary). This is one of Gaudi’s most mind boggling buildings and his last great civic work before he devoted his life to the Sagrada family. The stunning wavelike architecture and every detail from the maniacal balconies to the light fittings confound the senses with Gaudi’s visionary style. Make sure you head to the rooftop for stunning views of the city and more of Gaudi’s sculptural magic.

8pm: CHRISTMAS MARKET WITH A TWIST In front of the Cathedral of Santa Eulàlia, Barcelona’s Christmas market is a quirky Catalonian treat (29 November - 23 December). Alongside the more conventional Christmas wares on sale including mistletoe and trees, you can also buy a cagatió, a Christmas log with a face painted on it and wearing a bright red peasant’s hat. This jocular looking decoration is traditionally hidden under a blanket by Spanish children on Christmas day and beaten with a stick, while they sing to it to demand presents. Also tuck into Spanish Christmas delicacies including the turron (nougat) and polvorones (crumbly almond cookies).

2pm: TAPAS HEAVEN It would be unforgivable not to sample the city’s finest tapas for lunch. Tabaç24 on the Calle de Diputació is an almost a hidden gem but this basement bar serves excellent tapas. Choose from traditional dishes like the Iberian ham croquettes and lemon anchovies or one of chef Carles Abellan’s more individual nibbles: the McFoie burger, a small burger served on foie gras and oxtail and the Bikini C24, a small cheese and ham toastie served with truffle are well worth adding to your culinary CV. 3pm: CULTURE VULTURE Get the metro to the Parc de Montjuïc (the closest metro stop is the Paral-lel). The park

6pm: SALUD! It’s time to relax in one of Barcelona’s most stylish cocktail bars, Marmalade. Located on the Riera Alta it has a nod to 1950s New York Style with its copper clad antique walls, leather sofas and art deco bar. Happy hour is daily between 7pm-9pm, so there’s no excuse not to sample the extensive cocktail list.

10pm: DINNER ON THE SEA FRONT Barcelona’s coastal location makes it perfect for fresh seafood. Jump on the metro to Barceloneta and take your pick from numerous restaurants in the old fisherman’s quarters. Recommended is El Merendero de la Mari, one of four restaurants on the Pauca Pau Villa. With views of the boats and sea,

you can sit back and tuck into their popular fish soups or fresh fish and pick a glass from their wine list which includes more than 200 bottles.

12pm: POST-DINNER Explore the back streets and quirky bars that line the sea front around La Barceloneta.

Or, if you still have the energy, head for dancing and drinks at Le Kasbah, a North African style club with low tables, plush cushions and an outside terrace. Their cocktails can help to get you in the mood to join the busy dance floor and enjoy Barcelona’s legendary nightlife. 

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La Rambla

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Port Vell

ISLAND PARADISE Charlotte Evans flies halfway around the world for an exotic break in the world’s most exclusive island paradise

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estled in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives are a series of 202 inhabited ancient coral reefs that grew up around the sides of towering prehistoric volcanoes (which have long since sunk into the ocean). After much concern and controversy about the effect of the longterm rise in sea levels on the low-lying coral islands, the Maldives are defying the negative projections with some of the most popular and luxurious resorts in the world.

Seven and a half hours and yet a world away from Heathrow, Velassaru is located on a private island, soaked in year-round Maldivian sunshine.

The renowned white sands dissolve into translucent turquoise, and lush tropical greenery conceals the natural beauty within.

After landing at Male airport, I was greeted with a chilled facial towel, mineral water and a smile from the attentive team who took me on a scenic speedboat journey to the resort. The moment I stepped ashore I felt at home; greeted by name and handed the most delicious aperitif and nibbles, I didn’t experience any of the familiar arduous check-in experience.

During my retreat at Velassaru, I was staying in one of the resort’s stunning water villas; a serene hideaway perched above the turquoise lagoon.

Whether honeymooning or escaping alone, the king-size bed draped in sheer linen and silk, was the most overindulgent bed I have ever had the pleasure of relaxing on. From this sleepy sanctuary there is a full sea-facing wall opening out to the spacious overwater terrace and the expansive lagoon beyond. Just off the bedroom and living area, the walk through wardrobe and dressing area leads to an open plan bathing space, complete with a freestanding bathtub, a separate tiled shower and twin sinks. That evening

Open plan bathing space, Velassaru

I experienced the world’s most luxurious bath; with the terrace door open, my view of the moonlit shimmering ocean was breathtaking.

The next morning I discovered that the terrace I had been looking out over the night before was also a private entrance to the lagoon. Other facilities of the villa include everything from an espresso machine, mid-morning snacks and beverages, to in-villa surround sound entertainment (including iPod dock) to soundtrack the time spent on the terrace.

With eight ways to dine at the resort you will never go hungry; the culinary art of Velassaru’s chefs showcases an innovative taste of world cuisines, with a unique Maldivian flare. Guests here can choose from a full range, from relaxed dining in the Turquoise and Vela restaurants, to more formal dining in Etesian and Teppanyaki in Sand. Velassaru also offers in-villa dining, a light lunch on your terrace, champagne and canapés, or a personal barbeque, served with discretion and the ultimate privacy.

Whilst tasting some of the delicious dishes on offer I discovered quite a liking for the traditional Maldivian curry, for breakfast! As the Maldives is more sea than land, it is usually styled as a fish curry, and being so close to India, the fiery spices have certainly found their way into the traditional cooking. Other recommendations include ‘hedhikaa’, finger food such as ‘gulha’ (fried dough balls filled with fish and spices), ‘kulhi boakibaa’ (spicy fish cakes) and ‘fihunu mas’ (fish pieces in a chilli coating). Something quite different was the equivalent to our after-dinner mint; the areca nut. Chewed after a meal or snack, these oval nuts are sliced into sections with cloves and lime paste, before being wrapped in an areca leaf. This wad is supposed to be chewed whole, and is definitely an acquired taste!

Each individual break at Velassaru can be as structured and tailored as you like; guests may simply book their villa and spend the duration by the beautiful infinity pool or explore totally unguided.

Alternatively, Velassaru offers packages for everyone; diving courses are available with fully qualified, multilingual instructors – and for those who want to see the amazing coral and aquatic life, but don’t have a PADI, snorkelling is another option. I opted for the snorkelling, and experienced sights I thought I would only ever see in a David Attenborough documentary.

The crystal clear sea with the reef surrounding the

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resort is a hub of sea life, and baby sharks (who are perfectly harmless), use the lagoon as a nursery. If you feel like you’d rather catch your dinner, than swim with it, deep sea fishing is also offered. Whilst this does involve getting up before the sun rises, it is exciting to see what the fishermen experience. All forms of water sports are available with instructors if required.

After all the adventures guests may wish to relax at the five star spa. I chose the Vibrant Waters Cocoon Elements Wrap; with soothing gel of water lily, this treatment gave my skin a much needed deep hydration, after a few days in the sun. With massage, facials, wraps, and other signature rituals available you would certainly be missing out if you didn’t book in during your stay. The facilities include use of the hot tub on the terrace, outdoor showers, steam room and all other spa luxuries. And you’d be sadly mistaken if you thought this was all for the ladies; special packages specifically designed for gentlemen as well as yoga and relaxation techniques are also available.

The Maldives, and the exquisite Velassaru resort in particular, is a perfect indulgent break; breathtaking in nature, beauty and true relaxation, this is a holiday that will stay with you long after the tan has faded. n

Waterbungalows

Visitor Facts

Amazing sea views, Velassaru

Kuoni (01306 747008 or www.kuoni.co.uk) offers seven nights at Velassaru, Maldives on bed and breakfast basis in a deluxe bungalow, including flights with Sri Lankan Airlines from Heathrow with transfers in resort and access to the VIP lounge in Male airport on departure.

Prices for 2010 from £1,136 per person based on two sharing.

© All images courtesy of Universal Resorts Maldives

For more information on Velassaru Maldives resort go to www.velassaru.com

dream catchers

Creating dreams with you, for you, by us. www.mydreamcatchers.com info.mydreamcatchers.com

Contact: 07706 100258

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A world ApArt Kate Harrison finds tranquil perfection in a Thai oasis on Koh Phangan

Supreme Deluxe, Santhiya

Pool, Supreme Deluxe Building

K

oh Phangan, a tropical backpacker mecca, renowned for its laidback culture, glistening white beaches and perfect weather has long been a destination for footloose and fancy free school leavers, drawn to the beautiful beaches, plethora of bars and hostels and the stunning scenery. But, hidden away at one end of this beautiful island, is something altogether different, and rather more luxurious.

Santhiya is a stunning boutique hideaway, with 76 rooms and suites nestled into the lush tropical hillside, with sweeping views across the island and out to the sparkling blue ocean.

We arrived in the early evening, on a speedboat direct from Koh Samui, as the sun was going down and the resort was bathed in golden light. Pulling to the bay, faced with beautiful wooden villas, and gentle swaying palms, we literally felt the rest of the world receding; and after the hustle and bustle of Koh Samui, and the breathtaking dash across the sea to the island, the tranquil calm of Santhiya was a welcome change.

Our villa suite was perfection – a wooden oasis of light and warmth, draped in swathes of soft white cotton, with subtle Thai decor, and a vast balcony complete with private pool, open air bathroom and a dining and lounging area. Sipping a cool champagne cocktail on arrival as we watched the sunset from our balcony was the perfect way to leave the rest of the world behind, and really relax.

All the hideaway villa suites at Santhiya offer the choice of an open air, or enclosed bathroom, as well as a secluded private pool; and the pool villa suites – perfect for sharing with friends – have two bedrooms and large, freeform pools, where you can while away the hours gazing at the view, and enjoying the crisp, cool water.

Our suite was equipped with all the usual luxury amenities, including LCD television, air-conditioning, internet, safe and DVD player. But it was the extra details that made this place so special: the open air bathroom, whose huge tub was filled with hot water, essential oils and strewn with rose petals; or the ever changing dappled light as the sun trickled through the trees surrounding our villa; and the fresh coconut smoothies we enjoyed each morning, listening to the quiet calls of the birds while we awoke from another night’s deep, comfortable sleep.

We nearly didn’t want to leave our suite, but the extensive menu at Chantara, not to mention its wonderful location and selection of fine wines, proved too much of a temptation. Situated in a grand wooden structure, based on traditional Thai architecture, and surrounded by perfect white sand, the restaurant is so well placed that from breakfast through to dinner you can enjoy an unparalleled panoramic view, watching as the sun moves through the sky, reflecting on the sparkling ocean. We ate there several times, never growing tired of the sumptuous Thai cuisine, or the excellent international dishes, all infused with a local flavour.

The resort also boasts a romantic seaside bar – serving lunch and dinner it is the perfect place to enjoy a cool cocktail and a fresh Thai salad, BBQ meats or local grilled fish. We loved wandering from our pool, or fresh from a swim in the warm sea, at midday, to relax in the shade and enjoy a cool glass of wine and some fresh sushi. During the day you can also stop for a coffee at Mahkok, a café nestled in the jungle, serving pastries and cakes, as well as doubling as a souvenir shop.

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ACCOMMODATION Santhiya, Koh Pha-ngan

It’s hard not to feel relaxed at Santhiya; the entire place exudes tranquillity and calm.

And nowhere more so than the Ayurvana Spa – a fabulous space that gives a whole new meaning to ‘getting away from it all.’ Relaxing on the large open air sala, with views across the bay, we really enjoyed our traditional Thai massage; and found our spirits soothed by a reflexology treatment. The spa runs a number of dual treatments for couples, the ultimate romantic indulgence – we particularly loved the aromatherapy massages.

Inspired by the soothing, calm

environment we also took advantage of the yoga and meditation classes available, leaving us stretched, toned and peaceful.

Santhiya is a perfect haven of calm and luxury, a perfect place to escape the world and take some much needed time out. This wonderful resort can be easily reached by speedboat or ferry from Koh Samui, and flights to Koh Samui from Bangkok are very regular.

Boutique Thai airline Bangkok Airways even offers up to 20 flights a day to Koh Samui – so getting to paradise couldn’t be easier. n

Prices at Santhiya Resort & Spa start from 12,000 Thai Baht (approx £212) per room per night, based on two sharing a Santhiya Deluxe Room on a bed and breakfast between 6 January and 30 April 2010. Visit www.santhiya.com or e-mail reservation@santhiya.com

GETTING THERE London to Bangkok Jet Airways, India’s premier international airline, flies twice a day from London to Bangkok. A return flight starts from £384. For information on schedules and fares visit www.jetairways.com or call 0808 101 1199 Bangkok to Koh Samui Bangkok Airways, Asia’s boutique airline offers up to 20 flights daily from Bangkok to Koh Samui, with prices from £158 per person return including taxes. For information and reservations visit www.bangkokair.com or call 01293 596626

Chalets Villas Yachts Lifestyle Antigua Chamonix Corsica Languedoc

Chalet Amazon Creek, Chamonix

We specialise in bespoke, luxury holidays with an emphasis on first class personal service and tailor made activities. Our exceptional standards, experienced staff and attention to detail will provide you with a truly memorable stay.

Our stunning chalets offer a service that is second to none including our complimentary Amazon Creek Ski Programme, offering ski instruction and hosting from our experienced instructors.

Relax after a day on the slopes in the chalet spas, choose your favourite bottle from the chalet wine cellar and indulge with a 3-course dinner prepared by our chalet chefs. Take advantage of our chauffeured vehicles, offering dedicated service until the early hours and enjoy an evening in one of Chamonix town’s many bars.

We are also delighted to announce the launch of our first custom-built 77ft sailing yacht ‘Swallows and Amazons’. Fully crewed and luxuriously catered, she is available for winter Caribbean and summer Mediterranean charter.

Sign up to our exclusive mailing list via our website to be the first to hear about new properties, offers and news

Please telephone +44 (0)1344 894576 to discuss your holiday or email: enquiries@amazoncreek.co.uk

www.amazoncreek.co.uk

THE_CITY_210x297mm_OCT_2009.indd 1

26/10/2009 21:55

S

TICK

ET TICK

£60 0 4 £ ETS

inclu

des Vicin ite mem bers e VIP hip*

There is only one club... ...there is only one party

Presents

aprÈs ski london 2009 at the roof gardens, kensington

the biggest and best ski party outside of the Alps 20th November 2009 Tickets include...

Bratwurst BBQ | Fondue | Ski Simulators | Falling Snow | Lederhosen London Bierfest’s Oompah Band | Schnapps | Jägermeister | Frauleins | Ski Jump Vodka Luge Beer Steins | Glühwein | Swiss Chocolate Fountain | Cheesy Ski Hits The Tiroler Hut’s Cow Bells | and of course... a Yodeler! and more...

be part of

london’s most powerful network as featured in

TM

Vicinitee_VIP_DPS_Nov_09_RevC.indd 1

EVENTS NOT TO BE MISSED! Two more events to which V-VIP members have access. Whether an event is ‘sold out’ or ‘not for sale’, contact our team and we will endeavour to get you access to events of your choosing, here and abroad.

05th November 2009 MPH Top Gear 09 Live Motoring Theatre featuring stunts, live -action sequences and a selection of awe-inspiring and gravity-defying acts that push both cars and drivers to their limits - including car chases, crashes, explosions and an amazing line-up of the world's most desirable cars driven by world class drivers.

Enjoy a unique tyre-screeching hospitality package and the performance, sprinkled with a liberal dose of Clarkson wit and pure motoring heaven.

03rd December 2009 Berkeley Square B The Ball is now established as one of the most coveted events of the London social calendar.

In fact the trend setting Sunday Times Style section has chosen this extravaganza as one of the top ten events of the season three years in a row. With Nobu, Taittinger and Giorgio Locatelli handling the catering, you can understand why.

OFFERS NOT TO BE MISSED! Don’t forget to visit www.viciniteevip.com to view over 400 of all the very best privileges and benefits negotiated for you by us across a wide selection of London’s leading companies. Below are two of our latest affiliations which offer exclusive & preferential terms to our Vicinitee VIP members.

Arturo Bespoke Jewellery Design Using 30 years experience and both traditional and the very latest cutting edge 3-Dimensional technology. We can bring our clients ideas to life on computer before a commitment to buy, allowing them to have truly unique pieces of jewellery. Changing the way you buy jewellery.

The Lane Bar and The Kapok Tree Has finally given the East End a venue that significantly stands out from the rest.

Pop in for lunch, an evening meal or a great night out. The Lane Bar’s professional mixologist is just one of this venue’s highlights.

For more information on these events, to view our forthcoming VIP parties or simply browse through our exclusive deals and concessions, visit www.viciniteevip.com * Vicinitee VIP, as event sponsor, will provide all guests who pay for the premium £60 ticket, one year’s Full Membership to their luxury lifestyle club, www.viciniteevip.com (£500/annum membership).

N.B. This offer expires at close of business on the 20th November or when tickets to the event have sold out, whichever is before. Please contact vip@vicinitee.com for information.

29/10/2009 16:09:55

The best Italian in town.

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni, now available at Lamborghini Sevenoaks and Lamborghini Reading.

Lamborghini Sevenoaks

Lamborghini Reading

92 London Road

Bennet Road

Sevenoaks

Reading

Kent

Berkshire

TN13 1BA

RG2 0QX

Tel 01732 430 039

Tel 0118 336 0116

www.lamborghini-sevenoaks.com

www.lamborghini-reading.com

Lamborghini Sevenoaks and Lamborghini Reading, part of Jardine Motors Group.

G DGETS GADGETS

gadgets

71

JAMIE CARTER PRESENTS THIS MONTH’S HOTTEST GADGETS

LIGHT WORK

As laptops have got cheaper, it’s been tempting to carry around the largest you can manage. That’s a false economy and Sony has sought to ease our load with its latest X Series VAIO, claimed to be the world’s lightest laptop at just 655g. This gold, black or carbon 11.1-inch laptop is also very slim at 13.9mm and includes highspeed mobile broadband with ‘Everywair’ wireless connectivity.

Sony VAIO VPCX11S1E/B laptop, £POA www.sony.co.uk

IRIVER RUNS THROUGH IT

Folk often forget that there’s one thing the all-conquering iPhone doesn’t have: a DAB radio. Those after some crystal clear footie commentary, particularly, will love iRiver’s new B30. It’s not just got built-in FM, DAB and next-gen DAB+ radio tuners, but can even record radio shows and show you the week’s schedules. Add the ability to play MP3 music, videos – with a ‘shake’ function to change tracks – and the B30 becomes a totally unique gadget for fans of the ‘wireless’. iRiver B30 portable MP3 and DAB radio 8/16GB, £139 www.dadaudio.co.uk

HIGH CLASS HI-DEF

When it comes to Blu-ray, it’s all about the quest for pin-sharp high definition – but there are a lot of budget players around that don’t always get the best out of the latest shiny discs. Denon’s latest Blu-ray player has features and quality galore. As well as supporting ‘lossless’ audio, the DBP1610BK can download extra disc content from the internet, play DivX video files and even hi-def video from camcorders’ SD cards.

Denon DBP1610BK Blu-ray player, £399.99 www.denon.co.uk

READER MEET AUTHOR

It’s not been the phenomenon some predicted, but Sony’s idea to put 350 e-books into a five-inch tablet is proving a slow burning success. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Sony’s latest portable Reader is its battery life, which stretches to two weeks of constant use.

With a 3G-capable device recently launched in the US, Sony’s new concept looks set to become the essential travelling companion.

Sony Reader Pocket Edition, £169.99 www.johnlewis.com

SENSITIVE SOUL

If an iPod dock wants to be a de facto hi-fi for the home, in our opinion it needs a digital DAB radio tuner – and that’s just what MagicBox’s Touch Nocturne XP-1 offers. Its slide in/slide out dock charges an iPod while it plays through two 7W speakers. There’s even a 20W subwoofer built-in, though it’s the touch sensitive blue-onblack controls that are likely to catch your eye.

MagicBox Touch Nocturne XP-1 iPod dock & DAB/FM radio, £99.99 www.magicboxproducts.co.uk

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gadgets

DARK CRYSTAL

With huge HD Ready tellies now installed in most lounges, the Christmas rush for bedroom TVs is about to begin. M&S is seeking to tap in to that trend with this Swarovski crystal-studded LCD TV. Available in black and bright pink, this 19-inch is HD Ready and Freeview-ready.

M&S Swarovski Crystal 19-inch LCD TV, £POA www.marksandspencer.com

SOUND AND VISION

Hi-fi is back. After a few years in the doldrums, compact hi-fis – like this Teac – are embracing DAB radio and digital music. Teac’s DRH358i goes one better by offering not only CD playback, but even DVD discs – and you can hook it up to a TV via its HDMI output. It also plays MP3 and WMA music, and also DivX video files.

Teac DR-H358i DAB/FM receiver & CD/DVD player, £379 www.teac.co.uk

TOUCH OF CLASS

Radio may never be the same again. It may have a huge colour touchscreen, customised ‘apps’ and a Wi-Fi digital streamer, but Pure’s breakthrough Sensia gadget is, at its heart, a digital DAB radio.

Controlled via the touchscreen through iPhone-esque scrolling, tapping and swiping, the elliptical Sensia is available in red, yellow, black or white.

Pure Sensia DAB radio & internet radio, £249.99 www.touchmyradio.com

CALLED TO THE BAR

Messy 5.1 home cinemas are so last century. KEF’s stylish KHT range now includes this sleek soundbar that offers a three-way speaker system complete with subwoofer; surround sound it may not be, but a vast improvement on your TV’s sound quality is assured. It’s designed to discretely accompany a 42-inch plasma or LCD TV and can be easily mounted on a wall.

KEF KHT8005 Soundbar, £1,099 www2.kef.com/gb

CAUGHT IN THE NET

All-in-one home cinemas have been around a while, but since they’ve started to include Blu-ray players they’ve become a must-have in the lounge. LG’s new HB954SP not only offers Full HD playback of Blu-ray discs, 5.1 surround sound using satellite speakers and 1,000W of audio power, but some other nifty features – an iPod dock, downloads from BD Live, and one click access to YouTube and its 2.5 billion videos.

LG HB954SP Blu-ray home cinema, £699.99 www.lge.co.uk

city-imac.indd 1

27/10/2009 16:22

WARNING:

YOU COULD BECOME

ADDICTED

Light, nimble and blessed with the kind of agility only the most special cars possess, we’ve really put the Lotus Exige through its paces in both town and country. This month Eren Ellwood makes the most of our last days of dry with a trip to Beaulieu to visit famous relatives

O

ver the past few weeks I have desperately been trying to make the most of each and every dry day that we are blessed with. Not that the Exige hasn’t proven perfectly manageable in the rain whatever I’ve thrown at it (not that I’m bringing traction control into the picture at all!) but I still love the security and feedback you get from attacking A roads in perfect conditions.

Now, I’m not saying that I’m now having to find excuses to get out in the Lotus, heaven forbid. The magic is still there and the keys are still firmly mine (ask anyone around me and they’ll confirm that one for sure) but eight months on and I’m still getting excited about ‘just going for a drive’.

The Exige has a habit of doing this to me... With all the best intentions in the world I still thought the novelty

of having a sports car might wear off after a few months.

This couldn’t have been farther from the truth: I still find myself driving home from Canary Wharf, driving past the house and heading towards the M11. It’s turning into a bit of an addiction, at least three times a week.

Last weekend my addiction got the better of me and I decided it was time to take a field trip. The plan was to go to Beaulieu , Britain’s National Motor Museum. It was also a great excuse to check out the original Lotus Esprit that emerged from the Bahaman Ocean in ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’ not to mention the Lotus 78 (better known as the John Player Special 16) a little bit of history to prepare me for the fact that I will now be, by default, supporting Lotus F1 Racing as they make their comeback to Formula 1.

motoring

The drive down was fantastic. It was on the weekend, you probably remember the eerily good weathered one (where we had sun both days!). The journey down to outskirts of Hampshire was one of a mixed bag, well actually more like that pack of fruit pastilles that somehow has only got two red ones in and a lifetime supply of yellows and greens.

First was the journey across London to get to the M3: Relentless traffic (yellows and greens!). In the Exige this is further exacerbated, in the same way that a cheetah shouldn’t be caged. You’re constantly looking for gaps to open it up and let the engine breathe, and it’s these small gaps are the ones that motivate you to keep going.

Once through London it’s an easy ride down; motorway driving is done with ease and whilst you feel more stable (thanks to the rear wing) you’re much more engaged in the driving than in a standard car. The net result is that it’s all over very quickly and before you know it you’re on the A roads leading to Beaulieu

(all reds!) and arguably where the Lotus gives you the best return on your investment. Now I know I’m a car enthusiast but I dare anyone to tell me that it’s not thrilling to have such precision and control at your fingertips and toes.

Once at Beaulieu, I pulled in just in time to see a load of American tourists disgorging from a coach and making their way over to the entrance, straight past me. Now I know America is a much bigger place but I also know that have a good Lotus following there, so when one of the girls in the group started shouting “oh my God, oh my God, it’s the Batmobile!” I had to start laughing, which then turned into the affirmation that this really is one of the coolest cars around.

I’ve been lucky enough to drive most modern day super cars, including Lamborghinis, Ferraris, Mercedes SLRs and I have to say that I get even more interest sitting in the Exige than in any of the others.

What’s more it’s not attention in the traditional envious sense. I think there’s a huge amount of awe and

patriotism that goes together with Lotus and the Exige. It’s almost as if people acknowledge that if you’ve got an Exige its not just to flex your wallet but more that you’re serious about driving.

Now for the embarrassing part, what seems to happen at most dinners, events and anywhere else I go in this car: I end up rushing through whatever I’m doing to get back in it. The museum was hugely interesting and to see the heritage and history of motoring in this country was an eye opener. But with respect, I’m still more excited by the cars still moving! n NEXT MONTH: We take the Exige and Evora from Goodwood to Macon on The Beaujolais Run… www.grouplotus.com

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motoring

LEXUS GETS

Star of October’s Tokyo Motor Show was not an environmentally friendly electric car or a retro-cute city car, but a fire-breathing monster finds Matthew Carter

T

he Lexus LFA is a 200mph supercar powered by a front-mounted, 4.8-litre naturally aspirated V10 engine developing 552bhp.

Despite the extra cylinders, the V10 is said to be as compact as a conventional V8 and weigh as much as a typical V6. The engine’s red line is set as an unbelievable 9,000 rpm.

A technological showcase, the LFA uses Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic not just for the bodywork but for the chassis as well. Said to be four times as strong as aluminium, CFRP is exceptionally stiff and strong and yet weighs notably less than the metal.

CFRP accounts for around 65 per cent of the car’s body weight.

LFA is rear wheel drive and has a purpose-designed six-speed automatic sequential transmission with paddle shifters behind the wheel. Changes are said to take 0.2 seconds. The system has four modes – Auto, Sport, Normal and Wet – and each setting affects not just the transmission but the engine and brake systems.

Zero to 62mph takes 3.7 seconds and the top speed is 202 mph.

Best of all this is a real car, not a motor show concept. Production is due to start soon in Japan, though only 500 hand-built examples will ever be made, at a rate of 20 a month. And the price? A hefty €368,000 or £336,000. n

HEAVY

77

T

hey say that first impressions are lasting impressions.

When it comes to Nissan’s new 370Z, it’s best to remember that…

The moment you spy the brooding 370Z it’s love at first sight. This is, after all, a proper two-seater sports car. It’s naturally aggressive, brutal even and clearly looking for a fight.

Although obviously related to the 350Z of old, the ‘370 Zee’ is more compact and more focused; it’s lower, lighter and more powerful. Where the 350 was quick and competent, the 370Z is going to move things onto an even higher plane.

The warm feelings continue once you’re behind the wheel: Grippy sports seats, small leather clad wheel, perfectly placed controls. These are the first impressions, remember.

It’s when you start driving the thing that the second thoughts, the doubts, start to kick in. To its eternal credit, Nissan has resisted the temptation to soften the car – if you want a smooth, long-legged coupé, try the new Infinti G37, powered by the same engine. But if you want visceral thrills, stick with the Z. Thing is, the lack of compromise comes as something of a shock. That initial trip – the typical dealer test drive – shows up the car in the worst possible light. The ride is stiff and uncompromising with every bump and imperfection shuddering through the shell. It’s noisy, too, with tyre/road noise verging on the painful.

The gearshift is worse. It’s a sixspeed manual with ratios perfectly matched to extract the 331 horses developed by the 3.7-litre V6 engine, but it’s far from smooth.

Indeed, it would feel more at home in a truck, such is the brute force needed to shift gear.

MAKING AN

IMPRESSION After the first couple of miles behind the wheel, it would be easy to dismiss the new Nissan 370Z as too harsh, says Matthew Carter. But persevere, and that all changes

motoring

Around town, in fact, it’s near impossible to drive smoothly: the transmission is snatchy and the brakes grab. Were this a dealer test drive, it would now be time to turn around, head back to the showroom and talk about buying a Micra instead of the 370Z (well, almost). This is not a dealer test drive, so I continue.

And thank goodness I do… for it’s only after a few miles with the car that I start to get it. It’s the third impression that counts!

There’s a fabulous triangle of B roads northwest of Reading that provide an excellent test of any car; I’m not going to be more specific otherwise what’s largely traffic free will become over-run. The stretch is a wonderful combination of fast open roads with excellent visibility and sweeping bends with the occasional tight turn thrown in for good measure.

The surface is, by and large, good and as well as being lightly trafficked, it’s not a popular route for horses or walkers.

And it was along here than the 370Z and I suddenly started to gel. Once properly on the move, for example, the jerkiness of the transmission disappears. It still demands a firm hand on

the gearlever, but its truck-like demeanour makes sense as, at speed, what you need are positive, deliberate shifts.

Then there’s the ride. At no point can the 370Z ever be described as cosseting, but at speed things tend to smooth out.

With a lower centre of gravity and a wider track, cornering is sharper and flatter than before. Grip is exceptional and at all times the car tells you what it’s doing: rarely do you find a car in which the steering, suspension, brakes and transmission are in such harmony.

It’s when pressing-on that the transmission really gets clever, automatically blipping the throttle when shifting down and allowing every driver to perform perfect ‘heel-and-toe’ changes.

Nissan calls it Synchro Rev Match and it flatters even the most cack-handed driver with seamless racing changes each and every time. Hasn’t this been around for a while? On some paddle-shift automatics, yes, but this is the first time on a manual.

But it’s the engine that really scores here. While a 3.7-litre V6 is never going to be the most economical method of transport around (Nissan’s official figures reckon you’ll see a combined

figure of 26.9mpg, but that’ll be with a gentle right foot only) it is a simply magnificent engine.

The rev counter, which sits dead ahead of the driver and dominates the instrument panel, is red-lined at 7,500rpm. Peak power is reached at 7,000rpm and that means spine-tingling performance right up through the rev range. All this is accompanied by a banshee howl from under the bonnet.

It is a glorious lump and delivers performance to make your eyes water: 60mph will take around 5secs while the top speed of 155mph will mean regular trips to the German autobahnen will be required to make the most of the car.

The story is just as good inside the cockpit. Again it’s a no compromise design with figure hugging leather and suede-covered seats – bright orange in the test car – and an instrument panel wrapped around the driver. It’s easy to find the perfect driving position as the entire instrument binnacle moves with the steering wheel when adjusted.

One area where the 370Z

79

has made huge gains over the 350Z is in terms of quality: this now feels like a £30k motor car, where the old one, frankly, did not. The plastics and leather appear to be of much higher quality which not only makes the cabin a more pleasant place to be, but should also offer greater durability in the future.

And there are dozens of neat performance touches, such as the knee pad on the transmission tunnel, offering extra protection as the driver braces for a corner.

The 370Z is even a touch more practical than the old 350Z. The bracing bar that ran right across the old car’s boot and rendered it near unusable has gone and while the 370Z’s luggage area is far from huge, there is now space for a couple of weekend bags.

There are three versions of the 370Z on offer with prices starting at £26,900, but the top GT Ultimate with sat nav, a Bose sound system and gorgeous 19 inch forged alloy wheels as standard for £31,900, is the one to go for.

If you’re after a genuine nocompromise sports car, the 370Z ticks most of the boxes. Just, whatever you do, make sure your dealer test drive is more than a 20-minute trip around the block. Borrow one for a day and have a blast! n IN BRIEF CaR: Nissan 370Z GT Ultimate PRICE: £31,900 ENgINE: 3.7-litre V6 petrol PowER: 331ps DRIvE: Rear-wheel drive

sports

81

BUY IT: Crocodile Shoes

news

ECCO has launched their most exclusive range of golf shoes yet. Their Premium 109 collection is handmade to order and individually produced with hand selected crocodile skins. With only 109 being made (hence the name), you’ll need to get your order in soon. Shoes from £2,000, exclusively available to order from Wentworth golf club, 01344 846306

David and Goliath

PLAY IT: Pro Evolution Soccer 2010

sports

what to watch:

Pro Evo is back and better than ever.

With new 360 degree control and all the major national teams and UEFA teams now included, your sofa suddenly seems a better spot than a night out. The new menu and amazingly realistic graphics make this one of the best football games around and a must have for any self respecting football fan.

Londoner David Haye “The Hayemaker” is taking on Russian Nikolai Valuev “The Beast from the East” in this eagerly anticipated WBA Heavyweight title fight.

It’ll be a big ask for the Hayemaker to take on the 7ft, 23-stone Russian who has yet to be floored or knocked out in 16 years. Besides the fact that it’s only Haye’s third heavyweight fight, he has already provoked the Goliathan boxer by calling him a “circus freak” and “ugly”. Rather him than us...

Sky Box Office, November 7, 9pm

PC, PSP, PS3, Wii, X360, from £44.99

Saturday Scrums

Tennis’ top eight male players will battle it out in London this month to be ranked the year-end number one and to be crowned the ATP World Tour Champion. This is the first time the eight day battle has come to London and over 20,000 fans will pack out The O2 each day to watch the greats compete. Expect fast balls and high octane thrills – we’re cheering on our national favourite Andy Murray.

A packed month of rugby union’s Autumn International games should clear your social schedule every Saturday.

Watch England take on Australia (Nov 7) and Argentina (Nov 14) battle New Zealand (Nov 21). You might well need an extra pint or two – five of England’s Lions players from the South Africa Test are injured as are more than a third of the players from the two senior national squads.

Martin Johnson is going to have to conjure a bit of managerial magic to make England deliver.

November 22-29, The O2

November 7-28

Clash of the Titans

SAY WHAT?

Yes, Terry is my pet:

Looks like Chelsea manager has a soft spot for his captain John Edward...

Five things you didn’t know about...

Nikolai Valuev

He is the tallest, heaviest u heavyweight boxing champion in history u He is a bit of a culture vulture; he likes history, poetry and reading Sir Arthur Conan Doyle… u … and more strangely Agatha Christie u He is close friends with Arsenal’s Andrey Arshavin u He prides himself on his good manners and sportsmanship and gets upset when people call him a “beast”

sport

83

Henri Leconte:

THE FRENCH MAVERICK Lawrence Barretto catches up with enigmatic tennis hero Henri Leconte ahead of his return to the Royal Albert Hall next month for the AEGON Masters

W

hen it comes to naming the greatest tennis players never to win a grand slam tournament, few will rank higher than the popular and charismatic Frenchman that is Henri Leconte.

The 46-year-old was synonymous with a mesmerizing range of shots and dedication to game and next month, Leconte will once again bring his irresistible charm and sense of fun to the Royal Albert Hall for the season-ending Masters tournament on the ATP Champions Tour.

“I always look forward to playing at the Royal Albert Hall,” said Leconte. “It’s a real pleasure to comeback every year in such a magnificent arena. It’s like being able to play at the Opéra National de Paris.You just know that it’s special.”

The AEGON Masters attracts the best tennis players from around the world who have retired from the main tour and competed on the ATP men’s seniors’ tour. However to maintain the standards, players must have been ranked number one in the world, reached a Grand Slam final or won a Davis Cup as a singles player as well as having retired from the professional circuit.

The seniors go for finesse and crowd-pleasing shots rather than the power hitting and lightening quick serves which you’ll see on the main tour which leads Leconte to cheekily suggest that

the Masters is a better watch than the ATP World Finals which takes place the week before.

“The Royal Albert Hall is an excellent venue. They may have the best players but we have the old farts playing. We’re here to play doubles, have a good time and put on a good show.”

At 46, Leconte feels that his best days are behind him, so will focus on the doubles event at the Masters. However, he’s still mischievous enough to suggest that he could give the top players a run for their money in a one-off match. “Of course, it would be difficult,” Leconte initially concedes, “but I just played a singles exhibition in Budapest in Hungary against Stefan Edberg and Pat Cash and I beat them both so I’m in quite good form. But I can play like that for week and then I don’t know what will happen the next.

I just love to play tennis and have a good match.”

A junior French Open champion aged just 17; Leconte graduated to the professional tour and promptly won his first singles title less than two years later. He won a French Open doubles title, partnering Yannick Noah, in 1984 but just missed out on in the French Open singles title when he lost to Mats Wilander in 1988. Nevertheless, the French maverick never failed to send his legion of fans home happy with the highlight of his career coming in 1991 Davis Cup Final when he guided

his country to victory over the United States. “For us, the Davis Cup came before the Grand Slams in importance,” said Leconte of the international team knock-out competition. “I think it’s very important to play for your country.”

An extrovert performer through and through, Leconte was one of a selection of players who ensured that the crowd got their money’s worth when they came to see him. Today, the sport lacks that personality as the professionalism of the game takes over. “The game is getting more and more serious, the quality of the tennis is constantly pushing the bar and the level of expectation is enormous,” said Leconte. “They play so many tournaments in a season and simply don’t have the time to settle down, relax and take things a little less seriously.”

However, together with his doubles partner Mansour Bahrami, Leconte is desperate to ensure there’s not a frown in the house when they take to the court for a series of doubles matches at next month’s AEGON Masters. “We go there to have fun, play some tennis and most importantly put on a good show.” n Henri Leconte will be competing at the AEGON Masters Tennis, taking place 1-6 December at the Royal Albert Hall.

020 7070 4404 www.aegonmasterstennis.com

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FILM & CULTURE Cat Hughes previews Starsuckers

A

ndy Warhol was famously quoted as saying, “Everyone will be world famous for fifteen minutes”. He is right in a way, and today we live in a society become obsessed with fame and celebrity. This is the subject of Chris Atkins’ new film Starsuckers, a thought- provoking documentary which aims to expose the darker side of celebrityobsessed media.

Starsuckers is an independent picture, filmed in secret over two years. It uses a mix of animation, stunts, undercover reporting and never-before-seen footage to expose the working methods of the media industry. The film (whose tag line reads “When the media makes a star, you get made the sucker”) attacks the industry’s bosses from all sides looking at the effects of ‘celebrity culture’ on our children, to how ‘celebrity’ is used to manipulate high-street retail.

Atkins (who was also behind the BAFTA nominated Taking Liberties) and his controversial film have already been making headlines and it has been widely reported that he fed tabloid newspapers fake stories to be printed. “We wanted to test how much truth there is in the celebrity stories that now dominate our news media,” Atkins explains “And we specifically wanted to see how much journalists fact-checked their stories. In order to do this, we made some stories up.” The Daily Star,The Daily Express, The Daily Mirror and The Sun all printed at least one of the Atkins’ fake stories.

This film will no doubt have the media big wigs sitting up and taking note, especially as Atkins has actively encouraged people to sell a fake celebrity story. See the Starsuckers website for more details (www.starsuckersmovie.com)

Sponsored by

0871 200 2000

www.cineworld.co.uk 11 Hertsmere Rd, West India Quay

Enterta i

Don’t Miss...

DVD

G-force is Disney’s latest live-action-digital film out on DVD. Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, the story follows a group of special agent guinea pigs, known as G force. Ready for action are Darwin (Sam Rockwell), Blaster (Tracy Morgan) Juarez (Penelope Cruz) and Speckles (Nicolas Cage), a star nosed mole. This fearless bunch of rodents set out to save the world on a high-octane adventure.

In stores from 30 November

Also out this month:

A school girl perception of life changes when she meets an older man in An Education (30 October). George Clooney stars in MenWho Stare at Goats; a comedy in which a reporter falls in love with a Special Forces agent (6 November). The Christmas season is set to bring yet another adaption of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol (6 November). Roland Emmerich’s latest mega-disaster movie sees a struggle to survive an onslaught of earthquakes, tidal waves and volcanoes in 2012 (13 November). Get ready for an onslaught of Twilight-mania as the next instalment Twilight: New Moon hits the big screens (27 November). Stephen Turnbull recalls the disastrous trek around Europe he took with his best friend Bunny in Paul King’s Bunny and the Bull (27 November)

culture

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TOP 10

COMPUTER GAMES

a inment

1 PES 2010: Pro Evolution Soccer (PS3/Xbox/PC/Wii) 2 Borderlands (with Exclusive Gearbox Mercenary Weapon Pack) (PS3/Xbox) 3 Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PS3) 4 Forza Motorsport 3 (Xbox) 5 Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games (Wii) 6 Fifa 10 (PS3/Xbox/PC/Wii)

FLATPACK POP You might be pretty pleased with that IKEA coffee table, but have you checked out Sweden’s musical exports too?

By Chris Baraniuk

Y

ou’ve probably dabbled in a bit of Scandinavian pop, tuning in on a friend’s iPod, or bewildered by its happy harmonies pumping through a blurry, debauched house party somewhere.Well, it’s time to pick up your earphones and give due respect to Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark’s finest.

Despite being woefully out of kilter with current pop trends in the UK (mainly X-Factor tripe and suchlike factory ‘music’), I have a soft spot for the delights of Scandinavia’s musical exports.

I like a good tune. On this front, the Swedes et al rarely fail to deliver. And it’s not all happy-go-lucky twee-ness, either.

Artists like Loney Dear and Tobias Froberg add a certain husky folksiness to the mix that’s quite irresistible at times while Envelopes (a Swedish/French alliance) captivate in rockinfused indie mixes with plenty of punch and plot-filled lyrics.

You’re more likely to have heard of I’m From Barcelona, a 29-strong (I think) group who make joyful pieces of music that tend to breed dimples on their listeners’ faces. The lyrics seem meaningless at times (“You know I can’t believe I’m telling everyone that I know | That every stamp in my collection is a place we could go!”, par example), but are always full of fun.

And ‘meaning’ is so 90s anyway.

I’ve saved my favourite until last. Hello Saferide is the bizarre alias for Annika Norlin. Excitingly, Norlin is something of a part-time pop sensation, and is in fact a journalist by trade. Her latest album (September 2008) suggests that she’s enjoying making records though, and the Emmys she won for her Swedish-language oddity under a different name (“Säkert!”) only further highlight her talent and popularity among audiences and critics alike. Marvellous.

I think she’s great, too, so there’s another seal of approval. I’d also reccommend the 2007 EP/single release, I was definitely made for these times, which is a belter of a get-up-and-go tune, coupled with the beautiful B-side, The Quiz.

7 Grand Theft Auto IV (PS3/Xbox/PC) 8 Toy Story Mania! (Wii) 9 Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune (PS3) 10 Operation Flashpoint 2: Dragon Rising (PS3/Xbox/Wii)

ALBUM RELEASES

2ND 9

TH

Foo Fighters, Greatest Hits Bon Jovi, The Circle Flight of the Conchords, I ToldYou I Was Freaky Julian Casablancas (The Strokes), Phrazes for theYoung Robbie Williams, Reality Killed The Video Star JLS (X Factor), JLS Rod Stewart, Soul Book

16

Leona Lewis, Echo Stereophonics, Keep Calm & Carry On Ronan Keating, Winter Songs

23TH

Susan Boyle (Britain’s Got Talent), I Dreamed A Dream Eminem, Relapse 2 Lady Gaga, The Fame Monster

30

Take That, The Greatest Day: Take That Present The Circus Live Westlife, Where We Are

TH

TH

ph_city_mag.qxd:planet.qxd

28/10/09

11:24

Page 1

CHRISTMAS 2009

Book your Christmas meal with Planet Hollywood and receive 20% OFF your final bill PLUS be in with a chance to WIN A £500.00 DINNER AND DRINK EXPERIENCE in 2010* Simply quote ‘CITY MAGAZINE’ when you book

PARTIES FROM 2 TO 200 • PRIVATE HIRE AVAILABLE • SEMI PRIVATE DINING EXPERIENCE CENTRAL LOCATION, IDEAL FOR TRANSPORT HOME & BRILLIANT PARTY ATMOSPHERE ALL DAY LONG!

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www.planethollywoodlondon.com *we will choose the winner, not in conjunction with any other offer, reserve the right to withdraw prize at any time, management reserve the right to cancel or amend any booking with 24 hours notice, subject to availability, not including Saturdays.

food&drink

Product of the Month: Pour your champagne with style this season with the Grand Siècle champagne cradle by Laurent-Perrier.

This chic handcrafted holder features a clever cooling mat inside the cradle, which can be frozen beforehand and then chills wine to a perfect 10oC. It even comes with a 75cl bottle of Grand Siècle. Available from Harrods, Selfridge’s and Fortnum & Mason for £350.

food&drink

news

Insider’s knowledge:

Canapés with a twist

Wine experts predict that next year’s Bordeaux has been predicted to be the best for decades and available at bargain prices. Critics and connoisseurs are eagerly awaiting the vintage which is predicted to have “fabulous aromatics and exquisite balance.”

A new Christmas menu has been launched in the UK

by Parisian caterers NOMAD which is set to dazzle taste buds and provide visual theatrics. Head chef Patrick Collas will dip a range of ingredients into liquid nitrogen kept at -180oC in a style imitating celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal. Tempting dishes on offer include foie gras with maple syrup and pecan nuts, salmon with cream and pea mint and English strawberry covered in a light tiramisu cream. Already popular among Parisian elites, this stunningly attractive party food is set to wow the London scene. Menus priced from £38.

www.bordeauxindex.com

New restaurant on the block: Galvin La Chapelle

The third restaurant launched by the Galvin brothers, Chris and Jeff, is set in Grade II listed building St Botolph’s Hall in Spital Square.

It will have a restaurant in the main hall, a bar in the old Curates house and a Café de Luxe with outdoor seating onto Spital Square.

www.nomadlondon.co.uk

Perfect for Christmas Accountant-turned-chocolatier, Kirsty Joly has launched an exclusive chocolate range that is perfect to surprise loved ones with or as a corporate gift. All of her chocolate boxes are created bespoke for clients and you can choose from a range of flavours including strawberry and balsamic vinegar, lemon and mint and Earl Grey tea. If you’re feeling creative then you can challenge Kirsty to create a new flavour; she recently created an Argentine range for Gaucho Grill which included Dulche de Leche and Chimi Chimi marinade (usually used for meat). www.perfectlytempered.com

The Princess of Shoreditch has refurbished and the gastropub now boasts a light and airy brassiere atmosphere and an extended menu of pub classics. Both have also been given the royal treatment with pictures of princesses past and present.

www.galvinrestaurants.co.uk

Seasonal produce:

Food lingo:

Quote:

Beetroot Beetroot is more than a crinkle-cut, vinegary salad staple. Baby beetroots can be pan-fried in oil, then mixed with fried garlic and onion to accompany meat or fish or can be transformed into a delicious borsch. Small is best when it comes to beets, as the larger, older roots take longer to cook.

Bouquet garni A small bunch of herbs, usually a bay leaf, some sprigs of thyme and parsley which are wrapped in a leek leaf or bunched with celery and tied with string. Toss into soups, stews or stocks to add flavour and remove before serving.

Jamie Oliver: Just because the Americans are so good at rattling out accessible and cheap junk food, nobody looks twice when it comes to their food. But there are golden nuggets everywhere.

© David Loftus

Website of the month:

www.fortnumandmason.com

www.theprincessofshoreditch.com

Restaurant gossip:

87

With gift finder and short films of their restaurants to help you pick where to eat.

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citylifepromotion

Beach Blanket Babylon (or ‘BBB’ to those in

exclusively designed cocktails or dance

Grand French Country chateau. It has a more

the know) is an institution in Notting Hill best

the night away with the DJ’s mix of lounge,

bohemian ambience with large urns and a

known for its fine dining and moreish cocktails.

pop and retro classics. For a little more

dramatic 18th century clock face from an old

Luckily for Shoreditch residents, BBB has

exclusivity you can reserve a booth in the VIP

French church. In such lavish settings all you

launched a new eating and dining space on

area which has its own dance floor, waiter

need to do is sit back, relax, sip champagne

Bethnal Green Road with all the decadence

service and luxurious banquets - perfect for

and order their popular herb crusted rack of

and style to rival their original haunt.

a quieter catch-up or celebration.

lamb or chateaubriand.

Once a Victorian warehouse, the building

Upstairs, the restaurant is a feat of style and

So, if you want to have a cocktail in a

has now been transformed into an opulent

panache. Choose from two seating areas

sophisticated setting you can’t go wrong with

and chic venue. It still retains its original

to match your mood and tastes. The raised

the Shoreditch BBB. Throw on a pair of heels

character and features but now has that

mezzanine has a certain opulence, with

or your sharpest suit and get ready to dazzle

certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ to marvel the

extravagant gold wallpaper designed by

your eyes and your taste buds with a blast of

Shoreditch set. Whether you fancy a quiet

Noblis Paris and baroque dining chairs made

absolute luxury.

cocktail after work, a night of dancing or a

from ostrich leather. It’s perfect if you want to

culinary delight, you can have all your needs

showcase the current 80s fashions and feel

sated at BBB.

like part of the brat pack.

After work pop down to the basement

This contrasts dramatically with the rest

cocktail lounge and relax with one of their

of the restaurant which is modelled on a

Beach Blanket Babylon 19 - 23 Bethnal Green Road London, E1 6LA 020 7749 3540 www.beachblanket.co.uk

Jamie’s put together a real feast of traditional, hearty Italian dishes for our Christmas menu.

Delicious slow roasted Porchetta stuffed with “loadsa” herbs .... beautiful monkfish tails with rosemary and orange salt ..... and some real show-stopping desserts (try winter tutti frutti tiramisu for a twist on the old classic!). If you want to celebrate Christmas in true Italian style come and join us!

A GLASS OF PROSECCO SEASONAL MEAT & VEGETABLE ANTIPASTI PLANKS with pickles, Italian cheeses & crunchy salad

TRUFFLE TAGLIATELLE (upgrade your party - optional £4.50 extra course) finely shaved wild black truffles with butter, parmesan & freshly grated nutmeg JAMIE’S FESTIVE PORCHETTA the best slow roasted British pork belly filled with herbs, vin santo, salumi & chestnuts

GRILLED MONKFISH TAILS WITH ROSEMARY & ORANGE SALT with crispy San Daniele prosciutto & wild fennel

FANTASTIC BAKED AUBERGINE PARMIGIANA WITH FRESH TOMATO layers of baked aubergines, tomatoes, smoked mozzarella cheese & fresh basil

All mains served with...

Fried crushed heritage potatoes with smashed fennel & rosemary salt Flash cooked green beans with tomato & basil sauce GENNAROS CHOCOLATE & HAZELNUT CAKE with frangelico & runny honey

CREAMY PANNACOTTA with a compote of seasonal fruits

WINTER TUTTI FRUTI TIRAMISÚ layers of sponge with mixed winter berries, mascarpone & crunchy amaretto biscuits

ARTISAN PLATTER OF ITALIAN CHEESES (upgrade your party - optional £5.00 extra course) with coffee scented wild Italian honey & Sardinian music bread

please note optional courses must apply to entire party

Available for parties of 8 and above

Telephone: 020 3002 5252

Churchill Place Canary Wharf London E14 5RB

BRITISH

I

Gourmet

t’s very exciting when something classic and iconic gets a fresh new look; though there is always the concern that its famous charm might be lost in translation. Not so with the fabulous Athenaeum, one of London’s oldest and most loved hotels, overlooking Green Park.

The Mayfair hotel has recently undergone a refurbishment, by award winning interior decorator Martin Hulbert of Fox Linton. The effect is personal, fun and contemporary, with characteristic nods to the hotel’s history, including mini red London buses, sport themed rhyming Cockney slang, vintage Playboy covers from the 1960s and ‘70s, and 2,000 pearly buttons evoking the Cockney Pearly Kings and Queens.

The new designs include floor to ceiling windows, bringing in the light, classic English décor and a stunning vertical garden which climbs the walls

of this famous hotel. The look is very impressive, and nowhere looks more special than the new whisky bar and restaurant.

Sumptuous, with an old world charm, the bar is luxurious in purples, red and gold. Comfy sofas and smart coffee tables abound, circled by a stunning whisky cabinet, containing over 270 different whiskies.

We start our evening with a glass of whisky and some champagne, soaking in the relaxed atmosphere in the quiet bar. Moving through to the restaurant we are greeted by a warm, unique space continuing the luxurious colour scheme from the bar and creating a stunning place to dine.

We relax into incredible high-backed, velvety armchairs, and peruse a well-structured, comprehensive, but not daunting, wine menu, finally choosing a delicious and well-priced bottle of Vinum Cabernet Sauvignon, from

Emma Mills visits Athenaeum for a taste of classic British cuisine in elegant City surroundings

the Stellenbosch estate in South Africa.This is the perfect start to our meal, complemented by some warm olive and tomato bread.

The chefs serve meat especially well here, and our roast goose liver starter was served warm in a salad with free range chicken, poached cherries and caramelised silver skin onions; succulent and rich, the liver was a real treat, complemented by the sweet cherries and tart onions. The Roast Dorset Lamb with fresh garden peas and fondant potatoes for main course was equally delicious – expertly cooked lamb melted in the mouth happily with creamy potatoes and fresh garden peas and tangy mint.

The Brixham Crab we also had for starter was fresh and cool, a lovely autumnal salad, and complemented by the Black Bass for main course, served with asparagus, fennel and Cornish potatoes. We also had a lovely tomato and basil salad as an accompaniment, which provided a fresh, summery alternative to the rich, creamy spinach side dish we also enjoyed.

Desserts came in the form of sticky toffee pudding, which was fantastic – rich and fluffy – good enough to tempt even my companion, usually a strict avoider of desserts. We polished this off quickly, leaving space for some classic, pungent British Cheeses and coffee.

Throughout the evening, service was excellent, welcoming and efficient, but not overbearing.

The atmosphere in the luxury restaurant is elegant, but friendly and warm, and as we looked around at the other diners – families, couples and groups of friends – it was clear that this place has got the balance perfectly right; serving fantastic food in luxurious surroundings, creating an air of inclusive sophistication; perfect for a hotel and restaurant with such a classic and important reputation. n The Athenaeum 116 Piccadilly Mayfair London, W1J 7BJ 020 7499 3464 www.athenaeumhotel.com

food&drink

the BLACK STUFF

I

t was chopsticks at dawn. Last year a diplomatic clash between the US and Japan passed by largely unnoticed beyond the most rarefied of culinary circles. The Japanese were not happy with the way US companies were labelling their soy sauce. The Japanese wanted it specified that the typically soy protein-based Americanmade product was only partially brewed or not brewed at all. The Americans wanted the code to be voluntary, adding their concern that they may well lose customers if this fact was revealed.

The most delectable soy sauces are blended and brewed with the same delicacy of attention as any Grand Cru. They are made from fermented whole soy beans, along with water, salt and grains (traditionally wheat in Japan), with fermentation taking several months and fine appreciation a lifetime. Arguably this stems from the Japanese tradition of using the sauce as a direct flavour enhancer, typically on sushi, rather than as a cooking ingredient.

It is no surprise that many of Japan’s leading manufacturers, many of them smaller artisan companies, can date their founding back to the mid-eighteenth century.

That soy sauce should be so highly respected in its homeland and yet, even among foodies, widely disregarded in the

91

Josh Sims takes a closer look at that magic ingredient: soy sauce west (short of a bottle of cheap stuff to sprinkle on a stir-fry, for which Chinese soy sauce is widely considered best) is something of a mystery, especially given the raptures often afforded olive oils and balsamic vinegars. The problem lies in education and promotion. Even with the rise of now famed Japanese restaurants such as Nobu, soy sauce, in contrast, continues to be considered more the cheap splash than haute cuisine essential.

The truth is very different. While the variety of soy sauces across Asian countries is varied (from the dark, thick and cloying to the light, tart and transparent) it is the sweeter, less salty Japanese version, made in the style called shoyu, which most likely captures the gourmet imagination. The best of these are fermented in vats exposed to the sun – because tradition dictates that this adds flavour – undergoing perhaps three years of fermentation with the koji mold, a microorganism than converts the starches to sugars.

This method of production is said to find its origins with a Buddhist priest called Kakushin (who hailed from China) in 1250; he began combining those local ingredients abundant to the coastal town of Choshi – salt and soy beans, with even the region’s high humidity playing a part. The dark brew was known as tamari. From the 1640s, wheat was added to the mix, to give the lighter shoyu style of

Japanese sauce best known today. In Japan many of these are nothing less than cultish, with the country’s 2,600 or so soy masters, from cottage industry to giant corporation, all in competition, each keeping their precise recipes very close to the chest. That goes for all makers. Tsang Heh-kwan, founder of Chinese brand Yuan’s and currently holding the accolade of maker of the world’s most expensive soy sauce (at around £14 for just 125ml), does not ever write it down. The ancient recipe is held only in her head.

Indeed, such is the desire of the soy sauce industry to put its product foremost in foodie minds that it is encouraging the use of the dark stuff in more unexpected ways too. Last year a group of Japanese companies launched chocolate and other sweets flavoured with soy sauce onto the market.

Despite soy sauce’s distinctive aroma and salty flavour, the combination with a sweet base – a combination not unusual in Japanese cuisine – has been well-received.

That may be a leap for all but those used to the inventive gastronomic delights of ‘molecular cooking’ and its love of the unexpected blending the savoury with the sweet. But for soy sauce fanatics, such dishes amount to another good excuse to indulge in this age-old but overlooked flavoursome liquid. n

listings

Restaurant Argentinian GAUCHO CANARY 29 Westferry Circus E14 020 7987 9494

Carribean CHEF COLLIN BROWN 2 Yabsley Street E14 020 7515 8177

European DOCKLANDS BAR AND GRILL

MEMSAHEB 65 - 67 Amsterdam Road E14 020 7538 3008 THE ROGUE TRADER 25 Westferry Road E14 020 7517 9233 TIFFINBITES Jubilee Place E14 020 7719 0333

Italian/Pizza

Seafood CURVE Marriott Hotel, West India Quay 22 Hertsmere Road E14 020 7517 2808 FIRST EDITION 25 Cabot Square Canary Wharf E14 020 7513 0300

Spanish

Royal Victoria Docks Western Gateway, London, E16 1AL 020 7055 2119

AMERIGO VESPUCCI 25 Cabot Square MacKenzie Walk E14 020 7513 0288

EL FARO Turnberry Quay E14 020 7987 5511

GOURMET BURGER KITCHEN Jubilee Place E14 020 7719 6408

CARLUCCIO’S 2 Reuters Plaza E14 020 7719 1749

GRANNY SOUR

French

GOURMET PIZZA 18-20 Cabot Square E14 020 7345 9192

With winter almost upon us, apples are the most readily available and seasonal fruit, so why not use them to make a tasty, Hoxton Pony cocktail

CAFÉ ROUGE 29-35 MacKenzie Walk E14 020 7537 9696 PLATEAU Canada Place E14 020 7715 7100

Gastro Pub THE GUN 27 Coldharbour Lane E14 020 7515 5222 THE NARROW 44 Narrow Street E14 020 7592 7950

Indian DOCKMASTERS 1 Hertsmere Road E14 020 7345 0345

JAMIE'S ITALIAN Churchill Place E14 020 3002 5252 PIZZA EXPRESS Cabot Place East E14 020 7513 0513 QUADRATO The Four Seasons Hotel 46 Westferry Circus E14 020 7510 1857

Middle Eastern MEZ RESTAURANT 571 Manchester Road E14 020 7005 0421 NINA'S TAZA EXPRESS 322 Burdett Road E14 020 7093 3552

Oriental ITSU Level 2, Cabot Place East E14 020 7512 5790 SRI NAM 1 North Colonnade E14 020 7715 9515

INGREDIENTS 50ml Busnel VSOP 20ml homemade roast almond syrup 2 dashes of angostura bitter 25 ml fresh lemon juice Half Granny Smith apple 10 ml egg white Rocks glass (a short tumbler) Garnished with apple fan

1. Core, dice and muddle Granny Smith apple into a boston glass.

2. Add ALL other ingredients including egg white. Shake vigorously and double strain (this is when you strain with a standard Hawthorne strainer through a secondary finer strainer like a tea strainer to get rid of all the tiny pieces).

3. Pour into a rocks glass full of crushed ice and garnish with an apple fan.

4. Sit back and enjoy!

104-108 Curtain Road, EC2A 3AH, 02076132844 www.thehoxtonpony.com

food&drink

93

CROWNING GLORY

Eren Ellwood enjoys an evening of Lebanese hospitality in the heart of Mayfair

A

jewel in Mayfair’s crown, Fakhreldine (named after Prince Fakhreldine II, a prominent figure in Lebanon’s diverse history) is one of the most stylish eateries in the City.

Serving a traditional Lebanese menu in sleek modern surroundings, Fakhreldine must have found the right formula, because the City professionals can’t get enough.

We dined mid-week and the restaurant was full of sophisticated City socialites and business people with clients. A smart location, the first-floor dining room has stunning views over Green Park, and we admired the landscape through floor to ceiling windows, sipping on a pre-dinner gin and tonic. Unusual for a traditional Lebanese restaurant, the space was decorated with a subtle, chic theme of muted grey tones and stained oak. A contemporary design, the space was still welcoming and comfortable, and was accented with candles, beautiful floral arrangements, silk cushions, and clever lighting.

Mezze style dishes dominate the menu (with separate hot and cold Mezze menus), and we ordered several favourites. Particularly good from the hot menu was the Falafel (deep-fried bean and herb croquettes with lemon and tahini dip, £5.50), Halloum Meshoue (grilled Halloumi cheese, £7.00), Jawaneh (chicken wings marinated in lemon juice, garlic and coriander, £7.00) and Kibbe Mekliyah (deep-fried lamb and cracked wheat parcels, filled with onion and pine nuts, £6.50).

From the cold Mezze we selected Baba Ghanoush (puree of grilled aubergine, tahini and lemon, £6.00) which was easily the best

I’ve ever tasted, Hoummos (puree of chickpea, tahini and lemon, £5.50), Labne (strained yoghurt, £5.50) and Warak Inab (vine leaves filled with parsley, mint, tomatoes, onions and rice, £5.50) – also delicious.

Settling back into the elegant yet relaxed surroundings, our main courses weren’t far behind. The Shish Taouk was exceptional – charcoal-grilled cubes of marinated chicken on a skewer (£16.00), the meat was tender, cooked perfectly and bursting with delicate, complex flavour. The Kafta skewers (minced lamb, onion and parsley served with a chickpea dip, £15.00) and the Mixed Grill (grilled skewers of kafta, lahim meshoue and taouk, £15) were also fantastic choices, and we sat in comfortable silence for a short while as we enjoyed the flavour of both the food, and the surroundings.

The wine list features wines from Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley alongside an impressive international offering – something to suit everyone.

We ended the meal with some sticky sweet Baklava, which goes extraordinarily well with dark, rich coffee. The adjoining bar and lounge is a prime spot for relaxed drinks, and we enjoyed a nightcap before leaving.

The helpful, informative staff, stylish decor and excellent food make Fakhreldine a must for anyone looking for a good City restaurant – Mayfair’s crowning glory, this Lebanese prince hits the spot every time. n For more information visit www.fakhreldine.co.uk

CHRISTMAS PARTIES & PRIVATE EVENTS AT DA Z Z L E YO U R C O L L E A G U E S A N D F R I E N D S O R J U S T S AY Ô T H A N K YO U Õ TO YO U R C L I E N T S AT T H E RO O F G A R D E N S T H I S C H R I S T M A S . S T E P I N TO A N A R N I A W I N T E R WO N D E R L A N D A N D A S YO U M A K E YO U R WAY T H RO U G H T H E WA R D RO B E L O O K O U T F O R T H E FA M O U S L A M P P O S T A N D F O R A N I M A L S T U R N E D TO S TO N E É

The Roof Gardens Ð 99 Kensington High Street, London W8 5SA www.roofgardens.virgin.com

BABYLON RESTAURANT

EVENTS & PRIVATE PARTIES

1st – 23rd December 2009 Three-course set menus for tables of 8 or more available from £35.50 per person T: 0207 368 3993 www.roofgardens.virgin.com/babylonchristmas

1st – 23rd December 2009 Festive menus from £70 per person for 50-500 guests T: 0207 368 3971 www.roofgardens.virgin.com/eventschristmas

P R I VAT E MEMBERS CLUB

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EmploymEnt xxxxxxxxxx protEctions for cancEr patiEnts

DEar clarE I’m an executive in the insurance sector, and was diagnosed with breast cancer four months ago. I’ve just started chemo, though am not well enough to return to work yet. While my employer was initially supportive they’re now asking when I will be back at work. I don’t want to lose my job. What can I do?

Regards, Joanna

Dear Joanna

I’m so sorry to hear you’re going through such a difficult time at the moment. Most employers are supportive in these circumstances and I’m glad to hear that for the most part yours has been too.

Sometimes employer reactions change as the months pass due to unawareness of what the employee is going through and lack of ongoing communication. Your employer’s priority is to keep the business going in these challenging times; but they must still respect your need for time to recover (which can differ from patient to patient) and your employment protections.

Martin’$ Money Matter$

The real cosT of economic recovery Martin Bamford, Chartered Financial Planner, Informed Choice

T

he figures associated with pulling the UK economy out of this recession are staggering. In addition to the £1 trillion cost of the bank bailout, the Bank of England has continued with their ‘asset purchase programme’, at a total cost of £175 bn.

What impact will all of this spending and money creation have on our personal financial planning in the years to come?

Having to pay more taxes, particularly if you are a higher earner, seems inevitable.

A new 50% income tax rate for people earning over £150,000 a year is being introduced on 6th

April 2010. Whilst this is only likely to have an impact on 1% of earners, it will mean around £220 per month in additional income tax for this percentage.

People earning over £100,000 a year will see their income tax personal allowance (the amount of earnings on which you pay no tax) removed in stages from next April. Those earning £113,000 or more will have no personal allowance. It will be removed at a rate of £2 for every £1 of earnings over £100,000. Those caught up in this ‘personal allowance trap’ could reduce the damage to their finances with some sensible pension

You are covered automatically by the Disability Discrimination Act. Briefly, it requires your employer to make reasonable adjustments to your workplace or working arrangements to remove any obstacles to your returning to work when you are able. It also protects you against discrimination at work on grounds of your breast cancer or (without justification) for a reason related to it; against harassment; and against victimisation if you raise concerns. This is in addition to unfair dismissal protections.

Your employer must, for example, consider carefully how long it can manage without you and alternative arrangements to cover your role in your absence. It should also, for example, consider part-time/flexible working for you if necessary to help you return when you are able.

You can go some way to help your employer to reach a supportive decision by informing them (without committing yourself), how long you think you may be absent. Alternatively you might ask your doctor to write confidentially to your employer regarding your condition and if you may need to return on a phased, part-time basis initially If pressure from your employer continues, you can raise a grievance about the pressure being placed on you at this difficult time.

There are some websites with more information on employment protections for cancer patients, especially www.breastcancercare.org. uk, which you may find useful. I wish you a full and complete recovery.

Regards, Clare

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

contribution planning.

In January we will see VAT return to 17.5%, and there is every chance it could rise further still.Britain has one of the lowest VAT rates in Europe, with the average (according to research from KMPG) standing at 19.8%.

Working longer and retiring later forms a key part of Tory proposals, who suggest increasing the State pension age from 65 to 66, starting from 2016.We are already on track to see the State pension age increased to 68 for men and women from 2044, but more recently commentators have been calling for these necessary increases to be brought forward and even extended to age 70.

We are living in a low inflation environment, with the Retail Prices Index (RPI) recording inflation including mortgage interest and housing costs at -1.4% for the year to September.

Analysts are divided on the eventual level of price inflation

in the medium to long term, but many expect a moderate (if only temporary) increase later this year.

In October we saw a prediction from the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) that the Bank Rate will remain at 0.5% until at least 2011 and then stay under 2% until 2014. For those fortunate to be on Base Rate Tracker mortgage deals this is good news; but new mortgage (and remortgage) deals remain reasonably expensive and difficult to obtain.

Savers will also have to find a way to cope with this low interest rate environment and that could mean exposing their capital to greater investment risk in the search for better returns. n Martin Bamford is site editor of BrilliantWithMoney and a Chartered Financial Planner at Informed Choice.

businessexperts

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Vince Stanzione, Spread betting expert, FinTrader

Still BulliSh on Brazil?

I

f you look back on my previous updates you will know that I have been a big fan of Brazil for the last few years. Thanks to winning the rights to host the 2016 Olympics, the country is back in the spotlight; so I thought it would be a good time to take a closer look at some of the individual companies in the region, many of which can be traded via spread bets. Also since my last update, Van Eck has launched a new Market Vectors Brazil Small cap ETF (NYSE:BRF) which opens up a whole new way to gain exposure.

The first thing to state is that Brazil has a stable government; President Lula da Silva has an 80% approval rating, a level that other world leaders could not dream of. He has been a major force at pulling many out of poverty and building up a Brazilian middle class which is good for the economy. The business environment is friendly to foreign investors and the President has fostered good relationships with nations that matter, such as China. 2010 is election year in Brazil and President Lula cannot stand again as he has been in power for two terms already, however, I don’t see the next president rocking the boat and undoing the good work already done.

Brazil is rich in oil and the state still owns the majority of PetroBras (NYSE: PBR) which owns the Tupi Oilfield, one of the largest new discoveries in recent years. The President has also stated he is not interested in exporting oil but would rather export higher margin oil derivatives such as diesel, gasoline and petrochemicals.

Other Brazilian resource companies include mining giant Companhia Vale Rio Doce (RIO) which is a leader in copper, steel, coal, potassium and nickel. Steel producer Gerdau (GGB) and sugar/ ethanol producer Cosan (CZZ) should all benefit from the rise in commodity prices in the coming years. Cosan is up 180% since the last update in April thanks to strong sugar prices.

Brazilian banks are generally intact as their balance sheets are free of toxic assets.

Since my last update Brazilian banks have rallied sharply and I continue to like Itau Unibanco (NYSE:ITUB) which is now the largest bank in Brazil.

So how we can profit from Brazil, and iS it too late?

Since April the ishares Brazil Exchange Traded Fund (EWZ) is up 90% so it’s not as cheap as it was, however, we are still around 30% off the 2008 high and in the longer term I look for Brazil to recover back to this level and beyond. I am pleasantly surprised how smoothly this has gone up with few pullbacks, however, at some stage we will no doubt have a 10-20% correction which will shake out some of the recent hot money and weak hands, but that does not change the long term up-trend.

We now also have the Small Cap ETF (NYSE:BRF) which allows you to invest in smaller companies focused on the domestic market and unlike EWZ does not have the

Vince Stanzione has produced a home study course to teach private investors how to benefit from trading financial Spread Bets and Fixed Odds. To find out more and download your free copy of Top Ten Tips from a Trading Veteran go to www.fintrader.info

big oil weighting. Stocks such as Department store Llojas Renner and construction company Gafisa.

Other ways to trade include covered warrants offered by RBS Markets and Lyxor offers an Exchange Traded fund listed in the UK (LBRZ).

I am also bullish on the telecom stocks including Brasil Telecom (NYSE:BRP) and Vivo Partipaticoe SA (NYSE:VIV) which is the largest mobile phone service provider in Brazil and in South America with over 40 million users. This was formed from a Joint venture with Telefónica and Portugal Telecom and leads me nicely into the next stock I have been buying - Telefónica (NYSE:TEF or TEF.MC) - you can easily spread bet either the US or Madrid listing.

Most associate Telefónica with Spain but their reach goes way beyond and they are the owners of the o2 mobile company covering UK and Europe. Telefónica is one of the world’s largest telecommunications companies by market cap. Its activities are centered mainly on the fixed and mobile telephony businesses, while its broadband business is the key growth driver underpinning both. It operates in 25 countries and its customer base exceeds 260 million globally. Telefónica’s growth strategy is focused on the markets in which it has a strong foothold: Spain, Europe and Latin America.

TEF (US listed ADR) is currently trading at $84 and I am looking for a move back to $100+ in the coming months. n

xxxxxxx

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THE DIARY

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Sim Smith’s advice on where to find great buys, be charitable and wake up warm on cold mornings Now in its third year, Handmade in Britain will return to the Chelsea Town Hall this month. Housing everything from smooth ceramics to sumptuous textiles and delicate glass creations, this exhibition is well worth a visit.

Aimed to promote new designers and makers producing work in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the fair enables the public to experience design that would otherwise go unseen. A real treat for craft lovers and design enthusiasts, it’s a great place to gather inspiration, be wowed by some outstanding home grown talent and probably leave with a few little treasures under your arm.

Ikea makes charitable donations easy this month with its Soft Toy Campaign launching on 1 November. Working with their corporate partners UNICEF and Save the Children, this collaboration, now in its sixth year, aims to support educational projects for children around the world. Famed for its affordable and entertaining children’s products, IKEA pledges that for every soft toy you buy between 1 November and 23 December, €1 will be given directly to the charities. To quote their slogan: “Together we can give children a better future!”

1 November – 23 December 0845 355 1144; www.ikea.co.uk

11-14 November, Chelsea Old Town Hall, London, SW3 5EE www.handmadeinbritain.co.uk

Need a little help waking up on cold mornings?

You need the new A Modo Mio coffee machine from Lavazza. There are four espresso blends to choose from: Appassionatamente, Deliziosamente, Cremosamente Dek and Caffe Crema, all sealed and vacuum packed ensuring flavoursome coffee with that all important bit of authentic crema. Drink it neat or if you fancy something a little smoother froth up some milk to create great lattes and cappuccinos. I know what I’ll be waking up to this winter...

A real treat for wine connoisseurs, Spiral Cellars have just launched their most technologically advanced cellar to date. The company offer watertight, underground cylindrical wine cellars that can be installed in any ground floor room. New features include LED lighting systems, modern white interiors and motorised glass trap doors complete with remote control access. What more could a boy ask for?

Make sure you snap up some hot pieces of design on the furniture floor at John Lewis, Oxford Street this season. An area spanning 3000 square feet has been totally dedicated to iconic furniture pieces by some of the world’s most renowned designers. It’s the first time that works from the likes of Phillipe Stark, Charles & Ray Eames and Robin Day will be available on the high street with the store boasting some exclusive pieces. Based on making good design available to everyone and the promotion of future design classics, John Lewis has cemented its position as one of Britain’s favourite retailers.

0845 241 2768; www.spiralcellars.com

John Lewis, Oxford Street, London W1A 1EX 020 7629 7711; www.johnlewis.com

Visit Lazerides Soho gallery this month to view the work of Irish artist Conor Harrington. His work, famous for its fusion of fine art and street techniques, depicts a clash of styles and materials with inspiration drawn from the role of masculinity in contemporary society. Abstract oil paintings are worked

0800 599 9200; www.lavazzamodomio.co.uk

with spray paint creating an urban twist to an otherwise traditional work of art. This is intelligent graffiti for the urban consumer or for any admirer of the metropolitan scene.

Lazarides, 11 Rathbone Place, London, W1T 1HR 020 7636 5443; www.lazinc.com

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THE TREND

Sim Smith looks at this season’s must haves for the modern man...

Platinum-Plated & Crystal Montblanc Bohème Fountain Pen with black lacquer stripes, £750, Mont Blanc 020 7730 7681; www.montblanc.com Black lacquered wood Bach bar unit with lobster pink techo fabric interior, Limited edition of 100, £13,680, Armani Casa 020 7079 1930; www.armanicasa.com

Carbon fibre money clip in black, £145, Dunhill 0845 458 0779; www.dunhill.com

McQueen’s Machines The Cars and Bikes of a Hollywood Icon, by Matt Stone and Chad McQueen, £16.99, Potterton Books London 020 7730 4235; www.pottertonbookslondon.co.uk

Leather and lacquer Brabham Vice Box in black, including 1 Broughton decanter, 4 Broughton DOFs, poker chips, 2 decks of cards, 4 coasters and compartment for cocktail napkins and picks, £4,100, Ralph Lauren Home 020 7535 4600; www.ralphlaurenhome.com

W

elcome to the modern gentleman’s club.

Let me take you through its workings; its history, design and aspirations. Here you will experience a true renaissance of everything believed to be popular, fashionable and modern. Leave your coat at the door and follow me through various rooms, through this glamorous world of Hollywood sets and Grand Prix racing.

First the office; its simple lines and symmetrical proportions fit in well with any working man’s habits. The walls are clad with vintage posters, mementos of iconic Grand Prix’s raced on the Circuit de Monaco. In the centre of the room sits a galvanized steel desk of visually imposing dimensions with instruments glimmering off of its surface; a platinum and black lacquer fountain pen complete with 18K gold nib and a money clip made from carbon fibre, a material associated with aerospace, civil engineering, and motorsports.

Through to the smoking room, take a seat in a modern classic based on the 18th century Wingback chair upholstered in black mohair velvet. To your left is a bar in lacquered wood with a lobster pink fabric interior, hiding gleaming decanters filled with your favourite poison, poker chips and decks of cards.

Why not switch on the reading light and leaf through glorious pages bound together and encased in glossy covers. Once inside uncover tales of British Auto Legends and read of Steve McQueen manoeuvring his Porsche 908 through the streets of Le Mans.

British Auto Legends Classics of Style and Design,

by Michel Zumbrunn and Richard Heseltine, £29.95, Potterton Books London 020 7730 4235; www.pottertonbookslondon.co.uk

Galvanised steel and a laminated beech wood top Chrysler desk in black, £3,295, The Conran Shop, 0844 848 4000; www.conranshop.co.uk Anti-Aging Treatment Cream, £155, M Lab www.mlabonline.com

Clos d’Ambonnay 1995 Champagne, Krug, £2,500, Lea & Sandeman 020 7244 0522; www.londonfinewine.co.uk

Anti Aging Cleanser, £50, M Lab www.mlabonline.com

Chrome plated steel Adjustable floor lamp in black, £129, Marks & Spencer 0845 609 0200; www.marksandspencer.com

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interiors

Porcelain Vase of Phases in black, by Dror Benshetrit, from £80, Vessel Gallery 020 7727 8001; www.vesselgallery.com

Cotton MALOU bed linen in black, £29.99, IKEA 0845 355 1144; www.ikea.co.uk

Lacquered polycarbonate Rock suspension light in black, by Successful Living from Diesel, £318, Foscarini 0800 37 62 518; www.foscarini.com

Mohair velvet Wingback chair in black, by George Smith, £3,848, Tom Dixon 020 7400 0500; www.tomdixon.net

Linen mounted, framed and glazed original poster Monaco Grand Prix 1930 by Robert Falcucci (1900-1989:), POA, Pullman Gallery 020 7930 9595; www.pullmangallery.com

Gold plated Bedside Gun light, by Philippe Stark, £878, Aria Shop 020 7704 6222; www.ariashop.co.uk

Now for the bedroom; there is music playing out of a piano lacquered cabinet and on entering your eye is drawn to the gold plated gun lamp and apparently broken vase on the opposite side of the room. Think James Bond drama, of gun fights in five star hotel bedrooms and casinos on the French Riviera. The bed tells another story altogether, that of mod subculture, of the boys riding through the streets of London on their Italian scooters dressed in tailormade suits. The covers are black on black, the epitome of modern monochromatic elegance with quirky style touches so true of the mod way of life, their preoccupation with fashion and modernity depicted on cushion covers.

This movement has reinvented classic pieces to create a modern take on timeless masculine style.

Cool, avant-garde materials have been incorporated into key examples of design turning staple objects into must-have items. It is not merely a trend, but a lifestyle choice, perfect for the work hard play hard club.

Carbon fibre Ascent Ti phone in black, limited edition, £10,400, Vertu 020 3205 1123; www.vertu.com

Cotton & linen Taylor cushion cover in black with white shirt detail, £95, Yves Delorme 01296 394 980; www.yvesdelorme.com

Wenge-stained Pombal Shelving System, £995, The Conran Shop, 0844 848 4000; www.conranshop.co.uk

Piano lacquered High Powered Sound System, from £1,499, Aria Shop 020 7704 6222; www.ariashop.co.uk

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The ADDReSS BOOK

Sim Smith meets London’s finest antiques dealers on the Pimlico Road SW1...

1 Blanchard

In the window balancing on its side was a psychedelic Artifort sofa dating back to the 1960’s, thus poised to give the onlooker a bird’s eye view of its impressive circular construction.

Inside, two chairs of regal proportions that seem to be spun out of fine metal threads sit symmetrically in the entrance. Old fairground tin plaques in the form of oversized butterflies hang from the walls delicately painted in a multitude of once brilliant tones. This antique house is world renowned for its curious mix of furniture individually sourced by its owners. Housing a charming mix of rare finds and unconventional pieces, you’re sure to find the perfect addition to any space at Blanchard.

2 daylesford organic After speeding past the lunchtime queues I walk into the cool marble sanctuary that is Daylesford Organic.There is a valid reason why this place has developed such a cult following: it’s gorgeous, three floors of understated luxury. Choose from fresh vegetables and fruit picked that morning from the kitchen garden, handmade cheeses and organic meats, not to mention the artisan crafted home ware that can be found upstairs.

We’re talking everything from willow basket weaving to dry stone walling, ancient crafts that have been rekindled to produce beautiful of pieces for the home.There is a distinct sense of traditional community here, a feeling one becomes unaccustomed to living in the heart of London.The store offers a variety of clubs catering for all ages from Children’s Club to Wine Club, there really is something for everyone.

3 linley LINLEY is well established on the Pimlico Road route as one of the leading retailers of British design. Clear experts of its craft, LINLEY prides itself on the mix of traditional and modern techniques applied to all wood, metal work, glass and

leather designs in its interiors catalogue. The pieces that stand out for me are the exquisite accessories on show. Choose from bespoke leather backgammon sets, crystal decanters and Shagreen desk accessories. The list is endless and the craftsmanship exceptional.

LINLEY also offers a complete interior deign service for residential and commercial clients.

4 Plus one gallery On entering the gallery I was greeted by the owner and her lovely little wirehaired dachshund, Jack. A hugely impressive space, the Plus One Gallery is home to some of the most extraordinary artists on the contemporary British and International scenes. Specialising in hyperrealist or photorealist art, the gallery represents over 60 principal painters and sculptors that specialise in this genre. Drawing inspiration from what would be used in traditional art genres such as still lifes, landscapes and portraits, the works in the gallery readdress these subjects with a precise vigour. For fans of the photorealist genre, this gallery is a must see, housing pieces from original photorealists such as Robert Cottingham, Robert Bechtle and John Baeder.

5 rose uniacke Prominently situated on a corner plot, Rose Uniacke’s shop fits in with what we have come to expect as standard on the Pimlico Road, the home of some of London’s most established designers and antique dealers.

A clean white space inside and out plays home to chosen pieces of antique and 20th Century furniture, mirrors and lighting that can be found on the ground floor. Down a beautiful curved wooden staircase is the spacious atelier where I found the softest of knitted cashmere blankets and goat skin rugs designed by Rose herself. The shop promotes a love of design, history and education, selling pieces by some of the 20th century’s most admired designers as well as contemporary furniture based on pieces from Rose’s own private collection.

6 soane The scent of a lit candle fills the entrance with deep notes of musk and myrrh suitably fitting for the walk through weighty fabrics held back in a Bedouin tent style set up. Through to a variety of large room sets including a conservatory filled with light and giant palms, silk clad tables and large stone pots sit on primitive style rugs that seem to have been picked straight out of Africa.

Old hunting rifles decorate the walls with oversized lanterns hanging from above.

Upstairs boasts a fabulous roof terrace filled with bold pieces of garden furniture and more beautiful palms transporting you to exotic lands from your Pimlico Road departure downstairs. The company, founded

by Lulu Lytle and Christopher Hodsoll was established to address the demand for architecturally inspired bespoke English furniture, lighting and artefacts. With quality and longevity at the heart of their philosophy, the pieces prove every bit the quintessential British master works intended.

7 Wild at heart Walking up the steps past the pots and troughs overflowing into the street, I could smell the crisp notes of freshly cut flowers and sweet rose. A dark grey canvas made up of slate floors and lacquered walls is brought to life by a multitude of colours, textures and scents that hit your senses with immediate impact.

Delicate raspberry ripple roses and fluffy cherry plumes sit amongst an impressive assortment of flowers on a table in the centre of the room. Fine embroidered cushions, scented candles and unusual ceramics follow you through the shop to the end where industrial lights hang over a sunken floor and flowers and foliage spill out of old Victorian bath tubs. The shop combines both floristry and interiors in an unconventional style offering a new take on traditional and modern fashions. If you’re looking to fill your house with truly beautiful accessories and flowers, make sure you pay them a visit. n

THE ULTIMATE WINTER

warmer Sara Uzel meets Daniel Sanders from Modus Design and finds out why no home is complete without a fireplace centrepiece

Model 997

M

odus Design has been at the cutting edge of fireplace design since 1986; bringing innovative design to the concept of the ‘traditional hearth fireplace’ Modus creates inspirational and contemporary functional objects of art that incorporate glass, stone and moulded metal.

Focusing on visual impact, their creations embody both form and function in equal measure.

Making a bold design statement in any living space, Modus has developed a truly distinctive collection that includes dramatic suspended fireplaces, transparent two-sided glass-to-ceiling fireplaces, corner features, sculptured on-the-wall fireplaces and outdoor table fires.

All the fireplaces in the collections can be tweaked and tailored to the individual, thus creating a truly bespoke and personalised product; project managed by professional design consultants, on a case-by-case basis, each order considers the space, taste and lifestyle of clients.

From the ultra-modern, urban living space to traditional or period homes, Modus Design has worked on the some of the UK’s most prestigious properties, including the homes of premiership footballers, A-list celebrities and world famous architects.

We asked designer Daniel Sanders to tell us a little more about why Modus stands out from the crowd...

interiors

What does Modus Design provide that other fireplace companies do not?

First and foremost our fireplace collection is unique. The concept that underlies all of our designs, and that separates us from other fireplace companies, is that our fireplaces are intended to be unique designer pieces of furniture, as well as fully functioning fireplaces. A fireplace isn’t lit for most of the year so why have a hole in the wall when you can have a beautiful, sculptured focal feature for 365 days?

Secondly, all designs are completely bespoke and can be 100% customised to suit individual taste, situation and lifestyle – from dimensions to colour schemes, materials to finishes.

Essentially, no two fireplaces that we make and design are the same. We aim to provide a product that is exceptionally high in design and manufacture to suit individuals who have a discerning taste for luxury.

How successful has Modus Design been since it was established?

I guess it depends on how you judge success. I look at it in two different ways.

The first is being successful in terms of industry recognition. There is no greater accolade than working alongside the likes of world renowned interior designers or architects such as Candy & Candy, Kelly Hoppen and Foster & Partners.

Secondly, I value success in terms of client satisfaction – we’ve yet to leave one customer unsatisfied, so we must be doing something right!

How do you ensure each fireplace is ‘bespoke and personalised’?

The way to achieve the best results and satisfy the needs of the individual is to try and understand as much about them and their lifestyle. Therefore, our design consultants work directly with clients, their interior designers and/ or architects in situ – this is the best way to fully appreciate the space in question and to propose the best design solution. Once a design consultant has met on site, he or she will be able to put together 3D design imagery to allow clients to visualise how different designs will look.

What type of materials do you use and how do you source them?

Our fireplaces incorporate a whole host of materials and we are always looking to incorporate new materials into our designs. The basic elements are metal, glass and stone but we also work with some unusual materials that you wouldn’t normally associate with a fireplace, such as leather. We have a suspended fireplace in our collection that has a leather base which serves almost as piece of furniture.

Materials are sourced from all over the world, including Japan for unique fire resistant glass, Italy for stone and marble, and Germany for high quality metal.

What initially attracted you to contemporary fireplace design?

I had worked for some prestigious brands in different industry sectors prior to joining Modus Design. I was excited by the opportunity to work in a real niche industry and for a company that had been successful in taking ‘the fireplace’ – what is traditionally seen as an unsexy product – and turn it into a real object of desire with true design aesthetics. Working at the luxury end of the market also has its attractions, not least the opportunity to work in some exclusive properties but also the design freedom that luxury affords.

Which clients and properties are you most proud of working for?

We were asked to design and supply two fireplaces for the private penthouse of one of the greatest architects of modern times - the individuality of the designs and the demands of the job itself was certainly something for us to be proud of.

How do you ensure Modus Design continually has a unique fireplace collection?

Innovation is the name of the game.We are constantly looking to create distinctive installations and push the boundaries of what’s possible in fireplace design.We work closely with our counterparts in Holland who are responsible for manufacture and who are experts at taking our concepts and turning them into reality. Keeping up to date with trends in interior design and architecture, as well as the more general fashion trends that influence our taste and lifestyle helps ensure our designs are ‘ontrend’.We’re about to launch the world’s first waterfall fire, so watch this space... 

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TOP 3 DESIGNS THE LINEFIRE A feature fireplace of traditional shape with a contemporary twist, this design has a bold elegance.

The design pictured incorporates an impressive 2.6 metre flame.

THE 186-01 This beautiful cylindrical free hanging fireplace with glass canopy allows all round vision of the fire.

The curved glass and silver reflections, combined with the fire, creates a unique and visually impressive design. There are a number of materials and colours to choose from.

THE 984 This design has a highly unique form that mixes different metals and finishes to create a truly stunning focal piece.

The main body is made from corten steel which provides a rusted look alongside the flue and fire bowl made from stainless steel. The body can be used as seating or as ornamental display.

Prices, for design conception to installation, start at £4,500.

Modus Design 020 8906 9988 www.modusfireplaces.com

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Novice exercisers looking for a baseline measure of fitness & initial exercise guidance Recreational level athletes to accurately assess fitness levels & understand the science behind effective training Individuals returning to sport after a period of inactivity Personalising heart rate training zones Accurately tracking your response to training over time To make a booking call:

020 7467 5470

or visit the website to learn more:

www.thefitnesslab.co.uk

SOCIETY NEWS: POLITICS & POULTRY

S

taunch Thatcherite, Lord Tebbit has been waxing lyrical about the issues facing the Tories on the run-up to the election as he hosted The Game Cook & Connoisseur Dinner at one of the City’s favourite haunts, Boisdale of Bishopsgate.

Over rabbit terrine and highland pheasant with haggis and eased with wine from the very best chateaus, Tebbit, as is his wont, professed his comments on the state of the party, the banking industry and described the man at the helm, David Cameron, as Britain’s version of Barack Obama. His closing gambit one of hope for the election. n

Boisdale of Bishopgate Swedeland Court 202 Bishopsgate EC2M 4NR 020 7283 1763 www.boisdale.co.uk

cityliferecommends

citylife

recommends

CHALET DE LA CLOCHE

GAY MEN’S CHORUS

Nestled in the heart of the Val d’Isere/Tignes is the beautiful Chalet de la Cloche, where you can enjoy your own chef and butler; gourmet food; extensive wine cellar and open bar; private spa; Sky TV; Wi-Fi; spacious en-suite bedrooms; and some of the best skiing in the world.

Take a twist on the traditional Cinderella with Singderella, an eclectic mix of traditional carols and Broadway classics designed to help escape everyday life and uplift your spirits. Musical director, Simon Sharp ensures many surprises are in store.

For more information, call 020 8853 0636, email info@ski-base.com or visit www.ski-base.com

Tickets are priced from £15-£35 Cadogan Hall 5 Sloane Terrace London, SW1X 9DQ www.lgmc.org.uk

BMA HOUSE

YOUNG ART

BMA House is a Grade II listed building, which after a recent has refurbishment, now provides five impressive new event spaces, in addition to a further 21 purpose built meeting rooms. Capacities range from 10 to 300 and benefit from an array of state-ofthe-art Audio Visual equipment and an on-site caterer.

Graffiti artists from around Europe present their contemporary art installations, sculpture and multimedia productions on 24 November.

Original famous pieces such as Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss have been incorporated, alongside wonderfully chaotic graffiti. Guaranteed to make your eyes dance.

Tavistock Square London, WC1H 9JP For more information, call 020 7874 7020, email events@bma.org.uk or visit www.bmahouse.org.uk

Maverik Showroom 68-72 Redchurch Street Shoreditch www.maverikshowroom.com

MANCHESTER UNITED

IN THEIR SHOES BALL

There’s no better place to impress clients, colleagues or business partners than Old Trafford. It’s where amazing things happen on and off the pitch – injury-time winners, goal-line clearances and firm hand shakes. Their hospitality packages bring quality chefs and waiting staff to ensure world renowned hospitality, bringing a high level of drama and luxury.

Join Macmillan Cancer for champagne and dinner with the opportunity to bid for some fabulous prizes including signed shoes from A-list stars such as Kylie Minogue and Andrew Strauss, whose shoes were worn on the day England won the Ashes. It gives guests the opportunity to walk in the shoes of those affected with cancer and how donations can truly make a difference.

For more information, call 0161 868 8000, email hospitality@manutd.co.uk or visit www.manutd.com

www.macmillanball2009.co.uk

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win

A pair of tickets to see

cityliferecommends

citylife

recommends

ANDREX SHEA BUTTER KNICKERS

Guardian, Sunday Telegraph, City AM, Time Out, Evening Standard, Daily Telegraph, The Times ddddd

There was a warning and its name was Enron

O

ne of the most infamous scandals in financial history becomes a unique theatrical event in “Rupert Goold’s brilliant production” (The Guardian). Mixing classical tragedy with savage comedy, it reviews the tumultuous 1990s and casts new light on the current financial situation. In what promises to be “an outstanding evening” (The Evening Standard), Enron is “the exhilarating answer to a $60bn question” (The Times).

“Are you kidding me? Did we take advantage? Yes, we took advantage.

And the only difference between me and the people judging me is they weren’t smart enough to do what we did.”

Inspired by real-life events and using music, dance and video, Enron is directed by Headlong Theatre’s Artistic Director Rupert Goold whose recent credits include the award-winning Macbeth, Six Characters in Search of an Author, King Lear, No Man’s Land and Oliver! n

Enron will run from 16 January Early booking strongly advised

Designed by Ayten Gasson, these silk knickers are enriched with Shea Butter to make them extra luxurious to the touch.

Each pair comes beautifully wrapped in a co-ordinating silk pouch and half of all profits will go directly to Womens Cancer charity “Look Good…

Feel Better” which combats the visible side effects of those undergoing cancer treatment. www.andrexsheabutter.co.uk

CONTEMPORARY EARTH Running from 3 December, GSK Contemporary: Earth is the second annual contemporary art season at 6 Burlington Gardens.

The exhibition will examine the responses of leading international artists to the climate change debate and will include over 30 artists such as Gary Hume, Tracy Emin and Tacita Dean. Also look out for new and recent works by Sophie Calle, Keith Tyson and writer Ian McEwan. www.royalacademy.org.uk

Nöel Coward Theatre St Martins Lane, WC2N 4AU For more information, call the box office on 0844 482 5140 or visit www.enrontheplay.com

WIN! We’re offering one lucky reader a pair of tickets to Enron. To be in with a chance of winning, email your name and telephone number to competitions with ‘Enron CITY’ in the subject bar.

Closing date for the competition is 30 November and the Editor’s decision is final.

Terms and Conditions: Winning tickets valid Monday to Thursday performance from 1-25 February 2010 (subject to availability). Winning tickets held at the box office for collection. By entering this competition you are agreeing that your details can be used by both Runwild Media Group and Nöel Coward Theatre for marketing purposes. Your details will not be disclosed to third parties.

115

ORCHID LIVING Hand carved in Thailand, these pieces will bright up any living or work space. The stools are carved from a single piece of wood and can be used to either sit on or as a small side or lamp table. Wall hangings come in several different colours to suit your mood and tastes and all are protected and finished in a natural soft brown wax. www.orchidlivingltd.com

LONDON Homes&

PROPERTY

Covering The City, Canary Wharf, Docklands & South EAST

C IT Y C o o l

L U X U RY L E T T I N G S

PROPERTY CHAIN

Louis Blue console, £695

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T H E L AT E S T p r o p erty ne w s f r o m pa p er r o c k et

Hot Properties check out this month’s hottest homes

KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

New Crane Place, Wapping High St E1W

Hermitage Court, Knighten Street E1W

Spacious three double bedroom two bathroom warehouse conversion in central Wapping with easy access in to The City and Canary Wharf via the 100 and D3 bus. This unfurnished apartment has a good size reception room with large double doors looking down Wapping High Street, separate fitted kitchen, hard wooden floors, exposed brick work, underground parking and excellent 24 hour porterage.

Beautiful newly refurbished 2 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment in Wapping. Wonderful open plan kitchen/ reception room and lovely balcony. Ideally located for access to The City and Canary Wharf, situated near to Tower Bridge and Tower Hill underground station and conveniently positioned on the 100 bus route.

Underground parking is included.

£575 per week

£600 per week

Knight Frank Wapping Lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

Knight Frank Wapping Lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

Capital Wharf, Wapping High Street E1W Outstanding one bedroom apartment set in this great 24 hour portered development in Wapping, close to Waitrose, St Katharine’s Dock and less than 10 minutes walk to Tower Hill. This very smart apartment boasts a large reception room with access on to a private balcony, fully fitted kitchen, spacious bedroom, modern bathroom, parking and beautiful views of the river. Also boasting a gym in the block. £495 per week Knight Frank Wapping Lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

Morocco Wharf, Wapping High Street E1W Spacious two double bedroom two bathroom warehouse conversion on Wapping High Street. This attractive flat has a spacious fitted kitchen, hard wooden floors, exposed brick work, modern bathrooms, parking and is available unfurnished or furnished. £450 per week Knight Frank Wapping Lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

Sandpiper Court, St Katharine’s Dock E1W

Cinnabar Wharf, Wapping High Street E1W

Bright and modern two double bedroom two bathroom third floor apartment set in this great 24 hour portered development in St Katharine’s Dock. This lovely apartment is set on the Thomas More Street side of the development and has a great reception room leading on to a private balcony with stunning views of the dock. Parking and available fully furnished.

Split level three bedroom three bathroom penthouse apartment set on the top two floors of this modern 24 hour portered purpose built development. Offering a large reception room with a smart open plan fully fitted kitchen, high ceilings and wood floors. The apartment has a large amount of outside space directly on to the river and also to the back of the building. Also boasting secure underground parking.

£750 per week Knight Frank Wapping Lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

President Drive, Wapping E1W Attractive three bedroom two bathroom house set in this gated development in central Wapping. This furnished house has a good size reception room with separate kitchen diner, private garden and parking for two cars. £440 per week Knight Frank Wapping Lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

£1,000 per week Knight Frank Wapping Lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

Stamford Street, London SE1 One bedroom 3rd floor apartment located in this newly built portered development with one double bedroom with fitted wardrobes, bathroom with shower, wooden floors and a balcony. This apartment is ideally situated for the transport links of Waterloo Station and an easy walk in to The City. £400 per week Knight Frank Wapping Lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

Fashion Street, Spitalfields E1 Stylish one bedroom 2nd floor apartment set in this fantastic location in Spitalfields, moments from The City.

This modern apartment has a lovely fitted open plan kitchen, smart shower room, beautiful wooden floors, great storage and offered furnished. £350 per week Knight Frank City Lettings 020 7606 1560 gary.hall@knightfrank.com

St Pancras Chambers, Euston Road, NW1 This attractive two bedroom 818 sq ft unit is set on the 2nd floor boasting high ceilings, fully fitted kitchen, modern bathroom, real wooden floors, views to the back of the building and available immediately on an furnished basis. This magnificent Grade 1 Listed development is currently undergoing a £150 million refurbishment. This landmark development has to be the most convenient location for anyone travelling to and from Europe £675 per week Knight Frank City Lettings 020 7606 1560 gary.hall@knightfrank.com

Oliver’s Wharf, Wapping E1W Large 2300 sq ft three double bedroom two bathroom 4th floor apartment set in this original portered warehouse conversion. This spacious apartment has a large dual aspect reception, newly fitted modern kitchen, 2 terraces stunning river views from all rooms. £930 per week Knight Frank Wapping Lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

Trafalgar Court, Wapping E1W Bright one bedroom apartment set in this popular 24 hour portered block in Wapping. This great flat has a fully fitted kitchen, bathroom, double bedroom with river views and a private balcony. Also boasting parking, a lift and video entry. Available furnished. £300 per week Knight Frank Wapping Lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

KnightFrank.co.uk

Cinnabar Wharf West, Wapping E1W

Stockholm Way, Wapping E1W

3 Bedroom riverside duplex penthouse with double height reception room. A well designed flat in excellent order, spacious entrance hall, reception room, kitchen, 2 bathrooms, 2 balconies, parking space, gym, 24 hour porterage 103 sq m (1116 sq ft).

Very light and bright top floor 1 bedroom flat with a balcony. A spacious flat on the third floor of a small purpose built block close to St Katharine’s Dock. Well proportioned reception room, kitchen, bathroom, gas CH, lift, garage parking space 57 sq m (623 sq ft).

Leasehold: 987 years

Leasehold 108 years

Guide price: £1,325,000

Guide price: £335,000

Knight Frank Wapping 020 7480 6848 sales@knightfrank.com

Knight Frank Wapping 020 7480 6848 sales@knightfrank.com

Keepier Wharf, Limehouse E14

Chinnocks Wharf, Limehouse E14

Recently refurbished riverside apartment in popular Narrow Street. On the first floor of a converted building with outstanding river views, a large 2 bedroom flat in excellent order having been recently refurbished.

Stunning reception room, kitchen, bath and shower room, parking, resident porter. 206 sq m (2226 sq ft).

Spacious three bedroom flat with a balcony and outstanding river views. Very light and airy flat in a modern block situated at the top of a bend in the river. Reception room, kitchen, master bedroom with en suite bathroom, two further double bedrooms, second bathroom, gas CH, lift, porter, parking space. In excess of 1,000 sq ft.

Share of Freehold

Leasehold 179 years

Guide price: £1,100,000

Guide price: £695,000

Knight Frank Wapping 020 7480 6848 sales@knightfrank.com

Knight Frank Wapping 020 7480 6848 sales@knightfrank.com

No one’s more at home in north London When you’re looking to buy, sell, let or rent locally or anywhere in London, no one’s better placed to help. Visit kfh.co.uk, the home of London property.

Islington Lettings 020 7359 3636 Email lis@kfh.co.uk Sales 020 7226 2487 Email sis@kfh.co.uk

City Office 020 7236 8398 city@hamptons-int.com

www.hamptons.co.uk

Whites Row, Cliffords Inn,E1EC4

Aldersgate Street, Mitre Street, EC3 EC1

Wilkes Street,Street, E1 Featherstone EC1

Fournier Street, Garden Walk, EC2E1

£345,000 Leasehold £595,000 Leasehold one bedroom apartment in theinheart of vibrant Spitalfi elds.

A superb 2 bedroom apartment this popular block on the This modern highly sought after and the and property western edge block of theisCity, with a southerly aspect beautiful wouldover make excellentChurch.

City base or rental investment. views Stan Dunstan’s

£1,899,000Leasehold Freehold £395,000 A Grade II listed Georgianwithin house this withpopular an enviable corner An impressive apartment development position stylish giving contemporary double-aspect daylight to manyon rooms offering accommodation one and floor westerly views towards the City. with its own street entrance and private car parking.

perty address

£480,000Leasehold Leasehold £399,950 A smart twotwo bedroom apartment on the oor of this popular stunning bedroom apartment with9th anflabundance of natural modern development to the Barbican. light on the third flooradjacent of this converted tea warehouse, away from busy traffic and adjacent to the Gherkin.

£2,500,000 Leasehold £390,000 Leasehold Dating 1726, this stunning property elds’ A smartfrom contemporary apartment locatedon in Spitalfi the heart of most desirable street offersto beautifully appointed accommodation Shoreditch.

Finished a high standard the property enjoys access throughout togetherand witha acommunal separate studio house. to a private balcony roof terrace.

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Friar Street, Upper ThamesEC4 Street, EC4 Firstname Surname

£340,000 Leasehold £325,000 Leasehold A delightful one bedroom apartment in this popular development don House Department 01403 262828 With easterly river views towards Southwark Bridge and Office London House Department 01403 262828 tucked away in the network Dickensian southwould of St Paul’s additional basement storage,ofthis 5th floorstreets apartment shamcountryhouse@hamptons-int.com Email horshamcountryhouse@hamptons-int.com Cathedral. make the ultimate City base or rental investment.

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Chicksand Street, E1 Barbican, EC2 Price on application

£399,950Leasehold Leasehold £565,000 A spacious oor twoview bedroom flatgarden situated in the a modern Priceaflon application This duplexsecond offers lovely over the and lake. The Freehold building just off Brick Lane a smart interior. interior remains true to the with Grade II listed heritage, with a smart Freehold modern kitchen and 60’s bathroom suite.

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Pickfords Wharf, SE1 Providence Square, SE1

WheatCourt, WharfSE16 Apartments, SE1 Axis

Vanilla Sesame Court, SE1 Cayenne&Court, SE1

Providence Square, SE1 SE1 Butlers & Colonial Wharf,

£1,650,000 Leasehold £585,000 Share of Freehold A highly desirable 1830 sq ft penthouse apartment set over the top 2 A waterfront two bedroom apartment within the popular floors of this popular riverside block. Offered with 2 bedroom suites, Providence Square development, having a terrace directly private courtyard & balcony. overlooking the Japanese style water garden.

£875,000 Leasehold £585,000 Leasehold A 3 bedroom apartment with a generous terrace facing East on A two bedroom 1st floor apartment within the popular Cayenne the corner of this popular building in Shad Thames. Includes car Court development, having a Westerly courtyard facing balcony parking and a double aspect reception room. from the reception. Leisure complex and parking.

£1,350,000 Leasehold £695,000 Leasehold A superb two bedroom, warehouse loft apartment, retaining much A beautifully presented 951 sq ft two bedroom penthouse apartment of its original features, incl wood beams & high ceilings. Located in built in 2005 by Berkeley Homes with balcony, spacious terrace and Shad Thames with lift & secure parking. underground parking.

£695,000 Leasehold £389,000 Leasehold A 3rd floor 1,000 sq ft two bedroom apartment, overlooking A stylish one bedroom apartment on the 1st floor of a gated & the water garden and towards the River Thames. Includes portered development, with re-fitted kitchen and bathroom, located underground parking, concierge and communal gymnasium. in the heart of Shad Thames.

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Butlers Wharf, SE1SE16 Windsor Court,

£695,000 Share of Freehold £395,000 Leasehold A fourth floor riverfront apartment with two windows overlooking An upgraded, 4th floor, 880 sq ft, dual aspect, two bedroom Tower Bridge and the Thames, having underground parking and apartment in a gated, portered development, with river views from concierge facilities. the balcony and parking.

Cinnamon SE1SE1 BridgewalkWharf, Heights,

£525,000 Share of Freehold £465,000 Leasehold An 807 sq ft one bedroom apartment located in a portered building A top (3rd) floor two double bedroom duplex apartment, with on Shad Thames, with an allocated parking space and communal en-suite to master and two receptions, within 200m of London roof terrace.

Bridge station.

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An expanding network of over 70 offices local, national and international

City Office 020 7236 8399 citylettings@hamptons-int.com

www.hamptons.co.uk www.hamptons.co.uk

Upper Thames Street, EC4 Tabernacle Street, EC2A

£330 per week £450 per week A refurbished one bedroom apartment in this City development on A one bedroom apartment with plenty of character, contemporary the North Bank of the Thames, benefitting from daytime concierge kitchen and private terrace located in a former warehouse. and communal roof terrace with river views.

Pepys Street, London Wall, EC3 EC2M

£380 per week £430 per week A larger than average, fully equipped, one bedroom apartment A two bedroom apartment in the heart of the City only moments in this popular City Development with daytime concierge. to Liverpool Street and Bank stations. The apartment benefits Benefits from wood floors, Juliet balcony and good storage. from air conditioning and contemporary decor.

St John Street, EC1 £425 per week Bishops Square, E1 £550 per week St Marks Street, E1 £585 per week Trinity Square, EC3N £590 per week A large warehouse style apartment with a contemporary finish, A well presented two double bedroom apartment in this new A threetting double penthouse apartment arranged over two benefi frombedroom floor to ceiling windows and private balcony. levels providing a bright living area with two balconies. Parking is Situated in the heart of Clerkenwell. available by separate negotiation.

A stunningdevelopment two bedroomintwo duplex apartment landmark thebathroom heart of Spitalfi elds, finishedwith to a panoramic views over of furnishings.

London and the River Thames. fantastic standard withthe topTower quality

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£595 per week Little Britain, EC1A £430 per week An incredibly well located two double bedroom, two bathroom Price on application apartment this prestigious square, with in stunning views over the A super splitinlevel two bedroom apartment the historical Price on application Freehold Price onTower application Tower of London and Bridge. gardens, situated in a Smithfield area, overlooking pleasant Freehold Freehold portered mansion block between St Paul’s and Barbican.

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Wheat Wharf, SE1 SE16 Riverview Heights,

Ravens Wharf, SE1 Tea Trade Wharf, SE1

contemporary decor featuring a stylish glass staircase leading to spacious reception room and kitchen dining room. Allocated parking. Furnished.

prestigious warehouse development. The apartment benefits from 24 hour concierge and allocated secure parking. Furnished.

£650 per week £725 per week A stunning two bedroom warehouse conversion in the heart of Shad An outstanding riverside duplex apartment within close proximity Thames with exposed beams and exposed brickwork.

Furnished. to Shad Thames, boasting three roof terraces with river views,

Langbourne Place, E14 £345 per week Tempus Wharf, SE16 £575 per week A well presented two bedroom apartment boasting, large reception A beautiful two bathroom apartment offered in with wood fltwo oorsbedroom and balcony offering views of the river Thames. excellent order and boasting wood floors, exposed brick, small Unfurnished. balcony with river views and communal terrace. Furnished.

£585 per week £800 per week A spacious two twodouble bedroom apartment boasting wood floors, two large A spacious bedroom two bathroom apartment bathrooms and balcony.

Furnished. with balcony offered in excellent order and arranged within a

Tea Trade Wharf, SE1 £395 per week Caraway Apartments, SE1 £550 per week A superb one bedroom apartment offered in immaculate order An exceptionally spacious two double bedroom apartment throughout arranged within a prestigious portered development with gym, two ensuite bathrooms and a guest cloakroom. Offered with swimming pool and sauna.

Furnished. in excellent order throughout and boasting two balconies, allocated parking and communal lesuire complex. Furnished.

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The Flag Store, SE1 £550 per week Sandpiper Court, E1W £550 per week The Circle, SE1 boasting vaulted ceilings,£380 per week Merganser Court, E1W apartment benefi £475 perfrom weeka A character filled apartment exposed roof A beautiful and spacious one bedroom tting

A one bedroom apartment boasting room with wood timbers, exposed brickwork, originalreception wood floors and mezzanine floors and balcony overlooking pretty communal garden. Situated in sleeping area.

Furnished. the heart of Shad Thames. Furnished.

A beautiful one bedroom boasting spacious balcony with direct views apartment of St Katharine Docks.

Furnished. bedroom and reception room both with direct access to balcony overlooking St Katharine’s Dock, parking and porter.

Furnished.

A network of offices - local, national and international.

Onenetwork address.ofThousands of properties. www.hamptons.co.uk An expanding over 70 offices - local, national and international

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Alaska Building, Deals Gateway SE13 • One Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • 6th Floor • Balcony • On-Site Leisure Facilities • Nr. Deptford Bridge DLR

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Marmara Apartments, Western Gateway E16

• Three Bedroom/Two Bathroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • Balcony • On-site Gymnasium • 24hr Concierge Service • Nr Royal Victoria DLR

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Ontario Tower, Canary Wharf E14

• Riverside Studio Suite • 4th Floor • Outstanding Design • Exceptional Specification • 24hr Concierge, Room Service and Leisure Facilities • Moments from Blackwall DLR

£249,000

Subject to an exceptional third quarter of trading we urgently require more 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments for awaiting, company and professional tenants.

For all new managed instructions we will take our fees on a monthly basis.

1 West India Quay, Canary Wharf, E14

• Spectacular 1 Bed/2 Bathrooom Apartment • 18th Floor • Exceptional Specification Throughout • Unparalleled Views to the Towers of Canada Square • Enviable Location Next to DLR and Shopping Malls

£565,000

Asquith House, New Palace Place, Westminster, SW1

• Extremely Spacious 2 Bed/3 Bath Apartment • Over 1,000sqft of Living Space with Balcony • Excellent Location in the Heart of Westminster • Superior specification throughout • Secure Underground Parking and 24hr Porter • Moments from River and Houses of Parliament

£799,950

Marina Heights, Basin Approach E14

• Sub Penthouse Apartment • Furnishings Optional • Large South Facing Balcony • Stunning Marina Views • Secure Allocated Parking • 24hr Concierge Service

£450 PW

Marina Heights, Limehouse Basin, E14

• 1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom • 3rd Floor • Fully Furnished • Fine Decorative Order Throughout • Great Location Mins from South Quay DLR • Fantastic Leisure Facilities and 24hr Porter

£260,000

Sales | Lettings | Corporate Services | Property Management www.liferesidential.co.uk

Central London 020 7582 7989

West London 020 8896 9990

Docklands 020 7476 0125

Deptford & Greenwich 020 8692 2244

e as Ph d 1 ol of S % ow 90 N st

This could be your amazing 2 bedroom apartment View from roof terrace

Luxury bathroom specification

Eco-friendly design

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Completions available now Site is now occupied *

Call now to join us for a night of celebration and fireworks on 8th November 5 ‘til 8

* subject to planning by site completion

Luxury Apartments to Rent in a Truly Unique Development The North Stand apartments in Highbury Square are part of a truly unique development set in what was the previous home of Arsenal Football club. The development offers one, two and three bedroom apartments all designed to the highest specification and benefiting from the 24 hour concierge service and secure underground parking.

The focal point of this exclusive development is the stunning central landscaped garden located in the position of the original football pitch and provides residents with one of the largest private gardens in North London.

Highbury Square is extremely well connected with excellent road, tube and rail links on the doorstep. The development is conveniently located for all the nearby vibrant restaurants, cafes, bars and shops of Highbury and also Islington’s Upper Street.

The apartments are available to let immediately and are offered either furnished or unfurnished. One bedroom between £280 and £345 per week, two bedrooms between £370 and £475 per week and three bedroom penthouses at £850 per week.

For more information or to arrange a viewing, contact Knight Frank on:

020 7861 5525 / northstand@knighfrank.com www.northstandapartments.com

winter

in

Apartments to Rent in a thursday 26Luxury november 12noon to 8pm Truly Unique Development The North Stand apartments in Highbury Square are part of a truly unique development set in what was the previous home of Arsenal Football club. The development offers one, two and three bedroom apartments all designed to the highest specification and benefiting from the 24 hour concierge service and secure underground parking.

The focal point of this exclusive development is the stunning central landscaped garden located in the position of the original football pitch and provides residents with one of the largest private gardens in North London.

Highbury Square is extremely well connected with excellent road, tube and rail links on the doorstep. The development is conveniently located for all the nearby vibrant restaurants, cafes, bars and shops of Highbury and also Islington’s Upper (5pm to 8pm) (from 5pm, whilst stocks last) Street.

The apartments are available to let immediately and are offered either furnished or unfurnished. One bedroom between £280 and £345 per week, two bedrooms between £370 and £475 per week and three bedroom penthouses at £850 per week.

For more information or to arrange a viewing, contact Knight Frank on:

shops | bars | restaurants

020 7861 5525 / northstand@knighfrank.com www.northstandapartments.com

www.mycanarywharf.com

Canary wharf’s ever popular winter in Style event is the perfect introduction to the party season ahead. with a superb selection of leading brands, you’ll find a fabulous choice of fashions and accessories. to get your festive shopping off to a flying start, many stores are offering discounts of up to 30% on the day.* A Gift From the Gods. . . . . . . . . . 20% off Aspinal of London . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Austin reed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15% off Brilliant inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Cards Galore. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Charbonnel et walker . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Charles Fish (excluding watch brands) . . . . 20% off Charles tyrwhitt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Choice (selected items only) . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Cecil Gee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15% off Crabtree & evelyn . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off David Clulow Opticians . . . . . . . . 20% off Dune . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Fat Face. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10% off Fiorelli. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10% off French Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Gap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Gap Kids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Jones Bootmaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Kate Kuba. . . . . . . 20% off (15% off Ugg Australia) Karen Millen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Laline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off

L.K. Bennett. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off L’Occitane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Molton Brown (when spending £40 or more) 20% off Myla . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30% off neal’s Yard remedies . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Oasis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Paperchase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10% off Perfect Presents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Phase eight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off robert Dyas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off runners need . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Scribbler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Sweaty Betty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off ted Baker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off the Body Shop (when spending £25 or more)20% off Vision express . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15% off warehouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% off Other offers available at: Bang & Olufsen, Burger King, Crussh, Montblanc, nicolas wine, Singapore Sam, the Gentry Barber Shop, the Gentry Hair & Spa, tiffinbites, Zazà

*Correct at time of print, terms and conditions apply to individual store offers.

www.mycanarywharf.com

THE CITY MAGAZINE

www.irelandinspires.co.uk

When it comes to business, Ireland is the business. From state of the art conference centres to luxurious five-star castles, whatever you’re looking for you’ll find it here, all served up with our famous Irish hospitality. With breathtaking scenery and recreational activities like golf, sailing or a soak in the spa, who says you can’t mix business with pleasure?

For more information on hosting a business event in Ireland email info@irelandinspires.co.uk or call 020 7518 3355.

NOVEMBER 2009 ART • INTERIORS • FASHION • MOTORING • BEAUTY • SHOPPING • BUSINESS • GADGETS • FOOD & DRINK • UK & INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY

Business events with the ultimate break-out area.

26/10/2009 09:44

THE MAVERICK

Henri Leconte puts on a good show

WORKING IN THE WEST BANK

Life from a new perspective

REGENERATION GAME

I S S U E 25

MA4816_TI_A4_ad.indd 1

NOVEMBER 2009 issue 25

The new face of King’s Cross

HOT PROPERTIES

UK & International