Canary Wharf Magazine January 2011 by Runwild Media Group

canary wharf J A NFEBRUARY UA R Y 20112010

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L’ART DE VIVRE

Champagne and cookery

the

Investment

issue

Make your money work hard and play hard for you

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I S S n U 66 E 54

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how best to

I NV E S T

contents

This New Year, it’s time to decide whether you want your money to work hard or play hard. The traditional way is to invest wisely in stocks, shares and bonds, but our experts are giving advice on more unusual, and tangible, ways to get a run from your money

ew Year rolls in once again, accompanied by a wave of optimistic resolutions to stop drinking, give up smoking and frequent the gym. Often a self-admonishing promise is also made: this year I will devote more time to what I do with my finances. Too often this slips to the bottom of a long to-do list but, in fact, paying attention to how your money is invested can reap well-deserved rewards in the long term. Warren Buffet began investing when he was 11 years old: whether you call it luck or genius, Buffet is now worth more than $55 billion. There is no denying that careful investment pays off. Taking the traditional investment route leads you along well-trodden tracks towards stocks, bonds and financial derivatives. Although ‘investing’ originally meant the act of putting on garments, by 1610, the first use of it in the commercial sense occurred in the finances of the East India Company and, by 1740, the term was in general use as we understand it today: converting money into property in the hope of profit. So, for nearly 300 years, people have been investing ‘in the hope of profit’; whilst sensible and well thought out investments more often than not do result in gains, in the form of interest, income or appreciation in value, there is

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10 L’art de vivre Senior executive and spokesperson for

Veuve Clicquot Mireille Guillano speaks to us about creating her winning brand

still an element of risk involved. Investment always involves a choice being made by an individual or organisation, after necessary analysis or thought. However, some prefer to shun the standard route and, quite simply, buy things they love: classic cars, vintage wine, exquisite jewellery or pieces of art. Charles Saatchi firmly believes that “there are no rules about investment. Sharks can be good. Artist’s dung can be good. Oil on canvas can be good”. Beauty is in the eye of the investor. If you want to explore a wider range of profitable opportunities, read on for industry expertise on exciting investment: Rob Myers, CEO of RM Auctions, confirms that “unusual assets can be an attractive addition to a welldiversified portfolio, giving an added dimension in terms of interest and the potential to generate long-term wealth appreciation”. Do not delay: art needs to be held for about 35 years to appreciate in value, and wine must also age appropriately before reaching its peak, so take some time to plan your investment strategy. Follow the advice of Warren Buffet, whose tactics have most certainly worked: “Why not invest your assets in the companies you really like?” As Mae West said, ‘Too much of a good thing can be wonderful’ ”. n

13 New Year, New You Annabel Harrison debates the idea of the New Year’s resolution

travel connoisseur

17 Investing in... The best advice for investing in alternatives to stocks and shares

concierge 40 Fresh metal rocks Sarah Ho talks about her cutting-edge jewellery designs and cultural inspiration

P in the

PALM

of your hand

Harry Hepburn escapes to the lost city of Atlantis and discovers it was much easier than Plato might ever have suspected

42 Monsieur

art of the renowned One and Only group, the origin of the Atlantis Dubai is in many ways no less outlandish than the original Atlantis myth. Where the original spectacularly sank beneath the sea in a matter of hours, its Middle Eastern equivalent sprang forth in 2008, at the top of the Palm Jumeirah, the world’s largest artificial island, risen from the seabed of the Persian Gulf in a matter of six years. A curious blend of Islamic influence and the imagined lost world, the Atlantis Dubai maintains much of the look and feel of its Bahamian sister hotel. Marble floors, vaulted ceilings, ocean-themed frescos and Atlantean detail are mingled with Moorish arches and Islamic patterns. New arrivals enter a magnificent, cavernous lobby, dominated by a ten-metre high glass sculpture (created by Dale Chihuly) comprising 3,000 individual pieces of brightly coloured glass. As for everything in the resort, it may be ostentatious. but it is certainly not out of place. As you would expect, we were looked after impeccably well. Privileged enough to be members of the Imperial Club for our stay, we were quickly ushered into a grand office just off the main chamber, where we were checked in within more comfortable surroundings and then quickly escorted to the Imperial Club Lounge, to take tea and breakfast. Our room, while far from the most luxurious available (we had no butler), was incredibly comfortable and fully equipped for hasty travellers. Sitting at the room’s marble desk, I could check my email and look out over the balcony, down through the central line of the palm, towards Dubai’s mainland. When you are staying on a man-made island, everyone can have a sea view. My companion, already relaxed enough to have needed to test the bed out, soon headed off to the spa to enjoy a ‘Jet Lag Recovery treatment’, an aromatherapy massage

designed to do exactly what it said. Impressively, the spa has 27 individual treatment rooms available to you, to indulge yourself in tranquility. At this time of year, the climate is perfect for those in need of a solar-powered battery recharge. Encouraged to let go and relax from the moment you arrive, nothing is too much trouble for any of the many staff on hand. While I was warned before jetting off that Dubai has become expensive over the last year or so, everything on offer seemed very reasonable. Alcohol wasn’t cheap, but it never is in hotels and, given that we were residing in an Islamic state, it was hardly unsurprising. The food was fantastic and, beyond doubt, my highlight. Given that this is a family resort, fine dining comfortably manages to rub shoulders with gourmet buffets, without either feeling at all out of place. Quite serious about our food, my partner and I sampled all we could during our stay and were never remotely disappointed. The space I have here is too little to do any real justice, so I will just relive a few of the highlights. Saffron’s pan-Asian and European breakfast buffet was a marvel. Literally (and without hyperbole) everything I could think of for my breakfast was available, fresh and full of flavour; and if it wasn’t ready, or I needed something particular, chefs were on hand at several cooking stations to cater to you directly. Levantine covered the best of Lebanese cuisine; courses of exquisite meats and salads brought to our table were broken up by the appearance of an unexpected, swordbalancing, belly dancer. Ronda Locatelli is a traditionally Italian restaurant, built around a wood-fired pizza oven. Fine versions of home favourites are the order here; the lasagna and pizzas were recommended, but lobster linguini and Osso Bucco (veal) ravioli won our votes in fine style.

Gentlemen’s fashion tailored by time Grey wool/mohair suit, £695, white double cuff shirt, £85, black and white silk tie, £65 white silk pocket square, £45 all Chester Barrie, 020 7439 6079. Diagono chrono watch 42mm steel-750 18ct white gold case steel bracelet anthracite dial automatic chrono movement super-luminova, £7,050, white gold cufflinks, £1,070 and Aqua BV sunglasses, £190, all Bulgari, 168 New Bond Street, 020 7872 9969

calibre 71 The definitive mid-engined coupé The Porsche Cayman R redefines the concept of the mid-engined sports coupé

Monsieur Photography:

Felicity Ingram

Fashion Editor:

Lucie Dodds

76 The ragged edge Lee Brooks catches up with Britain’s leading hope Matthew Wilson ahead of the 2011 World Rally Championships

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White double cuff shirt, £80, grey herringbone tweed waistcoat, £245 and trousers, £275, black spot scarf, £385 all Ralph Lauren, 020 7535 4600. Ultra-Thin Perpetual Calendar watch in white gold with opaline-white dial on black alligator strap, £49,900, Patek Philippe at David M Robinson, Jubilee Place, Canary Wharf 020 7538 2332, www.davidmrobinson.co.uk

85 Coffee Queen Sahar Hashemi talks about the creation of Coffee Republic and her new-found talent as a self help author

connoisseur 98 In the Palm of your Hand Harry Hepburn escapes to the lost city of Atlantis

102 Into the wild Annabel Goldie-Morrison heads for Laikipia in the heart of Kenya’s wild Northern Frontier

regulars 8 editor’s letter

78 gadgets

39 fashion

88 personal finance

53 health & beauty

97 travel

59 interiors

109 food & drink

66 motoring

115 out & about

75 sport

121 property

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The Fusion between Ceramic, 18K Red Gold, Rubber and Alligator.

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contributors...

RUNWILD M

Editor-in-Chief Lesley Ellwood

Editorial Director Kate Harrison

Editor

Louisa Castle

1. Claire Adler is a London-based freelance journalist specialising in jewellery, watches and luxury brands. Her work has appeared in the Financial Times, The Sunday Times, The Guardian and Harrods magazine. 2. Jamie Carter is a freelance journalist

specialising in gadgets and technology. Jamie has written for the likes of T3, Home Cinema Choice and The Guardian as well as a number of websites.

3. David Kuo is one of the UK’s leading

commentators on money matters. He is a director at The Motley Fool as well as providing daily insight and financial news for BBC London’s Breakfast Show.

Deputy Editor Annabel Harrison

Editorial Assistants Oliver Balcazar Penelope M Walsh

Fashion Editor Lucie Dodds

Senior Designers Hiren Chandarana Laddawan Juhong

Designer Ashley Lewis

4. Sim Smith is a freelance journalist and stylist based in London. A frequent contributor to prestigious publications, Sim has worked with ELLE Decoration, The Telegraph and The Financial Times. 5. Matthew Carter is a London-based freelance journalist who’s been writing about cars for most of his working life. A former editor of Autocar magazine, he is a serial car owner. 6. Martin Bamford is one of the youngest and most successful financial planners in the UK. He runs his own firm of financial advisers – Informed Choice – and regularly contributes to various financial publications. 7. Carol Cordrey is an art critic and editor with popular columns in many magazines. Each year she organises sponsored art competitions offering attractive prize money and judged by distiguished artists. 8. Clare Murray is founder and managing partner of specialist law firm, CM Murray LLP. Clare and her colleagues advise a wide range of companies, professional firms and senior individuals on employment, partnership and business immigration law issues.

Production Fiona Fenwick Daniel Harris

Advertising Manager Ben Turpitt

Group Publishing Director Eren Ellwood

Project Manager Ella Kilgarriff

Managing Director Giles Ellwood

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

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

Monsieur Double-breasted jacket on request, white stripe shirt £185, blue tie, £85, blue stripe silk pocket square £50 rectangular black leather watch, £3,000 all Dunhill 0845 458 0779, www.dunhill.com See p. 42 Runwild Media Group Publishers of: Canary Wharf magazine The City magazine, Vicinitee VENUE – The official magazine of The O2

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

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from the editor...

January

radition dictates that every 365 days, you should try to kick bad habits and start your life anew. But then that all depends upon whether you are a traditionalist or not…

Our new deputy editor, Annabel Harrison, explores the reasons behind this tradition and questions if it is time to give resolutions a rest. After all we don’t need the dawn of a new year as an excuse to change old habits (p.13). Speaking of old habits, January is our investment issue. With comment from the experts in the areas of art, motoring, jewellery and, obviously from the world of finance, there’s plenty to aid your financial planning decisions for 2011. And even if you don’t agree with the alternatives on offer, it’s the perfect, indulgent way to start the year (p.17). If you’re looking for a charitable return on your investment then turn to page 44 and our pages dedicated to the Square Mile Salute. The culinary highlight of the year offers the finest dining, including a course cooked by the Royal Chef, and raises money for charity in an opulent auction where prizes include a luxurious trip to Richard Branson’s Necker Island or a trip to the most glamorous of all events, the Monaco Grand Prix. What’s more, bidding is open now… Make sure that you look the part with this month’s fashion shoot focusing on tailoring and timepieces for the modern gentleman (p.66).

For when the snow melts, Matthew Carter dismisses the thoughts of his contemporaries as he argues that the new baby Audi A1 is aptly named (p.48) and Lee Brooks interviews British rally hopeful Matthew Wilson who may well be able to give us some handy hints for sticking to the roads until then (p.56). For those wanting to escape to sunnier climes, we visit Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai with its fine-dining, private beach and Dolphin Bay for some ultimate relaxation (p.88). Alternatively, for those looking for sun and adventure, Annabel Goldie-Morrison goes on the safari trail in Kenya to experience ethical luxury (p.94). Traditionalist or not, we’ve plenty to entertain you over this holiday period as you put your feet up, reflect on the year that’s past and plan for the year ahead. I guess I’m somewhat of a traditionalist as this is my last issue at the helm of Canary Wharf magazine; new year, new you indeed. I am leaving you in very capable hands and thank you for all your support in making the magazine such a success to date. From all of the team here at Runwild, we wish you a very happy holiday time and a prosperous 2011.

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4 Jubilee Place, Canary Wharf, London E14 5NY Tel: 0207 538 2332 www.davidmrobinson.co.uk

ROYAL OAK OFFSHORE CHRONOGRAPH www.audemarspiguet.com

L’art de vivre A When Mireille Guiliano became a senior executive and spokesperson for Veuve Clicquot, she not only took champagne to the top of the luxury market, but also created an inspirational role model for women in business. Beverley Byrne speaks to her about creating her winning brand

s one of a handful of women to break through the glass ceiling that still dominates the world of wine and spirits, she is keen to share her knowledge by working with groups promoting business opportunities and education for women. But if you think this involves a shouty brand of gung-ho feminism, you’d be wrong. Mireille’s message combines business acumen with a personal philosophy involving style, food, clothes, wine and entertaining – in short, ‘l’art de vivre’. Since Mireille wrote her phenomenally successful French Women Don’t Get Fat, the ultimate non-diet book on how to enjoy food and stay slim, her life has changed direction. After the publication of her second book, French Women For All Seasons, she retired as CEO of Clicquot Inc to follow her new passion and become a full-time writer. To discuss how she turned her own life into a winning brand, I met her at the Capital Hotel in Kensington. “What would you like to drink?” she asks, as we settle down in the opulent lounge. A flute of Veuve Clicquot would be lovely, but as it’s far too early, we choose water, the properties of which Mireille praises as highly as the champagne she represents.

interview

She is, of course, effortlessly chic. From her strategically cut hair to the understated make-up and the shell-pink jacket created from gossamer silk, her style is strictly Parisienne. And although she has been in living in New York with her husband Edward, President of the New York Institute of Technology, ‘l’Americaine’ as she is known at home in France, still retains her French accent. She also possesses, dare I say it, a bubbly personality. Like champagne, she is brimming with a sparkling effervescence that generates a buoyant sense of joie de vivre. So when did she enjoy her first taste of champagne? “I was just six,” she recalls. “We were on a visit to my parents’ best friends, an architect and his wife who lived in Reims, the champagne capital of the world. He was a great gourmand and I remember him allowing myself and the other children our first ‘petite goutte’, tiny sip, of champagne. Although my mother and father had introduced us to wine mixed with a little water, I had never tasted champagne before. I remember being mesmerised by the ritual, the drama in the glass, the bubbles, the colour and the excitement. It was probably, looking back, a defining moment.” Mireille had grown up with gourmets. Her grandmother ran a restaurant in Lorraine and her mother was encouraged to help. “My father’s brother also had a restaurant where he specialised in serving game in winter and fish from the river during the summer. Everything was made from scratch, and I grew up in a world where food came seasonally from the best and purest sources.” All this changed when she travelled to America on an exchange programme initiated by her English teacher. “During that year I stayed with six different families, all of whom spoiled me by introducing me to an alternative and very extravagant way of life. Suddenly I was doing things I’d never done before, such as horse riding, skiing and even being flown to Nantucket on a private plane. I was also exposed to a different way of eating. It was lobster and champagne, brownies and ice cream. One family I stayed with enjoyed a glass of champagne prior to every meal and I thought this was great.” Although she loved the life, she did not enjoy the results. “When I returned to France, my father greeted me with the withering observation that I looked like ‘a sack of potatoes’. It was hurtful, but somehow even then I could not stop piling on the weight. I cried myself to sleep and couldn’t understand why none of my French friends were experiencing the same problem. “Then I met Dr Meyer, who I later described as Dr Miracle, and he saved me. Suggesting a common-sense programme of recasting my eating habits, I settled down to a sensible portion-controlled eating plan. Within a short period of time, my waistband became looser and I discovered I could eat and drink what I wanted, whilst maintaining my weight. Since then, this has never changed.” With her teenage weight problem under control, Mireille studied literature at the Sorbonne, as well as training to become an interpreter and translator. After graduation she worked as a translator based in Paris, although her work took her all over France. “I loved it. One day I’d be taking architects to see Corbusier’s buildings and the next I’d be accompanying a group of professors as they toured the

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university in Aix-en-Provence. It was incredibly varied and fascinating work.” By this time Mireille had met her husband on a bus in Istanbul. “We independently joined a group which was exploring the city and we just clicked. We sat together from morning to night talking about literature, music and falling in love. I’d just been offered a fabulous job as an interpreter at the Council of Europe, but I turned it down to be with him in New York. We married in l976 and initially I found work as a translator to the UN. Although it sounded glamorous, it couldn’t have been more tedious. I was translating technical data or some convoluted political jargon and, in the end, I had to leave.” As well as being a fluent linguist, the ability to communicate is one of Mireille’s most valuable talents, and she discovered these skills were entirely suited to a career in Public Relations. “One of my main accounts was, amongst others, the Champagne Bureau. One day when the Veuve Clicquot people came for some advice, I told them I had grown up drinking their champagne and was disappointed that it was difficult to find in the US. Although it had been around for 200 years or so, the brand had suffered after prohibition and never really recovered. I suggested a few ideas to improve their customer base, and eventually the Chairman offered me the job of heading up a subsidiary based in New York.” Her brief was to improve the status of Veuve Clicquot as an international brand. So what was her strategy? “During my five years working with the Champagne Bureau, I had developed a good relationship with the press, leading chefs, hotels, restaurants and stores. I enlisted their help in promoting Veuve Clicquot, and within five years the snowball effect was phenomenal.” When asked what advice she would offer to women trying to succeed in business, she responds, “Find and follow your passions, make yourself known for those talents and strengths that make you stand out from your competition, and don’t be afraid to take intelligent risks at moments of opportunity (ask yourself, ‘what’s the worst thing that can happen?’). And take time for yourself every day, even if it’s just a few minutes. It will help you recharge and make you a happier and more effective person.” Mireille has succeeded in being a highly successful business woman and a best-selling author – are there any ambitions she has yet to fulfil? “No. I’m not an ambitious person. I don’t play politics and I was promoted because I delivered. Now, I’m in what I call my ‘third act,’ I fill my days with writing, lecturing, cooking, travel, and spend more time with the people who are important to me. I’m also delighted that Hilary Swank’s production company has bought the film rights to French Women Don’t Get Fat. The plan is to make a romantic comedy, not about me personally, but rather about my French lifestyle message. My goal has always been to help people and if I can continue doing that via a film and with the books and articles I write, then I’m happy.” n Mireille’s books are available at all good bookshops: French Women Don’t Get Fat Cookbook, Simon & Schuster, £16.99; Women, Work & the Art of Savoir Faire – Business Sense & Sensibility, Simon & Shuster, £12.99; and French Women Don’t Get Fat – The Secret of Eating for Pleasure, Chatto and Windus, £7.99

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current affairs

feature

new start

on Old Habits

As the New Year rolls around again with characteristic haste, custom dictates that we make and, more often than not, break resolutions. Annabel Harrison explores the reasons behind this tradition and asks if it’s time to give resolutions a rest

ot on the heels of a joyful, light-hearted ‘Happy New Year!’ is ‘What’s your New Year’s resolution?’, a question laden with unspoken subtext. What do you need to quit? What are you unhappy about? What do you keep meaning to change? How often this question is asked indicates how much of the norm it is to begin a new calendar year with promises to oneself and to others that you will give up bad habits and put in place better ones, which will supposedly reinvigorate all areas of your life. Why do we make resolutions when a new year begins? A secular tradition, this has parallels in religion, as many traditions revolving around annual holidays do: regardless of faith, the concept is to reflect on self-improvement, also explored during the Christian fasting period of Lent. During Judaism’s New Year, Rosh Hashanah, through the High Holidays and culminating in Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement), the aim is similar: to reflect upon one’s wrongdoings over the past year and both seek and offer forgiveness.

feature current affairs

The outcome is clear: success leads not only to reformation, but also to results that reap tangible personal benefits. Exercise more, eat better and drink less: improve your health. Pay off debts, save money and don’t spend more than you earn: improve your finances. Learn new skills, ask for a raise or apply for a better job: improve your career. Be more organised, manage time better and take time to relax: improve yourself. The list goes on. However, despite this optimistic crescendo of the advantages of changes, which sound so easy in theory, there’s a catch: none of these benefits come about unless we personally put the changes into practice. This is where enthusiasm segues seamlessly into effort. The question then becomes: why haven’t these changes happened already? Many believe the new year will galvanise them into action, in the same way we all promise ourselves, ‘I’ll sleep more and eat better when this huge pitch is done at work’ or ‘I don’t have time for exercise now – I will once I’ve moved house’. More often than not, habits continue uninterrupted, leading psychologists to agree that making resolutions is, for most people, a pointless exercise: we usually break them, becoming dispirited in the process and more despondent than we were previously. Just think of last year and how many people spoke of their resolutions past the end of January. It is not encouraging that this annual cycle has an overwhelmingly low success rate. Fewer than a quarter of those asked for a university study managed to stick to their good intentions. Richard Wiseman, a psychologist at the University of Hertfordshire, asked 700 people about their strategies for achieving resolutions. Of the 78 per cent who failed, many had focused on the downside of not achieving their goals, terminating any change before it had even begun. However, those who kept their resolutions tended to have divided their goal into smaller steps and rewarded themselves for achieving each one. Thus there are, in these cases, benefits of resolutions, as long as they are broken down into measurable, achievable steps and are accompanied with a positive approach, rather than continual self-admonishment. Resolutions should be made in areas of your life where you are ready to make an effort: change your language and refer to your chosen aim as, for example, improving your health rather than giving up junk food. By setting more realistic goals and not limiting yourself to a once-a-year, all-out assault on a mountain of debt, those extra pounds or a nicotine addiction, the finish line may not be so far away. If you still have good intentions of keeping your New Year’s resolutions, consider the following lines Samuel Clemens wrote for the Virginia City Enterprise in 1863: “Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions,” wrote Clemens, under the pen name Mark Twain. “Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual.” n

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how best to

i nv e s t

the

Drive for Money

investing in... CARS

Making money out of cars can be done but it’s not nearly as easy as it looks. Matthew Carter investigates ack in 1963, a Ferrari 250 GTO left the factory – painted in Rossa Cina, naturally – and then spent the next few years being thrashed around the race circuits of the world. The car cost a little more than £5,000, and while that wouldn’t buy any new car today, it was a small fortune back then. But Ferrari chassis number 4675 GT was a hugely successful car which, in the right hands, won numerous races and invariably finished in the top three in its class, time after time. As with all race cars, it eventually became yesterday’s machine, outpaced by newer machinery and superfluous to requirements. Not exactly worthless, but… If only I had a time machine. That self-same GTO was sold in May 2010 by RM Auctions through private treaty for a figure experts reckon was around £12 million. As the sale was private, no one at RM is saying what it actually went for, but they’re happy with the estimates. By any standards, that’s not a bad return on investment, even if it took damn near 50 years to achieve. Thing is, I don’t have a time machine so the money-making trick now is to identify the modern-day equivalent of the GTO, store it away ready to cash it in for serious dosh in a few years’ time. And that is easier said than done. The trouble with new cars is that they all lose money the moment they are driven out of the showroom. Buy a new Ferrari 458 Italia today for £170k and tomorrow it’ll be worth notably less. As an investment, therefore, that doesn’t make sense, though you are guaranteed to have a great deal more fun in the car than you are watching your cash fester in a savings account. In five or six years time, though, that self-same 458 Italia will be worth perhaps £50k. And provided it’s been looked after and doesn’t have a stellar mileage on the clock, then it might make (a little) more sense as an investment. Just don’t expect to make huge amounts of money. The reason? They are just too common. The thing about the GTO is not just its stunning beauty, nor its racetrack provenance, nor the heritage of the Ferrari brand – though all are important aspects of its make-up. No, the really significant thing about the car is that it was one of just 36 GTOs ever built, and one of very few with Series II bodywork. Rarity, that’s the key. Bringing the story up to date, London Ferrari dealer H R Owen has a six-year-old Enzo with just 6,000 miles on the clock for sale at £850,000 – not bad, considering it was nearer to £300,000 when new. It wasn’t as rare as the GTO – Ferrari made a total of 400 – but getting hold of one was always difficult. Each one was offered to existing owners, especially those who had previously bought the equally exotic F40 or F50 models. Unsurprisingly, they were snapped up. The moral of the story? If you want to own the next Enzo from launch, become a serial Ferrari owner now. And keep your fingers crossed that you become one of the chosen ones. What about the UK’s answer to Ferrari? One of the rarest Aston Martins of recent times is the One-77. Just 77 examples of this 7.3-litre V12-powered carbon fibre supercar will be built, each with a price tag of more than £1.2 million. Is it an investment? Only time will tell, but that’s a heck of a starting price to overcome. Mind you, we said that about the McLaren F1 a few years ago when we whistled at the £600,000 price sticker. But McLaren’s first true road car has turned into a gilt-edged investment. RM sold one at auction last year for £2 million, though admittedly it was an extremely low mileage car that had spent most of its life in McLaren’s Park Lane showroom. But higher mileage examples aren’t far behind that figure. So, does that mean we should all rush out and buy the forthcoming McLaren MP4-12C? Sadly, not. At a mere £168,500, the MP4 will be much more common, relatively speaking, than the F1 and therefore, initially at least, values will fall rather than rise. Once again, the sensible thing would be to wait five years or more, pick one up relatively cheaply and then hope values stop tumbling and harden. But if they don’t, why worry? You will have picked up a highly desirable car, and someone else will have taken the initial depreciation hit. Can’t wait five years? Choose a used supercar from one of the enduring marques – Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche, for example – and go for something comparatively rare: a 911 Speedster is always going to be worth more than a 911 convertible. And make sure you use it. Even if it doesn’t make money, it’ll have been a great ride. n

investing in...

ART

Dr David Kuo looks at the potential returns of investing in something you can enjoy every day; art

ome investors who have been disillusioned with the disappointing returns from the stock market have turned to art... and who can blame them. At least with a painting you can touch it, you can see it and you can even enjoy it every day. As a result of the interest in art, some pundits reckon that it should be treated as an asset class in the same way that shares, bonds, property and cash are. But if we allow art to be treated as an asset class, then where do we draw the line? Should fine wine, vintage cars, stamps and collectable teddy bears be asset classes too? However, just because something is not an asset class doesn’t mean it cannot be a good investment. For instance, some private banks provide their well-heeled clients with portfolio valuations and market research in the area of art investing. What’s more, some institutions may even lend against a work of art so the owner can splash out and buy even more art. Mind you, investing in art is not something new – it has been around for years. Railpen, the investment management firm that runs the Railway Pension Fund, invested in art as far back as 1970 when inflation was rampant. It reportedly saw returns that beat inflation by some 4 per cent. Interestingly, when Railpen invested in art, it bought a varied collection that spanned Chinese porcelain to African tribal paintings. It was quite an eclectic mix. However, the bulk of the fund’s returns came from just 25 impressionist paintings. So, clearly, the art market can be quite a difficult and complex one to understand. The complexity of the art market has led some experts to suggest that it is not really a single market, but many markets cobbled together. For example, each well-known artist can be a market in his or her own right. Additionally, particular schools of artists and styles can be grouped into separate markets too. Consequently, simply saying that art has done well or badly can be a little misleading, because it is important to be clear about the type of art we are referring to. Some art experts have tried to take subjectivity out

of investing in art by constructing indices to track the performance. They include the Mei/Moses All Art Index and the Zurich/AMR Art & Antiques Index. These indices can be useful for investors to compare the long-term performance of art against other investment benchmarks. They show that over the last 50 years, the returns from art compare quite favourably with the stock market. However, art has done less well over the last 25 years. The indices also reveal that art can be a poor hedge against inflation over short periods. So it is reckoned that to do well, art needs to be held for at least 35 years. This is largely because art prices can be volatile. If you think about it, the price that someone is willing to pay for a piece of art is driven more by sentiment than the state of the economy. Some might say that is a good thing. After all, Picasso’s Nude, Green Leaves and Bust would never have fetched a record price of £70m at auction if it relied on the health of global economies. Despite the objectivity introduced by art indices, it should be remembered that art has oodles of aesthetic value, but virtually no intrinsic value. In other words, you don’t get any dividends or earn any interest from a piece of art. In fact, holding costs such as storage and insurance will dent your returns. It is also worth bearing in mind that the value of a piece of art is governed almost entirely by what is considered to be hot at the moment. Furthermore, there is very little transparency, as art investments are understood by a handful of experts and professionals. An art expert once gave me a useful tip about investing in art. His advice was to buy only what you like, because you will have to look at it every day. So personally, I’m quite happy to leave my meagre collection of watercolours where it belongs – on my walls. Furthermore, since it is not possible to invest in an art index, I’m quite happy to stick with investing in stock market indices instead, which should deliver a much better return over the long run. n For further information, visit www.Fool.co.uk

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investing in...

j e w e l l e ry Is a jewellery collection an investment worth making? While many jewellers are loathed to hear their work compared to commodities, Claire Adler seeks advice from the best of London’s experts

Right: Amethyst ring with 18-carat rose gold mount, pave set with violet sapphires and diamonds. £2,900. Below: Red Garnet ring with 18-carat white gold mount, pave set with diamonds. £3,170.

he question of whether jewellery might be a viable long-term alternative investment to stocks, shares and property – or stuffing cash under the mattress – generally puts jewellers in a difficult position. Joanna Hardy, jewellery expert and founder of the Jewellery School of Excellence, comments; “I don’t like the term investing because so many people see jewellery as a commodity. Jewellery that’s truly wellcrafted and designed is surprisingly rare, whether antique or contemporary.” They hardly wish to compare their world-class craftsmanship and, in many cases, undeniable works of art, to commodities on a stock market. What’s more, neither jewellers nor auctioneers long to be in the risky business of prophecy: so they prefer focusing on the pleasure of adornment. “I always advise buying jewellery to the highest quality your budget allows, but you should buy it because you love it,” says William Asprey, owner of Mayfair’s luxury emporium, William & Son. Chelsea jeweller Kiki McDonough asks, quite rightly, “What’s the point of a 10-carat diamond that’s never worn while it sits in a safe for a decade? A good investment in jewellery is if your wife wears the piece every day for four years. I advise investing in the recipient of the jewellery.”

investing in...

j e w e l l e ry “When investing in fine jewellery one thing to really think about is your regularity of wear,” agrees Bec Astley Clarke, founder and managing director of AstleyClarke.com, pointing to a very tempting encrusted Takara ball necklace priced at £60,000, recently exhibited at Joseph’s Chelsea branch. “Jewellery is rarely sold as an investment; rather, it is sold as an object of beauty. Nevertheless, class prevails – beautifully designed pieces from top houses have appreciated, thanks to the quality of materials and design and brand,” says Michael Wainwright, managing director of Boodles. “Large diamonds have been subject to ups and downs but the overriding curve is well up, affected by both the diamond price and the dollar exchange rate.” In reality, in times of instability and recession, jewellery, gold and diamonds have traditionally been viewed as safe havens. Jewels are arguably the most portable form of wealth that exist, encapsulating the greatest value in the smallest space. Again and again, they have been used as a last resort to protect wealth and, in some cases, to save lives. “A Rembrandt may be worth 100 or 1,000 times the value of a jewel, but you can’t carry it out of the country in times of crisis. And you can’t lug a Henry Moore bronze statue that easily across a border either,” quips Geoffrey Munn, managing director of antique jewellers, Wartski. Auction house records, even during recessions, prove that over time rare and exceptional jewellery has sometimes been a source of brilliant profits. In 2003, a carved Mughal emerald brooch, owned by Clive of India, the British soldier credited with securing India for the British, soared past its pre-sale estimate of $1.1 million to fetch a record-breaking $1.9 million. And this November, billionaire jeweller Laurence Graff broke his own world record, forking out £29 million at Sotheby’s for a rectangular 24.78-carat pink diamond and naming it the Graff Pink. Jewellery expert Joanna Hardy’s top tips include buying the best jewellery you can afford, ensuring diamonds over one carat and coloured stones of significant size are accompanied by a certificate from a recognised laboratory, and that precious metals are hallmarked. Approximately about 90 per cent of today’s sapphires and rubies are heated to make them a better colour, but stones of a significant size and price tag should be unheated. Looking at the back of the jewel to check the workmanship and feeling the weight and the smoothness of the finish are also crucial to ascertaining quality. “Does the piece remind you of any other pieces? If so, it may not be very original,” warns Hardy, who advises acquiring drawings and a box, especially for antique pieces where this confirms the identity of the maker. Pieces signed by makers or retailers are also sought after. But when all is said and done, there is perhaps nothing as rewarding as buying a jewel for the pure and simple reason that you have to have it. “If it transforms and hypnotises you, if it makes you gasp in amazement, then you know you love it,” says Geoffrey Munn of antique jewellers, Wartski. “But buying jewellery purely as an investment is like trying to marry a rich girl. If you do it for the wrong reasons, you’ll be punished. You have to love the creature. If it doesn’t make your heart flutter or your pulse race, don’t do it.” n

Jewellery that’s truly well-crafted and designed is surprisingly rare, whether antique or contemporary.

Above: Takara multi ball necklace Below: Boodles Vintage From £3,250

www.brm-manufacture.com For stockist enquiries please telephone +44 (0)778 011 4987 J U r a LT D 0 8 0 0 0 1 1 2 7 0 4 - T H E WaT C H G a L L E rY 0 2 0 7 5 8 1 3 2 3 9 - F rO S T O F L O n D O n 0 2 0 3 3 7 2 0 1 0 8

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investing in...

WINE

Pieter Rosenthal of Love That Wine, offers his expertise in building a wine cellar, whether for return on investment or simply for the pleasure of drinking an exceptional bottle

ere are some ancient words of wisdom: “Want to make a small fortune in wine? Start with a large one.” Recent years have seen superlative upon superlative heaped on successive vintages of Bordeaux, still the prime region for wine investment, and with emerging markets in Asia, China in particular, it has pushed up prices to extraordinary heights. The châteaux, merchants and those who bought early are making some healthy returns. Bordeaux works according to a system called en primeur, a bit like buying futures. You pay the money up front, but the wine may not actually be delivered until many years later. Recent years have seen the ‘blue chip’ wines rise in value, outstripping more traditional ways of investment, but that is not the case for all wines offered as en primeur. Many in the lower ranks make little or no gain, so knowing which wines stand a chance of increasing in value is key. If you are considering buying wine as an investment, remember that there is never a guarantee of profit. As with any investment, values rise and fall but wine does seem a more robust one. One of the main advantages is that over time, wine of older vintages will automatically become scarcer, so for the long term it would seem relatively safe, particularly for the best châteaux in the best vintages. First, determine why you want to invest. If your aim is to build up an interesting cellar, giving you great wines for the long term, buy wines you will enjoy. If the investment doesn’t quite work out financially, at least you will have some nice bottles

to open and drink. If you aim to make money, the picture is more complicated. Either way, get advice from experts and talk to a reputable merchant. If you’re going to give someone your money, you want to make sure it is safe. Traditional wine merchants, such as Berry Brothers & Rudd and Corney & Barrow, among others, will tailor an investment package for you, depending on your budget and your ultimate aims. You can invest a lump sum or make a monthly payment, which will be used to buy wines for your personal portfolio. They can also take care of storage and subsequent resale for you. Over the past few weeks a number of stories have broken of companies cold calling, offering guaranteed returns on investment, sometimes even masquerading as a different company. None of the traditional merchants would cold call like that, and you should exercise extreme care when dealing with unknown companies with no obvious track record. Finally, the value of a wine is very much determined by its provenance. Where you bought the wine and how it was stored is important. Merchants will offer the option to store wine with them in air-conditioned cellars, giving the wine perfect provenance, which is crucial if you’re thinking of reselling. Budget for the fact that you will have to pay for storage (roughly about £10–15 per case per year). And just think, if you’re considering buying on eBay or at auction; the chance of a 30–year-old wine stored in perfect condition still being drinkable is much greater than a wine stored in someone’s garage. Caveat Emptor. n

SHOPPING THE smarter SMARTPHONE Established as the leading manufacturer of luxury mobile phones, Vertu’s tailored services combine the finest in style, design, and engineering. The company has been a pioneer of delivering relevant, tailored information and services direct to mobile handsets and is renowned for its ability to respond to a customer’s needs 24 hours a day, where ever they are in the world. 2010 saw Vertu unveil its first smartphone, Constellation Quest. Created to complement and enhance a discerning lifestyle, this unique qwerty device couples an unparalleled luxury service with the latest in business technology. Showcasing Vertu’s exceptional attention to detail, each Constellation Quest is assembled at the company’s industry-leading headquarters in England using innovative manufacturing techniques, and can be viewed at exclusive stockist David M Robinson in Jubilee Place, Canary Wharf. David M Robinson Jubilee Place Canary Wharf 020 7538 2332

Back To Freedom It is incredible to think that 80 per cent of us will be affected by back pain at some point in our lives, especially as most us spend much of the working day crouched over a keyboard. Freedom Back Clinics, a new concept in the treatment of back pain and sports injuries, is sure to prove very popular when it opens its doors in Canary Wharf later this month. The new 1,100 sq ft state-of-the-art clinic will have four high-tech consulting and treatment rooms and a fast track treatment area designed especially for busy office workers. There will be seven specialist practitioners covering chiropractic, osteopathy, sports massage, therapeutic massage, acupuncture, and podiatry. The new clinic is only the second of a planned 40 nationally branded clinics, designed to make back treatment more accessible and convenient for sufferers by being centrally located and offering more flexible opening times.

The North Colonnade Canary Wharf Call freephone 08080 555 999 for more information

Free ment assess and sis diagno during y Januar

Jason Patel of Freedom Back Clinics

PANDORA’S JEWELLERY BOX Every single day throughout the year, more than 350 kilograms of pure silver and gold go into producing Pandora jewellery. To mark the launch of the Danish jewellery brand’s new Canary Wharf store, the company will unveil a dramatic window display filled with gold jewellery boxes. On Friday 28th January for one day only from 9am-8pm, the Pandora store will be adorned inside and out with beautiful gold jewellery boxes. An exclusive opportunity will also see all customers who make a purchase in the Canary Wharf store receive a Pandora gift from £10,000 worth of jewellery. Prizes include a LovePods ring, Liquid Silver earrings and selected charms and bracelets. PANDORA Cabot Place Canary Wharf 020 7987 9801

Gold Bracelet, from £1,000. Individual Charms, from £175

Lovepod Rings, from £251

Sparkle on the Slopes 4

Be the chicest après-ski bunny this winter in designer clothing from Canary Wharf

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1 Chunky Military Cardigan, £135, Karen Millen, Jubilee Place 2 Grey Bailey Triplet Ugg, £200, Kate Kuba, Cabot Place 3 Ponte Legging, £25, Oasis, Jubilee Place 4 Grey FairisleJumper, £145, Oasis, Jubilee Place 5 Ugg Leather Gloves, £90, Kate Kuba, Cabot Place 6 Tiffany&Co Sunglasses, £194, David Clulow Opticians, Cabot Place & Jubilee Place 7 Tuff Boot, £110, Dune, Cabot Place 8 Fur Headband, £37, Sweaty Betty, Cabot Place

SHOPPING 4

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Take a trip to Canary Wharf to ensure you hit the slopes in style this season

Escape the Elements

1 Snug Ski Pant, £190, Sweaty Betty, Cabot Place 2 North Face Massif Down Jacket, £149, Waitrose Food & Home, Canada Place 3 Prada Sunglasses, £180, David Clulow, Cabot Place & Jubilee Place 4 McKenzie Trinity Peruvian Hat, £14.99, JD Sports, Canada Place 5 Insulation Jacket, £250, Sweaty Betty, Cabot Place 6 North Face Montana Womens Ski Gloves, £49, Waitrose Food & Home, Canada Place 7 Cable Ear Muffs, £12.99, Tie Rack, Canada Place 8 North Face Men’s Backpack, £79, Waitrose Food & Home, Canada Place

NEWS Canary Wharf Contractors win Gold at Green Awards Canary Wharf Contractors Limited (CWCL), part of Canary Wharf Group plc, was recently awarded a prestigious Gold Green Apple Award for Environmental Best Practice on the Canary Wharf Crossrail Station construction project. Cliff Bryant, Executive Director at CWCL, said: “It is a great achievement for CWCL. We have proved that that economic construction and protecting the environment do not need to be mutually exclusive aims.” CWCL is designing and constructing the Station on behalf of Crossrail. Construction was started by the Mayor of London and Secretary of State for Transport in May 2009, with trains due to run from 2018. Proposed roof-top garden above the Canary Wharf Crossrail Station

J.P. Morgan in Canary Wharf Move J.P. Morgan, one of the world’s most prestigious financial institutions, is to move its European headquarters to Canary Wharf in 2012. The company acquired 25 Bank Street from Canary Wharf Group for £495m, and will move around 8,000 of its Investment Banking staff into the building, pushing Canary Wharf’s working population above 100,000 for the first time. Work will also restart on the Riverside South project at Canary Wharf, with Canary Wharf Group completing works on the site up to street level on behalf of J.P. Morgan. George Iacobescu, Chief Executive of CWG, said: “This is very good news for London and for Canary Wharf. This decision secures London as the European headquarters for J.P. Morgan and it is a huge boost for the UK as the economic recovery starts.”

Menorah lights up Canary Wharf

25 Bank Street - J.P. Morgan’s new European headquarters

There was a special illumination in Canary Wharf recently: a menorah was installed in Jubilee Park to commemorate the Jewish festival of Chanukah, also known as the festival of lights, which runs from the evening of 1 December to 9 December. Eight candles were lit on the Menorah. one for each of the eight nights of the festival. Danny Seliger, from Canary Wharf Group plc, said: “The menorah symbolically creates a sense of optimism, and this is important, not least because the past couple of years have been difficult for many people.”

art window galleries The Art, Design & Lightbox galleries in Canada Place are showcases for up-and-coming artists, designers and craftspeople.

Sadie Rowlands 6 - 28 January

Sadie’s work explores texture in ceramics: this series of tactile vessels of various sizes are made from porcelain using oxides with coloured glazes.

www.sadierowlands.carbonmade.com

Lulu Parent 6 - 28 January

COMMUNITY GALLERY Lulu works in various media, creating an atmosphere through themes of childhood, colour and repetition. Her work illustrates a quirky playfulness as she reveals glimpses of the world she sees.

www.luluparent.co.uk

Bálint Balygo 6 January – 25 February

Bálint works across sculpture and design, combining artistic imagination, invention, science, mechanics and engineering. Practical solutions to physical, structural and nature’s challenges are the very elements that give an idiosyncratic aesthetic to his innovative works.

www.balintbalygo.com

In Jubilee Walk, the link from Canada Place Mall to the Jubilee Line Station (next to Krispy Kreme). Devoted to exhibiting work from arts projects in the neighbouring area.

Greenhill Centre

6 January – 22 February The Greenhill Centre in Newham provides a range of services for people with physical and sensory impairments. The two quilts on show were created over a period of a year and draw attention to the communities who live in the East End. Collage, embroidery and photography were used to create the richly detailed quilts.

Malcolm Ross-White:

Yellow Door Yellow Storm

Malcolm Ross-White presents works from his Chinese studio, created over seven years working periodically at the Pottery Workshop Experimental Factory in Jingdezhen. These painted & collaged ceramic plates include recent large-scale pieces made especially for this exhibition, which traces Ross-White’s experience of China with humour and romance. His work shows his abiding interest in working across cultures, with themes developed from everyday life in China and from stories and myths.

Lobby, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf 17 January – 11 March FREE Tuesday 8 February, 1.15pm FREE Malcolm Ross-White in conversation with curator Ann Elliott To reserve a place, please call 020 7418 2257

events Canary Wharf Ice Rink Slides into the New Year in Style Canary Wharf Ice Rink, sponsored by Thomson Reuters, offers some of the best outdoor skating facilities in London, set in a beautiful location beneath the iconic towers. It has drawn large crowds over the Festive season and it remains open until 20 February allowing skaters to exercise off some Christmas excess, have a day out with the children or perhaps impress a date with a meal at one of the superb bars and restaurants overlooking Canada Square Park.

Canada Square Park Until 20 February Monday to Saturday 9.45am-11pm Sunday 9.45am-7.30pm (The last skate session begins one hour prior to closing time) Buy tickets online at www.ticketmaster.co.uk or call or 0844 847 1556

Canary Wharf Quiz Night

Canary Wharf Comedy Club Line up* Charlie Baker, Andrew Lawrence, Nick Helm & Adam Bloom

Following the runaway success of the Quiz Nights in 2010, Canary Wharf Arts & Events continues the search for the Wharf’s top trivia team. The cost of entry is £15 per team, with a maximum of six team members, and all proceeds will be donated to Mudchute Park & Farm.

Look no further than Canary Wharf for top notch comedians. The multitalented comedian and jazz musician Charlie Baker kicks off with his unique brand of stand up, complementing Andrew Lawrence’s articulate and hilarious ranting. Add to that Nick Helm’s energetic poetry and chutzpah and one of Britain’s most inventive and well loved comedians Adam Bloom and you have the perfect comedy night out.

7.15pm (Doors 6.30pm) East Wintergarden Tickets £15 In advance: visit www.ticketweb.co.uk or call 0844 847 2268 (Booking fee applies) In person: On the door, subject to availability

Teams must register in advance, via email, to arts&events@canarywharf.com Nick Helm

* Line up correct at time of publication Full bar and food available. Only items purchased on the premises may be consumed.

The quiz night on January is fully booked so register now for the next quiz on Monday 14 February. A full bar and mid-quiz snacks are available from doors opening.

Charlie Baker

Adam Bloom

Monday 14 February 2011 Quiz starts 6.30pm (Doors open 6pm) East Wintergarden, Bank Street

Glistening return for London Ice Sculpting Festival The London Ice Sculpting Festival returns to Canary Wharf from 13–15 January. Over three days Canary Wharf will become the focus of the UK’s unique international ice sculpting competition. Teams of acclaimed sculptors from around the globe will carve dramatic, largescale works of art against the clock in Canada Square Park. The winning sculpture will be declared by a panel of judges on Saturday 15 January by 4pm. Why not have a go yourself and tackle a small block of ice by signing up for a supervised Masterclass*. Booking is first come, first served; simply sign up when you arrive.

Canada Square Park Thursday 13 January 3.30-5.30pm Friday 14 January 9am – 7pm Saturday 15 8am-4pm FREE Masterclasses Jubilee Place & Canada Square Park Friday 14 January 11am - 5pm Saturday 15 January 11am – 5pm Live Carving Demonstration Canada Place Friday 14 January 11am – 5pm Saturday 15 January 11am – 5pm * Children must be 12+ and accompanied by an adult. Workshops take place on the hour, 20 minutes and 40 minutes past. The last masterclass begins at 4.40pm.

After Hours with... Athlete Athlete has been established among the UK’s finest songsmiths, well known for hits like the unforgettable Wires. The south east Londoners have sold more than a million copies of their three hit albums, packed out venues across the land, won an Ivor Novello award and consistently topped both the UK’s album and airplay charts. For this special, stripped back concert, Athlete will perform tracks from their latest album Black Swan plus a selection from their back catalogue.

Wednesday 2 March 7.45pm (Doors 7pm) Support: TBA East Wintergarden Tickets £20* – Book early to avoid disappointment In advance: Visit ticketweb.co.uk or call 0844 847 2268 (Booking fee applies) In person: On the door, subject to availability Unreserved cabaret-style seating. Full pay bar available from doors opening. * Maximum 4 tickets per person

12 The Courtyard, Royal Exchange, EC3V 3LR TEL: +44 (0) 20 3405 1437 EMAIL: bachet-jewellery@bachet.co.uk www.bachet-joaillier.com

fashion health & beauty interiors

monsieur new you ............................................. neutral tones

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SILVER SOCIETY

T Perrier Jouët has worked with Christofle since 1935, and thanks to their latest efforts we can celebrate the New Year in memorable style

his is the season to be celebrating, and you couldn’t do better than mark the end of the first decade of the 21st century, with this stunning limited edition offering from PerrierJouët. This year, exclusive silversmith Christofle has created an exquisite silver-plated filigree vase to encase a magnum of the signature anemone bottle, Perrier-Jouët’s prestige cuvee, the Belle Epoque 1998. Limited to an edition of 150 pieces, only five of which are available in the UK, each one is hand-worked and a beautiful, contemporary

interpretation of Galle’s original floral creation, showing off the elegance and craftsmanship of Christofle’s silversmiths. Ideal weather conditions in 1998 produced a truly fantastic vintage, giving a high level of maturity and a lot of freshness. Rated as one of the finest vintages of the last millennium, the wine is full bodied, but soft, with floral accents and notes of white, citrus and exotic fruits. n The Christofle vase and Belle Epoque 1998 magnum are being sold exclusively from Harrods for £2,400.

fashion

concierge

A YEAR IN FASHION The dates that will have the biggest influence on what we will be wearing in 2011 and beyond;

fashion

news

18–23 February

LONDON FASHION WEEK (AUTUMN WINTER)

Barely before 2011 has even begun, the fashion world will already be looking ahead to what we will be wearing in Autumn Winter 2011/12. 27 February

OSCAR’S NIGHT

Even before the ceremony is over, the needles will be out to copy the best designs from the infamous red carpet. 29 April

THE ROYAL WEDDING

Bets are already on as to what (and more importantly who) the bride will be wearing. 10–15 May

BARCELONA BRIDAL WEEK

The Paris of bridal fashion, Barcelona sets the pace for the most fashionable of white weddings. 16 June

A NEW WARDROBE SEWN UP For some 20 years Designer Alterations has been breathing new life into tired wardrobes and cherished pieces you just can’t bear to part with. Of the many services on offer, clients can choose to come to the Designer Alteration’s offices to have a consultation with expert and experienced seamstresses, who can do anything such as re-lining Grandma’s old furs (even keeping original embroidered monograms intact), to taking anything up, down, in or out and basic mending. Recently launched is the Cashmere Rehab service. Helping you preserve your cashmere pieces, the process involves invisible mending, de-piling and a special washing process that will remove any potential for moth damage when

LADIES DAY AT ROYAL ASCOT they are put away in anticipation of Spring. Those short on time can also call the Seamstress Squad to their home, where they will undertake all those pressing tasks for which you can never find time, such as sewing on buttons or stitching up hems. Perfect for the New Year and a fresh start, Designer Alterations also offers a Wardrobe Detox service, where they will come to your home and help you go through your wardrobe item by item, taking care of anything that needs mending, altering, cleaning or putting away in preparation for the new season. Designer Alterations 020 7498 4360 www.designeralterations.com

Website:

TREND:

Contrary to the superstitious adage, it seems good things come in threes, specifically stylish shoes. The Berluti Pierre Triptych is a collection of three new shoes in sleek leather and suede that are a smart twist on the usual workwear wardrobe for dapper city gents.

Route Runway is a new website offering fashion forward pieces from around the world at fairly affordable prices. Included in the online collection are great pieces ranging from clothing, accessories and jewellery from a range of labels. Watch out for the cute, wrap-around watches from La Mer and the edgy LA label Funktional (exclusive in the UK to Route Runway), which counts Rihanna amongst its large celebrity following.

Ladylike bags

www.runwayroute.com

17–22 September

LONDON FASHION WEEK (SPRING SUMMER)

And back to Somerset House for the final word in next year’s Spring Summer fashions.

Quote of the month:

I don’t do fashion, I am fashion. Coco Chanel

MUST-HAVE ITEM:

www.berluti.com

Paraded in hats and heels will be a fashion spotters dream.

Aside from Johnny Depp, the hottest thing to have on your arm this season is one of the terribly ladylike handbags in luscious leather and sleek, boxy shapes paraded proudly on the catwalks of Louis Vuitton, Marni and Marc Jacobs. This cute Besace Retro Sante Fe handbag from Gerard Darel shows off a nostalgic sense of discreet and ladylike chic that is utterly charming, with the unusual edge of this modern colour combination. www.gerarddarel.com

“I design for strong woman who have a passion for beautiful things,” says Sarah Ho. “My jewellery is for the young... or young at heart!”

he very essence of contemporary jewellery design, Sarah Ho has been designing modern jewellery for four years within her own luxury brand, SHO. She produces unique, edgy collections that offer young women (or young at heart, as she’s quick to point out) a fashionably fresh take on jewellery design for the ‘girl about town’. A qualified goldsmith and gemmologist, Sarah first started work in the fashion industry. “Although I used to work in fashion, I always had a love and passion for gemstones, which then led me to become a gemmologist and goldsmith,” she explains. “But I do still find it very important to design my jewellery with an influence of fashion trends, yet maintaining a classic element.” A pioneer for modern British jewellery design in the 21st century, Sarah describes her collections as classic with a contemporary twist. “What makes British designers stand out is the way that there are no boundaries. [We] are not afraid to experiment and are great at coming up with fresh ideas, which makes us unique and exciting,” she says. Influenced also by the timeless design of the French jewellery houses such as Cartier and Van Cleef, Sarah strives to create iconic collections with an essence of timelessness. Combining classic design with a touch of British on-trend style, Sarah “feels inspired to be surrounded by the Brits’ melting pot of talent and diverse culture.”

fresh metal

Josephine O’Donoghue talks to Sarah Ho about her cutting-edge jewellery designs and cultural inspiration

rocks

interview

Of course, there’s more to SHO jewellery than “classic design with a modern twist”. Sarah’s passion for gemstones, together with inspiration from her strong family heritage, has led her to design truly innovative and avant-garde collections. “My inspirations come from everything around me; fashion trends, something that passes me in the street, architecture and, most importantly, my family,” reveals Sarah. “One of my favourite eras is the 1920s; the Art Deco movement has influenced all my collections to date – alongside the traditions of the orient, which stems from my childhood upbringing in Asia. I always try and keep a strong connection with my heritage – all my collections have a fusion of ‘east and west’, which represents my journey in life.” In fact, many of Sarah’s collections are influenced by her childhood. Born in Hong Kong, her parentage ensured her childhood was spent mingling with Hong Kong’s élite – both Sarah’s father and grandfather were highly respected businessmen, with her grandfather Stanley Ho nicknamed ‘The King of Gambling’, due to his chain of illustrious casinos. This later inspired her Casino Collection, which incorporates dainty playing card pendants, quirky details and super luxurious materials. Sarah’s mother Suki was also famous, having enjoying an elevated status as a fashion icon in the 1960s, modelling for various high-profile publications and starring as one of the original Bond Girls in the 1967 version of Casino. “My mother Suki is my biggest inspiration and also my muse – she was a famous icon in the 60s, she dated Brian Jones and she was a Bond Girl. “I wear a lot of my mother’s jewellery and I think her sense of

intricate taste for non-commercial pieces has had a big effect on me,” says Sarah. “My mother had incredible style in jewellery. All her pieces were big and bold, almost costume-like but crafted in 18k gold and precious gemstones.” So, more than just modern influences, it was as a direct result of her upbringing that Sarah began making jewellery that looks back to an evocative and glamorous era, whilst also finding a place in contemporary style. Family tradition and heritage is deeply intertwined in SHO, with family jewels strongly influencing the entire range. “I was very lucky to have the opportunity to be exposed to very high-end and luxurious pieces of jewellery from a young age, which really influenced me in my designs,” adds Sarah.

What makes British designers stand out is that there are no boundaries “My grandmother had the most beautiful jewels; ever since I was a little girl I was always memorised by the stunning beauty of all the different colours of the gemstones and the incredible design of each individual piece of jewellery. I think each piece has its own story to tell.” Although SHO has only been around for four years, Sarah was a huge hit almost immediately and in her launch year, she was selected as a ‘Runway Rocks’ designer for Swarovski, travelling to Beijing and Moscow to show her catwalk creation. “My head piece and cape were inspired by origami, something I used to do as a child growing up in

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Macau. I used tiny parcels of folded metal with a single Swarovski pearl. This piece has been touring ever since I made it in 2007!” Sarah also worked a capsule collection for Steve J and Yoni P (a young Asian design duo), for London Fashion Week 2008. “The collection was inspired by crop circles and my brief was to design a collection of jewellery that worked in harmony with the clothing. It was all about overlapping layers and geometric forms. The collection was a huge hit and still remains one of our most successful collections to date,” recalls Sarah. Most recently, Sarah has launched a subtle, elegant collection called Five Blessings. The Chinese symbol, which features on each piece, represents Health, Happiness, Long life, Peace and Virtue. “I translated the symbol into a collection of dainty necklaces, bracelets, signet and cocktail rings and earrings in a selection of vibrant, coloured stones such as tiger’s eye, lapis lazuli, malachite and chalcedony,” says Sarah. “The Chinese are famous for their superstition and love of symbolism, so I try and include elements of this where I can into my designs.” Since launching in 2006, Sarah’s designs continue to impress the jewellery world and fashion-savvy London girls alike. “Each piece of SHO is unique because every collection tells a different story,” concludes Sarah. “I think jewellery is very important to women as it can be symbolic in many ways [...] it’s self expression”. Integrating fashion into jewellery by carrying seasonal trends into her designs, SHO jewellery is fresh and exciting, and one of the most inspiring jewellery brands around. n For more information, visit www.shojewellery.com

Grey wool/mohair suit, £695, white double cuff shirt, £85, black and white silk tie, £65 white silk pocket square, £45 all Chester Barrie, 020 7439 6079. Diagono chrono watch 42mm steel-750 18ct white gold case steel bracelet anthracite dial automatic chrono movement super-luminova, £7,050, white gold cufflinks, £1,070 and Aqua BV sunglasses, £190, all Bulgari, 168 New Bond Street, 020 7872 9969

Monsieur Photography:

Felicity Ingram

Fashion Editor:

Lucie Dodds

White collar and cuff stripe shirt, £89, black braces, £49, black silk bowtie, £49, black and grey enamel and silver cufflinks, £59, all Thomas Pink. Glasses, £274, Montblanc, 01635 277299 and Nicolas Rieussec Monopusher Chronograph Automatic, £5,900, Montblanc, 13a Old Bond Street, 020 7629 5883, www.montblanc.com

Black and white floral tuxedo, £2,175, white dress shirt, £370, black satin stripe trousers, £1,010 black satin bowtie, £115, black satin cummerbund £250, glasses £250, all Tom Ford at Harrods Knightsbridge, 020 7730 1234

Grey pinstripe three-piece suit, £1,495, grey and white stripe tie, £70, double cuff shirt, £80 and Sporting Chronograph watch, £7,700, all Ralph Lauren 020 7535 4600, www.ralphlaurenwatches.com

Navy jacket from £400, white round collar shirt from, £250, navy knitted tie, £120, all Ermenegildo Zegna, Zegna and Zegna Sport, 37/38 New Bond Street, 020 7518 2700, www.zegna.com. Silver enamel cufflinks, Thomas Pink. Altiplano Watch white gold, £10,700, Piaget, 020 3364 0800

Grey double-cuff shirt, £89, black and white stripe tie, £30, black and grey enamel and silver cufflinks, £59 all Thomas Pink, as before. Grey pinstripe trousers, part of a suit, Ralph Lauren, as before.

Skincare: Yvette Redmond at Tiger Creative using Dermalogica: clean bar, daily clean scrub, antioxidant hydramist, skin hydrating booster, daily defense blocak spf15, Multivitamin power firm, renewal lip complex, clearing mattifier & multivitamin hand and nail treatment.

Hair: Takeshi Katoh using Bumble & Bumble

away winter blues With the London Hairdressers of The Year

Exclusive online offers available now at www.seanhanna.com 26 Jubilee Place, Canary Wharf London, E14 5NY 020 7513 2660

health & beauty

concierge

MUST-HAVE ITEM MALIN+GOETZ

health & beauty

news

BESPOKE BEAUTY Anne Sémonin, the luxurious Parisian “haute couture” spa, has opened three new spas in the UK: the Langdale Hotel & Spa in the Lake District, Serenity in the City in Newcastle, and Blythwood Square Hotel in Glasgow. The treatment collection combines a careful mix of essential oils, trace elements and marine ingredients with a touch of French sophistication. Favoured by a long list of celebrities from Carla Bruni to Cheryl Cole, the unique key to the Anne Sémonin spa treatments is that they are designed to be tailor-made, creating the best results and a truly exclusive experience. Try the newly refurbished Langdale Spa’s signature treatment, the Made-to-Measure massage, a full body massage, tailor-made to your requirements and skin type, using a personally prescribed blend of intensive complexes and warmed botanical oil.

The New York-based apothecary MALIN+GOETZ has recently launched into Space NK in Canary Wharf. Amongst their new products is the multitasking wunderkind, the new detox face mask. The innovative new face mask uses oxygenating agents to deep cleanse without causing irritation. It can be used as a face mask by applying a thick layer, as a regular night-time deep cleanser, for oily skins, or a hydrating cleanser for dry skins. Exclusive to Space NK, MALIN+GOETZ has also introduced the new mojito lip balm. Space NK Cabot Place West, Canary Wharf www.malinandgoetz.com

GET THE LOOK GOLD BROWS

www.annesemonin.com www.langdale.co.uk

treatment of the month: K SPA SUN MEADOW AND SNOW PARADISE

After a £2 million renovation earlier last year, K Spa has launched two new treatment rooms to combat winter blues, the Sun Meadow and Snow Paradise. The Sun Meadow is a relaxing room, fitted with a large sunken bed and special UV lamps. Here you can enjoy an authentic Thai massage or gentle light therapy, designed to relieve the symptoms of S.A.D. Afterwards head to the relaxing Wet Spa, with sauna, steam room, hydrotherapy pool and the

Snow Paradise room. Developed by German spa specialists Klafs, the Snow Paradise is -15 ºC with natural powder snow, and designed to replicate an icy snowdrift. Guests can alternate between hot and cold environments, to boost circulation and the immune system. The Sun Meadow treatment is £15 for 20 minutes, and use of the Wet Spa costs £50. K West Hotel & Spa www.k-west.co.uk

Seen on the catwalks of Narciso Rodriguez, Balenciaga and Prada, bold brows are a strong, commanding look but a lot more wearable than you may think. You will need a sharp eyebrow pencil in a shade slightly lighter than your natural eyebrow colour for an up-to-date look. Start by brushing your brows upwards and use the pencil to fill in any gaps between the hairs, using light, feathery strokes. Use an angled eyebrow brush to apply powder (the key shade for this look is a warm chocolatey brown) to build up the shape gradually. Don’t go outside of your natural shape, but instead build up a bolder, denser colour. Finish off with a light eye colour or highlighter directly under the furthest edge of the brow to accentuate the shape.

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

5 CWpromotion

WAYS TO A

new you

of the best As the New Year dawns, it’s time for the resolutions and the lifestyle changes to make you a better person in 2011 LEARN A LANGUAGE Why not make learning a new language your New Year’s resolution? With Paul Noble, it needn’t be a huge effort, in fact, the biggest difficulty you’ll face is choosing whether you’re going to learn French, Spanish or Italian. At the end of the 13-hour audio course, you will be a competent conversationalist, equipped with the building blocks to construct the phrases you are likely to use in natural conversation, rather than endless lists of vocabulary and complex explanations of grammar. If you’re worried about your pronunciation panic not! Paul is accompanied by a native-speaker so you can hear how each word should be pronounced. He also points out that you know thousands

of French, Spanish and Italian words already because you frequently use them in English; you just pronounce them differently. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to sit back, relax and listen to Paul. Just think how impressed your friends, colleagues and clients will be when you wow them with your new language skills! Available from WHSmith, Waterstone’s, www.amazon.co.uk and for download on iTunes. www.collinslanguage.com/paulnoble

Rest, Relax and Rejuvenate The Six Senses Spa at Pan Peninsula, located near Canary Wharf, provides a calm, luxurious haven for those working in and around East London and the Docklands to escape hectic lifestyles and recharge. At 7,000 square feet, the spacious spa offers a range of Six Senses signature treatments and Asian-influenced therapies, combined with holistic lifestyle guidance. The urban spa concept caters for guests who have limited time with a circular lounge retreat where express treatments, such as foot and hand acupressure, seated massage and luxury beauty treatments, are offered: these are perfect for fitting in on-the-go pampering. The inner-spa sanctuary comprises eight treatment rooms including a treatment room specifically for couples - ideal for Valentine’s Day or romantic weekends away - and a luxurious bio-thermal circuit with a chromotherapy steam cabin, crystal laconium, sensory shower and a hydrotherapy pool. www.sixsenses.com

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INVEST IN YOUR HEALTH Claudia Ferreira knows a thing or two about treating injuries. Having worked in some of London’s most reputable clinics for years, she now brings together an elite team of highly qualified practitioners. At Integrated Physio, practitioners develop plans that work to combine a range of therapies including Physiotherapy, Osteopathy, Sports Massage and Acupuncture. Located in the Fruit and Wool Exchange building, just a five minute walk from Liverpool Street station, this health centre provides specialist treatments for all kinds of sports injuries. The team specializes in treating workstation over use injuries, stress related muscle tention, postural correction and re-education. The practice place emphasis on helping clients restore the optimal functioning of their bodies, time and time again. All treatments are set against a backdrop of tranquility in a studio designed to offer quietude and peace. Sessions are proven to improve physical well being by reducing aches and afflictions, perfect if you’re looking to maintain a pain free quality of life this New Year.

Integrated Physio 020 7377 1073 Studio 15, The Fruit and Wool Exchange Building 56 Brushfield Street London, E1 6HB www.integratedphysio.net

SMILE MAKEOVER A smile is your best accessory, so this year why not maximise your potential with a Smile Makeover from Bluebell Dental Practice and Clinic? Choose from a free consultation for Invisalign (invisible tooth straightening) to straighten your teeth and perfect your smile, or opt for tooth whitening or pro-smile stain removal, both of which will give you the perfect confidence-boosting shining smile. Invisalign is a non-invasive aligner treatment for a variety of concerns including teeth which are crooked, crowded or with gaps. Bespoke, clear aligners are tailor made, each one being slightly different, moving your teeth (over a period of weeks, depending upon your individual case) gradually into the desired position. For whiter teeth, your first step is a consultation with the dentist who will advise on your suitability for the treatment and advise as to the type of tooth whitening for the best results. You will then be provided with a custom-made mouth guard, whitening products and comprehensive instructions, for the special price of £295. And for everyday stains (tea, coffee, red wine) the ProSmile Deep Clean is an advanced stain removal system which gives fantastic results, on offer for just £40. Bluebell Dental Practice and Clinic 020 8555 1144 55 Romford Road, Stratford, E15 4LY www.bluebelldp.co.uk

JANUARY HALF PRICE SALE Fitability is the only personal training studio in London where you can train in total privacy. Specialising in body transformations in a safe and effective manner. Trainers educate clients to ensure that you have the tools to maintain what you achieve. They also have a fully-qualified Sports Nutritionist to help get that extra mile out of your performance. Fitability also offers hypnotherapy which can be used in conjunction with your training to help you stay focused and committed, or as a stand-alone treatment for quitting smoking, weight loss, etc. Fitability Personal Trainers are fully-qualified to deal with various medical referral conditions such as cardiac and stroke rehabilitation and diabetes. For those hitting the slopes this season, Fitability’s super “Ski-Fit” programme, focusing on strengthening the major muscle groups used in this sport, is a must! With 30 minute intense sessions and the option to train in pairs to halve the cost, as well as opening times from 5:00am to 9:00pm, Fitability can really help create a new you this New Year.

Fitability Limited 020 7987 0480 118 Westferry Studios, Milligan Street, Docklands, E14 8AS www.fitability.co.uk

concierge health & beauty

What’s in it for me? Sharon E Wright encourages you to re-think your approach to your fitness strategy and reclaim your personal power this New Year

e all agree that taking care of the best assets we have, our physical bodies, is a good thing, and that any attempts to get fitter and healthier must be worthwhile. But there’s a big difference between knowing that and being able to do something that lasts. The paradox is that the more successful we are, the less time we have to ‘insure’ our physical selves for sustainability, let alone improvement. This is a good time of year to see what I mean: it’s so easy to get swept along in a sea of pressure to join a gym, sign up for weight loss programmes or take steps to finally quit that negative habit. Yet we know

that very soon our efforts are likely to come to a shuddering halt as tiredness, busy schedules and seemingly neverending demands mean we lose the momentum to continue and our ‘good’ intentions can vaporise into a mist of self-doubt and disappointment. Here is the issue. We can only sustain motivation towards something by the benefits it offers us personally, or the undesired consequences it leads us away from. Doing anything out of guilt and compulsion actually works against the dynamics of personal action: it’s like sprinting, designed to be high on energy but not meant to last. A much more useful approach is the idea of functional health and fitness, because it begins with a perspective of the immediate benefits.

For example, if your job involves giving a lot of presentations, the physical functioning required to do that would include good posture, breathing and perhaps movement around a stage. So any cardiovascular improvement would make a difference and a couple of Pilates sessions a week could improve posture, breathing and balance. Motivation then becomes primarily for a specific purpose that is a personal choice; thus, the benefits realised have a more immediate impact on success in a wider life context, which in turn increases sustainability. The purpose could also be to ensure we can sustain our current lives, especially when there may be identified negative consequences of staying the same. A senior executive at risk of diabetes, told by his GP to improve his nutrition when he barely has time to eat, is given nothing in terms of realistic motivation. From a physical ‘functioning’ perspective, getting to the next board meeting, or the next flight, means he is on his feet a lot. Linking that to his chances of losing a foot through diabetes (estimated around 100 amputated limbs a week in the UK), he can relate how what he does today could be affected immediately. The point is this: we may not be truly motivated to do something until there is a reason that is strong and important. As humans, we can only sustain motivation by constant intrinsic reward specific to us. It may seem shallow, but that’s the truth of it. When we have something as important as our health, a compulsive, half-hearted attempt at improvement once a year could cost us much more in the long run than taking time to find out what has real meaning for us in our lives. n Sharon E Wright is a personal health development coach and qualified fitness professional and Master Practitioner in NLP who works with individuals and organisations in Functional Health and Fitness methods & courses (www.orcahealth.com)

Lot 2 A gentleman’s stainless steel automatic chronograph Breitling Skyracer bracelet watch. With box and papers. Estimate £1,800 - £2,500

Lot 56 A gentleman’s stainless steel automatic chronograph IWC Portofino wrist watch circa 2008. With box and papers. Estimate £1,200 - £1,800

Lot 143 A gentleman’s stainless steel automatic Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Yacht-Master bracelet watch circa 2007. With box and papers. Estimate £3,000 - £4,000

Auction of Wrist & Pocket Watches Monday 17th January at 10am

www.watchauctions.co.uk/canarywharf Augusta House | 19 Augusta Street | Birmingham B18 6JA | Tel 0121 212 2131 | Fax 0121 212 1249

interiors

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Baccarat Inspired by the ceramic and glass work of the Arts Décoratifs and the natural world, Marcel Wanders has created a beautiful range of coloured crystal vases for Baccarat. Les Rois de la Forêt or The Kings of the Forest are Wanders’ artistic take on a whimsical forest scene, dewdropped leaves and dancing light. Available in different colours and varying degrees of cut crystal, these pieces work equally well as single ornaments or as a collection.

interiors

news John Lewis

Perfect for duvet days when it’s looking a little too grey outside, John Lewis has launched a Moroccan-inspired bed linen range guaranteed to inject a bit of sunshine into your mornings. Designed by the John Lewis Home Design Studio, this collection is right on-trend this

season, coupling vibrant colours and sumptuous textures in one very stylish little package. Why not cure your winter blues with a bit of retail therapy this month and hit the high street?

Kings of the Forest vases, £2,050 each 020 7823 7876, www.baccarat.com

08456 049 049 www.johnlewis.com

London Art Fair Be sure not to miss this year’s instalment of the London Art Fair. Taking place at the Business Design Centre, Islington, this year’s fair will showcase work from more than 1,000 Modern British and Contemporary artists. Exhibitors chosen by the fair’s selection committee include 100 leading international galleries and dealers displaying the highest quality work from paintings and sculptures to installations, photographs and prints. Whether you consider yourself to be a collector or mere enthusiast, this fair is a definite must-see. The fair runs from 19–23 January 2010, tickets from £11. 020 7288 6736 www.londonartfair.co.uk

Banana Boat by Jacob Dahlstrup Jensen at The Catlin Guide Gallery Alegra bed linen, from £15

the trend

Fed up of fads and must have crazes? This New Year follow Sim Smith’s guide to a long lasting beautiful home. Stick to a neutral colour palette and combine resident furnishings with a few new additions in a striking mix of tradition, innovation and luxury

Brocante tins , £45.95 (set of six), Graham & Green 0845 130 6622, www.grahamandgreen.co.uk

Oak Tate Herringbone flooring, £89 per metre square + VAT, Solid Floor, 020 7221 9166 wwwsolidfloor.co.uk

NCC1011 door knob in solid brass and plated in polished nickel, £282 per pair, J D Beardmore 020 7351 5444, www.beardmore.co.uk

Linen Maxime sofa in grey, £5,032 plus fabric Pierre Frey, 020 7376 5599, www.pierrefrey.com

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Smoked Plexi glass box Chio light, from £424, Ligne Roset 0870 7777 202, www.ligne-roset.co.uk

Perspex and stainless steel Fall chandelier available to order, Miranda Watkins Design www.mirandawatkins.com

Feu De Bois premium coloured candle, £45, Diptyque 020 7224 4948, www.diptyqueparis.com

Large hand-knitted cashmere throws in cream grey and taupe, £650 each, Rose Uniake 020 7730 7050, www.roseuniacke.com

You Should Have Been With Me hardcover book by Stan Shaffer, £70, www.teneues.com

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Willow window shutters, from £600, Thomas Sanderson 0800 056 2929, www.thomas-sanderson.co.uk Cotswold Stone Urn & Plinth circa 1800 deeply carved with acanthus leaves and scallop shells, £12,000, Rose Uniake 020 7730 7050, www.roseuniacke.com

Chromed tubular steel E1027 table with glass top by Eileen Gray for ClassiCon, £565, Aram Store 020 7557 7557, www.aram.co.uk Cashmere bed socks in grey, £50, The White Company 0845 678 8150, www.thewhitecompany.com

Balder fabric Runda Samsas Sofa by Carl Malmsten from £3,555, The Lollipop Shoppe, 020 7655 4540 www.thelollipopshoppe.co.uk

Glass Surface bookcase in grey, £2,899, Tom Faulkner 020 7351 7272, www.tomfaulkner.co.uk

Polycarbonate Henry chair in grey, £295, exclusive to EDC London, 020 7631 1090, www.edclondon.com

VILLAVERDE

WINTER SALE NOW ON

618 - 620 Kings Road - London - SW6 2DU Tel: +44 (0) 207 610 9797 www.VILLAVERDELTD.com

motoring sports gadgets

audi a1 life of rally ............................ latest & greatest .....................................................................................

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

NEED FOR SPEED

I Abarth, the famous car-tuning brand launches its first watercraft

n 1958 Carlo Abarth teamed up with Fiat to produce the Fiat 500 Abarth. In a driving marathon that lasted seven days and seven nights, the car broke six international records and was hailed a masterpiece. The name Abarth has been synonymous with superlative performance ever since. Some 52 years later, the brand launches its first sports watercraft by converting the Sacs Strider 12S into the Powershore Abarth SP. Propelled by three 350hp Yamaha V8 outboard engines, specially built for the exclusive version, the boat offers thrilling

acceleration and breathtaking speed â&#x20AC;&#x201C; speed that can, thanks to the boatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finely tuned stability and tubular buoyancy compartments, be enjoyed in complete safety. With special graphics meeting out-and-out racing motifs, when it comes to style the maxi RIB finds itself, again, on the button. Oozing refinement and boasting unique design, the Powershore Abarth SP allows enthusiasts the opportunity to own an uncompromisingly and exclusively in-vogue machine. www.abarthcars.co.uk

Honey,

I SHRUNK

THE AUDI

If something can be said to be ‘A1’ it’s usually because it’s pretty damn good. And in that case, says Matthew Carter, the latest baby Audi is well named

ore than 30 years ago, Audi made a supermini it called the Audi 50. It was an unremarkable car, made in comparatively small numbers. Indeed, the most significant thing about the 50 was the fact that it was adopted by Volkswagen and rebadged as the first Polo. It was a turning point for the car. After just four years, the Audi 50 was dumped and the company retreated to the top end of the market, where it has done pretty well, thank you. Over the ensuing three-and-a-bit decades, meanwhile, the VW Polo has gone from strength to strength. But now Audi is back in the baby car market and, in a

neat about-turn, the latest VW Polo has been turned into the new Audi A1. Only this time it’s no badge-engineered special, but a genuine Audi that’s been shrunk in the wash. For some curious reason, a few motoring hacks have turned their noses up at the A1 because of its comparatively humble origins. Although everything you can see and touch is Audi, all the oily bits are pure VW and that, they reckon, isn’t good enough. What a load of nonsense. If the running gear works well – and it does – who cares that it’s shared between the Polo and the A1? Besides, there are worse places to start than the Polo… it was the 2010 Car of The Year, after all. Perhaps what they mean is that A1 doesn’t bring much in

motoring

the way of Vorsprung durch Technic to the supermini class. It’s true that there’s no quattro four-wheel drive offered, no hybrid technology or even much in the way of clever electronics; the A1 won’t park itself as some bigger Audis can, nor do you get wi-fi on the move, for example. But what you do get is a beautifully built, distinctive looking car that’s actually not that bad to drive. The trouble with most Audis (R8 aside) is that no matter how good they look in the showroom, on the road there’s something lacking, some almost indefinable joie de vivre. The A1, though not perfect, isn’t like that: it’s a little cracker. It certainly looks different. The corporate Audi nose, complete with distinctive LED running lights, has been

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grafted on to a cute, rounded, two-door body, which can be personalised to suit the owner’s taste. If you want aluminium-coloured roof contrast line – the arch leading from front to rear over the side of the car – then you can have it. When all the other options, trim colours, engines, spec levels and so on are taken into consideration, few A1s will be absolutely identical. And it has a fabulous interior; real Audi class with exceptional build quality and top-line materials. The car’s not cheap, but you do get what you pay for. At launch, there are three engines available, two petrol and one diesel. All are turbocharged and all promise strong fuel economy and low emissions.

calibre motoring

For once, though, I’m going to suggest forgetting the 1.6-litre diesel and concentrate on the petrol options. Nothing wrong with the diesel, it’s just that the nature of the car seems to suit petrol better, somehow. Of the petrol pair, ignore the 1.2, which, frankly, is a little puny. Instead, concentrate on the punchy 1.4 TFSI which develops 122 bhp, enough to give a 0–60mph time of less than 9 seconds with a top speed of 126mph. OK, this is not enough to frighten a Mini Cooper S – the A1’s logical rival – but if it’s speed you’re after, wait until next year, when a fourth engine option arrives. This has a turbocharged and supercharged version of the same engine, producing a heady 185 bhp. But if winning the traffic light grand prix is not your bag, then the ‘ordinary’ 1.4 TSFI is perfectly good enough. It cruises happily with the needle in the middle of the rev band, but the engine spins enthusiastically towards the red line when you want to drive with a little more brio. There’s more good news from the standard six-speed manual shift, which has a delightfully short throw, though it’s worth considering the optional S-tronic, automated manual transmission. S-tronic is Audi-speak for what VW calls DSG and it really does give the best of both worlds: an efficient automatic for town and a clutchless manual shift via paddles on the steering wheels when you’re in the mood for a little more control. Despite a comparatively simple rear suspension system – certainly one that’s less ‘advanced’ than the Mini’s for example – the chassis is eager to please. Show the A1 a tight, twisty, country road and it’ll scamper off like a puppy.

And yet, it’s remarkably poised and sophisticated in town, though the firm ride (and firm seats) do mean motorway driving is a little more tiring than it should be. Still, everything is a compromise and the firm ride is more than offset by the sharp handling on the open road. So we’ve got the best engine version sorted, now let’s look at trim. The 1.4 TFSI can’t be had in entry-level SE trim, so you’ll have to consider Sport or top-of-the-range S line. Sport gives you a few standard goodies (Bluetooth, sports seats and suspension, front fogs and so on, while the S line adds cloth and leather trim – which is good – and 17inch alloys – not so good, as the ride gets even firmer). Best stick to the Sport and add a few extras from the long list of options, such as the excellent Audi MMI communications and entertainment system, perhaps the panoramic roof and the automated gearbox. It’s all too easy to hit £20k… and if you think that’s too much for a supermini, you can always go for a Polo. If you want genuine style, though, the A1 is, well, A1. n

IN BRIEF Car: Audi A1 1.4 TFSI Sport Price: £15,670 Engine: 1,390cc four-cylinder petrol turbo Power: 122 hp Drive: Front-wheel drive

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canarywharfmag_jan2011_Layout 1 10/12/2010 16:11 Page 2

The new Audi A1 has arrived . . . Experience it now at Docklands Audi Sometimes it’s the smallest things that contain the biggest ideas - and the new Audi A1 is no exception. The combination of dynamic styling and powerful engine options, plus the technological sophistication and build quality which deﬁnes the Audi brand, ensure that despite its compact size, the A1 is one of the most desirable cars Audi has ever oﬀered. But don’t just take our word for it, experience the new Audi A1 for yourself at Docklands Audi today.

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The definitive

mid-engined coupé

Upon its launch in September 2005, the Porsche Cayman redefined the concept of the mid-engined sports coupé. Now, with the introduction of the Cayman R, Porsche has further developed the car by reducing weight, increasing horsepower and raising agility and handling to new heights

Weighing 55 kg less than the equivalent Cayman S, and boasting the most horsepower available in a mid-engined Porsche, the 330 hp Cayman R has been created for one reason: pure, distilled driving dynamics. With its highly-tuned sports suspension and vigilant attention to weight savings, the new model offers an even more precise driving experience. Light and Powerful The newest member of the mid-engined Cayman family features the highly efficient 3.4-litre, flat six-cylinder Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) boxer engine found in the Cayman S, but it has been tuned to produce an additional 10 hp. With a six-speed manual transmission, the Cayman R sprints from 0 to 62 mph in 5.0 seconds, two-tenths of a second faster than the Cayman S. But with the optional sevenspeed dual-clutch PDK (Doppelkupplung) transmission and the Sport Chrono package, this exercise is reduced to 4.7 seconds. Top speed with the manual transmission is up by 3 mph to 175 mph or 174 mph with PDK. More from Less The greatest weight savings come from the use of lightweight components and stripping back equipment levels to those associated with driving performance. In addition to the removal of the air conditioning and stereo, the driver-focused Cayman R utilises a unique, slightly smaller 54-litre fuel tank and a sports suspension system that lowers the car by 20 mm, helping lower the centre of gravity. The Cayman R also comes as standard with a limited slip differential to optimise cornering grip, and lightweight 19” alloy wheels (first seen on the Boxster Spyder) that reduce weight by 5 kg. Lightweight aluminium door skins from the 911 Turbo and GT3, carbon fibre sports bucket seats and the distinctive interior door panels from the 911 GT3 RS also contribute to the weight reduction.

From the outside, the distinctive Cayman Aerokit sports styling – with fixed rear spoiler in contrasting colour sets the Cayman R apart, and black-framed halogen headlights, contrasting side mirrors and decorative “PORSCHE” side-stripes bring further differentiation. For customers seeking to stand out further from the crowd a new option of Peridot metallic paint is available.

The origins of R Historically, special Porsche models with optimised sporting performance were identified by the moniker ‘R’, for Racing. The most revered model of this type is the 911 R of 1967. This specialised, lightweight edition of the 911 coupé had a 210 hp flat six engine shared with the Carrera 6 sports racer and weighed just 830 kg. Just 19 examples were built. Most recently, the 911 GT3 ‘R’ has been built for racing in sports car championships around the world. The Porsche Cayman R goes on sale in the UK in February 2011, priced from £51,731 (inc. VAT @ 20 per cent). Included in the purchase price is the invitation for customers to explore the dynamic attributes of their Cayman R and develop their own skills behind the wheel, courtesy of a Driving Experience Programme at the Porsche Experience Centre at Silverstone. For an invitation to the up coming launch of the Porsche Cayman including the display of a rare 904 racing car, contact Alistair, Franco, or Kirsty at Porsche Centre Canary Wharf on 020 8819 8910 info@porschecanarywharf.co.uk or visit www.porsche.co.uk/canarywharf

PORSCHE CENTRE CANARY WHARF

Located at 20 Canada Square, Porsche Centre Canary Wharf is perfectly placed to meet the needs of every Porsche driver in the business district. The Centre showcases two of the latest Porsche models, a fitting lounge to specify a new car and a Porsche Design Driver’s Selection range ‘shop-in-shop’. A collection and delivery service is available for all Aftersales services.

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motoring

IT’S A TAXI, Jim…

calibre

… but not as we know it. This is how Volkswagen reckons the London black cab of the future might look. Matthew Carter investigates

design study based on the company’s forthcoming UP! City car, the imaginatively named Volkswagen Taxi Concept is powered by an electric motor fed by lithium-ion batteries. With a possible 115 bhp on offer, that translates into a top whack of 74 mph… though that sort of speed is not recommended down Regent Street. More significant are the zero emissions, certain to become a prerequisite of any car coming into the centre of the City in the years to come, and the range of 186 miles between charges. An 80 per cent charge takes just an hour. Being based on a city car means that it’s tiny, shorter than the current smallest car in the VW range, the Fox. And that, in turn, means it doesn’t comply with any current London taxi regulations. I mean, it’s only got two seats for starters. Mind you, they look exceptionally comfortable, being individually sculpted and covered in cream leather. The long wheelbase, meanwhile, guarantees plenty of legroom in the spacious cabin. Using modern telematics, the driver has a touch screen to control the car’s climate and entertainment settings, as well as provide fare information. Another screen in the back gives the passengers information on the route and their immediate environment. Given that most taxis only ever seem to have one passenger on board, maybe a two-seater taxi is the future… especially if it produces none of that dreaded black smoke that comes from most of the taxis currently running around our capital. n

Gaucho brinGs you a slice of life ExpEriEncE thE bEst of ArgEntinE EntErtAinmEnt At thE o2 ArEnA with ‘gAucho intErnAtionAl polo’, london’s first intErnAtionAl polo tEst mAtch EmbrAcE thE ultimAtE polo ExpEriEncE with onE of our ExclusiVE hospitAlitY pAcKAgEs The o2 arena thursday 24th february 2011 www.gauchoo2polo.com

Gaucho_Polo_A4_Ad_AW3.indd 1

for more information on any of the hospitality events please contact marketing manager lulie murray on E: lulie.murray@gauchorestaurants.com t: 0208 858 7711

21/12/10 14:44:27

sport

calibre

sports

news

SNOW GO Whether you’re a gnarly freestyler or a skiing novice, the indoor SNO!zone at Milton Keynes offers something for everyone. Beginners can enjoy dedicated coaching sessions on a slope devoted solely to them, as more seasoned skiers hone their skills on the centre’s 170m long main slope. Original and varied park layouts provide for the truly advanced skier, while thrill seekers make the most of the SNO!academy’s slide box, down rails, and 30ft flat rail. www.snozoneuk.com/v/milton-keynes 0871 222 5670

Say what?

When you have the best technical bid, fantastic inspection visits, the best economic report, and the best presentation, it’s quite hard to stomach that all that seemed to count for absolutely nothing.

Andy Anson, chief executive of England’s 2018 World Cup bid, on FIFA’s decision to award the tournament to Russia

SPORTSMAN STYLE

INDOOR INTERNATIONAL The O2 plays host to the Gaucho International Polo event for the first time this February. With an anticipated attendance of more than 12,500 people, guests can expect a festival atmosphere as four world-class teams take to the stage. England challenge Argentina, and Scotland take on South Africa before the ultimate Varsity game is played out between Oxford and Cambridge. Played on a reduced-size pitch with three people per side rather than the usual four, Arena

Every good watch brand needs a solid GMT in their collection. The designers at GRAHAM London must have been thinking the same thing as they announce the launch of the Silverstone Time Zone – automatic movement, hours, minutes, central second, date and GMT function, all in a 42mm case.

Tanner Krolle is one of Britain’s most luxurious leather goods companies. Having supplied bags to Princess Margaret and both Princes William and Harry, this year sees the relaunch of the company’s classic 1950s Sportsman Bag. Illustrating the brand’s desire to return to its iconic design roots, the bag is one of just ten models to be released as part of Tanner Krolle’s SS2011 collection. The bag is offered in vegetable tanned, English bridle leather and soft, supple deer hide. Linings, pocket configurations, handles and hardware can be individually chosen, giving each customer the chance to create a unique piece.

www.graham-london.com

www.tannerkrolle.com

Polo is an up-and-coming sport popular for its excitement and intimacy. Corporate hospitality at the indoor O2 event will be provided by Gaucho, while between games guests can enjoy a host of entertainment, including a celebrity polo match. The unique event will showcase the best polo has to offer, with spectators not even having to worry about the weather. 24 February 2011 www.theo2polo.com

SIZE MATTERS

the ragged edge Following a winter of intense testing, Lee Brooks caught up with Britain’s leading hope Matthew Wilson ahead of the 2011 World Rally Championship to find out what life’s really like as an international rally driver

t’s a bitingly cold Saturday morning in November and most people are probably still in bed, enjoying a nice lie-in to kick-start the weekend. But in Radnor, on the Welsh Borders, 42 of the world’s best rally drivers are patiently waiting for their start time for stage eight of Wales Rally GB, the final round of the 2010 World Rally Championship. Over the next 9.38 miles, each driver will keep their foot to the floor, braking only if absolutely necessary, as they slide their specialist production rally cars around fast and flowing roads lined with ditches, trees and giant boulders. One of those men is Matthew Wilson, a driver for the Stobart VK M-Sport Ford Rally Team and veteran of five seasons. Wilson represents Britain’s best hope of a world champion since the late Richard Burns took the spoils in 2001. The Brit finishes seventh fastest in this stage and seventh overall, but no sooner has the last time been clocked that Wilson is already turning his attention to next season. “I’m really looking forwarding to getting stuck into 2011,” beamed Wilson. “The rules are changing and we’ll be driving completely different cars so for me, it’s a really good thing to be happening. Everyone is starting from scratch, so no one knows who will be competitive until we start that first stage in Sweden.” Next year’s calendar features 13 rallies over five continents and involves Wilson being away for nearly 20 weeks of the year, including periods for testing. “I’ve never really thought about how long I’m away each year,” said Wilson. “But looking at it on paper it’s quite scary! This season has been different because I’ve been away a lot, testing the new car out and shaking it down to get the set-up data, but it’s always nice to get some time at home to enjoy the simple things in life!” And while jetting off to a different destination every couple of weeks might sound like an ideal lifestyle, there often isn’t much time to explore the country. “We get there on the Monday night and are up early Tuesday morning to start our preparations. From then on, we’re pretty much flat out until Sunday evening when the last stage happens and the ceremonial finish takes place. Then we jump on the plane and fly home ready to go to the factory the following day.” Though the rally officially runs from Thursday evening to Sunday, the teams and drivers start work on Tuesday morning preparing the car and learning the stages. Each driver is allowed to drive along each stage twice before the rally starts. “The whole point is to get an idea of the route – not to learn it by heart,” said Wilson. “There are too many stages over too many miles, so that’s why we have a co-driver. The first time we go over the stage,

I’ll dictate instructions to my co-driver and then on the second pass, he’ll read them back to me and we can make any necessary changes.” Unlike most motorsports, drivers don’t simply have to turn up in one place and race, but rather navigate their way round the country to the start of each stage, within a certain time limit while sticking to the local speed limits – and there’s not a satnav in sight. “We’ve all got a road book for the rally, which has direction in the form of a series of diagrams with every corner you’ll encounter en route to the stage. All the road sections and speed limits are on there, so it makes sure we don’t get lost!” During a stage, obstacles can cause damage to the cars, from trees and hidden rocks to concrete walls and even a rogue kangaroo, so it’s not uncommon for a driver to have to stop and try to fix his car on the side of the road mid-stage in order to stay in the rally. “You’re never going to be as good as the guys who work on the car so we’re limited to what we can do if something breaks when we’re out on a stage,” said Wilson. “Something that’s quite common is a bent steering arm,” he continued, “so you can take that part off the car and hit it with a rock or whatever you can find to try and straighten it out before putting it back on the car and nursing yourself back to service.” Travelling at speeds of around 140mph with cliff edges, ditches and various other obstructions, doesn’t he ever ask himself what he’s doing? “You can’t think about it really,” he concedes. “I know that sounds daft, but you just have to get on with it and tough it out. Obviously if someone goes down in a big accident it does worry you, but then you see how strong the car is and that they’re able to walk away unharmed and it really reassures you.” n For further information visit www.wrc.com

motoring

calibre

gadgets

Jamie Carter tries out this month’s latest and greatest gadgets

Depth charge How big should a 3D television be? Having tried out all kinds of screens ourselves, we know one thing: ideally it should be bigger than Sony’s 40LX903. Forty inches in size makes it easy to house at home, and maybe you’ve got a flat where anything bigger just won’t work, but for a true 3D centrepiece, the bigger the screen the better because 3D is all about immersion. And that’s tricky if there’s a plant pot next to your 40-inch TV, or the cat walks behind it. Next question: do I need a 3D TV? The answer is no, not yet. Unless you’re a huge fan of Open Season, Monster House or Ice Age 3 (if you are, you’re too young to be reading this magazine), 3D TV doesn’t have much for you … yet. And that’s the key. If you’re buying a new TV, you probably plan to keep it for at least three years, possibly five. Seven years is average and the planet’s e-waste dumps are glad of that. And by 2013–14, we have no doubt that there will be a lot of 3D content out there – and we’re talking live TV and live action movies, as well as 3D games. The 40LX903 makes for a good investment in the future. Part of Sony’s ‘Signature’ range, there’s not much this Edge LED-backlit screen can’t do. Away from its 3D capabilities, it can stream BBC iPlayer, Demand Five and YouTube (though sadly not wirelessly, unless you buy a USB dongle), and has a built-in Freeview HD tuner (for BBC One HD, ITV 1 HD, BBC HD and 4HD).

3D without glasses is still a decade or so away, so for now, we have the active-shutter 3D system, which is partially hamstrung by rather heavy, uncomfortable (and circa £100) glasses that sync with a sensor on the TV. Two pairs are included with the 40LX903, which is relatively generous. Strap a 3D Blu-ray player (in this case we used Sony’s 3D-ready BDP-S470) to the 40LX903 and insert a 3D Blu-ray disc for bright and breezy 3D pictures, though we noticed a lot of flicker and intense, headache-inducing blur around moving objects. It may have a 200Hz mode to speed-up the LCD panel, but it’s not quick enough – and certainly not as impressive as Panasonic’s VT20 plasmas. Our main problem, though, is that the glasses restrict how you look at the screen; bolt upright is the only way. Further up the ‘Signature’ range is the delectable 60LX903 which, at 60-inches in diameter, hosts a much more convincing 3D experience – as its £4,499 price tag suggests.

Sony Bravia KDL-40LX903 3D LED TV, £1,999 Sony BDP-S470 3D Blu-ray player, £229 www.sony.co.uk

new gadgets Griffin Elan slim-fit sleeve for iPad, £30 www.o2.co.uk

Philips Cinema 21:9 Platinum Edition 58PFL9955 58-inch LED TV, £3,999 www.philips.co.uk

gadgets

calibre

Bronze medal A tad deep to be used on a desktop, with an attractive curved edge, these 256mm-deep bookshelf speakers from the company’s Bronze BX Series are available in four vinyl wood finishes: Natural Oak, Walnut, Rosemah and Black Oak. The Bronze BX’s are at their best when used with a decent stereo system; an astonishingly balanced level is achieved, with fine detail the lasting impression – although they perform right across the spectrum. Ideal if you want a touch of quality in the living room – clear out a few paperbacks and make room for a pair on your bookshelf.

Pair of Monitor Audio Bronze BX2 bookshelf speakers, £250 www.monitoraudio.co.uk

Transfer window

The big picture

Nice gesture

Taking pictures on phones and uploading them to the internet isn’t new, but direct from a digital camera? Just in case anyone’s still using their compact instead of their iPhone, Samsung has released the ST80, a standard digital camera with Wi-Fi built in. It’s not just a novelty; the ST80 can muster a rather magnificent 14.2 megapixels, though that’s way too much to upload to Facebook. Pocket-sized and with a 27mm wide-angle lens, the ST80 has a rather meagre 3x optical zoom, though the touchscreen interface is a nice touch – and so is the ability to film in high definition.

Spend £2k+ and you’ll get yourself a slice of home cinema perfection, but those big and bulky projectors can often find themselves left in a cupboard. For a quarter of the price, Optoma has come up with an everyday beamer that combines HD Ready resolution with 24p playback – both of which guarantee smooth Blu-ray discs and PS3/ Xbox 360 games. Add some decent contrast and an engine capable of producing exceptionally bright images, which mean it can be used in less than blackout conditions, and this compact and portable 2.3kg projector could have wide appeal.

Shop shelves may have been drained of Microsoft’s latest gadget in December, but Kinect isn’t just for Christmas. Doing away with an Xbox360 controller altogether, the clever sensor sits atop your TV and allows players to control games by movement alone. It responds to kicking, waving and jumping (cue mainly sports games in the first wave of Kinect games) and can even tune in to the sound of your voice during movies. Tell the kids to be quiet or else the movie will be switched off – the Xbox says so!

Optoma ThemeScene HD67 HD Ready home cinema projector, £599 www.optoma.co.uk

Microsoft Kinect Controller for Xbox 360, from £209.85 www.johnlewis.com

Samsung ST80 Wi-Fi digital camera, £199 www.johnlewis.com

Denon Ceol networked micro hi-fi plus speakers, £599 www.denon.co.uk

KEF T Series 5.1 super-flat speaker system for wall-mounting, £1,200 www.kef.com

IDAPT i4, £34.99 www.play.com

CWpromotion

FIRST-CLASS GOLF AND RACING WITH FAIRWAY TO FURLONG Golfers can enjoy a perfect start to one of the country’s biggest sporting events with the Cheltenham Festival Centenary Golf Day The Cheltenham Festival, the Mecca of jump racing, celebrates its 100th anniversary next year, and to mark the occasion Fairwaytofurlong.com is inviting race-goers to the Celtic Manor Resort the day before it all begins, to enjoy some golf as well as receive tips from a host of racing experts. With groups and individuals welcome, attendees can play golf on either the Montgomerie, the Roman Road or the Twenty Ten course, which hosted this year’s Ryder Cup, before enjoying dinner and a special Cheltenham festival preview evening, where a panel of famous faces from the racing world will guide them through the coming week’s major races and supporting races. Packages can be tailored to individual needs and start from just £99 for golf on the Montgomerie Course plus the special preview evening. Other options include 18 holes on the Twenty Ten course, the preview evening, a night in the fivestar Celtic Manor Resort, and a Tuesday Club enclosure ticket to the Cheltenham Festival for £2,000 per team of four players.

The Stableford competition offers a host of fantastic prizes up for grabs, along with everything you would expect from a first-class golf day, including on-course competitions and complimentary buggies and course guides. All packages can be tailored, including for nongolfers who can also enjoy the fun with bespoke spa packages, as well as transfers to and from Cheltenham racecourse. Extra nights in the hotel can be arranged on request. The Cheltenham Festival Centenary Golf Day is the latest offering from Fairway to Furlong, offering exciting and unique horse racing and golfing breaks combining championship golf, along with the opportunity to experience a quintessential British afternoon or evening of horseracing at some of the world’s highest profile horseracing fixtures.

For more information, call 0800 043 1860, email david@fairwaytofurlong.com or visit www.fairwaytofurlong.com

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THE OFFICIAL

F1 WATCH

Earlier this year, Hublot was appointed as the official watchmaker for Formula 1. To celebrate, the iconic watch brand launched the F1 King Power – the official watch of Formula 1 Inspired by the world of Formula 1, which combines expertise with the highest quality, manufacturing processes at the cutting edge of research and high-tech materials, this zirconium watch is 48mm in diameter. Its bezel has been designed to evoke the disc brakes on a Formula 1 car and the strap is made up of two layers, featuring rubber on the inside and Nomex, a material similar to that used to make racing drivers’ overalls, on the outside. This prestigious agreement marks the happy marriage of the cutting-edge technology, precision engineering and ultimate sporting level of Formula 1 with Hublot’s luxury, tradition of quality, excellence and advanced technological research. “I have always had great admiration for the exceptional and unique achievements of Bernie Ecclestone,” enthuses Jean-Claude Biver, Hublot’s CEO. “Without him there would be no Formula 1; he created this global phenomenon. “I also have a great admiration for the drivers who are able to control these ultrasophisticated racing machines down to the slightest movement, all at incredible speed. Nor should we forget the cradle of high technology that F1 represents. “It’s such a delight to be here, with Hublot, so close to Bernie, the racing, the drivers, the cars, the high technology and the F1 Grand Prix in general.” Bernie Ecclestone has long had a keen interest in watches and the art of watchmaking: “I am very happy with this magnificent watch created for F1. Hublot’s meteoric rise in the industry has been a very well-managed achievement and I would like to congratulate Jean-Claude for this. There is an energy, creativity and dedication to perfection

The F1 King Power – the Official Watch of

about Hublot, which sits very well with us and I

Formula 1 – is limited to 500 pieces and is

could not think of a better brand with which to

available at David M Robinson, Jubilee Place,

begin a new chapter in Formula 1’s enduring

Canary Wharf, 020 7538 2332

association with luxury watches.”

www.davidmrobinson.co.uk

Embrace life with as many arms as possible.

Happiness, peace of mind, the freedom to live life to the full – whatever you want from your investments, it’s our job to come up with the best way to help you get it. So seize the day – ask your Financial Adviser about Octopus.

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This financial promotion is directed at UK retail investors, and is issued and approved by Octopus Investments Ltd. The value of investments may go down as well as up and an investor may not get back the full amount invested. Octopus Investments Limited is authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Services Authority. FSA Registered Number: 194779. Registered office: 20 Old Bailey, London EC4M 7AN. All information is correct as at 31 December 2010 and therefore may not be current. To make sure we’re giving you the best service possible, we may monitor and record our calls with you. CC902 Octopus - Embrace Life.indd 1

21/12/2010 16:34

interview coffee republic personal finance mind the gap human resources exit strategy .................................

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

Britain’s Economy in 2011

The aim was to reduce the deficit through spending cuts and tax rises. According to 2011 forecasts, the coalition’s plan seems to be working

eorge Osborne’s claim that Britain is on the mend is backed up by the International Monetary Fund. According to this organisation, a moderate economic recovery is underway in Britain with GDP expected to expand by 2 per cent in the coming year. These estimates are based on the stabilisation of unemployment, a healthier financial sector and the government’s multi-year fiscal deficit reduction plan. Elsewhere, Ernst & Young highlights the significance of exports and investment to Britain’s economic growth. With the competitive pound

providing the carrot, the weak home market becomes the stick, they say. The prediction is that investment in 2011 will rise by 6.2 per cent and exports by 10.1 per cent. Investec, notes that inflation is more persistent than forecasted and believes that the increase in VAT to 20 per cent on 4 January is likely to keep the consumer price index (CPI) above target for much of this year. With our economy set to grow faster than those of Germany, France, Japan, America and the Eurozone during the next two years, Britain, it seems, is firmly on the road to recovery. n

interview

comment

COFFEE Queen

tarting out as a lawyer, entrepreneur Sahar Hashemi is now best known as the creator of British coffee house chain, Coffee Republic. With two self-help books to her name, Anyone Can Do It and Switched On, alongside the huge success of Coffee Republic, she has certainly come a long way since leaving her job as a lawyer in the mid-90s. We caught up a few weeks ago to find out more... Why did you decide to launch a coffee shop chain? I decided to leave law and find something I loved doing and that I was good at. I fell in love with skinny lattes in New York – it was at a coffee bar there called New World Coffee back in 1994 – I couldn’t believe we didn’t have them in London. I wanted them as a customer myself, and that’s why I started the business. My brother and I wanted to make a UK version of the New York coffee bars, so we concentrated on a great coffee experience for the customer. It was easy because we were customers ourselves. Do you think of yourself as an entrepreneur? Yes, now I do, although when I was building Coffee Republic I had no idea that’s what I was! I just

Claire Saunders talks to entrepreneur Sahar Hashemi about the creation of Coffee Republic and her new-found talent as a selfhelp author advising the modern professional wanted the skinny lattes I had seen in New York. I believe anyone can be entrepreneurial, even if they work for someone else. Will you go back to law now that you have set up Coffee Republic and written your books? No, I don’t think being a lawyer plays to my strengths and I’ve learnt in life that you need to choose a career where you are using all of your talents. Work has to come naturally, and being a good lawyer didn’t come naturally to me. I now know what I’m good at and I try to stick to it. Did you encounter any unforseen problems in setting up Coffee Republic as a businesswoman, rather than a businessman? No, of course not. The generation of women before us have paved the way to make it easy for us, and we should take advantage of it. If there are fewer women in boardrooms, then that’s out of choice rather than some male conspiracy. It’s the glass helmet rather than the glass ceiling! Why did you decide to write your two books and what did you hope to achieve from them? My first book, Anyone Can Do It, was to demystify entrepreneurship,

because when I was growing up I thought only swashbuckling extroverts like Richard Branson had entrepreneurial qualities. I wanted to prove that anyone who had the dream could and should go for it. My new book, Switched On, is applying the same entrepreneurial habits but this time for employees – because I discovered the habits that entrepreneurs need to make it happen are exactly the same for employees to survive and thrive in the world of work. Did you learn anything yourself, while writing the books? Yes, by going through my life journey and writing about my experiences, it emphasised to me the lessons I can draw from my successes and my mistakes. Who is your writing aimed at? Switched On is aimed at all those people in larger corporations who have switched off – who take only 60 per cent of themselves to work and feel that they’re on auto-pilot. It’s about changing your mindset and refreshing your approach to work so you come alive at work, rather than see it as a form of punishment. n For more information, visit www.anyonecandoit.co.uk

Lament for Fallen Heroes, Andrew Vicari

AN ADDED BONUS In the current climate it may seem as if we are all called to talk about bonuses in hushed terms. So what better way to assuage any guilt by putting your hard-earned cash towards a luxurious pleasure that will not only delight, but also support a worthy charitable cause? Jemima Jameson finds out how

quare Mile Salute is a gastronomic extravaganza that will take place on 10 February in the Guildhall. This evening of fine-dining will offer a five-course menu devised by an impressive array of top international chefs (including Albert Roux OBE and Mark Flanagan, The Royal Chef). The event will take place to raise money for three great charities: the Royal British Legion, Help for Heroes and ABF, The Soldiersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Charity. Funds raised will be used to build and run Personnel Recovery Centres for troops that have been wounded, and are in need of support when returning from active duty.

special event

All lies are tomorrow’s truth. Legends created histories. Valour is the only redeeming factor. Andrew Vicari on why he is supporting this great cause.

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BIDDING OPEN NOW Through the advanced auction website, individuals and companies can place bids for the paintings well ahead of the actual auction and, in fact, even if they aren’t attending on the night. —

The evening’s entertainment will also involve an auction, with several luxurious prizes that money ordinarily could not buy, each utterly unique and devastatingly enviable. The grand prize will be a new diptych by the renowned British artist Andrew Vicari. One of the great figurative artists of the 20th century, Vicari was ‘discovered’ at the Slade School of Fine Art by his mentor Francis Bacon, studying under Lucien Freud and Sir William Coldstream. Since then, Vicari’s impact on the art world has become so great, that he has been dubbed “King of Painters, Painter of Kings” by Paris Match, and “Marco Polo II” for his role in bridging the gap between Western and Eastern cultures. The two oil on canvas paintings donated by Vicari have been specially created for the event. Entitled, ‘Lament for Fallen Heroes’, it is fitting that Vicari has chosen war as his subject, not only because the event will raise money to support troops returning from active service, but also because Vicari has already gained a reputation in this field. Vicari was appointed the official Artist of the Gulf War (by all the allied countries involved). His major work is From ‘War to Peace in the Gulf: The Liberation of Kuwait’, a collection of more than 225 oil paintings depicting battle scenes and portraits of world leaders. Vicari sold 125 of his Gulf War paintings to Prince Khaled Bin Sultan Bin Abdulaziz for £14m in 1991. Vicari felt compelled to contribute to this great cause, as a token of respect and gratitude for those who have fallen for our country, commenting: “There is no greater sacrifice or more noble profession than serving one’s country. This embattled shore, portal of freedom, is forever hallowed by the ideals, the valour and the sacrifices of our fellow countrymen.” Vicari strove to record and symbolise the anguish and horror of war, whilst also the potential for freedom and hope for a better world, and the resulting diptych is a key piece of history that will add to an art connoisseur’s collection. Vicari will also be donating a limited edition of 100 signed lithographs of the two paintings, which will be available to buy (priced £1,000 each or £1,750 for the pair) both before and on the night of the auction. n For further information on the artist, visit www.andrew-vicari.com The Square Mile Salute will take place at 6.15pm on Thursday 10 February at the Guildhall. Tables of ten are priced at £3,500 plus VAT. For more information, or to reserve a table, visit www.chamberlainsoflondon. com/squaremilesalute or call 020 7987 3696 or contact Anne Donoghue at anne@chamberlainsoflondon.com

The proud winner of these exclusive paintings will be announced on the night. For more details or to express an interest in the paintings, visit www. chamberlainsoflondon.com/squaremilesalute

… AND THERE’S MORE! Just a small selection of the prizes that will be auctioned on the night!

PRIVATE PARADISE Win a luxurious trip to Sir Richard Branson’s private island in the Caribbean, Necker Island. This idyllic 74 acres in the British Virgin Islands boasts turquoise waters, coral reefs and white sandy beaches, making it an unrivalled place to relax in style. Or if active is more your style, try out the aquatrampoline anchored to the sea floor at Turtle Beach, or follow the trail over the ridge of Necker.

PRESTIGIOUS PLAYGROUND Join the international élite by winning a stay at the exclusive Fairmont Monte Carlo hotel, a luxurious four star resort. You will also have the chance to experience one of the world’s most exclusive sporting events, the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix, from a special VIP viewing area, offering the very best views, and transporting you into the heart of the action.

HEART OF THE CITY Win a private, after-hours and behind the scene tour of St Paul’s Cathedral, arguably London’s most iconic landmark. Not to be missed, the exclusive tour will be followed by a dinner for up to eight in the Temple Bar private dining room, a unique structure that has marked the gateway to the City of London for 200 years.

comment personal finance

Mind the gap Martin Bamford looks at the skill of financial planning and explains how to become better at it I’ve been thinking a lot about financial planning recently. Hopefully this won’t come as a big surprise; as a financial planner you would expect this to be on my mind on a regular basis! My recent thoughts on the subject have come about as a result of trying to understand what makes some people successful when it comes to financial planning, whilst others appear to struggle. I’ve concluded that good financial planning is all about ‘gaps’. In terms of creating wealth in the first place, it is about the gap between income and expenditure. The wider you can make this gap, in a positive sense, the more you will have left over at the end of each month to put towards meeting your longer term financial objectives. This explains why often those people on large salaries make slow or no progress towards building wealth: their expenditure is too high to allow a gap that can create long-term wealth. It also goes some way towards explaining why, when you get a pay rise, you often fail to feel any better off in absolute terms; your expenditure simply grows to absorb that extra money you earn. There are only two steps you can take to grow this gap between income and expenditure. The first is to reduce your expenditure. It is always a worthwhile exercise at the start of each year to review how you are spending your money. By making conscious spending decisions, it is possible to make the gap between your income and expenditure larger. The second step is to increase your income. Whilst this is more challenging in times of economic uncertainty, there are steps you can take, such as skills training and working towards specific career goals.

Wealth creation from investing money also relies on gaps. In this case, it is the gap between how the market performs and the performance of your selected investment funds. It might also be the gap between how a particular investment sector is made up, and how you decide to allocate your money to different investment assets. Either or both of these gaps can add value to your overall investment returns. Protecting your wealth is best done by understanding the gap between your liabilities or the financial requirements of your family, and what financial resources or protection you already have in place. Filling this gap will ensure that you have adequate protection in place, should you die or become disabled. Later in life, retirement planning becomes about the gap between what you will have in retirement and the income you need to live your chosen lifestyle. This is often described as a shortfall exercise. Good retirement planning means having to calculate what your existing pension assets could provide when you retire, before comparing this figure to your likely expenditure in older age. When you start to think about protecting your wealth for future generations, this ‘mind the gap’ approach becomes a case of comparing the value of your estate with the amount you want to leave, after inheritance tax has been paid, to your children or grandchildren. By thinking of your financial planning in terms of ‘gaps’, it should be easier to visualise where these gaps exist and how you might start to widen or close them. What always remains important is to link your life goals to the financial decisions you make, as financial planning without linkage to what you want to achieve in life is unlikely to be as valuable. n

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

CWpromotion

INVESTING IN YOU With the present coalition government spearheading a range of transformational changes to both the public and private sectors, now is the time to take stock of your own personal development and future career options and maximise your potential. It is time to now invest in yourself

For some people, the future will be a time for retraining, perhaps having to pay personally for courses and new skills as training budgets are cut or trimmed down; for others who are thinking of moving sectors, it may be a time of reflection, wondering how their current skills-set and knowledge base can help them move into new territories. The difficulty is to decide how to do so. We all have various skills and a wealth of business knowledge that can be utilised to best position ourselves for success in the global marketplace, but sometimes we need guidance and support in how to re-use that skills-set and how to apply that knowledge to different and varied situations. The programmes run at EThames Executive Training, the Corporate and Executive Development Division of EThames Graduate School, could be your answer. Situated in the heart of the Docklands at Canary Wharf, the Graduate School offers both academic students and professional executives a complete range of highquality, UK-recognised qualifications and courses. While the career-focused degree programmes provide academic students with the knowledge and skills required to participate in the workplace, the professional and executive training programmes support working individuals in their ambition to develop their own abilities to the full. Throughout 2011, EThames Executive Training will be offering a new portfolio of professional and executive programmes for both the commercial and public

sectors. Aimed at supporting all kinds of administrators, practitioners, managers, and executives to achieve their potential and deal with today’s challenges in the private and public sectors, EThames Executive Training is one of the first local Graduate Schools to offer corporate, professional and executive education programmes at Canary Wharf. Workshops and seminars are available in Career Development, Management and Leadership Skills, B2B Mentoring, Financial Markets, IT and Computing Skills, Marketing & Branding, Health and Social Care change, Public Sector Efficiency, Understanding Government, Chinese Business Markets, and Business Languages (to name a few). All the trainers have been carefully chosen to bring both practical and theoretical experience to the workshops, many leading figures in their own sectors. There are also several new initiatives in 2011 at the postgraduate level, with both a part-time MBA and an ‘MBA Academy’ aimed at MBA graduates who wish to update their current knowledge, being designed and developed. EThames Executive Training also offer a variety of networking events and bespoke courses, while it is also possible to hire the Corporate Executive suite or lecture theatres for your own training or events. For registration and further information visit www.etgs.org. uk or contact the Helpdesk at exec.courses@etgs.org.uk; 020 7531 7328, 197 Marsh Wall, Canary Wharf, E14 9SG

comment human resources

Getting

what you want in

2011

Chelsey Baker, business advisor and life coach, discusses the Law of Attraction to help you achieve anything you want and everything you desire in the year ahead

t has often been said that our life experiences are determined by the thoughts and emotions that lie behind them. Usually referred to as the ‘Law of Attraction’, this concept states that if we consistently focus upon the things that we really want, we will eventually attract them and, ultimately, achieve all our desires; conversely, however, it also means that should we focus too much upon negative things we will also attract them. If our present is the manifestation of our past thoughts, then it’s high time to reassess what we really want out of life, and to take active steps to consciously direct our thoughts and desires accordingly. Many people write goal lists and frequently wonder why they never seem to reach them. This can occur for a variety of reasons; being unclear in your thoughts and not visualising what you really want. The ultimate problem stems from the fact that when you wish really hard for something, you invariably find that doubt will follow. When you transmit thoughts of doubt alongside your goals, this is a surefire way to sabotage your aims. So the goal here must be to overcome any negative thoughts or doubts clouding your mind. It’s imperative that you take inspired actions to achieve what you want, not only in your thoughts, but in reality too. Visualisation is a vital tool in achieving your desires. Medical research indicates that our subconscious brain cannot distinguish between an event that takes place in our thoughts, and one that takes place in reality. Most successful sportsmen make use of visualisation techniques in training in order to induce their subconscious mind to both rehearse and precondition their muscles for the activity to come, despite the fact that they may be doing so in the comfort of an armchair.

The following suggestions will help you to manifest your desires into reality: • Decide what it is you actually want; be specific about your desires and set yourself a timeline • Always have a positive attitude. When you are positive you attract positive people and transformations into your life • Focus on what you want and picture the end result with as much detail as possible. Have clear doubt-free vision and project your optimism, and believe that your goal has already happened • Visualise your desires with a mental picture. Imagine where you want to be in your life and picture yourself in this situation. You won’t reach this position unless you maintain a definite idea of your direction, and a positive mental attitude • Commit to your goal and the Law of Attraction will respond to it. Stop pondering over whether or not you will achieve what you want, and strive to be confident that you’re on the right track • Keep focused on your ambitions and take small steps to achieve what you want. Try putting up a photo of your desired goal and take inspired action to achieve it. Listen to your own intuition and pay attention to your own feelings • Don’t give in to negative thoughts or doubt. If you doubt your desire, you are sending negative thoughts out into the universe. Keep every thought positive • Appreciate the evidence as it unfolds around you – look for signs that your desires are manifesting themselves and reinforce your positive actions • Strive to feel good about yourself every single day. Stop resisting and let go of any struggle, believe that everything is unfolding exactly as it should be • Start using affirmations. Write down what you want and say them to yourself repeatedly like a mantra. The more often you say them out loud, the more likely they are to come true. Lasting happiness often comes from the journey rather than the attainment of your goal, so relish that feeling of excitement you experience when you free your mind and believe that you have no limitations. It’s easy to imprint new objectives into your subconscious in order to achieve what you want; you just have to believe in yourself and the power of positivity. The choice is yours; you already have everything you need to achieve your goals, all you need to do is adopt a positive mental attitude and you’ll get everything you want in 2011. n

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Exiting Executives and Post-departure Restrictions Clare Murray explains the challenges of dealing with ex-employees and how to avoid certain pitfalls and loopholes In these challenging economic times, employers are becoming more protective of their business interests and more willing to enforce restrictive covenants against departing executives who might threaten those interests. Restrictive covenants can include: a restriction for a specified period of time on the ex-employee joining competitors (perhaps defined by name, business area or geographical location); poaching existing and prospective clients (or dealing with them if they try to follow of their own accord); poaching colleagues; and misusing the employer’s confidential information. Occasionally there is also an express prohibition on team moves. The starting point with restrictive covenants is that they are unenforceable as an unlawful restraint of trade unless the employer can show that it has a legitimate business interest that requires protection; these include customer connections, confidential information and protecting a stable workforce. Such restrictions must be no more than adequate to protect those interests. Relevant factors include the nature of the business, the duration of restrictions and the business and geographic area covered. Overly wide restrictions will normally be unenforceable.

An ex-employee who breaches their restrictive covenants may face a court application by their former employer for an injunction to prevent further breaches and a claim for damages to compensate for the ex-employer’s losses. The new employer is at risk of being sued too, if they procured or induced breaches by the departing employee of their obligations. Executives who are considering an exit need to be aware of their obligations to their employers, to understand the extent to which they may or may not be binding, and to identify whether there is any basis for challenging them. This includes, for example, whether the employer itself is in breach of contract, potentially releasing the executive from their key restrictions as a result, or whether the drafting of the restrictions is too wide to be enforceable. This can often provide a basis on which to negotiate a more favourable result for the exiting executive. And if their prospective employer tries to encourage the senior executive to breach restrictions, they should consider requesting a written indemnity from the new employer against any court awards and legal costs which may result if the ex-employer sues. This usually causes the new employer to scale back their expectations and requests. The reality is that, despite such restrictions being a frequent feature of employment contracts, people do move around all the time. But the extent to which they do so freely depends almost entirely on their understanding their legal position, negotiating levers and tactical options in advance, rather than trying to fight a rearguard action and engage in damage limitation later. Forewarned is forearmed! n

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

the

RISE OF GLOBAL

MOBILITY

New Year Around The World It can be confusing living away from home at New Year. Just how do you find out the different ways of celebrating? Mexico seems to be the most controversial. Depending on whom you believe, there is a ‘tradition’ of women wearing red underwear on New Year’s Eve. This is supposed to bring love in the New Year whilst, if you wear yellow underwear, your wealth will increase. However, some sources indicate that this tradition was probably invented by underwear manufacturers. Mexicans also follow a similar tradition to Spain where 12 grapes are eaten, one to each chime of the midnight clock on 1 January. According to Wikipedia, this tradition also has a rather prosaic origin: grape growers invented it in 1909 to rid themselves of a massive surplus of their crop in that particular year. Some Latin American countries such as Colombia celebrate by dressing a man-sized doll in old clothes and burning Mr “Old Year” at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve. This seems reminiscent of the burning of Guy Fawkes in the UK on 5 November. In England, as opposed to the UK, New Year’s Day was not recognised until 1752. Until that time, the year began on 25 March, the feast of the Annunciations. Germany also has a refreshingly eccentric aspect to its New Year celebrations. Each year German television broadcasts a classic British cabaret sketch, in English, called “The 90th Birthday” or “Dinner for One”. There is not space to cover the whole plot here, but essentially a butler impersonates a number of (dead) dinner guests for his employer and has to drink multiple toasts at New Year as part of the impersonation. Apparently, if you say to most Germans, “The same procedure as last year, Madam? – The same procedure as every year, James”, they will get all misty eyed about the celebrations.

Geneva Ex-Pats Survey Further to my recent article about the grass not necessarily being greener (or should that be the snow whiter?) in Switzerland, a reader has pointed out to me a recent posting on the website, www.swissinfo.ch. In a survey carried out at the end of 2009 by the Geneva authorities on United Nations staff and diplomats based in the city, 17 per cent of respondents put security as their main concern. However, to put this in proper perspective, 51.8 per cent of expats said that housing was their main priority. Nonetheless swissinfo reported that, “some 12.4 per cent of expats reported having been burgled during the past three years and 11.6 per cent said they had been robbed in the street.” Geneva has the highest crime rates in Switzerland, with burglary being the offence most on the rise. The other side of the story is that temporary foreign residents believe that “Geneva remains an excellent place to live and work”. Approximately 92 per cent of respondents said that they would recommend Geneva to their family and friends, and 77.3 per cent judged the quality of life to be good.

The Forum for Expatriate Management is holding the Totally Expat Show on May 16th 2011 at the Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square, London. Lead sponsors include Nat West Global Employee Banking, Xchanging GMS, Rosetta Stone, Fragomen, JAM HR, HSBC International, Interdean, Sterling Relocation, HCR Group and Equus Software. For more information, visit www.totallyexpat.com

global living

comment

For global living international executives keeping up to date with the latest news is important

Behind the scenes of the

Expatriate Industry Brian Friedman discusses the expatriate industry and those recognised at the recent Expatriate Management and Mobility Awards (EMMAs)

here are unsung heroes and heroines in many industries. They are the people who toil away in comparative obscurity, but do essential work that keeps companies and employees functioning. This is certainly the case in the expatriate management industry. All across the globe there are hundreds, if not thousands, of employees emigrating or relocating for employment every day of the week. Many of those individuals and their families will be supplied with a variety of services that ensure that their move from A to B is seamless. Those services range from tax advice to housing and schooling searches, as well as shipping of personal items. These are all provided by dedicated experts in their field. It is in the nature of the business that most moves are expedited with little or no problem, but occasionally there can be logistical challenges. These are often caused by events unrelated to the operator’s performance. The recent incidence of suspect packages detected en route

from Yemen to the USA has slowed down shipping lanes markedly whilst new security protocols are worked out, and this is but one example. Many of those working with expatriates (for whom we always have the highest regard) quote the axiom: “When I am right, no one remembers; when I am wrong, no one forgets”. To enable credit to be awarded where it was due, earlier this year, via the Forum for Expatriate Management, I introduced the Expatriate Management and Mobility Awards, the EMMAs. There were 13 different categories of awards for which we received more than 240 entries. A distinguished panel of judges drawn from the UK, Europe and the US reviewed entries and made adjudications over the summer. Our first ever EMMAs were awarded at a Gala ball attended by more than 300 people at a prestigious hotel in Grosvenor Square, London in November 2010. The event was covered by our media partners, the Telegraph Group and even by OK!

magazine. Many of the companies who sponsored or won supplier awards are household names in our industry, although they may not yet be so well known outside this milieu. In the relocation categories, honours went to Sterling Relocation and Chiltern Relocation, with Robinsons Relocation picking up the International Movers Award. Mercer was judged to be Benefits Provider of the Year. The Corporate Housing Award went to Go Native, Grant Thornton obtained the Tax/Legal Adviser award and Brookfield GRS the award for “thought leadership”. Awards for Technology went to Move One and Relo Assist. We also felt it important to include awards for representatives of those companies who manage expatriate staff – the customers, if you will. In these categories, NATS and Mars won team awards and Helen Walton of Astra Zenica an individual award. It was also one of my great pleasures to see Siobhan Cummins of Mercer receive our Outstanding Contribution award in recognition of the many years of distinguished service she has given to our industry. That is what sums up the EMMAs; recognising achievements that might otherwise stay behind the scenes. n

Brian Friedman is the contributing editor of Global Life and founder of the Forum for Expatriate Management. Founded in 2008, the Forum already has over 4,000 members who collectively manage over one million expatriate moves. Members come from the leading blue-chip employers of international assignees both in the UK and globally.

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THE CREAM OF CANTONESE

O London’s foremost modern Cantonese restaurant spreads the word with the opening of the new Hakkasan Mayfair

pened in 2001 by Alan Yau, Hakkasan has received a host of awards and accolades, not least of which is the 2003 Michelin star, which it still retains. Now arguably London’s best-known Cantonese restaurant, Hakkasan is in the first stages of a global expansion, with last year’s opening in Abu Dhabi and the recent opening of Hakkasan Mayfair. With a kitchen twice the size of that in Hanway Place, executive head chef Tong Chee Hwee (the talent behind Hakkasan’s menus from the beginning) will be offering a selection

of dishes unique to Hakksan Mayfair, such as steamed New Zealand mini lobster, black truffle roast duck, and blue abalone in Hakka sauce – not to mention the signature dishes that have made Hakksan’s name what it is. Sink back into Hakkasan Mayfair’s rich and deeply decadent décor, hide away amongst the intimate maze of dark wood latticework and enjoy a delicately flavoured cocktail, creative dim sum and a fantastic fusion of European and Asian food. www.hakkasan.com

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SOHO-SHARM CHARM SOHO Square™ Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, brings a complete entertainment centre to White Knights Bay, housing restaurants, cafés, bars and clubs and catering for tastes both young and old. Indulge in some fabulous highend shopping before sampling the international cuisine from one of four themed à la carte restaurants. In the British house, enjoy a pint at the Queen Vic pub, before moving upstairs to the sushi and Tepanyaki bar, or the steak house. To combat the heat, try out the ice rink or chill out in the Middle East’s very first Ice Bar. The Pangaea nightclub has been popular from its opening night: British resident and guest DJs supply the music, whilst British flair barmen create amazing cocktails.

BARRADORO'S SEVEN HEAVEN Barradoro aims to stretch the boundaries of its members’ imagination. That’s why membership to the exclusive club includes a private jet trip around the world. Visiting seven cities in seven days, guests of the World Tour will bear witness to some of the biggest events in music, art, food and fashion. Commencing with a music spectacular at the foothills of Mount Fuji, Tokyo, the trip progresses across the globe. An exclusive private dinner in

Shanghai is followed by a star-studded musical line-up in Abu Dhabi, before a heady mix of ancient and modern art is displayed in Istanbul. London, and a world-class fashion show, is next, preceded by an invitation-only ball in the Big Apple. Los Angeles hosts the finale of the World Tour, where a live music and A-list talent extravaganza is followed by a fireworks display like no other. This year, the deadline for application to Barradoro is 31 January.

www.soho-sharm.com

Travel Fact When hotel.info asked, “Who would you most like to spend a night in a hotel with?” 24 per cent of women said George Clooney; 19 per cent of men named Julia Roberts.

www.barradoro.com

Website of the month: www.luxecityguides.com

CLASSICAL MUSIC COMES TO VAL D’ISÈRE Classical music returns to Val d’Isère this winter as internationally acclaimed artists perform a series of emotive and inspiring compositions at the church of Saint Bernard de Menthon. Classicaval Festival runs from 18–20 January and 15–17 March and promises to attract music lovers from far and wide. The January opus will be performed under the direction of Anne-Lise Gastaldi in partnership with Palazzetto Bru Zane of Venice, whose aim is to bring classical French composers and music into the spotlight. Michel Lethiec, one of the world’s greatest clarinettists, will play at the festival’s March close in a performance overseen by Frederic Lagarde.

Luxe City Guides provide cheap, snappy, up-to-date guides to destinations across the world. Avoiding the unnecessary padding, photos, and graphics of other handbooks, the pocket-sized guides offer strong, informed opinion from people who truly know the places they’re writing about. Updated every year and with monthly updates available online, Luxe City Guides contain everything you need to know and nothing you don’t.

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

in the

Palm

of your hand

Harry Hepburn escapes to the lost city of Atlantis and discovers it was much easier than Plato might ever have suspected

travel

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I even tried the decadent Wagyu beefburger at the Nasimi Beach restaurant (it really does make a difference). Finally, we made it to the Dubai Nobu. My companion, a veteran of this establishment’s worldwide counterparts, has not always been left satisfied. On this occasion, however, she left feeling a little dizzy (in a good way, of course). Of particular note was the signature tiradito scallop, with Peruvian chili paste and lemon yuzu dressing and, best of all, a twist on a Nobu favourite, black peppered cod with balsamic teriyaki. Absolutely wonderful. For a resort built of the sea it should be no surprise that aquatic activities abound. If all you desire is to bask in the sun and sea, head to either one of the hotel’s two outdoor pools, or aim for Nasimi beach, a private beach for guests to enjoy the sand and wade out into the warm Persian waters. There are, however, some serious alternatives. The Ambassador Lagoon, an enormous fish tank at the foot of one of the hotel’s towers, offers a glimpse into the Lost Chambers, the hotel’s own aquarium. Reportedly built from salvaged remnants of the original Atlantis, atmospheric lighting guides you thorough a series of passageways, where conger eels and inquisitive fishes poke their faces through ancient ironwork and Atlantean artefacts sit proudly on display. The Chambers house around 65,00 fish; sharks, barracuda, angel fish and giant puffers mingle with other varieties too numerous to mention. Marine fun continues with an on-site water park, Aquaventure, the largest in the Middle East and Europe. Free to guests and open to the public, the whole area is a network of pools, rapids and waterslides formed around a central pyramid (the Ziggurat). With enough space for everyone, you can relax by the pool on a sun lounger or climb to the top to take the Leap of Faith, (a 27m slide from the peak of the pyramid down to the base, through a shark-tank), or enjoy more than 2km of rapids criss-crossing the whole area. If this isn’t enough, head to Dolphin Bay where, under a trainer’s supervision, you can meet one of the resort’s resident dolphins in a saltwater lagoon habitat specially created for them. Different degrees of ‘interaction’ are available and non-swimmers can join in with shallow water shows. Getting up close to one of these aquatic mammals is an experience I am unlikely to forget. My only gripe about this holiday would be that we didn’t have enough time to do everything, but I suppose that is the point of a resort like this. We never ate at the underwater Ossiano restaurant, or checked out Sanctuary, the nightclub. I’m not sure I even managed to get on every one of the slides out of Zigurrat. We never managed to leave the resort; between relaxing, eating and swimming we did little else. A monorail connects you to the mainland (and its famous malls), but we never felt any desire to leave. We slept our way there and, since the time difference isn’t so great, we never felt out of kilter with our surroundings. At worst, a nap to escape the mid-afternoon Arabian heat hardly seemed uncalled for and, by the time we had to leave, we felt fantastic. Leaving a place where everything has been for your comfort, it was marvellous to find our return flights left early enough in the morning for me to make a late-afternoon appointment, fully recharged and refreshed. Wonderful. n For further information, visit www.atlantisthepalm.com

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Opposite clockwise from top: The Lost Chambers Nobu Signature Dish - Black Cod Leap of Faith

Celtic Manor Resort and The Cheltenham Festival gives you a two day experience that dreams are made of FairwaytoFurlong.com will be hosting a special golf event on Monday 14th March 2011, with exclusive use of all three courses at The Celtic Manor Resort, site of the 2010 Ryder Cup.

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into the

WILD Annabel Goldie-Morrison heads for Laikipia in the heart of Kenya’s wild Northern Frontier, a hot and dusty drive from Nairobi through lush valleys, arid plains, and the dramatic foothills of Mount Kenya

ith a holiday like this, there’s no gentle way to start, so we threw ourselves in at the deep end and spent the first four nights camping with Karisia Camel Safaris. Each morning we were woken at 6.30am with a gentle ‘hodi’ from our Samburu guides, and after a hearty breakfast we walked for five or six hours, accompanied by our surprisingly amenable camels, before reaching our next camp in time for lunch. The skilful guides could spot animals that were several valleys away, and with their superb tracking skills got us as close as possible to some amazing creatures. My particular favourite was the endangered Grévy’s zebra, beautifully pinstriped with huge fluffy ears. Elephant encounters were a daily occurrence and, when on foot, this is both a wonderful and somewhat scary experience. We also spotted gerenuk (a long-necked species of antelope), common zebra, giraffe, impala, Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelles, and a plethora of birdlife, including some beautiful eagles – and on our last day, caught a glimpse of leopard and lion. Laikipia does not have the sheer numbers of wildlife found in the Masai Mara, but it has the richest ecosystem in terms of endangered species, and it is a privileged experience to see these rare animals in their natural habitat. True, in a park such as the Mara or Serengeti, you are more or less guaranteed a close-up of all the great animals, but it seemed so much more real to bump into game wherever it happened to be, rather than to inspect it in a park, sharing every sighting with six other wagonloads of gawping tourists. A few hours drive from Karisia was our main destination, The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille on the far northern escarpment of the Laikipia Plateau. Perched on top of a rocky hill, The Sanctuary is a pioneering eco-retreat in the heart of the private 14,500-acre Ol Lentille conservancy, within the community-owned Kijabe Group Ranch. Run by English couple, John and Gill Elias, the lodge provides luxury accommodation alongside ambitious

conservation and community development programmes. A percentage of the revenue from guests helps finance local schools, mobile clinics and businesses, and it was great to see this in action all around the local community. The Sanctuary is romantic and incredibly chic, with four private houses, each with its own unique style and breathtaking views, taking in the surrounding grassy hills and deep valleys, heavily wooded with acacia trees, and in the distance looms the craggy peak of Mount Kenya. We stayed in the two-bedroomed Colonel’s House, where the décor was very reminiscent of the house of a well-travelled military man, with a very English backdrop, interspersed with artefacts and furnishings from across the British Empire. From the house we had a view over the recently constructed wildlife dam in the valley below, and there were nearly always elephants in sight. It was delightful to watch the babies playing in the mud and the adults greeting each other, their social behaviour extremely human and fascinating to observe. Aside from the four houses, The Sanctuary has a communal club room, known as ‘The Library’, a wonderfully friendly room built into the rocks, filled with interesting books and comfy sofas, on top of which is a viewing deck looking out over the waterhole. Right on top of the hill there is a serene horizon pool surrounded by loungers, cushions and secluded pods, where my family was frequently found after lunch, sprawled around like a wellfed pride of lions. Active guests can indulge in horse and camel riding, quad biking, mountain biking and archery, and for the real fanatics there’s a parcours jogging trail. When you feel a bit over-exerted, there’s a spa on the property and shaded croquet and boules pitches where you can while away the hours, gin and tonic in hand. Our dedicated Masai guide, Solomon, was always on hand to take us for a game drive or walk, and escorted us on various activities. At The Sanctuary you are fooled into thinking you’re the only person around, but the impeccable service and constant supply of delicious food reminded us otherwise.

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Kudu on a daily basis within the conservancy, and were lucky enough to see the elusive African Wild Dogs out on a hunt, one of Africa’s most threatened species. The birdlife is also thriving, and amongst others we spotted hornbill, the comical Go-Away bird and the majestic Verreaux’s eagle. The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille is an island of comfort in the midst of a great wilderness – a taste of what life once was for the English in Africa. Kenya has long been synonymous with breathtaking landscapes, fascinating people and abundant wildlife, but after decades of poaching, drought and overgrazing it has become more important than ever for tourism to run in synergy with nature and local communities, and where better to experience this than Ol Lentille, where the motto is ‘Having Fun, Doing Good’. n For further information, visit www.karisia.com and www.ol-lentille.com

Our ever-efficient butler, Chris, was always on hand with an ice-cold Tusker, or to book a spa treatment when the fancy took us. A ‘wherever, whenever, whatever’ policy operates at The Sanctuary when it comes to meals, and we did our best to test it out. For breakfast we basked in the sun on our terrace, planning our day and listening to the lone bull elephants pushing trees down in their frustration; lunches were in the shade by the pool, or picnicking at the top of Ol Lentille hill after a leisurely hike up; and in the evenings, dinner was served in our house, the library, any of the other houses if they were empty, and even in the middle of the bush. The picnics were truly spectacular. On one day we toured around the local community and visited one of the schools, and afterwards drove to a sandy lugha (dry riverbed). After a short stroll to look at Vervet monkeys, we returned to the Landrover near which Chris had laid out lunch, complete with crisp white linen and a fully stocked bar. Only a few years ago, the conservancy was pretty barren and overgrazed, and now it’s wonderful to see how the wildlife, including many endangered species, has moved back into the area. We The elephant and rhino orphans at spotted elephant, baboon, dik dik, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust rock hyrax, impala, klipspringer, www.davidsheldrickwildlifetrust.org Grant’s gazelle and the rare Greater

Above: Room with a view, The Sanctuary Left: Ol Lentille rock

MUST VISIT

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Destination...

Luxembourg

A financial capital, The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is home to several EU agencies and institutions. It is also a great destination away for a relaxing city break What to see::

Luxembourg City

Luxembourg City is a storybook beauty. A thousand years old and World Heritage listed, this charming city – often described as Europe‘s most dramatically sited – radiates a composed air of old and new. Take the glossy art gallery and Philharmonie – stunning new structures that launched the city as European Capital of Culture in 2007. Add to these state-of-theart museums, chic boutiques and Michelin-starred restaurants. And top it off with a striking location – high on a promontory overlooking deep valleys and sheersided gorges. For centuries, these gorges were the key to the city’s defence. Nowadays they provide visitors with spectacular vistas over parklands and atmospheric old neighbourhoods like Grund and Clausen. The best way to take in the city is on one of the tours; there’s guided two-hour walking tours or the hop-on-hopoff bus. www.lcto.lu

CityJet offers three direct flights a day from Monday to Friday and up to two on the weekend to Luxembourg from London City Airport.

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

Don’’t miss:

Vianden

Vianden is one of Luxembourg’s main tourist centres with large numbers of holidaymakers and local visitors at all times of the year. In particular, the recently restored castle set spectacularly on the rocks above the town has become a museum which traces its history and its links with the royal families of Europe back to the middle ages. Then there are links with Victor Hugo who visited Luxembourg in 1862 and 1865 and spent a longer period in Vianden in 1871. His sketches and letters can be seen in the museum located in the house where he stayed next to the bridge over the Our. There is also a museum of arts and crafts (Musée d’Art Rustique) and a doll and toy museum (Musée de la Poupée et du Jouet). But many people just visit Vianden to wander through its hilly, historic streets or as a centre for walking, camping or cycling in the north of Luxembourg. During the summer months, a chairlift operates from the banks of the river in the lower part of the town, taking you high above the castle with magnificent views over the landscape. Vianden also has a number of annual events and celebrations. The most famous of these is the nut market in October, when the local walnuts are on sale together with everything else walnut. www.vianden-info.lu

Where to stay:

Le Royal Luxembourg A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, Le Royal offers 210 elegant rooms, which cater perfectly for the international business and tourist clientéle. But this five star hotel offers a further level, the Royal Club wing with superior rooms and suites. Make the most of the exclusive terrace in summer and watch the city life roll by. www.leroyalluxembourg.com

Where to eat:

Clairefontaine

If you’re in Luxembourg and you are looking for an impressive meal in an impressive restaurant, the only choice is Michelinstarred Clairefontaine. Just a few minutes walk from Place d’Arms, this restaurant offers excellent food, unbeatable service and, whilst not the cheapest, is worth every penny. Try the eight course ‘Discovery Menu’, which includes dishes such as Frog legs and fillet of poultry prepared like a fricassée, salad of potatoes and a chilled leak cream or Tartare of tuna on gazpacho, served with foam potatoes and a garlic and celery ice-cream. Such dishes have caused many reviewers to suggest that the complexity of the dishes is more consistent with a two-star Michelin rating. www.restaurantclairefontaine.lu

Where to play::

Plâteau Du Kirchberg

Head for the modern district on the Plâteau du Kirchberg (reached via the Pont Grand Duchesse Charlotte – the capital’s most impressive bridge); it’s home to a thriving international finance centre, many European institutions and Luxembourg’s biggest cinema complex and shopping mall.

Live like a

LORD H

ave you ever imagined how it might be to live like a lord? Whilst driving beneath the ornate Golden Gates leading to the Bowood Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort, I begin to get an inkling. Designed to impress, this architectural confection combining Italianate triumphal arch and belvedere designed by Sir Charles Barry (of Houses of Parliament fame, no less), provides an aristocratic portent of things to come. This grandiose gateway not only proclaims the entrance to the hotel, but also the historic 2,000-acre Bowood Estate. Regarded as Wiltshire’s secret treasure, as I follow the meandering road bisecting the sylvan landscape mapped out by Capability Brown in 1762, Bowood does not disappoint. Opened in May 2009 by HRH the Duchess of Cornwall (Camilla’s signature is the first in the visitor’s book), this country house hotel is the latest addition to a host of attractions to be found on the Bowood Estate. Establishing a hotel here has been a long-held ambition of the current owners, the 9th Marquis and Marchioness of Lansdowne. When Lord Lansdowne’s father retired in l972, he left Bowood to his son, saying, “You may find maintaining this estate something of a challenge”. It was something of an understatement. Yet since opening his home, Bowood House, and the ravishing grounds surrounding it to the public three years later, he has pursued these challenges with verve and vision. The hotel might have been a long time in the planning, but it’s obviously been worth the wait.

Beverley Byrne visits the historic Bowood Estate and is transported back to a time of Capability Brown and landed ladies and gentlemen

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Main image: The Library at Bowood Hotel Above: Shelburne Restaurant Above right: Shelburne Bar Below: The Landsdowne Suite

As I negotiate the sweeping drive, delusions of grandeur are already setting in. I’m greeted by a footman (sorry, I mean hotel porter) who whisks my luggage away and then offers to relocate my carriage (Volkswagen estate) to the car park. For a hotel which looks from the outside like a newly minted, mini stately home, the contemporary interior comes as something of a surprise. Designed by Lady Lansdowne, the décor in the reception rooms, Shelburne Bar and Restaurant combine opulent textiles with a chic colour scheme embellished with prints and paintings relating to Bowood and its fascinating past. This is echoed in my capacious suite, a restrained combination of muted shades with sumptuous drapes lining the lofty windows. As well as modern amenities you’d expect such as flat screen television and iPod docking station, there are also decorative suggestions of the Casbah. A hint of the hammam in the bathroom is echoed elsewhere by Moroccan-style inlaid mirrors and soft furnishings. Hanging above a seductively comfortable sofa is a modern portrait of a comely young woman, dressed in colourful exotic garb. This is, I later discover, a reworking of an original portrait of Margaret Mercer, a Lansdowne ancestor who famously conducted a flirtatious correspondence with Lord Byron. Individual touches such as these define the hotel’s character. Service at the hotel is equally stylish. Prior to dinner, I’m served champagne in the library by a knowledgeable maitre d’ whose elegant attentions only serve to increase my newly ennobled illusions. Choosing from a tempting menu of dishes mostly created from local or West Country produce, I finally decide on Seared Cornish King Scallops with leeks and sorrel followed by Wiltshire Downs Lamb. Both dishes are a triumph and a final course of artisan cheeses washed down by a glass of Pinot chosen from an extensive wine list, concludes my evening in royal style. Following an equally memorable breakfast the next morning, my programme of regal pampering continues with a full body massage. As well as a swimming pool, sauna and steam room, the hotel offers a full range of treatments conducted in the Tower Suite – one of the spa’s two treatments rooms. Situated at the top of a tower on the fourth floor, this double treatment room boasts the highest vantage point of the hotel. This means I can enjoy a gentle pummelling whist overlooking Capability Brown’s Grade I Listed Great Park. Later on, I discover what it means to really live like a lord. I’m transported to Bowood House, situated a mile away on the estate from the hotel, in a golf buggy driven by a friendly receptionist – a courtesy which is offered to all guests. A tour of the house, together with a round of golf,

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is included in the price of the room and it’s an offer that should not be refused. The Lansdowne family has lived at Bowood since 1754 and, although much has changed over time, the beauty of the house and gardens has not. Bowood’s colourful A-list of historic connections include Robert Adam, Jeremy Bentham, Dr Joseph Priestley, Lord Byron and Queen Victoria. No strangers to high office, the Lansdowne family has also provided a former Prime Minister, a Foreign Secretary, a Chancellor of the Exchequer and a Viceroy of India. The elegant house is stuffed with treasures, all of which are significantly connected to these important figures from the past. I covet a series of exquisite paintings by Richard Parkes Bonnington, which represent the jewel in the crown of Bowood’s important collection of watercolour paintings. But no painting can truly capture the grandeur of Bowood’s extensive landscaped gardens. Looking from the House and the surrounding Italianate terraces across gentle slopes to the sinuous lake, it’s possible to capture a sense of Capability Brown’s motivation. There’s a fabulous collection of unusual shrubs and trees laid out beyond the ballustraded terraces, bluebell woods, a cascade and grotto, plus a pinetum and arboretum as well as a 60-acre woodland garden and a series of Rhododendron Walks (open to the public for six weeks from the end of April). As the latest repository of pleasure in this vast playpen of an estate, the hotel not only represents its evolution but also its spirit. Over the centuries, successive generations of Lansdownes have created a masterpiece and now, thanks to the Bowood Hotel, we can all discover what it’s like to live like a lord. n For further information, call Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort on 01249 822228 or visit www.bowood.org

SPECIAL WINTER BREAK £95 per person including accommodation, three-course dinner served in the Clubhouse Brasserie and full English breakfast (offer extended from Sunday–Thursday until end February 2011, subject to availability). Bowood House is closed for the winter and will re-open to the public on 1 April 2011.

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Terms & conditions: Entry is open to residents of the UK except employees (and their families) of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) and RunWild Media Group, its printers and agents, the suppliers of the prizes and any other companies associated with the prize draw. The editor’s decision is final. The winner will be drawn at random on 31 January, 2011 and notified by email. The winner must be aged 18 or over. Proof of identity and age may be required. Use of a false name or address will result in disqualification. All entries must be made directly by the person entering the prize draw. The prizes are as stated, subject to availability at the time of booking (standard Service Provider booking conditions apply) are not transferable to another individual and no cash or other alternatives will be offered. Winners are responsible for expenses and arrangements not specifically included in the prizes, including any necessary travel, travel documents, passports and visas. Prizes are subject to availability and the prize suppliers’ terms and conditions. The promoters reserve the right to amend or alter the terms of prize draw and reject entries from entrants not entering into the spirit of the prize draw. The winner will be chosen from all correct entries submitted to SLH by email by the closing date stated within the promotional material and the prize must be redeemed before January 31, 2012. Winners will be confirmed in writing. Reasonable efforts will be made to contact a winner. Failure to respond and/or provide an address for delivery, or failure to meet the eligibility requirements may result in forfeiture of the prize. If they cannot be contacted, or are unable comply with these terms and conditions, the Promoter reserves the right to offer the prize to the next eligible entrant drawn at random. Where applicable, the decision of the judges is final based on the criteria set out in the promotion and no correspondence will be entered into over this decision. Prize draws may be modified or withdrawn at any time. The Service Provider and contact details are specified within the promotional material. Please note we will not share any of your details with any third parties but by subscribing to the E-zine service you agree that we may contact you from time to time with various product and service offers that we feel relevant.

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ROCKET FUEL New premium London gin Beefeater 24 launched the B24:LDNEXPOSED competition, challenging 24 hot new bars and photographers to create a cocktail and photograph that expressed “daring, London and glamour”. Canary Wharf’s Rocket picked up two awards, with mixologist Suzana Amorim winning first price for her cocktail Suzana’s 24/7, and photographer Sarah Brimley placed fifth for her Canary Wharf-based image. Suzana’s 24/7, a delicious mix of Beefeater 24, lime juice, gomme, basil, grapes, cucumber, mint and chilli, is available at Rocket now. www.beefeater24.com/ldn24 www.rocketrestaurants.co.uk/ canary-wharf

SOUL FOOD

from Miller Harris, such as the Thé Violette (with violet, blackcurrant bud and green mulberry leaf), or Thé Bigarade (with Ceylon vanilla and Sinharaja Rainforest tea). The afternoon tea is made complete with a delicious selection of sandwiches and cakes, skilfully created by the Firmdale chefs to bring out the white peach and citrus notes in the Ruinart champagne.

If you love Indian food, London is awash options, but how many work with your New Year’s resolutions? Beat the cravings and the guilt with Holyfood, a new brand of Indian food that is authentic, healthy, ethical and yet still convenient. The dishes use fresh (and where possible organic) ingredients, and are free from additives and preservatives, all ready to heat up and packaged in recyclable containers. Holyfood also offers a home delivery service for the height of healthy convenience food. Available from Selfridges.

www.firmdale.com

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FOLLOW YOUR NOSE

NEWS: Hotly anticipated this month is the opening of Heston Blumenthal’s first ever London restaurant, Dinner. Due to open on 31 January at the Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park, Dinner will be headed up by Ashley PalmerWatts (executive chef at The Fat Duck for some 11 years), serving dishes celebrating Britain’s gastronomic past, inspired by work with food historians and the British Library. The name is inspired by the historic and etymological concept of “dinner” as the main meal of the day.

Food lingo:

Quote: Cruciferous vegetables

Cruciferous is the name given to a group of vegetables containing properties thought to be effective in protecting against cancer, commonly referred to as Antioxidants. The word cruciferous comes from the family name cruciferae, which means “cross-bearing”, and refers to the shape of the vegetable’s flowers, which is thought to resemble a cross. Amongst the many cruciferous vegetables are broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower.

Website: New Year, new diet? How dull…

“There is no love sincerer than the love of food.”

George Bernard Shaw Irish writer

www.gdesserts.com

The Ruinart and Miller Harris Sensory Tea sees experts in the field of sensory delight come together to create an exquisite experience of taste, scent and appearance. Available at the West End Firmdale Hotels, the tea includes a glass of the superb Ruinart Blanc de Blancs, a fine, fresh and full champagne with a luminous gold colour. Guests can also enjoy a choice of delicate and expertly blended teas

Break the mould, and continue the festive indulgence with Gdesserts’ delicious new cupcakes in a jar, dreamed up by a mother of three, who wanted to give her children a treat without filling them with junk. These cute and uniquely packaged cupcakes come in six delicious flavours, but use fresh, locally sourced produce and are free from additives and preservatives. They even come in a taster version (which is a little lighter on the icing), crucially counterbalancing the calorieinduced feelings of guilt.

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HOT ROX HAND WARMERS It’s that time of year again when we have to prepare ourselves for the cold, dark and miserable mornings. Nobody likes the feeling of de-icing the car, driving with a cold steering wheel or getting on a train and shivering for the entire journey.

SHORT BREAK SKIING If you’re longing to get on the slopes but don’t have time for a seven-night ski holiday, then Flexiski can tailor-make your perfect ski weekend or short break

Controlling the weather is completely out of our hands but with HotRox being cold is now optional. HotRox has designed a unique, new lifestyle product that is designed to make us feel great whatever you’re up to. The stylish new electronic hand warmer fits snugly into the palm of your hand and can be turned on and off at the flick of a switch. The hand warmer lasts for up to six hours and can be recharged through a computer USB port or mains socket. HotRox is not like other hand warmers, there’s no boiling, no matches and no mess and heats up in only 15 seconds. Hot Rox hand warmers are priced at £29.99. For further information, visit www.thehotrox.co.uk

European ski weekends are a great option for anyone with minimum holiday days, or for those wanting to squeeze in an extra couple of days on the mountain. New winter flight routes, such as London City to Chambery, mean you can jet off on Friday, enjoy a weekend on the slopes and still be back in the office by Monday. Flexiski specialises in tailor-made ski breaks for families, individuals and corporate groups to 15 European resorts. Book accommodation only or let Flexiski tailor-make your ski break with flights and transfers. Here are some top picks for a ski weekend or short break: Hotel Saint Louis, Courchevel 1850, France Recently renovated, the hotel offers doorstep skiing and is home to a contemporary new bar and revamped south-facing terrace restaurant. Le Chapiteau is a lavish, self-contained apartment occupying the top floor of the hotel, and is perfect for a corporate function or for those looking for a more exclusive setting. The apartment benefits from a personal chef, private dining room and dedicated Ski Event Manager. Chalet Balias, Val d’Isère, France Combining style and comfort, this charming catered chalet offers wonderful views of the mountains and is located just a few minutes away from the ski lifts.

how to win Hot Rox has twenty hand warmers to give away, ensuring your winter is a warm one. To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following question:

Chalet Leonardo, Meribel, France The rustic Chalet Leonardo is classically finished in a combination of wood and stone, and features a beautiful, open-plan living area with traditional log fire and fabulous outdoor Jacuzzi. Amalien Haus, St Anton, Austria

HotRox hand warmers last for up to how many hours? a) Three b) Six c) Ten

This modern chalet is situated near St Anton’s bustling main street. The attractive living area provides the perfect setting to enjoy pre-dinner drinks, and its bedrooms feature smart, contemporary bathrooms.

Send your answer with your name, address and contact details to competitions@runwildgroup.co.uk with HOTROX in the subject field.

If you need something extra special, Flexiski’s Ski Event Managers can help arrange your perfect ski day, from collecting your equipment and making lunch reservations to even arranging a romantic picnic on the piste. Book on a daily basis or for the duration of your stay, and enjoy having your own personal assistant and expert skier with you on the mountain.

The closing date for entries is Friday 28 January, 2011 Terms & conditions: The editor’s decision is final. By entering this competition you agree to your details being used by Runwild Media Group for marketing purpose. Please see www.runwildgroup.com/subscriptions for full terms and conditions.

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For more information, call 020 8939 0880 or visit www.flexiski.com

food & drink

connoisseur

A taste of Spain Annabel Harrison heads to Camino in Canary Wharf to sample delicious, authentic Spanish food, accompanied by a unique wine list

t was a welcome relief to step out of icy winds and snow flurries into the spacious, yet cosy bar at Camino in Canary Wharf. Warm and welcoming, Camino seems to be frequented by an equal mix of post-work suited types and those out for a relaxed evening, table football tables sitting happily alongside a long, well-stocked bar. Dark wood, barrels and deep reds and greens give off a Spanish vibe, and I recommend they keep the Christmas fairy lights all year around – beautiful. Grab a glass – welcome to España! Our waiter was very knowledgeable and very Spanish, an excellent combination – somehow every dish sounds better with an authentic accent. We began with Manchego cheese and a variety of delicious Spanish ham, from acornfed black pigs allowed to roam in oak forests in Andalusia (my personal favourite fact of the evening) and cured from between 18 and 36 months to improve the flavour, which seemed to have worked. Our choice of seafood starters was full of complementary flavours: baby squid was sprinkled with aioli, and lemon and tiger prawns were sautéed in a chilli and garlic white wine sauce. The main course revolved entirely around meat and I’m very glad that it did. Succulent and melt-in-your-mouth rib-eye steak, Chuletón a la Parrilla, was followed by the understandably popular Presa Ibérica, the medium rare black pig shoulder blade, which had a wonderful texture. As accompaniments, the Pimientos del Padron, saltseasoned little green peppers, go very well with this course, allowing for a few salty, juicy non-meat mouthfuls in between steak and pork. Mention must be made at this point of the diverse wine menus, bound to excite even non-drinkers, and which won Camino a finalist place on the Imbibe 2010 Wine List. The main wine menu features a helpful map showing the regions in Spain from which the wines originate (I now know exactly where Rioja is!), and a plethora of choice: browse at your leisure and take your pick, but if in doubt, ask your waiter: we were recommended the Amontillado, Viña AB, González Byass and, as quoted next to it on the menu, it was indeed ‘druggingly delicious’ (wine critic Jancis Robinson). For the wine connoisseurs, or simply the inquisitive, ask the waiter to bring out Los Cañones Grandes – the Big Guns wine list. These are wines described with a passion that leaps off the page: one Rioja (Hiro 3 Racimos, Luis Cañas 2004) has a palate that is “huge, groaning with fruit, oak, rich tannins and immense length”, while other wines sound like fine gentlemen – choose “a muscular, assertive and confident” Cabernet Sauvignon or a champagne with a “unique combination of power and finesse, depth and balance”. We were satisfyingly full following starters and main courses, but my companion chose the Crema Catalana, a

crème brulée type for ‘Postre’ (dessert) and the temptation of the Pastel del Chocolate for a chocolate lover proved too great. I wasn’t disappointed. It was, in my mind, a perfect chocolate pudding: the entire focus was on the pure chocolate taste – fluffy, light chocolate sponge and oozing, rich chocolate sauce – which was unadulterated by any contrary textures or sauces. Camino is unpretentious, warm and relaxed, but the standard of the cuisine and wine menu definitely matched that of a more formal central London restaurant. Choose a wine, raise your glass and enjoy a wonderful evening. n Camino, Canary Wharf 020 7239 9077 www.camino.uk.com/canarywharf

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connoisseur food & drink

The Grape Vine This month, the experts at Waitrose travel to Africa in search of the perfect Merlot

n 1993 Madame Anne Cointreau, of the famous liqueur house, purchased the Morgenhof Wine Estate, situated in the magnificent Simonsberg Appellation near Stellenbosch in South Africa and started on an epic journey of developing the sleepy Morgenhof farm into the internationally recognised brand it has become. This prestigious estate focuses on terroir-based wines, a good example of which is the Morgenhof Estate Merlot 2006. This variety has been at the forefront of Morgenhof’s success over the years. The Morgenhof Merlot vineyard, incorporating vines of eight to 19 years, is planted on slopes from 160m – 200m above sea-level and the soil varies from

medium to heavy in texture with a clay content of about 20 per cent (this is important as the vineyards are not irrigated). The vineyards range from eight to 19 years of age. The grapes are received in the cellar and the mash is pumped to fermentation tanks. Yeast is then added so that fermentation can begin. Malo-lactic fermentation is done stainless steel tanks. The wine is then aged in French Oak barrels for 18 months. This wine has a rich, dark ruby colour with a complex nose of black cherry, prunes and mixed spice. These enticing flavours flow through to a soft supple palate. The Morgenhof Merlot 2006 has been chosen to be served in Diamond Class on Etihad Airlines as well as being a four-star wine in the John Platter South African Wine Guide. This dynamic estate offers the visitor majestic views while sitting under the shady trees and enjoying gastronomic delights. n Morgenhof Estate Merlot 2006 £12.99

For further expert advice, visit Waitrose Food & Home, Canada Place, Canary Wharf or call 020 7719 0300

Welcome to Kohinoor Diamonds

– the home of beautiful, bespoke diamond jewellery.

We are diamond specialists and our incredible, made-toorder jewellery is renowned the world over for its stunning design and enduring quality.

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

PLATEAU

Rocket

Byron Hamburgers

Canada Place, E14 020 7715 7100

Smollensky’s

The Fine Line

Reuters Plaza, E14 020 7719 0101

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

WAHACA 40 Canada Square, E14 020 7516 9145

Gourmet Burger Kitchen

THE GUN

Middle Eastern

Second Floor, Cabot Place 020 7715 9360

Gastro Pub

Jubilee Place, E14 020 7719 6408

27 Coldharbour Lane, E14 020 7515 5222

Argentinian

THE NARROW

GAUCHO CANARY

29 Westferry Circus, E14 020 7987 9494

British

44 Narrow Street, E14 020 7592 7950

Indian

Memsaheb

CANTEEN

65 - 67 Amsterdam Road, E14 020 7538 3008

THE PARLOUR

25 Westferry Road, E14 020 7517 9233

Carribean

Jubilee Place, E14 020 7719 0333

2 Yabsley Street, E14 020 7515 8177

Italian/Pizza

The Park Pavilion, Canada Square 0845 686 1122

40 Canada Square, E14 0845 468 0100

Chef ColLin BROWN

Aniseed Bar & Indian Restaurant

Chuchill Place, E14 020 3200 2022

Mexican

MEZ RESTAURANT

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

322 Burdett Road, E14 020 7093 3552

Oriental ITSU

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

TiffinBites

Royal China

30 West Ferry Circus, E14 020 7719 0888

AMERIGO VESPUCCI

SRI NAM

European

25 Cabot Square, E14 020 7513 0288

34 Westferry Circus, E14 020 8305 3089

CARLUCCIO’S

Seafood

The Battery

Docklands Bar and Grill

2 Reuters Plaza, E14 020 7719 1749

Royal Victoria Docks Western Gateway, E16 020 7055 2119

Gourmet Pizza

FIRST EDITION

Jamie’s Italian

25 Cabot Square, E14 020 7513 0300 REEBOK RESTAURANT

16-19 Canada Square, E14 020 7719 6408

French

18-20 Cabot Square, E14 020 7345 9192 Churchill Place, E14 020 3002 5252 LA FIGA

45 Narrow Street, E14 020 7790 0077

Pizza Express

CafÉ Rouge

Cabot Place, E14 020 7513 0513

Davys Wine Bar

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

29-35 MacKenzie Walk, E14 020 7537 9696

QUADRATO

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

1 North Colonnade, E14 020 7715 9515

CURVE

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

Spanish CAMINO

28 Westferry Circus, E14 020 7239 9077 EL FARO

Turnberry Quay E14 020 7987 5511

Turkish Hazev

2 South Quay Square Canary Wharf, E14 0207 515 9467

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MORE THAN JUST BEEF Gaucho is renowned for serving London’s best Argentinian steak. By the end of the year, we’re sure the restaurant will be known for much more than its first-rate meat It’s going to be a busy year for Gaucho. The coming months will see the company play host to a series of unique and exciting events that promise to take dining experiences to the next level. Festivities kick off on 24 January with the ‘Divine Bovine’ evening at Gaucho Piccadilly: a night dedicated to the celebration of what the restaurant grew famous for its steak. Featuring an indulgent five-course dinner, showcasing the versatility of Argentina’s Aberdeen Angus beef, the event allows guests to join Gaucho’s group head chef Mike Reid for a series of masterclasses that explain how the meat is prepared, and why. Exactly one month later on 24 February, the arena plays host to the first ever Gaucho International Polo event, expected to be attended by over 12,500 people, and Gaucho will provide the event’s corporate hospitality. Packages in the restaurant include a champagne reception with Team Argentina Captain, Nachos Figueras, a five-course meal and access to the arena’s VIP seating, Champagne Lounge and after-party. “We have always embraced polo as it’s the national sport of Argentina, where the restaurant’s steaks and wines come from,” says Martin Williams, Gaucho Restaurants operations director. “So for us to have our name to what will be the biggest indoor polo event ever, with the greatest players from the UK and Argentina in the world’s most popular venue, is going to be amazing.” ‘Gaucho of London’ is the third event: a 65 foot Sunseeker (the stunning Predator 62 model) will be moored on the River Thames and available for private chartering. “We have had a huge demand for our ‘Meet

114

the Winemaker’ and ‘Divine Bovine’ dinners,” says Martin, “so we thought, what would be more fun than a Gaucho personal dining experience with your own chef and sommelier, or a cocktail and canapé party on board our beautiful boat?” The answer was not a lot and they decided to offer exclusive charters that included dining for up to eight guests. The experience begins with a Champagne Reception and starters served in Gaucho Tower Bridge. The yacht then moves on to Gaucho Canary for the main course before dessert is served in Gaucho’s private box at The O2. The night culminates with a concert held at the arena. And for the ultimate Valentine’s Day extravagance, ‘One hour Valentine’s charters’ are currently available, starting at £1,000. In addition, 2011 also witnesses Gaucho create a pop-up restaurant at the Snow Polo in Sweden and devise a bespoke one week Argentinian break in Mendoza. Visitors of the polo event will enjoy the best that the sport and Gaucho has to offer, while guests holidaying in Argentina are taken to visit vineyards, watch the harvest and meet top-end wine makers, all while staying in stunning boutique hotels. As Martin explains, “our guests really embrace unique dining experiences.” For anyone set to attend one of Gaucho’s several forthcoming events, a unique dining experience is exactly what they can expect. For all polo hospitality enquiries contact lulie.murray@ gauchorestaurants.com and for One hour Valentine’s Charters contact matt.ford@gauchorestaurants.com www.gauchorestaurants.com

out about

myeastlondon.co.uk The official Business Tourism Directory Brought to you in association with

EAST

LONDON.co.uk

out & about

connoisseur

GET THE ROYAL TREATMENT

Gain a special insight into the history of the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace this January with an exclusive Evening Tour. Used by The Queen and Members of the Royal Family to receive and entertain their guests on State, ceremonial and official occasions, the State Rooms form the heart of the working palace. In the company of an expert guide, you will view paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Poussin and Canaletto, sculpture by Canova, exquisite examples of Sèvres porcelain, and some of the finest English and French furniture. The tour lasts approximately two hours and includes a copy of the official guidebook, a twenty percent discount in the Royal shop, and a glass of champagne served in the Bow Room. To April 2011 www.royalcollection.org.uk

TIME FOR HEROES

FAIRYTALE WITH A TWIST Created to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Blitz, Matthew Bourne’s reworking of Prokofiev’s Cinderella pays tribute to the spirit of those who lived during that fearful time. Set in the capital during the middle of the Second World War, the classic fairytale is given a modern twist when a chance meeting results in a magical night for Cinderella and her dashing young RAF pilot, the pair together just long enough to fall in love before being parted by the bombs. Bourne’s vivid reworking of the beloved fable is both heart-stopping and touching. As well as design by Lez Brotherston, it features lighting by Neil Austin and is performed in Surround Sound as configured by Paul Groothius. Sadler’s Wells, Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN Production runs from 30 November – 23 January 23 www.sadlerswells.com

The Lord Ashcroft Gallery is the first major permanent gallery to open at the Imperial War Museum for ten years. Paid for by a £5million donation, the gallery houses the Extraordinary Heroes exhibition – the world’s largest collection of the highest medals given for bravery in the face of an enemy: the Victoria Cross. Visitors discover the personal stories behind each medal on display in a state-of-the-art space filled with interactive touchscreens, multimedia platforms and original interpretation. Examining the concept of bravery, the gallery exhibits many objects for the first time as well as newly commissioned artwork, film and photography. Lambeth Road, SE1 6HZ www.iwm.org.uk

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EAST

LONDON.co.uk

ExCeL HOSTS FIRST EVER ‘SUPER SHOW’ This January for the first time, The Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show has teamed up with The Outdoors Show and The London Bike Show to create the ultimate event for outdoor enthusiasts in London’s ExCeL. With over 150,000 visitors predicted to attend, the UK’s first ever ‘Super Show’ will showcase the best from the worlds of boating, biking, hiking and climbing.

7 – 16 January 2011 Benefiting from a 40 per cent increase in space from 2010, the 2011 Tullett Prebon International Boast Show will see over 500 exhibitors display products from across the marine industry. From kayaks and dinghies to sail boats and motor yachts, roughly one thousand boats will be on show to climb aboard and trial. www.londonboatshow.com

13 – 16 January 2011

With all the top cycling brands under one roof, The London Bike Show will feature an enormous range of commodities, from top-end track and road bikes to mountain bikes, electric bikes, BMXs and commuter bikes. Visitors can try out the latest models on a range of different terrains including a Test Strip, Pump Track, Dirt Track and Timber Trail, or simply sit back and enjoy the thrills and spills of trial biking as the pros take to the stage.

The Outdoors Show is the event of the year for anyone with a spirit of adventure and a love of nature, bringing the best of the outdoors, indoors. Visitors can listen to talks from expedition expert Sir Ranulph Fiennes OBE, survival specialist Ray Mears, and wildlife expert Simon King in the show’s Outdoors Heroes Theatre, or, feeling adventurous, have a go at climbing themselves on either the dry ice or overhanging Mini Masters walls.

www.thelondonbikeshow.co.uk

www.theoutdoorsshow.co.uk

FLY FLORENCE It is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, has been called the Athens of the Middle Ages, and Dante, da Vinci, Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei and Guccio Gucci have all lived there. Now, thanks to the launch of CityJet’s new route from London City Airport, Florence can be enjoyed by Londoners from just £79 each-way including taxes. The capital city of Tuscany, Florence is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world and one of the most desirable destination for travellers. With 7.5 percent of Italy’s exports coming from the Tuscan region and forty percent of passengers using Florence Airport

Brought to you in association with

myeastlondon.co.uk

travelling on business, the new route is set to be popular with tourists and the business community alike. The flights, which officially launch on January 10, will run six times a week from Monday to Friday. www.cityjet.com

out & about

connoisseur

SKATE BROADGATE Based on a first come first served basis, Broadgate Ice Rink is London’s only ‘turn up and skate’ outdoor ice rink. Located next to Liverpool Street Station, the rink is perfect for nearby workers, people travelling through the station or residents of the surrounding East End. Proving popular in the past, skating at Broadgate is the perfect way to get into the Christmas mood. Sessions run at various times throughout the day up until evening. Alternatively, if you’re organising an office event or birthday bash, the whole rink is available for private hire. To 23 January 2011 Next to Liverpool Street Station, 12 Exchange Square www.broadgateinfo.net

GUIDED ART WALKS See a different side of East London with the Hookedblog Street Art Walking Tour. Journeying the streets of Shoreditch, Old Street and Brick Lane with a seasoned guide, you will cover an area regarded as the epi-centre for Street Art, not just in London but the UK. Expect to see work from Banksy, Invader, D*Face, Roa, Conor Harrington and many more. Each tour lasts two hours and with the ever-changing nature of East London’s street art, no two tours will be the same. Running until 31 Jan 2011 Tours begin at Old Street Tube Station www.hookedblog.co.uk

Banksy Hoodie with Knife

The official Business Tourism Directory

EAST

LONDON.co.uk

CWpromotion

Ice sculptor in action

THE

BIG CHILL

Italian team at work

The unique London Ice Sculpting Festival will be returning to Canada Square Park in the New Year with more teams, more events and more time to enjoy it You might be expecting the fun to end once Christmas and New Year are behind us, but with the London Ice Sculpting Festival about to burst into Canada Square Park, the air will be filled with anticipation and excitement all over again.

connects with London’s vibrant culture, which has made it one of the most popular cities in the world, propelling it recently to the number one position in the report, ‘Twenty-Four Hours in a Tourist Capital’, compiled by French investigators.

This year the Festival is bigger and better than ever with more teams competing in more events and over a longer period of time. The enormously popular masterclasses will be back, offering anyone over the age of 12 years old the chance try their hand at ice sculpting, creating their own army of polar bears. In addition, the Public Choice award has been introduced so that you can vote for your favourite ice sculpture and have the chance to win a fantastic holiday for two to Swedish Lapland!

With so many aspects of London life for inspiration, we can look forward to a fantastic variety of impressive ice sculptures developing over Friday and Saturday. The sculptures will then be judged by a panel that includes acclaimed sculptors David Mach RA and Ben Dearnley. Prizes for the sculptors of money, medals and a trophy for Best Interpretation of both ‘Pedal Power’ sponsored by The Parlour and ‘Love London!’ sponsored by Calverton Factors will be awarded at 3.00pm.

As the reputation and scale of The Festival has spread, ice sculptors from around the globe have been queuing up to participate and show off their skills in London. So this year teams from Portugal, France, UK, Italy, Thailand and the Netherlands will compete for Best Interpretation of the two competitions that make up the Festival’s new 2011 format. The excitement starts at 3.30pm on Thursday 13 January when a member from each team will work against the clock to sculpt an interpretation of ‘Pedal Power’ from a one-metre block of ice in just over two hours. This theme celebrates Mayor Boris Johnson’s cycle hire project that has taken the capital by storm, as well as the nation’s burgeoning enthusiasm for cycling for fitness or pleasure. Sculptures will be judged at 5.30pm the same day. The dramatic sound of chain saws will kick-start the following day as the full, two-man teams employ those powerful tools then delicate chisels to carve their versions of ‘Love London!’ from huge 2-metre-high blocks of ice. This theme

118

Penguin Family

The winner of the Public Choice, sponsored by Discover the World, will also be awarded at this time. Any adult visiting the London Ice Sculpting Festival site on the Friday or before 2pm on the Saturday can vote for the public’s favourite ‘Love London’ sculpture. In addition, the first vote drawn will win the wonderfully exciting holiday for two at the Icehotel in Swedish Lapland provided by tour company, Discover the World. For further information and full terms and conditions about the holiday, visit www.discover-the-world.co.uk/icesculptingfestival The whole festival is FREE, so enjoy the ice sculpting competitions, masterclasses, the bars, the restaurants, the adjacent ice rink and the retail area for a great day out in Canary Wharf. London Ice Sculpting Festival 13-15 January Canada Square Park www.mycanarywharf.com www.londonicesculptingfestival.co.uk

2010 Winners, Netherlands

MASTERCLASSES

Create your own polar bear from a 30cm ice block for free 11.00am to 5.00pm, Friday 14 and Saturday 15 January, 2011 Just turn up at Canada Square Park and put your name down for the next available 15-minute masterclass.

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Canary Wharf Sales KnightFrank.co.uk cwharf@knightfrank.com 020 7512 9966

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Knight Frank are delighted to offer a stunning collection of luxury high speciﬁcation apartments to let in NEO Bankside. This striking development, designed by the international, award-winning architects Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, offers world-class luxury accommodation with contemporary interiors and spectacular winter gardens.

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Savills Canary Wharf 4 Westferry Circus E14 4HD

Savills Docklands 80 Wapping High Street E1W 2NE

020 7531 2500

020 7456 6800

canarywharf@savills.com

docklands@savills.com

savills.co.uk

NEW ATLAS WHARF, e14

AURORA BUILDING, e14

Reception room ø kitchen ø bedroom ø bathroom ø balcony ø 24hr concierge ø parking space

Reception room ø kitchen ø bedroom ø bathroom ø balcony ø parking

Guide £295,000 Leasehold

Guide £345,000 Leasehold

Savills Canary Wharf

PIERHEAD LOCK, e14

HERMITAGE COURT, e1w

Reception room ø kitchen ø 2 double bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms (1 en suite) ø dining room

Reception room ø kitchen ø 2 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø protected parking

Guide £499,999 Leasehold

Guide £499,000 Leasehold

Savills Canary Wharf

Savills Docklands

CINNABAR WHARF WEST, e1w

IVORY HOUSE, e1w

Reception room ø kitchen ø 2 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø protected parking

Reception room ø kitchen ø 2 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø terrace ø protected parking

Guide £775,000 Leasehold

Guide £895,000 Leasehold

Savills Docklands

Selling or letting this winter? Talk to Savills.

Savills Docklands

Savills Docklands 80 Wapping High Street E1W 2NE

Savills Canary Wharf 4 Westferry Circus E14 4HD

020 7456 6800

020 7531 2500

docklands@savills.com

canarywharf@savills.com

savills.co.uk

LUNA HOUSE, se16

E1 WATERSIDE, e1w

2 reception rooms ø 3 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø 2 allocated parking spaces ø terrace ø river views

1 reception room ø 3 bedrooms ø 3 en suite bathrooms plus wc ø large terrace ø 2 private car parking spaces

£1,100 per week Furnished

£2,300 per week Furnished

Savills Docklands

CANARY RIVERSIDE, e14

HALCYON WHARF, e1w

1 reception room ø 1 bedroom ø 1 en suite bathroom plus wc ø private parking ø 24hr security

1 reception room ø 2 bedrooms ø 1 bathroom ø balcony ø parking space ø porter

£415 per week Furnished

£500 per week Furnished

Savills Canary Wharf

Savills Docklands

CORMORANT LODGE, e1w

THE TAPESTRY, ec2

1 reception room ø 2 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø parking ø balcony ø 24hr porter

2 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø luxury kitchen and bathrooms ø warehouse conversion ø exposed beams and brickwork

£725 per week Furnished

£1,150 per week Unfurnished

Savills Docklands

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Savills apps for the iPhone and iPad make it easy to search on the move. And our new website with an improved search engine, together with our international network opens up a whole new world of buyers and tenants. Buying, selling, renting or letting, search with Savills.

WE HAVE THE POWER TO MOVE YOU. Savills Canary Wharf Sarah Dorman 4 Westferry Circus London E14 4HD 020 7531 2500 sdorman@savills.com

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Stunning four bedroom, four bathroom home offering exciting, luxurious accommodation located on the exclusive Cator Estate. Superb balance of stylish entertaining and impressive family space. Finished to an extremely high standard with bespoke ‘Mowlem & Co of Chelsea’ kitchen, state of the art lighting, security and multi room music systems.

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WICKHAM WAy - PARK LANGLEy BR3 Beautifully equipped six bedroom, five bathroom home with enormous attention to detail and renovation of Period features. Luxurious kitchen by Smallbone. Prime position within coveted Park Langley area.

£1,750,000 F/H

London Office 116-118 Bermondsey Street, London Bridge, London SE1 3TX Tel 020 7089 6500 Email enquiries@uniquepropertiesuk.com

Kent Office

Incorporating

First Floor, 13 High Street, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 5AB Tel 020 8378 1222 Email enquiries@uniquepropertiesuk.com

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www.alanselby.co.uk Sales

Jefferson Building

£289,995

Friars Mead

£339,995

Situated approximately 350 metres from Canary Wharf this excellent 1 bedroom 2nd floor apartment offers views across the communal gardens westerly onto the River Thames, set in the Millennium Harbour development which boasts 24 hour concierge, leisure facilities. The apartment itself consists of reception room, kitchen and bathroom.

A delightful 2 bedroom cluster home with south facing rear garden and parking the accommodation comprises reception room, kitchen and bathroom set in a quiet cul-desac approximately 500 metres of the Crossharbour DLR station and internal viewing is highly recommended.

020 7519 5900 | info@alanselby.co.uk

Arnhem Wharf

£439,995

New Providence Wharf

£524,995

Situated on the 5th floor looking directly onto the River Thames with the City skyline beyond is this stunning 2 bedroom apartment, consisting of river facing reception room with full length balcony, kitchen, en-suite to the master bedroom and guest shower room. The property also benefits from a secure covered parking and a porter.

A fantastic 2 bedroom apartment set on the 6th floor of the sought after New Providence Wharf development offering a reception room with balcony and direct views across the River Thames and onto the O2 Arena, a separate modern kitchen, en-suite to the master bedroom and bathroom. The development itself offers swimming pool and gymnasium as well as 24 hour porter and secure underground parking.

020 7519 5900 | info@alanselby.co.uk

Estate Agents | Land & Development Consultants

www.alanselby.co.uk

Lanterns Court

£274,995

Telegraph Place

£464,995

A 1 bedroom, 4th floor luxury apartment with a balcony facing the courtyard, including a full furniture package and a 6% rental guarantee. Set within in this stunning new development approximately 300 metres from south quay DLR station, Lanterns Court also boasts fantastic leisure facilities of its own and a 24 hour porter. Completion due for April 2011

A spacious 3 bedroom town house situated within the quiet residential development. The property benefits from a kitchen/breakfast room, reception room, en-suite to the master bedroom and family bathroom as well as a garage and west facing rear garden. Situated 400 metres from Mudchute DLR station.

020 7519 5900 | info@alanselby.co.uk

Apollo Building

POA

The Switch House

£374,995

Offering stunning views across the River Thames, this 2 bedroom, 4th floor apartment comprises reception room with balcony, open plan modern kitchen, en-suite to the master bedroom and main bathroom. The property also boasts a secure covered parking space and the development itself offers a gymnasium and a 24 hour concierge, The Odyssey is situated approximately 0.8 miles from the Canary Wharf.

This former show home to the popular Switch House development is set on the 5th floor with stunning views across East London incorporating the o2 arena, the River Thames and the River Lea basin. The apartment consists of reception room with balcony, separate kitchen, en-suite shower room to the master bedroom, bathroom and also boasts a secure underground parking space.

020 7519 5900 | info@alanselby.co.uk

Estate Agents | Land & Development Consultants

www.alanselby.co.uk Lettings

Cumberland Mills

£495 Per Week

Ontario Tower

£275 Per Week

A Spectacular 2 bedroom 2nd floor apartment which has been extensively re modernised to a very high standard including surround sound, modern separate kitchen, en-suite to the master bedroom plus a further bathroom and a large sun terrace with south facing views on to the River Thames.

A luxury studio suite situated on the 13th floor of this modern development with 24 hour concierge and leisure facilities the apartment itself offers solid wood flooring throughout and sleeping area with wall bed.

020 7519 5900 | info@alanselby.co.uk

Naxos Building

£320 Per Week

Riverview Court

£350 Per Week

Set on the 2nd floor of this very popular development, this 1 bedroom apartment offers excellent views over the River Thames from the reception room and balcony the development offers 24 hour concierge as well as gymnasium, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi.

A well-presented 2 bedroom furnished apartment, situated on the 4th floor with wood flooring and balcony from the reception room with direct river views, separate fitted kitchen, en-suite to the master bedroom and shower room also boasting a secured parking space. Set in a gated riverside development.

020 7519 5900 | info@alanselby.co.uk

Estate Agents | Land & Development Consultants

www.alanselby.co.uk

Peninsula Court

£360 Per Week

Cyclopes Mews

£570 Per Week

A delightful 2 bedroom apartment with separate kitchen offered furnished, situated adjacent to Crossharbour DLR station and within close proximity to the Canary Wharf business centre.

New to the market is this spacious three bedroom townhouse. Benefits include off street parking, double reception and three good size bedrooms.

020 7519 5900 | info@alanselby.co.uk

New Atlas Wharf

£370 Per Week

New Providence Wharf

£380 Per Week

A two bedroom two bathroom apartment, with views over the park to the river, south facing balcony, fully fitted separate kitchen, offered furnished and situated on the 5th floor with leisure facilities, 24 hour concierge and secured parking space.

A stunning 1 bedroom 7th floor apartment set in the ever popular New Providence wharf development offering 24 hour concierge, spa and leisure facilities and within close proximity to the Canary Wharf Business Complex.

020 7519 5900 | info@alanselby.co.uk

Estate Agents | Land & Development Consultants

Oakfield, Knockholt £2,500,000

Unique Service, Unique People... Unique Homes Personal Property Consultancy for Buyers and Sellers of Distinctive Homes

NIQUE is a privately owned and specialist estate agency designed to provide personal property consultancy for selling or buying exclusive and exemplary homes. Robert Sargent, founder of the Acorn Estate Agency Group, recognised that the needs of the most affluent vendors and purchasers had always posed a problem to typical high street estate agents. His solution was to create Unique: a specialist team of experienced and proactive property professionals whose sole focus is to service the needs of high net worth clients and manage their multi-million pound property transactions. “Whether you own a property that needs to be managed in a way that your local high street agency can’t handle, or you are looking for a home and have

exacting requirements that need an agent who has the time and ability to search on your behalf, we are a company that can deliver.” If you are wishing to sell a Unique home the company offer a one to one marketing and consultancy service, providing a tailor-made marketing programme for each individual property. “By targeting precisely the right audience we can deliver a successful sale at the right price in a timescale that fits each client’s specific requirements,” explains Robert. Unique puts its success down to its innovative marketing techniques, constantly evolving to challenge people’s expectations of the estate agency industry. “We don’t deal in volume; we leave that to other people. We prefer to deliver a bespoke service to each client and each individual property.”

homes & property

Like the homes they market and the approach they take, their staff are also unique. “Passionate, attentive and focused, our people realise that it’s the human touch that forms the basis of great working relationships. That’s why it’s the foundation we build our business on. “UNIQUE isn’t just a property consultancy, it’s a complete ethos: a way of conducting business that allows us to give our clients the options and tailored service they desire.”

DO YOU HAVE A UNIQUE PROPERTY TO SELL?

Orchard Cottage, Farnborough Park £2,850,000

From the moment you contact UNIQUE you will be assigned a personal consultant. This person will act as your point of contact throughout the selling process. Available around the clock, they will coordinate everything from the initial visit to your home to the completion of the sale. The first step is to arrange an appointment between you and your consultant. Karen Hedges, property consultant for Unique, explains that the initial appointment is designed to establish your aims, intentions and aspirations. “With precise knowledge of your requirements we can then move on to stage two: providing you with a pricing guide and recommendation.” Following this, the team at Unique will plan a marketing strategy to maximise the exposure of your property. Karen adds: “We take into account the client’s target market, then discuss and agree the most appropriate media in which to reach it.” A representative from the Unique PR Team will liaise with the consultant to advise you on the best possible route to market. An individually designed multi-page brochure will be devoted to each property. Brochures will include professional photography and stylised narrative, detailed floor plans and local information. The company are proud of the tailor-made approach they take to this part of the selling process. “As a collaboration between the consultant, the PR advisor, those in design and the client themselves, the property profile brochures are bespoke creations crafted around the unique selling points of the homes they advertise,” explains Karen. If you are seeking a property to buy then UNIQUE can also help you find it. Whatever is on your wish list, with their extensive experience and well affiliated contacts in the luxury homes market, they are perfectly positioned to source you a house to make a home. Searching on your behalf, with your exact requirements in mind, they will present a range of suitable properties for you to view at a convenient time. “Our aim at Unique is to set new standards in the sale and purchase of top-end residential property. By providing a bespoke consultancy agency tailored to our clients’ specific ambitions, it is a goal we constantly achieve.” n If you own a property that deserves the Unique approach to selling the team are waiting to help. www.uniquepropertiesuk.com

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London's Finest Properties

LETTINGS

SALES

Baquba Building, Conington Road, SE13

The Landmark, Canary Wharf, E14

Lanterns Court

Sugar House, E1

• One Bedroom Apartment • Balcony • Fully Furnished • 8th Floor • On-Site Gymnasium • 24hr Concierge Service

• A selection of one and two bedroom units • Brand new development • High specification throughout • Superb location • Moments from South Quay DLR and Canada Square

£235.00 per week

£330.00 per week

£250,000 - £425,000

£465,000

Westgate Apartments, E16

Turner House, Canary Central, E14

Ontario Tower, E14

Westgate Apartments, E16

£355.00 per week

£385.00 per week

£475,000

£330,000

Ontario Tower, E14

Mount Pleasant Road, Lewisham, SE13

New Providence Wharf, E14

City Quarter, E1

• Three Bedroom House • Three Bathrooms • Two Large Receptions • Large Garden • Close to Hither Green Station

• Two bed/two bath 6th floor riverside apartment •H ighly desirable layout with two entrances • Excellent condition throughout • Contemporary fixtures and fittings • Impressive river views

£575.00 per week

£495,000

£549,950

• One Bedroom Apartment • Balcony • Part Furnished • 4th Floor • On-Site Gymnasium • Nr. Lewisham DLR

• Two Bedroom Two Bathroom Apartment • Balcony • Fully Furnished • 10th Floor • Including Parking • Nr. Custom House DLR

• Two Bedroom Two Bathroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • 4th Floor • Exclusive use of The Hotel Radisson Amenities • Including Parking • 24hr Concierge Service

£495.00 per week

• Two Bedroom Two Bathroom Apartment • Balcony • Fully Furnished • 10th Floor • Including Parking • Nr. South Quay DLR

• 2 bedroom 2 bathroom (en suite) • Striking architecture • Highly prestigious landmark development • Approx 1,000 sq ft of living space • 24 hr porterage, security and excellent on-site facilities

• 3rd floor • One bedroom/one bathroom • Stunning warehouse restoration • Elegant period features/ contemporary design • Moments from DLR and underground • Within short walking distance of the City

• 11th floor two bedroom apartment • Large balcony • Stunning views • On site gym facility • Minutes from Canary Wharf

• Two bed/two bath corner unit • Exceptional level of specification • Highly desirable development • Moments from DLR/Tube and City

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

River Habitat RiverHabitat.co.uk

EATON HOUSE, CANARY RIVERSIDE E14 A Luxury Apartment a Short Walk into Canary Wharf

BELGRAVE COURT, CANARY RIVERSIDE E14 An Absolutely Fantastic Proposition

n 12th Floor n Spectacular River Views n 1,355 Sq. Ft. n Two Double Bedrooms, Two Bathrooms n Comes with Underground Car Parking Space

n 9th Floor n Front South and West River Views n 1,843 Sq. Ft. n 3 Double Bedrooms, 3 En-Suite Bathrooms n Comes with Car Parking Space

£780 pw REDUCED

£1,050 pw REDUCED TWICE TO CLEAR!

VANGUARD BUILDING, MILLENNIUM HARBOUR E14 A Beautiful Penthouse Apartment

MAURER COURT, GREENWICH, SE10 A FABULOUSLY CHIC APARTMENT

n Duplex Penthouse Apartment n 1,946 Sq. Ft. n Three Balconies n 3 Double Bedrooms, 3 En-Suite Bathrooms n Comes with 2 Car Parking Spaces

n Direct River Views from Both Bedrooms n Fantastic Landscaped Garden Views from Reception n Impressively Bright Apartment n Two Double Bedrooms, Two Bathrooms n 24-hour Concierge Service

£1,495 pw REDUCED

£370 pw

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

The Magic ofLanguedoc If the thought of venturing to warmer climates to invest has ever crossed your mind, then look no further than the truly magical Garrigae resorts scattered around the south of France in the delightful Languedoc region

hen reflecting on the South of France we automatically think of the wonderful St. Tropez or the super-chic Cannes; however, it seems that the secret of the still relatively undiscovered Languedoc region is about to be uncovered. Launched in 2003 with three operational developments already under their belt, Garrigae seems set to make their mark on the picturesque South of France; a dreamy location that has so much to offer visitors from all around the world and is fast becoming a fashionable tourist destination. The company created by Miguel Espada and his wife Cecile, both Languedoc natives, has the personal touch that larger companies are lacking. With their respective families being wine makers for

generations, it seemed only natural that their love of the vineyards and home-produced fine wine would be entwined in their passion for property. With a vision to provide a little piece of their enviable French lifestyle to investors and visitors alike, Garrigae set out to build and restore boutique developments that would remain authentic and classy, yet not pretentious. The charming Le Couvent de Herepian, a 17th century building that used to house nuns, has been beautifully and sympathetically restored by Garrigae to showcase the very best of French architecture and design. Set in a breathtaking countryside location, the 13 suites ooze glamour and sophistication, as well as fascinating charm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a perfect loversâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; retreat. By complete contrast, Port Rive Gauche, yet another luxury retreat and spa, offers uninterrupted

homes & property

views of the Mediterranean from its 11 über-chic contemporary two bedroom suites. Situated in the quaint village of Marseillan, its people make their living from the cultivation of oysters and the distillation of Noilly Pratt – a locally produced and rare authentic vermouth. Why not take a tour around the distillery and enjoy seeing first-hand how this famous beverage is made? The tranquillity of Les Jardins De Saint-Benoit, an extension of the village of Saint-Laurent-de-laCabrerisse, has its very own on-site vineyard, which owners have a share in, as well as a three-acre olive grove. One of Garrigae’s larger developments, this international resort offers outstanding facilities for families with children, as well as high-quality conference facilities. The on-site spa offers a full range of holistic treatments, as well as luxury facilities, including a pool and Jacuzzi. Travelling around the rest of the beautiful countryside and quaint villages of the Languedoc region, Garrigae has cherry picked another two sites to work their magic and share with the world a slice of their wonderful French lifestyle. My favourite by far has to be the 18th Century Chateau De La Redorte, tucked away in the Minervois. An authentic and untouched area of the Languedoc, the Chateau has been the residence of the d’Artois family for five generations, and with the resident Countess d’Artois’s full blessing, Garrigae is now ready to give this architectural masterpiece a new breath of life, restoring the Chateau back to its original beauty. Originally a wine-making estate, Garrigae have arranged a partnership with the Chateau and Franz Vénes, owner of Domaine Massamier La Mignarde, one of the most renowned wine estates in the Minervois region. Each owner will be able to participate in the wine-making process, both tasting and mixing the wine in the Chateau’s secret tunnel. As well as 11 luxury apartments within the Chateau itself, there will also be new outbuildings consisting of 12 duplex properties carefully constructed to lend themselves to the style of the Chateau, all located around a stunning swimming pool. Due for completion in early 2012 is Les Templiers, a 49-unit development located in the pretty medieval town of Pézenas, with its gorgeous cobbled streets and period architecture. Boasting mild winters and long summers, Pézenas would make the perfect retreat to buy that second home close to the Mediterranean. The Languedoc’s coastline is home to one of the longest Mediterranean beaches, stretching 220km along the sea. With its exceptional climate, stunning architecture and pure unspoilt beauty, this location really does offer excellent quality of life. The pace slows down as soon as your plane hits the tarmac, and being just over an hour away from the UK by plane, it makes your second home very close to home indeed. n www.garrigaeresorts.com

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DISCOVER KENT’S BEST KEPT SECRET!

STYLISH 2 OR 3 BEDROOM PENTHOUSES NOW AVAILABLE Indulge yourself with a luxury new penthouse at The Pier, situated at the edge of the 72 acres of landscaped grounds at Ingress Park, the historic, hidden gem in North Kent. Wake up to a stunning panorama across the Thames, then entertain or simply relax on your private terrace. Enjoy being minutes from Bluewater, as well as the beautiful Kent countryside surroundings. With a contemporary specification throughout, including a full range of kitchen appliances and elegant Amtico flooring, an exciting new luxury lifestyle awaits you with a new penthouse at The Pier. Call us today to find out more about the range of incentives we have available to get you moving!

2 & 3 bedroom penthouses from £335,000 Also available, 2 bedroom apartments from £215,000

The Pier at Ingress Park London Road | near Bluewater | Kent | DA9 9EQ Marketing Suite & Show Homes open daily from 10am to 5pm Email: ingresspark@crestnicholson.com

www.crestnicholson.com/ingresspark Prices correct at time of going to press. Photography taken at The Pier penthouses.

INGRESS PARK

0870 752 4370

MOVING_CITY_CanaryWharfMag_Dec10 22/12/2010 12:12 Page 1

LIVE by the river Coupling vibrant style with contemporary design, The Pier in Greenhithe offers a chic alternative to city living

or commuters and investors priced out of London, Kent provides an affordable property alternative. Crest Nicholson’s new development, The Pier in Greenhithe, Kent, offers a range of apartments that are sure to appeal to first-time buyers and portfolio investors alike. Situated on the banks of the Thames, The Pier at Ingress Park, near Bluewater, offers a selection of one, two and three bedroom luxury apartments. The high-speed rail link from nearby Ebbsfleet provides services to London St Pancras in just 17 minutes, meaning many residents will be able to get from door to office in under 45 minutes. Set in 72 acres of mature grounds, Ingress Park boasts a regenerated riverside walk and heritage trail, as well as a unique grass amphitheatre which provides a focus for community events and summer picnics. All homes have a stylish modern finish with commodore kitchens, complete with a range of integrated stainless steel Bosch appliances including oven, hob, extractor hood and fridge/freezer. Bathrooms and en-suites

feature Villeroy and Boch fittings and are finished with smart chrome accessories. Rob Berry, of Breeze Letting Agents in Dartford, comments: “The Pier is a unique development in this area, with fantastic waterside apartments and views down the Thames, as well as brilliant transport access. Rents here have risen by around £100 a month this year and investors are receiving around £200 a month more in rent than at other developments in the area. Apartments are rented out extremely quickly; demand is so strong that we actually have a waiting list of potential tenants.” As a leading developer of sustainable communities, the development also enjoys the provision of environmentally sensitive buildings. The company’s dedication to excellence in design and construction, to providing high quality locations and to customer service, are some of the reasons why The Pier has been awarded several National HomeBuilder Design Awards, along with a coveted CABE (the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment) Building for Life gold standard award.

homes & property

To help purchasers buy a new home at the development, Crest Nicholson are offering a range of incentives. The Penthouse design voucher, for example, gives buyers £10,000 to spend on interior design to ensure the interior of their home complements the stylish exterior of the development. The two and three bedroom penthouses offer buyers up to 1,038 sq ft of bright, roomy internal living space and up to 618 sq ft of balcony and roof terrace. Open-plan living areas benefit from floorto-ceiling windows and glass doors that open onto the roof terrace - ideal for al fresco entertaining and for enjoying the panoramic views of Ingress Abbey, surrounding parkland and the River Thames. Bedrooms include fitted wardrobes and designer ensuite bathrooms. Many bedrooms also boast private balconies, and the master bedrooms feature floor length windows, as well as a dressing area. Crest Nicholson also offer a part exchange initiative, where they arrange for three independent local estate agents to value the purchaser’s existing property. The company will then make an offer within seven days. Once the offer is accepted, customers can reserve their new home, with the added benefits of the estate agent’s fees being covered. In addition, for a limited time, Crest Nicholson are offering an annual season ticket give-away for the High Speed 1 service, worth £3,292, to all those who reserve at the development, providing commuters with a rapid 17 minute journey from Kent’s Ebbsfleet station to London St Pancras.

Other incentives include a mortgage subsidy, where Crest Nicholson pay £500 a month towards buyer’s mortgages for two years, and the five per cent deposit paid initiative, which enables buyers to purchase a new home with a deposit of just five per cent. From Greenhithe Station, residents of The Pier can access Waterloo East in 43 minutes, London Bridge in 45 minutes, London Cannon Street and London Charing Cross in 50 minutes, and London Victoria in 60-90 minutes. Residents who drive to work can access the motorway network at Junction 1A of the M25 which provides connections to all of the southeast’s major roads, as well as all major UK airports. n For further information visit www.crestnicholson.com/thepier or telephone 0870 752 4370

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GAR25328 Swaylands 210x297 AD:Layout 1 21/12/2010 12:18 Page 1

The view from Swaylands

A million miles away from it all...

...under an hour from the City Perched high on the Kentish Weald in 40 acres of private, gated grounds and with far reaching views over some of southern England’s most beautiful landscapes, Swaylands offers a tranquil escape from the pressures of modern life. With a selection of 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, each individually designed to maximise the advantages of this elegant setting, these magnificent homes provide impressive living spaces of up to 3055 sq ft. Whether you choose historic A AM

Swaylands House, dating from the mid 1800s, or newly built Woodgate Manor, PL

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SWAYLANDS PENSHURST . KENT

each benefits from the same high quality finishes and exceptional levels of specification throughout. There is also a tennis court and gym for the exclusive use of residents. Idyllic Penshurst village is under half a mile away and Swaylands is just 6 miles from the sophisticated charms of Royal Tunbridge Wells with its comprehensive shopping, restaurants and entertainment.

Our new showhome is open daily from 10am to 5pm, telephone 01892 871529, or email us at sales@swaylands-penshurst.co.uk Prices from £495,000 to £1.5m www.swaylands-penshurst.co.uk

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*Terms and conditions apply. Offer available on selected plots only. Prices correct at time of going to press. Specification on site may vary.

homes & property promotion

Invest in atlanta Since the housing crash of 2007 and the stock market crash of 2008, investors have been left with one pervasive question. Where should I put my money? Girasol Homes suggests one option Unscrupulous, unrealistic, and unregulated investment practices on Wall Street have nearly decimated the world economy, and are now delivering returns of only 1.5 per cent to 5 per cent. This is hardly an exciting proposition, especially since those same practices go on today and the probability of another meltdown is almost certain.

A booming city, Atlanta has a vibrant nightlife, colourful history, numerous shopping options, and excellent education facilities. Not only is it ranked third in US economic rankings for job growth, it is home to a large percentage of Fortune500 companies’ headquarters, and has great job retention figures.

Certainly cheap money and lax mortgage qualifications contributed to the downfall, with speculators buying up real estate and inflating house prices to an unsustainable level, pushing us over the brink – the result being three years of freefalling values. This is what economists call “market correction”. Millions of foreclosures bring a glut of inventory.

As a result of this, and from a property investment perspective, Forbes Magazine has ranked Atlanta as the Number 1 rental market, CNNMoney.com says Atlanta is the fourth best city in America to invest in, and it is ranked as the second best city to relocate to. Since July 2009 we saw buying start to increase, and many market makers see market stability taking shape and confidence re-emerging. Now is the time to invest.

But that leaves the investor with an amazing opportunity. More inventory means lower prices. Some say that we are at a 25-year low in purchase pricing. It also means a higher percentage of renters. So it should be said again, “an amazing opportunity for investors”. Imagine being able to buy a completely remodelled single family home for $49,900 with a guaranteed renter and generate at 14.75 per cent return on investment; or a brand new town house or single family home with a guaranteed renter and generate an 11–12 per cent return on investment. You are buying at $45–$60 per square foot, which is half of what it costs to build a house. Unheard of? Maybe not. These opportunities exist today in Atlanta, Georgia.

144

Atlanta is one of the fasting growing, stable metropolitan centres in America.

Girasol Homes works with WRI Capital Group, a recognised leader in acquasition and development of real estate for international clients, and has a grand selection of condominiums, town houses and single family homes. All of our homes are offered “like new,” with high-end finishes to bring you strong tenants, in highly desirable neighbourhoods. Your investment comes with guaranteed tenant placement, managed by local property managers for stress-free ownership. Sit back, collect rents, and watch the value of your real estate grow. For further information, visit www.girasolhomes.co.uk/ usa-investment-properties

A Ballymore Development

Stunning. Inside and out ‘ The Premier Collection’ London’s most sophisticated waterside apartments, overlooking Canary Wharf. Ultra glamorous apartments supported by the widest range of world-class facilities available in London. Penthouse Level Cocktail Bar · Dockside Restaurant and Bar Hydro-therapy Suite · Premier Level Sky Lobby Concierge and Valet Parking · Business Centre Health Club · Private Cinema · Swimming Pool · Cardio Suite Britain’s only ‘Six Senses Spa’ · Residents Zen Garden

Prices from £1,700,000 – £4,400,000

Tel. +44 (0) 844 704 8731 premier@panpeninsula.com

www.panpeninsula.com

Premier ColleCtion

PPpremier_CWharfMag_JanFullBackCover.indd 1

21.12.10 12:20

Sensitive conversions. Sound investments. City & Country Group offer a selection of unique conversion homes that not only make a statement but also offer a sound long term investment. the Galleries Brentwood duplex and 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments in a Victorian Grade ii listed building set in tranquil courtyard gardens. from £190,000 to £510,000. call 01277 202122

Balls Park Hertfordshire a landmark development of luxurious 1, 2 and 3 bedroom conversion apartments, set within 63 acres of picturesque parkland. from £237,500 to £420,000. call 01992 551777

Show homeS open daily from 10am to 5pm www.cityandcountry.co.uk

old Saint Michaels Braintree 1 & 2 bedroom apartments and houses converted from a collection of Grade ii listed Victorian buildings set in landscaped courtyards. from £152,500 to £325,000. call 01376 335800

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