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Tag Heuer
56-57 BURLINGTON ARCADE PICCADILLY LONDON W1J 0QN TEL 020 7499 6814 - 9 HATTON GARDEN LONDON EC1N 8AH TEL 020 7831 3333
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Kevin McCloud talks Grand Designs
& Nobel Prizes Christophe Behling on burgeoning creativity
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famous for engagement rings
Happiness Architecture and Beauty
Diva las Vegas VIP access to the world’s amusement park
shopping travel motoring interiors property april
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Introducing the breathtaking new Lotus Evora. It has all the spine-tingling performance, award winnning handling and to-die-for looks you’d expect from a mid-engined Lotus. But what’s rather more unexpected are the extra two seats in the back. You’ll be equally surprised by the supple ride, sumptuous leather interior and boot generous enough to take a set of golf clubs. Plus, it has the lowest emissions in its class. So, there really is room in your life for a Lotus. The Lotus Evora. From £48,550 OTR* *On the road (OTR) cost includes £950 for delivery, PDI, first service number plates, first registration fee, valet, 12 months Road Fund Licence and a full tank of fuel. Prices effective from 1st January 2010. Information correct at time of going to print. Lotus Cars reserves the right to amend prices or specification without prior notice.
www.lotusevora.co.uk
For details of your nearest Lotus Dealer please visit www.lotusevora.com Lotus Evora – Fuel consumption in mpg (I/100km): Urban 22.8 (12.4), Extra Urban 43.5 (6.5), Combined 32.5 (8.7) CO2 emissions: 205g/km
There’s room in your life for a loTus.
contents feature
the trend
This month Sim Smith takes inspiration from nature and brings the outside in with clean garden scents and muted pastel shades. The idea is not to take it all too seriously and with great design filtering down to our high streets, modernising our homes needn’t cost a fortune; we can now do it seasonally
12 Time Lord Claire Adler meets Tag Heuer designer Christopher Behling
Simply twelve-piece dinner set in blue £5, Asda 0500 100 055; www.asda.co.uk
100% cotton H-Love pillowcases £32.40 for two, Cox & Cox 0844 858 0744; www.coxandcox.co.uk
MALM chest of drawers £45, Ikea 0845 358 3364; www.ikea.co.uk
Blown glass vase £19.99, Zara 020 7432 0040; www.zarahome.com
20 Thinking Big
Green tea and citrus candle by True Grace £20, John Lewis 08456 049 049; www.johnlewis.com
Quilted dressy chair, in blue £412, Ligne Roset 020 7426 9670; www.ligne-roset-city.co.uk
Josh Sims speaks to Jaeger chairman Harold Tilman
Scallop double bed in Heat & Dust £660, Sofa.com 0845 400 2222; www.sofa.com
‘Annie Get Your Coat’ Coat Stand £229.00, Ben Huggins - Gallery Rooms Grand Designs Live London 2010 www.granddesignslive.com
concierge 34 Fashion 42 Interiors Spring has sprung at home
EASY Photographer:
Peter Zownir Fashion Editor:
Lucie Dodds
DENIM Denim skirt, £169, D&G at Harrods Knightsbridge, SW1, 020 7730 1234 Cream suede boots, £355 Joseph, 020 7610 8441
46 Happiness, architecture, beauty Josephine O’Donoghue meets grand designer Kevin McCloud
49 Urban Living Take pleasure in home cinema
triathlon 61 Rise to the Challenge Lee Brooks and Josephine O’Donoghue explore London’s foremost sporting event
calibre 80 Daring to be Different Matthew Carter finds out about the latest Jag
103 The Perfect Suit
114 Two Worlds Penelope M Walsh visits Japan in cherry blossom season
127 If you can’t stand the heat
regulars
Finding the best tailor-made suit
connoisseur
Behind the scenes at The Battery
Your Smile poster £11, Habitat 08444 99 1111; www.habitat.co.uk
Rubber Propello fan in pale blue £79, Black & Blum at Heals 08700 240 780; www.heals.co.uk
Aspen four- seat sofa in blue £1,885, Content by Conran, The Conran Shop 0844 848 4000; www.conranshop.co.uk
Designer denim
Pantone mug in lilac, £8, W2 Products 020 7922 1444; www.w2products.com
10 editor’s letter
98 gadgets
33 fashion news
101 motley fool
41 interiors
109 travel news
55 health & beauty
116 5 of the best...
84 motoring
129 out & about
87 sport
133 property
Aluminium Giant Anglepoise Lamp in cream £1,951, Mac&Mac Interiors 01252 312147; www.macandmacinteriors.com
Ice Cream Cup - Undergrowth Design £45, Stand E61, Grand Designs Live London 2010 www.granddesignslive.com
contributors...
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Editor-in-Chief Lesley Ellwood
Editor
Louisa Castle
Editorial Director Kate Harrison
Deputy Editor 1. Claire Adler is a London-based freelance journalist specialising in jewellery, watches and luxury brands. Her work has appeared in the Financial Times, The Sunday Times, The Guardian and Harrods magazine. 2. Jamie Carter is a freelance journalist
Josephine O’Donoghue
Editorial Assistants Ruth Sherrington Penelope M Walsh
Fashion Editor Lucie Dodds
specialising in gadgets and technology. Jamie has written for the likes of T3, Home Cinema Choice and The Guardian as well as a number of websites.
Senior Designers Hiren Chandarana
Designers
3. David Kuo is one of the UK’s leading
commentators on money matters. He is a director at The Motley Fool as well as providing daily insight and financial news for BBC London’s Breakfast Show.
Kelly Gregory Mitash Patel
Production Manager Dan Hyde
4. Sim Smith is a freelance journalist and
stylist based in London. A frequent contributor to prestigious publications, Sim has worked with ELLE Decoration, The Telegraph and The Financial Times.
5. Matthew Carter is a London-based freelance
journalist who’s been writing about cars for most of his working life. A former editor of Autocar magazine, he is a serial car owner.
6. Martin Bamford is one of the youngest and most successful financial planners in the UK. He runs his own firm of financial advisers – Informed Choice – and regularly contributes to various financial publications.
Group Publishing Director Eren Ellwood
Project Manager Ella Kilgarriff
PR & Marketing Manager Rebecca Walton
Managing Director Giles Ellwood
7. Josh Sims is a freelance writer and editor,
contributing to the likes of The Financial Times, The Times, Esquire, Wallpaper and CNBC. He lives in east London.
8. Clare Murray is founder and managing partner of specialist law firm, CM Murray LLP. Clare and her colleagues advise a wide range of companies, professional firms and senior individuals on employment, partnership and business immigration law issues.
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Runwild Media Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Runwild Media Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved. Subscriptions: A free subscription service is available to employees at Canary Wharf offices. E-mail subscribe@runwildmedia.com for further details. For other readers, 6 & 12 month subscriptions are available at £15 & £25 respectively, to cover postage and packaging. For details of subscriptions and advertising, please contact us on 020 7987 4320.
2010/73 - Chopard UK - 004 RĂŠgulator - 210 x 297 mm - UK
M Editor
from the editor...
N
o one knows for certain how April got its name, or how it came to be that the first day of the month is one of practical jokes. But, looking out of my window, I see the tiny crocus buds, which have survived a cold winter, fought through the ground, and are now raising their heads in colourful display. So, stepping back to my school days, the thinking that I like to follow is that it comes from the Latin ‘aperire’ which means ‘to open’; after all, April is the month when the buds begin to open and things begin to grow.
the Se
Life is its own journey... If August is a little too far away for you, though,
and you’re for two the challenge, wehave also take a Over the up past years we brought you all the very b closer look at the London Marathon taking place magazine was born and has grown and evolved with each i on 25 April (p.88) to you our second birthday issue, it’s all about change:
And who says training isn’t – stylish? We talk to From single to couple this month we spend a lot of our ti Christophe Behling, consultant on the London need for the perfect wedding day; from planning the stag-do 2012 Olympic land and water transport strategy doing on their last night of freedom these days? – to counti and leading designer at luxury watch brand, Tag hints from our panel experts. Heuer, and abouttips creative obsessions and of asking silly We investigate wh style, what to say in the speech and how to look great on y questions (p.10). we try out the latest and greatest treatments – going under Just as the aretreatments, blooming, so are make up,gardens oxygen Tuithe Na massages and general windows in the high street. most rewarding) way. With bold prints, bright colours and a hint of denim styling, you’ve
Venturing out of hibernation, though, sometimes needs a little help and purpose. This month, our main feature falls in our health and fitness pages and looks at the London Triathlon (p.52); how to enter, why to do it, who to run, swim and ride for, and how to get to the first day in August – what better reason do you need to take advantage of the weather, get fit and raise much-needed funds for charity?
From summer to autumn – moving from what can only be no excuses not to look good in the sun. What’s into it isdiscount one ofoffer myfrom most more,autumn, we’ve a great LKfavourite times of the yea Bennett will prove to matches resist. not justthat because myhard hair the colours that the leave that nature throws at us during the fall, of course but most And if the weather doesn’t hold, there are also weather gives us to reinvestigate our wardrobes that excite some tempting holiday destinations to choose profiling local boutiques, our fashion pages are truly blosso
from; choose endless entertainment and being treatedfrom like and emperor in the bright And editor to editor – thislights issueofis my last at the helm of Vegas, a romantic country break in the South I am going to test out the theory thatWest, the road to London is weekend breaks on your doorstep but a million in the very capable hands of my team and thank you for yo miles away and gourmet travelling in Spain.
that has made the magazines the successes that they have b Wherever you this Easter, though, we wish Wishing youaregood health, wealth andyou happiness. a happy one and hope the Easter bunnies find you.
Louisa Castle Editor
Live
Manchester MANCHESTER’S PREMIER GUIDE TO LUXURY LIVING • SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2009 ISSUE 20
Live
April
It’s a month packed with dates of note as well. Not only do we have April Fool’s Day, we’ve Easter, Daffodil Sunday and St George’s Day, not to mention the Grand National and the Boat Race to get us out of the house to enjoy the weather.
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me. If it wasn’t for this, I would never have got where I am today. The big brands are very Swiss and typically watch designers are second generation living in the same town. It’s great for consistency but bad for innovation and creativity”, he says. “For a man there is no product more personal than a watch. It is probably the most complex design per square centimetre. You will struggle to find a designer who would not love to design a watch.” At the very first discussions about Tag Heuer’s Monaco V4, the world’s first watch modelled on a car’s linear engine belt, Behling’s fresh thinking led him to identify that, while a Ferrari engine from 1960 looked radically different to one from 2000, the inside of a watch movement had remained pretty much the same over the course of four decades. “Watch engineering seemed to be clinging on to some sentimental past,” he says. When asked to create a diamond watch, Behling looked at diamonds not for their opulence and beauty, but rather – being a designer at heart – for their functionality. Embracing a diamond’s ability to reflect light better than any other material in the world, he came up with Diamond Fiction, which sees digital LED lights behind a screen of pavé diamonds telling the time. “This kind of stuff comes from people who are intrigued by ideas, not so much suffocated by history,” says Behling. Behling confesses his part-time work lecturing world-class potentials in product design at London’s Royal College of Art sometimes leaves him exasperated, even though he remains convinced London is home to the best schools in the world in the fields of fashion, product design and architecture. After teaching six tutorials, he admits he sometimes returns home exhausted.
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“Within the product development department of a large company, people expect to meet their deadlines and have defined questions answered. But in an art college, I can’t demand results. I can’t even demand that students show up. There is no real authority,” he says. For today’s students, physical and virtual distinctions are fluid. Behling might ask for a new watch design, but he needs to be prepared to end up with a web or iPhone application, he says. When his students started a project for German electric goods manufacturer Braun, many expressed their disdain for the brand’s focus on marketing and commerciality, in contrast to its great designs from the 1970s. Some student designers refuse to work on projects altogether on the grounds of sustainability, saying they’d advise a company not to go ahead at all. Yet despite his packed schedule and multiple projects in solar design, Behling remains compelled and fascinated by watch design. It is, he says, the paradigm of green and nature-inspired design. “Nature and its fascinating complexity, shapes, fluidity, the way in which there is no waste and only logic, mean it is the ultimate inspiration,” says Behling. Having designed solar powered boats for over a decade, Behling believes watches are amazingly efficient sustainable machines. “They’re locally produced in villages; use a minimum of resources, 99% of which can be recycled, such as steel, rubber and brass; they are small objects encapsulating a high value – a huge advantage for transportation; automatic watches use energy efficiently with an oscillating weight capturing the weight of your hand; they can be repaired and they won’t be thrown away. Even if they’re completely trashed, the core materials can be recycled,” he says. Clearly qualities most other industries can only sit back and envy. n
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current affairs
feature
V.
INTERNATIONAL AID
DOMESTIC RECESSION The UK is caught in a dilemma: should we invest more in an international aid budget or spend the funds trying to manage the domestic situation? Where should our priorities lie, and how does the UK measure up to other countries? Josephine O’Donoghue investigates
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he United Nations 2009 report states that this year’s shortfall in international aid is expected to reach $4.8bn (£2.9bn), as the economic recession leaves developed world governments with little money to spare. This will be a big hit for the Third World, but can the shortfall be justified by the developed world? It’s hard to say. For many Britons, including the large numbers of recently unemployed, it would certainly be more prudent to sort out the economy in the UK before handing out aid to other countries. Indeed, the recession has drastically increased poverty levels in the UK and more funding is required to support those who have been made redundant during the credit crunch. Furthermore, there are some countries receiving aid from the UK (including India and China), whose governments are spending millions on space programmes or military weapons. On a very basic level one might argue that, while we are paying to alleviate poverty in theory, we are actually helping to fund unnecessary foreign government schemes. “What on earth are we doing, pouring UK taxpayers’ money into the maw of a nation that can afford to send rockets to the moon?” asks Gerald Warner (The Telegraph). But can arguments about UK poverty, domestic unemployment or Indian space programmes ever truly justify withdrawing funds from developing countries in desperate need? That is to say, people in desperate need – and therein lies the key. The human factor of this dilemma is where it becomes a more serious issue.
“The unemployed in affluent countries still have a safety net in the form of social security payments, and usually free healthcare and free education for their children. They also have sanitation and safe drinking water,” explains philosopher and Professor of Bio-Ethics at Princeton University, Peter Singer. “The poor in developing countries have none of these benefits, which proves fatal for an estimated 18 million of them each year. That’s a higher annual death toll than during WWII – and it’s easier to prevent.” John Holmes, of the UN’s Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs, compares the shortfall in funding for the world’s poorest nations with the vast amount of money spent by the US and UK on bailing out their banks. “If just a fraction of the hundreds of billions of dollars recently committed by governments to private financial institutions were allocated to humanitarian action, these appeals could already be fully funded, and those in need could be getting the best available protection and assistance, on time,” he says. Looking to the future, research from CAFOD (the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development) predicts that the financial crisis could reduce the UK aid budget by up to $41 billion over the next seven years. According to CAFOD, the combination of falling GDP and a weak exchange rate is expected have a negative impact on the UK’s aid budget – “and that is if we assume the UK will stick to its goal
of increasing aid from its 2007 level of £5 billion (0.35% of GDP) to reach the United Nations target of 0.7 % of GDP in 2014”. This compares to Sweden, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, who all already exceed the United Nations target of allocating the equivalent of 0.7% of gross national income in foreign aid. In the last year or so, the domino effect of the recession hit Third World countries hard. Developing countries have been providing the raw materials to fuel the Chinese manufacturing machine, producing goods for Western consumers. Consequently, countries are now exporting less for lower prices, and world trade volumes have collapsed over the past six months, damaging countries that relied heavily on this trade. Unlike Western economies, governments in the developing world find it difficult, if not impossible, to raise funds on international capital markets.
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feature current affairs
In addition, only a small proportion of the funding pledged at last year’s G20 summit in London to deal with the financial crisis was targeted at the world’s poorest people – a shortsighted move that neglected to look at the wider impact the recession is having on world trade.
What on earth are we doing, pouring UK taxpayers’ money into the maw of a nation that can afford to send rockets to the moon Certainly, Western governments may also want to consider the benefits that can come from maintaining international aid, particularly when it comes to sustaining world trade. Microsoft magnate Bill Gates (rumoured to be the world’s first trillionaire) has donated billions of dollars over the last 20 years, and reasons that if people knew how valuable the aid is to world trade, pressure would increase on governments to make it more of a priority. “When you get young girls into school and they’re literate, not only do they contribute to the economy, but the population growth that is overloading resources and creating problems, starts to go down. And so the portion of the world that needs aid is far less today than it was 50 years ago,” says Gates. “As you save lives, you actually reduce the population growth and improve the entire ability of the country to move forward and become productive.” But essentially, he says, the importance of human life is
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paramount – and the economic advantages aid brings to a country are a secondary benefit. “You have got to get your priorities right. When children are dying and vaccines that only cost dollars aren’t being delivered, that’s the most important thing. If you do not have food, that’s the most important thing.” If anything good is to emerge from the recent global financial crisis, it is a reassessment of our basic values and priorities. Reduction of world poverty through international aid should be part of the UK’s core reassessment, and in the run-up to the general elections, Britons may now want to consider the promises of politicians in relation to aid. Last year, David Cameron pledged to continue his commitment to spending billions in overseas development if he wins power. Although he risked upsetting those who want the Conservatives to halt aid commitment in the face of budget restraints, Cameron said that switching money to domestic needs would be “a serious longterm mistake”, pledging to increase development budgets to 0.7% of GDP by 2013. In comparison, Gordon Brown wants to hold all developed countries accountable for their foreign aid pledges. If we go by current statistics, few, if any, goals will be achieved by 2015 in sub-Saharan African countries. Amid mounting criticism that the G8 was failing to live up to its financial commitments, pressure from the prime minister in July 2009 means that the preliminary report released in L’Aquila will be followed by a full accountability league table when Canada hosts the G8 in 2010. Brown also secured agreement that
the 2010 summit will detail how much extra aid will be needed to meet the 2015 United Nations development goals. These include halving the number of people living on less than $2 a day and reducing infant mortality by over 60%. Ultimately, there is no doubt that the world economy is in trouble; government deficits will almost certainly continue for several years, even as we finally move out of the downturn. But it is crucial that this global crisis does not become a justification for the world’s leaders to break their word on promises of future aid. If we were to make the mistake of reducing international aid commitments, our actions would fall short of our politicians’ inspiring rhetoric and certainly disillusion those countries in need. A poor foundation for future international relations, this failure to help others may also have an impact on other global issues including world trade, terrorism and climate change. “If governments or individuals use this [recession] as an excuse to reduce assistance to the world’s poorest people, they will only multiply the seriousness of the problem for the world as a whole,” argues Singer. “We can afford to increase the amount of aid we give [because] the amount we are giving now is insignificant in comparison to what we spend on other things.” n
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w w w. c r p c c . c o m
BIG thinking
When Harold Tillman bought Jaeger, the British fashion stalwart, it may have seemed a bargain at just ÂŁ1. Of course, he also took on debts, not to say something of a mess. Josh Sims speaks to the chairman of this quintessentially British brand
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S
ome £35m of investment later and the brand is not only winning plaudits for its collections and new home wares, but it is also back in profit. It took him just six years. Now the latest chair of the British Fashion Council and pioneer of a privately managed fund to help aspiring fashion designers, Harold Tillman has bought the great outerwear brand Aquascutum too – returning it to British ownership, the patriotic might note. Expect that to be in the ascendant too shortly – to the target tune of £300m in sales. “I do have a knack for picking winners”, says Tillman, now 63, and a benchmark of classic style. “I went to a fashion show the other evening, with maybe 50 students showing their collections and I turned to my wife and said, ‘Shall I tell you which one will win?’ She said, ‘Oh, how would you know?’ But I picked the winner. That pleases me. Not because I’m a smart-arse. I just have an eye for the well made, stylish and commercial. And you can’t teach that.” That eye has given him an estimated personal fortune of over £210m. It has also caused him to act with some caution; while Tillman studied at the London College of Fashion, he also made a point of qualifying in accountancy too. As a boy from Streatham, south London, his milliner mother and tailor father would walk him down Regent Street and they would stand to admire the clothes in the window of the Jaeger flagship store he now owns. Perhaps visits to that national institution, now 125 years old – a “wonderful institution that deserved to survive”, as the dapper don of British fashion adds – also taught him to think big. Let loose on the British fashion high street, he first created a tailoring company to rival the then-mighty Burton, selling it for the gargantuan sum (at the time) of £1.6m, when he was just 24. He gave Paul Smith his first design job and pioneered the now-hackneyed celebrity endorsement with George Best along the way. He also began his track record of fixing troubled businesses. First there was Baird Menswear, which Tillman helped return to profit in under a year. And then there was Allders, the Croydon department store and the UK’s third biggest, again struggling until it received the Tillman revivalist touch, as it continues to do. “It was my local department store as a child – it sounds like we’re back to my childhood again”, says Tillman, laughing. “Why buy it? Because I’d never owned a department store. Business, whatever else it is, is a discipline and over the years you develop a certain acumen and so can see where other businesses are going wrong. But that only comes with many years. I could be involved in any business that really interests me – I’m involved in
feature
restaurants, for example, just because they interest me.” Sparking Tillman’s interest is clearly a worthwhile occupation, since Tillman will occupy himself with whatever he thinks worthwhile. The fashion industry at large may be the next to benefit from the multi-million pound fund he has set up to back select new design graduates, somewhat in the face of the great British tradition of training but rarely nurturing creative talent that Tillman finds frustrating. It fits in with his definition of entrepreneurship, which, despite reality TV, he feels to be in short supply: “They’re all my age and we’re all a bit tired”, as he puts it. “An entrepreneur has got used to taking risk. If I believe in something I will still get my chequebook out and invest or buy, even at this age.”
But I picked the winner. Not because I’m a smart-arse. I just have an eye for the well made, stylish and commercial. And you can’t teach that. That sounds risky. Yet Tillman has only been unemployed once – an experience that seems to have scarred him, such that his ventures appear to excite him as much for their provision of jobs as a chance for him to make money – and only had one business failure. In 1986 he bought Honorbilt and saw it go into receivership four years later, with Tillman striking a deal with DTI investigators not to be a director for three years. “And that failed because I was too sentimental about management that wasn’t able to keep up the pace,” he says. “I’d do more myself to keep that person in touch with what they needed to be and didn’t want to say, ‘sorry chummy, I’ve got to replace you’. Now I’m more of a polite hard-taskmaster.” These days, of course, he has little need to make money at all. “But it’s great to be at that stage in your career when you can look for more than just how to make money out of something, and the beauty of being able to own a business without necessarily thinking totally about profit gives you the opportunity to build it more cautiously,” he explains. “There have been other times when I was making my way in life when I had a more aggressive business attitude. But there has been too much megalomania [in business] and those people have come unstuck. We’ve lost the idea of going into jobs that can provide fulfilment. We mustn’t let greed take over.” n
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events
Bollywood brides take to the Canary Wharf catwalk East Wintergarden at Canary Wharf recently played host to one of the most spectacular Asian fashion events ever seen in the capital. Shaadi Chic, a celebration of Bollywood bridal fashion, brought the glamour and mystique of Asian haute couture to the famous business and shopping district. Hosted by DJ and Bollywood blogger Suzi Mann, the night was part-Bollywood dance spectacular, part-fashion show and part-showcase for some of the UK’s finest Asian designers. East Wintergarden, Canary Wharf’s premier events venue, is increasingly in demand for Asian weddings. The event was the brainchild of Rahul Katrak from Your Dream Shaadi, the UK’s leading online Asian Wedding Magazine & Directory
Vaisakhi Celebrations at Canary Wharf Canary Wharf will again commemorate Vaisakhi, one of India’s most important festivals with an afternoon of cultural performances and demonstrations. Join in the lively atmosphere with Bhangra dancing, performing fast moving choreography and traditional acrobatic moves, live Dhol drum playing, traditional Gatka martial art demonstrations and more. There will also be free sampling of Guru ka Langar, traditional Sikh foods and Nu Sound radio broadcasting live.
Saturday 24 April, 2pm-5pm Cabot Square, Canary Wharf FREE
Canary Wharf Charity Abseil If you thrive on adrenaline then join up for this exclusive challenge to abseil 230 feet down 20 Cabot Square, Canary Wharf to raise money for one of London’s most essential emergency service providers: London’s Air Ambulance.
Registration requires a small registration fee and the dedication to raise a minimum of £250. For more information and registration details, visit www.londonsairambulance.com, email London’s Air Ambulance at Anita.Brien@bartsandthelondon.nhs.uk or call 020 7943 1302. Friday 8 & Saturday 9 May, 8am-5pm 20 Cabot Square
Acoustic After Hours with…Adrian Edmondson and The Bad Shepherds Adrian “Ade” Edmondson, best known as a comedian in The Young Ones, along with fellow Bad Shepherds Troy Donockly and Andy Dinan innovate by creating punk-inspired songs re-made in a Celtic style. The result is an unusual and spirited tribute to 70s punk bands including The Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Stranglers, and The Jam. Support is from Ade’s daughter Ella.
Wednesday 28 April 7.45pm (Doors open at 7pm) East Wintergarden, Bank Street Tickets £20 (booking fee applies) Online: www.ticketweb.co.uk Tel: 0844 847 2268
London Marathon Set for Canary Wharf Return The Virgin London Marathon returns on 25 April and 35,000 competitors will wind their way past many of London’s most iconic landmarks, including Canary Wharf. The Marathon attracts around 750,000 spectators on the day and a global TV audience of millions. Canary Wharf is a popular spectator point, thanks to its shops, bars and restaurants, parks and plazas, so expect it to be buzzing on marathon day!
Virgin London Marathon, 25 April Throughout Canary Wharf
NEWS Fifty per cent capacity boost as DLR rolls out three-carriage trains Passengers on the Docklands Light Railway are set for a significant expansion in service as the first of a fleet of new three-carriage trains go into use. An extra carriage is being added to trains on the railway’s busiest route, Bank-Lewisham via Canary Wharf, to provide 50% more space for passengers, which will allow DLR to meet increasing demand. “The launch of the 3 car trains on the Docklands Light Railway is great news for Canary Wharf commuters” says Howard Dawber, Strategic Advisor at Canary Wharf Group plc. “History shows that increased transport capacity in east London has stimulated regeneration, investment and new jobs, so today’s announcement is good news for all of the Docklands area.”
400 Attend Purim at East Wintergarden Approximately 400 people packed the East Wintergarden in Canary Wharf recently to celebrate the Jewish festival of Purim. The gathering featured live music and a spectacular buffet lunch, and included members of Jewish community groups from around London and employees working at Canary Wharf. The Stepney, Dennis, Brenner, Schonfeld Square, Sam Beckman and Nightingale House Centres and Homes were represented, along with the East London Orthodox Synagogues Association. Students from Menorah Girls High attended in fancy dress.
East London Graduates can take fast lane to employment Minister of State for Higher Education, David Lammy MP, recently announced the launch of ‘Fastlaners’ in Canary Wharf. ‘Fastlaners’ is an intensive two-week ‘finishing school’ that provides East London graduates with the skills they need to develop their ambitions and move into rewarding jobs and work placements. “Particularly in these more challenging times, Fastlaners provides real help for new graduates to learn the types of skills which are so vital for the workplace” says Lammy. “Fastlaners brings young people into one place working together, learning from experienced mentors, to boost their confidence and reassure them that they are not alone.” The scheme is run by the Young Foundation and will be located in Heron Quays, Canary Wharf in office space donated by Canary Wharf Group plc.
window galleries The window galleries in Canada Place shopping mall are showcases for up and coming and established artists, designers and craftspeople. Until 24 April FREE
Emilie Wallbank
Peter Randall-Page at Canary Wharf 19 April to 28 May Lobby, One Canada Square and Jubilee Park One of Britain’s best-regarded sculptors, Peter Randall-Page features in the next exhibition in the Sculpture in the Workplace programme. In the Lobby of One Canada Square, he will exhibit a new, temporary work made especially for Canary Wharf, together with three of his recent white-painted bronzes. In Jubilee Park, contrasting with the Lobby’s installation, he will show seven granite boulders, the surfaces of which are carved in diverse mathematical configurations, the range of surface treatment revealing the depth of colour and texture in stones shaped over millennia through glacial activity.
YSPL Jonty Wilde
Sculpture in the workplace
art
Jubilee Walk, by Itsu
Using nylon, wire and beads, with her own unique tools, Emilie creates work that has a barely visible, ghostlike quality, evolving until the technique is lost and is replaced by sculptural, organic forms like scribbles in the air. The jewellery may seem to be dangling or scattered, drawing attention to space around the body.
www.emilieidea.co.uk
Event: Tuesday 20 April, 1.15pm, Meeting Place: Lobby, One Canada Square, FREE Peter Randall-Page will be in conversation with curator Ann Elliott about the exhibition. Please call Canary Wharf Public Art to reserve a place: 020 7418 2257.
COMMUNITY GALLERY Situated in the link from Canada Place Mall to the Jubilee Line Station, the Community Gallery is devoted to exhibiting work produced by local arts projects:
City Gateway: Post-It Perspectives Until 28 April City Gateway is a charity which brings together local firms and the community through training projects, apprenticeships and volunteering. This art project, Post-It Perspectives, challenged people to share what Tower Hamlets means to them on just a Post-It note. The views expressed include those from disadvantaged young people currently benefiting from the charity’s support.
To see more or add your own view visit: www.citygateway.org.uk/perspectives
Daniel Crews Chubb
Canada Place, opposite Waitrose Daniel is part of a new generation of ‘post-globalization painters’. He predominantly makes large-scale oil paintings of hybrid landscapes, and his paintings use diverse references: image, text, audio and video footage lifted from the internet and the media.
www.danielcrewschubb.com
SHOPPING
NAILS has arrived at
The Holistic Approach For the very best spa treatments with natural products and a holistic approach, head to The Gentry Hair & Spa in Canary Wharf, says Claire Saunders Commuting daily and working long hours, we can often neglect taking care of our skin, diet and wellbeing. But don’t panic – as the winter months melt away, the beauty team at The Gentry Hair & Spa are on hand to get us feeling and looking better, just in time for spring. Promoting good skincare, healthy diet and personal wellbeing, the five in-house beauty therapists offer a range of popular treatments, focusing on relaxation and rejuvenation. The treatments range from their popular signature facial to Indian head massage and cosmetic acupuncture. The choice of treatments is divided into three categories to make choosing easy! Select a treatment from regular ‘Maintenance Must Haves’, indulgent ‘Luxurious Treatments’ or more specialist ‘Doctor’s Treatments’ including Botox and fillers. All treatments at The Gentry Hair & Spa use all-natural Darphin products; combining cosmetic and dermatological innovation with aromatherapy, every product used in the spa features select extracts and essences of the finest aromatic plants. The aromatic extractions and essential oils help stimulate the senses, transform the body and evoke a feeling of overall beauty and well-being. So, if you’re feeling a little worn out by winter, head to The Gentry Hair & Spa and step into spring feeling fresh, rejuvenated and beautiful.
The Gentry Hair & Spa
y canar wharf s mend recom
The latest beauty craze to hit Hollywood is now available at The Gentry Hair & Spa. Minx Nails is a new way to finish your manicure with sparkly metallics, personalized graphics or photo-quality designs. Starlets including Rihanna and Katy Perry have recently been seen sporting Minx Nails – a truly unique way to fuse beauty with fashion.
THE
GENTRY HAIR & SPA TELEPHONE
7 5 1Colonnade 9 6660 34020 North (near to Waitrose Food & Home) & 020 7 5 1 9 1193 Canary Wharf 020 7519 6660
File & Minx (hands and feet), £30 each Full Manicure & Minx (hands & feet), £50 each
Step into Summer Style
Storm Jacket, £250 Storm Skirt, £150 Denna Shoe, £295
Update your spring summer wardrobe with luxurious British fashion house L.K.Bennett’s elegant collection of shoes, clothes and accessories. This season brings fluid and wearable designs for the modern woman – tailoring is feminine and flattering with draped shift dresses in soft crepe; fitted three quarter sleeve jackets with waist enhancing belts; and pencil skirt suits, all available in classic black, midnight blue and this season’s pastel palette of blush, moonstone and pistachio. Look out for delicate silk blouses and light knitwear in bold shades of violet, petal and sapphire, adding the perfect splash of colour. Alongside L.K.Bennett’s classic courts and kitten heels, choose from embellished sandals and statement platforms which will carry summer style into the evening. Matching accessories in soft suede and nappa leather complete the look.
20% off at
lace
Jubilee P
L.K.Bennett Jubilee Place 020 7719 0090
Lucy, £295
Caitlyn, £65 Carolee, £170
Gwent, £170
How to claim: To claim your 20% discount take this magazine to the store in Jubilee Place, Canary Wharf, and simply leave us your contact details. Eden, £150
DR Amour, £195
Terms and Conditions This 20% off is valid in Canary Wharf only at L.K.Bennett from 1 April to 30 April 2010. It can only be used to purchase full-price products (subject to availability). There is no limit on the amount spent in a single transaction. The offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers, discount cards or vouchers. It is only valid for a single transaction in the Canary Wharf store and will be retained by L.K.Bennett. The cash value of the offer is 0.0001p. Only originals will be accepted in store. Photocopies will not be accepted. It is not transferable and there is no cash alternative.
SHOPPING 2
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Spring has finally sprung in Canary Wharf, with the shops full of pretty floral fabrics and bold prints. The perfect way to inject some life into springtime styles.
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1 Willow Bag £49, Ted Baker, Canada Place 2 Sherbet Spray Tunic £135, Whistles, Jubilee Place 3 Lilly Lace Dress £95, French Connection, Jubilee Place 4 Shoulder Photographic Print Dress £150, Karen Millen, Jubilee Place 5 Tie Dye Maxi Dress £65, Warehouse, Canada Place 6 Pip Printed Jumper £110, Reiss, Jubilee Place 7 Butterfly Dress £60, Wallis, Canada Place 8 Floral Printed Playsuit £40, Oasis, Jubilee Place
© 2010 Tumi, Inc.
This year marks the 35th anniversary for Tumi, the leading international brand of premium travel, business and lifestyle accessories. Since its founding in 1975, Tumi has become the brand of choice for the world’s most discerning professionals, influential thought leaders, sports and entertainment celebrities and demanding travelers. A symbol of status for the global consumer, Tumi’s heritage and legacy celebrate a modern philosophy of fashion, function and intelligent investments in CABOT PLACE EAST, CANARY WHARF +44 (0) 207 513 2456
prestige. This year the brand will celebrate 35 years of innovation, performance and design. Founded upon the principles of excellence in design, functional superiority, technical innovation, unparalleled quality and world class customer service, otherwise known as The Tumi Difference, 35 years later Tumi still embodies each of these unique qualities. Receive £50 off every £250 spent* 11 March - 14 April 2010
*See store for details.
fashion interview feature
designer denim kevin mccloud .................................. london triathlon .................................................
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LORD OF THE RINGS
H For those in the know, Sevan Biçakçi has long been considered one of the jewellery world’s most treasured gems
is pieces depict exotic spice bazaars, majestic mosques, fairytale minarets and imposing Sultans. Istanbul, the only city in the world that has reigned as capital of three different empires, is without a doubt the greatest muse for the man known in the fine jewellery industry as ‘Lord of the Rings’. Born and raised in Turkey, one-of-a-kind jewellery designer Sevan has been a bench jeweller for the last 20 years – and at the age of 36, Sevan’s creations are profound and unique. Each one is handcrafted with uniquely cut gemstones
and antique cut diamonds that are, upon closer inspection housing hidden gems of their own. The award-winning designer’s hand-crafted pieces combine contemporary glamour with vivid historical evocations. Some of Sevan’s well-known wearers and collectors include Brooke Shields, Catherine Zeta Jones, Elizabeth Hurley, Liv Tyler, Halle Berry, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion and the Queen. n Sevan Biçakçi’s collection definitely deserves a closer look at the Talisman Gallery, Harvey Nichols on 020 7201 8582
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THE GREATEST RACE MEETING IN THE WORLD Fine dining packages from ÂŁ235 per person. Quote CW01 to receive 10% off all packages* Call 0844 411 5076, email hospitality@ascot.co.uk or visit ascot.co.uk Attire: Ladies - Vivienne Westwood, Gentlemen - Gieves & Hawkes Millinery: Ladies - Stephen Jones, Gentlemen - Lock & Co Photography: Finlay Mackay *Subject to availabilty
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24/03/2010 17:10
fashion
concierge
PLAYING GAMES
news
Charlotte Simpson
fashion
Life, like fashion, would be nothing without those little games we play, and part of the fun is how skilfully we play them. Inspired by games of strategy and chance, two fantastic accessory designers have produced whimsical and wonderful new collections. Inspired by her grandfather, the Macau casino king, Sarah Ho of SHO Fine Jewellery, has launched the Casino Collection. These fun pieces depict playing cards in yellow, white, black and red gold and sterling silver. Moving on from his work with a range of international fashion giants, Michael Lewis, one of 2010’s hottest shoe designers, has created his own footwear range. Featuring chess player-shaped heels, Michael’s new range is witty and glamorous. Play these fashion games, and be guaranteed to win.
MUST-HAVE ITEM: Conjuring up images of cherry blossom laden boughs, Fiorelli’s range of blossom-shaped and adorned handbags is perfectly pitched for spring. Watch out for Waikiki and Aaron in soft white and coral. fiorelli, Jubilee Place www.fiorelli.com
Quote of the month:
Myrto Samou
Perhaps the most important industry event for spotting new talent, Graduate Fashion Week boasts an impressive list of alumni including Julien MacDonald and Zoe Knight. This year’s event is set to be the biggest yet, so to be a part of fashion history and book your tickets now.
Elegance is a question of personality, more than one’s clothing Jean-Paul Gaultier
www.gfw.org.uk
Website of the month:
www.apartment-c.com
Ever dreamt of jostling for space on the front row with Anna Wintour and co? With Graduate Fashion Week coming up (the only major fashion event open to the general public), this may just be your chance. The event offers a unique chance for the fashion laity to rub shoulders with industry insiders, and be amongst the first to witness Fashion’s Holy Grail: the next big thing. Sponsored for the sixth year running by high street fashion giant River Island, Graduate Fashion Week is a non-government funded charity, which supports one of Britain’s major international exports: fresh design talent and exciting, new fashion. Held from 6–10 June at London’s Earls Court 2, Graduate Fashion Week will see up and coming design graduates showcasing their work to industry professionals, giving them an invaluable opportunity to kick-start their careers. The largest student fashion event in the world, previous Graduate Fashion Weeks have played host to fashion’s most influential figures, including Matthew Williamson, Claudia Schiffer, Dasha Zhukova and many, many more.
Mehmet Ali
FASHION’S FUTURE
Apartment C hit London last March and has been credited by many in the know as one of the best lingerie boutiques in Britain. The store has just launched its website, which offers Apartment C’s signature mix of carefully chosen, creative and fashion forward lingerie from Princess Tam Tam, Stella McCartney and many more.
TREND of the month:
LACE This season, fashion makes a tangible shift towards a feminine and delicate take on boudoir chic. Demure yet flirtatious, lace is a key part of this trend, and a key ingredient of Chanel and Dior’s spring–summer catwalk looks. Choose pale and nude tones for a perfect piece of this season’s lingerie trend.
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easy Photographer:
Peter Zownir Fashion Editor:
Lucie Dodds
m i n De
Denim skirt, ÂŁ169, D&G at Harrods Knightsbridge, SW1, 020 7730 1234 Cream suede boots, ÂŁ355 Joseph, 020 7610 8441
Stripe antique Belmont shirt, £315, RRL, washed denim Douglas waistcoat, £470, Sylvie denim trousers, £485 and wedge sandals, £620 all Ralph Lauren, 020 7535 4600 Gold chain and pendants worn throughout all Annoushka 020 7881 5828 www.annoushka-jewellery.com
Denim playsuit, ÂŁ110, Wrangler, 0845 600 8383
Denim ruffle dress, ÂŁ290, Marc by Marc Jacobs at Harrods, as before
Denim jacket, £260 and denim cut-offs, £170, 7 For All Mankind for Joseph, navy cotton layered vest £85 and cream suede boots, £355, Joseph, as before
Hair: Yvette Redmond at Tiger Creative using Kevin Murphy Hair Products. Fresh Hair, Anti Gravity, Heated Defence, Hair Resort and Session Spray
Make-up: Yvette Redmond at Tiger Creative using Sisley Cosmetics. Floral Spray Mist, Hydra Global Intense AntiAging Hydration & Nutritive Lip Balm. Instant Perfect, Transmat Make-up, Eye Concealer, Transparent Loose Face Powder. Eyebrow Pencil, Phyto-Ombre Eclat Longue Tenue Eye Shadows in Ebony 19 & Black 12, Phyto-Mascara Ultra-Volume in So Black. Phyto-Lèvres Perfect in Nude & Phyto-Lip Eclat Lip care in 3 Nude
Model: Emma Menteath at Boss Cape Town Shot at Silvermine Nature Reserve, South Africa. Thanks to Sansparks +27 21 701 8692 Production: The Worx www.the-worx.co.za
With Thanks to: Jeff at Head South Lodge www.headsouthlodge.co.za, Tempest Car Hire www.tempestcarhire.co.za and Digital Brothers Cape Town www.digitalbrothers.co.za
SH O CO VO W N TE O SU D F M TH ER E YE AR
INSPIRING IDEAS FOR EVERY ASPECT OF THE HOME
BOOK NOW & SAVE £5* ON EVERY TICKET
EXCEL, LONDON 1 - 9 MAY 2010
Call 0844 581 0771 or book online
www.granddesignslive.com OVER 500 COMPANIES
DESIGNER ROOM SETS
*£5 saving is off the door rates. Advanced booking offer closes 8th May 2010. Transaction fee applies
GDL_Canary_210x297_2.indd 1
FREE KITCHEN DEMOS
FREE SEMINARS
Organised by Media 10 Ltd. Grand Designs is a trademark of Freemantle Media Limited. Licensed by Freemantle Media Enterprises. www.fremantlemedia.com Photography taken at previous Grand Designs Live events.
18/3/10 15:14:50
interiors
concierge
Must taste: TWG Tea
interiors
Be sure to try the exquisite collection of TWG teas exclusively at Harrods. Dubbed the world’s finest luxury tea brand, the company boasts over 30 wonderful products, including fragrant looseleaf tea blends, hand-sewn cotton teabags, gift sets and tea accessories. This month, be the first to experience the new fragrant cherry blossom and green tea, Sakura Sakura. An aromatic and elegant fragrance, a nice cuppa has never been so appealing!
news Quilty pleasures exhibition
The department store Liberty, famed for its association with beautiful fabrics, has teamed up with the V&A to explore 300 years of artistry and craft within the British quilt-making industry. Expect to see an innovative twist to an olden theme with exhibited works by contemporary quilt-maker Katherine May, and restorer Polly Lyster, using a range of materials from Barbie Doll clothes to restored 18th century pieces. To coincide with this exhibition, Liberty will launch a new collection of 18 fabrics specifically designed for quilt making, drawing on prints from its design archive. The store will also be adding three extra classes to its famous Sewing School in the spring, allowing anyone to learn the craft from scratch. Exhibition runs until 12 April, 2010.
020 7730 1234 www.harrods.com
Must buy:
Easter Wreath Add a special touch to your home this Easter with a traditional piece of decoration. There aren’t many of us that have time to devote to the home economics of such occasions, so why not fake it and buy this readymade fresh wreath by Velvet Brown. A great welcome to any lunchtime guests, all you have to worry about now is the cooking... 01844 278866 www.velvetbrown.co.uk
020 7734 1234
Must visit:
www.liberty.co.uk
BOKKS
Barbie Doll quilt by Katherine May
Collector’s Edition Coloured Candles A super-exciting bit of news for all Jo Malone addicts – the company has launched their first-ever collection of coloured candles! In the ultimate creative collaboration of two British lifestyle brands, Jo Malone has teamed up with colour experts and manufacturers of traditional paint and wallpaper, Farrow & Ball. The philosophy behind these designs is to create ambiance in the home by combining scent and shade. Five limited edition candles have been launched; Lime Basil & Mandarin, Wild Fig & Cassis, Blue Agava & Cacao, Grapefruit, and Pomegranate Noir. Each signature fragrance has been coupled with a classic Farrow & Ball paint that is essentially related to the inspiration behind each scent. The result? A luxurious, alluring range that will enhance any decor.
Find present shopping a nightmare, but want to get it right every time? By far the most luxurious gift purveyor around, BOKKS effortlessly combines products from the world’s leading luxury brands to create the perfect gift. A team of experienced VPA’s (Very Personal Assistants) will take you through the personal gifting consultation service from start to finish; sourcing, collecting, packaging and hand-delivering the perfect present for any occasion. So for those constrained by lack of time or ideas, be sure to consult the experts. 0845 607 0845 www.bokks.co.uk
Collector’s Edition Coloured Candles, £42 0870 034 2411 www.jomalone.com Jo Malone, Jubilee Place
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the trend
This month Sim Smith takes inspiration from nature and brings the outside in with clean garden scents and muted pastel shades. The idea is not to take it all too seriously and with great design filtering down to our high streets, modernising our homes needn’t cost a fortune; we can now do it seasonally
100% cotton H-Love pillowcases £32.40 for two, Cox & Cox 0844 858 0744; www.coxandcox.co.uk
MALM chest of drawers £45, Ikea 0845 358 3364; www.ikea.co.uk
Green tea and citrus candle by True Grace £20, John Lewis 08456 049 049; www.johnlewis.com
Quilted dressy chair, in blue £412, Ligne Roset 020 7426 9670; www.ligne-roset-city.co.uk
Rubber Propello fan in pale blue £79, Black & Blum at Heals 08700 240 780; www.heals.co.uk ‘Annie Get Your Coat’ Coat Stand £229.00, Ben Huggins - Gallery Rooms Grand Designs Live London 2010 www.granddesignslive.com
Aspen four- seat sofa in blue £1,885, Content by Conran, The Conran Shop 0844 848 4000; www.conranshop.co.uk
Simply twelve-piece dinner set in blue £5, Asda 0500 100 055; www.asda.co.uk
Blown glass vase £19.99, Zara 020 7432 0040; www.zarahome.com
Pantone mug in lilac, £8, W2 Products 020 7922 1444; www.w2products.com
Your Smile poster £11, Habitat 08444 99 1111; www.habitat.co.uk
Scallop double bed in Heat & Dust £660, Sofa.com 0845 400 2222; www.sofa.com
Aluminium Giant Anglepoise Lamp in cream £1,951, Mac&Mac Interiors 01252 312147; www.macandmacinteriors.com
Ice Cream Cup - Undergrowth Design £45, Stand E61, Grand Designs Live London 2010 www.granddesignslive.com
the address book
Sim Smith lets us in on her top three shopping experiences in Covent Garden...
Penhaligon’s On walking into the shop, I’m hit by a sweet, musky scent. There is a real Old London barbershop feel to the space with its deep wine-coloured walls and original wooden cabinetry. Shimmering coloured glass chandeliers hang over the space above my head as I walk to the back of the shop to warm myself by the impressive fire. One of the leading fragrance houses of the world, Penhaligon’s has been at the forefront of groundbreaking fragrance production since its beginnings in the 1800s. The diaries and recipes of founder William Penhaligon are still used to this day, with parts of his archive collection being re-launched for the modern market. Why not spend a morning getting in touch with your inner English eccentric and explore the world of fine English fragrance, home wares and silver trinkets? There is a complimentary personalised fragrance profiling experience on offer too, so if you’re not quite sure what you’re after, the specialist staff at this great little shop will definitely be able to find it for you! Penhaligon’s, 41 Wellington Street, Covent Garden London, WC2E 7BN 020 7836 2150 www.penhaligons.com
The Opus Store Essentially a publishers, this is like nothing you would have ever experienced before. Opus by Kraken specialises in producing iconic publications on an epic scale, encapsulating some of the world’s most fascinating individuals in their expertly bound pages. Collaborations so far have included fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, contemporary art guru Charles Saatchi and King of Pop Michael Jackson, to name but a few. The books are works of art in themselves, filled with stunning archive images accompanied by writings by some of the most eminent writers in their field. Pages are personally signed and some works have strictly limited editions, thus securing their place as great investment pieces. The Opus brand also covers corporate art consultation and houses an impressive gallery below street level, showcasing a spectacular array of photography and artwork. A definite must-see on your Saturday afternoon stroll. 10–13 King Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 8HN (020 7240 6590; www.krakenopus.com)
Aram Furniture Mecca for any modern design enthusiast sits on an impressive corner plot in Covent Garden’s Drury Lane. The converted fruit and vegetable warehouse occupies five storeys, showcasing the very best of modern product design and furniture. On the ground floor, colourful dining chairs and iconic lighting fill the space in an eclectic mix of designer specials. To the left of the entrance houses one of my favourite parts of the store; cabinets filled with miniature designer pieces from Vitra’s Mini Bocca Lips to the famous Saarinen Tulip Chair by Eero Saarinen, reproduced in perfect detail. I climb up the red painted staircases to various floors, past an extensive array of sofas, chairs and
storage until I reach the top. This space is reserved for experimental or new work. Essentially an exhibition space for new designers, it enables the Aram family to continue to improve design awareness amongst the British public. Zeev Aram, famous for his keen eye and ability to spot a contemporary classic, was the first to bring the likes of Breuer, Mies van der Rohe, Castiglioni, Scarpa, Le Corbusier, and Flos to the UK market. An absolute must for any interiors buff, be sure to spend some time exploring work by some of the world’s finest new and established designers in this iconic store. Aram, 110 Drury Lane, Covent Garden, London, WC2B 5SG (020 7557 7557; www.aram.co.uk)
no limits in new arrivals
Hong Kong International Airport
ARR I V ED
buy now and save. Milos sofa INTRO PRICE £1149 normal price £1539 Coffee Table INTRO PRICE £699 normal price £899
new designs at great intro prices.
new multifunctional designs. new ways to customise. new ideas for your home. no limits in new arrivals at BoConcept. Visit us and see the new collection that has just arrived. Right now you can save up to 20% with our introductory offers. Complimentary interior design service also available. All prices are valid from 1st March 2010 - 31st August 2010
BoConcept TCR · 158 Tottenham Court Road · London W1T 7NH · Tel. 0207 388 2447 · www.boconcept.co.uk
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18/02/10 8:25:53
Happiness,
architecture,
Josephine O’Donoghue talks to Grand Designs’ Kevin McCloud about his career as a designer and his new housing project in Swindon
A
beauty
fter working as a designer in theatres, Kevin McCloud decided to set up his own lighting and furniture design business, which he then sold in 1999. “I was good at the creative stuff but not so good at running a business”, says Kevin. Since then, he has written several books and, in his early career appeared on Home Front before launching Channel 4’s Grand Designs. I caught up with him to find out more about his love for architecture and design, and his new housing project, HAB.
was leaving the BBC and had managed to sell an idea to Channel 4 – ‘the Greatest Makeover of All’ as she put it. As we developed the first few programmes, Daisy, myself and the series producer John Silver realised very quickly that this was no makeover programme, but something much more poetic that tapped into everybody’s psyche. John invented the term ‘process documentary’ because we follow a process – about the only thing that is guaranteed constant through all the programmes – that, and the appalling theme tune.
How did you get into design and architecture, and why are you so passionate about design? I started by pursuing a career in music, and then I went to Cambridge to take a degree in languages, which quickly changed to philosophy, then finally to the history of art and architecture. I re-trained as a designer and led two weird, parallel lives designing both in the theatre and in people’s houses. My passion for design really stems from the huge influence my father was on me whilst growing up. He was a rocket scientist and engineer, who taught me that there is no such thing as fear of technology; a man who believed in the power of science and invention. He was a man who worked with bits of car engine over the kitchen table every weekend. So I appreciated how things worked and were put together and the intricacies of their designs.
Do you live in a self-build? No, I live in a 500-year-old farmhouse with my family, and we have about 20 acres where we grow vegetables and trees. I’ve lived in London and abroad, but now I live in Somerset because there are good people around me and it’s a nice place with a nice pace of life. It also has a connection with the earth, a traditional way of farming, that’s quite rare in Britain.
Where did the concept of Grand Designs come from? The BBC executive producer of Home Front (which was then a magazine programme, not a makeover show) and Bookworm, Daisy Goodwin, rang me up and said she
What advice would you give to those considering a self-build? Very easy – spend the money on the bones, the stuff that is there forever, not the frippery like kitchens and bathrooms, which can be replaced. Why are the local surroundings and local context important to successful design? I believe that the best designs – whether traditional or radically modern – should relate to the surrounding landscape, place and neighbouring buildings and to remain in balance with the environment they are built in. What’s the most common mistake people make? I think the most common mistake is the absence of planning and forethought and making sure things are going to work, which is all part of the design process. It’s all about the preparation. Most people spend a year preparing, and often the building takes two years. It is better to do this the other way round and spend the time on planning. Why is the environment important to good design? Our houses form part of the environment. And that connects to the immediate local environment like our street or town, which in turn is part of a global environment.
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interview
concierge
We’ve stopped appreciating the human energy and the valuable natural resources that go into making everything around us – we’ve adopted a throwaway lifestyle. Can you tell us more about HAB? HAB (Happiness, Architecture, Beauty) grew out of a mixture of anger and desire. I was angry at the poor quality of housing stock in Britain, at the way it just seemed plonked down with no regard for place or any kind of context; at the dinosaur attitude of developers, who were more interested in getting a return for investment in land than in making neighbourhoods that are decent places to live; and at the industry’s rejection of proper architecture. The official title for the project we have in Swindon is ‘The Triangle’. The housing we are building will be contextual, sustainable, contemporary, enjoyable and sociable. The Triangle’s 42 properties — which will meet the testing Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes — will be built around a traditional village green, with a contemporary eco-touch. There is, for instance, a wet meadow, part of the development’s drainage strategy. We’ve devised some new mechanisms to allow rental tenants to co-own or entirely own their home in time; and collectively to co-own and manage the public realm outside their front doors. And we have come to place faith in all aspects of the design process, from community consultation to landscape architecture, as essential to making a durable, energetic community. The first occupations are proposed for Christmas 2010. To hear more from Kevin on life and architecture, visit Grand Designs Live at ExCeL from 1–9 May. n
spend the money on the bones, the stuff that is there forever, not the frippery like kitchens and bathrooms, which can be replaced
For further information, visit www.granddesignslive.com For further information on HAB, visit www.haboakus.co.uk
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interiors
urban living:
L
concierge
the home cinema
There are lots of toys to buy with this year’s bonus but, ask Alix Lawson and Charlotte Robb, which toy will give you lasting pleasure as well as instant popularity?
et us introduce you to the home cinema. There are a couple of things to consider when creating the ultimate home cinema experience before you jump in and blow that hard-earned cash – technical specification and, of course, the design. First things first, and let’s get it out of the way – size matters. Don’t come to the trough unless yours is at least 2,500mm or (8ft) wide. The width we are talking about is the latest trend for Anamorphic projector lenses, which convert normal widescreen images back into the full cinemawidth experience. When it comes to sound, you can only play with the big boys if you have an unbelievably loud and house-shaking sound system; multiple sub-woofers are not enough. You now need vibrating plates under the chairs and sofas to make them shake with every onscreen explosion. And with
numerous complete acoustic solutions, not a murmur will be heard from anywhere outside of the room. You will, of course, require a film server which can store thousands of films for you to choose from, at the touch of a fully integrated hand-held screen. Even if this is for your city pad, you can have a server in each house that is updated every time a film is added. With technology advancing, you will soon only need a main server that can store and stream to your other properties, whether in the UK or abroad. Then it’s time to talk design. Be it a snug retreat or a state-of-the-art James Bond grotto, your designer can harness your desires to create the ultimate big boy’s toy. So where do you put the cinema if you don’t have the space? Well, the optimum viewing distance for an 8ft screen is only 2.8m. So what about that spare room that’s become a store room? The dining room that’s never used? The loft space that needs
a reason to be converted? Or the basement, which is the ideal location for a big boy’s den, tucked away from prying eyes. Cinema rooms need to have specialist fabrics and finishes to keep the tech boys happy with the sound balance and reverberation times associated with those huge speakers, and this is where you need to rely on the skill, taste and talent of your designer. You will also need your designer to handle the lighting with skill and elegance. Lighting is important. It can be integrated with your home control system and, as soon as the projector fires up, the lighting will dim to one of any number of atmospheric settings that you have chosen. So, sit back, relax and let the show begin. n Alix and Charlotte are the founders of Lawson Robb, a young dynamic architecture and interior design practice. For further information, visit www.lawsonrobb.com
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competition
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Jardin d’Inès, Marrakech
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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. By entering this competition you agree to your details being used by Runwild Media Group for marketing purpose. Please see www.runwildmediagroup.com/subscriptions for full terms and conditions.
interiors
A
decade
of
concierge
Danish Design
As Danish deisgn brand BoConcept celebrates its tenth birthday in London, we look back at the store’s successes and most memorable moments of the last ten years
2010
sees the innovative Danish Design furniture brand, BoConcept celebrates its tenth year in London. Situated on Tottenham Court Road, London’s furniture Fifth Avenue, BoConcept has gone from strength to strength and is still going strong even in what has been a very tough year for most retailers. General manager Hana Taylor thanks BoConcept’s dedicated staff for this success, and adds, “most importantly I would like thank our customers, loyal and new who have let us furnish their homes… You will not want to stop with one great piece, you will want to add another and another…” BoConcept’s customers have become so dear to them, that in order to guarantee them one hundred percent satisfaction, BoConcept introduced a free interior design service, remarking that this development allow customers to be “more relaxed and open about what they wished to achieve”. The last decade has seen record breaking success for BoConcept. In 2008, the brand achieved a place in the Guinness Book of Records for the world’s longest sofa, and in 2009, along with BoConcept stores around the world, the company held what was unofficially the world’s longest ever party. Keen to promote their Danish heritage, BoConcept has also collaborated with other prestigious Scandinavian brands including fashion boutique Wild Swans and jewellery brand Renaissance Life, who featured in London Fashion Week. The last ten years have seen BoConcept’s name spread, with the store boasting many prominent clients and featured on TV programmes including BBC’S Hustle and Channel 4’s The Home Show. n
For more information visit www.boconcept.co.uk
Unique online auction To celebrate a decade of furniture design, BoConcept is launching an exciting auction. The online auction will take place via the stores website and will offer customers and fans of the store the chance to win one of ten luxurious living chairs. An unusual turn of events means this auction will give you the chance to win a piece of design history for as little as ten pence, with the chairs going to the lowest unique bidder! The selected Living chairs will be available to view at BoConcept’s Tottenham Court Road store and winners will be announced online.
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interiors
concierge
CONTEMPORARY
Living Marco Ferrara-Bardile, architect for Living In Space talks about creating a contemporary space and how to get the best out of the very latest advancements in home technology
Can you define for us, the contemporary look? It’s all about invisible lighting, cleaner lines and compact technology which has given rise to multi-use spaces. What do you mean by invisible lighting? LEDs. They are small and malleable enough to work in any application you can think of. They are more expensive to buy initially but they have a very long life and this, coupled with the fact that they use half the energy of a halogen bulb not only makes them very eco-friendly but they are also much cheaper to run. Any tips on how to use them? LED lights are very good for creating mood lighting and because they don’t give off much heat, it is practical to hide them in joinery or shadow gaps. And what about cleaner lines? Well, lives are becoming busier, and space, especially in cities comes at a premium so you want to use every area in your house effectively. The home is a place to entertain but it is also now an important place to retreat to. How can you create relaxing space in a home? Clever storage solutions are important to avoid clutter and keep you relaxed, whilst well placed, soft lighting and open plan living creates a harmonious and tranquil environment. What about technological advancements? We have made such huge developments in technology in the home in recent years, that some of the most high-tech systems, once only available for commercial use, are affordable and becoming widely used in residential homes.
So, as an eco-conscious company, we were delighted that a recent client of ours decided to install the smart KNX technology system. Sync all heating, lighting, security and audio onto one intelligent system within the home. The system can then be managed in the most energy efficient way with sensors detecting which parts of the home are in use and which parts are vacant. This can save one over 50% on their heating and electricity bills. You can also have your door panel rigged to your mobile phone so that if someone should call when you’re out an image of the delivery person
will appear on your phone and you can talk to them directly. Beyond that you can keep an eye on your home when you’re abroad by controlling everything from the lighting and heating to being alerted if the burglar alarm triggers. From a single switch you can do a central shut down which can include turning off all the lights but can also include putting heating to a standby mode and even arming an intruder alarm at the same time. n For further information about Living In Space, call 020 7722 3131 or visit www.living-inspace.co.uk
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health & beauty
concierge
Must have item:
ARTISTRY NAIL COLOUR
health & beauty
Already one of the world’s leading skincare and cosmetic brands, ARTISTRY has launched their firstever nail colour collection. The special long-lasting formula intensifies the colour, whilst also preventing chipping and peeling. The collection contains 12 eye-catching colours in matt and metallic finishes, including the classic vampish blood red Siren, delicate and subtle Champagne and on trend taupe Goddess, this season’s hottest nail colour.
news BEAUTY TRICKS
Not a fashion statement for the faint of heart; fun, faux tattoos made an appearance on several catwalks (including Rodarte and Jean Paul Gaultier), and are set to be a major beauty trend this season. Ever with its manicured fingertips on the pulse of exciting beauty must-haves, Chanel has developed an elegant and tasteful take on this trend, designed by Peter Philips to roughen up the otherwise suprafemininity of their bucolic catwalk show.
Les Trompe L’Oeil de Chanel (meaning trick of the eye) is a collection of 55 non-permanent transfers inspired by the catwalk versions. Creating the illusion of jewellery and taking inspiration from Coco’s favourite flourishes, the collection features chains interlaced with leather, and pearls against black detailing, turning the skin into an iconic representation of Chanel’s signature use of monochrome and pearl.
www.amway.co.uk
Must have colour: BRONZE
AVAILABLE AT CHANEL BOUTIQUES AND SELFRIDGES STOCKISTS 0207 493 3836
treatment of the month: hydrohealing™ your skin from premature ageing and leaving it looking and feeling vibrant and invigorated. Using only natural ingredients and the healing power of water, the hydrozyme illuminating facial works by using the hydrodermabrasion machine in conjunction with Dr Bragi’s patented marine enzyme technology. Hydrodermabrasion gently removes dead skin cells, whilst infusing the skin’s surface with oxygen, improving circulation and toning the skin, and shows visible signs of improvement immediately.
Shed your winter layers and revitalise your skin with the new hydrohealing™, 216a Kensington Park Road, Notting Hill Gate, hydrozyme illuminating London W11 1NR facial, exclusive to VERDICT: 020 7727 2570 hydrohealing™ in Sink into the www.hydrohealing.com London’s fashionable luxurious waterbed Notting Hill. and feel relaxed This innovative facial and revived gently removes the layers of tired, dull winter skin and works to rehydrate skin from deep within its layers, protecting
Forget the trauma of sticky, streaky, orange tan. Vita Liberata’s new range promises an effortless, odourless product that will leave you with a natural looking golden bronze glow. Using naturally obtained active tanning ingredients from organic sugar cane, your tan will develop (and even fade) naturally, preventing patches and streaks. Giving you a 24ct golden tan, Vita Liberata makes carrot orange a thing of the past. www.vitaliberata.co.uk
Must have trend: The ancient art of acupuncture has become the treatment of choice for those in the know, for its beauty as well as health benefits. Ciara Woods’ cosmetic acupuncture treatment offers a nonsurgical approach to the ravages of time, reducing fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness and other signs of ageing, whilst leaving you with better definition and a radiant glow. Available at Gentry Hair and Spa, 34 North Colonnade Canary Wharf 020 7519 6660
Brought to you in association with The Wellington Hospital, one of the world’s leading private hospitals. www.thewellingtonhospital.com
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SCARRED FOR LIFE? NOT ANY MORE... There was a time when medical surgery resulted in noticeable and permanent scarring; but as Josephine O’Donoghue discovers, surgery can be virtually scarless
For doctors all over the world, carrying out surgery on a patient is a last resort and an experience that the medical world is constantly striving to make both less invasive and less traumatic. Many people find the thought of major surgery to be extremely stressful and frightening – and it has long been the hope that a simpler method could be developed. While keyhole or laparoscopic surgery has been a popular alternative in recent years (involving 3-4 smaller cuts), Mr Barry Paraskeva (based at The Wellington Hospital in London) has been pioneering a new and very effective method of scarless single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) for over two years. “I have been using and developing an almost scarless and innovative option, using a single incision in the belly button to access the body, since early 2008,” he says. “The beauty of this kind of surgery is that it uses an existing hole in the body. Furthermore, the patient takes the same time to heal and the scar is buried, so surgery is virtually scarless, which they love.” Mr Paraskeva was the first surgeon in the UK to perform a gallbladder removal and appendix removal using the SILS approach. He is also regularly performing removal of the colon through the belly button alone. “I recently removed 40 centimetres of colon containing an 8cm tumour through a 3cm hole in the belly button,” Mr Paraskeva said last month. This is especially revolutionary for cancer patients as this method means that people can have major surgery for a colon cancer through one cut and stay in hospital for only a few days. The SILS method of surgery can be used to remove the appendix, gallbladder, kidney and ovaries, repair hernias and remove cancers in the colon. Over 100 SILS procedures were carried out by Mr Paraskeva in 2009 alone, all of which were very well accepted by patients and he hopes to complete many more in 2010. Single port laparoscopic surgery is certainly the next big step in less invasive surgery, and signifies a positive change in modern surgical medicine. Presenting a new and exciting set of options for patients, Mr Paraskeva and his team expect a rapid increase in demand for this type of treatment. For more information or appointments, visit www.thewellingtonhospital.com or call 020 7483 5148
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PERSONAL EXPERIENCE Talking to The Daily Mail last month, one of Mr Paraskeva’s patients said: “I had the operation under general anaesthetic last year and [it] took an hour-and-ahalf. When I came round, I was very tender round the belly button area, but I was still able to leave the hospital by 6pm that day. The bruising lasted a few weeks, although I could move around OK. Even after a week, it was difficult to see the scar on my belly button. We’d had to postpone a holiday, so three weeks after the operation we went to Majorca. It was so wonderful to lie on the beach in a bikini and no one could tell I’d had an operation. Five months on, I feel fantastic!”
THE FACTS Can surgery be performed with no scar? Over the last few years, doctors have started to consider using patients own orifices to access the inside of the body and this method is called NOTES (natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery). However, this approach is controversial and as yet, untested. Single port surgery offers an alternative to traditional keyhole surgery, which leaves no scar and is available now. The umbilicus or belly button area can be used as a point of access for surgery for many common conditions of the abdomen and the procedures can be safely executed through these areas. After the wound has healed, there will be no visible scar. Common procedures performed with regular keyhole surgery can be performed through the belly button such as gallbladder removal for gallstones, appendix removal, ovarian cyst treatment and even removal of portions of the colon for both benign and malignant conditions such as colon cancer. How is the surgery performed? The patient preparation for a single port/SILS laparoscopic procedure is the same as for the regular laparoscopic equivalent. A special port device is inserted into the belly button; through this long instruments (which have the ability to bend and carry specialised heads) can grab, dissect, cut and clip tissues. The operation is performed completely internally, and the gallbladder or appendix can then be relieved in a purpose designed bag so it can be removed. The belly button is repaired using dissolvable stitches and heals with no scar visible. Many patients can have their procedures as day cases.
• Confidential Psychological Therapy and Counselling for anxiety, depression and stress • Tailored Psychometric Testing • Groundbreaking Stress Management Programmes • Executive and Leadership Coaching • Customised Corporate Services
Consulting in Harley Street, Liverpool Street and Canary Wharf Private Medical Insurance Registered
An outstanding track record in the city and beyond... CPG’s standards of excellence are second to none. Tel: 0845 01 77 838 contact@city-psychology.co.uk www.city-psychology.co.uk
7420_AD1 Scope is a registered charity, number 208231. Š Scope March 2010
health & fitness
concierge
STRESS in the city According to the Health & Safety Executive, work related stress accounts for over a third of all new incidences of ill health, leading to an average of 13.8million working days lost. It has become a true force to be reckoned with and should not be ignored. Dr Michael Sinclair, consultant psychologist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society, advises us how to recognise the signs and deal with the symptoms
W
hilst the economic downturn has turned the corner, there is still an evident sense of anxiety, stress and trepidation amongst City workers. When we feel this way, it is important to remember not to focus on the things that we cannot control – like our unforgiving boss, increasing work demands or the economy. We can however, learn ways to manage ourselves in the face of stressful events. It’s a choice we make not to live in fear but first we need to become more self-aware. First, try not to worry or panic. Easier said than done, perhaps, but it leads to high levels of anxiety and bad decisionmaking. Try not to overreact and remain calm and focussed. Take a few minutes out to practice some breathing exercises while you imagine yourself in a calm and relaxing setting. Identify your stressors and make a plan. Write down specific stressors and then come up with ways you can manage them. For example, if your stressors are financial, come up with ways to reduce your finances or manage things more effectively. If your work is piling up then make a plan to practice more assertiveness, time management and delegation skills. Recognise how you deal with stress. We can express stress physically (muscular tensions, bodily aches and pains, indigestion, palpitations, lethargy or weakened immune system), emotionally (we anxiety, panic and frustration) and behaviourally (drinking more alcohol or coffee, sleeping more or less, stop exercising, losing concentration and losing interest and motivation). It is important to stay alert to these stress signals and monitor them, seeking out help if they worsen. Accept how you feel. It is important to try and accept how you feel emotionally when distressed. Most of our emotional distress is worsened by getting depressed about being depressed or getting anxious about being anxious. If we acknowledge how we feel it may be unpleasant but we can then assure ourselves that it will soon pass, and that positivity is likely to shorten the period of time we are
distressed. Trying to stop feeling a certain way will only exacerbate our distress, we need to recognise it, accept it and deal with it. Let go and stop trying to convince yourself that life should be different or perfect. Pay attention to what you are thinking. If we are feeling stressed, low or anxious it is a sign to us that our thinking is not clear or helpful. We’ve all done it at times of distress, worrying about the future, ruminating about the past, ‘pointing the finger’ in blame or being overly self-critical. All this does is leave us feeling less confident and more distressed. What we need to do is stay focussed on the here and now and what we can control and do to once again move forward. Make decisions and move forward. Procrastination is one of the most significant causes and maintaining factors of stress. It is important to make a decision, action it and remind yourself that, whatever the result, you can cope with it. Take time for yourself. If we never take time away from our problems and try to de-stress and clear our heads we run the risk of becoming so immersed in our problems that we cannot see clearly anymore to make the best decisions. Simple activities like reading a book, going for a walk, exercise or socialising with friends are all great ways to distract ourselves, take a rest and recharge. Try to see it as a challenge for growth and change. Once you’ve identified your stressors you can now take the opportunity to re-evaluate old habits, have a mental spring clean of your life and re-prioritise the things that are important and good for you. n Dr Michael Sinclair is a consultant psychologist and founder of City Psychology Group based in the City of London, Canary Wharf and Harley Street. He has also published a book Fear and self-loathing in the City: A guide to keeping sane in the square mile. For further information visit, www.city-psychology.co.uk or call 0845 0177 838
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BHF - Canary Wharf Ad.:Layout 1
24/3/10
08:47
Page 1
e Own plactes triathle d! wante
Follow your heart Taking part in a triathlon for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) is such a special way to honour someone close to you and help the BHF keep more hearts beating. You can be part of our team at any triathlon regardless of the event. Simply secure your place in your chosen event then contact the Heart Runners Support Team for your free t-shirt and welcome pack. You’ll also gain access to our personal fitness coaches! Your heart will tell you that there is no one better to support than the UK’s number one heart charity!
Call: 0844 477 1181 Email: heartrunners@bhf.org.uk
Online: bhf.org.uk/triathlons Start fundraising now: justgiving.com/bhf
Have fun, get fit, save lives! © British Heart Foundation 2010, a registered charity in England and Wales (225971) and in Scotland (SC039426)
RISE
T R I AT H L O N
to the
challenge
In the run up to one of London’s most popular sporting events, Lee Brooks and Josephine O’Donoghue look at this Herculean challenge and how you can get involved THE TRIATHLON You may not realise it, but the triathlon was only officially accepted as an Olympic sport in 2000. A relatively new concept compared to the more traditional events, the sport has been around for less than 40 years. The world’s first triathlon was held in September 1974 and 46 competitors tackled a 10km run, 8km cycle and 500m swim without breaks – not an easy task. The first person to cross the finish line (without stopping in between each event) was to hold the title of Triathlon Champion, a title that would become extremely sought after in the years to come.
61
T R I AT H L O N
In the beginning, it all started when a like-minded group of friends began training together in Mission Bay, South California. Although most of the group were runners, there were a number of swimmers and cyclists in the group too, and it wasn’t long before they began to challenge the physical range of their team-mates. Training sessions quickly grew into informal races, which inspired Jack Johnstone and Don Shanahan to produce the concept of an official triathlon, uniting all three sporting disciplines into one epic challenge. Winning a place in the Olympic Games in 2000, the triathlon has become one of the most eagerly anticipated, popular and challenging events in the Games. In addition, official triathlons have sprung up in cities all over the world, and this year London will celebrate its eighth triathlon event. The concept of the triathlon has
also been adapted to suit the masses – this year the London Triathlon caters for categories including the ‘Youth Super Sprint’ (the shortest available option of 400m swim, 10km bike and 2.5km run), ‘Super Sprint’, ‘Sprint’ and ‘Olympic’ (the longest available option of 1,500m swim, 40km bike and 10km run). It also offers team relay options, popular with corporate groups. In some events, there is also an option of the Ironman Triathlon, which demands a gruelling 3.8km swim, 180km cycling, and 42.2km run – the equivalent of a full marathon! This year’s London Triathlon promises to be bigger and better than ever before, so whether you’re taking part, visiting the Expo or just coming along to support the athletes, you’re bound to have an exhilarating and exciting day out. n For more information, visit www.londontriathlon.co.uk
THE LONDON TRIATHLON EXPO Once again, The London Triathlon Expo will run alongside the London Triathlon. The London Triathlon Expo takes place around the finish line of the Triathlon Race and combines fantastic features including specialist exhibitors from the cycling, running and swimming world. The Expo is free to enter, so it’s great for competitors and spectators alike. Relax with a coffee in the café, listen to Triathlon experts, purchase the newest products on the market, update kit, have your swim technique analysed by expert swim coaches, get expert nutritional advice, watch the élite winners award presentation, and see the emotion of thousands of athletes as they come down the final straight and cross the finish line. To find out more, visit www.londontriathlonexpo.co.uk
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London to Paris Cycle 1-5 September 2010 Cycle up to 95 miles a day to support people with Parkinson’s
Join us on the classic European cycle challeng e!
the new york marathon
Transform a disabled child’s life by running the new york marathon for Whizz-Kidz. Places are limited - sign up today. e: events@whizz-kidz.org.uk t: 020 7233 9696 w: www.whizz-kidz.org.uk
Call 020 7963 9305
events@parkinsons.org.uk www.parkinsons.org.uk/events This event is promoted by P.D.S.(Sales) Limited, registered company number 1575175 which covenants its taxable profits to the Parkinson’s Disease Society a registered Charity in England and Wales No. 258197 and in Scotland No. SC037554.
Whizz-Kidz is the working name of the Movement for Non-Mobile Children. Registered charity no.802872
Join the 2010 Concern Worldwide London Triathlon Relay Challenge and transform lives in Liberia 7th August 2010
This year, we’re challenging you and your colleagues to go the extra mile for Concern. We want you to swim, cycle or run to help people in Liberia rebuild their lives following the devastating civil war.
Every pound you raise will go directly to helping communities in rural Liberia.
“There was a real carnival atmosphere at the ExCeL Centre – everyone who swam, ran, cycled or watched had a wonderful time. We were all immensely proud to have the opportunity to do our bit for such a worthwhile project!” Will, Ince & Co Relay Team
YOUR CONCERN WORKS
Contact Sumitra Saha Email: sumitra.saha@concern.net Tel: 020 7801 1873 Visit www.concern.net/triathlon Registered charity no. 1092236
T R I AT H L O N
How to ENTER
With a variety of distances available as well as relay races, triathlon is a sport that anyone can take part in individuals, teams or corporates
T
he London Triathlon captures the imagination of thousands of first-timers each year. For those brave enough to take on all three legs themselves there are four options with varying distances and competing groups so that you can tailor your racing to your skill and fitness; youth super sprint, super sprint, sprint and Olympic. First-timers, however, tend to begin, with Team Relay races. Team Relay races are designed to provide the perfect introduction to the sport of Triathlon. A team can be made up of two or three racers with each person doing a discipline before handing over to the next team member Whether you are competing for fun, for pride or for charity and be it with friends, family or work colleagues the team relay races have a huge amount to offer. As the name suggests competitors each complete one leg before handing over the timing chip (which acts as the baton) to the next team member. Alternatively, why not get some colleagues together and take part in the corporate triathlon challenge? It’s easier than you might think. The event provides great benefits for the whole company and is a low cost and effective way to build your team. It is aimed at companies with ten teams or more and many companies use it to encourage staff to get fit, have fun and train together as well as raise money for your own corporate charity. For further information on all the entry options available, visit www.londontriathlon.co.uk
The London Triathlon General Facts 2010 is the
14th year of the London Triathlon
The London Triathlon is officially the largest Triathlon in the world – with entrants and spectators
14,500
The London Triathlon raises over various charities
55,000
£3 million for
The London Triathlon is held at the ExCel centre but takes in including, Big Ben, The London Eye and Tower Bridge
major London landmarks 50%
Approximately of participants that enter the London Triathlon are first time triathletes Triathlon is the fastest growing mass participation sport in the world due to its accessibility, scope to train both indoors and out, as well as offering variety to its competitors with each stage of the event.
Other events you may also like:
16 May, 2010 Macmillan Cancer Support Etape Caledonia, 81 miles of cycling in the Highlands
5 & 6 June, 2010 Blenheim Triathlon, swim the Great Lake, race through the stunning grounds and cycle the twists and turns of Oxfordshire countryside
22 August, 2010 Sky Ride Etape, Hibernia, cycling the breathtaking West Coast of County Clare, Ireland
16 September, 2010 Run to the beat, London’s music half marathon runs into its third year For further information, visit www.challengerworld.com
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TRI YOUR WAY TO THE TOP! Compete against 10,000 in the world’s largest triathlon this summer.Places available in the sprint, super sprint and the Olympic races – so join our team, save lives and be a winner!
Contact the events team today for more information. T : 0303 303 3000 E : challenge@anthonynolan.org.uk W : www.anthonynolan.org.uk registered charity no. 803716 / SC038827
Join the Children’s Hospices UK team!
Children’s Hospices UK is the national charity that gives voice and support to all children’s hospice services.
Sign up now to secure your place and to make a real difference to life-limited children and their families in your local area. We have places available in the London Triathlon as well as many other sporting events throughout the year.
If you join our team you will get: • a FREE Children’s Hospices UK running vest or t-shirt • training advice and guidance • a FREE on-line fundraising page and top tips guide • opportunity to wear our butterfly running wings! Simply visit our website www.childhospice.org.uk call us on 0117 989 7828 or email events@childhospice.org.uk. Children’s Hospices UK is a charity registered in England (1103795) and is incorporated as a company limited by guarantee (4840209).
T R I AT H L O N
Ask
•
Try the fluid replacement drink you will use in the race several weeks before the event to make sure you are comfortable drinking it and like it. Some drinks can upset your stomach. Try different flavours too.
•
Make sure you get the concentration right, as too weak a sports drink will not have the desired effect and too strong a concentration can cause stomach cramping. Too many carbohydrates in a drink may cause the stomach to shut down or draw all the blood to the stomach away from your working muscles.
•
Make sure that you choose a drink that has the right balance of sodium, potassium and some carbohydrate. Some sports drinks do not contain enough electrolytes for tough exercise.
•
Decide well in advance of the race how much fluid you will take on board to stay hydrated before and during the race. This plan can be put into practice in training and before training. If you want to work out exactly how much fluid to consume, consult a sports nutritionist who will be able to work it out exactly or use the hydration calculator on www.gatorade.co.uk
•
To make sure you drink during the race, consider setting an alarm on your watch to sound every 10 minutes. This will prompt you to take sips. Drink little and often, not large amounts in one go.
•
Do not consume too much fluid the night before the race and the morning of the race. Over hydrating yourself is potentially worse than being dehydrated. Having already consistently hydrated yourself during the week you will be ready. Just a 500ml bottle consumed over the course of the morning should be fine.
•
When running through aid stations, don’t just throw the liquid over your head. Run with the cup or bottle for a while and consume a few sips. When you have finished your intended amount, you can then cool off.
•
When you cross the finish line, make sure you keep hydrating yourself for the remainder of the day. This will aid recovery. It is easy to switch off after the race and forget to drink.
an EXPERT
Richard’s top tips for keeping fuelled for triathlon success:
Triathlon Coach and nine-time national champion and past winner of the London Triathlon, Richard Allen is conscious of how important proper hydration and energy replacement is in triathlon, whether your goal is winning the event or just ensuring you finish with a smile on your face
K
eeping hydrated and energised are vitally important for triathlon success. When you train or race, and are exerting yourself, you sweat out the body’s fluids and these are essential for keeping the body’s temperature at a correct level and a lack of fluids will result in the body overheating unduly quickly and performance being impaired. Additionally, as you exert yourself you suffer the further physical effect of reducing blood sugar and nutrient levels in the body which in turns lowers energy reserves making you tired an affect which can make you more prone to injury. In order to avoid these effects it is essential that you replace the fluids and nutrients you lose during training and competition, this is best done with a specialist fluid replacement or sports drink. n
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T R I AT H L O N
The
Swimming in open water is a vastly different experience to training in a swimming pool. But with the right knowledge and preparation it need not be feared
FIRST leg
A
sk any triathlete for one piece of advice and, in beautiful harmony, they’ll reply, “practice open-water swimming.” Sounds obvious but beyond the bracing sensation of swimming through cold water, acclimatising to neoprene is a must. Even the most flexible suits don’t mimic the feel of swimming in leisure swimwear, so make sure that you practise, practise, practise. Once you’ve got to grips with getting a wetsuit on and its compressive feel, you’ll also need to acclimatise to the cold. The open-water season begins in April when it is still pretty cold, so prepare beforehand by taking three 5min cold showers in the week. The aim of swimming well during a triathlon is to keep your resistance to the water as low as possible. If this is developed over a period of time then come race day you will swim more efficiently and conserve energy. This will leave you a lot fresher when transferring onto the bike and run legs of your triathlon. Unlike the other triathlon disciplines more power, strength and fitness are not directly going to equate to more speed. Fortunately, a better technique eventually will equate to more speed in the water but the overall reward is an easier swim leading to a faster Triathlon, as you have more energy for the bike and run. Peeling off the neoprene is one to practise too, it can save you valuable seconds in transition one. n
TOPS TIPS
Lubricate wrists, ankles and neck to avoid chaffing and make your wetsuit easier to get off. Do not use Petroleum based lubricants as they can rot the fabric of the wetsuit.
Wear everything you plan to race in under your wetsuit (TRISUITS are ideal); this can include your race number pinned to a top if you are not wearing a race belt.
Check the race course, is it better to be on one side of the starting pack of swimmers compared to the other? If you are not a confident swimmer then find a space and swim your own race.
Bilateral breathing in training will help you on race day: The added gain of being comfortable with this technique is that certain open water swims might dictate only breathing to one side.
If you can find someone of a similar speed you will have an easier swim if you swim close by and level to their knees (inside their bow wave – this is known as drafting). It is not illegal to draft, on the swim but be careful not to upset your pacemaker by constantly tapping them if you are too close.
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T R I AT H L O N
The
In the run up to the London Triathlon, we look at how best to get on your bike and into shape
Second leg
C
ontrary to popular belief, you do not have to use a racing bike to compete in the triathlon; as long as the bike complies with BTF rules then it’s absolutely fine. Mountain and road bikes can be used as long as the bike is configured so that it fits you correctly and that it is in roadworthy condition. For best results, have your bike serviced before you compete. You must wear a helmet; ensure that your helmet meets the British Standards approval or the alternative American safety standard and a good fit means you cannot slide the helmet forwards or backwards. Any suitable clothing is acceptable on the bike leg but for the sake of speed, wear tight clothing that can be worn under a wetsuit. Choose high quality cycling shorts with an eight-panel design, chamois padding and antibacterial fabric. In addition, clipless cycling shoes can help you cycle with more power and fluidity, and it’s much easier than using toe-clips which can slow you down. Cycling training is more fun and motivational with other athletes – during winter you could try a spinning class and when the weather is good, a group cycle. In the run up to the triathlon, nothing beats cycling on the road, as you are forced to work against the wind, bumpy roads and learn the gears that best suit the conditions. If you can find a triathlon or cycling club in your area, most members are keen to offer help and advice, and regular cycling sessions are easy to organise. In training you should aim to go cycling 2 - 3 times per week, varying your distances and route. Aim for a long steady cycle on the weekend, with hills to help develop muscle strength. Cycle the approximate distance of your race twice per week, with at least one of these sessions followed by a suitable distance run. n
TOPS TIPS FOR TRIATHLON CYCLING
Training: Successful triathlon athletes recommend 30 hours of triathlon training a week, with roughly half of that dedicated to cycling. You might also find it helpful to alternate two hard weeks, with one easier week.
Build endurance early on: Early in training it’s important to build cycling endurance through long rides – make sure you cycle until you’re tired out, and really push your limits.
Shorter sessions near the race: Exchange miles for intensity. There’s no point in exhausting yourself in the week before the race, so go for short sessions to keep yourself in prime condition.
Fast transitions: Practice getting onto your bike with the appropriate footwear and also dismounting while the bike is still moving.
Practice Routes: Try and train on a route with similar traits to the race rout – i.e. including similar hills/bends etc.
Save your energy: In the last 5k of the cycle, don’t push yourself too hard otherwise you may not complete the run!
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T R I AT H L O N
On your
Making sure you are running clever on the day, Eileen Elliott looks at preparation for the run leg of the triathlon
E
Last leg
ven for experienced runners, running in a triathlon poses difficulties. Complicated by the swimming and cycling legs that precede it, the third leg is subject to increased fatigue and reduced focus. To overcome these difficulties, preparation is key. It is important to have a good-quality pair of running shoes, which provide adequate cushioning and support, and are suitable for your running style. Most runners do not analyse their running style until a problem arises, such as an injury. However, runners in the early stages will give themselves the opportunity to correct bad habits, allowing them to run more efficiently using less energy. The best running shoe retailers will help you choose your running shoes with your running style in mind. It is also worth considering the speed with which you can change your equipment between the legs. Elastic laces and toggles on running shoes and wearing the same clothes will shave all-important seconds off your overall time. Above all it is important to remember that all equipment must be run-in before the big day. You can start doing so in the next important stage of preparation: training. Imagine training like a pyramid. The first layer of training is the foundation and must be strong before it can be built upon. This is the long slow run, which aims at improving basic aerobic function. The long slow run should be run at a comfortable pace where fatigue comes from the distance and not the intensity. The next stage is Interval Training, which focuses on improving the distance of interval, the amount of rest in between, the number of repetitions and the time of each block of work. Interlinked with this is Conditioning, which can be made specific by altering the variables above. Fartlek, which can be directly translated as “speed play�, involves continuous running with an ever-changing pace and is great for aerobic conditioning. Following this stage is the Hill Rep stage, which is resistance training and can be varied in a number of ways, including longer, slower hills for strength endurance and shorter, faster ones for power-based work. Next comes Temp Run, which is a steady run at a slightly uncomfortable pace, kept up for the entire period of the workout. The final stage is Brick Training. All-important for a triathlon, this stage prepares your body for the transition from the cycling leg to the running leg. And come the big day, the only thing left is a little luck, so break a leg! n
On the day:
Race numbers must be worn on the front for the run leg
Water and Gatorade will be provided during the course
Trainers and clothing should be worn in before the race
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CWpromotion
64, Orchard Place, London E14 0JW Telephone: 020 7719 9342 Email: admin@faradayschool.co.uk Head: Mrs Sarah Counter
A village school community At primary school children spend over 10% of their waking days in the school playground, so this needs to be a stimulating place, claims Sarah Counter “It’s like diamonds sparkling on the water!” exclaims a small boy staring in wonder at the sunlight on the river. This is his daily view from his school playground situated on top of the sturdy building built half a century ago. From here children can not only observe the changing patterns of sunlight dancing on the ripples, but also a wide variety of watercraft from lightships to barges, and splendid yachts to humble tug boats. How many of us can remember standing on the edge of the tarmac staring into a busy void, wondering what to do. Children imaginatively use old boxes to create wonderful spaceships or magnificent schooners; in addition stilts, skipping ropes, hoppers, soft balls, and ride-on cars all add to the variety of playtime at Faraday School.
Open events On: tuesday 8th June 2010 9.30 – 11.00am Wednesday 9th June 2010 4.00 – 6.00pm thursday 10th June 2010 6.30 – 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
Set within a vibrant arts and business community, it has a unique rooftop playground created out of dynamic blue containers which allow for sport, dance and play to take place outside in all weathers. From the top, the children look down onto a beautiful coastal garden artistically created especially for them on top of the roof of the Driftwood café below. The café itself plays a part in the children’s learning, as the owner generously bakes in her ovens their latest culinary creation whether it is Gingerbread men, or bread rolls – whatever links in to the traditional tale of the week that they are learning in literacy. The positioning of the school on Trinity Buoy Wharf in the heart of a welcoming community of creative thinkers helps to stretch the budget of this not-for-profit school, and benefits the learning of the children in a way which is normally only found in village communities in the heart of the British countryside. It works both ways, with ‘third year’ dance students from the University of East London using the school for work placements, and taking the children across into their fabulous new studios just 50 yards away. Together, old and young students unite, mutually enjoying dance and learning from one another. 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 me and visit the school at any time. Faraday School Trinity Buoy Wharf, 64 Orchard Place, London, E14 0JW 020 7719 9342 admin@faradayschool.co.uk www.faradayschool.co.uk
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education
concierge
A CLASSY MODEL Every parent wants the best for their child, but with over-subscribed state schools and élite independents, there’s little room for manoeuvre. That was, however, until the New Model School Company set out its stall
F
ive years ago Robert Whelan, managing director of New Model Schools, came up with a radical new education initiative – affordable private education at primary school level. Today this initiative is a reality and is right on our doorstep at Trinity Buoy Wharf. Spearheaded by headmistress, Sarah Counter, Faraday School is in its first year, offering the kind of high-level of education associated with the league-topping independent. The difference is in the chequebook, and dare I say it, the attitude. A year’s enrolment at Faraday School is £5,300 (approximately half that of a leading independent school), and is kept low by a strong community and a ‘waste not, want not’ attitude. The school takes up the top floor of one of the creative arts warehouses, so the property overheads are low and, as I am shown around, everything has a story about how it ended up there. The star in the Christmas nativity photos was acquired from the props department of the English National Opera; the library of over 2,500 books from charity shops; the garden on top of the café that only the children can see from their playground in the clouds; the playground itself utilising old container storage units... the list continues. “There’s a great sense of community here and we’ve been welcomed with open arms,” explains Sarah Counter. “And I mean community in the true sense of the word – from the lady who runs the 50s-style Driftwood Café who
bakes our cookies and cakes for us, to the local students in the UEL dance school who visit and give lessons. “Our ethos is to provide an education at as low a cost as possible in order to make it available to everyone, and an important part of that is the parents’ involvement. We currently have nine pupils enrolled from varied backgrounds and with varied first languages and every parent contributes in their own ways. For example, we had a request to start teaching the children French, so we worked with an au pair of one of our families to be able to provide that in a structured way. “However, we’re also very aware of working parents’ needs and have various designated pick-up and drop-off points to get to and from school, as well as an optional extended day until 5pm. “It is widely acknowledged that bored children misbehave, so we provide a varied and stimulating curriculum to ensure a positive development in early schooling years. It is amazing to see the progress that our pupils have made in just 20 weeks.” In its first year, the school has blossomed just like its pupils, and there are already plans to introduce an extra class in 2011 and only six places left for the 2010 intake. It looks like there is an answer to the dream of a private education that doesn’t break the bank. n For further information, visit www.newmodelschool.co.uk/faraday
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motoring interview sport
Alfa mito tony jacklin ........................................................................royal ascot .......................................................................
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A POWERFUL STATEMENT
While everybody and their brother likes the R8, there is a small, but vocal minority that’s always thought the coupé looked a little funny but the new Spyder is simply gorgeous according to Matthew Carter
E
xceptional performance and breathtaking dynamism coupled with the intense sensations of opentop driving: Audi presents the R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI Quattro,’ claims Audi’s advertising. Here are the details: The Lambo-V10 engine produces 525 hp and launches the open-top two-seater to 62.14 mph in 4.1 seconds on its way to a top speed of 194.49 mph. Like every open-top Audi, the Spyder has a cloth top – an uncompromising solution for a high-performance sports car. The soft top’s
approximate weight is a mere 30 kilograms (66.14 lb); it thus keeps the vehicle’s total weight and centre of gravity low. The top takes up little space when open, and opens and closes in 19 seconds, even while driving at speeds up to 31.07 mph. In the version with manual transmission, the Spyder weighs only 1,720 kilograms, thanks primarily to its aluminium Audi Space Frame (ASF) body. Despite reinforcements in the area of the sills, the centre tunnel, the rear wall, the floor pan and the A- and B-pillars, the body weighs only 216 kilograms – just six kilograms more than that of the coupé. n
79
80
motoring
calibre
to be different Want to lose 20 years in an instant? Trade in your old man’s 7-Series or Audi A8 for a new XJ. Dump the Lexus for the lithe, sensuous lines of the latest Jag and it’ll do far more for your image than any wardrobe makeover, says Matthew Carter
B
ack in 1968 – more than four decades ago – Jaguar launched the first XJ saloon. This was a remarkable machine and marked a complete change of design from the lovely but by then old-fashioned Mark II that went before. It brought a host of new owners to the brand and for a heady few years Jaguar was at the top of its game, a progressive, modern and stylish company. And then the needle got stuck. Over the ensuing 40 years, there’s always been an XJ saloon at the top of the Jaguar range… and it’s always looked broadly similar to the original. The XJ was retro before retro became fashionable and as a result just looked old. But that’s now history. Not before time comes a new XJ – and this time, the name’s just about the only thing it has in common with its forebears. Its name and the way it drives, that is. It might have looked like an old man’s car, but the outgoing XJ certainly didn’t drive like one. In fact, under the skin the new XJ bears more than a passing resemblance to its lightweight, all-aluminium immediate predecessor, certainly in terms of chassis layout and construction techniques. But it’s that new skin that really makes the new XJ stand out from the crowd. It’s the work of Ian Callum, the man responsible for the way a modern Aston Martin looks, so the pedigree is impeccable. For the XJ, Callum has expanded on the themes he created for the smaller XF saloon. There’s a clear link between the two from the front, but in profile the new XJ is almost coupé-like, with a plunging roof-line, high shoulders and a huge expanse of glass. Glamorous and fittingly feline, it literally stopped the traffic in Paris where the car was launched. And while the French might be more receptive than most to seductive shapes, I’ll bet it would have had the same effect in Munich or Stuttgart. The only controversial view, perhaps, is from the back. Regardless of the colour of the car, the rear pillars are black while the plain, unadorned rump takes a while to get used to: Callum says it’ll be two years before we’ll get used to it… and that’s fine: if we loved every aspect of the shape now it would date far too quickly.
In fact, there’s something Latin about the car… a Maserati for the masses?
81
calibre motoring
As well as two wheelbase lengths and three trim and equipment levels – Luxury, Premium Luxury and Portfolio – there are three engine options. The most popular in the UK will be the 3.0-litre V6 diesel, but there are also two 5.0-litre V8 petrol versions, topped by the magnificent supercharged Supersport model boasting a heady 510 hp. Prices range from £53,775 to £90,455.
But whichever way you look at it, there’s no denying that the new XJ is refreshingly different. It’s not a ‘safe’ design, like an Audi A8 or BMW 7, and it’s certainly more sensual and delicate than the almost brutish S-Class Merc. In fact, there’s something Latin about the car… a Maserati for the masses? This is the third generation of aluminium XJ produced by Jaguar and is 11 per cent stiffer than before but just as light. In fact it’s some 150kg lighter than a comparable BMW 7-Series which means the German car is always carrying the equivalent of two extra passengers, to the detriment of performance, economy and handling. Ah yes, performance and handling. A Jaguar has always been a driver’s car, but the new XJ is even more so: sporting luxury is what Jaguar calls it. And it should come as no surprise that the engineers proudly say they perfected the suspension settings on the long wheelbase version of the car knowing that if they got that right, the standard wheelbase car would be even more nimble. It’s a ploy that’s worked. From behind the wheel you really wouldn’t know you were in the lwb version such is the agility of the chassis and the precision of the steering. Body control is exemplary and the combination of powerful engines and the light weight body make it feel more sporting than a limousine probably should! And that’s certainly the impression you’ll get from the rear seat. If you’re looking for a stretched limo in which your driver can waft you from meeting to meeting, you might find the ride of the new XJ unusually firm, especially at low speeds… but your driver will love you for choosing the Jag.
82
While the Supersport is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face, the ‘humble’ diesel isn’t so far behind. Both have their top speeds limited to 155 mph, and while the V8 will hit 60mph in 4.7 seconds, the 6.0 seconds it takes the diesel is far from shabby… and the latter will return a combine 40mpg which is not something the petrol car can boast. No, in everyday use the swb diesel does just about everything you could want. The interior is beautifully appointed – though the colour combinations and wood veneers need to be chosen carefully – and bristles with wonderful touches. Like the XF, the gear selector for the smooth six-speed auto is a rotary knob that rises up from the centre console when the engine is switched on. The ‘virtual’ instruments, too, deserve special mention as much for their practicality as for their clarity. Depending on the driver’s demands, the high definition display can either show conventional instruments, navigation graphics or if you’ve chosen Dynamic Mode settings, gear settings. And it goes without saying that great attention has been paid to creature comforts with a fine Bowers and Wilkins top end sound system available, linked to the hard disc drive audio unit. DAB radios, digital TV tuners, split view screens, rear seat entertainment packages: it’s all here if you want it. Complaints? Just one. The dashboard clock is over fussy, a ‘fault’ that’s already been identified by Callum and his men and will be put right in the not too distant future. As for the rest… brilliant. n
IN BRIEF Car: Jaguar XJ V6 Diesel Portfolio Price: £64,275 Engine: 3.0-litre V6 diesel Power: 275 hp Drive: Rear-wheel drive
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2nd 2nd- -5th 5thApril April2010 2010- -Doors DoorsOpen Open 9am 9am Sharp Sharp except d - 5thSunday April4th 2010 -(10.30am) Doors Open 9am Sharp5th except and Monday April Sunday 4thApril April (10.30am) and Monday 5th April (10am) (10am)
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44 DAY EASTER SPECTACULAR DAY SPECTACULAR 4 DAY EASTER SPECTACULAR
SECOND TIME LUCKY? Alfa Romeo has a long and unenviable record of producing ‘nearly’ cars. The original MiTo was one such but, says Matthew Carter, the new Mark II version is much closer to the mark
E
very enthusiast with an ounce of high-octane fuel in their veins wants Alfa Romeo to succeed. The company has a genuine heritage. It celebrates its centenary this year and it provided one Enzo Ferrari with his first racing car. Without Alfa there would be no Prancing Horse. But Alfa has been living on past glories for too long. Its recent road cars have been good without being exceptional, in every case dynamically inferior to rivals, especially those from Germany. The Brera, Spider and 159 are ‘nearly’ cars: nearly great to drive, nearly great to own, but ultimately not as good as the equivalent BMW or Audi. Sadly when it was launched last year, the MiTo (a contraction of Milano and Torino, apparently) also missed an open goal. MiTo was Alfa’s first small car in decades. It was stylish, well equipped and highly desirable on paper, but less so on the open road. In fact, those early cars were a huge disappointment. The steering was lifeless, the handling odd, the performance OK rather than stellar. It looked good – even though one rival car designer reckons its ‘droopy’ eyes makes it the saddest looking car
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on the road today – but overall it was yet another nearly car from the Italian car maker. The criticisms clearly hurt. Here we are, just 12 months down the line with a re-engineered MiTo that aims to right those wrongs. While the looks haven’t changed (and passenger space in the rear remains supermini tight) there are new engines under the bonnet and major modifications to the steering, suspension and brakes. There’s a new top-of-the-range, too, the 170 bhp Cloverleaf. One hundred and seventy horses – Alfa’s very own cavallino rampante – is mighty impressive from an engine that displaces just 1368cc, but this is no ordinary engine. As well as being turbocharged, it uses what parent Fiat calls MultiAir, complex technology that allows the engine to breathe far more efficiently. The result is a formidable power output and impressive performance: it’ll sprint to 60 mph from rest in under 7.5 seconds and has a top speed of 136 mph. But – and this is the important bit – the engine’s efficiency means it doesn’t guzzle gas. Helped by a slick six-speed gearbox and Stop/Start technology which cuts the engine when the vehicle is stationary, the combined cycle figure is 47.1 mpg, while the CO2 emissions are a
reasonable 139 g/km: cake, owned and eaten – the MultiAir engine is superb. So that’s the performance box ticked. What about the rest of the car? The Cloverleaf – a tag that has long signified Alfa’s performance models and in the MiTo’s case is announced via a large four-leaf clover badge gratuitously glued onto both front wings – has active suspension. Although the basic chassis layout remains as before, subtle changes have sharpened its responses, while adaptive damping, a first for a supermini, constantly reads the road to tune handling and grip to match driver inputs: stiffer when the car is pressing on, softer when pootling around town. The steering? Well, despite Alfa’s claims to have modified it, the electric power steering is still a little lifeless… at least in the ‘N’ setting of its three mode ‘DNA’ system. DNA is an electronic driving dynamics control with three settings: ‘D’ stands for Dynamic, ‘N’ for Normal and ‘A’ for All-weather. The idea is that if it’s icy outside, you stick the car in ‘A’ to help control wheelspin. If you’re just popping to the shops use ‘N’, switching to ‘D’ when the road opens out and you can enjoy much quicker throttle response, sharper steering and stiffer suspension settings.
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In my book, however, ‘N’ should stand for Never rather than Normal: in this the default setting, engine reactions are sluggish, steering feel closer to a wooden spoon in treacle and handling lethargic. The first thing any MiTo driver will do after starting the engine is flick the DNA switch to D… which begs the question why bother fitting it in the first place. And while we’re on the subject of complaints, Alfa has a cheek charging extra for most paint finishes. Fair enough if it’s metallic, but the only nocost paint finish is black. If you want your MiTo in white, yellow or even, wait for it, Alfa red, that’ll be another £410 thanks. In fact, by the time you added a few desirable extras such as sat nav and a decent sound system you’ll be looking at a final bill approaching £20k. That’s either a lot for a supermini or a fair price for an Alfa that, at last, largely lives up to the promise of the badge. Despite it all, I’ll go for the second option. n
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IN BRIEF Car: Alfa Romeo MiTo Cloverleaf Price: £17,895 Engine: 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-charged petrol Power: 170ps Drive: Front-wheel drive
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test drive_Layout 1 26/01/2010 10:44 Page 1
Take a 24 hour test drive in the new Audi A6 Le Mans Edition.
To experience everything the new, fully-equipped A6 Le Mans Edition has to offer, you need a special kind of test drive. That’s why we’re making this car available to you for a full 24 hours. Unlike the famous race at Le Mans, there’ll be no rush. You can take all day (and all night) to enjoy the style and luxury of this special edition, as well as its effortless performance. And at Docklands Audi you can choose from a full complement of superb new 2010 Audi demonstrator models, from the 60mpg Audi A3 to the 200 mph Audi R8 and everything in between. So if you are looking for tax-efficient economy, astounding performance, or even a combination of the two, Docklands Audi can offer a driving experience that precisely meets your needs. To book your test drive in the model of your choice, call 020 7536 0555 or call into the Docklands Audi Centre today.
Docklands Audi
Marsh Wall, South Quay, Docklands E14 9SL Tel: 020 7536 0555
www.docklands.audi.co.uk Audi Centres also at: Stansted, Chelmsford, Harold Wood, Southend, Chingford and Colchester.
Docklands Audi
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WIN IT:
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Around the world in 16 weeks
LAP IT UP
Long inspiring a cult of admiration amongst infamous petrol heads like Steve McQueen; the Porsche East London – City Showroom will now be giving you the chance to win an exhilarating Porsche Experience at the famous Silverstone race track. From the 12-14 April, aspiring racers will have the chance to test their skills on the Xbox 360’s Forza in the Canada Place shopping mall. The three fastest racers will win a GT Experience, whilst unsuccessful competitors, who have whet their appetite for speed, can also purchase the experience from the showroom at 20 Canada Square. www.porsche.co.uk/Eastlondoncity 0207 718 5242
Say what?
Whoever said, ‘It’s not whether you win or lose that counts,’ probably lost
MARTINA NAVRATILOVA
With the current financial crisis affecting the morale in many work places, the recent Buck report has noted that nearly 20% of companies have been increasing their efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of their employees. This May, Global Corporate Challenge® provides a perfect opportunity to do so with their annual challenge. The 2010 event challenges teams of seven to each walk 10,000 steps a day, with their results recorded on the Global Corporate Challenge® website, and
plotted as a virtual walk around the world. Started in 2004, the challenge saw just under 60,000 participants last year, burning almost 3,000,000,000 calories between them, by walking a staggering 27 million miles! Over the course of the 16 week challenge, participants can interact online as they cross paths on their virtual journey. Make friends in Mexico on Monday and Tunisia on Thursday and all from your desk.
Watch and Learn
london pride
From 14-16 May, Stoke Park in Buckinghamshire will be home to an exciting new interactive golf event. Giving avid golfers the chance to learn from the world’s best players and coaches, the O2 Golf Live promises to be one of the most exciting golf events in years. Featuring master classes from star players Colin Montgomerie, Paul Casey, Retief Goosen and Ian Poulter, the event will also offer a three hole celebrity challenge, an extensive retail village and a golf academy with PGA qualified professionals.
Stamford the Lion (the mascot of Chelsea Football Club) will be running the London Marathon to raise money for Help a London Child, helping thousands of children in the capital faced with abuse, poverty and homelessness.
Tickets start at £45 and are available now from www.golfliveevent.com or 0871 230 7130
Sign up by 30 April at www.gettheworldmoving.com
To help Stamford reach his £10,000 target visit www.justgiving.com/runstamfordrun
Five things you didn’t know... FRANK LAMPARD
u The second Chelsea player to win 50 international caps, Lampard is Chelsea’s top scoring midfield player of all time.
u Lampard used to play cricket for Essex, and amongst others, shared the pitch with Andrew Flintoff and Alen Tudor. u
The probability of Lampard scoring increases steadily as the 90 minutes of play progress, with the majority of goals in the 75-90 minute stage.
u The first goal Lampard ever scored was an own goal when he was five. u During his time at West Ham, Lampard’s father was the team’s coach. Both left the club at the same time.
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THE SUPER MARATHON Lee Brooks takes a look at why tens of thousands of people put themselves through absolute misery to take on one of the most challenging races in the world – the London Marathon
“B
listers upon blisters are not very nice. It’s the pain. Like the pain from mouth ulcers, it’s not a massive area, but sharp and quite agonising,” said comedian turned super-marathon runner Eddie Izzard, after completing an incredible 43 marathons in just 51 days last September. Those are certainly not the words any one of the 48,000 runners who’ll be lining up to compete in this month’s Virgin London Marathon will want to hear as they fine-tune their preparations. For on Sunday 25 April, they will line up to do just one marathon race, measuring 26.2 miles, across the streets of London with the success of Izzard ringing loud in their ears. If a 47-year-old with no running experience can do 43 of them almost consecutively, there really is no excuse for those lucky enough to earn a place in this year’s race. Ever since former Olympic champion Chris Brasher returned from running the New York Marathon to set up a British version in the capital back in 1981, the London Marathon has grown to such an extent, people are being turned down because the race’s capacity is at breaking point. Over 20,000 people applied to run the first marathon on 29 March 1981, but only 6,747 were accepted. When applications for the ballot opened last year, nearly 80,000 applied on day one alone, and they were forced to close just two days and 16 hours later because of demand – a figure no other race in the world can match. But why has it become so popular? Billed as one of the top five marathons in the world today, the London Marathon attracts the very best
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athletes from marathon world, from record-holder Haile Gebrselassie and three-time race winner Martin Lel of Kenya to three-time London Marathon winner Paula Radcliffe and distance running legend Derartu Tulu. With a field as strong as that, it’s no surprise that near half a million people turn out on the streets of London, and hundreds of thousands more watch it live from the comfort of their warm bed as they marvel at these superhuman athletes. The course is fast and flat and takes in all the famous London landmarks along the way. It starts on the south side of the River Thames in Blackheath, and winds its way over the river via Tower Bridge passing the Tower of London, London Eye, the Cutty Sark and Parliament Square, before running up the Mall to the finish.
I do a half marathon every Sunday... I am just obsessed with running While most of the runners can only dream of completing the marathon in Gebrselassie’s record of 2:03:59, the marathon is perhaps more famous for its fun runners. Staying true to its charitable roots, thousands of wannabe runners don all sorts of crazy fancy dress outfits each year to raise money for a whole host of charities. This year alone, a record £500million is expected to be raised for charity, quite an extraordinary figure during a time when the country is only just beginning to escape a recession. While Izzard managed 43 of them, the difficulty and intensity of just one marathon shouldn’t be overlooked. It
would be unrealistic to think that you could just turn up on the day, without any prior training, and complete the 26 miles and 385 yards – people have died trying. The typical athlete will begin their training at least six months before the race and would have hoped to have completed a couple of 10ks and at least one half-marathon before they turn up on the start line. It’s a true test of human willpower, not to mention a brutal attack on your body. Huge blisters, chafed nipples, shredded muscles, a severe case of sunburn and the loss of a few toenails are just some of the side effects which begs the question: why do people do it? “I do a half-marathon every Sunday and I’ve also completed the Comrades, a double ultramarathon in South Africa (a gruelling 59 miles) in ten and a half hours,” explains ten-time marathon finisher and celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. “I am just obsessed with running.” And it is that obsession which spurs on thousands of people to take to the streets with a pair of trainers and their iPod. If you take a walk down to the Southbank around midday, it’s not uncommon to see hordes of runners coming towards you, pounding the pavement, as they aim to beat their target time before heading back to work. Even former Labour spin doctor Alistair Campbell took time out from shaping the country’s news headlines to get the odd run or two when he was in office: “I built all the training into my work by running to Downing Street and doing one long run at the weekend.” Running has fast become a London ritual, and it’s thanks to Brasher and his creation of the London Marathon that so many people have been inspired to take up running and the marathon challenge. n
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THE Crown Jewels OF G LF
Lee Brooks speaks to European Ryder Cup Director Richard Hills about the sparkle of golf’s most prestigious matchplay event – the Ryder Cup, the impact of the recession and the tournament’s future Right: Richard Hills Opposite: Colin Montgomerie
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W
hen St Albans seed merchant Samuel Ryder suggested American and British golfers compete against each other in a one-off tournament to inject a bit of friendly rivalry, he was unaware that he was sowing the seed for one of the most prestigious golfing, if not sporting, events in the world. In 1926, Ryder, who was himself a keen golfer, cobbled together a prize fund of just £5, along with a champagne and chicken sandwich buffet to toast the winners, and held the tournament at Surrey’s esteemed Wentworth course in Virginia Water. The Brits romped to a 13½–1½ victory but, despite the drumming, Ryder decided the tournament should become a regular event and put the wheels in motion to create the first official ‘Ryder Cup’ which debuted the following year. He even put £100 towards the now iconic £250 trophy,
which includes the figure of Ryder’s golf instructor Abe Mitchell teeing up on the trophy’s lid. Nearly 83 years later, and the biennial match has come to embody all that is sacred about golf. Over three days of gruelling competition, the best golfers from Europe and America play head-to-head in matchplay format to rack up as many points as possible and get their hands on the prized Ryder Cup. Originally, the competition pitted Britain against America, but in 1979, 18-time Major winner Jack Nicklaus wrote a letter to then-President of the PGA, Lord Derby, asking to expand the British team to include Europeans, so as to increase the competitiveness of the match. Since then, the rivalry has been a tightly contested affair with America and Europe having won seven matches a piece, with just one tie in 1989. That leaves this year’s event, which will take place at Celtic Manor in Wales, finely poised.
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the other in Britain,” said Hills, “but the Ryder Cup is a prestigious event which can travel, so it’s important that we take advantage of that.” Currently, six countries – France, Portugal, Sweden, Holland, Spain and Germany – are vying for the right to host the gold-ribbon event and will submit their proposals this month. Until then, however, Celtic Manor’s Twenty Ten course – the first to be purpose-built specifically for the Ryder Cup – will hog the limelight when it hosts the 2010 Ryder Cup from 1–3 October. Eight-time Order of Merit winner Colin Montgomerie will captain the European side this time around, and the Scot will be hoping the dodgy Welsh weather will give his team the edge as they aim to win back the Cup they comprehensively lost two years ago. n
RYDER CUP EXPLAINED Here’s your guide to the intricacies of the tournament from matchplay to strokeplay, fourballs to foursomes
MATCHPLAY – STROKEPLAY
THE EXCITEMENT
THE FORMAT
From Justin Leonard’s snaking 40-foot birdie putt to seal the 1999 Ryder Cup for the USA to Jack Nicklaus’ incredible concession, which tied the 1969 match and went down in history as one of the great acts of sportsmanship, the Ryder Cup has been blessed with countless magical moments; but for Richard Hills, who has worked as European Director of the Ryder Cup for seven tournaments, the 1995 event is his personal favourite. “Bernard Gallacher was captain and we were so far behind going into the singles, but we somehow mustered the spirit to come back on that final day,” said European Ryder Cup Director, as he gazed around his memorabiliapacked office at Wentworth Golf Club in Surrey. “It was just incredible. It was my first event as director and I just remember feeling so privileged to be so close to the action and appreciate how much it means to win the Ryder Cup.”
When Great Britain dropped to unprecedented lows when they lost to minnows Lithuania in the Davis Cup tennis tie last month, the validity of the historic team competition was brought into question. However, Hills is confident golf won’t follow the same path as the Davis Cup. “The Ryder Cup is unique,” Hills enthuses. “Golf has a 72-hole format, strokeplay in individual competition and then something unique to the Ryder Cup – foursomes and fourballs – as well as the individual singles. I think it’s that originality which captures the imagination of so many people.
THE FUTURE When Europe next hosts the Ryder Cup – in 2018 – the match will take place in Continental Europe for only the second time in the tournament’s history. “Three of the four Majors are always held in the United States,
Matchplay is the scoring format used in all Ryder Cup matches. Over three days, each team will play eight foursomes, eight fourballs and 12 singles matches. Players will score each hole in isolation, rather than counting up the number of shots played over the whole course and totting them up at the end. This means each hole is won by the player who takes the fewest shots, and then both players start afresh on the next hole. The golfer who wins the most holes wins a point, while if the match finishes all square, a half point is awarded to each.
FOURSOMES Each team will select eight pairings to contest the eight foursome matches. The pairing will use one ball, and hit alternative shots. So, for example, if Ian Poulter is paired with Paul Casey, Poulter would tee off, Casey hit the approach to the green and then Poulter would take the putt, with Casey following up if he misses. They would then switch positions for the next hole with Casey teeing off. Once again, the team with the lowest score wins the hole.
FOURBALLS Similar to the foursomes, only this time each pairing has their own ball, so there’ll be four balls in play at each hole. The player with the lowest score among the four golfers will win the hole for his team, and the team with the most holes wins a point.
SINGLES These 12 individual matches take place on the final day of the tournament, and will see 12 players from each team going head-to-head with the opposition. For further information about the exclusive hospitality packages for the 2010 Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor Resort, call 01344 840 400 or visit www.rydercuphospitality.com
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Peter Gabriel | Channel 4’s Comedy Gala | Star Wars in concert | WWE Raw & Smackdown | Australian Pink Floyd Show | Jeff Dunham | Whitney Houston | Black Eyed Peas ft. Cheryl Cole | Julie Andrews | Rihanna | Westlife | Michael Buble | Carmen | Alicia Keys | Rod Stewart | Lady Gaga | George Benson & Marti Pellow | Bon Jovi | Leona Lewis | Aerosmith | Jack Johnson | Britain’s Got Talent | Eddie Kadi | The Moody Blues | Jean Michael Jarre | Peter Kay | Andrea Bocelli | Simply Red | JLS | War of The Worlds | Peter Andre | Strictly Come Dancing | Peter Gabriel | Channel 4’s Comedy Gala | Star Wars in concert | WWE Raw & Smackdown | Australian Pink Floyd Show | Jeff Dunham | Whitney Houston | Black Eyed Peas ft. Cheryl Cole | Julie Andrews | Rihanna | Westlife | Michael Buble | Carmen | Alicia Keys | Rod Stewart | Lady Gaga | George Benson & Marti Pellow | Bon Jovi | Leona Lewis | Aerosmith | Jack Johnson | Britain’s Got Talent | Eddie Kadi | The Moody Blues Jean Michael Jarre | Peter Kay | Andrea Bocelli | Simply Red | JLS | War of The Worlds | Peter Andre | Strictly Come Dancing | Peter Gabriel | Channel 4’s Comedy Gala | Star Wars in concert | WWE Raw & Smackdown | Australian Pink Floyd Show | Jeff Dunham | Whitney Houston | Black Eyed Peas ft. Cheryl Cole | Julie Andrews Rihanna | Westlife | Michael Buble | Carmen | Alicia Keys | Rod Stewart | Lady Gaga | George Benson & Marti Pellow | Bon Jovi | Leona Lewis | Aerosmith | Jack Johnson | Britain’s Got Talent | Eddie Kadi | The Moody Blues Jean Michael Jarre | Peter Kay | Andrea Bocelli | Simply Red | JLS | War of The Worlds | Peter Andre | Strictly Come Dancing | Peter Gabriel | Channel 4’s Comedy Gala | Star Wars in concert | WWE Raw & Smackdown | Australian Pink Floyd Show | Jeff Dunham | Whitney Houston | Black Eyed Peas ft. Cheryl Cole | Julie Andrews Rihanna | Westlife | Michael Buble | Carmen | Alicia Keys | Rod Stewart | Lady Gaga | George Benson & Marti Pellow | Bon Jovi | Leona Lewis | Aerosmith | Jack Johnson | Britain’s Got Talent | Eddie Kadi | The Moody Blues Jean Michael Jarre | Peter Kay | Andrea Bocelli | Simply Red | JLS | War of The Worlds | Lady Gaga | Julie An
The VIP Club The ultimate VIP experience with guaranteed access to our unrivalled line-up of world class rock and pop concerts, sporting contests and family shows staged at The O2 - the world’s most popular venue. The Membership Benefits •
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BRITISH
GOLFING GODFATHER
Ahead of The Open Championship in July at St Andrews, Lee Brooks talks with Tony Jacklin, the official Open Championship hospitality ambassador, about being the last British Winner of the American Championship
T
he happy memories come flooding back with ease for Tony Jacklin, Britain’s golfing godfather, when he recalls his sensational run to US Open golfing glory nearly 40 years ago. “I remember it as if it was yesterday,” reflects the 65-yearold on his 1970 triumph. “I think that was the best week of golf I’ve ever played in my life.” But when you look at the stats , you could argue that it was the best week of any golfer’s life. A fresh-faced 25-year-old lad from Scunthorpe crossed the Atlantic for just his second US Open, battled the gruesome wind of America’s demanding Hazeltine National course, and won by a record margin of seven shots. He was also the only player to shoot four rounds under par; quite an incredible feat. “That last day was like being in a cauldron of pressure. I had to stop myself looking ahead and wondering what the outcome could be,” said Jacklin. “It was just about containing the massive amount of pressure and staying in the moment. It was difficult to be in that environment, but I used the experience from when I won the British Open the year before and I managed to hang on and win. “Winning the US Open back-to-back with the British Open achieved my lifetime ambition, because for that period at least, I was the best player in the world. And to think I was only 25.” Although he was never to return to those glorious highs in individual competition, that 12-month run remains one of the most staggering in any British golfer’s career. No European has managed to win the US Open since, while only Ireland’s Padraig Harrington matched Jacklin’s achievements when he won the British Open and PGA Championship back-to-back in 2008. It’s not all doom and gloom for British golf, however, according to Jacklin, who moved to Florida in the early 70s. “I think we are getting closer to a British Major winner. Colin Montgomerie went close to winning the US Open in 1992, but Tom Kite just held on to win. Colin was unfortunate but it simply shows that you need luck to win a Major and on that day, he could have done with some.” And it’s in America, where an increasing number of Brits are playing most of their golf, that Jacklin thinks Britain
can crack its Major hoodoo. “Today, you’ve got Paul Casey, Ian Poulter, Graeme McDowell, Oliver Wilson and Justin Rose who have all shown that they feel at home at Pebble Beach, home of this year’s US Open in June, as they are more or less dedicated to playing the US tour and that will help them no end. “A few years ago, I sat on the fence as regards Poulter, but he put on a good show at the Ryder Cup and vindicated the captain’s pick. He has shown he handles the pressure and winning the WGC–Accenture Match Play Championship in Phoenix, Arizona earlier this year cemented that.” This year’s US Open Championship is the second of the four Majors, following the Masters in April and just before the This year the British Open British Open in July and Jacklin can’t Championship at St Andrew’s wait. “I’m often asked what my favourite celebrates its 150th birthday. To course is and I have to honestly say mark the occasion, The Open it’s Pebble Beach. The property is in a Championship has teamed up with magnificent position on the Pacific Coast CityJet to offer the executive golf and is the perfect cross between British lover and exclusive full day hospitality links and the best the US has to offer, package, including flights from London City, transfers and a full day at which is why the Europeans have a great the official hospitality village. shot at winning it.” n
FACT BOX:
The Open will celebrate its 150th anniversary at The Home Of Golf from 15-19 July 2010
For further information visit, www.opengolfofficialhospitality.com or call 0844 371 0883
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THE GAME OF
KINGS
I am so delighted that the sport is being developed into the new decade. Last year was such a huge success and a weekend to remember, I can’t wait for the 2010 tournament. At last, this incredible adrenalin fuelled game is easy to understand! Jodie Kidd
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P
The countdown to London’s biggest summer event has begun; Claire Saunders finds out more about the launch of MINT Polo in the Park 2010, and what spectators can expect from this glamorous weekend of sport
olo, otherwise known as the ‘game of Kings’, is experiencing a revival. Last year’s inaugural event exhilarated and delighted over 25,000 fans, and this year’s launch for MINT Polo in the Park hints that this year the weekend is going to be bigger and better than ever. On 3 March, World Polo ambassador Jodie Kidd launched its flagship event, MINT Polo in the Park 2010, at the Hurlingham Club in Fulham. Accompanied by a team of world-class polo players who will be playing at the event on 4–6 June (including her professional polo player brother Jack Kidd), Jodie led a special horseback parade to the Hurlingham Park, where the event takes place. A group of local schoolchildren (chosen to take part in the ‘pilot polo schools programme’) met the team at Hurlingham. All local schoolchildren on the programme have been offered the opportunity to learn how to play polo via an introductory lesson with some of the UK’s top polo professionals.
Above: Jodie & players Opposite: Jodie & players with trophy
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“It is cheaper to come and have a polo lesson than it is to play five-a-side football,” explains Victoria Grace, whose polo training academy, Ascot Park, hosts the lessons on Hurlingham Park. It is the perfect new sport to capture the attention and passion of local children, as Victoria explains: “You need absolutely no previous riding experience, which is another common misconception. We take young interested players from a standing start to playing polo within an hour. It’s incredible to see such progress.” With considerably more spectators than last year, more than 32,000 people are expected to fill the stands at Hurlingham Park this summer. Fans are expected to travel from all over the capital to support Team London to victory, as they fight to defend last year’s epic win against eight professional teams. The City is gearing up to celebrate across the three days, with title sponsorship being snapped up by MINT. “We are delighted and privileged to be the main sponsor of the World Polo Series at MINT Polo in the Park in June this year,” explains MINT’S Founder, Richard Barnett. “There are direct synergies between what Hurlingham Park’s World Polo Series and the MINT brand stand for. Much like MINT Polo in the Park’s refreshing and innovative approach to a traditional sport, we at MINT pride ourselves on delivering a truly unique proposition to the agency broker space. Our business is built on the back of a world-class service, delivered by the very best in the industry and this is why we believe sponsoring one of the premier sporting events of the year is so fitting.” Having successfully revised the rulebook, changes (including a smaller octagonal shaped pitch; yellow and red card penalty system; a sin-bin box for fouling players; a single end-change at half time; and umpiring aided by television playback) have revolutionised the entire spectator experience. “We have developed the rules to make the game faster, slicker and, above all, completely spectator friendly,” reveals Daniel Fox-Davies (founder of the Polo World Series, and by extension, Polo in the Park). “Polo in the Park is really an outdoor live show; it’s the Formula 1 of polo, with live cameras tracking all the action on and off the pitch. Our developed rules make it easier to understand and enjoy.” MINT Polo in the Park is essentially the ‘new Twenty20 style’ spectator-friendly format of the traditional game. The new style was created to highlight the high-octane and exciting family-friendly sport of polo and showcase it with the world’s first fully pro tournament. With the 2010 tournament now well and truly underway, yet more developments in the rules have been sparking interest and debate across the sporting world. Each of the eight international teams will lose a player, and each team will now feature just three players per side for a fasterpaced game, as the World Polo Series turns polo from a lifestyle hobby into a professional sport. The event is a full weekend of exhilarating entertainment, luxurious hospitality and City networking, with central London’s first ever jousting competition, stunt riders from famous Hollywood blockbusters, military displays from the best of the British Armed Forces and ‘skills’ from the polo players, including penalty shoot-outs and the longest shot at goal.
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“Polo is an extraordinary game, a gladiatorial and exciting display of horsemanship and skill. Yet it has never received the interest it deserves due to the stigma attached to the sport. Recent years have seen an incredible change, with more than double the number of polo clubs opening up, and modern technology making the game accessible to anyone,” says Daniel Fox-Davies. “Polo in the Park is designed to bring the most enjoyable world-class equestrian and polo event to Central London – I cannot recommend strongly enough that people of all walks of life should come and see what all the fuss is about. You won’t be disappointed.” n MINT Polo in the Park runs from 4-6 June, 2010 For more information, visit www.polointheparklondon.com
JACK KIDD Jack Kidd is a well-known 4-goal polo player, having achieved an 8-goal arena handicap in the USA. He has 2 FIP Gold Medals under his belt and numerous tournament victories around the world. So far this year, he has won the HPA National Championships and Klosters snow polo. He says, “We have pimped the whole sport up; we’ve made it better to play, better to watch, and more fun for the horses.” In addition, Jack is very excited to be back at Hurlingham this year, “We are coming back to the original field, re-writing the rules and putting on a show which gives polo a life for the next 100 years. Jamie (Morrison) and I, last year, were the very first people to ride and put a ball on that field for 70 years. It was a real honour.”
HOSPITALITY PACKAGES Be the envy of all your friends and experience MINT Polo in the Park in ultimate style, with great ticket prices and exclusive hospitality packages. Offering opportunities for worldclass hospitality at The Hurlingham Club, guests may choose from fine dining or picnic box packages, and the first-ever Harrods and Veuve Clicquot Afternoon Tea (which guests receive after coming through from the Hurlingham Club), in the exclusive pitch-side hospitality marquee.
AFTER-WORK SPECIAL On Friday 4 June, Team London will play in a special evening match. Designed for the ultimate ‘afterwork’ drink, Team London will face a strong adversary at 6.30pm, giving Londoners the chance to get to Hurlingham Park to end their working week in style. Tickets cost £12 for an adult and £10 for under-16s, or £30 for a grandstand seat to watch in comfort (£20 for under-16s).
Prices range from £150pp (Harrods Traditional Afternoon Tea Package) to £185pp (Picnic Package), and from £295pp– £415pp (Club Package, depending on date). For more information on hospitality packages, contact Rachel Roullier on 020 7936 5284 / 07826 907 121 or rachel@worldpolo.net
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OFFICIAL CORPORATE HOSPITALITY
Executive golf fans in and around the City can enjoy a full day of luxury hospitality at The Open Championship in St Andrews, this year, without missing a night in London, thanks to two extra return flights put on especially for the event by CityJet. Golf’s oldest Major celebrates its 150th anniversary this year. To mark this historic milestone, The Official Open Championship
Hospitality are offering return flights from London City Airport, combined with a full day of exclusive corporate hospitality. It is the perfect way for businesses and their guests to enjoy an unforgettable day watching the best golfers in the world, without the need for an overnight stay.
“This is a very special year for one of the
world’s greatest sporting events, and there is no better place to enjoy this occasion than at the Home of Golf – St Andrews.”
David MacCallum, sales director for The Official Open Championship Hospitality
The day starts off with an 8am flight from London City Airport to Dundee with breakfast served on board. City Airport is just 15 minutes from Canary Wharf and 50 minutes from Regents Park, and CityJet offers a 15 minute check-in time – the shortest of any UK airport.
a champagne reception and a full day of hospitality at The Official Hospitality Village at The Old Course. The package includes a three-course lunch with wine, an open bar all day, afternoon tea and an official Open Championship admission ticket.
After a short transfer from Dundee to St Andrews, guests will enjoy bacon rolls and coffee, followed by
After an early evening transfer from Dundee, guests are back at London City Airport by 8pm.
For further information on CityJet, please visit www.cityjet.com
To find out more about The Official Open Championship Hospitality packages available at the 2010 Open Championship, log on to: www.opengolfofficialhospitality.com
sport
a-z
the
We take a look at everything to do with the Royal Ascot - it’ as easy as ABC
of the royal ascot
a is for Afternoon Tea:
j is for Jobs:
In 2009, guests enjoyed 27,000 éclairs, 30,000, strawberry scones and 30,000 rounds of sandwiches.
Each year the racecourse employs 330 chefs and up to 500 waiting staff per day.
b
is for Boujis Trackside:
London nightspot Boujis will recreate their boutique lounge and club in a luxury marquee on Friday and Saturday.
c is for Champagne: 59,000 bottles of champagne were drunk at Royal Ascot 2009.
d is for Dishes: New signature dishes have been created this year by Steve Golding, Executive Chef for Ascot Racecourse, including the Ascot Summer Berry Club Sandwich.
e is for English: Locally sourced produce will be used for the many delicious dishes on offer this year, including English asparagus, beef, and lamb.
f
is for Fashion Show:
k is for Kilos: In 2009, guests consumed 300 kilos of fresh prawns, 1120 kilos of smoked salmon, 500 kilos of coronation chicken and 300 kilos of crab meat.
l
is for Lobster:
Guests indulged in a total of 1,647 lobsters in 2009.
m is for Ascot Bloody Mary: Served with horseradish and celery salt straws, guests will be able to enjoy a delicious shot of this Petit Dejeuner Canapé.
n
o is for Old Paddock Restaurant:
In 2009, the racecourse hosted almost 300,000 guests including over 18,000 guests in the fine-dining restaurants.
Champneys are collaborating with Royal Ascpt to design the perfect summer picnic hamper.
100 tonnes of ice will be used throughout the five days.
Often mistaken for a permanent structure, this exquisitely luxurious marquee houses the Bessborough, Carriages and Sandringham Restaurants.
u is for Umbrellas: Come rain or shine, there are over 300 parasols around the racecourse to shield you from the elements.
v is for Variety: w is for The Waterside Inn at
p is for Picnic:
i is for Ice:
t is for Triple Decker Marquee:
Wild strawberry marshmallow, iced vanilla parfait wild strawberry sorbet and the texture of chocolate puddings are just some of the choices of dessert this year.
g is for Guests galore:
The UK’s leading caterers Sodexo Prestige have overseen the catering operation since 1998, trading as Ascot Hospitality.
New for 2010, the Sandringham is located on the ground floor of the triple decker marquee and has superb trackside positioning.
Over 50 dishes have been created for Royal Ascot 2010 so there is something to suit everyone.
Looking over the Pre-Parade Ring and Saddling Boxes with the beautiful Old Paddock beyond, this restaurant offers access to the lawns below as well as easy access to the Parade Ring.
Hospitality:
s
is for Sandringham Restaurant:
is for Naughty but Nice:
Combining luxury and elegance, the Bessborough Restaurant hosts the Royal Ascot Fashion Show with the return of top British designers.
h is for is for Ascot
calibre
q is for the Queen Anne Rooms: Located in the Grade II listed Queen Anne building, all six private dining rooms offer exquisite and graceful surroundings in which to entertain.
r
is for the Royal Procession:
At 2pm each day; The Queen and the Royal Party enter the racecourse in horse-drawn landaus at the Golden Gates.
the Panoramic: The culinary legends Michel and Alain Roux will take over the Panoramic Restaurant bringing a taste of the Waterside Inn, with its three Michelin Stars, to the most ardent restaurant connoisseur.
x marks the spot: Look out for the Track Side and the Parade Ring Side Maps to locate your nearest restaurant and bar.
y is for is for Yeast: From sun dried tomatoes to black olive bread, over 50,000 bread rolls and bread sticks will be served.
z is for Zest: Four tones of fresh fruit will be served in a variety of drinks, including 1.5 tonnes of limes and 1.5 tonnes of lemons. For more information, visit www.ascot.co.uk
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gadgets
Jamie Carter presents the month’s hottest gadgets
The third way We keep on being told that 2010 is the ‘year of 3D’. It all started with Avatar, which we’ve all seen in a 3D cinema by now, surely? That extra dimension is now making its way to your living room; yes, you’ll need a new telly and, yes, funny looking glasses, too. And pretty pricey ones, at that, but the £100 you’ll need to spend per person on eyewear is only the start of your worries. Panasonic will be one of the first brands to come out with plasma TVs equipped with what it’s calling Full HD 3D, and I was lucky enough to have a sneak preview of its expensive new wares in Munich recently. The Full HD 3D standard does what it says; it’s a full high definition screen, which must be powered by a 3D Blu-ray player (if you’ve already made the Blu-ray plunge, you’ll have to upgrade that, too!). In Munich I got to watch four types of 3D video on Panasonic’s VT20 plasmas – sports, movies, documentaries and gaming – and the results were really surprising.
Playing a 3D game of, you guessed it, Avatar, didn’t give much sensation of depth, though the game in question was a PC platform game without much action. Movies, too, featured 3D backgrounds but foreground figures appeared rather separate, while extreme close-ups often appear as a double image; it certainly didn’t provide the wow-factor I’d expected. Documentaries, though, really do shine in 3D. A moving sequence over a river had trees rushing into the foreground that created a dazzling peripheral vision, while slow-moving shots of a waterfall and of fish swimming amongst coral were equally as gorgeous. Sport, too, can look awesome. The movement of hurdlers racing towards the camera, allaction shots from behind the goal, and closeups of American footballers; all of them had such depth and clarity, and aside from the odd blur as someone raced across the camera, it was quite sublime – for a moment. And then you realise that everything is being filmed from the ‘wrong’ angle to provide maximum 3D effect. It might be OK if you’re on the terraces, but who wants to watch a football match on TV from behind the goal? Just as with high definition, it is sports and documentaries that really benefit from 3D, though whether it becomes mainstream in homes seems doubtful. It’s come too early for this summer’s World Cup, but for some sports 3D is most definitely the future; bring on London 2012!
Panasonic TX-P50VT20 Full HD 3D plasma TV £2,000 www.panasonic.co.uk
new gadgets Revo Ikon DAB radio/ streamer/iPhone dock, £280 www.revo.co.uk
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Scandyna Megapod floorstanding speakers £2,396 per pair www.armourhe.co.uk
gadgets
calibre
ACER’S RACER With the F1 season upon us, what better way to show your Italian bent than with Acer’s Ferrari netbook? Available from John Lewis, this 11-inch netbook has a serious engine beneath the red Ferrari bonnet; a 250GB hard drive, AMD Athlon processor and 2GB of RAM. Stamped with the Scudetto Ferrari badge, Acer’s special edition netbook’s battery clocks in at around five hours. Ferrari fans will adore its themed desktop and dedicated Ferrari website shortcut button, while more essential
is this netbook’s Wi-Fi, Windows 7 Home Premium OS, Acer CrystalEye video camera and Dolby Home Theater sound.
Acer Ferrari One Netbook £399.95 www.johnlewis.com
DISC WORLD Europe’s best-selling ‘premium’ brand, German style guru Loewe (pronounced ‘Ler-ver’) doesn’t cut corners when it comes to core technology. Its latest chromesilver or black AudioVision is a one-off; a DVD and CD player that can host an iPod or iPhone. What, no Blu-ray? Loewe presumes you already have a
ONE FOR ALL Instead of clogging up your living space with myriad black boxes, Denon’s latest all-in-one tries to slim down in style. Every bit an advanced piece of hi-def kit, the Cara S-5BD combines a top-spec Blu-ray player and a powerful home cinema amplifier capable of pumping out lossless sound quality
PlayStation3, so doesn’t bother to duplicate. Instead, your games console can be attached directly to AudioVision and streamed to a HD-Ready TV, meaning fewer cables on show in your home.
Loewe AudioVision audio system, £625 www.loewe-uk.com
DOWN TO BUSINESS in either stereo or 5.1 surround. Developed from the brand’s highend £4,500 sound systems, Cara can ‘plug and play’ iPods and any USB devices; just add speakers.
Denon Cara S-5BD Blu-ray/DVD surround receiver, £1,999 www.denon.co.uk
Sony VAIO W Series Eco Edition laptop, from £379 www.sony.co.uk
Toshiba has some good ideas. One currently doing the rounds is a methanol-powered laptop battery; carry around a small (and very cheap) bottle of fuel that can be poured into a fuel cell battery in your laptop to completely recharge it. Before that kind of tech becomes mainstream, Toshiba is concentrating on developing some of the best value business laptops around. Running Windows 7 professional, the 15-inch S500 weighs 2.5kg and includes a huge 320GB hard drive, but Toshiba’s own ‘LifeSpace’ is the highlight. An ‘app’ based around a bulletin board, it’s a user-friendly way to schedule appointments, make notes and generally organise your life.
Toshiba Satellite Pro S500 business laptop, £499 www.toshiba.co.uk
Monitor Audio Apex compact surround sound system, £2,000 www.monitoraudio.co.uk
Samsung Monte widescreen touch mobile, from £160 www.samsung.com/uk
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personal finance
calibre
Picking a winner The Grand National Dr David Kuo talks mug-punters, office sweepstakes and the best way to chance your money at the big race this year April means April Fool’s Day. It also means April showers and, for some lucky couples, April Love. But it’s also that time in the National Hunt calendar when promising plodders, Irish mudlarks and steeplechase stayers will canter over to Aintree and line up for the Grand National. For me, there is something quite romantic about the Grand National. Perhaps it is my pleasant recollections of a teenage Elizabeth Taylor riding over the jumps on ‘The Pie’ in the memorable 1940s film National Velvet. Then again, I have always been a sucker for movies in which helpless animals triumph over seemingly impossible odds to scoop the big prize. For many people, the Grand National is probably the one and only time in the year they will have a bet on the gee-gees. But thanks to the combined weight of their fanciful flutters, the leading betting establishments can expect hundreds of millions of pounds to be wagered on the big race. Despite the growing popularity of internet gaming, high street bookies that include Ladbrokes, Paddy Power, William Hill and Corals are likely to remain popular ports of call for most people who fancy chancing their hand. But a swift glance at the odds will quickly show there is little value for punters. Often, the odds for favourites or near favourites are clustered around the 5-to-1 mark. Put another way, you could win £5 for every £1 staked. However, given that some 40 runners take part in the annual event, they are hardly mouth-watering returns for picking a nag to finish first, having galloped four miles and four furlongs and negotiated 30 arduous fences.
Given that completing the course has as much to do with luck as skill, odds of around 40-1 seem fairer for all concerned. If being a mug-punter doesn’t grab your fancy, then personto-person betting exchanges such as Betfair may be worth a visit. These betting platforms, which allow people to bet against each other, has revolutionised the gaming industry in recent years. Apart from backing a horse to win, you can choose to lay a bet if you think the nag has no chance of succeeding. But if you are wrong, then you will have to stump up and pay out. Office sweepstakes are another way to play the Grand National, and they may offer better odds than your local bookie. Given that you have around a one in 40 chance of picking a winner in the Grand National, a £40 payout on a £1 ticket is definitely quite attractive. What’s more, the odds on half the runners in a typical Grand National race are traditionally less than 40–1. Consequently, your returns are better through an office sweepstake than at the bookies. The only problem is you do not get to pick your own horse. However, in my view, the best way to win on the Grand National is to back the bookie. Consider this: in a typical Grand National book, bookies expect to take in £137 in bets for every £100 that they will payout. That equates to a profit margin of 27% on the race. That’s why most bookies generally have three or four windows open for accepting bets, but only one window for paying out! So, my money is on William Hill, even though I worked for Ladbrokes in my younger days. Its 4% dividend yield is higher than the market average and much better than interest paid on savings accounts. Finally, remember the thrill of picking a Grand National winner can be as exciting whether your bet is £1 or £100. n
Dr David Kuo, Director at the popular financial website The Motley Fool www.Fool.co.uk
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101
Social Networking for Expats There are social networks for every interest these days. And expatriates are not missing out. One of the more interesting networks to have been established recently is Internations. Aimed at expatriates who find themselves adrift in new places across the globe, through their portal www.internations.org, they hope to enable you to “meet other global minds, stay in touch with international friends and receive advice from other expats. They claim to have local networks in 230 places. Continuing the theory that the best person to understand the needs and requirements of an expatriate is another expatriate, a US based company, Living Abroad operates ‘Our World Connect’. They say that it is the world’s first private social network designed for people moving overseas. Living Abroad contend that spouses and family members moving to new countries have a much harder time making local contacts without the social context of work. A customised network is available to companies and organisations only. Their International assignees and their families can connect to others moving to or living in the same destination and use the latest in online social media to get and stay connected. (www.livingabroad.com)
Offshore Offspring Do Better in Australia Generally, 37% of expats have experienced an increase in the quality of family life since moving abroad but those who move to Australia fare even better. This is according to an HSBC commissioned report produced from the Expat Explorer survey 2009 research. Expats rated childcare, education, ease of integration, costs of raising children, time spent outside, and time spent taking part in outdoor activities. The report focuses on expats’ experiences when bringing up children abroad. A league table has been compiled using a substantial set of criteria to reveal which locations expats voted as the places with the best opportunities and experiences for their children. Of the top six countries, Australia had the largest proportion of expat parents (55%) who reported an improvement in the quality of family life compared with where they used to live. Some expats reported that moving to the UK can have a negative effect on their family life – 45% reported a decline in quality compared with only 16% who reported an improvement.
After the Oscars... The EMMA’s Expatriate Management is a $500 billion profession which employs tens of thousands of people worldwide and impacts the working lives of millions. As businesses seek to maintain competitive advantage through globalisation, its importance as a business function is now being truly recognised. As a consequence, the Forum for Expatriate Management (FEM) has announced that it is inviting entries for the world’s first global awards that recognise industry leaders, business successes and rising stars in the field of global mobility. The FEM will be awarding EMMAs (Expatriate Management and Mobility Awards) in both Europe and America. The winners will be presented at Awards Ceremonies in New York in October and London in November There will be 13 awards in all for both suppliers and corporate teams to compete for.. As an indication of its importance, The Telegraph Media Group will be the media partner for the event in London. Further details can be found at www.totallyexpat.com
The Totally Expat Show takes place on 24 May at the Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square. Leading sponsors include Interdean, Rosetta Stone, Pickfords and Sterling Relocation. Gold Sponsors include Cartus, Ernst & Young, AXA PPP, AIRINC, ORC Worldwide, Zurich International, AEGON, Equusoft, NET Expat, Go Native, INS Zoom, Smith Stone Walters and many more.
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global living
the
calibre
RISE OF GLOBAL
MOBILITY
For global living international executives keeping up to date with the latest news is important
My Money Lies
Over the Ocean Brian Friedman, founder of the Forum for Expatriate Management considers whether offshore banking still makes sense
R
oving expatriates are often given a myriad of briefings by their companies before departure for a new destination. This can range from tax advice to cultural orientation, and education and work opportunities for partners. Surprisingly, banks and bank accounts, in particular offshore accounts, are often left off the list. Historically, offshore banking has had an image as a covert place to stash funds to avoid marauding tax collectors. That reputation is not helped by high-profile tax investigations into offshore banking in both the US and the UK. The reality, however, is very different. Employees working overseas need an overseas bank account both for sensible financial ‘housekeeping’ and for the practicalities of daily expatriate living. By retaining funds offshore you may still be able to benefit from paying less tax on your income from savings and investments. But an offshore bank account now needs to be seen as part of an expatriate’s offshore wealth strategy, enabling him or her to make the most of any legitimate methods available to them for saving tax. Other reasons for having an offshore account are rather more ordinary but no less important. When working abroad temporarily, it is logical to want to maintain a bank account in both the home country and the new country. But in some countries, opening a bank account for a temporary resident is not a simple ‘plug and play’ scenario. This is particularly true in the US, for example. Transferring money internationally between two non-corresponding retail banks can be tedious and timeconsuming. Funds can often get caught up in clearing systems that can take days or even weeks to clear, causing temporary personal financial mayhem.
As an expatriate it is quite possible that you will receive all or part of your salary in a different currency. Offshore banks or subsidiaries of banks are much more geared up to deal with multi-currency payments and accounts than domestic ones; handy if you want to switch funds quickly to take advantage of currency movements. Then there is the question of relationships. International banks are now much better at joined-up banking across borders. Far better to only have to satisfy one institution globally that your credit is good. The risks of offshore banking do still need consideration after the experience of the 2008 banking crisis. This is because the majority of offshore bank account holders are high net worth individuals who may be depositing considerably more than the amounts covered in depositor compensation schemes. For example, the Isle of Man Depositors’ Compensation Scheme (DCS) compensates people who have money in current or deposit accounts in the Isle of Man with up to £50,000 of net deposits per individual. Most large retail banks offer international banking and offshore accounts.
Happiness: a good bank account, a good cook and a good digestion Jean Jacques Rousseau Brian Friedman is the contributing editor of Global Life and founder of The Forum for Expatriate Management. The Totally Expat Show takes place on 24 May at the Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square. Leading sponsors include JAM Global Mobility, Fragomen, Interdean, Rosetta Stone, Pickfords and Sterling Relocation. Gold Sponsors include Cartus, Ernst & Young, AIRINC, ORC Worldwide, Zurich International, AEGON, Equus Software, NET Expat, Go Native, INS Zoom, Smith Stone Walters, Newland Chase, Communicaid and many more. International banks exhibiting at The Totally Expat Show include Citi at Work, Barclays Wealth, NatWest Global Employee Banking and Lloyds TSB International. n For more information, visit www.totallyexpat.com
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103
fashion
calibre
the perfect suit Every man in Britain should possess a decent tailor-made suit but with so much choice available today, buying the perfect suit can be a mystery to many. So what’s all the fuss about?
A
s everyone knows, first impressions count for a lot. And in business, appearance is crucially important in creating both a professional persona and reputation. The transformation a high-quality suit can bring about is immediately noticeable and, with a carefully considered purchase, any man has the potential to turn from Average Joe to well-groomed ‘City Boy’. For many, the perfect professional ‘look’ can only be attained with a bespoke suit, which is widely considered to be the best. The word ‘bespoke’ was originally used by Savile Row tailors in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries to refer to a suit which had been entirely hand-crafted from a single bolt of cloth and without the use of a pre-existing pattern. Clients are usually required to come in for numerous fittings and appointments and as such, bespoke suits have become known as the highest quality menswear available, particularly those bought from Savile Row tailors. A bespoke suit can enhance feelings (Personal Appearance and First Impressions, originally published in 1940) of confidence and poise, which is vital when creating a lasting impression whether this is during an important presentation or meeting with a senior business associate, for example. But having a global reputation in bespoke tailoring doesn’t limit your choice to the UK. At the top of the Hong Kong market is Raja Fashions, who have been making custom tailored suits for men and women since 1957 and have a customer base said to include the House of Lords and Dowing Street. “Perfect bespoke tailoring can make you feel a million dollars,” says Raja Daswani of Raja Fashions. “Not only does your outfit perfectly fit and flatter your figure it makes a strong personal statement.” For those for whom only the best will do, the perfect suit will come from a well-established, high-quality tailors; who will be able to advise each client on the best colour, cloth and cut for the type of wear required, alongside the colouring and figure of the individual. Shades of dark and navy blue will be the most popular for business in 2010, followed by dark grey. Make sure to choose a dark wool suit in the classic English style to be on trend for the New Year; think broad shoulders, slim waist, two buttons and slim trousers. n
“A person’s clothes should make him appear at his best. They should give a feeling of poise and self-confidence, a feeling of ease and comfort because the wearer knows he is attractively and appropriately dressed. Extremes in cut and colour should be avoided; suits of bold stripes and checks are hard on the eyes, and certain stripes make one feel dizzy. Shirts and ties should be selected with regard to the colouring of the wearer; all, however, should be conservative in type, for flashy apparel shows very poor taste”
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made to measure from ÂŁ595 - off the peg - accessories - www.marcwallace.com - 0207 736 6795
connoisseur travel the best food & drink
Diva las vegas weekend escapes ............. style & substance
............................................................. .......................................
GOURMET GETAWAY
W Escape to the sundrenched shores of Halkidiki to one of Greece’s gourmet hotspots for the 2010 Sani Resort Gourmet Festival
ith five of the best restaurants in the whole of Greece on site, the sun drenched Sani Resort is already renowned for its fine-dining. Now the resort is due to host its fifth annual Gourmet Festival on the spectacular halcyon shores of Halkidiki. Taking place from 14-23 May, this year’s festival will see the first ever fortnight of just female chefs showcasing their culinary creations. Each will be devising a menu especially for the festival, consisting of five or six courses paired with fine wines.
The illustrious list of chefs for this year’s festival includes Clare Smyth who has worked under several master chefs including Heston Blumenthal and Alain Ducasse, and is now head chef at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay. Also present will be Maria Elia, who has worked at internationally renowned Spanish restaurant El Bulli, and Reine Sammut, who has twice been voted France’s best female chef. n For more information on Sani Resort Gourmet Festival 2010 call 0030 23740 99400 or visit www.saniresort.gr/sanigourmet
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Like it... Hire it... Drive it!
Get
discount on all cars hired at Ilford, Canary Wharf or online at
www.seasoncars.com Use coupon code CLife15
Season Car Hire
181 Forest Road, Ilford, London, IG6 3HZ Tel. 00 44 (0) 208 501 5930
travel
connoisseur
TREAT AND RETREAT Perfect timing for next year’s New Year detox, Champneys Marbella, an exclusive new spa in Spain, is due to open early 2011. The spa will be in a beautiful location in the mountains, only minutes away from the Mediterranean Sea. Facilities will include 25 treatment rooms, residential apartments and an outdoor swimming pool.
travel
news
www.champneysmarbella.com
AIR BED
This April, the annual Zermatt Unplugged music festival returns with legends Billy Idol and Lionel Richie taking to the stage. Started in 2007 as a singer/songwriter festival, Zermatt Unplugged has gained popularity from music loving locals and guests alike. Hosted by the exclusive Zermatt resort, the festival takes place under the watchful eye of the imposing Matterhorn, with the surrounding area providing spectacular views of the Swiss mountains, and fantastic skiing opportunities. To celebrate the festival, Zermatt resort is offering a special deal from 10 – 17 April, for discerning guests who enjoy music and skiing in equal measures. The luxurious Chalet Zen will be offered at a significantly reduced rate. Tickets to the festival are not included in the package, but can be easily arranged by the personal concierge. One of the few chalets available to rent in this world class resort, Chalet Zen is located only 100m from the main lift, and offers excellent service and comfort, perfect for those returning from a tiring day on the slopes, or an evening on the dance floor. 10 April Departure - 7 nights at Chalet Zen, Zermatt; sleeps 8/10 from £1,562 per person (based on 8 sharing on a B&B basis) saving £500 per person on the usual cost. www.chalet-zen.com
www.airnewzealand.co.uk
Travel fact: Songkram, the water-throwing festival, takes place in Thailand from 13–15 April. Considered a traditional New Year celebration in the north, and simply a mass water fight in the south, it promises traditional Thai sanuk (fun) wherever you experience it.
Website of the month: www.experiencequest.com
Music in the Mountains
Ever ahead of the economy comfort game, Air New Zealand has recently launched the Skycouch, the first ever economy bed. High flyers can purchase three seats together (with the third offered at a reduced rate), which fold out, creating a bed ample for two adults. A major innovation in economy class comfort, amusingly Air New Zealand has stressed that the Skycouch is not to be used for joining the “mile high club”.
Acknowledging that it is not just gappers that yearn to experience all the world has to offer, Experience Quest offers gap year experiences for grown-ups who want to save on time, but not on luxury. Experience all the culturally rich and authentic experiences associated with a gap year, without experiencing six months of washing your hair in a bucket.
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.
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LAS VEGAS
travel
connoisseur
For a shot of high-intensity entertainment, Las Vegas is your best bet. You love it or you hate it, but you’ve got to experience it. Louisa Castle gets the Total Experience
I
’ve been to Vegas once before, to celebrate my 30th birthday; a long weekend in the world’s adult amusement park and one that stays in Vegas. Last month I was invited back by Harrah’s, the world’s largest provider of casino entertainment, to test out their new Total Experiences programme, labelled in all of the marketing literature as “a unique new program that offers a personal level of service to help you customise and plan all the details of your group trip”. Basically, it’s a complimentary service if you book five or more rooms; that means you get a dedicated concierge service, not only to tailor make all of your travel requirements, but also to handle those extra little privileges that make things uniquely special. Flying in to the affectionately named Sin City on a Friday night, we were collected in style with waiting limousines, a full complement of mini-bar and a short introduction to the bright lights on our short journey to Caesar’s Palace. Whisked to the high-rollers entrance to avoid the queues, we were checked in seamlessly and shown to our rooms in Augustus Tower. Caesar’s Palace has over 3,000 rooms in different towers, so the first job for your Total Experience concierge is to make sure that you are all in the same place. Rooms are vast, with floor-to-ceiling windows, seating area and marble bathrooms featuring one of the largest, deepest Jacuzzi baths that my eyes had ever seen and, after ten hours on a plane, that was my evening planned (not exactly Vegas but definitely worthwhile). Covering 85 acres and with 24 dining experiences alone, Caesar’s Palace is what can only be described as a force to be reckoned with, standing on the same site since 1966. Worry not though, everything is signed and if you so desire you don’t actually have to venture out of the complex for anything. Vegas has become what it is today based on the American vision and competitive spirit of being the best and having the biggest, and our mini-tour of the place didn’t disappoint. We were shown villas with theatre rooms and views of the gardens, penthouses covering over 10,000sq ft with electronic toilets, views up and down the Strip (and where President Obama has stayed), and rooms that have inspired movies. I have to confess that not long before I visited Vegas again, I did rent The Hangover and our tour ended in the suite that inspired the movie. A good concierge knows their client and the two special guests that greeted us here were spot on: teen-idol Matt Goss (of Bros fame for those who slept through the 80s) for the girls, and Pussycat Dolls founder and manager Robin Antin for the boys and to make the girls jealous. Whilst I could spend the rest of this article writing about Matt Goss, we were soon whisked away for private gaming lessons with the pit boss. Novice or thick-skinned gambler, the experience was good fun for everyone, the novices taking away simple strategies for Black Jack and the experts learning things for power play – a great introduction to
the casino floor, especially for those a little wet behind the ears like me. After lunch and the brightest pink cactus margarita at Mesa Grill, the afternoon was spent relaxing in the 50,000sq ft QUA Baths & Spa, complete with Arctic Ice Room and Roman Baths (NB only the Brits wear bathing suits – everyone else is au naturel), followed by champagneaccompanied manicures and pedicures at the Michael Boychuck salon. Just as the polish had hardened on our toes, we were out again and VIP-ed past the queues up the Eiffel Tower to watch the Bellagio fountains frolic. There’s a great view across Vegas from here and, in my opinion, the best place to see the fountains, if a little strange as you see the Statue of Liberty and pyramids in the background – but it is Vegas, baby!
Opposite: View of Paris Eiffel Tower and the Bellagio fountains at sunset Above: Double room, Augustus Tower Right: Caeser’s Palace Below: Matt Goss
connoisseur travel
Left: PURE Nightclub Below: The Forum shops
One of the best places to eat in Vegas is close by too. Mon Ami Gabi is the only restaurant to have seating on the Strip and fine-dining bistro-style – it is the perfect spot for some necessary people watching and the French Onion Soup is to die for, although not for the faint hearted. On Saturday night in Vegas there is only one place to go and that’s PURE nightclub, rated No.1 in the US and really four nightclubs in one, including an outdoor roof terrace chillout area. We were bodyguarded through the crowds à la Whitney and whisked to the VIP area. Complete with white billowing curtains, it was as if you’d stepped out of an episode of The Hills and the beautiful people were here in force. The next day, having eaten a hearty breakfast and dispelled the impending headache, it was time to shop in The Forum, Caesar’s shopping centre that would put Bluewater to shame. Tailor made to each of us, the personal shopping experience took us to DKNY and Ellie Taheri to learn about the new season trends with lots of goodies, gifts and bubbles to match, as well as a visit to Tourneau Time Dome, the largest watch store in the US. Shopped out, we then satisfied my other passion – food – with a cookery lesson with the executive chef of Michelinstarred Restaurant Guy Savoy, Hugo Coudrier and his pastry chef, Dyan Ng. Immersed in the working kitchens and with chef’s coats and hats, it is a must for any foodie. We made vegetable cannons with truffles, the tastiest pieces of carrot that have ever passed these lips, and almond biscuits. We were also the guinea pigs for this offering and I think that Chef enjoyed it just as much as we did. Well and truly satisfied, there was only one thing left to do. You can’t go to Vegas and not catch a show. Our concierge managed to get us VIP tickets to the very last Bette Midler show to be held at the Colosseum before Cher regained the crown. Not typically my thing, it was a spectacle and a half with show girls, Delores the mermaid and electric wheelchairs and the well-known faces around us were lapping it up. Having done Vegas on my own and with a concierge I know which I would always plump for today. It’s all very well getting the best deals on the web but, whilst I have my contacts, Matt Goss isn’t in my address book... n
Vegas has become what it is today based on the American vision and competitive spirit of being the best and having the biggest
For further information about a Total Experince, call 0800 098 8104 or visit www.totalexperiences.com
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Two Worlds Penelope M Walsh visits futuristic Tokyo and historic Kyoto in time for the spectacular scenery of cherry blossom season
Above: Geisha © Japan Convention Services, Inc. JNTO
K
nown as ‘sakura’, the cherry blossom season is like a whole month of Easter and New Year’s Eve celebrations rolled into one. The nation becomes gripped by the cherry blossom forecast and, as the map turns pink, Japan becomes a frenzy of delight and revelry. It marks the end of winter, and the beginning of both the school and financial year. For many Japanese, sakura season spells the change from a ‘work hard’, to a ‘play hard’ ethos, and parks give themselves over to families, friends and colleagues taking part in ‘hanami’ (or blossom-viewing parties). Take a stroll through the parks and see usually overworked Tokyo businessmen kicking off their shoes, and taking time to drink sake and tell jokes under the cherry trees. Hanami hotspots include Maruyama Park in Kyoto, Ueno Park in Tokyo, with more than 1,000 cherry trees and Yoyogi Park, where there is often live music and DJs. Ask the staff at your hotel for up-to-date hanami news, as you may find a new hidden gem. Amongst Tokyo’s myriad of luxury hotels is the stylish Shangri-La. Just walking distance from Ginza and Marunouchi Business District, ShangriLa Hotel, Tokyo, is ideally situated for both business and pleasure. Occupying the highest floors of one of Tokyo’s newest skyscrapers, the hotel offers exhilarating views of one of the most vibrant cities in the world. On clear days, guests can even see Mount Fuji, a landmark so iconic and significant that it is known as Fuji san! With the rate of fashion consumption in Tokyo, it’s almost fair to say that shopping is a national sport. In Shibuya, the series of Parco department stores (pronounced Paroo-ko by the Japanese) is known appropriately as Park Avenue, and houses a vast array of stylish fashion and interiors. Head to Parco II for creations from Japan’s most daring designers. In fact, Parco is so cutting edge it is practically cutthroat: every three years, boutiques that are no longer considered to be fresh and exciting are asked to make space for those who are.
On clear days, guests can even see Mount Fuji, a landmark so iconic and significant that it is known as Fuji san 114
travel
connoisseur
Clockwise left: Shangri-La Yuzuya Ryokan Ginza © JNTO
Below: Cherry blossom at Kinuta park
Kyoto’s ryokans are also the best place to try kaiseki, Japanese haute cuisine similar to a gourmet tasting menu, with several courses of delicately presented subtle flavours that change with the seasons or even months, at the best ryokans. In February this year, Michelin published its first-ever guide to Kyoto, with several ryokans receiving stars. Awarded two stars, Kanamean Nishitomiya is located in the Honeyacho district. The inn was built 135 years ago and is now owned by a husband and wife with a keen eye for aesthetic detail. In fact, at Kanamean Nishitomiya, not only is the menu seasonal, also the dishes on which it is served and the presentation is truly as beautiful as the Michelin Guide suggests. n
©Yasufumi Nishi, JNTO
No shopping trip to Tokyo would be complete without a visit to the Ginza district, Tokyo’s answer to Fifth Avenue. As well as boutiques from fashion’s powerhouses, Ginza also has the highest concentration of galleries in the city, including those selling ukiyoe (traditional wood block prints) for a perfect souvenir. After indulging in Japanese fashion, delight all your senses by indulging in a delicious Japanese meal. There is more to Japanese cuisine than sushi, and with more Michelin stars than any other city globally, Tokyo is perhaps the best place to find out just how much. Included in the Michelin Guide are several restaurants specialising in fugu (or puffer fish), Japan’s infamous culinary equivalent to Russian roulette. Less remarkable for its taste than the adrenaline rush, fugu is quite the status symbol in Japan, due to the cost and the courage it requires. Usukifugu Yamadaya won two Michelin stars within a year of opening and has its catch flown in daily to ensure optimum quality. Or if you value your life over traveller’s tales, why not try Toufuya-Ukai? This restaurant specialises in tofu made to exacting standards of quality and taste, and also serves seasonal menus of delicious Japanese delicacies. And from futuristic to historic, there’s direct access to Tokyo Station from Shangri-La. Take the shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto with a breathtaking view of Fuji san as you speed past. The cultural heart of Japan, and home of many of its most unique traditions, Kyoto is the best place to experience the finest in Japanese hospitality at a ryokan (traditional inn). The Yuzuya Ryokan is named after the Japanese yuzu citrus fruit. The exquisite taste and scent of the yuzu is central to the unique identity of the inn, and is used as an integral part of the spa and culinary experience on offer. Yuzuya is located in Gion, the most famous Geisha district in Japan, ideal for sightseeing with both the Yasaka Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple in walking distance. Step outside the inn in early evening after a long, relaxing soak in the divine, yuzu-scented spa bath, and catch a glimpse of colourful Maiko (apprentice geishas) scurrying to their appointments.
Do n’ t m iss:
In To kyo: See the cool kids and Harajuku girls at play in Yoyogi Park on a Sunday .
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Shangri-La Tokyo is offering an exclusive “Shangri-La Surprise” package. From approximately £352 per night, the package includes a deluxe room and one of five luxury prizes, which include lunch for two and an upgrade to an executive suite normally approximately £1,770 per night. For further information visit www.shangri-la.com
In Kyoto: Geisha spotting in Gio n and Kinkakuji, Kyoto’ s regal golden temple.
5
of the best
A change of scenery, a virtuous detox or a mischievous retox; whatever you want from a weekend break, we find the great escapes you are looking for
If a week in the city leaves you craving a country escape, look no further than The Arundell Arms in Devon. Only a few hours’ drive from London, a refreshing stay at this hotel, will ensure you return to work with a new lease of life. Set in the spectacular Devonshire countryside in the village of Lifton, The Arundell Arms offers fantastic facilities for those yearning for the great outdoors. Located in the valley of five rivers and boasting its own well-stocked lake, the hotel is famous for its fantastic salmon, trout and sea trout fishing. There are even fishing courses available with varying lengths to suit your needs; the perfect way to take stock and take a little time for yourself.
Weekend
BREAKS
GREAT ESCAPE
Run by the same family for over 50 years, you are promised a warm welcome and friendly service for you and even your dog. Lose yourself on Dartmoor where wild ponies, sheep and long-haired cattle roam free. Return to a feast of hearty pub classics or delicious gourmet dishes, both prepared using the finest locally sourced ingredients.
01566 784666 www.arundellarms.co.uk
NO WORRIES If you are looking for a luxury holiday, with everything your heart could desire, then look no further than Cornish Cribs. Cornish Cribs offers a range of luxury properties in the spectacular Cornish countryside, with an excellent and awardwinning level of service that ensures you will want and strive for nothing. Let Cornish Cribs take care of your
your imagination can stretch to.
hot tubs and much more. The spacious Trevean House is situated on Cornwall’s breathtaking South Coast, with the beaches of Marazion-Mount’s bay nearby by. Sink back and relax in the master bedroom, enjoy the beautiful sea views, and let Cornish Cribs take care of the rest.
Amongst the lavish offerings, the properties boast elegant architect designed interiors, swimming pools,
0844 800 2813 www.cornishcribs.com
groceries (from local Cornish produce to recognised brand names), or let a chef prepare you a beautiful meal and even clean up afterwards, or use the concierge service to organise anything
A GOOD SPORT Set in an impressive 200 acres of wooded parkland, the family-run Highbullen offers breathtaking views in all directions, with Dartmoor to the south and Exmoor to the north. Having played host Sir Laurence Olivier (who wrote parts of his autobiography here) and foodie Delia Smith, the Highbullen knows how to provide star treatment to all its guests. The hotel offers an extensive range of indoor and outdoor sporting and leisure activities that few hotels in the south of England can match. For avid golfers there is a fantastic 18 hole par 68 golf course and even a golf simulator. Hunter gathers can enjoy trout and salmon fishing or
contact the Highbullen about their exclusive shooting parties. For the more adventurous there are also opportunities nearby for rock climbing, sailing, surfing, horse-riding, hiking and mountain biking nearby. If these exciting activities leave your muscles aching, you can relax and revive with the hotel’s extensive range of beauty and fitness facilities, including a sauna and spa. Guests can stay in the main house, or rent a private cottage on the estate, making this the perfect getaway for a romantic weekend, corporate event or family break. 01769 540561 www.highbullen.co.uk
LAKESIDE LUXURY A country house hotel with a difference, Holbeck Ghyll offers guests excellent and unique service that goes beyond the normal standard of luxury. Converted into a luxury hunting lodge by Lord Lonsdale (of the famous Lonsdale boxing belt), the hotel interior retains the charm of its original Arts & Crafts makeover, including stained glass windows and carved wood. Taking the concept of room service to luxurious limits, Holbeck Ghyll offers a concierge service which can be used to organise anything your heart could desire, such as a simple birthday cake, luxury supercar hire or even a helicopter transfer from anywhere in the UK.
SPRING BREAK Tucked away in the beautiful Durham Dales is Headlam Hall Hotel & Spa, the North East’s Small Hotel of the Year. Offering spectacular views of the English countryside, this Jacobean manor house sits among four acres of secluded private gardens, beautifully ornamented with elegant lawns, ancient beech hedges and flowing waters.
interiors, with variations in style, size and character. All rooms feature the best mod cons and comforts that you need for a relaxing and luxurious break in the country. One of finest hotels in the region, Headlam Hall also offers a challenging nine hole golf course set in stunning pastureland, and the fantastic £2.5 million spa.
Nearby sights include Barnard Castle (a historic market town and the largest in the dales, which boasts a twelfth century castle and the impressive nineteenth century Bowes Museum), High Force (England’s highest waterfall) and Raby Castle (a wonderful medieval castle).
Headlam Hall is currently offering the exclusive Spring Revival Break, which offers a significantly reduced rate on a package featuring accommodation, breakfast, dinner, use of the golf course as well as reduced price spa treatments.
The hotel’s 40 bedrooms are all designed with luxurious yet individual
01325 730238 www.headlamhall.co.uk
Enjoy the spectacular views of the Lakeland Fells and Lake Windermere, which have been voted one of the top 15 views in the world. Indulge with a relaxing treatment using only the finest organic or wild grown plants at the Holbeck Ghyll Health Spa. Or dine and delight in the hotel’s gourmet restaurant, which has held its Michelin star for an impressive ten years and sits in the top 23 in the 2010 UK Good Food Guide. 01539 432 375 www.holbeckghyll.com
connoisseur travel
Destination...
Paris
Penelope M Walsh succumbs to the charms of the French capital
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Where to eat:
he city of lights, and the city of love; Paris is the fantasy world of art, literature and film. From the Chanel-suited grand dame to the smouldering intellectualista, Paris is the home of many of the 20th century’s iconic symbols of style. Explore Paris’ bohemian Left Bank and the glamorous Right, and find a city saturated in culture and history.
Don’’t miss:
Under One Roof Dubbed Paris’ definitive retail experience, Colette showcases new and exclusive quality brands from around the world on the fashionable rue Saint-Honoré. Browse Colette’s extensive book and magazine library, a wall of iPods, offering an eclectic selection of music, the candle bar for a chic souvenir, or the art gallery, which has exhibited work by the likes of Karl Lagerfeld. Head upstairs for an impressive collection of fashion and beauty, by Sonia Rykiel, Thakoon, Band of Outsiders, and many more. www.colette.fr
Café Culture
A visit to one of Paris’ legendary cafés is a must. Follow in the footsteps of Sartre and de Beauvoir and ponder the meaning of life over coffee and croque monsieurs at Les Deux Magots, in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Or visit Ladurée’s luxurious grand salon du thé. Indulge in macaroons and pastries in surroundings that are as beautiful and ornate as the sweets themselves.
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For more information, schedules and to book your flight visit, www.londoncityairport.com
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Art House
The spectacular Musée du Louvre houses one of the largest collections of art and antiquities in the world. Highlights not to miss include the Mona Lisa and the Venus di Milo. Housing over 30,000 artefacts from all over the world, it is nigh on impossible to cover the whole collection in one visit. But if you can’t resist a challenge, you could always try to beat the speedy record (nine minutes 43 seconds) set in Godard’s legendary Parisian film Bande à Part.
www.lesdeuxmagots.fr www.laduree.fr
Where to play::
Parisian Paradise
Housed in a building designed by Gustave Eiffel in 1889 and considered the most Parisian of cabarets, Le Paradis Latin is the oldest traditional French cabaret in the world. The show features magicians, acrobats and the infamous French cancan performed by enticing dancers, all in elaborate costumes. Delight your senses with this vibrant display of colour and rhythm accompanied by an aperitif, wine, champagne and a choice of several gourmet menus. www.paradislatin.com
City Airport offers six direct flights a day Mon-Fri, with one flight on Sundays.
What to see::
Where to stay:
Style and Grace
Located on the Avenue Montaigne, Hôtel Plaza Athénée is synonymous with luxury and style, playing host to the world’s élite, from Grace Kelly to Gwen Stefani. The stars of the hotel are the Eiffel Terrace Suite with stunning panoramic views and elegant art deco interiors, and the brand new Royal Suite, the largest in Paris with a staggering 450 square-metres at its guests’ disposal. www.plaza-athenee-paris.com
connoisseur food & drink
CHAMPAGNE
celebrations
Fifth Floor Champagne Bar
The House of Champagne Perrier-Jouët has been producing boutique wines of unparalled elegance and finesse since 1811 Perfect for all those special occasions and indulgent treats, we visit the beautiful new champagne bar on the fifth floor of Harvey Nichols
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o the delight of London socialites, City boys and elegant ladies that lunch, Harvey Nichols has opened a stunning new Champagne bar on the fifth floor of the flagship Knightsbridge store. Uber-stylish and oozing sophistication the new Fifth Floor Bar has been designed and created in an exclusive collaboration with Champagne Perrier-Jouët, with the interiors by Shaun Clarkson ID. Inspired by Emile Gallé’s iconic 1902 anemone design for the Cuvée Belle Époque Champagne bottle, the new Fifth Floor Bar is a contemporary interpretation of the grand turn of the century art nouveau salons. A pure white is the centre of the interior design, from the central bar (made from a single continuous piece of corian) to the off-white Chesterfield and chaise longue seating, and the classic French armoires and vitrines. Flashes of rose and green – on the backs of the high bar chairs and tabletops – add a touch of colour, while classic
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chandeliers and Swarovski crystal clad spotlights add sparkle. As a contrast, the floor is dark oak, trimmed with a bespoke carpet of swirling anemones to match the classic Gallé design – and those same delicate flowers also illustrate the ceiling. Keeping in style with the exclusive atmosphere of this beautiful bar, bespoke elements grace the walls, including specially commissioned artworks by Swedish photographer Barbro Andersson, whose work depicts nature and flowers as an allegory of the Champagne making process. Naturally, an impressive list of drinks and cocktails compliment the stunning new design. Champagne dominates the list with the introduction of Perrier-Jouët Champagne flights: tastings of Champagnes and vintages paired with bite-size seafood tasters. The new cocktail list also has a botanical theme inspired by the Perrier-Jouët anemone; highlights include The Perrier-Jouët Garden Party which combines Perrier-Jouët Brut Champagne, Beefeater Gin,
basil, cucumber and crushed jalapeno garnished with fresh cherry tomatoes. With the fifth floor’s reputation as one of London’s best spots to see and be seen, the Champagne Bar has blossomed into the capital’s most elegant and stylish hang outs. n Fifth Floor Bar, Harvey Nichols 109 – 125 Knightsbridge London, SW1X 7RJ www.harveynichols.com www.perrier-jouet.com
PERRIER-JOUËT CHAMPAGNE MASTERCLASSES Whether you are toasting a special occasion or a group get-together, create that extra special celebration for you and your friends with a bespoke master class. Contact the events co-ordinator Novella on 020 7201 8786 or email novella. alessandrini@harveynichols.com
food & drink
connoisseur
THE PEOPLE’S COOKBOOK/NATIONAL FAVOURITE/HOME COMFORTS
food & drink
news
In 2005 Canteen introduced London to a restaurant concept so longer forgotten, it was hugely innovative: great British cuisine, in an affordable and accessible environment. Having pleased the palate of London’s most acid-tongued restaurant critics and the British public alike, Canteen have published Canteen: Great British Food, a cookbook featuring 120 “unapologetically nostalgic” recipes of great classic British dishes and familiar treats from childhood.
DRINKING FOR A GOOD CAUSE
The drink of choice for connoisseurs with a social conscience, Snow Leopard Vodka is a premium quality, Polish vodka distilled from rare spelt, the world’s oldest grain. After travelling in Nepal, founder Stephen Sparrow was inspired to create a quality product, whose profits could be used to save the beautiful and endangered snow leopard. Launched in 2006, Snow Leopard Vodka is donating 15% of all profits to the Snow Leopard Trust, and supporting conservation projects across central Asia. Bold yet ultra smooth, with soft honey and vanilla overtones, this quality vodka recently beat 11 other established market leaders in a blind taste test. The elusive Snow Leopard can only be found in a careful selection of London’s best venues, and boasts an impressive range of high-profile clients. From the Royal wedding of the Queen’s eldest grandchild, to after-show parties for London’s fashion royalty, Snow Leopard has found favour with the world’s élite, including Vladimir Putin, a man who surely knows his vodka.
This Easter, The Grove will be turning itself into a children’s fairytale come true, inspired by four classic children’s stories: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland and Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit. Creating culinary delights from your favourite children’s stories, The Grove’s finest pastry chefs will be holding a chocolate-making class inspired by the magical world of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, whilst Master Pâtissier Eric Lanlard will offer cake-making classes, bringing the fantastical Alice in Wonderland and the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party to life.
www.snowleopardvodka.co.uk
www.thegrove.co.uk
Canteen: Great British Food is published by Ebury Press, £16.99 Hb
FOOD FOR THE IMAGINATION
25-year-old Maxime Le Van joins Gastropub Paradise as head chef, following a spell at Club Gascon and Michelin starred L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon. Highlights of the Nice-born chef’s new menu include the Goosnargh duck tartare and the Champagne rhubarb crumble.
LOOK OUT! Jamie’s Italian new Spring/ Summer menu is coming soon. Canary Wharf Churchill Place 0203 002 5252
Food lingo:
Quote:
DURIAN
One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well
Used widely and variedly in South East Asian cuisines, durian is a giant, thorncovered, husked fruit with such a strong smell, that it is banned in most Singaporean and Malaysian hotels.
Website of the month:
Virginia Woolf, British novelist and essayist
www.cookfood.net
Restaurant NEWS:
For gourmets whose time or cooking skills do not allow for their tastes, COOK offers the perfect solution. Offering a range of meals to a delicious home-cooked standard, COOK will deliver frozen ready-made meals with a difference, direct to your door.
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Noodle Street has opened, offering you the best in both modern and traditional Chinese, Vietnamese and Thai dishes, cooked to perfection using the freshest and finest ingredients. To celebrate our recent opening, we are offering a 25% discount to all our customers until 19th March 2010. We are now taking bookings for Mother’s Day. So come and visit us and experience the high quality and service which is our main priority. We are only 2 mins walk from Westferry DLR station.
25% CoMMERCiaL
Off both eat-in and take-away orders*
RD E iND
ia Do
limEhOuSE
Ck R
D
LiM SE ou EH
WESTfErry
k LiN
W iN
Dia
pOplar
DoC
k RD
WEST iNdia quay
caNary Wharf
*unfortunately we cannot offer the 25% off discount on Mother’s Day.
Noodle Street 15 –17 Pennyfields Docklands London E14 8HP Tel +44 (0)20 7987 8688 Email enquiries@noodlestreet.co.uk Website www.noodlestreet.co.uk Open 11.30–23.00 everyday
Early Bird Menu is back Early Bird Menu back by popular demand, now served all day Choice of a Starter and Main Course or Maincourse and Dessert for only £15.00
10% off
To get your 10% discount voucher email: info@amerigovespucci.co.uk write discount in the subject and get your discount voucher in return Valid from 1st March 2010 until the 30th April 2010
food & drink
connoisseur
STYLE
&
SUBSTANCE
E
very time I have walked past The Parlour it has been choc-a-bloc with good-looking Wharfers having a deserved drink (or three) after work; well-groomed City boys and perfectly manicured City girls in stylish surroundings. It is a wine fan’s heaven with a wine list the same size as the oversized menu, not to mention a reserve list, inventive sparkling wine options by the glass, and the ultimate skinny cocktail. Clearly a success for the after-work drink, I was more interested in finding out about the food. Was it a ‘grab a quick bite’ kind of place, or could you settle for a meal without feeling intimidated by the stylish crowd at the bar? From the menu, it is fair to conclude that it is both. There’s sharing plates, gourmet sandwiches and a good selection of main dishes. I dined mid-week with my partner after a rare day off together being tourists at the Royal Observatory, so we went for the more hearty option. We tried one of the sharing options as our combined starter; the autumn fall flatbread with butternut squash, red onion, goat’s curd, spinach and roasted pecans served on a warm, grilled flatbread (£8.75). There’s a whole host of flatbreads and sharing boards on offer, from Peking duck to antipasto, and they’re a great concept that brings the social aspect of dining to the fore, an aspect the Mediterraneans do so well, yet that is sometimes lacking in the British way. And, as I looked around the restaurant area, it was a popular choice with most of the diners – ladies out for a catch-up over a bottle of wine, and mixed groups of friends arguing over who got the last bit on the platters. Sipping on a delightfully full-flavoured Cabernet from South Africa in between courses was the perfect time to take in my surroundings. The restaurant is fully sectioned away from the busy bar without being completely separate (you still benefit from the bustling atmosphere of the bar but are able to observe the world from your, what feels more superior, position in the restaurant), and feels spacious and airy with the floor to ceiling windows and view of the square. Our mains arrived. Presented in a cast iron pan, the chargrilled pork sausages with mash and red onion gravy (£8.50) were very good; the sausages plump and meaty, the jus tasty and the mash smooth and creamy.
© Chetan Patel Photography, www.chetanpatelphotography.com
Last year, The Parlour opened its designled doors. The opening night was packed and so, observes Louisa Castle, have most nights since
The steak ‘n’ fries (£13.95) arrived on a wooden board with chunky chips served in a plant pot. Great design through to the food. The 11oz rib-eye was cooked as requested (which is a more difficult task than you would think) and was a tasty and sizeable treat. There’s plenty for vegetarians too, with pumpkin, Tallegio cheese and red onion lasagne (£7.95) and butternut squash risotto (£8.25). Desserts are short and sweet with four to choose from, including old-fashioned knickerbocker glory and all at £4.95. We returned to the sharing plates and the Neal’s Yard cheese board (£8.95) with chutney and crackers. For us cheese and wine lovers, it was the fitting end to the meal. As we headed home, The Parlour was still buzzing and six months after opening it remains the design-led favourite for Canary Wharfers. n The Parlour The Park Pavilion, 40 Canada Square, London, E14 5FW 0845 468 0100 www.theparlourbar.co.uk
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Y
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food & drink
connoisseur
SEASONS IN
STYLE
“W
e are currently in the transition period and seeing the first signs of spring,” begins Marco. “I am just putting the finishing touches to our new menu here at Qadrato – we’ve got lovely salads and herbs to make the most of and fresh garlic, spring onions and first of the wild asparagus. “My mother is from northern Italy and my father from southern Italy, so I have always experienced the best of both worlds. You could say the perfect mix,” he continues with a cheeky Italian style. “It’s important to know everything about putting food together and my heritage has been key to that which I carry with me now: Whatever you put in a dish it has to be the best, if you’re aiming for quality that is. “It’s also important to find a supplier that not only has quality produce but has the same passion as you do about that produce and what you can do with it. Of course, my menus have that ever-present Italian ingredients sourced from my personal contacts but wherever possible, to
The best food is made with the best ingredients. To Marco Bax, head chef at The Four Seasons, Canary Wharf, that means new takes on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients
ensure freshness, suppliers are local. “A big thing that you will probably be seeing more of in the coming months is burrata cheese. I like to think of it as the queen of mozzarella. The outer shell is a solid mozzarella while the inside contains a sweet, milky, cheesy cream giving it a softer texture. And that I get directly from the best supplier in Italy. “But, being so close to Billingsgate Market, where the best fish suppliers are all based, our fish comes from there. And not just from one supplier, it’s whatever is the best on the day so you will notice our popular fish grill is always changing. “What’s more, good produce doesn’t need over-complicating, keep it natural and simple. Fresh leaves for salads simply require good olive oil, some herbs and lemon and they can be as complex as you make them. Simple and tasty or mixed with more unusual ingredients like dandelion and sprouting broccoli so that when the sun does come out and the alfresco dining is in full throw you can be as daring or conservative as you want. But still fresh and natural.” n
ABOUT MARCO Born in Bergamo, Marco showed early promise on the piano and a flair for art but it was his early food experiences at Italian mealtimes that proved the most inspirational. He learned his trade at San Pellegrino Terme Hotel School, two steps from the famous water pipe that provides us with the sparkling water and was mentored by Sergio Mei, long time executive chef at Four Seasons Hotel, Milano. The two met at Marco’s first kitchen job and he has been in-debted to his guidance and support ever since, teaching him that it is most important to ‘find the perfect balance in all that you do’. Marco has worked in the following hotels; Grand Hotel des Bains, Venice; Il Carpaccio, Paris; Principe de Savoia Hotel, Milan; Four Seasons Hotel, Milan; and opened the Four Seasons Hotel, Miami. For further information, visit www.fourseasons.com/canarywharf
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connoisseur food & drink
listings Argentinian
GAUCHO CANARY
29 Westferry Circus, E14 020 7987 9494
British CANTEEN
The Park Pavilion, Canada Square 0845 686 1122
THE PARLOUR
40 Canada Square, E14 0845 468 0100
TiffinBites
SRI NAM
Italian/Pizza
Seafood
25 Cabot Square MacKenzie Walk, E14 020 7513 0288
Marriott Hotel, West India Quay 22 Hertsmere Road, E14 020 7517 2808
Jubilee Place, E14 020 7719 0333 AMERIGO VESPUCCI
CARLUCCIO’S
2 Reuters Plaza, E14 020 7719 1749
Gourmet Pizza
Carribean
18-20 Cabot Square, E14 020 7345 9192
2 Yabsley Street, E14 020 7515 8177
Jamie’s Italian
Chef ColLin BROWN
European
Docklands Bar and Grill
Royal Victoria Docks Western Gateway, E16 020 7055 2119
Gourmet Burger Kitchen
Jubilee Place, E14 020 7719 6408
Churchill Place, E14 020 3002 5252 LA FIGA
45 Narrow Street, E14 020 7790 0077
Pizza Express
Cabot Place East, E14 020 7513 0513 QUADRATO
REEBOK RESTAURANT
16-19 Canada Square, E14 020 7719 6408
The Four Seasons Hotel 46 Westferry Circus, E14 020 7510 1857
French
Mexican
CafÉ Rouge
29-35 MacKenzie Walk, E14 020 7537 9696
WAHACA 40 Canada Square, E14 020 7516 9145
PLATEAU
Middle Eastern
Canada Place, E14 020 7715 7100
Gastro Pub
MEZ RESTAURANT
571 Manchester Road, E14 020 7005 0421
THE GUN
Nina’s TAZA express
THE NARROW
Oriental
27 Coldharbour Lane, E14 020 7515 5222 44 Narrow Street, E14 020 7592 7950
Indian
322 Burdett Road, E14 020 7093 3552 ITSU
Level 2, Cabot Place East, E14 020 7512 5790
Memsaheb
65 - 67 Amsterdam Road, E14 020 7538 3008
ROKA 4 Park Pavilion, Canada Square 020 7636 5228
The Rogue Trader
Royal China
25 Westferry Road, E14 020 7517 9233
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30 West Ferry Circus, E14 020 7719 0888
1 North Colonnade, E14 020 7715 9515
CURVE
FIRST EDITION
25 Cabot Square Canary Wharf, E14 020 7513 0300
Spanish EL FARO
Turnberry Quay E14 020 7987 5511
Turkish Hazev
2 South Quay Square Canary Wharf, E14 0207 515 9467
food & drink
connoisseur
If you can’t stand
the heat Penelope M Walsh visits the kitchen of The Battery for a taste of life as a chef
W
ith the lunch service minutes away, the chefs are occupied with last-minute preparations, and a quiet concentration pervades the kitchen, like the focused calm before a battle. As the first covers come in, the kitchen rapidly heats up, the pace quickens and the kitchen erupts into a finely tuned frenzy of activity. My first time in a commercial kitchen, it was a relief to encounter Minesh “Mini” Patel, The Battery’s easy mannered head chef and an unlikely gourmet prima donna. First inspired to become a chef by the flamboyant Ainsley Harriet, Mini went from this unlikely start to working under world-renowned Michelin-starred chefs Marco Pierre White and Gordon Ramsay. True to that overused epithet, the heat becomes too much for a mere layperson, and I have to get out of the kitchen. Taking a short breather during service is a luxury not afforded to Mini and his dedicated team, who work at a continuous pace throughout. Stepping out into the serene dining room, the guests enjoy the fantastic views, but most of all the spectacular food. The kitchen is paddling furiously keeping this elegant swan gliding smoothly on the surface, but for Mini and his team, the stamina and skill that I am so impressed by is literally all in a day’s work. Mini’s cuisine is not restricted by genre and his creativity shines through with innovative dishes like the rabbit terrine and Bramley apple samosa, the perfect Anglo-Asian fusion. Using seasonal British produce, Mini offers the best version of the world’s best dishes here in Canary Wharf, with rustic French tarte tatin, South American ceviche and Moroccan harisa side by side on the menu. Plating up, I observe the unfussy yet precise presentation, offering guests an elegant, uncluttered plate that does not detract from the wonderful complexity of the flavours. The spiced pineapple for the pavlova sits like translucent paperthin petals on the plate, and the cheese plate is laid out in clean lines on a rough slate slab, complementing the colour and texture of the charcoal crackers. Precision pervades everything; every dish is checked, tasted and perfected several times before going out. Service grinds slowly and steadily to a halt and Mini and his team take a short break. With the adrenaline and excitement of service still hanging in the air, the chefs spill back into the kitchen. Service is over, and so is their break, and the team return to prepping and the Zen-like state I found them in. Like most chefs, the team at The Battery work long hours in a heady, hot, high-octane kitchen. And yet there are none of the tantrums and dramas of reality TV kitchens, only camaraderie marked by patient explanations and playful jibes. In awe of the team working below the surface, and teased by the dishes, I will be returning to The Battery to experience that peaceful, swan-like dining room myself. n
For further information visit www.battery.uk.com or call 020 8305 3089.
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BELLE
Velvet • Paige • European Culture • Sita Murt • Francoise Pendville • Isabel de Pedro • The Barn • Odd Molly and many more
20 College Approach, Greenwich, London SE10 9HY 020 8465 5777 www.bellefashion.co.uk
Monday - Saturday 10am - 6pm Sunday 11am - 6pm Late Night every Thursday until 8pm
128
ART FOR ALL SEASONS Founded in 1768 by King George III and a group of prominent artists and architects, the Royal Academy of Arts has a wealth of history and prestige, making it the perfect venue for corporate entertaining at the heart of Mayfair
Regarded as the ‘home of the blockbuster’, the Academy hosts the annual and ever-popular Summer Exhibition, the largest open submission of contemporary art in the world. During this world-renowned exhibition, corporate guests can enjoy the unique opportunity to entertain within the galleries, surrounded by contemporary art, many items of which are available for purchase. Hot on the heels of the Summer Exhibition in the autumn of 2010, will see an amazing exhibition of European Old Masters from the Budapest Museum of Fine Arts, featuring works from Leonardo, Raphael, Monet, Gauguin and Picasso. A sumptuous show, it will be a perfect backdrop to entertain. The Royal Academy’s Fine Rooms offer guests the opportunity to enjoy their events surrounded by works from Britain’s most famous artists and the rooms are available for evening receptions and breakfasts, (capacity 350), dinners, (capacity 100) and lunches (capacity 24). Guests can also enjoy exclusive exhibition private views during non-public hours or tour the behind-the-scenes parts of the Academy.
For further information and tickets for the Summer Exhibition Preview Party, call 020 7300 5974 or email fundraising.events@royalacademy.org.uk For further information about entertaining and corporate access to the Royal Academy of Arts, visit www.royalacademy.org.uk/corporate or contact Rachel Hilton, corporate events manager, 0207 300 5987
&
out about
out & about
connoisseur
GO GREEN Eight jewellery designers have produced spectacular emerald pieces inspired by the Gemfields elephant; an immense 6,225-carat rough emerald discovered in Zambia, and nicknamed “Insofu” (meaning “elephant” in the language of the indigenous Bemba people). Known as the Emerald Project, this unique ‘popup’ collection will be displayed in Harrods Fine Jewellery Room (along with the Gemfields elephant), and sold at auction. Supported by World Land Trust patrons Sir David Attenborough and David Gower OBE, and in cooperation with Elephant Parade, the capital’s largest public art exhibition, which campaigns to protect the endangered Asian elephant, this event promises to showcase man and nature’s finest creations. The Emerald Project Harrods Fine Jewellery Room www.harrods.com
ARTISTIC FLARE St Paul’s Cathedral has just unveiled a new work by Anthony Gormley. A key figure in British art for over 25 years, Gormley’s work includes the iconic modern landmark, Angel of the North, and has been exhibited extensively worldwide. Gormley’s new installation, Flare II, is part of the St Paul’s Cathedral Arts Project, which has so far showcased installations exploring connections between faith and art from the likes of Rebecca Horn, Yoko Ono and Martin Firrell. An exploration of ‘human space’ expressed within the constructs of geometry, Flare II is displayed in view of the cathedral’s famous geometric staircase, which appears to float unsupported to great dramatic effect and has appeared in numerous Hollywood blockbusters.
THE ART OF FOOTBALL For those who cannot wait until the 2010 World Cup in June, London salesroom Christie’s is offering avid football fans a chance to whet their appetite, with the Vintage Poster sale. The auction will include around 200 illustrated and graphic posters from various countries and years, with a particular emphasis on vintage football posters and estimates ranging from £600–£15,000. Promoting the only World Cup tournament to date that England has won, the 1966 World Cup poster by Carvosso is sure to be snapped up by eager England supporters. Other highlights of the sale include an extremely rare poster promoting the first ever FIFA World Cup, which took place in July 1930 in Uruguay; the country celebrated the centenary of its
independence the same year. Christie’s is the busiest auction room in the UK, and this auction will be no exception, with a special opportunity to get your hands on a rare piece of sporting history.
Flare II St Paul’s Cathedral www.stpauls.co.uk
Vintage Poster Public Viewing 8–12 May Auction 13 May at 2pm Christie’s, South Kensington, www.christies.com
129
connoisseur out & about
ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME Idea Generation Gallery presents a unique retrospective of the last 40 years of Storm Thorgerson’s work, the creator of legendary rock and roll album artwork. Working with rock royalty including Muse, Megadeath, and Led Zeppelin, Storm was responsible for the album cover of Pink Floyd’s 1973 The Dark Side of the Moon, cited as the best album cover of all time. Storm’s arresting images have become as iconic as the music they market, and this exciting exhibition will showcase them in their full glory, along with previously unseen sculptures, sketches and writings.
FOOD AND WINE PAIRING The Spread Eagle’s delicious food and wine pairing evenings return, bringing a taste of Spanish sunshine to Greenwich. The event will begin with canapés and rosé Cava, and the dinner will feature a carefully selected range of red and white wines from the Navarra and Rioja regions of Spain, accompanied by delectable tapas dishes. The Spread Eagle 21 April, www.spreadeagle.org 020 8853 2333
© Pink Floyd
Storm Thorgerson: Right But Wrong, Extended album art of StormStudios and Hipgnosis 1 April–2 May, The Idea Generation Gallery www.ideageneration.co.uk
THE PAPER EATERS This April, Selfridges will display and be displayed in The Paper Eaters: Long Live the Photo-Story!, a multi-layered, interactive art installation. Following the success of Exactitudes in 2008, this will be the second collaboration between Selfridges and The Photographers’ Gallery, bringing photography to audiences beyond the traditional confines of a gallery. Inspired by nostalgia for the ‘80s and respect for humble paper, artist duo and schoolfriends The Girls (Andrea Blood and Zoë Sinclair) will produce three issues of a photo story magazine shot in and around the store. Transforming the Ultralounge into a shrine to paper, The Girls will work from this eccentric den of nostalgia, where visitors will be able to enjoy a drive-in style photo-story viewing booth, 1980s makeovers and many more activities besides. Visitors will also have the opportunity to participate in editorial meetings, talk to the artists and contributors, and to see a selection of their previous work. The Paper Eaters: Long Live the Photo-Story! 1–29 April, Ultralounge, Selfridges www.selfridges.com
AFTERNOON IN WONDERLAND Sanderson is combining two great British traditions: afternoon tea and eccentric whimsy, both perfectly encapsulated by The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party from Alice in Wonderland. The Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea is served daily in The Courtyard Garden, an outdoor wonderland of flowering trees, fountains and mosaics, which is fully covered and heated in the colder months. The Afternoon Tea includes all manner of delicious flights of fancy, including the white chocolate and strawberry Queen of Hearts teacake, traditional finger sandwiches in a kaleidoscope of colours, and mint chocolate chip ice cream exploding lollipops. The Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea The Courtyard Garden, Sanderson 020 7300 1444, www.sandersonlondon.com
130
BAROQUE FESTIVAL Easter Monday heralds the return of the annual St Martin’s Handel Festival. Held in one of London’s most famous churches, this beautiful piece of baroque architecture played host to the legendary composer himself in the early 18th century, and there can be no more fitting venue to hear this fantastic tribute to his music. The festival will open with Handel’s masterpiece, Messiah, and continue with a week of evening and free lunchtime concerts. St Martin’s Handel Festival 5–10 April, www.smitf.org 020 7766 1100
TONI&GUY CANARY WHARF ARE EXCITED TO INTRODUCE THREE NEW STYLISTS TO THEIR TALENTED TEAM As an exclusive welcome offer, when you book a cut and blow dry with the new Stylists, you’ll receive a complimentary Chronologiste treatment from Kerastase, worth £25 Chronologiste is a unique restorative concentrate that effectively treats dry, weakened, colour-treated and highlighted hair to leave hair nourished, hydrated and shiny. To make an appointment please call or visit: T: 020 7987 6222 Promenade Level, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5AX www.toniandguy.com Terms and Conditions apply. Offer valid until 7th May 2010. Valid with Jorych, Kirsten and Antony only. Quote “Canary Wharf Magazine” when booking appointment. Voucher must be presented on arrival at salon. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. One voucher per customer per visit.
• 24 Hour Mini Cabs, Chauffeur Service and Nationwide Parcel Delivery • Reliable Service with experienced drivers • New Accounts Welcome with online booking • Established over 30 Years • GPRS Based system with integrated GPS vehicle tracking
Call: 0207 790 1144 or 0207 790 3939
PCO Licence Number 01436/02/05
Fax: 0207 423 9488 | admin@commercialcars.co.uk | www.commercialcars.co.uk
Wimbledon 2010, June 21
st
- 4th July
Wimbledon 2010, June 21st - 4th July Centre Court and Number 1 Court Debentures Tickets Available Hospitality Packages Available on Request Bow lane will offer a complimentary pair of seats for any forthcoming event at the 02 arena (subject to availability) on bookings taken before 31st March
BOW LANE
For more information or to book please contact our events team on: T: 0207 538 1200 E: Info@bowlaneentertainments.co.uk
ENTERTAINMENTS
304 Ontario Tower, 4 Fairmont Avenue, London E14 9JA t: +44 (0)20 7538 1200 | info@bowlaneentertainments.co.uk | f: +44 (0)20 7538 1211
With Compliments Conditions of sale 1. Price – Tickets are sold at booking fee, however for sold out events a premium will be charged above the face value which reflects our costs in obtaining such tickets. 2. Events cancelled/rescheduled – Bow LAne will only be liable for the face value of the ticket. 3. Client cancellation – the Client shall be liable for the total price of the booking.
TE R AL L US A F ME E T R PA lN TB FO WOR K K S, + DRDlONWN THE ROAD JUS T
y oor Facilit d ln t s e g r • La in th e UK t at £ 25 r • Prices sta Bar d • L ice nse Rooms with • C h anging we rs in tball Ho t Sh o Th e Pa tre Cen
AM P. S. G
E O N!
Available for bookings 7 days a week 8AM-10PM ** Booking Conditions Apply
Unit 4 Wood Wharf Business Park, Preston Road, Canary Wharf, London E14 9SF T. 0845 2300 850 E. info@thepaintballcentre.com
www.thepaintballcentre.com
100 FREE PAINTBALLS per person when you present this advert
LONDON Homes&
PROPERTY Showcasing the finest homes in your area
april 2010 - issue 9
Covering The City, CANARY WHARF, DOCKLANDS & South East
Hot Properties check out this month’s hottest homes
Amtico Brintons Crucial Trading Dalsouple Karndean Luxaflex Pergo Porcelanosa Vincent Sheppard
Japanese Panel
Amtico and Wood
Stripes
Blinds and flooring We’ve got it all covered
Est. 1881
470-480 Roman Road London E3 5LU 0800 716 783 www.abbottsflooring.co.uk
Property ChaiN
Anna-Marie Foynes and Zerin Tara Safa of Paper Rocket guide you through this month’s property news
Behind the facade 5
l
Simon Scott, Property Partner at Kaslers Solicitors tells us about having the best of both worlds Q: How would you spend £5million on property? A: In the foreseeable future, there will be a new influx of workers into Canary Wharf so I would buy several small to medium residential units for rent with a view to resell when prices recover. Q: Change one thing about your job? A: I would like all the information that we need to advise a client to come to us in one comprehensive package. Q: Where do you live and why?
A: A small village in the Kent countryside. It is an escape, and yet is 45 minutes away from the office, so I have the best of both worlds. Q: What do you foresee for the coming year in property? A: Continued uncertainty but on the whole the talk is positive. Q: Describe where you like to work, rest and play? A: Thanks to technology, I work in Canary Wharf, hot-desk in our Kent office or work from home. I play rugby, spend time with my two young children and like to be in the great outdoors, whenever I can be. Simon Scott Kaslers Solicitors LLP 0207 7121751
Work, rest & play
INSIGHT 1 January, 2010 brought with it new building regulations for England and Wales, this includes builders being required to cut CO2 emissions from new homes by 25%. The introduction of feedin tariffs this month means residents of existing properties are being offered incentives too generate your own electricity and get paid for each unit you produce. How else can you save the environment and your hard earned cash? 1. Green electric – switch to electricity from renewable or low-carbon sources. 2. Use a condensing boiler – it can save you £200 a year and 1.7 tons of CO2. 3. Fit photovoltaic panels and get a grant of up to £2,500, by swapping to solar water heating. 4. Fit an eco showerhead, it can save up to 75% of water. 5. Install a dual flush system to your toilets and make a possible cut from nine litres a flush to three. 6. Take advantage of energy-efficient bulbs - they last ten times longer too. 7. Fit double glazing and insulate your home. 8. Invest in a water butt for that guilt free car wash.
RAISE AN ISSUE
Q: in the process of selling my
I am l be moving into property and shal ation, with the rented accommod flat in the next view of buying a I do wonder why six months. But, yer ’s agent like I should use a bu do it myself and yourselves and not save money? t representing their The seller has an agen buyer? A buyer’s needs – why not the private contacts, agent puts a world of ers and thousands of lop ve estate agents, de
East meets west in 2011 when Westfield Stratford City Shopping Centre opens in East London. Encouraged and bolstered by the 2012 Olympics and good transport links, Westfield is currently in negotiations with several high street retailers who will join anchor stores John Lewis and Marks and Spencer at the 1.5million square foot mall. According to Westfield the developer the Stratford development serves a catchment area of 3.3 million people with an estimated retail spend of £23 billion.
you posal, they can save properties at your dis ss. time, money and stre nd t there is a high dema In this current marke ck, sto rtage of for property and a sho d correctly is under ce pri ing yth an meaning are even out to print. ns offer before floor pla job, t to buy is a full time So, looking for a fla w vie to le ab ail av u are you need to ensure yo t. rke ma the on t pu is as soon as a property e skills we could also sav With our negotiation ll wi we es sur expertise en you money, and our . rty pe pro the of rth the wo not let you pay over solicitors on a daily Finally we deal with ve to, making your ha basisso you don’t smooth as possible. property purchase as
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
www.paperrocket.net
savills.co.uk
Pan Peninsula East, E14
2 reception rooms n kitchen/breakfast room n 2 bedrooms n 2 en suite bathrooms n dining area n 2 balconies n parking space n cinema n gym n cocktail bar n conceirge Guide £1,475,000 Leasehold
Turnstone House, E1
Reception room n kitchen n 2 bedrooms n 2 bathrooms (1 ensuite) n roof terrace n 24 hr concierge n protected parking Guide £925,000 Leasehold
Lauren Ireland lireland@savills.com 020 7531 2500
Charlie Fisher cfisher@savills.com 020 7456 6800
Hanover House, E14
Hermitage Court, E1W
Reception room n fully fitted kitchen n 3 double bedrooms n 3 ensuite bathrooms n powder room n balcony n underground parking n concierge
Reception room n open plan kitchen n 3 bedrooms n 2 bathrooms (1 en suite) n balcony n porter n protected parking
Guide £1,300,000 Leasehold
Guide £895,000 Leasehold
Lauren Ireland lireland@savills.com 020 7531 2500
Charlie Fisher cfisher@savills.com 020 7456 6800
Berkeley Tower, E14
Halcyon Wharf, E1W
Guide £700,000 Leasehold
Guide £550,000 Leasehold
Lauren Ireland lireland@savills.com 020 7531 2500
Charlie Fisher cfisher@savills.com 020 7456 6800
Reception room n separate kitchen n 2 double bedrooms n 2 bathrooms n parking space n concierge
2 reception rooms n open plan kitchen n 2 bedrooms n 2 bathrooms n protected parking n porter
savills.co.uk
Sanderling Lodge, E1W
Benbow House, SE1
£1050 per week Unfurnished
£650 per week Furnished
Chris Morris cmorris@savills.com 0207 456 6800
Laura Tatham ltatham@savills.com 0207 456 6800
Belgrave Court, E14
Boardwalk Place, E14
Reception room n separate kitchen n 3 bedrooms n 2 bathrooms n terrace n balcony n lift access n 24hr porter n allocated parking
Reception room n separate kitchen n 2 bedrooms n 2 bathrooms n lift access day porter n allocated parking
Double reception room n separate kitchen n dining room n 2 bedrooms n 2 bathrooms n balcony n lift access n 24hr porter n protected parking
£495 per week Unfurnished
Double reception room n separate kitchen n dining room 3 bedrooms n 2 bathrooms n wrap around terrace n lift access n 24hr porter n allocated parking £490 per week Furnished
Stefan Saul ssaul@savills.com 0207 531 2500
Laura Tatham ltatham@savills.com 0207 456 6800
Eaton House, E14
Cinnabar Wharf, E1W
£375 per week Furnished
£335 per week Furnished and part furnished
Stefan Saul ssaul@savills.com 0207 531 2500
Chris Morris cmorris@savills.com 0207 456 6800
Reception room n separate kitchen n 1 bedroom n 1 bathroom n guest WC n lift access n day porter n allocated parking
Reception room n separate kitchen n 1 bedroom n 1 bathroom n lift access n 24hr porter n allocated parking
KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings
Gallery Lofts, Hopton Street SE1 Stylish split level loft apartment located in this outstanding 24 hour portered development next to The Tate Modern and River Thames. This beautiful 1450 sq ft apartment has been finished to a high standard boasting a lovely open plan reception room with double height ceilings, modern fully fitted kitchen. Also offering two double bedrooms, two contemporary bathroom suites, multiple terraces and impressive views. £1500 per week Knight Frank Wapping Lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com
Spirit Quay, Wapping, E1W
New Crane Place, Wapping, E1W Large two double bedroom two bathroom apartment set in this popular 24 hour portered development on Wapping High Street. This spacious top floor flat has a large L shaped reception room, fully fitted kitchen, two spacious double bedrooms, two bathrooms (one en-suite), parking and a huge stylish roof terrace with views down Wapping High Street. £550 per week Knight Frank Wapping Lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com
Stamford Street, Lambeth, SE1
Well presented three bedroom two bathroom house set in this quiet location in west Wapping. This unfurnished property has a lovely semi open plan fitted kitchen, wood floors to the reception room, great private garden, large master bedroom with en-suite shower room, master bathroom, two further double bedrooms and a garage.
A conveniently located one bedroom apartment in the new 57 Stamford Street. Newly built and moments from the South Bank this apartment is great for the transport links of Waterloo Station and offers good living space at 584sq. ft. the apartment has a great balcony and is located on the third floor. Offered furnished.
£525 per week
£425 per week
Knight Frank Wapping Lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com
Knight Frank Wapping Lettings 020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com
KnightFrank.co.uk/Sales
Dundee Wharf, E14
Basin Approach, E14
A light and spacious two double bedroom apartment located on the second floor of a sought after portered development. Offering wonderful river views towards the City from a private balcony, the property is presented in excellent order.
Well proportioned two bedroom apartment located on the fourth floor of a portered development. With south facing views over Limehouse marina, the property has a wonderful private balcony and is presented in excellent order throughout.
£575,000 Knight Frank Canary Wharf Sales 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com
£549,000 Knight Frank Canary Wharf Sales 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com
Boardwalk Place, E14 Well proportioned two bedroom apartment situated on the sixth floor of a sought after portered development close to the Canary Wharf estate. The apartment profits from a private balcony and rare for the development, views to the river. £490,000 Knight Frank Canary Wharf Sales 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com
Arran House, E14 An attractive and light apartment located on the third floor of a well maintained purpose built development. Presented in good order throughout, the flat profits from a private balcony with views over the inlet. £415,000 Knight Frank Canary Wharf Sales 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com
ESTATE agents LD
LD
LD
SO
SO
Millennium Harbour £2,000,000
SO
New Atlas Wharf £365,000
New Providence Wharf £800,000
Contact us now for your free market appraisal LD
SO
Seacon Tower £460,000
LD
SO
Ontario Tower £345,000
LD
SO
Friars Mead £330,000
020 7519 5900 www.alanselby.co.uk
ts
land & development consultants
How many Docklands Estate Agents tick all the boxes? • 25 years of local market experience • Sold over 10,000 homes in the area • An established lettings and property management team • Fullly qualified, friendly and professional personnel
So if you are selling, buying or letting call 020 7519 5900 or visit www.alanselby.co.uk
ALAN SELBY AND PARTNERS
Tel: 020 7519 5900 Fax: 020 7538 0139 www.alanselby.co.uk info@alanselby.co.uk Millennium Harbour, 22 Westferry Road, Isle of Dogs, E14 8LW
London's Finest Properties
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Atlanta, Deals Gateway SE13
• Two Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • On-Site Swimming Pool & Gymnasium • 24hr Concierge Service • 10mins Walk to Greenwich • Nr. Deptford Bridge DLR
£250 PW
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by
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The Landmark, Marsh Wall E14 • One Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • 8th Floor • On-Site Gymnasium • 24hr Concierge Service • Nr. South Quay DLR
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Gainsborough House, Canary Central, E14
• 5th floor 1 bed/1bath • Larger than average living space • Stunning views to Canada Square • Minutes from South Quay DLR • Concierge and on-site pool, gym and sauna
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Alaska Building, Deals Gateway
Ontario Tower, Canary Wharf E14
• Studio Apartment • Fully Furnished • 18th Floor • On-Site Health and Fitness Ctr • 24hr Concierge Service • Nr. Blackwall DLR
£285.00 PW
£285 PW
WE URGENTLY REQUIRE MORE PROPERTIES THOROUGHOUT LONDON FOR AWAITING TENANTS AND PURCHASERS E
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41 Millharbour, Canary Wharf, E14
• 2nd floor • Spacious 1 bed/2 bath apartment • Excellent order throughout • 24 hr concierge • Balcony with views over courtyard
£265,000
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• Two Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • On-Site Facilities • Allocated parking • 24hr Concierge • Nr. Deptford Bridge DLR Station
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Seacon Tower, Hutchings Street E14 • Two Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • 13th Floor • Gymnasium & Spa Facilities • 24hr Concierge Service • Nr. Canary Wharf DLR
£350 PW
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New Providence Wharf, Canary Wharf E14 • Two Bedroom Apartment • Furnishings Optional • Balcony • 16th Floor • Allocated Parking • 24hr Concierge Service
£450 PW
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New Providence Wharf, E14 • Immaculate 2 bed/2bath (one en-suite) apartment • Highly prestigious riverside development • Balcony with river views from all rooms • Exceptional level of specification
E
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No 1 Pepys Street, E1
• Delightful 1 bed/1bath apartment • Highly desirable City location • Excellent condition throughout • Moments from Tower Hill tube and Fenchurch St • Porterage and parking
£365,000
£445,000
Sales | Lettings | Corporate Services | Property Management www.liferesidential.co.uk
Central London 020 7582 7989
West London 020 8896 9990
Docklands 020 7476 0125
Deptford & Greenwich 020 8692 2244
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LUXURIOUS APARTMENTS FOR SALE ABILITY PLACE, A LUXURIOUS NEW DEVELOPMENT IN CANARY WHARF. PROVIDING ON-SITE LEISURE FACILITIES INCLUDING A HEALTH SPA, GYMNASIUM, UNDERGROUND SECURE PARKING AND A 24-HOUR CONCIERGE.
www.abilityplace.co.uk
FOR ALL ENQUIRIES CONTACT: KING STURGE +44 (0) 20 7993 7395 sales@abilityplace.co.uk
River Habitat RiverHabitat.co.uk
Belgrave Court, Canary Riverside, E14
BELGRAVE COURT, CANARY RIVERSIDE, E14
£1,500 per week
£875,000 LHD with Parking
n Stunning home with W & S Direct River Views n Ninth floor 3 bed room 1,843 Sq. Ft. n All bedrooms with en-suites n Allocated parking spot n Wooden flooring throughout n Available Mid-April n Unfurnished
n Fantastic Luxury Flat with Direct River Views n 1,278 Square Feet on the Sixth Floor n Wooden Decked Balcony n Two Double Bedrooms, Two Bathrooms n Large Storage Room n Duct Heating and Cooling System n Underground Parking
Park Vista, Greenwich Park, SE10 FHD n One of Best Addresses in Greenwich n Exquisite Georgian Home n 4 Beds, 3 Receptions n Direct Views onto Greenwich Park n In Excellent Decorative Condition n Close to all area schools n Perfect family Home £1,500,000
• info@RiverHabitat.co.uk • T: 020 7791 9830 • F: 020 7791 9831 • The Suite LG. 655 Commercial Road, Limehouse, London E14 4LW
Looking for a law firm offering clear and transparent advice? Commercial Property Residential Conveyancing General Litigation work Employment Matrimonial
Call into our Covent Garden office for a free consultation Tel: 020 7395 6050 info@hamptonslaw.co.uk
www.hamptonslaw.co.uk Hamptons Solicitors 38 William IV Street London WC2N 4DD
Canalside luxury living, just 25 minutes from Canary Wharf imagine living in a calm, canalside location that’s only a short walk from the hustle and bustle of canary Wharf. silver Wharf is a landmark development in a tranquil location on the Limehouse canal. With intelligently designed one and two bedroom apartments and duplex apartments featuring luxurious and contemporary interiors, silver Wharf is a cut above the rest.
parking for added peace of mind and all apartments come with a private balcony or terrace overlooking the canal. and the views of canary Wharf and the city from the higher floors will leave you in no doubt that everything the capital has to offer really is right on your doorstep. call us today to experience the tranquillity of waterside living.
there’s also a landscaped roof terrace for making the most of the summer, secure underground
SilverWharf Limehouse Cut e14
Marketing suite coMing soon register your interest :
0800 954 0405
www.silverwharf.co.uk
homes & property
Buying for your children Despite the early signs of an improving property market, getting a foot on the property ladder continues to be difficult for many twenty- or even thirty-something adults. Jonathan Hopper, managing director of Garrington, discusses how, increasingly, many parents and grandparents are getting involved with that first step on the ladder
O
ne of the principal drivers for many is to create wealth with the objective of providing a great future for their children and to be able to pass something on to the next generation. However, the current lack of credit and the fear of future property price rises are causing many parents to worry how their children will ever be able to buy their own home. Some are buying houses for children heading to university others are tackling the problem much sooner and buying property for their children at a very early age thus providing a hedge against future price rises. The principal seems straightforward: purchase a property now, let it out for 10 to 20 years then pass it on to the child, or children, where they can choose to move in, continue to rent it out, or even sell the property to purchase elsewhere. In this way parents need not worry that their offspring won’t be able to afford their own home when they are grown up. Can it really be this straightforward though? Buying a house now to pass on to a child means negotiating a tax minefield. There’s income tax on the rent, capital gains tax when you pass it on to your children, and also inheritance tax considerations. All this requires careful planning and expert advice. Equally, the purchase itself needs to be a strategic one rather than an emotive. Many
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parents buy a property they think they would like to see their children living in and lose sight of the investment element part of the purchase. Consideration needs to be given to the capital gain potential, rental demand in the area if it is not for immediate occupation, and exit options if the child wants to live elsewhere in the future. If gifting a property outright is not preferred, there are other ways to help. The simplest is to give a deposit. Providing access to a substantial deposit can more than ever before provide a greater choice of mortgage options where income, for instance, falls short. Currently, a larger deposit will give access to lower interest rate products. An advantage of giving a deposit rather than the whole property is that the recipient can still feel some sense of achievement. There is also a reduced risk of a falling-out if the home is sold later, and less likelihood that friends and family will accuse parents of spoiling their offspring. Buying property for children requires careful thought and planning and, whilst it can be complicated, it can also be an extremely shrewd investment – both emotionally and financially. n Garrington finds and secures prime properties throughout the UK. For further information, call 020 7099 2773, visit www.garrington.co.uk or email info@garrington.co.uk
Absolute Luxury
The Galleries is a unique collection of Grade II listed Properties carefully restored and converted for luxurious modern living. It offers elegance and exclusivity with tranquil gardens and all within 40 minutes of the City. Duplex apartments anD 1, 2 anD 3 BeDrOOm apartments FrOm £250,000 - £575,000
show homes open daily 10am-5pm CaLL 01277 202122 BrenTwood, essex CM14 5GF seeing is believing view the virtual tour at
www.the-galleries.net
START A LIFE LESS ORDINARY A Collection of sympathetically converted Grade II Listed homes set within landscaped courtyard gardens and secure gated entrance. What could be less ordinary? 1, 2 & 3 BEdRooM ApARTMENTS ANd MEwS hoUSES fRoM £135,000 To £325,000 Show homes open daily 10am-5pm Call 01376 335800 BRAINTREE, ESSEX CM7 2QU Seeing is believing view the virtual tour at www.oldsaintmichaels.co.uk
ZCITYAND6376 GALL & OSM AD D3.indd 1
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SALES E14
E16
Mamara Building
£650,000
• Duplex Penthouse apartment • Two bedrooms both with ensuite bathrooms • Large balcony • Views of the Dock and Millennium Dome • Secure underground parking • 1200 sq ft
E14
Pan Peninsula
£290,000
• 16th floor suite • Balcony with stunning views • 24 hour concierge • Residents Cocktail Lounge • Private cinema & residents club • Minutes walk to Canary Wharf
Colemans Wharf
£435,000
• 2 Bed Warehouse Conversion • Large Terrace • Allocated Parking • Share Of Freehold • Minutes Walk From Langdon Park DLR • Close To Canary Wharf & City
£1000 Cashback on all sales instructions Call for a FREE Valuation SE10
SE10
Farnsworth Court
E16
£275,000
• One Bedroom • Courtyard Facing • Secure Underground Parking • Immaculate Condition • Minutes walk to Jubilee Line
www.movello.com
Greenwich View
Oxygen Building
£370,000
• 2 Bed Warehouse Conversion • Large Terrace • Allocated Parking • Share Of Freehold • Minutes Walk From Langdon Park DLR • Close To Canary Wharf & City
E14
Baltimore Wharf
£279,000
• Brand New 6th floor studio apartment • Boulevard Views • 398 sqft • Concierge service • Walking distance to Canary Wharf
E16
£250,000
• One Bedroom luxury apartment • Balcony with Dome Views • 522 sq ft • Open-plan kitchen • Next to Greenwich Station
The Sphere
£240,000
• Spacious one bedroom apartment • Balcony with Canary Wharf view • 535sqft • Concierge • Walking distance to Canning Town Tube station
homes & property
Lettings Market Activity
The huge surplus of rental properties that appeared a year ago, as prospective vendors became landlords in the falling market, has all but disappeared according to Vanessa Evett, partner at Knight Frank
A
t the most extreme point our lettings teams saw a 150% increase in stock levels, but by January this year the situation has reversed, and the year has started with 15% fewer properties available than normal. Where has the supply gone? Anecdotal evidence would point to the steady transfer of former rental properties back into the sales market. Between May and December last year, landlords saw that they were able to sell into a rising market as their original six or 12 month tenancies fell in. If stock is low, the opposite is true of applicants – who are back in the market in some strength, up 20% on this time a year ago. Corporate demand is a particular brightspot, with a 20% rise in requirements year on year. The monthly ratio of new prospective tenants to new properties has averaged 2.8 over the last five years. With the rapid growth of stock in 2008, the ratio fell to 2.1 but in 2009 (as landlords left the sector and entered the sales market and as tenant volumes picked up), the ratio peaked at 4.0. At the current time the ratio is standing at 3.1 The result of the greater balance between supply and demand is that rents are rising again. After falling 20% in the year to June 2009, they then recovered in the final six months of last year by 2.4%. The dearth of stock will see rents climbing further this year, and for better properties
in west and south-west London, 10% might not be unrealistic for rental growth. Investor Attitudes The London investor market contains a wide range of landlords, each following their own investment strategies. One group that has become increasingly important in terms of acquisition activity has been the ‘semiprofessional investor’. These investors are generally affluent professionals, particularly from the financial services sector, looking to building portfolios of £1m - £10m. They have been active over the past 6-9 months, driving demand for un-refurbished stock and smaller investment blocks. The objective for most investors in this market is to achieve good capital growth over the medium-term, with a 5-7 year hold as a typical investment timeframe. Ideally, they look to add value to their properties through extensions or improvements. While the outlook diverges in terms of capital growth potential for 2010, their views are optimistic with regard to the medium-term outlook. Global Markets The last year has seen a considerable improvement in performance of housing markets, here in London and across the world. However, the speed of this recovery and its apparent reliance on ultra-low interest rates and government stimulus points to the need for caution.
Yes, house prices are rising in lots of countries; 20 out of the 27 we monitor in our Global House Price Index saw price growth in 2009. Even in locations where prices are falling, such as Spain, Dubai and Ireland, they are doing so at a much slower rate than they were a year ago. But can we assume that prices are back to sustainable and affordable levels? How is it possible that markets could have become so buoyant again? The answer is that government stimulus has created an injection of liquidity into the world economy, which inevitably has found its way into asset markets, including property, gold and shares. Low interest costs have protected potentially distressed owners of property and reduced the supply of property for sale. At the same time low savings rates have encouraged the wealthy to move investments out of cash and into property in the search for acceptable yields. Over the next few months we will see the beginning of the unwinding of these stimulus measures, with an end to quantitative easing and potentially rising interest rates in the face of resurgent inflation. It is only when we see the retrenchment of government support that we will be able to understand the true level of market resilience. n For further information, visit www.knightfrank.com
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next issue...
W
ith the April showers over, it’s time to start thinking about summer style, whether it’s the best in skincare, grooming, fitness or fashion we’ve features on it all. Fashion editor, Lucie Dodds provides us with the best men’s designer trends for this season, there’s the latest in beauty and fitness including the London to Brighton bike ride and plenty to see and be seen at, not forgetting the social event of the season, Royal Ascot. And with thoughts of summer, come thoughts of holidays, there’s Paris in full bloom, Gijon in full feed and sailing in full flow.
May
Above all this frivolous fun that accompanies our attitudes as the sun begins to shine we also have interviews with Sir Michael Jackson, the outspoken ex-joint chief of military staff on leadership and management, and the founders of Future Lab predicting the next big thing. For this and much, much more, be sure to pick up a copy
IN-TOTO... FROM CONCEPT TO COMPLETION Choose from 100 superb styles and a
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