City Magazine January 2017 by Runwild Media Group

BORN FROM EXTRAORDINARY OAK CASKS

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Please savour responsibly

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Auction Provocateur

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The most expensive items ever to sell at auction

p62

contents on the cover 79 80 81 82 90 96

The colour of money Cashing in on rare and first-edition banknotes Hypnotherapy: a trade secret? How traders are being hypnotised to fine-tune their judgement calls Wealth management Leading financial wealth mentor Diana Chambers on developing financial emotional intelligence Start me up The small, independent businesses flourishing in a tough market Fighting fit Push yourself to the limit with this year’s toughest fitness challenges Happy Planet In search of the ultimate winter sun escapes

REGULARS

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

CITY LIFE: The Edit The commodities and consumables raising our interest rates this month The Social Britain’s best burger, a winter lodge and redefining London’s wine list

31 34

COLLECTION: Heart’s Desire Graff Diamonds have unveiled a very special diamond indeed Great Dane Urban Jürgensen is a purebred watchmaker whose stock is skyrocketing

STYLE: 42 The Update New Year, new wardrobe 55 Tickled Pink All things sartorial with the President and CEO of Thomas Pink

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86 92 94

OUT OF OFFICE: Seven-star luxury The BMW 7-Series is taking on the chauffeur car market – and winning Mat Chivers An introduction to another artist that should appear on your agenda Pedal to the metal Add warmth to any room with rose gold and copper details

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HOMES AND PROPERTY: Property news The latest trends in the residential sales and lettings markets

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UNMISSABLE SALE 1 ST â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 29 TH JANUARY

Ligne Roset City 37-39 Commercial Road 0207 426 9670 www.ligne-roset-city.co.uk

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f r o m t h e E D I TOR

Volatility is the new normal

appy New Year. Anyone returning to work in the financial markets might feel as though they ’re simply swapping one type of hangover for another. Last year, the world was rocked by a series of political earthquakes; this year, the economic landscape will be defined by

their aftershocks. Markets haven’t been this volatile since the depths of 2009. If you’re employed in FX, then you’re facing Brexit from the front line. It is

impossible to say exactly how the negotiations will proceed or to what timetable they will unfold . Anticipation about leaving the European Single Market has already caused the pound to fall to a 168-year low. International currencies were more volatile in 2016 than they had been for the previous five years. If you work in commodities, then following the US elections, there’s ambiguity about the future of existing and proposed trade agreements: from the African Continental Free Trade Area , currently bogged down in local legislatures, to the Trans-Pacific Partnership, suspended by Washington . Good luck to anyone in exports. Political conf licts, terrorism and financial crises continue to disrupt international trade. Chinese GDP growth slowed to 6.7 per cent in 2016, down from 7.0 per cent in 2015 and 10 per cent in 2010. Hardly severe by Western standards, but notable given the absolute size of the market. From all this economic pessimism , we thought we’d provide some light relief, and perhaps even the chance to make money, by compiling some alternative investment ideas, a selection of which start on page 62. In today ’s ultra-low interest rate environment, cash as an asset is deadweight. Why not take a punt and invest in some plonk? Or perhaps in a watch , or a car, or even a book? Did you know, that when matched against gold , property and the FTSE 100, rare books are the only asset that has continually risen in value since 1995? Here’s to the finer things in life.

Richard brown, editor

Other titles within the RWMG portfolio

Cover Image (80): X1962 Ferrari 250 GTO

Berlinetta, courtesy of Bonhams, bonhams.com

A website. A mindset. A lifest yle.

w w w.luxurylondon. co .uk

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Contributors

E d i t or-in-Chi ef Lesley Ellwood

Editor Richard Brown

a s s i stant Editor Bethan REES

E d i t o rial a ssistant david taylor

B RAND CONSIST ENCY Laddawan Juhong

G e ne r al Mana ger Fiona Fenwick

P rodu ct ion

Kari Colmans

Mark Hayes-Westall

Emma Johnson

T h e f o r m e r e d i t o r of Va n t a g e

Mark is editor-in-

E m m a i s a f re e l a n c e j o u r n a l i st

Ma g a z i n e , K a r i i s c o n t r i b u t i n g

chief of online art and

a n d e d i t o r, sp e c i a l i si n g i n

e d i t o r a c r o ss t h e R u nw i l d

c u l tu re m a g a z i n e FA D

l u xu r y, sty l e a n d t rav e l , w i t h

Me d i a G r o u p , a l s o w r i t i n g f o r

and our regular source

h e r w o rk a p p e a r i n g i n T h e

C a n a r y W h a r f a n d T h e Ma y f a i r

of information about

Ma y f a i r Ma g a z i n e a n d M R . H

Ma g a z i n e . O n p a g e 7 9 , K a r i

interesting artists. On page

a m o n g o t h e r s . Wi t h p r i c e s of

e n t e r s t h e w o rl d of t h e B a n k

92, Mark introduces us to

ra re b o o k s r i si n g b y n e a rly

of England to discover the

British artist Mat Chivers,

n i n e p e r c e n t e a c h y e a r, s h e

h i st o r y o f b a n k n o t e s – a n d

who uses big data as a new

e n t e r s t h e l u c ra t iv e w o rl d of

h o w y o u c a n i nv e st i n t h e m .

form of artistic material.

b o o k s e l l i n g o n p a g e 7 5 .

Chevrons lines décor stainless steel money clip, £215, Cartier, cartier.co.uk

Harmonic Distortion, 2016, Mat Chivers, courtesy of PMAM

Autobiographies [signed by the author], W.B. Yeats, £738.06, abebooks.co.uk

Hugo Wheatley Alice Ford Jamie Steele Danny Lesar

P r o pe r t y D ir ect or Samantha Ratcliffe

E xecu tiv e D ir ect or Sophie Roberts

M a n ag in g D irec tor Eren Ellwood

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c a m e ra f r o m 1 9 5 6 , w o rk i n g

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Navy nailhead Brinsley fit suit, £395, Hardy Amies, hardyamies.com

Model two wine opening system, £249, Coravin, coravin.co.uk

2000 Cava Gramona Brut, £160, Bodegas Gramona, bbr.com

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City Life

JANUARY 2017

canapÉs in the canopies sky garden offers all-day dining amid London’s Highest rooftop retreat Located 155 metres above street level, Sky Garden offers more than just spectacular views. Enjoy a pre-dinner Amore cocktail ( fresh raspberries, mint, sloe gin, cassis liqueur, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice and Prosecco) from the Sky Pod bar, before heading up to one of Sky Garden’s two restaurants. For everything from ultimate power breakfasts to wine-fuelled lunches, Darwin Brasserie showcases seasonal, home-grown ingredients in an all-day menu format. Take the lift, or stairs, up one level and Fenchurch Restaurant is a fine-dining experience that has already established itself as one of London’s top destination restaurants. Contemporary British dishes make up most of the menu – think Goodwood Estate lamb with aubergine and artichoke, or sea trout with sorrel and apple. Esteemed hospitality company Rhubarb (which also caters for the Royal Albert Hall) provides the catering for the whole of Sky Garden, including Fenchurch Restaurant’s private dining room, The Viñoly Room, which can accommodate up to 16 people. If you’re yet to visit this gourmet garden oasis, Valentine’s Day could provide the perfect excuse. BR Sky Garden, 1 Sky Garden Walk, EC3M, skygarden.london

the wish list

the car

1972 Porsche 911

t i d ic ty e

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mab onsu c d n nth es a oditi es this mo m m o The c erest rat nt our i

les ra

ising

the design EE DA LE & MY TAI TAI, HONG KONG Ed Ng and Terence Ngan, long-time collaborators at the helm of the Hong Kong-based design studio, AB Concept, have unveiled two new restaurant design projects inside No. 8 Lyndhurst Terrace in Central Hong Kong. Designer Ng and architect Ngan have worked with chefs to ensure the restaurants complement and enhance the culinary experience. The first restaurant, Ee Da Le (above), is based on the central European Baroque period, with features such as opera-style oversized hanging table lamps and red drapes between rooms evocative of a theatre curtain. The second, My Tai Tai, takes from Thai culture, with a hawker stall design portraying a traditional Thai streetscape. abconcept.net

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

Only 17 Porsche 911 RSH ultra-lightweight cars were ever produced, designed as the ‘blank canvas’ homologation version of the ‘Rennsport’ Porsche race car. These cars had to be driven to race officials so that they could be certified as race-ready, then driven back to the Porsche factory to have any additional pieces fitted for future owners. This model, seen by many enthusiasts as the most ‘classic’ 911, is in fantastic condition for a car that is 45 years old, having been driven for less than 6,500 miles in the past three decades. Originally delivered in ‘Viper Green’, the latest owner had it repainted in a more classic metallic green. 1972 Porsche 911 2.7 RSH, currently for sale at janluehn.com, £POA

the restaurant

D e an St re et T own h ou se Part of the Soho House Group, Dean Street Townhouse occupies numbers 69 and 70 of Dean Street, a pair of Georgian residences built by carpenter John Meard in 1732-1735. The address has been a well-known hangout of politicians, intellectuals, artists and entertainment royalty ever since. Should your night extend into the small hours, Dean Street Townhouse also incorporates a 39-bedroom hotel. 69-71 D ean Street, W1, deanstreettownhouse.com

Cashmere baseball cap, £375, Loro Piana, loropiana.com

2 3

Faux shearling-trim jacket, £480, Cav Empt, mrporter.com

Blue slim-fit Bengalstripe shirt, £140, Canali, canali.com

Full-grain leather backpack, £1,675, Loewe, loewe.com

Shawl-collar linen and cotton-blend cardigan, £110, Beams Plus, mrporter.com

Brown leather belt, £90, Anderson’s, mrporter.com

Suede Chukka boots, £375, Ermenegildo Zegna, zegna.co.uk s luxurylo nd o n.c o.uk s

| NEWS | the books f rom l e f t: Shark s, Collector ’s Edition , £1,000, Michael Muller, taschen .com ; Food & Beer, £29.95, D aniel Burns, Jep pe Jamit-Bjergsø and Joshua D avid St ein , uk.phaidon .com; Morning Noon Night, £30, S oho Home, mrport er.com

the ARCHITECTURE wood duck, quebec

the gadgets L-R: Model 291 camera, price dependent on swap value, Relonch, relonch.com The Runwell Turntable limited edition, £2,020, Shinola, shinola.com

the photography

CHASING THE SHOT Triple surfing world champion Mick Fanning (2007, 2009, 2013), more recently known to have fought off a Great White shark in 2015, hasn’t been avoiding the water. Norwegian photographers Emil Sollie and Mats Grimsæth invited the Australian to Lofoten in North Norway, to shoot him surfing under the Northern Lights. Putting on an ultra-thick wetsuit, Fanning had to wait for three days until the Lights were good enough, but his daytime practice sessions paid off. Red Bull photographer Trevor Moran and videographer Matt Kleiner joined to film the process, with two episodes of the show Chasing the Shot due for imminent release. redbull.com

Near Bolton in the Eastern Townships of Quebec, this cabin, dubbed the Wood Duck by its carpenter owner, was designed to be self-built, with a simple construction and square floorplan. Outside, the cabin’s walls are completely covered in timber planks to help it blend in with the countryside surrounding it. The south side of the cabin is doubleheight, with large windows that open up onto Mount Glen and the river in the valley below, and let sunlight cover the clean interior. labri.ca/project/woodduck

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THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

Technology for your world, your way. With Crestron automated technology at the heart of your home, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll know the meaning of luxury. Where your space responds to your every need, where total control comes at the touch of a button. We make smart homes for smarter living.

crestronshowroom.com | Where technology starts

All brand names, product names, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Certain trademarks, registered trademarks, and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Crestron disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others. Crestron is not responsible for errors in typography or photography. ÂŠ 2016 Crestron, Ltd.

| NEWS |

h c e T city

ife] [City L

e of th head a g in r keep tus fo a r a p p tial a Essen

curve

heavy canon Canon has form where its 5D range is concerned – three previous iterations have been lauded for their ground-breaking image-capturing abilities. The Mark IV continues this tradition, with features such as Dual Pixel Raw technology, which gives photographers the opportunity to fine-tune focus, protecting against out of focus shots. It shoots DCI 4K video, with the potential to extract high resolution JPEG files from any footage you’ve taken, and there’s also NFC and WiFi connectivity alongside superfast card readers. EOS 5D Mark IV, £3,778.99, Canon, store.canon.co.uk

Snap attack

If one of your New Year Resolutions was to learn a new skill, then why not take up photography? Just make sure you’ve got the best weapon for the job

best of the rest

D7200

More than a year old, but still competes with the best, as a professional-level camera without the sometimes preposterous price tag. £849, Nikon, jessops.com

s luxurylo nd o n.c o.uk s

OM-D E-M10 II

A quality camera from Olympus’s highly respected OM-D range, which has great retro style and handling. £449.99, Olympus, parkcameras.com

Alpha A7R II

A huge 42 megapixels sets this camera apart, but it also includes technology that ensures images look great when viewed at standard size. £3,239, Sony, sony.co.uk

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

Ice Rink Canary Wharf 4 NOV 2016 - 25 FEB 2017

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| NEWS |

ife] [City L

it ing f fight u o y ep to ke ricks t d n ips a the t

Watch it Keep on track to meet your fitness goals this January

nowledge is power, and in the fitness arena technology is providing us with access to information like never before. We can now see how far we’ve run, how much strain it’s putting on our bodies, and whether we can push ourselves that little bit further: perfect for a January fitness kick.

myzone Having a support network is vital to progress. MYZONE gives you just that, with a dedicated and in-depth app and website for comparing performance with your friends. Plus, the competition is based on how much effort you’re putting in, not how well you perform: imagine facing up to Usain Bolt and beating him. This is probably the only way you’ll be able to do that MZ3 physical activity belt, £129.99, MYZONE, myzone.org

fitbit In terms of fitness tracking, the Fitbit Charge 2 is probably the best piece of kit on the market, with measurements for steps, elapsed time, calories and heart rate. It also offers easy controls and a sizeable touchscreen to display results. It can connect with your phone for call notifications and GPS tracking, and can be hidden in specially designed jewellery, so there’s no excuse to leave it at home when you go out for dinner Charge 2, £129.99, Fitbit, fitbit.com

samsung gear One of the first to make fitness trackers, Samsung has improved on its original Gear tracker by making it Android-friendly, widening

s luxurylo nd o n.c o.uk s

the screen for more detailed information, and giving it a built-in GPS – ideal for those who would prefer to leave their phone at home while out on a run. Gear Fit2, £149, Samsung, shop.samsung.com

If you can’t be trusted…

City Athletic, a five minute walk from Bank, is a private gym specialising in getting anyone in shape, regardless of starting fitness levels. Its membership is limited, guaranteeing that you won’t have to wait for machines. Personal trainers are there to guide your every step. The City Magazine’s David Taylor has agreed to take part in an eight week ‘transformation course’ with City Athletic trainer Karl Lucas. See how he gets on in our April issue. Trump Street, EC2V, cityathletic.co.uk

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

DRINKS CABINET

Single barrel rye 70cl, £49.99, Jack Daniel’s, store.jackdaniels.co.uk

l a i c o s ic ty

ife] [City L

Italicus 70cl, £29.95, Italicus, thewhiskyexchange.com

the ZES Y CRA ed WITH AR h IN is r CUL ou s and ure n nche e epic u h a t l G t tes KEEPIN e’s La re mil a u q s

Mac & Wild City

Lodge d’Argent Coq d’Argent’s traditional rooftop winter lodge is back for another year. Running until the end of February, this year’s lodge is inspired by Little Red Riding Hood, bringing the originally French fairy tale to life with a rustic design. The Lodge’s menu focuses on hearty French classics, including Raclette gratin with ratte potatoes and Alpine dry cured ham, fries with Chablis and black truffle mustard mayonnaise, and Leek and Comté tart with mixed leaf salad. The dessert menu offers dishes paired with Hennessy Cognac, including Chestnut macarons and fresh waffles with hot chocolate and chantilly cream. The drinks menu is also a warming experience, with cocktails such as the Holly Winter (sweet vermouth, ginger, spice syrup, cranberry juice and ginger ale) and Fire Wood (Pedro Ximénez, Kahlúa, and orange and walnut bitters). Coq d’Argent, No. 1 Poultry, EC2R, coqdargent.co.uk

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

Bringing a slice of Scotland to the City, the awardwinning Mac & Wild has opened on Devonshire Square. The pop-up follows on the heels of the permanent Great Titchfield Street venue, and features a heated winter terrace, 110 cover restaurant and a late night whisky bar, open until the wee small hours. The menu sticks to what the original restaurant knows best, with the awardwinning Veni-moo burger (the UK’s best burger 2016, according to The National Burger Awards) and venison chateaubriand, but includes new dishes such as harissa roast highland chicken, Isle of Gigha halibut steak and Scottish langoustine. The downstairs whisky bar also serves grub including whisky nuts, venison scotch eggs, Scottish sausage rolls and charcuterie. 9A Devonshire Square, EC2M, macandwild.com

The Botanist gin 70ml, £33, Bruichladdich, bruichladdich.com

4 Courvoisier TR XO 70cl, £73.98, Courvoisier, drinksdirect.co.uk

Black Bowmore ‘The Last Cask’, 1964 50 year old 70cl, £16,000, Bowmore, thewhiskyexchange.com

6 The Chita 70cl, £45, Suntory, airport retail

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| news |

Best bars to toast the bard The Scottish Bard’s special day is on the horizon, when Scots across the world raise a glass to Robert Burns and his poetry. Where better to be, then, than at your favourite bar with a wee dram of The Macallan? Here’s our rundown of top spots for a Burns Night tipple

1 Lomb ard St reet S l ap-b an g in th e mi d d l e of th e City, 1 L omb ard Stre et i s a sure - f ire pl a c e f or a go o d w hi sky, plu s th e priv at e B ot ani cal R o om i s th e p er fe ct sett in g f or an e v enin g to a st in g on e of S c otl and ’s fav ourit e ar ti sti c s on s . 1 Lombard Street, EC3V, 1lombardstreet.com

Bull i n a C h i na Sho p Hi d d en b ehin d a D i cken si an pub front , an d opp o sit e th e Tea Bui l din g in S h oredit ch , thi s A si an in spired re st aurant i s al s o a sp e c i ali st w hi sky b ar, w ith m ore th an 1 0 0 Jap an e se an d S c o t ch w hi ski e s to enjoy. 196 Shoreditch High Street, E1,bullina chinashop.london

C i t y S oci al Indulge in a spot of Mad Men role-playing by taking the lift to Jason Atherton’s City Social for a Macallan 12 Years Old . The Art Deco-style bar looks out on fantastic views of the Square Mile, so go at night for the most impressive vistas. 25 Old Broad Street, EC2N, citysociallondon .com

Boisd ale If there’s a whisky, Boisdale will either have it or have just run out – there are eight Macallans on offer, including a beautiful 56 Years Old, if you’re looking for something special. The jazz vibes and Scottish interiors also help the whisky go down a treat. 202 Bishopsgate, EC2M, boisdale.co.uk

the REVIEW: little smoke

holy smoke

rested steak. The homemade sauces are a must – the Gochujang mayo is a savoury and spicy condiment offering just the right level of umami. Don’t miss the ‘Small Parcel’ wine list, which is a limited stock of select special wines. I tried the Malbec Achaval-Ferrer 2012, which is a dark and sultry wine, with notes of pepper and raspberry. The saying goes, where there’s smoke, there’s fire, and that’s definitely true of this new City outpost. Not necessarily a sanctuary for vegetarians (although the burnt and crunchy sweetcorn with ancho, apple salsa verde and sour dough was sensational), Little Smoke is among the steak greats in the capital. 1 Ropemaker Street, EC2Y, littlesmoke.london

Words: Bethan Rees

at in a deep red banquette at a table glowing with candlelight, a hunk of meat is placed before me the size of my arm ( forearm, upper arm and almost shoulder included). What could have been a romantic and intimate setting has instantly been ruined by my inability to control myself and my excitement around marvellously cooked meat. I’m at Little Smoke, which comes from good breeding. Its sister restaurant, Smokehouse, headed up by critically acclaimed chef Neil Rankin in Islington, has earned a reputation for serving exciting cuts of meat, cooked to perfection. It’s also part of the hospitality group that includes The Princess of Shoreditch and The Pig and Butcher. Located in the former site of Bad Egg, in the CityPoint development, the majority of its menu is written on a chalkboard and changes daily. Offering various cuts of farmyard animals, you can of course order for one – but where’s the fun in that? Sharing meats such as a whole smoked beef shin and Tomapork (a giant pork

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chop) is what Little Smoke is all about. Its meat is butchered onsite at Smokehouse, before arriving at Little Smoke, where it is smoked, roasted and grilled. My guest and I opted for a rather challenging 1.9kg tomahawk steak. Tucking in to the well-charred yet soft-in-themiddle meat, its crimson juices ran slowly, rather than like water – the sign of a well-

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

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margot

ormer mayfair

Andreas Rosendal, head sommelier at Ormer Mayfair – a superlative den of gastronomy overseen by Michelin chef Shaun Rankin – is another advocate of gently moving customers outside of their comfort zone. His list at Ormer offers an eclectic and completely unbiased mix of wines. While it spans several pages, it doesn’t feel unwieldy and includes a healthy selection of English sparkling wine, now recognised as more than a match for any Champagne. The markups are also refreshingly measured, encouraging consumers to experience great wine rather than sticking to the cliché of the second cheapest bottle on the list. Flemings Hotel, 7-12 Half Moon Street, W1J, ormermayfair.com

Covent Garden’s latest foodie destination is one venue where the wine definitely doesn’t play second fiddle to the excellent Italian cooking. Its owners, Paulo de Tarso and Nicolas Jaouën, have paired Italian classics with more obscure grape varieties in a comprehensive yet concise list that will leave traditionalists floundering. Give Chianti and Pinot Grigio a night off and instead discover Franciacorta – Italy’s version of Champagne – Vermentino, and Greco di Tufo. 25 options by the glass give plenty of room to try something new, while the team are well-versed in enthusing about favourites — another score for London’s best new Italian, then. 45 Great Queen Street, WC2B, margotrestaurant.com

3 temple & sons Temple and Sons is another winner from Jason Atherton – mouth watering steak and other grills, a lively setting and not an ounce of pretension. However, it’s the wine list that really got me excited. Oenophiles will love Temple and Sons, thanks to a concise list that champions the little guy and demonstrates less slavish favouritism to the clichés of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and the like. Grüner Veltliner from Willi Bründlmayer, Ventoux Rouge from the Perrin family and fizz from Kent are all up for grabs, artisan wines that match obscenely well with Atherton’s creative cuisine. Tower 42, International Finance Centre, 22 Old Broad Street, EC2N, templeandsons.co.uk

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

Redefining the

wine list

The most exciting new venues for wine aficionados words james lawrence

hat London is now the world’s leading culinary centre is yesterday’s news. Every year our capital celebrates a rash of new openings, with 2017 destined to be no exception. In recent months, however, London has also witnessed a major shakeup in how new venues approach their wine offering. Sommeliers and restauranteurs are increasingly championing new-wave lists that take in more obscure regions and, crucially, provide better value for money. Despite obvious differences in style and preference, what unites the new guard is their abhorrence for knee-jerk certainties of safety and comfort in wine lists.

the ritz Ok, I’m cheating a little. The Ritz is clearly not a fresh face, but the recent award of its inaugural Michelin star after over a century in the business means that this timeless restaurant is worthy of fresh consideration. Invigorated by the long-overdue accolade, sommelier Giovanni Ferlito continues to break new ground in the Ritz’s wine offering, moving into the realms of the avant-garde by mixing old favourites with more esoteric varieties. Moreover, it’s one of the few destinations where curious oenophiles can sample legendary names such as Le Montrachet and Pétrus by the glass, as Ferlito is a staunch champion of Coravin technology: a device which extracts wine without removing the cork. 150 Piccadilly, St James’s, W1J, theritzlondon.com

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r u e v i v bon

| NEWS |

ife] [City L

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

The Ascension of London’s Spanish Scene

ver the past couple of decades, Spain has produced a laundry list of the world’s top restaurants: elBulli, El Celler de Can Roca, Arzak, Mugaritz and Asador Etxebarri, to name but five. Perhaps overshadowed slightly by the New Nordic movement, they’ve continuously held sway as primary performers on The World’s 50 Best list, often earning top billing. With a few exceptions, Spanish restaurants in London have rarely reached the same rarefied air. That now seems poised to change. The first restaurant to make waves on central London’s Spanish scene was Barrafina (well actually it was probably its elder sibling Fino, which has since closed), opened by brothers Sam and Eddie Hart, with head chef / force of nature Nieves Barragán Mohacho manning the pass / counter. Just under ten years later, Mohacho has received a Michelin star and accolades from GQ and Restaurant Magazine, spreading ABOVE, from left Barrafina, LOBOS, Sagardi, LOBOS; THIS IMAGE LOBOS

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the brand to two more locations on Adelaide Street and Drury Lane. Along with redesigning their members’ club, Quo Vadis, and opening Mexican restaurant El Pastor, the Hart Brothers have shifted their Dean Street operations across the road into the erstwhile ground floor of Quo Vadis, where Jeremy Lee formerly rattled the pans (he can now be located upstairs). The results are quite magical. The queueing area is much more comfortable than it was, outfitted with roomy booths and heat lamps, while the new counter layout offers much more natural light than the western side of the street. I had the honour of sitting in front of Ms Mohacho, watching her direct a kitchen moving at lightspeed, and tasting her cooking. Long story short, it’s at its best. If there’s one Spanish restaurant in London that approaches the haute cuisine heights of the Basque region, its Ametsa with Arzak Instruction. A mouthful to

say as well as to eat, it puts to work the talents of Elena and Juan Mari Arzak, who boast three Michelin Stars at their eponymous San Sebastian eatery. However, there are a few challengers to the throne. StreetXO in Mayfair is spearheaded by 36-year-old enfant terrible of gastronomy David Muñoz, who similarly boasts three stars for his Madrid restaurant DiverXO. Like Barrafina, StreetXO also offers counter dining with dramatic table seating as well, but the food couldn’t be more antipodal to Mohacho’s classic Iberian cooking. Genre-hopping between street foods from across the globe, his dishes pull together disparate yet aggressive flavours that boggle the mind. Iñaki Viñaspre opened his first London restaurant, Sagardi, on Curtain Road in Shoreditch. Championing Basque produce prepared simply, Viñaspre has fresh meat and vegetables flown in daily from San Sebastian. Consisting of a pintxos bar, a visible charcoal grill, and a wine wall packed full of exclusive Innerplace bottles and cider from northern Spain, is London’s personal Sagardi puts the beef first, offering lifestyle concierge. Membership provides complimentary access Galician dairy cow in the form of vaca to the finest nightclubs, the best (cow) and buey (ox). If you haven’t restaurants and top private members’ sampled it before, this is the place clubs. Innerplace also offers priority to do so, and it gives London’s top bookings, VIP invitations and updates on the latest openings. steakhouses a run for their money. Membership from £50 a month. LOBOS Meat & Tapas Soho offers innerplace.co.uk a similarly meat-focused approach. Following on from their original Borough Market eatery, they’ve occupied three floors of a Frith Street townhouse, and bring the same bold approach to seasoning that they did at the original. If you’re a big fan of garlic, pork or Spanish wine, you’ll be well looked after. Barring a trip to Spain, if you need a break from the cold British winter, there are plenty of options for a breath of fresh Iberian air – even if it carries a lick of garlic.

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

PERUVIAN p r o mis e Forget Dry January – with its Pisco Bar and Latino vibes, the party is still in full swing at COYA Mayfair

eru: home to a vibrant swathe of the Amazon rainforest and ancient Incan cities perched high in the Andes, is on many an intrepid traveller’s bucket list. But if your bank balance won’t stretch to a roundtrip ticket to Lima after the excesses of the festive season, there’s always COYA. As January blues set in, the Mayfair institution promises to keep the pisco sours and party atmosphere flowing. Set across two floors, everything from the dedicated art collection to the distressed colonial-chic decor is a nod to vibrant South American culture. COYA is home to a Peruvian restaurant, a members’ club, which hosts pop-up exhibitions, and the aforementioned Pisco Bar, where a roster of live bands and DJs perform on Thursday,

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

Friday and Saturday evenings. If its track record is anything to go by, COYA knows how to throw a soirée. Together with its sibling outposts in Miami and Dubai, it plays host to some legendary celebrations throughout the year – from the annual White Party thrown in June to commemorate the Incan Empire and worship the arrival of the sun god, to the traditional Day of the Dead celebrations in May. But even when we visit on a drizzly Tuesday evening, the atmosphere in the dimly lit lower ground floor bar is lively. The comfy banquettes prove to be the perfect place to batten down the hatches with a Mama-Quilla (a blend of vodka, fresh grapefruit, watermelon, Campari and homemade tonic). There’s a dedicated pisco

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| PROMOTION |

library to lace your sour with whatever you fancy, but you can’t go wrong with the classic – a concoction of lime, sugar, egg white and Amargo bitters. If you’re in need of a little kick, however, the punchy chilli margarita with its jalapeño-infused Don Julio Blanco tequila, avocado purée and lashings of lime should do the trick. If pisco isn’t your poison, you can also branch out with the help of the Flavour Map, an interactive menu compass designed according to four defining taste metrics. After attempting to navigate the 160 different spirit varieties, a visit to the adjacent restaurant is advisable – not least because executive chef Sanjay Dwivedi’s Peruvianinspired cuisine made with modern British seasonal ingredients is exquisite. If you can, get a seat near the open ceviche bar and robata grill, so you can watch the chefs prepare traditional tiraditos (try the atun chifa – yellowfin tuna with soy, sesame seeds and shrimp cracker; and the tiradito de hiramasa – kingfish with dashi, truffle oil and chives). The foodie offerings are not confined to the evening, however. This winter COYA has also introduced an express lunch menu that consists of the likes of ensalada de quinoa

Get a seat near the open ceviche bar and robata grill, so you can watch the chefs prepare traditional tiraditos and costillas de cerdo (pork back ribs with a tamarind glaze for those who are yet to be initiated when it comes to Peruvian cuisine) that can be paired with a wine flight, or fresh juices for the virtuous. Finish off the meal with the coconut mousse served with pineapple sorbet and lime. Other highlights include the Sunday brunch offering, which you can opt to make bottomless, with the addition of refillable champagne, Peruvian punch and Bloody Marys. There’s also a crèche available if you need a break from the kids. Plans are in the pipeline for a second London venue, which will bring samba, sours and sea bass ceviche to the City in 2017. The opening date has yet to be confirmed, so in the meantime you’ll have to shimmy on down to Piccadilly for your party fix. Make ours a lemongrass pisco. The Express Lunch menu is available Monday to Saturday, £26 for three courses or £38 with a wine pairing, COYA Mayfair, 118 Piccadilly, W1, coyarestaurant.com

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THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

cart food to canary wharf Every shake shack restaurant’s design is distinct in its own way and the canary Wharf branch will have several unique features of its own.

ritically acclaimed and internationally appreciated Shake Shack has made its way to Canary Wharf just in time for the brand new year. What started in 2004 as a modern day ‘roadside’ burger stand in New York City’s Madison Square Park transformed into a place that is continously raved about and that people travel far to try. The brand has had global success with branches in the likes of Istanbul, Dubai, Tokyo, Moscow and, of course, London. Shack Shake is renowned for its 100 per cent Angus beef burgers and flat-top Vienna beef dogs, spun-fresh frozen

custard and crinkle cut fries. And the Canary Wharf branch, in The Park Pavilion, will have all the favourites for you to experience. The signature ShackBurger®, SmokeShack® and Shack-cago Dog® will feature on the menu, with beef prized for its delicate texture and great taste, as well as the coveted ShackBurger. Randy Garutti, Shake Shack CEO said: “Since we opened our first London Shack in Covent Garden three years ago, we’ve been amazed at the response, and we’re looking forward to bringing Shake Shack closer to more London neighbourhoods with Canary Wharf.”

craft beer &Wine The menu boasts both a craft beer and wine list. You can kick back with a selection of hand-picked local brews in addition to Shake Shack exclusives: ShackMeister™ Ale, ShackMeister™ Lager, Shack Red™ and Shack White™.

coming soon: shake shack Burger-lovers listen up; Shake Shack is coming to Canary W h a r f. T h at ’ s r i g h t, t h e i n t e r n at i o n a l s u c c e s s t h at o r i g i n at e d i n N e w Y o r k ’ s M a d i s o n S q u a r e Pa r k i s o p e n i n g i t s d o o r s i n T h e Pa r k Pa v i l i o n t h i s j a n u a r y

shake it up dense, rich and creamy ice cream spun fresh daily makes shake shack’s signature shakes and concentrates; frozen custard blended at high speed with mix-ins.

canarywharf.com

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Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never too late...

LUXURY BODY BUTTER IN WHITE CASHMERE FROM THE BATH & BODY COLLECTION

www.lilouetloic.com

| feature |

Dream a Little

Dream

In a climate where mobile phones are glued to hands, eyes are fixed to screens and free time is increasingly precious, switching off to get a good night’s sleep is becoming ever more difficult. The City Magazine explores the harm our lack of shut-eye is doing us and suggests how to catch more Zzz’s WORDS: BETHAN REES

veryone does it. We spend a third of our lives doing it. Margaret Thatcher claimed she only needed four hours of it. Thomas Edison declared that it was a waste of time. I’m talking about sleep, of course. Snoozing plays a big part in brain development, and a ‘bad sleep’ can often lead to poor work performance. Dr Guy Meadows, clinical director of Sleep to Perform, is trying to uplift lethargic workforces by educating employers and employees about the vital role sleep play in our lives. “Sleep is fundamentally important to our day-time performance. In the workplace we do a lot of high-order executive functions – communicating, recalling memories, problem solving and being focused to name a few,” he says. But how does a lack of sleep affect these functions? Dr Meadows

explains the science behind it. “These processes are run by an area of your brain called the prefrontal cortex – one of the most vulnerable areas to be affected by sleep deprivation. When we experience poor sleep we encounter reduced focus and attention, our creativity is dulled, our risk of accidents increases and our ability to manage our emotions is significantly affected.” Essentially, a bad sleep equals a bad day at work. When discussing this, Dr Meadows refers to an intriguing Dutch study from 2003 entitled The Cumulative Cost of Additional Wakefulness by Hans P.A. Van Dongen PhD, which tested the cognitive performance of people who’d slept for eight hours, against people that had experienced total sleep deprivation (zero hours). He then tested the cognitive

There’s no specific answer to the question ‘how many hours of sleep do we require?’

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performance of people who had had two weeks of six-hour sleeps. He discovered the cognitive performance of the six-hour sleeps after five nights, was equivalent to cognitive performance of the zero-sleepers after two nights. “This highlights that partial sleep deprivation does also have a detrimental impact on us. Many of us sleep deprive ourselves in the week by sleeping for five or six hours and trying to catch up on the weekend. It doesn’t work like that,” says Dr Meadows. So next time you tell your co-workers your Friday night plans involve “catching up on lost sleep”, you’re essentially telling them a lie – the bottom line is there is no real way to recoup lost sleep. There’s no specific answer to the question ‘how many hours of sleep do we require?’ explains Dr Meadows. “Our sleep need is determined by genetics and so while the average proportion of the population needs an average of seven or eight hours, there are also a small percentage of people who might need anything from a range of four to 12

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

| feature |

– though this is an extreme range.” Essentially, I’m told, you know you’re getting the right amount of sleep if you wake up feeling refreshed. Maryanne Taylor, sleep consultant and owner of a clinic called The Sleep Works, which specialises in developing personalised schedules, explains that “there is a myth that an adult requires eight hours of sleep for maximum functioning ability.” She continues: “Sleep needs vary to some degree from person to person. To determine what an individual’s sleep needs are, it is important to consider both the spectrum of average sleep hours and the lifestyle of the individual.” She firmly believes that there is not a “one size fits all” solution when it comes to sleep.

sleep like a baby

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TURN OFF TO SWITCH OFF The technology we’re surrounded by could be one contributing factor to poorquality snoozing. “The way in which we live our lives is affecting our sleep. We’re not making sleep a priority in an incredibly stimulating world,” says Dr Meadows. One of the main issues is the blue light that laptops, phones and TVs emit. The light suppresses the production of melatonin, the hormone that helps control your sleep cycle and fundamentally, blue light will trick your mind into thinking it’s time to wake. Sending a late night email or checking Facebook before bed hampers melatonin production and keeps your brain in an active state. Not all technology is bad: those of us with Apple’s latest iOS 10 will have noticed the introduction of the ‘Bedtime’ app. Notify your iPhone how many hours sleep you’d like to sleep and it alerts you to when you’re nearing your bedtime, and wakes you with a gradual alarm. As winter sets in, and most of us start to begin and end our commute in darkness, it’s not just that we’re psychologically more tired. “Sleep patterns can be affected by season changes,” Taylor explains. “Melatonin is affected by exposure to light and the more melatonin your body produces, the more tired you feel. Bright light slows down this production and makes us feel more awake. So we often feel more tired and sluggish during the winter and have more energy during the summer and spring.” According to Dr Jim Horne, a sleep science expert, women need to sleep, on average, for 20 more minutes than men – research points to female tendencies of multitasking and using more of their

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

3 4 from top Sleepy Cow calming bath salts, £16, Cowshed, cowshedonline.com; Love light candle, £28, Lisa Franklin, lisafranklin.london; Dream dust, £24, Moon Juice, moonjuiceshop.com; Scent well diffuser set, £69, This Works, thisworks.com

brain than men, leading to a greater need for sleep. However, this doesn’t mean that women are getting the sleep they need. Dr Meadows tells me that in his clinic, 65-70 per cent of the people experiencing insomnia are women. “The most common reason is that females have two powerful hormones – progesterone and oestrogen – and these have powerful stimulant and hypnotic effects, so they can aid sleep but also have a higher potential to disturb sleep.” In 2011, a survey of 6,700 people by the UK’s Mental Health Foundation found that just over one third of respondents were classified as ‘good sleepers’, while more than a third were categorised as possibly having chronic insomnia. So, for the latter third, what can be done? Dr Meadows’ Sleep to Perform campaign aims to increase daytime productivity through a single-minded focus on improving sleep. It’s helped businesses such as Unilever, P&G, PricewaterhouseCoopers and, so far, 750 traders at Lloyds Bank. How? “We have three key areas we help corporate businesses with: how to improve quality of sleep, how to lessen impact of stress on sleep and how to transition

Women need to sleep, on average, for 20 more minutes than men from work to home. The whole purpose is so that they can perform at their best knowing how to sleep well and manage anxiety,” says Dr Meadows. “One of the biggest challenges in corporate organisations is that they find themselves awake in the middle of the night, their minds racing and they don’t know how to switch off and they’ll go to war and try to block it out. The problem with this is that it’s like telling someone ‘don’t think about a white elephant’. We teach people to do the opposite, to objectively notice the white elephant arriving, but then to let go of holding them.” In the US, more than a third of employers offer programmes addressing sleep disorders. For staff at insurance group Aetna, it pays to get a good night’s sleep – literally. The group encourages its workers to sign up to a scheme that rewards them for getting at least seven hours of shut-eye per night – they could end up earning $300 (approximately £240) a year for doing so. For every 20 days an Aetna employee reports sleeping at least seven hours, he or she can earn $25. Happy New Year to all, and to all a good night! sleeptoperform.uk / thesleepworks.co.uk

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artemide.com

Tolomeo micro gold

Pierpaolo Ferrari, 2016

Michele De Lucchi, Giancarlo Fassina

Senza titolo-2 1

21/12/16 16:11

TO READ MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS VISIT www.luxurylondon.co.uk

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| COLLECTION |

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

HEART’S DESIRE Graff Diamonds made history last year when it unveiled the largest D Flawless heart-shaped diamond in the world. Weighing in at 118.78 carats, the Graff Venus (as it has been dubbed by the jeweller) was cut from a 357-carat rough diamond discovered in 2015 at the Letšeng mine in Lesotho, southern Africa. Up until that point, this type of cut had never been attempted before and the process therefore required the world’s most skilled and experienced diamond craftsmen, and took a total of 18 months from discovery to completion. Responsible for having cut and polished more than half of the world’s top 20 largest diamonds in the past century, the British jewellery house was well placed to take on the challenge. graffdiamonds.com Image courtesy of: Graff Diamonds

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THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

BASELWORLD.COM

The one unmissable trendsetting show for the entire watch and jewellery industry, where all key players unite to unveil their latest creations and innovations. Be a part of this premier event and experience passion, precision and perfection in action.

MARCH 23 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 30, 2017

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HARD BROW

Words: RIC

Zenith Reinvents Vintage Showstopper

or some, watches simply serve as status signifiers – hence Rolex’s years-long waiting lists. Mostly, though, we purchase watches because of the way they look. We’re primates after all, and our caveman brains are programmed to feel certain urges towards pretty things – in the case of Zenith’s latest looker, that’s lust. Like so many of last year’s most handsome timepieces – see Girard Perregaux’s Laureato and Piaget’s Polo S – the Heritage Cronometro TIPO CP-2 is a reinvention of a historic forebear. The original TIPO CP-2 is a design classic from the 1960s. Produced in a 2,500 unit run for the Italian armed forces, the watch was supplied through Romebased distributor A. Cairelli, who name appeared inscribed on dials. Today, these ‘Cairelli’ timepieces have crossed into iconic status territory and achieve suitably lofty prices at auction. Journalists were given a glimpse of the modern TIPO CP-2 at Baselworld 2016, but it’s only now that the watch is finally available in the UK – though you’d better hope your local dealer got their order in quickly, as only 1,000 of these beauties will be rolling off the production line.

More than just a pretty face, the TIPO CP-2 is powered by Zenith’s legendary El Primero movement – famed for being the first chronograph movement capable of measuring time intervals to the nearest tenth of a second. Like its predecessor, the Heritage Cronometro TIPO CP-2 is 43 mm in diameter, features two highly legible counters, and comes with a solid, stainless-steel caseback – something that’s sure to please purists, but irk anyone hoping to view the watch’s beating heart inside. Heritage Cronometro TIPO CP-2, £6,200, zenith-watches.com

BEATING BLACK & BLUE

from left Aquatimer Chronograph Edition ‘Sharks’, £9,650, IWC, iwc.com; Freelancer Chronograph, £2,295, Raymond Weil, raymond-weil.com; Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon, £POA, A. Lange & Söhne, alange-soehne.com

UK a beacon of light for ailing Swiss watch industry Last year may have been something of an annus horribilis for the Swiss watch industry at large – exports were down 11 per cent in the first ten months, with some companies down by more than 20 per cent – but 2016 saw Britain’s luxury watch sector soar. The latest available data, from retail analysts GfK, points towards a strong end of year, with premium watch sales in October up by 53.5 per cent,

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compared with October 2015. Rather than dampening appetite, price rises merely increased average sale prices. Despite Rolex, LVMH and Richemont hiking up RRPs – a response to the falling pound – sales of watches over £1,000 increased 25.1 per cent in the 12 months up to October 2016. In November, the UK rose to third in the global league of Swiss watch importers – the first time ever.

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

Great Dane

When it comes to auctions, it’s all about pedigree, and Urban Jürgensen is a purebred watchmaker whose stock is skyrocketing, writes Richard Brown

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

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| COLLECTION |

t its most productive, Urban Jürgensen currently manufactures just two watches a day. The company has produced less than 600 timepieces since the 1970s. Few of the brand’s watches ever make their way to British shores. So, unless you’ve somewhere down the line acquired an invested interest in the loftier end of the Danish watch industry – and I’ll wager here that you haven’t – it’s probable that you’ve never heard of Urban Jürgensen. This isn’t the case for the rest of the word. The company is particularly popular among the Japanese, says president and CEO Søren Jenry Petersen. In Japan, he explains, “people appreciate the similarities between handmade Urban Jürgensens, and the sort of skill required to make Samurai swords.” Other admirers include James Madison, the fourth President of the United States – the chap who drafted much of the U.S. Constitution, whose watch Petersen’s team is currently restoring – and at least one well-to-do aficionado at a Geneva auction last May. There, eight months ago, an Urban Jürgensen pocket watch sold for just shy of half a million quid – more than 12 times the catalogue estimate. It is thought to be only the third time a private collector has outbid the Patek Philippe museum. “Everything connected with Urban Jürgensen has skyrocketed,” explains Petersen. “People no longer know how to value our watches – they go for ten times the estimates.” So, why the sudden soar in stock? In part, it has a lot to do with what happened in November 2014. Having entered its Ref 11 Chronometer Detent Escapement Central Second watch into Geneva’s Grand Prix d’ Horlogerie – more colloquially known as the Oscars of the watch world – Urban Jürgensen’s timepiece scooped the award for ‘Best Man’s Watch’, which is just about the highest accolade a wristwatch can win. The prize propelled the watch manufacturer from relative obscurity into the collective consciousnesses of the wider watch community. “You could argue that we did a good bit of business there,” laughs Petersen, an exNokia director, who, along with four fellow Danish investors, had acquired the brand just a few weeks previous. “We certainly got a lot of marketing equity out of that little award.” Having ridden out a tumultuous few decades, in which the company passed between various shareholders – including the celebrated watchmaker Peter Baumberger who revived the brand in the 1980s – Urban Jürgensen is now in full-

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blown resurgence. “We’ve been managing this legendary company for almost two years,” says Petersen. “We brought out one new collection in 2015, the 1140 range, which was based on new cases and new dials on an already existing in-house movement. In 2016, we brought out a slightly more contemporary collection, the Jules, where each watch is equipped with an in-house perpetual calibre. “We make our watches by hand so we can only do one or two a day. We aim to raise that number, but it’s not all about how quickly we can get to 400 retailers and 10,000 watches. We are not about what I call ‘Swatchification’.” Urban Jürgensen’s entry-level watch, the Ref 1140L RG, will set you back CHF 27,900. That’s around £21,700. For that, you could get a yellow gold Patek Philippe Calatrava. Or a steel and everose gold Rolex YachtMaster II, plus change. Surely you’d be mad to plump for the plucky Great Dane over the established Swiss industrialists? “Patek and Rolex are marketing-type brands, they’re everywhere,” argues Petersen. “People who want something special look towards independent watchmakers – they understand the intrinsic value. For a lot of people, when they’re spending upwards of £10,000 on a watch, they want to know they are buying something that’s actually rare.” It’s true, the likelihood of ever eyeing another Urban Jürgensen down the golf club is almost non-existent. But haute

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

horology isn’t a space that’s short on maverick watchmakers pandering to the nonconformist. What separates Urban Jürgensen? “We are a product company, not a marketing company,” says Petersen, gesturing, perhaps, towards certain avant-garde independents who invest heavily in sport sponsorship and celebratory ambassadors. “There’s so much unconstrained product marketing these days, where you get these very forced stories: ‘We are working with this Formula 1 Racing Team, and we’ve taken a piece of titanium to produce this ultimate titanium Formula 1 watch’. It’s forced. People know that.” You could buy an entire mechanical watch for less than it costs to make some of Urban Jürgensen’s dials. The brand is also nearly unique in manufacturing its own hands – a process which is so laborious, that any business that’s motivated purely by bottom line simply wouldn’t bother with. “Most moon discs in the industry are gilded discs, or gold discs, with a templateprinted blue sky and stars. We take a steel disc, drill out the holes for the moons, stamp the indentations for the stars, then melt gold into the star holes and press fit solid gold moons. Then the whole disc is thermally blued. After around 28 operations, you have an Urban Jürgensen moon disc.” While Urban Jürgensen has been making watches almost continuously since 1773, sandwiching the age of the brand between such esteemed watchmakers as Vacheron Constantin (1755) and GirardPerregaux (1791), Petersen only stumbled across the brand in 1993. He had entered a jewellers in Copenhagen with the view of purchasing a Patek Philippe – he left with an Urban Jürgensen. Twenty-one years later, when the opportunity arose, he purchased the watch company outright. How, then, does Petersen hope to future-proof Urban Jürgensen for another two-and-a-half centuries? He uses Picasso to explain: “He never used a spray can, even though the spray can was invented half way through his career. He was at the top of his game, he could have done whatever he wanted, but he never picked up a spray can. Urban Jürgensen shares this devotion. We are inspired by the old crafts, the original. We are dedicated to the honest way of doing things.” urbanjurgensen.com

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

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| COLLECTION | TOP LEFT Reference 1140L RG, £24,500 THIS IMAGE Reference 2240 WG, £25,500 BELOW Reference 2340 WG, £37,800 TOP RIGHT Reference 1140C RG, £43,000

Rewriting the History Books

The Ref 11 Chronometer Detent Escapement Central Second

Petersen only stumbled across the brand in 1993. He had entered a jewellers in Copenhagen with the view of purchasing a Patek Philippe – he left with an Urban Jürgensen

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In 2009, Urban Jürgensen filed a worldwide patent for a new in-house movement in which it incorporated a ‘detent escapement’. In the battle to improve chronometric precision, the detent escapement sits alongside the tourbillon in a watchmaker’s arsenal of regulating tools. Whereas Audemars Piguet had found a way of integrating the tourbillion into a wristwatch last century, it took until the 21st century for Urban Jürgensen to shrink the detent escapement to a similar size. Traditionally, the intricacy of the movement had rendered it suitable for use only in marine clocks. “The watch industry had tried for a couple of hundred years to get this escapement fitted in the normal confines of a wristwatch,” says Petersen. “Only Urban Jürgensen succeeded in doing it.” “A normal lever escapement,” Petersen explains, “releases the energy from the escapement wheel by way of two pallet forks, which go back and forth via two levers that look like an anchor, hence the term ‘anchor escapement’. The detent escapement does away with the forks and lets the escapement wheel deliver impulse directly on the balance axel. It’s much more efficient, much more precise.” So accurate was the resulting Ref. 11 Chronometer Detent Escapement Central Second, that when Urban Jürgensen submitted the timepiece for testing at the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute, or COSC, the facility’s technicians asked for more units to test. “They didn’t trust the measurements,” says Petersen. “They didn’t believe the precision. We have it verified that the accuracy of the detent escapement is about 40 per cent higher than a normal chronograph movement.”

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

Audemars Piguet x Carolina Bucci

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Words: OLIV

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

When one considers the founding fathers of watchmaking, not to mention the male masters who monopolise the world of horology today, it is little wonder the watch industry is seen as a masculine preserve. Because, of course, it is. However, that isn’t to say women aren’t involved in the business and this has become more apparent in recent years, with the likes of Carole Forestier-Kasapi (head of Cartier’s fine watchmaking), Rebecca Struthers (co-owner of Struthers London) and Selynn Blanchet (master watchmaker at Vacheron Constantin) representing the new feminist movement. This year, Audemars Piguet pays tribute to the 40th anniversary of its ladies’ Royal Oak timepiece with a limited-edition version, created in collaboration with Florentine jeweller Carolina Bucci: the Royal Oak Frosted Gold. Jacqueline Dimier was responsible for its initial creation in 1976, having had the difficult task of evolving Gérald Genta’s original Royal Oak into a woman’s wristwatch. The defining feature of the latest model – available in both white and pink gold – is its shimmering sparkle, which was achieved using an ancient gold hammering technique, otherwise known as the Florentine technique. This unique finish has been employed in Bucci’s workshops for decades, but it was nonetheless a painstaking process for Audemars Piguet’s craftsmen to alter the surface of the gold so that it sparkles, while also retaining the flexibility of the Royal Oak bracelet. After months of trial and error, this delicate alchemy was achieved. Bucci, who has been an AP woman since her husband bought her a 1983 Royal Oak for her 35th birthday five years ago, couldn’t be prouder of the partnership: “Watchmaking has always been a male-dominated world and this collaboration has been a revelation, I think, for both parties,” she comments. “It was an honour and inspiration to meet Jacqueline who for decades had been at the forefront of watch design, and yet maintained a feminine touch and grace to her designs. I hope the wider discovery of her role at not just AP, but also Rolex and Patek Philippe, just as much as this new Frosted Royal Oak, will encourage women to pursue their ambitions within the industry.” About time, too. Royal Oak Frosted Gold, POA, audemarspiguet.com

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| COLLECTION |

True Colours

Jewellery designer Ece Sirin explores the science behind colour in the latest collection of talismanic pieces for her brand Bee Goddess. The kaleidoscopic range of drop earrings, necklaces and stacking rings sees striking graphic shapes set with intense pavé-coloured rubies, sapphires, emeralds and diamonds. In many ancient cultures, each colour was believed to have a different energy and healing power that affects our bodies, from red – the colour of power, passion and prosperity – to blue – the colour of eternity, truth and spirituality. Soul Colours collection, £375-£6,470, available at Harrods, harrods.com

below the surface We love it when two great luxury brands join forces, as more often than not, this creative fusion results in innovation. Case in point, Georg Jensen and Gemfields’ latest collaboration. Gemfields – one of the world’s leading suppliers of gemstones – sourced rubies from its mine in Mozambique for the new five-piece, contemporary jewellery collection created by Georg Jensen. The minimalist, concave designs in silver have been based on the jeweller’s iconic Mobiüs shape from the 1960s and are now available to buy. Twenty per cent of the profits will go towards the Niassa Carnivore project, an organisation that works to conserve lions and other large carnivores in Mozambique. From £350, exclusive to amazon.co.uk/georgjensen

M’AMA MIA

Fares Game

It’s fair to say that Noor Fares has had luck on her side. Before the age of 30, the Lebanese-born designer has carved out a reputation as one of the most influential jewellers of her generation. Spiritual motifs, mathematics and the cosmos play a big role in her collections, as can be seen from her latest, Navratna (meaning nine gems). The final instalment in the collection Akasha (meaning space), Fares has reinterpreted this ancient Indian talisman into a modern range of pieces handcrafted in 18-karat yellow gold and featuring a myriad of precious gemstones. From £310 for drop hoop earrings to £2,495 for crescent earrings in yellow gold and diamonds, coming soon to net-a-porter.com

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Pomellato invites all women to partake in a game of grown-up ‘he loves me, he loves me not’ with its new M’ama non m’ama 2017 collection. First launched in 2009 with nine rings in nine colours (representing different emotions), each delicate, round piece featuring petit cabochon stones was designed to be stacked, assembled and reassembled in whatever arrangement the wearer saw fit. The newest range sees five new gemstones added to the ever-expanding line of rings, earrings and pendants, including amethyst, peridot, London blue topaz, moonstone and garnet, with a pavé of white diamonds. For the first time, the collection sees bangles introduced in five coloured stone variations. From £1,120 for rings, £1,280 for bangles, pomellato.com/gb

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

Milano: Galleria V. Emanuele

ITALIAN TRAVEL BAGS SINCE 1952

Available at Harrods, Selfridges, John Lewis and caseluggage.com

STYLE January 20176

ON THE CUFF lend your outfit the golden touch with the midas collection from alice made this King Midas was granted the power of turning everything he touched into gold. Paying homage to this special ability, Alice Made This has launched a collection that glows in 22-carat yellow-gold and rose-gold finishes. The new accessories range includes cufflinks, lapel pins and shirt studs. The collection also celebrates the theory of the ‘Golden Ratio’: a number (approximately equal to 1.618) that describes the perfectly symmetrical relationship between two proportions. It connects maths, biology, art, music, history, architecture and psychology and has inspired thinkers of all disciplines. For example, it’s argued that the Ancient Egyptians used the principle to build the pyramids and Leonardo da Vinci made extensive use of the Golden Ratio to create pleasing compositions. Alice Walsh, founder of the brand, says: “As a designer I always look to the Golden Ratio to inspire and inform. We have finished these pieces using our Nanotechnology process to give the impression of something being touched and turning to gold.” From £140, alicemadethis.com

the fedora Widely associated with Prohibition gangsters (or Bugsy Malone), this take on the fedora is bold and feminine in soft burgundy wool-felt with feathers. Georgina hat, £305, Eugenia Kim, net-a-porter.com

the bag

The Mulberry Bayswater bag has been hanging on arms since 2003. Creative director Johnny Coca has taken the iconic style and added a fiery red snakeskin. Small Bayswater bag, £1,095, Mulberry, mulberry.com

the UPDATE

New Year, new wardrobe. upgrade your look with these contemporary takes on staple sartorial pieces

words: bethan rees

the shoes

2 4

A classic pump is a wardrobe must-have – something you can wear on any occasion as it goes with anything. Rather than a quintessential black shoe, these geometric mosaic patterned heels from Salvatore Ferragamo are a dramatic alternative. Mosaic pump, £695, Salvatore Ferragamo, ferragamo.com

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

t h e t re n c h c o at A Burb err y trench coat has b een th e epitom e of Briti sh craftsmanship and design for more than 100 years, although it wasn’t design ed for w orldwide style acclaim , but to keep militar y p ersonn el prot ect ed from th e wind and rain . Thi s burgundy cashm ere trench coat with puf f slee ves i s a w onder ful homage to th e classic trench . Trench coat, £1,895, Burberr y, uk.burberr y.com

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| style |

5 t h e l bd Arguably th e ultimate item on any rail , the LBD is a trusty companion you can pull out for almost any event. Roksanda brings a sculptural angle to this black example with its voluminous bell sleeves. Margot crep e dress, £895, R ok sanda , matchesfashion .com

the denim JACKET Adorned with metallic embroidery and beads, this heavyweight black denim jacket would be ideally coupled with leather ankle boots, jeans and a white T-shirt. This sparkly number is sure to turn some heads. Embellished denim jacket, £324, Scotch & Soda, scotch-soda.com

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the grey jumper Best friends with a pair of jeans for a pared-back look, this Markus Lupfer jumper injects instant fun. Grey zebra sequin jumper, £320, Markus Lupfer, markuslupfer.com

7 the JEANS

Every wardrobe requires at least one great pair of jeans. If you’re in the market for something a little bit different, look no further than Stella McCartney and these ankle-grazer star-print jeans. Jeans, £415, Stella McCartney, stellamccartney.com

8 THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

| style |

It’s going to be all white a bold and potentially difficult look to pull off, the all-white ensemble is set to be big in s/s17. Here’s how the professionals are making it work

whiter than white

A r i s ky m o v e i f y o u’re g o i n g t o b e d r i n k i n g a m e rl o t o r e a t i n g sp a g h e tt i B o l o g n e s e – b u t t h e a l l - w h i t e o u t f i t i s a k e y l o o k f o r t h i s s p r i n g a n d su m m e r. A w hit e suit i s a classic and easy way to incorporat e thi s trend into y our wardrob e – and a savvy and instantly elegant outfit to have on standby for any e vent. C o m b i n i n g d i f f e re n t t e x tu re s i s a g o o d w ay o f p u l l i n g of f t h i s m o n o c h o r o m a t i c l o o k ; w hy n o t t r y a w h i t e c h u n ky k n i t j u m p e r p a i re d w i t h w h i t e , d i st re ss e d , b o y f r i e n d - sty l e j e a n s ? O u r n u m b e r o n e t i p i s m a t c h y o u r w h i t e s . T h e re a re d i f f e re n t s h a d e s o f w h i t e su c h a s iv o r y a n d b r i g h t w h i t e , a n d m i x i n g t h e s e i s su c h a f a u x p a s i n o u r b o o k s . Ho w e v e r y o u w e a r i t , d o i t w i t h c o n f i d e n c e . Jonathan Simkhai S/S17 Vionnet resort 2017

Rochas resort 2017

Gucci cruise 2017

Off-White spring 2017 ready-to-wear

Brandon Maxwell S/S17

Lacoste S/S17

Zac Posen S/S17

YDE S/S17 Simone Rocha S/S17

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

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| BEAUTY |

new year, new you? January is the perfect time to quit old habits and start afresh. Step up your 2017 with our top beauty resolutions

N o Mo re Nai l Bi t i n g Nail biting, al so known as onychophagia , i s a diehard habit that af fects many of us. W h eth er it ’s anxiety or boredom , thi s routin e can damage nail s (obviously) and confidence. Hula Nail s, a vintage tiki-th em ed salon w h ere th e staf f are as glamorous as its int eriors, can h elp y ou on y our journ ey to stopping. Encouraging clients to have regular gel manicures can assi st in breaking th e habit. Plus, th ey ’ ll b e too pretty to nibble on . Hula Nails, 203-205 W hit ecross Street, EC1, hulanails.com

give your skin a treat

Sometimes we haven’t got the time to indulge in a facial. However, there’s no excuse with the NuFACE mini, a portable microcurrent facial toning device which gives a five minute facial-lift, including contouring, toning and reducing wrinkles. Use alongside the primer for maximum microcurrent conductivity. Facial toning device, £150, NuFACE, spacenk.com

“Healthy skin is a reflection of overall wellness” Dr Murad s luxurylo nd o n.c o.uk s

protect your locks

Blow-drying, straightening and/or curling your hair is a customary part of daily life. However, using intense heat without any protection can end up causing your locks some real damage and breakage. By using Moroccanoil’s Heat Styling Protection, you can shield your hair and help it withstand extreme temperatures while leaving you with a glossy finish and soft hold. The spray is also vitamin-infused so nourishes while preventing split ends. Heat styling protection spray, £18.85, Moroccanoil, moroccanoil.com

wear spf everyday If you thought you were safe from the sun’s harmful rays in the height of winter on a miserable day – think again. The sun emits UV rays all year round and approximately 80 per cent of its rays penetrate through clouds. Keep your skin looking youthful and safe by applying the SkinCeuticals mineral matte cream, which also avoids the sticky, shiny, aftersuncream face that we all despise. Mineral matte UV defense SPF30, £39 for 30ml, SkinCeuticals, skinceuticals.co.uk

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

AAD (LEFT, SEATED) WEARS Charcoal wool chalkstripe single-breasted three piece suit, £895, New & Lingwood, newandlingwood.com; White classic poplin shirt, £95, New & Lingwood, as before; Cotton tie, £170, Marni, marni.com; TAG Heuer carrera panda, calibre 17 (41mm) polished steel case and steel bracelet watch, £4,100, TAG Heuer, tagheuer.co.uk; Burgundy and white wool pocket square, £120, Brunello Cucinelli, brunellocucinelli.com; Chocolate double monkstrap shoes, £POA, Dsquared2, dsquared2.com; Dark tan briefcase, £2,080, Brunello Cucinelli, brunellocucinelli.com; Tortoiseshell glasses (on table), £182, Dolce & Gabanna available at David Clulow, davidclulow. com; Black leather cardholder, £POA, Caruso, carusomenswear.com; Grey mohair single breasted overcoat (on chair), £2,300, Helbers, mrporter.com REMCO (RIGHT, STANDING) WEARS Virgin wool and mohair single-breasted suit, £580, BOSS Menswear, hugoboss.com; Slim cut white shirt, £POA, Lanvin, lanvin.com; Franklin floral print silk handmade tie, £100, Shaun Gordon, shaungordon.co.uk; Dior chiffre rouge A02, steel with black dial watch, £4,650, Dior, dior.com; Black woven leather Oxford shoes, £579, Ludvig Reiter, ludwig-reiter.com

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

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| FASHION |

suits in the sky “It is bot real ly m h delus ion att peo ple d er and w al and s tu on’t e sh shou take ould pid to t ld o hink c a lo ll we r no that t, clo thing s a r w clot erio hate thes u s v d base ly en er w hes don o ta e lk to d on ’t o - G. us a ugh, bu want. M peo Bruc p n t o le’s a d we whe e Bo ther st ppe yer, aran make d we form ecis ces. er fa ions ” shio n ed itor Photog at G rapher Q an d Es Stylist: : Ken Kama quir ra Joseph e Crone

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THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

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| FASHION |

AAD WEARS Oatmeal checked “Caldwell” with sand overcheck suit jacket & waistcoat, £537, William Hunt, williamhunt.co.uk; Charcoal “Morgan” with chalk overcheck suit trousers, £537, William Hunt, as before; White classic poplin shirt, £95, New & Lingwood, as before; Navy and green striped crested club tie, £POA, Polo Ralph Lauren, ralphlauren.co.uk; Grey and white patterned silk pocket square, £25, Dsquared2, as before; Black and blue leather document holder, £POA, Paul Smith, paulsmith.co.uk; Brown polished binder leather “Wesley” Lloafers, £320, Church’s, church-footwear.com REMCO WEARS Grey double-breasted suit jacket, £2,920, Blue and white striped fine cotton shirt, £360, Brunello Cucinelli, as before; Navy pinstripe suittrousers, £POA, Tiger Of Sweden, tigerofsweden.com; Brown classic satin tie, £95, New & Lingwood, as before; Navy and white wool tie (styled as pocket square), £POA, Aquascutum, aquascutum.com

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THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

REMCO WEARS Charcoal wool pinstripe three piece suit, £POA, Ralph Lauren, as before; White pique shirt, £POA, Aquascutum, as before; Green and black silk tie, £100, Dsquared2, as before; Green paisley wool and silk pocket square, £120, Brunello Cucinelli, as before; Black country grain leather “Liam” derby shoes, with dainite sole, £205, Grenson, grenson.com AAD WEARS Charcoal grey with red overcheck double-breasted “The Mollison” suit, £477, William Hunt, as before; Red and white bengal striped cotton shirt, £395, Burberry, burberry.com; Red silk narrow tie, £POA, Paul Smith, as before; White bordered red linen pocket square (border only showing), £POA, Hackett, as before; Brown polished binder leather “Wesley” loafers, £320, Church’s, as before

| FASHION |

ABOVE AAD WEARS Grey wool Prince Of Wales check suit, £895, New & Lingwood, as before; Contrast cutaway collar sky blue shirt, £78, William Hunt, as before; Black and white abstract spotted tie, £POA, Caruso, as before; White bordered burgundy patterned linen pocket square (border only showing), £80, Dunhill, as before; Tan leather document holder, £990, Brunello Cucinelli, as before REMCO WEARS Navy wool pinstripe suit, £1,290, Dunhill, as before; White cotton double cuffed shirt, £180, Truman Taylor, michele@trumantaylor.com; Black and white square check knitted tie, £POA, Caruso, as before; Navy bordered white polka dot wool and silk pocket square (border only showing), £80, Dunhill, as before; Clear rimmed spectacles, £695 ready to wear, Tom Davies, tdtomdavies.com; Burgundy felt button on braces, £95, New & Lingwood, as before; Silver ribbed knot cufflinks, £125, Tateossian, tateossian.com LEFT REMCO WEARS Grey overcheck double-breasted suit, £810, Dsquared2, as before; White cotton tab collared shirt, £POA, Caruso, as before; Pink and burgundy striped silk tie, £150, Dunhill, as before; Navy bordered white polka dot wool and silk pocket square, £80, Dunhill, as before; TAG Heuer carrera panda, calibre 17 (41mm) polished steel case and steel bracelet watch, £4,100, TAG Heuer, as before; Gold rimmed spectacles (on table), £130, Rayban available at David Clulow, as before AAD WEARS Grey wool flannel double-breasted suit, £895, New & Lingwood, as before; White cotton shirt, £150, Canali, canali.com; Floral neat silk tie, £95, New & Lingwood, as before; Blue and white abstract check wool and silk pocket square, £120, Brunello Cucinelli, as before; Radiomir 1940 3 Days GMT power reserve automatic acciaio 45mm aatch, £9,600, Panerai, panerai.com

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THE CITY MAGAZINE | February 2017

| FASHION |

AAD WEARS Charcoal “Morgan” with chalk overcheck three piece suit, £537, William Hunt, as before; Pink cotton classic “The Sterling” chirt, £89, Thomas Pink, thomaspink.com; Blue and white floral silk tie, £POA, Hackett, as before; White and blue checked cotton pocket square, £80, Dunhill, as before; REMCO WEARS Navy Pinstripe Suit, £POA, Tiger Of Sweden, as before; White fine cotton “Jerrin” shirt slim fit, £139, Hugo Boss, as before; Brow and grey woven silk tie, £100, Dsquared2, as before; White bordered burgundy patterned linen pocket square £80, Dunhill, as before

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

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AAD WEARS Camel wool double-breasted overcoat, £POA, Ralph Lauren, as before; Navy on black three piece “Morgan” Suit, £895, William Hunt, as before; Striped classic cotton shirt, £140, Blue and orange striped silk tie, £POA, Brooks Brothers, brooksbrothers.com; Tan woven leather Oxford shoes, £579, Ludwig Reiter, as before REMCO WEARS Navy covert coat, £795, New & Lingwood, as before; Light grey wool pinstripe suit, £3,090, Brunello Cucinelli, as before; Contrast collar burgundy stripe shirt, £220, Dunhill, as before; Burgundy silk polka dot tie, £150, Dunhill, as before; Polished black tassel loafers, £290, BOSS Menswear, as before; Black leather document bag, £POA, Paul Smith, as before Models: Remco Van Derbyshire Linden @ MOT, Aad Van Derbyshire Linden @ MOT GROOMING AND HAIR: Jessie Deol using American Crew PHOTO TECH: Nick Rees PRODUCTION: Arianna Marin LOCATION: The Sky Garden and Fenchurch Restaurant

John lewis’s perfect fit

Briefcase

Versatility is the name of the game, and this slimline version of the regular briefcase is a handy way to carry what you need without straining yourself. It looks great, too. Connaught document case, £425, Aspinal of London, aspinaloflondon.com

sui t Refresh your w ork suit with a subtle change of fabric. Charcoal hound stooth m elange wool suit, £895, Gieves & Hawkes, gievesandhawkes.com Sh i rt It ’s always nice to start th e w orking year in a n ew shirt. Ozwald B oat eng has a compreh ensive selection of top-quality fits. Pale blu e chi sel collar shirt, £225, Ozwald B oateng, ozwaldboateng.co.uk

scarf

jac ket A per fect addition to y our wint er wardrob e from a premium Portugu ese design house, L a Paz. Blu e cuoto overcoat, £290, La Pa z, westerna ssembly.com

It’s not just shirts at Thomas Pink, with a good range of scarves to pair with darker suits. Chelsfield check scarf, £99, Thomas Pink, thomaspink.com

The Checklist introduce some subtle colour to your winter wardrobe

shoes

Get your year off on the right foot with a solid pair of smart shoes. These ones, from family brand Goodwin Smith, will do the trick. Sabden black derby shoes, £100, Goodwin Smith, goodwinsmith.co.uk

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

John Lewis is launching a made-to-measure tailoring service, available at its Oxford Street Upit qui quam voloria aut flagship store. ipsus, occae. Rovitas pernamthe After selecting ra vellicto quuntem. preferredSam, cloth (house, fine tet erepre soluptae perciet luxury, or classiclaBritish) sa velliquibus volupid from more quae than 100 coreper chiliqu atecti autown touches designs, your restiis moditofoffic e styletorro are catered for, Finsbury, £850, Winters, with a49wide range of 49winters.com options, from notch or peak lapels, one or two slanted button pockets, 30 different linings, and premium buttoning. All suits will feature half canvas construction, conforming over time to the body’s shape and ensuring longevity and comfort, with working cuff buttons as standard. Trousers are offered with belt loops or side adjusters, plain hems or turn ups. Prices from £495, 300 Oxford Street, W1

Watch

words: david taylor

A typical mix of the understated and the colourful from Paul Smith; the dark green face, brown leather strap and rose gold case contrasts with the multicoloured markers at twelve, three, six and nine o’clock. Dark green and brown ‘Ma’ watch, £200, Paul Smith, paulsmith.co.uk

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| style |

Tickled pink The City Magazine talks all things sartorial with Jonathan Heilbron, President and CEO of Thomas Pink How has fashion changed in the City since Thatcher’s Big Bang? There was much less of an acceptable ‘High Street’ ready-to-wear offering in the 1980s but many more East End tailors who could create well-made suits. The advent of companies such as Thomas Pink, providing exceptional ready-towear clothing at premium prices, created a different option which has changed the way the City dresses. Today, the City look is a world away from the loud pin stripes and red linings of the ’80s, and we see a trend towards dark blue and grey suits with crisp white shirts and elegant colourful ties. The City continues to flirt with ‘dress-down’ but for many it’s a risk not worth taking – getting it wrong could be career threatening! How has Thomas Pink developed alongside these changing trends? Thomas Pink began as a shirt maker for men but rapidly diversified into a whole range of accessories before adding women’s shirting and now of course tailoring and outerwear, and in the last five years more casual clothing. One could say that 30 years ago our focus was on traditional office wear and making difficult choices easy for our customers. That

market has become very well-served by a number of brands. Thomas Pink has evolved to focus on the premium end of the market with a very unique brand identity that immediately distinguishes our character and clothing from our peers. What distinguishes the way people dress in the City from other major financial centres? The City remains more formal – certainly more formal than Wall Street, for example – and in its colour palette perhaps unique anywhere. Blue and grey tailoring, white, blue and pink shirts, black shoes, and if you are feeling daring, a dash of colour with one’s accessories. Which is Thomas Pink’s best selling shirt? White shirt with Oxford texture – double/ single cuff, 50/50, slim fit block. What’s the difference between your Slim Fit shirts and Athletic Fit shirts? At whom is the latter aimed? As Official Outfitters to the British & Irish Lions, Thomas Pink recognised that for the sporty guy, fit can be a problem. The broad shoulders and narrow waist that come with working out can cause issues. Therefore, we launched the Athletic Fit shirt - a slim shirt in stretch cotton designed to fit and flatter muscular shoulders and a narrow waist. The superfine stretch fabric sits comfortably over broad shoulders, allowing ease of movement, and the waistline is tapered by the contour side panels and back darts. Sales are up over 30 per cent online. What do you believe is driving the increased demand? We’ve seen in the past that when uncertainty exists in the marketplace, our customers wish to have every competitive advantage possible, and dressing well

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and appropriately for all occasions is one of them. We take great care to identify the trends in modern menswear, and design for the customer who wants to dress well without drawing attention to the fact they take an interest in their appearance. We also launched the simple Business Bundle – four business shirts for £200 – to help our customer buy his business shirts in one simple shop. Why did you recently decide to invest in your first lookbook? We wanted to highlight our new collection and create something that is relevant for the modern man so he can be inspired directly from our imagery. What do you think is the most common fashion faux pas among City Boys? We prefer to let our customers make their own style decisions rather than preach strict style rules, but a few simple things to note: always iron your shirt; do your top button up when wearing a tie; and don’t let your shirt ever get tired. Having your only ‘good shirt’ noticed is not a compliment... Why, when and how did Thomas Pink become the official outfitters to the British & Irish Lions? We dressed the British & Irish Lions for the 2013 tour to Australia, and given the fantastic reaction we received off the back of it we have recently embarked on dressing them for the 2017 tour. The Thomas Pink Lions retail collection that was launched in November was inspired by the official outfits of the players of the upcoming tour, with Brian O’Driscoll as the model and ambassador of the collection. Our mission is to create the best dressed sports team in the world as well as giving the discerning rugby fan something to appreciate and wear. 9 Royal Exchange, EC3V 3LL, thomaspink.com

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

An ode to the overcoat Blow, blow, thou winter wind / Thou art not so unkind / As man’s ingratitude*

cut for a king

Christmas might be over, but winter is still lingering. Protect against the cold with a solid overcoat. Crombie’s King Coat shields you from the wind, and is a tribute to the traditional overcoat worn by the future HRH King George VI during a visit to the original Crombie mill, Aberdeen. While the Duke’s style is timeless, the overcoat has been worked on, most notably in the changing cut of the lapel. Navy King Coat, £675, Crombie, crombie.co.uk HRH King George VI at the Crombie mill, Aberdeen *The Tempest, William Shakespeare

Classic Collection cashmere coat £1,600, Connolly, connollyengland.com

Campbell Merino wool green, £750, Grenfell, grenfell.com

Cashmere swagger coat, £990, Private White V.C., privatewhitevc.com

Pinnacle overcoat, £279, Kestin Hare, westernassembly.com

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

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| style |

Suit you, Sir New Year, New You – time to upgrade your wardrobe. Guarantee results by letting an online ‘male-order’ personal shopper do the hard work for you WORDS: DAVID TAYLOR

t’s the season of reinvention. The time when we tell ourselves it’s going to be our year. We’ll lose weight, learn another language, or finally do that charity skydive we’ve put off long enough for people to forget they donated. For many, new clothes are a go-to way to recalibrate during January. But, as anyone who has ever been to

DAPPAD Brand examples: J Lindeberg, Paige, Sand Copenhagen, Eton Denim A slick website and order process are vital, and Dappad manages these with aplomb. From the beginning, you can either choose to create a full profile and order a box yourself, or have an immediate one-to-one chat with a stylist. The site’s e-zine also provides guides to dressing for different occasions and clothing inspiration. If you aspire to the sophisticated Scandi look, Dappad’s the one for you. hello.dappad.com

“Personally selected clothing for men sent straight to your door - leaving you time for everything else”

ENCLOTHED Brand examples: Ted Baker, Hackett, Sunspel, The Kooples Founded by journalism and fashion graduates, both specialities come into play at Enclothed, with plenty of collaborations between it and other lifestyle brands, including Innerplace concierge and Moët Hennessy. Beside this, the site itself is quick and easy to use, and the boxes come with cheat sheets, advising you on pairing options. enclothed.co.uk

Westfield Stratford will attest, there’s few things more soul destroying than traipsing around a sticky-hot shopping centre on a Saturday afternoon. Much better to leave your new look to the experts and have the clothes delivered to your door. Here are the main players in the growing world of ‘male-order’ wardrobes.

“The personal styling service for men. Love Clothes. Loathe Shopping” THE CHAPAR Brand examples: Orlebar Brown, Ralph Lauren, Eden Park, Scotch & Soda Its name comes from couriers that served the ancient Persian Empire, who would sometimes ride non-stop for 48 hours, fighting bandits and enemy soldiers to reach their posts. The modern equivalents, the father and son team at Chapar, believe that men don’t like to shop, so they’ll do it for us, taking the personal element of high street shopping and mixing it with the ease of online. thechapar.com

“A free, online personal styling service for men who want to look great without the hassle”

THREAD

“The personalised clothing service for men. Get the clothes you want, from the brands you love, without the hassle of shopping”

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Brand examples: Norse Projects, Paul Smith, Marks & Spencer, Aquascutum Thread’s website is methodical and thorough from initial usage, asking quick, easy questions such as what style of trouser you wear, how much you usually spend, and how open are you to trying more daring clothes. There are also images of different styles you can choose from, for leisure, work and dates, and a section for items you already own, so the stylist can work around your wardrobe. Each stage is designed so that it doesn’t feel like you’re signing up to a website, and feels more personal, even before talking to anyone. thread.com

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

| LIFESTYLE |

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1. Leather washbag, £74.95, Scotch & Soda, johnlewis.com 2. MobileShave M-90, £19.99, Braun, uk.braun.com 3. Four-piece air-safe travel manicure set, £225, Czech & Speake, harrods.com 4. Original eye roll-on 15ml, £9.99, Bulldog, bulldogskincare.com 5. SPF30 face moisturiser 50ml, £28, Malin+Goetz, mrporter.com 6. Aqua Celestia 70ml, £130, Maison Francis Kurkdjian, available from February at selfridges.com 7. 2 in 1 skin hydrator and beard conditioner 100ml, £28, Clinique, harrods.com 8. Fabulous face cleanser 100ml, £23, Aesop, aesop.com

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

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auction provocateur If you’ve ever been to an auction, you’ll know that the atmosphere can be electric. A perfect storm of rare, perfect-condition commodities, the right market conditions and ego-driven, well-heeled bidders can send prices soaring. Here are some of the most expensive items ever to have come under the hammer

…THE wine Once immortalised in the animated film Ratatouille as the preferred tipple of acerbic restaurant critic Anton Ego, the Cheval Blanc 1947 is the most expensive single bottle of wine to ever sell at auction. Sold to a private collector in 2010, Christie’s Geneva sold the rare six-litre bottle of wine for $304,375 (roughly £192,000 at the time of sale). It’s the only known bottle in the Imperial format from this particular Saint-Emilion vintage and it smashed the auction house’s estimated price of between $150,000 and $200,000. The most expensive bottle of standard sized wine (750ml) is the Château Lafite 1787. Bought for $156,450 (approx £130,000 when sold) in 1985 by publisher Malcolm Forbes, it was believed to have been from Thomas Jefferson’s cellar. right Cheval Blanc 1947, image courtesy of Christie’s Images LTD, 2016 below Château Cheval Blanc

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

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| investment special |

…THE watch The most expensive wristwatch ever sold was bought at a Geneva auction in November 2016 for CHF11 million (£8.6 million). The rare Patek Philippe stainless steel Reference 1518 is a perpetual calendar chronograph, and ended up selling for more than three times its pre-sale estimate after a 13-minute bidding war. Only four examples are known to exist, according to Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo’s Paul Boutros, who, talking to Forbes, said the sale was “a once in a lifetime event”. The most expensive pocket watch ever sold was the Henry Graves Supercomplication, also by Patek Philippe (above, middle). It achieved CHF20.6 million (approx £16.1 million when sold) in 2014. The most complicated handmade timepiece ever created, it has 24 complications, including Westminster chimes, sunset and sunrise indicators, and a celestial map of the sky above New York as seen from the owner’s Fifth Avenue apartment.

centre circle image Henry Graves Supercomplication pocketwatch, image courtesy of Sotheby’s main image, LEFT AND RIGHT CIRCLES Patek Philippe stainless steel Reference 1518, images courtesy of Phillips

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THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

…THE CAR It had to be a Ferrari. In August 2014, a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO built for Sir Stirling Moss sold at Bonhams Quail Lodge auction for $38.1 million (£30.7 million at the time), almost three million dollars more than the second most expensive car ever sold (a Ferrari 335 S that sold in 2016). FIA racing rules stated that a car manufacturer had to make 100 examples of a specific model before that model was eligible to compete in official races. Ferrari made just 39 of the 250 GTOs but by numbering chassis out of sequence – missing lower numbers to suggest that cars had been made that didn’t exist – and by regularly swapping cars between different locations, the marque managed to give the impression that the full 100 had been made. So prized were the 39 cars that were produced, that potential US buyers had to have personal approval from Enzo Ferrari.

All images courtesy of Bonhams

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

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| investment special |

…THE BAG You may have seen its sisters hanging off the arms of Victoria Beckham, Lady Gaga and the Kardashian clan, but this Hermès Birkin bag is a little bit different. Made with rare Himalayan crocodile leather, with white-gold detailing and 245 diamonds, this is the world’s most expensive handbag. It sold at Christie’s Hong Kong to an anonymous buyer in June 2016 for $300,168 (£208,175). The previous bag to hold this title was also a Birkin, but a pink diamond studded model, which sold in 2015 for $222,000 (then £180,000). The Birkin bag has outpaced both the S&P 500 Index and the price of gold in the past 35 years – indicating that it’s a safe investment.

The Birkin bag has outpaced both the S&P 500 Index and the price of gold in the past 35 years

Christie’s Images LTD. [2016]

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THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

…THE art Who would have thought that a huge (121 x 143 x 45 inches) sculpture of something you get at a children’s party would have made so much money? Balloon Dog (Orange), one of five by US artist Jeff Koons, sold at Christie’s in 2013 for $58.4 million (£47 million at the time), making it the most expensive work by a living artist sold at auction. The other balloon dog sculptures in the ‘litter’ – in blue, yellow, magenta and red – are privately owned by businessmen and industrialists across the world. In 2008, (Red) was installed at the Palace of Versailles along with 16 other sculptures, in an exhibition titled Let them see Kitsch.

Who would have thought that a huge sculpture of something you get at a children’s party would have made so much money?

©Jeff Koons

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

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| investment special |

…THE ring The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, is one of nature’s greatest displays. This ethereal and elusive sight is the inspiration for the name of the most expensive diamond to sell at auction (in terms of price per carat). The Aurora Green was sold by Christie’s Hong Kong in May 2016 for HK$130 million (£13.5 million). Sold to a jewellery company based in Hong Kong, Chow Tai Fook Jewellery, the 5.03 carat diamond is incredibly rare, and its selling price equates to approximately £2.7 million per carat.

N.B. all values shown are those at the time of auction

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The 5.03 carat diamond is incredibly rare, and its selling price equates to approximately £2.7 million per carat

Christie’s Images LTD. [2016]

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

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| investment special |

Opening Up Art Investment The art worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s famous opacity is under attack from a generation of tech-minded entrepreneurs aiming to bring new collectors into the market. Will they succeed? Mark and Hannah Hayes-Westall investigate

A John Chamberlain work at Timothy Taylor, Frieze Masters 2016. Photograph by Mark Blower. Courtesy of Mark Blower/Frieze.

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THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

ow much is that picture on your wall worth? The economist’s answer would be that it’s worth whatever someone will pay for it, but the art world can make it incredibly difficult to find out what that sum would be, creating a trust barrier that discourages new collectors and reduces the liquidity of the overall market. As the Panama Papers leak and its subsequent media coverage highlighted, whether through art dealers or through auction houses, buying at the upper end of the art market is a deeply secretive affair. From paintings held by shell companies based on remote Pacific atolls to a sales model that can include perfectly legal transactions where the buyer, the seller and, in some auction scenarios, the price guarantor and the amount of the guarantee, are all unknown, the world of multimillion-pound art trades has long been obliged to defend itself against accusations of murkiness. The argument goes that people of great wealth are more likely to engage in the art market if they do not have to expose themselves to potential security risks by revealing their identities and the value of their goods. The logic of this is hard to argue with, and the protection of anonymity has undoubtedly encouraged market participation from the securityconscious, publicity-averse super-wealthy, but other players are less happy. While hundred million dollar hammer prices garner headlines worldwide, the vast

The tech firms demystifying the murky world of art investment 70

Artnet

majority of art sales – around 90 per cent globally according to this year’s TEFAF Art Market Report – are for pieces priced at less than $50,000. As the size of the market increases, buyers and sellers are starting to ask whether the secrecy is necessary or helpful, and what can be done about it, and a raft of businesses have set out to challenge the status quo, building on the work of some early transparency pioneers. The progress that has been made in providing those about to make potentially heavy investments with reliable data began more than 25 years ago when the business that would go on to become Artnet was created. Artnet was one of the first and most significant attempts at providing market insight and its Artnet Fine Art and Design Price Database and the Artnet Decorative Art Price Database now contain 7.5 million auction sale results dating back to 1985 and encompassing sales results from over 1,400 international auction houses. Parent company Artnet AG is now listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange but the company dates all the way back to 1989 when French collector Pierre Sernet developed database software that allowed images of artworks to be

Founded: 1998 How it works: Founded in 1989 as Centrox Corporation which allowed images of artworks to be associated with market prices, Artnet now operates as an international trading platform for the art market. It gives buyers price transparency and allows buyers to contact galleries directly. artnet.com

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

ArtTactic

associated with market prices. Art world investment from dealer Hans Neuendorf soon followed and today Artnet is one of the most important tools for collectors and investors seeking up-to-date information on market value and long-term price developments of artworks and artists. With increased access to data, and the market for contemporary art growing rapidly, in 2001 JP Morgan alumnus Anders Petterson spotted the emergence of an audience for art market insight that he could obtain by applying the research and analytical methods he had used in the finance world. ArtTactic, the business he founded, focuses on art as an asset class and has become a trusted supplier of detailed reporting and forecasting and a supplier of bespoke market research and forecasting. Also taking advantage of the increase in available data, in 2005 the New York based art intelligence business Skate’s created the first investable art index, the Skate’s Art Stocks Index (SASI), an index designed to benchmark the performance of publicly traded companies that derive most of their revenues and profits from art assets and/ or servicing art and collectibles markets around the world. Los Angeles-based gallerist and art fund operator Carlos Rivera was one of the first to add the opportunities that social media affords to a way of thinking about art investment data. One weekend, in 2014, he created sellyoulater. com (later retitled Art Rank), using his background knowledge of coding to create an algorithm that scraped available information such as auction results, market saturation, market support and CV data alongside

Founded: 2001 How it works: A Londonbased art market research and analysis website, ArtTactic uses crowd-sourcing as its main tool of data collecting. In May 2009, ArtTactic launched the ArtTactic Podcast, a weekly broadcast featuring in-depth interviews with esteemed art market figures. arttactic.com

Skate’s Art Stocks Index (SASI)

Founded: 2005 How it works: Skate’s claims to have created the first ever art stocks index. It looks at the publicly traded companies that derive most of their revenues and profits from art assets and/ or servicing art and collectibles, as a point of reference for the art stocks market. skatepress.com

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| investment sepcial spEcial | left Polaroid II, 2016 (left), Polaroid, 2016 (right) by Duarte Vitoria. Images courtesy of D-Contemporary, dcontemporary.com bottom left A sculpture from Phoenix Ancient Art, Frieze Masters 2016. Photograph by Mark Blower. Courtesy of Mark Blower/Frieze. this image ARTSTAQ branding visuals, image courtesy of ARTSTAQ

social media and search data to rank contemporary artists in Buy, Sell, Hold and Liquidate categories. The ensuing uproar among artists whose names appeared on the site was seen as a result of the site clarifying for the first time, and in a very consumer-friendly way, the role of artwork as asset class. Combining data, insight and trading concepts in one platform is new entrant ARTSTAQ. The London-based startup is the first Nasdaq-like system for the art world and aims to bring the 97 per cent of investors who don’t currently engage with art into the art market by creating a platform with which they are familiar. To this end the business has built an algorithm allowing it to establish an index value for any given artwork, based on a huge range of variables including subjective factors assessed by a large team of arts professionals and which is applied on Artex 500, the first trading platform for artworks, which focuses on emerging art. A trading platform for South American art is set to follow. The opening up of previously opaque parts of the art world isn’t limited to the commercial end of the art market and

Art Rank

Founded: 2012 How it works: Art Rank gives ‘buy’ or ‘sell’ judgments on contemporary artists. It works on an algorithm that is allegedly intent on ‘assessing the intrinsic value of an artwork, not its survival value.’ It also offers a number of subscribers who pay $3,500 per year advance access to the data. artrank.com

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ArtStaq

The London-based startup is the first Nasdaq-like system for the art world

technology is now being harnessed to bring more people into the sometimes confusing world of public art patronage. In the UK, the national fundraising charity for art, the Art Fund, together with the National Museum Directors’ Council jointly fund research into what motivates people now to donate, and as a result created a crowdfunding platform, Art Happens, that allows someone with as little as £5 to become a member of the exclusive group of patrons who enable art to be shown in museums across the country. With a tighter focus than competitors such as Kickstarter the fund has attracted 2,500 individual funders and seen 16 of 18 projects fully funded in the two years since it launched (by comparison, Kickstarter has a one-third success rate). The art world is a savvy place, attractive to some of the world’s brightest minds and deepest pockets, and with so many parties actively seeking to end the opaque ways that have frustrated so many for so long it seems certain that things will change. Perhaps now is the time to think about getting serious about that collection.

Photograph by Mark Blower. Courtesy of Mark Blower/Frieze.

Founded: 2015 How it works: Working like the stock exchange, ARTSTAQ (Automated Rating and Trading Standard for Art Quotation) is an online platform for art quotations – functioning with real-time trading data. It aims to ensure the protection of investors against the manipulation of art prices. artstaq.com

Art futures group

Founded: 2017 (UK) How it works: Established in Asia in 2010, this innovative art investment brokerage firm connects potential clients with mid-career Chinese artists. Launching in the UK in 2017, the targeted business allows for more precise price forecasting in the growing art sector of contemporary Chinese art. artfuturesgroup.com

Art Happens

Founded: 2015 How it works: Created by Art Fund, a charity for artworks, Art Happens is a crowdfunding platform for museums and galleries. Every penny raised will go directly to the projects and all contributors will get a reward in return, from transfer tattoos and postcards to limited-edition artworks. artfund.org

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

F i n e wine Not just a post-Brexit pick-me-up, it looks like the phenomenon of procuring premium plonk for profit is here to stay Words: James Lawrence

rance, with its clement climes, may have mastered the process of turning grapes into wine, but the British soon cottoned on to the fact that they too could make a few bob investing in it. For centuries London has been a wine trading hub – British collectors were some of the first ones to coin the concept of investing in wine, purchasing excess cases of Bordeaux classics such as Château Palmer to sell at a later date. This provided welcome funds for younger models and was the pursuit of wine aficionados, rather than a full-blown investment market. Times change. Global demand – particularly from Asia – continues to rise for the world’s finest wines. Indeed, in a post-Brexit climate, fine wine is increasingly being promoted as a relatively safe investment in turbulent times. According to recent research published by investment specialists Cult Wines, one in four wealth managers expect demand for wine investing to increase significantly over the next 12 months. “Intermediaries are clearly seeing increased levels of interest in wine....in light of market volatility and poor returns, it is being recognised as a genuine alternative asset class,” explains Tom Gearing, managing director of Cult Wines. The pertinent question is – where should investors be looking?

Five Winning Wines for a return on Investment

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

B o rd e aux Chât eau Pont et-Can et i s a firm fav ourit e with savvy investors. P rices have ri sen st eadily since th e 2003 vintage and th e win e i s on e of Liv-ex ’s – a b enchmark index for fin e win e prices – strongest p er form ers. It may not have th e status or renown of L afit e, but it equal in quality. 2011 Pont et-C anet – £353.40 for a case of si x from B err y Bros. & Rudd (BBR)

According to fine wine trading platform Liv-ex, Bordeaux remains a safe bet if you’re buying for profit rather than pleasure. “An important aspect of any investment is liquidity, and Bordeaux provides the best of this. It produces world-renowned highly rated wines in good quantity,” says Liv-ex director Justin Gibbs. His advice to would-be investors is to stick to the blue chips – most Bordeaux wine investments are made in a very narrow spectrum, about 10-15 Bordeaux properties that are (almost) certain for increase in value due to their global renown and consistently high Robert Parker scores. Particularly when reselling to Asian markets or to wine merchants, you must purchase wines with Parker’s critical approval to ensure a good return. Such properties include Châteaux Margaux, Lafite Rothschild, Angélus, HautBrion, Mouton Rothschild, Latour, Ausone and Cheval Blanc. “Investors must also remember to, if at all possible, choose the best vintages,” adds Gibbs. “Those that might be considered now include 2005, 2009, and 2010. The 2010 vintage was released at the top of the market and has fallen considerably. It currently offers value relative to its release. It is important to remember that, as with all investments, timing is everything. With wine, the demand-supply equation is the basic principle: prices go up in value as the wine gets older.” Things have come a long way since the days of tunnel vision toward the Bordeaux region, though. “In 2013, barely 25 per cent of our turnover was from Bordeaux sales, 20 years ago that would have been unthinkable,” says Berry Bros. & Rudd fine wine buying director Max Lalondrelle. Our tastes have diversified significantly

B o rd e aux Chât eau Palm er has b een a darling of critics and investors for many decades. Such i s th e demand for th e win e in China that Palm er fakes were b ecoming rife, forcing th e Chât eau to secure all its Chât eau Palm er bottles with P rooftag seal s; a win e y ou can truly buy with confidence th en! 2010 Chât eau Palmer £1,700 for a case of si x from BBR

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| INVESTMENT SPECIAL |

s p e culation over the last decade – top Burgundy, Californian and Italian wines now fetch impressive prices on the global market. Again, the secret is to purchase wines that are globally revered. In Italy, that includes Ornellaia and Sassicaia, while California’s Screaming Eagle attracts Wine and Spirits merchant, Justerini & Brooks, has obscene prices on the secondary looked after the needs of discerning wine collectors around the globe for more than 260 years. Holding near market. £200 million worth of wine from over 3,000 of the world’s Equally, the wine world has long greatest Châteaux, estates and domaines, this luxury merchant adored Burgundy and its wines, has an unrivalled portfolio. As the largest distributor in the UK of often released in minute quantities, fine wines from Burgundy, Barolo and Germany, it is no wonder Cristal, Taittinger’s Comtes de in complete contrast to Bordeaux. that Justerini & Brooks take enormous pride in the exceptional care it gives to storing customers’ wines. Champagne, Salon, and Pol Roger’s China, in particular, has gone Winston Churchill. crazy for top Burgundy over the Cellarers (Wines) Ltd, stores customer reserves on behalf of Overall though, the mood in the past five years – a case of Domaine Justerinis’ clients. The company’s Octavian vaults lie 100 feet markets is one of extreme bullishness, de la Romanée-Conti (DRC) sold below the Wiltshire hills, ensuring perfect humidity and temperature conditions. The bespoke storage facility with wine proving itself to be a safe bet for US$38,081 in Hong Kong in 2014. and keep-safe for customers’ rare and collectable in uncertain financial times. While Brexit So it appears to be a good time to be bottles was established in 1972. may yet prove to be the economic disaster buying into red Burgundy, whose dazzling justerinis.com many forecast, in the short term at least, perfume is delivered solely by the Pinot it has done the luxury wine market and Noir grape. brokers a world of good. Champagne has also attracted the attention of investors, following the hyped 2002 vintage. “The Champagne 50 Index

Where to keep your wine

“The Champagne 50 Index is currently at its highest ever level. It hit 289.56 at the end of July after climbing 8 per cent over the past year”

is currently at its highest ever level. It hit 289.56 at the end of July after climbing 8 per cent over the past year,” says Gibbs. Yet Liv-ex is also quick to point out that not all Champagne brands are the golden goose of fine wine investment. It once again advises speculators to: “Stick to the blue chips – strong brands with established track records – as the spectrum of brands that appreciate in value is small.” That exclusive club includes: Krug, Louis Roederer’s

Burgun dy The wine writer Hugh Johnson describes top Domaine de la RomaneeConti as having “reser ves of f lavour beyond imagination ,” and the wines sell for crown jewel prices. Wine lovers can rest assured that investing in a younger vintage of DRC is bound to reap rewards. 2006 D omaine de la Romanee-Conti La Tache - £11,000 for a case of 6 from BBR

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C h ampagn e Dom Pérignon is named after the famous 17thcentur y cellar master and Benedictine Monk who first blended Champagne. It remains both a delicious drink and a sound investment choice – on the day of the 2004 vintage release, one UK merchant reported sales of over £1 million after just three hours. 2006 D om Perignon – £631.20 for a case of si x from BBR

T u s c an y S a ssi cai a w a s c omm erc i al ly e st abli sh ed in th e 1 9 6 0 s by March e se Mario In c i s a d el l a R o c ch ett a on th e b eaut i ful Tu scan c o a st . Top v int a ge s t en d to sel l v er y w el l , du e to th e ir p o t ent i al a s an inv e stm ent v ehi cl e an d S a ss a c i a h a s b e en m a ssiv ely in f lu ent i al in m akin g S up er -Tu scan s w orl d f i gure s . 2011 S assicaia – £1,362 for a case of 12 from BBR

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

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| investment special |

First Edition Following the £43,000 sale of a first-edition Harry Potter in November 2016, investing in rare books is becoming a more and more attractive proposition for investors. And, with prices of some books rising by nearly nine per cent year-on-year, it can certainly be lucrative. But – as Emma Johnson discovers – the world of books is not quite as simple as buying and selling

The Peabody Library in Baltimore, Maryland, US

slow moving market underpinned by collectors and aficionados, investing in rare books is, in many ways, quite the slowest way to make a quick buck. “One should always have in mind the caveat that we in the rare book industry do not promote them as financial investments, but rather as intellectual investments,” says Matthew Haley, head of books and manuscripts at Bonhams, the auction house responsible for that recordbreaking Harry Potter sale. And, of course, there are huge sums to be made – the most valuable book in the world, Birds of America, (which contains 500 life-size illustrations of American birds)

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sold for £7.3 million in 2010 – but almost everyone agrees this is not the norm, mostly because it’s impossible to predict trends in the rare book industry. Frequented by an affluent, sophisticated and cultured market who are not affected by things like seasonal shifts, economic uncertainties and current fads or trends, the rare book market is less about predicting the future rise and fall, than in understanding what makes a book desirable – and investing in books is really about being led by your heart, than your financial head. Every expert will recommend buying books that mean something to you. “A lot of it is about luck rather than a strategic

investment – you can do the research and try to make a totally ‘head’ purchase – but the most successful investors buy books they love,” says Keith Heddle, managing director of investments at Stanley Gibbons, which specialises in buying and selling stamps, coins, books and manuscripts. And then it’s all about playing a waiting game. For any book to appreciate in enough value you need to be prepared to hang onto it for it at least 10 years, and longer if you want to make more. “It’s not something where you can just go out and get a good deal,” says Heddle. “You have to bide your time – invest in a book and then let time do the rest.”

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

RARITY

Of course, it isn’t quite this simple. Time cannot make a slightly dog-eared twelfth print run of the latest Dan Brown worth anything more than it was bought for. When it comes to appreciating value with books it comes down to several factors: condition, authenticity, liquidity and crucially, rarity. In most cases, rare books are also first editions. These are usually printed in very small print runs – 250 or 500 copies – before they became bestsellers, and, although not intended as such, they are in effect limited editions. Following this, the age of a book can also have a huge impact on it, especially as the older a book gets, the harder it is to find. In fact, some books are so rare they have become the veritable holy grail of the book world. “The 1623 Shakespeare First Folio should be the cornerstone of any world-class book collection,” says Haley. Heddle agrees, calling this edition, “the literary equivalent of a Lafite 1952”. When Shakespeare’s First

Folio appears in auctions – which happens almost never – a good condition copy can fetch millions of pounds. Other highly sought-after editions include the 1865 Alice in Wonderland, of which there are only 22 known copies, and only five in private hands, as well as numerous association copies inscribed by one author to another. For example, Nabokov’s Lolita inscribed to Graham Greene, Orwell’s Animal Farm inscribed to Anthony Powell and Joyce’s Ulysses given to his wife Nora. With books, rarity is so important, that in 2015 Stanley Gibbons launched the Rare Book Index – a collection of 30 of the most desirable books for investors and collectors, which looks at their growth over the past 20 years, as well as comparing them with other assets. When matched against gold, property and the FTSE 100 RTI, books are the only asset that has continually risen in value since 1995. Books on the Rare Book Index include the likes of Tolkein’s Lord of the Rings, T.S Eliot’s The Wasteland, Ian Fleming’s Casino

EXPERT EYE

It’s important when investing in a book that you don’t make the decision alone. Guaranteeing things like the authenticity of its print run and the verification of signatures can only be done by experts. All reputable book dealers are registered with the Antiquarian Booksellers Assocation (ABA) aba.org.uk, who carry guarantees in terms of authenticity and protecting the purchaser, and who should be one of your first stops. You can find the Rare Book Index here: stanleygibbons.com/investment/ rare-book-index

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

Royale, James Joyce’s Ulysses and Ernest Hemingway’s In Our Time. A quick look at the Index reveals some pretty staggering sums to be made from a humble book. Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale was worth £2,760 in 1995, and £24,180 in 2015; while Evelyn Waugh’s Decline and Fall was worth £8,681 in 2015, but could have been bought for just £1,430 in 1995. In fact, you could have bought the entire collection of 30 books in 1995 for £47,565 – and sold it 20 years later for £244,507.

CONDITION

After the rarity of an item, its condition is vital. Heddle clarifies: “It is important to mention that all the books in the Rare Book Index are in amazing condition; they are investment grade books, complete with dust jackets, and always genuine first editions.” In the case of the record-breaking Harry Potter & the Philosopher’s Stone, Haley explains that, where this particular copy was concerned, its condition was paramount. “It was all about condition. Ours was a totally with copy, and was essentially in an unread condition. I had never seen a better copy. That is why it commanded such a premium price.” While ordinary wear and tear is to be expected, the better condition a book is in, the more it will fetch. “Even colours faded by sunlight can hugely affect the value of a first edition,” explains Pom Harrington, owner of Peter Harrington Rare Books. It can be worth working with book binders to get slightly damaged books restored, but even here you need to be careful, as some books are as desirable as much for their bindings as their content. “The artistry and craft in the way the book was printed, designed or bound can sometimes be more important than the content,” says Heddle. “Some 17th and 18th century books from the UK and 20th century French books are all very popular because of the quality of their binding and printing.” Most important, though, especially with books from the last couple of hundred years, are dust jackets. Because they are often seen by readers are surplus to requirements and taken off and thrown away (guilty as charged) they have become increasingly rare. They also protect the book’s hardcover underneath from signs of ageing, and often come in very limited editions – the hard copy underneath stays the same but over the years the dust jacket has changed and been redesigned. Anyone in the know will tell you that the difference between a book with and without a dustjacket can be as much as £70,000.

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There is, of course a caveat to this. While condition is all-important, the rarer a book is, the less important condition becomes. “You can’t expect a 16th century book to be in the same condition as a 20th century book,” says Haley. “So, essentially, look for things that make a copy exceptional – the condition of the dust-jacket if it’s a modern book, a deluxe binding, signs of previous ownership by a noted collector.”

THE EXTRA FACTOR

Aside from being incredibly rare and in pristine condition, there are some other factors that can make a financial impact on a book’s worth. Signed copies, books being made into films and anniversaries of author births and deaths, original publication dates, winning or being shortlisted for a book prize, can all see a book suddenly become more desirable. “How important an author is contextually to the world at the time can also have a huge impact – films based on the works of authors, or on their own lives, can renew interest in certain books, for instance,” says Harrington. J.K Rowling and Tolkien have both benefitted considerably from the ‘Hollywood effect’. “Authors themselves can also increase and diminish depending on how important they were to a specific generation of people,” adds Harrington. Currently, the book market is seeing lots of people in their 50s and 60s investing in books. “These people have a disposable

Signed copies and inscriptions are another way to add value, but it is here that the experts really urge caution. Harry Illingworth, manager at rare book dealer Goldsboro Books, explains: “Take the example of the seventh Harry Potter book – a first edition is not worth very much, because the print runs were so huge by the end because of its popularity. However, if J.K Rowling signs that book, the value skyrockets into the thousands.” However, this is especially important because Rowling is renowned for not often signing books. Now, with increasing numbers of book tours and signing events, a signed copy can be less valuable than it used to be – especially if it’s dedicated to someone, which can take all the value away. “Do your research, and know whether your author of choice has signed lots of copies or almost none at all,” advises Haley. “Also, watch out for books that are signed by the author long after they were originally published. This is less appealing for collectors, than books that were signed at the time of publication, and you should not pay the same amount.” But – says Heddle – in this digital age, even signing is becoming indicative of the time. “Signed copies are good because they have the effect of timelocking a book. It didn’t used to be done at all, then it became very popular, and as we move into an increasingly digital age, signed copies will again become a thing of the past.” If you are thinking about entering the world of book investment, make sure you

When matched against gold, property and the FTSE 100, books are the only asset that has continually risen in value since 1995 income they want to turn into something that will grow for their children. Naturally they pick something that is meaningful to them, and this is often what they studied at school or university. So books from this era are starting to become more in demand,” adds Heddle. It’s also worth considering the little details that set one book apart from another. Things like interesting illustrations done by a renowned artist, a first use of colour, a foreword from a well-known figure, or a dedication by the author can be all-important. As can the provenance of a book – did it belong to someone special? Was it relevant to their work? Did it accompany them on a famous expedition? Was it part of a valued collection? A book belonging to an American president, for instance, can make it worth upwards of $80,000.

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follow the advice of experts and get into it with a passion for, and love of, books. “Everyone has a book inside them,” says Heddle. “Even if it was something you read as a child or studied at school. Just one book is enough. They resonate with everybody.” Take time to indulge a literary passion by picking a niche or genre that particularly appeals to you – Dickens, detective fiction, early Penguin classics, James Bond, Jane Austen – and slowly you’ll start to know the right dealers to work with, and when you’ve found something really special. Crucially, though, buy a book because you like it, because it appeals to you intellectually, rather than as a straight investment. “Ultimately rare book collecting is a hobby and an intellectual pursuit that provides an intangible emotional return on investment,” finishes Haley.

London’s literary treasures The London Metropolitan Archives are the final word on the history of London. Comprising more than 100,000 books covering all aspects of the history and development of the Greater London area, the items in the archives aren’t for sale, but their value to our understanding of the capital is priceless. The Guildhall library stems from potentially England’s first public library, founded in 1420 with help from a donation from three-time Lord Mayor of London, Richard Whittington (more commonly known as Dick). The library was dispersed in the 16th century, but was refounded in the 1820s. The collection includes treasures such as one of the most pristine surviving copies of Shakespeare’s First Folio (one of which sold for £2.8 million in 2006), and a special collection of Thomas More works. Alongside these are fascinating documents like a 13th century issue of the Magna Carta, and books logging the rise and fall of the Black Death in London on a week by week basis. Free to be used by anyone on a research basis, the archives contain information covering a millennium of London Government, and is currently being uploaded online for ease of access. cityoflondon.gov.uk

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

| beauty |

TimeLY PROFIT As prices in the pre-owned watch market continue to soar, The Watch Club’s Chris Youe highlights the timepieces most likely to deliver a decent ROI

e’ve all seen wristwatches hit the big time as true blue chip investments in the last 10 years, but the market can seem confusing at times. It was only in 2013 that the first Daytona broke a million dollars; since then we’ve seen it happen five or six times and finally one has cracked the $2 million mark. Bear in mind that these are watches that 20 years ago were trading for £35k. Clearly this is not the return to be expected on the majority of watches but it proves one important fact: confidence in the market is growing by the day. Confidence is a good thing for everyone and it is not just limited to rare Daytonas. Strong growth can be seen through a large portion of the market and we’re here with our key picks in an otherwise crowded sector. To keep us from banging the “Daytona” drum, I’ve broken our tips up into a few different price ranges…

Under £5,000

One watch that is about to start gaining traction is the classic Omega Moonwatch. The early straight cased ‘Ed Whites’ have almost doubled in price over the last five years, and now start at around £7,000. Around 1963, Omega upgraded the famous ‘flight qualified’ Speedmaster with an asymmetric case that incorporated crown guards (about four years after Rolex’s first ‘crown guard’ Sub - the 5512). After the success of Armstrong, Aldrin and Collins’s

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

Omega’s, marketing heads went into overdrive and the ‘Moonwatch’ moniker became forever associated with this iconic chronograph. The word ‘Professional’ had begun appearing on the dial in the mid ’60s but now Omega began engraving the case backs with the words ‘Flight Qualified by NASA The First Watch Worn On The Moon’. What is interesting is that the earliest examples had the text written straight across the back rather than around a central medallion like they do today. It is thought that this was only the case for a year or so, and while the market has yet to place a huge premium on these examples, where a nice one can be found for between £4,000 and £5,000, it is only a matter of time before this rare watch steps out of the shadows – the 321-powered asymmetrics are also now regularly tipping the £7,000 mark.

Between £5,000-£10,000

I wanted to write here about the Rolex GMT-Master (both GMT and GMT-II models) as both plastic and sapphire glass models have seen some pleasingly steady growth and are probably now accruing something like five to 10 per cent a year. However, the same can probably be said about almost all ‘pre-ceramic’ Rolex sports models, so I’ve plumped for the one that is putting the rest of the field to shame; the original Green Bezel anniversary Sub, or ‘Kermit’. We’ve been telling our clients to hoover up good examples of these since it was discontinued in favour of the 116610LV ‘Hulk’. If you are offered an early Y-series or low F-serial example (20032004) with the so-called ‘fat four’ bezel with papers for under £10,000 then don’t think twice. These watches will be worth £20-25k within five years. For later examples, from 2005 onwards, we expect to see them gain around 50 per cent in the same period. Obviously condition is always key with investment watches, but with the 16610LVs you should pay attention to the

from top Rolex 116520 Cosmograph Daytona; Rolex Submariner Date Green Bezel Anniversary; Omega Speedmaster Vintage ‘Nasa Straight Script’

condition of that bright green bezel insert as good clean examples are always going to appreciate quicker than badly worn or marked ones.

Over £10,000

While there has been a lot of talk about early Heuers lately with an almost singleminded focus on the manually-wound Autavias, I’d like to look at a steadier bet with a famously proven track record that stretches back to 1988. Yes, I’m banging that Daytona drum I mentioned – the classic automatic Rolex Daytona! If I were writing this 12 months ago then I would have focussed on the Zenithpowered models from 1988 to 2000, but, at Basel 2016, Rolex launched its new 116500 Ceramic model and suddenly the rush to acquire the last remaining ‘NOS’ examples of the 116520 began. There are now diminishing quantities of these watches available that have remained unworn and fully stickered. At Watch Club we’ve put a good number away ourselves for the future. I promise you that passing one on to your kids in 10 years’ time will pay the deposit for their first home. The best piece of advice I could pass on would be to simply buy the best that you can. Never sacrifice condition for a saving – quality always wins in this market. The Watch Club, The Royal Arcade, 28 Old Bond Sreet, W1, watchclub.com

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| INVESTMENT SPECIAL |

The Colour of

Money

With new-issue five pound notes sparking bidding wars online, Kari Colmans wonders if it’s worth cashing in on rare and first-edition banknotes

Future banknotes

o doubt you’ve already inspected your brand spanking new fivers. Not to ensure that it is, in the words of Michael McIntyre, “legal tenderrr, pal”, but to see if it could get you a lot more than half a sandwich and a cold-pressed juice at Pret. Because firstissue notes (recognisable by their serial numbers) are going for hundreds, if not thousands of pounds online. But are they a sound investment? “AA01 is the first prefix and logically the prefix that all collectors seek,” says Pamela West, who runs britishnotes.co.uk, an established business that has been buying and selling collectable British banknotes for almost 25 years. “However, the more people that collect the AA01 the more common it actually becomes. Although the bank has printed 440 million £5 polymer banknotes – this is the first tranche – serials to look for are solids such as 222222, 888888 and ladder serials such as 123456. In the current polymer £5 the lowest serial on AA01 prefix is the most valuable, (ie. 000017 – the lowest available from the recent Bank of England charity auction). As a new design The Queen receives number one, Prince Philip number two, and so on.” Set up in 1694 by Scottish merchant William Paterson, the Bank of England had the right to issue banknotes in return for risking the capital it lent to the government of the day. While at first inconsistent denominations were written by hand, partprinted notes appeared as early as 1695, with a Bank of England watermark being introduced two years later. In 1671, nearly a century later, the business of printing notes was brought within the walls of the Bank and a printing office was established and controlled by the chief cashier. Today, serial numbers are merely a way for the printers

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Th e New Fiver i s th e first of th e Bank of England’s n ew series of polym er not es, with th e £10 and £20 not es to b e replaced with polym er designs over th e coming years.

NEW TEN P OUND NOTE Th e n ew polym er £10 not e featuring Jan e Aust en will ent er circulation in summ er 2017.

NEW T WEN T Y P OUND NOTE Th e n ew polym er £20 not e featuring JMW Turn er will ent er circulation by 2020.

Th ere are cur rently n o pl an s to re pl a c e th e £ 5 0 n o t e featurin g B oulton an d Watt , but th e B ank of En g l an d w i l l ann oun c e th e m at eri al f or future £ 5 0 n o t e s in du e c ourse .

to keep track of what they print, having a warrant to produce so many millions. Although our banknotes are printed with serials 999999 down to 000001, (number 1 ending up at the top of the bundle) collectors sometimes seek the lower serials. But do they increase with value over time? West says: “As long as the right price was paid for a low serial at the time of purchase, in my opinion, yes. However, if someone has paid a ridiculously large amount of money for one, they may find that this would not be the case.” Five pound note fever aside, Commonwealth banknotes that depict the Queen have also been reaching high prices in recent years as well as Bank of England pre-First World War banknotes, which technically were only ever used once, paid into the bank and then destroyed. Scottish banknotes, Irish banknotes, Bank of England white banknotes (1790s-1956) and Treasury banknotes (1914-1928, which were printed to stop gold being hoarded) are also extremely valuable. West says: “We have a strong following in first and last prefixes. Internationally, collectors seek high-grade, older banknotes. In an English auction, the highest I’ve seen a collectable banknote go for was a leather presentation album of Zanzibar specimen banknotes of 1908 5 rupees to 100 rupees, which sold for £150,000. However, in the British market it was a 1797 white Newland £1 serial 2, which sold for £57,000.” britishnotes.co.uk

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

HYPNOTHERAPY: A TRADE SECRET? A City-based hypnotherapy service that promises to instil calm and banish emotional decision-making is being used by traders to fine-tune their judgement calls – Richard Brown puts it to the test

professionals. Having plied his trade on Harley Street, he admits the long hours and high pressures of London’s financial district meant his client base was soon populated by corporate types travelling from consultancies, hedge funds and investment banks for weekly sessions,

and he moved the business eastwards. Generally, their issues were well-known – stress, anxiety and addictive personality traits fuelled by the City’s drinking culture. But then, in 2004, came that piece of paper and a request to help traders manipulate the markets without flinching. Hypnotism involves planting positive suggestions in the client’s subconscious once they are in a relaxed state of awareness, to promote desired feelings and behaviours. Surtees asserts that the wording of any of these suggestions is always explicitly agreed beforehand, and says that the outcome can be strengthened by using psychological techniques – such as repetition, visualisation and linking positive emotions with an action like tapping the forefinger – that can then trigger these reassuring feelings in an alternative, and usually more challenging, situation. But why would a trader want to be transformed into an emotionless robot? “It was [a way of being] cold, clinical, calculating and super confident,” says Surtees, who now directly markets

Apple’s App Store. I once bought a magazine upon the promise that I’d get ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER ARMS IN JUST THREE DAYS!!! I’m still waiting for the gains. For all of that, to most of us possessing a Y chromosome, the thought of letting someone extricate our deepest-hidden anxieties while reclined in a chair, eyes closed, minds vulnerable to who-knowswhat level of insecurityladen introspection, sends shivers down our recently waxed backs. I’d rather be caught capturing Pokémon. Just. When entering a darkened room that’s been neutralised with whale music and the sort of landscape shots that Microsoft uses for its

Windows screensavers, it’s a good idea to employ a certain degree of cynicism. Beware the lair of the charlatan. Aaron Surtees didn’t look like a fake. Nor did he sound like one. Indeed, his soothing tone of voice suggested that he’d be perfectly up for the job at hand. He could help me with a range of miseries, he said, including anxiety and impotence. Suffering the burdens of neither of these afflictions – well, every man has the occasional off day – he offered to perform a type of meditative therapy which would render my mind clear and my body calm. During the next 40 minutes, as water trickled over stones in the headphones on my ears, Aaron’s melodious voice took me on a voyage that went deep underground, through many doors and into many rooms. To be honest, that’s about all I can remember – a lift, some doors and lots of rooms – until we were back in the metaphorical elevator in my mind and Aaron was bringing me back

BELOW Hypnotist Aaron Surtees

“I

’ve had clients literally write down on paper that they want to be transformed into an ‘emotionless robot’,” says hypnotist Aaron Surtees. Sixteen years ago, Surtees founded City Hypnosis, a clinic specialising in therapeutic interventions for young

The Review: City hypnosis Can letting someone tamper with your sub-conscious really aid professional development? Richard Brown takes the chair The modern man lives in perplexing times. We are at once expected to know how to rewire the lights in the living room and fix the leaking sink in the toilet under the stairs. We’ve also been emasculated to the point where it’s now acceptable to chase Pokémon in public, apparently. We can drink protein shakes at our desks, take selfies in the gym, even ask other men where they get their hair cut. We promote pseudoscientific self-help tomes to the top of book charts. We propel meditation apps to the top of

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

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| investment special |

hypnotherapy as an answer to emotional behaviour on the trading floor. “Some traders are losing focus and letting emotions such as greed, fear or anger get on top of clear decision-making. If you’re making rash decisions or being swayed by emotions, you’re not performing to your best ability. Traders want to trust their systems and their algorithms, and trust themselves.” Surtees insists hypnotherapy can work for anyone, as long as the person desires change. He says he regularly sees employees from the likes of Credit Suisse in Canary Wharf, and says he’s told that

“Hypnotherapy can work for anyone, as long as the person desires change” they feel ‘calmer’, ‘more confident’ and are ‘making more trades’. The cost for a session is £190 plus VAT and clients regularly attend around four 50-minute appointments over time. “People are much more open to hypnotherapy [in this era],” says Surtees. “In the wake of the financial crisis of 2008, I’ve had bankers speak to me about stress, and the importance of holistic health. Initially there can be some scepticism, but then clients realise it’s based on a practice of suggestion and neurolinguistic programming that’s worked for hundreds of years.”

into the real world with a ‘5-4-3-2-1-andopen-your-eyes’. Woah. What sort of quasi-state of consciousness was that? A place somewhere before sleep, where you’re not fully capable of grappling the thoughts that are leapfrogging into your mind before they disappear back into the darkness. Had I been hypnotised? Apparently not. But it was a seriously deep state of relaxation, similar to that place a really good massage will send you to, only deeper. I can’t attest to Aaron’s ability to rationalise decision-making, but if you’re looking for a quick-fix stress-busting session, then 50 minutes with him will straighten you right out. As for those too macho to have ever considered seeing a shrink, perhaps it’s time for us to man up. From £190+VAT, 0845 351 9926, 25 Southampton Buildings, WC2A (a one minute walk from Chancery Lane) cityhypnosis.com

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Wealth Management Investing in financial EQ will give you a return for life

iana Chambers is a leading ‘family wealth mentor’ – she teaches high net worth families how to develop financial emotional intelligence. Rather than learning how to manage assets, stocks and shares; it’s about understanding our relationship to money so that you own it rather than being owned by it. If I asked you to rate your financial IQ, you’d have a good idea of what I meant: how much do you know about managing your assets, balancing your portfolio, and tracking your expenditure; how good is your tax planning? If I asked you to rate your financial EQ, or emotional intelligence, would you have any idea how to do it – or even understand what I meant? Few of us have consciously been taught financial EQ, yet without these skills we are ill-equipped to manage our money or the ways in which it affects our relationships with friends and family. Financial EQ is understanding our own feelings, beliefs, and expectations about wealth and being able to communicate and interact with others who may have different attitudes. It requires selfknowledge and interpersonal skills. When it comes to making life-defining financial decisions that touch those we love – whether it’s a divorce, an inheritance issue, or a family trust fund – emotions run high. If we don’t deploy our financial EQ, we risk not only frittering away our wealth but also destroying some of our closest relationships. For the past 14 years, I have managed a private client practice and, as a family wealth mentor, I help my clients manage their wealth in emotionally intelligent ways. My new book, True Wealth: Letters on Money, Life, and Love goes to the heart of the money and life questions I have been asked most frequently over the years. Though I work with high net worth families, the principles I teach are relevant for all of us with disposable income. One of our biggest difficulties is our inability to talk meaningfully about money. Learning to do this with close friends and family allows us to resolve conflicts and negotiate productively over money; as a result, it enhances those relationships. It could be about something fundamental, such as drawing up a prenuptial agreement, and making it a collaborative process with your partner rather than ceding control to your lawyer.

Or it could be something apparently more trivial, such as deciding how to split a restaurant bill when some of the group are much wealthier than others, but which can have a great impact on relationships within that group. The first step to acquiring financial EQ is being honest about your own relationship to money. Doing so will help you answer the big life questions: Who and what do I love? Who and in what do I trust? What has ultimate meaning? What is the purpose of my life? One of the stories I tell in the book is about a widower who had decided to leave the majority of his estate to charity rather than his four grown-up children, who had shown little interest in his philanthropy. He knew he had to initiate a conversation, but, having avoided the subject for many years, did not know how to do it. My advice was to be open about his intentions and have two separate family conversations: one to explain his commitment to charitable causes and to explore whether his children had any passions of their own which might be of mutual interest; and a second to explain his fear of being cut off from them as he aged and needed their support. Our relationship with money triggers truth-revealing questions and only by confronting, rather than avoiding them, can we hope to acquire true financial wisdom. True Wealth: Letters on Money, Life, and Love (Altitude Press, £21) is available on amazon.co.uk. Diana can be contacted at diana@dianachambers.com

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

Start me up

In tough economic times, small, independent businesses are flourishing. The City Magazine presents some notable success stories from London-based startups, and highlights some fledgling companies currently in search of investment WORDS: BETHAN REES

ince the EU referendum in June 2016, startups in the capital have received over £2.5 million from the London Co-Investment Fund, backed by mayor Sadiq Khan. In December 2016, the Startup Guide London launched, aimed at helping entrepreneurs set up and grow their businesses in London and to market the capital as Europe’s startup hotspot for new companies. Thanks to equity crowdfunding platforms such as Seedrs.com, early-stage investment has become far more open and accessible. In a period of historically low interest rates and sky-high house prices, crowdfunded startups are giving novice investors the chance to capitalise on the next big thing – you just need the skill to spot them.

The Success stories MUCH BETTER ADVENTURES An independent, tailor-made holiday company, Much Better Adventures was created in 2012 to inspire people to be more adventurous with their leisure time. The company hand-picks local travel guides with the aim of making small businesses the real beneficiaries of tourism. The company has seen more than 85,000 nights booked on its website and a huge response for the recently launched Epic Weekends series, which includes experiences such as wild camping in the Norwegian fjords and pack rafting in the Finnish forests. Much Better Adventures raised $1 million between Seedcamp, the London Co-Investment Fund and angel investors and entrepreneurs. In November 2016, the company won the award for Best Travel Experiences at the Travolution Awards. muchbetteradventures.com

whichit An interactive image-based content platform, Whichit is an app that enables publishers and marketers to increase user engagement and sales by putting

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

brands in front of a highly targeted audience through social voting and polls. After winning the UK Trade and Investment’s Sirius Programme (which is aimed at international graduates who want to establish a business in the UK), Whichit relocated from Tel Aviv to London in 2014. In 2015, Whichit won Facebook’s FbStart Apps of the Year (EMEA) Award and the People’s Choice Award at Pitch@Palace, which was founded by The Duke of York to

support entrepreneurs by amplifying and accelerating their business. The company secured £750,000 worth of investment, won £246,426 in funding from Innovate UK and was awarded additional awards worth more than £50,000 from UKTI (UK Trade and Investment) and Facebook. home.getwhichit.com

liquiproof After becoming disillusioned with the number of expensive suits, shoes and ties being destroyed by the volatile British weather, entrepreneur Caner Veli came up with the idea of Liquiproof – a nontoxic and eco-friendly protective coating spray that you can use on clothing, that creates a barrier against oil, liquids and ink. The pharmaceutical science graduate created the stain-preventing formula in 2011, quit his corporate job, and built his own e-commerce website. Liquiproof made it into the Top 10 Most Innovative Businesses of 2014 and the Top 100 Startups in 2015. In January 2016, Veli secured a £100,000 investment from Touker Suleyman on BBC’s Dragon’s Den and is now being sold nationwide. liquiproof.co.uk

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| INVESTMENT SPECIAL |

Rising Stars: the lifestyle companies currently in search of investment

laundrapp The perfect solution for the time-poor, Laundrapp is an on-demand laundry and dry cleaning service that covers many parts of the UK, including London, Bristol, Windsor and Edinburgh. A simple and wellexecuted idea, you book a laundry collection online or through the app, and Laundrapp will collect it. Collection and delivery is free. To date, Laundrapp has raised approximately £10 million in 18 months and the company is expected to roll out across more locations in the UK. The company has just launched its voice-activated laundry service. Available exclusively through Amazon Alexa and the Amazon Echo voice-activated speaker, Laundrapp enables customers to book a free laundry collection simply by asking Alexa. laundrapp.com

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drop

evarae

You’ll never have to do a last-minute dash to the off-licence again, thanks to the new wine delivery app, Drop. From the minds behind The 10 Cases wine bar and bistrot in Covent Garden, Ian Campbell and Will Palmer have joined together to create an app that offers high-quality wines to be delivered to your home or office, picnic or party. You can also order paired snacks, such as cheese, bread, smoked salmon and charcuterie. Choose a style or a mood, and Drop will help you select an appropriate wine(s). There’s no minimum order, and delivery comes via electric bike to anywhere in zones 1 or 2. Looking to 2017, further investment will be used to enlarge the distribution network with the opening of four more hubs alongside adding investment to the technical aspect that powers the app. dropwine.co.uk

Evarae is a new luxury resortwear brand launching its first ever collection for S/S17. It’s the creation of creative director, Georgia Thompson, who was inspired by her childhood spent by the sea, travelling with her parents around the world to exotic locations for the family’s yacht design business. Evarae is the name of the boat Thompson spent much of her time on. Using 100 per cent silk, mixed with traditional hand embroideries and delicate cutwork, the label feels ultra-luxe and, of course, perfect to wear on a yacht. With investment, Evarae will build a database of early brand ambassadors, and create opportunities for the new business to scale. evarae.com

troubadour Stocked in the likes of Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, Thom Sweeney and Timothy Everest, leather goods specialist Troubadour was born out of its founders’ desire to find the ultimate weekend bag. Failing to do so, they created their own. The duo’s subsequent company, Troubadour, has since extended its product line to include a range of accessories, incorporating wallets, cardholders and belts. Troubadour is currently looking for investment to expand its distribution. troubadourgoods.com

Photography by Petra Van Raaji

twickets A ticket resale platform working with various event industries to enable fans to trade spare tickets at face value, Twickets connects enthusiasts to fairly priced experiences, rather than having to pay over the odds or buying a ticket from a tout outside the venue. It’s been appointed as the executive resale platform for many artists, including Adele, One Direction and in the very near future, Crystal Palace FC. Twickets is seeking investment to accelerate its growth in the UK and across the world. twickets.co.uk

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

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out of office january 2017

The Milky Way from Mauritius for a glimpse of our galaxy make for the sky above Mauritius Amateur stargazers take note: the night’s sky in Mauritius is so clear, that the full extent of our galaxy is available to see with just a crane of the neck. Light pollution is almost non-existent, a paradisiacal trend indicative of life on the island, where more species of birds have been saved from extinction than in any other country. Mark Twain remarked that “from one citizen you gather the idea that Mauritius was made first, and then heaven; and that heaven was copied after Mauritius”. Turn to page 104 to discover more about one of the Indian Ocean’s most romanticised islands.

Taking on th e chauffeur ca r market – an the BMW 7 Se d winning – ries 740Ld w it h xDrive is w to let someo ay too good ne else have all the driving fun Words: Jennifer Maso n

Seven-Star Luxury 86

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

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| MOTORING |

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THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

aking the BMW 7 Series 740Ld with xDrive for a spin was always going to be an interesting proposition. For starters, this limousine version of the popular 7 Series is directed at high-flying CEOs looking for extra legroom and all mod cons in the rear seats. Put it this way: owners of this version of the popular 7 Series are rarely going to be driving it themselves. So, in this road test, I’ll be looking at both sides of the equation. Speaking of algebra, this BMW comes with a lot of numbers and letters in its name, but, basically, you’re looking at a three-litre, six-cylinder turbo diesel engine producing 255bhp and 413lb-ft of torque perched atop a long wheelbase. Records suggest the extra power boost will propel the 740Ld 0-60mph in 6.2 seconds – not too shabby for a vehicle that weighs 4,715lb. First things first: what does it look like? I’ve found BMW styling a bit hit and miss in the past, but I have to say, I really like the look of the new 7 Series. Despite its limousine status, the lines move away from your average boxy chauffeur car, offering something that's altogether sleeker. At the front, the slanting headlights and double grille give the car a leonine aspect, suggesting smooth grace and power in a nod to the 740Ld’s turbo-charged engine. In the driver’s seat, it’s like stepping into the cockpit of a futuristic spaceship. Everything in the car can be controlled from the driver’s seat (a necessary function for a vehicle most commonly used to chauffeur busy executives from place to place), from ambient temperature and massage functions to the sliding sunscreens on the back windows and rear windscreen. Despite this, the control systems are functional and easy to use. The sat nav is pleasantly painless and fiddling with the myriad seat and steering wheel adjusters leaves me with one of the most comfortable driving positions I’ve ever experienced (and that’s before I engage the massage function). The 740Ld is a beast; but even winding through London’s busy streets the car is far from unwieldy. On the contrary; it’s well adapted to life on the capital’s congested roads. I wouldn’t exactly call it ‘nippy’, but that’s to be expected in a car designed to offer the smoothest of rides. This is where the xDrive (BMW’s fourwheel drive system) comes into play. The extra grip means the car hugs the road steadily whatever the weather conditions; but it’s also the reason the 740Ld handles like a car half its size, despite its more lengthy dimensions. Driving this BMW is just plain fun, and has me seriously considering a new career as a chauffeur. Out on the motorway, this car is in its

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element. The suspension really is excellent, absorbing all the little lumps and bumps and taking the endlessly changing surfaces of the M4 in its stride. The eight-speed automatic gearbox is well-tuned, blessedly avoiding the awkward hesitations between gears that you sometimes find in larger saloon cars. And with plenty of gadgets to play with, you won’t be bored even when you inevitably find yourself mired in the London exodus traffic. From a passenger point of view, the two sculpted back seats of the 740Ld are exactly what you’d expect, and want, from a limousine motor. I asked several friends and family members to test the space, and, from 5ft3in to 6ft4in, everybody seemed impressed with the headroom and the amount of room they had to stretch out. Naturally though, it was the rear passenger entertainment screens that caused the most excitement – coupled with the car’s WiFi hotspot and wireless charging function. While it may be marketed as the perfect chauffeur vehicle, the 740Ld could easily work just as well as a family car. The extra space in the back means there’ll be fewer squabbles, and the entertainment system should keep them quiet long enough to fall asleep in the plush, comfortable seats.

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BMW 7 SERIES THE VITALS Maximum power hp/PS 326 Maximum torque Nm 500 Transmission Automatic with manual mode Number of speeds 8 Driven wheels 4x4 CO2 g/km 54 Max speed mph 155 Max speed km/h 249 Acceleration 0-62 mph 5.4

forgetful types will frequently require a chap from BMW to come and save them when they’ve forgotten to charge it up. No power = no car. I found myself constantly checking the key’s battery indicator to see if we would be stranded in the forest somewhere south of Gloucester. Perhaps most importantly for a limousine-style vehicle, the 740Ld looks the part. I took it to a very swanky hotel in the Cotswolds and the BMW appeared right at home parked next to the Aston Martins and Bentleys, despite coming in at half the price. If you’re in the market for a comfortable, spacious saloon car, the BMW would be a good shout. Forget relaxing in the back seat; the driving experience behind the wheel of the 740Ld is so soothing you’ll want to ditch your chauffeur and don the cap yourself. From £76,010 on the road, bmw.co.uk

While it may be marketed as the perfect chauffeur vehicle, the 740Ld could easily work just as well as a family car If you’re regularly driving long distances, trust me when I tell you that you want this car. It is supremely comfortable – after a four-hour stint on the M4, I emerged completely un-crumpled. Also essential for those long-distance drivers is the mileage numbers: 54.3mpg for the biggest production car BMW has ever made. On a practical level though, if you haven’t purchased the 740Ld purely for your chauffeur to hover outside your office to collect you, parking it can be a bit of an issue. Forget tightly packed car parks; your typical three-point-turn becomes more of a 57-point-turn thanks to the long wheelbase, though the 360° cameras mean at least you’ve got a full picture of the mess you’ve gotten yourself into. This car is perfectly suited to gliding smoothly up to and away from pavements but completely out of its depth in the average multi-storey. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. One down side to all the car’s technology is the futuristic key. It’s very clever, but I found it a bit fiddly – and

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THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

Fighting

fit

The last Tough Guy, the original and still the most brutal obstacle endurance event, takes place this January. Here’s 2017’s other ultimate fitness challenges, and how to sign up for them WORDS: DAVID TAYLOR

clockwise from top Break Point; Break Point Break Point; Tour de Force; Tough Guy; Tough Guy; Ironman

n the final Sunday of January, in a series of muddy fields on the outskirts of Wolverhampton, the 30th and final Tough Guy will take place. In freezing conditions, more than 250 obstacles will be laid out over a 15km course, designed to test participants’ fear of heights, tight spaces, water, fire and electric shocks to the limit. This year, The City Magazine’s Barrie Snow will be taking the plunge (good luck Bazza, pray for a warm day). Inspired, we considered the other fitness events worth signing up for in 2017. And no, Tough Mudder didn’t quite cut the mustard.

Tour de Force The Tour de Force offers the opportunity to live like Chris Froome and complete the Tour de France a week before the real event. Choose as many stages as you want to ride, and be treated like a professional cyclist, with bag transport, physios, medics and mechanics all part of the team making

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

sure you ride to the best of your abilities. Open to anyone, the team even helps you train through the winter months leading up to the cycle, with regular training rides and social events keeping spirits and motivation high. Set up by the William Wates Memorial Trust, a family charity that keeps young people away from a life of crime, the entire experience is one of camaraderie. Plus, cycling the Tour de France is not a bad conversation starter at a dinner party. From £420 + £800 sponsorship tourdeforce.org.uk

National Three Peaks Challenge Climbing the tallest mountains in Scotland, Wales and England is arguably difficult enough, but hardy adventurers have decided to make it more of a challenge by trying to conquer them all in less than 24 hours. Scotland’s Ben Nevis (4,409ft), England’s Scafell Pike (3,209ft) and Wale’s Snowdon (3,560ft) are testing

peaks to climb, and the added challenge of travelling between them through the night, descending as dusk falls, makes this trek nothing to be sniffed at. The modern record stands at 14 hours and 36 minutes – aim high. From £320pp threepeakschallenge.uk

Break Point The name says it all: courses led by former members of the UK’s elite Special Forces push you to your physical and mental edge in a two-day period of training and missions. The team have all worked on and featured in Channel 4’s SAS: Who Dares Wins, and the methods used on the programme are the same as at Break Point. Day One is selection training, where you learn all the skills necessary to survive behind enemy lines as a member of the SF, including bushcraft, medical awareness, and escape and evasion. Day Two is when the action starts, with small teams taking part in mental and physical tests, while facing hostiles behind

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“A 2.4 mile swim. Followed by 112 miles of cycling. Finished off with a full marathon”

enemy lines. Not for the faint of heart. From £250 break-point.com

Trek to Everest Base Camp Once the remit of the ultra rich or the sponsored, the trek to Everest Base Camp has become much more accessible – at least, financially. The trek starts with a flight in a Twin Otter plane to Lukla mountain airstrip, from where you’ll walk through Buddhist Sherpa country, taking in stunning villages and monasteries in the Khumbu region, and the heart of Sherpa country in Namche Bazaar. As you acclimatise to the altitude, the trek continues from Gorak Shep along the Khumbu glacier to the final point at Everest Base Camp. Next stop the summit… £1,695 themountaincompany.co.uk

Trek to the North Pole Join a select list of those who have trekked to the North Pole. After a few days training in the Norwegian town of Longyearbyen, perfecting skiing and trekking skills, you’re

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flown to Barneo Ice Camp, from where you head north for the Pole. You cross the frozen ice fields floating over the Atlantic, meaning that if the tide isn’t in your favour, after a night’s sleep you could be back to where you started. Temperatures as low as -45⁰C make sure this is no walk in the park. £29,950 charitychallenge.com

Ironman triathlon A 2.4 mile swim. Followed by 112 miles of cycling. Finished off with a full marathon. You don’t get much more of a challenge than that. The most famous Ironman triathlon is held in Hawaii and was founded by US Naval Commander John Collins, and is now a qualification-only event, but there are plenty of variations on the Ironman concept, with races across the globe – including the ‘Norseman Xtreme Triathlon’ in Norway through the freezing water and arctic Norwegian winds. No matter where you race, this is the ultimate test of body and mind. From £150 eu.ironman.com

CHALLENGE IN THE CITY Vertical Rush, Tower 42 Why take the lift when you can race up the stairs? Tower stair challenges are becoming more popular, and March sees the City’s original skyscraper open its doors to those who fancy their chances against Tower 42’s 932 steps. In October, it’s the Gherkin’s turn, with 1,037 steps to conquer. If you catch the bug, there is even an official UK tower running championship. Most runs are done for charity, and you can sign up through their respective pages. £30 + £160 sponsorship Tower 42: england.shelter.org.uk; 30 St. Mary Axe; nspcc.org.uk

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

Physical Calculations Mark and Hannah Hayes-Westall have been working in, and writing about, contemporary art for almost 20 years. Each month, they identify an artist who should appear on your agenda

This month: MAT CHIVERS

hat’s so interesting? Immediately after 9/11, and again after the Northeast Blackout of 2003, rumours of an impending, rather localised baby boom in New York City spread. It didn’t materialise in either instance, presumably as a result of the same careful planning that keeps the New York birthrate stable in less turbulent times, but the rumours themselves tell us a lot about our instinctive drive for sensual contact in times of uncertainty. Drawing explicit connections between sensuality and our fears of a changing world, British artist Mat Chivers’ body of work is concerned with perception, and he draws on the most contemporary of resources: big data. To do so, he turns the huge sets of information into a new form of artistic material. Taking data sets that record ocean wave height, one of a number of proxy measures for understanding how climate change affects extreme weather events and cloud formation, Chivers renders the abstract data into the sculptural language of sensuality. He brings together intellectual

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ideas of human impact with the science of audio transmission, baser concepts of sex and fear. and refers to the degree of In Harmonic Distortions distortion added by the (2016), data about the environment through formation of storm cells which a signal passes; over the Democratic in this case perhaps Harmonic Distortion by Republic of Congo suggesting the distortion Mat Chivers 25th November 2016 – 28th February 2017 reveals an alarming of the frightening nature PM/AM, 259-269 Old Marylebone decrease in cloud cover of the data, now rendered Road, London NW1 5RA and is rendered in smoothly tactile through Pmam.org robotically milled black this most touchable of and white marble, in shapes sculptural materials. that take their form from The physicality that elements of the wave formation accompanies our perception of only cycle. The title itself has its origins in the partially understood yet alarming facts is underscored by a companion piece created by Chivers with celebrated shibari ( Japanese artistic form of rope bondage) performer Marika Leila Roux and her co-performer Gestalta, Circle Drawing (2016). In this, music created by producer Moiré accompanies the classical Japanese ritualised bondage and suspension of the performers, with data cables replacing the traditional jute. Intended to draw parallels between the shibari method of focusing all attention on one part of the body at a time, and our inability to comprehend the fullness of the information with which we are supplied, the piece was performed at London’s PM/AM gallery in November this year. The connection between the source data, the materials and techniques deployed by Chivers continues with (It’s Not) Black & White (2016), a series of wallmounted sculptural works built around measurements of ocean swells in the seas

FIND the work

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| ART & INTERIORS |

surrounding threatened ecosystems in Brazil and the Galapagos Islands. Driven by changes in atmospheric pressure that are in themselves the result of changes in the temperatures of ocean currents, the works visually capture the precarious nature of the continued existence of these locales in cast sea salt reclaimed from desalination plants. Alongside them, a series of cyanotype prints of data about cloud cover over British locations are created by exposing graphed light-resistant paper to the sunshine available in the places in which measurements were taken. The international scope of Chivers’ work is reflected in his schooling. Beginning his training in the UK, he studied fine art at Nottingham Trent University before furthering his studies at La Escuela de Bellas Artes de Barcelona in Spain. His range and approach have found favour with the international art community. Chivers’ exhibited at both the 54th and 55th Venice Biennales. His work has also made its way into a number of notable public and private collections, including those of Oxford University, The Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, the Kasser Mochary Foundation and, fittingly, the collection of the Metrological Office in the UK. The facility with data that Chivers exhibits marks him out amongst a host of artists currently described by the art

world as Postdigital. Applying to artists whose work includes both data and internet references, the term has come to imply a focus on the importance of humanity. However Chivers’ use of data as a material in its own right, accompanied by his interest in perceptual impacts seems to connect him with an older tradition, while his use of technology and data to create physical effects is shared with pioneers of electronic music such as Stockhausen and Kraftwerk.

He sees the shifts visible in the environmental data of cloud and wave cycles as signifiers of what he refers to as “our precarious contemporary moment”, considering that in this age, it is more important than ever to retain a sensual relationship with the world and its materials. Frightening, challenging and arousing, it is the seamlessness with which Chivers interweaves our emotions with hard facts that makes his work so compelling and engaging. Clockwise from top left: Harmonic Distortion, 2016, Mat Chivers, courtesy of PM/AM; Circle Drawing, 2016, Mat Chivers; (It’s Not) Black and White (Brazil), 2016, Mat Chivers; Harmonic Distortion, 2016, Mat Chivers, courtesy of PM/AM; (It’s Not) Black and White (Aberystwyth), 2016, Mat Chivers

He brings together intellectual ideas of human impact with the baser concepts of sex and fear

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THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

Rose Mirror Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the most glowing of them all? You will be with this rose gold glass, which can be mounted on the wall or carefully placed as part of a design feature. Circum rose round mirror, £159, April and the Bear, aprilandthebear.com

metal the to l a d e p y to an rmth wa g n of addi p your metallics t way u r x mi sma are a ow to re’s h details he , r e ts pp accen nd co small old a g o t se , ro nt pieces gold stateme m fro

. room

rees words: bethan

br a ss and g o l d c h est Hand-craft ed an d hi g hly p o li sh ed , thi s bra ss ch e st dipp ed in go l d i s a sh ow stopp er. With an g l ed cut s , it i s a c ont emp orar y t ake on a cl a ssi c d e si g n , remini sc ent of a trea sure ch e st . It ’s al s o lin ed w ith U ltra su ed e , f or a s of t tou ch . Cont emporar y brass and gold ch est, £14,060, Touched Int eriors, touchedint eriors.co.uk

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

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| ART & INTERIORS |

FINISHING TOUCHES

lantern Standing tall at just over one metre, this lantern in a rose gold finish would look wonderful with a tall pillar candle inside. Marlowe rose gold lantern, £159, Artisanti, artisanti.com

Glam rock table Effortlessly elegant, this decorative table from Danish brand Reflections by Hugau/Larsson is made from black painted MDF and covered in rose gold mirrored glass. Glam Rock table in rose gold, £920, Reflections by Hugau/ Larsson, amara.com

Charging dock

BEOSOUND SPEAKERS Adding an Art Deco nuance to its range, the Cool Modern Collection by Bang & Olufsen features brass-toned products including these two wireless speakers, both created to spread beautiful tunes throughout your home. Beosound 1 (below left), £995, Besound 2 (below right), £1,350, Bang & Olufsen, bang-olufsen.com

Why leave your iPhone or iPad simply perched on the side, attached to a cable, when you could have it sat in a striking dock made from aluminium. This rosegold version perfectly matches the rose gold iPhone colourway – interior design heaven. The dock also includes a 4ft colour-matched Lightning Cable. Dock+ Lightning in rose gold and stone, £49.99, Native Union, nativeunion.co.uk

Splatter cushion An easy way to introduce the metallic trend into your home, this velvet cushion in light green features screen-printed gold foiling and would add a touch of glamour to any sofa. Crafted from 100 per cent cotton, they’re extraordinarily comfortable, too. It also comes in other colours, if you’re game for a bold collection. Green metallic splatter cushion, £28, Oliver Bonas, oliverbonas.com

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THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

WINTER SUN

Pura vida According to the 2016 Happy Planet Index, Costa Rica is the most satisfying place to live in the world. Maybe it’s got something to do with the abundance of wildlife or the hidden waterfalls, its biodiversity or perhaps it’s the world-renowned coffee WORDS: SARAH GILBERT

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

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WINTER SUN

woke to the sonorous roar of howler monkeys and a chorus of unidentified chirrups, whoops and caws. Squabbling squirrel monkeys swung past my terrace, a pair of jewel-coloured scarlet macaws preened each other, while giant iguanas sunned themselves on tree trunks. It was just a typical morning in Costa Rica – no wonder the Ticos’ refrain is pura vida, or pure life. From lush rainforests to dramatic peaks and pristine beaches, the country is a nature lover’s paradise and new direct flights from London are making it easier to reach. With over a quarter of its land protected by national parks and reserves, it’s home to an astonishing array of wildlife, including humpback whales, sea turtles and four species of monkey, all in an area around two-thirds the size of Scotland. And you don’t have to sacrifice luxury to go green, with a host of stylish, ecoconscious hotels opening up. My first base was Hacienda AltaGracia, a new rusticluxe retreat from Auberge Resorts, tucked away in vast estate among the gorgeous greenery of Pérez Zeledón’s mountains, just a three-and-half-hour drive south from the capital San José, or a short flight to its private airstrip. Its 50 secluded casitas are decorated in earth tones, warm woods and local art that echoes the serene setting. And they all come with picture windows to frame the endless views over stunning green peaks, terraces perfect for sipping a sunset Daiquiri and log fires to ward off the evening chill. After waking up and smelling the organic coffee on my sun-filled deck – along with gallo pinto, the hearty Costa Rican breakfast of rice, beans, eggs and tangy salsa, washed down with fresh pineapple juice – the only dilemma was how to spend my day. Should I saddle up one of the handsome horses – there’s a steed to suit every

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rider, from beginners to accomplished equestrians – hike or bike along scenic mountain trails, or simply swing in a palapa-shaded hammock, wallow in a hot tub and lounge by the infinity pool that seems to pour down the forest-clad slopes? You can even take an ultra-light flight, gliding low over impressive waterfalls or pods of whales in season. I chose to visit the award-winning El Cedral coffee finca, to see how the beans are picked, dried and roasted,

The adults-only Nayara Springs is surrounded by barely tamed jungle, filled with vibrant tropical blooms and exotic birds

ABOVE Scarlet macaw parrots on a tree BELOW Arenas del Mar Beach & Nature Resort

before going back to nature in style with a pampering bamboo therapy massage at the enormous wood-scented spa. There was no shortage of dining options either. I could feast on local flavours at El Bistro, or fine-dining fusion at Ambar – perhaps roasted beef tenderloin with green plantain ragout – followed by a creative cocktail at clubby La Cantina. From mountains to coast. My next stop was the Arenas del Mar resort, sitting on a cliff top surrounded by lush, tropical forest overlooking a glorious sweep of sand and the glittering Pacific, where iguanas sunbathed by the pool and monkeys chattered in the trees. It’s a hop, skip and a jump from Manuel Antonio, the country’s smallest, and one of its most popular, national parks. Fronted by spectacular beaches and backed by dense rainforest, it’s one of the easiest places to spot wildlife. I was met at the entrance by a black spiny-tailed iguana and along the trail, my sharp-eyed guide spotted a cyanide-oozing millipede that smelt faintly of almonds, glass frog eggs attached to the underside of a leaf and a perfectly camouflaged Jesus

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

WINTER SUN Christ Lizard – so called because they can walk on water – basking on a log. I didn’t need him to point out a boisterous posse of squirrel monkeys as they scampered from tree to tree, or the bad boy white-faced capuchin monkey that bared its fangs at the strange creatures staring up at it. But I was amazed when, what I thought was a shadow, turned out to be a three-toed sloth slumbering in its twig bed. There was almost no need to leave the resort, as everything dropped by. Walking through the grounds, I came across an impossibly cute baby sloth dangling lazily from a branch, a pair of nuzzling toucans and a miniature but noisy, primarycoloured red-eyed tree frog. I strolled along the sand, as novice surfers wavered unsteadily on their boards. Then down to the resort’s tranquil private beach for a leisurely lunch of just-caught fish, washed down with an ice-cold beer, watching brown pelicans dive for their own lunch. The Ultimate Travel Company (020 3051 If you’re not content with 8098, theultimatetravelcompany.co.uk) can wildlife spotting or chilling tailor-make a 10-day trip to Costa Rica from on boundless beaches, £3,875 per person, including three nights at Costa Rica has no shortage Hacienda AltaGracia, three nights at Arenas of adrenaline-inducing del Mar, two nights in a deluxe casita at Nayara adventures, including Springs and a night at Hotel Grano de Oro, white-water rafting, scaling two private air charters, private transfers volcanoes and zip lines and direct flights to San José with British that’ll send you speeding Airways (ba.com). – and squealing – over the For more information on Costa jungle canopy. Rica see visitcostarica.com The adults-only Nayara Springs is one of the most bed, hand-carved wooden furniture, luxurious boutique hotels in the sparkling chandeliers, and I could country. It’s surrounded by barely tamed ABOVE The view from shower inside or out. Best of all was my jungle, filled with vibrant tropical blooms Arenas del Mar Beach & Nature Resort wraparound terrace, where I could flit from and exotic birds, and overlooks Arenal daybed to hammock and jump into the Volcano that rises out of the rainforest BELOW, LEFT Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica pool fed by thermal, mineral-rich waters. and into the clouds, looming over the BELOW, RIGHT Squirrel I lunched at Asia Luna, a brightly town of La Fortuna. monkey in Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica coloured Asian-Peruvian fusion restaurant, My intimate villa boasted a four-poster trying out marlin and shitake gyoza and grilled yellow fin tuna, as well as the creative signature cocktail made with mango, ginger, lemongrass and the national tipple guaro, or sugarcane rum. Then I worked off the gastronomic

Fact box

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

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| TRAVEL |

delights with a hike up Arenal. One of the country’s most active volcanoes, it hasn’t erupted since 1968 but until recently it let off atmospheric plumes of smoke and red-hot lava, and the trail wound over black lava fields dotted with bright green

I began my evening at the Nostalgia wine bar, with tapas and a choice of 24 fine wines by the glass lichen, for the closest possible view of its perfect cone. Later, I headed to the spa to be slathered, appropriately, in mineral-rich volcanic mud. I began my evening at the Nostalgia wine bar, with tapas and a choice of 24 fine wines by the glass. Then on to Amor Loco, the flagship restaurant with a Moorish feel and a Mediterranean-influenced menu that makes the most of local, seasonal ingredients, in dishes such as hearts of palm salad and a succulent filet mignon. Later, I sat on my terrace under a starstudded sky and listened to the rustle and hum of the jungle. I’d found my pura vida.

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TOP RIGHT Canopy bridge at Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort RIGHT The pool at Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort

THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

WINTER SUN

Bermuda makes a fitting venue for the biggest prize in sailing Built in 1885, the legendary ‘pink palace’ and the official hotel of the America’s Cup, has presided over Hamilton Harbour for more than a century: Mark Twain smoked cigars on its verandahs and its former fish-tank-lined bar inspired Ian Fleming to create Dr No’s lair. A recent multimillion-dollar makeover has preserved its lustrous marble lobby and fragrant cedar woodwork, and given the suites a lighter, island-inspired feel, as well as installing a palm-fringed infinity pool and a museum-worthy contemporary art collection. In the lobby alone, Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst and Banksy were among those gracing the walls. At its other new restaurant, Marcus’, renowned chef Marcus Samuelsson has given Bermuda’s traditional dishes a contemporary twist and that evening I dined on his delicious fish chowder croquettes with rum aioli and

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With all the charm of a rural British countryside paired with the vibe and backdrop of a classic tropical island, Bermuda is a territory of two halves, as Sarah Gilbert discovers

a heritage cocktail

he crowds cheered and the Champagne flowed as we joined the eclectic flotilla of craft, from superyachts to four-masted schooners, bobbing up and down in the Great Sound to watch six state-of-the-art catamarans race across the water faster than the wind. I was in Bermuda for the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series races, one in a series of global tournaments in the build-up to the thrills and spills of the 35th America’s Cup in 2017. Next spring, the teams – cup-holders USA, Great Britain, France, Sweden, Japan and New Zealand – will be back in Bermuda to see which will qualify to face the USA in the June final. With its long seafaring tradition, Bermuda makes a fitting venue for the biggest prize in sailing. Britain’s oldest colony was settled by accident in 1609, when Admiral Sir George Somers and his crew on the Sea Venture were shipwrecked on route to Virginia and lucky enough to be washed up on the island’s uninhabited shores. Over 400 years later, after lounging by the infinity pool, I watched sleek superyachts glide in and out of the new marina from 1609, the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club hotel’s new indoor-outdoor restaurant, as I indulged in delicate slivers of just-caught sashimi and rock lobster tacos, washed down with the island’s classic cocktail, the Dark and Stormy, a deliciously potent mix of Gosling’s dark rum, fresh lime and ginger beer.

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flavoursome Dockyard IPA BBQ wealthy: the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts short rib, washed down with a Darker among them. Today, Michael Bloomberg and Stormier. and Ross Perot are among those with Just 21 miles long and less than two properties along ‘Billionaires’ Row’. miles wide, at first glance Bermuda The first settlers landed at the still seems peculiarly British, with picturesque town of St George’s on the red postboxes and parishes named island’s eastern tip where they found Devonshire and Southampton. But, as I primeval forests of endemic sweet-scented discovered, it’s decidedly tropical and very cedar and towering palmetto palms. It much its own country. was the capital until 1815 and has been Bermudians are at pains to point preserved in a delightful time warp of out that it’s not in the Caribbean. Nor winding cobbled streets lined with sugar is it a single island but rather a string almond-hued houses. of more than one hundred The sherbet-coloured buildings islands and islets linked by of its current capital, a series of causeways Hamilton, belie the island’s and bridges, resting on status as the world’s risk British Airways (ba.com) flies from the exposed tips of capital: advertising London Gatwick daily in summer and an extinct volcano and neon signs are five times a week in winter. Prestige Holidays (prestigeholidays.co.uk) offers three nights in the midst of the banned, the uniform at the Fairmont-managed Hamilton Princess & Atlantic Ocean. for businessmen is Beach Club in a Deluxe Garden Room and four One of the shorts worn with a nights at the Fairmont Southampton in a Fairmont world’s most blazer and kneeRoom on a board-only basis, from £1,776 per person, including flights. prosperous length socks, and on For more more information, see Bermuda economies, it has Front Street, Louis Tourism Authority (gotobermuda.co.uk) and traded for generations Vuitton rubs shoulders America’s Cup (americascup.com). on its ingenuity – from with A. S. Cooper & blockade running during Sons Limited (est. 1897). the American Civil War and It’s a paradise for golfers, rum-running during Prohibition, with more courses per square to becoming a hub of offshore business mile than anywhere else in the world, – and natural beauty. but the island also has an adventurous With just over 100 kilometres of side. I let Ashley Harris take me off the coastline lapped by impossibly blue water tourist trail on her Hidden Gems tour for and a subtropical climate – ‘golf and spa’ some adrenaline-fuelled cliff jumping and from November to March, and ‘beach and cave swimming in a swathe of pristine sizzle’ the remainder of the year – tourism forest, and cycled along the Railway Trail began in 1883, with the arrival of Queen that meanders through lush vegetation, Victoria’s daughter, Princess Louise. past limestone cliffs and hedgerows dotted Socialites and celebrities soon followed. with vibrant hibiscus flowers. By the start of the 20th century the island Many ships have followed the Sea was being marketed as ‘the isle’s of rest’ Venture onto the island’s treacherous and it became a playground for the uberreefs, which have made it one of the

world’s finest wreck-diving destinations. Just snorkelling, I entered a mysterious world of multi-coloured coral, fluorescent parrotfish, luminous-eyed triggerfish and yellow trumpet fish. And there’s a host of water sports on offer, from kayaking and kitesurfing, to windsurfing and wakeboarding, or you can take on the big game fish from a luxury yacht. On the island’s southern shore, the sumptuous Fairmont Southampton, sits on a hilltop among 100 manicured acres, between rolling hills and a private slice of sand, with two pools, an 18-hole golf course and sweeping views over the sunsetstreaked ocean from my balcony. Its waterside steakhouse, the Waterlot Inn, dates back almost 350 years, and I feasted under blackened cedar-wood beams on Bermuda fish chowder, fired up with sherry peppers and dark rum, and tender filet mignon, rounded off with a Banana Foster, flambéed with yet more rum. I followed a night on the town with a morning stroll along the South Shore beaches. Crossing the graceful curve of Horseshoe Bay I slipped into the secluded niche of Jobson’s Cove, encircled by a natural arc of rock, and on to the powdersoft, pink-tinged sweep of Warwick Long Bay, caught between the sky’s cobalt blues and the sea’s aquamarines, with barely another soul in sight. It’s no wonder Mark Twain said: “You can go to heaven if you want; I’ll stay here in Bermuda.”

GETTING THERE

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YO U M AY NEVER M A K E I T BA C K HOME T H E SA M E.

GET LOST FOR LESS. BOOK NOW AND SAVE 50%. GoToBermuda.co.uk/pinksale *At participating hotels. Rules and restrictions apply.

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WINTER SUN

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| TRAVEL | Aerial view of Royal Palm Mauritius

Culture club Mauritius is a fusion of nationalities; from its ruling by the Portuguese and the Dutch, to its Chinese and African inhabitants, the harmony in the contrast of cultures is what makes it such a distinctive island destination Words: Sarah Siese

t was once a sleepy island known almost exclusively to French travellers and those interested in the chronicles of the dodo. But the last twenty years have seen Mauritius’s conspicuous rise in status to one of the world’s premier playgrounds for the rich and famous, giving popular Caribbean islands a good run for their money. What is all the fuss about? Stories of unparalleled service, a coral reef to vie with the Maldives and a collection of the some of the world’s best hotels certainly make it impossible to ignore. Mauritius has been ruled by many nations including the Portuguese, Dutch, French and most recently the British from 1810 to 1968, but it was the French who had the greatest influence on the island’s culture, language, religion and civil law. Surprisingly, the British agreed to maintain what the French had established, which explains why so much of the island feels French with a distinctive British attitude. The official language is English but French is more frequently used and Creole remains the lingua franca. This is no ‘Little England’. A melting pot of nationalities including Indian, African, British, French and Chinese ancestry results in a colourful culture that influences daily island life: the cuisine ranges from Indian Mauritius curries to Chinese omelettes, and

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regular religious festivals, such as Hindu Diwali and Kavadi, are a visual treat for visitors. The first thing that strikes you as you land on this droplet in the Indian Ocean is the dramatic scenery. Handsome mountain peaks covered in emerald green grasses and swathes of sugar cane drop straight into cerulean blue waters – an everyday view from just about anywhere on the island.

The Clarins Spa adds a sophisticated touch to the resort’s abundance of leisure options. Its eight therapy rooms offer everything from Lomi-Lomi to the Canyon Love Stone Therapy and if top-notch pampering is what you seek, its holistic approach for rebalancing mind and body won’t disappoint. Jocelyn, the Reiki master and meditation teacher, is one of life’s treasures; her

The island’s best natural resource – its beautiful beaches – remain pristine and unspoilt Brochures colourfully illustrate dozens of super-swish hotels, which have sprung up along its 110-mile coastline. Yet despite the development, it doesn’t feel spoilt or built up, and the island’s best natural resource – its beautiful beaches – remain pristine and unspoilt. Fifty minutes from the airport, the Royal Palm has a subtle entrance, hidden from the roadside via a sweeping drive. The resort is small in comparison, which has its benefits; namely, you’re only ever feet away from your room to the beach, the bar, or the restaurants. Following the recent refurbishment, which saw a dramatic overhaul in accommodation, the 69 sea-facing bedrooms are now palatial, all benefiting from that cerulean ocean backdrop, whose rhythm rocks you to sleep and wakes you gently each morning.

gentle spirit and touch is as soft as her voice which caresses you into a state of calm acceptance, stilling the mind. Try her sessions, I promise you’ll learn something about yourself. For epicureans the hotel is a bit of a gastro paradise offering food from around the globe. I was torn between two choices for my favourite restaurant. Lunch is best taken at the beach terrace – soothing respite from the midday sun with a glass of chilled Saint Tropez rosé, the catch of the day followed by plenty of velvety ice creams and sorbets made by Italian head chef Alexandro. I can usually pinpoint exactly what I want from a menu within seconds but La Brezza has such an ambrosial menu that it became a balancing game of flavours and local delicacies. The

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WINTER SUN problem was quite simple. I wanted it all. Open in the evening, the trattoria has a decor quite in tune with the wonderful food; two open-air terraces overlooking the lagoon designed to create a sense of comfort. Comfort seating for comfort eating – a perfect place for an unforgettable dinner under the stars. Working it off is easy too: waterskiing, sailing on one of the new Hobie Cats, kayaking, and windsurfing are all complimentary. Group or private lessons in the spa include yoga, stretching and mediation, or you could just take your daily constitutional barefoot along the sand. Its proximity to Grand Baie is a big plus – there are few places on the island that give the visitor a better taste of local life, with great shopping for silk Kashmiri kaftans, colourful woven baskets, strings of black pearls and oil paintings of local scenes. And of course a couple of bottles of local Pink Pigeon, an unusually refreshing domaine with an exquisite balance of rum (refined five times) and vanilla. You can buy it at the Duty free shop in Grand Baie

Mauritius is ringed by the world’s longest unbroken coral reef

this image Fishing boats at Grand Baie right, from top Black River Gorges National Park; The pool at Royal Palm Mauritius

for around £12 compared to £30 at home. The Beach House is the hip hop place to hang out for Sunday lunch (we scoffed on large platters of calamari, grilled mussels, breaded prawns and tender beef carpaccio), with live music attracting locals and tourists quaffing huge glasses of rosé and beer as their kids dip in and out of the sea in front of bobbing fishing boats and yachts. Mauritius is ringed by the world’s longest unbroken coral reef, a blissful fact for divers and snorkellers. There are sightseeing opportunities inland too, including Grand Bassin lake (a place of Hindu pilgrimage), rafting in Black River Gorges National Park and a picnic in Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden close to capital Port Louis – the oldest botanical garden in the southern hemisphere. You can go zip-wiring, canyoning, sky-diving, deep-sea fishing, or island-hop across to Gabriel for the day on the resort’s spanking new speedboat. “You gather the idea that Mauritius was made first and then heaven, and that heaven was copied after Mauritius,” Mark Twain once wrote. Spend a week on this pleasure isle wandering along the beaches, dining on exotic dishes, dipping periodically into the warm turquoise sea, and you realise he had a point. It lives up to expectation as a friendly paradise perfect for relaxation, water sports, golf, fishing and too much good food. The only thing that was missing was the dodo.

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When to go

Warm year-round. Temperatures are hot and humid November to April. January to April sees the most rainfall and thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a threat of cyclones. The winter months, June to September, have less rain and milder temperatures. Weather is definitely better on the north of the island, which is further from the mountain peaks often covered in whispers of clouds.

l-r The royal suite, The presidential suite and The tropical suite at Royal Palm Mauritius; Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden; La Table du Capitaine

fact box Seven nights at Royal Palm Mauritius in a junior suite on a bed and breakfast basis including economy class flights and private hotel transfers from ÂŁ2,060 per person sharing. Call Beachcomber Tours on 01483 445 685 or visit beachcombertours.uk

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LONDON HOMES &

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

under the spotlight first-class investment opportunities for the new year

Image Deliciosa Bar Stool by Koket Projects, bykoket.com

PROPERTY NEWS

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

SALES Andrew Groocock, head of sales at Knight Frank Canary Wharf, comments on the trends in the residential sales market It is with pleasure that we can turn our backs on what has proven to be an extremely difficult 2016. The sales market has suffered a tumultuous year with the EU referendum, the election of Donald Trump and the ongoing punishing stamp duty measures, which have been levied against buyers. What all of these actions have meant is that the sales market has stuttered throughout 2016, and just when it appeared to look as if we had turned a corner, the next economic or political agenda would come along and interfere. However, as with all volatile markets there have been opportunities. A weaker pound has meant that overseas buyers have returned to the market and are able to absorb the additional stamp duty payments with their currency transfers. With the market rather flatlining for the second half of the year, in conjunction with all-time low interest rates, it has allowed first time buyers to return to the market and actually take their time when viewing properties rather than feeling rushed into decisions. Agents are once again having to perform an invaluable role rather than simply opening doors. While 2017 will undoubtedly have its hurdles to overcome, it is a time when experience really does matter. Choosing an agent based solely on fee becomes a very dangerous exercise; when trading conditions become tough, experience comes to the fore. Choose an agent who has worked through ups and down previously, who has the experience to ensure a sale moves quickly from offer acceptance to exchange rather than putting the file in the bottom drawer once a sale has been agreed. Find an agent who can ensure that your property receives maximum exposure, locally and internationally and that you have the very best chance of selling. Most of all, choose an agent who has the perseverance to make sure every property is kept fresh and engaged-with, even though selling times are slightly longer. Next year promises to be a good one.

The key to safeguarding the successful allocation of the pledged £2.3bn housing infrastructure fund [in the Autumn Statement] is to ensure it is spent in sustainable locations, where there is a real need for improved connectivity and demand for housing. - Justin Gaze, joint head of Residential Development at Knight Frank

ON THE TILES A cl e v er u se of t i l e s can brin g a ro om to li fe . Th e Int er ni ran ge of c erami c t i l e s by D omu s – a c omp any creat ed 5 3 years a go – w a s re c ently u sed on a dinin g ro om w al l in a p enth ou se in Bl a ckfri ars by int erior d e si g n c omp any Fi el d D ay Stu dio . Th e sm al l s qu are ti l e s w ere ar ran ged in a g ri d f or m at , in spired by th e sh ap e s an d str u cture of th e B arbi can E st at e . Th e cl ean , m att e w hit e d e si g n i s of f set w ith bronz e m et al li c a c c ent s th at al low th e li g ht to b oun c e of f , w hi ch real ly brin gs th e w al l to li fe . Int erni range tiles by Domus, from £37.84 p er sq m etre, 020 7819 2300, domusgroup.com; sch em e by Field Day Studio, 07817 888128, fielddaystudio.com

Knight Frank Canary Wharf 020 3813 9149 knightfrank.co.uk

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| property |

you are g o l d T h i s l i m i t e d - e d i t i o n To l o m e o mirco lamp in gold by Artemide, an Italian light manufacturer established in 1960, is a great way of adding warmth. It ’s on e of th e brand’s signature products, first produced in th e lat e ’80s and i s made out of poli sh ed aluminium . Tolom eo micro in gold , £140, A rtemide, conranshop.co.uk

giving something back

New interiors brand Happy & Co doesn’t just create sustainable furniture, cushions, tableware, bed linen and other accessories – it also has a charitable arm of its company to which it gives 10 per cent of its profits. The Happy & Co Farm launched in 2014 and workers grow fresh fruit and vegetables.The interiors brand is inspired by different cultures, particularly those found in Australia and Asia, and its pieces are an easy way to inject vibrancy. happyandco.com

eskimo kiss It may be blustery outside, but not inside this Garden Igloo. The multipurpose dome can be used in all seasons. For example, it could be used as an outdoor dining area, a canopy for a Jacuzzi or somewhere to build a cosy nest to retreat to. Garden igloo dome, £699, Cuckooland, cuckooland.com

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LETTINGS Christopher Paxton, head of lettings at Knight Frank Canary Wharf, comments on the trends in the residential lettings market I must admit, I had never looked forward to having some time off over Christmas more, after dealing with the hardest, but most exciting, markets in my 12 year career. The stuttering of the sales market meant many vendors sat back with the ‘wait and see’ attitude. Also, with the release of four large new build developments, we have seen stock levels increase dramatically to a level I have never experienced before, pushing us very much into a tenants market. Rental values have had no choice but to decrease, which in my eyes was bound to happen at some point, as we have experienced fantastic growth over the past few years. Rates had to become more realistic, which I think they now are. I am finding that the owners of the new development properties are being hit the hardest, compared to second generation’s stock, as they experience tough market conditions and a sensitive time of year. My advice to these landlords is that with the competition that’s out there, you need to consider an 18-month plan. Also, don’t overprice your property. Listen to comparable information and present your property to the highest standard. With this, you’ll find a tenant instead of holding out for a potentially unrealistic price, and during the next 18 months, the development will settle and pricing will increase. The main aim is to ensure you have rent being paid and little void period. Not forgetting the tenants, my advice is that you need to look at realistically-priced stock with realistic agents. It’s not all doom and gloom out there, deals are being done and in a higher volume than previous years, it’s just we have to manage expectations and needs. Look to rent your property through an experienced agent with great local experience, as well as an international draw, to ensure you get the very best results. Knight Frank Canary Wharf 020 3813 9149 knightfrank.co.uk

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MOVE FASTER SELL WITH KNIGHT FRANK

We pride ourselves on exceptional serviceand unrivalled market knowledge, with a global network of 417 offices across 58 countries that can showcase your property to the widest possible audience.

KnightFrank.co.uk/Riverside Riverside@knightfrank.com 020 3597 7670

Guide price: £1,675,000

County Hall, SE1 A delightful flat in grand County Hall moments from the river and the London Eye, as well as the amenities on Southbank. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, Utility, Kitchen, Reception room, Parking, Concierge. Approximately 131 sq m (1,410 sq ft) Riverside@knightfrank.com Office: 020 3597 7670

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

Guide price: £5,950,000

Parliament View, SE1 A stunning penthouse, in a sought-after riverside location. The vast reception room with double-height ceilings provides spectacular views of the river and its iconic buildings. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, Kitchen/dining room, Roof terrace, Concierge, Parking. Approximately 342 sq m (3,681 sq ft) Riverside@knightfrank.com Office: 020 3597 7670

City Mag January Issue Sales

21/12/2016 12:59:50

HELPING YOU MOVE IN 2017 To find out how we can help you please contact us KnightFrank.co.uk/wapping wapping@knightfrank.com 020 7480 6848

Guide price: £3,250,000

Capital Wharf, Wapping, E1W Arranged over two floors, this beautifu south facing penthouse apartment offers excellent natural light and open space throughout. With access to a large private riverside roof terrace of 721 sq ft (67sq m), and two further balconies.3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1 reception room. EPC:C wapping@knightfrank.com Office: 020 7480 6848

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

Guide price: £1,900,000

Presidents Quay House, Wapping E1W Located on the fourth floor of one of West Wapping's prime developments with views across the river and towards Tower Bridge. The property is approximatley 1238 sq ft. There is a 24 hour porter and two secure parking spaces.2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 reception room. EPC:C wapping@knightfrank.com Office: 020 7480 6848

The City Mag Jan 17

22/12/2016 14:05:30

FOUND Your perfect tenant. Let with Knight Frank. Our local expertise and global network mean that we can find a reliable tenant for your property; and with an average tenancy of nearly two years, Knight Frank not only helps you find them - but keep them as well. KnightFrank.co.uk/aldgate aldgatelettings@knightfrank.com 020 3823 9930 Guide price: £595 per week

Times Square, Aldgate E1

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A bright two bedroom flat on the sixth floor in a modern, purpose built building is available to rent. The property benefits from wooden floors to the main areas and a terrace with lovely internal views. It offers a reception open plan to a fully fitted kitchen, master bedroom with en suite shower room, second double bedroom and a family bathroom. EPC: D

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

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

Guide price: £625 per week

Catalina House, Aldgate E1 This brand new apartment comes with access to the onsite gymnasium, swimming pool and spa, plus 24 hour concierge and private cinema room. The flat is brand new with engineered wooden flooring throughout the halls and lounge, one double bedroom, a plaza facing balcony, a high spec kitchen and a private terrace. EPC: B

city mag chris Jan 17 edition

22/12/2016 12:09:35

FOUND Your perfect buyer or tenant. Sell or let with Knight Frank.

To find out how we can help you please contact us KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings wapping@knightfrank.com 020 8166 5366

Guide price: £550 per week

New Crane Place, Wapping, E1W

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A bright and spacious 1 bedroom apartment situated on the 2nd floor of a warehouse conversion to rent in Wapping. This wonderful property benefits from underground parking, a lift and 24 hour porters. 1 double bedroom, 2 bathrooms (one ensuite),reception room with dining area, fully fitted kitchen. EPC:C. wapping@knightfrank.com Office: 020 8166 5366

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

Guide price: £675 per week

Tower Bridge Wharf, Wapping, E1W A beautiful 2 bedroom apartment across 2 floors with views of the river. This property is finished to an impeccable standard throughout and benefits from 24 hour concierge. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en suite), a large reception room with access onto a private balcony. wapping@knightfrank.com Office: 020 8166 5366

Wapping lets

22/12/2016 16:09:11

3435

SOVEREIGN COURT WAPPING A beautiful neo-Georgian development, set around a tranquil landscaped garden square, providing easy access to the City and Docklands.

AVAILABLE NOW

A variety of studio, 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom apartments now available to rent.

PRICES FROM £250 PER WEEK For more information or to speak to our lettings team, please contact us on +44 20 8022 4380

wappinglettings@knightfrank.com

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

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LET & MANAGED

Unex Tower, Stratford E15 Guide price £500 per week

LET

Here is a selection of properties we have sold or let in 2016 Want to ﬁnd out how much your property is worth or how much rent you can achieve? Contact us on +44 (0)20 7337 4000 Unex Tower, Stratford E15 Guide price £449 per week

LET

Granite Apartments, Stratford E15 Guide price £325 per week

SOLD

Courtyard Apartments, Avantgarde Place, Shoreditch E1

Guide price £503,000 | Leasehold

LET

Courtyard Apartments, Avantgarde Place, Shoreditch E1

Guide price £525 per week

SOLD

Kensington Apartments, Cityscape, Aldgate E1 Guide price £600,000 | Leasehold

M O V I N G I N 2 0 1 7 ?

New year is a time for new beginnings. Whether you are looking to buy, sell, let or rent in 2017, we can help you ďŹ nd your new home. Contact us to discuss your property needs.

JLL City Office 16-17 Royal Exchange London, EC3V 3LL +44 (0)20 7337 4000

jll.co.uk/residential

Sales | Lettings | New Homes

Mayfair Showroom 66 Grosvenor Street, London, W1K 3JL 28 offices in Central London and over 60 across London

Flaxman Terrace, WC1H ÂŁ2,374,950

A unique Edwardian Grade II Listed house in the heart of Bloomsbury. The property is in need of modernisation and has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and two reception rooms. Conveniently located for the Eurostar terminal at St Pancras energy rating f. Dexters Bloomsbury 020 7833 4466

Myddelton Square, EC1R ÂŁ6,000,000

Completely renovated in 2014 this Grade II Listed Georgian family home on Myddelton Square has five floors, six double bedrooms and two private garages. From Myddleton Square, the busy high street, shops and Angel station on Upper Street are just over a quarter of a mile away, energy rating e. Dexters Clerkenwell 020 7483 6369

dexters.co.uk

Hoxton Street, N1

Chequer Street, EC1Y

Set within a red brick building is this unique two/three bedroom apartment. Arranged over two floors, the property benefits from a private decked balcony and is situated in the heart of Hoxton, energy rating e.

A smart warehouse conversion in Clerkenwell with three double bedrooms, an open plan kitchen/reception, integral garage, private gym and bathroom/spa room, energy rating c.

Dexters Shoreditch 020 7483 6372

Dexters Clerkenwell 020 7483 6370

City Road, EC1V

Shepherdess Walk, N1

A must see three bedroom maisonette, that has recently been refurbished to a high specification. Set over three floors, this property is perfect for a family or professionals, energy rating c.

This mid terraced home has been fully modernised and consists of three/ four double bedrooms, three bathrooms, formal dining room through to reception and an open plan kitchen living room, energy rating e.

Dexters Clerkenwell 020 7483 6370

Dexters Shoreditch 020 7483 6372

£1,600 per week

£1,200 per week

£2,300 per week

£1,100 per week

Tenants fees apply: £180 per tenancy towards administration, £60 reference fee per tenant and £144 towards the end of tenancy check out report (all inc VAT).

We We have have London London covered! covered!

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liferesidential.co.uk liferesidential.co.uk 20/12/2016 20/12/2016 16:58 16:58

LETTINGS LETTINGS

£575 £575pw pw| £2,490 | £2,490pcm pcm

St. St.Mary MaryatatHill, Hill,EC3R EC3R • •3 luxury 3 luxury bathroom bathroom suites suites

• •Comfort Comfort cooling cooling system system

• •Situated Situated between between The The City City andand Monument Monument

• •Vast Vast array array of of sophisticated sophisticated bars bars andand restaurants restaurants nearby nearby

• •Exceptionally Exceptionally spacious spacious

ForFor more more information information callcall ourour County County Hall Hall branch branch on:on: 020 020 7620 7620 1600 1600

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SALES SALES

£495,000 £495,000

Long LongLane, Lane,London LondonBridge, Bridge,SE1 SE1 • •Within Within minutes minutes of of London London Bridge Bridge tube tube station station

• •Private Private balcony balcony

• •High High finish finish

• •Close Close proximity proximity to to Bermondsey Bermondsey Street Street

• •Nice Nice open open living living space space

• •Long Long leasehold leasehold

ForFor more more information information callcall ourour County County Hall Hall branch branch on:on: 020 020 7620 7620 1600 1600

liferesidential.co.uk liferesidential.co.uk

20/12/2016 20/12/2016 16:58 16:58

Chislehurst 020 8295 4900 Locksbottom 01689 882 988

Beckenham 020 8663 4433 Bromley 020 8315 5544

Bromley BR1

£1,750,000 F/H

Occupying a large plot on this sought after development in Bickley is this extended five bedroom detached family home. The property is ideally located for commuters to Central London, with both Bickley and Chislehurst train stations within a 0.6 mile walk.

Contact Chislehurst 020 8295 4900

Beckenham BR3

£1,200,000 F/H

This elegant 1930s family home boasts an impressive 2,196 sq ft of accommodation and occupies a generous plot on one of Beckenham’s finest tree-lined roads. • •

Five Impressive Bedrooms Large L-Shaped Garden

• •

Contact Beckenham 020 8663 4433

Two Large Reception Rooms Energy Efficiency Rating E

Orpington 01689 661 400 West Wickham 020 8432 7373

• • • •

Five Bedrooms Open-Plan Kitchen/Dining Room Large Driveway Energy Efficiency Rating C

Shoreham TN14

£1,650,000 F/H

Detached residence in the centre of the sought after village of Shoreham, encircled by its own stream and offering approximately 3,916 sq ft of accommodation. • •

Six Bedrooms Detached Residence

• •

Three Acres Of Secluded Garden Energy Efficiency Rating E

Contact Orpington 01689 661 400 A member of

The Acorn Group, incorporating:

langfordrussell.co.uk

NEW YEAR, NEW HOME Superb London Apartments

Make East City Point, a popular and established development in the heart of Canning Town, your London home.

WHY RENT WHEN YOU CAN BUY?

• Stylish and contemporary apartments • Flooring included throughout • Only 2 stops from Canary Wharf† • Outside space with every apartment

1 bedroom apartments from £320,000 2 bedroom apartments from £427,500 AND with London Help to Buy,* you can buy with a deposit from £16,000 and a 40% interest-free* loan from the Government!

020 7473 1198 eastcitypoint.com

Marketing Suite & Show Apartment open daily 10am-5pm, Thursday 10am-8pm *London Help to Buy subject to terms and conditions. Deposit figure of £16,000 is based on a purchase price of £320,000, 40% loan is interest-free for first 5 years, please ask a Sales Consultant for more details. †Source: tel.gov.uk. Prices and information correct at time of going to print. January 2017.

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165553 Parliament House 303x426.qxp_165553 Parliament House 303x426 23/09/2016 12:42 Page 1

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Prices from ÂŁ1,425,000

020 3538 0348 â&#x20AC;˘ jessica.munday@telfordhomes.london

| PROPERTY |

Insider Knowledge

predictions for the year ahead diana alam, head of residential development sales, jll Vibe, Dalston E8 by Telford Homes

ince the decision to leave the EU at the end of June, the Canary Wharf and City sales and lettings markets have demonstrated robust demand and a good supply of properties coming to market, which has ensured continued stability in the face of ongoing political and economic uncertainty, reports JLL. “The perhaps unexpectedly serene post-Brexit result waters led to a steady stream of applicant registrations and agreed sales, which stayed strong even as we approached the end of last year,” says Diana Alam, head of new development sales at JLL. “While property values aren’t increasing significantly at the moment, they are remaining stable, and this combined with the high level of homes on the market really makes the area an attractive proposition both for buyers looking for a wide choice at a fair price, as well as those keen to secure a good long-term investment. “The majority of our local applicants are owner-occupiers who live or work in Canary Wharf and the surrounding areas,

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with local and overseas investors making up around 20 per cent of our sales agreed over the past three months,” says Alam. “The final weeks of the year are traditionally quite strong, with prospective buyers and sellers trying to conclude transactions ahead of the festive slowdown. That is the time of year when agents and solicitors need to work cohesively to ensure that completion dates are met.”

the importance of landlords being competitive on pricing and presentation of their properties in order to secure new tenants moving in the right side of Christmas and to minimise void periods. “From JLL’s City office, we are currently dealing with completions at Fuse Building and Zest House, Vibe, in Dalston. The development offers tenants an exciting opportunity to rent within the newest

The high levels of activity experienced during the summer continued throughout October “In the rental market, the high levels of activity experienced during the summer continued throughout October and into November, but the flow of applicants has subsided somewhat since the start of November,” comments Neil Short, head of city residential at JLL. “With applicant registrations slowing, we have seen examples of landlords undercutting one another in order to get their properties let quickly. This underlines

development in an area being dubbed the ‘new Shoreditch’. Vibe boasts a number of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, together with a 24-hour concierge service and on-site gym,” Short concludes. Last year was an unexpected 12 months for the residential market, but as we head into 2017, we expect more opportunities to arise as the market adjusts to the current climate, with both purchasers and developers looking to take advantage.

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EC2 RESIDENCES

OFFICES

R E TA I L

CLUBHOUSE

See the City in a new light EC2 RESIDENCES LAUNCHING 8 FEBRUARY 020 3 8 8 3 5204 | ONECROWNPL ACE .COM

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A PA RT M EN T LI V I NG ON A WHOLE NEW LEVEL Überhaus is a collection of fabulous homes where space and light flow freely to give a sense of relaxed contemporary living. We have seven glorious Überhaus sitting on top of the ninth and tenth floors of Millennium Terrace, at London’s favourite village.

Split level accommodation // 3 bedrooms // High quality internal specification // Superb fitted kitchen with integrated appliances // Each Überhaus has at least three balconies // Acres of open space to enjoy, including the famous Ecology Park // Great transport connections – 1 stop from Canary Wharf // New Jubilee line night service now operating

PRICES FROM £774,995 TO £994,995 Accommodation from 1,181 to 1,708 sq ft

020 8305 2712 WWW.GMV.LONDON The Village Square, West Parkside, London SE10 0BD Marketing Suite & Show Apartments open daily 10am-5pm

*London Help to Buy subject to terms and conditions, please ask a Sales Consultant for more details. Prices and information corrrect at time of going to print.

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17/11/2016 18:18

WATERSID E H OMES FAS H IONED FOR CITY L IF E C A N A LSID E COLLEC T IO N N OW LAUN C H ED Become neighbours with Central Saint Martins, Louis Vuitton, Everyman Cinema and the new Thomas Heatherwick designed shopping destination, Coal Drops Yard. Be part of London’s best connected neighbourhood. Studio apartments from £810,000.*

* Price correc t at time of going to press .

Brilliant exteriors, breathtaking interiors.

Register your interest at gasholderslondon .co.uk or book an appointment +4 4 (0)20 7205 4246 to v i ew o u r s a l e s g a l l e r y a n d s h ow a p a r tm e n t o n G o o d s Way, K i n g ’s C ro s s N 1 C 4 U R

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Neroli House LAUNCHING 9TH FEBRUARY Situated in the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s award winning urban quarter, Goodmans Fields, Neroli House is a perfect location to embrace city living and culture. Set in a bustling piazza to be filled with retail, cafĂŠs and a cinema, the 21-storey tower boast exceptional views alongside a luxurious pool, spa & gym.

www.goodmansfields.co.uk Proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of companies

Discover the City’s most elevated lifestyle

SALES & MARKETING SUITE Open 7 days a week 10AM – 6PM (Open until 8PM on Thursday and 4PM on Sundays) 39 Leman Street, London, E1 8EY STUDIOS, 1, 2 & 3 BEDROOM APARTMENTS PRICES FROM £650,000 REGISTER YOUR INTEREST NOW CALL: 020 3773 5736 EMAIL: GOODMANS@BERKELEYGROUP.CO.UK

CGIs are indicative only. Prices correct at time of going to press.

INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO new year, new investment City living has never been so accessible, with transport links and green spaces offering the best of both worlds. As we enter 2017, there are exciting prospects on the market: don’t miss out

greenwich millenium village, se10 Greenwich Millennium Village is redefining stylish living with a luxury collection of three-bedroom überhauses at Millennium Terrace. Überhauses are a fusion of a house and an apartment, resulting in a truly unique design. These split-level duplex homes occupy the entire top floors and maximise space throughout each room, ensuring that every drop of natural light floods the interior. Offering the very best in modern living, the überhauses have access to at least three outdoor spaces in the form of

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terraces or balconies, with many offering views over London. Providing city living with a village ambience, Greenwich Millennium Village is an joint venture development by Countryside and Taylor Wimpey, supported by the Mayor of London. An exciting and innovative neighbourhood, this development enjoys a fantastic riverside location and excellent transport connections. Three-bedroom überhauses from £774,995 020 8305 2712, gmv.london

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| PROPERTY |

BOLINGBROKE PARK, en4 The Night Tube has now come to the Piccadilly line, opening up a wealth of opportunities for buyers looking to enjoy the capital’s culture and entertainment districts. The Piccadilly line is on the doorstep of your new apartment at Bolingbroke Park, just five minutes’ walk from Cockfosters tube station. With central London just half an hour away, Bolingbroke Park is the perfect choice for the busy commuter, while the nearby vast open green spaces – including 413-acre Trent Park – offer the perfect rural setting with countryside charm. Starting at £370,000 and delivering excellent rental yields, the contemporary apartments are nestled amid acres of woodland and offer spacious private balconies or terraces with views over the landscaped grounds and scenic ponds, providing a rural feel that is always popular with Londoners. The nearby thriving centre with a village feel features a range of independent shops, boutiques, cafés and restaurants, offering plenty to do on the weekend. One-, two- and three- bedroom apartments are available from £370,000. Three-bedroom houses with secluded private gardens start at £650,000; four-bedroom houses start at £715,000 0333 0033 637, bolingbrokepark.co.uk

l&q QUEBEC quarter, se16 Comprised of seven stepped blocks finished with a composition of brick, GRC and timber cladding, the design of L&Q’s Quebec Quarter in Canada Water is a nod to the woodland and nearby award-winning Stave Hill Ecological Park. Near to Canary Wharf and a 15-minute commute to London’s West End, the new development will offer a total of 151 one-, two- and three-bed apartments, alongside 69 Shared Ownership homes, set within peaceful landscaped grounds. The properties come with contemporary kitchens and bathrooms, which feature luxury sanitary ware by Roca. The light-filled apartments, the majority of which are dual aspect, come with floor-to-ceiling windows and a number of apartments offer extensive outdoor decked terraces. The SE16 postcode has more than 2,000 homes in the pipeline. British Land has a masterplan for the town centre, alongside a £34 million investment in Surrey Quays Shopping Centre. From £560,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, £650,000 for a two-bedroom apartment and £785,000 for a threebedroom apartment. 0300 456 9997, lqgroup.org.uk

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THE CITY MAGAZINE | January 2017

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| PROPERTY |

PROPERTY SHOWCASE The Crescent, Kidbrooke Village

The crescent offers townhouse living with a garden in the heart of London, with luxury on-site amenities and easy transport links across the city –so, what are you waiting for? For indicative purposes only

omebuyers looking to live in one of London’s most sought-after developments can still do so with Berkeley Homes’ latest launch at Kidbrooke Village, SE3. The Crescent – a collection of 21 new three-bedroom townhouses – is part of the popular Meridian Gate neighbourhood. The spacious townhouses are ideally positioned beside the beautifully designed Cator Park and the ponds and wetlands

sense of continuity, while the bedrooms have plush carpets for a cosy atmosphere. The luxury kitchens are individually designed to suit each home and feature a full range of stainless steel and integrated appliances. The Crescent townhouses enjoy their own private gardens, including a front garden, which leads onto a treelined avenue, wide pedestrian areas and cycle paths, which connect into the wider London Cycle Network.

The Village Centre will be home to a wealth of retail and leisure facilities including shops, restaurants and community spaces of Sutcliffe Park, which are part of the development’s 136 acres of landscaped parkland and open space. Homes range in size up to 1,366 sq ft, with open-plan living areas giving them a clean, contemporary feel. Engineered timber floors run through the living areas, hallways and kitchens to create a strong

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Residents have access to a first-class, private-use gym alongside a 24-hour concierge service and access to the Kidbrooke Village Zipcar car share club. The homes are a short walk from the heart of the Village Centre. Focused around a beautifully landscaped central piazza, The Village Centre will be home to a wealth

of retail and leisure facilities including shops, restaurants and community spaces. For those looking to explore the wider local area, specially created green routes run through and from Kidbrooke Village, while Blackheath is just a short walk away. The Crescent is ideally located only moments from the forthcoming rebuilt train station, allowing residents easy routes into the city. London Bridge is accessible in only 16 minutes, Canary Wharf in 22 minutes and Victoria in 28 minutes. It is well served by local bus routes which offer quick and easy access to Greenwich, south east London and the O2. The Crescent, SE3 020 8150 5151 kidbrookevillage.co.uk Available three-bedroom townhouses with spacious private gardens at The Crescent start from £770,000. Kidbrooke Village’s Sales and Marketing Suite is open from 10am to 6pm (8pm on Thursdays) and located at Wallace Court, 40 Tizzard Grove, Greenwich, SE3 9FD

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WATERFRONT III CENTRAL LONDON CHIC ON THE RIVERSIDE ROYAL ARSENAL WOOLWICH

CANARY WHARF 8 MINUTES*

LIVERPOOL STREET 14 MINUTES*

BOND STREET 22 MINUTES*

HEATHROW 50 MINUTES*

Royal Arsenal Riverside is an outstanding riverside location, with an ever expanding range of residents’ amenities. It is ideally situated for the forthcoming on-site Crossrail station and London City Airport, which is just 7 minutes away.

Call 020 3504 4095 to register your interest

www.royalarsenalriverside.co.uk

Computer generated image is indicative only. Photography depicts Dial Arch Square at Royal Arsenal Riverside. Prices and information correct at time of going to press. *Approximate travel times for Crossrail taken from Royal Arsenal Woolwich. Source: www.crossrail.co.uk

Proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of companies

Manhattan, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments Prices from £417,500

211 REGENT STREET • WESTFIELD SHEPHERDS BUSH • LONDON CITY AIRPORT CASE • HARRODS • SELFRIDGES • TUMI.COM/19DEGREE

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