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CONTENTS 12
68
Rock ‘n’ Royal
A Vision in White
Mike Peake reflects on the role, and reception, of the Royal Family in 21st century Britain
From Vivienne Westwood to Matthew Williamson and Jenny Packham, feel like a princess on your wedding day
16
98
It’s A Kind Of Magic
Preaching to the Converted
Annabel Harrison gains an insight into the process behind creating Harrods’ extraordinary window displays
On the automotive catwalk, the DB9 is the supermodel. Matthew Carter gets to know the best-looking car in town
21 Brit Young Things Avril Groom explores the rising profile and industry impact of London’s rising fashion design stars
24 The Next Day Carol Cordrey reports on the V&A’s new exhibition about British music legend David Bowie
10
Editor’s Letter
32
Spotlight On...
36
Local Profile
39
Art & Antiques
47
Collection
61
Fashion
84
Interiors
98
Motoring
103
Travel
119
Drinking & Dining
124
London Living
131
Property
March/April Cover: Image courtesy of Aston Martin Preaching to the Converted (p. 98); On the automotive catwalk, the Aston Martin DB9 is the supermodel. Matthew Carter gets to know the best-looking car in town
- 19 March BADA Antiques & Fine Art Fair, SW3
APRIL 2013 s Issue 014 Editor Annabel Harrison Contributing Editors Richard Brown, Gemma Taylor
March - 11 August David Bowie is (at V&A)
Editorial Assistants Olivia Sharpe Natalie Bollu, Alice Todman Senior Designer Sophie Blain Production Hugo Wheatley, Alex Powell Brand Consistency Hiren Chandarana, Laddawan Juhong
March Varsity Boat Race
Editor-in-Chief Lesley Ellwood Editorial Director Kate Harrison Head of Finance Elton Hopkins
Art Spotlight: original Bambi artworks at Walton Fine Arts
Associate Publisher Sophie Roberts
April Easter Monday
Client Relationship Director Felicity Morgan-Harvey General Manager Fiona Fenwick Managing Director Eren Ellwood
P R I N T E D I N G R E AT B R I TA I N
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From the EDITOR This time last year, a wave of Anglomania was sweeping not only across London but also throughout the UK; the eyes of the world were upon us. The Diamond Jubilee, and a celebratory four-day weekend, was on the horizon, just a year after the glorious Royal Wedding, and London 2012, much-anticipated and debated, was about to step onto the global stage. All three events made one thing very clear; it’s great to be British. 2013 may not include any national events on quite the same scale but nonetheless we have deemed it fitting, as a London publication, to celebrate once again industries in which Brits excel, and where to start? Confirming that London’s architecture is second to none, I stayed at The Ampersand Hotel, housed in a beautiful Victorian building in South Kensington (p. 110) and just a stone’s throw from the spectacular V&A and Natural History Museums. I also delve into the process behind creating window displays for Harrods’ iconic façade (p. 16) and Mike Peake takes a closer look at the Royal Family’s place in 21st century Britain (p. 12). A centuries-long tapestry of history has bequeathed us with a rich cultural heritage and top of the must-see list this month is David Bowie is, in partnership with Gucci, at the V&A, starting on 23 March (p. 24). The Royal Borough is currently playing host to exhibitions by many renowned British artists and photographers including Dylan Izaak, David Yarrow and Bridget Leaman, as well as the upcoming Chelsea Art Fair. If there’s one other cultural tranche, though, that makes visitors to the UK green with envy it is our literary history, which is “simply unbeatable”; take a ‘literatour’ of our green and pleasant land to find out why (p. 106). Innovative craftsmanship and design of the highest quality are also areas in which we are both well practised and well respected worldwide. Avril Groom explores the boom in Brit fashion design talent (p. 21) and in Collection (from p. 47) we look at the newest products from the leading British watch and jewellery makers. On a bigger scale are our magnificent motoring marques and in the year of its centenary, we celebrate Aston Martin (p. 98).
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Editor
Annabel Harrison Follow us on Twitter @KandCMagazine or email KCeditor@runwildgroup.co.uk with any comments
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Swiss movement, English heart
Made in Switzerland / Sellita SW200-1 self-winding movement / 38 hour power reserve / 42mm marine-grade 316L stainless steel case and deployment bracelet / Water resistant to 300 metres / 4mm anti-reflective sapphire crystal / Deep-etched back-plate engraving
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Rock ‘N ’
Royal
MIKE PEAKE explores the concept and function of the British Royal Family in 21st century Britain; what has changed in the past two decades and is it keeping pace with our fast-moving nation?
FEATURE
IT’S A FICKLE THING, popularity (ask a Spice Girl); one minute it can make you feel on top of the world and the next it can leave you struggling for a mention in the Spotted column in heat magazine. The Royal Family has always been big news but its public opinion ratings have see-sawed since journals first started chronicling the exploits of King Charles I in the 1600s. The reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has certainly been something of a rollercoaster ride; her famous ‘annus horribilis’ in 1992 saw an end to the marriages of three of her children and the release of Andrew Morton’s Diana: Her True Story, which painted the monarchy in a very unflattering light. Then Windsor Castle caught fire. Tellingly, the blaze at the Queen’s Berkshire lodgings was perhaps the only time all year that
the turn of the Millennium saw the Queen’s memorable Golden Jubilee celebrations and the coming of age of her two grandsons. Things were on the up. By 2012, public opinion was back to those mid80s glory levels, with 69 per cent of us stating that we’d be worse off without the Royal Family. In the US, a staggering 82 per cent of Americans say that they have a favourable opinion of the Queen. London 2012’s Olympic and Paralympic Games, Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee and now the promise of a royal baby has made for an almost flawless 12 months at Buckingham Palace. But it’s been a little longer in the making. Just as politicians employ spin doctors to try and put a shine on things, so the Royal Family has its advisors. The ‘re-imagining’ – to coin a movie term – of
there was a sympathetic nod towards the Royal Family; the rest of the time the Royals seemed distant and discontented with their lot, which never goes down well with a public charged with paying their (not insubstantial) wages. Princess Diana’s tragic death in 1997 seemed to galvanise public opinion against the Royal Family, especially after the furore about flags at half-mast and the Queen’s slow return to London from Balmoral. Diana, the renegade royal who did it her own way, became the heroine of the piece and the rest of her estranged family the villain. How could the royals ever bounce back? Perhaps things were never quite as bad as they seemed. Popularity ratings show that the anti-royalists have never actually taken the upper hand in modern polls, although there was certainly a steady decline in royal approval ratings since the glory days of the mid 1980s, following the wedding of Charles and Diana, when around 70 per cent of the British public said we’d be worse off without them. The 90s were the doldrums, but
the modern Royal Family has witnessed the birth of a leaner, more stripped-down ensemble in these austere economic times, and also a far more human one. The Queen’s ‘skydiving’ stunt alongside Daniel Craig at London 2012’s Opening Ceremony would have been unthinkable 15 years ago but it captured the lively, fun atmosphere of the moment. The concert on the Mall two months earlier had seen a glorious blend of musical legends and emerging talent and a foot-stomping Royal Family was right in the thick of it. Somehow, inexplicably, even Prince Harry’s roguish partying in Las Vegas worked out okay in the end. It’s as if the royal ivory tower has been quietly dismantled. “The monarchy has always adapted itself to contemporary circumstances,” says Vernon Bogdanor, a constitutional expert and professor at King’s College London. “I think it has become what I call a public service monarchy.” He reasons that the Queen’s savvy efforts to keep the family in tune with modern Britain
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– as well as her tireless charity work – have very much safeguarded its future. Adding to the Queen’s run of recent good fortune was her granddaughter Zara’s marriage to rugby player Mike Tindall, the promising military careers of William and Harry and, perhaps most potently of all, the addition of a certain Middleton family to royal engagements. Fittingly, they seem gloriously ‘normal’, a family to whom
The downside of such a popular set of young royals, however, is that poor Charles is struggling to get a look in. In recent polls 48 per cent of respondents thought that the crown should bypass him and go straight to William but 39 per cent still think The Prince Of Wales should have his day and his now-famous ‘Mummy’ speech at the Diamond Jubilee concert cast him in a new, warmer light. “When Charles says ‘mummy’ it is endearing because it humanises both him and The Queen,” says The Guardian writer Lucy Mangan. “He should do it more often. It is, after all, a lot harder to revolt against a cuddly mother and son than a remote, unsmiling monarch and successor.” Although I would perhaps not go as far as Mangan, the Queen does indeed seem less remote, and even perhaps more smiley, as the decades progress.
A new ruling will ensure that William and Kate’s baby will one day take the throne even if it turns out to be a girl most of us can relate. Writing in The Spectator just before Christmas, daughter Pippa said that festivities at the family home in Bucklebury would doubtless include the appearance of her father in a new Christmas costume. “He buys a new one each year and typically gets a bit carried away,” she said. “A couple of Christmases ago he appeared in an inflatable sumo outfit.” The world, of course, is watching, and nodding along approvingly. The Daily Telegraph writer Harry Mount argues that the reason our Royal Family is the most popular in the world is because of its rich historical roots. “The Habsburgs ruled over much larger parts of Europe; the Ottoman Empire, too,” he says. “The Roman Empire – even the Greek one – had control over more high-profile Continental European cities. But they are all gone, while ours lingers on.” Yet there are changes afoot – and not just the fact that the Queen’s Speech this year was broadcast for the first time in 3D. With a Royal Family that seems more relevant and progressive than ever, it’s little wonder, perhaps, that the time now seems right for a change in the succession laws. A new ruling this year will ensure that William and Kate’s baby will one day take the throne even if it turns out to be a girl. All 16 of the Commonwealth realms have approved the move.
Top: Mr Pics / Shutterstock.com Right, from top: s Andy Lidstone / Shutterstock.com McCarthy’s PhotoWorks / Shutterstock.com
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HURLINGHAM 8TH/9TH/10TH JUNE 2012
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08/03/2013 12:42:38
The Wizard of Oz window display, 2009
FEATURE
It’s A Kind Of
Magic ANNABEL HARRISON speaks to Harrods’ store image director Mark Briggs to find out more about the Brompton Road institution and the process behind the creation of its famous window displays
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I WAS MESMERISED. A piano that played by itself; opera singers performing by the escalators; an entire hall dedicated to multi-coloured sweets; enormous safari animals in the form of cuddly toys; and a miniature, lipstick-red Ferrari. A trip was never complete without a visit to the bookshop, a slice of chocolate cake from the Dress Circle Restaurant and craning my neck in the car on the way home to glimpse the fairy-lit building. That was when I was ten. Now, pit stops are for champagne or browsing in the Fine Watch Room rather than for jelly beans or the pet store and I am brought to a standstill by the eye-catching window displays, notably the spectacular Chanel: Une Promenade and Swarovski’s Crystal Christmas. Mark Briggs has similar memories to mine; “I was 16 years old when I first saw Harrods on a school field trip and I remember walking around in awe. I think it’s because we are so many things as a business; this wonderful and unique building, which has so much history and heritage behind it, started as a teashop and has ended up as the glorious palace that it is in Knightsbridge today.” The Disney Princess window displays towards the end of 2012 captured an essence of Harrods that visitors young and old seem to appreciate; both brands see themselves as retail entertainment empires and Mark agrees that the store is a bit like an adult, or luxury, Disneyland; “Whether it’s eating, drinking, shopping and
being entertained or looking at the puppies, before you know it you’ve been here all day.” Although the store may be under international ownership, and has been for decades, it was founded by an Englishman – by the name of Charles Henry Harrod – and it is a cornerstone of the Royal Borough. Whether it’s to your taste or not (quite frankly, it’s so expansive and all-encompassing that you can surely find something to tickle your fancy), it is an undeniably iconic Londoner, in the world of buildings. The wave of Anglophilia that has been sweeping worldwide, injected with oomph by the almighty triptych of the Royal Wedding, Diamond Jubilee and London 2012, has given the store a renewed must-visit status: “Let’s face it,” Mark smiles, “the British were sceptical about the Olympics but of course we did a first class job and it made people feel proud to be British. There is no country in the world which does ceremony like we do.” Mark’s role, as his job title of Store Image Director suggests, is multifaceted, but “I think I’ve got one of the best jobs in the world; two days are never alike.” After a stint as a trainee window dresser, and a brief hiatus from Harrods, he started off as visual director, taking charge of the windows and the look and feel of the store. “As my career has progressed I’ve taken on more responsibility on the press and marketing side of things... The brand philosophy and understanding the DNA of Harrods are also important parts of my role.” Harrods’ motto is to appeal to a global audience and to be “all things for all people everywhere”; I find this a rather ambitious aim in its scope but when you consider it in terms of customer satisfaction, it makes more sense. Mark explains that “every new member of staff is told that this is what we do; anything is possible. If you want it, you’ve got it. Nine times out of ten, touch wood, we make it happen.” This attitude extends to window displays (which more often than not won’t fail to stop both busy Londoners and passing tourists in their tracks); “Harrods is the most amazing stage in the world for brands. We have a unique way of being creative and what’s key is that we present it in a different way each time we do it.” Eight major store themes run for between four and six weeks and the team works a year in advance. For the Chanel display in September 2011 – which Mark deems “a great collaboration and hugely successful” – “it was a case of a blank piece of paper and what should we do?” Mark’s favourite displays over the years include The Wizard of Oz set “where we turned the store green into the Emerald City. For some mad reason we built a pair of legs wearing sparkly red shoes sticking outside the store”. Swarovski also ranks highly, as does Disney. Mark concludes by surmising that “at the end of the day my job is to make sure that the experiences of magic are still fulfilled for whatever age you are.” Given that the next big project is a Great Gatsby window display, arriving mid April and taking up the length of the Brompton Road side – “it’ll be one big party with giant balloons, dancers in costume and live confetti canons in the window” – it seems the magic is set to continue. harrods.com
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FEATURE
“Harrods is the most amazing stage in the world for brands. We have a unique way of being creative and what’s key is that
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FEATURE
Young Things
In the last decade, London’s talented young designers have shown off their stellar style on a global stage to quite astounding effect. AVRIL GROOM explains why British fashion means business
Above/ Nicholas Kirkwood
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ritish fashion design has changed beyond all recognition over the past decade. It has always been highly creative but for years it laboured under the “noncommercial” label; buyers for big international stores, who needed to know their stock would arrive on time, felt that British designers were unreliable, both on quality and deliveries. They would buy a few interesting pieces to make a headline-grabbing window display but never expected British fashion to be a good seller on the store rails. Our design was frankly amateur and not very grown up. You never hear that criticism today. The current generation of British designers are thorough professionals, their designs made to equal the quality of anything with an Italian or French label, and often in the same factories, though pieces handmade in small British workshops have even more cachet. True, our designers lack the big backing of international luxury houses, though that is changing; a majority share in Christopher Kane’s firm has been snapped up by the Gucci Group, the first such coup for a British designer since Alexander McQueen and Stella McCartney partnered with the same group in the early 2000s. But independence makes British designers more desirable in retail terms; they do not have vast and identical stores around the world, so consumers who seek them out feel they are buying individuality, and designers such as Erdem and Roland Mouret regularly make more of this by creating special capsule collections for individual stores. Even talented fledgling designers quickly find themselves sought out by stores in emerging markets around the world. So how has British fashion gone from being slightly flaky to a major industry force in a relatively short time? Debate has raged for years about how the flow of British-based fashion talent should be handled, and how it should be funded; whether British art colleges should teach business nous along with exploring creativity, and whether government should help fund British fashion as a potential source of employment, or leave it to the industry. The certainty is that British colleges have established reputations as the world’s best for making fashion designers flower and now attract talented students from around the world, many of whom join our industry. Among our current top
names are designers from Turkey (via Canada), Serbia, Georgia, Belgium, Brazil and Afghanistan. Yet it is widely recognised that young talent needs help, both practical and advice, and the response is a co-ordinated effort by many facets of the industry, which involves huge sponsorship from a thriving and uniquely British area: the high street. From a young designer’s first collection at Graduate Fashion Week, which is sponsored by George at Asda and is where international commercial companies come to find new design employees, he or she enters a support system that has no equal elsewhere. It can help them build a successful business as well as a hot reputation and includes awards of serious money. From mentoring by established top designers, through expert advice on finding the right factory for production, to the offer of reasonable-rent studio space at the Centre for Fashion Enterprise (partly EU-funded), designers have a good start and then progress to a stepby-step process created by the British Fashion Council and a host of sponsors. At every stage these awards, judged by top industry professionals, are taken seriously and greatly boost careers. Even the most junior, the BFC/Elle Talent Launchpad, which is for businesses under three years old and gives access to marketing, press and retail advice, is creating names with two current winners, Sophie Hulme, known for her square-cut, hardwaretrimmed bags, and Saloni, known for fluid prints, already selling at top stores. Virtually every top name in British fashion, from Alexander McQueen and Julien Macdonald on, has been a recipient of Top Shop’s NewGen award, going strong after 12 years, which helps fund shows and exhibitions as well as business mentoring. Current bright spark recipients include Simone Rocha with her craftworked lace and modernist shapes, JW Anderson’s wearable experimentation and Lucas Nascimento’s elegantly technical knitwear, all now breaking into the big time and the hottest names to watch. About five years ago the BFC recognised that young fashion businesses need help with staying power, and launched two new awards for growing brands. Fashion Forward, sponsored by eBay, helps with shows and advice for brands over three years old with a turnover under £1 million. 2013 winners are David Koma, Holly Fulton and Michael van der Ham, already on the next rung with top-level stores and production, following in the footsteps of designers like Kane, Erdem and Jonathan Saunders. Top prize is the BFC/Vogue
Current bright spark recipients of the NewGen award include Simone Rocha and JW Anderson
Products, from left/ Nicholas Kirkwood heels; Alexander McQueen Union Jack clutch and embellished jacket; Sophie Hulme navy clutch and case; Stella McCartney dress
FEATURE
Designer Fashion Fund, worth £200,000 for business development, and won in 2013 by an accessories designer for the first time; Nicholas Kirkwood, whose vision for footwear is unique and highly successful. It takes patience; Kirkwood has been nominated every year since the award began in 2010 and has seen Erdem, Kane and Saunders win before him. But their success will spur him on; all are now part of British fashion’s globally recognised New Establishment. Kirkwood already has shops in London and New York and is well on his way to being a worldwide brand; he also designs for Italian shoe brand Pollini. For having talent and great design is one thing; selling it on the global market is another. Here the BFC has put in place the last part of the jigsaw; the London Rooms, a travelling fair for the best emerging British names to sell each season in the most important
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markets – Paris, Hong Kong, New York and Los Angeles. Launched in Paris in 2008, the London Rooms have not only helped British designers to sell in real terms but have raised our young designers’ profile worldwide. Now these designers are rising to the challenge of competing with the best on the world stage.
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The Next Day His extraordinarily creative talent has presented a culturally cool image across the globe for five decades and involved designers working in fashion, sound, graphics, theatre and film. This is all fully explored by the V&A Museum’s new retrospective, David Bowie is, in partnership with Gucci, reports CAROL CORDREY MOST OF US WOULD not usually see a rock star and a museum as natural bedfellows but the pioneering performer David Bowie is as far from usual as it is possible to be. The exhibition presents more than 300 objects including handwritten lyrics, original costumes, photography, set designs, album artwork, performance archives and Bowie’s own sketches and diaries. Together these chart the evolution of the musically talented boy from Brixton who was born in January 1947 as David Robert Jones. He grew to love jazz as a young teenager and had lessons to learn how to play the saxophone, moving later to a guitar – the first sign of his genius for reinventing himself. The story continues with his involvement with various bands and his adoption of the stage name David Bowie in 1966. He rose to international fame in the 70s through the androgynous alter ago Ziggy Stardust and an innovative style of music that suited his gravelly voice. Ziggy spearheaded a hugely influential cult of popular culture that encompassed flamboyant bodysuits, designed by Freddie Burretti, that remained for decades in the public consciousness through iconic photographs. Endlessly experimental, Bowie wrote and performed various styles of music and revelled in the array of costumes, hairstyles, make-up and album covers that matched each facet of
his burgeoning but very individual career. Great success emerged in the USA through his single, Fame and the album Young Americans, and more musical acclaim and popularity followed in the 1980s, particularly through the massive hit Let’s Dance. Bowie’s historic, theatrical performances reveal a musician-cum-actor who delighted in being the varied characters he created: “Offstage I’m a robot. On stage I achieve emotion. It’s probably why I prefer dressing up… to being David.” Endless character changes along with drug abuse took their toll, however, and resulted in mental and physical ill health. Bowie stopped touring a decade ago and seemed to almost fade from view after 2006 yet, such was his superstar status, his records continued to sell by the million. Suddenly, at the age of 66 and seemingly in the dead of night, Bowie added another chapter to his remarkable story by reinventing himself once more. Still looking lean and alluring with those distinctive, chiselled facial features and mop of hair, his single Where Are We Now? leapt into the UK’s Top Ten in January. His appearance may be more conventional and his voice may be a little more husky than in his youth but it reaches the high notes as required and communicates the theme of reflection through its haunting lyrics and gentle rhythm. Bowie’s album, The Next Day, is imminent and knowing the genius of Bowie, the next chapter is about to surprise us yet again and in the very near future. Now how cool is that? David Bowie is, in partnership with Gucci 23 March – 11 August vam.ac.uk
Original photography for the Earthling album cover; Union Jack coat designed by Alexander McQueen in collaboration with David Bowie © Frank W Ockenfels
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The Man Who Fell to Earth
Photography courtesy of The David Bowie Archive 2012 © STUDIOCANAL Films
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spotlight
THE WALL OF EMPIRE Street artist Bambi, hailed by many as the ‘female Banksy’, has unveiled a new portrait of the Duchess of Cambridge. Bambi doesn’t seem to fit the stereotype of the cynical artist; she aims to amuse and has also taken HM the Queen, David Beckham and Amy Winehouse as subjects, suggesting a distinctly British aesthetic to her work. Bambi’s graffiti portrait is in direct contrast to Paul Emsley’s much criticised official painting of the Duchess, recently revealed at the National Portrait Gallery. Perhaps the young artist’s tongue-in-cheek sense of fun is more in keeping with the young royal couple’s personalities than Emsley’s traditional approach? Walton Fine Arts is the exclusive agent for all original Bambi artworks. 152-154 Walton Street, SW3 2JJ; waltonfinearts.com
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Illustration: Mai Osawa
THE ROYAL
BOROUGH The Great Outdoors What’s On: The Victoria and Albert Museum While the V&A will no doubt be inundated with ardent David Bowie fans from 23 March and onwards, following the opening of the David Bowie is exhibition, there are still plenty of other events taking place at the museum for those of you less intrigued by Bowie. Due to the Serpentine Gallery being under refurbishment from 7 April, the V&A has stepped into the breach and will be holding some of the gallery’s events including a talk given by artist Peter Fischli on 2 April. Rock on Top of Another Rock will explore the history of stones and rocks in art. It is dedicated to Fischli’s own installation which he did in collaboration with David Weiss before Weiss’s death, which currently sits in Kensington Gardens. To celebrate Easter, the V&A is also inviting families to visit the Imagination Station where they can invent their own coat of arms on a flag or shield using symbols found either in the museum or in your children’s imagination. Finally, the museum will be adding to its current Beatrix Potter collection with Beatrix Potter and the Beautiful Satin Waistcoat which is on display until 15 September. The English writer sought inspiration for The Tailor of Gloucester directly from the V&A, with the illustrations of the Mayor’s coat and embroidered waistcoat being attributable to those in her local museum’s 18th century costume displays.
What you see is what you get with artist Mary Newcomb. Her artwork is drawn directly from her surroundings which are always rural: a brace of pheasants, a herd of cows, farmers in the field, or perhaps abandoned farm machinery. We consider Newcomb’s art unpretentious and charming. From the end of April until the start of June, 40 of her paintings, drawings and watercolours will be on display at the Crane Kalman Gallery and many will be available to purchase. 25 April – 1 June Crane Kalman Gallery, 178 Brompton Road, SW3 1HQ cranekalman.com From top/All Mary Newcomb (1922 – 2008) At The End of the Day, 1973 Oil on board, 40 ¼ x 35 inches Golden Pheasants, 1982 Oil on board, 19 5/8 x 33 5/8 inches Poppies, 1985 Oil on canvas, 29 ½ x 30 inches
Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL 020 7942 2000; vam.ac.uk Fischli/Weiss. Installation view, Rock on Top of Another Rock 2012, Serpentine Gallery, London (7 March 2013 - 6 March 2014) © Peter Fischli David Weiss Photography: 2013 Morley von Sternberg
SPOTLIGHT ON... THE ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON & CHELSEA: NEWS, EVENTS, REVIEWS & LOCAL INTEREST STORIES
SPOTLIGHT
The Theatre of One Artist First it was the Saatchi Gallery with its two ground-breaking exhibitions on Russian art which ran parallel with each other last December. This was followed shortly afterwards by a whole week dedicated to the work of Russian artists in galleries, auction sales and exhibitions across the capital. Now, exhibitor Lyes & Jones is joining the fray of those attempting to raise the prominence of Russian art in contemporary culture by showcasing the work of Russian born hypersurrealist Arina at the 20th Century Theatre. Her artwork shall be available to buy at the exhibition. ARINA: The Theatre of One Artist, 16-20 April 20th Century Theatre, 291 Westbourne Grove, W11 2QA 20thcenturytheatre.com
A Gala for St. George The St. George’s Flag (the patriotic emblem of our nation) was taken up by the City of London and England in 1190; a red cross on a white field, the symbol benefited those ships entering the Mediterranean from the protection of the Genoese fleet during the Crusades. Following this, the establishment of George as a Western saint was officially marked by the elevation of his feast at a church council in 1415 on the date now commonly associated with his martyrdom, 23 April. While the Christian Church continues to commemorate this day with a feast, we have since adopted other ways to celebrate the occasion including the Royal Albert Hall’s special gala event which is taking place on 21 April. Presented by Chris Hollins, the evening is a truly British affair with a host of English music classics such as Land of Hope and Glory, Rule Britannia and the Chariots of Fire theme tune, along with readings of poems by John Betjeman and William Wordsworth. 3pm on Sunday 21 April Royal Albert Hall Kensington Gore SW7 2AP royalalberthall.com
Crossrail 2 Promises King’s Road Station News that the proposed Crossrail 2 transport route is one step closer to fruition (following a stamp of approval from Mayor Boris Johnson) has been warmly received by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Crossrail 2 (dubbed the ‘Chelsea-Hackney Line’) would run from Surrey to Hertfordshire, linking Chelsea to the West End and national transport hub Clapham Junction and including a much-longed for station on the King’s Road. With many areas in Chelsea lying far from tube links and previous polls expressing support, the proposal is expected to be popular. Councillor Nick Paget-Brown urged residents to put forward their viewpoints, saying: “We will want to hear again what our residents and businesses think and plan to take every opportunity to consult with them.” rbkc.gov.uk
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The Grass is Greener T With continued talks about the state of our ecosystem and the risks of global warming, more and more companies are recognising the importance of corporate social responsibility as a means of growth. A Sustainable Restaurant Association Award has therefore become a highly coveted prize among restaurant owners and this year’s Most Improved Sustainability category winner was Babylon Restaurant at the Roof Gardens. The restaurant has implemented various initiatives that made it a deserving winner including formal energy and water reduction targets. The menu is also regularly changed to reflect seasonal produce predominantly sourced from the UK. Delighted about the win, Head Chef Ian Howard said: “This award reinforces the importance of being sustainably aware and ensuring that these practices are measurable, something we work hard at Babylon to put into place along with our local community engagement programme.” ager, r Avis, Restaurant Man Second from left/ Pete c f and Raymond Blan Ian Howard, Head Che
6th Floor, The Roof Gardens, 99 Kensington High Street, W8 5SA roofgardens.virgin.com
Race Against the Clock The UK’s biggest cycling event has been set for 3 and 4 August following an announcement in February by Mayor of London Boris Johnson and double Olympic Gold medallist Laura Trott. The event is set to attract an incredible 70,000 cyclists, highlighting the number of active cyclists in the UK as well as attracting thousands of visitors to London and Surrey. Sunday 4 August has been assigned to the Prudential Ride London-Surrey 100 and the Prudential Ride London-Surrey Classic race for professional male cyclists and their designated routes will come through Kensington and Chelsea. Therefore, while this promises to be an exciting and worthwhile event for all those riders and spectators involved, Councillor Nick Paget-Brown has warned members of the borough that there will naturally be major disruptions to roads and public transport. The length of road closures will depend on its location so, to see a map of the entire route, visit the website. prudentialridelondon.co.uk
Contemporary Theatre Greats The Royal Court is staging The Low Road, a new play by the Pulitzer and Tony award-winning playwright of Clybourne Park, Bruce Norris. This is a bittersweet event for loyal followers of the Royal Court as it will be Dominic Cooke’s last play as Artistic Director of the theatre. Since taking on this role in 2007, Cooke has directed work by pioneering playwrights such as Caryl Churchill and Mark Ravenhill. The Royal Court is not the only theatre in the borough staging one of Norris’s plays though; The Gate Theatre will also be showing Purple Heart which first appeared in 2002. The Low Road looks set to be one of the hottest London theatre tickets this spring. The Low Road, 21 March – 11 May, Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, SW1W 8AS royalcourttheatre.com Purple Heart, 28 February – 6 April, 11 Pembridge Road, Notting Hill Gate, W11 3HQ gatetheatre.co.uk
SPOTLIGHT ON... THE ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON & CHELSEA: NEWS, EVENTS, REVIEWS & LOCAL INTEREST STORIES
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If the endless work commutes, not to mention the bitter winter weather we have just experienced in England, have driven you to find a home abroad, you can now find all the advice you need on how best to approach this at this April’s A Place in the Sun Live property showcase held at London Olympia. As the official exhibition of the Channel 4 series, it brings together hundreds of property exhibitors as well as agents, developers and service providers, all offering their expert advice and knowledge. Presenters of the show Amanda Lamb, Jasmine Harman and Jonnie Irwin, plus new-series presenter Laura Hamilton, will also give their own insights at a special hub at the show. 12-14 April, London Olympia, aplaceinthesun.com
It is never too late to learn a new skill; such is the attitude of the Minister for Civil Society Nick Hurd who recently volunteered to teach an elderly person how to get online as part of Age UK Kensington and Chelsea’s MiCommunity project. This project puts 16 to 18-yearolds in touch with older people in order to help them get connected to the internet. The minister, showing his support of the initiative, became a student for the day as he brought older learner Rosalin Harrison up to speed with today’s technology with the assistance of younger volunteer Ena Buljko.
In almost every culture, butterflies hold a significant meaning. In Japan, they are seen as the personification of a person’s soul or a bad omen; in Chinese culture, two butterflies flying together is a symbol of love; in Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, the Caterpillar Alice encounters is popularly viewed as a metaphor for the beginnings of puberty; and, in philosophy, the butterfly effect is a term coined by Edward Lorenz to explain his theory of how a small change in one place can result in large differences to a later state (later becoming the basis for the 2004 movie). The Natural History Museum has decided to explore these mesmerising winged creatures in a new exhibition from the end of March. A tropical butterfly house which enables you to get up close to the butterflies will be the defining feature and there will also be interactive challenges, games and activities. Sensational Butterflies 29 March – 15 September nhm.ac.uk
For more information contact Ben Long, Intergenerational Project Worker at Age UK Kensington and Chelsea on 020 8969 9105
P The National Army Museum is running an exhibition entitled Britain’s Greatest Battles, in which battles dating from the English Civil War to contemporary conflict in Afghanistan are documented. While drawing attention to our most famous military campaigns, the museum will also be raising awareness of some of our lesser known military encounters and so visitors will gain a fascinating insight about how the British Army has developed into the organisation it is today. Kids can also join in the fun and take part in a table top battle re-enactment on the 6 and 7 April. Fans of military history who have been voting for the most significant military campaigns in our history will finally learn which of the five top battles nominated has been voted Britain’s Greatest Battle in an all-day speaker event being given at the museum on 20 April. National Army Museum, SW3 4HT 020 7881 6606; nam.ac.uk
© National Army Museum
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Bohemian Rhapsody
Coffee & Cigarettes The Troubadour London 263-7 Old Brompton Road SW5 9JA 020 7370 1434 troubadour.co.uk
Murder Mystery
The Detectives Evans & Peel Detective Agency 310c Earl’s Court Road SW5 9AQ 020 7373 3573 evansandpeel.com
Photography: Saskia Beresford
SPOTLIGHT
Spotlight on...
Old Brompton Road OLIVIA SHARPE discovers that there is a lot more to the Old Brompton Road than initially meets the eye THE OLD BROMPTON ROAD is, first and foremost, a thoroughfare, connecting some of the most important streets of Kensington and Chelsea. It starts at South Kensington tube station and runs south-west until it hits West Brompton and Earl’s Court station. Running through the SW5 and SW7 postcodes, it is like the borough’s own mini motorway. This being the case, you might very well be wondering why I selected this street as my spotlight of the month. Well, I shall tell you. Having already picked out some of the more obvious choices – Walton Street, Portobello Road, King’s Road – I felt it was about time I tested your knowledge about how well you really know your area. So I chose Old Brompton Road, as a starter for ten. One point of which I’m sure you are all already fully aware is that Old Brompton Road is the home of the most famous auction house in London – correction, the world; Christie’s. The art business and fine arts auction house was founded by James Christie who conducted the first sale in London on 5 December 1766. Today, as one of the world’s largest auction houses, Christie’s has reported sales of some $3.5 billion for the first half of 2012, the highest total for a corresponding period in company and art history. What I find interesting about Christie’s is the glamour that has become attached to it, thanks largely to its most notable auctions. The biggest names in music, Hollywood, fashion and royalty have all walked through its doors in South Kensington and King Street (the headquarters) and some of the most exciting transactions involving almost unbelievable amounts of money through record-breaking sales have occurred under both roofs. If only its walls could talk. During the Royal Albert Hall auction of 1987, Christie’s notably sold a Bugatti Royale automobile for a colossal £5.5 million. Notorious big spender Elton John auctioned 20 of his cars at the auction house, having been reported as saying that he never had the chance to drive them due to always being out of the country (a point, you would think, someone might have made to him before purchasing the cars). The legendary black dress designed by Givenchy and worn by Audrey Hepburn in the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s went for precisely £467,200 at Christie’s South Kensington and in 2010, a collection of paintings, antiques and household items formerly owned by Princess Diana’s family sold for a reported £21.1 million.
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Speaking of Princess Diana, she had been a resident on the Old Brompton Road before her marriage to HRH Prince Charles. Diana was, reportedly, bought a flat for £50,000 by her mother in Coleherne Court for her 18th birthday, and she lived there with three flatmates until 1981. It was at this time, during the summer of 1980, that Prince Charles began to seriously consider Diana as a wife, as pressure from his family to marry increased. During their courting period, the young woman was constantly photographed by the press outside her apartment, and some even went as far as to rent the flat across the street to get more access to her; such hounding and invasion of privacy that would continue for the rest of her life, and up until her tragic death. Following the Prince’s proposal on 6 February 1981, Diana moved out of her flat two weeks later and into Clarence House but not before, so they say, leaving a goodbye note for her roommates which said: “For God’s sake ring me up; I’m going to need you.” And she was certainly right. Coincidently, Sophie, Countess of Wessex also briefly lived in the building before her marriage to Prince Edward. While the road is linked to the glamorous world of the British monarchy, it has also been famously connected to the worlds of corruption and crime. Many of you might have frequented The Pembroke pub located at 261 Old Brompton Road and never had known that this was once the stalking ground for three different serial killers: Dennis Nilsen, Michael Lupo and Colin Ireland. This therefore makes the area a very suitable setting for the Evans and Peel Detective Agency, located just off the Old Brompton Road on Earl’s Court Road. A 1920s-style American speakeasy bar, those who enter Evans and Peel must either have an appointment with the detective or else have a strong motive for going there if they are to be allowed in (I myself pleaded sanctuary on my last visit, having been wrongly accused of stealing millions of pounds worth of jewellery). Just down the road at 363-267 Old Brompton Road is The Troubadour. Its purpose “to undo the tangled web of frustrated London life that barks and breeds outside its door”, The Troubadour is a fun and lively 1950s-themed “cafe-cum-wine-bar-cum-music-venue” which, being situated in Kensington and Chelsea, has of course been visited by the cast of Made in Chelsea in an episode when Caggie Dunlop sings. While this may not have launched her singing career, The Troubadour has helped the careers of many budding talents, including Mumford & Sons who sang there before the O2 became one of their regular haunts. The Old Brompton Road is also the home of The Duke of Clarence, the road’s oldest licensed building, not to mention Hummingbird Bakery, yet another American-style establishment in the area, housed in a charming Victorian building. This is where you will often find the borough’s American residents and Frenchgoers of the Lycée school (just round the corner) sitting outside enjoying the delectable desserts. So there you have it. In true detective spirit, I have dug a little deeper and revealed some of the history of The Old Brompton Road. Half residential and half made up of shops, the long street has seen a great deal of excitement over the years and been visited by some of the world’s richest and most famous. What else would you expect from our Royal Borough?
SPOTLIGHT
THE AUCTIONEER
RICHES OF AGES Christie’s London 85 Old Brompton Road SW7 3LD 020 7930 6074 christies.com
AFTER HOURS
WINE AND DINE The Pembroke 261 Old Brompton Road SW5 9JA 020 7373 8337 thepembrokesw5.co.uk
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
COOKIES & CREAM The Hummingbird Bakery 47 Old Brompton Road SW7 3JP 020 7851 1795 hummingbirdbakery.com
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LOCAL PROFILE
Rachel
Johnson REBECCA WALLERSTEINER talks to Notting Hill local and author Rachel Johnson about what inspired her first historical novel, having a colourful heritage and why you can’t beat a good cup of tea
Photography: Angus Muir
WHY DON’T YOU come for a cuppa at five?” wrote Rachel Johnson. Being invited to the house of one of our most renowned local authors is a huge treat and it overlooks what must be the most famous garden square in London. When I knock on Rachel’s front door, on a shiver-inducing winter afternoon, a large dog growls menacingly but she immediately obeys her mistress’s commanding call and bounds energetically across the hall, despite being ten years old. Rachel greets me warmly and leads me downstairs to her basement kitchen, which is invitingly warm and gemütlich with gleaming wooden surfaces, rather like
being in a Swiss chalet. “The Aga heats the house wonderfully,” she says by way of explanation. Rachel is slim, striking and blonde – with memorably penetrating eyes. It’s hard to believe she has three teenage children and her eldest, Ludo, is 19. Rachel’s kitchen has a pleasant, lived-in feel and is not too ordered, while her appreciation of current affairs is apparent from the impressive array of assorted daily newspapers and journals on the sideboard. She and her husband, old Etonian PR Ivo Dawnay, have lived in this property for 20 years and bought it before local prices rocketed. “We recently had a ridiculously high offer on this house,” she tells me. While we chat, Rachel makes us a pot of tea and we sip it while enjoying delicious apfelstrudel topped with pistachios from the local Ottolenghi bakery. Her encyclopaedic, up-to-date knowledge of the day’s news puts me to shame. Rachel is seriously brainy and after reading classics at Oxford, she worked at the ‘Beeb’ and Foreign Office before becoming a newspaper columnist. Her kitchen is so cosy that it crosses my mind that one of the best journalists of our day is also a domestic goddess. How does she do it all – Kinder, Küche etc? “The past months have been exciting, but frantic,” she admits. We first met at a party soon after Rachel became Editor of The Lady magazine, when she was looking for a ballet columnist; I didn’t qualify. As Editor, she managed to raise circulation by modernising the magazine’s antiquated layout and attracting high profile writers. Since stepping down last autumn she has launched her first historical novel, Winter Games, become a columnist for The Mail on Sunday and filmed a BBC4 documentary exploring the concept of the word ‘lady’. Winter Games is more ambitious in scope than her previous best-selling
SPOTLIGHT
novels Notting Hell and Shire Hell, which satirised the upwardly mobile upper-middle class of her own social milieu. Meticulously researched, stylishly written and slightly shocking, it gripped me from the first page. When did she first decide to write it? “I felt inspired to delve into my family history when the BBC’s Who Do You Think You Are? team revealed the German and Jewish sides of my heritage while they were filming my brother Boris,” she replies. “It was a surprise to discover that we were partly German but my family is a bit of everything really; Lithuanian, Jewish and Turkish.” Intrigued, upon discovering the diversity of her genes and family secrets during the making of the documentary, she decided to delve deeper. “Winter Games is based on the stories of debs who went to Germany in the run up to the 1930s GarmischPartenkirchen Winter Olympics. Despite having a Jewish father, my maternal grandmother, Beatrice, was one of these,” she says. Rachel was later amazed to find out that her mother-in-law had also been in Munich in 1938
to work hard for a living. “I used to cycle to St Paul’s School from Notting Hill and back,” she says. We leave her cosy kitchen to walk Coco around the huge garden square lined with impressive mansions. I have a sense of déjà vu as it’s like walking onto a film-set of Notting Hell. However, “the characters in this story were purely fictional,” explains Rachel. As an avid fan I can’t resist asking what she plans to write next. “A book exploring Old Notting Hill is a possibility,” she says. “I am also tempted to explore the idea of a triangular relationship, involving a man with two women, and how this could evolve.” How very Notting Hill, and I can’t wait to read it!
THE PUBLISHED WORKS OF RACHEL JOHNSON Winter Games, November 2012 (hardback £14.99) A paperback version will be published later this year A Diary of the Lady:
“Winter Games is based on debs who went to Germany in the run up to the 1930s Winter Olympics”
My First Year as Editor, 2010 (£16.99) Shire Hell, 2007 (£6.99) Notting Hell, 2006 (£12.99) All published by Penguin Fig Tree
and, aged 17, had watched Hitler pass her finishing school. She set out to explore what had caused this 1930s exodus of British upper class women to Nazi Germany in her novel: “You can’t believe how much work went into Winter Games.” Very much a part of old Notting Hill – Rachel grew up close to the home in which she and Ivo now bring up their own children – she has always loved the area and worries about its changing character. “In 1978, when my parents divorced, Mother, a painter, bought a charming attic flat near Portobello Road and in those days there were still plenty of quirky little shops selling everything from picture frames to nails, birds and buttons,” she says. Then came the flood of American bankers, desperate to buy properties – which sent local property prices rocketing and altered the character of Notting Hill. “Do you remember when the pubs were thronged with Irish labourers and rackety, fun creative people – artists, musicians, and journalists – who have now been priced out of the area?” She is concerned for the survival of our small, independent shops, many of which are struggling, and buys groceries from the market traders on Portobello Road. Rachel and her five siblings weren’t born into the chi chi lifestyle she satirises so wickedly in Notting Hell but have always had
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ART ANTIQUES BY CAROL CORDREY
For Dog Lovers Everywhere
Joy Unconstrained
The best photographs instantly engage the viewer and none more so than Martin Usborne’s which combine dogs and cars to both haunting and humorous effect. Sometimes it is necessary for owners of dogs to leave their much loved pets in cars for short periods and these wonderful photographs capture those moments, and the reactions of the dogs to finding themselves alone. Mute they may be but the body language of these dogs speaks volumes.
What better way to displace those dismal feelings of winter than by surrounding ourselves with the glorious, colourful abstracts that flow from the hands of Bridget Leaman? They raise our spirits even more when we realise that they have been inspired by the joyous, liberated life of the Cornish coast where the artist lives. Leaman takes daily walks from her cliff-top home on The Lizard and returns to her studio energised by the sights of vast seas, soothing sunsets, rough rocks, billowing sails, soft sand and dancing light which she transforms into vibrant, energised compositions. Leaman has become one of the gallery’s most popular artists whose solo shows are eagerly awaited; they regularly sell out, too, so if you are looking for quality contemporary painting that is a pleasure to live with, don’t hesitate to visit this exhibition.
Martin Usborne: The Silence of Dogs in Cars The Little Black Gallery 19 March – 27 April thelittleblackgallery.com
Roller Coaster
Siesta And then it was calm
Bridget Leaman: A Collection of 10; 9 April – 3 May cadogancontemporary.com Photography: Bob Berry Photography
with BEN COOPER, new director of the Chelsea Art Fair Q: As the new Director of the long-standing Chelsea Art Fair, what changes have you introduced this year? A: The most visible change to the Fair is the stand layout. In order to give the galleries the best possible selling space, and to take advantage of the wonderful surroundings, the stands no longer run in straight lines but have a more intimate, gallery feel. Q: Will all the galleries be British and, as such, be presenting the best of British art? A: The majority of the galleries are British with British artists; exceptions include a gallery from Scotland with Italian artists and a French gallery with English artists!
Q: You seem to have made quality a top priority so is all the art original and also contemporary? A: To ensure the quality of the art on offer, I have now insisted on a low value threshold of £500 and excluded prints and photography, with bronze sculptures limited to editions of ten. The majority of the art for sale is contemporary; however some work by significant, deceased Modern British Artists will be on offer.
regarded, earlier artists such as Mary Fedden RA, will also be on show. The Chelsea Art Fair, 11-14 April Chelsea Old Town Hall, chelseaartfair.org
Q: Will we see art by any famous names; if so, by whom? A: There will, of course, be some art for sale by ‘famous names’! Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin RA spring to mind but work by highly Above/ Ben Catt, Smoke, £750 Eleven and A Half @Chelsea Art Fair
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ART ANTIQUES Photography at its Best British photographer David Yarrow is renowned for his innovative pictures of some of the world’s most remarkable landscapes and the wildlife dwelling within them. He has travelled to many of the planet’s most remote and inhospitable places – from sandblasted deserts to frozen icecaps – and brought his visual record of them to London so that we can see and enjoy them through his eyes. Prepare to be enveloped by nature at its best and by photography at its best. David Yarrow; 12 – 20 April Eleven, 11 Eccleston Street, SW1W 9LX elevenfineart.com
AUCTIONS: MOST WANTED Celebrating 100 Years of Moorcroft Pottery Items: More than 100 pieces from this innovative pottery that was a favourite of the late Queen Mary. A number of rare patterns and iconic pieces will be in The Centenary Auction, including those from an acclaimed private collection in South Africa Date: 17 April Location: Bonhams, Montpelier Street, Knightsbridge bonhams.com Right/ William Moorcroft, Protea
P heads to one side, on the reverse decorated with a spray of African lilies, the design in rich crimson tones against an ochre and blue background. 19.8cm high, with impressed facsimile signature with ‘Potter to HM The Queen’ Estimate: £5,000-7,000 Centre/ William Moorcroft, Poppy Good Florian Vase, circa 1902 of baluster form, thickly tubelined, in tones of yellow, green, navy and pale blue, 30.5cm high, signed in green ‘W.Moorcroft des.’, printed Florian ware Estimate: £1,500-2,000 Far right/ William Moorcroft, Waratah Impressive Flambé vase, circa 1928, decorated with four facsimile signature and ‘Potter to HM The Queen’ Estimate: £8,000-12,000
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578 KINGS ROAD LONDON SW6 2DY WWW.GUINEVERE.CO.UK
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ART
The Urban Landscape ANNABEL HARRISON attends the preview evening of the Bosse & Baum exhibition which took place last month in the gallery space of 1st Asset’s Chelsea-based office
TRYON STREET, a quiet offshoot of the King’s Road, is the new residence of 1st Asset, Property Agent Privé, and its contemporary gallery space which played host to Other Spaces: Re-Imagining Architecture from 28 February until 15 March. Curated by exhibition agency Bosse & Baum, recent works by Nicolas Feldmeyer, Beomsik Won, Kevin Green, Kate Terry, Karina Joseph and Heeseung Choi explored themes of architecture and the urban landscape. It is the first in a series of exhibitions which will take place here. Bosse & Baum is committed to encouraging talented artists in the early stages of their careers and this exhibition did indeed fulfil this aim. On display was a mixed-media body of Swiss-born Nicolas Feldmeyer’s work which included photographs, collages and a video entitled Wasteland which focused on a close-up of sugar cubes crumbling. Feldmeyer re-imagines buildings in London and everyday objects by splicing different styles together, giving them a new architectural form and narrative. On an ever bigger scale, in terms of number of styles merged, were Beomsik Won’s works; a series of fantastical, in both name and realisation, Archisculptures, are built up by collaging photographs of architectural features lifted from London’s buildings. Also on show were works from Karina Joseph and Heeseung Choi, who uses everyday objects and materials in a variety of ways to explore how space can be created or suggested. Andy Smith, Managing Director of 1st Asset, said: “It’s amazing to have such a wonderful space within our offices; we were thrilled to have so many clients and guests here to celebrate this exhibition with us.” We’re looking forward to Sehre Sahar, a solo exhibition by Iranian artist Parto Dehlavi taking place from 28 March until 7 April. 1st Asset is a luxury property agent working on behalf of private clients, helping them to sell, let and manage property in London’s super prime postcodes (1stasset.co.uk); bosseandbaum.com
Above from left/ Kate Terry, Plan for G, 2011 Heeseung Choi, Untitled, 2012 Nicolas Feldmeyer, Woven Portico, 2012 Photo: Nick Rochowski
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EXHIBITION SPOTLIGHT
We Built This City CAROL CORDREY takes a closer look at the acclaimed work of British artist Dylan Izaak, who specialises in painting cityscapes AS A GENERAL RULE, most of us travel in and around major cities, including London, looking straight ahead of us, rarely appreciating how varied and interesting the architecture and skylines are until we take time to view them from a distance. Artist Dylan Izaak is the exception to that rule. He is fascinated by the undulating shapes and varied colours of old and new city architecture and he has made a great success of his highly idiosyncratic way of reproducing it. The appeal of his paintings stems from Izaak’s way of showing cities as a group of recognisable, landmark buildings and monuments which appear to be responding physically and emotionally to the activity of the people in and around them.The artist’s light-hearted style of painting is underscored by his choice of titles that are often puns related to the subject matter and current affairs. In addition, he gives the structures no absolutely straight lines so their curved or tilting forms and individuality make them look like characters in an opera responding to each other vocally or through gestures. This effect is all the more convincing because of the general lack of actual human figures in his compositions. In New York Times, the stage is set with the prima donna – the Statue of Liberty – gesturing towards the Empire State Building which seems to take on the role of the powerful, handsome tenor in this scene. He looks taken aback, leaning away from Liberty towards the security of the surrounding, jostling, supporting cast that includes the Chrysler Building. The current downturn in the UK’s economy is reflected in the painting entitled City Blues which details a panoply of City and other famous London structures: St. Paul’s is presented as the innocent figure in the capital’s story, dressed appropriately in white as it directs its might and, possibly, its criticism towards the City’s sleek but tense-looking Nat West Tower, Walkie-Talkie building, Gherkin and friends; meanwhile, the Charing Cross Office Development seems to be reacting with shock horror to these events. A much smaller cast performs in Snowed Under, Izaak’s clever pun that focuses our attention on London’s
Opposite from top/ City Blues Gossip Column
recent winter weather and the economic problems being handled, or mishandled, by Members of Parliament. A duet takes place, centre stage, between the curvaceous and assertive Elizabeth Tower (formerly St. Stephen’s Tower) and the shorter, more diffident Victoria Tower; they may be reacting to the dramatic chimes of Big Ben as it strikes the half-hour or, bearing in mind the title, to the vociferous exchange of views within the Palace of Westminster of which they are a part. Izaak’s love of cities extends across the world but it emerged from the travel forced upon him in childhood as his family relocated back and forth from the UK to Australia. In adulthood, he continued to experience city life through his own travels across the globe, using his natural drawing skills to produce and sell on the streets his detailed pen and ink pictures of famous buildings. Totally self-taught, he experimented with other media, artistic styles and portraiture until he found this distinctive, seemingly whimsical style of bringing cities to life, though it is painstakingly executed by applying enamel paint to aluminium. To some extent, Izaak follows in the footsteps of the late, great American artist Edward Hopper, who revealed of his equally original artistic style: “The only real influence I’ve ever had was myself.” Still adhering to his very personal approach to art and to travel, Izaak set up a gallery on his UK narrowboat and was surprised to find how well his work sold. Nowadays, the cityscapes that he injects with so much character can be seen adding life to homes all over the world and they create sell-out shows at Whitewall Galleries where they are available as both originals and as limited edition prints to satisfy demand. His talents and fame led to Dylan Izaak’s selection as one of the London 2012 official artists in the BT Art of Sport programme. Bravo for the self-taught and talented! Dylan Izaak, Whitewall Gallery, 100 Westbourne Grove Throughout April (while stocks last) whitewallgalleries.com
ART
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www.bachet.fr
collection
FIT FOR A QUEEN One’s a design company recognised for its groundbreaking production techniques; the other’s a specialist clock maker famed for manufacturing time instruments for more than 150 years. Now, Royal Warrant holders Zone Creations and Comitti of London are uniting to produce a limited edition piece; the Greenwich Regulator. It is a stunning replica of the architectural floor clock co-created in 2012 for Buckingham Palace in celebration of the Diamond Jubilee. At 198 centimetres tall, and limited to just 120 pieces, it has a Corian base and Palladian top that echo the elegant architecture of the palace for which it was created. Sales of the piece will benefit the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust, the charitable arm of the Royal Warrant Holders Association that supports excellence in British craftsmanship and conservation of it.
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WORLD
of WATCHES BY RICHARD BROWN
Eyes to the Skies “Graham? In a Best of British issue?”, we hear you ask. True, it may be a company named after a British clockmaker, rather than a British brand per se, but Graham does devote its creations to the English inventor of the lever escapement mechanism. And for us, that’s reason enough to include the company here. Progressing from the pedantic, we thought we’d bring you the news that Graham has recently launched the Geo.Graham The Moon, a watch that combines a flying tourbillon with a highprecision moon-phase perpetual function, the cycle of which is calculated on the Moon’s exact synodic period for a duration of 122 years. We think this is rather cool, whether it’s British or not.
of the
Best...
British Watches since 2011
The Robin, £5,850 R L robertloomes com
graham1695.com
One to Watch Each month we select our timepiece of the moment from the watch world’s most exciting pieces:
It will tell you the day, date, month, leap year and phase of the moon; the 18-karat gold, Art Deco-inspired 5940J is a modern-day classic that unites Patek’s present with its illustrious past
s s P A s spea e marin com
Signalman DLC GMT PR s scho eldwatchcompany com
Right/ 5940J, £61,530, Patek Philippe, patek.com
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We prefer not to be measured by dimensions. Unless it’s a new dimension of accuracy.
No fewer than four exceptional mechanisms enhance the precision of the RICHARD LANGE TOURBILLON “Pour le Mérite”: the tiny fusée-and-chain transmission, the delicate tourbillon, the ultra-thin Lange balance spring, and – not least – the patented stop-seconds device for the tourbillon which makes it possible to
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”.
Arije 165, Sloane Street London • George Pragnell 5 and 6, Wood Street, Stratford-upon-Avon Hamilton & Inches 87, George Street, Edinburgh • Harrods 87–135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London Watches of Switzerland 16, New Bond Street, London • Wempe 43-44, New Bond Street, London Lange Uhren GmbH • Tel. +34 91 454 89 82 • www.lange-soehne.com
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Back to the
Future
It’s been sleeping for centuries but now, awoken by international interest and home-grown talent, the UK’s horology industry is in full-scale revival. RICHARD BROWN meets the men putting Britain back on the watchmaking map AT PRESENT, you can count the number of British watch companies on the digits of two hands; the companies that actually produce parts in the UK can be counted on one. Had you predicted this would have been the case ten years ago, however, few in the industry would have given you the time of day. Over the last ten years, British watchmaking has developed from a cottage industry into a serious business and, ahead of the inaugural London Watch Show in July, the only trade show dedicated to the UK watch sector, we speak to the founders of the companies fuelling the furnaces of growth.
Bremont Founded: 2002 Henley-on-Thames We talk to: Bremont co-founder Nick English Describe the state of the British watchmaking industry? Without sounding over confident, I think it is in a better shape than it has been for many, many years. Companies like us are taking on local apprentice watchmakers which I don’t think has happened to the same extent for quite some time.
What’s your USP? The obvious difference, compared to the multitude of Swiss brands found somewhere like Baselworld, is that we are British. There is an incredible history of British watchmaking and we are very honoured to be playing a small part in its revival. We are also different in that we are motivated by engineering rather than fashion; hopefully that comes across clearly in our design ethos. How British is your brand? We are 100 per cent British-owned and all of our design and technical input comes from the UK and our workshop in Henley. Many of the watch parts, including movement parts and cases and even some straps and packaging, are now made in the UK. Every Bremont watch is assembled and tested in the UK at our Henley facility. What’s your favourite watch? For me, it is the stainless steel U2. I love the ruggedness and simplicity of its design. It is the perfect watch for me. If you could pick any British person to wear your watches, who would it be? This is a tough one. I think one of the Princes would be quite special wouldn’t it?!
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Christopher Ward Launched: 2005, London We talk to: Christopher Ward co-founder Mike France Describe the state of the British watchmaking industry? Exciting, interesting and on the up. What’s fuelling its growth? British curiosity, ingenuity and taste are beginning to have a marked impact on the rather self-satisfied Swiss industry. We have a heritage in watchmaking that even the Swiss are secretly envious of. However, other than the handful of watches made by the late George Daniels and now by his one-time apprentice, Roger W. Smith, there hasn’t been a truly British-made watch worthy of the description for decades. What’s your USP? Our online business model has removed all the middlemen to create unrivalled value whilst our transparent and accessible style puts customers directly in touch with the watchmaker. The unique dialogue this engenders means we have a far deeper relationship with our customers. How British is your brand? We design everything in our Maidenhead studio and I think you can see a very English sensibility in our watches: an unfussy, understated, classic approach. As there is no watchmaking to speak of in this country at present, to achieve the exacting standards we demand, we manufacture in Switzerland. Master watchmaker, Johannes Jahnke, who works with us, is an East German anglophile with a love for Norton motorbikes and vintage Jaguar cars – so there’s even a corner of a Swiss atelier that is forever England, I suppose. What’s your favourite timepiece? At the moment I am absolutely smitten with our new Worldtimer design which won’t be on sale until November. Apart from being a beautiful looking watch, we have developed a world first in terms of a GMT complication – and it’s not every day you can say that. If you could pick any British person to wear your watches, who would it be? Bradley Wiggins. No doubt about it. He is a true one-off; a great champion, stylish and witty but very self-effacing.
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Meridian Watch Company Launched: 2011, Norwich We talk to: Meridian co-founder Richard Baldwin Describe the state of the British watchmaking industry? It’s still very small, tiny in fact, but it is experiencing something of a renaissance. It’s split into two main categories; you have your British watch companies and then your British watchmakers. Not every British watch company will manufacture their watches in Britain using British parts. Both avenues will continue to grow at a rapid rate. I believe there is still a gap in the market for British-made watches with a price tag of between five and 20k. What’s your USP? We offer a very bespoke service. Everything is made, finished and polished by hand according to our customers’ individual preferences. How British is your brand? Everything about our watches, apart from the base parts within the movement, is made in the UK. Even the movement, which requires some Swiss-made pieces, is assembled and finished in Britain. We manufacture everything else, from the straps and cases to the dials and hands. What’s your favourite timepiece? Our MP05 as that was the watch that started it all for us. The rest of our models are based around that watch. Away from Meridian, I like Speake-Marin, Richard Mille and Omega, particularly the Speedmaster. Then of course you have Roger Smith. Well, to put it another way, you have Roger Smith, and then everybody else. Up close and personal, his watches are truly sensational. If you could pick any British person to wear your watches, who would it be? We don’t really do brand ambassadors. We don’t like to align our company with one specific individual; we’re for the everyday person, the person who has taken the time to get to know us and our brand.
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s Launched: 2011, Sussex We talk to: Company-founder Giles Ellis
Robert Loomes Launched: 1991, Stamford We talk to: Company-founder Robert Loomes Describe the state of the British watchmaking industry? It’s going through a period of rapid and accelerating growth. I am probably aware of more watchmaking firms who have yet to release their products than I am of firms who currently have something to sell. If the 20th century was about globalisation then, so far, the 21st century has largely been about localisation. Customers are ever keener to understand exactly how their watch was made. Blanket statements like “made in Britain” are under close scrutiny from ever more buyers. What’s your USP? We want to be known not just for the entirely British-made aspect, but also as a firm of experienced watchmakers who manufacture simple, understated and elegant wristwatches. Our Robin and Robina watches tell no more than they should: the right time. How British is your brand? What is important to us is not that we make everything under one roof – much of what we do is outsourced to specialist firms – but that each of those individual firms is based in Britain. Whilst the look may be elegant and classic, in fact many of the manufacturing procedures we have used are world-leading techniques developed in university engineering departments. We pay little or no attention to current Swiss manufacturing. What’s your favourite timepiece? There is a pocket watch made about 1660 by my antecedent, Thomas Loomes. Obviously the name appeals to me but more importantly, this is a complicated watch. It has both astrolabic and mean time displays, shows the phase of the moon and includes a perpetual calendar. Modern watchmakers like to show off with complications, but it was being done here in England 350 years ago.
Describe the state of the British watchmaking industry? It is starting from the ground up. There is no infrastructure, workforce, machinery and barely an existing knowledge base. So it is incredibly exciting being attached to an industry that isn’t fettered by those constraints. What’s your USP? Schofield prides itself on its attention to detail and thoroughness. On buying a watch individuals become privileged members of the Schofield club. Members receive exclusive products, invitations to private events and opportunities to hear about our new products before they are launched. We don’t advertise or use brand ambassadors. The only retail Schofield uses is from the Schofield website because demand is so high we do not need to distribute. How British is your brand? Based in rural Sussex, Schofield designs all of its watches, dry goods and accessories. Where possible, Schofield sources, manufactures and fabricates items in England. From paper and envelopes, to presentation boxes and straps made from beautiful English wools, tweeds and canvases. The Signalman GMT PR was designed here in England and our new watch the Signalman Black Lamp (to be launched at the end of the year) will have ‘England’ proudly written on the dial. What’s your favourite timepiece? The Signalman because it is the only watch in the world that was created specifically for me. Without compromise, it fulfils all the requirements that I desire in a wrist watch. Beyond Schofield, I would wear a classic Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, a Jaeger LeCoultre Memovox, a Romain Jerome Space Invaders watch or a Zenith El Primero Chronograph. If you could pick any British person to wear your watches, who would it be? My late stepfather, a quintessential English gentleman, a doctor and double professor of engineering who gave his insight and time to Schofield. In spite of my endeavour, no amount of cajoling could persuade him to give up his trusty Sekonda.
If you could pick any British person to wear your watches, who would it be? We have never needed to give celebrities a watch to wear but someone did once say it’s the sort of thing Bertie Wooster might wear on his wrist. He meant it as a joke. I took it as the perfect compliment.
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INSIDE TRACK The Street Westfield Stratford City E20 1EJ 0208 534 3446 info@insidetrackshop.com @InsideTrackShop
MCLAREN & ASTON MARTIN COLLECTIONS AT WESTFIELD STRATFORD VIP SHOPPING EVENINGS
Register now for more information on one of our VIP shopping evenings (availability limited) info@insidetrackshop.com
COLLECTION
Treasure ISLAND Embrace the best British brands with patriotic panache
1 iPad Case, £169, Vivienne Westwood, harrods.com 2 Union Jack silk pocket square, £25, Gresham Blake, greshamblake.com 3 Cats eye round cufflinks Classic braces, £35, Gresham Blake, as before £95, Tateossian, 15 Duke of York Square 4 MP-04 watch, £4,695, Meridian, 2012, meridianwatches.com Mayfair umbrella & hat cufflinks, £75, Hackett, 137/138 Sloane Street U-2 DLC, £3,295, Bremont, 29 South Audley Street Two-tone square-frame optical glasses, £295, Cutler and Gross, mrporter.com Chassis embossed-leather watch roll, £200, Alfred Dunhill, Harrods, harrods.com 10 Rotary watch case £1,995, Smythson, 141-142 Sloane Street 11 Black chrome stone set spider cufflinks, £75, Paul Smith Accessories, my-wardrobe.com 12 Silver-plated bulldog handle umbrella, £185, Archer Adams, archeradams.com 054
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A SUB-ZERO IS JUST A REFRIGERATOR, LIKE A DIAMOND IS JUST A STONE Iconic design. Enduring quality. Superior performance
www.subzero-wolf.co.uk 251 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London SW3 2EP 0845 250 0010
RUN WILDbracelet london_UK 13/04/12 09.37 Pagina 2
From the Honeycomb Eternelle Ring Collection
33 Albemarle Street - Mayfair, London WIS 4BP - Tel. 020 7629 5616 MILANO, VENEZIA, FIRENZE, CALA DI VOLPE, CAPRI, PARIS, MONTE CARLO, LONDON, MOSCOW, NEW YORK, CHICAGO,ASPEN, BEVERLY HILLS, TOKYO, OSAKA, HONG KONG, SIDNEY WWW.BUCCELLATI.COM
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JEWELLERY BY OLIVIA SHARPE
Rule Britannia Having lauded the British fashion designers who did us proud at the recent A/W13 London Fashion Week, we can now celebrate the creativity of our jewellery designers. Fortnum & Mason is currently showcasing a selection of the British Fashion Council’s Rock Vault jewellery designers, alongside established British designers, as part of a four week display in the store’s re-launched jewellery department. Established during LFW last year, the BFC Rock Vault was set up to expose and nurture the creative talent of London-based jewellers. This year, the designers participating include Fernando Jorge, Jo Hayes Ward, Melanie Georgacopoulos and Tomasz Donocik, and curator of the event is none other than British jewellery designer Stephen Webster who was recently honoured with an MBE for his services to the industry. fortnumandmason.com
Struck Gold Clogau Gold creates unique jewellery that contains a touch of rare Welsh gold. With long-standing ties to Welsh history, jewellery collections are inspired by the Clogau St David’s gold mine’s associations with the Royal Family and the natural beauty and mythology of Wales. The British Royal Family has been using pure Welsh gold to create their wedding rings since 1923, a tradition founded by The Queen Mother, then Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, on her marriage to the Duke of York on 26 April 1923, and carried into its 88th year during the most recent Royal wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. It is a touch of this very same rare Welsh gold that is contained within each piece of Clogau Gold jewellery, making it some of the most exclusive jewellery in the world. clogau.co.uk
Cutting Edge Diamond jeweller John France followed an unlikely career path, graduating from Oxford University and working for a successful law firm before deciding to develop his own jewellery line. This February marked the launch of his fine diamond collection, to be followed by a series of further launches throughout 2013.
“JF Diamonds specialises in the creation of unique pieces of artistry, handcrafted in Valenza and featuring the world s most sought after ne diamonds. Our service is solely by appointment and orders are tailor-made for clients, ensuring each jewel is exclusively available to its owner”
Above/ Anello brown ring, £98,000 and Anello blue ring, £212,000, JF Diamonds, jfdiamonds.com
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Cut to the Chase Alex Monroe is celebrating his 25th anniversary as a jewellery designer in a way only he knows best. Ready in time for spring, the designer has created 25 pieces for every year he has been designing and each one tells an intimate story from his life over the years. Witty and light–hearted, The Chase presents snippets from Alex’s childhood, including the moment when he first learnt to ride a bike, and culminating in a big ‘Hooray!’ at the end of the quarter century. And, of course, it wouldn’t be a Monroe collection without a few woodland creatures straight out of the English countryside where he grew up. alexmonroe.com
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Birds
OF A FEATHER Whether flowers, feathers or wildlife, leading British jewellery designers cannot help but draw inspiration from the natural beauty of the English countryside
1 Baby Astley ring, from £2,500, Astley Clarke Couture, astleyclarke.com 2 White diamond Serpent bracelet, £16,350, Shaun Leane, shaunleane.com 3 Carved tanzanite swallow pendant, £26,000, Theo Fennell, theofennell.com 4 Black leather and diamond sabre cuff, £6,625, Sabre collection by Shaun Leane, as before Rose Damasca black ruthenium stud earrings, £120, Alex Monroe, alexmonroe.com Forget Me Knot blue enamel cocktail ring, POA Stephen Webster, stephenwebster.com Crow feather ring, £210, Alex Monroe, as before Wild rose bangle, £95, Alexis Dove, alexisdove.com Ruthenium triple cupped pearl and white topaz bud ring, £240, Alex Monroe, as before 10 Diamond fringe ring in 18-karat blackened white gold and diamonds, £18,500 Solange Azagury-Partridge, solange.co.uk 11 Silver and diamond small branch pendant, £530, Cherry blossom collection by Shaun Leane, as before 12 Bluebell earrings in 18-karat blackened white gold and diamonds, POA, Solange Azagury-Partridge, as before
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New Zinc showroom now open 1 Chelsea Wharf, 15 Lots Road, London SW10 0QJ
0679_ in Kensington
Chelsea Ad_A r12_A .indd 1
09 0 2012 16:51
P L E A S E E N J OY O U R C H A M PA G N E R E S P O N S I B LY DRINKAWARE .CO.UK
fashion
SUMMER SIMMER Brit designer Stella McCartney captures the vibrancy and freshness of summer in her S/S13 ad campaign, shot in London by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott. Staying true to her sporty aesthetic, the whole collection has a completely relaxed approach; modern fabrics hang loosely, bomber jackets and low slung trousers are staple pieces and the colour palette is monochrome (but for the occasional injection of yellows, blues and greens). The casual feel is evoked by model Natalia Vodianova, lounging on a chairshaped foam installation in a crisp white broderie jumpsuit and an orange organza plissĂŠ dress. The campaign, introducing the Bailey Boo handbag and newly-launched optical collection, is another winning formula for McCartney. stellamccartney.com
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Photography: Saskia Beresford
The Culture of
Couture
SHARNA HEIR and ALICE TODMAN discover how the tradition of British bespoke tailoring is still very much alive in the Royal Borough
IF SAVILE ROW is considered the golden mile of tailoring, we feel that the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea should be dubbed the “silver service” of the industry. The legendary stretch in Mayfair undoubtedly laid the historic foundations, having been associated with this skill since the 19th century, but, over the past century, the Royal Borough has slowly built upon this foundation; tailors found themselves new ground
after realising Mayfair was becoming, perhaps, rather overcrowded, choosing to set up shop on the fashionable King’s Road and Beauchamp Place. Today, there are many businesses in the area whose tailors possess the same technical skill and attention to detail you would expect to find on Savile Row. Step out of your front door and have a bespoke dress, suit or hat made especially for you, there and then. You just need to know where to look.
FASHION
s
A
Dress Is More
Edward Sexton’s tailoring has made him a Savile Row legend. For the man who wants his suits to be elegant and understated, this is the ideal tailor. The craftsman uses traditional methods to hand cut high quality materials and produce garments which are both stylish and unique. The studio also creates suits for powerful women, who over the years have included British icons such as Annie Lennox and Twiggy. Even if you haven’t heard his name before, you have probably seen Edward Sexton’s work. He started out alongside the pioneering tailor of Savile Row Tommy Nutter, and together they dressed three out of the four Beatles for the legendary Abbey Road album cover. The duo matched the demand for something modern from the revolutionary mood of the late 1960s. Sexton was also once a mentor to Stella McCartney, proving that his influence on British fashion spreads beyond the tailored suit. The company goes the extra mile in inviting customers back to the studio for follow-up appointments to make any necessary alterations. For the man or woman who values simplicity and sophistication, Edward Sexton is the perfect choice and we can now be proud to call him a local, as his boutique is located on Beauchamp Place. Edward Sexton, 26 Beauchamp Place, SW3 1NJ 020 7838 0007; edwardsexton.co.uk
The family-run tailoring business Buckleigh of London offers many buying options, from tailoring to ex-hire suits, and a wide variety of choice, from formal to contemporary office wear. Waistcoats are something of a speciality; the brand has created its own Buckleigh Cut Waistcoat and boasts the largest collection of silk waistcoats in London. You could order a morning suit to make a statement at Royal Ascot, or try a traditional look on the golf course with some plus fours. For those who desire more traditional formalwear such as velvet smoking jackets and tailcoats, Buckleigh is an excellent local addition to your essential services address book. The company prides itself on using English manufacturers for its fine materials, as well as on the fact it can offer a range of accessories, from cufflinks to cummerbunds, so you can pick up everything you need to make your suit work for you. The tailors also provide alterations services for men and women. Visit Buckleigh for an array of traditional styles. Buckleigh of London, 83 Lower Sloane Street, SW1W 8DA 020 7730 0770; buckleighoflondon.com
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With more than 25 years of experience, Mary Treacy understands the importance of a woman wanting to look her best for a special occasion and the lengths she will often go to achieve this. Treacy was inspired to enter the fashion industry following her graduation from Grafton Academy of Dress Design in Dublin. Before setting up her business she moved to London where she gained invaluable experience from several renowned designers and worked as a tutor at Central St. Martin’s College of fashion. Specialising in occasionwear, including wedding dresses and attire, as well as day and eveningwear, expect to choose from an array of beautiful styles and receive a full-on couture service. Welcomed by appointment only, Mary Treacy Designs offers a bespoke experience in the informal setting of her Fulham-based studio. Mary Treacy Designs, 12 Rickett Street, SW6 1RU 020 7385 3398; marytreacydesigns.co.uk
Old Hat We must take our hat off to Britain’s most famous milliner Philip Treacy. Though his flamboyant style can cause controversy, nobody can deny that his work has got the nation talking about hats, with Princess Beatrice’s Royal Wedding hat almost overshadowing the bride and groom. A Treacy hat is for the person who wants to make a statement, demonstrating a combined sense of frivolity and wit. While some of his designs are reminiscent of Surrealist art, for example Lady Gaga’s lobster and telephone hats, direct descendants of the work of Salvador Dalí, his creations always have a sense of self-expression at their core. The hats suggest a wearer with a bold, creative personality. Treacy was the first millinery student at the Royal College of Art in its history and the eccentric Isabella Blow, former style editor of Tatler, was Treacy’s muse and patron. After 22 years in the industry, Treacy shows no signs of slowing down, and we are expecting a cornucopia of his creations to push their heads above the soil at Ascot this spring. While his boutique is technically located in neighbouring Belgravia, we still think of him as one of our own. 69 Elizabeth Street SW1W 9PJ 020 7730 3992 philiptreacy.co.uk
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Va Va Volume The bigger the better seemed to be the motto at the S/S13 shows of Miu Miu, Chloé and Christian Dior; hips were accentuated with billowing skirts, fabrics were layered and sleeves came in epic proportions
1 Cape-back wool-blend and duchess-satin jacket, £650 Esteban Cortazar, net-a-porter.com 2 Lana silk-satin wide-leg pants, £525, Temperley London temperleylondon.com 3 Cotton and silk-organza peplum tank, £345, Miu Miu, net-a-porter.com 4 Giles S/S13 R
£3,822, Oscar de la Renta net-a-porter.com P A
dior.com
P A A alexandermcqueen.com
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Gothic Revival If Mary Katrantzou had announced pre-show that her A/W13 collection was based on a horror movie or nightmare, it would have explained a lot. She continued to explore prints, taking them to darker and more sinister levels and drew inspiration from the black-and-white photographs of Edward Steichen and Alfred Stieglitz; eerie perhaps, but completely captivating.
Trench Kisses Love was evidently in the air at Burberry; the new collection featured cute love heart prints. Christopher Bailey also delighted us this season with his safari theme; luckily, the animal prints never strayed into the outrageous but instead revealed yet another fascinating, albeit wild, side to the British heritage brand.
A
13 London Fashion Week: Trend Report This year’s A/W13 London Fashion Week saw some of our leading British fashion designers take centre stage in their home capital
Glam Rock Returns Being his first public runway show, you’d think that nerves might get to Tom Ford. But, judging from the applause which followed his show, this was clearly not the case. Ford (evidently inspired by David Bowie’s upcoming exhibition) made a nostalgic return to the era of glam rock with bomber jackets, pop art motifs, sequined hoodies and animal print. Bravo Mr Ford.
A Man for All Seasons Florals, vibrant prints and warm colours; not the description you’d expect from an A/W collection but this is exactly what we saw at Matthew Williamson’s show. The designer eases into winter by injecting summer notes through a colour palette of acid green, turquoise, yellow and magenta; his take on the Northern Lights.
FASHION
Touch of Temperley
Something New
While Temperley London cannot be faulted for its take on glamour (one of the reasons why it’s a red carpet favourite among Hollywood’s leading ladies), often there are occasions when a more laidback approach is preferable. Enter Alice by Temperley, launched in 2009; the sister label has now branched out into strong tailoring, outerwear and full length eveningwear for its A/W13 collection in order to meet the needs of its growing clientele. Designer Alice Temperley is fully aware of the busy lives of her customers and has therefore created an “allencompassing wardrobe” for women aged between 28 and 40. Full-length evening dresses in silk and lace sit beside skater and Peter-Pan collar day dresses, tailored skirts and military-style coats. Date for the diary; the new collection arrives in stores in July.
While the dress will always be the most important part of a bride’s outfit, it can still look as though something’s missing if that’s the only thing she wears on the day. This is where accessories come in. As well as its Bride Boutique on Elizabeth Street, Jenny Packham also has its very own accessories boudoir, just a stone’s throw away, and it has just been announced that the Boudoir has been revamped in order to house accessories from both the ready-to-wear and bridal collections. Comprising two levels, the gold-leafed store features large bamboo mirrors, tasseled handles and a dark parquet floor, combining Art Deco with early 70s luxury to create both an intimate and opulent atmosphere. jennypackham.com
temperleylondon.com
HER STYLE BY OLIVIA SHARPE
The Lost Weekend Brora prides itself on its British roots. The company began in 1993 in a mill on the Scottish borders where cashmere has been produced for more than 200 years; precisely 20 years on, this fact has not changed. To mark its 20th anniversary as a British heritage brand, Brora has collaborated with novelist and model Sophie Dahl, to create a collection made up of 13 key pieces, including dresses, a camisole, skirt, cigarette pants, sweaters and tunics. This will be in store from 15 April. Sophie Dahl for Brora; The Lost Weekend collection, celebrating 20 years of Brora 0845 659 9944; brora.co.uk
Weeping Willow Since Mulberry released its Willow handbag collection in its S/S13 show, it has been pictured on the arms of Kate Moss and Lily Collins. The new tote bag comes in a variety of spring colours as well as the traditional black and brown, and the detachable clutch feature at the front of the tote reveals the British brand’s shift into practicality and versatility for its latest collection. Perfect for taking to lunch or picking up the kids from school, the Willow handbag has already become an essential accessory for the summer season. mulberry.com
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A Vision In
White
Whether you yearn for silk or satin, chiffon or crêpe, pearls or crystals, lose yourself in our dream world of wedding dresses and find the One Photographer:
Jon Attenborough
Stylist:
Siouxsie
Laila silk Zibeline boat neck gown, £3,799, Caroline Castigliano carolinecastigliano.co.uk, long black opera gloves, stylist’s own Multi-pearl gold metal and glass pearl cuff, £2,100, from a selection Chanel Jewellery S/S13, chanel.com
Hyacinth silk chiffon tiered bridal dress with floral appliqued satin belt (100 per cent silk chiffon), ÂŁ3,030 Jenny Packham, jennypackham.com
Vintage Lacquer lace embroidered gown, ÂŁ6,900 Matthew Williamson, 28 Bruton Street, W1
Astrantia silk crêpe and satin panelled bridal dress with beaded embellished sleeves and back, £6,660, with Camellia belt, £365, Rondelle headdress, £260, and Rondelle bracelet, from £255, all Jenny Packham, jennypackham.com
Mermaid dress and Bird of Paradise apron, POA (made-to-measure) Vivienne Westwood, 6 Davies Street, 020 7629 3757 / viviennewestwood.co.uk Gold metal cuff with glass pearl, ÂŁ2,185, from a selection, Chanel Jewellery S/S13, as before
Adoration corded French lace, silk Duchess satin and silk organza gown, ÂŁ3,549, Caroline Castigliano, as before White metal pearl bracelet, ÂŁ2,440, from a selection Chanel Jewellery S/S13, as before
L’Avventura dress, POA, Reem Acra at Browns Bride, 020 7514 0056 / brownsbride.com Stellina headdress, £344, Jenny Packham, as before Patroclo silver shoes, £625, Manolo Blahnik, 020 7352 8622 HAIR & MAKE-UP: Charlotte Gaskell, lharepresents.com STYLIST’S ASSISTANT: Ashley Gianna Hallett MODEL: Alex Marshall at FM Agency, London LOCATION: Quintessentially Ballrooms, 29 Portland Place, W1, 29portlandplace.com FLOWERS: Q Flowers, quintessentiallyflowers.com
Tight Fit Become the epitome of the suave city gent with a browse around Emmett on the King’s Road. Renowned for shirt making in the finest British tradition, it also has a surprising contemporary twist; its new collection includes limited edition tonal ginghams in superfine Egyptian cotton and textured formal shirts. Emmett designs a range of handmade Italian silk ties, cufflinks and leather goods too, all made by British manufacturers, which finish the look effortlessly. emmettlondon.com
HIS STYLE BY GEMMA TAYLOR
He, She, He Pushing the boundaries of androgyny, London College of Fashion graduate J.W. Anderson, is taking menswear into unchartered territory. Renowned for his unique twist, of incorporating the lines of both gender in each garment, J.W. Anderson creates clothes that are both wearable and packed with unique and beautiful detailing. Looking at his unusual designs it’s no surprise he won the Emerging Talent Award for readyto-wear at the British Fashion Awards 2012 and is now stocked in Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Saks and online at net-a-porter. j-w-anderson.co.uk
Green Fingers Vivienne Westwood is taking men into the traditional English country garden and giving them a stylish makeover in her MAN S/S13 collection. Think less City Boy and more English picnics, cricket and croquet. Grassstained garments and wine-spotted trousers herald the arrival of a truly British summer. viviennewestwood.co.uk
FASHION
Road Trip Business or pleasure? Otis Batterbee makes luxury travel accessories to cater for both occasions. Each item is handmade and designed in England using fabrics commissioned by weavers in Yorkshire and Lancashire. Popular accessories include travel pouches, pillows and eye masks, while the most in-demand items are these classic envelopes. Available in a variety of designs with iconic British names such as Prince of Wales, Grey Pinstripe and Harris Tweed, they are bound to be a talking point. otisbatterbee.com
Prince of Shirts
If the Shoe Fits... The John Lobb Bootmaker premises are steeped in British history; as well as being only a head turn away from Henry VIII’s palace, it has also been the home of coffee houses, gentleman’s clubs and elegant outfitters throughout the centuries, the dwelling-place of aristocrats and nobles. And it is not as though this tradition sees any signs of stopping. In 2009, it was paid a visit by Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall. For the S/S13 season, the British bootmaker introduces a new non-welted ankle boot, the Opanka construction, making for a more durable and flexible shoe. The Livonia is this summer’s slipon shoe, which fittingly has a nautical twist with its water resistant leather finish and white rubber sole. Now in possession of two Royal Warrants, John Lobb is the official shoemaker of kings.
As one of Britain’s most famous ambassadors, the Prince of Wales doesn’t often make headlines for talking about his outfit choices. But a recent visit to the Turnbull & Asser factory revealed that the Prince has been wearing its shirts for more than 40 years. Established in 1885, Turnbull & Asser is a famously British brand and has dressed some of the most famous names in British history including Winston Churchill and all the James Bonds, from Sean Connery in Dr No to Daniel Craig in Casino Royale. turnbullandasser.co.uk
johnlobbltd.co.uk
The Perfect Pair Look good with the lights on with Hamilton & Hare’s slim-line tailored boxer shorts designed to Savile Row’s exquisite standards. Royal Oxford cotton is used in combination with pearl engraved buttons to make an utterly luxurious undergarment for men who love everything tailor-fitted. And with each colour of shorts boasting a quintessentially British name, such as Boris Blue, Pigeon Grey and Routemaster Red, they are sure to raise eyebrows for all the right reasons. hamiltonandhare.com
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www.vgnewtrend.it
ph. Andrea Pancino C
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VG Studio at
inspirations vision
style
design
www.idesign-int.com info@inspirationsoftickhill.co.uk Tel: 01302 760040
lifestyle MAKING A SPLASH In designing beautiful bathroom products, Devon & Devon takes its inspiration from the eras in which American elegance reached its peak; Holly, a sofa within a bath, was inspired by Audrey Hepburn’s character in the 1960s adaptation of Truman Capote’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Gatsby is the second of the company’s mirrors to be inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel. The designs combine opposites seamlessly – black and white, classic and contemporary, understatement and inventiveness – to create an aesthetic which is both current and timeless. The boldness of Art Deco style is juxtaposed with sharp minimalist lines and fashioned from high grade materials to produce the most luxurious bathing experiences. devon-devon.com
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At Your
Service
These companies have anticipated every concierge request you could possibly dream up, from the mundane to the ridiculous; all you need to do is pick up the phone, says GEMMA TAYLOR
FEATURE
Cushion the Impact Services: Assists with any request or errand that is ‘legal, moral and feasible’, from filling photo albums and liaising with builders to organising holidays or moving house Most unusual request: After 15 minutes of first meeting, a client handed over the keys to his apartment and asked Cushion the Impact to complete the sale on a new flat and arrange the move. When asked why he trusted the company so quickly he gave three reasons: they came highly recommended; they had honest faces; and his wife would divorce him if he disrupted another holiday Point of difference: One of the first UK concierge companies to offer pay-as-you-go services Price: Prices range from £40 for a single hour to £30 per hour for a block of 20 Contact: 0845 269 6922, cushiontheimpact.co.uk
Highlife Service: Submit any automotive, yacht and aviation requests you might have. Lifestyle solutions and a personal and bespoke service are also available Most unusual request: Have organised a Snow Rugby Charity Tournament and for a couple to get married on skis Point of difference: A family-owned company operated by three generations of the same family and able to deliver a personal touch with sincerity and integrity Price: On application Contact: highlifegroup.co.uk
Ashton Rose Services: Gives clients and families valuable time to do things that they enjoy, whilst knowing that someone is there to take care of life’s timeconsuming tasks. Clients are allocated a personal lifestyle manager who is available for them 24/7 Most unusual request: One client wanted a very specific fresh Russian cake that is only available from Moscow, delivered to Dubai with a few hours’ notice Point of difference: Ashton Rose spent years learning about the concierge business in London hotels, including the Conrad Chelsea and Dorchester, which is reflected in the service Price: £5,000 per annum Contact: 07875 321634, john@ashton.co.uk
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Quintessentially Services: Specialist advice, insider access and exclusive benefits available globally in the fields of travel, property, wine, art, luxury retail, events, PR and publishing Most unusual request: Sourcing a professor who was an expert in beeswax to work for a client’s charity project at a hill tribe village in northern Thailand Point of difference: The Quintessentially Group is the only global concierge business working in more than 60 countries Price: Membership rate upon request Contact: 0845 269 8585, quintessentiallygroup.com
Personal Time Saver London Services: Offers tailor-made services including property management, personal and cosmetic services, repairs, travel, personal shopping and entertainment Most unusual request: To clear out a coal bunker Point of difference: Proudly declares itself London’s only concierge service that does not receive commission from suppliers and contractors Price: Monday-Friday: £75 per hour. Saturday: £85 per hour. Sunday and Bank Holidays: £100 per hour Contact: 0780 1240217, personaltimesaver.co.uk
Sincura Services: Provides members with free entry into nightclubs, upgrades at hotels and restaurants, use of 115 cars and discounts at hundreds of stores. Speciality is providing VIP passes and access to sold-out music concerts Most unusual request: Flying a dress to the Cannes film festival when given a four-hour time window to do so and arranging for one of its members to have a walk-on part in what became an Oscar-nominated film Point of difference: Started as a secret organisation, opening buildings usually inaccessible to the public. Its set up was based on three main factors; value for money, contacts and knowing each client well Price: Membership starts from £30 per month Contact: 0844 854 9220, thesincuragroup.com
Photography: ben smith / Shutterstock.com
FEATURE
Bon Vivant Services: Arranges holidays, and both recommends and books restaurants and bars all over the world. Sources tickets for the theatre, concerts and VIP events and advises on a range of lifestyle services Most unusual request: To arrange a trip to the theatre with Prince Albert of Monaco Point of difference: Each member has their own personal concierge who will learn their tastes and know exactly what they need Price: £2,500 per annum Contact: 020 3141 3000 bonvivant.co.uk
The Fixer Services: Provides concierge and personal assistant services and lifestyle management to individuals and businesses Most unusual request: To find a British butler for a gentleman in Holland and to Hoover a driveway Point of difference: An online service with dedicated account managers for each client How much: £30 per hour Contact: 0845 0573489, the-fixer.co.uk
The Organisers Services: A super-efficient team of personal assistants who provide bespoke solutions for clients’ domestic and corporate challenges 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Experts in lifestyle management, particularly property and household management, staff recruitment and relocations Most unusual request: Retrieving a client’s tooth from a safe to take to their private jet, organising an elephant for a Surrey wedding and arranging reindeer, elves and Father Christmas to surprise children staying at a central London hotel Point of ifference: Services are pay-as-you-go and there is no membership fee. Clients are given a team of three people so they will always be able to communicate with a named person Price: From £75 per hour plus VAT Contact: 020 7078 7554, theorganisers.com
© Chris Christodoulou THE KENSINGTON & CHELSEA MAGAZINE
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& GARDEN
HOME
BY OLIVIA SHARPE
It’s a Man’s World A place to escape from the stresses of the world, a peaceful haven for the English country gent, the study remains to this day a vital room in any household
1 Edgecumbe striking dial clock, £9,800, clock-work-shop.co.uk 2 1728 crown bracket lantern, POA, Charles Edwards, charlesedwards.com 3 Union flag humidor in high gloss, £7,000, David Linley, davidlinley.com 4 Authentic models telescope with floorstand, £372, Occa Home, occa-home.co.uk 5 Mahogany and satinwood drum table, POA Titchmarsh & Goodwin, titchmarsh-goodwin.co.uk 6 Regency rosewood writing box, £995, Graham Smith Antiques, grahamsmithantiques.com 7 Professional barograph, £1,480, Nauticalia Ltd, nauticalia.com Main image: Walnut Study, Clive Christian, clive.com
House of Cards British designer Timothy Oulton has come up trumps with his two latest collections. The Composer draws inspiration from music of every genre, from the classics right through to rock ‘n’ roll. There is both harmony and dissonance as Oulton blends harsh metallic and leather pieces from the Black Spitfire collection with soft sheepskin upholstery to create the perfect fusion. Brighton Beach, on the other hand, has a more traditional and laidback feel; the designer was inspired by summertime beach culture, surfing and vintage cars. Key features include coast-inspired artwork, beach signs, cool marble and natural shades of blue and sand. With Oulton having raised the ante among his competitors, we predict other designers will soon follow suit and raise their game. Well played Mr Oulton. Timothy Oulton is now available at Harrods, harrods.com
Step Into the Tardis For 13 years, Wyndham Design has been creating dining tables and consoles that add a touch of glamour to luxurious interiors, as well as making waves in the wonderful world of bespoke wardrobes. Director Richard Thomas has found that, in his experience, no matter what their fashion weakness – whether shoes, handbags or coats – most women want to fit their wardrobe into a shoebox. Fluent in a range of materials including wood, metal, glass and printed leathers, if clients want snake, buffalo or stingray skin, Richard can achieve the effect by embossing cowhide with a stamp. “Many women compromise, when for a third more than the cost of a high street semi-bespoke wardrobe, they could get exactly what they want, reflecting their own style.” wyndhamdesign.com
By the Book Being in possession of an original manuscript or a first edition novel is a rare privilege, giving you access into the world of the author quite unlike any other historical artefact. At Peter Harrington, one of the world’s leading rare books’ firms, you will find first edition copies, manuscripts, typescripts, maps and original photographs dating from the 15th right up to the 20th century. Among the collection, British classics include the first collected works of Jane Austen, Ian Fleming’s first two books before Bond (complete with the original green cloth), Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species (1859) and the 1922 publication of James Joyce’s Ulysses (one of only 750 copies on Arches paper that has also been inscribed by the author). Many beautifully-bound, these make an attractive, conversation-starting addition to your book shelf. Peter Harrington, 100 Fulham Road, SW3 6HS 020 7591 0220; peterharrington.co.uk
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INTERIORS
Beautiful Timelessness From architecture and interior design to bespoke furniture, PANDORA JONES takes a closer look at the Intarya offerings, all of which can give homes a more personalised touch WE’RE ALL TIRED of the recession – but in going through it, people seem to have learned that no matter how much money you have, you should always aim to spend it on timeless design, high quality materials and unique detailing. Brands have also wised up to this change in consumers’ spending habits and an increased emphasis on the heritage of brands has been evident, in order to capture the market. As part of this trend, more and more people want to bring into their home things that are beautifully made and bespoke, as well as understanding exactly how they are made; there has been a definite shift away from massproduced and towards things that are special and timeless. In speaking to the team at Intarya, one of the many ways this can be achieved for homeowners is “by layering unique decorative elements to create a tactile, luxurious environment”. Clients are often advised to commission bespoke embroideries for cushions, throws, curtains and blinds to create a sense of exclusivity and craftsmanship for their home’s interior design scheme. Shiny or matte, velvet or silk, these objects can add an unexpected quality of glamorous individuality and, because they are used in moderation, the effect that they create can far outweigh their cost. intarya.com
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PROMOTION
Trend: Colour Blocking Unfettered by the weather, the interior environment of your home is yours to ornament and yours alone. This season, brights and fluorescents are a brilliant approach to abate the winter greys. Tasteful usage of powerful hues can transform a room without saturating it, rendering it joyous and playful. Fortune really does favour the bold THE WISE RECOGNISE that nothing of value in this world is ever given away for free. ACHICA, the members-only luxury lifestyle online store, does, however, aim to give the people what they really want at prices they cannot refuse. Signing up to the website requires no fee and, once registered as a member, the benefits of sign-up are daily, or weekly, notifications of exclusive shopping events, which provide amazing reductions on numerous, normally high-priced items. An enormous range of homeware, gardenware and lifestyle products from luxury labels are available at up to 70 per cent off of their original price. Ideal for home furnishings, there is also a wide variety of gift ideas. The online products are carefully selected by in-house experts whose goal is to give their customers the very best from across the globe at great prices. These events run for only 72 hours, resulting in the most popular products selling out before the sale is due to finish – so customers must act quickly to get their hands on the best in furniture, soft furnishings, bed and bath, kitchenware, garden furniture, art, travel, fashion accessories, childrenswear and more.
Offers, ideas and inspiration may come from the experts’ blog and free magazine, which are available for browsing while you shop, where there is also news of regular competitions and special offers. Promotions begin at dawn and on Thursdays there is a late night shopping option. Irrespective of the position of the sun in the sky, however, there is no doubt that there will be something on ACHICA that will catch your eye. Shopping events daily at achica.com
Clockwise from top left: Asiatic Rugs, Milieu, Plantation Rugs, Nordal, RICE
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- bucharest - chengdu - hamburg - istanbul - london - milan - nice - paris - tel aviv - turin - vienna - warsaw www.devon-devon.com
Floris is delighted to announce the opening of a new Bespoke Perfumery Boutique at 147 Ebury Street, Belgravia, 282 years since Mr and Mrs Floris opened the doors to their first Perfumery at 89 Jermyn Street.
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HEALTH BEAUTY BY OLIVIA SHARPE
Ombre Hypnôse Mono Bleu de France, £17.50, Lancôme lancome.co.uk Pure Colour Stay-On Shadow Paints in Bold Cobalt, £19 Estée Lauder, esteelauder.com
Royal BLUE P vivid and medium blue, £11 each Available at Space NK Apothecary uk.spacenk.com
Technakohl Liner in Auto-de-blu, £14 MAC Cosmetics maccosmetics.com
Whether brushed over the eyes or painted on nails, blue is set to be one of spring’s standout shades Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara in Over Blue, £23, Dior dior.com
Atropa Belladonna 100ml, £55, Shay & Blue, shayandblue.com Jean Queen Lipstick, £15 Lipstick Queen, available at Space NK Apothecary uk.spacenk.com
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La Laque Couture in Majorelle Blue, £18 Yves Saint Laurent yslbeauty.co.uk
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HEALTH BEAUTY
Stop the Clock Elemis’ Pro-Collagen Marine Cream was a revolutionary treatment in anti-aging when it first arrived on the scene ten years ago. Although many skincare companies have since followed suit, this popular product continues to fly off the shelves and, to mark its tenth anniversary, the leading British spa and skincare brand will be releasing a limited edition version which comes in a marine-blue jar with silver-embossed lid. Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, £99, Elemis Available from 1 April at Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RJ harveynichols.com
Beauty Before Age
Love Me Tender When Burberry launched its Body fragrance back in 2011, it was supermodel Rosie Huntington-Whiteley who fronted the campaign; at that time, she was the most talked-about woman on the fashion scene. Now following in her footsteps is current Burberry model and ‘it’ girl Cara Delevingne who is the face of the brand’s latest Body Tender body lotion spray. Like Rosie, Cara is pictured wearing only the iconic trench coat and, of course, the fragrance itself. This time round, however, the Houses of Parliament serve as the backdrop and a reminder of the brand’s iconic British heritage. The lightweight, fresh scent features extracts of lemon, dewy English rose and white jasmine. Body Tender Eau de Toilette, £62 for 85ml, Burberry uk.burberry.com
Product of the Month: IOMA Youth Booster Harrods has always been on the money when predicting the next best thing on the luxury market, whether it’s fashion, beauty, interiors or technology. This was highlighted in November last year when the department store introduced IOMA exclusively to its beauty department, one of the most cutting-edge innovations in skin technology thanks to its use of high resolution photographs to analyse the skin. The brand’s newest product now means you no longer have to travel to Knightsbridge in order to reap its benefits. IOMA Youth Booster is a tool and treatment in one, enabling you to assess your skin’s moisture levels through its digital sensor (which determines how much of the product is needed day and night) and then to treat your skin accordingly using the hydrating and detoxing formula. IOMA Youth Booster, £149 Exclusive to the White Hall at Harrods harrods.com
“I don’t get older, I just get better”, exclaims Monica as she samples her own cooking in a late episode of Friends. While for a career of a chef this can very well be believed, one might not have applied the same principle to a model. That is, until the arrival of Kate Moss. The supermodel has been working in the fashion industry for more than two decades and she shows no sign of stopping, having just become the face of haircare brand Kerastase’s new Couture Styling Range. kerastase.co.uk
Amazing Grace Only 95 years after women won the right to vote, the first women-only private members’ club, Grace Belgravia, has opened in London. The aim of the club is to provide women at all stages of life with the cerebral, cultural, health and beauty support they need, in one place. Brainchild of CEO Kate Percival, the concept is a result of Percival’s award-winning thesis on integrating health and beauty. Housed in an 11,500 square-foot, Grade II-listed Georgian building in Belgravia, the interior is classy, feminine and relaxed, while brushed steel gives it a professional, contemporary edge. The water, flavoured with slices of fresh cucumber, contains natural electrolytes. Dr Timothy Evans heads up the medical clinic, while a boutique features pop-up stores from up-and-coming designers. The library, gym, spa and restaurant are all refreshingly designed with women in mind and regular talks and events are on offer to provide constant inspiration. On joining, all clients are assigned an ‘angel’, to help negotiate the list of cutting-edge treatments and organise appointments. The Grace Signature Massage is described as the ‘ultimate massage experience’ to help your body immerse completely in the moment. Designed by in-house body specialist Monika Skrzydlewska, specifically for Grace, it promises to provide the perfect conditions for self-healing. You will feel your cells connecting and working together as the long fluid limb movements, combined with head massage and hot oil, leave you transported, energised and full of joie de vivre. Grace Belgravia, 11A West Halkin Street, W1, gracebelgravia.com Full membership: £5,500 per year / overseas membership: £3,500 per year Grace Signature Massage (120 minutes): £255. Men are only allowed for dinner on Thursdays
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HEALTH & BEAUTY
The Future’s Bright JENNY BARRETT visits Preventicum in West London for a thorough body MOT, finding it less stressful and rather more reassuring than anticipated I MUST ADMIT, I’m probably not the typical Preventicum client; 30 years old, and in what I consider good health, there aren’t any issues giving me undue cause for concern. However, it seems that knowing what the future might have in store can, quite literally, save your life; Karren Brady has spoken about the life-saving discovery of an aneurysm during a routine check-up so the old adage ‘prevention is better than cure’ rings true. However, the expression ‘body MOT’ (officially the Essentials Plus or Ultimate Check Up) makes one rather apprehensive; being prodded and poked (albeit in the interest of health) isn’t something I usually sign up for. The Preventicum centre is discreetly located near Shepherd’s Bush and immaculately kitted out. I’m greeted by two smiling blonde nurses who are so friendly that I might as well be about to embark on a session of retail therapy. Every client has their own private room so I’m led to St James, which boasts comfy armchairs, a TV, a computer and telephone I can use, and WiFi (handy for keeping up with the odd email in between tests). I slip on one of the tracksuits and soon Suzanne is back to take me to the first part of the process; blood tests. I hate needles but the four vials of blood are taken speedily and this at least is out the way. Basic observations including height, weight, BMI, resting heart rate, temperature and blood pressure are taken and I do a hearing test too. The eye test is skipped (as I wear contact lenses and so my eyes are checked annually anyway). Next I’m whisked down the corridor to another state-of-theart room and Dr Bennet, a lovely lady with a great bedside manner, for a detailed consultation. Honesty is very important; exaggerating fitness levels or underplaying nicotine habits will be uncovered. I’d been sent a booklet to complete about aspects of my lifestyle (diet, exercise, alcohol consumption, relationship status, any medication and current medical complaints) as well as family medical history. Take time to fill this in with due care; Dr Bennet and I go through it in great detail. Essentially, the centre believes that by diagnosing any existing conditions and developing a preventive strategy tailored to each client’s lifestyle, they can help to find their fighting form for the future. Dr Bennet also gives me a breast and pelvic examination, a smear test, and checks moles, heartbeat, throat, ears and eyes. By this point, I feel quite relaxed, although rather hungry; you must fast prior to the check up. Next I’m taken to the ECG room and hooked up to the machine by a dozen round sticky pads for my electrocardiograph report. First the resting result is taken, as well as the lung function test (essentially puffing into a tube) and then it’s time for the treadmill (bring a pair of trainers). It gets faster and steeper until your heart rate reaches its 100 per cent level (or you ask to stop – my
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form cited my activity cessation as ‘fatigue’ and I quite agree). However, after some Lucozade I feel revived enough to continue and Catherine in Ultrasound is next. Jelly is smeared on my stomach and when I express surprise that it’s pleasantly warm, calm and friendly Catherine smiles; “It’s the 21st century; it should be warm!” While at times uncomfortable (due to ribs getting in the way of organs and a ticklish neck), I can see the marvel of the body’s vital organs magnified on the ultrasound screen; my carotid arteries, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, uterus, ovaries and bladder are all checked and I’m assured a couple of tiny (15mm) cysts on my liver and a kidney are no cause for concern. I am rewarded for my efforts with a fresh chicken salad, fruit and juice; most welcome by 4pm. Because of my age I’m doing the Essentials Plus CheckUp (£1,050) but the Ultimate Plus includes the all-important MRI scans and MRI colonoscopy (£3,550) which is the centre’s most popular offering. I’m taken back to Dr Bennet to run through blood results (which test things like cholesterol, thyroid function and iron levels) and she explains that my full written report will arrive within ten working days. I’m very lucky; thanks to my age and lifestyle, I have a clean bill of health but I’d certainly come back in a decade, or two, or three, just to make sure all is as it should be. I leave the clinic, tired but reassured and happy. Here’s to starting as I mean to go on. Preventicum, London Centre of Preventive Medicine Shepherds West, Rockley Road, W14 0DA 020 7605 6900; preventicum.co.uk / info@preventicum.co.uk
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Captivate Your Senses The first internationally-acclaimed Chuan Spa in Europe is now open at The Langham, London. Rediscover your source with luxurious treatments inspired by the philosophy of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
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1 c Port l and P l ace, Regent S treet, Lond on W1B 1JA T 4 4 (0) 20 7973 7550
tl l on.i nfo@chuansp a.com
AUCKLAND • BOSTON • HONG KONG • LONDON • LOS ANGELES • MELBOURNE • SHANGHAI
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Kids KINGDOM BY OLIVIA SHARPE
Bee in your Bonnet
Push the Boat Out With the weather in London finally starting to resemble spring, what better way to spend an enjoyable afternoon out than with a boat ride on the Serpentine? From 31 March until the end of October, you can hire a boat for up to six people and get some much-needed fresh air while enjoying the lovely surroundings of Hyde Park. However, if peddling the boat yourself sounds a bit too strenuous, you can catch the Solarshuttle instead; powered by the sun, it glides silently across the water and can carry up to 40 people at a time.
We are certain that your children won’t be able to stop talking about it once they’ve visited Kensington Palace and partaken in the special bonnetmaking competition, going on over Easter weekend. Visitors can either draw inspiration from the Palace’s own costume archive or else delve into their imagination to create their own homemade bonnet which can be brought along on the day. Entries will be judged at 3pm each day and prizes awarded for the most impressive headgear. Quite literally, put a feather in your children’s caps this Easter. 11am until 4pm, with judging at 3pm Friday 29 March-Sunday 31 March Kensington Palace Gardens hrp.org.uk
solarshuttle.co.uk
Rob Wilson / Shutterstock.com
We’ve rounded up the top Easter-related events happening on local soil so you don’t have to travel far to keep your kids entertained during the holiday period
Thrill of the Hunt Easter just wouldn’t be Easter without a chocolate egg hunt. And if you didn’t have time to plant your own in your garden this year, fortunately Bluebird Restaurant has once again called upon its good friend, the Easter Bunny, for its annual egg hunt. Eggs will be surreptitiously hidden around the courtyard and Bluebird welcomes anyone to come along and help to find them. Juice will be served to quench your children’s thirst after they have consumed their buried treasures. Tickets are priced at £10 per person. From 11am, 23 March Bluebird Chelsea 350 King’s Road SW3 5UU 020 7559 1162 bluebirdrestaurant.co.uk
All Sorts of Drama Drama workshops are a great way for your children to whittle away time and have a lot of fun too. Set up by Sasha Leslie and Melissa Healy in 1992, All Sorts Drama has grown into one of London’s most highly-respected drama schools. Its Easter workshop, running from 8 until 11 April, is the place for little thespians to learn all about the different aspects of putting on a play, from writing the script down to the music, props and costumes. They will be able to demonstrate all that they have learnt in a seasonal show at the end, which is performed in front of family and friends. Now thankfully all theatrics can be contained to the stage and not your home this April! 8-11 April Ages 4-6 and 7-12 More House School, Pont Street, SW1X 0AA 020 8969 3249; allsortsdrama.com
For Little Fans of Linley David Linley’s Little Linley line is solely for the young ones who care just as much, if not more, about their personal space and comfort as their parents do. The oak toy box is where they can hide away all their precious games and stuffed toys, while the handcrafted piggy banks, which come in the shape of different farmyard animals, depending on their preference, will teach them the value of saving as they squirrel away their pocket money. Among the collection there are also photo frames, snuggly cashmere blankets and cushions and an exquisite dappled grey rocking horse, all made, like its adult counterpart, using the same care and attention to detail for which David Linley is renowned. David Linley, 60 Pimlico Road, SW1W 8LP, davidlinley.com
Self-Preservation
By Royal Appointment Almost 30 years before the arrival of Paddington Bear, Merrythought was handmaking the quintessentially British bear at its factory in Shropshire, the last remaining teddy bear factory in Britain. This year, the brand has collaborated with Scarlet & Argent (launched by Royal Warrant holder Hainsworth whose cloth was worn by Prince William and Harry at the Royal Wedding) to make two limited edition cashmere bears.
When Queen Victoria commissioned artist Mary Thornycroft to sculpt her nine children’s hands and feet in alabaster more than a century ago, she could not have known she had started a trend which would continue until the present day. While we now have many ways of preserving memories thanks to technological advances, life cast sculpture and jewellery company Wrightson & Platt felt that there is nothing quite as personal or unique as this ancient technique. Passionate about supporting British craftsmanship, the company has many British suppliers and consequently has a strong British customer base including the likes of Stella McCartney and Chris Beardshaw who, in 2005, commissioned the company to make life cast sculptures of onlookers as part of his display at the Chelsea Flower Show. 020 7384 2476 uk.wrightsonandplatt.com
scarletandargent.co.uk
Don’t Forget to Book
Bunny Ears
We cannot contain our excitement for the arrival of this summer’s theatrical extravaganza Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, which promises to be every bit as good as the magical production of Matilda the Musical which hit the West End only last year. This time, Academy Awardwinning director Sam Mendes has taken up the challenge of turning this much-loved Roald Dahl children’s classic into a musical, with the help of composer Marc Shaiman (Hairspray the Musical), set and costume designer Mark Thompson (Mamma Mia!) and the cast. Make sure to book your family’s tickets now so you, like Charlie, can become part of this dark and delicious adventure.
If your little girl prefers jewellery to chocolate, these are the perfect Easter gifts
Official opening: 25 June drurylanetheatrelondon.com
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Rabbit stud earrings in silver £40, Blossom collection by Alexis Dove, alexisdove.com
Dotty Bunny pendant necklace, POA, Katie Hillier hillierlondon.com
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Preaching to the
Converted On the automotive catwalk, the Aston Martin DB9 is the supermodel. Matthew Carter gets to know the best-looking car in town A couple of weeks ago, on one of those cloudless winter days when the sun shines but temperatures struggle to reach six degrees, I spotted a fellow driving his car and, unkindly though it was, my immediate thought was ‘prat’. You see, he was
driving a rather effete sports car with a tacky personal plate. And he had the roof down. Despite wearing an anorak worthy of the Michelin Man and a gaudy bobble hat that should have been outlawed on the grounds of taste, the redness of his nose proved that this was not the weather for going topless. And yet here I am doing much the same: the sun’s shining, though it’s far from warm, my convertible has a personal plate… and the roof’s down. Thankfully my car is far from effete – and I wouldn’t be seen dead in a bobble hat.
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The number plate gives a hint of what’s to come, V12 VTE, underlining that under the bonnet of this Aston Martin DB9 Volante (that’s the VTE bit) lies a V12 engine; a 6.0-litre V12 with 510hp, no less, and a soundtrack to match. The first DB9 appeared in 2004 but this latest version arrived late last year, just in time for Aston’s centenary celebrations this year – Bamford & Martin was founded in January 1913, operating from premises in Henniker Mews in Kensington; the company eventually became Aston Martin Motors in 1926. New in DB9 terms means a revised V12 engine developing significantly more power than the outgoing version, new carbon ceramic brakes and adaptive damping allowing the driver to choose Normal, Sport or Track modes. There have also been some styling changes, though you’ll need to be a real trainspotter to identify them all. In fact, if there is a problem with the current range of Aston Martins, it’s that they all look similar, aside from the Cygnet which, of course, is no more than a Toyota in a designer dress. Put them side by side and you’ll see that, Russian Doll-style, the V8 Vantage is a little shorter than the DB9 which is then a little shorter than the Vanquish. Maybe Aston should try to differentiate its models a little more? But then again, maybe not. They are all glorious looking things, Astons, and the DB9 is the best of the lot so why should it bother? When you mix in that awesome V12, the world is a wonderful place, especially when the sun is shining. To use day in and day out, I’d take the Coupé; quite apart from the extra security of a solid roof overhead, I love the shape of the rear window. But today it’s hard to resist the Volante. Besides, having the hood down (fully electric, it takes about 14 seconds for the transformation from closed to open) means I get to hear the V12 in all its glory. With 510hp on offer, it doesn’t lack for much in the way of performance. Aston quotes a time of around
4.5 seconds to get to 60mph from rest and it manages that without any fancy launch control system. This is good old-fashioned British brute force and it feels wonderful. Plant your foot on the throttle and the thing momentarily squats before rocketing forwards with such force that you are left gasping for breath. As for the noise, Aston should record it and stick it out as an MP3 download. It would be a guaranteed number one. And that’s despite, rather than because of, the transmission. Unlike rivals which now have seven- or eight-speed automatics or, better still, dual clutch robotised manuals, the DB9 perseveres with a six-speed auto. Granted, the DB9 has paddle shifters and the transmission is programmed to stay locked in manual mode when you’ve shifted gears rather than revert to auto a few seconds later, but it still underlines that Aston is a relatively small player in the market and simply doesn’t have the funds to bless its cars with all the latest gizmos. But it doesn’t matter. This performance is matched by a fabulous chassis. The steering is superbly weighted and gloriously direct, while those carbon ceramic brakes haul the Volante down from unmentionable speeds in a trice. There’s plenty of grip and, even though there’s no roof, the structural integrity of the car hasn’t been compromised. The laws of physics suggest it can’t be as stiff as the Coupé, but if there is any shake and shimmy in the structure I never found it. The ride, too, is exemplary for a sports car, even when the adaptive damping is in Sport rather than Normal mode. In fact, Normal is a bit too soft for anything other than sitting in a traffic jam while Track is best forgotten unless you really intend to spend your time thrashing around a circuit: it’s just too harsh for everyday use. The DB9 is also good to drive with the roof down and that’s not as stupid a comment as it sounds. While every convertible is fine pottering about, most get damn
The carbon ceramic brakes haul the Volante down from unmentionable speeds in a trice
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uncomfortable when speeds rise. And while I wouldn’t want to attempt its top speed of 180mph+ with the roof down, progress at motorway speeds in the DB9 isn’t beset with too much noise or hurricane force winds. Mind you, you’ll need to make sure the wind jammer is in place over the back seats otherwise you will be blown away, (and not in a good way). Of course, slotting the jammer behind the front seats means the rear ones can’t be used. But in all honesty, they aren’t that much use even if the jammer is tucked away in the boot as there is minimal rear legroom. So the DB9 cannot really be considered a four seater but a sports GT for two; use the back seats to carry luggage to supplement the small boot and you’ll be just fine. Alternatively admit defeat and opt for Aston’s 2+0 seating offer which seems to suggest the factory itself acknowledges the uselessness of the back seats. “Four people and their luggage? Sir might prefer the Rapide…” Alternatively, Sir might prefer the Bentley Continental GTC, another two-door soft-top with similar performance but more space. If it’s practicality you’re after the GTC is one to consider, but despite its grandeur, quality and presence, the Bentley looks frankly portly next to the lithe Aston and, let’s be honest, the sole purpose of a soft-top powered by a fuel-guzzling, emission-heavy-V12 is to look great. And that, the Aston does with ease. You will forgive it the boot capacity, the back seats, the fiddly switchgear and instruments and the out-dated transmission every time you look down that long bonnet. And as you park up and walk away, you will turn to gaze admiringly at its lines one last time before it’s completely out of view. Few cars appeal to enthusiasts and non-car people alike, in the way the Aston does. Here’s to another 100 years of beautiful cars.
IN BRIEF Car: Aston Martin DB9 Volante Price: £141,995 Engine: 5,935cc, V12-cylinder Power: 510 hp Performance: 183 mph max, 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds Drive: Rear-wheel drive, six-speed automatic
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MOONLIGHT BAY Cap Rocat is the name of a stunning military fortress in Mallorca, with panoramic views of the bay of Palma. The hotel has just introduced Dolce Vita weekends, enabling you to choose a classic car in which to explore the incredible scenery surrounding the hotel. Architect Antonio Obrador has taken inspiration from the building’s grandeur to create details such as bullet door handles. Enjoy the private beach available for guests and soak up the atmosphere, created by the hotel’s philosophy of simple luxury. Wherever possible, from the interior design to the restaurant menu, Cap Rocat sources its materials locally, ensuring that you can enjoy classic Mallorcan culture in what we deem a rather majestic setting. caprocat.com
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Just a couple of hours from home. And yet a world away.
w w w. a u s t r i a . i n f o
Yo u r p e r s o n a l H o l i d a y I n f o r m a t i o n L i n e : 0845 101 1818 (calls charged at local rates)
Travel
THE WORLD BY NATALIE BOLLU
“This blessed plot, this earth, this realm. This England” William Shakespeare Whether you’re looking for a coastal retreat, a city break or a country escape, with family or friends, you can find it all on home ground this Easter
Country: The Museum Inn, Dorset In recent years, Dorset has become a popular home to the likes of Madonna and Guy Ritchie who owned the 1,132-acre Ashcombe Estate on the Wiltshire/Dorset border before they divorced. But don’t let the occasional transatlantic neighbours put you off visiting this part of the world, which has essentially upheld its British heritage. This is highlighted by establishments such as the Museum Inn in Farnham; its part-thatched roof, flagstone floors and antique furniture all harken back to its historic origins, dating as far back as the 17th century. While maintaining many of its original features, the Museum Inn has brought itself into the 21st century by making certain necessary renovations including adding Moles Cottage, a self-contained holiday lodge which would provide the perfect school holiday retreat for you and your family. museuminn.co.uk
Coast: Burgh Island, Devon
City: Hotel 40 Winks, London
When Hercule Poirot was looking for the ideal secluded spot in which to take his sojourn in Evil Under the Sun, he decided upon Devon. But be sure that this was far from a coincidence, having been the birth place of Poirot’s creator, Agatha Christie and the source of much of her literary inspiration. This was also the case for English playwright Noel Coward to whom Burgh Island was a second home. The hotel located on the island was built in 1929 and has since been fully restored to its original glamour with its own 1930s-inspired billiards room and black tie evening events with a live music bill. burghisland.com
If you happened to stay in Hotel 40 Winks during the most recent London Fashion Week, chances are you would have bumped into at least one member of the industry. The four-storey Queen Anne townhouse in the heart of the East End is the first micro boutique hotel in the capital which was created as a refuge for all those who are part of the fashion world. Therefore, we should warn you that this is not your average hotel, offering no room service and not so much as a tea and coffee making set in the rooms. And yet, this is more than made up for by the inspired décor, courtesy of interior designer David Carter. Spot the wonderful bits and bobs dotted around the hotel including a Beatles drum kit and a stack of vintage suitcases stashed in the corner. 40winks.org
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Lost Not All Those
Who Wander Are
Wise words indeed from Mr Tolkien and in this spirit, MIKE PEAKE embarks on a wandering ‘literatour’ of the UK, soaking up centuries of Britain’s rich literary history, from Chaucer to Kipling via Shakespeare and Austen
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f there’s one thing that makes American visitors to the UK green with envy it is our history. They might outdo us on skyscrapers and portion sizes but thumb back through their annals much more than 150 years and it’s not long before you’re looking at rather blank pages – something especially true when it comes to literary history. We’ll see your Mark Twain and Herman Melville, American friend, but we’ll
raise you a handful of Brontë sisters and a Chaucer. Britain’s literary history is simply unbeatable. With such a vast well of it, it’s inevitable that an important anniversary or two is never far away. Last year it was the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Dickens; this year we mark two centuries since Jane Austen’s wildly popular Pride And Prejudice was first published. It’s little wonder that both ABTA and Visit England are predicting that literatours – as they have dubbed them – will be a key travel trend for 2013.
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The city of Bath, a UNESCO world heritage site ©VisitBritain/Stephen Spraggon
A literatour, if you hadn’t guessed, is a road trip thorough Britain’s rich literary past and Dickens fans have much to choose from. His London might take you from Belgrave Square (the Wititterlys live nearby in Nicholas Nickleby) to Clerkenwell, which featured in several of the great Victorian writer’s novels. Or it might lead you to the garden of England; Dickens featured Rochester in his writings more than any other town apart from London. He rather liked Broadstairs too and Hilary Macaskill, writing in The Independent, said the seaside town was a “home from
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home” for Dickens. “His first stay, in 1837, was in lodgings overlooking High Street,” she says. “It was here that he finished The Pickwick Papers.” If London and Kent are Dickens, then Stratfordupon-Avon, of course, is Shakespeare, and exactly 400 years ago this year the bard is thought to have retired to the historic and much-admired Warwickshire town. A literary tour of Shakespeare’s Stratford would typically take in Henley Street, where he was born, the picturesque Anne Hathaway’s cottage in the village of
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The UK’s abundant literary history is certainly not lost on Visit Britain, whose latest promotional campaign involves sending out ‘semi-personalised’ invitations all over the world. There’s one from Merlita Bryan, the Sheriff of Nottingham, whose patch includes the legendary Sherwood Forest – home, of course, to a certain Robin Hood. This recurring literary figure played a part in Sir
The Globe is 230 metres from where the original Globe stood,
Shottery, and the Holy Trinity Church on the banks of the Avon, where Shakespeare was buried. But there’s more, as Steve Waters explained in The Guardian: “The past may be a foreign country but here [Stratford] is its kingdom and it’s open for business.” He talks of statues of Falstaff and of flowerbeds laid out in delicate Elizabethan style, of the “long shadow of Shakespeare”. Stratford is Shakespeare country to the core – and yet no tribute to the playwright this year would be complete without a visit to London’s Globe Theatre, which stands some 250 metres from where his original Globe once pulled in the crowds; that one was destroyed by fire exactly 400 years ago this June.
Main image/ 12th century Rockingham Castle, Northamptonshire, and its surrounding gardens. Built Chesney Wolds in Bleak House on Rockingham ©VisitBritain/Tony Pleavin Inset image/ The Globe Theatre, Bankside, London ©VisitBritain/Britain on View
Walter Scott’s Ivanhoe (1820) but Shakespeare did his bit too, writing in As You Like It that the exiled duke and his men “live like the old Robin Hood Of England”. The big news this year, however, is irrefutably Jane Austen, whose links with the town of Bath guarantees a year-round flock of Austen-loving visitors. Bath embraces Austen as enthusiastically as the authoress did an intricately woven plot, and with Pride And Prejudice marking its 200th anniversary, a visit to the spa town – where she lived for five years – might just make it feel like 1813 all over again. This year’s annual Bath Jane Austen Festival in September is promising more than 60 events spread over nine days, but there’s more to Austen than just Somerset; Hampshire is where the author spent much of her life and is where she worked on many of her novels, while Chatsworth House in Derbyshire is the basis for Mr Darcy’s stately residence, Pemberley, in Pride and
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Prejudice. Spotting the emerging Austen-mania, The Daily Telegraph recently featured a list of 15 properties that would be “perfect for a Jane Austen heroine”; there’s a house in Bath near to one that Austen herself once lived at, which can be yours for £1.65 million. Literary-loving visitors to the UK are certainly spoilt for choice. A whistle-stop tour of the country might take in the Roald Dahl museum in Great Missenden, which houses the very hut (prised from the bottom of his garden) in which the entertaining author used to write. Visit Lancashire, meanwhile, offers a five-mile Tolkien Trail which takes fans of the Lord Of The Rings author past Stonyhurst Cottage in the Ribble Valley, a place he was known to visit regularly. Not to be outdone, Birmingham also has a claim on The Hobbit writer, the city’s own Tolkien Trail taking in an assortment of his childhood haunts. The capital’s literary connections are simply too numerous to list but Brown’s Hotel in Mayfair is worth a mention as its Dover Suite is where Rudyard Kipling wrote The Jungle Book. Agatha Christie based her novel At Bertram’s Hotel there and Oscar Wilde, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Bram Stoker were all visitors. Mayfair is littered with magical literary links, as is Hampstead, home at various points in time to Keats, A.A. Milne, Aldous Huxley and DH Lawrence. The list goes on. From time-capsule sheds to history-infused hotel suites and men in green tights, Britain has the lot. So hit the road, take a notebook and some favourite tomes, and set out to quench your thirst for inspiration. Your literary muse might be nearer than you think.
VISIT, BOOK, STAY visitbritain.com visitengland.com visitbath.co.uk visitlancashire.com stratford-upon-avon.co.uk shakespearesglobe.com
The Royal Crescent Hotel, Bath royalcrescent.co.uk The White Swan, Stratford-upon-Avon white-swan-stratford.co.uk The Chancery Court Hotel, London chancerycourthotel.com
Right from top/ The Roman Baths in Bath ©VisitBritain/Simon Winnall Chatsworth Estate, Derbyshire Jane Austen’s House Museum, Chawton, Hampshire The river Derwent and Chatsworth House grounds, Derbyshire ©VisitBritain/Daniel Bosworth
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Photography: Amy Murrell
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Treats
Treasures
ANNABEL HARRISON rediscovers the delights of South Ken and the area’s rich cultural history with a weekend break at the Ampersand Hotel FIRST THINGS FIRST, for those inquisitive about the hotel’s name (and not an editor by trade or a symbol enthusiast), an ampersand is the logogram representing the conjunction ‘and’. And, in fact, the hotel has certainly ensured you’re reminded of its name throughout your stay; the curling, conjunctive symbol is to be found everywhere, from the handwritten note card wishing me a “fantastic stay” (which depicts a wooden &) and the vanity kit urging me to Primp & Preen. I like this touch; I can’t think of another hotel so named. I had praise for The Ampersand prior to staying there because I had noticed its exterior; a staunch fan of monochrome, regardless of seasonal fashion trends, I love its stylish paint – let’s call it Exhibition Road Grey – which is offset by icing-sugar-white window frames and wrought iron balconies. This feeling is encouraged as I enter, through white doors and up some stairs, and confront a black staircase and a pretty white petal lighting structure; it’s lovely, actually, that the reception isn’t the first thing you see. A small desk, it’s a bit more concierge than reception and this fits with the boutique feeling the hotel wants to convey. Staff members are friendly – greetings are audible and genuine rather than muttered and forced – and communal spaces are cosy and charming, despite the seven floors’ worth of space. The design is charming but at the same time quirkily unusual. In taking advantage of the hotel’s location and heading to the Natural History Museum’s wonderful annual wildlife photography exhibition, I can see how inspiration has come from the wealth of museums and buildings nearby. Wander around the V&A, the Royal Albert Hall or the Science Museum then keep your eyes peeled on return to the hotel for clever interpretations of aspects
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of botany, music, geometry, ornithology and astronomy. It’s promised that I will “discover everyday objects with an unexpected twist” and indeed I do; next to the lift is a framed map of London but out of it is cut a daisy chain of butterflies, and I discover that the petal lighting is in fact a 20-foot installation accented with goose feather wings. Our room is definitely in the ornithology category, but happily it’s subtle, in the form of a sketch on the walls and a bird tome on the bedside table (which makes a change from the Bible, I suppose). I fling myself onto the king size bed (to check its bounciness, of course) and it scores well, as do the wonderfully fluffy pillows, although my boyfriend’s request to the hotel is that non-fluffy (i.e. flat as a pancake) pillows are also on offer. Soft drinks are complimentary, which is a small point but pleasing nonetheless. Materials are plush and luxurious, as are colours; our room boasts velvet upholstery, jewel-toned
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cushions, crisp white bedlinen and heavy curtains. If I were on a trip for business rather than pleasure, I’d also be perfectly happy staying here; the price is right, as are the amenities. The hotel has several private rooms tucked away, for events or parties, and for workout junkies, the gym boasts Technogym equipment (personal trainers and yoga instructors are available on request for those less motivated). Prior to the workouts, though, indulge in the wining and dining (“Eat & Drink!”) opportunities on offer. Lounge in a comfy, oversized armchair in the pink-accented Drawing Rooms and enjoy coffee, tea, sweet patisseries or savoury pastries after an afternoon of cultural delights (or retail therapy). Supper can be taken in Apero, found in the vault of the hotel, which offers “a taste of the Mediterranean” and cocktails inspired by the tradition of the aperitivo hour. It’s surprisingly small, for a 111-room hotel, only seating 48 at a time so I’d recommend booking when you check in as it’s lovely. We make the most of the small plates menu, which is wonderful, as long as you’re happy to share (and aren’t lactose intolerant – there’s an abundance of cheese-based dishes). The burrata and beetroot with olive oil crisp bread is exceptionally good and beetroot is also a key component of our favourite main course; the delicious stone bass with sumac and beetroot risotto. Sweet-toothed coffee lovers should opt for the almond parfait, chocolate and espresso, although the bitter chocolate fondant is very satisfying. Built in 1888, the building was in fact home to one of London’s original Victorian boutique hotels. A review from 1889 proclaims: “If you want to get away from Regent’s Street and Piccadilly; if you are tired of the glare and blare of showy ‘American hotels’ and you prefer a very
quiet but healthy locality, jot down in your memorandum book ‘Norfolk Hotel, Harrington Road, South Kensington’”. It’s not quite so quiet here 125 years on but the hotel is still certainly worth a note in your memorandum book. Superior rooms from £200 + VAT per night 10 Harrington Road, South Kensington, SW7 3ER 020 7589 5895; ampersandhotel.com
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fine cooking, with exuberant panache. alluring, honest, thoughtful and interesting
231 Ebury Street London SW1W 8UT www.pouleaupot.co.uk 020 7730 7763
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Napoleon Dynamite
While old school luxury can be hard to find in today’s market, OLIVIA SHARPE discovers it has not been lost at the Shangri-La Hotel in Paris where guests are still treated like royalty
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T
he reason sites like Tripadvisor have become so popular is that, let’s face it, there’s a lot of rubbish out there. Occasionally one is presented with flawless images on a hotel’s website but alas, the reality can be quite different. Upon arrival, you discover that your hotel in fact bears closer resemblance to a prison than the palace it was pitched as and, in that horrible moment of realisation, you’ve never felt more homesick, while the proprietor is no doubt blessing the creation of Photoshop. However, when it comes to the Shangri-La Hotel in Paris, happily the fantasy is the reality. After a journey on the Eurostar sitting next to the most disgruntled French man I have ever encountered, my guest and I arrived grumpy and tired in Paris, late on a Friday evening. But this soon changed when our cab pulled up outside the hotel. I should firstly point out that the five-star Shangri-La Paris was formerly a palace; once the residence of Napoleon Bonaparte’s grand-nephew Prince Roland Bonaparte, everything from the regal black iron gates to the interior marble floors and pillars, stained
once forgot my name, a personal touch which I shan’t forget glass windows and gilding refer back to this decadent era. Before opening the hotel, these features underwent restoration by the Shangri-La group which employed the world’s leading artisans in order to restore the building to its former glory. A princess at heart, I knew I had come home as I took in my lavish surroundings. Approaching the smiling receptionist at the front desk, she welcomed us graciously before showing us up to our room. Throughout our stay, she and the rest of the staff never once forgot our names, a personal touch which I, too, shan’t forget. Our incredible suite was set over two floors: the top floor was a sitting room complete with wide-screen television and mahogany writing desk and, down a flight of steps, were the king-sized bed, dressing table, en-suite bathroom and a further television. From the custom-made furnishings, luxurious Bulgari toiletries and extra TV built into the mirror of the marble bathroom, your every possible whim has been considered. In true Carrie Bradshaw fashion, I nearly let out a squeal of delight when I walked out onto the adjoining terrace and was confronted with the sight of the Eiffel Tower, practically in touching distance. Following such excitement, and exhausted from the journey, we ordered room service (delivered in less than half an hour) and I proceeded to soak in the Olympic-sized
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bathtub, letting the thoughts of the journey wash over me before jumping into a bed with which even Goldilocks couldn’t find fault. Breakfast is taken in La Bauhinia, unless you have it on your terrace where you can enjoy the view of the Eiffel Tower and River Seine. Housed beneath a glass dome with curtains enticingly drawn and a gleaming chandelier, every aspect of La Bauhinia invites you in, as if it were Aladdin’s Cave. For the best tables, go up onto the mezzanine level to tables 32 or 38, where you’ll get a panoramic view and you can also hold a more private conversation. Here you may order whatever your heart desires from the cave’s genies, the waiters, from freshly-baked pastries to the full works. Ravenous, I dived into poached eggs which were that perfect level of runny, and a pot of tea which would have been hard to beat even in England. Replenished after our meal, my guest and I were keen to explore Paris and, as we were only there for two days, we had to pay a visit to the Louvre. While conveniently situated in the 10 Avenue d’Iéna, you’re just a little bit too far to walk to the museum from the hotel but in less than five minutes, the head concierge, the brilliant Tony, had given me a map of Paris which he had also highlighted to show points of interest and there was a cab waiting outside. After a day of sight-seeing, culture, shopping and plenty of eating, we returned to the hotel. There are two other restaurants in the ShangriLa, both of which have Michelin stars. We decided to eat in L’Abeille, the hotel’s two-star Michelin French restaurant. The restaurant continues to make reference to the old palace, even christened after Napoleon’s favourite emblem (the bee), but like the neighbouring bar it too incorporates Art Deco in its design with glass lattice doors and geometric artwork. You can either sit in the middle of the restaurant among the hustle and bustle or opt for a quieter, more romantic table at the back which is precisely what we did. As I don’t often go to French restaurants when at home in London, I was excited to sample the cuisine in its native country. While Giles Coren might have had something to say about the inclusion of bread at the start of the meal, I couldn’t resist the warm and fluffy rolls served to us by our obliging waiter. This was followed with a few amuse bouches, ranging from creamy smoked salmon to a refreshing cucumber morsel. The starter of scallops was cooked to perfection and the main of pork served with prunes and flavoured with bitter tea and almonds showed off Chef Philippe Labbé’s culinary expertise and ingenuity. After dessert, stomach protruding and in a comatose state, you’ll think that the idea of putting any more food into your mouth is out of the question. That is, of course, until the arrival of the coffee and
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19th century universal expositions as well as 36,000 technical drawings, archives and witness documents. Even those of you not particularly interested in crystalmaking (myself included) will marvel at the intricacy of the glasswork, including decanters made exclusively for Johnny Walker and perfume bottles for Guerlain as well as Baccarat’s own collection. For our last meal before the train back to reality, we lunched at the hotel’s Shang Palace. Opened in 2011, this is the first gourmet Chinese restaurant in the French capital, not to mention the European debut of the group’s signature restaurant. The restaurant is directed by Chef Frank Xu whose brigade also includes four Cantonese sous-chefs. Having always loved Asian food, the restaurant had a good deal to live up to in my eyes. Thankfully, it did not disappoint.
There is never going to be a faultless hotel but for me, this Shangri-La comes pretty close
after-meal chocolates. As for the wine, put your trust in the sommelier. If you let him, he will quite happily go through the 650 entries on the wine list or offer you a dissertation on the 20,000 bottles currently housed in the hotel cellar. But if you’d like to finish your meal before the end of your stay, simply ask his advice about what wines go best with your food choices. Although my guest practically had to carry me to our room after dinner, it was worth the weight gain. During your stay the hotel can organise a visit to the Baccarat Museum, round the corner and well worth a visit. The current exhibition displays more than 10,000 pieces produced by Baccarat for world fairs and
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The speciality dim sum pastry wraps are unparalleled in their lightness. The succulent shrimp dish sautéed with asparagus and chili is just that right level of spicy and, by that, I mean my mouth wasn’t set on fire. Another must-try is the Peking-style duck; arriving in two courses, it is beautifully cooked, crispy and full of flavour. While the restaurant does not currently hold the same number of stars as L’Abeille (having been awarded only one Michelin star in 2012), I predict this will soon change. Shang Palace has succeeded in bringing the culinary traditions of Asia straight to the French capital. As comedian Michael McIntyre wryly observes, it is almost impossible to book a hotel nowadays, so bombarded are we not just by critics’ reviews but amateur appraisals which flood online ‘advice’ sites. Whether it’s the “scratchy towels” or the “diet coke with only two cubes of ice”, human nature being what it is, there is never going to be a faultless hotel. But for me, the Shangri-La Hotel Paris comes pretty close.
MORE INFORMATION Eiffel Duplex Terrace Suite: 3,600 euros per night (including tax and service) - room only basis Double rooms start from 800 per night (including tax and service) - room only basis shangri-la.com / 0800 028 3337
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BREWING COMPANY
& DINING
DRINKING
BY OLIVIA SHARPE & ALICE TODMAN
Inside The Shed Admittedly, The Shed is not a name that would normally inspire much confidence in a restaurant. While a great place to house one’s tools or for men to escape from their wives, it is not somewhere you would generally associate with a gastronomic experience. But, then again, I had not yet visited the three Gladwin brothers’ latest venture in Notting Hill. Firstly, make no mistake, the name isn’t ironic. From the outside, a lone lantern on a rusty tin barrel lights up the patio decking and worn French windows and inside, chairs and tables are mismatched, resembling garden furniture. However, if you are perceptive, you will notice other details which reveal The Shed’s true source of inspiration, such as the brace of grouse nailed to the entrance and an old tractor bonnet hanging above the bar. Before you start questioning their sanity, you should know that the brothers grew up on a farm in rural Sussex and it is these roots which they are honouring, not just through the decor but through the food which has all been sourced from their childhood farm. And speaking of the food, it is superb. As I have been, for a long time now, a sufferer of ‘food envy’, I love tapas and, while the cuisine is British through and through, it is presented in delicious, bite-size options meant for sharing. I recommend starting with some ‘mouthfuls’ to get your taste buds going, followed by the main event where you should opt for two of each from the slow and fast cooking sections (as sizes are modest); among these, must-tries are the lamb chips and the cuttlefish which have both been deep-fried. As I’m not a dessert person, I usually forgo this final part of a meal but our fresh-faced waiter insisted we try the Magnum Viennetta
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parfait on the ‘puds’ menu. And boy, was he right. This salted caramel and chocolate treat (Chef Oliver’s own creation) is quite delectable. As for wine, The Shed has a healthy selection of whites, reds, sherries and dessert wines, many of which, like the food, are reasonably priced. For me, The Shed has returned cooking to the way it should be; unpretentious, relaxed and, importantly, fun. The Shed, 122 Palace Gardens Terrace, W8 4RT theshed-restaurant.com
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DRINKING
Eggs in One Basket
Shaken, Not Stirred Silver by Aston Martin has released a new cocktail shaker which channels the sleek design of James Bond’s most famous cars. Using the same carbon fibre employed in its supercar, this new design combines two British icons: our most famous car manufacturer and one of our best loved fictional characters, ensuring that all of your cocktails will be ‘shaken, not stirred’. £9,750, Silver by Aston Martin Store harrods.com
Buns in the Oven GAIL’s artisan bakery recently landed on the King’s Road, perfectly coinciding with Easter so it would seem; there you’ll find plenty of options for an original take on the traditional Egg Hunt, from Easter bunny Garibaldis to rabbitthemed cupcakes. Head Pastry Chef Roy Levy has also created an innovative new delight for 2013, the hot cross bun loaf, which offers local foodies a twist on the breakfast classic. Passers-by will be hard-pressed to resist the scent of freshly baked breads and cakes in the mornings and those desirous of customary sweets can pick up a box of six hot cross buns for £7; not quite ‘one a penny, two a penny’ but capturing the company’s ethos of affordable luxury and its commitment to organic, unprocessed food. GAIL’s, 209 King’s Road, SW3 5ED 020 7351 7971; gailsbread.co.uk
For those of you who gave up chocolate for Lent, the 31 March heralding the end of the fasting season is a particularly joyous (not to mention fattening) occasion. We recommend heading straight to British chocolatier Charbonnel et Walker, which has once again not disappointed this year with its assortment of treats. The store will bring out the classic Easter egg but this time it has been decadently filled with pink champagne truffles. There’s also the milk chocolate version containing a selection of chocolates, the house speciality dark couverture chocolate and the almost lifesize Easter bunny. charbonnel.co.uk
A Day at the Races Royal Ascot has unveiled an extensive array of restaurants and exciting menus for the upcoming season, beginning on 18 June and closing on 22 June. Tom Kerridge, Head Chef at Hand & Flowers, who has already proved that traditional English pub food can be elevated to a Michelin star level, has been welcomed onto the team to design a new menu for the Panoramic Restaurant, which is sure to combine classic British dishes with the element of surprise. In the Parade Ring Restaurant, a five-course à la carte dining experience is being served up, accompanied by wines chosen by British wine expert Olly Smith. The royal theme will be prominent throughout the five-day event, with the Carriages Restaurant offering a menu featuring products solely from suppliers who have achieved the prestigious Royal Warrant, including the more-ish biscuits and petit fours arriving from Town & Country. And what could be more British than a picnic at the races? In keeping with tradition, there will be a range of Picnics in a Box, which can all be enjoyed alfresco (weather permitting). Alternatively, you can order Balik salmon or caviar from Caviar House & Prunier and a glass of champagne, personally delivered to you by butler service in selected locations. Fine dining packages: from £375 (inc. VAT) per person To make a booking visit royalascothospitality.co.uk, contact the Hospitality Team on 0844 346 0346 or email hospitality@ascot.co.uk. Picnics start at £39.50 per person and can be ordered by calling 0844 346 3622
The Chelsea Insider If you were told you could only eat one country’s cuisine for the rest of your life, which would you choose? French, Indian, Japanese, Thai, Spanish? I suspect that in common with many people in the western world (myself included) you’d choose Italian. With that in mind, I’ve recently been contemplating my favourite Italian restaurant and, having gone through my entire score card, the clear winner has to be Zafferano. Chef Giorgio Locatelli opened the Italian in February 1995 and quickly turned it into one of the hottest restaurants in the capital, winning ‘Best Italian Restaurant’ at the London Carlton Restaurant Awards for two consecutive years as well as achieving his first Michelin star in 1999. However, the chef has since turned his attention to his eponymous Locanda Locatelli based in West London. While it cannot be faulted for its food and reasonable prices, it unfortunately lets itself down with its decor (which, whenever I visit, always reminds me of a business class airport lounge).
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e Locatelli slaving over a hot stove, it remains one of the best Italian restaurants in town. There’s a great atmosphere, buzzy and sophisticated without being pompous, and The quality of the ingredients is also extraordinarily high.
tagliatelle with mixed wild mushrooms. There’s also a nice bar area if you want a quick, more relaxed meal. The set price menu’s certainly atmosphere that you never feel cheated once you’ve left. afferano Restaurant 1 Lowndes Street SW1 020 2 00 ato restaurants com
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DINE IN THE CLOUDS AT
LU NC H WI TH A V IE W
T HE B ABYLON T ER R ACE
LIVE JAZZ EVERY T UESDAY
2 courses from £20 or 3 courses from £23 Monday - Sunday, 12pm - 2.30pm
Enjoy a glass of your top tipple or a winter cocktail on the heated terrace!
Sit back and enjoy a delicious menu against a backdrop of live music
Contact Us: 0207 368 3993 Email: babylon@roofgardens.virgin.com Online: www.roofgardens.virgin.com Babylon 7th Floor 99 Kensington High Street (Entrance Off Derry Street) London W8 5SA Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability.
Errol Douglas, Natasha Hatford, Michela Lui, Steve Westrip
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WHERE: Cassis Restaurant, Brompton Road WHAT: Celebration of the truffle season WHO: His Highness Tengku Abdullah Sultan Abu Bakar, Marlon and Nadya Abela, Joanna Lumley, Rob Hersov and Luca Del Bono WHY: An “evening of unrestrained exuberance” was what guests were promised on their invitations to Cassis’ annual dinner to celebrate the start of the truffle season, and that’s most certainly what they got. Friends and supporters of Marlon Abela’s London establishments (Umu, The Greenhouse, Cassis and Morton’s Club), were treated to a four-course menu which featured truffles, truffles and, unsurprisingly, more truffles: truffle dressed Ito-zukuri of squid and white asparagus, Tosazu created by Yoshinori Ishii of Umu, and Brittany pigeon pithivier, foie gras and black Perigord truffle and Jerusalem artichoke by Arnaud Bignon of The Greenhouse. If that wasn’t enough, there were also bowls of the delicacy placed on each table. The evening was rounded off with Jeroboams of Pol Roger, Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill.
Marlon and Nayda Abela
The team
International Women WHERE: Hervé Léger, 29 Lowndes Street WHEN: Thursday 7 March WHAT: Following the success of the event on the same day last year, Hervé Léger once again invited a host of glamorous women, and some stylish men too, to its Lowndes Street store to celebrate International Women’s Day. As well as the array of beautiful, and colourful, dresses on display, jewellery came courtesy of Erickson Beamon, luxury fragrances from L’Artisan Parfumeur and hair and make-up were provided by Errol Douglas. Ten per cent of the day’s sales proceeds were donated to Breast Cancer Care, making the well-attended event even more worthwhile for all involved.
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In the Picture WHERE: The Little Black Gallery, Chelsea WHAT: Bruno Bisang’s ‘30 Years of Polaroids’ Closing Party in association with the Berkeley Diamond Group WHO: Julien McDonald, Melissa Odabash,Tamara Beckwith, Paul and Stacey Young, Rob Van Helden and Stephen and Anastasia Webster WHY: Bruno Bisang has shot everyone: Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer, Monica Bellucci... the list goes on. He is therefore one of the few men who can say that he knows the bodies of the most famous supermodels intimately, having shot many of them in the nude. The last night of his 30 Years of Polaroids exhibition at the Little Black Gallery was celebrated by hosts Lisa Snowdon and Tamara Beckwith and the Berkeley Diamond Group who invited some Henry Conway of their best friends to get together, drink champagne, eat canapés (courtesy of chef Ian Pengelley) and admire beautiful women. Sound like a man’s perfect evening.
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The King of Cool
Carole Ashby and Graham Wessel
WHERE: Proud Gallery, Chelsea WHAT: Ossie Clark: The King of the King’s Road Reigns Again, Proud Chelsea, 21 February – 10 March 2013 WHY: Having been such a legend during his lifetime, dominating the fashion industry of the 60s and influencing the dress sense of the fashionable Chelsea set, it was a fitting tribute to the ‘King of the King’s Road’ when residents gathered at the private viewing of his exhibition which has just been held at Proud Gallery in Chelsea (proud.co.uk)
Donna Collins and Dennis Gimes e
Marshall and Irena Doctors
Vertu on Ti-me WHAT: The global launch of Vertu Ti WHERE: The London Film Museum WHY: President and CEO Perry Oosting hosted the launch of the latest Vertu Ti phone, powered by Android. While guests sipped champagne and enjoyed steak canapés, Oosting explained some of the latest technological features including the Vertu Key, an innovative new tool which gives customers instant access to a host of benefits and services which are available 24/7. Aesthetically, the Vertu Ti is also a sleek piece of equipment, constructed with brushed titanium and the screen has been made using sapphire crystal. No expense has been spared for the brand’s latest handset, and we all know money talks; in this case, quite literally.
Karen and Alfred Radley
Ooh La La
Oscar, Richard Dinan and Alex Nall Cain Céleste Desbordes
Photography: Hannah Young
Zara Martin and Jade Williams Oscar Ligenza Mildenhall and Gracie Egan
Laura Wright
WHERE: Boujis, South Kensington WHAT: London Fashion Week closing party WHO: Zara Martin, Jade Williams, Spencer Matthews and Richard Dinan WHY: London Fashion Week wouldn’t quite be the same without a closing bash at Boujis. New hosts of the nightclub Oscar Ligenza Mildenhall and Gracie Egan did a great job of making sure guests were well-watered with the house speciality Crack Baby shots and Grey Goose vodka. The Made in Chelsea set, including Spencer Matthews, partied alongside blondies Zara Martin and Jade Williams who were the DJs for the evening. London Fashion Week once again finished with a bang, not to mention some very sore heads the next morning.
LONDON LIVING Photography: Dave Benett Beatrix Ong and Piers Adam
Chris Hollins and Sarah Alexander
Tessie Hartman, Tessa Hartmann and Tallia Storm
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The Concierge What is it you require, sir? How may I help, madam? The Concierge is here to help with every need, whim or wish, however great or small APPAREL
Knightsbridge Watches
BEAUTY SALONS & SPAS
BESPOKE DRESSMAKER
88 Brompton Road, SW3 1ER 08000 337 333 www.knightsbridgewatcheslondon.com
Babylon at Kensington Roof Gardens
Vagheggi Boutique Clinic
99 Kensington High Street W8 5SA 020 7368 3993 www.roofgardens.virgin.com
Mary Treacy 12 Rickett Street, Fulham SW6 1RU 020 7385 3398 www.marytreacydesigns.co.uk REPAIRS & CLEANING
Jeeves of Belgravia 123 Fulham Road, SW3 6RT 020 7589 9229 www.jeevesofbelgravia.co.uk
VINTAGE WATCH SELLERS
Watches of Knightsbridge
The Chelsea Day Spa
Bibendum
64 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7JF 020 7590 3034 www.watchesofknightsbridge.com
69a King’s Road, SW3 4NX 020 7351 0911 www.thechelseadayspa.co.uk
81 Fulham Road, SW3 6RD 020 7581 5817 www.bibendum.co.uk
FOR THE HOME
Urban Retreat at Harrods
Chelsea Brasserie
FURNITURE & SOFT FURNISHINGS
87-135 Brompton Road SW1X 7XL 020 7893 8333 www.urbanretreat.co.uk
7-12 Sloane Square SW1W 8EG 020 7881 5999 www.chelsea-brasserie.co.uk
Katherine Pooley Sloane Tailors & Dry Cleaners 69 Lower Sloane Street SW1W 8DA 020 7824 8644 www.sloanetailorsanddrycleaners.co.uk SHOES REHEELED
Chelsea Green Shoe Repairs 31 Elystan Street, SW3 3NT 020 7584 0776
PRECIOUS PIECES JEWELLERY VALUATION
205 King’s Road, SW3 5ED 020 7352 1113 www.vagheggi.co.uk
160 Walton Street, SW3 2JL 020 7584 3223 www.katherinepooley.co.uk
MEDICAL & DENTAL SERVICES
Louise Bradley
Chelsea Consulting Rooms
Kimbolton Court 117b Fulham Road, SW3 6RL 020 7589 1442 www.louisebradley.co.uk
2 Lower Sloane Street, SW1W 8BJ 020 7763 9100 www.chelseaconsultingrooms.com
Gaucho Medicare Français
Nina Campbell 9 Walton Street, SW3 2JD 020 7225 1011 www.ninacampbell.com
3 Harrington Gardens, SW7 4JJ 020 7370 4999 www.medicare-francais.co.uk
Bourbon Hanby
OKA
151 Sydney Street, SW3 6NT 020 7352 2106 www.bourbonhanby.com
103 Lancaster Road, W11 1QN 020 7792 1425 www.okadirect.com
Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH 020 7730 7733 www.thelisterhospital.com
Tiffany & Co.
Stepevi
The Beresford Clinic
145 Sloane Street, SW1X 9BL 020 7409 2790 www.tiffany.co.uk
274 King’s Road, SW3 5AW 020 7376 7574 www.stepevi.co.uk
JEWELLERY REPAIR
PAMPERING & WELLBEING
2 Lower Grosvenor Place SW1W 0EJ 020 7821 9411 www.drberesford.co.uk
Hawkes and Son
HAIRDRESSERS
Hari’s
89 Sloane Avenue, SW3 3DX 020 7584 9901 www.gauchorestaurants.co.uk
Maroush The Lister Hospital
50-52 Walton Street, SW3 1RB 020 7589 2523 www.hawkesandson.com
Daphne’s 110-112 Draycott Avenue SW3 3AE 020 7589 4257 www.daphnes-restaurant.co.uk
Cadogan Street Dental Office 47 Cadogan Street, SW3 2QJ 020 7581 0811
HAUTE CUISINE
WATCH REPAIR
305 Brompton Road, SW3 2DY 020 7581 5211 www.harissalon.com
The Watch Gallery
Richard Ward
129 Fulham Road, SW3 6RT 020 7581 3239 www.thewatchgallery.co.uk
82 Duke of York Square, SW3 4LY 020 7730 1222 www.richardward.com
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park 66 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7LA 020 7201 3899 www.barboulud.com
DINING
38 Beauchamp Place, SW3 1NU 020 7581 5434 www.maroush.com
Restaurant Gordon Ramsay 68 Royal Hospital Road SW3 4HP 020 7352 4441 www.gordonramsay.com
Scalini 1-3 Walton Street, SW3 2JD 020 7225 2301 www.scalinionline.com
Umami 100 Cromwell Road, SW7 4ER 020 7341 2321 www.umamilondon.co.uk
Bar Boulud Zuma 5 Raphael Street, SW7 1DL 020 7584 1010 www.zumarestaurant.com
CONCIERGE
DELICATESSENS
La Bottega 14 Gloucester Road, SW7 4RB 020 7581 6980 www.labottega65.com
Luigi’s Delicatessen 349 Fulham Road, SW10 9TW 020 7352 7739 www.luigismailorder.com
Chelsea Arts Club
Sunseeker
143 Old Church Street SW3 6EB 020 7376 3311 www.chelseaartsclub.com
36 Davies Street W1K 4NF 020 7355 0980 www.sunseekerlondon.com
Royal Thames Yacht Club
CHAUFFEURS
60 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7LF 020 7235 2121 www.www.royalthames.com
Executive Cars
PETS
Mungo & Maud 79 Elizabeth Street, SW1W 9PJ www.mungoandmaud.com 020 7022 1207
Pet Pavilion 020 3170 5838 www.executive-cars-london.com
60 Gloucester Road, SW7 4QT 020 7584 8848 www.petpavilion.co.uk
The Sloane Club Partridges
Crown Security Chauffeurs
2-5 Duke of York Square, SW3 4LY 020 7730 7102 www.partridges.co.uk
Lower Sloane Street SW1W 8BS 020 7730 9131 www.sloaneclub.co.uk
AIR, LAND & SEA
BUSINESS AFFAIRS
The Personal Chef
CHOCOLATIERS
COURIERS
59 Ritherton Road, SW17 8QE 020 7871 1080 www.thepersonalchef.co.uk
0845 901 1471 www.crown-chauffeurs.co.uk
HELICOPTER CHARTER
L’Artisan Du Chocolat 89 Lower Sloane Street SW1W 8DA 0845 270 6996 www.artisanduchocolat.com
Selena Courier Service Avolus Ltd 38 Lombard Road SW11 3RP 020 7978 6506 www.avolus.com
27 Eardley Crescent, SW5 9JS 020 7912 0062 www.selenacourier.co.uk
DRINKING
London Battersea Heliport
Aplomb Translations
Bridges Wharf, Battersea SW11 3BE 0844 884 8660 www.batterseahelicopter.com
74 Chancery Lane WC2A 1AD 020 7831 9444 www.aplombonline.com
Boujis
LUXURY CAR SERVICES
43 Thurloe Street, SW7 2LQ 020 7584 2000 www.boujis.com
Belgravia Garage
The Cadogan Arms 298 King’s Road, SW3 5UG 020 7352 6500 www.thecadoganarmschelsea.com
Juju 316-318 King’s Road, SW3 5UH 020 7351 5998 www.jujulondon.com
1 Eaton Mews West Belgravia, SW1W 9ET 020 7235 9900 www.belgraviagarage.com
VIP Car Hire Queen Elizabeth Street SE1 2JE 0870 200 4949 www.vipservices.co.uk
PRIVATE CHEF
PREMIUM COFFEE & CIGARS
Tomtom Cigars and Coffee TRANSLATORS
William Curley 198 Ebury Street, SW1W 8UN 020 7730 5522 www.williamcurley.co.uk
LITTLE LUXURIES
Computer and Technology Help Richard Darsa 78 Cadogan Place, SW1X 9RP 07768 200 551 richard@darsa.net
HOUSEKEEPING & FAMILY CHILDCARE
63 Elizabeth Street, SW1W 9PP 020 7730 1790 www.tomtom.co.uk FINE WINE
Handford Fine Wines 105 Old Brompton Road, SW7 3LE 020 7589 6113 www.handford.net Florists FLOWERS
Gilding the Lily Old Brompton Road, SW7 2NB 020 7584 1950 www.gildingthelilysw7.co.uk
Regency Nannies & Nurses
Only Roses
50 Hans Crescent, SW1X 0NA 020 7225 1055 www.regencynannies.com
257 Old Brompton Road, SW5 9HP 020 7373 9595 www.only-roses.com
HOUSEKEEPING
LEATHER GOODS & ACCESSORIES
YACHT CHARTER/ SALE MEMBERS CLUBS
Princess Yachts Beaufort House 354 Kings Road, SW3 5UZ 020 7352 2828 www.beauforthousechelsea.co.uk
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64 Grosvenor Street W1K 3JH 020 7499 5050 www.princess.co.uk
St. Anne’s Housekeeping
Pickett
58 Kenway Road, SW5 0RA 020 7370 1359 www.stanneshousekeeping.com
149 Sloane Street, SW1X 9BZ 020 7823 5638 www.pickett.co.uk
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James Purdey & Sons Ltd. 57 - 58 South Audley Street, London W1K 2ED +44 (0)20 7499 1801 www.purdey.com
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15 10 2012 12:52
NOTTING HILL & HOLLAND PARK Resident’s Journal
Image / Portobello Road (Tupungato / Shutterstock.com)
From the Editor Dear Residents, As Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts’ romance blossomed among the garden squares of Notting Hill in the much-loved 1999 eponymous film, audiences also had a glimpse of one of the area’s best local commodities: thriving independent business. Grant’s character owns his own travel bookshop and its cluttered, eclectic and very British manner of operation left Anglophiles charmed – ensuring it quickly became as famous as the film itself. Literary agent and local resident Laetitia Rutherford is about to launch a new book-related event that will revive Notting Hill’s literary reputation, placing it even more firmly on the map. The Notting Hill International Book Festival runs from 12-14 April and we can’t wait to hear from celebrated authors Alex Marwood, Evie Wyld and Abigail Tarttelin (to name a few). On a similarly academic note, we have invited author Linda Kelly to chart a period of Holland House’s illustrious past. Kelly has always lived close to the house and its surrounding acres of parkland, which has no doubt inspired her latest title Holland House: the History of London’s Most Celebrated Salon. And finally, to brighten up dreary Monday nights, Daisy Leitch’s 5 x 15 evenings at The Tabernacle always provide a barrel of laughs, some intrigue and a lot of fun – Rebecca Wallersteiner finds out more about the concept. As always, please do not hesitate to get in contact with news and updates; email: nhhp@residentsjournal.co.uk. Katie Randall, Editor The Notting Hill & Holland Park Residents’ Journal
With special thanks to local residents: author linda kelly and daisy leitch of 5 x 15
The Calendar A SELECTION OF THE VERY BEST EVENTS HAPPENING IN THE NOTTING HILL AND HOLLAND PARK AREA
6 APRIL
11-13 APRIL
13 APRIL
MUSIC FOR THE SOUL
MOSAIC PRINTS
CRIME TIME
Head down to Rough Trade’s Talbot Road store to see American singer-songwriter and talented lyricist Erica Buettner take to the stage. Her debut album True Love and Water gave her a commanding presence on the contemporary folk scene. The album is the product of years spent soul-searching in Paris and Europe with her producer Pierre Faa. In spite of her present European base, Buettner’s influences remain deeply embedded in the American folk tradition, sprinkled with a few references to Talleyrand and Goethe. 5pm, Rough Trade West, 130 Talbot Road, W11 1JA (roughtrade.com)
St Thomas’ CE Primary School is displaying the results of its inspiring collaborations with artists Valentina Vicario and Marica Siljic this April, in an exhibition entitled Reflections. The partnership includes the school community-led art project Landscapes – creating an art patchwork quilt – as well as another quilt, The Grove (pictured), inspired by the school’s logo. Vicario will also showcase her own paintings, with Siljic displaying her lovingly hand-crafted jewellery collections. 4pm-7.30pm on 11-12 April, 2.30pm-5pm on 13 April, St Thomas’ CE Primary School, Appleford Road, W10 5EF
Authors Matthew Hall and William Ryan have teamed up with literary agent D. Headley to offer a day-long introduction to crime writing. The course, aimed at everyone from experienced writers to absolute beginners, has received positive attention. The duo take attendees through the elements of the crime novel – from characterisation and plotting to choosing locations and research – and David is also on hand to give advice to prospective wordsmiths about getting their masterpieces published. £95, 9am-5.30pm, St Peter’s Church, 90 Kensington Park Road, W11 2PN, (william-ryan.com/news)
A NIGHT AT THE OPERA
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15 APRIL
16-17 APRIL
UNTIL 27 APRIL
A NIGHT AT THE OPERA
NOTTING HILL FACTOR
OTHERWORLDLY DELIGHTS
Put this date in your diary this instant. Though not an event for this month, on 15 April, £12 INSPIRE tickets for the 2013 season of Opera Holland Park go on sale at 10am. The outdoor opera season begins in June, but there is no reason not to start lining your summer calendar as early as you can – especially at a bargain price. These seats can only be booked on the website. General booking starts online on 25 April (for all shows except Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland), and by telephone on Monday 29 April at 10am. Contact the box office on: 0300 999 1000, Holland Park, W8 6LU (operahollandpark.com)
If you and the children are home for Easter and stuck for things to do, why not send tots along to the Song Academy? Children can indulge their creative sides, writing and performing songs from scratch, and on the second afternoon, parents can watch their kids’ ideas materialise on the big stage in a final performance. For budding vocalists, the Song Academy also holds classes on Thursdays after school at The Tabernacle (34-35 Powis Square, W11 2AY), see the website for more details. £75, 2.30pm-5.30pm, Holy Trinity Church, W6 7BL (songacademy.co.uk)
Polish artist Paulina Otylie Surys has brought her unique style to the Richard Young Gallery this month. Using innovative combinations of toners and inks over dry dyes on silver gelatin fibre paper, she creates photographic works of art. Drawing on inspiration from the earliest forms of photography, she makes a big statement in eschewing digitisation. Using an array of cameras – the most modern made in the 1970s – she also utilises Victorian techniques that enable her to paint to eerie effect. 4 Holland Street, W8 4LT (richardyounggallery.co.uk)
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MUSIC FOR THE SOUL
MOSAIC PRINTS
OTHERWORLDLY DELIGHTS
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The Notebook STAY IN THE LOOP WITH OUR ROUND-UP OF LOCAL NEWS
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Fit For Royalty Whilst debating what to christen the very first pair of flat shoes from Yull, the news that the Duchess of Cambridge was pregnant hit the headlines. Catherine Middleton may love her LK Bennett and Jimmy Choo heels, but flat shoes reign supreme in the wardrobe when one is carrying the third in line to the throne. Taking lead from the royal sartorial icon, Yull’s beautiful Cambridge Flats were born. Elegance takes a slight 60s edge with Yull’s signature style elevating these flats far above the average ballet pump. Head down to Notting Hill Shoes to pick up a pair. From £75, they arrive in April, 142 Portobello Road, W11 2DZ (nottinghillshoes.co.uk)
Bibliophile Bedlam
Notting Hill may be famous for one particular bookshop (The Travel Bookshop, the setting for the film of the same name), but the area has lacked a serious literary festival to substantiate its reputation, until now. Thankfully, literary agent and life-time resident, Laetitia Rutherford, sister of actress Camilla, has come to the rescue. Prepping West London for the London International Book Fair that arrives a week later, guest speakers at the inaugural Notting Hill International Book Festival (Nib Fest) are set to include novelist Evie Wyld, former editor-in-chief of Red magazine Sam Baker, fashionista LibertyLondonGirl and the creators of Rastamouse. A festival of novel ideas, one such event will see a ‘write-a-thon,’
Czech Diaspora
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involving eight writers, who will be given 72 hours to create a story based on Notting Hill landmarks – we can’t wait. 12-14 April, various venues in W10 and W11 (nibfest.co.uk)
The Velehrad Centre and Hostel is moving out of its current premises at 22 Ladbroke Square to a new location, the address of which will be announced shortly. Founded in 1964 as a registered charity by Father John Lang, a Czech Catholic priest, the venue has served as a meeting place for generations of expats and refugees, providing new arrivals with accommodation and a setting for social, cultural and religious events. The group is pleased to announce the new owner will certainly be a local resident. 22 Ladbroke Square, W11 3NA
Area Focus AN EXPLORATION OF NOTTING HILL AND HOLLAND PARK
LOCAL LEGEND
Holland House has had a profound effect on author LINDA KELLY. Published this month, her latest title Holland House: the History of London’s Most Celebrated Salon chronicles its early 19th century history. Here she writes exclusively for the Residents’ Journal
O
ne of the last great balls in London in the summer before World War II took place at Holland House. George VI and Queen Elizabeth were among the guests and the queue of cars to the gates in Kensington High Street stretched back to Hyde Park corner. It was a magnificent finale. Just over a year later, on 27 September 1940, the house was largely destroyed by incendiary bombs. Holland House was too badly damaged to rebuild and in 1951, the house and 52 acres surrounding it, were sold to the Greater London Council. Since then, Holland Park has given joy to nearly three generations of Londoners. Even though it is a public space, it retains the feeling of a private estate and the seated statue of its best-known owner, the third Lord Holland, presides benevolently at the meeting point of four main avenues. Nephew of the great Whig statesman Charles James Fox, and heir to his liberal ideals, the third Lord Holland and his wife presided over the most celebrated salon of the age. During the first 30 years of the 19th century – when the Whig party was almost continually out of office – Holland House was the unofficial centre of the opposition. Devoted to the memory of Fox and enriched by the progressive
views of a new generation of writers, critics and politicians, its influence permeated the political climate. At a time of revolutions across Europe, the Whig tradition of aristocratic liberalism, avoiding the extremes of radicalism and reaction, would be one of the chief factors in the peaceful achievement of parliamentary reform in 1832. Lady Holland herself was a magnetic hostess. Beautiful and clever, she had divorced her husband to marry Lord Holland and as a result was ostracised in many London drawing rooms. But she had a trump card in Holland House, a palatial Jacobean mansion, deep in the country,
in the arts as politics and there were few literary lions, from Byron to Dickens and Walter Scott, who did not dine there. There was also a strong contingent of foreign visitors, creating a cosmopolitan flavour to Holland House. Lady Holland ruled her salon with an iron fist. “The centurion,” wrote the Whig historian, Thomas Macaulay, “does not keep his troops in better order.” But her imperious ways were part of the fun of the house and though a London apocathery was said to have invented a special pill for people who had been terrified there, the guests kept coming. Where else could one spend an evening like the one described by Macaulay, in the portrait hung library of Holland House? “The last debate was discussed in one corner and the last comedy of Scribe in the other; while Wilkie gazed with modest admiration at Sir Joshua’s Baretti; while Mackintosh turned over Thomas Aquinas to verify a quotation; while Talleyrand related his conversation with Barras, or his ride with Lannes over the field of Austerlitz.” One would love to have been a fly on the wall. (I.B.Tauris, special offer until 31 August 2013: £17.50, order online and enter the discount code AN2 when prompted: www.ibtauris.com/holland-house). Linda Kelly’s books include: ‘Richard Brinsley Sheridan’ and ‘Women of the French Revolution.’ She has written for the Times Literary Supplement, the Washington Post and numerous other papers, and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature
sparkl ng p cture o h g soc et n the ears runn ng up to the Re orm ll nda ell captures all the un as ell as the pol t cal e c tement o the best kno n salon o the age nton a raser yet only a short carriage drive from London. Here society could come to her and if, by the double standards of the time, the guests were mostly men it did not worry her too much. She was in the thick of Whig discussions, occasionally following her own political line. She had a special passion for Napoleon – “that poor dear man,” as she called him – and sent him a thousand books during his exile on St Helena. But she and her husband were just as interested e / The l brar at olland ouse pa nted b .R. esl e pr ate collect on (l r ord olland r llen ad olland and the page ll am oggett) / g / The l brar at olland ouse a ter the a r ra d September courtes o r t sh er tage e / a e nda ell / e / gnette o olland ouse rom olland ouse b Pr ncess echtenste n
Residents’ Culture A PLATFORM FOR THE VOICES OF OUR LOCAL RESIDENTS
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By the Bell REBECCA WALLERSTEINER meets the local lady who’s livening up Monday evenings. Daisy Leitch’s 5 x 15 talks in W11 (and beyond) feature scintillating personalities and are always packed
“M
eet me at The Tabernacle at six,” Daisy had written in her email. A favoured haunt, Daisy regularly hosts her 5 x 15 evenings within the venue’s vast Romanesque walls. I catch sight of her waving from a corner of the ground floor bar – almost engulfed by a huge red sofa. As soon as I sit down, a friendly barman sidles over to offer drinks – I can see why she likes it here. Dreary Monday nights have been transformed ever since Daisy began to host her vibrant monthly evenings at The Tabernacle three years ago. Featuring engaging short talks by five guest speakers from all walks of life, she has never had to promote her speakers; news spreads quickly through her extensive network of friends by word of mouth and all her events have been packed. So much so that she has now rolled out the same model across London and the rest of the country, with events in Oxford and Brighton. What first inspired the concept of 5 x 15, I wonder? “My Mum and I went to a tedious, overlong talk – which bored the audience.
Straight afterwards we met the arts producer Eleanor O’Keeffe and whilst chatting over dinner, we realised that there was a gap in the market for short, snappy talks. We decided to start up 5 x 15 together, then and there,” she
e ng able to stage our e ents at The Tabernacle has been ke to bu ld ng our brand and bus ness says. “Our five chosen speakers have 15 minutes each to talk on their subjects – true stories of passion, obsession and adventure.” 5 x 15 has just two rules: no scripts and only 15 minutes each. If speakers go overtime, Daisy, acting as Mistress of Ceremonies, firmly rings a loud bell. 5 x 15 experienced immediate success – even managing to fill The Tabernacle’s vast hall on its
debut night. “We were quickly embraced by a loyal local following,” she tells me. The overall aim is to offer a high quality, alternative experience, the entrepeneur explains. “People living in central London work extremely hard and often alone – with little free time.” Locals flock to her evenings, bringing their friends to relax and share a glimpse of different worlds – over drinks, of course. Even with its Taj Mahal-like hall seating 300, the atmosphere at The Tabernacle remains intimate. “Being able to stage our events here has been key to building our brand and business,” explains Daisy. 5 x 15 wasn’t Daisy’s debut on The Tabernacle’s stage, however. As a student attending Pembridge Hall Preparatory School, she trod its boards as part of the chorus in a production of Oliver. She has lived in the area for most of her life and was born in Maida Vale, 29 years ago, to journalist parents, who had met in Notting Hill Gate in the 1970s. They moved to Notting Hill when Daisy was seven. “When we lived in Little Venice my father took me for walks around the Paddington Canal. Then a wasteland, it has now been transformed into a vibrant, sought after area,” she says. “Visiting the Portuguese café on Golbourne Road for little custard pastries and hot chocolate with him was always a great treat. But, sadly he passed away ten years ago.” Her mother is leading journalist Rosie Boycott, founder of Spare Rib and the only woman to edit both The Independent on Sunday and The Daily Express. She often assists Daisy with the compering at 5 x 15. With her great connections and even better ideas, the sky really is the limit for 5 x 15. I wonder, what future treats does Daisy have in store for us? “Our programme of speakers on 15 April includes foreign affairs specialist Charles Glass, presenter and cricketer Ed Smith, burlesque artiste Immodesty Blaize and writers Elif Shafak and Richard Holloway,” she promises. The menu for 29 May will include Thomas Keneally and James Meek. And Daisy is now expanding 5 x 15 internationally – to France, Italy and America. Facebook and Twitter: 5x15stories (5x15stories.com)
“Our five chosen speakers have 15 minutes each to talk on their subjects - true stories of passion, obsession and adventure�
Education LOCAL SCHOOL NEWS AND UPDATES
School Staff ‘Mutual’ Agreed The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea’s highly effective tri-borough scheme with Westminster and Hammersmith & Fulham (H&F) Councils looks set to improve savings in education as a ground-breaking model for staff mutualisation of public services has recently been approved. Staff who supply support services for schools across the aforementioned boroughs (and beyond) have set themselves up as an employee-led mutual, 3BM, providing services from financial management and budget planning to IT and building development projects, as well as strategic advice to councils. To move the project forward, in March H&F Council’s cabinet chose a private sector partner to work with the mutual in its work providing
Holland Park School update
school support services for the three boroughs; Prospects Services Limited is a specialist in employment, education and training. The mutualisation project has been supported by the Cabinet Office and it is intended that it will go live on 2 April 2013. Andy Rennision is the Managing Director and driving force behind 3BM, he says: “Mutualisation will combine council staff’s experience and local knowledge with a private sector business ethic, improving efficiency and responsiveness while retaining the best elements of the councils’ previous supportive relationship with schools.” Cabinet Office Minister, Francis Maude MP adds that, “3BM is set to become the first mutual joint venture to spin-out from local government.
The soon to be Academy has been a veritable hive of cultural activity over the last few months, with a new art exhibition Scintillate held in its gallery and a performance of Julius Caesar raising funds for Barnardo’s and the Royal Marsden Hospital. The Residents’ Journal was in attendance for the Shakespeare adaptation and can confirm that the members of the Leadership team and teachers from the English department who were involved created a captivating version of one of the Bard’s great tragedies. In more recent news, the school is looking forward to its first venture as part of a newly formed relationship with the English National Opera (ENO). On 19 March, Holland Park School will host a full live orchestra and a company of professional singers as they perform their repertoire from ENO’s forthcoming season at the London Coliseum. The project is part of ENO’s schools programme ‘Opera Squad,’ which aims to increase accessibility to opera for young people. Alan Bennett will also be visiting the school at the end of April to do a reading from his autobiography and question and answer session with pupils. As a friend of the school, one of the houses is named after the illustrious playwright and thespian. (hollandparkschool.co.uk) mage /
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It will be a game changer, bringing together the knowledge, innovation and dedication of frontline staff, with the commercial rigour of the private sector. Already, more than a billion pounds of public services are delivered by mutuals, which have been shown to boost productivity, efficiency and innovation. 3BM’s pioneering mutual joint venture model will open the door for many more entrepreneurial public servants who want more freedom to do their jobs in the way that they know is best.” H&F, Kensington and Chelsea, and Westminster councils are already sharing many services in a drive to reduce back-office costs. The extensive shared service programme is already on target to deliver £40 million of savings a year by 2014/15.
Little Ballerinas
The London Children’s Ballet is excited to announce that its 2013 production will be a revival of a classic tale The Secret Garden, published more than 100 years ago by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The prima ballerinas and ballerinos will be rehearsing for the performance from their Kensington
base under choreographer and Royal Ballet Artist Erico Montes. The show is due to be held in the West End at Sadler’s Wells’ Peacock Theatre from 25-28 April. Still resonating with modern day audiences, the story champions the healing powers of pastoral nature when a little girl, Mary Lennox, is sent to live in her Uncle’s large gloomy country house,
Mistlethwaite Manor. Once there, she discovers a secret garden and develops a lasting friendship with her sickly cousin Colin, after admitting him to this enchanting outdoor space. Book tickets: sadlerswells.com. London Children’s Ballet, 73 St Charles Square, W10 6EJ (londonchildrensballet.com)
Planning& Development KEEPING YOU INFORMED ABOUT THE LATEST PLANNING NEWS AND STORIES
New Direction
The Royal Borough has developed a draft strategy to meet the needs of future housing and care after it was discovered that by 2030 the number of over 65s in the borough is expected to grow by 29 per cent, while the number of over 85s will rise by 69 per cent. This figure is accompanied by a statistic that strongly suggests that there will be a doubling of the number of people with dementia, from 1,000 to more than 2,000, also by 2030. The Modernising Older People’s Housing and Accommodation with Care Services strategy has therefore made seven proposals, including building new sheltered housing, extra care housing and freeing up under-occupied family homes. Read more about the strategy and complete a consultation questionnaire online at: rbkc.gov.uk/housing
PLANNING APPLICATIONS IN THE LOCAL AREA APPLICATION RECEIVED: 11 February ADDRESS: Campden Hill Gardens PROPOSAL: Construction of single storey basement beneath property and garden with front lightwell. Addition of air-conditioning compressor on rear third floor terrace. APPLICATION RECEIVED: 7 February ADDRESS: Royal Crescent Mews PROPOSAL: Conversion of garage to living accommodation (Lawful Development Certificate for an existing use) APPLICATION RECEIVED: 6 February ADDRESS: Phillimore Walk PROPOSAL: Existing redundant swimming pool to be re-instated (Lawful Development Certificate for a proposed use) APPLICATION RECEIVED: 5 February ADDRESS: Highlever Road PROPOSAL: Excavation to form single storey basement (Certificate of proposed development)
PLANNED ROADWORKS AND CLOSURES IN AND AROUND APRIL STREET
PLANNED WORK
DATES
WORKS OWNER
Abbotsbury Road
Paving works from 43 to 57 (175m2)
Pottery Lane
New water supply connection in carriageway
Kensington Park Road, junction with Elgin Crescent
Junction improvements - permanently upgrade the junction into mini-roundabout
26 March – 9 April Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea 020 7361 3000 25 March – 2 April Thames Water 0845 9200 800 Until 8 April Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Aubrey Walk
Install 18m of 1 way poly duct in Footway
8-12 April
British Telecommunications plc, 0800 800 150
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Property Watch A SPOTLIGHT ON LOCAL DEVELOPMENTS AND PROPERTY NEWS FROM LEADING ESTATE AGENTS
e
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transactional costs and rumours of a Mansion Tax on properties of a value over £2 million contributed to an uncertainty that manifested itself in diminished activity in the prime central London housing market. Many discretionary
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The rst uarter o has seen house bu ers return ng to the cap tal ha ng ound the mo e to pastures ne a l ttle less green than ant c pated
Market Snapshot Marsh & Parsons Director KEITH GORNY analyses the London property-scape today
L
ondon’s history is peppered with tales of boom and bust; an intriguing story that can be read in the rich variety of architecture that surrounds us today. While there have been peaks and troughs over the last couple of decades, on balance, I’ve been fortunate enough to have operated in an area that has enjoyed a sustained period of remarkable growth. Previous periods of prosperity resulted in London building booms that created an oversupply. As the economy
contracted, this intensified the fall in property values that followed. With limited space no such construction boom occurred this time round and our ‘post crunch market’ has been shaped by a lack of supply and underpinned by London’s much vaunted global safe haven status. One of these two columns of support has been subject to corrosion over the last 12 months. Intrusive tax legislation, increased
vendors and buyers stepped back and adopted a ‘wait and see attitude,’ in stark contrast to the sub £2 million market where business has remained brisk and enthusiastic buyers have driven prices to new highs. This said, the first quarter of 2013 has seen increased activity across the board, with an interesting trend in house buyers returning to the capital, having found the move to pastures new a little less green than anticipated. We’ve conducted several notable sales already this year with record bids on houses that failed to attract interest last year. We have also noted a significant increase in French and Italian house buyers, while London’s educational facilities continue to attract apartment buyers from the Far East. As we entered each new phase of this protracted downturn, London’s housing market defied many commentators in maintaining robust values and activity. London’s reputation for opportunity and stability, its global status in the arts, in business and in education has continued to attract the world’s wealthy and the advantages they bring with them. This reputation was hard won and cannot be taken for granted. The market has just about absorbed the implications of last year’s budget, but it has been left fragile. Further tinkering could see a counterproductive drop in transaction levels and the tax revenues that they generate. (marshandparsons.co.uk)
Portobello Road, W11
Westbourne Grove, W11
On the market with Knight Frank for £15 million, this sensational five bedroom, raised ground and garden level maisonette offers the ultimate in lateral living. It features a modern swimming pool, sauna, gym and a beautiful private garden (approx 70 ft. x 57 ft.). From the moment you enter this grand abode and espy the elegant curving staircase, one realises that this property presents quite a special buying opportunity. It is one of only three apartments in this exclusive Notting Hill address that has been extensively refurbished and, in parts, newly built. The maisonette comprises the entire raised ground and garden floor of this former convent. To find approximately 6,780 sq. ft. (630 sq. metres) of lateral space in Notting Hill is virtually unheard of, reveals Knight Frank. On the garden floor there are five very spacious bedroom suites with extensive clothes hanging space and stunning bathrooms
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nch b Roger Sharp
This stunning three bedroom house in a highly sought-after and buzzing area blends period charm with a lavish, top quality interior. Located on the calmer southern end of Portobello Road, Savills presents an incredibly stylish and contemporary home; picture impressive dinner parties within its dining room featuring a double height atrium above. With 1,571 sq. ft. of space there is a generous amount of room to entertain guests and family. There are also a couple of private terraces dotted around the property, on which to enjoy peaceful moments of respite. Inside, buyers can expect Brazilian walnut flooring with under-floor heating, a Euromobil kitchen with corian work surfaces, Miele laundry appliances and fireplaces set up for gas fires. The house also comes with access to Ladbroke Square – the largest communal garden in central London. The asking price is £2.75 million. (savills.co.uk)
New Launch In Kensington
“It is an exhilarating time to be launching the Patrick Clayton estate agency in Kensington. Patrick Clayton will focus on the sales and lettings of luxury homes in RBKC. The sales side of the business will be run by Roger Sharp, who has ten years’ experience in the upper market segment, selling properties on behalf of major high net worth individuals. The lettings side will be managed by Ian Lynch who has led several
(six in total). The raised ground floor houses three reception spaces and a large kitchen/ breakfast room that leads into a more informal family living space, so there is more than enough space for everyone in the family. There is also a picturesque balcony overlooking the garden, and the property benefits from its close proximity to Notting Hill Gate Underground Station. It is well served by all of the local amenities and luxury boutiques on Westbourne Grove. (knightfrank.co.uk)
corporate letting departments of major estate agents within RBKC since 2002. We are really excited to be based in the heart of Kensington and hope to bring a fresh personal approach; we know and love the area as much as our clients and our combined experience will offer you the best possible tailored service across both sales and lettings. To demonstrate this for a limited period we are offering a free property makeover when you instruct us to sell your home. Call us to discuss further (T&C’s apply, limited to 10 instructions). Our aim is to always ensure we deliver a service that puts the client first, we want service that we would be delighted with if on the receiving end. In a nutshell, we will go beyond the call of duty and offer a professional friendly, yet personal service. Please feel free to get in touch and don’t be afraid to say hello if you see us around.” Patrick Clayton, 020 7368 1638 (patrickclayton.co.uk)
The Directory WHETHER WHIM OR WISH, ALL OF THE ESSENTIALS ARE TAKEN CARE OF IN OUR ROUND UP FOR HARMONIOUS LIVING
BOUTIQUES Fashion
Heidi Klein
Le Creuset
Matches
174 Westbourne Grove, W11 2RW
54 Ledbury Road, W11 2AJ
60-64 Ledbury Road, W11 2AJ
020 7243 5665
020 3220 0017
020 7221 0255
heidiklein.co.uk
lecreuset.co.uk
matchesfashion.com
Interiors
Jewellers
The Village Bicycle
Brissi
Dinny Hall
79-81 Ledbury Road, W11 2AG
196 Westbourne Grove, W11 2RH
200 Westbourne Grove, W11 2RH
020 7313 9031
020 7727 2159
020 7792 3913
imavillagebicycle.com
brissi.com
dinnyhall.com
Wolf & Badger
Farrow and Ball
Zara Simon Showroom
46 Ledbury Road, W11 2AB
21-22 Chepstow Corner, W2 4XE
31 The Basement,
020 7229 5698
020 7221 2328
Ladbroke Square, W11 3NB
wolfandbadger.com
farrow-ball.com
zarasimon.com
BEAUTY & FITNESS B Barbers & Hairdressers
Fitness
Spas and Salons
Kensington Barbers
Westway Sports Centre
Cowshed Clarendon Cross
14a Earl’s Court Road, W8 6AE
1 Crowthorne Road, W10 6RP
119 Portland Road, W11 4LN
020 7938 2552
020 8969 0992
020 7078 1944
kensingtonbarbers.com
westwaysportscentre.org.uk
cowshedonline.com
Kell Skött
BodyWorksWest
Adamina Spa
2-4 Lambton Place, W11 2SH
11 Lambton Place, W11 2SH
276-280 Kensington High St, W8 6ND
020 7229 1671
020 7229 2291
020 77511 611
kellskotthaircare.com
bodyworkswest.co.uk
adaminaspa.com
Gina Conway
TenPilates
Ayanna Spa
62 Westbourne Grove, W2 5SH
2-4 Exmoor Street, W10 6BD
146 Holland Park Avenue, W11 4UE
020 7229 6644
020 8969 9677
020 7998 7872
ginaconway.co.uk
tenpilates.com
ayannaspa.co.uk
HEALTH & WELLBEING Doctor
Dentist
Pharmacy
Westbourne Grove Medical Centre
Kensington Dental Spa
Hillcrest Pharmacy
241 Westbourne Grove, W11 2SE
21 Kensington High Street, W8 5NP
106 Holland Park Ave, W11 4UA
020 7229 5800
020 7937 3951
020 7727 6350
westbournegrovemedical.co.uk
kensingtondental.com
hillcrestpharmacy.co.uk
FOOD & DRINK Greengrocers
Pubs
Belvedere
Cafe
The Grocer on Elgin
The Elgin
Abbotsbury Road,
Farmshop & Cafe
6 Elgin Crescent, W11 2HX
96 Ladbroke Grove, W11 1PY
Holland Park, W8 6LU
208-212 Westbourne Grove, W11 2RH
020 7221 3844
020 7229 5663
020 7602 1238
020 7313 8050
thegroceron.com
geronimo-inns.co.uk/theelgin
belvedererestaurant.co.uk
daylesfordorganic.com
Confectioners
The Ladbroke Arms
Beach Blanket Babylon
Bars
Ottolenghi
54 Ladbroke Road, W11 3NW
45 Ledbury Road, W11 2AA
Westbourne House
63 Ledbury Road, W11 2AD
020 7727 6648
020 7229 2907
65 Westbourne Grove, W2 4UJ
020 7727 1121
capitalpubcompany.com
beachblanket.co.uk
020 7229 2233
Restaurants
Bakery
The Hummingbird Bakery
Julie’s Restaurant
Gail’s Bakery
The Lonsdale
133 Portobello Road, W11 2DY
135 Portland Road, W11 4LW
138 Portobello Road, W11 2DZ
48 Lonsdale Road, W11 2DE
020 7851 1795
020 7229 8331
020 7460 0766
020 7727 4080
hummingbirdbakery.com
juliesrestaurant.com
gailsbread.co.uk
thelonsdale.co.uk
Architects
Cardenes Studio
Flow Contemporary Art Gallery
Phillo
Hempel Anouska Design
96 Kensington High St, W8 4SG
1-5 Needham Road, W11 2RP
59 Chepstow Road, W2 5BP
27 Adam and Eve Mews, W8 6UG
020 7460 0341
020 7243 0782
020 7727 4555
020 7938 1515
cardenesstudio.com
flowgallery.co.uk
philloflowers.com
Galleries
Florists
Library
Crawford & Gray Architects
The Rowley Gallery
Wild at Heart
Notting Hill Gate Library
65-69 Pottery Lane, W11 4NA
115 Kensington Church St, W8 7LN
222 Westbourne Grove, W11 2RJ
1 Pembridge Square,
020 7221 5966
020 7727 6495
020 7727 3095
W11 3ES
crawfordandgray.co.uk
rowleygallery.com
wildatheart.com
020 7361 3010
Travel Agents
Hurlingham Travel
Members Club
Family Members Club
Kuoni Kensington
5 Shaftesbury Place,
Electric House
Maggie & Rose
184 Kensington High St, W8 7RG
W14 8NJ
191 Portobello Road, W11 2ED
58-60 Pembroke Road, W8 6NX
020 7361 7800
020 7244 0243
020 7908 9696
020 7371 2200
kuoni.co.uk
hurlinghamtravel.co.uk
electrichouse.com
maggieandrose.com
Luxury Car Services
Post Office
Chauffeurs
The London Nanny Company
Floreat Car Consultancy
Portobello Road Post Office
Elite Chauffeurs
Vicarage House, 58-60 Kensington
John Spooner
325 Portobello Road W10 5SY
8 North End Crescent, W14 8TQ
Church Street, W8 4DB
07973 971163
0845 722 3344
020 7603 9090
020 7361 0011
john@floreatcar.co.uk
postoffice.co.uk
elite-chauffeurs.co.uk
londonnannycompany.co.uk
Solicitor
Courier
Childcare
Vets
Nicholas Morris Solicitors
Sending Parcels
Kensington Nannies
Notting Hill Veterinary Centre
24b Notting Hill Gate, W11 3JE
272 Kensington High St, W8 6ND
3 Hornton Place, W8 4LZ
106 Talbot Road, W11 1JR
020 7792 0890
0844 257 0668
020 7937 2333
020 7229 9797
nicholasmorris.co.uk
sendingparcels.com
kensington-nannies.com
baronscourtvet.co.uk
ottolenghi.co.uk
westbournehouse.net
HOME & CULTURE
anouskahempeldesign.com
TRAVEL & SOCIAL
LIFESAVERS
NOTTING HILL & HOLLAND PARK Resident’s Journal nhhp@residentsjournal.co.uk 020 7987 4320 If you have a view that you would like to share with the Residents’ Journal team, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact the Editor Katie Randall, on the above email address.
Local Associations and Societies NORLAND CONSERVATION SOCIETY Libby Kinmonth (Chairwoman)
LADBROKE ASSOCIATION Thomas Pakenham (President) Graham Child (Chairman)
HOLLAND PARK RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION Judy de Haas (Chairwoman)
KENSINGTON
& CHELSEA P R O P E RT Y
SHOWCASING THE
finest HOMES & PROPERTY FROM THE BEST ESTATE AGENTS
Expert Insight The current state of the market across the Royal Borough Image courtesy of Harrods Estates
Featured Estate Agents chelseainternational.co.uk 1stasset.co.uk CHELSEA 7-9 Tryon Street SW3 3LG 020 7014 3800
aylesford.com CHELSEA 440 King’s Rd, SW10 0LH 020 7351 2383
beauchamp.co.uk MAYFAIR 24 Curzon Street W1J 7TF 020 7499 7722
bectivelesliemarsh.co.uk
KNIGHTSBRIDGE 14 Basil Street SW3 1AJ 020 7349 9094
farleysres.com
CHELSEA & SOUTH KENSINGTON 60 Sloane Avenue SW3 3DD 020 7594 4740
SOUTH KENSINGTON 44-48 Old Brompton Road SW7 3DY 020 7589 1234
KENSINGTON CHURCH STREET 62 Kensington Church Street, W8 4BU 020 3040 8445 KENSINGTON & NOTTING HILL 116 Kensington High Street W8 7RW 020 7937 7244 KNIGHTSBRIDGE & BELGRAVIA 31 Lowndes Street SW1X 9HX 020 7235 8090
crayson.com
KENSINGTON 10 Hornton Street W8 4NW 020 7795 4288
NOTTING HILL 10 Lambton Place W11 2SH 020 7221 1117
NOTTING HILL 205 Westbourne Grove W11 2SB 020 7221 4805 domusnova.com NOTTING HILL 17 Kensington Park Road W11 2EU 020 7727 1717
SLOANE SQUARE 7 Lower Sloane Street SW1W 8AH 020 7717 5317
LADBROKE GROVE 136A Lancaster Road W11 1QU 020 7229 2356
harpersandharrison.co.uk
SOUTH KENSINGTON 125 Gloucester Road SW7 4TE 020 7835 0000
37 Alexander Street W2 5NU 020 7727 1717
chestertonhumberts.com
CHELSEA 1 Cadogan Street SW3 2PP 020 7589 6677
LADBROKE GROVE 126 Ladbroke Grove W10 5NE 020 7221 0330
BAYSWATER 78 Westbourne Grove W2 5RT 020 7221 9978
KENSINGTON 53 Abingdon Road W8 6AN 020 7938 2311 john-taylor.co.uk
harrodsestates.com
hamptons.co.uk
KNIGHTSBRIDGE 82 Brompton Road SW3 1ER 020 7225 6506
CHELSEA 134 Fulham Road SW10 9PY 020 7717 5291
kayeandcarey.co.uk
henryandjames.co.uk HAMPTONS COUNTRY HOUSE
8 Chertsey Street, Surrey GU1 4HD 01483 339740 KENSINGTON 8 Hornton Street W8 4NW 020 7937 9371
MAYFAIR 53 Davies Street W1K 5JH 020 3284 1888
BELGRAVIA 1 Motcomb Street SW1X 8JX 020 7235 8861 CHELSEA 2 Cale Street SW3 3QU 020 7581 5011
KNIGHTSBRIDGE 4 Yeoman’s Row Brompton Road SW3 2AH 020 7590 0066
knightfrank.co.uk BELGRAVIA 82-83 Chester Square SW1W 9JH 020 7881 7722
KNIGHTSBRIDGE 168 Brompton Road SW3 1HW 020 7584 2044 johndwood.co.uk NOTTING HILL 301 Westbourne Grove W11 2QA 020 7717 5311 PADDINGTON 4c Praed Street W2 1JX 020 7717 5313 PIMLICO & WESTMINSTER 50 Belgrave Road SW1V 1RQ 020 7717 5315
CHELSEA 9 Cale Street SW3 3QS 020 7352 1484 HOLLAND PARK 10 Portland Road W11 4LA 020 7727 2233 KENSINGTON 162 Kensington Church Street, W8 4BN 020 7908 1100
CHELSEA 352a King’s Road SW3 5UU 020 7349 4300 FULHAM 203 New King’s Road SW6 4SR 020 7751 2400 KENSINGTON 54-56 Kensington Church Street W8 4DB 020 7938 4311
KNIGHTSBRIDGE 60 Sloane Avenue SW3 3DD 020 7591 8600
HOLLAND PARK 57 Norland Square W11 4QJ 020 7605 6890
NOTTING HILL 298 Westbourne Grove W11 2PS 020 7229 0229
KENSINGTON 9 Kensington Church Street W8 4LF 020 7368 4450
SOUTH KENSINGTON 157 Gloucester Road SW7 4TH 020 7871 4111
NORTH KENSINGTON 136 Lancaster Road W11 1QU 020 7313 8350
sothebysrealty.co.uk CHELSEA 62-64 Fulham Road SW3 6HH 020 7808 8540 MAYFAIR 26A Conduit Street W1S 2XY 020 7495 9580
lurotbrand.co.uk
SOUTH KENSINGTON 29 Harrington Road SW7 3HD 020 7590 0800 NOTTING HILL 2-6 Kensington Park Road W11 3BU 020 7313 2890
plazaestates.co.uk KNIGHTSBRIDGE 51 Beauchamp Place SW3 1NY 020 7581 7646 MARBLE ARCH 29-31 Edgware Road W2 2JE 020 7724 3100
proprium.co.uk SLOANE STREET 149 Sloane Street SW1X 9BZ 020 7589 6298
KENSINGTON 145 Kensington Church Street W8 7LP 020 7535 3300
tatesestates.co.uk
KNIGHTSBRIDGE 188 Brompton Road SW3 1HQ 020 7581 5234
WEST KENSINGTON 135 Hammersmith Road W14 0QL 020 7602 6022
NOTTING HILL 168 Westbourne Grove W11 2RW 020 7727 5750
waellis.co.uk
SLOANE STREET 139 Sloane Street SW1X 9AY 020 7730 0822
KNIGHTSBRIDGE 174 Brompton Road SW3 1HP 020 7306 1610
winkworth.co.uk
020 7937 9777 messilaresidential.com
rickmanproperties.com
struttandparker.com
KNIGHTSBRIDGE 20 Montpelier Street SW7 1HD 020 7589 4452
KENSINGTON 21 Earls Court Road W8 6EB 020 7937 9777
CHELSEA 43 Cadogan Street SW3 2PR 020 7225 3866
russellsimpson.co.uk
WEST CHELSEA 140 Fulham Road SW10 9PY 020 7373 1010
HYDE PARK 37-41 Sussex Place W2 2TH 020 7479 1999 patrickclayton.co.uk SOUTH KENSINGTON 5 Kynance Place SW7 4QS 020 7590 9955
KENSINGTON & CHELSEA 58-60 Kensington Church Street W8 4DB 020 7368 1638
CHELSEA 5 Anderson Street SW3 3LU 020 7225 0277
KENSINGTON 103 Kensington Church Street W8 7LN 020 7938 3666 KNIGHTSBRIDGE 66 Sloane Street SW1X 9SH 020 7235 9959
marshandparsons.co.uk
KENSINGTON 118 Kensington Church Street, W8 4BH 020 7727 1500 KNIGHTSBRIDGE 289 Brompton Road SW3 2DY 020 7589 6616 NOTTING HILL 178 Westbourne Grove W11 2RH 020 7727 3227 SOUTH KENSINGTON 123a Gloucester Road SW7 4TE 020 7373 5052
PROPERTY FINDER
penyards.com CHELSEA Rawlings House 2a Milner Street, SW3 2PU 020 7591 5570 EARLS COURT 246 Old Brompton Road SW5 ODE 020 7835 0620
savills.co.uk LONDON OFFICE Cashel House 15 Thayer Street W1U 3JX 020 7467 5330
THE KENSINGTON & CHELSEA MAGAZINE
CHELSEA 196-200 Fulham Road SW10 9PN 020 7578 9000
NOTTING HILL 303 Westbourne Grove W11 2QA 020 7221 1111
PropertyPS.co.uk CENTRAL & GREATER LONDON 020 7351 6914
133
Hamptons Chelsea
Sales. 0207 5 1444 chelsea@hamptons-int.com
athcart Road, SW An immaculate two bedroom first floor apartment forming part of this lovely period building and situated in a highly sought after location ust north of the ulham oad. The flat has been beautifully refurbished and boasts wonderful proportions high ceilings an abundance of light with floor to ceiling windows. EPC: D Potential: C Hamptons Chelsea 0207
5 1444 chelsea@hamptons-int.com
ÂŁ , 50,000 h re o Freehold Period building irst loor Good natural light Stunning location reception room s t
Hamptons Kensington
Sales. 020 7 7 71 kensington@hamptons-int.com
rg ll Road, W
ÂŁ ,000,000 Freehold
A fine white stucco fronted ictorian family house 4 4 s . ft. extensively refurbished and ready for immediate occupation. This impressive Kensington house has west-facing views across Stafford Terrace leading towards olland ark. The property provides spacious family living accommodation interior designed by inchatton. EPC: D Hamptons Kensington 020 7
7
71 kensington@hamptons-int.com
reception rooms, kitchen amil dining room Pri ate cinema room Master bedroom, dressing room en suite urther bedrooms 4 urther bathrooms ntegral iPad control SP or two cars
Hamptons Knightsbridge
Sales. 020 7717 5461 knightsbridge@hamptons-int.com
Montpelier Mews, SW7 A beautifully presented and recently built four bedroom mews house in the very heart of Knightsbridge. The property has been beautifully interior designed with a stunning kitchen and contemporary bathrooms throughout. A large skylight and glass staircase make a very attractive feature and ensure that the property is filled with maximum natural light. EPC: C Hamptons Knightsbridge 020 7717 5461 knightsbridge@hamptons-int.com
ÂŁ3,500,000 Freehold Reception room/ Dining room Kitchen 4 Bedrooms 4 En suite bathrooms Guest cloakroom Patio
Hamptons Notting Hill
Sales. 0207 0 4 0404 nottinghill@hamptons-int.com
ol ille S uare, W This beautifully presented property is laid out over the rd and 4th floors of this attractive ictorian building and offers excellent reception dining space with a delightful outlook over the s uare. olville S uare is wonderfully located ust moments from estbourne rove and ortobello oad. EPC: C Hamptons Notting Hill 0207 0 4 0404 nottinghill@hamptons-int.com
ÂŁ , 00,000 e ehold Reception/Kitchen/Dining Bedrooms Reception room Bathroom Period building
Hamptons Sloane Square
Sales. 020 7717 54 1 sloanes uare@hamptons-int.com
Eaton Mansions, SW W A substantial four bedroom lateral apartment perfectly positioned on the second floor of this imposing ictorian building. The property offers a wealth of period features with flexible accommodation generous reception space and high ceilings throughout. As well as a resident porter the building benefits from a secluded communal patio garden. EPC: E Hamptons Sloane Square 020 7717 54 1 sloanes uare@hamptons-int.com
ÂŁ , 50,000 e ehold Reception Rooms Dining Room 4 Bedrooms Bathrooms Shower Room tilit Room
Hamptons Sloane Square
Sales. 020 7717 54 1 sloanes uare@hamptons-int.com
El stan Place, SW ormally two separate houses which have been combined to create a low build family home. The property has been redesigned to exacting standards. f particular interest are the rench doors which span the width of the property leading directly onto a south facing garden. The property provides open plan living space with an abundance of natural light. EPC: B Hamptons Sloane Square 020 7717 54 1 sloanes uare@hamptons-int.com
ÂŁ5, 50,000 Freehold Kitchen/Reception room Drawing room Bedrooms Bathrooms Guest cloakroom South acing garden
Hamptons Chelsea
ettings. 020 7717 54 chelsealettings@hamptons-int.com
amont Road, SW
ÂŁ3,000 er ee
A fantastic three bedroom three bathroom house in the heart of helsea located on this residential road between the Kings and ulham oads. The house is finished to the highest standard throughout with fabulous entertaining space and it s on private garden. EPC: D Hamptons Chelsea 020 7717 54
chelsealettings@hamptons-int.com
pen plan kitchen Dining room hree double bedrooms Great entertaining space ots o natural light Pri ate garden
r
hed
Hamptons Kensington
ettings. 020 7717 545 kensingtonlettings@hamptons-int.com
Wrights ane, W
ÂŁ3 00 er ee F r
A stunning five bedroom duplex penthouse apartment with lift in this well managed apartment block with two roof terraces unrivalled views 24 hour porters and two allocated underground parking spaces. The property has recently been modernised with all bathrooms and the kitchen being renovated to the most exacting standards. EPC: E Hamptons Kensington 020 7717 545
kensingtonlettings@hamptons-int.com
i e Bedrooms our Bathrooms Roo errace nderground Parking 4 hour securit ommunal G m
hed
r
hed
Hamptons Knightsbridge
ettings. 020 7717 546 knightsbridgelettings@hamptons-int.com
ueens Gate, SW7 Stunning newly refurbished two bedroom first floor apartment offering ama ing ceiling height wood floors throughout and a private terrace. The property is available immediately. EPC:D
Hamptons Knightsbridge 020 7717 546 knightsbridgelettings@hamptons-int.com
ÂŁ , 00 er ee F r Double reception bedrooms errace igh ceilings Wooden looring
hed
r
hed
PROPERTY
Hot Property: Portobello Studios A wonderful low built house comprising more than 4,200 square feet of space and in a desirable location
AT 4,254 SQUARE FEET, predominantly over only two floors, this low built house has amazing lateral space and, with windows on three sides, there is no shortage of light. With lovely views across the communal garden, the main reception room, a large portion of the ground floor, leads to both a more intimate study/television room and kitchen/breakfast room. Both of these rooms open onto a small patio with a living wall. On the first floor, the master bedroom suite also has a generous dressing room and there are three further en-suite double bedrooms, as well as a lovely roof terrace. On the lower ground floor, there is a spacious gym and a utility room. Each of the five houses in Portobello Studios has a designated parking space and there is a shared guest space.
THE KENSINGTON & CHELSEA MAGAZINE
Hayden’s Place, 11 £6,000,000 (Freehold)
Savills Notting Hill 020 7727 5750 Oliver Lurot, olurot@savills.com 143
DRAYTON GARDENS
◆
CHELSEA
◆
SW10
FAMILY HOUSE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION An excellent house with superb proportions throughout that has complete floorplates at every level. The house is presented in immaculate order and the accommodation works brilliantly for a family. 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (1 en suite), reception room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, sitting/playroom, utility room, cloakroom, balcony, courtyard area, patio garden. EPC rating E. Approximately 271 sq m (2,927 sq ft) Freehold Guide price: £5,500,000
MALLORD STREET | CHELSEA SW3
Family house with south facing garden A beautifully presented wide and low built Grade II listed family house situated on the southern side of this popular Chelsea street. The house has a blue plaque dedicated to the author of Winnie the Pooh, A.A. Milne. Master bedroom with en suite bathroom, 4 further bedrooms, bathroom, shower room, drawing room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, media room, study, laundry room, storage room, cloakroom, patio garden. Approximately 296 sq m (3,191 sq ft)
Tenure: Freehold Guide Price: ÂŁ6,950,000
Knight Frank
Old Brompton Road, South Kensington SW5 Exceptional house with direct access to Cresswell Gardens
Master bedroom with en suite bathroom and dressing area, 2 bedrooms with en suite shower rooms, 3 further bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, entrance hall, kitchen/breakfast room, dining room/family room, first floor drawing room, first floor dining room, playroom/media room, 2 laundry rooms, guest cloakroom, wine cellar, patio, terrace, communal garden. EPC rating D. Approximately 417 sq m (4,493 sq ft) Freehold Guide price: ÂŁ8,250,000 (CHL120018)
KnightFrank.co.uk/Chelsea chelsea@knightfrank.com 020 3641 5903 Joint agent: Russell Simpson info@russellsimpson.co.uk 020 7225 0277
Knight Frank
York House, Kensington W8
Exclusive apartment in gated development with parking York House is one of the most sought after residences in Kensington. This four bedroom apartment has excellent ceiling height and good natural light. The building has 24 hr porterage, and secure underground parking. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, reception room, eat in kitchen, dining area, dressing room. EPC rating D. Approximately 262 sq m (2,824 sq ft) Share of Freehold: approximately 971 years remaining Guide price: ÂŁ6,495,000
KnightFrank.co.uk/Kensington kens@knightfrank.com 020 3551 5156 Joint agent: Savills kensington@savills.com 020 7535 3300
Knight Frank
Academy Gardens, Kensington W8 Contemporary luxury living
An impressive interior designed apartment situated within one of Kensington’s most prestigious developments, with access to communal gardens, swimming pool, gym and parking. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathroom, double reception room, kitchen/ breakfast room, dining room, study, dressing room, 24 hour concierge/ security, underground parking. EPC rating C. Approximately 260 sq m (2,805 sq ft) Share of Freehold Guide price: £6,995,000
KnightFrank.co.uk/Kensington kens@knightfrank.com 0203 551 5156
Knight Frank
Holland Park, Holland Park W11
Stunning apartment in the heart of Holland Park ea tif lly presented t ree edroom apartment on t e t ird floor of t is lassi st o fronted illa, enefiting from e ellent li ing spa e and a roof terra e wit so t westerly iews 3 bedrooms, 3 bathroom, reception room, eat in kitchen, dining area, bar area with seating, dressing room, roof terrace. EPC rating D. Approximately 175 sq m (1,885 sq ft) Leasehold: approximately 166 years remaining Guide price: ÂŁ3,995,000
KnightFrank.co.uk/Kensington kens@knightfrank.com 020 3551 5156
Knight Frank
Clabon Mews, Knightsbridge SW1 Mews house with two terraces
A larger than average Knightsbridge Mews house situated on a corner position with generous living and entertaining space. Master bedroom suite with access onto terrace, 2 further bedrooms, 3 further bath/shower rooms, kitchen, dining room, breakfast room, reception room, family room, 2 cloakrooms, integral garage. EPC rating E. Approximately 270 sq m (2,912 sq ft) Freehold Guide price: ÂŁ6,250,000 (SLA120306)
KnightFrank.co.uk/Knightsbridge knightsbridge@knightfrank.com 020 3641 5913 Joint agent: SKPM www.skconsult.co.uk 020 7993 5508
Knight Frank
o rtfield ardens, arl s o rt arge gro nd floor apartment on garden s
are
spe ta lar raised gro nd floor apartment sit ated on a pop lar garden s are e flat is presented in fabulous order and boasts an enormous reception room. Master bedroom with en suite bathroom, bedroom 2, shower room, reception room, kitchen/dining room, study area. EPC rating D. Approximately 115 sq m (1,240 sq ft) Share of freehold Guide price: ÂŁ1,950,000 (STK130008)
KnightFrank.co.uk/South-Kensington southkensington@knightfrank.com 0203 641 6122 Joint agent: Winkworth southkensington@winkworth.co.uk 020 7373 5052
tanley res ent, otting ill nmodernised omm nal garden o se
is property as een owned y t e same family for t e last years t omes to t e mar et needing a omplete o er a l, allowing t e in oming p r aser an opport nity to reate an in redi le family o se wit omm nal garden a ess edrooms, at rooms, re eption rooms rating , , , ppro imately s m , s ft ree old ide pri e
,
,
nig t ran o / otting ill notting ill nig tfran om 020 8116 5447
Knight Frank
ed li e
a re,
elsea
t ree edroom flat wit patio garden
is property as een s e t to e tensi e ref r is ment and enefits from an imma late kitchen/dining room boasting plenty of natural light and a separate large utility room. Master bedroom with dressing room, second double bedroom with en suite bathroom, further double bedroom, 2 family bathrooms, reception room, kitchen/dining room, patio garden. EPC rating C. Approximately 231 sq m (2, 491 sq ft) Available unfurnished Guide price: ÂŁ2,450 per week (CHQ150745)
KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings chelsealettings@knightfrank.com 020 3641 6022
Knight Frank
Warwick Gardens, Kensington W14 Beautiful and distinctive apartment
A stunningly refurbished property located in the heart of Kensington close to High Street Kensington and Earls Court. The reception room creates a brilliant entertaining space and leads into the unique open plan kitchen and dining area which is exceptionally light, perfect in the approaching summer months. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room, kitchen and dining area, gro nd floor rating ppro imately s m s ft Available furnished Guide price: ÂŁ725 per week
KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings kensingtonlettings@knightfrank.com 020 3641 7308
Knight Frank
Cranley Place, South Kensington SW7 Large family house in a prime location
The house has great entertaining space with well appointed family accommodation. 6 edrooms, at rooms, large first floor drawing room, large dining room, family room, eat in kitchen, 2 cloakrooms, private garden and access to communal gardens, air conditioning. EPC rating F. Approximately 423 sq m (4,549 sq ft ) Available unfurnished Guide price: ÂŁ6,500 per week (
)
KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings knightsbridgelettings@knightfrank.com 020 3641 7308
MOORE CHELSEA
SELECTION OF CONTEMPORARY STUDIOS, 1, 2 & 3 BEDROOM APARTMENTS TO RENT RENTS FROM £375 PER WEEK TO £1695 PER WEEK EPC RATINGS: STUDIO = B AND C, 1 BED = B, 2 BEDS = B, 3 BEDS = B PLEASE CONTACT US FOR FURTHER DETAILS AND A TOUR OF MOORE HOUSE
www.moorehousechelsea.co.uk
PROPERTY
Market Insight JAMES PACE, head of Knight Frank’s Chelsea office, talks taxes, positive sentiment and why less is sometimes more when selling your home Property prices in Chelsea increased by five per cent over the last 12 months and interest from international buyers remains strong. What are activity levels like now? We have noticed a definite increase in sentiment from buyers this year and, as a result, are busy showing new properties. The issue is getting enough new stock to satisfy the demand. However, well-priced properties are moving very quickly, often with several offers. How has the introduction of the new 7 per cent stamp duty rate impacted your market? The sub £2 million market has continued to flourish and volume has remained steady. In excess of £2 million, the number of sales has dropped off by about 35 per cent since the increase in stamp duty. Whilst some blame can be attributed to this, I think that another significant factor is the tight mortgage market. Many of our clients still have tracker mortgages from 2007 on their current homes and tend to be paying extremely low rates. While there are some very good rates out there for new purchases, buyers often can’t match the competitive rates they already have.
Figure 1: Monthly Price Change Prime central London average residential price change Source: Knight Frank Residential Research
1.2% 1.0% 0.8% 0.6% 0.4% 0.2% 0.0%
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
2012
O
N
D
J
F
2013
Who is looking to buy in Chelsea? We have noticed a surge in interest from French buyers, particularly families who are looking for good homes to live in rather than investment properties. We are also seeing a number of buyers looking for one and two bedroom apartments as well as families looking for homes to live in. Chelsea has an active international buyer market due to the quality of the properties and the proximity to good shops, restaurants, schools and the West End. What types of properties are most popular? We have strong demand right now across the board but completely unmodernised property attracts the most interest. People like to be able to create their dream home and the opportunity to do this is rare. Subsequently when such properties come to the market there are huge levels of interest. In several cases sealed bids and sale prices are achieved well above the asking price. ‘Turnkey’ property is also still very much coveted by those looking for an investment property or second home. Why are buyers drawn to the area? Chelsea is renowned for its historical properties, residential atmosphere, many green spaces and its quality of life. Some of the capital’s best schools are here and there is a wealth of boutique shops, restaurants and cafés on the King’s Road. Do overseas purchasers have different requirements to domestic buyers? Often overseas buyers come here wanting more lateral space but, given the fact that houses are generally set over four floors or more in Chelsea, they will frequently compromise on this element. How do you think the market will fare in the coming year? We are extremely positive about the rest of the year if more property comes onto the market. Whilst the volume of transactions is currently low, it is because of a lack of stock rather than a lack of interest from buyers. globalbriefing.knightfrank.com Above/ Mallord Street property, for sale through Knight Frank THE KENSINGTON & CHELSEA MAGAZINE
157
savills.co.uk
1 BEAUTIFULLY REFURBISHED FAMILY HOUSE inkerman terrace, w8 Reception room ø family room ø dining room ø kitchen ø master bedroom suite ø 3 further bedrooms ø further bathroom ø front and rear gardens ø 211 sq m (2,267 sq ft) ø EPC=C
Guide £4.45 million Freehold
Savills Kensington Sarah Birch sbirch@savills.com
020 7535 3300
savills.co.uk
1 STUNNING HOUSE IN SECURE DEVELOPMENT WITH PARKING AND LIFT wycombe square, w8 First floor drawing room ø dining room ø sitting room ø playroom ø kitchen/ breakfast room ø 5 bedrooms ø 5 bath/shower rooms ø lift ø garden ø double garage ø 24hr security ø concierge ø 461 sq m (4,958 sq ft) ø EPC=C
Guide £10.5 million Freehold
Savills Kensington Johnny Fuller jlfuller@savills.com
020 7535 3300
savills.co.uk
1 A BEAUTIFULLY REDESIGNED AND REFURBISHED HOUSE old brompton road, sw5 Entrance hall ø reception room with bar area ø cinema area ø study ø open-plan kitchen with dining area ø master bedroom suite ø 2nd bedroom suite ø guest cloakroom ø utility room ø spa including steam room and shower ø balcony ø 281 sq m (3,021 sq ft) ø EPC=C Guide £2.5 million Leasehold, approximately 97 years remaining
Savills Chelsea Henry Reid hreid@savills.com
020 7578 9000
savills.co.uk
1 ONE OF TWO NEWLY BUILT AND IMMACULATELY FINISHED HOUSES limerston street, sw10 Entrance hall ø reception room ø cinema/media room ø open plan kitchen ø master bedroom suite ø 2 further bedroom suites ø bedroom 4/study ø shower room ø bathroom ø utility room ø gym ø 277 sq m (2,982 sq ft) ø EPC=C Guide £5.75 million Freehold
Savills Chelsea Charlie Bubear cbubear@savills.com
020 7578 9000
savills.co.uk
1 CHARMING PERIOD HOUSE IN HOLLAND PARK portland road, w11 Entrance hall ø reception room ø study ø kitchen/dining room ø master bedroom suite ø 2 further bedroom suites ø TV room/bedroom 4 ø garden ø 164 sq m (1,770 sq ft) ø EPC=E
Guide £2.7 million Freehold
Savills Notting Hill Ben Davies bdavies@savills.com
020 7727 5750
savills.co.uk
1 AN ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL AND DISCREET LOW BUILT HOUSE portobello studios, w11 Reception room ø study ø kitchen ø master bedroom suite with dressing room ø 3 further bedroom suites ø gym ø utility room ø roof terrace ø 395 sq m (4,254 sq ft) ø EPC=C Guide £6 million Freehold
Savills Notting Hill
Knight Frank
Oliver Lurot olurot@savills.com
Caroline Foord caroline.foord@knightfrank.com
020 7727 5750
020 7229 0229
savills.co.uk
1 CLASSICALLY PROPORTIONED APARTMENT WITH EXCELLENT NATURAL LIGHT lexham gardens, w8 Entrance hall ø reception room ø kitchen ø master bedroom suite ø 2nd bedroom ø shower room ø 92 sq m (995 sq ft) ø EPC=D
Savills Kensington Thomas Holcroft tholcroft@savills.com
020 7535 3300 Asking £1.55 million Leasehold, approximately 976 years remaining plus Share of Freehold
savills.co.uk
1 SPECTACULAR TRIPLEX APARTMENT IN EXCELLENT CONDITION kensington gardens square, w2 Entrance hall ø reception room ø kitchen/dining room ø 2 bedroom suites ø guest cloakroom ø balcony ø 181 sq m (1,949 sq ft) ø EPC=D
Savills Notting Hill Oliver Lurot olurot@savills.com
020 7727 5750 Guide £3.2 million Share of Freehold
savills.co.uk
1 OWN FRONT DOOR, GREAT NATURAL LIGHT AND BEAUTIFULLY REFURBISHED de vere gardens, w8 Reception room/open-plan kitchen ø master bedroom suite ø guest bedroom ø guest shower room ø separate store cupboard ø 66 sq m (715 sq ft) ø EPC=D
Savills Kensington Stephen Holmes sholmes@savills.com
020 7535 3300 Asking £1.4 million Leasehold, a new 125 year lease
savills.co.uk
1
A BEAUTIFULLY REFURBISHED FOUR BEDROOM HOUSE limerston street, sw10 3 double bedroom suites ø 2 reception rooms ø study ø fully ingrated kitchen ø guest cloakroom ø private garden ø 2 terraces ø 169 sq m (1,828 sq ft) ø EPC=E £3,200 per week Flexible furnishings
Savills Chelsea
2
Izzy Birch-Reynardson ibreynardson@savills
020 7578 9020
A BEAUTIFULLY REFURBISHED FIRST FLOOR FLAT coleherne court, sw5 3 bedrooms (2 en suite) ø further bathroom ø double reception room ø separate kitchen ø utility room ø guest cloakroom ø porter ø communal gardens ø 149 sq m (1,604 sq ft) ø EPC=D £1,750 per week Furnished
Savills Chelsea Danielle Fearnon dfearnon@savills.com
020 7578 9020
savills.co.uk
1 BEAUTIFULLY REFURBISHED FAMILY HOUSE IN THE HEART OF KENSINGTON holland street, w8 3 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø reception room ø dining room ø kitchen ø guest cloakroom ø utility area ø roof terrace ø 149 sq m (1,618 sq ft) ø EPC=E
Savills Kensington Monika Scott mkscott@savills.com
020 7535 3333 £1,595 per week Unfurnished
savills.co.uk
1 A MAGNIFICENT LATERAL APARTMENT IN A CLASSIC EDWARDIAN BUILDING wynnstay gardens, w8 3 double bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø 2 reception rooms ø kitchen ø dressing room ø guest cloakroom ø third floor ø lift ø porter ø first come first serve parking ø 175 sq m (1,880 sq ft) ø EPC=D
£2,500 per week Furnished
Savills Kensington Isabel Lacey ilacey@savills.com
020 7535 3333
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Little Venice Mayfair North Kensington
Notting Hill Pimlico & Westminster South Kensington
Warwick Gardens W14 ÂŁ6,500,000 A truly spectacular, semi detached family house boasting an exceptional garden, off street parking and large living space. The accommodation features a beautiful double reception room, a second reception room, a superb kitchen, study, separate dining room and an incredible summer house with its own shower room and kitchenette. The bedroom accommodation provides four spacious bedrooms (one en suite), a family bathroom, two further shower rooms and a guest cloakroom. Freehold. EPC=E. Sole Agents.
KENSINGTON: 020 7368 4450 sales.kns@marshandparsons.co.uk
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SALES
See all of our properties online: marshandparsons.co.uk
Clareville Grove SW7 ÂŁ4,750,000 Presented in excellent condition throughout, this house boasts exceptional reception space, generous bedroom accommodation and a large double width private garden, which is rare in South Kensington. The accommodation comprises a large double reception room with access via French doors to the garden, a kitchen, dining/family room, a WC and a beautiful conservatory. The bedroom accommodation boasts a superb master suite, two large double bedrooms and a family bathroom. Freehold. EPC=E. Sole Agents.
SOUTH KENSINGTON: 020 7590 0800 sales.skn@marshandparsons.co.uk
Kildare Terrace W2 £4,350,000 A well configured, beautifully proportioned house with a large garden, on this sought after residential road. Benifitting from a recent sympathetic refurbishment, this impressive property now provides a bright, versatile interior. The accomodation is arranged over five floors including an exceptional first floor double reception room, a kitchen/dining room, two informal rception rooms on the lower floor, a large master suite and three further bedrooms served by a bathroom. Freehold. Sole Agents.
NOTTING HILL: 020 7313 2890 sales.not@marshandparsons.co.uk
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SALES
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Oakfield Street SW10 £3,500,000 This rare freehold apartment is arranged over three floors of a beautiful terraced house close to ‘The Little Boltons’. The stunning accommodation is flooded with natural light and benefits from a large double reception/dining room with oak flooring and original sash windows, a fully fitted kitchen leading directly out to a large private decked garden, a spacious master bedroom suite, two further large double bedrooms, a single bedroom/study, which overlooks the garden and a further bathroom. Freehold. EPC=E. Joint Sole Agent.
EARLS COURT: 020 7835 0620 sales.ect@marshandparsons.co.uk
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Battersea Brook Green Chelsea
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Little Venice Mayfair North Kensington
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Margaretta Terrace SW3 £3,750,000 A wonderfully quiet family home located moments from the bustling King’s Road. This fabulous period house boasts excellent accommodation, comprising a large double reception room on the ground floor, leading to a bright open-plan kitchen with a conservatory style dining area, a small patio with a spiral staircase leading to a roof terrace above, a master bedroom suite on the first floor, two further double bedrooms and a fourth bedroom/study with access to a terrace. Freehold. Sole Agents.
CHELSEA: 020 7591 5570 sales.chs@marshandparsons.co.uk
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SALES
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Courtfield Road SW7 ÂŁ3,000,000 Located at the back of a very well maintained, red-brick period house, this large duplex apartment has the rare benefit of a southerly aspect looking directly over communal gardens known as Gloucester Park. The accommodation comprises a reception room with exceptionally high ceilings and a bay window, a guest cloakroom, a modern kitchen with dining area, two double bedrooms, a family bathroom, a utility/laundry room and a magnificent master suite. Share of Freehold. EPC=C. Sole Agents.
SOUTH KENSINGTON: 020 7590 0800 sales.skn@marshandparsons.co.uk
Craven Hill Mews W2 ÂŁ2,650,000 An exceptional house with bright southerly aspects located on a quiet residential mews, moments from Hyde Park. Having had a comprehensive redesign and refurbishment, the spectacular interior now provides a large double reception room opening onto a beautiful, well designed kitchen/dining room with access to a south facing garden. The bedroom accommodation includes two double bedroom suites, two further bedrooms and a bathroom. Freehold. EPC=C. Sole Agents.
NOTTING HILL: 020 7313 2890 sales.not@marshandparsons.co.uk
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SALES
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Queen’s Gate SW7 £1,495,000 This stunning raised ground floor apartment is situated within a very smart white stucco-fronted building, this wonderful property has fabulous ceiling heights, beautiful ornate cornicing and two feature fireplaces. The accommodation boasts a large reception room, a dining area, a galley kitchen directly off it, a vast master bedroom with built-in storage and a fabulous en suite bathroom, a second double bedroom and a well designed shower room. Share of Freehold. EPC=D. Sole Agents.
SOUTH KENSINGTON: 020 7590 0800 sales.skn@marshandparsons.co.uk
Going the Extra Mile ANNABEL HARRISON speaks to James Bailey, managing director of Henry & James, about the company’s impressive six-decade history, its Belgravia and Chelsea offices and why going the extra mile is so important to his team Why do you think Henry & James has stood the test of time so well? James: The management, the drive and the fact that it is independent. We’re very spoilt being on Motcomb Street and Chelsea Green; having worked in the industry for 27 years, these are probably some of the best sites in the whole of London, and therefore in the world, to have estate agencies, because our passing trade is absolutely phenomenal. We’ve got good clientele and people keep coming back to us. The company has never been allowed to sit still; it’s always grown with the times. We’ve never shunned going onto portals or into new magazines and we’re progressive. Does this approach differentiate you from others in the industry? James: Yes, I think that there is terrible stagnation with some of the independents; they’re not prepared to grow with the times. Since I’ve been here, which is four years, we have changed the website twice and we’re about to upgrade it again. To cut a long story short [as told in an article by James in Prime Residential], the big boys, especially since 2008, have very much tried to squeeze out the independents, hence a lot of them have been bought out, and they’ve tried to take a monopoly on the marketplace. And from that point of view, unless you’re progressive, unless you’ve got the right individuals, you will stagnate and eventually disappear. Can you give an example of your team going the extra mile for clients? James: We’ve watered plants, let dogs out and even put milk in somebody’s house before their return from holiday. How many estate agents will come in at 12 o’clock on a Sunday and show a property? Not many. So from a work point of view, we will go that extra mile, because people want service. For one client, we’ve taken on board that his wife is not very well and therefore she must not be disturbed in the morning; whereas if you gave it to one of the bigger agencies, they don’t really give the same attention to detail. We’ll be just as quick but we won’t be as invasive. What do you think sets the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea apart from the rest of London? James: Its greenery, thanks to its parks; its diversity when it comes to the people living in it; a plethora of excellent shops and restaurants; and the fact that it’s in such an exciting area. To us it is very much the centre and one of the best, if not the best, residential area in London. You’re dealing with interesting property and the diversity of it is huge. What advice would you give to people looking to invest in property
at the moment? James: The market is starting to move again. What we have particularly seen is the bigger English money moving again and so the wise man is starting to move, which invariably makes the foreign buyers kick into gear quickly because they know prices are going to go up. If you could change one thing about the property system, what would it be? James: I’ll give you an example of something that happened today. Somebody has dragged out a sale and then chipped at the last minute. We all guessed it was coming but they shouldn’t have been allowed to do it. I would just simply say that once somebody had agreed to something, they should be forced to stick to their word. Do you think that the property market will continue to pick up in 2013? James: Yes, though I think it’s going to be an exceptionally tough year because cash flows are very poor. If you’re in the right position and prepared to work very hard, you will shift properties. And actually – touch wood – we are finding it very busy already. There are huge amounts of money still, in our little bubble that we work in, which is terribly exciting. How did you start out in the property industry? James: My first job was in Twickenham where I started on £3,750 a year and six per cent of anything I sold. Within six months I was headhunted to come into central London and I worked for Maskells on Walton Street at 18. After some time working in central London. I went to America and did real estate over there, then I went to Foxton’s, then to Singapore with Cluttons Residential, all of which gave me a wealth of experience. Upon return I joined Douglas and Gordon for 13 and a half years, where I was a director, and I joined Henry & James in January 2009 as head of sales. Why do Chelsea and elgravia o ce locations suit the company so well? James: The village atmosphere in both areas works to our advantage hugely and so many people come and do their shopping around there that we have a lot of them looking into our windows, and coming in. That’s our ethos – having an independent agency where you can just go in and not feel intimidated. What makes a good agent? James: Communication. There are a lot of people from the age of 30 upwards, and even some people in their 20s, who want to communicate with a person, not an email address. The complaint that we’ve always had about other agencies is that they don’t give feedback, and yet that’s supposed to be top of their list. Email should be a follow-up to a conversation, not a precursor. I never understand that. You’ve got to talk to your client and tell them what’s going on. Nine times out of ten people hide behind email now. Even if you’re going to email, you can call up and say ‘Hello, Mr Jones, I’ve sent you an email explaining my thoughts’ – don’t hide
PROPERTY
behind it. Estate agents can just lose sight of the personal contact, which goes back to your earlier question about what it is that makes us stand out in the crowd. I don’t rely on a database; I have a meeting for five minutes first thing every morning with my colleagues to find out how the viewings went, what’s going on, so everybody can work as a team. With regards to money what’s the most important lesson you have learned? James: Try to spend some on yourself and your wife before the children spend it! Henry & James Belgravia, 1 Motcomb Street, SW1X 8JX, 020 7235 8861 Henry & James Chelsea, 2 Cale Street, SW3 3QU, 020 7581 5011 henryandjames.co.uk
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Apparently, this isn’t the only major event in your life that keeps you awake at nights. They say a baby makes love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for. Just like buying and selling a property. Welcome to the human side of bricks and mortar. And welcome to Crayson. Our unique, highly personal, bespoke service makes buying and selling a property as simple, straightforward and as stress-free as is humanly possible. We do this by paying special attention to all those annoying little nagging things, so you can rest easy. Sleep tight.
hello@crayson.com T 020 7221 1117 10 Lambton Place London W11 2SH
Hereford oad, Notting Hill W2 Notting Hill doesn’t have a ing or queen. But it has a palace.
Designed by an award-winning architect and expertly built by one of London’s leading construction firms, this house is a testament to some of the very best in British architecture today. Over 10,00o Sq Ft / 995 Sq M of unadulterated luxury close to the very heart of Notting Hill. Guide Price £20 million Freehold
Sole Agent hello@crayson.com T 020 7221 1117 10 Lambton Place London W11 2SH
Lonsdale Road, Notting Hill W11 Backing on to the nirvana of Westbourne Grove is this snug house with a south-facing garden, loads of space and a great bar! This is a big step up from the trendy “space� that made your mother weep, and your girlfriend wonder if you had a future together. Now you definitely have.
Reception room Kitchen / dining room Master bedroom suite & two further bedrooms Office / bedroom four & two shower rooms Terrace, bar, utility room & 31 ft garden Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea 1,663 sq ft / 154.5 sq m Energy Performance Rating Band D Guide Price ÂŁ3.75 million Freehold
Sole Agent hello@crayson.com T 020 7221 1117 10 Lambton Place London W11 2SH
Holland Park Mews Holland Park W11 Coach House For Sale and on the horns of a dilemma – should it remain part of the servants’ hall or upgrade and become the master’s residence?
Reception room Two double bedrooms Bathroom Three to four car garage Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea 1375 sq ft / 127.7 sq m Energy Performance Rating Band E Guide price £2m Freehold Sole Agent hello@crayson.com T 020 7221 1117 10 Lambton Place London W11 2SH
Thornbury Court, Chepstow Villas Notting Hill W11 Well-located mansion blocks with New York style porters are as rare as hens’ teeth these days, so when a flat comes up, it’s worth a look
Reception room Kitchen Two bedrooms & bathroom Lift & porter Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea 711 sq ft / 66.1 sq m Energy Performance Rating Band D Guide price £775,000 Leasehold plus share of Freehold Sole Agent hello@crayson.com T 020 7221 1117 10 Lambton Place London W11 2SH
Cadogan gardens, sW3 ÂŁ1,950,000 sTC LeasehoLd Incredible lateral space with scope for re-configuration (subject to the usual consents).A third floor conversion flat in a former Queen Anne style period house, in the renowned Hans Town conservation area, moments from Sloane Square. 2 Bedrooms | 2 Receptions | 2 Bathrooms | Upper Floor | Communal Gardens | Residents Parking
Scan this code to download the Winkworth iPhone app
winkworth.co.uk/knightsbridge-chelsea 020 7589 6616 knightsbridge@winkworth.co.uk
See things differently.
CheLsea CLo sTers ÂŁ1,000
W
rn shed
odern living in the heart of Sloane Avenue. A simply stunning, newly refurbished, two bedroom mansion flat in this superbly positioned purpose built block in the heart of Brompton Cross. 2 Bedrooms | Reception | 2 Bathrooms | Upper Floor with ift | Residents Parking
Scan this code to download the Winkworth iPhone app
winkworth.co.uk/knightsbridge-chelsea 020 7589 6616 knightsbridge@winkworth.co.uk
See things differently.
CornWaLL gardens, sW
ÂŁ1, 95,000 share o
reehoLd
Covering the entire footprint of this well maintained mid terrace period conversion, this truly impressive at offers natural light like no other lower ground oor at with its glass roof and two skylights. This well arranged and spacious at e tends to
sq ft ( 2sq m) of accommodation with the bene t of a rear patio.
ntrance Hall | Reception Room | ining Room | itchen Breakfast Room | aster Bedroom with n-Suite Bathroom | Second Bedroom with n-Suite Shower Room | Utility Room | Patio | Access to Communal Gardens | PC Rating C
Scan this code to download the Winkworth iPhone app
winkworth.co.uk/south-kensington 020 7 7 5052 southkensington@winkworth.co.uk
See things differently.
CLare LLe gro e, sW
ÂŁ5,950,000 reehoLd
A wonderful mid terrace period house located in a quiet Cherry tree lined street in the heart of South ensington that offers the incoming purchaser the opportunity to create a unique living space that would offer
sq ft (
. 2sq m) of accommodation arranged over five floors.
Games Room | edia Room | Study | Gym | Utility Room | anny Room with n-Suite Shower Room | Shower Room | itchen ining iving Room | Bedroom | Shower Room | Reception Room | aster Bedroom with Adjoining Shower Room | Bathroom with n-Suite Shower Room | Two Bedrooms | Bathroom | PC Rating - TBC
Scan this code to download the Winkworth iPhone app
winkworth.co.uk/south-kensington 020 7 7 5052 southkensington@winkworth.co.uk
See things differently.
eL
r road, W1
ÂŁ , 50,000 reehoLd
A well presented end of terrace townhouse arranged over three floors only with an integral garage and off street parking. There is ample living space including a kitchen dining room that leads to a charming west facing patio garden. ntrance Hall | rawing Room | itchen ining Room | Principal Bedroom
ith n Suite Bathroom | Three Further Bedrooms | Further Bathroom | Cloakroom | Attractive
Patio Garden | Integral Garage | ff Street Parking | PC Rating
Scan this code to download the Winkworth iPhone app
winkworth.co.uk/kensington 020 7727 1500 kensington@winkworth.co.uk
See things differently.
ar CLose, W1
ÂŁ1,995,000 share o
reehoLd
A beautifully presented three bedroom apartment situated on the si th floor (with lift) of a sought after purpose built portered block. The property enjoys wonderful long views over Holland Park and benefits from a lock-up garage. ntrance Hall | Reception Room | itchen | Three Bedrooms | Two Bathrooms (one en suite) | ift | Porter | ock-up Garage | ff-street parking | Communal Gardens | PC Rating C
Scan this code to download the Winkworth iPhone app
winkworth.co.uk/kensington 020 7727 1500 kensington@winkworth.co.uk
See things differently.
e
r dge LaCe, W
ÂŁ19,000,000 reehoLd
A substantial double fronted house on one of otting Hill s finest streets, currently arranged as four separate flats with the potential to become a significant home. ,2
Appro Sq ft | House | Semi etached | Garden | Twelve Bedrooms | Ten Bathrooms | Five Reception Rooms | Royal Borough of ensington
Chelsea |
PC rating
Scan this code to download the Winkworth iPhone app
winkworth.co.uk/notting-hill 020 7727 227 nottinghill@winkworth.co.uk
See things differently.
Che sToW
LLas, W11 ÂŁ1,3
5 er Wee
A stunning and uniquely designed 2 bedroom flat on the top floor of this period building with fantastic entertaining space and wonderful private roof terrace, set in the heart of otting Hill. Available unfurnished from the beginning of April. 2 Bedrooms | Reception | 2 Bathrooms | Roof Terrace
ar ndeL gardens, W11 ÂŁ1,
50 er Wee
A rare opportunity to rent a wonderfully spacious bedroom maisonette with beautiful private garden and direct access onto the communal gardens behind. Available unfurnished from early ay. Bedrooms | Reception |
ining | Bathrooms | Garden |
2 sqft appro
Scan this code to download the Winkworth iPhone app
winkworth.co.uk/notting-hill 020 7727 227 nottinghill@winkworth.co.uk
See things differently.
Upper Belgrave Street, Belgravia SW1 • 3 Bedrooms
• Porter
• 3 Bathrooms
• Air conditioning
• 2/3 Reception rooms • Approx.2,060 sq ft (191.37 sq m) • Terrace
• EPC rating: current (C) potential (C)
• Direct lift access
£7,250,000 Leasehold with 115 years remaining
“ A delightful penthouse maisonette in this imposing stucco-fronted portered building in prime Belgravia”
Pont Street, Knightsbridge SW1 • 3 Bedrooms
• Roof terrace
• 3 Bathrooms
• Air conditioning
• 1 Reception room
• Lift
• Study area
• Approx. 1,781 sq ft (165.5 sq m)
• Kitchen
• EPC rating: current (C) potential (B)
“ A stylish refurbished penthouse providing exceptional south-facing views over Chelsea”
£4,250,000 Leasehold with 176 years remaining
For more information call Simon Godson on 020 7306 1610 or email sgodson@waellis.co.uk
W.A.Ellis LLP 174 Brompton Road London SW3 1HP
waellis.co.uk
Holland Park, W11 • 3 Bedrooms
• Fully fitted kitchen
• 1 Bathroom (en suite)
• Terrace
• 2 Shower rooms (1 en suite) • Approx. 1,537 sq ft (143 sq m) • Reception room
• EPC rating: current (C) potential (C)
“A stunning apartment in this Grade II Listed building in Holland Park ”
£1,900 per week Unfurnished
For more information call Lucy Morton on 020 7306 1630 or email lmorton@waellis.co.uk
W.A.Ellis LLP 174 Brompton Road London SW3 1HP
waellis.co.uk
Gilston Road, Chelsea SW3 • 2 Bedrooms
• Fully fitted kitchen
• 1 Bathroom (en suite)
• Roof terrace
• 1 Shower room
• Approx. 1,195 sq ft (111 sq m)
• 2 Reception rooms
• EPC rating: current (C) potential (B)
“A wonderful house in this prime location in the heart of Chelsea”
£1,650 per week Furnished
For more information call Charlie Woods on 020 7306 1630 or email cwoods@waellis.co.uk
W.A.Ellis LLP 174 Brompton Road London SW3 1HP
waellis.co.uk
KEMPSFORD GARDENS, LONDON. SW5 FREEHOLD THREE BEDROOMS GROSS INTERNAL AREA: 1320 SQ FT/ 123 SQ M
ยฃ1,350,000 stc Reception room, Kitchen / breakfast room, Three bedrooms, Bathroom, En suite shower room, Patio. Handsome newly built freehold three bedroom house with a period style faรงade located to the southern end of this quiet one way street. The house benefits from an excellent master bedroom suite of the bedroom with direct access to the patio, dressing area and shower room. There is a good reception room, a kitchen with a spacious breakfast area
and two further double bedrooms with a separate bathroom. The decorative finish shows great style, taste and quality. The house is sold with a ten year house builders warranty. The property is ideally located to benefit from the shops, restaurants and transport links of the Old Brompton Road. EPC rating C.
CHELSEA OFFICE 2 Cale Street, London SW3 3QU +44 (0)20 7581 5011 chelseaoffice@henryandjames.co.uk
henryandjames.co.uk
COMPASS HOUSE, LONDON. SW6 LEASEHOLD WITH SHARE OF FREEHOLD THREE BEDROOMS GROSS INTERNAL AREA: 1227 SQ FT/ 114 SQ M
ÂŁ1,500,000 stc Three double bedrooms, Two bathrooms, Reception room, Kitchen, Terrace. A stunning three bedroom two bathroom flat on the 6th floor of this highly regarded modern residential development in Chelsea Creek. Benefitting from 24 hour concierge service,secure underground parking and lift as well as inhouse swimming pool, gym, and spa, the property provides well proportioned living space, with three double bedrooms,
two bathrooms, an expansive reception room and two roof terraces. The property is offered for sale with no onward chain and would make an ideal rental investment, pied a terre, or west London home. Chelsea Creek is the latest development in the popular Sands End area, with a vibrant shopping and transport hub at Imperial Wharf. EPC rating C
CHELSEA OFFICE 2 Cale Street, London SW3 3QU +44 (0)20 7581 5011 chelseaoffice@henryandjames.co.uk
henryandjames.co.uk
PETERSHAM PLACE, LONDON. SW7 TWO BEDROOMS UNFURNISHED
£1,195 PER WEEK stc Reception room, Open plan kitchen with dining room, Two double bedrooms, Two bathrooms, Garage. Superb light two bed two bathroom mews house that has been refurbished to a very high standard in a modern and contemporary style. The house is located in a picturesque cobbled mews situated between Queen’s Gate Terrace and Elvaston Place and is only minutes from Hyde Park. The principle rooms have solid wood flooring and air conditioning.
The kitchen/dining room has a large American style fridge and a mixture of wood and stainless steel worktops. Further accommodation comprises of a master bedroom with en suite bathroom, and a second double bedroom with excellent storage, bathroom, second reception room with doors leading onto a balcony and a garage. EPC rating D.
CHELSEA OFFICE 2 Cale Street, London SW3 3QU +44 (0)20 7581 5011 chelseaoffice@henryandjames.co.uk
henryandjames.co.uk
CADOGAN SQUARE LONDON. SW1X TWO BEDROOMS FURNISHED
ÂŁ1,850 PER WEEK stc Reception room, Kitchen, Two double bedrooms, Two bathrooms, Cloakroom, Communal gardens with tennis courts, Housekeeper. This lateral apartment is located in a prime position on Cadogan Square overlooking the communal gardens, The apartment has high ceilings throughout and has been decorated and furnished in a modern contemporary style with parquet wood flooring in the reception areas and a modern semi open-plan kitchen. Further accommodation comprises
two double bedrooms suites and a guest cloakroom. The property is professionally managed and is available from the middle of April for long let. Cadogan Square is one of Knightsbridge’s most sought after locations, situated within a short walking distance to Harrods, as well as Knightsbridge and Sloane Square tube stations..EPC rating E
CHELSEA OFFICE 2 Cale Street, London SW3 3QU +44 (0)20 7581 5011 chelseaoffice@henryandjames.co.uk
henryandjames.co.uk
Manresa Road, Chelsea SW3
An exquisite triplex apartment in one of London’s premier addresses, in the heart of Chelsea. Master bedroom suite • Three further bedrooms • Double reception room Dining room • Kitchen • Cinema, Spa & Gym • Parking • Porter • Lift Private Terrace • Communal Gardens • Approximately 6,800 sq ft / 632 sq m Energy Rating: D
020 7293 0879
philippa.cockburn@sothebysrealty.co.uk
Price on Application Share of Freehold
Over 650 Offices in 47 Countries
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Albert Hall Mansions, Kensington SW7
A stunning three bedroom flat set in one of Kensington’s most prestigious addresses. Master Bedroom with en suite • Bedroom two • Shower room • Reception room • Entrance Hall • Guest cloakroom • Kitchen/breakfast room • Media room/bedroom three • Lift • Porter • Approximately 1,533 sq ft / 142 sq m Energy Rating: D
020 7293 0879
alex.salkeld@sothebysrealty.co.uk
Guide Price: £2,990,000 Leasehold
Over 650 Offices in 47 Countries
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The Lancasters, Hyde Park W2
A luxurious and spacious studio apartment. 24 hour concierge service • Valet car parking • Swimming pool with steam and treatment room • Gated access and security Approximately 643 sq ft / 60 sq m • Furnished by Linley Energy Rating: F
020 7293 0879
philippa.cockburn@sothebysrealty.co.uk
Guide Price £1,100,000 Long Lease
Over 650 Offices in 47 Countries
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West Eaton Place, Belgravia SW1
An elegant London pied-à-terre in a premier location. Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, dressing room and private courtyard Bedroom two with en-suite bathroom • Third bedroom • Double reception Entrance hall • Kitchen/dining room • Terrace • Cloakroom • Study Storage vault • Approximately 2,051 sq ft / 191 sq m • Energy Rating: C
020 7293 0879
philippa.cockburn@sothebysrealty.co.uk
Guide Price: £2,550,000 Leasehold
Over 650 Offices in 47 Countries
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TITE STREET, SW ÂŁ2,250,000 Leasehold
A stunning example of architectural design and technology in a contemporary penthouse maisonette near Chelsea Embankment. The spectacular double-height, galleried reception room offers uninterrupted views over the London skyline through a vast, retractable glass roof and large bi-folding doors. Also on this level is a well-designed, contemporary kitchen in addition to a dining area that can be separated from the main living space to create a second bedroom with guest shower room. The master suite occupies the upper level with access onto a private, south-west facing terrace with stunning views of the River Thames. In pride of place on the gallery is a fabulous Corian bath enjoying views of London. (epc = e)
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Email: info@domusnova.com Tel: 0207 727 1717 Fax: 0207 727 2030 Web: www.domusnova.com Domus loves: tequila and tapas at Tonteria on Sloane Square
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UXBRIDGE STREET, W8 ÂŁ4,450,000 Freehold
A superb home, formally a public house and an art gallery, now beautifully refurbished by Found Associates. The inverted lay out provides a large first floor studio living space measuring over 600 square feet. The extensive ceiling height gives way to an elevated canopy allowing additional height and overhead natural light. To the rear is a white Corian-surfaced kitchen and access to a south-facing roof terrace. The ground floor consists of a spacious master bedroom suite and a further double bedroom with an en suite shower room. The basement houses a cinema room/third bedroom and a cloakroom. This stylish property also features an integral garage. (epc = f)
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ÂŁ995 per week Long let
EWS, W
A bright and beautifully-proportioned two bedroom mews house in the heart of Notting Hill. Presented in excellent condition throughout, this fantastic property has a unique triple aspect and comes with bags of charm. Arranged over two floors with a conventional layout, there is a generous open-plan reception room and kitchen with pleasant views down the length of the mews. Upstairs there are two double bedrooms with ample fitted storage, a study area and a guest shower room. The master bedroom also features a smart en suite bathroom. (epc = e)
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Email: info@domusnova.com Tel: 0207 727 1717 Fax: 0207 727 2030 Web: www.domusnova.com Domus loves: indulgent evenings at E&O on Blenheim Crescent
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ÂŁ1,250 per week Long let
D, W
A fantastic three bedroom home offering great entertaining space in an enviable location. Located on the first floor of this welcoming property, the generous reception room features high ceilings, large sash windows and stripped wood floors. There is a sizeable kitchen and sky-lit dining area with French doors that lead down to the decked garden. There are two good size double bedrooms on the top floor, a stylish en suite shower room and a family bathroom. The third bedroom/study can be found on the ground floor alongside a guest cloakroom and large storage area. (epc = e)
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QueenSberry Place, South KenSington, SW7 This fabulous seven bedroom stucco fronted period townhouse (6732 sq.ft. / 625.4sq.m) has been totally refurbished and interior designed in a contemporary style. Benefitting from extensive entertaining space, the property boasts an enormous 1st floor dining room (42ft. 12.74m) long and seven bedrooms. Benefitting from extensive entertaining space, the property boasts an enormous 1st floor dining room (42ft. 12.74m long), seven bedrooms & three further reception rooms on the ground floor. Queensberry Place is located in the heart of South Kensington, moments from the world class cultural facilities of the area with The Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum on it’s doorstep. Ideally located also for Chelsea and Knightsbridge and within walking distance of Hyde Park, this would make a perfect family residence.
ÂŁ12,500,000 020 7225 6508 Shaun.drummond@harrodsestates.com
KnightSbriDge oFFice: 82 broMPton roaD lonDon SW3 1er t: +44 020 7225 6506 MayFair oFFice: 61 ParK lane lonDon W1K 1QF t: +44 020 7409 9001
HARRODSESTATES.COM
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tre or SQuare, KnightSbriDge, SW7 An interior designed apartment on the fourth floor of this impressive newly refurbished building in the heart of Knightsbridge. The accommodation comprises large entrance hall, reception / dining room with rench doors to balcony, fully fitted kitchen, master bedroom with en suite bathroom, guest bedroom with en suite bathroom, guest cloakroom. 24 hour concierge service, air conditioning and underground car parking space.
ÂŁ2,950 er ee 020 7225 6602 Karen. o and@harrodsestates.com
KnightSbriDge oFFice: 82 broMPton roaD lonDon SW3 1er t: +44 020 7225 6506 MayFair oFFice: 61 ParK lane lonDon W1K 1QF t: +44 020 7409 9001
HARRODSESTATES.COM
loWnDeS loDge, KnightSbriDge, SW1 A lovely apartment in this portered block that very rarely has apartments available either for rent or for sale. n the first floor of the building (with lift) it has balconies that overlook the village like atmosphere of the surrounding streets, yet still being located moments from Harrods, Harvey Nichols and all the amenities of Knightsbridge. The accommodation of approx. 7 sq. ft. comprises spacious reception room with built in TV cabinet and shelving, kitchen (with access to service lift), double bedroom with excellent storage and ensuite bathroom, second double bedroom also with excellent storage and ensuite shower room. The rent includes Central heating and hot water, as well as access to the communal gardens with tennis court, and the apartment is available immediately for long term rent on an unfurnished basis. ÂŁ1,250 er ee 020 7225 6759 Katar na.rhodes@harrodsestates.com
KnightSbriDge oFFice: 82 broMPton roaD lonDon SW3 1er t: +44 020 7225 6506 MayFair oFFice: 61 ParK lane lonDon W1K 1QF t: +44 020 7409 9001
HARRODSESTATES.COM
Quietly situated in a private Belgravia mews just to the south of Eaton Square, this is an exquisite, fully refurbished house that would make the perfect pied à terre. ■2
Double bedrooms En suite shower rooms ■ Reception room/ open plan kitchen ■ Dining room ■ Private parking ■ Audio visual system ■ EPC rating D ■2
Furnished £950 per week
Burton Mews, Belgravia SW1 A stunning property occupying the fourth and fifth floor of a very smart period building ideally located in the heart of Knightsbridge with the benefit of a roof terrace. ■2
Double bedrooms Bathrooms (1 en suite) ■ Reception room ■ Kitchen ■ Roof terrace ■ Resident caretaker ■ Lift ■ EPC rating E ■2
Unfurnished £1,500 per week
Cadogan Square, Knightsbridge SW1 Call or visit: 4 Yeoman’s Row Brompton Road London SW3 2AH
Lettings
020 7590 0060 www.kayeandcarey.co.uk
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2861
Newly refurbished flat in a laterally converted red-brick building located midway between South Kensington and Knightsbridge within easy reach of the many excellent shops and transport connections the area provides. ■ Double
bedroom bedroom ■ Bathroom ■ Reception room ■ Kitchen ■ EPC rating D ■ Single
Leasehold 93 Years £895,000
Egerton Gardens, Knightsbridge SW3 An immaculate flat entered through the impressive entrance hall of a handsome period house located in one of Knightsbridge’s finest addresses. 2 Double bedrooms Bathroom ■ Reception room ■ Kitchen ■ Shower room ■ Entrance/dining hall ■ Communal gardens ■ Resident caretaker ■ EPC rating D ■ ■
Lease: 985 years plus share in the Freehold £1,450,000
Lennox Gardens, Knightsbridge SW1 Call or visit: 4 Yeoman’s Row Brompton Road London SW3 2AH
Sales
020 7590 0066 www.kayeandcarey.co.uk Matthew Kaye
17:55
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Adam Carey
08/03/2013 17:56
Your reward for all the late nights in the office.
MONTPELIER STREET SW7 Stunning recently refurbished interior designed two double bedroom maisonette with its own entrance and high ceilings, comprising 958 sq ft over first and second floors, with high ceilings and westerly aspect. The property is located moments from Harrods with the amenities of Knightsbridge immediately at hand. Reception Room, 2 Bedrooms, Bathroom, En-suite Shower Room, Bespoke Fitted Kitchen, Entryphone/Video, Independent Heating/Hot Water, Resident Parking Permits Available.
Leasehold 121 Years
ÂŁ1,850,000 OFFICES AT KNIGHTSBRIDGE & MARBLE ARCH
CLARGES STREET W1 A stunning ayfair penthouse with a terrace and conservatory. This flat has / bedrooms and an open plan reception and dining area. A secure underground parking space is included with the added benefit of porterage. pen Plan Reception and ining Area, / Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms Patio/Terrace, Secure nderground Parking Space, Porterage.
Leasehold
En-suite , Shower Room, Kitchen,
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5 Years KNIGHTSBRIDGE 51 BEA CHAMP PLACE LONDON SW
ÂŁ5, 00,000 1NY 020 7581 7
SALES
LETTINGS
MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT
KNIGHTSBRIDGE +44 20 7589 4452 knightsbridge@messilaresidential.com www.messilaresidential.com
ADJACENT HYDE PARK WITH PLENTY OF STORAGE RUTLAND GATE, KNIGHTSBRIDGE SW7
ÂŁ465 PER WEEK FURNISHED
A superb one bedroom apartment situated opposite Hyde Park in a beautiful White Stucco fronted conversion (with lift), benefiting from a caretaker, private patio and excellent storage. Contemporary throughout with neutral stone ensuite bathroom, fully equipped kitchen with full size dishwasher and fridge freezer, built in oven and microwave and boasting a separate utility room. SOLE AGENT
MAYFAIR
KNIGHTSBRIDGE
MARYLEBONE
REGENTS PARK
51-53 South Audley Street
20 Montpelier Street
65 Weymouth Street
137 Park Road
www.messilaresidential.com
SALES
LETTINGS
MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT
KNIGHTSBRIDGE +44 20 7589 4452 knightsbridge@messilaresidential.com www.messilaresidential.com
NEW REFURBISHMENT OPPOSITE HARRODS WITH PORTERAGE PRINCES COURT, KNIGHTSBRIDGE SW3
£2,450,000 LEASEHOLD APPROX. 85 YEARS
A luxury, air-conditioned apartment with exceptionally sunny, south facing views over one of Knightsbridge’s most iconic buildings. On the sixth floo of a well known, 24 hour portered block, this two double bedroom lateral apartment benefits from two ensuite bathrooms, semi-open plan kitchen/ reception room, balcony and guest cloakroom. Comprehensively refurbished to include handpicked marbles, Gaggenau kitchen appliances and the latest in audio-visual frameworks. Exceptionally positioned for the underground station and Sloane Street amenities. SOLE AGENT MAYFAIR
KNIGHTSBRIDGE
MARYLEBONE
REGENTS PARK
51-53 South Audley Street
20 Montpelier Street
65 Weymouth Street
137 Park Road
www.messilaresidential.com
44 (0)20 7351 2383 sales ayles ord.com rentals ayles ord.com
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round al o our sales are conducted confidentially, off-market. For more, ask our Managing Director Louise Hewlett about Private View. Please call 44 (0)20 7351 2383 or visit our office.
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HOLLAND PARK, W11 - IMMACULATELY REFURBISHED APARTMENT A beautiful 3 bedroom (all en-suite) apartment with a 2nd floor entrance in a wonderfully refurbished detached Holland Park villa in one of London’s most prestigious addresses. Flooded with light and plentiful storage the apartment offers a delightful entertaining space for friends and family leading out to an immaculate south facing private roof terrace.
£3,995,000 Leasehold Approximately 1,905 sq ft ABU
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AIX-EN-PROVENCE
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www.john-taylor.com
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LONDON
PIER HOUSE, SW3 - 2 BED FLAT, CLOSE TO THE KINGS ROAD This 5th floor flat (with lift) has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and a cloak room and is wonderfully located in this modern refurbished purpose built block. The apartment boasts a contemporary clean feel with a granite kitchen worktop and marble flooring. Along with ample guest parking, there is one assigned underground parking space. Pier House enjoys a welcoming lobby area with 24hour porterage and is located at Cheyne Walk and Oakley Street where you can enjoy lovely quiet river walks or be moments away from the fashionable Chelsea shops and cafes of the bustling Kings Road.
£1,325,000 Share of Freehold Approximately 850 sq ft MEGEVE
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John Taylor Ltd dadams@john-taylor.com 020 3284 1888
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www.john-taylor.com
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ST-PAUL-DE-VENCE
David Adams Managing Director 07876 545 986
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ST-TROPEZ
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VALBONNE
GUNTERSTONE ROAD, W14
ÂŁ2,950,000 Freehold
This five bedroom house is located on Gunterstone Road in West Kensington, is arranged over five floors and in excess of 3000 sq ft. On the lower floor is a kitchen/dining/family area. The dining area opens to the garden which is mainly paved. On the raised ground floor are two reception rooms and a study, to the upper floors, there are five bedrooms, including a master suite occupying the entire first floor. This property is close to all the amenities of High Street Kensington, Hammersmith and Shepherds Bush. Energy Efficiency Rating Current Band D.
www.tatesestates.co.uk
135 Hammersmith Road, London W14 0QL
WINDSOR WAY, W14
ÂŁ1,100 Per Week
A superb three double bedroom flat in this award winning gated development located just off Brook Green. Refurbished to an excellent standard the flat has been neutrally decorated and stylishly furnished throughout. Ideally located within easy walking distance of the restaurants and travel links of both Hammersmith and Kensington High Street. 24hr porter, CCTV and one underground space. Energy Efficiency Rating Current Band: C Environmental Impact Rating (CO2) Current Band: C
www.tatesestates.co.uk
135 Hammersmith Road, London W14 0QL
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Enjoying an enviable position in a 12 acre setting with superb views over surrounding countryside this exquisitely restored rade isted farmhouse provides an impressive range of accommodation extending to approx 6000 sq ft whilst also providing enormous potential within adjoining outbuildings.
COUNTRY
P R O P E RT I E S
T: 01590 624775 www.penyards.com
E
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1 00 000 Elegant country residence formerly a oach ouse and tables currently a stunning five bedroom family home combining original character and contemporary charm. et in two acres of formal gardens and woodland. This impressive home offers immense potential for lifestyle living and has a unique entertainment feature.
COUNTRY
P R O P E RT I E S
T: 01425 403600 www.penyards.com
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www.1stasset.co.uk www.1stasset.co.uk
KNIGHTSBRIDGE KNIGHTSBRIDGE DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY C18,000 SQ FT C18,000 SQ FT £POA £POA
KNIGHTSBRIDGE KNIGHTSBRIDGE DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY C10,000 SQ FT C10,000 SQ FT £POA £POA
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www.patrickclayton.co.uk www.patrickclayton.co.uk | info@patrickclayton.co.uk | info@patrickclayton.co.uk | +44 | +44 (0)(0) 2020 7368 7368 1638|58-60 1638|58-60 Kensington Kensington Church Church Street Street W8 W8 4DB 4DB www.patrickclayton.co.uk | info@patrickclayton.co.uk | +44 (0) 20 7368 1638|58-60 Kensington Church Street W8 4DB
Pont Street, SW1X
A Simply Great Flat that ticks the Boxes. Situated in the Heart of Knightsbridge yet quielty positioned on the second floor of a well managed building with resident Porter and Lift. Fabulous Light from a South Westerly aspect 1200 sq ft of well laid out lateral space with a 20’ x 17’ Reception, well fitted kitchen, Master Bedroom with en-suite, Second Double Bedroom, Second Bathroom, spacious hallway, and TWO wonderful terraces with far reaching vista. Leasehold 63 years
www.proprium-estates.co.uk 020 7589 6298 enquiries@proprium.co.uk
£2,450,000
149 SLOANE STREET, LONDON SW1X 9BZ
Chelsea Fulham & Parsons Green Kensington & Holland Park Knightsbridge, Belgravia & Mayfair Notting Hill & Bayswater West Chelsea & South Kensington
Sales 020 7225 3866 Sales 020 7731 7100 Sales 020 7938 3666 Sales 020 7235 9959 Sales 020 7221 1111 Sales 020 7373 1010
Lettings 020 7589 9966 Lettings 020 7731 7100 Lettings 020 7938 3866 Lettings 020 7235 9959 Lettings 020 7221 1111 Lettings 020 7373 1010
City Office Professional Valuations UK Commercial & Residential Residential Investment Property Management
020 7600 3456 020 7318 5039 020 7629 7282 020 7318 5196 020 7052 9417
struttandparker.com
Cope Place | Kensington | W8 2,086 sq ft (193.8 sq m) EPC rating D
An attractive four bedroom family house occupying 2086 sq ft with excellent entertaining space and a south facing garden. Entrance hall | Drawing room | Kitchen/breakfast room | Family room | Master bedroom with en suite bathroom | Three further bedrooms | Further bathroom | Shower room | Study | Utility room | Garden Asking price ÂŁ3,500,000 Freehold
Kensington 020 7938 3666 kensington@struttandparker.com
Manresa Road | Chelsea | SW3 2,622 sq ft (243.6 sq m) EPC rating B
A well arranged and generously proportioned Freehold house over four floors, set back behind a small front garden and with the benefit of a terrace and garage. Entrance hall | Drawing room | Dining room | Study | Kitchen/breakfast room | Four bedrooms | Three bathrooms | Cloakroom | Terrace | Garage Asking price ÂŁ3,950,000 Freehold
Chelsea 020 7225 3866 chelsea@Struttandparker.com
Portland Road | Holland Park | W11 1,693 sq ft (157.3 sq m) EPC rating E
An outstanding newly modernised four bedroom house, with excellent entertaining space including a beautiful open-plan drawing room on the raised ground floor. Drawing room | Kitchen/family room | Master bedroom with en suite shower room | Three further bedrooms | Bathroom | Cloakroom | Storage vault | Garden Asking price ÂŁ2,950,000 Freehold
Notting Hill 020 7221 1111 nottinghill@struttandparker.com
Edwardes Square | Kensington | W8 2,906 sq ft (270.0 sq m)
A beautifully presented five bedroom family house with the advantage of access to the highly desirable communal gardens in Edwardes Square. Two reception rooms | Kitchen | Five bedrooms | Four bathrooms | Study | Utility room | Access to communal garden Asking price ÂŁ3,995 per week Unfurnished
Kensington Lettings 020 7938 3866 kensington.lettings@struttandparker.com
Chelsea Fulham & Parsons Green Kensington & Holland Park Knightsbridge, Belgravia & Mayfair Notting Hill & Bayswater West Chelsea & South Kensington
Sales 020 7225 3866 Sales 020 7731 7100 Sales 020 7938 3666 Sales 020 7235 9959 Sales 020 7221 1111 Sales 020 7373 1010
Lettings 020 7589 9966 Lettings 020 7731 7100 Lettings 020 7938 3866 Lettings 020 7235 9959 Lettings 020 7221 1111 Lettings 020 7373 1010
City Office Professional Valuations UK Commercial & Residential Residential Investment Property Management
struttandparker.com
Chalfont House | Belgravia | SW1 1,755 sq ft (163.0 sq m) EPC Rating D
A three bedroom flat in a portered building offering nearly 1,800 sq ft of internal area on one floor with a lock up garage. Entrance hall | Reception room | Dining room | Kitchen/breakfast room | Master bedroom suite | 2 further bedrooms | Bathroom | WC | Garage | Lift | Resident porter | RBKC parking Asking price ÂŁ3,500,000 Share of Freehold
Knightsbridge 020 7235 9959 knightsbridge@struttandparker.com
Iverna Gardens | Kensington | W8 1,554 sq ft (144.4 sq m) EPC rating D
An impressive and beautifully presented three bedroom flat, occupying approximately 1,554 sq ft on the ground floor of this well maintained mansion block. Entrance hall | Drawing room | Dining room | Kitchen | Master bedroom with en suite shower room | Two further bedrooms | Further shower room | Utility room | Porterage Asking price ÂŁ2,250,000 Share of Freehold
Kensington 020 7938 3666 kensington@struttandparker.com
020 7600 3456 020 7318 5039 020 7629 7282 020 7318 5196 020 7052 9417
Redcliffe Square | Chelsea | SW10 1,050 sq ft (97.5 sq m) EPC rating D
A stunning first floor flat with leafy views offering superb living and entertaining space with high ceilings throughout. Entrance hall | Open-plan kitchen/reception room | Bedroom | Bathroom | Cloakroom | Balcony | Asking price ÂŁ2,250,000 Share of Freehold
West Chelsea 020 7373 1010 west.chelsea@struttandparker.com
Wetherby Gardens | South Kensington | SW7 2,302 sq ft (213.9 sq m) EPC rating C
A large and luxuriously appointed lateral flat which has recently been subject to complete redesign and refurbishment. Entrance hall | Open-plan reception room/kitchen | Dining room | Three bedrooms suites | Cloakroom/utility room | Patio | Direct access to communal gardens | Own street entrance Asking price ÂŁ3,350,000 Share of Freehold
West Chelsea 020 7373 1010 west.chelsea@struttandparker.com
JSA: Beaney Pearce 020 7838 1888
Chelsea Fulham & Parsons Green Kensington & Holland Park Knightsbridge, Belgravia & Mayfair Notting Hill & Bayswater West Chelsea & South Kensington
Sales 020 7225 3866 Sales 020 7731 7100 Sales 020 7938 3666 Sales 020 7235 9959 Sales 020 7221 1111 Sales 020 7373 1010
Lettings 020 7589 9966 Lettings 020 7731 7100 Lettings 020 7938 3866 Lettings 020 7235 9959 Lettings 020 7221 1111 Lettings 020 7373 1010
City Office Professional Valuations UK Commercial & Residential Residential Investment Property Management
020 7600 3456 020 7318 5039 020 7629 7282 020 7318 5196 020 7052 9417
struttandparker.com
Montpelier Hall | Knightsbridge | SW7 3,705 sq ft (344.1 sq m) EPC Rating C
A truly spectacular first floor apartment in this boutique development behind a glorious Queen Anne style facade in the heart of Knightsbridge. Drawing room | Dinging room | Breakfast room | Kitchen | Four bedrooms | Four bathrooms | Cloakroom | Utility room | Terrace | Underground parking Asking price ÂŁ9,500 per week Furnished
Knightsbridge 020 7235 9959 knightsbridge.lettings@struttandparker.com
Scan this QR code with your camera phone to read more about this property. Free QR code readers are available to download from our website at struttandparker.com/qrcode
Smith Terrace | Chelsea | SW3 2,634 sq ft (244.7 sq m) EPC Rating C
A spectacular four bedroom house which has been completely rebuilt behind the original faรงade creating a voluminous and contemporary home. Entrance hall/study | Drawing room | Kitchen | Four bedroom suites | Media room | Utility room | Garden | Two terraces Price on Application Freehold
Chelsea 020 7225 3866 chelsea@struttandparker.com
JSA: Savills 020 7581 5234
Scan this QR code with your camera phone to read more about this property. Free QR code readers are available to download from our website at struttandparker.com/qrcode
TO BREAK THE RULES, YOU MUST FIRST MASTER THEM.
THE GRANDE COMPLICATION IS THE ULTIMATE EXPRESSION OF THE WATCHMAKER’S ART. NOW AUDEMARS PIGUET PLACES THIS SUPREME HOROLOGICAL COMPLICATION IN THE SCULPTURAL ROYAL OAK OFFSHORE. ONE WATCHMAKER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR EACH WATCH IN ITS ENTIRETY - THE 648 INDIVIDUAL PARTS, THE DETAILED ASSEMBLY, THE FINE DECORATION. TO ACHIEVE THIS, THEY HAVE MASTERED THE UNIVERSE OF THEIR CRAFT. FINALLY, THEY MUST TUNE THE CONCENTRIC CHIMES OF THE MINUTE REPEATER TO AN INTERVAL OF A PERFECT MINOR THIRD. TECHNICAL MASTERY AND THE EAR OF SOLO SO LOIST. THE VIR TUOSO HERITAGE H E RITAGE OF F A CONCER T SOLOIST. S. LE BRASSUS.
ROYAL OAK OFFSHORE OFFSH OF FSHORE ORE MPLICA MPL ICATIO T N GRANDE COMPLICATION IN TITANIUM AND D CERAMIC. C CERA MIC.
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Audemars Piguet UK Ltd Tel: + 44 207 659 7300 www.audemarspiguet.com
06.03.13 14:47