CANARY WHARF DEC 09

CANARY WHARF CITYLIFE

NATURAL YELLOW AND WHITE DIAMONDS ONE OF A KIND HANDMADE BY HIRSH

DECEMBER 2009 ART • INTERIORS • FASHION • MOTORING • BEAUTY • SHOPPING • BUSINESS • GADGETS • FOOD & DRINK • UK & INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY

P E A R F E C T I O N

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where every piece is a work of art

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I S S U E 53

CAN RY WHARF CITYLIFE

DECEMBER 2009 • ISSUE 53

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

carol inspired gifts

TIMELESS BLISS in St Moritz

HOT PROPERTIES

UK & International

True Character

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

True characters are a rare breed that stand out from the crowd. Just like the new Lotus Evora, they lead, not follow.

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

An exclusive proposition, the Evora uses unique and innovative aluminium chassis technology wrapped in iconic Lotus styling. Its character traits of sophistication, agility and dynamism are clearly portrayed, backed up by legendary Lotus ride and handling.

An extraordinary combination of performance and economy confirm the Evora as the 21st century sportscar, a true Lotus, worthy of the name.

Inside, bold shapes and beautiful materials are linked in unison, offering a virtuous combination of simplicity, comfort and style using exquisite detailing and handbuilt craftmanship. A unique mid-engined 2+2 layout offers striking levels of everyday practicality without compromising the characteristics of a true sportscar.

Escape to the country in the heart of the city Lotus Evora 2+0 £48,450 OTR, Lotus Evora 2+2 £50,825 OTR. Model shown: Evora 2+2 £54,299 OTR, including optional Premium Upgrade Pack (£2495) and Quartz Silver Lifestyle Paint (£979).

OTR costs include: VAT at 15%, delivery, PDI, first service, number plates, valet, 12 months’ road licence and a full tank of fuel.

At Baltimore Wharf leading edge architecture and design come together in superbly appointed apartments. Central boulevard gardens lead to the Baltimore Club, London’s first luxury urban country club. Offering virtual sports – golf, clay and game shooting and a state–of–the–art gym.

This iconic development is in a tranquil waterside enclave, just five minutes walk from Canary Wharf.

So, register your interest now… get ready to enjoy country living in the heart of the city.

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www.baltimorewharf.com Call 0800 404 8855 Prices from £265,000.

Prices and details correct at time of going to press.

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Fuel consumption in mpg (l/100km): Urban 22.8 (12.4), Extra Urban 43.5 (6.5), Combined 32.5 (8.7) CO2 emissions: 205g/km An extraordinary combination of performance and economy confirm the Evora as the 21st century sportscar, a true Lotus, worthy of the name.

Lotus Evora 2+0 £48,450 OTR, Lotus Evora 2+2 £50,825 OTR. Model shown: Evora 2+2 £54,299 OTR, including optional Premium Upgrade Pack (£2495) and Quartz Silver Lifestyle Paint (£979).

OTR costs include: VAT at 15%, delivery, PDI, first service, number plates, valet, 12 months’ road licence and a full tank of fuel.

24/9/09 09:02:06

contents 13

F E AT U R E S

REGULARS

10 CHARITABLE GIVING

Gavin Smith looks at the effects of

the recession on charity

8 EDITOR’S LETTER

13 SUPER SUIT

Men’s luxury fashion staple

19 OBJECT OF DESIRE

16 MOTLEY FOOL

25 OUT & ABOUT

20 FLAWED & UNCUT

Diamonds in the rough:

a new trend?

22

22 THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

The ultimate Christmas gift guide

45 EDUCATION 57 HEALTH & BEAUTY 66 24 HOURS IN...

46 TRIUMPH OF THE TEDDY

The classic children’s toy and

collector’s item

72 GADGETS

50 FASHION

Black lace and cocktail dresses

81 SPORT

74 MOTORING

86 entertainment

61 A HEALTH HOLIDAY

Niall O’Donoghue follows the

growing trend for medical tourism

93 FOOD & DRINK 101 CITYLIFE RECOMMENDS

64 island paradise

The world’s most excluisve

island paradise

105 PROPERTY 119 INTERIORS

68 WINTER BREAK BLISS

Escape to Suvretta House for

luxury skiing 70 MUSIC MAESTRO

Catherine Quinn travels to

Colebury Manor in the New Forest

72

20

motoring

50

Black chiffon halterneck jumpsuit, £1,295, Maria Grachvogel, 162 Sloane St, SW1, 020 7245 9331 Black leather ‘Cosmo’ jacket £2,100, Jitrois, Sloane Street, SW1, 020 7245 6300

76

SUICIDE BLONDE

Photography by: Oly Barnsley Fashion Editor: Lucie Dodds

R

emember the Porsche 944?

It was launched in 1982 and with its purposeful stance – enhanced by outrageously flared wheel arches – and lusty 2.5-litre engine brought Porsche performance to a wider audience… something the weedy 924 had failed to do.

Those who couldn’t afford (or couldn’t handle) the unforgiving 911, jumped at the 944. It had looks, handling and street credibility plus provided entry into the exclusive Porsche owners’ club What’s it got to do with a test of a humble hatchback from Spain? Simply that, at launch, the Porsche had a 165 bhp engine under the bonnet, while the new SEAT Ibiza Cupra packs a 180 bhp punch. From a 1.4-litre engine.

Not so humble, then.

It goes to show how far we’ve come in 25 years or so.

The SEAT Ibiza is the Volkswagenowned company’s answer to cars like the Renault Clio and Ford Fiesta.

It’s a stylish hatchback that, in less potent forms, is ideal for the run to the supermarket.

But that all changes as soon as the Cupra badge is attached to the threedoor version. It’s that engine that’s at the heart of the Ibiza Cupra (Spanish for cup and a nod to the company’s successful motor racing exploits).

Also used in the Golf and Scirocco, the TSI engine develops its prodigious power output thanks to the use of

POWER TO THE PEOPLE Not that long ago a power output of more than 160 bhp put you behind the wheel of a Porsche. These days you can expect those levels of power from a shopping trolley, says Matthew Carter

supercharging and turbocharging.

It’s a clever combination that provides a constant punch throughout the rev range. Up until about 2,400 rpm, the mechanical supercharger does the job alone. Then it is joined by the turbo, the pair working in harmony until 3,500 rpm when the turbo starts performing solo. At this point any turbo lag, that traditional ‘pause-two-three’ between jamming down the throttle and a conventional turbo engine picking up the revs, is banished.

The result is a 0-60 mph time of around seven seconds, with a potential top speed of 140 mph. And it does that without producing too much in the way of emissions – just 148 g/km of CO2 – or drinking too much fuel: the official combined figure is 44.1 mpg.

Hugely flexible, the engine is a real joy. There’s ample power on demand throughout the rev range and when dropped into the lightweight shell of the Cupra makes the little SEAT feel seriously quick.

The experience is enhanced by the standard fitment of VW’s two pedal manual/automatic DSG dual clutch gearbox. If you’re stuck in traffic, you can leave the ‘box to its own devices when it delivers smoothly slurred gearshifts.

But the open road is the cue to stick the gearlever in ‘S’ mode and start using the steering wheelmounted paddles to shift gears yourself. The combination of super quick gear changes and that lively engine means that cross country progress will bring a smile to your face… especially when the handling is added into the equation.

As befits a hot hatch, SEAT has tied down the suspension of the Cupra

so that body roll is negligible while a clever piece of electronic trickery – SEAT calls it the XDF diff – stops all that power from confusing the front wheels when you boot the throttle. And the ride is remarkably good, too: supple and absorbing and complemented by the body hugging high back front seats.

Only the slightly woolly steering lets the side down. It’s oversensitive at town speeds and while it does weight up as you go quicker, it’s never as precise as it should be.

The Cupra is well- equipped, however, with climate control, 17inch alloys, DSG transmission and the ESP stability control system all included in the £15,995 price tag.

If you want extras such as leather, Bluetooth and racing brakes (desirable if you spend as much time at Brands Hatch as you do in the Limehouse Link) that’ll be extra.

Of course, if you want to spend even more there’s always a version called the Cupra Bocanegra (Spanish for black nose). Inspired by a concept car shown at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, the Bocanegra is identical to the ordinary Cupra in virtually every way, bar a black snout, dark alloy wheels and black lettering on the bootlid.

It’s an extra £700 and I can’t see the point myself. The standard Cupra does the job just as well… but if you really want to stand out, go for the bright yellow or burnt orange paint jobs. n IN BRIEF CAR: SEAT Ibiza Cupra PRICE: £15,995 ENGINE: 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol, turbocharged and supercharged POWER: 180ps DRIVE: Front-wheel drive

77

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hristmas is finally here and we come to the end of another year. But before we take the time for reflections and resolutions, there’s plenty of last-minute shopping to do.

All in the name of providing you, our readers, with the very latest, new and best ideas our Twelve Days of Christmas feature (p.22) will hopefully get you in the mood.

We very clearly had no fun at all putting it together and will not be leaving it under the noses of our loved ones! We bring you the very best of luxury items available in Canary Wharf too on p.30, so there’s no excuses not to find the perfect gift this year. From gadgets and rock concerts, to jewellery and lingerie, we’ve got it covered.

Getting you into the mood for the imminent Christmas parties, don’t miss our sexy fashion shoot of black lace and little black cocktail dresses on p.50 along with our men’s style feature on the luxurious rise of the ‘super suit’(p.13). And as accessories are the finishing touch to any evening outfit Claire Adler examines the growing trend for unpolished and uncut diamond jewellery (p.20).

Check out the Out & About pages to find out which events are worth visiting both near and far (p.37) and on p.28 we choose some of London’s favourite Christmas offerings. For those adrenalin junkies out

Editor

there, The Cresta Run tobogganing is one not to be missed and for those who prefer life to be a little more regal then a trip to Val d’Isere for the snow polo is a must.

the Se

Life is its own journey...

IfOver skiingthe is your youwe have dreams past thing two and years have brought you all the very b of fairytale castles on the slopes of St Moritz magazine was born and has grown and evolved with each i then Suvretta House offers the idyllic to you our second birthday issue,winter it’s all about change: getaway (p.68). Alternatively, one for the golf From single to couple – this month we spend a lot of our ti enthusiasts, look out for our special feature on need for the perfect wedding day; from planning the stag-do the Wentworth onofp.82. doing on theirGolf lastClub night freedom these days? – to counti

hints and tips from our panel of experts. We investigate wh

Of course, also a timeand for how to look great on y style, whatChristmas to say in isthe speech giving, and on p.10 Gavin Smith looks at we try out the latest and greatest treatments – going under the effects of the recession on charitable make up, oxygen treatments, Tui Na massages and general donations; at a timeway. when people need most rewarding) social and financial aid more than ever, what From summer to autumn – moving from what can only be happens if people stop giving? into autumn, it is one of my most favourite times of the yea

not just because my hair matches the colours that the leave

Lastly, for those looking forduring some winter that nature throws at us the fall, of course but most interiors inspiration, Sim Smith suggests a weather gives us to reinvestigate our wardrobes that excite range of special events, homeware stockists, profiling local boutiques, our fashion pages are truly blosso festive offers and pretty gifts for a fabulous And from editor to editor – this issue is my last at the helm of festive home (p.119).

I am going to test out the theory that the road to London i in the very capable hands of my team and thank you for yo From everyone here at RunWild Media that has made the magazines the successes that they have b

Group, we wish you a Merry Christmas!

Wishing you good health, wealth and happiness.

Louisa Castle Editor

Live

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

Live

December

C

from the editor...

M

SEPTEMBER 2009 ISSUE 12

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17/11/2009 13:59

CHARITY CASE Traditionally a time for giving, Christmas is fast approaching – but in the midst of a recession does ‘goodwill to all men’ go out the window?

Gavin Smith investigates

C

oming to the end of 2009, we say goodbye to the second year of recession in the UK. A tough time for banks, businesses and the general public, the economic climate seems to be improving at a snail’s pace, leaving many businesses (including charities) suffering more severely, and for longer, than first anticipated.

Earlier this year the Charity Commission reported that over 52% of UK charities had been severely damaged by the credit crunch – and by the end of 2009 it is expected to rise to a higher proportion again. “Clearly the impact of the financial downturn on charities is widening and deepening” said Dame Suzi Leather, chair of the Charity Commission. “Some charities still face that double whammy of a drop in income as well as an increased demand for services.”

The pressure to make ends meet this Christmas (coupled with countless reports of redundancies and bailouts in the headlines), is moving the idea of charitablegiving further from our top priorities. But what about those who need charity more than ever at this time of year?

A number of homeless charities’ Christmas campaigns have warned that Christmas and New Year 2009 could see a homelessness surge. Crisis, a homelessness charity, indicates that one in 10 people are struggling to keep up with rent or mortgage payments and a YouGov online poll showed 32% of people would lose their home within three months of losing their main income.

“Our fear is that as the recession bites in the New Year we are going to see more people in the same situation as those relying

currentaffairs

on our Christmas centres” says Leslie Morphy, chief executive of Crisis. “Those already at the bottom of the pile are going to be further away from the help and support they need to put their lives back together.”

The decline in donations is not surprising; open any newspaper or turn on any news channel and the current economic crisis becomes immediately conspicuous. High unemployment has left many families living on savings, and those who have survived turning to thrift in order to safeguard the pennies.

Financial support for good causes is in clear decline; a recent survey by the Charities Aid Foundation found that support for charities had plateaued since September 2008, with well over half of UK charities now seriously concerned for the future. Financial reserves for charities are down 13% at the end of the year and, with further losses predicted, most organisations are forming strategies to generate cash, including job-cuts, branch closures and aid appeals.

The number of charity donors cancelling the direct debit payments has also increased during the recession, leaving many organisations short of a regular income.

According to Rapidata, average monthly cancellations rose from 3.32% in 2007/08 to 4.64% in 2008/09. Scott Gray, Rapidata managing director, said “Last Christmas there were 67% more cancellations than for the average pre-recession December”.

Corporate donations have fallen significantly, and government support has been limited as other issues take precedence. For example, select charities received a £40m aid package from the government earlier this year, but this represents only 40% of what they believe necessary to keep core services running – and less than 0.0001% of the investment that struggling banks have received.

Hundreds of charities across the UK, both local and national, exist to help people in times of social and economic need – but what happens if people stop giving?

Ominously, the recession is facilitating not only a decline in revenue for charities, but also an increase in the pressure for their services.

Therefore, this period where funds are at their lowest, coincides with a period of elevated demand – so continued donations are crucial.

The NSPCC, for example, believes the financial stress of unemployment and high mortgage payments is exacerbating issues such as alcoholism and domestic violence

within the home, to the detriment of many children. They argue that up to 300,000 more children may have already been hurt during the recession as a result of money-orientated arguments in the home. With donations to the NSPCC down by up to 15%, the charity launched an emergency appeal for £2m immediate support to meet the needs of children during the remainder of 2009. This clearly demonstrates the increased need to continue supporting charities, as they struggle with issues made worse by the recession, and eat into their fast declining resources.

So, the need for continued charitable donation is well established even in the midst of a credit crunch; but what can be done outside your own personal bubble?

Alongside personal contributions, companies can also help to ease the pressure charities are feeling in the current climate. Whilst the core motive for charitable donation should always remain the desire to help others, the benefits also provide additional reasons why small businesses should become involved with charities; especially during a recession when their investment is needed the most.

Whilst many corporations may regard the recession as a time to rein in voluntary donation, charitable causes open up many opportunities for success from a business perspective. Notwithstanding the tax deductibility of donations for select causes, charities provide a myriad of immediate benefits to companies in return for investment.

For example, businesses may invite a sponsored organisation to market their products to

11

a target audience through the charity’s membership base; charities provide excellent networking opportunities, since many charity boards contain corporate executives from companies which already sponsor the organisation; and involvement with charities can also benefit marketing, as many consumers look favourably on businesses with responsible associations to good causes.

Furthermore, there are a number of creative and relatively cheap means of giving which suit the corporate world, without directly sponsoring a major UK charity – charity gift-cards (for a cause of the recipient’s choice), are available to replace expensive corporate gifts to clients and employees, for example.

Generally, it is true that both domestic and commercial donors do have less to spare in the midst of the recession – but, as with all outgoings, it’s all a question of priority.

As long as we can be convinced of the need for charity over the festive season (and see where the funds are being used effectively) people will continue to give. As long as donors can be assured of the value of their gift (as demonstrated in the films used as part of the recent – and very successful – Children in Need campaign) there is no reason for charities to reach point of closure.

In any case, even in the clutches of the credit crunch and the Christmas shopping rush, it is critically important to continue offering support to charitable foundations, since it is these groups – not the banks – which underpin the values of our society. n

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lifestyle

13

THE SUPER

SU T

Josh Sims examines the concept of ‘luxury fashion’ and looks at whether the fashion industry is about to experience a change

W

hat are the super-wealthy to do when it is so hard to find fashion that the hoi polloi cannot also get its grubby hands on? With the big spenders of Russia and Asia among their keenest customers, the major luxury brands are only too ready to help by offering what might be called under-the-counter items: one-off or strictly limited edition pieces in exclusive fabrics, or interpretations of the season’s collection made to order just for the individual with the right clout, be that finances or fame.

Louis Vuitton, for instance, makes its ‘Les Extraordinaires’ leathergoods, sold as small editions and by appointment only. Chanel develops special detailing on ready-towear with the assistance of couture ateliers Lemarie, Lesage and Massaro, among others.

Gucci, Prada and most major fashion houses offer their own elite ready-to-wear.

Nor are men left naked. Following its customisation programme for jewellery and watches, more recently Armani has launched a hand-made-to-measure suiting service, while Canali created the first suit from its superfine Esperidi Super 220 fabric. It was a totem for the times of the very wealthy – which is to say, not feeling the economic pinch when it comes to luxury goods. Only 130 of each suit were made. Each sold for around €10,000.

And that, remember, is ready-to-wear, for the price of perhaps two or three fully bespoke suits from Savile Row. Kilgour, the Savile Row tailor, meanwhile, now sells a couple of vicuna overcoats every year, at £10,000 each.

Neither couture nor bespoke, but retaining qualities of both, a new breed of elite readyto-wear-rarity-to-wear, if you will - is on the increase. The brands claim that this is in response to demand, rather than an attempt to boost reputations tarnished in a world in which lazy marketing has repackaged everything as ‘luxury’ to the point of making the word meaningless. Indeed, often these products are not advertised and the bulk of customers will not know of their existence.

14

lifestyle “After so much talk of ‘masstige’, defining what luxury is has become harder, especially as inherent to it has been the idea of scarcity.

This seems like a new search for some centre of gravity for the luxury brands” suggests Tamar Kasriel, director of consumer forecasting agency Futureal. “They may not expect volume, or even profit, from them, but they need them to drive the aura again. Being ‘in the club’ and being able to order such items is another form of luxury.”

And there’s the rub: too many are in the club.

The increased accessibility of designerwear (in part a product of top-end brands cashing in through diffusion lines and department store design contracts, in part through technology making high street imitations so much higher quality) has left the prize consumer struggling to find a point of differentiation. “With the greater part of rich people, the chief enjoyment of riches consists in the parade of riches, which in their eye is never so complete as when they appear to possess those decisive marks of opulence which nobody can possess but themselves,” as Adam Smith observed.

“These pieces are not couture, in the sense of one piece, for you, truly made to measure. They are still part of the ready-to-wear collection, but different to the standard ready-to-wear, in terms of finishing, for instance,” explains Josiane El-Kabbany, head of fashion for Chanel. “It still has a very small client base. But more people want it and for these people, the fact is that when something is beautiful, price is not important. Besides, readyto-wear is more democratised now and for some ladies who can afford it, they want to be different. For some, designer clothes have become too similar to what is available on the high street.”

“Consumers are more expert now.

They pay more attention to what they buy,” adds Elisabetta Canali, of the Canali brand. “These products are a way of giving consumers something very particular, which is what they want. They appeal to the collector or fan mentality. But it is not just about

ostentation. They understand the product.”

Some customers, undoubtedly, are being flashy. Others have bought designerwear for years and have developed a sophistication that they want to feed with upgraded purchases.

It is, some argue, paying homage to what fashion is at the luxury level, rather than at that of the high-street copy. The label is no longer sufficient reason to pay more. This has provoked a greater willingness to pay for a higher quality product with by-appointment or made-to-order items adding lustre to brand and customer alike. Brands, especially those with expensive retail operations, are also keen to encourage higher prices, as they mean higher profits per unit and better margins Canali’s Esperidi suits, meanwhile, are profitable, both in terms of price and prestige,” says Canali. “They require a lot of investment, so profits are not huge. But these items do sell, often better than we expect.”

The impact of this shift is being felt throughout the fashion industry. Store buyers, for instance, are increasingly conscious of the need to seek out ever more esoteric labels, if not limited edition and one-off pieces, often through exclusivity negotiated directly with the brands. This can only make fashion shopping all the more interesting, purchases all the more satisfying. At the top of the scale, elite ready-to-wear may prove the saviour of those couture and other handcraft ateliers too, in which companies like Chanel continue to invest heavily.

Certainly, with elite ready-to-wear now including levels of detailing and craftsmanship worthy of couture or bespoke, and with a similar feeling for the one-off, where does that leave genuine bespoke or couture, with its strict rules of appellation? Some argue that because couture/bespoke involves a fully personalised garment and ready-to-wear, no matter how customised, does not, the two markets will always appeal to different customer needs. Bespoke and couture are the better fitting and more personal. But designers bring contemporary flair.

Such symbiosis, at least, is the idea. Superluxe ready-to-wear may be the bridge that links to two worlds in a way that is positive for both. “Traditional couture is for sure a great legacy that has to be preserved,” says Stefano Gabbana, of Dolce & Gabbana “But the clothes have little life outside the ateliers. We much prefer this new interpretation, which sits in between ready-to-wear and couture, which matches both the idea of the dream and the research on fabrics and techniques. These special, one-off ready-to-wear pieces are the new couture.” n

...a step further

16

business&finance

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

The SanTa Rally

D

id you know that January has historically been the best month to buy shares? Data going as far back as 1919 shows that UK shares have risen in January in three out of every four years.

A number of reasons have been suggested for the January phenomenon. These include a rebound in share prices following yearend tax selling, which tends to be more prevalent in America. However, abnormally high returns in January have also been seen in other parts of the world that don’t use 31 December as the end of their tax year. So, bang goes that idea!

The so-called ‘January Effect’ is particularly fascinating because it shows no signs of fading despite being quite well known and very well publicised. In theory, such an obvious anomaly should disappear as traders try to take advantage of it by buying shares in advance. After all, wouldn’t you fill your boots with shares in December if you knew that they were going to rise in January?

Some people do, which may in part explain the December effect. It seems that the last week of December has long been the best week to buy shares. Indeed, half of a year’s best ten days on the stock market tend to occur in December! In fact, the December rally is so well known that it is often called the Santa Rally.

It seems that since 1920, shares have risen 61% of the time in December. In other words, shares have risen in six out of ten Decembers. Over the last eighty or so years, the average monthly gain in December is 1.2%. This makes December the third best performing month of the year.

What’s more, there is little indication that the so-called December effect is diminishing.

If anything, share-price gains in December are stronger than ever. No wonder traders can’t wait for Santa’s arrival!

Various explanations have been put forward for this somewhat bizarre occurrence in December. It has been

suggested that stock market bears, who are generally quite pessimistic about shares, are either hibernating or on holiday! A more plausible explanation may be that fund managers are loading up with shares in readiness for the New Year, ridding their portfolios of recent losers at the same time.

Researchers have reported other apparent irregularities in stock market returns by examining other calendar-related effects.

For example, the ‘Monday Effect’ suggests that the first day of the trading week tends to be the worst day to be invested in shares.

Apparently, Mondays are as popular with traders as they are with schoolchildren!

Meanwhile, another group of researchers claimed that shares tend to show higher returns on the last day and the first four days of each calendar month. This has been cutely called the ‘Turn Of The Month Effect’. Other anomalies include the ‘Week of the Month Effect’, the ‘Holiday Effect’, and of course the ‘Sell In May And Go Away’ effect, which, this year, was about as accurate as Alistair Darling’s economic forecasts.

If truth be told, there are supposedly dozens of such market timing effects. It just goes to show that statistics can prove almost anything you want. Professor Aaron Levenstein once said about statistics that

they are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they hide is vital.

Truth is, it is almost impossible to profit from calendar effects after you have paid broker charges, stamp duty and taken account of buy and sell spreads. In my view, it is far better to look for good shares that you can hold for the long term. And once you’ve found them, any week can be a good week to buy shares!

On this point I am reminded of Mark Twain, who said: “October is one of the most dangerous months to speculate in shares. The others are July, January, September, April, November, May, March, June, December, August and February”!

As for me, I prefer to stay invested for the long haul and enjoy the long-term returns offered by the stock market returns. They are even better if you wrap up your investments in an ISA or pop them into your Self Invested Personal Pension to protect your gains from the taxman.

Have a great Christmas! n

citylifepromotion

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CUTTING EDGE STYLE THE CITY LOOK New Year is the perfect time to invest in a sharp new suit; Jasper Littman tailoring personifies Savile Row elegance with a rather attractive price tag to match “Our style can be described as the classic Savile Row cut,” says visiting tailor Jasper Littman. “It’s the traditional English style, but we keep it modern by adjusting it every year to prevent it from looking dated. It’s designed to flatter.”

Reasoning that all City professionals should invest in quality tailoring, Littman deems a Savile Row suit to be an essential wardrobe staple well worth the extra cost. Central to building a professional and respected reputation, first impressions and a sharp, stylish appearance are vitally important.

“Off-the-peg suits are essentially designed to fit mannequins,” warns Littman. “Retailers take the measurements from a generic chart designed to represent the average. In reality they actually fit nobody as Mr Average does not exist in these terms. There will always be a part of the suit that doesn’t fit.”

In contrast, the expert tailoring from Savile Row guarantees an individual suit that fits the customer so perfectly that they will no doubt return for the rest of their lives, converted from department store imitations to ‘the bespoke suit’.

However, despite all the best intentions, being measured and fitted for a Savile Row suit can be a time-consuming experience for busy City workers – not at all efficient if you work on the other side of the capital.

Jasper Littman offers the perfect solution; a visiting tailor service that offers bespoke and semi-bespoke suits, measured, fitted and delivered to your place of work or home, at a time to suit you. Combining a contemporary approach to customer service with longestablished, traditional tailoring expertise, the service has been a huge success since its launch in 2002.

“During one of our visits, you get everything that you would expect when visiting a Savile Row store,” Littman explains. “The clients browse through a wide range of fabrics and linings, try on a sample of a finished suit to

establish whether they like our cut, and if they’re happy to proceed we then take the measurements and discuss various style details. We return 6-8 weeks later for the first fitting, take the suit away for adjustments and return again within about ten days for the final fitting.

“I always wanted to set up the business on a visiting basis, partially because it allows me to keep my prices lower than my competitors,” he says. “But also because there are so many clients in the City and Canary Wharf who cannot get to Savile Row either in their lunch break or at the weekend”.

Offering a totally individual one-to-one experience (something quite rare these days), all Jasper Littman clients are in touch with him directly. “Clients will only ever come into contact with me from start to finish,” he declares. “This includes all fittings, emails and after-sales service.

Rather than a switchboard number, clients have my personal mobile number. All suits are painstakingly measured by me; the cut is designed by me; and the fit supervised by me.”

Cleverly, Littman chose not have his own showroom on Savile Row and consequently has none of the overheads of his competitors. “Like our Savile Row competitors, we use highly skilled craftsmen and the best fabric merchants, but have much lower costs – so in the end the quality is identical but the price is lower.”

Offering exceptional value for money, Jasper Littman’s personally tailored suits start from only £595 for a two-piece and fully bespoke suits start from £2,100.

Jasper Littman By appointment only at Fifth floor, 9 Savile Row London, W1S 3PF 08456 121 220 www.jasperlittman.co.uk

One of the world’s most exclusive cigars, the Cohiba ‘Behike’ has arrived at The Lanesborough in London.

Only 4,000 cigar sticks have been produced, each one ceremoniously hand-rolled by Norma Fernandez, the renowned cigar maker at the El Laguito factory in Havana, making the famous Cohiba ‘Behike’ the rarest cigar in the world.

The Cohiba ‘Behike’, made to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Cohiba and named after the tribal chief of Cuba’s indigenous Taino tribe, will be sold in the newly launched Garden Room at The Lanesborough, the only outlet in the world selling these exclusive cigars by the stick.

£1,500 per stick www.lanesborough.com

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object of desire: Havana humidor

lifestyle

FLAWED AND UNCUT

I

nterest in rough diamonds is picking up pace. Some of the most imaginative jewellery of the moment is punctuated with rocks or slithers of rough stones that most people wouldn’t even recognise as diamonds.

To some, therein lies its beauty.

Rough diamonds are discreet, raw, close to the earth and they speak of a journey.

“There’s one rough diamond ring I’ve always worn,” says Pippa Small, the former Gucci and Chloe designer, whose client list includes Mick Jagger and Nicole Kidman. “There’s a subtlety to it – you know it’s that gem – a diamond – but noone else does.” Small, a designer who has long worked with uncut stones, says they make clear, perfect gems look cold and soulless. “In insecure times, we find comfort in our relationship with the earth which these stones demonstrate – why cut away the evidence of their formation and journey?”

You could say the recent revival began, as with many things, at the Oscars. At the 2002 Academy Awards ceremony, Nicole Kidman teamed a Chanel Couture dress with a rough cut Bulgari diamond necklace she had helped design.

Diamonds In The Rough was born the following year and the brand, which specialises in multicoloured rough diamond jewellery sold at Moussaieff on London’s Bond Street, has since dressed stars on the red carpet including, Julianne Moore and Kate Hudson, in its colourful rough diamond creations.The brand is now introducing a bridal collection encompassing champagne, rose, cognac, and white diamonds.

Diamonds have gone beyond brilliant.

New jewellery incorporating slices of unpolished stone or diamonds in the rough is setting a whole new aesthetic, says Claire Adler

lifestyle

The reality is that jewellers have worked with rough diamonds for millenia. “Revered as the crowning jewels of royalty, rough diamonds have been worn in their untouched state by maharajahs, kings and emperors for over 2,100 years,” says high octane Mayfair jeweler Alisa Moussaieff, whose family has been in the jewellery business for over 120 years and three generations.

Rough diamonds are always less costly than their polished counterparts. But now that they are being appreciated for their character, mystery and authenticity, the price of rough or included stones has soared, according to Moussaieff.

Now architect Frank Gehry is pioneering the use of rough diamonds for Tiffany in his Torn Paper jewellery collection.

On the newly-revamped Astley Clarke jewellery website, Small’s designs can be found alongside covetable pieces by established Turkish born New York based designer Gurhan, in the form of bracelets sporting irregular shaped opals and Indian-made pieces by Gatsby, incorporating uncut tourmalines.

Solange Azagury Partridge, another much feted London designer whose name is to be found in the little black books of film stars, power brokers and collectors, paved her career with rough diamonds. The former creative director of Parisian jewellers Boucheron began as a jeweller after creating her own engagement ring from a rough diamond and went on to pioneer the use of these elemental stones.

A penchant for naturally formed stones certainly seems

to be catching on, and these are far from the only jewellers playing with the possibilities of diamonds in the rough.

At Autore, award-winning and indefatigable creative director Alessio Boschi has coupled lustrous pearls with slithers of transparent diamond in his collection evoking Fire and Ice, now available at Harvey Nichols.

Then there’s Tamara Kronis at Mayfair’s Nude Gallery, Chrissie Douglas’s pearl and rough diamond necklaces, as well as Chatila on Bond Street, who’ve used flat rose-cut diamonds with natural graining to produce earrings with a delicate and tactile flower petal effect.

De Beers have been at it for years too, harnessing the allure of rough diamonds to stunning effect. Burning Rocks, De Beers first men’s range, was designed

by Austrian-born Shoreditchbased jeweller Tomasz Donocik in 2007, then working under the mentorship of multiple award-winning British jewellery designer Stephen Webster. “The idea behind that collection was that the rough diamond is like a wild animal that can be neither tamed nor set in the traditional manner, hence it’s captured, rattling in a cage. Maybe similar to men?” suggests Donocik.

Donocik, now an established designer in his own right, is currently setting rough diamonds into jewels he will unveil in the coming year. “I’ll be using some of these beauties in my next collection. I think there is an increased interest in using rough diamonds, especially in men’s jewellery. They’re a great alternative or even substitute for a brilliant cut diamond.

They carry all the same noble

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characteristics – they’re eternal, the hardest material on earth, and mesmerising. But in their rough cut, they become even more alluring and mysterious.”

And if that’s not enough, rough diamonds allow jewellery lovers to connect with the earth in other ways too. Top staff at by-appointment-only jewellers Steinmetz have witnessed clients’ eyes sparkle with excitement. Best known for creating the De Beers Millenium Star, the world’s largest D flawless, pear-shaped diamond, Steinmetz offers diamond connoisseurs the opportunity to visit a diamond mine, following a stone’s journey from extraction to selection, through to cutting and polishing before taking a hand in designing jewellery.

Beyond brilliant. n

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love sent to me.... one Christmas-carol inspired gift guide

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drummers drumming pipers piping When Welsh rock legends the Stereophonics play at The O2 in March it promises to be a real treat for fans.

Their new album is acclaimed as their rockiest yet, so a VIP ticket could certainly please the wannabe rock star in your life. And yes, we know they only have one drummer, but he’s as good as 12...

Christian Louboutin knows a thing or two about shoes, and champagne too it seems. The world famous designer has teamed up with Piper-Heidsieck to design a champagne flute in the shape of a stiletto with a crystal heel.

Exclusively available from Selfridges with Brut Cuvée and signed by Louboutin himself for £350.

www.theo2.co.uk

www.selfridges.com

10 lords a leaping

Make the man in your life leap with delight when he receives The Gentleman’s Indulgence Hamper.

Complete with champagne flutes, a bottle of Pol Roger (Winston Churchill’s favourite), eight God of Fire double Robusto cigars and yet more fine wines. He can relax in style at Christmas, £1,500. www.lilacbluegifts.com

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ladies dancing It’ll be hard to stop anyone dancing with these high-spec BeoLab 9 speakers from Bang & Olufsen.Your favourite tunes will sound completely different through their professional speakers which guarantee minimal distortion, maximum depth and a big bass 10” driver. They are also very compact (less than 80cm) and in a very funky design, so they look as good as they sound good, £5,720 a pair.

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www.bang-olufsen.com

maids a milking

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Rammed full of rich silky truffles, carrés of dark cinnamon and salted caramel and festively shaped sujets filled with creams and pralinés, the Godiva chocolate box is the perfect start to Christmas Day. The luxurious crimson box is studded with Swarovski crystals and with 74 scrumptious pieces inside they might even last until New Years eve, £120. www.godiva.com

swans a swimming Lapping the pool is good for your body but it can get a tad dull. To liven up those swimming sessions and help you to move with added rhythm, you can bring you iPod or iPhone into the pool. The AMPHIBX Armband will keep them entirely waterproof as you swim and the Surge Pro waterproof headphones are the ideal accompaniment, £44.50 and £54.50 respectively. www.simplyswim.com

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“The new label uses the finest cotton, and the cut is truly fantastic”

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geese a laying

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Eggs aren’t traditionally a Christmas icon but with the Jean Schlumberger workshop designed delicate pink opal egg pendant from Tiffany & Co. you’d be forgiven for preferring this opal to a goose egg, £1,800 and chain, £425 in 18 karat gold. www.tiffany.com

gold rings Any five of Hirsh’s latest rings would make the perfect ring. Splash out on a very rare certificated Padparadscha Sapphire and diamonds in a platinum ring for £14,995, a marquise cut diamond surrounded by 36 white diamonds in a platinum ring for £14,795 or a aquamarine and diamond ring hand made in platinum for £7,495. Or for the height of sophistication dig deep for the rose gold ring with two natural pink diamonds and an oval for £32,995 or a magnificent five-carat Champagne coloured diamond surrounded by 100 diamonds hand made in platinum for £39,995. www.hirshlondon.com

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calling birds

In tribute to the year Lamborghini was founded, TAG Heuer has teamed up with the Italian automaker to produce 1,963 Meridiist phones. Housed in black titanium coated stainless steel the phone boasts the famed Lamborghini signature, as on the Murcielago LP 640’s V12 engine block and the trademark Taurus on the central button, £5,750.

Available from Harrods, Selfridges and TAG Heuer

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french hens

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You can’t get much more French than Chantilly lace, with its fine detailing and luxurious feel. And Agent Provocateur use it in abundance in one of their classics, the flirty Francoise range of which they have produced a special colour-way for Christmas, aptly titled Nymphette; bra, £85 and brief, £45. www.agentprovocateur.com

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turtle doves

This dainty dove, evocative of the sound of summer is on the endangered list in the UK so why not spend some of your Christmas budget on protecting our planet. Gift memberships to the RSPB cost from £3 a week or if you’re wanting something a little more exotic you can help save the tiger with WWF from £10.

and... www.rspb.org.uk / www.wwf.org.uk

a partridge in a pear tree

William & Son is renowned for producing beautifully handcrafted, bespoke shotguns and this commitment to an age old sport transpires into their acoutrements with an emphasis on traditional clothing that has been time-tested by the serious shooter for functionality over fashion. Their Berwick sports jacket with purple check is perfect for the gentleman in your life, £445. www.williamandson.com

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feature

FESTIVE FUN Ruth Sherrington presents the best of London in the run up to Christmas Day CREATIVE CHRISTMAS CAKES

The Little Venice Cake Company is offering an un-missable treat this Christmas. Why not attempt a decorative master class and try your hand at the intricate, innovative and impressive skill of cake decorating (as well as enjoying the expertise and company of founder Mich Turner). Mich will demonstrate the art of turning your Christmas fruit cake into a couture masterpiece, before leaving you to take charge and create a unique cake to take home. Held at the Langham Hotel, the day includes a champagne afternoon tea in the Palm Court. Learn from the experts who have provided special occasion cakes for Her Majesty the Queen!

For more information, visit www.LVCC.co.uk

FULL OF TREATS

Finding the perfect gift is always a struggle, but what could be better for Christmas than a hamper filled to the brim with delicious delicacies and the very best beverages. Harrods, which boasts one of the finest Food Halls in the world, describes their hampers as unique, with no other hamper having “quite the same cachet or emotional response”.

The most prestigious hamper is the ‘Supreme’ (£1,250) which is a celebration of the very best of the Food Halls; everything is here, from Royal fillet of salmon to Oscietra caviar. Those lucky enough to have Harrods in their local area receive their goods via horse drawn carriage!

For more information, visit www.harrods.com

CHRISTMAS AT KEW

Meeting the big red man himself is possibly one of the most exciting experiences you can have as a child, and this year the whole family can meet him at the world famous Royal Botanical Gardens in Kew. For just 12 days, the Princess of Wales Conservatory will house Father Christmas’s festive grotto where he can listen to all the wishes of his little visitors. After this magical treat, continue the Christmas spirit and enjoy Kew’s self-guided Winter Walk before heading to the impressive glasshouses, where you can warm up and explore the exotic plants on show. Other seasonal activities include naturethemed arts and crafts, face painting, Christmas wine tasting and more. Several restaurants and cafes, such as The Orangery Restaurant in one of the Grade I listed buildings, provide a range of delicious food and drinks as well as the seasonal favourite – mince pies.

For more information visit www.kew.org

BELLE OF THE BALL Ensure you look your best for Christmas and the New Year with our top five beauty and home must-haves

1.Crabtree HEAVEN SCENT & Evelyn have everything you need for a session of deep

relaxation, in their Aromatherapy Distillations Relaxing Blend Deluxe Gift. Pure essential are oils blended with skin nurturing, natural ingredients; with three blends (relaxing, revitalising and purifying) this collection offers wellbeing for both body and mind.

Aromatherapy Distillations Relaxing Gift, £42 Crabtree & Evelyn, Cabot Place East

2.TakeTEA TIME TREAT some time out to enjoy a proper afternoon tea and

decorate your home with captivating scent to match.The Jo Malone Deluxe Tea Box contains everything you need to effortlessly fragrance your rooms with the complimentary scents of Sweet Almond Macaroon Tea, Parma Violets Tea and Eau de Cologne Tea. Jo Malone Deluxe Tea Box, £240 Jo Malone, Jubilee Place

3.A stocking CLEANSE & HYDRATE filler that is sure to impress, the Eve Lom Luxury

Gift is a complete collection of Eve’s favourite cleansing and moisturising products, designed to cleanse, protect and hydrate beautiful skin, day and night. Start with the gentle Cleanser, before applying the Rescue Mask and Moisturiser + SPF 15.

Gift set, £117.45 Space NK, Cabot Place West

4.OneESSENTIAL OILS of L’Occitane’s bestselling beauty products, Immortelle

Precious Cream is a smooth, light, fondant-textured skincare treatment which is designed to improve your ask with daily use.

Immortelle essential oil is concentrated into micro-capsules for a 24-hour release, resulting in a refreshed face with softer, smoother and firmer skin.

Immortelle Precious Cream £35 Loccitane, Jubilee Place

5.A glamorous SEASONAL INDULGENCE gift for women, ‘Indian Transformation’ is filled

with the intoxicating scent of davana blossom (alongside grapeseed, raspberry, blackseed and starflower oils). The range leaves skin cocooned in silky softness – perfect for a Christmas beauty session.

Indian Transformation Gift Set, £95 Molton Brown, Jubilee Place All products available from strores in Canary Wharf

CREAM OF THE CROP With our choice of the top male grooming products, scrub up for Christmas with natural products and classic scents

1.A dynamic EXOTIC INSPIRATION collection, the Touring gift set is steeped in the

aromas of Madagascan black peppercorn. A bold scent with a subtle softness, this selection of masculine grooming products (body wash, body hydrator and eau de toilette) is all he needs to scrub up for Christmas.

Madagascan Touring Gift Set, £65 Molton Brown, Jubille Place

2.The SHAVING STYLE Jo Malone Men’s Grooming Starter Set ensures

the daily shaving ritual is quick and comfortable. Use the Eucalyptus & Mint Frothing Cleansing Cream before and the Jojoba Day Moisturiser after shaving and choose from a selection of fragrances to focus your mind and body.

Men’s Grooming Starter Set, £30 Jo Malone, Jubille Place

3. GOLDEN SCENT

Alford and Hoff present a new multi-faceted fragrance, created for the ‘new generation of man’. Luxurious, citrussy and fresh on top, with a smooth core made from sweet rum and warm vanilla, and a background of rich sandalwood and cedarwood.

Alford and Hoff Eau de Toilette, £85.00 Space NK, Cabot Place West

4. DOWN TO EARTH

L’Occitane presents Vetyver – a classic, time-honoured fragrance which embodies the spicy, heady aromas of vetyver wood with bergamot, rosemary, cypress and nutmeg. Native to India, Ceylon and Burma, Vetyver essential oil is popular not only for its exotic scent, but because it boosts arterial circulation and the immune system.

Vetyver Eau de Toilette, £34 L’Occitane, Jubille Place

5.Whether GREEN THUMB it’s Dad or brother, son or husband – if he’s a keen gardener then the Gardeners Hand Renewal set is the perfect Christmas present. Ideal for those who love spending time in the garden, this is a smart bag containing hand products specifically designed to soothe gardeners hands.

Gardeners Hand Renewal Gift, £28.00 Crabtree & Evelyn All products available from strores in Canary Wharf

TAKE CARE

Make a little time for yourself, says O SPA London

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nother sparkling jewel in the crown of Canary Wharf, O SPA London is opening a new branch of their luxurious spa in Cabot Place. Boasting organically sourced and ethically produced cosmetics alongside gorgeous natural spa treatments, this place is set to be a new Canary Wharf hot spot.

Born from the OnboardSpa Company, the most dynamic and progressive spa and fitness lifestyle company working in the cruiseline business, O SPA London has created a range of indulgent spa treatments and all-natural gifts and products which, as well as being environmentally friendly, help ease muscular and emotional tension and promote personal well-being. Using organic essential oils, extracts of aromatic plants, herbs, earth and sea botanicals and drawing upon ancient practices from cultures across the world, O SPA London creates a sensory experience of intense relaxation in every treatment.

And for those who want to bring the luxury of the spa into their home, O SPA London has a product range to match every beauty requirement whilst alleviating the stresses and strains of daily life. Choose from the extensive

range of natural products which will help soothe, revive and restore the skin and body – just like in the spa.

With something for every taste, skin type and beauty need, each of the nourishing ranges from O SPA London boasts a selection of innovative products and multi-layered rituals which promise to improve personal wellbeing whilst promoting life’s most precious commodity – time.

O Spa London Cabot Place Canary Wharf 0845 604 4991 www.ospalondon.com

Top5 O Spa products 3 2 1 CUERPO invigorating body gel £38.00

AROMA essence AM £32.50

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DETOX re:new, re::balance, re::charge, re::energise £44.50

5 HOMME – Facial Scrub £19.50

DETOX Himalayan Salt Scrub £38.50

C A N A RY WHARF news River Transport Saves 20,000 Lorry Trips Over 20,000 lorry trips can be taken off East London and Essex roads over the next two years, thanks to plans by Canary Wharf Contractors Limited (CWC) to maximise use of river barges to transport excavated materials from the Canary Wharf Crossrail Station worksite.

Construction of the Canary Wharf Crossrail Station, which began on 15 May 2009, requires over 150,000 cubic metres of materials to be excavated, equating to almost 300,000 tonnes.

Cliff Bryant, Executive Director of CWC, said “The preference is to test and re-use as much excavated material as possible onsite.We think we can re-use around a third, and the rest will predominantly be taken by barge to the Pitsea site at Holehaven Creek.”

“As with all our construction sites, we aim to minimise impact on the environment and local community. Using the river barges avoids congestion on the roads and noise and air pollution.

It can also help with the pace of construction,” he said.

The material will help to restore Pitsea site from a landfill to high quality land for conservation and controlled public access, without disturbing the nearby tidal mudflats.

Canary Wharf’s Green Gateway Work has begun on the redevelopment of Cartier Circle at the eastern gateway to Canary Wharf.

The redevelopment will create a grand focal entrance to the Canary Wharf Estate and is part of a spine of green spaces running from East to West.

“As well as being pleasant for people, these green spaces attract birds and insects, assisting environmental regeneration of the docklands area,” says Eleanor Green, who is responsible for implementing Canary Wharf Group’s Biodiversity Action Plan.

A canopy of evergreen oak trees will form the outside of the Circle, creating an enclosed space. Trees will also be planted in the median strip in the middle of Churchill Place. Pedestrian areas will be paved with a radial granite pattern.

Cartier Circle’s central island will have a series of curved terraces, boxed hedging and 17 sculptured posts up to 13 metres high. The tops of the posts will be lit in a jewel-like constellation, enhancing the prominence of the circle at night.

The eastern end of Canary Wharf is developing rapidly.

New office buildings are being

Upper Bank Street Bridge Re-opens for Christmas The Upper Bank Street Bridge connecting Canary Wharf with Aspen Way will re-open for two months from 19 December.

The bridge was temporarily closed for the start of construction of the Canary Wharf Crossrail Station in May. Canary Wharf Contractors Limited (CWCL), which is designing and constructing the station, is able to re-open the bridge due to piling of the Station running to schedule. It will allow improved access to Canary Wharf over the Christmas period and early in the NewYear.

The bridge is expected to close again in late February to allow

piling in the centre of the worksite in North Dock.This phase of works is scheduled for completion in summer of 2010; at this point the bridge will be reopened with construction ongoing below.

The temporary closure has allowed CWCL to raise the bridge and install the Crossrail station piles through the bridge deck without the need to dismantle and remove the bridge altogether. This is a change from the original plans, and has resulted in several years of closure being avoided.

The bridge may need to be closed again at some stage in

completed for State Street, KPMG and Fitch Ratings and the new Churchill Place retail development includes Jamie’s Italian restaurant.

The Cartier Circle redevelopment is being undertaken by Canary Wharf Contractors Limited and is expected to complete in May 2010. the future. Advance notice of these closures will be done in good time in the hope that impact of these essential works is minimised.

For any queries about the Canary Wharf Crossrail Station works contact Eldon Cholmondeley-Smith at CWCL on 0207 001 3462.

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Cars with true character have become increasingly hard to find. Until now.

WIN a Lotus Evora drive at Lotus Cars HQ To promote the new Lotus Evora, we are offering the chance to win a day at Lotus Cars Headquarters in Norfolk, including the opportunity to drive the Evora on the legendary Lotus Test Track. This full day will offer everything for the car enthusiasts among you, so to be in a chance of winning pop down and see a member of the team at:

Thursday 3rd at Fulcrum (entrance of Broadgate Arena) and Exchange Square Friday 4th December 2009 at Exchange Square Come and visit us anytime between 7am and 8pm to be in for a chance of winning FULL TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY and are available on request at the event on the 3rd and 4th December 2009

www.grouplotus.com

lifestyle

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JANUARY SALES

POLO MASTERS

SEASONAL SPACE

The Polo Masters tournament is an eagerly anticipated extension to the season. Set in the heart of the breathtaking village of Val d’Isére, this snow polo tournament is played in a specially created arena, so have your snow boots at the ready for polo like you’ve never seen it before!

Attracting world-renowned polo players from England, Argentina and France who meet to compete in amateur and professional games admission is free and there are be cosy stands to huddle up in against the winter chill with a wide variety of hot and cold snacks and beverages on offer.

The Masters commences with team parades on 14 January, training on the Friday and the tournament itself taking place on the Saturday and Sunday.

What better way to kick-start the New Year than with great sportsmanship in an idyllic venue? An event not to be missed for all polo lovers, or for those looking to take up a new interest.

Get into the spirit of Christmas with a range of musical festivities at The Space, not forgetting that all-important glass of mulled wine and a mince pie to kick start the mood. With carol classics such as ‘Silent Night’ and ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’, gather at the Docklands this season for these concerts in aid of the charity, CRISIS. 3 & 14 December www.space.org.uk

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14-17 January For further information, visit www.polo-master.com

out about

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

Beat the post-Christmas blues with the January sales. Liberty and Selfridges open their doors on Boxing Day with Harrods and Harvey Nichols following suit on 27 December.

If you can’t wait that long then the Harrods Dior Homme Sale Preview takes place on 17 December

THE SNOWMAN Similar to the coca-cola advert, Christmas isn’t complete without The Snowman. Now you can watch this magical winter adventure come to life on stage complete with dance, beautiful sets and stunning costumes at The Peacock Theatre, Holborn.

The pinnacle is sure to be the ever-famous walking in the air scene with characters literally flying through snow-strewn skies. www.ticketmaster.co.uk

NYE ON THE WATER Sail down the Thames on the £10 million conversion of London’s finest showboat for a mindblowing voyage with unrivalled views of the fireworks and the opening of tower bridge. www.londonpartyboats.co.uk

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lifestyle

A CARLUCCIO CHRISTMAS Take a Mediterranean twist on traditional Christmas delicacies with a complimentary glass of vino cotto and piccoli assaggi (that’s mulled wine and canapés to me and you!) at Carluccios. www.carluccios.com

THE CRESTA RUN Running since 1887, The Cresta Run is an ice run in the Swiss winter sports town of St. Moritz and is not for the faint hearted. This ice slope (with gradients of 1:2.8 and 1:8.7) runs for three-quarters of a mile with a drop of 514ft and is built from scratch every year using the natural contours from the hillside.

Taking a twist on traditional tobogganing, members are placed on a steel “skeleton sleds” and plunge headfirst down the slope. With your arms by your side, you have to steer with your shoulders just inches above the ground in order to remain streamlined and achieve speeds of up to 80 miles an hour.

Membership entitles you to a quick introduction, equipment supplied by the club and up to five rides down The Cresta Run. The slope is open three days before Christmas until mid February so visit the website for more information on this pure thrill seeking winter activity. www.cresta-run.com

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS... ... Is a unique and high quality item? Then look no further than the festive shopping extravaganza in the old Truman Brewery. With the aid of the elite talent of East London in art, fashion and design, the highest quality of unique handmade goods ensure that Christmas shopping will be far from a mundane chore. www.trumanbrewery.com

NYE IN THE DARK Back by popular demand, this previously sold out event guarantees a night to remember and promises not to extort you with drink prices. Set in the spectacular O2 academy, performances are from the likes of Royksopp, Chase and Status and a surprise guest to greet in the New Year. www.getloadedinthedark.com

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

Give a little luxury...from Aspinal

Also available from Aspinal at Selfridges, Westfield & Canary Wharf For guaranteed UK Christmas delivery order by 23rd December or 22nd for personalised items.

We only use DHL Next Day Delivery for all orders. Not Royal Mail!

L U X U RY

L E AT H ER

ACCESSORIES

GIFTS

NEW YEAR’S EVE AT R I N G I N 2 0 1 0 W I T H U S A S W E T R A N S F O R M T H E P R I VAT E M E M B E R S C L U B AT T H E R O O F G A R D E N S I N TO A F I R E A N D I C E T H E M E D W I N T E R W O N D E R L A N D. T H R O U G H O U T T H E E V E N I N G YO U Õ L L B E E N T E RTA I N E D W I T H TO P C L A S S M U S I C F R O M B A S I L B L A C K 2 B A S I C , A F O RT U N E T E L L E R , M A G I C I A N A N D O F C O U R S E T H E U N I Q U E R O O F G A R D E N S F I R E W O R K S D I S P L AY AT M I D N I G H T P L U S M U C H M O R E .

T: 0207 368 3960 www.roofgardens.virgin.com/nyeoffers

DINE BEFORE YOU DANCE

Start the evening in style with a 4-course dinner.

Tickets are £155 per person (£135 per person for members) and include:

CLUB ENTRY

á All the Club treats mentioned below á A 4-course dinner including a selection of unlimited house spirits, wines, beers and soft drinks throughout the meal until coffee is served

á

á

á

á

Tickets are £95 per person (£85 for member) and include Entrance into the Club from 9pm until 4am A Roof Gardens themed shooter on arrival A mini bottle of Mo‘ t Breakfast canapŽ s 3am-4am

C A N A RY WHARF EV E N TS

Canary Wharf Carols and Candles Tuesday 15 December 5.30pm (Doors 5pm) East Wintergarden FREE

Carols and Candles is one of the highlights of Canary Wharf’s festive season.

This year’s Christmas carol service sees singers from Wharf-based Morgan Stanley, HSBC, Rouse and Co International and the FSA lead the Canary Wharf community in song in the East Wintergarden.

Afterwards all carollers can enjoy mince pies and wine.

The service supports the Plan International and Place2Be charities. www.docklandschaplaincy.co.uk www.mycanarywharf.com

Children’s Festive Activities and Santa’s Grotto Throughout the shopping malls Weekends throughout December and on Christmas Eve

Enjoy free activities throughout the retail malls at weekends in December.

Activities include face-painting, craft workshops plus roaming entertainers.

There’s no need to book - just come along.

Children won’t want to miss a visit to Santa in his magical grotto – a spectacular present filled sleigh pulled by glittering reindeer. The grotto is situated in Jubilee Place and a visit costs just £1. All proceeds are donated to Richard House Children’s Hospice.

Santa and helpers will be at Canary Wharf between 11am-5pm on:

Stars Kick Start Canary Wharf Skating Season

Saturday 5 December Sunday 6 December Saturday 12 December Sunday 13 December Saturday 19 December Sunday 20 December Thursday 24 December 10am – 2pm (Grotto only)

Canary Wharf Ice Rink Until 21 February Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf Mon-Sat 9.45am – 11pm Sun

9.45am - 7.30pm

(Last session begins 1 hour prior to closing time)

Former world figure skating champion and Team GB Olympian Matt Parr was among those at recent gala event to celebrate the opening of the Canary Wharf Ice Rink, which is sponsored by Thomson Reuters.

Danish classical singer Helene Holyck entertained the crowds with a live performance, before some super eager skaters had the winter’s first glide beneath the world famous office towers in Canada Square Park.

The Ice Rink also recently announced Saxo Bank as its secondary sponsor for the 2009/10 season. Saxo Bank is resident in 40 Bank Street in Canary Wharf, and is one of the world’s leading online trading and investment banks.

Ticket prices: Adults Daytime £10; Adults Evening and Weekends £12 NUS Cardholders & OAP’s £9; Children (U12) £7.50 Family Ticket £32 (2 Adults & 2 Children/ 1 Adult & 3 Children) www.ticketmaster.co.uk or 0844 847 1556 Group tickets 0844 847 1546 Onsite box office from 14 November Corporate Parties/Hospitality bookings 01753 626 911 or sales@balmlane-events.com Bookings are now being taken for Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Santa’s Showtime Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December 11am – 5pm East Wintergarden FREE but pre-booking essential

The Santa’s Showtime weekend heralds the start of the festive season at Canary Wharf. Santa and friends will provide fun entertainment for all the family with a spectacular festive show held at the East Wintergarden.

Show times are 12noon, 2pm and 4pm on each day. Doors will open 30 minutes before the start of each show.

Book via www.mycanarywharf.com

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education

STATE OF INDEPENDENCE

With so many options, Stephen Bailey asks the expert’s advice on selecting the right school for your little ones

M

ore and more parents in recent years seem to be choosing to send their children to independent schools but why? With an abundance of top-notch schools in the North West, we take a look at the benefits that come with choosing this type of education.

Independent schools frequently evoke ideas of long-standing reputations, history and tradition.

Eton and Harrow for example are often perceived as a valuable part of our national heritage and culture, but there is more to support the choice to send your child to a private school than just romantic views of the ‘good-old-days’.

It seems that independent

schools are increasingly working hard to shrug off their reputations as stuffy, traditional, old-fashioned or elitist. Most will now offer bursaries, grants and/or scholarships to enable gifted children from less fortunate families to attend their school. According to the ISC (Independent Schools Council) more than one in three pupils at ISC schools receives assistance with fee costs with four out of five of these awards coming directly from the school itself.

Many of these schools are also forging partnerships with state schools and other community organisations. The Labour government seems to have done much to encourage the sharing of facilities between the two

sectors, and independent schools are increasingly becoming known as welcoming and inclusive, while exploring ways in which to become more innovative and successful.

In surveys carried out for ISC

by MORI (Market and Opinion Research International), the main reasons stated by parents by choosing independent schools include small classes with individual attention, high standards of education and examination results, good discipline, encouragement of a responsible attitude to school work, development of social responsibility, and extra-curricular activities.

One of the great strengths that come with independent

education is the freedom and flexibility it allows. Independent schools have the ability to adapt the curriculum to promote specific subjects and ideals. Although most schools choose to follow the national curriculum, Independent schools are not bound it and can adapt it to suit their methods of teaching. This also means they can avoid putting pupils through Standard Attainment Tests (SATs) if they do not deem them beneficial enough. These schools appoint their own staff and can develop their own policies; they can adapt to changing circumstances and can use their resources to provide the best modern facilities. n www.isc.co.uk

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

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PRIMARY SCHOOL EDUCATION: THE CHOICES Sarah Counter, headmistress of Faraday school talks about the New Model School

T

• Come and see our unique site at Trinity Buoy

Wharf • Small classes, friendly faces and busy children create an atmosphere conducive to learning

• Conveniently located for Docklands, Canning Town and Greenwich • Transport available to and from Canary Wharf each day

• Part of New Model Schools, a not-for-profit

organization, with fees of £5,300 pa

www.faradayschool.co.uk Independent Day School

here is a choice of Nursery School institutions on the Wharf, but what happens when your child needs to go on to school?

All of a sudden the selection is reduced; until now it has been a choice between the local state school with large classes, or an independent school with high fees.

Perhaps the New Model Schools have the answer to your child’s needs? Imagine a small ‘village size’ school with an adult child ratio of 1:10; a school which focuses on the intrinsic qualities of courtesy and respect for others; and teaching which places literacy and numeracy skills high on the agenda. Add to this a substantial amount of time spent on the creative arts and science, and you have Faraday School.

Faraday opened on Trinity Buoy Wharf three months ago, and already it is the talk of the town. Set within a vibrant arts and business community, it has a unique rooftop playground created from blue containers which allow sport and play to take place outside in all but the most severe weather. The children, in their distinctive red and grey uniforms, travel to school by boat from Greenwich, train (East India Station), or are picked up from Canary Wharf itself, and accompanied to school by a member of staff.

Faraday is part of the New Model School Company, a not-forprofit organisation with an established track record in running successful primary schools. With fees at £5,300 per annum, (roughly half the cost of the average independent school), it opens the choice for independent education to a significantly wider audience. Faraday School can currently accept children from Reception to Year 1, with a Year 2 and 3 class opening in September 2010. n

Parents are welcome to make an appointment to meet with the Head, Sarah Counter, and to visit the school at any time.

Faraday School Trinity Buoy Wharf 64 Orchard Place London, E14 0JW 020 7719 9343 admin@faradayschool.co.uk www.faradayschool.co.uk

The Triumph of The Teddy And for his next trick, teddy will take over the world... The bear has become a permanent fixture. He’s there in films, books and bedrooms across the country. Kaye Holland explores the rise of the cuddly companion

T

he teddy bear has become a dominant presence in the toy industry – remarkable in an industry that lives with its eye on the door. Transformers and Teletubbies have all met their end, yet the humble teddy has survived a century of colossal change. As a trusted companion to millions, he holds a special place in our hearts.

But how to account for the enduring appeal? One theory touted takes into account the similarity between the bear and human beings; the bear could, like a human, stand and walk on two legs – a skill not shared by many animals. Another explanation is its universal appeal: bears don’t answer back and are equally as appealing to girls and boys.

While the appeal might be hard to define (it isn’t logical or educational),what is clear is that bears have seeped into the public consciousness with a growing number of magazines – Hugglets,Teddy Bear Times – all clamouring for the attention of the teddy enthusiast. The Golden Teddy Awards were introduced in 1987 and the TOBY (or Teddy Bear of the Year Awards) in 1990.

lifestyle

The surge in popularity was evident at the recent ‘Bearfest’ held at Kensington Town Hall in September. As the doors opened, hundreds of people – some in their teens and twenties, others edging closer to claiming a pension – swarmed inside to gaze devotedly at a cornucopia of bears. A joyful bonhomie, not seen since Christopher Robin rescued Pooh from the Heffalump trap, prevailed with punters prepared to part with premium amounts of cash – despite Britain being in the midst of a recession.

But if bears are now recognised as collectors’ items, a few decades ago it was a different story says former head of Christie’s, Leyla Maniera: “When I joined Christie’s in 1980, bears weren’t recognised as collector’s items.”

The catalyst for change came in 1989 with the arrival of an extraordinary Steiff – the Rolls Royce among toy manufacturers – answering to the name of Alfonzo. His previous owner had been Russian Princess Xenia – second cousin of Tsar Nicholas II and great, great granddaughter of Catherine the Great. Given to Xenia by her father, the Grand Duke George Michailovich, the tiny ted accompanied Xenia everywhere right up to her death in 1965. A generation later, when Alfonzo was offered for sale, the hammer fell for a record price of £12,000.

Ms Maniera admits to being, “… staggered. I originally valued the bear at £4,000 and even then the board said: ‘You’re crazy. A bear isn’t worth that much.’ I stood firm because there was an enormous amount of magic about Alfonzo, still for someone to pay £12,000 was phenomenal.”

The price astounded all present, and the press – there to cover a rare Charles II wooden doll – diverted their attention to Alfonzo, whose photograph was beamed across the world the next day.

After Alonzo, prices began to leap frog and the world record for a Steiff today stands at an astonishing £130,000: U Pithcom (The Little One) has inhabited

his owner Mr Josie Kim’s museum on Chsu Island, South Korea, since 2001.

Still, while a growing number of collectors, disillusioned by the insecurity of global financial markets, have discovered that the teddy can be more than a toy, most of the arctophiles – the name given to a teddy lover – which I spoke to at the Kensington Bearfest wouldn’t dream of parting with their furry friends.

YOU’RE CRAZY. A BEAR ISN’T WORTH THAT MUCH Money will never be the motivation – they don’t dream of making millions, but of a friendly face. The bears are all important and not in the auction house sense. Or as Tristan Wainwright – part of the family firm Asquiths who run two shops in the picturesque Home County towns of Eton and Henley – puts it: “Buying a bear is about falling in love, rather than acquiring a status symbol.”

It’s a stance shared by Sue Pearson, an experienced collector and author of Miller’s Antiques Checklist: “When I first started collecting, I bought bears purely on looks alone. It was the faces that attracted me.”

Collections can grow in different ways. The late English actor, Peter Bull’s attachment to teddies stemmed from his childhood when his bear was given away.

Knowing how much this loss mattered, a friend gave Bull a bear back in 1948.

Christened ‘Theodore’, he immediately became an immediate favourite travelling everywhere with Bull from Broadway to the Greek island of Paxos, where the actor had a holiday home. Others have received bears in recognition of a special event and this has sparked a collection.

The question is: Can bears sustain their popularity? In a moribund industry, nothing is guaranteed. Nonetheless longevity looks likely. In an era of constant change, bears possess a reassuring quality. They offer a

47

sense of escapism, transporting us away from the hideous modernity of plastic toys and reality TV, back to childhood and our past, or rather an idealised interpretation of the past.

And maybe, just maybe, in these troubled times a sense of escapism is what we all desperately need.  BIRTH OF THE BEAR Invented in one continent, the bear was given its name and adopted by another. In Germany, Richard Steiff designed the first jointed bear over 100 years ago. A nephew of Margaret Steiff, founder of the famous soft toy company, he based the design on real bears he’d seen at Stuttgart Zoo. The first batch appeared at the Leipzig Toy Fair in 1903, was sold to a buyer and subsequently sent Stateside.

It was in the US that the teddy got his name. Theodore ‘Teddy’ Roosevelt, the US President, was portrayed in a political cartoon that appeared in the Washington Post in November 1902, refusing to shoot a bear that had been captured for him to kill.

The cartoonist, Clifford Berryman, continued to associate Roosevelt with this endearing bear and subsequently New York shopkeeper, Morris Mitchom, made a soft toy bear naming it ‘Teddy’s Bear’ as a tribute to the President. By 1907, the term ‘teddy bear’ had become widely adopted in both continents.

5

Christmas gifts

of the best For those who need some last minute inspiration...

THE DUFFLE

Brave the elements in style with a Duffle Coat and scarf from Eden Park. Distinctive pink cotton corded stitching on the inside, attached hood and shoulder patches on the front the back make this the perfect armoury for the brutal winter weather. Engraved leather/resin frogs in the shape of rugby balls give this the classic Eden Park rugby feel, as does the trademark metal bowtie logo on the left pocket flap. Part of Eden Park's Club House line, their casual chic clothing draws inspiration from the traditional English club house and the world of cultivated sports where appearance and elegance still play an integral role. The brand has always been associated with some of Europe's greatest rugby teams and, since starting in 1987, has become France's quintessential rugby designer.

For more information, visit the boutique at 3-5 Golden Court, Richmond, call 020 3166 4031 or log on to www. uk.eden-park.com

THE FLORAL DECORATION

Finding the perfect tree this Christmas need not be an arduous, time-consuming quest. Brown’s of London has had a presence in Canary Wharf for nine years and has a wealth of experience in all aspects of modern and traditional floristry. Their broad range of Christmas trees and exquisite winter flowers give you the highest quality and most interesting variety, daily from the auctions of Aalsmeer and Rijnsburg in the Netherlands. They deliver free within Canary Wharf and with their effortless online internet ordering, all you have to do is order products via email and then collect them at designated time. So if you don’t know your Norwegian Spruce from your Nordmann Fir, drop them an e-mail for a blossom of Christmas delivered direct to your door.

For more information visit Brown’s London in Canada Place, call 020 7512 9275 or log on to www.brownslondon.co.uk

citylifepromotion

THE GUN SLIP

Established in 1965, Musto was founded by Keith Musto, a British Olympic sailor and engineer, who combined his sports and technical expertise to create product to withstand even the most extreme conditions. Having kept countless athletes warm, dry and comfortable, today Musto is the world’s leading sailing and country sports clothing brand. This superb finely crafted Gun slip is the highest quality leather, featuring antique solid brass accessories and canvas strap to give it both a timeless elegance and high functionality. This antique leather cartridge bag is the perfect shooting accompaniment, durable yet stylish enough to take anywhere.

For more information call 01268 491 555 or log on to www.musto.com

THE RYDER CUP

For those that want to enjoy the atmosphere of The Ryder Cup in truly extraordinary surroundings, Ryder Cup hospitality offers a wide range of fantastic packages that give guests exclusive access to some of the finest views of the course. Bespoke packages range from one to six days and are guaranteed to deliver an unrivalled and unforgettable experience. Alongside the chance to watch some of the greatest golfers on the planet in action, guests will be served a threecourse lunch with wine alongside a range of other wonderful benefits. Twenty-four of the world’s leading golfers guarantee high-octane golf and great drama, all for your pleasure in the highest luxury of the Celtic Manor Resort.

For more information, call 01344 840 400 or log on to www.rydercuphospitality.com

THE CHELSEA CLUB

Christmas is for indulging - both yourself and your loved ones - which is why January is the perennial time for detox regimes. The Chelsea Club, one of London’s most exclusive health clubs and spas, has designed the perfect Christmas gift that keeps on giving long after that last mince pie has been scoffed. Choose from one of four deluxe packages that will kick start the dreaded January detox in style. With a huge variety of treatments on offer, including personal training sessions, nutrition consultations and spa sessions – not to mention use of top class gym facilities such as a 25m pool, organic café, crèche and private parking – getting fit in the New Year promises to be a hassle-free and even enjoyable experience.

For more information, visit The Chelsea Club at Chelsea Football Stadium, call 020 7915 2200 or log on to www.thechelseaclub.com

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Black chiffon halterneck jumpsuit, £1,295, Maria Grachvogel, 162 Sloane St, SW1, 020 7245 9331 Black leather ‘Cosmo’ jacket £2,100, Jitrois, Sloane Street, SW1, 020 7245 6300

Suicide Blonde

Photography by: Oly Barnsley Fashion Editor: Lucie Dodds

Black tweed chain cap, ÂŁ1,200 and black tweed and lace sequin and pearl shoulder cocktail dress from ÂŁ2,100 both Chanel, 020 7493 5040

Black organdy flock spot frilled hem dress, £1,895, Jasper Conran, 020 7292 9080, www.jasperconran.com Lace gloves, £39, Cornelia James at Fenwick, New Bond St, W1, 020 7629 9161 Black patent platform ‘Gesture’ stilettos, £435, Jimmy Choo, 020 7823 1051, www.jimmychoo.com Black ankle socks and black top hat, stylists own.

Black chiffon and satin ribbon ‘Tanja’ dress to order, Bruce Oldfield, 27 Beauchamp Place, SW3, 020 7584 1363, www.bruceoldfield.com Black biker ‘Yule’ boots, £695, Jimmy Choo as before; black leather gloves, stylists own.

Hair: Choccy at One Make-up using Bumble & Bumble Make-up: Yvette Redmond at Tiger Creative using Chanel Beige Fragrance, Lotion Confort Toner, Hydramax + Active Serum and Hydramax + Active Moisture Fluid Moisturiser, Eye Tonic Dark Circle Corrector Eye Cream, Vitalumiere Eclat Comfort Radiance Compact Makeup in Beige Pastel, Lift Lumiere Smoothing and Rejuvenating Eye Contour Concealer, Sculpte Sourcils Sculpting Brow Pencil in 51 Blond Clair, Les Tissages Lames De Chanel Shimmering Tweed Highlighter, Joues Contraste Powder Blush in 44 Narcisse, Quatuor Boutons de Chanel Les Folies Noires Eyeshadow, La Ligne De Chanel Professional Duo Eyeliner in Noir Lame & Ecriture de Chanel, Automatic Liquid Eyeliner in Noir /Black, Inimitable Multi-Dimensional Mascara in Noir Obscur, Rouge Allure Laque Lumious Satin Lip Laquer in 7, Le Vernis Nail Colour in Vendetta Model: Alicja at Premier Model Management. Thanks to Maxine.

health&beauty

57

MUST HAVE ITEM: FLEUR EVER

health&beauty

news SUNKISSED GLOW UNDER THE MISTLETOE

Vani-T has just launched their new professional spray tan Liquid Sun Velocity in time for this Christmas party season. It’s a revolutionary formula that develops in a record speed of just one hour – you wash it off after one hour for a light tan, after two hours for a medium tan and after three hours for a dark tan! It’s never been easier to achieve a natural looking sun kissed glow in a flash.

Liquid Sun Velocity is the first spray tan to use quad bronzing technology to counteract any orange tones leaving a very true shade of brown, which suits all skin tones. It’s also proven to fade 80% better than others on the market lasting up to ten days to take you from Christmas Eve to New Years Eve looking like a sun kissed party princess! And with celebrity fans including Dannii Minogue, Jennifer Aniston & Cameron Diaz. It’s the perfect choice for a natural looking tan this season £30 from salons and spas nationwide www.vani-t.com

TAYLOR TAYLOR

www.shuuemura.com

MUST HAVE COLOUR: PURPLE

TOP TIP: Use Vani-T Bronzing Custard every other day to maintain your tan. This gradual tanning formula enriches skin with radiance boosting power to maintain your sun kissed glow from head to toe.

From violet berries to rich plums, purple is the season’s new red.

Clinique’s new Black Tie Violets collection captures the trend perfectly, sweetly feminine yet bold.

Different Lipstick in A Different Grape is a must. www.clinique.co.uk

MUST HAVE TREND: Bigger is better

Salon of the month:

For an exclusive hair experience that oozes urban chic, Taylor Taylor London is the place to go. With award-winning stylists on hand, you can indulge yourself in top quality treatments whilst receiving a complimentary cocktail or two.

As featured in Vogue, the interior VERDICT: comes straight from a World of Welcoming and Interiors vintage special and the stylish, interior service is, whilst you may fear guru's will love what uber-stylish and superior at first, they've done to the welcoming, friendly and expert. place: A safe pair of scissor-hands.

Overly cautious, we opted for the simple blow wave and stylist, Lok Lau (a regular stylist to the national consumer press), worked his effortless style and magic.

020 7377 2737 www.taylortaylorlondon.com

As you may already know, feathers are huge this season walking the runways of designers such as Alberta Feretti and filtering down in to high street chains such as Topshop in the form of ostrich feather minis. Now this hot trend can adorn your eyelids thanks to eyelash king shu uemura and their make-up artist associate, Gina Brooke, who have created delicately feathered petal tipped false eyelashes for high impact eyes that are still natural looking. Enjoy an extravagant, fanciful look, £55.

Big hair was all over the catwalk this season and looks as if it is going to transcend in to next season with the recurrent 80’s vibe. So make your everyday hair just that little bit more volumised by scrunching with plenty of hair mousse and using hairspray on your roots. For the more daring ones among us, invest in a pair of hair crimpers a la Christian Lacroix to fully embrace this trend.

Reebok Xmas A4 Canary Mag:Layout 1

23/11/09

12:44

Page 1

Join the Reebok Club now and pay no subscription until January 2010* Use your free time to book in for a FREE fitness test or have an exercise programme prescribed 0844 558 1312

info@reebokclub.co.uk

reebokclub.co.uk *standard ÂŁ35 admin fee applies Offer ends 31/12/09

citylifepromotion

59

ULTRASMILE* INTRODUCES NEW TOOTH WHITENING SENSATION FROM KöR Your smile is one of your biggest assets. It is the first thing people notice about you and a brighter, whiter smile can help you stand out from the crowd and make a memorable impression.

UltraSmile* (winner of UK’s Private Practice of the Year) has now extended its whitening services to include the new and revolutionary KöR whitening System which is aimed at those with heavily stained teeth, for whom conventional whitening procedures are not suitable.

The KoR Whitening Deep Bleaching TM System was developed by world renowned American dentist, Dr Rod Kurthy. The system produces dramatic whitening results, even on heavily stained and tetracycline-stained cases.

The KöR whitening has been ranked the highest, as the most effective and reliable way to whiten your teeth by ‘Dental Product Shopper’, a highly respected dental journal in the USA. No other dental product of any type has ever been ranked higher than KöR Whitening, and it is the only whitening system to have ever received a rating of “Best Product”.

How does it work? The KöR, like other bleaching systems, works on the principle of applying a whitening gel to the teeth. The whiteness of the teeth depends upon the strength of the whitening gel and how long it remains on the teeth. KöR whitening however, allows dentists greater freedom to control the strength of the whitening gel and the length of time that it is used in the whitening process. It is this aspect of control with the KöR, that allows UltraSmile* dentists to achieve superior whitening results for patients.

Why use the KöR? The KöR whitening system claims to be able to whiten even the toughest stained teeth, including tetracycline stained teeth. Indeed, case studies have shown this to be the case. The reason the KöR system is able to do this, is believed to be due to the superior fit of the custom made trays that are worn by the patient throughout the whitening process. The tight seal of the trays, allows oxygen to be absorbed deeply into the teeth, thus allowing deeply ingrained stain molecules to be dissolved. Teeth that have been whitened by the KöR whitening system can, in some cases, produce a whitening result which is 20 shades lighter. The KöR system is a tried and tested system. It is safe, painless and produces stunning results.

What is the process? Firstly, a super-accurate impression of the patient’s teeth and gum line is taken by an UltraSmile* dentist. It is from this impression that the custom moulded trays are made. The patient is then booked in for a second visit, where the teeth are conditioned with a whitening gel.

Next, the patient returns home with the custom moulded trays. Each night before bed, the patient applies a whitening gel into the trays

and wears the trays all night for two weeks. By the end of the 2 weeks, the patient will usually notice a dramatic improvement in the appearance of their teeth. In addition to increased whiteness, the condition of the teeth will also appear improved because teeth will be more permeable to oxygen.

This improved condition of the teeth allows teeth to appear whiter for longer.

Finally, the patient returns to the practice for one final whitening visit with UltraSmile*. At this appointment, the dentist will apply a high concentration whitening gel to the teeth for approximately one hour.

After this time, the patient is free to go and will leave UltraSmile* with a whiter, more beautiful smile.

UltraSmile* is the only registered practice in England to offer the amazing new KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching™ System For more information on the KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching™ System, please contact UltraSmile* (winner of the UK’s Private Practice of the Year) on 0207 093 4488 or visit www.ultrasmile.co.uk. Mention this article and get a 15% discount off the cost of this fantastic treatment for Christmas. This is a limited time only offer.

health&beauty

EVOLUTION OF THE

HOLIDAY We go on holiday to repair and rejuvenate, but in recent years travellers have been taking things a little more literally. Niall O’Donoghue examines the growth of medical tourism

A

couple of decades ago the UK experienced a shift away from the rainy seaside holidays of British tourism, turning to more exotic adventures overseas. Today, this trend has developed further and a new species of tourism has evolved, but this time the driving force is healthcare rather than leisure. Raking in an astounding $20 billion a year and set to increase fivefold by 2012, medical tourism is really taking off in the UK. The NHS has been pushed back to second place by foreign clinics claiming to offer medical care of comparative quality.

In countless countries, from Spain to India, private independent clinics bring hope to those caught up in NHS waiting lists or struggling with the cost of private alternatives in the UK. Thailand is just one country that has taken the initiative with medical tourism catering for the growing numbers who are shopping the globe for the best - and best-value - medical care. Some of the most modern are in Bangkok. The famous Bumrungrad sees more than one million patients a year, about half of which are visitors and expatriates from overseas.

Patients go for anything from medical checks to knee replacements to cosmetic surgery.

The attraction is that Thai medical staff have been trained in some of the best universities and hospitals in the world, from Harvard to Cambridge and the cost is often lower than at home - generally, between half and two-thirds of the cost for equivalent treatment in the British private health sector.

Dentistry is another health sector that is becoming increasingly popular with visitors due to the ease of getting an appointment

and as before, the fact that most procedures cost less than half what they do at home.

The DC-one dental clinic has outlets in Bangkok and Phuket, where it looks after the teeth of many of the embassies staff and, whilst offering whistle-stop treatments, they will only do things that are in the best interests of the patient working very closely with hospitals to ensure that the best treatment is given. They are also trained to deal with the many who have phobias of going to the dentist.

Another destination flourishing with the increase of medical tourism is Spain, where British patients can save 35% on average private fees and in some cases the savings can be even more substantial; for example, fertility treatment which could cost £8,000 in the UK, can cost as little as £2,300 in Spain.

Undeterred by warnings from such organisations as the BMA to be wary of pitfalls such as hidden costs and language difficulties, thousands of Britons are packing their bags every year and joining the mass movement of medical tourism. Such is the exponential growth in interest for medical tourism that a full guide was made available online for practical, accessible advice on going abroad for medical treatment. The guide compiled by www.treatmentabroad. net includes advice on everything from deciding where to go, to how to compare different providers. n

For more information on medical tourism, visit www.treatmentabroad.com For more information on the dental clinic mentioned in Thailand, visit www.dc-one.com

Dc-One treatment room

Dc-One entrance

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citylifepromotion

The Future of Vision Going to the opticians is now a completely chic and rejuvenating experience thanks to the recent launch of the exclusive Eye Spa at EYE TO EYE, Knightsbridge.

Chelsey Baker finds out more

Your eyes play a more important role than

procedures to aesthetic appearance.”

any other facial feature in the expression of

The exclusive network which forms the unique Eye Spa team includes internationally renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Kirwan, top Harley Street eye surgeon Dr. Pillai, distinguished facial rejuvenation practitioner Dr. Jean-Joseph and the UK’s leading micro pigmentation specialist Andrew Stassi.

your emotions and early signs of ageing.

As a result, the first ever total eye spa has landed in London offering more than just eye examinations and accessories.

The Eye Spa concept offers a destination where you can be assured that your eyes are kept in optimum health, whilst also looking fresh and revitalised. EYE TO EYE - KNIGHTSBRIDGE offers a comprehensive service encompassing optimum vision solutions, a unique collection of eyewear and bespoke fittings; all of which can be enhanced with services at the Eye Spa to ensure that eyes look and feel their best.

Sunny Sahota, managing director of EYE TO EYE explains: “We are already known for our unrivalled eye care services and being at the forefront of luxury eyewear, so to enhance our services we wanted to provide clients with the expertise of our specialist partners.

“Rather than just recommending or referring third party services, we have entered into partnership arrangements with the best eye care specialists available to launch the Eye Spa, hence we are now a destination for professional and specialist advice about anything eye care related from clinical

Close to 150 million people sit in front of a computer monitor each day and many of us spend in excess of two hours at a time, focusing on screens as we complete work projects, blog, or just surf the web. If a significant portion of your day involves computer time as part of your job, you are entitled to claim an eye examination paid for by your employer.

Sandip Sahota, resident optometrist explains: “As the eyes perform more demanding tasks, it may make employees working with computers more aware of an eyesight problem and even make those with preexisting vision defects more aware of them if not corrected. Visual health can affect professional performance at work. To safeguard this, an eye examination is a vital health check.”

The eyewear collections on offer at EYE TO EYE range from niche brands to leading

fashion houses, including Chanel, Balenciaga (a favorite amongst celebrities such as Victoria Beckham) Bottega Veneta, and Tom Ford.

New to the store is the Phillip Lim collection which has only been distributed to the world’s most prestigious opticians and boutiques.

Furthermore, EYE TO EYE also offers handmade glasses from buffalo horn incorporating gold, gemstones or fabrics into the natural horn and it can all be arranged entirely at your convenience, either at your home, workplace or at the Eye Spa showroom.

For more information, EYE TO EYE – KNIGHTSBRIDGE, 3A Montpelier Street, Knightsbridge, SW7 1EX, call 020 7581 8828 or log on to www.eyetoeye-knightsbridge.co.uk

EXCLUSIVE READER OFFER Bring in your old glasses (or sunglasses) and receive up to £50 off a brand new pair! All tradedin glasses will be donated to Vision Aid Overseas, a UK charity dedicated to helping people in the developing world whose lives are blighted by poor eye sight.

ÒHow about a new body for Christmas?Ó FITABILITY is very proud to introduce a brand new, beautifully modern and well-equipped Personal Training studio right here in the London Docklands!

FITABILITY offers a truly unique combination of Personal Training, Nutrition and Hypnotherapy to give you the results you have been longing for!

FITABILITY believes ÔPersonalÕ Training should be just that, so you donÕt have to share your space with anybody else and you can even train to your own music!

FITABILITY can provide fully informed, in-depth nutritional advice and we even have an amazing Elite package for the really serious who need help every step of the way.

FITABILITY can help with a wide range of problems using hypnotherapy and we are also fully-qualified to physically train medically referred clients with various conditions such as heart attack/stroke victims, asthma, obesity and diabetes to name a few!

See our website or call today for full details.

GET SOME REAL VIP TREATMENT FOR AN UNBELIEVABLE PRICE! We also sell gift vouchers so treat that someone special to a unique gift of a brand-new body for Christmas and wrap it up in one of our fab & funky t-shirts for that extra special touch.

So have a guilt-free Christmas by booking your advance sessions today & receive a very special offer of £5.00 off every session! (valid for use throughout December & January only)

: www.fitability.co.uk

: info@fitability.co.uk

: 020 7987 0480

ISLAND PARADISE Charlotte Evans flies halfway around the world for an exotic break in the world’s most exclusive island paradise

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estled in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives are a series of 202 inhabited ancient coral reefs that grew up around the sides of towering prehistoric volcanoes (which have long since sunk into the ocean). After much concern and controversy about the effect of the longterm rise in sea levels on the low-lying coral islands, the Maldives are defying the negative projections with some of the most popular and luxurious resorts in the world.

Seven and a half hours and yet a world away from Heathrow, Velassaru is located on a private island, soaked in year-round Maldivian sunshine.

The renowned white sands dissolve into translucent turquoise, and lush tropical greenery conceals the natural beauty within.

After landing at Male airport, I was greeted with a chilled facial towel, mineral water and a smile from the attentive team who took me on a scenic speedboat journey to the resort. The moment I stepped ashore I felt at home; greeted by name and handed the most delicious aperitif and nibbles, I didn’t experience any of the familiar arduous check-in experience.

During my retreat at Velassaru, I was staying in one of the resort’s stunning water villas; a serene hideaway perched above the turquoise lagoon.

Whether honeymooning or escaping alone, the king-size bed draped in sheer linen and silk, was the most overindulgent bed I have ever had the pleasure of relaxing on. From this sleepy sanctuary there is a full sea-facing wall opening out to the spacious overwater terrace and the expansive lagoon beyond. Just off the bedroom and living area, the walk through wardrobe and dressing area leads to an open plan bathing space, complete with a freestanding bathtub, a separate tiled shower and twin sinks. That evening

Open plan bathing space, Velassaru

I experienced the world’s most luxurious bath; with the terrace door open, my view of the moonlit shimmering ocean was breathtaking.

The next morning I discovered that the terrace I had been looking out over the night before was also a private entrance to the lagoon. Other facilities of the villa include everything from an espresso machine, mid-morning snacks and beverages, to in-villa surround sound entertainment (including iPod dock) to soundtrack the time spent on the terrace.

With eight ways to dine at the resort you will never go hungry; the culinary art of Velassaru’s chefs showcases an innovative taste of world cuisines, with a unique Maldivian flare. Guests here can choose from a full range, from relaxed dining in the Turquoise and Vela restaurants, to more formal dining in Etesian and Teppanyaki in Sand. Velassaru also offers in-villa dining, a light lunch on your terrace, champagne and canapés, or a personal barbeque, served with discretion and the ultimate privacy.

Whilst tasting some of the delicious dishes on offer I discovered quite a liking for the traditional Maldivian curry, for breakfast! As the Maldives is more sea than land, it is usually styled as a fish curry, and being so close to India, the fiery spices have certainly found their way into the traditional cooking. Other recommendations include ‘hedhikaa’, finger food such as ‘gulha’ (fried dough balls filled with fish and spices), ‘kulhi boakibaa’ (spicy fish cakes) and ‘fihunu mas’ (fish pieces in a chilli coating). Something quite different was the equivalent to our after-dinner mint; the areca nut. Chewed after a meal or snack, these oval nuts are sliced into sections with cloves and lime paste, before being wrapped in an areca leaf. This wad is supposed to be chewed whole, and is definitely an acquired taste!

Each individual break at Velassaru can be as structured and tailored as you like; guests may simply book their villa and spend the duration by the beautiful infinity pool or explore totally unguided.

Alternatively, Velassaru offers packages for everyone; diving courses are available with fully qualified, multilingual instructors – and for those who want to see the amazing coral and aquatic life, but don’t have a PADI, snorkelling is another option. I opted for the snorkelling, and experienced sights I thought I would only ever see in a David Attenborough documentary.

The crystal clear sea with the reef surrounding the

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resort is a hub of sea life, and baby sharks (who are perfectly harmless), use the lagoon as a nursery. If you feel like you’d rather catch your dinner, than swim with it, deep sea fishing is also offered. Whilst this does involve getting up before the sun rises, it is exciting to see what the fishermen experience. All forms of water sports are available with instructors if required.

After all the adventures guests may wish to relax at the five star spa. I chose the Vibrant Waters Cocoon Elements Wrap; with soothing gel of water lily, this treatment gave my skin a much needed deep hydration, after a few days in the sun. With massage, facials, wraps, and other signature rituals available you would certainly be missing out if you didn’t book in during your stay. The facilities include use of the hot tub on the terrace, outdoor showers, steam room and all other spa luxuries. And you’d be sadly mistaken if you thought this was all for the ladies; special packages specifically designed for gentlemen as well as yoga and relaxation techniques are also available.

The Maldives, and the exquisite Velassaru resort in particular, is a perfect indulgent break; breathtaking in nature, beauty and true relaxation, this is a holiday that will stay with you long after the tan has faded. n

Waterbungalows

Visitor Facts

Amazing sea views, Velassaru

Kuoni (01306 747008 or www.kuoni.co.uk) offers seven nights at Velassaru, Maldives on bed and breakfast basis in a deluxe bungalow, including flights with Sri Lankan Airlines from Heathrow with transfers in resort and access to the VIP lounge in Male airport on departure.

Prices for 2010 from £1,136 per person based on two sharing.

© All images courtesy of Universal Resorts Maldives

For more information on Velassaru Maldives resort go to www.velassaru.com

AMNOW AZ AT I OF NG P AN JUS RIC E T

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Find out more on www.fujifilm.co.uk / Z35XMAS AVAILABLE FROM

and all good photographic retailers Fujifilm Z35_A4_rev2 .indd 1

20/11/09 13:25:14

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HOURS IN....

Lunigiana, Tuscany Joe Mann spends a day in the Gulf of Poets

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unigiana is the northern region of Tuscany and lies between the Apennines in Emilia, the Apuan Alps and the Gulf of La Spezia. Full of ruined medieval castles, Roman churches and quaint unspoilt hamlets, the area provides a rich local heritage and picturesque setting for a relaxing short break. Spend a few days enjoying a slower pace of life in this rural area, and enjoy endless peace and quiet 9am: Breakfast in the in Bagnone town square Bagnone is one of the prettiest villages in the Lunigiana region, and the perfect place to start your day. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in one of the many street cafés and watch the village wake up slowly. The views from the lower village are stunning, so choose a table from which you can take in the scenery.

10am: Walk up to the Castle From the lower town, take the bridge and walk up to the castle.Topped by a fortress (with the typical round tower of the Lunigiana region), the castle began to lose its defensive function when Bagnone became part of the Florentine republic in 1471. Don’t forget to step into the Chiesa di San Niccolò (Church of St Nicholas) before you leave – this pretty church is worth a walk around and is typical of the region.

11:30am: Drive to Portovenere Just under an hour away from Bagnone, Portovenere, is a pretty town on the famous Gulf of Poets, and has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Arriving by 12:30pm, choose from a selection of restaurants for a light lunch. The harbour restaurants serve delicious fresh seafood

Riomaggiore

(look out for the local seafood risotto!) and usually have set lunch menus at reasonable prices. After lunch, take a stroll around the picturesque harbour, lined with brightly coloured houses before turning up the narrow medieval streets lined with shops. The winding streets lead from the coast, up the hill from the ancient city gate to the castle.

2pm: The Gulf of Poets Also known as the Gulf of the Poets, the Gulf of La Spezia is said to be one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in Italy.

Numerous literary greats made their homes in this area, including Byron, Shelley and D.H. Lawrence – look out for Byron’s Cave: a rocky area leading to the sea where Byron himself used to swim.The coastline and islands are dotted with tiny fishing villages and this is the perfect location for a spot of sailing, canoeing, snorkelling or relaxing on one of the small beaches around Fiascherino or Tellaro.

4pm: Ferry to the Cinque Terre Ferries travel around the Gulf, stopping at Lerici, La Spezia, Portovenere, and the Cinque Terre (five villages located along the cliffs). From the ferry drop off, take a walk along the cliff paths which link the five villages – don’t forget to stop in one of village restaurants to try the anchovies marinated in olive oil and garlic, served with bread and delicate local white wine.

Portovenere

1 “Via dell amor” of Cinque Terre

7pm: Dinner in Portovenere Once back in Portovenere, enjoy dinner at Tre Torri (www.trattoriatretorri.it). Located in the central square, the restaurant (managed by a large family) welcomes guests into two large dining rooms or an outdoor dining space with panoramic views of the sea.With a relaxing, slow paced atmosphere, this is the perfect place to enjoy local fish dishes and white wine. n Brought to you in association with L’Architrave, the leading property specialist in Lunigiana, Tuscany and the surrounding areas www.larchitrave.com

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The iconic Suvretta House in St. Moritz offers the ultimate alpine escape.

Kate Harrison dons her salopettes to tell us more

o your research on Suvretta House and you will be forgiven for thinking that you are reading a fairytale. The opening image on the website presents you with idyllic alpine scenes, majestic mountaintops and an unforgettable experience and you understand how the resort has become an international mecca for the jet set and sporting world.

Located just two kilometres from St. Moritz, this grand oasis of hospitality is nestled in the breathtaking mountains of the Upper Engadine, offering a unique world of leisure away from the bustle of the main village.

The dream of hotel visionary Anton Sebastian Bon in 1912 the spectacular house (which really does look like its portrait), has 189 rooms and luxury suites that have been managed by six generations of hoteliers during its nearly one hundred years of distinguished history.

The hotel has undergone numerous phases of regeneration dictated by the changing requirements of its demanding cosmopolitan guests but in the past eight years over £30 million has been spent on modernising and renovating this much loved fairytale castle at the top of the world. In 2004 the complete renovation of the east wing took place, creating 50 new idyllic rooms and suites reflecting the gracious belle-epoque era. The integration of an unrivalled wellness paradise was another milestone, as was the creation of the ConBrio banqueting complex.

Yet constant change never seems to threaten tradition here, some rituals will never change; tea is always at five.

It is truly remarkable that a hotel with such a rich heritage, having hosted guests such as Egypt’s King Faruk, Japan’s Crown Prince Akihito and the Shah of Persia to name but a few, can remain so dedicated to client satisfaction and an individualised service.

The secret must be the husband and wife management team Vic and Helen Jacob, who have been running the hotel since 1989 and personally make sure that the wishes of even the most demanding guests are efficiently fulfilled.

Their office has always been, and still is, adjacent to the front entrance of the hotel and their door is always open for guests and staff alike.

We all have different notions of escape and Suvretta House offers as many opportunities to withdraw into an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity as it does to partake in high-octane sports activities. As a prestigious member of ‘Swiss Deluxe Hotels’ and ‘The Leading Hotels of the World’, whatever your preferred method of relaxation, you’ll always be surrounded by the highest luxury and service.

Suvretta Sports and Pleasure is the hotel’s in-house wellness service that places an emphasis on all round wellbeing. From swimming in the crystal-clear water of the 25 metre pool with stunning mountain peak view, or an

Timeless Bliss

travel accommodation Winter season runs from 11 December - 11 April Prices from 257 Euros per person per night include half-board (lunch or dinner), service taxes, vat, regular bus service to and from St Moritz town centre, use of indoor swimming pool and spa.

A wide range of packages are available. www.suvrettahouse.ch Via Chasellas 1, St Moritz 7500, Switzerland T: 00 41 81 836 3636 E: info@suvrettahouse.ch

Getting there: Swiss International Airlines 0845 601 0956 www.swiss.com/uk Switzerland Travel Centre 00 800 100 200 30 www.MySwitzerland.com

invigorating dip in the Jet Stream you can relax and recharge in one of the most opulent environments in the world.

In the winter, the snowy slopes are directly accessible from the hotel’s doorstep. The hotel has its own winter sports gear shop, four curling rinks, a fantastic natural ice skating rink, and its own ski, snowboard and cross-country school. A private ski-lift takes you directly to the vast Corviglia skiing area and at no other resort in St. Moritz do guests have the incredible convenience of skiing straight to the hotel entrance. You need also only bring your skis and hiking gear once, as all sporting goods are carefully packed away and stored for safekeeping until the next year – this highly efficient service has been appreciated by guests holidaying at the hotel year after year.

Having listed all the activities on offer, you’ll never want to leave your suite. A feeling of air and light, of comfortable living and understated elegance awaits you as step through the door. Each suite comes with all the usual luxury but it is worth requesting the rooms and suites on the south side of the hotel with magnificent views over the lakes and the mountain landscape of the Upper Engadine.

The hotel is also unrivalled in its dedicated service for families with children. The in-house nursery ‘Teddy’s World’ provides professional care and supervision for your little ones, giving you the time to relax as they enjoy a wonderland of fun and entertainment. There is even a separate children’s restaurant, the ‘Teddy Club’, to give parents the chance to enjoy a relaxed meal in adult company, alone or with friend and in winter a giant themed ice palace is even created outside for all the family to explore.

Stay at Suvretta and you also get a luxury shopping experience with four exclusive boutiques; Vivaia, Agnona, Ermenegildo Zegna as well as the Sportboutique. The boutique-kiosk “il regalino” caters for small daily needs, and a hairdressing salon offers hair care and elite styling services.

Established in 1925 as the first in Switzerland, Suvretta’s very own ski school for private and children’s group instruction is your chance to conquer the slopes in style with the help of some of the world’s skiing and snowboarding experts. Open from mid-December to mid-April each year, the ski school is located within the hotel and is an authorised Swiss ski school. All abilities are encouraged with nursery slopes and a trainer ski-lift operated by the hotel and more advanced slopes also easily accessible. Exclusive highlights of its world-class sports hosting include polo matches, turf races, the Engadine Ski Marathon and the World Bob Championships.

As one of the world’s most innovative holiday resorts, Suvretta House has still managed to preserve its commitment to idyllic alpine luxury over the years.

Its essence of style, superb service and breath-taking environment makes even the shortest stay at Suvretta House a truly memorable experience and one you’ll want to repeat. n For further information, visit www.suvrettahouse.ch

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travel

maestro

M

ark cocks his head to one side, listening intently.

“You’ve got something,” he says finally. “But I think we can improve on it.”

After only an hour’s tutorage

by Mark Hill, aka The Artful Dodger, years of musical ineptitude are slipping away.

But perhaps the venue helps – a four year restoration project of a period manor set deep in the New Forest. Like many successful artists, Mark has decided to move onto calmer pursuits, and his latest venture is quite literally an all-singing, alldancing travel destination.

“Basically the whole idea was to give people with secret aspirations to dabble in music the chance to experience the recording process,” says Mark, who originally trained in architecture before making it as an artist. Combining these dual interests, the musician, famed

Ever imagined you could collaborate with the Artful Dodger whilst enjoying luxury accommodation in the New Forest? Catherine Quinn reports on the latest in musical escapes for edgy garage, now welcomes musical wannabes into the sumptuous Colbury Manor to try their hand at a whole host of skills.

For my purposes, this simply means trying out some of the sound equipment for the first time, and getting to grips with how live music is transformed into a product for retail, but I’m assured that many visitors come away with the potential beginnings of something big.

“I’ve met so many people who are frustrated musicians,” says Mark. “The whole process here is to allow them to develop whatever part of music they’re interested in and come away with something to show for it – either just for themselves or even to send to a producer.”

Currently the manor receives guests to work on their musical ambitions, but by spring 2010 the set-up will include boutique-style accommodation to allow visitors

to stay overnight. Continuing the maverick style which has marked him out in the music world, Mark’s concept includes a balance of contemporary and innovative décor. Rooms will bear musical themes, “but these won’t be ‘in your face,” insists Mark. “The whole thing is really stylish, a bit quirky with a punky influence, but very much boutique.”

But with the latest studio set-up it’s the combination of musical equipment and celebrity tutorage which is currently providing the strongest draw for visitors. And Mark is confident that exposing the less-seen side of the music business will be fascinating, even for those who don’t necessarily have an interest in becoming musicians.

Besides music Colbury Manor makes good use of the local resources, with clay pigeon shooting, sailing, horse riding and quad biking all billed as possible activities, whilst a site

in one of the country’s most attractive natural woodlands adds a host of natural pursuits to the remit. Those seeking a more sedate accompaniment to their musical training can indulge in the usual run of massages and beauty treatments, and the ultrahealth conscious have access to the services of a personal trainer and boot-camp regimes.

It’s also billed as a perfect environment for team building and incentive trips, as the leafy surrounds of the New Forest offer the perfect foil for the rigours of city life, whilst the chance to pitch in and create new sounds has the effect of coalescing even the most disparate of teams.

With the square mile currently rediscovering a love of more innovative local attractions, Colbury Manor looks set to be a popular diversion for those with musical leanings – and if Friday night in the city is anything to go by, that’s just about everyone. n

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FourSeasons

A DECADE OF

Ten years ago Canary Wharf was just a business direct: a shining beacon of modern architecture and a blossoming new financial centre, but it was still extremely limited in what it could provide, Dominique Brady chats to Michael Purtill, general manager of the Four Seasons Hotel, Canary Wharf about changing times

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o-one ever dreamed of coming here to have fun or to go shopping,” Purtill commences our conversation. Now, he describes Canary Wharf as quite simply “the place to be” in London: “It has more than 240 shops, bars and restaurants, multiplex cinemas and attractions like The o2 are close by. The area combines all sorts of destinational features making it attractive to people planning to work, live or visit here,” he adds.

The area has evolved dramatically, and the Four Seasons has followed the changes and adapted the services it offers accordingly. This month the hotel celebrates its ten year anniversary (16 December) and looking back Purtill thinks the hotel has had quite a journey.

“We used to be busy Monday to Friday with business clients and then Canary Wharf would be a ghost town at weekends.

Today, the hotel is buzzing at weekends with people coming to enjoy themselves and spend quality time with the family.

There are lots of family bookings and we now have a strong client base of both tourists and locals.”

Ten years ago mobiles were the size of bricks and the thought of carrying all your

music around in a single iPod or having WiFi would have seemed like space-age technology. The Four Seasons has kept abreast of technological changes and only last year all the rooms were renovated to have flat screen HD LCD televisions and iPod connections. The Premier Suites even have music systems in the shower for those who want to sing with accompaniment.

However, as I look around the Penthouse suite and admire the stunning Thames view, Michael reminds me that the Four Seasons hopes to offer guests an “experience”, not just luxury accommodation. “Physical aspects only get you so far - our reputation is based on delivering incredible guest experiences and it’s all about service.”

The packages for different types of guests vary dramatically. For business guests the focus is on efficiency and reliability and so the hotel is introducing a machine to print boarding passes in the lobby and a new breakfast takeaway menu, so guests can quickly grab muffins and coffees to grab on the way for meetings.

Family attractions, like The O2, have proved a major draw and the ‘River Roamer’ package gives families a weekend pass on the Thames Clipper so they can have a quick and

let’s face it, far more exciting, trip to The O2.The Kid’s High Tea which was launched a month ago has also proved a big hit for both adults and kids. “Children can decorate cakes with piped chocolate, meet our pastry chef and paint their own ceramics – we were amazed at how popular it was.”

And finally, for locals the Four Seasons isn’t just a hotel; it’s a place to relax for Sunday brunch, weddings and bar mitzvahs are held every weekend and the hotel even delivers room service to neighbouring apartments, with the burgers proving especially popular. The hotel is far from just a business stop off; it’s a community base for Canary Wharf residents.

With the growth of flights coming into London City from Europe and now New York, this has only assisted with the evolution of the area. “The area has such an exciting future in the next ten years and the Four Seasons is the perfect location to capitalise on that.” He continues with a broad smile, “Ten years in and it’s still getting even more diverse and exciting for the Four Seasons team.” n For further information on the Four Seasons Hotel, Canary Wharf please visit www.fourseasons.com/canarywharf

GADGETS JAMIE CARTER presents this month’s hottest gadgets

Light up your life

Where once LCD TVs had a single light source that made movies look a tad unrealistic, now they have thousands.

Stuffed to the gunnels with tiny LED lights that can better reproduce colour and, most importantly, turn off completely to create true black, LG’s latest 42-47-inch tellies are Full HD and can even play music and video straight from a USB stick.

LG SL9000 Series LED TVs £1,600-£2,000 www.lge.co.uk

Karaoke king

If you’ve tried Sing Star and want to go for the real thing, how about a recording studio on your desk? Designed to sit between your keyboard and monitor, Lexicon’s elegant I-ONIX is a professional 24-bit digital recording studio ideal for recording a microphone and a guitar or keyboard. Even better, route your PC or Mac’s audio into an I-ONIX and out into your headphones and the sound quality is boosted dramatically.

Lexicon I-ONIX Desktop Recording Series from £215 www.lexiconpro.com

Micro machines

Touchy feely

Blue Sky thinking

Olympus Pen EP-1 digital camera From £700 www.olympusco.uk

Revo Heritage multi-format digital radio £229.95 www.revo.co.uk

Sky Player for Xbox360 From £15/month www.sky.com

The era of cheap compact digital cameras has come to the end with the arrival of the first 'Micro Four Thirds' models. A small camera with D-SLR talents it is Olympus’ first digital camera not to use a mirror or prism inside – and offer interchangeable lenses. It shoots in 12.3 megapixels, takes pictures in widescreen and can film video in HD.

Looking like an old wireless, the latest radio from Revo is indeed wireless; as well as FAM and DAB radio stations, WiFi access connects it to internet radio and a 30-day trial of last. fm is included too so you can build playlists straight from the web. If that doesn't sound very retro, then neither does its iPod dock or OLED screen, both hidden from view.

The Xbox360 is a games console for geeks, right? Not anymore; as well as using WiFi to bring your PC or Mac’s music, photos and video to your TV, Microsoft's machine just got a whole lot more useful thanks to a deal with Sky TV. Subscribers to Xbox LIVE can now download Sky Player, which with a subscription, pipes 24 of Sky’s live channels directly through the Xbox. .

gadgets

I can see clearly now Flimsy Blu-ray players exist for under £120, but if you’re after the last word in clarity then look no further than this slice of hi-def heaven from exclusive Japanese brand Denon. Able to play CD and upscale DVD to HD quality, as well as Blu-ray discs, this Denon is stuffed with Hollywoodstyle circuitry and comes in silver or black.

Denon DBP-4010UD Blu-ray player £189.99 www.denon.co.uk

Get connected

It’s one of the few 200Hz tellies around, but that anti-blur tech isn’t alone. Inside the svelte shell of this Sony are special picture modes for sports and films, though its ability to connect to the internet to fetch RSS feeds – such as news and weather – grabs the headlines.

Available in 40, 46 and 52-inch screen sizes.

Sony Bravia Z5500 LCD TVs £1,200-£2,000 www.sony.co.uk

Mint condition

Based on Windows and fitted with a 2.86-inch LCD touchscreen for WiFi web browsing, MSN Messenger and music/video playback, could the Mintpad be the next iPhone? Crucially, it can play Flash videos from sites like BBC News (the iPhone can’t), though its price and ability to talk to other Mintpads in the immediate vicinity without the need for WiFi could make it useful around the office.

Also includes a basic camera and Microsoft Word compatibility.

Mintpass Mintpad £139 www.amp3.co.uk

You’ve been framed

Usually concerned with handsets and networks, Motorola has made a bid for your desk with some clever digital photo frames that do away with wires.

Using WiFi, the 10-inch LS1000W can recieve email pictures, as well as fetch pics stored online from sites like Flickr.

And just in case you get bored with family snaps, the frame can present the latest news and RSS feeds and play MP3s from a USB stick.

Motorola LS1000W Wi-Fi Media Digital Photo Frame £199.99 www.argos.co.uk

All that jazz

Made to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his classic Kind of Blue, Monster is promising impeccable sonics from its limited edition Miles Davis in-ear headphones. Fittingly, these in-ear cans that pay tribute to the trumpeter have an eyecatching gold and brass finish and nestle into a plush blue velvet ‘instrument case’. And the colour of the headphones chord?

Well, it’s kinda blue.

Monster Miles Davis Tribute headphones £229.95 www.monstercable.com

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motoring

As elegant as a coupe, as practical as an estate The latest model to join the class-beating A5 range represents a milestone in car design. This five-door coupe combines an elegant, elongated, sporty profile with a large hatchback that fits perfectly into the tail-end styling.

TDI Quattro S-tronic can hit 62mph from rest in just 6.1 second and then power on to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. Yet this astonishingly efficient car will deliver 42.8 mpg on the combined fuel cycle!

The Sportback’s coupe-like silhouette is the result of a roof section with a long, tapering roofline, short overhangs at the front and rear, a long wheelbase of 9.22 and four frameless doors featuring slim, dynamic window styling.

Docklands Audi Head of Business Mike Gibson is particularly delighted with the reaction the model has invoked, commenting:

Yet with a 34.6 cubic feet load area, the model’s versatile load-lugging capabilities are more akin to an estate car than an attractive coupe.

“Yet with the A5 Sportback it very swiftly became apparent that the model’s unique combination of coupe styling, space, versatility and high performance has given it an appeal almost right across the market.”

Under the A5 Sportback’s beautiful skin, a choice of five efficient and powerful diesel and petrol engines ensure that buyers can choose their own preferred mix of economy and performance.

Statistics for both are equally remarkable. For example, the 3.0

“When we launch a new Audi model, it is usually only really appeals to a relatively small and clearly defined section of the market.

Prices for the model range start at just £27,140 for the impressively appointed 2.0 TDI SE variant and all models are available for test drive by appointment with the Docklands Audi Sales Team on 020 7536 0555.

DocklandsAudi Strip Ad_Layout 1 20/11/2009 09:37 Page 1

For everything Audi . . .

Docklands Audi South Quay, Docklands E14 9SL Telephone: 020 7536 0555 • www.docklands.audi.co.uk

motoring

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along came

A SPYDER Porsche has revived the Spyder name (again) for a version of its venerable Boxster. But this time its done a proper job, claims Matthew Carter

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ast year the company loaded the ‘ordinary’ Boxster S with a host of optional extras and called the resulting special edition a Spyder.

But this time Porsche has done a proper job. The new Boxster Spyder is a pukka lightweight version of the Boxster S with a simple, almost crude, canvas hood and a power hike.

Designed primarily for open-air driving in sunnier climes – which is why it’s being launched at this month’s LA Auto Show and not in grey old England – the hood will spend most of its time stowed away under

the unique rear lid, only coming out when conditions get really bad.

Apart from the hood and the ‘double bulge’ rear deck, other visual changes include bespoke extra-low side windows designed to enhance the car’s racer look.

By removing the complex triple layer electric hood of the standard Boxster, ditching creature comforts like air conditioning and replacing things like door handles with fabric door pulls, some 80kgs has been trimmed from the weight, making it the lightest model in the Porsche line-up.

More significantly, perhaps, most of the weight has been removed from the top of the car thus lowering the centre of gravity.

Add to this new suspension settings, an extra 10 bhp from the 3.4-litre flat six engine (power goes up to 320 bhp) and Porsche’s PDK dual clutch gearbox complete with launch control and it can be seen that this Spyder is a machine for the purist.

Worldwide sales are due to start in February 2010 and the UK price of almost £44,650 will include a session at the Porsche Experience Centre at Silverstone. n

POWER TO THE PEOPLE Not that long ago a power output of more than 160 bhp put you behind the wheel of a Porsche. These days you can expect those levels of power from a shopping trolley, says Matthew Carter

motoring

R

emember the Porsche 944?

It was launched in 1982 and with its purposeful stance – enhanced by outrageously flared wheel arches – and lusty 2.5-litre engine brought Porsche performance to a wider audience… something the weedy 924 had failed to do.

Those who couldn’t afford (or couldn’t handle) the unforgiving 911, jumped at the 944. It had looks, handling and street credibility plus provided entry into the exclusive Porsche owners’ club What’s it got to do with a test of a humble hatchback from Spain? Simply that, at launch, the Porsche had a 165 bhp engine under the bonnet, while the new SEAT Ibiza Cupra packs a 180 bhp punch. From a 1.4-litre engine.

Not so humble, then.

It goes to show how far we’ve come in 25 years or so.

The SEAT Ibiza is the Volkswagenowned company’s answer to cars like the Renault Clio and Ford Fiesta.

It’s a stylish hatchback that, in less potent forms, is ideal for the run to the supermarket.

But that all changes as soon as the Cupra badge is attached to the threedoor version. It’s that engine that’s at the heart of the Ibiza Cupra (Spanish for cup and a nod to the company’s successful motor racing exploits).

Also used in the Golf and Scirocco, the TSI engine develops its prodigious power output thanks to the use of

supercharging and turbocharging.

It’s a clever combination that provides a constant punch throughout the rev range. Up until about 2,400 rpm, the mechanical supercharger does the job alone. Then it is joined by the turbo, the pair working in harmony until 3,500 rpm when the turbo starts performing solo. At this point any turbo lag, that traditional ‘pause-two-three’ between jamming down the throttle and a conventional turbo engine picking up the revs, is banished.

The result is a 0-60 mph time of around seven seconds, with a potential top speed of 140 mph. And it does that without producing too much in the way of emissions – just 148 g/km of CO2 – or drinking too much fuel: the official combined figure is 44.1 mpg.

Hugely flexible, the engine is a real joy. There’s ample power on demand throughout the rev range and when dropped into the lightweight shell of the Cupra makes the little SEAT feel seriously quick.

The experience is enhanced by the standard fitment of VW’s two pedal manual/automatic DSG dual clutch gearbox. If you’re stuck in traffic, you can leave the ‘box to its own devices when it delivers smoothly slurred gearshifts.

But the open road is the cue to stick the gearlever in ‘S’ mode and start using the steering wheelmounted paddles to shift gears yourself. The combination of super quick gear changes and that lively engine means that cross country progress will bring a smile to your face… especially when the handling is added into the equation.

As befits a hot hatch, SEAT has tied down the suspension of the Cupra

so that body roll is negligible while a clever piece of electronic trickery – SEAT calls it the XDF diff – stops all that power from confusing the front wheels when you boot the throttle. And the ride is remarkably good, too: supple and absorbing and complemented by the body hugging high back front seats.

Only the slightly woolly steering lets the side down. It’s oversensitive at town speeds and while it does weight up as you go quicker, it’s never as precise as it should be.

The Cupra is well- equipped, however, with climate control, 17inch alloys, DSG transmission and the ESP stability control system all included in the £15,995 price tag.

If you want extras such as leather, Bluetooth and racing brakes (desirable if you spend as much time at Brands Hatch as you do in the Limehouse Link) that’ll be extra.

Of course, if you want to spend even more there’s always a version called the Cupra Bocanegra (Spanish for black nose). Inspired by a concept car shown at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, the Bocanegra is identical to the ordinary Cupra in virtually every way, bar a black snout, dark alloy wheels and black lettering on the bootlid.

It’s an extra £700 and I can’t see the point myself. The standard Cupra does the job just as well… but if you really want to stand out, go for the bright yellow or burnt orange paint jobs. n IN BRIEF Car: SEAT Ibiza Cupra Price: £15,995 Engine: 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol, turbocharged and supercharged Power: 180ps Drive: Front-wheel drive

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GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE

fun

Apparently the Lotus Exige is not for girls, Louisa Castle disagrees

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ince joining the team here at RunWild I have parked next to the Lotus, I have endured evenings full of ‘Tales from the Lotus’ and I have read and subbed countless articles about The Lotus. But when was I actually going to be allowed the keys to The Lotus? After all, it would only be to ensure the journalistic integrity of the magazine...

At first that question was met with laughter; ‘Eren would never let his baby out of his sight’ but then, one fine day, otherwise known as a looming deadline, I was cast a line and took the bait whole-heartedly (reminding him on a daily basis, and in front of witnesses, that I was getting The Lotus for the weekend, just in case).

That fateful Friday arrived and as I was lead to the car park for my induction... Several “push this, pull that, do this, don’t do this and, whatever you do, never do thats” later my copilot (also a girl) and I were ready to navigate across London and head for the Welsh valleys.

Now, before we set out on our journey I feel I need to give you a little background, I am not what some might call a ‘girlygirl’, my dad ensured that I grew up with a steering wheel (typically German) in my hand and my male friends have ensured that I can hold my own on track. More than anything, I am a driver and love driving.

Bearing that in mind the first thing I am going to mention is getting into The Lotus. By Sunday I had mastered getting behind the steering wheel in style but I’ve still to get the hang of getting out without unceremoniously presenting my lower half to the world. Oh, and as my co-pilot found out, short skirts are probably not a good idea.

Once in though, it’s surprisingly comfy.

And after a four hour journey across London and along the M4 I feel we’re highly qualified to say that. You can hunker right down into the bucket seats, stretch out your legs and enjoy the ride.

motoring

Still on the girly theme, the boot, which I was kindly warned was only large enough for my lip gloss, quite comfortably held two girls’ bags (a total of four) for a weekend away and we still had room for flowers in the cockpit.

And so our journey began, London at rush hour – what joy! Even though we went on a little detour, ahem, it was actually fun. I think that had more to do with two girls in a sports car though. At the lights we attracted second glances, in the traffic jams we befriended small kids who wound their windows down and were asking daddy what ‘it’ was as mummy looked unimpressed and at the road works we attracted the traditional yellow-vested whistle. It was fun before I’d really even driven it.

A couple of hours later and we’d put the world to rights, made some new friends (and they say London is a lonely place!) and were on the M4. Now I could play with the acceleration. The benchmark sprint to

60mph is said to take 4.1seconds, making it one of the quickest cars in its line-up, quicker than the Porsche 911 in the stats rankings. It may not be built for straight lines but when Barry from the Valleys in his Evo (the fastest road car that money can buy) decides that he wants to push you on your way you can, most definitely, give him a run for his money, earning petrol-head respect in bounds.

The following day was the day for twists and turns in the Usk valley, only dampened by the typically Welsh weather. The car is built for this kind of driving and if you’re expecting it to be good, The Lotus’ ability seems effortlessly natural.

Throttle response is good, brakes are strong, gear-shift is accurate but it’s the steering and the chassis that make it such fun to drive.

Turn-in is instantaneous and the grip tenacious – once the wheels have bitten you can get straight on the power with no

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fears of pushing the nose wide. It resolutely refuses to be pushed off line by bumps and ruts, of which there are many in Usk and, thanks to the non-assisted steering, you feel that you know precisely what is going on beneath you.

It is what I would describe as an ‘enthusiastic’ car. It wants to be driven. It wants to be thrown around a corner and eagerly looks for the next and you so easily get drawn into the challenge.

As my time with The Lotus draws to a close I can see why I have had so much trouble getting my hands on the keys. I had my reservations, I won’t lie to you. But this car is fun. It looks mean as it sits in your driveway waiting to be taken out. If performs as if its constantly looking for your approval and it makes you want to keep on driving.

Is it for girls? Well, it’s for drivers, male, female, old or young. It’s for people who want to have fun. n

LONDON’S CALLING

and Manchester’s ready and waiting.

The New Year brings four capital clashes to Old Trafford, and with excellent transport links between London and Manchester there is no better destination for first-class matchday entertainment.

Watching the drama unfold in some of the finest seats in the stadium is one of the greatest incentives you could offer a corporate partner or potential client.

Manchester United welcome West Ham, Fulham, Chelsea and Tottenham in the early months of 2010.

Hospitality at the Theatre of Dreams is now available from £180 per person + VAT. Call the Hospitality Sales Team on 0161 868 8000 (option2, then 3), email hospitality@manutd.co.uk or visit www.manutd.com

912681 London Games Ad_Business Publications.indd 1

26/11/09 09:45:22

sports

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BUY IT:

sports

news what to watch:

Whites Christmas All eyes will be on England’s cricket team to see if they can repeat their Ashes success on the South Africa tour. Arguably the best cricket team in the world and they’re playing at home, so it’s not surprising that Andrew Strauss has described the tour as a “huge assignment.” But with Kevin Pieterson back from injury and the side showing a return to form, we’re hoping our lads can finish the year on a high.

First test: 16-20 December; Second test: 26-30 December

At last an app we can’t get enough of.

For only £6 a month you can subscribe to watch Sky Sports on your iPhone by streaming it via a wireless internet connection. That means you’ll be able to watch all the Barclays Premier League and Coca-Cola league matches, domestic and international cricket and Guinness Premiership Rugby matches wherever you are. The iPhone may be man’s new best friend...

PLAY IT: Tony Hawk: Ride Live the dream with Tony Hawke’s new wireless skateboard controller which allows you to feel the thrills of the pro and indulge your inner 13-year-old. Step on the board which is crammed with motion sensors and get ready to hit the LA streets and trick parks.

On general release 4 December. Available for the X36O, PS3 and wiiWii, £99 with controller and game included

SAY WHAT?

Diary date:

The only place Valuev beat me was on the scales

4 December

Yes, it was a month ago, but we’re still revelling in the Haymaker’s epic victory and his cockiness now has a certain charm.

: World Cup Final Draw England football fans will already be counting down the days until the World Cup group draw British in Cape Town. At 5pm start time, English fans can matches speculating over the 10. that will dominate 20

Five things you didn’t know about...

Kevin Pieterson

Put em’ up After the Hayemaker’s epic win over Valuev, the next fight we’ll be watching bar side will be Amir Khan’s first defence of his WBA light welterweight title. It’s not going to be an easy ride for Khan against New Yorker, Dmitry Salita who has a record of 31 unbeaten fights and 16 knockouts.

But with the home crowd cheering him on at Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena should help keep the belt in Blighty.

5 December

Still looking for somewhere to eat out over the Christmas period?

Try one of pocket-size Frankie Dettori's Italians and combine Marco Pierre White food with Frankies own inemitable style. Or for true blues, dine at Marco's at Stamford Bridge and experience the delights from both sides of the Channel. www.frankiesitalianbarandgrill.com / www.marcorestaurant.co.uk

He once dated the lingerie model u Caprice u He was the fastest player to have reached 4,000 Test-runs u He can’t understand Brummy accents. u He was so desperate to meet Simon Cowell, he played a match for Piers Morgan’s village team, Newick u He doesn’t come cheap: the Bangalore Royal Challengers spent $1.55m for him to play in the Indian Premier League

COMMUTER

Paradise Lawrence Barretto spends a weekend at the Wentworth Club and finds that there’s a lot more to the exclusive Surrey estate than just a worldclass golf course

S

urrounded by dramatic woodland and colourful rhododendrons, Wentworth (with its luxurious greens and silkysmooth fairways) is regarded as one of the world’s finest golf courses. But delve beneath the surface of the prestigious golf club, and you’ll find that there’s so much more to explore.

Boasting an array of tennis courts; state-of-the art gym facilities; an extravagant range of spa treatments; a luxurious hotel located in the world’s famous turreted clubhouse; and a highquality dining experience in its sumptuous restaurant, The Grill – Wentworth is fast becoming the perfect weekend get-away for City workers.

And that’s not forgetting the three 18-hole championship golf courses, a less demanding 9-hole challenge for honing your short game, driving range, two putting greens, practice bunker and chipping green, all of which are available to book by non-members.

Priced for those with deep pockets,Wentworth’s exclusive members club demands a cool £14,685 in joining fees for full membership and a further £7,000-a-year in subscriptions.

For that you’ll get full use of the facilities while occasionally rubbing shoulders with the host of celebrity members which

include Bruce Forsyth, Sir Michael Parkinson and Eddie Jordan.

Let’s begin with the tennis courts. There are 13 courts with four surfaces – grass, allweather, acrylic and synthetic grass – six of which are floodlit.

If you’re new to the game, eight professional tennis coaches are on hand to give you a lesson or two, otherwise you can just book some time and get playing.

If you’re after something more relaxing, the club has a fantastic spa treatment facility offering a holistic range of treatments in five air-conditioned rooms.

There are dozens of treatments on offer, ranging from mini facials to the ‘Signature treatment’ lasting an indulgent two hours and 45 minutes.

Bathed in natural light and kitted out with the latest cardiovascular and weight training equipment, the gymnasium is the equivalent of fitness nirvana. Once you’ve worked up a sweat, step next door for a relaxing swim in the club’s 25-metre indoor swimming pool. Naturally, there’s a jacuzzi, steam room and sauna to enjoy too.

The main restaurant, The Grill, should be noted for its fine English food. The service is warm and personal, the bar staff know how to make a good cocktail and the menu boasts dishes from London’s Le Caprice and The Ivy.

East Course

sport

Tennis Mid

13th Green After low

After all that, it’s tempting to make a weekend of it and get an early round of golf on Sunday morning, so why not book into one of the well-prepared and immaculately presented resident guest rooms (including complimentary access to the

tennis and health facilities) with spectacular views across the golf course?

But if it’s really the golf you’re after, you won’t be disappointed.

Located in 700 hectares of beautiful Surrey heathland, Wentworth boasts three 18-hole

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Indoor pool

courses which wind their way through the ancient woodland of pine, oak and birch.

Designed by Harry Colt, the 6,201-yard East Course was Wentworth’s first and opened in 1924. Its intimate layout challenges the golfer with undulating and springy fairways that zigzag in amongst the woodland thus demanding accurate driving and precision shot-making into the wellbunkered greens.

Two years later, the West Course followed; ranked as one of the world’s most exciting courses, it offers visitors the chance to follow in the footsteps of the game’s greats.

The likes of Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Severiano Ballesteros, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods are just a few of the legends to have treaded these very lawns when competing in the prestigious World Matchplay or PGA Championship tournaments.

The West Course is currently out-of-bounds while the club refurbish all of the greens ahead of next year’s BMW PGA Championship, but it should be ready for play in early spring 2010. The Edinburgh Course is the third 18-hole course on the grounds and hosts the Senior

Masters. It offers a challenge capable of testing the game’s best players while remaining playable to the handicap golfer. Lastly, the 9-hole executive course is great for those looking to hone their short game on its par-3 layout where holes range from 60 to 160 yards.

If your golf isn’t up to scratch, a team of PGA qualified coaches (including Head of Instruction Kristian Baker who coaches world number 26 Ross Fisher), are on hand to take you from your first swing on the driving range to becoming a fully competent golfer.

With incredibly friendly and helpful staff, an impressive range of facilities, fine cuisine and potentially the best golf course in Europe when completed, Wentworth is more than just sporting facility – it’s a fantastic weekend break which is fast becoming a commuters’ paradise.

Located in Virginia Water, near Ascot and just off the A30 in Surrey, Wentworth is easily accessible from London.There is easy access to the M4/M25 and trains from London Waterloo take just 45 minutes to Virginia Water. n For more information visit www.wentworthclub.com

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

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

• GPRS Based system with integrated GPS vehicle tracking • Sat Nav in every vehicle • All areas covered • Credit & Debit Cards accepted in vehicles PCO Licence Number 1346/02/05

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

AMT CanaryWharf half 17.11.09_Layout 1 17/11/2009 14:02 Page 1

1-6 December 2009

ROYAL ALBERT HALL Intimate hospitality in a luxurious setting

BOOK

NOW

PRICES FROM The AEGON Masters Tennis combines outstanding hospitality in a spectacular setting, with inspiring tennis from some of the greatest players of all time.

£339 +VAT

Packages are available for 8 or 12 people. For more details or to book call 020 8233 5854 or visit www.aegonmasterstennis.com For public tickets call the box office on 020 7070 4404 or visit www.aegonmasterstennis.com

Tour Sponsor

sport

MATCH OF THE DAY Sam Finnegan experiences the thrill of a match from the corporate hospitality lounge at West Ham United’s Boleyn Ground

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or those looking for something special to entertain clients, reward employees, locate a special corporate event, or spend a great day out with friends, there’s no better place than hospitality at a football match.

The Boleyn Ground is the historic home of east London’s Premier club, West Ham United, founded on generation after generation of passionate fans who have grown up watching the likes Bobby Moore, Sir Trevor Brooking, Billy Bonds and Paolo Di Canio.

For me and a band of friends (all very keen Hammer’s fans), the day started as we were greeted at the hospitality reception. A far cry from the usual ‘non-event’ of walking through the turnstiles with a pasty, we were welcomed by friendly and enthusiastic staff who quickly showed us through to the Legends Restaurant and Bar - a comfortable space with fantastic views of the pitch.

Relaxing in the restaurant, the atmosphere was lively and social and we kept a keen eye out for ex-players and football legends

rumoured to socialise here before a game whilst dining on a delicious three-course meal.

After the meal we continued to enjoy the bar with a friendly and efficient waitress service – a luxury that cannot be enjoyed by going to a match without the hospitality extras!

The service was excellent, and we were so comfortable that we only left our table with a few minutes to spare before kick-off.

The seating, as one would expect, is far more spacious and comfortable than regular seats, uniting all the comforts of watching at home, with the ‘live’ excitement of the players, pitch and fans. We returned to the bar at half-time to enjoy some drinks and again after the game, where the staff will happily introduce visiting guests to the legends – what better place to drown your sorrows or celebrate the win! n For bookings please call the corporate sales team on 0871 221 2700 or email your enquiry to corporatesales@westhamunited.co.uk For more information, visit www.whufc.com

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Facts GREENWOOD AND LYALL LOUNGE The lounge offers VIP seating behind the goal in the atmospheric Bobby Moore Stand and includes a three-course sit down menu with complimentary, tea and coffee.

From £100 (per person) THE CORNER FLAG LOUNGE The Corner Flag is a versatile lounge which can either be used as a shared facility or a private box for up to 30 people. Enjoy a private bar and balcony overlooking the pitch.

From £120 per person EXECUTIVE BOX These boxes have a private balcony in the West Stand, with fantastic views of the pitch.

From £2,500 (per box for 10 People) SIR TREVOR BROOKING SUITE The Sir Trevor Brooking Suite is an all-inclusive package with padded seating in the Directors Box. Enjoy champagne and canapés followed by a three-course menu and complimentary drinks.

From £260 (per person) LEGENDS RESTAURANT The restaurant offers VIP seating in the West Stand and includes a three-course menu and complimentary wine, tea and coffee.

Includes match day programme and pre match entertainment.

From £150 (per person) BM6 BOX Take a seat in your own private box situated on the halfway line. Each box seats ten guests with complimentary champagne and canapés on arrival and a fine dining menu.

From £3,000 (per box for ten people) BM6 LOUNGE BM6 Lounge guests enjoy exclusive seating in the Directors Box. Champagne, canapés, fine-dining menu and all drinks are included.

From £350 (per person)

Cat Hughes previews Bunny and the Bull

Bunny and the Bull is the Mighty Boosh’s director Paul King’s quirky debut film.

Stephen (Edward Hogg) has not been out of his grotty London flat for over a year. A creature of habit he keeps everything, even his urine.

But an infestation of mice leaves him having to go out and face the outside world, and thus confronting the reasons for his self-imposed imprisonment. Stephen is taken back to his journey across Europe with his friend Bunny (Simon Farnaby), a womanising, compulsive gambler.

On this journey they meet Eloisa (Veronica Echegui) a Spanish waitress, who the duo picks up in Poland. Oh yes and don’t forget the stuffed bear.

What is different about this low Sponsored by

0871 200 2000

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

budget British film is the imaginative use of sets and props. All of the European scenes are shot within a studio using homemade props and animation, which gives the production a surreal feel – absorbing you into Stephen’s psyche.

Bunny and the Bull opened in the London Film Festival to rave reviews and it’s easy to see why it’s imaginative, quirky, funny and clever. The performances of Hogg and Fanaby are hilarious, but what really makes the film so good is the creative script and inspired set design.

Also look out for the Mighty Boosh’s Noel Fielding and Julian Barratt comic cameo appearances. A great debut film, it has to be one of the best British films of the year!

dvd

film

entertainment Chris Rock: Kill the Messenger Chris Rock has taken his comedy show on the road and is bringing his own brand of hilarity to the world. The Kill the Messenger tour is one of the biggest comedy tours ever undertaken.

Rock performed to sell out shows in eight countries across four continents.

Somehow he manages to transcend cultural boundaries and make his comedy appeal to audiences from all corners of the globe.

The DVD contains footage of three performances from New York, Johannesburg and London. As always Rock is not afraid to say the unthinkable; his act pokes fun at race, sex, relationships and Obama. This is some of his best comedy. The triple pack DVD has all three performances in their entirety, which can be repetitive and on the map Wales is non-existent, and Johannesburg sits on the West coast of Africa. This just goes show, never leave geography to the Americans. But I’m nit-picking here.

The single DVD is worth it as it has the best bits from all three of his shows.

Pop fact The Beatles are the only artists to have four Christmas number ones. Close behind is Cliff Richard, who has had three Christmas number ones, two with his own songs and another with The Shadows.

music

culture

87

FOLKED UP 07•12 This Is War

30 Seconds To Mars Malice In Wonderland

Snoop Dogg 100 Essential Hits Of The 80’s Graffiti

Chris Brown

14•12 London Calling: 30th Anniversary Legacy Edition

The Clash Original Soundtrack

Nowhere Boy

16•12 A Momentary Lapse Of Reason

Pink Floyd

28•12 Live In San Fran 1981

Iggy Pop I Am Arizona

C-thug

TOP 10 games 1. Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 – Xbox 360, PS3, Wii and PC 2. The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks – DS 3. Halo 3: ODST - Xbox 360 4. Borderlands - Xbox 360, PS3 and PC 5. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves – PS3 6. Assassin’s Creed 2 - Xbox 360, PS3 and PC 7. Need for Speed: Shift - Xbox 360, PS3 and PC 8. Fifa 10 – Xbox, PS3 and pc 9. Wii Fit 10. New Super Mario Bros – Wii

If much of this year’s music gestured to the heady days of eighties synth, it’s also true to say that there was a streak of folk too. By Chris Baraniuk

The folksy trend in popular music can be predominantly traced to the June 2008 release of Fleet Foxes’ self-titled debut album – a record swaddled in crooning male-voice harmonies, twangly guitar riffs and soothingly atmospheric song-worlds. The most memorable perhaps, being the vivdly snowy single, WhiteWinter Hymnal.

Ever since then, a small but consistently talented line of pop/indie acts have introduced the rustically retro sounds of folk to audiences eager, as ever, for diversification.

My personal favourites are Slow Club, a duo from Sheffield who released their own debut album Yeah So in April.

In their music we hear more effortlessly harmonised vocal colour garnished with a very liberal sprinkling of teenage verve (which is most evident in their videos and during live shows).

Moving towards folk roots a little more closely is the Oxford-based up -and-coming group, Stornoway. A lesser-known bundle of musical talent, Stornoway haven’t released an album yet, but their awesome single Zorbing is so full of flavour and pretty sounds that you’ll get a very good sense of what the slightly eccentric band – who style their music and dress on a maritime/

pirate theme – are all about.

Noah And The Whale aren’t newcomers to the scene, but their latest album, released in August and entitled, The First Days of Spring, has more than a few hints of the kind of folk elements that have been becoming so popular thanks to the likes of Fleet Foxes.

Unlike Noah And The Whale, however, London folk band Mumford & Sons are a fairly shameless imitation of the ‘Foxes and are to be avoided.

Speaking of foxes, Wes Anderson’s autumnally-hued Roald Dahl adaptation, Fantastic Mr Fox, which has just hit cinemas nationwide, is full of like-minded folk-music references and vibes. The soundtrack is very a good place to go if you want to sample the beautifully realised atmosphere of the production.

Perhaps you think the trend is a sign that we're looking for all things warm and fuzzy in an effort to escape the gloomy atmosphere of recession.

There may be some truth in that, but you don’t need to be down on your luck to appreciate this trend.

And besides, the genre blending and wilful optimism of much of this music makes it much more than an aural retreat from the ways of the world.

CINEMA RELEASES: Me and Orson Wells is set in the exciting world of the New York Theatre. Richard Samuels (Zac Efron) lucks his way into a minor role in the production of Julius Cesar, directed by a youthful Orson Welles (4 December).

Where the Wild Things Are; a naughty boy is sent to bed with out supper, he escapes to the woods where is he met by wild, furry monsters (11 December).

Avatar is James Cameron’s latest Epic. Jake, a war hero is sent to the planet of

Pandora where is he must exploit the local population’s resources. He decides to join the planet’s people in an epic fight for survival (17 December).

St Trinian’s 2: The Legend of Fritton’s Gold, finds the girls going head-to-head with the villainous Pomfrey (David Tennant) and his “woman hating secret society” (18 December).

Directed by Guy Ritchie Sherlock Holmes is set to make ano ther appearance on the silver screen with Robert Downey Jr as the famous sleuth and Jude Law as the ever loyal Watson (26 December).

CHRISTMAS PARTIES xxxxxxxxxx

Dear Clare Is it better to cancel our Christmas party altogether rather than risk the company being sued for sex or religious discrimination?

Robin (HR Director)

Dear Robin,

With a little forethought, employers can still hold, in these recessionary times, a much needed morale boosting celebration without the fear of legal liabilities putting a dampener on those celebrations.

The first thing to consider is whether your diversity and equality training is up to date. If any employees have not yet had that training, it would be a good idea that they receive it before the festive season begins.

Keep in mind that because Christmas is a Christian holiday, employees of other religions may not wish to attend the party and should not be pressurised to do so. In order to avoid

Martin’$ Money Matter$

Don’t mention the ‘P’ word Martin Bamford, Chartered Financial Planner, Informed Choice

S

everal years ago, when taking part in my first live radio broadcast, I was instructed by the presenter of the show not to mention the ‘p’ word during the discussion we were having about retirement planning. The ‘p’ word in question was, of course, ‘pension’.

Apparently it is a word that puts people off planning for their future. The presenter of that radio show certainly thought so, and this is backed up by new research from AXA. They have gone as far as teaming up with the Collins English Dictionary in

an attempt to find a new name for ‘pension’.

Can a name really influence our decision to save or not to save to fund our expenditure in retirement? I suspect it is a bit more complex than that.

For some people, there is nothing daunting about pension plans. Pensions are simply a tax-efficient investment wrapper. What really matters is where you choose to invest the money within your pension plan or, in the case of defined benefit (so-called ‘final salary’) pension plans, the benefits

marginalising any non-Christian employees, you should, for example, ensure that the party appeals to individuals who do not drink alcohol, check that an appropriate range of foods is available and try to avoid choosing an evening which would preclude attendance by employees observing certain religious rest-days.

Equally, you should avoid excluding the older or disabled employees or employees with childcare responsibilities through your choice of venue or timing of the party.

Be aware that employers can be held liable for the actions of employees even outside the office and working hours. The risk of inappropriate comments or behaviour often increases where alcohol is being consumed. Rather than making your party alcohol free, the better approach might be to make sure that you have clear written guidance on acceptable standards of behaviour, including policies on alcohol consumption.

Also, employers have a duty to take reasonable care for the health and safety of their employees and therefore this should be born in mind when thinking about both where to hold the party and arrangements for getting home.

And finally, make it clear that, unless they’ve booked holiday, everyone is expected to be in the office the next day regardless of how much fun is had the night before…

Happy Christmas! Clare

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

you are accumulating.

Sure, there is some necessary complexity involved with pension legislation but most people rely upon their financial adviser to point them in the right direction. It is typically higher earners, those with significant pension fund sizes and people with complex income structures who need to get involved in the really complex bits.

There were some major changes to the pension rules back in April 2006, with the intention of making them simpler to understand, and therefore more attractive.

Consensus within the financial adviser community is that this ‘pension simplification’ mostly failed to achieve that aim. For advisers, the rules are now mainly easier to understand.

However, as with all new legislation, the unintended consequence of change was the

introduction of some even more complex factors.

Another reasonably big change is coming up soon, on 6 April 2010. From this date, the minimum age at which you will be able to take benefits from a pension is being pushed up from 50 to 55. We expect more changes to be introduced to pensions in the future.

As part of their campaign, AXA was looking for suggestions to replace the word ‘pension’. My suggestion was Later Life Survival Fund, shortened to LatLifSurFu. It might appeal to younger people who are turned off by the word ‘pension’. The alternative – retiring without a LatLifSurFu – doesn’t really bear thinking about. n Martin Bamford is site editor of BrilliantWithMoney and a Chartered Financial Planner at Informed Choice.

art&culture

89

What to read:

Exposed : Ten Years in Hollywood

Mark Liddell, the celebrity photographer, has taken some of the most provocative images of Hollywood’s elite including Heath Ledger, Janet Jackson and Halle Berry. He reveals the personal stories behind the pictures and some of Hollywood’s best kept secrets and personalities.

art

news what to see:

Ed Ruscha, Fifty years of painting Ruschas’ art started out as challenging the abstract expressionism of the 1960s. Instead, he combined typography with commonplace objects in striking, pre-mediated pieces. “Art has to be something that makes you scratch your head,” says Ruscha, and his repertoire of fifty years work suggests both the featureless landscape of the American-mid west and the power of advertising and the media.

Until 10 January, Hayward Gallery, www.southbankcentre.co.uk

Large Trademark with Eight Spotlights, 1962

Courtesy Whitney Museum of American Art, New York © Ed Ruscha, 2009 Photography: Paul Ruscha

Cheap treat

Rena Effendi Rena Effendi’s haunting photographs show how the oil industry has affected the lives of people living along 1,700km of oil pipeline through Georgia, Azerbijan and Turkey. Expect uncompromising images from the award-winning photographer as she shows how the growing post-Soviet gas and oil industries have resulted in refugee status, unemployment and corruption for the lives of ordinary people.

Christmas cards can seem a bit generic, but these quirky Christmas cards from East London based team Designers Anonymous, turn around the conventional images generated by the words robin, Lapland or Noël. At £2 each, they’re perfect to amuse friends and family.

Available from Selfridges, Urban Outfitters and Scribbler or online at www.designers-anonymous.com

Standard Station, 1966

16 December to 16 January, Host gallery, www.hostgallery.co.uk

Blow out Glass blown designs by Peter Laylor and his associates will be available to buy from their new Bermondsey workshop and gallery.

Stunning gallery pieces cost anything from £100-3,500, but the workshop will be selling more experimental and less finished pieces priced between £15-100 for bargain hunters.

Quote: Rather than a thirst for art and literature, the young generation have the attention span of gnats.”

Martin Miller, Antiques guide expert on the impact of twitter.

Glacier stoneform

Nautilus droppers

Skyline square stoneform one off

Website of the month:

www.trendhunter.com

Courtesy Private Collection © Ed Ruscha 2009 Photography: Paul Ruscha

An eclectic mix of design ideas and quirky trends make this website a must for design enthusiasts or for anyone who wants to marvel at the more surreal world of art and design while killing time at work.

Skis and skates With the first snowfall and drop in temperatures, skiers head to the slopes and skaters take to frozen ponds and rivers. Temporary ice rinks appear in city centres and the winter sports season is upon us.

All prints are for sale and make the perfect Christmas present Getty Images Gallery is at 1 Canada Square (street level)

C A NARY WHA R F art window galleries A showcase for up-and-coming artists, designers and crafts people situated in Cabot Place East and Canada Place Retail Malls.

Until 2 january FREE

Dragana Perisic Dragana is an independent fashion designer based in East London whose work is playful and subtle; she also makes silk and silver jewellery, craft-inspired accessories and silk cushions. draganaperisic.com

James Foot James divides his time between East London and southern Greece. His watercolours explore how light illuminates and transforms his subjects, which cover architecture, landscape and water, ranging from a single chair, a doorway or an ancient olive tree to grand vistas or cityscapes.

Kablovi Park an installation by Admir Jukanovic

jamesfoot.co.uk

FREE 27 November 2009 – 26 February 2010 Daily Jubilee Park

Artist and lighting designer, Admir Jukanovic, has been commissioned by Canary Wharf Group’s Public Art team to light Jubilee Park this winter.

Based on the concept of revealing energies that lie hidden under turf and concrete – carried by thousands, maybe millions of cables to offices, shops, car parks and the London Underground beneath the park – Jukanovic has seemingly pulled these cables to the surface. Groups of three, pairs, and single cables, create a network of hot red stitches throughout the park, pulsating with implied energies.

The Community Gallery – Portraits

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

4 November – 6 January Canada Place Mall FREE

The Community Gallery presents potraits from The Island History Trust, a community history project dedicated to recording and preserving the history and people of the Isle of Dogs. Based in the Dockland Settlement in East

Ferry Road, its collection of over 5000 photographs has been put together from family albums and other sources.

The 2010 Island Calendar is now on sale from the Island History Trust and Frontispiece in Canada Place Retail Mall. www.islandhistory.org.uk

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food&drink

93

CHARGED WITH CHARM The Battery opens to the public on 8 December, joining the growing fleet of top notch restaurants in Canary Wharf. Dominique Brady meets its Yorkshire-born head chef who isn’t afraid to say why people should eat there: stunning views, well-sourced food and a complete lack of pretension

T

here is something irrefutably charming about Northerners and Minesh Patel, more commonly known as ‘Mini’ is no exception. Even when he describes the new menu format for Battery you get that ‘call a spade, a spade’ approach, which is rather refreshing in the London scene.

“The menu will look simple; it’s not going to mesmerize you with technical terminology of the food or ingredients. It’s not ‘sat on a bed of this’ or any of that.

It’s quite simply what the dish is and the principal flavours that go alongside that - and we try to keep even that to a minimum.”

The menu may look simple, but the process in getting to that point was far from it. “I’ve physically spent a lot of time trying to source the very best ingredients,” he says. However, as the ethos underpinning Battery is for well-sourced British ingredients and robust flavours, the effort appears worthwhile and Mini seems proud of his finds – mackerel from Cornwall, scallops from Scotland and a vast range of “amazing” British cheeses.

And after all that hard work he is keen to let the flavours speak for themselves. “There’s no point me buying an amazing whole sea bass that costs an arm and a leg and adding all these unnecessary things to it so you can’t even taste it for what it is,” he explains in his soft Yorkshire twang.

The menu is a mix of simple dishes which are about promoting the ingredients like the beef Carpaccio or the high-end caviar.

His signature dish is a starter of scallop with Asian spices and cauliflower: “I’m using big robust flavours there, especially with the Asian spices. We’re not tickling the flavours, were saying ‘boom this it’. To not harm the flavour of the scallop and to give it an even bigger lift of flavour, well,” he pauses, “it takes a lot of skill to do that.”

Skill which Mini evidently has. He started his culinary career up North, training under Simon Gueller in Leeds. Stints with the Gordon Ramsay Group in Leeds, under Marco Pierre White at the River Room and The Connaught under Angela Hartnett established his pedigree. He found his time at Neil Perry’s Rockpool in Australia “exhilarating” and has just returned to London after two years at a boutique hotel in Middlesbrough.

Despite the luxurious nature of the restaurant’s setting – a glass enclosed terrace with river views, bespoke chandeliers and design created by Mango Architecture - Mini wants to create an atmosphere of inclusivity. “It should be this comfortable, amazing place that everyone wants to go to.”

The ‘grazing menu’ is one of the key concepts to make the restaurant somewhere to relax with friends and grab a light bite and not just the preserve of formal business meetings.

Instead of choosing just one starter and one main meal, you can share several smaller portions of different dishes between friends or create your own bespoke tasting menu. It’s a clever way to make eating more “fun” and to suit lots of different clientele with very different budgets.

When I meet Mini it’s a week before opening and I ask an obvious question: is he excited?

“I wouldn’t call it excitement,” he laughs loudly as though I’ve asked a very silly question. “Not

excited, no. But there’s definitely anticipation building up like there’s no tomorrow - there’s lots of pressure.” His unspun answer is a final lesson in Northern charm. However I know that if he says the food will be good, then quite simply, it will be. n 34 Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf, London, E14 8R 020 8305 3089 www.battery.uk.com Opening Times: Monday to Friday, Lunch 12noon – 2.30pm, Dinner 6.00pm – 10.30pm

19 years in the private hire industry

An executive private hire service for discerning individuals • Over 100 uniformed drivers at your disposal within Docklands & ExCeL • A wide range of modern vehicles available: E class, S Class, Saloon & MPVs • Corporate & VIP accounts available • 5 different fare tariffs to suit your business needs • Receive a call back or text alert when the vehicle is at your door step • All cars are equipped with GPS and card payment terminals • 10% discount for Canary Wharf readers • Book your vehicle online or by text and then trace and track your vehicle on your phone

Call: 020 7538 1000

261 East India Dock Road E14 0EG Web: www.minicabuk.com Email: customerservice@minicabuk.com

food&drink

95

Product of the Month: Add sparkle to you glass of champagne, originality to your Belgium chocolates or just make your mashed potato look very posh.

The Food Bling range from Laura Santtini is new to Selfridges and has created a gold rush. The kit includes 23k gold and silver flakes, leaves and an application brush and at £15.99 it’s the cheapest way to make your festive food look, if not taste, gourmet.

food&drink

news Mulled wine and markets

Insider’s knowledge:

It’s time to wrap up warm and venture to London’s best Christmas markets. Food aficionados won’t need to be reminded that Borough Market provides some of the best food.

However, at Christmas it comes into its own with local schools singing carols, festive food galore and on 17 December there is a special night to showcase their vast cheese selection

If you want to know the secrets of the nation’s best chocolatiers head to the Christmas Chocolate Festival at The Southbank Centre. With chocolate making workshops and tips on how to incorporate the heavenly ingredient into even savoury dishes, you can quickly become a pro – and it’s free.

20 – 24 December, www.boroughmarket.org.uk

11-13 December www.southbankcentre.co.uk

For authentic mulled wine, bratwurst and roasted nuts head to the popular Cologne Market near the Southbank Centre (until 23December).

New restaurant on the block: ROKA

Faulty bill?

There may be an additional £1 charge on your bill when you eat out this Christmas. It’s not as mistake, but instead an initiative called StreetSmart. The scheme is in its eleventh year and helps thousands of homeless people across the country, by diners in top restaurants simply pledging a pound to charity on top of their bill. Several restaurants are taking part in Canary Wharf, including: Plateau, Wapping Food and The Narrow. The nation’s favourite Stephen Fry described the project as “always doing your heart good” and we couldn’t agree more.

Rainer Becker has brought his awardwinning Japanese restaurant to Canary Wharf. There will be a few Canary Wharf exclusives, including teriyaki baby chicken and sweet shrimp with yuzu mayo. Pull up a chair at the robata grill and watch the chefs in action or relax in the bar with a glass of shochu www.rokarestaurant.com

Restaurant gossip:

Seasonal produce:

Food lingo:

Quote:

Get into the Christmassy spirit with a traditional lunch at The Restaurant at St Pauls Cathedral. Tuck into Victorian classics including roast goose or braised venison in the atmospheric location, followed by moreish plum pudding. At only £20 for two courses, you’d be a humbug not to.

Red cabbage Red cabbage can be the perfect accompaniment to game and has been grown in Britain since the middle ages.

Shred the cabbage finely and braise for two hours with apple, stock, spices, wine and sugar and reheat for a few minutes whenever needed.

Mirepoix This is a classic French mixture of carrots, onions, celery and herbs which are sautéed in butter, occasionally with bacon or ham added. This tasty base is then added to season sauces, stews or soups or it can be used to braise meat, poultry or fish.

Nigella Lawson: What I’m doing here is seeking to offer protection from life, solely through the means of potato, butter and cream... there are times when only mashed potato will do.

Website of the month:

www.keevilandkeevil.co.uk

www.restaurantatstpauls.co.uk

www.streetsmart.org.uk

Be lazy and get Keevil &Keevil of Smithfield meat market to deliver your festive bird straight to your door.

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food&drink

SOME LIKE IT

Delia taught many of us to cook, from boiling humble eggs to more avant-garde soufflés. She has been the fairy godmother to Dominique Brady’s various culinary attempts, so when she heard that the Docklands’ own Memsaheb was her guru’s favourite Indian restaurant she went to find out for herself

T

he restaurant is nestled away in a quieter corner of The Docklands and does require a map but once found, the evening view of the Thames and the bustle-free spot make it a welcome escape from The City.

As my friends and I sat back in the comfortable leather chairs, the attentive waiters brought over papadams and attentively talked us through the menu, checking which type of dishes we would normally go for and giving us a few more unusual house suggestions.

We picked several of the vast selection of starters.

The group favourite was the prawn masala puri; a generous portion of prawns in a wonderfully rich, spicy sauce with hints of garlic and coconut offset by the delicate puri bed. Some like it hot, and for those who do, the lamb varwal - three pattie sized portions of fried spicy lamb pieces - delivers a fiery, meaty kick.

My friends had more delicate palates so preferred the tandoori grilled salmon, which was beautifully cooked and served with an unusual sweet and sour tomato sauce. The award-winning mughdal chilla was also an unusual starter, with a soft sweet pancake packed with mildly spiced vegetables and provided a gentle preamble to the main courses.

Portions are generous and packed with flavour and as we finished our starters we started to worry if our eyes had been too big for our stomachs.

Service is at a relaxed pace though, so we had time to watch the watery world go by and have a good catch up before our mains arrived. The restaurant is far from showy but it has a quiet sophistication with black leather chairs and banquettes, starched linen and pale blue walls.

When our mains arrived, I could see why Delia rates the restaurant so highly and I will be returning for another portion of the lamb xacuti soon. This goan dish has tender pieces of lamb in a delicious nutty, creamy sauce which worked very well when accompanied by the slight lift of the lemon pilau rice.

The beef chilli masala, a house special, and tandoori chicken were definitely spicy and not for the timid but the quality of the meat and complexity of the spices used were significantly better than anything you could encounter on Brick Lane. There are the usual classic curries on the menu but also lots of really interesting North Indian house dishes, including Keralan fish curry and Panjabi style lamb shank. This is certainly a restaurant which warrants several trips and expanding clothing to match.

With most main dishes giving lots of change from a tenner, this Docklands gem won’t break the bank and delivers good views, perfect service and a genuinely interesting and tasty selection of dishes. n 65-67 Amsterdam Road, Docklands, London, E14 3UU 020 7538 1177 www.memsaheb.uk.com

Authentic dishes from the jewels of the Caribbean 2 Yabsley Street, E14 9RG Reservations: 020 7515 8177 www.chefcollinbrown.com

CHEF COLLIN BROWN RESTAURANT AUTHENTIC DISHES FROM THE JEWELS OF THE CARIBBEAN An electric mix from traditional to modern to inspire your taste buds Brought to you by award winning chef Collin Brown Fine dining in a laid-back lounge ambience VIP area available for Group bookings FREE Parking for all guests

Fine dining home delivery service available

listings

Restaurant Argentinian GAUCHO CANARY

29 Westferry Circus E14 020 7987 9494

The Rogue Trader

ROKA

25 Westferry Road E14 020 7517 9233

4 Park Pavilion, Canada Square 020 7636 5228

TiffinBites

SRI NAM

CANTEEN

Jubilee Place E14 020 7719 0333

1 North Colonnade E14 020 7715 9515

The Park Pavilion, Canada Square 0845 686 1122

Italian/Pizza

Seafood

AMERIGO VESPUCCI

CURVE

25 Cabot Square, MacKenzie Walk E14 020 7513 0288

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

British

THE PARLOUR

40 Canada Square, E14 0845 468 0100

Carribean

CARLUCCIO’S

Chef ColLin BROWN

2 Reuters Plaza E14 020 7719 1749

2 Yabsley Street E14 020 7515 8177

Gourmet Pizza

25 Cabot Square Canary Wharf E14 020 7513 0300

European

18-20 Cabot Square E14 020 7345 9192

Spanish

Docklands Bar and Grill

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

Jubilee Place E14 020 7719 6408

French

EL FARO Jamie's Italian

Churchill Place E14 020 3002 5252

Pizza Express

Cabot Place East E14 020 7513 0513

29-35 MacKenzie Walk E14 020 7537 9696

QUADRATO

Canada Place E14 020 7715 7100

Gastro Pub THE GUN

27 Coldharbour Lane E14 020 7515 5222

The Four Seasons Hotel 46 Westferry Circus E14 020 7510 1857

Mexican

WAHACA 40 Canada Square, E14 020 7516 9145

Middle Eastern

THE NARROW

MEZ RESTAURANT

44 Narrow Street E14 020 7592 7950

571 Manchester Road E14 020 7005 0421

Indian

Nina's TAZA express

Dockmasters

1 Hertsmere Road E14 020 7345 0345

Turnberry Quay E14 020 7987 5511

LA FIGA 45 Narrow Street, E14 020 7790 0077

CafÉ Rouge

PLATEAU

FIRST EDITION

322 Burdett Road E14 020 7093 3552

Oriental

Memsaheb

ITSU

65 - 67 Amsterdam Road E14 020 7538 3008

Level 2, Cabot Place East E14 020 7512 5790

the kimono A taste of the Orient has arrived in Canary Wharf thanks to the opening of the new ROKA restaurant…

INGREDIENTS: 50 ml light rum 20ml lychee juice 25ml peach puree 30ml coconut cream 30ml sugar syrup A pinch of salt Pour all the ingredients into a tall glass, add the pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and garnish with a sprig of mint and a slice of lime.

CELLAR BAR & FINE DINING RESTAURANT BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY AT THIS FABULOUS VENUE CMYK VERSION 2623 CAPACITY FROM 10 TO 800 PEOPLE MENUS STARTING AT £25 PER PERSON

S P O T C O L O U R PA N T O N E 2 6 2 3

• Cellar bar at Dockmasters House is a 300 capacity bar with outdoor space and garden • Exclusive hire available • Bespoke packages available For further information please contact: Mishalle Deepchand Events & Marketing Manager 020 7345 0345 mishalle@dockmastershouse.com 1 Hertsmere Road london E14 8JJ www.dockmastershouse.com

Celebrate the festivities Docklands style

xx

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atÊ MuseumÊ ofÊ LondonÊ Docklands MuseumÊ ofÊ LondonÊ DocklandsÊ isÊ celebratingÊ thisÊ festiveÊ seasonÊ inÊ Ê style.Ê WeÊ haveÊ aÊ varietyÊ ofÊ exclusiveÊ ChristmasÊ packagesÊ forÊ upÊ toÊ 600Ê guestsÊ allÊ organisedÊ inÊ ourÊ historicÊ GradeÊ IÊ listedÊ building.Ê BookÊ yourÊ ChristmasÊ eventÊ withÊ usÊ andÊ youÊ personallyÊ willÊ receiveÊ aÊ ChristmasÊ treatÊ fromÊ usÊ toÊ you.

To book or for further information contact:

020 7001 9816

specialevents.docklands@museumoflondon.org.uk

feeds the mind

www.searcys.co.uk

MEMSAHEB

o n

t h a m e s

Christmas & New Year bookings now being taken “Staff are keen, cooking spot on”

Women & Home Magazine

Time Out Eating and Drinking Guide

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

tel: 020 7538 3008

“Delia Smith’s favourite restaurant”

cityliferecommends

citylife

recommends

GSK CONTEMPORARY EARTH Running from 3 December, GSK Contemporary: Earth is the second annual contemporary art season at 6 Burlington Gardens.

The exhibition will examine the responses of leading international artists to the climate change debate and will include over 30 artists such as Gary Hume, Tracy Emin and Tacita Dean. Also look out for new and recent works by Sophie Calle and writer Ian McEwan. www.royalacademy.org.uk

BELLE GREENWICH A beautiful boutique in the heart of Greenwich, Belle offers eclectic and distinctive clothes and accessories from around the world. Friendly staff are always on hand to introduce you to the very best designers, with gorgeous accessories including hand-made hats by Gil Fox, colourful scarves from Salt and vintage-style bags by Cheet.

Belle, 20 College Approach, Greenwich, SE10 9HY 0208 465 5777 www.bellefashion.co.uk

PREMIUM EDITIONS

COCKTAIL RINGS

This Christmas the finest whisky can be found at Highland Park as they release their new 1964 and 1968 premium editions. Created by the experts, these exclusive drinks are limited due to the rarity of the liquid you will be tasting. Ensure you are one of those lucky few and get your hands on a bottle.

Found in the many beautiful collections from the style savvy Goodman Morris, these bold cocktail rings will add that extra something to your outfit. Choose from a range of styles, colours and stones at their Brighton store, where you will find an experienced and welcoming team help you make that all important decision.

Orcadian Vintage Series 1964 - £3,750 Orcadian Vintage Series 1968 - £2,250 www.highlandpark.co.uk

www.goodmanmorris.com

CHRISTMAS CHILDREN BOOK

INTERACTION KITCHEN

The Osborne Studio Gallery is hosting an exhibition of highly intricaye and varied drawings of animals and birds by artist, Amanda Daubeney. The exhibition also coincides with the launch of a children's book following the tale of two rabbits and their adventures in Richmond Park.

Increation is an established and highly regarded interiors company, dedicated to creating luxurious living environments designed just for you. Recognised by the National Business awards, their hand picked team guide you through the entire process, gaining an understanding of your needs, tastes and lifestyles in order to achieve the perfect bespoke interior.

The Osborne Studio Gallery, 2 Motcomb Street, London, SW1X 8JU 020 7235 9667 www.osg.uk.com

020 7987 8328 Increation, 16 Pixley Street, London, E14 7DF www.increation.net

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citylife

recommends

POWERED LUGGAGE

COOKERY SCHOOL

Live Luggage has made travelling much easier with their range of power-assisted suitcases. The flat motor technology built into the wheels assists when going up steep gradients or kerbs. Not only that, these ingenious bags even have a Live Locator in case you manage to lose your belongings.

Start the New Year with some delicious homemade food and refine your cooking skills at London's Cookery School. Slice and Dice Deluxe classes are aimed at those who want to improve their basic preparation and knife skills, the backbone to any scrumptious dish. Classes are £150 with quality ingredients included.

www.liveluggage.com

11 & 18 January, 2010, 6.30-9.30pm www.cookeryschool.co.uk

LIMITED EDITION FRAGRANCE

INDIAN ART SHOW

With a smell for both men and women, one of Britain's last independent fragrance houses, Pecksniff’s launches their first Limited Edition bespoke fragrance. Presented specially designed packaging, Pecksniff's new eau de parfum and after shave are unique making.

100ml, £75.00 www.pecksniffs.com

OWN A PONY The Four Seasons Hotel, Hampshire is offering an 'Own a Pony' day, where young guests are able to experience the delights of caring for a pony at the on-site Equestrian Centre. A picnic lunch and an afternoon Estate hack mean you can spend your time relaxing in The Spa. Tuesday to Sunday at £135 per child from 10am-3pm. Shorter days available. www.fourseasons.com

M.F. Husain and S.H. Raza, masters of Contemporary Indian Art, are showcasing their work together for the first time in the UK. Never seen before on British soil, these exhibitions include Husain's Mother Teresa Series and Raza's The Five Rays of Raza; some of their greatest art.

Barclays Wealth Private Bank in Mayfair, on 10th and 11thDecember Mayfair and Chelsea galleries of Tanya Baxter Contemporary and Kings Road Gallery from 12th09 - 31st 2010.

SHOW OFF – info coming from Carol Collage-artist Peter Clark's innovative work is brought together in this fully illustrated book, displaying to the full his ability to turn the ordinary into something extraordinary. Inspired by antique fairs and markets, Clark uses old maps, love letters and even stamps to create his unique pieces. A showcase of old and more recent art, Paperwork is perfect for anyone interested in portraiture and scrapbooking.

Hardback, RRP £24.95

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BROWN’S LONDON

Don’t just train, Train SMART!!!

Assessment with FitnessLab helps you to gauge and develop your fitness scientifically.

The Fitness Lab provides assessment for:

Novice exercisers looking for a baseline measure of fitness & initial exercise guidance Recreational level athletes to accurately assess fitness levels & understand the science behind effective training Individuals returning to sport after a period of inactivity Personalising heart rate training zones Accurately tracking your response to training over time To make a booking call:

020 7467 5470

or visit the website to learn more:

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We have a stunning Christmas selection of winter flowers and decorations for the festive season Take a look at our new and improved website:

WWW.BROWNSLONDON.CO.UK Easy ordering Callback ordering service Free express delivery to Canary Wharf (within two hours) CORPORATE  FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS

 FUNERAL  WEDDINGS  GIFTS Mon to Fri | 7:30am - 7:30pm Sat | 9:00am - 5.00pm Sun | 12:00am - 6:00pm Brown’s London, Canada Place, Canary Wharf, E14 5AH DLR Station Concourse, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AB

Visit the shop or call us on

020 7512 9275

LONDON Homes&

PROPERTY Showcasing the finest homes in your area

Covering The City, CANARY WHARF, DOCKLANDS & South East

D INNER PARTY D E B ATE

I s p r o p e rt y s t i l l number one?

Hot P r o p e rt i e s check out this month’s hottest homes

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Abbotts 470 - 480 Roman Road, Bow, London, E3 5LU www.abbottsflooring.co.uk

Tel: 0800 716 783

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

Property ChaiN

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

Behind the facade 5

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Financial advisor Robert Stopa talks to us about investing in property in St.Lucia and Barbados Q. How would you spend £5million on property?

A. I’d invest in some developments we’re dealing with over in St Lucia and Barbados as well as picking up a New York pad and around five acres of land near London to build on.

Q. Change one thing about your job…

A. Mortgage Underwriters would be given back more of the decision-making process.

Q. What do you foresee for the coming year in property?

A. Quality properties in London still being in great demand, with a slower recovery overall.

Q. Describe where you like to work, rest and play...

A. Work: I love Canary Wharf and the City but it’s also great to wander over to Mayfair every now and again.

Play: With my daughter at home.

Rest: Ha, ha! No rest with a 1 year old!

Robert Stopa, Stopa Wealth Management, 020 7038 8056

INSIGHT

Mortgage Products - What‘s new on the market?

With mortgage companies tightening their belts – what’s the current story for borrowers?

Self Cert – with the FSA threatening to abolish self- cert loans, the news from the brokers is that true self-cert loans are already impossible to find. Bad news for the self-employed although some lenders will consider other forms of evidence of income other than three years of outdated accounts.

Deposits - for the best rates you will need a 25% deposit. Although some lenders appear to be offering 10% these are difficult to come by as funds and criteria are tight.

Work, rest & play Bonus time is upon us, so how about buying up a piece of New York?

Fraudster Bernard Madoff’s East 64th street duplex apartment has been reduced by 10% from its original asking price of $9.9 million. It was in this apartment that Madoff was kept under house arrest until his imprisonment in June.

With the introduction of BA’s business class service from City airport to JFK and the fall in Manhattan property prices now is the time to look across the pond for a luxurious yet infamous addition to your portfolio.

Buy-to-let – products still exist and are surprisingly still unregulated. However, unless your rental income far exceeds your mortgage payments then forget it – the criteria is very demanding.

Foreign Currency Mortgages – rumour is that these will make a comeback.

However, you are risking your property on the back of currency exchange markets as most lenders insist you revert to sterling if LTV goes over 80%.

pro per ty at a you agr eed to pur cha se the In hin dsig ht leg ally bou nd ask ing pric e. ilou s and per s the ma rke t at tha t time wa out like ght cau n bee e ma ny peo ple hav pla ce in ge tga mor a had You you rsel f: bt dou no n whe n you exc han ged and I exchanged on an off-pla . As osit dep 10% a apartment pai d the dev elo per apartment in 2007, the lend y onl will y pan is com ge per develo you r mor tga is now finished and the e you are valu t ren cur to n ce loa Sin .

70% te you demanding that I comple ific ant has fallen leg ally obl ige d to find the sign exchanging the property do so to fail you If f. mortgage sho rtfa ll you rsel by 30% in value and my can per elo dev the te ple al com ’t gin ir ori and don company has reduced the the for you sue re-s ell the pro per ty and t sufficient e and offer leaving me withou valu l ina orig the n diff ere nce bet wee threatening they funds. The developer is at, sell now they e pric t the cur ren plete , can to sue me if I do not com osit . Sad ly can furt her kee p the 10% dep s? they do thi ma ny offand s time this is a stor y of our n the bee e hav s stor inve ty pla n pro per ! Wh en you The sho rt ans wer to this is yes cas ual ties of this rec ess ion . dev elo per exc han ged con trac ts with the

RAISE AN ISSUE

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

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

www.paperrocket.net

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Mulling this Christmas?

If you’ve been mulling over moving, now is your moment.

We hope you have a fabulous festive season. We happen to think it’s also the perfect time to start plotting your New Year move. This New Year you should seize the moment, for good reason.

Despite all the challenges of 2009, our sales were strong.

Right now, buyers are out there. In the last quarter, some 2,500 people looking to buy property between £1m and £3m alone registered with us – with over £4 billion to spend between them. Our research team predicts prices will rise by 27% by 2015, and that prime properties will be a resilient investment.

So while you’re having a wonderful Christmas, why not mull over your next property move. Then come the New Year, please come and talk to us about making it happen. We do property, properly.

A very merry Christmas from the team at Savills.

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

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

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

Sarah Heard 020 7531 2500 sheard@savills.com

KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

No. 1 West India Quay, Hertsmere Road, Canary Wharf E14

Dundee Wharf, Three Colt Street Canary Wharf E14

An amazing high specification luxury two bedroom apartment in the brand new sought after West India Quay development. Lavishly interior designed. Must be seen. First to see will take. Available in December, fully furnished.

We are delighted to offer this impressive three double bedroom, two bathroom apartment. This apartment offers a balcony off the reception area with fantastic river views. Also to be found within this development is a gym, porter and car parking facilities.

£625 per week Knight Frank Canary Wharf Lettings 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

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

Coldharbour, Canary Wharf E14 Extending to 213 sq m, this four bedroom house is presented in an excellent modern and contemporary style including a well appointed kitchen/breakfast room with French doors leading out onto a riverside patio. Stairs lead to the first floor, where there is a large reception room and sliding doors giving access onto a balcony as well as a separate study. Over the next two floors, there are four good double bedrooms all with en-suites facilities. £995 per week Knight Frank Canary Wharf Lettings 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Hanover House, Westferry Circus Canary Wharf E14 We are very pleased to offer this immaculate four bedroom apartment to let. In brief the accommodation comprises a good size reception leading onto the terrace which offers spectacular river views. There a well appointed modern kitchen, four bedrooms, a modern en suite marble four piece bathroom and a further two bathrooms. £1,700 per week Knight Frank Canary Wharf Lettings 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

KnightFrank.co.uk/Sales

Langbourne Place, Canary Wharf, E14

Naxos Building, Canary Wharf, E14

A two bedroom, two bathroom apartment with off street parking, located on the second floor of a purpose built low rise block within a secure gated development.

Situated on the ground floor of a 24 hourse portered development, a south west facing two bedroom apartment with leisure facilities.

£299,950 Knight Frank Canary Wharf Sales 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

£360,000 Knight Frank Canary Wharf Sales 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Pierhead Lock, Canary Wharf, E14 A spacious and light two bedroom apartment situated on the ninth floor of a portered development. Extending to 961 sq ft, the property has recently been refurbished to a very high standard. £550,000 Knight Frank Canary Wharf Sales 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Discovery Dock Apartments East, Canary Wharf, E14 A beautifully presented two bedroom, two bathroom apartment located on the 14th floor of a prestigious portered block in the heart of Canary Wharf. £585,000 Knight Frank Canary Wharf Sales 020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Two years ago, when, at the peak of the market, top-end homes in London were reported to be rising in value by £4,000 a day.

It’s all anyone talked about. Zoe Dare Hall carries on talking

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t dinner parties, pub gatherings, during coffee breaks in conferences, it was the immediate point of bonding: Like football, only more inclusive. Everyone – rich or not – had a view about property.

And while prices were rocketing and people swathed themselves in the security blanket of a home that was earning them money while they slept, property was our obsession. Property porn became a source of fascination and Sarah Beeny and Kirstie Allsop were the industry’s madams.

And then the world collapsed overnight – but did it drag our new-found need to talk about property down with it? What has happened around the nation’s dinner tables? Have we actually learnt to talk about something else at last?

“I remember sitting on a yacht in the south of France last September and the conversation was darker than night,” says Trevor Abrahamson, who runs the upmarket Hampstead estate agency Glentree Estates.

“It was black hole time, utterly miserable, and the prevailing view on property was to not touch it. If you already had it, keep it and forget about it, and stick your money under the bed.”

Before that, Abrahamson recalls endless dinner parties where the conversation focused on nothing but property. “No matter what their jobs, people would far rather talk about their houses than anything else and they were like homing pigeons to me. I’d rather talk about golf, wine, women, but at a typical dinner of bankers, ad execs, QCs and entrepreneurs, they would all want to know my opinion.

Property is the irresistible subject, whether it’s going up or down,” he says.

“In the boom, they talked about the ridiculous prices achieved for property like theirs, the great irritant that is gazumping and if they wanted to move, how there was nothing decent to buy, all typical conversations of a bull market.”

And though the climate couldn’t be more different today, the conversation sticks to a familiar theme. “Now they are talking about shortage of stock again, opportunities to trade up, buying homes for their children and the merits of buy-to-let, with rental yields bringing in more than the cost of borrowing – classic signs of the next bull market,” says Abrahamson. “But it will take us about five years to get there.”

As a buying agent, Jo Eccles, director of Sourcing Property, is also a magnet at property-obsessed parties. “Two friends of mine, Ed and Asif, both in their early 30s, and I have met for dinner nearly every week for the past few years and our conversations always touch on property at some point,” says Eccles, 28, who owns a two-bedroom flat in Pimlico which she rents out and lives in a flat she rents in Fulham.

“Two years ago, we’d talk mainly about how the market was out of control,” says Eccles. “Asif, a City trader, was delighted he had sold his two flats in London and was feeling smug about the price he got for them. Ed, who runs a research firm, would talk about the house near Marble Arch he had just bought and was full of himself at having beaten other buyers in a bidding war.”

And how smug are they feeling now?

“Now our conversation revolves around their disbelief at central London prices being close to the peak again,” says Eccles. “Asif and Ed reflect endlessly on what’s happened and who has won overall. Asif is frustrated that

he still hasn’t re-entered the market as he can’t find any bargains and Ed thinks he paid over the odds for his townhouse.”

And Jo? She just likes the property talk.

“It always makes for interesting dinner party conversation because we all have very different opinions and it usually gets pretty animated,” she replies.

Confusion over conflicting reports of what the market is doing has got us talking about property more than ever, thinks Mark Lawson from buying consultancy The Buying Solution.

“All the data comes from different sources, so in my experience people at dinner parties are still hooked on property as they try to work out where the market is going and, for those of us who over-borrowed in the good times, what will happen if interest rates rise,” says Lawson. “Everyone wants to know which nationalities are buying in London now, whether the Russians are back, because of the impact that has in pushing up prices,” he adds.

For those in the property business, the topic is clearly as fascinating and varied as ever. But for those with other day jobs, many have more pressing and pragmatic concerns about finding finance, being able to afford the costs of moving and what will be the best investment for their – and their children’s - future.

“If there’s a general property theme among our peers when we talk over dinner, it’s whether to swap to a fixed interest mortgage before interest rates increase, as seems inevitable,” comments 50-year-old magazine editor Andrew Humphreys.

“Those of us tied into fixed interest deals constantly wonder whether we should have paid penalties to swap to a tracker a year ago, but nobody reckons it’s a good time to do that now,” he adds.

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He and his 48-year-old wife Jenny, an artist, are also sitting pretty – they prefer to call themselves lucky rather than smug – as they sold their Blackheath house at the top of the market, for 25% more than they were expecting, and traded down to a far larger house that cost three quarters of the price near Canterbury in Kent.

“Our friends with adult children who want to get on the property ladder bemoan the fact house prices haven’t fallen to a level where they could easily afford to buy and none of

our friends think prices will drop significantly further,” says Humphreys. “All of them blame the moribund state of the property market on the Government’s failure to give firm direction on stamp duty and the pointless introduction of HIPS.” Which leaves a gap, surely, in the conversation. Politics anyone? X Factor? Oh, though I did hear one interesting thing the other day. A friend of mine, he found this amazing house and… n

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LETTINGS Shilpa Lukka, senior associate at King Sturge gives us an overview on the state of the residential lettings market

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he Docklands was definitely hit during the recession. Within my area of expertise, residential lettings, supply exceeded demand and rents plummeted. However, in the last couple of months things have begun to change. Rents are creeping up and if anything, there’s now a shortage of stock.

That isn’t to say the property market has completely recovered. Recovery will be slow and it won’t happen overnight, but it is happening. Companies in the City are starting to recruit again and people are more frequently travelling to London to work or on business. Next year it can only improve and the economy is clearly moving in the right direction.

The Docklands is a great place to live and it’s nice for me to see rents starting to match the true values that the developments here provide. I think they are actually very good value to live in; you have some of London’s most luxurious flats with contemporary

designs and high specifications, located next to some of the most up-and-coming restaurants and conveniently suited to the workplace.You really don’t see this quality of accommodation across other parts of London.

As a result I’m really happy to be based at the Docklands branch of King Sturge. We’re right in the heart of Canary Wharf, one of the most exciting parts of the City, and as a company we get first hand access to new developments in the area.

I am particularly looking forward to seeing interest surge in two of our new developments which are just about to go to completion: Landmark and Ability Place.

They will be available for sales and we will be providing the lettings for them too. Both have leisure facilities, concierge services, and high specifications and are located close to Canary Wharf. The market has picked up again and we’re confident that demand on these two new developments will be high.

It’s also great to be part of such an experienced team. All the staff has been here a long time and understands the area.

As a national company we have to keep our standards high and our motto is “to exceed expectations”. We pride ourselves on accuracy, consistency and professionalism – key traits in any industry, but even more important when you want to invest in a property and need to trust your agent’s advice.

My experience in residential lettings has paid off and I’ve now been a senior associate at King Sturge for nearly five years. As part of such an experienced team, I’m pleased to offer you my advice and tips about the property market in my new monthly column. And at the end of a turbulent year for all industries I am pleased to predict that the property market is on the up and that the docklands remain the place to rent or buy. n www.kingsturge.co.uk

Lettings LETTINGS

Canary Central E14

£280 pw

Ability Place E14

£320 pw

A fabulous eighth floor oneStbedroom ideally situated to A great one bedroom in this sought after Park, SE3 Humber Road, SE3 5th floor apartment £369,995 St Johns £335,000 Josephsapartment Vale £310,000 Two bedroom, bathroom purpose builtThe flat situated in the ever Situated in the heart ofSouth the Westcombe area we stronglyand urge an floor one bedroomeasy converted apartment offering stylishDLR and Canary South Quay Wharftwolocal amenities. apartment development.

QuayPark DLR station CanaryFirst Wharf within popularSt Joseph’s Vale development so this flat is sure to prove immediate appointment to view ideally located for Westcombe Park with all the charm of the era. Accommodation engineered oor heating, Marble tiling to walking Full leisure facilities available, 24contemporaryliving hour concierge popular withunderfl the city professionals. and Maze Hilldistance.

BR. comprises lounge to front, immaculate offers kitchen and luxury bathroom.wood flooring, bathroom and Neff kitchen appliances. Avail Furn and lift service. Avail Jan 10. Furn.

Naxos Building E14

£375 pw

Boardwalk Place E14

£395 pw

Eltham Road, SE12 £309,995 Lee Terrace, SE3 £460,000 Dacre Gardens, SE13 £285,000 Superb two bedroom river view apartment with spacious balcony in Two double bedroom (onePurpose with build en-suite) apartment with fantastic view Hall floor two bedroom conversion represents one not to be missed. In maisonette with accommodation set over three levels Three bedroom garden flat offered with sole use of an 80’ private sought after location. toand Heron Canary ofproperty dock.alsoProperty boasts aandgives largea open with which access to addition there is a pretty 30’ private Close rear garden off streetQuay parking.DLR station great feelplan of light reception and space. A location is popular garden. Aand short walk from the village, the benefits from a The property amenities. is conveniently located for localfurnishings, shops and BR stations. with station first time buyers.

20’9 reception room, modern fitted kitchen, off streetCanary parking. Wharf tube Wharf’s Modern wood flooring, two well balcony. services the area and can be seen proportioned double bedrooms. Avail now. from the property. Avail Dec 09. Furn

Boardwalk Place, E14 £395,000 pw Belgrave Court E14Church View House SE4 £750 pw Shell Road SE13 Braxfield£625 Road SE4 £449,995 £329,900 AAattractive bay fronted Victorian home.

Lounge with doors dividing, A charming a very well presented three bedroom period terrace A wonderful opportunity to purchase this unique four bedroom fantastic three bedroom penthouse comprising two double bedrooms, Stunning two bedroom apartment in sought after Canary Riverside offering quality fitted kitchen/diner which leads onto a secluded lawned rear house, situated in a very popular road and is offered with no ondetached family house, located on a quiet street close to all the local one single bedroom/study, two bathrooms spacious living amazing views across London and the Floor toon-going ceiling chain windows bring in lots garden, three good size bedrooms. going room, chain. huge amenities and river. benefits from no terrace and wrap around balcony. Located close to Canary Wharf with of natural light. Modern furnishings throughout. Ideal location to Canary Wharf parking, lift and concierge. Blackwall DLR. Available now. and local amenities.

Office - 020 7715 9700 Canary Wharf Office docklands.lettings@kingsturge.com docklands.lettings@kingsturge.com www.kingsturge.co.uk London offiinces in Knightsbridge, Canary Wharf, Blackheath and Greenwich With With London offices Knightsbridge, Canary Wharf, Blackheath, Brockley and Greenwich

Lettings LETTINGS

Canary Central E14

£280 pw

Ability Place E14

£320 pw

A fabulous eighth floor oneStbedroom ideally situated to A great one bedroom in this sought after Park, SE3 Humber Road, SE3 5th floor apartment £369,995 St Johns £335,000 Josephsapartment Vale £310,000 Two bedroom, bathroom purpose builtThe flat situated in the ever Situated in the heart ofSouth the Westcombe area we stronglyand urge an floor one bedroomeasy converted apartment offering stylishDLR and Canary South Quay Wharftwolocal amenities. apartment development.

QuayPark DLR station CanaryFirst Wharf within popularSt Joseph’s Vale development so this flat is sure to prove immediate appointment to view ideally located for Westcombe Park with all the charm of the era. Accommodation engineered oor heating, Marble tiling to walking Full leisure facilities available, 24contemporaryliving hour concierge popular withunderfl the city professionals. and Maze Hilldistance.

BR. comprises lounge to front, immaculate offers kitchen and luxury bathroom.wood flooring, bathroom and Neff kitchen appliances. Avail Furn and lift service. Avail Jan 10. Furn.

Naxos Building E14

£375 pw

Boardwalk Place E14

£395 pw

Eltham Road, SE12 £309,995 Lee Terrace, SE3 £460,000 Dacre Gardens, SE13 £285,000 Superb two bedroom river view apartment with spacious balcony in Two double bedroom (onePurpose with build en-suite) apartment with fantastic view Hall floor two bedroom conversion represents one not to be missed. In maisonette with accommodation set over three levels Three bedroom garden flat offered with sole use of an 80’ private sought after location. toand Heron Canary ofproperty dock.alsoProperty boasts aandgives largea open with which access to addition there is a pretty 30’ private Close rear garden off streetQuay parking.DLR station great feelplan of light reception and space. A location is popular garden. Aand short walk from the village, the benefits from a The property amenities. is conveniently located for localfurnishings, shops and BR stations. with station first time buyers.

20’9 reception room, modern fitted kitchen, off streetCanary parking. Wharf tube Wharf’s Modern wood flooring, two well balcony. services the area and can be seen proportioned double bedrooms. Avail now. from the property. Avail Dec 09. Furn

Boardwalk Place, E14 £395,000 pw Belgrave Court E14Church View House SE4 £750 pw Shell Road SE13 Braxfield£625 Road SE4 £449,995 £329,900 AAattractive bay fronted Victorian home.

Lounge with doors dividing, A charming a very well presented three bedroom period terrace A wonderful opportunity to purchase this unique four bedroom fantastic three bedroom penthouse comprising two double bedrooms, Stunning two bedroom apartment in sought after Canary Riverside offering quality fitted kitchen/diner which leads onto a secluded lawned rear house, situated in a very popular road and is offered with no ondetached family house, located on a quiet street close to all the local one single bedroom/study, two bathrooms spacious living amazing views across London and the Floor toon-going ceiling chain windows bring in lots garden, three good size bedrooms. going room, chain. huge amenities and river. benefits from no terrace and wrap around balcony. Located close to Canary Wharf with of natural light. Modern furnishings throughout. Ideal location to Canary Wharf parking, lift and concierge. Blackwall DLR. Available now. and local amenities.

Office - 020 7715 9700 Canary Wharf Office docklands.lettings@kingsturge.com docklands.lettings@kingsturge.com www.kingsturge.co.uk London offiinces in Knightsbridge, Canary Wharf, Blackheath and Greenwich With With London offices Knightsbridge, Canary Wharf, Blackheath, Brockley and Greenwich

www.edmcleaning.co.uk www.edmcleaning.co.uk “EDM Cleaning has provided office cleaning services for us for over five years. We would have no hesitation in recommending Gary and his team.�

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EDM care for their clients, their staff and their reputation London Central Office: 8-11 Crescent, London EC3N 2LY

Freephone: 0500 85 85 80

The DIARY

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Sim Smith’s guide to shopping, eating and outings this Christmas rewery Truman B

Take the monotony out of your Christmas shopping this year and head to the new Saturday Backyard Market at the Old Truman Brewery, East London. If you’re bored of the high street and fancy something a little alternative this really is the place to go. Famed for its showcase of young design talent the Old Truman Brewery plays host to bustling stalls filled with great one-off finds covering everything from arts and crafts to retro home ware and vintage pieces. While you’re there why not treat yourself to some great homemade food on the top of the Routemaster for a typically quirky East End experience!

020 7770 6100 www.trumanbrewery.com

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Swarovsk i Give something back this Christmas. Leading crystal brand Swarovski has teamed up with UNICEF this festive season to help raise funds for the charity’s work on water and sanitation no w fla around the world. The Swarovski miniature snowflake ornament ke ki or n vs will be on sale at Harrods, Harvey Nichols, and the Swarovski am aro ent, £ 95.00, Sw Crystallized store, London with 40% being donated directly to TATE UNICEF. The sale of each ornament will provide ten families with water containers allowing them to store water safely and cut down Looking for a present to on journeys to and from the water pump. Each year 25 million last all year? people die from diseases caused by unsafe drinking water with The TATE gift more than half of these deaths being amongst children. This year membership do your bit for this very worthy cause and leave the shops with a pack designed little bit of sparkle. by leading contemporary 020 7235 5000, www.harveynichols.com Saturday Backyard Market, 11am - 6pm artist Jim 020 7730 1234, www.harrods.com CRYSTALLIZED™ Cosmos Store, 24 Great Marlborough Street, W1F 7HU Lambie provides a Ultimate Christmas Hamper, £2,500.00, Harvey Nichols whole year of unlimited free entry to all exhibitions at Tate Modern, Tate Britain,Tate Liverpool and Tate St Ives. It also entitles the owner to use of the Members room at TATE Modern and to the TATE ETC. Magazine, sent Harvey Nichols directly to members’ homes el g An three times a year.With individual d What better way to indulge over the festive Carve membership starting at just at £50, season than by opening a hamper full of Nothing says Christmas like a great Christmas pudding.The it’s worth bagging one for yourself delicious goodies? Harvey Nichols has come Carved Angel has developed one of the best reputations too! Gift membership can be up trumps this year with over 30 hamper and in the land for its classic pudding recipe based on Eliza bought at any Tate gallery or at Tate gift box combinations specially created by the Online. top food and wine buyers in the business.These Acton’s original Victorian formula.The fruity puddings are made with the highest quality ingredients and are stamped gorgeous gifts are filled with hand selected with the vegetarian seal of approval too. Each one is hand 020 7887 8888 products from the 600 strong Harvey Nichols www.tate.org.uk/member tied with a muslin cloth placed in a re usable earthenware Own Label Collection and start from a mere bowl that can be used well after the festive season. Just to £30 each. Check out the Ultimate Christmas make sure there are no post lunch mishaps, however, Hamper filled with gourmet foods, elegant instructions are included to ensure a kitchenware, fine wines, champagne and ing, from as pudd Angel Christm perfectly cooked pud. A great crowd e Carved Th , 00 ports.This really will guarantee a very merry £10. pleaser round the Christmas table Christmas! Orders can be placed online, by or an ideal gift for a loved one with a phone or from the Food Market but be sure sweet tooth, you can’t go wrong with to place your order prior to 20 December to this one...even Nigel Slater’s a fan! ensure delivery before Christmas Eve. e ur at

01822 835020 www.thecarvedangel.com

Tate gift membership pack, £50.00

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0845 604 1888 www.harveynichols.com

THE GIFT GUIDE Sim Smith’s guide to the best gifts for your home...

FOR HIM

FOR HER

Deluxe hand inlaid and embossed Cherry Dauphin calf game cube with nickel and leather, Backgammon stones and Sterling silver playing pieces, £16,170 Geoffrey Parker Games, 01799 599 100; www.geoffreyparker.com

Leather heart key fob in red, £25 Ettinger, 020 8877 1616 www.ettinger.co.uk

Evergreen Pine candle, £40 Dyptique, 020 7224 4948; www.diptyqueparis.com

L’Essence de Courvoisier, £1,800 exclusively from Harrods, 0845 605 1234; www.harrods.com Wild Fern Cologne, £31 Geo. F. Trumper, 020 7272 1765; www.trumpers.com

Eco House Book by Terence Conran, £25 Waterstones, 0845 217 2920; www.waterstones.com

Cast aluminium Spencer Squirrel Nutcracker, £18 Jme Collection, 0845 279 7227; www.jmecollection.com

European oak, American walnut and grey concrete heavy desk light, £450 Benjamin Hubert Studio, 07835 120938; www.benjaminhubert.co.uk

Porcelain Vivo Lucky-U Eyecatcher Kenny Vase, £12.95 Villeroy and Boch, 020 8875 6060; www.villeroy-boch.com

100% cashmere Mackenzie throw, £395, Johnstons cashmere, 01343 554040; www.johnstonscashmere.com

FOR kids

FOR pets

Merino dog pullover, from £50 Mungo & Maud, 020 7952 4570; www.mungoandmaud.com; Recycled wood, eco-efficient particleboard and MDF Eco Green Dolls house, £149.95 John Lewis, 08456 049049; www.johnlewis.com

Wooden five-a-day veg box, £10 Great Little Trading Company, 0844 848 6000; www.gltc.co.uk

Persepx Mija bed from £690 and dining table from £155 WOWBOW, 020 8834 1091; www.wowbow.co.uk; Mohair British Collectors Teddy Bear, £150 Steiff, Hamleys, 0871 704 1977; www.hamleys.com

Wooden and metal roadster Saab toy car in black and natural finish, £302 Skandium, 020 7584 2066; www.skandium.com

Steel and wood children’s drum kit, £195 The Conran Shop, 0844 848 4000; www.conranshop.co.uk

Rubber dog bone in pistachio, £12 Mungo & Maud, 020 7952 4570; www.mungoandmaud.com; Leather Signature braided collars, £52.50.

Max & Margot, 020 7096 1817; www.maxandmargot.co.uk

Ginger and cinnamon spice boys biscuits, £3.50 for a 200g bag, Klassy Canine Bakery, 01884 255584; www.klassycaninebakery.co.uk

The ADDRESS BOOK

Sim Smith gathers inspiration from the design hub that is the legendary Oxo Tower...

1 Bodo Sperliein A bell chimes as I enter this pale grey space. I’m greeted by the clean smell of fresh lilies that I follow to the desk where I am welcomed by one of the studio staff. I have long admired the fine bone china collections here, their originality, eccentricity and design; handles in the shape of horses legs, small white birds perched on fine golden twigs and teardrop glass pendant lights with delicate white flowers protruding from their surfaces. Bodo Sperlein is a boutique deign consultancy whose projects have involved collaborations with the likes of Lladró and Swarovski. The most recent collaboration, however, was the much anticipated collection of tea accessories for Yauatcha Atelier. Using traditional techniques dating back over many centuries, this collection takes its inspiration from the tea plant with subtle details in twig and branch forms adorning tea infusers, tea cup handles and bonbonniere’s.

2 Innermost It is clear, even by just looking through the large glass frontage of this studio that design is paramount to the brand.

Form evidently matters here with designs taking on unlikely and, some could say, surreal forms. In the centre of the entrance, hanging from the ceiling is a sculptural stainless steel suspension that seems almost orange peel like with a broken spherical outline. This is in fact a light but anyone could easily mistake it for a piece of art. Similarly, the infamous bowler hat lights that have come to be known as Jeeves & Wooster pendants hang nearby with metallic interiors gleaming from their black felt casing. Multifaceted chairs and steel based Origami tables that seem to have been folded from sheets of paper sit in the window enticing passersby to touch. Founded by designers Steve Jones

and Russell Cameron in 1999, Innermost aspires to provide a showcase for new design talent and ten years on the company couldn’t be stronger.

3 Joseph Joseph The first thing I notice is the bright limegreen rubber floor which I follow into the middle of the space. This design hub, complete with in-house designers busying away in front of their computers is home to Joseph Joseph, specialists in contemporary kitchenware and homeware. Thick white shelves showcase brightly coloured, cleverly designed kitchen accessories. Bright yellow lemon juicers that catch unwanted pips, adjustable rolling pins and folding colanders are just some of the pieces that caught my eye. If you’re looking for a gift for a domestic goddess or feel you might need a little help when preparing Christmas lunch this year, you know where to go...

4 Little + Collins I walk in under tubular lighting set against slate ceiling panels to a high top desk that seems to operate as a consultation space.

There is a table and chairs laid out with samples in the most sumptuous of colours readily on show. Rugs are hung, framed on the walls, making viewing as easy as picking out a poster in an art gallery. I find out that Little + Collins design and manufacture bespoke and limited edition, hand tufted rugs and wall hangings. They offer a tailor made design service, hence the seating area, which can cater for all manner of customer design preferences. Colours are subtle yet powerful with inspiration being drawn from natural sources and landscapes; heathers from the Scottish highlands, cinnabar from lava lands and seaweed and chalk from mineral formations. The delicate interplay of texture sees the pieces taking on both geometric and organic forms, again, inspired by striking landscapes and dramatic scenery.

The company take great pride in the production of their work and with all pieces bring produced in UK, Little + Collins are able to oversee the whole manufacturing process from start to finish.

5 Michèle Oberdieck Michèle Oberdieck specialises in beautiful screenprinted fabrics, textile panels and modern fused glass works for interior and exterior spaces.

There is a natural thread that runs though her work; inspiration drawn from the botanical world. Produced to some degree of abstraction, her designs prove that natural forms needn’t be portrayed through traditional depictions. Brightly coloured pieces hang from every surface; printed glass works decorate the walls, with textile prints covering everything from clothes, to cushions and bags, dotted on chairs, floors and rails. There is a distinct feel of a working studio here, an authentic design house. To the rear, a collection of dyes and paints fill old pots of Bonne Maman jam jars with new design ideas pinned to the walls. Michèle produces work for a variety of domestic and commercial clients and can produce bespoke works on request.

6 W2 Colour is the first thing that strikes you on entering the studio. Set on a clean white backdrop, bold shades jump out from otherwise mundane crockery and home wares. Choose from cornflower blue English Heritage mugs and tea towels, black and grey London Transport tea pots and ceramic dog bowls.

Founded by designers Jackie and Victoria, the company subscribes to the age old philosophy of ‘form follows function’.

Where they have triumphed, however, is by making fundamental design fun. I’m sure you’ve seen the Pantone® range of mugs and giftware...well, that was them. The company also undertakes design commissions for businesses so if you’re after some help reinventing your space W2 would definitely be a good place to start.

U R B A NI NT ER I OR.C O.UK

020 7739 4644

27- 33 B ET HNA L G RE E N ROA D L O N D O N E 1 6 L A

LUXURIOUS B AT H ROOMS | K ITCHEN S | IN TE RIORS

Urban_0001_CanWharA4June_F2.indd 1

14/5/09 16:26:51

TOP TIPS FOR INTERIOR DECOR From the experts at Chameleon Designs •

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•

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Evaluate your home and make a list of priorities. Does your home need more living, sleeping or storage space?

Good storage makes a home feel more spacious; get rid of things that are unnecessary, be ruthless, and store things in the room where they will be used.

A coat of paint and attention to detail is the quickest way to turn your home into a dream. Neutrals will make a space feel clean and light, but give your home added wow factor with carefully chosen accent colours or surfaces.

• •

•

Lighting is one of the cleverest tools for updating an interior, avoid single pendants only, but add layers of light with side lamps, up-lighters and directional fittings which can be used to add mood.

Use mirrors to maximise light and space – hanging one opposite a window to double light in a room.

In a hallway, opt for a signature piece, a light fixture or piece of furniture.

If your budget doesn’t stretch to a new kitchen (which should be roughly 5% of the total value of your property), start with a good spring clean, repaint existing door fronts, and change dated handles and splash backs.

Ensure bathroom seals are intact, use a grout whitener, and scrub away lime scale.

•

Re-design your bedroom with smart storage, from built in wardrobes or a clever partition for a separate dressing area.

An interior decorator/designer can help you with pulling this all together, giving you that cohesive feel that you are looking for. They have the skills and knowledge to source materials and find reputable trades, deliver a project to you, making sure your budget is adhered to. n

For more information, contact Emile Azan (Associate, British Interior Design Association) Chameleon Designs 020 8473 1363 / 07956 020273 emile@chameleondesigns.org www.chameleondesigns.org

When you need shelter from the sun, rain or frost we have the solutions. Do you need more covered space, want to protect your expensive garden furniture with out the hassle of storing it away. Illuminate your deck or patio with integrated spot lights and add instant heat with infra red heating solutions.

SBI has a range of top quality products that will add style, sophistication and value to your property.

If you want to use a local Kent based family run company that believes in traditional service and has been trading since 1998 with thousands of satisfied customers through out the South East look no further.

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Visit our on line showroom

www.sbiproducts.co.uk Any width & up to 7m projection - Clear View Glazing - Fixed & Retractable Screens - Any colour

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London Stone

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by River Boat

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

Top Flat to Ceiling Windows TopFloor FloorConversion Flat with Floor

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

Great furniture and underground parking.

Furnished

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

Furnished

SE18 Furn: £338pw £196pw

SE18 Furn: £219pw £242pw

Royal Arsenal Riverside, Woolwich SE18 A beautiful, gated development nestling along the River Thames the Royal Arsenal is composed of gorgeous old warehouses and ultra chic modern buildings, many with splendid river views.

• Onsite gym and 24 hr concierge • Onsite delicatessen and café • Tranquil r iverside setting • Gated buildings • Onsite dry cleaners • Neighbours that become friends

River ViewFurnished Warehouse Beautiful LoftConversion Style Apartment

Brand NewLoft Top with FloorAmazing 1 Bed withRoof Balcony Fabulous Skylights

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

Furnished

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

SE18 Furn/Unfurn : £265pw £273pw

SE18 Unfurn: £335pw £201pw

Spectacular Corneron Duplex Fantastic 3 Top bedFloor Penthouse two Floors

2Gorgeous Bed Warehouse Conversion Warehouse Conversion

Just lovelygreat warehouse conversion in the SW corner of this A really penthouse offering 3 genuine double imposing building.

High ceilings, 1066 allocated parking, bedrooms, 2 smart bathrooms andsqanft,ultra modern kitchen. exposed brickwork, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms…..

Furnished

Stunning 2 bed withtwo en-suite, A beautiful flatduplex set over levelsexposed with 2 brickwork, double large factory windows, steel beams and skylights bothstudy bedrooms. bedrooms, two smart bathrooms and ato large area.

Good dimensions and design layout. Comes with 1 parking bay.

Furnished/Unfurnished

Price £324,995 SE18 £358pw

Price: £274,995 SE18 £345pw

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

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

A FRACTION OF THE COST

Jess Harrison visits a true Tuscan hideaway and discovers the benefits of a five-star fractional experience

A

s the car climbed up the empty, twisting Tuscan road in the afternoon sunshine, I knew we were in for something really special.

“Casale Pulcinello,” announced the driver, and we stopped outside a beautiful old farmhouse, entirely hidden from the road. The first thing I noticed was the infinity pool, stretching away into a countryside of rolling hills, grape-laden vines and not a soul as far as the eye could see. The second thing I noticed was the delicious smell of lunch being cooked in the wood-burning oven in the courtyard. We had definitely come to the right place.

Casale Pulcinello is one of the newest restorations in Castello di Casole; a 4,200 acre estate located between Siena and Florence. This clutch of forgotten farmhouses has been lovingly restored and the properties are now available to purchase for both whole and fractional ownership.

The latter option ranges from €290,000 to €445,000 for a 1/12 share (plus an annual maintenance fee) and offers time-poor buyers a hassle-free opportunity to buy a share of a unique Tuscan property. Plus, it makes financial sense given that owners will probably only have the time to spend a few weeks there a year.

homes&property

The pill is sweetened further by the impressive benefits on offer, including access to language tutors, housekeepers, chefs and concierges who are on hand to arrange everything from airport collections to city tours.

While the Tuscan countryside provides the stunning exteriors, the villas are almost as impressive inside. Designers work with local suppliers and antique dealers to create a unique feel in every room: gorgeous pink and red tiling in a pretty country style bathroom, an old map of the region at the top of the stairs, a beautiful antique chest under a window. The result is a stunning combination of Tuscan tradition and modern opulence – a five-star experience that still feels like home.

Next year Castello di Casole is going to get even better, with the opening of the hotel complex that will be the jewel in its crown. The legendary Italian director Luchino Visconti – famous for the 1963 film The Leopard – once lived lavishly here, reportedly housing his several mistresses in the surrounding villas. Wandering round the picturesque ruins today, it’s hard to imagine their hedonistic past; still more incredible is the fact that by next June, this lonely, lovely spot is going to be brought back to life. Nothing will be built from scratch (Tuscan planning regulations would never allow it – even the tiles of the swimming pools must adhere to strict colour guidelines), but the designers are working to reconstruct and restore existing historical structures.

When completedfinished, the complex will boast a 41-suite hotel, fitness centre, restaurant, gelateria, world-class spa and outdoor pool. Best of all, the village church is going to be restored to its former glory and opened as a venue for weddings and concerts.

There are also plenty of activities on offer to Castello di Casole owners, and we were lucky enough to enjoy two of these during our stay. Chef Lisa showed us how to make spinach and ricotta ravioli from scratch, stretching the pasta out with expert hands; while local artist Eva taught us how to paint sunflowers onto pottery, Tuscan style.

“Molto bene!” she proclaimed generously as we added the finishing strokes to our masterpieces.

To my mind, one of the greatest attractions here (particularly if you’ve got a weakness for full-bodied red wine) is the fact that the estate also offers the chance to participate in all aspects of its annual wine-making. You can pick grapes at harvest time, enjoy blind-tastings, tour the cellars, visit other estates in Sicily and Piedmont – or, for those who believe holidays are strictly about being as immobile as possible, just lie back by the pool and drink the end result.

The idea is that you have all the benefits of owning a Tuscan vineyard, without any of the hassle.

That hassle is saved for winemaker extraordinaire Piero Incisa della Rocchetta, a man who practically has red wine running in his veins – his family produces the renowned Sassicaia label. Since arriving at Castello di Casole a few years ago, he has transformed every aspect of the estate’s winemaking process, from pruning back the existing vines so they aren’t over-burdened by grapes, to experimenting with natural composting, and importing the finest quality barrels from France.

Over a glass (or two) of locally produced wine, he explains the philosophy behind all this care and attention. “If you make wine well, you don’t put chemicals in the soil,” he says. “You respect nature.

It’s a very simple concept: whatever you take from the land, you give back. And you do it in an organic way.”

The fruits of Piero’s labours on the estate are two wines, ‘C’, and the special reserve label, Dodici. The production of the latter is tiny: only 5,000 bottles a year, all of which are reserved exclusively for Castello di Casole owners. The wine is made chiefly from two grapes, French Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, the quintessential Tuscan grape. One local wine-maker fondly describes this as ‘the Greta Garbo of grapes’ for its unpredictable and demanding qualities – it needs a lot of coaxing and attention to achieve the desired yield.

Nevertheless, the effort the wine-makers put in here is amply rewarded by the deliciously smooth result. As Piero insists, “If you’re not passionate and in love with your vineyard, then your wine is not going to be good”.

The longer I stayed at Castello di Casole, the more I realised that buying a fraction of one of their properties really means gaining a whole lifestyle – one which is luxurious, but is also a part of real Tuscan history and the traditional business of wine-making. If your idea of heaven is a glass of red wine (that you’ve had a hand in producing), sipped slowly while watching the sun set over Tuscanythe Tuscan hills, then this might just be the development of your dreams. n

For more information, visit www.castellodicasole.com

127

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citylifepromotion

129

FUSION LIVING Seren Park offers a winning combination of local heritage and natural beauty, with awardwinning contemporary design and the ‘modern lifestyle’

Visitor Facts Transport links to and from Seren Park are well catered for:

Steeped in Maritime and Royal history, Greenwich has retained its heritage with the help of the beautiful Georgian architecture, antique markets and traditional shops that are still very much a part of everyday life. The subtle mix of local charm and modern day living, give the SE3 area a unique status – and as such, it is a prime spot for property development.

of the landscape, designed in harmony with the surrounding environment.

Located in the very heart of Greenwich, Seren Park is set to become one of the most desirable residential developments in South East London.

Within close proximity to the cultural quarter of Greenwich and Blackheath Village, Seren Park showcases a winning fusion of the traditional and modern day urban scene.

Special features at Seren Park include a dedicated concierge service; a stunning roof terrace giving views across London; close proximity to The O2 Arena; individual balcony views with most

Award-winning architects and property developers have delivered a design that positively responds to its environmental context and resulting in a truly distinguishable development. Positioned within a naturally landscaped basin with a densely wooded backdrop, these buildings are extensions

Building and landscape are harmoniously fused and provide the perfect setting in which to live, work, entertain or simply unwind. Wherever possible, sustainable materials and design have been integrated, reflecting an ongoing responsibility to both the local and global community.

apartments enjoying double aspect views; and exclusive gardens for residents to enjoy at leisure.

The marketing suite and new show-apartments are now available for viewing. Special offers are available, ranging from ‘Stamp Duty paid’ to ‘full refund of the reservation fee’. n For more information, visit www.serenpark-greenwich.co.uk

• London Bridge, Waterloo, Charing Cross, Cannon Street and Victoria are all accessible by overground train from Maze Hill station whose platform is directly accessed from Seren Park • Both The Square Mile and Canary Wharf can be reached via the DLR from Greenwich, the Northbound service connects to the Central line (Bank), Circle and District lines, Hammersmith and City line and the Jubilee line (Canary Wharf) • For those favouring the more scenic route, cycling routes are plentiful, with dedicated lanes, and there are several bus services covering routes between all major stations

January

next issue... fter the Christmas chaos, we start the New Year by presenting the very best ways to invest your cash; from art and jewellery, to cars and wine. For those looking to spend on a larger scale, we’re also showcasing a portfolio of fantastic property investment opportunities, both at home and overseas.

Don’t miss our feature on taking advantage of the tax breaks by moving overseas to Switzerland, and travel articles on staying at home, at Stoke Park and going away, to the city of Cape Town.

In addition to business and finance, local news, interiors and fashion, look out for our mini-series on the rising popularity of cosmetic surgery and the widening choices available to perfect your looks.

Finally, don’t forget to check out our recommended alternative health tips for a New Year, New You. For this and much more be sure to pick up a copy!

True Character

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

True characters are a rare breed that stand out from the crowd. Just like the new Lotus Evora, they lead, not follow.

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

An exclusive proposition, the Evora uses unique and innovative aluminium chassis technology wrapped in iconic Lotus styling. Its character traits of sophistication, agility and dynamism are clearly portrayed, backed up by legendary Lotus ride and handling.

An extraordinary combination of performance and economy confirm the Evora as the 21st century sportscar, a true Lotus, worthy of the name.

Inside, bold shapes and beautiful materials are linked in unison, offering a virtuous combination of simplicity, comfort and style using exquisite detailing and handbuilt craftmanship. A unique mid-engined 2+2 layout offers striking levels of everyday practicality without compromising the characteristics of a true sportscar.

Escape to the country in the heart of the city Lotus Evora 2+0 £48,450 OTR, Lotus Evora 2+2 £50,825 OTR. Model shown: Evora 2+2 £54,299 OTR, including optional Premium Upgrade Pack (£2495) and Quartz Silver Lifestyle Paint (£979).

OTR costs include: VAT at 15%, delivery, PDI, first service, number plates, valet, 12 months’ road licence and a full tank of fuel.

At Baltimore Wharf leading edge architecture and design come together in superbly appointed apartments. Central boulevard gardens lead to the Baltimore Club, London’s first luxury urban country club. Offering virtual sports – golf, clay and game shooting and a state–of–the–art gym.

This iconic development is in a tranquil waterside enclave, just five minutes walk from Canary Wharf.

So, register your interest now… get ready to enjoy country living in the heart of the city.

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www.baltimorewharf.com Call 0800 404 8855 Prices from £265,000.

Prices and details correct at time of going to press.

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24/9/09 09:02:06

THE CITY MAGAZINE decEMBER 2009 ART • INTERIORS • FASHION • MOTORING • BEAUTY • SHOPPING • BUSINESS • GADGETS • FOOD & DRINK • UK & INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY

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I S S U E 26

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