Canary Wharf Magazine March 2012

Page 1

CANARY WHARF THE HEIGHT OF

Sophistication 45 PARK LANE: EXQUISITELY ELEGANT

TO THE ENDS of

the

EARTH CAPTAIN SCOTT’S CENTENARY; THE ULTIMATE JOURNEY NORTH & SOUTH; BEHIND THE SCENES OF FROZEN PLANET

fashion finance motoring interiors property MARCH2012 I S S U E 8 0


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

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

Bentley Kent 92 London Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1BA. Tel: 01732 453 700 www.bentleykent.co.uk The name ‘Bentley’ and the ‘B’ in wings device are registered trademarks. © January 2012 Bentley Motors Limited. Model shown: Bentley Continental GT, mrrp £135,750. Price correct at time of going to press and includes VAT at 20%. Price excludes road fund licence, registration and delivery charges.


Fuel economy figures for the Continental GT in mpg (l/100km): Urban 11.1 (25.4); Extra Urban 24.9 (11.4); Combined 17.1 (16.5). CO2 Emissions (g/km): 384.

BENTLEY KENT


contents

travel destination food.&.drink

NeW YoRK fReNCh LuxuRY oBiKA & CANTeeN

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feature 10

Scott’s Lost Dream To commemorate the centenary of Captain Scott’s death, Nick Smith asks what went

The Rise of The ‘LuxpLoReR’

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wrong on Scott’s last quest to the South Pole Adventure Temples has set the trend this year for inspirational holiday experiences, combining adventure and luxury

n a survey conducted by Adventure Temples, when it came to the type of holiday they prefer, 82 per cent of respondents answered: “I love a challenge by day but at night, give me luxury”. In answer to this, Adventure Temples has managed to blend two elements for a holiday which, up until now, seemed oxymoronic: luxury and exploration. The company offers weekenders, short breaks and long breaks, as well as trips designed to challenge your body, inspire your mind or rejuvenate your spirit. One of the latest trips is to the remote Indonesian island of Sumbia where,

for one week at £2,295 per person, holiday makers can live out their own adventure story from the comfort of a luxury villa set in a 400acre tropical estate. Founder Rob Pendleton says we should no longer settle for run-of-the-mill holidays: “Five star plus spa is becoming ubiquitous. The best hotels are therefore seeking to differentiate themselves by showcasing unique local features; the natural environment, community, culture and history… the sort of cultural immersion Luxplorers love.” n www.adventuretemples.com

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collection interview

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collection

A Truly English Affair Annabel Harrison meets Nick English, cofounder of British watch brand Bremont

concierge 42

Annabel Harrison meets Nick English, one half of the dynamic English brothers and co-founder of British watch brand Bremont

The Height of Sophistication

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Ensure you’re as smart and stylish as your

he engine purrs, revs and roars into action and before I know it, I’m soaring through the air, 1,000 feet above the English countryside (Epping Forest and Chelmsford, to be exact). I’m not in a Boeing 747 or an Airbus 380, though – my preferred, and standard, method of airborne travel but one passenger of a total of two in a tiny, toy plane which is, I am told, an RV4. Initial trepidation at travelling in what, quite frankly, has less interior space than a Mini is swiftly overtaken with the thrill of feeling like a character in Top Gun (although more like Goose than Maverick). The pilot expertly steers us to the optimum cruising height and asks me, casually, over the headset if I’d like to drive for a bit. After a moment’s hesitation, I take over control and experience the sheer joy of feeling the plane dip and tilt exactly as I command, before the pilot resumes control to flip us over into a few, 360º barrel rolls. This is but a glimpse into the life of a Bremont brother – Nick, this time round (although I had met the equally charming Giles at SalonQP in November). I’d like to say that I was composed enough to conduct my interview with Nick whilst airborne but unfortunately the noise was prohibitive and instead we chatted in the cosy Squadron at North Weald Airfield.

A truly

surroundings at 45 Park Lane with this

English affair

season’s most sophisticated ensembles

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calibre 58

travel

Life Behind the Lens

The Ultimate

North & South

Richard Brown gets a close up with celebrated wildlife photographer Doug Allan

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The Ultimate North and South All images: Nick Smith

and comfort

comment 74

From Humble Beginnings Richard Brown meets founder and chief executive of RationalFX, Rajesh Agrawal

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hey’re the last great wildernesses on earth: the Polar Regions. A century ago only a handful of the greatest explorers had been anywhere near them and their names are the stuff of legend; Shackleton, Amundsen and, of course, Scott. Today, as we celebrate the centenaries of the Heroic Age of Polar Exploration, it’s easy to forget that these intrepid men were going where no man had set foot before. It’s extraordinary to think that if you have the time, the money and the spirit of adventure, you can now follow in their footsteps as a tourist. On the one hand, you can, literally, blast your way to the Geographic North Pole in a nuclear icebreaker, while on the other, there are ships that – while they can’t take you to the South Pole – will at least transport you alongside mainland Antarctica, where you can marvel at the same frozen scenery that Scott and his men did before their epic marches to the interior. I was lucky. I did both in the space of a year.

GOING SOUTH With a neat symmetry, my trip to Antarctica started at the world’s southernmost city. At Ushuaia at the tip of Argentina’s Tierra de Fuego, I board Plancius, a refitted navy vessel commissioned by World Expeditions. As we depart the lonely quayside, we sail for the fearsome Drake Passage, past the weather-beaten Cape Horn and straight for the Antarctic Peninsular. The Drake has a reputation for a reason; for three days Plancius is relentlessly tossed about on the Southern Atlantic swells. As we watch the horizon soar and plummet, we can only guess at how Scott and Shackleton survived the elements in their tiny wooden tubs. After passing through the Convergence, where the Atlantic and Southern oceans meet, finally we find calmer seas and with them our first icebergs, cobalt blue skies and, best of all, penguins. It never gets truly dark during the austral summer and you’ll spend a lot of time on deck at night, camera in hand, watching the changing colours of the sky, gazing at the incredible mountain ranges and glaciers, and being hypnotised by the albatrosses, skuas and ever-present pintada petrels. As we approach continental Antarctica, calm seas become glassy lagoons and we board Zodiac inflatable boats to tour among the Weddell seals and penguin rookeries. Finally at our destination, we cruise at leisure, making a couple of landfalls a day, hiking, bird watching and visiting deserted research stations. There’s also the much hoped-for, but never guaranteed, continental landing at the Almirante Brown Argentine base where, among ever-inquisitive penguins, we pose for our ‘hero’ snaps. Those used to the more frivolous luxury of Caribbean cruises will find Plancius Spartan. But it’s warm and comfortable and this is what you’re paying for after hours spent outside on the observation deck in the biting polar chill. In the evening, the ship’s lounge transforms into a lively bar, where there are plenty of experts on hand to tell tales of Antarctic heroism over a glass of Argentine wine. Our final landing is at Port Lockroy, an old British science base that’s now one of the world’s southernmost museums. It’s a ghostly experience to wander around the restored sleeping quarters, radio room and laboratories where the scientists worked for months on end with only Gentoo penguins for company. There’s even a shop where you can buy polar souvenirs, get your passport stamped and send a postcard home, although you’ll arrive weeks before it. n

Victory carves Through The pack ice wiTh rumbles, creaks and deafening explosions

My epic journey to the ultimate North started in Murmansk in Russia, the world’s most northerly city. This is where I joined the 50 Years of Victory, a nuclear-powered icebreaker that for a few brief summer months is taken over by travel company Exodus for specialist polar cruising. Powered by two nuclear reactors, Victory makes the round-trip using only 200 grams of heavy isotopes, making it one of the most environmentally friendly ways to travel. As the engines purr into action, the captain points the ship’s prow north and we’re off to the top of the world. We’re navigating using natural sea-lanes in the multiyear ice, although often there’s no option but to call on the full force of the 75,000-horsepower vessel. With its steel-reinforced prow and submerged ‘ice-tooth’, Victory carves through the pack ice with rumbles, creaks and deafening explosions. At dinner, wine bottles take a tumble and walking around the ship is a hazardous undertaking. But it’s worth it, because before long you’re watching polar bears and walruses in the wild. In just one short week Victory reaches the Pole. It’s hard to believe we’ve made it but the GPS says 90-00-000 N, so there’s no further to go. Standing on a thin membrane of moving ice, with 13,000 feet of sea beneath me, is a strange feeling, but it’s not as odd as taking a short hike around the Pole itself, crossing every time zone. “I’ve just walked around the world in five minutes!” shouts one excited passenger, and that’s nowhere near as bizarre as knowing that whichever way you look, you’re facing south.

On his trips, Nick Smith travelled to the North Pole with www.exodus.co.uk and to the Antarctic Peninsular with www.worldexpeditions.co.uk

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regulars 9 editor’s letter

65 sport

15 watches & jewellery

83 travel

A First Bite of the Big Apple

39 fashion

93 food & drink

Richard Brown tests the theory that New York

49 health & beauty

96 the directory

never sleeps

53 interiors

99 property

connoisseur 84

Enjoy the ultimate polar experience… the easy way. Anyone who thinks that travelling to the Polar Regions can’t be done in style and comfort should think again. Nick Smith sailed to both ends of the earth to prove this theory

HEADING NORTH

Nick Smith travels to the Polar Regions in style

calibre



RUNWILD M

the W-list...

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A

G

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Editor-in-Chief Lesley Ellwood

Editorial Director Kate Harrison

Editor

Why? Lent

During Lent, many of the faithful commit to giving up certain luxuries as a form of penitence. Whether it’s chocolates or Rioja, everyone has at least one vice. So whatever you failed to give up on 1 January, abstain during Lent and count 46 days until pure Easter egg indulgence.

Editor Annabel Harrison highlights the key people, places and events of the month. March sees St. Patrick’s Day closely followed by Mother’s Day, celebrations of two rather different kinds, and Londoners taking on the Sport Relief Mile

E

Annabel Harrison

Fashion Editor Lucie Dodds

Motoring Editor Matthew Carter

Assistant Editors Richard Brown Gabrielle Lane

Editorial Assistants

Olivia Sharpe, Sharna Heir

When? Sport Relief 23 - 25 March There’s nothing like raising money for Comic Relief to put a spring in your step this month. Londoners can help to make a difference, and get fitter, on their very own doorstep by joining the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile on Sunday 25 March.

Who? St. Patrick Although bruce oldfield said, “when someone says that lime green is the new black for this season, you just want to tell them to get a life”, the streets will be littered with patriotic hues on 17 March. If LFW is anything to go by, green will be a popular colour for attire during spring.

What? Mother’s Day While diamonds will always be a girl’s best friend, most mothers agree it’s the thought that counts, with time the most precious gift of all. Meet for brunch or a sumptuous supper, enjoy Jersey Boys or absorb culinary know-how at a MyChocolate trufflemaking class.

Where? The Head of

the River With more than 3,500 participants each year, and crews from all over the world, the annual Thames race from Mortlake to putney is a sporting event not to be missed. This year’s race will start on 17 March at 11am. So on your marks, get set, row.

Head of Design Hiren Chandarana

Brand Consistency Laddawan Juhong

Designer

Ashley Lewis

Production Manager Fiona Fenwick

Production

Hugo Wheatley

Head of Projects Ella Kilgarriff

Senior Property Manager Samantha Ratcliffe

Head of Finance Elton Hopkins

Managing Director Eren Ellwood

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

Life Behind the Lens See p. 58

Image courtesy of Doug Allan

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

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



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from the editor...

March

H

ad we lived, I should have had a tale to tell of the hardihood, endurance and courage of my companions which would have stirred the heart of every Englishman. These rough notes and our dead bodies must tell the tale.” The narrative of hardihood, courage and endurance has been told, time and time again, decade after decade, but following his ultimately doomed quest, Captain Robert Falcon Scott would never know to what extent his story would survive. In honour of the centenary of his death on 29 March 1912, after the ill-fated Terra Nova expedition to the South Pole, Nick Smith asks what went wrong for “one of the most controversial and iconic heroes of British exploration” (p. 10). Scott is quoted on a wide range of topics regarding exploration, nature and our place in the world and this in particular interested us: “As one looks across the barren stretches of the pack, it is sometimes difficult to realise what teeming life exists immediately beneath its surface.” Someone who has had no such difficulty is Doug Allan (p. 58), one of the world’s top wildlife photographers who has spent the last 35 years braving the depths of both the Arctic and Antarctic Oceans and taken part in more than 50 filming trips. Richard Brown speaks to the acclaimed photographer and

principal cameraman for programmes including Frozen Planet and Life and gains a fascinating insight into Doug’s career behind the lens. If you’ve ever dreamed of doing something a little more adventurous with your precious holiday allowance than lying on a beach with a beer or a cocktail, indulge your inner explorer with the ultimate polar experience; Nick Smith tells us about his trips to the ends of the earth (p. 62). Staying closer to home, Matthew Carter tests out the (muddy) Land Rover Experience (p. 68) and I leapt at the chance to go flying with Nick English, co-founder of British watch brand Bremont (p. 18). Mother’s Day falls this month (18 March) so I’d like to wish the happiest of Mother’s Days to my own wonderful mother. If you want to make a bigger effort than usual, take your mum on a weekend away, whether for retail therapy, sightseeing or utter relaxation; read about 45 Park Lane in London (p. 42), New York (p. 84), Jersey (p. 88) and French hotspots (p. 90) to make the decision easier.

Annabel Harrison Editor


Scott’s

Lost Dream

Captain Robert Falcon Scott is one of the most controversial and iconic heroes of British exploration. As we commemorate the centenary of his ultimately doomed quest for the South Pole, Nick Smith asks what went wrong © Royal Geographical Society Picture Library: ‘Grotto in a berg, Terra Nova in distance’ by Herbert Ponting


exploration

feature

© Royal Geographical Society Picture Library: At the South Pole (L to R) Wilson, Scott, Evans, Oates and Bowers with Amundsen’s tent behind them, by H. R. Bowers

I

t is 29 March in 1912. Captain Robert Falcon Scott, an officer of the Royal Navy, records his last thoughts in his diary: “Had we lived, I should have had a tale to tell of the hardihood, endurance and companions which would have stirred the heart of every Englishman.” Scott was on his way home from the South Pole in a desperate bid to rejoin his ship Terra Nova that had carried his men to the White Continent. Against all odds, his polar assault team had struggled with him 90 degrees south. But a Norwegian expedition led by Roald Amundsen had got there first. Now the Englishmen were stranded in a blizzard and in terrible physical shape. They had suffered frostbite, hunger, gangrene and snowblindness, but most of all, they had laboured under the crushing psychological blow of defeat. As they lay frozen and starving in the most remote, hostile place on earth, they knew the end could not be far away. To help his team’s chance of survival, the weakest of the men performed an act of self-sacrifice, wandering out into the wasteland to die. Captain Lawrence Oates’s last words have passed into legend: “I am just going outside and may be some time.” It made no difference. The men who should have been the first to the South Pole, too weak to move, died one by one, Scott probably last. And yet, in defeat Scott made more impact on history than had he lived. So much of Scott’s tragic final expedition defines the plucky, gentlemanly spirit of what it meant to be British in the Edwardian era: stoicism in the face of adversity, playing by the rules, memorable last words. We use the expression ‘Great Scott’ to register wonder at superhuman achievement, to invoke the qualities of a nation whose Empire had once ruled the world. One of our best contemporary polar explorers, Pen Hadow, says that “Scott’s achievements can’t

be underestimated,” and that “his place as one of the greats in the annals of exploration is assured.” Today, as the commemorations of the centenary of Scott’s death reach a crescendo, we should remember that the Terra Nova expedition was not a great success. However, the British are suckers for heroic failures and a glorious death and, regardless of his merits, Scott had a gift for the noble statement. He could stir the heart of the Englishman. His last words: “For God’s sake, look after our people.” It was named the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration for a reason. A century ago nations were vying with each other to be the first to conquer the greatest of all polar challenges – to set foot on the South Pole. While today countless teams of adventure sportsmen in hi-tech fabrics cross Antarctica, with GPS systems and iPods, in Scott’s day the battle was for territory and it was of international significance. The eyes of the world were looking both north and south and victory would bring honour to nations, while the men responsible for such deeds would achieve a degree of fame that is hard to imagine today. In the first decade of the 20th century Ernest Shackleton just missed out on the South Pole by a mere 97 miles on his Nimrod Expedition, while in the north US naval commander Robert E Peary claimed to have reached 90 degrees north after a lightning dash across the ice with a team of dogs. Peary’s claim is still hotly contested today, but what the two men had achieved was a “farthest north and south.” Whether or not Peary reached the North Pole, there was still the golden apple to be bitten; the Geographic South Pole. Britain had a sense of entitlement. It belonged to the Empire, and as Scott wrote to the Royal Geographical Society: “I don’t hold that anyone but an Englishman should get to the South Pole.” Riding a surge of patriotism, Scott set about raising

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feature exploration

© Martin Hartley: ‘Captain Oates - I may be some time’

finances for an attempt on the pole. 8,000 men applied to join the expedition and the media ran with a story that threatened to blow up out of all proportion. As one paper declared: “We seem to be living in times when men have reverted to the age of the elemental heroes.” Scott’s future wife, Kathleen Bruce, wrote to him saying “You shall go to the S. Pole… it’s got to be done so hurry up.” Scott wasn’t the only person hurrying up. Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen had hastily rearranged plans for travelling to the Arctic and informed Scott by telegram that he was heading instead to the Antarctic in his ship Fram. Scott received the news in Australia and after a moment of disbelief he accepted that he had no response other than to push on. “We may get through. We may lose our lives. It is all a question that lies with providence and luck.” Luck was never on Scott’s side and, while he was the first Englishman to reach the South Pole, it hardly mattered, as a cannier and more strategically cynical explorer had beaten him. Amundsen’s meticulous planning, attention to detail and sheer ruthlessness meant that everything had gone like clockwork. The same could not be said for Scott. So what was it that went wrong? For a century, commentators have tried to analyse where Scott’s march to the pole failed. Although it hurts British national pride, once all the accounts have been read, the simple truth is that Scott was not prepared to challenge the orthodoxy of outmoded methods of long-distance hiking over the ice. Was Scott bogged down by a scientific programme that made too great a demand on his time? Did he make a fatal error in the number and balance of personnel for his main assault team? Both are possible, but the bottom line is that Scott failed to beat Amundsen because, unlike his rival, he refused to use dogs as a method of propulsion. Scott’s refusal was based on the idea that the use of dogs in polar exploration was not “the done thing.” The British way was to ‘manhaul’, a “near perfect” technique that,

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as the name suggests, involves men in harnesses dragging sledges or ‘pulks’ across the ice. The two main advantages of putting dogs into the harnesses, as Amundsen well knew, was that they would allow the men to conserve their energy and provide valuable calories at a push. As the sledges got lighter, you could even feed the weaker dogs to the stronger ones, and so reduce the amount of dog food you needed to carry. Scott knew this too but found it unpalatable and senior officials at the Royal Geographical Society backed Scott on this. To his downfall, though, it was an out-dated way of thinking and ideas and ideals that belonged to a previous generation. Every dog has his day, and so did Amundsen. Despite all of this, Scott became a national hero, but only briefly. The Great War was just around the corner and with the colossal loss of life that ensued, the British public lost its taste for self-sacrificial death. Over the following decades Scott’s reputation was to ebb and flow, reaching its lowest point in 1970 when scholars took issue with not just the shortcomings of his methods as an explorer, but with his personality and leadership skills. As Shackleton’s reputation rose – mainly as a result of his extraordinary rescue mission on the Endurance expedition – so Scott’s fell. Shackleton became the embodiment of a great man to have with you in a crisis, while Scott was increasingly depicted as detached and a poor decision taker, symbolic of the disintegration of the once proud Empire. The good news for Scott is that his reputation is on the rise again. Polar explorer Tom Avery, who holds the record for the fastest surface journey to the North Pole, thinks that this is the way it should be: “He was quite simply the greatest explorer who ever set foot on the frozen continent. Scott’s bravery, selfless leadership and quest for knowledge have inspired many from these small islands to push the boundaries of exploration and discovery.” n

Ski boots, said to have belonged to Scott, Canterbury Museum NZ


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set the watch with one-second accuracy in the first place. Never before has an A. Lange & Söhne watch been endowed with so many complications that simultaneously enhance its rate accuracy, settability, and readability. And so, this remarkable timepiece truly deserves the honorary attribute “Pour le Mérite”.

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interview men’s.trend jewellery

bremontsail in style ..................................................................................... chanel ........................................................................... ..............................................

baselWorlD 2012

The watch industry’s equivalent of the trend-setting fashion weeks, Baselworld showcases the newest creations from the world’s most prestigious brands

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f you plan to visit the Swiss town of Basel in spring, make sure you check the dates of the town’s annual watch fair first. Don’t, and you might struggle to find somewhere to stay. For eight days each year, Basel’s population almost doubles in size as more than 100,000 visitors from 100 countries descend on the world’s largest watch and jewellery exposition. Among the 3,000 media representatives in attendance at this year’s event will be Canary Wharf Magazine. With more than 1,800 companies from the watch, jewellery and precious-

stone industry showcasing their latest collections, choosing favourite innovations won’t be easy. Watches we’re most looking forward to seeing include Omega’s Seamaster Aqua Terra Golf – a refined, sportsmen piece that features distinctive green elements on its dial – and Pequignet’s Paris Royal Red Gold, which boasts an attractive power reserve indicator and moon phase at 6 o’clock. Sure to prove a head-turner will be Christophe Claret’s Casino de Monte-Carlo; not only does the piece comprise 501 components, 40 jewels and seven ceramic double ball bearings but turn it over and you’ll also be greeted by a 3D roulette wheel. n

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watches

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watch

news hOrOlOgy Meets hIgh fashIOn Long after Breitling entered into a partnership with Bentley, 2011 saw Hublot team up with Ferrari. This year, it is Franck Muller’s turn to announce that it will be collaborating with a brand you wouldn’t normally associate with the watch world. The co-branding contract between the Florentine fashion group Roberto Cavalli and the Swiss watchmaking group has been formed to “respond to the different needs of a clientele that is ever more sophisticated”. Roberto Cavalli by Franck Muller watches will start at just over £1,000.

aesthetIcs + MatheMatIcs Vacheron Constantin may be able to trace its roots back to the middle of the 18th century but you certainly can’t accuse the brand of being stuck in the past. The latest editions to its Métiers d’Art collection, Vacheron’s most imaginative line of watches, are inspired by the work of Dutch artist Maurits Cornelis Escher and centre on the concept of tessellation – the process of creating a twodimensional plane using the repetition of a geometric shape with no overlaps or gaps.

Employing all of the techniques used in modern-day watchmaking – enamelling, gemsetting, engraving and guilloché work – the Métiers d’Art Les Masques timepieces highlight what can happen when art meets mechanics. A mechanical self-winding Calibre 2460 movement, entirely developed and crafted by Vacheron Constantin, sits at the heart of collection’s three timepieces, each of which has been limited to just 20 pieces and is available through Vacheron boutiques only.

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

“Exactly 40 years after its launch, the Oyster Perpetual Explorer II has been updated with the most recently patented Rolex technologies. The robust and reliable nature of this watch make it the rational choice for any would-be explorer” Oyster PerPetual exPlOrer II £5,530, rOlex avaIlable at DavID M rObInsOn, JubIlee Place, canary Wharf

haute hOrOlOgy If you pride yourself on owning accessories that others do not, you may want to acquaint yourself with Swiss brand Cecil Purnell. Manufacturing a maximum of just 75 watches a year, the brands retains its status as one of the most exclusive watch companies in the world. Each timepiece is made to order under full client consultation and takes between three and six months to produce. The brand has recently announced a partnership with Excedo Luxuria, the luxury distributor of bespoke jewellery and luxury brands, who will become the exclusive Cecil Purnell distributor in the UK.

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A truly

English affair


interview

collection

Annabel Harrison meets Nick English, one half of the dynamic English brothers and co-founder of British watch brand Bremont

T

he engine purrs, revs and roars into action and before I know it, I’m soaring through the air, 1,000 feet above the English countryside (Epping Forest and Chelmsford, to be exact). I’m not in a Boeing 747 or an Airbus 380, though – my preferred, and standard, method of airborne travel but one passenger of a total of two in a tiny, toy plane which is, I am told, an RV4. Initial trepidation at travelling in what, quite frankly, has less interior space than a Mini is swiftly overtaken with the thrill of feeling like a character in Top Gun (although more like Goose than Maverick). The pilot expertly steers us to the optimum cruising height and asks me, casually, over the headset if I’d like to drive for a bit. After a moment’s hesitation, I take over control and experience the sheer joy of feeling the plane dip and tilt exactly as I command, before the pilot resumes control to flip us over into a few, 360º barrel rolls. This is but a glimpse into the life of a Bremont brother – Nick, this time round (although I had met the equally charming Giles at SalonQP in November). I’d like to say that I was composed enough to conduct my interview with Nick whilst airborne but unfortunately the noise was prohibitive and instead we chatted in the cosy Squadron at North Weald Airfield.

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From their names to their demeanour, via their watch brand and personal passions, the English brothers are British through and through. Bremont has a story to tell too, and a surprisingly young one at that; its watches are gracing the manly, homegrown wrists of Hugh Laurie, Liam Neeson and Orlando Bloom, just ten years after the company’s journey began, and five years after their watches were actually being sold. Nick explains that from the offset the brothers wanted to make beautifully crafted and engineered pilots’ watches of such a high quality that “you could not find a better made watch [in that £34,000 price range]”. A love of flying, watches and all things mechanical has been in the English blood for generations, inherited by Nick and Giles from their late father Euan, who died in 1995 when the vintage aircraft he was flying crashed. Nick deems this “the tipping point in life, when you have to think about what you really want to do”. This tragic accident was followed by Nick and Giles crash-landing on French land because of a rough-running engine and bad weather. In a

serendipitous turn of events, the farmer who offered them refuge from the authorities and a bed for the night was a retired pilot and gifted engineer, surrounded in his farm by old wall clocks in various states of restoration. The farmer’s name was Antoine Bremont and although the company’s name is French in origin, Bremont retains a proudly British backbone. “There’s this incredible history of British watch making”, Nick says, with characteristic English enthusiasm, “and for people to understand and appreciate what you’re doing is fantastic, so although people like to play it down, it’s always nice to receive awards”. Those in question were from Walpole, the prestigious protector and promoter of the British luxury industry, which saw potential and named Bremont a Brand of Tomorrow in 2007 and, the following year, Best Emerging British Luxury Brand. Their customers since these accolades were bestowed have turned out to be, by and large, people who recognise the effort and passion that goes into watch-making and who have an interest in well-engineered products. Is there a stereotypical Bremont owner? “What’s interesting,” Nick replies, “is that it’s not all about money. A lot of our guys work in the city in high paid jobs and they will save up and buy one of our watches”. With a love of mechanical watches, often Bremont won’t be their first horological purchase; they may have been given a TAG


interview

or Omega when younger but since, “they have done their research and want to wear something that’s different, that separates them from the rest of the pack”. The purchase may well also become an investment; Nick tells me that some of his watches that sold for £6,500 three years ago are now going for as much as £10,000 and that in 2012, the brand will produce only 3,000 timepieces, making them yet more sought after. Importantly, though, “we’re not a flashy brand, not showy. It’s for people who like the understated feeling of having something special on their wrist – I think the car equivalent would be more Maserati than Ferrari”. The English brothers are as serious as they are jovial and Nick replies, straight-faced, when I ask next what the biggest challenge has been to date, “working with my brother”. Cracking into a smile, he adds mischievously, “I won’t go through the list of ideas I’ve come up with because it’ll put him to shame”. He then answers honestly that “we’re very diplomatic and both involved with all the big decisions”. Challenges have come in the form of the technical – “in terms of procuring parts of this industry, especially when you’re doing a lot yourself and you have lots of suppliers” – and the financial; “the competition is spending a huge amount of money on marketing but we are a smaller brand, without a Richemont behind us”. This is where unofficial ambassadors are worth their

collection

weight in gold. On the adventure side of things, Bremont works very closely with world-record climber Jake Meyer, Olympic skier Graham Bell, world-champion free diver Sara Campbell, polar explorer Ben Saunders and adventurer Bear Grylls. “There’s a great synergy and we appeal to those kind of guys, who show that you can use one of our watches in [extreme] conditions and it still works”. Charlie Boorman “batters them around because he’s always falling off a motorbike” but, testament to their endurance, he hasn’t managed to destroy one (yet). For those who aren’t fortunate, or mad, enough to spend most of their waking hours completing death-defying or record-breaking feats, a Bremont watch is still suitable wrist wear; “we wanted to produce watches which you could wear to the boardroom but also go off and do amazing stuff at the weekend – windsurfing, hiking up Everest, skydiving, whatever you want”. Indeed. For Nick and Giles, “whatever you want” seems to be the ethos they live by, revolving around aviation, engineering, time-keeping and family heritage. My afternoon at the airfield ends with a smile and a wave from Nick as he hops into his plane to ‘drive’ back to the office in Henley. What a commute. I have no doubt that Euan English and Antoine Bremont would be immensely proud of the Bremont brand and of the English brothers, and that their part in the legacy is only just beginning. n

21


Courtesy of IWC

collection men’s luxury

set

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sail in style

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Indulge your sense of adventure with accessories designed with the explorer in mind

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1 Z6/Z6i 2nd generation rifle scope, £2,300, Swarovski Optik, www.swarovskioptik.us 2 Coin carbon fibre cufflinks, £200, Alfred Dunhill, www.dunhill.com 3 My sailing bag, £1,945, Loro Piana www.loropiana.com 4 Navy blue techno fabric gloves, £215, Giorgio Armani, www.giorgioarmani.com 5 Be-well bag, £13,135, Loro Piana, as before 6 Aquaracer Calibre 5 500m, £3,150 TAG Heuer, available at Charles Fish, Cabot Place 7 Woven linen belt, £65, Anderson’s, www.mrporter.com 8 Classic Prince of Wales check umbrella, £65, London Undercover www.mrporter.com 9 Black ceramic Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph 44mm, POA, Audemars Piguet, available at David M Robinson, Jubilee Place

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www.bachet.fr


jewellery

collection

3 Of The Best...

jewellery

mascuLine watches

news

Instead of delicate bracelets, opt for elegant, statement watches as wrist candy

chaneL s/s12

“The shapes of sea life are ultra-modern, beautiful and timeless,” explains Karl Lagerfeld. The 2012 Collection by Chanel is all that you would ever want from a S/S line; with tropical fish, seaweed and sponges taking on an ethereal, abstract quality, and the main palette comprising porcelain pink, pearly white and sea blue hues, the overall look becomes feminine, light and airy. To enhance the ultra-feminine guise, look to the accessories. The line is dripping with pearls: around the neck, along the spine, used as buttons or taking the place of a chain belt to punctuate the overall ensemble. Golds, corals and blues speckle the collection, enhancing the oceanic theme. Following in the footsteps of other great fashion brands, Chanel has incorporated bold, chunky bangles into its spring repertoire. However, not wishing to lose the elegance for which the French house is renowned, bangles are decorated with delicate pale pink glass stones.

richard Lange tourbiLLon ‘Pour Le mÉrite’, Poa a. Lange & sÖhne

Golden and coral metal earring, £700, Chanel Fine Jewellery www.chanel.com

www.chaneL.com

hamPtons Quartz with croc straP, £1,780 baume & mercier

Cutting Edge Samantha Hansard, Buying Director at Charles Fish, singles out Alex Monroe as the one to watch this month

“With the warmer seasons fast approaching, Alex Monroe’s new Summer’s Embrace collection is hot out of his London workshop and offers the perfect accessories for your summer wardrobe. Like all of his pieces, this is inspired by his deep love of nature” Large LiLy Leaf neckLace in goLd vermeiL, £150 aLex monroe at charLes fish, cabot PLace

JuLes audemars chronograPh rose goLd £21,500, audemars Piguet

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collection jewellery

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sea shores 7 Jewellery emulates the colours and shapes of the sea this spring with cerulean crystals, sea blue hues and turquoise stones

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1 Silver and turquoise drop earrings, £90, Chan Luu, www.NET-A-PORTER.com 2 Rear window necklace, £854, Erickson Beamon, www.ericksonbeamon.com 3 Gemstone turquoise ring POA, Kara Ross, www.kararossny.com 4 Multi-stone brass ring, £335, Emilio Pucci, www.emiliopucci.com 5 Plexiglass and crystal clip earrings, £220, Miu Miu, www.NET-A-PORTER.com 6 Wichita silver-plated turquoise necklace, £260, Philippe Audibert, www.philippeaudibert.com 7 Rock Candy 18-carat gold turquoise bangle, £2,395, Ippolita, www.ippolita.com 8 Garden ring, £270, Yves Saint Laurent, www.ysl.com 9 Bossa Nova silver-plated Swarovski crystal ring, £235, Erickson Beamon, www.ericksonbeamon.com 10 Rear window necklace - from a selection, £775, Erickson Beamon, as before

26


Canary Wharf London luxury & style canarywharf.com


SHOPPING

Magnificent Mothers Spoil your Mum with the finer things in life this Mother’s Day, with our top 5 treats in Canary Wharf The White Company, Cabot Place

1. Retail Therapy

Aspinal of London, Cabot Place

Enjoy an afternoon of retail therapy, and treat your mum to those extra special gestures that let her know you really care. Whether it’s a hand-tied bouquet from Brown’s Florist, an exciting accessory from L.K. Bennett, stylish homeware from The White Company or beautiful jewellery from Canary Wharf’s stores including Charles Fish, David M Robinson, Links of London and Tiffany & Co. Canary Wharf has it all.

Tiffany & Co., Cabot Place

Charles Fish, Cabot Place

L.K.Bennett, Jubilee Place Whistles, Jubilee Place

2. Fancy Food Give your mum a break from cooking and a reward for all her hard work with a delicious meal in Canary Wharf’s finest eateries. Enjoy Plateau’s spectacular views, or a mouthwatering Mother’s Day brunch at Quadrato. For music lovers, Boisdale of Canary Wharf will also provide an afternoon to be remembered, with champagne and a three course lunch all served to live Jazz.

Plateau Restaurant, Bar & Grill, Canada Square

Quadrato at The Four Seasons Hotel, Westferry Circus

Boisdale of Canary Wharf, Cabot Place


SHOPPING Molton Brown, Jubilee Place

Jo Malone, Jubilee Place

4. Champagne & Chocolates

Nicholas Wine, One Canada Square

3. Pamper and Polish Let her hands do nothing at the Jo Malone Tasting Bar, as she enjoys a complimentary hand and arm massage, perhaps to be followed by a 3-week manicure from Nails Inc. Alternatively, Molton Brown have a luxurious gift set designed to nurture and indulge. Space NK and Crabtree & Evelyn are also on hand with a sumptuous array of products perfect for well-earned pampering, whilst Sean Hanna, Gentry Hair & Spa or Toni & Guy can treat her to a marvelous makeover. And for an all out experience, time spent in The Rejuvenation Clinic & MediSpa will restore youthful skin and well-being with a vast array of healing Hotel Chocolat, Canada Place treatments.

When only the best will do, treat your mum to a delicious champagne or wine tasting at Nicolas Wine Bar where the in-store experts can recommend a vintage bottle. Coupled with mouthwatering truffles from Charbonnel et Walker, or Hotel Chocolat she’ll have the perfect indulgent combination. Charbonnel et Walker, Cabot Place

5. Expertly Mixed

Roka Terrace, The Park Pavilion

The Parlour, The Park Pavilion

The perfect way to start any celebratory evening, take your mum for a cocktail in one of Canary Wharf’s numerous bars. Head to The Parlour for exquisite cocktails and lively atmosphere; its Russian Rose Martini, garnished with a rose petal is an elegant choice for a special lady. For a taste of the Orient sample some traditional saké from Roka whilst sitting on the terrace, enjoying a wonderful view of Canada Square Park.


SHOPPING burberry

elie saab

alberta ferretti

All things

Bright

&Beautiful RecReate this season’s bold high fashion tRends, and

step into a bRight new woRld with the vibRant Range on offeR at canaRy whaRf stoRes


SHOPPING 1

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6 7 8

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From Friday 30 March to Sunday 1 April Canary Wharf presents the best of Spring/ Summer 2012 collections for men and women at the Spring/Summer Fashion Weekend. Fashion shows will feature a wide selection of Canary Wharf’s leading fashion brands who will be offering exclusive discounts of 20%.

1. Crocus Bag, £245, L.K Bennett, Jubilee Place 2. Cleo Dress, £195, L.K. Bennett, Jubilee Place 3. Soft Draped Jacket, £60, Oasis, Jubilee Place 4. Siri Maxi Dress, £229, Ted Baker, Canada Place 5. Giant Shoe, £120, Kurt Geiger, Cabot Place 6. Red Fringed Moccasin, £69.90, Massimo Dutti, Cabot Place 7. Purple Ceramic Watch, £110, Karen Millen, Jubilee Place 8. Beautiful Cotton Lace Skirt, £140, Karen Millen, Jubilee Place 9. Sloane Zip Around Travel Wallet, £275, Tumi, Cabot Place 10. Carvela Andora, £120, Kurt Geiger, Cabot Place 11. Preppy Canvas Coat, £275, Gant, Canada Place 12. Poppy Belt, £95, L.K. Bennett, Jubilee Place


events

Spring in your step Visit Canary Wharf to introduCe yourself to aCid - jazz, Challenge a squash pro and salsa the night aWay

VIVA LA DANCE Salsa the night away to the sounds of the live, Latin band start your evening with a simple and fun workshop with popular dance duo doni fierro and liz Bayley. even those new to salsa can master basic steps in no time then take to the floor and dance the night away with confidence. you can also enjoy dazzling demonstrations of salsa perfection from the professionals throughout the evening. Come and soak up the latin atmosphere, enjoy the music and when you feel like a break from dancing there is full bar and tapas available, although we are willing to bet you won’t sit still for long. Wednesday 14 March 6.30 - 10.15pm East Wintergarden, Bank Street, Canary Wharf, E14 Tickets £8.50 (includes complimentary glass of bubbly)

Visit ticketweb.co.uk or call 0844 847 2268 (booking fee applies). Tickets also available on the door, subject to availability. Only items purchased on the premises may be consumed.


After Hours With… THE BRAND NEW HEAVIES Apparently Nothing, Never Stop, Dream On Dreamer, Midnight at The Oasis – the hits go on and on

Monday 19 – Friday 23 March Doors opening & match times vary East Wintergarden, Bank Street, Canary Wharf, E14 Tickets £15-£45. Visit ticketmaster.co.uk or call 0844 847 2419 (booking fee applies). Tickets available on the door subject to availability. Full bar and food available. Only items purchased on the premises may be consumed.

One of the most successful acid-jazz/UK funk groups of all time, The Brand New Heavies are major players in the soundtrack of the 80’s and 90’s. Original band members Jan Kincaid, Simon Bartholomew and Andrew Levy on drums/keyboards, guitar and bass respectively are joined by the incredibly silky and powerful vocals of Canadian born, American-raised singer Honey Larochelle. Book now to hear all your favourite Brand New Heavies hits played live in the intimate setting of the East Wintergarden. Thursday 15 March 7.45pm (Doors open at 7pm) East Wintergarden, Bank Street, Canary Wharf, E14 Tickets £20* (maximum 6 tickets per order) Visit ticketweb.co.uk or call 0844 847 2268 (booking fee applies). Tickets also available on the door, subject to availability. Standing only. Full bar and cloakroom. Only items purchased on the premises may be consumed.

CANARY WHARF SQUASH CLASSIC A week of unbelievable action brings the world’s best players to the magnificent East Wintergarden to play on the specially built glass court London’s top squash tournament returns to Canary Wharf for the ninth consecutive year. World champion Nick Matthew will be aiming for a third consecutive title along with James Willstrop, himself a three-time winner at Canary Wharf. Don’t miss your favourite international players battling it out for world ranking points in this PSA International 50 event.

PLAY-A-PRO ONSCREEN CHALLENGE How do you fancy your chances against a professional squash player? Now you can cross rackets with members of the England team or one of the international players here for the main event via an interactive squash game challenge. If you beat the pro you’ll be entered into a daily draw for a Prince racket plus tickets to the Canary Wharf Squash Classic. Just sign up on arrival, no booking required. 8 – 9 and 19 - 20 March 11am – 2.30pm Jubilee Place, Canary Wharf FREE Donations will be collected in aid of Sport Relief


art Window Galleries

VISUAL ARTS ANTHONY CARO IN JUBILEE PARK

The Ar t, Design & Lightbox Window Galleries, located in Canada Place Shopping Mall, showcase up-and-coming ar tists, designers and craftspeople. This month the galleries display:

Jubilee Park, Canary Wharf 12 March – 25 May

Sir Anthony Caro OM, CBE continues to play a pivotal role in the development of 20th century sculpture. He came to public attention with an exhibition at the Whitechapel Gallery in 1963 where he exhibited large abstract sculptures brightly painted and standing straight on the ground so that they engage the spectator directly, a radical departure at the time. His innovative work and his teaching led to a flowering and new confidence in sculpture worldwide. Works from the 1970s to recent years will be shown in Jubilee Park. anthonycaro.com

KOJI SHIRAYA

‘Slow March (1985) steel, painted gold & red, Barford Sculptures Ltd, Photography: John Riddy’

THE STUff Of dREAmS: NEW INSTALLATIONS BY JUdITH COWAN Lobby One, Canada Square 19 March – 25 May

In considering her work for Canary Wharf, Judith Cowan has explored scale and matter, creating an exhibition in two parts, but linked through unlikely relationships. A large structure entitled ‘Walkway’ will have a ghostly presence on the east side of the Lobby - a platform with a huge screen onto

which at certain times images of almost life-sized Sicilian puppets will be projected. Elsewhere a series of white sculptures created from commonplace objects cast in resin form five ghostly spheres take up their positions in different parts of the building. judithcowan.com

Koji’s artistic theme is expression in praise of nature. Koji uses porcelain for the main body of his boxes and feldspar (glaze) for the lid. Although similar in substance, feldspar can be melted at particular temperatures so that firing the body and the lid at the same time melts the lid down the body. The end result shows contrasts between solid and fluid, organic and geometric, nature and art. kojishiraya.com

CISSY COOK

Seven years ago Cissy Cook embarked on a new journey using both her model making skills and love of design to create unique, decorative and sculptural artworks in an ever expanding range that explore texture, light and form. cissycookdesigns.co.uk

WENdY ALLAN

Light and colour play a large part in Wendy’s work. She achieves the colour with hand dyed silk, soaked in resin and strengthened with fibreglass. Each of her lights is unique as a result of the processes she has developed.

wendyallandesign.co.uk


NEWS Canary Wharf Group Starts Construction of 25 Churchill Place Canary Wharf Group has commenced construction of 25 Churchill Place at Canary Wharf, central London, which is to be the new office headquarters of the European Medicines Agency. Two cranes have been erected and the concrete core will soon start to appear on the Canary Wharf skyline. This 20 storey, 500,000 sq. ft. building will be complete in late 2014, providing the local economy and construction supply chain with thousands of muchneeded jobs.

Table Tennis Star Wins Top Canary Wharf Sports Award Ashley Facey Thompson, who at just 16 years old has been picked to represent Great Britain in table tennis at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, recently won the Canary Wharf Sports Personality of the Year Award. Facey Thompson, who attends Morpeth School in Bethnal Green, was presented with the trophy at the Canary Wharf Sports Awards ceremony, hosted and organised by Canary Wharf Group at the East Wintergarden. Olympic champion Christine Ohuruogu, West Ham United’s Joey O’Brien, Jim Fitzpatrick MP and celebrity builder Tommy Walsh were among the East London dignitaries in attendance on the evening to encourage the assembly of talented East End youngsters to reach their sporting potential.

Canary Wharf Marks Tu B’Shvat Festival with Tree Planting Representatives from Canary Wharf Group and other Canary Wharf-based companies, as well as some of the elderly people from the surrounding area, recently marked the Jewish Festival of Tu B’Shvat by planting a tree in Jubilee Park, Canary Wharf. Tu B’Shvat is the beginning of the Jewish ‘new year’ for trees, occurring on the 15th day of the month of Shvat. Scholars believe the festival originally marked the emergence of spring; it is also used for calculating the

correct time of the year for tithing produce. Following the tree planting Canary Wharf Group sponsored a buffet lunch held at Clifford Chance. Small fruit presentations were also delivered to various Day Centres for the elderly and to participants at the event at Clifford Chance. Menorah Foundation School distributed packages to the elderly at Stepney Jewish Community Centre and the hire of the bus to transport them to the Centre will be sponsored by Canary Wharf Group.


Swiss movement, English heart

C9 HARRISON JUMPING HOUR Limited Edition ÂŁ1150.00

Swiss made automatic / movement: ETA 2824-2 - 25 jewel modified jumping hour complication JJ001 / 200 piece limited edition / Hand-finished case / Louisiana alligator strap / Diameter: 43mm E XC LU S I V E LY AVA I L A B L E AT

ChristopherWard_CanaryWharf.indd 1

christopherward.co.uk

17/02/2012 10:53


fashion trend interiors

45 park lane elegant & eccentrIc ........................................................... paper chase

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

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

Do It Your WaY

If your dream wedding comprises a luxurious venue, royal reception and romantic ceremony, then Claridge’s hotel is the venue for you

L

icensed for wedding receptions and civil partnerships, the famous hotel on Brook Street offers an array of elegant private rooms and interior spaces to match any wedding style. The marble and mirror décor of the 1930’s themed Ballroom Reception make it ideal for pre-dinner wedding receptions, while the more conservative French Salon provides a contemporary setting perfect for cocktail receptions and evening entertainment. Claridge’s has a variety of wedding menus, designed by its award-winning, executive chef, Martyn Nail or, alternatively, you can create

your own carte du jour. From banquets and canapés to wine and champagne, couples can tailor their menu to individual requirements. From the moment you book your wedding, you will be allocated an events coordinator to plan your entire day, including chauffeur driven cars and entertainment options. In addition to exquisite bridal bouquets and floral displays, McQueens at Claridge’s – its inhouse team – is able to provide photographers, wedding cakes and event design. To ensure you marry in tip-top shape, the hotel offers a nine week Cloud 9 beauty and fitness programme. n

37


Experience

exclusive fashion

at the Battery Club ...and you’re invited.

IT’S THE HEIGHT OF FASHION at

The Battery Club, the only exclusive members’ club in Canary Wharf. On Thursday 29th March, this ultra stylish venue will be raising the fashion stakes higher still when it hosts a private viewing of some of the hottest looks for the season. Make sure you have front row seats as top names such as LK Bennett and Reiss to name but a few unveil their city sleek spring and summer collections.

The Battery Club is a unique riverside destination venue offering fabulous views, classic cocktails, relaxed dining and social members’ events.

Doors open at 6.30pm and guests are invited to enjoy one of Battery’s classic champagne cocktails and a selection of delicious canapés whilst savouring breathtaking views over the Thames and the City. The catwalk show itself starts promptly at 8pm.

The relaxed members’ lounge on the 4th floor is furnished with colourful, contemporary and vintage design classics. Think wing back chairs, comfy retro sofas and desirable art deco pieces - hand-picked and w by Alphabet Group. As well as using glass, chestnut, leather and granite to dramatic effect, other eye-catching features include a collection of mesmerising, orb-like Anthony Stern pendant lights.

To make the evening even more enjoyable, you are invited to bring along a friend, partner or colleague.

There are only 50 pairs of tickets available for this unmissable event and as demand is sure to be great, please RSVP as soon as possible to guarantee admission to ruthe@marshmallowmedia.co.uk

On the floor below, Battery Club’s atmospheric late night drinking and social club boasts a chic long bar and a New York-style tin plate ceiling.

To apply for membership, prospective members need to download and complete an application form at www.thebatteryclub.co.uk

34 Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf, London, E14 8RR Telephone 0208 305 3099

www.thebatteryclub.co.uk


fashion

concierge

CleaR Cut For the A/W12 collections, the Swarovski Collective sponsorship will once again be supporting an assortment of leading designers and emerging talent. The list of designers to be sponsored includes London’s Mary Katrantzou, Giles and Erdem, plus Jason Wu, Rodarte and Vivienne Tam, and all will incorporate Swarovski Elements into their creations. Swarovski’s main aim is to encourage and challenge designers to push the boundaries of crystal through their Womenswear and Menswear collections, and therefore those who are eventually chosen are done so on the basis of their creativity.

women’s fashion

news

www.londonfashionweek.Co.uk

shimmeR and sheen Lurex yarn, brocade and silk have given the S/ S12 collections a beautiful lustre but the real, overarching triumph is the sense of power which emanates from the clothes this season. Cool aluminium tones and dresses sliced across the torso were unveiled at the preview show of Christopher Kane who cited as his inspiration the intimidating schoolgirl, while Todd Lynn was widely praised for his knife-pleats and high collars, worked in glistening silver bouclé. Sporty flats and platform boots enforced the looks respectively. This look was seen at Chanel, Giles, Priestly and Marios Schwab, as well as at fashion

favourite Marc Jacobs who championed lamé and mesh as his materials of choice. left to Right: metalliC lamé and mesh stRiped dRess £2,365, maRC JaCobs, www.netapoRteR.Com alba mini dRess £350, diane Von fuRstenbeRg www.matChesfashion.Com eugenie blue and silVeR bRoCade dRess £221, pRiestly, www.Coggles.Com

MUST-HAVE ITEM: jUlIAn HAkE HEElS The story has all the makings of a modern legend; a playful sketch by a city architect, a blog and viral campaign which saw more than 100,000 enquiries. This spring, the glossy, curvaceous reality of the Mojito heel is launching in a variety of colours and materials. Hake says: “The form of the shoe is highly sculptural and can be read in a number of ways. To some customers, it is a piece of art or sculpture for the foot, almost like walk-able jewellery. For others, it’s a cool, comfortable and fashion-forward modern form.” www.haRVeyniChols.Com

nEwSflASH Designer Alice Temperley has launched a new initiative to support emerging talent. Each season, ALICE by Temperley Talent will offer a performer, artist or illustrator the opportunity to represent the collection and produce a personal, artistic interpretation of it, which will then be promoted through a social media campaign. Temperley boutiques in London and Los Angeles will serve as dedicated exhibition spaces.

Quote of the month

You don’t have to go far to find inspiration, wherever you are in London matthew williamson

TREnD: flAMBOYAnT HEADwEAR Couture Fashion Week landed in February in a flurry of tulle, feathers and glitter. Sheer layers and black florals were on show at Christian Dior, while Versace adhered to its red carpet reputation with a series of slinky gowns created from Lycra and lace. However flashbulbs popped the most as Alexis Mabille unleashed a riot of colour and dramatic headpieces which signified the fun side of fashion at its best.

39


The new Audi A1 Sportback 5dr. Now available to order from Docklands Audi.

Take a great car, add extra space plus 2 extra doors and you have an athletic and agile model that offers a level of practicality you just wouldn’t expect. Five doors, five seats, an impressive 270 litres of boot space, and class-leading engines that satisfy every requirement from frugality to fantastically sporty performance, make the new Audi A1 Sportback such a great pleasure to own and drive. Call the Docklands Audi Sales Team on 0207 078 9593 to book your test drive.

Docklands Audi

64 Marsh Wall South Quay Docklands London E14 9SL 0207 078 9593 www.docklands.audi.co.uk

Official fuel consumption figures for the A1 Sportback range in mpg (l/100km) from: Urban 45.6 (6.2) – 64.2 (4.4), Extra Urban 64.2 (4.4) – 83.1 (3.4), Combined 55.4 (5.1) – 74.3 (3.8). CO2 emissions: 99 – 139g/km.


fashion

news the CutAWAy CollAr Unfortunately, even the most expensive, welltailored suit can look average with an ill-fitting shirt or misjudged tie. While button-down collars are great for dress-down Fridays, cutaway collars are the smartest choice for the rest of the week. With acute-angled, pull-back tips, cutaway collars allow a full view of the necktie knot – which should be wide and prominent. Arguably the most spread collar on the market comes courtesy of Udeshi London. Sweeping back to just before the yoke, the company’s Extreme Cutaway Collar shirt, £195, has been tested extensively to obtain optimal shape and a hard-wearing stiffness. Each collection of shirts, produced in a small run of exclusive colour-ways and fabrics, is available for one season only. Complete the look with an Udeshi seven fold tie: an 100 per cent silk, hand-stitched piece without lining or tipping.

london FirSt: FAShion Week For Men It has been announced that London will have its own Men’s Fashion Week for the first time this summer. The week, or more accurately weekend (the event will run from Friday 15 June to Sunday 17 June), will be organised by a team, headed by GQ Editor Dylan Jones, that includes Tom Ford, Christopher Bailey, David Furnish and, maybe more surprisingly, Tinie Tempah. Designers already confirmed as attending the three day show are Aquascutum, Christopher Raeburn, E.Tautz, Fashion East, Gieves & Hawkes, J.W. Anderson, Richard James and Topman. For More inForMAtion, viSit WWW.FAShion2012.Co.uk.

K2 images / Shutterstock.com

men’s fashion

concierge

udeShi london, 8 dAvieS Street, W1

Step into Spring Austin Reed’s collections have always nodded to the traditional aesthetics on which the tailor has built its reputation. While the 110th Anniversary Collection continues to do that, this season’s other offerings are somewhat edgier. The S/S12 Brighton Rocks collection, for example, is a celebration of the 1930s Mod. Clean, crisp fabrics are distinguished by subtle Prince of Wales checks, as the range moves away from designs towards semi plains. Elsewhere, the Natural Simplicity collection draws inspiration from Scandinavian and Nordic effortlessness, in pieces that draw from a predominantly grey, blue and stone colour palette, and Austin Reed’s Sunset Sophistication collection returns to England in a modern take on the Henley Regatta dress code. The playful attitude continues into casualwear with Rugged Elegance featuring a collection of rugby shirts in Olympic colours ahead of the summer’s biggest sporting event. AuStin reed, CAbot plACe

pointS For originAlity Following the success of its A/W11 collection – a campaign spearheaded by Formula One’s Bruno Senna – this month sees Lotus Originals branch out from its previously online-only retail outlet into its first store. The 4,800 square foot Regent Street address will house high-quality apparel, sporting items and accessories. Our pick of the best from the brand’s S/S12 range is this heritage-inspired racing leather jacket. Priced at £897, the jacket is limited to just 48 pieces. lotuS originAlS, 22 regent Street

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Cream chiffon shirt, £240, Elizabeth & James at Harvey Nichols, 109-125 Knightsbridge, SW1 www.harveynichols.com Gold and pearl Victorian bracelet, £24,000 Bentley & Skinner, 55 Piccadilly, W1

The Height

Sophistication OF

Mayfair’s 45 Park Lane, the newest offering from Dorchester Collection, is the epitome of contemporary luxury. Ensure you’re as smart, chic and stylish as your surroundings with our selection of this season’s most sophisticated ensembles Photographer:

Neil Marriott

Fashion Editor:

Lucie Dodds



Blue linen blazer, £1,250, white shirt, £95, blue silk tie £85, all Dunhill, 0845 4580779, www.dunhill.com, white trousers, £135, Hackett, 137/138 Sloane Street, SW1, www.hackett.com, tan ‘Christie’ brogues, £275, Oliver Sweeney, www.oliversweeney.com Silver button cufflinks, £110, Links of London www.linksoflondon.com, blue aviators, £231, Tom Ford www.tomford.com, Cape Cod watch, £1,950, Hermes 020 7499 8856


Black and white linen toile peasant blouse, £2,428, black and white constructed bustier dress, £3,333 Tom Ford, www.tomford.com Gold sphere earrings, £6,000 Bentley & Skinner, as before Gold ball necklace, £6,600 www.nudejewellery.co.uk


Navy linen jacket, £395, and matching trousers, £175, extreme cutaway coffee striped cotton shirt, £85, bronze puppytooth tie, £65, silk pocket square £45, all Chester Barrie, 020 7734 6420 www.chesterbarrie.co.uk Watch, £6,750, Breitling www.breitling.com


Pink and silver dress, £3,600 Hervé Leger, 020 7201 2590

Art Direction: Melissa Watson, www.melissawatson.com

Hair: Paula Mann @ Models1Creative, using Paul Mitchell

Make-up: Haleigh Maskall @ Models1Creative, using Clinique Shot on location at 45 Park Lane, Mayfair, London, W1K 1PN (www.45parklane.com). 45 Park Lane includes 45 guest rooms and suites and a Penthouse Suite, all with fantastic views overlooking Hyde Park. The hotel’s design was undertaken by world-renowned architect and designer Thierry Despont and Wolfgang Puck’s first European venture comes in the form of American steak restaurant, CUT at 45 Park Lane, the new Mayfair hot spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For more information, please call 020 7493 4545 or email info.45parklane@dorchestercollection.com. For reservations, please call 020 7317 6550 or email reservations.45L@dorchestercollection.com 45 Park Lane is the ninth property to join Dorchester Collection’s portfolio of luxury hotels which also includes The Dorchester (London), The Beverly Hills Hotel (Beverly Hills), Le Meurice and Hotel Plaza Athénée (Paris), Hotel Principe di Savoia (Milan), Hotel Bel-Air (Los Angeles), Coworth Park (Ascot) and Le Richemond (Geneva).


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health & beauty

concierge

get the Look: fruity Hues

health & beauty

news

Springtime Skin With promises of sun and warmer weather forthcoming, it’s time to give your skin a well-deserved boost after the cold spell. If you want your complexion to have a sheer and healthy glow this spring, opt for Laura Mercier’s foundation primer in radiance, and bid farewell to the signs of dull winter skin. Apply the pearly tint under your foundation or makeup to enhance your base, while at the same time providing the ultimate canvas for long-lasting make-up. Alternatively, this primer can be used alone to mask shadows and imperfections for a candle-lit glow. A good primer can make all the difference in restoring your radiance and is certainly an essential staple for any make-up bag. raDiance founDation primer, £28 WWW.Lauramercier.com

With spring approaching, it’s time to revamp your make-up bag and ensure your look is fresh and on trend with this season’s fruity, colourful shades 1. Lip gLacé nectar, £18.50 WWW.Lauramercier.com 2. DiorShoW neW Look maScara in BroWn, £23, WWW.Dior.com 3. nectar Shimmer Brick, £30.50 BoBBi BroWn

treatment of the month: Dove spa I was feeling rather grey and tired before I popped into Dove Spa at Virgin Active Canary Wharf Riverside. After enjoying a luxurious massage, I had a quick spray-tan followed by a mini-manicure, leaving me relaxed, bronzed and polished enough to leave with a skip in my step and ready for the joys of spring. The Dove Spa’s stylish yet friendly environment and warm, welcoming staff make it a great place to go for a perk-me-up pampering session and

one of its top-to-toe, mix-and-match packages would make a wonderful gift for Mothers’ Day. If you do decide on the Mix and Match package, whether for you or your mother, choose three from a selection of six treatments for £45. These treatments include back, neck & shoulder massage, body exfoliation, scalp massage, spray tan, mini manicure and mini pedicure.

WWW.BoBBiBroWn.co.uk

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Dove Spa at virgin active canary Wharf WeStferry circuS, canary Wharf, 0844 800 2142

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Canary Wharf is about to get healthier The Nuffield Health Canary Wharf Medical Centre opens in Spring 2012 – great news for people who want access to some of the finest health services in London. In a stylish setting, it will offer a full range of health and wellbeing solutions, a personal approach to patient care and an outstanding level of clinical excellence. For further information contact Nuffield Health today – because when it comes to getting you healthier, nobody is more committed than us.

Telephone: 0300 1231434 Email canarywharf@nuffieldhealth.com


Some of the services on offer • A full range of health assessments and occupational health services. • Physiotherapy, sports therapy treatments and complex pain management. • A flu and travel clinic available for immunisations, vaccinations and advice. • GP services as well as female and male healthcare.

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interiors

concierge

interiors

news kARim RASHiD Karim Rashid’s designs are lifechanging, or at least that’s his intention. The award-winning creative believes we should be living in a world full of inspiring objects, a passion which has led him to reject conventional forms in favour of bold shapes and diverse mediums. Following collaborations with luxury brands including Veuve Clicquot, Rashid has partnered Bo Concept to produce an exclusive range of dining ware for Harrods. www.HARRoDS.Com

RAiSE youR HAT

PAPER CHASE Ahead of springtime, create a vibrant and seasonal feature wall with this Arampali paper from Designers Guild, stocked at its showrooms in Marylebone, on the Kings Road or in Selfridges. Adorned with floral bouquets in a

peony, orange and peacock blue colour way, the pattern is also digitally-printed onto luxurious non-woven ground for easy hanging. Matching fabric is also available. AmRAPAli wAllPAPER in PEony, £173 PER Roll DESignERS guilD, www.DESignERSguilD.Com

These quirky yet stylish Jeeves and Wooster pendant lights are based on the iconic British bowler and top hats, perfect for adding a little touch of fun to a sophisticated reception room. Slightly comical and highly original, these lights will prove the perfect conversation starter. They are made from 100 per cent wool and an anodised aluminium lining. JEEvES & wooSTER’S PEnDAnT ligHTS,

SPARE Room: THE Snug

JEEvES (bowlER), £155, AnD wooSTER (ToP HAT), £175. SolD SEPARATEly. www.gRAHAmAnDgREEn.Co.uk

Russell Sage was the man enlisted with creating elegant spaces at the York & Albany hotel and restaurant, working with the original features of the Grade I listed building and adding touches of glamour and modernity as he saw fit. Current and recent clients also include The Goring, The Zetter Townhouse, The Savoy, Royal Automobile Club and The Hospital Club. Sage shows that rooms don’t have to be flamboyant to be interesting; the design of this snug is attractive yet achievable and its real charm and distinction lies in the fact that everything used is made in the UK. www.RuSSEllSAgESTuDio.Co.uk

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the trend Create opulent and exotic spaces using British brands and styles in the heart of your home to elegant, eclectic effect

Jasper Conran Baroque Platinum Collection Platter £110, Wedgewood, www.harrods.com

My Fan, £8,000 Charles Burnand www.charlesburnand.com

Mica Linden Fabric (armchairs) £86 per metre Akita Leaf fabric (large cushions) £79 per metre Zoffany, www.zoffany.com

Pagoda Screen, POA Linley, www.davidlinley.com Soap in Limehouse, £6.95, Soapsmith, www.harrods.com


interiors

concierge comment

The Owl Lantern, £8,125 Soane, www.soane.com

Military Brocade Rug by Alexander McQueen £8,900, The Rug Company www.therugcompany.com

Riviera Crystal Glasses, from £65 Linley, www.davidlinley.com

Maison Guedin Or Du Temps Scented Candle Box Set, £58, Occa Home www.occa-home.co.uk

Belvedere Chair in Bone, £2,500 Fleming & Howland www.chesterfields1780.com

Dorset 88/7027 Wallpaper, £70 per roll Cole & Son, www.cole-and-son.com

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interview motoring travel

doug AllAn lAnd rover ....................................... polAr Adventure ........................................................... .........................................................

Achieving the impossible

A Extreme World Races, the pioneer of ultra-endurance, multi-disciplinary adventure sports, promises to reveal the real you

fter serving as a Royal Engineer, Army Commando and bomb disposal expert Tony Martin trained Commandos how to survive in the Arctic. Next, his career went corporate, albeit into an environment based on the Siberian black ice rather than in the boardroom. As CEO of Extreme World Races, Tony now spends his time designing competitions that take teams to the most hostile habitats on the planet; Top Gear’s successful attempt to be the first team to drive to the Magnetic North Pole was overseen by his company.

Last month, to mark the centenary of Scott and Amundsen’s epic duel, Extreme World Races’ race to the South Pole saw 51 competitors cross 704 kilometres of the coldest, driest, and highest deserts on the planet. This month, the Siberian Black Ice Race is the first multi-discipline contest along the length of the world’s oldest and deepest frozen lake. “Imagine a white world where there is nothing but you and your thoughts for three weeks,” says Tony. “No suit to hide behind, no trappings of society, no distractions to get lost in – simply the real you.” Apply now to take part in Extreme World Races’ Polar Challenge 2013. n

57


Life

Behind the Lens


s

calibre

All images: Doug Allan

interview

For his efforts as a wildlife photographer, Doug Allan has been awarded three Honorary Doctorates, four Emmys and four BAFTAs. Richard Brown meets the man who has helped to bring some of the most successful wildlife documentaries to our screens

S

ir David Attenborough describes Doug Allan as a man “immune to most of the limitations that govern other human beings.” For the poster-boy of natural history programmes, it’s an immunity to which he owes a lot; without Doug, Sir David’s discernible voice would have floated over far fewer natural on-screen wonders over the last three decades. When a television producer is struggling with the mechanics of translating a programme like Frozen Planet from paper to film, it’s Doug to whom they turn. Awarded the Polar Medal in 1984, having spent ten years working with the British Antarctic Survey, Doug has carved out a career dedicated to capturing the most elusive of animals in the most inhabitable of habitats. Having spent the last 35 years braving the depths of both the Arctic and Antarctic Oceans, Doug has taken part in more than 50 filming trips – many of which have resulted in on-screen firsts – and worked as principal cameraman for Life in the Freezer, The Blue Planet, Planet Earth and Life. I met the award-winning wildlife photographer in the wood-panelled confines of The Royal Geographical Society in Kensington Gore to talk about his astounding career. “There are two rules I abide by whilst on an expedition. The first is to remember that I can’t be in two places at once. I will go where I think is best. The second is to make the most of where I am. Even if the conditions are bad and you don’t think you will be successful, just get out there and keep trying. You will pick out bits of the environment that could give you a head start the next day. Tenacity and experience with the animal kingdom are the two main skills you need. “The biggest challenges are the ones that require you to get up close to animals. But when you do, there’s so much to be seen. When we get into dolphins and killer whales, we’re talking about the next most intelligent animals on the planet – assuming we’re more intelligent than they are, and I think

59


Tenacity is where you wait for days on end in the howling wind and blowing snow. Wildlife photography is where you sit in the howling wind and blowing snow and get paid to do so in some respects we’re not. Who knows what goes on in their heads? They communicate in complicated noises and exert their behaviours in cultures which could be as complicated as anything we talk about. We spend millions of pounds trying to find life on other planets when we’ve got alien species right beside us whose habitats we’re busy destroying. “It was a great buzz to capture leopard seals properly for Life in the Freezer back in 1982. Alistair Fothergill, who is now a big series producer, wanted to shoot a series in the Antarctic. We talked about what we’d aim to film and I said we’d have to get the leopard seals because nobody had found them before. I had a feeling that if we were at the right place and gave it time, one would allow us to get close to it and that was exactly what happened. We got a really nice eight minute sequence, one of the nicest of leopard seals ever caught. “I have feared for my life on one occasion. I was treading water whilst filming in the Arctic and suddenly something grabbed me. I looked down and there was a walrus. Normally walruses feed on plants, but sometimes they change their diet and go for seals, which is what I obviously looked like. A walrus will either crush a seal with its flippers or take it under water and suffocate it. Luckily, this was a young one and I was able to whack it on the head and


interview

calibre

struggle free. If it had held on any tighter and sank to the bottom, I might not be here today. “The most dangerous place I’ve been is Madagascar. The Poles can be dangerous; if you’re in extreme temperatures, and drop your guard, you could get frostbite in five minutes. But in Madagascar we were working in the Tsingy [National Park], a labyrinth of limestone pinnacles 20 to 30 feet high. We had to carry all the gear across the ridges on tiptoe. You knew that if you slipped, at best you would badly lacerate your arms. “We’ve lost something somewhere in the last 200 years. As we’ve moved towards industrialisation, away from the land, we’re losing the connection that we had with it. We can see that the connection still exists by the interest people show in programmes like Frozen Planet, but the basic human desire [to discover the world around them] has been consumed by a layer of technology so that people don’t realise they are linked to the natural world anymore. It’s why the planet is struggling to cope with us.” “We almost need to change our human nature. The same things that took us off the plains and into caves because it was a bit more comfortable, then had us defend that cave against other people; that’s part of the same continuum that now lets us change our environment to fit what best suits us. We can do things like taking fossil fuels from the earth very successfully for a while but we’ve reached numbers on the planet that are unsustainable. You either have to severely cut away numbers or learn to live in a different way. “Climate change is happening. Fact. Scientists rarely work on 100 per cent of something, so when you get climate change scientists saying they are 95 per cent sure, I would believe them. The elements are building every year; that suggests the climate is changing and one of the causes is the amount of carbon dioxide. We are responsible [for that]. If we don’t change our lifestyles, climate change will eventually force us to do so. If America, for example, keeps increasing in numbers, they are going to get hit by more and more Katrinas. Those are not theoretical impacts; these are real impacts on real people. In actual terms, America has no money, so who’s going to be on hand when they get a $10 billion catastrophe? We should be learning that so much of what we do on earth, such as energy consumption, is creating unlivable circumstances. “Patience is where you sit and wait for days on end. Tenacity is where you sit and wait for days on end in the howling wind and blowing snow. Wildlife photography is where you sit in the howling wind and blowing snow and get paid to do so. “I would love to spend a bit more time in the Pacific Islands. I know I’m supposed to be a polar person but I’ve done enough shooting in the Pacific to know that there are some great people there and some lovely tropical wildernesses. It would certainly be a change from the Poles.” n For full details of Doug Allan’s speaking tour (19 February 29 March) as well as his debut book, Freeze Frame, please visit www.dougallan.com

61


The Ultimate

All images: Nick Smith

North & South


travel

calibre

Enjoy the ultimate polar experience… the easy way. Anyone who thinks that travelling to the Polar Regions can’t be done in style and comfort should think again. Nick Smith sailed to both ends of the earth to prove this theory

T

hey’re the last great wildernesses on earth: the Polar Regions. A century ago only a handful of the greatest explorers had been anywhere near them and their names are the stuff of legend; Shackleton, Amundsen and, of course, Scott. Today, as we celebrate the centenaries of the Heroic Age of Polar Exploration, it’s easy to forget that these intrepid men were going where no man had set foot before. It’s extraordinary to think that if you have the time, the money and the spirit of adventure, you can now follow in their footsteps as a tourist. On the one hand, you can, literally, blast your way to the Geographic North Pole in a nuclear icebreaker, while on the other, there are ships that – while they can’t take you to the South Pole – will at least transport you alongside mainland Antarctica, where you can marvel at the same frozen scenery that Scott and his men did before their epic marches to the interior. I was lucky. I did both in the space of a year.

HEADING NORTH

GOING SOUTH With a neat symmetry, my trip to Antarctica started at the world’s southernmost city. At Ushuaia at the tip of Argentina’s Tierra de Fuego, I board Plancius, a refitted navy vessel commissioned by World Expeditions. As we depart the lonely quayside, we sail for the fearsome Drake Passage, past the weather-beaten Cape Horn and straight for the Antarctic Peninsular. The Drake has a reputation for a reason; for three days Plancius is relentlessly tossed about on the Southern Atlantic swells. As we watch the horizon soar and plummet, we can only guess at how Scott and Shackleton survived the elements in their tiny wooden tubs. After passing through the Convergence, where the Atlantic and Southern oceans meet, finally we find calmer seas and with them our first icebergs, cobalt blue skies and, best of all, penguins. It never gets truly dark during the austral summer and you’ll spend a lot of time on deck at night, camera in hand, watching the changing colours of the sky, gazing at the incredible mountain ranges and glaciers, and being hypnotised by the albatrosses, skuas and ever-present pintada petrels. As we approach continental Antarctica, calm seas become glassy lagoons and we board Zodiac inflatable boats to tour among the Weddell seals and penguin rookeries. Finally at our destination, we cruise at leisure, making a couple of landfalls a day, hiking, bird watching and visiting deserted research stations. There’s also the much hoped-for, but never guaranteed, continental landing at the Almirante Brown Argentine base where, among ever-inquisitive penguins, we pose for our ‘hero’ snaps. Those used to the more frivolous luxury of Caribbean cruises will find Plancius Spartan. But it’s warm and comfortable and this is what you’re paying for after hours spent outside on the observation deck in the biting polar chill. In the evening, the ship’s lounge transforms into a lively bar, where there are plenty of experts on hand to tell tales of Antarctic heroism over a glass of Argentine wine. Our final landing is at Port Lockroy, an old British science base that’s now one of the world’s southernmost museums. It’s a ghostly experience to wander around the restored sleeping quarters, radio room and laboratories where the scientists worked for months on end with only Gentoo penguins for company. There’s even a shop where you can buy polar souvenirs, get your passport stamped and send a postcard home, although you’ll arrive weeks before it. n

Victory carves Through The pack ice wiTh rumbles, creaks and deafening explosions

My epic journey to the ultimate North started in Murmansk in Russia, the world’s most northerly city. This is where I joined the 50 Years of Victory, a nuclear-powered icebreaker that for a few brief summer months is taken over by travel company Exodus for specialist polar cruising. Powered by two nuclear reactors, Victory makes the round-trip using only 200 grams of heavy isotopes, making it one of the most environmentally friendly ways to travel. As the engines purr into action, the captain points the ship’s prow north and we’re off to the top of the world. We’re navigating using natural sea-lanes in the multiyear ice, although often there’s no option but to call on the full force of the 75,000-horsepower vessel. With its steel-reinforced prow and submerged ‘ice-tooth’, Victory carves through the pack ice with rumbles, creaks and deafening explosions. At dinner, wine bottles take a tumble and walking around the ship is a hazardous undertaking. But it’s worth it, because before long you’re watching polar bears and walruses in the wild. In just one short week Victory reaches the Pole. It’s hard to believe we’ve made it but the GPS says 90-00-000 N, so there’s no further to go. Standing on a thin membrane of moving ice, with 13,000 feet of sea beneath me, is a strange feeling, but it’s not as odd as taking a short hike around the Pole itself, crossing every time zone. “I’ve just walked around the world in five minutes!” shouts one excited passenger, and that’s nowhere near as bizarre as knowing that whichever way you look, you’re facing south.

On his trips, Nick Smith travelled to the North Pole with www.exodus.co.uk and to the Antarctic Peninsular with www.worldexpeditions.co.uk

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news

calibre

calibre

news

The MoToring Man’s Mobile

Q3 aT DocklanDs auDi Docklands Audi welcomes the Q3 to its Marsh Wall forecourt this spring. The latest edition to the Q range, following the Q7 and Q5, comes with a start-stop engine system for energy recuperation, a Driver’s Information System (DIS) that provides the driver with fuel saving tips and a gear change indicator, and automated, electromechanical parking brakes. In-car entertainment comes in the form of eight speakers, an iPod and iPhone interface and a 32GB USB storage device.

Just 50 yards from South Quay on the DLR, Docklands Audi provides new and used vehicles, full financing packages (including contract hire lease and lease purchase) and repair services by qualified Audi technicians. The showroom sells Audi’s full range of merchandising and offers a collection and delivery service within a five mile radius. 24 hour test drives are available subject to terms and conditions. DocklanDs auDi, 64 Marsh Wall souTh Quay, e14 9sl, 020 7536 0555

golfing aT gooDWooD Dawn to Dusk days out return to Goodwood this summer, offering guests the chance to experience the full range of diverse facilities available on the estate. Each day starts with breakfast in Goodwood’s private members’ club followed by nine holes of golf on the estate’s members-only Downs Course. After a lunch of local produce from Goodwood’s organic farm, guests move to the famous racecourse for an evening of racing, music and dance. DJing at last year’s event were Mark Ronson and Chris Evans.

The design of Vertu’s Constellation Quest Ferrari takes inspiration from the Ferrari 458 Italia. Crafted from polished sapphire crystal, Ferrari calf leather and polished black ceramic, each handset is built by just one craftsman who signs the handset personally. Owners will enjoy access to exclusive Ferrari experiences and the opportunity to take part in unique Ferrari events around the world. They’ll also have a new set of ringtones at their fingertips, obtained from live recordings of a Ferrari 458 Italia on a test circuit and available exclusively for this handset.

MonsTer Marvel Inspired by the awesome visual effects of Disney’s TRON: Legacy, Monster’s Tron Light Disc dock is certainly a thing to behold. Luckily, featuring a 3D motion screen and the world’s first 3D motion swipe menu, it’s more than just impressive to look at. The 2.1 music dock system employs four 1.5 inch drivers and a one 3.5 inch long-throw woofer to deliver special audio effects. The dock is compatible with an iPhone, an iPod Nano and an iPod Touch. Tron lighT Disk auDio Dock £200 rrp, MonsTer WWW.MonsTercable.coM

race Days are Taking place on 8, 15 anD 22 June. DaWn To Dusk ouTings cosT £119 per person, WiTh The beD anD breakfasT raTe in The gooDWooD hoTel aT £155 per rooM

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calibre news

SunSeeker girlS’ mountain miSSion

deSert adventure Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula is once again playing host to The Dahab International Festival of Watersports, Culture and Desert Adventure this April. Giving visitors the opportunity to experience South Sinai’s watersports culture in full, the festival offers free diving lessons with experts and professional windsurf and kite surfing displays. For adventure seekers there will be an underwater treasure hunt, camel races and a raft race across the Sinai Peninsula bay; for art lovers the festival features street art, exhibitions and special movie screenings. As day turns to night, the Dahab lights up when DJs and bands from all over Europe descend upon the city. the dahaB international FeStival oF waterSportS, Culture and deSert adventure 14 – 20 april 2012

Employees of Sunseeker London, Linda Kallas, Laura Harrison and Rebecca Coxshall, are set to embark on a voyage of discovery to Peru to raise funds for clinical trials into breast cancer research. The trio will be walking the Inca Trail in July with the collective aim of raising £12,000. For nearly ten years, Sunseeker London has been supporting the charity, raising more than £1.3 million to fund clinical trials. To help the fundraising efforts of Linda, Laura and Rebecca, please visit their fundraising page, www.justgiving.com/ sunseekergirls. Donators have been promised many embarrassing and hideous photographs of Linda, Laura and Rebecca in physical and mental pain as they complete the ancient route.

Fun on two wheelS

Float your Boat If you’re planning a cruise anytime soon, you’ll probably want to keep the 24th and 25th of this month free. Those are the dates that London’s Olympia welcomes The Telegraph CRUISE Show to its confines. Giving visitors the chance to meet more than 100 major cruise lines as well as the industry’s leading cruise experts, the event promises to be the one stop shop for anyone planning on holidaying at sea. With organisers promising savings running into thousands of pounds with exclusive show-only offers, sailing the South Pacific or islandhopping around the Caribbean never looked so easy. the telegraph CruiSe Show, olympia, london 24 – 25 marCh 2012 tiCketS CoSt £6 in advanCe and £10 on the door

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Excel London opened its doors to The Carole Nash MCN Motorcycle Show 2012 last month. BMW Motorrad, Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, Triumph, and Yamaha were all in attendance, along with thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts keen on getting up close and personal with the world’s newest bikes. The biggest show in the event’s history saw the MCNLive Stage present a range of star-studded events, while Honda introduced My First Licence riding area so that 5-11-year-olds could have a supervised go on a Honda CRF minibike. Across the hall, the Revolution team wowed the crowds with live stunts and special performances. For tiCketS to next year’S Show viSit www.mCnmotorCyCleShow.Com.


Inspire your senses

www.88connect.co.uk

info@88connect.co.uk

08456 19 00 88


MUD, MUD, GLORIOUS MUD For some, adventure means doing a bungee jump or climbing a mountain. Matthew Carter prefers to get his thrills sitting down, preferably at the wheel of a Land Rover


motoring

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loop. There’s no other word for the brown semi-liquid that we’re about to dip into. As the Land Rover inches forward, the stuff, this gloop, starts to make its way over the bonnet of the car, and that means it’ll soon be halfway up the doors. I should be looking ahead, tracking our path towards the exit of this extraordinary mud bath but I cannot stop myself stealing a glance towards the bottom of the doors. I’m half expecting to see the stuff oozing into the cabin like some sort of alien life form creeping in ready to suffocate us all. But there’s nothing there. So it’s back to the job in hand. I maintain a steady walking pace through the muck, creating a small bow wave ahead of me. Pretty soon, we start to climb the bank on the other side and we’re out. At the top of the climb we pause and the Discovery wants to shake itself free of the stuff, like a puppy emerging from a pond. I, meanwhile, marvel at the way this go-anywhere car really is prepared to go anywhere. I marvel at the efficacy of the door seals too; the footwell of the car underfoot remains clean and dry. This trip through a muddy hell was not a navigational error on my part, but a planned one. I’m taking part in a 4x4 driving day at a Land Rover Experience centre and it’s just one of the many obstacles that will be placed in my path today. I’d started by driving the Disco on a sort of wall of death, a large circular lump of concrete designed to show the acute angles the Land Rover can tackle without rolling onto its roof. There then followed a full morning of driving over all manner of obstacles; woodland, boulders, slippery wet grass, soft, unstable terrain, muddy ruts, through water, up hills and down slopes so steep you couldn’t walk down them without breaking into an involuntary run. When the company say the Land Rover is the best 4x4 so far, it really means it. The trouble is, most owners never get anywhere near discovering what their Range Rover, Disco, Defender or even Freelander can do. Only by clambering aboard one of their vehicles (well, you don’t want to get yours properly muddy, do you?) can you really appreciate the engineering that’s gone into the car and the techniques

calibre

you need to learn to get the most out of your investment. One of the most important is risk assessment. Sorry if that sounds a bit health and safety, but while a Land Rover can do many things, it cannot defy the laws of physics. You need to work out, for example, if the stretch of water ahead is a shallow pond or something with the depth of Loch Ness. You need to understand what the car can do and what it cannot. You need to learn how to use the controls, when to use power and when to use discretion. You’ll also need to learn about the environment: tearing up nature in a powerful off-roader is not what this is all about. In short, if you’ve never driven off-road before, you need to go back to the classroom (though, in this case, the classroom is quite small and involves a steering wheel, gears and brakes). And this is where the Land Rover Experience comes in handy. Experience Centres have been set up all over the world and there are ten just in the UK. The nearest to London is based at Luton Hoo, just up the M1, and it offers all manner of courses, from professional 4x4 training through to team building and corporate days to fun-in-the-mud sessions. The courses cover everything from simple off-road techniques for beginners to advanced lessons ending up in an officially recognised off-road ability certificate. Usefully, you can even learn how to winch your way out of trouble and how to handle a trailer – for a horsebox or a boat, for example. Prices start at £195 for a half-day course, sharing a Land Rover and instructor with two others, and that’s the best way to do it. Driving one of the Experience courses is full on, so spending some time in the back watching another driver cock things up allows you to relax a little and learn from the mistakes of others. At the end of the course, what are you left with? An appreciation of how capable Land Rovers really are and where they can go. And eternal gratitude to the bloke who designed door seals good enough to keep the creeping gloop where it belongs: outside the car. n For more information, prices or to book your Land Rover Experience course, please visit www.landrover.com and click the ‘Experience’ box

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CWpromotion

Indoor InternatIonal Polo moves indoors this month as the sport’s biggest stars descend on the o2 arena for the HPa Gaucho Polo 2012, reports Martin Boshell

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f you attended the inaugural Gaucho International Polo last year, then well done, you helped to make history. along with more than 7,000 other spectators, you made the o2 event the highest attended indoor international the sport has ever known. Following the success of 2011’s tournament, you won’t be surprised to learn that the event is back for a second year. returning to the iconic arena on 21 March, the HPa Gaucho International Polo 2012 will merge music with polo as Grammy-award-winning South american band Bajofondo takes to the stage between two international arena matches. Played on smaller sized pitches than the grass version, and with three players per team rather than four, arena polo has fast become a sport popular with thrill-seeking fans. Games are faster, slicker and more highly-charged than their traditional counterparts, intensifying the match atmosphere and enhancing the spectator experience. Guests attending March’s HPa Gaucho International Polo 2012 will see Scotland take on Ireland before the evening culminates in the titanic clash between IG Index’s england and argentina – a match that will pit Britain’s finest player Jamie Morrison against the sport’s biggest star nacho Figueras. as a restaurant dedicated to promoting the best in argentine food and wine, Gaucho has promised to enthuse

proceedings with a South american vibe. not only has it organised for Bajofondo to introduce the crowds to their unique blend of ‘electrotango’ but the restaurant has also arranged for Wines of argentina to give guests a taste of the country’s 30 finest wineries in their complimentary tasting lounge. although Gaucho are keen to stress that anything goes when it comes to dress code, polo has also become synonymous with a particular article of dress: white jeans. It is from this association that Gaucho International Polo 2012 takes its ‘White Jeans Party’ theme, so if you own a pair, wear them; Gaucho has promised to donate £1 to charity for every person that does so. the White Jeans campaign has been a huge success so far, with celebrities such as tara Palmertompkinson, aldo Zilli, Made in Chelsea’s Millie Mackintosh, rosie Fortescue and Jamie laing, plus rugby stars Simon Shaw and Kenny logan supporting this wonderful cause. as the evening draws to a close, entertainment continues argentinean-style at the nearby Indigo2 with royston Prisk presenting the Gaucho International Polo Players afterParty. Hugo Heathcote, James Park and Sacha Bahlsen will be joining dJ Sam Young to ensure the party flows with a seamless mix of music, dancing, champagne and cocktails.n Gaucho International Polo 2012, The O2 arena, Wednesday 21st March, www.gauchopolo.com. Follow @GauchoPolo or visit www.facebook.com/Gauchointernationalpolo

The hpa gaucho polo 2012 programme 5.30pm

7.15pm

9.45pm

The O2 arena opens for General Admission tickets

1st Polo Match IRELAND v SCOTLAND

Official Gaucho International Polo 2012 after parties begin

Wines of Argentina Tasting Village is available within The O2 arena for all General Admission tickets and corporate guests

8.15pm

6.30pm DJ and in-house entertainment starts within The O2 arena

7.00pm Bajofondo Remixed live set

Bajofondo Remixed live set

8.30pm 2nd Polo Match IG INDEX TEAM ENGLAND v ARGENTINA

9.30pm Team Presentations & final Bajofondo Remixed live set

Tickets General Admission tickets to the HPA Gaucho International Polo 2012 start from £20 and include access to all the facilities such as seats in The O2 Arena, the Wines of Argentina tasting lounge and the Bajofondo Remixed concert. To book call 0844 248 5022 and for further information, please visit www.gauchopolo.com


CWpromotion

Meet the Captains... JAMIE MORRISON

Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com

NACHO FIguERAS

Age: 34 Place of Birth: Argentina Handicap: 6 outdoor 7 indoor Career Highlight: Winning the Copa Republica in Palermo

Age: 35 Place of Birth: London Handicap: 8 indoor Career Highlight: Winning the Eduardo Moore Cup with my father

What do you think are the biggest misconceptions about polo as a sport? I think the biggest misconception is that polo is out of reach for most people. Polo is a great sport to watch and enjoy with friends and family and, if you’re at the right place, even a great sport to play. You just need to be passionate about it and have access to horses. You start working as a groom in a barn and build your way up.

What do you think are the biggest misconceptions about polo as a sport? that polo is just for the rich. at the top levels of any sport you have to spend a lot of money but polo is accessible to all at lower entry levels.

How do events like the HPA Gaucho International Polo 2012 help promote the sport? the event is great for awareness. It puts polo in a much more familiarized venue and makes the sport much more accessible. It teaches people that polo is easy to become involved with. Why has arena polo proved so successful? It’s a great variation of the game that allows you to put polo on in front of more people while still giving you a great idea of what polo is all about. It is a lot of fun and very engaging for new spectators and people who haven’t seen polo before.

Do events like The HPA Gaucho International Polo help to dispel that myth? absolutely. I think the fact that [this event is] at the o 2 , an iconic and instantly recognisable stadium, makes it a lot more accessible to the public. Arena polo is played on a different surface and smaller pitch than outdoor polo. How much do you have to adjust your game as a result? It’s almost like a completely different game; it feels like how I’d imagine playing ice hockey on horseback would! It’s a lot more exciting than outdoor polo and a great deal more physical. It’s my favourite type of polo.

As a player, how does The O2 rate against other sporting venues you’ve played at? I have played in many spectacular places but the o 2 arena is a very special place. It is the most successful entertainment venue in the world and an extraordinary place to play.

As a player, how does The O2 rate against other sporting venues you’ve played at? I have played in many amazing and traditional places but the o 2 is so unique it has to be up there with the best. the guys who played last year said the atmosphere was incredible and I can’t wait to be out there!

Where will the 2012 polo calendar be taking you? Uruguay, Chile, USa, Uae, and also to Brazil for a very special match against Prince Harry in the Sentebale royal Salute Polo Cup.

Where will the 2012 polo calendar be taking you? I’ve just come back from Kloisters and I shall be going to Spain and possibly argentina.

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interview europe feature

rationalfx britain & eu ........................ winning arguments ............................................................

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Chart toppers

G Retail and Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies remain the brands most highly-rated by UK consumers

oogle, Amazon and Marks & Spencer remain the most highly-rated brands, according to the annual YouGov BrandIndex league table. For the second year running, these companies top the index that measures how consumers perceive brands on a daily basis in terms of quality, value, customer satisfaction, corporate reputation, general impression and likelihood of them recommending the brand. Highlighting how long it can take to cultivate a positive image, and the resilience of perception, the most highly-rated brands last year contained just

one new entrant which was Dove. Amazon, Colgate and Cathedral City were the only brands in the top 20 whose ratings improved, while mobile phone manufacturer HTC achieved the highest overall increase. Virgin Atlantic was the most-highly rated airline and the Post Office led the way for highstreet banks. Proving that high public profiles don’t necessarily translate into high consumer satisfaction ratings, Apple, Facebook and Twitter took 40th, 182nd and 615th places respectively. The YouGov BrandIndex highlights the ‘health’ of a brand by surveying 2,000 consumers every day of the year. n

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From Humble Beginnings Born in India, Rajesh Agrawal’s first job paid him the equivalent of £63 a month. Just twelve years later, Agrawal would be placed at the helm of a foreign exchange firm worth £250 million. Richard Brown meets the founder and chief executive of RationalFX

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hen RationalFX announced it was to be shirt sponsors of an English football team last year, it joined a catalogue of conglomerates including Fly Emirates, Samsung, Aon and Investec – impressive company with which to associate yourself, especially when you are a firm yet to celebrate your tenth birthday. Rajesh Agrawal founded RationalFX in 2005, four years after he moved to London, having been headhunted by a foreign exchange broker. Under Agrawal, the company became one of the world’s fastest growing foreign exchange businesses and now boasts more than 20,000 private and corporate clients. The firm launched Xendpay.com last year, a global payment and money remittance platform for individuals, making it the first broker to operate a completely online payments system. Still only 34 years of age, Agrawal has been nominated in the Business and Commerce Excellence category at the coveted Lloyds TSB Jewel Awards, has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufacturing and Commerce, and sits as a board member of The Indus Entrepreneurs, the world’s largest not-for-profit organisation facilitating entrepreneurship. Tell us about the start of your career. I was born and brought up in Indore, India. After doing an MBA in IT and Finance, my first job was for a web design company in a small town in the north of the country. I worked there for six months on the equivalent of about £60 a month. It was hard - effectively selling the concept of web design in a country where the internet was a new phenomenon. I had to start at the very beginning, telling people what the internet was and how it was going to benefit them. It was invaluable in the way it taught me the fundamentals of internet-based businesses. How did RationalFX come into being? From my first job I moved to a foreign exchange analysing firm in Bombay, setting up strategic partnerships with companies that included Apple, Yahoo and Orange Mobile. I developed a relationship with an FX broker in the UK who ended up offering me a job. I was 24 and took it immediately, arriving here on a one way ticket and with £200 in my pocket. After three and a half years of networking, I understood the culture behind UK business and wanted to do something on my own. I quit my job and teamed up with a buyer I’d worked with in previous employment. I told my bank I was


interview

comment

How much did the recession affect your business? Before the recession there was so much faith in banks. People thought their money was safe there and that nothing could possibly happen to it. What the recession did was prove that banks aren’t invincible. In that way it helped us and became a positive thing; people wanted to listen to how they could save money. Does the European crisis worry you? Not particularly. If I’m totally unemotional about it, a breakup of the euro would be good for our business, as it would be good for all foreign exchange businesses. More currencies mean more exchanges taking place in the world. In the long run, the foreign exchange sector is one industry that would actually benefit. Of course, in the short term a breakup would cause a lot of mayhem and even more volatility.

buying a car so they’d give me a loan – they had refused when I told them I wanted to start a business – and bought a laptop and printer. Over the next seven years, what started as a two-man team grew and now employs over 60 people in London, has offices in Birmingham and Poland, and sponsors the Birmingham City football team. What inspired the decision to set up Xendpay.com? When I first came to the UK I used to send money home, back to the family in India. It was an expensive process and being in the foreign exchange industry I found it the poor exchange rates that were on offer quite ridiculous. I knew that the industry was worth around $400 billion a year worldwide and that when you make transfers through a bank you end up paying all sorts of charges. With Xendpay. com we wanted to do for the transfer industry what Skype had done for the communication industry; there is nothing like this in the world at the moment.

“For a very long time banks have had a stranglehold on the foreign exchange market; it’s about time someone comes along and destroys that”

How does it work? The idea is very simple; you open an account, enter your details and say, for example, I want to transfer £1,000 pounds to a certain country. We then undercut the banks to provide you with a very good exchange rate for a very small, if any, fee. You are able to send money from anywhere to anywhere. We launched Xendpay.com in September and it has grown ridiculously fast; it’s already operating in eight languages and we are picking up clients from all over the world.

Between which countries do the majority of your transactions take place? There are certain established money corridors. Money normally only flows from developed countries to undeveloped countries; people don’t go from the UK to India and transfer money from there. India is the gross largest receiver of money transfers in the world and China is the second. For us, the number of transfers from the UK to Poland have gone up massively. But you’ve also got Spain to South America, France to North Africa and Germany to Turkey - Turks account for the largest ethnic minority in Germany. What has been your biggest challenge as CEO of RationalFX? Gaining the confidence of customers. In these current volatile times it has been hard to convince them that their money is safe with us. We are not a big bank, but sometimes personal relationships are more important. We have very good relationships with our clients, many of whom have been referred to us by banks. That makes a huge difference. You could be based anywhere in the world. Why London? It’s a great city to do business in. From a regulatory point of view, if you look at somewhere like France, for example, until a few years ago independent companies were not allowed to do money transfer business. You needed a banking license to do it. So while there were 3,000 FX traders in the UK, in France there were only three. There’s a similar thing in India. Almost half of the world’s foreign exchange traders are based in the Square Mile. You are 34 and head up a company worth £250 million. What do you hope to achieve by the time you are 40? Achievement to me doesn’t lie in the valuation of the company. That’s just a figure at the end of the day. For me, achievement is a sense of satisfaction that I derive from company growth. By 40 I want to see RationalFX as a global brand with offices around the world and Xendpay as the world’s number one online money transfer service. n

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feature

comment

War of Words Want to learn the secret to winning an argument? Ask a barrister, writes Terri Starr

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rguing with a barrister is like arguing with Plato, in Greek – you are not going to win. This is because they have spent years learning how to subtly twist and manipulate situations to their advantage and, be it a cross-examination in court, a discussion about a raise or even a cheeky attempt to get a first-class upgrade, knowing how they do it can be the difference between getting what you want, and going home with nothing. Before I went to the Bar, I spent a decade in the City as a trader for major companies. Now, after more than a decade as both a practicing barrister and training Bar students at the College of Law, I decided that these skills were transferable to the City. The first thing anyone asks me is this: “What is the secret to winning an argument?” The answer, of course, is that there are several. However, the key is always preparation. As the old saying goes, ‘knowledge is power’, and as long as you’re prepared, it is just a case of knowing how to handle the information to your best advantage. The biggest mistake is thinking that it has to be a win or lose situation. Of course you want to win, but if you put your case across in a certain way – control your adversary, using all the facts at your disposal – then you can persuade them that what you want is precisely what he or she wants and needs too. One ‘Golden Rule’ that barristers live by is absolutely never ask a question to which you don’t already know the answer. If you’ve done your research this shouldn’t be a problem. However, there is a skill in carrying this out as you must also be seen to be listening; there is nothing worse than attempting to shout your opposition down, and you will have already lost if you attempt this. If you watch a barrister cross-examining, they will subtly ‘close avenues’ through using yes or no questions so that, unbeknown to the other party, they are being led down a certain path. When you get to your killer question, they then have no exit. So apply this to a working environment; if for example you’re looking for a raise, you could start a discussion about costly recruitment fees, then ask if training and development is an area in which they need to cut budget, if they could cope without your input and client base, and so forth, until you get to a point where you both see that your raise is actually a much better option than all of the other costly solutions. Obviously, this is a very basic example, but it shows how you can close off areas of argument so that the other party cannot come back later with: “We could train your deputy to take over your role.” Each case, of course, is different, and you must properly assess the strengths and weaknesses of your argument. This will enable you to know what you can and should concede – and as to when and how you should make the concession to the best advantage. You need to know the issues from the start – what is the key line of opposition and how can

you overcome this? – and make sure you do listen to the opposition; often the answers to problems are apparent if you accurately hear what the other side is saying. If we go back to the raise discussion, maybe more money is impossible, but perhaps a superior title and flexible benefits can be arranged. When planning your argument, it is important not to start with the obvious. Even the most ill-prepared adversary will expect those questions and be ready with an argument. Think about coming in from the left field, which will diffuse the situation. Derren Brown once escaped a mugger by saying, “the fence in my garden isn’t four foot tall”; the mugger was so confused that he was completely caught off guard, giving Brown time to run away. Obviously ‘arguing’ with muggers isn’t an everyday situation (you would hope) but learning to think laterally will give you a serious advantage over your adversary who will be looking for verbal landmines. Delivery is important, you should avoid clicking pens or shuffling paper while you speak, and try to embrace silence. Silence is something that makes most people uncomfortable and they will often try to fill it with chatter which invariably weakens their case. If you have a really crucial point to make, take a pause for effect; it will make you sound measured and ensure that you have the undivided attention of the other party. Avoid superlatives and clichés because they come across as insincere and unnecessary; you have a point to make, so make it. In order to anticipate responses, it is also important to know your audience. A barrister will adopt his crossexamination to suit the jurisdiction, gender, age and so on of his witness. One style does not fit all, so be aware that your adopted line of questioning should not be the same for the check-in clerk at the airline as for your CEO; respecting where people are coming from will always help your position. When you know your audience, you can predict their response and come up with a solution that they will be happy with before they realise what you’re aiming towards. Again, we go back to the win-win approach. A good advocate is someone who understands that egos are fragile and no one wants to lose face. Don’t be afraid to let it appear to be your adversary’s idea after all; like “spin” selling, if you can create a need and a solution all at once then you are winning, and more importantly, the other side hasn’t ‘lost’. Once the platform is sound then you can move on to more interesting and adapted uses in everyday life. It is never-ending and can be developed as you progress to more advanced levels. Just don’t tell the other half what you’ve learned. n Terri Starr is CEO and founder of City Briefs Ltd which offers a wide variety of performance business coaching and courses. For more information visit www.citybriefs.co.uk or email info@citybriefs.co.uk

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comment european affairs

The Great Escape Why Britain needs to leave the EU to save the City, writes Janice Atkinson In November, David Cameron was hailed a hero as he vetoed a new treaty that would result in closer fiscal and political union. Two months later his own MEPs and cabinet colleagues admit that it was a hollow and futile gesture. Cameron’s veto means nothing and it will not protect the City of London. There are two real threats - the Lisbon Treaty with majority voting and Conservative MEPs. The Lisbon Treaty sets in stone Qualified Majority Voting (QMV) which means that our MEPs are easily out-voted by the new super eurozone. The immediate concern must be that the new eurozone will focus on the financial sector and impose a ‘user charge’ on our financial institutions. They can circumvent the Financial Transaction tax, on which Britain has a veto, and employ a user charge instead. This is a real and immediate threat that Cameron can do nothing about. All 26 countries will press ahead anyway with closer fiscal and political union, leaving the UK in the worst of all worlds. We are still members of this union but reside firmly on the outside of influencing events, we are more unpopular than ever and we are in a permanent voting minority. We will pay a heavy price as the very industry Cameron sought to protect will be the subject of retribution. The next time the bond markets twitch, a snarling Sarkozy will condemn the Anglo-Saxons and demand more legislation. We will be utterly powerless to stop this. Already City businesses are cutting back as they have to cope with misguided parts of the Alternative Investment Fund Management Directive and the Capital Requirements Directive. With the establishment earlier this year of the European Banking Authority and the Paris-based European Securities and Markets Authority, regulation of our financial service industries has passed to foreign lands. In this area of

our national life, as in so many others, we are no longer in control of our own destiny. Even more unbelievable is that the assault on the City’s industries has been rubber-stamped by Conservative MEPs. In the European Parliament they voted for the offending Directives with hardly a murmur of dissent. I was at an investment industry party recently where attendees were telling me they were furious with the EU interfering in their businesses and that their industry representative bodies were slow to react. The City is shocked to hear that many of the members of the EU Commission were former Communist party members and that the majority of European Parliament MEPs were from the leftgreen-liberal federalist alliance – and certainly no fans of the City of London. Business cards were thrust at me, their owners asking for a presentation to their boards on what can be done to stave off the onslaught of regulation. The simple answer is nothing, other than to leave the EU. What should happen next for Britain is that we should start to plan for The Great Escape, to leave the EU. We can then: plan for real growth with a low tax and regulation economy; release our businesses from Brussels’ red tape and bureaucracy; free our financial services industry from euro regulatory controls; take back control of what remains of our fishing industry; and trade with the rest of the world, and with Europe too, because they will still want to trade with us and we will still buy their Mercedes, BMWs and excellent food and wine. Big business and the Government peddle the lie that our future prosperity, jobs and peace rest with our continued EU membership. As Goebbels himself said, “If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it”. n

Janice Atkinson heads up UKIP’s Save the City campaign at www.ukip.org, is a director of a centre-right think tank www.womenon.org and is a columnist on the Daily Mail’s Rightminds.

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market analysis

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emerging nations, London and the Home Counties are seen as an attractive safe haven. There is an opportunity to revel in history and culture, superb schools and universities and world renowned shopping centres. The area also offers top business and financial centres, access to Europe, and close proximity to airports. High-net-worth buyers are increasingly using acquisition agents to keep up with the pace of the changing times and altering market conditions. If you wish to sell up in London, you are likely to leave with a substantial premium. However, to buy super-prime, the competition is so intense that the modern buyer will need a professional expert to get to the front of the queue.

The Inside View

The remarkable growth in certain sections of the global economy is creating millionaires and billionaires on an unprecedented scale. The new super rich’s urge to invest has been a strong driver in the property market throughout London and the Home Counties. While this is nothing out of the ordinary, the scale has dramatically increased.

Tommy de Mallet Morgan FRICS gives us an acquisition agents’ perspective on the prime residential property market

The desire to invest in property in London continues at a strong pace. Unlike the domestic market, releasing stock by moving up and down the ladder, many of these international buyers take a very long-term view on their purchases, while some from specific cultures rarely sell on in the future. The effect is to contribute to a shortage of property which is causing the domestic market to drift out of some super-prime regions in town. Overseas clients’ decision to invest in property in London is particularly biased towards Belgravia, Mayfair, Knightsbridge and Kensington. These are hot spots for their proximity to Hyde Park, Oxford Street, Bond Street and Harrods. Knightsbridge has luxury blocks of flats, built to international standards with porterage, air conditioning, spa and pool, parking and top security. The French Lycée, for example, makes South Kensington popular with the Europeans while Chelsea remains a British bastion, at least for the time being. With the apparent growing economic and political turmoil in the world and the new wealth from the

In the country, the competition is still predominately British, moving up or down to accommodate changes in lifestyle. There seems to be a perception that we have seen the worst and weathered the storm over the last few years and it’s now time to ‘make the move’. In addition, there has been a build up over the past two or three years of cash buyers in rented accommodation, many of whom will have sold in London and are now settled in the areas favoured for schools, accessibility to London and the countryside. This enables them to respond quickly when fresh property becomes available. In the Home Counties the shortage of stock has been relieved by the construction of very good, sustainable modern country houses. Nonetheless, there is always a shortage of the very best and if a purchase is missed in spring or early autumn, traditionally the main selling seasons, it is often another six months before a reasonable selection of prime stock becomes available. On the surface, the prime property market seems straightforward but it has its own particular characteristics, being redefined by two key requirements; confidentiality and privacy. These are becoming increasingly highly valued and for some sellers, there may be a perceived premium for the privilege of such exclusive access to their property. Buyers can gain an entrée to the 50 per cent of prime residential properties that do not formally come into the market (not published online and often without sale particulars). These ‘off market’ properties are sourced and purchased by acquisition agents on behalf of savvy, motivated, financially qualified buyers. Due to these agents’ contacts and experience, buyers can receive advance warning of new houses and those coming onto the market in the future that may not have reached the estate agents. n

Tommy de Mallet Morgan FRICS is Managing Director of de Mallet Morgan Ltd Please email tommy@demalletmorgan.com or visit www.demalletmorgan.com

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arrive and revive

The ‘Alm’ we hiked to today was an insider tip from our host. The view from here of sun-kissed mountain peaks reaching for the sky is simply spellbinding. We feel totally free, nearly giddy with joy. We might even spend the night up here. Just like the dairy maid. For information about holidays in Austria, visit www.austria.info/treasures or call 0845 101 1818


travel destination food.&.drink

NeW YoRK fReNCh LuxuRY ..................... oBiKA & CANTeeN

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The Rise of The ‘LuxpLoReR’

I Adventure Temples has set the trend this year for inspirational holiday experiences, combining adventure and luxury

n a survey conducted by Adventure Temples, when it came to the type of holiday they prefer, 82 per cent of respondents answered: “I love a challenge by day but at night, give me luxury”. In answer to this, Adventure Temples has managed to blend two elements for a holiday which, up until now, seemed oxymoronic: luxury and exploration. The company offers weekenders, short breaks and long breaks, as well as trips designed to challenge your body, inspire your mind or rejuvenate your spirit. One of the latest trips is to the remote Indonesian island of Sumbia where,

for one week at £2,295 per person, holiday makers can live out their own adventure story from the comfort of a luxury villa set in a 400acre tropical estate. Founder Rob Pendleton says we should no longer settle for run-of-the-mill holidays: “Five star plus spa is becoming ubiquitous. The best hotels are therefore seeking to differentiate themselves by showcasing unique local features; the natural environment, community, culture and history… the sort of cultural immersion Luxplorers love.” n www.adventuretemples.com

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Friday 8TH JUNE 2012

City Friday & Polo Party at MINT Polo In The Park THE HURLINGHAM CLUB & PARK, FULHAM, LONDON SW6 FRIDAY 8TH JUNE 2012 CITY FRIDAY & ‘VEUVE CLICQUOT AT HURLINGHAM’ PARTY

‘The Best Corporate Day Out’ - as voted by CITY AM Winner of ‘Best Sports Attraction’ - London Lifestyle Awards 2010 & 2011 This sensational three day event kicks off the weekend with a fabulous corporate day offering world class polo from six international teams, with fully inclusive hospitality plus the new ‘Veuve Clicquot at Hurlingham’ evening launch party. Enjoy a classic British summer day out; three polo matches, Veuve Clicquot Champagne, lunch at the iconic Hurlingham Club - the historic home of polo - a quintessential afternoon cream tea and to finish the day off, a rocking party with live music and guest DJ’s.

Prices start from just £185 plus VAT per person. For more details or to book, telephone 0207 936 5284 or email: rachel@ cityevents.uk.com.

www.mintpolointhepark.com


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SHop and Fly London City Airport recently unveiled its new Aelia Duty Free multi-store and luxury fashion shop, both of which have been refurbished to better meet the needs of City Airport passengers, especially the frequent business travellers. Richard Gooding OBE, Chief Executive of London City Airport, commented: “LS Travel Retail’s investment in refurbishing the Aelia Duty Free and luxury fashion stores reflects our shared commitment to providing our sophisticated travellers with a unique and enjoyable shopping experience.” www.londoncItyaIrport.com

adventUre In SoUtH aFrIca A paradise for lovers of nature and luxury alike, the Grootbos Nature Reserve’s five star lodges and exclusive private villa overlook the green wilderness and tumbling forest-covered hills of Walker Bay on the Western Cape’s southern coast. A site of unrivalled biodiversity, Grootbos’ charm is sustained by its natural surroundings; guests can spot whales and Great White sharks, set off on jeep safaris, horse-ride on the beach

and enjoy local wines and reserve-grown produce, while taking in the indescribable panorama. The palatial, six suite villa is the epitome of blissful escapism; enjoy the attentiveness of a private butler, chef and guide and the luxury of a private pool and your own wine cellar, while waking up to 180 degree views of the unspoilt coastline and the Indian Ocean beyond. www.grootBoS.com

HeatHrow By InvItatIon If you want to ensure your holiday starts in style, there’s a new VIP option at Heathrow, previously available only to royalty or heads of state. The Heathrow by Invitation (HBI) service offers exclusive VIP suites, completely separate from the hustle and bustle of the airport. Benefits include a secluded kerbside drop-off/pick-up point; exclusive terminal entrance; a luxurious private suite for private check-in, luggage drop-off, customs and passport control; a dedicated private security search area; and onward travel by limousine or helicopter on request. VIP Services Manager Tom Lomax explained the reasoning behind the service: “We want to offer something unique to passengers and HBI provides the ultimate in luxury, convenience and privacy”. If you do value privacy and convenience highly, this is an ideal service.

KIng oF tHe caStle Whether for a romantic break or a weekend getaway, Lough Eske Castle is the ideal choice for escaping into a luxurious world of elegance and outof-the-ordinary opulence. The only five-star hotel in Donegal, and nestled at the water’s edge of Lough Eske, the surrounding views of unspoiled woodlands and the Blue Stack Mountains are as magnificent as the castle itself. Seek solace in the castle’s spa, set in the tranquil gardens and indulge in a luxury express facial, followed by afternoon tea. You’ll return to the city utterly refreshed. www.SolISHotelS.com

www.HeatHrowByInvItatIon.com

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

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A First Bite of

the Big Apple


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Jorg Hackemann / Shutterstock.com

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Three nights, four restaurants, 11 bars and more iconic attractions than you can shake a Manhattan hot dog at: Richard Brown puts New York’s reputation as the city that never sleeps to the test

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uspended two storeys above Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, New York’s High Line feels a bit like walking around Venice with the water drained out, except the surrounding buildings aren’t 15th century tributes to European Gothicism; they’re redbrick warehouses and whitewashed storage depots, 19th and 20th century monuments to the type of industry that built this city. Originally erected in the 1930s as an elevated freight railway, the High Line is New York’s newest and most environmentally-minded attraction, an urban regeneration project turned fashionable honey pot site, enjoyed as much by tourists as by locals on their lunch breaks. For anyone looking to soothe the repercussions of a night spent tearing around Midtown Manhattan, I can attest that the manicured gardens and freshly mowed lawns of the High Line provide exactly that, as well as welcome moments of respite in a city where it seems not a single person stands still. This was my first visit to New York and, having been inaugurated into a world of pancakes for breakfast and eggs served sunny side up just an hour before, the list of attractions I needed to explore ran the length of my arm. With the jetlag diminishing and the hangover now subsided (well, almost), I set forth to discover the nearest and most recognisable of the must-sees. Approaching the Empire State Building from the end of the High Line on West 34th Street, I realised how lucky I was. The afternoon before, when we had arrived, New York had been a city lost among the clouds; although it was October, the city had steamed in 80 per cent humidity as, level by level, its buildings disappeared into an eerie mist. This morning, however, the clouds had dispersed to leave a sky that was a picture-postcard kind of blue. As a Londoner used to wide roads and open spaces, New York was at first hard to come to terms with: down on street level, everything seemed too close up to appreciate. On the Empire State Building’s 86th floor observatory, however, things open up. Not only are you able to comprehend the sheer number and enormity of the skyscrapers that line Manhattan’s streets (you could lose even the biggest of London’s buildings down a New York side alley) but you also start to understand the distances that dictate the city: the stretch to the north, between Harlem and Upper Manhattan; between Central Park and Midtown; and

between Midtown and the collection of skyscrapers that represent the Financial District at the southernmost tip of Manhattan. It’s a good reason to make a trip to the top of the Empire State Building, or indeed the Rockefeller Centre, one of the first things you should do when you arrive. Three hours later, after a lesson in ‘fashion maths’ at Macy’s (New York has the power to persuade you that $135 for a pair of boots you don’t need is a “no-brainer”), I arrived back at Hyatt 48 Lex, a hotel that manages to radiate both the air of an exclusive members’ club and the warmth of a private house. With spacious, pied à terre-style guest rooms, which feature comprehensive mini-bars stocked with local produce and beds positioned for floor-to-ceiling views of Lexington Avenue, Hyatt 48 Lex is a hotel that initiates you straight into the heart of the neighbourhood in which you find yourself. Fail, for whatever reason, to feel part of the Midtown Manhattan fabric and a trip to the hotel’s unapologetically allAmerican restaurant, the Lexington Brass, will set things right. Highlights from the breakfast menu include jelly doughnut pancakes and brass ale beer waffles, while at night guests can enjoy buttermilk-fried chicken and dryaged NY strip steak. For something a little closer to home, try the beer-battered fish and smashed chips, which, I can attest, are fantastic. What followed dinner was a whirlwind of a night that could have been lifted straight from the pages of Bret Easton Ellis’ American Psycho; a daisy chain of bright lights, yellow cabs, clandestine clubs and whiskies on the rocks. After an extensive investigation of the explosive cocktails on offer at Midtown’s relaxed The Bar Downstairs, we progressed to East Village’s ultra-exclusive PDT [Please Don’t Tell] via a secret door inside a vintage phone box within a nondescript hot dog joint – an entrance that proved nothing out of the ordinary in a city obsessed with its history of speakeasies. From there it was on to the Lower East Side’s The Back Room, an ex-homeless shelter where mixers are served in teacups and beer bottles come in brown paper bags, before we entered our final haunt of the night, through a secluded door at the back of a guitar and jewellery pawn shop; naturally, the über-trendy and ultra-glamorous Beauty & Essex. While many of the street entrances to New York’s most fashionable bars are little more than graffiti-covered shop fronts, don’t

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be fooled. The establishments hidden behind such lacklustre exteriors are as stylish and trendy as any you’ll find in London and most will require you to make reservations. While this may seem like a pain at the start of an evening, make the right ones and you’re in for one helluva night. Emerging from bed the next morning, in my second hotel of the trip, was a predictably difficult task, made harder by the sumptuous luxury in which I awoke. Andaz Fifth Avenue prides itself on making you feel like you are staying at a friend’s home rather than at a hotel. All I can say is that I wish more of my friends owned homes like this. Featuring a 42-inch HD TV, a king-size platform bed and an iPod Geneva Sound System docking station – in addition to an oversized travertine marble bathroom with walk-in rain shower, double sink and black porcelain footbath – my room was a place that, ordinarily, I would happily have never left. But as the hotel boasts an across-the-street view of the majestic New York Public Library, and Times Square’s New Year Ball gleaming behind that, it’s not hard to be enticed from Andaz Fifth Avenue once you’ve opened your curtains. With two hours to spare before a brunch date with Wall Street (brunch in New York seems to occur any time between 10am and 3pm), there was time to squeeze in two more attractions. Times Square: Piccadilly Circus times a thousand. While oversized versions of Daniel Radcliffe and Simon Cowell smirking from giant billboards proved somewhat unsettling to my mid-morning, blurry-eyed senses, the multicoloured wall of American brands moving above my head was anything but an anti-climax. Ten o’clock on a Sunday morning proved a good time to visit; while much of the city slept off its Saturday night, the pedestrianised street was free from the hordes of snappers you’d usually expect to meet. Traversing the 14 blocks that separate Times Square from Central Park, 25 minutes later I entered a place that, having featured so prevalently in photos and on film, felt oddly familiar. Like revisiting somewhere I had already been, I recognised the red and yellow of branches arching over the Mall, was familiar with the rollerbladers crisscrossing Literary Walk and smiled knowingly at couples within the horse-drawn carriages patrolling the south of the park. After a coffee in the idyllic Loeb Boathouse and a stroll around one half of the Lake, I left the park refreshed from my mini-break from the neighbouring madness of Manhattan. When a brunch menu includes dishes like braised duck leg with duck salami and seared Hudson Valley foie gras in a red wine sauce, you can place your bets that you’re in for a treat. Then again, when you enter the restaurant via a sweeping pearlescent steel and stone staircase, past an ornate marble bar spilling over with lobster, you don’t need to wait for a menu to tell you that. Situated in Andaz Wall Street – the only hotel in the world to boast that suffix – Wall and Water is a restaurant more than at home in its surroundings. While style-conscious and decadent – just in case you missed the striking views of Wall Street and the East River, the restaurant’s dollar-bill-watermark patterned walls provide a subtle reminder of exactly where you are – Wall and Water is anything but pretentious. Choose to enjoy the reserved atmosphere of the Financial District on a weekend, as I did, and a pre-flight meal at the restaurant will provide a decadently fitting end to what’s sure to be a thoroughly indulgent trip. n

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hoW to get there British Airways operates ten flights a day to New York, from Heathrow to either JFK or Newark. Fares start from £378 return, including taxes/fees and charges To book visit www.ba.com or call 0844 4930 787

Where to stay Taking inspiration from the streets in which they are located, each Hyatt or Andaz hotel boasts its own unique and distinctive style, providing the perfect bases from which to discover the diverse districts of Manhattan

hyatt 48 Lex Rates from around £315 a night 517 Lexington Ave New York, New York, 10017 Tel: +1 212 838 1234 www.48lex.hyatt.com

andaz 5th avenue Rates from around £269 a night 485 5th Avenue at 41st Street New York, New York, 10017 Tel: +1 212 601 1234 www.newyork.5thavenue. andaz.hyatt.com

andaz Wall street Rates from around £285 a night 75 Wall Street New York, New York, 10005 Tel: +1 212 590 1234 www.newyork.wallstreet. andaz.hyatt.com



Where Time Stands Still Annabel Harrison takes a whistle-stop tour of Jersey, finding it quirkily appealing in a rather unusual way; the Channel Island may be closer to France but there is something about it that feels like home from home

I

t turns out that 24 hours is long enough to fall in love with Jersey. It is a little gem of an island, 100 miles south of the UK mainland and 14 miles from the coast of France, keeping close to island-mates Guernsey, Sark and Alderney. It is important to note from the offset, if you intend to make friends in Jersey, that the isle is not part of Great Britain or the EU but it is part of the British Isles. Deemed ‘a separate possession of the crown’, Jersey owes allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth (or the Duke of Normandy, to Jersey residents), but not to the UK parliament, and it makes its own laws. This split personality is one of the things I find most charming, and most peculiar about Jersey, as well as hard to explain. I suppose, if Jersey was a person, it would be that friend of yours who has an unusual background, an eclectic set of interests drawn from parents of different nationalities and who has their guard up at the same time as wanting everyone to be enchanted by them. It is while shuttling around Jersey, from airport to hotel to lunch to

attraction, that I come to this conclusion, learning a great deal about the history of this highly desirable, 45-squaremile expanse of land from our expert Blue Badge Guide Arthur; it seems there is nothing he can’t answer. For example, I ask why cars drive on the left and the islanders don’t speak French, given that we’re just a hop, skip and a jump from the Normandy coast. Arthur beams in response: “We say ‘closer to home, nearer to France!’”, adding to my theory about Jersey’s ‘split personality’. The island welcomes tourists with open arms but there are, quite literally, lots of defences, offering a permanent reminder of its chequered history. As it only takes me an hour to start to adore the island, the natural question arises; can I move here? Arthur launches into a code-laden explanation, peppered with 11As, 11Gs and 11Ks. In a nutshell? It’s like a members’ club – you can’t just up sticks and move. Your best bets are to marry a local, do a job no one else there can do or be ‘socially or economically valuable’. This basically means having assets of £12 million and an income of £750,000.


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Given that more than 50 per cent of Jersey’s GDP comes from finance, and 25 per cent of the islanders work in that industry, this becomes less surprising. Next, Arthur wins me over again with this little fact; Jersey is the warmest place in British Isles with an average temperature of 12 degrees and an average of 5.2 hours of sunshine a day. The population is, appealingly, estimated at just 92,400, half of whom were born in Jersey and 40 per cent of whom are Irish, English or Scottish, and this goes some way to explaining why everything feels so spacious compared to London. I saw the prettiness of the island for myself as we flew in, a quick, easy, hour-long flight from City Airport, which offered just enough time for a croissant and reading the paper. Immaculate fields stretched beneath me, bordered by roads hiding beneath canopies of trees and rivers winding their way to the coast. I didn’t see any ugly concrete or overly tall buildings as we came in to land, just beautiful houses dotted around and, of course, the ubiquitous Jersey cows. Driving to the hotel, my impression of a rural idyll was confirmed by narrow B roads, and Arthur explained that there were also ‘Green Lanes’ with a speed limit of 15 mph in all but two parishes, as well as a 96-mile cycling network criss-crossing the island. The Atlantic Hotel is our overnight hideaway in St Brelade, five miles from capital St Helier and three from Jersey airport, offering views of the Atlantic Ocean and St Ouen’s Bay. Although I spent very little time in the hotel, I liked the coast-appropriate neutral colour palette and floorto-ceiling windows, giving me an amazing view of the sea, as well as the fact there are only 50 guest rooms. A very enjoyable evening was spent in the Michelin-starred Ocean Restaurant, which showcases modern British cooking with an emphasis on fresh Jersey produce. ‘Genuine Jersey’ is the label for local services and produce made, raised or grown in Jersey; this seems to cover everything from photography to Shitake mushrooms and vineyards to fudge. I particularly enjoyed the Jersey royals at Castle Green with local sea bass, followed by Jersey Lillie jelly and Jersey ice cream. Close to the hotel are La Moye Championship Golf Course, beaches for brilliant surfing and, best of all, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust. I must admit, I had rather underestimated this place, imagining a simple animalspeckled farm park, but it is so much more than that, and volunteer guide John Heys (there on Thursdays) played a large part in how much I enjoyed our morning here. Durrell was founded in 1959 and named after Gerald Durrell, author of My Family and Other Animals, who is buried there. John introduced us to the star turns: Mad Pete, a red-tailed laughing thrush who is, I am told, the closest living relation to a duck; endangered bears Wolfgang and Barbara, who would be worth 14 times their weight in gold in China; George the white handed gibbon from Sumatra, who follows us for a good ten minutes; and the howler monkeys, the second loudest animals on the planet after the blue whale (audible ten and 100 miles away respectively). Visit the gorillas and orangutangs, marvel at the meerkats and apparently ferocious mongeese, and keep a safe distance from the komodo dragons. Durrell is a wonderful way to while away a day (whether you have children or not) and should definitely be part of what I can assure you will be a blissful mini-break in Jersey. n

connoisseur

USEFUL wEbSitES and contactS

arthUr’S top 5 JErSEy activitiES

www.jerseyadventures.com www.durrell.org www.jersey.com www.theatlantichotel.com www.londoncityairport.co.uk www.blueislands.com blue badge Guide: Arthur (07797 717830) arthur@thebluebadgeguide.com transport: Signature Executive Transport

Eat at seafood restaurant by the sea Visit the Jersey War Tunnels Do watersports at St. Albans Visit Durrell Wildlife Trust Do the North Coastwalk Events coming up: 5-7 May: Jersey Boat Show 9 May: Liberation Day 19-27 May: Jersey Food Festival

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Destination...

FRANCe With historic sites, stunning countryside and delectable cuisine, France remains a travel hotspot for anyone interested in living luxuriously NICE, COTE D’’AZUR What to see... -Promenade des Anglais Running several miles along the city, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea and lined by the Bay of Angels, this promenade offers miles of beach, landmark hotels, dozens of cafés and the bustle of city life. Alternatively, relax, take a seat on the promenade and watch the world go by.

Where to stay...- Le Palais de la Mediterranée Situated on the Promende des Anglais and overlooking the sea, this luxurious hotel is just a short distance from the French Alps, ideal for those wishing to explore the city. As well as an in-house casino, business and fitness centre, the hotel has an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, lounge and sun terrace.

QUIMPER, BRITTANY What to see... Cathédrale St-Corentin In the middle of Quimper, the Roman-Catholic Cathedral is the second largest in Brittany. It is the city’s most prominent architectural landmark, with an intricate gothic design, stained-glass windows and fresco paintings. Known for its art, culture, museums and picturesque cobbled streets, Quimper is best explored on foot.

Where to stay... Hotel Best Western Kregenn

From top to bottom: Nice, Côte d’Azur; aerial view of Nice; oldest house in Angers; Quimper, Brittany; towers of castle of Angers, western France; aerial view of Angers and its cathedral

If you wish to stay in a hotel that is stylish, modern and in the heart of Quimper, then look no further. Unwind in the Japanese-style garden or contemporary lounge whilst sipping on a glass of champagne from the Treizh bar. Within the complex lies a fully equipped meeting room for seminars, including complimentary internet access.

ANGERS, LOIRE VALLEY What to see... Musée des Beaux-arts This museum offers two must see exhibitions: Beaux-arts du XIVe au XXIe siècle, encompassing fine art since the 14th century, and Histoire d’Angers, which portrays the history of Angers, its archaeology and art objects from the Neolithic period. With the option of guided tours and writing workshops, a trip to this museum is a must for art lovers.

Where to stay... Château de Noirieux This elegant hotel is found in the centre of nine-hectres of parkland, just 15 kilometres north of Angers. The Château has 19 individually styled bedrooms which meet modern necessities, including satellite television and internet access. To further meet your entertainment needs the hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and tennis court. Dining is available at the on-site restaurant or balcony where bistro-cuisine is served. n

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British Airways currently flies to Nice up to 7 times a week from London City Airport and will fly to Angers 3 times a week and Quimper twice a week (from May). All flights include a generous free baggage allowance, complimentary onboard drinks and snacks and your choice of seating. For more information visit www.ba.com/londoncitysummer


FORGET YOUR COCKLES AND JELLIED EELS, IT’S JUST A SHORT HOP TO FROG’S LEGS AND SNAILS. Take a break from London City Nice from £79 one way Angers (Loire Valley) NEW Quimper (Britanny) NEW from £65 one way* Plus 7 day car hire and flight packages from £219pp** Book at ba.com/londoncitysummer To Fly. To Serve.

*Fares are for one-way economy (EuroTraveller) flights from London City Airport. All fares include all applicable taxes, fees and charges correct at 14/02/12. Fares are only available on selected flights, limited seats available. Fares are based on debit card payment, credit card charges apply. Advertised fares are available only on ba.com. Additional charges may apply if purchased through other BA outlets or travel agents. Bookings cannot be refunded but changes are permitted before the day of departure for £60 per person per transaction, in addition to any difference in fare. Services operated by BA CityFlyer. **Limited availability. Prices are in GBP per person based on two adults sharing. Flights + car hire price includes return economy flights from London City to Quimper, 7 days Avis car rental in an Economy car with insurance and all pre-payable taxes and charges correct as at 10/02/12, but may vary. Hotel price is per person per night based on two adults sharing a minimum 2 star hotel on room only basis in Nice. All prices are based on selected travel between 01/03/12-30/09/12. Some payment methods attract a handling fee. Holidays are ATOL protected (number ATOL5985). For selected destinations and full terms and conditions visit ba.com/londoncitysummer

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20/02/2012 12:27


IDEAS & INSPIRATION ON A GRAND SCALE

BOOK TICKETS NOW

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

CALL OR BOOK ONLINE

0844 854 1348

www.granddesignslive.com

*Terms and conditions apply, saving quoted if off the weekend door rate, offer applies to standard admission tickets only, must be booked before 30th April 2012, £1.60 transaction fee applies. Organised by Media 10 Ltd. Grand Designs is a trademark of FremantleMedia Limited. Licensed by FremantleMedia Enterprises. www.fremantlemedia.com.

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20/02/2012 16:03


food & drink

connoisseur

Three of the Best... for Mother’s daY

food & drink

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And I’ll Be Mother… Indulge in afternoon tea at Boisdale Canary Wharf while you take in the impressive view of the capital’s skyline. The Scottish themed, Art Deco style restaurant, a favourite among local residents, is well known for playing host to some of the best jazz, soul and blues nights, as well as boasting the largest selection of whiskey in the city.

The Oyster Shed

it’s a Man’s world Even from the outside, Eight Club EC3 exudes an atmosphere of exclusivity. Concealed on a historic cobbled street, it is only by knowing the precise address that you would ever locate the hidden members’ club which has become a popular haunt for City boys wanting to relax and catch up with colleagues after work. The den-like environment has leather sofas, lowlit lamps and lines of pool tables, creating a cosy

and masculine overtone. With two bars, a private cinema, six private rooms and, our favourite, a hidden room containing a punching bag for those needing to let off steam, Eight Club EC3 has something to offer man’s every desire. Eight Moorgate EC2 is set over two floors, including more than 150 metres of terracing, which make it the perfect summer venue.

What better place to indulge in seafood and fish delicacies than beside the River Thames? Despite the name, The Oyster Shed is not all about seafood, although we recommend the Jersey Rock oysters for which the restaurant is renowned. Classic British dishes feature heavily on the menu, including hearty pies and schoolboy desserts. Providing stunning views of the river and the Shard, The Oyster Shed is a great place to take your mother for lunch this 18 March.

www.eightclub.co.uk

Mothering sundaY Poached pear salad with Roquefort cheese and citrus-marinated salmon with Devon crab are just two of the delicacies Michelin-starred Head Chef Allan Pickett has fashioned for the exclusive Mothering Sunday menu at Plateau. Other dishes on the menu include grilled rump of beef, spring cassoulet of cod and crème brulee, chocolate pot, pear tatin or the cheeseboard for dessert. A complimentary glass of Champagne will be served in the main restaurant and while you’re seated at the Tulip table, among the Art Deco style floor lamps, expect to catch a glimpse of the Head Chef in action, cooking up a storm in the theatre-style kitchen adjoining the restaurant. Plateau, 4th floor, canada Place

Clos Maggiore With exquisite food and top wines, take your wife here for supper to say thank you for being a terrific mum. The pre-theatre menu features French inspired cuisine including duck leg and European artisan cheeses. With décor influenced by country inns of Provence and Tuscany, an intimate ambience is created, making for a memorably romantic meal before you hit the town.

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connoisseur food & drink

For Workers Who Lunch While Richard Brown indulges his inner schoolboy, Olivia Sharpe decides that mozzarella is in and sushi is out Obika Mozzarella Bar

Canteen

West Wintergarden now houses the perfect alternative to sushi: a fusion of authentic Italian flavours and Japanese décor, Obikà is devoted to serving diehard mozzarella fans. The soft cheese is offered smoked, grilled or baked, and accompanied by salads, cold meats, vegetable ratatouilles and fish carpaccios. I started with baked mozzarella with artichokes and sundried tomatoes; the cheese is brought in daily from Italian producers and its freshness and flavour is hard to better. For my main course, I had pizza with prosciutto, Parma ham, mozzarella, tomato and rocket. A far cry from overly-priced, synthetic supermarket Parma ham, the restaurant’s equivalent was well salted and tender. My guest, not a member of the mozzarella fan club, managed to avoid cheese by starting with the Crostini Misti - organic tomato, salami patè and spicy sausage. What proved to be an enjoyable starter was followed by a beef lasagne which was appetizingly meaty, yet surprisingly light for a pasta dish. For dessert, we opted for the tasting of the three main desserts to share, a great choice for those susceptible to food envy. As a lover of all things savoury, I was surprised to find this the highlight, the ricotta di bufala mousse deliciously creamy, the chocolate and almond cake rich and nutty and the tiramisù, though not usually a favourite of mine, faultless. Catering for Canary Wharf workers treating themselves to a full hour for lunch, or those wanting a quick takeaway option, Obikà does what it sets out to do. Although more expensive than Pret, it is still good value for money, starters ranging from £5.25-£13 and mains from £7.75-£13. Obikà has also made a serious attempt to replicate Italy’s range of grape varieties from the north to the south of the country with some impressive producers on its wine list, perhaps most notably the aromatic Antinoria; a top class choice for lunch. For those in a rush, Obikà also offers fresh sandwiches to be purchased over the counter. If you fancy a light snack, Obikà offers half-sizes ranging from £1.95; if famished, opt for the full-sized version at £5.75.

Any eatery that offers a fish finger sandwich as a starter is, in my book, onto a winner. Bordered by restaurants with an occasional fondness for overly fancy food, Canteen’s menu is a lip-smacking assortment of British classics and schoolboy favourites that your mum would serve. Lancashire hotpot, sausage and mash and fish ‘n’ chips are all accounted for, as is bread pudding, chocolate brownie and rhubarb trifle. That’s not to sell the restaurant short: among the daily roasts and freshly baked pies, you’ll find dishes like devilled kidneys on toast, potted duck and piccalilli, and braised, spiced pig cheeks. Drinks-wise, a dedication to promoting British brewing means that as well as offerings from Greenwich’s Microbrewery Meantime, Canteen serves a range of bottled British pale ales, wheat beers and stouts. A comprehensive wine list, including entries from England and the States, proves how the restaurant’s attention to detail extends beyond its carefully thought-out, dining-hall-like interior. Battered fish fingers arrived between thick white bread, covered with ketchup and tartar sauce (£7.50). A tantalising starter, the sandwich is easily substantial enough, if paired with chips, to choose as a main course. I, however, arrived famished and indulged my childish appetite further with excellent sausages, mash and onion gravy (£9.75). My companion, starting with an unpretentious smoked mackerel paté with pickled gherkins (£6.50), progressed to a roast free-range chicken with garlic mayonnaise, chips and coleslaw (£11.50). Hearty, tasty and relatively fuss-free, she described it as “greasy in a great way.” Canteen is undoubtedly a lunchtime destination; a venue to be enjoyed with colleagues and friends rather than for dates or entertaining prospective clients. While it may not be the most cosy of spaces, with prices not too dissimilar from the likes of All Bar One, the restaurant provides some of the best value-for-money food in the Wharf. It’s good for another thing too; if last’s night’s escapades have served your brain up to hangover’s baseball bat, I can vouch that you’ll struggle to find a more appealing menu in London. n

Obikà Mozzarella Bar, West Wintergarden, 020 7719 1532

Canteen, 40 Canada Square, 0845 686 1122

94


Connecting you with a world of inspiration... PA Day, 8 March 2012 provides a dedicated educational programme and networking opportunities just for PA’s. The exhibition is the perfect place to do business with an exciting range of venues, destinations and event support service suppliers.

Register now at international-confex.com

06-08 March 2012 ExCeL London #Confex2012

Confex12_Ad2_297x210+3mm_v2.indd 1

13/01/2012 15:05


THE DirEcTory Whether you want to dine or to drink, to purchase gorgeous gifts and stylish outfits, to keep fit or to be pampered, canary Wharf is home to a wealth of services and amenities

Collection

Tiffany & Co.

ASPINAL OF LONDON Cabot Place 020 7719 0727 CArAt* Cabot Place 020 7516 0347 ChArLeS FISh Cabot Place 020 7512 9595 DAvID M rObINSON Jubilee Place 020 7538 2332 GOLDSMIthS Canada Place 020 7512 9779 LINkS OF LONDON Jubilee Place 020 7519 1767 MONtbLANC Canada Place 020 7719 1919 PANDOrA Cabot Place 020 7987 9801 tIFFANy & CO. Cabot Place 020 7409 2790

Concierge

Dove Spa @ Virgin Active

DAvID CLuLOw OPtICIANS Cabot Place 020 7345 9181 Jubilee Place 020 7519 6284 DOve SPA @ vIrGIN ACtIve Westferry Circus 020 7519 6657 the GeNtry hAIr & SPA Canada Place 020 7519 6660 SeAN hANNA Jubilee Place 020 7513 2660 Sk:N Canada Place 020 7516 0106 the SPA At FOur SeASONS hOteL LONDON At CANAry whArF Westferry Circus 020 7510 1999 the SPA, reebOk SPOrtS CLub Canada Square 0844 558 1329 tONI & Guy One Canada Square 0844 445 7722 urbAN beACh tANNING & beAuty Jubilee Place 020 3200 2000 vISION exPreSS OPtICAL LAb Canada Place 020 7513 2408

Calibre

Reebok Sports Club

FreeDOM bACk CLINICS Canada Place 020 3197 9100 the GeNtry bArber ShOP Cabot Place 020 7345 9920 JD SPOrtS Canada Place 020 7715 9644 NIChOLSON AND GrIFFIN GeNtS hAIrDreSSer Jubilee Place 020 7512 9890 reebOk SPOrt’S ShOP Canada Square 020 7970 0900 the reJuveNAtION CLINIC&MeDISPA Cabot Place 020 7519 6950 ruNNer’S NeeD Churchill Place 020 7512 9107 SMILePOD wALk IN hyGIeNe Canada Place 020 7513 1132 SweAty betty Cabot Place 020 7513 0666 wAItrOSe FOOD, FAShION & hOMe Canada Square 020 7719 0300


Connoisseur

Boisdale of Canary Wharf

Roka

Boisdale of Canary Wharf Cabot Place 020 7715 5818 boisdale.co.uk EAT IN

Gourmet BurGer KitChen Jubilee Place 020 7719 6408 gbk.co.uk EAT IN, TAKE-AWAY

Byron Cabot Place 020 7715 9360 byronhamburgers.com EAT IN, TAKE-AWAY

the Gourmet Pizza ComPany Cabot Square 020 73459192 EAT IN, TAKE AWAY

Canteen The Park Pavillion 020 7513 0406 canteen.co.uk EAT IN, TAKE-AWAY Curve restaurant London Marriot West India Quay Hotel 020 7517 2806 curverestaurant.co.uk EAT IN davy’s Wine Bar Fisherman’s Walk 020 7363 6633 davy.co.uk EAT IN first edition Cabot Square 020 7513 0300 firsteditionrestaurant.co.uk EAT IN GauCho Canary Canary Riverside 020 7987 9494 gauchorestaurants.co.uk EAT IN

iBeriCa Canary Wharf Cabot Square 020 7636 8650 ibericalondon.co.uk EAT IN Jamie’s italian Churchill Place 020 3002 5252 jamieoliver.com/italian EAT IN oBiKÀ mozzarella Bar West Wintergarden 020 7719 1532 www.obika.co.uk EAT IN, TAKE-AWAY the Parlour The Park Pavilion 0845 468 0100 theparlourbar.co.uk EAT IN Plateau restaurant, Bar & Grill Canada Place 020 7715 7100 plateaurestaurant.co.uk EAT IN

Plateau Restaurant, Bar & Grill

Quadrato restaurant Four Seasons Hotel London at Canary Wharf Westferry Circus 020 7510 1857 fourseasons.com/canarywharf EAT IN reeBoK Bar & restaurant Canada Place 020 7970 0920 reeboksportsclublondon.com EAT IN, TAKE-AWAY roCKet restaurant & Bar Churchill Place 020 3200 2022 rocketrestaurants.co.uk EAT IN roKa The Park Pavilion 020 7636 5228 rokarestaurant.com EAT IN smollensKy’s Reuters Plaza 020 7719 0101 smollensky’s.co.uk EAT IN WahaCa The Park Pavilion 020 7516 9145 wahaca.com EAT IN, TAKE-AWAY WildWood Jubilee Place 020 7719 1213 wildwoodrestaurants.co.uk EAT IN


Between sky and snow in

promotion

SWITZERLAND

Photography: Philip Volkers

Set next to the main ski piste, the exclusive chalets at Le Hameau du Ciel, in Veysonnaz, enjoy miles of fabulous skiing and enchanting mountain views in the famous Four Valleys

L

e Hameau du Ciel means the Sky’s Hamlet and never was a name more apt to describe a property development. This cluster of only five delightful chalets perches on Les Mayens ski slope, near the village of Veysonnaz, and overlooks the wide Rhone Valley, the soaring peaks beyond it, and seemingly endless swathes of deep blue sky. These luxurious chalets, which have large balconies to make the most of the views, are the third phase of an exclusive development designed by architect Louis Fournier. They are situated next to the main piste, close to a forest and only a few minutes’ walk from Veysonnaz’s village shops. Skiing in and out could not be easier, but families who hanker for slope variety can choose from more than 256 miles of runs, as Veysonnaz is linked to Verbier and is part of the

Four Valleys, Switzerland’s largest ski area. ‘Veysonnaz epitomises unspoilt Switzerland, with the advantage of having access to other resorts in the Four Valleys area,’ says Rachel Hayward, who owns a chalet at Le Hameau du Ciel that was completed last year. Buyers can choose between two chalet sizes—a manageable 130 square metres or a spacious 160 square metres. The developers employ the finest tradesmen to ensure the chalets are finished to exacting standards. ‘We have ended up with exactly what we wanted and are thrilled with the final result,’ enthuses Mrs Hayward. Chalets at Le Hameau du Ciel can all be purchased by non-Swiss residents and selling agents Alpine Homes, Savills’ exclusive associate in Switzerland, are at hand to help buyers obtain their authorisation permit—as well as assisting with

any other aspect of the buying process and the settling in. ‘Alpine Homes always go the extra mile,’ says Mrs Hayward. Prices start from CHF 1.3m (about £897,700). Alpine Homes, in association with Savills, Office: +44 (0) 20 7016 3740, Switzerland: +41 (0) 27 323 77 77, switzerland@alpinehomesintl.com www.alpinehomesintl.com


LONDON HOmes&

PROPERTY ShowcaSing the fineSt homeS in your area

c o v e r i n g c a n a ry w h a r f, D o c K L a n D S , wa P P i n g & t h e c i t y

All you need our experts’ lAtest updAtes

PROUD TO CALL HOME Black & White Collection, £POA JAB Anstoetz, www.jab-uk.co.uk

AmAzing new developments


Knight Frank Pan Peninsula, Isle of Dogs E14

Premier development An apartment situated on the 29th floor of this modern contemporary development benefitting from far reaching views. Master bedroom with dressing room and en suite shower room, second bedroom, second bathroom, reception room, kitchen, balcony, concierge, private parking and extensive leisure facilities. Approximately 73 sq.m (832 sq.ft).

Leasehold Guide Price: ÂŁ650,000

Canary Wharf Sales KnightFrank.co.uk/Canary-Wharf cwharf@knightfrank.com 020 7512 9966 (CNW070185)

Hanover House, Canary Wharf E14 Spacious apartment

An immaculately presented apartment situated on the Canary Wharf banking estate within close proximity to the Jubilee Line and the DLR. Master bedroom with en suite bathroom, second bedroom, family bathroom, fully fitted kitchen, dining room, balcony, communal gardens, concierge and secure parking. Approximately 103 sq.m (1,177 sq.ft). Leasehold Guide Price: ÂŁ795,000

Canary Wharf Sales KnightFrank.co.uk/Canary-Wharf cwharf@knightfrank.com 020 7512 9966 (CNW120011)


Knight Frank Port East, Canary Wharf E14 Warehouse conversion

A wonderfully refurbished penthouse apartment situated in one of Canary Wharf’s most sought after developments. Master bedroom with en suite shower room, second bedroom, family bathroom, reception room, semi open-plan kitchen, utility room, second reception room, mezzanine level, roof terrace, concierge and private parking. Approximately 165 sq m (1,776 sq ft). Share of Freehold Guide Price: £1,100,000

Canary Wharf Sales KnightFrank.co.uk/Canary-Wharf cwharf@knightfrank.com 020 7512 9966 (CNW110168)

New Prov. Wharf, Isle of Dogs E14 Breath taking views

A three bedroom penthouse on the 16th floor offering a wealth of internal and external space. Master bedroom with en suite bathroom and private balcony, second and third bedrooms with en suite bathrooms and balconies, reception room, kitchen, guest cloakroom, utility room, roof terrace, hot tub, sauna, 24 hour concierge, leisure facilities and private parking. Approximately 247 m.sq (2,664 sq.ft). Leasehold Guide Price: £2,000,000

Canary Wharf Sales KnightFrank.co.uk/Canary-Wharf cwharf@knightfrank.com 020 7512 9966 (CNW110054)


Naxos Building, Canary Wharf E14

Pierpoint Building, Canary Wharf E14

A contemporary two bedroom penthouse offered fully furnished, including a balcony and terrace with river views. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen with separate utility room and reception with floor to ceiling windows. The development includes 24hr concierge and a gym.

A luxury two bedroom apartment on the first floor of the Pierpoint building, located in the much sought after Millennium Harbour Development. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (one of which is en suite), reception room, separate kitchen, river views, porterage and use of the on site leisure facilities.

£950 per week

£495 per week

Canary Wharf Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

Canary Wharf Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Victoria Wharf, Limehouse E14

020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Boardwalk Place, Canary Wharf E14

A newly refurbished apartment directly on the river. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room, separate fully fitted kitchen, new wooden floors, two balconies, porterage and an underground car parking space. The apartment is conveniently located for easy access into Canary Wharf.

An immaculately presented apartment on the third floor. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception/dining room, separate kitchen, an abundance of storage space, concierge and an underground car parking space. Boardwalk Place is conveniently located in close proximity to Canary Wharf.

£495 per week

£450 per week

Canary Wharf Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

Canary Wharf Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Lettings CITY/CW MARCH 2012 - 1 - 09 February 2012 - 17800

020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

13/02/2012 17:29:40

Le


Neutron Tower, Canary Wharf E14

Point Hill, Greenwich SE10

Located by East India DLR offering easy access to Canary Wharf, a well presented apartment available for short let from July to September 2012. 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, open plan living/dining area, fully fitted kitchen, balcony, 24 hour concierge and use of the free residents' only gym.

A well presented house, conveniently located near Greenwich Park, to let on a short term basis from July to September 2012. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, kitchen/diner and a three tiered garden offering views of Canary Wharf from its highest point.

£1,500 per week

£15,000 per week

Canary Wharf Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

Canary Wharf Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Ferry Street, Canary Wharf E14

020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Roland Mews, Stepney E1

A superb house with character and charm in abundance. This property is available to let on a short term basis from July to September 2012. 7 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, kitchen/diner, study, balcony with views over the River Thames and Greenwich and a garden.

A spacious, well presented house within close proximity of transport links including Stepney Green underground, to rent on a short term basis from July to September 2012. 2 bedrooms with fitted wardrobes, 1 bathroom, reception room offering plenty of space, small garden and a garage.

£25,000 per week

£1,500 per week

Canary Wharf Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

Canary Wharf Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

Lettings CW and City MARCH 2012 - 2 - 09 February 2012 - 17803

020 7512 9955 cwharf@knightfrank.com

13/02/2012 17:55:30


Cormorant Lodge, St Katharine Docks E1W Impressive three bedroom penthouse

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

With breath taking views over St Katharine Docks, Tower Bridge and the River Thames, this is an exceptional property. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, large terrace, air conditioning, 24 hour concierge and an underground car parking space. Approximately 263 sq m (2,832 sq ft). £2,500 per week

(ASP157229)

Cormorant Lodge FP Advert March 2012 - 07 February 2012 - 17670

13/02/2012 16:37:57

Pie


Bezier Apartments, City EC1Y

Capital Wharf, Wapping E1W

Amazing 10th floor apartment located in this outstanding new development. 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, reception room, fully fitted kitchen, underfloor heating, comfort cooling, private balcony, good storage and 24 hour concierge.

A lovely riverside apartment available on a furnished or unfurnished basis. 2 bedrooms (both en suite), reception room, kitchen, balcony on the River, 24 hour porterage, residents' gym and an underground car parking space.

£625 per week

£650 per week

City Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

Wapping Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

020 7606 1560 gary.hall@knightfrank.com

Ivory House, St Katharine Docks E1W

020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

Free Trade Wharf, Wapping E1W

Stunning and spacious one bedroom apartment located in a popular warehouse conversion. 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, reception room, fully fitted kitchen, stone flooring, two roof terraces, dock views and an underground car parking space.

Bright one bedroom flat set in this popular block moments from Limehouse DLR. 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, reception room, fully fited kitchen, balcony, fantastic river views, 24 hour porterage, leisure facilities and a car parking space.

£615 per week

£375 per week

Wapping Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

Wapping Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings

020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

CW and City Mags March 2012 QUARTER - 07 February 2012 - 17689

020 7480 6848 wapping@knightfrank.com

13/02/2012 16:36:30


1 2

savills.co.uk

SHEARWATER COURT, e1w

THE TAPERSTRY, ec2m

2 reception rooms ø kitchen ø 4 bedrooms ø 4 bathrooms ø 7 terraces ø 3 balconies ø 2 parking spaces ø concierge ø 368 sq m (3,960 sq ft)

Reception room ø Gaggenau kitchen ø 3 bedrooms ø high specification bathroom ø shower room ø 267 sq m (2,870 sq ft)

Price On Application Share of Freehold

Guide £3.4 million Leasehold

3 4

Savills Docklands zjames@savills.com 020 7456 6800

Savills Docklands zjames@savills.com 020 7456 6800

STEPNEY GREEN, e1

OLIVER'S WHARF, e1w

3 reception rooms ø kitchen ø 5 bedrooms ø 3 bathrooms ø garden ø 2 parking spaces ø 255 sq m (2,740 sq ft)

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

Guide £1.75 million Freehold

Guide £1.1 million Leasehold

Savills Docklands juprowse@savills.com 020 7456 6800

Savills Docklands juprowse@savills.com 020 7456 6800


1 2

savills.co.uk

HANOVER HOUSE, e14

DISCOVERY DOCK, e14

2 reception rooms ø kitchen ø 4 bedrooms ø 4 bathrooms ø terrace ø parking space ø concierge ø 226 sq m (2,430 sq ft)

Reception room ø kitchen ø 3 bedrooms ø 3 en suite bathrooms ø balcony ø parking space ø concierge ø 153 sq m (1,650 sq ft)

Guide £2.25 million Leasehold

Guide £1.1 million Leasehold

3 4

Savills Canary Wharf bpage@savills.com 020 7531 2500

Savills Canary Wharf bpage@savills.com 020 7531 2500

DISCOVERY DOCK, e14

CITY TOWER, e14

Reception room ø kitchen ø 3 double bedrooms ø 3 bathrooms ø balcony ø parking space ø concierge ø 142 sq m (1,530 sq ft)

Reception room ø kitchen ø 2 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø terrace ø parking space ø concierge ø 99 sq m (1,070 sq ft)

Guide £875,000 Leasehold

Guide £499,000 Leasehold

Savills Canary Wharf bpage@savills.com 020 7531 2500

Savills Canary Wharf bpage@savills.com 020 7531 2500


1 2

savills.co.uk

DISCOVERY DOCK, e14

CAPITAL WHARF, e1w

2 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms (1 en suite) ø reception room ø kitchen ø terrace ø allocated parking ø on site pool and gymnasium

2 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms (1 en suite) ø reception room ø kitchen ø 24hr porterage ø allocated parking ø terrace with river views

£750 per week Furnished

£745 per week Furnished

3 4

Savills Canary Wharf ssaul@savills.com 020 7531 2500

Savills Docklands brodgers@savills.com 020 7456 6800

HERMITAGE COURT, e1w

LANDMARK TOWER, e14

2 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms (1 en suite) ø reception room ø kitchen ø allocated parking ø porterage ø wood flooring throughout

1 bedroom ø 1 bathroom ø reception room ø kitchen ø residents gymnasium ø 24hr porterage ø views of the Thames and City

£450 per week Furnished

£425 per week Furnished

Savills Docklands brodgers@savills.com 020 7456 6800

Savills Canary Wharf ssaul@savills.com 020 7531 2500


3 O,OOO visits. Daily.*

For the 6 months to August 2011 Experian Hitwise officially recognised savills.co.uk as the most visited estate agency website†. =100 website visits

Every home on our books has the most sought after address. savills.co.uk More than you’re looking for. savills.co.uk

Savills has over 200 offices worldwide and 22 in London, below are those immediately local to you. Savills Canary Wharf 4 Westferry Circus, London E14 4HD. 020 7531 2500. canarywharf@savills.com Savills Docklands Execution Dock, 80 Wapping High Street, London E1W 2NE. 020 7456 6800. docklands@savills.com *Google Analytics, September 2011. †In a custom category of estate agency websites comprising: Savills, Knight Frank, Hamptons International, Strutt & Parker, Jackson-Stops & Staff, John D Wood & Co, Cluttons Estate Agency.


homes & property

HOT PROPERTY: City Style with Village Charm

Located on Logs Hill in the charming yet sophisticated village of Chislehurst, Kent, this striking property, built in the mid 1800’s in a Gothic style, has been transformed into a superb five bedroom home of around 6,000 sq ft. From the oversized porcelain floor tiles and glass internal doors, to the central staircase with brushed steel balustrades, this house has a host of attractive

features. High ceilings and large windows enhance the receptions, while the Mark Wilkinson kitchen is very stylish. There is also an open-plan dining/family room; a fabulous entertaining space crowned by a beautiful domed glass roof. The master bedroom is grand and comfortable and features a spa bath on the mezzanine level as well as a spacious dressing room and en-suite.


The house also benefits from a cinema/games room with surround sound and a state-of-the-art gym. There is also a heated swimming pool and hot tub set within landscaped gardens. The range of recreational areas ensures this home will be popular with families as well as commuters, owing to its closeness to Elmstead Woods station wihich offers a 17 minute service to London Bridge.

Logs HiLL, BR7 ÂŁ2.25M FREEHOLD Unique at Langford Russell 020 8378 1222

www.langfordrussell.co.uk 111


homes & property

DEVELOPMENT SHOWCASE A New Way of Life Situated in the redeveloped docklandS area, theSe popular apartmentS provide the contemporary Style and functional Space ideal for modern day living, SayS Lauren romano

S

pacious, light and sleek, this 138 unit new-build development on Trundleys Road, SE8, offers affordable rental accommodation in prime property territory, owing to its location on the doorstep of Surrey Quays and a stone’s throw away from Canary Wharf. Joining other smart apartment buildings springing up in the area, these one and two bedrooms homes adhere to an attractive and winning formula of neutral dÊcor, easy to maintain interiors, panoramic rooftop views and secure underground parking, and therefore tick all the required boxes in terms of curb appeal, practicality and space, with the largest apartment spread across a comfortable 95 sq m. The first new residential venture from the team behind Criterion Capital, whose successful commercial property portfolio includes the London Trocadero and the Burberry building in Knightsbridge, Vida represents

a new and exciting opportunity to live in a luxurious, exclusive lettings complex long term. While the finish is to a high and attractive standard, the interiors have been left deliberately minimalistic to allow future owners to put their own unique stamp on individual rooms. The result is an unpretentious and simple amalgamation of white walls, wooden flooring and well-proportioned open plan living arrangements, which are easy to envisage moving into straight away. Immaculate kitchens, with gleaming, high gloss units, recessed under-cupboard spotlighting and sleek stainless steel fronted appliances, are both aesthetically appealing and practical and open out onto combined living and dining spaces which facilitate entertaining and generate a greater feeling of space. Light and airy bedrooms feature large windows and, in selected apartments, space-saving wardrobe storage and dressing areas; two bedroom properties


also boast en-suite facilities to the master bedrooms for additional convenience. Selected apartments benefit from show-stopping spacious terraces, with large double doors which lead out onto a paved rooftop platform, to form a dramatic living room focal point with a spectacular outlook across the towering skyline of Canada Water and Canary Wharf. A high level of security is also maintained with monitored underground parking available for residents. Situated in a largely residential area, the Trundleys Road apartments benefit from an increasingly sought-after Zone 2 location and SE8 postcode. And for good reason; the continuing redevelopment and regeneration of this former Docklands area has made it an attractive destination for those looking to benefit from easy transport links and nearby amenities, including shopping and entertainment outlets, clustered together in one place. The Surrey Quays Shopping Centre and the Odeon and Hollywood Bowl leisure complex provide a good range of high street retailers and entertainment facilities and make a time-saving and handy alternative to more central locations, like the crowded pavements of Oxford Street and Covent Garden. The Surrey Docks Watersports Centre with a state-of-the-art gym and exercise studios overlooking Greenland Dock also offers a year round extensive water sports programme of sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and power-boating for residents keen to make the most of the proximity to the Dockside location. However, excellent transport links to the overground and Jubilee lines are found nearby and make the area accessible both to Canary Wharf and other key London locations, including the Olympic Park stadium in Stratford which will form the focal point of the 2012 Games. n

Star PrOPErtY While all of the apartments within the development offer smart, bright accommodation, there are a selection of two bedroom, two bathroom properties which are attracting a great deal of attention. The focal point of these apartments is the living area with unusual double-height ceilings and enormous windows which flood the properties with light. Here, the architects have played with the room shapes to create inclusive and homely areas with an elegant curved wall. Yet this exceptional lounge and dining area doesn’t detract from the two bedrooms, both of which are a comfortable size. One also benefits from a very large en-suite bathroom. Décor throughout is sleek and pristine, with a high-gloss kitchen adhering to a theme of stylish white fittings and chrome accents which will remain attractive over time. Prices start from £1,000 per month for a one bedroom apartment. Telephone 020 7771 6777 www.acorn.ltd.uk

113


homes & property

ProPerty ShowcaSe Luxury on the Water

An impressive apartment has become available within a prestigious development in Canary Wharf. The property is split over two levels, with the upper floor designed for entertaining, and commands attractive river views from its large terrace. The spacious open-plan kitchen/reception room comfortably accommodates a baby grand piano and benefits from a striking curved ceiling and large feature windows. The well-equipped kitchen features high-tech appliances, a frameless induction hob, stunning granite work surfaces and a custom-made cherry wood breakfast bar. The lower floor includes two bedrooms, an office, two ensuites, a Maurea jacuzzi bath for two and a dressing room. All the principle rooms benefit additionally from balconies. The apartment is being sold with a parking space, and residents have access to a concierge service and full leisure facilities, including a swimming pool.

anchorage Point, e14 ÂŁ1.7M share of freehold Knight Frank www.knightfrank.co.uk/canary-wharf

020 7512 9966 114


homes &property

expert comment LETTINGS:

SALES:

Awaiting the rush

Demand is high

RAHNA STROUD, ASSOCIATE AT KNIGHT FRANK IN

JOANNA BEALE, ASSOCIATE AT KNIGHT FRANK

WAPPING, COMMENTS ON THE TRENDS IN THE RESIDENTIAL

IN WAPPING, COMMENTS ON THE TRENDS IN THE

LETTINGS MARKET

RESIDENTIAL SALES MARKET

The Central London Rental Index shows that rents fell again by 0.2 per cent in January, but it’s not all doom and gloom. We must remember that it is still seven per cent higher than a year ago. However, the rental market seems to have weakened slightly recently, reflected by a drop in the Retail Price Index from 4.8 per cent to 3.9 per cent in February. This might be caused by rising unemployment and lower bonus pay outs in The City, nevertheless we remain positive. Average rents across the UK are still up four per cent year-on-year and the Knight Frank research department also expect between a four per cent to five per cent rental growth for both 2012 and 2013. As with the sales market, it is clear to us that more rental property stock is needed to meet the level of demand. The Olympics are another factor contributing to the low levels of long term rental property coming to the market at the moment. Potential landlords are delaying bringing their properties to the market so they can cash in on the Games by short-letting their property over the summer. Although our Corporate Services department has seen much interest in letting whole blocks of apartments to international companies during this period; the demand from individuals with healthy budgets has so far been much lower than expected. It will be interesting to see what happens over the next few months; will all the hype about the effect of the Games, become a reality?

A busy start to the year has led to a frustrating lack of prime riverside property and huge pent up demand from prospective buyers. While we could cite the usual chatter at this time of year about City bonuses, we are also seeing interest from hoards of Eurozone buyers, to whom we have agreed a sale every day of the month so far. In many instances, these sales are at asking price and setting some exciting new price precedents. ‘Long may it continue’ we chant, but the lack of new instructions might be a stumbling block. Wapping riverside is a market with few full-time owner occupiers, many of whom are choosing to keep hold of their flats until the 2012 Games are over. Houses are ever popular, and the continued lack of them maintains some extraordinary prices per sq ft. 2012 in East London looks to be the most exciting yet and the Games are certainly putting us on the map. With prices still so reasonable compared to the rest of London, it is little wonder that widespread desire to buy has returned. To the north west of Wapping, a recent Knight Frank publication* reported an increase in property prices of 122 per cent since 2001 and the applicant interest in the areas around Leman Street is stronger than ever. Development on the east side of Leman Street is also bridging the residential gap between Shoreditch and Wapping and the fabulous new One Tower Bridge development for sale via Knight Frank is raising the quality stakes. The area is alive and full of new faces and enthusiasm!

Knight Frank Wapping 020 7480 6848 www.knightfrank.co.uk

Knight Frank Wapping 020 7480 6848 www.knightfrank.co.uk * http://my.knightfrank.com/research-reports/city-of-london-and-city-fringe.aspx

115


homes & property

development FoCUS A Stunning Piece Of History

The Grade I listed Gothic architecture of St Pancras, as romantic as it is extravagant, owes its origins to the grand designs of 1865 by Sir Gilbert Scott. And it is thanks to a recent renovation project that the beautiful original features of the building, including stencilling, mosaics and ornamental ceilings, can be enjoyed by visitors to the St Pancras Renaissance hotel which occupies the site, as well as residents of the 67 private apartments and penthouses on its top floors. The apartments, termed St Pancras Chambers, have been immensely sought-after since they first launched in 2009. While some consist of the charming former state rooms, the fourth, fifth and sixth floors play host to a variety of duplex and triplex properties with a contemporary feel and luxurious finish. Features such as double-height ceilings and mezzanine levels give each apartment a sense of space and character, which is enhanced by handsome, hardwood flooring, stylish furniture and the warm colour palette which has been used throughout. In many of the apartments there are two reception rooms as well as double bedrooms and en-suites, which ensures that they are not only perfectly situated for those seeking excellent 116

transport links (including overground and underground train links and the Eurostar), but are also well-suited to those looking for an interesting and impressive home for entertaining. In addition to a dedicated porterage, on a day-to-day basis residents will also have access to the impressive facilities of the five star hotel. These include a health and leisure club with heated indoor pool, a distinguished restaurant offering British cuisine and a cosy bar, perfect for the occasional night cap. n

St panCraS ChamberS, nW1 ÂŁ950 per week Knight Frank City www.knightfrank.co.uk/lettings

020 7606 1560


homes &property

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

t

he residential sales market across the UK has started 2012 with considerable vigour as first time buyers rush to take full advantage of the stamp duty holiday that is on offer for property purchased under £250,000. This has given stimulus to the lower end of the Docklands property market. In turn, this then acts a catalyst for the rest of the property market as those at the bottom of the market are now able to secure a buyer, allowing them to make their next move further up the market; in simple terms when the bottom of the market is underpinned we experience a domino effect throughout the entire market. For several years now estate agents have become accustomed to short, sharp transactions mainly driven by cash rich investors. In London specifically, related transactions or chains, as they are widely referred to, had become a thing of the

Q&A

past. Now it would appear normality is returning. People are viewing the housing market with the purpose it was always intended for and not just a way to make a return. The supply of mortgage funding will remain a restricting factor for the foreseeable future but the mortgage market has improved considerably since 2008. We have seen the return of 95 per cent mortgage deals, although not at particularly attractive rates. However, many of the exorbitant fees that were once evident have also been made more palatable. Expect to see a flurry of ‘Sold’ boards in the period up to 31 March, when the first time buyer stamp duty waiver ends. Whether this signifies the return of the first time purchaser for good only time will tell. n Lourdes Estate Agents 020 7538 9250 www.lourdes-estates.com

JAMES BEARRYMAN, LETTINGS DIRECTOR AT FRANKLYN JAMES How can I best present my home in order for it to let quickly and for the best possible price? I think it goes without saying that first impressions count. Most tenants/buyers will view few properties before choosing the one that’s right for them and often they will make their mind up based on a single viewing. Your property should always be professionally cleaned as this will help to attract better quality tenants/buyers. You should allow the maximum daylight into your property and, where possible, always conduct viewings during daylight hours. The property should be well dressed with special attention paid to the paintwork and flooring. What can be more important than presentation is the positioning of your property in the market. There are a number of factors that we need to consider to get this right; 1) What else is currently on the market that is directly comparable?

2) How does your property compare to these in size, condition, location, facilities and price? 3) What does your property offer that these do not? 4) Who will most likely be looking to rent your property? Professional Sharers, a family or a young couple looking for their first home? Once we have established this we can work out what your property’s unique selling points are. It is really important that the benefits of your property are boldly stated and that your property is “sold” to any prospective applicant or purchaser and that they are not left just aimlessly wandering around a property. I would recommend you always use a reputable ARLA registered agency and one who knows the intricacies of your property, the local market and the reasons why your property is better than your neighbours. n Franklyn James, Docklands 020 7005 6080 www.franklynjames.co.uk

117


SALES

Capstan Square, London, E14

£399,950

Galaxy Building, London, E14

£410,000

Avant-Garde, London, E1

£425,000

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

A two bed apartment situated on the fourth floor of an impressive Thames side development with balcony, superb panoramic views and underground parking. Development benefits from residents gym and 24hrs porter. Mudchute DLR.

A one bed 6th floor apartment in a major mixed use development completing in late 2013. Excellent Shoreditch location with luxury specification and beautiful design throughout. 24hr Concierge, large gym & residents roof terrace.

Baltimore Wharf, London, E14

Pan Peninsula, London, E14

Belgrave Court, London, E14

£460,000

£650,000

£795,000

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

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

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

Berkeley Tower, London, E14 £1,400,000

Belgrave Court, London, E14

41 Millharbour, London, E14

A luxury three bed 17th floor apartment presented in immaculate condition with commanding views of the River Thames and London skyline. 24hr concierge, Virgin Active Health Spa and the best restaurants / bars that Canary Wharf has to offer. Includes two secure parking spaces.

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

All Awards 2010/11

£1,150,000

£2,500,000

A 14th floor 2548 sq ft, 4 bed 4 bath penthouse in popular dockside development. Immaculate condition with two west facing terraces and balcony situated only minutes’ walk from South Quay DLR. Includes two parking spaces. VIEWING ESSENTIAL!


020 7715 9700 joneslanglasalle.co.uk

LETTINGS

Craig Tower, E14

£230pw

Alboran Apartments, E3

£270pw

Ontario Tower, E14

£315pw

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

A large brand new luxurious west facing one bed apartment on the fourth floor of Caspian Wharf with Courtyard and Canal views. Balcony and 24 Hour Concierge. Next to Devons Road DLR.

Superb studio situated on the 18th floor of this stunning building, boasting fantastic views and would be perfect for a Canary Wharf or City professional. Lift, concierge and leisure facilities. Available 12th March 2012

Manchester Road, E14

Landmark East, E14

Baltimore Wharf, E14

£345pw

£395pw

£475pw

A spacious duplex two double bed apartment presented in excellent condition conveniently located a short walk to South Quay DLR and only 10 minutes walk to Canary Wharf Jubilee line via Wood Wharf, parking permit available.

Stunning one bedroom 39th floor east facing with views towards Canary Wharf and the 02 Arena. 24hr concierge, and residents’ gym. Moments walk to Heron Quay DLR and Canary Wharf Jubilee Line. Available 3rd March 2012.

Stunning brand new two bed two bath 9th floor apartment in eagerly awaited dockside development. Stunning garden views. Luxury living only moment’s walk to Canary Wharf and next to Crossharbour DLR. EARLY VIEWING RECOMMENDED!

Landmark West, E14

Landmark East, E14

Naxos Building, E14

£525 pw

Newly Available two bed apartment with dual aspect views West and North. 24hr concierge, and residents’ gym. Moments walk to Heron Quay DLR and Canary Wharf Jubilee Line. The apartment is available now, with or without parking.

£580pw

Stunning two bed two bath 35th floor north and east facing with dual aspect views towards Canary Wharf and the 02 Arena. 24hr concierge, and residents’ gym. Only moments walk to Heron Quay DLR and Canary Wharf Jubilee Line. Available now.

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

£950pw

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

dockland.sales@eu.jll.co.uk


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

LOUDRES LET

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

Fishguard Way, Royal Docks, E16

Locksons Close, Poplar, E14

Victory Place, Limehouse, E14

£189,950

£230,000

£325,000

Vermeer Court, Isle of Dogs, E14

Ionian Building, Narrow Street, E14

Tequila Wharf, Limehouse, E14

£369,999

£370,000

£425,000

Limekiln Wharf, Limehouse, E14

Dundee Wharf, Limehouse, E14

Brightlingsea Place, Narrow Street, E14

£450,000

£550,000

£1,100,000

• • • •

• • • •

• • • • •

One double bedroom River views Under ground car parking Balcony

Duplex apartment River views Car parking Two bedrooms

Two double bedrooms Wooden flooring throughout Two natural stone bathrooms Balcony

• • • •

• • • •

• • • •

One double bedroom Secure allocated car parking Gated development Immaculately presented

Large one bedroom Wood flooring Fully fitted kitchen Secure underground parking

Two double bedroms Two bathrooms Balcony River views

020 7538 9250

• • • •

• • • •

• • • •

One double bedroom Direct marina views Balcony Secure parking space

Two Bedrooms Two Bathrooms Two Balconies Secure Parking

Townhouse Three/Four Bedrooms Secure Parking Close to Canary Wharf

www.lourdes-estates.com

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


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

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

Ionian Building, Narrow Street, E14

Cumberland Mills, Isle of Dogs, E14

Milligan Street, Limehouse, E14

£400 per week

£400 per week

Berglen Court, Limehouse, E14

Dundee Wharf, Limehouse, E14

£450 per week

£500 per week

£575 per week

Three Colt Street, Limehouse, E14

Brightlingsea Place, Limehouse, E14

Ocean Wharf, Westferry Road, E14

£825 per week

£950 per week

£1100 per week

• • • •

• • • •

• • • •

One bedroom Direct river views Large private terrace Fourth floor

Two double bedrooms Two bathrooms Marina views Secure parking

Three bedroom townhouse Two reception rooms Private terrace Private garage

• • • •

• • • •

• • • •

020 7538 9250

Two double bedrooms Fully furnished Secure parking Close to Canary Wharf

Two double bedrooms Two bathrooms Secure parking Close to Canary Wharf

Four bedroom townhouse Secure parking Furnished/Unfurnished Close to Canary Wharf

• • • •

One bedroom 820 sq ft Fully furnished Secure parking

£400 per week

New Prov. Wharf, Canary Wharf, E14

• • • •

• • • •

Two double bedrooms Two bathrooms Valet parking Leisure facilities

Three bedroom penthouse River views Wrap around terrace Secure parking

www.lourdes-estates.com

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


New instructions for February

Orchard Place, E14

ÂŁPOA A beautifully presented top floor duplex warehouse conversion with a fantastic size open plan living area and kitchen with sliding partition for study/bedroom 2, shower room, walk in store cupboard and spiral staircase leading to bedroom with en-suite bathroom, second store room and access to balcony overlooking the river Thames and river Lee tributary, the property comes with a secure parking space and there is also a communal sun terrace with fantastic easterly views. The development is situated 550 metres from the East India DLR station, within 1 mile of both the Canary Wharf development and the London Excel centre. This property is offered to the market chain free.

New Providence Wharf, E14

ÂŁ474,995 With stunning views southwards across the River Thames and onto the 02 Arena this stylish two bedroom 8th floor apartment offers river views from both bedrooms and reception room which also has access to a balcony. The master bedroom features an en-suite shower room and there is also a main bathroom and modern kitchen with sliding doors to the reception room. Set in the highly sought after New Providence Wharf development which offers 24 hour concierge, a gymnasium, a swimming pool and a spa as well as valet parking. The development is situated approximately 250 metres from Blackwall DLR station and within 700 metres of the Canary Wharf estate offering an abundance of shops, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities as well as a Jubilee line underground station. City airport can also be found approximately 2.5 miles away, the property is offered to the market chain free.

Waterman Building, E14

ÂŁ469,995 A beautifully presented and re modernized two bedroom, ground floor apartment giving access onto the communal gardens looking onto the River Thames set within this ever popular private residential development which offers 24 hour porter, gymnasium and spa. The accommodation comprises; reception room, separate modern kitchen with utility room, shower room, master suite with bathroom and the property also comes with an allocated covered parking space. The Millennium Harbour development is situated within 400 metres of the Canary Wharf estate which offers an abundance of shops, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities as well as DLR and Jubilee line stations.

Estate Agents | Land & Development Consultants


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

Sales

Stanton House, SE16

£449,995 This fantastic two bedroom third floor apartment set within a private development nestled close to the river Thames offers spacious living accommodation comprising; open plan reception/dining/office (which could potentially provide a third bedroom) and modern kitchen, master bedroom with en-suite and main bathroom all in excellent condition. Stanton House offers a porter Monday to Saturday plus secure parking, set on the popular Rotherhithe Street and within 350 metres of the Hilton Docklands Nelson Dock Pier. Canada Water and Rotherhithe stations as well as the retail park can all be found within 0.75 miles of the property as well as many other local amenities including shops and restaurants.

Celtic Street, E14

£369,995 Situated looking across a small park this four bedroom town house offers spacious accommodation comprising; reception room, dining room, kitchen, utility room, shower room and bathroom spread across three floors. There is also an L shaped corner garden with potential to extend the existing property subject to relevant planning consents. This is an ideal property for families as it is surrounded by many local amenities such as schools and shopping facilities and the Langdon Park DLR station is approximately 400 metres away and Bromley By Bow Circle and Hammersmith and City line underground station is within 700 metres.

Quay View Apartments, E14

£399,995 Offering stunning views across the Millwall Dock is this beautifully refurbished, spacious two bedroom ground floor apartment, accommodation comprises; reception room with open plan modern kitchen and breakfast bar leading onto a dock facing sun terrace, master bedroom also with views of the dock with en-suite shower room and main bathroom. The property also benefits from a parking space and solid wood flooring to the reception area.

Estate Agents | Land & Development Consultants


Franklyn James

St George’s Sq., Limehouse, E14

£310,000

Park Heights, Limehouse, E14

Sales

£339,888

Chart House, Canary Wharf, E14

£359,995

Offered chain free, is this very spacious split level one bedroom apartment, located along Narrow Street, incorporating two Juliet balconies overlooking the well maintained grounds of the Square itself, along with a private garage car parking space.

Located very close to Narrow Street is this wonderfully presented apartment with two double bedrooms & two bathrooms within a recently built development with secure underground car parking space.

New to the market is this very spacious fifth floor, two double bedroom apartment within the much sought after Burrell’s Wharf Square development, incorporating pleasant courtyard views and two balconies with the addition of a secure allocated underground parking space.

Island Row, Limehouse, E14

£394,995

£475,000

New Prov. Wharf, Canary Wharf, E14 £459,950

Ocean Wharf, Isle of Dogs, E14

New to the market is this very spacious Top floor, three bedroom, apartment overlooking the Limehouse Cut Canal, within the much sought after Island Row development, incorporating far reaching views and two balconies with a secure, allocated underground parking space.

With views of the River Thames towards the Millennium/02 Dome, this wonderfully presented apartment on the 11th floor, with private balcony, valet parking, access to swimming pool & gym facilities, is available with no onward chain.

A very spacious 2nd floor, two double bedroom apartment, alongside the River Thames, within the much sought after Ocean Wharf development, incorporating far reaching west facing views across the river Thames and a large corner aspect balcony with a secure allocated parking space.

City Harbour, Canary Wharf, E14

The Listed Building, Wapping, E1W

Venus House, Isle of Dogs, E14

£574,900

Located moments away from Crossharbour DLR station with views overlooking the Millwall Outer Dock Harbour, is this very well presented 2nd floor, three double-bedroom apartment with three bathrooms, two west facing balconies & underground parking space.

Canary Wharf 020 7005 6080

£639,999

£6,500,000

Situated alongside the River Thames and positioned within a Grade II listed warehouse conversion with concierge & garage parking space is this wonderfully presented two double bedroom apartment with a large south facing private terrace & direct views across the River Thames.

A fantastic investment opportunity comprising of 18 (1, 2 & 3 bedroom) apartments and 9 car parking spaces with a going concern. This amazing high-yielding investment has the potential to return even more.

Bow 020 8983 2930

Limehouse 020 7791 1777

enquiries@franklynjames.co.uk

Sales • New Homes • Lettings • Property Management • Valuations


Franklyn James

Ontario Tower, Blackwall, E14

£310 pw

Orion Point, Isle of Dogs, E14

Lettings

£350 pw

Adriatic Building, Limehouse, E14

£385 pw

Studio suite on the 10th floor in the Landmark Ontario Tower development. The property is offered fully furnished and benefits from impressive views, 24 hour concierge and access to gym and spa facilities.

A great size one bedroom apartment with superb views overlooking the River Thames and within walking distance of Canary Wharf. The closest station is Mudchute DLR, offering easy access to both Canary Wharf & the City.

A bright two bedroom apartment located in the popular Mosaic development on the sought after Narrow Street. The property has a private balcony, secure parking space, 24 hour concierge and is close to Limehouse DLR station.

Royal Gate Apts., South Hackney, E9 £495 pw

Pump House, Rotherhithe, SE16

Drake House, Limehouse, E14

Situated in a popular Victorian school conversion in the heart of Victoria Park, is this spacious loft-style apartment. Finished to a high standard throughout, it boasts double-height ceilings and large sash windows, mezzanine area and secure off-street parking.

Extremely spacious three double bedroom apartment offered for rent in one of the most prestigious and sought after developments in Canada Water. Available furnished or unfurnished.

A unique three bed penthouse set within a gated development, situated in the heart of Limehouse just behind the vibrant Narrow Street. The apartment is split level with stunning river and marina views and secure parking.

Ability Place, Canary Wharf, E14

Bridge House, Canary Wharf, E14

41 Millharbour, Canary Wharf,

£900 pw

Stunning two bedroom/two bathroom apartment situated on the 18th floor of this modern development. The property has excellent panoramic views, secure parking, gym and 24 hour concierge.

Canary Wharf 020 7005 6080

£650 pw

£900 pw

A beautiful two double bedroom, first floor flat in a quiet apartment complex. The property boasts fantastic ‘Old World Style’ features throughout, high ceilings own private garden and parking.

Bow 020 8983 2930

£755 pw

£1,600 pw

A truly stunning two bedroom apartment situated alongside the River Thames boasting over 2000sq/ft of living space, built-in plasma TVs, panoramic views and a secure parking space.

Limehouse 020 7791 1777

enquiries@franklynjames.co.uk

Sales • New Homes • Lettings • Property Management • Valuations


London's Finest Properties

LETTINGS

Nebraska Building, Deals Gateway, SE13 • One Bedroom • Fully Furnished • 4th floor • Balcony • Allocated Parking • Nr. Deptford Bridge DLR

£220.00 per week

SALES

Michigan Building, Canary Wharf, E14 • One Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • 3rd floor • Balcony • 24hr Concierge Service • Nr. Blackwall DLR

£360.00 per week

Westgate Apartment, Excel, E16 • Two Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • 10th floor • On-Site Gymnasium • Concierge Service • Nr. Royal Victoria DLR

£385.00 per week

• Two Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • 6th floor • Balcony • 24hr Concierge Service • Nr. South Quay DLR

£450.00 per week

The Landmark, West Tower, E14

• One Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • 26th floor • Allocated Parking • 24hr Concierge Service • 5 Minutes Walk to Canary Wharf

• Two Bedroom Apartment • Fully Furnished • 2nd floor • Balcony • Secure Underground Parking • Nr. Limehouse DLR

Denison House, Lanterns Court, Canary Wharf, E14 • Attractive Investment opportunity • 1 bed / 1 bath • 2nd floor • Concierge and gym • Moments from South Quay DLR and Canada Square

£289,999

Denison House, Lanterns Court, Canary Wharf, E14

• Attractive Investment opportunity -5.9% rental yield • 1 bed / 1 bath, 3rd floor • Concierge and gym • Moments from South Quay DLR and Canada Square

£299,999

Marina Heights, Basin Approach, E14

£575.00 per week

• 1 bed /1bath apartment • 10th floor • Balcony • Views to Olympic park • Moments from DLR • Concierge and gym

£229,950

£425.00 per week

Gainsborough House, Canary Wharf, E14

Westgate Apartments, Royal Docks, E16

Sugar House, Leman Street, City, E1

• 3rd floor • 1 bedroom / 1 bathroom apartment • Stunning warehouse restoration • Elegant period features fused with contemporary design • Moments from DLR and underground

£435,000

Aquarius House, St George Wharf, SW8

• Stunning 2 bed / 2 bath apartment • Prestigious riverside development • 9th floor • Spectacular city / Canary Wharf views • Exceptional transport links

£569,950

Sugar House, Leman Street, City, E1

• Immaculate 1st floor ex-show apt. • Two bedroom/two bathroom • Interior designed • Exceptional specification • Secure underground parking • Moments from the City and tube

£1,080,000

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

Central London 020 7582 7989

West London 020 8896 9990

Finchley 020 8446 9524

Docklands 020 7476 0125

Deptford & Greenwich 020 8692 2244


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CAMdEN PARK ROAd, CHISLEHURST, KENT BR7 A magnificent new home on an exclusive private road overlooking Chislehurst golf course which offers approximately 7800 sq ft of sumptuous accommodation including seven bedrooms and seven bathrooms and a range of leisure and reception rooms with a premium specification. This opulent property which provides a gym and home cinema occupies a south westerly plot of almost half an acre and has an outdoor pool and summerhouse.

£3,450,000

WILdERNESS ROAd, CHISLEHURST, KENT BR7 Wilderness Road is considered one of the most sought after locations in the Bromley Borough and Beechwood is a truly impressive property which enjoys an enviable position occupying a ¾ acre plot. To compliment the extensive accommodation which includes five bedrooms and three principle reception rooms is a 2000 sq ft basement floor prepared for a gym and home cinema with large entertainment areas in addition to a superb indoor heated pool complex.

£4,500,000

UNIQUE is a Specialist Division of Langford Russell

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

Offices Also At: Beckenham & Bromley

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


River Habitat RiverHabitat.co.uk

Eaton House, Canary Riverside, E14 RIVER VIEW FLAT WITH EASY CANARY WHARF WALK

1 West India Quay, Hertsmere Road, E14 SUPERB LUXURY DUPLEX APARTMENT IN SOUGHT AFTER BUILDING

■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

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5th Floor, F 1,692 Sq. Ft. beautiful three, double bedroom apartment Stunning views up of river due west Portered Building, Lifts, 24 Hour Security. Next to Virgin Active Gym Parking space. Available NOW

13th & 14th Floors. U/F 1,670 Sq. Ft. Duplex Apartment Easy walk into Canary Wharf Portered Building, Lifts, 24 Hour Security. Next to LA Fitness Secure Underground Car Parking Space

£900 p/w

£900 p/w

Keepier Wharf, Narrow Street, E14 FANTASTIC RIVERVIEW FLAT WITH EASY CANARY WHARF WALK

The Zenith, Commercial Road, E14 LOVELY VIEWS LOOKING ONTO LIMEHOUSE BASIN

■■ 1,704 Sq. Ft. beautiful two, double bedroom Warehouse

■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

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Conversion Ground Floor perched on the rivers edge Juliet Balcony with Breathtaking view Parking space

£1,150,000 LHD

900 q. Ft. b two double bedroom apartment View onto Limehouse Marina from 6th Floor Open plan Kitchen to Living Area Balcony and one undergound Parking Space

£450,000 LHD

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


the smart way to BUY or SELL your property

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work smarter, not harder. T: 020 7499 3434 M: 078 3146 5414 simon@simonbarnes.com www.simonbarnes.com


Kennet Street, Wapping E1W 2JJ 2 Bedroom top floor apartment within this popular modern development. Fitted kitchen. Bathroom. Garage plus parking space. Views over communal gardens. Situated close to Tower Hill and the City. Within easy access to Canary Wharf. ‘Waitrose’ supermarket is nearby. Close to the historic St Katharine’s Dock.

Price: £379,990

Norway Place, Limehouse E14 7HT Situated within easy access to Canary Wharf & the City. This 2 double bedroom 1st floor apartment has been refurbished to a good standard. Fitted kitchen. Reception. bathroom. Allocated parking. Limehouse Docklands Light Railway is nearby. Must be viewed promptly to avoid disappointment.

Price: £299,995

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


Hermitage Waterside, Wapping E1W 1YD Newly refurbished three double bedroom two bathroom townhouse arranged over three floors set in this conveniently located, modern style development situated in west Wapping. The property is offered furnished and further benefits use of a large garage. Hermitage Waterside benefits is a short walk from the local amenities including Waitrose super store, Fitness First gym and St Katharine’s Dock It also allows easy access to both The City and Canary Wharf with Tower Gateway and Tower Hill station within just a short walk. Price: £895 pw

Three Colts Lane, Limehouse E14 8AP Modern built 3 storey house. 3 Bedroom plus mezzanine study. Terrace with river views. Close to the Docklands Light Railway & within easy access to Canary Wharf.

Price: £895 pw

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


IEstatE

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

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Selling Agents:

020 8104 1111

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

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PART EXCHANGE AVAILABLE**

These wonderful new homes in Ipswich encompass cutting-edge design, aspirational detail and magnificent vistas. Embracing modern living, a seamless ease is created, providing the perfect backdrop for busy family life, entertaining, quiet evenings in and lazy summer days in the garden. Charles Church brings you these fantastic 5 bedroom detached houses, built with design in mind. 5 bedroom designs from £392,000

LATITUDE, ALNESBOURN CRESCENT, IPSWICH, IP3 9UX Marketing Suite and Showhome open: Thursday to Sunday 10.30am-5.30 pm, Monday 11.30am-5.30pm To find out more, visit: www.charleschurch.com Please call 01473 272449

Quote: GRAND DESIGN to receive £20,000 discount and a free gift* Imagery shows showhome at Latitude, Ipswich. * When you reserve, not available in conjunction with any other offer. ** Subject to terms and conditions, please see sales executive for more information.


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Well connected...

CANARY WHARF

I 17 M

Ns

Connectingyou TO theCITY Lewisham Station

London Bridge 8 Mins

Canary Wharf 17 Mins

London City Airport 29 Mins

Train times source: TFL website

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

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

*Price based on 1 bed apartment.

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Register your interest today Visit our website

centralparkliving.co.uk Call Our Sales Line

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

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CENTRAL2 to 60123


Exclusive homes. Exclusive lifestyle. Both available from Berkeley.

Request your copy now! Visit our website now to download the latest copy of The Collection, which has full details of Berkeley’s outstanding homes in forty locations across London and the South East. You can also find out more about the exclusive Berkeley lifestyle in the first edition of the new Berkeley Magazine. Alternatively you can request a printed copy by email: collection@berkeleygroup.co.uk

www.berkeleyhomes.co.uk/request9 Proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of companies

Our vision for your future


For more information please visit

www.gillingham-marina.co.uk/residential

2, 3 & 4 bedroom apartments and penthouses

highest specification - gated security - lifts to all floors

underground secure parking - river & marina views

for reservations and viewing call 01634 280088



HIRSH L O N D O N

BRIDGE COLLECTION HANDMADE IN PLATINUM

Famous For Engagement Rings www.hirshlondon.com

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

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