The City Magazine December 2013

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Please savour resPonsibly


the last word. w themacallan.com fa c e b o o k . c o m / t h e m a c a l l a n @themacallan


CONTENTS

DECEMBER2013

46

COVER IMAGE: Courtesy of Hackett

12 84

80 32

37

features

play

12 THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN

80 POWER TO THE PORSCHE

The Sartorial 7, some of London’s best dressed men, come together in an exclusive shoot and share their Christmas wishlists

MATTHEW CARTER enjoys a guilt-free drive in Porsche’s E-Hybrid

23 ONLY THE BEST

Meet Parker Liautaud, the teen explorer gearing up for a recordbreaking attempt to the South Pole

This season, we source the very best present ideas in our definitive festive gift guide

32 CREATURE OF THE NIGHT RICHARD BROWN meets Nick House, the man behind London’s hottest new City haunt, Steam & Rye

style 42 THE LONG AND THE SHORT OF IT DAVE WADDELL keeps us on our toes with an overview of the thriving sock scene

46 NIGHT HAWKS Stylish festive dressing with a classic edge

work 69 THE GREAT MIGRATION Experts observe a return to stocks amidst news of a slowly recovering economy

84 poles apart

travel 110 NIGHT & DAY JOHN RICHARDS puts a spotlight on Singapore, taking us beyond the fast cars of the Formula 1 night race

114 FAIRWAY TO HEAVEN NICK SMITH tees off in the mid-Atlantic islands of the Azores, an isolated slice of golf heaven on earth

regulars 37

fashion

80

MOTORing

57

WATches + Jewellery

93

food & drink

67

work

105 travel

75

play

117 Property


Life, intensified. The Macan is a new expression of a spirit 65 years in development, engineered to deliver an experience like no other. A sports car that defies convention to take the everyday out of every day. A sports car that’s uniquely yours, and uniquely Porsche.

The new Porsche Macan. Discover more at porsche.co.uk/macan

Fuel consumption in l/100 km (mpg): urban 11.8–6.7 (23.9–42.2), extra urban 7.8–5.7 (36.2–49.6), combined 9.2–6.1 (30.7–46.3), CO2 emissions: 216–159 g/km. The mpg and CO2 figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results, are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience.


work | Opinion

Published by

december

CONTRIBUTORS

Editor-in-Chief Lesley Ellwood

Managing Editor emma johnson

Deputy Editor Richard Brown

Motoring Editor Matthew Carter

Collection Editor annabel harrison

Editorial Assistant tiffany eastland

staff Writer

Amy-Louise Roberts

Senior Designer DANIEL POOLE

Brand Consistency Laddawan Juhong

General Manager

Nick Smith

James Lawrence

Lucie Dodds

Nick Smith is an awardwinning travel writer and photographer. His latest book is the highly acclaimed Travels in the World of Books described by Alexander McCall Smith as ‘a triumph.’ In 2012, he was shortlisted in the Travel Photographer of the Year competition. He is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and the Explorers Club.

A self-confessed wine obsessive, James is passionate about discovering the lesser known wines and wine regions of the world, as well as writing about beer, ale, cocktails and spirits. This month he offers up some impressive examples of the best fortified wines to enjoy during the festive season.

Fashion editor and stylist, Lucie Dodds previously worked at British Vogue and Associated Newspapers, and now works on luxury publications, TV and with British and US celebrities and musicians and for many brands as stylist art director and creative consultant. She splits her time between London and Los Angeles.

Matthew Carter

Dave Waddell

Andy Rosenbaum

Former editor of both Autocar and Classic and Sports Car, Matthew Carter has been a motoring journalist for longer than he cares to admit. He currently owns three cars: a city-friendly VW up!, and two classic Alfas – a 1960 Giulietta Sprint Veloce and a brutal SZ. He has been motoring editor since the beginning.

Dave Waddell is a freelance writer, copyeditor and journalist. As well as writing for the likes of The City Magazine, his work has appeared in The Whisky Magazine, Canary Wharf, The Spectator and Joshua’s Magazine. This month he charts the considerable rise of the luxury men’s sock.

Andrew Rosenbaum is a financial journalist who also writes about food and wine. For the past 15 years he has lived and worked around Europe, covering international economics, banking, corporate finance, along with the best restaurants, recipes and vintages. He writes for the Wall Street Journal, the Sunday Telegraph and MSN Money.

Fiona Fenwick

Production ALEX POWELL Hugo Wheatley oscar viney

Property Director Samantha Ratcliffe

COMMUNICATIONS Loren Penney

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 rwmg.co.uk

Members of the Professional Publishers Association Runwild Media Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Runwild Media Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved. Subscriptions: A free online subscription service is available for The City Magazine. Visit the subscriptions page on our website. www.rwmg.co.uk/subscribe

8 THE CITY xxxxxxx 2013

Also published by

Dear Resident

,

On behalf of the Belgravia Residents Association and the team at the Belgravia Residents’ Journal we would like to wish readers a very merry Christmas. However you choose to spend your time over the festive period, may family and friends bring you abundant joy. We’ve headed to the streets this month to ask a few familiar faces which gifts they would most like to discover wrapped under the tree, as well as the presents that they might be purchasing for lucky recipients. Our Belgravians are a most discerning lot, with impeccable taste; flick to page 5 for gift inspiration.

BELGRAVIA

As the party invitations start to flood through letterboxes, we have rounded up some of our favourite events happening right on your doorstep on our calendar (p. 12), as well as speaking to Sue Liberman, one of the busiest women in Belgravia, who has organised the Motcomb Street Christmas Party – an event we look forward to every year (p. 16). The Journal has also investigated what we can expect from the Belgravia Sunday Christmas (p. 21) and eagerly anticipates both events.

Resident’s Journal

Please do not hesitate to get in contact with your news and updates, email belgravia@residentsjournal.co.uk. We look forward to bringing you all of the latest local news and interesting features in 2014. Until next year…

Above / The Russian Ball (P. 12)

Managing Editor Katie Randall Assistant Editor Lauren Romano Main Editorial Contributor Henry Hopwood-Phillips

Editor-in-Chief Lesley Ellwood Managing Director Eren Ellwood SeniorDDesigner ECEMbEr Sophie Blain

Publishing Director Giles Ellwood Associate Publisher Sophie Roberts

Venski Ball, MocкBa [Moscow]. Image courtesy of The Russian Ball

Proudly published & printed in the UK by

2 0 1 3 •Client I s sRelationship u E 1 9 Director Felicity Morgan-Harvey

Editorial Assistant Jennifer Mason

General Manager Fiona Fenwick

Communications Director Loren Penney

Editorial Intern Maisy Molloy

Production Hugo Wheatley, Alex Powell, Oscar Viney

Head of Finance Elton Hopkins

Member of the Professional Publishers Association / ppa.co.uk


Big Bang Ferrari Carbon Red Magic. UNICO column-wheel chronograph movement, 72-hour power reserve. Entirely manufactured by Hublot. Carbon fiber case with red crystal and sapphire dial. Rubber strap and black leather, interchangeable by a unique attachment. Limited edition of 1,000 pieces.

For a list of Hublot stockists in the UK, please telephone 0207 343 7200 or e-mail info@timeproducts.co.uk Hublot TV on: www.hublot.com www.hublot.com • twitter.com/hublot • facebook.com/hublot


www.bachet.fr


FROM THE EDITOR The Christmas season is finally upon us – which means a combination of mulled wine-fuelled antics and time-defying end-of-year deadlines, coupled with the madness of gift purchasing. The most wonderful time of the year? Hmm... Still, not to fear. This month, we are honoured to be working with The Sartorial 7, a group of stylists, photographers, fashion experts and publicity pros whose unique collaborations with brands of the moment have led to some impressive collections for Oliver Sweeney, Duchamp and Private White VC. To get some inspiration for our own Christmas list we spoke exclusively to the guys about their most-desired items for this season – with everything from shirts and shoes to whisky and wine. Compile your own list on p. 12. Not to be outdone in the gift department, The City Magazine team has also been scouring the festive offerings from our favourite brands to create the definitive gift list. You need a selection of hampers for your clients? We’ve got the best in luxury food and wine pairings on p. 26. You want to impress the women in your life? Read our essential guide to the headiest scents (p. 28) and the most decadent candles (p. 31). Need something to ramp up the fun factor on Christmas Day? Check out our list of the most brilliant family game sets on p. 29. And finally, if you are worried about just getting endless pairs of socks this year, then check out our guide to the new trend in über-luxury footwear on p. 42 – oh yes, even you too can spend the entire festive season encased in nothing but cashmere and silk. Happy Christmas from the whole team at The City Magazine...

Emma Johnson Editor

DECEMBER 2013 THE CITY 11


THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN The Sartorial 7 are a group of men from across the fashion industry, including stylists, photographers and designers, who work with luxury menswear brands creating bespoke capsule collections. This Christmas they share their considerable style expertise with The City Magazine, in the form of their very own Christmas wishlists WORDS: EMMA JOHNSON | images: camilla Treharne


christmas style

A

“We’re young lads, but we’re all going on about 45. Elegant style is something we love. Something that will endure and feel both current and classic is more important than cutting-edge looks”

collective of seven, style (not fashion) conscious men, The Sartorial 7 are a charismatic bunch. Founder Terry Donovan, catches ten minutes with me while shooting the group shots for our feature this month. In the studio at Oliver Sweeney’s headquarters in north west London, laughter fills the room, beers flow and the atmosphere is more like a group of lads messing about with a camera than seven professional fashion-forward experts at work. A passion for what they do is tempered with a playful approach to style. The thing is, says Terry, “we’re young lads, but we’re all going on about 45. Elegant style is something we love. Something that will endure and feel both current and classic is more important than cutting-edge looks”. Perhaps essentially, what sets this collective apart is their suitability to their endeavours. Yes they all work in the fashion industry, in one way or another, but they are also all working men who need what they’re wearing to enhance, not hinder, what they do. “It’s not all about having the latest looks,” says Terry. “It’s about practical style and great tailoring that fits our lives.” This is perhaps nowhere more evident than in the various collaborations they have done recently, working with brands as diverse as Duchamp, Oliver Sweeney, TM Lewin, Topman and Private White VC to create capsule collections that encompass this very aesthetic. So they are well-placed, then, to share with The City Magazine their most desired items for the festive season, and the things they’ll be putting on their Christmas lists. Over the following pages, everything from luggage to laptop accessories make an appearance, meaning whether you’re giving or getting this year, you can be assured of one thing: style success.

december 2013 THE CITY 13


Chris Benns Fashion stylist and creative consultant Chris’ client list includes the likes of Burberry and Tommy Hilfiger as well as global celebrities and a plethora of the world’s leading photographers like Rankin, Marc LeBon, David Titlow, Simon Emmett, Ben Morris and Alasdair McLellan to name just a few.

ON CHRIS’S CHRISTMAS LIST: Archibald Optics Nigel Frame Classic British design handcrafted in Japan to the highest spec at a fair price, perfect. D £175, archibaldoptics.com

Mulberry Small Clipper Holdall I’m rarely without mine. In my opinion it’s a bag for every occasion that can be dressed up or down and gets better with age. D £1,350, mulberry.com

Uniform Wares 351 Series watch Simple in aesthetic. Technical in manufacture. D £530, uniformwares.com

Private White Twin Track Jacket Manufactured in Manchester, I love the style of this jacket. The clever design means it will fit over chunky knitwear, or you can remove the front panel to create a slimmer fit for the spring. Truly a jacket made for all seasons. D £495, privatewhitevc.com

Peregrine knitted jumper The simple cut and rib detail on this jumper gives it a classic masculine look and makes it the perfect knitwear choice for the Winter. D £89, peregrineclothing.co.uk

CHRIS IS WEARING:

Shoes, Oliver Sweeney; Trousers, River Island; Knit, Uniqlo; Double-breasted Jacket, Reiss; Glasses, Archibald Optics, Mckay Brown Leather Gloves, Oliver Sweeney; Albert Navy Large Holdall, Oliver Sweeney


Phil Green

christmas style

Personal shopper Originally from Glasgow, Phil has been living in London for the past 15 years and working in men’s fashion for the last seven. He started when he was 16, working at Matches Fashion as a sales assistant. He then went to Yves Saint Laurent and following that moved to Topman to set-up the Personal Shopping department. Currently he heads up the men’s personal shopping service at FarFetch.com

ON PHIL’S CHRISTMAS LIST: Globetrotter Original Trolley Case Every man needs a good solid carry-on and look no further than the Globetrotter range. With all pieces handmade in England, production has been the same for the past 100 years and obviously built to last. D £585, globetrotter1897.com

Dalwhinnie 15-Year-Old Centenary The finest single malt whisky in my opinion, the 15-year-old bottle was specially released to commemorate the distillery’s centenary in 1998. D £120, thewhiskyexchange.com

Framed Vintage North by Northwest Movie Poster Vintage movie poster featuring my style icon, Mr Cary Grant. I’m slowly building up my collection of movie posters and this would be a great addition. D £1595, limelightmovieart.com

Private White Silk Tie These 100 per cent silk ties are made in Basildon, Essex, an hour away from where the silk is designed and woven. A truly British affair. I love the fact that these ties are bespoke and woven to order. D £79, privatewhitevc.com

Cherchbi 13-inch Hand Printed Laptop Sleeve I love this hand printed, tweed sleeve which is trimmed with British saddle leather. I use mine to carry my newspaper and iPad. A fantastic accessory that will add another dimension to any outfit. D £130, cherchbi.co.uk

PHIL IS WEARING:

Shirt and Suit, TM Lewin; Tie, LodinG of Paris; Shoes and Coat, Oliver Sweeney

december 2013 THE CITY 15


Nigel Ruwende Stylist and designer Inspired by an eclectic past, Nigel began with garment composing and progressed to cutting. He is currently deputy editor of style site individualism.co.uk and is on his way to becoming a tailor. He also runs Saint & Birchley, which makes made-to-order aprons to support his parents’ charity, Hope In Glory Orphanage

ON NIGEL’S CHRISTMAS LIST: Monsieur Antoine Grey cadet hat Every man should own a hat, and this is the perfect start. Versatile for both sartorial and casual wear. D £92, monsieur-london-theshoppad.com

Sharp & Dagger burgundy braces No one likes to see underwear on show, unless it’s on purpose and in a private setting. Belts can become defective, but a good pair of braces will last a lifetime. D £35, sharpanddapper.com

Accurist vintage strap watch Slick and simple, all a man needs in a timepiece D £70, accurist.co.uk

Chapman Camo Totepack This is an incredibly clever piece of design, transforming from a tote bag to a backpack in two easy steps. And, if you need further convincing, it also has a detachable iPad sleeve. The perfect bag for the modern man who’s on-the-go! D £275, chapmanbags.com

Diadora Grey N9001 These vintage trainers give a retro, urban look to any outfit. Great to have as a wardrobe staple, they can be dressed up or down with some clever styling. D £50, size.co.uk

NIGEL IS WEARING:

Windowpane Check Suit, Hackett; Club Collar Shirt, TM Lewin; Wool Tie, Tie Rack; Shoes, Oliver Sweeney, William Tan Washbag, Oliver Sweeney


Terry Donovan

TERRY IS WEARING:

Suit Jacket, Shirt, Tie, Pocket Square & Trousers, all Duchamp London; Cufflinks, Oliver Sweeney

Fashion PR and founder of The Sartorial 7 Terry has worked in retail for brands such as AllSaints and Topman since he was 14. Following a move into PR several years ago, he is now menswear PR for Cube. He also spends much of his spare time DJ–ing around London.

ON TERRY’S CHRISTMAS LIST: Creed Green Irish Tweed fragrance Founded in 1760, this family-owned, Paris-based British brand is a favourite of the rich and famous and has been around through seven generations. This fragrance is one of Creed’s bestsellers and I love its subtle, fresh and woody scent. D £180, creedfragrances.co.uk

Barbour Beacon Sports Waxed Jacket As worn by James Bond himself in Skyfall, this iconic jacket is beautifully crafted and lined with the classic Barbour tartan. This is the ultimate in outerwear, and if it’s good enough for Bond, it’s good enough for me. D £399, barbour.com

50 Shades Book This 120 page hardback is the perfect coffee-table read. Featuring 50 stunning shots of world-renowned icons such as Elvis, Andy Warhol and Robert Redford looking rather dashing in their sunglasses to give you inspiration. D £19.95, reelartpress.com

Sunday Somewhere MBP Mid Chocolate Tortoiseshell Sunglasses I’ll be ready for the winter sunshine with this striking pair of shades. I love the twotonal colouring. D $230, sundaysomewhere.com

Universal Works Anderson’s Brown Leather Woven Belt Produced in Italy using only the best materials, this leather-trimmed belt will inject effortless Italian style and class into any outfit. D £69, mrporter.com


JONATHAN IS WEARING:

Suit, Duchamp London; Roll-Neck Sweater, COS; Shoes, Oliver Sweeney; Martell Navy Print Silk Pocket Square, Oliver Sweeney

Jonathan Daniel Pryce Fashion photographer Jonathan Daniel Pryce is an award-winning Londonbased photographer specialising in menswear. His clients include GQ, Esquire, Mr Porter and Topman. His recent project ‘100 Beards, 100 Days’, focused on the rising trend of the hirsute in London gained recognition from the likes of The New York Times and was exhibited four times in Europe with two special-edition photo books released. D 100beards.tumblr.com

ON JONATHAN’S CHRISTMAS LIST: Penhaligon’s Sartorial Eau de Toilette I’m very brand-loyal and love all of Penhaligon’s grooming products. To me, they’re so British and always of the highest quality. Although I’ve been a fan of Opus 1870 for ages, I’d love to try Patrick Grant’s Sartorial fragrance for the company. Not only does it smell beautiful but the name is rather apt too. D £85, penhaligons.com

Vivian Maier, Street Photographer Book I discovered Vivian and her fascinating story about three years ago through a news article in The Chicago Times. I’ve been obsessed with her secretive work ever since. This book is the ultimate companion. D £18.84, amazon.co.uk

Shaun’s California Harris Havana Sunglasses Although it’s not the time of year, I’m in the market for a new pair of sunglasses. I recently shot the UK campaign for Shauns California, and its Harris Havana shades feel well-crafted and sit perfectly on the face ­— a winning combination. D $305, shaunscalifornia.com

Cartier Spartacus Link Chain I was recently given my great-grandfather’s gold wedding ring. He grew up very close to where I live now, so I feel an extra connection to him since moving to London. I’d like to wear the ring on a chain instead of my finger, and although Cartier is a little pricey, its Spartacus gold link chain is perfect. D POA, cartier.com

Rolleiflex TLR Camera This camera has produced some of the most iconic images of the 21st century. I learned my craft on film, so it always has a special place in my heart. Popular with the likes of Diane Arbus and many of my photographic heroes, I’d love to get my hands on this camera. D available on Ebay


Dan Oldham

christmas style DAN IS WEARING:

Suit, Holland Esquire; Shirt, Tie and Pocket Square, TM Lewin; Cuff Links and Shoes, Oliver Sweeney

Fashion PR Dan is an account director at a leading fashion PR company in London. He has launched numerous brands on the UK market and deals with all aspects of PR and marketing for a wide range of clients.

ON DAN’S CHRISTMAS LIST: London Undercover Umbrella A man around town should never be without an umbrella, especially in these winter months. The London Undercover range is made from the finest of materials combined with age-old techniques and quality craftsmanship. Not only does the product function immaculately it also looks and feels quintessentially British. D from a selection, londonundercover.co.uk

Hasegawa Santoku Chef Knife I really enjoy cooking and have tried many different knives in my time, but I would like one knife that can do it all. Santoku literally translates as ‘three benefits’ – slicing, dicing and mincing, which cover all areas of cutting. I really like the feel and look of traditional Japanese chef’s knives and would love to have this in my kitchen. D £199, japaneseknifecompany.com

Berry brothers & Rudd, case of fine wine Berry Brothers & Rudd are Britain’s oldest and most renowned wine merchant, established in the 17th century. A supplier to the Royal Family since the reign of King George III, historic customers have included Lord Byron and the Aga Khan. Not only do I relish a glass of wine after a long day in the office, I also want to be added to its prolific customer list. D bbr.com

Alan Paine Linton Roll-Neck This simple, classic 100 per cent merino wool roll-neck is an essential winter wardrobe staple. D £70, alanpaine.co.uk

Swims Galoshes These shoes are an absolute must for the wet, British weather. They protect your shoes from rain, snow and dirt whilst you’re out and about, ensuring you stay looking clean and smart. D €69, swims.com

december 2013 THE CITY 19


Michael Dale Fashion PR and writer Working in fashion for around six years now, Michael made his first moves into the industry through personal shopping and styling for a variety of brands and clients. In recent years he has moved into PR, representing a large high-street brand. He is also a contributor to high-profile menswear site menswearstyle.co.uk.

ON MICHAEL’S CHRISTMAS LIST: The Gentleman’s Guide to Cocktails Book A beautifully-illustrated and incredibly insightful look at everything you didn’t know about the age-old art of mixology. Co-author Alfred Tong is a hero of mine — he’s a font of knowledge on everything it is to be a true British gent. D £7.19, amazon.co.uk

Dr Harris & Co ltd 4-Piece Shaving Set After a long hiatus from the wet-shaving arena, I have decided to opt for a cleaner look. There’s something very therapeutic about the whole process of shaving in the morning, and for the best results you need the best possible tools. D £210, drharris.co.uk

Sony TTS – 2500 Vintage Turntable I’m a huge fan of vinyl and have quite a large collection of 12” and 7”, ranging from Johnny Cash to Laurent Garnier. Crisp sound and beautiful to boot, this is a great alternative to bulkier DJ-oriented offerings. D £POA, fancy.com

LSTN Troubadour Headphones These beautifully-crafted headphones are the ultimate accessory. Not only are they great-looking and produce amazing sound, they’re also made from reclaimed wood. When you buy a pair, LSTN donates a hearing aid to a person with hearing impairment. How can I refuse? D £150, lstnheadphones.com

Scott Fraser Yellow Duffle Bag This bag provides so many options, so many ways to wear it. I love the fantastic bright yellow canvas, brown leather and tartan lining – it’s sure to make an impact on dark winter days. D £169, scottfrasercollection.com

MICHAEL IS WEARING:

Shadowcheck Jacket and Waistcoat, River Island; Wide Blade Tie, Vintage Dior Homme; Chisel Collar Shirt, Ozwald Boateng; Two Tone Wingtip Salento Brogues and Study Satchel, both Oliver Sweeney; Jewellery, Great Frog, Arthur Navy Laptop Briefcase, Oliver Sweeney


Discover true detail.

Take a closer look at the only future ready* UHD 4K TV. With 4 times the detail of an HDTV and advanced picture quality technology, images come to life with deeper blacks, purer whites and brighter colours. It’s a whole new world of viewing. *Evolution Kit required, which is sold separately. It will enhance your smart features to the levels of the corresponding year of launch of your Evolution Kit. Only the software and processing hardware will be upgraded; other hardware will not be upgraded. Evolution Kit may not support certain apps and functions previously installed or available on your TV. Please check www.samsung.com for more details before installing the Evolution Kit. Based on currently determinable UHD connectivity, broadcasting and Blu-Ray standardisation initiatives. TV panel cannot be upgraded and may differ from future standards.


Skate in the City Celebrate the festive season at Broadgate’s new ice rink in Exchange Square 4 November 2013 TO 27 February 2014

Book tickets now at www.broadgate.co.uk/ice

Exchange Square Broadgate just two minutes from Liverpool Street Station

@BroadgateLondon Facebook.com/BroadgateLDN


Opinion | work

only the  best  Candles, hampers, whisky sets, luxury leather and expensive scents are foolproof presents at Christmas, but they’ll only have the desired impact if you’ve made the right choice. No-one wants a mediocre bottle of Scotch or a halfhearted hamper. So buy with confidence this season with our definitive, hand-picked, best-of-the-best guide


Image courtesy of Dom Reilly, domreilly.com

DESKTOP  Dandy 

Stylise someone’s study with elegant accessories and luxury leather gifts for the work space

Liberté Fountain Pen

BeoPlay A8 iPod Dock with Apple Airplay

D £345, S.T. Dupont, st-dupont.com

D £949, Bang & Olufsen, bang-olufsen.com

Palladium-plated travel clock

Perfect Pencil Desk Set

Folding iPad case

D POA, Montblanc, 10-11 Change Alley

D £400, Graf von Faber-Castell, cultpens.com

D £325, Smythson, 7 Royal Exchange

Alpha Tab Agenda

Stationery Rack

D £115, Tumi, tumi.com

D £285, Aspinal of London, aspinaloflondon.com


christmas gifts

FOOD  LOVERS

 1

Whether it’s butchery classes, cured meats or knives to carve them with, take heed from our foodie festive treats D 1 4 Piece Steak Knife Set, £385, Kai Shun, harrods. com D 2 Full Leg of Slow-Cured Gran Reserva Serrano Ham, £78.85, thetapaslunchcompany.co.uk (left) & Jabugo Iberico Ham-on-the-bone, £190, brindisa.com (right) D 3 Du Bost Steak Knives, Tonal, set of six £37, Laguiole, johnlewis.com D 4 Threepiece Cocktail Kit, £32, Bar Craft, selfridges.com D 5 Fish n’ Hix Masterclasses, £185 per person, Brown’s Hotel, jatkins@roccofortehotels.com D 6 Ikon Steak Knife Set, set of four £379, Wüsthof, wusthof. com D 7 Silver Spirit Sleeves, from a selection, Theo Fennell, 4 The Courtyard, Royal Exchange, theofennell. com D 8 Barbecoa Butchery Masterclass, prices vary, 20 New Change Passage

2

7

6

8 In a two-hour, hands-on session, Barbecoa’s award-winning butchers will guide you through the butchery process from delivery to plate.

3

4 5 The Hix Masterclass includes a two-hour fish class, three-course dinner including all prepared fish, dessert and a bottle of wine per person, a Brown’s Hotel apron and a signed Mark Hix cookery book.

DECEMBER 2013 THE CITY 25


FOOD GLORIOUS  FOOD  Nothing says ‘Christmas decadence’ like a hamper full of luxury food and wine. Here is our pick of the absolute best on offer

1

D 1 Bespoke Chocolate Hamper, £125, Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, dorchestercollection.com D 2 Homeward Bound Gift Hamper, £80, East India Company, eicfinefoods. com D 3 Gourmet Christmas Hamper, £350, Harvey Nichols, harveynichols.com D 4 The Burlington Hamper, £250, Fortnum & Mason, fortnumandmason.com D 5 Discover & Surprise Hamper, £350, Selfridges, selfridges.com D 6 Cosy Christmas Hamper, £150, John Lewis, johnlewis.com D 7 Christmas Collection Hamper, £395, Daylesford Organic, daylesford.com D 8 Opulence Hamper, £10,000, Harrods, harrods.com

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christmas gifts

MASTER  of MALT

Be them deep and dark or light and fruity, spread the cheer with some well-selected whisky

Whyte & Mackay 30 Year Old

CUTTY SARK

This 30-year-old-blended malt has a rich nose, reminiscent of fruit cake. It is complemented with a palate of apples and hazelnuts, and, with a relatively low alcohol content (20 per cent), should be drunk slowly and savoured.

Named after Burns’s epic poem, this 25-yearold blended whisky comes with a beautiful book featuring the full text of the poem, some history and a selection of art inspired by the story. Tastewise, think deep, dark and concentrated. Hints of cherry and chocolate, walnuts and dates.

D £230, Whyte & Mackay, harrods.com

D £199, Tam O’Shanter, thewhiskyexchange.com

Royal Salute 21 Year Old Originally launched in 1953 as a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, The Royal Salute is aged for a minimum of 21 years. Expect a fragrant whisky with aromas of raisins, heather and walnuts. Also perfect for lovers of smooth, smoky finishes. D £94.99, Chivas, masterofmalt.com

King Alexander III A combination of six hand-selected finishes creates a deep, rich and complex spirit. An aromatic symphony of thick, chunky orangepeel marmalade and Christmas pudding follows through. Ideal for the festive season. D £120, The Dalmore, thewhiskyexchange.com

Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select Vanilla and oak flavours mean this tipple has a very different taste to Single Barrel and Old No. 7, and served with a splash of water (the way Frank would have had it) it’s a perfect sipping drink. It also comes in its own collector’s box. D £150, Jack Daniel’s, selfridges.com

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Limited Edition Collection This classic vintage car trunk features signature Johnnie Walker blue colouring, and includes a limited-edition bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label, four engraved crystal glasses, a whisky funnel, a pair of ice tongs and a Dunhill flask. Only 500 bespoke pieces of the limited-edition will be produced. D £POA, alexanderandjames.com

DECEMBER 2013 THE CITY 27


work | Opinion

for him 

Floris

PEnhaligon’s

The quintessential English gentleman’s fragrance, No.89 blends orange and bergamot with lavender and neroli. D No.89 EDT, £75, florislondon.com

Animalic and golden, this scent is warm and mature, redolent of old books and ancient rooms. D Hammam Bouquet, £85, penhaligons.com

Miller & Harris The sweet, rejuvenating note of tangerine, stars in this innovative, masculine creation. D Tangerine Vert EDP, £65, harrods.com

christian dior Vétiver is a powerful, intense and unusual aromatic blend, inspired by Mr. Dior’s timelessly chic style. D Vétiver 125 ml, £150, harrods.com

fragrances 

For the discerning men and women in your life, nothing says style and class like luxurious fragrances

clive christian 1872 was created as a tribute to the year Queen Victoria granted her crown to the perfumery. D Clive Christian 1872 for Men, £275, urbanretreat.co.uk

for hER 

valentino

chanel

Orange blossom, spicy cardamom, leathery notes and Bulgarian rose create a rich, powerful scent inspired by the Orient. D Valentina Limited Edition OUD Assoluto, £90, harrods.com

There is nothing more iconic than Chanel N˚5. Rich, exotic and devastatingly decadent. D Chanel N˚5 EDP, £220, selfridges.com

jo malone A signtature scent, this recalls pomegranate and raspberry laced with Casablanca lily. D Pomegranate Noir Cologne, £78, jomalone.co.uk

annick goutal

tom ford

Citrus tones of lemon, grapefruit, and cypress create a seasonal scent inspired by Mediterranean warmth D Eau d’Hadrien EDP, €120, annickgoutal.com

Spicy floral notes with hints of jasmine and dusky clary sage, decadent and glamorous. D Jasmin Rouge EDP, £140, harveynichols.com

28 THE CITY xxxxxxx 2013


christmas gifts

FAMILY  FORTUNES

Get traditional this Christmas by breaking out the boardgames and preparing your best poker face

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D 1 Deluxe Games Compendium, £149.99, Jaques of London, jaqueslondon.co.uk D 2 Prestige Scrabble Game Compendium, £2,415, Geoffrey Parker, quintessentiallygifts.com D 3 Bespoke Games Table, POA, Alexandra Llewellyn, alexandralldesign. com D 4 Bespoke Leather Billionaire Monopoly Game, £8,185, Geoffrey Parker, quintessentiallygifts.com D 5 Olympic Croquet Set, £849.99, Jaques of London, as before D 6 22 inch Wooden Backgammon Set, £475, Aspinal of London, aspinaloflondon.com D 7 Bourdon Poker Set, £1,000, Alfred Dunhill, dunhill. co.uk D 8 Peacock Backgammon Board, £2,100, Alexandra Llewellyn, alexandralldesign.com

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DECEMBER 2013 THE CITY 29


CHILD’S  PLAY  Struggling for inspiration on how to fill that space under the tree? Think teddies for tots and toys for future track-stars D 1 Alice in Wonderland Decorative Theatre, £1,000, Benjamin Pollock’s Toy Shop, quintessentiallygifts.com D 2 Ride-on Roadster Saab, £315, Playsam, alexandalexa.com D 3 Sebastian Christmas Bear 2013, £24.95, Harrods, harrods.com D 4 Le Mans Bolide Green Pedal Car, £239.95, Baghera, lullabuy. co.uk D 5 Classic Wooden Ride-On Plane, £135, Moulin Roty, alexandalexa.com D 6 Ferrari F1 electric car, £550, Ferrari, selfridges.com D 7 Harry Potter Final Challenge Chess Set, £399, Harrods, as before D 8 The Classic Satchel (14”), £129, The Cambridge Satchel Company, cambridgesatchel.com

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christmas gifts

candle  magic 

The investment in a luxury candle from a renowned fragrance brand shows good taste par excellence. Choose from seasonal scents with woody cinnamon overtones or classic fragrances that will last throughout the year

fornasetti

jo malone

Created by master perfumer Olivier Polge, this gorgeous Labbra scented candle blends thyme and lavender with orris, cedarwood and a touch of incense. D Labbra Scented Candle, £99, selfridges.com

This aromatic and elegant limited edition candle blends green galbanum with woody notes of Atlas cedar and vetiver. D Blue Spruce Deluxe Candle, £115, jomalone.co.uk

diptyque This limited-edition candle was created in collaboration with French design duo Tsé & Tsé, offering a mellow but not sweet accord of orange, quince and a mixture of Indian spices. D Orange Chain Candle, £45, harrods.com

molton brown

cire trudon

Fill your home with the scent of Christmas, and add the finishing touch to a festively-adorned space, with the Frankincense & Allspice Single Wick Candle. D Frankincense & Allspice Single Wick Candle, £36, moltonbrown.co.uk

Inspired by feminine rockabilly culture, Paris designer Yazbukey collaborated with Cire Trudon to reinvent its iconic candles. D Yazbukey Limited Edition Scented Candle, £85, net-a-porter.com

asprey Asprey has used the finest essential oils to create a fresh citrus fragrance blended with spicy undertones for added strength. D Purple Water Scented Candle, £95, asprey.com DECEMBER 2013 THE CITY 31


creature of the night You mightn’t know him by name, but if you’ve made acquaintance with London’s premium party scene over the last decade, chances are you’ll have done so in one of his premises. As Nick House launches his maiden City venture, we meet London’s King of Clubs

Image: Rob Johns, robertjohns.co.uk

words: richard brown


interview

N

ick House laughs a lot. After every anecdote and aside almost. Then again, when you’re Nick House, there’s a lot to laugh about. Yet to celebrate his 40th birthday (that comes next year), Mr House sits at the helm of London’s largest nightlife entertainment body, the eponymous Nick House Entertainment group. Co-owner and operator of celebrity-hangouts Whisky Mist, The Punch Bowl and Mahiki, Nick caters to the hedonistic wishes of names like Mischa Barton, Kate Moss and Claudia Schiffer. Both the Princes are fans of his, so too are Beyoncé and Jay Z. Not bad for a man who started off organising club nights for students. Back in the 1990s, a fellow student who’d just run out of money, House had two options. “Go back home, or work in Sainsbury’s,” he recalls, laughing. “I chose neither.” Instead, the aspiring entrepreneur turned his hand to club promoting, begging the local printer to give him 30, and then 60, days of credit to pay for flyers. “I used to hand them out at this club in Leeds, trying to get people to come from about midnight to three in the morning. Then I’d go home, go to bed and set my alarm again for 5.30 and drive to Huddersfield to hand out flyers from seven until nine because there was a club called Hard Time that was open until then.” Born in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, House was soon taking what he’d learnt in Leeds and applying it to the capital, running a Wednesday night session at London’s Emporium by the age of 22. Graduating soon thereafter, House then did what “every middleclass English kid does, follow their parents’ sensible advice and get a proper job in the City.” It was a move that lasted a matter of months. In 1999, House quit the Square Mile to set up a nightclub consultancy business. The rest, as they say… Now, having conquered the clubbing scene out west, House has turned his attentions east, last month launching his first City venture Steam & Rye. Taking up residence in Leadenhall Street’s old Bank of New York, and with Kelly Brook as a partner, the venue pays homage to its previous resident, transporting visitors to 1920s America via theatrical nods to Grand Central Station and the Eastern Pacific Rail Company. Downstairs, an elevated stage, giant columns and an imposing bar create a Great Gatsby vibe, while upstairs a cargo hold crammed with ephemera, taxidermy and the bounty of far-flung adventures

DECEMBER 2013 THE CITY 33


recalls the most glamorous age of exploration. So why the move away from House’s traditional Mayfair and Chelsea stomping ground (The Brompton Club, Bodo’s Schloss and Tini are his too)? And why to Leadenhall Street in particular? “I’d been looking for a place for a long time,” says Nick. “I know the area pretty well and have been going out in it for donkey’s years. The City’s offering has been improving significantly. I am insanely impressed with SushiSamba, and I like the bars that stretch from Gresham Street to One New Change. To me, Bank station is kind of the hub, the epicentre of the City, so I wanted to be pretty close to the tube station. I love juxtaposition, so anywhere where I could do something that would really stick out and get people’s attention was going to work.” For an example of the sort of juxtaposition Nick talks about, you need only look at Mahiki. Opening a Polynesian-themed tiki bar in 2005, complete with palm trees and tropical cocktails, directly opposite the resolutely-British, and unashamedly old-school, The Ritz and The Wolseley was an audacious move (“Everyone said ‘what are you doing?!’”). But by providing an exuberantly camp, underground space completely at odds with that which lay above, Nick offered young, fun (and moneyed) London a fashionable place to party. The hybrid lounge-come-club soon became the favourite haunt of footballers, TV personalities and every post-pub City-boy looking for some late-night West End revelry (an accolade the club now shares with Nick’s other Mayfair outpost Whisky Mist). Contrast also helped shape the concept behind Steam & Rye. If, outside, the City was all 21st-century steel, glass and suits, inside, the club had to be illusion, fantasy and escape. “In my head I had an amalgamation of movies, ranging from Hugo to Gangs of New York,” says House. “I was lucky enough to meet this guy called Dante Ferretti who had done the set for Hugo and who is currently doing Cinderella. He refocused my mind on the era we should be going for. I liked the Gatsby thing but I didn’t want it overdone.

“I’m always looking to create places that are fun and unpretentious. You can diffuse pretence through music and personality, through people and smiles. In Mahiki, for example, it’s very hard to be stuck-up when you’re holding a giant pineapple or coconut and Dolly Parton’s playing in the background.” Since entering club land, House has, in part, been responsible for revolutionising the UK’s student clubbing scene and boasts being the only twotime winner of the London Club and Bar Awards Best Promoter (2002 and 2006). Co-owner of some of the capital’s most venerated bars, he’s been dubbed London’s King of Clubs. Rare is it that a week will pass without one showbiz personality or another being ‘papped’ leaving his premises. So, how has socialising changed during the 14 years he’s been involved in the game? “I don’t think it has. People go out for different reasons. They do different drinks. Some people want a sophisticated drink in a hotel bar, some people want a pint after work, some people want to dance until the early morning. Others just want to meet members of the opposite sex. What’s changed? Only the DJs and the names on top of the bars.” For those in the City, Nick will be hoping that Steam & Rye becomes the only name that matters.

“I’m always looking to create places that are fun and unpretentious. You can diffuse pretence through music and personality, through people and smiles”


interview

- Q&A -

In-house with Nick House and Kelly Brook Nick House

Kelly Brook

Q. Nick, how did the partnership with Kelly come about? NH: Well she’s pretty fabulous and genuinely has a real interest in the entertainment side of things. She did Crazy Horse, she knows showbiz. She’s great fun and unpretentious so personifies what the brand’s all about.

Q. Why the move into the restaurant/ club world? KB: It’s something different for me, and when Nick approached me with his ideas, I loved the story-boards and the whole feel of what he wanted to achieve. I didn’t think there was anything in London quite like it with that vibe. It was a very quirky, creative concept.

What’s the best club in London? NH: The Box is great. Anything that’s theatrical and fun I’m all over. I’m biased but I’m always going to say I love Mahiki, but The Box is amazing, and that’s not one of mine! Where’s the best place to party in the world? NH: It’s always going to be Ibiza. Where ever there’s a lack of rules. Places where everything’s laid-back – rules, restrictions – it’s not surprising that these places keep going and are the wildest on the planet. You’re 39 years old, what do you hope to achieve by the time you’re 50? NH: I’m really interested in branding and branded concepts, licensing, that side of things. Maybe become a better tennis player. I’m having a shocker with my forehand at the moment.

Q. What attracted you to working with Nick? KB: I have known Nick for a long time and completely trust him. I think all of his venues and ideas are fantastic. I couldn’t think of anyone better to be doing this with. I was flattered that he wanted me involved. Q. Why did you pick the City as the venue for Steam & Rye? KB: We are so spoilt for choice in Mayfair, East and West London for places to go out. There is nothing like this in the City. Q. What was the appeal of the 1920s American glamour theme? KB: I’m obsessed with that era, and to take that aesthetic and build a whole world of excellent food and cocktails with a glamorous back-drop has been so exciting. It’s been a buzz watching it all come together. Nick is a genius and has put together a great team of creatives. Q. What’s your idea of a great night out? KB: Great people, great music, great cocktails, all immersed in a world of fictional reality. It’s good to escape.

All imagery © Rob Johns (robjohnsphotographer.com)

D Steam and Rye, 147 Leadenhall Street, EC3V steamandrye.com

DECEMBER 2013 THE CITY 35


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STYLE

FASHION | ACCESSORIES | GROOMING | LIFESTYLE

Festive Finery This month, as the festive season descends upon us, we’re faced with soirÊes, cocktail parties and, more importantly, strict dress codes, which call for our very finest threads. For men, this means dustingoff the dinner suit, airing out the tux and selecting the perfect accompaniment, be it bow tie, cravat or scarf. A dress standard designed to make the least fashion-conscious male look immaculately turned out, black-tie offerings feature heavily in the Autumn/ Winter collections of favoured designers, including Dolce & Gabbana and Ted Baker (pictured), who have done their utmost to provide dapper ensembles and ensure all city slickers are dressed to impress at the yuletide office celebrations. D A/W13 Collection, Ted Baker, tedbaker.com


GABBANA GROOMING Dolce & Gabbana has opened a unique Sicilian barber’s shop on the ground floor of its New Bond Street men’s store. Offering three barber stations and a range of services, including wet shaves, cuts and styling, this is your one-stop-barbershop. Complete with original chairs in burgundy leather and white enamel, the counters have been finished in beautiful canaletto walnut, creating a truly luxurious setting, as one would expect from the designer fashion house. D 53-55 New Bond Street, dolcegabbana.com

style:HIM

The latest news, campaigns and luxury launches for the stylish man about town

THE EVEREST CITY COLLECTION Swiss luxury leather house Bally has unveiled a new collection of men’s bags, perfect for both city breaks and mountain escapes. The collection marks the 60th anniversary of the ascent of Everest, and follows a host of other celebratory launches this year. The collection is available online and in-store now. D The Everest City Collection, from £625, bally.com

THE BUSINESS OF BESPOKE Iconic British car manufacturer Aston Martin has teamed up with innovative East London tailors Bespoke HQ to create a menswear collection in its centenary year. Consisting of bespoke two and three-piece suits, tailored jackets and overcoats, the collection features Bespoke HQ’s unique styling and fine detailing, not to mention subtly branded Aston Martin buttons, inspired by archive Aston Martin interior design details. A sartorial reflection of its past, present and future, the collaboration was inspired by childhood memories of Bespoke HQ’s creative director Stephen Williams, who grew up with Aston Martins and an uncle who was an avid collector. D Aston Martin x Bespoke HQ Collection, ready-to-wear blazers from £1,000, and Suiting from £2,500, Bespokehq.com


For Him | STYLE

BLUE SANTAL An iced, cooling Australian sandalwood accompanied with warm pine notes and sharp juniper berries.

BLUE ENCENS A bold fusion of mystical incense and crushed Artemisia contrasted with frozen spices.

WINTER BLUES Blue SERIES, three new men’s fragrances from Comme des Garçons D £75 for 100 ml EDP, shop.doverstreetmarket.com

FOR GOOD MEASURE BLUE CEDRAT An unexpected alliance of fiery Virginian cedarwood with metallic rose and a zesty, bitter quinine accord.

Tom Ford recently hosted the first Madeto-Measure Menswear event at its newly opened Sloane Street flagship store. Clients had the opportunity to meet with the Tom Ford MTM Master Tailor and experience a personalised fitting for suits, shirts and shoes. Synonymous with quality and attention to detail, Tom Ford madeto-measure suits are cut and sewn by experienced artisans and crafted from a choice of more than 200 cloths in unique fabric blends including, cashmere, mohair, wool, silk or linen. Each suit requires a minimum of 24 hours of hand stitching, while shoes call on the service of a Tuscan workshop, where second or third generation cobbler families undertake 80 per cent of the production by hand, in a three-week process which involves stitching and polishing to perfection. D tomford.com

LOBB’S LIMITED-EDITION shoes In keeping with tradition, John Lobb has again honoured its patron saint St. Crispin this year, creating a masterpiece showcasing its expertise. The unique limited-edition shoes celebrate its know-how and takes the form of a Derby, featuring flawless lines. Coloured creams are gently applied to each section of leather by hand, revealing rich shades and a heightened depth of colour with further creaming, while the final glazing leaves a beautiful finish and unparalleled transparency. Available in four original hues, the Saint-Crépin 2013 is available in-store now. D Derby – Saint-Crépin 2013, £1,055, johnlobb.com

december 2013 THE CITY 39


style | For Him

WHISTLES WAY Leading womenswear retailer Whistles has announced it will be branching into menswear come Autumn/Winter 2014. The new endeavour has seen the recruitment of a high-calibre design team who will work under the creative direction of Nick Passmore, Whistles’ design director. The collection will be available online, in key stores and within selected premium department stores. D whistles.co.uk

CODE OF CONDUCT Italian leather house Tod’s has teamed up with LA-based photographer and artist Sam Falls on the campaign for its No_ Code Fall/Winter 2013-2014 collection ‘Colour Theory’. The No_Code collection strives to combine timeless style and extraordinary craftsmanship with influences from the contemporary music, art and cinema scene. For the campaign, Falls has adopted an inspiring technique that combines the analogue with the digital, painting over photographs and manipulating the natural processes in post-production.

MR PORTER MEETS MARNI

D todsnocode.com

mrporter.com

Mr Porter has announced the launch of an exclusive new capsule collection featuring knitwear and backpacks designed by Marni. Inspired by a retro sports kit, the collection re-interprets classic Marni styles, whilst staying true to the trademark offbeat wearable fashion for which the brand is renowned. Consisting of four sweaters and two backpacks, the collection is out now and available exclusively at mrporter.com. D Marni Capsule Collection, from £460,

SIMON & THE 39 STEPS The team at Simon Carter has unveiled an Autumn/ Winter collection inspired by Hitchcock’s early masterpiece The 39 Steps. This season, we’re taken on a journey through England and into Scotland as British tweed fabrics feature big, alongside rich corduroys and flannels. These are paired with a new range of soft, relaxed shirts, featuring flecks and checks, while the new collection stays true to the brand’s reputation of offering exclusive tailoring and suiting made from fine Italian wool and mohair blends. D simoncarter.net

40 THE CITY december 2013


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The Long and the Short of It No longer will spending money on expert tailoring be enough. Today’s man needs to have all bases covered, and that includes everything down to his socks WORDS: DAVE WADDELL


Accessories | STYLE

T

he well-crafted man’s sock is back. Now, if you’re familiar with the joys of Pantherella, know already that Prince Charles and his progeny slip their royal feet into Corgi, or make a point of making gifts of Bresciani, and have for years experienced the podiatric delights of Merino wool, cashmere, silk, Egyptian cotton or vicuña, it never ever went away. However, for those of us for whom the new and beautifully-made sock is as common as Christmas pudding, it’s new new, a proper revelation. Here’s the gen: the sock, it turns out, constitutes the vanguard of a hosiery industry which, globally, in 2015, is set to be worth a staggering $20.3 billion. Of this, the premium sock market – says Simon Bullmore, of Richmond Socks – has expanded well beyond its metropolitan strongholds. Continuing growth in traditional markets, in America and Europe, as well as new areas such as Asia, indicates that mature means neither doddering nor dying. Bullmore

The sock is special. It is a territory unto itself. It is not the trouser. It is not the shoe. It must be seen and unseen reports, for example, a 25 per cent rise in sales for that stalwart of the gentleman’s lower leg: the long sock. Have a look around. Men are updating their sock collections, and updating them in style. The answer to why lies, I think, with the likes of Bullmore, who I met last month in premium sockfriendly The Churchill Bar on Portman Square. An exHarvard Business School advisor turned online sock retailer, Bullmore’s success with Richmond Socks is testament to the strength of a market turning more and more on the idea of quality of a given label. None of the aforementioned manufacturers claim ownership of anything less than a sock that is made from almost wholly natural materials – be it super-grade West Indies Sea Island cotton, Escorial wool or Carriagi cashmere. If there is an element of the man-made in there, then there’s a good reason. Paris nylon, says Justin Hall, CEO of Pantherella, is employed only for purposes of structure and durability. The quality of the yarn is sacrosanct. Add to this the fact that each manufacturer in its own way, pays due attention to tradition, and to making their socks in a manner employing techniques

december 2013 THE CITY 43


STYLE | Accessories

(yarning, hand and machine-knitting, hand-linking and steam-pressing) that have been handed down through the generations, and you get a workforce that is long-lived, expert and hugely loyal. Provenance is key. For today’s quality-conscious consumer, ‘Made in Italy’, for example, carries enormous weight. Northern Italy’s particular contribution to the notion of good design provides Milan-based Bresciani with a rare quality of coat tails, ‘a special attire,’ as Massimiliano Bresciani so marvellously says. And not just Italy and Bresciani: Mazarin is proudly Parisian, Zimmerli plays on Switzerland’s reputation for the extraordinarily well-made, Leicester-based Pantherella hails from the home of hosiery and Corgi, says MD Chris Jones, is ‘the only sock company to have Made in Wales’ stamped on its products. Coming from somewhere means something. Provenance guarantees tradition, which in turn shouts quality. Which is not, of course, to say that this is all. However much we’d like to think it, Pantherella hasn’t survived what Hall calls the ‘decimation of Britain’s manufacturing base’ by being firmly from Leicester. Similarly, Corgi’s aspiration to be ‘warm, Welsh and welcoming’ may work its alliterative charm on the best of us, but there’s much more to its royal hotline than the fact it continues to use a Griswold knitting machine. Bresciani did not become Italy’s pre-eminent manufacturer of luxury socks by sharing its rights to Brioni and Canali. Tradition and craft are important, massively so, but so is the fact that every one of these companies is very much a 21st-century animal. The computer is not an anathema. And nor is the business of marketing. We’re not talking cottage industries here. Business is global business, and you aren’t retailed out of the most exclusive stores imaginable by sitting back

44 THE CITY december 2013

Richmond Socks Image: courtesy Mel Allen

and waiting for someone to give you a tinkle. Selling provenance requires a certain worldliness – clearly. Even so, Bullmore did not found Richmond Socks on the basis of that one of his labels might turn out to be a Burberry or, forgive me, Hugo Boss. On the contrary, he ‘absolutely loves socks’ because they make him smile, and now that the tie is in terminal ‘decline’, they provide the well-dressed with a last gasp – though, hopefully, enduring ­— chance for a real bit of colour. The sock is special. It is a territory unto itself. It is not the trouser. It is not the shoe. It must be seen and unseen. And while there may be a running battle vis-a-vis the right of the long sock (18 inches from heel to cuff) to exist, there is no doubt as to the necessity of hiding that horror of pure horrors: namely the exposed male calf. The short, short sock is for children, a category of tennis player and people who know not the meaning of shame. The proper short sock is a hefty 12 inches in the leg. Wear that. I hope I’ve made myself perfectly clear. The aesthetics of style apart, Bullmore’s love for the extremely well-made sock has at its root the most practical of functions: good health. For, as M. Bresciani says, this time quoting his grandmother, a man’s ‘health starts with his feet.’ The sock provides the foot with the highest levels of comfort while at the same time allowing it to go about its normal, to put it delicately, excretory activities. Thus, the seasonal temperature-sensitive yarns, the handlinked toes, the use of Oeko-Tex certified dyes. The foot must breathe. It must perspire. It should feel like a king. A great sock does this – be it off-the-peg, made-to-order or bespoke. So, I say it again: the well-crafted man’s sock is back. Socks Out Thursday and associated sock pride movements have begun to fill the sartorial vacuum. The ‘fancy’s’ no joke – so long as it’s beautifully made, the loud and the colourful is once again a matter for serious consideration. Things are looking good. A sock is not just for Christmas – definitely.



Velvet O’Connor Jacket, £2,080; O’Connor Waistcoat, £250; White Plisse Shirt, £435; O’Connor Evening Trousers, £840; Bow Tie, £145; Silk Pocket Square, £105, all Tom Ford, tomford.com


NIGHT HAWKS Take a walk on the wild side this festive season and embrace soft velvets, patterned silks and dapper tailoring Fashion editor: Lucie Dodds

Photographer: simon lipman


this page

Black Ottoman Jacket, £995; Ottoman Trousers, £495; Silk Collared Jumper, £495; Heart Cravat, £195, all Burberry, burberry.com

opposite page

Black Velvet Shawl Collar Jacket, £1,610; Black and Grey Jacquard Trousers, £925; White Evening Shirt with Mother of Pearl Studs and Buttons, £340, all Gucci, gucci.com Black and Grey Stripe Shawl Collar Jacket, £1,150; Black and Grey Jacquard Trousers, £925; White Evening Shirt with Mother of Pearl Studs and Buttons, £340, all Gucci, as before; bowties, stylist’s own




LEFT

White Marcella Evening Shirt, £99; Black Velvet Bow Tie, £45; Black Satin Cumberbund, £59; Evening Trousers, part of Dickens Suit, £725; Dress Studs, £89, all Thomas Pink, thomaspink.com; Grey Wool Coat, £1,495, Ralph Lauren Black Label, ralphlauren.com; Watch, £5,100, Hermès, hermes.com

RIGHT

Black Jacket, £395, Waistcoat, £155, Trousers, £200; White Pique Cutaway Collar Shirt, £95; Navy Silk Tie, £85; Silk Pocket Square, £55, all Chester Barrie, chesterbarrie.com; Leather and Silver Hipflask, £45, Aspinal of London, aspinaloflondon.com



this page

Burgundy and Black Collar Jacket, £1,195; White Dress Shirt, £350; Bow Tie, £150, all Dunhill, dunhill.com

opposite page

Brown Velvet Jacket, £795; White Shirt, £89; Silk Print Tassel Scarf, £395; Black Trousers, £200, all Ede & Ravenscroft, edeandravenscroft.co.uk

GROOMING

Danielle Ogilvie at Tiger Creative using Nuxe and Tommy Guns


STYLE | For Her

1. Louve De Nordneg

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Creative accessories label Louve De Nordneg showcases its innovation with digitally-created geometric prints featured in its Autumn/Winter collection. These stunning creations are made using 100 per cent fine wool, perfect for warding off the inevitable winter weather. D Abyssal Aura, £109, Louve De Nordneg, louvedenordneg.com

All Wrapped Up Whether it’s cashmere, linen, wool or silk, there’s no denying the scarf is practical, versatile and most certainly chic. This month we’ve selected three, which will effortlessly transform even the most basic outfits into some truly glamorous looks.

2. Alexander McQueen AND Damien Hirst A collaboration between fashion power-house Alexander McQueen and art colossus Damien Hirst has resulted in a stunning collection of printed cashmere, twill and chiffon scarves. Owing to Hirst’s Entomology collection, bugs and insects have been worked into geometric patterns. D Silk Twill Scarf, £785, Alexander McQueen and Damien Hirst, alexandermcqueen.com

3. HermÈs

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No one does high quality scarves quite like Hermès. This neutral cashmere masterpiece will keep you well-protected from the elements while remaining a stylish fashion staple. Classic elegance for the traditionally chic City slicker. D Scarf in cashmere and zibeline, £405, Hermès, uk.hermes.com

style:HER

This season’s most wearable trends for the chicest woman about town

Hello Etro This Christmas, Italian fashion favourite Etro has teamed up with Indian artists Thukral and Tagra to create a limitededition collection named Mirabilia. A contemporary alternative to the paisley print which has been used masterfully by the house for just under 30 years, the collection incorporates striking pop culture graphics from the collaborating artists’ work. D Etro Mirabilia, from £150, Etro, etro.com

54 THE CITY december 2013

The perfect gift for the City fashionista this Christmas is Mark Shaw’s Dior Glamour. Documenting what is described as the “Divine Decade” of this couture powerhouse, from 1952-1962, Shaw’s coffee-table creation incorporates more than 130 of his own photographs depicting breathtaking Dior fashion. From the elaborate creations donned by Hollywood’s leading stars, to the seamlessly stylish couture spotted on the urbane streets of Paris, Shaw’s photography captures the essence of Dior’s inimitable style. D Dior Glamour by Mark Shaw, £70, Rizolli Publications, rizzoliusa.com

© Mark Shaw, Dior Glamour, Rizzoli New York 2013, courtesy of mptvimages.com

Distinctly Dior



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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COLLECTION TIMEPIECES | fine JEWELLERY | LUXURY GOODS

salon qp 2013 At the fifth annual SalonQP last month, industry heavyweights Jaeger-LeCoultre, Jaquet Droz and Vacheron Constantin represented the historic face of fine watchmaking and the likes of Meridian, Schofield and debutant Pinion highlighted the burgeoning state of British watchmaking. TAG Heuer dazzled with its impossibly innovative MikroPendulumS, as did Jaeger-LeCoultre with the world’s smallest mechanical wristwatch; Mühle Glashütte married precision engineering with functional design; and MeisterSinger’s Paleograph reignited our love of single-hand watches. If you’re listening, Mr Claus, we wouldn’t mind waking up to Zeitwinkel’s elegant 273° or Schofield’s glow-inthe-dark Blacklamp Carbon on Christmas morning.


In support of

Time for life – with two limited edition timepieces in support of Doctors Without Borders/ Médecins Sans Frontières. Each watch raises £100 for the Nobel Peace Prize winning humanitarian organization. And still these handcrafted mechanical watches with the red 12 cost the same as the classic Tangente models from NOMOS Glashütte. Help now, wear forever. £100 from every product sold is paid to Médecins Sans Frontières UK, a UK registered charity no. 1026588. NOMOS retailers helping to help include C W Sellors, Catherine Jones, Hamilton & Inches, Mappin & Webb, Orro, Perfect Timing, Russell & Case, Stewart’s Watches, Stuart Thexton, Watches of Switzerland, Wempe. Find these and other authorised NOMOS retailers at www.nomos-watches.com, or order online at www.nomos-store.com.

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COLLECTION

Harrods Expansion

Jay Z joins Hublot

Harrods has just unveiled its new and expanded Fine Jewellery Room – newsworthy here for the fact that it now includes an extended offering of fine watches. The revamp sees Piaget introduce its 60s-inspired Limelight Gala to the Knightsbridge address, while Cartier – who will be hosting an additional in-store pop-up until early January 2014 – showcases its magnificent Rotonde de AstroTourbillon Carbon Crystal, as well as the equally arresting Tank MC Skeleton, both with and without diamonds. In the same room, Hermes’ new boutique will be the brand’s first ever dedicated fine jewellery and watch boutique – something the brand has decided to celebrate by making its Arceau Full Pave timepiece exclusive to the store.

He’s rapped about rollies and is well-known for his predilection for APs but it’s with Hublot that Shawn Carter, aka Jay Z, has chosen to produce his own watches. Unveiled in Zurich, before being officially launched at Barneys New York last month, Shawn Carter Watches by Hublot comprises two 45mm timepieces, both on black alligator straps, one in yellow 18-karat gold (£23,300), the other in black ceramic (£12,600). Expect a case boasting Hublot’s usual fusion of highgrade materials and a stylishly refined dial adorned with the rapper’s starburst logo. We like. D hublot.com

D harrods.com

watches

For treasured timepieces, horological heirlooms and modern masterpieces, watch this space...

A Literary Tribute Next in IWC’s seemingly never-ending run of launches come two limited edition pilot’s watches. Designed to celebrate the 70th anniversary of aviator/novelist Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s Le Petit Prince – France’s favourite and most translated book – the Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Edition (right) comes in gorgeous red gold and is limited to 270 pieces. The equally arresting Pilot’s Watch Mark XVII Edition in stainless steel is limited to 1,000 pieces. “Your task is not to foresee the future, but to enable it,” de Saint-Exupéry once wrote. In keeping with his sentiments, part of the proceeds from sales will support the fight against illiteracy.

An Italian Affair Of all the motoring collaborations within the watchmaking industry, perhaps none come as authentic as that which exists between Chopard and Italian endurance race the Mille Miglia. It was while racing that Chopard’s co-president KarlFriedrich Scheufele met Andrea Zagato, owner of the renowned Italian bodywork specialist that bears his name. Now, as Chopard celebrates 25 years as the event’s official timekeeper, the brand gives us the Mille Miglia Zagato. The watchmaker provides the mechanical self-winding ‘engine’, while Zagato helped to create the ‘bodywork’; a 42.5mm steel case with either an all-black (£5,230) or rose gold bezel (£6,390). Only 500 pieces of each will be made. Let the race to the showroom begin. D chopard.com

D iwc.com

DECEMBER 2013 THE CITY 59


COLLECTION

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D 1 Admiral’s Cup AC-One 45 Chronograph, POA, Corum, corum.ch D 2 Leather Weekender bag, £1,400, Dom Reilly, domreilly.com D 3 Silk lapel velvet jacket,

£1,195, Burberry Prorsum, matchesfashion.com D 4 Spot-print silk braces, £130, Alexander Olch, mrporter.com D 5 Leather notepad with pen pod, £110, Graf von Faber-Castell, cultpens.com D 6 Lace and silk bowtie, £110, Marwood, marwoodlondon.co.uk D 7 Vernice patent-leather monk-strap brogues, £395, O’Keeffe, okeeffe-shoes.com D 8 Telescopic Umbrella with black maple crook, £65, Turnbull and Asser, turnbullandasser.co.uk D 9 Polka-dot silk pocket square, £60, Charvet, mrporter.com D 10 Martina silk-satin bow tie, £90, Dolce & Gabbana, dolcegabbana.com D 11 Leopard head cufflinks, £350, Holland and Holland, hollandandholland.com D 12 Travel watch roll, £125, Daines and Hathaway, dainesandhathaway.com

60 THE CITY december 2013


Swiss movement, English heart

Calibre JJ03 modification (Patent pending) of ETA 2893 self-winding movement / Personally assembled by Master Watchmaker, Johannes Jahnke and team at CW’s Swiss atelier / 2 x 24 hour time-zone display / 24 airport code identification and simultaneous world map indicator / 43mm, marine-grade, 316L polished steel case with sapphire crystal and transparent case-back / Ethically sourced, midnight blue, Louisiana alligator strap with Bader deployment

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RUN WILDbracelet london_UK 13/04/12 09.37 Pagina 2

From the Honeycomb Eternelle Ring Collection

33 Albemarle Street - Mayfair, London WIS 4BP - Tel. 020 7629 5616 MILANO, VENEZIA, FIRENZE, CALA DI VOLPE, CAPRI, PARIS, MONTE CARLO, LONDON, MOSCOW, NEW YORK, CHICAGO,ASPEN, BEVERLY HILLS, TOKYO, OSAKA, HONG KONG, SIDNEY WWW.BUCCELLATI.COM


COLLECTION

Garden of Roses

Members Only

Miranda Kerr dazzles as the new face of international crystal house Swarovski. Having forged relationships with luminaries from the milieu of fashion and jewellery, the supermodel was the perfect choice to represent the luxury brand. Shot by Nick Knight, the world-renowned British photographer has enhanced the modern component of Swarovski jewels; the youthful, fresh-faced Kerr is set against a backdrop of English garden roses and the accompanying TV ad features music by singer Pharrell Williams. Commenting on the campaign, Creative Director of Swarovski Ronnie Cooke Newhouse said: “Mix Miranda Kerr with home-grown English garden roses, Swarovski jewellery, Nick Knight photography, original Pharrell Williams music and you get beauty, warmth, coolness and desirability. Things we love…” And we love it too.

The world’s first jewellery club, Lulu’s, has arrived in Belgravia. While founders Desiree Fixler and Ian Wilson only began buying and selling their collection of pre-sold jewellery in the UK last year, their reputation has rapidly spread with British celebrities Laura Whitmore and Jade Parfitt endorsing their pieces at this year’s London Fashion Week. As well as announcing its new outlet in Beulah London on Elizabeth Street, the company also heralds its unique membership schemes; these offer 200 members exclusive access to its range of fine jewellery (including heritage Art Deco pieces and contemporary luxury brands such as Tiffany and Rolex, which have been previously sourced from collectors, dealers and individuals then restored), for an annual fee.

D swarovski.com

jewellery Jewels, gems, pearls and diamonds; the essential components of any lady’s jewellery collection Cutting Edge As of 25 November, Tiffany & Co’s Mayfair store has transformed into a Santa’s Grotto, overflowing with the House’s most popular gifts including the Tiffany Locks, Keys and Atlas collections, also available in the Royal Exchange boutique

Taking centre stage this year is a festive Christmas cracker filled with Jazz Age-inspired pieces, including a pearl tassel necklace and pink tourmaline ring, which serve no doubt to celebrate its involvement with this year’s hit film, The Great Gatsby. On 14 and 15 December, a spectacular bespoke mistletoe chandelier will cascade down the store’s spiral staircase, a sight not to be missed

D Tiffany & Co., 9 The Courtyard, Royal Exchange, tiffany.co.uk

D lulusestatejewellery.co.uk

The Gift of Giving Ethan & Co understands that giving a piece of jewellery to a loved one is about so much more than the piece itself. Therefore, as well as supplying its own collections, the newlylaunched jewellery brand also provides a tailored concierge service which brings to life the experience of giving and receiving a diamond. So whether you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion or even sky-write a proposal this Christmas, Ethan & Co is there to help with all the arrangements. D ethandiamonds.com

december 2013 THE CITY 63


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D 1 Why Not earrings in white gold set with oval-cut Burmese rubies and diamonds, POA, Adler, adler-joailliers.com D 2 Phenomena crest bracelet, POA, De Beers,

debeers.com D 3 Limelight ring in white gold set with diamonds, £11,100, Piaget, piaget.com D 4 1890s silver diamond rivière necklace, £24,000, Olivia Collings, net-a-porter.com D 5 Rose pendant in white gold set with diamonds, £3,970, Piaget, as before D 6 Multi-shape ruby and diamond necklace, POA, Graff, graffdiamonds.com D 7 Rhodium-plated cubic zirconia brooch, £195, Kenneth Jay Lane, net-a-porter.com D 8 Ruby chandelier earrings, POA, Graff, as before D 9 White diamond bracelet, POA, Shamballa Jewels, shamballajewels.com D 10 Oriental Princess clip, POA, Van Cleef & Arpels, vancleefarpels.com D 11 Lattice 18-karat

yellow gold and diamond rose earrings, £11,500, Annoushka, annoushka.com


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D 12 Royal bracelet with a white diamond pavé in white gold, POA, Shamballa Jewels, as before D 13 Trencadis earrings, POA, Adler, as before D 14 SJ Trio earrings,

£25,440, Shamballa Jewels, as before D 15 Phenomena Glacier 7 row bracelet, POA, De Beers, as before D 16 Gatsby necklace, £89,700, Messika, harrods.com D 17 Oval-cut ruby ring with brilliant and marquise cut diamonds in platinum, £250,000, Asprey, asprey.com D 18 & 19 Twirl cocktail ring in 18-karat white gold, £1,900,

and Como cushion maxi-drop earrings in 18-karat white gold, £2,500, both 77 Diamonds, 77Diamonds.com D 20 Aurora necklace, POA, Adler, as before D 21 Diamond swirl ring, £2,650, Astley Clarke Diamonds, astleyclarke.com D 22 Ruby half-band eternity ring, £4,600, Asprey, as before D 23 Ruby bracelet, POA, Annoushka, annoushka.com D 24 Ruby and diamond line bracelet, £17,000, Asprey, as before D 25 Limited-edition white stag art pendant, £2,850, Theo Fennell, 4 The Courtyard

DECEMBER 2013 THE CITY 65


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21/11/2013 17:00


WORK

business | finance | news | OPINION | INTERVIEWS

GET Down to Business Christmas is a time of good will to all men, and that includes buying the perfect yuletide gift for a client, colleague or boss. Fortunately, for those in search of such an item, bespoke writing instrument manufacturer Montblanc provides a suitably stylish solution. Offering a wide and varied selection of executive gifts, beginning with its signature fountain pens and branching out to similarly impeccable leather goods, watches and fragrance, this is a name for those looking to spoil and impress this festive season. Perhaps the crowning glory of this luxury brand, however, is its corporate personalisation service which creates a gifting provision for the most discerning of buyers. D Montblanc, montblanc.com


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Feature | work

The Great Migration Or perhaps, ‘The Great Rotation’ as experts are dubbing it. As news about the recovering economy continues to filter through, it seems investors are coming back to stocks, even in Europe. So what has changed? WORDS: ANDY ROSENBAUM

december 2013 THE CITY 69


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hat the pundits are calling “The Great Rotation” appears to have commenced. Investors are coming back to stocks after a long absence that had been driven by doubts about government responses to the financial crisis, and the search for higher yields. The great rotation is, strictly speaking, from bonds to stocks, but it includes the move from alternatives and from emerging markets as well. But what’s really happening is that investors are simply taking their money back home to simpler, more straightforward investments. “Investors are indeed reallocating to simpler things,” says analyst Paul Baiocchi. For now, the greatest inflows have been into US stocks. More than $100 billion has come back to American stock exchanges since the beginning of 2013, according to EPFR Global statistics. It drove the Dow to a record high at the beginning of August, and even the freak computer failure that shut down the Nasdaq on 22 August didn’t deter investor enthusiasm – that market saw volumes continue to rise as soon as it reopened. Now analysts are saying that the same trend is taking off in Europe. Some $1.6 billion has flowed into European equity funds tracked by EPFR in the week from 14 August - 21 August. That brought to almost $12 billion the total inflows since the start of July. There has been nothing like this since 2007. Certainly, there has been no ‘shock-and-awe’ economic data in Europe or the US to justify such investment. There has been a slow revival from recession in the US, with some slight improvement in unemployment. In Europe, we have just emerged officially from recession in the last quarter. What has seen marked improvement are corporate results. Thanks largely to cheap money on both sides of the

Atlantic, recent numbers have been good at many major corporations, and outlooks have also been somewhat positive. So what is driving this change? Essentially, investors are nervous about where the global economy is going, so they are bringing their money back home, back to what they know best. They are moving out of bonds, because changes in interest rates are already taking place – yields on Treasury bonds are already sharply higher, effectively pushing interest rates up in the US. They are moving out of emerging markets, because changes in Western centralbank monetary policy have made them risk averse. For about two years, Western investors have been discouraged by low returns both in the United States and Europe on equities. As a result, they took two different courses. Many simply sought out alternative investments, in the West and abroad. Others began pouring large sums into emerging markets. During this time, central banks in the West have pursued quantitative easing strategies, keeping interest rates at rock bottom and supporting the market with bond purchases. As the chart overleaf shows, investors took their money to emerging market equities, pushing inflows sharply higher there than they have been in the US and Japan, and very much higher than in Europe. Investors also moved heavily into emerging-market debt and currencies. But now, there is continual talk of ‘tapering.’ The

Investors are nervous about where the global economy is going, so they are bringing their money back home


Feature | work

US$ mill 140,000

Inflow into global equities since November 2012

SOURCE : EPFR

120,000 100,000 80,000 60,000 40,000 20,000 0 -20,000

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Federal Reserve was expected to taper off its QE policies this fall. This has driven investors to bring their cash home, in a hurry, pulling nearly $37 billion from emerging markets in just two months (May to June). As a result, India’s rupee and Brazil’s real are plunging, along with Indonesia’s rupiah, South Africa's rand and Turkey's lira, and alarms are going off again all around the world banking system. Similarly, over the past several years, investors have poured hundreds of billions of dollars into bond funds, having pulled them out of stocks. This made sense, because bonds became very attractive as a safe haven for investors when equity markets collapsed during the financial crisis of 2008. Given expectations on Wall Street for a pick-up in

economic growth in 2013, along with fears that the three-decade bull market in bonds is now drawing to a close, investors have started to do just the opposite. For the three months from June to August, investors pulled around $15 billion from bond funds. Bonds may not seem like an exotic investment, but they are a lot more complicated to handle than stocks for most investors. As for emerging-market investments, most Western investors clearly weren’t prepared to survive any market shocks. The result: most investors simply pulled their cash and took it back home to the companies they know and understand, and to markets they have learned to trust. All of this is probably good news for the City, and for the people who work there.

december 2013 THE CITY 71


BUBBLES & BUSINESS

Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger heads up one of the most prestigious Champagne houses in the world, a name synonymous with elegance and quality. He talks to Richard Brown about the delicate balancing act of protecting a brand’s history, being consistent in a changing world and buying back the family business Q. How does Taittinger remain distinct from other Champagnes? Taittinger is a chardonnay company, which means we believe in delicacy and elegance. We are known for producing very delicate wines, nothing too strong or heavy, this is the style of Taittinger and it is why and how we have become successful all over the world. Champagne is not only a wine but a symbol of elegance; at Taittinger we have always tried, and I hope succeeded, in producing top non-vintage Champagne, extremely regular, extremely consistent. Q. Is it possible to describe a typical Taittinger customer? A customer of Taittinger is first of all someone who knows about Champagne. They have chosen between several Champagnes and finally understood that this one is the one for them. The customer of Taittinger loves stability and consistency. Taittinger became Taittinger because of its consistency from decades to decades. Q. How has Champagne become the world’s most luxurious drink? For two reasons. First of all, our region gives us great grapes to produce a great sparkling wine. The second perspective is French history. Champagne was launched at Château Versailles, to please the King and the many great women around him, so there is a

sense of refinement behind that. We produce a wine of happiness in a land where we had important battles. Since the third century, Champagne has been invaded by the Romans, the English, by the Germans, for freedom by the Americans…it is a kind of magic that in this land full of blood, we produce a wine of happiness. Q. How does your heritage influence you now, and in the future? We always carry a heritage. When you are French, you carry the heritage of your country; I carry the heritage of my name and my family. I had two options, to build something else or continue the story. I did both because I had to buy back Taittinger in 2006 [the company had been sold to U.S. hotel group Starwood only the year before], so I am ending a heritage but I am also the founder of that heritage, because I bought back the company from scratch. I am from Champagne, and I wanted to continue this beautiful history. It has been a terrible fight back, a lot of energy depended on that, but I didn’t do it for the money, I did it for my duty to the name. Q. What are the advantages of a family business? We always see and work on the long term, we don’t go for the short-term profit. The responsibility on my shoulders is to maintain a top-quality wine and image for Taittinger. I am here for that. I am not here for a revolution, but an evolution, to develop the


Interview | WORK

name without changing the quality. We have a lot of new emerging markets today. When I started in the company, Champagne was only really bought in Europe and the US, but now we have other parts of the world buying Champagnes: Russia, South America, Asia.

will be working on pushing the new generation to move forward and to take over the reins of the company. I am a bit different to many managers; I don’t put my ego into being president. Not one of them calls me president, they call me Pierre-Emmanuel.

Q. Where are the most important markets for you at present? England is a great market because the English love Champagne. It’s in their blood. Champagne, by the way, is not French, it’s just Champagne. I don’t believe too much in countries in wines, I believe in names. And I don’t believe in nationalism with wines; we cannot say French wine vs. any others – it doesn’t work this way, you have good wines in those countries and bad wines. So I speak about names.

Q. You must be looking forward to the World Cup? Yes, but at my age I don’t permit nationalism. I go for the beautiful game. I want to see the best team winning. I don’t mind if it’s England, France, Germany – I love good football. It’s like a good wine, I don’t care which country it’s from. To make Champagne is an art, to make painting is art, music is art. Football is an art too, and I believe in names more than countries, so if you show me a fabulous player from England I will love him, just like a fabulous player from France.

Q. What do you most enjoy about your job? The human aspect. I am very much attached to the humanity of the team, the client, the people. I love to go into the vineyards and the cellars, to taste the blend and the vintage – it’s fabulous – but there would be no success without human talent and energy. Q. And what things do you worry about? Change of quality. For me, the quality has to remain. When I bought back the company, the bank who helped me said to me we have only one mission: to maintain and reinforce the quality. Can you imagine if they had said: you have to change the quality, make it more average, to multiply the sales by three? I would have been really annoyed. Q. What is your favourite Champagne? That’s an American question I don’t expect from an Englishman! It’s a question of my mood. Usually I drink a lot of Taittinger, but when I don’t drink Taittinger, I drink Moët & Chandon, because that is the most important rival company and it’s a barometer. In fact, I drink a lot of my great colleagues’ wines. Q. What have you got planned in the next two years as a company? To work very much on two things. First, Taittinger is the official Champagne of the World Cup, so it’s important that we are the official Champagne of FIFA and will be prominent in Brazil for some months. Also I

Q. What do you do with your spare time? I like to walk in the mountains, so my luxury is a pair of shoes. One day, even if I have nothing, a pair of shoes will still be affordable, and the mountains are free. I like mountains very much.

A matter of numbers… “Never forget that we produce only 300 million bottles of Champagne a year, no more. It’s a small production in a world of six billion people. If we consider that a good friend of Champagne is drinking three bottles a year, it’s only 100 million people in a world of six billion. Things will change a little – in planting a few more vineyards in 20 years we will be able to reach 400 million, but the sales, the global demand, will still be for four billion bottles. One objective for us is to remain an affordable luxury. We don’t want to go for crazy prices, I am against those. When I see that the price of a dish or a great bottle of any kind of wine is more than the salary of a nurse I think it goes too far. I like it when we obtain a price for the work we do, but not in excess.” taittinger.com

Q. What’s the biggest luxury you’ve ever bought yourself? A TGV train ticket changed my life. Before, journeys were an hour-and-a-half, now they are 45 minutes. None of my friends and I use a car any more; it makes the Champagne region much more friendly because we travel by train and meet the people of Champagne. Q. If you did drive, what car would it be? I would drive a small Audi because it is comfortable, solid and probably something I would like for Taittinger – consistent, reliable – the Germans are probably the best for consistency of cars. I will not say they are producing the most beautiful, because it’s a matter of taste, but for consistency and solidity I think they are. So I would drive a little Audi A4. But for the dream car, I would buy an Aston Martin Rapide S, because I think it’s a wonderful car. The name, the noise – I would adore to have this car. Q. What about watches? People are always amazed that I have a very simple watch. It’s one I bought for $80 at the airport, but so simple, and it’s very difficult to find one that simple, so I try not to lose it.

december 2013 THE CITY 73


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PLAY

MOTORING | GADGETS | sports

right on track Ducati, a name synonymous with the best motorcycles, has this winter launched a creation heralding a new era in superbikes. The 899 Panigale, unveiled in September this year, is set to revolutionise Ducati’s weighty superbike reputation. The model combines Ducati’s famed excitement-filled technology – complete with Ducati Quick Shift and Ducati Traction Control – with the refined aesthetic design of the everyday street bike, featuring the 1199 silhouette. This innovative new model marks a progressive stage in the development of Ducati prototypes, and the evolution of “Supermids”, a bike that performs as well on the race track as it does on the highway. D Ducati 899 Panigale, £12,495 Ducati, ducati.com


HANDY HELMET Morpher has launched the world’s first flat-folding helmet that is radically transforming cycle safety. With almost 20,000 cycling accidents occurring each year in the UK, the invention aims to encourage helmet use by making it easier to have one on hand. Developed by Jeff Woolf OBE, who has been awarded ‘British Inventor of the Year’ twice, the Morpher Helmet folds small enough to fit into a work bag or your typical laptop carrier. Far less cumbersome than your average helmet, it does indeed come in very handy. D morpherhelmet.com

COLOUR VISION Leica Camera AG has added a touch of colour to its Ultravid range of compact, high-performance binoculars, introducing the Colorline collection in time for Christmas. The Leica Ultravid 8 x 20 and 10 x 24 is now available in coloured leather trims with matching cases. There are six different colour options to choose from, including subtle aztec beige, dove blue, lemon yellow and cherry pink. D Ultravid Colorline Collection, £750, Leica, leica-camera.com

in the know

Be well-informed and well-equipped with our ultimate event and gadget guide

A SWING THING

FASHION WATCH

Improve your game with one of the most advanced golf swing analysis systems on the market, SwingSmart. This ultra-light, clever little device clips on to a golf club shaft and sends 3D swing data straight to your smartphone or tablet using Bluetooth technology.

Fashion icons Roland Mouret, Giles Deacon, Sophie Dahl and Kit Neale recently partnered with Sky to create a limited-edition collection for the Sky+HD 2TB box. Each box is inspired by the designers’ favourite genres; Sophie’s being romance, Roland’s being drama, Kit’s being nature and Giles’ being animation. These gorgeous designs feature on Sky’s best ever set top box, which have built-in Wi-Fi, providing simpler access to Catch Up TV and great TV box sets via On Demand from Sky.

D SwingSmart, £199, swingsmart.co.uk

Picture This

D Limited Edition Sky+HD 2TB box, £POA,

This Christmas, Nikon has released a novel creation that combines the technological brilliance of the contemporary D-SLR with the timeless aesthetic of the classic 35mm film camera. The DF, a hybrid of these two definitive Nikon characteristics, offers incomparable dynamic range and unparalleled light sensitivity, to take photography to new and exciting levels.

sky.com/designerboxes

D Nikon D9 D-SLR, £2,749, wexphotographic.com


News | play

MUSIC TO YOUR EARS Four sound systems that cater for all your audio needs

CLIP AND CLICK Sony has launched a new product that dramatically enhances the photo quality achieved by a smartphone. The Cyber-shot DSCQX100 transforms your average smartphone into a power-packed specialist camera, linking your phone via Wi-Fi and the latest version of Sony’s PlayMemories Mobile application. Using your smartphone’s screen as a real-time viewfinder, it may look like a lens, but this device is a complete camera in its own right. You don’t even need to have the phone and camera attached, you can place the Cyber-shot where you want it and fire the shutter from your mobile, which makes its perfect for capturing difficult angles. D QX100 Lens-Style Camera, £399, Sony, sony.co.uk

RUARK AUDIO R4i INTEGRATED MUSIC SYSTEM Fill a room with quality sound using this fuss-free, sophisticated, one-box music system. Even the most discerning listeners will be impressed with the R4i, which can dock all Apple products, both new and old, and features DAB radio and a CD player. D R4i Integrated Music System, £600, Ruark Audio, ruarkaudio.com

Tumi Treasures When figuring out what to buy your favourite gadget geek this yuletide, turn to the brand TUMI, equipped with a plethora of ingenious electronic formations, including accessories to maximise your electronic device’s travelling potential. The travel mouse and gun-metal wireless keyboard turn any Bluetooth device into a wellprepared, stylish-looking desktop creation. D Travel Mouse, £75, and Gun-metal Wireless Keyboard, £125, Tumi, tumi.com

MELODY STREAM Famous for its sound quality, Marantz’s Melody range is no exception, in fact it’s award-winning. The Melody Stream is a one-box wireless music system that offers unlimited access to music sources, is easy to use and connects to a Wi-Fi network with the touch of a button. Beyond its functionality, the Melody Stream boasts a striking, unique and elegant design. D Melody Stream, £329, Marantz, marantz.co.uk

MOTORING MUSIC Dynaudio’s all-new Puccini Sound System has been installed in Bugatti’s six exclusive edition Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse supercars, “Les Légendes de Bugatti”. The new sound system features an advanced design to meet the acoustic requirements of the new convertibles, delivering an outstanding musical experience, even when the roof is open. A combination of advanced materials and amplification has been used, with digital processing making the system truly exceptional, and truly in keeping with expectations that could only be met by Bugatti. D Puccini Sound System, £POA, dynaudio.com

DENON COCOON STREAM Denon has unveiled its brand new Cocoon Stream, a wireless music system that looks as good as it sounds. This ultra-sleek device streams across every mobile platform and lives up to the brand’s reputation of delivering exceptional sound quality. D Cocoon Stream, £250, Denon, denon.eu

DYNAUDIO XEO A brand renowned for offering a high level of craftsmanship, Dynaudio’s Xeo is an absolute testament to detail and expertise. This wireless music system is simple to set up and the sound is spectacular. Dynaudio’s award-winning products can be found in more than 10,000 recording studios worldwide, so you know you’re getting quality with Xeo. D Xeo, £1,365, Dynaudio, dynaudio.com

december 2013 THE CITY 77


play | News

keep up to date

JOIN THE CIRQUE

RISing TO THE CHALLENGE

Book tickets this festive season to a visual extravaganza taking place at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Cirque du Soleil’s Quidam, last seen at the esteemed venue in 2009, is a visual spectacular of acrobatics, aerial acts and unique lighting, celebrating the average person, the passer-by and the individual lost in the crowd.

Londoners, and applicants from across the country, took part in the Lord Mayor’s Cycle Challenge earlier in the year. Beginning at the steps of St Paul’s, where the bikes and their riders received a blessing from the Dean of the cathedral, partakers then rode along a picturesque 77-mile route from London to Oxford. In aid of a worthy cause, the challenge raised money for the Lord Mayor’s Appeal, a charity dedicated to helping our youth fulfill their potential.

D royalalberthall.com

D lordmayorssummercycle.com

FOR SERIOUS SPORT

This Christmas, celebrate in style at the urbane Spitalfields Music Winter Festival. Against a backdrop of the area’s stunning architecture and remote crevices, the event will take place 6-17 December and features a diverse mixture of music genres and multi-media installations. Alternating from seasonal to non-seasonal productions, these musical offerings range from Handel’s Messiah sung by The English Concert, to The Sixteen who will be performing a Ceremony of Carols.

‘It hydrates and fuels you better than water’, so the slogan goes. To find out how much better, The City Magazine put Lucozade Sport’s Elite range of gels, drinks and jelly beans to the test. Our resident runner took the challenge of completing two half-marathons, one while drinking water alone, the other while fuelled by Lucozade products. The difference was marked. The company’s Elite Dual Carb drink provided a noticeable boost of caffeine, whilst the 30 grams of carbohydrate offered in the easyto-take Dual Carb System gels kept tiredness and muscle fatigue at bay. Having eaten a strawberry and oats flapjack before the race, our runner not only recorded a PB, but had enough gas left in the tank to cycle the ten miles to home.

D spitalfieldsmusic.org.uk

D lucozadeshop.com

SEASONAL SPITALFIELDS

78 THE CITY december 2013


promotion

drive of your life Race for a chance to join the Exclusively Performance Car Club and seize the title of Performance Driver of the Year

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s Ron Dennis CBE famously said: “Second place simply makes you the first loser.” With the search to find London’s star performance car driver going full throttle, entrants will be given 12 minutes to complete as many laps of the Monaco Grand Prix course as possible, for a chance to join the Exclusively Performance Car Club, run by Ultimate Car Control. The definitive prize for the most serious petrol-head will be a series of exhilarating automotive adventures, worth up to £25,000. The challenge will kick-start with simulated qualification heats in the City of London at City Golf, where would-be Hamiltons and Buttons can qualify between 9.30am and 9pm, Monday to Friday before 25 April 2014. The minimal £50 qualification entry fee includes single entry into the qualifying stage of the London Performance Driver of the Year Challenge, two complimentary tickets to either Canary Wharf or Broadgate ice rinks, a complimentary drink and a personal tour of the City Golf facility and a free trial lesson at City Golf. After moving onto the Monaco Grand Prix course, the top 200 drivers with the best qualifying times will be invited to join the Exclusively Performance Car Club, with a membership worth nearly £1,000, which includes the track day challenge to compete to become the Performance Driver of the Year. The challenge will take place at the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) road research test track facility in Berkshire. After an instructional briefing, members will take the Ultimate Track Day Driving Challenge on the pre-designed performance circuit using all aspects of the TRL test facility. A two-and-a-half-mile track circuit will provide a non-stop driving challenge incorporating speed, precision, reaction, handling and control phases over a number of distances and surfaces. The winner will be the driver who completes the course in the fastest cumulative time once penalties have been factored in. On top of the track day, Car Club members will also

be the first to hear about new driving experiences, ticket information and special promotions to new and existing car events, invitations to all Exclusively Events throughout the year and an invitation to join the Exclusively Privilege Club to receive amazing luxury lifestyle privilege offers. Or for just £2,195 per person you can join the Exclusively Performance Car Club for a year and hire a supercar of your choice to drive to and from the track day challenge. The overall winner will be named (London) Performance Driver of the Year in May 2014 and will receive a year-long package of experiences, events and activities for 12 months they’ll never forget, introducing the winner to every aspect of the driving world. They will get to drive exotic cars, single seat racers, cars of the future, all-terrain vehicles, go-karts, rally cars and many more during their ultimate automotive year. Beyond that, the winner of the title, and prizes worth more than £25,000, could go to the Monaco Grand Prix, drive around the Nürburgring in Germany, take part in the Goodwood Festival of Speed, be a guest at the Top Gear TV show, visit an F1 Factory or drive a luxury supercar for a week. In addition, former racing car driver Robb Gravett will provide personal tuition to take the winner from novice driver and prepare him or her to enter a proper amateur car race. Gravett says: “Ultimate Car Control is delighted to be supporting the groundbreaking quest to find London’s premier driver. It will actively support the most exciting and innovative driving concept to emerge in recent years.” D Terms and conditions and rules apply. The official event qualifying venue is City Golf, Coleman Street, London EC2R 5EH, 020 7796 5960, info@citygolfclubs.com. You can book a pre-arranged qualifying time slot at City Golf by contacting event organisers Ultimate Car Control on 0845 459 1002, admin@ ultimatecarcontrol.com. D Visit performancedriveroftheyear.com for more information. Partnered by Ultimate Car Control, ultimatecarcontrol.com, Exclusively Events, exclusivelyevents.co.uk, Runwild Media Group, rwmg.co.uk, City Golf, citygolfclubs.com, Breast Cancer Care FAB1, fab1million.co.uk. Sponsored by SCH Car Hire, seasoncars.com, ExFex, exfex.com

december 2013 THE CITY 79


silent running

Enjoy Porsche power without a guilty conscience in the most convincing electric/petrol hybrid yet words: matthew carter

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here’s something spooky about this. I’m bustling along at… well let’s just say at the legal limit… in near silence. There’s a bit of wind noise and a little tyre roar but no, and I mean absolutely no, engine noise. Yet this is a Porsche Panamera, a 167 mph grand tourer with a supercharged three-litre engine under the bonnet. There are more apparent contradictions with this extraordinary machine: despite being able to rocket to 60 mph from rest in under 5.5 seconds, it returns 91.1 mpg and produces just 71 g/km of CO2 emissions. And that means it can get into London’s congestion zone for free. The key to these remarkable figures lies in the badging. If you can forgive the unpleasant Day-Glo lime highlighting, the legend on the back and sides of the car says ‘e-hybrid’. And it’s the ‘e’ bit that’s important. There’s been a hybrid version of Porsche’s fourdoor/four-seater before, but like all hybrids it was virtually useless at the job it was meant to do. A small electric motor supplemented the conventional petrol engine which, in theory, meant it

could be used as an EV in town and a, er, proper car on the open road. In reality, the electric motor and battery were too small to make much difference. In theory you could get up to around 50 mph on battery power alone, but the range was tiny. And one twitch on the throttle pedal would wake up the petrol engine and the EV element would shut down. The E-Hybrid is different. It’s a plug-in Hybrid and, as before, the battery can be recharged by the petrol engine but, importantly, this time it can also be plugged into the mains like a pure EV. There’s more good news. A bigger electric motor produces 95 hp, or more than twice the power of the previous unit and there’s a new lithium-ion battery that has more than five times the energy capacity of the nickel metal hydride battery used before. The results are astonishing. For a start, the top speed on electric power alone goes up to 84 mph and it can travel more than 20 miles in EV mode… hence those mpg and emissions figures. It really does mean you can drive across town on electric power only, producing no emissions to pollute the atmosphere, and then revert to petrol power for the rest of your journey.


Motoring | play

Best of all, on the longer part of the journey the battery will be recharged by the petrol engine, allowing you to revert to electric power as you reach your destination. And, if you then deplete the battery completely, at journey’s end you can plug it into the grid and be assured of a fully charged battery for the following morning. Driving it couldn’t be easier. It starts in electric mode by default with the petrol engine only cutting in if there is insufficient battery charge, or harder acceleration is needed. Deactivate the E-Power button, however, and the hybrid mode kicks in to provide an operating system that automatically switches between the various drive modes to deliver the most efficient method of propulsion. Should you want the complete Porsche experience, though, simply press the Sport button. This unleashes the full 333 hp from the supercharged petrol engine which is given an added boost from the electric motor, meaning a total of 416 hp is on offer. Once you’ve got the need for neck-snapping acceleration out of your system, you can revert to E-Charge mode where the high-voltage battery is recharged as you drive along. That sounds like a lot of buttons to press and driving modes to identify, but in reality it’s an elegantly simple system. It might have taken years to perfect but it really does work. Compromises? None to speak of. As some of the hybrid paraphernalia is housed in the rear of the car, the boot is not quite as large as ‘ordinary’ Panameras and that virulent green for the badges, kick plates and even the instrument needles takes a little getting used to. But that’s about it. The E-Hybrid is perhaps the most significant newcomer in this, the second generation Panamera range. In typical Porsche fashion the visual changes that differentiate the newcomer from the original (launched in 2009) are small: new headlights and larger air intakes at the front and a new tailgate with a wider rear window. You really need the old and new side by side to spot all the differences. Somehow, though, the largely unchanged silhouette is less controversial now… even if it is still too wide to tackle back lanes or narrow side streets without extreme caution. The simple fact is that there are now so many around – it’s Porsche’s second best-selling model globally behind Cayenne – that we’ve got used to it. From behind the wheel it’s still a remarkable way to

VEHICLE SPECS Car: Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid Price: £88,967 Engine: Front-mounted, 2,995, V6 petrol, plus synchronous electric motor, direct injection, turbocharged Power: 416 hp (333 hp petrol + 95 hp electric) Performance: 167 mph max, 0-62 mph in 5.5 secs Drive: Rear-wheel drive, eightspeed automatic

travel. Extremely comfortable for four – there are only two seats in the rear, not three – it simply eats the miles: it’s the epitome of the Gran Turismo. The power from the supercharged V6 is smooth and plentiful and when boosted by the electric motor, progress is exceptional. But it’s the uncanny speed, silence and clean running of that electric motor that really sets the E-Hybrid apart from the rest. So at £89,000 (or to put that into perspective some £26k more than the best-selling Panamera Diesel), is it a sensible buy? That depends on your values. If you want to make a genuine contribution to lowering emissions, like the idea of not having to pay the congestion charge every time you stray into the centre of town and enjoy the sound of silence, then yes it is. There are no two ways about it; this is the most convincing hybrid I’ve driven. Yet.

december 2013 THE CITY 81


PLAY | Motoring

concept to production The second chapter in the F-type story is about to begin WORDS: Matthew Carter

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ike the looks of the Jaguar F-type but don’t like convertibles? This could be the answer. To no one’s great surprise, Jaguar has turned its award-winning convertible two-seater into a coupé… and the hardtop version promises to be even better-looking. Better to drive, too, it seems. With a more rigid and lighter shell, Jaguar has been able to make the F-type Coupé even more driver-focused than the Cabrio. Although the engine line-up is likely to match the soft-top’s V6 and V8 range, more extreme versions will be developed thanks to the coupé’s ability to handle more power. Jaguar bullishly says: “The F-type Coupé is the most dynamically capable, performancefocused, production Jaguar ever.”

82 THE CITY DECEMBER 2013

At the time of going to press, all Jaguar had revealed was this overhead teaser shot of the new car – and it’s likely the full-length panoramic glass roof will be an extra cost option – but insiders say the finished article is very similar to the C-X16 concept car first shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2011. There’s no word on prices yet, but it is likely the Coupé will be more expensive than the Cabrio, rather than the other way around. Designer Ian Callum said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the positive reaction to the F-type convertible, but for me the purity of creating a sports coupé is a uniquely satisfying process – and I know that both visually and dynamically, the F-type Coupé raises the bar yet again.”


Just a couple of hours from home. And yet a world away.

w w w. a u s t r i a . i n f o

Yo u r p e r s o n a l H o l i d a y I n f o r m a t i o n L i n e : 0845 101 1818 (calls charged at local rates)


POLES APART A team from the oldest insurers in the world, Willis Group, is joining up with teen polar explorer Parker Liautaud to explore the impact of climate change in a record-breaking and history-making expedition to the South Pole WORDS: TIFFANY EASTLAND

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t’s easy to understand the fascination with Expedition marks his fourth polar expedition in four Antarctica; after all, the continent is the coldest, years. In fact, Liautaud was just 14 when he completed windiest and most elevated on Earth, yet it’s also the first, under the guidance of explorer Robert Swan. the driest, making it, rather surprisingly, the largest The following year, Liautaud made an attempt to desert in the world. The fact that the sun rises in become the youngest person to walk to the North September and doesn’t set until March, when the Pole, but was forced to turn back when his expedition continent is thrown into darkness encountered extreme weather for six months, is in itself intriguing. conditions – frustratingly, they had So, while one might not share Parker been within just 15 miles of the Pole. Liautaud’s desire to trek through the In the true spirit of a determined harshest and most unforgiving terrain explorer, Liautaud resolved to try known to man, it’s most certainly again and by the time he was 18, inspiring, particularly when you he had completed a total of three discover he’s just 19 years old. expeditions to the North Pole. This month, the teen explorer and A passionate climate change climate campaigner will take to the campaigner, Liautaud explains that icy shores of Antarctica in a bid to the significance of this expedition break the speed record and become extends beyond the history he the youngest man to transit from hopes to make: “People talk about the coast to the South Pole by foot. creating solutions to climate change Liautaud will do so with the support for future generations – we are of global risk adviser and insurance the future generation, so it’s really and reinsurance broker Willis Group. important that we’re involved.” Departing the Ross Ice Shelf on During his expedition, Liautaud 3 December with expedition partner will deploy and test a lightweight Doug Stoup, Liautaud will travel 397 weather station which has miles (640km) on skis, towing 82kg never been used in Antarctica. of equipment and supplies, as they The weather station will relay face sub-zero temperatures. Viewers meteorological data every 30 around the world will be able to follow minutes and provide a means to Liautaud on this incredible journey improving our understanding of through a live online broadcast, the changing climate. Furthermore, capable of reaching an audience of Liautaud will collect snow samples millions. A custom-designed vehicle to test the isotopic composition of Parker Liautaud will trail the pair at a distance and Antarctic snow at various depths. enable round-the-clock media engagement, making According to the British Antarctic Survey, the Liautaud the most accessible polar explorer ever. Antarctic Peninsula is one of the fastest-warming In order to break the speed record set by Norwegian parts of the planet, making the samples critical to explorers Ottar Haldorsen and Jacob Palmer Meland, ongoing climate research. Liautaud must average 18 miles (30km) a day for up We wish Liautaud all the best as he embarks on to 22 days, an enormous challenge that would only be this incredible journey and look forward to closely attempted by the most experienced polar explorers. following him as he attempts to conquer each Liautaud may only be 19 but the Willis Resilience challenge that lies ahead.

“People talk about creating solutions to climate change for future generations – we are the future generation, so it’s important that we’re involved”


Adventure | PLAY

FRONTLINE SUPPORT While Liautaud sources vital data, the Willis Group is at the frontline of helping people and businesses withstand extreme weather conditions and rebuild their lives when disaster strikes. As the insurance broker for the first Lunar Rover, and the lead broker for the reconstruction of lower Manhattan, Willis has a long history of supporting clients to explore new frontiers, mitigate natural and man-made risks and achieve what some declare impossible. Dominic Casserley, CEO of Willis Group, says, “We look forward to cheering Parker on as he embarks on what will be not just an extraordinary adventure, but a true test of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.�

DECEMBER 2013 THE CITY 85


L U X U RY S H O P P I N G & D I N I N G

LOOK TO LINKS In 1990, a London restaurateur commissioned the manufacture of a rather bizarre but brilliant pair of sterling silver cufflinks to gift to their loyal diners. Who would have thought that the simple request, for a pair of fish cufflinks, would result in the birth of what is today the illustrious global jeweller Links of London? Apparently buyers at the exclusive London department store Harvey Nichols knew something good when they saw it. When they first caught sight of these fishy friends, they ordered a whole collection ­—

Too Good to Transform Hermès has long held a reputation for producing beautiful objects from the finest materials. In 2010, Pascale Mussard, a member of the sixth generation of the Hermès family, established Petit h, a series of unique objects transformed and crafted from the brand’s discarded materials. Whilst innovative and new, the collection is in keeping with the true values of Hermès,

and well, the rest is history. Whilst the brand has certainly expanded to offer much more than a family of fish, Links of London continues to offer perfect gift ideas. Boasting a beautiful collection of men’s and women’s jewellery in sterling silver and 18-carat gold, not to mention an iconic range of charms and charm bracelets, you’re bound to find a treasure for those worth spoiling this Christmas. Pearlescent pink enamel and freshwater pearls feature big in the Night Time

embodying creativity, wit, functionality and elegance. For the first time, Petit h is offering exclusive items to honour British traditions and the nation’s sense of humour. Designer and artist Faye Toogood of Studio Toogood has created special scenography for the Petit h London project, which is showcased in the Bond Street store until 7 December. hermes.com/petith

W W W. T H E R O YA L E X C H A N G E . C O . U K

Garden collection, while the Autumn/ Winter catalogue offers an extensive range of statement drop earrings and delicate keepsakes. If you’re looking for something for a colleague or client, discover the new leather or silver-plated accessories; they’ll truly impress and make the perfect gift for the fast-paced professional. Links of London is also offering its customers a festive incentive, gifting a free pair of pavé diamond earrings when £200 or more is spent in-store. linksoflondon.com


SIX OF THE BEST

Shoe Shine 

Buckle Up 

Sweet at Heart 

For more than 130 years, Crockett & Jones has been credited with producing the country’s finest footwear for men and women. This Christmas, its offering an array of luxurious gift ideas, and for the man who has it all, a practical yet stylish shoe kit, containing an extensive range of shoe care products and accessories.

This alligator belt has been crafted by Giovanni, the senior cutter at Harrys of London, who boasts more than 40 years’ experience hand-making shoes and belts. The skins used to make this and other luxurious wardrobe staples from Harrys of London has been sourced from sustainable Louisiana farm-raised alligators, never from the wild.

Satisfy those chocolate cravings and indulge in a decadent creation from Paul A. Young Fine Chocolates this festive season. Treat yourself or others, share, or don’t share, just be sure to sample his festive favourites. Using traditional and contemporary ingredients, Paul has truly triumphed. Paul A. Young Fine Chocolates, The Ultimate

Crockett & Jones, Luxury Wooden Box, £495

Harrys of London, Hand-cut Alligator Belt, £690

Chocolate Lover’s Hamper, £142

The Sung Hero 

Get Personal 

Brace Yourself 

England’s own Penhaligon’s has unveiled its 2013 Christmas Collection, which was inspired by traditional Victorian music boxes. Each of the ornamented tin boxes feature beautiful illustrations of singing mechanical birds and contain an array of gorgeous scented treasures. The star is the Christmas Hero Box, a stunning, rotating music box.

On 25 December, spoil someone special with a beautiful leather gift from Smythson. Celebrating 125 years, Smythson offers a large selection of leather accessories that make the perfect gifts for clients, colleagues or loved ones at Christmas. Make it truly unique, with Smythson’s personalisation service and have the leather embossed.

Tateossian has unveiled a beautiful bracelet, featuring an eyecatching rhodium-plated, sterling silver button clasp. Detailed with contemporary diamond dust, or genuine 22-carat gold leaf, the outer edge features Tateossian’s signature diamond pattern. Available in three lengths and three colourways, this is a special piece indeed.

Penhaligon’s, Christmas Hero Box, £30

Smythson, Leather Goods, from £70

Tateossian, Silver Diamond Button Bracelet, £210

AGENT PROVOCATEUR • ARTISAN FINE ART GALLERY • BOODLES • Bremont • BVLGARI • CHURCH’S • CROCKETT & JONES • GRAND CAFÉ • GUCCI • HARRYS OF LONDON HERMÈS • IMPERIAL CITY • JO MALONE LONDON • JONES LANG LASALLE• KIEHL’S SINCE 1851 • KOJIS • LINKS OF LONDON • LORO PIANA • L’OCCITANE • LULU GUINNESS MEZZANINE LOUNGE • MOLTON BROWN • MONTBLANC • OMEGA • PAUL A. YOUNG FINE CHOCOLATES • PAUL SMITH • PENHALIGON’S • PRETTY BALLERINAS ROYAL EXCHANGE JEWELLERS • SAGE BROWN FINE LEATHER • SAUTERELLE RESTAURANT • SEARLE & CO JEWELLERS • SMOKER’S PARADISE SMYTHSON • TATEOSSIAN • THEO FENNELL • TIFFANY & CO. • WATCHES OF SWITZERLAND • WATCHFINDER & CO.

THE ROYAL EXCHANGE, BANK, CITY OF LONDON, EC3V 3LR. STORE TRADING HOURS 10AM - 6PM. RESTAURANTS & BARS 8AM - 11PM


It’s starting to look a lot like Christmas at Broadgate Celebrate the festive season in style at Broadgate this year. The ice rink and brand new pop-up bar, BAR BBQ on Ice, provides the perfect place for parties, fun with the family and romantic nights out. With a fantastic range of shops nearby, you can also grab some last-minute Christmas shopping

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roadgate Ice Rink has returned to Broadgate this winter for its 28th year in a brand new location — Exchange Square. Just a two-minute walk from Liverpool Street Station and surrounded by dazzling Christmas decorations, shops, bars and restaurants, the ice rink is perfectly located for a day out with friends and family or a post-work skate with colleagues. Open daily until 27 February, you can book your tickets online now to guarantee your preferred date and time. For those wanting to improve their skating skills, qualified skating instructors are on hand to teach

you how to glide across the ice like a pro. See the website (and opposite page) for contact details and prices. Little ones new to the ice can get help from the ice rink’s ‘penguin skate aids’, which will be waddling onto the ice on a first-come-first-served basis – please book to avoid disappointment. Nestled next to the rink is another new addition to Broadgate this season. BAR BBQ ON ICE will be serving a mouthwatering menu from the charcoal grill and woodburning oven alongside craft beers, cocktails and winter warmers, plus something for the kids. The heated outdoor viewing gallery is the best spot to watch all the action on the ice during the crisp winter evenings — open to all, whether skating or not.


promotion

d CHRISTMAS SHOPPING d Broadgate is home to a great range of shops and restaurants including Links of London, Reiss, Timberland, Space NK Apothecary, Swatch and many many more. Also being so close to Spitalfields Market, there is plenty to keep shopaholics busy in the lead-up to Christmas. Festive foodies should drop by the special Christmas Artisan Market in Finsbury Avenue Square, from 16-18 December to sample seasonal delights from London’s best independent stalls.

d PARTY BOOKINGS d Looking for somewhere to celebrate the festive season? Broadgate Ice Rink and BAR BBQ ON ICE can cater for group bookings and exclusive hire. Get in touch for information about group discounts and party packages at ice@broadgate.co.uk and events@barbbqonice.com

d Ticket Information d 4 November 2013 – 27 February 2014 Open daily 10am – 10pm (last skate at 9pm) Closed 25 December, open 26 December 11am-6pm Exchange Square, Broadgate, EC2A 2BQ BOOKINGS broadgate.co.uk/ice* 0845 653 1424 At the Broadgate Ice Rink box office in Exchange Square TICKET PRICES

d Dates for the Diary d Live music every Wednesday and Thursday at BAR BBQ on Ice 14 December: Skate with Santa 16-18 December Christmas Artisan Market in Finsbury Avenue Square

Adult: £12.50 Children (aged 4-13): £8.50** Concession: £10.00 (NUS and 60+)*** Family: £33.50 (2 Adults + 2 Children / 1 Adult + 3 Children) Season tickets: £180 for adults; £95 for children**** Group discount: Buy 10 tickets, get one free *A £2.50 booking fee applies for each online transaction **Children under 13 must be accompanied on the ice by an adult aged 16 and over ***Please bring ID and an NUS card ****Available at the box office

december 2013 THE CITY 89


Dining in

canary wharf From seasonal Scottish fare at Boisdale and Spanish delights at Iberica, to romantic nights at Plateau and New Year celebrations at Roka, discover the best of dining in Canary Wharf this festive period

Las Vegas comes to Boisdale of Canary Wharf

Boisdale of Canary Wharf is as close as you’ll get to a true Highland Fling in London. The Christmas festivities are an absolute must with the Iconic Vegas Christmas Show from 4 until 21 December and Elvis in Vegas on New Year’s Eve, where you can start the night with cocktails and welcome 2014 in style. The sounds of the Rat Pack are recreated by a nine-piece big band every night of the week during the Vegas-themed extravaganza, led by music patron Jools Holland’s sax star Pete Long. If you’re heading to Boisdale of Canary Wharf for New Year’s Eve, why not end the night in Sin City style with a cigar and whisky on the restaurant’s terrace? Boisdale of Canary Wharf, Cabot Place 020 7715 5818

New Year’s Eve at Roka

When Rainer Becker, award-winning chef behind celebrity hotspot Zuma, opened a new restaurant in Canary Wharf, the city sat up and took note. Four years on, his take on the beautiful, age-old Japanese tradition of Robatayaki remains a firm favourite each and every day of the week. This year, to highlight Tokyo’s eclectic urban street culture, the restaurant will be welcoming Tokyo Underground to its animated confines on New Year’s Eve. Staff will be dressed in a punk rock style, while scaffolding beams and lit street art transports you to the east. Enjoy the à la carte menu or a tasting menu (from £98) in a vibrant atmosphere complete with a DJ and percussionist on the night. Roka, The Park Pavilion 020 7636 5228


RESTAURANT A Room with a view at Plateau Restaurant, Bar & Grill

Whisk your loved-one to Plateau this Christmas and enjoy panoramic views over Canada Square Park and Canary Wharf’s spectacular ice rink. The restaurant’s two terraces are heated and covered; one of which features a pop-up bar that lends itself perfectly to chilled glasses of Champagne. Sommelier Tomasz Kruszernuk can also be called upon to impart his expert advice into the wine list’s 250 offerings. Boasting stylish interiors and breath-taking vistas, Plateau Restaurant Bar & Grill is an iconic destination perfect for romantic evenings. Look out over the twinkling lights of Canary Wharf as you feast on fresh lobster, duck or snails, or choose the set menu, designed by head chef Allan Pickett. French food never looked so good. Plateau Restaurant, Bar & Grill, Canada Place 020 7715 7100

One Canada Square Now Open

Having opened in the lobby of One Canada Square last month, this eponymous eatery is the restaurant on every foodlover’s lips right now. With a head chef from The Ivy at the helm, the exceptionally talented Jamie Dobbin, the bar and restaurant not only boasts an exquisite David Collins-designed interior, but the best in modern European fare. The menu has been designed by Tom and Ed Martin (creators of The Botanist on Sloane Street), and includes salt-baked grouse, delicious ceviches and a fantastic cocktail menu served under Art Deco-inspired chandeliers. Pay a visit for a meeting over a power breakfast, for a post-work tipple, a relaxed dinner or leisurely brunch. One Canada Square Restaurant & Bar 020 7559 5199

www.canarywharf.com

@yourcanarywharf


RESTAURANT

For a taste of Spain, make for Ibérica

To avoid the turkey and stuffing this festive period, pay a visit to Ibérica Canary Wharf. Providing Spanish classics and a Michelin-starred chef, there’s very little not to love about this restaurant gem. Diners are transported instantly to the continent without ever leaving the Wharf, their appetites safely in the hands of Executive Chef Nacho Manzano (chef patron of 2 Michelin-starred Casa Marcial in Asturias, Spain) and his protégé Cesar Garcia. With no Brussels sprouts in sight, the menu offers traditional dishes such as Croquetas de Jamon and a selection of paellas, though the more adventurous can experiment with such intriguing creations as beetroot and red fruit gazpacho with cheese ice cream or tempura of spring onion with aioli and soy sauce. The wine list includes several varieties available only at Ibérica outside of Spain itself, while the three types of Jamón Ibérico are carved to order and lend an unmatched sense of authenticity to the experience. Ibérica Canary Wharf, Cabot Square 020 7636 8650

Family Fun at Tom’s Kitchen

Newcomer Tom’s Kitchen offers a number of different brunch options. Whether you fancy granola and fruit, something substantial like the Full English or the guilty pleasure of a plate of crisp Belgian waffles with blueberry compote and Chantilly cream, Tom’s Kitchen will get your day off to a great start. Christmas is nearly upon us and at this time of year, there are few things that can beat a hearty meal and some great wine. And that’s exactly what you’ll find at Tom’s Kitchen, the modern British brasserie located in Westferry Circus. Opened by leading head chef Tom Aikens earlier this year, the Canary Wharf branch of Tom’s Kitchen is fast becoming a favourite among visitors. ‘Informed yet informal’ is how its website describes it, which serves expertly executed signature British fare in a relaxed, friendly environment. Kids can make the most of the restaurant’s playroom and children under 10 even eat for free. Tom’s Kitchen, 11 Westferry Circus 020 3011 1555

www.canarywharf.com

@yourcanarywharf




food&drink WINE | DINe | NEWS | REVIEWS

Eat, Drink & Be Merry Few things dominate the festive season like food and drink, and finding the perfect location to share with friends and family has never been easier, thanks to City establishment The Folly. An ideal venue to soak up yuletide cheer, The Folly boasts a selection of traditional and inventive dishes to suit every gastronomic requirement. For classic Christmas fare, enjoy a time-honoured roast Norfolk bronze turkey dinner, or pan-fried sea bass with crayfish risotto if you’re looking for an alternative festive feast. Indulge in the definitive Christmas pudding, complete with brandy sauce for dessert, while you sip mulled wine and enjoy the vast selection of alcoholic beverages on offer. D The Folly, Gracechurch Street, thefollybar.co.uk


THE FESTIVE SPIRIT Pernod Absinthe and French DJs Maison Kitsuné have teamed up for a new creative collaboration to re-launch the original formulation of absinthe this Christmas. Gildas Loaëc and Masaya Kuroki, the electro duo behind Maison Kitsuné, have designed the limited-edition bottle, of which only 1,000 have been released. Each bottle also offers fans a free download of Is Tropical, an exclusive track, making this the perfect gift for absinthe and music lovers everywhere.

CHAMPAGNE WORTH CELEBRATING Selfridges and Hedonism Wines are giving Champagne aficionados the opportunity to enjoy three truly spectacular vintages at home with friends and family this festive season. Family-owned Champagne Bruno Paillard, previously enjoyed out-and-about by City diners, is now stocked by the two retailers, who are offering beautifully boxed up bottles that make the perfect festive gift. D Champagne Bruno Paillard, £49.99 for Brut Premiere Cuvée NV / £64.99 for Blanc de Blancs Grand

D Pernod Absinthe Limited-Edition, £45,

Cru NV and Rosé Premiere Cuvée NV,

sipstor.co.uk

selfridges.com

food&drink The best that fine-dining has to offer, right on your doorstep

FROM CUMBRIA TO CLARIDGE’S

There’s a new name on the Mayfair club scene. City slickers on the hunt for some West End revelry no longer need to rely on the likes of Whisky Mist and Mahiki to provide some mid-week mayhem. Open on Thursdays (and Fridays and Saturdays too), Conduit Street’s No. 41 aims to become the destination du jour among London’s It crowd by providing an ‘unrivalled nu-disco music programme.’ Outside, you’ll find the entrance to the ‘hidden’ No. 41 via a door next to the Westbury Hotel. Inside, Corinthian columns, shimmering chandeliers and faux renaissance art work will remind you that you’re very much in international Mayfair.

Claridge’s has announced that Simon Rogan will take the helm at the new restaurant opening in spring 2014, replacing Gordon Ramsay at Claridge’s. Rogan’s flagship restaurant L’Enclume in Cartmel, Cumbria, has two Michelin stars and was recently named ‘Best Restaurant in the UK’ by the Good Food Guide 2014, and ‘Restaurant of the Year’ at the 2013 Observer Food Monthly Awards. On top of these accolades, Rogan is widely considered to be one of the UK’s most inventive and exciting chefs. We can’t wait for his arrival at Claridge’s.

D no41mayfair.com

D claridges.co.uk

WEST END DECADENCE


News | Food&Drink

new openings

FESTIVE FUN ON THE 40TH FLOOR Most restaurants rely on one USP. Duck & Waffle needn’t limit itself. In addition to being the highest eatery in the UK, it’s open 24-hoursa-day and serves some of the most unique food in London. Book a private dining room this Christmas and enjoy the views, and the food, free of hire fees. And whatever you do, try the restaurant’s eponymous dish.

THE SIGN OF THE DON

D duckandwaffle.com

thedonrestaurant.com

The Sign of the Don is the latest venture of Robyn and Robert Wilson, founders of London’s Bleeding Heart and The Don restaurants. The new bistro and bar opened its doors last month, adjacent to The Don Restaurant, on the site of the original Sandeman port and sherry cellars. Chef James Walker and his experienced team are serving up a must-try menu of exceptional modern European cuisine, matched by an impressive selection of accessible fine wines. D The Sign of the Don, St Swithin’s Lane,

FAR ROCKAWAY review

Subtlety and the City An intimate hideaway in the heart of the City, Aimee Latimer visits the Royal Exchange’s Sauterelle

Far Rockaway opened last month against the urbane trendy backdrop of London’s Shoreditch, bringing New York food and culture to the capital. Delicious American fare, live DJs and an impressive showcase of artistic talent put this new establishment on the path to becoming London’s hottest new haunt. D Far Rockaway, Shoreditch, farrockaway.co.uk

LODGE D’ARGENT

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he acoustics in Sauterelle are wonderful; chatter over the restaurant’s square tables is easy, yet you can’t hear the next table, nor the busy Grand Café, which sits in the Royal Exchange’s atrium below. Long and narrow in size, Sauterelle’s white-cloth tables with electric-blue armchairs are intimately spaced throughout a cosy dining room. Food is plentiful and the waiters attentive, generously serving three choices of bread, with the understanding you’re in for the night, being as it is the type of restaurant to offer you an amusebouche with which to study the menu, rather than glaring while you finish your dessert. Head chef Arnaud Delannay began his career in London by working for Chris and Jeff Galvin at Galvin Bistrot de Luxe. Arnaud’s seasonal menu is heavily influenced by his roots

in southern France and is simple but classic, with dishes carefully balanced, whether it be the lemon sole served on scallop and citrus mousse, or lamb cooked three ways on a bed of earthy coco de paimpol beans and smoked aubergines. Sauterelle has a soft spot for white truffles, which feature throughout the menu, but none so successfully as when scattered on creamy aged-parmesan and mascarpone. Then, the large, wafer-thin flakes melt in the mouth as smoothly as the dish’s mascarpone. Be sure to finish an evening with the pineapple tarte tatin, an in-house favourite rightly championed by the staff, which avoids the dessert trap of being too sweet, with a rich, warming centre topped by a circle of salted caramel sauce. D Sauterelle, royalexchange-grandcafe.co.uk

This winter, escape to an idyllic alpine ski lodge – in the heart of the City. Coq d’Argent has transformed its terrace into a winter wonderland, complete with antique skis, luxurious blankets and rustic wood panelling, not to mention an indulgent menu of classic alpine fare, created by head chef Mickael Weiss. D Coq d’Argent, Poultry, coqdargent.co.uk

FUNFAIR TERRACE This season, the Fish Market has launched a hidden City wonderland, inspired by a classic British funfair. Cosy up with a mug of hot spiced cider and enjoy the playful menu created by head chef Barry Macmillan, which features a three seas cod burger, popcorn shrimp, gingerbread goldfish and a toffee apple fondue. D Fish Market, New Street, fishmarket-restaurant.com

december 2013 THE CITY 97


The Taylor’s Port vineyard, Quinta de Vargellas

food&drink | Wine

‘Tis the season Port, sherry and Madeira really come into their own during the festive season, so select your tipple with confidence this Christmas WORDS: James Lawrence

T

he magnificent fortified wines system, whereby wines from the youngest solera of port, sherry and Madeira are some (barrel) are mixed with older wines in the barrels of the greatest, long-lived and bestbelow and, as a result, take on their character. value fine wines available in London The styles range from the light, dry fino and today – bottles of Madeira, for example, manzanilla, which are perfect as a Christmas aperitif, from as far back as the 18th century to the richer, yet mostly dry oloroso and amontillado are still available to buy. Moreover, fortified wines have styles, although some sweet examples do exist. The Left: Gonzalez Byass a historical pedigree that far predates still and dry wine region’s top dog is undoubtedly Gonzalez Byass, a Matusalem Sherry; Right: Taylor’s 1985 styles – the Douro Valley, where port is produced, was family business crafting a superlative range of dry and Vintage Port defined as an appellation in 1756, making it the oldest sweeter sherries. legally-recognised region in the world. Madeira is Portugal’s second offering to the fortified Port wines come in various categories and quality wine world and is produced in a totally unique style. levels, but are usually sweet and make excellent For centuries, the wines were fortified with spirit on this dessert wines. Port wine is a blend of different picturesque island before being heated according to grape varieties, fermented and then fortified with the the canteiro system, whereby the wine is subjected to addition of spirit halfway through the fermentation a natural heating in oak casks over a period of three process, which leaves a relatively high amount of years or more. As a result, the wines are preserved sugar in the wine. There are two main styles of port: and stabilised against oxidation problems. Hence their those matured in bottle and those aged in oak barrels. amazing lifespan. The four major styles of Madeira are The top of the port hierarchy is the vintage ports – named according to the grape variety, in order of dry to wines great power, flavour and complexity, which sweet they are: Sercial, Verdelho, Bual and Malvasia. are only produced when the port shippers declare a The top vintage Madeiras are very special indeed, vintage considered to be of excellent quality. Some and collectors can still source wines that have been of the best producers of vintage ports aged for 100 years in wood. It is worth to look out for include: Graham’s, consulting a specialist before parting Niepoort, Quinta do Noval, Taylor’s and with the considerable sums needed to Top Five Fortified Wine Picks Warre’s – the stellar vintages are 1966, secure a bottle – perhaps the ultimate Sherry 70, 77, 80, 83, 85, 87, 92, 94, and the wine present. Gonzalez Byass Matusalem, Oloroso Dulce – perfect with tarte tartin or foie gras, £19 top wines will age at least 20 years However, the real beauty of top Where to buy: masterofmalt.com after their release. fortified wines is that they still languish Port Sherry’s (Jerez in Spanish) birthplace far from the spotlight of hype, the Taylor’s Ten Year Old Tawny – perfect with mince is the dramatic vineyards of Andalucia advantage being that a superlative pies, Christmas cake or Christmas pudding, £20 Where to buy: majestic.co.uk in southern Spain. It is produced from bottle of port or sherry can sometimes Taylor’s 1985 Vintage Port – perfect with blue two principal grape varieties: Palomino, be obtained for less than £30, at least cheeses, especially Stilton, £90 which makes a dry, more delicate 20 times cheaper than an equivalent Where to buy: bbr.com sherry, and Pedro Ximénez, which is top Bordeaux. They are also extremely Niepoort Colheita 2001 – perfect with crème rare and made into a fuller, sweeter versatile matches for traditional festive brûlée and cheeses such as Parmesan and Manchego, £46.99 style. After the wines are fermented, dishes and treats. Sherry’s remarkable Where to buy: selfridges.com the base wine is fortified with grape range of flavours in particular work with Madeira spirit to increase the alcohol content. everything from smoked salmon to 10-year old Malvasia, Vinhos Barbeito – perfect with chocolate torte, £29.95 Unlike port, most sherries are initially Christmas pudding. Good port deserves Where to buy: bbr.com dry, with any sweetness being added blue cheeses or lavish desserts. Or later. Key to maintaining sherry quality simply enjoy their wonderful flavours on and consistency is the solera ageing their own!

98 THE CITY december 2013



VISUAL ARTS

WINDOW GALLERIES The Art & Design window galleries in Canada Place Mall at Canary Wharf are open daily and showcase up-and-coming artists, designers and craftspeople.

jubilee walk

until 3rd jan

Silvia WeidenbacH

Silvia studied art at the Royal College of Art and was a winner of the prestigious Jerwood Makers Open 2012. In her jewellery she combines new technologies with traditional craft skills in detailed and complex ways. She particularly engages with the subject of beauty, the precious and the ugly. D silviaweidenbach.com

canada walk

until 3rd jan

WINTER LIGHTS fLUMENS: Illuminating the wind

Canary Wharf’s award-winning public art programme presents a striking wind-powered display to illuminate Middle Dock this winter. Entitled ‘fLUMENS’, this exciting display comes to London for the first time, providing a multi-coloured spectacle among Canary Wharf’s skyscrapers. Each ‘fLUMEN’ is a light element that is entirely powered by the energy of the wind. Hundreds of fLUMENS are attached to a series of sails, together generating a constantly changing vision of different colours and patterns according to the speed and direction of the wind. The project has been created by Dutch artist Rombout Frieling and Openlight, the creative lab with which he works in Eindhoven. He comments: “By placing ‘fLUMENS’ at Canary Wharf, we aim to revive the intrinsic connection that trading once had with nature by revealing the eternal power of the wind, a force we may well need again.” From 16 December Middle Dock Canary Wharf FREE D openlight.nl/flumens

Vaughn’s work captures the mediating role that information plays in our lives by using data and algorithms to produce physical objects. He is inspired by contrasts between the textures and forms of objects grown by nature and industry, creating pieces that respond to dynamic systems, stimulate natural growth and inhabit the blurry lines between the synthetic and the natural world. D thoughtform.co.uk

canada place

Vaughn Horsman

COMMUNITY WINDOW GALLERY St Paul’s Way Trust School

Students at St Paul’s Way Trust School in Tower Hamlets have been participating in a community enterprise programme, which has been generously funded by J.P Morgan and developed in partnership with St Paul’s Way CIC. Through this programme the students are starting up a number of mini social enterprises in order to learn key business skills by ‘doing’, and to generate some profit. The display will include some of the products that they have created for sale in a pop-up shop, including a recipe book, cards, artwork and photography. D stpaulsway.com

until 8th jan


ARTS&events

let it snow From classic carols and winter tales to ice skating, singing and more, this December find your festive joy in Canary Wharf

ICE RINK CANARY WHARF

The sparkling Ice Rink Canary Wharf is in full swing with London’s only skate path in between Canada Square Park’s twinkling trees. With the Boisdale Jukebox Bar and the comfy spectators’ area this is a truly magical winter outing to Canary Wharf. Open every day until 16 February (except Christmas Day), get your skates on and book your session now by visiting icerinkcanarywharf. co.uk*, by calling 020 7536 8400* or buying tickets from the on-site Ice Rink Box Office at Canada Square Park. If you are in need of some light live entertainment visit the Boisdale Jukebox Bar on Tuesday evenings for blues and soul, and battle of the bands every Saturday night. Ticket prices vary Group and party bookings available via events@icerinkcanarywharf.com *Booking fee applies for telephone and online bookings

Photo: © REX/Moviestore Collection

STARLIGHT CINEMA

Back by popular demand, our Starlight Cinema returns with a 90s classic – The Commitments. This cult 1991 comedy drama tells the tale of a bunch of working class Dubliners who form a soul band following in the footsteps of their heroes Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin and Wilson Pickett. The Gourmet Hotdog Company will be on site from the minute the doors open for all your hotdog needs. Monday 2 December, 7pm (doors 6.15pm) East Wintergarden, 43 Bank Street, Canary Wharf, E14 FREE (Space is limited and unreserved, and available on a first-come, first-served basis) Full bar, Gourmet Hotdogs and cloakroom. Strong language and adult themes

Christmas Rocks at Canary Wharf

Come and celebrate the holiday season with us as we get into the festive spirit with a spectacular show of Christmas songs to sing along to and music and dance performances to marvel at. Enjoy as professional singers and a very special choir of merry volunteers lead you on a rollercoaster of Christmas classics and Canary Wharf’s favourite classical pianist Tokio Myers makes a special appearance. Accompanied by the big band sounds of the Trinity Laban Band, Christmas Rocks will take you on a magical journey that Santa himself would approve of. So gather family and friends and join us for this one-off all-singing all-dancing night of timeless tradition and ageless fun. You really will Wish It Could be Christmas Every Day! Tuesday 17 December, 6.30pm (doors 5.30pm) East Wintergarden, 43 Bank Street, Canary Wharf, E14 £8 (under 13’s free)* Booking seetickets.com or call 0871 220 0260 Tickets may be available on the door subject to availability Unreserved seating Cloakroom and full bar including mince pies and mulled wine. *Children must be accompanied by an adult. Maximum 4 children per adult

www.canarywharf.com

@yourcanarywharf



TRAVEL

LUXURY ESCAPES | NEWS | REVIEWS | HOTELS

Merry Go Market Nothing could possibly make you merrier than a visit to Germany in December; their famed Christmas markets have the ability to conjure up a festive spirit, even during what can be a stressful time of year. When you touch down in Frankfurt, home to one of the most renowned Christmas markets, in terms of visitors and size, you’ll hardly be able to contain your inner child. What could be more magical than wandering past ornately decorated stalls, sipping cups of mulled wine and tasting local specialties? Until 22 December, Frankfurt will play host to visitors from all corners of the globe, wishing to embrace the Christmas cheer, and the Jumeirah Frankfurt hotel is certainly offering the means to do so, with a special Festive Season package. D jumeirah.com/Frankfurt


Luxe City Guides Renowned for providing ultra-smart travel companions, LUXE City Guides has this Christmas launched a new and limited-edition Bespoke Box designed to cater for the needs of every stylish jetsetter. The new, lavishly presented compendium of chic yet practical guides allows buyers to hand-select any five of the 33 guides available. All made up with astute and concise reviews of global destinations, the limitededition Bespoke Box is a thoughtful gift that any loved one would be thrilled to receive. D Bespoke Box, £36, luxecityguides.com

CHRISTMAS TEE A yuletide treat for all City golf lovers is the Pine Cliffs resort in Portugal’s Algarve region. This world-renowned course, ensconced in a luxurious resort boasting lavish amenities that include turndown and 24-hour room service, is a destination for the most discerning of golf fans. The course, suited to both hobby and tournament golfers, is set amongst picturesque pine trees with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, and comprises of a landscaped practice area, before a nine-flag challenge. D pinecliffs.com

TRAVEL

From long-haul retreats and weekend escapes to chic city stopovers and tropical hideaways, these are some of the world’s top haunts

Necker Island Just two years after the dramatic fire which saw film star Kate Winslet rescuing Richard Branson’s mother from his famous island home, the great house on this remote Caribbean atoll has reopened for guests this season. With spacious living quarters and picturesque outdoor terraces offering breathtaking, panoramic sea views, this is the holiday spot for those seeking a relaxing festive escape. D neckerisland.virgin.com


News | TRAVEL

Courchevel 1650 Ski company Powder White is this season giving all would-be winter Olympians the opportunity to master the Giant Slalom. Offering stays at the luxury resort, Courchevel 1650, guests will receive six hours of professional training on the world-famous La Tania Stade piste, which was originally designed for the 1992 Winter Olympics. D Ski racing packages from £448, powderwhite.com

Bowood House record ROOM MUSIC This Christmas, guests of the W London in Leicester Square are being offered the world’s first vinyl record room service. The Vinyl Collection, produced in collaboration with celebrated Radio 1 DJ Annie Mac, is an innovative brand of room service which provides visitors with a selection of 200 vinyl options, hand-picked by the trendy music maestro. Guest can enjoy past and present sounds on a vintage Crosley record player, which is delivered to the room with the selected records.

The ideal winter escape for those looking to kick-start the festive season, Wiltshire’s Bowood House, home to British aristocracy since 1754, will once again open to the public for an exclusive three-day period from 4 – 6 December. From Wednesday, the house will play host to carol singers and cocktails in a preextravaganza event, before giving access over the next two days to stalls, shopping experiences and a wide selection of food and drink, all within an extremely impressive location, which is sure to inspire beautiful gift ideas.

D wlondon.co.uk

D bowood.org

Grand HÔtel De Bordeaux & Spa This Christmas, the Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa will cater for lovers of culture and luxury alike, with its Prokofiev Winter Ballet Packages. To coincide with the showcasing of the Romeo and Juliet ballet, in association with the Opera National Bordeaux, this superlative establishment will offer breaks that encompass backstage access to the opera house, as well as serving cocktails inspired by the ballet in appropriately lavish surroundings. D Prokofiev Winter Ballet Packages, from £384, ghbordeaux.com

Cameron House, Loch Lomond Thrill-seekers in search of an action-packed festive getaway need look no further than Cameron House at Loch Lomond. The Scottish retreat, set against a glorious Highland backdrop, has introduced the private hire of its personal seaplane. Located just 50 yards from the hotel, guests will be able to choose from a selection of activities centered on one of the country’s most idyllic golf courses, plus whisky tasting at some of its most distinguished distilleries. D Winter Experiences, from £139 per room, per night, devere-hotels.co.uk

DECEMBER 2013 THE CITY 105


TRAVEL | Destination

[Destination]

New York AIMEE LATIMER discovers the Big Apple’s hidden gems and world-famous hot-spots WHERE TO STAY: The Carlyle Nestled on the Upper East Side, The Carlyle is a hotel and a Manhattan landmark. The hotel’s 1930s Art Deco design is refined yet glamorous, stylish and warm – just the right aesthetic for unwinding after chilly winter days. Guests at The Carlyle join an impressive list of patrons; every president since Truman has stayed there, as have many of Europe’s royalty, including our own Prince of Wales. The hotel’s restaurant is famous for its lobster thermidor but a seasonally-motivated menu will also tempt you. D rosewoodhotels.com

WHERE TO EAT: Quiet sushi or dinner with a view New York has no shortage of places to eat. For low-key sushi, head to Sushi of Gari on the Upper East Side. In New York terms, the restaurant’s exterior looks relatively modest, yet the excellent food is vibrant and varied. For more spectacle, 230 Fifth – with its glamorous heated rooftop bar, club and lounge – offers spectacular views from its location towering over 5th Avenue. Strolling high on a Manhattan rooftop before dining on an award-winning menu (primarily created by acclaimed chef John Benedetti) is a sublime way to take in New York’s skyline.

© Andrey Bayda

D sushiofgari.com / 230-fifth.com

WHAT TO DO: Broadway The idea of visiting Broadway in the Big Apple may be nothing new, but a whole schedule of new musicals will keep you entertained. For big laughs, belted-out show tunes and a surprising heart, the critics darling The Book of Mormon has matinees and evening performances throughout December. A more family-friendly option is the Tony award-winning Matilda, which combines dazzling sets, dance performances and a formidable Miss Trunchbull.

From top to bottom: The Statue of Liberty and New York cityscape; The Carlyle Hotel; the Broadway theatres of Times Square; Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola

D broadway.com

DON’T MISS: Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola An intimate room with the best live jazz performances seven nights a week, you enter Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola through a hallway lined with murals of the genre’s greats. With bamboo-panelled walls to improve sound quality and views of the Manhattan skyline, not to mention a soul-food-inspired menu featuring the likes of shrimp and grits, Dizzy’s is a cosy way to soak up the city’s culture and music, day or night. D jalc.org

106 THE CITY DECEMBER 2013

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British Airways operates up to two flights per day from London City Airport to New York (JFK). Flights are operated by specially configured aircraft with just 32 business class lie-flat beds on-board. Flights can be booked at ba.com.


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s the sun goes down and the city lights start to sparkle across the track, a sudden frisson of excitement ripples through the crowd – the beauty of downtown Singapore reveals itself through the dimming twilight and, in turn, the uniquely-designed F1 street circuit really comes into its own. The floodlit track illuminates our vision, while the twinkle of office lights from the skyscrapers behind remind us where we are. Imagine F1 cars racing around the streets of Canary Wharf and you’ll have an idea of how really unique – and really cool – the night race in Singapore is. Singapore is a fascinating country, with a diverse culture and a rich history. During our stay we plan to see as much of the island as we can, but I have to admit, my main reason for being here is the Formula 1 night race, and it doesn’t disappoint. Our first night in Singapore is practice night, which sees us bagging seats at the VIP Singapore Suites, which offer a spectacular view overlooking the track at the end of the pit straight, going into the first corner. From the comfort of the air-conditioned suites’ sofas and tables with drinks and food constantly laid on, the great and good of F1 mill around drinking Champagne and glancing with perfectly poised nonchalance at the track. Not so for us. We’re outside in the private stand area, soaking up the deafening noise and electric atmosphere like kids at a turbofuelled Christmas party. One level up, the rooftop bar provides an even more staggering view of the track, and you start to appreciate how impressive it is to create an entire racing circuit in the middle of a city. Singapore, it seems, has mastered this art too – only closing the roads three or four days before, and re-opening them a couple of days after to minimise the impact to residents and businesses. And, because a major part of the city closes down to accommodate the race, they don’t stop here. Throughout the city, over the F1 weekend, the whole of Singapore enjoys an exciting range of pop-up shopping areas, art exhibitions, fashion shows, concerts and special events. In fact, while the night race forms the centrepiece of the F1 season in Singapore, it is by no means the only part of it. With so many people flocking to Singapore for the race, the city has taken the opportunity to showcase everything it has to offer above and beyond the race track. The spirit of F1 is infused throughout the city, and the weekend-long fixture has become known as Singapore Season, with a carnivallike atmosphere, which reaches its peak on race night.


Feature | TRAVEL

NIGHT AND DAY

Singapore Season centres around the incredible Formula 1 night race through the heart of the city, with thrills and spills from the world’s best guaranteed. But, as we discover, there’s a lot more to Singapore than fast cars WORDS: John Richards

december 2013 THE CITY 109


© Gardens by the Bay

For race night, we’ve got tickets right on the track, which means being at the heart of the race, cars streaking past you at a terrifying pace. In the middle of the track it’s like being at a festival – there are food and drink stalls, different shows and entertainers keeping the crowd engaged, while all around the circuit huge screens dominate the view, flanked by the glow of the floodlights and the towering shapes of skyscrapers. It’s like nothing I’ve experienced before – the cars, the deafening roar of the engines reverberating around the track, the energy, the buzz of the crowd – incredible. Later that night Tom Jones and Rihanna take to the stage, set up just behind where we’re sitting and the atmosphere, if it’s possible, becomes even more electric. Energised by the noise and the drama, we head to The Amber Lounge to finish the night in style. Self-dubbed as ‘the Ultimate F1 Party’, this iconic venue has a minimum S$900 entry fee, but once inside you’re treated to a spectacle totally befitting the glamour of Formula 1. Tables heave under rows of free magnums of Moët, (tickets approaching S$26,000 will buy you private booths and jeroboams of Cristal) while major music names take turns to play

© tristan tan

one-off exclusive sets, watched by the likes of Lewis Hamilton and David Beckham, mingling with the bold and beautiful of Singapore. The excesses and decadence associated with the top echelons of F1 are everywhere; and it’s intoxicating.

Down Time A major lie-in is called for the night after the race, and we start the day gently with a soothing walk around the Gardens by the Bay, a two-dome structure with some of the most exotic imported plants from across the globe. The vast structure feels at times like the set from Avatar, with waterfalls, clouds and 18 ‘super trees’ – huge, steel tree-like structures with plants twisting their way upwards – one even has a restaurant at the top that boasts staggering views across Singapore. A calm space amid the drama of the city, it refreshes us enough that, by lunchtime, we feel ready for a little more indulgence and head for Les Amis. One of the best places to eat in Singapore, this incredible restaurant serves contemporary European food and has one of the largest wine cellars in South East Asia. A very on-trend starter of smoked eel with wafer-thin crispy pork skin kicks things off nicely, and, while I loved my delicate steak tartare for the main course,


Feature | TRAVEL © 1000 words

- Need to Know Singapore Airlines flies four times daily from London Heathrow, plus once daily from Manchester (via Munich) to Singapore. Our writer had access to the Singapore Airlines Silver Kris lounge at Heathrow which offers a calm space away from the main hub of the airport, with views over the runways, as well as complimentary food, drink and newspapers. London to Singapore fares currently start from £865pp in economy and £3795pp in business class. All fares subject to availability and/or change. (For the latest promotional offers and to book, please visit singaporeair.com)

PHOTOGRAPHY: Singapore cityscape imagery courtesy of yoursingapore.com

The F1 Season 2014 is 20 – 22 September and tickets are on sale now from singaporegp.sg

I had to admit to major food envy at a companion’s incredible homemade pasta with truffle stock and crispy shrimp. An absolute must for food and wine lovers, Les Amis was one of the highlights of our trip. We spent a leisurely afternoon pottering around Sentosa Cove – a sort of St Tropez or Monaco of Singapore – enjoying a drink at the picturesque marina while getting inspiration for our dream house from the stunning luxury private homes and superyachts dotted around the bay. After the swankiness of lunch and Sentosa Cove, we fancied something a little more casual for dinner, so headed to Long Beach Dempsey. Renowned as the original place to get black pepper crab, this is a get-your-fingers-dirty sort of place and has a vast array of tanks filled with live lobster, eels, crabs and clams from which you can pick your dinner. Plucked fresh from the tanks, sourced locally and cooked simply, and with style, the food here is not to be missed, though you might want to stay away from the jellyfish tentacles – a delicacy too far for me...

A Sense of History Next day we wanted to get a different feel for the city so spent time exploring old Singapore. Chinatown is the perfect place to get a sense of the hustle and bustle of a market environment, with traders selling everything from trinkets and diamonds to suits and cameras. While you’re invited in at every shop front, the sales pitch is never aggressive and there’s plenty to see and amuse. If you have time, stop for a bite to eat or a drink at Majestic, where glass sections in the roof look up

- Where to Stay Our writer stayed at The Grand Park Orchard Hotel, situated on Orchard Road in the main shopping district, surrounded by brands such as Luis Vuitton, Hublot, Prada. It boasts an outside pool, an al fresco bar area offer, generous rooms, king size beds, international televisions channels, air-conditioning and chic, modern décor. parkhotelgroup.com/orchard

through the swimming pool of the New Majestic Hotel. This is the place to get traditional Cantonese cuisine accompanied by some refreshing Chinese tea. After this, head to Joo Chiat, another market area that sells local cuisine and has numerous buildings with original architecture, which makes a refreshing change from the chrome and glass of the city’s skyscrapers. We had a late flight booked that evening, so we opted for an early dinner at Wild Rocket — the perfect place to end your trip to Singapore, it offers an amazing modern twist on Singaporean food. Delicately sipping green tea while comparing notes from the craziness of the past few days, we indulge in dishes of wing beans with shrimp and wasabi ice cream and local fish with a spicy lemongrass and chilli coating. As we soak up the last few moments of ‘Singapore Season’, recalling everything from the roar of the track to the calm quiet of the Gardens by the Bay, it becomes apparent that, while we came for the cars, we’ll be leaving with a lot more than that. D yoursingapore.com

december 2013 THE CITY 111


FAIRWAY TO HEAVEN There can’t be many of us who haven’t wondered whether we should take up the noble sport of golf. But where should we learn? Why not take your first faltering swings in the dramatic mid-Atlantic islands of the Azores… WORDS & images: Nick Smith

A

s your plane starts its descent to the island of São Miguel, it’s easy to see how the Azores came to be inextricably tied up with the myth of Atlantis. Cast adrift somewhere between the Iberian Peninsular and Newfoundland, these tiny emerald flecks of land, little more than the peaks of volcanoes rising just above the surface of the sea, are as remote and mysterious as can be imagined. Out in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, halfway to the New World, this archipelago is the westernmost point of Europe, once the jumping off point for the explorers and traders of the Great Age of Sail. Today, it’s a Riviera for Portugal’s wealthy, who have set up second homes conveniently located just a short internal flight from Lisbon. And you can see the attraction for those wanting a bolthole far from the concerns of commerce or the bustle of the city. The forgotten cousin of the Canary Islands and Madeira, the Azores is a feast for those prepared to take a step off the beaten path. Its igneous landscape is breathtaking; there are quaint fishing villages punctuating the windswept coast, while the island interiors are mainly given over to dairy farming and the odd tea plantation. But mostly, the islands are very, very green. It’s no surprise, then, to find that this is where Portuguese golfing aficionados come for a round or two. There are three stunning golf courses here (two on São Miguel itself and one on the exquisite island of Terceira), where at every turn there are sweeping views of the ocean, acres of lush green fairway and subtropical vegetation. Golf, it seems, has found an isolated spot of heaven on earth, which along with the islands’ famous whale-watching and geothermal

pools is putting this Portuguese outpost on the map. Experienced golfers need only unpack their swanky club bags and snazzy outfits to be in business straight away. But for me, having not so much as picked up a putter since I was a kid, I’m with a beginners’ group. It’s not until I’m learning how to interlock my fingers to grip the club that I also grasp how daft I must have been to accept the invitation to ‘have a go.’ My first lesson teed-off ominously enough at the Furnas golf course. Furnas (or ‘the furnace’) is located, quite literally, in the crater of an extinct volcano. This is where the occasional plume of steam rising from geothermal vents is a surprising addition to the topography, giving rise to probably one of the most dramatic expressions of golfing landscape gardening in Europe. Understandably, us newbies aren’t allowed to hack about in the scenic bits and are required to be content with a driving range where, free from the cynical eyes of the local club members, we whack and scythe away to our heart’s content, occasionally even sending the ball into both the air and the distance. The sense of achievement to be had from this is only surpassed by the aching in our limbs. After a few days, and with a lot of patient assistance from the professionals on hand, and after trying out all three courses, even the least proficient of us is starting to acquire a knack for what they call ‘good contact.’ Nothing will ever stop us from being terrible at golf, but we are starting to see how a holiday spent learning the noble sport could be a rewarding experience. The more gifted golfers in our party gather at the 19th hole and swap tall tales about how bowled over they are by the experience of playing in the Azores, where course fees are

Forgotten cousin of the Canary Islands and Madeira, the Azores is a feast for those prepared to take a step off the beaten path


Weekend Break | travel

cheap and other golfers are few and far between. The place to hang out when you’re done on the course is the absolutely sumptuous Terra Nostra hotel on São Miguel. Not only is it the perfect golfing hotel, but its botanical gardens, which date back more than two centuries, are truly exquisite. Planted so that there is always something in flower, whatever time of year you visit, you’ll be treated to azaleas, camellias and rhododendrons and just about every other exotic flowering plant you can think of. If you walk down from Terra Nostra in your dressing gown you can take a dip in the naturally hot geothermal pool, though pool is too small a word for the expanse of water, which is Olympic size. The water is 28C and the springs are even warmer, making it a perfect way to relax after giving your muscles a workout on the golf course. D Nick travelled to the Azores with SATA airlines, sata.pt. For further information on the Azores, go to visitazores.com

december 2013 THE CITY 113


THE Directory Whether you want to dine or drink, to purchase gorgeous gifts and stylish outfits, to keep fit or to be pampered, the City is home to a wealth of amenities

Collection

Health

Bachet 12 The Courtyard 020 3405 1437 bachet.fr

Ajala Spa 10 Godliman Street 020 7074 1010 www.ajalaspa.com

Nicholson & Griffin 74 Cannon Street, EC4N 6AE 020 7489 8551 nicholsonandgriffin.com

Artisan Fine Art 35 Royal Exchange 020 7929 5656 artisangalleries.com

Boodles 2 & 3 The Courtyard Royal Exchange 020 7283 7284 boodles.com

Barber Express Ltd 14 Devonshire Row 020 7377 5485 barberexpress.co.uk

Optix 175 Bishopsgate 020 7628 0330 optixuk.com

dermalogica One New Change 013 7222 5537 dermalogica.com

Chequers Beauty Salon 53-54 Leadenhall Market 020 7283 3047 chequersbeauty.co.uk

Smilepod bank studio Leadenhall Market off Fenchurch Street 18-20 Cullum Street 020 7836 6866 smilepod.co.uk

Jo Malone 24 Royal Exchange 08701 925131 jomalone.co.uk

Bulgari 15 The Courtyard Royal Exchange 020 7283 4580 bulgari.com Ernest Jones Unit 3, Plantation Place 020 7929 4491 ernestjones.co.uk

City Health & Fitness Club London Grange City Hotel, 8-10 Cooper’s Row cityhealthclub.co.uk

Goldsmiths 186-190 Bishopsgate 020 7283 6622 goldsmiths.co.uk

Elysium Spa 21 Old Broad Street 020 7256 8624 elysiumfortytwo.co.uk

Gucci 9 Royal Exchange 020 7623 3626 gucci.com

Essential Therapy 39 Whitefriars Street 020 7353 1895 essential-therapie.co.uk

Hermes 12-13 Royal Exchange 020 7626 7794 hermes.com Links of London 27 Broadgate Circle 020 7628 9668 linksoflondon.com Montblanc 10-11 Royal Exchange 020 7929 4200 montblanc.com

Fetter Barbers Ltd 144 Fetter Lane 020 7702 3553 fetterbarbers.com F Flittner 86 Moorgate 020 7606 4750 fflittner.com London City Runner 10 Ludgate Broadway 020 7329 1955 londoncityrunner.com

HOME & BEAUTY

Ted’s Grooming Room 120 Cheapside 020 7367 9932 tedsgroomingroom.com The Harley Medical Group Marc House Great Street 0800 022 3385 harleymedical.co.uk

Kiehls Unit 14/15, Royal Exchange 020 7283 6661 kiehls.co.uk Ligne rosset 7-39 Commercial Road 020 7426 9670 ligne-roset-city.co.uk Molton Brown 27 Royal Exchange 020 7621 0021 moltonbrown.com

The Private Clinic 107 Cheapside 0800 599 9911 theprivateclinic.co.uk

OLIVER BONAS One New Change 020 7248 3152 oliverbonas.com

Tower Bridge Health & Fitness Club 47 Prescot Street 020 7959 5050 grangehealthclubs.com

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

Virgin Active 5 Old Broad Street, 0845 270 4080 virginactive.co.uk

Penhaligon’s 4 Royal Exchange 020 7623 3131 penhaligons.com


1 Lombard Street

Hawksmoor Guildhall

Fashion

Bars & restaurants

Agent Provocateur 5 Royal Exchange 020 7623 0229 agentprovocateur.com Church’s 28 Royal Exchange 020 7929 7015 church-footwear.com Crockett & Jones 25 Royal Exchange 0207 929 2111 crockettandjones.com Harrys of London 18 Royal Exchange 020 7283 4643 harrysoflondon.com Hugo Boss One New Change 020 7332 0573 hugoboss.com Karen Millen One New Change 020 7236 3635 1-2 Royal Exchange Buildings 020 7626 2782 karenmillen.com

1 Lombard Street 1 Lombard Street 020 7929 6611 1lombardstreet.com 1901 at andaz hotel 40 Liverpool Street 020 7618 7000 andazdining.com Anise Bar 9 Devonshire Square 020 3642 8679 cinnamon-kitchen.com Anohka Indian Restaurant St. Pauls 4 Burgon Street 020 7236 3999 anokha-indian.com Anthologist 58 Gresham Street 0845 468 0101 theanthologistbar.co.uk Balls Brothers 11 Blomfield Street 020 7588 4643 ballsbrothers.co.uk

L.K. Bennett One New Change 020 7236 4711 lkbennett.com

Bar Battu 48 Gresham Street 020 7036 6100 barbattu.com

Loro Piana 2-3 Royal Exchange 020 7398 0000 loropiana.com

Brasserie Blanc 60 Threadneedle Street 020 7710 9440 brasserieblanc.com

Paul Smith Unit 7, The Courtyard Royal Exchange 020 7626 4778 paulsmith.co.uk

Caffé Concerto One New Change 020 7494 6857 caffeconcerto.co.uk

Copa de Cava

Sushisamba

Camino San Pablo 33 Blackfriars Lane 020 7125 0930 camino.uk.com

High Timber Restaurant 8 High Timber Street 020 7248 1777 hightimber.com

Chez Gerard 14 Trinity Square 020 7213 0540 chezgerard.co.uk

Madison Restaurant 2 New Change 020 8305 3088 madisonlondon.net

Cinnamon Kitchen 9 Devonshire Square 020 7626 5000 cinnamon-kitchen.com

Mint Leaf Lounge 12 Angel Court 020 7600 0992 mintleaflounge.com

Copa de Cava 33 Blackfriars Lane 020 7125 0930 cava.co.uk

Piccolino Restaurant 11 Exchange Square 020 7375 2568

Fora Restaurant 34-36 Houndsditch 020 7626 2222 forarestaurants.co.uk

Prism 147 Leadenhall Street 020 7256 3888

Grand Café The Courtyard, Royal Exchange 020 7618 2480 royalexchange-grandcafe.co.uk Grappolo 1 Plough Place 020 7842 0510 grappololondon.com Hawksmoor Guildhall 10-12 Basinghall Street 020 7397 8120 thehawksmoor.com Haz Restaurant Plantation Place 6 Mincing Lane 020 7929 3173 hazrestaurant.co.uk

individualrestaurantcompanyplc.co.uk

Restaurant Sauterelle The Courtyard, Royal Exchange 020 7618 2483 sauterelle-restaurant.co.uk Searcys Champagne Bar One New Change 020 7871 1213 searcyschampagnebars.co.uk Sushisamba Floors 38 and 39 Heron Tower 020 3640 7330 sushisamba.com Vertigo 42 Tower 42, Old Broad Street 020 7877 7842 vertigo42.co.uk

DECEMBER 2013 THE CITY 115


We’re getting ready to give 100% on ICAP Charity Day 2013, so we can give thousands of people around the world a brighter future. Find out more at www.icapcharityday.com

This year ICAP is delivering an international initiative with the aim of making a truly meaningful difference, bringing safe water and sanitation to rural Madagascar.

ICAP would like to sincerely thank the publication for donating the free media space for this advertisement. © ICAP plc 2013. ICAP® and other service marks and logos are service marks of ICAP plc and/or one of its groups of companies. All rights reserved. Entities within the ICAP group are registered as applicable.

ICAP_PressAds_20131022.indd 1

25/11/2013 17:15


LONDON Homes&

PROPERTY Showcasing the finest homes in your area

C o v e r i n g Wa p p i n g , S h a d T h a m e s , S h o r e d i t c h , Is l i n g t o n & T h e C i t y

Baby It’s Cold Outside Expert opinion on the houses to make a home this Christmas

The Dedar Contemporary Wallpaper Collection www.dedar.com


KnightFrank.co.uk Sugar House, Aldgate E1

Stylish City apartment Second floor apartment close to Tower Hill and Aldgate underground station on the edge of the City. Accommodation comprises one bedroom, one bathroom, open plan kitchen and reception room, good storage and 24 hour porterage. EPC rating D. Available furnished Guide price: £465 per week

Wapping Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings wappinglettings@knightfrank.com 020 8166 5366 ﴾WAQ124744﴿

The Gallery, City EC4M By St. Paul's Cathedral

South facing apartment to rent in this smart development moments from St Paul's Cathedral. Accommodation comprises one bedroom, one bathroom, reception room and a fully fitted separate kitchen and roof top views. EPC rating C. Available furnished Guide price: £455 per week

Wapping Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings wappinglettings@knightfrank.com 020 8166 5366 ﴾WAQ187953﴿


KnightFrank.co.uk Christopher Court, Aldgate E1 Duplex penthouse

Fantastic duplex penthouse apartment to rent in the Christopher Court development on Leman Street. Accommodation comprises 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, spacious open plan kitchen and reception room, 2 roof terraces, parking space and security. EPC rating C. Available furnished Guide price: £750 per week

Wapping Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings wappinglettings@knightfrank.com 020 8166 5366 ﴾WAQ186819﴿

The Heron, City EC2Y Brand new apartment

Outstanding new apartment to rent in the brand new Heron development. Accommodation comprises 2 bedrooms, 2 bathroom suites, open plan reception room and fitted kitchen, 24 hour concierge, gym, private residents' club, cinema room and private terrace. Approximately 115 sq m ﴾1237 sq ft﴿ EPC rating C. Available furnished Guide price: £1,695 per week

Wapping Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings wappinglettings@knightfrank.com 020 8166 5366 ﴾WAQ188724﴿


KnightFrank.co.uk The Heron, City EC2Y 30th floor suite with balcony

An exceptionally well designed 30th floor galley studio apartment with a separate sleeping area and a top of the range interior. This galley suite has a west facing balcony and breathtaking views of London. Approximately 37 sq m ﴾408 sq ft﴿ Leasehold Asking price: £699,950

KnightFrank.co.uk/Wapping wappinglettings@knightfrank.com 020 8166 5371 ﴾WAP130166﴿

Telfords Yard, Wapping E1W

Classic warehouse conversion with views of the city On the fourth floor of a listed warehouse conversion, a light and well proportioned flat comprising two double bedrooms, two bathrooms ﴾one en suite﴿, an enormous space for entertaining and lovely views of the City skyline. A parking space is included. Approximately 131 sq m ﴾1418 sq ft﴿ Leasehold 96 years 10 months Asking price: £820,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/Wapping wappinglettings@knightfrank.com 020 8166 5371 ﴾WAP130172﴿


wrapping up homes for christmas With another busy year drawing to a close, Knight Frank would like to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous new year. This year, instead of sending a Christmas card, Knight Frank will be making a donation to KIDS company. Find out more at kidsco.org.uk

If you would like to find out more about why our clients chose Knight Frank please call us now: Knight Frank Islington ‐ 020 3641 6138 KnightFrank.co.uk/Islington


KnightFrank.co.uk

Clapham Common Northside, SW4 Beautiful green views

An impressive Victorian house beautifully presented situated in a highly sought after residential area facing Clapham Common. 5/6 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, double reception room, upstairs sitting room/bedroom 6, kitchen/dining room, cinema room, wine store, utility room, garden. EPC rating D. Approximately 280 sq m (3,014 sq ft) Freehold Asking price: ÂŁ2,250,000 (WND130320)

KnightFrank.co.uk/wandsworth wandsworth@knightfrank.com 020 7768 0993


From Canary Wharf to Cutty Sark

KNIGHT FRANK KNOWS CANARY WHARF Canary Wharf’s Addresses are as Outstanding Vanessa Evett-Beesley, head of our Canary Wharf Office and her team are renowned for their years of experience and their property expertise. They specialise in letting and selling a range of properties from studio apartments to large houses. Their in depth knowledge of the local market, combined with an extensive network of offices in the UK and around the world, means that it is possible to match property to the best possible renter or buyer. To find out more about how Knight Frank can help with your property requirements, call Knight Frank Canary Wharf on

+44 20 3641 6112 or visit KnightFrank.co.uk

As the local knight frank team

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06/11/2013 10:20


Christmas. It’s the little details that make a big difference. Just like when it comes to property.

Savills Canary Wharf 4 Westferry Circus E14 4HD 020 7531 2500

Savills Islington 94 - 96 Upper Street N1 0NP 020 7226 1313

Savills Wapping Unit 1 Execution Dock House E1W 2NE 020 7456 6800

savills.co.uk

SA71796 City Magazine Xmas Sold DPS.indd 1

01/11/2013 16:43

SA7


Just a few of the properties where we have made a big difference for our clients.

sold

sold

sold

pier head, e1 Guide £2.25 million

SoTheBy road, n5 Guide £1.875 million

CinnaBar wharf, e1 Guide £1.5 million

sold

sold

sold

Berkeley Tower, e14 Guide £1.299 million

ardleiGh road, n1 Guide £435,000

weST india Quay, e14 Guide £945,000

let

let

let

Sir John lyon houSe, eC4 Guide £2,250 per week

exeCuTion doCk houSe, e1 Guide £1,250 per week

aBiliTy plaCe, e14 Guide £1,050 per week

let

let

let

preBend STreeT, n1 Guide £850 per week

CaliCo houSe, eC4 Guide £625 per week

Canary riverSide, e14 Guide £590 per week

let us be the big difference to your property success in 2014.

16:43

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01/11/2013 16:44


savills.co.uk

1 HANDSOME GRADE II LISTED GEORGIAN STYLE TERRACED HOUSE duncan terrace, n1 3 reception rooms and study ø kitchen/diner ø 4 bedrooms ø 3 bathrooms ø utility room ø 62' garden ø 242 sq m (2,609 sq ft) ø EPC=D

Savills Islington Paul Williams pwilliams@savills.com

020 7226 1313 Guide £2.8 million Freehold


savills.co.uk

1 A MOST ATTRACTIVE FAMILY SIZED PERIOD HOUSE highbury hill, n5 3 reception rooms ø family sized kitchen/dining room ø 5 bedrooms ø study/6th bedroom ø 3 bathrooms ø utility room ø separate w.c. ø front and rear gardens ø off-street parking ø 311 sq m (3,351 sq ft) ø EPC=E

Guide £3.25 million Freehold

Savills Islington Paul Williams pwilliams@savills.com

020 7226 1313


1 2

savills.co.uk

TOWER WALK, e1w

THE JAM FACTORY, se1

2 reception rooms ø kitchen ø 5 bedrooms ø 5 bathrooms ø garage ø 3 private terraces ø 373 sq m (4,025 sq ft) ø EPC=C

Reception room ø open plan kitchen ø 2 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø terrace ø concierge ø parking ø 146 sq m (1,578 sq ft) ø EPC=C

Guide £3.95 million Leasehold

Guide £1.299 million Leasehold

3 4

Savills Docklands nefthymiou@savills.com 020 7456 6800

Savills Docklands mmacfarlane@savills.com 0207 456 6800

THE HERON, ec2y

SCOTTS SUFFERANCE, se1

Reception room ø living/dining area ø 2 double bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø private balcony ø concierge ø 83 sq m (893 sq ft) ø EPC=C

Reception room ø kitchen ø 2 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø garage ø balcony ø porter ø 95 sq m (1,026 sq ft) ø EPC=F

Guide £1.199 million Leasehold

Guide £815,000 Share of Freehold

Savills Docklands nefthymiou@savills.com 020 7456 6800

Savills Docklands mmacfarlane@savills.com 0207 456 6800

L L O


1 2

savills.co.uk savills.co.uk

LETTINGS LETTINGS LAYOUT LAYOUT ONLY ONLY

WEST INDIA QUAY, e14 3 double bedrooms 3 bathrooms WEST INDIA ø QUAY, e14ø reception room

EXECUTION DOCK HOUSE, e1w 2 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø reception room e1w ø balcony EXECUTION DOCK HOUSE,

Furnished £2,100 per week apply ø Council Tax=H ø EPC=B

Furnished £825 per week ø Council Tax=G ø EPC=C

ø allocated parking ø ø 324hr porterage administration 3 double bedrooms bathrooms øø reception room charges apply ø Council Tax=H ø EPC=B ø allocated parking ø 24hr porterage ø administration charges + £276 inc VAT admin fee and other charges may apply* Furnished £2,100 per week Savills Canary Wharf lbrunning@savills.com 0207 531 2523 + £276 inc VAT admin fee and other charges may apply* Savills Canary Wharf lbrunning@savills.com 0207 531 2523

with river views lift accessø øreception administration apply 2 bedrooms ø 2øbathrooms room charges ø balcony ø Council Tax=G ø EPC=C with river views ø lift access ø administration charges apply + £276 inc VAT admin fee and other charges may apply* Furnished £825 per week Savills Docklands ostaylor@savills.com 020 7456 6810 + £276 inc VAT admin fee and other charges may apply* Savills Docklands ostaylor@savills.com 020 7456 6810

3 4

STERLING MANSIONS, e1 Bedroom ø bathroom ø reception room STERLING MANSIONS, e1 ø balcony ø 24hr

CALICO HOUSE, ec4m Bedroom ø bathroom ø reception CALICO HOUSE, ec4mroom ø day time

Furnished £595 per week charges apply ø Council Tax=E ø EPC=C

Furnished £510charges per week ø administrative apply ø Council Tax=F ø EPC=C

security communal administrative Bedroomøølandscaped bathroom ø receptiongardens room øøbalcony ø 24hr charges apply ø Council Tax=E ø EPC=C security ø landscaped communal gardens ø administrative

concierge ø bathroom central location to St Pauls Bedroom ø ø reception room&øBank day time ø administrative charges apply ø Council Tax=F ø EPC=C concierge ø central location to St Pauls & Bank

+ £276 inc VAT admin fee and other charges may apply* + £276 inc VAT admin fee and other charges may apply* Furnished £595 per week Furnished £510 per week Savills Docklands brodgers@savills.com 020 7456 6800 Savills Canary Wharf ibates@savills.com 020 7531 2522 + £276 inc VAT admin fee and other charges may apply* + £276 inc VAT admin fee and other charges may apply* Savills Docklands brodgers@savills.com 020 7456 6800 Savillscheck Canary Wharf ibates@savills.com 020 7531 2522 *£36 inc VAT for each additional tenant/occupant/guarantor reference where required. Inventory out fee – charged at the end of or early termination of the tenancy and the amount is dependent on the property size and whether furnished/unfurnished. For more details, visit www.savills.co.uk/fees. *£36 inc VAT for each additional tenant/occupant/guarantor reference where required. Inventory check out fee – charged at the end of or early termination of the tenancy and the amount is dependent on the property size and whether furnished/unfurnished. For more details, visit www.savills.co.uk/fees.


savills.co.uk

LETTINGS LAYOUT ONLY

1

STYLISH HOUSE WITH STUNNING ROOF TERRACE cloudesley road, n1 3 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø roof terrace ø 115 sq m (1,239 sq ft) ø Counctil tax=G ø EPC=C

Savills Islington Pascal Partridge ppartridge@savills.com

020 7354 6701 Furnished £995 per week + £276 inc VAT admin fee and other charges may apply* *£36 inc VAT for each additional tenant/occupant/guarantor reference where required. Inventory check out fee – charged at the end of or early termination of the tenancy and the amount is dependent on the property size and whether furnished/unfurnished. For more details, visit www.savills.co.uk/fees.


homes & property

INSIDER KNOWLEDGE DECEMBER 2013 Richard Pine-Coffin, DIRECTOR OF RESIDENTIAL AT JONES LANG LASALLE, SHARES HIS KNOWLEDGE OF THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MARKET

How does having a regional residential valuation team like Jones Lang LaSalle does, impact a real estate firm’s relationship with its clients? Jones Lang LaSalle is a financial and professional services firm offering specialised advice in real estate and investment management. With more than 40,000 people in over 1,000 locations in 70 countries, the needs of clients in both the residential and commercial sector are fully catered for. Our regional residential teams enable us to gauge the day to day sentiments within the residential markets. Simultaneously, our extensive research and data teams, lead by Adam Challis ensure a real time understanding of the markets. In turn we provide clients with an invaluable, continuous and up to date market analysis sharing with them the knowledge and understanding to react with the markets on a real time basis. Over the last few years, has there been a significant change in the areas in London where people want to live? London has for many years been recognised as the city of choice for many people across the globe. Traditional locations in

the prime central regions of Chelsea, Knightsbridge and Mayfair remain constantly in demand and this is unlikely to change. Competition is fierce and the capital values are to match. Populations move for many reasons and often previously less desirable locations become more popular. Price is a major factor, however, communication links are still arguably the key drivers for a demographic shift. Some years ago now the introduction of the Jubilee line changed the perception of Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf, more recent developments of the over ground rail service provided a profound impact on areas such as Hoxton and the Cross Rail link is predicted to provide the same impetus. Which new Jones Lang LaSalle properties particularly stand out to you? As a residential team Jones Lang LaSalle are currently marketing a huge number of properties, be these single properties for sale by private owners through to major regeneration projects providing hundreds of homes to smaller niche developments for a bespoke market. Such projects can vary from apartments in One Hyde Park to Battersea Power Station in the west and Canaletto and Goodmans Fields in the east. Each project provides its own unique attributes and attractions. n

Richard Pine-Coffin Jones Lang LaSalle 020 7337 4002 residential.joneslanglasalle.co.uk

131


Dear Santa... Because it’s important to you.

To discuss your moving plans please call Hamptons International on 020 7265 6595. www.hamptons.co.uk

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Beyond your expectations

18/11/2013 15:28


homes & property

expert comment LETTINGS:

SALES:

The investment case for prime London property

Mortgages – how much, from who and on what terms?

VANESSA EVETT-BEESLEY, PARTNER, HEAD OF

MATT CONNOR, ASSOCIATE AT KNIGHT FRANK FINANCE,

DEPARTMENT AND OFFICE HEAD AT KNIGHT FRANK IN

COMMENTS ON THE TRENDS IN THE RESIDENTIAL SALES

CANARY WHARF, COMMENTS ON THE TRENDS IN THE

MARKET

RESIDENTIAL LETTINGS MARKET

Demand in the prime London sales sector has remained high through 2013, while rents have struggled. Falling yields point to the need for a timely review of investor strategies. Despite rents having fallen by 1.2 per cent so far in 2013, activity in the prime lettings market remains high. The number of tenancies commenced over the past two months, for example, has hit record levels. The Knight Frank Prime Central London Rental Index recorded a drop of 0.1 per cent in September, a contrast to the wider UK lettings market where rents have been increasing. The legacy of restructuring in the financial and business services sector is continuing to weigh on prime London rents. While recent falls in prime London rents are unlikely to be welcomed by the city’s landlords and investors, the rise in capital values has ensured that total investment returns have remained at double digit levels for each of the past three years. In 2012 for example, total returns stood at 10.6 per cent. Gross rental yields for let residential property in prime London remain below the UK average, where 5 per cent is a realistic target for many investors. In comparison gross rental yields in prime London are 3.34 per cent, reflecting the rise in capital values since 2009. Within the city’s prime markets, there are areas of local outperformance. Gross rental yields in Canary Wharf for example sit at 4.9 per cent, followed by Wimbledon and St John’s Wood at 4.6 per cent and 3.6 per cent respectively. n

With the property market as busy as it is, getting your funding arranged in advance will certainly help you to be taken seriously when it comes to making offers. As the number of mortgage products available continues to increase, applicants remain vulnerable to the vagaries of lenders sometimes incomprehensible criteria. What passport do you hold? How long have you been at your address? Are you in a probation period at work? Are you buying a newly built property? And is your flat above commercial premises? These are all issues to be considered, and they’re some of the more mundane ones! The early implementation of the government’s Help to Buy scheme has led to an increase in lenders offering higher loan to value products for residential purchases, with rates at the 80 per cent to 90 per cent borrowing levels becoming more competitive. Whilst short term fixed rates at between 60 per cent and 75 per cent loan are as low as 1.79 per cent, a buyer looking for 80 per cent can potentially secure funds at just below 2.50 per cent. For the smallest deposits, funds of up to 90 per cent of the purchase price can be secured at circa 4.50 per cent, and a 5 per cent deposit could secure a rate at just over 5.5 per cent. As the availability of any mortgage depends greatly on an individual’s financial profile, brokers are finding themselves busier than ever. Securing the funds needed to complete a purchase in the timeframes required is critical, and with the market continuing to accelerate, using a broker to guide you through the new mortgage market is well worthwhile. Knight Frank Finance is an independent FCA regulated brokerage. If you are considering entering the fray or simply wish to review your current mortgage, please do give me a call. n

Knight Frank Canary Wharf 020 7512 9966 knightfrank.co.uk/canary-wharf

Knight Frank Finance 020 7268 2595 knightfrankfinance.co.uk

133


Sales

St Dunstan’s Court, EC4 This beautifully designed bespoke Central London development is set within stunning and serene private gardens and bordered by the famous Grade II listed Maughan Library. Comprising of 52 one bedroom and 24 two bedroom apartments, all of which have been carefully considered to the smallest detail to ensure you benefit from the very pinnacle of luxury, modern living. Clear open spaces flooded with natural light and the very finest fittings and finishes combine to create an enviable home you would be proud to own. To the rear of St Dunstan’s Court, you will also benefit from private access to secluded, landscaped gardens, a perfect haven to retreat from the hustle and bustle of city living. Register your interest for Phase 2 – Spring 2014.

16-17 Royal Exchange, London, EC3V 3LL

royalsales@eu.jll.com


Lettings

020 7337 4000 joneslanglasalle.co.uk

Tenant agency fees: £240 inc VAT administration fee per property, £48 inc VAT referencing fee per Tenant/Guarantor

Altitude, E1 - £650 Per Week

The Heron, EC2 - From £450 Per Week

A brand new 2 bedroom apartment situated on the 8th floor of the brand new Altitude development. The apartment is offered fully furnished and boasts 2 double bedrooms with fitted wardrobes, two bathrooms with en-suite to master bedroom, Amtico flooring, contemporary fitted kitchen with Siemems appliances and views towards the City. The development benefits from 24 hour concierge and landscaped roof terrace situated on the 25th floor.

A stunning selection of suites, 1, 2 & 3 bedroomed apartments in this sought after development, in the heart of The City. The Heron boasts an outstanding specification complete with smart home technology, comfort cooling, on-site gym, concierge and exclusive resident’s club. The apartments are furnished to a high standard and available for immediate occupation.

Great Sutton Street, EC1V - £625 Per Week

Avant-Garde, E1 - £795 Per Week

A spacious 2 bedroom apartment offering approximately 1,000 sq. ft of living space. This recently refurbished apartment boasts 2 double bedrooms, 2 contemporary bathrooms, solid wood flooring throughout, large reception / dining area with access to 2 balconies and a modern fully fitted kitchen. The apartment is situated on the fourth floor and benefits from a brand new furniture package.

A brand new 3 bedroom apartment in the heart of Shoreditch. The apartment offers a spacious reception and dining area with access to balcony, 2 double bedrooms with additional single room or study, open plan kitchen with Siemens appliances to include wine cooler, two contemporary bathrooms with porcelain tiling and wood flooring. Other benefits include comfort cooling, 24 hour concierge and leisure facilities.

royallettings@eu.jll.com


Estate Agents | Land & Development Consultants

The Heron, EC2 Island Suite This tenth floor 398 sqft Island Suite with east facing views is now available in this highly anticipated development. This Island Suite Apartment offers generous floor space and clearly defined areas for living and sleeping. Floor to ceiling glass amplifies both the light and space in the apartment as well as offering incredible views. The apartment is furnished to an extremely high standard, with wideboard timber flooring and bespoke custom fitted cabinets finished in a light gloss lacquer. EPC: C

ÂŁ460 per week

Recently Reduced This twenty fourth floor 564 sqft one bedroomed apartment with east facing views is now available in this highly anticipated development. The apartment offers generous floor space, comprising of a vast open-plan living area, double bedroom and luxurious bathroom. Floor to ceiling glass amplifies both the light and space in the apartment as well as offering incredible views. The apartment is furnished to an extremely high standard; the living area boasts wideboard walnut timber flooring, bespoke custom fitted cabinets finished in a light gloss lacquer and stone work surfaces. EPC: C

ÂŁ650 per week 020 7519 5900 info@alanselby.co.uk www.alanselby.co.uk


Fully Interior Designed This fully interior designed twenty eighth floor 851 sqft two bedroomed corner apartment with north and west views is now available in this highly anticipated development. The apartment is furnished to an extremely high standard including bespoke sofas, rugs and lighting throughout. The property offers generous floor space, comprising of a vast open-plan living area, two double bedrooms and two luxurious bathrooms. Floor to ceiling glass amplifies both the light and space in the apartment as well as a large balcony that offers incredible views. EPC: C

ÂŁ1,265 per week

Dual Aspect Living This twenty second floor 1,237 sqft two/three bedroomed corner apartment with south and west facing views is now available. The apartment offers generous floor space, comprising of a vast open-plan living area, two double bedrooms and two luxurious bathrooms. Floor to ceiling glass amplifies both the light and space in the apartment as well as a large balcony offering incredible views. The apartment is furnished to an extremely high standard; the living area boasts wideboard timber flooring, bespoke custom fitted cabinets finished in a dark gloss lacquer and natural wooden work surfaces. EPC: D

ÂŁ1,950 per week


Artichoke Hill, West Wapping E1W

£660,000

Spirit Quay, West Wapping E1W

£799,999

Ea2 are pleased to be able to offer for sale this 2 Bedroom, 2 bathroom, 5th and 6th floor duplex apartment, measuring over 1150 Sq ft. Lounge with duel aspect windows and access to balcony. Fitted Kitchen. Secure parking space. Close to St. Katherine’s Dock and Tower Hill station.

Ea2 are pleased to be able to offer for sale this modern built 4 bedroom, 3 storey end of tenancy house within this canal side development and with views over ornamental canal. Kitchen diner. Lounge with views over ornamental canal. Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom. Further family bathroom. Garden. Garage. Close to St Katharine’s Dock and Tower Hill stations.

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


Dundee Court, West Wapping E1WW

£500 Per Week

Cinnabar Wharf East, West Wapping E1W

£875 Per Week

Ea2 are pleased to be able to offer for let this 2 Double Bedroom, 2 Bathroom 4th Floor Warehouse Conversion. Character Features to include exposed brickwork and original cast iron beams. Secure underground parking space. Porterage. Close to Tower Hill Stations and St Katharine’s Dock.

Ea2 are pleased to be able to offer to let this 2 Bedroom, 2 bathroom 3rd floor modern built apartment. lounge with rap around balcony offering views of the River Thames and Tower Bridge. Both bedrooms with river views. Separate fully fitted kitchen. Laminate Wood Floors. Climate control. Secure Underground Parking Space. 24 Hour Conceirge. Close to Tower Hill Stations and St Katharine’s Dock.

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


0800 542 7210 info@johnsand.co

RIVELRLIGHT 4, SW8 Future of London riverside living

RIVERLIGHT 4 | £1,850,000 Leasehold

RIVERLIGHT 4 | £1,830,000 Leasehold

RIVERLIGHT 4 | £899,000 Leasehold

& Premier riverfront position three bedroom and two bathroom apartment of 1,116 sq ft & Two balconies with Chelsea and garden views & Residents’ only leisure and spa facilities & Transport: Vauxhall Underground

& Spacious riverfront three bedroom and two bathroom apartment of 1,114 sq ft & Two balconies with Chelsea and garden views & Residents’ only leisure and spa facilities & Transport: Vauxhall Underground

& Luxurious 7th floor two bedroom two bathroom apartment of 799 sq ft next to Battersea Power Station & Two west facing balconies with garden views & Residents’ only Riverlight Clubhouse & Transport: Vauxhall Underground

RIVERLIGHT 4 | £685,000 Leasehold

RIVERLIGHT 4 | £645,000 Leasehold

RIVERLIGHT 4 | £590,000 Leasehold

& One bedroom riverfront apartment of 521 sq ft with east facing balcony and garden views & East facing balcony with garden views & Residents’ only leisure and spa facilities & Transport: Vauxhall Underground

& One bedroom riverfront apartment of 500 sq ft next to Battersea Power Station & East facing balcony with garden views & Residents’ only Riverlight Clubhouse & Transport: Vauxhall Underground

& High specification 10th floor studio suite apartment of 461 sq ft on the riverfront & West facing balcony with garden views & Residents’ only leisure and spa facilities & Transport: Vauxhall Underground

www.johnsand.co

CANARY WHARF OFFICE Level 33, 25 Canada Square London E14 5LQ

WAPPING OFFICE G03 Cordage House, 21 Wapping Lane London E1W 2RH

Sales, Lettings & Management


0800 542 7210 info@johnsand.co

PROVIDENCE TOWER, E14

Last remaining units, avail of these fantastic opportunities to buy now

Rare to the market high floor apartments

PROVIDENCE TOWER | £1,175,000 Leasehold

PROVIDENCE TOWER | £725,000 Leasehold

PROVIDENCE TOWER | £682,000 Leasehold

& Luxurious three bedroom two bathroom apartment of 1,286 sq ft with two south facing balconies & 24hour concierge on-site, residents’ only leisure facilities and 43rd floor panoramic Skylounge & Transport: DLR & Canary Wharf Underground

& 31st floor two bedroom apartment of 812 sq ft with two balconies & 24hour concierge and residents’ only leisure facilities and 43rd floor panoramic Skylounge & Transport: DLR & Canary Wharf Underground

& 23rd floor two bedroom apartment of 800 sq ft with two balconies & Residents’ only leisure facilities and 24 hours concierge & Transport: DLR & Canary Wharf Underground

PROVIDENCE TOWER | £505,000 Leasehold

PROVIDENCE TOWER | £450,000 Leasehold

PROVIDENCE TOWER | £435,000 Leasehold

& 31st floor one bedroom apartment of 553 sq ft with open plan reception room with balcony & 24 hours concierge and 43rd floor panoramic Skylounge & Transport: DLR & Canary Wharf Underground

& One bedroom apartment of 597 sq ft with balcony & High specification finish with open plan reception & 24hour concierge, residents’ only leisure facilities and 43rd floor panoramic Skylounge & Transport: DLR & Canary Wharf Underground

& One bedroom apartment with balcony & High specification finish with open plan reception & Residents-only 43rd floor panoramic Skylounge and leisure facilities & Transport: DLR & Canary Wharf Underground

www.johnsand.co

CANARY WHARF OFFICE Level 33, 25 Canada Square London E14 5LQ

WAPPING OFFICE G03 Cordage House, 21 Wapping Lane London E1W 2RH

Sales, Lettings & Management



homes & property

COMPANY PROFILE ANDERSON ROSE JON BYERS, MANAGING DIRECTOR AND FOUNDER OF ANDERSON ROSE, REFLECTS ON THE PROGRESS AND GROWTH OF THE COMPANY SINCE LAUNCHING IN 2011

I

‘‘

‘‘

We are a team of highly experienced agents who work to a formula that we call Integrity and Urgency

need to get out of the mind set of describing Anderson Rose as a new company. Anderson Rose launched in 2011 and I am very proud of what we have achieved so far. By achieving some great results for our past clients, more and more customers are choosing Anderson Rose to sell or let their home. This year 18 per cent of our market appraisal requests have been from a recommendation. From a completely cold start we now rank third for volume of property sold above £500,000 in this area, and considering the number of estate agents, we are pleased with this rate of growth, but anyone who knows me would agree that I will not be content until we have won over the majority! When you start a new business you have to be more prepared to rattle off your USPs than if you work for a larger corporate company, so you get pretty good at answering challenging questions such as, what makes AR stand out from the competition? And why should people choose you rather than any other estate agent? Well we are a team of highly experienced agents who work to a formula that we call, ‘Integrity and Urgency’. We believe that estate agents will not achieve high customer approval if their service is not rich in both. I’m sure you can think of an agency that majors in urgency but falls short in integrity, whilst you can think of another who was terribly nice and professional but did not have the get up and go to achieve the best price in a short timeframe. As an industry, estate agency still ranks pretty low in customer approval ratings. It is a hard job to get right; we can be working for our customers for months and that allows plenty of time to disappoint. There are thousands of excellent and hard-working people employed in estate agencies, and you just need to be present at the Estate Agency of the Year Awards to get a sense of how those excellent people want to change the image of this much maligned industry. We all have our own ideas about how to make that happen, and it should reassure you that so many estate agents are committed to it, but for me it is providing a proposition that no longer forces customers to choose either a great service or a great result. If Waitrose were an estate agency, then they would be like Anderson Rose. It is no surprise therefore that we seem to appeal to the Waitrose shopper, who will not compromise on quality. As your home is normally your most valuable asset, why compromise on your agent? Our clients don’t, which is evident in the testimonials we receive. Anderson Rose would like to wish you a very happy Christmas, and if you are planning a move in 2014, we would love to help. n

Jon Byers Anderson Rose 020 3324 0188 andersonrose.co.uk

143


Shad Thames, SE1 £425 per week A refurbished warehouse apartment of over 600 sq ft, presented furnished. EPC C

Butlers Wharf, Shad Thames, SE1 £899,950 Leasehold

Recently refurbished to an exacting standard, a beautifully presented one bedroom apartment with views over the Thames and Tower Bridge.

Providence Square, SE1 £560 per week

Norfolk House, EC4V £2,400,000 S/F

Refurbished for the next tenant, a 2 bed apartment opening onto waterside deck. EPC Cin the City of One of athe finest apartments

London.


Magdalen Street, SE1 £650,000 Leasehold A 2 bed apartment of over 950 sq ft located just off Tooley Street. EPC B

Butlers Wharf, Shad Thames, SE1 £899,950 Leasehold

Recently refurbished to an exacting standard, a beautifully presented one bedroom apartment with views over the Thames and Tower Bridge.

Tanner SE1 £900,000 Leasehold Curlew Street, Shad Thames, SE1 £2,200,000 Freehold LeesideStreet, Court, SE16 £419,950 Leasehold Norfolk House, EC4V £2,400,000 S/F A quality 3 bed apartment of over 1,350 sq ft with two terraces. EPC Curban A high superb freehold property of great quality which combines the edgy, of apartments a warehouseinconversion two bedroom apartment measuring 785 sq ft, located One of thestyle finest the City of with the practicality of a five bedroom house. within a popular riverside development. London.


Cadogan Square, Knightsbridge SW1 • 2 Bedrooms • 1 Bathroom (en suite) • 1 Shower room • Reception room • Fully fitted kitchen • Use of communal gardens • Approx. 986 sq ft (91 sq m) • EPC rating: current (E) potential (D)

£1,650 per week Furnished

Lucy Morton 020 7306 1630 lmorton@waellis.com

Pont Street, Knightsbridge SW1 • 3 Bedrooms • 3 Bathrooms (en suite) • Guest cloakroom • Drawing room • Kitchen / breakfast family room • Terrace • Approx. 2,273 sq ft (211 sq m) • EPC rating: current (E) potential (C)

£6,450,000 Leasehold with 175 years remaining

Simon Godson 020 7306 1610 sgodson@waellis.com


At W.A.Ellis everyone receives exceptional service from one dazzling year to the next, with tailored national and international marketing and a results-driven approach. Read about our VIP promise and what it means for you at waellis.com

@waellis | 020 7306 1600 Selling, Letting, Property management, Refurbishment, Surveying and Valuation


WE HAVE THE

EXPERIENCE, DETERMINATION & KNOWLEDGE TO JOIN THE DOTS... connecting the right buyer or tenant to your property

Our ‘LONDON PRIME MARKET MONITOR‘ tracks sales values and evaluates ‘supply and demand’ statistics during the quarter

Local know-how. Better results.


Our 184 negotiators have perfected the right balance in their approach, so you enjoy the experience and get the results you want.

LANDLORDS IN LONDON CHOOSE TO RENT THEIR PROPERTIES WITH US

‘PROFESSIONAL’ was the word most frequently used to describe our service in recent feedback. ‘Friendly’, ‘knowledgeable’ and ‘helpful’ were other words that came up time and time again


Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from everyone at Currell. SO

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St John’s Square, EC1 Asking Price: £2,195,000 Leasehold

St John’s Street, EC1 Asking Price: £1,950,000 Leasehold

Albion House, EC1 Asking Price: £1,000,000 Share of Freehold

Worship Street, EC2 Asking Price: £1,225,000 Leasehold

Dickens Mews, EC1 Asking Price: £975,000 Leasehold

Leonard St Penthouse, EC1 Asking Price: £2,050,000 Leasehold

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Ermin, Penthouse, EC1 Asking Price: £1,100,000 Leasehold

St John Street, EC1 Asking Price: £825,000 Leasehold

New Riverhead, EC1 Asking Price: £1,250,000 Leasehold

Kingsway Place, EC1 Asking Price: £749,950 Leasehold

Northbugh Street, EC1 Asking Price: £975,000 Share of Freehold

Penthouse Bezier, EC1 Asking Price: £3,500,000 Leasehold

To sell your Clerkenwell property in 2014 contact the team on: 020 7253 2533


...always selling interesting homes

To sell your Islington property in 2014 contact the team on: 020 7226 4200


Your reward for all the lonely dinners at your desk.



homes & property

DEVELOPMENT SHOWCASE The Next Big Thing

T

he waterside development Canaletto will be instantly recognisable on London’s skyline when it completes in Autumn 2015. Strikingly designed by internationally distinguished architectural practice UNStudio, Canaletto is a breathtaking statement of contemporary, luxury living in one of London’s best-connected neighbourhoods. This new 31-storey tower houses 190 apartments ranging from studios to three-bedroom units and one spectacular penthouse. The interior decoration was designed by Martin Goddard, the man behind acclaimed global projects, which include the interiors of the Corinthia, Four Seasons and Marriott hotels. Goddard’s designs harmoniously draw together traditions of scale, space and perspective with contemporary highlights to create apartments that are both modern and classic. Highly secure with CCTV and 24-hour concierge, the development also offers lavish amenities. These include a cinema, spa and gym and a residents’ club with a terrace on the 24th floor. Luxurious and ideally located, Canaletto is one of London’s most exciting new additions. n

Canaletto, EC1 FROM £500,000 Freehold Jones Lang LaSalle residential.joneslanglasalle.co.uk

020 7337 4002 154


Red Lion Lane | Woolwich Common | London | SE18 4AS

Style. Elegance. History

JUST RELEASED Montague Mews is the next exciting new release at The Academy. This collection of just 14 newbuild homes and apartments nestles within the heart of this magnificent development. With a high specification and the finest contemporary design throughout, this really is the perfect address for combining modern living in an unrivalled historical setting.

• 2 bedroom from £315,000

• 3 bedroom from £430,000

DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS EXCITING NEW PHASE, CONTACT US TODAY! Marketing Suite and Showhomes open Friday - Monday 11.00am - 5.00pm (Sunday 4.00pm) Christmas Opening Hours: Closed from 23rd December, reopens 3rd January Visit our website to keep up to date with new releases:

www.theacademywoolwich.co.uk

or call:

020 3689 7868



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