w David Beckham. A global icon who insists on perfection. Precision and style. A legend forged by accomplishments. On his wrist is the Breitling Transocean Chronograph Unitime, the ultimate traveller’s watch. Manufacture Breitling Calibre B05, officially chronometer-certified by the COSC, endorsed by a 5-year Breitling warranty. High-performance selfwinding chronograph. Universal time function enabling permanent readings of the time in all 24 timezones thanks to a patented mechanism and a supremely user-friendly crown-operated correction system. Comfort and elegance for first-class travellers. Signed Breitling.
For your nearest stockist in Great Britain and Ireland telephone 020 7637 5167
BREITLING.COM
ÂŁ8460*
*RRP. Subject to change without notice.
W O R L D C L A S S T R AV E L L E R S
DECEMBER 2012 40
56
15
63
39
50
COVER IMAGE: Michael Schumacher Image courtesy of Audemars Piguet
Feature
10 TAKING A BOW
Former Formula 1 star Michael Schumacher talks life away from the track with Richard Brown
15 A-Z OF BESPOKE GIFTS
From accessories to automobiles, gadgets to gastronomy, Kari ROSENBERG rounds up the top bespoke, one of a kind and limited edition gift ideas, sure to make anyone feel special this Christmas
COLLECTION
24 THE POWER OF PURPLE
In a season where berry shades dominated fashion catwalks, purple reigns supreme. This A/W12, pick the gifts and accessories devoted to the primary colour of luxury and extravagance
comment
42 YESTERDAY’S WINE
Bad weather across Europe has left wine investors cautious about the quality of this year’s yield. Peter Shakeshaft assesses the potential fruits of the 2012 harvest
calibre
56 CITY JET-SET
Kari Rosenberg speaks to CityJet CEO Christine Ourmières about aviation trends, new destinations, and keeping in touch with her customers
travel
92 A WORLD AWAY
Munich is a place where the traditional and modern collide to create a city built from the debris of war. Rajdeep Sandhu takes a look behind the beer drinking
regulars 21 Watches + Jewellery
83 Travel
39 comment
95 Food + Drink
67 fashion
104 The Directory
52 Sport
107 Property
the
w-list
Deputy Editor Kari Rosenberg highlights the key people, places and events in December. Get your Christmas hat on early and support the Starlight Christmas of Happiness campaign as well as choosing your perfect gifts early to avoid any last minute panic
RUNWILD M
E
D
I
A
G
R
O
U
P
Editor-in-Chief Lesley Ellwood
Editorial Director Kate Harrison
Deputy Editor Kari Rosenberg
When?
25 December The tree is fully dressed, the turkey is basting and the pudding is baked. If all you’re missing to complete your Christmas is a perfectly wrapped present for your nearest and dearest, then take a look at our bespoke gift guide, or our top product picks throughout the magazine; from watches and jewellery, fashion and interiors, food and drink to beauty, gadgets and travel, there’s something for everyone.
Fashion Editor Lucie Dodds
Motoring Editor Matthew Carter
Assistant Editors
Richard Brown, Gabrielle Lane
Editorial Assistants
Olivia Sharpe, Rajdeep Sandhu, Aimee Latimer
Head of Design
What?
Hiren Chandarana
Spice of Life Eighties babies rejoice: Spice Girls musical Viva Forever opens in the West End on 11 December. Written by comedian Jennifer Saunders and produced by Judy Craymer – who created and produced ABBA musical Mamma Mia – the fictionised production follows a mother, her daughter and a television talent show. Expect chart toppers Wannabe, Who Do You Think You Are and Mama, with a side of girl power.
Brand Consistency Laddawan Juhong
Designer
Sarah Connell
Production Manager Fiona Fenwick
Production
Hugo Wheatley
Head of Projects Ella Kilgarriff
Where? Santa’s Grotto
Launching 1 December, Santa’s Grotto in Canary Wharf’s Jubilee Place returns with a whimsical and magical theme. Open every weekend in December as well as the week before Christmas and on Christmas Eve, excited children (and some adults) can meet Father Christmas and tell him what they want (what they really really want). Sorry.
Who?
The Hobbit Tolkien fans get ready for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, the first part of Peter Jackson’s new trilogy, who was also at the helm of the multi awardwining three-part adaptation of Lord Of The Rings. The Royal UK Premiere takes place on 12 December, so expect appearances from the all-star cast, including Martin Freeman in the title role, alongside Hugo Weaving, Elijah Wood, Orlando Bloom, Cate Blanchett, Ian McKellen, Christopher Lee, Andy Serkis, Ian Holm, Benedict Cumberbatch and Stephen Fry. Phew. This year also marks the 75th anniversary of The Hobbit in print.
What: Featureflash / Shutterstock.com
Why? Starlight Run
Kickstarting at Ice Rink Canary Wharf, the Starlight 12 Days of Christmas Run will see hundreds of festive runners raise money for the Starlight Christmas of Happiness campaign. Companies are invited to submit teams of up to 12 runners who can choose to dress up as one of the categories from The Twelve Days of Christmas carol, be it two turtle doves, three French hens or a partridge in a pear tree. The 1.2 mile course will be run on 12 December at precisely 12:12pm around the Canary Wharf estate. For more information email: gabbi.ray@starlight.org.uk
Senior Property Manager Samantha Ratcliffe
Head of Finance Elton Hopkins
Managing Director Eren Ellwood
7 Heron Quay, Canary Wharf London, E14 4JB T: 020 7987 4320 F: 020 7005 0045 www.rwmg.co.uk
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. Subscriptions: A free online subscription service is available for The City Magazine. Visit the subscriptions page on our website. www.rwmg.co.uk/subscribe
Harrods Corporate Service offers your business a wealth of gifting ideas to suit all budgets and tastes, this festive season and beyond. For more details, call +44 (0) 20 7225 5994 or email corporate.service@harrods.com
11925_CorpHamperAd_CanaryWharf.indd 1
19/09/2012 10:48
step into a world
of Christmas
Small Luxury Hotels of the Worldtm
CLUB slh.com/city THE
Over 520 hotels in more than 70 countries
slh.com Experience another World City Magazine Runwild FPDecember.indd 1
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editor’s letter
december
“Christmas is the day that holds all time together”, so said the great Scottish poet Alexander Smith. Well, we couldn’t agree more. The excitement has been mounting at the Runwild office for months while our email inboxes became increasingly inundated with good tidings galore; present ideas and festive treat suggestions, some discovered as early as August, all carefully filed away until now. Cue glittered baubles and twinkling tinsel as we bring you this fabulously festive issue.
From accessories to automobiles, gadgets to gastronomy, don’t miss our five page bespoke gift list. If ‘off the shelf’ makes you sigh and long for the days before mass production, then this is the guide for you. From galactic balloon rides to custom-made Nicholas Kirkwood shoes, personalised accessories to one-of-a-kind yachts, tasty macarons to limited edition make-up; we point you in the direction for a very merry Christmas (p. 15). Add to that dozens of watch, jewellery, fashion, interiors, car, food and drink suggestions across our multiple news pages, and you’ll be sure to find inspiration. Aside from filling stockings and brewing a winning mulled wine, December is the season to party. And party we will. Find dandy suits and dinner jackets as well as Savile Row shirts on our men’s fashion news page (p. 67) paired with smart cufflinks and colourful ties (p. 24). Women take note of our ultimate little (and not so little) black dresses, fur cover ups and glitzy clutch bags (p. 69) – we have every function covered from the cocktail party to the black tie ball. For a touch of frosty glamour, see our beautifully romantic winter wonderland fashion story (p. 70). Elsewhere, we catch up with CityJet CEO Christine Ourmières to chat aviation trends, new destinations and keeping in touch with her customers (p. 56). With more than 20 years in the industry, she’s one top businesswoman not to be messed with. Tue Mantoni took up office as President and CEO at Bang & Olufsen on 1 March last year and has sparked something of a cultural revolution at the Danish gadget house. He talks candidly about appealing to new markets and combatting the recession (p. 40). With bad weather across Europe leaving wine investors cautious about the quality of this year’s yield, Peter Shakeshaft, founder of Vin-X fine wine investment brokers assesses the potential fruits of the 2012 harvest (p. 42). And last, but by no means least, former Formula 1 superstar Michael Schumacher opens up about his career highs and lows and having no regrets (p. 10). Who could blame him? Whether you’re celebrating with friends or family, at home or abroad, enjoy the well-earned time off, whatever you choose to do. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!
Kate
Kate Harrison Editorial Director
december 2012 THE CITY 9
INTERVIEW
Taking
a Bow
“As a racing driver it is your job to push things to the absolute limit. And in order to find out what that limit is, you kind of have to overshoot it. That is the principle of racing. To go beyond.” Richard Brown meets Michael Schumacher, a man that spent two decades doing just that
H
is attitude to racing left his contemporaries cold. Willing to run his closest competitors off the track, to sacrifice his individual race mid-meet, to veer into his own brother in order to procure a place on the podium, it was all about victory; victory at all costs, victory in spite of scrutiny, censure and, seemingly, the safety of others. That was then and this is now. And while the characteristic self-assurance remains, the man speaking from the shadows of a disused power station in Berlin – steely eyed, enormously-jawed – is an evolved version of his former self; more humble, more human, more humorous even. Michael has mellowed. At 43, it is, no doubt, an age thing. It is also the product of three years spent familiarising himself with a word, until recently, he never really understood: losing. Ever since he was lured out of retirement by Brawn in 2009, his passion for racing having been reignited the previous year when he was asked by Ferrari to stand in for an injured Felipe Massa, he has found himself routinely at the wrong end of the starting grid. In a triplet of seasons, he notched up only one podium finish (with one race remaining at the time of print). During the
same period, he out-qualified his younger compatriot teammate, Nico Rosberg, only 17 times. In 2012 alone, a year in which he drove his 300th Formula 1 race, the former world champion was forced to retire an indefensible seven times. He had returned to the sport he had dominated for nearly a decade under the guidance of the man who had masterminded his seven world titles. He had intended to pick up where he left off. But talk of an eighth world championship grew muted as he struggled with cars dramatically altered and competitors drastically improved. Despite high-points in Monaco, where he claimed pole position, and Valencia, where he finished third, many suspected 2012 would be Schumacher’s last season, even before Mercedes’ signing of Lewis Hamilton confirmed it as so. The record-breaker had returned and been thoroughly found out. In his own words, he had failed. It was against this stark reality that I met Formula 1’s Marmite man.
C
onfident and quick-witted, Michael Schumacher exudes an aura belying his 5 ft. 8.5 height. He is poised and carries the swagger of a champion, a product of routinely being described as one
of the greatest of all time. When he retired in 2006 this was an accolade few would have disputed. Six years later and many have started to reconsider the circumstances of Michael’s success. So who’s to blame? In October, Michael suggested the car. “It is without doubt that we did not achieve our goal to develop a world championship fighting car,” he told a press conference at Japan’s Suzuka Circuit. When I met him in Berlin a few weeks later, at the launch of the Audemars Piguet Royal Offshore Chronograph Michael Schumacher, he paid more reverence to the quality of the field around him. “The new generation are much more prepared. Competition has gone to a higher level. There are lots of drivers now that know it’s not all about talent. It is about working with your team, maximising not just your own potential but the car’s potential, the team’s potential.” With this year’s grid comprising six world champions and a depth of talent comparable to that of any era, making an impression on the leader board was always going to be difficult, especially in a car that proved as unreliable as Mercedes’ W03. Yet rather than ruing the talent of the stable mates that, as of next season, will replace him, Schumacher is happy to have heralded in a new age of motorsport. “I guess I have been a pioneer
DECEMBER 2012 THE CITY 11
INTERVIEW
of the generation that is now here. In a way, I should be proud of this.” Indeed, if he was harbouring grudges against his contemporaries, he certainly didn’t show it. Of the 2012 Alonso versus Vettel championship battle, he was lighthearted: “Being still a good friend of the Ferrari family, it’s sad to see him [Alonso] losing his way. But on the other hand I have a good friend that goes by the name of Sebastian. Either way, one of my friends will win.” Of Massa’s improving form towards the end of this season, he was sympathetic: “I’m glad he has been given another opportunity to prove himself. He has had his ups and downs. He has shown he is right to be in Formula 1 and with Ferrari. Next year I hope that times are less difficult for him.” And of a potential move to the brand of the prancing pony for Vettel, he was nostalgic: “Seb talks very highly about Ferrari. There’s no reason why not. At one point everyone likes to find a new orientation. I certainly did.” For Michael, new orientation came most notably in 1996 and in 2009. The first saw the recently crowned two-time world champion leave Benetton for the struggling Ferrari; a move that resurrected the reputation of the Italian brand and one that would, between 2000 and 2004, see Schumacher win more races than any driver in the history of Formula 1. After a retirement that lasted all of three years, the second heralded Michael’s return to the sport. “When I stopped, I was not intending to come back. During that time I enjoyed my freedom and the life I had. But the mission of building up Mercedes attracted me and that is why I came back. It was a mission and there was a timeframe in which I could see us achieving this mission.” Unfortunately, the task of reviving Mercedes proved a mission impossible. Reflecting on three years of failure, does Schumacher regret the comeback? “No. In life you can’t always be successful. It made me more mature, not more relaxed but it taught me how to manage things better, to be more patient. My life in the last three years might not have been as successful as we wanted, but you have to look at the total. Can you
12 THE CITY DECEMBER 2012
be happy? Can you look into the mirror and say you’ve given it your all? I can. And that’s what’s most important.”
S
tatistically-speaking, Michael Schumacher is the greatest Formula 1 driver there has ever been. In 19 seasons he achieved seven World Championships, 91 Grand Prix wins, 154 podium finishes, 76 fastest laps and 68 pole positions. Five of his seven world titles came in five consecutive years, redefining what was possible in the sport and setting a new standard of racing in the 21st century. Away from the statistics, it will be individual performances and moments of driving brilliance that remain in the minds of many F1 nuts. Races like the 1996 Spanish Grand Prix and the Hungarian Grand Prix of 1998 have gone down in Formula 1 folklore as two of the sport’s most exciting spectacles. Others will use the 1995 European Grand Prix at the Nürburgring, where Schumacher made up a 42-second deficit in 27 laps to pass Jean Alesi on the penultimate lap, as evidence of the German’s genius. There is also the fact that up until 2003, Schumacher had won 17 of the 30 wet races in which he had competed. In a career littered with chequered flags and circuit records, what moments constitute highlights? “After more than 20 years in the sport, it’s not possible to pick one. The biggest achievement, and the one that meant most to me, however, was the one we did in 2000, winning the Championship with Ferrari after they had not done so for so long. Teamwork is very important to me. I’ve never seen myself as a single person in achieving all of these things. I’ve always done so as part of a team.” While the technological benefits Schumacher enjoyed first as part of Benetton, and then as part of Ferrari, make this undoubtedly true, it is for some very individual moments of madness (or should that be mastery?), aside from his driving capabilities, that he is remembered. The role he played in crashes with Damon Hill in 1994 and Jacques Villeneuve in 1997 still
trigger debate, while few in F1 will forget the moment he abandoned his car during qualifying at Monaco 2006 to prevent rival Alonso retaining pole position. If it were up to him, though, how would Michael like to be thought of? “The first thing I am is a racing driver. Once a racing driver, always a racing driver. That is what I stand for. [I’d like] To be known for giving 100 per cent and for fighting to the end.” While he may not have set the 2012 leader-board alight, there was certainly evidence that he did just that.
“I guess I have been a pioneer of the generation that is now here. In a way, I should be proud of this.” Despite suffering from Mercedes’ dreary reliability record, Schumacher managed to qualify within the top five on the grid seven times in 2012 (at the time of writing). Had he not been forced to retire the same amount of times, he would almost certainly have finished ahead of teammate Rosberg in the driver standings. In crashes with Bruno Senna and Jean-Eric Vergne we saw glimpses of that unmistakable self-sacrificing, win-atall-costs attitude that had characterised Schumacher’s earlier career. Michael is now retired and questions on where he falls within the annals of F1’s superstars will rumble on. But for the champion himself, what next? “Will I continue in the racing scene? There is a very clear answer: no. And there is a very simple reason: Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motorsport. There is nothing better, nothing quicker, nothing, other than gokarting, more individual to your needs. It’s about what you do with your team and how you maximise your machine. That is what is so fascinating about this world: development. No other arena would be able to offer me that.”
XXXXXX
Michael Schumacher was speaking at the launch of the Audemars Piguet Royal Offshore Chronograph Michael Schumacher. Images courtesy of Audemars Piguet. audemarspiguet.com
xxxxxxxx 2012 THE CITY 13
Az
gift guide
of Bespoke
to
GIFTS
From accessories to automobiles, gadgets to gastronomy, KARI ROSENBERG rounds up the top bespoke, one of a kind and limited edition gift ideas, sure to make anyone feel special this Christmas
a
c b
chanel chic
ode to audemars
Get your hands on some limited edition Christmas sparkle. J’adore the Regard Signe De Chanel in Harmonie Du Soir. £43, boots.com
This three piece, limited edition Royal Oak Offshore Grande Complication doesn’t officially launch until January 2013. Watch out. POA audemarspiguet.com
ELECTRIC AVENUE
d
The Loewe Individual lives up to its name offering a whole host of customisation options to personalise the TV. On the tech-side of things, it has LED backlighting, full HD 400 Hz motion picture and a 500GB built-in hard drive. £2,100, harrods.com
dear diary
Purveyors of the smartest deskdwelling stationery in town, Smython’s Panama diary comes up trumps for its compact size and fabulous colour range. £42, gold stamping £6.95 per letter, 7 Royal Exchange, EC3V
bucket list
Craft a tailor-made visual gift with a professional homevideo. Bucket List can produce a five-minute film of exquisite quality using your personal video footage and pictures. Smile for the camera. POA, bucketlistfilm.com
e
december 2012 THE CITY 15
f hg i j foodie heaven
Go haute couture with macaron master Pierre Hermé as he assesses what flavours, ingredients and colours best match the lucky receiver. From £8,000, pierreherme.com
hindmarch
Filled with handwritten messages, pictures and memories, gifts don’t come more personal than Anya’s Ultimate Box. From £1,595, anyahindmarch.com
galactic travel
The Bloon system uses inert helium gas for a quiet and graceful ascent near space. Choose any takeoff or landing location as well as your favourite Michelin-starred in-flight meal. Panoramic views included. From £95,000, givetruly.com
impact point
Buildings, cars, ships, spacecraft; you name it and designer extraordinaire Ian Stevens will make it. This WWII era Boeing B17 Flying Fortress blew our minds. POA, bespoke-impact.com
jo malone
Mix and match your favourite scented goodies to suit your mother’s, father’s, brother’s, sister’s, friends’ or colleagues’ tastes: talking from experience, one can never have too many Vanilla flavoured candles. Hint hint. POA, dependent on products, Jo Malone, Courtyard At Royal Exchange, EC3V
k l m
gift guide
luggage LOVE
kirkwood crush
Meet the fashion icon himself and let him craft your ideal heels. Aye aye Captain Kirk. POA, gift-library.com
Williams British Handmade travelling trunk marries historical craftsmanship with quirky innovation to produce a luggage collection that’s wonderfully twisted, albeit functional. The bespoke service enables you to tailor dimensions, colours and finishes. Pack and go. Travelling trunk, £8,500 quintessentiallygifts.com
mad for monogram
Head to Bottega Veneta and put your stamp on some super smart accessories. POA, bottegavenetainitials.com
nail it
Choose your colour, cap and any shade name then personalise your luxurious gift box with fun stickers. £20, nailsinc.com
philip treacy
Designed by Philip for Asprey, the cracker contains an elaborate popup hat, ribbon shaped confetti, a festive joke and a collector’s silver thimble, engraved with Philip Treacy’s signature. One of the 80 crackers includes a winning ticket for a bespoke Treacy hat. £1,500, asprey.com
oliver goldsmith
Widely renowned as the father of fashion eyewear, Oliver Goldsmith started out in the 60s, rapidly propelling his couture sunglasses to the forefront of style. If they’re good enough for Grace Kelly, they’re good enough for me. From £550, quintessentiallygifts.com
december 2012 THE CITY 17
quiet time
s
Only 888 of these handmade Ultrasone Edition 8 Limited headphones exist, each excellent at delivering quality sound and isolating outside noise. They’re pretty stylish, too. £1,349, harrods.com
r
racer boy
McLaren Special Operations can create any super-car you fancy. This particular beauty was inspired by Audrey Hepburn and, erm, an aubergine. Each to their own. POA, mclaren.com
makes scents
Let Lyn Harris, of the fabulous Miller Harris, match your scent to your sensibility. The process can take up to three months but is well worth the wait. £8,000, 020 7221 1545
t
TANZANITE
This limited edition anniversary tanzanite necklace totals just over 175 carats with a cascade of brilliant cut round diamonds in platinum. There’s a matching ring, too. POA, Tiffany & Co. , The Courtyard Royal Exchange, EC3V © Tiffany & Co.
u
umbrella, ella ...
Select an oak, ash or chestnut shaft, a nylon or silk canopy, and a plated gold or silver collar engraved with your initials. Just don’t leave it on the tube. POA, Swaine Adeney Brigg, 12 Lime Street, EC3M
gift guide
w
voyage, Bon!
Take your loved ones on a holiday of a lifetime. Abercrombie & Kent will plan every last detail; what you want and where you want it, while you sit back with a G&T and the in-store bar.
whisky wonder
This Walker Blue Label Private Bar is reserved only for the most discerning game changers. Designed exclusively by Porsche Design Studio, this made to measure bar takes home entertainment to new levels. POA, quintessentiallygifts.com
POA, 82 Cheapside, EC2V
x
s yacht class
= 8 points in scrabble
This set boasts navy and cream leather with zebrano surround but you can customise yours with up to 11 different hues. £3,600, davidlinley.com
Naval architects Dubois Yachts design beautiful bespoke superyachts. Dubois’ largest project so far, code-named design 380, is destined not only to be the world’s largest sloop-rigged sailing yacht, but also one of the most spectacular and technologically advanced vessels ever built. POA, duboisdesign.com
zagliani
Choose your bag size, style, crocodileskin-colour and lining with this new atelier, made to order service. POA, 8 Sloane Street, 0207 235 4124
december 2012 THE CITY 19
Hand mate.
Spitfire Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month. Ref. 3791: In the days when the Spitfire conquered the skies, there was no shortage of heroes. And where there were heroes, there were bad guys, too. Anyone up there without a wingman could only rely on his instincts – and his IWC. Today, the IWC Spitfire Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month comes with up to 68 hours power reserve and a glass secured against drops in air pressure, all designed to give pilots a feeling of security. Which thanks to the perpetual calendar will last for centuries to come. Mechanical chronograph movement | Self-winding | 68-hour power reserve when fully wound | Stopwatch function with hours, minutes and seconds | Hour and minute counters combined in a totalizer at 12 o’clock | Flyback function | Small hacking seconds | Digital perpetual calendar | Leap year display | Screw-in crown | Sapphire glass, convex, antireflective coating on both sides | Water-resistant 6 bar | 18 ct red gold |
IWC. Engineered for men.
Jubilee Place, 45 Bank Street, London, E14 5NY. Telephone : 020 7538 2332 w w w.davidmrobinson.co.uk
2004563_S2E_210x297_p_DavidMRobinson_ZS_4c_en.indd 1
23.10.12 14:42
collection
REPORT
a time
I
& a place
Equipped with safes, humidors and MP3 stereos, Buben&Zörweg Objects of Time do much more than monitoring the minutes of the day, writes RICHARD BROWN
f you’re the sort of person who appreciates the intricacies of mechanical timepieces, chances are you’ll value the exquisite craftsmanship that can go into housing them. Driven by the same admiration of exceptional engineering, Germany’s Buben&Zörweg have been exploring the limits of technology and workmanship since 1995. Founded by two childhood friends, Gröbminger Harald Buben and Christian Zörweg, within just a few years the company had become the market leader in the design and manufacture of watch winders and mechanical table and wall clocks. Combining their two areas of expertise – watch winding and timekeeping – in 2006 Buben&Zörweg created their first Objects of Time;
multi-functional models that in addition to winders and clocks boasted cigar humidors, liquor bars, safes and high-performance hi-fi systems. The company’s Grand Collector XL (above left, €76,900) features a high-security safe, 60 watch winders and a Buben&Zörweg signature clock. Elsewhere, its Orbit Tourbillon Connoisseur (above right, €78,800) comes equipped with a humidor, bar and an optional HiFi system with Bluetooth and iPhone/iPod docking station. More than simply somewhere to store your treasured possessions, Buben&Zörweg’s elegant creations are sure to form the focal point of any interior space. buben-zorweg.com
Swiss movement, English heart
Swiss made / 250 piece limited edition / ETA Valjoux 7750 self-winding chronograph with ĂŠlaborĂŠ finish / Bi-compax, galvanic, sapphire blue dial / 45 hour power reserve 316L stainless steel case / 43mm diameter / Transparent case back / Blue alligator deployment strap
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08/11/2012 11:19
collection
Out of this World
Unless you’ve been holed up in a cave for the last six weeks, you will have either seen, heard or read that Austrian daredevil Felix Baumgartner has become the first human to break the speed of sound under gravity alone. In doing so with the all-new El Primero Stratos Flyback Striking 10th chronograph on his wrist, Baumgartner made Zenith the first watch manufacturer to have a timepiece cross the sound barrier in a near space environment, a fitting claim for a watch already equipped with the world’s most accurate automatic chronograph movement. An exact replica of the watch worn by Baumgartner can be purchased from Zenith stockists for £6,100. zenith-watches.com
watches For treasured timepieces, horological heirlooms and modern masterpieces, watch this space...
A Master Meets a Master
Mechanical Masterpieces The company produces one of the most complex and revered grand complications in watchmaking so it’s no surprise that when Patek Philippe invited VIP customers and members of the press to view a unique collection of 18 Minute Repeaters, the invitations were snapped up immediately. The exhibition, hosted on 10 and 11 October in London’s Lancaster House, was attended by Patek President Thierry Stern and included the Patek Philippe Ladies First Minute Repeater (Ref. 7000R) and the Patek Philippe Minute Repeater Monopusher Chronograph. Only eclipsed by the grand/petite sonnerie in its complexity, the minute repeater will sound the time to the nearest minute upon demand. Patek Philippe, Watches of Switzerland 22 Royal Exchange
Berlin’s Kraftwerk building formed the backdrop for the international unveiling of the Royal Oak Offshore Michael Schumacher Chronograph in October. The converted ex-power station welcomed journalists from around the world to its disused confines as Audemars Piguet presented its latest horological collaboration. Two blue and five red stars on the watch’s dial symbolise Schumacher’s record seven championship victories, while a black and white scale pattern pays homage to the checkered flags the legendary driver achieved. The 1,600 limited edition watches come in titanium (£31,550), 18-karat pink gold (£55,000) and platinum (£83,590). audemarspiguet.com
DECEMBER 2012 THE CITY 23
1
2
8
3
the power
4
Purple of
7
In a season where berry shades dominated fashion catwalks, purple reigns supreme. This A/W12, pick the gifts and accessories devoted to the primary colour of luxury and extravagance
6
5
1 PAM00496 watch, £28,500, Panerai, available at Watches of Switzerland, 22 Royal Exchange 2 Small and medium Explorer holdall, £399 and £485 respectively, Tusting tusting.co.uk 3 Leather hip flask, £90, Thomas Lyte, thomaslyte.com 4 Calfskin pocket jotter, £70, Noble Macmillan, noblemacmillan.com 5 Zip-top pouch, £120, Gucci, gucci.com 6 Playing cards, £75, Asprey, asprey.com 7 Woven-wool bow tie, £95, Alexander Olch, olch.com 8 Sterling purple cufflinks, £56, Ettinger, ettinger.co.uk
collection
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9
11
12
13
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9 Collection Excellence Platine: Patrimony Contemporaine Automatic, £41,530, Vacheron Constantin, vacheron-constantin.com 10 Bale magenta and navy club stripe tie £24.95, Charles Tyrwhitt, 106 Cheapside 11 London Triple Satchel Bordeaux, £995, Dunhill, dunhill.com 12 Vintage PW1 pocket watch £1,800, Bell & Ross, available at Watches of Switzerland 13 Elephant daisy printed tie, £65, Thomas Pink, 24 Cullum Street 14 Sunburst lilac cufflinks, £175, Aspinal of London, aspinaloflondon.com 15 Travel backgammon set, £250, Aspinal of London, as before
december 2012 THE CITY 25
Precision SalonQP has taken just four years to cement its place on the international watch event calendar. Taking up residence in the Saatchi Gallery for the second year running, 2012’s event proved that in a sea of economic instability, the watch industry remains as buoyant as ever, writes Richard Brown
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sk the CEO of any high-end watch manufacturer how the ‘Great Recession’ has affected their business and they’ll tell you it hasn’t. They’ll talk about new ventures in new (eastern) markets and lyricise about innovation and streamlining but words like cut-backs and redundancies aren’t ones you’ll hear in the watch-making world. No; expansion, openings and launches are the words leaving the lips of the industry’s most senior servants. As belts have tightened across other areas of the global economy, there has been no let-up in the demand for Swiss-made timepieces. Despite hiccups in 2009, when Switzerland’s exports slowed for the first time in several record-breaking years, exports to markets across the world have been swelling ever since. Indeed, according to figures released from the Swiss Watch Industry Federation last year, of Patek Philippe, Rolex and Omega’s 2010-11 top 30 markets, only Taiwan reported a slump.
And of the British watch-making industry? While it may have been slow to capitalise on the sector’s unprecedented growth, Britain now boasts a roster of burgeoning brands. In the year that a George Daniels auction achieved more than £8.2 million at Sotheby’s, Bremont opened its first stand-alone store, Peter Speake-Marin launched no less than four new timepieces and Schofield sold out of both of its debut collections. So this brings us to this year’s SalonQP. As was the case in 2011, the Saatchi Gallery played host as a mix of media, industry moguls and horological fanatics descended on the UK’s only fine watch exhibition. Amongst a programme packed with discussions, workshops and interactive watchmaking activities, 54 brands were present, spanning from industry heavyweights like Vacheron Constantin and Girard-Perregaux to smaller independent makers including Urwerk and MB&F. What, then, constituted highlights? Worthy of note were those
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watches making their debuts at the show. When we interviewed TAG Heuer’s Honorary Chairman Jack Heuer back in the summer he spoke extensively about the company’s MikrotourbillonS. Enjoying its first UK outing, the timepiece impressed not only by virtue of being regulated by the world’s fastest tourbillion but also as a result of its sleek styling and split-dial design. The presence of the Meridian Watch Company heralded the entrance of a brand new marque to the watch-making arena, and (by manufacturing their creations on home soil) an English one at that. Indeed, Made-in-England became a recurring theme. In addition to the likes of Bremont, Robert Loomes and Schofield, Speake-Marin was also promoting the best of British. Boasting a new movement, dial and case, yet retaining the sophistication that has come to signify the brand, the company’s Spirit Mark 2 proved particular popular. In 2011, a customised Harley Davidson bejewelled with a Bell & Ross timepiece drew some of the biggest crowds. This time, it was an example of seafaring, rather than road-faring, engineering that attracted attention. For 130 years, Englishman Thomas Mercer was the undisputed leader in marine chronometers. Testament, again, to the current revival of British horology, 2012 saw the welcome
World Time was reinvented with the substitution of its ‘London’ time zone for a ‘Harrods’ time zone, a quirky twist on an already eccentric piece. In a gallery featuring watches as complicated as Harry Winston’s Opus 12 and as high-tech as the Slyde by HD3, it was fascinating to enter Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie’s enchanting Mastery of Time. Featuring mesmerising artefacts from as far back as the 15th century, the exhibition highlighted the sort of history and passion that has rendered the watch industry seemingly recession-proof.
BMW Power Reserve, Ball
Opus 12, Harry Winston
Expansion, openings and launches are the words leaving the lips of the industry’s most senior servants relaunch of this venerable brand. The Thomas Mercer Classis chronometer features an ebony body produced by the internationally renowned furniture manufacturer Linley and a façade emblazoned with the silhouettes of the most celebrated ships from the age of discovery. You’d certainly want one in your study. Fresh off the back of winning 00:24 Watch World magazine’s 2012 Readers’ Watch of the Year award with its Watch Engineer Hydrocarbon Ceramic XV, Ball presented its collaborative effort with BMW. Paying homage to the distinctive hallmarks of the German manufacturer’s automobiles, the American watchmaker has produced a range of lightweight, shock-absorbing watches. While they’re unlikely to find as much favour as the Hydrocarbon Ceramic XV, the range’s sharp looks and defined angles will appeal to those with a penchant for the sportier timepiece. Those who ventured up to the Saatchi Gallery’s second floor were treated to a unique collection of one-off timepieces presented by Harrods. Commissioning the likes of Audemars Piguet, Breguet, Franck Muller and more to produce stand-alone pieces, the department store found a novel way of celebrating the first anniversary of its Fine Watch Room. With a case, bezel, crown and bracelet adorned with 621 brilliant-cut diamonds, Audemars’ 7.45 carat Ladies Tuxedo Automatique gave bling-lovers something over which to salivate, while Roger Dubuis’ intricate Excalibur
MikrotourbillonS, TAG Heuer
december 2012 THE CITY 27
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jewellery Jewels, gems, pearls and diamonds; the essential components of any lady’s jewellery collection
A Truly Royal Occasion
With 16 years of experience and 7,000 private commissions of fine statement jewellery under its belt, Robinson Pelham was an unsurprising, and perfect, solution for Carole and Michael Middleton when they had to choose a brand to commission to create bespoke earrings for their daughter, Kate Middleton, which she would wear on her wedding day as she became the Duchess of Cambridge. Previously by appointment only, the fine jewellery brand has finally opened its first flagship store on Elystan Street in Kensington, which aims to promote the brand’s ready-to-wear collection. As a result of this, the trio behind the brand – Vanessa Chilton, Zoe Benyon and Kate Pelham Burn – has also launched six new collections, all of which will be available alongside the couture commission service. New season ready-to-wear collections, ranging from £1,000 to £20,000, will include Elystan, in honour of their new home, along with Drusy, Orb, Champagne and Maratea. robinsonpelham.com
Cutting Edge
Imaginary Nature
In celebration of its 175th anniversary, Tiffany & Co presents its Legacy collection, featuring the precious gem stones the jeweller initially introduced to the world. Executive vice president at Tiffany & Co. Jon King comments:
“The story of how these gemstones were discovered and introduced is truly inspiring. Our 175th anniversary is the perfect occasion to celebrate our heritage by showcasing these exquisite stones in one-of-a-kind jewels which so perfectly reflect Tiffany’s brilliant design legacy”
28 THE CITY december 2012
Anniversary Morganite necklace and matching earrings, POA, Tiffany & Co., The Courtyard, Royal Exchange
Jewellery designers have often looked to nature to find their inspiration. At the recent Biennale des Antiquaires exhibition in Paris, Wallace Chan’s display of delicate butterfly jewellery pieces was the talk of the show. Although Van Cleef & Arpels’ Palais de la Chance collection mainly drew upon eternal symbols of luck and fortune, the French jewellery house managed to incorporate its signature organic designs with floral patterns and a Coccinelle (ladybird) Mysterieuse clip. Entitled Imaginary Nature, De Beers’ latest seven-piece all-white diamond and platinum jewels aim to capture that moment of metamorphosis in nature; for example, a bird about to draw its wings or a flower on the brink of bloom. debeers.com
CONTESSA To own a rare Argyle pink diamond is to own a truly magnificent heirloom. Contessa, beautifully handcrafted in Platinum and 18ct Rose Gold, features an exquisite combination of stunning craftsmanship and the rarest of Australian Argyle pink diamonds. Simply, they are the rarest diamonds in the world and are revered for their unique provenance and intrinsic beauty.
UNITED KINGDOM The Royal Arcade, Old Bond St, Mayfair London W1S 4SW AUSTRALIA Sydney Gold Coast calleija.com
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1 Cabochon Falls necklace, POA, Harry Winston Water Collection, harrywinston.com 2 Ladies vintage watch in 18-karat white gold case with pavé diamond bezel and silver coloured dial £5,250, Asprey, asprey.com 3 Main de Fatma earrings, POA, Van Cleef & Arpels, vancleefarpels.com 4 Cultured South Sea pearl opera length necklace with diamond petal clasp in platinum, POA, Tiffany & Co., The Courtyard, Royal Exchange 5 W900 Belisama diamond automatic watch, £1,150, Christopher Ward, christopherward.co.uk 6 Tonda crystal-embellished leather clutch, £320 Diane Von Furstenberg, NET-A-PORTER.com 7 Art Deco platinum, sapphire and diamond ring, £6,450 Heirlooms, NET-A-PORTER.com
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8 Cosmos watch in white gold and diamonds with a black satin strap, POA, Chanel, chanel.com 9 Cape Gooseberry pendant, POA, Mikimoto Regalia, mikimoto.co.uk 10 Magnolia necklace POA, Mikimoto Regalia, as before 11 1920s platinum, diamond and sapphire earrings, £5,300, Heirlooms, NET-A-PORTER.com 12 Dolphin ring in 18-carat white gold, POA, Boodles Wonderland Collection, boodles.com 13 La Mini D de Dior 19mm watch in white gold with falcon eye dial and diamonds, £7,800, Dior, dior.com 14 Rhodium-plated cubic zirconia earrings, £155, Kenneth Jay Lane, NET-A-PORTER.com 15 Fuchsia bracelet, POA, Mikimoto Regalia, as before 16 Crystal butterfly headband, £295, Miu Miu, miumiu.com
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festive fun for all WITH SINGING, SKATING AND SPECTACULAR WINTER LIGHTS, YOU’LL BE SURE TO HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS IN CANARY WHARF
ICE RINK CANARY WHARF Nestled under the soaring buildings of Canada Square and bathed in twinkling festive lights, the Ice Rink Canary Wharf is back with a brand new team and a sparkling new look for the 2012/13 season. Surrounded by the shops, bars and restaurants of Canary Wharf, a visit to the ice rink offers a unique skating experience. With a fantastic bar and spectators area, skate lessons and, in addition to a brand new rink design, London’s first skate path. It is perfect for children and grown-ups, solo skaters or office parties and is a wonderful location for that special festive romantic date. Until Sunday 13 January Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf Mon-Sat 9.45am – 11pm / Sun 9.45am - 7.30pm Visit skatecanarywharf.com for details of ticket prices and booking session times, skating lessons, party bookings and more
SING A LONG Do you love singing and love Christmas? Then the new Sing a Long a Christmas Song concert is the perfect evening for you. Warm up your vocal cords, blow away all your singing cobwebs and come along to this feel good concert of much loved seasonal songs. With musical accompaniment from Greenwich’s Trinity Laban Conservatoire and an amateur choir, this concert is sure to get you in the festive mood!
WINTER LIGHTS: ‘Voyage’ by
Aether & Hemera: A Journey into Imagination Middle Dock, Canary Wharf Mid December to Mid February
This year’s Winter Lights installation is specially created for Canary Wharf by Aether and Hemera, a partnership of architect Claudio Benghi and lighting artist Gloria Ronchi. Their company name comes from the ancient Greek god and goddess of brighter upper air and daylight. Enlivening Middle Dock during the dark winter months, ‘Voyage’ consists of 300 floating ‘paper boats’, illuminated from within by coloured dynamic LED lights that come alive at night, putting on a spectacular light show. ‘Voyage’ aims to encourage viewers to travel and sail with absolute freedom to all the places they care to imagine. Aether & Hemera’s installation is an interactive experience that people can engage with by mobile phone. aether-hemera.com
Tuesday 18 December 6.30pm (doors 6pm) East Wintergarden, 43 Bank Street, Canary Wharf FREE
*Space is limited, unreserved, and available on a first come, first served basis. Full bar & cloakroom.
For more information visit canarywharf.com
@yourcanarywharf
Children’s Festive Activities Every weekend from Saturday 1 to Sunday 23 December plus Monday 24 December 11am - 5pm FREE Art & Craft Workshops FREE Festive Face Painting FREE Magical Treasure Trail Visit Santa’s Grotto* plus Monday 17 to Monday 24 December 11am - 5pm Visit Santa’s Grotto* *Visits to Santa’s Grotto cost £2. See below for supported charity.
Canary Wharf
bARS & RESTAuRAnTS • FAShion & STylE • ARTS & EVEnTS canarywharf.com
3 hours
free parking
AT WEEkEndS And bAnk holidAyS WhEn you SPEnd £10 AT CAnARy WhARF TERMS And CondiTionS APPly.
Santa’s Grotto proceeds will be donated to Variety, The Children’s Charity.
weekend Experience something special this season: discover a festive programme full of free events for children, as you shop, eat and skate your way through Canary Wharf’s Christmas offerings
Visit Santa’s Grotto Start the weekend by getting into the festive spirit. Returning from Saturday 1 December to Monday 24 December, Santa’s Grotto is back with a whimsical and magical theme. Children can meet Santa and whisper their wish list for the big day on every weekend in the month as well as the week leading up to Christmas. Visitors to Santa’s Grotto are asked to make a £2 donation to Variety, The Children’s Charity.
Church’s English Shoes, Cabot Place
Shop until you drop Canary Wharf boasts a variety of fabulous shops so use Saturday afternoon to do some last minute Christmas shopping. Alfred Dunhill, Aquascutum and Hackett share a proud British Heritage and each will cater to the needs of any man in need of a ready-to-wear or exquisitely tailored suits. Women in the hunt for cutting edge, fashion-forward pieces need only pay a visit to Hugo Boss, Jaeger London Womenswear, Massimo Dutti or Whistles. Alternatively, for the most fabulous in footwear, ladies can make for either Church’s English Shoes, Kurt Geiger, or L.K.Bennett. For gifts, you’ll find ideas for both him and her at British luxury leather company Aspinal of London. The Cabot Place store carries the brand’s extensive range of bags and accessories and each product comes beautifully gift wrapped.
Jamie’s Italian, Churchill Place
Family Friendly The restaurants of Canary Wharf are embracing the festive season through their Christmas menus. At Iberica Canary Wharf there will be a festive feast of fine Spanish food and wines. The restaurant’s extensive wine list features several wines which are only available at Iberica outside of Spain. Wildwood, where kids eat free every weekend if accompanied by an adult purchasing a main course, offers salads, pizzas, pastas and grills. Over at Jamie’s Italian, the Christmas menu caters for the whole family by including three tantalising courses, home-made mince pies and a glass of Prosecco.
Aquascutum, Cabot Place
L.K.Bennett, Jubilee Place
SHOPPING
Stay at the sumptuous Four Seasons As evening turns to night, make for the luxurious confines of Four Seasons Hotel London at Canary Wharf. Rest your feet in one of their 142 spacious, renovated guest rooms and suites, and take in stunning views of the Thames from large bay windows and plush leather window seats. Before bed, sample some of the finest and most authentic Italian cuisine in the area at the hotel’s stylish Quadrato Restaurant. Like the food, the atmosphere in the restaurant is all about refined simplicity. The casual yet elegant design is set off by a glass partitioned exhibition kitchen whose chefs consistently turn out imaginative cuisine.
Four Seasons Hotel London at Canary Wharf
Indulge at Roka Start your Sunday leisurely with Brunch at Roka. The renowned restaurant’s brunch menu features suckling pig and a selection of dishes from the main kitchen and Robata grill, including Roka’s acclaimed dessert platters. The £42 Weekend Brunch includes a Bellini or Bloody Mary on arrival and wine throughout. While brunch at Roka is complimentary for children under ten, there’s also the option of letting Iberica Canary Wharf look after the little ones. The restaurant’s menu is overseen by a two Michelin-star chef, and every Sunday will provide children with fun Spanish lessons using play, games and songs between 12 – 3pm. ROKA, Canada Square
Something for the little ones On weekends in December and on Christmas Eve families are invited to enjoy a programme of free children’s festive activities throughout Canary Wharf. Activities include art and craft workshops, face painting, a festive treasure hunt and a magical mirror installation. Children can visit Cabot Place, Canada Place, Churchill Place and Jubilee Place to have their face painted, or alternatively visit Canada Place to decorate a scrumptious cookie or cupcake courtesy of Sweet Couture Cake Boutique.
Skate Ice Rink Canary Wharf Running until 13 January, and nestled under the soaring buildings of Canada Square, Ice Rink Canary Wharf is back with a new team and a sparkling new look for this season with London’s first and only skate path. Surrounded by the shops, bars and restaurants of Canary Wharf, a visit to the ice rink offers a unique skating experience with a spectators area, skate lessons and an exclusive Boisdale On Ice pop up bar. It is a perfect activity for both children and grown-ups, and an ideal way to conclude the weekend before making the journey home. In addition at weekends, you can enjoy 3 hours’ free parking in any of our public car parks when you spend £10 at any shop, café, bar or restaurant in Canary Wharf.
Ice Rink Canary Wharf, Canada Square
www.canarywharf.com
@yourcanarywharf
SHOPPING Snowflake pendant £1,925, Tiffany & Co. Cabot Place
Pomegranate Noir Luxury Candle, £38 Jo Malone, Jubilee Place
Crystal panelled collar £55, Ted Baker Canada Place
Beaded Back Detail Dress, £195 Reiss Womanswear, Cabot Place and Reiss, Jubilee Place
Enamel Silver Crystal Bracelet, £195 L.K. Bennett, Jubilee Place
Effervescence Pearl Grey Ring, £175 Links of London Jubilee Place
Crystal encrusted peep toe £250, Karen Millen Jubilee Place
Clutch, £199, Jaegar London Womenswear, Cabot Place
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Studio High-definition Headphones, Beats by Dr Dre, £207, HMV Canada Place
From gadgets and gizmos to shimmering shoes and stunning accessories, Canary Wharf is the one-stop-shop for the loved ones in your life Formal Leather Belt £155, Aquascutum Cabot Place
Kontor, Crystal Button Cufflink, £55 Ted Baker, Canada Place
BeoPlay A8, £949 Bang & Olufsen South Columnade
Boss Black, £49 Hugo Boss Cabot Place
El Primero 36,000 VPH £5500, Charles Fish Cabot Place
Bohème Arabesque Azur Fountain Pen £855, Montblanc Canada Place
See all offers
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Greece: tovovan / Shutterstock.com Obama: spirit of america / Shutterstock.com, Jubilee: dutourdumonde / Shutterstock.com, Olympic Stadium: © Populous Frankfurt: Jorg Hackemann / Shutterstock.com, Apple: Songquan Deng / Shutterstock.com
REPORT
2012
review
Aimee Latimer looks back at this year’s standout economic events 4 January Countries within the EU embargo Iranian oil to pressurise the country into end its nuclear weapon efforts. 3 February US unemployment falls to its lowest in three years – to 8.3 per cent – after the creation of 243,000 jobs. 13 March After a second Greek bailout deal worth £109million, Eurozone finance ministers negotiate a landmark deal with its private sectors’ lenders to swap £77billion of debt for new bonds at a 75 per cent financial loss in the largest default in history. 13 April China sparks economic fears after its renminbi-denominated lending falls by ¥329.6 billion – 8.2 per cent from March. 19 May 20,000 demonstrators take to Frankfurt, Germany, for the fourth day of an anti-capitalist protest labelled Blockupy.
25 June Cyprus becomes the fifth Eurozone member to apply for financial assistance from the EU. 27 July The London 2012 Olympics leaves the country with an estimated bill of around £11 billion. 24 August Apple receives a $1 billion payout from rival Samsung over stolen intellectual property. 28 September Newly appointed Socialist French President François Hollande unveils a 75 per cent super tax on France’s highest earners. 29 October New York Stock Exchange closes for the highest number of consecutive days since 1985 because of Hurricane Sandy. 5 November: HMRC start sending letters to those about to lose child benefits if earning more than £50,000 a year.
Bang On KARI ROSENBERG catches up with Bang & Olufsen CEO Tue Mantoni at the launch of the brand’s latest product, the BeoVision11
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ounded in 1925 in Struer, Denmark, Bang & Olufsen is world renowned for its distinctive range of quality electronic products; beautifully designed, with top of the range technology and a suave sophistication that sets it apart. Tue Mantoni took up his office as President and CEO at Bang & Olufsen on 1 March last year after an eight year stint at the iconic British brand, Triumph Motorcycles. As a Dane and former member of the Board of Directors of Bang & Olufsen, Mantoni has sparked something of a cultural revolution at the Danish gadget house.
Which products do you see selling well abroad? It’s interesting. In the US, China, Russia and the Middle East, big screens are very popular; the 65” TV or the 85” TV. We have an 85” TV which sells for about £80,000, so it’s a fairly expensive TV, but it’s actually selling well in those countries. Bigger screens and full installations where you have speakers, the TV and audio systems working together, integrated with your lights and curtains and so on, are selling very well in those countries. I don’t think the financial situation in Europe is going to improve any time soon but I still think that Bang & Olufsen has a good opportunity to build on what was a traditionally strong European customer base.
How has the recession affected your loyal customer base? Back in 2008, the company was hit quite hard by the recession, mainly because about 70 per cent of our sales were in Europe. We had very little sales overseas in places like the US and China. This year, we’ve had the best year we’ve had for five years and we’re starting to see a turnaround in the business. I think what really drives this business, especially in a recession, are two things. Firstly the product: I still believe that in a tough financial environment there are enough people out there who appreciate high quality and will pay for that if you give them something special. The second is the retail experience and the way you take care of the customer.
Do you think TODAY’S consumer has a GREATER value of money? I think what happens during a financial crisis – and this isn’t necessarily a bad thing – is that the consumer becomes more demanding. So the consumer will say to a larger extent ‘I want to make sure that what I buy is high quality, that its gives me something the competition cannot give me and that it keeps its value over time, so if I buy it today and I pay £5,000, I can trust that I’m not going to see it in a year for £3,000’. So I think that commitment to stability, pricing and value becomes even more important and that’s what we try to focus on. So yes, I think that’s changed in the consumers’ minds.
Have you seen specific growth on certain products? Yes. Last year we saw an overall growth of five per cent. We’ve seen an increase in particular in our automotive division, where we install speakers in Aston Martins, Mercedes, Audis and BMWs. And then we have the newly launched B&O PLAY where we have seen a very big increase in the last quarter, of 92 per cent. The automotive side saw 37 per cent growth, and that’s been good for us. These are two, what I call, growth engines; they’re relatively small but together make up maybe 25 per cent of our business.
HOW WOULD YOU VALUE Bang & Olufsen AS a small company with high quality products? Obviously it’s important for businesses to be agile so you react to what’s happening in the world but it’s also important to be confident about who you are and then have a long-term strategy and work towards that. So in everything we do, we try to think about the long term; where we’re going, what kind of brand we want to build, what is it we want to provide our customers with, and every single day work towards that. But at the same time, you keep your eyes on the short term and you react
to what’s happening in the market. We believe in having a full range of products; TVs, speakers and audio systems that are working well together, where the sight and sound are the two core elements, where the convenience of using them and integrating them is truly important. So overall, you have what we call ‘magical experiences’. most people have access to a laptop or tablet. could tvs become obsolete? What we try to do with our TVs is reflect that the living room is changing a lot; the TV should not command the living room, but adapt to its many purposes, for the adults, the children, the whole family. What we have tried to do here is create something beautiful even if it’s turned off. I think overall the luxury part of our business will always represent the majority of what we do but we’re working on an evolution of the business to continue to improve. It’s a little bit of a revolution to try to get out and appeal to a younger, digital generation; people who stream the music from their iPhones to the products, and take everything we’ve learnt from the core business in design and sound. Are you worried that lower priced products may steer you from a luxury to a high street brand? The way to think about it is like Donna Karan and DKNY or Giorgio Armani and Armani Exchange; what we try to do is make B&O PLAY the DKNY where Bang & Olufsen is the Donna Karan. But a Chanel bag is for life. What do you say to that? I think our products are meant to be kept for a long time; we do free software upgrades. I think previously people would keep their TVs for ten or 15 years, whereas today they keep them for five years. But then they may keep some of our competitors’ TVs for just one year. One New Change, 5 Cheapside Passage, EC2V
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Yesterday’s Bad weather across Europe has left wine investors cautious about the quality of this year’s yield. Peter Shakeshaft, founder of Vin-X fine wine investment brokers assesses the potential fruits of the 2012 harvest
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he news this month that we can expect a world wine drought on the back of 2012’s inclement weather could have brought an initial feeling of dismay to many who like a glass or two of good Bordeaux. According to the International Organisation of Vine and Wine output is predicted to fall from 264.2 million hectolitres in 2011 to 248.2 million this year, with France particularly affected by both a winter drought and an arid summer. However, some quarters have been quick to highlight the opportunity that this could provide for investors. Should the harvest be small but of great quality, then there could be a chance for savvy investors to capitalise. The wine investment market is dominated by the Bordeaux Chateaus and France has been most severely affected by the weather conditions. It is expected that their output could fall 19 per cent this year to 40.5 million hectolitres, which is particularly dramatic given that Italy is expected to post a drop of just 3.4 per cent. So why could this potentially be a good thing from an investment point of view? Wine is a finite investment, which in simple terms means: the more that is drunk, the rarer it becomes and the more valuable it is as a result. It is basic supply and demand economics. The key, however, is quality. If the quality is good and the stocks low, then you are onto a winner, as it is sure to be in high demand. The difficulty is predicting the quality. Many large estates in Bordeaux are reporting cautiously optimistic results on the output that has managed to survive the turbulent weather of the last year, with Chateaus claiming that grapes appeared on sorting tables in particularly good shape: thick skinned, healthy and ripe, and with minimal rot. Other rumours are that alcohol levels are spot on and for the wine enthusiast, this year’s vintage is looking
to have good fruit flavours with low, soft and ripe tannins emerging. It has been far from easy, though, and among the Chateaus that have suffered in the difficult season is Hourtin-Ducasse in the Northern Medoc, which has announced it will not be making a 2012 wine. Minimum quality requirements were not met, but it has been stressed that this has in no way affected nearby vineyards. Chateaus have indeed had an expensive season; the need for faster picking has necessitated hiring more workers among other things. Mildew problems meant that spraying increased dramatically, particularly among organic and biodynamic producers. Having said this, toward the end of the season there were fears that supply levels could get even worse for France. A heatwave during the summer caused water stress, particularly in the younger vines. However, a month’s worth of rainfall in the last week of September should have reversed much of the original damage. With bad news for Chateaus such as Hourtin-Ducasse and indicators from earlier in the year that the harvest will struggle, there is still a cloud of uncertainty about the 2012 harvest and one should exercise caution. However, it has been well documented that 2012 has thus far provided some excellent opportunities for wine investment; the 2009 vintage was bottled and proved to be the greatest vintage in modern history as an unprecedented 19 wines received the ultimate accolade of a rating of 100 from wine critic Robert Parker. The 2012 vintage appears to be more of an enigma and should be approached with a touch more caution. Despite the smaller yield, should the quality turn out to be poor, then you could be stuck with a wine that is difficult to shift. Keep an ear out for tastings carried out around April next year; if it does turn out to be a good year in terms of quality, with a more limited harvest, expect a much sought after en primeur investment. vin-x.co.uk
december 2012 THE CITY 43
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In the UK’s most comprehensive study into broadening the CEO selection pool, founders of Mullwood Partnership – one of the UK’s leading executive search consultancies – Sharon Mullen and Jo Sellwood -Taylor ask why HR leaders don’t typically make it to the top job in business
A STAGGERING 83 per cent of HR Directors never get promoted to the role of CEO. So, we interviewed 135 Chairmen, CEOs, COOs and MDs from both HR and non HR functional backgrounds, aspiring and incumbent global and group HR Directors, academic leaders and headhunters from the UK, North America, Asia, Australia and Europe to get the broadest possible picture of what it takes to become a CEO and what barriers exist to prevent HR Directors from being promoted to the role. Having spent the last 20 years identifying the best HR leadership talent for leading UK and international organisations and knowing that most HR Directors want to test themselves in the role of CEO, we found ourselves asking the question: Why don’t HR leaders typically make it to the top job in business? In our experience dynamic HR leaders
combine specialist skills with broader commercial experience and well-honed leadership skills. Yet few become CEOs. We know that half of the world’s CEOs come from just three key backgrounds: finance, operations and marketing, whilst the remaining 50 per cent come from 23 backgrounds, ranging from legal to IT and strategy. Only five per cent of those CEOs are accounted for by HR Directors. We wanted to know why so few made that jump. We set out to discover the underlying reasons for this and the barriers HR Directors face by interviewing 135 respondents on a global basis, with the majority from the UK, to explore their traditional career paths and ask them how the role has changed and adapted over the last five years; the pressures both internally and externally put on them by stakeholders and the impact changes in the economy has
Half of the world’s CEOs come from just three key backgrounds; finance, operations and marketing whilst the remaining 50 per cent come from 23 other industries had on their job. We also wanted to find out as the role evolves what skills and qualities now made the “model” CEO. When we studied the role of CEO over the last five years, four clear themes emerged
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in terms of how it has changed; the nature of the role; shifts in the wider business environment; evolving standards for leadership; and a greater focus on specific external relationships with stakeholders. Of those CEOs questioned, 45 per cent say the area of their role that has encountered most change is the environment in which they operate. They said that accelerated pace of change combined with faster and more dynamic communication and pressure from stakeholders to outperform the market are the biggest changes to the environment in which they work. They say that economic volatility demands multiple strategies and forces them to maintain a competitive edge reliant on agility, creativity and innovation. Interestingly, a quarter of those asked say it’s their role which has changed the most with a requirement for greater transparency. The general feeling emerging from research was that the recession has led to customers having higher expectations in terms of social responsibility from big companies, particularly in the banking sector. Following the RBS scandal, exorbitant salaries, bonuses and pensions, banking has seen customers take on the role of watchdog. They have a new-found sense of ownership which CEOs must respond to. Most of those surveyed say compared to five years ago, customer expectations on standards of behaviour are much higher and therefore there is a greater need for transparency. A fifth of those surveyed say creative people leadership is the biggest change in reshaping the role of CEO. They have to have the ability to be people focused by building diverse talent and leadership capability and inspire and mobilise the whole organisation, as well as creating a culture of innovation, all qualities which are native to HR practitioners and an area where they can distinguish themselves as CEOs. With so many labelling people leadership
A significant barrier to HR professionals getting the top job appears to be the way the function is viewed. The single biggest reason why HR people don’t get promoted is a perceived lack of desire or confidence skills as the key to success, we think CEOs from traditional backgrounds could be left behind. When we asked our participants what skills and experience were essential to today’s CEO, an overwhelming 39 per cent said people leadership. That means things like leading diverse teams and connecting and engaging with people at all levels of an organisation. When we asked them to list common personality traits that make the ‘model’ CEO, they identified 12 – with authenticity, strategic ability, inspiration and passion in the top four. They also said it was important to be a visible relationship builder and an effective communicator, which are both skills closely associated to the role of HR Director. Jonathan Chapman, Aviva’s Audit Director, of Planning, Resources and Risk, defines the role of CEO simply as, “the ability to take people with you on a journey,” adding: “You can have the best strategy in the world, but if people don’t want to follow you then you won’t be successful.” The need for strong people skills and
leadership make the lack of HR Directors making top jobs all the more surprising. Although 63 per cent of HR leaders want to move beyond their role, only 40 per cent have been offered the opportunity throughout their career to do it. The big question for us as HR experts is why? It has got to the point where businesses run the risk of losing talent. 24 per cent of those interviewed admitted they would have to leave in order to become a CEO, either at a smaller company or by setting up on their own. A significant barrier to HR professionals getting the top job appears to be the way the function is viewed. The single biggest reason why HR people don’t get promoted is a perceived lack of desire or confidence. The 12 per cent of HR leaders who have made it were able to demonstrate accountability, appetite and commercial acumen together, with a real desire to lead, combined with being fortunate enough to work in organisations which look beyond functional backgrounds and concentrate on individual ability. We feel it is only a matter of time before talented HR individuals have the opportunity to demonstrate the positive impact they can make on the wider organisation. In doing so, they will change perceptions of the HR function. For those people with the drive to succeed, they need to share their career ambitions with others, build breadth of experience beyond HR, demonstrate strategic thinking and demonstrate strong commercial acumen in order to be in the running for senior roles. If they do that at a time when people leadership and talent management is regarded as the single most important success factor for a CEO, HR will bring a magnificent cocktail of capabilities to the boardroom. Let’s tap into this often overlooked talent source and access a broader CEO selection pool.
december 2012 THE CITY 45
STRESS
and the city
In the eight years since she joined Legal & General as Benefits & Medical Underwriting Director for Group Protection, Vanessa Sallows has changed the way employees are rehabilitated and looked after. Here she talks about a common issue affecting workers in the financial sector: stress
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aul is a senior executive in a big company. He is married, has three children and is a longhours worker. When the recession hit, Paul’s finances came under pressure and he started to suffer from depression. There are many people working in financial services who feel like Paul at the moment, but many of them are afraid to speak out. Household economics are far from the only reason people working in financial services feel stressed: long hours; performance targets; commuting; a tough regulatory and economic climate – all of these factors and more are behind the high level of stress in financial services. Stress is now one of the leading causes of long-term absence in the UK. For example, for a company in the financial sector with
more than 1,000 staff, every year 12 will go off sick for more than four weeks and five of these cases will be due to stress. Work related stress is the most common reason for calling the Government’s pilot Occupational Health Advice Line, yet only 17 per cent of employers from all sectors have any form of stress management advice and support in place. This is most evident in the financial services sector. An analysis of Legal & General’s Group Income Protection claims data has shown that stress-related absences in the financial services sector account for 42.2 per cent of all absences, compared to 25 per cent in manufacturing industries. Jenny Edwards, the Chair of the International Stress Management Association, commented at Legal & General’s recent event on Stress in the City: “Managing stress in the workplace is not just a nice-to-
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have policy, but a necessary requirement to reducing the current rise in mental health problems, particularly within the financial services sector. The effects of stress on the individual will also affect morale and teamwork within an organisation frequently resulting in presenteeism, which is 1.5 times more costly than absenteeism”. Many employers are working hard to try and tackle stress in the workplace. For example, Paul called the number of his Employee Assistance Programme, who helped him to deal with his financial problems. The Government is alive to the problems of sickness absence in the workplace and is currently considering its response to Dame Carol Black and David Frost CBE’s review into sickness absence, carried out in November 2011. The report acknowledged the importance of early intervention in handling workplace sickness and absence. Expected over the next few months, the Government’s response will be an important milestone in the sickness and absence debate. In the meantime, however, Legal & General is working with employers in the financial services sector to try and raise awareness of mental health issues and the sickness and absence in the workplace that can stem from a failure to tackle the issue. Its philosophy is simple: quickly assessing a person’s condition and providing relevant rehabilitation treatment is the best way to help them return to work. Statistics show absences are 50 per cent shorter when notified early (within four weeks of the start of the absence), so we reward customers who tell us early with a bonus. We have so far paid more than £1.5m since 2006 in Early Notification Bonuses to customers as a reward. Legal & General use specialist providers and modern biopsychosocial techniques, and have an exclusive agreement with CBT Services Ltd who offer effective cognitive behavioural therapy treatment quickly, by-passing NHS waiting lists. Its support is vocationally based so professional therapists actually help reintroduce employees back into the workplace. Last year it funded 1,900 sessions of CBT which helped policyholders get 74 per cent of employees back to work before the end of the deferred period (this is the period of time between the date a person was first absent and the date Legal & General start paying benefit). Where this support matters most, though, is for the employees who need help and support back to work. For obvious reasons, these example case studies give an insight into the importance of managing sickness and absence in the workplace well. Mr E, a project team coach, became ill with stress and panic attacks. He had depression following the sudden death of his mother and diagnosis of his father’s dementia. Legal & General put in place CBT and a gradual return to work support programme. Within six months he was able to work again, partly at home and part time at the office, which allowed him to take care of his father.
The Government is alive to the problems of sickness absence in the workplace and is currently considering its response The employer in this case felt that every party had benefitted and was grateful for Legal & General’s support. Where a person can’t go back to work, Group Income Protection can provide a safety net so if absent long-term, and they meet the definition of long-term absence, Legal & General can pay a monthly benefit until they are able to return to work. Mrs C was diagnosed with breast cancer and needed Legal & General’s support. Within days a specialist cancer nurse called, talked her through the condition and likely treatment and then provided her with information about local national support organisations. Even though the payment of the benefit did not start for six months, the nurse maintained regular contact with her until she was able to return to work, providing support and advice for her and her family. legalandgeneral.com
decEMBER 2012 THE CITY 47
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Join us December 5th for a Festive Shopping Treat. Late Opening ‘til 8pm
Seasonal Sparkle Buy Use Collect Treasure
Christmas gift ideas display From October through December Fine silver tableware & collectors’ items Modern & vintage jewellery & watches www.thesilvervaults.com
Silver vaults the London
the home of silver shopping
calibre
REPORT
Speedboat
Seduction
Last month we were at the Paris Motor Show reporting on Jaguar’s new F-type. This month, we present something equalling ogle-worthy; the company’s concept speedboat, writes Richard Brown
W
hile we weren’t in Scotland to witness the revealing of Jaguar’s concept speedboat first-hand, we did get sent the seductive press pictures to gawp at. Sleek, masculine and brawnylooking, the boat was designed by applying the same styling principles Jaguar use in the creation of its land-based machines. We’re told the boat has a gel coat fibreglass hull finished on top with natural teak decking, split by a carbon fibre fin inspired by the
iconic Jaguar D-Type. Jaguar’s heritage is subtly recognised a second time with fuel filler caps, inspired by the Series 1 XJ. The concept speedboat supports the launch of the XF Sportbrake, Jaguar’s answer to Audi’s A6 Avant and the BMW 5 Series. The most versatile derivative of the Jaguar XF, the sportbrake’s rear wheels are driven via an eight-speed automatic gearbox, while the 2.2-litre engine helps make the car’s powertrain the most efficient to date. The XF Sportbrake went on sale in the UK and throughout Europe last month. Unfortunately for speedboat lovers, Jaguar has no plans to build a water vessel of any kind.
calibre
The what, when and where of sport, motoring, gadgets and grooming
three of the best... iPod Docks
1 ElectroKID, £3,740, Absolute Sounds absolutesounds.com 2 SSB-1 Soundbar, £200, Crystal Acoustics crystalaudiovideo.com 3 i80 dock with f80 sound system, £2,100 meridian-audio.com
Tee-Off Time
Forget denim-phobic dress codes and the snobbery of the clubhouse, at Urban Golf you don’t even need your clubs. The indoor golf operator’s simulators are the most accurate and graphically realistic out there, allowing you to play 60 of the world’s most celebrated courses from the comfort of one of their three London venues. Visit their Smithfield location to play, practise, learn or compete. Alternatively, sit back and enjoy a clubhouse vibe like no other. A player or group of players can hire a simulator after 5pm on a Friday for £25 per hour. For private Christmas parties call 020 7248 8600. urbangolf.co.uk
three of the best... Headphones
1 Urbanears Plattan, £50, Urbanears, urbanears.com 2 MM 450 X Travel Bluetooth Wireless, £299.95, Sennheiser, audioaffair.co.uk 3 WeSC Banjo Blanery Green, £49.99, iheadphones, theheadphonecompany.co.uk
news
The Gift of Flight If you thought the pinnacle of virtual reality existed in what your PlayStation can provide, then think again. This Christmas, for the ultimate gift, give the ultimate in gaming. So realistic are British Airways’ flight simulators that once a newly qualified pilot has passed their test in one, the next thing they’ll fly is a fully-boarded commercial aircraft. Not only can the £10 million machines mimic weather conditions, events and real world scenarios, they can be programmed to simulate taking off and landing at any airport BA fly to, at any time of the day. Hour-long sessions in a Boeing 737 simulator start from £399 and in a Boeing 777 from £449. Two or three hour flights are also available. ebaft.com
three of the best... Compact Cameras
Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V, £350 Sony, sony.co.uk
Lumix DMC-LX7, £450, Panasonic panasonic.co.uk
X10, £529, Fujifilm fujifilm.eu
Steelish Style Its resistance levels work by generating a concentrated magnetic field using a copper ring which is rotated in front of six magnets. How and why exactly? We’re not quite sure. But what we are sure of is that in terms of aesthetics, the new Ciclotte Steelish is about the best looking exercise bike on the market. Designed to reproduce the dynamics and performance of road cycling, the bike is perfect for high intensity aerobic workouts. It makes for a stunning piece of furniture too. The new Ciclotte Steelish retails at £7,400 plus VAT. ciclotte.com
december 2012 THE CITY 51
promotion
the cycle
REVOLUTION
A new generation of electric bikes is fuelling the quiet revolution taking the capital by storm
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athering speed along the cycle lanes and commuter routes of London is a new kind of bicycle that could just be the answer to the prayers of Londoners needing a comfortable, fun and efficient way to get around. Electric bikes have come a long way since the early days of what seemed like a car battery strapped to an ugly and heavy bike. The modern ebike uses state-of-the-art technology from lithium batteries (think laptops and smartphones) to hightorque brushless motors to deliver a smooth, comfortable and enjoyable ride. It’s not just the technology that’s come on. The new generation of ebikes has been developed to look as good as they ride. Worldrenowned designers have been engaged, the likes of Pinifarina (the designers responsible for styling Ferrari and Maserati) for instance, have ensured that the new ebikes have stunning lines, while being comfortable and easy to ride. A great example of the new breed of ebike brands is Solex. The company that sold more than eight million scooters in the cool caféculture of post-war Europe was recently relaunched selling ebikes and escooters. All the models have been designed by Pinifarina and have combined the looks of an Italian sports car with the technology of a Japanese electronics giant. The results speak for themselves with the ‘Solexity’ recently Ebco UCR-30: Winner of ‘Best Buy’, The Sunday Times, September 2012 appearing in the must have section of the FT’s How to Spend It and the ‘Velosolex’ folding ebike singled out by The Sunday Times for its looks. Another
52 THE CITY december 2012
new ebike brand breaking onto the scene is EBCO. Developed specifically for the UK market, the EBCO range includes models that can be bought through the Government’s Cycle to Work Scheme and include great details such as wet weather kits and ergo-comfort riding packs as standard, all of which help cope with both the weather and the often poor quality roads of the UK. With ranges of up to 50 miles, these ebikes make the ideal way to get around. It’s no surprise that the The Sunday Times’ In-Gear gave EBCO’s UC30 a ‘Best Buy’ award when stacked up against four other leading ebike models. They said of the UC30, giving it four stars (out of five): “Priced smartly and well designed for commuters.” It is no accident that there are some great new ebikes appearing on our streets at the moment. Ebikes are a global phenomenon and are fast becoming the preferred mode of transport in many European cities and beyond. This has been proven by sales figures from around the world. In Germany, one in every ten bikes sold is an ebike. By far the single biggest driving force of this revolution is the development of the technology. With more efficient and reliable motors and lighter batteries, the ebike is a great way to travel, but buyers are now faced with more choice and the possibility of more confusion. Now, more than ever, it is really important to make sure that if you’re buying an ebike you’re buying the right one for you. EBC Ltd is the leading UK based specialist distributor focused on nothing but ebikes. With a number of quality brands and a service centre at its Midlands HQ it has become the leader with regards to all things ebikes. Recently nominated for an industry award, there is nowhere better to find out information and discover why ebikes could be the transport solution for Londoners. For more information on ebikes, and where to try and buy, just visit: ebco-ebikes.co.uk Call 01926 437700 or email info@ebco-ebikes.co.uk
Brighten up your Christmas day Exclusive gifts and souvenirs at London Transport Museum shop, Covent Garden Piazza, London WC2 Shop opens daily or buy online
ltmuseumshop.co.uk
Background poster image: Brightest London is best reached by Underground By Horace Taylor, 1924
All aboard
The Luxury Brand Show
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Running at the same time as this year’s Tullett Prebon London Boat Show, the 2013 Luxury Brand Show promises to be a Mecca for those who appreciate the finer things in life
rom the outset it was designed to be different; a showcase without equal. Now, after a year of planning, the Luxury Brand Show 2013 is set to achieve its aim, opening next month as the most impressive exhibition of its kind in the UK. Set within the auspicious confines of the 2013 Tullett Prebon London Boat Show, and featuring the products of more than 100 luxury lifestyle brands, this year’s Luxury Brand Show breaks the mould from anything that has gone before. Based on the success of a similar show in 2012, from which the exhibition has evolved, this year’s fair returns at nearly twice the size; imagine walking into the largest luxury department store you’ve ever seen, complete with boys’ toys, designer gadgets, home cinemas and much more under one enormous roof. In addition to the world’s latest supercars, high-end road cars and classic automobiles, the Luxury Brand Show 2013 will showcase lavish homeware, exclusive UK and overseas properties, the best in
leisure and holiday pursuits, the International Watch Fair and a collectors’ gallery. Should that not be enough, a ticket to the exposition will grant you access to the Tullett Prebon London Boat Show 2013, a glittering meet of some of the world’s most desirable sailing and motor yachts. Running at ExCeL London at the same time as the Active Travel Show, the Outdoors Show and London Bike Show, a ticket will also grant you entry to these fascinating, adventure-led exhibitions. Keith Kemp and Peter Stow, partners at St. James’s Place Wealth Management, comment: “Following our participation and support of last year’s show, we are again delighted to be sponsoring the next Luxury Brand Show which promises to be even more exciting!” And so it certainly does; visitors will bear witness to a host of exclusive product launches and UK firsts. One of which will be the public debut of Kopi Luwak One, the world’s most exclusive coffee brand, courtesy of Bespoke Beverages Ltd. Known as ‘the Pinnacle of Coffee’, the incredible taste of Kopi Luwak One has, until now, only been available
promotion
by appointment or referral, enjoyed by just a handful of coffee connoisseurs around the globe. Elsewhere, MTECH, the UK’s leading independent Ferrari race specialists, will be offering visitors the chance to hone their driving skills. MTECH offer its clients complete racing packages, including the chance to develop circuit driving skills and obtain an official racing licence. They’ll also fly you out to Scandinavia for some Ice Driving in a Lamborghini, Audi RS4 or Porsche 997. Not a bad way to spend a weekend. To put your driving skills to the test, Ultimate Car Control specialises in empowering drivers of high performance vehicles with an unsurpassed level of car control. Gracing the carpets of ExCeL London this year, the company will teach advanced driving techniques that allow you to remain in control of your vehicle, even in extreme circumstances. Promising to provide experiences to remember, Club Wembley will be on hand to offer the best in food, football, music and sporting events. For premium homeware, Gallery Rouge will be providing contemporary fine art and sculptures while Hydropool displays the most luxurious in self-cleaning hot tubs. Elsewhere, fine watch and jewellery lovers can behold the latest collections from the likes of Chopard and Girard-Perregaux (pictured). Motoring enthusiasts will also be given plenty at which to ogle. As well as the Lightning Car Company and Imperials Cars, a replica of a hand-built 1958 Vanwall will be on show. Vanwall was the first British manufacturer to construct a car that won a Formula 1 World Championship race. The year was 1957 and the driver one Sir Stirling Moss. The car at the show will be the world’s first replica of the famous Vanwall ’58. But perhaps the star of the show will be P&A Wood’s Rolls-Royce
Silver Ghost. Made in 1908, ‘The Silver Dawn’ has been laboriously renovated to feature all of its original parts, including its chassis, engine, gearbox and under seat fuel tank. Worth around £4 million it will no doubt attract as much attention as even the biggest boats across the hall. Showcasing so many eminent brands, from the worlds of motoring, travel, jewellery, interiors, leisure and finance, the Luxury Brand Show 2013 is a Mecca for those with an eye for the exquisite.
The Luxury Brand Show 2013 Dates: 12 – 20 January 2013 Destination: ExCel London Show features include: The Supercar Showcase Gallery and Millionaires Playground – featuring supercars, classic cars and the ultimate car experiences The Luxury Home & Property Show – presenting the latest products and finest UK and international properties International Watch Fair – for the latest pieces and most sought after collectors’ editions The Limited Edition Gallery – a selection of collectable artworks and sculptures Leisure & Wellbeing - from the world’s most amazing holiday destinations to the most luxurious beauty and spa treatments For tickets please visit theluxurybrandshow.com
december 2012 THE CITY 55
CityJet-Set
Kari Rosenberg speaks to CityJet CEO Christine Ourmières about aviation trends, new destinations, and keeping in touch with her customers
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ffering almost 1,000 flights a week, more than 500 of them from London City Airport, CityJet is going from strength to strength. Expanding on its European destinations, installing a new user-friendly website and helping to design smart new navy and red uniforms (with a little help from Christian Lacroix), CEO Christine Ourmières is fronting a CityJet turnaround. With more than 20 years in the aviation industry, Ourmières knows in which direction she’s heading. Where do you see the focus of the company in the next five to ten years? We have been through a restructuring to try and optimise head count this year; having the right level of resources for the level of activity. We are capturing new opportunities with our Nuremberg and Münster/Osnabrück flights from London City Airport to Germany as there is a strong business market in Germany which presented a notable opening for us. Münster is at the forefront of hosting conferences and events for the green technologies industry. By starting services to Münster, CityJet is expanding its appeal to the UK MICE industry as well as facilitating a new trade corridor for the rapidly expanding
interview
British green technologies and renewable energies market. There is also strong inbound demand for a direct route to the heart of London from Münster given the large number of SMEs based in the airport’s catchment area. In addition, our new route will open up the cultural and historic heart of the Westphalia region of Germany to families and couples looking for a relaxed weekend break. How have you dealt with the competition from British Airways CityFlyer? The only routes we compete on directly with BA CityFlyer are Amsterdam and Edinburgh. But competition is always good because it challenges you, forcing you to adapt and to be flexible. We are doing great with competition on our Amsterdam flights; we are doing very well, as are British Airways. I think that in any industry it’s always good for the customer to have choices. How has the recession affected THE company? CityJet took quite significant losses in 2009 but now we are improving, giving consumers the opportunity to utilise the cost structures; choosing from our CityValue rate, the CityPremium rate or the CityFlex rate which is aimed at both SME’s and leisure passengers travelling in economy. The fare is fully flexible and fully refundable and can be changed or cancelled at any time up to 15 minutes before departure. CityJet has taken a big hit; not only has our business struggled but the profile of our passengers has changed as well as the number of passengers who are travelling. Everybody has been hurt in some way by the downturn, including people who live and work in the City, which is why we have become more flexible. We need to have a strong core business travel network because it’s all about London City airport, but in addition to that, we have leisure flights during the middle of the day to optimise the use of our aircraft. For example, in the summer we fly those same business travellers who know the quality of our service and the convenience of the airport with their families to their second home or for a weekend away. There is a very ambitious master plan for London City Airport and there is definitely a huge opportunity for growth there, especially when compared to the restrictions in place for other airports on slots expansion plans. What trends have you seen in the aviation industry? The traveller is now a professional traveller and social networks and the arrival of the internet has changed completely their choice awareness level. I think there’s a huge challenge for the airlines to deliver now because there is complete transparency; you are so visible that you can’t hide anything. The relationship with the customer completely changed. We are in the service industry which is something people have to remember; our job is about delivering a service. For me, the relationship with the
There is a very ambitious master plan for London City airport and there is definitely a huge opportunity for growth there passenger has completely changed in the last decade. I have lots of customers that come right to me directly so I talk to them. You need to stay in contact and be connected to ensure real relationship management today. How are you keeping up with technology? I am on Facebook, Linkedin, all of them. Plus, the new CityJet website has been designed to expedite the booking experience. Signposting is much clearer and cleaner with reduced links making navigation swifter across all pages. A new design will direct traffic more efficiently to the appropriate page whilst a new magazine style panel layout serves highlight offers, routes and promotions. What do you expect to be the biggest changes in the aviation industry over the next five to ten years? We are preparing for the arrival of new technology concerning the environment. But this is a very slow process and you have to make sure that you’re ahead of it. If you weren’t in this job where would you be? Like any woman probably would, I’d love to work in the luxury industry, but that’s partly because it’s always been a dream of mine to work for brands like Chanel or Louis Vuitton, mainly because of the margins. Coming from the aviation industry which has such small margins, you always dream about those sorts of brands because you know they make such a huge profit. But on a general basis I would like to stay in the service industry because your customer is really unique. cityjet.com
december 2012 THE CITY 57
promotion
ONE of a kind
I
With access to more than 32 Supercars, P1 International maintains pole position as the largest Supercar Club in the world in simple formats named after the most famous F1 race tracks. Each package is designed to suit the usage of members, and has different payment options. The packages provide members with a block of points and miles for them to use as they wish during their membership year across the fleet of supercars. P1 was the first supercar club to have a branch outside the UK, further pushing the boundaries and possibilities of the true supercar experience. Its latest branch is based in Geneva, the perfect location for any supercar enthusiast. Being in the centre of Europe, members are able to travel to the most luxurious locations without eating into their miles as British members have full access to cars in Genenva. Simply board a plane and two hours later you could be driving out of Geneva airport in a Ferrari 458, three hours away from Milan and five from St Tropez. P1’s fleet is something to marvel at: described by The Financial Times as “God’s toybox”. Stepping into the company’s warehouse you are greeted with several
dozen of the world’s fastest automobiles. Cars include Aston Martins, Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Bentleys, Maseratis and
“…P1 brings a little practicality to the mad world of 2ft-high, 200mph supercars”. – Jeremy Clarkson, The Sunday Times
Porsches. The most colourful feather in P1’s plume is the much sought after McLaren MP4-12C which would ordinarily set you back £220,000. Members have commented that P1 is their saving grace when it comes to buying supercars that depreciate quickly. Like many great ideas, P1’s has been copied by others. It has, however, never been bettered. In terms of innovation, creativity, service and fleet size, P1 remains unparalleled. p1international.com 01372 721711
Photographs Nick Williams
t was Oscar Wilde that said imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. In that case, the owners of P1 International should feel very complimented indeed. Many have tried to replicate the depth of service the motor club offers; few have got anywhere close. Born in 2000, P1 International pioneered the concept of a private members’ car club, offering shared access to a fleet of supercars. Its architect was Michael Breen, the current owner and CEO, who was helped with the set up by former Formula 1 World Champion, Damon Hill. How does the club work? Members pay an annual membership fee and in return, the club will take care of servicing, insurance, maintenance and every supercar owners’ dark cloud - depreciation. The club is also able to coincide purchases of new models of supercars with its official UK launch dates, making the fastest and most demanded supercars available to members at launch or shortly thereafter. It has a variety of memberships available
58 THE CITY december 2012
CHAMPION PERFORMER What do you get when you cross an F1 supercar with an SUV, asks Mat thew Carter? Infiniti reckons it has the answer…
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here’s an irony here that cannot be ignored. I’m in Monaco attempting to drive around the Grand Prix circuit. Sadly I’m not in a racing car, nor is this the glamorous Grand Prix weekend. In fact it’s a wet and windy Wednesday at the tail end of October and I’m sharing road space with buses, lorries and pugilistic Peugeots. Parts of the circuit, notably the harbour side piscine section, have been taken over by a giant fun fair… it’s more Margate than Monte Carlo. But there is a Formula 1 connection. I’m at the wheel of an Infiniti FX Vettel Edition, a limited edition version of Infiniti’s top-of-therange FX that’s been (so we are told) created by Sebastian Vettel, driver of the Infinitisponsored Red Bull F1 team. Just 150 will be made, with 50 earmarked for Europe, 50 for Russia and 50 for the Middle East… all of which gives you a clue as to
where the money is these days. And the irony? Simply that the FX’s satellite navigation system, which has been programmed to talk us around the lap, clearly has no idea which way the track goes. I’m assuming that Vettel, who clearly does know his Racasse from his Sainte Devote (two of the famous corners on the circuit), has had nothing to do with the development of that element of the car. What he has done, according to Infiniti, is turn his “company car” – an Infiniti FX50 S Premium – into “an even more rewarding sports crossover with an extra emphasis on performance and handling and with looks that take their cue from the world of Formula 1.” In practice, that means little in the way of mechanical changes, aside from a hike in power from 390hp to 420hp thanks to a different exhaust system, while the car is 20mm lower thanks to revised springs. Instead, the major alterations come in the form of
plenty of aerodynamic tweaks and enough carbon fibre additions to build a complete F1 car. Oh, and the inevitable ‘V’ badges showing the world that your FX is one of the rare Vettel Editions. Inspired by the front wing profile of a Red Bull racer, the Vettel FX has a multi-layer spoiler which is lighter than standard, reduces drag and smoothes the airflow under the car. It’s got carbon side skirts, carbon shells over the door mirrors and, at the rear, an optional carbon-fibre roof wing mounted on drilled aluminium. All this aerodynamic reshaping gives the car 30 per cent more downforce and five per cent less drag. New LED daytime running lights help redefine the nose, while at the rear there’s a new centre fog light, also LED, that apes the rear light on F1 cars… though legislation prevents it from flashing as it does on the Grand Prix track. Other changes are minor. The rather clumsy roof rails of the standard car have been
motoring
removed – and the FX looks much better as a result – while you can have it any colour so long as it’s Moonlight White. The black carbon fibre and 21-inch forged alloy wheels – also black and each 3.5 kilos lighter than the standard wheels – provide the dramatic contrast. Inside there’s yet more carbon fibre while Alcantara replaces leather for the seats. The ‘ordinary’ FX Premium wants for little in the way of goodies, but the Vettel Edition has found something new: a button on the dash which when pushed enhances the exhaust note to ensure the car’s bark is as purposeful as its bite. On the road, Infiniti says the vehicle dynamics have been ‘optimised, not revolutionised’. That means it’s a little quicker than standard – top speed is, as ever, limited to 155 mph – but it handles with more verve yet rides just as well. Probably. To be honest I have no idea if it’s any better than before, as the weather was wild and the streets of Monte Carlo far from the best place to hustle a large four-wheel drive SUV. And it’s even worse up in the mountains behind the Principality where narrow short straights are punctuated by hairpin after hairpin. Even if the weather hadn’t been so dreadful, this was not a route for heroics in a car so wide that slipping past oncoming traffic needed a sharp intake of breath. No, the best place for Seb’s car is in Switzerland – which, with more irony, is where Vettel himself lives, unlike many of his F1 colleagues who inhabit Monaco. Here it would eat up fast motorway miles with ease, while its four-wheel drive grip would bring added security in winter. But then, so would the standard car. Then there’s the price. Each FX Vettel Edition will sell for around £100,800 – with a further £4,800 asked for that rear spoiler. That’s a thumping £47,500 extra for 13 bits of (admittedly expensive) F1-grade carbon fibre and some fancy wheels. Fortunately Infiniti has thought of that and bunged in a few more extras for free, stuff that ‘money can’t buy’ they say. For example, early hand raisers have been treated to a special introductory session at the Le Castellet race circuit in France. Here they were shown pre-production prototypes of their car and
treated to high-speed laps of the circuit, chauffeured by none other than Vettel. Other events could include exclusive visits to the Red Bull factory, the Grands Prix, high performance driver training, sessions in an F1 simulator and even rides in a three-seater F1 car. Buyers are also given bespoke iPads complete with carbon fibre covers on which they can track their car’s production status. So this is the bottom line: if you’re looking for a sporting SUV check out the Range Rover Sport, Porsche Cayenne V8 Turbo or even the standard Infiniti FX50. But if you want genuine rarity and are a mad-keen F1 fan with bottomless pockets, the Vettel Edition has a certain appeal: it’s not so much a car as the entry ticket to an exclusive club. Mind you, for £100k plus, I’d demand a much better sat nav system.
Car: Infiniti FX Vettel Edition Price: £100,800 Engine: 5,026, V8 petrol, front-mounted Power: 420 hp
Performance: 155 mph max, 0-62 mph in 5.6 secs Drive: Four-wheel drive, seven-speed automatic
december 2012 THE CITY 61
motoring
Slip, slidin’ away Dancing on ice? Forget it. This is how you want to spend the winter: power sliding on ice. And the great news is that you can do it from the comfort of a Bentley Continental GT, writes Mat thew Carter
B
entley is running a series of ice driving programmes in February, open to anyone – not just owners – keen to sample the extreme limits of the GT on the frozen lakes of northern Finland. Even better, you’ll be offered expert tuition from instructors who really know how to drive on ice: leading the team will be Finnish national hero and four-time World Rally champion Juha Kankkunen. “The huge power combined with all-wheel-drive and the new eight-speed gearbox makes the GT the perfect car for such exciting and engaging driving. Our customers are always amazed that their cars are so rewarding to drive at the limit of grip, and it’s my pleasure to teach them how to do it,” said Kankkunen. With prices starting at a shade under ¤10,000, the three-
night/four-day programme includes a private charter from Helsinki to the town of Kuusamo before heading to the exclusive ski resort of Ruka, some 60km from the edge of the Arctic Circle, and the event base at the Chalet Ruka Peak boutique hotel. The programme includes two full days driving on ice with full tuition and there’s ample opportunity to enjoy other Nordic pursuits including snowmobiling, a husky sled ride to a reindeer farm, smoke saunas, Jacuzzis and even a local shaman ceremony. There are six groups available with dates running from Thursday 7 February to Thursday 28 February and places, as they say, are limited. For more information head to bentleydriving.com
december 2012 THE CITY 63
D SI DE SIGN GNER GN ER WED EDDI DING DI NG DRE R SS S ES S MAD ADE E TO MEA E SU SUR RE R E IN ITTAL ALY Y 81 1 E bu b ry S tr t reee e e t Lo Lon n d on S W nd W1 1 0 20 2 0 7 90 901 1 90 0 20 lee sp p o sed ed d ig i io o .cc om om
venues
REPORT
white
wedding
KARI ROSENBERG gets her nuptial planning hat on and falls in love with the East Wintergarden
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f the usual country manors and grand London hotels just won’t do for the big day, venture further East – with as many as 500 guests in tow. The East Wintergarden boasts a stunning and unique exterior and interior, right in the heart of Canary Wharf. Licensed for every celebratory party you could possibly shake a stick at, the magnificent 27 metre high, glass arched ceiling and beautiful Italian marble floor combine to create a spectacular backdrop for any get-together. Situated just opposite Jubilee Park, bride and groom can pose for photos in front of the spectacular ornamental water features –
providing the weather behaves – while ceremonies can be hosted in either the main hall (for up to 500 guests seated), the Gallery, suspended above the main floor, (for up to 120), or the Promenade Room (which can seat in the region of around 40 revellers). And to make the big day even more memorable, why not opt for a horseback mounted groom or aerial gymnasts? Just another day at the East Wintergarden. Visit canarywharf.com/workwithus/theeastwintergarden Telephone 020 7418 2775/2725 or email eastwintergarden@canarywharf.com
THE ART OF SWISS WATCH MAKING MAJOR SWISS WATCH BRANDS THAT ARE NEW BUT NO LONGER IN CURRENT COLLECTIONS SOLD WITH AN INTERNATIONAL GUARANTEE
ALAIN SILBERSTEIN AUDEMARS PIGUET BLANCPAIN CARLO FERRARA DE GRISOGONO FRANCK MULLER HUBLOT PIERRE KUNZ PIERRE DE ROCHE
news
For the Modern Dandy The last 12 months have seen Duchamp launch three concessions at Harvey Nichols stores, a concession in Bentalls, Kingston-Upon-Thames, as well as its very own online outlet. Now, for A/W12, the British brand introduces its first ‘shoppable’ catalogue. Designed for the city-based showman, the collection is a fusion of bold design and eyecatching colours guaranteed to make you stand out from the crowd. For the weekend, there’s a range of designer tweeds; for the office party, dandy’s can opt for an attention-grabbing velvet jacket.
Brushed Velvet Jacket Balmain, £1,995 harveynichols.com
3
of the Best… Dinner Jackets
duchamplondon.com
for him
Satin Trimmed Velvet Jacket VERSACE, £975, versace.com
From the boardroom to the bar, stay sharp, stay smart, stay stylish
Peak Lapel Dinner Jacket, HACKETT, £450, 117 bishopsgate, ec2m
Chester Barrie’s Gold Label shirts, from £130
Rugby meets The Row Savile Row’s Chester Barrie has decided to launch its new Gold Label shirt collection and a selection of accessories exclusively in Selfridges. As the brand’s premium range, the collection showcases classic British styling and traditional English shirt-making. Accessories include brightly coloured cotton pocket squares, collar bars and bold hound’s-tooth check ties. The launch follows the Q&A session Chester Barrie helped organise to celebrate its sponsorship of Leicester Tigers back in October. chesterbarrie.co.uk
Personal styling. No shopping. Frankly, men don’t like shopping. Realising that, the team behind The Chapar are aiming to change the way we procure our clothes. Join the website, perform a ‘style profiling’ online or over the phone and your personal stylist will put together a trunk full of garments tailored to your size and tastes. The trunk is then delivered to your home or workplace and you have 10 days to try your clothes on before deciding what to send back. Simples. thechapar.com
december 2012 THE CITY 67
news
for her
This season’s most wearable trends for the chicest woman about town
Alberta Ferretti, £3,065 net-a-porter.com
Cover up from the late-night cold with an elegant fur wrap. From top: Burberry, £595 net-a-porter.com Karl Donoghue, £465 karldonoghue.com Lanvin, £1,520 harrods.com
lbd
No matter the occasion or the season, the right LBD never goes out of style. Choose this foor-length Burberry Prorsum evening gown and show a glimpse of skin with its subtle slashed front and cutaway back. For a more sultry look, Hervé Léger is the go-to brand for cocktail-party attire; the off-the-shoulder cut adding a hint of old-school glamour. Or if whimsical and feminine is more your look, go for the Alberta Ferretti delicate beaded number. Burberry Prorsum, £2,195 uk.burberry.com
Hervé Léger, £1,080, 29 Lowndes Street, SW1X 9HX 020 7201 2590 store@herveleger.co.uk
“One is never over-dressed or underdressed with a Little Black Dress” — Karl Lagerfeld Add a touch of sparkle with a darling evening bag. From Top: Miss Dea, £3,570 dolcegabbana.com Lily, £595, mulberry.com
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winter Photography Peter Zownir Fashion Editor Lucie Dodds
Black velvet dress, £3,399, Lanvin at Harrods, harrods.com Grey pearl choker, £195, Merola 020 7351 9338, merola.co.uk Black Fatal tights, £23, Wolford, wolford.com Black patent stilettos, £375, Gina, gina.com Black hat, £169.99, Whiteleys at Fenwick Grey overcoat, £695, black tuxedo jacket, £495 waistcoat, £195, trousers, £255, white wing collar shirt, £110, cufflinks, £110 all Chester Barrie, chesterbarrie.co.uk Loafers, £6,950, Tom Ford, tomford.com xxxxxxxx 2012 THE CITY 71
Animal Madelyn coat, £8,950, ivory duchess silk shirt, £1,100, black trousers, £790, black and gold platforms, £795 all Ralph Lauren Collection Black velvet Anthony jacket, £995, black trousers £275, white dress shirt, £225, black brogues, £500 all Ralph Lauren Black Label 020 7535 4600, ralphlauren.com Opposite Navy brocade coat, £1,250, black patent gilt belt, £420, both Temperley London temperleylondon.co.uk Black tuxedo jacket, £495, waistcoat, £195, trousers £255, white wing collar shirt, £110, cufflinks, £110 all Chester Barrie, 020 7439 6079
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XXXXXX Animal coat, £1,590, Joseph, 020 7610 8441 Burgundy twist dress, £1,250, Lanvin at Harrods, as before Brown suede over knee ‘April’ boots, £895 Jimmy Choo, jimmychoo.com Black Fatal tights, £23, Wolford as before Opposite Black fur cape, £9,790, black cashmere sweater, £790, black leather skirt, £2,150, black leather boots, £1,350 all Tom Ford Stone shearling coat, £8,450, cream rib polo neck £560, white moleskin trousers, £490 all Tom Ford, tomford.com Hair & Make Up Enzo Volpe at HMS Creative using Guerlain A/W12 and Paul Mitchell
xxxxxxxx 2012 THE CITY 75
Original designer furniture and accessories
sketchliving.co.uk
competitive prices • personal service • free delivery * Sketch Living are furniture experts specialising in high-end furniture, home accessories and original designer classics + all items are personally delivered by us to ensure they arrive in perfect condition. *Within a 65 mile radius of London
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30/10/2012 16:10
news
rocking reindeer Graham and Green use real reindeer skins for its rugs to retain the markings and colour of the hide. Either spread in front of the fireplace or beside your bed, or for a quirky take, hang from the living room wall. £165, grahamandgreen.co.uk
Games we play Ralph Lauren has triumphed with a modern twist on a traditional classic: the intuitive minimalist design of blackened nickel pieces against soft leather channels the timeless sophistication of a game best savoured for cold spells with good friends. Ralph Lauren Hammond Chess Set £1,700, amara.co.uk
Bright Lights
interiors
Christmas is a sensory season where sights and tastes are gilded with the scents of festive winter pleasures. Fortuitously, French candlemaker Cire Trudon has taken its handmade, decadent creations to London. With a base of tobacco and leather and a top note of rum, La Grande Bougie in Ernesto, is heady with masculine warmth. £385, united-perfumes.com
Give your abode the attention it deserves with a stylish, seasonal spruce-up
Rustic Revival A log fire offers instant warmth and comfort from the crisp cold weather. Cox and Cox’s log basket complements cracked wood with zinc finished iron, great for storing timber or just for show. Light yet sturdy, the understated rawness of the metal offers practical style with a rustic nod to simple charm. £50, coxandcox.co.uk
Buffed and waxed by hand, a quality leather armchair is never just for Christmas. £1,100, johnlewis.com
december 2012 THE CITY 77
winter wonders
It’s the time of year for the finer things in life, and you’ll locate the finest at The Royal Exchange
Scent of the Season ↑
Take Care ↓
It’s the box, isn’t it? You pull the wrapping paper away to reveal that cream box with the black detailing, and your spirits instantly lift. Be it a Pomegranate Noir Candle or Nectarine Blossom & Honey Bath Oil, the heady fragrance drifts out under the lid and lets you know something special is inside. This year, Jo Malone London has curated a fantastic selection of gifts for Christmas, including mood-changing candles, luxurious body creams and the famous colognes that can be worn solo or layered for a bespoke scent. The Travel Candle Collection (£60) is perfect for someone who’s always on the move, and the Pine & Eucalyptus ScentSurround Diffuser (£45) fills any room with an addictive forest-fresh fragrance. For him, it has to be Lime, Basil & Mandarin Cologne (£38/30ml). The company’s signature fragrance is a modern classic. Mandarin provides the freshness, basil, the depth, and the amberwood base note provides its masculinity. For someone really special, why not splash out on the Jo Malone London Tea Trousseau (£450)? Three Tea Fragrance colognes (eg Earl Grey & Cucumber or Assam & Grapefruit) are accompanied by a pair of Tea Deluxe Candles, housed in an exquisite lacquered chest.
Crockett & Jones prides itself on creating stylish, quality footwear that lasts. While the production process has evolved since the company’s foundation in 1879, manufacture remains labour-intensive. It requires more than 200 separate operations to be carried out over an eight-week period to craft a pair of shoes. And after all that work, it would be a shame not to keep a pair in top condition. This leather shoe kit in smart racing green contains several brushes, two shoe creams and a shoe horn – the perfect gift for someone fastidious about footwear. Crockett & Jones leather shoe kit, £150
Star Struck ↑ Tateossian’s founder Robert Tateossian has become affectionately known as the ‘Cufflink King’, and his jewellery brand specialises in cufflinks for all occasions, from quirky designs to everyday classics and luxury limited editions. The exclusive and collectible cufflinks pictured here feature rare meteorite stone set in its natural state: every piece is unique. Subtle, elegant and stylish, Tateossian’s meteorite cufflinks are a one-of-a-kind gift this Christmas, and a special addition to the collection of any cufflink connoisseurs. Silver meteorite cufflinks, £450 WWW.THErOYALExCHANGE.COM
CITY MAG DEC.indd 1-2
promotion
50 Shades of Style ↑
Best Foot Forward ↑
Winter Warmer
If you’re jetting off to sunnier climes this Christmas with someone special, these Loro Piana sunglasses would make a perfect and indulgent present. The Italian fashion house made its name producing the finest quality cashmere, and has recently expanded the brand to include a sophisticated eyewear collection. Combining elegant design with hi-tech manufacture and materials, the sunglasses are crafted in ultra-light titanium and the lenses are made from the thinnest optical glass in the world. If you’re looking for the best, Loro Piana certainly fits the bill. Loro Piana sunglasses, £1,015
Famed for producing exquisitely crafted shoes since 1873, Church’s began as a family business founded by Thomas Church and his three sons. Now an internationally renowned brand owned by the Prada group, Church’s shoes are synonymous with sophistication and City style. These brogues are crafted from the finest calf leather, and their lustrous dark green colour marks them out from the crowd. Whether worn with jeans or chinos for a smart weekend look, or a sharp suit midweek, Church’s Burstock brogues are the ultimate in stylish footwear. Burstock green calf-leather brogues, £320
This jacket from Vilebrequin, the luxury outfitter originally from St Tropez, will make a fashionable and practical Christmas present, especially for someone heading to the mountains in the New Year. Made with 100 per cent polyamide and duck down, the jacket remarkably folds down into a handy zippered pouch and is super-lightweight. Available in children’s sizes and a sleeveless version for adults, it comes in a wide range of gorgeous colours including navy, poppy red, sea blue and chocolate. Vilebrequin Jazzy travel jacket, £370
Love, Life and Paint → In her own words, Louise Dear has one simple ambition: ‘to create beautiful paintings’. The Totnes artist was inspired by her travels around Europe, Australia and South-East Asia, and her paintings are renowned for their vibrancy, sensuality and extravagance. Her work is large, contemporary and figurative, focusing on how the intensity of colour has the power to invade our senses and influence our emotions. On 30 November, Dear will be appearing at the Artisan Gallery at The Royal Exchange to talk about and showcase her latest collection. Katrina Aris, manager of the gallery, says, ‘We’re thrilled to welcome Louise to the gallery. Her work is very popular with our customers and they are looking forward to seeing the new pieces.’ According to Dear, the underlying theme of her new collection is love and passion. Painted as the artist watched the rain beat down on the street outside, ‘You Are My Sunshine, My Only Sunshine’ (right) was created to ‘bring warmth to many a chilly afternoon’, while ‘Delicious Daydream’ was inspired by her daughter’s crush on Robert Pattinson. Dear will be at the Artisan Gallery between 5pm and 8pm on 30 November. Limited-edition prints, previous works and original paintings will all be available to purchase. Artisan Gallery; 020 7929 5656
AGENT PrOvOCATEur, ArTISAN FINE ArT, BACHET, BOODLES, BvLGArI, CHurCH’S, CrOCkETT & JONES, DE BEErS, GrAND CAFE, GuCCI, HArrYS OF LONDON, HErMÈS, IMPErIAL CITY, JO MALONE LONDON, kIEHL’S, kOJIS, LOEWE, L’OCCITANE, LOrO PIANA, LuLu GuINNESS, MEzzANINE LOuNGE, MOLTON BrOWN, MONTBLANC, OMEGA, PAuL A. YOuNG FINE CHOCOLATES, PAuL SMITH, PAvArOTTIS, PENHALIGON’S, PrETTY BALLErINAS, rOYAL ExCHANGE JEWELLErS, SAGE BrOWN FINE LEATHEr, SAuTErELLE, SEArLE & CO, SMOkEr’S PArADISE, SMYTHSON, TATEOSSIAN, THEO FENNELL, TIFFANY & CO., vILEBrEquIN, WATCHES OF SWITzErLAND
THE rOYAL ExCHANGE, BANk, CITY OF LONDON, EC3v 3Lr. STOrE TrADING HOurS 10AM – 6PM rESTAurANTS & BArS 8AM – 11PM
20/11/2012 15:53
www.bachet.fr
photography
REPORT
Admiring the view, London, England. Photographer: Mik Dogherty
A View To A
Thrill
KARI ROSENBERG admires the UK’s greatest young landscape photographers
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ist-covered woodlands, abstract London landmarks and local wildlife was the order of the day at this year’s Take A View - Landscape Photographer of the Year competition, held in association with Network Rail. While Staffordshire-based photographer, David Byrne’s dramatic black and white image of brooding Lindisfarne Castle, surrounded by unusual fishing boat
sheds, won top prize this year, a range of cloud-topped mountains, mystical stone circles and crashing waves came close. More than 100 of the very best images will premiere in a stunning, free exhibition at the National Theatre until 19 February; while the Awards book, Landscape Photographer of the Year Collection 6, by AA Publishing, featuring more than 170 winning and commended entries from this year’s competition, is also available to buy. take-a-view.co.uk
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news
YveS saint Laurent leather travel bag, £1,475, matchesfashion.com
From Russia with love
Overlooking the Kryukov Canal, the Alexander House Boutique Hotel is an intimate family run place, where most of the rooms look out onto the beautiful Nikolsky and Troitsky cathedrals. Themed rooms allow visitors to come to Russia and stay in a bed that reminds them of home whether that’s London, Beijing or Paris. Mixing old world comfort with modern service, it’s located in the historic bohemian district five minutes away from the Mariinsky theatre. a-house.ru/en
Private retreat If you are a proud Christmas Grinch, then getting away from the tinsel and turkey will be a priority. Azura resorts can provide you with the Christmas antidote; civilisation will seem like a distant memory. The islands off the coast of Mozambique provide secluded pure white beaches with sparkling turquoise waters. Only 16 villas are nestled along the stretch of sand, completely surrounded by the Indian Ocean. Explore the marine world by snorkelling and diving in some of the most beautiful reefs; see turtles, dolphins and migrating whales. When all of that is too much, unwind in the spa on the beach. End the day by literally, sailing into the sunset. azura-retreats.com
TRAVEL
From long-haul retreats to weekend escapes, chic city stopovers to rural hideaways, these are some of the world’s top haunts
Festive Florence An elegant 15th century villa which sits atop the hills, Il Salviantino is a real Italian mansion. With the Tuscan landscape and grand décor it provides a Christmas getaway like no other. Spend an afternoon winding through the streets of Florence and then retire to your oak panelled boudoir with silver candelabra and renaissance painted walls. Doors are covered in padded red velvet and dark heavy wood runs throughout. Relax in the library filled with vintage books and then visit the spa for aroma full treatments. salviatino.com
Gramercy Park hotel This limestone building, just a few steps from Broadway, is home to the Gramercy Park Hotel, away from the hustle and bustle of New York City, but not too tucked away to be missed. This eclectic bohemian hotel offers a private roof club and garden reminiscent of a gentlemen’s club. Renaissance inspired decor with handstitched leather, tapestry chairs and rich hues takes you far from Manhattan. The velvet bedheads are stitched with gold, the floors are covered in Moroccan tiles and floors laid with handwoven French rugs. gramercyparkhotel.com
december 2012 THE CITY 83
The City
in the sea
Annabel Harrison visits Venice for the first time, finding it as magical as expected but rather wetter. Coinciding with the acqua alta, it’s a spectacle that must be seen to be believed
travel
I
must confess; despite falling in love with Venice, I just couldn’t get my head around the fact it is, quite literally, a city in the sea. Not next to it, not even just close; it is IN the sea. Even after a lengthy explanation as to the piecemeal construction of the city over centuries, it seemed truly miraculous to me. Whereas in Rome or Paris, comparably romantic city break destinations, one expects walls to meet solid ground and for rivers to be contained within their banks, Venice defies such mundane practices and its walls plunge straight down into the canals, lending the city an other-worldly, almost make-believe quality. Let me set this watery scene; Venice comprises a maze-like myriad 118 islands, 150 waterways and 400 bridges. Its (colossal) brick and stone buildings are constructed on closely-spaced wooden piles made from alder (noted for its water resistance). Foundations rest on the piles and buildings sit above these footings. Submerged by water, in oxygen-poor conditions, wood does not decay as rapidly as on the surface and is petrified as a result of the constant flow of mineral-rich water around and through it, so that it becomes a stone-like structure; I am assured that “most” of the piles are still intact after centuries of submersion. I am seriously impressed by the ingenuity and vision of the Venetian architects of yore and keep this in mind as I explore the beautiful city. For a long weekend, the timings are perfect; fly at the most civilised time of 11am on a Friday from London City (my favourite airport due to its friendly size and super-speedy check-in) into Marco Polo airport in Venice. Travel into the city, as we did, by water taxi; in my opinion it’s the most glamorous way to travel (although not the cheapest; €110 for between one and four people for a half hour journey). In the most cinematic of styles, we arrive at our hotel, the beautiful Westin Europa & Regina, by water and disembark into the Venetian hotel of my imagination, replete with marble floors, polished wooden
december 2012 THE CITY 85
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doors, ornate furniture and sparkling chandeliers. The charming general manager Guiseppe de Martino greets us and we enjoy a refreshingly welcome chilled glass of Champagne, accompanied by the largest, juiciest olives I’ve ever seen (which disappear in about two minutes). I recommend the local favourite, the neonorange Aperol Spritz. Supper on our first evening is, quite simply, exceptional. Because of the rain (my visit is in October), we splash out on the luxury of taking a water taxi just 50 metres across the water, rather than walking the water-circumnavigating 15 minute alternative – our destination is, quite literally, on the other side of the canal outside the hotel. Antinoo’s Lounge appears to have a classic Venetian facade from the water but inside it is super-modern; expanses of mirrors and angled walls lend the place a space-age feel. So to the food; it is amazing and served in generously large portions. I enjoy a veritable Roman feast of meaty scallops, tomato and aubergine pasta (my favourite dish), sea bass with leeks (although the lamb also receives rave reviews) and finish with the chilli chocolate trilogy. I return to my high-ceilinged, spacious bedroom in the Westin Europa and take advantage of the expansive bed, stretching out as I recover from this culinary treat. At breakfast the next morning, I notice not only that the breakfast room on a lower level by the water is out of use but also that it is submerged in a few inches of
86 THE CITY december 2012
water, realising with excitement that the acqua alta must be on its way.Guiseppe had explained to us that the acqua alta (‘high water’) is the term used for the exceptional tide peaks that occur periodically in the northern Adriatic Sea, causing the partial flooding of Venice and Chioggia. The phenomenon occurs mainly between autumn and spring, when the astronomical tides are reinforced by the prevailing seasonal winds which hamper the usual reflux. As the hotel thoughtfully provides wellies for intrepid guests, we head out to explore the city. As Venice welcomes about 24 million tourists a year, the city is very busy, high water or not, and while some visitors have been lucky enough to procure appropriate footwear, others have resorted to the rather soggier options of tying bin bags over their shoes or using them as galoshes. The flood reaches 1.35 metres above city level and as it does so, we take a tour of the Doge’s Palace and the Museum of the St Mark’s Square. A doge was a military leader, which led to the term being used for president, or chief – it’s worth getting a guide as they can provide fascinating insights into Venetian ruling history. One of the most amazing facts I learn during supper at the Danieli Hotel, is that Venice is host to about 350 gondoliers and according to hotel staff, each earns a yearly six figure salary. For a while the songs they sang had to be Venetian not Neapolitan (ruling out romantic favourite That’s Amore) but as there are “only about three famous Venetian songs”, the rule was overturned. The Danieli has delicious food, served in rather smaller portions than Antinoo’s (for which I am quite grateful), a fantastic wine selection and a panoramic terrace with the most spectacular views. There is a wedding taking place in the adjacent rooms and I can see why the couple chose Venice; it’s a truly magical place.
more INFORMATION London City Airport-Venice operates daily (except for Saturday) with prices from £75 per person one way, which includes a free 23kg baggage allowance, complimentary onboard drinks and snacks and your choice of seating as standard. ba.com
Captivate Your Senses The first internationally-acclaimed Chuan Spa in Europe is now open at The Langham, London. Rediscover your source with luxurious treatments inspired by the philosophy of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
The Langham, London 1c Port land Place, Regent Street, London W1B 1JA T 44 (0) 20 7973 7550
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AUCKLAND • BOSTON • HONG KONG • LONDON • LOS ANGELES • MELBOURNE • SHANGHAI
ChuanSpa ExclusiveMag.indd 1
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travel
Destination...
amsterdam Rajdeep Sandhu discovers authentic Amsterdam away from the red light district and special brownie shops Where to stay... Canal House
TonyV3112 / Shutterstock.com
The striking large oak doors of Canal House set the gothic tone of the waterfront hotel. The 17th century merchant’s house has been tastefully redesigned with dramatic lighting and rich fabrics to make a bold statement, mixing heritage and modernity. Bedrooms are seductively decorated with draped silk and velvet. The ecclectic art collection is a strong part of the house’s appeal, with contemporary paintings covering the walls and antique ceiling mouldings high above. There is also a beautifully kept garden which beckons romance. Breakfast is a delight with poached eggs, fresh fruit and soft creamy cheeses.
Where to eat... With Patience If you’re used to prompt service, you’ll have to take a deep breath and get on board with the relaxed Dutch way of life. Amsterdam has some intriguing places to eat like the renovated Cinema Paradiso which serves Italian food, but get there early as there are no reservations. For a room with a view, try the café on the sixth floor of the Metz department store and enjoy a quick coffee or a light lunch. For something more impressive there is the Michelinstarred Posthoorn; an elegant contemporary eatery serving French cuisine and fresh seafood in a room of chandeliers and honey coloured furnishings.
What to do... Spend
From top to bottom: Old Turfmarkt, Anne Frank’s house, ice skating on the canals, bicycles parked on a bridge at night, Canal House © Amy Murrell 2011-24
i
British Airways flies to Amsterdam up to six times daily from London City Airport, with fares available from £73. Fares include a 23kg luggage allowance and onboard drinks and snacks as standard. Book now at ba.com
88 THE CITY december 2012
Amsterdam feels like a village masquerading as a city with its easy-going way of life and picturesque streets. There are some historical attractions first timers must tick off their lists, such as the Anne Frank museum, but once you do, you’ll have earned some retail therapy time. Hop over to the Nine Streets, which is packed with boutiques and quaint shops along the web of canals; pick up a few antiques in Spiegelstraat, and for all things retro, Spmrkt is a warehouse full of clothing, furniture and art. Away from the touristy Waterlooplein market, visit the Noordermarkt to browse the bric-a-brac, 60s and 70s interiors gems and organic food, including some of the best apple pie around: you’ll easily spot it from the forming queue.
Don’t miss... Exploring In one of the most cycle friendly cities on earth, there is no excuse for not grabbing a bike and exploring the surrounding streets. Or if you’re too busy recovering from the city’s night life to navigate the 17th century streets, take a canal tour, where you can sit back and be gently rocked while admiring the architecture. Some winters are cold enough to freeze the canals, so if that’s the case, then become a true Amsterdammer and skate your way around.
18 kilos? Warm. 20 kilos? Warmer. 21 kilos? Warmer still. Actually, our luggage allowance is 23 kilos. It really does stack up to fly British Airways from London City Airport to Zurich, Geneva, Chambery and more. Book now at ba.com/ londoncityski To Fly. To Serve.
Services operated by BA CityFlyer.
0822820 297x210 Ski press new offer.indd 1
15/11/2012 11:48
Under the
Tuscan Sun
The Isle of Elba, the largest of the Tuscan Archipelagos, is known for its temperate climate and picturesque hiking trails. Karen Bowerman explores
B
umpity, bump. The car seemed to be handling the terrain well. Being squashed in the back suddenly had its advantages; I was pinned between shoulders and hips with a row of fleshy thighs cushioning the impact. My friends and I were jolting down a cascade of enormously wide 16th century stone steps in Portoferraio, the capital of the Tuscan island of Elba, doing an impromptu Italian Job – albeit in an estate. I glanced out of the window to catch, at an angle, a church’s grand façade, a wooden door in a crumbling stone building and an alleyway strung with diagonal lines of washing. “Should we really be doing this?” I asked, as the jolting went on and on. “It’s fine!” our taxi driver exclaimed. He lifted his hand off the steering wheel with a flourish, to demonstrate (I presume) that he was still in control. I decided to ask no more questions. If he was being economical with the truth, no one in Portoferraio seemed to mind our mid-morning antics. In fact,
nobody batted an eyelid: two old ladies in headscarves heaved open the door of the church and stepped into the darkness inside. A moped swung round the corner. An old man wheeled his bicycle down an alleyway, bumping over cobbles as he hobbled in and out of the shade. At the foot of the steps we spun round, reversed into a passageway (no room for three point turns) and sped out again – for the full experience of the alternative route from the historic Villa dei Mulini (Napolean’s residence-in-exile, 18141815) to the town’s medieval gates. I could have spent longer in Portoferraio, although given the spiritedness of our driver it may not have been wise. Besides, our destination was the tiny, less touristy village of Sant’Andrea, about 16 miles west. Set on a promontory covered in woodland, whitewashed houses are dotted among lemon groves, poppies and wild broom, on a hill sloping down to the sea. Our hotel, Hotel Ilio, was just a minute’s walk to the beach (I could hear the waves
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from my room) and a couple of minutes’ drive to Marciana, a popular base for hiking and home to one of the island’s National Park Visitor Centres (the whole of Elba is national parkland). We set off along an ancient mule track that led into hills once covered in vines. “Mule trails were once the only link between local farms and villages,” our park guide Pat said. The owner of our hotel, Maurizio Testa chipped in. “When I was a child, more than 35 years ago, my parents were still using donkeys. Sounds unbelievable, doesn’t it?”
ham, vine ripened tomato and soft cheese sandwiches. When it was time to set off again; I got to my feet feeling a little lightheaded. I refilled my water bottle from a natural spring after hearing Napolean thought it did wonders for his liver, and followed a light-footed Maurizio (his backpack now empty) along a narrow trail overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. The papery, silvery leaves of helichrysum brushed against our feet as we made our way downhill. We paused to admire the delicate pink flowers of the rock rose, a riot
Apparently this was where locals planned to build a church, until some of the stones mysteriously moved to the top of the mount We haven’t hiked far up Mt Giove when in a small clearing we come across a pile of large, hewn stones and a statue of the Virgin Mary. Apparently this was where locals planned to build a church, until some of the stones mysteriously moved to the top of the mount. Villagers took this as a sign that the virgin wanted her sanctuary at the summit. The hill grows steeper; its slopes covered with Mediterranean maquis: tall shrubland characterised by the glossy-leaved strawberry or cane apple tree, the holm oak with its drooping, knobbly catkins and the invasive buckthorn. At the top, amid the cool of tall pine trees, we visit the Virgin’s preferred dwelling place: the 16th century church of Madonna del Monte, one of the island’s most sacred sites. Messages from pilgrims are pinned to its walls. It was the perfect place too for a picnic of
of yellow broom and an almost fluorescent green gecko, darting over a rock. The trail cut through a shady chestnut wood where fallen leaves made it soft underfoot. Minutes later it was nothing but upturned earth where wild boar had been digging for roots. Finally, it joined another mule track whose stony path, smoothed over the centuries by the passage of feet, took us to the village of Zanca and back to the sea. Then it was just a mile or so to Sant’Andrea cove where rows of yellow and orange beach huts and a quirky shack decorated with driftwood stands. We threw down our towels and sprawled across the sand. The cliffs, potholed with erosion, were draped with the succulent Sally-myhandsome plant. Postcards showed its summer flowers cascading like a bright pink
waterfall. At the edge of the bay, the rocks, smoothed into soft pleats by the constant pounding of the waves, looked as if they were studded with large crystals. That evening we dined at Hotel Ilio, where Maurizio’s wife served ravioli with truffles and octopus. In the distance, on the slopes of Mt Capanne, hilltop villages were studded with tiny orange lights. Directly below us, beyond the hotel’s terrace and the rooftops of Sant’Andrea, I could hear the sea, now calm, break gently against the shore through my open shutters. hotelilio.com is a small, family-run hotel, 150 metres from the sea at Sant’Andrea, Isle of Elba
december 2012 THE CITY 91
A world
AWAY
Munich is a place where the traditional and modern collide to create a city built from the debris of war. Rajdeep Sandhu takes a look behind the beer drinking…
Y
ou could be forgiven for instantly thinking of the famed Oktoberfest when I say: “I’m off to Munich this weekend” because often this German city is overlooked for the cool streets of Berlin or the romance of Frankfurt. But savvy travellers and weekend city-breakers take note: you’re missing a trick. Munich is both a financial and publishing hub, built on the remnants of the wartime bombings. And unlike most other German cities, the pre-war street plans are still intact. This is a city that surprised me; it is full of contradictions and contrasts, where ancient shops sit next to designer boutiques and BMW’s glide past age old architectural landmarks. Despite the economic doom and gloom, this seems to be a city of prosperity thanks to its high powered industry. Perhaps most surprisingly of
all, the weather was scorching hot. I had the pleasure of staying in the iconic hotel Bayerischer Hof; as the taxi whisked me off of the pretty Munich streets and dropped me at the hotel, I gladly pushed my weight against the revolving doors, eyelids heavy with sleep. A weekend away from the usual is what I needed, but somehow it didn’t seem as though I had swapped one bustling city for another. This Munich that I find myself in has a quaint charm lurking between its sleek sky-scrapers that maybe I am too worn down to appreciate in London. The lobby feels completely welcoming, with its luxurious grand foyer and large glass dome which filters and scatters natural light throughout. I catch a glimpse of the Falk’s Bar and overhear a conversation that it was the only room to survive the Second World War unscathed. I decide to have one drink only but with the superb cocktail offerings from the Münchner Caipirinhas to the Black
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Lemon Drop Martinis one turned into a few. It’s no surprise that it feels like a mini metropolitan held in the walls of the grand hotel. Led up the stately sweeping staircase to my abode I was taken aback by the beauty. It’s rare to be able to keep coming back to a hotel and still being offered something new, but Bayerischer Hof can do just that as its rooms are all uniquely decorated; stay in Pilati , Cosmopolitan or Colonial, it’s up to you. This time I opted for a standard room furnished in warm colours and comforting fabrics. It feels like the home I always wanted but have never had time enough to create. High above the rooftops of Munich you can gaze at life in the Old Town district below. Just a short walk away is the city centre where there are pavements full of street entertainers and cafes, perfect to people watch as they pass by the Neues Rathaus. I had the pleasure of visiting the National Theatre (home of the Bavarian State Opera and the Bavarian State Ballet) and enjoyed a stunning performance of Turandot by Giacomo Puccini. It’s no surprise that this is one of the most famed and frequently performed operas of all time; the moving music, dramatically charged story line and exceptional use of 3D combined to make it a rendition like no other. The next morning after a deep sleep on marshmallow pillows, I made my way to the rooftop terrace for a delightful Champagne breakfast buffet. Not a bad way to start the day at all. The view of the Frauenkirche Towers felt like the preview of the next twelve hours, packed full of cathedral, museum and architecture spotting. Munich may not be the capital of Germany, but there’s no doubt that it’s the capital for arts, culture and science. I had the rare privilege of meeting the legendary German product designer Ingo Maurer in his showroom, where famed for his exquisite lamps and light installations, he spoke candidly about his inspirations and upcoming projects. Swapping cutting edge design with contemporary I then headed to pop-up exhibition Image Counter Image at the Haus der Kunst (literally, House of Art), where the renowned international Nigerian curator, Okwui Enwezor (whose predecessor Chris Dercon is now Director of the Tate Modern) talked me through each fascinating piece. It is unavoidable to leave without drinking copious amounts of beer so a visit to Munich’s oldest Augustiner Brau brewery only seemed fitting. Augustiner is a beer for true Münchners: it doesn’t bother with advertising, as it doesn’t need to, and in the last 20 years it has barely changed its bottle. Safe to say that from the moment I lifted the bottle to my lips, I was a proud German; it could have tasted foul and I would have nodded in appreciation, but it didn’t. My nod was entirely sincere. Dinner meant an agonising decision between five restaurants inside the Bayerischer Hof hotel. I was spoilt for choice from Polynesian in Trader Vic’s to a seasonal Michelin menu at Atelier. Eventually I chose to dine in the Garden Restaurant, which serves Mediterranean and South German cuisine, with a choice of oysters and rotisserie cuts of beef. Had I stayed longer, I would have had
From top: Hotel Bayerischer Hof; Blue Spa pool, Atrium, Blue Spa Left: Town hall at the Marienplatz
Munich may not be the capital of Germany, but there’s no doubt that it’s the capital for arts, culture and science all five under my belt, but weekends away are always fleeting. Munich is an underrated city that provides surprises at every turn and shatters your preconceptions of a place full of beer drinking men and women (although, maybe those are just mine). It is a place made for long weekends when you just can’t choose between city break and traditional charm; here you can have both. I could easily go again tomorrow.
more information Hotel Bayerischer Hof; bayerischerhof.de, +49 89 21 20-0 Double rooms start from ¤350 for two people sharing, excluding breakfast. Flights depart daily from London Heathrow to Munich with British Airways, Lufthansa and Air Berlin. National Theatre; bayerische.staatsoper.de Ingo Maurer Showroom; ingo-maurer.com/munich_en.html Haus der Kunst; hausderkunst.de
december 2012 THE CITY 93
Make it a Ritz Christmas! enquire@theritzlondon.com
www.theritzlondon.com
Telephone: 020 7493 8181
news
FOOD DRINK The best fine dining has to offer, right on your doorstep
CITY ANGLER Having already visited the South Place Hotel when it was a mere building site, our excitement to return to its top floor Angler restaurant had been building week on week. Start with the compact lobster and scallop ravioli, a single light parcel packed with chunky fresh seafood, or the foie gras and chicken liver parfait, ordered by our dining partner and tried in the name of journalistic research. A simply cooked Dover sole accompanied by sautéed spinach and heritage tomatoes was elegant, tasty and simple, just the way a fish dish should be, while the steamed wild bass was equally delicious. Finish off with either the lemon tart or naughty chocolate fondant. 3 South Place, EC2M
OLD GETS OLDER
JUST INN TIME The Holiday Inn London Commercial Road’s Traders Restaurant is open daily for every meal of the day. For business or leisurely lunches and dinners the à la carte menus offer Best of British fresh seasonal dishes, as well as snacks and drinks if you don’t have time to stay for longer. For a limited period only, guests that book using the code LONUK-002 will receive 20 per cent off any food and beverage ordered at the hotel. 261 Commercial Road, E1, 0800 40 50 60 Email info.hicommercialroad@ihg.com or visit hilondoncommercialroadhotel.co.uk
Old Pulteney has launched its oldest 40 year old malt whisky, encased in a gorgeous deep indigo bottle. The content is just as divine as its packaging, matured in Spanish ex-sherry and American oak ex-bourbon casks, the unique malt is undeniably Pulteney with a rich amber hue. Made in the most northern distillery in the British mainland, the 40 year old’s nose is fragrantly fruity with pears and cloves, the taste is sweet and spicy with notes of sherry. £1,500, old-pulteney.myshopify.com
constant craving We love Godiva’s new Royal Swarovski Box filled with more than 60 pieces of smooth, melt-in-your-mouth Belgian chocolate. The box comes suede-adorned in Swarovski crystals with a selection of Godiva’s signature assortment. For other tasty gift ideas, sample the chocolate Christmas tree selection: choose between Sapin Noisette (hazelnut praliné, cinnamon and ginger), Sapin Amande (almond praliné, honey and Sel de Guerande) and Sapin Macadamia (macadamia praliné, mandarin and cardamom). Non chocoholics need not apply. Royal Swarovski Box, £150, Godiva 150 Fenchurch Street, EC3M
december 2012 THE CITY 95
the east endd revolution foo
With all-the-rage new restaurants cropping up almost daily, seasoned foodies are switching the West End for the City when it comes to eating out. Stephen Doig takes a gastronomic tour
S
omething is shifting in the City. In one of the most fast-paced and frenetic of streets in the country, a growing foodie focus has been evolving, providing those who thrash out the 8am – 8pm City lifestyle with something far beyond the soggy lunch sandwich. From Fenchurch Street to the Royal Exchange, the bagel shops and ramshackle delis are slowly being replaced by exciting, innovative and entirely unique dining experiences, each more exciting than the last. And while the idea of a leisurely lunch might seem as alien to some of the City’s daily grinders (who has time for a three course meal when the Dow is in freefall?) a new generation of restauranteurs are ensuring that a wealth of visionary culinary offerings are putting East London on the foodie’s map. “As an area I like it because there’s a great mix of different types of people,” says Daniel Willis, one of the founders of Upstairs at the Ten Bells in Spitalfields, which has seen an influx of City workers since
feature Tramshed, Photograph by Jason Lowe
december 2012 THE CITY 97
opening its doors this autumn. “There are long standing residents that have lived in the area since the 1960s, and there is still a real presence from the art community too – Tracey Emin, Gilbert & George and others we see most days”. The restaurant, which sits atop the infamous Ten Bells pub where Jack The Ripper would pick his victims, is an elegant affair, with classic British dishes and nods to Victorian grandeur – treacle glazed lamb sweetbreads with cauliflower and anchovy and roast quince, for example, against a seductive backdrop of flickering candlelight, plush velvets and dark wood panelled walls. The East End’s litany of innovative new eateries – Duck & Waffle, Tramshed, SushiSamba, HKK – is, to Willis, an indicator of a changing notion of what dining should be. “In terms of what has happened in recent years, I think the change in the way we experience food has altered our perception of what restaurants can be – supper clubs, pop-ups (upstairs at the Ten Bells began as a popup venture that became a permanent fixture), twitter, bloggers, food carts, street food – they’re all things which contribute to people being able to execute one-off
feature
evolution of Broadway Market has meant that bold ideas about food trends have been received with fervor. To Shamil Thakrar, owner of new Shoreditch eatery
Whilst new names are quietly shifting the status quo, the old guard aren’t about to sit on the side-lines events, or for people to start a business without needing a physical space or to spend thousand of pounds on a site. People want to eat in a different context than they used to. The recession has had a big effect too in that people can’t just get money from the bank so they have to think more creatively about how to get their business off the ground.” That the East End has long acted as a hub of creativity is no surprise. The mid 90s saw the Young British Artists set up shop in the area, (Damien Hirst’s Cock and Bull takes pride position at Mark Hix’s Tramshed) alongside the fashion and music worlds – but it’s also where a wealth of culinary experimentation sprang from. Bistrotheque, Les Trois Garcons and the
Dishoom, which has similarly seen an influx of City clients since opening its doors this autumn, the allure of the East End’s food culture has evolved as a melting pot of ideas. “London is truly one of the most exciting cities in the world for eating out and East London plays a huge part in that. Whether it’s legendary street food stalls, slightly barmy one-off events or the challenging of the fine-dining status quo, it’s a brilliant place to be hungry.” Dishoom is the latest in this line-up of exciting food offerings. Based on the Irani cafes that were set up in Bombay in the 1960s, the experience marries Indian delicacies with an eclectic décor (masterminded by fashion-turned-interiors designer Russell Sage) that nods to Art Nouveau and faded grandeur. “We’re fascinated by the rich local history” says Thakrar of his East London locale. “It’s a real melting pot of cultures, and the juxtaposition of the wealth of the City and the rawness of some areas of East London is very interesting.” Whilst new names are quietly shifting the status quo, the old guard aren’t about to sit on the sidelines. The bar at 1 Lombard Street, in the heart of Bank, has always acted as a post-work pit-stop for the City crowd, but now founder Soren Jessen has decided to push the envelope by opening 1776. Part gastronomic experience, part history lesson, this latest venture brings a dash of romance to City dining; the name 1776 is a nod to the first recorded date of the building, a former bank that once housed Maria Beadnell, Charles Dickens’s first love. This sense of the past thankfully doesn’t date the menu – the wine list arrives via iPad (technophiles rejoice) and the food is contemporary British, executed with panache. Another stalwart of the City’s restaurant scene, Coq d’Argent, is similarly rising to the challenge set by this new guard. The grand old master of City fine dining is set to launch The Winter Terrace this season, transforming its terrace with expansive city-scape views into a Narnia-esque wonderland of hot cocktails, mulled wine, fairy-lights and blankets to bring a dash of Lapland escapism to the daily grind. When your palate is this spoiled for choice, the demands of the stock portfolio can, for a brief time, melt into the background.
Clockwise from Left: Dishoom; the team at The Ten Bells; the bar at SushiSamba; main dining room at SushiSamba; interior wall at The Ten Bells
december 2012 THE CITY 99
LET THE SUN SHINE
The new terrace at The Rib Room Bar & Restaurant in Knightsbridge is the ideal destination for summer. A secluded and sophisticated venue for morning coffee or light meals, the terrace becomes a cigarist’s paradise in the evening with an extensive choice of whisky, cocktails and wine complementing a new cigar menu. For more information visit theribroom.co.uk or call 020 7858 7250 Jumeirah Carlton Tower, Cadogan Place, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 9PY
12-06-15, City magazine - RR bar ad v3.indd 1
18/06/2012 17:04:52
review
Bon Appetit
Fuss-free
Rajdeep Sandhu tries French cuisine – including snails – in an extraordinarily converted Victorian pub
Richard Brown leaves the City for Shoreditch and Britain for France
F
W
rench decadence meets quirky antique shop is probably the best way to describe Les Trois Garcons. Tucked away near Shoreditch High Street station I nearly walked completely past it, mistaking it for just another pub. But inside it is packed full of bizarre antiquities like a tiger draped in jewellery. But that’s the peculiar attraction about Les Trois Garcons; it almost feels as though you have stepped into a room full of the hoardings of an eccentric old lady obsessed with glamour and taxidermy. It is utterly strange but somehow everything works. You can still feel the influence of its Victorian pub heritage as the mahogany bar stretches across the length of the restaurant, while the low lighting and scattered ornaments create an intimate dining experience. I was seated underneath what looked like something taken out of the Natural History Museum; a cabinet full of birds in a wildlife setting. After peeling my eyes away from the surroundings it was time to gaze over the very French menu. Feeling adventurous I opted for snails in chilli and garlic with pig’s head, which after tentatively trying the first, the rest went down without hesitation. My sister decided to go for the poached pear with Stilton parfait. The joy in writing this review is that I can easily say that the restaurant serves food that is nothing less than exquisite, which leads me onto the middle course; poisson du jour, which happened to be John Dory, with lentils in an orange butter sauce. This was perfectly matched by our sommelier Fabian with a glass of Rully 1er cru Rabource Burgundy. My mouth waters just thinking about it. Main course for me was a feast of pork, with belly, shoulder and smoked ham beautifully cooked in a braised parsnip and ginger broth to melt in your mouth. This, I was told, was one of the most popular dishes, brought back by diners’ demand and it was easy to see why. My sister who loves a good steak, was in heaven with her T-bone of veal, which surprisingly came with delightful sweetbread wontons. For the dessert wine, we had a glass of Maury vintage, white for me to accompany my light and fluffy coconut nougat with passionfruit coulis and red for my sister’s divinely rich dark chocolate and Szechuan pepper marquise with mulled wine sorbet. In between the vintage bags hanging from the ceiling and giraffe’s head protruding out from the wall, there is nothing at Les Trois Garcons that’s just ordinary.
hen I visited Boundary for the first time last year, it constituted one of my culinary highlights of 2011. In the two and a bit years since it had opened, the Redchurch Street-based restaurant had won numerous awards and accolades. It was easy to see why. Indeed, for the first project from Prescott & Conran, the awards haven’t stopped coming. Having appointed Christopher Delalonde as new head sommelier back in the summer, just last month Boundary scooped the ‘Sommelier’s Award’ at Imbibe magazine’s ‘Wine List of the Year Awards’. This year heralded changes in the kitchen too, when The Ritz’s ex-head chef Frederick Forster was brought in to take over the cooking side of things. Assuming responsibility for a restaurant that has successfully put a postcode more famous for its fashion than its food on the culinary map was a courageous move. So how does Foster’s new menu compare? It remains a wholeheartedly French affair, rooted in classic recipes and signature dishes. Lovers of game and premium poultry will find plenty to choose from, as will seafood devotees thanks to a large selection of British-sourced oysters, lobsters, langoustines, crabs and clams. As much as it is a place for people who value fine dining, though, Boundary is a place for those who appreciate great wine (perhaps even more so). Comprising some 750 references, from artisan growers to aristocratic estates, the award-winning list is both contemporary and classic. At 30-something-pages long, it is more of a book than a list. If you go for the red-leg partridge with Savoy cabbage, chestnuts and pears – and there is every reason that you should – opt for the 2010 Crozes-Hermitage L’Etincelle: a heavy, silky wine that sits outstandingly well with the succulent meat. With the Cornish lamb cutlets, the lighter, fruitier 2008 Domaine Charvin Châteauneuf-du-Pape works exceedingly well. Bookend these dishes with the incredible duck egg with mushrooms and truffles to start, and the big-enough-to-share (optional, of course) crème brûlée to finish, and your French adventure will be complete. Classy yet cosy, fuss-free yet fanciful, Boundary is a rare find. It may not be cheap, but you’ll pay a lot more for a lot less somewhere out West.
Les Trois Garcons, 1 Club Row, E1
The Boundary, 2-4 Boundary Street, Shoreditch, E2
DECEMBER 2012 THE CITY 101
THE Directory Whether you want to dine or to drink, to purchase gorgeous gifts and stylish outfits, to keep fit or to be pampered, the City is home to a wealth of services and amenities
Collection
Health & Beauty
Bachet
Ajala Spa
12 The Courtyard
10 Godliman Street
0203 405 1437
020 7074 1010
bachet.fr
www.ajalaspa.com
Virgin Active 5 Old Broad Street, 0845 270 4080 virginactive.co.uk Barber Express Ltd
artisangalleries.com
14 Devonshire Row Chequers Beauty
2 & 3 The Courtyard
020 7377 5485
Salon
Royal Exchange
barberexpress.co.uk
53-54 Leadenhall Market
020 7283 7284
020 7283 3047
City Health & Fitness
boodles.com
chequersbeauty.co.uk
Club London
Bulgari Royal Exchange 020 7283 4580 bulgari.com Ernest Jones Unit 3, Plantation Place 020 7929 4491 ernestjones.co.uk Goldsmiths 186-190 Bishopsgate 020 7283 6622 goldsmiths.co.uk
Grange City Hotel, Elysium Spa
8-10 Cooper’s Row
21 Old Broad Street
cityhealthclub.co.uk
020 7256 8624 elysiumfortytwo.co.uk
Kiehls Unit 14/15, Royal Exchange 020 7283 6661 kiehls.co.uk Jo Malone 24 Royal Exchange 08701 925131 jomalone.co.uk L’Occitane
144 Fetter Lane Essential Therapy
29 Royal Exchange
020 7702 3553
39 Whitefriars Street
020 7929 7722
fetterbarbers.com
loccitane.co.uk
F Flit tner
Paul A Young Fine
020 7353 1895 essential-therapie.co.uk
86 Moorgate
Chocolates
Optix
020 7606 4750
20 Royal Exchange
175 Bishopsgate
fflittner.com
020 7929 7007
020 7628 0330 optixuk.com
paulayoung.co.uk London City Runner 10 Ludgate Broadway
Smilepod bank studio
9 Royal Exchange
Leadenhall Market
020 7623 3626
off Fenchurch Street
gucci.com
18-20 Cullum Street
Nicholson & Griffin
020 7836 6866
74 Cannon Street, EC4N 6AE
smilepod.co.uk
020 7489 8551
Hermes
0207 929 5656
Fet ter Barbers Ltd
Gucci
12-13 Royal Exchange
Artisan Fine Art 35 Royal Exchange
Boodles
15 The Courtyard
Retail
020 7329 1955 londoncityrunner.com
nicholsonandgriffin.com
Penhaligon’s 4 Royal Exchange 020 7623 3131 penhaligons.com Smoker’s Paradise 33 Royal Exchange 020 7626 6078 smokersparadise.8m.com
020 7626 7794
The Harley
hermes.com
Medical Group
Ted’s Grooming Room
Links of London
Marc House
120 Cheapside
27 Royal Exchange
Great Street
020 7367 9932
020 7621 0021
0800 022 3385
tedsgroomingroom.com
moltonbrown.com
27 Broadgate Circle 020 7628 9668
Molton Brown
linksoflondon.com
harleymedical.co.uk
Tower Bridge Health &
Paul Smith
Montblanc
The Private Clinic
Fitness Club
Unit 7, The Courtyard
10-11 Royal Exchange
107 Cheapside
47 Prescot Street
Royal Exchange
020 7929 4200
0800 599 9911
020 7959 5050
020 7626 4778
montblanc.com
theprivateclinic.co.uk
grangehealthclubs.com
paulsmith.co.uk
Boodles
SushiSamba
High Timber Restaurant
Madison Restaurant
Fashion
Bars and Pubs
Restaurants
Agent Provocateur
1 Lombard Street
1901 at andaz hotel
5 Royal Exchange
1 Lombard Street
40 Liverpool Street
0207 623 0229
020 7929 6611
020 7618 7000
agentprovocateur.com
1lombardstreet.com
andazdining.com
Grand Café
Grappolo 1 Plough Place 020 7842 0510 grappololondon.com
Bulgari
Anise Bar
Anohka Indian
The Courtyard, Royal Exchange
15 The Courtyard, Royal Exchange
9 Devonshire Square
Restaurant St. Pauls
020 7618 2480
020 7283 4580
020 3642 8679
4 Burgon Street
royalexchange-grandcafe.co.uk
bulgari.com
Anthologist
020 7236 3999 anokha-indian.com
Haz Restaurant Plantation Place
Church’s
58 Gresham Street
28 Royal Exchange
0845 468 0101
Brasserie Blanc
6 Mincing Lane
0207 929 7015
theanthologistbar.co.uk
60 Threadneedle Street
020 7929 3173
020 7710 9440
hazrestaurant.co.uk
church-footwear.com
Balls Brothers
Crockett & Jones
11 Blomfield Street
25 Royal Exchange
020 7588 4643
0207 929 2111 crockettandjones.com Harrys of London 18 Royal Exchange 020 7283 4643
brasserieblanc.com
High Timber Restaurant
Caffé Concerto
8 High Timber Street
One New Change
020 7248 1777
Bar Bat tu
020 7494 6857
hightimber.com
48 Gresham Street
caffeconcerto.co.uk
020 7036 6100 barbattu.com
Madison Restaurant
Chamberlain’s
2 New Change
Restaurants
020 8305 3088
Prism
23-25 Leadenhall Market
madisonlondon.net
147 Leadenhall Street
020 7648 8690
020 7256 3888
chamberlains.org
Vertigo 42
Chez Gerard
020 7600 0992
Tower 42, Old Broad Street
14 Trinity Square
mintleaflounge.com
Hugo Boss
020 7877 7842
020 7213 0540
One New Change
vertigo42.co.uk
chezgerard.co.uk
020 7332 0573
Hawksmoor Guildhall
Cinnamon Kitchen
020 7375 2568
10-12 Basinghall Street
9 Devonshire Square
individualrestaurantcompanyplc.co.uk
020 7397 8120
020 7626 5000
thehawksmoor.com
cinnamon-kitchen.com
020 7236 3635
Counting House
Fora Restaurant
Royal Exchange
1-2 Royal Exchange Buildings
50 Cornhill
34-36 Houndsditch
020 7618 2483
020 7626 2782
020 7283 7123
020 7626 2222
sauterelle-restaurant.co.uk
karenmillen.com
fullers.co.uk
forarestaurants.co.uk
harrysoflondon.com Loro Piana 2-3 Royal Exchange 020 7398 0000 loropiana.com
hugoboss.com Karen Millen One New Change
Mint Leaf Lounge 12 Angel Court
Piccolino Restaurant 11 Exchange Square
Restaurant Sauterelle The Courtyard
Sushisamba
L.K. Bennett
Searcys Champagne Bar
Gat tis Restaurant
Floors 38 and 39
One New Change
One New Change
1 Finsbury Avenue
Heron Tower
020 7236 4711
0207 871 1213
020 7247 1051
020 3640 7330
searcyschampagnebars.co.uk
gattisrestaurant.co.uk
sushisamba.com
lkbennett.com
DECEMBER 2012 THE CITY 105
RBK DecPromo A3_Layout 1 13/11/2012 10:35 Page 1
w o N n i o J NEVER put off until tomorrow what you can do today.
Start your New Year resolution early and pay no subscription until 2013* 0207 970 0911 info@reebokclub.co.uk reebokclub.co.uk *Saving up to £110. For full terms see our website. New members are required to pay a £40 one off admin fee. Offer valid from 1st December
LONDON Homes&
PROPERTY Showcasing the finest homes in your area
C o v e r i n g CANARY WHARF, D OC K L AN D S , WA P P ING & T h e C i t y
Find
new homes for the holidays
a favourite
Reflections
on 2012 the agents tell all
Mah-Jong Modular Sofa Roche Bobois www.roche-bobois.com
Barnsbury Street, London N1 A wonderful home in Barnsbury
A stunning five bedroom house on the corner of Barnsbury Street and Thornhill Road. This wonderful family home has fabulous proportions over four floors and comprises 5 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 3 Reception Rooms and a garden designed by Andrew Fisher Tomlin (2008). Approximately 203.81sq m (2191sq ft). Freehold GuidePrice: £2,350,000
KnightFrank.co.uk/islington islington@knightfrank.com 020 3641 6138
Willow Bridge Road, Islington N1 A fabulous family home in Canonbury
A magnificent Victorian semi-detached house at the top of Willow Bridge Road offering superb proportions over four floors. The house has dual aspects with wonderful views over the surrounding neighbourhood. 4 bedrooms, 2 reception rooms, 2 bathrooms, conservatory, utility room, off street parking and air conditioning throughout. Approximately 284.27 sq m (3060 sq ft) Freehold GuidePrice £3,500,000
KnightFrank.co.uk/islington islington@knightfrank.com 020 3641 6138
Season’s greetings from all at Knight Frank With another busy year drawing to a close, our team would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful and happy new year. If you would like to find out more about why our clients choose Knight Frank, whatever the season, call Islington 020 3657 7340, Wapping 020 7480 6848, Canary Wharf 020 7512 9955 or visit
KnightFrank.co.uk
2280 Christmas ad for London_A4.indd 1
19/11/2012 14:51
Trafalgar Court, Wapping E1W
Duplex penthouse with fantastic views of the River On the top two floors of a purpose built block set around communal planted areas, a light and bright apartment. Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and balcony, second bedroom, bathroom, reception room opening onto a private roof terrace, openplan kitchen diner, entrance hall and parking. Approximately 128 sq m (1,375 sq ft). Share of Freehold
KnightFrank.co.uk/Wapping wapping@knightfrank.com 020 7480 6848
Guide Price: £1,100,000 (WAP120184)
SALES Dec 2012 CITY MAG FP - 16 November 2012 - 28035
20/11/2012 12:16:03
NEO Bankside, Southbank SE1
Brand new apartment A spectacular apartment on the fifth floor of this award winning development. Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, second bedroom, shower room, open-plan kitchen reception room, wooden floors and underfloor heating. Additionally, the development offers a 24 hour porter. Approximately 76 sq m (818 sq ft). Furnished £700 per week
KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings wappinglettings@knightfrank.com 020 7480 6848
Telfords Yard, Wapping E1W
Popular conversion A recently redecorated second floor apartment to rent in this popular warehouse conversion. 2 bedrooms, bathroom with shower, dual aspect reception room, fully fitted semi open-plan kitchen, high ceilings, exposed brickwork, dark wooden floors, 24 hour porterage and parking. Approximately 99 sq m (1,064 sq ft). Furnished £595 per week
KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings wappinglettings@knightfrank.com 020 7480 6848
Cit
Thomas More Street, Wapping E1W
Trafalgar Court, Wapping E1W
A beautifully presented house to rent in this lovely location in west Wapping. 3 bedrooms, 2 stylish new bathrooms, reception room with basin views, fully fitted kitchen, guest cloakroom, wooden floors, garage and a lovely garden.
A lovely apartment to rent in a popular gated block in Wapping. 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, reception room, fitted kithen, fantastic river views, lift access, porterage, easy access to Canary Wharf and the City and a car parking space.
Furnished
Furnished
Guide Price: £795 per week
Guide Price: £375 per week
KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings
KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings
020 7480 6848 wappinglettings@knightfrank.com
Riviera Court, Wapping E1W
020 7480 6848 wappinglettings@knightfrank.com
Towerside, Wapping E1W
A spacious first floor apartment in this riverside block. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en-suite), good sized reception room opening onto a private balcony, separate fitted kitchen and lovely views across the adjacent park and the River.
A smart ground floor apartment to rent in this development next to Wapping Station. This newly refurbished apartment comprises 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, open-plan kitchen reception room, wooden floors and a riverside terrace.
Furnished
Furnished
Guide Price: £575 per week
Guide Price: £390 per week
KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings
KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings
020 7480 6848 wappinglettings@knightfrank.com
City QP p2 December 2012 - 15 November 2012 - 27981
020 7480 6848 wappinglettings@knightfrank.com
16/11/2012 16:07:17
Cinnabar Wharf East, Wapping E1W
Jacana Court, St Katharine Docks E1W
A stylish apartment set in this sought after riverside development. 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, reception room with open-plan kitchen, hard wooden floors, private balcony, underground parking and fabulous views to Tower Bridge.
A lovely apartment to rent in the popular City Quay development. 2 bedrooms, 2 newly refurbished bathrooms (1 en-suite), reception room opening onto a private balcony, kitchen, 24 hour porterage and a car parking space.
Furnished
Furnished
Guide Price: £565 per week
Guide Price: £775 per week
KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings
KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings
020 7480 6848 wappinglettings@knightfrank.com
Times Square, City E1
020 7480 6848 wappinglettings@knightfrank.com
Benbow House, Southbank SE1
A larger than average top floor apartment in this new Berkley Homes development on the edge of the City. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, open-plan kitchen reception room, wooden floors, air conditioning and a private balcony.
A spacious apartment to rent on the first floor of this development adjacent to the Globe Theatre. 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, reception room, fully fitted kitchen, wooden floors, concierge and parking under separate negotiation.
Furnished
Furnished
Guide Price: £475 per week
Guide Price: £595 per week
KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings
KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings
020 7480 6848 wappinglettings@knightfrank.com
020 7480 6848 wappinglettings@knightfrank.com
homes & property
a voice from the country There are very few things in life that appear to be quite such great value as property purchases – but all too often only with the benefit of hindsight, explains Mark Parkinson
O
f course, the passage of time will always, sooner or later, ensure a good return on property investment. But making the meaningful returns that once seemed almost a given, nowadays requires at least a medium-term, and possibly a long-term view. It’s not just the flat-lining of the economy as a whole, but also the fact that virtually everyone is wise to the relative security of property as an investment. There are very few bargains out there, just waiting for someone with a nose for property to sniff out. One of the last remaining ways of digging out a hidden gem is really thorough research and some future planning. Take the Crossrail project, as one example of this line of thought. Europe’s biggest engineering project isn’t scheduled for completion until 2018 but if you wait until then, the premiums will already be built into the thousands of properties which suddenly find themselves inside the magic circle — the border-line marking the difference between daily commute and weekend escape.
Currently, Maidenhead to Canary Wharf — or vice versa — is a 1 hour 40 minute journey involving three changes. By the time Crossrail is finished — with 37 existing stations connected, 21 kilometres of new twin-bore tunnels and eight new sub-surface stations — the same journey will be a no-stop 54 minutes. That changes the equation for those living in the country and working in Canary Wharf. Likewise for those living in Canary Wharf and looking to get away to the country, or even to another country, at weekends, Heathrow will be a very straightforward 40 minute journey away. My advice? Start looking now. Start buying soon. Now is the time to do your research, so that in ten years’ time, you can sit back and listen to other people being wise with the benefit of hindsight. n ‘A Voice From the Country’ is a series of articles by Middleton Advisors who act on behalf of private clients looking to purchase country houses and estates in the UK (01235 436 277; www.middletonadvisors.com)
115
1 2
savills.co.uk
NEO BANKSIDE, se1
STEPNEY GREEN, e1
Reception ø kitchen ø 3 double bedrooms ø 3 bathrooms ø 24 hour concierge ø 187 sq m (2,010 sq ft)
3 reception rooms ø kitchen ø 5 bedrooms ø 3 bathrooms ø garden ø 2 parking spaces ø gated development ø 254 sq m (2,740 sq ft)
Guide £3,999,995 Leasehold
Guide £1.55 million Freehold
3 4
Savills Docklands zjames@savills.com 020 7456 6800
Savills Docklands zjames@savills.com 020 7456 6800
DUNDEE COURT, e1w
LISTED BUILDING, e1w
Reception room ø open plan kitchen ø 1 bedroom ø 1 bathroom ø undercover parking ø porterage ø 55 sq m (588 sq ft)
Open plan kitchen/living room ø 1 bedroom ø 1 bathroom ø parking ø concierge ø gated development ø 63 sq m (678 sq ft)
Guide £385,000 Leasehold
Guide £375,000 Leasehold
Savills Docklands zjames@savills.com 020 7456 6800
Savills Docklands zjames@savills.com 020 7456 6800
1 2
savills.co.uk
NEO BANKSIDE, se1
SHEARWATER COURT, e1w
Reception ø kitchen ø 3 double bedrooms ø 3 en suite bathrooms ø guest cloakroom ø cinema system ø 24 hour concierge ø 251 sq m (2,704 sq ft)
2 reception rooms ø kitchen ø 4 bedrooms ø 4 bathrooms ø 7 terraces ø 3 balconies ø 2 underground parking spaces ø concierge ø 368 sq m (3,960 sq ft)
Guide £5,999,995 Leasehold
Guide £4,999,995 Share of Freehold
3 4
Savills Docklands zjames@savills.com 020 7456 6800
Savills Docklands zjames@savills.com 020 7456 6800
BOMBAY WHARF, se16
BATH HOUSE, e2
Reception ø semi open-plan kitchen ø 4 double bedrooms ø 3 bathrooms ø protected parking ø porterage ø 190 sq m (2,046 sq ft)
Reception ø open plan kitchen ø mezzanine bedroom ø bathroom ø gated development ø 62 sq m (670 sq ft)
Guide £1.299 million Freehold
Guide £449,950 Leasehold
Savills Docklands zjames@savills.com 020 7456 6800
Savills Docklands zjames@savills.com 020 7456 6800
1 2
savills.co.uk
POOLE STREET, n1
HIGHBURY HILL, n5
2 double bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø terrace ø 24 hour concierge ø 90 sq m (968 sq ft)
3 bedrooms ø reception room ø open plan kitchen/dining room ø bathroom ø shower room ø garden ø 111 sq m (1,194 sq ft)
£995 per week Furnished
Guide £750 per week Unfurnished
3 4
Savills Islington ppartridge@savills.com 020 7354 6701
Savills Islington lhattersley@savills.com 020 7354 6701
CLOUDESLEY SQUARE, n1
DANCE SQUARE, ec1
2 double bedrooms ø reception ø private patio garden ø 63 sq m (678 sq ft)
1 double bedroom apartment ø open plan kitchen ø underfloor heated tile floors ø onsite concierge ø 48 sq m (520 sq ft)
£650 per week Unfurnished
£460 per week Furnished
Savills Islington fvula@savills.com 020 7226 1313
Savills Islington jwoodwark@savills.com 020 7354 6701
❖ Savills Fact No.7
On average we have achieved 99% of our stated guide price.*
Knowing Islington. Knowing George from Victoria is just part of what it takes to truly know Islington. After all, it’s why clients entrust us to handle their properties around the beloved Highbury Fields. Our vast experience of Georgian and Victorian properties is what keeps our clients flocking to us.
For a deeper local knowledge contact Jo-Anne Neighbour, Sales Associate Director, on 020 7226 1313. *Properties above £1.2 million. Savills Islington
Savills Islington 94-96 Upper Street London N1 0NP
savills.co.uk
Jo-Anne Neighbour Sales jneighbour@savills.com
savills.co.uk
1 AWARD WINNING NEW DEVELOPMENT neo bankside, southbank, se1 A selection of modern luxury apartments available within this spectacular new riverside development designed by award winning architects rogers strirk harbour + partners, located on the southbank adjacent to the tate gallery ø 1 - 3 bedrooms available ø views over london ø excellent transport links ø 24 hr porterage ø wine cellar ø available furnished or unfurnished £595 - £2,000 per week
Savills Docklands Ben Rogers brodgers@savills.com
020 7456 6800
savills.co.uk
1 A SENSATIONAL GEORGIAN HOUSE STEEPED IN HISTORY blackheath, se3 5 reception rooms ø kitchen ø 5 bedrooms ø 4 bathrooms ø 1/3 of an acre landscaped garden ø separate 2 bedroom annexe ø garage ø off-street parking ø close to the Heath ø 580 sq m (6,253 sq ft)
Asking £3.5 million Freehold
Savills Wandsworth Robin Chatwin rchatwin@savills.com
020 8877 1222
Refined Caribbean living Prices from US$2,500,000
+1 (758) 456 8091
The Sugar Beach Residences are nestled between St Lucia’s iconic Pitons. At the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, these stunning three to six bedroom detached homes have unbroken vistas across the rainforest, Pitons and warm waters of the Caribbean. Exceptional homes with five-star service and facilities provided by Viceroy Hotels and Resorts, a global leader in luxury hospitality management.
sugarbeachresidences.com info@sugarbeachresidences.com
SugarBeach_CityMag.indd 1
15/11/2012 10:49
homes & property
expert comment LETTINGS:
SALES:
London rents fall, but market remains healthy
Avoid market saturation
VANESSA EVETT-BEESLEY, PARTNER AT KNIGHT
ANDREW GROOCOCK, ASSOCIATE AT KNIGHT FRANK
FRANK IN CANARY WHARF, COMMENTS ON THE
IN CANARY WHARF, COMMENTS ON THE TRENDS IN THE
TRENDS IN THE RESIDENTIAL LETTINGS MARKET
RESIDENTIAL SALES MARKET
Once again the Knight Frank Prime London Rental Index confirms another month of falling rents. While not especially dramatic, a 2.3 per cent annual fall does weigh on income returns for landlords. With gross yields falling to a new low of 3.2 per cent in September, new entrants in the investment market are having to work their portfolios hard to minimise costs, especially voids. While some locations are bucking the wider trend — rents have risen marginally over the past quarter in the City and Notting Hill — the general trend is for weaker rents across all price brackets. As we commented last month, weaker rents relate to London’s weaker than expected economic recovery, with employment levels in the financial and business services sector in particular, contracting. However while rents are slipping, activity levels confirm a healthier picture. While the volume of new rental instructions has risen by 20 per cent over the past nine months, compared to the same period last year, this rise has been largely met by a rise in the number of new tenancies, which have risen by 18 per cent over the same period. The volume of new tenancy starts so far this year has outpaced the level seen in each of the last five years, confirming that there are healthy levels of demand for rental property. The slightly higher rate of growth in new instructions compared to new tenancy starts does mean that landlords will want to keep an eye on rising stock volumes as we move towards the year end. A significant upward movement in this measure will constrain their ability to increase rents, even if the economy recovers. The need for caution from landlords is confirmed by the ratio between the volume of new tenant registrations and the volume of newly available properties. This ratio has slipped, averaging 3.4 in the first nine months of 2012, compared to 4.1 in 2011. The fact that activity is rising while rents are receding points to the underlying strength of demand in the London lettings market. The ability for rental increases to stick in 2013 will ultimately be determined by the direction taken by London’s economy. n
2012 has continued to be a record breaking year around Docklands with Knight Frank experiencing our busiest first six months ever. The market is awash with both enduser buyers, and the all important investors, which has meant that we have experienced healthy competition between potential purchasers on many properties. This has enabled us to achieve or exceed our asking prices in many instances. Whilst this is all very positive, a word of warning is required. The number of properties for sale has gradually increased throughout the year and whilst this has enabled us to agree a huge number of deals, there is a danger that the market can become saturated. This then means that buyers have too much choice which leads to properties, on occasion, going stale. The best advice that we can provide to prevent this happening to your property, if you are thinking of selling, is to ensure you use the best agents out there. Make sure that your agent uses professional photographers and floor planners; ensure they have a visible office presence within Canary Wharf; make sure they have in-depth knowledge of the local and wider property market and, most importantly, make sure you take their advice with regards to a marketing price. Being too punchy with an initial marketing figure can do untold damage to the sale of a property. Choose your agent carefully; they are going to be handling what is probably your most valuable asset. n
Knight Frank Canary Wharf 020 7512 9955 www.knightfrank.co.uk/canary-wharf
Knight Frank Canary Wharf 020 7512 9966 www.knightfrank.co.uk/canary-wharf
123
homes & property
HOMEs OF THE MONTH king’s cross, N1C from £865,000, LEASEHOLD
Knight Frank Islington www.knightfrank.co.uk/islington
0203 641 6138
A selection of two bedroom apartments within the Arthouse is now available. The first residential building in the landmark King’s Cross regeneration project, Arthouse sits just beside Kings Place, which houses two galleries and two concert halls. The location offers contemporary city living with excellent transport links. Designed by architect dRMM, the building’s façade is dressed in terracotta tiles and polished stainless steel. Sliding louvres animate the Arthouse face to meet residents’ shade and privacy needs. On the western elevation, private courtyards look towards Handyside Park. With light-filled interiors and relaxed open spaces the property comprises two double bedrooms, two bathrooms (one en-suite) and an open-plan fitted kitchen/reception area with south facing balcony. The property has natural oak wooden flooring and integrated under floor heating and is available to be purchased off-plan with practical completion due in 2013.
Fitzroy Place, W1 from £800,000, Leasehold
Savills www.savills.co.uk
CBRE www.cbre.co.uk
020 7323 1077
020 7323 1077
Exemplar, the privately-owned property development company, launched Fitzroy Place on 26 September. This collection of private residences is one of the most eagerly anticipated in central London, centred around the first new square in London’s West End for more than a century. The development is five minutes’ walk from Regent Street, providing international investors the opportunity to acquire a luxury residence in the very heart of London. Combining more than 230 private residences with a restaurant, shops and office space, Fitzroy Place is set to become a new landmark in this vibrant neighbourhood. Homes include generously appointed suites, duplexes and a select number of prestigious penthouses. Residents are automatically made members of The Fitzroy Club, of which extensive facilities and amenities include a five-star 24/7 concierge service, 20-seat private cinema, the Club Room residents’ lounge, private dining room, personal training room and fully equipped gym, business lounge, children’s play area and secure underground parking.
Oaklands, IG1O From £2.25M, FREEHOLD
Warren Hill www.oaklands-whdc.co.uk
01480 484 022 124
Oaklands is a new gated development of three exceptional fivebedroom family homes on Warren Hill in the heart of Loughton, Essex. Situated in a leafy location on the edge of Epping Forest, Oaklands blends countryside living with the convenience of fast transport links into central London and a wealth of amenities on the doorstep. Each of the houses — Oaklands House, Maple House and The Chestnuts — has been individually designed by the established Warren Hill Development company to have its own unique style. All three houses have been furnished to a high specification and include luxury kitchens designed by Richard Baker, featuring curved island units, granite work surfaces and the latest Miele appliances. Loughton High Street, a haven for glamorous boutiques, salons and restaurants is within walking distance, while nearby Epping Forest provides 6,000 acres of woodland ideal for leisure activities. Loughton underground station offers transport to Liverpool Street in under 30 minutes.
homes & property
DEVELOPMENT FOCUS Built to last
N
ew Crane Wharf was designed and converted in the 1980’s by Conran Roach in conjunction with Heron Homes and retains a modern and contemporary feel which sits well with its historical charm. The building is centred around a pretty cobbled courtyard which gives access to the porter’s lodge and the majority of flats. A committed team of employees, headed up by a dedicated building manager, Dave Cork, who has been at New Crane Wharf for over 22 years, provide security 24 hours a day. New Crane Wharf is one of the most sought after buildings in the area and some of the residents who originally bought off plan are indeed still owners. Many flat owners also choose to become landlords while many tenants go on to buy in New Crane Wharf. Sarah Shelley, Partner at Knight Frank Wapping, who has been involved in the sale of many of the flats in the block comments: “New Crane Wharf is an aspirational building fulfilling many people’s ideal of a warehouse conversion. It’s on the wish list of many prospective purchasers.” Over time, of the 143 flats in the building, Knight Frank has dealt with over 50 per cent of the properties in New Crane Wharf
which vary considerably in style, size, shape and outlook. These include well-appointed studio flats off the river (one currently for rent for £295 per week and one for sale at £295,000) as well as huge, 2938 sqft barn-like penthouses with brick walls and wooden beams. Short let opportunities also exist here in the form of a top floor, two bedroom flat with a terrace, available for £800 per week. A one bedroom flat on the river extending to approx. 814 sqft with brick walls and wooden floors is currently for sale at £545,000. n
NEW CRANE PLACE, E1W £VARIOUS, LEASEHOLD Knight Frank Wapping www.knightfrank.co.uk
020 7480 6848 125
LEFT-HAND
Hamptons Tower Bridge Office Sales. 020 7717 5489 towerbridge@hamptons-int.com
Tannery Lofts, SE1 £2,500,000 Leasehold
Tea Trade Wharf, SE1 £1,500,000 Leasehold
A rare opportunity to acquire a 3000 sq ft, 2/3 bed loft apartment next to Bermondsey Street benefiting from a roof terrace with stunning views.
A stunning two bedroom duplex penthouse apartment within a popular river front development which benefits from partial City views, parking and 24hr concierge.
Anise Building, SE1 £999,950 Leasehold
Cinnamon Wharf, SE1 £799,950 Leasehold
A 1491 sq ft, two bedroom warehouse conversion in central Shad Thames with exposed brickwork and beams.
A two bedroom 1033 sq/ft apartment on the fifth floor of this popular Shad Thames development benefitting from a communal roof terrace and 24 hour concierge.
Windsor Court, SE16
New Caledonian Wharf, SE16 £725,000 Leasehold
£399,950 Leasehold (Share of Freehold)
A two bedroom 876 sq/ft apartment in this popular portered block, benefitting from side river views and use of a communal swimming pool.
A 1155 sq/ft three bedroom river front apartment with a private terrace and views to Canary Wharf.
RIGHT-HAND
Hamptons Tower Bridge Office Lettings. 020 7717 5491 towerbridgelettings@hamptons-int.com
Compass Court, SE1 £895.00 per week
St Georges Wharf, SE1 £775.00 per week
A stunning three bedroom bright and spacious apartment situated in the heart of Shad Thames, with balcony, large terrace and views of Tower Bridge.
Fabulous well presented two double bedroom warehouse duplex apartment with roof terrace from the living/dining room and concierge.
New Globe Wharf, SE1 £695.00 per week
Vogans Mill, SE1 £650.00 per week
Superb two double bedroom warehouse conversion in this enviable location offering approximately 1000 sq ft and situated opposite the Globe Theatre.
Fabulous two double bedroom warehouse conversion with exposed beams and a West facing balcony overlooking St Saviours Dock.
Butlers Wharf, SE1 £595.00 per week
Ginger Apartments, SE1 £550.00 per week
A fabulous one bedroom apartment set within a prestigious Shad Thames warehouse conversion benefiting from a sizeable living space including separate dining area, use of large balcony and a spacious open plan kitchen.
An immaculately presented two double bedroom two bathroom apartment set within a popular development which boasts, use of gym, pool and 24 hour porter. Situated within easy reach of London Bridge Station.
Hamptons Islington
Sales. 020 7717 5303 islington@hamptons-int.co.uk
Thornhill Road, N1 An attractive Georgian house with three bedrooms over three floors on a popular road within the heart of Barnsbury. This family home has many of it’s period features intact and benefits from two reception rooms, a kitchen, cloakroom and bathroom. The property also has well proportioned garden and a large loft space. Hamptons Islington 020 7717 5303 islington@hamptons-int.co.uk
ÂŁ1,525,000 Freehold Attractive family home, 2 reception rooms, kitchen/diner, 3 bedrooms, bathroom, garden
The right buyers and tenants delivered fast since 1869. For more information go to www.hamptons.co.uk
Hamptons Islington
Sales. 020 7717 5303 islington@hamptons-int.co.uk
Sekforde Street, EC1 £750,000 Leasehold Set on a beautiful road in the heart of Clerkenwell is this well presented period conversion. Hamptons Islington 020 7717 5303 islington@hamptons-int.co.uk
Sotheby Road, N5 £725,000 Freehold A split level apartment occupying the lion’s share of this beautiful Victorian house. Hamptons Islington 020 7717 5303 islington@hamptons-int.co.uk
Prospero House, Portsoken Street, E1 £850 pw A superb and spacious (1410 sq ft) 2 bedroom warehouse apartment showcasing numerous authentic features and wonderful open plan living within the centre of Shad Thames.
Skyline Plaza, E1 £320 pw
One of the larger 1 beds in the block which provides a concierge, lift and a huge roof terrace.
Butlers & Colonial Wharf, SE1 £630 pw
A most beautiful warehouse apartment in a secure complex with a large private roof terrace.
St. Saviours Wharf, Mill Street, SE1 £1,250,000 Leasehold
An outstanding three bedroom waterfront apartment measuring just under 1800 sq ft; offering marvellous open plan living space, two balconies and parking.
Tea Trade Wharf, SE1 £575,000 Leasehold
A large one bedroom apartment measuring 678 sq ft within an impressive modern development located on Shad Thames.
Saffron Wharf, SE1 £1,250,000 Leasehold
A waterside apartment with a large terrace, high ceilings and its own mooring.
Tradewinds Court, Wapping E1W 2JB
The Highway, Wapping E1W 3DH
Price: £375,000 Leasehold
Price: £379,995
Towerside,Wapping, E1W 3PB
Spirit Quay, Wapping E1w 2ut
Rental Price: £520 PW
Rental Price: £240 PW
Modern 1 double bedroom apartment with reception room, kitchen & Bathroom. Situated in West Wapping within very popular secure development with parking. Short stroll to vibrant St Katherine’s Dock and City amenities and within easy access to Canary Wharf. Good condition throughout. Porterage on site. Must be viewed.
2 double bedroom apartment to rent in this popular purpose built development next to Wapping station. Open plan kitchen reception room, wooden floors, bathroom and a terrace with views of the River Thames. Located in central Wapping very close to Wapping station.
2 Double bedroom house. Offering reception, fitted kitchen, first floor bathroom with separate wc. Wood flooring. ‘Walk in’ storage room. Garden. Close to Tower Hill and within easy access to the City and Docklands.
Situated within this sought after Canal side location is this modern studio with Fitted kitchen & bathroom. Close to the City and within easy access to Canary Wharf. Liverpool Street station is approx 15 mins via the 100 bus route. ‘Waitrose’ supermarket is nearby.
ea2 Estate Agency Heritage Court | 8-10 Sampson Street | Wapping | London E1W 1NA t: 020 7702 3456 | f: 020 7702 9168 www.ea2.co.uk | property@ea2group.com
Gullivers Wharf , Wapping, E1W 2RR
Dunbar Wharf, Limehouse E14 8BB
Rental Price: £550 PW
Rental Price: £600 PW
Park East, Bow E3 2UT
Queen of the Isle, Docklands E14 3NY
Characterful 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom 2nd floor warehouse conversion. Large reception room open plan to the fully fitted kitchen. Wood floors. Secure underground parking space. The apartment is centrally located, close to Wapping station, local bus routes and amenities.
1 bedroom apartment within the sought after historic Bow Quarter development. Benefiting from 24 hour security, an on site convenience store, bar and restaurant and access to the leisure centre with a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and gym.
Rental Price: £290 PW
Superb 2 double bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment situated in the heart of Limehouse. The property has a reception room with balcony and views along Limehouse Cut towards the river. The property features wooden floors and has a secure parking space. Situated within easy access to Canary Wharf or the City.
This modern, bright and spacious 2 bedroom, 2 bath third floor flat benefits from a fabulous open-plan reception room with fitted kitchen and balcony. Bathroom.
Rental Price: £375 PW
ea2 Estate Agency Heritage Court | 8-10 Sampson Street | Wapping | London E1W 1NA t: 020 7702 3456 | f: 020 7702 9168 www.ea2.co.uk | property@ea2group.com
London's Finest Properties
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Vermillion, Canning Town, E16
Latitude Court, Albert Basin Way, E16 • One Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • 4th Floor • Balcony • Parking Included • Galleons Reach DLR
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• 3rd floor one bed • Generous living space • Close to Deptford Bridge DLR • Secure allocated parking • Private balcony
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• Two Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • 3rd Floor • Balcony • 24hr Concierge Service • Nr. Multiple Transport Links
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• 24 hour concierge • Luxury specification • Close to South Quay DLR • 7th floor one bed • Exceptional condition
Pan Peninsula, Marsh Wall, E14
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£315 per week
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Denison House, Canary Wharf, E14
Wharfside Point South, Prestons Road, E14
• One Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • 2nd Floor • Balcony • 24hr Concierge Service • Walking Distance to Canary Wharf
• One Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • 21st Floor • Balcony • 24hr Concierge Service • Walking Distance to Canary Wharf
Lowry House, Canary Central, E14
New Providence Wharf, Fairmont Avenue, E14
£485,000
£495,000
£355 per week
• Spacious three bed • Two balconies • Masses of storage • Large kitchen / breakfast room • Luxury leisure complex
£360 per week
• Two bed, two bath • 9th floor with views • Modern fixtures/fittings • Close to new Emirates rail • Residents Gymnasium
• Two bed, two bath • 6th floor River views • State of the art health centre • 24 hour concierge • Close to Blackwall DLR
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homes & property
DEVELOPMENT FOCUS Ticking the Boxes
B
uyers at Crest Nicholson’s Base development in Brentwood, are finding that they can afford to buy rather than rent, as the Government-backed NewBuy scheme means they only need to save a five per cent deposit. Annette Cole, sales and marketing Director of Crest Nicholson Eastern said: “Since the economic down turn, the biggest challenges facing buyers are the strict lending criteria imposed by lenders and the high levels of deposit required to secure a mortgage. Although lending is starting to increase, the majority of lenders still often require 20 per cent to 25 per cent deposit, which can price many potential buyers out of the market. “We are acutely aware of the barriers many face in saving up a big enough deposit to be able to buy and incentives such as NewBuy are invaluable in helping people purchase. With prices for twobedroom apartments at Base starting from £225,500, purchasers can buy with a deposit of just £11,275, making buying a much more affordable option for many. Buyers may even rent out the second bedroom to provide additional income to help with the monthly mortgage payments.” NewBuy is operated by the home building industry and mortgage lenders working in partnership with the Government. Unlike previous schemes, NewBuy is aimed not just at first-time buyers but also at existing homeowners who are unable to find the high levels of deposit required by many mortgage lenders. With the scheme, purchasers need only provide a five per cent deposit with the 138
lenders participating in the scheme providing a 95% loan to value mortgage for buyers meeting their qualifying criteria. Apartments at Base provide an ideal, hassle-free home for busy professionals and first-time-buyers; all homes include fully fitted kitchens that feature a comprehensive range of integrated Bosch appliances including a fridge/freezer and washer dryer – easing the burden of starting from scratch and taking the stress out of moving home. Most residents can also enjoy their own private balcony and each apartment benefits from lift access and allocated parking. Base is perfect for anyone looking for a home within a convenient commute into London. The development is situated less than 500 metres from Brentwood Train Station, from where regular services run from Brentwood into London Liverpool Street in just 38 minutes. The development is also just a short walk from the retail and leisure facilities in Brentwood which include a wide range of bars, cafes and restaurants as well as major high street shops. n
st james road, cm14 FROM £225,500 LEASEHOLD Crest Nicholson www.crestnicholson.com
0870 757 8384
How will you invest your bonus? New penthouses launching 24 January 5-8 pm
Whether you are looking to buy to live, or buy to let, the apartments and penthouses at Ixia offer the perfect solution, as well as the ideal London location currently ensuring capital growth over time. • Photograph taken from the 8th floor* • Located on the edge of the City near Shoreditch & Hoxton, minutes from Old Street • Highly specified apartments each with a balcony or terrace
Ixia | East Road | Shoreditch | London | N1 6AA Marketing Suite & Show Apartment Mon-Fri 11-7 & Sat-Sun 11-4
www.ixialondon.co.uk
2 bedroom apartments from £620,000 3 bedroom penthouses from £795,000 – £1,250,000
020 7101 0214
*Photography of view taken from 8th floor of Ixia looking south east towards Canary Wharf, situated 4 miles away. Show Apartment interior. Prices correct at time of printing.
TO BREAK THE RULES, YOU MUST FIRST MASTER THEM. FOR 2012 AUDEMARS PIGUET CREATES A TRIBUTE TO THE WORLD’S GREATEST FOOTBALL ARTIST AND BRAND AMBASSADOR, LEO MESSI. THIS LIMITED-EDITION PIECE REPRESENTS A NEW GENERATION OF ROYAL OAK, NOW IN 41MM DIAMETER. THE SIGNATURE OCTAGONAL BEZEL IS HERE FORMED IN MILLED TANTALUM. AS RARE AND PRECIOUS AS PLATINUM BUT WITH A SIGNATURE BLUE HUE, TANTALUM IS DENSE, HEAVY AND EXCEPTIONALLY DIFFICULT TO MILL. WITH CASE IN EITHER STAINLESS STEEL, ROSE GOLD OR PLATINUM, AND STRAP IN CROCODILE, THE 2012 ROYAL OAK “LEO MESSI” REPRESENTS ANOTHER MILESTONE FOR THIS ALREADY ICONIC SPORTS COLLECTION.
ROYAL OAK LEO MESSI SSI IN STAINLESS STEEL AND TANTALUM. CHRONOGRAPH. APH.
Audemars Piguet UK Ltd Tel: + 44 207 659 7300 www.audemarspiguet.com
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