Canary Wharf Magazine August 2011 by Runwild Media Group

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L O N D O N

a u gFEBRUARY u s t 2011 2010

business • current affairs • fashion • health & beauty • finance • food & drink • motoring • uk & international property

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IRRESISTIBLE INDULGENCE Small luxury hotels: heaven on earth

wish you were here? Travel far and wide to the best places in the world for luxury, adventure, sport and art

fashion finance motoring interiors property august 2011 i s s u e 7 3

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contents

interview

feature

feature 12 Life’s Little Luxuries Annabel Harrison speaks to Paul Kerr, CEO of Small Luxury Hotels of the WorldTM, about the brand’s 20th anniversary

14 Master of the Waves Naval architect Ed Dubois discusses the rise of the super yacht

LIFE’S LITTLE

luxuries

Annabel Harrison speaks to Paul Kerr, CEO of Small Luxury Hotels of the WorldTM, about the brand’s 20th anniversary; why, for him, travel is all about the luxury of choice; and why London is the best city in the world

he Goring Hotel, London? A Small Luxury Hotel. Coco Palm, the Maldives? An SLH. Le Grand Hotel, Cannes? Another SLH. You might not know it but, scattered far and wide over the globe in capital cities and urban hotspots, idyllic islands and remote retreats, there are more than 520 boutique hotels deemed of a high enough calibre to be branded with the distinctive gold letters. Each offering is different – opt for private sanctuary, total relaxation, challenging adventure, culture immersion or gourmet discovery – but there are two factors that remain constant, whether you’re in India or Italy, China or Croatia, Bali or Barbados. Every single SLH hotel is guaranteed to be (a) small and (b) luxurious and therefore, as CEO Paul Kerr rightly points out, the company offers “exactly what it says on the tin”. In fact, taking into account his conviction that luxury is choice, the phrase ‘spoilt for choice’ never rang truer. How could you possibly choose? An insight into this difficulty is apparent when I arrive early at the SLH offices in London. The walls are adorned with sequences of tantalising images: postcard-perfect white sandy beaches; craggy, snow-capped mountain ranges mirrored in inky lakes; camels’ shadows silhouetted against sand dunes at sunset. I tell Paul that these dream holiday shots are part of the best ‘Don’t you wish you were here?’ travel collection I have seen. He smiles and agrees modestly. “We’re a very photogenic company”.

The fact that SLH has a wealth of stunning locations to shoot is in no small part aided by a strict selection process, as aesthetically minded as a series of Next Top Model and as business-minded as Dragon’s Den. Applications numbering 1,200 a year are whittled down to just 50 or 60 suitably small and luxurious establishments, and Paul confirms that “only those truly worthy of joining are accepted”. Europe, the “Disney of the world”, is a particularly strong continent (boasting almost 60 per cent of the portfolio) for SLH, followed by footholds in Asia and North America. Top new SLH locations are tipped to be South America, China and India; “we have applications flooding in from those areas”. On Paul’s personal wish list, though, is the Amazon: “I believe part of luxury is juxtaposition and a hotel contrasted with the jungle would show this. That’s why ski lodges and safari lodges do so well, contrasting harsh and hostile environments with safe and luxurious interiors of hotels”. I find out that Paul has visited approximately 264 of the company’s hotels. Research, of course, but it is this kind of on-the-ground, globe-trotting research, and persistent, far-flung attention to detail, that has propelled SLH to where it is today, setting the precedent for luxury hotels with its definitive ‘small is beautiful’ ethos. The industry has started to shun ‘bigger is better’ in favour of ‘less is more’ and so now SLH’s competitors are not just leading hotels but also chains trying to get into the boutique space, because “that is

naturally where the high-end customers want to go”. Despite this shift, SLH is still differentiated from others in the market because it has stuck to its buzz words of ‘luxury’ and ‘small’; Paul points out that the average number of rooms per hotel has only varied between 49 and 52 rooms in 20 years. With decades of experience in this industry under his belt, Paul has worked through its biggest changes and the boutique trend was driven largely by the desires of the customer. Out: complicated, opulent luxury – thick carpets, intricate decoration, and gourmet food (“although this is great if that’s what you want”). In: a massive trend for spas and, increasingly, “more understated luxury”. This is where SLH comes in; by metamorphosing slowly, it has been able to adapt to various trends, taking its customers with it. Paul, an avid sailor and habitual traveller, chooses an apt simile to describe both the trends SLH has weathered in its two decades and his own role; the ever-shifting, constantly adapting force of nature that is the sea with Paul as the surfer. The most significant waves are technology-related: first the GDS wave (Global Distribution System), heralding the boom of electronic reservations; then the “brilliant” Internet wave, “ridden very successfully” and allowing customers to explore the vast portfolio online (now securing SLH’s website 2.5 million hits a month); and the “next wave that we think is coming is social media”. SLH is ready and waiting – just tweet @SLHLuxuryHotels. Can Paul choose a favourite hotel? As I expect, the answer is a vehement “No, I couldn’t possibly!” As we swerve through a round up of his favourite hotels and experiences, many of these revolve around sailing, in and around Thailand and Portugal, although India is praised as

“a superb destination” (“I picked the coffee beans fresh from the plant itself, and then saw the beans go to be dried and processed”) and Italy, as “an amazing, beautiful country with so many places to go and things to see”. However, there’s no place quite like home, and “completely biased” Englishman Paul waxes as lyrically about London as places abroad: “the city is absolutely superb and utterly cosmopolitan, with various ethnicities living alongside each other. There are fantastic restaurants and amazing buildings, such as the Houses of Parliament and, despite what people think, it doesn’t rain too much – it has less rainfall than Sydney”. Finally Paul considers the percentage of repeat customers.“That is an interesting question because it varies from hotel to hotel... Overall, it’s around 8–12 per cent”. I’m sure this is set to rise. Once you’ve experienced the understated luxury of a perfectly sized hotel, you’ll be planning your next trip before you’ve even returned home. n

Main image: Therasia Resort Sea & Spa Volcano Porto, Italy Above: Petasos Beach Resort & Spa Mykonos, Greece Images courtesy of Small Luxury Hotels of the WorldTM

www.slh.com

interview

collection

22 Turning Back Time Jérôme Lambert, CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre, discusses the history of the iconic Reverso and its 80th birthday celebrations

Jérôme Lambert, CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre, tells Annabel Harrison about the 80th anniversary of the iconic Reverso, the company’s plans for its celebrations and JaegerLeCoultre’s outstanding track record in watchmaking calibres and patents

concierge 48 LA Woman Invest in classic black swimwear for a streamlined look or opt for asymmetric or jewelled if you want to stand out

turning back

tiME

Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Tribute to 1931 OR

lthough Jaeger-LeCoultre is just two years away from reaching an impressive 180 years in the watchmaking business, 2011 is all about celebrating the 80th anniversary of its most iconic watch – the Reverso. Despite its Swiss manufacture, British colonial army officers have an integral part to play in the history of this watch; it was created in 1931 as a response to officers based in India who faced a unique problem, wanting a watch which they could wear to play polo but which would be elegant both on and off the pitch. Because of this dual requirement, the watch had to bridge the worlds of fashion and sport, hence the innovative reversible face which to this day is synonymous with the Reverso. The other key selling point is, however, not immediately obvious: the steel or gold back that appears upon reversing the watch face provides a “blank canvas for personalization”, as CEO Jérôme Lambert explains, offering the owner “a window to engrave, enamel or gem-set with personal memories or a story.” This aspect of the Reverso plays no small part in the anniversary – the idea of creating a window into someone’s life, on freeze-frame. On 28 June this year, Jerome welcomed 800 guests to a glamorous event at L’Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris where the theme was “Capturing your magic moment”. This provided guests, such as actors Catherine Deneuve, Diane Kruger and Clive Owen, the opportunity to tell their own story with Reverso. Owen, with a longstanding passion for watchmaking, deemed the Reverso’s mechanisms and the history behind it “fascinating. It’s hard to believe that the Reverso is 80 years old. In its time, it was a real innovation and it remains an iconic watch.” Over the decades, thousands of Reversos have been hand engraved according to the very disparate wishes of their owners, from the simplest to the most sophisticated; many choose initials or crests, some opt for a number, picture or portrait and on occasion even the charmingly discreet ‘Will you marry me?’ has been concealed beneath the watch face. Those who favour more striking options, such as gems or enamel miniature painting, fuel the Jaeger-LeCoultre engravers’ innate love of detail; the preference for hand tools over machines adds a charmingly human element to the watches’ personal touches.

Clare Milford Haven, polo player and journalist, favours the Reverso Squadra Lady: “For me, the Reverso is the perfect watch – classic yet innovative, sporty yet feminine – a timeless piece with connections to polo that go way back. I cannot imagine ever wearing another watch that contains all the features that are such a part of my everyday life.” Hundreds of others feel the same, demonstrated by the Reverso Virtual Exhibition, which launched the celebrations at the start of this year. Marrying the tradition of the watch’s past with the pioneering, unique stamp of each, owners are invited to upload images of their Reverso and the story behind it, as guests also did at the Paris event. The Master Historian has, to date, verified 314 of the Reverso watches, testimony to the emotional connection owners have with the message conveyed by their Reverso. Is there a typical Reverso owner? One imagines that initially polo players led the charge of requests for these pioneering watches but that the appeal has broadened significantly in eight decades. Jérôme highlights why, deeming the Reverso as “a signature of refined elegance, for someone who appreciates the complexity of style”. However, as befits its name, the swivel case also “plays to the humour of its owner; you can choose to show or hide an intimate secret.” The Reverso’s ties with polo still live on though, testimony to its practicality for the sport; to 21st century polo player Eduardo Novillo Astrada, as to his 20th century counterparts, the Reverso is, quite simply, “the watch that means polo… I also share values with Jaeger-LeCoultre: teamwork, passion, elegance and, for me the most important, a family atmosphere.” This atmosphere, as observed here by an outsider, is also valued within the company, right from the top. Jérôme cites teamwork as what he has enjoyed most about his tenure as CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre: “At the Manufacture, we have people of 40 professions working together – it’s a set of all possible personalities, which makes managing the teams an enriching experience and offers intense moments of mutual exchange.” The talents and skills required to make a watch from start to finish at Jaeger-LeCoultre – more than 1,000 people, 40 professions and 20 technologies – is astounding.

calibre 64 The Sporting Traveller Lee Brooks picks out the best five countries to visit to blend a love for sport with a relaxing break

Orange halterneck swimsuit, £285, Liza Bruce 9 Pont Street SW1, 020 7235 8423 Black sunglasses, £292, Tom Ford, www.tomford.com

comment 74 Fitness First, Property Second Richard Brown meets Fitness First founder Mike Balfour to talk business, investment and plan B

LA WomAn For your summer holiday, invest in classic black swimwear for a streamlined look or opt for colourful, printed, asymmetric or jewelled if you want to stand out Photography: Neil Marriott Fashion Editor: Lucie Dodds

connoisseur 86 Irresistible Indulgence Timothy Barber visits Soneva Kiri, the uber-

luxurious resort on the idyllic Thai island of Koh Kood

96 Last-Minute Summer Luxury Kate Harrison visits the hills behind the Côte d’Azur and invites her family along too

regulars 10 editor’s letter

63 sport

19 watches & jewellery

85 travel

47 fashion

101 food & drink

55 health & beauty

109 out & about

57 interiors

111 property

contributors...

RUNWILD M

Editor-in-Chief Lesley Ellwood

Editorial Director Kate Harrison

Editor

Annabel Harrison

Fashion Editor Lucie Dodds

Motoring Editor Matthew Carter

Assistant Editors Richard Brown Gabrielle Lane

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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. 4. 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.

Head of Design Hiren Chandarana

Senior Designer Dalton Butler

Designer

Ashley Lewis

Production Manager Fiona Fenwick

Production Daniel Harris

Senior Project Manager Ella Kilgarriff

Head of Finance Elton Hopkins

Managing Director Eren Ellwood

5. Carol Cordrey is an art critic and editor

with popular columns in many magazines. Each year she organises sponsored art competitions offering attractive prize money and judged by distiguished artists.

Image courtesy of Petasos Beach Resort & Spa, Mykonos, Greece, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the Worldtm See p. 12

16 Heron Quay, Canary Wharf London E14 4JB T: 020 7987 4320 F: 020 7005 0045 www.runwildmedia.com

Runwild Media Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Runwild Media Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved. Subscriptions: A free online subscription service is available for Canary Wharf. Visit the subscriptions page on our website. www.subscribe.runwildmedia.com

Runwild Media Group Publishers of: Canary Wharf, The City, Vantage & London Homes & Property

from the editor...

August

years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbour... Explore. Dream. Discover.” Before The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn were published, Mark Twain was writing travel literature. He had a passion for adventure and exploration beyond his small corner of the world, well before the era of air travel made globe-trotting so much easier. His sentiment is still echoed on every continent, hundreds of years later, by millions sharing the same desire to see more of the world; from Barbados to Barcelona, New York to New Zealand, Africa to Amsterdam, there are more places worth visiting on Earth than a single person could fit into a lifetime (unless perhaps you’re Sir David Attenborough). As I write, the skies are grey and there’s a chill in the air so lose yourself in our Travel Issue: dream of sunshine, blue seas and white sand or choose where else you’d like to visit to experience picture-perfect postcard moments of your own. When it comes to where to stay, for Paul Kerr, CEO of the uber-photogenic Small Luxury Hotels of the WorldTM, luxury is choice (p. 12) and with this in mind, his portfolio of small and luxurious hotels tick all the boxes. Paul offers special praise for Thailand, India, Italy and Portugal but, having visited half of the 520 plus hotels in amazing places all over the globe, London is still “the best city in the world”.

If you’re more interested in luxury on the water, Richard Brown speaks to Ed Dubois, head naval architect of Dubois Yachts (p. 14) about the rise of the super yacht and we look at Beneteau’s beautiful new Sense 50' sailing boat (p. 61). To experience the very definition of heaven on earth, escape to Soneva Kiri in Thailand (p. 86) – think slides from your bedroom to a private pool, treetop dining for two, movies under the stars and a temple just for chocolate. Closer to home, Longueville Manor in Jersey (p. 98) is ideal for wining, dining, peace and quiet. While these options do lend themselves to the ultimate holiday dream (utter relaxation and irresistible indulgence) we have plenty of ideas for those wanting adventure, action or culture. Lee Brooks sets out the top five sporting events worth travelling to and why (p. 64), including the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand and Le Mans 24 Hours in France, and Carol Cordrey gives us her pick of global art exhibitions from Palma to Paris (p. 106). If jet-setting preys on your conscience, Alex Harrison explores the lean, green and obscene sides of air travel (p. 31); consider extrafrills, no-frills or eco-friendly ways to travel. I wish you a very happy holiday, wherever and whenever you go. Remember to explore, dream and discover.

Annabel Harrison Editor

THE FUSION COLLECTION 15 NEW BOND STREET, HARRODS AND SELFRIDGES & CO WWW.GEORGJENSEN.COM. ADDITIONAL STOCKISTS: 0207 499 6541

LIFE’S LITTLE

luxuries

interview

feature

Main image: Therasia Resort Sea & Spa Volcano Porto, Italy Above: Petasos Beach Resort & Spa Mykonos, Greece Images courtesy of Small Luxury Hotels of the WorldTM

www.slh.com

feature interview

Waves

WavesWaves

Master of the

Having spent almost 40 years designing boats that have won races across the world, Ed Dubois is now the go-to guy for any millionaire looking to commission something seafaring and special. Richard Brown talks to the naval architect about the rise of the super yacht and how his career led him to where he is today

ind yourself the fortunate proprietor of a disposable £10,000 and perhaps you’ll consider a new wristwatch. Blessed with a spare £100,000 and maybe you’ll deliberate over a new soft-top. To count a super yacht among your luxury possessions, though, you’ll need considerably more cash than that burning a hole in your back pocket. Of all the material pleasures enjoyed by the world’s wealthiest, nothing says “I’ve made it” quite like a super yacht. And yet, if you were to have navigated the Mediterranean 25 years ago, you would have been hard pushed to find many examples of these types of ‘super’ boat. The rise of these status symbols is something legendary yacht designer Ed Dubois – head architect at the renowned design house, Dubois Naval Architects – describes as a revolution. “The advent of the super yacht – a phrase generally used to describe boats over 100 feet – arrived in the late 80s,” says the man whose first sailing experience was aboard a rented boat on a pond in Regent’s Park. “Until then there weren’t many sailing boats, or even motor boats for that matter, over 100 feet long. A few very large yachts were built in the 1930s, but these were the preserve of only a handful of very wealthy industrialists.” What, then, precipitated the phenomenon that has been the emergence of the super yacht? Ed highlights two things. “First is the telecommunications revolution that started in the 80s. Advances in technology meant that you could

be on a boat anywhere on the globe and still be in contact with your business, your family and the rest of the world. People could be out at sea and no longer have to worry about losing pace with business and the news. Secondly, the increase in wealth created through the late 80s and early 90s during the economic boom meant that a far larger group of people could afford high-value luxury items.” He may now find himself at the helm of a company acknowledged as one of the world’s best yacht designers, but Dubois’ rise to notoriety grew from humble beginnings. What he describes as his first big break came in 1976, two years after he’d graduated from Southampton University with a degree in naval architecture. “I managed to convince a guy I sailed with to let me design him a boat,” Ed explains. “I rented a house in Lymington on the south coast – living upstairs and working downstairs – and managed to have the boat completed by 1 May. “That summer happened to be England’s hottest and the season’s light breezes suited the light boat, which went on to win a number of high-profile races, including the British Trials for the Three Quarter Ton Cup, the RORC Class IV overall prize and the Solent Points Championship.” For the man whose career had been born out of “a love of sailing, a fascination with design and the desire to work for myself” rather than a concrete conviction “to be a yacht designer”, the ball had began to roll; off the back of the success of his first boat, Ed was commissioned to design three more the following year. Two years later, he designed the oddly named Police Car – a yacht that, after claiming victory for Australia in the ill-fated 1979 Admiral’s Cup (the event claimed the lives of 19 people), commanded international attention.

interview

feature

Photography by Chris Lewis

feature interview

The years that followed were peppered with Dubois boat victories in a series of distinguished races – most notably in the Fastnet Race, the Southern Cross Cup, and numerous World Championships – but it wasn’t until 1985 that Ed received his first order for a sailing boat that would total more than 100 feet. “It was a very different boat from anything we’d ever seen before and for several reasons. Firstly, we realised that we would need more than just good sailing performance from the boat. We needed to design a yacht that would be a pleasure to live on. This boat would be sailing all over the world and the people on board weren’t necessarily going to be dedicated sailors; they wanted luxurious holidays and a wonderfully comfortable time.” Thanks to advances in on-board entertainment, satellite navigation and sail equipment, that was exactly what Ed was able to provide. He, like others in the industry, realised that, whereas 30 years ago a large sailing yacht would require a huge number of crew to man the sails and keep the boat in shape, powered hydraulic systems now enabled a type of ‘push button’ sailing. “You push one button and the sail goes out; you push another and the sail goes in. You no longer need an entire navy to handle a boat that is 150 feet long. At most, you need a small crew to pilot the boat and maintain the equipment – a cook, a stewardess and a deck hand; no more than a large motor yacht would require.” This being the case – and with sailing deeply embedded in stories of romance and adventure – I ask whether technology has taken away the art of pitting oneself against the ocean’s wrath? Ed thinks not. “All it means is that one man is able to get the sails in and out rather than 30 men heave-hoeing. Personally, I don’t think there is a lot of art in that. Sailing is still a fine sport, one of few that provide you with that wonderful feeling of being the master of your own destiny. Crossing oceans is a pioneering thing; it’s about finding out about yourself, about nature and about independence.” In Ed’s eyes what makes sailing yachts so appealing is clear. “Check into even the most luxurious of hotels and

you will nevertheless be bound by the rules of that hotel. Visit the most lavish of resorts and you will, all the same, have to abide by the regulations of that resort. Head out to sea on a yacht, on the other hand, and there are no rules.” When, 30 years ago, naval architects realised it was possible to have the luxury and opulence of a 40-metre motorboat in a sailing yacht of the same size, the appeal proved enough to hasten the birth of the modern super yacht industry and revolutionise the way people sailed. “Nowadays,” Ed notes, “most of our clients aren’t sailing experts, but people that see sailing as a more romantic, more desirable and more environmentally friendly alternative to the motor yacht.” Ed may not like the phrase ‘super yacht’ (describing it as “pretentious” and “a made-up term”), but in an increasingly populated world where people will always seek adventure and where privacy becomes even more of a premium, it is an industry that this naval architect can only see expanding. “Nowadays, there’s even talk of ‘mega yachts’,” Ed chuckles, as if the thought confounds him. “Sailing yachts that stretch to over 200 feet long!” n

Sailing is still a fine sport, one of few that provide you with that wonderful feeling of being the master of your own destiny

After his daughter was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare form of child cancer, aged four, Ed set up the Dubois Children’s Cancer Fund. Created in conjunction with Sparks, every pound donated to the charity goes to supporting research into cures for the disease, which at one point claimed the lives of 90 per cent of its victims. For further information or to pledge a donation, please visit www.duboiscup.com/charity

ASTB_A4_City_Mag_July11.indd 1

13/6/11 09:34:43

The moon-phase indication needs to be periodically corrected. About once every four generations.

The SAXONIA ANNUAL CALENDAR provides five different time indications at a glance: the time of day, outsize date, day of week, month, and moon phase. The latter, mathematically speaking, only needs to be adjusted by one day every 122 years. This accuracy of 99.998 % is generated by the bidirectional

self-winding movement. All of the 476 individual parts are finished with the utmost care, even the ones you cannot see through the sapphire-crystal caseback. This micromechanical treasure will still gleam with its original perfection when the moon-phase display needs to be corrected for the first time.

For an overview of the exclusive retailers of A. Lange & Sรถhne please visit or contact: www.lange-soehne.com โ ข Tel. +34 91 454 89 81

Final_JT_UK_N_Vantage_SaxAC_PG_210x297_ATMO-052-11.indd 1

26.04.2011 18:01:06 Uhr

interview jewellery one to watch

jaeger-lecoultre robert prokop .................................................................. panerai

........................

. ......................................

From one city to the next

I Vacheron Constantin continues its tradition of providing world firsts with the new addition to its World Time collection

ncluding half and quarter zones, the planet is split into 37 time zones. Surely there isn’t a mechanical self-winding device, especially one less than one centimetre in thickness and fewer than four in diameter, that would simultaneously be able to read the time in each? As a matter of fact, there is. Not only is Vacheron Constantin’s Patrimony Traditionnelle World Time the first watch to do just that but it also indicates which cities of the world lie in darkness and which are enjoying sunlight via a unique day/night shading dial on the world map that adorns its face. Set the time of your current

location by placing the city name opposite the black triangle at six o’clock and the time in the other 36 time zones become readable alongside the perimeter of the face. The cities shown in black represent full time zones, while the cities in red indicate half-hour or quarter-hour zones. In addition to incorporating all the signature characteristics of Vacheron’s world time collection, this £34,980 watch possesses the company’s new patented Calibre 2460WT and is water-resistant up to 30 metres. n www.vacheron-constantin.com

ALT1-C/CR

Born in the air, defined in the cockpit, created in England, realised in Switzerland: Bremont mechanical chronometers are made by professionals to exacting standards... for the rest of us.

www.bremont.com

watches

collection

Three of the Best…

collection

news

DIVING Watches

Sea Dweller Deep Sea Rolex, £7,070 David M. Robinson Jubilee Place, Canary Wharf

Keep your watch ticking In a similar way to how you look after your health, it’s important to maintain the health of your watch. Having been trained in Geneva by Rolex, Raymond Fitzpatrick has more than 20 years of experience in keeping your watch ticking as it should. Working out of David M. Robinson, the qualified master watchmaker can check spring bars and screws, perform water resistance tests and

carry out timekeeping checks on self winding and quartz watches. He is also available to do most other watch repairs on a range of manufacturers and can change batteries on the premises. Book a consultation with Raymond at the Showroom and ensure your watch is in tip top health. Raymond Fitzpatrick operates out of David

Sea Master Planet Ocean, Omega, £4,250 David M. Robinson Jubilee Place, Canary Wharf

M. Robinson in Jubilee Place, Canary Wharf

One to Watch: Each month Sandy Madhvani, Showroom Manager at David. M. Robinson in Canary Wharf, selects his favourite watch from the newest models

“Complete with a brushed steel 44mm case, see-through sapphire crystal back and black alligator strap, Panerai’s Luminor Marina 1950 3 Days Automatic embodies the handsomely bold look with which the brand has become synonymous” Luminor Marina 1950 3 Days Automatic, £4,600 Available at David m. robinson, jubilee place, Canary Wharf

BR02 Bell and Ross, £2,500 Charles Fish Cabot Place, Canary Wharf

turning back

TIME

interview

collection

Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Tribute to 1931 OR

collection interview

Right: Atmos MarqueteriePaille Below: Early Reverso advertisement

A tight-knit team working to the same goals and with the same vision is undoubtedly essential today for all established luxury watch brands looking to preserve and capitalize on their company’s tradition as well as leading the pack in terms of innovation. To Jérôme, the biggest challenge faced and shared by all watch brands is “to create products that the end consumer desires. It is to be innovative and push the technical advances of the brand, but not disregard the core essence of its tradition.” An avant-garde innovation presented by the Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre in 2004, the Gyrotourbillon I, was the first spherical tourbillon and, composed of two carriages set at 90° angles, this is still the only mechanical device that enables a wristwatch movement to break entirely free from the harmful effects of gravity on the watch’s precision. The Jaeger-LeCoultre story began with a Manufacture established in the 19th century in the Vallée de Joux and this is where its mission, to be the most inventive manufacturer, has continued apace. The company has been responsible, incredibly, for creating more than 1,250 calibres and 350 patents to date; its repertoire extends from Calibre 101, the world’s smallest mechanical movement, to the most ground-breaking complications. However, Jérôme is acutely aware of maintaining the balance between tradition and innovation. “It’s incredibly important to me. The Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Tribute to 1931”, the watch in fact which Jérôme wears, “is a perfect example of where we return to tradition in the form of the original 1931 Reverso as the subject but we advance in innovation by recreating it in an ultra thin case, which is technically very difficult to do.” No doubt it was this dedication to innovation that inspired the world-famous Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos clock. As the official gift of the Swiss Government, JaegerLeCoultre Atmos clocks have for years been presented to a range of Popes and Presidents, dignitaries and heads of state. Jérôme tells me that “the Manufacture’s engineers have calculated that 60 million Atmoses collectively consume no more energy than a 15-watt light bulb.” Fittingly, Jérôme’s earliest time-related memories concern the Atmos clock at his grandparents’ home: “I was hypnotized by that way of measuring time – very linear, very consistent, representing an image of stability close to the one I had of my grand-father.” For the rest of 2011, Reverso’s anniversary celebrations continue, to be followed in 2013 by Jaeger-LeCoultre’s

180th birthday milestone. The trends Jérôme has observed recently include “a shift towards the East… and a real return to classicism in watch making” but for JaegerLeCoultre, “you will see a steady growth in all markets, although the UK is a very important market for us, and the Reverso in particular, with its roots in polo and which holds a lot of importance for the brand and its development.” No doubt, thanks to Jaeger-LeCoultre’s blend of technical sophistication and creative inventiveness, as well as the Reverso’s unique history born from a British, sporting origin, there will be thousands more Jaeger-LeCoultre watch owners in the next 80 years also determined to capture their magic moment on the hidden second face. n www.jaeger-lecoultre.com Jaeger-LeCoultre watches are available from David M. Robinson, Jubilee Place, Canary Wharf

On the Red Carpet with

Angelina Former CEO of Asprey Robert Procop left the British luxury goods house last year, taking top client Angelina Jolie with him and his plan seems to be working. Claire Adler talks to a private jeweller with a passion for business

Photographer Patrick Demarchelier

jewellery

merican Robert Procop bought and sold his first diamonds before he was old enough to have his own credit card. In his final year of university, he used his profits to open Diamonds on Rodeo, a jewellery shop on Rodeo Drive in Beverley Hills. With Ronald Reagan as one of his early customers, Procop has since been commissioned by every serving president of the United States. He is a master of discretion but understandably proud of his client list which includes “heads of state, international royalty and Hollywood A-listers”. Earlier this summer, while Procop exhibited his latest offerings in a fashionably discreet contemporary art gallery in Monaco, Prince Albert of Monaco’s allegedly reluctant queen-in-waiting Princess Charlene was confirmed as one member of the world’s glitterati who came to try on some of the largest pieces in his Style of Jolie collection. Procop is a man who loves a hot jewellery deal: “The most exciting element of my business is discovering a rare gem at the right price,” he says. After being called in to turn around the fortunes of both Garrard and Asprey, he’s now focussed on his own venture – Robert Procop Exceptional Jewels – though he also continues his own wholesale business buying and selling precious gemstones and jewellery to the trade. During his time at Asprey, Procop worked with Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt on the Protector collection and more recently his jewellery appeared on Jolie in the film The Tourist. At a photocall for Kung Fu Panda 2 during the Cannes Film Festival this year, Jolie wore a bracelet of 50 carat emeralds and a nine carat vivid green Colombian emerald cushion ring from the collection she developed with Procop. Usually to be found jetting between his creative studio in Beverley Hills, the gemstone laboratory in Geneva and offices in New York and Hong Kong, Procop invited guests during the Cannes Film Festival to see the Style of Jolie jewellery collection in Monaco’s SEM-ART contemporary arts gallery, located away from the main tourist thoroughfares. Owned by art collector Safia Al-Rashid, and designed to show diverse art forms, the gallery transformed jewellery into art against a monochrome backdrop, adorning blackened walls with storyboards and drawings of the making of the collection, alongside a presentation of the philanthropic element which sees a donation based on sales

collection

of the jewels directed to Jolie’s charity Children of Conflict. Having shown the collection in Los Angeles and Monaco, Procop is now searching for his next exhibition venue but says he is also busy fielding calls since interest for the one-off pieces is so strong. This is perhaps unsurprising given that Procop claims to own one of the world’s most important collections of rare coloured diamonds and gemstones. Highlights include a velvet blue sapphire weighing more than 200 carats and a stone he has just cut; the world’s largest Star sapphire, according to gem experts at the Gemological Institute of America. Most of Procop’s customers interested in the Style of Jolie collection during his show in Monaco were women buying jewels for themselves, comments Procop. “Most clients came alone. For the men, the focus is on acquiring collector gemstones such as the emeralds for investment, whereas the women were intrigued to see Angelina Jolie’s style and inspirations. They wanted to find out more about the pieces and discreetly try them on in the privacy of the gallery”. While the gallery remained open to public visitors throughout the festival, Procop held private appointments with five to ten clients a day who hailed from 20 countries as well as intimate guestlist only events for clients, details of which he doesn’t divulge: “I have the honour of handling some of the most beautiful jewels in the world, which is a dream come true”. n

Style of Jolie Beverly Hills Exhibition

Five Row Citrine Bracelet in the Tablet Style

12 Carat Emerald Ring in the Style of Jolie

collection jewellery

4 5

Under the

Sea

Seahorses and starfish, shells and sharks, mermaids and pearls sparkle this summer with treasures from deep under the sea

Belle Mare Bracelet in sterling silver, £180, Patrick Mavros at Harrods, www.harrods.com 2 Les Dents de la Mer Cuff, £1,375, Stephen Webster at Charles Fish, Cabot Place In Deep Jellyfish Pendant with white diamonds, £6,900, Stephen Webster, as before 4 Elsa Peretti Bottle in 18 carat gold (medium), £2,800, Tiffany & Co., Cabot Place 5 Sea Horse Earrings in sterling silver, £375, Patrick Mavros, as before 6 Galatée Clip in white gold, diamonds and sapphires with one rose-cut diamond and one button-shaped natural pearl (8.34 carats), £POA, Van Cleef & Arpels, www.vancleef-arpels.com 7 Starfish Grey Pearl Hook Drop Earrings in 18 carat gold vermeil, £120, Alexis Dove at Charles Fish, Cabot Place 8 Europe Ring, one baroque cultured pearl (50.91 carats), white gold and diamonds, £POA, Van Cleef & Arpels, as before 9 Top Kat Pendant in white gold with diamonds, £6,850, Stephen Webster, as before 10 Cowrie Shell Pendant in gold, £295 (large), £178 (small), Cassandra Goad, www.cassandragoad.com

men’s luxury

collection

The Jet Set

Gentleman 8

Wherever your travels take you, aim for the refined look with a selection of accessories inspired by the quintessential English gentleman

3 4

6 5 1

All from Hackett, available at Hackett, Cabot Place 2 Panama Wide Trim Hat, £115, Aquascutum, Cabot Place 3 A Gentleman Abroad: A Concise Guide to Travelling by John Bridges and Bryan Curtis, £35, Brooks Brothers, www.mrporter.com 4 Swarovski Optik CL Companion Binoculars, available in 8x (£790) or 10x (£820) magnification, www.swarovskioptik.com 5 Riviera Overnight Bag in cotton canvas with leather trim, £375, Hackett, as before 6 Monochrome Nylon Golfing Umbrella, £99, Swaine Adeney Brigg, www.mrporter.com 7 Compass Cufflinks, £60, Hackett, as before 8 Smaller Clipper Holder in oak natural leather, £1,050, Mulberry, www.mulberry.com 9 Breitling for Bentley 6.75, POA, Breitling, Goldsmiths, Cabot Place

current affairs

feature

Flights of FANCY In an age where sometimes itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quicker and cheaper to fly than to drive or take a train in the UK, and when airlines are offering nofrills and extra-frills to keep up with their competition, Alex Harrison explores the lean, green and obscene sides of air travel

ong haul or short haul, business or pleasure, the purpose of air travel is to get yourself and a smattering of belongings from A to B. This is obvious. Nobody flies for the sake of flying - it is simply the unavoidable means to an end. However, after the main priority of transportation, passengers of the sky have varying secondary concerns and the airline industry is responding. For the majority of flyers this concern is cost. Every extra pound spent on travel is a pound lost on beachside margaritas, aprĂ¨s-ski dining and surfing lessons. It was the recognition of this thought process that led to the birth of no frills flights in the late 1970s. The cost saving techniques pioneered by Sir Freddie Laker and Laker Airways, such as reduced thrust take-offs and faster climbs to higher altitudes, greatly reduced fuel consumption and enabled unprecedentedly cheap air travel. More than 30 years later and the penny-pinching innovations are still being developed, but now aimed squarely at the passengers as opposed to the engines.

feature current affairs

Spirit Air, the self-proclaimed first ultra-low-cost airline in the United States, has a similar operating style to other low-cost airlines such as Ryanair but has taken the ‘a la carte’ pricing option one step further: $5 to print your boarding pass at the check-in desk, $3 for a soft drink or water and between $20 and $45 for carry-on luggage placed in the overhead compartment. While ‘hidden-cost’ may be a fairer description than ‘low-cost’, if you are willing to plan well in advance and forego a few luxuries then air travel can be astoundingly cheap. However, with soaring oil prices, new environmental taxes and Europe on the brink of a sovereign debt crisis, some no frills airlines are seeking to reposition themselves in the middle of the market, with companies such as Easyjet choosing to avoid using phrases such as ‘budget’ and ‘low-cost’. However, as the growth of budget airlines appears to be winding down, one aspect or air travel that has been gaining interest is the environmentally friendly side. With the aviation industry accounting for between 2 per cent and 4 per cent of global carbon emissions, there is definite room for improvement when it comes to pleasing the carbon-conscious flyer. On 28 July Thomson launched a weekly flight to Palma, abandoning conventional jet-fuel for a mixture of old cooking oil and paraffin. This form of biofuel could not only reduces CO2 emissions by up to 80 per cent but it also requires no engine alterations and has been deemed completely safe by the Civil Aviation Authority. As small numbers of such flights are scheduled for the next few years to test the financial viability of sustainable biofuels, there has been some controversy over the plans of airlines such as British Airways, Lufthansa and KLM to move away from fossil fuels towards plant-based biofuels, as announced at the Paris Air Show in June. This trend will doubtlessly help airlines achieve the targets set by

the EU for 10 per cent of transport fuels to come from renewable sources by 2020 but some groups have expressed concerns over the social and environmental dangers. Firstly, aviation’s heightened demand for palm oil and jatropha plants (key ingredients to biofuels) may increase pressure on food prices and lead to major deforestation in countries such as Cameroon and Indonesia. Secondly, a report by the charity ActionAid found that the development of jatropha plantations could produce up to six times more greenhouse gas emissions than fossil fuels. So it seems that those looking for bargain flights must negotiate a minefield of hidden fees and those who don’t want to fly with the moral baggage of damaging the environment will have to wait a few more years before the research and development of biofuels catch up with green ideals. However, besides the thrifty and the eco-friendly, there is another sector of travellers for whom there is a healthy pulse of innovation: those with the money and inclination to fly in luxury. Following on from the recent flurry of Michelin-starred oases of fine-dining popping up at international airports, personal tastes are now being catered for in-flight to an unprecedented degree. Air New Zealand recently became the first commercial airline with induction ovens in every cabin, allowing first class flyers to enjoy fresh pizza, burgers and steaks (cooked, of course, as desired), and it has been over a year since Japan’s All Nippon Airways installed custom-made kegs in their aircrafts, offering their passengers the first in-flight draft beer. The ample dimensions of the enormous Airbus A380 also mean that those willing to pay top dollar will be able to freshen up mid-flight in the first class ‘Shower Spa’ of Emirates, while those who previously felt cramped (or lonesome) in the single beds offered by some airlines will have to suffer no more as Virgin Atlantic introduces double beds for Upper Class Suite passengers. And so with the low-cost sector coming into land and the biofuel initiative getting ready for takeoff, it’s comforting to know that the market for luxury air travel is still soaring. n

SHOPPING More Than a Tambourine Man: Bob Dylan’s evocative new collection of paintings The power of Bob Dylan’s stirring and haunting music has resonated through our culture for decades and now the importance of his work as a visual artist is set to be re-affirmed. Released on 23 July, to mark Dylan’s 70th birthday, Artisan Fine Art - Canary Wharf unveiled The Drawn Blank 2011 Series to great acclaim. This set of images, created while Dylan was on the road between 1989 and 1992, with a contemplative colour palette and delicate brushstrokes, capture the artist’s chance encounters and transitory existence, and uniquely combines the everyday and the extraordinary with intimate, personal moments in his life. Now celebrated in exclusive new hardback book edition by Washington Green, the prints themselves can be viewed this month at Artisan Fine Art.

Artisan Fine Art Canada Place (turn left at Waitrose Food & Home) Canary Wharf 020 3229 0172

Three Chairs, by Bob Dylan, exclusively published by Washington Green Fine Art Publishing 2011

Mexico, by Bob Dylan, exclusively published by Washington Green Fine Art Publishing 2011

Perfect Sunglasses: made by Oakley, designed by you

Mark Cavendish

Luxury sunglasses brand Oakley has expanded its hugely successful Oakley Custom Program across Europe. Oakley has chosen Canary Wharf opticians David Clulow in Cabot Place as one of the exclusive brands to spearhead the initiative that allows customers to design their own sunglasses, working with the variables of frame colours and finishes, lens tints and more. Events like the Tour de France brought enormous media exposure to the program

as race fans pleaded for customised designs like those worn by pro-cyclists Andy Schleck and Mark Cavendish. With a myriad of preferences and requirements demanded by customers, Oakley’s unique approach tailors the products to the individual specifications of each person. The customisation service is available in the David Clulow store in Cabot Place and on Monday 8 August Oakley’s O-Lab will be visiting Canary Wharf’s Montgomery Square to take customers

through the step-by-step process of designing the perfect sunglasses. Oakley puts it simply: “If you want perfect sunglasses, make them yourself”.

Oakley O-Lab, Montgomery Square Canary Wharf. Monday 8 August Oakley's customisation service is available at David Clulow Opticians in Cabot Place 020 7345 9181

SHOPPING Wahaca’s Mexican Street Kitchen:

bringing street food back to the streets

Wahaca has launched its Mexican Street Kitchen, an opportunity to take street food back to the streets. Housed in a fully converted 1958 Citroen HY van, the latest addition to the award-winning Mexican restaurant’s market eating outlets will give Wahaca the chance to break away from the restrictions of bricks and mortar and allow more flexibility to the food and the location. The Mexican Street Kitchen, spending its first summer residency in Canary Wharf’s Canada Square Park, threw open its hatches for the first time with a festival of free burritos on 14 and 15 July. The van is open for regular service at lunch times and later on to feed Canary Wharf’s evening crowd, Monday to Friday, and is already proving popular, particularly with those enjoying the events on the park’s summer stage. The van, believed to be the first of its kind in the country, is equipped with its own charcoal Robata grill, which gives the British steak and chicken a mouth-watering flame grilled flavour in the burritos, tacos and salads served. Wahaca will also be running tasting events for fans to get involved in menu development for the Mexican Street Kitchen and gain an insight into the workings of a modern day street van. For more information on these events and more visit www.facebook.com/wahaca. One thing's for sure: The Wahaca Street Kitchen will be sure to inject some Mexican flavour into our British summer.

Wahaca's Mexican Street Kitchen Canada Square Park Canary Wharf

THE MAGIC OF MUSICALS The West End comes to the East End as Canary Wharf presents excerpts and highlights from some of London’s current top West End shows including Chicago, Mamma Mia!, Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Million Dollar Quartet and more.

Monday 1 August 6.30pm Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf FREE

Canary Wharf Jazz Festival Canary Wharf Jazz Festival presents a stunning line up, delving into every corner of the jazz genre. Don’t miss this free music celebration featuring top jazz musicians in the beautiful outdoor setting of Canada Square Park. Friday 12 August 7-8pm 8.30-10pm

Femi Temowo Ska Cubano

Saturday 13 August 1.30-2.45pm 3.15-4.30pm 5-6.15pm 6.45-8pm 8.30-10pm

Cousin Alice and the Boisdale Blue Rhythm Band Aquarium Gwyneth Herbert Cuban Combination The Herbaliser

Sunday 14 August 1.30-2.45pm 3.15-4.30pm 5-6.15pm 6.45-8.15pm

Kit Downes Sextet Grupo X Sarah Gillespie Jay Phelps Big Band with Clare Teal

Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf FREE

Gwyneth Herbert Photography: James Pfaff

events TWILIGHT DELIGHTS Enjoy Twilight Delights as our summer-long series of live concerts continues to take you from classical to the Proms via folk, opera and pop and stopping off for some Motown on the way. Bring a picnic and some friends, order a cocktail from the Parlour bar in the Park Pavilion and get into the spirit of the summer. Proms Spectacular

THE LUNCH MARKET

Join us for an alfresco feast as The Lunch Market returns with more than 20 stalls brimming with delicious international foods. Inspired by the spirit of outdoor markets throughout the world, The Lunch Market offers an amazing assortment of tasty dishes for lunch with a difference. Each Lunch Market offers a changing range of fabulous foods from a variety of cuisines – you might find spicy curries and tagines, fresh burritos with guacamole, delicious organic vegetarian food, chunky steak sandwiches, gourmet chorizo rolls, fresh ice cream and much more.

Tuesday 30 August 11am-3pm Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf

London Symphony Orchestra: Music from The King’s Speech 10 August: Folk Night Discover the acoustic folk and blues scene ranging from Dan Walsh & Will Pound’s blistering bluegrass harmonics and banjo to Philip Henry & Hannah Martin’s songs for guitar, fiddle and voice. Winners of the 2010 BBC’s Folk Awards, Show of Hands featuring Miranda Sykes, fill the headline slot to round off the perfect evening.

17 August: A Night at the Opera Enjoy some of the greatest arias ever written, performed by Wynne Evans and Janet Mooney with extracts from Carmen, Turandot, La Traviata, The Magic Flute, The Barber Of Seville and many more.

For this special concert, London Symphony Orchestra performs music from the hit British film The King’s Speech, for which they recorded the classical source music. LSO Assistant Conductor Clemens Schuldt conducts Mozart’s Overture from The Marriage of Figaro, Beethoven’s Symphony No 7, Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto with soloist Andrew Marriner and The King’s Speech main theme, by the film’s composer Alexandre Desplat.

Tuesday 16 August 7pm Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf FREE

24 August: The Bootleg Beatles Relive the sights and sounds of the sixties as the world’s premier Beatles tribute band perform all the classic Beatles hits you know and love.

31 August: Proms Spectacular A magical evening of popular classics and wonderful movie themes, culminating in a rousing finale of traditional proms favourites including Rule Britannia, Jerusalem and Elgar’s Pomp & Circumstance.

7pm Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf FREE Visit canarywharf.com for regular event updates, pick up a brochure available throughout the Canary Wharf malls or email arts&events@canarywharf.com to be added to our mailing list. Remember, space at outdoor events is unreserved and sometimes limited and portable furniture, glass bottles or glasses are not permitted on the grass. Details correct at time of print. For more information visit canarywharf.com

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time

Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva

events Barbican Silent Cinema at Canary Wharf: Monday 8 August, 6.30pm

ON SCREEN

Buster Keaton in The General (U)

This year our on screen programme brings a packed schedule including a fantastic series of Japanese animation with Barbican Anime, silent movie classics with live piano accompaniment from Neil Brand in the Barbican Silent Cinema series and, as a special addition to our Jazz festival this year, Rich Mix presents Jazz on the Screen, a selection of jazz documentaries to complement the festival. All screenings take place in Canada Square Park and are entirely FREE to attend.

Barbican Anime at Canary Wharf: Tuesday 2 August, 6.30pm

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (12) 2008: Dir. Mamoru Hosada, 98 minutes

1926: Dir Buster Keaton & Clyde Bruckman, 89 minutes

Monday 15 August, 6.30pm

Harold Lloyd in Safety Last! (U)

1923: Dir Fred Newmeyer & Sam Taylor, 73 minutes

Monday 22 August, 6.30pm

Buster Keaton in The Navigator (U)

1923: Dir Buster Keaton & Donald Crisp, 60 minutes

Jazz on the Screen presented by Rich Mix: Friday 12 August, 1pm

Monk (PG)

1968: Dir Michael and Christian Blackwood, 58 minutes

Wednesday 3 August, 6.30pm

Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva (PG)

Saturday 15 August, 10am

2010: Dir. Masakazu Hashimoto, 94 minutes

Jazz on a Summer Day (PG)

Thursday 4 August, 6.30pm

Sunday 14 August, 11am

Summer Wars (12)

2009: Dir. Mamoru Hosada, 114 minutes

1959: Dir Aram Avakian & Bert Stern, 122 minutes

Monk in Europe (PG)

1968: Dir Michael and Christian Blackwood, 58 minutes

In addition to the myriad film screenings, Canary Wharf Arts & Events are delighted to bring a FREE programme from this year’s Proms to the big screens in Canada Square Park. Friday 5 August - 7.30pm Thursday 11 August – 12 noon Prom 11: Human Planet Prom Big-screen video projections and excerpts from Nitin Sawhney’s score for the acclaimed landmark BBC One series Human Planet. Thursday 9 August - 1pm Prom 24: Elgar / Grainger / R. Strauss Tasmin Little, Sir Andrew Davis and the BBC Symphony perform contrasting impressions of Elgar and Grainger and to mark the 50th anniversary of Grainger’s death, his In a Nutshell suite receives a first outing at the Proms. Monday 15 August - 1pm

of Great Britain to perform Gabriel Prokofiev’s Concerto for Turntables and Orchestra

stellar line up of soloists and massed choirs in the second of the Proms Choral Sundays.

Thursday 18 August - 12.30pm

Friday 26 August - 7.30pm

Prom 38: Film Music Prom

Tuesday 30 August - 1pm

The BBC Concert Orchestra and its American principal conductor explore the rich legacy of film music from Hollywood and beyond.

Prom 39: Spaghetti Western Orchestra

Friday 19 August - 7pm Prom 47: Brahms – Symphony No 3 / Piano Concerto No 1 The Chamber Orchestra of Europe is celebrating its 30th anniversary with two years of Brahms under Bernard Haitink, and brings a pair of concertos and a pair of symphonies to the Proms.

Prom 30: National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain

Monday 22 August - 1pm

DJ Switch joins the National Youth Orchestra

Verdi’s masterpiece storms the heavens with a

Prom 13: Verdi Requiem

The inventive Spaghetti Western Orchestra present their own unique take on Western soundtracks and the music of Ennio Morricone - look out for asthma inhalers, cereal packets and other unlikely instruments Wednesday 31 August – 12 noon Prom 29: Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra plays Mahler Music Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel joins his old friends in the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra to tackle a colossus – Mahler’s Symphony No. 2.

When furniture looks this good you may not want to go out

Harrods Healâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

3rd Floor Knightsbridge | www.hulsta-harrods.co.uk

1st Floor Tottenham Court Road | www.hulsta-heals.co.uk

HĂźlsta-Rolf Benz

Hulsta_CanaryW-City_Jul11.indd 1

23-25 Baker Street | www.hulsta-westend.co.uk

23/06/2011 08:58

NEWS City Status: a Perfect Birthday Present for London Docklands Tower Hamlets becoming a city would be the perfect way to mark the 30th anniversary of development in London’s Docklands, say advocates. The London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC) was inaugurated in July 1981, 30 years ago last month, and it spearheaded East London’s dramatic regeneration of the disused docks in the 1980s. This paved the way for the DLR, Canary Wharf, London City Airport, ExCeL, the Jubilee Line extension and more. Such has been the area’s progress that the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, a major part of the Docklands regeneration, is now one of 20 local authorities vying to become the UK’s next city as part of the HM the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee next year. Howard Dawber from Canary Wharf Group said: “Tower Hamlets gaining city status would carry on the flame of progress lit 30 years ago by Docklands pioneers such as Michael Heseltine, Reg Ward and Eric Sorenson”. The call came after a recent event was held at East Wintergarden, Canary Wharf to honour the 30 year anniversary and the contribution made by Reg Ward, the first Chief Executive of the LDDC, who died earlier this year.

Kevin Wall (r) from Barclays Capital presents a portrait of Reg Ward, the first Chief Executive of LDDC, to Canary Wharf Group’s Howard Dawber (l) for display at Canary Wharf

Canary Wharfers Sing a Merry Tune The inaugural Canary Wharf Choir, made up of people working or living in and around the famous business and shopping district, staged its first ever concert last month. The Choir performed in Canada Square Park as part of the dedicated Canary Wharf Arts & Events programme, with singers hailing from a range of Wharf-based companies and featuring a solo performance from leading West End performer Michael Cantwell. John Tripp, musical director, says: “The Choir brings people together from all around the Canary Wharf community. We are doing it for fun but we are also serious about putting on a really good, polished performance.” The Canary Wharf Choir intends to put on another performance in the Autumn.

Canary Wharf Wins Safety Accolades Canary Wharf Group was recently honoured by RoSPCA at the Occupational Health and Safety Awards 2011. Two of the Group’s subsidiaries, Canary Wharf Contractors Limited and Canary Wharf Management Limited, won Gold and Silver awards respectively. The Crossrail Award came after the Canary Wharf Crossrail Station construction site achieved more than 365 days and half a million hours of work without losing any staff time due to safety incident. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is a safety charity. The scheme looks at accident records and entrants’ overarching health and safety management systems, including strong leadership and workforce involvement.

Canary Wharf Crossrail Station - over half a million accident free work hours

Sculpture in the workplace / visual arts

art window galleries The Art, Design & Lightbox Window Galleries in Canada Place shopping mall are showcases for up-and-coming artists, designers and craftspeople. Until 26 August the galleries display:

Rowan van der Holt Rowan’s inspiration comes from flowers and forms from the garden. She works glass with a technique called flame-working, which means it can be sculpted, layered and coloured. The resulting pieces are unusual, strong and functional.

rowan-berries.com

Emily Krainc

Five Symbolic Images: Bronze and Plaster Sculptures by Christopher Le Brun

Emily’s work explores ideas of visual memory through the process of layering: the constant application of paint over paint is like the construction of memory. In a sense her paintings become a mental space for her thoughts and emotions, both conscious and unconscious.

Until 2 September Lobby, One Canada Square

emilykrainc.co.uk

The current exhibition in the lobby of One Canada Square by Royal Academician Christopher Le Brun is the latest addition to Canary Wharf’s award winning art programme. It runs until 2 September and features a series of impressive bronze and plaster sculptures. Widely acclaimed as a painter, Le Brun began to include sculpture in his art during the 1990s, working largely in bronze. This exhibition, however, features a number of his new works made in plaster, some of which have been made especially for the Canary Wharf showing. Christopher Le Brun’s use of symbolism in his work centres on five images: the wing, the horse, the planet or disc, the tower and the figure. He uses these, not so much for their allegorical meaning, as found in romantic poetry, music or classical mythology, but for the power of their imagery. By grouping them in various ways he creates feeling and mood in compositions that also have a well-defined contemporary edge. Le Brun studied at the Slade School of Fine Art, University College London and Chelsea School of Art. He was elected to the Royal Academy in 1996 and became the first Professor of Drawing in 2000. He lives and works in London. He is a former trustee of Tate, the National Gallery, and Dulwich Picture Gallery. He is currently a trustee of the Prince’s Drawing School.

Maureen’s ‘Perspectives’ is a new work, composed of three steel illuminated lightbox towers, evocative of Canary Wharf’s skyline. Many images were taken during the ‘Magic Hour of Twilight’ and capture the vibrancy of the sunset colours and clouds reflecting on the steel and glass of the towers.

christopherlebrun.co.uk

Maureen Anne Holley

londonphotoarts.co.uk

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;swimwear ahoy There! ................................................................................................ glitter . .................................................................... dv

Photography by John Davis

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Centre Stage

S The English National Ballet recently presented top fashion designers with the challenge of reworking the classic tutu, to stunning effect

haring core ideals of delicate aestheticism, dramatic design and powerful stagecraft, the worlds of fashion and ballet seem destined to work well together. At its stunning summer garden party, The English National Ballet unveiled its latest collaboration with some of fashion’s leading designers, with dancers pirouetting down the catwalk and modelling exclusive tiaras, tutus and shoes. Given the challenge to rework the classic tutu, internationally acclaimed fashion powerhouses, including Julien Macdonald, Erdem and Beatrix

Ong (as pictured above), created beautiful, striking monochrome pieces, bedecked with sparkling detail and imbued with drama. Beatrix Ong and Christian Louboutin’s ballet pumps were gorgeously crafted, if a little difficult to wear while dancing, and truly whimsical interpretations of the prettiest type of ballerina footwear. Held in the gardens of Kensington Palace, the VIP event allowed guests to bid on the exclusive designs, with the proceeds of the night going to supporting the dance company in its future endeavours. n www.ballet.org.uk

fashion

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fashion

news A Name to Know Angelo Galasso believes that the finishing touches are what help a man to achieve elegance. Whether such detail be in the fine-fitting of his bespoke suits, the butter-soft leather of made-to-measure accessories pieces or a pervasive burst of carefully chosen colour, Galasso’s work exudes class and has led him to be declared one of this generation’s most inventive designers. Clients are invited to visit his striking new Knightsbridge boutique for a consultation and there they are able to enjoy refreshment at the in-house bar as well as access to a VIP dressing room. 8-10 Hans Road, knightsbridge, SW3 1RX

Quote of the month: Summer Kind of Wonderful In keeping with travel of the chicest kind comes the stunning current collection from Diane Von Furstenberg. The label’s gorgeous signature prints have been given a seasonal twist by combining them with splashes of

colour and flowing separates. The effect remains sophisticated yet is effortlessly cool, lending each look perfectly to summer holidays, whether taken in St. Tropez, Ibiza or the Seychelles. www.dvf.com

hange is the C healthiest way to survive Karl Lagerfield

Website:

TREND:

Ahilya Scarf

Under the eye of former Vogue fashion editor Nick Cox and in association with a dazzling range of contributors comes a website offering comprehensive advice on male grooming services and products. If you’re seeking an exclusive spa, style advice or information about the most groomed of men, this is your essential bookmark.

Glitter

Coveted by Claudia Schiffer and sustainably sourced, the scarves of luxury label Ahilya are worthy of every girl’s wish list. Each season’s collection is produced in collaboration with a leading artist and the current range sees the intricate Indian ink work of Claire Fanjul silk screen printed onto the finest cashmere. Prices start at £250. www.ahilya.com

www.thegroomingguide.com

MUST-HAVE ITEM:

A perennial party look, embellishment has been featured even more heavily on the runway this season. From the baroque dresses of Alexander McQueen to jewel-encrusted Marchesa bags, the collections sparkled under the flashbulbs at Fashion Week. This clutch is super stylish. Valorie Gold Glitter Clutch Bag, £250 Anya Hindmarch, www.gift-libarary.com

LA Woman For your summer holiday, invest in classic black swimwear for a streamlined look or opt for colourful, printed, asymmetric or jewelled if you want to stand out Photography: Neil Marriott Fashion Editor: Lucie Dodds

Orange halterneck swimsuit, £285, Liza Bruce 9 Pont Street SW1, 020 7235 8423 Black sunglasses, £292, Tom Ford, www.tomford.com

Leopard print bandeau swimsuit, £285 Liza Bruce, as before Gilt ‘Metropolis’ necklace, £610 and ring, £410 Lara Bohinc, www.larabohinc.com Purple metallic leopard stilettos, £385 Rupert Sanderson, 19 Bruton Place W1 020 7491 2220, www.rupertsanderson.com

Jewelled ‘Capri’ cut-out swimsuit, £1,200, Melissa Odabash 48b Ledbury Road W11 and 93 Walton Street SW3 020 7589 2245, www.melissaodabash.com Platinum ‘Tatjana’ stilettos, £690, Lara Bohinc, as before

Bronze bandeau cut-out ‘Kim’ swimsuit, £135 Elizabeth Hurley Beach, www.elizabethhurley.com Rose gold ‘Tatjana’ choker, £260 and matching cuff, £230 Lara Bohinc, as before

Black cut-out ‘Lysanndra’ swimsuit, £245, Agent Provocateur www.agentprovocateur.com Black sunglasses, £270, Tom Ford, as before

Tan cut-out halterneck ‘Tatiana’ swimsuit, £189, Pistol Panties, 75 Westbourne Park Road W2 020 7229 5286, www.pistolpanties.com Charcoal bone cuff, £305, Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. 0800 2000 1122, www.tiffany.co.uk

Shot at Cowley Manor - the contemporary country house hotel and spa Cowley, near Cheltenham Gloucestershire, GL53 9NL +44 (0) 1242 870 900 www.cowleymanor.com

Hair & Make-Up: Paula Mann at Models1 Creative, using Paul Mitchell (www.paul-mitchell.co.uk) and Illamasqua Flare Lipstick & Gamma Nail Varnish (www.illamasqua.com)

health & beauty

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WE’RE GOOD FOR YOU

health & beauty

news

The new Holland & Barrett store at Canary Wharf is stocked with a great selection of every vitamin, mineral and supplement you could imagine, as well as a wide range of sports nutrition and healthy snacks and foods. We’re particularly impressed by the range of natural and organic beauty products, all of which are completely chemical free to leave your mind, and skin, at ease. The trained staff can advise you on how the products will complement your fitness, enhance diet and beauty regimes and support natural health. Holland & Barrett One Canada Square

10 MILLION TREES

CONCEPT2 Concept2 have been selling rowing machines in the UK since 1983 and the company’s goal is to promote and encourage the growth of indoor rowing as a healthy lifelong leisure pursuit. Here, Terry O’Neill, Olympic Rowing Coach and Training Guru, answers your fitness questions. Q: “I am overweight and not sure what to do” A: “Over the years I’ve worked with many people who are trying to lose weight, from International Lightweight athletes who want to lower their body fat to a few per cent to people who are clinically obese. The answer I give all

these people is to combine good eating habits with whole body exercise like rowing. Watching what you eat is absolutely crucial as you can only lose the fat by burning fat during exercise or expending more energy than you are taking in – so the body then burns its fat stores. Visit the website, where I explain the process, and download a booklet with all the information you need to get started. There is also a weight loss training program that you can follow online too. If you have any questions, just drop me an email [training@concept2.co.uk].” www.concept2.co.uk/weightloss

treatment of the month: FLUTTER EYELASH EXTENSIONS

To me, false eyelashes were something to be avoided – more appropriate on drag queens than on a sophisticated night out, let alone at the office – so it was with apprehension that I visited the beautiful Dorchester Spa to trial the latest in eyelash extensions by Flutter. But I needn’t have worried. My Flutter specialist painstakingly

applied the lashes, row by row and every single one, available in different volumes and lengths, is pre-curled to offer a natural-looking finish that lasts the full length of the natural lash cycle. Two hours later, the mirror reveals a full set of flawless, thick, voluminous lashes that are dramatic yet totally natural. I feel as if I’ve discovered the new beauty essential; these low maintenance extensions define eyes and brighten your face, offering glamour 24 hours a day for up to six weeks at a time. Since then the compliments have been fantastic; everyone says how well I look but no-one can quite work out what my secret is.

Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, one of which is here in Canary Wharf, is celebrating 50 years of luxury hospitality by making a global commitment to plant ten million trees. This is part of long term efforts to support sustainability and Four Seasons will fund the planting of one tree for every Gift Card sold, online or in its hotels around the world. “For 50 years, our company logo has depicted the annual cycle of a tree” says Kathleen Taylor, president and CEO, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “In cultures throughout the world, trees represent growth, prosperity and longevity. They also play a critical role in a healthy ecosystem and a healthy planet.” Four Seasons Hotel London at Canary Wharf www.fourseasons.com/canarywharf

A full application is priced at £250 with infill treatments starting from £80 For reservations contact The Dorchester Spa on 020 7319 7109 or email spa@thedorchester.com www.thedorchester.com

interiors

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interiors

news Green with Envy Graham and Green have added to its cute and quirky furniture and homeware range with a selection of bold prints from Hello Geronimo. All of the pictures are handmade and embellished with textiles and beads. However, of particular note are the colourful designs which feature single buttons arranged into a variety of scenes on white backgrounds. The effect is striking and interesting and this ‘LOVE’ print is in keeping with the interiors trend for ornamental letters and word art. £240, www.grahamandgreen.co.uk

Know Mumo

Designer Spot Leading designer and architect Louise Bradley has expanded her signature furniture collection to include many more breathtaking pieces. Louise takes inspiration from travel, fashion, literature and art and her own designs reflect the grand and contemporary style of her interior design.

Art Deco armchairs, hand-made glass pendant lights and edgy floor-length mirrors are amongst her most recent creations, with throws, cushions and other luxurious soft furnishings on the way. www.louisebradley.co.uk

Stay in Style

The debut collection from ethical brand Mumo is now available. The company strives to be socially and environmentally conscious in all aspects of its business and sources its fabrics responsibly from less developed parts of the world. Textiles products are also created using rare artisan techniques with the aim of opening the market to smaller producers, while all fabric dyes used are bio-degradable. The range includes cushion covers created from the discarded fish skins of restaurants in Asia. www.amara.co.uk

The Lanesborough has long been considered one of London’s most elegant and beautiful hotels and this reputation has been cemented with the impressive redesign of its signature suite. The eponymous room is set over 4,000 square feet and includes four bedrooms, five bathrooms and a stunning dining room. World-renowned designer Alberto Pinto was the man entrusted with the decor of the suite and has created an opulent space bedecked in silk drapes, rich colours and handsome antique furniture. It is available for £14,000 per night. www.lanesborough.com

the trend Embrace the spirit of the sea and the luxury of beachside living. Create a stylish and airy retreat using coastal colours, natural textures and nautical accessories

Soleil Mirror, £2,127 Christopher Guy www.christopherguy.co.uk

Tall Buffet Hurricane £575, Amara www.amara.co.uk

Slatted bed Slatted Day Bedday with Cream Cushion £1,495, £1,495, Lombok,Lombok www.lombok.co.uk www.lombok.co.uk

interiors

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Great Wave wallpaper in Blue, £POA, Cole & Son www.cole-and-son.com

Parlene Globe on a Stand £100, John Lewis www.johnlewis.com

Sea Tweed Blanket, £130 The Atlantic Blanket Company www.atlanticblankets.com

Royal Albert 1930 Polka Rose Two Tier Cake Stand, £32.50 Liberty, www.liberty.co.uk

Victorian Binoculars with Tripod £122, Authentic Models www.authenticmodels.com

Ormond Vase £19.99, Zara Home www.zarahome.com

exceeding your expectations

Luxury

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motoring sports interview

Sol Rally Barbados sport and travel .......................................................... dee caffari

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Bénéteau, Les Embiez, Marcu 2011

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Peerless Precision

B Designed to be as much a high-performance sail boat as a spectacular space to stay, Beneteau’s new 50 footer has made the market its own

eneteau’s groundbreaking Sense 50' has been making waves ever since it was unveiled at the Cannes Boat Show last year. Having been described as a complete gamechanger by industry experts, the boat was voted the ‘Best production sailing yacht under 51 feet’ at this year’s Asia Boating Awards. Leading the field in stylish living and home comforts, from bow to stern the Sense 50' has been engineered to provide for luxurious, extended periods of time on board. Internal spaces have been studied in terms of shape, function and

navigation to ensure that living quarters are airy and well thought out, while externally, a chined, 14.98 metre hull and twin rudders make for superlative performance out on the waves. Revolutionary not just in its layout, the Sense 50' is available with Beneteau’s new Dock and Go docking system. The system, which synchronises a pivoting saildrive base and bowthruster via a joystick, makes berthing the boat in a restricted space effortless, even allowing you to pivot the boat in place whilst driving it sideways. n www.beneteau.com

Revival 2011 210x297 ABSOLUTE BRIGHTON:Layout 1

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GOODWOOD REVIVAL p back in time” e t s l a c i g “A ma

16 . 17 . 18 SEPTEMBER 2011 Admission strictly by advance ticket only • For tickets or hospitality please call: +44 (0)1243 755055 or visit

www.goodwood.com

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Badminton’s Best Held at a purpose-built venue within Wembley Indoor Arena Stadium, the World Badminton Championship sees the top 400 badminton players descend upon the capital. Always a display of athleticism, this year’s event promises to be even more astounding thanks to its location – the arena holds a crowd of 12,500 people, ensuring an electrifying atmosphere. The championship includes five events: Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s and Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles. Those lucky enough to beat the rest will be bestowed with the title ‘World Badminton Champion.’

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8 -14 August 2011 Wembley Indoor Arena Stadium www.bwfbadminton.org

Champions League Draw

Challenge Cup Final Though it remains uncertain which two Rugby League sides will battle it out for the prestigious Challenge Cup trophy, the final is sure to be a close affair with a host of world class teams still in line for the cup. Warrington Wolves will be looking to defend the trophy, which, with the

current version taking more than 800 manhours to produce, is one of British sport’s most impressive. Prepare for an epic finale to what has been an enthralling season. 27 August 2011, Wembley Stadium For tickets visit www.eticketing.co.uk/rle

The Final Test The summer cricket campaign against the visiting Indian national team comes to its conclusion in the worldrenowned Oval this month. With Vauxhall tube station just half a mile away and Oval station even closer, lack of transport is no excuse to miss the fourth and final test of the series. Sparks are bound to fly as both teams seek to rectify the records following 2007’s deadlock, which coincidentally occurred at the same ground. 18-22 August 2011, The Kia Oval For tickets visit www.eticketing.co.uk/surreytickets

With both Arsenal and Chelsea finishing amongst the Premier League’s top four clubs last season, the Champions League draw will be a crucial date for London’s football followers. While Chelsea’s new boss Andre Villas-Boas will be well aware of his club owner’s desire to bag the biggest prize in football, Arsenal will be seeking to silence the critics who highlight their lack of recent silverware. The draw takes place on 25 August so put a note in your diary now. 25 August 2011 www.uefa.com/ uefachampionsleague

Say what?

As a manager, you always have a gun to your head. It’s a question of whether there is a bullet in the barrel. Kevin Keegan, speaking in 1995

The Lee Brooks picks out the best five countries to visit in the next 12 months if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re keen on blending a love for international sport with relaxing breaks from everyday life

Traveller

sports

spectacular Otago Peninsula before finding your way inland for a tour of the region’s famous vineyards. Then, if England makes it through to the knockout stages, which will take place in either Wellington or Auckland, take a detour to Akaroa Harbour near Christchurch to swim with the world’s smallest dolphins. And of course, no trip to New Zealand would be complete without a tour of the hallowed turf at Eden Park in Auckland, the country’s largest stadium, where you can learn how to perform the Haka, the Maori dance made famous by the iconic All Blacks rugby team.

Details: The 45-day tournament begins on 9 September, with host team New Zealand taking on Tonga in Auckland, and ends on the final in Auckland on 23 October. Flights to Auckland and Christchurch run daily from London Heathrow with both airports just 20 minutes by taxi to the city centre. World Cup tickets range from £21 for group games to £665 for the final. www.rugbyworldcup.com Argentina – Argentine Open Polo Championship 2011

New Zealand – Rugby World Cup 2011 In September, New Zealand will welcome thousands of fans to the country for the third biggest sporting event in the world: the Rugby World Cup. A feast of fixtures will take place across the country, otherwise known as the land of Lord of the Rings, giving you the opportunity to watch worldclass rugby while sampling some of the country’s breathtaking attractions. Base yourself in Dunedin, as England will play all three of the group matches at the city’s Otago Stadium, but make time to see the

Every November, teams from all over the polo-playing world head for Campo de Polo in Argentina’s bustling capital city of Buenos Aires for the most revered international tournament in the world – the Argentine Open Polo Championship. Held in Palermo since 1893, the star-studded event has been ruled by Argentina for the past century and attracts a crowd of more than 15,000 locals and international celebrities. With 24 professional football teams – the highest concentration in any city across the world – football is a way of life in Buenos Aires. Typically, a match between Boca Junior and River Plate would be a once-in-a-lifetime event, should you get the opportunity to watch it. However, River Plate’s relegation from the first division for the first time in their 110-year history earlier this summer means you may have to wait a while to see the renewal of that epic rivalry. While you’re out there, you should head to the Cabana

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Las Lilas for an incredible steak, for which Argentina is famous, before hunting around for an invitation to one of the exclusive Polo Finals parties in the city.

Details: The event takes place between 5 November and 31 December in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Tickets can be purchased on the gate for around £18 per person while travel packages cost from £2,299 through travel company Black Tomato. Flights to Buenos Aires fly daily from London Heathrow. www.aapolo.com www.blacktomato.co.uk Australia – Boxing Day Test at MCG With the excitement and exhaustion of Christmas Day, all most of us want to do on Boxing Day is warm ourselves by the fire, watching bad TV and gorging on leftovers. But for those in Melbourne, Australia, 26 December usually heralds a fine summer’s day and an excuse to chill out with friends, so it’s no surprise that they head out in droves to watch the Boxing Day Test at the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground. Former England cricketer Bob Willis described the spectacle as “one of the biggest occasions in the sporting world.” Capable of holding more than 90,000 people in high-banked grandstands, the MCG plays host to a vibrant mix of cricket-loving locals and tourists. This year, India is heading over to take on the mighty Australians with tickets due to go on sale in September. If you’re prepared to wait a little longer, England will be returning to the scene of their epic 2010 Ashes triumph in 2013. Named the world’s best sports city in 2009, Melbourne hosts a plethora of sporting events throughout the year. In January, the city kicks off the tennis season in earnest with the first grand slam of the year – the Australian Open – at Melbourne Park and in March, it transforms Albert Park into a temporary grand prix circuit to host Formula 1. In September, the MCG hosts the Australian Football (AFL) Grand Final, then two months later it welcomes the world’s best golfers to the Australian Masters.

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Details: The five-day Test kicks off on Boxing Day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Yarra Park. The stadium is easily accessible by bus, tram or train from anywhere in the city with one-day tickets starting from £13 either in advance or on the day, if available. Flights to Melbourne fly daily from London Heathrow. www.mcg.org.au United States – NFL Super Bowl XLVI It may be known as the motor racing capital of the world, courtesy of the Indy 500, but Indianapolis is fast becoming one of the sporting hubs of America and next year, Indiana’s capital will host the biggest sporting event of them all - the Super Bowl - an event which, watched by 111 million viewers earlier this year, is one of the most-watched TV events in history. The Super Bowl is a professional football championship game which is played out between the champions of the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). Locals will be hoping their home team, the Indianapolis Colts, will make it to the final, especially as the game will be

held at their home ground – the Lucas Oil Stadium. Aside from the Indy 500, which sees the world’s best IndyCar drivers battle it out in a 500-mile race, Indianapolis plays host to an annual round of MotoGP and Nascar. There’s also the Indiana Pacers, who play in the Eastern Conference of the NBA, as well as a clutch of amateur sports which are hugely popular in America.

Details: Super Bowl XLVI will be played on 5 February 2012 at 6.30pm Eastern Time. Flights to Indianapolis fly daily from London Heathrow via Washington or New York. Tickets to the game range from £650 to £5,000. www.indianapolissuperbowl.com France – Le Mans 24 Hours “Racing is life. Anything that happens before or after is just waiting.” Those famous words uttered by Steve McQueen in the legendary Le Mans film apply perfectly to the greatest race of them all – the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Steeped in history and excitement, the world’s oldest endurance race has made the tiny town of Le Mans

famous the world over. The race kicks off at 4pm on Saturday afternoon and ends the same time the following day. During that time, the likes of Audi, Peugeot, Aston Martin and Corvette battle it out on track, stopping only to repair damage or swap drivers, so they can take a short break and recharge their batteries before doing it all over again. It’s not just motor sport which runs deep in the veins of the town. Birthplace to tennis star Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Le Mans is home to a hightech karting circuit, a racecourse, an equestrian centre, and the Le Mans FC football team. What’s more, it frequently hosts a stage of the prestigious Tour de France cycle race. Plenty, then, to keep you occupied.

Details: The next race takes place 9-10 June 2012 in Le Mans, France. The most comfortable way to get there is by train, so hop on the Eurostar from Kings Cross St. Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord. Take the underground to Montparnasse and catch the French high-speed train – the TGV – to Le Mans in less than an hour. Grandstand ticket prices start at £75. www.lemansrace.com n

Gold Medal Fitness

FITNESS

for Busy People There aren’t many of us who can win an Olympic Gold Medal aged 20, and return to the same sport aged 40 aiming to win another in 2012. But that’s exactly what Greg Searle is attempting. So how did he regain his fitness whilst juggling a full time job and a young family? He used what little spare time he had wisely… on a Concept2 Indoor Rower. The Concept2 is recognised worldwide as providing one of the best all body workouts available – whether you’re an elite athlete or a complete beginner. Not everyone has to have the same level of commitment that Greg has (he snuck away from the celebrations on Christmas Day 2009 to do a 5000m test in the spare bedroom!). For us mere mortals, just 20 minutes three times a week promises

improved energy, better fitness, and probably a trimmer waistline. For those willing to put in a little more effort…the opportunities are limitless… as Greg is hoping! To find out more about the Concept2 Indoor Rower and how it would improve your health & fitness visit our website at www.concept2.co.uk where you can download the Free training guide, or create your own interactive training programme. If you would like to talk to one of our knowledgeable staff please call 0115 945 5522 today or you could check out what Greg Searle is up to on www.concept2.co.uk/greg

ROWING Concept2 Limited Vermont House Nottingham NG11 7HQ | 0115 945 5522 | info@concept2.co.uk | www.concept2.co.uk

NOT ALL

PLAIN SAILING Dee Caffari gives us her guide to Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week, as well as allowing Beverley Byrne an insight into her sailing career, including the remarkable feat of being the first woman to sail solo, nonstop, around the world in 2006

warded an MBE in recognition of this achievement, Dee has since consolidated her position as one of Britain’s most inspirational female yachtswomen by sailing single-handed and non-stop around the world in both directions. She also successfully completed the gruelling Vendée Globe Race in 2009, crossing the finish line in 6th place, out of an original fleet of 30 competitors. In June of the same year, Dee and an all-female crew went on to smash the mono-hull speed record around Britain and Ireland. Now, having completed her third non-stop circumnavigation in the Barcelona World Race, Dee is looking to the future, which includes historic Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week (from 6 August) - the oldest and largest annual sailing regatta in the world - and further success. Why is Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week so special? Cowes Week is a unique venue where you see sailors of all levels and experiences sailing together in races on the

same patch of water. The Solent allows close racing no matter what the weather, and its complex tides and coastal effects make it technically one of the more difficult places to race. Visitors can get a great view of the racing from a number of locations and the entertainment laid on during the day and evenings mean everyone has a great time, regardless of whether they sail or not. How long have you been coming to Cowes? My first Cowes Week was in 2000. I had just qualified from the UKSA and had recently started working for Mike Golding Yacht Racing. I was crew on a corporate charter yacht sailing nearly every day, taking guests out on the water for them to get a perfect view of all the exciting racing that takes place during Cowes Week. We went ashore one evening and I was asked to sail the next day on a race yacht, which was really exciting. Since then I have pretty much been at Cowes Week every year and, although not always racing, I’m nearly always on the water in some form.

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Above: Spirit of Diana, Spirit of Minerva, Ondeck/ Clipper Right: Spinnaker fleet © Rick Tomlinson at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week 2009

Which events are you particularly looking forward to? Boats of all shapes and sizes are racing in this year’s Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week. Some have a crew of just two, while others have in excess of ten people onboard. Small day sailing yachts are racing on courses that cross paths with yachts that have been racing around the world; that’s how diverse the sport is during Cowes Week. I’m particularly looking forward to taking part in the Artemis Challenge. This is a race specific for IMOCA 60s, the yacht that’s sailed single-handed around the world in the Vendee Globe. It attracts an international line-up and the winner gets to present his or her prize money to the charity of their choice, which combines great sailing with a great cause. The Extreme Sailing Series base themselves at Egypt Point during Cowes Week and their racing is fast, furious and within spitting distance of the beach, which allows spectators to see the whites of the crew’s eyes as they race these amazing machines just inches from each other. The Tuesday of Cowes Week is Ladies Day, which celebrates the increased number of women on the water each year. In fact, age and gender are not an issue with sailing and it’s one of the few sports where girls can compete on a level playing field with the guys, so there really are no excuses to get out there and on the water! Although you are a yachtswoman, do you find events such as the Power Boat Festival (26-28 August) or the historic yachts events exciting? I think it’s fabulous to be able to bring all events to our home waters of the Solent. We should be able to celebrate the fact that there are so many ways to enjoy the water. All events regarding watercraft have a positive effect on our economy, and it also exposes more people to the pleasures of the sport – that can only be a good thing. You are an Ambassador for Toe In The Water. Tell us about the charity. Toe in the Water is a tri service charity that uses competitive sailing as part of the rehabilitation for injured servicemen and women. This year they are the Cowes Week chosen charity. It’s exciting for them to receive the recognition they deserve, as I have experienced first-hand just how much of a difference this charity makes to these guys by re-inspiring them, re-integrating them into a team again and re-engaging them positively after what has been an often traumatic injury. They are not only racing during the week but they will also host a fundraising Gala Dinner on the first Sunday of Cowes Week. What’s your advice for people visiting Cowes for the first time shore side or on the water? The website is a great place to find out about all Cowes Week activities and how to get around. Races start at the Royal Yacht Squadron Line and you should aim to be there as the cannons go off to get a great view of the start lines. A little further round, you can not only see all the boats on the water, but also some of the world-class fleet of the Extreme Sailing Series. The official website will also let you know what weather to expect each day so you can plan your wardrobe to match the day’s activities, and it will also give you all the results as they happen. The

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chances are you’ll see some famous faces, so keep your eyes peeled and check the website on who is around, as word is that there could be a royal visit during the week this year! After Cowes, what’s your next challenge? This year I’ll be racing in the Rolex Fastnet race that starts the Sunday after Cowes Week, and beyond that I’m trying to secure funds to keep me sailing. My aim is to race in the Vendee Globe 2012 and I’m looking for sponsorship to allow me to get to the start line and race towards what I hope will be a podium position. Cowes Week will always be in my calendar as there is no other sailing event bigger and it is on our home waters, which is something to be very proud of. n To find out more about Dee, visit www.deecaffari.co.uk Cowes is on the Isle of Wight and Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week takes place there from 6 to 13 August. For more information consult www.cowes.co.uk or www.aamcowesweek.co.uk

Fun at

FULL THROTTLE Two readers run wild in the Caribbean at the Barbados Sol Rally 2011 and Matthew Carter goes along for the ride

ith the revs bouncing off the limiter, the green and white Escort rally car slews into view. With a left/right flick around a duck pond ahead, the car is completely sideways as it enters the first part of the bend. But at that precise moment a duck decides to make a bid for freedom. It leaves the safety of the water and starts to waddle into the path of the oncoming Ford. The huge crowd holds its collective breath and waits for the inevitable… but it never comes. Driver Andrew Jones spots the problem at the last moment, straightens the car up and just misses the errant bird. And then, just as calmly, he flings the car in the other direction to make the second part of the corner. The huge cheer that goes up frightens the duck more than the close shave. Welcome to rallying, Barbados-style, a mix of topnotch motorsport, sun, rum and fun. Competitors from 14 nations are taking part in the Sol Rally Barbados – an annual event that takes over the beautiful Caribbean island for a week in early June. They are being watched by

thousands of enthusiastic and knowledgeable locals and a couple of lucky readers. Earlier this year, Canary Wharf magazine ran a competition for readers with a remarkable prize: ten days in the sunshine as VIP guests of the Barbados Rally Club (BRC) to witness the 2011 running of the country’s top motorsport event. It was such a valuable prize that when winner Tom Hall was contacted by the BRC – he was on the train, heading home from a day at work at Credit Suisse in Canary Wharf – he was initially convinced it was a wind-up. “At first, I couldn’t believe it… I never win anything,” said Tom. The fact that he says those words with a bottle of Banks, the local Barbadian brew, in one hand and is using the other to shelter his eyes from the blazing sun proves that the call was far from a joke. Tom and his best mate, fitness instructor Alex Wilmott, are here ready for an action-filled week packed with welcome parties, hog roasts, sun and sea, boat trips, site-seeing, late nights, early starts and plenty of top class motor sport. Some 90 teams are taking part in rally week, with local competitors taking on

motoring

top flight drivers from overseas, the latter attracted as much by the sun as anything else. Well, given the choice between a three-day rally in a wet Welsh forest and a week-long party in Barbados, which would you go for? As well as the Sol Rally itself, held over two days and 24 special stages, there’s a shakedown hill climb – the Shell V-Power King of the Hill – so that all the competitors can make sure their cars, especially those which have spent the preceding few weeks on the high seas making their way over from Europe, are fit and well. And what a diversity of machinery. At the front are a clutch of turbo-charged four-wheel drive World Rally Cars, fast and fearsome Subarus and Fords that rip through the Barbados countryside at manic speeds. There are four-wheel drive Group N machines, slightly less powerful but just as exciting as the WRC cars, and a whole host of two-wheel drive cars ranging from the latest purpose-designed rally cars to crowd-pleasing classics, like the duck-missing Mk II Escort of Barbadian Andrew Jones. Perhaps knowing that winning the event outright is out of the question, Jones and some of the other drivers of older machinery make it their responsibility to play to the crowds. During daylight hours, Jones drives everywhere sideways while for the night stages, he decks his car with flashing Christmas lights. Every time visiting Scotsman Allan Mackay powers his awesome Ford Anglia WRC (this time standing for Well Run Car, rather than World Rally Car) towards a road junction, instead of simply turning left or right as required, he slams the car into a series of wild doughnuts first. Just Google ‘Sol Rally Anglia’ for a YouTube example of what I mean. At the front, though, things are deadly serious. Local hero Roger Skeete – impressively, an 11-time winner of the event – is mastering the tricky conditions in his Subaru Impreza WRC, ahead of Briton Paul Bird in his Ford Focus WRC and the rest of the field. It’s late in the Barbados season and while the temperature stays resolutely at around 30 degrees, every day is punctuated by a short, sharp rainstorm, usually at 3.14pm and lasting all of 17 minutes. Despite the predictability of the afternoon rain shower, the conditions still catch out a few competitors. Grip is at a premium on the island’s pretty ratty roads at the best of times, but add a little water and the surface becomes treacherous, catching out more than one competitor. Skeete, though, conquers all to notch up his 12th win to the delight of the spectators, for whom the entire event is one big excuse to party. Arriving early in the morning, they set up camp on the edges of the cane fields to line every inch of the stages. Armed with cooler boxes full of food and drink they settle in for a day of high-octane thrills. The

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atmosphere is warm and friendly despite (or thanks to) the quantities of Banks beer and Mount Gay rum consumed. Friendly just like the island, in fact. It’s Tom’s first visit to the Caribbean, but it won’t be the last. It’s not all motor sport for our winners; the pair managing to find some time to lie on the beach, to enjoy some of the best seafood anywhere in the world and to take their hire car (all part of the prize) to the further flung corners of the island. Barbados isn’t just about golden beaches and the deep blue sea. The island might only be 21 miles from tip to toe, but it has a long and fascinating history and there’s plenty to see and do. Under British Colonial rule from around 1600 until independence in 1966, many of the place names have a familiar ring: Hastings, Worthing, Christ Church. English is the national language and they drive on the left, though these days the Barbadian Dollar is linked to the American Dollar and worth two to one. The country’s two principle sources of income are tourism and sugarcane production – little wonder there’s so much rum in the place. Indeed, Mount Gay is said to be the oldest rum producer in the world, and rum production has recently been re-introduced to St Nicholas Abbey, a Jacobean mansion in the north east of the island surrounded by sugarcane fields. It’s an island of contrasts, too. For example, the difference between the gentle West coast, where the rich and famous have their seaside homes, and the tough East coast, regularly battered by an angry Atlantic, is remarkable. “I’ve had a really great time,” says Tom. “Before I came here I was more of a Formula 1 fan, but the Sol Rally has made me think again - the speeds some of those cars reach on these tiny, bumpy roads is breathtaking. “It’s been a really full-on week, but we only scratched the surface of the island. I’m definitely coming back. Canary Wharf magazine, I can’t thank you enough…” n Visit www.rallybarbados.bb for more information

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internet anarchy

A series of website hackings over the last few months have illustrated how a new generation of web users are utilising the internet to get their voices heard

n case anyone was left in doubt, the last ten months have proved to everyone the true might of the internet, and, even more so, the power yielded by those who know how to manipulate it. At the start of the year, whistle-blowing website WikiLeaks released thousands of classified US State Department cables originally obtained from army soldier Bradley Manning. Angered by the ensuing arrest of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, the hacking group Anonymous demonstrated their web-based muscle by disrupting the websites of Visa and MasterCard after the credit card companies stopped

processing donations to Assange and his website. In July, as the British media became enveloped in allegations of widespread phone hacking, fellow online group LulzSec showed what they were capable of by accessing The Sun newspaperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s online version and publishing an article pronouncing the death of Rupert Murdoch. Confirming that such activity is not confined to overseas, 19 year old Ryan Cleary was arrested in June while last month saw the arrest of a 16 year old south London schoolboy, both suspected of aiding Anonymous and subsequent splinter cells. n

Fitness First,

Property Next

When Mike Balfour OBE bought and renovated a dilapidated squash club in Bournemouth, despite having witnessed the revolution that transformed Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fitness industry, he had no idea it would grow to be the first of the largest chain of health clubs in the world. Richard Brown met the self-made man to talk business, investment and plan B

interview

our years after Mike Balfour OBE opened the doors to the first Fitness First, the company floated on the London Stock Exchange. Five years saw the health club expand into continental Europe before establishing operations in both Asia and Australia that today account for 60 per cent of the company’s profits. After 17 years, Mike left the board of Fitness First – after the business was bought by private equity firm BC Partners for £835 million in 2005 – to pursue other interests. He is now founder and chairman of The Hideaways Club, a global property company specialising in the equity ownership and management of luxury property funds. He may now be recognised as one of the UK’s leading entrepreneurs but thoughts of retirement couldn’t be further from the business magnate’s mind. What was behind your decision to set up Fitness First? Back in the early 90s there were very few health clubs in the UK and the ones that were around were quite upmarket and expensive to join. Having seen what happened to the fitness industry in the United States, I was very keen to establish an affordable fitness opportunity that the majority of the population could enjoy. So I bought and converted the squash club in Bournemouth, and within just a few years we had floated on the Stock Exchange. Did you anticipate that the clubs would do so well? If you’re asking whether when I bought the first club in Bournemouth I planned to build the biggest chain of health clubs in the world, then the answer is no. Back then, I thought if we managed to establish ten health clubs that would be pretty good. But through good timing, hard work and a few strategic decisions, we built a health club operator that is now in 25 countries across the globe. What are the most essential qualities in being successful in business? Being extremely customer focused. There are too many businesses that are internally focused rather than externally focused. Understand what your customer wants, design exactly what it is they need, work out your costs and price the product accordingly. From there, you can’t go wrong. Customer focus is the key behind almost all successful businesses.

When people retire they take up a hobby. I’ve already got a hobby so I don’t need to retire. I’ll carry on building businesses What’s the biggest risk you have ever taken in business? People think entrepreneurs take risks; I don’t think they do. I think they have plan Bs; they say, ‘If this doesn’t work, I already know what I’m going to do about it.’ Have I had any failures? No, but I have had a lot of changes to plan B! You’re chairman of The Hideaways Club. Tell us about it. It revolves around the second home ownership concept.

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Most people desire to own a second home, but the reality is that they are very expensive. There is a lot of money tied up in capital, a lot of expense goes into maintaining them, and you have the obligation of going to the same place every year. What we did was turn the timeshare concept on its head. We thought, why not create a club where members can make use of a number of properties, while simultaneously owning a share of those properties? Members would own the real estate and we would simply be the operators of that collection of residences. How else does a person benefit from becoming a member? Join Hideaways and not only do you get to use the properties without the hassle of managing them – each property also comes with its very own concierge service that is available to prearrange restaurant bookings, car hire, tourist trips, and so on – but you also benefit from the club as a financial investment. Like a unit trust, it’s a safer way of investing in property. Instead of having all your capital tied up in one country, you own a share of portfolio of properties across the world, benefitting as the value of those properties rise. How much did the recession affect the business? We set up just before the crash and I think history will prove that it was actually exceptionally good timing. Virtually all our properties have been bought since the crash, so we are not carrying any financial baggage from before it; we managed to acquire a lot of our properties at 30 to 40 per cent of their previous price. The Hideaways Club has properties all over the world. Where’s the best place you’ve visited? I love Asia and I love South Africa. Those are my two favourite places. Thailand, Bali, Indonesia – any of those places are just superb. My favourite city, though, would have to be Cape Town. It’s fantastic. Away from the world of business, what inspires you? ‘Away from the world of business’ – where is that? Business has become a hobby. When people retire they take up a hobby. I’ve already got a hobby so I don’t need to retire. I’ll carry on building businesses. What does the future hold for The Hideaways Club? The vision is that we will have lots of different funds. We’ve just launched the new City Collection fund, which is based on the same concept as The Classic [villa] fund, but concentrates on luxurious two bedroom / two bathroom apartments in cities across the world. In the future, people will be able to buy a range of shares in a range of different types of properties. We are already seeing people buying a half share in The Classic fund and a half share in The City fund, giving them access to both stunning villas and spectacular apartments across the world. In financial terms, I believe that Hideaways has the potential to be just as big as Fitness First. n www.thehideawaysclub.com

SUMMER BBQS ON CLUB NIGHTS AT... T U R N U P T H E H E AT A N D J O I N U S F O R A S I Z Z L I N G B B Q T H I S S U M M E R . Y O U ’ L L E N J O Y A C O M P L I M E N TA R Y G L A S S O F P I M M S O N A R R I VA L , F O L L O W E D B Y A DIVINE 3-COURSE BBQ DINNER IN THE TUDOR G A R D E N B E F O R E Y O U P A R T Y T H E N I G H T AWAY AT O U R P R I VAT E M E M B E R S C L U B .

The Roof Gardens – 99 Kensington High Street, London W8 5SA www.roofgardensclub.com/cw

HOW MUCH? £60 per person, based on a minimum of 8 people (£50 per person for members)

WHEN?

Friday nights, May - August 2011

BOOKINGS :

Phone 0845 680 0783 or email victoria.l@roofgardens.virgin.com and Quote ‘Canary Wharf’ to receive a £10 discount.

Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability.

comment personal finance

Invest Like a Girl... Dr David Kuo from The Motley Fool explains why we could do well to follow Warren Buffet’s lead when investing To tell anyone, especially a man, that he is doing something like a girl is not really advisable. Just think about it for a minute. You don’t go round telling a guy that he kicks a football like a girl, nor do you tell him he throws a cricket ball like a girl. You just don’t do it unless you want to end up friendless. But it seems that when it comes to investing, being told that you handle money like a girl can be worn as a badge of honour, according to LouAnn Lofton. Her book, Warren Buffett Invests Like a Girl… And Why You Should, Too, has even won the nod of approval from the legendary investor himself - high praise indeed. So what is it that makes Warren Buffett so good at investing? Those of us who are au fait with Buffett’s reputation know that he is not just good in short bursts, like some investors can be, but he is consistently good over the long term. So, is it that he can correctly predict the direction of the market? Does he have some special insight into the next big thing? Or does he constantly trade to take advantage of small discrepancies in the market and leverage up to the hilt to capitalise on minor misprices? In other words, is he darting in and out of the market in a testosterone-charged frenzy? We can say many things about Warren Buffett, but describing him as being frenzied is definitely not one of them. If anything, he is the exact opposite. He is patient, he carries out research into each investment meticulously and he always avoids taking excessive risk. In fact, his objective is never to sell the companies he invests in. He has a natural aversion to doing something for the sake of doing something. In the words of LouAnn Lofton, he invests like a girl.

So how have these feminine investing traits turned Warren Buffett into the third richest man in the world? What is it that makes Buffett tower over other investors? In the main, women tend to spend more time researching their investment choices. They want to know what they are investing in and consequently avoid one of the most common investing mistakes, namely investing in something you do not know anything about. This prevents chasing the latest fad, which is the downfall of most men’s portfolios. Women are also more likely to ask probing and difficult questions that challenge their assumptions, rather than hoping that what they read and hear will confirm what they already thought. On a purely biological level, women have an advantage over men because they have less testosterone and these lower levels of testosterone in women are a decided asset. Beside the fact they do not have to stand in front of a mirror and shave bristles from their face every morning, more importantly, it helps them resist behaving in a herdlike manner in the financial markets. The upshot is they take less risk when investing. Another downfall of male investors is that they tend to be overconfident. This has been attributed to why men trade 45 per cent more often than women do. By buying and selling shares more often, men reduce their net returns. We need to bear in mind that when we trade, we are incurring unnecessary costs such as paying stamp duties and commissions. These costs will inevitably eat into returns. By trading less, women produce better returns simply by sitting on their hands and doing nothing. Men cannot help being men – that is the way they are made – but knowing your limitations and knowing how you can be a better investor never hurts. So, if being a better investor means getting in touch with your feminine side and investing like a girl, then give it try. It’s not going to make you walk funny, but it could make you walk tall when you portfolio starts booming. Warren Buffett Invests Like A Girl… And Why You Should, Too is out now and a must read, whether your chromosomes are XX or XY. n

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

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HMC Independent Co-educational Day School for children aged 3 - 18

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Horn Park Lane London SE12 8AW Tel: 020 8852 2283 www.colfes.com

comment personal finance

People Want To Steal Your Money Martin Bamford explores the recently uncovered mechanics of dangerous investment schemes such as ‘land banking’ There are a lot of crooks out there. When you are investing your money, plenty of individuals and firms are in business with the sole intention of relieving you of your hard-earned cash. In the past few days, the mechanics of a couple of dangerous investment schemes have been brought to our attention. The first involves ‘land banking’. This term means buying a plot of land and holding onto it until it can be resold for a much higher price, usually because it has received planning consent for residential development. The notion of land banking is fine in theory. Unfortunately, this type of investment scheme has been hijacked and various promoters of land banking are now putting investors at risk. The dangers associated with land banking were highlighted again recently when the FSA secured a summary judgment in the High Court against a person behind an illegal land banking scheme. His victims had invested more than£11 million and he was ordered to make an interim payment of £920,000, via the FSA, towards compensation for these investors. Land banking is an illegal activity when it becomes a collective investment scheme. If parcels of land are sold to a group of individuals with the promise of support to obtain planning permission, then only those firms regulated under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 can promote it as an investment. It is worth noting that there have been no recorded successful planning permission applications to date for plots of land sold under land banking schemes in the UK. There have been numerous examples of considerable investor losses. If you do end up buying land through one of the smooth operators who typically sell land banking schemes,

the chances of a good outcome are slim. Your investment is not covered under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) and you cannot complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) if things go wrong. In fact, buying an investment from anyone who is not regulated by the FSA is a bad idea, as it places you outside of the protection afforded by the UK financial services regulatory system. Unfortunately, it can sometimes be tricky to work out if you are dealing with a regulated firm or individual. Another recent consumer warning highlighted the use of legitimate trading names by bogus overseas fraudsters. In this case, a firm was using the established Invesco Perpetual name to target UK investors. It was promoting a fund called Invesco Perpetual (Invesco Asian Metals Fund) without the relevant permissions to carry out regulated activities in the UK. By using the name of an established financial services brand, scammers like this hope to convince UK investors they are, in fact, legitimate. In the past, we have seen our own brand name used to set up a fake website, probably to convince ‘boiler room’ victims to part with their money. Checking the FSA Register (on their website at www.fsa. gov.uk/pages/register) is a vital first step before investing money. When using this tool, make sure the firm or individual details you are looking at match up with the actual firm or individual that is trying to get you to invest. A good rule of thumb is never to invest money with someone who has called you out of the blue. Scam artists get hold of lists of existing investors who are more likely to be comfortable with investing more money. The really audacious ones target people who have already fallen victim to investment fraud, convincing them to part with even more money to recover the original investment. By meeting face-to-face with a firm of Independent Financial Advisers or Chartered Financial Planners, checking them out carefully on the FSA Register and getting recommendations in writing before you invest any money, you can keep clear of the people who want to steal your money and get advice from properly qualified, experienced and regulated advisers. n

Martin Bamford is a chartered financial planner at Informed Choice (www.icl-ifa.co.uk) and author of several best-selling personal finance books.

human resources

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Dress Codes for Working Environments Clare Murray raises the issue of whether employers can dictate their employees’ appearance at work The sensitive issues surrounding dress codes were brought to the fore again last month when a sales assistant alleged that she had been driven out of her job for refusing to wear makeup. The woman has complained that she found the company’s dress code for women to be insulting and degrading. It may come as a surprise to some that case law overwhelmingly supports the right of employers to impose dress codes on staff to ensure conventional standards of appearance at work. Indeed, dress codes are generally commonplace in UK workplaces and are often to be found in a company’s staff handbook. Numerous past cases have shown it to be difficult for employees to establish the right not to adhere to an employer’s dress code. By way of example, cases have been brought by male employees refusing to cut their long hair and a female employee’s attempt to bring a claim for being prevented from wearing trousers. In respect of both of those examples, the tribunal found in favour of the employer. In order, however, to impose any requirement relating to an employee’s appearance, an employer must be able to show a good reason for doing so. Where, for example, certain detailed rules relate to one sex rather than the other (such as wearing make-up), that difference in itself may amount to sex

discrimination unless the overall effect of the dress code is broadly the same on both sexes, and provided it is applied even-handedly. So, for example, it will generally not be discriminatory on grounds of sex for employers to ask their male employees to wear a shirt and tie notwithstanding that female employees are not asked to do so, provided that female employees are required to dress to a similar standard of smartness. In addition to potential issues of sex discrimination, employers also need to be sensitive to potential issues of religious and racial discrimination regarding dress codes. For example, the legitimacy of dress codes that clearly conflict with customs and appearance related with certain religious groups – such as requiring a Sikh man not to wear a turban, or a Muslim woman not to wear a veil – must be carefully considered and questioned as to whether they are justifiable. Relevant to the case at hand, perhaps, is also the potential infringement of protected philosophical beliefs, which fall under the Equality Act’s protected ground of religion and belief. Feminism could, arguably, be covered as a philosophical belief and thus enforcing feminists to wear make-up in the workplace may in the future lead to tribunal claims on the grounds that make-up is seen as a symbol of female oppression. Whilst the success of such a claim would remain to be seen, one thing that is certain is that it is unlikely that we have heard the last on the issue of dress codes. n

Clare Murray is Managing Partner at specialist employment and partnership law firm CM Murray LLP. She can be contacted at clare.murray@cm-murray.com or 020 7718 0090. The contents of this column are for general purposes only. Specialist legal advice should be taken regarding specific circumstances.

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WHEN IN ROME...

R Editor Annabel Harrison tells you why you must visit Rome – the 11th most visited city in the world and her favourite

ome has a much deserved reputation as one of the most romantic cities in the world, along with Paris, Venice and Florence – what some have nicknamed the Disney cities of Europe – because of its fairytalelike architecture and magical atmosphere, especially at night. The capital city of Italy, home to more than 2.7 million people, is one of the most successful city ‘brands’ in the world and millions visit every year to visit the Trevi Fountain, propose to girlfriends in front of iconic locations and eat pasta like only the Italians can.

However, for me, the real beauty of Rome lies in the way in which the whole city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, can be explored on foot for days at a time without the need to plan; every wrong turn throws up unexpected treasures. Visit the world-famous Colosseum but make sure you take in the incredible Arch of Constantine right next to it, created from centuries of spoils, and admire the 190 metres of frieze winding round the Column of Trajan. Must-sees also include the Pantheon, for its curved dome, and the exquisite Ara Pacis (Altar of Peace), housed in a bespoke museum. n

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www.justerinis.com 0207 493 6174

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travel

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Business Class Those with business matters north of the border will be delighted to hear that Glasgow now has its very own five star hotel in the form of the contemporary yet comfortable, Blythswood Square. The property boasts 100 luxury bedrooms and six spacious suites, including a dramatic penthouse with its own terrace. Guests can dine in the relaxed and fun environment of the main restaurant and cocktail bar and try out traditional Scottish beauty treatments in a beautiful spa. www.blythswoodsquare.com

Iconic Design

Built into the impressive landscape of the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve in South Africa, the Earth Lodge has long been renowned as the most environmentally friendly development of its kind and this is set to continue with a stunning refurbishment. To celebrate its tenth anniversary, the interior of the Lodge has been redesigned with the raw

beauty of the surrounding nature in mind. The 12 opulent suites are now bedecked in tones of gold, copper and silver and feature natural artworks including twig chandeliers and gilded branches. Amenities at the lodge include an indulgent Armani spa, swim-up day bar with spectacular views across Kruger National Park and a cosy library. www.sabisabi.com

Ultimate Escapism The slender coral island of Vamizi, just off the north coast of Mozambique is perfect for those desiring ultimate seclusion but an abundance of activities. The island provides easy access to Neptune’s Arm, which has been named one of the best diving sites in the world and offers canyons teeming with reef sharks, tropical fish, snappers and potato bass. Yoga, kayaking, castaway picnics and whale watching activities are also available. www.toescapeto.com

www.designhotels.com

Travel Fact According to recent tourism figures, Paris is the most visited city in the world.

Website of the month:

www.gridskipper.com

Go Wild

One of Zurich’s most recognisable landmarks has undergone a sensitive restoration programme. Hotel Sweizerhof operates within a Grade I listed building and while its elegant façade and original features remain, antique furnishings sit alongside discreet state-of-the-art technology to provide modern luxury for guests.

Well-suited for enduring city slickers, this website offers news and reviews for popular worldwide destinations including New York, Berlin and Sydney. The online guide captures a distinctly local insight with its list of great independent boutiques in Los Angeles, picnic spots in Brussels and Madrid sights visited by Ernest Hemmingway.

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.

irresistible

Indulgence Timothy Barber visits Soneva Kiri, the resort on the Thai island of Koh Kood that is to luxury retreats what the Abramovich superyacht is to parochial sailing boats

travel

f all the irresistible things you’d hope to experience on an idyllic island – gorgeous beaches, exotic food, kaleidoscopic sea life, picture-perfect sunsets – you’d be forgiven for leaving gourmet chocolate off the list. Yet, at the heart of Soneva Kiri sits a walk-in temple to that most irresistible of foodie vices. In a refrigerated glass room with views over bamboo walkways and the quiet bay beyond, where discrete villas fringe the water and a long jetty reaches out over the pristine surf, you find tray after tray of chocolate delicacies: macaroons, mousses, truffles, chocolate slabs, fondants, fondues, pralines, chilled chocolate drinks – all created by the resident Italian chocolatier and all to be gorged on, for free, as and when you please. It’s worth picking up on this, because Soneva Kiri is run by Six Senses, an ultra-luxe brand best known for its spa retreats – and, indeed, the spa at Soneva Kiri, with its isolated treatment huts, raised walkways and atmosphere of a serene Chinese garden, is world class. But the fact that Soneva Kiri is as much the perfect holiday destination for the Augustus Gloops of this world as it is for those who like their chi balanced is testament to the level of absurdly enjoyable indulgence on offer here. This isn’t just about pampering – you can spoil yourself any way you choose. The first grand indulgence is the manner of your arrival. Koh Kood is a tiny, jungle-covered island lying just off the Cambodian border in the Gulf of Thailand – which is to say, it’s a world away from the tourist-centric islands clustered around Phuket on the country’s western peninsula. To reach it, board a one-engine aircraft from Bangkok airport for a picturesque 45-minute flight to an islet just big enough to host an airstrip; from there, you’re whipped across the waves in a fantastically stylish speedboat to Soneva Kiri’s jetty. At which point two interesting things happen. A sign introduces you to the resort’s ethos – “no shoes, no news” – and you’re asked to turn your watch back an hour. Soneva

connoisseur

Kiri, you see, keeps to its own time zone. Ostensibly, it’s to take advantage of the daylight hours but the sensation of switching off real life and jumping into a sealed, otherworldly Eden – one where all the fruit is there to be picked liberally and at will – could hardly be greater. Elsewhere on the island, there’s the odd backpackerfriendly hotel but don’t expect to encounter any scruffy gap year students looking for the next Full Moon party. It is an enclosed community, with its own network of roads (joy of joys, you’re given your own golf buggy to get around the place) which link its villas, restaurants, beach, spa and other areas. As you rattle down its lanes, the staff – who considerably outnumber the guests – stop, smile and bow as a matter of course, hands pressed together in the traditional Thai manner. There are three “Soneva” resorts – the other two are in the Maldives. The word comes from a melding of Six Senses founder Sonu Shivdasani’s name and that of his wife Eva, and it represents the top tier of the company’s offering. This means more space, larger accommodation, fewer fellow guests and service of the absolutely-no-request-is-too-difficult variety. Want to head out fishing in a traditional Thai boat? Done. Zip off in a speedboat for some snorkelling and diving? No problem. Go for a private picnic on a distant beach decorated with coral? Very well. Take a plane over Cambodia to see the legendary temples of Angkor Wat? Even that can be arranged, courtesy of the Soneva Kiri private plane. And the villas are, indeed, massive, and very beautiful. My one-bedroom accommodation included its own courtyard with outdoor bath, plus a separate dressing room, bathroom and two showers (one outdoor) – and that’s just on the top level. A spiral staircase led down to a sizeable private pool surrounded by a large deck area with loungers and sofas; follow more stairs back up and you arrive at the open-air ‘living room’. I counted nine different sofa areas in which to sit and admire the views out over the bay. Sleeping with the blinds open, I’d wake up bathed in golden light as the sun rose at the end of the bed (which is vast, naturally).

connoisseur travel

The larger, family-sized villas can sleep several, for those who want to bring nannies, butlers, boxing coaches (this has happened, apparently), grandparents and children. Your little darlings might even end up with a waterslide leading straight from their room to the pool below and if that doesn’t keep them occupied, the remarkable kids’ club – an avant-garde bamboo den resembling a giant, twisted wicker basket – provides all manner of supervised activities. This means adults can get on with the not so onerous activity of pure, unbridled escapism. Soneva Kiri beach is a humdinger – it’s not huge but it’s perfectly formed, a gentle sandy strip, overhung with palms, and shallow, turquoise waters. With the resort’s low numbers of guests – there are presently just 38 villas – you’re unlikely to find yourself struggling for access to a sun-lounger. The beach is the most remote area of the resort, and you take your buggy along a road that winds through the jungle to reach it, passing the cinema along the way. Cinema? Why, yes – overlooking a lake, for romantic, outdoor screenings every Wednesday night. Fabulous food is everywhere at Soneva Kiri – don’t even think about trying to lose weight here. There’s luminously beautiful sushi down at the beach, and a gourmet restaurant called The View occupies the resort’s highest point, with a rather fine cocktail bar. At the resort’s main hub, by the jetty where you arrive, a large structure of winding wooden walkways includes the main restaurant – put in your own requests for grilled fish and meats, while the buffets of every

kind of Asian delicacy are things of wonder. There’s another bar with its own swimming pool, star-watching observatory and shops and you can even take a meal in the treetops, winched up in a bamboo pod, to which staff will swing down zip lines to bring you each course. However, the best dining to be had is off the resort. Take a boat round a headland, up a jungle river and into a mangrove swamp and you arrive at Soneva Kiri’s true jewel; Khun Benz restaurant, named after its female chef. In a traditional wooden building at the water’s edge, Khun Benz – who formerly worked at the Maldives Soneva resort, Soneva Fushi – creates Thai dishes of electrifying loveliness. Tuck in while tree frogs chirrup around you and fireflies dance over the water. No, this isn’t real life; it’s fantasy living of the most decadent kind and, like all the most decadent things, fine chocolate included, it’s irresistible. n

Bailey Robinson (www.baileyrobinson.com or 01488 689700) offers seven nights at Soneva Kiri by Six Senses, Thailand, from £2,800 per person based on two adults sharing a Hill Villa Suite, including full board, international flights and transfers. Valid for travel 16 August - 31 October 2011. Add a day trip to Angkor Wat from £1,200 per person, based on two adults, including a return private plane transfer, full day tour, visa and immigration fees.

INSPIRATIONAL OUTDOOR FURNITURE

Head Office & Balham Store 155-163 Balham Hill London SW12 9DJ Tel: 020 8675 4808 Fax: 020 8675 4652 balham@indian-ocean.co.uk

Chelsea 90-100 Sydney Street London SW3 6NJ Tel: 020 7352 9902 Fax: 020 7351 0910 chelsea@indian-ocean.co.uk

Chiswick 430 Chiswick High Road London W4 5TF Tel: 020 8994 5838 Fax: 020 8994 5712 chiswick@indian-ocean.co.uk

Selfridges & Co 400 Oxford Street London W1A 1AB Tel: 020 7318 3791 Fax: 020 7318 2473 selfridges@indian-ocean.co.uk

Norfolk - Partner Octagon Barn Bungay Road Framingham Earl Norwich NR14 8SA Tel: 01508 492 285 Fax: 01508 494 638 norfolk@indian-ocean.co.uk

Yorkshire - Partner Thorpefield Farm Thorpe Le Street nr. Pocklington, York Yorkshire YO42 4LN Tel: 01430 873 438 Fax: 01430 872 783 pocklington@indian-ocean.co.uk

Hampstead 25-27 Market Place London NW11 6JY Tel: 020 8458 5252 Fax: 020 8458 4041 hampstead@indian-ocean.co.uk

Please call 0800 111 4844 to request a brochure or order online

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09/05/2011 10:05

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a tradition of luxury The exclusive and exquisite Small Luxury Hotels of the WorldTM celebrates its 20th anniversary of offering boutique elegance across the globe

Since its origins 20 years ago, Small Luxury Hotels of the World have been providing discerning travellers with access to personalised luxury in some of the world’s most awe-inspiring locations. Having begun with just 70 properties in 12 countries, the collection now encompasses over 520 international boutique hotels, each carefully selected for their style, elegance and sophistication. 17th century mansions, idyllic country retreats and city centre sanctuaries with cutting-edge design are amongst the options which have been unearthed by the brand’s global ambassadors, who source members according to strict criteria. Consistent excellence is demanded in all areas and to guarantee that this high quality is maintained, each hotel is rigorously inspected at regular intervals. The brand’s level of experience in the high-end travel industry undoubtedly gives such choices a resounding authority and ensures customers can be confident that a recommended hotel will possess great service and attention to detail. However, customers cannot only expect glamorous accommodation in exotic destinations. For the past two

decades, SLH have also been offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences, which give guests the opportunity to punctuate their dream holiday with adventures and activities. Speaking as the company approaches its landmark anniversary, CEO of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Paul Kerr, explained that he wanted all visitors to have a memorable experience, not just a holiday. “Discerning travellers have a choice of so many wonderfully secluded and idyllic hotels around the world,” he said. “We wanted to stand out from the crowd and to highlight why guests will ‘Experience Another World’ with SLH. We have only included the very best experiences in our portfolio which we believe will offer our clients a lifetime of memories. We recognise that a holiday is about so much more than where you stay, it’s about choice. It is a chance to learn about the environment and culture that surrounds you and to experience the magnificent landscapes and communities in which our properties are situated,” he continued. Read on for our pick of 20 of the most amazing experiences to enjoy with SLH and visit the website at www.slh.com

Be inspired From pearl-farming in Phuket to learning calligraphy in China, Small Luxury Hotels of the WorldTM offers guests the chance to enjoy incredible experiences whilst staying at one of their hand-picked, opulent properties. The brand’s 20-year history ensures that there is an inspiring activity for everyone, wherever one’s enthusiasms or intentions lie. Be sure to visit www.slh.com for full details

Wilderness Experience: Crocodile Spotting, Queensland, Australia Whilst staying at a unique rainforest lodge guests are able to learn about the eco-system before taking a river cruise to see crocodiles in their natural habitat and visiting a local aboriginal population. Stay: Bloomfield Lodge Hotel, Queensland, Australia Take to your own elegant timber cabin and enjoy the views of the natural landscape. This exclusive lodge is reached only by four-wheel drive, giving it an air of mystery and serenity. Other favourites: Reef Checking and a stay at Baros Maldives in the Maldives; Elephant riding and a stay at the Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa in Thailand; Snorkelling, scuba diving and

touring boiling lakes and stalactites with a stay at the Misibis Bay Resort, Phillipines; Observe Japanese Wild Monkeys and stay at Hoshinoya Karuizawa, Japan.

Gourmet Experience: Truffle Hunting, Burgundy, France This relaxing expedition gives guests the opportunity to embrace life outdoors, with a specially planned search for truffles. Led by a trained dog, treasures are unearthed before a tasting session accompanied by fine wine. Stay: Château de Gilly, Burgundy, France A former home of medieval monks, the château is a grand residence boasting impressive architecture and beautiful parkland grounds. It overlooks the River Vogue providing breath-taking views and an overwhelming sense of tranquillity.

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Other favourites Deep Sea Fishing in the Cook Islands and a stay at the Pacific Resort Aitutaki; A Guided Tour of Coffee and Spice Plantations and a stay at the Orange County Coorg in India; An In-Suite Cooking Class and a stay at Hotel Bergs in Latvia; A Vineyard Tour and stay at the Hotel Viura in Spain.

Culture Experience: The Pearls of Asia, Phuket, Thailand Take a fascinating trip to a pearl farm by speedboat and gain an insight into the cultivation, protection and values of one of the oceanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most precious treasures. This experience also gives guests the opportunity to source their own pearls as a lovely reminder. Stay: Aleenta Resort and Spa, Phuket, Thailand This resort makes the most of its coastal setting with a light and airy design which maximises the opportunity for outdoor living. Suites have retractable glass walls, loft rooms offer incredible views and villas have outside seating areas. Other favourites A Photography Trail and stay at the El Rodat Hotel, Costa Blanca; Learn the Basics of Hunting with a Hawk and stay at

the Lainston House Hotel in Hampshire; A Traditional Glassblowing Class and stay at the TomTom Suites in Turkey; An Algarve Cruise and stay at the Monte do Casal, Portugal

spa & well-being Experience: Make your own Beauty Product, Mcely, Czech Republic This experience enables guests the opportunity to learn about the cosmetic properties of natural ingredients, guided by the experienced owner of the hotel. Each visitor can then apply their knowledge by creating a gorgeous, personal blend to keep. Stay: Chateau Mcely, Mcely, Czech Republic With its rooftop observatory, rejuvenating spa and collection of 17th century scientific instruments, this is an interesting and delightful place to stay. Other favourites Soak up the style of Royal Ascot with a Backstage Tour and stay at the Pennyhill Park Hotel and The Spa, Surrey; Luxury facilities and a stay at The Fortress, Sri Lanka; Championship Tennis at the Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa, Arizona; Holistic Renewal at The BalĂŠ, Indonesia.

connoisseur travel

Destination...

Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s world-famous canals have lead to the city being dubbed ‘The Venice of the North.’ Out of the water, the Dutch capital is a wealth of history and culture, both during the day and at night What to see::

The Royal Palace and The Botanical Garden

To get to grips with the history of the famous city, a visit to the Royal Palace is a must. Originally built as the city hall in the 17th century, the Palace has been at the disposal of the Dutch Royal House ever since King Louis Napoleon moved in, in 1806. To discover Amsterdam’s natural beauty, head for Hortus Botanicus. This botanical garden contains more than 6,000 species of plants, including a 2,000-year-old cactus agave specimen. www.en.dehortus.nl www.paleisamsterdam.nl

Where to stay:

The Grand Hotel Amrâth

There’s no doubt that the five star Grand Hotel Amrâth is one of Amsterdam’s finest hotels. Situated in the historic heart of the city, overlooking the river Ij and some of Amsterdam’s most beautiful canals, the Amrâth comes complete with a spa that boasts numerous saunas, a swimming pool, Turkish baths, a whirlpool and a team of expert therapists. Make your visit extra special by staying in the hotel’s Oriental Suite; the 60 square metres include a dining room and exclusive rooftop terrace. Prins Hendrikkade 108, 1011 AK, Amsterdam +31 (0) 20 5520 000 www.amrathamsterdam.com

Where to play::

Rembrandtplein Square There’s no getting away from the fact that Amsterdam is a city notorious for its liberality and extravagance. To escape the seediness and experience the authentic, explore Rembrandtplein Square. What used to be a butter market now forms the centre of some of the best nightlife in the Netherlands. Head to high-end restaurant-come-nightclub Rain to see live performances and a wide variety of music that accelerates as the night goes on. Rembrandtplein 44, 1017 CV, Amsterdam +31 (0)20 6267 078 www.rain-amsterdam.com

CityJet flights are available from London City Airport to Amsterdam six days a week with weekend return flights starting from just £99, all inclusive

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For more information, schedules and to book your flight visit www.cityjet.com or www.londoncityairport.com

Where to eat:

Ciel Bleu

At two Michelin-starred Ciel Bleu, everything revolves around you. Head chefs Onno Kokmeijer and Arjan Speelman make it a personal mission to ensure your visit is as individual as it can be. In addition to the pair’s top culinary creations and the impeccable service on offer, the restaurant’s unique atmosphere and luxurious interiors result in an experience you won’t forget – enhanced by impressive panoramic views offered by Ciel Bleu’s 23rd floor location. Ferdinand Bolstraat 333 1072 LH, Amsterdam +31 (0)20 6787 450 www.cielbleu.nl

Don’’t miss:

The Windmills

There are eight windmills located in Amsterdam. As well as clogs, tulips and canals, the Netherlands is, of course, synonymous with windmills, and you don’t even have to leave Amsterdam to see some of the finest examples of these Dutch masterpieces. Perhaps the most famous is Sloten Windmill, open to the public; the mill is still used to keep the surrounding polder land dry. If you’re thinking of tying the knot while you’re away, the windmill also doubles up as a beautiful wedding venue. www.molenvansloten.nl

Last-Minute Summer Luxury,

En Famille

Kate Harrison kicks around in the warmth of the hills behind the Côte d’Azur and invites her family along too

he south of France as a geographical entity needs little superfluous entrée, for it sits regally on Mediterranean shores in quiet confidence. We know all too well that its pastel landscapes, healthy cuisine and old charm, as well as its class, temperate climes, wafts of lavender and overall ambience of ease, have long been a pull for the British holidaymaker with taste. Indeed it also attracts the odd errant British emigrant in search of a life more sublime. But how does one go about benefitting from the region’s elegance with the family in tow? Well, you might well consider, as I did, a week at Four Seasons Provence at Terre Blanche, nestled in the hinterland of Tourrettes in the Var department. This modern, chic, child-friendly resort is set in the picturesque hills that are too often overlooked in favour of the more obvious coastal areas below such as Cannes and St. Tropez. Four Seasons is a Canadian-grown hotel group which began unwittingly, with one sole hotel built by an architect working for his father, but 50 years later it is a clear leader in the field of luxury hotels. The Provence resort is no exception to the general Four Seasons ethos; continual innovation and a single-minded dedication to the highest of standards and to the guest’s personal needs (a particularly welcoming trio of qualities for a child-friendly resort where standards can sometimes spiral out the bedroom window). But fear not, it is easy to lose your offspring on this site if you do want to, for the property is immense in size. The main hotel building comprises a terraced villa filled with beautiful fresh flowers, contemporary artworks and plenty of fresh air. No sooner do you enter the building than you sense another Four Seasons principle: elegance, yet in the presence of authenticity. You know you’re at the centre of luxury living but never do you forget that you’re also in Provence. Quality of life is both on offer and yours for the taking at Four Seasons Provence. The rooms, self-contained luxury villas, are contemporary and have separate living and bedroom areas. A large terrace provides your own private spot for watching the sun rising with breakfast or setting over afternoon tea. It becomes hard not to reflect constantly on how the clarity of light made this region a magnet for the likes of Cézanne, Renoir, Matisse and Van Gogh. The bathrooms are luxurious in size and décor with the most inviting of bathtubs (sadly fading in so many resorts). Heavily pregnant at the time, I was very thankful for the thoughtful inclusion of an orthopedic pillow, an instance of how this hotel chain has made its mark internationally by not forgoing its human touch.

Perhaps it is of no surprise that the food at the resort is award winning. Of the four restaurants on offer, two supply the serious options. Faventia restaurant sports Mediterranean cuisine with a Provençal fleck and is an on-site opportunity to swap the sarong for a glittering evening dress. The great majority of Provençal wines are rosés and Faventia’s wine list seems to supply a large cross-section. If you want to tone it down upon an evening, sidle along to the alternative, Tousco Grill, which offers al fresco dining by the swimming pool and throws in a delicious Provençal buffet à la bouillabaise, aioli or ratatouille. Take good note of the fact that throughout summer, breakfast, lunch and dinner from the children’s buffets are complimentary for children up to 11 years old. Four Seasons Provence is a particular draw for the golfing enthusiast. Indeed, Terre Blanche Golf Club is one of the world’s top-level golfing destinations, with two 18-hole, year-round, par-72 championship courses (Le Riou and Le Château). Don’t feel intimated if golf is not your cup of tea though; you can just lap up the novelty of customary delivery to your villa by golf buggy after check-in. Alternatively, take a buggy ride to the spa to choose from a treatment list that includes high-end product lines and those using local ingredients like lavender. Post treatment, toss a coin between the outdoor vitality pool in the resort’s garden and the spectacular vaulted indoor pool. Late summer and autumn are the perfect times for general outdoor pursuits in the region, such as biking, hiking and mountain climbing, and there’s also the sweetener of less chaotic crowds. Provence has two growing seasons, spring and autumn, with roses often blooming until late November, but it’s in September that the wine harvest starts and village markets are on top form. Provence can provide weeks of late summer sun well into what should, in our minds, be autumn. The area’s down-to-earth atmosphere, with a lick of self-assured luxury, leaves the visitor trooping back to London questioning why life can’t always be as it is whilst frolicking around on the Côte d’Azur. Yet it’s a definite holiday calendar mainstay so booking next summer’s flights to Nice becomes a winter ritual for the savvy. Simultaneously knowing that Four Seasons Provence will attend to your every whim, year in year out, transforms holiday planning stress for the family into peace of mind. n Four Seasons Provence at Terre Blanche 3100 Route de Bagnols-en-Forêt, Domaine de Terre Blanche 83440 Tourrettes, Var, France +33 (0) 4 94 39 90 00 www.fourseasons.com/provence

connoisseur

travel

Prices from â&#x201A;Ź895 per night. Different packages are offered, such as a personalized well-being plan (including two face-to-face medical consultations), spa plan (a daily treatment) and golf plan (proof of a maximum handicap of 35 required for either course).

Sim Smith jets off to explore Jersey in style with a much-anticipated stay at Longueville Manor

to the manor BORN

o sooner had we taken off and sipped our gin and tonics than our descent was announced. In the time it would take to edge forward a few hundred yards in London rush hour, we had arrived in Jersey. We picked up our car from the airport and meandered through winding country lanes in search of our hotel. Prior to our trip, I had consulted an old friend, now resident on the island, who assured me that our destination was truly deserving of its outstanding reputation. Tucked away along a leafy street was Longueville Manor, our residence for the next 48 hours. And what a residence! An understated approach led the way to this beautiful Norman manor house, its sandstone façade lit against a backdrop of thick green foliage. We were ushered in past an impressive fountain outside, and under an imposing archway to the main reception. On a chilly evening the warmth of the hotel and its staff would be well received. We were instantly made to feel as if we had come home to our own country pile, immediately relaxed; the afternoon’s meetings in London seemed a lifetime away. Dinner was served in the Oak Room Restaurant, a great example of architectural history that has been preserved in

this 13th century house. The original panelling in this room is said to have been formed from old chests dating back more than 400 years. The restaurant staff proved numerous accolades for service well deserved. With Michelin starred chef Andrew Baird (formerly of the Ritz Hotel, London) at the helm, we delighted in every course. Longueville Manor also boasts an extensive list of Old and New World wines housed in its vast cellars, all of which can be expertly recommended by the in-house master sommelier. After a rather late evening of utter indulgence, we returned to our rooms through part of the hotels grounds, which had been lit by lanterns to lead the way. There was something very romantic about the setting, the quiet and the flickering lanterns underneath a jet-black sky that could only be rivalled by the exquisite display of stars on show. Back in the room, I enjoyed a long, luxurious soak courtesy of the hotel’s exclusive bath and body range, Jersey Cow, a brand famed for its use of local ingredients including Jersey milk, honey and lavender, which, along with a sip of champagne and the feel of thick Egyptian cotton sheets, lulled me into the deepest of sleeps. The next morning, as I opened the curtains, I noticed what

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had been masked by darkness. Stepping out onto my private patio, robed in a Longueville Manor dressing gown, I saw the hotel’s picturesque grounds for the first time; a 16-acre woodland valley, immaculately kept pool and the lake inhabited by beautiful black swans. Breakfast was taken in the Oak Room Restaurant, and followed by a tour of the hotel by owner, Malcolm Lewis. Very much a family business, the Manor house was bought by Malcolm’s grandparents in 1948, and opened as a hotel for the first time with just 12 bedrooms in 1949. After being the first hotel on the island to offer en-suite facilities and a swimming pool, Longueville Manor was awarded its stars by the AA, and soon after joined one of the most prestigious hotel consortiums in the world, Relais and Chateaux. Now boasting 30 bedrooms, each named after a different rose grown on the grounds, Longueville Manor has recently been refurbished with a rare mix of fine antiques and contemporary style, juxtaposing tradition and innovation to perfection. Further accommodation lies in the 16th century farmhouse, lovingly referred to as The Cottage. Malcolm explained the renovation of the building to me, including the importance of restoring many original features like the fireplace and internal Jersey granite walls. The Cottage houses two bedrooms and its own kitchen and living room. The prefect home away from home, this little retreat is great for families. We ventured through the grounds to the kitchen garden, surrounded by a high stone wall and an impressive array of roses. Here grows much of the kitchen’s produce, and whatever cannot survive the colder months lives in the Victorian glasshouses. Built in the 1800s, these houses provide perfect conditions for more exotic fruits and vegetables, including chilli peppers, lemons, passion fruits and a newly developed crop of micro herbs. Although not completely self-sufficient, Longueville Manor is definitely doing its bit and the hotel is now part of the environmentally friendly tourism initiative in Jersey. Perfectly situated close to many of Jersey’s breathtaking beaches and renowned golf courses, a stay at Longueville Manor can cater for everyone, from the explorer to the bookworm. Among our favourites of the various sights and attractions were a walk on St Ouen’s beach, followed by an informal freshly caught lobster dinner at Oyster Box in St Brelade’s Bay. If you’re looking for a little luxury not too far from home, be sure to pay Longueville Manor a visit. Steeped in history, beauty and first-class service, there is a distinct air of family legacy about the place and after one visit you’ll wish it was your own. n www.longuevillemanor.com

connoisseur

Reader offer Longueville Manor is delighted to offer the chance for one reader and guest to enjoy a special ‘Weekend of Luxury’ at Jersey’s only five AA red star rated hotel. The weekend includes two nights’ accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis and return flights for two passengers from London City Airport to Jersey Airport, courtesy of airline operator Blue Islands.

To enter the draw for this offer, please email competitions@runwildgroup.co.uk with LONGUEVILLE in the subject line. Terms and Conditions: booking is subject to availability. The prize must be used before 1 December 2011 and cannot be used during a Bank Holiday. There is no cash alternative. Transport to and from airports must be arranged independently. Return flights through Blue Islands from London City Airport to Jersey Airport plus two nights of accommodation at Longueville Manor must be used in conjunction by the same guests and on the same dates. Please see www. runwildmediagroup.com/subscriptions for full terms and conditions.

Not just another day at the office WELCOME TO TOWN HALL HOTEL & APARTMENTS

T O W N H A L L H O T E L & A PA R T M E N T S

Patriot Square, London, e2 9nf

+44 0460 +44 (0)20 (0)20 7871 7621 8783

www.townhallhotel.com

T O W N H A L L H O T E L & A PA R T M E N T S ABTA0210_TOWNHALL.indd 1

Patriot Square, London, e2 9nf

15/1/10 09:49:00

food & drink

connoisseur

food & drink

news

Boisdale’s Great Burger Takeaway Boisdale of Canary Wharf is launching a Great Burger takeaway menu for local businesses. Burgers are made from the finest Scottish beef, and the menu includes classic, Latin, gourmet, dangerously hot and truffle burgers. All burgers are served with Bloody Mary Ketchup and hand-cut, skin-on chips. Orders need to be placed before 11.30am and collected before 12.15pm. Boisdale delivers to businesses within the Canary Wharf estate for a £5 charge. boisdale of canary wharf Cabot Place

Not your typical canteen

Wine Tasting at Plateau

NEWS:

from across the globe. In each session a different grape will be explored amid the stylish decor of the restaurant. Attend and for just £20 you’ll learn how to sample, discuss and debate the subject of fine wines with familiarity and confidence.

Food lingo: Ultimate Collection

Set forth on a wine odyssey this summer by sampling wines from six of the most famous wine regions courtesy of Estates & Wines, the Moët Hennessy Wine Division. The company has just launched an extraordinary collection of bottles that include celebrated names such as Cloudy Bay, Cape Mentelle, Terrazas de los Andes, Cheval des Andes, and Newton Vineyard. The Ultimate Collection is available from www.estates-and-wines.com

The Park Pavilion 40 Canada Square

Fourth Floor, Canada Place

Quote:

Website:

Trinidad Scorpion The Trinidad Scorpion is a chilli pepper native to the Caribbean island from which it takes its name. Scorpion pods – which ripen from green to orange to red – have a pebbly skin surface and possess a slight fruity and citrus flavour. The strain of Trinidad Scorpions known as the Butch T has been measured as the world’s hottest pepper, so strong that those who handle it have to wear protective gloves.

Sharing food with another human being is an intimate act that should not be indulged in lightly. 20th century American author

www.graze.com

With head chef Allan Pickett serving up sumptuous, French-inspired dishes, Plateau Canary Wharf has become the by-word for class, quality and comfort. Now the restaurant has decided to hold a monthly wine-tasting session with its own world-class sommeliers and a host of wine-makers

Earlier this year, Canteen founders, Patrick Clayton-Malone and Dominic Lake, were delighted to announce two new members to the restaurant’s food team: Mark Sargeant and Richard Edney. To the role of Executive Head Chef, Richard promises to bring a wealth of creativity, experience and knowledge, while Mark will work with the existing team to launch a range of exciting new dishes over the coming months.

It’s a conundrum most of us face every working day: what we should eat for lunch and where to get it. Fortunately, it’s an issue that may not prove problematic for too much longer. Visit www.graze.com and for just £3.49 you can order a box of healthy and delicious snacks to be delivered direct to your office. Nutritionally balanced, the average Graze box contains three portions of your five-a-day.

M. F. K. Fisher

101

food & drink

taste of

connoisseur

Annabel Harrison heads to Sri Nam in Canary Wharf for authentic Thai food, service and decor

THAILAND

everal years ago, I spent seven weeks in Thailand, travelling around the beautiful country, experiencing the local culture and trying the wide variety of delicious food on offer. I learnt to make Pad Thai on a cooking course in Chiang Mai, tried the colourful offerings of the buzzing local markets and street vendors in Bangkok and even sampled deep fried insects (quite an experience and one not to be repeated) on Koh Phi Phi. Since then, I have become somewhat less ambitious and every time I eat Thai food, I end up choosing my favourite option of Thai green curry, or perhaps red if I feel like a change. So it was about time I gave the culinary wealth of Thai food another try and it was with an open mind that I headed to Sri Nam. Despite the fact it was quite bright outside, the lighting inside was suitably mellow and lent itself to an evening atmosphere straightaway. The ground floor is more of a bar area, with stools clustered around high tables and the postwork drinks crowd chatting animatedly. A wide, sweeping, curved staircase leads up to the restaurant, decorated in Thai tones of red, dark wood and chocolate brown. Touches such as a wooden Buddha-type statue and (a seemingly standard fixture in bars and restaurants in Thailand) one flat screen TV showing music videos take me right back to Thailand and the friendly, smiling staff only add to this feeling. While the wine list isn’t vast, it’s more than adequate; the Pinot Grigio by the bottle is delicious and served, just as I like it, ice cold. The menu, however, presents more problems for my guest and me as it offers a huge selection of food, from smaller sharing dishes and sides to larger main meals. In the spirit of adventure and determined to branch out, we choose the New Season Menu (£38 per person, based on a minimum of two people), counting on variety in the form of both eclectic and traditional offerings. A word of warning; have a light lunch if this appeals to you as the amount of food is generous and if you’re anything like me, sticking to one main dish will prove near impossible – my favourite changed after every mouthful. The King of Siam starter platter kicked things off, consisting of crispy dim sum, chicken satay, salt and pepper squid,

stuffed crab claws and seaweed. This was excellent, for several reasons: the portions were perfectly mouthful-sized (not too big, not too small); there were two and just two of each item (it irritates me when they come in threes and you have to halve the spare); and, despite being somewhat fussy when it comes to seafood, I devoured the squid and crab claw. Next came the slightly confusingly named ‘second course’ – it’s actually more like a second starter – which leaned more towards pan-Asian than Thai but was just as delicious. Let’s face it though; unless you’re a vegetarian, crispy duck and pancakes is always a great option. The main course menu offers five different dishes, from which each diner chooses one. We shared crispy monk fish in a black bean sauce and Pa-Nang chicken curry (I just couldn’t resist). I had expected to prefer the curry, as my age-old favourite, but once again the pescetarian option triumphed; the monk fish was absolutely delicious, cooked just right and with plenty of sauce. The sides of oriental greens, noodles with bean sprouts and steamed Thai rice were also very good, although by this point perhaps too generous – we weren’t able to finish them. I should point out the attentiveness of our waitress at this point; pleasingly, not once were our wine or water glasses left empty. For dessert, I had no expectations at all – in Thailand this had usually consisted of sliced pineapple on the beach or cherries in a cocktail – but they had me at the word ‘chocolate...’ Given that this was bookended by ‘hot’ and ‘fondant’, I was sold, even if it didn’t sound incredibly Thai. It wasn’t as piping hot as I had expected but it had a good, stodgy-yet-oozy consistency and was complimented by vanilla ice cream; a fitting end to a suitably adventurous yet delicious meal. If the above hasn’t convinced you, the fact that the restaurant was half full of Thai people should – they obviously agree with me that if your taste buds yearn for an evening of authentic Oriental cuisine, Sri Nam is the place to go. n 1 North Colonnade, Canary Wharf 020 7715 9515

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connoisseur food & drink

Barbeque Drinking

Three of a Kind... Rooms with a view

Jake Crimmin, head sommelier at Gaucho suggests broadening your horizons when matching wine for summer barbeques

LOCAL Paramount

et’s be honest, when faced with the myriad of summer flavours on our outdoor grills, it can often be a daunting task to find the perfect wine to match. The problem can be further exasperated by our guests bringing in their own offerings. As a result, many of us opt for the safe option - beer for the boys and something pink for the girls! But it doesn’t have to be this way. Wines can not only complement your al fresco culinary masterpieces, they can positively complete them. As ever, the golden rule of food and wine matching applies – there are no rules! Of course there are certain things we stay clear of (that’s just chemistry) but on the whole, experiment. One of the old school rules first to be thrown from the train is the ‘reds with meats’ rule. While basking in the glorious humidity of an English summer, the idea of a big, heavy, aged Californian cabernet sauvignon paired with your Angus and Stilton burger may well leave you wanting a ruddy good dousing from the garden hose. So the key word here is ‘refreshing’ and if that means a white wine with your steak, then so be it. Trade the traditional Pinot Grigio rosé in for the grape’s more sophisticated cousin, Pinot Noir. Grab a 2008 Wanaka Road Pinot Noir, Central Otago, New Zealand and stick it in the fridge for an hour. This gorgeously youthful pinot will be full of soft, summer red fruits and at that temperature, it will keep the acidity vibrant and refreshing, heavenly with a grilled salmon skewer in a chilli marinade. For something with a little more oomph, opt for an Argentine Malbec. The people of this country plough through more meat per capita than anyone else on the planet so they know a thing or two about what goes with a fired meat and their national grape delivers in spades. Big, bold, fruity and delicious while young, it’s a champion with red meats, especially those fresh from the charring. The 2008 Vina Patricia Malbec is a deliciously voluptuous, black fruited wonder with a velvet tail that will seduce the most tender of rib-eyes.

Perched atop infamous London landmark, Centrepoint, just off Tottenham Court Rd, Paramount is one of our favourite places for brunch. With views almost as far as the eye can see, enjoy watching the sun rise across the city while sipping a glass of champagne and tucking into some divine Eggs Benedict. Decor from acclaimed designer Tom Dixon is bold and enticing, while the food is sumptuous and well-priced.

Tower 42, International Financial Centre 25 Old Broad Street EC2N 1HQ 020 7877 770 www.rhodes24.co.uk

On the river The Narrow

Centre Point 101-103 New Oxford Street WC1A 1DD 020 7420 2900 www.paramount.uk.net

IN THE CITY Rhodes 24 Boasting delightful panoramic views and a completely different angle of the London skyline, The Narrow is a classic pub, serving enviable British Food. Housed in a gorgeous Grade II Listed building, and right on the river, it’s perfectly located at the start of the Grand Union Canal, a delightful riverboat ride from Regent’s Park. The welcoming relaxed restaurant and bar are the perfect place to while away a gentle Sunday afternoon.

www.gauchorestaurants.co.uk/wineboutique

Located on the 24th floor of London’s tallest building, Tower 42, this Michelin-starred offering from Gary Rhodes serves chic food with an English flair, in a trendy, modernist

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setting. Views over the city include the Gerkin in close proximity, as well as several of the newer City developments, and the space is best enjoyed at night when a fun, sociable atmosphere lights up the restaurant. Wine highlights include an impressive array of Champagne, and some excellent reds from Provence.

44 Narrow Street E14 8DP 020 7592 7950 www.gordonramsay.com/ thenarrow

The best food and drink that Canary Wharf has to offer American

Byron Hamburgers

Second Floor, Cabot Place 020 7715 9360

Davys Wine Bar

Rocket

31-35 Fisherman’s Walk, E14 020 7363 6633

Chuchill Place, E14 020 3200 2022

PLATEAU

Wildwood

Gastro Pub

Mexican

Jubilee Place, E14 020 7719 1213

Smollensky’s

Canada Place, E14 020 7715 7100

Gourmet Burger Kitchen

The Fine Line

Jubilee Place, E14 020 7719 6408

29-30 Fisherman’s Walk, E14 020 7513 0255

WAHACA 40 Canada Square, E14 020 7516 9145

Argentinian

THE GUN

Middle Eastern

Reuters Plaza, E14 020 7719 0101

GAUCHO CANARY

29 Westferry Circus, E14 020 7987 9494

27 Coldharbour Lane, E14 020 7515 5222 THE NARROW

British

44 Narrow Street, E14 020 7592 7950

Cabot Place 020 7715 5818

Indian

CANTEEN

65 - 67 Amsterdam Road, E14 020 7538 3008

THE PARLOUR

25 Westferry Road, E14 020 7517 9233

Boisdale of Canary Wharf

The Park Pavilion, Canada Square 0845 686 1122

40 Canada Square, E14 0845 468 0100

Memsaheb

Aniseed Bar & Indian Restaurant

Italian/Pizza

MEZ RESTAURANT

571 Manchester Road, E14 020 7005 0421 Nina’s TAZA express

322 Burdett Road, E14 020 7093 3552

Oriental ITSU

Level 2, Cabot Place, E14 020 7512 5790 ROKA 4 Park Pavilion, Canada Square 020 7636 5228

AMERIGO VESPUCCI

Royal China

25 Cabot Square, E14 020 7513 0288

30 West Ferry Circus, E14 020 7719 0888

CARLUCCIO’S

SRI NAM

European

2 Reuters Plaza, E14 020 7719 1749

1 North Colonnade, E14 020 7715 9515

34 Westferry Circus, E14 020 8305 3089

Gourmet Pizza

Seafood

Carribean

Chef ColLin BROWN

2 Yabsley Street, E14 020 7515 8177 The Battery

Docklands Bar and Grill

18-20 Cabot Square, E14 020 7345 9192

Royal Victoria Docks Western Gateway, E16 020 7055 2119

Jamie’s Italian

FIRST EDITION

LA FIGA

25 Cabot Square, E14 020 7513 0300 REEBOK RESTAURANT

16-19 Canada Square, E14 020 7719 6408

French

CafÉ Rouge

29-35 MacKenzie Walk, E14 020 7537 9696

Churchill Place, E14 020 3002 5252 45 Narrow Street, E14 020 7790 0077

Pizza Express

Cabot Place, E14 020 7513 0513 QUADRATO

The Four Seasons Hotel 46 Westferry Circus, E14 020 7510 1857

CURVE

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

Spanish CAMINO

28 Westferry Circus, E14 020 7239 9077 EL FARO

Turnberry Quay E14 020 7987 5511

Turkish Hazev

2 South Quay Square Canary Wharf, E14 0207 515 9467

ARTfor Art’s Sake Carol Cordrey searches far and wide for art exhibitions worth travelling to around the world

nly someone from a past century, such as Robert Louis Stevenson, could possibly declare that “to travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive”. For those of us living in the 21st century, acutely aware that our overseas holiday or business travel could be dogged by strikes, congestion and security checks, “to arrive” is to find the first opportunity for solace and relaxation. Typically, we do so by searching out a local bar or dipping a toe in the hotel pool, but a much better way to detach our brains from the pace of life at home and in the office is to immerse ourselves in local art. Whether travelling in the UK or abroad, solo, on a romantic break or en famille, a museum or gallery is usually close at hand, offering a great source of interest, pleasure and even shelter from the burning sun or torrential downpours.

SPAIN Barcelona and Palma Spain and the Balearic Islands provide sunshine for most of the year, so if you find yourself in Barcelona, don’t miss the extraordinarily expressive work of architect Antoni Gaudi, particularly at La Sagrada Familia Cathedral and the Park Guell. This wonderful city is also famed for the Surrealist artist, Joan Miró, who was born and lived the first part of his life there. Strolling through the street, La Rambla, you may find yourself actually walking on the great man’s work, a huge, circular and brightly coloured pavement mosaic; just one of the numerous tiles bears his signature, so searching for that can be great fun for all ages. Miró gifted most of his work to the city, now displayed in the La Fundació Joan Miró. Together with his wife he moved to Palma, Majorca, in 1956 where, for the last 30 years of his long life, his output continued to be prolific. He established an artist’s colony and built La Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró on the island, where some 5,000 of Miro’s paintings, sculptures, engravings and illustrations for poetry (some of which he wrote himself) are displayed. Interestingly, the evocative logos promoting Spain’s and Majorca’s tourism were both created by him in his quintessential style of flat, expressive, abstracted shapes depicted in vivid colours. www.spain.info www.fundaciomiro-bcn.org www.miro.palmademallorca.es

FRANCE

La Sagrada Familia Basilica Turespaña

Paris Another elegant European city offering endless supplies of wonderful art is Paris, of course. Arguably its most famous is Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa in the Louvre Museum, which, I predict, will strike you as a much smaller painting

art

Lightness of Being, 2007

than you had expected. Elsewhere in the Louvre is an exhibition that offers the rare chance to examine completely different masterpieces, though from a roughly similar period: Medieval and Renaissance Illuminations (7 July–10 October 2011) spans historical, literary and liturgical manuscripts, beautifully composed and rich-coloured by masters from Italy, France, the Netherlands and Germany. If you make your way to the Musée d’Orsay, you may be very surprised to come across a quintessentially British exhibition, Beauty, Morals and Voluptuousness in the England of Oscar Wilde (13 September 2011–15 January 2012). It examines late 19th century Aestheticism, a movement which promulgated, through literature and fine art, the doctrine “art for art’s sake”, that is, art that is self-sufficient and need serve no moral, religious or political purpose. Key works by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Edward Burne-Jones, William Morris, James McNeill Whistler, Oscar Wilde and Aubrey Beardsley make this a must-see show. www.louvre.fr www.musee-orsay.fr

By Chris Levine Print on lightbox © Chris Levine. Courtesy of Mr Kevin P. Burke and the Burke Children. Private Collection.

THE UK:

ITALY: Venice Venice almost defines art and it spoils us for choice, but at the Guggenheim you can see a huge range of modern paintings, sculptures and photographs by artists that include Lucio Fontana, Roy Lichtenstein, Robert Rauschenberg and Hiroshi Sugimoto. Forming part of Ileana Sonnabend: An Italian Portrait (now until 2 October 2011), they reveal artists’ disparate visions of Italy, as well as the extraordinary breadth of the personal collection built up by this remarkable, Romanian art dealer who died in 2007. www.guggenheim-venice.it

connoisseur

Elizabeth Blackadder

Edinburgh Closer to home and part of this year’s numerous art events at the Edinburgh Festival is The Queen: Art and Image (1–31 August 2011) at Edinburgh’s Scottish National Gallery. Consisting of contemporary official and unofficial painted as well as photographic images of Her Majesty The Queen by legends such as Freud, Richter and Warhol, it marks the start of celebrations of her 2012 Diamond Jubilee, whilst also focusing attention on the changing face of royal portraiture. At the same venue will be a retrospective of the work of acclaimed Scottish artist, Elizabeth Blackadder (1–31 August 2011). The first woman to be elected both to the Royal Academy and the Royal Scottish Academy, Dame Elizabeth Blackadder is now in her 80th year but continues to paint still life, botanical and landscape pictures with her characteristic light touch and brilliance that often disregard painting conventions or perspective. www.nationalgalleries.org

Iris Oncocyclus Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, © the artist

USA: New York Leap across the pond to New York, to the city that doesn’t sleep and if you’re keen to enjoy even half of its amazing art, you won’t either. A current highlight of MoMA is Cy Twombly: Sculpture (now until 3 October 2011), presenting seven examples of this form of art by the man famed for his random, loose, abstract paintings. The sculptures are inspired by and constructed from a variety of everyday objets trouvés, but their covering of white paint affords them uniformity and an aura of “other-worldliness”. Within the same museum but later this year will be the unique opportunity to see Diego Rivera: Murals for the Museum of Modern Art (13 November 2011–27 February 2012). Mexican born but internationally renowned, this Social Realist firmly believed that art should serve a social and political purpose. The exhibition will include Rivera’s “portable murals” (originally made for his 1931 MoMA exhibition), which commented on class inequity and unrest in Mexico and New York at the time of the Great Depression. Equally exciting amongst the exhibits will be Rivera’s drawings and designs for the famous mural in the Rockefeller Center. www.moma.org They say one should not speak ill of the dead, but there’s no denying that the late Mr Stevenson was wrong; arriving and lapping up art is so much better than the effort demanded by today’s travel. n

107

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out about

Silver and Jewellery Spectacular Any fine jewellery collector on the lookout for bespoke, signature pieces to add to their collection should keep the last week of September and first week of October free. That’s when the City of London’s historic Goldsmiths’ Hall will play host to Goldsmiths’ Fair – one of Europe’s most prestigious annual jewellery and contemporary silver selling exhibitions. Established in 1983, the event showcases more than 180 of the best independent UK jewellery and silver designer-makers, giving guests the chance to purchase bespoke fine jewellery, treasured one-of-a-kind gifts, statement silver pieces and fabulous heirlooms of the future.

out & about

connoisseur

Coming to a Big Screen Near You

Film fans of all ages are in for a treat this August as The O2 opens its doors to Empire Presents.... BIG SCREEN. Backed by the world’s biggest studio names, including Paramount, Disney, Sony and Universal, the starstudded movie extravaganza offers visitors a choice of more than 250 incredible things to do, with a chance to meet the stars, see live performances and watch a veritable feast of premieres. Bookended by Daniel Craig’s Cowboys and Aliens on 12 August and Colin Farrell’s Fright Night on 14 August, the event features everything from animal shows to an exclusive performance by dance group Flawless who will be teaching fans a routine from Street Dance. Empire Presents....BIG SCREEN at The O2 12-14 August

Goldsmiths’ Fair 26 September-2 October and 4-9 October Open 11am-7pm Monday to Friday and 10am-6pm Saturday and Sunday www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk

Carnival Spirit

To more than a million Londoners, the August Bank Holiday weekend means only one thing: Notting Hill Carnival. Set to erupt out of the west of the city at the end of this month, the festival fils the streets with its usual flamboyant dancing and musical processions, aromatic smells and exotic tastes. The biggest street festival in Europe, Carnival’s music may be centred on its Caribbean roots but with a range of live street performances, the festival offers something for everyone. Notting Hill Carnival 28-30 August www.thenottinghillcarnival.com

Portrait Pioneer

During a career spanning 60 years, film portraiture pioneer Cornel Lucas has shot everyone from Brigitte Bardot and Joan Collins to Katharine Hepburn. To celebrate the work of the first stills photographer ever to receive a BAFTA in honour of his services to the film industry, Chris Beetles Fine Photographs is proud to be hosting a retrospective of some of Lucas’ most famous prints. Pay a visit to witness how Lucas mastered light and shade while capturing life and luminosity in his stunning shots. Chris Beetles Fine Photographs 3-5 Swallow Street, W1B 4DE 20 July-27 August

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connoisseur out & about

Beer O’Clock The fun-filled, stein-fuelled three day celebration of fantastic food and premium quality beer that is the London Bierfest is back for 2011. Transforming Old Billingsgate Market into a traditional Bavarian Bier Hall, the event will welcome more than 4,000 people through its doors from 5 to 7 October. With 16,000 litres of beer consumed and 15,000 sausages eaten each year, London Bierfest brings a true slice of Munich to a city of beer lovers - the perfect escape from the office. 5-7 October 16 Lower Thames Street, City of London, EC3R 6EA www.londonbierfest.com

a magical STEP BACK IN TIME The Goodwood Revival is the world’s most popular historic motor race meeting and the only event of its kind to be staged entirely in the nostalgic time capsule of the 1940s, 50s and 60s. Visitors can indulge in the very best vintage fashion and live music from the era and, from the grassy banks and Grandstands around the famous Goodwood Circuit, can also relive the excitement and glamour of motor racing’s heyday. Daring drivers compete wheel to wheel on a stage made famous by legends like Stirling Moss, Juan Manuel Fangio, Jackie Stewart and Graham Hill. Aside from the entertainment on the track, there is breathtaking action in the skies above this former Battle of Britain airfield, as Spitfires, Hurricanes and Mustangs perform elaborate swoops over the circuit. 16 to 18 September Goodwood Estate, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0PX www.goodwood.co.uk/revival

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WIN Goodwood Revival (16-18 september) tickets how to win Win a pair of Goodwood Revival tickets for you and a guest (there are three pairs available) by emailing your name to competitions@runwildgroup.co.uk Terms and Conditions: each prize is one pair of Goodwood Revival 2011 general adult admission tickets for 18 September and three pairs are available in total. This prize is non-transferable and no cash alternative will be offered. The competition is open to UK residents aged 18 or over, and closes at 23:59 on 31 August 2011. Entries received thereafter will be discarded. The promoter reserves the right to withdraw or amend this promotion. Employees and directors of Runwild Media Group and their subsidiaries and affiliates, agents, dealers and their immediate family or household members are not eligible to enter. By entering this competition you agree to your details being used by Runwild Media Group and Goodwood for promotional purposes. Please see www.runwildmediagroup.com/subscriptions for full terms and conditions.

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PROPERTY Editorial Director Kate Harrison

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Ashley Lewis

august

Welcome note...

ith another month passing by, our attention once again turns to the London’s booming prime market and the stunning properties which are capturing international attention. If you’ve not yet found your ideal home in the area, then Statford’s landmark Aurora development might be for you, offering super contemporary and affordable apartments just a stone’s throw from the Olympics action (p.144). Canary Wharf is set to become even more attractive to investors, with plans now finalised for a show-stopping, multi-purpose development at Wood Wharf which would see the area acquire even more shops, bars, restaurants, living accommodation and a glamorous hotel (p.114) and our property pages show that there’s already some wonderful homes to be had, right on the river. Happy Hunting!

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City Luxury Home p. 144

contents 114

142 living local

114 Area News 139 State of the Market

new homes

142 Property Latest 144 Development Focus

living local

areanews Canary Wharf set for expansion It may already boast 28 office buildings, 200 shops, bars and restaurants, and a working population of over 90,000, but there are plans to approximately double the amount of people employed in Canary Wharf by 2025. The Canary Wharf group has secured planning permission for around 12 million sq ft of office space including projects at Riverside South, 25 Churchill Place, North Quay, Heron Quay West, and 1 Park Place. Of all the planned developments, perhaps the most exciting – and arguably one of the most ambitious taking place anywhere in London over the next decade – will be the mixed-use Wood Wharf project. Originally used for the shipping and storage of timber and the repair of ships, the seven hectare site – located in the north-eastern corner of the Isle of Dogs – is set to be transformed into a mixed-use sustainable community offering a range of homes, offices, shops and neighbourhood facilities. Anticipated to create in the region of 25,000 new jobs (5,000 of which are expected to be taken by local residents), the proposed developments

Transport latest… It is looking increasingly likely that hydrogen fuelled buses will be put in service across London following the initial success of their trial run on the busy RV1 route between Covent Garden and Tower Gateway. Part of Mayor Boris Johnson’s plans for a greener public transport system, these buses emit no CO2. The buses do not compromise safety and have the added bonus of using a quieter electric engine. Londoners are set to benefit from reduced air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and inner-city noise levels.

have been designed by architects Rogers, Stirk, Harbour & Partners in conjunction with landscape architects Martha Schwartz Partners. In addition to a £100m financial contribution towards the Crossrail project, the scheme will deliver in excess of £50m worth of benefits for Tower Hamlets, in one of the largest community and infrastructure packages ever agreed.

Not quite last orders at City Pride Local residents are likely to be delighted that plans to redevelop the City Pride Pub in E14 have been delayed indefinitely after Irish property company Glenkerrin, went into receivership. The plan was to turn the current site of the popular East End pub into a new iconic building for Docklands and London, featuring a 62 storey tower of 410 new apartments and a 200 bedroom, five star luxury hotel.

Did you know? The London Underground’s 1,150km of track, 260 stations, and 600 trains serve more than 1 billion passenger journeys each year.

Citigroup tower up for sale Financial and professional services company Jones Lang LaSalle will be hoping to set a new property record when it sells the UK’s third-tallest building on behalf of British entrepreneur Glenn Maud and Irish property tycoon Derek Quinlan. Put on the market back in April, 25 Canada Square – or the Citigroup tower as it’s more commonly known – was designed by Pelli Clarke Architects and only completed in 2002. In addition to its 42 floors and 1,225,484 sq ft of office space, the property boasts storage and ancillary accommodation arranged over four basements and provides 219 underground car parking spaces. Maud and Quinlan acquired the iconic glass tower back in 2007 for £1 billion. Having weathered the property slump that kicked in soon after, the pair will be looking to sell the building for a price surpassing £1.09 billion – the record figure that HSBC sold its London headquarters (just a stone’s throw away from the Citigroup tower) for in 2007.

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Knight Frank

New Providence Wharf, London E14

A stunning penthouse offering fabulous river views A three bedroom penthouse situated on the 16th floor of New Providence Wharf. The apartment offers a wealth of internal space as well as a huge terrace with unrivalled views of the river and city. Leasehold Guide price: ÂŁ2,000,000

KnightFrank.co.uk cwharf@knightfrank.com 020 7512 9966

Knight Frank

Concordia Wharf, London E14

Ocean Wharf, London E14

Tucked away on a quiet cobbled street lies this magnificently refurbished two double bedroom apartment in Concordia Wharf, offering wonderful river views, superb living space and great access to Canary Wharf.

A light and spacious duplex penthouse which has been refurbished to extremely high specification. Situated within Ocean Wharf the property has four bedrooms, three terraces and stunning views of the river.

Share of Freehold

Leasehold

£535,000

£1,150,000

KnightFrank.co.uk 020 7512 9966 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Berkeley Tower, London E14

Dunbar Wharf, London E14

A generously proportioned three bedroom, three bathroom apartment. Located on the 14th floor of Berkeley Tower, the apartment offers wonderful far reaching river views from the reception, dining area and master bedroom.

A much sought after two bedroom riverside apartment situated on the second floor of a well maintained portered development. The predominantly south facing apartment benefits from two private balconies overlooking the river.

Leasehold

Share of Freehold

£1,450,000

£725,000

KnightFrank.co.uk 020 7512 9966 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Knight Frank

Discovery Dock, London E14

Landmark West, London E14

This two bedroom apartment is located on the second floor of one of Canary Wharf’s premier developments, within moments of the banking district.

This well proportioned one bedroom apartment is located on the 26th floor of The Landmark. The apartment comes to the market in perfect condition.

Leasehold

£585,000

£380,000

KnightFrank.co.uk 020 7512 9966 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Seacon Tower, London E14

Berglen Court, London E14

A well proportioned one bedroom apartment situated in Seacon tower within a short walk of Canary Wharf. The apartment is presented in good internal order and offer far reaching river views.

This well proportioned fifth floor apartment offers some of the best views we have ever seen into Limehouse Basin. If you are looking for the wow factor you will need to view this apartment.

Leasehold

£325,000

£575,000

KnightFrank.co.uk 020 7512 9966 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Knight Frank

Dunbar Wharf, Limehouse, London E14

Belgrave Court, Westferry Circus, London E14

We are delighted to offer this two bedroom apartment located on Narrow Street. This apartment includes a fantastic view straight down The River Thames which will be hard to beat in any property. Viewings are highly recommended to avoid any form of disappointment. Also to be found within this development is a gym, 24 hour porter and car parking facilities.

We are very pleased to offer this two bedroom apartment to let in the prestigious development of Canary Riverside. There is a well appointed modern kitchen, two double bedrooms with excellent storage, a modern marble four piece bathroom including walk in shower, and a separate W.C./cloakroom. Other benefits include an underground parking space with 24 hour security.

£495 per week KnightFrank.co.uk 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

£595 per week

Port East Apartments, Canary Wharf E14

KnightFrank.co.uk 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Dundee Wharf, Limehouse, London E14

Knight Frank are delighted to offer this two bedroom unfurnished apartment within this Grade I Listed building of Port East. This apartment is full of character, exposed brick, wood beams and solid oak wood flooring all running through this property. The property is south facing and benefits from 24 hour porterage and protected parking.

We are delighted to offer this three bedroom apartment located on Narrow Street. This apartment also offers a balcony off the reception area with fantastic river views. The property has been recently refurbished offering a modern kitchen and solid oak flooring has been laid in the hallway and lounge. Also to be found within this development is a gym, porter and car parking facilities.

£625 per week

£575 per week

KnightFrank.co.uk 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Knight Frank

NEO Bankside, Holland Street, Southbank, SE1 Selection of brand new one, two and three bedroom apartments Stunning selection of contemporary apartments with large living rooms, floor to ceiling windows and private winter gardens. Providing great storage space, comfort cooling, wooden floors and beautiful bathrooms. NEO bankside is complete with a 24 hour concierge service and will have a residentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gym, day spa and a variety of shops and restaurants. This is the first phase of the new NEO Bankside development designed by the international, award-winning architects Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners. Available now

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

aldwych apartments 2 kean street WC2B 4Aq

Exclusive selection of brand new studio, one, two and three bedroom luxury penthouse apartments to rent. Boasting a communal roof square, fully interior designed, high speciﬁcation, under ﬂoor heating, private terraces, air conditioning, moments from Covent Garden, Holborn and Chancery Lane. Prices from £500 to £2,500 per week Please contact either Kate Townrow or Gary Hall on: kate.townrow@knightfrank.com or T: 020 7647 6600 gary.hall@knightfrank.com or T: 020 7480 6848

265201_KF_NEXT11.indd 1

25/07/2011 16:46

savills.co.uk

West India Quay, E14

Berkeley Tower, E14

Reception room  kitchen  bedroom  bathroom  parking space  concierge

Reception room  kitchen  2 bedrooms  2 bathrooms  parking space  concierge

Guide £475,000 Leasehold Savills Canary Wharf

canarywharf@savills.com

Guide £650,000 Leasehold 020 7531 2500

Savills Canary Wharf

canarywharf@savills.com

Dundee Wharf, e14

West India Quay, e14

Reception room  kitchen  3 bedrooms  2 bathrooms  cloakroom  terrace  river views  gym  2 parking spaces  concierge

Reception room  kitchen  dining area  2 bedrooms (with en suites)  study  guest cloakroom  parking  concierge

Guide £1.3 million Leasehold Savills Canary Wharf

canarywharf@savills.com

020 7531 2500

Guide £1.65 million Leasehold 020 7531 2500

Savills Canary Wharf

canarywharf@savills.com

020 7531 2500

savills.co.uk

Prescot Street, E1

St. John’s Park, SE3

Reception room  kitchen  bedroom  bathroom  parking space  24 hr concierge

4 reception rooms  kitchen  7 bedrooms  5 bathrooms  indoor swimming pool  garage  driveway

Guide Price £395,000 Leasehold

Guide Price £3.5 million Freehold

Savills Docklands

docklands@savills.com

020 7456 6800

Savills Docklands

docklands@savills.com

St. John’s Wharf, e1w

bankside, SE1

Various reception areas  kitchen  4 bedrooms  3 bathrooms  guest cloakroom  utility room  2 balconies  2 terraces  daytime concierge  parking space

4 reception rooms  5 bedrooms  2 bathrooms  guest cloakroom  shared garden  shared garage  conservatory

Guide Price £6.0 million Freehold

Guide Price £3.2 million Share of Freehold Savills Docklands

docklands@savills.com

020 7456 6800

Savills Docklands

docklands@savills.com

020 7456 6800

savills.co.uk

Nova Building, E14

Halcyon Wharf, E1W

duplex penthouse apartment  2 double bedrooms  2 en suite bathrooms  open plan kitchen  reception room  gym  24hr poterage  river views

2 bedrooms  2 bathrooms  open plan kitchen  reception room  private parking  partial river and canal views  porterage

£595 per week Furnished Savills Docklands

docklands@savills.com

£675 per week Flexible Furnishings 020 7456 6800

Savills Canary Wharf

canarywharf@savills.com

Ivory House , E1W

Discovery Dock West, E14

2 bedrooms  2 bathrooms  warehouse conversion with exposed brickwork  separate kitchen  reception room  terrace with dock views  porterage

penthouse apartment  3 double bedrooms  3 bathrooms (2 en suite)  3 private balconies  kitchen  reception room  allocated parking  views of Canary Wharf and West India Dock

£850 per week Furnished Savills Docklands

docklands@savills.com

020 7531 2500

£1,350 per week Furnished

020 7456 6800

Savills Canary Wharf

canarywharf@savills.com

020 7531 2500

Savills, for those who live the river

There are so many reasons to love the river. And so many reasons to live on it. From the dramatic skyline and stylish developments of historic Docklands to the vistas of Chiswick and Chelsea and the dreamy banks of Richmond and Barnes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; London river property has a lifestyle and an energy of its own. Savills Waterfront is a specialist department adding expertise to your property sale. Our dedicated team from offices across London has all the know-how of the Thames-side market, the lock-up and leave developments and the large laid back family homes on both banks. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re thinking of buying, selling, renting or letting on the river set sail with Savills Waterfront.

Sarah Gretton Savills Waterfront 020 8877 1222 sgretton@savills.com

savills.co.uk

Business as usual Jones Lang LaSalle and King Sturge, two of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading property companies have joined forces. With a joint heritage of over 500 years we combine a wealth of experience, knowledge and integrity as well as the highest level of commitment to help you successfully let, sell or buy your new home. Jones Lang LaSalle and King Sturge â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Better Together

All Awards 2010/11

020 7715 9700 joneslanglasalle.co.uk

Brighlingsea Place, London, E14

£1,175,000 l/h

A stunning 1700ft² three bed townhouse in the heart of Limehouse with parking. Versatile accommodation includes reception with large balcony separate dining room and kitchen and two en-suite bedrooms. DLR and mainline rail service within easy reach.

City Peninsula, London, SE10

from £280 p/wk

A luxurious selection of one and two bed apartments ideally situated next to restaurants, schools and local supermarkets. Fully furnished apartments benefit from on site concierge and offer panoramic views across London. Just a short walk to North Greenwich tube and the 02 arena.

Aqua Vista, London, E3

from £274,500 l/h

A stunning selection of beautifully appointed luxury apartments set adjacent to a pretty waterside location. Many will feature a balcony or terrace and offer views to the Canary Wharf skyline, Limehouse Cut or the central landscaped gardens.

Waterman Building, London, E14

£1,799,950 l/h

A spectacular four bed, three bath duplex penthouse boasting over 2220 sqft of internal space, with unparalleled views from four stunning terraces. Bespoke finishes throughout provide unique living accommodation quite unlike any other. Superb location. Viewing highly recommended.

SpacE1, London, E1

from £250 p/wk

Selection of brand new studio, one, two and three bed luxury apartments located in the dynamic Brick Lane area of east London, near the heart of the City’s world famous Square Mile and financial district. Early viewing recommended.

C-Quarter, London, E14

from £199,995 l/h

A new development by A2 Dominion offering a panoramic vista over some of London’s best known landmarks from selected apartments. Concierge services with landscaped gardens, rooftop terrace to Caspian Apartments and a communal terrace in Iona Tower. Please call 0203 069 8270 to book an appointment.

11 Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf, London, E14 4HE

dockland.sales@eu.jll.com

www.alanselby.co.uk Sales

Lothbury, EC2R

POA A rare opportunity to own a luxury home in one of the most exclusive addresses in Europe. This unique two bedroom Grade II * Listed apartment is located on the first floor of this dominating Venetian-Gothic building which has undergone extensive restoration, and is centrally located right opposite the bank of England in the City of London. The apartment is arranged over 3 floors with an array of original features to include a stunning mezzanine reception. The open plan living and dining area leads onto a state of the art Kitchen, 2 double bedrooms, stylish en-suite bathroom to the master bedroom, main bathroom and cloakroom.

Adverturers Court, E14

£649,995 Offering spectacular panoramic views incorporating the River Thames, 02 arena, The City and Canary Wharf this stunning 3 bedroom penthouse gives spacious accommodation comprising; Reception room with access on to a large wraparound sun terrace (South & West facing) separate kitchen, re modernised en-suite to the master bedroom also giving access sun terrace, 2nd and 3rd bedrooms access sun terrace and with Jack and Jill bathroom. The property also boasts 2 secure underground parking spaces and is situated within 200 metres from East India DLR station, the Virginia Quay development itself offers 24 hour porter and is 0.75 Miles from the Canary Wharf estate.

New Providence Wharf E14

£524,995 This beautifully presented and spacious 2 bedroom 12th floor apartment offers stunning west & south west facing views across the River Thames. The accommodation comprises; 22’5 reception room with balcony giving direct river views, modern separate kitchen, en-suite shower room to the master bedroom which also has a partial river view and main bathroom. Set in the highly sought after New Providence Wharf development which offers 24 hour concierge, a gymnasium, a swimming pool and a spa as well as valet parking. The development is situated approximately 250 metres from Blackwall DLR station and within 700 metres of the Canary Wharf.

Estate Agents | Land & Development Consultants

www.alanselby.co.uk Lettings

Naxos Building, E14 • 1 bedroom • Furnished • 24 hour concierge

£335 per week

• Direct river views • Leisure facilities • Available 4th September

• 4 bedrooms • Furnished • Parking

£595 per week

• 24 hour concierge • Leisure facilities • Available immediately

020 7519 5900 | info@alanselby.co.uk

• 3 bedrooms • 2 bathrooms (1 en-suite) • 3 balconies

£415 per week

• Canary Wharf & dock views • Brand new furniture • Available mid-August

020 7519 5900 | info@alanselby.co.uk

Cyclops Wharf, E14

Lovegrove Walk, E14

Wheatsheaf Close, E14 • 4 bedrooms • Spacious kitchen/diner • Garage & parking

• Garden • Study • Available September

020 7519 5900 | info@alanselby.co.uk

Estate Agents | Land & Development Consultants

£650 per week

Limekiln Wharf, Limehouse, E14

£265,000 • Marina views £399,950

£275,000 • Balcony £349,950

House, Limehouse, E14 •Fleet One double bedroom •• 11th Twofloor double bedrooms •• Balcony Two bathrooms •• River views Parking

bedrooms • Two £325,000 • Two bathrooms • Balcony

£335,000

• Two bedrooms • Separate kitchen/diner • Secure parking • Air conditioning

Contact our sales team today for a free, no £349,950 obligation valuation.

020 7538 9250

• Large balcony £364,950 • River views • 11th floor £375,000

LD SO

£525,000

• Investment opportunity • Two bedrooms Neutron Tower, Virginia Quay, E14 • Balcony double bedrooms • Two • 24 hour concierge

bedrooms • Two £399,999 • Two bathrooms • Direct river views • Balcony

Adriatic Building, Narrow Street, E14

LD SO Landmark, Canary Wharf, E14

• One double bedroom • 17th floor • Stunning views Chinnocks Wharf, Narrow Street, E14 • High specification

Dogs, E14

Milligan Street, Limehouse, E14

• OneLamb bedroomCourt, Narrow Street, E14 • Private balcony double bedrooms • Two • Secure parking bathrooms • Two • Close to Westferry DLR underground parking • Secure

Actions speak louder than words.

LD • Two double bedrooms • Separate kitchen Shackleton Court, Isle Of • Secure car parking river views • Direct • Gymnasium

Proton Tower, East India, E14

SO Barrier Point, Silvertown, E16

L SO

£629,950

L SO

L SO Fishguard Way, Galleons Lock, E16

Medland • One doubleHouse, bedroom Limehouse, E14 • Balcony apartment • Penthouse • River views terrace • Large • No onward chain underground parking • Secure £189,950 views • Marina

Shannon Mews, Blackheath, SE3

Dunbar Wharf, Narrow Street, E14

Two bathrooms •£414,950 • Two bedrooms • River views • Balcony

• One double bedroom £615,000

• Semi detached • Gated development • Private garden Millennium Harbour, South Quay, E14 • Two double bedrooms

£449,950

020 7538 9250

• Two double bedrooms • Two bathrooms • River facing terrace views Millennium Drive, Isle Of • Secure parking

Dogs, E14

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

www.lourdes-estates.com

Lourdes Estate Agents, 94-96 Three Colt Street, Limehouse, London, E14 8AP

£399,950

• Two £450 perbedrooms week

• Two bathrooms • Balcony £335,000

City Harbour, Crossharbour, E14 • Two bedrooms • Two bathrooms • Dock views • Close to Canary Wharf

Contact our sales team today £475 per week for a free, no obligation valuation.

Dogs, E14

£425 per week • Balcony

• Two bedrooms • Shackleton Two bathrooms Court, Isle Of • Fully furnished Direct river views • •Secure parking

Metcalfe Court, Greenwich, SE10

• Three Lamb bedroomsCourt, Narrow Street, E14 • Split level • Two double bedrooms • Private• terrace Two bathrooms • Secure• parking Secure underground parking

£349,950

Actions speak louder than words.

LD Queens Court, Narrow Street, E14

£395 per week views • Marina

£629,950

L SO

£275 per week views • Marina

Fleet House, Limehouse, E14 • Two bedroom • Two bathrooms double bedrooms • Two • Secure bathrooms • Twoparking • Leisure facilities • Parking

Dundee Wharf, Limehouse, E14

• Two bedrooms • Two bathrooms Neutron Tower, Virginia Quay, E14 • Dock views double bedrooms • Close •toTwo Canary Wharf

• Large £475 per weekbalcony • River views • 11th floor £375,000

LD SO

Galaxy Building, Westferry Road, E14

• Medland One bedroom House, Limehouse, E14 • •Wood flooring apartment Penthouse • •Open planterrace reception Large • •Close to Canary Wharf Secure underground parking

E14

L SO

Wharfside Point, Canary Wharf, E14

Basin Approach, Limehouse, E14

Tequila Wharf, Limehouse, E14

Dunbar Wharf, Narrow Street, E14

• Two £550 perbedrooms week

• Two £895 per bathrooms week

One double bedroom £1500•per week

• Two bedrooms • Two bathrooms • Marina views • Chinnocks Secure parking Wharf, Narrow Street, E14

• Two bathrooms • Direct river views • Balcony £525,000

020 7538 9250

• Penthouse apartment • Three bedrooms • Three bathrooms Millennium Harbour, South Quay, E14 • Private terrace

• Two bedrooms • River views • Balcony £449,950

020 7538 9250

• Penthouse apartment • Three bedrooms • Three bathrooms Drive, Isle Of • River Millennium views

Dogs, E14

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

www.lourdes-estates.com

Lourdes Estate Agents, 94-96 Three Colt Street, Limehouse, London, E14 8AP

2011-07-21 10:20:28

94.126.43.186

TOWER BRIDGE

Raven Wharf Apartments SE1

Spice Quay SE1

A penthouse loft apartment (approx. 1,838 sq ft) with spectacular views over London and presented in excellent condition

A top floor riverfront apartment offering unrestricted views of Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, the River Thames and the City skyline

Guide price £1,950,000 share of freehold

Guide price £1,350,000 leasehold

New Concordia Wharf SE1

The Boathouse SE1

An open-plan warehouse apartment in excess of 1,766 sq ft located in one of London's most historical warehouse conversions

A bright split-level penthouse apartment with skyline views incorporating More London and the top of Tower Bridge

reception room with open-plan kitchen | 2 bedrooms (en suite) | building manager | swimming pool | communal roof terrace

Guide price £1,250,000 share of freehold

Guide price £950,000 leasehold

Saddlers Lofts SE1

The Triangle SE1

A duplex apartment with a bespoke finish throughout within a warehouse conversion close to fashionable Bermondsey Street

A modern open-plan apartment located within Shad Thames and offered to the market in good condition

reception room with open-plan kitchen | 2 bedrooms | bathroom | 2 Juliette balconies | further balcony

Guide price £899,950 leasehold

Guide price £499,950 leasehold

cluttons.com

020 7407 3669

towerbridge@cluttons.com

2011-07-21 10:17:30

94.126.43.186

WAPPING

Ivory House E1W

Cold Harbour E14

A penthouse apartment (approx. 2,246 sq ft) in a premier warehouse conversion offering triple aspect views over St Katharine Docks

A refurbished house with panoramic views over the River Thames towards the O2 arena and excellent living and entertaining space

Guide price £3,000,000 leasehold

Guide price £1,625,000 freehold

Great Jubilee Wharf E1W

Tower Bridge Wharf E1W

A beautifully presented riverside duplex apartment with an abundance of original warehouse features and charm throughout

A split-level penthouse apartment with a south-facing roof terrace in one of West Wapping's premier water front developments

Guide price £1,350,000 share of freehold

Guide price £1,075,000 share of freehold

Dundee Court E1W

Trafalgar Court E1W

A penthouse apartment arranged over two floors and located in this popular warehouse conversion in the heart of Wapping

A tastefully refurbished apartment located along the Thames pathway with panoramic views over the river towards Canary Wharf

Guide price £735,000 leasehold

Guide price £650,000 leasehold

cluttons.com

020 7488 4858 wapping@cluttons.com

living local

HOT PROPERTY: Down by the river

A breathtaking two bedroom apartment located in the ever popular Dunbar Wharf development is now available. Offering a wealth of space the property features a large reception room, two private terraces, river and park views, separate kitchen diner, two double bedrooms and two bathrooms. The property is immaculately presented throughout with a contemporary and very welcoming decor. It further benefits from two parking spaces, residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

concierge and gymnasium to suit the lifestyle demands of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s professionals. Dunbar Wharf is located on Narrow Street allowing for easy access to Canary Wharf and Westferry DLR station. In addition to its fantastic scenery, the location enables residents to enjoy great local restaurants and amenities, as well as an even more extensive variety of fashionable shops, bars and entertainment nearby.

Dunbar Wharf, London, E14 8BB ÂŁ725 per week Lourdes www.lourdes-estates.com

020 7538 9250 135

RosecRoft Avenue Hampstead NW3

Located iN a tree LiNed aveNue WitHiN tHe Heart of tHe ‘crofts’,

a substaNtiaL edWardiaN six bedroom

semi-detacHed House offeriNg aLmost 6,000 sq ft (555 sq m) of accommodatioN over tHree fLoors.

264811_TK_Vantage_AUG11.indd 1

12/07/2011 11:12

2648

the house, built circa 1905, is offered for sale in good decorative condition throughout and benefits from off street parking and a 70ft east facing garden. the ground floor provides a spacious entrance hallway, sitting room, drawing room, dining room, conservatory and a 32ft clive christian ‘victorian’ kitchen/breakfast room enjoying direct access onto the garden. rosecroft avenue is located approximately half a mile from both hampstead village and the open expanses of West heath. FreehoLd

11:12

264811_TK_Vantage_AUG11.indd 2

• Six BedroomS • Five BathroomS • Five reception roomS • Gated parkinG • mature Garden

price on appLication

12/07/2011 11:13

River Habitat RiverHabitat.co.uk

Belgrave Ct, CANARY RIVERSIDE, E14 FANTASTIC RIVERVIEW FLAT WITH EASY CANARY WHARF WALK

Bartholomew Court, Virgina Quay, E14 SUPERB PURCHASE OPPORTUNITY WITH LARGE BALCONY

n 1,592 Sq. Ft. Beautiful Two, Double Bedroom Apartment n Stunning Floor To Ceiling Curved Windows n Juliet Balcony With Breathtaking N.W. View n Parking Space. Available Mid-December 2011

n Spacious Two Bed, Two Bath, 5th Floor, River View Flat n Panoramic Views Of River And 02 Dome n Easy Walk Into Canary Wharf n Balcony And Secure Underground Car Parking Space

£1,200,000 LEASEHOLD

£395,000 LEASEHOLD

Mauretania Building, Atlantic Wharf, E1 LOVELY TWO BEDROOM FLAT RIGHT ON THE RIVER

EATON HOUSE, CANARY RIVERSIDE, E14 A Beautiful One Double Bedroom Flat

n Two Double Bedrooms, One Bath Flat on Third Floor n Open-Plan Layout in Large Dimensioned Flat n Beautiful Direct River Thames Views. Fabulous Balcony n Easy Walk to Canary Wharf along River and Narrow Street. n Allocated Underground Car Parking Space.

n 859 Sq. Ft. with Balcony n South Facing n Double Bedroom, Good Sized Reception, Bathroom, Cloakroom n One Underground Car Parking Space n High Spec including Coil Fan Heating and Cooling System n Portered Building, 24 Hour Security

£420,000 LEASEHOLD

£480,000 LEASEHOLD

• info@RiverHabitat.co.uk • T: 020 7791 9830 • F: 020 7791 9831 • The Suite LG. 655 Commercial Road, Limehouse, London E14 7LW

living local

State of the market ALASDAIR CAMPBELL, COMPANY DIRECTOR OF LOURDES ESTATE AGENTS, COMMENTS ON THE STATE OF THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MARKET

BUY TO LET IS BACK AND BOOMING

nly a few months ago I wrote an article focused on the return of the first time buyer. This month I am turning my attention towards the property developer. The term ‘property developer’ is all encompassing, and ranges from a small scale first time renovation project to global house builders. Whatever the magnitude of the development it would seem the appetite for property investment is back. A number of sites in Docklands that were acquired by house builders during the peak of the market were subsequently mothballed as a result of the inclement economic climate and uncertain outlook for the UK property market. Many of these sites are now either being re-evaluated for development or are already being developed. As sterling remains very competitive, the demand for new homes in London, remains bullish. But the renewed interest in the UK property market is not confined to overseas investors. There is also a noticeably healthy increase in interest from the domestic market supported by a more plentiful supply of mortgage funding than we have seen since the credit crunch begun. As rents continue to soar many tenants are encouraged to buy in order to reduce their monthly out goings. With a plentiful supply of tenants and a surge in interest from potential buyers the market is welcoming the supply of new properties. The supply side of the market is often overlooked as economists, journalists and market commentators concentrate more on completions, interest rates and repossessions. Despite this, the supply side plays a vital role in meeting changes in demand without generating the conditions for speculative bubbles in which house prices diverge significantly from fundamental value. It is rare in the property market for a meeting of supply and demand but the coming months could be fruitful for everyone concerned as well as signalling a return to more stable market conditions and performance. n Lourdes Estate Agents 020 7538 9245 www.lourdes-estates.com

139

London's Finest Properties

LETTINGS

SALES

Indiana Building, Deals Gateway, SE13

Ontario Tower, Canary Wharf, E14

Lanterns Court, E14

£325.00 per week

£325 per week

£1,100,000

Barge Walk, City Peninsula, SE10

Marina Heights, Basin Approach, E14

New Providence Wharf, Canary Wharf, E14

No 1 Pepys Street, E1

£450.00 per week

£460 per week

£409,950

£435,000

New Providence Wharf, Canary Wharf, E14

The Landmark, East Tower E14

New Providence Wharf,E14

• Two Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • 13th Floor • Onsite Leisure Facilities • Including Parking • 24hr Concierge Service

• Two Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • 27th Floor • On-Site Gymnasium • 24hr Concierge Service • Nr. South Quay DLR

New Providence Wharf, Canary Wharf, E14

• 2 Bedroom / 2 Bathroom Apartment • Highly Prestigious Riverside Development • Excellent Condition Throughout • Valet Parking • 24hr Concierge and Exceptional Leisure Facilities

• Stunning 10th Floor Apartment • Uninterrupted River Views From Front And Rear • Excellent Condition Throughout • Secure Underground Parking • 24hr Concierge And Exceptional Leisure Facilities

£525 per week

£550 per week

£490,000

£555,000

• Two Bedroom/Two Bathroom • Fully Furnished • On-Site Leisure Facilities • Allocated parking • 24hr Concierge Service • Nr. Deptford Bridge DLR

• Studio Apartment • Fully Furnished • 12th Floor • On-Site Gymnasium • 24hr Concierge Service • Nr. Blackwall DLR

• Two Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • 15th Floor • Parking Available • Concierge Service • Nr. North Greenwich

• Two Bedroom Apartmen • Fully Furnished • 4th Floor • Allocated Secure Parking • 24hr Concierge Service • Nr. Limehouse DLR

• Unique 13th Floor 3 Bedroom / 3 Bathroom Apartment • 3 Balconies • Secure Underground Parking • High Level Of Specification • 24hr Concierge • Moments From Heart Of Canary Wharf And Transport Links

• 4th Floor • Stunning Riverside Development • 2 Bedroom / 1 Bathroom • Balcony • Valet Parking • Moments from DLR and Jubilee Line

Lowry House, Canary Central, E14

• One Bedroom/ One Bathroom • Exceptional Order Throughout • Fully Furnished • 24hr Concierge • On Site Pool And Leisure Facilities • Moments From South Quay DLR

£275,000

• 4th Floor • Spacious 1 Bedroom / 1 Bathroom • Exceptional Order Throughout • Secure Allocated Parking • Fully Furnished • Porterage

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

Central London 020 7582 7989

West London 020 8896 9990

Finchley 020 8446 9524

Docklands 020 7476 0125

Deptford & Greenwich 020 8692 2244

newHOMES

Your essential guide to new local developments. Read up to the minute information about star apartments, good investments, yet to be launched to the market properties, and the best in innovative design, architectural excellence and chic, city style. This dedicated section covers luxury projects throughout Blackheath, Camberwell, Dulwich and other select areas of South East London.

Positive for Property

LONDONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S Booming sales market

Latest Developments gorgeous new homes

newhomes

Property Latest London’s most luxurious A stunning six bedroom penthouse in Knightsbridge, available through Sotheby’s International Reality, has been billed as the most exclusive and expensive rental prospect in the capital’s booming market. The 10,000 sq ft apartment is available for the sum of £25,000 per week and has been styled by acclaimed designer Paul Davies, who has worked with both Madonna and Elton John. The beautiful flat overlooks Hyde Park and boasts a range of luxurious features including six bathrooms, a spa treatment area, terrace and obligatory gym and cinema. Furnishing includes Zimbabwean marble floors, ceiling-mounted plasma televisions and ostrich skin headboards, for the billionaire bored of high class hotels.

Seasonal Sales The arrival of warmer weather has had a profound impact on the requirements of the capital’s discerning buyers. Fuelled with dreams of entertaining family and friends al fresco, roof terraces have become highly sought after, according to property search agents Manse and Garret. Access to any private outside space in London can often feel like an elusive luxury, but it appears that roof terraces are even more in demand than patio gardens. This is because the latter are often overlooked by neighbours and are likely to benefit from less natural light than their elevated rivals. Roof terraces also typically belong to flats which are situated on the upper floors of a building and this location is more popular with security-conscious purchasers. Manse and Garret estimate that a flat with outside space is worth 10-20 per cent more than a similar property without.

Interior Trends Dramatic open-plan living areas and swanky kitchens have long been the preoccupation of owners seeking to inject the ‘WOW’ factor into their home. However, this year, designers and interiors publications alike are spotting an increasing focus on beautiful bathrooms. The past few months have seen the launch of a variety of gorgeous suites and accessories, from wooden bath tubs hand made in Scotland and quirky rubber flooring to

glittering mosaic tiles akin to those of a Grecian palace. Extra bathrooms and en suites have always been viewed as valuable commodities, but the recent trend is for large bathroom spaces which double as a powder room or spastyle area. The effect is created by juxtaposing traditional furniture such as antique taps and cast iron sinks, with grand statements and furnishings including chandeliers and armchairs.

NEWS IN BRIEF MORE MORTGAGES London estate agency LDG are among local companies who have seen a rise in the number of buyers using mortgages to fund their house purchases. The increase, said to be by as much as 40 per cent, is being attributed to the fact that interest rates remain low. On the 7 July it was announced that the 0.5 per cent figure would continue to stand which is proving attractive to those with large cash deposits who are able to benefit. With the London property market continuing to perform well, buyers are realising that the future capital appreciation of their home is likely to overcome the cost of borrowing.

ONLINE FOR OLYMPICS

OVERSEAS INJECTION Research from Savills has confirmed information from many of London’s prime agents, that overseas investors are continuing to keep the property market buoyant. According to estimates, the last five years have seen investment totalling £16.5bn, with £0.5bn of this sum spent on the construction of brand new homes in the city. Many of these overseas investors are from the Middle East where political unrest is undermining confidence in the property market.

Several online websites have been created with the purpose of allowing landlords and visitors to discuss rental accommodation options for the London 2012 Olympics. While local residents are fast realising the obvious financial incentive to taking on temporary tenants, visitors are keen to find more space and quietness than that which might be available in a hotel. For obvious reasons, areas such as Stratford and Greenwich are proving particularly popular. However, it is not only those locations which boast Olympic venues which are set to experience demand. London in general is sure to experience an overall boom in tourism.

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DEVELOPMENT FOCUS Live the Legacy THE AURORA APARTMENTS IN STRATFORD ARE NOT JUST SAVVY INVESTMENTS BUT WONDERFULLY STYLISH HOMES, SAYS LANA JORDAN

rom a forgotten, semi industrial landscape, to a glamorous new West-End-in-the-EastEnd destination, Stratford’s transformation has been dramatic, thorough, and, in the grand scheme of things, pretty fast. In reflection of the area’s burgeoning status One Housing Group has just launched Aurora, a new development of apartments with a prime position on a corner of Stratford High Street. Named after the Goddess of Dawn to embody Stratford’s reinvention, the scheme consists of one, two and three bedroom apartments in a twelve-storey glossy, glassy building that hugs its landmark corner site in a graceful curve. Inside, the specification of the décor and fittings has been given paramount importance and the style is unapologetically contemporary. Kitchens are fully equipped with high quality integrated appliances, bathrooms are of a hotel standard owing to their gleaming large tiles, gorgeous suites and chrome accessories, living areas have a chic and fashionable minimalist décor and the two and three bedroom properties benefit from an en suite shower room. In fact, it is the floor to ceiling windows of the apartments which will allow residents to admire the flourishing of the surrounding area, first hand. Views stretch to the Olympic Village and The City with an ever increasing vista seen from higher floors. Aurora is going to appeal to smart young professionals who value an everything-on-a-plate lifestyle of trendy restaurants and bars, designer shopping, parks, arenasize entertainment. What’s more, convenient public transport links will make this a completely viable location for city slickers. Stratford’s travel connections are now possibly the best in London. At Stratford International Station, where the building is an attraction in itself, you can connect with London Underground, Overground, and the DLR, all of which make reaching the West End, City, Canary Wharf and Greenwich a matter of well under thirty minutes. The new high speed trains to Kent and the Eurostar at Ashford can also be boarded at Stratford, giving it true international status. Such supremacy as a new residential location is set to endure. After the Games are over, Stratford’s residents can reap the “Olympic Legacy” with some truly incredible sports and leisure venues in their midst. The 25,000

Star apartment The Aurora show apartment embodies the development’s forward-thinking conceptualisation and broad appeal. The kitchen and living area is an openplan space which lends itself easily to entertaining and makes it appear bright and welcoming. However, the double bedrooms are simultaneously cosy and calm spaces, ideal for visiting guests. The attractive décor features a slick colour palette punctuated with black, scarlet and silver and mirrors the edgy nature of the development itself. From £299,950

capacity Olympic Stadium will be used for major sports, cultural and community events. There’s an amazing Aquatics Centre, a Hockey Centre, a Velopark and four multi-sport arenas. A boulevard links the Olympic Park to Westfield Stratford City and the Olympic Village will be converted to new homes: all of it bringing an incredible boost to Stratford. Site Sales will be launching the development from the marketing suite and stunning show apartment on the 16th July with a completion date for the development set for the end of 2011. n Prices start at £188,950 for a one bedroom apartment; £247,950 for a two bedroom apartment; and £299,950 for a three bedroom apartment. www.site-sales.co.uk

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T H E U LT I M AT E C O L L E C T I O N The Landmark E14 is proud to launch The Ultimate Collection – the most refined and stunning apartments within the highest point of The Landmark. The collection comprises eight high level premier Apartments and Penthouses on the 43rd and 44th floors, boasting unbeatable and rare views across the river to the City of London and Canary Wharf. Prices from £975,000 - £1,650,000 * Now available for viewing w w w. T H E L A N d M A r k - E 1 4 . C O M

For more information, please call:

020 7078 7981 *Prices correct at time of going to press

LUXURY HOLIDAY LODGES FOR SALE in the Surrey Hills

- Luxury lodges from just £67,995 - New development for 2011 - Stunning views of the Surrey Hills - 12 month holiday season - Indoor swimming pool and fitness suite - Fully managed letting service

We cater for most budgets with prices ranging from £67,995 to £264,000.

† † oror visit visit www.bentleymotors.com www.bentleymotors.com For For more more information information call call 01270 01270 535032 535032

CALL NOW FOR OUR MANAGERS SPECIALS

Call: 08433 092395 Visit: www.edgeley-country.co.uk HAU411_Edgeley_City&CanaryWharfMag_FullPage.indd 1

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HIRSH L O N D O N

PAPILLON COLLECTION HANDMADE IN PLATINUM WITH NATURAL COLOURED DIAMONDS

Famous for engagement rings www.hirshlondon.com

WEST END 56-57 BURLINGTON ARCADE W1J 0QN T 020 7499 6814 - CITY 9 HATTON GARDEN EC1N 8AH T 020 7831 3333

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