The City Magazine September 2013

the city m a g a z i n e

CUTTING EDGE

SEASONAL TRENDS FROM MILAN & LONDON; CLASSIC TAILORING RETURNS & MEN’S ACCESSORIES GET A LUXURY MAKEOVER

the

style ISSUE a brave new world dawns as new designers come to london: vicomte a, tiger of sweden, bespoken, edwin & patrick hellman

THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS TO EVERY RULE.

ROYAL OAK DIAMOND SET IN PINK GOLD.

AUDEMARS PIGUET UK LTD TEL: + 44 207 409 0782 WWW.AUDEMARSPIGUET.COM

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CONTENTS SEPTEMBER2013

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COVER IMAGE: Courtesy of Vicomte A, Autumn/Winter 2013 New Kids on the Block, p. 16

42 23

38

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16 features 10 ONE VISION

As his new store opens in Sloane Street, RICHARD BROWN profiles the seemingly unstoppable Tom Ford

16 NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK With the next generation of designers setting up shop in Britain’s fashion consciousness, AMY-LOUISE ROBERTS takes stock of the brands to watch out for

23 IF THE SUIT FITS

STEPHEN DOIG traces the upcoming trends for men’s tailoring, from the new silhouette to the unexpected details

34 COTTON ON

Men’s stylist SAMMY AKI gives the essential guide to picking the right shirt for any occasion

36 AHEAD OF THE CURVE

JACK PHILLIPS reports from the runways of Milan, with all you need to know about the clothes you’ll be wearing 12 months from now

38 PACK UP YOUR TROUBLES An essential guide to the accents and finishing touches that differentiate a man with style

work 72 LOCKING HORNS

ANDY ROSENBAUM argues that it’s time financial organisations re-think their people skills

motoring 84 BREATHTAKING

The Audi – a supercar with space? MATTHEW CARTER takes the Audi RS6 Avant for a test drive full of surprises

escape 100 CITY BREAK: BARCELONA

ELLE BLAKEMAN explores Spain’s cosmopolitan second city, discovering the perfect spot for a weekend away

regulars 42

FAShion

83

MOTORing

53

WATches + Jewellery

87

food & drink

71

work

94

travel

79

play

105 Property

www.bachet.fr

SEPTEMBER2013

CONTRIBUTORS

RUNWILD M

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Editor-in-Chief Lesley Ellwood

Managing Editor emma johnson

Deputy Editor Richard Brown

Motoring Editor Matthew Carter

Collection Editor annabel harrison

stephen doig

Matthew Carter

lucie dodds

Stephen Doig is an award-winning journalist who has written about style, travel and trends for Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, The Telegraph and Mr Porter, interviewing the likes of Valentino, Manolo Blahnik and Daphne Guinness along the way. This month, he writes about the return of classic tailoring and the popularity of luxury men’s accessories.

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

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

Property Editor Gabrielle Lane

Editorial Assistants aimee latimer tiffany eastland

staff Writer

Amy-Louise Roberts

Senior Designer DANIEL POOLE

Brand Consistency Laddawan Juhong

General Manager Fiona Fenwick

Production

Hugo Wheatley ALEX POWELL oscar viney

Property Director Samantha Ratcliffe

COMMUNICATIONS james lawrence

richard yarrow

jack phillips

andrew rosenbaum

A self-confessed wine obsessive, James is passionate about discovering the lesser known wines and wine regions of the world, as well as writing about beer, ale, cocktails and spirits. This month he charts the rise in popularity of Japanese tipple sake throughout the capital.

Richard is a motoring journalist writing about cars and the car industry for the last 15 years. A former associate editor of Auto Express, he contributes to numerous titles including national newspapers, consumer and lifestyle publications, and the automotive business press. He is also editor of the AA’s customer magazine.

Jack Phillips is a writer, radio producer and multimedia contentmaker based in London.

He writes for a variety of premium magazine titles with a sharp focus on arts and culture and has recently finished a feature-length radio documentary on cultural identity in Brazil for Monocle 24 Radio.

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

He writes for the Wall Street Journal, the Sunday Telegraph and MSN Money.

Also published by

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Head of Finance Elton Hopkins

Managing Director Eren Ellwood

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

Members of the Professional Publishers Association

RUNWILD M

Loren Penney

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Dear Resident

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Our edition this month, in homage to the famous documentary film The September Issue, is dedicated to all things sartorial.

The main feature introduces Belgravia’s latest couturier Nevena Nikolova. I had the pleasure of meeting the designer, who is a stalwart champion of craftsmanship and all things British.

The Journal also took a tour of the local area with a very stylish couple, Nota Bene Global founders Anthony and Elaine Lassman. The company delivers experiences of the highest calibre, utilising their enviable list of contacts. The Lassmans reveal their favourite places in Belgravia to shop, visit and relax, as well as introducing us to some of the colourful characters and unsung heroes in the area.

BELGRAVIA

Meanwhile, Tom Hardman meets Sue Liberman, a lady who helps to keep the world going round in our little patch of town. Sue reveals the final figure raised by the hugely successful Motcomb Street Party for charity this year. Plus Henry Hopwood-Phillips delves into the medieval past in his review of The Restoration of Rome: Imperial Pretenders & Barbarian Popes by Peter Heather.

Resident’s Journal

Please do not hesitate to get in contact with your feedback, email belgravia@residentsjournal.co.uk.

Above / Goodwood Revival Festival in September Photograph by Alex Shore (page 24; goodwood.co.uk)

Managing Editor Katie Randall Main Editorial Contributor Henry Hopwood-Phillips Editorial Assistants Lauren Romano Editor-in-Chief Lesley Ellwood

Managing Director Eren Ellwood

Publishing Director Giles Ellwood

Senior Designer Sophie Blain

Associate Publisher Sophie Roberts

General Manager Fiona Fenwick

Client Relationship Director Felicity Morgan-Harvey

Head of Finance Elton Hopkins

Communications Director Loren Penney

september 2013 • Issue 16

Production Hugo Wheatley, Alex Powell, Oscar Viney

Runwild Media Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Runwild Media Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

Subscriptions: A free online subscription service is available for The City Magazine. Visit the subscriptions page on our website. www.rwmg.co.uk/subscribe

RUN WILDbracelet london_UK 13/04/12 09.37 Pagina 2

From the Honeycomb Eternelle Ring Collection

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

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editor’s letter

“Clothes and manners do not make the man; but when he is made, they greatly improve his appearance.”

- Arthur Ashe

It is traditional in September for lifestyle magazines to do a fashion issue. Fashion houses across the globe are gearing up for the apex of their year; a relentless month of jet-setting to the four fashion capitals of the world – New York, London, Milan and Paris – to reveal to the world their creative vision as to what we’ll be wearing the following year. For four weekends Twitter is ablaze with people tweeting excitedly from the front row of every show from Alexander McQueen to Zac Posen, while style-scout sites are awash with images of the best-dressed fashion glitterati in all manner of on-trend garb heading into the next hot show.

For anyone who doesn’t live, breathe and worship 24/7 at the altar of fashion it can be either mildly disconcerting or downright ridiculous. A brand called Acne? Men in lace vests? Entire suits made out of feathers?

Leather dresses, really? “Bloody fashion-types....is that man actually wearing a skirt...?”, you trill as you dodge past at lunch, be-suited and making a beeline for your very non-designer, off-trend chicken sandwich.

And quite right too. Not for the City man the neon raincoat or the leather jogging bottoms – no, you are a beacon of style eternal in a world of solast-season fashion, and you’re proud of it; a good suit never goes out of fashion and all that. So, this month instead of a ‘fashion issue’ we bring you the ‘Style Issue’ – replete with pages and pages of actual, wearable looks that will inspire even you to break out of your comfortably-safe navy blazer and maroon chinos when the weekend beckons. Try a new look from a new designer on p. 16; get the lowdown on seasonal trends that translate to real life on p. 32, see a return to classic tailoring on p. 22 and find out which luxury accessories you’ll want to get your hands on on p. 38.

And just so you don’t give up on following fashion entirely, take a walk through the envy-inducing world of Tom Ford – surely the most stylish, and by far the coolest, man in fashion? Discover your new style icon on p. 10.

Work it...

Emma Johnson Editor

PHOTOGRAPHY: © S.Bukley

profile | style special

ONE

VISION In the nineties, he killed grunge and brought sexy back. In the noughties, he helped herald fashion’s current celebrity obsession. Now, having just opened his first London store, Tom Ford has world domination in his sights. Prepare for the arrival of Planet Ford...

WORDS: RICHARD BROWN

september 2013 THE CITY 11

et’s play a game. Imagine you’re in a position to buy one of the following brands: Prada, Chanel, Hermès, Burberry, Fendi or Louis Vuitton. Personal fashion preferences aside, which would you pick?

If it was the last on the list, then congratulations, you’ve just inherited the most valuable luxury brand on the planet, earning yourself around £14.5 billion in the process. According to a recent report published by advertising behemoth WPP, after Louis Vuitton, Hermès would have provided the next best return on investment, followed by Prada, followed by Chanel, followed by Burberry.

Include Tom Ford on the list and ask the brand’s namesake to rank where the fashion houses will appear a decade from now, and expect the Americanborn designer-come-director to position himself near the top of the class.

“If not number one, then number two,” he said, in April of this year. “I could and will, certainly within the next ten years, if not sooner. But I think that there are very few people in the world that could.” Recent years would certainly support Ford’s claim of being one of the few.

The opening of his flagship store in Sloane Street in July, which, alongside Ford’s shoes and clothing lines, hosts his fragrance and cosmetics collections, is the latest realisation in a career that has seen him dress everyone from Emma Stone to Elle MacPherson, including Hollywood’s Brad and Angelina, hip-hop’s Beyoncé and Jay Z and America’s First Lady, Michelle Obama, along the way. Don Draper, James Bond and Wolverine have all graced the red carpet in his creations, so too, more recently, has Superman. All this in the space of six years.

Magic? A miracle? A ruse? More magnetism, determinism and charm, according to anyone who has ever met the man behind the brand. Then, of course, there’s that other word too. The one that transformed Ford from fashion upstart to design tycoon, the moniker for what is considered one of fashion’s most celebrated success stories: Gucci.

In the sixties and seventies, the brand had been at its zenith, worn by the likes of Hepburn, Kelly, and Onassis. By the time 29-year-old Ford arrived as chief women’s ready-to-wear designer in 1990, the brand hovered close to bankruptcy, no longer viewed as tasteful and chic, but tawdry and cheap.

At the turn of the millennium, the words synonymous with the Italian fashion house couldn’t have been more different – daring and slick, intrepid and provocative,

profile | style special

sex and celebrity. The little-known designer, born in Texas and raised in New Mexico, had progressed through the ranks to sit in charge not just of clothing, but of shoes, fragrances, image and advertising too.

Ford went as far as styling the Gucci boutiques themselves, even designing the shopping bags you walked away from them with.

“Think about the culture of sleek, sexy excess of the nineties and Gucci clothes come to mind,” says Graydon Carter, editor of Vanity Fair US, in the introduction to the book Tom Ford: Ten Years (Thames & Hudson), which he authored with Women’s Wear Daily’s Bridget Foley. “Necklines that could hardly get lower, heels that couldn’t get any higher… No designer of our time has done over-the-top glamour so boldly and brazenly.”

Grunge was done. Fabulous was in. Sexy and Gucci were back on the map. Between 1995 and 1996, the company’s sales increased by 90 per cent. In 1999, the brand was valued at around £2.7 billion. When Ford left in 2004, that figure had risen to more than £6 billion.

“Tom Ford, I realised, was the Flaubert of fashion,” writes Anna Wintour, editor of U.S Vogue, in the foreword to the same book. “And just as Flaubert knew Madame Bovary, so Tom Ford knew the woman for whom he was designing: sexy, confident, and often flirtatiously androgynous. This was a creature of his own invention and one, it became clear, that many of us longed to be.”

Ford’s other invention, Wintour goes on to say, was to create his own persona as the glamorous figurehead of the Gucci Group. “He understood instinctively that to give public prominence to the visionary behind a brand is to animate the connection between the brand and the woman who buys the clothes. He was the celebrity designer par excellence.”

In 1999, the Gucci Group acquired Yves Saint Laurent and Ford quickly became the label’s overall creative director, displacing Saint Laurent himself in doing so.

Using his tactics at Gucci as a bleupirnt for success, Ford reversed the fortunes of YSL, employing sex and image, and advertising campaigns featuring full frontal nudity to shock and provoke and ultimately catapult the brand back into business.

It’s now 2013 and the 51-year-old boasts an empire of 81 freestanding stores stretching from Beverly Hills to Beijing. It is, perhaps, a surprise that it’s taken so long for Ford to establish a flagship in London.

In recent years, the American has become a veritable Anglophile, relocating his business HQ to a glossy suite of offices in Victoria and setting up home here.

The designer has brought his men’s and womenswear collections to London for the last two seasons, with this year’s London fashion show representing his first full-scale catwalk display. He’d previously preferred to show his collections within small private presentations, allowing no photos to be taken. The reason, he said, is

Don Draper, James Bond and Wolverine have all graced the red carpet in his creations, so too, more recently, has Superman

september 2013 THE CITY 13

“that the customer is bored of those clothes by the time they get to the store,” he once told Bridget Foley.

London seems a natural choice for Ford’s slick, impeccably tailored menswear; his focus on precision cuts, handsome detailing and an old fashioned attention to cloth, proportion and timeless silhouettes takes its inspiration from Savile Row. It stands, then, only to reason that Ford would want to cater to the stealth wealth gentlemen of the capital.

“Our British customers are among the most discerning and stylish in the world,” he said, at the launch of the Knightsbridge store. “I love the people, the humour, the manners, the irreverence, the wackiness, the fashion fearlessness. People take style risks here; there is a culture for that. Men don’t wear fashion anymore except in Italy and London. Americans have lost that. It’s all about being comfortable and I just don’t understand that at all.” It seems his legions of admirers don’t either.

Earlier we played a game but omitted a card. Gucci was left off the list. Had they been included and it was in them that you chose to invest, you would have inherited the third most valuable luxury brand in the world today. A brand that 25 years ago was all but dead, a fashion house raised from the ashes, if not wholly, then largely, by the creative vision of one man.

The growth curve at Gucci remains unlike anything seen in fashion. Some describe it as the industry’s most audacious success story, ever.

Think about it like that, and ten years from now, I’ll put my money on Ford.

D tomford.com

14 THE CITY september 2013

“Men don’t wear fashion any more except in Italy and London.

Americans have lost that. It’s all about being comfortable and I just don’t understand that at all”

NEW KIDS ON THE block Amy-Louise Roberts explores some of the newest and brightest brands inhabiting the fashion scene and asks what constitutes a successful designer label

‘‘I

t’s a new era in fashion – there are no rules.

It’s all about the individual and personal style, wearing high-end, low-end, classic labels, and up-and-coming designers all together.” These were the words of Alexander McQueen, a man at the veritable heart of the fashion industry who evidently knew a thing or two about his trade. Long has the dominating ideology of the fashion world leant towards the new and innovative, attempting to capture, draw, design and sell the zeitgeist. However, what makes a designer label a mainstay of this multi-million pound industry? In the following pages, we take a look at some of the most exciting new designer labels working in the fashion world today, and ask what it is that means they are the new kids here to stay.

Feature | style special

Tiger of Sweden

Tiger of Sweden is a brand on the precipice of the London fashion scene. With new flagship stores opening in both Canary Wharf and Piccadilly, this brand – previously only available at Selfridges and Marks & Spencer – looks set to become a household name. Originally founded in 1903, this is a label for whom reinvention is key to lasting success. A revamp in 1993 culminated in a new approach to work apparel, moving away from the designs of previous decades in which straight, smart ensembles were the dominating style. Today, the brand talks about ‘taking the suit out of the bank and into the streets’ creating a more relaxed approach to formal wear; so jackets can be worn without ties and work well with jeans, for instance. For Tiger of Sweden, stylish comfort is the order of the day.

D tigerofsweden.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2013 THE CITY 17

VICOMTE A

Vicomte A is a classic French brand headedup by designer and entrepreneur Arthur de Soultrait, who founded the company in 2004 after the business in which he was an intern went bankrupt. After a spate of selling ties in New York City, Soultrait created Vicomte A – a solution to his work situation. The signature style of this continental label with its slight anarchistic edge is both informed by and in deference to the aristocratic background of the French horse-racing society, in which Arthur and his brother were raised. Typified by a mixture of core separates that encompass dapper attire, and characterised by bold, block colours, its branding and styling has a refreshing rebellious slant. The opening of its now highly successful London store on Chelsea’s King’s Road last December caused quite the stir too, attended by the likes of Pippa Middleton who, according to reports, entertained attendees by dancing on the sofas as the night reached its conclusion.

D vicomte-a.com

feature | style special

Edwin

Edwin is a Tokyo-born, denim-centric brand first established in 1947, that is now bringing its tried-and-tested approach to the European market. Its flagship Shoreditch store, in the heart of one of London’s most trendy districts, opened in the early months of last year, and with countless other UK and European stockists and further branches in countries like Austria and Switzerland planned, a global expansion seems to be on its way. Founded by the enigmaticallynamed Mr. Tsunemi, who began by using American denim to create his products before it was readily available in Japan, Edwin became the first to champion the stonewashed denim look in the 1970s, which has become a mainstay of the contemporary fashion world. The rest of its range and style is similarly rugged, consisting of its trademark jeans and jackets as well as collarless shirts, T-shirts and caps.

D edwin-europe.com

SEPTEMBER 2013 THE CITY 19

Patrick Hellmann

Hailed as the German Tom Ford, Patrick Hellmann is a designer oozing style and luxury. Famed now for suits fit for a Russian president (Vladimir Putin has been seen in the label on a number of occasions), this is a brand for the most discerning of men. With immaculately cut and tailored suits in luxurious fabrics, relaxed casual wear and intricately-crafted accessories, as well as a line of indulgent homewares and an interior design arm, the brand has graduated effortlessly from fashion to lifestyle. Visit its newly opened store on St James’s Street for proof.

D patrick-hellmann.com

feature | style special

bespoken clothiers

“If a guy comes in wearing his A.P.C. jeans, we want him to buy our shirts and a jacket and wear it all together.” A sentiment which typifies Bespoken Clothiers, a brand at the core of qualitymade fashion, with an edgy, playful outlook.

Created by brothers Liam and Sammy Fayed in 2008, whose father owns Turnbull & Asser, this New York-based brand specialises in Savile Rowinspired suits and shirts and ties of impeccable quality. A younger, more rock ‘n’ roll version of the brand now owned by their dad, the trademarks here are fitting and tailoring, both of which are at the forefront of the Bespoken collection, creating an optimum blend of up-to-the-minute and vintage work-wear for city slickers.

D bespokenclothiers.com

SEPTEMBER 2013 THE CITY 21

QUINTESSENTIAL BRITISH LEATHER GOODS SINCE 1934

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

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TAILORING | STYLE SPECIAL Gieves & Hawkes

IF THE SUIT FITS Call it a sartorial return to form, in the most literal sense; from Savile Row to the Square Mile, sharp suiting, square shoulders, crisp silhouettes and handsome detailing are making a return to men’s tailoring WORDS: STEPHEN DOIG

fter season on season of skinny silhouettes, razor-tight trousers, narrow shoulders and reed-thin ties, a shift towards a more classic, more solid style of suiting is finally upon us. Well-attired gentlemen are once again breathing a sigh of relief as jackets lend a greater sense of ease, trousers no longer cut-off circulation and a more masculine, classic aesthetic informs their wardrobe once again.

“I think men now want something a little more classic, something very elegant, very refined, something that is a little bit more timeless,” says Jason Basmajian, creative director of Gieves & Hawkes, the tailoring institution that has dressed everyone from Prince Charles to Nelson. “I think there’s definitely a focus on a very classic silhouette.

For example, a lot of men are keen on trousers that are slim but not ‘skinny’; and on cuts that are sculptured but not restricting.” One of the trends that Basmajian notes the store is seeing, is a shift towards double-breasted jackets. “It’s a more traditional way to wear a jacket, because you need to keep it buttoned to maintain the structure of it, and the shape is a little more traditional

A lot of men are keen on trousers that are slim but not ‘skinny’; on cuts that are sculptured but not restricting itself, but it’s a very elegant look that more and more men are adopting.” If any more proof were needed, Gieves & Hawkes Autumn/Winter 2013 offering sees Prince of Wales checks on cashmere blazers, solid velvet tuxedo jackets for an old school-hint of Cary Grant allure and impeccably cut three-piece suits.

Perhaps part of the allure of returning to a classic style of tailoring lies in how menswear style icons have shifted in recent years. Cast a mind back to the early noughties and Hedi Slimane’s barely-breathable cuts at Dior Homme were revolutionising menswear, with Pete Doherty and Jamie Hince heralded as fashion’s newest thing, sparking a trend for tailoring that cut away at the seams of the traditional rules. But today, with Mad Men’s Don Draper acting as a sartorial template to the stylish modern man, and a focus on the red carpets towards proper, solid suiting (think Pharrell Williams and Justin Timberlake in Tom Ford), a rekindling of sorts has occurred. The allure of old-school idols like Gregory Peck, Terence Stamp and Cary Grant hold a lot more punch than whippet-thin musicians in skinny drainpipes

THIS PAGE All images Cad & the Dandy

TAILORING | STYLE SPECIAL

september 2013 THE CITY 25

Gieves & Hawkes

Gieves & Hawkes

E. Tautz

Above left & right, below left & right, and centre: all Anderson & Sheppard

TAILORING | STYLE SPECIAL Gieves & Hawkes

(and a scroll through men’s style site Mr Porter’s gallery of icons confirms this).

At Anderson & Sheppard, the focus has always remained on classic cuts and silhouettes, which were influenced by Dutch tailor Frederick Scholte in the early 20th century, focusing on suits that created an “ease of movement and a natural body line”. Last year Anderson & Sheppard celebrated a collaboration with Bryan Ferry, a defiantly old-school choice, to drive home the fact that a classic style never fades. And at Norton & Sons, the label’s finest advert is creative director Patrick Grant, the designer and master tailor who heads the brand alongside Savile Row label E. Tautz (which numbers Winston Churchill among its devotees). Grant’s personal sense of suave devotion to British manufacturing in fabrics such as tweeds and checked wools is a look that lends itself to a latter-day Duke of Windsor (and that’s a very good thing), with suits in richly textured Harris tweeds, solid squared shoulders and the most understated of pocket squares and accessories.

I think the mass market has been preoccupied with copying trends on the catwalks focused towards a skinny silhouette “We’ve definitely seen a rise in very classic, simple cuts coming back,” says Andrew Bird, co-founder of city tailors Cad & the Dandy. “The look is just a lot more substantial and has a greater sense of confidence. In real tailoring, it’s not something that ever went away, but I think the mass market has been preoccupied with copying trends on the catwalks that are focused towards a skinny silhouette.”

Tweaking with the classic formula for a tailored suit is, Bird says, sartorial suicide. “Shortening a jacket just for the sake of it, changing the lapels to be smaller; these things don’t work because suits are designed to be proportionate to the body. Playing with silhouettes doesn’t serve to work to those proportions.” Bird also cites a return to double-breasted styles and a new appreciation for less ‘flashy’ fabrics like flannel as indicators that tailoring is returning to solid ground. “Pinstripes are dying a death, no-one wants an in-your-face pinstripe suit, but certain fabrics like flannel have a lot more substance and depth and are proving more popular. People have watched shows like Downton Abbey and Boardwalk Empire and definitely appreciate what was considered a more traditional look’.”

Like all classics, a beautifully cut suit that doesn’t bend to the winds of trends will only serve to stand the test of time. And look suitably Donald Draper-esque in the process.

september 2013 THE CITY 27

We prefer not to be measured by dimensions.

Unless it’s a new dimension of accuracy.

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

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

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

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08.02.2012 15:52:48 Uhr

style

REPORT

Boys & girls Renowned British designer Matthew Williamson partners with iconic brand Ballantyne Cashmere to produce a capsule collection for men and women

M

atthew Williamson, a name long-associated with the highest end of women’s fashion, has teamed up with cashmere auteurs Ballantyne Cashmere to establish its first capsule collection for men and women.

The combination of both Ballantyne Cashmere’s reputation for luxury products and craftsmanship, and Williamson’s cutting-edge high-fashion appeal, has resulted in a collection that is both classic and modern. The expansion of Williamson’s own eponymous collection will include a range of colours and patterns to suit every wardrobe, by

ranging from icy mints and cool blues towards softer tones of fuchsia and richer palettes of burgundy, purple and burnt orange. This innovative collection, which arrived in department and concept stores internationally in August, comprises 40 diverse styles for men and women, varying seamlessly from heavy and warm crew-necks to lighterdesigned cardigans and ever-forgiving ponchos. Catering for all tastes, as is the Williamson way.

D Matthew Williamson for Ballantyne Cashmere, matthewwilliamson.co.uk

Perfect Parkas In the seasons of wind, rain and snow, one should never be without the perfect overcoat. Those still searching for this illustrious wardrobe staple need look no further than Parka London.

Producing classic coats with distinctive silhouettes, quirky characteristics and luxe linings, its Autumn/Winter collection is characteristically fashionable, yet practical – battle the elements and look good whilst doing it.

D Parka London Townsend Duffle, £POA; Hearn Wool Parka, £POA, parkalondon.com

style:hIM This season’s most wearable trends for the stylish man about town

Louboutin at Selfridges

The name Christian Louboutin is naturally associated with the very best in designer footwear; and lovers of this luxurious label will be delighted to hear that a dedicated boutique of Louboutin’s men’s footwear has opened at Selfridges on Oxford Street. The boutique is the second dedicated retail space for Louboutin in the UK and will offer a wide variety of shoes, bags and leather goods, for which the elegant French label has become renowned.

D louboutin.co.uk/selfridges.com

The Bare Necessities For those looking to spruce up their basics, Burtonwode is your go-to boxer brand. Specialising in bespoke patterns and designs, with a focus on style and English manufacturing, this Liverpool-born company headed-up by artist David Huglin has made considerable success from humble beginnings. Passionate about British industry, every part of the creative process for this unique underwear line takes place in the UK – from the printing processes in Carlisle to the assemblage of them in London’s Canning Town – ensuring a high quality range of boxers with a classically English heritage.

D Burtonwode Classic Boxers, both £26, burtonwode.com

FOR HIM | STYLE

Bright Lights As the colder season approaches and the summer sun begins to fade, a brightening of the wardrobe is often required to lift the seasonal blues. A much-needed injection of colour and vibrancy can be found with neon specialists Volga Verdi, whose selection of printed T-shirts will electrify your winter apparel. Team luminous prints with your favourite pair of jeans and a casual blazer for the weekend, and bring the look together with iridescent accessories from the CM AOX brand. The company uses laser technology to produce a line of leather wallets and tablet or smartphone cases which aim to encourage less disposable consumerism.

D Volga Verdi Rothko Verdi T-Shirt, £28; Head of David T-Shirt, £28, both thenandnowshop.com

Back in Bow ties September in fashion is a time of evolution and development, and the latest item to get the reinvention treatment is the humble bow tie.

Long a staple of debonair attire, this timeless classic has been given a transformation by the creative folks at Louve de Nordneg who, using a surrealist approach, specialise in producing intricate print designs.

With a colour pallete ranging from deep and sultry blues to bright and vivacious reds, these sophisticated and elaborately printed ties cater for every look, mood and personality.

Black Tie Footwear

D Louve de Nordneg bow ties, all £59 each,

It’s common knowledge that shoes make or break a look. With this in mind, footwear fashion house J.M Weston has designed its latest high-end Black Tie collection. In homage to the suits and brilliantine that have long-adorned the events of the J.M Weston brand, what has emerged is a line of shoes that is classically elegant, with a stylish modernity. A collection of footwear designed by Michel Perry, including derbys, brogues and loafers, all created with quality leather, making for a sharp, tailored fit – from the office to the red carpet in no time at all.

thenandnowshop.com

D J.M Weston Black Tie Collection, jmweston.com

Bags of Style When it comes to a man bag, finding a balance between style and masculinity can prove difficult. This is something that Massimo Dutti has attempted to remedy with its A/W range of leather document holders and holdalls. Expedient and pragmatic, these sophisticated and classy creations are the perfect items to make the office professional’s life –and the transportation of his papers – that much easier.

D Massimo Dutti A/W 2013 Collection massimodutti.com

september 2013 THE CITY 31

THE ROLL-NECK Marc by Marc Jacobs

Edwin

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Simple and classic, the humble roll-neck jumper comes into its own in the colder months. Featured in the collections of many designers, this timeless design can be worked to many different ends. Team a lighter roll-neck in a bold colour with your work suit to make a fashion-forward office statement, or partner your favourite pair of weekend jeans with a chunkier knitted version, perhaps complete with jazzy print, to create an unassuming yet stylish look.

Jigsaw

style:hIM This season’s most wearable trends for the stylish man about town

Valentino

AUTUMN / WINTER 2013

Canali

Valentino

Katie Eary

OVERSIZED CHECKS

Check Woven Silk Tie, £95, Drake’s London, drakes-london.com

To add a touch of Michael Caine charm – circa 1970s – to your Autumn/Winter wardrobe, try the latest trend to hit the designer catwalks – the oversized check.

Whether you go big like Valentino and commit to the fully fledged check suit, or go more refined with a checked silk woven tie from bespoke brand Drake’s, this eyecatching trend brings a whole new approach to geek chic.

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Printed jackets Though possibly more associated with the likes of Noel Edmonds, the jazzy jacket is a key part of your collection for the colder season.

Designers such as Alexander McQueen and Katie Eary, with their bold floral prints and geometric patterns combined with stand-out colours are putting the cool back into this once terminally unhip look. Team with a more conservative pair of black trousers for a statement piece.

TRENDS | style

Canali Vivienne Westwood Tiger of Sweden

Grey on Grey

Marc by Marc Jacobs

The upcoming fashion scene for men is set to be all about this once monotonous monotone. With head-totoe grey set to dominate the latter part of this year, choose charcoal suits with a co-ordinating shirt and tie, best suited to professional City types, or steelycoloured trench coats over leaden sweatshirts or slate baseball jackets teamed with gun-metal trousers.

CLARET Claret is a colour tipped to dominate the seasonal fashion scene. Featured in the collections of brands such as Canali and Vivienne Westwood, all of whom have produced characteristically intriguing lines with this colour in a number of different styles and textures, the claret velvet suits of Canali are a case in point. Whether it be in one of these bolder, edgier styles, a pair of claret trousers worn with the ever chic crisp white shirt, or even a claret shirt worn down the pub, it’s the look of the season.

Print Wool and Silk Scarf (Red), £275, Drake’s London drakes-london.com

Vizela Boots (Grey), £165, Sweeney London Casuals, oliversweeney.com

Field Down Jacket (Blue), £485, Descente, Harrods, harrods.com Marc by Marc Jacobs

Valentino

THE BLUES

Tiger of Sweden

Faux Furs

Paul Smith

Love it or loathe it, fur and faux fur products have hit the designer catwalks in a big way for this Autumn/ Winter season. Ranging from the full on bold fur coats, as created by the ever-elegant Valentino for fur lovers, to the faux fur and mohair selection offered by Paul Smith, for the more environmentally-conscious fashion fan or fur and fur-look trims featured on the jackets of up-and-coming label Tiger of Sweden, to cater for the man wishing to add a touch of classic glamour to his wardrobe.

Wooyoungmi

Far from the sadness you might suppose this expressive shade to be associated with, blues are a further staple of the Autumn/Winter collections. Designers ranging from Marc Jacobs to Korean brand Wooyoungmi all feature a palette of blue, scaling pale sky to deep ocean tones. Whether you wear it in shirts, ties, trousers or even coats and jackets, light or dark, matt or shiny, don’t be without this principal colour in your wardrobe.

Dark Blue Scarf, Gold Trim, £275, Drake’s London, drakes-london.com

SEPTEMBER 2013 THE CITY 33

style | trends

collars

WORK

The cutaway collar is typically associated with men in the City, but shirts like this are actually very difficult to wear, as the more extreme the cutaway the larger the knot of the tie, which can often be far from sophisticated if not tied correctly.

The English collar (semi-cutaway) is the ideal type of collar as it works with and without a tie, with the collar sitting neatly under the lapel of a jacket.

WEEKENDS

Button-down collars should be worn without a tie; the buttons keep collars neat underneath knitwear. Soft collars without collarbones are perfect, especially when teamed with linen shirting to give a relaxed look. Penny collars have become popular and look sophisticated when worn with a slim silhouette suit, while the collarless shirt, worn with the top unbuttoned with either a blazer or simply with your sleeves rolled up, is the definition of easy elegance.

COTTON ON

Understated yet essential; getting the right shirt for the relevant situation will make a world of difference to how you feel and are perceived, says stylist Sammy Aki

WEDDINGS

A cutaway collar comes into its own for a traditional wedding, as the formality of a full Windsor knot would not be misplaced. Prince Charles being a prime example of how to wear a cutaway with morning dress. Note that this all depends on the style of your suiting. Slimmer silhouettes need slimmer ties and vice versa.

SELECTING THE RIGHT COTTON WORK

White poplin is “the essential in every man’s wardrobe” says shirtmaker Sean O’Flynn. It is both hardworking and luxurious, and softens and improves with each wash. Soft to touch, it simultaneously has a crisp, cooling effect on the skin.

WEEKENDS

Oxford cotton is more robust as it has a thicker weave so it is great for shirts with a button-down collar.

WEDDINGS

Sea Island, the Rolls-Royce of cotton, has a high thread count, making for pure luxury on your skin. The material is primarily sourced from the West Indies, so ask for the WISICA stamp, (The West Indies Sea Island Cotton Association) as you need to be careful that you are actually getting Sea Island cotton and not simply Sea Island ‘quality’ cotton.

So, you have the right quality cloth and the fit is perfect, but what elevates a white shirt to being the white shirt? Emily Lowe of Anderson & Sheppard Haberdashery says: “It’s all in the detail – the stitching on our shirting, for instance, is exceptional. The inside is as beautiful as the outside.” Incorporate the perfect white shirt into your wardrobe now.

34 THE CITY september 2013

FABRIC Shirts should always be 100 per cent cotton (unless selecting the absolutely amazing cashmere-and-cotton blend Cashmerello fabric from Swiss mill Alumo).

However, cotton is not just cotton. The main attributes you should be looking for are that it is cool, absorbent and breathes well, and this comes from it being a natural cotton with minimal chemicals used in the finishing process. This will, in turn, feel good against your skin and be comfortable to wear.

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T

his year’s Men's Fashion Week in Milan stayed true to its idiosyncrasies, as sunshine and loose tailoring was sent sashaying down its catwalks. Nestling between fashion weeks in London and Paris, Milan plays host to designers drawn, not only to the opulent parties, but also to the ‘Made in Italy’ byline. Over four days these brands showcase their Spring/Summer collections, which are set to hit department stores and boutiques early next year.

Blazers and Suits Amongst the bright colours and floral patina blazers of the Italian brands, were collections offering traditional fine tailoring and subtle detailing. Jackets, whether single or doublebreasted, figured prominently in all shows.

With the South Asian markets keen to snap up the European big hitters, shows were well-attended. Zegna employed its younger, freer, edgier style to the traditional Italian cut, while ex-Yves Saint Laurent designer Stefano Pilati demonstrated his skill, coupling personal flair and a demure palette with hard tailoring for the heritage Ermenegildo Zegna range.

With a tribal motif, Missoni used materials in dusty tans and sun-soaked terracottas in its shirts, jackets and shorts. The outerwear made of rubber-coated yarn was a particular highlight and a collaboration with Scottish coat makers Thomas Hancock & Co gave fruit to a series of garments perfect for the British climate.

Tom Ford takes its inspiration from the big city jet-setter, layering lightweight polo neck jumpers under bright coloured blazers and slim-fit tailored trousers. Although Ford chose hot pinks as its colour of preference, signature blacks and blues will dominate in the ready-to-wear range next spring.

shirts and outerwear Gucci’s tech-inspired collection made use of modern fabrics employing trendy sports luxe techniques to create a range of shirts and trousers for the digital age. Bottega Veneta

Ahead of theCurve Having witnessed what British designers were sending down the catwalks of London Collections: Men, Jack Phillips travelled to Milan’s equivalent of Men’s Fashion Week to see what we can expect from the forthcoming Spring/Summer 2014 collections.

Here’s what you’ll be wearing 12 months from now…

Trends | STYLE Pictured, clockwise from top left: Autumn/Winter 13 looks from Canali, Etro, Valentino, Armani, Missoni, Jil Sander, Homme Mode and Tom Ford

and Calvin Klein chose the bomber jacket as ‘the go to’ staple for spring outerwear, with Klein opting for brighter colours in a range of blues and navies. Think Ryan Gosling in Drive minus the flames!

Tie-less shirts were a big thing within most collections with lightweight polos and sport-inspired T-shirts also making an appearance in assemblages by Versace and Jil Sander.

Footwear Designer shoemakers Tod’s displayed bright suede loafers amid a collection of lightweight travel luggage and spring jackets. Etro paired its cowboy-themed collection with cowboy boots... no doubt most buyers will stick with an espadrille by Missoni or a loafer from Prada.

It can be hard to pull away from the classic Birkenstock or the ever-on-trend Havaiana flip-flop, but as an alternative, Dolce & Gabbana stayed true to the ‘Mandal’ with a discrete selection of open-toed summer footwear. Expect to bare an ankle in a brogue paired with a short slim-fit trouser.

Luggage Luggage is a big part of the holiday summer season and the likes of Etro, Armani and Missoni all had aeroplane-friendly leather and suede goods on show. The stand-out was a dark suede holdall from Tod’s which created a bag perfect for both the gym and a weekend away.

Swimwear-wise, the short-short still seems to be the cut of the moment. Expect to see crafted swimming shorts that look good both on the beach and in the bar when paired with a silk shirt and double-breasted blazer. Dolce & Gabbana and London-based Turkish brand Serdar Uzuntas showcased a refined range within their respective collections.

What was overwhelmingly apparent at Milan is that next season is set to be a colourful one. Whether you go for signature couture singles with dense floral patterns or for the simpler pieces with subtle detailing, you can be certain that your favourite brands will be opting for bright optimism over dreary pessimistic greys.

september 2013 THE CITY 37

Pack up your Troubles

From the Square Mile to St James’s, designers have for centuries devoted themselves to adding the final accents to a man’s look , and the result is the best in luxury accessories for every dapper chapper with an eye for style WORDS: STEPHEN DOIG

Dunhill

accessories | style

Church’s

W

hen it comes to that final flourish on a guy’s outfit – the peak of a crisp white cotton pocket square, the dimple in a beautiful silk tie – there are some things that London’s well-heeled gentlemen have a knack for doing better than anyone else. And as well they should; the UK is spoiled in that it has a wealth of luxury accessory labels for men that combine history with impeccable craftsmanship and peerless taste.

The handsome tiled exterior and calm, masculine décor of Mayfair’s Drake’s store might exude a sense of history, but this accessories label is a relative newcomer into the arena of men’s attire. Founded in 1977 by Michael Drake, Jeremy Hull and Isabel Dickson, the label has evolved from beautiful cashmere scarves to encompass hand-knitted silk or woven jacquard ties, and bow-ties dyed using an ancient English technique called ‘Madder Dye’, using natural products. What’s remarkable about Drake’s array of elegant accessories is how unyielding the styles have been to

trends; while some of the knitted silk ties come in a more slender style, the focus has always been on classic, impeccable handmade pieces in club stripes, discrete prints and pared-back designs. The aesthetic is nuanced and considered, and the USP of these pieces is how they lend a hint of personality to a corporate suit without screaming ‘look at me’; a nubbly woven tie will add texture and depth to a crisp white shirt without frightening anyone in the boardroom.

A similar supporter of British manufacturing and industry can be found at Turnbull & Asser, the heritage tie and shirtmakers founded in 1885 and outfitters to Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry, along with James Bond and a host of others. Turnbull & Asser’s ties are handmade in England using a series of techniques to ensure the most peerless quality; the handcrafted element in these weighted silk ties means it contains one ‘central stitch’ which is designed to be unbreakable. The tie should be able to spring back into shape after the most arduous of days; ideal for the City boy who’s in his suit from dusk till dawn.

While British style institution Dunhill is perhaps more famous for its tailoring (outfitting

A nubbly woven tie will add texture and depth to a crisp white shirt without frightening anyone in the boardroom

Church’s

september 2013 THE CITY 39

Tumi New & Lingwood

Simon Carter London

Daniel Craig, Jude Law and Bill Nighy along the way), it’s interesting to note that it began its sartorial journey by specialising in accessories. Alfred Dunhill began his career by accessorising the new toy of the upper classes – the motorcar. Taking the template from his father’s saddler business, in 1893 Dunhill began creating pieces for the motorcar, from goggles to horns, picnic hampers to headlamps. In the 50s, the label celebrated a new lease of life with its eponymous gas lighter, something of a status symbol amongst the well-heeled Mayfair set (the lavish ‘home of Dunhill’ is a stones throw from Berkeley Square and boasts a cinema and bar). Today, the label’s handcrafted range of sterling silver tiebars, wallets, ties, cufflinks and pens continues to lend the final dash to a considered man’s outfit (the solid ‘thud’ that one of the label’s weighty platinum pens makes on the boardroom table can’t fail to resonate).

brand can take months to make and every facet of its construction is tailor-made (luckily, recent decades has seen the introduction of a ready-to-wear line of handmade shoes).

From the toes to the tip of your collar, Britain’s range of heritage accessories labels are unique in how they focus on classicism and handcrafting over mass production and fast fashion. Whether it’s the beautifully patterned socks and pocket squares of New & Lingwood (or one of its gentlemanly, lavishly embroidered dressing gowns for down-time dash) or a neat Drake’s tie, every style accent of the modern gentleman is thoroughly catered for.

Tumi

From the toes to the tip of your collar, Britain’s range of heritage accessories labels are unique In keeping with the British tradition of enduring, timeless accessories, Church’s shoes adhere to a key tenet of durability and long-lasting craftsmanship.

Founded in 1675 in Northampton by the superherosounding Stone Church, Church’s helped to make the region renowned for handcrafted shoes. The company was the first label to introduce the concept of ‘left’ and ‘right’ shoes (hard to believe, I know) and its beautifully constructed leather shoes adhere to the most classic of styles and shapes; oxfords, brogues and monk-strap shoes in chestnut, black, tan or oxblood remain its mainstay. Another label flying the flag for impeccable footwear is also John Lobb, the bootmaker brand that has called its St James’s store home since 1849, and which focuses on a bespoke service creating works of art that are unique to Church’s each customer – a shoe from this heritage

New & Lingwood

Zegna

Dunhill

Dunhill

Dunhill

Daniel Wellington

Dunhill

Simon Carter London

Dunhilll

september 2013 THE CITY 41 Simon Carter London

the

bold

and the

beautiful Colourful separates and simple lines typify the seasonal shift from summer to autumn. Pair chunky knits with smart tailoring for effortless weekend style Fashion editor Lucie Dodds

Photographer Joseph Montezinos

XXXXXX

HIM: Grey Flannel Suit, £1,650; Navy and Burgundy Pattern Jumper, £375, both Dunhil, dunhill.com; HER: Wine Textured Jumper, £410; Grey Flannel Mini, £335, both Isabel Marant at Matches, matchesfashion.com; Luxe 151 Sunglasses, £455, Linda Farrow, lindafarrow.com

44 THE CITY xxxxxxx 2013

this page

Blue Military Coat, £1,480, and Silk Print Cravat, £265, both Gucci, gucci.com

opposite page

HER: Printed Bonded Plongé Caban, £6,000; Leather Animal-print Belt, £250, both Burberry Prorsum, burberry.com HIM: White Shirt, £295; Giantstitch Stripe Jumper, £1,295; Black Trousers, £495, all Burberry Prorsum, as before

this page

HER: Purple Oversize Coat, £1,070; Silk Shirt, £365; Pink Wool Trousers, £495; Red Suede Boots, £390, all Paul Smith 0800 023 4006, paulsmith.co.uk HIM: Pink Tweed Jacket, £995; Knit Jumper, £365; Red Wool Trousers, £289; Black Boots, £385; all Paul Smith, as before

opposite page

HIM: Black Merino Rollneck, £120; Navy Tweed Trousers, £400, both Jaeger, jaeger.co.uk; HER: Black and White Dogstooth Check Dress, £225; Black Laurence Bag, £150, all Jaeger, as before

Hair, Make-Up & Grooming

Katie Pettigrew at Tiger Creative using Kevin Murphy and Mac

XXXXXX

Grooming: Danielle Ogilvie. Using Chanel Le Weekend S/S2013

xxxxxxxx 2013 THE CITY 47

STYLE | HER

Skirting Around With the cold weather fast approaching, skirt hemlines have dropped dramatically. Calflength skirts were spotted across numerous designers’ A/W 2013 collections, and a favourite find is the claret-coloured, high-waisted skirt from Vivienne Westwood. The demure length is modernised with a metallic strip, and by cinching the luxe fabric around the waist with a simple black belt. Worn with heels, the figure-flattering shape skims the thighs and starts and ends at some of the thinnest parts of the body. Dress the look up for night with a tucked-in slinky jumper or a contrasting deep neckline.

sporting chance

D Vivienne Westwood Red Label Lookbook

Innovative new luxury sportswear brand HPE Clothing produces outfits for both men and women with performance-enhancing fabrics designed to mould to and flatter your shape. Exclusively stocked in Harrods, why not use the collection when trying out the latest workout trend to hit Lombard Street in the City? Speedflex is a 45-minute circuit-based training initiative designed to burn maximum calories in a minimal amount of time.

A/W 2013, viviennewestwood.co.uk

D HPE, hpe-shop.com

style:HER

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

Logue London Logue London was founded out of necessity when Emma Logue, a former banker at Morgan Stanley, was faced with a shortage of options for choosing a workplace wardrobe. The result is her luxurious shirt-dress boutique in Knightsbridge, which specialises in smart workwear, typified by button-down dresses and separates. This season, look out for Logue London’s light autumnal coats – with their elegantly nipped-in waists and colourful turned-up cuffs, they’re ideal for transitioning from summer to winter.

D loguelondon.com

Something for the weekend As London Fashion Week hits London this month, London Fashion Weekend (19-22 September) brings its own brand of inimitable style too. The City Magazine is a partner to the event and is offering readers the opportunity for a 25 per cent discount on tickets. Readers can claim this discount by quoting “CITY” when buying tickets on the weekend’s website.

D londonfashionweekend.co.uk

48 THE CITY september 2013

SHOPPING

Happy 50 birthday toni&guy th

aS THE BRAND celebrates its 50th birthday this year, Visit TONI&GUY’s Canary Wharf store to see how it continues to bridge the gap between high fashion and hairdressing

W

ith a presence in nearly every High Street in the country, you’re probably aware that Toni&Guy is Britain’s largest hairdressing chain. What you mightn’t know, is that with 430 salons in 45 countries, it’s actually the largest in the world too, with the brand’s flagship salon located in Canary Wharf.

Founded by brothers, Toni and Guy Mascolo, in Clapham in 1963, the brand has helped to change the face of the hairdressing industry on an international scale, winning, on home soil alone, in excess of 50 regional and UK awards, including British Hairdresser of the Year three times and Best Artistic Team a record 11 times.

At Toni&Guy Canary Wharf there is an award winning team of highly trained, talented hairdressers experienced in all aspects of the craft. Each team member attends regular training at the company’s London academy to ensure they’re upto-date on latest trends. The company’s flagship store in Canary Wharf is well established and been bringing to the area cutting-edge glamour for 12 years now.

“I am so proud to be part of such an amazing company. Fifty years is testament to Toni&Guy’s creative and commercial success,” says Carl McCaffrey, Managing Director at Toni&Guy Canary Wharf.

Toni&Guy have been the leaders in training and education for half a century, so to help it celebrate its 50th birthday visit the salon for your new look and be in with a chance of winning a free haircut. Please call the salon for more details and to book your appointment. Toni&Guy look forward to welcoming you soon.

D Toni&Guy, One Canada Square. To book your appointment, or complimentary style consultation, please call 020 7987 6222

www.canarywharf.com

@yourcanarywharf

PRECIOUS TIME When Backes & Strauss, renowned masters of diamonds since 1789, joined forces with iconic Swiss watchmaker Franck Muller eight years ago, its aim was to create a range of timepieces that were as visually dazzling as they were technically brilliant. Now, in the wake of the release of its Regent Steel Collection, CEO Vartkess Knadjian considers how that partnership has prospered and reflects on his three decades in the industry.

“When I was a boy, my father was the official watchmaker to the Emperor of Addis Ababa. I remember going to his workshop at weekends and during school holidays, when I would watch over his shoulder as he worked.

I originally planned to follow in his footsteps and eventually take over the family business; however, it wasn’t to be. When I finished my studies in England, I started work instead at a diamond company called Backes & Strauss, and here we are, 30 years later.

“In 2006, we decided to create a collection with Franck Muller, fusing my two passions of jewellery and watches. Collaborating with Franck gave the new collection an amazing

credibility – we were able to produce beautiful watches that were also technically astounding.

We drew heavily on the aesthetic of London for the collections, particularly on 19th-century architecture. We took inspiration from the clean beauty of Regent Street, the many squares of the city and, of course, Piccadilly Circus – what I like to call the epicentre of the capital.

“The new Regent Steel Collection is great because it allows fans of our watches to experience a Backes & Strauss timepiece at a more affordable price. The movement and the dials are the same, as is the diamond-studded crown, so there’s no lessening of quality.

If I had to pick just one, my favourite watch would be a Regent – it really means a lot to me as it was our first design. At the time, I remember, Franck Muller said we would never sell an oval-shaped watch, yet it’s probably our best-seller now. What’s more, many other brands have produced similar-shaped pieces, so it’s gratifying that, as new boys, we were able to start a trend.”

Backes & Strauss watches are available from Theo Fennel at The Royal Exchange www.theroyalexchange.co.uk

REX Advertorial Sept13_JM.indd All Pages

to have and to hold ↑ Fashion designer Lulu Guinness has teamed up with cutting-edge artist Joseph Steele to create a limited-edition collection of 180 unique, signed and numbered clutch bags. Each covetable piece was created

by Steele’s signature method of exploding paint onto surfaces, resulting in a stunning, one-of-a-kind accessory.

Clutch bag, £295

Spice of life ↑

tote of the town ↑

whatever the weather ↑

Celebrated perfumer Penhaligon’s has just released Vaara – a scent that was created to commemorate the recent birth of the granddaughter of Maharaja Gaj Singh II, the former High Commissioner of India. Bertrand Duchafour, an olfactory painter of aromas and moods renowned for creating such classics as Amaranthine and Sartorial was tasked with the regal creation. It begins with notes of coriander, carrot seeds and saffron, has the scents of rose and Indian magnolia at its heart, and honey, sandalwood and tonka bean at its base – a fragrance fit for royalty.

Vaara eau de parfum, £85 for 50ml

This super-soft bag from Smythson’s Eliot Collection is made in a combination of nubuck and taurillon leather in go-anywhere neutral tones with shagreen detailing on the hardware.

It has the house’s signature Nile-blue thread and striped cotton lining, which was inspired by the house’s classic Bond Street bag – one of the first designs that Frank Smythson created. What’s more, given that the company has recently celebrated an impressive 125 years of excellence in craftsmanship, you can rest assured that the Eliot Tote will be as durable as it is undoubtedly elegant.

Large Eliot Tote, £1,395

Now in its fifth generation, family firm Crockett & Jones still prides itself on making shoes in the traditional way, using a Goodyear welting process that takes eight weeks and more than 200 separate operations and refinements.

These typically sturdy leather Coniston boots from its autumn/winter 2013 collection have a tough-looking exterior, studded rubber soles, contrasting-colour storm welts and ski-hook lace-up fastenings. Since the devil, as they say, is in the detail, you’ll be glad of that when the great British weather does its worst this season.

Coniston boots, £395

Show time Castle Fine Art has recently completed an impressive expansion and opened a brand-new exhibition space within The Royal Exchange’s courtyard, allowing it to show yet more examples of celebrated works from leading contemporary artists. One of the first whose work will take up permanent residence in the new gallery is Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood. The rock star is garnering a sizeable following and enjoying critical acclaim for his bold and vibrant paintings illustrating the energy of one of Britain’s bestloved bands. The new space is not reserved for one music legend alone, however, as an exhibition of works by Bob Dylan is scheduled in the next few months, followed by that of Paul Kenton, Stuart McAlpine Miller, Lorenzo Quinn and the great Salvador Dalí.

Castle Fine Art is open on weekdays from 9am to 7pm and entrance to exhibitions is always free. castlegalleries.com

Agent ProvocAteur • ArtisAn Fine Art gAllery • BAchet • Boodles • BvlgAri • church’s • crockett & Jones • grAnd cAFÉ • gucci • hArrys oF london hermÈs • imPeriAl city • Jo mAlone london • Jones lAng lAsAlle • kiehl’s since 1851 • koJis • links oF london • loro PiAnA • l’occitAne • lulu guinness mezzAnine lounge • molton Brown • montBlAnc • omegA • PAul A. young Fine chocolAtes • PAul smith • PenhAligon’s • Pretty BAllerinAs royAl exchAnge Jewellers • sAge Brown Fine leAther • sAuterelle restAurAnt • seArle & co Jewellers • smoker’s PArAdise • smythson • tAteossiAn theo Fennell • tiFFAny & co. • vileBrequin • wAtches oF switzerlAnd • wAtchFinder & co.

the royAl exchAnge, BAnk, city oF london, ec3v 3lr. store trAding hours 10Am – 6Pm. restAurAnts & BArs 8Am – 11Pm

14/08/2013 16:04

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ph. Andrea Pancino C

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CM

MY

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VG Studio at

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design

www.idesign-int.com info@inspirationsoftickhill.co.uk Tel: 01302 760040

collection

REPORT

a passion for performance From classic yacht racing at Cowes to the capital’s foremost design festival, Panerai celebrates the pinnacle of performance

I

t’s been a busy summer for Panerai. First came the news that the Italian watchmaker was to be a headline supporter of this year’s London Design Festival; next the brand assembled en masse at Cowes for the annual British Classic Yacht Week; then came the release of the company’s two latest creations: the PAM00510 Luminor Marina 8 Days (£5,000) and PAM00511 Luminor Marina 8 Days Oro Rosso (£16,900, pictured above), both notable for housing the company’s new hand-wound P.5000 movement.

In July, the overall winner of the 11th British Classic

Week was announced as Saskia; a William Fife classic 8 metre vessel (for anyone familiar with yacht world jargon). But back on terra firma, this month sees Panerai partner the London Design Festival as sponsor of the 2013 London Design Medal; previous winners of this award have included Thomas Heatherwick and Paul Smith. As part of the festival, Panerai will be hosting watchmaking sessions on 14 and 15 September at the Victoria & Albert Museum. Book in advance at vam.ac.uk.

D The London Design Festival 2013, 14-22 September, panerai.com

COLLECTION

Saxon Splendour If you’re a regular reader of this magazine, you’ll already be aware of our fondness for A. Lange & Söhne. Makers, in our eyes, of some of the planet’s most beautiful timepieces, it’s oft we find ourselves poring over their website, making ‘when-I-win-the-lottery’-type wish-lists with their watches. Last month, eagleeyed ladies will have noticed they were given a new watch to add to the list.

Unveiled earlier in the year, but only arriving in boutiques now, Lange’s Saxonia Automatic in pink gold (£16,600) features 76 brilliant-cut diamonds on its bezel and comes equipped with the thinnest automatic watch movement the German manufacturer has ever created (3.7 millimetres, in case you were wondering).

D alange-soehne.com

Royal Exchange Re-fit Buying a high-performance mechanical wristwatch is one of life’s finer experiences. Doing so can feel like entering into membership of a private club. Understanding that, Watches of Switzerland has recently refurbished its Royal Exchange showroom with that sense of exclusivity in mind. Expanding the previous showroom into the adjacent unit, the new store includes newly built Rolex, Patek Philippe and Jaeger-LeCoultre boutiques. The boutique also offers routine services, strap replacement, watch valuations and repairs.

D Watches of Switzerland, 22 Royal Exchange

watches

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

ONE TO WATCH Each month we select our timepiece of the moment from the watch world’s most exciting creations

Reaffirming its reputation as a materials pioneer, IWC’s Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar sports a case made of titanium aluminide, an alloy harder and lighter than pure titanium. Automatically taking the 29 February into account every 4 years, the watch it will remain accurate until 2100

50 years of carrera In celebration of the 50th birthday milestone of the much-loved Carrera timepiece, the Goodwood Festival of Speed presented a display of historic models amidst a range of eye-catching new designs. TAG also used the festival to unveil to the public the Carrera Calibre 1887 Jack Heuer Chronograph, a follow up to last year’s Carrera Jack Heuer 80. The ‘bullhead’-style watch features crown and chronograph pushers at the top of its case and a more-easy-to-read angled dial. The piece’s retro-appeal will likely sit well with a classic car-loving crowd.

D Carrera Calibre 1887 Jack Heuer Chronograph £5,295, tagheuer.com

D Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month, £34,900, IWC; iwc.com

september 2013 THE CITY 55

COLLECTION

1 3 2

4 11

RHYTHM BLUES

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From the high seas to high fashion, stay ship-shape in navy blue hues

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8 D 1 Leather weekend bag, £1,575, Saint Laurent, ysl.com D 2 Linen double stripe jacket, £450, Hackett, hackett.com D 3 Downing Street cufflinks, £9,950, Theo Fennell,

4 The Courtyard, Royal Exchange D 4 Tiago cotton-blend socks, £12, Falke, mrporter.com D 5 Woven-suede belt, £70, Anderson’s, mrporter.com D 6 Large Ballon Bleu de Cartier in steel, £4,200, Cartier, cartier.com D 7 Islington Monk shoe, £199, Loake, loake.co.uk D 8 D-Frame Acetate sunglasses, £310, Cutler and Gross, cutlerandgross.com D 9 Seventies Panorama Date, £7,400, Glashütte Original, glashuette-original.com D 10 Silk pocket square, £50, Turnbull and Asser, turnbullandasser.co.uk D 11 Slim knitted silk tie, £105, Charvet, giftlab.com

56 THE CITY SEPTEMBER 2013

Swiss movement, English heart

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

Showroom at No.1 Park Street, Maidenhead. To arrange a personal appointment, call +44 (0)1628 763040

266_ChristopherWard_City.indd 1

16/08/2013 13:16

Fewer, Bigger, Better Annabel Harrison speaks to CEO of Audemars Piguet, Francois-Henry Bennahmias, about his first year in the role and what changes we can expect to see

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t’s all change at Audemars Piguet and I for one am rather excited about what’s to come. In April last year, it was the former CEO to whom I spoke about the company’s history, present and future. This year, Frenchman François-Henry Bennahmias, almost a decade younger than his predecessor, is at the helm and he is brimming over with enthusiasm and a determined, comprehensive plan of action; the next two years are about “cleansing” and adhering to the principle of “fewer, bigger, better”.

This translates as: “Fewer partners worldwide, fewer references and a lot more choice. We spread ourselves a bit too thin over the last ten years and we missed some opportunities; now it is time to respect the basics of our business.” The 138-year-old family-owned company currently has ten of its own stores and a further 13 owned in partnership with the group’s retailers, out of 400 selling points worldwide.

However, fans of Audemars Piguet in its present state need not fear. Although Mr Bennahmias earned his luxury stripes at international brands such as Giorgio Armani and Gianfranco Ferré, he arrived at Audemars Piguet in 1994 with the requisite “passion for artistry and [admiration for] people who can do amazing things with their hands”. Two decades after joining the company, in January this year he became CEO, after giving up his role as President & CEO of North America and taking the reins on an interim basis in May 2012. He was able to hit the ground running; “I obviously know people well because I’ve been working in the company for a long time, so there was no time wasted as far as assessing what could be

Extra-Thin Jules Audemars 41mm

done. I want to bring my own feel to the brand as well.

An understanding of the family behind the company is important... it was a long process, to reassess what the future was and where the family wanted to take the brand. In the end, they are the owners and they know exactly what they want to do.”

Mr Bennahmias is a breath of fresh air as an interviewee when discussing the biggest changes that occurred since taking over officially. His enthusiastic attitude is infectious, and at the heart of it, entirely serious; “It’s actually the same now as when I took over the job because I didn’t take it thinking, I’m going to do it for three months, six months or a year and then it’s going to be over. I looked at it as if I would stay at it for the next ten years. Any decision that I have to make will have an impact, not for six months, but for years to come.” Fashion on the one hand is a fast-paced industry where things change all the time but “in the watch world the pace is much slower. When you plan, you plan for six, seven, eight, nine years; that’s how long it takes to develop a mechanism sometimes.”

As such, Mr Bennahmias has undoubtedly inherited many of these developments, as well as 2012’s significant ‘To break the rules you must first master them’ campaign and company rebranding.

“Nothing will change about this because it was the right thing to do for the company.” How have the campaign and rebranding been received? “Pretty well. We are making our mark. What we now want to launch is our women’s version, which will include an evolution of the tagline and is coming out in September”.

COLLECTION

SEPTEMBER 2013 THE CITY 59

“Every single part of the business is about the way you interact with people and the way they interact with you”

To my mind, it makes perfect sense to embark upon a path of attracting more female customers, especially as the typical Audemars Piguet customer is described by Mr Bennahmias as male, in a typically light-hearted fashion: “He is between 15 and 77 years old. He is black, yellow, white, blue, red, pink!” However, this is just to illustrate how difficult the question is to answer: “I’ve seen such a range of customers over the last 18 years.

We have sold watches for graduation gifts and at the same time, a Perpetual Calendar to a man at a very senior level within the church in Germany. There are so many profiles – I cannot put them in boxes – but funnily enough, when the customers meet each other, and interact with each other, it’s as if they have known each other for years. It’s very special.”

Mr Bennahmias himself wears a Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar that was made in 1995 for the 120th anniversary of the company. “We only made 120 of them. At the time, I had only been at Audemars Piguet for a year and I was nowhere near being able to afford to buy the watch. But I loved it so much that I hoped one day I’d be able to buy it. For a good 16 years, the watch never showed up but, suddenly,

Royal Oak Quartz 33mm

one did. And so I said that watch is going to be mine no matter what. For a watch which is 18 years old it doesn’t age at all.” Amusingly, for a man who sells some of the world’s most expensive watches, his favourite brand as a youngster was Swatch: “I had 1,200, one of the biggest collections in the world and I sold it to Swatch in 1996.”

Design is of course important to every watch brand but unique models are even more so and for Audemars Piguet, this is the Royal Oak, which celebrated its 40th anniversary last year. “The Royal Oak,” Mr Bennahmias declares, “is going to remain one of the most iconic designs ever. Gérald Genta was a great artist and creative genius. I met his wife Evelyne a few times and she showed me the entire collection of his paintings and ideas on paper. It was unbelievable. I hope we’re going to be able to give him, at some point, what he truly deserves as a person because, when you think about what this person did for the watch world, not only us, it’s really special.”

Mr Bennahmias is undoubtedly a people person, telling me about a 35-year-old employee who recently celebrated his 20th year at Audemars Piguet.

COLLECTION

Royal Oak Offshore Grande Complication

Royal Oak Offshore Grande Complication

Royal Oak Offshore Grande Complication

Leo Messi

LeBron James

Although the record is 44 years with the company, if this employee stays until his retirement, he will go past the 50 year mark. “It’s always about people. Even though we are one of the smaller companies, there’s about 1,200 of us; every single part of the business is about the way you interact with people and the way they interact with you. There is no ‘I’ in team. I am a firm believer in that; from the cleaning person to the watchmaker, the sales guy on the road and the guy who’s going to fix your watch, everybody matters and I love that.”

A glance at the roster of Audemars Piguet ambassadors – LeBron James, Lionel Messi, Michael Schumacher – shows wide-ranging relationships with the world of sport and this aspect of the brand is surely benefitted by Mr Bennahmias’ own background; an avid golfer, he was at one point ranked 25th in France.

Nick Faldo was the guinea pig, so to speak, for the ambassadorship notion in the late 80s, followed by chess player Garry Kasparov, skier Alberto Tomba and Arnold Schwarzenegger and Mr Bennahmias stresses that “there was a big charity component attached to these people from the start.

We didn’t want to have an ambassador just for the sake of saying ‘yes, he’s wearing our watches’, but because he already knew about Audemars Piguet, loved the brand and because we could raise money and do good things, for kids in particular.” Do you pay your ambassadors now? “Sure we do. Do we always keep a charity component in everything we do with all of these ambassadors? Yes.” Lionel Messi’s platinum No.10 Royal Oak Chronograph, for example, was auctioned in May, raising £53,400 for the Leo Messi Foundation.

From the sound of it, Mr Bennahmias is going to be kept rather busy; although the next two years will be “stable”, as far as products are concerned, “we’ll be preparing for 2015; that’s going to be an important year for us.” Art Basel remains very important and in the world of sport, golf is coming into the spotlight.

Charity work doesn’t stop: “Jasmine Audemars started the Foundation 20 years ago when environment wasn’t really on peoples’ radar. She was a visionary for saying ‘for every single watch we sell, we are going to give some money to help projects to do with the environment’ and 20 years later, everybody’s talking about it. We’ve have been doing it for 20 years and we will keep doing it. It’s an important part of who we are, family and company, and those are our goals for the years to come.”

D audemarspiguet.com

SEPTEMBER 2013 THE CITY 61

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

0679_Zinc Kensington & Chelsea Ad_Apr12_AW.indd 1

09/03/2012 16:51

COLLECTION

CHASING RAINBOWS Solange Azagury-Partridge has taken up residence on Carlos Place, following in the footsteps of fellow jewellery designer Jessica McCormack. The impressive 5,000 square foot flagship store, close to Roland Mouret HQ, includes boutique spaces on the ground and first floors, a workshop and production facilities. The eye-catching interior design, which features the brand’s trademark rainbow use of colour, provides an interesting contrast to the traditional Victorian setting and will no doubt show off the designer’s quirky, unique collections favoured by celebrities the world over.

D 5 Carlos Place, W1; solange.co.uk

THE NATION'S PRINCESS Tiffany & Co. was in the spotlight a few months ago as the official jeweller of The Great Gatsby. Now it’s Chopard’s turn; the jeweller was chosen by Ecosse Films to bejewel actress Naomi Watts in Diana, predicted to be a box office hit this September.

People tend to recall the Princess of Wales’ iconic outfits but she also possessed a stunning collection of jewellery, including her world-famous engagement ring now worn by the Duchess of Cambridge.

This ring has been echoed in a pair of sapphire earrings in the film which complement Watts’ appropriately short hair. Also featured in Diana are pieces from Chopard’s Happy Diamonds collections. While we predict the new film won’t be as ostentatious as Luhrmann’s recent production, we’re certain the diamonds will be just as spectacular if Chopard has anything to do with it.

D chopard.com

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

CUTTING EDGE As details of Oscar de la Renta’s rumoured fine jewellery collection remain under wraps, we instead focus our attention on the designer’s A/W13 collection of fashion jewellery, first previewed at New York Fashion Week:

For A/W13, jewellery harkens back to a glamorous age. Art Deco style resin and cabochon earrings, rings and necklaces are paired with cascading, floorlength gowns in rich fabrics of satin and lace to give added drama

striking out

As one of the proud founders of jewellery brand Erickson Beamon and having previously worked with the likes of Givenchy and Dries Van Noten, it was about time jewellery designer Vicki Sarge branched out on her own. And this she has done with the launch of her own label. The VICKISARGE flagship boutique is descending upon Belgravia this September (not far from the Erickson Beamon store) and in it will be housed the designer’s new collection. These tribal-effect earrings are just a sneak preview of what’s in store.

D 38 Elizabeth Street, SW1W 9NZ vickisarge.com

D oscardelarenta.com

SEPTEMBER 2013 THE CITY 63

collection

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5 2

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paris couture week

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It wasn’t just fashion designers who made their debut at this year’s Paris Couture Week; Dior, Bulgari and Louis Vuitton all showcased new fine jewellery collections

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D 1 Phenomena Crest bracelet, POA, De Beers, debeers.com D 2 Phenomena Frost necklace, POA, De Beers, as before D 3-5 Red spinel and diamond ring, grey spinel and

diamond ring, and violet spinel and diamond earrings, all from the Voyage dans le Temps Collection, POA, Louis Vuitton, louisvuitton.co.uk D 6 Oriental Princess necklace, POA, Van Cleef & Arpels, vancleefarpels.com D 7-9 Perles d’Eclat ring, Fleur du Jour necklace and Cascade de Diamants ring, all POA, Boucheron, boucheron.com D 10 Cher Dior Exquise ruby ring, POA, Dior, By Dior Joaillerie, dior.com D 11 Liens ring in white gold set with brilliant-cut diamonds and cushion-cut sapphire, POA, Chaumet

chaumet.com D 12 Liens ring in white gold set with brilliant-cut and baguette-cut diamonds, POA, Chaumet, as before D 13 Diva white gold necklace with diamonds, £57,000, Bulgari, 15 The Courtyard, Royal Exchange D 14 Riflesso Azzurro ring, POA, Van Cleef & Arpels, as before

64 THE CITY september 2013

RETAIL REVOLUTION With the Jubilee Place expansion set to open this November, here are the latest stores to announce they’ll be joining the likes of Banana Republic, Cos and Orlebar brown in Canary Wharf’s newest mall

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anary Wharf is undergoing one of the largest retail expansions currently underway in the UK. The extension of the Jubilee Place Mall introduces 21 exciting new stores to Canary Wharf’s existing collection of more than 280 shops, restaurants and bars. The stores within the mall extension will open in early November. From premium fashion labels to independent designers and sought-after cosmetics, Jubilee Place will be home to Banana Republic, COS, Michael Kors, Orelbar Brown, Tiger of Sweden, Monica Vinader, ASICS, schuh, Godiva and many more.

Camille Waxer, Chief Administrative Officer for Canary Wharf Group, said: “With the office population at Canary Wharf growing and the needs of our shoppers increasing we felt it was the right time to expand.”

MONICA VINADER

Born out of her love for colourful gemstones, jewellery and design, Monica Vinader set up her eponymous jewellery brand in 2002 - a luxurious yet effortless range, designed to be worn every day.

Now leading the way in affordable fine jewellery, Monica Vinader is renowned for its simple yet striking designs. Visitors to the Canary Wharf store will see luxury collections that bridge the gap between costume and high-end jewellery. The Jubilee Place store will showcase the entire Monica Vinader collection and offer same day, complimentary engraving.

Tiger of Sweden Established in 1903, Tiger of Sweden has come a long way from its beginnings in Uddevalla, a small town on the Swedish West Coast. After refining its craftsmanship for more than 100 years, in 1993 the brand decided to take the suit out of the bank and into the street. Since then, Tiger of Sweden has successfully expanded into three lines; mens, womens, and a jeans collection.

Its well-tailored Scandinavian style and trademark fit offers 24/7 fashion for 24/7 people. Tiger of Sweden’s Jubilee Place store will also showcase the brand’s range of shoes and accessories.

SHOPPING The White Company

Set to occupy one of the largest stores within the Jubilee Place Mall extension, The White Company store will house the brand’s homeware, fashion and children’s lines. Each article of clothing is carefully designed and crafted to uphold The White Company’s signature elegance. A true lifestyle brand, The White Company creates beautifully stylish pieces for your home, your wardrobe and your children. Each piece in their numerous collections is designed around a calming colour palette of pure whites, warm beiges and soft greys. The White Company is particularly celebrated for its homeware, which ranges from subtle storage to pretty pieces for entertaining.

Banana Republic

Banana Republic supplies everyday fashion with not so ordinary fabrics. Even its staple pieces, such as its well-fitting t-shirts and jumpers, are made from luxurious fabrics including supple silks and rich cashmeres. With a design team dedicated to creating pieces that are both professional and individual, whole outfits can be instantly updated with any number of vibrant accessories on hand, whether it be a statement necklace or a man’s printed silk pocket square. To instantly update your wardrobe this autumn, Banana Republic’s knit blazers and plaid shirts are the perfect pieces to get you through the changing seasons.

Michael Kors

Since launching his namesake brand 30 years ago, Michael Kors has featured distinctive designs, materials and craftsmanship with a jet set aesthetic that combines stylish elegance with a sporty attitude.

Over the years, it has successfully expanded beyond apparel into accessories including handbags, small leather goods, eyewear, jewellery, watches and footwear across their two primary collections; the Michael Kors luxury collection and the MICHAEL Michael Kors accessible luxury collection. Discover both collections in the brand’s Canary Wharf store.

schuh

Schuh is obsessed with, you guessed it, shoes. The company is a fan of a classic but they’re also fickle and love a trend – it changes its shoes like most people change their socks. Whether you’re a dedicated male or female Vans, Converse or Nike wearer, a lover of 6 inch heels, all about Dr. Martens, into discovering new brands or up for a bit of everything, schuh have it covered. Plus, you’ll now find schuh kids in the Canary Wharf store: it’s schuh for smaller feet. Same awesome brands, just littler. And, at schuh kids, they understand that comfy feet are as important as good looking feet, so the firm will help fit your new shoes too.

GODIVA

With a heritage dating back to 1926, Godiva has developed a worldwide reputation for excellence with a presence in over 70 countries.

Inspired by the values of Lady Godiva - her passion, generosity, boldness and pioneering spirit - the company creates the ultimate chocolate experience.

Combining craftsmanship and heritage, Godiva’s chocolates have become synonymous with luxury and innovation in the Belgian tradition, bringing the best of Belgium to the world and now to Canary Wharf.

www.canarywharf.com

@yourcanarywharf

SHOPPING Orlebar Brown

Orlebar Brown is a brand best known for its signature swim and beach shorts. However, its latest collection boasts simple but stylish men’s jackets, polos and sweats. Made using French fabrics and Italian zips, all Orlebar Brown’s tailored swim shorts are made in either the UK or Portugal. Known as ‘bridge items’ because of their versatility, these quick drying and versatile shorts are available in a range of styles and lengths.

COS

COS, Collection of Style, is a line for those who desire fashion that is both sophisticated and accessible. Designed in London by an in-house team, each collection stays true to the brand’s ethos of favouring timeless style over passing trends. An embracing of modern technology ensures each piece feels at once classic and modern. Stock up on staples from cotton t-shirts, silk shirts and jersey jumpers, while keeping a look out for unique musthaves, such as a shift dresses with a bright print, or a men’s canvas backpack. In store, knowledgeable customer service, streamlined interiors and beautiful packaging finish the luxurious COS experience.

www.canarywharf.com

@yourcanarywharf

ASICS

ASICS’s Jubilee Place store will be the sixth ASICS store to open in Europe and will provide professional advice for runners and an extensive collection of footwear and apparel.The store will also be fitted with a high-tech Foot ID scanning system, which takes a 3D scan of your feet. The Dynamic Foot ID uses special test shoes, software and cameras to analyze your ‘gait cycle’ as you run on a treadmill. This data generates a personalized Foot ID to reveal which shoes best suit your running style.

The Jubilee Place Extension will also be home to the following brands: bareMinerals, Emmett Shirts, Le Pain Quotidien, Oliver Bonas and Rituals.

We bring you an A to Z of destinations from London City Airport.

Aberdeen, Amsterdam, Angers, Billund, Chambery, Dusseldorf, Edinburgh, Faro, Frankfurt, Geneva, Glasgow, Granada, Ibiza, Isle of Man, Madrid, Mallorca, Malaga, Menorca, New York, Nice, Quimper, Stockholm, Venice and Zurich.

Book now at ba.com/ londoncity To Fly. To Serve.

Services operated by BA CityFlyer.

0823068 297x210_Here to there.indd 1

21/08/2013 09:44

PROMOTION

TIME TO INVESTIGATE Companies spend millions of pounds investing, safeguarding and staying in control of their businesses, shares, securities, pensions and insurances. And it’s money well spent. We look into how more people are investing in using private investigation services to gain peace of mind both at work, and at home Private investigators find facts and analyse information about legal, financial, and personal matters and identify the probability or threat of quantifiable damage, injury, liability, loss, or any other negative occurrence. These can be caused by external or internal vulnerabilities and, by simply contacting a professional investigator, may be avoided through pre-emptive action and damage limitation.

we gather evidence to allow our clients to regain control of their lives whether financially or personally. How the intelligence is used is really down to the individual but we are disconnected with the emotional aspects of the case and therefore offer objectivity and clarity to support our clients through the process.

Stepping into the World of Private Investigation If it all seems very MI5 or OO7, well, perhaps it is. Long gone are the days of sleazy, undercover, disreputable detectives lurking in dark alleyways. Today advanced technology and investigative equipment within the legal domain allows access to almost all information through private investigators.

D Risk Assessments

Other services include risk management:

Kobus Coetzee, MD of Precision comments: “Choosing the right agency for your particular needs is essential.

Look for a company which complies with regulatory requirements and offers a service which is professionally and tastefully undertaken with information presented in a usable format. It’s really no use gathering results which will not stand up in court if required. Private investigation practices are frequently themselves under investigation for misconduct. For professional assurance we comply with the Regulator of Investigatory Powers, Data Protection and Computer Misuse Acts.

“At Precision we take all our clients seriously and have a sympathetic understanding of the potential emotional impact of the information gathered. We understand that, whether the case is large or small, it is having a direct impact on the lives of our clients and our assistance is key to their peace of mind. ” ACT NOW If you’re considering using a private investigator then there’s already something that needs addressing in your life however trivial it may seem. Contacting us is just a proactive move from knowing, to taking control. In the business of Private Investigation it’s called Reverse Engineering – the player becomes the played, the stalker becomes the stalked, the powerful become the powerless. At Precision Risk Services

Briefing, or an intelligence report, on any particular country.

D Medical Planning

Medical information on the region you are travelling to and a 24 hr medical emergency number for immediate medical crisis assistance.

D Trip Planning Assessing and mitigating any identified threat by the provision of appropriate travel support including tracking, escorting and complete close protection.

D Contingency Planning Contingency and crisis management planning, training and implementation.

D Crisis Communications Management of crisis situations and subsequent communication to all effected stakeholders.

Looking for the Right Business Partner Precision Risk Services provides a professional and personal service right in the heart of London. Offering a select, handpicked staff with world-wide connections and capabilities, the company provides an elite service with expertise in all areas of risk and intelligence management drawn from unique, global partnerships. Specialising in confidential investigation Precision Risk Services is supported and utilised by large solicitor firms internationally.

We are offering readers of Canary Wharf magazine a free half hour confidential consultation session and assessment in our prestigious Knightsbridge offices, Simply contact Kobus Coetzee on 020 7590 3044 / kobus.coetzee@precisionriskservices.com, or visit precisionriskintelligence.com

WORK

REPORT

The Midas Touch It may be the eighth oldest bank in the world, but The Bank of England has just downloaded its secrets into the digital age

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he Bank of England has opened the doors to its gold and cash vaults with a free app that invites you on a virtual tour behind the scenes at Threadneedle Street. The app invites you to explore previously unseen panoramic views of its rarely viewed gold vaults. As one of the largest stores of gold in the world, within the vault lies more than 400,000 gold bars: each bar weighing around 13kg and worth around £350,000 each.

The app also details some of the bank’s infamous tales, including the bank clerk giant who was buried in the

bank’s guarded grounds to scupper body-snatchers, and the sewer worker whose honesty saved the bank millions after he accidentally broke into the vault through an old drain he was replacing. The app includes beautiful photos and information about its Garden Court and architecture. It also includes a feature called ‘Know Your Banknotes’, which guides you through the numerous security features on every English bank note.

D The Bank of England Virtual Tour app, download at bankofengland.co.uk

Locking horns Financial organisations need to build trust, instead they’re just making people mad WORDS: Andy Rosenbaum

C

ustomer rage at banks, brokerages, wealth managers and insurers has reached record levels in the UK. The Financial Ombudsman Service, the independent agency responsible for handling complaints from people who can’t get satisfaction from the firms they work with, has seen the number of angry voices raised increase by 92 per cent in the past year.

What becomes apparent from the report of the Financial Ombudsman is that financial services firms largely aren’t getting the customer experience right.

“As levels of confidence in financial services have eroded, it is disappointing that we still haven’t seen any significant improvement in complaints handling. Too many financial businesses still seem unable to sort out problems themselves, without the

ombudsman having to get involved,” the Financial Ombudsman said in a statement in May. What does this mean to our retail financial services industry? “At a time when every type of financial services firm is under pressure to produce improved results under difficult conditions, providing a better customer experience can become a crucial factor,” warns Gina Sverdlov, an analyst with Forrester Research which specialises in customer insights.

“Yet, because the financial services industry has traditionally been focused on client accounts, and not on the clients themselves, a sea-change is necessary. Nor should people in the industry think that digitalising everything will solve the problem; interface with customers will always ultimately depend on making it all work – on the screen, on the phone, in person.”

FEATURE | work

“The rewards are certainly there for providers who can improve client satisfaction – our research clearly shows that satisfaction directly impacts client retention and share of wallet and secures referrals and recommendations from clients,” says Stuart Rutherford, research director of the London-based Ledbury Research which tracks the behaviour of high net worth individuals.

The crux of the problem is indeed there. Expertise in financial services is supposed to make clients more money. That is what clients are supposed to expect. If that service is, in fact, being provided, the theory has always been that clients should be happy. There has never been much thought devoted to making clients happy in terms of what happens to them when they visit a bank branch or talk to a representative on the phone.

Yet a client’s confidence can be seriously eroded by a bad experience with the representatives of a financial services organisation, points out Srini Venkateswaran, a consultant in financial services with Booz & Company.

“Dealing with a bank or insurer is complicated and time-consuming; the customer receives impersonal treatment and little recognition; the customer is not in control or empowered to make decisions; and the customer gets no help engaging with friends and family on financial matters. By providing better solutions, banks can improve their ability to demonstrate value to consumers, which is essential for increasing pricing power and acceptance,” he explains.

So what are banks, brokerages and wealth managers doing that is so wrong? As it happens, not all of them are failing at the customer experience. First of all, the private banks and the top wealth managers, who sit at the apex of the financial services pyramid, are getting it right, according to studies by Ledbury Research. Client satisfaction with traditional private banks was rated very high by nearly three-quarters of their clients, according

to Ledbury. One should understand that private banks dedicate considerable resources to their upscale clients.

For example, a call to the bank is usually handled personally by a banker that the client would know by name. This is rather different from what happens to a call to a mass-market bank’s data centre.

Yet there is no reason why the mass-market, highstreet banks shouldn’t get these calls handled to a customer’s satisfaction. Much depends, explains Sverdlov, on the institutional culture.

It’s all about communication. Even the private banks can improve in this area. Says Rutherford: “One key area to focus on when trying to improve satisfaction is communication between clients and their main providers and main contacts.

We know from talking to high net worth individuals (HNWIs) that they want more phone calls, updates and face-to-face meetings, but HNWIs don’t just want more communication, they also want more relevant and clear information. Indeed, we’ve found that a common cause of HNWIs’ dissatisfaction with main providers was ‘irrelevant communication.’”

How can they get it right?

“What financial services firms seem to lack is the human touch,” comments Cris Beswick, a consultant with cultureconsultancy.com, which specialises in making corporate culture more robust.

“Rules, procedures, regulation and compliance have all crept their way into organisations as they have become more complex, and this is a phenomenon of particular strength in the financial services sector.

Despite efforts to build ‘relationships’ with customers, most organisations only see that as a necessary evil in order to sell. We must never forget that customers are actually ‘human’ even if we are dealing with them online, digitally, virtually not just face-to-face. Regardless of your product or service, the one thing that will guarantee that your customers return, that you build

“There has never been much thought devoted to making clients happy in terms of what happens to them”

SEPTEMBER 2013 THE CITY 73

work | FEATURE

a ‘following’ is providing an amazing experience.

That ultimately shapes your brand. Innovation and agility should be at the heart of organisations, building customer experience as the competitive advantage.”

Sverdlov agrees that it is human feeling that is really behind the choices consumers make in financial services.

“The most important attributes that move the needle on their purchase intent relate to the way banks treat their customers. The top driver for purchase intent is the perception of the bank being trustworthy,” she insists.

Her research is confirmed by a recent study by Standard Life insurance, which suggests that the main reason for which most British adults seek professional

“The most important attributes that move the needle on their purchase intent relate to the way that banks treat their customers” financial advice is because of the emotional reassurance that such advice offers. The occasion for seeking advice may be practical, but what the client wants is to feel secure, the study shows1.

Mark Mullen, CEO of retail bank First Direct, agrees.

His bank has been highly ranked for its customer experience by the Institute of Customer Service. For First Direct, a corporate culture that emphasises reliability is very important. “Culture is everything – especially as a bank that doesn’t see its customers,” he said in a recent interview. The fact of the matter is that you probably won’t speak to the same person twice if you speak to First Direct. So how do you manage to create a level of consistency and reliability throughout the relationship? You can’t do that if you haven’t got really well-defined processes, really simple products and really consistently well-recruited and well-trained people. Because it wouldn’t work if you had to reinvent yourself every time you called us.”

If that worked in practice at many financial services organisations, the whole industry would have a better reputation. Perhaps those in the industry should take such ideas to heart, especially considering that public opinion of banking and financial services is at its nadir at present.

“Brits seek emotional comfort when taking financial advice,” Insurance Daily, October 19, 2012

1

74 THE CITY SEPTEMBER 2013

Just a couple of hours from home.

And yet a world away.

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

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

EVENT | work

STANDARD CHARTERED

Great City Race

O

ver 5,000 runners from more than 350 different companies took over the Square Mile in July for the annual Standard Chartered Great City Race. The 5k race helped to raise significant funds and awareness for Seeing is Believing, a global initiative that tackles avoidable blindness. Celebrities from the worlds of sport and entertainment showed their support by taking on the challenge of running the race blindfolded, including England cricket legend Mike Gatting OBE. Winning the individual men’s category was Phil Wicks from Legal & General, scooping his sixth win in seven years in an astonishing time of 14 minutes 45 seconds. In the individual female category, Phil’s wife Emily from Punter Southall took the honours, for the fifth consecutive year, in a time of 16 minutes 55 seconds, making the race a true family affair.

CITYRACE.CO.UK

5 top individual men’s race 1 - Phil Wicks, Legal & General 14 minutes 45 seconds 2 - Huw Lobb, DMW Group 15 minutes 25 seconds 3 - James Mcmullan, KPMG 15 minutes 38 seconds 4 - Simon Coombes, Islington Council 15 minutes 55 seconds 5 – Andrew Lawrence, Barclays PLC 16 minutes 4 seconds

5 top individual women’s race 1 - Emily Wicks Punter Southall 16 minutes 55 seconds 2 - Katy Webster Ofcom 17 minutes 39 seconds 3 – Lara Bromilow HSBC Bank PLC 18 minutes 23 seconds 4 – Anna Critchlow Career Legal Ltd 18 minutes 27 seconds 5 – Hannah Harazawa Mizuho International PLC 18 minutes 28 seconds

INSIDE TRACK The Street Westfield Stratford City E20 1EJ 0208 534 3446 info@insidetrackshop.com @InsideTrackShop

MCLAREN & ASTON MARTIN COLLECTIONS AT WESTFIELD STRATFORD VIP SHOPPING EVENINGS

Register now for more information on one of our VIP shopping evenings (availability limited) info@insidetrackshop.com

PLAY

REPORT

FEEL THE ROAR Car fanatics will revel in the thrills offered by experiencing classic American, track-ready Mustangs, says Amy-Louise Roberts

N

ew track and motor company Classic American Muscle is answering every petrolhead’s dream as it launches its unique Ford Mustang experience.

Whether clientele choose the three-hour experience or the ten-mile option, they will be afforded the opportunity to spend time around the track in some of motoring’s most iconic vehicles. Four Mustang models, Hercules, Ruby, Sprint and Flo, all with their own distinct characteristics for racing as well as two Corvette Stingray models will, according to

Classic American Muscle’s director Ant Webb, invite “people to experience the raw driving thrills that these fantastic cars offer”. Passenger experiences are also available from Classic American Muscle, in which thrill-seekers who would rather relax and enjoy than push the cars to the limits themselves are escorted around the track by experienced professional drivers.

D Ten-mile experience, £199 / Three-hour experience, £199, Classic American Muscle, classicamericanmuscle.co.uk, 01634 510 045

GLITTER BUG Savelli has launched a debut collection of beautiful phones designed just for women. The Jardin Secret collection comprises glittering phones, each with a distinctive curved shape in a variety of luxurious finishes, including rose gold, alligator leather and sparkling diamonds. Handcrafted in Switzerland, all Savelli’s smartphones have touchscreen technology, 32GB memory and are powered on a Google Android operating system.

Screen Queen Since launching in May, the Kobo Aura HD eReader’s reputation has been spread by word of mouth and glowing reviews, enabling it to break into the saturated eReader market. Its reputation is well deserved, the Kobo Aura HD has a 1440 x 1080 resolution and 265 dpi ClarityScreen+ – one of the highest-quality screens on the market. Durable against scratches, glare-resistant, with 32GB of storage, possessing a battery life of up to two months and a 6.8-inch touchscreen with 24 font sizes, it is the unsung hero of the eReader market.

D Jardin Secret, savelli-geneve.com

D Kobo Aura HD, £159.99, kobo.com

i- candy

A complete guide to the best in techno wizardry

Pitch Perfect Marshall Headphones’ Monitor model is bold, loud and powerful. As the first-ever over-ear model from Marshall Headphones, the Monitor’s distinctive shape delivers superior noise isolation without the bulk, meaning that you can experience studio-quality sound with longwearing comfort for the tracks you can’t turn off.

D Marshall Headphones Monitor, £180, marshallheadphones.com

Swinging 60s Don’t let the CD player scare you, this deliberately retro-looking stereo system is bursting with high-tech features. As much a piece of furniture as a gadget, the Ruark Audio R7 is a 60s-inspired device standing on a choice of real walnut, aluminium, glass or lacquer legs.

It contains a hidden, portable control that uses radio waves to control the Ruark Audio R7, even from a separate room. Digital and analogue inputs inbuilt on its back can be connected to DVD players, turntables and gaming devices.

D Ruark Audio R7 high fidelity radiogram, £2,000, ruarkaudio.com

gadgets | play

SHUTTER SPEED Iconic camera maker Hasselblad, whose legendary 500EL model was used by Neil Armstrong to capture the first images on the moon’s surface, has launched a Lunar programme of its own. After half a century of making cameras for the world’s top professional photographers, Hasselblad has launched its first consumer camera. A mixture of Italian design and Swedish craftsmanship, Lunar has a built in ‘Optical SteadyShot’ stabilisation system, which enables the taking of un-blurred images, even in low light. Lunar is customised to your lifestyle; models can be plated in gold or platinum, engraved or studded with jewels. Choose between Italian wood, leather and bronze plating for a camera as unique as the moments you want to capture.

D Hasselblad Lunar camera, £POA, hasselblad.co.uk

Light Bulb Moment LIFX is a Wi-Fi enabled, colour changing, energy-efficient light bulb that you can control with a smartphone. There’s no wiring or complex electrics involved – you simply replace your regular bulbs with LIFX ones. A smartphone app, which connects through your personal Wi-Fi for security, can be used to turn on, adjust the brightness and change the bulbs to anyone of thousands of colours.

One of the best features of LIFX is that you can programme the bulbs with the app’s timer to both wake you up naturally with increasing light, or help you drift off to sleep by slowly dimming the bulbs. Furthermore, you can time your lights to switch off when you leave the house in the morning and to turn back on when you return.

D LIFX bulb, from £49, lifx.co

Add Some Adrenaline

Routemaster Citymapper is the best app we’ve come across for getting around London. Type in two locations and it will tell you how and how much it will cost you to get between them. Live updates let you know if the tubes are delayed and if taxis are nearby.

And should you realise that you’ve ended up two hours and three buses from home, the novelty jetpack and teleportation options may raise your spirits.

Up the competition during your next round of golf with the new VPAR real-time scoring app.

The VPAR app keeps track of how you and your fellow players are progressing up the leader board, shot by shot – just like the pros. You can also use the VPAR app to learn about more than 30,000 courses and to review the ones you’ve played.

D VPAR app, £4.99 per annual subscription, vpar.com

D Citymapper, download from itunes.apple.com

Work Of Art Image Acoustics has taken the idea of customised speakers to the next level. Pick a frame and a piece of art (a piece of your own or from its selection) and it will hide a wireless hi-fi speaker behind it.

The SoundScene Model 2 boasts no than eight loudspeakers. It is compatible with Sonos Connect, Apple AirPort and QED Bluetooth uPlay Plus. With no cables or bulk, it’s a delight for the eyes and ears.

D Image Acoustics SoundScene Model 2, £1,250 including a frame ready to accept art of your choice, armourhome.co.uk

september 2013 THE CITY 81

Design by Philippe Starck

STARCK. A CLASSIC REVIVED.

Sanitaryware, bathroom furniture, bathtubs, shower trays, wellness products and accessories: Duravit has everything you need to make life in the bathroom a little more beautiful. More info at Duravit UK, Milton Keynes, Phone 0845 500 7787, Fax 0845 500 7786, info@uk.duravit.com, www.duravit.co.uk

NEWS | MOTORING

Extreme MACHINE A track-focused but road-legal Jag is coming to the UK after all WORDS: Matthew CarteR

D

espite originally ignoring its home market, Jaguar has now announced that we will be getting the track-focused XKR-S GT after all. Just ten examples of this extreme supercar will be sold here at a hefty £135,000 each. A further 30 examples will be sold in the US and Canada.

Developed by Jaguar’s Engineered to Order (ETO) division, the car has lapped the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife in 7m 40s, the fastest-ever time for a roadlegal Jaguar.

Powered by the same 550PS supercharged V8 as the XKR-S, the GT version is quicker thanks to a series of aerodynamic and suspension tweaks which increase downforce and optimise high-speed cornering. Those aerodynamic aids include a carbon-fibre front splitter, dive planes, extended wheel arch spats, an elevated rear wing, rear diffuser and an aluminium valance.

It has carbon ceramic brakes – a first for a production Jag – and revised suspension with a wider front track, increased camber, revised bushings and a new steering system with a faster rack. The 0-60 mph

time is cut by 0.3 sec to 3.9 secs and its top speed is limited to 186 mph.

The XKR-S GT was first seen at the New York Motor Show earlier this year, with sales restricted to North America. But such was the interest in the car when it appeared at the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed – it was driven up the hill by aspiring racer and six-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy – that Jaguar relented and agreed to make ten in right-hand drive.

Better get your order in quick.

SEPTEMBER 2013 THE CITY 83

breathtaking The new Audi RS6 Avant isn’t just quick; it’s oh-my-goodness-you’ve-got-to-be-kidding quick WORDS: Matthew CarteR

C

oming up behind a dawdling previousgeneration Ford Fiesta, I hang back until the road is clear ahead. Then I check the mirror, flick the indicator and put my foot down.

Almost a very big mistake. This thing accelerates so damn quickly that I almost bury it into the back of the Fiesta rather than overtake. Only a desperate last-minute twitch of the wheel rescues me from the ultimate humiliation.

My excuse? I’ve only just got behind the wheel of the Audi and, even though I knew it was pretty rapid, I hadn’t appreciated its in-gear acceleration is supercar fast. It fair takes your breath away.

A supercar is quick, exotic and expensive. It’s invariably a two-seater with a mid-mounted engine driving the rear wheels: think McLaren, Ferrari, Lamborghini… the usual suspects.

This Audi is certainly rapid, but it’s far from exotic.

And although it costs from £77,000, (the test car, loaded with all manner of options, is closer to £92k) that’s cheap alongside a Prancing Horse or a Raging Bull. And it’s got one thing your average supercar can only dream about: space.

For this Audi is the latest RS6 Avant, a fantastic combination of warp factor speed, a sure-footed quattro four-wheel-drive chassis and practicality, all wrapped up in a Q-car body that won’t generate a second glance. The RS6 is no supercar… it’s better than that.

The RS6 Avant has been around since 2002, with this version being the third generation. On paper, though, things don’t look promising. The previous version had a bi-turbo 5.0-litre V10 engine – as used in the Lamborghini Gallardo – stuffed under the bonnet from where it distributed 571 hp to all four wheels. This one has an Audi engine, a bi-turbo 4.0-litre V8, producing ‘only’ 553 hp.

It might have two fewer cylinders and lacks a litre, but that’s all that’s missing. Rather, the new RS6 Avant is 100kg lighter and considerably quicker than its more powerful predecessor: just 3.7 seconds from 0-62mph with a potential maximum of 189mph if you’re prepared to pay to have the 155mph top speed limiter removed.

And this V8 is much cleverer than the old V10. For starters, it spends its time as a four-cylinder engine when the full eight aren’t needed… and that means lower emissions and better, much better, fuel economy.

REVIEW | MOTORING

Not that economy will be uppermost when you try its suspension. The full production models will have air party trick. Find a quiet stretch of empty road, bring the suspension as standard and that will make the ride car to a halt and put all the electronic aids (and there even smoother. are dozens of them) to Sport or Dynamic. Then bury Only the steering lacks a little sparkle. You’re never the throttle into the carpet and prepare to have your going to enjoy the steering precision of a mid-engined senses assaulted… getting to 62mph from rest in under supercar when behind the wheel of a large four-wheelfour seconds means progress is violent, brutal even. And drive estate with the engine hung over the front wheels, unbelievably exhilarating. but even so, the Audi steering is more dead than alive.

If you value your licence, though, you won’t So it goes like stink, corners as if on rails be doing that too often. What you will do (once and, relatively speaking, doesn’t cost the earth. you’ve remembered how rapid it is) is revel in its But there’s more to its talents: it’s one of the Car: Audi RS6 Avant overtaking ability. They say that overtaking is the most practical cars out there. The boot is vast, Price: £76,985 most dangerous aspect of driving a car, as the especially with the rear seats folded, though Engine: 3,993cc, bi-turbo time you spend on the ‘wrong’ side of the road you’ll need to remember you’ve bunged the V8 petrol leaves you exposed to oncoming traffic.

Labradors in the back before you start treating Power: 553 hp Not in the RS6. It is so rapid that whole lines every journey as a track-day experience.

Performance: 155mph of cars can be dispensed in the blink of an eye.

The cabin is roomy, too, and as with all max, 0-62mph in 3.9 secs Given the brief time you spend exposed to Audis it’s beautifully screwed together. And it’s Drive: Four-wheel drive, oncoming traffic this, then, has got to be one of discreet. Ignore the optional and tacky ‘carbon eight-speed automatic the safest cars on the roads. styling package including air intake duct with Pretty safe through the twisty stuff too. Audi quattro logo (£4,250, kerr-ching)’ and you’ve has spent decades perfecting its quattro fourgot something that simply doesn’t draw wheel-drive chassis and the RS6 is as surefooted as attention to itself. Given its performance potential, that they come. Finding the limit of grip, wet or dry, is near is A Good Thing. impossible at fast road speeds… it just hangs on and Audi should sell thousands. Except it won’t. The total on and on.

UK high-performance estate market is tiny, around 700 The downside is that if you like sliding the back end examples a year, so you’re never going to see many on of your car or drifting it through roundabouts, the sheer the roads. clinical effectiveness of the Audi will leave you cold. Me, That said, the Audi is in a class of three just now, as I like feeling a little chilled. the AMG Mercedes E-class estate and M-B AMG CLS Nor does it ride badly for an Audi. Almost by tradition Shooting Brake are just about the only direct rivals until Audis go, stop and handle well, but suffer a ride that Jaguar produces an estate version of the XFR-S saloon. removes fillings. The RS6 doesn’t for some reason, even But if you’re looking for a fast estate with four-wheel though the test car had conventional steel-sprung drive, then the Audi is in a class of its own.

- VEHICLE SPECS -

SEPTEMBER 2013 THE CITY 85

EVENT PROMOTION

Exclusive City Event 10 October

B

erkeley Homes and The City Magazine have joined forces to bring you an exclusive evening at London’s finest new development, Roman House, in conjunction with Parisian perfumer, Diptyque and luxury champagne house, Laurenti. This event will form part of the UK launch of this established French champagne brand.

Arguably the City of London’s finest development, Berkley’s Roman House features 90 luxurious apartments surrounded by some of the capital’s premium restaurants, bars and internationally-recognised luxury brands.

Overlooking the largest surviving section of the old Roman Wall, each apartment features stylish yet timeless interiors reflecting the area’s classical history.

- MORE INFORMATION This exclusive event is strictly RSVP only.

Register your interest at: communications@runwildgroup.co.uk Roman House Sales & Marketing Suite, Wood Street, EC2Y 5BA www.roman-house.co.uk

86 THE CITY september 2013

FOOD&DRINK

REPORT

Tea for two The English institution of tea at The Ritz has been reinvented to place Britishness at the heart of its fare

T

he English roots of tea at The Ritz has been rediscovered, as it evolves with a menu containing a distinctly more British tone. Whether with classic or Champagne afternoon teas, Anglophiles will appreciate the carefully-sourced and prepared produce that characterises this national treasure, and notice the attention paid to its heritage in the new range of food available. Served with 17 varieties of loose leaf teas, the selection fluctuates from the classic salmon sandwich, made using a lemon infused butter and rye bread, to the

original cucumber variety, which is enhanced with dill and chive seasoning. All are accompanied by a new selection of cakes and pastries. Diligently and artistically baked by an in-house team and consisting of seasoned favourites such as raspberry and rosewater macaroons, dundee cake and vanilla custard slices, these delicacies are more than enough to tempt those with a sweet tooth.

D Traditional Afternoon Tea, ÂŁ42 / Champagne Afternoon Tea, ÂŁ54 The Ritz Hotel, theritzlondon.com

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

three of a kind: Tapas

Tramonata Brindisa

Pizarro

Experience the tapas trend sweeping City restaurants at any of these superlative establishments. Enjoy these small yet perfectly formed dishes as either a light lunch or group dinner.

1

Tramonata Brindisa, Old Street For carefully founded Eastern Spanish fare D Tramonata Brindasa Shoreditch, brindisa.com

2

Pizarro, London Bridge For a rustic, comfort food approach to Spanish cooking D Pizarro Bermondsey, josepizarro.com

3

Camino SAN PABLO, St Paul’s For an authentically studied and sourced taste of Spain D Camino Blackfriars, camino.uk.com

Camino San Pablo

new openings...

Merchants Tavern Angela Hartnett MBE, and a number of other high profile chefs, will be opening Merchants Tavern this autum in Shoreditch.

A small menu will be seasonally infuenced and will take inspiration from Italian, French and Spanish cooking.

D Merchants Tavern, Charlotte Road, merchantstavern.co.uk

Union Street

Gymkhana

Gordon Ramsay has teamed up with celeb best bud David Beckham to open a restaurant in Southwark. Union Street, in a reinvented warehouse space, will offer Mediterraneaninspired food with a daily changing menu cooked in a theatre-style kitchen.

This month Trishna chef Karam Sethi’s second venture, Gymkhana, will open in Mayfair. A restaurant inspired by the colonial Indian social clubs of the same name, it will serve a menu of food that combines British ingredients with Indian techniques.

D Union Street Southwark, Great Suffolk Street

D Gymkhana, Albemarle Street

gordonramsay.com

gymkhanalondon.com

NEWS | FOOD & DRINK

review

Royal Celebrations This year, to mark ten years since the opening of The Royal Exchange Grand Café, various events will take place, including the Decade in Wine evening, in which patrons are invited to join the cafe as it tastes a selection of its favourite wines from past vintages.

In addition, an architectural dinner will take diners through the fascinating history of this City landmark while head chef Arnaud Delannay prepares a mouth-watering four-course men, and from September diners will be able to try some of the most popular dishes from the last decade with a special two-course £10 menu.

STARING AT THE SKY With its floor to ceiling views, Aqua Shard is definitely making the most of it location, says EMMA JOHNSON

D Decade in wine, £30; Architecture Dinner, £85, theroyalexchange.co.uk

D Cointreau St Martins Lane

The race to the top of the list for destination dining in London has most definitely been a three horse sprint this summer – with the three restaurants on Level 33 of the iconic Shard building fighting for the top spot.

Oblix brought us British/American dining in cool surrounds, while Hutong boasts the best of the Hong Kong high life and incredible interiors. Where Aqua Shard makes its mark is in the inventive and, quite frankly, genius way that it has used the space available to it. Not for this restaurant the dark corridors and low ceilings of its competitors; no, the main attraction here is most definitely the view, which comes blazing through the two-storey glass, creating an incredible sense of space and height.

A vast staircase, (which leads up to sister restaurant Hutong) is the central focus, with the hugely popular Aqua bar at one end of the atrium and the restaurant weaving around the rest of the building at the other end. Large booths create tables for groups, while more intimate tables for two are dotted around the edge of the space, affording the best views and a sense of exclusivity. Food is British, mostly locally-sourced and the restaurant is understandably proud of this. Green pea custard with foie gras is rich and sweet, while the beef tartare is punchy and full-flavoured; the accompanying ‘Scotch egg’ is a musthave of ingenuity - I won’t spoil the surprise by telling you what it’s made of, but try it. Dover sole to follow is light and tender, and the lamb saddle and young garlic is a sweet moreish plate.

Desserts are essential here too – the mango cheesecake was something to behold, tart and fresh, while dark chocolate torte with cashews had an unexpected nutty sweetness.

While a lot more noise might have been made about Hutong’s exemplary Chinese dishes upstairs and Oblix’s star-spangled owners across the hall, Aqua’s simplicity and honesty makes it by the far the most welcoming of the three Shard eateries – amongst such culinary heavyweights, that’s quite a feat in itself.

Pop-up, cointreau.com

D aquashard.co.uk

Michael Caines From September, two Michelin-starred chef Michael Caines MBE, executive chef at Gidleigh Park, will take up a two month residence in Harrods as part of its Chef of the Season initiative.

His distinctively modern European menu will include dishes such as lamb with herb crust, beef bourguignon with rosti potatoes, ratatouille and desserts of chocolate orange comfit mousse. from 10 September.

D Michael Caines for Harrods, from 10 September, Harrods, Knightsbridge, harrods.com

Cointreau Prive In honour of London Fashion Week, Cointreau and its new creative designer Simone Rocha, has designed an exciting pop-up bar on St Martins Lane. Open for ten days from 13 - 22 September and serving a new cocktail, Cointreau Fizz, that the designer has created, the bar will act as a haven for critics and weary industry insiders, all seeking a brief interlude from their hectic fashion schedules.

SEPTEMBER 2013 THE CITY 89

DRINK

An Ancient TRADITION

confidence to ask for bottles of sake by name. Before that, we always had to suggest sake, and most people were only prepared to buy a small carafe,” says Parkinson.

“The turning point came out of the broader interest Sake – traditionally the domain of posh Japanese in all things Asian, and particularly in anything to do restaurants – is finally becoming more popular with Japan. We already had very successful sake-based throughout the capital cocktails at Hakkasan, but we decided to train our sommeliers and add sake to our wine list. There was an WORDS: JAMES LAWRENCE immediate effect on sales, and guests started to take sake much more seriously,” she adds.

Encouraging evidence of the rising interest in sake ake has been taking the capital by storm consumption can also be seen at Canary Wharf’s trendy in recent months, so much so that the Japanese restaurant Roka. Designed around Japanese promotional body, Sake Sommelier robatayaki – open charcoal grill – cuisine, the restaurant’s Association, has had to turn people away dishes offer a mosaic of flavours that their impressive from its monthly sake induction courses. sake menu handles with aplomb, and demand has ‘risen “The response has been incredible,” enthuses Xavier considerably’ this year, according to staff. Their success Chapelo, the association’s fine wine consultant. “Sake has in tempting diners away from standard beer and wine gone from relative obscurity to becoming an increasingly choices partly involved allowing visitors to return to their trendy drink in the space of 12 months.” unfinished sake bottle on their subsequent visit.

Like sushi, sake is an integral part of Japanese cuisine Wisely exploiting this growing sake phenomenon, and a traditional beverage with ancient origins. It is the Hakkasan group is offering consumers a monthly produced from Koji, a yeast derived from steamed rice. half-day master-class at its Japanese restaurant – Sake The rice is fermented with the Koji and water, producing a No Hana, based in St James’s Street. Hosted by Christine unique drink with typically 14.5 - 16 per cent alcohol. Today, Parkinson and wine writer Anthony Rose, the course will the industry is booming in Japan, with more than 1,500 give attendees an overview of the history of the drink, sake producers and four key styles: Soshu, a light, simple focusing on its social context and the right temperature sake, Kunshu, a fuller, fruity sake, Junshu, a rich, dense style to serve different sakes. Most importantly, guests will and Jukushu, an expensive, full-bodied and complex sake sample a range of sakes and umeshu – a traditional that stands at the top of the hierarchy. It is consumed Japanese plum wine – in addition to enjoying lunch at across many social occasions and contexts the restaurant.

– after-work drinks, dinner with friends and The sake phenomenon is not only limited london's top sakEs Japanese weddings all call for a cup of sake. to restaurants, as Xavier Chapelo is keen NIIGATA STAR, £22 per 180ml bottle, However, until relatively recently, our to emphasise: “Harrods, Fortnum & Mason, available at Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Fortnum & Mason; exposure to sake was limited to a few Hedonism Wines and Selfridges all stock Japanese restaurants in London, and usually leading sake brands now, in addition to the AKASHI-TAI, £16.99 per 720ml bottle, available at Selfridges; only Japanese visitors would partake in a cup. growing number of non-Japanese restaurants: SAWANOTSURU, £10.50 per 720ml Its initial rise to fame, according to Hakkasan including Hunan, Le Gavroche and The bottle at Waitrose Canary Wharf; restaurant’s resident wine buyer and sake Cinnamon Club,” he says.

SOUHANA, £9.99 per 720ml bottle expert Christine Parkinson, happened in Kanpai! available at Waitrose Canary Wharf D Sake No Hana courses cost £60pp on 7 September 2010. “About three years ago at our Yauatcha and 5 October restaurant we first noticed guests having the

S

90 THE CITY september 2013

VISUAL ARTS Reg Butler, Woman on a Boat, 1953 © The Estate of Reg Butler

Geoffrey Clarke, Head, 1952 © Geoffrey Clarke

Bronze Sculptures from The Ingram Collection PHOTOGRAPHY: JP BLAND PHOTOGRAPHY

Dame Elisabeth Frink RA, Walking Madonna, 1981 © The Estate of Elisabeth Frink

This is the first time that a private collector has entrusted on loan significant modern sculpture by British artists as part of the Sculpture at Work exhibition programme in One Canada Square.

Chris Ingram is a highly successful businessman, working in the sphere of media communications and marketing, and is regarded as the inventor of the modern media agency. He began to collect art in 2001 and has amassed over four hundred paintings, sculptures, drawings and prints with a focus on modern British art largely of the post-war period. Now he is beginning to look at the younger generation who are making a mark at the beginning of the 21st century.

This exhibition concentrates on the work of sculptors who established a firm base for the growth of British sculpture in the postwar period, exemplifying their break from

academia and tradition in their search for new forms of expression and new materials.

This selection for Canary Wharf focuses on figurative and figure related bronze sculptures by a wide range of artists: Robert Adams, Kenneth Armitage RA, Reg Butler, Lynn Chadwick RA, Geoffrey Clarke RA, Robert Clatworthy RA, Sir Jacob Epstein, Dame Elisabeth Frink RA, Bernard Meadows, Sir Eduardo Paolozzi RA, William Turnbull and Leon Underwood.

In 2000 Chris Ingram was voted UK Business to Business Entrepreneur of the Year in Ernst & Young’s awards, having earlier been London Entrepreneur of the Year. In 2003-04, he was Entrepreneur in Residence at Wharton Business School.

D 16 September – 15 November Lobby, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf FREE to see / ingramenterprise.com

D Attend the FREE exhibtion tour with curator Ann Elliott and sculptor Sean Henry on Tuesday 15 October 6.30pm Contact visualart@canarywharf.com to reserve a place

arts & events

EVENTS Ice Rink Canary Wharf Nestled under the soaring buildings of Canada Square and bathed in twinkling festive lights, Ice Rink Canary Wharf is back for the 2013/14 season. Opening on the 26 October 2013, the rink will run for 16 weeks until the 16 February 2014.

Last year, Ice Rink Canary Wharf wowed visitors with the city’s first skate path. Back this year, and even bigger than last year, this exciting track will weave under trees lit with fairy lights adding an extra element of fun and romance to your skating experience.

Easily accessible by the Jubilee Line and DLR, the rink is in the heart of Canary

Wharf surrounded by an extensive offering of shops, bars and restaurants.

For those wishing to watch friends and family enjoying themselves, the team from Boisdale Canary Wharf will be back with their rinkside space, offering a range of drinks, food and entertainment.

One of the first outdoor ice rinks to open in time for the Autumn school holidays, it is fully-equipped to cater for children of four years and over with the popular polar bear skate aids and skate lessons. Efficient and helpful staff are on site to help at all times, ensuring your visit is safe and enjoyable.

D Tickets: Adult: £13.50 / Children (U13): £9.00 / Concessions: £11.00 (Available at the box office with photo ID) / Family: £37.50 (2 adults + 2 children/ 1 adult + 3 children) / Skate aids: £5 (available from the box office 30 minutes prior to skate session) / Groups: Buy 10 get 1 free / £2.50 booking fee applies per booking / Children under 13yrs must be accompanied by an adult D Booking: Tickets will be available online at icerinkcanarywharf.com or call the box office on 020 7536 8400; and from the box office from 26 October 2013. For Party Bookings (max 200) email:

THE LUNCH MARKET

Just a short stroll from Montgomery Square, Wood Wharf’s vibrant open space offers more delicious food at the September Lunch Market presenting lunch with a difference. The Lunch Market hosts a range of global cuisine where visitors can choose from more than thirty stalls and an array of delicious savoury and sweet dishes created by local producers. Inspired by outdoor markets around the world, don’t miss this month’s Lunch Market.

D 24 September, 11am – 3pm

wood wharf Farmers’ Market

CANARY WHARF Comedy Club

D canarywharf.com/visitus

23 September 7.15pm (doors 6.30pm) East Wintergarden 43 Bank Street Canary Wharf Tickets £12

Visit Wood Wharf between 10am and 4pm every Saturday in September and experience the popular Food & Farmers’ Market where a varied range of fresh and organic produce will be on offer each week. Stalls include Organic Meats, cheese, fruit and hot chocolate.

Canary Wharf Comedy Club featuring* Pete Firman, Jimmy McGhie, Dana Alexander and Joe Lycett. Get ready for another cracking line up of comedians, all geared up to knock your socks off with their sheer talent, raw energy and pizzazz!

Visit seetickets.com or call 0871 220 0260 (booking fee applies). Tickets available on the door subject to availability. Unreserved cabaret style seating. Full bar, food and cloakroom.

D canarywharf.com/visitus

Wood Wharf, Canary Wharf FREE to visit

www.canarywharf.com

@yourcanarywharf

*The line up is correct at time of press but may be subject to change.

events@icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk. Open 7 days a week with the exception of Christmas Day.

PHOTOGRAPHY: © Dmitry Berkut

escape | NEWS

A Hidden Gem

London to Kathmandu Travelling to Nepal’s capital city has never been so simple as with Turkish Airlines who, catering for the needs of the adventurous city jetsetter, will be offering direct flights from London’s Heathrow to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, from 1 September. Makes that sky dive from Mount Everest seem even more tempting.

There’s no shortage of hotels in the Square Mile, but we think the five-star boutique Threadneedles might just be in a league of its own. Having recently joined Marriott’s luxury brand Autograph Collection, the hotel manages to be an eclectic fusion of simple comfort and grandeur, its most striking feature being the 1856 stained glass dome above its lobby. The former Victorian banking hall, with its historical features and contemporary design, is a great option when visiting the capital, whether you’re there for business or pleasure. The 74 rooms are spacious and quintessentially British and feature oversized photography of iconic London landmarks.

D hotelthreadneedles.co.uk

D heathrowairport.com/turkishairlines.com

ESCAPE

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

English Charm The Cotswolds, destination of choice for those looking for a picturesque weekend or staycation retreat, will this autumn play host to new attractions at its very own Sudeley Castle. Calder at the Castle will include an exhibition in which six large-scale works by Alexander Calder will be installed around the gardens until 26 October.

D sudeleycastle.co.uk

Five-Star Dubai Dubai, famed as a chic holiday hotspot where luxurious accommodation is par for the course, has opened two new five-star hotels this summer. Atlantis the Palm is a Polynesian-themed establishment with its own private sand beach and 361 elegant suites to choose from – the best of which come equipped with their own butlers and rooftop pools. The Oberoi, Dubai, which opened in June this year, is the second five-star gem to arrive in the city. Based in the business district overlooking the Burj Khalifa, this well-appointed establishment boasts three fine restaurants and 252 contemporary suites, all of which have floor-to-ceiling windows and butler service.

D oberoihotels.com / atlantisthepalm.com

DESTINATION | ESCAPE

Destination

NICE AIMEE LATIMER travels to beautiful Nice, often renowned for its social life, but enjoys some unexpected privacy WHERE TO STAY: Le Negresco The stunning Le Negresco hotel captures the decadence of France’s old world through a series of art-lined walls, sweeping suites and astute customer service. The Royal Suite is one of its most beautiful interpretations of French Riviera style. Located under Le Negresco’s dome, the rounded shape of the room houses two living rooms and allows natural light to flood the space both in the morning and afternoon. Le Negresco has a two Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Chantecler. The theatrical dishes, inspired by Provence, are just as sumptuous as you’d expect from a restaurant with its own 15,000-bottle wine cellar.

D hotel-negresco-nice.com

WHERE TO EAT: Saison Nice

There are a number of Michelin-starred restaurants in Nice, and not only is Saison Nice a must-visit, it is also the only destination for Japanese food on the coast. The menu features classic dishes such as beautifully light tempura and fresh sashimi. However, look out for a few quirky housecreations such as green-tea tiramisu and foie gras sushi.

D saison-nice.com

WHAT TO DO: Hire a yacht Take to the water and rent a luxury yacht for the day or week.

Boatbookings.com has a selection of crewed motor yachts that port in Nice and can cruise you and your companions across the Mediterranean Sea. Stay in beautifully fitted out cabins, enjoy on-board dining and experience the ultimate luxury – absolute privacy.

D boatbookings.com

From top to bottom: Rooftop view of Nice; Front view of La Negresco Hotel; Art-lined walls of La Negresco Hotel; Le Negresco’s Chantecler restaurant; Plage Nice Beaurivage

DON’T MISS: A private beach for two The most well-known beach in Nice is the Promenade des Anglais, a curving promenade backed by a simple walkway – it’s pretty but crowded. Fortunately, Nice has a number of private beaches, the best of which is Plage Beau Rivage. You’ll spot it by the blue-and-white striped parasols and the sound of guests chattering in the cocktail bar, tapas in hand. Rent a VIP bed on the beach and enjoy the Champagne package for two; recline on a double mattress under a canvas awning with towels, a plate of fresh fruit and Taittinger Champagne or a bottle of chilled white or pink Chapelle Ste Roseline.

D Champagne package, €115, plagenicebeaurivage.com

i

British Airways operate flights to Nice from London City Airport, Gatwick and Heathrow. There are daily flights from London City, three flights a day from Gatwick and up to seven daily flights from Heathrow. Passengers travelling from London City benefit from a fast-track check-in to aircraft experience.

SEPTEMBER 2013 THE CITY 95

Paradise Found A tropical escape in the heart of the Indian Ocean, Mauritius’ reputation is justified; an intoxicating blend of colours and flavours, there is no end to the wonders of this unique island, as JENNY BARRETT discovered

S

itting on my patio at dusk, I watch the white ripple of waves tumbling over the coral reef across the horizon.

A calm indigo lagoon lies between the beach and the depths of the ocean, but wherever I go along the picturesque coastline, I can hear the distant rumble of the swelling sea.

Before coming to Mauritius, I’d heard the famous quote

by Mark Twain that this island was the blueprint for heaven itself, and it was exactly what I had hoped; a secluded and tranquil paradise with golden sunshine, talcum-powder sand and warm turquoise water. I left behind the rain in London and, after a 12-hour flight, I finally saw a lone land mass emerge from the expanse of cerulean blue. The small island of Mauritius lies deep in the southern Indian Ocean, more than 2,000 kilometres off the south-eastern coast of Africa and, as you might expect, it boasts some of the world’s most idyllic beaches, rivalling those of the Maldives or the Caribbean.

As a beach destination, Mauritius certainly has a lot going for it. It is a year-round destination, with the climate fluctuating by only a few degrees over 12 months. It’s safe, clean and easily combined with a more adventurous safari trip to the African mainland or Madagascar. It boasts more than 93 miles of pristine white beaches and azure lagoons, protected from rough ocean currents by the third largest coral reef in the world. Unlike some other dreamy island getaways, you can fly direct from the UK to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport; when you land you’ll notice a refreshing lack of jet lag (it’s only four hours ahead of the UK).

I am staying at The Residence, a top luxury resort on the east of the island near the small town of Belle Mare, which is home to some of the country’s best beaches.

The setting does not disappoint; the hotel’s grand openplan reception looks out over the huge but quiet pool, which seemingly merges into the infinite ocean waters.

The hotel is spread out, villa-style, among lush emerald gardens, with curious tropical birds and fluorescent

flowers dotted among the foliage. My ocean-front bedroom is beautifully designed, with a four-poster bed and a large marble bathroom. The French doors and windows reflect the brilliant turquoise of the lagoon, which stands out against the room’s elegant cream palette. My private patio is merely a few steps from the white pristine beach that winds and bends into a shallow spit further along the coast.

If you’re an active type, an array of activities available at The Residence will you keep you more than busy; make the most of the top-quality gym, yoga and meditation studio, luxury spa (specialising in Carita treatments), several tennis courts and a beach house offering watersports.

But I soon learn that there is much to discover about Mauritius itself. More than just sun, sea and sand, this African island has a rich and unusual history, giving it a culture unlike any other. Discovered by the Portuguese in 1498, ruled by the Dutch and French during the 18th century and conquered by the British in 1810, Mauritius has a unique combination of colonial influences. On our days spent exploring the island, we drive through seas of sugar palms and pass hilly towns with curious French names. Our guide shares the unusual etymology of the town names, such as Curepipe, derived from the French for curer sa pipe, once a place where the French would clean and refill their pipes. The sheltered, leafy lanes of the island are lined with stunning architecture, a mélange of tropical colours and European designs. Added to the mix are the strong Indian and Hindu flavours brought by the Indian immigrants of the early 20th century. Much like its ‘rainbow’ flag, Mauritius today is a colourful blend of vibrant cultures.

This is particularly noticeable in the cuisine; an intoxicating fusion of Indian, African and French flavours, combined with an abundant supply of the most succulent and fresh seafood on Earth. The Residence brilliantly harnesses this mix of flavours in its two main restaurants, which are gastronomic destinations in themselves. The Dining Room is set against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean and is partly open-air, allowing the sea breeze

“This island was the blueprint for heaven itself, and it was exactly what I had hoped”

FEATURE | escape

september 2013 THE CITY 97

escape | Feature

- need to know The Residence Mauritius Seven nights in a Colonial Garden View Room at The Residence Mauritius from £1,590 per person inclusive of daily breakfast and dinner, private transfers, and international flights from London. Turquoise Holidays 01494 678400 or enquiries@turquoiseholidays.co.uk

to waft in. The menu is fresh and sophisticated; the scallop carpaccio is exquisite and I opt for the delicious red tuna fish steak on more than one occasion. The other restaurant at The Residence, The Plantation, is located at the northern tip of the hotel’s quiet beach and is renowned across the island. It is pitched as the more high-end of the two, but in my mind both were of an equal (and exceptional) standard. The Plantation is set in a beautiful colonial house with a wrap-around porch, with dark wood decking and white pillars that extend out onto the beach. The decking is peppered with antiques, flowing white drapes and gentle music drifting through the space from old gramophones, accompanied by the sound of the night-time lagoon. The menu has an original approach, divided into sections based on flavour; an Indian spicy and Silk Road section, a far-Eastern-influenced section and a selection of traditional Creole dishes, all with a fresh and modern twist. Coupled with an excellent and varied selection of wine, I am certainly in the heaven Mark Twain described.

It’s clear that the hotel has paid attention to the history and culture of Mauritius, noticeable in both its cuisine and décor. The open-plan communal areas are home to authentic vintage maps and paintings, sepia-tone photographs, the twinkling sounds of the grand piano and, of course, a selection of working candlestick telephones. The nostalgic surroundings and sense of seclusion takes you back in time, marooned on a distant island in the 16th century.

The staff here are the hotel’s crowning glory; warm and genuine, they take great pride in their work. Frédéric, the charismatic French general manager, shows great affection for his team ­– he tells us over a cocktail that 80 per cent of his staff have worked at the hotel since it first opened in 1998. As a result, there is a welcoming family atmosphere about the place (but you’ll notice the same friendliness and sincerity wherever you go in Mauritius) and during my stay I begin to notice

98 THE CITY SEPTEMBER 2013

the attention to detail; my room is replenished daily with the scent of ylang ylang and I have a rose-petal aromatherapy bath awaiting my return from the beach every afternoon. Three small glass pots sit on my coffee table, each containing a Mauritian delicacy made from the island’s abundant sugar palms.

Away from the sanctuary of The Residence, there are lots of adventures to be had in this tropical wonderland.

We take a trip to L’Aventure du Sucre, an old sugar mill, set among coconut trees and the exotic flora of the Pamplemousse district (grapefruit in French).

Here you’ll learn the fascinating history of the sugar trade in Mauritius, watch the production process and discover the multicultural roots of the island. I thoroughly recommend the rum tasting at the end of the tour, especially the vanilla coffee variety.

We also visit the Bois Chéri tea factory and spend the afternoon in a mountain chalet having our own tea party. The velvety-green mountains of Mauritius are a beautiful excursion in themselves and we meander to the top of a lush, dormant volcano. Try the pink Mauritian raspberries at the top; they’re like wild candies and unlike any raspberry you’ll ever eat in the UK. Mauritius is a rabbit-hole of surprises and I left completely in love with the island. Not to mention the heavenly beaches, it has a rich history, colourful floral gardens, smiling faces and a fusion of intoxicating flavours.

It is an intriguing wonderland and you might find yourself wanting to stay lost.

Barcelona [City Break]

Boasting stunning art, exquisite food and beautiful beaches, Spain’s cosmopolitan second city is the ideal weekend getaway.

Words: Elle Blakeman

M

añana has no place here; Barcelona has no time to waste. A carpe diem, live for the moment, sleep when you’re dead city, this is a place to seize life: eat tapas, drink wine, see art, climb towers, fall in love, go cycling, hit the beach, and dance the night away. Then wake up and do it again.

The presence of a beach, and with it the stylish bars, seafood restaurants and beautiful people, adds an easy cool to this culturally rich city, making it the perfect ‘best of both worlds’ getaway. There is much to see, but happily Barcelona is a very walkable city and getting around is easy. There are bikes to rent on almost every street, and, interestingly, the locals have taken to the Segway trend in a big way, so you can view the city like an American mall cop, if you wish.

Las Ramblas is an obvious starting point, a treelined 1.2km walkway through the heart of the city centre, where you will see stalls, street performers and seemingly endless bars; stop for some tapas and take in the atmosphere before planning your next move.

Arriving in Barcelona feels like the scene from The Wizard of Oz where everything suddenly comes into colour: everything is bold, bright, unashamedly alive.

There is art everywhere – much of it thanks to the 1992 Olympics – a Miró on the pavement, a stack of bronze boxes on the beach and a Lichtenstein by the waterfront, making even a stroll around something of a cultural adventure.

Of course, Barcelona is already known as a capital of the arts thanks to its most famous artistic son Gaudí and his surrealist architecture, examples of which can be found all over the city.

His greatest work, the still-uncompleted Sagrada Família, is an absolute must-see. This impressive Roman Catholic Church is an imposing, moving example of both Gothic and Art Nouveau architecture

Grand Hotel Central

and was the artist’s all-consuming obsession up until his death in 1926. Originally commissioned as a ‘temple of atonement’ for the city’s sins of modernity, it is said that Gaudí saw its completion as his own holy mission. The inside is a glorious collection of stone columns (designed to mirror tress), elaborate golden ornamentation and hundreds of joyfully bright stainedglass windows – an exultant celebration of faith.

The towers, with their swelling outlines inspired by the holy mountain Montserrat, enjoy a stunning vantage over the Eixample district of Barcelona. Take the lift up to the dizzying top and walk the spiral staircase back down to safety.

Once you’re in a Gaudí state of mind, head to Casa Milà on the Passeig de Gràcia, a former 1900s family home and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its undulating stone facade and surrealist chimneys on the roof terrace, this controversial building was seen as a breakthrough, taking the Modernisme movement to a new level. At night, it is lit like a fairy-tale palace and plays host to some fabulous live jazz.

Arriving in Barcelona feels like the scene from The Wizard of Oz where everything suddenly comes into colour

city break | escape

Bridge Guell © FCG

- need to know -

Bench in Park Guell

WHERE TO STAY

Gaudi’s Casa Mila © Christian Bertrand

In a city spoiled for choice, the Grand Hotel makes a serious play for your attention.

Manhattan loft décor – steel greys and exposed brick – it combines the cool, modern feeling of the city with serious luxury.

During the day, the rooftop pool is the perfect place to escape the madness of the city, while at night, lounge music, stylish low lighting and exclusive views turn it into a spectacular place to start or end your evening. (grandhotelcentral.com)

Grand Hotel Central

EATING & DRINKING El Born district comes alive at night as locals and visitors descend for the evening. For delicious and authentic tapas, head to Set de Born (00 34 933 19 35 31).

Grand Hotel Central

Take advantage of the late Spanish eating times and get in there early – anytime before 9pm and you won’t need to wait for a table.

Afterwards, wander around some of the city’s prettiest medieval-flavoured streets such as Passeig del Born, taking in the stunning 19th-century market building and beautiful 14th-century church.

La Sagrada Familia © Pagina

Grand Hotel Central

Placa Reial (Royal Plaza) in the old quater © Mihai-Dogdan Lazar

Park Guell © FCG

CANARY WHARF RECOMMENDS Take the Port cable car over to Montjuïc in the early evening and enjoy the fabulous sunset over the city’s skyline. Stroll around the gardens and stop at the terrace of the Hotel Miramar for a glass of wine to accompany the view.

Grand Hotel Central

september 2013 THE CITY 101

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

Health & Beauty

Bachet

Ajala Spa

12 The Courtyard

10 Godliman Street

020 3405 1437

020 7074 1010

bachet.fr

www.ajalaspa.com

Boodles

Chequers Beauty

Virgin Active 5 Old Broad Street, 0845 270 4080 virginactive.co.uk Barber Express Ltd 14 Devonshire Row 020 7377 5485

2 & 3 The Courtyard

Salon

Royal Exchange

53-54 Leadenhall Market

020 7283 7284

020 7283 3047

City Health & Fitness

boodles.com

chequersbeauty.co.uk

Club London

Bulgari 15 The Courtyard Royal Exchange 020 7283 4580 bulgari.com Ernest Jones Unit 3, Plantation Place 020 7929 4491 ernestjones.co.uk Goldsmiths 186-190 Bishopsgate 020 7283 6622 goldsmiths.co.uk

Elysium Spa 21 Old Broad Street 020 7256 8624 elysiumfortytwo.co.uk Essential Therapy 39 Whitefriars Street 020 7353 1895 essential-therapie.co.uk Optix 175 Bishopsgate 020 7628 0330 optixuk.com

barberexpress.co.uk

020 7929 5656 artisangalleries.com Kiehls Unit 14/15, Royal Exchange 020 7283 6661 kiehls.co.uk Jo Malone 24 Royal Exchange

8-10 Cooper’s Row

08701 925131

cityhealthclub.co.uk

jomalone.co.uk

Fet ter Barbers Ltd

Ligne rosset

144 Fetter Lane

7-39 Commercial Road

020 7702 3553

020 7426 9670

fetterbarbers.com

ligne-roset-city.co.uk

F Flit tner

Paul A Young Fine

86 Moorgate

Chocolates

020 7606 4750

20 Royal Exchange

fflittner.com

020 7929 7007 paulayoung.co.uk

London City Runner 10 Ludgate Broadway

Smilepod bank studio

9 Royal Exchange

Leadenhall Market

020 7623 3626

off Fenchurch Street

gucci.com

18-20 Cullum Street

Nicholson & Griffin

020 7836 6866

74 Cannon Street, EC4N 6AE

smilepod.co.uk

020 7489 8551

Hermes

Artisan Fine Art 35 Royal Exchange

Grange City Hotel,

Gucci

12-13 Royal Exchange

Retail

020 7329 1955 londoncityrunner.com

nicholsonandgriffin.com

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

020 7626 7794

The Harley

hermes.com

Medical Group

Ted’s Grooming Room

Links of London

Marc House

120 Cheapside

27 Royal Exchange

Great Street

020 7367 9932

020 7621 0021

0800 022 3385

tedsgroomingroom.com

moltonbrown.com

27 Broadgate Circle 020 7628 9668

Molton Brown

linksoflondon.com

harleymedical.co.uk

Tower Bridge Health &

Paul Smith

Montblanc

The Private Clinic

Fitness Club

Unit 7, The Courtyard

10-11 Royal Exchange

107 Cheapside

47 Prescot Street

Royal Exchange

020 7929 4200

0800 599 9911

020 7959 5050

020 7626 4778

theprivateclinic.co.uk

grangehealthclubs.com

paulsmith.co.uk

montblanc.com

Boodles

SushiSamba

High Timber Restaurant

Fashion

Bars and Pubs

Restaurants

Agent Provocateur

1 Lombard Street

1901 at andaz hotel

5 Royal Exchange

1 Lombard Street

40 Liverpool Street

020 7623 0229

020 7929 6611

020 7618 7000

agentprovocateur.com

1lombardstreet.com

andazdining.com

Bulgari

Anise Bar

Anohka Indian

15 The Courtyard, Royal Exchange

9 Devonshire Square

Restaurant St. Pauls

020 7283 4580

020 3642 8679

4 Burgon Street

bulgari.com

Anthologist

020 7929 7015

Brasserie Blanc

theanthologistbar.co.uk

60 Threadneedle Street

25 Royal Exchange 0207 929 2111 crockettandjones.com Harrys of London 18 Royal Exchange 020 7283 4643 harrysoflondon.com Loro Piana 2-3 Royal Exchange

020 7588 4643 Bar Bat tu 48 Gresham Street 020 7036 6100

Grand Café The Courtyard, Royal Exchange 020 7618 2480 royalexchange-grandcafe.co.uk

anokha-indian.com

0845 468 0101

Balls Brothers

grappololondon.com

Haz Restaurant

28 Royal Exchange

11 Blomfield Street

020 7842 0510

Plantation Place

58 Gresham Street

Crockett & Jones

Grappolo 1 Plough Place

020 7236 3999

Church’s

church-footwear.com

Madison Restaurant

020 7710 9440 brasserieblanc.com Caffé Concerto One New Change 020 7494 6857 caffeconcerto.co.uk

barbattu.com

Camino San Pablo

Prism

33 Blackfriars Lane

147 Leadenhall Street

020 7125 0930

020 7256 3888

camino.uk.com

6 Mincing Lane 020 7929 3173 hazrestaurant.co.uk High Timber Restaurant 8 High Timber Street 020 7248 1777 hightimber.com Madison Restaurant 2 New Change 020 8305 3088 madisonlondon.net Mint Leaf Lounge 12 Angel Court

020 7398 0000

Vertigo 42

Chez Gerard

020 7600 0992

loropiana.com

Tower 42, Old Broad Street

14 Trinity Square

mintleaflounge.com

020 7877 7842

020 7213 0540

vertigo42.co.uk

chezgerard.co.uk

020 7332 0573

Hawksmoor Guildhall

Cinnamon Kitchen

020 7375 2568

hugoboss.com

10-12 Basinghall Street

9 Devonshire Square

individualrestaurantcompanyplc.co.uk

020 7397 8120

020 7626 5000

thehawksmoor.com

cinnamon-kitchen.com

020 7236 3635

Copa de Cava

Fora Restaurant

Royal Exchange

1-2 Royal Exchange Buildings

33 Blackfriars Lane

34-36 Houndsditch

020 7618 2483

020 7626 2782

020 7125 0930

020 7626 2222

sauterelle-restaurant.co.uk

karenmillen.com

cava.co.uk

forarestaurants.co.uk

L.K. Bennett

Searcys Champagne Bar

Gat tis Restaurant

Floors 38 and 39

One New Change

One New Change

1 Finsbury Avenue

Heron Tower

020 7236 4711

020 7871 1213

020 7247 1051

020 3640 7330

lkbennett.com

searcyschampagnebars.co.uk

gattisrestaurant.co.uk

sushisamba.com

Hugo Boss One New Change

Karen Millen One New Change

Piccolino Restaurant 11 Exchange Square

Restaurant Sauterelle The Courtyard

Sushisamba

SEPTEMBER 2013 THE CITY 103

LONDON Homes&

PROPERTY Showcasing the finest homes in your area

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

Ticking the boxes prime london’s new must-haves

www.thesofaandchair.co.uk

homes & property

expert comment LETTINGS:

SALES:

Demand may outstrip supply until 2023

The housing market gathers momentum

VANESSA EVETT-BEESLEY, HEAD OF LETTINGS AT

KIRAN SANDHU, SENIOR NEGOTIATOR AT KNIGHT FRANK

KNIGHT FRANK IN canary wharf, COMMENTS ON THE

IN CANARY WHARF, COMMENTS ON THE TRENDS IN THE

TRENDS IN THE RESIDENTIAL LETTINGS MARKET

RESIDENTIAL SALES MARKET

Our recent analysis indicates that in the future, the supply of new housing will fall some way short of demand, as indicated by the growth in the number of new households in the capital. If the annual uplift in households in 2022 is assumed to continue on the same trajectory as in the previous decade, then there could be an undersupply in housing of more than 40 per cent across the capital between now and 2023.

Drilling down into the data however, it is clear that the delivery of new-build properties will vary from borough to borough. The planning data suggests that Newham and Greenwich will see the highest levels of new units completed over the next decade.

In terms of supply by value, Tower Hamlets is out in front.

Calculations based on current average house prices suggest that the total value of private sector housing which could be completed between now and the end of 2022 could be as high as £7bn.

The estimated value of pipeline delivery which could come to market between now and 2022 in the four boroughs of central London is around £11.5bn, with the total figure for London adding up to £80bn.

Of course, we are not ruling out the possibility of supply outstripping demand in some local areas, based purely on local data. But the ease with which people can re-locate within London means that the headline figures are probably a fairer judgement of housing supply and demand in the capital. n

Many households perceived that the value of their homes climbed in July, for the fourth consecutive month, according to the latest House Price Sentiment Index (HPSI) from Knight Frank and Markit.

Overall, the proportion of the 1,500 homeowners surveyed across the UK who said that the value of their home had risen over the last month hit a new high of 19.8 per cent, while a record low 6.3 per cent of those asked, indicated the value had fallen. This gives a HPSI reading of 56.8, the highest since the index began in February 2009.

July’s reading, up from 53.2 in June, marked the fourth month that the current price index has been in positive territory after 33 months of readings of 50 or under. The index indicates that after nearly three years of falling prices, residents are increasingly confident that the value of their property is starting to show some sustained growth.

Households in London (65.3) reported that the value of their home had risen at the fastest rate over the last month, followed by those in the East of England (60.8) and the South East (59.4). Only households in the North West of England perceived that the value of their property had fallen (49.1) during the month. The future HPSI, which measures what households think will happen to the value of their property over the next year, hit the highest level in three and half years.

Since the inception of the HPSI, the index has been a clear lead indicator for house price trends. The index often moves ahead of mainstream house price indices, confirming the advantage of an opinion-based survey which provides a current view on household sentiment, rather than historic evidence from transactions or mortgage market evidence. n

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

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

106

KnightFrank.co.uk

Millers Wharf, Wapping E1W Superb views of Tower Bridge and the river

On the third floor of an attractive listed warehouse building just to the east of St Katharine Docks, a charming flat in good order. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, generous reception room opening onto the balcony, and kitchen. This attractive apartment further benefits from parking, a weekday porter and a lift. EPC rating C. Approximately 133 sq m ﴾1432 sq ft﴿ Leasehold with a share in freehold

KnightFrank.co.uk/wapping wapping@knightfrank.com 020 7480 6848

Guide price: £1,550,000 ﴾WAP130107﴿

City Mag Sept 13 Milliers - 15 August 2013 - 40851

19/08/2013 15:56:02

KnightFrank.co.uk Waterman Way, Wapping E1W

Charming terraced house Charming mid‐terrace house to rent in central Wapping located opposite the Ornamental Canal. 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, open plan kitchen‐reception room with dining area. This property further benefits from a gravelled back garden with seating area and a private garage.

EPC rating C. Approximately 60 sq m ﴾642 sq ft﴿

Available furnished Guide price: £450 per week

Wapping Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings wapping.lettings@knightfrank.com 020 7480 6848 ﴾WAQ178943﴿

Olivers Wharf, Wapping E1W

Warehouse conversion Beautifully presented 4th floor apartment set in this attractive warehouse conversion on Wapping High Street. 3/4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, open plan kitchen reception room, excellent storage, wooden flooring, under floor heating in the bathrooms, park views and underground parking. EPC rating E. Approximately 214 sq m ﴾2300 sq ft﴿ Guide price: £975 per week

Wapping Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings wapping.lettings@knightfrank.com 020 7480 6848 ﴾WAQ112204﴿

City Mag Sept13 Waterman Olivers - 12 August 2013 - 40674

19/08/2013 11:32:16

C

KnightFrank.co.uk Sterling Mansions, Aldgate E1 Brand new apartment

Brand new 4th floor apartment to rent in the luxury portered development 75 Leman Street in Aldgate close to the City. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, fullyfitted open plan kitchen reception room, high ceilings, beautiful wooden flooring and a stylish interior designed furniture package. EPC rating C. Approximately 87 sq m ﴾938 sq ft﴿

Available furnished Guide price: £675 per week

Wapping Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings wapping.lettings@knightfrank.com 020 7480 6848 ﴾WAQ182933﴿

Times Square, City of London E1 Stylish City apartment

Very smart apartment set in a portered development close to Tower Hill and St Katharine Docks. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, open plan kitchen reception room, wooden floors, a private balcony, underground parking and modern furnishings. EPC rating C.

Available furnished Guide price: £550 per week

Wapping Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings wapping.lettings@knightfrank.com 020 7480 6848 ﴾WAQ106957﴿

City Mag Sept 13 Times Stirling - 12 August 2013 - 40675

20/08/2013 11:28:29

KnightFrank.co.uk Spencer Road, Wandsworth SW18 Superbly presented

The property has been beautifully refurbished throughout to create a stylish home with well balanced family accommodation. 4/5 double bedrooms, 4 bathrooms ﴾3 en suite﴿, double reception room, study, playroom/bedroom 5, kitchen/dining/family room, utility room, cloakroom, garden, CCTV fitted. EPC rating D. Approximately 273.5 sq m (2,944 sq ft) Freehold Asking price: £3,000,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/wandsworth wandsworth@knightfrank.com 020 7768 0993 (WND130150)

Thurleigh Road, Wandsworth SW12 Double fronted

This large house has a full width basement conversion, garage and is situated between the Commons. 5/6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms (1 en suite), 4 reception rooms, utility room, downstairs cloakroom, store room, wine cellar, garage, garden. EPC rating D. Approximately 403 sq m (4,359 sq ft) Freeehold Asking price: £3,500,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/wandsworth wandsworth@knightfrank.com 020 7768 0993 (WND130151)

2

KnightFrank.co.uk

NEW ARRIVAL Mill Road, Aveley RM15 Two bedroom sustainable house

NEW ARRIVAL £250,000

Wharfside Point, Poplar E14 One bedroom apartment

NEW ARRIVAL £300,000

Millharbour, Isle of Dogs E14 Two bedroom apartment

£460,000

LET US INTRODUCE YOU TO OUR NEWEST PROPERTIES NEW ARRIVAL Orion Point, Isle of Dogs E14 Two bedroom apartment

£470,000

020 7512 9966 cwharf@knightfrank.com

NEW ARRIVAL Dunbar Wharf, Limehouse E14 Two bedroom apartment

For more details on all of these new properties and more throughout our global network of offices, please contact us today or visit our website.

KnightFrank.co.uk/canarywharf

Port East Apartments, Hertsmere Road E14 £1,050,000 Three bedroom apartment

Wickes House, Poplar E14 Two bedroom apartment

NEW ARRIVAL

NEW ARRIVAL Port East Apartments, Hertsmere Road E14 £1,250,000 Two bedroom apartment

NEW ARRIVAL West India Quay, Hertsmere Road E14 £1,795,000 Two bedroom apartment

Congratulations on your new arrival!

Knight Frank would like to congratulate the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the birth of baby George Alexander Louis.

£475,000

West India Quay, Hertsmere Road E14 £930,000 Two bedroom apartment

£620,000

NEW ARRIVAL

NEW ARRIVAL

Ebor Street & Boxpark

Found in Shoreditch Savills has been selling and letting homes in London since 1966.

Savills has a network of 27 offices across the Capital and a black book of contacts from over 500 offices and associates around the world.

Selling and letting in Shoreditch just got easier.

Contact Lauren Ireland lireland@savills.com

savills.com

020 7456 6800

savills.co.uk

1 PERIOD FAMILY HOME IN A QUIET HIGHBURY STREET hamilton park, n5 Through reception room ø kitchen/dining room ø 3 double bedrooms ø family bathroom ø shower room ø w.c. ø vault and loft ø garden ø 140 sq m (1,507 sq ft) ø EPC=D

Guide £1.295 million Freehold

Savills Islington Paul Williams pwilliams@savills.com

020 7226 1313

savills.co.uk

1 A STUNNING FAMILY HOUSE FINISHED TO EXACTING STANDARDS ardilaun road, n5 4 double bedrooms ø 2 reception rooms ø 2 bathrooms ø private garden ø under floor heating ø 223 m sq (2,400 sq ft) ø administration charges apply ø Council Tax=G ø EPC=E

£1,400 per week Unfurnished

Savills Islington Fitore Vula fvula@savills.com

020 7226 1313

savills.co.uk

1 AN OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE A SENSATIONAL GRADE II* FAMILY HOME pagoda gardens, se3 Galleried hall ø drawing room ø pagoda room ø conservatory ø kitchen/breakfast room ø 2 further reception rooms ø 5 bedrooms (2 en suite) ø 2 further bathrooms ø 2 bedroom annexe ø 1/3 of an acre ø driveway & garage ø 581 sq m (6,253 sq ft) ø EPC=E Asking £2.975 million Freehold

Savills Clapham Robin Chatwin rchatwin@savills.com

020 8673 4111

1 2

savills.co.uk

BELGRAVE COURT, e14

DOLPHIN HOUSE, sw6

Reception room ø open plan kitchen ø 4 bedrooms ø 4 bathrooms ø balcony ø 2 parking spaces ø concierge ø 223 sq m (2,404 sq ft) ø EPC=C

Reception room ø open plan kitchen ø 3 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø terrace ø parking space ø concierge ø 127 sq m (1,371 sq ft) ø EPC=D

Guide £2.3 million Leasehold

Guide £1.325 million Leasehold

3 4

Savills Canary Wharf sgretton@savills.com 0208 877 4823

Savills Fulham - Parsons Green sgretton@savills.com 0208 877 4823

GLOBE VIEW, ec4

PETERSHAM ROAD, tw10

2 reception rooms ø kitchen ø 2 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø off-street parking ø concierge ø porterage ø 97 sq m (1,051 sq ft) ø EPC=D

Reception room ø kitchen/breakfast room ø 2 bedrooms ø bathroom ø river views ø penthouse ø 100 sq m (1,082 sq ft) ø EPC=C

Guide £1.299 million Share of Freehold

Guide £795,000 Share of Freehold

Savills Docklands fmoynihan@savills.com 020 8877 4823

Savills Richmond fmoynihan@savills.com 020 8877 4823

3

1 2

savills.co.uk

ST JOHN'S WHARF, e1w

PIERHEAD, e1w

Reception room ø kitchen ø 4 bedrooms ø 3 bathrooms ø protected parking space ø 2 balconies ø 2 terraces ø porterage ø 245 sq m (2,644 sq ft) ø EPC=C

Reception room ø dining room ø drawing room ø kitchen ø 4 bedrooms ø 4 bathrooms ø communal gardens ø 211 sq m (2,281 sq ft) ø EPC=C

Guide £2.5 million Share of Freehold

Guide £2.25 million Freehold

3 4

Savills Docklands zjames@savills.com 020 7456 6800

Savills Docklands nefthymiou@savills.com 020 7456 6800

PRUSOMS ISLAND, e1w

BUTLERS & COLONIAL, se1

2 reception rooms ø open plan kitchen ø 2 bedrooms ø 3 bathrooms ø roof terrace ø protected parking ø 179 sq m (1,933 sq ft) ø EPC=C

Reception room ø kitchen ø 2 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø balcony ø protected parking ø 117 sq m (1,259 sq ft) ø EPC=B

Guide £1.2 million Share of Freehold

Guide £1.1 million Leasehold

Savills Docklands zjames@savills.com 020 7456 6800

Savills Docklands nefthymiou@savills.com 020 7456 6800

1 2

savills.co.uk

BLYTHS WHARF, e14

WEST INDIA QUAY, e14

4 bedrooms (2 en suite) ø further bathroom ø reception room ø allocated parking ø roof terrace ø administration charges apply ø Council Tax=E ø EPC=E

2 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø reception room ø balcony ø allocated parking ø porterage ø administration charges apply ø Council Tax=G ø EPC=B

£1,100 per week Furnished

£900 per week Furnished

3 4

Savills Canary Wharf dbaldock@savills.com 020 7531 2507

Savills Canary Wharf ibates@savills.com 020 7531 2522

EXCHANGE BUILDING, e1

IVORY HOUSE, e1w

2 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø reception room ø 24hr porterage ø administration charges apply ø Council Tax=F ø EPC=B

Bedroom ø bathroom ø reception room ø terrace with marina views ø porterage ø allocated parking ø administration charges apply ø Council Tax=E ø EPC=B

£695 per week Furnished

£675 per week Furnished

Savills Docklands brodgers@savills.com 020 7456 6800

Savills Docklands ostaylor@savills.com 020 7456 6810

homes & property

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

What are the considerations from both lettings agents and corporate clients when looking to relocate their workforce?

Often landlords stipulate a corporate tenancy requirement. Whilst there are a number of obvious advantages in letting to a large corporate organisation there are a number of factors which must be considered.

The assumption is of a large blue chip tenant, however this is not always the case and the financial status of company is important. In a number of cases the companies will assist in the re-location of the employee/tenant although a clear understanding of who is responsible for the rental payment is recommended. In most cases the corporate clients will insist on a 12 month contract with further options to renew, often for a total of up to 36 months. Break clauses for the landlord are usually only every 12 months and often the tenant will require a six month break in the first year which only they may exercise.

Some corporates will have certain requirements such as a television however much depends on the standing of the tenant and budget.

Pre-letting is not a common option and in all cases where mortgage lending is involved the agents will require confirmation from the

lender in writing that the property may be let for the full period of the tenancy including any options to extend. In many cases, large corporates will only provide an undertaking to ‘make good’ on the tenants departure, and often will not lodge a dilapidations deposit.

How have the criteria of those looking to purchase a property within the Prime Market changed over time?

I don’t think that people’s search criteria has changed much over time – it’s always been about location first, after of course what one is actually looking for, be it a house or apartment with a certain number of bedrooms and so on.

What has changed over the last five to ten years is the market knowledge that is widely available to the general public, meaning that although search criteria has remained the same, what price people place their property on the market for and in turn, what people are willing to pay has changed dramatically.

Everyone is now able to compare and contrast similar products within a specified area meaning that people are now more educated on price and know, now more than ever, what something is actually worth.

This widely available market information has resulted in people broadening their search criteria based around price and location, while asking the question ‘what else can I get for the money?’ n

Richard Pine-Coffin Jones Lang LaSalle 020 7087 5282 www.joneslanglasalle.co.uk

119

Sales

Avant Garde, Shoreditch, E1 - Prices from £400,000 Located in the heart of Shoreditch, the outstanding new development Avant Garde offers stylish apartment living on every level.Featuring superb finishes, from the tall chocolate brown veneer doors to the distressed smoked wood flooring; with matte glass wall finish detailing to the luxurious wool carpets - each component has been carefully planned by award winning interior designers and architects. Extensive glazing offers panoramic views across the outstanding world-famous city scape, Avant Garde also offers a 24 hour concierge service, a private residents’ lounge and gymnasium, along with landscaped ‘Free Spirit Garden’ squares & private residents’ roof terrace. Estimated completion late 2013.

16-17 Royal Exchange, London, EC3V 3LL

royalsales@eu.jll.com

Lettings

020 7087 5282 joneslanglasalle.co.uk

The Heron, Moor Lane, EC2 - Prices from £485 - £3,000 per week As the developer’s recommended agents, we have a stunning selection of suites, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, now available in this sought after development. Each resident will have membership to The Heron’s private club and roof garden. The “Heron club” will include a stylish bar with café dining, a screening room, and a private dining / meeting room with conferencing and state of the art business facilities.

A private gym with facilities for personal training will also be available. The lower floors of the building will house state of the art facilities for the world renowned & critically acclaimed Guildhall School of Music & Drama.

royallettings@eu.jll.com

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

The Beauchamp Building, EC1N £1,400,000 Leasehold A well presented, bright and spacious two bed apartment in an Art-Deco style building. EPC: B

Albany Court, E1 £375,000 Leasehold A well presented 1 bed flat in a lift-serviced building with a private terrace.

Great Sutton Street, EC1V £1,150,000 Leasehold A stunning 2 bedroom loft apartment located in the heart of Clerkenwell, with 2 balconies. EPC: C

Fenchurch House, EC3N £650,000 Leasehold A spacious two bedroom City apartment in EC3, ideally located for easy access to the city. EPC: C

Exide House, WC2H £1,499,500 Leasehold Three bedroom penthouse with a balcony and easy access to the West End.

Coltash Court, EC1Y £360,000 Leasehold One bed flat with a balcony that offers stunning views across The City of London. EPC: D

EPC: B

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

EPC: C

Tea Trade Wharf, SE1 £1,950,000 Leasehold A third floor, two bedroom 1378 sq ft river front apartment with five balconies. EPC: C

Admirals Court, SE1 £995,000 Leasehold A beautifully refurbished two bedroom, two bathroom duplex apartment in this popular portered Shad Thames development. EPC: D

East India Court, SE16 £695,000 Leasehold An 1,141 sq ft, two bedroom two bathroom duplex warehouse apartment in the heart of Rotherhithe village. EPC: D

St. Saviours Wharf, SE1 £1,695,000 Leasehold A stunning 2,368 sq ft, two bedroom refurbished warehouse conversion on Mill Street. EPC: C

Hopton Street, SE1 £1,495,000 Leasehold A character filled 2 bedroom house, believed to be the oldest house in Bankside, dating to around 1699. EPC: E

Cinnamon Wharf, SE1 £1,250,000 Leasehold A three bedroom, two bathroom 1,464 sq ft sixth floor apartment benefiting from secure underground parking. EPC: C

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

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Artillery Lane, E1 £1,270 per week Beautifully restored Grade II listed three bedroom terrace house in the heart of Spitalfields, ideally located moments from Liverpool Street.

Leman Street, E1 £675 per week Beautiful two bedroom furnished apartment ideally located on the edge of the City, close to Tower Hill, Liverpool Street and Aldgate. EPC: C

Christian Street ,E1 £435 per week Stunning two bedroom apartment in the new Space1 development, benefiting from terrace and balcony. EPC: B

Plumbers Row, E1 £440 per week A large two double bedroom two bathroom apartment with a spacious reception, galley kitchen and private terrace. EPC: C

Carter Lane, EC4 £425 per week A refurbished one bedroom apartment in this small development in the west of the City enjoying views over a small courtyard. EPC: C

City Road, EC1 £545 per week A two bed apartment situated between Moorgate and Old Street station, conveniently located for City, Shoreditch and Spitalfields. EPC: D

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

Anchor Brewhouse, SE1 £5,000 per week Exceptional three bed triplex Penthouse apartment located in the iconic Anchor Brewhouse, offering stunning views of Tower Bridge. EPC: B

Bell Yard Mews, SE1 £575 per week Modern one bedroom apartment situated in fantastic location, within a private mews just off the ever popular Bermondsey Street. EPC: C

Benbow House, SE1 £795 per week Beautifully presented two double bedroom apartment opposite the New Globe Theatre with balcony and direct river views. EPC: B

Spice Quay, SE1 £795 per week Fabulous two double bedroom sixth floor apartment with stunning views to Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf. EPC: B

Horseshoe Wharf, SE1 £775 per week Fabulous, well presented two double bedroom, riverside warehouse conversion, with views towards St Pauls and The Gherkin. EPC: D

Bermondsey Central, SE1 £360.00 per week This modern one bedroom apartment situated within a fantastic new development in one of London’s most vibrant areas. EPC: B

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

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Liverpool Road, N1 A fabulous opportunity to acquire a substantial Grade II Listed Georgian five storey family house offering over 2200 sq ft of accommodation, also benefitting from a west facing garden. This light and elegant, well proportioned period property has been beautifully renovated. GRADE II LISTED

£2,150,000 Freehold • • • • • •

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

Period family home Double reception room Kitchen/diner/playroom Five bedrooms Two bathrooms (one en-suite) West facing garden

Stoke Newington Church Street, N16 ÂŁ1,495,000 Freehold Grade II listed Georgian house offering over 2,700 sq ft of flexible accommodation over five floors and a south facing rear garden. The house retains many period features, high ceilings, large sash windows and would comfortably accommodate six bedrooms with three receptions. EPC: E

Bryantwood Road, N7 ÂŁ900,000 Freehold A period house located on a residential street in Highbury. This unique house offers substantial living space totalling 1954 sq ft and comprises of four/five bedrooms, three bath/shower rooms, reception room and kitchen. The house currently offers separate accommodation on the lower ground floor. EPC: E

Torrington Place, London E1W 2UY

2 Bedroom modern house .

West Wapping location.

Cinnabar Wharf Central, Wapping E1W 1NQ 3 double bedroom apartment with terrace overlooking the River Thames.

Swedenborg Gardens, London E1 8HP 4 bedroom house. Within easy access to the City & Canary Wharf.

Price: £424,995 Freehold

Price: £1,199,995 Leasehold

Price: £460,000 Freehold

City Reach, Orton Street, Wapping E1W 1LN

Kelson House, Stewart Street, London E14 3JL

Lime Close, Wapping E1W 2QP

Rental Price: £320 PW

Rental Price: £260 PW

Rental Price: £360 PW

Breezers Court, Wapping E1W 2BE

Mauretania Building, London E1W 3WB

Hermitage Court, Wapping E1W 1PW

Rental Price: £395 PW

Rental Price: £365 PW

Rental Price: £425 PW

1 Double bedroom modern apartment

2 double bedroom duplex apartment with superb water views.

Spacious One Bedroom Warehouse Conversion. Larger than average 1 bedroom flat on the 2nd floor.

2 double bedroom duplex apartment.

2 double bedroom apartment. 2 bathrooms.

ea2 Estate Agency Heritage Court | 8-10 Sampson Street | Wapping | London E1W 1NA t: 020 7702 3456 | f: 020 7702 9168 www.ea2.co.uk | property@ea2group.com

Hermitage Court, Wapping e1w 1pw

Waterman Way, Wapping E1W 2QW 2 double bedroom house which is situated within easy access to the City.

Scotia Building, Wapping E1W 3WA

Price: £1,250,000 Share of freehold

Rental Price: £440 PW

Price: £349,995 Leasehold

Capital Wharf, Wapping E1W 1LY

East Smithfield Parking Space, Wapping E1W 1AT

Secure parking space to rent in East Smithfield’s Ivory House.

Bridewell Place, Wapping E1W 2PB This studio is set within a lovely converted development.

Price: £799,999 Leasehold

Rental Price: £30 PW

Rental Price: £270 PW

Prospect Place, Wapping E1W 3TJ

Orient Wharf, Wapping E1W 2NN

White Horse Road, London E1 0NL

Rental Price: £280 PW

Rental Price: £299 PW

Rental Price: £395 PW

4 bedrooms, 2 with en suite shower rooms.

2 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment.

1 Bedroom modern apartment within this secure development in Wapping.

1 double bedroom apartment.

Close to Tower Hill.

2 bedroom apartment within this modern development.

2 Bedroom apartment within this pub conversion.

ea2 Estate Agency Heritage Court | 8-10 Sampson Street | Wapping | London E1W 1NA t: 020 7702 3456 | f: 020 7702 9168 www.ea2.co.uk | property@ea2group.com

Local know-how. Better results.

0 % Commission 100 % Local know-how And a commitment to getting you the best possible result …on the house! > Maximum exposure to the best buyers > London’s best negotiators* > Unequalled customer service* > Award-winning marketing > Over 150 years’ experience To celebrate the opening of our newest office in Marylebone, we are offering to sell your property for free! For full Terms and Conditions, call us or visit marshandparsons.co.uk/sell-your-home-for-free Marylebone Office 94 Baker Street, London W1U 6FZ T: 020 7368 4458 marshandparsons.co.uk

* Voted ‘Best Customer Service 2012’ by The Sunday Times and ‘Best UK Estate Agent 2012’ by The Negotiator

CurrellResidential

£1,275,000 Freehold £825,000 Share of Freehold Canonbury Road, Cross Street, N1 N1 II listed house •• Grade Converted Victorian factory bathrooms •• Three Spaciousbedrooms/two two bedroom apartment •• Excellent Separate fitted kitchen,order patio throughout decorative •• Highly Central location desirable Canonbury location

£979,000 of Freehold £299,950 Share Leasehold Canonbury Square, Upper Street, N1 N1 • 1131 Sqft, • Light and airytwo/three studio flat bedroom garden flat • Grade II listed Georgian property • Truly central location • Eat in width kitchen/diner • Lateral taking in 4 windows • South • Situatedfacing at reargarden of building

www.currell.com

£1,895,000 Virtual Freehold Novara Row, N5 • Five bedroom/three bathrooms • Fabulous reception with gallery • Next to Highbury Fields • Designed by award winning architects ‘Agenda 21’

£1,695,000 Freehold Halton Road, N1 • Grade II listed Georgian house • Four storey, three/four beds

£725,000 Leasehold

• Excellent decorative order with period features

York House, Highbury Crescent, N5

• Wonderful mature rear garden

• An attractive Edwardian mansion block off Highbury Crescent • Two bedroom flat • Eat in kitchen/breakfast room • Communal garden with secure bike shed

020 7226 4200

islington@currell.com

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

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

Bermondsey Street, SE1 Price on Application Curlew Street, Shad Thames, SE1 £2,200,000 Freehold Leeside Court, SE16 £419,950 Leasehold Norfolk House, EC4V £2,400,000 S/F A freehold property of great quality which combines the edgy, urban stylethe of a warehouse conversion A superb superb freehold property of great quality which combines the edgy, style of apartments a warehouse two bedroom apartment measuring 785 sq ft, located Oneurban of finest inconversion thewith City of the practicality of a four bedroom house. with the practicality of a five bedroom house. within a popular riverside development.

London.

homes & property

Property Showcase Georgian Splendour

T

he dramatic restoration of two properties in one of Islington’s smartest squares is nearing completion

by G&T London. The elegant Georgian homes offer spacious accommodation of 5,199 sqft and 4,004 sqft respectively. Both of the houses benefit from attractive landscaped gardens and garages, while the interiors have been designed to fuse exquisite period features with highquality, contemporary design and advanced technology including mood lighting. Myddelton Square is situated a stone’s throw from the Sadler’s Wells Theatre as well as the cosmopolitan bars and restaurants of Angel. n

Myddelton Square, EC1 No 58: OEO £5.7M FREEHOLD No 59: OEO £4.25M FREEHOLD Knight Frank Islington www.knightfrank.co.uk/islington

020 3657 7340 140

Move faster for free with

One goal: “Surety for property sellers and buyers in 28 days or less�

Whether you are selling or buying, we aim to make your move legal within 28 days... so you can move forward and plan your future.

For further information, please visit our website or contact us directly for details of your local accredited estate agent.

info@move28.com 0844 247 28 28 www.move28.com

Designed for the City lifestyle

Replace the daily commute with an easy stroll, by living in the very heart of the City at Roman House. This magnificent collection of apartments and penthouses is designed for the demands of today’s City-based international lifestyles and cosmopolitan tastes.

• Residents-only gym

• Studios, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, 2 bedroom duplexes and individually designed 3 bedroom penthouses

• 24 hour concierge

• Architecturally significant building, expertly refurbished

by Berkeley • Juliet balconies to most apartments; terraces to penthouses

• Luxurious specification includes fully equipped fitted kitchens, engineered timber flooring, underfloor heating • Impressive entrance foyer and lift lobby with feature mosaic • 999 year lease

Luxury Studios, 1, 2 & 3 bedroom residences from £660,000 The Berkeley Group invests in the skills that keep Britain’s heritage alive

Sales & Marketing Suite open daily 10am-6pm (Late night opening on Thursdays until 8pm ) Roman House, Wood Street, London, EC2Y 5BA.

Call: 020 3489 0613 or email: romanhouse@berkeleygroup.co.uk www.roman-house.co.uk

Roman House is a refurbished City landmark with many original features.

Our Vision. Your Future.

Proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of companies

Computer Generated Images depict Roman House and are indicative only. Prices correct at time of press.

• Located in the heart of the City, next to The Barbican

c

unIQuE homES, unIQuE SErVICE, unIQuE PEoPlE A tailored service from Langford Russell, John Payne & Acorn for distinctive and exclusive homes

By Langford Russell

FoREsT RiDgE, KEsTon PaRK BR2 striking five bedroom, three bathroom detached home with four receptions which enjoys a fantastic position on Forest ridge, a highly sought after location and part of the keston Park private estate. The dazzling white façade is well screened by tall pines and the sweeping carriageway drive provides a lovely frontage. Secluded rear garden with heated pool. Energy Efficiency Rating C.

£1,850,000 F/h Please contact our Locksbottom office for more information: Tel: 01689 882 988 Email: locksbottom@langfordrussell.co.uk

Elm Walk, Farnborough Park br6 an original thatched home built c.1920 extended and remodelled to offer a remarkable interior of over 9000 sq ft. Complete with indoor heated pool, spa and sauna, gymnasium and full cinema for 12 guests, this outstanding home has five bedroom suites and four reception rooms leading from a stunning marbled entrance hall and is set within beautiful landscaped grounds of 0.8 acres. Energy Efficiency Rating D.

£2,999,995 F/h Please contact our Locksbottom office for more information: Tel: 01689 882 988 Email: locksbottom@langfordrussell.co.uk

Offices Across South East London & Kent www.uniquepropertiesuk.com www.acorn.ltd.uk www.langfordrussell.co.uk www.johnpayne.com

UNIQUE is a Specialist Division of Langford Russell, John Payne & Acorn

homes & property

SPOTLIGHT ON: Greenwich Living

WHY

Since the London Olympics 2012, Greenwich is now amongst the capital’s most desirable addresses.

The historic streets, parks, shops, bars and restaurants of Royal Greenwich radiate a community feel.

The picturesque World Heritage Site — Maritime Greenwich, as well as the River Thames, give the area tranquillity while an emerging leisure and hospitality scene boasts venues from the likes of Caprice Holdings and chef Guy Awford to ensure entertainment and lifestyle is high on the agenda. The University of Greenwich also provides excellent sub-letting potential.

WHERE

The River Gardens at Royal Greenwich, a residential development of contemporary architecture, faces the striking skyline of one of London’s major financial centres, Canary Wharf, just across the River Thames. The semi-diurnal tidal flows of the river provide a constant change to the landscape and creates a vibrant hub of luxury river-side living.

The wealth of leisure facilities including a private gym, tennis courts and swimming pool are designed around four beautifully landscaped garden squares. As well as a dedicated concierge, shops and restaurants will be available to residents, with added extras such as a crèche and business centre. The River Gardens offers contemporary London living in the heart of this Royal Borough.

WHAT

Internationally acclaimed architects Squire & Partners, renowned for creating glossy, cutting-edge developments, designed the apartments at The River Gardens which are contemporary in design, sleek and spacious with floor-to-ceiling windows and large balconies.

WHO

London & Regional with Jones Lang LaSalle www.therivergardens.com 020 3747 6111

banning street, se10 from £300,000 leasehold

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THE LARGEST N E W A PA R T M E N T S IN ROYAL GREENWICH

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4 WAT E R S I D E G A R D E N S Q U A R E S

1, 2 & 3 BEDS AVAILABLE FROM £300,000 PRIVATE GYM/SWIMMING POOL, RESTAURANTS, RETAIL & CRÈCHE

6 ACRE LANDS CAPED SETTING

E XC E P T I O N A L S P E C I F I C AT I O N 020 3747 6111

REGISTER FOR PREMIER LAUNCH INVITATION AT therivergardens.com