Canary Wharf Magazine February 2012

canary wharf

English rose

PRETTY PASTELS & PALE LACE FOR THE S/S12 SEASON

The Queen

&

OF HEARTS Tiffany & Co.’s 175th anniversary

DIAMONDS

fashion finance motoring interiors property F E B R UA RY 2012 i s s u e 7 9

Welcome to a new chapter in Bentley history. The new Continental GT – a remarkable fusion of breathtaking performance, sensuous luxury and modern technology. This stunningly sculpted coupe’s sharp features are indicative of Bentley’s DNA. It harnesses an incredibly powerful 567bhp (575PS, 423kW) FlexFuel W12 engine

sporting innovative capabilities for everyday driving. This is matched with an exquisitely handcrafted, contemporary interior to ensure you are transported by all-wheel drive across countries and continents in superior comfort and elegance. Supreme motoring that is unmistakably Bentley. Welcome to the new Continental GT

Bentley Kent 92 London Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1BA. Tel: 01732 453 700 www.bentleykent.co.uk The name ‘Bentley’ and the ‘B’ in wings device are registered trademarks. © January 2012 Bentley Motors Limited. Model shown: Bentley Continental GT, mrrp £135,750.

Price correct at time of going to press and includes VAT at 20%. Price excludes road fund licence, registration and delivery charges.

Fuel economy figures for the Continental GT in mpg (l/100km): Urban 11.1 (25.4); Extra Urban 24.9 (11.4); Combined 17.1 (16.5).

CO2 Emissions (g/km): 384.

BENTLEY KENT

contents

motoring interview sailing

docklands audi rebecca adlington princess yacht

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feature 11 Let Me Count the Ways...

O ur pick of the most romantic gifts and experiences for Valentine’s Day Weekend Wheels

14 Join the Club C arrie Lloyd suggests the best places to broaden your horizons in the capital

collection 20 The Queen of Hearts and

Diamonds

A nnabel Harrison recounts the legacy of Tiffany and Co. on its 175th anniversary

English

With a new clubhouse in St John’s Wood and the promise of a heady mix of private jets and champagneswilling events, é25 has raised the bar when it comes to supercar clubs

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or people who love cars, and indulging in the supercar lifestyle, écurie25 Supercar Club has become the hottest ticket in town. With five UK clubs as well as bases in New York and Brisbane, the company has cemented its place in the lives of those who love to live life in the fast lane.

Boasting toys that include the Ferrari 458 Italia, Lamborghini LP560, Mercedes SLS Gullwing, Bentley Supersports and Audi R8 V10 Spyder, among others, écurie25 provides its members with the benefits of owning a supercar without the traditionally associated overheads.

Upon joining écurie25, each member is allocated a certain number of points, depending on the membership package chosen, which are then traded for time in cars and at é25 events around the world. The number of days you can enjoy in the company’s vehicles depends on how many miles you drive and in which cars you do so. Working out at around £340 per day, membership to écurie25 allows you to drive cars like the Ferrari 458 for less than half the price of renting one. n www.ecurie25.co.uk

59

Isabella pistachio babydoll, £205 and mini brief, £55, both Myla, Cabot Place, Canary Wharf

Rose

concierge 46 English Rose L ucie Dodds presents the S/S12 trends with pretty pastels, pale hues and delicate lace

Photographer:

Sean Cook

Fashion Editor:

Lucie Dodds

calibre

jewellery collection

62 Swimming Against the Tide F rank Grice speaks to Olympic hope Rebecca Adlington and discovers a modest approach to success

“I

t calms me down right away. The quietness and the proud look of it; nothing very bad could happen to you there. If I could find a real-life place that’d make me feel like Tiffany’s, then I’d buy some furniture and give the cat a name!”

Many famous words have been spoken about Tiffany & Co. over the decades, but for almost every woman, few will have resonated as much as those spoken by the adored Audrey Hepburn, who sought solace in the New York store in the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

For many women, too, key milestones in their lives will be forever associated with Tiffany : a teenager is given a silver Elsa Peretti Open Heart pendant to mark her 18th birthday (just as I did); a university graduate receives a lucky Tiffany Twist clover charm to commemorate her achievements; a young woman accepts a marriage proposal and an exquisite diamond Tiffany ring; and an elegant lady thanks her husband for a bespoke Tiffany gift on their 25th silver wedding anniversary. So where did the story start? Have women always been so enchanted by the prospect of a little blue box?

In 1837, 25-year-old Charles Lewis Tiffany, inspired by the dynamic growth and extravagant tastes in New York at the time, opened a new emporium with Teddy Young, named Tiffany, Young and Ellis. It sold stationery and fancy goods, and fashionable ladies in silks and satins descended upon the store, thrilled by the exquisite and beautifully patterned designs. Having introduced major gemstones to the United States in

The Queen of hearts

&diamonds

With 2012 comes the 175th anniversary of Tiffany & Co., an American jewellery institution known and loved worldwide for its legacy, design, celebrated following and, of course, the iconic Tiffany little blue box. Annabel Harrison steps back in time to recount the Tiffany story

64 Fast there… & Fast Back

Small square boxes are dangerous.

Every woman knows that there are only two kinds of rings: The Ring and all other rings

M atthew Carter demonstrates the speed and agility of the Audi A7

1848, Charles Tiffany earned himself the moniker “King of Diamonds” and five years later, he took full control of the company. With this came the shortened name Tiffany & Co., as well as a firm emphasis on jewellery, arguably the best decision that Tiffany could have made for his company.

By 1906, the Big Apple was smitten. The New York Sun reported that “Tiffany has one thing in stock that you cannot buy of [Charles Tiffany] for as much money as you may offer; he will only give it to you. And that is one of his boxes.” In the decades that followed, Tiffany & Co. amassed an impressive roll-call of famous admirers. The late Dame Elizabeth Taylor, who accumulated a fabulous collection during her lifetime, had a penchant for beautiful jewellery and was often gifted with exquisite pieces: “My mother says I didn’t open my eyes for eight days after I was born, but when I did, the first thing I saw was an engagement ring. I was hooked.” Taylor received a Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany dolphin clip from Richard Burton and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis made Schlumberger’s jewellery her signature. In fact she wore Schlumberger’s gold and enamel bracelets so frequently in the early and mid-1960s that the press nicknamed them “Jackie bracelets”.

comment All images: © Tiffany & Co.

74 The UK: Alone Again?

V ictoria Main explains why it may pay for Britain to behave itself within the EU

connoisseur 82 Out Of This World G abriel O’Rorke experiences all that secluded hotel Alto Atacama, in the northernmost part of Chile, has to offer

21

regulars 9 editor’s letter

61 sport

17 watches & jewellery

81 travel

43 fashion

91 food & drink

53 health & beauty

96 out & about

55 interiors

99 property

RUNWILD M

the W-list...

E

D

I

A

G

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O

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Editor-in-Chief Lesley Ellwood

Editorial Director Kate Harrison

Editor

Why? Valentine’s Day

Geoffrey Chaucer first associated Saint Valentine’s commemoration day with romantic love in 1382, in a poem honouring the first anniversary of the engagement of King Richard II of England, and the tradition has continued ever since.

Editor Annabel Harrison highlights the key people, places and events of the month. February sees the Oscars, Six Nations and London Fashion Week taking place, as well as the bicentenary of Charles Dickens and romance-filled Valentine’s Day

Annabel Harrison

Fashion Editor Lucie Dodds

Motoring Editor Matthew Carter

Assistant Editors Richard Brown Gabrielle Lane

Editorial Assistant Olivia Sharpe

When? London Fashion

lev radin / Shutterstock.com

Week, 17-21 February As Anna Wintour pointed out, “London has its own fashion identity. You come here to find the next Alexander McQueen”. LFW serves to showcase not only established designers but also the best of the newest. www.londonfashionweek.co.uk

7 February marks the bicentenary of the death of one of the most celebrated English authors of all time. 2012 sees year-long celebrations in honour of Dickens, who bequeathed us classics Great Expectations, Bleak House and Oliver Twist. www.dickens2012.org

What? The Oscars 26 February sees the 84th Academy Awards taking place at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles. Among those in the running for the coveted Best Actress award are Meryl Streep for The Iron Lady and newcomer Elizabeth Olsen (pictured) for her star turn in Martha Marcy May Marlene.

Where? The Six Nations:

Featureflash / Shutterstock.com

Who? Charles Dickens

England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland, Italy and France The 13th series of the Six Nations Championship kicks off on the first weekend of this month, with France playing host to Italy, Scotland facing defending champions England and Ireland taking on Wales.

Head of Design Hiren Chandarana

Brand Consistency Laddawan Juhong

Designer

Ashley Lewis

Production Manager Fiona Fenwick

Production

Hugo Wheatley

Senior Project Manager Ella Kilgarriff

Senior Property Manager Samantha Ratcliffe

Head of Finance Elton Hopkins

Managing Director Eren Ellwood

canary English Rose

wharf

See p. 46

Photography: Sean Cook English rose

PRETTY PASTELS & PALE LACE FOR THE S/S12 SEASON

The Queen

&DIAMoNDs

oF HeArTs TiFFANY & CO.’S 175TH ANNivERSARY

fashion finance motoring interiors property F E B R UA RY 2012 i s s u e 7 9

Runwild Media Group Publishers of: Canary Wharf, The City, Vantage & The Mayfair Magazine

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

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

Subscriptions: A free online subscription service is available for Canary Wharf. Visit the subscriptions page on our website. www.subscribe.runwildmedia.com

WharfJan2012a7_Layout 1 09/01/2012 11:06 Page 1

The new Audi A7 Sportback.

Available from £39,995.

Very few cars have stayed as true to their original concept as the new Audi A7 Sportback. Yet it’s also a remarkably practical car, incorporating innovative features like quattro all-wheel-drive and optional head-up display in an attractive four-door design. Below you’ll find a competitive finance example that’s designed with the same care and attention to detail.

Solutions representative example from Audi Finance based on 5,000 miles per annum# for the A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI Multitronic

Duration 23 monthly payments of

24 months £399.88

Deposit

£11,340.23

Retail cash price

£39,995.00

Acceptance fee*

£125.00

Optional final payment Option to purchase fee**

£23,398.50 £60.00

Total amount payable

£43,995.97

Total amount of credit

£28,654.77

Representative APR Rate of interest

8.0% APR 7.57% fixed

Docklands Audi

64 Marsh Wall South Quay Docklands London E14 9SL 0207 078 9593 www.docklands.audi.co.uk Retail sales only: *Payable with first payment. **Payable with optional final payment. #10.80p per mile excess mileage charges apply. Further charges may be payable if vehicle is returned. Indemnities may be required. Subject to status. Over 18s from participating Audi Centres only (subject to availability) for vehicles ordered and delivered before 31 March 2012. The quoted ROTR prices and finance examples shown reflect the current rate of 20% VAT. Offers may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Audi Finance, Freepost Audi Finance. Official fuel consumption figures for the Audi A7 range in mpg (l/100 km) from: Urban 47.9 (5.9), Extra Urban 60.1 (4.7), Combined 55.4 (5.1). CO2 emissions: 135g/km.

P L E A S E E N J OY O U R C H A M PA G N E R E S P O N S I B LY DRINKAWARE .CO.UK

February

from the editor...

S

mall square boxes are dangerous. Every woman knows there are only two kinds of rings: The Ring and all other rings.

An unwed man presenting the latter had better prepare a clever preamble or look for cover.” Tiffany’s Tip No. 5 is particularly pertinent this month, if you’re considering a proposal on a traditional date (Valentine’s Day for the men, the Leap Year’s 29 February for the ladies). The renowned jewellery house is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year so we pay tribute to the legacy of Charles Tiffany and his enduring, adored Tiffany & Co. brand (p. 20).

Diamond rings, flowers, chocolate, champagne and lingerie may be predictable presents for the lady you love, but these are by no means bad places to start. For A-list flowers, pay a visit to Rob Van Helden Floral Design and create a bespoke bouquet (p. 41). Luxury chocolate comes courtesy of Charbonnel et Walker here in Canary Wharf, and for chocolate and champagne hampers, Harrods offers a beautiful range (p. 79). If your English rose wants to be the most stylish this S/S12 season, visit Myla and Agent Provocateur for the prettiest pastels and palest lace ensembles (p. 46).

Once the obvious gifts are purchased, you may need more inspiration, so our rather more experiential Valentine’s Gift Guide and Join the Club feature should help (pp. 11–15). Book

early to secure the coolest dates in town: choose from chocolate-making, a molecular cocktail experience, an evening of burlesque, a steakperfecting master class or even dining in the dark at Dans Le Noir. If you want to spread your wings and go further afield, Margaret Kemp urges us to make the most of the last months of the ski season (p. 86), we present the top spots to book for summer sun (p. 88) and Gabriel O’Rorke tests out a remote, idyllic hotel in northern Chile (p. 82).

Someone who will be taking no holidays in the next six months is our Olympic swimming hope, Rebecca Adlington. Following her astounding success in Beijing in 2008, Adlington’s training ramps up a notch as she heads towards the next biggest competition of her career: the London 2012 Olympic Games (p. 62).

Also worth highlighting are new columnists contributing to February’s Comment section; each month, we will bring you two new topics of interest, this month focusing on divorce law and the EU crisis. Richard Brown speaks to Dr. Ashley Steel of KPMG (p. 72) and Victoria Main explores Britain’s place in the EU (p. 74).

Annabel Harrison Editor

valentine’s day

feature

love thee..?

HOW DO I

“Let me count the ways”, said Elizabeth Barrett Browning in Sonnet XLIII from Sonnets From the Portuguese,1845. Annabel Harrison and Olivia Sharpe suggest the best ways to demonstrate your love

V

alentine’s Day has been in existence for more than 600 years and, following the first recorded mention of it in Chaucer’s 1382 poem Parlement of Foules, it continued to appear in literature with regards to relationships and romance; Shakespeare’s Ophelia in Hamlet ruefully exclaimed “To-morrow is Saint Valentine’s Day” 200 years later.

Even the famous “Roses are red” verse can be traced back to Edmund Spenser’s The Faerie Queene in 1590.

Centuries later, nearly half the population of the UK spend a total of £1.3 billion on their Valentines, buying flowers, chocolates and other gifts supposedly replete with romance. If you’re happily married or coupled up, the words ‘Valentine’s Day’ do one of two things: either you’re filled with joy at the idea of spoiling your beloved, and already know exactly what to buy, or your stomach sinks at having to demonstrate your affection through carefully considered purchases or restaurant choices. For those in the latter bracket, worry not. Turn the page to find a selection of gifts and experiences to suit every type of partner, whether a chocoholic or a globetrotter, a petrolhead or a wine connoisseur.

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For the Connoisseur Escape to the country that has produced timeless romantic couples – Napoléon and Joséphine, Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre – and drink in the nectar of the gods. Introduction to Oenology is a luxury wine-tasting masterclass with a top sommelier, including a guided tour of Château Smith Haut Lafitte and a visit to the wine warehouse, barrel factory and lunch at country inn La Table du Lavoir.

Nightly rates at Les Sources de Caudalie start from £169. www.slh.com/caudalie

For the Lady Who Lives In Her Heels…

“And we were dressed from head to toe in love... the only label that never goes out of style.” Although we share Carrie Bradshaw’s sentiment, even she would agree there’s another label that cannot go out of style and that’s Christian Louboutin. This essential addition to your coffee table evokes the artistry and theatricality of Louboutin’s shoe designs, especially these statement stilettos with their signature lacquer-red soles.

Christian Louboutin book, £105, Waterstones, www.waterstones.com

Struck by Cupid’s Arrow For us, Valentine’s Day is about showing your loved one how well you really know them. Quintessentially Events & Quiverz have come up with a host of ideas to make sure 14 February is an occasion for you and your partner to remember forever. Indulge each other’s senses at a perfumery session, learning the subtle art of fragrance. Alternatively, Quiverz can arrange a seductive London tour for you and your partner to experience all the city has to offer in terms of romance, from fine dining at Coco de Mer and J Sheekey’s to spa treatments.

Membership of Quiverz starts from £19.95 a month www.quiverz.com

For the Perfectionist Anyone who has lived with a man knows too well his instinct for hoarding, manifested in the mysterious concept of the ‘man drawer’. This cabinet from the Smythson Black Pigskin Collection has been handcrafted to blend sophistication with practicality, featuring four trays of varying depth to present watches and accessories neatly, lined with soft nubuck for protection. Rotating watch winders ensure the inner spring of an automatic watch is constantly charged.

Watch & Accessory Cabinet, £2,995 www.smythson.com

valentine’s day

feature

Drive Me Crazy As Audrey Hepburn is to women, so is Steve McQueen to men. Ask any man for his top ten iconic film moments and the scene in The Great Escape when McQueen’s character jumps the barbed fence on his motorbike would be in there. The legendary Hollywood figure, nicknamed the ‘King of Cool’, was not only famous for his Hollywood successes, but also for being an avid motorcycle and car racer.

McQueen Drives Porsche is a rare, original poster commemorating his legendary racing successes at the 1970 12 hours of Sebring, Holiville and Phoenix driving the Porsche 908.

Pullman Gallery McQueen Drives Porsche poster, £7,800 www.quintessentiallygifts.co.uk

Cocktail Hour Believe it or not, there is an actual science to cocktail-making; the ‘Heston of the drinks world’ Tony Conigliaro will be giving an exclusive insight into the world of molecular mixology for cocktail lovers this Valentine’s month. The inspiring session will introduce guests to some of Conigliaro’s unique concoctions, such as the grass-scented cocktails and edible-lipstick-stained glasses.

Saturday 18 February, 3-5pm, FREE Email david@bacchus-pr.com

Chocoholics Anonymous If your addiction has reached the point where you are no longer satisfied with simply eating chocolate, why not spend the one day of the year where you cannot be scorned at Britain’s finest chocolatier’s masterclass? The two and a half hour session for two, costing £150, includes your very own tasting used for William Curley’s superb creations. And of course, the best is saved until last when you will be able to take your own award winning House Dark Truffles and Framboise truffle home. www.williamcurley.co.uk

For the Petrolhead Treat your man to a behind-the-Scenes Luxury Car Tour: Wald & Schloss hotel, Germany is an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of famous German luxury car manufactures including Mercedes Benz, Audi and Porsche with the chance to try out one of their latest models.

Nightly rates at Wald & Schlosshotel with SLH start from £231, including breakfast www.slh.com/waldschloss

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Y

join the CLUB

Whether it’s a club for members, supper, church or culture, Carrie Lloyd suggests the best places for you to join in order to broaden your horizons, meet like-minded people and maybe, just maybe, find the One

ou may consider February to be a rather pinksaturated, over-commercialised month but during such a season, when love and romance are at the forefront of our minds and shop windows, one can’t help but reflect on one’s own love life – or lack of. If you’re in the latter category, despair not; if you’ve not yet found your beloved, London offers much to do, much to see and, most importantly, many people to meet. Life in the city is draining more working and social hours out of your calendar than ever before and this is often coupled with a vacuum of decent, compatible types to whet your appetite in the local vicinity.

Our opinion? Your hours are precious, so use them wisely. “If you’re looking for the love of your life, stop; they will be waiting for you when you start doing things you love”, or so a viral quote recently told me. This advice is a good place to start, but aside from ceasing the pursuit of love and enjoying night classes, sports and hobbies in the meantime (drinking in bars not included), there are plenty of other options to consider.

You probably won’t meet your true love in a regular two-for-one happy hour bar. You need to go exclusive; so members clubs it shall have to be. In London there’s a private club for every type of person and these places not only carefully choose their clientele for the books, with an annual review of who should join, but they also host many events guaranteed to get the most introverted Brit talking.

Soho House Group, for example, allows members to be involved in an online community – inviting you to talks, shows, DJ nights and screenings, all at your fingertips.

Immediately your interests in a particular screenwriter or artist may just open a whole other realm of similar-minded people for you. All SHG locations have a unique selling point; Shoreditch House provides the rooftop bar (David Walliams hired synchronised swimmers for his wedding reception here), a bowling alley for private hire and

lifestyle

designated rooms for different ambiances. As a member of ‘Every House’ of the Soho House Group, I have access to sister clubs in Los Angeles, Miami, Berlin and so on.

Without sounding like a cultural snob, celebrities are undisturbed, no photographs are allowed and people can dine in peace. Equally, Soho House is the perfect choice for the movie mogul, and more central.

But there are clubs to suit all requirements. If you’re a workaholic and can’t leave business behind, take your office with you to One Alfred Place; a period style club, it has personal assistants on hand to administer any job you may need to delegate – perfect for searching for that special someone simultaneously. Amika is for the socialite, Eight is for the City boys who want to be James Bond incarnate and Blacks is for the old money types who enjoy being surrounded by wood-panelled walls. The Hospital Club is for those with creative streaks and Cavendish Square with its boudoir style is for the party girls (and boys). Even the politicians have a home at Annabel’s.

If paying a monthly fee isn’t for you, though, an alternative is to copy the ethos of an artist friend of mine who started up the Supper in a Pear Tree Club with her talented chef sister. Based in a studio in Battersea, learn to life draw, with a nice glass of merlot, followed by a two-course supper by candlelight with your 20 newfound friends. This has proved to be very successful. And it’s a good template to orchestrate with your own friends; plan for one of you to host a supper club once a month where you can alternate responsibilities and bring along new friends – whilst providing a class in something, be it languages, cooking or drawing. Anything. We all have talented friends – let’s use them to the advantage of meeting like-minded new contacts.

Last but not least, church is still the largest community to meet in London on Sundays. This may not suit the atheists or agnostics among you, or maybe it will if you’d like to get something off your chest, but churches around London host special nights and weekends away, and I have to say the calibre of talent never ceases to amaze me. It’s also evaluates immediately where your ethics lie, which is no bad start for meeting new people.

If you have already found a certain someone and you

need to impress them with a first date, there are some special one-off places that could tickle their fancy. Dining wise, the Ledbury is suggested to be one of the finest Michelin starred restaurants at the moment. What it doesn’t offer is the element of surprise or adventure. Enter: Dans Le Noir? This is the ultimate dining experience, where you eat in darkness and the hiatus is in the conversation and taste buds – a good option for the more self-conscious individual.

The Wapping Project provides experimental dance and art before or after dinner in a vast space that doesn’t compromise on intimacy. The Mayor of the Scaredy Cat Town in Hoxton is a secret location found within The Breakfast Club. In order to gain access – you have to ask for the mayor – they will lead you through a fridge door to a hidden domain. You’ll gain credit for knowing ‘unusual places’ immediately. For a similar experience, Callooh Callay on Rivington Street in Shoreditch requires you to enter the bar through a giant wardrobe; Narnia, anyone?

The National History Museum and the V&A host late nights for a romantic tour around the architecture; it’s noted to be sublime at night, despite the sparse publicity on this. For the more seductive date or indeed for the singleton girl, afternoon tea at Volupte (the burlesque venue in East London) could provide the fancy tickle you were wanting with different live acts most days and nights.

Despite the above recommendations for finding love, or tantalising the new date, time restrictions may not be on your side and this might be down to some changes in your priorities. Your purpose may be destined outside of the marriage vows and this is no failing element, despite what pressure you receive from family or friends. Whatever your situation or wherever your heart may be at, there is always space for frivolities and the sacred art of friendship. Using the online dating forums might be the quickest or easiest access to finding love, but maybe it’s more about adventure, experience and the search for the unknown.

It’s time to let go of the tight knuckle hold of the office desk and live life, even for one night only. If it’s come to this, you’re in the right city. Welcome to London and the adventures of the unknown, fridge doors and sweet surprises. Above all else, your suppertime stories will venture into a whole new dimension. n

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Opposite top image: Callooh Callay Opposite bottom image: Dans Le Noir Above left: Eight Club Above right: Shoreditch House

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feature men’s trend jewellery

tiffany & co. back to black .................................................... purple reign

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A Dream for Two

“Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds.” Cartier’s bespoke diamond engagement rings adhere to this Shakespearean philosophy of everlasting devotion and beauty

F

rench jeweller Cartier has always championed the theme of love, having been associated with legendary couples for more than 160 years, including Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier and Dame Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.

The ‘Set for You by Cartier’ bespoke service allows couples to create their own engagement ring in just three weeks. Choose from five rings for the setting of a round diamond that weighs from between 0.18 to 1.99 carats; perhaps the refined, platinum-wire body of the Déclaration ring, the diamond-paved scrolls and floral setting of the

Ballerine or classic simplicity of the Solitaire 1895.

Choosing “her” ring to ensure the answer is a resounding “yes” is not only a fiancé’s main concern but also the House of Cartier’s key aim, as shown through the stunning Bridal Collection and specially hosted Bridal Nights. Couples can spend an enjoyable evening examining the beautiful ring collections to ensure the perfect choice is eventually made: “A dream for two, his and hers, between you and the jeweller, the diamond and the setting, the ring and Cartier.” n www.bridal.cartier.co.uk

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12 The Courtyard, Royal Exchange, EC3V 3LR TEL: +44 (0) 20 3405 1437 EMAIL: bachet.london@bachet.fr www.bachet.fr

jewellery

collection

Diamonds Are Forever

jewellery

news Necklace from the Temptation collection in 18-carat white gold set with one rubellite drop and diamonds, POA Chopard, www.chopard.com

Sweet Temptation Not wishing to be left out of the romantic over-exuberance of Valentine’s Day, Chopard’s delicious new jewellery line will tempt you towards pretty, glittering delights, designed to brighten up your jewellery box.

The Geneva jewellery house has created a playful collection which is deliberate in turning away from the stiff formality of high jewellery and instead is all about having fun.

Sumptuous colours and scrumptious shapes will entice you like a child magnetically drawn to a confectioner’s window display; a concoction of candy-bright jewels which can be worn any day, or night, of the week.

Rings from the Temptation Collection, adorned with heart shaped pink and blue sapphires, diamonds and white and rose gold, POA Chopard, www.chopard.com

www.chopard.com

Cutting Edge Buying Director at Charles Fish, Samantha Hansard, chooses her favourite item this month

“I love our new Eternity Ring collection. Crafted in platinum and precision set with the highest grade diamonds, these elegant rings each come with a beautiful secret pink sapphire and our own heritage crest. They are some of the finest eternity rings available and they sit seamlessly alongside any engagement or wedding ring”

Boodles’ latest Velocity and Roulette jewellery collections are certain to cause a stir in the world of jewellery this month.

Taking place on 11 February, the luxurious Boodles and Bond event promises to capture the glamorous fictional world of the nation’s favourite spy with a casino, Taittinger Champagne reception and, excitingly, a showcase of Boodles’ exclusive new line.

The stunning collections are made up of 18-carat white gold, yellow and rose gold pendants, bracelets and earrings and white diamonds.

Tickets for the event are limited and priced at £90 per person.

Roulette large bracelet, £18,000 Boodles, www.boodles.com

email events@chestergrosvenor.com

BRILLIANTLY Bespoke In the heart of Battersea on Webbs Road, British jewellers W&W have opened their first studio, successfully reaching the highest standard of British craftsmanship and creating a jewellery destination designed for clients to enjoy a personal and professional service.

W&W pride themselves on being able to accommodate any jewellery request, exploring all design options.

Unlike conventional jewellery stores, you are given complete control throughout the whole process, working with diamond specialists with professional knowledge to ensure that what you eventually create is an entirely unique and stunning piece. The studio is by appointment only.

Emerald cut central diamonds with baguette cut diamond shoulders bespoke engagement rings, POA W&W, www.wandwjewellery.com

Charles Fish platinum baguette cut half eternity diamond ring, £2,330 Charles Fish, Cabot Place, www.charlesfish.co.uk

www.wandwjewellery.com

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The Queen of hearts

&diamonds

With 2012 comes the 175th anniversary of Tiffany & Co., an American jewellery institution known and loved worldwide for its legacy, design, celebrated following and, of course, the iconic Tiffany little blue box. Annabel Harrison steps back in time to recount the Tiffany story

All images: Š Tiffany & Co.

jewellery

collection

“I

t calms me down right away. The quietness and the proud look of it; nothing very bad could happen to you there. If I could find a real-life place that’d make me feel like Tiffany’s, then I’d buy some furniture and give the cat a name!”

Many famous words have been spoken about Tiffany & Co. over the decades, but for almost every woman, few will have resonated as much as those spoken by the adored Audrey Hepburn, who sought solace in the New York store in the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

For many women, too, key milestones in their lives will be forever associated with Tiffany : a teenager is given a silver Elsa Peretti Open Heart pendant to mark her 18th birthday (just as I did); a university graduate receives a lucky Tiffany Twist clover charm to commemorate her achievements; a young woman accepts a marriage proposal and an exquisite diamond Tiffany ring; and an elegant lady thanks her husband for a bespoke Tiffany gift on their 25th silver wedding anniversary. So where did the story start? Have women always been so enchanted by the prospect of a little blue box?

In 1837, 25-year-old Charles Lewis Tiffany, inspired by the dynamic growth and extravagant tastes in New York at the time, opened a new emporium with Teddy Young, named Tiffany, Young and Ellis. It sold stationery and fancy goods, and fashionable ladies in silks and satins descended upon the store, thrilled by the exquisite and beautifully patterned designs. Having introduced major gemstones to the United States in

Small square boxes are dangerous.

Every woman knows that there are only two kinds of rings: The Ring and all other rings 1848, Charles Tiffany earned himself the moniker “King of Diamonds” and five years later, he took full control of the company. With this came the shortened name Tiffany & Co., as well as a firm emphasis on jewellery, arguably the best decision that Tiffany could have made for his company.

By 1906, the Big Apple was smitten. The New York Sun reported that “Tiffany has one thing in stock that you cannot buy of [Charles Tiffany] for as much money as you may offer; he will only give it to you. And that is one of his boxes.” In the decades that followed, Tiffany & Co. amassed an impressive roll-call of famous admirers. The late Dame Elizabeth Taylor, who accumulated a fabulous collection during her lifetime, had a penchant for beautiful jewellery and was often gifted with exquisite pieces: “My mother says I didn’t open my eyes for eight days after I was born, but when I did, the first thing I saw was an engagement ring. I was hooked.” Taylor received a Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany dolphin clip from Richard Burton and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis made Schlumberger’s jewellery her signature. In fact she wore Schlumberger’s gold and enamel bracelets so frequently in the early and mid-1960s that the press nicknamed them “Jackie bracelets”.

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Equally, references in films, song lyrics and popular culture undoubtedly boosted the brand’s reputation as one that offers its customers style, luxury and quality.

Marilyn Monroe exclaimed “Tiffany’s!” in Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend and Eartha Kitt implored Santa Baby for “decorations bought at Tiffany’s”.

The flagship store has been located at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street in Manhattan since 1940 and the polished granite exterior is well-known as the location for a number of films including, of course, Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The first Super Bowl trophy, awarded in 1967, was a Tiffany design and, perhaps most significantly, but unbeknown to many, the Great Seal of the United States, as shown on the trillions of dollar bills that are exchanged each year, was redesigned by Tiffany in the 1880s, an honour that cannot be underestimated.

In addition to such wide-ranging design and cultural influence, the very name Tiffany has become synonymous with romance and love. Upon visiting the company’s website, a pale turquoise tab in the top right hand corner catches my attention, inscribed with the words “What makes love true”. This leads to a site of the same name, which features sections prettily entitled Love Stories and The Art of Romance, essentially, paying homage to love. There are even Tiffany Tips, for “when love gets serious”: Tiffany Tip No. 5 is particularly pertinent this month; “Small square boxes are dangerous. Every woman knows there are only two kinds of rings: The Ring, and all other rings. An unwed man presenting the latter had better prepare a clever preamble or look for cover.”

Unsurprisingly, there are perfect presents for Valentine’s Day from the company which has long been associated with the heart emblem; the Tiffany Hearts® collection features elegant lockets suspended from fine chains. A heart locket of 18-carat rose gold is inscribed with “I Love You”, although any other romantic, personal message may be kept within the locket.

Heart lockets of sterling silver can share the “I Love You” inscription or sparkle with diamonds at the locket’s centre. If your lady loves pink, the vibrant pink

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spinel earrings, perfectly matched and totalling 11.19 carats, are paired with sparkling diamond florets. Particular attention has been paid to unleashing the prettiest of colours, through skilful hand cutting of the gems.

Gentlemen, if you are proposing this Valentine’s Day and take one piece of advice, it must be this.

Tiffany Tip No. 20: “Remember, over a lifetime, a woman looks at her ring a million times”.

Choose wisely. n The Tiffany Hearts® collection is available at select Tiffany & Co. stores worldwide and prices range from £325 to £660. Chains are sold separately. The pink spinel and diamond earrings in platinum are priced at £38,700.

Tiffany & Co. Cabot Place, Canary Wharf www.tiffany.co.uk, 00800 2000 1122

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www.justerinis.com 0207 493 6174

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With Valentine’s Day on the calendar this month, choose to be pretty in purple with amethysts, coloured stones, rubies, and yellow sapphires

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1 Pendant earrings in 18-carat yellow gold with peridot and amethyst, £1,900, Bulgari, www.bulgari.com 2 Baroque rings in 18-carat yellow gold and coloured stones, £7,100, Chanel Fine Jewellery www.chanel.com 3 ‘Whorl’ gold cuff, £4,890, Cassandra Goad, www.cassandragoad.com 4 Nugget 18-carat gold-plated amethyst earrings, £135, Monica Vinader at Charles Fish, Cabot Place 5 ‘Fuscata’ 18-carat yellow gold ring set with amethyst, iolite, grey moonstone and diamonds, £3,960, Cassandra Goad, as before 6 ‘Sassi’ necklace in yellow gold with amethyst and peridots, £6,050 Bulgari, as before 7 Double claw set pearl bracelet, £365, Mawi London, www.mawi.co.uk 8 ‘Amulet’ 18-carat yellow gold ring set with amethyst, rubies and diamonds, £4,980, Cassandra Goad, as before 9 ‘Camelia’ cuff in 18-carat yellow gold, £12,175, Chanel Fine Jewellery, as before 10 ‘Tutti Frutti’ cabochon pearl ring, £235, Mawi London, as before 11 22-carat gold-plated cabochon clip earrings, £72, Kenneth Jay Lane, www.NET-A-PORTER.com

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QUINTESSENTIAL BRITISH LEATHER GOODS SINCE 1934

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

Ettinger Pinstripe Ad Canary Feb12 297x210.indd 1

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watches

collection

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news Blancpain: feel the love

Stealing the show at SIHH Joining the 18 watch exhibitors and 1,200 journalists at Geneva’s Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) last month were 12,500 guests privileged enough to have been invited to one of the world’s foremost watch expositions. Celebrating its 20th birthday, SIHH 2012 saw the likes of Audemars Piguet, Girard-Perregaux, Greubel Forsey and Vacheron Constantin premiere the finest watches from their latest collections.

While each brand managed to enamour in

some way, it was creations by IWC and A. Lange & Söhne that stole the show for Canary Wharf magazine. Affirming their reputation as purveyors of premium pilot watches, IWC unveiled the Pilot Chronograph Top Gun Miramar (pictured), a watch that features a brand new IWC 46mm ceramic case and massive 168 hour power reserve.

Across the exhibition hall A. Lange & Söhne revealed what will surely prove one of the bestlooking watches of the year: the Datograph Up/ Down (as shown overleaf).

One to Watch Sandy Madhvani, Showroom Manager at David M Robinson in Canary Wharf, selects his watch of the moment

“Launched in 1999, Patek Philippe’s Twenty-4 was created for the refined, active woman who seeks a watch that reflects her style. The curved silhouette of the case is a loving caress for feminine wrists”

For some, Valentine’s Day means little more than overpriced flowers and a meal at a packed restaurant. This is not the case for the watchmakers at Blancpain; for them, the day is an annual excuse to get creative.

True to form, February 2012 sees the brand launch a limited series of romantic timepieces. Set with 2.95 carats of precious stones and boasting a diamond-set bezel, each of the 14 Saint-Valentine 2012 Chronographs is fitted with a white leather alligator strap and presented in a wooden box delicately lined with white nappa leather. In an additional nod to Cupid, the heart-shaped counterweight of the central sweep seconds hand is delicately hand-painted with a feather.

Race-Inspired time Welcome to Chopard’s fifth limited edition Jacky Ickx watch. Inspired by the friendship between the legendary race-driver and Chopard Co-President Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, the piece has been engineered with the needs of a racing driver in mind. In addition to the 60 minute counter at nine o’clock, the watch features a 24-hour counter at 12 o’clock, allowing a driver to check the remaining duration of a race; a flyback function that means a user can start a new timing operation without first resetting the hands; and a tachometric scale on the bezel that serves to measure speed over a 1,000 metre distance.

Twenty-4, £28,380, Patek Philippe Available at David M Robinson, Jubilee Place, Canary Wharf

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1 Classic leather gloves, £125, Marc by Marc Jacobs, www.MRPORTER.com 2 Image courtesy of Hackett, Cabot Place 3 Meisterstück Diamond Le Grand, £280, Montblanc, Cabot Place 4 Capeland flyback chronograph, £4,990, Baume & Mercier, www.baume-et-mercier.com 5 Button cufflinks, £160, Turnbull & Asser, www.MRPORTER.com 6 Facet lines palladium-plated tiebar, £110, www.dunhill.com 7 Datograph Up/Down, £52,000, A. Lange & Söhne, www.alange-sohne.com 8 Aston Martin racing carbon end cufflinks, £55, Hackett, as before 9 St Paul’s Lid over body attaché, £2,465, Tanner Krolle, www.tannerkrolle.com 10 Navitimer 1461, £3,500, Breitling, available at Goldsmiths, Cabot Place 11 A4 Enigma briefcase, £1,100, Tanner Krolle, as before

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SHOPPING

ever mine, EVER THINE… For a truly memorable Valentine’s Day, Canary Wharf welcomes couples to indulge everything from premium gift shopping and delicious cocktails, to romantic dining and lavish hotel suites Unwind and relax this Valentine’s Day as you and your sweetheart explore Canary Wharf. With a fantastic choice of things to do – including romantic brunches, exciting shopping, pre-dinner cocktails, fine-dining, as well as live music – you and your loved one will be spoilt for choice this Valentine’s Day.

BRUNCH FOR TWO

Think of a table for two, chilled champagne and your favourite brunch. Perfect.

Renowned as a fabulous place to while away the weekend hours and enjoy some of the capital’s very best food, Canary Wharf eateries Roka, The Parlour and the Obikà Mozzarella Bar offer a wide selection of dishes to start your Valentine’s date in style.

Roka

A PERFECT MIX

Obikà Mozzarella Bar

Plateau Restaurant Bar & Grill

Get a little closer at Plateau’s stunning cocktail bar, and indulge in a couple of cheeky early evening cocktails to unwind, before moving on to enjoy your dinner date. Soak in Plateau’s panoramic veiws and be tempted by a delicious Temptation, combining vanilla infused vodka, orgeat syrup, apple juice, fresh lemon and mint.

SHOPPING THE DINNER DATE

Perhaps the pinnacle of any good Valentine’s date, the dinner is a perfect opportunity to spend some quality time with your loved one, whilst sampling charming menus from some of London’s finest chefs.

Canary Wharf newcomer Iberica makes sharing delicious with its range of gastronomic tapas, from a menu overseen by a two Michelin-starred Head Chef, Nacho Manzano. The combination of classic signature dishes with more contemporary food, produces a sensation of tastes, and an exciting dining experience for you and your date to share.

Book a table at Gaucho Canary restaurant for one of the finest steaks in the city accompanied by delectable wines.

The rich, red meats and delicious, red wines are perfect for a Valentine’s feast, as every mouthful is simply divine. The superb riverside setting is ideal for a romantic meal and the sleek interior adds to the sense of style and occasion.

Boisdale of Canary Wharf’s Scottish gourmet cuisine and stylish restaurant offers a picture-perfect dinner date option, to indulge you both in life’s finer things. Sit back and soak up the strains of a Valentine’s jazz set, including ‘Barry White and the Love Gods of Soul’, to set the romantic mood, before sampling the exquisite Valentine’s Day menu.

For a full list of bars and restaurants visit www.canarywharf.com

Iberica Canary Wharf

Boisdale of Canary Wharf

TIME FOR BED

If you don’t want your perfect Valentine’s weekend to end, The Four Seasons Hotel London at Canary Wharf is just moments away from the area’s exciting shops, restaurants and bars. Relax in a gorgeous Riverside Suite which boasts some of the best panoramic views of London and deepsoaking tubs for a luxurious late-night bubble bath.

The Four Seasons Hotel London at Canary Wharf

www.fourseasons.com/canarywharf

www.canarywharf.com

@yourcanarywharf

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Make your man excited about the most romantic day of the year with the selection of gorgeous

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1. Boheme Arabesque Azur fountain pen, £885, Montblanc, Canada Place 2. White gold with mother of pearl inlay cufflinks, £2,080, Montblanc, Canada Place 3. Boss Selection black bag, £835, Hugo Boss, Cabot Place 4. Leather Brit iPad Sleeve, £125, Aspinal of London, Cabot Place 5. Samsung NX11 Compact System camera with 18-55 i-Function Lens kit, £390, Curry’s Digital, Cabot Place 6. El Primero 10th Model on stainless steel bracelet, £7,400, Zenith at Charles Fish, Cabot Place 7. Alpha Red Stripe Slim Card Case ID, £40, Tumi, Cabot Place 8. BeoCenter 2 DVD, CD and Radio Player, £3,400, Bang and Olufsen, 2-4 South Colonnade 9. Chetwynd Box Calf Black, £370, Church’s English Shoes, Cabot Place 10. Ultra Light Bai Ji hydrator 75ml, £23.50, Molton Brown, Jubilee Place 11. Red, white and blue knit stripe tie, £55, Hackett, Cabot Place 12. Harbour polka dot blue pocket square, £20, Reiss, Jubilee Place

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Show your special lady how much you love her, and how well you know her, with the perfect gift this Valentine’s Day

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1. Manhattan clutch in Red Croc, £295, Aspinal of London, Cabot Place 2. Bollinger Rose Champagne, £45, Waitrose Food, Fashion & Home, Canada Place 3. Love Note Heart locket, £195, Links of London, Jubilee Place 4. Embrace diamond engagement ring, £9,450, Tiffany & Co., Cabot Place 5. Nicole Spice bra, £90, hipster £55, Myla, Cabot Place 6. Valentines Bead Bracelet, £280, Montblanc, Canada Place 7. Stud Heart Shaped diamond earrings, £143, Carat*, Cabot Place 8. Tag Heuer Ladies Carerra Watch, £3350, Charles Fish, Cabot Place 9. Sealed with a Kiss chocolate box, £100, Hotel Chocolat, Canada Place 10. Red Roses Cologne, £72, Jo Malone, Jubilee Place 11. Pink Marc de Champagne Truffles embellished with Swarovski crystals, £50, Charbonnel et. Walker, Cabot Place 12. Andie shoes in red, £195, L.K. Bennett, Jubilee Place 13. Gift Bag of Roses, £35, Waitrose Food, Fashion & Home, Canada Place

events

Winter warmers The cold weather continues in February and is perfect for the last sessions of this season’s ice skating, but if you feel like warming up, dance the night away at one of Canary Wharf’s fantastic evening events

Last Chance: CANARY WHARF ICE RINK Don’t miss your last chance to skate beneath the towers of Canary Wharf - the ice rink closes for the season on Sunday 19 February.

Until 19 February Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf, E14 Visit canarywharficerink.com for details of ticket prices and booking, session times, skating lessons and more

Tom Wrigglesworth

Holly Walsh

CANARY WHARF COMEDY CLUB Featuring* Holly Walsh, Nathan Caton, Gary Delaney, Tom Wrigglesworth and Des Bishop

After a sell-out autumn season featuring a range of comedic talent, Canary Wharf Comedy Club returns in February with five heavyweights of the comedy circuit to shake off the winter blues. Enjoy Edinburgh Comedy Best Newcomer and TV regular Holly Walsh, rising star Nathan Caton with his hilarious social and political anecdotes, charismatic wordsmith Tom Wrigglesworth and the master of the killer one-liner Gary Delaney. The insightful comic observations of Des Bishop completes the line up.

COMING SOON: After Hours With…

THE BRAND NEW HEAVIES

Monday 13 February 7.15pm (Doors 6.30pm) East Wintergarden, 43 Bank Street, Canary Wharf, E14 Tickets £12

Don’t miss the opportunity to see one of the most successful acid-jazz/UK funk groups of all time live at the East Wintergarden, Canary Wharf. Tickets are on sale now.

*Line up correct at time of publication

Thursday 15 March 7.45pm (Doors 7pm) East Wintergarden, 43 Bank Street, Canary Wharf, E14 Tickets £20 Maximum 6 tickets per order

Unreserved seating, full bar and food. Only items purchased on the premises may be consumed.

VINTAGE NIGHTS

SILENT DISCO

Welcome to a celebration of all things retro in which you can relive the 20s to the 90s in a glamorous week of dance, music and vintage TV.

The Silent Disco is a definitely a dance floor with a difference: no speakers, just wireless headsets where you choose what you dance to. Two DJs will compete for your ears in a silent dance off – who will you choose? Legendary vintage vinylist Yvan Serrano Fontova aka Healer Selecta or the funk, disco, electro and dance from cult DJ and 80s fashionista Princess Julia.

East Wintergarden, 43 Bank Street, Canary Wharf, E14

VALENTINE’S TEA DANCE Tuesday 14 February Workshop from 6pm Tea Dance 7.30-10.30pm Tickets £12 or £20 for both Tea Dance and Swing Dance (includes complimentary glass of bubbly on arrival)

Waltz, cha-cha and foxtrot to your heart’s content at a romantic Valentine’s Tea Dance with the 11-piece Berkeley Square Society Band. Start the evening off with an easy taster workshop to learn the basics then take to the floor. Full bar and vintage teas available so why not nibble on a cucumber sandwich while you enjoy the dazzling displays of classic dances from Ragroof Theatre’s team of glamorous ladies and gents? A great night for all, bring friends, a partner or make it an office outing. Dress up or dress down but most of all enjoy the experience!

SING-A-LONG-A GREASE

Friday 17 February 8pm – Midnight Tickets £10 (includes complimentary glass of bubbly on arrival)

VINTAGE MOBILE CINEMA Friday 17 February 4pm – Midnight FREE* (Space is limited, and available on a first come, first served basis)

Take a break from the dance floor and enjoy classic episodes of Top of the Pops from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s in the plush surrounds of the 1960s Vintage Mobile Cinema parked in front of the East Wintergarden. Recently seen on BBC’s Reel History, and the only surviving unit from a fleet of seven built by the Government in 1967 to promote British industry, it now makes a perfect bijou cinema.

Booking information for Comedy Club, Vintage Night and After Hours with…The Brand New Heavies: In advance: Visit ticketweb.co.uk or call 0844 847 2268 (Booking fee applies) In person: On the door, subject to availability Only items purchased on the premises may be consumed

Wednesday 15 February 7 – 10pm (Doors 6.30pm) Tickets £15 (includes complimentary glass of bubbly on arrival)

Ever wanted to know what it’s like to be a T-bird or a Pink Lady?

Well, now is your chance to don those pink jackets, grease those quiffs and let your inhibitions go for an evening where you are the star…remember, GREASE is the word! This brand new sing-a-long version of the classic John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John film is not to be missed. Fancy dress is strongly encouraged and full audience participation is essential.

Produced by Singalonga Productions Ltd in Association with Park Circus

SWING DANCE Thursday 16 February Workshop from 6pm Swing Dance 7.30-10.30pm Tickets £12 or £20 for both Swing Dance and Tea Dance (includes complimentary glass of bubbly on arrival)

The East Wintergarden transforms into a juke joint with a jumpin’ Swing Dance with live music from the infamous The Jive Aces.

Come early for an introduction to vintage dance styles from the good folks at JiveSwing.com then get ready to lindyhop, jive and jitterbug the night away. Fast and furious demonstrations from the professional dancers are sure to impress so shine up your spats or dress up in that fabulous 50’s skirt and hit the dance floor. No prohibition here!

For more information visit canarywharf.com

art Winter Lights Marbles by Daan Roosegaarde Jubilee Park, Canary Wharf Until 2 March

‘Marbles’, a new interactive artwork by Dutch artist and designer Daan Roosegaarde, has been installed in Jubilee Park for this year’s ‘Winter Lights’ installation. The eight ‘marbles’ contain sensors that can instinctively respond to human proximity or touch, triggering changes of colour and sound. studioroosegaarde.com

window galleries The Art, Design & Lightbox Window Galleries, located in Canada Place Shopping Mall, showcase up-and-coming artists, designers and craftspeople. This month the galleries display:

Jenny Lee

With Immateriality: The Future Human, Jenny seeks to engage the public critically in questioning the implications of how we choose to utilise science and technology in the future. Scientists believe that as technology continues to advance, a new future human will evolve.

VISUAL ARTS A Century of Olympic Posters

Exhibition organised by Victoria and Albert Museum, London Lobby, One Canada Square Until 2 March

Canary Wharf begins its celebrations of the 2012 London Olympics with this major touring exhibition from the internationally acclaimed Victoria & Albert Museum.

A London exclusive in Olympic year, it features many rare and beautiful examples of posters created for the modern Olympic Games from the early 20th century until now. Posters have been a prime means of communication for the modern Olympics, heralding the event, building excitement and shaping expectations. vam.ac.uk Official Poster for London Olympic Games, 1948 Walter Herz © Courtesy IOC/Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Community Gallery Situated within Jubilee Walk, the link from Canada Place to the Jubilee Line, the Community Galler y is devoted to exhibiting work produced by local ar ts projects.

Ian Mikardo School Until 29 February

“We are secondary school students in Tower Hamlets with severe social emotional and behavioural difficulties. With help, we develop our design skills and produce and sell our artwork to connect with enterprise. This helps to increase our self-confidence and realise our potential. We’ve had a difficult past, help us build a great future.” ianmikardo.com

jennylee.org.uk

Jodie Paige Prince

Jodie Paige Prince completed her degree in 2011 and her photographs experimenting with ink and paint have been widely recognised, appearing on the front cover of The Sunday Times and featuring in the article Future Stars of Photography. jodiepaigeprince.co.uk

Soo Ji Shin

Soo Ji’s designs are fresh and unusual, bringing movement to ordinarily motionless lighting.

Chandeliers look as if they are sea creatures that gather when people feed them. Soo Ji’s designs are all bespoke, made by her own hand-sewing. soojis.com

NEWS George Iacobescu Receives Knighthood in the New Year Honours List George Iacobescu CBE, Chairman and Chief Executive of Canary Wharf Group plc, was named a Knight Bachelor for services to charity, community and business in the New Year Honours List 2012 Responding to the announcement, Iacobescu said: “This is a tremendous and humbling honour; however it is one that should be shared among the many talented, hard-working and extraordinary people who have made Canary Wharf a success.

”Canary Wharf is Europe’s largest urban regeneration project of the last 20 years and is now an integral part of London life, part of the City and part of the business and cultural community. We look forward to continuing and expanding our efforts to champion London’s position as the centre of the business world.

I am also enormously proud of the work we have done with the local community, which was a cornerstone of creating Canary Wharf as a new business and shopping district.”

Menorah in Jubilee Park A menorah was recently installed in Jubilee Park, Canary Wharf to commemorate the Jewish festival of Chanukah - the festival of lights.

A candle was lit for each of the eight nights of the festival, with the first lit on 20 December and the last one lit on 27 December. It is the 13th consecutive year that Canary Wharf Group has installed a Menorah.

Mike Buckingham from Waitrose is presented with his prize of an iPad2 by Phil Tweddle, Managing Director of Infrastructure at Canary Wharf Group.

Wharf Car Use Drops to Five Per Cent Mike Buckingham from Waitrose Canary Wharf recently won an iPad2 for completing the 2011 Canary Wharf Travel survey Buckingham won the prize draw after 8,000 employees from 148 organisations at Canary Wharf completed the 2011 Survey, which is used by Canary Wharf Group to improve services and access by all modes of transport.

Employees at Canary Wharf continue to rely on public transport, with 86 per cent using either rail, bus, river or taxi to get to work. Since the survey began in 1997, car use has fallen from 22 per cent to roughly five per cent and cycling has continued to increase year on year, accounting for nearly four per cent of employees’ main mode of travel. The next Canary Wharf Travel survey is scheduled for 2013.

Duravit brings the bathroom to life.

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

fashion english rose health & beauty winter skin interiors BEAUTIFUL BOUDOIRs . ..........................................................

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SAY IT WITH FLOWERS

What better way to say those three little words than with a bouquet of luxury flowers from celebrity floral designer, Rob Van Helden?

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fter the success of his renowned White Tie and Tiara Ball, Elton John wrote directly to Rob Van Helden: “Your flowers were magnificent, incredible, beautiful.

Thank you, you genius!” Elton John is just one of many famous personalities to have turned to RVH Floral Design for the perfect floral finish to decadent events. Van Helden’s list of clients reads like a Who’s Who of glamorous A-listers and royal figureheads.

Over the past 24 years, RVH has established a reputation as one of London’s top florists, with

his designs having been featured in publications including House & Garden. For weddings, private and corporate events, the company offers a truly professional and personalised service. If you don’t have quite the same budget or pizazz as the likes of Elton John, RVH also provides simple arrangements for those wishing to spoil their loved ones, or for those of you who are in the dreaded bad books. Whether you wish to send a simple arrangement or a hand-tied bouquet, it shall be done to the highest level of quality. n www.rvhfloraldesign.com

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20

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New Season Collections

Made To Measure Suits

ÂŁ299

From

Please complete your details below and simply present at:

Cabot Place East | Canary Wharf | West India Dock | Isle of Dogs| E14 4QT Name: Email:

AUSTINREED.CO.UK

T&C’s : Valid on full priced Austin Reed branded merchandised product only. Not valid in conjunction with any other discount, promotion or offer. Valid until 31st March 2012.

Tills please process using code 22.

AR_0202_0112 Canary wharf ad men v2.indd 1

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fashion

concierge

As the seasons shift

men’s fashion

news

As winter turns to spring and temperatures fluctuate in limbo between not warm and not cold, thus begins the annual hunt for outfits that will welcome the warmer season whilst appeasing the lingering cold of the last. On hand to help is Californian brand The Elder Statesman; its cashmere creations have been winning over an international fan-base for the company ever since it launched four years ago. Pair this ultrasoft cashmere rugby sweater with dark jeans and dessert boots for a timeless end-of-season look.

Cashmere rugby sweater, The Elder Statesman, £830, www.mrporter.com

Fill your boots

Referencing the Riviera Launched in 2007, it took Orlebar Brown less than three years to replace Vilebrequin as the swimwear brand to be seen in. In 2010 the brand moved away from the beach by unveiling a collection of tailored shirts, sweaters and trousers. Continuing to evolve its concept of how resort wear should be worn, and taking inspiration from the work of 1960s photographer Slim Aarons, Orlebar Brown’s S/S12 range is a mix of sharp sweats, pique and towelling polos, Riviera shirts and the brand’s first chino trousers. While its swim shorts became last summer’s beach must-haves, we’re predicting that this summer it will be the brand’s polo shirts that’ll find favour on the beaches of the White Isle and in the Caribbean.

Orlebar Brown products are available at Harrods, Selfridges and Harvey Nichols or online at www.orlebarbrown.co.uk

Loro Piana’s Ski Boot Bag, £7,025

Buckle Up Even today, almost 150 years after the company was founded, each pair of John Lobb shoes requires weeks of craftsmanship before they arrive at the finishing room. What started as a single shoemaker constructing boots for Australian gold miners now exists as a brand internationally synonymous with quality, and quintessentially English, footwear. If you

Some places on our planet afford the opportunity to swim in the sea and ski among mountains on the same day. In case you find yourself in such a place, we suggest you invest in Loro Piana’s Ski Boot Bag. Featuring two zip-close external pockets for your Orlebar Brown swimwear and a specialized interior designed to warm your ski boots before you arrive at the slopes, the bag provides for every eventuality.

2-3 Royal Exchange, bank or

were enamoured back in the autumn by the buckled shoes in Jimmy Choo’s inaugural men’s collection, take a look at the types of shoes that inspired them. Pieces from John Lobb’s eyecatching buckle collection provide a lesson in contemporary masculinity.

47 Sloane Square

available at John Lobb, 88 Jermyn Street or online at www.johnlobb.com

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5-13 MAY 2012 • E x C e L • LO N D O N 2 TICKETS FOR £20* QUOTE ‘GDL20’ +KIDS GO FREE

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0844 854 1348

www.granddesignslive.com

*Terms and conditions apply, saving quoted if off the weekend door rate, offer applies to standard admission tickets only, must be booked before 1st April 2012, £1.60 transaction fee applies.

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18/01/2012 12:06

fashion

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manolo blahnik at liberty

women’s fashion

news

Quirky heels inspired by the art of Henry Matisse, colours adapted from a beautiful English garden and a fashion forward court shoe with clear PVC inserts are among the designs to be unveiled as part of the new Manolo Blahnik concession which opens in Liberty this month. The dedicated installation on the second floor follows the immensely popular ‘World of Manolo’ display at the boutique in 2010. “I love the store; it has so much character and history. I am very excited to be selling my shoes at Liberty,” said the footwear designer following the announcement. www.liberty.co.uk

Quote of the month

MOST WANTED: karl The latest ambition of Chanel visionary and design hero Karl Lagerfeld is realised this month as his rock ‘n’ roll inspired clothing collection, Karl, becomes available from NET-A-PORTER (from 25 January). Leather biker jackets, metallic vests

and scoop-back black dresses honour his favoured monochrome aesthetic, as honed to perfection for Chanel, and ensure the luxurious pieces are wearable yet unapologetically contemporary.

Elegance must be the right combination of distinction, naturalness, care and simplicity.

www.netaporter.com

MUST-HAVE ITEM: issa dress With Marylebone High Street, Notting Hill, Wimbledon and Richmond outposts, the Matches drops are ones with a consistently enthusiastic local following. However, its style credentials have been further boosted following an exclusive collaboration with label of the moment, Issa. Three striking gowns have been created including this exquisite bright blue dress which has a certain vintage charm. www.matchesfashion.com

KATHARINE HAMNETT

newsflash

TREND: high society

Until the end of February Selfridges is showcasing five emerging fashion talents in its windows in the culmination of its Bright Young Things search. The designers have been commissioned to produce exclusive items for the department store, with each of their styles said to reflect the eclectic tastes of its customers.

The tremendous success of the British fashion industry in 2011 heralds a return to demure styles, natural tones and royal muses, sentiments which radiate from the new collections of homegrown talents Alice Temperley and Jenny Packham. Temperley London’s line for S/S12 includes sweeping maxi-dresses frosted with lace, embroidered organza and tulle, while Packham sent some similarly sheer and feminine looks down the London runway back in November, none more striking than those in pure white.

Models at both shows were styled with bright heels to add a modern edge.

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English Rose

Photographer:

Sean Cook

Fashion Editor:

Lucie Dodds

Isabella pistachio babydoll, ÂŁ205 and mini brief, ÂŁ55, both Myla, Cabot Place, Canary Wharf

Coral chiffon and lace negligĂŠe, from a selection at La Perla www.laperla.com

Coral chiffon ruffle playsuit, £86, Mimi Holliday, www.damaris.co.uk Coral suede platform slingback, £695, Jimmy Choo, 32 Sloane Street

Cream triangle satin bra, ÂŁ195, Eres, 020 7235 4261

Nude silk and lace triangle bra, £230, shorts, £300 Kimono, £1,155, all Carine Gilson, Pont St, SW1 Cream python Cassidy platform slingbacks, £590 Gina, www.gina.com

Shot in the Perrier-Jouët Lounge at Dukes Hotel London, 35 St James Place, SW1. Nightly rates from £265 per room based on two sharing a classic double

Hair: Darren Hau at Naked using Kiehls

Make-up: Dani Guinsberg, using Benefit Cosmetics, at onemakeup.com

health & beauty

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Get The Look: The Doll complexion

health & beauty

news

Winter Skin We all know that near Arctic conditions of bracing cold winds, rain and sleet do nothing but harm to any complexion. If these have been combined with a ski trip, then your skin may well be sore, cracked and seriously lacking in moisture. Luckily, leading skin specialist brand Clarins has pioneered the necessity of treatment face oils and its latest range reveals why. The rebalancing Blue Orchid, Lotus and Santal blends, which come with droppers for easy application,work in different ways to target specific types. For dry skin, the Santal Oil works effectively to decongest, reduce redness, restore radiance to a dull complexion and, importantly, prevent further dehydration. Apply on its own as a night treatment, as an accompaniment to your night cream or combined with a face mask.

S/S12 is all about fresh-faced beauty, with peachy pale hues, flower-inspired colours and dewy complexions. We reveal the top three items this season.

1. Lipstick in Mayflower, £17.50 NARS at Space NK Apothecary Cabot Place 2. Blush Horizon de Chanel, £46 www.chanel.com

Oils are priced at £33 clarins is available at boots, canada place

3. Dior Garden Clutch Palette, £55 www.dior.com

treatment of the month: Back, Neck and Shoulders ESPA Massage, The Rejuvenation Clinic & MediSpa I entered with a tense neck and knotted muscles and left not only with a much more relaxed back but also a new (albeit belated) resolution for 2012; I must, as the physiotherapist told me last year and my Rejuvenation Clinic & MediSpa therapist insisted again, make time for regular massages to relieve the tension that builds up in my neck, back and shoulders, which is, apparently, not something I should just live with. This was the perfect

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treatment for it - relaxing but beneficial - and I am certainly going back. The therapist is able to tailor the treatment and use the most suitable oil for your specific complaints. Choose from Soothing, Restorative, Resistance, Energising, Detoxifying or Fitness oils.

Back, Neck and Shoulders ESPA Massage 30 minutes: £49 The Rejuvenation Clinic & MediSpa, Cabot Place

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Urban Danish Design since 1952

Based on the Danish design traditions of simplicity and functionality, we create furniture that is not only beautiful, but useful too.

That is how we started. And that is how we work today.

Speak to one of our professional Design Consultants in store and ask about our FREE Interior Design Service.

Or visit www.boconcept.co.uk.

BoConcept TCR 路 158 Tottenham Court Road 路 London W1T 7NH 路 0207 388 2447 路 tcrlondon@boconcept.co.uk

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8/1/12 07:43:56

interiors

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interiors

news to Buy: This beautiful light fitting forms part of the collection from Craig Jenkins, a New Yorker and exrestaurateur with a passion for lighting design. Living between London and Milan, Jenkins works with fine Italian artisans who produce each piece by hand.

Antiqued Curved Glass Mirror in Black Steel Structure, POA craig jenkins designs www.craigjenkinsdesigns.co.uk

V is for Villiers

Date for the Diary The World Wildlife Fund has declared 8.30pm on 31 March to be the start of this year’s Earth Hour. At this time, an estimated 1.8 billion people, in 138 countries around the globe, will be encouraged to save electricity and unite in 60

minutes of darkness in order to recognise the beauty of the earth and the need to protect it from various environmental challenges, including deforestation and climate change. www.wwf.org.uk//earthhour

For two decades Villiers has remained at the forefront of design, producing unique furniture, lighting and accessories.

Glossy finishes include polished nickel, antique gold and white lacquer but the complex shapes are what really set each piece apart; table legs curve and coil beneath sheaths of marble, seat backs have undulating forms and mirrors offer inspiration by means of flame-cut, textured frames. www.villiersbrothers.co.uk

Paper Chase Renowned for its romantic designs and vintage style, Cole & Son consistently produces wallpaper akin to art.

There are more than 1,800 high quality block print designs in the company’s archives, which date back to its founding year of 1875, and amongst them are gorgeous period styles which have been chosen to adorn the walls of some of the world’s most notable properties, including Buckingham Palace.

The new Albermarle collection is a glorious addition to the range, embroidered with peacocks in tones of emerald and pewter.

Byron, £95 per roll, Cole & Son www.cole-and-son.com

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the trend If any room is deserving of opulent furnishings and accessories, it’s the bedroom.

Infuse your personal space with luxurious textures, beautiful colours and fine detail

The Heiress Painted Bombé Chest £6,350, Ralph Lauren Home www.ralphlaurenhome.com

Crystal Champagne Bucket, £295 William Yeoward, www.gift-library.com

Cappuccino Truffles £11.95, Charbonnel et Walker www.charbonnel.co.uk

Sommerso Ashtray, £285 Talisman, www.couturelab.com

Chaise Longue, £POA, Chistopher Guy www.christopherguy.com

interiors

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Adrianna Chandelier £4,500, Ralph Lauren Home www.ralphlaurenhome.com

Heritage Throw lined in Satin Silk £612, De la Cuona, www.amara.co.uk

Pear Sculptures by M. Wilman £3,300, Couturelab Vintage www.couturelab.com

Shell and Sterling Silver Shell Dish £105, Philmore, www.gift-library.com

Marie Antoinette Bed Frame from £6,825, Simon Horn www.simonhorn.com Dom Pérignon, Vintage 2002 £120, Fortnum & Mason www.fortnumandmason.com

Tattoo Vase £POA, Ludvig Löfgren www.kostaboda.com Versace Cushions, £225 each Versace, www.versacehome.it

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exceeding your expectations

Luxury

Car Hire

Whether it’s for business, a special occasion, test drive or just for fun, VIP Car Hire can cater. We provide car hire from three days to 12 months and our fleet includes Ferrari 458 & F430, Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder, Bentley GTC, Range Rovers and many more all the way down to the Mini Cooper S. We also offer a nationwide delivery service with any of our cars.

contact@vipservices.co.uk www.vipservices.co.uk

Tel: 020 7407 2121

motoring interview sailing

docklands audi rebecca adlington ...................................................princess yacht ....................................

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Weekend Wheels

With a new clubhouse in St John’s Wood and the promise of a heady mix of private jets and champagneswilling events, é25 has raised the bar when it comes to supercar clubs

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or people who love cars, and indulging in the supercar lifestyle, écurie25 Supercar Club has become the hottest ticket in town. With five UK clubs as well as bases in New York and Brisbane, the company has cemented its place in the lives of those who love to live life in the fast lane.

Boasting toys that include the Ferrari 458 Italia, Lamborghini LP560, Mercedes SLS Gullwing, Bentley Supersports and Audi R8 V10 Spyder, among others, écurie25 provides its members with the benefits of owning a supercar without the traditionally associated overheads.

Upon joining écurie25, each member is allocated a certain number of points, depending on the membership package chosen, which are then traded for time in cars and at é25 events around the world. The number of days you can enjoy in the company’s vehicles depends on how many miles you drive and in which cars you do so. Working out at around £340 per day, membership to écurie25 allows you to drive cars like the Ferrari 458 for less than half the price of renting one. n www.ecurie25.co.uk

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Racing Syndicate last few remaining shares in

2 horses

Assertive Colt

One payment of £10k buys a 10% share in both horses and includes all costs for the 1st year John Best has proven himself as a Group winning trainer, with a host of accolades at some of the top meetings on the racing calendar.

Some of the benefits of joining this syndicate include: • Enjoy the thrill of going to the races as an owner and watching your horses run.

• Receive complimentary owners badges allowing free entry to watch your horse race.

• Access the parade ring, with the opportunity to talk tactics to the trainer and jockey.

• Visit the training stables to watch your horses gallop at close quarters.

• You will receive your share of all prize money and sales proceeds from the horses.

For more information, call:

07889 362 154 or visit:

Office:

01622 880276

www.johnbestracing.com

Moss Vale Colt

news

calibre

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news

Body Boost If the get-fit resolutions you made at the end of last year lasted a matter of days, your body is probably still craving the detox it has required since mid-December. Thankfully, The City Point Club is offering men a spa day specifically designed to get reenergised to full fitness. For £140, guests are entitled to two 25-minute spa treatments, a healthy lunch and full use of all of the club’s facilities, including its extensive gymnasium, exercise and spinning studio, squash courts, 20 metre swimming pool, sauna, steam room, plunge pool and relaxation room.

1 Ropemaker Street, EC2Y 9AW www.thecitypointclub.co.uk

Home

Hair today... And tomorrow

Princess: the M Class

AWAY

Of the 1,000 or more boats present at the 2012 London Boat Show last month, one yacht stood out from the crowd – and not just because it was the biggest vessel in sight. Measuring 32 metres in length, as its name may suggest, Princess’ 32M boasts one of the largest hulls to date and has been produced using resin infused technology, reducing overall weight and improving performance and range.

Inside, the yacht’s saloon acts as a vast living

area, where sliding doors lead out to a drop-down balcony that provides a spectacular open vista, perfect for evening drinks or entertaining in port.

We’ve been promised that the 32M heralds the dawn of a new era for Princess Yachts, which has recently invested £45 million in its shipbuilding yard. Look out for the arrival of company’s 40 metre, 130 foot tri-deck flagship vessel set to be unveiled later in the year.

LA Hair Science has launched two new anti hair loss products. Combine the company’s Follicle Stimulating Shampoo with its Anti Hair-Loss Serum to infuse the base of your hair follicles directly with ingredients that produce healthier hair and extend the growth phase of the hair cycle. Unlike other products, LA Hair Science’s increases the size of the follicles to encourage natural hair growth. www.la-science.co.uk

www.princessyachts.com

With spring still hiding from sight, we were considering how best to stave off the lingering winter blues when we discovered that Porsche is offering the chance to spend four days behind a 911 in the heart of Lapland’s wilderness. Usually accessible to motor manufacturers only for secret winter testing, the secluded venue is made available for two months of the year exclusively for Porsche and its guests.

A few spaces still remain on this year’s trip but are being snapped up fast.

To book or find out more, email travel.club@porsche.co.uk

Ski Jumping World Cup Austria’s Thomas Morgenstern will be looking to defend his FIS Ski Jumping World Title as the World Cup continues across the weekends of 3-5, 10-12 and 17-19 February in Italy, Slovenia and Germany respectively.

Skiers are scored on the distance, style, in-run and length of their jumps.

Only five skiers have recorded perfect jumps, achieving maximum scores for their jumps, in the history of the sport.

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SWIMMING AGAINST THE TIDE Frank Grice finds out why our outstanding Olympic hope Rebecca Adlington takes a modest approach to success

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ith a slightly nervous smile, a shy glance under heavy eyelids and periodic shifting in her seat, Rebecca Adlington projects a charming lack of self-assurance for one so lauded and accomplished. Yet far from monosyllabic, she happily beams and chirrups away, covering everything from her unrelenting passion for jigsaws to the physical dilapidations of her “advancing” age.

Make no mistake, 2012 is a big year for the modern-day star of world swimming and while there’s a glowing warmth that doesn’t quite chime with the steely, great white drive – one that’s thrashed her competitors in the pool – Adlington means business all right. So do the cap and goggles really offer such a powerful transforming effect? “Superhero goggles,” she smiles, gulping a mineral water at an innocuous address in uptown Kensington. “Do I seem different? I guess when you’re in the pool, your head goes under the water and everything is blocked out. That’s a distinct advantage over any other competitive sport – no distractions, nothing to shake your concentration.”

Striking at 5 feet 10, the 22-year-old Nottinghamshire native – all Nordic blonde tresses and quirky, cute features – was an unknown Olympic qualifier four years ago, someone whose focus was fully locked on enjoying the experience of the Beijing Games. Some thought it might be her only chance.

But those within her circle knew Rebecca possessed the prowess to become the best. When she broke the Commonwealth record for the 400m freestyle event, and subsequently smashed the British, Commonwealth, European and Olympic records in the 800m freestyle (both in the preliminary heats), the teen suddenly became the water cooler topic. All eyes fell on the Amazonian aqua warrior as she bulldozed past her rivals, claiming two gold medals and, in doing so, becoming the first British swimmer to win more than a solitary gold at a single Olympic Games since Henry Taylor scored three in 1908.

The pressure to deliver after such gargantuan success must surely be palpable. “I put more pressure to succeed on myself than anyone else; I’m my worst critic. I think most athletes are, to be honest. You’re never going to need someone else to help you focus – the 5am starts alone will do that!”

With the weeks ticking by, Adlington, who currently lives with her swimmer boyfriend Harry Needs, is deep in a punishing training regime, requiring up to six hours a day in the pool and a further two in the gym. “Each week I have ten sessions in water and four out of it. I know the amount of work I do sounds like a real drag, and no one can figure out why I want to be up before 5am every morning but I feed off it. I never hit the snooze button. Gold medals aren’t won by an hour’s extra sleep.”

While, from the outside, her story appears to be one of incredible success, in truth Adlington has enjoyed a combination of highs and lows throughout her career.

Following success in China, she buckled under the immense expectation to replicate her success and, in the 2009 World Championships in Rome, limped towards bronze in the

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400m freestyle, before being shut out of the medal positions completely in the 800m event. The following year she returned to glory, partially, securing gold in the 400m but slumping to seventh place in the longer form.

However, at the last Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, Adlington picked up two gold and two bronze medals for the British team and won gold in the 800m freestyle at last year’s World Championships in Shanghai, just pipping Olympic rival Lotte Friis at the finish. “That’s a swimmer’s career – there are peaks and troughs,” she admits. “I remember after Rome, people were saying: ‘That’s sad about your bronze.’ I said: ‘Why? I did a two second PB [personal bests]!’ But it’s hard for people to understand the difference between myself and Michael Phelps. No one wins all the time, apart from him. The rest of us are just normal human beings.”

Astonishingly, Adlington admits her levels of physical strength are already starting to diminish, a rather unsettling claim from someone so young. “As I’ve got older I’ve begun to understand how much more recovery I need. I know I’m only 22 but as a long-distance swimmer I’m hitting my peak.

It’s just one of those things – as you get older, your body changes. Before the last Olympics I was 18 and I could do hard swim after hard swim. Now I can’t – my body tells me it’s giving up. I need the recovery time. That’s physical and mental too – essentially I need to chill out, not freak out. A lot of athletes get worried when they stop being able to do the same work as when they were younger, but it is not about that; it’s about doing the quality work under the proper conditions.”

Maybe this “advancing” age has something to do with a rather unorthodox favourite tool of relaxation?

“I adore jigsaws,” she laughs. “I find them great to relax with; I enjoy the challenge of spreading 1,000 pieces all over the table, finding the edges from the rest and working my way towards the middle. It’s soothing for me.”

A goddess in her sport, Adlington was rightly named Sports Star of the Year by the Sports Writer’s Association prior to New Year. It seems odd then that she and all her fellow female athletes were omitted from last year’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year shortlist.

“That was such a shame. I don’t know what they were thinking. Kerri-Anne Payne should definitely have been on there, as she was the first person to qualify for London – that’s an amazing achievement. Surely they’ll rectify it next year.”

With her overwhelming success, fame and fortune accumulated over the last four years, how has life changed for the amiable Adlington? “Even though I have the same coach with the same training schedule, my life has only changed since Beijing because everyone seems to think I’m a millionaire – which clearly I’m not. Swimming is far from a rich sport.

“The biggest difference is that I am now the proud owner of two Olympic gold medals – and you can’t put a price on those. I don’t even flaunt them, to be honest. I think they’re in a shoe bag in the cupboard at the moment.”

Could Rebecca Adlington be the Olympic epitome of selfdeprecation? We think so. n

“everything is blocked out underwater.

That’s a distinct advantage over any other competitive sport: no distractions, nothing to shake your concentration”

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FAST THERE…

& FAST BACK

Quick, sure-footed and great to look at, the Audi A7 is as good as any other Audi on the road, says Matthew Carter.

Try it out for yourself round the corner at Docklands Audi

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astes change. A few years ago, a big saloon – a BMW 7-series, for example – was a sign you’d made it. Today, driving a Seven means you’re a chauffeur for an up-market private hire company.

The same applies at Audi. Aside from looking like an A4 on steroids, the Audi A8 is effectively an upmarket taxi, albeit a very nice one at that.

In my opinion, saloons are boring. That’s why the Germans (and it’s the Germans who dominate this sector of the market) have created a whole bunch of alternatives, from the frankly weird BMW 5-series Gran Turismo to the swoopy Mercedes CLS. Thankfully it was the Merc rather than the Bee-Em that inspired what’s the best of the lot: the Audi A7. The Audi is what the manufacturers like to call a five-door coupé (and never mind that that’s a contradiction in terms).

What they really mean is that it has a rather more svelte profile than a typical ‘three-box’ saloon (one box for the engine, one for the passengers and one for their luggage). Audi calls it a Sportback and that’s a pretty fair description as far as I can see. Unlike the four-door Merc,

which retains a separate boot, the Audi is a hatchback, offering five-door practicality with sporting looks. It’s a niche design concept which, in Audi terms, started with the A5 Sportback but which has been further refined in the A7.

Ignoring the R8 supercar, I reckon the A7 is the best Audi on offer.

And that’s odd. For underneath the stylish fastback body, the A7 is essentially the same as the equivalent A6 saloon. Yet it feels livelier, more luxurious and all round the better car.

Needless to say there are a number of different engine options, petrol and diesel, and two and quattro four-wheel drive. The latest generation of VW Group direct injection petrol engines – TFSI in Audi-speak – are smooth, refined and impressive but for high mileage drivers there’s nothing to beat the top-of-the-range 245bhp 3.0-litre TDI diesel.

Top speed is governed to 155 mph, which is no hardship in the real word, while its sprinting ability is impressive for a car of this bulk – it’ll hit 60mph from rest in under 6.3 seconds.

Even better is the effortless way that power is

motoring

delivered. The quattro version has S tronic (VW calls it DSG), a seven-speed automated manual transmission as standard (you can either change gear yourself using the steering wheel mounted paddles or leave it to its own devices) which takes full advantage of the engine’s huge reserves of pulling power to whisk you past slower traffic.

Add four-wheel drive to the mix and what you have is a fast, comfortable and, above all, secure grand tourer. Plus this is an Audi which has more than a hint of sporty handling. It uses the latest generation of quattro technology with a 40:60 bias to the rear wheels and an advanced differential which can vary the torque distribution between front and rear axles more widely.

It’s economical, too. Use it hard and fuel consumption will dip into the low 30s, but used sensibly you should be able to get 40+mpg. It’s helped by a standard stop/start system which automatically kills the engine when stationary at lights or junctions. Comfort and handling are assisted by standard adaptive chassis dynamics which allow the driver to set various parameters for the suspension, steering weight and throttle response. In Dynamic mode the A7 feels more alert than is usual in a big Audi while the Comfort setting does just what it says on the tin.

Where the A7 really excels is inside the cabin.

The ambience is just right; a clever mix of minimalist luxury and cool technology. Granted, much of the latter comes only after an expensive visit to the options list but some of the things the A7 can do really do raise the bar: I mean, it’s possible to turn the interior into a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot if you so desire. Standard features include a DAB radio, heated and electrically adjusted front seats, Bluetooth, cruise control and keyless go.

The test car had £10,000 worth of extra – comparatively modest for an Audi Press car – of which I’d happily pay £2,050 for the technology

package, which provides an excellent head-up display and upgrades the sat nav to a touch screen system. I’d probably pay £1,750 for the comfort package, with memory seats and a rear view parking camera, but I might baulk at the £1,200 for a sun roof. Equally, I personally wouldn’t bother with a grand for fancy alloys: the standard ones are perfectly fine. Thankfully, the test car was to SE rather than S line specification – Audi, along with BMW and M-B, are guilty of thinking sports suspension, the major feature of S line spec, improves the car when all it does is ruin the ride.

Since the A7 Sportback went on sale a little over a year ago, there’s only been one significant change to the car. The early examples were fourseaters only but it’s now possible to get a fiveseat version at no extra cost, though it would be a little cramped with three adults in the rear.

In both cases, though, taller passengers will find the sloping roofline limits headroom but the large boot compensates to a degree. Unlike the M-B CLS, which has a comparatively small boot and an awkwardly small opening, the full size tailgate of the Audi makes loading luggage dead easy and the rear seats fold to increase load space if required. This is a seriously practical car.

So the A7 really does offer a genuine alternative to the more predictable saloon. It also proves there’s nothing new under the sun.

Those with long memories might recall the Rover SD1, an upmarket hatchback equally beloved by company directors and by the police. Now if only Rover, when under BMW ownership, had recreated that concept rather than dish up the staid 75 saloon, the company might still be with us today. n Audi cars are available from Docklands Audi, 64 Marsh Wall, South Quay, Docklands, E14 9SL For more information call 020 7536 0555 or visit www.docklands.audi.co.uk

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TEST DRIVE AT DOCKLANDS AUDI Book your complimentary 24 hour test drive courtesy of Docklands Audi. Please note that all test drivers are subject to terms and conditions.

IN BRIEF Car: Audi A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI quattro SE S tronic Price: £49,010 Engine: 2,967cc, V6-cylinder diesel Power: 245 hp Drive: Four-wheel drive, sevenspeed double clutch automated manual Performance: 155 mph max, 0-62 mph in 6.3 seconds

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TESLA GETS SERIOUS The charge to Electric Vehicles has begun, writes Matthew Carter

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esla might not be the biggest manufacturer of electric vehicles in the world but they were one of the first. The Tesla Roadster, the 100 per cent electric two-seater loosely based on the Lotus Elise, has been sold globally since 2008. In that time, more than 2,100 examples have taken to the roads, covering, it is estimated, more than 18 million miles. And that’s despite a price tag which can easily head north of £100,000.

But now, as the Roadster nears the end of its life, the California-based company is getting ready to launch its more mainstream Model S, a svelte four-door saloon that not only enjoys typically spirited EV acceleration – rest to 60mph in 4.4 seconds for the Performance version– but also benefits from a range of up to 300 miles between charges, says the company.

That compares well with the world’s biggest selling EV, the Nissan Leaf, of which more than 22,000 examples have been sold in just one year. Leaf is popular in EV-friendly cities, especially London, but with its limited range of just 120 miles has put potential buyers off. If Tesla’s claim for Model S is correct, it could mark a shift change in the acceptance of EVs as everyday cars.

New from the ground up, Model S is a good looker with shades of Jaguar and Aston Martin about its lines. The first examples, to be powered by an 85kWh battery, should be available in the US in mid-2012, though there’s no official word yet about UK sales. n

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calibre promotion

Invest in Life Experiences Inner Circle Thoroughbreds’ co-founder Jim McGrath explains how the benefits of investing in horses stretch far beyond potential financial rewards

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hey call it God’s Own Country” says Jim McGrath, a Channel 4 Racing presenter since 1981 and one of the sport’s most respected judges. Surveying Wensleydale from the gallops at Mark Johnston’s stables in Middleham, North Yorkshire, just before Christmas, it’s hard to challenge this assessment of England’s largest county. A former director of horse racing publishers Timeform and the British Horseracing Authority, McGrath’s views are often sought on the major racing issues of the day and, after nearly 40 years in racing, few know the sport better.

Jim is at Johnston’s stables, a three hour journey from Kings Cross, to see Tussie Mussie (the yearling filly’s name refers to floral decorations, popular with ladies in Victorian times, and recalls her dam, Loveleaves). “Her brother, Lovelace, was a tip-top colt who won more than £250,000. If she’s as good as him, she’ll be worth anything up to around half a million pounds.” The filly, bought at Tattersalls prestigious October Yearling sales in Newmarket, is now one of four choicely-bred horses in the first two syndicates run by Inner Circle Thoroughbreds, a company recently founded by McGrath and Peter Bell, also a former longstanding Timeform director. “The prices paid at Tattersalls defied not only the recession but logic too”, says McGrath, “and they show what an attractive sport horseracing remains.”

An owner himself for nearly 30 years, McGrath cautions that no one should enter racehorse ownership expecting to make a profit. “The financial rewards, if you get a good horse, can be enormous – a filly bought for 25,000 guineas in 2005 sold for two million guineas a couple of years later – but ownership is really an investment in life experiences. Frustrations are inevitable but this sport regularly produces moments of magic which make it all worthwhile.” Nevertheless, the costs involved in owning a racehorse (anything from £15,000 to £25,000 pa for training fees alone) are a significant barrier to entry for all but the

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wealthiest, which explains the attraction of syndication.

“The purpose of Inner Circle is to introduce people, including partners, to horseracing at a fixed price they are comfortable with,” comments McGrath. “The cost of joining our first two syndicates is £9,995 or £16,995, all-in for two years. After that, you’ll only ever get a return, though how much depends on how successful the horses are. We manage them so as to maximise the prize money and their residual value for the benefit of our members and ourselves.”

McGrath is keen to point out that his own and Bell’s interests are directly aligned to those of the syndicate members. “Our management fee, at 12.5 per cent, is around half that charged elsewhere and any other profit we make is down to the success of the horses – members share 90 per cent of the returns and Inner Circle retains ten per cent. We’ve also taken a share each in both syndicates, so our commitment is evident, and selected horses likely to make an impact in their first season. Our trainers, Richard Fahey and Mark Johnston consistently train 150 winners in a season and their jockeys, Paul Hanagan and Silvestre de Sousa, were first and second in last year’s championship.”

While professionalism is paramount, McGrath stresses that joining Inner Circle is about enjoyment. “We’ve chosen the name deliberately. We can use our expertise to de-mystify the world of horseracing for a number of like-minded people, giving them as much time as they want to engage with the sport. Like the tax system, it pays to use professionals. We’ll take them to Ascot, York and to Woburn Abbey for superb days out. The unknown, and the additional thrill, is where the yearlings (officially two on 1 January) will also take us.

So far, there’s every reason to be optimistic.” n For further information on Inner Circle Thoroughbreds’ syndicates, visit www.innercirclethoroughbreds.com or call Peter Bell on 07989 402111. Readers joining an Inner Circle syndicate by 31 March 2012 will receive an Inner Circle jacket, made by Musto and retailing at £125, for free.

COME ALONG FOR THE RIDE. THRILL SEEKERS ONLY Inner Circle Thoroughbreds offers a racehorse-ownership experience with guaranteed annual bonuses. Join one of our syndicates and we’ll take you on an enthralling journey through the Flatracing season, to events we’ve planned for our select clients and to places we haven’t. We’ll take you from God’s Own Country to the nation’s top racecourses and wherever our horses take us in between. If it’s thrills you’re looking for, come along for the ride.

For further information, call Jim McGrath (Ch4 Racing) on 01484 536202 or visit www.innercirclethoroughbreds.com

interview legal advice feature

kmpg divorce ............................................... britain & the eu ................................................................................................ ......................................................................

Clever Investing

Frozen yoghurt, coffee shops, app makers and dance classes: the more unusual but potentially most lucrative investment opportunities for 2012

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ccording to the ancient Mesoamerican Long Count calendar, the world will end on 21 December 2012. If you fancy increasing your bank balance prior to judgement day, visit www.startups.co.uk, which has made some predictions of its own. Having analysed market trends and data, as well as interviewing industry experts, prominent investors and thought leaders, the website has highlighted what it believes will be the most rewarding businesses to invest in during the year ahead.

On the list are frozen yoghurt franchises, an

industry estimated to be worth ÂŁ150 million by 2013, independent coffee shops and, following the huge success of Zumba workshops, dance and fitness class programs. More predictable investment prospects include social gaming firms, mobile app makers and companies dedicated to repairing smartphones. With the Olympics expected to boost the economy to the tune of ÂŁ5.1 billion, the website also advises a number of ways that entrepreneurs can gain a slice of a very lucrative pie.

With the government having cut the corporation tax paid by small firms to 20 per cent, they will be hoping that Startups’ predictions proves accurate. n

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Conscious Capitalism In 2010, Boris Johnson headed to KPMG in Canary Wharf to announce the introduction of the London Living Wage, a scheme the professional services firm implemented and helped to pioneer. A year later Richard Brown meets Dr Ashley Steel, KPMG’s Global Chair of Transport and Logistics and one of the UK’s most influential female business figures, to talk conscious capitalism, women in business and about how KPMG is actively promoting corporate social responsibility

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aving graduated with a PhD in Management from Henley, at the age of 25 Dr Ashley Steel joined KPMG as a trainee adviser. 26 years later, Steel remains at the firm, having undertaken roles that include leading KPMG’s services to global technology and media companies, assisting national governments undertaking privatisation, and conducting strategy and efficiency reviews for numerous public and private sector organisations.

In her current role, Steel works with the world’s largest transport companies, advising them on their business strategies in these difficult economic times.

The last 12 months have seen a host of political-economic demonstrations take place across the globe. Do you support the campaigners camped outside St Paul’s Cathedral?

I’ve been to St Paul’s and I think it’s fascinating what’s happening there. Do I like lots of tents around the cathedral? Probably not; I think it taints the campaign slightly. Violent demonstration is a big no-no but I do like peaceful demonstration. I think it says a great deal about the openness of a society. The ability we have in the UK to take to the streets and voice what we think is something that should be celebrated, not condoned.

Do demonstrations like Occupy London have an effect on the wider public?

Yes. They create awareness. Governments, regulators, clients and the public are demanding more from us than ever before. You see it in the current mood toward bonuses and senior executive pay packets. There is a paradigm shift going on in society; firms are looking at what’s going on outside their own environments and are questioning their role as corporate bodies. Yes, you have to make a profit and you have to be sustainable, but it’s absolutely right that we should be aiming to do more with the role we can play in wider society.

So the idea of conscious capitalism is becoming increasingly important to firms?

Corporates are realising that things need to change. There do need to be changes in the way senior people are rewarded and also in the way they are held to account. A lot of organisations have focused their pay schemes around a one to two year timeframe, rewarding executives for successes over a short period of time. Pay structures and accountability need to be looked at on much wider timeframes and need to be based on things like the profitability of a business, the amount of revenue you return to your shareholders, how you treat your staff, your social responsibility record and what you do to benefit the local community.

Do you envisage a higher level of cooperation between governments and multinational companies?

It’s a government’s role to provide the policies and the environment for management to work in to make their corporate bodies economically sustainable and hence enable social responsibility. Without corporate profit you cannot have corporate responsibility. Perhaps, there has been too much reliance on the government acting to look after the poor, the disabled and the disadvantaged, and corporates

acting to make as much money as possible. A gap exists between the two and this needs closing. Governments cannot solve all of the social problems of the world but they have a role in providing the environment in which large companies can fulfil their own social responsibilities.

What does KPMG do to ensure it is acting in a socially responsible way?

Many things. Let me give you some examples. All our staff are allowed six days of KPMG time to volunteer to any community or charity activity, something that we actively encourage. We have a KPMG Foundation that was endowed with £10 million several years ago, which is added to each year, of which we donate around £500,000 annually to a range of community schemes. KPMG jointly sponsors the City Academy in Hackney and has also set up a school leavers programme which offers young adults who wouldn’t usually have gone to university the opportunity to do so [KPMG pays all tuition fees in addition to a salary]. After university, we then provide these adults with three years of accountancy training with our firm and they end up obtaining a professional chartered accountancy qualification.

Is it harder for women to succeed in business than men?

I’ve never considered myself disadvantaged by being a woman. I think it’s in being confident, being bold, getting on and actively doing things that you change certain opinions.

As a woman you make your point by going somewhere [like Saudi Arabia], by being treated equally and demonstrating through your performance that you are as good as, or better than, many men. In the business world, it’s about having the self-belief to turn up and do your best; that’s how you prove you are as capable of doing a certain job as anyone.

What are the biggest changes you’ve seen in the way women are treated in business over the last 25 years?

It’s a lot better than ten years ago, even five years ago, but there is still a certain level of prejudice, even if a lot of it is unconscious. The balance is changing in government but there are still a woefully low number of women on senior boards of FTSE100 companies. Then again, I’m not for quotas. People should progress through merit rather than because they fit a certain quota.

If you could compete in and win one Olympic event, what would it be?

The women’s 100 metre final. I cannot wait until the Olympics. We have a fantastic opportunity to show the whole world what London and the UK is about. It’s going to be fantastic. n

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Š World Economic Forum

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Asianet-Pakistan / Shutterstock.com

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THE UK: ALONE AGAIN? NATURALLY. Brussels-based media expert Victoria Main explains why it may pay for Britain to behave itself within the EU

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argaret Thatcher could not but approve of David Cameron’s unabashedly europhobic stance. As an utterly convincing Meryl Streep had ‘the iron lady’ retort to her cowed Cabinet colleague Geoffrey Howe in the recent film; “If you agree with France, why don’t you put on a beret, move to Calais and pay 80 per cent of your income to the French government?” Or words to that effect.

Just as Thatcher’s anti-Brussels ways served her well domestically, so have Cameron’s. After famously vetoing changes to the European Union’s treaties at the milestone summit last December, the British prime minister enjoyed a surge in the polls on his triumphant return home sans accord. He claimed his was “a tough decision but the right one”, particularly for Britain’s world-leading financial services sector.

The ensuing discord with the Liberal Democrats played out to Cameron’s advantage, as his own party was relieved to see a clear demarcation with their europhile junior coalition partner. No way can the Conservatives now be accused of going soft on Europe as a result of the coalition company they keep.

Question marks soon emerged over the legal enforceability of the hastily cobbled-together agreement by the rest of the EU – with the exception then of the Czech Republic, Hungary and Sweden – to forge ahead with an inter-governmental solution to the impasse. But the rest of the EU had no doubts as to Britain’s position.

“While the fate of this particular agreement may be unclear, one thing is certain: the United Kingdom is an island,” said one diplomat from a major EU power. Even as the dust began to settle, Britain’s traditional allies within the EU took a similarly critical view. “The UK is toxic,” said a source from Denmark, which holds the EU’s rotating six-month presidency until 30 June and is usually, as another non-eurozone member, on the same EU page as the UK. The veto took the rest of the EU by surprise, with incoming British ambassador Sir Jon Cunliffe of UK Treasury having kept his cards close to his chest until the eleventh hour. Critics charged Cameron with sheer opportunism in seeking a partial veto on future financial regulation in return for his backing for the proposal to alter EU treaties to tighten control over member states’ fiscal budgets. Some Brussels insiders say Britain was guilty of a “cock-up” rather than a conspiracy in that it underestimated the likely impact of a veto. If correct, this is hardly reassuring.

Whatever the merits of that proposal, and any subsequent compromise, the UK has increasingly drawn charges of being a bad European, becoming ever more

isolated within the EU in recent years. Britain’s megaphone diplomacy from the sidelines over the eurozone’s escalating crisis, coupled with a refusal to provide financial assistance (despite the vital importance of the bloc to its own prosperity), have gone down badly. Equally, Britain has earned a reputation amongst other member states for cherry-picking due to the perception that it wants to enjoy internal-market freedoms without accepting the constraints of pan-EU supervision of financial institutions.

Ever since it made the error of settling for the new EU diplomatic role granted to Baroness Catherine Ashton, soon dubbed ineffectual, and allowed France’s seasoned Michel Barnier to take the all-important top financial regulation job at the European Commission, the UK has smelled an anti-City plot at every turn. To hear the rhetoric, one would imagine that the Commission in general and Barnier in particular were out to get the City.

This view conveniently overlooks the fact that nothing can happen in the 27-country EU without the support of a sufficient majority. The bulk of the new financial regulation introduced so far has therefore gone through with British approval. To pretend otherwise does the country no favours on the credibility front.

Britain, with Europe’s leading financial centre, has much to contribute to the Brussels regulatory debate. By the same token, it stands to gain by engaging constructively and at an early stage with the EU over financial market reforms, rather taking an ostrich-like approach in the face of their inevitability. That way, the UK could influence the shape of the new rules and potentially lessen any damaging impact on the City’s fortunes. Like it or not, the reforms are going to keep coming, so in the long run Britain cannot afford not to work with the EU if it is serious about safeguarding its financial interests.

Put another way, surely it can afford to be a good European, or at least not such a bad one. France, braced for a presidential election in May, is in the grips of campaign mania, and fellow EU heavyweight Germany’s political situation is rocky. Whereas, all going to plan, Cameron’s next date with the general electorate is some way off. He therefore has the time to show leadership and chart that middle course on Europe that would surely serve Britain’s commercial interests much better than an all-out stand-off. Especially since his ties with United States President Barack Obama can never rival the Thatcher-Reagan political love match. n Former journalist Victoria Main is a Brussels-based media expert with the strategic communications arm of global business advisory firm FTI Consulting

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comment legal advice

Going Your Separate Ways Although Valentine’s Day falls this month, this time of year also coincides with the highest rates of divorce. Divorce solicitor Ashley Lacome Shaw explains how to cope with one of the most stressful situations a person can experience

When clients ask if there such a thing as a ‘quickie’ divorce, I explain that the secret is to agree the wording of the divorce petition with your spouse before it gets sent to the court so there’s no surprise. The quickest divorce in England is likely to take at least two months and that’s only if there’s complete cooperation on both sides and a very fast court administration service. I advise clients that it will normally take at least three months to decree absolute.

Many factors could slow the process down: court can take a month to stamp the petition; there’s more paperwork to apply for the decree nisi, which a judge must consider when time permits, then it’s a mandatory six weeks and a day before decree absolute dissolving your marriage can be pronounced. If children are involved, there’s more paperwork for a judge to look at to approve the arrangements (and heaven forbid that the finances aren’t agreed).

If divorce is imminent - the bad is outweighing the good and you dread talking to them about “marital problems” or life in general, or they won’t talk to you - is there a way out?

Yes. It’s as simple as Googling a specialist divorce lawyer.

Find a firm’s website that doesn’t depress you even more, call them and if they sound professional and reassuring, make an appointment. Before you know it, you’re having a free consultation about how you’re going to get from where you are to where you want to be. When you know what is about to happen, get advice before you do anything.

The best advice for anyone going through a divorce: 1. D on’t get angry. This is a sure-fire way of blowing things up and making the process go on far longer than necessary.

Treat the marriage as a contract that has come to an end.

2. Leave the kids out of it. The court places utmost importance upon the children having quality time with both parents.

3. L eave third parties out of it. As much as your new partner, parents, brothers, sisters and grandparents want to side with you, leave them out of it. It will only inflame matters if they get involved.

4. Knowledge is power. Go to a specialist family lawyer to find out exactly how you can dismantle the marriage and its finances in the most painless and amicable way.

5. Protect yourself. Whatever you may have done, however guilty you may feel or however much in shock you are, don’t make the mistake of agreeing to whatever your spouse wants. You may wake up a few days or months later bitterly regretting what you have given away.

6. Don’t argue. If you find yourself unable to have that rational conversation around the kitchen table to sort out what needs to be sorted out in a sensible, practical, cost-effective way, don’t start arguing and threatening your partner. Walk away and let the court sort it out.

7. Sort paperwork. To get meaningful advice, you may need to produce 12 months’ worth of your and your spouse’s bank statements, details of policies, pensions and any other documents recording the assets and liabilities of the marriage.

8. Try to compromise. This is key. You’re not going to get everything you want, so be prepared to come to the negotiating table willing to compromise.

What are the odds on modern-day marriages succeeding and going the distance?

The good news is that the UK divorce rate is continuing to fall to its lowest rate since 1977. The rate peaked in 1996, at the time of Charles and Diana’s divorce, but if we were to take William and Catherine as a modern-day example, they have several factors very much in their favour: they are both leaving the ‘late-20’s danger zone’ where divorce rates are high, they are of a similar age, they’ve known each other for a while and, let’s face it; even amongst die-hard republicans, they are clearly a phenomenal match. n

Ashley Lacome Shaw is a partner at Lyndales Solicitors. For more information visit www.lyndales.co.uk or call 020 7391 1000

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market analysis

Europe in 2012 In the midst of EU turmoil, market analyst Brenda Kelly discusses the eurozone crisis, its effect on the markets and the possible consequences for London’s financial industry

It is currently difficult to believe that policy makers will deliver on their pledge to ensure the survival of the single currency and solve the eurozone crisis. This trepidation is not without foundation; European politicians have something of a track record of promising much while delivering little.

With the European economy set to fall into recession for the second time in three years, the emphasis is on austerity implementation. However, this strategy doesn’t appear to have dampened enthusiasm to save an overweight financial sector.

At the end of 2011, the European Central Bank (ECB) lent an unprecedented total of €489 billion to 523 banks, highlighting how bad the liquidity measures were for a plethora of European banks.

Once again, the objective and desired outcome of such a move has not come to fruition. Banks placed monies on overnight deposit with the central bank rather than utilising it for the purpose of purchasing sovereign bonds or allowing the funds to filter down to businesses through credit.

For the UK, the eurozone crisis is a double-edged sword as economies are more integrated today than at any other time in modern history. As such, Britain’s economy is at a critical juncture.

In October 2011, unemployment rose to its highest level since 1994 and it is potentially set to rise throughout 2012: certainly, the nation gained some strength on the back of slightly better than expected economic growth data

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towards the latter part of 2011. In addition, tax receipts were relatively healthy and public finances are in a better state than previously feared. However, there continues to be a broadbased weakness in manufacturing and services sectors so growth is slow and no doubt the mild improvement seen in the budget deficit will be reversed over the coming months.

The UK’s one advantage is that it is not part of the single currency and does not have to sway according to the whims of a hawkish ECB policy maker. Consequently, the UK can print money and set its own interest rates and, while it is a member of the EU, it has every right to insist on safeguards that protect the British interest in treaty amendments. Quantitative easing has, on the other hand, helped to push gilt yields to their lowest on record. However, it has also pushed inflation to an almost three year high of 5.2 per cent. While this does appear to be falling back as energy prices abate, this figure is still well in excess of the target inflation rate of two per cent.

German and French leaders are planning to implement EU treaty changes that will limit governments’ borrowing each year to just three per cent of their economic output. The ‘fiscal compact’ aims to put an end to the extensive borrowing and circumvent a similar financial crisis in the future.

David Cameron has been extremely vocal in his veto of the fiscal compact and more recently the proposed European wide transaction tax. Sweden implemented a similar Tobin tax regime in the 80s and suffered a massive decrease in trading activity as trade volume migrated to London. For this reason there is a significant concern that the ‘Tobin’ tax would impact the City of London in particular and wipe out parts of the financial sector, ultimately resulting in job losses.

A number of advocates of this tax see a reduction in short term FX market speculation and increased volatility as one distinct advantage. However, the UK’s experience with stamp duty, for example, would imply the opposite – that there is a negative correlation between increasing transaction costs and levels of perceived stability. Nevertheless, while the UK financial sector has not been without its detractors in recent times, it is clear that this sector plays a crucial part in the health of the UK economy.

While the school is out on how much QE does to support growth, employment or increased consumer spending, it is clear that in order to gain traction and avoid the possibility of a double dip recession, the UK must be (and be seen to be) open for business. n

Brenda Kelly is a market analyst at CMC Markets www.cmcmarkets.co.uk

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travel food & drink destination

alto atacama 45 PARK LANE .....................................................SUMMER SUN

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Always and Forever

Prepare for the most romantic of holidays with Harrods’ range of simple, beautiful gifts, certain to make it a special occasion for every couple

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espite the pressure of grand gestures such as surprise trips abroad or a diamond ring, for the truly committed, it is often the smaller tokens that mean the most.

Love isn’t something that can be measured purely by monetary value, as shown by Harrods’ 2012 Valentine’s range.

Spoil your loved one with one of 14 beautiful hampers; the mini Champagne & Chocolates Gift Box (above, £32.50) offers exquisite pralines and an indulgent bottle of Premier Cru Champagne.

For chocoholics, the divine Pralifino box is the

perfect choice. Its delicious chocolates are made with a special blend of Valrhona chocolate and the finest ingredients, including Moroccan mint, lemongrass from Tanzania, caramel with sea salt and yoghurt tinted with raspberries.

Alternatively, give her a special breakfast in bed. Available exclusively at Harrods, the Tea Hearts are pressed tea in little heart shapes which unfurl in water, becoming a bouquet of tealeaves.

This vibrant and beautiful tea-lifestyle collection was created by Hsiu-Li Yeh. n www.harrods.com

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the Ice Hotel, Northern Sweden

If seeing the Northern Lights is high on your travel list, then, according to experts, this is the year to do it and The Ice Hotel in Sweden is the place to stay. Situated on the shores of the free-flowing River Torne, and rebuilt every year out of water from the river, which freezes into a piercing blue-toned ice, this amazing hotel is a frequent haunt for the more adventurous of A-listers wanting to experience the unique, 100 per cent ice hotel. It offers the kind of total escape that only comes from being in the wilderness. www.mantiscollection.com

top Long haul Green Leaf Niseko Village, japan

a Room with A View Located on the banks of the River Arno in the heart of Florence, with unrivalled views of the iconic Ponte Vecchio, this sumptuous hotel offers the complete romantic package. With exclusive and luxurious suites and one of the city’s top restaurants – the award winning Borgo San Jacopo Ristorante – this Ferragamo-owned hotel has a unique and distinctive style; here, anything is possible. Want a fabulous Ferragamo

travelling light This White Wells Travel Alarm Clock from Thomas Lyte (£165) is the perfect way to be up in time for that early morning flight and Smythson’s smart travel wallet (£230) will ensure you travel in style.

evening dress to wear to the opera, delivered to your room? Done. How about a helicopter tour of Florence? Or a romantic dinner arranged on the terrace of your room overlooking the beautiful city and the River Arno? Of course.

Nothing is too much trouble. The hotel can even organise pre-booking to the Florentine galleries and private boat trips and picnics on the river. www.lungarnocollection.com

If you want to ski without the inevitable “will there be enough snow?” panic, the ski-in, ski-out Green Leaf Niseko Village in Northern Japan is the place to stay, now celebrating a full year since its elaborate, artistic refurbishment.

There is always an abundance of snowfall and mad thrill-seekers can even enjoy some night-time skiing, with slopes being open until 8pm.

Just keep a watchful eye out for those who’ve indulged in a liquid lunch half-way up the mountain. www.ytlhotels.com

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OUT OF

Gabriel O’Rorke visits Alto Atacama, a secluded hotel in northern Chile, and marvels at the country’s awe-inspiring terrain: salt planes, geysers, mountains and volcanoes

THIS WORLD

travel

connoisseur

T

he 40,000-square mile Atacama Desert is one of the world’s most remote areas, bordered

by Peru and Bolivia to the north, Argentina to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It is known for having the driest desert on earth, some of the world’s largest salt planes and the highest geysers, as well as jagged Andean mountains and conical volcanoes. Most visitors flock to the colonial town of San Pedro de Atacama, which they use as a launch pad to explore the region. This dusty town is full of intrepid travellers who either cycle or wander through the streets, stopping off in restaurants, buying ponchos from indigenous market stalls and signing up for excursions at the ubiquitous tour offices. If you venture just a few minutes outside sun-baked San Pedro, though, you’ll find a secluded oasis, home to a hidden pocket of luxury.

Alto Atacama is an incredibly inconspicuous five star hotel built from the orange rocks which surround it. The hotel is almost camouflaged (giving it the slight feeling of a Bond villain’s lair) but on closer inspection the low-rise cluster of adobe buildings harbour a top-notch spa, six swimming pools and a restaurant serving some of the best food in Chile. The service, attention to detail and, most of all, the location surpass anything you will find in town.

The 32 rooms (to be joined by an additional ten with interior patios in spring this year) are all single storey with outside terraces, neutral colours and rustic weavings on the walls. Wooden slatted walkways shield you from the hot sun and large flowering cacti burst from the flowerbeds.

The grounds are surprisingly big and a little exploration takes you past the swimming pools and spa to a salt lake and a corral full of llamas and alpacas, which gaze out haughtily at passing guests. “Most of the llamas are friendly – one is just like a dog,” says Alvaro Méndez, the deputy manager, “but one of them does spit!” Luckily we escape saliva-free, and set out on our first tour without taking emergency showers.

The main reason for visiting this part of the world is to see the impressive landscape and on this topic Alto Atacama comes up trumps. Upon arrival we sat down with the head guide in order to choose excursions throughout our stay, opting to visit the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), see flamingos on the salt planes and visit the geysers at sunrise. Roughly five outings are scheduled each day and chalked onto a blackboard by reception. The key is striking a balance between going on these excursions, and making sure you have time to relax and enjoy this fantastic hotel. Having said that, a massage after a long day trip feels all the better, so with that in mind we set off for the Moon Valley.

“The surface of the Valle de la Luna has 80 per cent of the same properties as the surface of the moon,” said Manuel, our guide, as we step out into the arid landscape and look up at the craggy edges of a rock formation known as the ‘amphitheatre’. Hiking up a sandy path to a viewpoint dispels any possible doubts as to why this is called the Moon Valley. Large craters of reddish earth spread before us and it almost seems strange that gravity keeps our feet on the ground in this space-like environment.

Continuing along the valley, we reach a trio of protruding rocks known as the Three Marys; they make

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connoisseur travel

INFORMATION: Double rooms at the Alto Atacama Hotel (+56 2 957 0303; www.altoatacama.com) start at $398 (£250) per night, including breakfast. All-inclusive packages which include all meals, drinks, transfers and excursions start at $982 (£615) per double room per night (£307 per person, per night).

For more information about Chile, visit the Chile Tourism website at www.chile.travel

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impressive silhouettes in front of an old salt mine. “The other rock beside these three,” says Manuel, “depends on whether you are a romantic or not: some say it looks like a heart, others say it’s a dinosaur.” I definitely see a dinosaur and decide not to over-analyse what that says about me.

Returning to the hotel after sundown, we decide to have a quick dip in the jacuzzi before dinner. It’s open until 11.30pm and is a great (and romantic) spot for stargazing.

If you think there seem to be more stars in the sky than usual, you are not mistaken: the dry climate, high altitude and lack of light pollution mean this part of Chile has the clearest skies in the southern hemisphere.

On day two we decide to leave the morning free from excursions and instead walk up to the Pukará de Quitor ruins, which date back to the 12th century. A little further up, there’s a large cross marking a viewpoint from where you can take in awesome 360-degree views of the mountains, volcanoes and down over the hotel. Climbing back down for lunch on the open terrace, we have the most delicious seared tuna, followed by homemade pasta and flourless raspberry yogurt cake. The menu changes every day and there’s a local theme to the food, with quinoa, seafood (the Pacific Ocean is just a few hours away) and native herbs.

Surprisingly, the quinoa theme continues in the Puri Spa, which offers treatments ranging from body polishes and mud wraps to tired leg treatments, which boost circulation after hiking in the heat of the desert. The more exotic treatments include reiki, quinoa facials, moonlight massages and the signature ‘sabay’ massage. I opt for the latter, which involves being massaged with warm muslin wraps filled with quinoa and herbs soaked in essential oils.

Relaxed and revitalised, we head to Laguna Salada, the world’s third largest salt lake, to see its flamingos. These incredible pink birds have a dinosaur-like quality (maybe I am just obsessed) and are beautiful to watch flying overhead as the sun sets.

On our final day we leave at 5.45am and head north to the world’s highest geysers. Situated at 4,320 metres, the temperature is minus eight degrees when we arrive but we hardly notice the cold as the sun rises over almost 500 craters in what is the biggest geyser field in the southern hemisphere. This is not a sight to be missed.

After a quick dip in a thermal pool – the tough part is getting out again into minus temperatures – we eat breakfast in front of the steaming shoots. After setting off, we drive past vicunas (in the llama family, but more like deer), rabbits, foxes and Andean ostriches, before stopping at the village of Machuca, which sits at 4,015 metres and has just four inhabitants, who own 400 llamas.

Dusty houses are reigned over by a whitewashed church, which sits wonkily at the top of the village like a child’s drawing. The inhabitants happen to be related to Joel, our guide: “two are my uncles and two are my aunts,” he says, explaining that the village attracts visitors because a part of the James Bond film Quantum of Solace was filmed there.

“You can see my family in the film,” he says.

Since there was no sign of Daniel Craig, we contented ourselves with llama kebabs and goats cheese empanadas before returning home to Alto Atacama for pisco sours by the fire pit. Bliss. n

Friday 8TH JUNE 2012

City Friday & Polo Party at MINT Polo In The Park ‘The Best Corporate Day Out’ - as voted by CITY AM Winner of ‘Best Sports Attraction’ - London Lifestyle Awards 2010 & 2011

Book it while you can!

This sensational summer event brings you first class hospitality in a beautiful, central London setting, dynamic sports action and plenty more entertainment including the new Friday night ‘Veuve Clicquot at Hurlingham’ launch party.

Clicquot at Hurlingham’ party tickets start at £50 plus VAT per person.

For more details or to book, telephone 0207 936 5284/5282 or email: rachel@ cityevents.uk.com

Choose from all day, fully inclusive hospitality or a half day with our ‘Cool Britannia’ Afternoon Tea and then party the night away with Veuve Clicquot at The Hurlingham Club!

Package prices for Friday 8th June start at just £185 plus VAT per person. ‘Veuve

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www.mintpolointhepark.com

17/01/2012 22:36

a chalet

FOR ALL SEASONS

Margaret Kemp explores the picturesque ski resort of Megève, just 30 minutes from Geneva Airport and the set of films including Downhill Racer and Charade

travel

R

emember Downhill Racer, the 1969 movie starring Robert Redford? It was filmed in Megève. So was Charade where Audrey Hepburn’s Regina Lampert meets Cary Grant’s Peter Joshua. Just 30 minutes from Geneva Airport, in the shadow of the majestic Mont Blanc, many ski aficionados consider it to be the most exciting resort in the world and the ski area that brings out their inner downhill racer.

It all began in the 1920s when the Baroness Maurice de Rothschild, also known as Baroness Noémie, realised the fabulous tourist potential of Megève. The Baroness, looking for a change of resort, as you do, felt St. Moritz had become rather boring and so her ski coach, Trey Smith, took her to Megève, where she fell in love with the magnificent panoramas from the Mont d’Arbois plateau, overlooking the charming village.

The Baroness met with local craftsmen, explained her project and La Domaine du Mont d’Arbois took shape.

Traditional architecture ensured that each part of the domaine would blend seamlessly into the Alpine setting and the resort quickly became a favourite of royals, captains of industry, movie stars, and big spenders from the worlds of business and finance. Wonder what the Baroness would make of the outdoor Jacuzzi now, though?

Not only a ski resort, but also the first golf course, the earliest ski lifts and the altiport were built under Baroness Noèmie’s guiding hand and the award-winning resort, open year round, has gone from strength to strength. Still owned by the Rothschilds, all the family’s successive members have left their mark. Recently, Ariane de Rothschild, who actively takes part in developing the resort, renovated Chalet Noémie’s five suites and ten rooms, as well as overseeing the latest addition to the Domaine’s estate, the construction of Chalet Alice’s six rooms and suites, which include two massage rooms and a hammam.

On the doorstep there’s 450 kilometres of ski runs, 107 lift systems, 43 kilometres of cross-country pistes, 200 luxury designer boutiques and 91 excellent restaurants. Megève village is buzzing, think Saint Tropez with snow, fabulous shopping at Hermes, Moncler, Allard. “The Chalet du Mont d’Arbois is the jewel in the crown of Relais & Chateaux establishments; it represents the love and dedication of three generations of the Rothschild family”, says Philippe Standaert, the Directeur Génèral.

“The Chalet is balanced by the more family-oriented layout and services of the Ferme du Golf, but each upholds alpine traditions”, he adds. “The regional furniture, the frescopainted lift and walls, the attention to detail is legendary; look at the monogrammed chest, a chandelier made from deer horn, the collection of family canes and pipes in Chalet Alice, all the objects tell the story of Mont d’Arbois”.

The Domaine has five different restaurants, headed by talented chef Olivier Bardoux, showcasing the best local and seasonal produce, in the rich Savoyard culinary tradition.

The cheese menu has the only “label fermier” AOC Meaux brie, made at the Rothschild-owned Trente Arpents farm in Seine et Marne, 40 kilometres from Paris. And, obviously, an integral part of this very epicurean lifestyle is reflected in the outstanding wine list, which puts vintages from La Compagnie Vinicole Edmond de Rothschild in pride of place.

Along the road, La Ferme du Golf du Mont d’Arbois is a family chalet located by the ski lifts in winter, on the golf course

connoisseur

in summer. A lot of after-ski/golf action takes place around the pool table in the main lounge also used, in the evenings, as the children’s dining room where they are looked after (read “spoilt rotten”) by an enthusiastic team of minders. This season, with the opening of the Chalet des Enfants, they even have their own Private Club reserved for under-12s. And, to add to the excitement, the Spa’s offering “junior treatments”.

The whole family “spas-out” together around the heated indoor-outdoor pool. There’s a sauna, Jacuzzi, hammam and Swedish bath, after which one rolls in the snow. Spa Manager, Chantal Buthod says, “crystal treatments are the latest innovation. They allow a customised and targeted approach; bespoke treatments act directly on the main organs of the body through energy lines, invigorating the body and stimulating the senses”.

Sensory stimulation treatments are based on the philosophy of energy, Snow Crystal, Wood Crystal, Solar Crystal, Earth Crystal and Metallic Crystal. The “Skier Programme” irons out the fatigue of a hard day’s alpine sports. Fragrant products are by Anne Semonin and Keratin using aromatherapy and essential oils. Add aqua-gym, as well as revitalising programmes, which can be combined with calorie-counted healthy menus. How about a body sculpting session or a sports coach to motivate, to help you get your mojo back?

“I waited for you in Megève”, says David (Robert Redford) in Downhill Racer. Frankly, my dear I don’t blame him. n

more information Chalet du Mont d’Arbois, Relais & Chateaux www.domainedumontdarbois.com 447 Chemin de la Rocaille By the route Edmond de Rothschild, 74120 Megève, France Open: July to mid-September and mid-December to mid-April.

23 rooms and one suite from €295/1,044 (double) For more information, call + 33 4 50 21 25 03

Chalet de Noémie Open: mid-July to mid-September and mid-December to mid-April. Five suites, doubles from €1,050

Chalet Alice Open: mid-July to mid-September and mid-December to mid-April. Seven rooms, doubles from €509

La Ferme du Golf www.chalet-montdarbois.com

USEFUL ADDRESSES Tourist Office: www.megeve.com Joseph Socquet’s Farm: www.lafermedejoseph.com The Casino: www.casino-megeve.com Best For Kit: www.aallard.com; www.ski-megeve.com Taxi: Call +33 6 09 420 500 or email joletaxi@orange.fr

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connoisseur travel

Top spots for...

Summer Sun With some of the world’s best beaches and most idyllic marinas just a short-haul flight away, we consider where’s best to catch the summer sun For fun with the family…... Menorca It stretches for only 48 kilometres in one direction and 16 in the other and has a population of fewer than 100,000 people but that’s what makes Menorca one of the Mediterranean’s most tranquil islands.

While it may not boast casinos and neon nightclubs, what Menorca does offer is attractive family resorts, stunning marinas and golden beaches. On the south coast, Son Bou, surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside, is home to the island’s longest sandy beach. Once the sun has set, head west to the yacht-filled marina at Cala’n Bosch and enjoy trendy bars, open-air cafés and fine fish restaurants.

For the culture vulture…... Mallorca When the first charter flight landed in Mallorca in 1950, visitors were greeted by an island of striking scenery, beautiful bays and charming town squares. In the years that followed, the island quickly became one of the continent’s most popular tourist destinations. As well as geographical wonders like the underground Coves del Drac, Mallorca is home to some spectacular human creations. Palma’s ancient Palau de l’Almudaina palace, for example, can trace its roots back to 123BC, while the city’s La Seu Cathedral is one of finest Gothic churches in Europe.

For the sun worshipper…... The Algarve The southern tip of Portugal offers some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. After exploring the golden sand and picturesque limestone caves and grottoes to the east, visit Cape St. Vincent, the most south-westerly point in Europe, for dramatic cliffs and spectacular views across the Atlantic Ocean. Venture inland and indoctrinate yourself in the heritage of the area via the old towns of Albufeira, Faro and Lagos. Of an evening, head to the bustling harbour at Vilamoura, a more accessible and more affordable mini-Monte Carlo.

From top to bottom: Bay in Menorca; a bull ring in Málaga; Ibiza nightlife scene; Mallorca’s La Seu Cathedral; boats off Menorca’s coastline; typical beach in the Algarve

For the sport enthusiast…... Málaga One of the world’s oldest cities, Málaga is traditionally popular with tourists visiting the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and the Museo Picasso Málaga. More recently, the area has become a centre of sporting excellence, home to football club Málaga CF and basketball team CB Málaga. The city has a 29,000 capacity football stadium, a 7,500 capacity athletics stadium and two of Europe’s largest sports and aquatic arenas. The region is also renowned for its superb tennis centres and five star golf courses.

For the party-goer…... Ibiza Ibiza’s reputation precedes it like no other island on the planet. Yet while the island’s dance scene has made it a Mecca for clubbing hedonists, the real allure of Ibiza lies in the fact that it offers something for everyone.

From clubbing to culture and fine dining to spa-going, visitors are spoilt for choice. In addition to boasting 1,000 year old olive trees, Ibiza has a history steeped in the influence of the Phoenicians who arrived 27 centuries ago. n

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British Airways flies to a whole host of fabulous summer destinations from London City Airport, including Faro (the Algarve), Ibiza and Nice.

All flights include a generous free baggage allowance, complimentary onboard drinks and and your choice of seating. Flights can be booked online at ba.com

HERE COMES THE SUN London City to: Barcelona Faro Ibiza Malaga Nice Palma

from from from from from from

£70 one way £76 one way £77 one way £76 one way £76 one way £77 one way

Book now at ba.com/londoncity

FEBRUARY SPECIAL OFFERS

#Mixed Grill Mondays Order the mixed grill platter and get a ÂŁ25 wine voucher

#Tapas Tuesdays Buy 4 tapas dishes and get the 2 cheapest free

#Wine Flight Wednesdays Order 2 wine flights and get the cheapest one free @CaminoWharf

@CaminoWharf

Full terms and conditions apply.

Please visit www.camino.uk.com/canarywharf or follow us on Twitter @CaminoWharf 28 Westferry Circus, E14 8RR. 020 7239 9077

food & drink

connoisseur

Three of the Best...

food & drink

news

Romantic Hotspots Breakfast: Aubaine Aubaine is the perfect place to take your loved one for a delicious breakfast or brunch. Thrill your tastebuds with scrumptious treats from the bakery, including fresh breads and pastries, cakes and tarts.

Already located in Brompton Cross, Regent Street, Kensington High Street and Selfridges, the newest Mayfair store will soon be open.

Visit the website to keep updated.

Lunch: Obikà Mozzarella Bar If you and your partner are not into the whole romantic excess associated with Valentine’s Day, do something more low key and head to Obikà for a leisurely lunch.

The restaurant offers the finest, freshest buffalo mozzarella from tasting plates of several different mozzarellas to artisan pizzas, pastas and salads.

perfect Plateau For an evening of decadence, Plateau restaurant offers the perfect setting this Valentine’s Day: a stunning candlelit dinner in the main restaurant overlooking Canada Square. Talented head chef Allan Pickett has created a special dinner menu, priced reasonably at £60 for five courses and, like the standard menu, this gives French classics a contemporary twist. The meal also comes with a complimentary glass of Champagne to ensure the evening starts in style. Starting with an amuse bouche of tartine with smoked

salmon and horseradish sauce, you have a choice of three starters, including terrine of guinea fowl, foie gras and parsley or velouté of white onions and caramelized and crisp shallots. For mains, the pavé of stone seabass is cooked in Burgundy wine sauce with buttered spinach and razor clams. Alternatively, for vegetarians, the lasagne of root vegetables, baby leaks and glazed chestnuts promises to be a delicious choice. fourth floor, Canada Place, 020 7715 7100 www.plateau-restaurant.co.uk

the importance of taste The UK’s largest diners’ club, Tastecard, is a revolutionary new dining experience, offering 50 per cent off meals courtesy of two for one deals at thousands of restaurants throughout the

capital. What’s even better is that your choice is unrestricted and you can always order from the full à la carte menu. BlackBerry, iPhone or Android users can download the free application for the full details of participating restaurants, a list that has been growing by 300 establishments each month. Join Facebook and Twitter for exciting news and deals taking place. Visit the website for full in-depth write-ups, member recommendations, image galleries, location maps and much more.

Dinner: Jazz at Boisdale One of the Canary Wharf residents’ favourite haunts is the ideal place for a romantic dinner. Soak up the ambience with champagne, caviar and oysters at the bar before heading upstairs to enjoy sensational jazz. On 14 February, the talented Shenton Dixon arrives at Canary Wharf for an evening of love classics by music greats including Barry White and Luther Vandross. Jazz FM have launched an ambitious live music line up every Wednesday, which began with acclaimed Ethio-Jazz masters from Switzerland, The Imperial Tiger Orchestra, last month.

www.tastecard.co.uk

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food & drink

connoisseur

A Cut Above Sublime steaks, distinctive décor and a definitive nod to the more luxurious side of life is served up with punch and panache at CUT, The Dorchester Collection’s hotly-anticipated steak restaurant, says Neil Ridley

W

hen it was reported that AustrianAmerican super-chef Wolfgang Puck was to open his latest culinary venture in London, steak enthusiasts from across the country collectively began to salivate. CUT, the new fine-dining restaurant located at The Dorchester Collection’s 45 Park Lane hotel, is indeed a mouth-watering proposition. Housed in a capacious ground-level hall with a distinctly Art Deco-feel by designer Thierry W Despont, Puck and his executive chef David McIntyre have created what purports to be the ultimate in steak experiences, following on from a string of successful eponymous bar and grill style restaurants across America.

Although the menu undoubtedly has a meat-heavy focus, there is a real balance to the dishes on offer – testament to the premise that every great restaurant needs some light and some shade. Starters such as the heirloom apple salad,

bought a refreshing star turn to the proceedings, with a simple but hugely flavoursome mix of crisp apple, red endive, dates, Marcona almonds and salty Montgomery cheddar. But setting oneself up with something that looks and tastes decidedly healthy is probably a tad foolish when it comes to the main attraction. The steaks, ranging from a 28-day-aged Devonshire filet mignon to a top-of-the-range Black Angus New York steak, are artistry in themselves.

The cuts are grilled over hard wood and charcoal to obtain a melt-in-the-mouth centre and finished under a 650-degree broiler to intensify their gentle smoky flavour. The whole package, when coupled with some superb hand-cut chips, divinely light tempura onion rings and the house steak sauce, is pretty faultless.

As an added bonus, the instantly likeable and highly experienced sommelier, Vanessa Cinti, made some perfect wine pairings from a list which proudly echoes Puck’s Austrian-Californian influence, including a big, bold Stag’s Leap Cellars 2007 Artemis from the Napa Valley.

The dessert selection does wonders for that long forgotten New Year’s resolution of a gym membership.

Puck’s signature sweet is a complex and luxuriously silky Banana Cream Pie, which is liberally drizzled in ‘ten year’ chocolate sauce; so named because apparently it took the pastry chef ten years to perfect. With desserts this good, one can only imagine how much fun the previous nine years must have been.

In essence, CUT has taken the gutsy, often overly masculine domain of the steak restaurant and turned it into a culinary dream for those in search of a more refined side to gourmet meat. The sharp end of London’s steak restaurants just got sharper. n www.45parklane.com

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connoisseur food & drink

Rooftop Dining Richard Brown dines in full view of St Paul’s at Madison Restaurant Bar & Café

I

f you’ve visited any of the restaurants and bars owned by Inc Group – including Canary Wharf’s Tompkins and Battery Club, and Greenwich’s Trafalgar Tavern, Bar Du Musée and The Spread Eagle – you’ll be familiar with the group’s fondness for fuss-free, high quality food and drink. Head to Madison, the latest addition to the portfolio, and you’ll see that the dedication to chic styling and atmospheric interiors extends west into the heart of the City.

Situated seven floors above ground at One New Change, Madison offers truly spectacular views of St. Paul’s Cathedral and the surrounding London skyline.

Enter the restaurant via a glass lift – artfully engineered to offer one of the best views of Wren’s masterpiece you’re likely to see – and step into an invitingly vibrant space alive with suit-clad City workers.

Décor comes courtesy of award-winning bar design company Mango, which has utilised huge, sloping windows, to ensure you dine in the permanent presence of the cathedral, and colourful hand-blown Italian glass chandeliers to draw attention to the restaurant’s unique, slanting ceiling. Hard surfaces are softened by wood flooring and red leather couches, while touches like the reclined sofas next to the restaurant’s windows make Madison a welcoming, relaxed place to be.

Madison’s menu takes inspiration from all around the world; Italian, French and South American, as well as native favourites. In addition to a wide-ranging beer and cocktail list, the restaurant impressively boasts more than 1,000 bottles of red, white and rosé wine. It’s also the only place in London where you can sample the first champagne created to be enjoyed on ice – Moët’s Ice Imperial.

To start, I opted for the restaurant’s crustacea cocktail: a combination of lobster, crayfish, brown shrimp and marie rose sauce (£13.50). Although very agreeable, it was soon forgotten once I’d tried Madison’s carpaccio of beef, which, served with candied walnuts, was superb (£12).

Even better was my companion’s sea bass ceviche with avocado, lime, chilli, vine tomato, lotus root and coriander

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(also £12), a burst of textures, tastes and temperatures and a treat for those appreciative of brawny flavours.

On the advice of Madison’s ever-attentive maître d’, we chose as our main course the beef wellington for two, priced at £64. On cutting through pastry to find the filet of beef wrapped in foie gras and wild mushrooms, it’s a price that is easily justifiable. You’ll be advised that the dish takes 40 minutes to prepare upon ordering; even if you’re ravenous, it’s worth waiting, particularly if you’ve got a Lagarde DOC Malbec 2010 (£37 per bottle) sitting on the table. The pink-in-the-middle beef was cooked to perfection and the accompanying foie gras was fantastic, testament to the attention to detail on which Madison prides itself.

Dessert consisted of buttermilk panna cotta with a caramelised blood orange salad (£6.50) and for my guest a bitter chocolate tart with ‘dulce de leche’ ice cream (£6.50). Complimented by the bitterness of the orange, the panna cotta ticked all the boxes, and the tart was dense, buttery and fantastically rich. For an added treat, pair your pudding with Chateau Belingard Montazillac 2007.

Great food at excellent prices mean that you’ll never leave Madison feeling short-changed. The restaurant’s other crowning feature – its huge, open air terrace in the shadow of St Paul’s – make it one of the City’s most unique culinary destinations. With a café that serves sandwiches, pretzels, muffins, croissants and a selection of handmade cakes, we predict that Madison will find even more favour once the weather has warmed up. n Madison Restaurant Bar & Café Rooftop Terrace, 1 New Change, St. Paul’s, EC4M 9AF Throughout February Madison is offering a whole Native Lobster & Triple Cooked chips, Custacean Aioli and a bottle of Moet & Chandon Rose for £80 (two people).

The Spread Eagle in Greenwich (SE10 9JN) is hosting an East of Italy food and wine pairing (£40) on 8 February for tickets, email ruthe@marshmallowmedia.co.uk

&

out about

City of London Festival 2012 As well as the London 2012 Olympics and the Diamond Jubilee, Londoners have another important celebration to add to their already jam-packed 2012 calendar. The City of London is celebrating 50 years with more than 100 performances in 34 days. The Festival’s theme, City of London – Trading Places with the World will be brought to life in more than 55 of the City’s most historical spaces. Highlights include world-class performances from the internationally renowned London Symphony Orchestra and acclaimed guitarist John Williams will be giving a recital which will echo the performance he gave at the very first City of London Festival in 1962. Those with a sweet tooth will have their cravings satisfied with the Golden Honey feast; this is a grand celebration of City honey, ceremonially celebrated with music, poetry and tastings.

24 June – 27 July www.colf.org

Scholarly Art Fair John Bates Dress, Vogue (1976). © Condé Nast Publications

willie christie’s limited edition collection The launch of Willie Christie’s Limited Edition Collection signals the first time the photographer has delved into his personal archives to showcase work that has not been displayed for more than three decades, having been rediscovered after 30 years of lying in a drawer.

The renowned Christie is a former Vogue photographer, and ex-husband of US Vogue Creative Director Grace Coddington, who famously captured the musical legends, muses and models of the 70s and 80s. His portfolio includes award-winning advertising campaigns for L’Oreal and Yves St Laurent, fashion and portrait work for international icons and rock ‘n’ roll album covers and portraits. His iconic 1969 Mick Jagger portrait was selected for the international tour of Les Recontres D’Arles 2010 exhibition.

The glamour and intrigue of film removed him from the world of photography in 1982 and

he subsequently started writing and directing commercials and music videos, such as Pink Floyd’s Final Cut. Musical legends captured by Christie are being showcased at this exhibiton, including portraits of rock legends Pink Floyd and David Bowie, singer, model and actress Grace Jones and English singer Bryan Ferry.

The relaxing and intimate ambience created by low lighting, comfortable leather sofas and private rooms at Eight Club – a private member’s club situated in the heart of the City – make it an ideal venue for the exhibition, which is taking place from now until 24 February. Works are for sale via Eight Club and also online at Willie Christie’s website.

10 January – 24 February Eight 1 Change Alley, EC3V 3ND www.eightclub.co.uk www.williechristie.com

Art lovers, get excited as the Scholarly Fair is set to attract new dealers for the 2012 edition.

Those who have already signed up include D & M Freedman, Stephanie Hoppen Gallery, GRIMA, Mathaf Gallery and Peta Smyth Antique Textiles. This year hopes to prove just as successful as last year’s, which saw visitor figures rise around 10 per cent, with the event also proving to be a magnet for collectors and connoisseurs alike. The new dates for Art Antiques London have been well received by exhibitors with returning dealers quick to secure their place for the 2012 event, and many new dealers signing up for the first time.

13 – 20 June, Kensington Gardens www.haughton.com

out & about

sinner saint burlesque The Brickhouse Supperclub lies in the heart of Shoreditch on Brick Lane, just a short walk from Liverpool Street. The venue aims to recapture the original spirit of the 1930s supperclubs and allure of the speakeasies while retaining a contemporary appeal.

The Sinner Saint Burlesque troupe has come to London from Seattle, the modern hot spot of the art of burlesque, promising to bring “provocative comedy, beauty, glamour and entertainment to Brick Lane”. That it certainly did. Following a delicious meal – my choices of sautéed chicken and chorizo fricassée, coq au vin and pear and mango compote were well made – my guest and I

were enthralled by the antics and dancing of the four-girl burlesque troupe. Lady Tatas stood out for her Betty Boop-esque looks and Jesse Belle-Jones for her turn as a down-andout man. Our table was perfect; on the first floor, looking out over the stage.

However, the stand-out highlight was the hilarious Bristolian Jayde Adams who compered the show; she had us in stitches between every act. Book now for a brilliantly quirky date or fantastic evening with friends.

12 January – 25 February www.thebrickhouse.co.uk Show starts at 9pm. Dining from 6.30pm £35-40 Show Entry and four course meal

connoisseur

The World’s Most Expensive First Date It is finally here; the ultimate Valentine’s gift bound to trump all others, leaving non-millionaire husbands and boyfriends flummoxed and girlfriends and wives heartbroken. Enter the World’s Most Expensive First Date package, worth £34,000. It consists of your very own 60 foot luxury Sunseeker for 24 hours. Your romantic escape begins with a chauffeur driven Bentley which will take you to the majestic Royal Clarence Marina in Gosport, Portsmouth. Your afternoon can be spent relaxing in the spacious roof-top hot tub with a glass of Laurent Perrier Rosé and a personal masseur on hand. Early evening starts with a string quartet serenade and a serving of canapés before a five course menu. Your trip ends with a freshly prepared breakfast and a complimentary voucher worth £500 for a decadent shopping spree at Gun Wharf Quays. www.amazingretreats.com

The David Hockney Exhibition The much-anticipated exhibit of Yorkshireborn artist David Hockney has finally arrived at the Royal Academy of Arts as part of the Cultural Olympiad. Having moved back to the place where he grew up, Bridlington in Yorkshire, in 2005, Hockney has created a series of landscape paintings that depict the changes in season, cycle of nature and the variations of light. Visitors to David Hockney RA: A Bigger Picture will see many other important landscapes from his career, including the Rocky Mountains and Tired Indians, Garrowby Hill, A Closer Grand Canyon and several other paintings created between the 60s and the 90s. The exhibit gives Londoners and tourists alike a chance to appreciate this spectacular body of work.

21 January – 9 April www.royalacademy.org.uk

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We aim to foster a love of learning, that will stay with our children for life Docklands Nursery, 3 Newport Avenue, Virginia Quay Docklands London E14 2ED 020 7515 8333 • info@my-nursery.org

m y nurse ry Day Care

3 months-5 years

LONDON Homes&

PROPERTY Showcasing the finest homes in your area

C o v e r i n g CANARY WHARF, D OC K L AN D S , WA P P ING & T h e C i t y

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Great news for the property market

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BEAUTIFUL NEW HOMES

Galaxy Building, Isle of Dogs E14

Dunbar Wharf, Limehouse E14

A large one bedroom apartment on the 8th floor of this portered development. 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, open plan reception, kitchen, balcony with River Thames views and parking. Approximately 65 sq m (704 sq ft)

A much sought after two bedroom riverside apartment.

2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en suite), reception room opening onto large balcony, separate kitchen, porter and private parking. Approximately 102 sq m (1,098 sq ft)

Leasehold

Share of Freehold

Guide price: £325,000

Guide price: £750,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/Canary-Wharf

KnightFrank.co.uk/Canary-Wharf

020 7512 9966 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Wingfield Court, Blackwall E14

020 7512 9966 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Ocean Wharf, Canary Wharf E14

A well proportioned two double bedroom apartment situated in Virginia Quay. It is brought to the market in good internal order and has a balcony and concierge. Approximately 87 sq m (936 sq ft)

A large one bedroom apartment on the 5th floor of this popular development. 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, reception room, kitchen, balcony with Thames views, concierge and a parking space. Approximately 59 sq m (642 sq ft)

Leasehold

Leasehold

Guide price: £335,000

Guide price: £365,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/Canary-Wharf

KnightFrank.co.uk/Canary-Wharf

020 7512 9966 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Feb 12 CW SALES 1 - 09 January 2012 - 16532

020 7512 9966 cwharf@knightfrank.com

11/01/2012 10:45:48

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8

Port East Apartments, Canary Wharf E14

New Providence Wharf, Isle of Dogs E14

Two bedroom penthouse in this Grade I Listed warehouse conversion. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en suite), large reception room, kitchen with Gaggenau appliances, utility area and roof terrace. Approximately 165 sq m (1,776 sq ft)

A three bedroom penthouse situated on the 16th floor with spectacular river views. 3 en suite bathrooms, reception room leading to a large roof terrace with plunge pool and sauna. Approximately 247 sq m (2,664 sq ft)

Share of Freehold

Leasehold

Guide price: £1,200,000

Guide price: £2,000,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/Canary-Wharf

KnightFrank.co.uk/Canary-Wharf

020 7512 9966 cwharf@knightfrank.com

West India Quay, Canary Wharf E14

020 7512 9966 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Langbourne Place, Isle of Dogs E14

A superb two bedroom triplex apartment in this sought after Canary Wharf development. 2 en suite bathrooms, extensive living space, panoramic views and a tandem car parking space. Approximately 259 sq m (2,797 sq ft)

A well presented three bedroom duplex penthouse. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms leading onto separate balconies, both offering Canary Wharf views.

Approximately 194 sq m (2,090 sq ft)

Leasehold

Leasehold

Guide price: £2,250,000

Guide price: £1,000,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/Canary-Wharf

KnightFrank.co.uk/Canary-Wharf

020 7512 9966 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Feb 12 CW SALES 2 - 09 January 2012 - 16536

020 7512 9966 cwharf@knightfrank.com

11/01/2012 10:47:08

Gerry Raffles Square, Stratford E15

Millenium Drive, Canary Wharf E14

Contemporary one bedroom apartment to rent, conveniently located in close proximity to Stratford bus and rail station. Double bedroom, bathroom, fully fitted kitchen, living room. Available furnished.

Spacious and well presented two bedroom apartment to let in Millennium Drive. 2 double bedrooms with fitted wardrobes, 2 bathrooms, reception room with plenty of space, large kitchen, day porterage. Available furnished.

Guide price: £250 per week

Guide price: £395 per week

Canary Wharf Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

Canary Wharf Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Langbourne Place, Isle of Dogs E14

020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Drake House, Limehouse E14

Two double bedroom apartment in this quiet riverside development. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, open plan reception, fully fitted kitchen, wooden floors throughout and a 24 hour porter service.

Large recently refurbished, split level penthouse apartment overlooking Limehouse Marina and the Canary Wharf skyline.

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms (1 on a mezzanine level), open plan kitchen, multiple balconies, 24 hour porter service, parking space.

Guide price: £350 per week

Guide price: £755 per week

Canary Wharf Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

Canary Wharf Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

CW LETS FEB 12 CW and City Ad 1 - 09 January 2012 - 16585

020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

11/01/2012 10:50:15

CW

5

St Davids Square, Isle of Dogs E14

Papermill Wharf, Limehouse E14

Luxury riverside apartment with fantastic river views towards Greenwich. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, spacious reception room, kitchen/dining room, balcony. Additionally St Davids Square offers a 24 hour concierge service and full leisure facilities.

Contemporary two bedroom apartment to rent in Papermill Wharf. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, spacious reception area, fully fitted kitchen. The apartment is offered furnished and is situated in close proximity to Canary Wharf and all its amenities.

Guide price: £430 per week

Guide price: £500 per week

Canary Wharf Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

Canary Wharf Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Naxos Building, Canary Wharf E14

020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Hallmark Court, Limehouse Cut E14

A contemporary two bedroom penthouse offered fully furnished and including a balcony and terrace with river views. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen with separate utility room, reception with floor to ceiling windows.

The development includes 24hr concierge and a gym.

Smart duplex apartment in the brand new development of Silver Wharf. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en suite), open plan reception room, modern kitchen and a large terrace offering Canary Wharf views. Additionally there is concierge and a parking space.

Guide price: £995 per week

Guide price: £375 per week

Canary Wharf Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

Canary Wharf Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

CW Lettings FEB 12 CW and City Mag 2 - 09 January 2012 - 16583

020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

11/01/2012 10:51:43

Sugar House, Leman Street E1 Fabulous duplex penthouse

Situated just two streets from the City of London, this two bedroom penthouse sits atop a grand converted Victorian building built by the Co-operative in 1887.

2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room opening onto a private roof terrace, kitchen with an electronically controlled Velux window with rain sensors, excellent storage throughout, porterage and underground parking.

Guide price: £1,150 per week

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

(ASP141888)

Wap Lets Feb 12 Ad 1 - 12 January 2012 - 16754

12/01/2012 15:50:38

Wa

8

Telfords Yard, Wapping E1W

Gun Place, Wapping E1W

Spacious split level apartment set in this lovely warehouse conversion, moments from St Katharine Docks. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, double height reception room with spiral stair case leading to the master bedroom, large fitted kitchen, terrace, 24 hour porterage and a parking space.

Stylish studio apartment set in this portered development in Wapping. This modern apartment has a new fitted kitchen and bathroom, new wooden floors, contemporary furnishings and exposed brick work. Convenient location next to Wapping station and close to the 100 and D3 bus routes.

£750 per week

£325 per week

Wapping Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

Wapping Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

Hermitage Waterside, Wapping E1W

020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

New Crane Wharf, Wapping E1W

Contemporary second floor apartment. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room, new fully fitted kitchen, great storage, parking and a private terrace with south facing water views. The apartment is conveniently located on the edge of St Katharine Docks, a short walk from the City.

£565 per week

A beautifully presented furnished apartment set within this lovely portered warehouse conversion. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, large reception room with semi open plan fitted kitchen, hard wooden floors, underground parking and lovely views of the River Thames and Canary Wharf.

Wapping Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

Wapping Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

Wap Lets CW ad FEB 12 - 12 January 2012 - 16758

£650 per week

020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

12/01/2012 15:53:23

Savills, for those who live the river

There are so many reasons to love the river. And so many reasons to live on it.

From the dreamy banks of Richmond, Barnes and Putney, to vistas of Chiswick and Chelsea, the stylish developments of Fulham, Battersea and Vauxhall and the dramatic skyline of historic Docklands and Canary Wharf – London riverside property has an energy and a lifestyle of its own.

Savills Waterfront comprises a team of experts from offices across London with all the know how of the Thames-side market, the lock-up and leave developments and the large laid back family homes on both banks.

If you’re thinking of buying, selling, renting or letting on the river set sail with Savills.

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

savills.co.uk

1 2

savills.co.uk

OLIVER'S WHARF, e1w

CITY QUAY, e1w

Reception room ø open plan kitchen ø 2 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø parking space ø 110 sq m (1,185 sq ft)

Reception room ø kitchen ø 2 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø balcony ø concerige ø parking space ø 119 sq m (1,282 sq ft)

Guide £1.1 million Leasehold

Asking £1.1 million Leasehold

3 4

Savills Docklands zjames@savills.com 020 7456 6800

Savills Docklands zjames@savills.com 020 7456 6800

ST JOHN'S WHARF, e1w

ST JOHN'S PARK, se3

Reception room ø kitchen ø 3 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø balcony ø parking space ø 167 sq m (1,803 sq ft)

4 reception rooms ø 7 bedrooms ø 5 bathrooms ø indoor swimming pool ø garden ø garage ø 711 sq m (7,653 sq ft)

Guide £1.2 million Share of Freehold

Guide £2.99 million Freehold

Savills Docklands juprowse@savills.com 020 7456 6800

Savills Docklands juprowse@savills.com 020 7456 6800

1 2

savills.co.uk

CITY TOWER, e14

DISCOVERY DOCK, e14

Reception room ø kitchen ø 2 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø parking space ø balcony ø concierge ø 89 sq m (954 sq ft)

Reception room ø 2 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø balcony ø parking space ø concierge ø 89 sq m (957 sq ft)

Asking £465,000 Leasehold

Asking £600,000 Leasehold

3 4

Savills Canary Wharf bpage@savills.com 020 7531 2500

Savills Canary Wharf bpage@savills.com 020 7531 2500

EATON HOUSE, e14

WEST INDIA QUAY, e14

Reception room ø 2 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø 2 balconies ø parking space ø concierge ø 117 sq m (1,262 sq ft)

Reception room ø kitchen ø 2 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø guest cloakroom ø concierge ø 455 sq m (1,561 sq ft)

Asking £649,950 Leasehold

Guide £850,000 Leasehold

Savills Canary Wharf bpage@savills.com 020 7531 2500

Savills Canary Wharf bpage@savills.com 020 7531 2500

1 2

savills.co.uk

BALTIMORE WHARF, e14

PAN PENINSULA, e14

1 bedroom ø 1 bathroom ø balcony with direct dock views ø porterage ø 24hr security ø residents leisure facilities

2 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø balcony with panoramic views ø 24hr porterage ø residents gym and cinema

£395 per week Furnished

£650 per week Furnished

3 4

Savills Canary Wharf ssaul@savills.com 020 7531 2500

Savills Canary Wharf ssaul@savills.com 020 7531 2500

SWAN COURT, e1w

OLIVER'S WHARF, e1w

2 bedrooms ø reception room ø 2 bathrooms ( 1 en suite) ø allocated parking ø dock views

3 bedrooms ø reception room ø kitchen ø 2 bathrooms (1 en suite) ø private parking ø 2 balconies ø river views ø 2,300 sq ft

£750 per week Furnished

£975 per week Flexible furnishings

Savills Docklands brodgers@savills.com 020 7456 6800

Savills Docklands brodgers@savills.com 020 7456 6800

homes & property

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

Docklands buy to let market still strong

A

ccording to recent statistics, private sector landlords have increased their share of the residential housing market in the UK by 42 per cent since 2007. This staggering statistic is not so surprising when you look at the wider market conditions over the last few years. A downward trend in house prices, coupled with a lack of mortgage lending have forced more and more people into the private rental sector. Gross mortgage lending has fallen from £362bn in 2007 to £135bn in 2010 and housing output is at its lowest level since 1923; in simple terms a combination of growing demand from tenants competing for a relatively fixed supply of property.

As banks are unable to offer cash-rich savers little by way of return, they are in turn seeking alternative investment and the buy-to-let market, particularly in London, is offering a much more appealing return.

Buying property for buy-to-let investment purposes was historically about gambling on capital growth. Now it seems to be about securing regular

110

income. Most savvy property investors are now experiencing net returns in excess of five per cent.

This has in turn given the market further resilience, as those unfortunate enough to have bought their home at the peak of the market might not be able to sell at a profit but can decide to become a landlord. This has almost certainly restricted the amount of distressed property transactions and thus has underpinned house prices.

The longer term outlook is somewhat uncertain however, as in the event that rents increase to unaffordable levels, tenants will need to re-enter the home ownership arena. This will require more attainable mortgage lending and an increase in housing stock.

However, with commercial expansion in Canary Wharf the stage is set for landlords to reap the rewards in the short to medium term n Lourdes Estate Agents 020 7538 9250 www.lourdes-estates.com

UNIQUE HOMES, UNIQUE SERVICE, UNIQUE PEOPLE A t a i l o r e d s e r v i c e f r o m L a n g f o rd R u s s e l l f o r d i s t i n c t i ve a n d e x c l u s i ve h o m e s

LOGS HILL, CHISLEHURST, KENT BR7 Undoubtedly a striking property from whichever angle you view. Clever use of full height glazing and feature windows give a distinctive contemporary style and a fully glazed dining/family room at the back of the house offers panoramic views of the gardens and pool complex. Originally built in the mid 1800’s, this superbly remodelled five bedroom home now offers approximately 6000 square feet of unique living accommodation.

£2,250,000 Freehold

HAWKWOOD LANE, CHISLEHURST, KENT BR7 Built by Shanley homes this beautifully presented five bedroom detached family home is one of just six houses in this exclusive close overlooking Chislehurst Common. Offering an impressive specification that includes master bedroom with ensuite dressing room and bathroom, guest suite and three spacious reception rooms to compliment the bespoke kitchen/ breakfast room and orangery. Part exchange considered.

£1,300,000 Freehold

UNIQUE is a Specialist Division of Langford Russell

Unique at Langford Russell Chislehurst Office 13 High Street, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 5AB Tel 020 8378 1222 Email enquiries@uniquepropertiesuk.com

Offices Also At: Beckenham & Bromley

www.uniqueproper tiesuk.com www.langfordr ussell.co.uk

SALES

Baltimore Wharf, London, E14

£325,000

Capstan Square, London, E14 £399,950

Baltimore Wharf, London, E14

A stunning water facing studio suite situated on the 7th floor just moments from DLR connections. Development will boast one of the biggest leisure centres to exist in a private residential development with gym, olympic size pool, spa and beauty centre.

Viewing highly recommended.

A beautifully presented 3 bedroom 3 storey mid terrace town house situated near South Quay DLR. Open plan kitchen/living area, ground floor cloakroom and further family bathroom, integrated garage and off street parking.

A brand new luxury apartment offering two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Situated on the 10th floor with two east facing balconies together with allocated parking. Adjacent to Crossharbour DLR.

Pan Peninsula, London, E14

Belgrave Court, London, E14

West India Quay, London, E14

£650,000

£795,000

£460,000

£975,000

A two bed two bath 29th floor South East facing apartment with state of the art fixtures and fittings and allocated parking. 24hr concierge, gym and spa situated next to South Quay DLR station and only a short walk to the extensive amenities of Canary Wharf.

Located in the exclusive Canary Riverside development this 1200sqft two double bedroom apartment offers stunning views across Canary Wharf and the River Thames. The apartment has river facing balcony, two bathrooms, parking space and is offered chain free.

This amazing 1568ft² one bedroom duplex apartment is the finest we have seen. Double height ceilings, floor to ceiling glazing with unrivalled panoramic views, parking, concierge and access to room service from the neighbouring 5 star Marriot Hotel. West India Quay DLR.

Belgrave Court, London, E14 £1,150,000

Brightlingsea Place, London, E14 £1,175,000

Millharbour, London, E14

A stunning two double bed two bath apartment boasting direct river views in one of Canary Wharf’s most prestigious developments. The apartment has been beautifully refurbished and benefits include allocated parking and 24hr concierge.

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

A unique 14th floor 4 bed 2548ft² penthouse. Presented in immaculate condition with two west facing terraces, balcony with dock views, 4 bathrooms, two receptions, two kitchens & two parking spaces. Situated only minutes’ walk from South Quay DLR.

All Awards 2010/11

£2,500,000

020 7715 9700 joneslanglasalle.co.uk

LETTINGS

Craig Tower, E14

£230pw

Caspian Apartments, £290pw

£290pw

Frances Wharf, E14

£350pw

Brand new 8th floor one bed luxury apartment in trendy Bow. Development features include bicycle storage, communal gardens/roof terrace and concierge. Available 1st April, fully furnished to a luxury standard.

A 9th floor luxury one bed apartment with spectacular dock views presented in excellent condition. Concierge, leisure facilities with pool. Situated on the fringe of the Canary Wharf business district, close to South Quay DLR.

Bright and modern two bed 2nd floor apartment next to Limehouse Cut offering excellent value for money in this secure development. Lovely private balcony offers courtyard views.

Available now..

Landmark West, E14

Watergardens Square,

Millharbour, E14

£390pw

£400pw

£420pw

A luxury 537 ft² 23rd floor one bed apartment with panoramic views of Canary Wharf / The City. Benefits include 24hr concierge, residents gym and a ‘retail’ area at ground floor level. Located next to Canary Wharf and transport. Available 29th February.

A fantastic spacious two bed, two bath apartment on the sixth floor. Wood flooring throughout, balcony, modern fixtures and fittings. Close to Canada Water underground station therefore an ideal commute to Canary Wharf and The West End.

Bright and modern two bed 2nd floor apartment next to Limehouse Cut offering excellent value for money in this secure development. Lovely private balcony offers courtyard views.

Available now..

Landmark East, E14

Naxos Building, E14

Landmark East, E14

£600 pw

Brand new luxury two bed, two bath apartment on the 38th floor with spectacular dual aspect south and west views. Benefits include 24hr concierge, residents gym and a ‘retail’ area at ground floor level. Located next to Canary Wharf and transport.

£995pw

Stunning two bed 1650ft² duplex penthouse presented in immaculate condition. Boasting both a balcony and private terrace which offer breath-taking river views. Excellent location with 24hr concierge, gym and secure parking.

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

£1100pw

Stunning three bedroom two bath 37th floor South West facing unit offering Canary Wharf and Thames views. 24hr concierge, and residents gym. Moments walk to Heron Quay DLR and Canary Wharf Jubilee Line.

dockland.sales@eu.jll.co.uk

Sales

Seacon Tower, E14

£474,995 Offering fantastic southern and westerly views across the river Thames this stylish two bedroom, thirteenth floor apartment offers accommodation comprising; reception room with modern open plan kitchen and access to a river facing balcony, master bedroom with en-suite and 2nd balcony (South & East facing) with views of Canary Wharf, main bathroom. This private gated development offers 24 hour porter, secure parking and access to leisure facilities and a spa. Situated within 550 metres of the Canary Wharf estate offering an abundance of shops, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities as well as both Jubilee line and DLR stations.

Naxos Building E14

£314,995 A stunning seventh floor one bedroom apartment, offering spectacular views across the river Thames and westerly incorporating the city skyline. The accommodation comprises; reception room with open planned modern kitchen and access to balcony, bedroom with direct river views and Juliette balcony, bathroom. The development itself boasts a 24 hour porter and provides access to a gymnasium and spa, situated within 600 metres of the Canary Wharf Estate which offers an abundance of shops, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities including a Jubilee line underground station and DLR connections. This property is offered to the market chain free.

Ontario Tower E14

£235,995 Investment opportunity. This fantastic 8th floor studio suite is offered to the market with tenant in situ set on one of E14’s premier developments. Ontario Tower offers 24 house concierge, gymnasium, spa and access to the facilities of the Radisson Hotel. Situated within 200 metres of Blackwall DLR station and 650 metres of the Canary Wharf Estate, which offers an abundance of shops, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities as well as a Jubilee line station.

Estate Agents | Land & Development Consultants

www.alanselby.co.uk 020 7519 5900 | info@alanselby.co.uk

Lettings

Anchorage Point

Ferguson Close

£400 pw 020 7519 5900 | info@alanselby.co.uk

£325 pw 020 7519 5900 | info@alanselby.co.uk

Lovegrove Walk

Orchard Place

£360 pw 020 7519 5900 | info@alanselby.co.uk

£350 pw 020 7519 5900 | info@alanselby.co.uk

A two bedroom, two bathroom apartment with access to a private balcony from the reception, two very good sized bedrooms, the master having fitted wardrobes and an en-suite bathroom. The development offers porterage, underground parking and leisure facilities including a swimming pool. Available from 22nd February 2012.

6 OR 12 MONTH LET. Situated on a dock with Canary Wharf skyline views is this spacious apartment. The property benefits from two double bedrooms, bathroom, balcony, parking space, furnished and available immediately.

Newly refurbished, two bedroom ground floor apartment with direct access to a secluded area of garden. Both bedrooms have newly fitted wardrobes and bedroom two is a single with a corner desk, ideal for those who need to work from home. The apartment has wooden floor throughout and is offered unfurnished.

A two bedroom apartment in this period warehouse conversion with spacious rooms with exposed brickwork, open plan kitchen to a large reception with wood flooring, an en-suite to master bedroom and separate bathroom and utility room. The property is offered unfurnished and also benefits from a lift, video entry system and secure parking. Available immediately.

Estate Agents | Land & Development Consultants

RES LETTERHEAD:Layout 1 10/10/2011 16:45 Page 1

LOUDRES LET

LOUDRES LETTERHEAD:Layout 1 10/10/2011 16:45 Page 1

Ebb Court, Royal Docks, E16

Northey Street, Limehouse, E14

Compass Point, Limehouse, E14

£209,995

£229, 999

£264,995

Carmine Wharf, Westferry, E14

Ionian Building, Narrow Street, E14

Berglen Court, Limehouse, E14

• One double bedroom • Large decked balcony • Underground parking • On site concierge

• Two double bedrooms • Immaculately presented • Secure car parking • Large private rear garden

• Studio apartment • Recently redecorated • High ceilings • No onward chain

• Large one bedroom • Wood flooring • Fully fitted kitchen • Secure underground

parking

• One double bedroom • Secure car parking • New wooden flooring • Close to Westferry DLR

• Two double bedrooms • Two bathrooms • sixth floor • Direct marina views

£290,000

£370,000

£495,000

Dundee Wharf, Limehouse, E14

St Davids Square, Isle of Dogs, E14

Shirley Street, Canning Town, E16

• Two double bedroms • Two bathrooms • Balcony • River views

£550,000

• Two double bedrooms • Two bathrooms • Private balcony • River views

£625,000

020 7538 9250

• Building Plot • Full planning consent • 9 residential apartments • Ground floor commercial

space

Offers IRO £1,000,000

www.lourdes-estates.com

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

UDRES LETTERHEAD:Layout 1 10/10/2011 16:45 Page 1

LOUDRES LETTERHEAD:Layout 1 10/10/2011 16:45 Page 1

Proton Tower, East India, E14 • One bedroom • 11th floor • Balcony • River views

Hallings Wharf, Stratford, E15

Ionian Building, Narrow Street, E14

• Warehouse style apartment • Three bedrooms • Fully furnished • Close to Jubilee line station

• Two double bedrooms • Two bathrooms • Dressing area • Close to DLR and Canary

£325 per week

£350 per week

£385 per week

Apollo Building, Isle of Dogs, E14

Papermill Wharf, Narrow Street, E14 • One double bedroom • Fifth floor • Direct river views • Secure parking

• Three double bedrooms • Two bathrooms • Fully furnished • Secure parking

£425 per week

£430 per week

£450 per week

Tequila Wharf, Limehouse, E14

Brightlingsea Place, Narrow Street, E14

Ocean Wharf, Westferry Road, E14

£950 per week

£1100 per week

• Two bedrooms • Duplex apartment • River views • Large reception

• Penthouse apartment • Three double bedrooms • Three bathrooms • Wrap around landscaped

£895 per week

terrace

• Townhouse • Three/four bedrooms • Secure parking • Close to Canary Wharf

020 7538 9250

Wharf

Wards Wharf, Silvertown, E16

• Duplex penthouse • Three double bedrooms • Two bathrooms and a WC • Wrap around terrace

www.lourdes-estates.com

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

River Habitat RiverHabitat.co.uk

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

Berkeley Tower, Canary Riverside, E14 SUPERB LUXURY APARTMENT WITH PANORAMIC RIVER VIEWS

n 10th FLoor, F/UF n 1,843 Sq. Ft. Beautiful Three, Double Bedroom Apartment n Stunning views up and down the river S. and SW. n Floor to Ceiling Windows and Bay area facing South n Portered Building, Lifts, 24 Hour Security. Next to Virgin Active Gym n Parking space. Available NOW

n 12th Floor. U/F n 1,816 Sq. Ft. three double bedroom, three en-suites, Cloakroom. n West and East Views. Balcony n Easy walk into Canary Wharf n Portered Building, Lifts, 24 Hour Security. Next to Virgin Active Gym n Secure Underground Car Parking Space. Available NOW

£1,250 p/w REDUCED

£1,100 p/w or SALE £1,450,000 LHD

Belgrave Court, Canary Riverside, E14 FANTASTIC RIVERVIEW FLAT WITH EASY CANARY WHARF WALK

Belgrave Court, Canary Riverside, E145 LOVELY VIEWS ONTO THE GARDEN SQUARE & RIVER

n 1,592 Sq. Ft. beautiful two, double bedroom apartment n Stunning floor to ceiling curved windows n Juliet Balcony with Breathtaking N.W. view n Parking space. Available Mid-December 2011.

n 1,095 Sq. Ft. beautiful two double bedroom apartment n Floor to Ceiling Windows with southern views n Portered Building with lifts and 24 hour security n Balcony n Parking Space. Available January 2012

£800 p/w or SALE £1,100,000

SOLD STC

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

London's Finest Properties

LETTINGS

Caspian Wharf, Bow, E1

• Studio Apartment • 2nd Floor • Fully Furnished • Balcony • Nr. Multiple Transport Links

£270.00 per week

SALES

Heligan House,The Water Gardens, SE16 • Two Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • Balcony • 2nd Floor • Concierge Service • Nr. Canada Water Tube St

• One Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • 3rd Floor • On-Site Leisure Facilities • 24hr Concierge Service • Nr. Blackwall DLR

£375.00 per week

Eastern Quay, Royal Docks, E16

• Two Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • 7th Floor • Balcony • Parking Available • Concierge Service

• One Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • 24th Floor • Parking Included • 24hr Concierge Services • Nr South Quay DLR

£400.00 per week

Gainsborough House, Canary Wharf, E14 • Two Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • 6th Floor • Balcony • 24hr Concierge Service ·• Nr. South Quay DLR

£450.00 per week

Ontario Tower, Canary Wharf, E14

• Luxury leisure complex • o2 Arena views • Air conditioning • Hardwood flooring throughout • 24 hour concierge

£475,000

£395.00 per week

The Landmark, East Tower, E14

• Immaculate 1st Floor Show Apartment • Two Bedroom/ Two Bathroom • Interior Designed • Exceptional Specification • Secure Underground Parking • Moments from the City and Tube

£1,080,000

£370.00 per week

Ontario Tower, Canary Wharf, E14

Sugar House, Leman Street, E1

Aquarius House, St George Wharf, SW8 • High specification • Air conditioning • Beautiful City views • 24 hour concierge • On site facilities

£569,950

Lowry House, Canary Central, E14 • Close to Canary Wharf • 24 hour concierge • Luxury leisure complex • Sizeable balcony • All large rooms

£399,950

The Landmark, 22 Marsh Wall, E14 • Air conditioning • 22nd floor • Amazing views • Perfect condition • 24 hour concierge

£379,950

Caspian Wharf, Bow, E3

• Luxury fitted kitchen • Hardwood flooring • Available furnished • Close to DLR • 3rd floor with balcony

£168,000

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

Central London 020 7582 7989

West London 020 8896 9990

Finchley 020 8446 9524

Docklands 020 7476 0125

Deptford & Greenwich 020 8692 2244

New Docklands Office Opening Mid February

For more information: docklands@bushells.com

Bushells.com

Dundee Court, E1W

Lothbury, Bank, EC2R

Park East Bow Quarter, E3

Warehouse converted 1 double bedroom apartment situated within this sought after development. Within easy access to the City and Docklands.

A unique opportunity to rent this 3rd Floor, 1 double bedroom luxury apartment, situated opposite the Bank of England.

1 bedroom apartment within the sought after historic Bow Quarter development.

Benefiting from 24 hour security, an on site convenience store.

Rental Price: £355 per week

Rental Price: £650 Per Week

Rental Price: £250 Per Week

East Smithfield, E1W

Tradewinds, Wapping, E1W

Situated very close to Tower Hill and Tower Gateway, this 1 double bedroom duplex apartment offers good living accommodation throughout.

Modern large spacious 1 double bedroom apartment with large reception room.

Situated in West Wapping within very popular secure development with parking.

Artemis Court, Docklands E14 Modern 1 Double Bedroom 3rd Floor Apartment within this Riverside Development. River Views. Secure Parking.

Use of residents Swimming Pool and Gym.

Rental Price: £300 Per Week

Rental Price: £365 Per Week

Rental Price: £350 Per Week

£1,250,000 ea2 Estate Agency Heritage Court | 8-10 Sampson Street | Wapping | London E1W 1NA t: 020 7702 3456 | f: 020 7702 9168 www.ea2.co.uk | property@ea2group.com

Waterman Way, E1W

Norway Place, Limehouse E14

Waterman Way, E1W

Modern studio apartment within this popular canalside development. Within easy access to Tower Hill and Tower Gateway. Approx. 15 mins to Liverpool Street.

Situated within easy access to Canary Wharf & the City. This 2 double bedroom, 1st floor apartment has been refurbished to a good standard.

Recently Re-furbished 2 bedroom modern canal side apartment. Reception. Fully fitted kitchen. Bathroom. Within easy access to the City and Docklands.

Price: £199,900 Leasehold

Price: £299,995 Leasehold

Price: £349,995 Leasehold

Creek House Narrow Street,E14

Lockhart Street, Bow E3

Fenner House,Wapping E1W

River views from this two bedroom apartment in modern development.

Porterage. Situated near to the amenities of the popular Narrow Street area!

Forming part of this popular conservation area very close to Mile End tube station, is this Victorian period terraced house which has excellent room sizes.

2 Bedroom 1 st Floor Ex-Local Authority Flat within this popular Mansion Block development. Fully Fitted Kitchen Diner.

Price: £474,990 Leasehold

Price: £449,950 Freehold

Price: £315,000 Leasehold

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

homes & property

DEVELOPMENT FOCUS Gothic Grandeur Set in secluded Essex woodland, this Grade II listed 19th Century Victorian mansion conversion sets a benchmark for sensitive restoration, says Lauren Romano

W

ith its gabled roof and gargoyles, Gaynes Park Mansion harks back to a bygone era of chivalry and Austen-style courtships.

Set amid ten acres of landscaped gardens and woodlands, the cream stone façade is tucked away down a tree-lined 0.7 mile long driveway. Externally the property has been restored to its former gothic glory while the palatial interior has been divided up to create seven luxury two and three bedroom apartments. Each residence has been completed to the highest of standards and exudes period charm and contemporary comfort in equal measure.

In its entirety, the property is undeniably imposing; set in private grounds, the stately mansion is accessed through ornate, crested double-iron

gates. Each of the seven apartments is sumptuous and character-filled and tradition is offset with cutting-edge design to stunning effect. A dramatic atmosphere is evoked too, thanks to the striking combination of high ceilings and huge windows.

Contemporary fireplaces and recessed flat screen TVs bring the apartments up to 21st Century standard while marbled floors and warm glow recessed lights play to the opulence of the mansion’s romantic architecture.

Skirting ten acres of mature woodland, the historic Gaynes Park Estate can trace its roots as far back as the thirteenth century. Formerly a private school, the costly upkeep of such an extensive property meant the mansion fell into disrepair. Restoration of the once derelict shell has taken over four years, and considerable effort has gone into retaining many

of the exquisite original features. The magnificent old double doors form a striking entrance and the ornate gargoyles retain their rightful pride of place, surveying the building from the elevations above.

Views from almost all sides of the property look out across the extensive picturesque grounds, towards the lakes in the distance. Four apartments benefit from their own private entrance and six of the seven lots all offer some sort of outside space – ranging from gardens to roof terraces. Additionally owners have exclusive use of the well-equipped, air-conditioned gym, changing and shower facilities adjacent to the garage block, and out in the grounds, just off the scenic jogging/walking path, a new tennis court provides a convenient opportunity for an al fresco exercise session. Parking is taken care of too: each apartment benefits from a secure double garage, which offers substantial loft storage space above. Further allocated spaces for cars sit in the courtyard and a visitor’s car park is found near the main entrance gate.

Owners can also benefit from the convenience of an on-site maintenance service, which will take care of the grounds, upkeep of communal areas, windows and security. A concierge service is also available to residents by personal negotiation. CCTV covers the entrance points and sophisticated audio and video entry systems enable access to the perimeter and inner gates.

Situated 2km east of Epping and 18 miles from the capital, London Liverpool Street station is commutable in just 36 minutes, making Gaynes Park Mansion the perfect out of town retreat for city workers who wish to escape the relentless bustle for more leafy surrounds, yet remain within easy reach of the office. Located at the top of a steep sided valley, Gaynes Park is surrounded by open countryside on three sides and is a short distance away from the small market town of Epping, which boasts historic Grade I and Grade II listed buildings and a popular weekly market held every Monday, which dates back to 1253. n

Star PROPERTY The largest of the apartments boasts 4014 sq ft of space, arranged over two floors. Beautiful stone flooring and a dramatic, gently winding staircase, complete with luxurious hand-stitched leather handrails, greet entrants passing through the gothic style double doors. The ground floor space offers the most convenient lay out for entertaining and takes advantage of the surrounding garden vistas while the inviting living room is both cosy and contemporary, and a soft flame fireplace makes a striking and warming feature. The glossy walnut cabinet fronts of the split-level Urban Myth kitchen are well-paired with high-end chrome appliances and lead onto an informal dining and TV area. Upstairs the sumptuous master suite includes a generous sized dressing room and a welcoming bathroom suite with a softlit sunken bath, sitting below two corner windows which offer views of the private garden and Laurel tree bordered terrace.

Prices range from £1.75m - £2.85m 020 7512 9966, www.knightfrank.co.uk

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GREENWICHCREEKSIDE

EXCLUSIVE SHOW APARTMENT

NOW ON SALE

With unique and distinguished architecture from renowned architects’ Squires & Partners, The Atrium allows natural light to flood into the striking apartment building through a fully glazed roof: bringing the outdoors, indoors!

• NHBC Supreme Award Winner in the ‘Multistorey’ category • Bright, open, airy ‘Atrium’ to the core of the building with extensive natural light and fresh air circulating • 1, 2 & 3 bedroom homes with a high internal specification and optional parking* • Close to the heart of maritime Greenwich • Cutty Sark DLR station 10 minutes walk away, access to Canary Wharf just 9 minutes

Prices from £247,500†

RESERVE BY THE 5TH FEBRUARY: RECEIVE A YEAR’S FREE GYM MEMBERSHIP AT MERIDIAN FITNESS LOCATED AT GREENWICH CREEKSIDE**

greenwichcreekside.com creekside.sales@telfordhomes.plc.uk

0800 883 8983 or (out-of-hours) 0800 032 0077

Selling Agents:

020 8104 1111

*Terms and conditions apply. **Subject to legal completion by 30 March 2012. Meridian Fitness is due to open in March 2012 and is not the responsibility of Telford Homes Plc. †Price correct at time of going to press. Photographs of the Atrium interior and showhome interiors. th

A development by:

An apartment to set you apart.

Premier at Baltimore Wharf: a collection of lateral penthouses and double height duplexes, sitting astride the development that has come to define docklands living.

Exclusive waterside apartments, finished with an uncompromising eye to quality and detail. Waterside properties that combine expansive space with elevated views of the city and central London. Where peace meets tranquility and wide-open space. Where a perfectly landscaped private boulevard meets personal concierge.

And where an impressive list of amenities is now joined

by London’s most radical residential urban gym and leisure facility. All just 5 minutes from Canary Wharf.

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Docklands waterfront duplexes and penthouses from ÂŁ795,000

For more information please contact 0808 118 3551

www.baltimorewharf.com

20/01/2012 12:50

homes & property

expert comment SALES:

LETTINGS:

Starting on a high

The impact of economic uncertainty

ANDREW GROOCOCK , ASSOCIATE AT KNIGHT FRANK

VANESSA EVETT-BEASLEY, PARTNER AND LETTINGS

IN CANARY WHARF, COMMENTS ON THE TRENDS IN THE

MANAGER AT KNIGHT FRANK IN CANARY WHARF, COMMENTS

RESIDENTIAL SALES MARKET

ON THE TRENDS IN THE RESIDENTIAL RENTAL MARKET

The traditional trends of a quiet December were not adhered to in the sales market at the end of 2011; lots of new applicants registered, properties received good volumes of viewings, and competitive offers were received on many apartments.

As a result, January exploded into life with the shortage of properties available resulting in competition being rife between applicants.

The first quarter of the year is always a busy time in an agency and this year is set up to be no different, particularly as later in the year the world’s focus is set to fall on East London due to the Olympics. We are anticipating record numbers of applicants looking to buy in the area as the realisation that affordable housing is still available in a prime London location occurs. Residents will also be in a great position to benefit from the amenities initially developed for the Games.

During January and February we also see bonuses hit the streets, and as a result we expect an increase of applicants looking for a trophy home or solid investment as the stock market continues to fluctuate.

Looking at 2012 as a whole, the sales market should perform well with growth expected in all the key areas of the E14 market, in particular those developments on the Canary Wharf Estate, Westferry Road and Limehouse which are always the most sought after locations for both investors and owner occupiers.

The additional impact of the Crossrail link being a year closer to completion should also assist market performance as improved transport links increase the numbers of potential commuters.

For two years, from mid-2009, the prime London lettings market delivered very strong rental growth for landlords. Not only did rents recover all of the losses incurred during the 2008 financial crisis, but by early 2011 they hit all-time highs.

This growth was underpinned by the recovery of the central London economy, which was gathering pace at least up until the middle of last year.

Recently, economic prospects have weakened, leading to slower rental growth and the recent period of declines. It seems likely however, that the current demand and supply balance will limit rental falls. Although the volume of new tenancies fell by two per cent in the three months to December, compared to the same period in 2010, evidence from our other market measures confirms a more positive outlook.

Demand, in the form of new tenant registrations, has risen by 20 per cent over the past year, whereas new rental instructions are only higher by six per cent. The relative position of demand and supply is best illustrated by the ratio of new applicants to new rental instructions, which has risen from 2.94 in the three months to December 2010, to 3.44 in the same period in 2011.

We expect to see rental growth in central London for 2012 to equate to around four per cent or five per cent. While positive, this rate would represent the lowest level of growth since 2009.

However, it would also represent a shift to a more sustainable trajectory for the market after two years of sharp increases.

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

Knight Frank Canary Wharf 020 7512 9955 www.knightfrank.com/canary-wharf

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Welcome back to Wapping.

London’s magical riverside neighbourhood is back on the map

21 Wapping Lane is the first substantial new development in Wapping for a decade. It will also be the tallest, with fabulous views.

Providing a range of beautiful suites, one, two and three bedroom apartments; as well as gym, spa, hydrotherapy pool, cinema, concierge and underground parking.

Just a few minutes from the City to the west and Canary Wharf to the east, 21 Wapping Lane presents a unique opportunity to live and invest in this wonderful neighbourhood.

UK & International Launch

Thursday 1st – Sunday 4th March Suites from 1 beds from 2 beds from 3 beds from £260,000 £320,000 £459,000 £895,000 Call the marketing suite or visit our website for more information

0808 118 1919

21wappinglane.com

20/1/12

22:41

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Well connected...

CANARY WHARF

I 17 M

Ns

Connectingyou TOtheCITY Lewisham Station

London Bridge 8 Mins

Canary Wharf 17 Mins

London City Airport 29 Mins

Train times source: TFL website

With only a short walk to Lewisham Station and a 17 minutes DLR journey to Canary Wharf, Central Park is ideally located for getting into the city. The development offers a range of high spec 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments, within a modern urban park with secure parking and concierge facilities available.

Prices start from £179,950* Estimated rental yield 6%. cgi artists impression

*Price based on 1 bed apartment.

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Register your interest today Visit our website

centralparkliving.co.uk Call Our Sales Line

020 7089 3917 live london › live central park Shared ownership available on selected plots. Prices correct at time of going to print – Jan 2012

Text

CENTRAL2 to 60123

For more information please visit

www.gillingham-marina.co.uk/residential

2, 3 & 4 bedroom apartments and penthouses

highest specification - gated security - lifts to all floors

underground secure parking - river & marina views

for reservations and viewing call 01634 280088

HIRSH L O N D O N

TRIO COLLECTION HANDMADE IN PLATINUM

Famous For Engagement Rings www.hirshlondon.com

WEST END 56-57 BURLINGTON ARCADE W1J 0QN - T +44 (0)20 7499 6814 - CITY 9 HATTON GARDEN EC1N 8AH - T +44 (0)20 7831 3333

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10/01/2012 17:16