The City Magazine July 2015

Page 1




10

O LD

B O N D

S T R E E T,

101

JER M YN

S T R E E T,

DA K S . C O M



TheThe future future is here: is here: thisthis 4K OLED 4K OLED screen screen is is a new a new andand beautiful beautiful pinnacle pinnacle for TV for tech. TV tech. LG 55EG960V LG 55EG960V JUNE 2015JUNE 2015

LG 55EG960V LG 55EG960V MAY 2015 MAY 2015

TheThe LG 55EG960V LG 55EG960V delivers delivers the the combination combination we’ve we’ve beenbeen waiting waiting for –for 4K–Ultra 4K Ultra HD HD resolution resolution andand OLED OLED technology technology – – andand it does it does so with so with spectacular spectacular results. results.

Combining Combining LG’s LG’s unique unique OLED OLED technology technology withwith 4K resolution, 4K resolution, LG OLED LG OLED 4K TV 4K TV brings brings you you the finest the finest viewing viewing experience experience imaginable, imaginable, delivering delivering the purest the purest blacks, blacks, mostmost brilliant brilliant colours colours and and clearest clearest images. images. Masterfully Masterfully engineered engineered withwith a discreet a discreet stylestyle and and sound sound designed designed by by Harman Harman / Kardon™, / Kardon™, the LG theOLED LG OLED TV isTV theis World’s the World’s mostmost advanced advanced TV. Ever. TV. Ever.

LG.OLED.Ken-Chelsea.DPS.210x420mm.08.05.15.indd LG.OLED.Ken-Chelsea.DPS.210x420mm.08.05.15.indd 1 1


lg.com/uk/discoveroled lg.com/uk/discoveroled

08/05/2015 08/05/2015 15:19 15:19


issue no.

93

J U LY 2 0 1 5

contents on the cover 28

KEEPING UP WITH THE CLOONEYS Between blockbusters, fundraisers and key notes, Jenny Peters finds out what’s new in the life of Mr. George Clooney

32

SOCIAL SUICIDE Social media can be a company’s best friend, but sure enough the contrast is equally true

38

USAIN BOLT Ahead of the 2015 World Championships, we meet Hublot ambassador and the world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt

45

SHORT STORY Summer is upon us, and with (hopefully) great weather comes a great selection of swim shorts

95

SUMMER READS We’ve selected our favourite page-turners for the summer

100

IBIZA UPGRADED Richard Brown discovers how Ibiza went from hippie hangout to home of the world’s most expensive restaurant

COVER STORY: D A K s ’ l atest

campaign images have us hankering for a summer sojourn to Sicily

p 15

REGULARS

28

38

90

19

NEWS: CITY SOCIAL Annabel Harrison enjoys a French dining experience at Chris and Jeff Galvin’s third restaurant, the elegant and lofty Galvin La Chapelle

25

LIFESTYLE: LIFE IN THE CITY We catch up with Crockett & Jones’ youngest store manager, Benjamin Playle

50

FASHION: STREET TRADER Borough Market has always been more than a place to buy your fruit and veg; it’s London at its finest and the perfect setting for a saunter in your weekend best

68

LIFESTYLE: FITNESS Discover what’s written in your DNA with Rob Smith and his team at Limehouse Marina Elite Fitness Health Club

78

MOTORING: 2015 CONCORSO D’ELEGANZA The cars outshine the stars at the planet’s most prestigious automotive rally. Jeremy Taylor visits Lake Como for Concorso d’Eleganza

88

ART & INTERIORS: MASTERPIECE LONDON 2015 Tiffany Eastland introduces Masterpiece London, the leading, international, cross-collecting fair

96

TRAVEL: GREEK RIVIERA The French Riviera has long reigned supreme, but could there be a new rival on the scene? Emma Bartley follows the international jet set to a new luxury playground

146

HOMES & PROPERTY: INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO There’s significant data to suggest house prices will dramatically rise in the near future, so investing could prove to be worthwhile



issue no.

93

J U LY 2 0 1 5

Contributors

E d i t o r - in-Chi ef Lesley Ellwood

E d i tor Richard Brown

a s s i s ta nt Editor tiffany eastland

M o t o r i n g Editor Matthew Carter

C o l l ect i on Editor Annabel Harrison

S ta f f Writer Melissa Emerson

E d i t o r i al int ern

CHRIS ALLSOP

CHRIS HALL

DOMINIC NICHOLLS

Chris is a Bath-based freelance

Chris is deputy editor for QP

Dominic has shot a wealth

journalist and photographer

Magazine, the UK’s leading

of fashion, advertising and

who mostly writes about travel,

luxury watch magazine. He also

celebrities – Anthony Hopkins

film and cheese. This month,

writes about technology and

and Rod Stewart to name drop

Chris delves into some of the

cars for the likes of Wired and

a few… For our July issue,

more unfortunate social media

Esquire. On page 73, read about

Dominic captures summery

stints endured by certain

Chris’ journey to the Laureus

suaveness on location at

reputable companies (p 32).

Cup charity polo match in the

Borough Market, London

unequivocally immense Aston

(p 50).

Martin Vanquish Volante.

OMAR ALI

Sen i o r Design er Grace Linn

B RAND C ONSIST EN CY Laddawan Juhong

Ge ne r a l Manag er Fiona Fenwick

P r o d uc tion Hugo Wheatley Oscar Viney Alice Ford Jamie Steele

P r oper t y D irec tor Samantha Ratcliffe

E x ecu t i ve D irector Sophie Roberts

M a n a g i n g D ir ec tor Eren Ellwood iPad Air 2, From £399, Apple, store.apple.com

AMVOX2 Transponder, £20,000, Jaeger-LeCoultre, jaeger-lecoultre.com

Red and blue check jacket, £345, Hackett, hackett.com

Published by

RUNWILD MEDIA GROUP

One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AX T: 020 7987 4320 rwmg.co.uk

HUGH FRANCIS ANDERSON

JENNIFER MASON

MARK WESTALL

Hugh writes for The Mayfair

Jennifer started out in luxury

Mark is editor-in-chief of online

Magazine, specialising in men’s

fashion marketing and has since

art and culture magazine FAD,

style, fitness, travel and motoring.

worked as a writer in the UK and

creative director of FAD Agency

Members of the Professional Publishers Association

For The City Magazine, Hugh talks

Dubai, specialising in motoring,

and our regular source of

to Trevor Pickett about the rise of

travel, lifestyle and local features.

information about interesting

his luxury small-goods emporium,

Her latest musing is the new,

artists. This month, Mark and

responsibility for unsolicited

Pickett, and explores the

state-of-the-art Koenigsegg Regera

Hannah Hayes-Westall explore

submissions, manuscripts and

inspiration behind the company ’s

from Sweden, a fully robotised

the works of ‘profoundly

designs over the years (p 59).

machine that combines power

impressionistic’ Chris Moon

change and Runwild Media Ltd. take no

with luxury (p 76).

(p 86).

responsibility for omissions or errors.

Runwild Media Ltd. cannot accept

photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to

We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved. Subscriptions A free online subscription service is available for The City Magazine. Visit the subscriptions page Piccadilly Suede Holdall, £750, Pickett, pickett.co.uk

Regera, From £1.2 million, Koenigsegg, koenigsegg.com

On the Beach, 2014, £POA, Chris Moon Art, chrismoonart.com

on our website: rwmg.co.uk/subscribe



issue no.

93

J U LY 2 0 1 5

f r o m t h e E D I TOR

S

hortlists have been announced for the World Architecture Festival. Among the creations vying to be named the World’s Best Building are the Learning Hub in Singapore (Heatherwick Studio) and São Paulo’s Vertical Itaim building (Studio MK27) – the former looks like a tumour, the latter like a giant rabbit hutch.

The UK – which boasts the second largest number of shortlisted projects behind Australia, a sign,

surely, of our economic upturn – counts the City’s 5 Broadgate (Make Architects) among its entrants. Nicknamed the Cruise Ship by drinkers in the recently reopened Broadgate Circle, the enormous, aluminiumclad ‘groundscraper’ has been criticised for being dehumanising and disrespectful to its surroundings. It was never going to be a looker, designed as it was to resemble a metal engine block – why? Architecture has always been one of the most revealing and powerful ways by which we judge advances in human society, but when was the last time you

5 Broadgate, London

Learning Hub, Singapore

Vertical Itaim Building, São Paulo

stumbled across a beautiful new-build? What was the last skyscraper or identikit residential block that you looked at in awe? In the book Counterpoint: Daniel Libeskind in Conversation with Paul Goldberger, Libeskind, the grandmaster of extraterrestrial-like architecture, explains: “I design buildings as expressive musical compositions.” Perhaps that’s the problem. Perhaps we should return to designing them as buildings.

Richard brown, editor

Other titles within the RWMG portfolio

On the cover (p. 15) ©Adam Whitehead. DAKS, SS15 Campaign


BR-X1

THE HYPERSONIC CHRONOGR APH RED EDITION · 50 PIECE S LIMITED · BOUTIQUE E XCLUSIVIT Y

The BR-X1 is the perfect synthesis of Bell & Ross’s expertise in the world of aviation watches and master watchmaking: an instrument with an innovative design. Lightweight and resistant, the grade 5 titanium case of the BR-X1 is protected by a high-tech ceramic bezel with a rubber strap. Ergonomic and innovative, the push buttons allow the chronograph functions to be used easily and efficiently. Sophisticated and reliable, the skeleton chronograph movement of the BR-X1 is truly exceptional and combines haute horlogerie finishes with extreme lightness. Download the BR SCAN app to reveal exclusive content

NEW BELL & ROSS LONDON BOUTIQUE

Units 48-49 Burlington Arcade – London – W1J 0QJ +44 (0)207 629 6464 · e-Boutique: www.bellross.com

AD-BELLROSS-MAYFAIR-BRX1Red-2015.indd 1

20/05/15 16:10


À

L A

P l e a s e

LR_RunWildMedia_UK_235x333.indd 2

R E C H E R C H E

d r i n k

D E

L ’ Œ U V R E

r e s P o n s i b l y

29/01/2015 14:38


| LIFESTYLE |

THE CITY EDIT The commodities and consumables raising our interest rates this month

©Adam Whitehead; DAKS, SS15 campaign

A Sicilian odyssey

N

ow in its seventh edition, last month’s London Collections: Men was the most successful yet, welcoming 77 designers to its four-day schedule. Since the event was created in June 2012, the attendance from American press and buyers has risen by 81 per cent, from Europe it has increased by 91 per cent and from China a staggering 185 per cent. This season, a live catwalk show took place on Jermyn Street. Featured in various looks was The City Magazine favourite DAKS, whose latest campaign images have us hankering for a summer sojourn to Sicily – the setting of the stately shoot.

The Brit brand turned to the 19th-century writers’ hub of Taormina for its SS15 inspiration, lending an air of European elegance to its contemporary style. Travelling gentlemen take note, to look the tailored part, invest in a double-breasted jacket and suits in light wool and crispy cottons. The men’s clothing market has seen sales rise by 22 per cent in the last five years to reach £13.5 billion last year, growing at a faster rate than womenswear. With brands like DAKS flying the flag, perhaps it’s no surprise. DAKS, 10 Old Bond Street, daks.com

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

15


THE CITY EDIT

The commodities and consumables raising our interest rates this month

Now you see me, now you don’t Camouflage is still doing its thing on the European catwalks. Taking a high-fashion trend and providing you with something you might actually wear, is Golden Goose with its camo range. Don’t blend in. Camouflage shirt, £122, Golden Goose Deluxe Brand, matchesfashion.com

Havana Affair Dripping in colour and culture, the city of Havana is masterfully brought to life in this series of photos by Kane Hulse, released in a limited run of 500 copies. The film-shot photos are fantastically sun-washed, perfectly reproducing this intriguing city’s Caribbean climate. Havana hardback book, £24.95, Never Been Publishing, kanehulse.com

hold on A practical yet tasteful holdall is essential for any modern-day jet-setter. The subtle design of Mismo’s canvas variety ensures that your clothes, at the very least, will always travel in style. As well as the main compartment, convenient side pockets make it perfect for a weekend getaway. Canvas holdall, £500, Mismo, selfridges.com

Shapely Shades When it comes to accessorising to stand out from the crowd, sunglasses are the obvious choice come summer. Practical they may be, but just as important is the style status they offer. These round-framed shades, handmade in Italy, are as functional as they are fashionable. Featuring warm brown lenses and a striking red acetate frame, they are both vibrant and crack-proof, protecting them against the wear and tear of summer months. Sid round-framed sunglasses, £92 Oliver Spencer, matchesfashion.com

16

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

LOW RES


| LIFESTYLE |

A grill to go The GoBQ Grill has revolutionised portable cooking. With the capabilities of regular, hefty grills and the ease of use of disposable barbecues, you can now get adventurous when eating al fresco. GoBQ grill, £75, The GoBQ Grill, indiegogo.com

Sichuan Star

tailored trunks

New head chef Bing Luo from China’s Sichuan province brings eight new dishes to the already fantastic Hutong restaurant in The Shard. Both traditional and contemporary flavours have been utilised, making for a truly extraordinary dining experience.

Previously, digital holiday snaps would only have appeared on travel websites and social media pages. Well, now you can carry, or rather wear, these scenic portraits as part of your outfit. Designed using the traditional 17-piece pattern of men’s suit trousers, these tailored swim shorts from Orlebar Brown provided the inspiration we needed to get our summer vacation booked.

hutong.co.uk

Bulldog swim shorts, £225, Orlebar Brown, orlebarbrown.co.uk

rum ready If rum is your tipple of choice, invest in a bottle from Pusser’s, the single malt specialists and original purveyors to the British Navy. A recent bottling from this historic brand, the 15 Year Old is an absolute steal for a drop of this quality. Navy Rum 15 Year Old, £40.95, Pusser’s, thewhiskyexchange.com

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

17


© 2015 TUMI, INC.

NICO ROSBERG · GLOBAL CITIZEN M E R C E D E S A M G P E T R O N A S F o r m u l a O n e T M Te a m D r i v e r

D E S I G N E D I N A M E R I C A F O R G LO B A L C I T I Z E N S

TUMI.COM

211 Regent Street, L ondon • 170 Piccadilly, Mayfair, L ondon • Westfield Shepherds Bush, L ondon Also available at Harrods and Selfridges


| NEWS |

CITY social

KEEPING the epicure nourished WITH the square mile’s Latest launches and CULINARY CRAZES

Take Me To Church Words: Annabel Harrison

G

iven that I harbour a fantasy about living in a converted church one day, rather than a 22nd floor London flat, I feel very much at home in this elegant, lofty restaurant. Admittedly, Galvin La Chapelle has rather more beautiful flowers, mahogany leather chairs and magnificent wroughtiron light fixtures than any home of mine is ever likely to have, but these serve to make the modern French dining experience feel like quite the treat. It’s the third restaurant brought to us by Chris and Jeff Galvin, although it’s by no means a one-trick pony of a venue; there’s the main restaurant, with private dining spaces and an adjoining garden space, Bistro de Luxe and Café a Vin, and customers can choose from à la carte, du chef, Gourmand, prix fixe lunch and early dinner menus, as well as Sunday roast. Charismatic general manager Antonio shows us around proudly and tells us about

the Grade II-listed, Victorian building’s multiple identities; before it opened in 2009 (proving itself resilient during the tough economic years that followed), it was derelict for 17 years, and before that it moonlighted as a school, parish hall and gymnasium. Antonio’s recommendations based on signature dishes are spot on. If you’re an ichthyophile, as my husband Zain is, choose the exceptional crab, bisque and pea shoot lasagne, justly renowned; I opt for asparagus, egg and mousserons, which is messy due to the correct asparagus-eating method, but delicious. It’s pleasing to see that many ingredients are sourced in England – Dorset, Norfolk, Burford – as well as France. Zain devours the Bresse pigeon, which is unusually but satisfyingly served as a tagine with couscous, confit lemon and harissa. My monkfish is melt-in-the-mouth meaty – I only wish there were more of it because it’s

My monkfish is melt-inthe-mouth meaty – I only wish there were more so good but its accompaniments fill me up. Most main courses come in at just over the £30 mark but are substantial and so there’s no need for side dishes. If you have space for something sweet, the chocolate fondant is good but the tarte tatin with crème fraiche wins the dessert duel hands down. I’d suggest making a booking whenever the weather picks up to take full advantage of its lovely outdoor spaces. Galvin La Chapelle, 35 Spital Square, E1 6DY, galvinrestaurants.com

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

19


| NEWS |

CITY social

millennial market Selling a huge variety of both British and international produce, Borough Market is generally understood to be one of London’s most well-established markets. Although it’s now celebrating a milestone (there has been a market on the south side of London Bridge for 1,000 years) it is far from a museum. Guided by a volunteer board of trustees, over 100 shops and individual stalls are involved in regular community events – from chef-led demonstrations and food photography contests to this summer’s series of short plays. Food is sustainably sourced and even attracts professional chefs, so pick up your barbecue meat or picnic fare here this summer. boroughmarket.org.uk

clean slate Butlers Wharf Chop House has a fresh look and menu, thanks to new head chef Danny Burns. Meat lovers can be reassured that the addition of more seafood doesn’t affect the steak offering (expect top notch dry aged Aberdeen Angus), and the new feature wall of vintage magnums and wines is more than enough to be getting on with.

top pop-ups

Krug & Chips, July 8-12, East Piazza, Covent Garden, krug.com/krugandchips

36e Shad Thames, SE1, chophouse-restaurant.co.uk

Ketel One Vodka Kitchen, until September, The Folly, 41 Gracechurch Street, EC3V, thefollybar.co.uk

AbraCachaça Brazilian bar, until September, The Well, 180 St John Street, EC1V, downthewell.co.uk

20

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

The Trading House Just round the corner from the Guildhall, and on the historic site of the former Bank of New Zealand, new pub The Trading House has opened its doors. Promising live music every night, ales and cocktails lead the way on the drinks menu. The team are trained in the top 100 cocktails so you won’t go thirsty, and bespoke brews

from New World Trading Company make their debut. Home comforts and a focus on well-done, straight-up pub food sees rotisserie and barbecue favourites on the menu for the 96-cover restaurant, alongside deli boards for group grazing. 91 Gresham Street, EC2V, thetradinghouse.uk.com


IZZ Y GOMEZ

Photo by: Izzy Gomez

H4_1P_210x297_UK_CanaryWharfMagazine_v1.indd 1

16.06.15 14:35


BESPOKE HANDMADE FURNITURE www.oficinainglesa.com London Showroom

info@oficinainglesa.com +44 (0) 207 2264 569


| LIFESTYLE |

Bon Viveur

Our man-about-town, Innerplace’s Nick Savage, gives you the insider lowdown on London’s most luxurious haunts

The New Chinese BAO

L

ondon’s appetite for Chinese cookery has been robust enough over the past three decades that various subsets of the cuisine have proliferated. Where Cantonese dishes modified for bland Western palates were once comme il faut, regional cuisine has now taken its rightful place on London’s menus. BAO Originally launched as a pop-up stand selling Taiwanese buns in Netil Market, it wasn’t long before BAO attracted a devoted clientele. For its first bricks-andmortar site, it has put Soho in the crosshairs and opened a jewelbox small shop on Lexington Street. Anybody walking the street will notice that it is thronged during BAO’s opening hours. Inside, the room features a spartan design with clean woods, a visible kitchen, a few tables, stools, benches and not much else. Apart from the charming Wai Ting, the food does all of the talking. The eponymous BAO are cotton-soft milk buns enfolded around unctuous fillings such as soy milk marinated chicken with Sichuan mayo and golden kimchi or braised pork, with fermented greens, coriander and peanut powder. Otherwise, there are some offpiste Xiao Chi (small plates) that would sit easily on a menu at Noma.

W1, baolondon.com

The Duck & Rice

The Duck & Rice Where do you hang out in Soho? For many, it’s either a Chinese restaurant or pub. Alan Yau had the prescience to merge them into one – a Cantonese gastropub on Berwick Street. The result is a kind of love letter to the neighbourhood, where Yau currently runs four different restaurants. The Duck & Rice is split between a groundfloor boozer and a first-floor restaurant. There’s an immense copper tank looming in the entrance, purpose built to contain unpasteurised Pilsner Urquell, which is shipped weekly from Prague. A wrought-iron helical staircase coils up to the dining room, which has been outfitted with painted ceramic tiles, geometric latticed screens and stained glass. Dishes at The Duck & Rice range from beer snacks to luxury sharing plates. Ordering a few bracingly chilled tankards of Pilsner Urquell alongside home roast cashews, chilli and shallots will almost certainly set you up for an enjoyable evening.

Yauatcha City

W1, theduckandrice.com

Yauatcha City Following its Michelin-star haute cuisine venture HKK, Hakkasan has chosen the newly launched Broadgate Circle for its second site in the City. Yauatcha circumscribes the northern side of the circle, flanked by two large terraces that are sure to become hotly contested spots during the warmer seasons. Indoors, there’s a bar area on either side, Innerplace pastry displays and a long dining room in its centre, is London’s personal with aquariums, starlit ceilings, open kitchens lifestyle concierge. Membership and Yauatcha’s trademark blue and pink colour provides complimentary access to the finest nightclubs, the best palette. There are a number of choice dishes that restaurants and top private members’ cannot be ignored – the prawn and beancurd clubs. Innerplace also offers priority cheung fung, venison puffs and roast duck with bookings, VIP invitations and pancakes all get pride of place. For those looking insider updates on the latest openings. for bolder options, foie gras diced beef or truffled innerplace.co.uk pork belly rib will sate carnivorous appetites.

EC2, yauatcha.com

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

23


shi 2014/2:Udeshi 2014 9/18/14 9:52 AM Page 1


| LIFESTYLE |

Life IN Fifteen minutes with the Square Mile stalwarts of which every City sybarite should be aware…

C

rockett & Jones was founded in 1879 in Northampton and is now a fifth generation family-run business. Specialising in quality, Goodyear-welted footwear for both men and women, the Royal Exchange boutique offers a variety of styles, ranging from the classic to the contemporary. Each pair of shoes takes up to eight weeks to manufacture, involving 200 separate operations. We caught up with C&J’s youngest store manager, Benjamin Playle.

Benjamin Playle

Crockett & Jones Retail Manager

What were you doing prior to this job? I was working in Spain as a chef in my father’s restaurant, helping run our family business. I moved back to the UK and joined Crockett & Jones in 2009, where I became fascinated with quality, English hand-made shoes. I was trained at our flagship Jermyn Street store and after a lot of hard work I was promoted to assistant manager, and then manager at the Royal Exchange in 2012. Why do you love your job? Crockett & Jones is a fantastic company to work for. I love the fact we are still a family-run business, and Mr Jones is only a phone call away if I need some guidance. I strongly believe in the product we sell and believe we offer the best value for money in the shoe industry today. Is there a particular style of shoe that is popular for summer? Black loafers are a very popular choice. Suede shoes are always a big hit, especially with the current trend for colourful suede colours worn with no socks. Which shoes do you wear to work? Today I am wearing the Alex in black calf, which was also worn by Daniel Craig in Skyfall. We have been working with Bond for a few years.

Favourite City: New York Brand: Ralph Lauren Bar: One Under Lime (Leadenhall Market) Place for breakfast: Beez Neez Café Designer: Tom Ford Film: Forest Gump Book: Always Managing: My Autobiography by Harry Redknapp

Do you have many famous clients? There are too many to list. We have high-net worth clients who are running the largest public and private businesses in the world, government officials, celebrities and sporting greats, but as a whole, we don’t like to name names. Who inspires you professionally and personally? Professionally, Crockett & Jones general manager Steve Murdoch. He has taught me everything I know. He is a great role model for anyone looking to be successful in retail and was actually the first member of retail staff that Crockett & Jones employed back in 1997. Personally, it has to be my father; he has always pushed me to be successful in everything I do. What’s the best investment for a classic pair of men’s shoes this summer – one for the office and one for the weekend? There are plenty of great investments but a classic toe cap Oxford for the City will never disappoint. For the weekend, suede or calf loafers are a must, as they go with everything. What distinguishes Crockett & Jones from other brands? What customers do not realise is that often shoes are part assembled abroad and then finished off in England, whereas at Crockett & Jones we fully manufacture everything in house at our Northampton factory, from the heels, insoles and soles to the lining and uppers. crockettandjones.com

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

25


| LIFESTYLE |

Life AFTER The Square Mile alumni making waves away from the fickle waters of finance

H

aving graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in medical microbiology and a postgraduate qualification in economics, Ajit Madan worked in investment banking for 15 years, with a focus on leveraged finance. In 2010 he left the City to join the tea business… What inspired your move from the City? I’ve always been passionate about tea and felt that the industry was on the cusp of a huge boom. There was also new research proving the many varied health benefits of tea, which was just beginning to reach consumers. What was the original vision for Camellia’s Tea House? To create a very artisan and premium brand with health at its core. I wanted to create a value-added product where teas would be combined with other herbs, spices and fruits, and designed and hand-blended in London. The vision and brand has certainly developed over the past four years and we supply many of the best spas, restaurants and hotels in the UK, Middle East and Europe.

Ajit Madan

Founder of Camellia’s Tea House Age: 42 Previous employer:

Head of European Leveraged Capital Markets, Société Générale

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned since launching? Understand what your brand and value proposition is – how do you differentiate yourself from the competition and how will you communicate this to your customers? Why do you think there are so few good quality tea rooms in London? In my opinion, trends seen in the US often migrate very well to the UK. Coffee became very cool, with many artisan shops springing up everywhere. Tea rooms were viewed as old fashioned. This has gone full circle now and tea is genuinely the new cool. On a global level, coffee consumption is falling and tea consumption is rising, primarily driven by new tea blends entering the market, health benefits and the rise of tea culture. Who is your business idol? Richard Branson because of the way he pioneered brand identity and grew his business. What’s the most common mistake people make when brewing tea? Not allowing the tea to brew properly. If you drink slightly better quality tea, you must brew it for three minutes to get the best flavour. Also, people often brew green or white tea with 1000c water rather than 800c – this creates bitterness in the tea. What tea should we all try at least once? A good Oolong tea – it’s truly wonderful and akin to drinking an exquisite and complex red wine. As an ex-City boy, would you recommend any particular teas for City workers? For stress, something decaffeinated would help; for insominia, our Gold Taste, award-winning Sleep Well tea is amazing – it’s a lovely drink to take just before bedtime and contains many well-known herbs associated with promoting sleep. For poor digestion, our Happy Tummy is a magic bullet for things such as digestion, IBS and bloating; and for high cholesterol we have a black tea called Cholesterol Cleanser, which is a blend of pu’erh tea, lavender and ginger. camelliasteahouse.com

26

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

Favourite Book: The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan Film: Dune Type of tea: Iron Warrior Monk (Oolong tea) and Darjeeling Jungpana

Restaurant: L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon

City: London Teatime treat: Carrot cake in our tea house


The closest 36 hole venue to any major city in the world… The closest hole venue major city the world… The closest 3636 hole venue toto any major city ininthe world… The closest 36 hole venue toany any major city in the world…

…Less than 30 minutes from London Bridge …Less than 30 minutes from London Bridge …Less than 30 minutes from London Bridge than minutes from London Bridge Sundridge Park Golf Club is a prestigious Members …Less Club located just30 seven miles from the City of London

Boasting two 18-hole championship courses which offer quality, beauty and a true challenge to all golfers…

Sundridge Park Golf a prestigious Members located justbest-known seven mileslandmarks from the City of London and Club all setisagainst a backdrop of someClub of the Capital’s Sundridge Park Golf Club is a prestigious Members Club located just seven miles from the City Boasting two 18-hole championship courses which offer quality, beauty and a true challenge toofallLondon golfers… Boasting two 18-hole championship courses which offer quality, beauty and a true landmarks challenge to all golfers… and all set against a backdrop of some of the Capital’s best-known WE CURRENTLY HAVE LIMITED FORlandmarks MEMBERSHIP and all set against a backdrop of someAVAILABILITY of the Capital’s best-known

OF THE MAIN CLUB AND PGA GOLF ACADEMY WE CURRENTLY HAVE LIMITED AVAILABILITY FOR MEMBERSHIP WE CURRENTLY HAVE LIMITED AVAILABILITY FOR MEMBERSHIP OF THEcourses MAIN CLUB AND PGA GOLF ACADEMY • Two championship (Open CLUB qualifying venue) • Stunning sceneryACADEMY in an historic parkland setting OF THE MAIN AND PGA GOLF • Superb driving range and practice facilities

• Two championship courses (Open qualifying venue) • Secure bag and trolley store • Two championship courses (Open qualifying venue) • Superb driving range and practice facilities • PGA driving Academy scheme beginners • Superb range and for practice facilities • Secure bag and trolley store • Secure bag and trolley store • PGA Academy scheme for beginners • PGA Academy scheme for beginners

• Competition golf and inter-club matches

• •• • •• • • • •

Stunning scenery in an historic parkland setting Fabulous scenery social events enjoy with friends Stunning in antohistoric parkland setting Competition golf andjust inter-club matches No tee time booking turn up, play and relax! Competition golf and- inter-club matches Fabulous social events to enjoy with friends Fabulous social events to enjoy with friends No tee time booking - just turn up, play and relax! No tee time booking - just turn up, play and relax!

Sundridge Park Golf Club Limited Garden Road, Bromley, Kent BR2 9PP Tel: 020 8460 0278 Fax: 020 8289 3050 Email: jo.day@spgc.co.uk Web: www.spgc.co.uk Registered in England No: 1269937

Sundridge Limited Sundridge Park Golf Club Limited Garden 3050 Email: Email:jo.day@spgc.co.uk jo.day@spgc.co.ukWeb: Web:www.spgc.co.uk www.spgc.co.uk GardenRoad, Road,Bromley, Bromley,Kent KentBR2 BR29PP 9PP Tel: Tel:020 020 8460 8460 0278 0278 Fax: 020 8289 3050 Registered 1269937 Registered in England No: 1269937


KEEPING UP WITH

THE CLOONEYS

28

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015


| INTERVIEW |

Yesterday he was the world’s most eligible bachelor; today he’s the very lucky Mr to Mrs Clooney. And as for tomorrow, The City Magazine steals a moment between blockbusters, fundraisers and key notes to find out what’s in store for the busiest man alive Words: Jenny Peters

F

Long-time brand ambassador George Clooney in Shanghai with OMEGA © OMEGA Ltd

or George Clooney, making Tomorrowland, the sci-fi flick all about the destiny of the human race, coincided with quite a swing in his own fate. For the movie that’s in theatres now, was actually filmed in the autumn of 2013, right about the time that Clooney’s life was taking a seismic shift. That’s when he met British barrister Amal Alamuddin at a charity fundraiser, the beginning of a romance that would finally take Clooney off the world’s most eligible bachelor list. The actor-directorproducer-political-activist was so allergic to marriage (since his divorce from Talia Balsam in 1993) that he had famous bets with Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman that he would never tie the knot again. Well, that was then, this is now, and the 54-year-old superstar has a gorgeous, supersmart wife who is 17 years his junior. She practices international law out of London’s Doughty Street Chambers, which has led to the couple moving into a mansion in Sonning, Berks. Clearly Clooney’s destiny is one few would have foretold.

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

29


© 2009 DW STUDIOS L.L.C. and COLD SPRING PICTURES

But whatever you do, don’t ask People Magazine’s two-time Sexiest Man Alive if the next seismic step – having children – is the future. Journalists tried at the Tomorrowland press conference held in Los Angeles in May, but the suave actor deflected the question with a slightly snipey answer. “I knew you were gonna get to it somehow,” he jabbed. “I thought you’d do, ‘There’s a little kid who’s you as a young boy; does it make you feel like you could have a little boy? It looks like you, sort of, like having a child.’ But no, you went, ‘You have a mother, and most of us have mothers – and wouldn’t you like to be a father?’ Go back and tell everyone you asked the question. But thank you for asking.” But Clooney cannot escape it, as Charlie Rose pushed the same question during their CBS This Morning interview a few weeks later, asking him if he ever thinks about having children. “I haven’t really,” Clooney replied slightly nervously. “I’ve thought about it, I suppose, but I haven’t really – it hasn’t been high on my list, uh, I’ve been asked a lot lately because I’ve gotten married and I’m doing a movie with kids in it.” His hesitation may be hers, too; after all, these are two of the busiest people on the planet. Amal Clooney’s caseload is massive, including being part of the legal teams defending Mohamed Nasheed, the former president of the Maldives; representing Armenia in a case against the Turkish government related to the 1915 Armenian genocide; and attempting to help former Philippine president Gloria Arroyo gain her release from incarceration. Meanwhile, George continues to control his Hollywood career destiny, moving seemingly effortlessly between acting, writing, directing and producing films. Working with his longtime collaborator Grant Heslov (the duo have been friends since both began their careers back in the early 1980s), the producing pair are currently in production on Money Monster. Clooney also stars in the thriller that is directed by Jodie Foster and costars Julia Roberts and Outlander star Caitriona Balfe. Then there’s Our Brand Is Crisis, another Clooney-Heslov production, along with Clooney’s Gravity co-star Sandra Bullock. She stars in that satire along with Billy Bob Thornton and Anthony Mackie, due out in early 2016. And Clooney the actor has already completed his work on the muchanticipated comedy-musical Hail, Caesar, his latest collaboration with the Coen brothers. That story of behind-the-scenes Hollywood of the 1950s also features

30

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

Channing Tatum, Scarlett Johansson, Jonah Hill, Tilda Swinton, Josh Brolin, Ralph Fiennes and Frances McDormand. It marks Clooney’s fourth collaboration with the Oscar-winning duo. So when is there time to consider having children? Not much, considering that both the Clooneys are serious about doing their part to change the destinies of people and places around the world. George is a passionate activist, intent on using his fame to help change things globally. “There’s a certain group of us, there’s a few of us that have sort of figured out a very good way of deflecting the kind of attention that we’re all uncomfortable with,” Clooney told me in a recent phone conversation from his home in Lake Como, Italy. “Part of the way of doing that is trying to force those cameras at those that can’t usually get that attention. So what I think [we do] – Bono, Brad and Angie, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, we all do it – is that you sort of get involved personally, you get informed personally, and you make sure that you are at least as informed as many of the people who do it for a living. So that you are able to answer the questions and not do a disservice to the very important work that you are trying to shine a light on. You don’t make policy, all you can do is try to shine a light on bad policy.” He’s particularly focused on the genocidal atrocities happening in the Sudan’s Darfur region and is one of the founders (and key investors) in the Satellite Sentinel Project, begun in 2010 with the express purpose of deterring a return to full-scale civil war in the Sudan by putting a satellite into orbit that monitors the region. “I have a satellite that I keep in the air and keep taking pictures of the Sudan,” he continued. “That’s very expensive to do, but it’s incredibly effective, so I have to continue to do it. In doing that, that also means I have to do things like every couple of months I have to go somewhere and do a speaking engagement to keep funding the satellite. “Then also every day I get briefings on what’s going on, what we’ve gathered intelligence-wise, what other news agencies have gathered on their own, what the UN has, and then we have to sort of balance it all. I probably devote a couple of hours a day to it. I’ve really learned that you have to focus as much as you can on specifics, so that you can inform yourself. If I have a skill in this, it is being media savvy, especially being the son of a newsman.” He co-wrote an op-ed in The New York Times on that very subject in February

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT George Clooney stars as Ryan Bingham in the dramatic comedy Up in the Air, a Paramount Pictures release; The OMEGA ambassador wearing the 18K white gold OMEGA De Ville Trésor on his wedding day in Venice last year; Clooney stars as Frank Walker in the action adventure Tomorrowland; Tomorrowland film poster; Clooney with his CCMA award; Amal and George Clooney at the Tokyo premiere of Tomorrowland – Amal was wearing a Serpenti Hypnotic clutch by Bulgari.

Image courtesy of Bulgari/Getty Images


| INTERVIEW |

© OMEGA Ltd.

Image courtesy of Walt Disney Studios

Image courtesy of Walt Disney Studios

“There’s a certain group of us that has figured out a way of deflecting the kind of attention that we’re all uncomfortable with”

2015 and continues to be intimately involved in the day-to-day running of the project. Meanwhile, Amal Clooney juggles her heavy caseload, is part of the UK team of experts involved in the global Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative, and is also part of her husband’s push to eliminate genocide in the Sudan and elsewhere. Perhaps the destiny that is at the centre of Tomorrowland is George and Amal’s too? As he said at that press conference, “What I love about [the movie] is it sort of speaks to the idea that your future is not preordained and predestined, and if you’re involved, a single voice can make a difference. And I believe in that. So I love the idea that there’s still so much that we can all do to make things better.”

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

31


Social Suicide

Brands and social media often equal disaster Words: Chris Allsop

“I

ntegrity.” That was the word used to describe the actions of Protein World – masterminds of easily the most detested ad campaign of 2015 – when engaging the tweeter army critical of its “Are You Beach Body Ready?” billboards: Juliette Burton @JulietteBurton I spent life believing I’m not good enough: I signed #perfectlyimperfectly @ProteinWorld #eachbodysready @UKChange Protein World @ProteinWorld @JulietteBurton @UKChange why make your insecurities our problem ;) The company stood its ground where so many others would have instantly folded. As the campaign concluded and the defaced posters began to be scraped from the underground, this so-called integrity had helped

32

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

transmute £250,000 in media spend into £1m in direct sales. Marketing Magazine even gushed that it was “one of the most effective and innovative pieces of brand marketing in living memory.” “It was a brave and considered route that many wouldn’t take,” says digital marketing expert Lynsey Sweales of SocialB. “The top thing that many of the brands we work with are frightened of is end users being negative about them.” But Protein World isn’t the only firm to react successfully to online negativity. A customer accidentally locked in a Waterstones’ store and tweeting about his dilemma was turned around by the bookseller into a successful online competition to win an Airbnb-style stay in its Piccadilly store. Gregg’s the baker laughed off a trolled Google profile (the company’s tagline altered to: “Providing s*** to scum for 70 years”),

eventually even engaging with Google on Twitter for positive PR points all round. Ryanair demonstrated the power of silence after a customer complaint on Facebook garnered hundreds of thousands of “likes”. However, even a brief analysis of the associated comments demonstrated that a large proportion considered the complaint unsubstantiated, that Ryanair’s Ts&Cs were clear, and that the customer had only herself to blame for not pre-printing her boarding passes and subsequently being charged €300 for her error. The storm blew over, with little damage to Ryanair’s (admittedly already unpopular) online reputation. Unfortunately, there are times when a social media team is too inept, or the online woe heaped so great, that all a brand can do is stand like deer in the internet’s headlights.

#Bashtags #McDStories In 2012, McDonald’s paid for the hashtag #McDStories to be promoted on Twitter’s homepage. Its vagueness invited a stream of negatively slanted examples. After two hours of abuse, the fast food chain pulled the hashtag. @Alice_2112 Hospitalized for food poisoning after eating McDonalds in 1989. Never ate there again and became a Vegetarian. Should have sued. #McDStories @Rolfarnold #McDStories Learn all about McDonalds using pigs from gestation crates. #McCruelty #WaitroseReasons Also in 2012, Waitrose launched a promotional Twitter campaign asking customers to finish the sentence: “I shop at Waitrose because ________.” Cue backlash.


| FEATURE |

Rogue Tweeters Chrysler In 2011, the American car giant’s official Twitter handle produced this irate observation for its nearly 8,000 followers: “I find it ironic that Detroit is known as #motorcity and yet no one here knows how to f**king drive”

Bad Timing Kenneth Cole @kennethcole Designer Kenneth Cole blended current affairs and marketing in this 2011 tweet:

Katie @amoozbouche I shop at Waitrose because it makes me feel important and I absolutely detest being surrounded by poor people #WaitroseReasons #WhyImVotingUkip During the tumult of this year’s general election, a social media-savvy UKIP supporter launched the #WhyImVotingUkip tag. The UKIP faithful rallied to the hashtag’s call, before it was hijacked by the anti-UKIP Twittersphere, with even an entire eponymous account springing into existence. Vikki Stone @vikkistone #WhyImVotingUkip Because the weather’s really starting to pick up, and I don’t want it ruined by the gays. Why I’m Voting UKIP @ WhyImVotingUkip #WhyImVotingUkip Because the leaves turn brown every year and it’s unacceptable.

#WhyImVoting Ukip Because the leaves turn brown every year and it’s unacceptable

“Millions are in uproar in #Cairo. Rumor is they heard our new spring collection is now available online at http:// bit.ly/KCairo -KC.” Cole apologised after a social media backlash, and the insensitive tweet was duly deleted. But two years later Cole was back at it, referencing the Syria conflict and agitating the Twittersphere with: “Boots on the ground” or not, let’s not forget sandals, pumps and loafers. #Footwear” Joan Rivers Highlighting the perils of scheduled posts, Joan Rivers had been dead for over a week when she suddenly began to brag about her forthcoming iPhone upgrade on her Facebook page.

Sent by an employee of Chrysler’s social media agency (contract not renewed), the tweet was particularly at odds with the company’s brand message at the time, which celebrated Detroit. Chrysler had even paid for a multimillion-dollar advertising spot on this theme that appeared during the Super Bowl and which featured Eminem. Vodafone UK The 8,824 followers of Vodafone UK’s official Twitter stream, an account usually associated with the resolution of customer complaints, discovered one day that the dissatisfaction had internalised: “VodafoneUK is fed up of dirty homo’s and is going after beaver.” Apparently the handiwork of an employee operating out of the company’s Stoke-based service centre, the tweeter was suspended “pending further notice”.

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

33


www.urvashilondon.com


| collection |

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

Anyone for Tennis? Watch aficionados heading to Wimbledon this month can look forward to a glimpse of the new RM27-02 from Richard Mille because the £583,000 tourbillon will be swinging from the wrist of brand ambassador Rafael Nadal. Updated from the RM27, which debuted in 2010 as the world’s first tourbillon sports watch, the new version is able to withstand a force of 5,000 Gs (compared to its predecessor’s 800) thanks to stronger carbon-fibre materials and a case back that doubles as a base plate, removing the need to attach the two components together (therefore weakening the watch). Most of today’s top seeds are aligned with a watch brand; only Nadal’s creates something he can wear on and off court. richardmille.com Image © Stefano Galuzzi

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

35



| COLLECTION |

WATCHes Words: Richard Brown

On the Ball

ONE to

WATCH Jack Eldridge, store manager at Fraser Hart in Westfield Stratford, selects his watch of the month: Following collaborations with DJ David Guetta and model Cara Delevingne, the latest megastar to lend his name to TAG Heuer is Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo. Part of TAG’s attempt to connect with a younger audience, the quartzpowered watch (£1,200) features a bold colour scheme, is accurate to a tenth of a second and water-resistant to 200m. It is available for the first month of sale only at thewatchgallery.com.

Knight Time A mind-blowing display of miniaturisation from Roger Dubuis sees the Knights of the Round Table cast in bronze and reduced to the height of drawing pins. The legendary figures form the focal point of the brand’s second Excalibur ‘Knights of the Round Table’ timepiece. Positioned around a black jade dial, their swords replacing traditional hour-markers, each knight stands 6.5mm tall and is completely unique. Proving that the mechanics underneath matches the artistry above, each of the 172 components that make up the watch’s movement is stamped with the prestigious Poinçon de Genève, the industry’s highest seal of approval. Knights of the Round Table II, £205,600 Roger Dubuis, rogerdubuis.com

Formula 1 CR7, £1,200, TAG Heuer thewatchgallery.com

Best of British Monaco, £4,050 TAG Heuer Fraser Hart, Westfield Stratford, 020 8555 3568 @fraserhartuk

“You can’t get more classic than the TAG Heuer Monaco. Famously worn by Steve McQueen, the blue dial stands out in the highly appealing square case. This is complemented by the domed sapphire crystal glass that sits slightly raised from the case, paying homage to the original”

Struthers London has once again teamed up with British manufacturer Morgan Motor Company to give us the Struthers for Morgan II. Created in homage to the relaunch of the Aero 8 sports car, the watch houses a re-commissioned vintage Omega base calibre, with customisations including wandering seconds. A solid 18-karat white gold case features hand-engraved Morgan wings and serial numbers within an outer hinged back, which swings open to reveal the movement hidden beneath sapphire. The dials are hand-turned from 18-karat white gold by Struthers in-house. Only eight will be made. Struthers for Morgan II, £22,500, londonmorgan.co.uk

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

37


One Man Brand Ahead of the 2015 World Championships in Athletics, Annabel Harrison meets Hublot ambassador Usain Bolt; despite being phenomenally gifted and increasingly dedicated to the pursuit of sporting perfection, the world’s fastest man comes across as a normal 20-something (well, almost)

A

s I approach Hublot’s boutique, the only hint that something is afoot is a jittery photographer outside. Inside, a small group of us wait in the air-conditioned timepiece treasure trove, between displays of the Big Bang watches and ‘H’ branded cupcakes (iced in green and yellow; a nod to their approaching guest’s Jamaican roots). When the man himself arrives, he strolls in quietly, with no fanfare or fuss. He’s clearly used to the media circuit now but it must have been strange for this man, as his sporting star ascended, to get used to being in front of eager groups of inquisitive journalists, all wanting to have a moment of time with Usain Bolt, the fastest man in the world. Now this superlative accolade interests me. There are very few sports today in which there is one competitor who is indisputably pre-eminent, in terms of both achievements and consistency. Take tennis, for example. Roger Federer has won 17 Grand Slam singles titles but despite being the most successful male tennis player in the world, on paper, other top players are getting ever closer to his victory tally; Rafael Nadal, for example, has won 14 Grand Slams. Usain Bolt, on the other hand, is one-of-a-kind in the discipline of track sprinting. He is, literally and statistically, head and shoulders above the rest and with race times that none can dispute or,

38

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

at present, overtake. He is the first man to hold both the 100m and 200m world records (since fully automatic time measurements became mandatory in 1977). Along with his teammates, he also set the world record in the 4×100m relay. He is the reigning Olympic champion in these three events, the first man to win six Olympic gold medals in sprinting, and an eight-time World champion. He was the first to achieve a ‘double double’ by winning 100m and 200m titles at consecutive Olympics (2008 and 2012) and topped this all through the first ‘double triple’ (including the 4×100m relays). These are the kind of achievements that could make some people unbearably self-satisfied; or prepared to rest on their laurels and sit back as the world marvels. Usain exhibits no such behaviour: despite being an ambassador for Hublot, associated with big watches and big ideas, he is dressed in an understated fashion; black trousers and trainers, burgundy shirt, no jewellery and, of course, a black Hublot watch (it’s a Big Bang Unico All Black). After an hour in his company, I am seriously impressed. His selfbelief is staggering – “I am gifted. I have proven that. I have set the standard [in track and field]” – but he repeats again and again that this goes hand-in-hand with natural aptitude and hard work. “I started out with talent, and then the work came. My coach


| COLLECTION |

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

39


Photography: Fred Merz

told me that everyone on the circuit has talent. You have to work the hardest to become the greatest.” He’s not particularly complacent either, coming across as hungry to better his own records. “There is always room for improvement; what can I do to make myself better?” It is his coach who is responsible for answering this question. “He analyses the races, and figures out where we need to improve and what we need to do. It’s really technical. Sometimes you work so hard in one thing and it takes forever to get it right but the key thing is to be consistent and to practise and practise nurturing these things so when you get on the track, it happens automatically.” He’s funny when he’s not talking about serious training matters, though; he makes the whole room laugh when he admits that although he’s getting to that age where he should try to eat properly, “I’m a really bad example because I just eat what I want!” This admission is immediately followed by “but it’s always key to get the right food in so you can get the energy you need”. I think this postscript is for the benefit of the 11-year-old Usain fan among us, who is a sprinter herself and hopes to represent the UK in Rio. Indeed, something Usain says not once but twice, when talking about his influence on kids, is the simple, heartfelt “I live to inspire”; this man

40

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

TEN YEARS OF hublot’s BIG BANG Usain Bolt launched the Big Bang Unico All Black model last year and this year the brand is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its iconic watch collection with three new models and a series of 16 ‘Manufacture’ photographs, each representing a key stage in the design of a Big Bang watch. In 2005 Jean-Claude Biver, now President of Hublot and President of the Watch Division of LVMH, presented to the industry and watch fans worldwide the Big Bang Gold Ceramic. He was inspired by an idea which is central to the art of fusion, a concept championed by Hublot: the combining of objects and materials that never appear together under normal conditions. With 70 components, the Big Bang is larger than life, both in size and in ambition.

may seem like a ready-made soundbite machine but somehow when you hear him say it, it sounds genuine. “When I was growing up, I looked up to Michael Johnson and all these guys, so for me to inspire kids, it feels good. These things motivate me and are fun.” When it comes to his partnerships with brands – he’s affiliated with big guns such as Puma, Gatorade, Virgin Media, Nissan and, of course, Hublot – he is either very smart or very well-trained. I suspect it’s a bit of both but am nonetheless impressed by his answer about his relationship with the watch company. “Hublot approached me and said they would like me to be an ambassador, so I was, like, ‘alright, cool’ and I checked it out. I was never initially a watch fan… [but] I’m really into it now. I’ve been to the factory, and all the technical things they do by hand are ridiculous… Watchmaking is hard! It’s like me training and then I go on the track and I run and I see the finished product; that’s how I feel when I see these watches, because I’ve seen what they’ve gone through to get to that stage. This brand is on a different level. It’s all about the quality.” This is why he likes Hublot. It’s a word he uses to describe himself too – “my brand is about quality, and high standards” – and the homepage of his website declares, in big capital letters, his brand message: WORLD’S FASTEST MAN. This is set over four images of Usain, dressed sharply in a grey suit but throwing some shapes, which just about sums up how he comes across in person. He’s composed and mature, patiently and thoroughly answering questions he’s certain to have been asked a hundred of times before, but his speech is still peppered with youth-speak like ‘awesome’, ‘whatever’ and IG [Instagram]. You can (almost) believe he’s a normal 28-year-old guy who loves PlayStation, has a crush on Rihanna and supports Manchester United. In terms of passions, “I used to be really into cars when I was younger” but now “it’s just shirts, more shirts and videogames”. What I am most interested to know is how he stays as relaxed as he seems now as when he’s competing. “In 2002, at the World Junior Championships in Jamaica, it was the most nervous I’d ever been in my life. I think that was a stepping stone for me; after that, I told myself there’s no reason I should be nervous again, if I can win in front of my home crowd… The pressure used

Photography: Fred Merz


| COLLECTION |

Photography: Fred Merz

to bother me but over time, I’ve learnt that people want me to run fast, to win and to continue doing great, which is the same thing I want.” He’s not in the slightest bit superstitious – “Yohan Blake doesn’t change his gear through the whole championship and I’m, like, ‘I don’t get it? Why?!’ If you’re confident in your talent, there’s no reason to be superstitious about anything” – and he is a natural entertainer. “When I go to a different country, I think about what people like there, so I can make it fun for the crowd. I live for the crowd; it’s what makes me enjoy performing and going out there and going fast.” Is there a human limit to how fast the 100m can be run? “Maybe one day. Right now there is room for improvement!” Everyone laughs; Usain has charmed us all. “I just want to keep setting goals for myself and keep breaking those goals”, he continues, more serious now. “I want

to go for sub-19 [seconds in the 200m]; that’s going to be one of toughest goals but I want to get it done before I retire. I also want defend my titles again in Rio – for me that’ll put me on a different level, because no one has ever [won gold in the 100m and 200m in three consecutive Olympics] before. “People talk about Muhammad Ali and Pelé and Maradona. I want to be in that group when I retire. When people are talking about sport in general, my name should be mentioned. I want people to say ‘Usain Bolt was one of the greatest athletes to ever grace the track’. That’s what I want and that’s what I’m going to go for. If you want something in life you’ve got to work for it.” With his track record to date (pardon the pun), I have no doubt that the name Usain Bolt is going to have its place in the record books for centuries to come, and deservedly so. With thanks to Hublot, hublot.com

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

41


STYLE HIM

Look the part, feel the part, from Breakfast to boardroom to bar

Summer Suiting A Suit To Travel In, jacket with trousers in navy wool, £730, Paul Smith, paulsmith.co.uk

Slim-fit cotton suit, £995, Burberry London, mrporter.com

Summer inevitably means a busier social calendar, with seasonal events and more travel likely to be on the cards. Finding the right suit for all occasions can be a daunting prospect. A focus on light fabrics and the colour blue, as seen at BOSS, can be a good start. How well a suit travels is also something to consider. Luckily, Burberry has its Travel Tailoring collection. Its lightweight, natural memory fabrics are able to flex with movement yet still spring back into shape to maintain a sharp, tailored silhouette. Elsewhere, Paul Smith’s A Suit To Travel In was launched at January’s London Collections: Men. Its naturally breathable and elastic structure is complemented by a creaseresistant yarn. So for when shorts just won’t cut it, here’s what’s providing The City Magazine with its suiting inspiration this summer...

Green slim-fit cotton, mohair and wool blend suit jacket, £2,100, trousers £520, Berluti, mrporter.com Photography by Mr Brendan Freeman for MR PORTER

BOSS SS15

42

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015


| FASHION |

Mix and Match

Hardware Deakin & Francis, champion of cufflinks, has launched a new set of handmade and hand-enamelled designs from its workshop in Birmingham’s jewellery quarter. The pieces were inspired by vintage designs stored up in the company’s extensive archives. “We have many rooms containing our archives, old records, as well as dusty die stamps of cufflink designs that haven’t been produced in years,” says seventh generation family member and managing director James Deakin. Ten new designs in 10 different colours have been produced using original die stamps, some dating back to the early 1900s.

From £215, deakinandfrancis.co.uk

Salvatore Ferragamo’s Driver shoe is a symbol of the fashion house’s dedication to craftsmanship and quality. The brand has now decided to let consumers deisgn their own shoes via an exclusive personalisation programme. More than 100 permutations of the shoe’s upper body, sole construct and hardware will be possible, made from exotic materials like crocodile and ostrich, colours ranging from flame red to ultramarine, and hardware made from polished gold, brushed palladio, metallic blue and graphite. Discreet lettering on the inside of the shoe can finish the job to make the shoes truly yours. From £395, Salvatore Ferragamo, driver.ferragamo.com

White Collar

Troubadour Goods has introduced its first capsule collection for gents on the move. The Weekender is spacious and smart enough for you to head straight from the office to your weekend getaway. If it’s only the gym on the agenda, the Day bag has a wide opening and comfortable rolled handles, making it ideal for carrying your kit. Finally, if you’re heading to work, the rucksack’s zipped compartment can hold a 15-inch laptop comfortably.

Start-up business Collar Club has seen much success with its shirt subscription service, which offers customers a set of 11 shirts which can be worn and (optionally) laundered by the service on rotation. It has now introduced two new styles to its shirt offering, with both the slim and tailored fits made from 100 per cent Egyptian cotton. If you can’t decide between the plain white or blue, and striped or gingham, it will even offer a five-day trial of a shirt for free. Gift cards have also just launched on the site.

From £1,095, troubadourgoods.com

From £59, collarclub.com

The Weekender

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

43



| FASHION |

a short story we like short shorts, and this season there are plenty of tailored trunks to go around

1

3 2

4

5

7

6

8

9

10

1. Printed swim shorts, £105, Faherty, mrporter.com 2. The Robberg tailored shorts, £109, Leo Joseph, leojoseph.co.uk 3. Sports Angra shorts in green, £135, Frescobol Carioca, frescobolcarioca.com 4. Mid-length floral-print swim shorts, £75, Polo Ralph Lauren, ralphlauren.co.uk 5. Swim shorts, £195, Dolce & Gabbana, dolcegabbana.com 6. Grant striped swim shorts, £60, Saturdays Surf NYC, mrporter.com 7. Mid-length printed swim shorts, £95, Hartford, hartford.fr 8. Mr Limo printed mid-length swim shorts, £145, Limoland, mrporter.com 9. Arroyo Print Setter shorts, £160, Orlebar Brown, orlebarbrown.co.uk 10. Sports Angra shorts in navy, £135, Frescobol Carioca, frescobolcarioca.com

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

45


MASTER

MALLE Forget fashion brand imitations, Frédéric Malle makes the world’s hottest scents. Tiffany Eastland meets the man who turned fragrance into an art form

46

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015


| LIFESTYLE |

F

Perfume Gun 500ml, From £90

Cologne Bigarade 100ml, £110

Vetiver Extraordinaire 100ml, £195

Vetiver shower gel 200ml, £40

fredericmalle.com

rédéric Malle may be a smooth-talking Frenchman and one of the most important figureheads in the world of perfume, but one thing he’s not is arrogant. “I don’t want to sound like a pompous little arse,” Malle asserts at one point during our interview – he’s not. In fact, if anything, Malle’s too modest given he’s worked with every top perfumer, with the exception of perhaps one. In this industry, it’s refreshing, but then again, Malle’s never been one to stick with the pack. Despite coming from a long line of perfumers – his grandfather, Serge Heftler was most notably the founder of Parfums Christian Dior, and his mother, the art director for the same house – Malle didn’t always intend on following in their footsteps. He studied art history and worked in the world of advertising but became bored by the pretention and left when a new opportunity presented itself. “One day, by luck, a man who was the head of the best lab in the industry, gave me a job.” Malle says going into perfumery was almost too natural and the moment he stepped into the lab, despite some prior reservations, he knew he had found his path. He certainly demonstrated this in 2000 when he launched Editions de Parfums, which took an entirely new approach to luxury perfume, challenging the way the industry worked. Malle was the first to put the names of the gifted noses that created the scents on the front and centre of his bottle, finally giving them the recognition they deserved. This bold move had a knock-on effect, and now you won’t attend a fragrance launch without the perfumer present. “They [the perfumers] were so much more interesting than the people that were put forward, whether they were celebrities, or you know some bimbos on the ads – all the storytelling in this business, it was pathetic,” says Malle. While he’s proud to have given perfumers the recognition they deserve, he does admit to having created monsters at the same time: “Now you have a new kind of perfumer, who is an actor, who sort of talks about their perfume, which in fact all they’ve

done is another version of Dior J’Adore, or a knock off of Dior J’Adore for some celebrity.” That said, his real regret is having created some sort of circuit: “The good perfumers I used to work with have less time because they say, ‘Oh I have a launch.’” While chatting to Malle, I relax into asking those questions that expose me as a bit of a novice, because Malle understands that to many this is a completely foreign world. So I take the opportunity to ask him how one should go about selecting a new fragrance: “Think of yourself. Don’t try to be clever; don’t try to speak the language because no one speaks it anyway.” Malle says ask yourself: “Why do you want to wear it? Is it to look dapper in front of your new boss?” But not too dapper, he warns, as you may make your superior just a little bit jealous. For the office, Malle says you don’t want to overpower – Bigarade Concentree is very light, while Cologne Indelebile, the latest addition from Dominique Ropion, is fresh and more or less long-lasting, without overwhelming others. “If it’s to go out, it’s probably something more like Musc Ravageur or French Lover, or other options Vetiver and Geranium Pour Monsieur. These are also super seductive,” Malle adds. “Vetiver is a bit like the Rolex I’m wearing – it works in every single occasion. It’s a sports watch – you’re supposed to dive with this thing – but I wear it with a suit and it works. I think,” he questions, clearly fishing for a compliment. Malle’s taxi for the airport is waiting out front as we wrap up the interview. He’s been generous with his time, given we’ve caught him during a whirlwind visit ahead of the launch of his first free-standing store in London. He’s had some issues with the carpet, but is excited to unveil the Burlington Arcade boutique, which, like his other stores, will resemble Malle’s own apartment, to make each visitor feel as welcome as a guest in his home. If the sketches are anything to go by, I think I’d feel quite at home. Editions de Parfums, 14 Burlington Arcade, W1 fredericmalle.com

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

47


| LIFESTYLE |

SCHOOL’S OUT eMBRACE THE SUN, SEA AND SAND WITH SEVEN Grooming essentials tO See you through SUMMER

SE Th A SP sp is de RAY eau ray is odor en de for ant o w b t Bu ugh oilet hen ody De rber to re te’s n you £P odo ry Br fresh ot q r r uit bu OA, ant it Sp . e

Sp la nig sh b lim ht, y da ta w y l i cel ted- ith and k se eb edi a c n rat tio oll sprit se e t n s ect z b Sc h e io c y (75 nt St e art ents n of t ml ori o h fl a Ne ) E es w Y DP Vo iving t ork , £ lum . 1

rbe Bu Bo rry rbe dy lash .co rry Sp , m ray ,

, ha

9 e rro 5, M 1 ds. iN com

un Av der fro oid u th the m a nfor e su mo sun wee tuna n by istu wit k-lon te ta De rise h a g b n Pu rm r l br en line r al ike oa de s e De L rm igh ogica Pur d sp r in e alo t S e Lig ctru gic PF . ht m a, d 50 ,£ e

Bra un ad ’s ne c va n c w Se l o s e ed rie c ha aptu tec s 9 sha ir s re hn fea ve o f s e olo tu ast ve gy res r d tim oes that y typ that e t n’t the e o o g eve sk f et Se irr n hav in rie ita e s £3 29 9-90 ted. .

rm 55 alo , gic a.c o

.uk

99 95 bra , Bra cc, un un, .co m

be Th ach of anks wa no Calif to B ves ‘I ’m w ac orni axte wi ba hiev a, yo r tho ck e t u c So ut fro hat an of C ft Wa even m a rela ali ter lea surf xed for nia Pom ving ’ loo , , m ad L k rpo e, £ ond on rte 20 , r. . com Ba xte r

sp Re l as sp fresh h d the lash this own fra new or ra sum g t m Br ranc aqu her B er £5 it Sp e fro atic rit S with 2, l m me pl a Bu ash rbe Ea Burb n’s ash, rry u D e , bu e T rry. rb o err ilet y.c om te,

48

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

a Fo win Ba r lov for thi rber ers o gin n f d Wa g to elive gin, b r t So erm ath s th Blin in e d mr othe int po r, £ Gin g in next rt e a b be r.co 25, B Aft ott st lin ers m d B ha le. arb

er,

ve


It’s never too late...

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

www.lilouetloic.com


STREET

TRADER

Borough Market has always been more than a place to buy your fruit and veg; it’s London at its finest, which makes it the perfect setting for a saunter in your weekend best Photographer: Dominic Nicholls Stylist: Dan Blake @ One Represents

Gingham blazer, £900, Aquascutum, aquascutum.com; Crew neck, sweater £275, Dunhill, dunhill.com; Acetate sunglasses, £196, Ralph Lauren at David Clulow, davidclulow.com; Silk light grey marl pocket square, £65, Mulberry, mulberry.com; De Ville Prestige Power Reserve timepiece, £3,040, Omega, omegawatches.com




Opposite page: Cotton polo, £250, Chinos, £142, both Canali, canali.com; Navy Suede espadrilles, £150, Gieves and Hawkes, gievesandhawkes.com; Acetate sunglasses, £104, Polo Ralph Lauren at David Clulow, as before; De Ville Prestige Power Reserve timepiece, £3,040, Omega, as before This Page: Deep cherry ribbed silk shirt, £550, Burberry Prorsum, uk.burberry.com; Preston crepe crew neck, £165 and Kirk cotton trousers, Aquascutum, as before; Acetate sunglasses, £196, Ralph Lauren at David Clulow, as before


This Page: Club check elbow patch v-neck, £165, Bray evening shirt, £150 and Coleridge single-breasted trench, £800, Aquascutum, as before; Cotton trousers, £230, Canali, as before; Chocolate polished calf leather lace-up shoes, £450, Burberry Prorsum, as before Opposite page: Teal treated cotton water proof DB coat, £795, Blue cotton shirt, £75 and Teal cotton scarf, £250, Gieves and Hawkes, as before; ‘Clive’ Palm Beach grey trousers, £210, 7 For All Man Kind, 7forallmankind.com




Groomer: Liam James Moore @ S Management Styling assistant: Leticia Dayrell and Hashad Gadhvi Model: Stefan Pollmann @ Next Shot on location at Borough Market, boroughmarket.org.uk

Bray evening shirt, ÂŁ150, Aquascutum, as before; Stripe linen blazer, ÂŁ450, Hackett, hackett.com


More than just a name, Snow Lepoard vodka was created to help save this beautiful creature from extinction. 15% of profits from the brand are given directly to Snow Leopard conservation projects. Award winning Snow Leopard vodka is the first luxury vodka to be made from the Spelt grain, which provides a unique and distinct, nutty fresh taste. Available from Selfridges, Hedonism Drinks and Fortnum and Mason

www.snowleopardvodka.co.uk


| INTERVIEW |

The TUMULTUOUS TREVOR PICKETT “I’ve gone from TOWIE to Downton Abbey.” The City Magazine’s Hugh Francis Anderson talks to Trevor Pickett about the rise of his luxury small-goods emporium, Pickett

“G

&T, darling?” asks Trevor Pickett as we meet in his Burlington Gardens boutique. It is abundantly clear from this initial encounter that Trevor’s flamboyant persona is utterly fundamental to the success of his brand, Pickett. After 25 years in the Burlington Arcade, it has upsized to the end of Savile Row to continue its life as London’s luxury, personal leather emporium. Trevor’s life has always revolved around the luxury retail world. “I’ve been in the business for 35 years,” he says with a slight roll of the eyes. Although time may have passed, his drive appears as strong as ever. Moving from Southend to London at the

Roll Up Backgammon, £295

age of 16, Trevor began working in a tiny leather shop called the Unicorn Leather Company in the Burlington Arcade. Within six months Trevor was manager and a mere eight years later he purchased the business and rebranded it Pickett. “I created Pickett in 1988 through a management buyout,” he explains. “Fortunately my current business partner and friends, including my old boss, helped fund it.” In a style that I am beginning to understand as ‘typical’ Trevor eccentricity, he stops our chat intermittently to offer a new customer a stiff drink and a friendly one-toone; a true purveyor of exquisite retail therapy.

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

59


Trevor has found the holy grail of retail stardom, a white knight, if you will, on the battlefields of personal couture Regaining his attention, I ask him about his working philosophies. “It’s very much a reactive business, and we have to guide our customers through. You’re not allowed to come in here and serve yourself; there is a sense of serving you – there has to be at this level.” Perhaps Trevor’s attempt to preserve a bygone era is why he has recently been gaining a lot of press attention, appearing in The Financial Times’ Diary of a Somebody, BBC Radio 4’s Midweek show and on the recent Channel 4 programme, The Auction House, to name but a few. Trevor’s cheerful peculiarity has wonderfully caught on, and with it his traditionalist brand. Although Pickett is a ‘new’ brand, it is still one of the only lasting manufacturers of 100 per cent British-made leather goods. Pickett propagates modern antiquity, using artisans from a whole host of small workshops across the country to formulate its trademark goods. From luggage, briefcases and toilet bags, to Kilim shoes, Whangee umbrellas and leather backgammon boards, Pickett is a true emporium of gentlemanly delights, and its young age is of little importance. It has, as Trevor says, “got the delusion and air of history”. Whether young or old, Trevor’s unquestionable pursuit of the ultimate customer experience is duly timeless. The new Burlington Gardens store features a leather room, where customers can procure their favourite items in any finish they please, and if something entirely bespoke is being sought, Pickett with gladly oblige. “We have such a level of expertise, that we can guide a customer through the story, and if we don’t have what they want, we can make it for them.” The key, it appears, is adaptability. “Things change. Nowadays, we don’t really sell suitcases because of hand luggage restrictions, but if someone wants a suitcase, we can make them a suitcase.” Alas, Trevor’s pursuit of the ultimate retail experience continues to fortify. “There’s even a back catalogue of leather and canvas,” says Trevor excitedly, “so if you bought a bag now, and

60

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

Eros Holdall, £719

Bridlehide Briefcase, £895

Piccadilly Holdall, £750

Ostrich Leather Folio, £1,495

Classic Holdall, £515

in 20 years you wanted another one, it’s highly likely we’ll still have it.” So the Pickett brand is going from strength to strength. With the recent upscale to Burlington Gardens, and with the Sloane Street branch booming, Trevor seems to be doing something right. I ask what inspires his designs and makes them blossom. “Without being funny, there’s only so many ways you can turn canvas or leather into a bag, so I call it evolve, with a back catalogue of history.” Yes, evolve is the correct word to describe Pickett and its short but varied history. In the late ‘80s, Trevor, in partnership with designer Georgina Von Etzdorf, was one of the first to bring pashminas to London, and the two designed luxury scarves for an exclusive audience, including Princess Diana. By the mid-90s, its reputation as one of London’s finest luxury emporiums had rocketed to the top, and Trevor slowly began introducing an increasing number of bizarre and wonderful products, elegantly marching Pickett into the realm of the boutique elite. Pickett’s new home has come at a poignant time in the history of London’s luxury retail market. Since 1819 the Burlington Arcade has been home to London’s extravagant retailers, with a vested interest in small-scale antique, watch and leather industries. As a remnant of London’s regal heritage, tourists actively seek out the arcade to get a glimpse of London’s elite past. However, in a not so surprising turn of events, rental prices have been increased at an astronomical rate, with local tenants unable to pay the extortionate fees and eventually usurped by vast fashion conglomerates. Ever the optimist, Trevor always sees the upside. “I feel on a trajectory to move forward. I see a bigger world now – this is an adult step. I was limited by the Burlington Arcade and this has given me a new beginning.” This new beginning is founded on the pretence of joy, happiness and fun. Trevor’s own demeanour is one that yearns for simplicity, for the pure enjoyment of a working life. “I’ve got to enjoy this. I’ve got to enjoy the people around me, because if I don’t, then I’m not having fun.” Alas, with the pursuit of ‘fun’ as a primary motivator, there is very little left to question: Trevor has found the holy grail of retail stardom, a white knight, if you will, on the battlefields of personal couture. When it comes down to it, Pickett signifies all that is great about London’s boutique culture; it always has, and hopefully always will, be about characters such as Trevor, and about the unbridled passion for their brand and their customers. “The whole point of this is to meet people,” says Trevor. “My work is my pleasure and my pleasure is my life.” As I get up, Trevor extends a warming hand: “Come back for a drink anytime you want,” he says with a radiant smile, and I leave feeling that any customer would receive the same care and attention that I had received from the tumultuous Trevor Pickett. pickett.co.uk


| INTERVIEW |

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

61


STYLE HER

The leading ladies and latest looks guiding style this season

Nike Running

Someone busier than you is running right now -NIKE

athleisure

NikeLab

For years I’ve been per cent these past three years fraudulently donning the respectively, sales are expected to “I’ve just come from the climb further in the coming months. gym” look, but thanks to Rebecca Minkoff is the latest a new sub-category of designer to join this booming apparel, women around the industry with her athleisure world have been granted collection, an assembly of ready-toMazzy Bikini Bra & Brief, £110 and £85, permission to do so, and wear and accessories that are perfect Agent Provocateur, with the resources to do it for the gym yet sophisticated enough agentprovocateur.com in style. ‘Athleisure’ is a buzz for leisure pursuits. word that surfaced a year Sporting giants Nike and Adidas or two ago, and refers to continue to work on a host of apparel that can take you from designer collaborations, while one activity to the next, without fashion houses like Alexander Wang, compromising on style. Balenciaga and Marni showed Since it surfaced, fashion their own lines of athleisure retailers in every corner of on the runways this the globe have capitalised season. TE on the growing demand for activewear, a smart move given it now accounts for an impressive 16 per cent of the overall apparel market. Having Floral print performance clocked growth at jacket, £94, Adidas by Stella McCartney, matchesfashion.com eight, 10 and seven

62

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

NikeLab

this Season


| FASHION |

Rebecca Minkoff

Cynthia Rowley

Monreal London

Adidas Originals by The Farm Company SS15

REBECCA MINKOFF This month, the New York-based designer launches her very first athleisure collection, which is perfect for the gym yet stylish enough to be worn at any time. rebeccaminkoff.com

65%

Sixty-five per cent of the UK’s recreational sportsmen and women wear the wrong shoe for their chosen sport. We’ve compiled a guide to ensure you pick the right pair:

Monreal London

best foot forward

Tennis A lot of side-to-side movement is involved in playing racquet sports, which calls for a shoe that’s heavier and stiffer than your usual running shoes, which simply won’t offer the right stability.

Nike

nikelab x SACAI This summer’s collaboration experiments with lightweight materials to explore and reinterpret silhouettes from the Nike archives. nike.com

Aerobics A fitness shoe that combines flexibility, support and cushioning is ideal for aerobics as it absorbs impact and lessens shock to the feet. Running Your running shoes should be ultraflexible and bend through each step. It’s important to have them properly fitted, so you might consider visiting a specialist retailer that will assess your foot and find the right shoe for you. Walking If you go walking regularly, you want to invest in a pair of proper walking shoes, or perhaps a pair of lightweight walking boots. These will provide the required support to your feet and ankles. For highland walks over difficult terrain, walking boots are a necessity.

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

63


| LIFESTYLE |

summer in a bottle capture the essence of high summer with these scene-stealing scents

, nd ma x d a nig mi bol t e al ls A gan rient floract a o e a rav al- hit xtr ext s flor es w ger e thi mbin gin co with

1

2

f xo a i e m th tiv a wi ar c in l d ist anil d ce d v an t e le y k andfron p sim il af A re m t of s pu hin

3

8

ate lic stick p e r ip let ous l o i r dv o an glam e os a y r h of d s a He e swi nd th g a to l n la m a g y war ensu t n s Yla nillaor a c scen a v in f xoti sk d e an

7

n

a ns e v li en ich, r e r s eppay of rose p ck r r ety Bla a velv

t’s igh ith N r w me tale let m io dsu fair y nd v i M A ream oss a D ee m tr

l tifu r be e u e a e v iv st b u’ll e rece o e m yo to Th quet ough bou ky en luc

4

5

6

s, ast r t on icy n c ts sp and i i son ee ul oil les eet m tcho usk A sw pa m th nt wi ncie a

1. 21 EDP 50ml, £95, Costume National, costumenationalscents.com 2. Noir Pour Femme EDP 50ml, £75, Tom Ford, tomford.com 3. Lipstick Rose 100ml, £155, Frédéric Malle, liberty.co.uk 4. Terracotta Le Parfum 100ml, £47, Guerlain, selfridges.com 5. Platinum Muscus Pure Perfume 50ml, £145, Electimuss, fortnumandmason.com 6. Love In Idleness EDT 100ml, £100, Atkinsons, harrods.com 7. Jour d’Hermès Gardénia EDP 85ml, £105, Hermès, uk.hermes.com 8. Acqua Nobile Rosa EDT 125ml, £87, Acqua di Parma, acquadiparma.com

64

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015


www.wtrlondon.com 0207 243 3776 188 Westbourne Grove, W11 2RH


Y O FF E R UL

J

1

ST

FIRST MONTH FREE MEMBERSHIP

ER

SUMM

ESS

MADN

CLASSES TAILORED

Terms & condiTions apply SEE WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS

TO YOU LUXURY FITNESS HEALTH CLUB

OUR FOCUS IS YOU

LIMEHOUSE MARINA, LONDON E14 7LB

5MINS CANARY WHARF

5MINS

BANK TOWER GATEWAY

CONTACT US 0845 262 5050 WWW.LIMEHOUSEMARINAELITE.COM


| LIFESTYLE |

HEALTH & FITNESS The tips, tricks and training kit you need to stay at the top of your game

spring into action For SS15, the designers at Reebok delved deep into the archives for inspiration, with updated retro designs and seasonal renditions of former favourites. Cutting-edge trainers are at the forefront of the collection, with the ZCut TR forming a performance-minded silhouette against the brand’s more casual offering. Very much on-trend, Reebok’s photo-print One Series Elite Tights feature mesh ventilation and offer a wide-range of movement. The brand’s super lightweight One Series Packable jacket is highly durable, wind resistant and ideal for high performance exercise. Again, an all-over print allows you to make a style statement whether you’re hitting the gym or pounding the street. reebok.co.uk

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

67


HEALTH & FITNESS ON YOUR BIKE The City Magazine gears up for another Tour de France, with five of the best bikes on the market This Cervélo combines lightweight design, stiffness and comfort R5DURA ACE DI2 22G road bike 2015, £6,699 Cervélo, sigmasport.co.uk

A bike that gives new meaning to the concept of travelling in style Le Flâneur sportif d’Hermès, £11,826, Hermès, hermes.com

The new Orca features a stiffer frame to improve efficiency Orca M10i Replica Cofidis, £POA, ORBEA, head.com

Addict SL features a frameset that weighs in at just 1kg Addict SL bike, £5,999, SCOTT, hargrovescycles.co.uk

The Émonda is the lightest every production road bike Émonda SLR 9, £7,800, TREK trekbikes.com

TOUR DE FRANCE 2015 The 102nd Tour de France takes place this month, from Saturday 4 July to Sunday 26 July, covering a total distance of 3,360 kilometres, made up of 21 stages. For more information on teams and the route, visit letour.com

68

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

GENE SCHOOL

Discover what’s written in your DNA with Rob Smith and his team at Limehouse Marina Elite Fitness Health Club More than two thirds of Brits joined a gym in January and by the end of the month, over a third had cancelled their memberships. Some blamed a fitnessrelated injury for their lack of commitment, while others said they lost motivation as they failed to reach their fitness and performance goals. Fortunately for Limehouse Marina Elite’s members, the Fitness and Performance Team has identified the shortfallings of most gyms and are offering members bespoke training programmes to ensure they not only reach, but surpass their goals. One of the innovative services it’s offering its members is genetic performance testing, by sports genomics company Agenica. This effective tool offers a unique insight into an individual’s genetic potential, not to mention a comprehensive breakdown on their current health status. Health and performance director Rob Smith says: “The genetic assessment can be utilised by all members, from elite level competitors who want to take their training to the next level, to a complete gym newbie.” Sound gruelling? You’d be surprised: “The assessments are really easy and non-invasive; guests are invited in for the health assessment with one of our accredited performance specialists, and it’s at this point that a simple cheek swab is taken and then stored to be sent off to Agenica for analysis,” says Smith. The data collated from

“An individual will gain information regarding their genetic potential in endurance, power and speed activities”


| LIFESTYLE |

5 million

people are unaware they have

high blood pressure

1 in 3

adults living in London are

teetotal something so simple is really rather incredible: “An individual will gain information regarding their genetic potential in endurance, power and speed activities. Individuals will unravel their genetic potential to aerobic fitness, their recovery potential between high-intensity training sessions and their genetic injury potential,” explains Smith. So, basically, you will see results faster and avoid injury in the process – so fewer excuses. The genetic performance analysis isn’t the only innovative service differentiating Limehouse Marina Elite from other London gyms. Intuitive health assessment and exercise programmes are entered into iPads and constantly updated to provide more choice for members, while wearable technology is embraced through top-ofthe-range fitness machines that read the data from most devices, explains Smith. Furthermore, the team at Limehouse Marina Elite uses the latest technology and ultrasound to get an accurate and less invasive body fat measurement. Limehouse Marina Elite is currently offering complimentary genetic performance testing to new members, a service normally worth £120. If members opt to engage with one of its personal training packages they’re also offered a complimentary genetic nutrition assessment. So, rather than wait for January to become “injured” or discover that what works for others doesn’t necessarily work for you, pay a visit to Limehouse Marina Elite Fitness Health Club. limehousemarinaelite.com

13,000+ cases of melanoma are diagnosed in Britain each year

Turmeric has been used for more than 4,000 years to treat a variety of ailments, but current research is suggesting curcumin – the active ingredient in turmeric – p o t e n t i a l ly w a r d s off dementia and even prevents cancer. Did you know? Just a few minutes of exercise before eating could potentially help your heart. Scientists at the University of Exeter found that by carrying out just a few minutes of exercise before sitting down to a meal, you can improve blood vessel function that is ordinarily reduced by the consumption of food.

THE ORGASM GURU The City Magazine meets Mike Lousada, a psychosexual somatic practitioner and former City banker who’s now helping Londoners discover a more fulfilling sex life What is the most common problem clients come to you with? For women, it’s loss of libido or orgasmic issues; for men, it’s either premature ejaculation or erectile problems. The real issue though is they always want more intimacy in their lives, they just don’t know how to get it. Is there a certain type of client you see a lot? I see clients from all walks of life, but I have a lot of professional clients, including many from the City. Stress is one of the biggest passion killers and can cause a whole range of sexual problems. People working in high-pressure jobs with not enough time for intimacy are craving it but not giving themselves a chance to find it. What advice would you give to someone whose libido is mismatched with their partner’s? It’s natural that you have a mismatched libido with your partner. This is true of almost every relationship: one partner wants sex more than the other. The key is not to make this wrong and to communicate clearly and lovingly about what you need. Very often I find that one partner (often the woman) thinks she has less desire than her male partner, but when we examine it we find that actually she wants more varied types of intimate interaction and he just wants penetration and orgasm. Do you have any quick tips for rebuilding intimacy? Great sex requires great communication. When libido has gone, first you need to find it in yourself. Self-pleasuring or masturbation can be an important part of that. Learn what turns you on first, then bring it to your partner. The second step is learning to ask for what you want; we all have a right to pleasure, so don’t be afraid to ask for it.

mikelousada.com

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

69


Bespoke

fit

Serious about cycling? Discover your perfect bike at Bespoke Canary Wharf, home to the world’s finest cycling products.

I

f you’re keen to get the most out of your cycling endeavours, a visit to Bespoke - Canary Wharf’s newest cycle emporium, is an absolute must. Focusing on bike fit and utilising high-tech 3D motion capture, Bespoke’s 4D Fit system is designed to ensure bike and rider are perfectly, even scientifically matched. Boasting three stylish fitting and consultation rooms, the brand’s flagship store is located within the striking new Crossrail Place on Level -2, an area it shares with Everyman Cinema and spin studio, Psycle London. In addition to complete bikes from leading manufacturers including Pinarello, Cannondale and Trek, Bespoke stocks the world’s finest cycling products and accessories, backed-up by a full workshop offering a variety of service options and repairs. If you’re as serious about your cycling as you are your diet, once you’ve found the two-wheel steed of your dreams, rejuvenate your energy levels and taste buds at nearby CPRESS, choosing from the range of organic cold-pressed juices and dairy free, gluten free snacks.

Bespoke customer builds...

D Bespoke Cycling, Crossrail Place, 020 7519 1756

CPRESS Juices Creatively engineered juices and snacks... • All CPRESS juices are raw, nonpasteurised and free of additives and preservatives. • CPRESS offer several meal options for vegans and vegetarians.

CLUB Racer

• Many of the CPRESS meals are free from gluten, wheat and dairy. D CPress, Crossrail Place, 020 7519 6599

The Independent Fabrication Club Racer is a true classic; timeless looks combined with the timeless ride quality of steel. This build adopts the ‘classic’ look but creates something entirely new.


Enjoy the science in cycling? Book a fit session at Bespoke.

ITALIAN Classic

STAND OUT Performer

The classic Colnago C60, hand made and hand painted in Italy.

The Parlee Z-Zero is an amazing machine however you look at it, but this

Fitted with a legendary Campagnolo Super Record groupset, the

build really stands out. Fitted with ENVE 3.4 wheels and the full ENVE

updated cranks look clean and modern.

finishing kit, there’s something so satisfying about making it all match.

canarywharf.com

@yourcanarywharf


UNCOVER HIDDEN TALENTS WITH GINETTA

From road to race track, call today to find out where Ginetta can take you. CALL 0113 385 4171 | EMAIL sales@ginetta.com | WEB ginetta.com ginettacars

ginettacars

In association with

Photography by Mike Petch


| MOTORING |

An English

Affair

Behind the wheel of a £200,000 supercar, and with a £20,000 timepiece strapped to its wrist, The City Magazine makes the most of the summer WORDS: Chris Hall

I

n London, it can be hard to know what to say to your neighbours at the best of times. It’s particularly hard to know what to say when you’ve just woken them up at 8am on a sunny Saturday by firing up a throaty V12 engine not 10 feet from their windows. The enthusiastic demonstrations of Aston’s delivery driver have got a few curtains twitching, not all of them in admiration. It’s time I get out of here. My weekend bag is packed and ready – like any supercar, the Vanquish Volante isn’t generously equipped with luggage space, so I’m travelling light. Is it really a supercar, though? One strike

against the Vanquish from the purists is the presence of rear seats. But if you’re over 5ft tall, they’re unusable as seats anyway. I soon reclassified them as well-upholstered storage bins – somewhere to put your shopping without the heat from the exhausts curdling the milk. Problem solved. Seat back, roof down and we’re off to the races. Actually, just up the road from the races – I’m heading for the Laureus Cup charity polo match at Windsor Great Park, a destination better suited to the Aston than the be-hatted boozers at Ascot. I’ve got great ambitions of hurling the Vanquish around some Surrey roads before chukka time. No such luck. It’s one of the

AMVOX2 Transponder, £20,000, Jaeger-LeCoultre

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

73


| MOTORING |

The Vanquish cruises so, so well – leave the paddle-shift alone and it will sit at, er, 70ish for seemingly ever

Above second from left Aston Martin’s Gaydon Headquarters, Warwickshire

74

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

sunniest days of the year and most of south west London has taken to the road to celebrate. Which gives me time to contemplate some other aspects of the Volante. This is Aston’s range-topper, a car priced well north of £200,000. It’s got to feel luxurious, and it does. There are things I don’t like – the optional sportier steering wheel, which is almost square – and things I don’t understand, like the button to turn off the parking sensors. But there is so much I absolutely love. The Bang & Olufsen speakers, which rise up from the dash like robotic meerkats; the touch-sensitive buttons; the key – a tapered lump of crystal that pushes in and brings that wonderful noise; the noise itself – at low speeds, it’s like a stalking tiger, at high speeds, it’s a chainsaw sawing through velvet. It was only the Vanquish’s 565 horsepower that kept me from arriving late, after two-and-a half hours in London’s jams. Cruising up the drive in Windsor’s beautiful Great Park, you really feel like you’re making an entrance. Finally, I’ve arrived and with a press of my watch, the car is locked safely behind me. Oh – didn’t I mention? I’m accessorising the Vanquish with that most James Bond of gadgets – a rather tricked-out timepiece. Rather than an Omega, Rolex or Seiko (all worn at one point by Bond), I’m wearing the Jaeger-LeCoultre AMVOX2 Transponder. Jaeger-LeCoultre has been working with Aston Martin for just over a decade, and from its very own Q-branch comes a watch equipped with a wireless transmitter capable of locking and unlocking any model of Aston Martin. It works by means of a tiny strip of conductive metal embedded beneath the surface of the

watch, with the words ‘open’ and ‘close’ printed at 8 and 4 o’clock. You need to get the dealership to link the two together, and you still need the key to start the car. But it’s a brilliant piece of engineering, and the kind of grin-inducing flair that should come with owning a car like this. Four hours later and I’m back in the driving seat. Polo is an interesting sport – unlike other elitist pursuits it’s simple and easy to follow. There are hardly any rules; it’s an immersive spectacle of horsepower, agility, strength and style. Much like something else I could mention… Out from Windsor and the Aston’s got a point to prove. I’m headed for Stowe-on-the-Wold (specifically, to The Porch House, which claims to be England’s oldest inn, dating back to 947AD). Luckily I’ve beaten the Ascot traffic and we’re in the fast lane on the M25 in no time. The Vanquish cruises so, so well – leave the paddle-shift alone and it will sit at, er, 70ish for seemingly ever. The M40 and Oxford pop up in staggeringly short time and it’s onto the loping backroads of the Cotswolds. A lovely place to stretch a car slightly, and really what the Vanquish has been waiting for. Sport mode is on and the manual gear changes bring gorgeous pops and gurgles from the engine. As the evening draws in, I’m at my destination predictably before time. With the sun beaming off the Cotswold stone and the teal VV looking stunning from every angle, it’s hard to want anything else. In fact, never mind dinner – I think I’ll just pop out for another drive... Prices for the Vanquish Volante start from £199,995. The price of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s AMVOX2 Transponder is £20,000.


Comprehensively designed to deliver performance Insurance you can rely on to protect your most valuable possessions

0845 490 00 00 www.firstpoint.co.uk Specialist insurance provider for car, home, jewellery and ar t

the exceptional place for insurance


king of the north Koenigsegg launches the Regera, a luxury megacar with an army of technology behind it Words: Jennifer Mason

i, robot

S

wedish for ‘to reign’, the new Koenigsegg Regera is unquestionably a king among machines. Designed as an alternative to the brand’s One:1 and the Agera RS, the Regera combines power and luxury in a machine that will allow drivers to blitz round the circuit in record time while enjoying plush comfort and all the mod cons of its interior. Featuring a few world firsts (including the Transformers-esque fully robotised bodywork and the foldable rear spoiler) the Regera is also super-smart under the hood. The Koenigsegg Direct Drive Transmission (KDD) combines a traditional combustion engine with electric power in an all-new form of hybrid technology invented by Christian von Koenigsegg – with dramatic (and stunningly good-looking) results. Only 80 Regera cars will be made, so if you want one of these futuristic beauties, you’d better get in line. koenigsegg.com/regera

star bright The Regera boasts Constellation daytime running lights. Cluster LEDs make the headlights glitter and shine like a night’s sky.

76

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

Koenigsegg has fully robotised the Regera; it’s the first car in the world that operates all body closures automatically via the remote or a smartphone app. The Dihedral Synchro Helix Doors swing out and rotate 90 degrees.

inside story The interior features eightway electrically adjustable memory foam seats, a 9-inch infotainment system, 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity, a front, inner and rear camera system with recording capability, Apple CarPlay, a supreme sound system and ambient lighting.


Renderings by Koenigsegg, photos by James Holm

| MOTORING |

the power

spoiler alert

The Regera is powered by a drysumped, twin-turbo, 5-litre V8 engine and the innovative Koenigsegg Direct Drive Transmission – three electric motors that add a mere 88kg to the car’s weight but boosts it from 0-400mph in under 20 seconds.

The world’s first fully foldable, active, topmounted, lightweight carbon-fibre rear spoiler maximises down force – 250km/h 450Kg.

top it up When fully charged, the electric drive range is 50km. The battery can be charged by the combustion engine or through the Type 2 Mode 3 port at the rear of the car.

speed combo The combined combustion and hybrid powertrains give the Regera more than 1500bhp.

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

77


Hot Metal The cars outshine the stars at the world’s most prestigious automotive rally. Jeremy Taylor visits Lake Como for Concorso d’Eleganza

78

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015


| MOTORING |

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

79


I

dyllic Lake Como is Italy’s celebrity paradise – home to George Clooney, Madonna, Sir Richard Branson and Donatella Versace. The setting is impossibly beautiful, but for one weekend a year, both the stars and the scenery are eclipsed by the ultimate car show. The Concorso d’Eleganza features 50 of the world’s finest historic vehicles. It’s a beauty contest for gorgeous machines, attracting only the crème de la crème of classic cars, plus their very wealthy owners. Most of the models on display are worth millions of pounds – rare artefacts from the golden age of automotive design. They’ve been pampered and polished in readiness for this exclusive show in northern Italy, by special invitation only. The Concorso was first held on the shores of Lake Como in 1929, just a few weeks before the Wall Street Crash. It disappeared after WWII but was revived in 1995, in the gardens of Grand Hotel Villa d’Este. The breathtaking lakeside location is perfect for the glamour and glitz of the show. Even the 11-strong jury reads like a who’s who of the motor industry. Among them is Lord March, organisers of the Goodwood Festival of Speed; Ian Cameron, chief designer at Rolls-Royce; and Martin Roth, director of the V&A Museum in London. It is an impossible task for them, deciding which of the vehicles will be selected as ‘best of show’. The brief is to look for style and elegance – something sadly missing from many of today’s modern cars. Under the watchful eye of patron, Max Schoberl, senior vice president of sponsor BMW, the judges spend an entire day checking every nut, rivet and bolt. Decked out in blue blazers and straw hats, they’re easy to spot in the bustling crowd. Apart from the prestige of winning the world’s premier classic car show, the owner of the best exhibit collects a rather nice trophy, plus an engraved A Lange & Sohne Zeitzone watch, worth more than £35,000. If you think the best way to arrive at Concorso is by car, you’d be wrong. Firstly, parking is non-existent and there’s also a much more spectacular way to make your entrance – pulling up alongside the pontoon in a classic Riva speedboat. As you might expect, Lake Como has more than its fair share of Rivas. They’re moored alongside multimillionpound properties dotted along the shore. However, none of these houses can boast grounds that rival the Villa d’Este, which has Italianate gardens so special they’re listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And if the Renaissance architecture of the hotel isn’t impressive enough, the roll call of famous guests who have stayed is mind-boggling. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra,

80

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

Randolph Hearst – the list goes on and on. Hitchcock wrote his first film here, while Emily Blunt married in the gardens. But all that has to be put aside to fully appreciate the cars on show at Concorso d’Eleganza. The event really does have an elegance all its own, with well-heeled owners mingling around the hotel terrace, while enthusiasts and socialites mix among the vehicles. The event is traditionally held in May in blazing sunshine, and this year only the weather failed to live up to expectations. Among the collectors showing their vehicles was Sir Anthony Bamford, chairman of JCB. His 1937 Rolls-Royce is one of a set of six Phantom models on show, ranging from 1929 to 1971. The Concorso is believed to be the first time all six marks have been seen together in public. Clive Beecham, founder of Kinnerton Confectionery, is parked nearby in his 1950 Ferrari 166MM. Beecham, who’s first job was sweeping up a factory floor, has made more than enough to buy a fleet of classics for his collection. Among his rivals in the Gentlemen’s Racers section is a rare, 1962 Ferrari 250GT, owned by IT recruitment consultant Nigel Allen from Surrey. One of the joys of Concorso is that the public also gets an opportunity to vote in a special category. Voting cards are handed out, with boxes numbered one to 50. Deciding which car to pick is tougher than you think. There are crazy, eye-catching vehicles like the 1954 Pegaso Z-102 in bright yellow, or a lengthy Mercedes SS that oozes class.


| MOTORING |

ABOVE The winner receives an A Lange & Sohne Zeitzone worth £37,000.

Jeremy Taylor was a guest of A Lange & Sohne, alange-soehne. com and Concorso d’E leganza,concorsodeleg anzavilladeste.com

Finally, I put my ‘X’ in box 18, an Alfa Romeo 8C 2300Spider, with coachwork built by Zagato. Painted in a deep, blood red, this open two-seater dates back to 1932 and has a water temperature gauge fitted to the top of the sparkling chrome radiator grille. Situated away from the classics is a separate category for modern concept cars. This is a chance for manufacturers to show off the cars of the future. Just seven are on display, including a BMW coupe and an Aston Martin SUV. During the afternoon, there’s a grand parade of cars around the grounds. By now most people are enjoying a second glass of champagne and will be happy to rest their feet as the cars crawl by. Only when it threatens to rain is there a flurry of activity, as owners dash to raise the tops on their convertible models. The winner of Concorso is announced the following day at a gala dinner that marks the end of the event. The award is kept a closely guarded secret until the last minute, but the 2015 best in show is finally awarded to ‘my’ car, the 1932 Alfa Romeo. For me, it’s the icing on the cake of a perfect automotive weekend. Now I just have to clamber aboard the right Riva speedboat and try to find my hotel’s mooring.

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

81


TECH TALK

Essential apparatus for keeping ahead of the curve

point and shoot

Four reasons, or rather devices, preventing the camera from being made obsolete by the smartphone

The Nikon 1 J5 is a super-portable camera, but it’s no ordinary pointand shoot. It captures thrilling 20.8-megapixel images, not to mention ultra-sharp 4K video, and has a faster shooting speed than a DSLR to ensure you don’t miss the moment. A tilting touch screen and manual controls allow you to get creative and then share easily with any smart device.

At 20fps with continuous autofocus, this camera can bring home action shots that a DSLR might miss

A PSAM Mode Dial, command dial and Fn button gives you DSLR-style control

Tilt the monitor down or up to shoot from unusual angles, or capture self-portraits

nikon 1 J5 Price From £349 USP Its CX-format sensor (four times larger than the sensor in most compact cameras) nikon.com

Capture stunning 20.8-MP images with its large CMOS sensor and 1 NIKKOR lenses

checking out the competition

82

Canon

fujifilm

leica

EOS 5DS

X-T10

Q

PRICE: From £2,599 USP: Reduced mirror vibration for maximum sharpness canon.co.uk

PRICE: From £499 USP: Unique colour reproduction technology for outstanding image quality fujifilm.eu

PRICE: £TBC USP: An angle of view that reproduces scenes with natural perspectives uk.leica-camera.com

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015


| LIFESTYLE |

CATCH SOME RAYS Solartab has made a huge advancement in personal, portable solar charging through its creation of the first truly compact and efficient personal solar charger. Featuring an internal battery that allows you to charge even when you don’t need it, while providing instant power when you do, the Solartab portable solar charger is effectively a backup battery and solar charger in one. This means that if you’d like to charge your phone in the middle of the night, you can if you used your Solartab to charge the internal battery during the day. Better yet, on the side panel you’ll find three power ports, two USB and one MicroUSB, allowing you to charge multiple gadgets at once. Solar charger, from £78, Solartab, mysolartab.com

A CLEAN SWEEP Founded in 2014, Laundrapp is the only on-demand laundry and drycleaning services app. It is also one of London’s highest profile and fastest growing startups. The app, which is available across all major smartphone and tablet devices, allows you to easily select the items you want cleaned and have them collected and delivered at a time that suits you, making life that little more convenient. “Laundrapp is perfect for busy City workers who need a reliable, premium-quality laundry service,” says Ed Relph, Laundrapp’s CEO. Laundrapp, Minimum order £15, laundrapp.com

Candid Camera “The digital

camera

is a great invention

because

it allows us to

reminisce Instantly” demetri martin, american comedian

honourable As the world’s first 4G smartphone with dual, eight-megapixel rear cameras that comibine to take 13-megapixel images, the Honor6+ allows you to leave the camera at home.

A US company has successfully programmed a portable drone to follow its subject around without the traditional radio controller. The Lily Camera combines visual and GPS tracking to keep its target in shot for up to 20 minutes, adapting to your pace, while shooting in HD. The Lily Camera, £395,

Lily, lily.camera

Honor 6+ smartphone, £299.99, Honor, hihonor.com

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

83


The Art and Design Window GALLERies: Galleries, located in Canada Place, showcase up-and-coming artists, designers and craftspeople. Showing this month are:

WINDOW

VISUAL ARTS Take a break to explore and enjoy Canary Wharf’s temporary exhibitions and permanent art collection around the estate

Stripping the Willow Sculpture by Julian Wild 29 June – 15 August

 Lobby One Canada Square, Canary Wharf

Tuesday 21 July from 6.30 to 7.15 pm FREE

Curator Ann Elliott tours the Sculptor Julian Wild exhibition with Julian Wild has established a highly Contact Canary Wharf Public Art Office individual language at visualart@canarywharf.com based partly in geometry to reserve a place. and partly in observations of the natural world – ideas that he expresses in line. The title of the exhibition, Stripping the Willow, relates to his observations of an aspect of woodland management, stripping willow or withy stems in preparation for making baskets or fences, which inspired the group of scuIptures shown here. In a series of maquettes, he has also looked at how the line could be treated by stripping part of it away. His maquettes, Split, Peeled, Spliced and Slipped are all part of his language for Stripping the Willow. Made in mirror-polished bronze and stainless steel, these and the larger sculptures benefit from Wild’s high gloss finish of their surfaces. In some, portions are powder-coated red, which lends a somewhat visceral quality, thereby moving his concepts away from the purely pastoral.

ART: BOB ALDOUS 28 JUNE – 31 JULY

 CANADA WALK Bob works in a variety of media including painting, poetry, performance and installations, most recently experimenting with backlighting to produce a subtle radiance that complements his poetic style. Combining paintings and drawings with lyrical poetry his meditations follow a journey through love from its beginnings, flowering, beyond break-up and loss to the acceptance that love needs to combine with freedom.

Exhibition tour

Stripping the Willow Photography: Nic Serpell-Rand

bobaldous.com

See julianwild.com or williambeningtongallery.co.uk

Community

Window Gallery:

The Community Window Gallery in Canada Place is devoted to exhibiting work by local arts projects.

BOW ARTS DESIGN: ALEX YULE 28 JUNE – 31 JULY

 JUBILEE WALK Alex draws inspiration from her surrounding environment and having spent her childhood in the British countryside, inherits her father’s love of wild flowers and beachcombing rocky coastlines. Alongside a career in Display Design Alex explored her underlying ambition to be a jeweller, learning the skills of working with precious metals, to develop her proficiency in fine jewellery making. alexyulejewellery.co.uk

7 JULY – 8 SEPTEMBER

 CANADA PLACE

Bow Arts takes professional artists into schools across East London to improve the lives and learning of children and young people. Ella Robinson and Sara Heywood recently worked with six schools on the Isle of Dogs to create original works of art for each school. Three schools created bold vinyl artworks with Sara, inspired by everyday objects, nature and local architecture. Ella worked with Early Years children to design and make playfully interactive Higgledy-Piggledy Trees. The project also included teacher training and family workshops. This display includes photos and models of the artworks, children’s work that informed the final designs and photos of the workshops. bowarts.org


EVENTS

The sun is out and so should you be to enjoy Canary Wharf’s packed summer schedule of free-to-attend events and entertainment

DANCING CITY

Until Tuesday 18 August Canada Square Park Daily FREE

Enjoy outdoor dance treats from some of the very best UK and international dance companies and artists at Canary Wharf. festival.org

SUMMER SCREENS Over the summer catch up on some thrilling sporting action or revel in a spot of culture at Canary Wharf’s Summer Screens. Watch nail-biting Wimbledon action; revel in live opera or be victorious in F1 victories – all in the sociable alfresco setting of Canada Square Park. Visit canarywharf.com for up-to-date weekly screen schedules.

Saturday 4 July Various locations* and times

FREE

Solo 2 - Brodas Bros.

ACTION FOR KIDS BEACH VOLLEYBALL

Monday 6 – Saturday 25 July Montgomery Square Daily FREE to watch / Pay to Play

Montgomery Square welcomes Action For Kids Beach Volleyball where two popup courts offer you the chance to play this fast-paced, funfilled sport. Pay to play, watch showcase matches featuring some of Europe’s finest players or root for your colleagues at the main tournament on Friday 17 July. To book court time, find out about fees, classes, sessions and private hire call 020 8347 8111 or email beach@actionforkids.com actionforkids.org

2.10 & 5.30pm / Jubilee Plaza

Contemporary dance combining street dance and hip hop Haka Day Out – Corey Baker Dance 2 & 3.30pm / Westferry Circus

A mesmerising Kapa Haka performance Bar Story - Etta Ermini Dance Theatre 4.40pm / Wren Landing

See Wed 1 July Te Odiero - HURyCAN

BP BIG SCREENS, LIVE FROM THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE, COVENT GARDEN DON GIOVANNI Spend your evening watching world-class opera with family and friends and a delicious picnic at Canary Wharf ’s Canada Square Park. Discover how Mozart’s tuneful opera brings the exploits of this legendary lover to life. Star baritone Christopher Maltman’s dazzling performance in the title role is matched by the innovation of this exciting production, which uses the latest in stage technology and set design to tell the thrilling tale. The event will also feature exclusive backstage footage before the performance. Canary Wharf ’s has over 300 shops, cafés, bars and restaurants so your picnic or dinner out is covered!

2.40 & 4.45pm / Jubilee Plaza

Friday 3 July Canada Square Park 7pm (performance 7.30pm) FREE

Fast and frantic tango, flamenco and jazz Every Grain - Sole Rebel Tap 1.40 & 3.35pm / Cubitt Steps See Thurs 2 July

Of Man and Beast - Company Chameleon 1 & 4pm / Jubilee Plaza

Danger Risk of Falling - Parkour Dance Company 2.10 & 4.35pm / Montgomery Square

High energy Parkour dance Caída Libre – Compañia Sharon Fridman 1 & 4.40pm / Canary Riverside

A UK premiere Turn Around Boy - Compagnie Le Grand Jeté 1.45 & 3.05pm / Jubilee Plaza See Fri 3 July

5 Soldiers – Rosie Kay Dance 1.35 & 4.05pm / Canary Riverside

roh.org.uk/bpbigscreens

*Due to adverse weather conditions, some activities may be cancelled or moved where possible. Audience space is unreserved and limited and, due to the popularity of Canary Wharf events capacity can be reached within a short period of time. Our advice is to turn up early and be generous to others by not taking up unnecessary space. For everyone’s enjoyment portable furniture is not permitted and for everyone’s safety glass bottles and glasses are not permitted. Getting to Canary Wharf couldn’t be easier - travel on public transport via Jubilee Line, DLR Canary Wharf or Heron Quays or the Thames Clippers river bus or there are four underground public car parks at Canary Wharf. At weekends and Bank Holidays you can enjoy 3 hours’ free parking in any of our public car parks when you spend £10 at any of Canary Wharf’s shops, cafés, bars or restaurants. Or spend £10 in Waitrose Fashion, Food & Home Monday to Friday and enjoy 2 hours’ free parking. Sign up to join our free mailing list or to receive our quarterly brochure – send your contact details to arts+events@canarywharf.com. For all the latest Canary Wharf news, promotions and events follow us on twitter @yourcanarywharf. Details correct at time of publication but may be subject to change.

www.canarywharf.com

@yourcanarywharf


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

This month: CHRIS MOON

W

hat’s so interesting? When Monet, Manet, Renior and the other artists now known as the Impressionists set about changing the world of painting forever, it was a time of incredible change. Technology - aerial photography, the telegraph, telephony - was changing the social order and the way that people thought about their place within it, whilst all about them antislavery, anti-monarchist and pro-labour movements were beginning to gather steam. The impressionists responded as artists do - they tried to capture the increased pace in a new way, to find a way to make sense of all the change happening around them. It’s fascinating that our modern times are evincing a similar response from British artist Chris Moon. A skilled painter, Moon’s work is

Contained Impressionism, 2012 ©ChrisMoonArt.com

86

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

Contained pool, ©ChrisMoonArt.com

profoundly impressionistic, devoted to capturing fleeting sensations; the emotionally charged hinterland between recording and memory. His work is concerned with ‘containment’, the idea that dangerous chaos can be trapped on the canvas with his technique, and yet the images he uses to express the concept are often, on the surface at least, benign; palm trees, street scenes, heat-hazed bodies on the beach and so forth. Painting in oils, Moon is a rigorous, self-taught artist with a perfectionist streak that once saw him destroy eight years’ worth of his work because it “didn’t get to the bare soul of the painting”. This level of obsession plays out in work that captures the attention with its stark reduction of images to their barest essence. Recognisable forms appear fleetingly and take on the uncomfortable sense of something half remembered from a dream – challenging our sense of what is real and what we are imagining. Closer inspection reveals that it’s the jarring choices of colour and composition that set up this sense of discord; these are paintings that set out to challenge our ideas of places that we consider familiar by forcing the issues of change that are taking place within and around them. In his Splendid Isolation 2 series, an impressionistic Californian roadtrip features repeated images of sun-scorched streets engaged in the frontline of a ceaseless battle between the man-made city and nature. Moon’s layering of oil paints is an invitation to investigate the layered stories and meaning behind each work, and one that has been enthusiastically taken up by collectors, with a recent Armoury Week show in New York selling out, with pieces placed in major private collections. It’s also an invitation that’s been taken up by legendary filmmaker Jack Bond, the only man ever to make a film with Salvador Dali (Dali in New York, 1965). A Jack Bond directed film on Moon is currently underway and is expected next year. Chris Moon’s work will next be on view in solo shows in London and New York.


| ART & INTERIORS |

Untitled 14, 2012 ©ChrisMoonArt.com

Find the work: chrismoonart.com

Blvd, 2014 ©ChrisMoonArt.com

Untitled 8, 2014 ©ChrisMoonArt.com

On the Beach, 2014 ©ChrisMoonArt.com

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

87


Ma st er pi e c e L on don i s th e l ea din g int er national cro ss c o l l e ctin g fair f or ar t, anti qu e s an d d e si g n . Thi s year it retur n s to Th e R oyal Ho spit al C h el sea from 25 Jun e – 1 July, sh ow ca sin g a h o st of f or -sal e, mu seum quality w ork s from m ore than 150 l ea din g gal l eri e s from aroun d th e w orl d . Thi s year, T h e City Ma ga zi n e tur n s it s att ent ion to th e Mo d er n an d C ont emp orar y Fur niture cat egor y, to ref l e ct on pre v iou s an d pre sent hi g hli g ht s .

based upon The Baby (String Piano), is a previous highlight of Masterpiece London from the talented team at Based Upon. Exhibiting again this year, Based Upon was founded in 2004 by twin brothers Ian and Richard Abell, who, in March 2015, unveiled their first major public sculptures in Hong Kong and London. basedupon.com

peter petrou Designed in 1933 by Gerald Summers, one of the most innovative British Modernist designers, this armchair captures the zeitgeist of the 1930s and is just one of the 100+ furniture designs he produced over a period of 10 years. peterpetrou.com

MASTERPIECE

LONDON: The Exhibitors Past and present highlights from exhibitors at this year’s Masterpiece London

barnsley workshop One of the star pieces on display at Barnsley Workshop’s exhibit is this eye-catching dining room table. Featuring a striking starburst pattern in American walnut and a central leaf that’s accessed by simply sliding the two halves open, this piece is one that’s only truly appreciated in person. barnsley-furniture.co.uk

Words: tiffany eastland

88

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015


| ART & INTERIORS |

david gill gallery David Gill Gallery returns to Masterpiece London to champion the work of designers who have become world famous, as it has done in previous years with Mattia Bonetti, seen below. A pioneering gallerist of 20th-century and contemporary design, David Gill continues to work with artists and designers on edition pieces and unique private commissions around the world. davidgillgallery.com

linley Veteran exhibitor LINLEY continues to push the boundaries of design, innovation and engineering with LIGHTSPACE, a collection of truly stunning star pieces. Employing techniques that have been developed over the years by LINLEY designers and craftsmen, LIGHTSPACE experiments with intriguing finishes, an inspired blend of materials and unexpected functions. davidlinley.com

carpenrters workshop gallery This year, Carpenters Workshop Gallery is exhibiting a solo show of work by Ingrid Donat. Of the pieces exhibiting, a highlight is certainly the Artbook Console, which incorporates the use of parchment, a reference to Art Deco, a style that often inspires Donat’s work. carpentersworkshopgallery.com Images courtesy of Carpenters Workshop Gallery

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

89


It’s a

sailor’s life

As complicated as a warship, as luxurious as a five-star hotel; escaping the rat race on board the ultimate luxury Words: Richard Brown

90

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

for me


| INTERVIEW |

Jamie Edmiston

RED DRAGON SPECIFICATION Length 51.70m / 170ft

Beam 10.20m / 33ft

Year Built 2008 | 2013

Exterior Designer Dubois

Builder Alloy Yachts

Cabins total Four cabins

Cabins One master, two double, one twin

Crew 10

Max. Speed 15 knots

T

he crowd that greeted our arrival in Moncao had assembled before we’d even made the dock. In a marina where 200-ft motor yachts were lined up like sardines in a tin, including a boat designed by Philippe Starck and Philip Green’s own £32m mega-vessel, it was testament to the charm of a sailing yacht that all camera phones were pointed at us. “It’s not often that you get to see Monaco like that,” said Jamie Edmiston, the 40-year-old chief executive of yacht brokerage firm Edmiston & Company, talking about the way we had just arrived in the playboy principality. “The majority of people who visit Monaco look at Monaco from the inside looking out. Monaco is hardly an architectural masterpiece.” Indeed, so avoid anticlimax like we did by approaching by boat. It was Mr Edmiston, who has been with the company since 2001, having previously served as chief executive of fancy furnisher Linley, who invited The City Magazine on board the 52m, Dubois Architects-designed Red Dragon. Deciding that we could probably squeeze it in between an opticians appointment and the dry cleaners, we accepted, keen to discover why the super-yacht remains the ultimate luxury on the wish list of any self-respecting sybarite. It didn’t take us long to find out. Life on Red Dragon comes with 10 crew members, including a permanent chef who hops ashore each morning to source local ingredients for lunch, a large, open-plan saloon with its own bar, and cabins for 8-10 guests, each of which wouldn’t look out of

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

91


place in a Mayfair hotel. All bedrooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs and Bose surround sound. There is even a gym, though this can be converted into a fifth cabin to accommodate the two extra guests. Summer in the Cote d’Azur begins in May with the Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix. In the months that follow, the word’s super-wealthy descend on the coastline’s string of glitzy party spots to make the south of France the super-yacht capital of the world. Now that all vessels over 299 gross tons are required to carry an automatic identification system (AIS), it is possible to watch the number of boats that make the yearly migration to the area online and in real time. Alternatively, you can search for a certain celebrity’s boat (Tiger Wood’s Privacy or Bono’s Cyan, for example) and see where they are at any particular time. It’s quite a remarkable game, watching the moneyed chasing each other around the Med like some sort of super-yachting Master & Commander (have a go yourself at marinetraffic.com). Of course, as the planet’s reigning rainmakers, each boat’s owner can only afford to spend so much time aboard their floating plaything. The rest of the time the yachts are available for charter to a revolving door of well-heeled and increasingly international punters. It is arguably the captains that form the strongest emotional connection to a super-yacht, living on the boats as they do all year around. Captain Ben Marshal has served Red Dragon since her completion in 2008. To him, investing in a boat like her to simply plod around the Med is like buying a Range Rover and only driving it around Chelsea. “We’ve sailed 130,000 miles since her launch,” says Marshal. “That’s 6.5 times around the world without one moment of concern. She has such an efficient hull. We cruised from Greece to Sri Lanka on less than one tank of fuel.” “A few weeks ago, we were outpacing a large motor yacht off Naples. Their captain was astonished and radioed through asking us to slow down – we were making him look bad in front of his owner.” In the competitive world of yacht brokering, 2015 is shaping up to be a good year for Edmiston. In the first quarter, the company outperformed all of its competitors, selling more yachts than Fraser, Burgess and Camper & Nicholsons. And where other companies are claiming sales of around 500 metres of boat for the whole of 2014, Edmiston sold 350 metres in the first three months of 2015 alone. Jamie believes the figures are a product of a business model that he set out more than a decade ago.

92

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015


| INTERVIEW |

“Anyone buying a yacht can afford to pay the asking price. Anyone selling a yacht can afford to give it away. Our job is about managing egos, getting everyone to be sensible”

RED DRAGON Currently for sale for

€17,950,000 (approx £12,755,000) Red Dragon has a 62.5 metre Panamax carbon rig with more than 2,500 sq metres of new Doyle Stratis sails. She has a 5,000 mile range at the surprising clip of more than 13.5 knots. For more information, visit edmiston.com

“I’m a brand guy, I love brands. I’ve always wanted to emulate the success of the most famous luxury brands, but also those iconic consumer brands, the most obvious example being Apple. I was 24 when I said to my father, ‘Forget being a yacht broker, we should be a luxury brand that sells yachts.’ He bought into it, so we went and did it.” While Jamie admits there is little, fundamentally, to separate his company from a travel agent or car dealer, one might point to the prices involved in the extremely rarefied commodity in which he trades. The boat we’re sat on, for example, cost its owner £28m to build, and that was seven years ago. Today it’s up for sale for £12,755,000, but that’s a sum Jamie describes as an “unbelievably good deal”. “A yacht is an amazingly good business tool. As soon as you pull away from the dock, you’ve got a captive audience. It’s one of the best business platforms you can have. You can say to someone ‘Do you want to come and watch the golf, or do you want to

come shooting?’ And they may say, ‘I’d love to, but I’m afraid I’ve got to...’ And they’ll find an excuse. But if you say to someone, ‘Do you want to come and stay on my super-yacht?’ and I’ll tell you what, you’ll never hear a ‘no’.” As preparations were made for the inaugural Formula E Grand Prix just yards in front of us, the crowd of camera-phone-photographers snapping us from quayside had almost doubled in size. It was easy to see why. The more you looked at the motor yachts that surrounded us, the uglier they became; hulking half-house-half-boats that sat awkwardly on the sea. Take in a sailing yacht, by comparison, and there’s no denying that you are looking at something of immense beauty, something perfectly at ease with the physics of the ocean. It’s the reason why, in any marina, anywhere in the world, a sailboat will always command more attention than a motor yacht. It’s the difference, you might say, between crassitude and class.

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

93



| TRAVEL |

SUMMER READING LIST Not sure which title to pick up on your next bookshop visit? We’ve selected our favourites for summer

WHAT

NEW RELEASE

SHORT STORY

All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque (Vintage Classics)

Pleasantville by Attica Locke (Serpent’s Tail)

One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Marquez (Penguin Books)

In the centenary year of WWI, we revisit one of the most famous war novels as our recommended classic. All Quiet on the Western Front – a must if you’ve not read it, and well worth a re-read if you have – is widely considered one of the greatest war novels of the last century. Comprising just 12 chapters, protagonist Paul Baumer leads the reader along his descent into frontline hell, from schoolboy optimism to soldier’s despair.

Both a critically acclaimed novelist (Black Water Rising, The Cutting Season) and accomplished screenwriter, Attica Locke’s latest release, Pleasantville, continues the story of Jay Porter.

In what is widely regarded as his greatest work, Gabriel García Marquez plots the inter-generational journey of the Buendía family from wayward settlers to bloody revolutionaries. Set in the mythical town of Macondo, Marquez immerses the reader in a world where four-year rainstorms and unprompted ascensions to heaven are the everyday.

Inspired by a teacher’s patriotism, an idealistic band of school friends enlists in the German army. The initial shocks of basic training intensify with Baumer’s transfer to the front, his experience and harsh reality of trench warfare, and the influence of veterans. Soon his motivation changes: to fight against the hatred that forces men of the same generation, but of different nationalities, against one another.

In the wake of Bill Clinton’s mid-nineties re-election, an upcoming mayoral election is making waves in Pleasantville. In the AfricanAmerican neighbourhood, a former police chief (Hathorne) is losing his lead, as a lateentry attorney garners attention. However, the disappearance and murder of a young girl canvassing for votes complicates the election when a member of the Hathorne family is arrested and charged – with protagonist Jay trying his first murder case. With dramatic effects felt in the community and the revelation of corruption, this powerful novel strikes a gripping balance between political comment and personal drama.

“Remarque’s novel helped lay the ghost of a cataclysm that had shattered victorious and defeated nations alike. Its power has not diminished over time […] Widely praised for telling the truth about the war […] All Quiet is that rare thing, a work of popular modernism.”

“Those holding their breath to see if Locke could match the achievement of her earlier books can exhale; Pleasantville is every inch as impressive as its predecessors, with a new nuance and complexity burnishing the narrative.”

The Independent, 1994

The Independent, April 2015

All Quiet on the Western Front (Paperback), £5.99, Waterstones, waterstones.com

Pleasantville (Paperback), £12.99, Waterstones, waterstones.com

WHAT THEY SAY

WHERE TO BUY

CLASSIC

This masterpiece explores the achingly beautiful cycle of life and death and in its own unique way has become one of the central works of the Latin American ‘magical realism’ genre. It conveys Marquez’s thoughts on life with poignant dreamlike elements interlaced into the very framework of his narrative. Relevant to a host of social and political settings, charting happiness and despair, family and solitude, it’s really a story of what it is to be human. “From the time I read One Hundred Years of Solitude more than 40 years ago, I was always amazed by his unique gifts of imagination, clarity of thought and emotional honesty.”

Bill Clinton

One Hundred Years of Solitude (Paperback), £6.29, Waterstones, waterstones.com

BEST OF THE REST Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith One to read before seeing the film

Voices in the Night by Steven Millhauser Short stories make a great companion on flights

Aquarium by David Vann Best read at the weekend; take time to absorb the detail

The Book of You by Claire Kendal A gripping thriller; you’ll actually look forward to the commute

Selfish, Shallow & Self Absorbed: Sixteen writers on the decision not to have kids

by Meghan Daum Share with your other half

The Murder Bag by Tony Parsons Another masterpiece from Parsons makes a reliably good holiday read

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

95


G R E E C E

I S

The French Riviera has long reigned grand supreme, but could there be a new rival on the scene? Emma Bartley follows the international jet set to a new playground – the Greek Riviera

96

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015


| TRAVEL |

T H E

W O R D Amanzo’e, an Áman Resort

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

97


I

t’s 11am on a warm October morning and there are a few hundred people standing around on the beach at Kosta, in the southern Peloponnese. A klaxon sounds and they plunge into the sea, orange swimming hats bobbing around in the spray, racing towards the island of Spetses. We’re watching the start of the Spetses mini-marathon, an event that also includes a 5K, 10K or 26K run (competitors this year included the Israeli model Bar Refaeli). The island is some 3km away, but the swimmers have been training and make steady progress. Wealthy Athenians have long spent summers and weekends at their homes on Spetses, the neighbouring island of Hydra or around the nearby harbour of Porto Heli, but events like this and the Spetses Classic Yacht Race in June are gradually extending the season – and with it the interest of the international jet set in the area known as the Greek Riviera. Porto Heli is even being spoken of as a potential rival to Monaco. Conveniently located for boat tours around the Aegean and beyond, its summers are hot – regularly above 400c in August – and bookended by a long, warm spring and autumn. Former King Constantine of Greece and his wife Queen Anna Maria have a home (and a yacht) in Porto Heli, while Sean Connery and Antonio Banderas are also believed to own mansions here.

98

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015


| TRAVEL |

The opening of a Nikki Beach hotel has put the resort on the map for young and fashionable travellers

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Poseidonion Grand Hotel; Porto Heli from the air; Poseidonion sea view room; Amanzoe beach cabanas; Amanzoe Beach Club

Now the opening this summer of a Nikki Beach hotel – the brand’s first in Europe – has put the resort on the map for young and fashionable travellers as well. Those who know Nikki Beach clubs in locations such as Miami, Ibiza and St Tropez think of it as an all-day party venue: live DJs encourage dancing from morning to evening, and one popular ritual is to buy a bottle of champagne, get up on the outdoor bar and spray your fellow revellers as if celebrating a Formula One victory. A cleverly renovated 1970s building with a beach and a small pier, the Porto Heli hotel is the perfect place for hedonists to stay. Each of its 66 rooms and suites has a sea view and a long mirrored wall. Spacious suites on the ground floor have private pools, while rooftop duplexes lend themselves to small gatherings of friends, with an upper floor containing a Jacuzzi and bar area. But you don’t have to book a room to get the experience. With excellent mooring and a plethora of places to visit by boat nearby, Porto Heli is increasingly popular with the international yacht crowd, who might come ashore for a spa treatment or a drink in the rooftop bar before heading over to Spetses, with its vivid nightlife. Diners at the outdoor Café Nikki watch the party around the pool over a light lunch – perhaps a Greek salad or sushi platter – or a leisurely dinner. The food is familiar, but served with a sense of fun. Bringing a global party brand like Nikki Beach to Porto Heli is a smart move by Miltos Kamobourides, a Greek Cypriot whose private equity firm Dolphin Capital Investors is behind the hotel. A MIT graduate and former partner of Soros Real Estate Partners, he believes the brand is the

perfect foil to the 100-year-old Poseidonion Grand Hotel (owned and recently restored by the Vordonis shipping family), with its obvious sense of heritage, and also to Amanzoe, his five-star Aman retreat in nearby Kraniki. If Nikki Beach is the place to see and be seen, Amanzoe caters to the class of guests who wish to hide away. Built in the classical Grecian style with 598 pillars, the sprawling site has a reflecting pool, spa, gym, tennis courts, library, amphitheatre, helipad, private beach, Wally powerboat and a yoga and pilates studio with a view out to the Didima mountains that no one could wish to transcend. Yet the shared areas are all but silent; people tend to stay within their guest pavilions, which have private pools and are accessed via a walled garden. Locals believe that recent guests have included Michael Jordan and Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as several Hollywood stars – but their presence is hard to verify, as most arrive by helicopter (which puts Athens a mere 40 minutes away). Staff also refuse to confirm that Roman Abramovich has stayed here, though the presence of his 533ft yacht Eclipse in the harbour a couple of seasons ago was hard to miss. Could the Greek Riviera ever replace the French Riviera? It seems a phenomenal ambition for a country with the troubles of Greece, but investors such as Kamobourides – who can be found aboard Amanzoe’s Wally powerboat on the day of the marathon, capturing the swimming race with his drone camera – are optimistic. And with so many of their playboy friends joining them in Porto Heli and the surrounding areas each roasting summer, it seems the momentum is on their side. poseidonion.com; amanresorts.com/amanzoe; nikkibeachhotels.com

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

99


Ibiza

INSIDE the WORLD’S MOST

EXPENSIVE RESTAURANT Words: Richard Brown

100

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015


| TRAVEL | Inside Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza’s 12-seater super-restaurant Sublimotion

T

Five years ago, Ibiza Marina reduced its moorings from 536 to 379. It heralded the arrival of the super-yachts and an influx of the super rich. The year after, Ushuaïa introduced a new level of luxury. Nikki Beach followed, as did celebrity hotspots Lío and Cipriani. Nothing, though, compares to the island’s latest resident

he world’s most expensive restaurant isn’t a restaurant. It’s a theatre production – one that begins in a store cupboard and ends in an art lesson. You’re dangled from a helicopter, dropped from a plane and transported from the ocean to the Amazon in the time it takes to demolish 20 dishes, each of which has been designed to have you reaching for your camera phone. It’s a three-hour round trip. At £1,200 per person, Sublimotion is also the sort of enterprise that symbolises Ibiza’s transition from hippie hangout to all-singing VIP retreat. Ten years ago, the concept would have been implausible

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

101


Arrive in

style

on an island famed for its dance temples but notoriously lacking in the gastronomic department. The fact that Ibiza can now sustain Sublimotion is testament to the island’s transition in the past few years, a commercial reimaging that upgraded it from family-friendly resort to luxury playground. It’s a move spearheaded by the Matutes family, owners of the Palladium Group, which kickstarted it all with the 2011 launch of daytime super-club-comefive-star-hotel Ushuaïa. Hardly newcomers to the island – Palladium head Abel Matutes Snr is a former mayor and past treasurer of Ibiza – the group, having achieved success through an empire of three-star hotels during the 1970s and ‘80s, has made a conscious decision to target the luxury market under now managing director Abel Matutes Jnr. Two years after the Fiesta Club became Ushuaïa, the adjacent three-star Hotel Playa d’en Bossa became Ushuaïa Tower. Last year, the old Don Toni Hotel was upgraded to the Hard Rock Hotel, while this year, the former Fiesta Club Palm

Beach morphed into the luxury Grand Palladium White Island Resort and Spa. Altogether, the Palladium Group now operates more than 1,500 rooms along Playa d’en Bossa, single-handedly changing the face of Ibiza’s longest stretch of sandy coastline in less than five years. An upgrade to the hotels has meant an advancement in the restaurants they house. Ushuaïa is home to the spectacular sushi outing Minami; Montauk in Ushuaïa Tower serves up some of the island’s best steak; while on the sand, the Ushuaïa Beach Club offers amazing fish, and the new-for-2015 Sir Rocco Beach Club provides excellent Italian. As of last year, though, the pièce de résistance in Palladium’s culinary portfolio has been Sublimotion. So, what’s it like to visit? The evening begins at the Hard Rock Hotel from where, after cocktails and a ‘molecular’ olive (extra squishy with the skin removed), a fleet of Sublimotionbranded Range Rovers take you the 200 metres from the hotel’s foyer to the restaurant’s entrance – an unremarkable door on the side of what looks like a maintenance unit. Inside, you’re given an edible invitation that will get you from a small reception area to an even smaller elevator. After a simulated ascent – to the sound of the Ramones’ Hey Ho, Let’s Go! – you’re welcomed into Sublimotion’s single, 12-seater dining room. Your name is emblazoned on the wall behind your seat. Forming the confines of the windowless room is a 360-degree digital screen that,

“Sublimotion is the best example of what will be enjoyed around a restaurant table in 40 years’ time” Paco Roncero, Sublimotion’s head chef

102

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Sublimotion’s digital table transforms with every course; the restaurant’s 3600 screen features more than 7,000,000 pixels; dinner is served on levitating plates; and talking placemats; Ushuaïa Tower

Avoid the hassle of check-in, bag-check and security by flying by private jet. Arrive at the airport just 15 minutes before takeoff, take advantage of a flexible luggage allowance and pass swiftly through security the other end. Jet Partner specialises in chartering ‘emptyleg’ flights – when a private jet is flying empty as it returns home or is en route to pick up a passenger – and can offer typical discounts of 40 per cent less than if an aircraft had been specifically chartered. Return flights to Ibiza are priced at £1,715 per person and jets are able to accommodate you and six other fliers. Picking your fellow hell-raisers will be the hardest part. jetpartner.net


| TRAVEL |

amongst other things, allows you to swim with sharks, take in Tuscany, visit a fairground, ride the Orient Express and pretend you’re a DJ. The dinner itself, which comprises everything from seafood and sushi to hotdogs and candyfloss, is served by a team of more than 20 waiters and chefs. Each dish is heavily deconstructed, coming as it does from a man described as the Spanish Heston Blumenthal: the elBulli-trained, two Michelin star rated Paco Roncero. It’s all washed down by copious amounts of Laurent-Perrier and plenty of plonk. Tabletop quirks include talking placemats, levitating plates, dishes served from floating balloons and a dessert that’s painted onto your plate. Perhaps the most mind-blowing moment is when you look at a dish through a pair of goggles and have its ingredients, nutritional value and a video of it being prepared pop into your peripheral vision – Terminator-style. After dinner is done, you’re invited to a private, outdoor terrace, where you can discuss your evening with your fellow dinners and enjoy further cocktails. It

rounds off what can be a very grouporientated experience, depending on the friendliness of your comrades – ours were an international collective of Dutch, Japanese, Spanish, Brazilian and British. So, is Sublimotion worth the dosh? You certainly won’t find anything like it anywhere else. It’s fantastical and surreal. The performance element feels a little rusty, the pre-dinner lift routine a little bit budget, and the whole thing somewhat overly choreographed. But these are trivialities. It is not pretentious. The augmented and virtual reality sections are a look into the future, and the molecular-level treatment of food is astonishing, if not delicious. There’s plenty of potential too. The set-up changes each year, meaning that no two visits will ever be the same. More could be made of guest’s other senses – why not overload our smell and change the temperature of the room with every course. Introduce music, ramp up the theatrics. At one point, we were tricked into thinking we’d consumed a magic mushroom – now, in a room that changes every time you blink, that would be quite the trip.

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

103


Grand Palladium White Island Resort & Spa The Palladium Group expanded its vast Playa d’en Bossa portfolio this year by opening the Grand Palladium White Island Resort & Spa. It joins sister properties Ushuaïa Beach, Ushuaïa Tower and Hard Rock Hotel on Ibiza’s largest stretch of sandy coastline. Whereas the other hotels are predominantly geared towards party goers, the White Island resort has families in mind. It’s part of the island’s largest resort, so expect a plethora of pools, restaurants and sports facilities, as well as a daily programme of activities for the kids.

Where to Stay Ushuaïa Beach Hotel & tower When Ushuaïa Beach Hotel opened in 2011, it revolutionised the way people partied in Ibiza, its poolside stage regularly graced by superstar DJs like David Guetta, Avicii and Armin van Buuren. Two years later, Ushuaïa Tower opened to add an extra level of luxury, providing a more intimate and laidback sibling to its beat-producing next-door neighbour. Inside, shiny rooms with enormous flat-screen TVs, Jacuzzis and state-of-the-art sound systems are designed to provide the VIP experience. Standard double rooms in Ushuaïa Beach Hotel are a little pokey, so if you don’t mind dropping the dough, stay in a suite in the Tower instead – for the mirrored ceilings alone. Double rooms at Ushuaïa Beach Hotel from £108 room only, ushuaiabeachhotel.com

LEFT Can Tehani

Standard rooms from £183 per night based on two people sharing on an all-inclusive basis, palladiumhotelgroup.com

Can Tehani Another bolthole set away from the clubland chaos is Can Tehani. The hillside property is surrounded by lush greenery and offers quick access to the beaches in the south (Blue Marlin in Cala Jondal is just a 10 minute drive away). More than 35,000sq metres of garden are home to olive trees, mimosas, lavenders, and a fountain surrounded by orange trees. Inside, design-lovers will adore eight stylish and unique bedrooms, each of which is kitted out with vintage 50’s and 60’s furniture and artwork. It feels like somewhere Stevie Nicks and Blondie might have stayed. Today, it’s owned by Prince Jean-François Nguyen Buu Loc, son of the King of Vietnam.

Ibiza’s Best Beach Bars

Prices for exclusive hire start from approx £16,000 per week, ariellasvillas.com

Editor’s

Pick

Agroturismo Sa Talaia Completely at odds with the mentality of Ushuaïa, Agroturismo Sa Talaia is a former private manor house turned rural boutique hotel. Nestled on a hilltop above San Antonio, and accessed via a inconspicuous gravel path, the property is located in pine forest and has just 12 rooms. Lush gardens and beautiful landscapes complement a picturesque pool area that has a heated Jacuzzi and is surrounded by Balinese beds. The City Magazine rested its head here and found complete solace amongst the sound of birdsong and the smell of pine. Staff feel like friends and as an added bonus, you get a free rental car for the entirety of your stay. You can’t say fairer than that. Double room from £245 per night, satalaiaibiza.com

Editor’s

Pick

Amante

LEFT Agroturismo

Sa Talaia

104

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

There’s a reason that Amante scores top marks on nearly all of its reviews on TripAdvisor. It offers some of the finest food and most idyllic views on the island, or on any island for that matter. If you’re going in the evening, reserve a table by the window. If you’re going by day, be sure to book a beach bed. amanteibiza.com


| TRAVEL | El Chiringuito

BamBuddha

Blue Marlin

Experimental Beach

Experimental Beach Experimental Beach became the first beach bar from the group behind London’s Experimental Cocktail Club when it opened in the Las Salinas national reserve in 2013. Revisit hippy and hedonistic 1960’s Ibiza through a bohemian atmosphere in a place that was designed around ‘luxury, peace and pleasure.’ It’s great for sunsets too. eccbeach.com

Where to Eat Montauk Richard Turner – of Pitt Cue Co. and Hawksmoor’s fame – branched-out of London to open Ibiza’s first premium steakhouse in 2013. It’s been dedicated to serving prime-aged cuts of meat from Spain’s finest producers ever since. Before The City Magazine devoured a superb Rib-eye steak, it consumed the best Caesar salad of its life. If it’s still on the menu, get it.

Beach House

montauksteakhouse.com

Described as El Chiringuito’s naughty little sister, Beach House is an art-clad, Italian restaurant that’s a five minute, sandy walk from Hard Rock Hotel. Go for a late lunch and stay until early evening when this chic, straw-roofed shack welcomes a host of respected DJs.

Estado Puro

beachouseibiza.com

El Chiringuito It’s fitting that you’ll find El Chiringuito on Europe’s second ever nudist beach, sitting, as it does, so naturally within its salt plain and sand dune environment. The food is as fresh as you can imagine and the views just as striking. Go for Eggs Benedict for breakfast if you’re up early enough. elchiringuitoibiza.com

If your budget doesn’t stretch to the £1,200 it will cost you to eat at Sublimotion, sample the work of the man behind the concept at the more affordable Estado Puro. The experimental eatery by double Michelin star chef Paco Roncero serves traditional tapas with a modern twist. Dishes include 21st-century Spanish tortilla served in a glass and cardamom and yoghurt risotto.

estadopuroibiza.com

BamBuddha The temple to Mediterranean-Asian-fusion that is Bambuddha has won a bounty of awards since it opened at the turn of the millennium. This season, visit on a Friday for ‘Bamboozled at Bambuddha’, when

local party legends Mitch Wilson and DJ Samir join forces with fellow hedonists, and Bambuddha owners, Jonjon and John Moon. Expect sensual and spiritual vibes. bambuddha.com Cipriani NYC’s Cipriani brought Italian bling to Ibiza Marina when it opened in 2012. Set over two floors in the east wing of the Ibiza Gran Hotel, the restaurant offers stunning views of the harbour and is one of the most elegantly-appointed restaurants on the island. It’s also where Orlando Bloom attempted to knockout Justin Beiber last year, in front of a celebrity-packed crowd that also included Leonardo DiCaprio. Shame he failed. cipriani.com

LÍo

Editor’s

Pick

Talk to anyone who’s ever visited the Pacha-owned, cabaretcome-restaurant-comenightclub and they’ll all say the same thing – if you’re going to Ibiza, you must make reservations at Lío. Singing waiters break into song from early evening but it’s after 10pm that things really kickoff, with spectacular cabaret performances giving way to DJs and light shows. lioibiza.com

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

105


COMPUTER COMPUTER GENERATED GENERATED IMAGE IMAGE DEPICTS DEPICTS THE THE COMPLETED COMPLETED DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT AND AND IS IS INDICATIVE INDICATIVE ONLY ONLY


LAUNCHING Canary Wharf’s 128 acre private Estate welcomes its first residential address

Register your interest ahead of our launch at canarywharf.com/residential call +44 (0)20 7001 3800 or visit our Sales and Marketing Suite in Jubilee Place mall, Canary Wharf


THE LATEST ISSUE

DELIVERED FREE TO SUBSCRIBE

TO YOUR DESK

TO THE CITY MAGAZINE

EMAIL YOUR NAME,

ADDRESS & the company you work for to citydesk@rwmg.co.uk


LONDON HOMES &

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

LANDMARK MEETS LUXURY We take a tour of the developments set to shape the London skyline

Image courtesy of Berkeley Homes

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

109


PROPERTY NEWS

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

SALES ANDREW GROOCOCK, partner and department head at Knight Frank Canary Wharf, comments on the trends in the residential sales market The Canary Wharf sales market has sparked back into life postelection, having been rather dampened down in the month leading up to Cameron v Milliband. While the majority of properties in the area were not under threat of the proposed mansion tax, there was a huge amount of uncertainty in the air and it had led to rather a quiet property market, with buyers taking a breather due to lack of stock, while sellers held fire until the election was over. Now with a further five-year term for the Conservatives locked in place, sellers have renewed confidence about bringing their properties to the market, and buyers are keen to get deals agreed and be moved in in time for summer. The biggest problem the resale market faces in Canary Wharf is the simple problem of a shortage of stock. Well-presented properties brought to the market at the correct price are immediately seeing high levels of interest, and many are selling at or above the asking price within a week of marketing. The Canary Wharf area will once again be receiving a huge amount of interest both globally and within London. Over the coming years, it is by far the area with the largest development pipeline planned. New quarters, towers and public spaces will be built on the estate and off of it. An extremely busy summer is approaching with a number of London’s most high-profile schemes being built in the area. These developments will underline Canary Wharf as a destination address of choice for property owners. With the Crossrail station opening its green rooftop garden and cinema, not to mention, the restaurant and bar offering that’s now in place, the estate is becoming a great place to live, work and invest in. Some fantastic opportunities are coming to the market soon and we at the Knight Frank Cabot Square office look forward to discussing these exciting prospects with you in greater detail. Knight Frank Canary Wharf 020 7512 9966 knightfrank.co.uk/canarywharf

110

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

A FURNITURE FIRST Known for its fabrics and wall coverings for centuries, Venetian, family-owned company Rubelli has moved into furniture for the first time, with architect Luca Scacchetti at the project’s helm. Comprising around 40 pieces, including seating, tables, storage and bookshelves, the collection of statement pieces sees eclecticism meet elegance. Thanks to its vast fabric archives, there will also be the opportunity for clients to curate their own one-off versions of the pieces. rubelli.com

SETTLING IN SPAIN After a substantial downturn period of six years, things are looking up for the Spanish economy and property market, at a time when the pound-euro exchange rate is strong. Figures from the latest Spanish Council of Registrars bulletin indicate just over nine per cent more residential properties changed hands in the first quarter than did so in the same period in 2014, and that there was a nine

per cent increase in the numbers of these properties that were bought by foreigners. With a growing super-yacht industry joining the country’s attractive golf courses and beach clubs, the attraction is clear. UK residents currently top the non-Spanish buyers chart. mallorca-sothebysrealty.com, ibiza-sothebysrealty.com


| HOMES & PROPERTY |

LETTINGS

46 per cent of investors are keen to take advantage of the strong British pound for post-election property purchases, with easier access to mortgage funding (22 per cent), changes to UK Stamp Duty and property tax (16 per cent), access to pension funds (14 per cent) and better mortgage deals abroad (12 per cent) cited as motivators - FXcompared Intelligence research, fxcompared.com

A RALPH LAUREN RETREAT Ralph Lauren’s new Corral Canyon collection is a breath of fresh air for the interiors world, taking inspiration from the great outdoors to evoke the serenity and ambience of a desert retreat. A focus on simple, organic materials such as sea grass and sharp, architectural lines is an effective contrast, and pieces range from the beach club style white chair to the sun-bleached leather chair that wouldn’t look out of place on safari. The rustic, weathered teak Sonora Canyon Dining Table makes a striking centrepiece, while the southwesterninspired textiles come in a number of sizes to suit various rooms, with a muted sand, coral and green palette.

CHRISTOPHER PAXTON, department head at Knight Frank Canary Wharf, comments on the trends in the residential lettings market As the summer months approach, tenants can finally see light at the end of the tunnel. Over the last few years the market has been very much a landlord’s market, with stock levels being low and demand high. Over the past three months, I have seen this beginning to change. Stock levels have increased in the area; however, applicant levels have stayed the same, and at some rental rates have decreased. Core market properties are still moving well – one bedroom units between £350 and £400 per week are being agreed the fastest, while two bedroom offerings between £400 and £475 per week are being snapped up within just seven days of hitting the market. The prime market is still very much as it was earlier this year and activity is very quiet compared with this time last year. We have seen a number of landlords increase their asking prices between five per cent and 10 per cent above what was achieved 12 months ago, and these units lay empty, gathering dust on the market. It is a harsh lesson, but landlords must remember that applicants will only pay the amount of rent that the properties are actually worth. When meeting a landlord for the first time, my main advice is still the two Ps – price and presentation. If your property isn’t priced correctly and presented well, then you will struggle to fight off the competition and appeal of those similar properties in the area. Landlords need to make sure their properties are eyecatching and appealing on the internet and just that little bit different to stand out from the crowd. Although the rental market is looking a little tougher than usual, we still think 2015 will be promising. It is still so very important that landlords instruct the right agency – one that can give the right advice to secure a corporate tenant at the correct rental price quickly. We have all seen great apartments sitting idle on property portals with no activity as the price was too high. Landlords must be realistic with their pricing and must look at the facts. Rents over the past three months have increased in E14 by 0.2 per cent, not 20 per cent. Knight Frank remains the agent of choice for corporate tenants and investor landlords in the Docklands area. If we can be of any assistance in 2015, please feel free to contact us. Knight Frank Canary Wharf 020 7512 9966 knightfrank.co.uk/canarywharf

ralphlaurenhome.com

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

111


Aegean Court, Bow E3 Two bedroom duplex apartment

KnightFrank.co.uk/canarywharf cwharf@knightfrank.com 020 3641 6112

Located on the fifth and sixth floors is this two bedroom flat with large private terrace offering views towards the Canary Wharf skyline. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room, open plan kitchen, parking, concierge. EPC: B. Approximately 102.2 sq m (1,101 sq ft). Leasehold: approximately 992 years remaining

Guide price: £725,000

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/CNW150107

The City-July 2015-crop

16/06/2015 15:02:48

Ke


48

Patten Road, Wandsworth SW18 Located on the "Toast Rack" Stunning detached double fronted house in immaculate order with off street parking for several cars. 6 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms (3 en suite), kitchen/dining/family room, drawing room, playroom, gym, studio flat (double bedroom with en suite), downstairs kitchen, downstairs cloakroom, coat room, utility room, wine room, plant room, garden, off street parking. EPC: D. Approximately 630 sq m (6,781 sq ft). Freehold

Guide price: £5,250,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/wandsworth wandsworth@knightfrank.com 020 8682 7777

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/WND140160

Kensington & Chelsea Magazine

18/06/2015 12:06:17


WHAT'S YOUR NEXT MOVE? To find out how we can help you or to arrange your no obligation market appraisal please contact us KnightFrank.co.uk/wapping Wapping@knightfrank.com 020 8166 5372

Guide price: £845,000

Prusoms Island, Wapping E1W A two bedroom, two bathroom flat in a converted warehouse, set around a pretty planted courtyard. Generous sized reception room, separate kitchen, lift, weekday porterage and garage parking space. Leasehold: approximatley 98 years remaining. Approximately 95 sq m (1,023 sq ft). wapping@knightfrank.com Office: 020 8166 5372

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

Guide price: £1,050,000

Merganzer Court, Wapping E1W A charming and spacious one bedroom flat in good order, set around pretty landscaped gardens, in a well run development with 24 hour porterage and parking. EPC: C. Leasehold: approximately 977 years remaining. Approximately 75 sq m (807 sq ft). wapping@knightfrank.com Office: 020 8166 5372

297h 210w Mayfair Mag

22/06/2015 09:23:37

29


37

WHAT'S YOUR NEXT MOVE? To find out how we can help you or to arrange your no obligation market appraisal please contact us: KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings wappinglettings@knightfrank.com 020 8166 5366

Guide price: £575 per week

Kennet Street, Wapping E1W

-->

Newly refurbished three bedroom house close to St Katherine Docks. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room, kitchen, patio garden and garage. EPC: D. Approximately 106 sq m (1,139 sq ft). Available furnished. wappinglettings@knightfrank.com Office: 020 8166 5366

All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an administration fee of £276 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: £495 per week

New Crane Wharf, Wapping E1W Modern and spacious one bedroom property to rent with river views. 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, reception room, kitchen, parking space and 24 hour poterage. EPC: C. Approximately 62 sq m (667 sq ft). Available furnished. wappinglettings@knightfrank.com Office: 020 8166 5366

297h 210w Mayfair Mag

12/06/2015 14:46:03


Thames Quay, Chelsea Harbour SW10 A three bedroom flat with south facing balcony

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

A bright, spacious flat with excellent views over the River Thames from the reception room and adjoining terrace. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room, balcony, concierge. EPC: B. Approximately 142 sq m (1,529 sq ft). Leasehold: approximately 96 years

Guide price: £2,500,000

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/RVR150095

City Mag July 2015 Riverside

22/06/2015 16:43:31

Cit


31

Harrietsham, Kent One of a kind Superbly converted from a water tower dating from 1903 with new additions. The house has superb and striking features including the master bedroom at the top of the tower. 2 reception rooms, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathooms. EPC: D. Approximately 206.5 sq m (2,222 sq ft). Freehold

Offers in excess of: £999,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/sevenoaks sevenoaks@knightfrank.com 01732 744477

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/SEV140012

City Magazine July - Final

22/06/2015 10:47:41


WHAT'S YOUR NEXT MOVE? To find out how we can help you or to arrange your no obligation market appraisal please contact us: KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings wappinglettings@knightfrank.com 020 8166 5366

Guide price: £1,700 per week

Swan Court, St Katherine Docks E1W

-->

Penthouse appartment with south facing views over St Katherine Docks and floor to ceiling windows. 3 bedrooms, (2 en suite), separate shower room, reception room, kitchen, study, sun room, 2 terraces, 2 balconies, 24 hour concierge. EPC: B. Approximately 182 sq m (1,961 sq ft). Available furnished. wappinglettings@knightfrank.com Office: 020 8166 5366

All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an administration fee of £276 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: £950 per week

The Heron, City EC2Y Stylish twenty fifth floor one bedroom flat in the heart of the City. 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, reception/dining room, kitchen, balcony, 24 hour concierge, gym, residents' club lounge and access to a roof garden. EPC: C. Approximately 53 sq m (571 sq ft). Available furnished. wappinglettings@knightfrank.com Office: 020 8166 5371

297h 210w Mayfair Mag

12/06/2015 14:46:03


Intelligent Risk Management & Execution

EXPERT IN FOREIGN CURRENCY

Why RVB?

Approach

About

If you are needing to convert currency

RVB assists you in understanding

RVB Currency UK Ltd is a UK

to buy or sell a property, RVB delivers

each and every step of the process, so

registered company, number 7586693,

a blend of intelligent and practical

that we can provide you with the best

regulated by the FCA as an Authorised

solutions, with the sole purpose of

tailored solution to meet your specific

Payment Institution (FRN: 593854)

protecting you from losing money

requirements, for any currency scenario.

and by HMRC as a Money Transmitter

unnecessarily due to excessive charges

Our core value is that your interests are

(license number:12653819).

and currency market volatility.

at the heart of every decision.

+44(0) 20 3137 6885

18 Savile Row, London, W1S 3PW

info@rvbcurrency.com


1 2

savills.co.uk

TURNSTONE HOUSE, e1w

GOODMAN'S FIELDS, e1

Reception room ø bedroom ø bathroom ø ground floor ø 24 hour security ø 39 sq m (415 sq ft) ø EPC=E

Reception room ø kitchen ø bedroom ø bathroom ø balcony ø 24 hour concierge ø 50.6 sq m (545 sq ft) - 64.2 sq m (691 sq ft) ø EPC=TBC

Guide £550,000 Leasehold

Prices from £690,000 Leasehold

Savills Wapping mmacfarlane@savills.com 020 7456 6800

Savills Wapping llaws@savills.com 020 7456 6800

ONE TOWER BRIDGE, se1

BUTLERS WHARF, se1

Reception room ø open plan kitchen ø 2/3 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø balcony ø 93 sq m (1,000 sq ft) - 172 sq m (1,851 sq ft) ø EPC=TBC

Reception room ø kitchen ø 3 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø balcony ø concierge ø parking ø 186 sq m (1,998 sq ft) ø EPC=B

Prices from £1.7 million Leasehold

Guide £2.8 million Share of Freehold

Savills Wapping llaws@savills.com 020 7456 6800

Savills Wapping mmacfarlane@savills.com 020 7456 6800

3 4

L L O


1 2

savills.co.uk

LETTINGS LAYOUT ONLY

STERLING MANSIONS, e1

CHATSWORTH HOUSE, se1

3 bedroom suites ø reception room ø kitchen ø 24 hour porter ø communal gardens ø Council Tax=H ø EPC=B

Bedroom ø reception room ø kitchen ø bathroom ø balcony ø 24 hour porter ø leisure facilities ø urban golf and shooting range ø Council Tax=H ø EPC=B

Furnished £1,550 per week

Furnished £598 per week

+ £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* Savills Wapping kdabrila@savills.com 020 7456 6817

+ £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* Savills Wapping jpuodziukaite@savills.com 020 7456 6824

WEST INDIA QUAY, e14

SKETCH APARTMENTS, e1

Bedroom ø reception room ø kitchen ø bathroom ø 24 hour porter ø Council Tax=F ø EPC=B

Bedroom ø reception room ø kitchen ø bathroom ø balcony ø Council Tax=C ø EPC=C

Furnished £475 per week

Furnished £330 per week

+ £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* Savills Canary Wharf lbrunning@savills.com 020 7531 2523

+ £276 inc VAT one-off admin fee and other charges may apply* Savills Canary Wharf lbushell@savills.com 020 7531 2505

3 4

*£36 inc VAT for each additional tenant/occupant/guarantor reference where required. Inventory check out fee – charged at the end of or early termination of the tenancy and the amount is dependent on the property size and whether furnished/unfurnished. For more details, visit www.savills.co.uk/fees.


Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

The Heron, Moor Lane, EC2 £1399,950 Leasehold A beautiful 24th floor 2 bedroom apartment in The Heron.

Cheshire Street, E2 £660,000 Leasehold A beautiful top floor one bedroom flat with outside space. EPC: D

EPC: C

High Timber Street, EC4 £1,500,000 Leasehold A spacious 2 bedroom apartment with stunning views. TBC

Altitude Point, E1 £1,040,000 Leasehold An incredible 3 bedroom corner apartment on the 11th floor. EPC: B

Bateman’s Row, EC2 £950,000 Share of Freehold Top floor vaulted ceiling one bedroom flat with terraces. EPC: C

Botolph Alley, EC3 £599,950 Leasehold One bedroom apartment in a converted office block. EPC: B

Hamptons City Office Sales. 020 7717 5435 | Lettings. 020 7717 5437


Tea Trade Wharf, SE1 £1,300,000 Leasehold A two bedroom 1,464 sq ft apartment, within a superb warehouse conversion in Shad Thames at Tower Bridge. EPC: C

Empire Square West, SE1 £1,075,000 Leasehold A bright two bedroom, two bathroom apartment on the sixth floor of Empire Square West. EPC: C

Tea Trade Wharf , SE1 £2,000,000 Leasehold A bright split level three bedroom apartment in the popular Tea Trade Wharf development on Shad Thames. EPC: C

ST Saviours House, SE16 £850,000 Share of Freehold An 1,116 sq. ft. two bedroom, two bathroom well presented apartment. The property benefits from a good sized outside terrace. EPC: C

Cinnabar Wharf Central, E1W £850,000 Leasehold A one bedroom, river facing apartment in Cinnabar Wharf Central located on the podium level of development. EPC: C

Parker Building, SE16 £485,000 Leasehold A beautifully presented one bedroom apartment in The Parker building. The apartment benefits from a good sized balcony. EPC: B

Hamptons Tower Bridge Office Sales. 020 7717 5489 | Lettings. 020 7717 5491


Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Folgate Street, E1 £540 per week (charges apply*) Recently refurbished two bedroom apartment in the heart of Spitalfields.

Featherstone Street, EC1 £575 per week (charges apply*) A well proportioned two double bedroom, two bathroom apartment.

EPC: B

EPC: D

Fetter Lane, EC4 £575 per week (charges apply*) Brand new high specification one bedroom apartment superbly located in this historic area. EPC: B

Fleet Street, EC4 £540 per week (charges apply*) A superbly located one bedroom plus guest room/study apartment in the heart of the City of London. EPC: D

Moor Lane, EC2 £950 per week (charges apply*) Stunning 16th floor two bedroom apartment in the Heron development.

Commercial Street, E1 £700 per week (charges apply*) A duplex penthouse apartment with long balcony offering spectacular views across the City. EPC: C

EPC: C

Hamptons City Office Lettings. 020 7717 5437 | Sales. 020 7717 5435

*Tenant Charges Tenants should note that as well as rent, an administration charge of £216 (Inc. VAT) per property and a referencing charge of £54 (Inc. VAT) per person will apply when renting a property. Please ask us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit www.hamptons.co.uk/rent/tenant-charges


Caraway Apartments, SE1 £445 per week (charges apply*) Perfect corporate style property, with one bedroom, modern en-suite bathroom and separate shower room with leisure facilities and porter. EPC: C

Fennel Building, SE1 £450 per week (charges apply*) Well presented one bedroom apartment on the fourth floor boasting communal gym & pool, and a 24 hour porter. EPC: B

New Concordia Wharf, SE1 £550 per week (charges apply*) Outstanding apartment within a popular warehouse conversion, close to 1,000sq.ft, with large kitchen/reception room, exposed brick and communal pool. EPC: C

Tamarind Court, SE1 £595 per week (charges apply*) Charming property in the heart of Shad Thames, offering two bedrooms, modern amenities, two bathrooms and separate kitchen. EPC: B

Cardamom Building, SE1 £675 per week (charges apply*) Fantastic two bedroom, two bathroom warehouse apartment with excellent proportioned accommodation featuring separate kitchen, superb storage and private balcony. EPC: B

China Wharf, SE1 £795 per week (charges apply*) A stunning river facing duplex property, with feature open kitchen/ reception, as well as three bedrooms and a private roof terrace. EPC: TBC

Hamptons Tower Bridge Office Lettings. 020 7717 5491 | Sales. 020 7717 5489


Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Graham Street, N1 A desirable four storey Victorian house ideally positioned opposite the Regent’s canal in Angel. The property has been well cared for with a perfect blend of modern elegance and historic design. The lower floor offers an open plan modern kitchen with designated dining area, an additional reception room, cloakroom and direct access to the garden. The ground floor has a double reception room and is naturally very light due to the large sash style windows at the front and rear. EPC: D

Hamptons Islington Office Sales. 020 7717 5453 | Lettings. 020 7717 5335

£1,750,000 Freehold • • • • • •

Period house Three bedrooms Through reception room Open plan kitchen/dining room South facing rear garden Canal view


Canonbury Park South, N1 A semi-detached period house set on a highly desirable Cul-de-Sac road in the heart of Canonbury. This four bedroom house is set over four floors and is offered in excellent condition throughout. The property has been designed to offer a perfect blend of period features combined with a contemporary, stylish finish. The lower floor is arranged to incorporate a reception room at the front, a custom built kitchen with a central feature island and a separate dining area. EPC: Grade II Listed

£3,250,000 Freehold • • • • • •

Period house Two reception rooms Custom-built kitchen Dining area Four double bedrooms Attractive mature garden


KENSINGTON APARTMENTS, ALDGATE E1 ● ● ● ●

2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms Approx. 792 sq ft (73.6 sq m) Balcony

● ● ● ●

Residents' roof terrace Gym Aldate underground station EPC rating B

Guide price £799,000 Leasehold For more information, call Bernard Cully 020 7715 9708 or email bernard.cully@eu.jll.com

16-17 Royal Exchange London EC3V 3LL

jll.co.uk/residential


THE HERON, CITY OF LONDON EC2 ● ● ● ●

1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom Approx. 564 sq ft (52 sq m) High specification

● ● ● ●

24 Hour concierge On site gym Moorgate underground station EPC rating C

Price £695 per week Furnished For more information, call Neil Short 020 7337 4005 or email neil.short@eu.jll.com

Potential tenants are advised that administration fees may be payable when renting a property. Please ask for details of our charges.

16-17 Royal Exchange London EC3V 3LL

jll.co.uk/residential


Waldo Road NW10 ÂŁ2,250,000 This modern four-bedroom house is newly completed to a high design specification, it also benefits from huge windows that draw in the natural light providing far-reaching views. Freehold.

North Kensington: 020 7313 8350 sales.nkn@marshandparsons.co.uk


Immaculate plot with south facing patio Matching people and property in London for over 150 years.


Wellington Terrace,Wapping E1W

2 double bedroom, 2 storey house set within this gated CCTV development. The property has been fully modernised to include double glazing, replacement ceilings, wood floors, , alarm, central heating system operated via remote control, smart phone or internet. Lounge. Fully fitted kitchen. Double bedrooms with fitted wardrobes. Garden. Secure Underground parking space. Potential to extend into the loft subject to planning permission. Close to Wapping station and local amenities.

£695,000

Wapping High Street, Wapping E1W ea2 areHouse,Tower pleased to offer for saleBridge, this exceptional modern built 1st floor 2 double bedroom triplex apartment.The apartment has been renovated to a high standard and Tudor SE1 £1,595,000 of a fully fitted kitchen, separate 2dining room and Open galleriedPlan lounge. Solid wood flooring. Electric blinds. Glass banister to galleried Secure underground parking 6thcomprises floor luxury 2 Double Bedrooms, Bathrooms, Reception Room, large balcony. Master bedroom withlounge. en-suite located close to Wapping station, local bus routes and amenities. andspace. walkIdeally in wardrobe. Modern Integrated Kitchen, Balcony, 24 Hour Porter by Harrods Estates, Residents Gymnasium, Swimming Pool, Lifts to all floors. Close to Local Shopping Facilities, Walking Distance to London Bridge. £850,000

ea2 Agency Estate Agency | 35a Wapping StreetStreet | Wapping | London E1W E1W 2PL 1NA ea2 Estate Heritage Court | 8-10High Sampson | Wapping | London t: 020 7702 3456 t: 020 7702 3456 | f: 020 7702 9168 www.ea2group.com | enquiries@ea2group.com www.ea2.co.uk | property@ea2group.com


Fowey Close, West Wapping E1W

Eluna Apartments, Wapping E1W

Rental Price: £435 Per Week

Rental Price: £620 Per Week

Hermitage Court, West Wapping E1W

Pierhead Wharf, West Wapping E1W

ea2 are pleased to offer to let this this 2 double bedroom modern built duplex ea2 are pleased to offer to let this unique top floor modern built penthouse.The apartment within the ornamental canal side development.This spacious property has a apartment benefits from 2 Double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, spacious lounge with fully Roding Mews, Wapping E1W £1,300 per week fitted kitchen, reception, upper floor bathroom and double glazing. Garage. Situated in fitted kitchen.The apartment is located at the south east of the development which ea2 are pleased to be able to show you this 6 bedroom 4 bathroom house for rental with a garden. This property is a this quite residential area close to Tower Hill and within easy access to Canary Wharf boasts a south facing roof terrace and wrap around balcony with far reaching views verytheunique people. Close to TowerLaminate Hill andwood Wapping and City. property and has views over the canal. Would suit 6 professional over Wapping and Docklands. floor. Secure parking space. Close to Overground and close to Waitrose. Wapping station, local bus routes and local amenities

ea2 are pleased to offer to let this modern built 2 double bedroom raised ground floor ea2 are pleased to offer to let this 1 bedroom 3rd floor modern built apartment.The apartment within this popular West Wapping development.The apartment benefits apartment benefits from separate kitchen, 3 piece bathroom suite, lounge leading to Cascades Tower, Docklands E14 use of residents communal £500 per week from spacious lounge, fully fitted kitchen with granite work surfaces and modern 3 balcony with views of the City of London. Day porterage. 2 doubleClose bedroom, 2 bathroom floor apartment within this secure modern development. Comprising a reception piece bathroom suite.The apartment ideally located in West Wapping close to St courtyard. Tower Hill stations and 11th St Katharine’s Dock. room with water/ City views, fitted kitchen, master bedroom with walk-in wardrobe en Tower suite bathroom, Katharine’s & Dock, Hill, Wapping additional Overground stations and local bus routes.

shower room. Balcony. pool, Gymnasium & Tennis court. Concierge. Rental Price: £485 Per Week Rental Price: £395 Swimming Per Week

ea2Agency Estate Agency Wapping Street | Wapping | London E1WE1W 2PL 1NA ea2 Estate Heritage| 35a Court | 8-10 High Sampson Street | Wapping | London 020 7702 3456 t: 020 7702t: 3456 | f: 020 7702 9168 www.ea2group.com | enquiries@ea2group.com www.ea2.co.uk | property@ea2group.com


To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we will be offering new clients a

discount on our award winning sales,

lettings and management services

off our award winning sales, lettings and management services. This truly is a unique opportunity to receive the very best service in the property industry at a discounted rate.

Contact us now to take advantage of this offer: Docklands Office

City Office

Tel: 020 7538 9250

Tel: 020 7377 5788

docklands@lourdes-estates.com

Recent Awards

city@lourdes-estates.com

Accreditations Lourdes Estate Agents is one of the few agencies who are fully accredited by:

Sales Agency

Winner

Female Estate Agent

Winner

• The Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) • National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) • Safe Agent • London Rental Standard (LRS)

Newcomer

Winner

Lettings Agency

Winner

• National Approved Lettings Scheme (NALS) • The Property Ombudsman (TPO)

www.lourdes-estates.com


City office 020 7377 5788 city@lourdes-estates.com

www.lourdes-estates.com

Altitude Point, Alie Street, E1

Braintree House, Malcolm Road, E1

An outstanding, 18th floor, one bedroom apartment with private balcony offering views of the city, in the newly completed and highly prestigious Altitude Point. Conveniently located from Aldgate East tube station and The City, this apartment is ideal for both owner occupiers looking for a prime location and those wanting a solid investment opportunity.

Lovely two bedroom, fourth floor ex-local authority flat. Boasting large bright reception room, leading to its own private balcony. With two good sized bedroom, family bathroom and separate WC, this flat is a fantastic investment in a great location.

EPC = C

EPC = D

£630,000

£395,000

Conant Mews, E1

Dance Square, EC1V

Lourdes present to market this stunning one double bedroom apartment located in the popular Conant Mews development in Tower Hill, E1. The property has been refurbished to a very high standard and specification featuring all mod cons, a marble bathroom and hard wood flooring throughout.

Lourdes present to market this stunning, state of the art, third floor two double bedroom apartment located within the extremely sought after Dance Square development. The property features a spacious reception with under floor heating throughout leading onto a private balcony, a modern kitchen, two extra-large doubles and two bathrooms, one en-suite

EPC = C

£370 Per week

EPC = B

£655 Per week

City office: 20 White Church Lane, Aldgate, London, E1 7QR city@lourdes-estates.com I 020 7377 5788


122 Newgate Street London EC1A 7AA

T: 020 7600 0026 W: www.scottcity.co.uk e: property@scottcity.co.uk

Barbican EC2 ÂŁ650,000 Leasehold A fantastic 1 BEDROOM South facing apartment offering great City views, having been completely re-furbished throughout by Thompson Brothers and being located on the 3rd floor of BEN JONSON HOUSE in the BARBICAN. This flat offer re-fitted kitchen with fitted appliances, re-fitted shower room, fitted bedroom, wood flooring and reception room with a SOUTH facing balcony. The Barbican Arts Centre with its many bars, restaurants, cinema, theatre, gallery and library are within very easy walking distance.

Old Street EC1 ÂŁ2,250,000 Freehold (with planning) This double fronted property has been Ravello Italian Restaurant for some 40 years. We are looking for offers for the FREEHOLD interest in the building which has planning permission for three residential apartments on the upper floors. Planning application no. P2013/2852/FUL. (Islington). Planning has been passed for:- Ground Floor - Restaurant 908 sq. feet with basement of 500 sq. feet; First Floor - 2 Bedroom Flat 740 Sq. feet; Second Floor - 2 Bedroom Flat 740 sq. feet; Third Floor - 1 Bedroom 450 sq. feet with outside terrace (this floor would be a new addition to the building).


St. Pauls, EC4 £430 Per Week

Covent Garden, WC2 £495 Per Week

AVAILABLE LATE JULY - Overlooking St Paul’s Cathedral, this large second floor, ONE BEDROOM apartment. This property Benefits from high ceilings and fully fitted kitchen, and is fully furnished throughout. Another key feature of this apartment include a small balcony.

AVAILABLE NOW - This ONE BEDROOM flat set within a gated development in the heart of Covent Garden, has been recently refurbished including fitted kitchen, bathroom with shower, good size bedroom, reception room, new carpets and new furniture.

Temple, EC4 £550 Per Week

West Smithfield, EC1 £350 Per Week

AVAILABLE JULY - This TWO BEDROOM has SOLID WOOD FLOORING throughout and is offered FULLY FURNISHED. The kitchen is fully fitted and is finish superbly with black granite work surfaces and splash backs. Other key features include lift access to all floors and a DAY CONCIERGE.

AVAILABLE NOW - This large style 380 Sq. Ft studio apartment offers a fully fitted Kitchen and is finished with very high quality fixtures & fittings. Other key features include the flat’s 123 Sq. Ft private balcony and that St Paul’s, Barbican & Farringdon tube stations are all no more than five minutes’ walk away.


Chislehurst 020 8295 4900 Locksbottom 01689 882 988

Beckenham 020 8663 4433 Bromley 020 8315 5544

Mayfield Avenue, Orpington BR6

£1,150,000 F/H

Beautiful Mock Tudor six bedroom detached house, fully decorated to a high finish. The property is situated in the prestigious Knoll area of Orpington and is within walking distance to the mainline railway station and Orpington High Street, which offers a large variety of shops, bars and restaurants.

Contact Orpington 01689 661 400

Orpington 01689 661 400 West Wickham 020 8432 7373

• • • •

Six bedrooms Three reception rooms Swimming pool Energy Efficiency Rating E

CGI

Bromley BR1

Price On Application F/H

Five bedroom detached family home on a sought after road offering outstanding imaginative design throughout, breathtaking living space and wonderful views. • •

Five bedrooms Four reception rooms

Contact Bromley 020 8315 5544

• •

Double garage Energy Efficiency Rating C

Chislehurst BR7

£1,695,000 F/H

This substantial 1930s detached family home offers approx 4,700 sq ft of internal living space and has a fantastic rear garden extending 160ft. • •

Six bedrooms Four bathrooms

• •

Fitted maple kitchen Energy Efficiency Rating D

Contact Chislehurst 020 8295 4900 A member of

The Acorn Group, incorporating:

langfordrussell.co.uk


| HOMES & PROPERTY |

Q&A: keatons’ new home With growing demand from its customers, Keatons is now bringing its positive, proactive approach to property to a new office in Canary Wharf

W

hy have you chosen this area for a new office? We have operated in the area for 17 years and as the market has developed we have received more and more requests from our clients to have a branch on the island. We will only open a new branch when we feel we have secured the right premises and personnel to continue delivering the level of service and expertise that Keatons is known for. How does Keatons’ service differ from that offered by your competitors? Keatons are renowned for achieving the best price the market is willing to pay. We pride ourselves on striking the right balance by determining a full market price without being unrealistic. We will do everything we can to make sure your property receives an unparalleled amount of viewings from the relevant audience. Whether you’re looking to sell or let, it is our job to make the most of your property by working out its full potential and value. Keatons will give your property the time and attention it deserves in order to obtain the best possible price for you. As with any business transaction, we feel the key to success is to keep the channel of communication completely open between our client, any potential buyer or tenant and ourselves. Our clients can expect regular updates with viewing

feedback and market conditions from a member of the team. We use a number of different channels to keep in contact so please inform us of the best way to stay in touch – be it by phone, email or social media. As leading London estate agents, we understand and appreciate the importance of always being open, honest and easy to reach in such a fast-paced property market. What parts of the surrounding area will your reach extend to? Our existing branch network in East London has served all the surrounding post codes for many years. We have six offices across East London, giving us exceptional coverage in the area. Keatons is a forward-thinking company that puts the customer experience first and the fee second. It’s our job to get your property seen by as many people as possible and, through our combination of traditional and digital marketing, we can reach a global audience.

Will there be any introductory offers? In order to continue our unrivalled presence across East London, we’re celebrating the opening by offering 0 per cent commission to homeowners exclusively in E14. It’s for the first 50 sellers and the first 100 landlords. There are no catches and I can assure everyone that although the fee is 0 per cent the commitment to your property will be 100 per cent. What do you look for in your staff ? People who really enjoy other people and helping them receive what they need. This industry can attract people whose motives are purely financial and that’s nowhere near enough. Good agents need excellent communication skills, strong emotional intelligence and a keen work ethic. Having a positive, proactive approach, with a competitive desire to succeed is essential. What key advice would you give to someone looking to buy for the first time? Ensure you receive good advice on your finance first so you can be absolutely sure of your ability to offer and buy with confidence. I would really encourage people to decide and focus on one area. A search encompassing multiple neighbourhoods of London is a nightmare! View as many properties as you can to obtain a firm grasp of the prices and determine who the reputable agents are, who attract and represent reputable sellers. When you see the right property, you can offer from an informed position and know that you are going to be treated fairly or whether to exercise caution. Employ a good solicitor. What will your lifestyle magazine Access London be recommending? We are focusing on the new branch so sampling the local bars and eateries is not a priority. We will get to it though! How would you like to see Keatons develop in the next five years? To continue to connect people to property with insight and integrity, and to be the dominant agent in every primary area we cover. To be willing to embrace change in order to constantly improve our products and services. Cascades, 2 Westferry Road, E14, keatons.com, register your property on 020 3006 7788

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

139


0%

commission to sell or let your home from our new Canary Wharf office*

0% fee. 100% service. keatons.com 020 3006 7788 canarywharf@keatons.com Cascades, 2 Westferry Road, London E14 8JT *see website for terms & conditions


1

First impressions

2

Maximum exposure

3

24 hour viewing

4

Communication and integrity

5

Achieving the best price

Superb presentation maximises the desirability and value of your property. That’s why we ensure each property is immaculately presented. Our team of in-house photographers quickly select and layout the information about your property to comprehensively display it both on and off-line. This includes carefully selected colour photographs, virtual tours, an interactive floor plan and a location map.

Our clients’ properties benefit from one of the most sophisticated marketing programmes in the business. We produce our own highly successful Access London Magazine, showcasing hundreds of properties which is distributed to over 75,000 selected homes. We invest heavily in cutting edge technology, ensuring our clients’ properties immediately reach their target audience. As soon as your property is on-line, SMS and email alerts are transmitted to clients on our database with matching search criteria.

Keatons.com is an advanced property website. Purchasers can browse through full details and 360° virtual tours, print out colour brochures and arrange viewing appointments. We work with all the major portals (rightmove.co.uk and onthemarket.com) ensuring that your property reaches the widest possible audience. We also utilise the latest LCD plasma screen technology enabling us to market your property 24 / 7.

Communication is vital to a successful relationship. We keep you thoroughly informed of progress, discuss issues and provide viewing feedback. Each Keatons office employs full time sales and lettings co-ordinators. They ensure that everything runs smoothly through to completion. Our reputation is built on integrity; this is maintained by our ability to exceed your expectations through good practice and a passion for results.

We are recognised for employing high calibre individuals - highly motivated, and hard working. Our expert valuers have an intimate knowledge of the London market, allowing you to feel confident that your property achieves the best possible price. As experienced Estate Agents, we know how to sell your property - that’s why we personally conduct thousands of viewings every month.

ESS ACC DON LON

E TUR CUL ES HOM SITY IO CUR

ACCES LOND S ON

CULT U HOM RE E CURIO S SITY


London’s Finest Properties

LOVE LONDON LOVE LIFE LETTINGS | MANAGEMENT | SALES | SERVICED APARTMENTS City_DPS_Generic.indd 1

13/05/2015 13:47

City_


UK’S LEADING PRIVATELY OWNED

REAL ESTATE AGENCY SPECIALISING IN

NEW LUXURY DEVELOPMENTS

WITH 11 OFFICES IN LONDON

3 INTERNATIONAL OFFICES 120 DEDICATED STAFF WHO SPEAK OVER 32 LANGUAGES 020 8896 9990 | liferesidential.co.uk 13:47

City_DPS_Generic.indd 2

13/05/2015 13:47


| HOMES & PROPERTY |

MEET THE TEAM We meet Jack Spellman and Chris Parsonage of LIFE Residential, and learn how the pair differentiate themselves in such a competitive industry

LIFE RESIDENTIAL LETTINGS

JACK SPELLMAN

CHRIS PARSONAGE

Area lettings manager, LIFE Residential

Business development manager, LIFE Residential

Originally from the Suffolk countryside, Jack joined LIFE Residential nearly three years ago and hasn’t looked back. As lettings area manager for the Canary Wharf, Deptford, East London, North London and Greenwich branches, Jack is responsible for ensuring his respective teams have the resources, training and support to deliver exceptional customer service to their clients.

Born and bred in South Africa, Chris relocated to the UK after completing his Bachelor of Business Administration with the hope of gaining international experience and furthering his knowledge of the property industry. His first job involved managing a portfolio of 150 apartments – now he leads a team and develops the business on a pipeline of over 3,000 apartments.

“We pride ourselves on going above and beyond the call of duty to make sure the expectations of our customers are exceeded,” explains Jack. He adds that he feels very fortunate to be surrounded by excellent colleagues who share his vision, which therefore makes his job easier. Jack looks forward to working with the rest of the team at LIFE Residential, offering impartial and accurate lettings advice following the launch of some exciting new developments.

“Our core job within the business development team at LIFE Residential, as with any business development team, is to build our portfolio and company. However, I believe we differentiate ourselves from the rest by how we present ourselves, and how our message and philosophy is in line with that of our clients, who have spent millions of pounds in the London property market,” says Chris. With offices now in Hong Kong, Singapore and the UK, it was important for the team at LIFE Residential to deliver a very clear and consistent message: “Our vision is not, ‘Do anything and everything to gain business,’ but rather a philosophy of informing and advising a client to the best of our ability, building trust and relationships.” Chris adds: “We are constantly assisting developers with pricing up apartments both for sales and lettings, and, of course, always looking to assist developers throughout London.”

LIFE Residential 020 8896 9990, liferesidential.co.uk

144

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015


Galliard_Hanway_CityMags_FPC_29.6.15 22/06/2015 10:38 Page 1

Computer generated images of apartment P10 with 270 sqft terrace.

OXFORD STREET W1

HANWAY GARDENS FITZROVIA W1

Fabulous elevated roof gardens, vast terraces, superlative finishes, contemporary and reinstated classical architecture together an exclusive urban oasis, nestled above Oxford Street, 2 minutes walk from Soho Square and 5 minutes walk from Tottenham Court Road tube and Crossrail 2018. Hanway Gardens redefines prestigious living with a collection of individually designed 2 & 3 bedroom lateral and duplex apartments crowned by a superlative penthouse.

Prices from ÂŁ1.9 million to over ÂŁ3 million.

prestige redefined

A JOINT DEVELOPMENT BY

PRESENTED BY

Marketing Suite, Cavendish Court, 11-15 Wigmore Street, W1A 2JZ

020 3770 2140 galliardhomes.com/HG sales@galliardhomes.com


INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO seize an opportunity Although many had hoped for a post-election push on housing, for those looking to invest, a continuing decline in supply could be beneficial. This, among other data released by The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), indicates that house prices will increase by a staggering 25 per cent over the next five years, so investing now could certainly have strong short-term rewards. We select three new developments worth taking into account.

BLAKE TOWER A prime example of mid-century Brutalism, the Grade II-listed, 17-storey Blake Tower in the Barbican has been re-developed by Redrow London and converted into modern living accommodation. The towering structure comprises a mix of 74 studios, one, two and three-bedroom apartments, ranging from 450 sq ft to over 2,000 sq ft. In Zone 1, it is ideally located for the City, and well connected, with Barbican station close by. Crisp and functional interiors from Conran and Partners take their cue from the building’s distinctively sculpted, concrete façade with exposed interior walls, polished plaster and timber, and brass detailing. With a growing cultural hub on its doorstep, and Crossrail due to arrive at nearby Farringdon in 2018, it’s an attractive investment.

From £650,000 Blake Tower, EC2Y 020 3538 3719 blaketower.com

146

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015


| HOMES & PROPERTY |

ROYAL ARSENAL RIVERSIDE On the banks of the Thames in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Berkeley Homes has launched the Waterfront II phase of its Royal Arsenal Riverside development. It comprises 205 Manhattan-style one, two and threebedroom apartments and penthouses. With the buildings perpendicular to the water, over 1km of riverwalk and four acres of parkland being created, it has a luxurious level of open space, while the onsite Crossrail station will improve access to the inner city from 2018. The robust masonry exteriors, inspired by the area’s military past, enclose contemporary interiors with layouts maximising space and natural light, muted shades, reflective surfaces (much like a contemporary yacht) and natural textures of limestone and wood. Additional temptations include a 24-hour concierge service, fitness suite and spa with swimming pool.

From £395,000

Royal Arsenal Riverside, SE18 020 8331 7130 royalarsenalriverside.co.uk

LONDON DOCK St George has launched the latest phase of its new landmark London Dock development in Wapping, close to famous St Katharine Docks, London Bridge and the City. The 1,800 homes are spread across individual buildings on the 15-acre site, with half of this dedicated to gardens, promenades and squares. Following the reveal of Alexander Wharf and Admiral Wharf ’s stunning duplex penthouses, the next phase Clipper Wharf ’s interiors boast custom-designed kitchens and bathrooms, and each apartment comes with a balcony or terrace to take advantage of the building’s position on Gauging Square, the hub of the development with shops and restaurants. Luxury amenities are above and beyond, with a squash court as well as a gymnasium, pool and sauna, virtual golf suite, screening room and managed parking.

From £659,950

Clipper Wharf, London Dock, E1 020 7971 7880 londondock.co.uk

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

147


| HOMES & PROPERTY |

Insider Knowledge

CRUISING SPEED – MID-YEAR MARKET UPDATE Diana Alam, Head of Residential Development Sales, JLL

What is happening in the Central London development market as we enter the second half of 2015 with a new government? The Central London market has remained robust throughout 2015, and although there was a slight slowdown in activity around the general election, healthy activity has now returned to the market. Off-plan sales remained robust in the first half of 2015, with some sensitivity for high-value property. Development activity has been shifting towards Outer Core areas over the past 12 months, with annual starts up by 59.3 per cent in contrast with Core Central London, which is down by 43.2 per cent over the year. Looking forward, we now need to focus on supply solutions that will tackle the real issue facing the UK housing market. Policies to date have been about the demand-side solutions (such as HTB), but the government needs to concentrate on policies that can drive a step change in supply solutions. While these will take some time to bed-in and manifest themselves, they will be the solutions that ultimately provide the help where is it needed most. We predict that with five years’ worth of clear runway to aim at, we can expect to see a continued rate of growth in housing market transactions that have been slowly gathering momentum since the Conservative majority victory on 8 May. We predict that pricing is likely to remain under upward pressure, in line with a healthy, stable economic backdrop, real income growth, subsiding political risks and a sclerotic housing supply response playing out. Political risks are always present in residential markets. The UK needs a government that actively seeks to provide certainty so that markets can behave efficiently for the benefit of the economy. Is it all plain sailing or are there obstacles to growth that we need to be aware of ? With certainty and stability resuming, there are three political changes that

148

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

“Looking forward, we now need to focus on supply solutions that will tackle the real issue facing the UK housing market” may create renewed tensions in the housing market – the EU referendum, regional devolution driven by Scotland, and in London, the 2016 mayoral elections, where housing and affordability will take centre stage on candidate manifestos. In the one region of the UK where Labour support actually grew, expect some of the national election ideas around high-value property taxation and caps on rental growth to re-emerge. In line with JLL forecasts from November 2014, continued modest price growth of 4-5 per cent is anticipated nationally through the course of this year and over the medium-term. As a result, our pricing and transaction forecasts remain unchanged nationally. JLL 020 7337 4004 jll.co.uk/residential

OUR FORECASTS


Photograph of the Plimsoll Building show apartment

PLIMSOLL BUILDING

GRANARY SQUARE RE

W

CA

NA

L

AY

RA S RO AD

ST. PANCRAS STATION

K IN

NC

PANCRAS SQUARE

G’S BOUL E VA

RD

S OD

T’S

KING’S CROSS STATION

Please contact us at: enquiries@livingatkingscross.co.uk or call +44 (0)20 7205 4246 Plimsollkingscross.co.uk Marketing suite: 14–15 Stable Street, King’s Cross, London N1C 4AB

CITYMAGAZINE_297x210mm.indd 1

PA

Come and visit.

GO

N GE

Y O R K WAY

LIVE IN AMAZING KING’S CROSS You have schools, restaurants, parks and fountains; you have shops, squares and the joys of a canal; you have the best national and international connections in London and an extraordinary choice of some of the capital’s most fabulous homes.

MARKETING SUITE

BLE

STR

EET

LEWIS CUBITT SQUARE

S TA

It’s All About The Place

www.kingscross.co.uk

19/06/2015 14:06


SHELL POINT

TRANQUIL ELEGANCE IN TUCKER’S TOWN A private promontory surrounded by a stunning turquoise reef and vistas across Castle Harbour to the Tucker’s Town peninsula, Shell Point enjoys a magical setting comprising 2 acres and 6500 square feet of accommodation between the elegant main house, the guest cottage and apartment. This is one of the most private estates in Tucker’s Town, yet it is within a walk or golf cart ride of the Mid-Ocean and Tucker’s Point golf clubs, their beaches and restaurants. A substantial dock, jetty, boat slip and mooring make this home especially well suited for boaters. Price Upon Request.

WHY SINCLAIR REALTY? As Bermuda’s exclusive affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, Sinclair Realty offers the finest cache of properties in Tucker’s Town and island-wide. We look forward to welcoming you to our island with the depth of expertise and ‘above-and-beyond’ service that is the Sinclair hallmark.

Tel +1 441 296 0278 | estates@logic.bm | www.sinclairrealty.com

SINC03-1862_NEW_Kensington&Chelsea_Magazine.indd 1


THE CHELSTON ESTATE

A WORLD-CLASS PRIVATE BEACHFRONT COMPOUND Overlooking the pink sands and turquoise waters of Grape Bay, the 14-acre Chelston Estate is a beachfront compound of rare magnitude. For 30 years it served as the official residence of the U.S. Consul General, hosting a distinguished list of guests including presidents and foreign dignitaries. Understated elegance defines the 10,000 square foot main house and its three guest houses. The outstanding grounds include a spectacular 75- by 40-foot saltwater pool and pool house, croquet lawn, walled gardens, a beach pavilion and staff accommodation. Offered at US$ 45 million.

Tel +1 441 296 0278 | estates@logic.bm | www.sinclairrealty.com

5/7/15 11:20 AM


Development SHOWCASE

A LONDON LANDMARK South Quay Plaza We get a sneak preview of South Quay Plaza – the residential scheme that’s set to take luxury living to new heights

B

erkeley Homes (South East London) has launched the first phase of the UK’s tallest residential scheme, South Quay Plaza, in the historical London Docklands. Providing 888 residential properties, including 188 affordable homes, the sustainable waterside development will total more than a million square feet and generate public space that includes a dockside promenade and a pocket park. Harry Lewis, managing director of Berkeley Homes (South East London), says all of its developments are designed not only as fantastic places to live, but also to permanently enhance the neighbourhoods in which they are located: “At South Quay Plaza, we have gone one step further by creating a visionary scheme of outstanding design quality throughout, with superb residents’ facilities and 1.6 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and public realm. And at 68 storeys, the first phase makes a real statement.” Foster + Partners has been appointed architects on this development, which is set to change the London skyline and become the capital’s youngest landmark. Grant Brooker, senior partner at Foster +

152

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

THE FINER DETAILS ADDRESS South Quay Plaza, 183-185 Marsh Wall, London E14

height 68 and 36 storeys

PROPERTIES 888 studio, one, two, three bedroom apartments and penthouses, including 188 affordable homes

open space 1.6 acres


| HOMES & PROPERTY |

FACILITIES 24-hour concierge, state-of-the-art health club and spa with 20m double-height panoramic swimming pool, dedicated residents club lounge, including bar, screening room, business lounge and terrace on the 56th floor

“Every aspect of the design has been considered – both inside and out – to create a worldclass residential building”

Partners, says: “On a wonderful site at the intersection of the historic docks, South Quay Plaza offers spectacular views out across Canary Wharf and the Isle of Dogs. Every aspect of the design has been considered – both inside and out – to create a world-class residential building. Set within green parkland that adds to the public realm, we believe this is an extraordinary new place for London.” Offering a selection of studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments and penthouses that boast floor-to-ceiling glazing for an uninterrupted panorama of the City’s skyline, South Quay Plaza has been designed at a 45-degree rotation to maximise water views. Residents of this landmark project will also benefit from a state-ofthe-art heath club and spa, an entire 56th floor dedicated to a residents’ club lounge, including a bar, screening room, business lounge and terrace, featuring outdoor bar and dining facilities, not to mention access to a 24-hour concierge service. Construction is due to commence in January and completion of the first phase is expected in 2020.

ARCHITECT AND INTERIOR DESIGNER Foster + Partners

TRANSPORT LINKS A wealth of transport links are available with the Jubilee Line and DLR on your doorstep. The new Crossrail station opening in 2018 will cut travel times to Heathrow Airport to just 40 minutes, while London City Airport is also in close proximity

PRICE On application

CONTACT 0203 675 4400 southquayplaza@ berkeleygroup.co.uk southquayplaza.london

THE CITY MAGAZINE | July 2015

153


Above all others – Introducing South Quay Plaza Berkeley Homes & Foster + Partners are proud to present South Quay Plaza, two iconic buildings just moments from Canary Wharf. At 68 storeys and with world class facilities, South Quay Plaza will redefine London living. Coming soon: Suites, 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments. Register your interest now. For further information, please call 020 3811 1532 or email southquayplaza@berkeleygroup.co.uk Details are correct at time of going to press and subject to apartment type and availability. Computer Generated Image depicts South Quay Plaza. Š DBOX for Berkeley Homes.

www.southquayplaza.london Proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of companies


LONDON’S YOUNGEST LANDMARK


M ESUR E ET D ÉMESUR E *

TONDA METROGR APHE

Steel Automatic chronograph movement Hermès calf strap Made in Switzerland www.parmigiani.ch

ATELIER PARMIGIANI 97 MOUNT STREET, MAYFAIR, LONDON W1K 2TD, TEL. 020 7495 5172 EDINBURGH ROX DIAMONDS AND THRILLS | KENT RIZON JET UK LIMITED LONDON SELFRIDGES, THE WONDER ROOM | ARIJE | HARRODS, MONTREUX JAZZ CAFE WATCHES OF SWITZERLAND | FROST OF LONDON | BEAU GEMS, THE CITY WINDSOR ROBERT GATWARD JEWELLERS


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.