CW JANUARY 2010 by Runwild Media Group

True Character

A B a l l y m o re D eve l o p m e n t

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There has never been a better time to take advantage of one of the exceptional finance deals available on the fabulous new Lotus Evora. An exclusive proposition, the Evora uses unique and innovative aluminium chassis technology wrapped in iconic Lotus styling. Its character traits of sophistication, agility and dynamism are clearly portrayed, backed up by legendary Lotus ride and handling. Inside, bold shapes and beautiful materials are linked in unison, offering a virtuous combination of simplicity, comfort and style using exquisite detailing and hand-built craftmanship. A unique mid-engined 2+2 layout offers striking levels of everyday practicality without compromising the characteristics of a true sportscar. An extraordinary combination of performance and economy confirm the Evora as the 21st century sportscar, a true Lotus, worthy of the name.

Regular Payment Purchase Plan

50:50 Purchase Plan

Evora 2+0 Evora 2+0 Model Model £48,450.00 £48,450.00 OTR Price OTR Price £9,950.00 £24,225.00 Deposit Deposit £740.00 £0.00 First Monthly Payment 11 Monthly Payments £595.00 £24,225.00 35 Monthly Payments Final Payment At Baltimore Wharf leading edge architecture and design come together in superbly £21,700.50 £24,225.00 Final Payment Amount of Credit appointed apartments, where residents enjoy five-star services including a twenty-four £38,500.00 £48,450.00 Amount of Credit Total Amount Payable hour concierge and valet parking. £53,215.50 Total Amount Payable 0.0% APR Typical Central boulevard lead to the Baltimore£145.00 Club, London’s first luxury urban country Facility gardens Fee* club. Offering virtual sports – golf, clay and game shooting and a state-of-the-art gym. 5.2% APR Typical This iconic development is in a tranquil waterside enclave, just five minutes walk from Canary Wharf.

Finance subject to status.ready UK retailto customers Indemnities may be required. Subject to availability participating UK Lotus So, register your interest now...get enjoy only. country club living in the heart of the atcity.

dealers for vehicles registered before 28/2/10.* Payable with the first instalment. Prices and details correct at the time of publishing, December 2009, and are subject to change without notice. Lotus Finance Ltd, St William House, Tresillian Terrace, Cardiff, CF10 5BH.

www.baltimorewharf.com Call 0800 404 8855

www.lotusevora.com RWM advert.indd 5

consumption in mpg (l/100km): Urban 22.8 (12.4), Extra Urban 43.5 (6.5), Prices from Fuel £265,000. Combined 32.5 (8.7) CO2 emissions: 205 g/km

Standard BT call rates apply and may be higher from mobiles. Prices and details correct at time of going to press. *This is a computer generated image. In line with our policy of continuous improvement we reserve the right to alter the layout, building style, landscaping and specification at any time without notice.

18/12/09 09:41:02

Regular Payment Purchase Plan Model OTR Price Deposit First Monthly Payment 35 Monthly Payments Final Payment Amount of Credit Total Amount Payable Facility Fee*

Evora 2+0 £48,450.00 £9,950.00 £740.00 £595.00 £21,700.50 £38,500.00 £53,215.50 £145.00

50:50 Purchase Plan Model OTR Price Deposit 11 Monthly Payments Final Payment Amount of Credit Total Amount Payable

Evora 2+0 £48,450.00 £24,225.00 £0.00 £24,225.00 £24,225.00 £48,450.00

0.0% APR Typical

5.2% APR Typical Finance subject to status. UK retail customers only. Indemnities may be required. Subject to availability at participating UK Lotus dealers for vehicles registered before 28/2/10.* Payable with the first instalment. Prices and details correct at the time of publishing, December 2009, and are subject to change without notice. Lotus Finance Ltd, St William House, Tresillian Terrace, Cardiff, CF10 5BH.

Fuel consumption in mpg (l/100km): Urban 22.8 (12.4), Extra Urban 43.5 (6.5), Combined 32.5 (8.7) CO2 emissions: 205 g/km

18/12/09 09:41:02

contents F E AT U R E S 10 THE ART OF INVESTMENT Alternative investments for 2010

the art

REGULARS

I N V E S T M E N T

8 EDITOR’S LETTER 21 OBJECT OF DESIRE

22 BUSINESS PROFILE Rob Lee talks about his move from football to finance

25 MOTLEY FOOL 26 BUSINESS EXPERTS 41 OUT & ABOUT

46 FASHION Cruise Wear 60 NIP & TUCK Perfection to be proud of

45 FASHION NEWS

57 HEALTH & BEAUTY 68 5 OF THE BEST...

64 WHAT’S THE ALTERNATIVE? Does natural medicine hold the key to better health?

71 TRAVEL NEWS 75 SPORT 78 GADGETS

72 SCENE STEALING Does Stoke Park offer more than just a silver screen backdrop?

81 MOTORING 87 ARTS & CULTURE

76 THE GREATEST RACE ON EARTH Lee Brooks looks ahead to the 2010 Dakar Rally

88 ENTERTAINMENT

91 FOOD & DRINK 99 CITYLIFE RECOMMENDS 103 PROPERTY 117 INTERIORS

motoring

Aston

ADVANTAGE

DAY

Cruise Photographer: Peter Zownir Fashion Editor: Lucie Dodds

White and gold disc cut-out ‘Phuket’ swimsuit, £ 275 Melissa Odabash 020 7229 4299, www.odabash.com Rose gold stilettos, £445, Rupert Sanderson, 33 Bruton Place, W1, 020 7491 2220, www.rupertsanderson.co.uk

Today, Aston Martin – so often close to bankruptcy in the past – is financially fit. But through thick and thin it has always created some of the world’s most desirable motor cars. Matthew Carter spends five days with one Why does this always happen? I’m due to spend the next few days behind the wheel of an Aston Martin V8, only it’s a Roadster… and it’s pissing down. Could be worse, I suppose. I could be driving a G-Whizz. Test cars are usually delivered, but I’ve decided to head up to Aston’s home in Gaydon to have a quick look around the factory before taking the Roadster away. Aston’s HQ is an impressive building: with office and factory under one roof, it’s a minimalist design in glass and sandstone but on a grand scale, if that’s not a contradiction. Inside I’m treated like a potential customer rather than a penniless hack. Most customers turn up at Gaydon just before their car is to be built so they can finalise colour and trim combinations and choose their options before their machine starts its journey down the line. It’s a clever ploy as, swept up by the occasion, many tick far more boxes than they originally planned. The bulk of the building is given over to creating the current range of V8 Vantage, DB9 and DBS models. Everything bar the engines is made here (engines are built in Germany) and, although automation is evident, much is still done by hand. The factory has an annual capacity of around 7,200 cars, but due to the recession it was down to about 4,500 in 2009. Still, when you consider that Aston’s annual output

in 1975 was just 20 cars and up until 2000 it was in the hundreds rather than thousands, that’s still impressive. Each car takes upwards of 185 man hours to build (a Porsche 911 takes nearer 60) but the visit takes just a couple and includes a chance to see the awesome One77 in the newly opened Aston Design Centre. Just 77 examples of this 7.3-litre V12-power carbon-bodied supercar will be built and so far around 50 have been sold...at £1.2m a go. All this is very well, but I’m itching to get behind the wheel. Finally, I’m given the glass key to a steel grey V8 Roadster. It’s been loaded with everything, this Vantage. It has a dramatic burgundy-coloured roof to match the red leather interior, sports seats, big wheels, lowered suspension and Aston’s own Sportshift manual/automatic transmission with flappy paddles behind the wheel. I plug the key into the middle of the dash and with a gruff bark the 4.7-litre V8 – newly enlarged from 4.3-litres – comes to life. I choose ‘D’ from the dashboard gear selector buttons and we’re away. The first trip is a mindless trundle back down the M40 to London. It’s tipping it down and my first concern is to look for leaks from the hood. There aren’t any: Aston build quality is as good as it gets these days.

Office-bound today, with just a couple of trips in heavy London traffic. At least it gives me a chance to see how the Vantage would cope as everyday transport. Sad to report, it’s unconvincing. I stick to auto mode for the gearbox and am seriously disappointed. Gearshifts are cumbersome and jerky and more than once it refuses to accelerate away cleanly. One time I’m trying to turn right as a double-decker looms towards me – that got the heart beating a little faster. In a bad mood with the car, I start to nitpick. With the roof up, visibility – especially to the rear – is terrible, while finding the ideal driving position is a nightmare. The thinner sports seats might save a few kilos but the backrest is fixed and I can’t get comfortable. Oddment space is at a premium in the cabin and although there are cubbyholes behind the seats, thanks to that backrest you can’t access them. The piano-black centre centre console, meanwhile, looks fabulous but provides distracting reflections from the screen. Still the premium B&O sound system, with its levitating tweeters, adds a sense of theatre to the drive. Still raining, but I have a journey planned that will hopefully let me enjoy the Vantage despite the weather. I head up to the NEC in Birmingham for the Classic Car show. Avoiding the M40, I use the lightly trafficked old A40 plus a host of B-roads and start to use the gearbox as a clutchless manual. Lifting off the throttle momentarily before flipping a paddle finally delivers crisp quick gear changes. Sometimes the car’s brain elects to change down fractions before I do, though, the result being two down shifts when one would do. Still above 4000rpm, the engine starts to sing its deep V8 song. The Aston has spoiled me for Classic Car show. It’s difficult to get excited about old Ford Cortinas when I know I’ve got a stunning looking, fine handling, 420hp two-seater in the car park. I cut short my visit and head back to the Aston. It’s cold and windy, but at least it’s not raining so I lower the hood and crank up the heater. Instantly the cabin becomes a better place, not so claustrophobic. And I can really hear that engine now. I retrace my journey back down the A40, after making a quick detour to the tiny village of Tanworth-in-Arden and the 14th century church of St Mary Magdalene. In its graveyard are buried two heroes – motorcycling legend Mike ‘The Bike’ Hailwood, buried with his young daughter after both were killed in a road accident in 1981, and singer-songwriter Nick Drake, who lived in the village and died tragically young in 1974 - it would be years before his music was fully appreciated.

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HOW TO WIN Please send your name, address and the title of the magazine you would like to subscribe to: subscribe@runwildgroup.co.uk Terms & conditions: Entry is open to residents of the UK except employees (and their families) of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) and RunWild Media Group, its printers and agents, the suppliers of the prizes and any other companies associated with the competitions. The editors decision is final. The winner will be drawn at random on 30 January, 2010 and notified by email. The winner must be aged 18 or over. Proof of identity and age may be required. Use of a false name or address will result in disqualification. All entries must be made directly by the person entering the competition. The prizes are as stated, subject to availability at the time of booking (standard Service Provider booking conditions apply) are not transferable to another individual and no cash or other alternatives will be offered. Winners are responsible for expenses and arrangements not specifically included in the prizes, including any necessary travel, travel documents, passports and visas. Prizes are subject to availability and the prize suppliersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; terms and conditions. The promoters reserve the right to amend or alter the terms of competitions and reject entries from entrants not entering into the spirit of the competition. The winner will be chosen from all correct entries submitted to SLH by email by the closing date stated within the promotional material and the prize must be redeemed before January 31, 2011. Winners will be confirmed in writing. Reasonable efforts will be made to contact a winner. Failure to respond and/or provide an address for delivery, or failure to meet the eligibility requirements may result in forfeiture of the prize. If they cannot be contacted, or are unable comply with these terms and conditions, the Promoter reserves the right to offer the prize to the next eligible entrant drawn at random. Where applicable, the decision of the judges is final based on the criteria set out in the promotion and no correspondence will be entered into over this decision. Competitions may be modified or withdrawn at any time. The Service Provider and contact details are specified within the promotional material.

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M Editor

the Se

Life is its own journey...

From single to couple – this month we spend a lot of our ti need for the perfect wedding day; from planning the stag-do doing on their last night of freedom these days? – to counti hints and tips from our panel of experts. We investigate wh style, what to say in the speech and how to look great on y we try out the latest and greatest treatments – going under There’s gadgets galore (p.78), our favourite spy’s make up, treatments, Tui with Na massages and general favourite caroxygen (p.64) and dining like Bond a most rewarding) way. fabulous New Year offer at Canary Wharf’s newest

from the editor... don’t know about you but 2010 has very slyly crept up on me. I am usually prepared to enter the New Year with a long list of resolutions and plans for exciting times in the months to come. This year, however, I’m still plotting. So, if like me, you need a little inspiration for the year ahead take a look through the following pages and you’re sure to find something that catches your eye. The start of the year is a good time to dust down the financial archives and give them a timely spring clean, especially after the Christmas extravaganza. Stocks and shares are all well and good but the lack of confidence in financial markets is prompting the discerning investor to look towards alternative investments. From such pleasurable assets as wine and art to classic cars, we take a look (p.10) at what the experts in each field are suggesting to add some excitement to your portfolio. And in Homes & Property we look at Switzerland as a home owning option when the 50% tax bracket looms in April (p.112), well if it’s good enough for McDonalds...

place be seen, The (p.97). Fromtosummer to Battery autumn – moving from what can only be into autumn, it is one of my most favourite times of the yea Finally, wouldn’t the be colours that the leave not justa January becauseissue mysimply hair matches complete without a little look at those healthy that nature throws at us during the fall, of course but most New Year’sgives resolutions there is no our escaping weather us to that reinvestigate wardrobes that excite from. We’ve Five of the Best spas (p.68), profiling local boutiques, our fashiona pages are truly blosso look at alternative health (p.64) and some less And from editor to editor – this issue my last at the helm of natural options to choose from (p.60) too is – to I am for going to test out theand theory thattothe road to London i cater all your pampering preening in the very start 2010 offcapable how youhands mean toofgomy on.team and thank you for yo that has made the magazines the successes that they have b

Wishing happyhealth, and prosperous 2010happiness. Wishingyou youa good wealth and

Louisa Castle Editor

Live

Manchester MANCHESTER’S PREMIER GUIDE TO LUXURY LIVING • SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2009 ISSUE 20

Live

January

Over the past two years we have brought you all the very b magazine was born and has grown and evolved with each i to you our second birthday issue, it’s all about change:

SEPTEMBER 2009 ISSUE 12

Speaking of excitement you can’t get much better than Bond and that dinner party debate as to who did play the best Bond? One option is looking rather suave on the cover, courtesy of Getty Images, another tackles Goldfinger on the golf course as we review The Stoke Park Club on p. 72 along with the only other real contestant in his days before Bond as the lead in Layer Cake.

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the art

I N V E S T M E N T For many, the New Year is a prudent time for investment – but why not branch out from stocks and shares and look at some of the more creative (and enjoyable!) ways to invest your money, says Josephine O’Donoghue

ith New Year’s resolutions ringing in your ears, it’s more than likely that alongside your promises to give up wine and chocolate, there is a renewed intention to manage your money more responsibly. As the sparkle and shine of the festive period comes to an end, thoughts inevitably turn to more serious matters and in the current climate, what could be more serious than the state of our personal finances? A growing lack of confidence in the financial markets is prompting investors to look towards assets which they can enjoy for themselves. Even if banks are secure at present, interest rates currently on offer are hardly tempting, so alternative investments are becoming popular. There are a number of more ‘pleasurable assets’ to invest your money in without agonising over ISAs, premium bonds and interest rates. From wine and whisky, to houses and cars, we look at some of the most luxurious ‘lifestyle investment’ choices.

HE ULTIMATE LIQUID ASSET

One of the most popular methods of investment in the last decade, you might consider buying a case of vintage wine or rare whisky. The taxman considers wine as ‘wasting chattels’ – that is to say, goods that deteriorate in value – so they are not subject to Capital Gains Tax. Demand for wine is being driven by Asian buyers particularly, says Serena Sutcliffe, head of the international wine department at Sotheby’s. This could be partly due to a change in the tax system in Hong Kong and Macau, which has reduced the duty due on wine in the region.

One popular way to invest (particularly for those without expert knowledge) is to buy through a fund. The Wine Investment Fund (WIF) and The Vintage Wine Fund (VWF) are two popular choices. Charges at the VWF are 2% a year, plus 20% of any gains after fees, but the fund is based in the tax-haven of the Cayman Islands. For those more interested in whiskies, there are three ways of investing directly in whisky: identifying limited edition bottles that will rise in price once sold out; buying casks at a good trade price that will be in demand in years to come; and looking at the new single malt distillery projects.

MASTERPIECE FOR ME

Despite the recession, Christie’s auction house has enjoyed an increased popularity in art sales; the total sales of all art worldwide at Christie’s were calculated at £1.5bn in 2000, which has jumped 87% to £2.8bn in 2008. One late Picasso which Christie’s sold in 2004 for £2.8m came back for a sale in 2009 estimated at £5-7m. 2009 also saw the sale of Claude Monet’s Au Parc Monceau; it sold for £3.7m in 2001 but in 2009 it sold again for £6.3m – a 71% increase in less than ten years. Other areas to take note of include Chinese and Iranian art. Harvey Cammell of Bonhams says; “One of the strongest markets during the recession has been Chinese art. We have just had one of our strongest Chinese sales with items of jade and imperial works of art selling far, far in excess of expectations”.

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IME’S A’ TICKING

Buying or receiving a new watch is one of life’s great pleasures, but perhaps even more so is the miraculous discovery of the antique, vintage or rare limited edition timepiece – perfect for a long-term investment. Whether such a treasure has inspired years of searching, or forms part of a larger portfolio collection, watches make a great investment piece and a personal collectable item. Of course, from all the watch families, there are particular names that stand out when hunting for that classic timepiece. Rolex has been a name synonymous with luxury and class for just over a century, known around the world for developing and patenting the world’s first waterproof wristwatch; creating the Perpetual Rotor; and launching the Submariner (invented originally for deep sea divers and adopted by the British Royal Navy). An investment like this is akin to owning a piece of technological history.

LL THAT GLITTERS

Whilst everyone is aware that gold bullion is a solid investment, it’s often more fun to choose something you can wear too. Since 2005, the value of coloured diamonds has rocketed by 300%, taking their place as one of the most popular investments for the superwealthy. Many world renowned jewellers such as Tiffany & Co. and Cartier have responded to the change in demand by creating new coloured diamond collections; these include Cartier’s Inde Mysterieuse collection where the smallest piece (a pair of yellow rose-cut diamond earrings) was valued at over £169,000. However, coloured diamonds aren’t the only option for long-term jewellery investments. Tanzanite is one of the rarest minerals on the planet and is found in just one place; the Meralani Hills of northern Tanzania, in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro. Discovered just over 40 years ago, the rich blue tanzanite is exceptionally precious, and over 1,000 times rarer than diamonds. Expert geologists estimate that there are only 15 years of supply left, meaning that tanzanite is not only a great investment for future years but also an important addition to any jewellery collection. Theo Fennell says: “One of the great mistakes and irrelevances of jewellery buying today is the idea that cost is everything. This can lead to a cock-eyed system where not very rare stones become super expensive – diamonds over tanzanite for example – or standard rubies become more important than a very bright tourmaline, which is far rarer.” Theo Fennell, Tiffany & Co., Boodles and The Ritz Fine Jewellery all work in association with The Tanzanite Foundation.

TROPHY ON WHEELS

Coys, the UK’s leading auctioneer of classic cars states that the most sought-after cars have accelerated in price by 200% over the past decade. For example, a 1972 Ferrari 246 Dino which sold for £35,000 at a Monaco auction in 2000 would now command more than £90,000. Similarly, a 1957 Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing sold in 2000 for £100,000, would in 2010 be valued at £300,000 – and a Porsche Carrera 2.7 RS which sold for £30,000 in 2000 would now be worth £120,000. Around 90% of the cars in the Coys 2000 catalogue have risen in value, making them a solid investment for car enthusiasts. Speaking to The Guardian, Will Smith, Coys classic car auctions, says: “The existing popular classics represent sound investment potential. A perfect example is the Jaguar XK120 Roadster, a simply stunning British sports car. Prices currently start at £35,000, and go all the way up to £100,000+, but we see them steadily increasing due to their already established cult status.”

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investing in...

w i n e

The growth of wine investment has continued to rise in recent years and has spurned the growth of several Wine Investment Funds and a wide variety of resources for the wine investor. Richard Brierley, head of fine wine at Vanquish Wine Ltd, claims that the results can be rewarding both financially and on the palate

o, the question is: Can one still make a sound wine investment in this market? The answer is a definite yes. The challenging economic climate does not preclude a sound alternative investment in fine and rare wines, indeed like many markets there are many opportunities to buy into the ’blue chip‘ now at a discount to the heights of the market in 2007. Whilst technology has made comparative price information available to any collector seeking to acquire investment grade wines; the research behind the price is a key factor that will protect your portfolio long term. Expert guidance allows a potential investor to make careful acquisitions by understanding the drivers of market value such as critical opinion, provenance, storage conditions and the presence of the original wooden case for the best wines. A balanced portfolio across regions, producers and maturity, like most investment strategies, is the soundest approach. An authoritative adviser can help sort through the hype and conduct a thorough market analysis of the future price curve of an agreed basket of wines to measure potential returns. Whilst in some instances the market for a single wine or vintage increases rapidly on an influential critic’s ‘buy’ recommendation, it is preferable to consider a wine investment as a 5-10 year investment. Past trends show us that wines often peak in value as they approach their first maturity window; when they begin to lose their youthful fruit and develop as mature wines, this for most great wines is at least 5-10 years from bottling. The influence of the Asian market has grown exponentially in recent months, led by the buying power of greater China’s high net worth individuals and the abolition of duty on wines in Hong Kong. Indeed, Hong

Kong has become the new hub of a growing shift of wine investment and consumption in the world’s most populous continent. Whilst for now, their tastes are limited to a few top châteaux (in particular Château Lafite) a maturing market in mainland China will lead to a broadening of this influence. The active secondary market in fine and rare wines, together with key indices provided by (amongst others) Liv-ex; a real-time wine trading platform for wine companies, allow investors to track the market value of their portfolio on a monthly basis. Accurate information and candid advice on a timely basis should lead to a successful sale. At the time of sale, there are a number of routes to market that may be considered. It may be that your chosen merchant can quickly and efficiently find buyers for your portfolio or it may be that a major auction sale would increase the pool of buyers thus increasing the price. An ideal consultant would be able to understand and assess both these options and advise accordingly for all or part of the portfolio. As the early reports of the 2009 Bordeaux vintage point to a successful harvest that will bring exceptional wines to the market next spring as futures, there seems that the potential returns and continued interest in wine investment shows no signs of abating. Of all alternative investments, wine investment just might be the most fun! Whilst financial gain may be the central goal, the fringe benefits are just as appealing. Many investors choose to take their dividend in liquid form - by keeping back a few of those precious bottles for enjoyment. In vino veritas. n For further information, 020 7478 8949, www.vqwine.com

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investing in...

a rt

As 15 September 2008 unfolded, a paradox emerged of such worldwide interest that it was guaranteed a place in the history books: Lehman Brothers wept as it collapsed and kick-started the global financial crisis; yet Sotheby’s rejoiced as it achieved the largest income ever from a single artist auction with its Damien Hirst sale. Carol Cordrey looks at which works of art proved to be alluring to investors in 2009 and which are likely to have the same effect in 2010? 1 ABOVE: 1 Cecil Beaton

2 Spring comes to Manorbier Philip Sutton, RA

or the major auction houses, the supply of art initially dropped as owners deferred selling because they feared the financial crisis would reduce values. That only served to increase demand, particularly as the internet encourages global competition for work that is highly sought after, unique or rarely becomes available. In May 2009, Christie’s New York saw global buyers vying for David Hockney’s Beverley Hills Housewife – one of his most important works to come to auction – reaching a record for the artist of $7,922,500. Here in London, Sotheby’s expected a self-portrait by Sir Anthony van Dyck to fetch £2 to 3 million in their December 2009 sale but was actually bought for £8.3 million. Much further down on the price scale but high on the scale of investors’ interest is photographic art. Buyers swarmed to the 2009 Chris Beetles Gallery Cecil Beaton sale and excitement is already building towards the Terry O’Neill and Norman Parkinson sales scheduled for February and May 2010 respectively. As far as sculpture is concerned, Polly Bielecka of Gallery Pangolin confessed that the opening of her gallery in October 2008 was not necessarily the best timing. Nonetheless, several of Pangolin’s sculptors had great success in the Gallery’s 2009 exhibitions and those prices are expected to rise in the coming year, namely Royal Academician, William Tucker, who will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Sculpture Centre in 2010 and the emerging artist, Abigail Fallis, who will be having her first solo London show with us in May. Becoming a Royal Academician (RA) is still considered by most people in the art world to be the benchmark of talent. That view is certainly shared by Marianna Penturo, owner of The Richmond Hill Gallery which permanently occupies a gallery space in Richmond and, temporarily,

one in Cork Street where they are renowned for exhibiting work by RAs. It is an elite group of a maximum of 80 artists spanning painters, printmakers, sculptors and architects, all under the age of 75 and practising in the UK; beyond that age, they become Senior Academicians. irst Hirst’s “For an artist, recognition by the Royal Academy is the equivalent of a company being admitted to the FTSE 100” said Marianna, “It also gives investors a secure standard to assess artists by and in uncertain times, our buyers are looking to invest in artists where they feel their money will be safe”. By way of example, The Richmond Hill Gallery has seen prices for Philip Sutton’s work increase consistently by at least 10% over the past four years. This artist is now in his eightieth year and the recent publication of a retrospective of his work, An Artist’sView, has increased interest and inflated prices for his paintings. Centenaries and major art prizes are another way of noting artists’ reputations that are in the ascendancy. An exhibition celebrating the centenary of one of Britain’s greatest landscape painters, the late Edward Seago (19101974), will take place at The Taylor Gallery this February. Winners of the Turner Prize generally acquire celebrity status and correspondingly sized price tags for their work: Gilbert & George (1986); Anish Kapoor (1991); Damien Hirst (1995); and Grayson Perry (2003) typify that. Hirst’s prices fell during the start of 2009 but Bloomberg reports that valuations of his work have already returned to the peak of 2008. n For further information, please visit www.christies.com, www.sothebys.com, www.chrisbeetles.com, www.gallery-pangolin.com, www.therichmondhillgallery.com

As Hollywood prepares to celebrate its centenary in 2010, Getty Images Gallery looks at the cult of celebrity. From models to movie stars, icons such as Sean Connery and Audrey Hepburn remain our favourites. To own your own piece of Hollywood or to find the perfect present, please contact the Gallery where all images can be printed in a variety of sizes, framed or unframed. Getty Images Gallery www.gettyimagesgallery.com Cabot Place East Canary Wharf 020 7719 1457

investing in...

wat c h e s

Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s watch collectors range from Forbes list billionaires to sports stars, students and investment bankers. Claire Adler quizzes Christieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s international watch expert Aurel Bacs about bullet proof watch storage, teenage watch addicts and what to wear to an auction house

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t a Christie’s watch auction in Geneva recently, a young boy in the back row aged around 14 raised his paddle. He was accompanied by a woman who appeared to be his mother. The auctioneer at the sale, Christie’s international head of watches, Aurel Bacs, could not make out the bidder clearly, but assumed the mother had instructed her son to bid on her behalf. As it turned out, the boy was buying a watch from his own savings. In over five years in charge of the Christie’s watch department in Geneva and eight years at Sotheby’s and Phillips before that, Bacs has witnessed a level of commitment to watches which is nothing short of extraordinary. “I’ve sold watches to collectors who are in their nineties,” says Bacs, on the phone from Geneva. “On more than one occasion, one of these older collectors has suddenly called asking me to sell their whole collection. One such gentleman called me saying: “I’m in great shape and I’m well, but I want you to sell my watch collection. I’m worried my family doesn’t appreciate its value. But I am confident my children will understand the value of money in the bank account. I’d rather live 20 more years without the watches, than risk seeing the collection ending up in the wrong hands.” Bacs knows ‘at least three’ collectors who each own more than 1,000 watches. His regular clients include people who turn up at Christie’s, “unshaven in a jogging suit,” as well as those in dark double breasted suits. “One of the joys of my job is seeing the CEO of a publicly listed company, a musician and a football player sitting together talking about the intricacies of a watch dial or the beauty of a watch movement. It’s so informal, it’s really fabulous – it’s not about how much money you have to spend, but about a real passion for the subject,” says Bacs. So with a myriad of watches on offer, how is a newcomer to know where to begin? Ask people how they started collecting watches and most don’t remember. “Most say they liked one watch and then it just happened,” says Bacs. First and foremost, Bacs advises deciding on what you want from a watch. Is it just aesthetic pleasure, is it the historic value, the prestige of a particular brand, a focus on technical aspects or a short term or long term investment? Or how about a watch that tells a great story inviting you on a journey that lasts a lifetime? Classics include the Omega Speedmaster Professional the first watch to reach the moon; the Rolex Submariner - James Bond’s favourite; and Tag Heuer’s Monaco – rendered cool by Steve McQueen ever since 1971 racing film Le Mans. Patek Philippe watches are famous for repeatedly fetching world record prices at auction – most recently in November when a yellow gold Patek Philippe Calibre 89, the world’s most complicated timepiece, fetched over £3m at Antiquorum in Geneva.

Many collectors nail down one particular area which fascinates them. One collector I know owns only watches with enamel dials which were made during World War II. He loves the notion that at a time when the world was in utter turmoil and half of Europe was occupied, people continued to produce and buy high end luxury items. Another collector buys only pocket watches with royal provenance dating up until the seventeenth century. Every timepiece he owns has served the needs of a king, an emperor or a head of state. One woman is the proud owner of 100 Vacheron Constantin men’s watches. When deciding on a budget or whether to buy secondhand, auction house catalogues are a great resource for learning the values of different watches in the market. Auction sale previews offer free access to experts who are used to answering questions from beginner collectors. There are almost as many watch magazines as there are car magazines, while online watch blogs and forums from watchprosite.com to timezone.com, are useful for connecting with connoisseurs and collectors. “Questions to consider are who made it, the quality of the craftsmanship and its provenance – where the watch has been. It may be a fine watch, but if it has been worn by Godzilla and a butcher and been handled by watchmakers unqualified to repair it, then it is not great quality. Quality never came cheap.” Mechanical watches rely on constant movement to keep ticking, so there is a sophisticated market for luxurious cases for boxes and display cases designed to store and care for your watches while you sleep. Still, not everyone believes in storing watches out of sight. “I’ve seen watch collections encased in bullet proof glass showcases and one industrialist I know has built a strong room to house his watches – it’s a massive concrete bunker and only he has the code,” says Bacs. “But in the 80s, I once found myself with a collector in his living room surrounded by numerous cases filled with his watches. I asked him if he was scared of burglars. He said: “If a burglar comes, I can’t stop him. But in the meantime, I will cherish every day in this “room”. n

Aurel Bacs, auction

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investing in...

c a r s

Experts all agree that it will become increasingly difficult to make the right decision about where to put your hard earned cash. However, for the high-net worth crowd with income to spare, there are still some investments that not only hold the potential for powerful gains but can help put the fun back in your portfolio

lassic cars in particular have a long and colourful history of making wise collectors a small fortune. And that’s not taking into account the prestige status they can bestow upon their fortunate owners. RM Auctions, the world’s largest auction and restoration company specialising in investment quality vintage automobiles, has in its time sold some key pieces; a 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Spezial Roadster from the Bernie Ecclestone collection which, at £3,967,0000, became one of the most expensive road-going cars ever sold at auction; and a 1961 Ferrari 250GT SWB California Spyder, formerly the property of actor James Coburn which became the most expensive car ever sold at auction when it was bought by presenter Chris Evans for a cool £5,600,000. Experts cite several reasons why the market in classic cars continues to buck the trend: There is the rising hyperwealth in emerging economies such as Russia and India, yet closer to home, pension simplification rules and the increased popularity of SIPPs means that classic cars, along with antiques and fine wines, now offer excellent tax breaks. “Unusual assets can be an attractive addition to a welldiversified portfolio, giving an added dimension in terms of interest and the potential to generate long-term wealth appreciation,” says Rob Myers, founder and CEO of RM Auctions. “Collectability and value is driven by three factors – rarity, condition and beauty – or a combination of these.” To clear away the obstacle of definitions, care manufactured before 1903 are called veteran cars, those

between 1903 and 1933 are known as vintage and those that are at least 15 years old are grouped under classic cars. However, age alone does not determine value. The top prices are typically brought by rare racing cars such as Ferraris, Jaguars and Maseratis. Particularly desirable are cars that boast a remarkable provenance, whether it is past celebrity ownership or an impressive race history. This can double or triple the value. As Myers explains, “it took Ferrari about ten years to build the first thousand cars and then less than three years to build the next thousand. Consequently, the early cars are much rarer and will always have much higher values – so few were built that it is impossible for everyone who wants one to have one. “In addition, there is a certain magic in the sounds, smells and sensations of these coach built cars. Many were truly one of a kind, while others were built in small series of five, ten or maybe thirty.” Undoubtedly, classic car collecting can prove to be extremely lucrative but “don’t forget to enjoy your classic car as well. Think about entering it in competitions – you could awards and renown that will help secure the car’s provenance and value for future owners. “In short, enjoy the ride. There’s no other investment that compares to the enjoyment and memories of owning a classic car.” n For further information, please visit www.rmauctions.com

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business&finance

Josephine O’Donoghue talks to Rob Lee about his departure from professional football and the inauguration of his financial management company, Fortress Wealth Management

ast year, ex-Premiership footballer Rob Lee (midfielder at Newcastle United) teamed up with his Independent Financial Advisor, Kevin Neal to form a company offering bespoke independent advice. Breaking the cycle of bad investments and poor advice between IFAs and professional sportsmen, Fortress aims to serve high net worth clients and provide security for many years to come. What was the appeal of the financial industry and do you have any background in finance? There wasn’t really any appeal for the financial industry, but I think people need to be aware of pitfalls in some of the financial advice they can receive, especially if it’s recommended by a third party on commission! I can give my own personal experiences to people about this. I don’t really have a financial background; like most people I do read the financial pages but really, my background is sport and I haven’t really had time to look after my own finances. That is why my views are strong on getting good and fair financial advice. Why did you decide change industry and leave the sporting world? My work with Kevin gives me some diversification from my other media engagements; this is also something which I think can benefit younger players. I’m still involved in the sporting world to some extent and I am not ruling out the possibility that I may

return to some form of coaching or management role. In short, what does your company do? Fortress Wealth Management has been created to provide bespoke, structured, good financial products – maybe quite different from the normal services that you see from most IFAs. We want to create a brand that is different and is associated with solid financial advice and longevity post retirement. How did you and Kevin come up with the idea of being partners in a new company? Kevin has been my IFA for several years and provides me with excellent advice in terms of personal and corporate finances. He wanted to extend his brand into wealth management, particularly in the sports and media industry and I felt that I could bring in some of my own ideas and contacts. It has been a successful partnership; Kevin and his staff run the wealth management side, and I do PR to bring clients into the business. Why is it important to get financial advice when there is a large personal wealth involved? It is not just about the advice you can get on one component, such as life assurance or a mortgage. Complete financial advice is about all of these together, including future plans such as inheritance tax planning, trust planning and pension planning. Some of these are much more sophisticated than they used to be, and it is important to be financially prepared for all possibilities.

Which elements of the sporting industry have you been able to use in your new role? I think I’m good at connecting with people in the sporting world because I played at the top level for England and Newcastle – players respect the fact that I am offering advice in the context of their own position. In asking them to come and talk to us about their wealth they feel secure, particularly bearing in mind my own reputation of being a very careful and low risk investor. Have you been able to advise young players on how to manage and preserve their personal wealth? My two sons are currently at West Ham and hopefully when they start to earn reasonable sums of money, they will come to me and get the right advice. The message we send out to young players is that, by the age of 18 or 19 you will be earning seriously good money, so you must invest in longterm savings and organise your accounts on a tax-efficient basis. This is where the term wealth management comes into its own. Has the recession had a negative impact on your business? No it hasn’t; funds have done extremely well in difficult circumstances and I do believe we will go from strength to strength for many years to come. n For more information, visit www. fortresswealthmanagement.net

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Dr David Kuo, Director at the popular financial website The Motley Fool – Fool.co.uk

Investing Tips For Women

ere is a starter for ten for the start of the year: Should women invest the same way as men? In many ways, men and women face similar issues when investing. After all, they both have similar budgetary constraints. Put another way, if you spend more than you earn, then chances are you will not have any money left over to invest. But if you do have money to invest, you need to wring as much from your investments as possible. Consequently, regardless of gender, we all need to start investing as early as possible. That said there are some major differences between men and women’s life patterns that cannot be ignored. For example, women are traditionally more likely to spend more time at home caring for children. This means that for certain episodes in a woman’s career, she could earn less money than men could. However, by trimming her budget by just £20 a week (or £3 a day) a woman can extract an extra £1,000 a year that can then be put towards any investment. Furthermore, through the power of compounding, those seemingly insignificant £20 weekly contributions can mount up over a period of time. For instance, £20 put into a savings account every week paying interest at 5% annually will grow to almost £35,000 in twenty years. And over thirty years, it could grow to over £70,000. The lesson here is that the earlier you start, the more your money will grow. Interestingly, time is something that women can use to their advantage. That is because on average women outlive men. Generally, it is reckoned that women have a life expectancy of almost 81 years, which is five years longer than for men. On the one hand, this implies that women need to make greater provisions for their retirement, but it also means that they can take a slightly longer approach to investing. Accordingly, the stock market would be a

better home for a woman’s money than say, a savings account. Historically, the UK stock market has returned an average of 11% per year over the long term. Consequently, if those £20 weekly contributions were put towards an index tracker instead of into a savings account, the investment would grow to £75,000 after twenty years. Additionally, she would have almost £250,000 at her disposal after thirty years, which is three times more than leaving the money in a savings account. Unfortunately, it is reckoned that women are usually less comfortable with taking on investment risks than men are. But taking on board some risk is essential if you want to achieve inflation-beating returns. In this regard, high-yielding shares may be a sensible way to strike a happy balance between risk and returns. Dividends are a share of the profits a company makes that is distributed to shareholders. Once it is paid, the company can’t take it back, which means you can do what you want with it. Utility companies are generally some of the highest yielding blue-chip companies. These include household names such as Cable & Wireless, National Grid, Severn Trent, BT Group and Centrica, which owns British Gas.

Currently, their dividend yields range from 7% to 5%, which is better than leaving your money in a savings account. If you invest in a portfolio of high-yielding shares, you should receive a regular stream of income that can be drawn on when you need to. However, it is best not to dip into the stream too often, but instead re-invest the dividends to improve your returns. To maximise your returns further, you could consider putting your investment in a tax-free wrapper such as an Individual Savings Account (ISA) or a Self Invested Personal Pension (SIPP). By doing so, any gains you make from your investment will be exempt from taxes, and the less the taxman takes the more you earn for yourself! n For more information on investing, visit The Motley Fool at Fool.co.uk

DEFAULT RETIREMENT AGE xxxxxxxxxx

Dear Clare I am a senior executive and I am turning 65 next year. I received a letter in December from my employer stating that my intended date of retirement is 1 June 2010 but I want to keep working. Can I do so?

Regards, Jamie

Dear Jamie The ‘default retirement age’ (DRA) for employees is currently 65. Dismissing an employee at 65 for retirement reasons is normally lawful, provided correct procedures have been followed. The default retirement age of 65 was recently challenged in the courts. The Heyday case held that, although the DRA of 65 was lawful in 2006 when it was introduced, it would probably not be appropriate in current economic conditions. The Government will review the DRA next year, including the impact that changing the DRA would have on businesses. The

Martin’$ Money Matter$

It’s not easy being green Martin Bamford, Chartered Financial Planner, Informed Choice

ore than £7bn is currently invested in green and ethical funds in the UK, up from £1.5bn just ten years ago and recent research by Co-Operative Investments found that 18% of investors plan to invest ethically in the near future. In the UK, you have the choice of over 90 green and ethical funds. Each takes a slightly different approach and it can be confusing when you are trying to match a specific fund to your own ethical preferences.

There are four main ways in which a fund manager can approach the management of an ethical or socially responsible investment fund; negative screening, integration, engagement or positive selection. Each should result in a very different outcome in terms of the types of investment considered and how the fund might fit with your own views of the world. Negative screening is where ethical investing started. It involves the exclusion of companies from the pool of those under consideration

current DRA of 65 may therefore not stand and e.g. may be pushed back to a later age. How this might affect you will depend on timing and application of the new rules to employees who have already received a notice of intended retirement. However, you do already have certain rights now. Most importantly, your employer is under a duty to consider a request from you to continue working beyond 65. It should inform you of this right at least six months before your scheduled retirement date. You should then request continued working beyond 65 in writing within three to six months before 1 June. It is helpful to provide reasons in support of your request. Your employer must follow a meeting and appeal procedure to consider your request. They do not have to agree automatically to your request but failure to follow the procedure may result in a tribunal award of eight weeks’ pay. This is a complex area of law, so be sure to take proper advice. As a starting point, the ACAS website provides helpful guidance on age protections: www.acas.org.uk

Best wishes, Clare Clare Murray is managing partner at specialist employment law firm, CM Murray LLP. To submit a query, email clare.murray@cm-murray.com.The contents of this column are for general purposes only. Specialist legal advice should be taken regarding specific circumstances

because of the things they do, like armaments or tobacco. Integration involves the use of specific criteria in the selection of desirable companies. This could involve the use of analytical tools to identify environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors. Engagement is an approach used to improve a company’s performance in respect of these ESG factors. The commercial motivation behind this approach is to improve the profitability of the company, whilst ensuring alignment with the objectives of the fund. Finally, positive selection is an approach used to identify those companies that already display strong and attractive traits in terms of corporate social responsibility practices or other ‘green’ matters. A common criticism of green funds is that they carry a higher level of risk than traditional

investment funds. Green funds, and particularly those that use negative screening, typically have access to a smaller pool of potential investments. This used to drive green funds in the direction of smaller companies which are usually more risky from an investment perspective than their larger cap peers. As the climate change debate continues, and awareness of the various issues is raised, investing in ethical and socially responsible funds is something likely to become more attractive. There are plenty of sources of good impartial information out there, particularly from Ethical Investment Research Services (www.yourethicalmoney.org) and the UK Social Investment Forum (www.uksif.org). n Martin Bamford is site editor of BrilliantWithMoney and a Chartered Financial Planner at Informed Choice.

SHOPPING

getwith the programme Canary Wharf offers a whole range of get fit options – so what are you waiting for? A NEW ROUTINE This month, make sure you head down to the stylish Virgin Active Gym in West Ferry Circus to start a ‘New Year New You’ exercise routine. Offering a dynamic space to work out, splash out, or chill out, Virgin Active is a welcoming environment in which to reach your personal goals. With world-class gym facilities, the latest exercise equipment, innovative aerobics classes, toning circuits, swimming pool, personal training and a luxurious spa – what more could you ask for? If you’re one of those people who needs a bit of extra encouragement to get up and exercise, why not try one of the regular classes at Virgin Active? Choose from courses including Body Pump; Fast Class; Yoga; Powerplate; Pilates; Hulaerobics; V Core; Bootcamp; Body Attack; Group Cycle; Body Jam; and Punch Technique. Virgin Active West Ferry Circus Canary Wharf 020 7513 2999 www.virginactive.co.uk

STRICTLY LATINO

New

‘ZUMBA’:This class mixes body sculpting movements with various Latin, Hip-Hop, Salsa, Samba and Reggae dance steps and an infectious Latin soundtrack. It’s fun, energetic and suitable for all fitness levels. The festive season may be finished, but the party is just getting started at Virgin Active – Zumba is the newest fitness dance class to arrive from the states and this Columbian dance class is sure to get you moving! All routines feature interval training sessions where fast and slow rhythms, and resistance training are combined to tone and sculpt the body while burning fat at the same time.

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU Stretched over 100,000 sq ft and across three floors, the Reebok Sports Club is one of Europe’s largest private members clubs with some of the best facilities in the capital. The club has the UK’s largest spin studio, a bespoke Pilates studio, 13 metre climbing wall, 23 meter swimming pool, indoor golf and more than 150 classes a week. With over 170 pieces of cardio equipment, indoor sports hall and Power Plate studio Reebok has also won the title of ‘Britain’s Best Gym’. Reebok’s gym instructors are always on hand to evaluate your fitness and set realistic goals and will help make all your New Year’s resolutions come true! Reebok Sports Club Canada Square Canary Wharf 020 7970 0912 www.reeboksportsclublondon.com

Jukari

canary wharf s mend recom

How can we make exercise fun? Reebok Gym has come up with a fabulous and fun way to get your heart rate up – Jukari! Jukari Fit to Fly makes fitness fun again by introducing a new way to move in a gym workout and is accessible to all women, regardless of fitness levels. The hour-long workout has been created on a specially-designed piece of equipment called the FlySet – a little like a trapeze! The result is a workout that gives the sensation of flying while strengthening and lengthening the body through cardio, strength, balance and core training.

SHOPPING

Play Dry Tech Tops Vest £10 Shorts £16 trainers £70 Socks £8 The Reebok Shop Reebok Sports Club Canada Square

keepon RUNNING

So, you’ve decided to take action and get into shape - great! But you can’t do anything without making sure you have the right clothing and sports equipment. From proper running trainers to breathable t-shirts, specialised sports clothing will help maximise your performance, and consequently, your results. Head to Canary Wharf’s shopping malls for a fantastic selection of labels and get off to a running start! Adidas Adilibria Gym Tank, Green £24 Waitrose Food & Home Canada Place

GARMIN 405CX £329.99 Runners Need Churchill Place

Nike Men’s Air Vapour Quick £39 Waitrose Food & Home Canada Place Asics Kayano 16 £119.99 Runners Need Churchill Place

EASY TONE TRAINERS FROM £65 The Reebok Shop Reebok Sports Club Canada Sqaure

Exhilaration Jacket £125 Rhythm Pant £79 Sweaty Betty Cabot Place East Nike Women’s Lightweight Running set £17.99 Runners Need Churchill Place

returnof the barbershop Canary Wharf barbershop, The Gentry offers a traditional service in contemporary surroundings One for the boys only, this is probably the smoothest and coolest barbershop in London and is bound to leave you feeling great about yourself. Not your every day barbershop, The Gentry provide a range of treatments and is extremely popular for good old-fashioned wet shaves (a luxury in itself these days) and the sharpest haircuts a man could want. Using only the best products, The Gentry Barbershop uses luxury brands; American Crew, Bumble & Bumble and Fudge. From super soft luxurious shaving balms to maximum hold hair styling products, the stylists can help you achieve the look you want. And if you like what you see, The Gentry Barbershop also stocks a range of razors, shaving products and styling wax to buy – we love the American Crew Post Shave Cooling Lotion (£9.95) which moisturises,

20% DISCOUNT!

For 20% off treatments wit h therapist Gitana during the month of January, just bring this copy of Canary Wharf Magazine alo ng with you!

reduces redness and acts as a natural antiseptic, and the Classic Hair Wax (100g, £11.45) which is excellent for creating a variety of styles, from textured separation to classically groomed. From Bumble & Bumble, don’t miss the Bb’s Gel for the best in style staying-power (£20)! As part of the The Gentry group of salons, hair treatments, facials, massages, chest and back waxing (come on girls, book him in!), manicures, pedicures and eyebrow shaping are also on offer, helping the gentlemen of Canary Wharf scrub up beautifully and look their absolute best.

The Gentry Barbershop Cabot Place West Canary Wharf 020 7345 9920

Mayor’s Christmas Ball

NEWS

Canary Wharf on track to meet Carbon Targets

Canary Wharf recently got into the spirit of giving at Christmas, with the Mayor of Tower Hamlets’ Christmas Ball hosted at East Wintergarden. Guests from around Canary Wharf and Tower Hamlets raised money for St Margaret Settlements, which works with over 30 voluntary and community organisations on issues such as homelessness, education and health; and the Bangladeshi Parents and Carers Association, which provides a range of essential services for those with learning difficulties and their parents.

Canary Wharf Group (CWG) recently announced the appointment of Power Efficiency, the leading energy procurement and carbon strategy consultancy, to provide carbon management services to the Canary Wharf Estate. This will enable CWG to meet its commitment to the UK Government’s Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency legislative scheme, which comes into force in April 2010 and is central to the UK’s strategy for improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Peter Kyte, Managing Director of Canary Wharf Management Ltd said, “Canary Wharf is always striving for environmental sustainability and energy efficiency is a very important part of this. “We have constructed some of the most energy efficient office buildings in the country and we are confident that, with Power Efficiency on board, we can achieve and exceed our carbon reduction goal.”

Women of Worth

Councillor Ahmed Adam Omar, Mayor of Tower Hamlets, speaks at the Charity Ball

Jewish Care’s Stepney Jewish Day Centre recently hosted the Eshet Chayil ceremony for 12 women aged between 43 and 92 who weren’t privileged to celebrate their Bat Mitzvahs as girls. The event, which was sponsored by Canary Wharf Group, was the brainchild of Joyce Saffron who has volunteered at the centre for over 50 years. “I kept hearing about men who were having a second bar mitzvah and thought – why not have a ceremony for women?” Danny Seliger, Associate Director – Administration at Canary Wharf Group, said: “This has been a very

special and unique occasion and we are proud to support it. Many of these ladies grew up during times of great challenges and it is heart warming to be able to celebrate with those who helped to make East London the special place it is today.”

Jo7060 - Canary Wharf Xmas ad 1209:Layout 1

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Beautiful, handmade gifts for men & women that will last forever, exquisitely wrapped!

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L U X U RY

L E AT H ER

ACCESSORIES

GIFTS

art Sculpture in the workplace

Winter Lights Kablovi Park: An installation by Admir Jukanovic Jubilee Park Until 26 February FREE

Pulsating red cables, indicating the hidden energy that lies beneath the surface of Jubilee Park, form a mysterious presence for this year’s Winter Lights. Created by artist and designer Admir Jukanovic, the cables seem to have been pulled up through the ground, laid bare for all to see. Their slow heartbeat contrasts with the colourful, sparkling and rippling waters of the fountains running through the park. www.jukanovic.de

Glenys Barton Sculpture Lobby, One Canada Square 11 January - 19 March FREE

Glenys Barton is one of Britain’s leading ceramic artists. Her work is based on the human figure, manifest as dancers, and the human head, as portraiture and as a generic form. Once a dancer herself, Barton’s work is imbued with precision, calm and self-contentment. Using a discreet range of colours –

blues, whites, greens, greys – the surfaces range from matt, almost frescolike finishes, to crackled and glossy planes. Her exhibition includes a frieze of hundreds of small, cameo heads installed along the lift walls on the south side of the Lobby. Tuesday 2 March at 1.15pm FREE Glenys Barton talks to curator Ann Elliott about the exhibition. Please call 020 7418 2257 to reserve a place.

window galleries The window galleries in Canada Place Retail Mall showcase the best of up-andcoming and established artists, designers and craftspeople.

Jessica Buckingham Jubilee Walk (by Itsu) 6 – 29 January:

Jessica works with a variety of media to recreate domestic items. She deconstructs objects into their simplest forms, using materials that explore the relationship between the object and its place within everyday life. www.jessicabuckingham.co.uk

Visual Arts New Gallery Launched in Canada Place January sees the opening of a new gallery in Canada Walk, called Lightbox, between Robert Dyas and the East entrance to the Jubilee Line station.

Marco Bettoni Lightbox Gallery Canada Walk 6 January – 26 February FREE

London-based Marco Bettoni’s photographs are inspired by culture. This series is based on the sometimes odd signs you see on taxis in Tokyo. Bettoni’s work is featured in numerous public and private collections, including Virgin Atlantic and Fondazione Teseco in Pisa, Italy. www.marcobettoni.com

Ryutaro Ikeda Canada Walk (opposite Waitrose) 6 – 29 January

COMMUNITY GALLERY

Ryutaro sets up his easel on location and paints in oil, inspired by the powerful natural beauty of the two countries he paints, England & Japan.

Situated within the link from Canada Place Mall to the Jubilee Line, the Community Gallery is devoted to exhibiting work produced by local arts projects.

www.ryu-taro.com

7 January – 26 February

Somali Arts & Cultural Association The Somali Arts & Cultural Association encourages the local community to celebrate traditional Somali arts and culture with regular art and craft-making classes at the Wadajir Somali Community Centre in Poplar. Those from all backgrounds can learn basketry, printing, textile design, sculpture and more.

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the final build throughout the

Taking on both new-build

design and construction process;

schemes and works to existing

but design isn’t the only thing

buildings, the practice is

on offer.

currently working with clients to

Whilst the practices’ primary

find ways to re-model schemes

service is modern architectural

which are not meeting today’s

design, the company also

standards, making sure they get

works with feasibility schemes,

the best possible result from

planning and building regulation

the site, budget and brief of

applications, tendering, working

each commission. Focusing, as

drawings and site construction

always, on high quality solutions,

overview and certification. So, from

the practice is also working on

the seed of an idea right through

more retail and commercial

to the finishing touches, the

aspects of sites in order to help

company is on hand to complete

make the financial aspects more

every stage of the development to

sustainable in the current climate.

the very highest standard.

So, from the environment to the

Based on a philosophy of

economy, sustainability to general

quality (which is applied to

housing needs, The Johns

every step of the design and

Practice embodies quality, quality,

final construction), the company

quality from beginning to end.

Alongside the full range of RIBA work stages (A (inception) – L (completion)), The Johns Practice also offers a selection of additional services – further information on these services can be found via www.johnspractice.co.uk

Photography: Lee Smith of the Johns Practice

For a company to be as

A great life in architecture. Live in it. Work in it

AWARD-WINNING DESIGNS In the last ten years The Johns Practice has taken on commissions ranging in value from £100,000 to £20,000,000 and has won several design awards for its schemes. In 2008 it won the ‘Technical Innovation’ award for its office development for Kings Forest Housing. In 2008 The Johns Practice was awarded the ‘Employee Development’ Award and prides itself on ensuring all staff are in tune with the Practice’s ethos which has arisen from many years of working in the Housing with Care sector. The Johns Practice was also awarded ‘Local Business of the Year 2008’. The Johns Practice 29th Floor, 1 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5DY 020 7531 3623 Newmarket Office: The Studio, Oaks Drive, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7SX 01638 662 393 www.johnspractice.co.uk

events

Ice Sculpting Over two days Canary Wharf will become the focus of the UK’s unique international ice-sculpting competition. Five teams of acclaimed international sculptors will carve dramatic, large-scale works of art against the clock inspired by this year’s theme ‘Cool Trading’. The winning sculpture will be declared by a panel of judges on Saturday 16 January at 3pm. Judges comprise Guy Portelli, Fellow of the Royal Society of British Sculptors (whose talents were keenly fought over on BBC TV’s Dragons’ Den last year); Sally Williams, Public Art Consultant at Canary Wharf Group and Carol Cordrey from the London Ice Sculpting Festival. Visitors can test their own ice sculpting skills by taking part in free, supervised masterclasses. Sign up in Canada Square Park. Places are allocated on a first come, first served basis. Canary Wharf will be a hive of activity over the winter, with Canada Square also hosting the Canary Wharf Ice Rink and the new Park Pavilion, featuring restaurants Canteen, ROKA, the parlour and Wahaca. London Ice Sculpting Festival Friday 15 January – 9am – 8pm Saturday 16 January – 8am – 3pm Canada Square Park FREE For more information visit: www.mycanarywharf.com

Quiz10

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Quiz Night The search is on for Canary Wharf’s top trivia team. Entries are being called for the inaugural Canary Wharf Quiz Night on Monday 25 January at the East Wintergarden. Teams will battle it out over four rounds of questions to win first prize of £300, Canary Wharf Gift Cheques and kudos for being the smartest minds in Canary Wharf. Entry costs £12 per team, maximum six team members. All proceeds will be donated to Mudchute Park and Farm. Register in advance via email to: arts&events@canarywharf.com A full bar, and mid-quiz snacks from Nando’s and Tiffinbites, will be available from doors opening. Join in the fun and release your competitive spirit! Monday 25 January Quiz starts 6.45pm (Doors open 6pm) East Wintergarden, Bank Street For more information visit: www.mycanarywharf.com

Night iz Qstu rf a h arden W erg ry int W a n Ca Monday 25 January | Ea

Coming Soon…… Acoustic After Hours with…Eddi Reader Wednesday 17 February, 7.45pm, doors 7pm Tickets £20

Canary Wharf Comedy Club

with* Phil Nichol, Stefano Paolini, Charlie Baker, Paul McCaffrey and other TBC Tuesday 23 February, 7.15pm, doors 6.15pm Tickets £12

Acoustic After Hours with…Cara Dillon Wednesday 17 March, 7.45pm, doors 7pm Tickets £20

Canary Wharf Comedy Club

with* Adam Bloom, Raymond & Mr Timpkins Review, Tim Clark, Ava Vidal and Kevin McCarthy Tuesday 30 March, 7.15pm, doors 6.15pm Tickets £12

Acoustic After Hours with…Adrian Edmondson & The Bad Shepherds Wednesday 28 April, 7.45pm, doors 7pm Tickets £20

All events at East Wintergarden, Bank Street. Visit www.ticketweb.co.uk or call 0844 847 2268 (Booking fee applies). *Line-up correct at time of publications. www.mycanarywharf.com

lifestyle

2009 Winning Team, Holland

The annual London Ice Sculpting Festival is back for its second appearance and ready to raise everyone’s spirits in the middle of dull January. Carol Cordrey, event organiser, highlights this unique art event in the heart of London’s vibrant Canary Wharf, next to the popular ice rink

Happy Feet

UK Team Sculpting in the Snow

Polar Bear

ppreciating the artistic, entertainment and international qualities of the Festival, Canary Wharf Group was delighted to become the main sponsor and to include the Festival in its range of distinctive winter events at Canary Wharf. Additional sponsorship has been provided by Calverton Factors which generously supported the inaugural event in the centre of London last January. Teams of acclaimed ice sculptors from the UK, Italy, France, Bulgaria and The Netherlands will meet in the stunning setting of Canada Square Park, to compete for the title, Best Interpretation of Cool Trading. Last year, the Dutch team was awarded the London Ice Sculpting Festival’s trophy and medals. The competition will begin at 9am on Friday 15 January and continue through Saturday 16 January as the sculptors carve their individual interpretations of the Cool Trading theme against the clock. Their sculptures will reflect the multi-faceted trading Canary Wharf is famous for, from historic maritime industry to sophisticated modern-day financial trading and its burgeoning retail, bar and restaurant trade. The Festival will begin in dramatic fashion; the brrrruuummm of chainsaws, followed by the tap, tap, tapping of hammers and raspy sound of abrasive chisels, and finally the subtle scuff of sandpaper adding finishing touches to the ice. The sculptors stop work at 2pm for their work to be assessed by a trio of judges consisting of Guy Portelli, Fellow of the Royal Society of British Sculptors (whose talents were keenly fought over on BBC TV’s Dragons’ Den last year); Sally Williams, Public Art Consultant at CanaryWharf Group; and Carol Cordrey from Art Alone. The modern setting of Canary Wharf is ideal for contemporary ice sculpture, enhanced by the fact that whatever the weather, you can watch the artists sculpt from a plethora of nearby bars and restaurants as you enjoy your refreshments. Thanks to the generous sponsorship it has received, the London Ice Sculpting Festival will be FREE for everyone to enjoy and there will be free supervised masterclasses for anyone over the age of 12 years who wants to have a go themselves. Places are limited, though, and operate on a first-come-first-served basis, so don’t forget to book in Canada Square Park when down at the Festival. Together with The Ice Box, I created The London Ice Sculpting Festival as an exciting, unique way to kick-start each new year, and to inspire people of all ages and all interests to admire talented artists. It’s set to achieve just that! n 2010 London Ice Sculpting Festival: Cool Trading Friday 15 January 9am to 8pm: Sculpting takes place 12noon to 6pm: Ice sculpting masterclasses Saturday 15 January 8m to 2pm: Sculpting takes place 10am to 2pm: Ice sculpting masterclasses 3pm: Announcement of winning team www.mycanarywharf.com

citylifepromotion

64, Orchard Place, London E14 0JW Telephone: 020 7719 9342 Email: admin@faradayschool.co.uk Head: Mrs Sarah Counter

LIVING LITERACY Sarah Counter, headmistress of Faraday School looks at the importance of phonics and literacy

Open events On: tuesday 23rd February 9.30am-11am Wednesday 24th February 4pm-6pm thursday

25th February 6.30pm-8pm

• Come and see our unique site at Trinity Buoy Wharf • Small classes, friendly faces and busy children create an atmosphere conducive to learning • Conveniently located for Docklands, Canning Town and Greenwich

• Transport available to and from Canary Wharf each day • Part of New Model Schools, a not-for-profit organization, with fees of £5,300 pa www.faradayschool.co.uk Independent Day School

rs Counter, Mrs Counter when does the fun begin?” This was the question from a five year old child who was keen to start a literacy period on phonics. Child initiated play is encouraged by Ofsted, however children like to have routine and structure to their day. At Faraday we place a high emphasis on phonics and have a strong focus on literacy each morning. This includes singing poems and phonics based rhymes, listening to stories, and understanding, and responding to them. With eighty five percent of our Reception children this year able to read simple words before the end of their first term in school our methods are reaping dividends. Frequently the children are so engrossed in literacy extension activities that playtime in their wonderful ‘playground in the clouds’ is delayed. Peering at the line of hyacinth bulbs suspended over glass jam jars of water a child questions, “Do you think the matchsticks which are in my bulb (to stop it descending into his oversized jam jar) have caused the roots to grow the fastest?” A discussion ensues before the children race off to the rooftop playground and practice skipping and walking on brightly coloured stilts. After lunch the four and five year olds loll on brightly coloured dinosaur cushions listening to their first opera, “Amahl and the Night Visitors” by Menotti. Engrossed in the plot they empathise with the little shepherd boy who tries to convince his mother that he is not lying and that there really are three kings outside his door. The Faraday children have been rehearsing their own Christmas show in which all participate, acting, singing, speaking, and playing percussion. Words which are used in song are often beyond their normal vocabulary, but, with the help of music, children are able to verbalize long phrases which would perhaps challenge them in speech, particularly if English is not their mother tongue; this is another way we help to develop literacy skills. Faraday school can currently take children from Reception to Year 1, with a Year 2 and 3 class opening in September 2010. Parents are welcome to make an appointment to meet with the Head, Sarah Counter, and to visit the school at any time. n Parents are welcome to make an appointment to meet with the Head, Sarah Counter, and to visit the school at any time. Faraday School Trinity Buoy Wharf 64 Orchard Place London, E14 0JW 020 7719 9343 admin@faradayschool.co.uk www.faradayschool.co.uk In addition there are open events on the following dates: Tuesday 23rd February 9.30am-11am; Wednesday 24th February 4pm6pm; Thursday 25th February 6.30pm-8pm.

David M Robinson, Jubilee Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5NY 020 7538 2332 www.davidmrobinson.co.uk

lifestyle

SHOOT KING’S CROSS Shoot Experience’s ‘Capture Kings Cross’ will celebrate and explore the variety of themes and influences from the British Library’s Points of View exhibition, promising snaphappy participants a completely unique way to capture the streets of this vibrant and everchanging area. In teams of 2-4 this is a whole day of the most fun you can have discovering unknown corners of London, and unleashing your creativity. Teams also have the chance to see their photos exhibited in a gallery and bask in the glory at an exclusive private viewing. www.shootexperience.com

ROMANCE AT THE BALLET ROLL UP, ROLL UP! For anyone who loves Cirque du Soleil, this is a must-see; for anyone who has never experience its wow-factor – this is un-missable! The Saltimbanco show is coming to London; this is Cirque du Soleil’s longest running major touring show which has toured the world since 1992 to wide-spread acclaim and has enjoyed sell-out success around the world to over 11 million fans. Something for all the family, this is a dazzling show where “Myth meets magic” (NY Times) – a thrilling and kaleidoscopic celebration of awe inspiring artistry and agility. It features breathtaking acrobatics and unbelievable athleticism during solo spotlights and epic ensembles. 28 July – 1 August London Wembley Arena Tickets are on sale now, priced £50 0844 576 5483 www.cirquedusoleil.com

out about

The nights may be drawing in, but there’s plenty to do...

Giselle is the ultimate romantic ballet – a story of innocence, betrayal and the absolute redemptive power of true love. This year’s staging of the 1841 masterpiece includes the prelude Men Y Men, a new choreography by Wayne Eagling (set to music by Rachmaninov) this piece is designed to challenge the male dancers of the company. 20-23 January The English National ballet London Coliseum www.ballet.org.uk

lifestyle

LIVE THE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL LIFESTYLE

SOUND & VISION Cancer Research UK’s annual heritage music fundraiser, Sound & Vision, at Abbey Road studios, is returning on 25 February. This is a fantastic event which is fast becoming one of the industry’s best charity music events. The fundraiser will see top class musicians perform (including Newton Faulkner) and famous memorabilia from some of the biggest names in the industry go under the hammer to raise money for the charity’s lifesaving work to beat cancer.

The Gore Hotel’s Rock ‘n’ Roll afternoon tea is the perfect excuse to indulge in the middle of the day! Served in the hotel’s Bar 190 (which was the setting for the filming of the iconic Rolling Stones Beggar’s Banquet), the hotel has taken a traditional afternoon tea and rocked it up with a mix of Jack Daniel’s Muffins, music shaped biscuits and delicious chocolate éclairs. Keeping within the hotel’s ethos of ‘tradition with a twist’ guests will also receive the typical sandwiches and scones. And of course, afternoon tea wouldn’t be rock ‘n’ roll without a little champagne – delicious!

www.soundandvisionofficial.com

TOP THAT!

£30 www.gorehotel.com

RACE ON WATER Pelican Racing has recently announced the inaugural City Racing Challenge for 2010. This is the company that brings Londoners hassle free racing and in this challenge, they invite London’s city workers to swap their spreadsheet for a jib sheet and race against their competitors on the water. The event will involve four heats where teams can compete within their own business sector; Insurance & Asset Management, Legal, Banking, and IT. Teams can leave behind the rat race and show their business competitors what they are made of! The season runs from April – September and every aspect of the racing will be organised by Cowes based Pelican Racing and hosted by the Island Sailing Club. For more information about the City Challenge and Pelican Racing, please email info@pelican-racing.com 01983 201 581

FITNESS CHALLENGE For those looking for a fitness and endurance challenge, why not sign up for the London Triathlon on 7-8 August 2010. Enter at Sprint or Super Sprint level, and take part in a running, cycling and swimming competition around London, designed to push your physical limits. Many of last year’s participants were triathlon novices, so everyone is welcome to take part. Funds raised will go to a range of charitable organisations, but the official charities are Water Aid and MacMillan Cancer Support. www.londontriathlon.co.uk

As the world goes crazy with the launch of Tim Burton’s new film Alice inWonderland, a London hat-maker is offering group hat-making sessions at her ‘Glam Hatters’ Tea Parties’. Talented London milliner Janie Lawson offers a four hour course in hat making, where groups of friends or individuals can design hats, fascinators and even tiaras! The Glam Hatters’ Tea Parties take place regularly at the London workshop in Clapham (or for bigger parties she can come to you). Parties cost £45 per person (including tea and biscuits, although you may bring along champagne if you wish) and she also runs jewellery making workshop which caters for all levels of ability. The parties can be booked for groups of 8-24. To book your party and for further information, email Janie direct via info@janielawson.com or call 07879 451451

new year, new you

NEW HAIR PAckages Colour Package £60 • Half head of highlights • Cut & blow dry • Intensive conditioning treatment

(inc. relaxing scalp massage)

• Consultation & advice

Cut & Style Package £35

• Cut & blow dry • Intensive conditioning treatment

(inc. relaxing scalp massage)

• Consultation & advice

www.theloungehairsalon.co.uk

• Valid until 31th January 2010 • Promotions valid Monday to Friday only • Dedicated customer car park available • 2 mins from Bermondsey station (Jubilee line) • Please mention Canary Wharf magazine upon booking

200 Jamaica Rd SE16

020 7237 2624

fashion

news CELLULITE BUSTING KNICKERS

Peachy Pink is a new range of slimming and cellulite combating underwear that is taking the UK by storm! The slimming and shaping anti-cellulite pants and leggings are now on sale in Debenhams stores across the UK and have been flying off the shelves over the festive season. The Peachy Pink range ‘PeachyBody’ works with the natural movements of the body to help combat orange peel thighs. They are made with a 3D wave weave knit designed to massage the skin whilst releasing its microencapsualted active natural ingredients (including peaches, green tea and coffee beans) which work together with the wave weave knit to flush toxins from the body. While the active ingredients in Peachy Pink garments last for a minimum of twenty washes, the patented 3D wave weave continues working for the lifetime of the product, giving wearers that perfect ‘peachy bum’ shape!

CLUTCH CONTROL A stylish website specialising in gorgeous clutch bags, Lily Wigglesworth boasts a vibrant collection ranging from leading brands to quirky emerging designers. From chic and understated to bold bright prints, they have it all. The team keep you updated every month with an ‘on-trend’ style blog and can direct you the perfect choices for cocktail parties, weddings or gifts. In a supporting role, don’t forget to check out their beautiful selection of jewellery and hosiery too! www.lilywigglesworth.co.uk

Exclusively for our readers, Lily Wigglesworth is offering a New Year discount of 10%; just type CWLW10 when you reach the online checkout!

FASHION QUOTE:

Luxury must be comfortable... otherwise it is not luxury

-Coco Chanel

www.peachy-pink.com

MUST-HAVE ITEM

Website of the month:

JANUARY TREND:

The VIP Handbag Liner The VIP Handbag Liner from Quirkybags is simple yet brilliant idea. For any woman with a selection of handbags (so that’s all of you reading this!) the liner is the ideal accessory allowing you to change bags simply by taking the liner from one bag and placing it in another. Available in four styles, each model features a selection of 9 zipped and mesh pockets offering space for all of those necessary items.

60&sensational is a new website for women of the baby-boomer generation who are not prepared to become invisible when they hit 60. Lulu, Twiggy, Jane Birkin, Betty Jackson, Helen Mirren, Jil Sander and the editor of American Vogue, Anna Wintour are just a handful of women who are proving that 60 is the new 40. The website is an online fashion, beauty and lifestyle magazine for women in their 50s and 60s seeking out wardrobe must-haves and super seasonal trends suitable for their ‘look’.

As the sales kick in, now is the perfect time to invest in classic pieces which can be worn throughout 2010. Look out for a timeless, tailored white shirt which can be worn with black in the office or with jeans at the weekend. A charcoal or black pencil skirt is a must-have for both spring and winter office-wear, and if you choose well it can last for many years. For a classic look over any outfit, buy a high-quality navy or black blazer with pretty stitching or ribboned lapels – perfect for both spring and autumn.

www.60andsensational.co.uk

www.quirkybags.co.uk

Gold leopard print cut-out belted swimsuit, £285, Liza Bruce, as before Gold python Eclipse clutch, £859, Lara Bohinc, as before

Gold bandeau swimsuit, £285, Liza Bruce, 9 Pont Street, SW1, 020 7235 8423 Gold Eclipse necklace, £579 and gold Eclipse bracelet, £399, Lara Bohinc, 149F Sloane Street, SW1, 020 7730 8194, www.larabohinc.com

White knotted halter-neck swimsuit, ÂŁ408, La Perla, 020 7291 0930, www.laperla.com

Gold croc bandeau ‘Serpent’ bikini, £145, Melissa Odabash, as before Cream leather and gold stud crop jacket, £390, Sara Berman, www.saraberman.co.uk Gold python platform ‘Josslyn’ stilettos, £565, Gina, 020 7235 2932, www.gina.com

Hair: Yvette Redmond at Tiger Creative using Kevin Murphy Body Guard, Straight Defence and Session Spray. Make-up: Yvette Redmond at Tiger Creative using Lancôme, Hydra Zen Neurocalm CreamGel Moisturiser, La Base Pro Primer, Photogenic Lumessence Base in 02, Ombre Absolue Eyeshadow in Casque D’Or, Tropiques Mineral Loose Bronzing Powder in 02, Hypnôse Drama Mascara in Black and Colour Fever Lip Gloss in 262 Model: Verena at Premier Model Management. Thanks to Jon and Subreena Shot at: Captains Club Hotel, Wick Ferry, Wick Lane, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 1HU, 01202 475111, enquiries@captainsclubhotel.com Sleek, smooth and ultra-modern, Captain’s Club is a testament to designer flair. This striking contemporary, four-star boutique hotel resides on the banks of the River Stour. Among the multitude of offerings, enjoy soothing spa treatments, trips across the bay aboard the hotel’s 34ft luxury motor cruiser, stroll along the quayside to the historic town of Christchurch and sitting back in a so-comfortable armchair to absorb superb vistas through floor to ceiling windows. Each bedroom and suite has been decorated in a maritime theme, features cutting-edge amenities and looks out to a stunning riverside view. The restaurant’s cuisine reflects the feel of the hotel: uncomplicated, fresh, innovative and ultimately satisfying. Mention Citylife and receive a complimentary half bottle of chilled Champagne in your room.

New Year, New You! Pay for 10 months and get 2 months FREE*!

Join The Quad Club at Crowne Plaza London - Docklands this January and receive 2 months FREE membership. Plus 50% off the joining fee! *Terms & Conditions apply

For more details, call The Quad Club Facilities: Exercise Classes Gymnasium Pool and Jacuzzi Sauna Steam Room Beauty Treatments

Fitness Assessments Exercise Programmes Personal Training Complimentary Towels Free Parking for up to 3 hours Refurbished Changing Rooms

0207 055 2118

or visit www.thequadclub.com The Quad Club, Crowne Plaza London - Docklands, Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Docks, London E16 1AL T: 0207 055 2118 elombard@crowneplazadocklands.co.uk www.thequadclub.com

citylifepromotions

DON’T MAKE DO... MAKE SURE For many, the term ‘bespoke’ has instant connotations of ‘expense’ and ‘exclusivity’ – but according to Charles Pinckney, this doesn’t have to be the case...

“After struggling to find a shirt

stylish yet classic impression.

that actually fitted me properly

To achieve such a high quality

and hearing similar complaints

and perfect fit, the tailors use

from almost everybody I spoke

the finest Italian fabrics from

to, I decided it was time to give

Tessitura Monti S.p.A (the highest

both men and women the choice

quality and considered to be

– make do... or buy a shirt that

some of the finest in the world);

fits you perfectly and makes you

the best German interlinings

feel really good about yourself”

from Wendler; the strongest

says Charles Pinckney. “Gone are

mother of pearl buttons; and

the days of making do. Here are

the most durable threads

the days of making sure.”

from Japan – when combined,

In much the same way as suits

these components result in the

and jackets, off-the-peg shirts are

ultimate, luxury bespoke shirt.

designed to fit the ‘average man

Using in-house pattern-making

or woman’ – but frustratingly, the

methods and experienced

number of adults who actually fit

master craftsmanship in a

all the ‘average proportions’ used

dedicated state-of-the-art

in these shirts is actually very small.

production centre, the garments

Either way, you are more likely to

created at Charles Pinckney

end up with a shirt that fits well

are truly one of a kind. As the

in one place, but may also be

client, all you have to do is

too wide, too long, or too short. Hardly ideal, when you’re trying to make a sharp impression in the boardroom. But do we have to sacrifice style for reasonable prices? Not any more, says Charles. The focus at London-based Charles Pinckney Shirts is to create a garment of exceptional quality and durability, which fits each individual perfectly – but for a reasonable cost. An absolute must-have for any City professional (particularly for those who have invested in a bespoke suit or skirt and jacket) Charles Pinckney shirts are designed to last and create a

choose the preferred fabric and fit of your shirt and fill in your measurements before the specialist tailors handle everything else. The perfect way for anyone in central London to update their business wardrobe for the start of a New Year, “All you need to do is to sit back and wait for your Charles Pinckney shirt to be delivered straight to you”. Charles Pinckney Shirts Limited Unit B02 Archer Street Studios Archer Street London, W1D 7AZ 020 7352 5825 info@charlespinckney.co.uk www.charlespinckney.co.uk

LONDON COMPANY VISITS Do you have people in the office interested in ordering a Charles Pinckney shirt, but do not have the time to measure themselves? Charles Pinckney is now offering 5+ workers at any company a personal visit where they will showcase samples, take all the measurements needed, talk clients through the process and place orders for bespoke shirts. Log on and request a visit at www.charlespinckney.co.uk

citylifepromotions

THE UK WEDDING SHOWS When you start to plan your wedding, you want it to be as perfect as possible; to reflect your personality and be a celebration of your special day with family and friends

Whether you are just starting to plan your wedding or you are looking for those final finishing touches, come along to The UK Wedding Show at ExCeL London and let yourself in on the best-kept industry secrets, and get all the help, advice and ideas you could need to help you plan and organise your perfect day. The team at The UK Wedding Shows has spent months creating this truly inspirational show, and with the help of a wide range of companies and industry professionals your wedding can be everything you imagine it to be. There will be breathtaking fashion shows featuring the latest in stunning bridal gown designs, menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s formal hire and occasion wear, with major high street names rubbing shoulders with exclusive individual designers. This amazing Wedding Show is not to be missed! The UK Wedding Show at ExCeL London Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 February, 2010 Opening times: 10am to 5pm with fashion shows at 12noon, 2pm and 4pm Booking hotline 01704 517 970 www.theukweddingshows.co.uk Each visitor receives a complimentary show guide and goody bag

WIN TICKETS Canary Wharf Magazine has teamed up with The UK Wedding Shows to give away 50 pairs of tickets Simply answer the following question: What time are the fashion shows held daily? a) 10am, 12noon and 3pm b) 12noon, 2pm and 4pm c) 10am, 12noon and 4pm To be in with a chance of winning, email your name, address, telephone number and date of your wedding to competitions@runwildgroup.co.uk with WEDDING SHOW in the subject bar. The closing date is 25 January, 2010. Terms & conditions: The first fifty correct entries drawn will win the tickets. The Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision is final and no correspondence can be entered into. Winners will be notified individually as soon as possible after 25 January.

“Over-indulged and feeling the bulge?” Feeling those post-Christmas January blues? Everything too tight – even your shoes? Need to lose those extra pounds?

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17/12/2009 16:54

health&beauty

MUST HAVE ITEM:

OR DE ROSE ELIXIR EXTRÊME

health&beauty

news PUSHING THE LIMITS FOR MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT

For any keen cyclists out there, you might be interested to know that the MacMillan Cancer Support Etape Caledonia is rapidly becoming one of the most important events on the British cycling calendar. This is the only closed-road mass-participation cycling event to be held in the UK combining a tough endurance challenge, fantastic atmosphere and 81 miles of stunning scenery. The money raised each year by participants (from weekend cyclist to professional athletes) will help provide vital support to people affected by cancer right across the UK. If you think you’re up to the challenge, registrations are now open to the public for the 2010 MacMillan Support Etape Caledonia, but places are limited so don’t hang around. www.etapecaledonia.co.uk

Treatment of the month Most of us will have over indulged during the festive season and on NewYear’s Eve we will have promised to get into shape. If this is your NewYear resolution then Hypoxi is the perfect solution. Unlike no other, the Hypoxi Trainer is an exercise bike within a pressure chamber from the waist down. Whilst gently cycling, a vacuum therapy system stimulates blood supply to the stubborn fat areas, resulting in concentrated fat break down. Although a size 8-10, I find that my lower half is always carrying more weight so the concept of targeted weight loss and losing inches from desired areas was very appealing to me.

Hypoxi recommends you take 12 sessions, three a week for four weeks and to achieve the best results, changes to diet s are encouraged to help achieve maximum results. After four weeks of 30 minute sessions, I was extremely happy with my results. I had lost inches from my buttocks, thighs, knees and stomach - a total of 11 inches from seven areas of my lower body. Not only that, as a result of improved circulation, the appearance of cellulite had reduced and my skin was definitely smoother. 12 sessions from £500 www.hypoxi.co.uk

Brought to you in association with The Wellington Hospital, one of the world’s leading private hospitals. www.thewellingtonhospital.com

VERDICT: Expensive but with promised results it’s money well spent!

A must-have beauty purchase for ladies over 30, the true luxury of Or de Rose Elixir Extrême is in perfection, youthfulness and radiance. Helping to restore the fresh faced glow of youthful skin, Or de Rose is an embellishing primer which corrects and smoothes the skin with a ‘lifting’ action. Pure 24 carat pink gold and white water lily extract work to reshape, moisturise and protect the skin; perfect for the New Year. £105 www.spacenk.com

MUST HAVE COLOUR: METALLICS

From Black Pearl and Antique Gold, to Mercury and Brown Metal, Bobbi Brown’s rich metallic cream eyeshadows are a must-have for your make up bag this month. This sheer, shimmering cream shadow goes on comfortably leaving a soft but striking colour with a velvet finish. Available in eight gorgeous shades, the Metallic Long-Wear Cream Shadow remains crease-free all day long. £16 www.bobbibrown.co.uk

MUST HAVE TREND: THE PERMANENT BLOW DRY

You probably won’t believe it until you try it for yourself, but thanks to hairdressing guru Daniel Hersheson, every girl can now leap straight from their morning shower without having to begin a tiresome tussle with the hairdryer/bottle of serum/mousse/ GHDs (delete as applicable). The ‘Permanent Blow-Dry’ is a revolutionary hair relaxing treatment which uses a very thick conditioner made from all-natural ingredients to ‘set’ hair into your preferred style. Unlike other hair relaxing treatments, all the natural shape/curls of the hair remain, cutting out the frizz and adding more definition. From £200 www.danielhersheson.com

WELCOME TO THE WELLINGTON HOSPITAL At the very heart of London’s medical community, we find out more about The Wellington Hospital and their reputation for medical excellence

Throughout history, London has been at the very centre of medical research and scientific discovery. Spend some time in the capital, and you’ll notice references to London’s medical past all over the place. In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the corpses of criminals executed at Tyburn were taken to the Surgeon’s Hall in the Old Bailey for public dissection and medical teaching; in 1854 a London doctor,

John Snow, discovered the cause of cholera from a water pump on Broad Street; and in 1928 the most important antibacterial drug ever, Penicillin, was discovered in a lab at St. Mary’s Hospital by Alexander Fleming. These are just a couple of examples, but as a centre of world-class education and research, London has always been home to some of the most important medical advances.

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THE HEART OF THE CITY Today, London is proud to continue to uphold its reputation as one of the world’s leading medical centres, in both medical research and world-class treatment. One of the world’s foremost private hospitals, The Wellington Hospital is London’s largest private medical facility upholding London’s reputation by offering an unparalleled quality of care with the latest technology and access to the country’s leading medical experts. The Wellington Hospital is always improving and by utilising investment in the newest equipment and technologies, the expert staff can deliver outstanding Imaging services which speed up the time from diagnosis to treatment. Internationally acknowledged in several fields including cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, liver and gastro-intestinal medicine, gynaecology, orthopaedics and rehabilitation The Wellington Hospital is quite simply, one of UK’s best private hospitals. OUTSTANDING CLINICAL CARE The Wellington Hospital is owned by HCA, the largest private hospital group in London, with six world-class acute hospitals and HCA Laboratories. Working in association with medical teams at London’s finest teaching hospitals, The Wellington Hospital makes use of the very latest equipment

THE BREAKDOWN: • 266 Registered Beds • 46 Neurological Rehabilitation Beds • 20 Intensive Care Unit Beds • 4 High Dependency Unit Beds • 11 Operating Theatres • 3 Cardiac Catheter Labs • 2 Endoscopy Theatres • 3 Angiography Suites • 27 Consulting Rooms

THE EXPERIENCE Patients enjoy luxury accommodation, complemented by the latest technologies, together with a warm and friendly service, all of which create a caring environment and a comfortable hospital experience that promotes fast return to normality in your everyday life. Every patient is cared for as an individual and is treated with compassion and kindness.

and medical techniques and also supports research in a number of important areas of medicine. From the latest cardiac imaging equipment (which shows heart disease developing long before symptoms occur), to real time 3D-imaging of babies in the womb, HCA is constantly striving to provide the newest technology and training for the benefits of their patients, nurses and doctors. WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Here at The Wellington Hospital, the Diagnostics and Imaging Department is one of the most modern in the country – so in short, this means no waiting-lists or cancellations, no confusion over results and most importantly, no delays. Constantly updated, and the largest of its kind in the UK private sector, The Wellington Hospital’s state of the art equipment includes a 64-slice CT scanner, two MRI scanners, a full range of X-Ray machines using a Computed Radiography (CR) system, Ultrasound equipment and Interventional Radiology facilities. All of these services are linked via a Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS) which allows Consultants to view images anywhere in the hospital. Twenty consultant radiologists work with the hospital to interpret and report on the results of scans, X-Rays or Ultrasounds. Working alongside highly qualified specialist radiographers and nurses (and a back office team who prepare reports of each diagnostic investigation), there is no waiting around. The satellite unit – The Wellington Diagnostics & Outpatient Centre – on Golders Green Road boasts another 64-slice

CT scanner and an ‘open’ MRI scanner plus Ultrasound and x-ray services. The team of consultant radiologists and radiographers provide excellent support to this unit which is also linked to the main hospital via the PACS system. As part of the HCA Group, The Wellington Hospital has roundthe-clock access to the group’s Diagnostic Laboratories, with 30 biomedical scientists and 12 consultant pathologists – this results in rapid analyses and instant results sent straight back to the wards. MEDICAL PRACTICIONERS All the doctors at The Wellington Hospital are at a consultant level, many of whom hold senior positions at London’s leading teaching hospitals – there are over 600 consultants practicing at the hospital at present. The hospital is a multi-disciplinary institution, with specialists in all the major departments. Keith Hague, CEO Wellington Hospital says, “To attract the best doctors, you need the best facilities, you need the latest state of the art equipment, and you need the best staff. And we have that here.” Dr Duncan Dymond, Consultant Cardiologist agrees saying “It’s bright, it’s clean, it is well lit, the equipment is great, the staff are of a very high calibre – and you come here with your patients and you can practise medicine as it should be practised, without the restrictions that are imposed elsewhere. For us as healthcare professionals [...] you cannot put a price on that”. For more information, call the Enquiry Helpline on 020 7483 5148 or visit www.thewellingtonhospital.com

NIP & TUCK

Once upon a time, cosmetic surgery was exclusive to those on the rich and famous list â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but in recent years, access to body perfecting treatments has expanded to include the masses. As the number of Brits opting for cosmetic surgery rises, Amanda Fitzgerald takes a look at some of the most popular procedures available today, the best clinics in London and the change in attitude from surgery stigma to a perfection to be proud of

health&beauty

decade or two ago, ‘plastic surgery’ was a phrase associated with Hollywood glamour and endless funds – the results of which were only seen on television and in the pages of glossy magazines. If a regular person, a ‘non-celebrity’ like you or me, fancied a little liposuction or a quick dose of Botox, it would have meant a choice between paying the mortgage or going in for a treatment – simply not an option. However, in the last few years the exclusivity, accessibility and attitudes towards cosmetic surgery have changed. In fact, such is the public’s interest for cosmetic surgery that the concept has almost become a trend, with dedicated magazines, television programmes and books dedicated to revealing all. This marked change in attitude has been sparked mainly by the media, and cosmetic surgery television programmes (both fact and fiction) are now hugely successful. Every week millions of viewers tune in to programmes such as Nip/Tuck, The Swan, IWant a Famous Face and Extreme Makeover to engage in this new phenomenon. On Channel Five, Cosmetic Surgery Live presents graphic film footage of procedures, leaving nothing to the imagination and consequently removing the mystery behind the end results. In the same way that so many taboo subjects of the past have been made socially acceptable by the media (examples might include sex, singleparent families, homosexuality etc.) so too is cosmetic surgery enjoying a status shift into the ‘everyday’. According to Liz Dale (Transform’s director of marketing, 2005) the change in public attitudes began small, with an interest in the less invasive treatments, and grew from there. When a number of British celebrities admitted to having Botox injections “it made it acceptable, because people didn’t mind talking

about Botox,” she explained. “And so, then, that naturally moved on to talking about having your nose corrected, and so on.” Speaking in 2008, Douglas McGeorge (consultant plastic surgeon and then president of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, BAAPS) said: “This year’s audit clearly reflects the UK’s continued acceptance of aesthetic surgery, particularly in the area of anti-aging. Wide media coverage has helped to educate the public about the latest advances and choices available.” Of course, it isn’t just media hype that has increased the trend for cosmetic surgery – price also plays a large part. Ten years ago, such procedures were too expensive for the average person to even entertain the idea, but in the last decade prices have dropped as surgeries become more commonplace and more clinics open across the UK. A survey from Mintel reported that from 2007 onwards, Britons spent roughly £659m a year on cosmetic surgery – that’s almost £50m more than they spend on tea, another ‘everyday’ cost. “These figures indicate that despite the beginnings of a financial downturn last year, the public’s interest in aesthetic surgery remained strong” revealed Nigel Mercer, consultant plastic surgeon and President of BAAPS. “Wide media coverage has helped to educate the public about the latest advances and choices available, and we are encouraged by the fact that more people are doing their research carefully and choosing reputable providers.” In addition, recent years have seen a noticeable increase in the number of men choosing to undergo cosmetic surgery procedures, breaking yet another taboo. The figures have risen by 82 per cent since the beginning of 2009 and the BAPPS says there has been a 1,000 per cent rise of male breast reduction surgeries in the past five years. n

5 MOST COMMON COSMETIC SURGERY TREATMENTS FACELIFT A face-lift tightens muscles from the surface down through the underlying tissues and the fatty tissues under the neck are suctioned away. Other variations on the treatment can remove skin before lifting and elevating the muscles through small incisions made around the ear. NOSE REFINEMENT Rhinoplasty is the process in which the nose is reshaped by reducing a hump on the bridge, changing the shape of the tip or profile, narrowing the nostrils, or altering the angle between the nose and upper lip. BREAST AUGMENTATION Placing an implant under the breast tissue, around the nipple or through the armpit can provide volume and shape to small breasts. For those who choose surgery for sagging breasts (post-pregnancies, breast-feeding or due to weight change) a lift involving the removal of surplus skin may be required, with or without an implant. TUMMY TUCK The tummy tuck (also known as abdominal reduction or abdominoplasty) is surgery that flattens the stomach by removing excess fat and skin, and tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall. Incisions are usually made around the bellybutton and across the pelvic area. LIPOSUCTION Liposuction (also known as liposculpture, or suction-assisted lipectomy) is a surgical method of reducing fatty bulges from thighs, hips, waist, buttocks, arms, chin, knees or ankles. Fat is suctioned out through tiny incisions.

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Walk in, walk out surgery for varicose veins Suitable for women and men of all ages Our state of the art, specialist medical clinic offers the ultimate personal treatment plan. Led by Mark Whiteley MS FRCS (Gen) consultant surgeon and Harley Street practitioner, the clinic has been a leading innovator of vein treatment over the last decade. The first in the UK to introduce walk in walk out minimally invasive keyhole surgery, treatments in our clinic allow you to avoid hospital stays and lengthy convalescence. Our surgical and non-surgical procedures include EVLA (laser treatment), VNUS Closure¨ , RFiTT, Foam Sclerotherapy, Ambulatory Phlebectomy and Thread Vein Sclerotherapy, providing the optimum chance of blemish free results and the alleviation of aching legs. And by using ultrasound to discover problem veins and guide surgery, the recurrence of varicose veins is greatly reduced.

Other advanced treatments at our clinic include: • Laser Sweat Ablation, a life transforming procedure to eliminate excess underarm sweating • Liposonix ª fat reduction using ultrasound, a very safe method to dissolve fat away without surgery • Thermage ¨ to tighten and lift loose skin non-surgically

HARLEY STREET

To make an appointment or find out more call

+44 (0)1483 477 180 www.thewhiteleyclinic.co.uk info@thewhiteleyclinic.co.uk

T HE HOME OF KEYHOLE VA RICOSE V EIN SURGERY

GUILDFORD

Your chance to

win xxxxxxx

A two night mid-week Champneys Spa Break

THE LONDON WOMEN’S CLINIC Established in 1985 in Harley Street, The London Women’s Clinic offers a comprehensive range of IVF and other fertility treatments, as well as other specialist gynaecological services and was at the forefront of pioneering many of the fertility treatments now considered routine

ased in London, the North of England and Wales, The LWC operates one of the most successful IVF programmes in the world. Not only that but The LWC’s 3-Cycle Package offers three IVF treatments for the price of two, makes IVF treatment simple and affordable. At the heart of London’s medical district, the Georgian home provides a comfortable, friendly and supportive environment for patients, alongside state-of-the-art medical facilities and a team of consultants and nursing staff with over 20 years’ experience. Today, The LWC champions the practice of egg-sharing and their egg donation programme provides hope to many women, who previously believed they could not have children. In 1992, Dr Kamal Ahuja and Dr Eric Simons pioneered the egg-sharing project which propelled the IVF programme forward to its final recognition and acceptance, in 1998, by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA). Since then eggsharing has had a profound worldwide impact on IVF.

Champneys is offering you and a friend the chance to be pampered at either the glamorous Forest Mere in Hampshire, the modern Springs in Leicestershire or the cosy Henlow in Bedfordshire, all perfectly positioned in rambling countryside. Let your stresses melt away with an indulgent body massage and relaxing facial, and enjoy use of all the facilities, including the swimming pool and whirlpool, sauna and steam rooms, exercise and dance classes, and tennis courts. Your stay also includes all meals, a chance to really enjoy some healthy and tasty cuisine. It’s the perfect escape to ensure you look and feel revived and refreshed.

The idea for egg-sharing originated when potential mothers suggested to The London Women’s Clinic some of the eggs not being used for their own treatment might benefit others desperately in need of healthy eggs. The practice is an arrangement that enables qualifying women of 35 and under to receive subsidised or free treatment in return for anonymously donating an agreed proportion of their excess eggs to paying recipients. The London Women’s Clinic egg donation programme provides hope to many women who previously believed they could not have children. n The LWC will be holding free eggsharing seminars on 16 and 30 January at 2pm. Please contact the clinic to book a place. The London Women’s Clinic 113 - 115 Harley Street London, W1G 6AP 020 7563 4309 www.londonwomensclinic.com

If you are not lucky enough to win call 0843 316 2222 or visit www.champneys.com for the latest special offers. Two lucky runners-up will enjoy a fabulous Champneys gift box with indulgent spa products to enable you to experience that spa feeling at home. Champneys - The Place to be …

HOW TO WIN Simply answer the following question: Champneys Springs is located in which county? a)Leicestershire b)Yorkshire c)Sussex To be in with a chance of winning, email your name, address and telephone number to competitions@ runwildgroup.co.uk with CHAMPNEYS in the subject bar. The closing date for entries is 18 January, 2010. Terms & conditions: The first correct entry drawn will win our first prize and the next two the runners-up prizes. The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence can be entered into. The prize will be offered in the form of a gift voucher which is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. It is non refundable. It is not valid at Champneys Tring or on Saturday nights. Subject to availability. Minimum age 16.

WHAT’S THE ALTERNATIVE? Supporters of complementary medicine and therapies argue that there is much modern medicine does not know about the way the body works, Josh Sims takes a look at the alternative

etter medicine is always on a path of discovery. But it is also supported by the scientific method of taking a hypothesis, testing it and counter-testing those tests to either dismiss the hypothesis or reach an improved one. Tellingly, in the US, the governmentbased National Center for Complementary Medicine has now spent over $1bn in researching alternative therapies and has yet to provide evidence for the effectiveness of any of them. It would, therefore, be fair to say that alternative medicine simply does not stand up to scrutiny - and yet that has not stopped some practices receiving NHS sanction and money better spent on proven treatments. Nor their advance into public consciousness - particularly among middle-aged women near the top of the socioeconomic pile - without their being challenged and debunked as quackery, and largely unregulated quackery at that. After all, blood-letting too was a pillar of medical practice for over a century until roundly and loudly discredited. What is driving the impressive market for alternative medicines and practices is, as Rose Shapiro has argued in her comprehensive and aptly-titled book Suckers (Harvill Secker), is a culture which focuses on the individual and their need (some might suggest right) to feel good. And that is what, regardless of clinical evidence of their effectiveness, alternative therapies offer. If it works for you, that is all that matters. To give another example: acupuncture is arguably the most widely accepted of all alternative medical practices. Vague ideas about the use of needles to release pain-killing endorphins have helped it achieve a kernal of legitimacy. Studies have revealed such disparity between practitioners

of acupuncture as to where they put their needles for specific effects that the process seems entirely random. More worryingly is the belief in the theory behind it: that the needles act not by stimulating the nervous system perhaps, but, as reiki also claims, by realigning energy called ‘chi’ - energy, of course, which has never been proven to exist and which was ‘discovered’ only in 1914. Maybe some tiger penis, charred human hair, squirrel droppings or many of the other interesting ingredients employed in traditional Chinese medicine may help. Certainly many think so: the UK is now Europe’s biggest market for it, worth some £200m a year. The danger here is less being taken in, as in what you are taking in: many of the herbs used in Chinese medicine are active, but their administration is irregular and unregulated, with potentially dangerous side-effects risked by people selfmedicating in order to fulfil promises too good to be true. Western herbal remedies are no better. Research studies have shown the most popular choices to have no effect: gingko biloba will not improve your memory, nor will glucosamine fix your arthritis. Defenders turn to all sorts of arguments to protect their particular and often rather lucrative practice - and the fact that such treatments generate a lot of money from the gullible cannot be stressed enough. It is suggested that the West is closed to the more esoteric medical methods of the East, a statement that fails to consider the less positive history of many of them. Traditional Chinese medicine, for example, dates not back to the time of Confucius, embodying some lost ancient wisdom, but was developed as an artificial system of health care ideas between 1950 and 1975, propagated by the Chinese Communist authorities as a means of social control in a country with

health&beauty

only 20,000 doctors of conventional medicine to treat a population of 600m living on the bread-line. Reflexology, more prosaically known as a good foot massage? Invented by Eunice Ingham in 1930s America. Certainly some people’s suspicion of Western medicine has, ironically, been founded on the notion that ‘big pharma’ - the giant pharmaceutical companies - are also only in it for the money, and that their products cannot consequently be trusted. But this is to throw baby out with the healing waters: while conventional medicine is not infallible, it has, to give just two examples, largely conquered infection and developed anti-biotics, without which countless millions more would have died over the last century. The drugs do work. Small wonder that alternative medicines seem to promise most in treating those irritating but low-level and ill-defined problems that bother rather than disable or kill: the side-effects of being alive, one might say. Perhaps alternative medicine might be explained as a new kind of belief system for a largely secular society - alternative medicine offers a psychological reassurance similar to that of religious faith, and with just as much scientific proof. The fact is that, alongside improvements in social conditions and nutrition, conventional medicine has been a key factor in the longer, healthier lives that we now live. That so many of us now do so, free of the ailments that afflicted our grandparents’ and even our parents’ generation, appears to have provoked a cult of endless bodily self-analysis - and, to justify that, the need to find some biological malfunction. If less time was spent naval gazing - how long before a fashion for NFA, Naval Fluff Analysis, is born? - more time might be spend understanding when we are being taken for a ride. n

Major specialties include: - Acute Neuro Rehabilitation - Bariatric Surgery - Cardiac Surgery - Critical Care - Dermatology - Interventional Cardiology - ENT - Gastroenterology - General Surgery - Gynaecology - Liver and Hepatobiliary Medicine

The Wellington Hospital is one of the world’s leading private

- Hip Surgery

hospitals with an international reputation for the excellence

- Knee Surgery

of its medical care. It is part of HCA – London’s No 1 private

- Neurology

hospital group. It provides a wide range of acute medical services

- Neurophysiology

supported by the very latest diagnostic, imaging and treatment

- Neuropsychology

technology, enabling fast and accurate diagnosis of complex

- Neurosurgery

conditions. State-of-the-art facilities include:

- Ophthalmology - Orthopaedics

• 6 4 slice CT scanners able to provide images of the heart and its associated blood vessels with higher definition than before • t he latest MRI scanners; the full range of x-ray and ultrasound, angiography & fluoroscopy plus a cardiac research centre • e ndoscopic ultrasound facilities enabling gastroenterologists to employ the latest diagnostic & treatment techniques, including capsule endoscopy

- Plastic Surgery - Speech Therapy - Spinal Surgery - Urology - Vascular Surgery

• a range of minimally invasive surgical procedures that are performed through one incision in the belly button, which is virtually scarless surgery • a 45-bedroom Acute Neuro Rehabilitation Unit, which is the best equipped and most extensive in the UK • the largest Critical Care facility in the private sector The hospital has a dedicated GP Liaison service giving GPs and patients easy, fast access to the hospital’s extensive services & facilities. For further information please contact the Helpline:

Tel:

020 7483 5148

Fax:

020 7483 5618

Email: wellington.enquiryhelpline@hcahealthcare.co.uk www.thewellingtonhospital.com Wellington Place, St Johns Wood, London NW8 9LE

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citylifepromotions

MIND, BODY & SOUL The 25 Club offers

an exclusive and stylish environment in which to polish and perfect your physical appearance and personal wellbeing; the ultimate tailored fitness experience The members-only 25 Club is a sleek, stylish and exclusive Personal Training and wellness boutique. So much more than just a ‘gym’, it provides every client with an assessment protocol that allows for a totally bespoke programme to be created for their personal health, wellbeing and performance training. A different approach from other health clubs in the City, the 25 Club offers a truly integrated attitude with the fusion of both scientific and spiritual philosophies, teamwork and individual one-to-one attention. Their methods focus on a targeted and measured approach to tracking each client’s success, whatever their goals. By tracking weekly progress, each plan can be adapted and improved to get the very best results for each individual, whether you’re aiming for weight loss,

READER OFFER

rehabilitation or increased performance. The state-of-the-art equipment within a luxurious environment creates a calming place in which to improve the mind and body and there is also a range of support programmes that speed up personal progress. In addition to the hard work, the 25 Club holistic therapy team ensure your body stays in peak condition with a wide variety of massages and alternative therapies including: Physiotherapy, Acupuncture, Sports & Relaxation Massage, Reflexology, Lymphatic Drainage Massage, Energy Healing and Hypnotherapy to name but a few; to help repair and regenerate your mind, body and soul.”. For more information, visit www.the25club.com

FREE 1 HOUR PERSONAL TRAINING SESSION Receive a complimentary personal training session when quoting ‘The City Magazine’

CHOOSE YOUR FOCUS AT THE 25 CLUB: WEIGHT LOSS The 25 Club is one of the most successful weight loss specialist clubs in London. The assessments pinpoint any hormonal imbalances that may affect weight loss and the Bio-Signature Modulation not only gives very accurate data on your current body fat percentage, but also lean body mass. From here a Personal Trainer will take clients through a series of muscle-building and metabolicconditioning sessions designed to grow lean body tissue that will form the basis of your body’s engine to strip body fat away. PERFORMANCE TRAINING Getting into shape has numerous benefits including increased energy levels, confidence, less pain, more strength, stamina, increased productivity and improved libido. Personal Trainers will take your personal performance to the next level with intense one-to-one sessions. The Running Club, 25 Club Circuit and Boxing Class also help take performance to the next level. REHABILITATION Injuries are unfortunately part of having an active lifestyle but at the 25 Club, the team is on hand to help you rehabilitate, ensuring that the pain not only disappears, but does not return. The club’s skilled Trainers, Therapists and Physios all work together to strengthen muscle weakness in a functional way – so the training you complete in the gym crosses over into the same movements that you carry out in everyday life.

After all the stress and strain of the festive period, a day or two at a relaxing spa is the perfect tonic for the start of a New Year

New year spas

of the best

O SPA LONDON

With a new branch of their luxurious spa now open in Canada Square O SPA London is a completely natural organic spa company, dedicated to delivering a therapeutic spa experience with little or no negative impact on the environment. All ingredients are sourced from organic, sustainable sources, such as The Eden Project (the largest biosphere project in the world), organic medicinal co-operative Lisadell House, and Georgina Koomson’s FairTrade women’s co-operative in Ghana – with all products free from animal testing. Choose from a range of indulgent spa treatments which help ease muscular and emotional tension and promote personal well-being. With something for every taste, skin type and beauty need, every treatment improves personal wellbeing whilst promoting life’s most precious commodity – time. www.ospalondon.com

CHAMPNEYS TRING

Only a short distance from London, Champneys Tring is the place to be if you want to feel relaxed, pampered, refreshed and totally calmed. Discover laid-back luxury at this prestigious spa retreat where sumptuous accommodation, treatments, water therapies, delicious cuisine and the latest fitness trends are all a part of Champneys life. The stunning spa is the star, where guests can enjoy a swim in the luxurious new 25m pool, lose themselves in the Laconium or Herbal Steam Chamber and detox in the Thalassotherapy Pool. We love the Carita ‘Pro-Lift’ Firming Facial; combining massage, exclusive ‘ProLift’ technology and Carita’s exceptional ‘Progressif’ skincare products. With a realistic approach to health and beauty and a selection of one day and residential packages, there is no better place to be. 0843 316 2222 www.champneys.com

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THE COMPLETE RETREAT

If it all gets a little much and a spa in a slightly sunnier climate appeals, try The Complete Retreat in Spain, where they offer one of the most comprehensive retreat programmes in Europe. This luxury award winning detox/yoga/hiking spa resort guarantees results. With 5 stars from Wall Street Journal and winner of 2008 Tatler Spa award and listed one of the best detox spas for three years in the Harpers and Queen spa guides, it’s got to be good! With full body detox programmes, The Complete Retreat is perfect for those determined to stick to their healthier lifestyle New Year’s resolutions and the team will even help you devise a plan to take home, so you can continue the good work back in England. A favourite with magazine editors, movie stars and business moguls, The Complete Retreat is where those in the know go. www.thecompleteretreat.com

THE CHELSEA CLUB

Offering a variety of options from the single day package to a 12 month all-inclusive membership, the New Year is the perfect time to spoil yourself or a loved one with a luxury pampering gift packages. Complete with personal training sessions, nutrition consultations, and spa treatments (not to mention use of top-class gym facilities including a 25m pool, organic café, crèche and private parking) staying fit and feeling great has never been so easy and enjoyable. For the ultimate spa-lover, we suggest the Platinum package (£3,045 per annum) which offers 12 months full-access membership to The Chelsea Club (with 2 additional months free of charge). Including 12 personal training sessions, three treatments in Escape Spa, a sports massage, two hours of nutrition consultation, unlimited studio classes and12 months complimentary personal locker you’ll have covered all bases! 020 7915 2200 www.thechelseaclub.com

EAST RIVER SPA

Enter the urban hideaway of East River Spa at the Radisson Edwardian Hotel and put yourself entirely into the care of health and wellbeing experts. Guests are invited to arrive one hour prior to treatments to enjoy the stunning wet spa facilities before meeting their therapists. Included in the price of all spa treatments is full use of the Herbal sauna, Aromatic steam room, three Experience shower sensations and panoramic relaxation room. This indulgent heat sequence allows visitors to unwind in the elements that make East River Spa so unique, maximising the effects of the chosen treatment. Perfect for the NewYear, we recommend the Mineralising Body Wrap (90mins, £95); rich in oligo-elements and mineral salts, this treatment provides all the protein and minerals necessary for the body’s inner balance as well as a massage which can be tailored to detox, slim, tone or just relax. 020 8820 8107 www.eastriverspa.com

The hot ticket, the hot hotel Urban cool on the Thames, just 10 minutes from The 02. Music to your ears. For your room with a view, complimentary wireless and mp3 connectivity, visit radissonedwardian.com/newprovidencewharf, call +44 (0)20 7987 2050 or email resnpw@radisson.com

travel

news

TALL SHIP CRUISES When Star Clippers’ three historically styled, fully-rigged tall ships return to Mediterranean waters in April, the company will offer new short break cruises for clients looking for an unusual long weekend or three-night break that combines the comfort of a private yacht with the exhilaration of full sail. Three and four night sailing voyages are being offered on board Star Clipper (one of the company’s four-masted clippers), sailing along the Cote d’Azur to the coast of Italy and Corsica from £550 per person (inclusive of meals). For more information, visit www.starclippers.co.uk

WHO ARE THE CHAMPIONS?

In the run up to the epic World Cup 2010, travel website Skyscanner takes a look at the current line up against England, to see who are the champions when it comes to a World Cup holiday tournament...

USA The sheer size of the USA means that there is a range of climate zones; from snow covered mountains to sub-tropical everglades, the USA has a vast selection of climates. Most types of holiday are possible here, from beach bum to ski-chic, city breaker to culture vulture. Whilst the states are best known abroad for the fast food, its size and various waves of immigration have brought cooking styles from all corners of the world, from sushi to steak, Peruvian to Portuguese, Tex Mex to Thai. With the US dollar taking another dip, pounds will now stretch further stateside.

Algeria The north of Algeria enjoys a Mediterranean climate with plenty of beach potential alongside the mountains, which offer trekking and even skiing in winter. The food here is a Mediterranean mix with a Berber Northwest African twist; expect lots of exotic spices, couscous, roasted lamb, olives, kebabs, fresh fruits and lots of mint tea. The underdeveloped tourist industry means that the country offers very good value, alongside attractions such as national parks and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

LUXURY IN THAILAND After more than five years in the making, Six Senses Resorts & Spas opened Soneva Kiri last month. Located on the beautiful yet remote island of Koh Kood on the border of Thailand and Cambodia, Soneva Kiri boasts 29 villas on the beachfront overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. Luxury tour operator Carrier (0161 491 7630, www.carrier.co.uk) offers 7 nights for the price of 5 (save £1,075pp) at Six Senses Soneva Kiri from £2,875pp based on two people sharing a Hill Villa Suite on a B&B basis. Price includes flights with Thai Airways from London Heathrow and private transfers to Soneva Kiri. Valid for travel 01 April – 30 June 2010 Book by 31 Jan 2010 www.onemoorgateplace.com

Slovenia

Large tote £99.99, Laptop Bag £89.99, Medium tote £79.99, Beauty Case £59.99

Brought to you in association with Small Luxury Hotels of the World, an unsurpassable collection of over 500 hotels spanning 70 countries, which offer an infinite variety of experiences.

www.tripp.co.uk

www.skyscanner.net

Website of the month:

www.roughguides.com

Summer in Slovenia is sunny, whereas winter brings plenty of snow to the Julian Alps, keeping the ski resorts nicely topped up; the perfect destination for outdoor activities all year round. Slovenia serves up plenty of pizza, pasta, seafood, goulash and dumplings; for more adventurous MUST-HAVE TRAVEL ACCESSORY: eaters, horse can often been found on the menu, and dormouse is a regional speciality. Good value for money, compact and an Orla Kiely Luggage: exceptionally attractive country, Slovenia Multi Car Large Wheel duffle £139.99, is perfect for outdoorsy types, with Cabin trolley £119.99, good skiing, hiking, biking and kayaking, Cabin upright £119.99, in pristine terrain.

For the ultimate guide to any new destination, the Rough Guides website is relevant to everyone from the first time back-packer to seasoned luxury travellers. Log-on throughout the year for seasonal specials alongside their basic (but informative) guide to the rest of the world!

Scene

STEALING

Backdrop for Bond and Bridget Jones, Stoke Park is instantly recognisable with its white dome and colonnade. Louisa Castle hopes that it’s more than just a scene setter

y other half is a budding Bond enthusiast so when I asked him to accompany me on a visit to Stoke Park Club (SPC), I earned immediate Brownie points and my education into a thousand years of history that surrounds the place began: “Did you know that they filmed Goldfinger here? And Tomorrow Never Dies?” A raft of famous movies have indeed been filmed here proving an iconic backdrop for many an iconic scene; the boating lake in Bridget Jones Diary, the golf course where Bond meets Goldfinger and the opening scenes of Layer Cake. And, as I am driven down the long driveway I can see why. The building looks good on the big screen but the imposing white walls make much more impact first hand. Built by James Wyatt, architect to George III, the main building has to be seen to be really experienced. Grand yet calming, it sits in 350 acres of parkland (designed by Capability Brown in 1750) and golf course (created by Harry Shapland Colt, who also designed Wentworth, Sunningdale and Muirfield), quietly surveying as far as the eye can see. Yet, as was my concern, it is only a few miles from Slough. Believe me, and my snob factor, when I say it is miles apart. Greeted very politely I was shown to my suite. This is something that the team at SPC has utterly mastered – everywhere you go you are greeted with exceeding politeness but it is not a stuffy stiff upper English lip, it is a welcoming and comforting politeness that makes you feel that you are actually being completely looked after and that is their ultimate aim. Now, my other half may be excited about the film pedigree of SPC but I was excited about the fact that we were staying in what is rumoured to be Daniel Craig’s favourite suite, Room 112 for those of you who’d like to share in my school girl crush.

travel

Mansion and Lake

Pavilion Bathroom

Room 112, Pavilion

There are a total of 49 rooms within the Mansion House and Pavilion. We were in the Pavilion, a modern addition to SPC only opened in May 2008 and positioned above the spa, gym and tennis courts. These rooms are more contemporary than in the Mansion House, luscious deep pile carpets, Eastern art mixed with vintage movie posters, huge leather sofas, 42-inch high definition LCD TVs, marble bathrooms with rain showers and mini bar treats from Fortnum & Mason. In the Mansion House the styling is more traditional with each room named after a figure important to the history of the place, Victorian roll top baths and canopied beds. After Champagne in our room we took the short walk to the Mansion House (there is a courtesy bus that will take guests the short distance to the main building on call whenever you require) for dinner. The restaurant is situated beneath the dome with tables laid out to take in the spectacular views while you dine. Our Maitre d’ took excellent care of us, judging just how friendly to be and just how informative as well as advising well on our food and wine choices – a fabulous red to satisfy the conflicting Shiraz and Pinot Noir tastebud preferences. The menu offers excellent value for money, even though that sounds wrong in such a setting. £39.50 for three-courses with the odd supplement here and there when the head chef, Chris Wheeler was right hand man for Jean-Christophe Novelli

across his London empire does seem too good to be true. Scallops, pigeon, venison, lamb (with accompanying miniShepherd’s pie), chocolate dessert selection and cheeses later, I can tell you that it is true... satisfyingly so. As we drew back the curtains the morning after and relaxed over the papers with coffee and croissants, I was inclined to agree with the reviewer at The Independent: “Stoke Park is the perfect place.” It caters for golfers and fitness fanatics, for foodies and spa gurus, for romance and for escape...n The Stoke Park Club 01753 717171 www.stokepark.com

the romance package The Romance Package includes, one night’s accommodation in a Mansion or Pavilion Deluxe Room, bottle of chilled Champagne on arrival, three-course table d’hôte dinner in The Dining Room, full English or continental breakfast, hand-tied flowers in the room, gift box of SPC spa products, complimentary use of health and racquet facilities and costs £225 per person (11 February until 8 March 2010).

LONDON’S CALLING

and Manchester’s ready and waiting.

The New Year brings four capital clashes to Old Trafford, and with excellent transport links between London and Manchester there is no better destination for first-class matchday entertainment. Watching the drama unfold in some of the finest seats in the stadium is one of the greatest incentives you could offer a corporate partner or potential client. Manchester United welcome West Ham, Fulham, Chelsea and Tottenham in the early months of 2010. Hospitality at the Theatre of Dreams is now available from £180 per person + VAT. Call the Hospitality Sales Team on 0161 868 8000 (option2, then 3), email hospitality@manutd.co.uk or visit www.manutd.com

912681 London Games Ad_Business Publications.indd 1

26/11/09 09:45:22

sports

BUY IT:

sports

news what to watch:

RBS 6 Nations Championship After England finished second in last year’s tournament, it’s been all change at Twickenham. Martin Johnson’s young team were taught some difficult lessons during the autumn series, but he is convinced England have emerged as a better side. They open against Wales at home before tackling Italy and then defending champions Ireland on the road. They travel to Murrayfield for a Calcutta Cup showdown against the Scots before ending their campaign against France. The RBS 6 Nations continues to exceed all expectations as the teams fight to become Europe’s number one rugby nation. 6 February: England v. Wales, Ireland v. Italy

Last year’s inaugural Polo in the Park thrilled over 25,000 spectators and introduced audiences to a new format in high-octane polo.This year’s tournament from 4 to 6 June promises to deliver all the excitement, action and drama with a unique theatre for incredible hospitality in the centre of London. The Hurlingham Club’s exquisite East Wing will host the corporate hospitality and entertainment, just minutes from London’s Kings Road. www.polointheparklondon.com

WORK IT: Technogym presents the first treadmill to combine cutting edge technology with leading design; the Run Personal. It is hard-wearing, functional and exceptionally stylish. Additonal features include a 19” TV screen with MP3 connection, games to train your mind and software called ‘Guide Me’ which guides the user through their exercise schedule. Available from Technogym directly or from Harrods (£8,980 including delivery & installation)

SAY WHAT? At first I thought I was third because Jessica sounds a bit like Jenson when you start pronouncing it. But second is great, so I’m happy, but as I’m competitive, a little bit disappointed as well. Jensen Button commiserates after Ryan Giggs beats him to BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2009.

Five things you didn’t know about... Jonny Wilkinson

Spectator’s Dream

lity team The Ryder Cup hospita packages y ur offers a range of lux ac e cess giving guests exclusiv e course. to the best views of th this is Range from 1-6 days e world’s th e se your chance to n. greatest golfers in actio on the For more information , please visit hospitality packages lity.com www.rydercuphospita

Winter Olympics Britain may only win a few medals in a good year, but the Winter Olympics is still a thrilling competition to watch. The current British record for a single Games is four medals, back in the first winter Games at Chamonix in France in 1924. If everything goes to plan, this year in Vancouver is set to be Britain’s most successful Winter Olympics. Keep an eye on medals for women’s bobsleigh, men’s curling and figure skating. 12-28 February

u He was awarded an honorary doctorate in Civil Law by Northumbria University u He is generally a left-footed kicker, but kicked the World Cup winning drop goal in 2003 with his right foot u He is close to becoming the first England player to reach 1,000 points for his country u He is widely known as a teatotaller, but broke that habit after England lost to South Africa in the 2007 Rugby World Cup Final u His former girlfriend is Sky Sports News presenter Di Stewart

THE GREATEST

RACE ON EARTH Lee Brooks looks ahead to the 2010 Dakar Rally which sees two and four-wheeled petrolheaded adrenaline junkies race across the extreme terrain of South America

sport

challenge for those who go. A dream for those who stay behind,” says Thierry Sabine, when describing his creation of the ultimate test for man and machine – the Dakar Rally. One look at the pictures of this truly spectacular motor racing challenge and you can certainly see why it’s billed as the greatest race on earth. More than just a simple motor lights-to-flag race, the Dakar demands pin-point accuracy when it comes to off-road navigation and rock-solid consistency and reliability. Even the tiniest mistake can be fatal, so when the drivers and riders set off across the South American desert this

month, their primary goal will be to finish. Anything else is a bonus. For 17 gruelling days, 375 drivers and riders will compete in one of three categories - car, bike or truck navigating their way across a staggering 800 to 900km per day, during which sand dunes, ferocious winds and unruly mountains will provide the necessary challenges.There’s not a GPS system in sight, as racers rely on experienced codrivers to weave them around obstacles as they bid to complete the 14 stages in the quickest time. The racing, where competitors will battle against temperatures of more than 130oF during the day and well below freezing at night, is just a small part of the challenge. At the end of each day they must inspect their vehicles before undertaking essential repairs and maintenance before joining the queues for fuel and food, reading through the route book covering the next day’s section, pitching their tent and getting as much sleep as possible with the noise of rival mechanics working through the night all around them. Then they get up and do it all again. This relentless regime continues for more than two weeks. The winner is the man or woman who completes the 9,000km loop from Buenos Aires, through the undulating terrain of Córdoba, through the Atacama Desert (reputed to be the driest in the world) before navigating the high-altitude peaks of the Andes mountains before racing back to Buenos Aires. It truly is a race of attrition. The origins of the race date back to 1977, when Sabine, a young Frenchman, got lost on his motorbike in the Libyan Desert during the Abidjan-Nice Rally. Enthralled by the vast extremes of the terrain engulfing him, he returned to France to plot out a route for his own race. The original route started in Paris, continued to Algiers in Algeria and crossed Niger’s Agadez region before eventually finishing up at Dakar in Senegal. Barring the 2008 race, which was called off due to terrorist threats, the Dakar Rally has been held every

year with 2010 being the 31st edition. Last year’s race saw the first year in which the famous motor-endurance race (formerly known as Paris-Dakar) moved from the wild terrain of Africa to the picturesque location of Latin America. Ironically, South African Giniel de Villiers made history by becoming the first African to win the event just a year after the move. The Volkswagen Race Toureg racer finished the event in a combined time of just over 48 hours – just eight minutes and 59 seconds ahead of American Mark Miller, ending Mitsubishi’s five-year winning streak. Out of 500 vehicles that set out last year only 270 completed the course, such is the demanding nature of the event. Many suffer irreparable damage from accidents and breakdowns, while others pay the ultimate price – with their life. Such is the vast expanse of the route that racers can sometimes go hours if not days before receiving assistance, and in some cases, that’s simply not soon enough. Take French motorcyclist Pascal Terry for example, who went missing after the second stage of last year’s event. The 49-year-old was on his debut in the competition but got into difficulties and quickly raised the alarm. However it was an incredible four days before organizers reached him in an inaccessible area of very dense vegetation, only to find that he had died of pulmonary edema. The Frenchman joined 48 others, including the races founder Sabine, who have perished in the search of their ultimate race goal – to finish the world’s toughest rally. The Dakar Rally is more than just a battle for victory; it’s the survival of the fittest and as long as the challenge remains, racers will continue to try their luck and risk their lives competing in this monstrous endurance race, thrilling millions of spectators worldwide, no matter what the potentially fatal consequences. n The 31st edition of the Dakar Rally will take place between January 1-17. For more information, visit www.dakar.com

Jamie Carter presents the month’s hottest gadgets

Turning over a new leaf Everyone likes a good book, but how about 1,500? Although it’s largely a luxury gift for a bookworm who has it all, frequent travellers will love not only the Kindle’s huge capacity for books, but also the efficient battery that sees this gadget keep on giving for at least four days – and as many as seven in our tests. It uses power only to replace the ink in the screen when a page turns, so there’s absolutely no need to turn it off. Using free 3G, the Kindle can download a book in seconds from a 307,000-strong book collection on Amazon’s Kindle store. Around the size of a hardback, with a six-inch screen and a leather cover, this e-book reader isn’t just a portable library. 30 magazines are available, including international titles such as Newsweek, Time and Forbes. More UK-specific titles, including The Spectator, New Statesman and – predictably – the Times Literary Supplement, can be downloaded from the store for a few bucks per issue, or between US$5 and US$8 per month for instant delivery to a Kindle.

Possibly its most attractive feature to commuters is its newspaper subscription service. The Times, The Independent, Daily Telegraph and Daily Mail can be downloaded and read very quickly, easily and comfortably by literally flicking between articles, for US$1.49 per issue of US$22.99 per month. There are a few downsides, some of them unique to UK users of this North Americancentric phenomenon. It may be called the Kindle International, but you have to buy the thing – and any books, magazines or newspapers – in US dollars. There is a basic internet browser, too, though it doesn’t yet work in the UK. Manually loaded MP3s can be played while you read, either through headphones or from its tiny built-in speakers, while it can also display Word, text and PDF files. The latter means that you can download free PDF e-books from the internet (largely old classics), though the Kindle does use an Amazon-only file type for book purchasing, so for new titles you’re stuck with whatever price Amazon is charging (unlike other popular e-book readers such as the iRiver Story, Sony PRS-300 Pocket, Iliad or COOL-ER, which allow you to buy e-books from anywhere you want). Comfortable to read and a cinch to use, bookworms will love the Kindle. And it may yet help relight the fire under British newspapers; the Kindle isn’t perfect, but for newshounds, it’s better than the Internet. And that’s some achievement. Amazon Kindle International e-book reader US$259 (imported by Amazon) www.amazon.co.uk

new gadgets Revo Domino D3 connected DAB radio & iPod/iPhone dock, £169.95 www.revo.co.uk

Cello C1973Fipod 19-inch LCD TV-DVD-iPod dock combo (black or pink), £199 www.sainsburys.co.uk

gadgets

Hip to be square Bang & Olufsen has always produced iconic and expensive TVs, but most have lacked the top tech to justify the price tag. Until now. TVs may have gone widescreen a decade ago, but that hasn’t stopped the Danish brand from presenting its latest luxury screen in a unique square frame. Using black glass framed by polished aluminium, the BeoVision 10 is designed to hang on a wall and look indistinguishable from other artwork. The top portion of this slim product is a superslim 40-inch LED screen, while the lower half holds powerful speakers and an amplifier. The

transition between the two is seamless, while there’s even a wall bracket that swings out to 45° for easy viewing. B&O BeoVision 10 40-inch LED TV, £6,000 www.bang-olufsen.com

Cable-killing soundbars have been around for a few years, but few have matched the original and best – Yamaha’s Digital Sound Projectors. Rendering traditional wired home cinema virtually obsolete, for the styleconscious at least,Yamaha’s new YSP-5100 is the brand’s latest and greatest. Using tiny motorised speakers, sound beams are bounced off the walls to create the illusion of being surrounded. It’s clever stuff, but

this isn’t just a powerful speaker. All your hi-def gear can be attached to its four HDMI inputs instead of to a TV, while Yamaha’s Airwired tech takes its ‘no wires’ mantra even further; the YSP-5100 can be fitted with an optional wireless subwoofer, and receive music streamed directly from an iPod. Yamaha YSP-5100 Digital Sound Projector, £1,499 www.yamaha-uk.com

Compression chamber

Slow burner How many people you know buy Blu-ray discs instead of DVDs? Although the new format is perfect for anyone who’s just bought a HD Ready TV, Blu-ray is proving a slow burn sale – and that’s great news because big brands like Sony are loading the latest machines with tempting extra features. Take its latest Blu-ray deck, the BDP-S760. This mid-priced machine is designed primarily to get every detail from a disc, an ambition that’s aided by

Beam me up

its Precision Drive HD tech – something found on Sony’s much pricier machines. But away from Blu-ray, the BDP-S760 can get online without having to be near a broadband router; using the latest 802.11n wireless spec it can stream photos from a networked computer, or play extra features stored on the ever-expanding BD-Live service. Sony BDP-S760 Blu-ray player £350 www.sony.co.uk

Putting your iPod at the heart of any hi-fi set-up is now de rigueur, but the success of such a space-saving idea completely hinges on finding an iPod dock capable of squeezing out every nuance from compressed MP3 music. And that requires top quality speakers. Bose has had success with its SoundDock, but until now it’s largely been a marketing achievement. The SoundDock 10 looks to put substance behind the style by including new and shrunken versions of Bose’s own waveguide tech and woofer to make low frequency sounds possible.

As well as improvements and tweaks to its audio performance, the SoundDock 10 also has something new; a Bluetooth module that can stream music wirelessly from mobile phones. Bose SoundDock 10 digital music system for iPod, £699 www.bose.co.uk

Epson EH-TW2900 Full HD home cinema projector, £1,200 www.epson.co.uk

LG Chocolate BL40 mobile with ultra-wide touchscreen,

£400 www.lge.co.uk

Samsung LE22B470 22inch LCD TV-DVD combo, £379 www.johnlewis.com

Commercial Cars & Couriers Tel: 0207 790 1144 or 0207 790 3939

• 24 Hour Mini Cabs, Chauffeur Service and Nationwide Parcel Delivery • Reliable Service with experienced drivers • Established over 30 Years • New Accounts Welcome with online booking

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Fax: 0207 423 9488 | admin@commercialcars.co.uk | www.commercialcars.co.uk

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motoring

In 2010, Alfa Romeo will celebrate its centenary. Matthew Carter summarises one hundred years of the highest of highs and the lowest of lows

fter suffering badly in the 1990s, Alfa is back on a roll. Cars like the Brera, MiTo, 159 and the highly desirable 8C prove that Alfa can make attractive and individual cars again.Yes, they still have flaws (8C included) but they do have soul. Driving a modern Alfa no longer marks you out as someone who’s not all there. And as Clarkson says: “Owning an Alfa is a portal through which all petrolheads must pass if they genuinely want to know what it is that differentiates a car from a toaster or a washing machine.” To mark this birthday, Alfa will be launching the Giulietta, a car the company reckons is destined to become

the best selling Alfa of all… emulating the first car to bear the name, which was sold between 1954 - 1965. All new, the 2010 Giulietta replaces the 147 and is aimed directly at cars like the VW Golf and Ford Focus. It will be available with a choice of petrol and diesel engine options, all driving the front wheels. Top of the range, due late in the year, will be the 230 bhp Cloverleaf, powered by a 1750cc petrol unit. Although sales start in Italy in March, the first chance we’ll get to see the Giulietta is at the Festival of Speed at Goodwood from 2-4 July, where Alfa will be the featured marque. Another reason, as if it were needed, to get down to Sussex next summer. n

Tracks Making

Matthew Carter discovers what our Lotus has in common with a racing kart

t’s a cliché, I know, but when the Lotus Exige isn’t being described as a four-wheeled motorbike, it’s being compared to a kart. So when I finally manage to prise the keys of the black beast from the vice-like grip of Run Wild’s commercial director Eren, there’s only one place to head for: one of the leading kart tracks in the country. And once at Buckmore Park it quickly becomes apparent that, from a scale point of view at least, the comparison is meaningless. The Exige is to a kart what a Transit van is to the Lotus. Buckmore Park, near Rochester in Kent, is a fully licensed kart track,

and at 1,200m is one of the longest in the country. It’s perfectly possible to get five karts abreast down the straights, but it’s a tight fit for one full sized Lotus. In other respects, though, the Exige and a kart are closer than you might think. The kart has been designed without compromise to provide genuine thrills on a racetrack. And so has the Lotus… albeit with the added bonus of being road legal at the same time. Although I’ve driven many an Elise before, this is my first time behind the wheel of an Exige. First impressions? Much the same as the Elise, but magnified. The supercharged Exige is

a more focused car than the Elise. It’s quicker, sharper and generally more agile. It’s also noisier and needs to be treated with greater respect: before I set off, I’m warned that the semi-slick tyres – while street legal – don’t take kindly to excessively greasy roads. And that’s just what today is offering. Built as a road car that is equally at home on the track, the coupé has a fistful of aerodynamic tweaks, wings and scoops to allow it to take full advantage of the rigid bonded aluminium chassis and the potent supercharged 1.8-litre engine. Although short on luxuries, the car has had most of the options boxes ticked. That means air conditioning,

motoring

part-leather trim, bigger brakes and a performance upgrade to 240bhp complete with launch control and variable traction control. Getting into the cabin needs agility but once there it’s basic but unexpectedly comfortable, though rear visibility is tricky: there’s no interior rear view mirror (no point, the view would be full of engine) but use the wing mirrors and you will see all you need of the road behind. But the driving experience is magnificent. The Toyota engine delivers a real punch, and is still pulling as you near the 8,500 rpm red line. It doesn’t take long to get to Buckmore Park, but a low-lying mist shrouds the track which, as a result, is doubly greasy. And although I am able to take some pictures – showing just how much bigger than a kart the Lotus really is – the track is about to be used in earnest by a group on a corporate fun day. There simply isn’t time for a couple of quick laps, even if I’d been allowed. Besides, Mr Commercial Director has made it quite clear that he wants his car back in one piece, thank you very much. Shame. Buckmore Park is a wonderful little track. It’s been around since the 1960s and was one of the first purpose-built kart tracks in the country. Over the years it has

grown in size and stature to the point where it is now one of the best known in the country. A glance at the pictures hanging in the club room (which was opened by Bernie Ecclestone no less) shows its significance in UK motorsport. Back in 1992 a youngster called Jenson Button won the UK Junior Championship here while four years later it was an even younger Lewis Hamilton taking the honours. The circuit is in use most days of the week. The bread and butter comes from corporate days with karting, quad-biking and laser tag on offer. On-site conference and catering facilities mean business can be mixed with pleasure. For the more serious racers, tuition, sprint and endurance events are available, all using Buckmore’s fleet of 80mph karts. Then there are the formal race days, when the next generation of World Champions can cut their racing teeth. And here’s a tip for the future: the guys at the circuit are genuinely excited by 15-year-old Josh Webster. Although he’s only been competing for three years – some start as young as six years of age – Josh is already a UK Junior Champion and is being courted by leading teams for a move up to single-seaters. Before returning to Canary Wharf, I head deeper into Kent and some

quiet roads I know. The weather is still grey and miserable, but here I can push the car a little further and decide that though the power is addictive the really impressive thing is the steering. A power-assisted setup of a modern motor might make life easy, but if you want precision, if you want to know what those front wheels are really doing, try an Exige. It’s a revelation. n With thanks to Steve Forman at Buckmore Park (www.buckmore. co.uk). Call 0845 603 7965 to organise your next team-building day… and in 2015, when Josh Webster is F1 World Champion, remember where you heard the name first.

IN BRIEF Car: Lotus Exige S Price: £34,333 (before options) Engine: 1.8-litre 4-cylinder supercharged petrol Power: 240 bhp Drive: Mid-engined, rear-wheel drive

Aston

ADVANTAGE

Day

motoring

Day

motoring

Day

4 5

Sunday and the sun’s out. Nothing is planned for today, but I surprise my wife by offering to do all manner of chores… well, those that involve taking the Aston out for a quick spin. The car also proves to be a magnet for neighbours. While there are often new and sometimes exotic cars parked outside my house, none causes as much interest as the Vantage. Rides around the block are accepted with alacrity. Time to take the Aston back to Gaydon. A drive across a busy London convinces me that the Sportshift gearbox is a waste of £3,000. The manual shift is said to be a little truck-like, but it’s got to be better than the paddle change. I probably wouldn’t bother with the sport seat option, either, as I’m still finding it difficult to get really comfortable. But in other respects the Vantage could work as an everyday car. The ground clearance is good enough to handle speed bumps and the way the ‘butterfly’ doors rise up as they are opened means they’ll never get graunched on a kerb.You’d still have to be careful not to damage those handsome alloys, though. Best of all, there’s plenty of grunt from the V8 which isn’t as thirsty as you might think: I averaged 20mpg, not bad for a 175 mph sportscar. As I glide back into Aston I head straight for the ‘Aston Martin Only’ section of the segregated car park and then sit and ponder for a few minutes. Would I buy one? Quite possibly yes. I wouldn’t have a Roadster and ‘my’ Coupé – which to these eyes looks even better – would be a manual with standard seats and suspension. That alone would save me 12 grand over the cost of the Roadster. And it would help stretch the bonus a little bit further! n

IN BRIEF Car: Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster Price: £97,867 Engine: 4.7-litre V8 petrol Power: 410bhp Drive: Rear-wheel drive

art&culture

What to read: Love Poems by Carol Ann Duffy

art

news what to see:

Every Good Boy Deserves Favour

9 January-17 February, National Theatre, www.nationaltheatre.org.uk

The Real Van Gogh: The Artist and His Letters The first major Van Gogh exhibition in London for over 40 years, this will be a unique opportunity to gain an insight into the complex mind of Vincent Van Gogh. Over 35 original letters, rarely exhibited to the public due to their fragility, will be on display, together with around 65 paintings and 30 drawings that express the principal themes to be found within the correspondence. 23 January to 18 April Royal Academy, www.royalacademy.org.uk

Where Three Dreams Cross: 150 Years of Photography from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh

London Art Fair

This landmark exhibition gives an inside view of how modern India, Pakistan and Bangladesh have been shaped through the lens of their photographers. From the days when the first Indian-run photographic studios were established in the 19th century, this exhibition tells the story of photography’s development in the subcontinent with over 400 works that have been brought together for the first time. It encompasses social realism and reportage of key political moments in the 1940s, amateur snaps from the 1960s and street photography from the 1970s.

Established in 1988, London Art Fair launches the art world year in the UK. Presenting museum-quality Modern British and Contemporary art, the Fair brings together the work of established artists and emerging talent. Whether you’re a serious collector, buying your first original work, or simply a lover of great art, London Art Fair is stylish, spectacular and uniquely welcoming.

21 January to 11 April, Whitechapel Gallery, www.whitechapelgallery.org

13 – 17 January, Business Design Centre, www.londonartfair.co.uk

Quote: Celebrity has become the new art form that competes with - and often supersedes movies, books, plays and TV shows. The names of the moment may come and go, but they always amuse us, entertain us, and educate us.

Neal Gabler in defence of our tawdry tabloid culture.

Website of the month:

www.artinfo.com

Tom Stoppard’s provocative and chilling play with music by André Previn is staged with an orchestra in an electrifying new production. A dissident locked in an asylum must admit that he is ill to be released. He refuses and, as the dissident’s son begs his father to free himself with a lie, Tom Stoppard’s darkly funny play asks if denying the truth is a price worth paying for liberty. This is a stunning co-production with Southbank Sinfonia – Britain’s young professional orchestra.

Whether writing of longing or adultery, seduction or simple homely acts of love, Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy brings to her readers the truth of each experience. She speaks of tangled, heated passion; of erotic love; fierce and hungry love; unrequited love; and of the end of love. Always imaginative, heartfelt and direct, Love Poems finds words for our experiences in love and out of love, making it the perfect early Valentine’s day gift.

Providing unparalleled access to the world of art and culture, artinfo.com is an essential resource for art novices and seasoned collectors. It offers breaking news, profiles of top and emerging artists, stories about collectors and collecting, gallery round-ups from around the world as well as detailed coverage of art fairs.

Cat Hughes previews Nowhere Boy

Artist, Sam Taylor Wood’s new film Nowhere Boy is the story of John Lennon before and at the dawn of The Beatles. The film delves into Lennon’s (Aaron Johnson) adolescent years in 1950s Liverpool after his beloved Uncle George dies and he meets his unpredictable and fun loving mum, Julia (Ann-Marie Duff). Overall the film is brilliant. Knowing next to nothing about how The Beatles came to be I don’t know how close the story is to reality. No doubt die-hard Beatles fans will find some fault with it, but the screenplay, written by Matt Greenhalgh, is fantastic – it’s well crafted and the teenage Lennon’s voice is authentically abrasive. Taylor-Wood has managed the Sponsored by

0871 200 2000

www.cineworld.co.uk 11 Hertsmere Rd, West India Quay

impossible – she has succeeded in portraying a much loved legend but she was aided by Johnson’s firstrate performance, mixing Lennon’s obnoxious swagger with flickering insecurity perfectly. In fact, what makes the film is who she chose to work with. Her core actors are top-notch. Duff, who won Best Supporting Actress in the British Independent Film awards for her portrayal of Julia, is impulsive and magnetic. Scott Thomas beautifully portrays Mimi’s cold and brittleness, but underneath you could see that she is a fiercely protective woman who loved Lennon. Also look out for newcomer Josh Bolt, who plays Lennon’s best friend Pete Shotton more than one star is born in this film.

dvd

film

entertainment (500) Days of Summer

(500) Days of Summer is the quirky romantic comedy starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt as the hapless love struck Tom, and Zooey Deschanel as the strong-minded, and occasionally annoying, Summer. Tom falls for Summer after she starts as an assistant in the greeting cards company he works for, and who unceremoniously dumps him several months later. The film jumps back and forth through various periods of their 500 days of ‘togetherness’ as Tom tries to make sense of what went wrong. Quirky and off beat it may be but it’s not that original; Hollywood has exhausted happy ever after and quirky romantic flicks are taking over, no doubt there will be more. The extras are average; the DVD only has deleted scenes, though the Blu-ray version is somewhat better; it includes a music video of Sweet Disposition by the Temper Trap, off beat conversations with the leading actors and Mean’s Cinemash ‘Sid and Nancy’ which is interesting to say the least.

Pop fact Lady Gaga wrote half of her number one album, The Fame, in a week! The album has now sold four million copies worldwide.

music

art&culture

Black is the new Blues Chris Baraniuk takes a closer look at Pop Noir, or is it Noir Pop?

11•01 Delphic

Acolyte Esmee Denters

Outta Here Cliff Richard

Just About as Good as it Gets! Moebius

Tonspuren

18•01 Lostprophets

The Betrayed One Republic

Waking Up Florence Rawlings

A Fool in Love Nouvelle Vague

Bande A Part

25•01 David Bowie

A Reality Tour The Magnetic Fields

Realism Four Tet

There is Love in You Dean Martin

The Dean Martin Collection

TOP 10 games

1. Wii Sports 2. The Beatles: Rock Band - PS3, Wii, X360 3. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 - PC, PS3, X360 4. Halo 3: ODST - X360 5. FIFA 10 - PC, PS3, Wii 6. DJ Hero - Xbox 7. Left 4 Dead - X360 8. Tekken 6 - PSP, PS3, X360 9. SingStar: Take That - PS3 10. Need for Speed: Nitro - Wii

Someone I met once described a piece of music as a great example of ‘pop noir’ and I wanted to share with you what that means. Typically, however, there’s actually a band called ‘Pop Noir’ so I’m going to call the niche-category-sub-genre I’ll be dealing with today, ‘Noir Pop’ – an ingeniously provocative reversal of terms characteristic of the genre itself. Noir Pop, as we’re forced to call it, is by definition hard to define. It’s a kind of no-man’s land between indie, electronica, dance, rock, folk and even blues. But all Noir Pop tunes share the same progressive mustiness that gives them their edge – and gallons of cool to boot. Try My Tiger, My Timing for instance. How do they get away with a band name like that? Irrelevant. The synthy structural perfection of their top track, I Am the Sound speaks infectiously for itself. That original mixture of electronic bounce and pouty vocals is classic Noir Pop territory. Two MTMT EPs are already out there, but news of an album is scarce. So, what’s lesson one? Happy + sad = noir. New York-based band The Drums, who are also newcomers to the scene deserve equal aural attention. Their oeuvre is packed gloriously full of references to legendary pop maestros like The Beach Boys and Lou Reed. There’s plenty of whistling, bumpy staccato bass-lines and dusky 80s-style lyric-bleating. Lesson two: a fundamental aspect of the best Noir Pop is its role as cultural train-spotter. The more nerdy and obscure the riff they’ve nicked from a 60s B-side, the better. But don’t get too comfortable. Lesson three: Noir Pop should leave you slightly unsettled, on edge even. The uncomfortably melodic

masterpiece Quitter’s Raga from Gold Panda will provoke you either to a euphoric higher state or an irritable lower one.You’d think sitar riffs had all been done before in pop, but not like this – a touch on the rise and fall of heavily edited palpitating drums and handclaps. So that’s what Noir Pop is. Or might be. I can tell you what it isn’t. Noir Pop isn’t simply experimental, or ‘dark’ or influenced by the past. And it isn’t just a mixture of all those things, necessarily. The fourth and final lesson is that a true Noir Pop track is knowingly irreverent or satirical. Referring transcendentally to its own absurdity, it leaves us as it arrived: with an indelible gesture of indignation and whimsy. To be honest though, Lady Gaga does that for some people, so it’s anybody’s guess, really.

CINEMA RELEASES: Did You Hear About The Morgans sees married couple Hugh Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker relocate from New York to a tiny town in Wyoming after they witness a murder and become targets of a contract killer. (January 1) The Road takes place in the burnt-out wasteland of a post-apocalyptic America. A man (Viggo Mortensen) and his son try to survive by any means possible as they follow a desolate, corpse-strewn road towards the coast, where they hope to find some kind of a future for themselves. (January 8) It's Complicated; Meryl Streep has an affair with her exhusband at their son's college graduation. As the other woman, relationships are tested as she wonders if love is truly lovelier the second time around. (January 8)

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Book your event in JANUARY and there is no hire fee Centrally located for transport (Piccadilly Circus Tube and Charing Cross overground)

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food&drink

PRODUCT OF THE MONTH: DOM RUINART 50 YEAR GIFT BOX

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of prestige cuvée Dom Ruinart, the company has commissioned Dutch artist Maarten Baas to craft two limited edition champagne flutes. The matt black box is illuminated by the mirrored lid of melted metal, which transforms itself into a beautiful serving tray and the bases of the flutes appear melted – like a piece of modern art.

food&drink

news

£245 www.ruinart.com

COCKTAILS & CUPCAKES

DON’T MISS:

A new way to enjoy afternoon tea with a quirky twist, the Mayfair Hotel is offering a delicious Cocktails and Cupcakes menu this month – the perfect excuse to indulge with friends or celebrate a special occasion! Cocktails are themed on tea blends and coffee roasts and there is a selection of yummy cupcake flavours to match. Choose from cocktails such as ‘Caramel Espresso Martini’, ‘Chamomile, Spiced Rum and Pomegranate’, ‘Peppermint Tea Martini’ and ‘Peach Iced Tea’ and cupcakes including Chocolate and Raspberry, Mocha, Vanilla, Lemon curd, Coconut and Strawberry.

LIMITED EDITION COINTREAU BOTTLE

Cointreau has teamed up with French designer Catherine Malandrino to create a beautiful limited edition bottle design; laced with silver and Swarovski crystals, the bottle represents New York’s link with Paris – the Statue of Liberty. £129.99 Selfridges in London and Manchester

Prices start from £20

HOT HOT HOT

HEALTHY HOME-MADE LUNCH

www.kitchen-italia.com

Why not whip up a batch of healthy home-made soup for re-heating at work, during the cold month of January? Try Tomato and Lentil soup; add one tin of chopped tomatoes, one tinful of water and two handfuls of lentils to a saucepan, season with salt, pepper, mixed herbs and a spoon of pesto and simmer for 15 minutes. Take your soup to the office in a Tupperware container and re-heat – easy!

To beat the winter chill Dockmaster’s chef, Navin Bhatia, is launching a curry festival with traditional curries like the famous Goan Prawn Balchao. Customers can also vary the hotness of their individual dishes by choosing to flavour them with different variety of chillies. 14 January to 10 February, 2010 Dockmaster’s House Restaurant www.dockmastershouse.com

Restaurant gossip:

Seasonal produce:

Food lingo:

Quote:

KITCHEN ITALIA The new branch of Kitchen Italia has opened its doors in Covent Garden, serving fresh, innovative, exciting Italian food. Ideal for all those who love Italian food and want reasonable prices, the menu specialises in the many varieties of pasta native to specific Italian regions, each paired with the perfect sauce from light and zingy to rich and robust.

PARSnIPS The parsnip is a firm British favourite and while it can be boiled, microwaved, stewed or fried, the very best way to cook them is to roast with salt, pepper and rosemary. Alternatively, why not make a warming winter parsnip soup – the possibilities are endless!

BLIND-BAKE Blind-baking is the process of baking a pie crust without the filling. Blind-baking a pie crust is necessary when the filling has a shorter bake time than the crust (examples might be leftover roast chicken, or gently simmered fruit). Blind baking a pie crust also helps prevent the pie crust from becoming soggy from its filling.

GORDON RAMSAY I always try to finish a dinner party menu with a strong dessert. It is often an afterthought, but it is also the final dish that your guests will taste, so it should leave the right lasting memory.

Website of the month:

www.nealsyarddairyshop.co.uk

For more information please visit www.themayfairhotel.co.uk

One for the internet ‘Favourites Folder’, this website is heaven to all cheese-lovers. London’s top cheesemonger offers a wide range of delicious cheeses including the Stichelton unpasteurised blue cheese, Irish Gubbeen, Montgomery’s Cheddar, Appleby’s Cheshire, and Kirkham’s Lancashire.

citylifepromotions

DINE OUT IN STYLE AT CANARY WHARF

ith dramatic views across the twinkling night lights of Canary Wharf and a sleek, modern, minimalist décor, Plateau is a striking light-filled restaurant located in the very centre of Canary Wharf. Described as having all the glamour of Manhattan, this restaurant offers a unique and intimate dining experience, and would be the perfect location for a romantic meal, an evening with friends, cocktails with clients or a treat for Mum and Dad! Effortlessly elegant, Plateau is a haven of high-style dining with a wide variety of gourmet dishes available for the NewYear. An oasis of calm above the hustle and bustle of Canary Wharf, it is the perfect place to unwind, entertain and soak up the glamour. Choose from the delicious and unique contemporary French menu, available in both the Restaurant and the Bar & Grill. With stylish touches all around (and some of the most fabulous cocktails in Canary Wharf), Plateau offers the crème de la crème for you and your guests in 2010. n

Plateau 4th Floor, Canada Square Canary Wharf, 020 7715 7100 www.plateaurestaurant.co.uk

NEW YEAR Offer Monday 4 January - Saturday 13 February inclusive Two course set menu in the Bar & Grill for £10 or three courses for £15 Two course set menu in the Restaurant for £20 or three courses for £25 Cocktails are also available for £5 in the bar To be eligible for these offers download a voucher from the Evening Standard website www.thisislondon.co.uk

he team at Gaucho restaurant in Canary Wharf has joined forces with Sunseeker to create a great evening of Boats and Beef on Monday 11 January, 2010 for their VIP club (‘Club G’) members. Gaucho operations director, Martin Williams tells us that Club G was formed by Gaucho 12 months ago for their regular guests to further embrace the wine, food, sport, style and music of their restaurants and Argentina. So far members have been treated to a series of Meet the Winemaker Dinners, Learn to play Polo days, a Gaucho Polo Match and, in their private dining room and suite at The O2, some special Club G concert evenings. Gaucho’s Boat Show night will start with a Champagne reception at Sunseeker’s stand at ExCel London, followed by a viewing of their debuting boats, including a special champagne gold limited edition 108 Predator which would set you back around a cool £7 million. Gaucho’s guests will then be whisked off in a convoy of Land Rovers and Porsches to Gaucho Canary Wharf where they will enjoy a specially created menu with complimenting Argentine wines and be surrounded by B&O screens showing new Sunseeker footage. n

KNOT TO BE MISSED Gaucho teams up with Sunseeker at The London International Boat Show

For further information about Club G and Gaucho’s ‘Boats and Beef’ night, please email canary@gauchorestaurants.com The London International Boat Show is at ExCel London from 8 to 17 January, you will find Sunseeker at stand S040.

New Year, New You! Pay for 10 months and get 2 months FREE*!

Join The Quad Club at Crowne Plaza London - Docklands this January and receive 2 months FREE membership. Plus 50% off the joining fee! *Terms & Conditions apply

For more details, call The Quad Club Facilities: Exercise Classes Gymnasium Pool and Jacuzzi Sauna Steam Room Beauty Treatments

Fitness Assessments Exercise Programmes Personal Training Complimentary Towels Free Parking for up to 3 hours Refurbished Changing Rooms

0207 055 2118

MEMSAHEB “Delia Smith’s favourite restaurant”

t h a m e s

Valentine bookings now being taken “Staff are keen,

cooking spot on”

Time Out Eating and Drinking Guide

Women & Home Magazine

Free Parking Free Local Devlivery Monday-Friday: 12noon-3pm & 6pm-11.30pm Saturday: 6pm-11.30pm Sunday: 12pm-4pm & 6pm-10.30pm 65-67 Amsterdam Road, London E14 3UU Near Crossharbour DLR Tel: 020 7538 3008 Email: memsaheb1997@yahoo.co.uk www.memsaheb.uk.com

tel: 020 7538 3008

o n

food&drink

A ZENITH OF CALM

I When she stepped into the new Roka, Dominique Brady was frazzled from a day at work, her hair had exploded into a bird’s nest in the wintry weather and her (newly) broken golf umbrella sat limply in her hand. She epitomised the chaos theory; mentally and physically...

n sharp contrast Roka is the embodiment of Japanese efficiency and a zenith of calm. The staff glide around smoothly in smart charcoal uniforms and the light oak tables and shimmering gold walls give the restaurant a tranquil aura. At lightning speed, my umbrella was whisked away and I was suddenly seated with cleansed hands, a serviette bedecked lap and with a waiter smilingly expecting my order. Yes, Roka is exceedingly efficient but fortunately not clinical. The likeable waiter talked me and my friend through the three kitchen-style menu (sashimi, sushi and robata) and recommended his favourites. Our miso soups arrived moments later - even before we had time to glance at the drinks menu. Wine arrived, followed in fast succession by our sashimi. The fish tasted exquisitely fresh: the scallop melted in the mouth with a wonderfully delicate flavour and the squid ribbons were tender and subtle. However, the o-toro fatty tuna was the real star. Beautifully salmon pink, it was plump, juicy and moreish. The final piece was eyed greedily by my friend and I, until she, raised more politely I suspect, conceded – my chopsticks moved with record speed. Clean plates were regularly discharged by the waiters who were keen to chat and see our preferred dishes. We felt rather like the fleet of Z-listers trapped in the jungle when our sushi arrived. We ordered the soft shell crab rolls: three pieces were served in their roll sans shell but the other two had claws dramatically rising from the roll. We swigged our wine to brace ourselves but the crispy shell proved quite pleasant. The California maki was the best I’ve had yet, with the creamy avocado and crab given added zing with the addition of salmon roe topping. However, in comparison to our other

dishes which truly spoiled us, the prawn tempura was good rather than excellent. Our initial disappointment was short-lived and abated by our robata dishes. The black cod marinated in yuzu miso was simply divine; soft, sweet and cloud-like with a sour sauce as an ideal accompaniment. The lamb cutlets were also a culinary delight. These wonderfully rare cutlets absorbed the smokiness of the grill and when you added the complex garlic and chilli Korean sauce, your palate was left challenged but excited, and ravenous for more. For dessert we shared the Roka crème brûlée with ginger ice cream and the coconut and passion fruit ‘tamago’. The crème brûlée was slightly sour as flavoured with sochaba and an excellent palate cleanser. My friend preferred the sweet crunchiness of the coconut ‘tamago’ which bursts with passion fruit when sliced into. To finish we had shots of Roka’s trademark shochu as the restaurant started to fill with City workers. Roka is certainly a very valid new addition to the Canary Wharf restaurant scene: sophisticated, with perfect service and food which can’t be beaten. I left calm, refreshed and Zen-like – even with a broken umbrella and bad hair. n ROKA restaurant 4 Park Pavilion 40 Canada Square Canary Wharf, E14 5FW 020 7636 5228

listings

Restaurant Argentinian GAUCHO CANARY

29 Westferry Circus E14 020 7987 9494

The Rogue Trader

ROKA

25 Westferry Road E14 020 7517 9233

4 Park Pavilion, Canada Square 020 7636 5228

TiffinBites

SRI NAM

CANTEEN

Jubilee Place E14 020 7719 0333

1 North Colonnade E14 020 7715 9515

The Park Pavilion, Canada Square 0845 686 1122

Italian/Pizza

Seafood

AMERIGO VESPUCCI

CURVE

25 Cabot Square, MacKenzie Walk E14 020 7513 0288

Marriott Hotel, West India Quay 22 Hertsmere Road E14 020 7517 2808

British

THE PARLOUR

40 Canada Square, E14 0845 468 0100

Carribean

CARLUCCIO’S

Chef ColLin BROWN

2 Reuters Plaza E14 020 7719 1749

2 Yabsley Street E14 020 7515 8177

Gourmet Pizza

25 Cabot Square Canary Wharf E14 020 7513 0300

European

18-20 Cabot Square E14 020 7345 9192

Spanish

Docklands Bar and Grill

Royal Victoria Docks Western Gateway, London, E16 1AL 020 7055 2119 Gourmet Burger Kitchen

Jubilee Place E14 020 7719 6408

French

EL FARO Jamie's Italian

Churchill Place E14 020 3002 5252

Pizza Express

CafÉ Rouge

29-35 MacKenzie Walk E14 020 7537 9696

QUADRATO

Canada Place E14 020 7715 7100

Gastro Pub THE GUN

27 Coldharbour Lane E14 020 7515 5222

Turnberry Quay E14 020 7987 5511

LA FIGA 45 Narrow Street, E14 020 7790 0077

Cabot Place East E14 020 7513 0513

PLATEAU

FIRST EDITION

The Four Seasons Hotel 46 Westferry Circus E14 020 7510 1857

Mexican

WAHACA 40 Canada Square, E14 020 7516 9145

Middle Eastern

THE NARROW

MEZ RESTAURANT

44 Narrow Street E14 020 7592 7950

571 Manchester Road E14 020 7005 0421

Indian

Nina's TAZA express

The Sipsmith 75 To celebrate the craft of distillation used in their handmade spirits, the sip-smiths offer us their latest cocktail for the holidays. INGREDIENTS: 45ml Sipsmith Gin 25ml Lemon Juice (juice of half a lemon) 15ml simple syrup or superfine sugar 100-125ml Champagne Splash of pomegranate juice Pomegranate seeds

Oriental

Combine gin, lemon juice, sugar and pomegranate juice in an ice-filled shaker. Shake Well. Strain into a Champagne flute. Fill with Champagne. Garnish with five or six pomegranate seeds.

Memsaheb

ITSU

65 - 67 Amsterdam Road E14 020 7538 3008

Level 2, Cabot Place East E14 020 7512 5790

www.sipsmith.com

Dockmasters

1 Hertsmere Road E14 020 7345 0345

322 Burdett Road E14 020 7093 3552

Sp e c tac u l a r Pa nor a m ic Vi e ws , Lu x u r ious De sig n & Su p e r b Food Set at the top of an amazing lighthouse-style building designed by the legendary Philippe Starck and complete with floor to ceiling windows, Battery boasts spectacular panoramic views across the City and Docklands, an interior that is at once cutting edge yet welcoming and superbly crafted modern European fare. To make your visit even more memorable, arrive by river via the Thames Clipper. Battery is situated right on the water, just a stone’s throw from Canary Wharf Dock.

EAST

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WEST INDIA QUAY

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A d d r e s s 34 Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf, E14 8RR (Separate entrance next door to Four Seasons Hotel or entrance by the Canary Wharf Dock. Valet parking)

Battery is delighted to offer readers a special introductory discount of 25% off the total bill. Please contact www.battery.uk.com and click on Canary Wharf. This offer is valid until 31st January 2010. Restrictions may apply.

0208 305 3089 | www.battery.uk.com | info@greenwich-inc.com

canary_wharf_advertorial_aw.indd 1

17/12/2009 11:56

BROWN’S LONDON

We have a stunning selection of winter flowers and decorations for all seasons Take a look at our new and improved website:

WWW.BROWNSLONDON.CO.UK Easy ordering Callback ordering service Free express delivery to Canary Wharf (within two hours) C O R PO R AT E  F L O R A L A R R A N G E M E NT S

 F U N E R A L  W E DDI N G S  G I F T S Mon to Fri | 7:30am - 7:30pm Sat | 9:00am - 5.00pm Sun | 12:00am - 6:00pm Brown’s London, Canada Place, Canary Wharf, E14 5AH DLR Station Concourse, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AB

Visit the shop or call us on

020 7512 9275

cityliferecommends

citylife

recommends

THE TOWN HALL HOTEL Due to open in March 2010, The Town Hall Hotel and Apartments will offer a selection of hotel bedrooms, apartments, leisure facilities, cocktail bar, “Viajante” fine-dining restaurant and extensive conference rooms. The grade II listed property will be finished to a five-star standard and offers an ideal base in London’s highly fashionable Bethnal Green district. 020 7621 8783 reservations@townhallhotel.com www.townhallhotel.com

PRIVATE SCANS The London Ultrasound Centre is a modern women’s ultrasound clinic near Harley Street. They provide pregnancy and gynaecological scans performed by experts, including the latest 4D ultrasound. You will receive an efficient and personal service, and with weekend clinics and late opening hours on Thursday evenings the centre has appointments to suit everyone. 020 7935 4450 www.thelondondonultrasoundcentre.co.uk

Jing Tea

Loophouse

Served in a number of leading restaurants and hotels, Jing Tea brings the best of Asia's tea leaves some of which are rarely seen outside their country of origin.

Loophouse specialises in creating custom handmade 100% wool rugs which have gained international recognition in the interiors world. Established by Lorraine Statham in 1992, these contemporary rugs are inspired by her own perspective on life and can be found in Venice, New York and the UK. Wallpaper, cushions, bean bags and more are also available.

Choose from the likes of Phoenix Honey Orchid and Jasmine Pearls Green for a taste of the other side of the world. 0207 183 2113 www.jingtea.com

020 7207 7619 www.loophouse.com

Time Out Keep up to date with the best of London's nightlife and download the new iPhone app launched by Smirnoff and Time Out. The app offers geo-location technology to pinpoint your location and any recommended activities nearby, alerts to events that might appeal to you and friends, regular updates of event listings and previews - perfect for any socialite! www.timeout.com/smirnoff

Lavender filled eye masks by Otis Batterbee Luxury accessories brand Otis Batterbee has created these lavender filled travel eye-masks for the sophisticated gentleman. The 100% cotton masks gradually emit a tranquil aroma that helps you sit back, relax and forget about the journey ahead, no matter how long! Available in corduroy, tweed and pinstripe. 020 7372 4453 www.otisbatterbee.com

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cityliferecommends

citylife

recommends

Whatley Manor Treat your Valentine to a romantic weekend away at the elegant Whatley Manor, Wiltshire. Arriving on Friday 12 or Sunday 14 February, you can indulge in Champagne and chocolates as well as enjoy the award winning spa facilities, all for a special two night stay from £698 per room. 01666 822 888 www.whatleymanor.com

Free Lectures Gresham College continues its four centuries old tradition this year, offering a range of free public lectures that may take your fancy. Taking place all over London as well as at the college itself, choose from titles such as Code-breaking in everyday life; The Ethics of Reproduction; Joseph Haydn, Op 76 No 5 in D major, and listen to Gresham's distinguished professors and visiting speakers. 020 7831 0575 www.gresham.ac.uk

'Olive Tree' by Jonathan Kruwcuzk & Caroline Sipos This stainless steel sculpture was created by designers Jonathan Kruwcuzk and Caroline Sipos, who realised the action of picking up an olive could be made a lot simpler. Perfect for any dinner party, this quirky centre piece is bound to catch the attention of your guests. Larger sizes are available for restaurants and hotels. £2,000 upwards for all bespoke designs www.krawczuk.it

Noor The first jewellery collection from Lebanese designer Noor Fares, the Touche du Boi range combines black ebony with gorgeous stones including jet, coloured sapphires and diamonds, as well as solid gold. Original and eye-catching, these gorgeous pieces will be available at Harrods from January 2010. www.noorfares.com

ASUS Videophone Touch This portable videophone is perfect for those who need an easier (and cheaper!) way to keep in touch with the rest of the world. Not only will you receive unlimited free phonecalls to other Skype users but you can enjoy a 7" touchscreen display, high quality webcam and audio, video conferencing support and of course, Wi-fi. 0870 1208 340 www.asus.co.uk

Digital Photoframe Make way for the latest digital photo frame from Parrot: the Grande Specchio. Designed with position and eco sensors, this 10.4 inch high resolution frame allows you to showcase all those memorable moments without having to dig out that hefty album. £500 www.parrot.com/uk

Southend delegates A4 ad 18/12/2009 16:03 Page 1

Take your delegates out of the city and sample the seaside.

Experience the MAGIC…

• It is perfect for a wide range of special functions from a boardroom meeting for 10, a dinner dance for 600 or a conference for 1630. • Your event will be personally catered for by our own creative and innovative team of chefs, sample menus reﬂect our passion for food and use only the freshest local ingredients. Colchester 2

For further information please contact: Tel 01702 344553 Email events@southendtheatres.org.uk www.southendtheatres.org.uk

M25

Chelmsford Brentwood

CENTRAL LONDON

• Conveniently located walking distance from Westcliff station (only 50 minutes from London), directly linked with Fenchurch street.

A13

An event at Southend Theatres offers a truly unique experience. Situated in a prime position on Southend’s famous cliffs, the Cliffs Pavilion offers fantastic views across the Thames Estuary and is an exclusive venue for your event.

Basildon A127

A13

Southend

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Designed by Luxaflex® inspired by you Create your own individual look from a wealth of delightful window styling possibilities that will transform your home. You’ll find a full range of Luxaflex® Blinds together with expert advice at Abbotts. Abbotts 470 - 480 Roman Road, Bow, London, E3 5LU www.abbottsflooring.co.uk

Tel: 0800 716 783

Abbott’s are the main suppliers and installers of all types of floor coverings including: Amtico, Brintons, Crucial Trading, Dalsouple, Karndean, Pergo and Porcelanosa.

Property ChaiN

Anna-Marie Foynes and Zerin Tara Safa of Paper Rocket guide you through this month’s property news

Behind the facade 5

This month we talk to Hana Taylor, Manager and Interior Design specialist at Bo Concept, Tottenham Court Road... Q: Where do you live?

A: Islington. It’s convenient for just about everything and I’ve been living in north London for 12 years. I like to feel like my life and work is integrated with the community – last year Bo Concept designed and donated items to a local charity providing counselling for cancer patients. Q: How would you spend £5million on property? A: Centred on the latest in modern technology, being environmentally friendly and I’d save a hidden architectural gem – something urban in London, or in the wilds of the Scottish countryside. It took generations of money and time to sustain such properties into the 21st century, so it’s our duty to ensure their preservation. Q: Describe BoConcept in 5 words A: Contemporary, Danish, modular, great design and great value for money. Q: What are the top trends in furnishing for 2010? A: Retro, mature and raw with luxury. Colours are in, but converted into a more subdued context; vintage blue, dust, jade and ochre yellow with coral reds as a vibrant kick – classic 60s style with mellow elegance. BoConcept TCR London 158 Tottenham Court Road London, W1T 7NH Tel: 020 7388 2447

Work, rest & play

INSIGHT 2009 was shaped by low interest rates, shortage of supply and a dearth of mortgage products. We look ahead to 2010 and predict the developments that will shape the property year POLITICS The anticipation and outcome of the General Election in Spring will govern the market for much of this year. The Tories have suggested that they will scrap the FSA and ditch HIPS if they are elected, while the Lib Dems would introduce a mansion tax on properties worth over £2m. A hung parliament could, in the short-term, be disastrous for the London property market. A subsequent sterling crisis and loss of the UK’s AAA rating would frighten overseas investors.

Co-owner of Nobu, Robert De Niro has been known to rest his head in a Westferry Circus penthouse whilst visiting London. Now Chesterton (Canary Wharf & Docklands 020 7510 8300) are presenting for sale a unique sub-penthouse apartment in the exclusive development of Belgrave Court, Canary Riverside, with four bedrooms and 30’ x 9’6” terrace with spectacular views. Why not blow your bonus - £2.1 million

UNEMPLOYMENT A rise in unemployment, forcing homeowners to sell, could lead to an increase in supply of properties to the market, reversing the 2009 trend of limited stock. MORTGAGE PRODUCTS The industry is crying out for more realistic lending criteria for first-time buyers and the self-employed. We might expect some slight easing of restrictions in 2010. CONFIDENCE Overall confidence has been dented in the past year. The key advice from most commentators when advising property investors how to progress in 2010 is proceed with caution.

RAISE AN ISSUE

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Paper Rocket is a Buyer’s Agent based in Canary Wharf. Director Anna-Marie Foynes and Associate Zerin Safa have a combined total of 24 years experience in both commercial and residential property. They specialise in sourcing properties throughout London and the South-East.

If you would like to raise an issue please contact Anna or Zerin: info@paperrocket.net

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www.paperrocket.net

020

KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

Hanover House, Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf E14

Dunbar Wharf, Narrow Street, Limehouse E14

A third floor furnished property situated in this prestigious development. Accommodation includes entrance hall, reception room with dining area, fully equipped kitchen, two double bedrooms, en suite bathroom and separate bathroom. Available furnished.

We are delighted to offer this two double bedroom duplex apartment This apartment also includes a fantastic view down the River Thames. The accommodation consists of a large modern kitchen, reception room with access to balcony, a patio area can be accessed from both bedrooms.

£550 per week Knight Frank Canary Wharf Lettings 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

£525 per week Knight Frank Canary Wharf Lettings 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Boardwalk Place, Canary Wharf E14 Knight Frank are pleased to offer this apartment which is located within walking distance of Canary Wharf. Accommodation comprises of one large double bedroom, with a spacious living room leading through sliding doors to a generous balcony side dock views. Boardwalk Place is in a quiet location just a couple of minutes walk from Blackwall DLR station. And less than ten minutes walk from Canary Wharfs tube station and shops. £275 per week Knight Frank Canary Wharf Lettings 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Ocean Wharf, Westferry Road, Canary Wharf E14 We are delighted to offer this stunning one bedroom apartment. This one bedroom flat also offers views straight into the heart of the City across the River Thames. The property is furnished and it also benefits from a modern fully fitted kitchen. The development benefits from 24 hour porterage. £320 per week Knight Frank Canary Wharf Lettings 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

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2010. Savills welcomes you to the decade of opportunity.

Savills Wapping Execution D ock 80 Wapping H igh S treet London E 1W 2 NE

Savills Canary Wharf 4 Westferry Circus Canary W harf London E14 4HD

Dawn S hepperson 020 7456 6 800 dshepperson@savills.com

Sarah Heard 020 7531 2500 sheard@savills.com

savills.co.uk

Happy New Year. As a new decade begins, all kinds of new opportunities are emerging. Right now, buyers are out there. In the last quarter, some 7,500 people looking to buy property between ÂŁ500,000 and ÂŁ3 million alone registered with us, with over ÂŁ7 billion to spend between them. When it comes to moving, this is going to be the decade of opportunity. Our research team predicts prices will rise by 27% by 2015, and that prime properties will be a resilient investment which is certainly food for New Year thought. Buying, selling, letting or renting, its time to do property, properly.

Swiss relocation Pop stars and racing drivers have been heading to Switzerland for years, some such as Lewis Hamilton pretending it’s for the quiet life and fresh air but Zoe Dare Hall suspects it’s really all about the tax

ith the 50 % tax bracket looming for those earning over £150,000 from next April, everyone from well-off individuals to the UK’s biggest hedge fund companies are considering making the move to the land of chocolate and cheese. McDonalds moved to Geneva in June and it’s said that the Swiss authorities are dangling carrots in front of UK-based CEOs and FTSE 100 companies to tempt them to their lower-taxed shores. Monaco or the Cayman islands may have more glamour and Gibraltar the lowest corporate tax in Europe, but convenience and lifestyle play a big part in Switzerland’s appeal. Buying property in Switzerland is also a notoriously difficult process, complicated by whether you are buying as a permanent residence or a holiday home. In non-touristic areas including Zurich and Geneva, which attract most of the fiscal émigrés, foreigners cannot buy property without becoming resident, achieved by either having a work contract or proof of sufficient funds to not be a drain on the state. There

Schaffhausen Bo GERMANY de ns ee

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Zurich

St.Gallen

LIECHTENSTEIN

FRANCE

Biel

AUSTRIA

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Thun

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Geneva ITALY

is no limit to the number of residency permits issued. In designated tourist areas, including most of the ski resorts, foreigners can buy holiday homes of up to 200m2. “But each of the 26 cantons has its own rules and they keep changing them,” says Jeremy Rollason, director of Savills Alpine Homes. “Two years ago, the Valais canton, which is one of the most popular areas for British buyers, changed its mind overnight and said foreigners couldn’t buy in certain areas. Now there are only 330 permits available for foreign holiday home buyers in the Valais canton annually and only 1,500 in the whole of Switzerland.” Buying in Switzerland was never cheap and with the pound having lost 30% per cent of its value against the Swiss Franc in a year, it means those tax savings better be even more worthwhile. But Swiss Franc mortgages offer low rates and anyone with a residency permit can buy with a 20% deposit (compared with 40% for non-residents buying Swiss holiday homes). So if you are thinking of joining the gilded exodus to Switzerland, where can you buy?

Lugano

ERMANY

LIECHTENSTEIN

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homes&property

Geneva The cosmopolitan Frenchspeaking city, where nearly half the 185,000 residents are expats, and the canton of the same name, which includes attractive towns such as Montreux or Lausanne around the shores of Lake Geneva, are where most Swiss-bound Brits chose to live. But housing is expensive and the influx of relocating workers seeking accommodation is putting a strain on supply, with just 200 rental properties on the market at any one time and twobedroom apartments – the most sought-after property in the city – costing from £850,000-£1.2m, say Savills International. Even small flats are in high demand. “One agent in Geneva told me it isn’t uncommon to have 100 people view an ordinary one-bed flat in a day,” says George Preston, a 24-yearold IT consultant who is staying with friends in Lausanne while he looks for a flat near his job for a large multi-national company in Geneva. “Finding a flat is an arduous exercise because of all the documentation you need. Most people tell you to allow three months and agents have less time for expats because they mean more paperwork and are less likely to stay long-term,” he adds. But there are distinct benefits to his Swiss move. “My gross earnings here are 25% higher than it was in the UK, and in my canton and my income tax is a flat 20%,” says Preston. To benefit from lower taxes, many expats choose to work in Geneva but live in nearby cantons such as Valais, where Roger Moore lives, or Vaud, home to Phil Collins, as you pay tax based on the location of your primary residence. “People play the system the best way they can, so they buy ski chalets that they claim as their

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primary residence, then rent a flat in Geneva, where they work and live during the week,” says Tony Walker, a 41-year-old energy trader, who moved to Geneva from Richmond, London, six months ago with his wife Suzi, 39, who works for the Italian property company Ultissimo, and their son Max, three. They rent a large house in a rural village 15 minutes outside Geneva for £3,600 a month and have just bought a two-bedroom chalet in Verbier for £611,000 as a weekend and summer home. Zurich With lower tax rates than Geneva, from 13% to 25%, German-speaking Zurich in northern Switzerland is a prime spot for emigrating movers and shakers, as agents like to call this set. There is also the benefit of having great ski domains including Klosters, Davos and Flims within easy reach. Foreigners can only buy property in Zurich by becoming a Swiss resident. “Most vendors will allow you to rent the property while your permit is being sorted out,” assures Mark Harvey from Knight Frank’s international department, who are marketing off-plan apartments in the Mobimo Tower, a 24-floor residential block in western Zurich, inspired by 1900s Chicago skyscrapers, and with views across Lake Zurich. The 33 apartments start at £1.28m for a 127m2 one-bedroom unit. Knight Frank also has a large new detached family house with four bedrooms for sale in the village of Zollikon, just outside Zurich, from £2.7m. In the neighbouring canton of Zug, 45 minutes from Zurich airport and home to Boris Becker, income tax is the lowest in Switzerland from 8.8%. The quality of life is constantly rated

among the best in Switzerland, there are international schools and a large international community, with websites such as www. Zug4you.ch informing the city’s growing English expat population. Lugano The Ticino region of southern Switzerland may not be renowned as a thrusting financial centre or famed for its glamorous ski resorts, but it has something far more aesthetic in its favour and that’s its proximity to northern Italy. Ticino’s 300,000 inhabitants live between the Alps and the Italian lakes in a region that runs with the ideaL ideal combination of Swiss efficiency and a Latin spirit. Milan’s shops, galleries and airport are 90 minutes away and the Italian influence has seeped over the Swiss border too, in bringing a wider range of restaurants to this southern corner of Switzerland. As a tourist destination rather than a financial centre, property prices are cheaper than in Zurich or Geneva and there are fewer restrictions on where foreigners can buy. Sought-after waterfront villas on Lake Lugano can fetch millions and have a devoted following among wealthy Swiss Germans, Italians and, increasingly, Russians. Local agents are also excited about

the possibility of the Clooney effect spreading to Ticino, with rumours that the Hollywood star is selling his Lake Como home and buying on Lake Maggiore, whose northern tip lies in Switzerland. Current lakefront villas on sale include a modern fivebedroom house in Bissone for £2.86m from local estate agency Wetag Consulting. The high-end agency is marketing cheaper houses inland, still with views of the lake, including a four-bedroom 1900s house in Bigorio, 20 minutes from the town of Lugano, for £676,000. Or in the new Residenza San Michele development in Orselina, above Lugano and overlooking Lake Maggiore, Pure International are selling apartments from £335,000. n Savills Alpine Homes 0207 016 3740 www.alpinehomesintl.com Knight Frank 0207 629 8171 www.knightfrank.co.uk/abroad

Lettings LETTINGS

Ability Place E14

from £280 pw

Lewes House E14

£350 pw

Newly re-furbished one bedroom ting Ability Place is aSE3 superb development ideally situated to South Quay Humber Road, £369,995 St Johns Park, SE3 £335,000 third floor St Josephs Vale apartment benefi£310,000 Two bedroom, two bathroom purposebedroom built flat situated in thehas ever Situated in the Canary heart of the Westcombe Park area we strongly an floor facing one bedroom offering stylish greatly from a mezzanine study/occasional guest and DLR and Wharf. King Sturge areurge offering a First dock andconverted apartment popularSt Joseph’s Vale development so this flat is sure to prove immediate appointment to view ideally located for Westcombe Park contemporaryliving with all the charm of the era. Accommodation just fi nished being re-furbished to a very high standard and includes a Canary Wharf facing apartment, with large balcony, approximately popular with the city professionals. and Maze Hill BR. comprises lounge to front, immaculate kitchen and luxury bathroom. private garage viewing highly recommended. 408 sq. ft spacious studio apartment to rent.

Oriana House E14

£375 pw

Landmark E14

£375 pw

Eltham Road, SE12 £309,995 Lee Terrace, SE3 £460,000 Dacre Gardens, SE13 £285,000 Fabulous two bedroom, two bathroom apartment with good sized A stunning 537ft² one bedroom apartment on the 22nd floor of the Hall floor two bedroom conversion represents one not to be missed. In Purpose build maisonette with accommodation set over three levels Three bedroom garden flat offered with sole use of an 80’ private balcony Canary Wharf. ideally eagerly anticipated development thewhich fringe of the addition therefacing is a prettytowards 30’ private rear garden and off street The parking.development andgives a great feel of light located and space. Aon location is popular garden. A is short walk from the village, the property also benefits from aLandmark The property is locatedDLR for localstation shops andand BR stations. with first time buyers. next to Canary Wharf and 20’9 facilities, reception room, modern fitted kitchen, off street parking.business district. situated toconveniently Limehouse includes gym Canary Wharf Located concierge and lift. transport with 24 hr concierge, gym.

Channel House E14 pw Berkeley Tower E14Church View House SE4 £425 pw Shell Road SE13 £395,000 Braxfield£395 Road SE4 £449,995 £329,900 AAattractive bay fronted Victorian home. Lounge with doors dividing, A charming a very well presented three bedroom period terrace A wonderful opportunity to purchase this unique four bedroom luxury new build apartment in Watergardens Square comprising two Very spacious, 3rd floor, 910ft² one bedroom apartment in prestigious Canary quality fitted kitchen/diner which leads onto a secluded lawned rear house, situated in a very popular road and is offered with no ondetached family house, located on a quiet street close to all the local double bedrooms, two bathrooms, reception and open plan kitchen. This Riverside. Conveniently situated to Canary Wharfs amenities and transport garden, three good size bedrooms. going chain. amenities and benefits from nolocal on-going chain gated development benefits from secure parking, lift, concierge and is links. 300m from Canada Water tube station. Available now. Office - 020 7715 9700 Canary Wharf Office docklands.lettings@kingsturge.com docklands.lettings@kingsturge.com www.kingsturge.co.uk London offiinces in Knightsbridge, Canary Wharf, Blackheath and Greenwich With With London offices Knightsbridge, Canary Wharf, Blackheath, Brockley and Greenwich

Sales LETTINGS

Indescon Court E14

from £180,000 Leasehold

New Providence Wharf E14

£300,000 Leasehold

A stunning£335,000 one bedroom apartment Galliard built around acres of SE3 HumberHomes’ Road, latest SE3 luxury development £369,995 St1.5 Johns Park, St Josephslocated Vale in this highly desirable £310,000 Two bedroom, two a bathroom builtwalk flat situated in the ever Situated in the heart of the Westcombe Park area we urge an of the First floor oneWharf bedroom converted apartment offering stylish Ballymore development. Situated just 5/10purpose minute to Canary landscaped gardens and located onstrongly the fringe Canary popularSt Joseph’s Vale development so this flat is sure to prove immediate appointment to view ideally located for Westcombe Park contemporaryliving with all the charm of the era. Accommodation Wharf in a peaceful, riverside setting and boasts a state of the art gym business district. Please call our sales team for a full selection of studio, popular with the city professionals. and Maze Hill BR. comprises lounge to front, immaculate kitchen and luxury bathroom. and waterside pool. 1, 2, 3 & 4 bedroom apartments - many with stunning London views.

City Tower E14

£350,000 Leasehold

Lockesfield Place E14

£475,000 Share of Freehold

Eltham Road, SE12 £309,995 Lee Terrace, SE3 £460,000 Dacre Gardens, SE13 £285,000 A large two bedroom, two bathroom apartment in the prestigious City An impressive and larger than average, recently refurbished 3 bedroom Hall floor two bedroom conversion represents one not to be missed. In Three bedroom garden flat offered with sole use of an 80’ private Purpose build maisonette with accommodation set over three levels Tower development. Presented inoffgood condition and located near house the sought private development addition there is a pretty 30’ private rear garden and street parking. garden. A short walk fromto the village, the propertyinalso benefits from aafter Lockesfi andgives a eld great Place feel of light and space. A location which ison popular The propertyWharf/Transport. is conveniently located for Benefi local shops BR stations. 20’9parking. reception room, modern fitted kitchen, street with firstgarage, time buyers.off-street parking and close to Canary ts and from concierge and the off Isle of parking. Dogs. Large garden, Mudchute DLR.

Watergardens Leasehold New Providence E14 £480,000 Leasehold Shell Road SE13 Square E14 £395,000 £475,000 Braxfield Road SE4 £449,995 Wharf Church View House SE4 £329,900 A attractive with doorsset dividing, charming very well presented three bedroom period A wonderful opportunity to purchase this unique four bedroom A large bay twofronted bedVictorian two home. bathLounge apartment on the 5th flAoor withastunning This large 6thterrace floor luxury two bedroom apartment boasts river views quality fitted kitchen/diner which leads onto a secluded lawned rear house, situated in a very popular road and is offered with no ondetached family house, located on a quiet street close to all the local views. Specifi cation is excellent and the development provides a day from all principle rooms asamenities well as generous riverside garden, three good size bedrooms. going chain. andabenefits from no on-going chainbalcony. concierge and 24 hour security. One secure parking space. We highly Offered with secure parking, use of leisure and 24hr concierge. recommend viewing. Situated in the heart of Canary Wharf. Office - 020 7715 9700 Canary Wharf Office www.kingsturge.co.uk docklands.sales@kingsturge.com www.kingsturge.co.uk London offiinces in Knightsbridge, Canary Wharf, Blackheath and Greenwich With With London offices Knightsbridge, Canary Wharf, Blackheath, Brockley and Greenwich

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Freephone: 0500 85 85 80

interiors

103

the diary

Sim Smith’s pick of January’s best finds.... Moon System sofa, B&B Italia

e Hotel

Park Hous

Geffrye Museum

B&B Italia

‘Roughly Drawn’ legs chair by Richard Liddle of Codha Design Ltd, made from recycled domestic plastic waste

Escape London for a weekend to the Park House Hotel, West Sussex for a bit of indulgence. Recoup from the festive period in the newly completed spa and wile away long afternoons in front of a roaring fire playing board games in the impressive drawing room. Each of the twenty one luxury ensuite bedrooms has been individually designed in keeping with the traditional country house feel. Elegant toile wallpapers are teamed with rich floral fabrics and warm woollen blankets whilst heavy gilt mirrors hang over antique wooden furniture giving the rooms a sense of timeless luxury.The views are equally impressive, overlooking the immaculate grounds, South Downs and West Sussex countryside. Situated only 50 miles from central London and armed with a 5*AA rating for Guest Accommodation, why not make this your perfect country retreat.

Head to the IV edition of the International Biennial of Architecture “Barbara Cappochin” this month in Padua, where Zaha Hadid will exhibit some of her most important works at Palazzo della Ragione. The Monographic Exhibit will give the public a chance to see several design projects by the British Iraqi architect including the infamous Moon System sofa for B&B Italia. The exhibition runs until the 1 March, 2010.

Pay a visit to the Geffrye Museum this month to see what you can do to make small but important eco changes in your home. Eco Home, supported by John Lewis is a special exhibition examining the affect of climate change on our homes; the way we use, decorate and inhabit them. Aiming to inform the public about design and consumption within the home, this exhibition will prompt any of its visitors to rethink old habits and counteract any negative stereotypes surrounding eco design. If you see yourself as a bit of an eco warrior or are looking for a bit of motivation to kick start the NewYear, be sure not to miss this exhibition, open until Sunday 7 February, 2010.

01730 819000; www.parkhousehotel.com

020 7591 8111; www.bebitalia.it

020 7739 9893; www.geffrye-museum.org.uk

Baccarat

Mille Nuits Collection, Baccarat from £54

Keep the party season going with some gorgeous new crystalware by Baccarat. The extension of the Mille Nuits Collection designed by Mathias features a beautiful series of delicately crafted tableware in deep, dark translucent tones illustrating Baccarat’s great strength of crystal working and know-how. Choose from high tiered pastry stands, fluted high top bowls and finely detailed champagne flutes to add a bit of luxury to any dinner party. 00 33 140 221 414; www.baccarat.com

Vitra If you’re after some great January bargains, head to Vitra for their annual one day sale.This has become a staple date in any serious design lover’s diary with some fans camping outside the showroom for several days prior to the event! Saturday 23 of January, 2010 will see some amazing reductions on classic design pieces with the majority of stock marked at 40% off.There are always a

Vitra, 30 Clerkenwell Rd, London, EC1M 5PG

few stellar bargains to be had like this year’s Eames Lounge chair originally priced at £3,904 can be snapped up for a mere £199! This year Vitra has teamed up with Coffee Cartel and their super cool Piaggio Apé van and will be serving hot drinks from 6.30am to all the early birds. I’ll see you in the queue... 020 7608 6200; www.vitra.com

the trend

Sim Smith takes inspiration from the roof tops of Paris...

here’s something magical about this time of year. Last month’s festivities have been laid to rest and there’s a distinct sense of excitement in the air. The thrill of the new and unexpected fills the minds of many as they walk to work with renewed vigor over sturdy city bridges with umbrellas held low over chilly brows. It is the city, its winter landscape and weather that is at the heart of this month’s trend - Paris in particular, “La Ville-Lumière” in all its splendour. There is a delicate play on light-reflecting qualities, natural materials and a new sense of luxury that has seemed so absent from past minimalist representations. Luminous green velvets and crisp white china embellished with platinum insect detailing transport me back to dewy parks and impressive formal gardens; the smell of morning rainwater and cobblestone courtyards. Neo-classical stone buildings of bourgeoisie standing seem to have been picked as a muse for this month’s strong decorative structures and striking motifs found on wallpapers and tiles. Even the roof tops and domes of Paris have sparked new ideas in young designers with zinc roofing tiles taking on a new life as candle bases. Magical destinations are hidden behind closed doors or porte-crochères only open to those with a key. Apartments fill with natural light on distressed, faded colours that glimmer still brightly against the natural décor. Choice objects that could have been picked from Les Puces or Paris Saint-Ouen flea market clutter the room, from gilded leather cushions to shapely pewter vases and stainless steel candelabras. Modern touches mix with Art Deco and late 17th century pieces with contrasting elements of marble, nickel and glass being coupled with fine shimmering linens and delicate silks. Heavy roll top baths sit centrally in vast bathrooms with fine scented candles emitting soft floral notes from their warm flames. This modern take on the metallic theme is not merely a trend but instead promotes a luxurious spin on ambience and history within the home. Choose pieces that will give your space an individual story, a personal touch of sparkle.

Hand finished stainless steel Nest candelabrum, £150, Robert Welch Designs 01386 840522; www.robertwelch.com Tarnished steel sideboard, £6382.50, OCHRE 020 7096 7372; www.ochre.net

Crackle leather rectangular cushion in silver, £195, Nicole Farhi 020 7494 9051; www.nicolefarhi.com

Hand burnished platinum detailed Entemo:1 TNE tea cup and saucer, £57.52, The New English 01782 294502; www.thenewenglish.co.uk

Marble and nickel plated steel Freder table, POA, by Kranen Gille, Gallery FUMI 020 7490 2366; www.galleryfumi.com Aqua Universalis candle, £45, Maison Francis Kurkdjian, Liberty 020 7734 1234; www.liberty.co.uk

Rustic metal tile, from £72.20 per m2, Colorker at Squarefoot Ceramics 020 83976284; www.squarefootceramics.com

Pewter Spin and Wide Flare vases, Gleam pewter collection, from £82.50 each, Miranda Watkins 020 7928 9206; www.mirandawatkins.com

Metallic grass and eco Jute Luxe Linens wall covering, from £89, by Phillip Jeffries, House Couturier 020 7371 9255; www.housecouturier.eu

Kooh I Noor mirror, £1669, Tom Faulkner 020 7351 7272 ; www.tomfaulkner.co.uk

interiors

Hicks’ Hexagon wallpaper, £45 per roll, Cole & Son 020 7376 4628; www.cole-and-son.com

Hand blown glass Spindle Shade in steel grey, £275, Rothschild Bickers 020 8418 5900; www.rothschildbickers.com

Silk velvet Sloop sofa in green with brass studding, from £2,840, Somerville Scott 020 7586 2211; www.somervillescott.com

Polished and lacquered Usk bath, from £3248.75, Drummonds 020 7376 4499; www.drummonds-uk.com

Crackle leather square cushion in dull silver, £195, Nicole Farhi 020 7494 9051; www.nicolefarhi.com

Aluminium Spun stool, £129, by Edward Robinson, Thorsten van Elten 020 7739 7237; www.thorstenvanelten.com Wire Cube, £115 per unit, by Verner Panton, Montana 07545 244 524; www.iconsofdenmark.dk

Steel Halia photo frame, from £6.90, Zara Home 020 7432 0040; www.zarahome.com

Large leather Liberty Of London diary in silver, £75, Liberty 020 7734 1234; www.liberty.co.uk

Leather journal in gold, £43, by Barbara Wiggins, Liberty 020 7734 1234; www.liberty.co.uk

119

LETTINGS E14

Port EAst

E14

£950/Wk

mEridiAn PlAcE

E14

£650/Wk

AurorA building

£390/Wk

• Three Bedrooms • Three Bathroom • Warehouse Conversion • Fantastic Location • Double Height Ceilings • Grade 1 Listed

• Spacious Three Bedrooms • Two Bathrooms • Duplex Penthouse • Dock View • Porter’s Lodge • Parking • Walking distance to Canary Wharf

• Two Bedrooms • Two Bathrooms • Stunning 02 Arena and Dock View • Parking • 24h Concierage • Close to DLR and Tube Station • Minutes Away From Central Canary Wharf

sE10

E14

sE10

bEcquErEl court

£350/Wk

• Three Bedrooms • Two Bathrooms • 3rd Floor • Concierge • Moments Away From Jubilee Line • Furnished to a High Standard

E14

PAn PEninsulA

£275/Wk

• 22nd Floor Studio • Balcony with Canary Wharf Views • 24 Hour Concierge • 50th Floor Cocktail Lounge • Private Cinema • Resident’s Gym with Swimming Pool • Minutes Walk to Canary Wharf

mEridiAn PlAcE

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kilby court

£275/Wk

• Spacious One Bedroom • One Bathroom • Dock View • Terrace • Porter Lodge • Walking Distance to Canary Wharf

• One Bedroom • One Bathroom • Furnished to a High Standard • High Ceiling • Parking • Porter Lodge • Walking Distance to North Greenwich Tube

E14

E16

Ability PlAcE • Large Studio • Views of Canary Wharf • Concierge • Health Spa On-Site • 9th Floor • Large Balcony

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• Very Spacious One Bedroom Apartment • 2 Balconies • Spectacular River Views • Separate kitchen • Suecure Underground Parking • Leisure Facilities • Resident’s Gym and Concierge • Good Transport Links

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URBAN LUXURY Interior design companies are ten to the dozen – but what makes truly exceptional design stand out? We talk to the team at Increation to find out more about their cutting-edge luxury designs and their massive success since 2001 Formed in 2001 by Vincent Cullane (with a business loan from The Prince’s Trust), Increation began life as a small, local company. Slowly but surely however, the company has grown – doubling in size every year since its inauguration. With eighteen dedicated staff now working from Increation’s large and luxurious design studio in East London and the Fulham Road showroom, their reputation in the design world is growing from strength to strength. Specialising in creating luxury interiors, bespoke kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms the team at Increation (including designers, production managers, cabinet makers, installers and project managers) work closely with each other, and with each client to make the dream vision a reality. “All our staff have been hand-picked for their talent and passion for design, as well as their skills” explains Vincent, “and we work with Architects and Developers as well as home-owners to create the perfect kitchen,

bathroom and bedroom for the individual”. Of course, installing a new kitchen, bathroom or bedroom isn’t simply about ‘updating’ your property or preparing it for a sale – according to Increation, it is a chance for clients to really inject some personality into their home and make it a space that you not only enjoy living in, but also reflects your own style, attitude and passions. “We have always had a passion for creating spaces which suit individual tastes and lifestyles. With made to measure furniture your choice is never limited and you are able to have high quality, long-lasting furniture which really turns a house into your home” says Vincent. In this day and age, luxury living is something we all aspire to, but the choice of company can make all the difference – when spending a large amount of money transforming a room, clients need to be confident in the service and quality they will receive. “Service is our priority” enthuses Vincent,

“whatever room in your home we’re working on, our highly-skilled team will be with you from initial consultation right through to installation and aftercare of the luxury interiors we create”. As expected, the quality of craftsmanship and materials used in Increation’s designer interiors is outstanding. The combination of industry experience and innovative design ideas, with quality materials and skilled craftsmanship result in truly exceptional results; it is not surprising then that so many clients return to Increation for their next room! “We have always tried to go the extra mile offering a complete design service taking into account the entire interior, combined with a personal service guiding and nurturing our customers through the whole process” Vincent says. “The quality of Increation’s furniture speaks for itself.” For more information, visit www.increation.net or call 020 7987 8328

D OL LD S SO

£629,950

L LD SO SO

L LD O SO S Medland House, Limehouse, E14 • Penthouse apartment terrace • Large Kiln Court, Limehouse, E14 underground parking • Secure • Two double bedrooms Medland House, Limehouse, E14 views • Marina • Duplex Penthouse apartment • • Private balcony £629,950 terracecar parking • Large • Allocated underground parking • Secure £225,000 • Marina views

Fleet House, Limehouse, E14 • Two double bedrooms bathrooms • TwoBarrier Point, Silvertown, E16 • Parking • One double bedroom Fleet House, Limehouse, E14 views • Marina •Two Duplex double bedrooms • Secure car parking £399,950 bathrooms •••Two Residents gym Parking •£249,950 Marina views • £399,950

Lamb Court, Narrow Street, E14 • Two double bedrooms TwoPeninsula, bathrooms Canary Wharf, E14 •Pan underground parking Street, E14 •• Secure Studio apartment Lamb Court, Narrow •• Balcony 31st floor bedrooms • Two double • Residents’ leisure facilities £349,950 Twoconcierge bathrooms • 24 •hour • Secure underground parking £255,000 • Balcony £349,950

• Two bedrooms • Two bathrooms Shackleton Court, Isle Of Dogs, E14 • Balcony • Direct river views £335,000 • Two bedrooms • Two bathrooms • Balcony £335,000

D OL LD S

LD LD SO

Actions speak louder Actions speak than words. Lourdes Estate Agents louder would like to wish everyone Contact our team Shackleton Court, Isle Of Dogs, E14 Neutron Tower, Virginia Quay, E14 thansales words. Two double Year bedrooms • Direct river views a Happy Christmas and a prosperous •New today for a free, no Contact our sales team obligation valuation. today for a free, no obligation valuation.

L SO

Millennium Harbour, South Quay, E14 bathroomsTower, South Quay, E14 • TwoCascades double bedrooms bedrooms • Two•• Two Two bathrooms views • River • Refurbished to a high standard • Balcony • Secure car parking Millennium Harbour, South Quay, E14 £449,950 Two bathrooms •£399,999 • Two bedrooms • River views • Balcony £449,950

LD D SO

LD LD SO

£525,000

£375,000

SO Chinnocks Wharf, Narrow Street, E14 bedroomsWharf, Poplar, E14 • TwoColmans Converted warehouse • Two••bathrooms Car parking river views • Direct • Flexible accommodation Balcony • Chinnocks • Exposed Wharf, brickworkNarrow Street, E14 £525,000 bedrooms £339,999 • Two • Two bathrooms • Direct river views • Balcony

• Large balcony • River views Tower, Virginia Quay, E14 floor • 11thNeutron • Two double bedrooms £375,000 • Large balcony • River views • 11th floor

Millennium Drive, Isle Of Dogs, E14 Wharf, Narrow Street, E14 One double bedroom •Dunbar Two double bedrooms car parking ••• Secure River views views car parking •• River Underground Refurbished throughout •• Concierge Millennium Drive, Isle Of Dogs, E14 £275,000 £685,000 • One double bedroom • Secure car parking • River views • Refurbished throughout £275,000

020 www.lourdes-estates.com 0207538 75389250 9250 www.lourdes-estates.com Lourdes Estate Agents, Lourdes Estate Agents,94-96 94-96Three ThreeColt ColtStreet, Street,Limehouse, Limehouse,London, London, E14 8AP 020 7538 9250 www.lourdes-estates.com Lourdes Estate Agents, 94-96 Three Colt Street, Limehouse, London, E14 8AP

£399,950

Actions speak louder Actions speak than words. louder Contactthan our sales team words.

today for a free, no Contact our sales team obligation valuation. £390 today per week for a free, no obligation valuation. Spice Court, Wapping, E1W

• Two double bedrooms • Split level • Balcony • Separate kitchen

Neutron Tower, Virginia Quay, E14

bedrooms • Two double Milligan Street, Limehouse, E14

balcony • Large • Three bedrooms views • River • Two bathrooms Tower, Virginia Quay, E14 floor • 11thNeutron • Large reception double bedrooms • Two £375,000 • Separate kitchen diner

• Large £400 per weekbalcony • River views • 11th floor £375,000

£449,950

LD D SO

Millennium Harbour, South Quay, E14 Dunbar Wharf, Narrow Street, E14 bathrooms • Two • Two double bedrooms bedrooms • Two • Two bathrooms views • River • Private Terrace • Balcony • Separate kitchenHarbour, South Quay, E14 Millennium £449,950 £525 week • Twoperbathrooms • Two bedrooms • River views • Balcony

L SO

LD LD SO

£525,000

£349,950

LD LD SO SO

SO Chinnocks Wharf, Narrow Street, E14 Free Trade Wharf, Wapping, E1W bedrooms • Two • Two double bedrooms bathrooms • Two • Two river bathrooms views • Direct • River views • Balcony Chinnocks Wharf, Narrow Street, E14 • Private balcony £525,000 Two bedrooms •£450 per week • Two bathrooms • Direct river views • Balcony

Lamb Court, Narrow Street, E14 • Two double bedrooms • Two bathrooms Dunbar Wharf, Narrow Street, E14 underground parking Street, E14 • Secure • One bedroom Lamb Court, Narrow • Balcony • Private balcony Two double bedrooms • £349,950 • Fully furnished Two bathrooms • River •views • Secure underground parking £310 per week • Balcony

D OL LD S

£335,000

Fleet House, Limehouse, E14 • Two double bedrooms bathrooms • Two Neutron Tower, Virginia Quay, E14 • Parking • One bedroom Fleet House, Limehouse, E14 views • Marina • Fully Twofurnished double bedrooms • £399,950 • Private balcony • Two bathrooms • Leisure facilities • Parking £285 per week views • Marina

LD LD SO

SO Shackleton Court, Isle Of Dogs, E14 views Wharf, E14 • Direct New river Providence bedrooms • Two • One bedroom bathrooms • Two • River views Shackleton Court, Isle Of Dogs, E14 • Balcony • Residents spa and swimming pool Direct views •• 24 £335,000 hourriver concierge Two bedrooms •£350 per week • Two bathrooms • Balcony

D OL LD S SO

£629,950

L LD SO SO

L LD SO SO Medland House, Limehouse, E14 • Penthouse apartment terraceClose, Isle Of Dogs, E14 • Large Ferguson underground • Secure • One bedroom Medland House,parking Limehouse, E14 views • Marina • Second floorapartment Penthouse • £629,950 immediately Large terrace ••• Available furnished Secure underground parking • Fully perviews week Marina •£220

Millennium Drive, Isle Of Dogs, E14

Phoenix Wharf,bedroom Narrow Street, E14 • One double • Two double bedrooms car parking • Secure • Two bathrooms views • River • 1400 sq ft throughout • Refurbished • Balcony Millennium Drive, Isle Of

£275,000 £650 per week double bedroom • One

Dogs, E14

• Secure car parking • River views • Refurbished throughout £275,000

020 www.lourdes-estates.com 020 7538 7538 9250 9250 www.lourdes-estates.com Lourdes Limehouse,London, London,E14 E148AP 8AP LourdesEstate EstateAgents, Agents, 94-96 94-96 Three Colt Street, Limehouse, 020 7538 9250 www.lourdes-estates.com Lourdes Estate Agents, 94-96 Three Colt Street, Limehouse, London, E14 8AP

London's Finest Properties

Idaho Building, Deals Gateway SE13

• Studio Apartment • Fully Furnished • On-site Swimming Pool & gymnasium • 24 Hour Concierge Service • Nr. Deptford Bridge DLR

£175 PW

Atlanta, Deals Gateway SE13 • Two Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • On-site Swimming Pool and Gymnasium • 24hr Concierge Service • Nr. Deptford Bridge DLR

£250 PW

Warehouse W, ExCeL E16 • One Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • 2nd Floor • Fantastic Views • Parking Available • Next to ExCeL DLR

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Lewis House, Cold Harbour E14

• One Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • 3rd Floor • Balcony • Parking Available • A Short Walk to Canary Wharf

£350 PW

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Eastern Quay, Royal Docks E16

• Two Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • 5th Floor • Concierge Service • Secure Underground Parking • Nr Custom House (DLR)

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Discover Building Barking, IG11

Subject to an exceptional third quarter of trading we urgently require more 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments for awaiting, company and professional tenants. For all new managed instructions we will take our fees on a monthly basis.

Lanterns Court Canary Wharf, E14

• Brand new 2 bed/2 bath apartment • 2nd floor with balcony • Waterside development • Quality fixtures and fittings • Secure underground parking • 6.5% rental yield • Moments from Barking tube station

• A selection of stunning 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments • Enviable location • Prestigious development with exceptional specification • Excellent transport links located next to south Quay DLR

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PRICES FROM £270,000

Gainsborough House, Canary Central E14

• Light and spacious two bedroom apartment • Situated on the 9th floor • Boasting impressive views • Smart fitted kitchen • 24 hour concierge • Parking space included

£395,000

Oceanis Apartment, Royal Victoria Docks E16

• Two Bedroom /Two Bathroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • 9th Floor • Balcony • Parking • 24hr Concierge Service

£365 PW

Marina Heights, Limehouse Basin, E14

• Stunning 3 bed/3bath duplex apartment • 7th/8th floors • Substantial terrace area • Spectacular marina views • Close to Limehouse DLR and minutes from Canary Wharf • Secure underground parking

£699,950

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

Central London 020 7582 7989

West London 020 8896 9990

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London Stone

Properties

23 mins to Canary Wharf by DLR 20 mins by River Boat

Fab 2 BedModern, PenthouseBright with Huge Terrace Smart, 1 Bed

Top Flat to Ceiling Windows TopFloor FloorConversion Flat with Floor

A great,sized, ultra modern 2 bath at with floor to ceiling Good clean and2 bed modern 1 flbed, overlooking a windows the principal roomsthroughout leading to aand wrap around roof courtyardinwith large rooms heaps of storage. terrace. Great furniture and underground parking. Furnished

IfGreat you’re2looking a beautiful here it is.Top floor, parkof bed flatforwith a largebargain, balcony running the length views, high ceilings, great furniture, 2 doubles, 1 bath,and south, east the property overlooking the internal lagoon fountains. and west facing windows all for £950pcm. Furnished

SE18 Furn: £338pw £196pw

SE18 Furn: £219pw £242pw

River ViewFurnished Warehouse Beautiful LoftConversion Style Apartment

Brand NewLoft Top with FloorAmazing 1 Bed withRoof Balcony Fabulous Skylights

This is a super 2 bed bathawarehouse with great Fantastic 2 bed flat 2with huge livingconversion room with double exposed brickwork, river views, windows, cast iron cols, height ceilings throughout andarched a great modern kitchen. the lot. Good furniture, modern kitchen and bathrooms. Furnished

This oneunique will suit2 someone for the latestwith high aspec A truly bed flat inlooking the Royal Arsenal, huge design; IPOD station ceiling with built ceilingofspeakers, luxury living area thatdocking has a vaulted andinloads roof skylights. flFurnished ooring, granite worksurfaces, luxury bathroom, etc. etc.

SE18 Furn/Unfurn : £265pw £273pw

SE18 Unfurn: £335pw £201pw

Spectacular Corneron Duplex Fantastic 3 Top bedFloor Penthouse two Floors

2Gorgeous Bed Warehouse Conversion Warehouse Conversion

Just lovelygreat warehouse conversion in the SW corner of this A really penthouse offering 3 genuine double imposing building. High ceilings, 1066 allocated parking, bedrooms, 2 smart bathrooms andsqanft,ultra modern kitchen. exposed brickwork, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms….. Furnished

Stunning 2 bed withtwo en-suite, A beautiful flatduplex set over levelsexposed with 2 brickwork, double large factory windows, steel beams and skylights bothstudy bedrooms. bedrooms, two smart bathrooms and ato large area. Good dimensions and design layout. Comes with 1 parking bay. Furnished/Unfurnished

Price £324,995 SE18 £358pw

Price: £274,995 SE18 £345pw

Royal Arsenal Riverside, Woolwich SE18 A beautiful, gated development nestling along the River Thames the Royal Arsenal is composed of gorgeous old warehouses and ultra chic modern buildings, many with splendid river views. • Onsite gym and 24 hr concierge • Onsite delicatessen and café • Tranquil r iverside setting • Gated buildings • Onsite dry cleaners • Neighbours that become friends

www.LondonStoneProperties.com enquiries@LondonStoneProperties.com Thames Clipper

020 8855 2155 - 07747 865 383 9 Gunnery Terrace, Cornwallis Road, The Royal Arsenal, London, SE18 6SW

View from roof terrace

e as Ph d 1 ol of S % ow 80 N st

This could be your amazing 2 bedroom apartment Luxury bathroom specification

Eco-friendly design

Completions available now Site is now occupied *

* expected by site completion

February

next issue... s we settle into 2010, February is the month of romance; from chocolates to city breaks near and far. For those looking for inspiration for their loved one we have the ultimate gift guide to suit all purses or wallets and investigate some of the most romantic things to do in London. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss our regulars, with fashion shoots of chunky knits, gourmet food from Spain and one of the first reviews of The Battery, not to forget cosy interiors inspired by country living, local news and interviews. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a look at how the X and Y factors influence workplace aptitudes and conversations with leading business authors Joseph Grenny and Richard Pound on how to increase your influence ten-fold. For this and much more be sure to pick up your copy

True Character

A B a l l y m o re D eve l o p m e n t

Live Life

at the

wAter’s eDge

Regular Payment Purchase Plan

50:50 Purchase Plan

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THE CITY MAGAZINE JANUARY 2010 ART • INTERIORS • FASHION • MOTORING • BEAUTY • SHOPPING • BUSINESS • GADGETS • FOOD & DRINK • UK & INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY

B R I D G E

C O L L E C T I O N

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I S S U E 27

JANUARY 2010 issue 27