The City Magazine January 2013 by Runwild Media Group

JANUARY 2013 59

COVER IMAGE: St Paul’s Cathedral and One New Change, London by Howard Kingsnorth – Commended in the Landscape Photographer of the Year Awards 2012. A free exhibition, showcasing all winning and commended entries, will be at the National Theatre in London until 12 January 2013. The Awards are also accompanied by a full colour book – Landscape Photographer of the Year; Collection 6 by AA Publishing, which is available now. The 2012 Awards are held in association with Network Rail. take-a-view.co.uk

Feature

11 2013: A YEAR FOR INVESTMENT

It’s a double dip. It’s a triple. We’re pulling through. Outlooks are grim. Whatever the true shape of the country’s financial state of affairs, a good investment is, well, exactly that. KARI ROSENBERG and EMMA JOHNSON make some wise choices, so you don’t have to

COLLECTION 32 BRAND BREITLING

When it comes to employing international ambassadors, Breitling hasn’t exactly invested in household names. Until now. Having unveiled its newest emissary: a marketing masterpiece in the shape of a soon-to-be-Sir David Beckham. RICHARD BROWN talks shop with Breitling Vice President, Jean-Paul Girardin

comment

54 PLAYING TO WIN

One of the difficulties with investing in tech companies is the sheer pace of their development. Interbrand’s SIMON SMITH and ERICA VELIS investigate

calibre

64 MO-VING ON

In the space of a week, life altered irrevocably for Mo Farah. Going into the London 2012 Games, no-one could have predicted the outpouring of national pride that followed his glorious wins. The mighty Mo plots his next move with CHRIS BEECH

travel

96 SKI PATROL

GABRIEL O’RORKE experiences the alternative Verbier at La Tzoumaz. There may not be as many celebrity filled clubs, but you can’t beat the slopes

regulars 29 Watches + Jewellery

95 Travel

51 comment

101 Food + Drink

77 fashion

104 The Directory

74 Sport

107 Property

the

w-list

Deputy Editor Kari Rosenberg highlights the key people, places and events in January. Head to Canary Wharf for some post-Christmas retail therapy (providing your resolutions don’t include less shopping) and get awards season ready as the Oscar nominations are announced

RUNWILD M

Editor-in-Chief Lesley Ellwood

Editorial Director Kate Harrison

Deputy Editor Kari Rosenberg

Fashion Editor Lucie Dodds

Motoring Editor Matthew Carter

Assistant Editors

Richard Brown, Gabrielle Lane

Editorial Assistants

Olivia Sharpe, aimee latimer

Who?

Audrey Hepburn “For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.” Perhaps most well known for her role as Holly Golightly in the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Belgian-born Audrey Hepburn is still as much an inspiration today as she was half a century ago. Her career as an actress began in English cinema, but following her Broadway appearance in Gigi she debuted in Hollywood in 1953. A style icon, classic beauty and respected philanthropist, Hepburn is one of the few actresses to have won an Academy Award, Emmy, Tony and Grammy. 20 January will mark the two decade anniversary since her death.

What? Oscar

Nominations Announced The Oscars nominations will be announced on 10 January ahead of the 85th ceremony on Sunday 24 February. Those tipped for gongs include actor Joaquin Phoenix for his role in Paul Thomas Anderson’s The Master as well as Director David O’ Russell for Silver Linings Playbook. Actor and director Seth MacFarlane has been confirmed as host.

Head of Design

Hiren Chandarana

Brand Consistency Laddawan Juhong

Designer

Where?

Canary Wharf For a post-Christmas retail spree, Canary Wharf has the answer to all your designer bargain hunting prayers. Visit Hugo Boss, Hackett or Dunhill for smart and classic suits, shirts and ties; Whistles and Reiss for chic cocktail dresses and cosy winter knits or L.K Bennett, Jaeger and Hobbs for super stylish footwear. If you ask me, January is the season to be jolly. Although Visa may not agree.

What: Joe Seer / Shutterstock.com

Production Manager Fiona Fenwick

Production

Hugo Wheatley

Head of Projects Ella Kilgarriff

Senior Property Manager Samantha Ratcliffe

Head of Finance Elton Hopkins

Managing Director Eren Ellwood

When? 16-20 January, London Art Fair

Head to the Business Design Centre, Islington for the UK’s largest Modern British and Contemporary art fair. Featuring more than 100 leading UK galleries showing museum-quality modern British and contemporary work, the exhibition is now in its 25th year. Don’t miss Sir Peter Blake’s American Trilogy, Lynn Chadwick’s Bronze Walking Couple or Sejin Kim’s Sleeping Sun. ‘Art Projects’, now a major part of the fair, features solo shows, curated group displays and large-scale installations in conjunction with galleries from across the world. Londonartfair.co.uk

Sarah Connell

Why?

New Year’s Resolutions Following a hedonistic December, top New Year’s resolutions come January include spending more time with family and friends, getting fit, quitting smoking and drinking, and trying out a new hobby. Learn Russian. Climb a mountain. Go teetotal. Let me know how it goes – I’ll be at the pub.

7 Heron Quay, Canary Wharf London, E14 4JB T: 020 7987 4320 F: 020 7005 0045 www.rwmg.co.uk

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

editor’s letter

january

“My philosophy is that if I have any money I invest it in new ventures and not have it sitting around.” – Richard Branson

Welcome to our annual investment issue in which we take inspiration from this fabulous ethos: work hard, play hard, as they say. But some investments are wiser than others. Think bottom line, long-term gains when you next dole out your hard earned sterling, whatever it is you’re buying into. From the very first page of this fantastic issue, we bring to you those essential assets you shouldn’t be without; top collector’s items to jet-set proof luggage, rare teas and truffles to motoring expertise (p. 11). And if that’s not enough, see our jam-packed news pages covering fashion, jewellery, watches, interiors, gadgets, gizmos and everything in between. We highlight our number one investment choices. Digital is advertising’s new ecosystem, a dicey frontier for most major businesses, a new medium for conversation, and a technological wonder that has connected the world. It’s also among the most misunderstood phenomena in business today. We are only just beginning to discover its potential and so far, investing in digital companies has proven to be a gamble. With a billion users on Facebook and 500 million on Twitter, there is no doubt that social media is flourishing. However, several companies that appeared to be paving the way to the profitable new digital age have faltered, shaking the confidence of investors and resurrecting the ghost of the dot-com bust of 2000. Interbrand’s Simon Smith and Erica Velis take a closer look (p. 54). From 1 January, new rules are transforming the ways in which financial advice is provided. Stephen Ingledew, Managing Director, Customer and Marketing at Standard Life discusses the impact of the new Retail Distribution Review (p. 52). When it comes to employing international ambassadors, Breitling hasn’t exactly invested in household names. Until now. Having unveiled its newest emissary: a marketing masterpiece in the shape of (soon-to-be-Sir, surely?) David Beckham. Richard Brown talks shop with Breitling Vice President, Jean-Paul Girardin (p. 32). In the space of a week, life altered irrevocably for Mo Farah. Going into the London 2012 Games, no-one could have predicted the outpouring of national pride that followed his glorious wins in the 5,000m and 10,000m pursuits. The mighty Mo plots his next move with Chris Beech (p. 66). Denzel Washington is fast approaching the big 60. His hulking brawn, coupled with tender soulfulness, has won him a legion of adoring fans and secured him a balance of film genre roles between emotional drama and bicep-flexing action. While roles remain stable, Washington believes the equilibrium may finally be starting to tip. Has he still got it? There’s no doubt this man is still on fire, says Stephen Milton (p. 24). Be sure to keep this issue free from tears and tea stains, sat firmly on your desk as 2013 unfolds. Laminate it, file it, cover it in sticky-back plastic. It could be the best investment you ever make.

Kate

Kate Harrison Editorial Director

JANUARY 2013 THE CITY 9

Hand mate.

Spitfire Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month. Ref. 3791: In the days when the Spitfire conquered the skies, there was no shortage of heroes. And where there were heroes, there were bad guys, too. Anyone up there without a wingman could only rely on his instincts â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and his IWC. Today, the IWC Spitfire Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month comes with up to 68 hours power reserve and a glass secured against drops in air pressure, all designed to give pilots a feeling of security. Which thanks to the perpetual calendar will last for centuries to come. Mechanical chronograph movement | Self-winding | 68-hour power reserve when fully wound | Stopwatch function with hours, minutes and seconds | Hour and minute counters combined in a totalizer at 12 oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock | Flyback function | Small hacking seconds | Digital perpetual calendar | Leap year display | Screw-in crown | Sapphire glass, convex, antireflective coating on both sides | Water-resistant 6 bar | 18 ct red gold |

IWC. Engineered for men.

Jubilee Place, 45 Bank Street, London, E14 5NY. Telephone : 020 7538 2332 w w w.davidmrobinson.co.uk

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23.10.12 14:42

feature

a year for

INVESTMENT It’s a double dip. It’s a triple. We’re pulling through. Outlooks are grim. Whatever the true shape of the country’s financial state of affairs, a good investment is, well, exactly that. Feast your eyes on these. words kari rosenberg & emma johnson

january 2013 THE CITY 11

THE UK’S GREATEST LUXURY LIFESTYLE EXHIBITION RETURNS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE TULLETT PREBON LONDON BOAT SHOW AT EXCEL, 12 - 20 JANUARY 2013

Purchase tickets at www.theluxurybrandshow.com

PARTNERS

SHOW SPONSOR KEITH KEMP AND PETER STOW PARTNER PRACTICES OF

Customer acquisition and marketing specialists for luxury brands. Please contact graham.davies@exclusivelyevents.co.uk © Aston Martin

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10/12/2012 14:11

feature

invest in

food

tEA & TRUFFLES

ven in a recession, people need to eat. And any discerning diner worth their weight still clearly wants to eat well, with speciality and premium foods and drinks faring extremely well. “There are segments that continue to grow as companies are leveraging demographic changes and focusing on specialty trends, such as free trade and organic products, ethnic foods and products considered to help promote health and wellness,” explains Patrick Dolan of KPMG, speaking to Foodmanufacturing.com in August. Healthy food and drink in particular has seen a big boom with wellness teas like Pu’erh garnering mass popularity and the associated high price tag – in 2005, 500g of 64-year-old Pu’er tea

sold at auction for ¥1 million (£91,905.89), making it six times more expensive than gold according to theage.com.au. Its price jumped by 50 per cent last year alone. Even Pu’erh doesn’t ever reach the dizzying heights of the most expensive mushroom in the world: white truffle. Just 1kg can cost between £5,000 and £6,000, but as it is hard to harvest and has a very short shelf life, diminishing in quality just days after it’s picked, demand is high and prices can dramatically exceed that. The best way to invest is in a truffle farm – a UK entrepreneur is currently pioneering a more efficient way to grow truffle, while Australia and New Zealand have several ‘trufferies’ which accept investment from outside parties in return for percentages of the profits at the end of the year.

january 2013 THE CITY 13

feature

invest in

history

DON’T PASS

hether you float like a butterfly or sting like a bee, know every word on the Sgt. Pepper album or always order your Royale with cheese, the Millionaire Gallery is a one-stop shop for precious memorabilia. Find autographed displays from Casino, Pulp Fiction, The Godfather and Scarface, signatures of all 44 US Presidents from George Washington to Barack Obama and signed and certified artefacts from musical legends including Jimi Hendrix and The Beatles. If football is where your fanaticism lies, take your pick of the sporting bunch: own Barcelona’s 2011 Champions signed shirt or Fernando Torres’ autographed Chelsea kit.

ME BY

From music and royalty to sport and film, those individuals and events who have secured their place in history can provide long-term returns with little or low-correlation to the stock market. Demands for memorabilia are steadily increasing due to the interest from emerging markets, especially from China and India. In an increasingly celebrity obsessed world, record souvenirs and mementos have gone for thousands, if not millions when sold in conjunction with other related products: the Michael Jackson Bad jacket auctioned for £148,927, although the estimated sum for a recent sale of the King of Pop’s jacket collection was close to the £5 million mark, while Elvis Presley’s Clambake guitar achieved £21,842. millionairegallery.com

january 2013 THE CITY 15

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invest in

safety

DRIVE

here are numerous track days out there where you get to drive as fast as you want in a really great car. But what if you could come away having learnt something invaluable and improved your operating skills permanently? A unique course has become the leader in driver awareness, safety and ability. Run by Ultimate Car Control DEK, (Driver Encoded Knowledge) was developed over five and a half years and effectively extols a level of dynamic driver ability unsurpassed worldwide. A brilliant opportunity to benefit from one to one driver development, the course teaches everything from the principles of ‘dynamic driving’ to the practicalities of how to induce and control

ON oversteer and understeer and high speed braking and cornering. During the day, every driver will drive a minimum of five different cars, and we’re talking seriously good cars, as UCC benefits from having access to all of the high performance Jaguars, including the 500 horsepower versions of XFR and XKR. While the ethos behind the programme is to make you safer in your car, the training is definitely in the ‘fun’ domain. This is a day that will change your driving ability beyond recognition. A good investment for sure. And it’s not just for the boy racers out there: DEK runs the course for both sexes, and finds, actually, that women are often outperforming the men. DEK Dynamics driving day, £600, ultimatecarcontrol.com

january 2013 THE CITY 17

QUINTESSENTIAL BRITISH LEATHER GOODS SINCE 1934

The Bullion Collection www.ettinger.co.uk Tel: +44 (0)20 8877 1616

Ettinger Bullion Ad Mayfair Jan12 297x210.indd 1

14/12/11 1:24 PM

Ett

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invest in

luggage

excess

baggage

rom long-haul escapes to Mauritius and the Maldives to fleeting city breaks to New York and Shanghai, investing in a quality set of luggage will ensure your valuables are kept safe in style. Durability, size, weight, aesthetics and warranties are all important factors to consider when purchasing luggage that will last you for years, especially if you spend more time in airport lounges than you do your own. We love Globetrotter’s sophisticated Orient collection complete with an urushi lacquered finish (the rust coloured sap drawn from the urushi tree native to Japan has been used in traditional Japanese arts as far back as 4000 BC). Boasting a unique elegance in both its colour and finish, each made to order

case is hand-crafted by a master Japanese artisan and coated in a special chemical to add extra strength and protection. The appearance of the urushi varies according to the conditions in which it dries, so each Orient suitcase carries its own unique tarnishing complete with champagne coloured silk lining. If you’re looking for an edgy addition over classic colourways then choose from the ever changing limited edition ranges including a collaboration with Parisian artist André Saraiva. Inspired by his jetset lifestyle he’s constructed a graphical print lining and set of 11 illustrated stickers. Other collections include the Expedition Series, commemorating the Centenary of Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s Terra Nova expedition and the Red White and Blue, inspired by the Union Jack.

january 2013 THE CITY 19

Our boutique is located 20 Motcomb Street London SWIX 8LB tel. 020 7823 2176

www.annickgoutal.com

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invest in

art

LUCARELLI TEMISTOCLE / Shutterstock.com

Portrait of Picasso by Dalì, Figueras, Spain

the

artist

lobal sales of art surpassed $64 billion (around £40 billion) in 2011, triple the 2002 total and has outperformed the S&P 500 over the past decade. While a Picasso or a Dalì may be too steep for a first time buyer, investing in young or emerging talent could prove to be fruitful, if you’re patient. If you find galleries and exhibitions too intimidating or time consuming, then log onto Art.sy, a Netflix style online network for the art world. Its mission statement is “to make the world’s art freely accessible to anyone with an Internet connection. We envision a world where a passion for art is just as common as it is for music today” and boasts one of the largest online collections of modern and contemporary art.

Powered by ‘The Art Genome Project’ which ‘maps’ or effectively tags the characteristics that connect the world’s artists and artworks – be it silkscreen, contemporary photographic portraits, food or geometry, for example– Art.sy evaluates works across more than 800 genres. From art-historical movements to subject matter you can search it all from your desktop. Francesca Guglielmino, Executive of Arts at the Rothschild Foundation told Forbes: “Art is a tangible asset, the ownership of which affords pleasure and knowledge. However, it requires physical maintenance, has high carrying costs and has no ready liquidity. Further, it is subject to the vagaries of taste and fashion. On the positive side, if you take a long-term view or buy anticyclically, art can produce very positive returns.”

january 2013 THE CITY 21

P L E A S E E N J OY O U R C H A M PA G N E R E S P O N S I B LY DRINKAWARE .CO.UK

feature

invest in

horses

Motivator winning the 2005 Epsom Derby. Motivator was owned by the Royal Ascot Racing Club syndicate, part of Highclere Racing, highclereracing.co.uk

gift

horse

or an investment that’s half fun, half finance you could do worse than investing in a race horse. As Harry Herbert, CEO of racehorse syndicate Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, says: “The indescribable thrill that you get when your horse wins is a feeling like no other. It produces an almost primeval competitive rush, which if you could bottle would make you a fortune!” Until they learn to bottle this ‘thrill’, though, owning a horse through a syndicate – whereby you share in the ownership with several other individuals, sharing prize money, and eventual profits when the horse is sold – is best. While this doesn’t always reap huge financial rewards – injury is

a common occupational hazard which can cost both money or the horse’s career – the benefits are manifold. Not only will you meet new people through racing, attend training sessions and see your horse race, and hopefully win, but there are opportunities to make money too. “If you do hit the jackpot and come up with a really good horse then there are enormous sums of money to be made. Our first champion was a horse called Lake Coniston who was bought for 22,000 guineas (this is still the standard currency for selling thoroughbreds, one guinea equals £1.05) and was later sold to Coolmore Stud in Ireland for £2.4m.” Even better, there is no capital gains tax on prize money or sales of a horse in training, so whether you are a sole owner or part of a syndicate, UK taxpayers pay no tax on these windfalls.

january 2013 THE CITY 23

This Man

interview

is on fire Denzel Washington is fast approaching the big 60. Has he still got it? STEPHEN MILTON has no doubts

january 2013 THE CITY 25

guarantees a return at the box office, unlike Cage, Pitt and Crowe, who some may says flagging inability to deliver numbers saw them tossed out of the fraternity long ago. The preacher’s son from the Bronx, only the second black man to win a Best Actor Oscar for Training Day in 2002 (after Sidney Poitier in 1960), doesn’t quite see it that way. “It’s about the movie, the character, the script,” he muses. “I mean if that was the case, I could simply sit in a chair, staring at the camera, saying absolutely nothing and that would bring in the bucks.” A devout Christian, who reads a passage from the Bible every day, Denzel confesses a time in his career when snowballing apathy nearly saw him walk away from the big screen for good. “I went through a phase where I was sick of acting, I wanted to get out of it, I was done. So I tried directing [Antwone Fisher (2002)] and boy, that didn’t work out. I am not built for it. “At one stage, I even thought about being a preacher like my father but the longer I was away from acting, the more I missed it and I thought, ‘I got to get back in front of that camera’.” Washington’s latest release, Flight, an intense psychological thriller examining a troubled pilot’s culpability when his plane

Featureflash / Shutterstock.com, Joe Seer / Shutterstock.com, Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com, s_bukley / Shutterstock.com

enzel Washington seems to be struggling with a weighty question. He pauses for a languorous breath, then another and for a moment, it seems like he’s more than ready to quit this interview. He clears his throat, sounds as if to shift in his seat and follows with a gravelly chuckle which graciously breaks the tension. It appears ‘ageing’ is a contentious issue for the two-time Academy Award winner. “It’s been cropping up a lot more recently,” he recollects in a decidedly cheery manner, “but I guess it’s not just me who’s taken notice of my advancing years. You can’t escape it, so why try?” Creeping ever closer to his sixtieth birthday, Washington’s ground-breaking roster of performances in Glory, Crimson Tide and Malcolm X made him a modern day icon, and a trailblazer for AfricanAmerican advances in Hollywood. Hulking brawn, coupled with tender

soulfulness, won him a legion of adoring cross-generational fans and secured him a balance of film genre roles between emotional drama and bicep-flexing action. While this category crossover still remains pretty stable, Washington, 58, believes the equilibrium is finally starting to tip and concedes that time may be up on his more physically demanding roles, like last year’s gritty sleeper hit Safe House and forthcoming action drama, 2Guns. “When I turned 50, I looked in the mirror and I said, ‘Hey, this ain’t no dress rehearsal, this is life and I’m not sure how much of it I have left’,” he bluntly states, over a fizzing Transatlantic line from his home in Toluca Lake, California. “Even if I have 50 more years, I probably won’t remember 20 or 30 of them anyway. I want to keep pushing myself with the next role, whether it be physically or emotionally, but I’m aware of my limitations now. “I’m two years from 60, which is a scary thing to face. So I may as well get in all the physical work I have left in me because I don’t think anyone’s going to want to hire me for that once I hit the big 6-0.” Even in the aftermath of the economic meltdown, Washington is one of the remaining Hollywood cash cows who still commands a salary of $20million plus. Along with Cruise, Hanks and Clooney, he’s a household brand whose name alone

interview

narrowly escapes disaster, has already raked in nearly $50million at the domestic US box office, a number that’s sure to soar following international release. And along with director Robert Zemeckis, Denzel chose to waiver his set fee to stabilise spiralling production costs. “Whip’s an intricate character, a hard drinker, he’s caused a lot of problems in his life and it was fascinating to get into

quandary to shine a light on.” Washington, who’s cultivated a career playing historical luminaries; from apartheid activist, Steve Biko to boxer Rubin ‘Hurricane’ Carter and civil rights legend, Malcolm X, picked up a new skill while preparing for Flight, although it’s left him rather more jangled than empowered. “Learning how to fly, that was fun. We went into those flight simulators and

I went through a phase where I was sick of acting, I wanted to get out of it, I was done.So I tried directing and boy, that didn’t work out. I am not built for it that mind-set. This, after all, is far from a hero story. He saves many lives but is ultimately responsible for the crash and that is a script that you can’t walk away from. I did all I could to make sure the project went ahead. “I don’t think we normally engage pilots as normal humans with this massive responsibility and ultimately, Whip makes a series of fatal errors in judgement. I mean, he thinks he’s telling the truth, but he’s in denial. He thinks he can fly intoxicated and once he gets in trouble, he keeps saying no one could have landed that plane like he did. It’s an interesting

attempted mock take offs, and how to balance the plane. Like for one thing, I never realised, when you’re taking off down the runway, you’re not actually steering the plane. “The steering wheel controls the wings not the wheels that are on the ground and it’s the pedals, two pedals on the floor, right and left that do steer it and you have to balance those as you’re heading down the runway, keeping the nose straight. It’s a lot to take on. “I wouldn’t say I’m a nervous flyer now but you know, knowledge can be a dangerous thing. Any little sound on a

flight now, it gets my mind going.” The father of four will have to suppress his newly discovered aviation apprehensions if he’s to cross the Atlantic for the UK premiere of Flight here in London, where he and his wife of 29 years, Pauletta, enjoyed a couple of romantic dates during the promotion of Safe House early last year. And Denzel was impressed by how little attention he received while strolling round Kensington, Knightsbridge and South Bank. “My wife and I like to date, that’s just our thing and wherever we are, we make sure to keep it romantic, take in some of the city, just the two of us. We had a lovely time in London for the Safe House tour. “I stayed in a nice hotel in Knightsbrige I think, right near that big park, we took in a couple of great restaurants, did a bit of shopping around Kensington. You know, the normal stuff one does. “I really like that area down by the river, what’s it….[South Bank, I interject]. Yeah, that’s it. A hive of activity, all the street artists and cafes, pretty special round there. And the whole time I was in London, I don’t think anyone looked twice in my direction. I think that’s the sign that I’m getting old and unrecognisable now. Maybe ageing isn’t such a bad thing after all.” Flight is in cinemas February 1

january 2013 THE CITY 27

We prefer not to be measured by dimensions. Unless it’s a new dimension of accuracy.

No fewer than four exceptional mechanisms enhance the precision of the RICHARD LANGE TOURBILLON “Pour le Mérite”: the tiny fusée-and-chain transmission, the delicate tourbillon, the ultra-thin Lange balance spring, and – not least – the patented stop-seconds device for the tourbillon which makes it possible to

set the watch with one-second accuracy in the first place. Never before has an A. Lange & Söhne watch been endowed with so many complications that simultaneously enhance its rate accuracy, settability, and readability. And so, this remarkable timepiece truly deserves the honorary attribute “Pour le Mérite”.

Arije 165, Sloane Street London • George Pragnell 5 and 6, Wood Street, Stratford-upon-Avon Hamilton & Inches 87, George Street, Edinburgh • Harrods 87–135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London Watches of Switzerland 16, New Bond Street, London • Wempe 43-44, New Bond Street, London Lange Uhren GmbH • Tel. +34 91 454 89 82 • www.lange-soehne.com

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08.02.2012 15:52:48 Uhr

collection

REPORT

vision shared

The most revered name in watchmaking collaborates with jewellery’s most famous Maison, writes RICHARD BROWN

atch-collectors looking for something unique to kick off their New Year could do a lot worse than procuring a 4987G or 5396G. They’re the references of the limited edition timepieces Patek Philippe and Tiffany & Co. jointly released towards the end of last year. Commemorating the fifth anniversary of the former’s boutique in the latter’s Fifth Avenue flagship store, the watches pay homage to a partnership that stretches back to 1851. Limited to 50 pieces, the Art Deco-inspired Ladies Gondolo watch (the 4987G) features a curved, tonneau-shaped case in 18-karat

white gold, accented with no less than 164 round brilliant-cut diamonds. Two dial options are offered: choose the matt blue sunburst dial with white painted Roman numerals for understated elegance or the white mother-of-pearl dial with powdered gold numerals for a perfect day-to-evening timepiece. For men, the Annual Calendar creations (5396G) display the day, date and month in apertures, moon phases and 24-hour indication on a smart black dial. The watches are limited to an exclusive 100 pieces and all have a sapphire-crystal case back, as well as featuring an exclusive engraving. As these are available only in the States, though, you’ll have to factor in the cost of a flight to get one.

collection

And the Winners Are… When experts from the watch world gathered at the 2012 Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix at the end of last year, it was TAG Heuer’s Mikrogirder that they voted the best overall watch of the year. “Our chronograph is the ultimate in highprecision timing; it consigns quartz to historical oblivion,” said Jean-Christophe Babin, the company’s CEO, upon accepting the award. Other brands scooping gongs at what are effectively the Oscars of the watch industry included Chanel with its Flying Tourbillon Première (Best Ladies’ Watch) and MB&F with its Legacy Machine N°1 (winner of both Best Men’s Watch and the Public’s Choice award). Another noteworthy victor was HYT’s H1 Titanium Black DLC (Innovation Watch Prize), a watch that uses two reservoirs of fluorescent liquid to indicate the time. gphg.org/horlogerie

Gold Rush Fresh from plugging the Seamaster Planet Ocean as 007’s wristwatch of choice, 2013 sees Omega extend the collection with the Seamaster Planet Ocean Ceragold. Distinguished from the rest of the range by ceramic Ceragold bezels (a material new to the world of watchmaking), the models come equipped with a helium escape valve and Omega’s own Co-Axial calibre 9301 movement. The timepieces feature 18-karat red gold cases and allow would-be James Bonds to descend to a depth of 600 metres. Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 45.50mm Chronograph Ceragold £20,950 Watches of Switzerland 22 Royal Exchange

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

One to Watch

Each month we select our timepiece of the moment from the watch world’s most exciting pieces:

With its shiny, grey, hand-stitched alligator strap and moon phase display, the 4968G is an illustration of why Patek’s complicated watches are among the most distinctive and valuable timepieces a woman can own

Dual-Winging It While nearly all of the top watchmakers now produce worldtime timepieces, none have managed to mastermind a creation that enables the user to adjust the time in the travel zone to the nearest minute. None, that is, except Jaeger-LeCoultre. Thanks to a new dual-wing movement that uses two independent barrels and gear trains, the company’s Duomètre Unique Travel Time does just that. Unveiled towards the end of last year, the stunning 100-piece limited edition series comes in 18-karat white gold and features a globe-shaped day/night indicator at 6 o’clock. Yours for £30,400. jaeger-lecoultre.com

4968G, £39,380, Patek Philippe Available at Watches of Switzerland, 22 Royal Exchange

JANUARY 2013 THE CITY 31

Brand

Breitling No one does aviation watches quite like Breitling. As the company takes to the skies with new ambassador David Beckham, Richard Brown speaks to Vice President, Jean-Paul Girardin, about the future flight path of this famous brand

COLLECTION

AG has Diaz and DiCaprio; Omega, Kidman and Clooney; Rolex, Federer, Woods and Placido Domingo. Breitling, comparatively, has wingwalkers, a jet-man and, err, John Travolta. Danny Zuko aside, when it comes to the employment of international ambassadors, Breitling hasn’t exactly invested in household names. Until, that was, last year drew to a close. Then, as December reared its head and Christmas wish-lists were being written, the brand unveiled its newest emissary: a marketing masterpiece in the shape of a (soon-to-be-Sir, surely?) David Beckham. A footballingsuperstar-come-style-guru may not have been the most obvious choice for a brand more associated with aviation than sporting achievement but in terms of mass appeal, few come as universally adored as old Golden Balls. “It has to be more than a product placement,” said Breitling’s Vice President, Jean-Paul Girardin, of celebrity endorsements when I spoke to him two weeks before the Beckham news broke. “It is important that they are professional, that there should be a clear link between product and ambassador.” Other than the fact that he spends a lot of time in the air, flitting between time zones, the link between Beckham and the Transocean Chronograph Unitime (the watch for which he is now the face) might not be the most transparent. Not that it will matter too much to Breitling; for the company, the association allows for a press release that can be littered with words like “precision”, “style” and “icon”, as much to describe the footballer as the time-teller. Launched at this year’s Baselworld watch fair, the modern Unitime is a reinvention of a watch originally launched in the 50s, a selfwinding world-timer that now exists as a sought-after collector’s piece. It’s an important watch for Breitling, one that simultaneously signifies its 21st century technical prowess, in the use of an in-house movement, and recognises its aviation-dominated past. As Girardin explains: “In 2004 we started developing our first inhouse mechanical movement which launched in 2009. Three years later [with the Transocean Chronograph Unitime] we have proved we are able to produce not just quantity but quality. It’s important to be able to show our consumers that we have that sort of in-house innovation capacity.” So confident is Breitling in the quality of that innovation that the watch comes with a five year warranty. As the images on these pages will testify, Breitling is a brand

JANUARY 2013 THE CITY 33

dedicated to aerial endeavours. What started in the 1930s, when the company began producing onboard chronographs for aircraft cockpits, progressed into World War II, when Breitling became the go-to-brand for The Royal Airforce in equipping their Spitfire and Hurricane fighter planes. Seven years after the end of the war, the company launched the watch that would arguably define it: the Breitling Navitimer. With looks that animated aviation enthusiasts and mainstream watch lovers alike, the timepiece would quickly become a cult chronograph and design classic. Having celebrated its 60th anniversary this year, the Navitimer is today the world’s oldest mechanical chronograph still in production. “Technically, it is completely different from the originals,” points out Mr Girardin. “It is now water resistant, it is made with sapphire crystals and it uses different movements. But from a design point of view, it is very similar. We are the only watch company truly dedicated to aviation. In the Navitimer you can see that dedication and the consistency of our brand.” You can see it in other places too. Breitling’s sustained commitment to aviation sees it sponsoring the fixed-wing jet pack flights of Yves Rossy, as well as its own jet team, a team of wingwalkers and the first balloon to successfully circumnavigate the globe (the Breitling Orbiter) without stopping. But while the Navitimer may continue to act as the cornerstone of Breitling’s range, you can’t accuse the brand of relying on its most popular timepiece to swell sales. In 1995 Breitling launched the Emergency, a watch equipped with a radio transmitter that when activated broadcast at the frequency used for distress calls. Following a crash or a forced landing, and the unscrewing a protective cap, the Emergency would send out a signal on which rescuers could home in. Mr Girardin explains that the watch’s USP proved to be more than a novelty. “We have already located more than 20 people by using the Emergency. We have some examples we cannot tell you about, relating to the Air Forces; they are happy to be saved, but it seems not happy to talk about being saved. We had two UK helicopter pilots flying from South America to Darfur. When they hit a patch of high pressure they began to experience autorotation [where a helicopter’s rotor system begins turning through air pressure rather than engine power] and were forced to jump 30 feet from the helicopter into the sea. They both had an Emergency watch and we were able to save them.”

Tracing its roots back to 1884, yet still independently owned, Breitling is a rarity within its industry; having served the same single company for more than 20 years, so is Girardin More recently, there’s been Breitling’s collaboration with Bentley. Predating the relationships between the likes of Hublot and Ferrari, and Ball and BMW, the partnership has proved to be one of the more successful unifications between the automobile and watchmaking worlds. It came in 2003 when Bentley announced its return to the supercar sector with the world’s most powerful sedan: the Continental GT. “Bentley had been taken over by Volkswagen and completely repositioned as a truly luxury car, not just the production factory of Rolls-Royce. This made it a perfect match,” explains Mr Girardin. “They wanted to rejuvenate the classic days and the GT became the symbol of this new Bentley brand. They asked us to bring a little dynamism to the dashboard and we designed the Breitling of the Bentley GT dashboard clock.”

COLLECTION

The company then went one step further by presenting their customers with a collection titled Breitling for Bentley. “These were not just recreations but a completely new brand, almost; a new product, a new aesthetic, a new pricing position. It was a meeting of high performance and luxury.” The range now stretches to some 16 models, with customers being able to tailor the details of each to their specific requirements. No other watch-car collaboration can count itself such a triumph. Tracing its roots back to 1884, yet still independently owned, Breitling is a rarity within its industry; having served the same single company for more than 20 years, so is Girardin. In the next year or so, Breitling will hope that Brand Beckham proves as lucrative an investment as Brand Bentley did, but what of the future after that? “There are now many brands claiming they have close links with aviation but we are the only ones truly focused on that relationship. Most of our technical features have been gained through this association. Some brands try to do everything; we know we cannot. We will continue to focus our energy and resources on that segment.” Of the luxury watch industry as a whole? “There won’t be as many changes as we have seen in recent years. There was a trend for the merging and acquisition of independent brands by big groups but now I think that the remaining independent brands are the ones that stand a good chance of coming into their stride. We are quick; we can create special products. “If you talk about the size of the watch, I think we’ve achieved the ultimate diameter. Breitling, for one, will not be going any bigger. You still have to wear your watch in a convenient manner. Geographically, I think the Swiss watch industry is about to go to war over China.” Let’s hope the Chinese like planes. If they don’t, Breitling can always rely on Beckham. breitling.com

JANUARY 2013 THE CITY 35

start

your engines Forget the January blues; kick-start the New Year with a range of race-inspired accessories 1 Bentley-inspired Number 1 Monza weekend holdall, £420 Caracalla, caracalla1947.com 2 RT Watch Mechanical Racing cufflinks, £175, Tateossian, 1-4 Royal Exchange 3 Contemporary cufflinks, £200, Montblanc, 10-11 Tower Royal 4 DS Podium Big Size GMT, £495, Certina, certina.com 5 Aston Martin Racing driving gloves, £125, Hackett, 117 Bishopsgate 6 Bridle Hide green travel shoe horn, £60, Ettinger, ettinger.co.uk 7 1198 Superbike, POA, Ducati, ducati.com 8 Submariner Date in Steel, £6,050, Rolex, Watches of Switzerland, 22 Royal Exchange

Swiss movement, English heart

Bespoke Unitas 6497 hand-wound movement (Calibre JJ02) from master watchmaker, Johannes Jahnke / Each piece, of only 250, personally assembled by Johannes in our Swiss atelier / Supremely engineered, 43mm, 316L stainless steel case with full diameter transparent case-back / Unique serial number engraved on case and movement Premium Louisiana alligator deployment strap / 5 year movement guarantee

070_ChristopherWard_City.indd 1

26/11/2012 16:34

THE SIENNA COLLECTION Inspired by the Renaissance Masters, The Sienna Collection reincarnates the artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love of colour and creativity. The Sienna Cuff and The Sienna Chandelier drop earrings both feature a superb array of mandarin garnets, pink spinels and diamonds set in yellow gold. The Sienna Collection is truly inspired by a timeless period in European history which celebrated beauty through the adornment of majestic gems.

UNITED KINGDOM

AUSTRALIA

The Royal Arcade, Old Bond St, Mayfair London W1S 4SW

Sydney Gold Coast

calleija.com

collection

Out of the Wood

Like most one-of-a-kind items, the limited-edition Van Cleef & Arpels’ Alhambra collection was discovered by chance. As the jewellery house was refurbishing its Place Vendôme residence, some planks of letterwood resembling hieroglyphs were unearthed. Untouched for 25 years, the founders set about carving the speckled black wood into the lucky four-leaf clover shape. The pieces were contrasted with rose-gold motifs and placed on simple chains. vancleefarpels.com

jewellery Jewels, gems, pearls and diamonds; the essential components of any lady’s jewellery collection

The Man with the Golden Touch

British designer Alex Monroe has become loved for his commitment to capturing the English countryside in his signature designs. The Goldcrest collection, named after the designer’s favourite British bird, now includes a Teeny Tiny range, a selection of his most iconic pieces created in miniatures, along with wedding bands, engagement rings and gemstone rings. Alex Monroe jewellery is available in Charles Fish, Cabot Place, Canary Wharf

Cutting Edge

Spotted on the wrists of Jay Z, Gwyneth Paltrow and Karl Lagerfeld, the rest of the world soon followed suit when they saw the universality and versatility of the diamond-studded gold-ball bracelets, created by Shamballa jewels. The jewellery label has now added a new design to its growing repertoire;

Featuring a diamond pavé ball and a connecting Tibetan purpa dagger, and symbolising victory over evil, the Laughing Skull pendant is a testament to the founders’ of Shamballa Jewels, brothers Mads and Mikkel Kornerups, desire to explore further their fascination with spirituality and ancient cultures through their fine jewellery creations

Hidden Gems

The newly-refurbished Manguette on Gordon Place is anything but your average shop, specialising in semiprecious stones, amber and pearls set in 22 or 24-karat gold. Founder Michelle Manguette has more than 30 years’ experience in the jewellery industry and, being a born traveller, she has sourced gemstones from distant climes. Also stocked in this treasure trove are Parisian brands Adelline and Vaubel (both exclusive to Manguette UK) and US designers Margo Morrison and Coralia Leets. Whether you’re looking for small trinkets or investment pieces, Manguette has something for everyone. manguette.com

Keeping with Tradition

We have always loved Fabergé’s sense of tradition. Its latest Matelassé collection is inspired by the lavish furnishings of the Romanov palaces, featuring the quilted design inherent to Fabergé which recalls the classical-revival style of the turn of the century. However, the house has always reinvented itself by drawing on the contemporary fashion world and fusing fabric and jewels. The Bandeau ring, with its sculptural yet sleek design, is a highlight of the most recent collection. faberge.com

Laughing Skull Purpa pendant, £24,400, available at Harrods, harrods.com

JANUARY 2013 THE CITY 39

collection

3 11

family

heirlooms From vintage Chanel earrings and bejewelled rings to ornate brooches and pendants, raid your family’s jewellery boxes for accessory inspiration this 2013

1 24-karat gold-plated Swarovski crystal & pearl clip earrings, £270, Bijoux Heart, NET-A-PORTER.com 2 Vintage cuff, £950, Chanel Vintage, farfetch.com 3 Love of God gold-plated Swarovski crystal necklace, £1,305, Tom Binns, tombinnsdesign.com 4 24-karat gold-plated crystal bracelet, £295, oscardelarenta.com 5 Vintage earrings, £295, Chanel Vintage, farfetch.com 6 Allegra 3-band ring in 18-karat yellow gold with pink tourmaline, peridot, citrine quartz, blue topaz and pavé diamonds, POA, Bulgari, bulgari.com 7 Girlie Queen gold-plated Swarovski crystal earrings, £330, Erickson Beamon, NET-A-PORTER.com 8 Mini Luna 18-karat gold-plated vermeil bracelets, £105 each, Monica Vinader, monicavinader.com 9 24-karat gold-plated crystal ring, £210, Oscar de la Renta, as before 10 Gold-tone resin flower clip earrings, £560, Dolce & Gabbana, dolcegabbana.com 11 Gold-tone crystal and velvet necklace, £610, Dolce & Gabbana, as before

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40 THE CITY january 2013

www.bachet.fr

arts & events

new year, new you bring in 2013 with a frosty skate and a visit to the london ice sculpting festival

LONDON ICE SCULPTING FESTIVAL The UK’s biggest international ice sculpting competition returns to Canary Wharf with live sculpting and free ice themed fun for people of all ages. This year eleven teams of celebrated sculptors, including newcomers from the USA, are set for a dramatic showdown. As well as watching world-class sculptors carve giant ice blocks, visitors to the Festival can try their own hand at sculpting by signing up for a masterclass, and get in touch with their inner-Banksy on the ice graffiti wall, or show off some moves on the ice chess board. If all the action gets too much, the Winter Market offers visitors a breather from all the excitement with warming drinks and snacks. Friday 11 – Sunday 13 January Throughout Canary Wharf FREE Times vary londonicesculptingfestival.co.uk, canarywharf.com

Photography by David Parry

ICE RINK CANARY WHARF Don’t miss the last opportunity to skate at Ice Rink Canary Wharf, located beneath the soaring buildings in Canada Square Park and bathed in twinkling festive lights. The new rink’s season finishes on Sunday 13 January, so this is truly your last chance to explore. Until Sunday 13 January Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf Mon-Sat 9.45am – 11pm / Sun 9.45am - 7.30pm skatecanarywharf.com

COMING SOON*COMING SOON*COMING SOON Canary Wharf Comedy Club returns on Tuesday 12 February featuring a host of comedians to shake off the winter blues. Join us for Valentine’s Day with a difference as we host our Vintage Dance Club: Valentine’s Tea Dance. Visit canarywharf.com for tickets and more information For more information visit canarywharf.com

Window Galleries The Art & Design galleries in Canada Place are open daily and showcase up-and-coming artists, designers and craftspeople. This month the galleries display:

Wendy Huang

I Wen (Wendy) Huang is a young jewellery designer who graduated from Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design in 2012. In her final year collection, she tried to change people’s perceptions of the value of materials by using cheaply produced resin in an elegant and well-designed way, making it as pretty as the more expensive coloured diamond or precious stone. wenjewellery.blogspot.co.uk

Luke Cashin

Luke Cashin uses his own or found photographs as a source of reference in his work, the photographs are generally old, disused, monochromatic images. All his paintings normally start life in a sketch book and he experiments with a number of different coloured formations before taking on a canvas. Luke interprets or embeds a certain personal response to a photograph, reactions to what he thinks they should look like, in order to create some form of environment. lukecashin.co.uk

Joana laws

Joana Laws’ work ‘State’ was devised to conceptually capture the essence of change and transition. In doing so she questions the viewer’s preconceptions of photography: does it capture the real or only the reality the photographer wants to project? Joana wanted to capture matter that is in a state of flux; materials that are tangible but impossible to isolate, to freeze the moment and elevate the unrecognised and unseen instant. joanalaws.com

@yourcanarywharf

3 hours free parking

at weekends and bank holidays when you spend £10 at Canary wharf*

Canary Wharf

bars & restaurants • fashion & style • arts & events canarywharf.com *terms and conditions apply.

@yourcanarywharf

Golf Bag by BOSS Green, £385, Hugo Boss, Cabot Place

The ‘NIKE + Sportband 2, £44.99, Runners Need, Churchill Place

Adidas Performance T-Shirt, £22, JD Sports, Canada Place

Form 2 Headphones, £90, Bang & Olufsen, South Colonnade

‘ZigNano Burn’, £70.00, Reebok Sports Shop, Canada Place

GoPro HD Hero 2 Outdoor Edition Camera, £229.99, Evans Cycles, South Colonnade

GET Fit Quick With the Winter sports season well under way, head to canary wharf and start your new year with a new wardrobe and exercise routine Castelli Mortirolo Due Jacket, £157.49, Evens Cycles, South Colonnade

Chrome Dumbbell Set, £79, Waitrose Food, Fashion & Home, Canada Place

SixSixOne 2012 Sub Shorts, £40.49, Evans Cycles, South Colonnade

Progain, £49.19, Maximuscle, Holland & Barrett, One Canada Square

The Grand Carrera Calibre 36 RS Caliper By Tag Heuer, £7,150, Charles Fish, Cabot Place

WaterRower Classic Rowing Machine, £1,099, Waitrose Food, Fashion & Home, Canada Place

SHOPPING The ‘Tempo Run Tee’, £55, Sweaty Betty, Cabot Place Fitbit Zip, £44.99, Waitrose Food, Fashion & Home, Canada Place

Ipod Nano 16GB, £119, Currys/PC World, Cabot Place

‘Eco Yoga Mat, £39, Sweaty Betty, Cabot Place Nike Women’s Storm Fly Jacket £55.99, Runners Need, Churchill Place

ZigNano Burn, £70, Reebok Sports Shop, Canada Place

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU

Super Léger, £470, Tumi, Cabot Place

with stores like Sweaty Betty, Runners Need and the Reebok Sports Shop, Canary Wharf helps ensure you stay stylish while getting sporty On Women’s Cloudrunner, £124.99, Runners Need, Churchill Place

Dumbbells, £25, Sweat Betty, Cabot Place

Power Plate® My7™, Silver, £4,995, Waitrose Food, Fashion & Home, Canada Place

Specialized Dolce Elite Equipped Triple 2013 Womens Road Bike, £1050.00, Evans Cycles, Churchill Place

In addition to over 240 shops, cafes, bars and restaurants at weekends and on Bank Holidays you can enjoy 3 hours’ free parking in any of the public car parks when you spend £10 at any shop, café, bar or restaurant in Canary Wharf. For a full list of cafes, bars and restaurants check www.canarywharf.com. www.canarywharf.com

@yourcanarywharf

SHOPPING

Old World meets New World WITH A FORMULA FOR PRODUCTS AND BUSINESS THAT REALLY WORKS, KIEHL’S HAS ITS SIGHT SET ON ENGLISH SOIL

More than 160 years after it was founded in New York, Kiehl’s is opening a freestanding store in Canary Wharf this February. Its unique, extensive background represents a blend of cosmetic, pharmaceutical, herbal, and medicinal knowledge developed through generations. The new Jubilee Place store will maintain the old-world apothecary charm of Kiehl’s New York flagship, exemplifying the company’s longstanding traditions in service, science, and the environment. The Canary Wharf shop will offer a modern take on the classic Kiehl’s atmosphere by creating a warm

and antiquated feel of days past with its typical apothecary drawers and cabinets. In store, Kiehl’s staff treat each customer to a complimentary skincare consultation and pampering. Following each consultation, they will prescribe a tailored skincare regime to suit the customer’s needs and gift you samples of its cult products. Should February prove too long to wait, drop in to its pop-up shop in Canada Place to discover the perfect Holiday shopping experience where samples and personalised gift wrapping are complimentary.

Kiehl’s Since 1851, pop-up shop now open in Canada Place kiehls.co.uk

ICE RINK

CANARY WHARF

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It’s time to say a MASSIVE THANKYOU to everyone who supported ICAP Charity Day 2012. Together we raised millions of pounds for good causes across the world. Find out more about these charities and what happened on the big day at www.icapcharityday.com ICAP would like to sincerely thank the publication for donating the free media space for this advertisement. © ICAP plc 2012. 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.

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Gold Plated Wheat Necklace, AurĂŠlie Bidermann, ÂŁ1,509, net-a-porter.com

REPORT

BULLIONS

BILLIONS

Gold is up, stocks are down, and the face of investment is poised for a glittering new future, writes AIMEE LATIMER

he wheezing global economy, lurching between Chinese slumps and European nosedives has turned many with means to material investment. Yet, since the London Bullion Metal Association predicted gold bullion to reach $1,853/oz by September 2013, nothing is as covetable as the precious metal. 2012 has passed with a helterskelter economy that saw Google stock plummet from little more than a typo, to the New York Stock Exchange closed by a hurricane for the highest number of consecutive days since 1985. With the

financial markets seemingly unsafe from human folly or mother nature, the subsequent allure of the financially tangible is universal. Glamorous and malleable, gold is everything the current economy is not, yet symbolises the stability it desperately craves. Gold has proved its metal by surviving Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic slowdown with only a slight dip and now its trajectory is back on the rise. And it is not just for bracelets and bullions: gold filaments are present in a large number of technical devices from mobiles, tablets and medical equipment. With an increasing number of technology patents devised including gold components, its worth is likely to soar.

The

changing face of financial advice From 1 January, new rules will transform the ways in which financial advice is provided. Stephen Ingledew, Managing Director, Customer and Marketing, at Standard Life discusses the impact of the new Retail Distribution Review (RDR)

eeking expert advice is something nearly all of us will do at some point in our lives. When buying a home, planning a holiday or even purchasing the latest gadget, turning to a professional is something we rely on. This is especially true when it comes to complicated, costly and often challenging decisions, which is why one of the experts many of us turn to is a financial adviser. What could be more important than planning our money and ensuring it works hard for us? Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s investing in a pension or ISA, buying shares or setting up any type of investment, a professional financial adviser can help us to navigate what can often feel overwhelmingly complex. You may or may not have realised, but over the last few years, financial advice has been going through a transformation here in the UK. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s because financial advisers have been preparing for a change that is now upon us. They have been investing in higher qualifications and introducing more transparent ways of charging. And from the start of 2013, only financial advisers who meet higher professional standards will be able to give advice.

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Here’s what you need to know: New year, a new approach From 1 January 2013, new rules, introduced by the Financial Services Authority (FSA), will change the way in which financial advice is provided. These changes have been introduced to ensure we all fully understand the charges and processes involved when receiving financial advice. The rules focus on three core areas: more transparent charges, higher qualifications for advisers and clearer distinctions between different types of advice. From January 2013, advisers will have to explain both the type of service they provide and agree with you how much they’ll charge you for their advice.

Two types of financial adviser As well as increasing transparency around their fees and ensuring financial advisers are well qualified, the new rules will split financial advisers into two distinct categories. The first category is ‘independent’ and to be classed in this way, an adviser will need to offer advice on every financial product available on the market, without any bias towards any particular product or company providing the product. The other category is ‘restricted’, which means the adviser will focus their advice on a more specific type of financial product or on specific companies providing the products. These classifications should help you to make a more informed decision on what advice you should take and how this is best suited to support your financial needs.

Five questions to ask a financial adviser… 1 What type of advice do you plan to offer after 31 December 2012? Some advisers will continue to offer independent advice but there will also be some who decide to offer restricted advice, where they focus on a specific product range, specific companies providing the product or a specific area of personal finance. Others may offer a combination of independent and restricted advice. 2 What qualifications do you have and are these at the level required under the new rules? Many advisers already hold qualifications at the necessary level or above, but it’s worth checking these are in place and, if not, whether your adviser is planning to achieve them before the introduction of the new requirements. 3 How do you keep your skills and knowledge up to date? The new rules require advisers to undertake a minimum of 35 hours of continuing professional development a year. Some will already have a Statement of Professional Standing, which proves they have done this.

4 How will I pay for your services from 2013? You and your adviser will need to agree charges for any advice you receive after 31 December 2012. You may also want to discuss how they will treat any ongoing commission they receive on products that you already have. 5 Will your processes be changing? Changes could affect the level of advice you receive and how often you see or have contact with your adviser, so make sure they keep you informed of anything that will affect you. These new rules, which you may see referred to elsewhere as RDR (short for Retail Distribution Review) are being put in place to help you make the best informed decision possible about financial advice. They will ensure that fees will be completely transparent, any bias towards products and providers will be clearly explained and you will have confidence that your adviser has passed the required qualifications.

Keep on top of your finances However, despite the great benefits of the new regulations and the expert help that advisers can provide, it’s always going to be important for you keep on top of your finances. If your situation changes – say you get married, move house, move job, lose your job, start a family or suffer a serious illness – make sure you tell your financial adviser, so they can help you plan for these changes. That way they can add real value throughout your life and help you feel more confident about the future. Standard Life has created an impartial guide for consumers about the new approach to financial advice. Download a copy for free from yourfuturemoney.co.uk.

janaury 2013 THE CITY 53

Playing

to win on the digital frontier

One of the difficulties with investing in tech companies is the sheer pace of their development. Interbrand’s Simon Smith and Erica Velis investigate

igital is advertising’s new ecosystem, a dicey frontier for most major businesses, a new medium for conversation, and a technological wonder that has connected the world. It’s also among the most misunderstood phenomena in business today. We are only just beginning to discover its potential to enhance business

and, so far, investing in digital companies has proven to be a gamble. With a billion users on Facebook and 500 million on Twitter, there is no doubt that social media is flourishing. A huge captive audience, and the promise of transforming ‘likes’ into sales, has piqued the interest of investors and companies who want to build their brands and turn key groups of people into paying customers. However, several companies that appeared to be paving the way to the profitable new digital age have faltered, shaking the confidence of investors and resurrecting the ghost of the dot-com bust of 2000. Heralded with hype, Facebook, Zynga, and Groupon were all heavily promoted and seemed poised to deliver. Facebook’s IPO on May 18, 2012 was a milestone in Silicon Valley and internet business history. On the morning of the 18th, the media clamour reached fever pitch: The Street predicted the stock could rise to $60, $70, even $80 USD; trading broke stock volume records, and the market saw the stock peak

at $45 USD. That left the company with a higher market capitalisation ($104 billion USD) than all but a few of the largest US corporations. For the moment a winner, CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s personal stock was valued at $19 billion USD. A few days later, Mark even married his girlfriend of nine years — and let the world know by updating his relationship status. It was a perfect Hollywood ending. Unfortunately, cracks appeared and the stock kept sliding. The share price dropped over 30 per cent in the first 20 days. Regulators are now investigating the IPO, and more than 40 lawsuits have been filed. A $100 billion USD company just prior to its debut, Facebook is now a $65 USD billion company, beset with problems, and the stock continues to fall. With the IPO a distant memory and the stock value roughly halved, the Facebook brand has taken a hit and the effects on the market, the sector, and the company itself, are likely to last a while. Another digital company that has

COMMENT

fallen far short of expectations is Zynga. Using Facebook as a platform, Zynga is best known for interactive games like FarmVille and CityVille, and has grown rapidly since it emerged on the social network scene. Games and apps have exploded in popularity in the past few years, an outgrowth of social media and the transition to mobile devices. Cheap to produce but often lucrative, Zynga has successfully capitalised on this trend. However, since the company’s December IPO, its shares have dropped 70 per cent; investors worry about the longterm viability of its business model, its dependence on Facebook, and its ability to keep making money from the people who play its digital games. And then there’s Groupon. Relying heavily on marketing to acquire new customers, Groupon turns a profit by offering consumers deals on local goods and services, and splitting the discount proceeds with the participating merchant. Though questions later arose about Groupon’s business model, namely the relationship between marketing spend and its growth rate, Groupon CEO Andrew Mason initially assured investors of his business’ enormous profit potential. However, with an inability to compete with larger discounters like Amazon, the company has shifted from hypergrowth to stagnation, which has left its stock at a fraction of its recent worth. Is this the beginning of the end for social media, FarmVille-esque games, and internet daily deals? Haven’t we all heard and seen it before with once-hot internet companies like Netscape, Napster, LimeWire, MySpace, or Friendster? They all dominated the market at one time, then quickly got trumped. It could be that this is just the nature of the digital era. The price of entry is low, the growth is quick, and the fall to near-oblivion is swift and hard. Or, could it be, at least in the case of Facebook, that we have a true digital ‘megacompany’ that will survive the growing pains, find its balance, mature as a brand, and become a leader of the digital frontier?

What all three of these companies have in common is no guarantee of longterm growth and a business model that relies on ‘unproven’ sources of revenue. Furthermore, they all went public at too high a value, propped up by late-stage money — part of a recent Silicon Valley trend in which prominent investors jump

scepticism over its business model, but also owing to the fact that there are more stocks out there, which is hurting the stock price and spooking investors. When it comes to Facebook, many are wondering if its CEO has the chops and maturity to grow the social media giant beyond display ads and master the mobile

It could be that this is just the nature of the digital era. The price of entry is low, the growth is quick, and the fall to near-oblivion is swift and hard into young companies just before their IPOs. Unprepared for the scrutiny and expectations of Wall Street, issues with the ‘fundamentals’ of all of these companies came to light as soon as the first earnings reports were released. Challenged by the transition to mobile, as well as the fact that their main sources of revenue are dependent on something that doesn’t feel durable and concrete (‘likes’ on Facebook), it will be hard for such companies to secure the confidence of investors. Clearly, Wall Street wants to see results — as in swift growth in revenue. Silicon Valley venture capitalists, however, are focused on the long term. They take the ups and downs of the stock market with a grain of salt and determine the value of an investment based on what it might be worth in a few years, not next quarter. They expect volatility after a company goes public and believe, especially in the case of Facebook, that the downward slide in public valuations, while it may have an effect on private valuations, will ultimately be manageable. However, with Facebook and Groupon hitting new lows, concerns about these companies in terms of durability and their ability to grow their business are intensifying — not least of all because of the lock-up expiration on many of the shares that were not on the open market during the IPO. Concerns are even greater for Groupon, not only due to

segment. Lured by the size of Facebook’s user base, which has allowed Facebook Inc. to build a $3 billion-a-year USD advertising business, ad spending has increased. However, because of that, companies are becoming more interested in measuring the results of social media advertisements, which can be hard to quantify. One of the difficulties with investing in tech companies is the sheer pace of their development. Because they grow so quickly, the start-ups’ initial burst generates excitement, which makes investors want to cash in. But these businesses can also reach saturation in their markets extremely fast. It’s hard to figure out when the growth might begin to slow down, as it inevitably will. Silicon Valley, with its risk-taking, start-up culture, is more accustomed to the volatility — even expects it — and is, therefore, willing to ride things out. Wall Street, on the other hand, operates under a different paradigm and reacts to the daily ups and downs, which only makes it harder for young companies to regain their luster once Wall Street’s attitude toward them sours. This article originally appeared in Interbrand’s 2012 Best Global Brands Report interbrand.com/en/bestglobal-brands/2012/Best-Global-Brands-2012.aspx, pages 7-9. Simon Smith is the Digital Director of Europe, the Middle East, Africa & Latin America. Erica Velis is the Content Editor for the Global Marketing & Communications team

JANUARY 2013 THE CITY 55

SPECIAL EVENT

INCREDIBLE EFFORT We join the stars giving up their time at the ICAP Charity Day 2012

ICAP Charity Day has made a greater impact than the company could ever have imagined. By giving away all of its revenues and commissions on just one day each year, ICAP has positively changed the lives of hundreds of thousands of less fortunate people. Thanks to the efforts of its customers, staff and suppliers, an amazing ÂŁ11 million (US$ 17.7 million) was raised, bringing the total amount over 20 years to more than ÂŁ100 million.

JANUARY 2013 THE CITY 57

calibre

Bentley Continental GT3 & GT SPEED

REPORT

back on

TRACK

After a ten year absence, is Bentleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s return to the racetrack the making of history or simply misplaced nostalgia, asks AIMEE LATIMER

n 1998 Bentley succumbed to the decade-long motoring market merge that saw Skoda, Lamborghini, Bugatti and Porsche all purchased by Volkswagen Group. Ever since, it has managed to maintain its signature style and ethos of power and precision, but yet lost its racing presence along the way. Historically linked to the sport, the British brand was propelled into legend when little known engineer W. O. Bentley set out to demonstrate his new three litre engine. He had to prove the only thing that mattered to his brash 1920s audience â&#x20AC;&#x201C; its speed â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and he did so on

the track. The financial smack of Black Friday in 1929 cast a shadow over the future of the brand, much like the recession has stung the motor industry today. Yet both times a battered Bentley maintained resilient and in 2002 was back at the Paris Motor Show unveiling the Continental GT concept, the new Continental GT3. Rumoured for the pits by 2013 it is based upon the Continental GT Speed modal with the additions of a spoiler and rear-drive chassis. Ten years after winning Le Mans endurance race in 2003, Bentley will need to call on more than just precedence to once again conquer the racing world.

Any A to Any B

Think of it as an international Oyster card. Except, instead of the £5 minimum that will get you around on the Underground, this card requires an upfront payment of £50,000. Then again, it won’t be between Moorgate and Mile End you’re travelling; more like from Marbella to Malibu. Endorsed by aviation pioneer Erik Lindbergh, whose late grandfather, Charles, was the first man to fly solo across the Atlantic, the Lindbergh Card permits holders unrivalled access to air travel thanks to some 50,000 private jets and helicopters. Whether it’s an impulsive shopping trip to Milan you fancy, or a mid-week getaway to Vegas, the card can get you up in the air in hours, sometimes even minutes. thelindberghcard.com

calibre

The what, when and where of sport, motoring, gadgets and grooming

Football meets Fitness Aggy Dean, Heston Humphreys, Benny B-Mack and Matthew Slaneypants complete Tough Guy 2012

Think you’re ‘ard enough?

It’s advertised as ‘the safest most dangerous event in the world’, a Tough Mudder for men, rather than females, and this year celebrates its 25th anniversary. Welcome to Tough Guy, an annual event designed to test the body, and the mind, to its limit. Staged over a course of eight country miles, it consists of a gruelling run followed by a beasting through ‘The Killing Fields’ assault course. Prepare for barbed wire, cuts, scrapes, burns, dehydration, hypothermia, claustrophobia and electric shocks. Well, what else are you going to do on a Sunday morning? Tough Guy, 27 January, Wolverhampton, toughguy.co.uk

Most know him as the ex-Crystal Palace, current Bolton Wanderers manager. What people don’t know is that when’s he’s not at the training ground, Dougie Freedman is heading up premium health company Focus Fitness UK. Focus Fitness UK employs sporting professionals from football, rugby, athletics and other sports to tailor-make fitness programmes for City firms. With close relationships to a range of premium gyms, the firm can schedule regular training sessions at various first-class venues. focusfitnessuk.com

news

Five shows for the price of one Whether you’re an outdoors lover, a keen yachtsman or an adrenaline junkie, a ticket to this year’s Tullett Prebon London Boat Show has got you covered. Enter the show and you have the opportunity to visit four others for free. Even if watersports aren’t your thing, we’re sure you’ll find something to float your boat (geddit?) amongst The Outdoors Show, The London Bike Show, The Active Travel Show or The Luxury Brand Show. From superyachts to supercars, ribs to running shoes, canoes to climbing gear, you’ll do well to see everything in a single day. Tullett Prebon London Boat Show, 12 - 20 January, londonboatshow.com

Away from the races

Ascot Racecourse may be synonymous with top hats, picnics and Champagne, but with only 26 racing days a year, the racecourse can be transformed into a unique, luxurious and adaptable setting for any event requirement. Whether it be private dinners for 10 in the stunning Queen Anne Rooms, an exhibition in the main galleria of the grandstand, or for use as a spectacular filming location, Ascot is far more than just a racecourse. Ascot Racecourse, 0844 346 3611, businessandevents@ascot.co.uk

A Mecca for True Motorists

They’ve captured the imaginations of men to a greater degree than any other machine. To ensure the preservation of the most historic of motoring masterpieces, the Landmark Car Company dedicates itself to searching the world for the rarest and most unusual of cars. As a result, they now own one of the most impressive collections of classic cars you’re ever likely to see, ranging from a 1911 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost two-seat Roadster to a 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster. Landmark Car Company, 109 Devonshire Road, Chiswick, landmarkcars.co.uk

Monte Carlo or Bust From Brands Hatch to Monaco via Eurostar, helicopter and supercar; as ways of getting from A to B go, ‘Run to Monaco’s’ itinerary takes some beating. Throw in Michelin-starred lunches, private beach parties and VIP access to the Monaco Grand Prix – after you’ve raced the Monte Carlo Street Circuit in a £250,000 supercar yourself – and you’ll begin to get a feel for one of the planet’s most extravagant rally car jaunts. Entries are limited to 30 cars, each of which pays £30,000 for the five day event (based on two people sharing). therunto.com

JANUARY 2013 THE CITY 61

Behind the wheel at the

Luxury Brand Show Back and bigger than ever, the Luxury Brand Show 2013 will be showcasing the finer things in life alongside some of the fastest cars on the market

he Tullett Prebon London Boat Show has an exciting partner. Complementing the impressive collection of boats on display is the Luxury Brand Show 2013; an array of the world’s finest motoring, travel, jewellery, interiors, leisure and finance products. At the Supercar Gallery browse, and buy, some of the finest vintage and modern day supercars. The ultimate GT, the Vanquish, is a masterful blend of art, technology, craftsmanship and pure adrenalin-inducing design. Powered by a completely reshaped, new generation V12 engine, clothed in all-carbon-fibre body panels and equipped with an innovative touch sensitive centre, the car is the first of a new breed of Aston Martin. Hot on its heels is the new DB9, the latest progeny of an illustrious bloodline. Discreet potency cloaked in a choice of Coupe or Volante bodywork, this car combines the timeless

qualities of long-distance touring ability with sports car precision and unprecedented power. Beneath the DB9’s new skin lies a state-of-the-art VH architecture, dramatically improving structural integrity, optimising weight distribution and lowering the centre of a mighty 6.0-litre V12 engine. Carbon ceramic brakes and three-stage adaptive damping together with an even more luxurious interior makes this definitive grand tourer the best DB9 yet. For ocean riders, the all-new Pearl 75, which won Motor Yacht of the Show at this year’s Southampton Boat Show, offers owners sleek and innovative design powered by twin MTU 1250 HPs engines that afford a comfortable cruising speed of 25 knots and a top speed of 30 knots. Created by the acclaimed studio of Bill Dixon, the design incorporates vast areas of specialist glass that maximise light while large rectangular bonded glass port lights flood the cabins with sunlight by day and moonlight by night. The effect is dramatic and creates bright, open spaces.

PROMOTION XXXXXX

Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the offerings from Club Wembley, the ultimate way to enjoy world class hospitality and all the sport and entertainment at Wembley Stadium. Imagine coming into the stadium to have breakfast with Roy Hodgson before work or watching England training just metres away. This unique membership offers the chance to attend ‘money can’t buy’ experiences that promise to create incredible memories. For the ultimate rush, adrenalin junkies can enquire about the Jetlev, the most exciting water-based flying machine in the world. It can fly at heights of up to 50 feet and has been clocked at speeds of up to 50mph. The JF 250 will cruise for three hours at open throttle. Should that not be enough, visitors can bring excitement home with the Wolf dual fuel luxury kitchen cooker range, which features gas range-tops with dual-stacked sealed burners for reduced cooking time and even heating. Ingredients can be kept chilled at the perfect temperature with the PRO 48, the largest residential refrigerator-

Hot on its heels is the new DB9, the latest progeny of an illustrious bloodline freezer on the market. Watch-lovers are also catered for thanks to Girard-Perregaux and its new Hawk Collection sports watches. The new Hawk range features an uncompromisingly avant-garde design forged by a manufacturing expertise that dates back to 1791. Two models, one a chronograph, the other for diving, launch a new line that boldly takes its place in the heritage of the renowned brand. Now in its second year, and offering something for everyone, the Luxury Brand Show has become the destination of choice for the most discerning of buyers. For further information and ticket purchases visit theluxurybrandshow.com

JANUARY 2013 THE CITY 63

interview

VIN G ON O plo lymp i ts his c dou ne ble xt mo gold ve, m wr eda ite s C list M hr o F a is B e rah ec h

n the space of a week, life altered irrevocably for Mo Farah. Going into the London 2012 Games, the 29-year-old was a well known face in athletics circles, and the chances of Olympic glory for one of Team GB’s leading lights were strong. But no-one could have predicted the outpouring of national pride that followed his glorious wins in the 5,000m and 10,000m pursuits. However, it seems his signature move – the ‘Mobot’ – nearly eclipsed his astonishing victories. He can blame Usain Bolt for that. “Bolt put the Mobot on the map to be honest with you!” he sheepishly giggles, speaking at a recent Nike event in Shoreditch. “Usain’s just an amazing guy – if he hadn’t done it, then it wouldn’t have become as big as it did. He saw me taking on the pose and replicated it. I think it would have died a death without his input. Without him I wouldn’t have been going through London city on a tour bus at the victory procession, seeing hundreds of people doing it back at me. It’s truly amazing and strangely gratifying.” The instantly likeable and completely grounded Mo Farah is an unlikely overnight sensation, to the point where it appears fame sits rather uneasily with him. In the centre of a swirling mass of clipboards and amongst an oxygen depleting entourage at the East London launch of Nike+ Kinect on the Xbox, he sits, slightly hunched, somewhat fazed by the action surrounding him. He promotes a guise of comfort but you can tell he’d probably be more at peace running the mountain trails outside Portland, Oregon, where he spends most of his time. But such are the trappings of fame and Olympic success. Since his momentous wins in Stratford, the dad of three has become a national hero, leaving anonymity in the past. Enthusiastic well-wishers and congratulators are the daily norm, but Mo claims it’s been nothing but a pleasurable experience. Meekly, he says; “Everybody – they’ve all been just lovely to me since the win, but of course, it’s unusual to have strangers shouting my name from across

january 2013 THE CITY 65

interview

“The people have been so good to me, so if I can come back with a dance move or two to keep them interested, then I guess I should!” the street. And it should be unnerving but I love it; I feel proud. “It’s part and parcel of the privilege that comes with these medals, and especially as they were our ‘home’ games, it makes it extra special for all of us. I don’t think anyone has ever witnessed the country united for a sporting cause of this magnitude. It was a special summer, one that only now I can fully look back on and appreciate. While it was all going on, I had my training blinkers on, and it takes a while to be able to step back and appreciate it for what it was – an incredible, awesome experience.” With startlingly bright eyes and a dazzling white smile, Mo conveys a genial spirit of gratitude for the reception he received considering he’s technically an adopted native. It’s interesting to learn if his triumph would have held more personal significance had he won for his birth nation, Somalia. “Not at all,” he cries. “This is my home, my country since I was eight years old. This is where I grew up. “London is where I started life. This is where I went to university. This is where all my friends and family are, this is my country, and when I put on my Great Britain colours, I’m very proud that it’s my country.” Any thoughts post-Games of Farah taking some time off were quickly lost when twin daughters – Aisha and Amani – arrived in the world not two weeks after the athlete had clinched double gold. “Life had a few challenges before; now it has two more!” he chuckles.“But I cherish my girls, every minute of every day. Their arrival into the world was honestly one of the biggest, most life altering events possible. I’m a very happy man.” So what has the Olympic legend – who was born in Mogadishu and spent his early youth in the Equatorial climes of Djibouti – learned about himself through fatherhood?

66 THE CITY january 2013

“It’s taught me how precious these little human beings are and how important it is for me to look after them. They’re only very small and it’s amazing watching them grow. It does put sport into perspective, to an extent. I think if I had failed to win gold it wouldn’t matter so much because I have two incredible daughters as a consolation – the greatest consolation. “The fact I grabbed a double double, so to speak, means I feel like I’m the luckiest guy in the world, but given the choice I would always say my children are my life, not my profession.” Pre-Stratford, Mo uprooted his family from their West London home in Hampton to Nike’s Port Oregon camp in Portland to train with long distance legend Alberto Salazar, the brains behind the project to develop runners who can challenge Ethiopia and Kenya’s hold over distance events. He spent this break getting reacquainted with his old haunts – running in Richmond Park and Bushy Park, grabbing a Nando’s, settling down in a quiet British café with the papers and a cup of tea. “It’s lovely to return to what you know, what you’ve grown up with. It’s funny how time away from home puts it all into perspective. But it’s not like I’m finished with training now and can take six months off. I’ve still got so many events coming up; I have to get back into the swing of things. The glow of the Olympics is over, and it’s back to business.” Farah and his family spent the festive season back in Portland, where he reveals a relaxing Christmas break was far from the agenda. “I might have allowed myself a couple of hours on Christmas Day but I still had to run; there’s no escaping that. Your body needs constant attention and dedication; it’s not going to keep up if you don’t. “It never really stops. I’m a professional athlete and I need to keep in great condition,

and my body needs to be maintained with a strict training regime, so I never really take much time out.” Looking forward to Rio, and the Brazil 2016 Olympics, Mo sensationally admits protecting his titles is not top of his list of priorities. Why? “I don’t know if I’ll aim to retain the two titles. I don’t know what the plan is,” he explains. “As an athlete you want to be able to choose something that you haven’t already achieved. Is it different distances or do you come back to defend your titles? It depends on how you feel. So I’m not sure at the moment. What I know is that I’m full of positivity and I feel I can tackle any challenge.” It turns out though, it’s actually the preserving the legacy of the Mobot that’s weighing heaviest on Farah’s mind. In fact, he’s already working on a couple of additional dance moves. “There’s nothing wrong with it,” Farah laughs animatedly. “It’s pretty perfect the way it is but I need to bring something different to the table. I love the whole theatre of sport – it’s so much fun and it brings happiness to a lot of people, so I feel the entertainment shouldn’t just be restricted to what has happened on the track. “The people have been so good to me, so if I can come back with a dance move or two to keep them interested, then I guess I should!” Presumably this isn’t an attempt to eclipse Usain’s ‘Bolt’? “Do you really think that’s possible?!” he laughs. With a firm handshake and a swift departure, Mo’s slight tracksuit clad figure is consumed by an army of minions, mapping out his moves for the rest of the day. Posture straightened, with an air of command, he listens intently while calmly perusing his iPhone. Maybe Mo’s more in control of this fame game than he initially made out…

XXXXXX

xxxxxxxx 2013 THE CITY 67

AT HOME

WITH THE RANGE

Is this the best car in the world? Mat thew Carter has racked his brain and can’t think of anything better

Hmm...

This is a long way from Rodeo Drive. In fact, it’s a long way from anywhere. Rain, inches of the stuff, has turned the earth to a goo so slippery that if I set foot on it I’d be flat on my backside within seconds. But then nothing is going to tempt me out from behind the wheel of this new Range Rover, a car Land Rover reckons is the world’s most advanced and capable luxury SUV. And for once, a manufacturer’s hyperbole is spot on. Look at it this way: outside it’s grey and while not actually raining yet, the sky is heavy with anticipation. The new Rangie and I are in the middle of a Yorkshire forest some way from civilisation (well, a few miles from Skipton anyway) and ahead of me is a one in three muddy drop. That’s steep – and looks steeper yet from my lofty perch.

But I’ve got the air conditioning maintaining cabin temperature at a pleasant 21 degrees, the massage seat is gently caressing my back and the aroma of wood ‘n’ leather fills the air. Only a madman would venture outside on a day like this. There is, however, still the small matter of the ‘lift-shaft’ drop ahead. In the old days, to cope with these conditions you would have had to clunk the transfer ’box into low range and then shove the manual gear lever into first before venturing over the edge. And as gravity attempted to hurl the car down the hill before engine braking took over, you had to resist the temptation to touch the brakes. Do that and it would simply lock the wheels and send you slithering down even faster. These days it’s all done for you. The Range Rover has an eightspeed automatic transmission and Terrain Response 2, a remarkable electronic box of tricks that works out what surface you’re driving over – mud, sand, rocks, snow, whatever – and automatically sets

motoring

“The interior has fewer switches and controls than before – less really is more in this instance – and sets the benchmark not just for 4x4s but for luxury cars in general” the Range Rover’s four-wheel drive system to the optimum setting. Going downhill? Hill Descent Control looks after that. All I have to do is ensure the speed limiter is on its lowest setting – a couple of dabs on a steering wheel mounted control – and then steer down the hill. Effortless, impressive and hugely reassuring. The bottom line is that, off-road, the new Range Rover has greater abilities than ever. Some of the improvements are linked to the Terrain Response software and some to straightforward engineering progress: the new car will plough through even deeper water – wading depth is up 200mm to 900mm – for example. All in all I spend a couple of hours in the forest driving over terrain that even mountain goats would think twice about crossing. I covered perhaps three miles in that time… which only goes to show that there are more ways to have fun than driving at twice the national speed limit. And it was all undertaken in the sort of luxury that would be appreciated by the owner of a Bentley or a Rolls-Royce. Little wonder that its natural habitat is Mayfair, the Champs-Élysées or, indeed, Rodeo Drive. It was 42 years ago that the original Range Rover first appeared and this new version is only the fourth generation. It shares much of the design DNA that created the iconic original, but this is a very different car. The original was pretty utilitarian but this one, with its cosseting air sprung ride and its classy cabin, is leagues above anything the German rivals can produce. The interior has fewer switches and controls than before – less really is more in this instance – and sets the benchmark not just for 4x4s but for luxury cars in general. Part of that is down to the extra room on offer. The new Range Rover is bigger than the outgoing model and has a 42mm longer wheelbase that helps to create an extra 118mm of legroom in the rear. Yet thanks to its new all-aluminium bodyshell it is up to 450kg lighter… that’s four hefty blokes the Rangie no longer has to lug around. This impressive weight loss has a number of benefits. It means the new Range Rover feels sprightlier than before and, important for the UK market this, it means Land Rover has been able to introduce a 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel under the bonnet. That

produces under 200g/km of CO2, will manage a combined mpg figure of almost 38mpg yet still achieves a top speed of 130mph. Downsides? Only that the eight-speed transmission is constantly dropping gears to keep up momentum, something that doesn’t happen with the 4.4-litre V8 turbo diesel. That develops 339 hp and shoves the RR to a top speed of 135mph yet can still return 32mpg if you’re careful. It is a remarkable engine. Quiet and refined yet with immense power, it is probably the best all-round option of the three engines on offer. Three? Yes, well, there’s the supercharged 5.0-litre V8 petrol to consider. They won’t sell many of these in the UK, not with its skyhigh CO2 emissions and 13mpg thirst around town: try the US, the Middle East or Russia. But, by God, it’s an awesome machine. With 510hp on offer, acceleration is of the scalded cat variety and this one will top 155mph if you so desire. It so suits the rest of the car that you wish you lived in downtown Dubai. But whichever engine is under the bonnet, on-road driving is remarkable for a car of this size. It feels stable, poised and comfortable while body roll has been pegged back to a minimum. If anything, it’s even better on road than it is off the beaten track. Both diesels come in three trim levels – Vogue, Vogue SE and Autobiography – while the Supercharged come in top spec Autobiography only. Prices start at £71,295 (before options) and rise to the Supercharged’s lofty £98,395. In truth, the 4.4 SDV8 diesel in Vogue SE guise with a few extras – such as the £1,500 all glass panoramic roof – would be perfect for around £87K all in. In fact, it’s the only car you’ll ever need… whether you live in the city or deep in the Welsh mountains. Or both.

Car: Range Rover 4.4L SDV8 Vogue SE Price: £84,695 Engine: 4,367cc, V8 diesel, front-mounted Power: 339 hp Performance: 135 mph max, 0-62 mph in 6.5 secs Drive: Four-wheel drive, eight-speed automatic

january 2013 THE CITY 69

ENJOY YOUR VERY OWN WALL OF SOUND The new BeoLab 12 is a fully digital on-wall loudspeaker that produces sensational surround sound in a graceful, minimalist fashion. It is the perfect compliment to any flat-screen or home stereo system. This revolutionary loudspeaker co-operates with the wall it is placed on, transmitting treble and bass sounds with outstanding precision and depth. BeoLab 12 features a sculptural design that forms a reassuring wave pattern that beholds powerful capabilities, maximizing every inch of the slim space. Call it the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most high-performing optical illusion, because when viewed from the side, this commanding loudspeaker appears even slimmer.

Visit our showroom to experience the spectacular sound of BeoLab12 Bang & Olufsen of Chelsea 147 Kings Road, London SW3 5TX Tel: 020 7376 5222 Email: chelsea@bang-olufsen.co.uk www.bang-olufsen.com/chelsea

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Bang & Olufsen of Chelsea - BeoLab 12 Advert - Place at 100% (297 x 210mm + 3mm Bleed)

motoring

cayman went Why the new Cayman could give Porsche a headache, writes Mat thew Carter

hen Porsche launched the new generation – and quite brilliant – Boxster roadster last year, we all knew it was only a matter of time before the improvements made their way onto the Cayman, the Boxster’s hardtop two-seat sister. Now the waiting is almost over. Launched at the Los Angeles Motor Show at the start of December, the new Cayman will go on sale in the UK from March with prices starting at a tad under £40k or nearer £49k for the Cayman S. Lighter and stiffer than its predecessor, it’s also more powerful yet even more fuel efficient. And it’s a little longer and lower, giving more cabin and storage space – the best of all worlds, in other words. Other improvements include a higher quality interior while the low roofline and ensuing lower centre of gravity is claimed to provide real benefits for the car’s overall dynamic ability. And there wasn’t much

wrong with the old one. As before, power comes from a pair of mid-mounted ‘flat six’ engines. The Cayman has a 2.7-litre unit, which despite being smaller than the 2.9-litre it replaces, at 275hp develops 10bhp more than before. The Cayman S, meanwhile, produces an altogether healthier 325hp (up 5hp) which is enough to give the ‘S’ a 0-62mph time of 5.0 seconds. And that’s where Porsche might have shot itself in the foot. The performance from the Cayman S is on a par with the basic 911, a car that costs a cool £22k more. Given that the new Cayman, like the Boxster, has more distinctive styling, more luggage space and, arguably, a more focused chassis, how many people will be prepared to spend the extra on the 911 when the main ‘gain’ is a pair of rear seats so tiny that they are suitable only for a briefcase?

january 2013 THE CITY 71

The McLaren Production Centre

FAST TRACKED

Geoff McGrath, McLaren Group Applied Technologies

PS1 Williams Whistler

Velodramatic Specialised McLaren Venge 4910

Managing director of McLaren Applied Technologies Geoff McGrath tells AIMEE LATIMER how transferring market intelligence is changing how we think, act and perform on and off the track

CALIBRE

Geoff McGrath is an ambitious man. As managing director of McLaren Applied Technologies (MAT), he and his team are transforming the face of technology by bringing racing intelligence off the track and into other markets, revolutionising levels of performance and engineering innovation as they go. As MAT edges away from the umbrella of McLaren to become a powerhouse in its own right, its scope of acquired intelligence is shifting from track technology into industries as varied as gaming and finance. McGrath discusses the diverse routes to success and how ‘machine to machine’ communication will change the face of the game forever. What are MAT’s company principles? We aim to deliver breakthroughs in performance through the application of technology and design. We want to work with partners who are pioneers and market leaders to take them, and our customers, to a level of performance in a different league to what was even thought possible. And we want to be the first to achieve something, to be the best at whatever we do and not to be in this business just for the sake of turnover. What sort of projects have you worked on? We worked with Specialized in California to create the S-Works + McLaren Venge road bike. Even though we’d never worked with a bike before, in our first test we exceeded their expectations of what was thought possible on weight reductions. Now it’s hailed as the best, fastest road bike in the world. That bike was used by Mark Cavendish to win the UCI Road World Championships in 2011, the first British rider to do so since 1955. What do you think is the key to a company’s success? Firstly, a company needs to be as creative as it is technically excellent. Then you need a mixture of entrepreneurial skill, engineering excellence and a team from different backgrounds. Myself, I’ve worked in most parts of the world and I cut my teeth in business in Silicon Valley. MAT are risk takers, both commercially and technically. It’s in our culture. How significant is MAT’s link to Formula 1? I actually think the sign of our company’s maturity is that we need our performance in the market to be largely independent from the race team’s performance on the track. Obviously the heritage of racing is important to our brand’s credibility and in the DNA of the engineers on the team, but we also stand apart and can be judged independently like any other start up organisation such as ours. We achieved an outstanding financial result in a very short time which was totally independent of racing performance.

Has the recession had any impact on the company’s development? I think the recession has affected us in that it makes business tough. But it does remove the crowds of competition from smaller firms as you have to be pretty fit to stay in the game. What are the biggest changes you have seen in the technology market over the last few years? One of the biggest changes has been the shift in appreciation of the potential that mobile sensor networks offer to gain insight into management strategy. To put that into layman’s terms, it’s an awareness of how to handle the data intelligence of a whole world who can communicate immediately. I think the great frontier is what some people now refer to as ‘machine to machine’ communication where objects can talk to one another. Some products, such as the internet, communicate to the network and so customise to your pattern of use. Others, like kitchen appliances, will perform the same way every time. But this applied technology is definitely coming. What do you most enjoy about your role as managing director? We get to work with people who are inspired by the vision of a better future and who are entrepreneurial by nature. It’s the opposite of having a product and trying to sell it over and over again. You have to engage with what’s new and fresh. The sorts of people we work with are visionaries in their own right and within their own companies. What is the biggest personal risk you’ve ever taken in business? Leaving a very good career in the oil industry to join a little mobile company called phone.com which invented the browser that started mobile internet. It was such a new industry, it was a complete gamble. I got in early and learned on the job but it was scary as hell. It was a stupid thing to do but it paid off. What is the biggest mistake you’ve made? Joining a small start up with a single product. While the product was technically excellent we shouldn’t have started a single product company on unknown ground. I underestimated just how hard it was to grow a company from that position. What advice would you give to a young entrepreneur? Establish strategic partnerships with people who can fast track your access to markets. If you try to do it all yourself you’ll burn out. If you can get ahead with someone who already has a global sales force, and you’ve got something special, then you can grow fast. without building up a massive company.

JANUARY 2013 THE CITY 73

Pedal Power

In a year of ups and downs in the world of professional cycling, Zain Hirani asks what it is that’s attracting more and more city professionals to take up the sport

arlier this year I received a text which read: “New tar on Regent’s Park ring-road. Let’s get the bikes out on Saturday morning?” With unbounded enthusiasm I responded with an affirmative, and then paused to think. Am I really going to sacrifice a Friday night of drinking to ride on newly laid roads on Saturday morning? Finding the answer was easy: Yes. To my surprise (and relief) we were not the only ones with the same plan. Cycling has exploded in popularity in recent years, particularly amongst the ‘middle-aged’. It raises the question as to whether this is a 21st century indicator of a mid-life crisis. Are we swapping a Harley for a carbon frame? Are we exchanging an interest in expensive beer and fine wine for nutrition shakes and energy bars? Every weekend, across the hills of the

sport

Home Counties and the parks of London, men (and increasingly women) are donning Lycra shorts and choosing to get going on two wheels. In recent years this increasing phenomenon has given birth to a new breed of cyclist, the Mamil; MiddleAged-Man-In-Lycra. The population of Mamils has exploded and spotting one is relatively simple. Are they aged between 35 and 50? Are they wearing a team jersey? Are they riding a fancy-pants bike? If you can answer yes to all of the above, it is likely you have spotted a Mamil. There is nothing wrong with being a Mamil; I myself am well on my way to joining their ever-growing ranks. If there are any negative connotations associated with being a Mamil these surely relate to the wearing of Lycra. Women across the country cringe as pot-bellied husbands come down the stairs, cleats [bike shoe studs] scratching the wooden floors, wearing a tight-fitting jersey and shorts that leave nothing to the imagination. Traumatised teenagers run to their rooms, potentially damaged for the long term by the thought of their fathers displaying such body-hugging outfits in public. Since 2008 there has been a noticeable rise in the popularity of cycling. Flashy bikes are now common place on London’s roads, nipping in and out of traffic; the look over your shoulder at traffic lights, the nod, the unsaid words and the race to get off the mark quickest once the light turns green, just to meet again at the next set. On weekends, you could be forgiven for thinking that you had stumbled across a stage of the Tour of Britain if you happen to be in your car on Box Hill. This phenomenon is in part attributed to the success of Team GB at the Beijing Olympics, which then of course continued in London. British cyclists have dominated track and road cycling, sparking our interest along the way.

Government policy, such as the Cycle to Work Scheme, is also responsible for getting people on their bikes. As the temperature on the London Underground seems to rise continually whatever the weather outside (rumours suggest the air-conditioning was turned off as a cost-cutting measure, but it was probably more to do with overcrowding) cycling has become the only cost-effective, time efficient and air-conditioned mode of

Are we exchanging an interest in EXPENSIVE beer and FINE wine for nutrition shakes and energy bars?

transport to get you to work. New office buildings have underground bike racks and showers to add to the convenience. Couple this with the instinctive competitiveness amongst London’s City workers and it’s no wonder we are spending more and more on our bikes and the associated kit and gadgets. Cycling can be as expensive or cheap as you like, though. At the end of the day, it’s your legs which have to do the work.

With the proper basic maintenance, your bike can last for years. Clean and degrease it regularly and treat it to a service once a year. You don’t need to spend a fortune on the latest, lightest, flashiest bike. The road bike of choice continues to be the Pinarello Dogma 2 Road as used by Team Sky. Since 2010, Sky riders have collected a total of 85 victories on these bikes and the level of engineering and attention to detail that goes into each bike and its individual set up for each rider is remarkable. But if you don’t want to fork out a small fortune (more than £9,000) on these bikes then there are affordable alternatives. Chris Boardman’s range of bikes sold at Halfords provide high-spec components at competitive prices. In my opinion, the mid-life crisis ‘Mamil’ theory is unfounded. Those that take to their bike have generally led an active life and are continuing to do so. They have found that cycling ticks all the boxes: it can be a team sport and an individual pursuit, it satisfies our addiction to gadgets and technology and it is low impact for those with dodgy knees and hips. This is what makes cycling so attractive and your addiction can be satisfied by a growing number of amateur competitions and challenges, from the Etape to climbing Mont Ventoux, one of the toughest climbs in the world. That day, on the Regent’s Park ring-road, I saw it all: individuals timing themselves as they did laps of the park, teams racing with riders taking their turn to lead the peloton, an array of bikes from road to mountain to time-trial, families out on morning rides, tourists and commuters on Boris Bikes and even a tandem. In cycling we have found a sport that suits everyone from the ultra-competitive to those who just want to unwind; from the gadget geeks to the fitness fanatics; from those that love the outdoors to those who just want to escape the confines of office life.

january 2013 THE CITY 75

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ph. Andrea Pancino C

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fashion

REPORT

coat

tales

Burberryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bespoke trench service offers the rare chance to create an item both globally iconic and personally unique, writes AIMEE LATIMER

urberry knows better than most the importance of uniqueness. The fashion house underwent a radical rebranding since its signature tartan print became so widely and crassly copied, its reputation having plummeted as quickly as it had rose. Now under the helm of Creative Chief Officer Christopher Bailey, Burberry maintains its place as the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 98th most valuable brand through a mix of iconic designs and modern innovation. Its bespoke trench service, by appointment

or online, follows this selective principle, inviting you to tailor every detail of the iconic cover up under the umbrella of Burberry customisation. Cut from either durable cotton or supple Nappa leather, you choose the style and colour down to the handpicked selection of sleeves, belts and buttons. Less seasonally fickle than a coat or jacket, a trench can be tied tight in winter or left loose through autumn. The service provides you all the practicality and individuality of bespoke with all the brilliance of Burberry to create a timeless, perfect fit for your body and style.

news

Fashion Forward It has more than 150 trend-spotters stationed around the globe, watching the markets and runways, interpreting new developments and analysing new looks, styles and trends. Now, trendstop.com has announced the arrival of what it calls the “next evolution in online fashion trend forecasting.” Sign up for free, and access ‘Trend Stream’, an assortment of bite-size media posts updated daily with the latest style inspirations, breaking fashion news and specialised video content. trendstop.com

Having successfully extended its operations across the Channel to Britain, Spain’s Massimo Dutti recently crossed the pond to launch its first store in the US. Taking up residence on New York’s Fifth Avenue, no less, the store is the largest Massimo Dutti in the world. To celebrate, the firm has created the ‘689 5th Avenue Collection’, their ode to the city that never sleeps. The limited collection is available in flagship stores and online. Massimo Dutti, Cabot Place, massimodutti.com

for him

From the boardroom to the bar, stay sharp, stay smart, stay stylish

Tux LuxE-

Step into the New Year in style. Acne has collaborated with Mr Porter to present an eveningwear capsule collection based on the classic tuxedo. Exclusive to mrporter.com, the collection of 14 pieces includes smoking jackets and trousers, an evening overcoat, formal shirting, bow ties and shoes. Now, what to wear them to? mrporter.com

Gunning it online It may trace its roots back nearly two hundred years, but Holland & Holland is clearly as in-tune with the 21st Century as it is with the 19th. The gunsmiths has just announced the launch of its new e-commerce website, where customers can purchase a selection of shooting equipment, cartridge bags, cleaning kits and position finders. If shooting isn’t your thing, the company also sells a range of ties, scarves and cufflinks. At least you get to look the part. hollandandholland.com

78 THE CITY january 2013

Anton Oparin / Shutterstock.com

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Good foundations simply make clothes hang better, instantly fine-tuning what lies beneath so what’s on the outside can shine at its best. Fox & Rose carry an excellent selection with the added option of filtering your search. Whether you’re an extroverted Fox or seductive Rose, you’ll even find pieces for those occasions when more impractical lingerie is required. foxandrose.com

Office Originals

As our love for the blazer only gets bigger, smart tailoring continues to filter from the boardroom to our everyday basics. Karen Millen raises the bar with its chic workwear staples by injecting individuality into classic cuts. karenmillen.com

for her Muubaa Heneley Shearling Jacket £799, muubaa.com

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

new combinations of what you “Reinvent already own. Improvise. Become more creative. Not because you have to, but because you want to. Evolution is the secret for the next step. – Karl Lagerfeld

”

Francis Leon, £780 Matchesfashion.com

hell for leather Balmain, £4,699 Harrods.com

A high quality leather jacket is the vital backbone to any modern wardrobe. Francis Leon has updated the classic biker cut with a collarless lapel and panels of quilt and neoprene to break up the black and inject depth and movement, while Bailman teases the lines between tough and sexy with strong padded shoulders and a second-skin fit. Muubaa wraps up warm with shearling.

Dolce & Gabbana’s Sicily Classic tote has both a top handle and shoulder strap that you can alternate to match your silhouette. The soft but structured leather shape strikes a perfect balance between statement and practical that when spiced with gold accents, nods to D&G’s eternal romance. for a timeless bag that is strong and feminine, you can’t go wrong. from £1,095, dolcegabbana.com

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the power of one Photography Peter Westh STYLIST Magdelena B

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Black skirt, £350, Tibi, tibi.com Xtravaganza rose gold watch, £21,730 Chopard, chopard.com. Bag, DVF sequin clutch £226. Jacket, Alice & Olivia by Stacey Bendet, £770, harrods.com xxxxxxxx 2013 THE CITY 83

Silk jacquard top, £560, trousers, £645 both Gucci, gucci.com. Shoes, £550, Manolo Blahnik at Liberty, 020 7734 1234 Mediterranean Eden sautoir necklace £13,500 Bulgari, bulgari.com Opposite Collared shirt, POA, Marni marni.com. Mediterranean Eden necklace with silver coins, £8,600, Bulgari bulgari.com. White zicornia ball ring, £179, double band crystal ring, £134 both Thomas Sabo, thomassabo.com

Skirt, £248, Diane Von Furstenberg dvf.com. Black jacket, £420, Tibi, tibi.com Earrings, £3,170, Bulgari, bulgari.com Shoes, £440, Manolo Blahnik at Liberty 020 7734 1234. Clutch, £1,880 Zagliani, 020 7235 4142 Opposite Glitter top, £185, Emma Cook matches.com. Fur waistcoat, £429 Marc Cain, marc-cain.com Trousers, £440, Marni, marni.com White diamond and yellow gold choker, £168,531, white diamond pavé hook earrings, £2,646 both Shamballa shamballajewels.com. Serpenti necklace £42,700, Bulgari, bulgari.com

HAIR : OLIVER DE ALMEIDA WAQUED @ BLOW TO GO MAKE UP: JOANNA BANACH USING YSL STYLIST ASSISTANT: GEETA FERMAH PHOTOGRAPHERS ASSISTANT: JAMIE BOVERING AND TOM NORTH

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xxxxxxxx 2013 THE CITY 87

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news

Extended Shelf life Invest in clean, timeless storage space and stack your clutter in style. The Cubus Contemporary Bookcases’ combination of long, short and boxy squares can shrink or stretch a room’s dimensions, depending on the playfulness of your tastes and the practicalities of your needs. Wharfside’s choice of natural woods finished with herbal oil is one part of its full customising service that includes a range of drawers, ladders and glass displays, giving you creative control. POA, wharfside.co.uk

House to Home Resist the temptation to play it safe when choosing investment furniture as a timeless piece with just a flirtation of quirk can create instant character. Aritsanti’s Whitehouse Chandelier’s round brass frame offers pure class; its rosettes and hanging acorn add charm. Whitehouse Chandelier, £879, artisanti.com

interiors

mclaughlin & scott ghost clock £190, unitedfurnishings.co.uk

Give your abode the attention it deserves with a stylish, seasonal spruce-up

Winter Warmer Immerse yourself in one of the world’s oldest indulgences by transforming your pampering routine with a quality Royce Morgan bath. Melt into the warmth and romance of this nostalgic tub by letting the Kensington’s chrome plated feet take the pressure, as you take the weight off yours. roycemorgan.co.uk

Old Romantic Cole & Son has adapted the very best from its archive of damask prints with a modernising new pallet inspired by the wiles and temperaments of the palette of the Romantic Period. The Albemarle collection’s intense hues and intricate production embodies the perfect balance between old passions and modern innovation. From £85 per roll, cole-and-son.com

january 2013 THE CITY 89

HAND PICKED

Whatever your shopping needs in 2013, you will find inimitable quality at The royal Exchange

Grand designs ↑

On a scroll ↓

Where better to present a selection of sculptor lorenzo Quinn’s most impressive pieces than in one of london’s most impressive landmarks? The artisan gallery, which has just become part of the Castle galleries group, is currently showcasing three of Quinn’s famously large sculptures in its space in The royal Exchange’s rear portico. These pieces join a permanent collection of his small-scale pieces, such as ‘Trust’ (above). Born to an actor father and a costumedesigner mother, Quinn was always destined to be a creative force. He originally planned to become a surrealist painter, but at the age of 21, discovered his favourite medium was sculpture. He has since become one of the world’s leading contemporary sculptors and his iconic pieces have been installed in various public locations around the globe. You may have seen his work without realising – ‘la Dolce vita’ was installed outside The Dorchester, london, in September 2012 (it’s a giant silver hand holding a scooter – ringing any bells?). The artisan gallery will feature ‘reflections’, ‘leap of Faith’ and ‘What goes around Comes around’ until early January. castlegalleries.com

‘The creation of jewellery is nothing without the pleasure of the wearer,’ says David Bachet of his work. ‘it is my obsession, my only punishment, my only reward.’ The jeweller has a particular passion for black and white diamonds, and every piece seems to create a unique harmony between the two opposing colours. The end result, such as this diamond pendant with white-gold chain, comes across as bold and innovative. The Scroll in love collection also features a sparkling cuff and elegant chain bracelet. Scroll in Love pendant, £2,100, Bachet

Rings of desire ↑ The B.Zero1 collection features some of Bulgari’s most iconic designs, including the famous double ‘Bvlgari’ logo. Since its worldwide debut at the start of the new millennium, the collection has been adapted and altered from a range of rings to a line that includes pendants, watches and even handbags. available in white, yellow and pink gold, these rings have been designed by Turner-Prizewinning artist anish Kapoor, making them conceptual and beautiful in equal measure. B.Zero1 ring, from £710, Bulgari WWW.theroyalexchange.com

CITY MAG JAN 13.indd 1-2

One step beyond ↑

Night watch ↑

Case study ↑

Throughout its history, Harrys of london has tried to prove that men’s shoes can be at once stylish, innovative and comfortable – and it seems to be doing a good job. The shoemaker stocks pretty much every type of footwear you could ever need; be it suede brogues or robust leather hiking boots, Harrys of london makes them. Handcrafted in italy, these velvet tasselled loafers are as timeless as they are chic, and look great whether you twin them with jeans or a dinner suit. Shelley loafers, £395, Harrys of London

The design of the Hermès arceau watch goes back to 1978, when Henri d’Origny took inspiration from the hoop-shaped part of the stirrup on a horse’s saddle. The face, too, has equine origins, featuring a herringbone motif reminiscent of the patterns found on saddle rugs. as well as the day and month apertures, rhodium-plated hour markers and ornate lunar cycle display on its face, the arceau Moon Phase has a transparent case back, allowing the wearer to see the inner workings. Arceau Moon Phase, £17,100, Hermès

Using expertise gained over six generations, loro Piana creates high-performing products for discerning customers. Packed with pockets and compartments, the loro Piana ‘No Carry’ trolley represents the marriage between luxury and utility. Made in Norwegian Fjord leather that’s robust and naturally water resistant, and lined with cotton and linen, this case is perfectly proportioned to be used as hand luggage – which is fortunate, because once you have one, you won’t want to part with it. No Carry trolley, £3,845, Loro Piana

Key issues Since 1837, Tiffany & Co. has been crafting iconic pieces of jewellery for the most astute connoisseurs and collectors. a new addition to the vast and dazzling Keys collection, the beauty of these Tiffany Knot Keys pendants lies in their simplicity. available in 18ct gold, rose gold and white gold studded with diamonds, they are captivating, meticulously crafted and timeless: the perfect gift for a special someone this new year. Tiffany Knot Keys, from £540, Tiffany & Co

Cover story ↑ To quote its 1920 catalogue, Smythson offers ‘the latest novelty in handbags and purses – daintily charming and personal’, and it’s good to know the company has stayed true to this ethos over the years. Part of the Chameleon Collection, the Smythson iPad case is soft in texture, simple in shape and bold in colour. as so often with Smythson’s products, the distinction lies in the detail, and with a calf-leather lining and that trademark gold lettering, this piece is no different. Chameleon iPad sleeve, £215, Smythson

agent provocateur, artisan fine art, bachet, boodles, bvlgari, church’s, crockett & jones, de beers, grand cafe, gucci, harrys of london, hermÈs, imperial city, jo malone london, kiehl’s, kojis, loeWe, l’occitane, loro piana, lulu guinness, mezzanine lounge, molton broWn, montblanc, omega, paul a. young fine chocolates, paul smith, pavarottis, penhaligon’s, pretty ballerinas, royal exchange jeWellers, sage broWn fine leather, sauterelle, searle & co, smoker’s paradise, smythson, tateossian, theo fennell, tiffany & co., vilebrequin, Watches of sWitzerland

the royal exchange, bank, city of london, ec3v 3lr. store trading hours 10am – 6pm restaurants & bars 8am – 11pm

14/12/2012 09:53

New Zinc showroom now open 1 Chelsea Wharf, 15 Lots Road, London SW10 0QJ

0679_Zinc Kensington & Chelsea Ad_Apr12_AW.indd 1

09/03/2012 16:51

wine

Tourism Australia Copyright

REPORT

education

A taste tour of wine’s New World homeland, Australia, offers the enticingly heady mix of luxury holiday meets sensory education, reports AIMEE LATIMER

ine is the essential dinner party guest: charming and full bodied or sharp and transparent, it demands acute assessment before being welcomed. So whether you feel the need to be educated on it, or simply wish to celebrate its beauty, wine tours are the perfect answer. They invite you to discover your signature taste and acquire the knowledge to pick the perfect food matches through enjoying a selective array. Australia has risen by its

own merit to become the world’s fourth largest wine exporter. Consisting of more than two thousand small wine producers, the result is a tour haven comprising intimate vineyards dotted over a sublime landscape. Luxury Adventure’s Tailored Australian Wine Vacation (luxuryadventures.co.nz) includes flights and private travel between dusky tours of the wineries in the Hunter and Yarra valleys, followed by five star accommodation in Sydney and Melbourne. A slow expedition through terrain as diverse as wild Bushland, to leafy North Shore to the views crossing Sydney Harbour Bridge will make an impression worth raising a glass to.

news

Alaïa Animal-print calf hair travel bag, £3,507, NET-A-PORTER.COM

piste of the action The latest addition to the super-luxe Alp Leisure group’s luxury ski chalets, La Folie Blanche, located in Courchevel 1350, boasts its own private squash court as well as a beautiful spa area, swimming pool, sauna and Jacuzzi. Designed by renowned Lyon architect Philippe Gilbert, the chalet pays homage to chic white minimalism throughout. Expect a reproduction Le Corbusier chaise longue to a state-of-the-art ethanol central fireplace by Ecosmart. alpleisure.com

Turkish delights Now flying to the idyllic Maldives five times a week via Istanbul, business class return fares on Turkish Airlines start from £1,968 from London. With fully reclining beds, full blown onboard feasts from mezzes and roasts to snacks and sandwiches, as well as every new cinema release you can think of, you’ll arrive feeling refreshed and rejuvenated for a tough week of sunning and snorkeling. Whether you rush to connect or find yourself with a longer stopover, take the time to enjoy the decadent lounge while in the top Turkish city. With its own cinema, play area, bedrooms and bathrooms, food stations offering fresh baked pizzas to pasta bars, mixed meat grills and pastry buffets, chances are, you won’t want to leave. turkishairlines.com

TRAVEL

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

you’re a star Bonnes nouvelles, weary travellers. For those who long for the Côte d’Azur but can’t face the airport stress, you’ll be pleased to hear that Eurostar will be launching a new London to Provence route this spring as well as to Avignon and Lyon. So, think beyond Paris and Lille this year, and you could find yourself frolicking in the French hills, feasting on foie gras and dipping your toes in turquoise waters without even one plastic bag for your liquids. Fantastique. uk.eurostar.com

TO THE SEA Sat adjacent to a tropical lagoon, this stunning resort isn’t just suited to newlyweds. While Mauritius has become synonymous with gooey-eyed honeymooners taking long walks along white sandy beaches, Ambre welcomes family holiday-makers, too. Get your PADI open-water certificate, take a casual undersea walk, or go big game fishing (and remember to take your camera). If you should want some quiet time while away with the little ones, pack them off to the Sun Kids Club where trained leaders will introduce your children to the wonders of Mauritian sea-life. ambremauritius.com

JANUARY 2013 THE CITY 95

travel

ski patrol

gabriel o’rorke experiences the alternative Verbier at La Tzoumaz. There may not be as many celebrity filled clubs, but you can’t beat the slopes

he swish Swiss ski resort of Verbier is known for its ski lift named after James Blunt; a chalet owned by Richard Branson; and this year, a new club named Public, sister to its former London namesake and owned by Prince Will’s buddy, Guy Pelly. The flip-side, however, of sharing the slopes with celebs, millionaires and royalty is long lift queues, crowded slopes and beer that costs £12. But a solution is quite literally just round the corner – the next valley over from Verbier is La Tzoumaz, a small, understated Alpine town at 1500m, dubbed ‘the future of the 4 Vallées’ (if you’re struggling with pronunciation of La Tzoumaz try saying ‘satsumas’ with an ‘l’ instead of an ‘s’ at the beginning). Winding our way up the valley, the snow thickened along the roadside and finally

96 THE CITY january 2013

we pulled into La Tzoumaz’s first fivestar property, Chalet Auriane. The nearest airport, Sion, is less than half an hour’s drive (Snowjet flies to Sion from Stansted), and Geneva is roughly an hour-and-a-half by car. Our arrival is smooth to say the least, a private funicular grinds to a halt by the garage and we glide up the snow to be deposited on the chalet’s doorstep. Made with local stone and wood, Auriane is split over two floors with an open-plan kitchen and large glass windows overlooking the Rhone valley. The interiors were done by Hugh Berry, the London interior designer behind Fortnum & Mason, and there’s a contemporary take on the traditional chocolate box look – silvery tree trunks reach up to the ceiling, sofas covered in faux fur fill the living room and there's a larger than life steel statue of a 1970s-style skier by British sculptor Paul Richardson. Other quirky features include a papier

maché tiger from a Liberty’s window display; a chrome cuckoo clock from the Conran Shop (which is light sensitive so the cuckoo doesn’t disturb anyone’s sleep during the night); white reindeer heads with ski goggles on the kitchen wall; and a tangle of lights on the living room ceiling which add to the warm atmosphere created by the open fire. Owned by Harley Street doctor, James Montgomery, Chalet Auriane sleeps up to twelve guests in five bedrooms, all named after Swiss resorts (Zermatt, Klosters, Gstaad, St Moritz and Verbier). Bright green rugs imitate grass along the hallways, contrasting with the wooden floors, and the spa has colourful Philippe Starck chairs, an indoor sauna and outdoor hot tub. There is geo-thermal heating throughout, as well as wifi and Apple TV in each of the bedrooms (with a choice of 1,000 movies). “I chose La Tzoumaz because it is quieter and more

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family friendly than Verbier,” says James. With the sauna and hot tub, not to mention La Tzoumaz’s 10km toboggan slope, the snow-shoeing and winter hiking routes along the ancient irrigation waterways, this is a great option for nonskiers too. And Auriane is available for self-catering in the summer. Out and about early and stocked up on porridge, eggs and bacon thanks to in-chalet chef David, we head out into the elements.

there’s a great apres-ski bar, Alex’s, which is on the slopes just 100m above the chalet and is an almost compulsory stop-off on the way home. With just 300 permanent residents, and a floating population of 7,000 in peak season, La Tzoumaz (which incidentally means ‘resting place’) is perfect for families or anyone who likes low-key, low-cost, high quality skiing. However, its population and popularity may well surge in the coming year with a new lift linking it

Starting off on home turf, we warm up on wide blue runs, before moving on to red runs interspersed with going off-piste Often the most tedious part of skiing is walking to the slopes in stiff boots, lugging skis and poles – it’s hard to avoid this even in the smartest hotels and chalets – but we hop into the funicular, slide up 20m and out onto the slopes. From here it’s a short ski down to the high-speed gondola, which is queue-free (unlike Medran, the main hub in Verbier) and ends up on the Savoleyres ridge connecting to Verbier. In total there are 410km of runs and 89 lifts in the 4 Vallées and it’s all covered by a single lift pass. “I'm a citizen of the world but the best place is la Tzoumaz!” says David Perraudin, ex-professional downhill racer, current president of La Tzoumaz Tourist Association and our ski guide for the next few days. Starting off on home turf, we warm up on wide blue runs, before moving on to red runs interspersed with going off-piste. Once we have our snow legs back (this is my first trip of the season), David decides to take us on the 4 Valleys tour which is a total of no less than 45km. Although an ex-pro, David is patient and gives little tips along the way. After pizza for lunch at Chez Odette, a mountain restaurant in Siviez, the afternoon slips by and before we know it we’re in the hot tub, easing off our muscles. In terms of nightlife, La Tzoumaz doesn’t buzz like Verbier and has just three bars: Harry's which is run by Brits, Vitho, run by a Dutch couple and Nazim's, a local bar. But

with Medran, the main hub at Verbier, due to be completed this winter. The next day, La Tzoumaz comes into its own; heavy snow means the lifts up from Verbier are closed so the slopes are practically empty. There is so much snow and so few people that we pick and choose our routes, spending most of the day offpiste and making fresh tracks each time. At the end of the day we slide into Chez Simon for apres-ski and fondue. Owned and run by a man named Simon, who taught David to ski as a boy, we are served endless amounts of cheese and wine before venturing back out into the cold. It’s dark and the snow is still falling, but David lights up large wax torches and we start our decsent down the mountainside.

More information Gabriel O’Rorke was a guest of Chalet Auriane in La Tzoumaz (tel: 07903 018549; (chaletauriane.com) which is available on a sole occupancy basis and sleeps up to 12 guests in four luxury en-suite double rooms and one bunk room with four adult-sized bunk beds. It costs from £825 per person per week fully catered, excluding transfers. A seven-day La Tzoumaz/Savoleyres ski pass is 348 CHF (approx £260). A full 4 Vallées ski pass costs 395 CHF (approx £296)

xxxxxxxx 2013 THE CITY 97

travel

Destination...

zurich kari rosenberg soaks up fine art, historic culture and culinary masterpieces in Switzerland’s biggest city WHERE TO STAY…The Dolder Grand A fairy-tale castle perched on a hill-top overlooking Zurich, this hotel houses more than 100 pieces of exquisite art including priceless masterpieces by Salvador Dalí, Miró, Anthony Caro, René Magritte, Damien Hirst and Andy Warhol. The hotel re-opened in 2008, after four years of renovation by Lord Norman Foster, who has combined its traditional Belle-Epoque style, with state of the art design and luxury. Get lost in the spacious bedrooms (the bathroom alone is comprised of three marbled rooms) while outside in the garden, the white of the marble contrasts with a backdrop of green forests, endless lakes and snow-capped Alps in the distance.

WHERE TO EAT… Pavillon Soon approaching its 100th birthday, Pavillon restaurant is a must-eat. Sample pan-fried langoustine, crayfish cassoulet or quail ravioli (that’s just for starters) and savour Laurent Eperon’s contemporary fine dining while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Baur au Lac garden on the banks of the Schanzengraben canal. For mains, try the veal tartar with Osietra caviar or the shoulder of wild rabbit. Designed by star architect Pierre-Yves Rochon, Pavillon is housed in an impressive glass gazebo with a towering rotunda and roaring-twenties-era Lalique chandeliers. Settle down in the art deco upholstered furniture and enjoy paintings by Swiss artist John Armleder.

WHAT TO DO…Church Spotting From Grossmünster to St Peterskirche, Fraumünster to Wasserkirche, Zurich is home to some beautiful churches. Constructed around a thousand years ago, the Protestant Grossmünster church is built in the Romanesque style near the banks of the Limmat River. The monastry vied for precedence with the Fraumünster – which was founded in 853 by Louis the German – across the Limmat throughout the Middle Ages. St. Peterskirche (St. Peter), located next to the Lindenhof hill, is a former Roman castle, the history of which dates back to the 9th century, and boasts the biggest clock face in Europe.

DON’T MISS…Glacier Tours From top to bottom: Mount Jungfraujoch, The Dolder Grand, Limmat river, The Dolder Grand, St. Peterskirche (St Peter) Church

98 THE CITY january 2013

Mix the adventure of the Swiss Alps with pulsating city life by incorporating a mountain day trip into your itinerary. Adventure excursions include outings to the Titlis glacier taking in the ice grotto, a trip over crevasses in the special chairlift or sledding in the snow. Take an excursion to the magnificent world of the Jungfraujoch, designated by UNESCO as a natural World Heritage Site. Enjoy the eternal snow as well as the astounding panorama of the Aletsch Glacier, Europe’s longest ice river, amid the soaring peaks of neighbouring countries.

arrive and revive

The â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Almâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; we hiked to today was an insider tip from our host. The view from here of sun-kissed mountain peaks reaching for the sky is simply spellbinding. We feel totally free, nearly giddy with joy. We might even spend the night up here. Just like the dairy maid. For information about holidays in Austria, visit www.austria.info/treasures or call 0845 101 1818

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fine cooking, with exuberant panache. alluring, honest, thoughtful and interesting

231 Ebury Street London SW1W 8UT www.pouleaupot.co.uk 020 7730 7763

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news

patron’s stay Up on the city rooftops, Eight Moorgate private members’ club invites you into an exclusive relationship with its stunning venue that caters for everything from private dining to business meetings. Tailored especially for businessmen and women, network and socialise surrounded by more than 300 spirits – and that’s before you’ve even counted the range of Champagnes. Dysart Street, EC2A

HEARTFELT HERITAGE From January, diners will be able to enjoy a three course set menu with highlights including heather-smoked mackerel with pink tapioca pearls and frosted oysters or crackled capon wings with scallops ballotine and nuts and lovage, all for only £25 a head at the Michelin starred Club Gascon. The flagship restaurant of Chef Pascal Aussignac uses only the freshest ingredients to create authentic menus championing cuisine from the South West of France. West Smithfield, EC1A

FOOD DRINK The best fine dining has to offer, right on your doorstep

Trendy Tastes So delightful are Sweet Margarite’s luxury handmade Champagne cookies that they are already being supplied to a range of restaurants and hotels before its even opened the first store. Due to set up shop in London by spring, flavours ranging from poppy seed to lavender are now available online. With ten more melt in the mouth flavours to come in this year, these cute cookies are last year’s cupcakes. Red velvet? That’s so 2012. sweetmargarite.com

New Year, new diet This year, prevent your health kick from dragging its heels by February by getting personalised boxes of organic fruit and vegetables delivered straight to your door by Abel & Cole. Should an additional free cookbook not inspire you, or every fourth box being free through January still not be enough to keep you on the straight and narrow, they deliver snacks and household products, too.

Crowning Cognac Layered with multiple notes and perfumes this beautifully bottled Louis XIII Cognac reigns king. Aged in 100-year old Limousin oak barrels to create layers of delicate florals over sharp ginger mellowed by sandalwood and honey, it took four generations of cellar masters to develop aromas intense enough to linger on the palate for an hour after tasting. Currently, Louis XIII Cognac, £1,795 Selfridges, selfridges.com

abelandcole.co.uk

january 2013 THE CITY 101

Make it a Ritz Christmas! enquire@theritzlondon.com

www.theritzlondon.com

Telephone: 020 7493 8181

review

The Big Feast

Soho Sliders

Kari Rosenberg samples a 15 course Chinese feast at HKK

Ciaran Pillay goes in search of London’s perfect burger

or any regular readers, you’ll already know the following things: Firstly, I live for Chinese food. Secondly, Hakkasan is one of my favourite restaurants, closely followed by Sake No Hana (see the August issue). So, I already had great expectations for the Shoreditch based addition to the Hakkasan Group’s empire when I visited HKK on the opening night. The décor already beats Hakkasan (un point); airy and simple, the contrast is striking, but then if you’re going to be working your way through an ever changing 15 course tasting menu (curated by Michelin-starred chef Tong Chee Hwee) you’ll appreciate the minimalist surroundings. Deep breath. I’ll start from the beginning: an Iberico ham wrap which was salty and crunchy; a Gu-yue-long-shan drunken chicken which was a bit slimy on the trajectory; a lychee wood roasted Peking duck served as one small pancake wrap with a slither of crunchy skin and sweet dipping sauce which was so good I could have gobbled the entire bird and was crestfallen when the rest of the animal was returned from the chopping block to the kitchen. Next came Bresse chicken and dried scallop soup which was comforting, but not memorable, followed by the best dim sum I have possibly ever tasted (except, maybe, at Hakkasan or Yauatcha, also owned by the same restaurateurs); shimeji mushroom and lily bulb in XO sauce which was simple but moreish and a deliciously silky wok-fried lobster. Mid dinner came ‘high tea’; flower jelly and water chestnut cake served with the very rare Da-Hong-Pao tea which I can’t really remember, as eight courses in, I was feeling a little stuffed and slightly sozzled. And then the main courses started: fillet of monkfish in a Louis Roederer sauce; pumpkin tofu; jasmine tea smoked Wagyu beef, which was another sweet sticky favourite, and a steamed razor clam with chilli and glutinous rice. Desserts comprised lychee tapioca; a pineapple fritter and a selection of petit fours. And if you have made it this far without zoning out, I applaud you. Because I didn’t. While each dish was incredibly intricate, impossible to fault, fresh, delicious, original and all the rest of it, I could easily have had the duck, beef and dim sum and walked away a very happy, customer. The simpler dishes proved far more delicious than the fussier, slightly slimier creations, so much so that I wish they’d brought me the full size portions, minus the other 15.

wo years after launching its first outpost in Beirut, Lebanese burger restaurant BRGR.CO has opened the doors of its Soho eatery, offering “simple burgers, cooked to perfection”. So how much can you expect from a burger restaurant? It’s quite easy to get a good burger in London; will BRGR.CO supply me with the perfect one? The menu is simple. At first glance it reads like a typical American burger joint, but when you delve a little deeper you soon realise the ingredients and methodology are quintessentially British. The beef is from the Duke of Buccleuch Estate in South West Scotland and the cheese is carefully selected from a dairy farm in Somerset. Starters were generous so it might be worth sharing. For mains we opted for a hot dog, chicken Caesar burger and, of course, ‘the masterpiece’ burger. The burgers were good, especially the chicken Caesar. I would advise not to add anything to ‘the masterpiece’, we went for blue cheese – which was delicious but took away from the taste of the patty. The highlight of the mains, however, were the parmesan truffle fries. Literally the best chips I’ve ever tasted, cooked in truffle oil and covered in parmesan – they’re rich but sublime. There are four deserts to choose from; we went for a white chocolate cheesecake pudding and an ice cream sundae. They were good, but nothing exceptional. Drinks-wise, there was only one beer (Huber) on the menu, a selection of milkshakes and a few soft drinks including homemade lemonade. I would advise getting the homemade lemonade and bourbon to finish – it was beautifully refreshing. The restaurant’s décor is generally understated and comfortable apart from the odd, arty, flamboyant, mounted cow heads dotted around. The cow heads are quite confusing at first but I soon learnt that they are to be sold throughout the year in order to raise money for small London charities. Overall it was a pleasant dining experience, the food was great but I wouldn’t say perfect. It would be a fantastic stop if you haven’t got much time. The restaurant lacks clarity in persona: part American, part British, part whacky cows, it’s all a little bewildering. At the same time, however, I can’t help but feel that the lack of identity almost gives BRGR.CO its personality.

HKK, Broadgate West, Worship Street, EC2A, 020 3535 1888

BRGR.CO, 187 Wardour Street, Soho, W1F, 020 792 06480

JANUARY 2013 THE CITY 103

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

Collection

Health & Beauty

Bachet

Ajala Spa

12 The Courtyard

10 Godliman Street

020 3405 1437

020 7074 1010

bachet.fr

www.ajalaspa.com

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

artisangalleries.com

14 Devonshire Row Chequers Beauty

2 & 3 The Courtyard

020 7377 5485

Salon

Royal Exchange

barberexpress.co.uk

53-54 Leadenhall Market

020 7283 7284

020 7283 3047

City Health & Fitness

boodles.com

chequersbeauty.co.uk

Club London

Bulgari Royal Exchange 020 7283 4580 bulgari.com Ernest Jones Unit 3, Plantation Place 020 7929 4491 ernestjones.co.uk Goldsmiths 186-190 Bishopsgate 020 7283 6622 goldsmiths.co.uk

Grange City Hotel, Elysium Spa

8-10 Cooper’s Row

21 Old Broad Street

cityhealthclub.co.uk

020 7256 8624 elysiumfortytwo.co.uk

Kiehls Unit 14/15, Royal Exchange 020 7283 6661 kiehls.co.uk Jo Malone 24 Royal Exchange 08701 925131 jomalone.co.uk L’Occitane

144 Fetter Lane Essential Therapy

29 Royal Exchange

020 7702 3553

39 Whitefriars Street

020 7929 7722

fetterbarbers.com

loccitane.co.uk

F Flit tner

Paul A Young Fine

020 7353 1895 essential-therapie.co.uk

86 Moorgate

Chocolates

Optix

020 7606 4750

20 Royal Exchange

175 Bishopsgate

fflittner.com

020 7929 7007

020 7628 0330 optixuk.com

paulayoung.co.uk London City Runner 10 Ludgate Broadway

Smilepod bank studio

9 Royal Exchange

Leadenhall Market

020 7623 3626

off Fenchurch Street

gucci.com

18-20 Cullum Street

Nicholson & Griffin

020 7836 6866

74 Cannon Street, EC4N 6AE

smilepod.co.uk

020 7489 8551

Hermes

020 7929 5656

Fet ter Barbers Ltd

Gucci

12-13 Royal Exchange

Artisan Fine Art 35 Royal Exchange

Boodles

15 The Courtyard

Retail

020 7329 1955 londoncityrunner.com

nicholsonandgriffin.com

Penhaligon’s 4 Royal Exchange 020 7623 3131 penhaligons.com Smoker’s Paradise 33 Royal Exchange 020 7626 6078 smokersparadise.8m.com

020 7626 7794

The Harley

hermes.com

Medical Group

Ted’s Grooming Room

Links of London

Marc House

120 Cheapside

27 Royal Exchange

Great Street

020 7367 9932

020 7621 0021

0800 022 3385

tedsgroomingroom.com

moltonbrown.com

27 Broadgate Circle 020 7628 9668

Molton Brown

linksoflondon.com

harleymedical.co.uk

Tower Bridge Health &

Paul Smith

Montblanc

The Private Clinic

Fitness Club

Unit 7, The Courtyard

10-11 Royal Exchange

107 Cheapside

47 Prescot Street

Royal Exchange

020 7929 4200

0800 599 9911

020 7959 5050

020 7626 4778

montblanc.com

theprivateclinic.co.uk

grangehealthclubs.com

paulsmith.co.uk

Boodles

SushiSamba

High Timber Restaurant

Madison Restaurant

Fashion

Bars and Pubs

Restaurants

Agent Provocateur

1 Lombard Street

1901 at andaz hotel

5 Royal Exchange

1 Lombard Street

40 Liverpool Street

020 7623 0229

020 7929 6611

020 7618 7000

agentprovocateur.com

1lombardstreet.com

andazdining.com

Grand Café

Grappolo 1 Plough Place 020 7842 0510 grappololondon.com

Bulgari

Anise Bar

Anohka Indian

The Courtyard, Royal Exchange

15 The Courtyard, Royal Exchange

9 Devonshire Square

Restaurant St. Pauls

020 7618 2480

020 7283 4580

020 3642 8679

4 Burgon Street

royalexchange-grandcafe.co.uk

bulgari.com

Anthologist

020 7236 3999 anokha-indian.com

Haz Restaurant Plantation Place

Church’s

58 Gresham Street

28 Royal Exchange

0845 468 0101

Brasserie Blanc

6 Mincing Lane

020 7929 7015

theanthologistbar.co.uk

60 Threadneedle Street

020 7929 3173

020 7710 9440

hazrestaurant.co.uk

church-footwear.com

Balls Brothers

Crockett & Jones

11 Blomfield Street

25 Royal Exchange

020 7588 4643

0207 929 2111 crockettandjones.com Harrys of London 18 Royal Exchange 020 7283 4643

brasserieblanc.com

High Timber Restaurant

Caffé Concerto

8 High Timber Street

One New Change

020 7248 1777

Bar Bat tu

020 7494 6857

hightimber.com

48 Gresham Street

caffeconcerto.co.uk

020 7036 6100 barbattu.com

Madison Restaurant

Chamberlain’s

2 New Change

Restaurants

020 8305 3088

Prism

23-25 Leadenhall Market

madisonlondon.net

147 Leadenhall Street

020 7648 8690

020 7256 3888

chamberlains.org

Vertigo 42

Chez Gerard

020 7600 0992

Tower 42, Old Broad Street

14 Trinity Square

mintleaflounge.com

Hugo Boss

020 7877 7842

020 7213 0540

One New Change

vertigo42.co.uk

chezgerard.co.uk

020 7332 0573

Hawksmoor Guildhall

Cinnamon Kitchen

020 7375 2568

10-12 Basinghall Street

9 Devonshire Square

individualrestaurantcompanyplc.co.uk

020 7397 8120

020 7626 5000

thehawksmoor.com

cinnamon-kitchen.com

020 7236 3635

Counting House

Fora Restaurant

Royal Exchange

1-2 Royal Exchange Buildings

50 Cornhill

34-36 Houndsditch

020 7618 2483

020 7626 2782

020 7283 7123

020 7626 2222

sauterelle-restaurant.co.uk

karenmillen.com

fullers.co.uk

forarestaurants.co.uk

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

hugoboss.com Karen Millen One New Change

Mint Leaf Lounge 12 Angel Court

Piccolino Restaurant 11 Exchange Square

Restaurant Sauterelle The Courtyard

Sushisamba

L.K. Bennett

Searcys Champagne Bar

Gat tis Restaurant

Floors 38 and 39

One New Change

1 Finsbury Avenue

Heron Tower

020 7236 4711

020 7871 1213

020 7247 1051

020 3640 7330

searcyschampagnebars.co.uk

gattisrestaurant.co.uk

sushisamba.com

lkbennett.com

JANUARY 2013 THE CITY 105

Register your interest now Nestled beside the Barbican and just moments from the nightlife, Michelin starred restaurants and culture of the Square Mile. The Residences at Roman House boast boutique style interiors, 24-hour concierge, gym and access to the beautiful St Alphage Gardens.

Call: 020 7920 9920 or email: romanhouse@berkeleygroup.co.uk Luxury Studios, 1, 2 & 3 bedroom residences from ÂŁ565,000 Roman House, Wood Street, London, EC2Y 5BA

www.roman-house.co.uk Proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of companies

Our vision for your future

Selling Agents

Details correct at time of press. Computer Generated Image depicts typical interior and is indicative only.

Roman House - the epitome of Boutique City Living Coming Soon

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

Home Sweet Home

The best new properties

Room design at a home in Old Park Lane by Luigi Esposito of Oro Bianco, working with development company Fenton Whelan. www.orobiancointeriordesign.com

Your next step

buying or Letting in 2013?

Knight Frank

Riversdale Road, Highbury N5 A charming family home in Highbury

An extremely well presented bay fronted Victorian terraced house set over three floors. 4 bedrooms, bathroom, shower room, double reception room, kitchen, conservatory extension, seperate utility room and garden. Approximately 167.59sq.m (1,804sq.ft)

KnightFrank.co.uk/Islington islington@knightfrank.com 020 3641 6138

Freehold Guide Price: £1,150,000

Knight Frank

Grove End Lodge, Highgate NW5 A stunning refurbished detached period house

This beautiful family home has been renovated throughout whilst retaining many period features. 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, kitchen, garden, off street parking. Approximately 236sq.m (2,530sq.ft) Freehold GuidePrice: £2,450,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/Islington islington@knightfrank.com 020 3641 6138 KnightFrank.co.uk/Hampstead hampstead@knightfrank.com 020 7431 8686

Cordage House, Wapping E1W

Brand new development A smart apartment to rent on the 4th floor of the brand new 21 Wapping Lane development. This apartment comprises 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en-suite), reception room with dining area, open plan kitchen, 2 balconies and porterage. Approximately 87 sq m (941 sq ft) To Let Furnished Guide Price: £495 per week

KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings wappinglettings@knightfrank.com 020 7480 6848 (ASP 172570)

Cinnabar Wharf, Wapping E1W Lovely penthouse

A beautifully presented penthouse apartment to rent in this popular development on Wapping High Street. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (2 en-suite), reception room with breathtaking views to Tower Bridge and the Shard of Glass, open plan kitchen, parking and a 24 hour porter. Approximately 128 sq m (1,375 sq ft) To Let Furnished Guide Price: £925 per week

KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings wappinglettings@knightfrank.com 020 7480 6848 (ASP 86336)

City HP 2 Jan 2013 - 10 December 2012 - 28783

10/12/2012 15:39:33

NEO Bankside, Southbank SE1

Outstanding penthouse A large duplex penthouse to rent in the award winning NEO Bankside development on the southbank. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, reception room with floor to ceiling windows, open plan kitchen with a dining area, winter garden, terrace, wooden floors, comfort cooling, excellent storage and a 24 hour concierge service. To Let Furnished Guide Price: £3,250 per week

KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings wapping@knightfrank.com 020 7480 6848 (ASP170262)

Swan Court, City Quay E1W

Spectacular Dock views A lovely penthouse apartment to rent in this sought after development over looking the charming St Katharine Docks. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, reception room with high ceilings, separate kitchen, 2 large terraces with incredible views of the Dock and beyondm, an underground car parking space and 24 hour porterage. To Let Furnished Guide Price: £1,750 per week

KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings wapping@knightfrank.com 020 7480 6848 (ASP100370)

City HP 1 Jan 2013 - 10 December 2012 - 28777

10/12/2012 15:08:41

The Bezier, City E1

Convenient location A larger than average 7th floor apartment to rent in this outstanding development moments from Old Street underground station. 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, reception room with open plan kitchen, air conditioning, under floor heating, 24 hour concierge and communal leisure facilities. Approximately 65 sq m (704 sq ft) To Let Furnished Guide Price: £595 per week

KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings wapping@knightfrank.com 020 7480 6848 (ASP172188)

Bridgeport Place, Wapping E1W Spectacular Dock views

A lovely apartment to rent in the extremely popular Quay 430 development in west Wapping. This great flat comprises 2 bedrooms, 2 en suite bathrooms, reception room with open plan kitchen opening onto a lovely and large private garden, guest cloakroom, parking and a porter. Approximately 79 sq m (846 sq ft) To Let Furnished Guide Price: £435 per week

KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings wapping@knightfrank.com 020 7480 6848 (ASP160020)

Fournier Street, Spitalfields E1 Grand townhouse

Situated by Hawksmoor's outstanding baroque church, Christ Church Spitalfields, this house was built in 1754 and occupies a wider plot than most. This townhouse comprises 4-5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 3-4 reception rooms, dining room, self contained studio, terrace and a roof garden. Approximately 335 sq m (3,613 sq ft) Freehold Guide Price: £3,250,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/Wapping wapping@knightfrank.com 020 7480 6848 (WAP120144)

Crutched Friars, City EC3N Spacious apartment

On the first floor of a small building within the "Insurance Quarter" of the City of London, a charming flat in excellent order, perfect for entertaining. This well-finished apartment comprises 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room with a feature fireplace and a semi open plan kitchen. Approximately 105 sq m (1,139 sq ft) Leasehold Guide Price: £825,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/Wapping wapping@knightfrank.com 020 7480 6848 (WAP120097)

SALES CITY Janaury 2013 - 10 December 2012 - 28761

10/12/2012 12:35:43

Knight Frank

Pan Peninsula, Canary Wharf E14

One of the largest penthouses in Canary Wharf Occupying the 39th and 40th floors is this immaculately presented penthouse apartment. 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 3 reception rooms, kitchen, 2 terraces, 7 balconies, 24 hour concierge, private parking, leisure facilities. Approximately 371.4 sq m (3,998 sq ft)

Guide price: ÂŁ5,250,000 CNW120218)

KnightFrank.co.uk/Canary-Wharf cwharf@knightfrank.com 020 7512 9966

London's Finest Properties

LETTINGS

SALES

Vermillion, Canning Town, E16

Cobalt Point, Millharbour, E14

West Tower, Landmark, E14

Caspian Wharf, London E3

• Brand New Apartment • One Bedroom • Fully Furnished • Balcony • 16th Floor • Nr. Canning Town St

• One Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • 1st Floor • 24hr Concierge Service • Walking Distance to Canary Wharf • Nr. South Quay DLR

• 1 bed, 1 bath • Air conditioning • Fantastic views • Close to Canary Wharf tube • Residents only gym

• 2 bed, 2 bath • Elevated floor • Large private terrace • Close to Langdon Park DLR • High specification

£290 per week

£330 per week

£350,000

£425,000

Denison House, Canary Wharf, E14

Kara Court, Bow, E3

Sugar House, London E1

New Providence Wharf, London E14

• One Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • Balcony • 5th Floor • 24hr Concierge Service • Nr. South Quay DLR

• Two Bedroom Apartment • Furnishing Available • Balcony • 4th Floor • Concierge Service • Nr. Multiple Transport Links

• 1 bed, 1 bath • Super luxury specification • 24 hour concierge service • Period Victorian façade • Close to Tower Hill

£350 per week

£385 per week

£445,000

£434,999

Caspian Wharf, Yeo Street, E3

The Oxygen, Western Gateway, E16

• Two Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • Balcony • 2nd Floor • Concierge Service • Nr. Multiple Transport Links

• Two Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • 9th Floor • Balcony • Concierge Service • Nr. Royal Victoria DLR

Sugar House, London E1

Flagstaff House, London SW8

£400 per week

• Large 2 bed, 2 bath • Original show apartment • Secure underground parking • High ceilings • Luxury specification throughout

£510 per week

• Large 2 bed, 2 bath • Fantastic River views • Luxury spa centre • Secure allocated parking • Close to Blackwall DLR

• Superior 3 bedroom apartment • Beautiful London views • Masses of storage • Available fully furnished • Close to Vauxhall regeneration hub

£1,080,000

£2,600,000

Sales | Lettings | Corporate Services | Property Management | Short Term Worldwide www.liferesidential.co.uk

Central London 020 7582 7989

Docklands 020 7476 0125

North London 020 8446 9524

South London 020 8692 2244

West London 020 8896 9990

❖ Savills Fact No.6

For 15 years, Paul has been heavily involved with the Almeida Theatre and for the last three years, he has been on the Corporate Council.

Knowing Islington. Knowing the community is just part of what it takes to truly know Islington. Savills believes in supporting its neighbourhood. We’re a Local Corporate Partner for the Almeida Theatre, and a board member of Angel Action, Improve and Maintain. We’ve fully invested in the future of our borough, and it shows.

For a deeper local knowledge contact Paul Williams, Head of Sales, on 020 7226 1313.

Savills Islington 94-96 Upper Street London N1 0NP

savills.co.uk

Paul Williams Sales pwilliams@savills.com

savills.co.uk

1 AN IMMACULATE GEORGIAN HOUSE WITH SOUTH-FACING GARDEN lofting road, n1 Bright reception room ø kitchen/breakfast room ø 3 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø south-facing garden ø 117 sq m (1,263 sq ft)

Savills Islington Paul Williams pwilliams@savills.com

020 7226 1313 Guide £1.55 million Freehold

1 2

savills.co.uk

JACKSON & JOSEPH, e1

BATH HOUSE, e2

Reception room ø kitchen ø 4 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø separate w.c ø patio garden ø 232 sq m (2,500 sq ft)

Reception room ø open plan kitchen ø mezzanine bedroom ø bathroom ø gated development ø Juliette balcony ø 62 sq m (670 sq ft)

Guide £1.8 million Leasehold

Guide £449,950 Leasehold

3 4

Savills Docklands zjames@savills.com 020 7456 6800

Savills Docklands nefthymiou@savills.com 020 7456 6800

DISCOVERY DOCK, e14

QUEEN'S COURT, e14

2 reception rooms ø kitchen ø 3 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø 2 shower rooms ø parking space ø concierge ø 224 sq m (2,415 sq ft)

Reception room ø kitchen ø 3 double bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø w.c ø parking ø rooftop terrace ø 152 sq m (1,641 sq ft)

Guide £1.6 million Leasehold

Guide £1.05 million Share of Freehold

Savills Canary Wharf juprowse@savills.com 020 7456 6800

Savills Canary Wharf wdickenson@savills.com 020 7531 2500

savills.co.uk

1 AWARD WINNING NEW DEVELOPMENT neo bankside, southbank, se1 A selection of modern luxury apartments available within this spectacular new riverside development designed by award winning architects rogers strirk harbour + partners, located on the southbank adjacent to the tate gallery ø 1 - 3 bedrooms available ø views over london ø excellent transport links ø 24 hr porterage ø wine cellar ø available furnished or unfurnished £595 - £2,000 per week

Savills Docklands Ben Rogers brodgers@savills.com

020 7456 6800

homes & property

DEVELOPMENT FOCUS A Rising Star

*CGI of external view

t Crispin’s House, a selection of one, two and three bedroom apartments launching in early 2013 is located in the vibrant Borough of Bermondsey. The new development combines high quality homes in an excellent location with the opportunity to enjoy a vibrant lifestyle on the doorstep. St Crispin’s House is on the borders of the award-winning Bermondsey Spa Gardens. The location provides excellent transport links, with the Jubilee line extension giving Bermondsey quick connections to the Docklands and the West End. Canary Wharf can be reached in four minutes from Bermondsey station, Waterloo in five and Bank in 12 minutes. Residents will find the buzz of the Bermondsey Riverside and Butlers Wharf just a short walk away. Lively Borough Market is also close by, boasting some of the most popular restaurants and bars in London. Surrey Quays is a mile to the East and Bermondsey and London Bridge stations are nearby. The homes at St Crispin’s House are perfect for those with a busy lifestyle with elegant and modern interiors to suit all which can be easily personalised if desired. Located under the shadow of the shining new Shard building, the 120

*images depict typical L&Q show home

development is the latest addition to the impressive regeneration of the Bermondsey Spa district. The project has transformed local public spaces while maintaining a sense of community. In addition the area benefits from outstanding schools, modern health clinics and recently regenerated parks. Prices for homes at St Crispin’s House will be released shortly and those seeking more information should contact the team by email. n

ALSCOT ROAD, SE1 £TBC, LEASEHOLD L&Q www.stcrispinshouse.co.uk info@stcrispinshouse.com

homes & property

expert comment LETTINGS:

SALES:

Different levels of demand across the market

Vendors start to take stock

RAHNA STROUD, ASSOCIATE AT KNIGHT FRANK

JOANNA BEALE, ASSOCIATE AT KNIGHT FRANK

IN WAPPING, COMMENTS ON THE TRENDS IN THE

RESIDENTIAL LETTINGS MARKET

RESIDENTIAL SALES MARKET

As we enter a New Year, rental levels in and around Wapping remain high but the demand from prospective tenants is more significant in certain price brackets. Activity has remained strong particularly in the “core” market which is most certainly linked to the UK’s economy, as would-be buyers turn to the rental market and applicants seem generally more mindful of costs. We have found in Wapping that it has been unusually quiet in the mid-section of the market (£500 to £800pw), and a large proportion of enquiries in the last couple of months have been for properties under £450pw. With all properties on the rental market, it is essential for landlords to get the marketing price right if they want to secure a tenant quickly. Having a ‘leave it and see’ attitude in the hope that someone will come forward with an offer, proved to be the wrong decision by a number of landlords in the latter part of 2012. Good quality apartments remained un-let on the rental market for long periods of time. We found that applicants will view a number of available properties and offer on the lowest asking price, expecting to get the best deal. November and December 2012 were busy months in the rental market compared to the same months in 2011. With a healthy list of properties for prospective tenants to choose from, we remain quietly confident for a busy 2013. Knight Frank wishes a Happy New Year to one and all! n

The market in 2012 could be described as “undulating”. The start of the year was relatively good, then the Jubilee and Olympics put everyone in holiday mode for most of the summer and as a result relatively few properties came on to the market. The autumn was busier, with a reasonable number of property owners choosing to dispose of their asset before the end of the year, but new stock was predictably low on the ground towards the end of November and in to December, leaving many frustrated buyers with no option but to stay put until this year. After a year of taking stock of the market and enjoying good rental yields while watching the 2012 Games, we expect many landlords to now consider selling and making the most of the pent up buyer demand. The New Year is also usually the time when households with plans to start a family tend to consider selling their ‘city pad’ to move further afield to larger properties with gardens. Invariably Wapping residents look to Hertfordshire, Twickenham and Blackheath areas. This frees up the kind of properties we always have buyers for; the very smart and wellpresented two bedroom, two bathroom flats, maybe on the river in a smart portered block. Essentially they are super flats with no hitches, other than the lack of a garden! Prime property in Wapping, City and Limehouse is currently achieving some quite incredible and exciting prices and buyers from far and wide are recognising the importance of buying here sooner rather than later. In terms of buyer activity, the start of the year could be slow while they find enough properties to view and analyse before they take the plunge and make an offer. Buyers conduct a considerable amount of research and regularly view a small selection of properties a second or third time before taking the final step, so without properties to see, the offers are slow to materialise. It can be a frustrating time giving feedback to our vendors as “it’s only the second property they have seen” usually rings in our ears until mid-February when the market should be in full swing. n

Knight Frank Wapping 020 7480 6848 www.knightfrank.co.uk/wapping

121

LEFT-HAND

Hamptons City Office Sales. 020 7717 5435 city@hamptons-int.com

Temple House, EC4Y £999,950 Leasehold

Temple House, EC4Y

This beautifully presented third floor South West-facing apartment occupies the most sought after position in the building and has secure parking.

This well presented 2 bedroom 2 bathroom flat is on the 4th floor of one of the City’s most popular buildings which has a day concierge, and has a balcony and parking.

Andrewes House, EC2Y

Pepys Street, EC3N £535,000 Leasehold

£695,000 Leasehold

Asking Price £725,000 Leasehold

Set on the 4th floor of Andrewes House, this spacious 2 bedroom type 21 flat retains many original Barbican features and offers lovely views over the lakes.

Set on the top floor of an extremely popular lift-serviced building at the eastern edge of the City, Hamptons are proud to offer this spacious 1 bedroom apartment.

Charterhouse Buildings, EC1M £450,000 Leasehold

Red Lion Street, WC1R

Set on the second floor of a period building in the heart of Clerkenwell, this beautifully refurbished 2 bedroom apartment is wonderfully bright and offers easy City access.

Set on the first floor of a lift-serviced building in Bloomsbury, this 1 bedroom apartment has been beautifully refurbished and offers easy access to the City and the West End.

£399,950 Leasehold

RIGHT-HAND

Hamptons Tower Bridge Office Sales. 020 7717 5489 towerbridge@hamptons-int.com

Lloyds Wharf, SE1 £675,000 Leasehold

Cardamom Building, SE1 £1,295,000 Share of Freehold

2 bed dockside warehouse conversion in Shad Thames.

A beautifully presented 1663 sq ft, two bedroom warehouse conversion in the heart of Shad Thames.

Tea Trade Wharf, SE1 £1,395,000 Leasehold

Cinnamon Wharf, SE1 £799,950 Leasehold

Two bedroom duplex penthouse in Shad Thames with River Views, 2 terraces and parking.

A two bedroom 1033 sq/ft apartment on the fifth floor of this popular Shad Thames development.

Windsor Court, SE16 £399,950 Leasehold (Share of Freehold)

Empire Square, SE1 £825,000 Leasehold

A two bedroom 876 sq/ft apartment , benefitting from side river views and communal swimming pool.

A 12th Floor, 2 bed apartment with stunning views, balcony and parking.

LEFT-HAND

Hamptons City Office Lettings. 020 7717 5437 citylettings@hamptons-int.com

Tabernacle Street, EC2 £450 per week

Spencer Heights, EC1A £595 per week

Fantastic warehouse conversion apartment located in Shoreditch. Property offers exposed brick work and original warehouse features.

Recently refurbished two bedroom apartment in superb quiet location near to St Pauls and Farringdon. Benefits from daytime concierge and double bedrooms.

Bishops Square, E1 £460 per week

Globe View, EC4V £675 per week

A fantastic one bedroom flat on the first floor of this popular modern block presented in excellent condition and a short distance from Bishopsgate.

A refurbished two bedroom apartment in the warehouse style Globe View development with balcony overlooking stunning atrium.

Willoughby House, EC2Y

Carthusian Street, EC1M £580 per week

£470 per week

A newly refurbished triplex apartment in the prestigious Barbican complex. The apartment benefits from two private balconies and parking is available by separate negotiation.

A stunning newly refurbished two bedroom apartment only a stones throw from Barbican station and the historic Smithfield market.

RIGHT-HAND

Hamptons Tower Bridge Office Lettings. 020 7717 5491 towerbridgelettings@hamptons-int.com

Victor Wharf, SE1 £675.00 per week

New Globe Walk, SE1 £695.00 per week

This well presented two bedroom apartment is situated on the second floor of this popular development in the heart of Borough Market.

Superb two double bedroom warehouse conversion in this enviable location offering approximately 1000 sq ft and situated opposite the Globe Theatre.

Caraway Apartments, SE1 £425.00 per week

Canada Wharf, SE16 £475.00 per week

Two bedroom warehouse conversion is well located for Bermondsey tube and boasts river views, open plan living space, two bathrooms, balcony and garage.

A beautifully presented, two bedroom warehouse conversion still with its original features located on the river with extensive views of Canary Wharf.

Trinity Church Terrace, SE1 £500.00 per week

Playhouse Court, SE1 £1,095.00 per week

Superb brand new apartment on the first floor in this prestigious development located just off Trinity Church Square. Open plan kitchen, South facing and communal garden.

Fabulous unique split level Penthouse in this popular location with stunning views to the Shard and London skyline. With four terraces, two en- suite bathrooms and utility room.

Hamptons Islington

Sales. 020 7717 5303 islington@hamptons-int.co.uk

Underwood Row, N1 A fantastic loft style apartment, over 2,000 sq ft, set within a tastefully converted factory. The property boasts a vast amount of entertaining space within its open plan kitchen diner which retains some original features of the factory such as iron fire doors at either end of the room.

Hamptons Islington 020 7717 5303 islington@hamptons-int.co.uk

ÂŁ1,600,000 Share of Freehold Substantial open plan kitchen/diner, 2 bedrooms and balcony, en-suite shower room, guest bathroom, underground parking, close to Old Street

The right buyers and tenants delivered fast since 1869. For more information go to www.hamptons.co.uk

Hamptons Islington

Sales. 020 7717 5303 islington@hamptons-int.co.uk

Huntington Street, N1 ÂŁ1,795,000 Freehold An incredibly bright and spacious family house with 4 bedrooms and a west facing rear garden. Hamptons Islington 020 7717 5303 islington@hamptons-int.co.uk

Liverpool Road, N1 ÂŁ695,000 Leasehold A modern apartment located on the first and second floor of a converted recording studio. Hamptons Islington 020 7717 5303 islington@hamptons-int.co.uk

Currell Residential

Islington 321 Upper Street Islington, London N1 2XQ

Almorah Road, N1 £649,950 Share of Freehold

• Unique pub conversion • 1100sq ft masonette

Capture this on your smart phone for the internet link

• Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, utility • Wonderful reception and semi open plan kitchen

Wolsey Road, N1 £749,950 Freehold

• Unique modern built house • Three bedrooms, two bathrooms

Visit us online

www.currell.com

Capture this on your smart phone for the internet link

• Modern fitted kitchen and cloakroom • Reception room opens out to private garden

Telephone

020 7226 4200

Clerkenwell 122/124 St John Street Clerkenwell, London EC1V 4JS

Kingsway Place, EC1R £1,795,000 Guide Price, Freehold

• Three to four bedrooms • Unique school conversion • Approximately 2293 sq/ft • Secure parking and concierge Capture this on your smart phone for the internet link

Telephone

020 7253 2533

Butlers & Colonial Wharf, Shad Thames, SE1 £540 pw A lovely two bedroom, two bathroom furnished apartment in a central Shad Thames development set behind electric gates with daytime concierge.

Cold Harbour, E14 £350 per week

A lovely modern apartment located just a stroll from Canary Wharf.

Butlers Wharf, SE1 £550 pw

One bedroom apartment in one of the most prestigious blocks in Shad Thames offering a great view of Tower Bridge.

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.

Leeside Court, SE16 £419,950 Leasehold

A two bedroom apartment measuring 785 sq ft, located within a popular riverside development.

Norfolk House, EC4V £2,400,000 S/F One of the finest apartments in the City of London.

Malay House, Wapping E1W 3RB

Tradewinds Court, Wapping E1W 2JB

Price: £234,995

Price: £375,000 Leasehold

Walkers Lodge, Docklands E14 3NT

Times Square, Tower Hill E1 8GF

Price: £349,950

Price: £499,950

1 double bedroom, 1st floor apartment close to Wapping Station. The property has a fitted kitchen, reception, bathroom, laminated wood flooring & an enclosed balcony. Close to ‘Waitrose’ supermarket.

Modern 2 double bedroom, 2 Bathroom spacious apartment situated close to Canary Wharf. Timber flooring. Offering 2 balconies and within close proximity to Cross harbour Docklands Light Railway. Good condition throughout. Must be viewed.

Modern 1 double bedroom apartment with reception room, kitchen & Bathroom. Situated in West Wapping within very popular secure development with parking. Short stroll to vibrant St Katherine’s Dock and City amenities and within easy access to Canary Wharf. Good condition throughout. Porterage on site. Must be viewed.

2 Double bedroom apartment within this sought after modern development. Positioned close to Tower Hill and walking distance to the city. Rented out until 09/06/13. 3rd Floor. Balcony. Must be viewed.

Trinity Hall, Whitechapel E1 5BA

Savage Garden,Tower Hill EC3N 2AR

Rental Price: £325 PW

Rental Price: £420 PW

Gulliver’s Wharf, Wapping E1W 2RR

Towerside, Wapping E1W 3PB

Converted Victorian school. Galleried one bedroom modern apartment. Reception. Fitted kitchen. High ceilings. Timber flooring. Character features. Close to Whitechapel station and City. Sash windows. Close to Royal London Hospital and all local amenities.

Character full 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom 2nd floor warehouse conversion. Large reception room open plan to the fully fitted kitchen. Wood floors. Secure underground parking space. The apartment is centrally located, close to Wapping station, local bus routes and amenities.

Rental Price: £550 PW

This stylish and spacious, first floor one bedroom apartment boasts wooden floors and an abundance of light. Just moments from Tower hill and Fenchurch Street and close to all the trendy city bars and restaurants, this apartment is located in a quiet street in a period building that is unique and well worth viewing.

2 double bedroom apartment to rent in this popular purpose built development next to Wapping station. Open plan kitchen reception room, wooden floors, bathroom and a terrace with views of the River Thames. Located in central Wapping very close to Wapping station.

Rental Price: £495 PW

UNIQUE HOMES, UNIQUE SERVICE, UNIQUE PEOPLE A tailored service from Langford Russell for distinctive and exclusive homes

LUBBOCK ROAD, CHISLEHURST BR7 Built c1860, Granite Lodge acquires it’s name from the unique circular granite and flint detailing to the external walls. The property is an elegant detached family home offering six bedrooms, four reception rooms, a large kitchen/breakfast room and occupying a mature plot of 0.9 acre. Located just ½ mile from Chislehurst station. Internal viewing is highly recommended.

£2,450,000 F/H Please contact our Chislehurst office for more information: Tel: 020 8295 4900 Email: chislehurst@langfordrussell.co.uk

FOX LANE, KESTON BR2 A spectacular residence offering real wow factor from the minute you enter. Situated just outside Keston Village and fronting open paddocks, allowing outstanding views from the front facing bedrooms. This immaculately presented home was built approximately four years ago to an exacting standard incorporating a modern yet practical layout, which centres around the most amazing open-plan living area.

£1,495,000 F/H Please contact our Locksbottom office for more information: Tel: 01689 882 988 Email: locksbottom@langfordrussell.co.uk

Offices Across South East London & Kent www.uniquepropertiesuk.com

www.langfordrussell.co.uk

UNIQUE is a Specialist Division of Langford Russell

UNIQUE HOMES, UNIQUE SERVICE, UNIQUE PEOPLE A tailored service from Langford Russell for distinctive and exclusive homes

BROMLEY SOUTH, BROMLEY BR2 Fantastic six bedroom home just under a mile from Bromley South station. Accommodation comprises huge kitchen/breakfast and family room with state of the art appliances leading directly to the patio and garden, two reception rooms, study, utility room, WC and six bedrooms with five bathrooms. The master bedroom boasts Juliet balcony, en-suite and dressing room.

ÂŁ1,650,000 F/H Please contact our Bromley office for more information: Tel: 020 8315 5544 Email: bromley@langfordrussell.co.uk

BUCKNALL WAY, BECKENHAM BR3 A fantastic detached house on the edge of an exclusive gated development. In brief the accommodation comprises large entrance hall, drawing room, dining room, conservatory, family room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, cloakroom, galleried landing with four bedrooms, two of which enjoy en-suite facilities and a 29ft x 24ft top floor bonus room. Further benefits include a double garage and off street parking.

ÂŁ1,250,000 F/H Please contact our Beckenham office for more information: Tel: 020 8663 4433 Email: beckenham@langfordrussell.co.uk

Offices Across South East London & Kent www.uniquepropertiesuk.com

www.langfordrussell.co.uk

UNIQUE is a Specialist Division of Langford Russell

St. Crispinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s HOUSE, SE1 LAUNCHING FEBRUARY 2013 Under the shadow of The Shard, on the fringe of the elegant Bermondsey Spa Gardens, and just minutes from both the City and Westminster, sits St. Crispinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House, a bRand new development of high quality 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments.

Spacious apartments with balconies or roof terraces 10 minutes walk to Bermondsey tube station Close to Borough Market, London Bridge and The Shard

www.stcrispinshouse.com 00514 St Crispins Full pg ad A4.indd 1

11/12/2012 10:14

homes & property

HOMEs OF THE MONTH hornsey lane, N6 £3.85M FREEHOLD

Knight Frank Islington www.knightfrank.co.uk/islington

020 3641 6138

A sensational new build house offering contemporary lifestyle in a discreet location has become available. The ground floor boasts a great open reception with rooftop views and an impressive entertaining area opening onto a terrace with a swimming pool. Set in the leafy suburb of Highgate, this is a truly unique example of Grand Design modern architecture. A bright, large pavilion offers modern open-plan family living while the two storeys of bedrooms are set into the hillside offering a quiet and private living exwperience. A 14m by 2m lap pool and separate Jacuzzi complement the walled decked garden and a glass roof tops the building, adding to its green credentials. There are also numerous balconies and private garages for three cars. Warren House is half a mile from the closest tube station offering direct services to King’s Cross and beyond and is also ideally placed for the A1. Please note, an employee of the joint sole agent has an interest in this property.

BLACKHEATH HILL, SE10 From £222,500 LEASEHOLD

Savills www.savills.co.uk

020 7089 3917

The second phase of properties at the impressive Central Park development is now available. With all apartments benefitting from terraces or balconies, Jubilee Heights and Kestrel House offer breath-taking panoramic views across the London skyline including gleaming financial district of Canary Wharf. Homes will feature high quality finishes and fittings including an ‘A’ rated integrated oven, fridge freezer and washing machine, as well as the option to consider tailored furniture packs by David Phillips Prospective residents will also benefit from a 12 hour concierge, making owning a home at Central Park, an accessible luxury. Central Park is one of London’s most dynamic and exciting areas with Greenwich Royal Park just 800m away and dining hotspots such as the renowned Rivington Grill on the doorstep. Residents will also benefit from the major regeneration of Lewisham. Good transport links include access to London Bridge within ten minutes.

CLAPHAM ROAD, SW9 FROM £285,000 LEASEHOLD

Crest Nicholson www.crestnicholson.com/resonate

020 3031 8295 138

With South West London proving solid investment territory it’s unsurprising 85 per cent of the Resonate development is already sold. Modern one and two bedroom apartments are available with glassfronted balconies and all benefit from open-plan layouts, contemporary kitchens with integrated appliances, good-sized bathrooms and plenty of storage space. Resonate is situated just 200 metres from Stockwell underground station, offering excellent transport links to the centre of London including both the Northern and Victoria underground lines. The location also allows residents to enjoy the flourishing communities in neighbouring Clapham and Camberwell, with their many restaurants, bars and shops. This setting, together with the style and functionality of the apartments is rendered even more desirable by the surprisingly low starting price for properties within the development.

TO BREAK THE RULES, YOU MUST FIRST MASTER THEM. FOR 2012 AUDEMARS PIGUET CREATES A TRIBUTE TO THE WORLD’S GREATEST FOOTBALL ARTIST AND BRAND AMBASSADOR, LEO MESSI. THIS LIMITED-EDITION PIECE REPRESENTS A NEW GENERATION OF ROYAL OAK, NOW IN 41MM DIAMETER. THE SIGNATURE OCTAGONAL BEZEL IS HERE FORMED IN MILLED TANTALUM. AS RARE AND PRECIOUS AS PLATINUM BUT WITH A SIGNATURE BLUE HUE, TANTALUM IS DENSE, HEAVY AND EXCEPTIONALLY DIFFICULT TO MILL. WITH CASE IN EITHER STAINLESS STEEL, ROSE GOLD OR PLATINUM, AND STRAP IN CROCODILE, THE 2012 ROYAL OAK “LEO MESSI” REPRESENTS ANOTHER MILESTONE FOR THIS ALREADY ICONIC SPORTS COLLECTION.

ROYAL OAK LEO MESSI SSI IN STAINLESS STEEL AND TANTALUM. CHRONOGRAPH. APH.

Audemars Piguet UK Ltd Tel: + 44 207 659 7300 www.audemarspiguet.com

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