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from the
E DITOR Kate Harrison
T
he epitome of elegance and an unequivocal beauty, Princess Grace of Monaco was an extraordinary woman and many have tried to emulate her spirit and grace, some more successfully than others. So when we heard that luxury brand Montblanc would be celebrating the iconic woman with its A Tribute to Elegance collection, we couldn’t think of a more appropriate synergy. The exquisite timepieces, writing instruments and jewellery capture her personal style in an elegant and valuable collection. Annabel Harrison was lucky enough to speak to Montblanc’s CEO Lutz Bethge to learn more about the collection and the brand behind it (p.44). From one iconic woman to another, we reminisce as one of the most stylish films of the last century, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, celebrates its 50th anniversary. Josephine O’Donoghue takes a closer look at the beloved actress Audrey Hepburn, the iconic Tiffany & Co. brand, and the celebratory events planned this autumn (p.12). To balance the books, Matthew Carter talks to motor racing legend Sir Stirling Moss about modern F1, retirement, and why he would only ever live in Mayfair, his favourite hub of London (p.84). Talking of our capital, in the aftermath of the riots which raged through our streets last month, Sarah Collinson asks if Twitter and Blackberry messenger were responsible and considers our use of social networking sites (p.17). From Del Boy to Blackadder, Monty Python to Fawlty Towers, the dry wit of the British is both infamous and often misunderstood. This month sees the historic anniversary of one of our nation’s most beloved media institutions, Private Eye, and, ahead of the new exhibition at the V&A Museum, Elle Blakeman questions our nation’s love of sarcasm and wonders why the cult of British humour does not travel well (p.20). For those looking for some inspirational artworks, the auction houses have suggested some beautiful items (p.33) and Art Editor Carol Cordrey takes a visit to the Beaux Arts exhibition to see work by the late Dame Elisabeth Frink and considers the inspiration and themes behind her collection of sculptures (p.30). If you, like me, felt a Sunday evening absence after the last series of period drama Downtown Abbey ended, you will rejoice at the fact that the second series is back. Hugh Bonneville tells Annabel Harrison what to expect from the new series and it sounds as if it won’t disappoint (p.108). As always, we have interiors to inspire, fashion to excite, food in which to indulge and travel destinations worthy of many a day-dream...
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C ONTENTS 12
106
44 A Tribute to Elegance After attending the spectacular launch of the Princess Grace of Monaco Collection, Annabel Harrison meets Montblanc’s CEO Lutz Bethge
67 12
In His Shoes Nicholas Kirkwood talks to Elle Blakeman about footwear inspiration, loud music and ladies giving up the platform
“I’m just crazy about Tiffany’s”
84
As Breakfast at Tiffany’s celebrates its 50th anniversary, Josephine O’Donoghue takes a closer look at the iconic Tiffany & Co. brand, and the celebratory events planned
17
Life in the Fast Lane Motor racing legend Sir Stirling Moss talks retirement, modern F1 and how he got that name
106
Twittersfear Since the London riots, this country has questioned the safety of social-networking sites. Sarah Collinson asks if this is a good chance to look at our Twitter use?
Theo’s Theory London’s maestro of Italian cuisine, Theo Randall celebrates five years at the Park Lane InterContinental
20
REGULARS
Making an Exhibition Ahead of a new exhibition at the V&A Museum celebrating 50 years of Private Eye, Elle Blakeman considers why we love the journal of British satire
24 Residents News The latest events and exhibitions taking place in Mayfair, St. James’s and Belgravia
6
Editor’s letter
29 Art
39
Collection
54
Fashion
73
Interiors
78
Gadgets
84
Motoring
91
Travel
101
Health & Beauty
105
Food & Drink
114
Concierge
119
Property
C ONTRIBUToRS Jamie Carter Jamie Carter is a freelance journalist specialising in gadgets and technology. Jamie has written for the likes of
october 2011 s issue 002
T3, Home Cinema Choice and The Guardian as well as a number of websites.
Editor-in-Chief Lesley Ellwood
Motoring Editor Matthew Carter
Editor Kate Harrison
Head of Design Hiren Chandarana
Deputy Editor Josephine O'Donoghue
Designer Ashley Lewis
Art Editor Carol Cordrey
Production Manager Fiona Fenwick
Collection Editor Annabel Harrison
Head of Finance Elton Hopkins
Food & Drink Editor Neil Ridley
Managing Director Eren Ellwood
Matthew Carter Matthew Carter is a London-based freelance journalist who’s been writing about cars for most of his working life. A former editor of Autocar magazine, he is a serial car owner.
Carol Cordrey Carol Cordrey is an art critic and editor with popular columns in many magazines. Each year she organises the international London Ice Sculpting Festival as well as sponsored art competitions which are judged by distinguished artists.
Jessica Moazami With over ten years in the fashion industry, Jessica Moazami, is
Proudly published by
a self-confessed fashion junkie. Working in both the UK and US, she has contributed to several publications including The Times,
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As Breakfast at Tiffany’s celebrates its 50th anniversary, Josephine O’Donoghue takes a closer look at the beloved actress Audrey Hepburn, the iconic Tiffany & Co. brand, and the celebratory events planned this autumn
I’M just crazy
about
FEATURE
Based on the elegant Truman Capote novella, Breakfast at Tiffany’s tells the romantic story of an effortlessly chic and witty socialite Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn), surviving on gifts from gentlemen admirers as she hunts for a rich husband in New York. Now, show me a City girl who can’t relate to that? In time Holly falls for a dashing gentleman upstairs (a writer who also lives off a rich lover) named Paul Varjak (George Peppard) and the blossoming romance soon threatens the delicate balance of their respective lifestyles. It may not be an ‘action-packed’ adventure, but as far as relationship drama goes, audiences have been glued to the screen time after time. Love is, after all, what any good story boils down to. One of the most iconic and stylish pictures of the last century, Breakfast at Tiffany’s remains a favourite film with all ages, even fifty years later – and the scenes, brands and objects from Holly’s story are recognised as hers around the globe. Fasten a string of pearls around your neck, slip on a pair of over-sized black sunglasses or wear a pair of neat black gloves, and you’re already channelling a little of Holly’s chic New York City style. Of course, Holly’s real-life counterpart Audrey Hepburn is doubtlessly the root of such global affection for the film, and in the years since 1961 she became not only Hollywood’s sweetheart, but an international one also. Doe-eyed, waif thin, and painfully stylish in an understated way, Hepburn offered accessible elegance to the masses, establishing the ‘LBD’ (little black dress) as a wardrobe staple and presenting the concept of ‘re-invention’ as a fashionable way to change your look. “No one thing explains the unbelievable
phenomenon of Breakfast at Tiffany’s” said film historian Sam Wasson (author of Fifth Avenue 5 a.m.: Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and The Dawn of the Modern Woman) to the New York Post last month. “I would never say that it’s the greatest romantic comedy ever made, but it’s definitely the most popular. Women just go nuts for her. When you put her in the context of women in Hollywood movies at that time, you see Holly Golightly was a bold step in a progressive direction”. But having a stunning Hollywood starlet as lead actress can’t be the only reason for such success; we’d be overrun with ‘classics’ if that were the case. For Breakfast at Tiffany’s the clue is in the title – there isn’t a girl on the planet who wouldn’t do the same as Holly when passing one of the famous Tiffany & Co. window displays. Another New York City icon, the instantly recognisable brand of Tiffany & Co. is synonymous with everything that luxury entails. As the company itself proclaims, “Since 1837, the masterpieces of Tiffany & Co. have defined style and celebrated the world’s great love stories” – the film, by title alone, is already chic, aspirational and timeless. Tiffany & Co.’s windows have long been an attraction first in New York City and later in other cities around the world, where magical, whimsical and unusual settings frame some of the jeweller’s finest pieces. This creative tradition started over fifty years ago with windowdresser Gene Moore, who transformed the display cases into miniature worlds of fantasy, beauty and wit – no wonder Holly loved gazing inside. “It is simply the most famous store there is. This is the marvellous, magical place where dreams come true” states the Legendary Tiffany literature. “Outside, passersby linger just like Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, enchanted by “the windows of bejewelled theatre […] Rushing through the doors are the chicest of women, men in love, personalities of fame and fortune. Here, the curious may see the Tiffany Diamond. Here, laid out in countless grand cases, the most spectacularly beautiful jewellery on earth. Floor after floor of celebrated Tiffany creations.”
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Claridges Front Hall
Mixing extraordinary jewels with ordinary objects, the windows still continue to dazzle and amuse pedestrians and jewellery lovers in all the world’s major capitals, London included. It becomes clear that a visit to Tiffany & Co. will never cease to be exciting – it will never fall out of fashion, and will never waiver in status. Coupled with the enduring elegance of Audrey Hepburn, it seems Breakfast at Tiffany’s will never fall from fashion either. And so this year, Hollywood celebrates 50 years of the film’s success – and London, as one of the most fashionable cities in the world, is not going to be left out. It is fitting then that leading the festivities is Hepburn’s favourite London hotel, Claridge’s. Guests are invited to celebrate the anniversary with a luxurious stay from £505 per night – perfect for a romantic weekend for two or a fabulous get together with friends. With Moon River playing in the background, guests will find one of Claridge’s hat boxes on the bed filled with gifts including Holly’s signature accessories of pearls and sunglasses allowing them to embody Holly’s trademark sixties’ chic from the moment they enter the suite. For those wanting to embrace the experience in all its elegance, first head down to the spa for the Holly Golightly manicure (included) before sitting up at the Fumoir bar for a classic Audrey Hepburn martini – not forgetting the pearls and shades (you’ll feel every inch the New York socialite!) The package also includes martinis on arrival, the Breakfast at Tiffany’s DVD and soundtrack on CD, chocolate cigarettes, two beautiful books, and a full
English breakfast (to set you up before you wander down to Tiffany’s Bond Street, coffee in hand, just like Holly). Of course, London is no stranger to the glamour and prestige of Breakfast at Tiffany’s – indeed, it was in Mayfair that Audrey Hepburn’s iconic black dress from the film (designed by Hubert de Givenchy) more than exceeded pre-sale expectations, selling for £467,200 ($923,187) at Christie’s auction house in 2006. The sale price set a new world auction record for a dress made for a film, once again showing how deeply audiences felt for both the film and the iconic actress. “There are tears in my eyes” said Monsieur Dominique Lapierre, founder of City of Joy Aid, where the auction profit was directed. “I am absolutely dumbfounded to believe that a piece of cloth which belonged to such a magical actress will now enable me to buy bricks and cement to put the most destitute children in the world into schools”. As Hepburn became known for her humanitarian work in later life, becoming a goodwill ambassador for Unicef in 1988, no doubt she would also have been delighted at the outcome. Although Hepburn lived for only 32 years after the release of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, her legend is still very much alive – and as fans celebrate in London and around the world this autumn, they don’t simply acknowledge the anniversary of a favourite film, but also remember the inspiring, beautiful and elegant actress who made it so special. A true classic – and they don’t come more iconic than this one – happy anniversary, Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Grace Collection, Tiffany & Co., www.tiffany.co.uk
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FEATURE Fumoir, Claridges
To book the ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ package at Claridge’s call the reservations team on 020 7107 8842 or email reservations@claridges. co.uk quoting “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (available until 31 December, inclusive Fri, Sat and Sun nights only).
Audrey Hepburn’s MARTINI
Chilled martini glass 75ml gin (or vodka, if you insist) 25ml dry vermouth South Sea Pearl Necklace, Tiffany & Co., www.tiffany.co.uk
Stirred over ice and poured into the glass from considerable height to add oxygen to the spirits Serve with a twist or olives (Recipe & image courtesy of The Fumoir, Claridge’s)
COFFEE, CROISSANT & COCKTAIL A £22,000 croissant, coffee and cocktail were created by the makers of Chambord to celebrate the opening of the movie-inspired stage show in London, starring Anna Friel. The meal included a hand-decorated bejewelled croissant, covered in edible gold and diamonds; Bar le Duc hand-seeded redcurrant jam; a cup of Kopi Luwak coffee; and a Chambord and champagne cocktail worth more than £20,000. The Chambord was served from a bottle encrusted with gold, diamonds and pearls worth $2.4 million (around £1.5 million) and topped up with Perrier Jouet Belle Epoque champagne.
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Soleste Ring, Tiffany & Co., www.tiffany.co.uk
Christie’s will be auctioning a vintage Breakfast at Tiffany’s film poster as part of a larger sale from 2pm on 30 November. For more information visit www.christies.com
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FEATURE
Twittersfear Since the London riots, this country has been in constant debate over the safety of Twitter and social-networking sites. They’ve been condemned as a rioting tool and unsafe. Sarah Collinson asks if this is a good chance to look at our Twitter use? social networking sites have always had their critics, but when the riots ploughed through our streets last month (supposedly organised by Twitter and Blackberry messenger) the anti-network brigade stepped out in force. The Daily Mail quickly blamed the sites for giving the rioters an easy way to organise themselves, and The Telegraph reported that they had helped teenage gang members to “incite and film the looting and violence”. Police and politicians carried on the accusations, with Met Commissioner Steve Kavanagh discussing Twitter’s role in the riots on Radio 4 and Cameron calling for a general ‘social media clampdown’. But while rioters may have used the site, it can hardly be held responsible for what happened. Rioting and violence has been happening in London for hundreds of years and medieval peasants hardly had a Smartphone to coordinate their looting. But with all of this criticism out in the open, is now maybe the time to have a look at how we use social networks? According to the web analytics firm comScore, use of social
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networks has doubled since 2007 and now accounts for one of every six minutes spent online. Whether we’re updating our Facebook status, networking on Linkedin, browsing band pages on MySpace or twittering the minute detail of our breakfast, we collectively spend a huge amount of time in cyber world. And with 700 million-plus Facebook users and 175 million Twitter accounts, this doesn’t look like a trend that’s going to be slowing down any time soon. While these sites have increased our connectivity and ways of communicating, there are numerous negative effects of social networking that are coming more and more to the fore. Distraction at work, shortened attention span, and less connection with ‘real’ events are all becoming increasingly common. Professor Steven Strogatz recently outlined a worrying growing confusion between our ‘weak ties’ (people we don’t know very well) and our ‘strong ties’ (those we’re very close to). “The distinction between genuine friends and acquaintances is becoming blurred,” he said. “Users are spending time maintaining relationships with people they don’t really care about.”
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FEATURE
Rioting and violence has been happening for hundreds of years and medieval peasants hardly had a Smartphone to coordinate their looting It’s also very easy to slip into using these sites too much. While the idea of ‘social network addiction’ is not formally recognised as a mental disorder, it’s a concept that’s becoming increasingly identified as a problem in our society. People are sacrificing elements of their ‘real’ or physical lives in favour of their online networks, with examples ranging from the sad (a groom updating his status he was now ‘off limits’ from the alter), to the stupid (a university professor losing her job after Tweeting that she was hunting for a hitman to dispatch a student). Then comes the genuinely dangerous (a baby in South Korea starving to death while the parents played an online game). And it’s not just us everyday folk who get suckered into cyber world. Supposedly John Mayer’s addiction to Twitter was one of the reasons behind his breakup with Jennifer Aniston, and Lindsay Lohan spent time at the Betty Ford centre getting therapy for her social network obsession (although her drink driving was probably the overriding issue). Although some people don’t see this addiction to be on the same level as something more tangible like alcohol, a study done in April this year by the University of Marlyland showed that four out of five students suffered ‘withdrawal symptoms’ similar to smokers going cold turkey when they were deprived of technology. A ‘clear
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majority’ of students interviewed were completely unable to avoid logging on for one day, and many voluntarily admitted an ‘addiction’ to Facebook and Twitter. Dr Richard Graham – leader of treatment at the Internet Addiction Rehab Clinic at Capio Nightingale Hospital in London - has added to this theory, claiming ‘‘I’ve been contacted by parents who see their children going into a rage when they’re told to turn off their computer. Some end up having to call the police’’. But how can you tell if you’re addicted? And what can we do to stop ourselves falling into this trap? If you find it impossible to write a sentence longer than 140 characters and have changed your name by deed poll to start with ‘@’ it’s pretty clear you should step away from the laptop, but we should all be cutting down our online networking time, even if we don’t think we need to. Spring-clean your friends lists and whittle people you ‘follow’ down to the important few; allot yourself specific blocks of time to network instead of having the sites constantly running in the background. If you’re feeling brave try the Unplug at 8 challenge where you log off from the Internet at 8pm every night. You might be dehabilitated by internet FOMO, but you may alternatively find a new lease of life away from your screen.
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Rupert Redway, Private Eye Office, 2006 Victoria and Albert Museum, London
FEATURE
MAKING an
Exhibition
Ahead of a new exhibition at the V&A Museum celebrating 50 years of Private Eye, Elle Blakeman considers why we love the journal of British satire “It is clear that humour is far superior to humor.” Oscar Wilde’s stereotypically acerbic line says it all; when it comes to exquisitely dry, unique and ironic humour, there is simply nothing like the wit of the Brits. From Del Boy to Blackadder, Monty Python to Fawlty Towers, we excel at finding humour in just about any scenario possible, indeed it seems that a selfdeprecating and ironic wit is as British as a stiff upper lip and secret newfound pride in the Royal family. This month sees the historic anniversary of one of our nation’s most beloved media institutions, Private Eye; a veritable feast of sarcasm and razor-sharp journalism for the discerning and the sceptical. Delivering scathing, satirical news articles on a biweekly basis, it has become something of a fourth estate of journalism in itself, with nobody safe from its caustic writing, from politicians and their dealings (personal or otherwise), to footballers and Big Brother contestants. Though, as anyone who has ever tried – and more importantly failed – to explain the genius of cult British comedies knows, this humour does not always travel well. US versions of comedies such as The Office and Absolutely Fabulous lose a certain something across the pond, and in his book The Sound of No Hands Clapping, Toby Young explains in agonising detail the stony-faced silence in response to his Best Man’s speech at an American wedding - so why is this humour so indigenous to our fair isle? It’s hard to deny that as a nation we are relatively reserved, we smile rather than guffaw and we glare rather than shout, so a sharp tongue is an excellent and intellectual outlet for us. It’s also something of a defensive mechanism and often how we deal with dark situations. In everything from 9/11 to the recent riots, a
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quick injection of black humour has helped us process truly terrible situations. So thank God for the Eye (as it likes to be known) – indeed, as Matthew Engel notes, ‘If [Ian] Hislop and Private Eye did not exist, it would be necessary to invent them.’ The exhibition itself will be a suitably fitting tribute to the Eye, with editor Hislop choosing his top fifty covers, one from each year dating back to October 1961 when the magazine began. While the covers will be arranged in a timeline, don’t expect to see much visual development, as the look of the magazine has barely changed in its half century of publishing, preferring to maintain a low-tech, cut-and-paste approach – something that merely endears itself further to the great British public. Evoking the feel of their Soho office (a paper-strewn desk and lots of half-drunk cups of coffee we imagine), the V&A has attempted to capture that irreverence that has earned its place in our stoic hearts, including a life-sized cut-out of Tony Blair, a stuffed dog and a flying Robert Maxwell, naturally. ‘The exhibition, filling two rooms at the V&A in South Kensington, London, will be free, and feature many of the never-before-seen goodies I’ve ferreted out over the last few years as well as a wealth of original cartoons and artwork from the magazine,’ says Hislop. ‘At last,’ he says. ‘Private Eye makes art of itself.’ Indeed. ’Private Eye: the first 50 years’ is on from 18 October – 8 January at the V&A Museum V&A South Kensington Cromwell Road London SW7 2RL 020 7942 2000
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INTERVIEW
My
Roja Dove Master Perfumer
M a y f a ir
Roja Dove is one of the world’s most celebrated names in the fragrance industry, creating luxurious bespoke scents for esteemed clients across the globe. To spend several hours in his company is something of a revelation for the senses. A highly articulate raconteur, Dove has been quoted more times than anybody else about the artistry within the perfume business and many of his creations have helped shape it into the multi-billion dollar industry it has become today. Roja Dove’s obsession with perfume began at a very early age when he first became aware of the scent his mother was wearing and how it lingered in his bedroom. After studying medicine at Cambridge University he celebrated his 21st birthday with a visit to the famous Guerlain Boutique on the Champs-Elysées, which would ultimately determine his career path. After ‘bombarding’ them with requests for training, he was recruited to begin a lengthy apprenticeship in learning the perfumer’s art. Two decades later and the ‘Professeur de Parfums’ founded the The Roja Dave Haute Parfumerie at the Harrods Urban Retreat, which has become the destination for the ultimate experience in luxury scent. I start by asking Roja where he gets most of his influence from when analysing a scent. “When I started, it was a fifteen-year training period to become a perfumer” he explains, “where you are expected to commit to memory the aromas of around three thousand raw materials. A bottle of scent will on average contain around thirty to forty separate aromas, sometimes many more, so part of my job is about obtaining a level of consistency, as well as highlighting certain aromas in more bespoke scents.” He continues that “It’s a totally subjective area and your experience of odour has to be learnt. For example, occasionally when I’m creating a bespoke scent for someone and they say they like ‘rose’, I will give them every good example of a rose aroma to smell
and they hate all of them! One of the key fundamentals is the ability to articulate and describe aroma accurately and I think this is one of the most difficult things to develop.” Some of the raw materials Roja uses to create his custom fragrances are, pound for pound, worth more than their weight in gold and with such an incredible attention to detail, it’s intriguing to find out just how Roja approaches making a bespoke scent for someone; especially as describing aroma is such a subjective beast. “Well, I work with something called a Perfumery Organ, which is a desk, surrounded by a series of shelves containing hundreds of bottles,” (which bare a striking resemblance to the stops on a church organ, hence the name.) “I have a more portable version at home and this forms the basis of building up a scent blue print, based on the reaction of the client to certain aromas.” When Roja isn’t travelling, he splits his time between his main home in Brighton and a pied-à-terre in Mayfair’s Shepherd Market. He cites The Wolseley in Piccadilly and The Foyer at Claridge’s as the perfect place to relax over afternoon tea, as well as several of Shepherd Market’s many restaurants, such as Boudin Blanc on Trebeck Street and Da Corradi – “both perfect for a quiet dinner with friends.” “One thing I love about Shepherd Market is that it’s so eclectic, yet has a wonderful sense of community,” he points out. “It is a stone’s throw from anywhere I need to be for work or pleasure, and to walk around the streets of Mayfair is always a treat. If all else fails in my day and I want to feel comforted and cocooned, I go to The Coburg Bar at The Connaught Hotel.” Amazingly, Roja points out that it can take up to three years to create the perfect bespoke perfume, which often shocks some of his customers, but when one begins to understand the intensity and psychological power of aroma, the phrase ‘it’s ready when it’s ready’ seems wholly appropriate.
For a consultation at The Roja Dove Haute Parfumerie in Harrods, visit www.urbanretreat.co.uk/harrods or telephone 020 7893 8333
Visit www.rojadove.com for more details on bespoke fragrances
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Patrick Perrin and Stéphane Custot are pleased to announce the final selection of participants for the fifth edition of the Pavilion of Art & Design London. Bringing together an incredible set of 57 galleries from eleven countries to its prime location on Berkeley Square, PAD London 2011 promises to be the strongest edition of the fair since its inception in 2007. A rigorous selection process introduces to London the best dealers from Europe and North America within the fields of Modern Art, Design, Decorative Arts, Photography and Tribal Art, from 1860 to today. om men
www.padlondon.net Public viewing: 12-16 October, Berkeley Square, London W1
Letters from an icon
Asian Art in The Capital Asian Art in London is an annual event which involves London’s leading Asian art dealers. It joins together for a series of selling exhibitions, as the major auction houses of Bonhams, Christie’s and Sotheby’s hold auctions and gallery talks whilst London Museums present exhibitions and lectures. In a new move that further enhances its global appeal, Asian Art in London has for the first time invited overseas specialist dealers to join its ranks for the 2011 event, now in its 14th year.
Personal handwritten letters from James Dean to Barbara Glenn are to be sold at auction for the first time at Christie’s. The selection of personal handwritten letters, which have never been offered for sale before, are to be sold as part of Popular Culture: Film and Entertainment Memorabilia in South Kensington on 23 November. The letters are each addressed to Dean’s on-off girlfriend of two years, Barbara Glenn, providing candid accounts of his private life before becoming a star. The letters were written during his out-of-town tryouts for The Immoralist in Philadelphia and from behind the scenes when filming East of Eden, his first foray into Hollywood. The emotional letters are to be offered along with copies of unpublished private family photographs of the couple directly from the son of Barbara Glenn, filmmaker Keith Gordon. www.christies.com
3-12 November For further information on the year’s programme of events and participants visit www.asianartinlondon.com
Spain Now Spanish artist Pedro Paricio currently works in acrylics, exploring techniques with bright colours and playful compositions. As part of the Spain Now event, he is unveiling a new exhibition at The Halcyon Gallery where guests can admire his work whilst enjoying a delicious menu from Iberica Marylebone. For more information visit www.halcyongallery.com and www.ibericalondon.co.uk Iberica London is also expanding eastwards and is excited to be opening a new restaurant in Canary Wharf
The Dorchester Anniversary Celebrate The Dorchester’s 80th Anniversary with The Dorchester Anniversary Celebration package this autumn. Guests can enjoy an overnight stay for two with breakfast, two Anniversary rituals at The Dorchester Spa and an Anniversary Blend Box. The unique blend has been created by Aromatherapy Associates inspired by the way a tree’s roots ground and connect; the blend uses woody ingredients such as cedarwood, frankincense, sandalwood, and petitgrain and incorporates a sense of deep wellbeing and rejuvenation, which merges perfectly with the hotel’s celebratory theme of constant renewal. Deluxe room from £800 per night and The Audley Suite from £8,000 per night Visit www.thedorchester.com or call 020 7629 8888 for reservations
Trafalgar Night Dinner A traditional British Navy occasion by all accounts, the Trafalgar Night Dinner is an event celebrated across the UK by naval officers and enthusiasts, marking Lord Nelson’s famous victory. Establishment 86 St James is holding a spectacular celebration meal on 21 October featuring The Baron of Beef and Ships of the Line (a 4-course dinner with wine and port), musical entertainment, and mess games in aid of naval charities. Tickets cost £49.50, 020 7747 1185, www.86stjames.com
A Taste of The Orient Mews of Mayfair restaurant last month played host to the Hong Kong Tourism Board to celebrate the ‘Best of Hong Kong’. The two-week event commenced on 12 September with an opening ceremony and themed festival on South Molton Street, promoting Asia’s World City. Mews ran an exquisite Asian-influenced menu created by Chef Tsang Chiu King (Executive Chef of the two-Michelin starred restaurant, Ming Court at the Langham Place, Hong Kong) alongside Mews Head Chef Alan Marchetti. www.mewsofmayfair.com
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Belgravia
News Twilight Tours Originally the London residence of the first Duke of Wellington, Apsley House showcases some of the finest Regency interiors in London - and every Wednesday in October, visitors can enjoy twilight tours around the house from 6.30pm-8.30pm. The Wellington family still reside in the property to this day making Apsley House the only property managed by English Heritage in which the original owners’ family still live. Interestingly, the property is colloquially known as ‘Number 1 London’, because it was the first house encountered after passing the tollgates at the top of Knightsbridge. Tickets available on 0870 333 1183 or via the website www.english-heritage.org.uk
The King’s Singers
Citizen Kane If you are searching for the kind of unique and exclusive property that only comes onto the market once in a blue moon, then you’ll need experts to help you in your quest. Offering a proudly high-end version of Phil and Kirsty’s more mainstream search service, Teresa Kane and Julia Moxon have more than 22 years property experience in the prime central London market. Their expert team can access properties both on and off market, finding homes for clients with often very precise requirements. “Listening to our clients, understanding their needs and working closely with them can make the usually mundane time and labour intensive experience of purchasing property a smooth, sharp and efficient process,” explains Teresa. “Our USP is that we live, work and breathe the area. We have an understanding and passion for this exciting part of London, and our commitment to our clients delivers a positive and different boutique service at a surprisingly competitive price.”
Cubitt House and Eaton Square Concerts are delighted to host a special charity evening with the legendary British a cappella group, The King’s Singers, in aid of the children’s charity Kidscape. Cornerstones of British vocal harmony, they will enchant the audience with a programme showcasing the brilliant versatility of the group including madrigals and some of The King’s Singers classics. Tickets include a pre-concert drinks reception at 6.30pm plus entry to a prize draw and auction with all profits going to Kidscape. Tickets £50 www.eatonsquareconcerts.org.uk
Grouse Season Menu Don’t miss dinner at Boisdale of Belgravia this month to celebrate the start of the grouse season. The Scottish restaurant group will offer diners Roast Grouse on Crouton, Game Chips, Watercress, Bread Sauce and Game Jus accompanied by a glass of Chateau Rahoul 2005 for just £35 during October. Grouse, an emotive symbol of Scotland, has enjoyed sympathetic management for years which allows its economic importance to be fully recognised and at the same time encourages the welfare of other Mooreland bird species. www.boisdale.co.uk
Kane Properties, www.kaneproperties.co.uk
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Art
News ANN FRASER Flower power is to be the order of the day at The Tryon Galleries in St. James’s when the walls will be covered with plants thanks to the talents and passion of contemporary, Scottish artist, Ann Fraser. An award-winning botanical illustrator whose work is world renowned, Fraser created such exquisite watercolours that they were snapped up for private as well as public collections. The most delicate of tonal work within uncluttered, elegant compositions reveals an artist paying immense respect to each petal, leaf, bud or berry. Typically, she mixes irises with alliums;
tulips with fritillaries and trilliums; or depicts a group of perfectly fresh flowers that appear to have been transplanted from herbaceous border to picture frame purely on account of their contrasting scale, colour and form. The occasional inclusion of butterflies, bees or ladybirds injects an even greater sense of naturalism into her work but whatever combinations Fraser decides upon, the results are always splendid! Ann Fraser, Dream Garden 4-14 October www.tryon.co.uk
Oriental Poppies Ann Fraser Images courtesy of The Tryon Galleries, 20 x 28 inches
FRANK STELLA
Lettre sur les aveugles II 1974, Synthetic polymer paint on canvas, 360.7 x 360.7 cm © ARS, NY and DACS, London 2011. Private Collection, courtesy Haunch of Venison.
Mayfair metaphorically flies the Stars and Stripes this month through an exhibition saluting American artist, Frank Stella, whose early work was strongly influenced by Jasper Johns’ famous flag paintings. Stella rejected artistic traditions of creating illusionistic space adhering, instead, to his premise that a picture was “a flat surface with paint on it – nothing more”. In reality, his art was not that simple because he kept reinventing it: The “pinstripe” paintings involving broad, black stripes separated by thin, lighter lines caused controversy at New York’s 1959 MoMA exhibition; then he linked painted patterning to picture shapes, such as broad bands of colour mirroring unusually
shaped or notched canvases, and concentric, coloured squares applied to square canvases; his 1970s paintings incorporated cut-outs; and these were followed by graffiti style images with seemingly randomly grouped colours and forms. The only living American to have had two retrospective MoMA shows, Stella’s London exhibition brings together the most extensive range of his work ever to be shown in the UK. Connections 30 September-26 November www.haunchofvenison.com
Q&A with James Ulph of Flowers Galleries about “Breakfast on Cork Street” Q: When is “Breakfast on Cork Street” and what is it about? A: On Saturday 15 October, 10 am-12 noon, an open invitation to the public to visit all galleries on Cork Street, many of whom will serve refreshments.
Q: When did it start and has the event grown since its inception? A: It runs in conjunction with the Cork Street Open, held one evening each summer. We rejuvenated that in 2005 and we have run it and the ‘Breakfast’ ever since and it seems to be gaining in popularity.
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Q: What is the rationale behind the Breakfast? Do galleries launch their new artists there? A: The intention is to allow visitors to enjoy the varied Cork Street galleries in a relaxing way, and to offer an alternative to the busy ‘opening nights’. Some galleries time it to coincide with specific exhibitions, or their ‘private views’.
Q: Has it attracted new people to buy art and to feel comfortable about entering galleries? A: It certainly aims to demystify the galleries and to make people more at ease visiting them. The number of young people visiting Breakfast
would certainly testify to this. Furthermore, it is seen as a good opportunity for clients to come in with their families.
Q: Should it be viewed as an “alternative affordable art fair” promoting lower priced work? A: It is not intended as such, although there are plenty of works from as little as £200, editions in particular. We see Cork Street as being an art fair every day! www.flowersgalleries.com
Christopher Marvell "Leaping Hare" bronze edition III, 140cm long
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Maquette for Risen Christ 1992 Bronze 53.5 cm (21 inches) high 14 15 Edition 11 of 12
Standing Horse 1982 Bronze 39 x 45.5 x 16 cm (15.5 x 18 x 6 inches) Edition 7 of 8
EXHIBITION FOCUs:
Dame Elisabeth Frink Art editor Carol Cordrey takes a look at a major exhibition at Beaux Arts
If it is a sunny, autumnal day when you choose – as I hope you will - to visit the Beaux Arts exhibition of work by the late Dame Elisabeth Frink (1930-93), be sure to avoid wearing sunglasses. The reason being that Frink held the view that people use them to hide behind so sunglasses had a sinister association for her. As a result, she applied them to her sculptures of male heads when she wanted to portray men as feared oppressors. This startling theme was one of many which she expressed through her work, sometimes taking four years to exorcise each one. Other themes were suffering, loss, hope and man’s relationship with animals, all developed from her experiences in life. Frink’s father became a brigadier so she had an army upbringing. Her childhood in the war years was in Suffolk amongst airfields where she developed a love of dogs, horses and birds. But exposure to the horrors of burning, returning aircraft and subsequent revelations of Nazi concentration camps made her acutely aware of man’s brutality. With the approval of her parents, Frink began her art education at Guildford School of Art in Surrey where an inspirational tutor and books on Rodin and Michelangelo led to her decision to become a figurative sculptor. She continued her education at Chelsea then St. Martin’s Schools of Art. Admiration for the work of Alberto Giacometti informed her early pieces, such as the wounded, suffering birds of prey; like his, they were angular and roughly hewn though highly individual in style. She declared that, “All emotions go through the head so that is a very good subject for sculpture” and developed a series of male heads and complete figures that conveyed the full range of the male condition - heroism,
Frink Beaux Arts 22 Cork St London W1S 3NA 020 7437 5799 www.beauxartslondon.co.uk
brutality, suffering and redemption. The early Warrior’s Head with its classical helmet evoked a noble soldier, then the Soldiers Heads were given powerful necks, determined jaw lines and cunning eyes. These were followed by the sinister looking Goggle Heads which wore concealing goggles or sunglasses in the manner of the Moroccan General Oufkir who was known to have committed horrific crimes in the Algerian War. The later Tribute Heads reflected man’s suffering for his beliefs which Frink was particularly keen to represent because of her deep concern for human rights and support of Amnesty International. She also produced full-length male figures which were pared down to their essential form though they still managed to express either a calm state as in the standing figures or, in the running ones, escape from victimisation. Frink’s only female sculpture, Madonna is a haunting, tragic figure with no veil, crown or Christ child. She seems to be bearing the sorrows of the world yet manages to stride forward vigorously. Frink chose to depict her this way so she would typify a mother – any mother - who “has had her child but lost him”. Success came early with the Tate buying one of Frink’s birds when she was only 21, then a CBE whilst still in her 30s. She stoically eschewed the fashion for abstract art and still maintained a flow of private and public commissions, notably for cathedrals such as those in Liverpool, Coventry and Salisbury. On the corner of Dover Street and Piccadilly stands her dignified Horse and Rider and the striking American Eagle Squadron’s Monument is in Grosvenor Square. Some of the world’s most important art collections contain Frink’s work, confirming her status as one of the 20th century’s most important sculptors.
ART
Prisoner's Head 1982 Bronze 39 x 24 cm (15.4 x 9.5 inches) Edition 4 of 6
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All images courtesy of Beaux Arts and the Estate of Elisabeth Frink
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24 Bruton Street London W1J 6QQ +44 (0)20 7659 7640 29 New Bond Street, London W1S 2RL +44 (0)20 7499 4508 Harrods, 2nd Floor, London SW1X 7XL +44 (0)20 7581 7980
info@halcyongallery.com www.halcyongallery.com Photography - Toby Melville, Reuters
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ART
Prize Lot: CHRISTIE’S
Passion for Fashion Opportunity to acquire the very best in 1950s couture illustrations
Particulars: Expected Value (item): £3,000 to £5,000 Expected Value (auction): Excess of £2 million Estimated Range: £1,000 - £300,000 No. of Lots: 130 Place: Christie’s London, 8 King Street The Red Coat, circa 1950, René Gruau © Christie’s Images Limited 2011
Date: 25 October 2011 at 2pm
Original drawings by the master of 1950’s couture illustration, René Gruau (1909-2004) are coming to auction this October in London at the 20th Century Decorative Arts show. Renowned the world over as one of the leading fashion illustrators, René Gruau spent his illustrious career working for Christian Dior, Balenciaga, Balmain and Lanvin, amongst other designers. This excellent show is offering a stunning series of his iconic illustrations, commissioned by the influential American writer, editor and artist Fleur Cowles (1908-2009), known as the creative force behind Flair magazine. With Gruau’s work gracing the walls of such prestigious art museums as the Louvre in Paris, this auction - which includes a few rare oil paintings and a double-sided drawing with a sketch on the verso - is expected to attract international fashion-lovers and collectors. One of the most unique and exciting auctions of this season. www.christies.com
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ART
Prize Lot: BONHAMs
A Very Fine Art Unique modern masterpiece unveiled at contemporary art auction
Cutting edge art and landmark pieces by some of the most sought after artists will be unveiled at bold, inaugural sale, Contemporary One. Showcasing the work of Bonham’s new and dynamic Contemporary Art Department, the show will offer a carefully curated sale of 20 lots. The star of the show is Anno 1984, by Alighiero Boetti, one of the most influential Italian artists of the 20th century. Ahead of his eagerly anticipated 2012 show at Tate Moden, Boetti’s Anno 1984 comprises 192 intricate pencil drawings of magazine covers organised across 12 panels, one documenting each month of the year. All works included in the auction are fresh to the market, and comprise of a mix of multi-media sculpture, photography, paintings and works on paper, representing the very best of each artist. Contemporary One brings together a group of complementary works to form a collection that represents exceptional quality and rarity with excellent provenance – many of the works were acquired directly from the artist by the present owner. Before coming to London, the collection will be on view in New York and Hong Kong. www.bonhams.com/contemporaryart
Particulars: Expected Value (item): £1.2 – 1.8 million Expected Value (auction): TBC Estimated Range: TBC No. of Lots: 20 Place: Bonhams, New Bond Street Date: 13 October
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Lot 12: Alighiero Boetti (1940-1994) Anno 1984 Signed twice in the artist’s book pencil on paper laid down on canvas, in 12 parts This work was executed in 1984 Image: by kind permission of Bonhams
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www.boconcept.co.uk
Marie in Shanghai
Urban Danish Design since 1952 Welcome to a new collection of urban Danish Design. Based on the Danish Design traditions of simplicity and functionality, we create furniture that is not only beautiful but useful too. That was the vision of two Danish craftsmen back in 1952. And that is how we work today. Come and visit us in store and speak to a consultant about our free Interior Design Service and pick up the new 2012 catalogue now.
BoConcept TCR 路 158 Tottenham Court Road 路 London W1T 7NH 路 0207 388 2447
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The Kingfisher Collection
14 Brook Street, London W1S 1BD. T. +44 (0) 20 7629 8811 www.halcyondays.co.uk
ART
Prize Lot: SOTHEBY’s
Blue-Eyed Boy This iconic piece by renowned artist Lucian Freud presents a rare opportunity
Particulars: Expected Value (item): £3-4million Expected Value (auction): TBC Estimated Range: £300,000 - £4 million No. of Lots: TBC Lucian Freud Boy’s Head 1952 Oil on canvas Copyright in this image shall remain vested in Sotheby’s.
Place: Sotheby’s, 34-35 New Bond Street Date: 13 October
Headlining at Sotheby’s Contemporary Art Evening Auction is an exclusive opportunity to acquire a classic portrait by the late, and much heralded, Lucian Freud (1922-2011). Boy’s Head, which comes to market from a private collection and depicts Charlie Lumley, one of Freud’s most immediately recognisable subjects, is a great example of the artist’s iconic style. With a remarkable psychological intensity that is exemplary of Freud’s sensational powers of observation, the piece represents a period in the painter’s life that saw him being recognised as one of the leading artists of his generation. The young sitter, Charlie Lumley - Freud’s neighbour when living by Regent’s Canal - is brought to life for us through Freud’s unflinching gaze and powers of observation, capturing the very essence of the boy’s countenance. The artist’s careful selection of a focused scale, consistent with works of this period, is here fundamental to its impact as it enables the maximum exertion of control over the subject. The Contemporary Art Evening Auction also includes other important works by Lucian Freud, including Untitled (foliage), 1953, and Interior Drawing, The Owl, 1945. www.sothebys.com
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Watch
News OMEGA LAUNCHES “LONDON 2012” LIMITED EDITION The first OMEGA Seamaster was launched in 1948, the last time London hosted the Olympic Games; and to commemorate their involvement in both the 1948 and 2012 Games, OMEGA is launching the Seamaster 1948 Co-Axial “London 2012” Limited Edition. This beautiful timepiece is a redesign of OMEGA’s first automatic Seamaster and stands as a timeless classic – as stylish now as it was more than sixty years ago. Featuring a 39mm polished and brushed stainless steel case, this model also boasts an 18ct yellow gold medallion embossed with the London 2012 Olympic Games logo in the caseback. Details include an opaline silver dial with a small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock, diamond-polished hour and minute hands, and a blue steel small seconds hand. And while the watch’s stunning exterior recalls its legendary ancestor, a different story is told inside the case: the Seamaster 1948 is powered by the exclusive OMEGA caliber 2202; an officially-certified chronometer equipped with a Co-Axial escapement on three-levels and free sprung-balance. The Seamaster 1948 Co-Axial “London 2012” is being produced in a limited edition of 1,948 pieces, delivered in a special London 2012 presentation box. www.omegawatches.com
of the best… Ceramic Watches for her
Formula 1 Ladies Steel and Ceramic Chronograph Diamond Dial and Bezel TAG Heuer, £1,895 www.tagheuer.com
of the best… EXTREME SPORTS WATCHES for him RM 011 LMC Felipe Massa Titanium Front
King Power 48mm Oceanographic 4000
Richard Mille, POA Marcus, 170 New Bond Street
Hublot, POA Marcus, 170 New Bond Street
U-51 Green Chrono U-BOAT, £9,000 Available at Harrods, Selfridges and all Time2 stores
Yellow Gold and Steel Ballon Bleu Cartier, £9,500, www.cartier.com
J12 Chromatic Titanium Ceramic Chanel, £3,700 www.chanel.com
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COLLECTION
Extreme Survivor Audemars Piguet broke boundaries with the Royal Oak Offshore collection, then the Survivor came along and took things to a new extreme
The rise of the oversized wristwatch has been monumental and the success of many brands can now solely be accounted for by the popularity of their boldly dimensioned timepieces. Audemars Piguet began the style revolution with its Royal Oak Offshore collection. Launched nearly 20 years ago and designed with extreme sports in mind, the models pushed the boundaries of both luxury and size. Two years ago, Audemars Piguet gave us the Royal Oak Offshore Survivor, a testosterone-fuelled monster of a timepiece that remains one of the world’s most resilient wristwatches. The immediately recognisable hexagonal bezel remains. What has been added is a matte black dial with a gridded face and push-button guard pieces which, like the new case and crown, are made of brushed finished blackened titanium. Thanks to ultra-light yet highly resistant materials that adjust to the body temperature of its wearer, this watch has been engineered to confront the most extreme of environments. Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak Offshore Survivor was limited to 1,000 pieces. www.audemarspiguet.com
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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.
The Langham, London 1c Port land Place, Regent Street, London W1B 1JA T 44 (0) 20 7973 7550
tllon.info@chuanspa.com
www.chuanspa.co.uk
AUCKLAND • BOSTON • HONG KONG • LONDON • LOS ANGELES • MELBOURNE • SHANGHAI
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Jewellery
News of the best… CHARMS
Cutting Edge Luxury British jewellery designer Boodles wins our prize this October for housing our favourite piece this autumn
Reminiscent of ‘le coeur de la mer’ given to Rose in the epic film Titanic, the Heart’s Desire necklace is an exquisite piece from Boodles. With its crystal blue sapphires and dazzling diamonds, this necklace incorporates all of the essential characteristics for a luxury item; style, elegance, beauty and exclusivity
18 carat Gold Apple Tiffany & Co., £1,325 Tiffany & Co., 25 Old Bond Street
Boodles Heart’s Desire necklace, POA Boodles, 178 New Bond Street
Latin Cross Motif in White Gold with Diamonds Cartier, £5,800 Cartier, 175-177 New Bond Street
Swarovski Collective 2012:
Revealed
Luxury jewellery brand Swarovski has divulged the key stars of its upcoming elite sponsorship programme Swarovski Collective for S/S12. Mary Katrantzou and Craig Lawrence are amongst the new design candidates who will be incorporating the brand’s sparkling jewels into their latest fashion collections. Familiar faces J.W. Anderson, Marios Schwab, Giles Deacon and Erdem are back once again thanks to their innovative uses of Swarovski crystals. Last year, stunning contributions included Giles’ inspired amalgamation of statement neon colours with chandelier-draped Swarovski pearls over sheer material and Erdem’s dazzling floral-printed harlequin dresses with vibrant Swarovski beading.
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Keep Me Safe Charm Astley Clarke Biography, £125 www.astleyclarke.com
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A TRIBUTE
Elegance TO
After attending a spectacular lyrical performance at the Opera Monte Carlo and a glamorous gala dinner at Hotel de Paris to launch the Princess Grace of Monaco Collection, Annabel Harrison meets Montblanc’s charming CEO Lutz Bethge
“I think women can do anything they decide to do.” So declared Grace Kelly, who, in her lifetime, achieved all she set out to accomplish: beginning her career as an actress, she transformed, on a global stage, into the epitome of elegance; an adored princess, an adoring mother and an ardent philanthropist. Initially known worldwide as the darling of Hollywood, she transcended film aristocracy to become true royalty, marrying Prince Rainier III of Monaco and becoming Her Serene Highness Princess Grace of Monaco. Princess Grace was not only one of the foremost talents of her generation and unequivocally beautiful – for many, the most beautiful woman who had ever lived – but she was also a role model to millions and with this talent and beauty came a charismatic, charming, philanthropic demeanour; “I would like to be remembered as someone who accomplished useful deeds and who was a kind and loving person. I would like to leave the memory of a human being with the correct attitude and who did her best to help others.”
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With this aim in mind, the Princess of Monaco carried out her duties with the same commitment and discipline that she had displayed during her acting career, encouraging many emerging artists to pursue their dreams. Princess Grace’s lifetime commitment to the arts lives on by means of the Princess Grace Foundation-USA, which provides financial assistance and moral encouragement during the pursuit of artistic excellence. Similarly, Montblanc promotes cultural diversity and education, and among its brand values are listed uniqueness, legacy and individuality, qualities it shares with the Princess. Thus it strikes me as entirely appropriate that Montblanc has created an exquisite collection of timepieces, writing instruments and items of jewellery, all of which pay tribute to Princess Grace’s “unprecedented elegance”. After all, the company “consciously takes time for the things that are really important – for people and ideas, for thoughts and feelings, for beauty and culture”, a sentiment which would undoubtedly have rung true for Princess Grace too.
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Howell Conant - Bob Adelman Books, Inc
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Uniqueness
Dedication
Culture
Above / Watch in red gold with baguette and round diamonds, one pink drop sapphire and one Montblanc diamond. Limited to eight pieces
The Collection was launched in Monaco on 8 September at a glittering event attended by H.S.H. Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco, as well as Eva Herzigova, Naomi Watts, Daryl Hannah, Jerry Hall and Olivia Palermo, and guests took the opportunity to dress up in respect to the Princess’s timeless style. Every piece in the collection is embellished with filigree petal cut stones to honour the Grace de Monaco pink rose, created in 1956 on the occasion of her Royal Wedding, which garnered worldwide attention and adoration. Pale pink roses filled the whole venue to tie in with this emblem, infusing the collection with softness and prettiness. “There were a lot of memories to take back home last night”, Montblanc CEO Lutz Bethge tells me proudly, when we meet after the launch. “We wanted to pay tribute to a great princess and a great style icon and I think it was wonderful... When I was speaking to Prince Albert afterwards, he said he had seen glimpses of the video Bob [Robert Wilson, the director of the tribute performance at the launch event] used of his mother, but he had never seen the full version. He was very touched”. Bethge is immaculately dressed and impeccably mannered, as befits a brand which has built itself around stylish, sophisticated products. It strikes me again and again during our conversation that Montblanc often pays more attention to detail than consumers, at least those without a passionate interest in a product’s development and design, would ever notice. The Princess Grace Collection, which has taken four years to develop, has taken inspiration from both personal family preferences and public facing royal insignia. Because the image of his mother in the black evening dress, opening white curtains, is Prince Albert’s favourite picture of his mother, “the Collection’s pen used the shape of the dress, as well as the Princess Grace ‘G’, the crown and the coat of arms”, Bethge explains: “We try to capture the spirit of people in our writing instruments, to romance these objects.” Montblanc once created a John Lennon pen and it provoked a fierce emotional response: “People said, ‘I never thought about buying a pen but this John Lennon pen, I must have!’ This is what I’m talking about – this passion and creativity.”
Creativity
These are words Bethge used frequently; passion, pride and creativity are clearly qualities that for Bethge, and indeed Montblanc, are of paramount importance. “When you go to our factories, or when you talk to the people there, you always feel they are extremely passionate about what they do.” This passion is a hallmark of any successful company and, although I was in Monaco to see the Princess Grace Collection, Montblanc is known worldwide for its beautiful, diverse portfolio of writing instruments, which inspire passion in their owners. Montblanc is deeply rooted in the culture of writing, the language of thought, and indeed, as Montblanc points out, “one of the oldest ways of giving expression to the human spirit.” Many people buy Montblanc pens, to celebrate reaching a certain level of success, or are given them to mark special occasions in their lives; Bethge still uses a Meisterstück he was given for his 21st birthday, “possibly the most famous and recognised writing instrument of our time”. I adore the fact that Mr Bethge often shuns the shorter, more mundane label ‘pen’, preferring to use the far more suitably elevated ‘writing instrument’. Bethge wasn’t initially sure about joining Montblanc, more than 20 years ago. He was pleased that the company was based in Hamburg, a city he liked, but what swung the decision was the head-hunter who approached him; “it was very rare for head-hunters to be so passionate about what the brand had achieved and what it wanted to achieve. Afterwards I met the CEO in Hamburg and I felt the same passion – I was spellbound.” One of the first things I asked Bethge was how he feels about the technology juggernaut of the 21st century, trampling the traditional methods of communication that stand in its path, paper giving way to e-documents, letters bowing to email and telegrams being replaced by texts. How can a company renowned for producing the definitive luxury writing instrument survive, if this modern steamroller removes all need for writing? Bethge has much to say on the matter. “First of all, I believe that the more high tech the world is, and the faster it is turning, the more people long for some grounding, things that are real. And certainly writing will never go away. You may send love emails or texts, or even break up by email or text message, but you won’t keep them in a wooden box with a ribbon round it. When someone writes to you by hand, they open up
What Montblanc has achieved, which is really unique, is to make writing instruments jewellery which happens to write
Below / Fountain pen in solid gold, decorated with diamonds and rubies, clip embellished with drop-cut diamond, handcrafted gold nib. Limited to three pieces
Visions
Inspiration
Soul-makers
COLLECTION
Individuality
Responsibility
Left / Necklace in white gold, diamonds, pink sapphires and Montblanc diamond
their personality to you. They are saying, ‘I really love and appreciate you’. Writing will always be in fashion, particularly in the computer age. What Montblanc has achieved, which is really unique, is to make writing instruments jewellery which happens to write.” When a company has the craftsmanship capabilities and design vision to create such jewelleryesque writing instruments, it seems that diversification is inevitable. However, for Bethge, branching out and becoming a “luxury maison” was the biggest challenge he faced; “people would say, ‘you make writing instruments – what is your qualification [to do other things]?’ Well, first of all, we’re strongly supported by our roots – we are craftsmen and we know how to work in fine mechanics. And we are passionate and determined and committed. When we started with watches, we really believed we could become one of the serious, true watch brands and today we are – nobody would doubt this any more. We do not want to be just a label.” The customers who appreciated the special jewellery-type craftsmanship expected no less of the watches, considering Montblanc as the pinnacle of excellence in writing instruments. Being the best of the best is conveyed by the company’s name, taken from Europe’s highest mountain, and its iconic white emblem, inspired by the permanently snow-capped summit with its six glacier tongues. In China, Montblanc’s biggest emerging market, Bethge points out that the middle classes are “becoming successful and want to show it, and that’s very easy with a Montblanc writing instrument. Show the star and this signifies a successful and cultural lifestyle – this is what the customer sees with our brand.” Brand continuity is very important to Bethge: “In the end a customer buys into a brand because he appreciates the creativity and he appreciates the design but also the values of the brand – ours is about timeless elegance, craftsmanship, quality. You always have to make sure that overall the customer knows this is the basis for everything – this is why he wants to buy it. If you become overly creative and leave the roots, which we have defined as timeless elegance, you may lose the customer.” The thread of continuity that runs through the product lines – whether pens, watches, jewellery, leather or eyewear – is that people have a sentimental attachment to their Montblanc
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possessions and use them for decades. “The general basis”, Bethge explains, “is that we create timeless pieces, ones that customers are proud to wear in ten, 20 years. In particular, I see this with people who love fashion – it’s for the moment. After a few months or a year, you say, ‘no good’. We provide the complementary product – you can have the latest fashion or the latest gadgets but something which you have received at an important moment – your wedding or graduation – holds good memories. It becomes a lifetime companion and you want to keep it forever – this is what customers are looking for.” What customers are looking for, however, has changed. Bethge weathered the recession with Montblanc and observed a shift in consumer preferences. He uses the expression “bling bling” to describe the trend before the 2008 financial crisis and considers this trend to have faded somewhat: “There are still many products around with lots of diamonds but the overt loudness we experienced pre-2008 is over – people went back to values which they felt were sustainable. They were looking for things that were special and different, and which they knew would last”. For some, this something special was the Montblanc Tourbillon Mysterieuse. Because watches take so long to bring to market, it happened to launch at the peak of the crisis in January 2009, not offering a “favourable mood” for Montblanc’s most expensive watch to date, at €200,000. However, the whole annual production sold in three months: “For me this was a very clear sign. Even in the crisis, when people were being careful with their money, they found something which was really creative, different and which they really appreciate”. As time runs out, I ask Mr Bethge what the best part of his job is and, once again, passion is paramount: “The biggest pleasure is to know that every year, and every month, you can make your customers go wild. That’s not me – that’s the craftsmen, the designers and everyone who has contributed to it. I share new products with the customers regularly and when they say ‘wow, how did you do this?’, well, you can’t buy that.” With more than a century of its history already written, Montblanc has much of its story yet to tell. Montblanc, 13 Old Bond Street www.montblanc.com www.montblanc-tribute-to-grace.com
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COLLECTION
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A stylish capsule wardrobe and an effective mobile office are essential investments for the frequent flyer
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1 Starwalker Black Mystery Fountain Pen, £390, Montblanc, 13 Old Bond Street 2 Hand-held iPod dock, £280, Marantz, available at Harrods and Selfridges 3 El Primero Chronomaster Open, £5,300, Zenith, available at Harrods and Selfridges 4 Split-sole foldable leather loafer with stuff-bag, £100, Redfoot Man, Shoebuy, 53 Park Street, Covent Garden 5 Kindle 3G + WiFi, £152, Amazon, www.amazon.co.uk 6 R1 Deluxe tabletop radio, £179.99, Vita Audio, available at Harrods and Selfridges 7 Round Meteorite Cufflinks in 18 carat white gold with blue goldstone, £3,350, William & Son, 10 Mount Street, Mayfair 8 Sudoku and Solitaire, black-cape grained hide lined in deep green, £850, William & Son, as before 9 Red-Eye crease-free garment carry-on, £250, LAT56°, Selfridges
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Religion Autumn meets Hallowe’en head-on in the world of accessories; masquerade, Gothic decadence, skulls and snakes prevail
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1 Apollo pendant in rose gold, £320, Lara Bohinc at Selfridges, www.selfridges.com 2 Mistress Swarovski masquerade mask £1,597, Erickson Beamon, www.ericksonbeamon.com 3 Superstud dagger necklace with crystal haze grey cat’s eye, £450, Stephen Webster, 93 Mount Street 4 Skeleton earrings, £130, Vivienne Westwood at Selfridges, as before 5 Sterling silver and Italian crystal handed beaded bracelet on black cord, £360, Nialaya, www.nialaya.com 6 Blackened oxidized-silver eye brooch, £535, Bottega Veneta, www.net-a-porter.com 7 Leather and brass double-skull cuff, £295, Alexander McQueen, www.alexandermcqueen.com 8 Skeleton Cross necklace, £28,000, Theo Fennell, www.theofennell.com 9 Superstud black mother of pearl earrings, £450, Stephen Webster, as before 10 Underworld silver-plated Swarovski crystal ring, £350, Erickson Beamon, as before
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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
COLLECTION
Timeless Style Matching flair with flourish, Breguet’s signature cufflinks offer classic simplicity and innovative design
Featuring opulent shades of onyx, lapis lazuli and gold, with dark hues which meet and match deep, fascinating brown tones, the cufflinks range from Breguet is the perfect representation of this long established luxury goods brand. The Breguet B initial adds unmistakable elegance to their signature cufflinks fashioned in rich gold, while these stunning time-inspired pieces in yellow, white or rose gold have an intricate quality, coupled with a classical modernity. The fine patterns, engine-tuned by hand, compose one-of-a-kind, exclusive designs for the most discerning of gentlemen. For those who like a little more glamour in their lives, the gem set option features 78 diamonds on the caseband, which, when benefitting from the oscillating weight’s discreet to-and-fro travel, sparkle and delight as the wearer moves.
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The beauty of
Gilt
Photography:
Fashion Editor:
John Wright
Jessica Rea Long
Left: Power net and crystal bodice evening dress with peacock silk drape (made to order), nude suede pumps with patent leather toe cap and yellow gold heel Right: Ivory knitted silk asymetric drape cocktail dress, navy suede pumps with patent leather toe cap and pink gold heel
Geometric printed silk satin drawstring kaftan (made to order), pumps as before, pair of gold cuffs
Floor-length silk chiffon dress with stretch metallic printed rayon body (made to order), gold chain ankle boots with Swarovski stud detail
Ivory knitted silk asymmetric drape cocktail dress, pumps as before
All clothes and jewellery from BodyAmr, www.bodyamr.com All shoes from the launch collection of Gianmarco Lorenzi for BodyAmr AW11 and available to order. For stockists or bespoke enquiries, please contact Drew Muntz. Call 020 7691 2085 or email corresponadence@bodyamr.com
Hair stylist: Enzo Volpe Make-up artist: Nikki Palmer Models: Shamone at Premiere and Kym at IMG Location: Goldsmiths’ Hall. Goldsmiths’ Fair of Contemporary Jewellery and Silver is taking place until 9 October www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk
Northampton • England
Makers of the finest English shoes since 1879
U.K. 25 Royal Exchange, London EC3 New Shop - 92 Jermyn Street, London SW1 69 Jermyn Street, London SW1 20-21 Burlington Arcade, London W1 25 Colmore Row, Birmingham B3
FRANCE 14, Rue Chauveau-Lagarde, La Madeleine, 75008 Paris U.S.A. 7 West 56th Street, New York, NY 10019 www.crockettandjones.com
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FASHION
Cut above the rest For the last several years Austin Reed has been collaborating with Savile Row tailor, Richard James to create Cut. Fusing James’s signature silhouettes and design with Reed’s British Heritage has made this line incredibly successful. With the fifth season out this autumn/winter, it’s all about the mix of urban sharpness with classic styling. This season sees outwear being introduced to the collection, which is a great addition to your capsule wardrobe. www.austinreed.co.uk
Pen Pal William & Son are launching the latest addition to the Graf von Faber-Castell pen family. Made from Russian Jade, this pen consists of eight segments representing the eight generations of FaberCastell. Named Pen of the Year 2011, this limited edition has 1,761 copies in production, neatly representing the year the company was founded. www.williamandson.com
Him
Best Foot Forward Founded in 1849, John Lobb Bootmakers has been making shoes for over a century. This family-owned company not only sells high quality shoes and boots but is one of the few original shoemakers to still offer a bespoke service. Keeping to the tradition that John Lobb himself started over 150 years ago, the production takes place entirely in the company’s Paris atelier. The work involves 40-50 hours over a period of two months or more. www.johnlobb.com
The Mayfair Man Hackett have reworked the ‘Mayfair’ signature look from the traditional British gentleman to a modern man of luxury. Still adhering to the rules of formal luxury, the changes are subtle; a ‘reserved rebellion’ for the modern man. The look is slender and sleeker consisting of jackets cut shorter and sharper trousers. It’s also evident in other details such as fabric choices (soft cashmeres and chunky knits) and colour decisions (berry tones injected into a blue and grey palette). www.hackett.com
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FASHION
Moulin Rouge One of the key colours this season is red. The catwalk has been filled with shades of cardinal, crimson, ruby and cherry. Featured in the designer collections of Gucci, Michael Kors, Hermès and Elie Saab, this colour has also been popular with retailers such as BCBG, Jaeger, LK Bennett and Reiss. Cream roll neck jumper by Pied a Terre, Red cape coat Boutique by Jaeger, all available at House of Fraser. www.houseoffraser.co.uk AYFAI
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Screen Siren With old Hollywood glamour as the inspiration, Agent Provocateur’s new Soirée collection is all about the silent but sexy bombshells of the 20s and 30s. Using traditional corsetry techniques, the finest French lace and luxurious embellishments, this collection is filled with beautiful pieces and is available exclusively at Harrods. www.harrods.com
What a great opportunity to add an individual one-of-a-kind piece to your collection whilst giving to charity at the same time. Liberty of London and some of Britain’s best-loved icons are pairing up in aid of children’s charities. Running from 20-31 October you will be able to bid on items created from several fashion legends such as Dame Vivienne Westwood, Sir Paul Smith, Katie Grand and Stella McCartney. One of the more unusual pieces came from acclaimed English actress Helena Bonham Carter and jeweller Annina Vogel. Together they created Victorian necklaces featuring strands of pearls, vintage gold chains, fairy-tale charms and even antique metal photographs. Helena Bonham Carter necklaces www.liberty.co.uk
Graphic Prints A big hit at Milan Fashion week, Salvatore Ferragamo’s autumn/winter monochrome collection played masculine against feminine. Filled with Prince of Wales check, pinstripes and houndstooth, and complemented by sharp tailoring, everything looked sexy coming down the catwalk. www.ferragamo.com
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luxuryl o n d o n From decadent diamonds to leather that will last a lifetime, visit The Burlington Arcade for the ultimate luxury shopping experience
Arcad e
Britain’s oldest shopping arcade in the heart of Mayfair, a landmark prestigious shopping destination providing exquisite luxury.
BEADLE
The knowledgeable uniformed guards of the Burlington Arcade, the Beadles, have been a feature of the luxurious promenade since it opened in 1819, when they were employed by Lord Cavendish to keep behaviour in order. Under the watch of the Head Beadle, each one has the power to eject any visitor who dares to flout the rules.
S pa rk l e & Sh ine
As the great Elizabeth Taylor once said, “Big girls need big diamonds”. The Burlington Arcade, and surrounding area, houses some of the finest jewellery shops in the world and is therefore the ideal place to buy your own sensational stones – big or small – to treasure forever.
Arm Candy
The right handbag can be one of the wisest investments you’ll ever make. Thomas Lyte has the ultimate bag for ladies; silklined and in ultra-soft leather, this neat camel-coloured clutch is a classic staple that will go with everything, lasting for years to come.
Lo ndon’s Best Kept Secr et Joe’s high profile celebrity client list has made him one of the most sought-after hairdressers in London.
PROMOTION
KIR ROYALE
exquisite jewel s
Sophie Anderton models vintage jewellery for Susannah Lovis. A treasure trove of London’s rarest and collectable jewels can be found at Burlington Arcade.
Lu x u r i ous Leather
Real luxury leather is about more than just fashion; it’s about quality design and long-lasting function that will survive for years to come. Products on offer in the Arcade are designed to the highest standard possible, so you can treasure them forever.
Stop for a classic cocktail at the nearby 5th View, a stunning art deco bar on the fifth floor of Waterstones – the largest book store in Europe. Relax and take in some of the most impressive views of the city, including The Royal Academy, Fortnum and Mason and St James’s gardens.
Ca s h m e r e
The softest fabric imaginable, Cashmere is the ultimate weapon in battling the London weather in style and was a big feature on the A/W 11 catwalks. Burlington Arcade houses some of the top names in this chicest of knits, including N. Peal, John Smedley and Ballantyne cashmere at Berk, and House of Cashmere – that’s winter all wrapped up!
Sweet Treats
The chic French macaroons from Ladurée make the perfect sweet treat for anyone old or young. The cute pastel tones evoke a playful air of indulgence and make the perfect dinner party gift.
A selection of bags from Pickett, Church’s and Vilebrequin
N. Peal
Heaven Scent
Christian Dior once said that a women’s perfume says more about her than her handwriting. Whether you prefer the seductive scent of amber, a fresh burst of jasmine, or a hint of sweet vanilla, visit Penhaligon’s, one of England’s most established perfumers, to ensure you find your perfect fragrance.
Bespoke Ta ilor i n g
T ime l ess
Rolex watches will keep you punctual for afternoon tea at Claridge’s or mark the minutes of a sunset over the Thames. Burlington jeweller David Duggan showcases a stunning selection of quality vintage timepieces.
Nearby Savile Row, known as the “golden mile of tailoring”, has become synonymous with great craftsmanship and iconic tailoring, drawing well-dressed men from all over the world looking for classic bespoke suits.
Fancy Footwork
Step out in style with traditionally handcrafted shoes from master-shoemakers Crockett and Jones.
For more information visit
www.burlington-arcade.co.uk
C E L E B R A T I N G
T H I R T Y
120 Wigmore Street, London, W1U 3LS 509 Uxbridge Road, Hatch End, Pinner, Middlesex HA5 4JS Telephone: 020 7486 3080 email: info@halcyon-interiors.co.uk | www.halcyon-interiors.co.uk
Y E A R S
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In His Shoes Despite being another much-lauded shoe designer label with an A-list following, there’s no average man behind it all. Nicholas Kirkwood talks to Elle Blakeman about footwear inspiration, loud music and why women refuse to give up the platform It’s a stiflingly hot day in London when I meet Nicholas Kirkwood at his über-chic new shop in Mount Street. He leads me through the light-filled, airy space stacked with stunning heels at every turn, as I try not to get distracted but instead focus on where I am putting my feet which suddenly seem rather boringly clad (peach cut-out heels, for the record). We reach the basement of this beautiful Grade-II listed building, a Geppetto’s workshop of sorts, and Kirkwood politely apologises for the heat: “We have air-con upstairs in the shop, but it doesn’t quite stretch to down here,” he says.
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I am astounded at how down-to-earth the man himself is. After all, this is the designer who has won countless awards in his short career, including the prestigious Accessory Designer of the Year award at the 2010 British Fashion Awards; he is a man openly praised by Spanish shoe authority Manolo Blahnik for his unique style; and last, but by no means least in this celebrity-driven world, he decorated Sarah Jessica Parker’s famous-in-their-own-right feet for Sex and the City 2 – surely the most watched soles on the planet.
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So how did this ordinary man rise up to become such an insider name in just six short years? The answer, of course, is that he’s anything but ordinary. Having studied fine art at Central St. Martin’s and unsure about what direction to take next, the young Kirkwood went to work with Britain’s trusted milliner, Philip Treacy. “Women would bring in these fantastic outfits and I would try to find a hat to match. At the time there were some amazing things happening with clothes – McQueen, Hussein Chalayan – but the shoes were really dull, as if from another decade. I knew I liked accessories, and I just thought that there was a lot more that could be done with shoes. So I looked into a course in London and ended up at Cordwainers.” This ‘thought’ paid off, as the industry quickly sat up and took note of his innovative, architectural shoe designs, earning him several emerging designer awards. His pioneering approach to shoe design, and the materials manipulated to make them, from dégradé silks to shaved stingray and rubberised leather, showed that this was not a man who shied away from a challenge. So where does the inspiration for these, quite literally, ground-breaking designs come from? “I just sit down with a pad of paper, a cup of tea and some really loud music”, [electro or rock, if you’re interested] “and start doodling. Then I’ll see something else that will take it in a new direction and eventually at some point you’ve got to stop and say, ‘Okay, I’d better start making them now’.” Does he pay attention to what’s going on in the industry when designing? “Obviously I consider the seasons, but I then just do what I enjoy. When I started out I really looked up to people like Roger Vivier, André Perugia and Ferragamo. They were really pushing boundaries and doing incredible things, and the technologies they were using at the time were really new.” This desire to constantly create something fresh is evident throughout his collections. “I have just been working with The Keith Haring Foundation, incorporating his artwork into a mini couture collection, [which has now gone to exhibition]... Because his shapes are so bold, I thought it would be really interesting to see if you could take that artwork and use it in a different way: not just on a flat surface.” Kirkwood clearly believes that two heads are better than one, and has a long list of collaborations behind him. “Shoes lend themselves to collaborations as they are an accessory to the rest of the outfit, so in a way I’m always collaborating. It allows me to do something I wouldn’t normally do in my own collection. So, working
with Rodate say, it could be doing a candlewax heel, or big studs and spikes. These are things that I would never put in my own collection because it goes outside the look I’m trying to get, but at the same time I really enjoy doing them.” As any dedicated female shoe shopper will tell you, heels have become increasingly vertiginous thanks to the platform, the popularity of which had shown no sign of waning until Tom Ford’s recent declaration: “When a woman looks like she has copies of the Oxford English Dictionary attached to her feet, it’s time for the fashion pendulum to swing the other way”. Where Tom Ford goes, the industry follows, so how does Kirkwood feel about the potential impending death of the platform? “There’s definitely a push from the press and certain designers are trying to go lower, but the problem is that women have become used to that extra inch or two and they are reluctant to give it up. They don’t want to be shorter.” It is this conviction about what women want that has made him so successful. Rather than simply picturing a red-carpet-sauntering A-lister, Kirkwood identifies various scenarios and personalities, bringing his work to life. “I imagine all different types of woman in my shoes; the department store girl, the downtown hip girl... I don’t have a celebrity muse.” And yet celebrities still flock to the brand. “There are some really cool women out there wearing my shoes – Julianne Moore, Sarah Jessica Parker, Beyoncé…” Does this unaffected designer ever get excited to see his creations being worn? “When I started I thought, that’ll be the best thing ever to see someone in your shoes. I remember then being at a party where someone exclaimed: ‘Look, she’s wearing your shoes!’” All eyes fell to the floor. Talking of which, at Kirkwood’s shop the floor is designed with the utmost care, courtesy of Richard Woods with whom Nicholas lived during his Philip Treacy days: “I saw what he did at the late Isabella Blow’s house and decided it would be perfect for the shop.” So, what can we expect from the brand in the coming months? “A couple of collaborations will come out next year, plus we’re bringing out a men’s range, and potentially bags as well. Oh, and we’re going to open a store in New York.” “Where in New York?” I enquire; after all, Mount Street is fairly hard to top. He ponders for a moment. “I’m not sure. But it will be somewhere good,” he says, smiling. I have no doubt it will.
“I just sit down with a pad of paper, a cup of tea and some really loud music and start doodling” (Kirkwood)
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www.nicholaskirkwood.com
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Not just another day at the office WELCOME TO TOWN HALL HOTEL & APARTMENTS
Not just another day at the office WELCOME TO TOWN HALL HOTEL & APARTMENTS
T O W N H A L L H O T E L & A PA R T M E N T S
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Patriot Square, London, e2 9nf
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+44 0460 +44 (0)20 (0)20 7871 7621 8783
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www.townhallhotel.com
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Patriot Square, London, e2 9nf
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LIFESTYLE
Designer DOGS From Swarovski crystals to pewter dog bowls, Sarah Collinson discovers the flamboyant new world of designer dog accessories
The awning was pink, the back wall a powdery purple, the floor was slightly glittery and the shelves and tables were crammed so full of sparkly and fluffy things it looked like the stash pile of a hoarding kleptomaniac Barbie. ‘A shop for 5 year old girls’ you might imagine, but no. This was a store for adults. And they flocked there in droves to buy accessories, not for themselves, but for their dogs. Collars covered with pink Swarovski crystals, faux fur pillows, bowls in the shape of hearts with the word ‘Princess’ (or Princesa in fact) across the front… the shop stocked every tawdry and kitsch iteration of dog paraphernalia that you could possibly imagine, and the ladies bought it by the bag full. Now ‘Bonito Cachorro’ (Pretty Puppy) is admittedly an extreme example but for some reason the whole market for ‘designer’ pet pieces is dominated by this girly style. A quick google of ‘dog accessories’ shows that you basically have two options: the cheap functionality of Pets at Home or the flamboyant sparkles of ‘Divadogs.com’ (and yes that is a real site, and yes they do actually sell a dog cheerleader uniform). There doesn’t seem to be a middle ground for people who want stylish accessories for their dogs, but don’t subscribe to the ‘more is more’ attitude that’s led to a culture where ‘doggles’ are an acceptable purchase. (In case you’re wondering, ‘doggles’ are dog sunglasses. Dogbling.co.uk does a great range if you’re interested.) It was exactly this thought process that led Alex Sullivan and Jeremy Cooper to set up their online dog accessory store Bone and Rag. In hunting for kit for their three big dogs (Boxers Twig and Red, and Lab / Collie Percy) they realised there was nothing in the market that met their three criteria of practicality, comfort and beauty, so, instead of “turning our house into a kennel or them into humans” they decided to make their own. “The way the majority of us live we have to share our living space with our dogs” says Alex. “Dog bowls are on display in kitchens that people will have spent thousands of pounds designing, and dog beds will sit next to sofas where we spend our evenings. Why should you have to compromise all of your hard work on interior design with something that is less than beautiful?” This dedication to style and design comes across as soon as you
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click onto the Bone and Rag site with the pared down colouring and classic photography instantly distancing them from the cartoon doodles and paw prints of dogdiva et al. The product selection is limited to leads, bowls, collars and beds and each have clearly been designed by someone who not only has an eye for design, but also knows and understands the needs of dogs. The beds have an ergonomic shape and are handmade to order with separate covers made from either handpicked vintage fabrics from places like Liberty, Heals and William Morris, or a heavy duty bamboo / cotton mix with inbuilt antibacterial properties. “There obviously are other designer dog beds on the market but we often found that, while it might look good, it didn’t take into account the needs or comfort of the dog. A big Labrador is hardly going to get comfy on a perspex cube.” The collars are made from finest leather, double stitched by hand and coloured with natural dyes. The leads are made from sailing rope which is soft to the hand but also incredibly strong, and will dry quickly and not snap if they get wet. The bowls are classically designed from 100% pewter meaning they will tarnish beautifully with age – a far cry from the usual ‘hide it in the corner of the kitchen’ eyesore. The production process is as important to the Bone and Rag team as the finished product, the website outlining their penchant for collecting antiques or ‘objects with charm and beauty that were made with craftsmanship and love’. They are staunch supporters of British industry and, while local production is more expensive, it means they have a better handle on quality control and can oversee every stage of production. For a company that’s only been going for ten months they have already built a clear brand identity of pared down style, and are uncompromising when it comes to the quality or design of their products. They are quite cagey about the future - there’s talk of range extensions and style collaborations, and a potential venture to expand into more general interiors…. But whatever Alex and Jeremy design next, you can bet there won’t be a Swarovski crystal (or a pair of doggles) in sight. www.boneandrag.com
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Interiors
News Anna Casa arrives in Mayfair Positioned in the heart of Mayfair’s design and shopping destination, Anna Casa Interiors is opening a second showroom. Showcasing luxury Italian state-of-the-art furniture, Anna Casa offers visitors a contemporary, liveable retail space in which to browse interior collections, allowing them to picture them in their own living spaces. Anna Casa Interiors, 1-2 Hay Hill, Mayfair www.annacasa.net
Stéphane Parmentier The ‘Altaïr’ collection launched in early 2011 will be extended for its London début with new forms exclusively designed for L&B. The accent pieces – in which stone and wood takes a leading role and the designer plays on the contrast between simplicity and sophistication – can be used as stools, tables and bedside tables. Stéphane Parmentier is a renowned Paris-based interior architect and designer who has also worked as head of womenswear at Givenchy and assistant to Karl Lagerfeld. www.lblondon.com
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Katharine Pooley at Harrods
Precision Cooking Selfridges has exclusively launched the ultimate kitchen aid for the obsessive compulsive food lover; the OCD Chopping Board. If you’re one of those who likes perfectly-sized portions or sandwiches cut at a perfect 45 degree angle, the 9”x12” beechwood chopping board is for you. Covered in scales and grid lines, it even comes with a printed angle protractor providing the most precise measurements in detail. OCD Chopping Board, £21.95 www.selfridges.com
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For all those with a keen eye for unique objects, you’ll be pleased to hear that Katharine Pooley products are now available in the Contemporary Living department on the second floor at the world’s most famous luxury department store. The exceptional handpicked collection of exquisite pieces inspired by Katharine’s extensive travels will be displayed in bespoke makassar cabinetry and will incorporate rare antiquities, limited edition designs and intricate hand-crafted objects. Every visit promises the discovery of something beautiful and unexpected for your home. www.katharinepooley.com www.harrods.com
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Suite Dreams: The May Fair Hotel The May Fair Hotel has been renowned for opulence and individuality since its opening in 1927. In keeping with its history as venue of choice for filmmakers and fashionistas, the property exudes a luxurious yet welcoming feel achieved by combining plush fabrics and chic designs with a modern edge. Throughout, original pictures, statues and objects d’art create a galleryesque space, while the hotel also incorporates the largest Baccarat chandelier in Europe. However, the May Fair style is truly epitomised by its twelve signature suites.
The Schiaparelli Suite Named after the designer who first unleashed fuchsia on a glamour-starved world, The Schiaparelli Suite is a sparkling, hot pink icon. The dĂŠcor is uplifting without being overpowering and has served as the setting for numerous glossy photo shoots. Chinese antiques, a fuschia pony-skin feature wall and hand-made furniture are just some of the touches which make this room feel extravagant. The finished result is a loving tribute to retro glamour, designed and furnished with witty style.
INTERIORS
Throws and Things Finishing touches Block colour contemporary vases will help pull most looks together and add that finishing touch, complementing a bold décor rather than fighting with it. This gold vase provides a glamorous edge. Channel Gold Tall Vase, £58, Heal’s, www.heals.co.uk
For the less daring, choosing brightly-coloured soft furnishings is great way of injecting character into a room. Heal’s have numerous styles – from super soft mohair blankets to raspberry toned silk bedspreads. Team with gorgeous flock prints like that of this lovely cushion cover. Pink KAS Ripple Pink Throw, £50 and Pink Mosaic Silk Throw, £215, Heal’s, www.heals.co.uk Namitha Cushion, £25.99, Zara Home, www.zarahome.com
Top Table Whether it’s baroque-style legs or sleek lacquer, bedside tables should be no afterthought. The Schiaparelli proves that interesting shapes and dark woods can work well alongside bright walls. Lacquer Black Bedsides, £195 The French Bedroom Company www.frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk
Light Up Simple and contemporary table lamps avoid detracting from the more elaborate features of a room. This neutral yet attractive design has a glass base with a mottled silver finish. John Lewis Renata Table Lamp, £120, John Lewis www.johnlewis.com
Luxe Lounging Balance fun and fashionable items with a sense of refinement. The scrolled carvings and silk upholstery of this banquette make it an elegant statement piece. Designer Hand-carved Silk and Gilt Bench, £1,404.87, Juliette’s Interiors www.juliettesinteriors.co.uk
Strong Statements This dramatic empire-style headboard fuses modern and classical design features, including dark wood and golden details. Invest in a high quality, timeless design which will transcend trends for years to come. Headboard, from £2,715, Christopher Guy www.christopherguy.com
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Living the
Autumnal dream This autumn, turn over a new leaf and indulge in the well-kept secret that is Ralph Lauren Home, says Alice Tozer
INTERIORS
Brookfield Collection by Ralph Lauren Home
October means autumn good and proper. So, out with the summer rugs ´n shrugs and in with a totally contrasting interior mood. At Ralph Lauren Home, another season always implies a renewed set of furnishing delights. At the core of the Home wing of this eponymous designer range is American style, frontlining sophistication and attention to detail. Ralph Lauren Home is a label that has spread the American (lifestyle) dream worldwide, variously reflecting the New England Coast, Native American culture and Hollywood shimmer and shine. It´s quite possible you live in a cocoon of Ralph Lauren sunglasses and polo shirts, and that the Home range has passed you by. It may be news to learn that the Home wing of Ralph Lauren is up and running with as much success as you would expect from every orifice of this million dollar brand, and has been doing so since 1983. Further still, Mr Ralph Lauren was the first US designer to launch a serious home furnishings collection. Ralph Lauren Home doesn´t stop at luxury beds and wallpapers, but overspills in glorious gilded luxury into the realms of bath linens, beach towels, crystal, china and silver, not omitting lighting, window hardware, furniture, fabric, trimmings and wallpaper. (Laura Ashley should rightly feel inadequate.) For autumn 2011, the Home range is split between The One Fifth collection (a feminine, elegant expression of glamorous deco style and the cinematic allure of old Hollywood) and Brookfield (a fresh translation of thoroughbred estate style). Attention to detail is particularly apparent in The One Fifth collection’s rich variety of material textures which only add comfort to luxury whether it´s the beading on the geometric deco pillows or the handweaving on the Chinoiserie drapes. A piano shawl is embroidered with bronze and trimmed with a silk handknotted fringe, whilst shams and bed blankets are fashioned in silk satin and plush velvet. Brookfield´s greatest achievement is one which Ralph Lauren Home never fails at: an artful mix of styles that would appear totally at odds with one another on paper but which the Home collection merges seamlessly; rustic meets romantic, whilst a classic look cohabits with a pastoral one, both playfully reinvented. A delicious style pastiche.
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Mr Lauren has seen his brand as a whole lifestyle since the start: ‘I didn´t think in terms of making a new set of sheets or a new jacket, but of where this woman lives, what she might do at the weekend, where she’ll go, and who she’ll be with. I see the whole picture.´ Ralph Lauren Home always takes a certain swig of inspiration from the label’s catwalk creations. In this autumn’s Home collections you can observe, for example, a leather buckle tray and desk blotter with Polo Blue grosgrain trim. You can also find an ornately carved rococo revival bed dressed in the finest cloths inspired by classic Ralph Lauren menswear. Italian-made leather and brass stirrup napkin rings feature the signature Ralph Lauren equestrian motif, whilst one entire bedroom in the Home range finds inspiration from the Ralph Lauren runway, with a bohemian mix of luxury and vintage. Bizarre to think that the Ralph Lauren empire started with a mere necktie line in 1967, under the label Polo. Five years later, the trademark Ralph Lauren Polo shirt entered the game. The company is now immense, split essentially into the four areas of apparel, home, accessories and fragrances. The Company’s brand names are a giddying mix of variations on a theme, encompassing Polo by Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Ralph Lauren Collection, Black Label, Blue Label, Lauren by Ralph Lauren, Rugby, Ralph Lauren Childrenswear, American Living, Chaps and Club Monaco. Whilst the brand is American born and bred, it cannot hide a love affair with England and this is undeniably apparent in the Home range, where an English country estate feel is never far away. This international fleck doesn’t stop at the English border but rather continues to reflect Lauren’s vision of how modern people with sophistication live; in other words, exposed to many corners of the globe. Whether it’s the sleek urban aesthetic of a city loft, the natural tones and textures of the desert or the spirit of adventure of safari; the romance of seaside living or the faded florals and classic ticking stripes of American country, Ralph Lauren Home juxtaposes them all.
“I didn´t think in terms of making a new set of sheets or a new jacket, but of where this woman lives, what she might do at the weekend, where she’ll go, and who she’ll be with. I see the whole picture” (Lauren) As adaptable to the world as it is, Ralph Lauren will always be most loyal to a classic look. In the wider context of the recession, one might have expected it to suffer, particularly given that there is reportedly a new general consumer trend of rejecting ‘the classics’ in favour of so-called emotional ´wow´ pieces which re-interpret the classics. Where clothes are concerned, this might imply for instance a basic white shirt but with an outrageous cuff. And yet financial analysts observed just last month that Polo Ralph Lauren appears recession proof with galloping month-upon-month sales and profit gains. By not over-depending on classic terrain but never departing totally from it, Ralph Lauren Home exhibits a visible symbiosis whereby the unexpected ‘wow’ cohabits harmoniously with the trusted ‘classic’.
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J uk e b ox jury The latest generation of multi-zone, WiFi and 3D-ready music and movie jukeboxes for the home swap vinyl and cardboard cover art for MP3s and iPad apps
Whole-house
hints Sound or vision: Do you need multi-room music or movies? Or both?
Remember the jukebox? They’ve come a long way since the dawn of digital; a bunch of new whole house systems can now store your complete collection of digital music and movies – and anything on the Internet – and send it wirelessly to any room in your house. Home entertainment – and entertaining at home – has never been so much fun. Some of these multi-room jukeboxes are controlled by touchscreen remotes, and most have iPhone and iPad apps to let you scroll through cover art and compile playlists on your own device. Others fetch videos from YouTube, stream from Spotify or grab your holiday photos from Flickr. Most systems are constructed thus: your discs – be they CD, DVD and/or Blu-ray – are ripped to a central
media server, which then sprays that content to multiple ‘zones’ in your house. Each zone has to have what’s termed a ‘slave’ unit that you also need to buy, and usually you’ll need to add your own speakers or TV to these units, too. Once you’ve done that, each room can be supplied with music or movies from your collection (or fetched from other sources) simultaneously – while content can even ‘follow’ you around the home. So it’s possible to change rooms halfway though a film, or have a particular CD or playlist ‘sent’ from the study to the bathroom. We’ve hand picked the best multi-room media servers that deal both in audio and video – or both – to help you create the ultimate entertainment system in your home.
Third way: If you have 3D Blu-ray discs, find a system that can handle 3D – not all can. Zoning out: Think about how many rooms you want to entertain – you’ll need equipment for each one. App’y shopper: Download the iPad app, but get a ‘proper’ remote too for shared households – phones aren’t always at home. Turn on: Some systems require your PC or Mac to be constantly switched-on.
INTERIORS
Music miner Sonos is a modular audio-only system that mines for music stored both on a PC in the house, and from online sources (principally Spotify and Last.fm), and it gets better with every Play:5 (£349) slave unit that’s added. Crucially, each Play:5 is also armed with a stereo speaker, making this the most minimalist, fuss-free system around. We’ve used the Sonos extensively and have to say that once the wireless Play:5 units are in a ‘zone’ it’s the iPhone/iPad/Android phone app that brings the smiles; simply pick a zone from the app, and play any song or playlist on your computer anywhere in your house. You can even have different music playing in each zone, control the sound settings and volume in all zones, and compile playlists as you go. A less powerful, smaller Play:3 (£259) is also available. Sonos Play:5 From £349 www.sonos.com
Depth charge
Ace of base
Clad in a slinky black brushed aluminum chassis, this multi-room system is about as comprehensive as it gets; 300 Blu-ray or 1,500 DVD movies can be ripped to a massive 12 terabyte server – and that includes 3D. Also able to handle music, photos and online media, the Solo 2 3D (£3,780) is the engine room – attach up to four Mozaex Blu-ray players (£1,550) to simultaneously play any media at any time in up to five rooms. Fitted with a super-fast Intel i3 processor, the components within the Solo 2 3D are top class, though 3D fans should know that the system is only compatible with 3D TVs and 3D Blu-ray players from Panasonic, Sony and Samsung.
What we love most about this system is its integration with Spotify. As well as storing your complete CD collection, albums from Spotify can be browsed, played and even ‘pinned’ permanently to the screen. It’s a great feature for music fans, and the way the cover art from albums, movies and even material from web sources (like Last.FM, YouTube, Flickr, BBC News) can be flicked through onscreen is almost Apple-esque. It’s also scalable; the 3D-ready Base3D Media Server can be used in a single room or easily expanded by adding Link devices to create HD video-zones anywhere in a home.
Mozaex Solo 2 3D From £3,780 www.mozaex.com
DF Solutions BASE media server and Link client £1,999 and £1,299 www.dfsolutions.co.uk
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INTERIORS
British is best British hi-fi has an enviable reputation, and it’s easy to see why on this next generation audio system from Salisbury-based Naim. Three products – the NaimUniti (£2,495), UnitiQute (£1,425) and UnitiServe (£2,095) – combine to can stream music across a home network, from a USB thumb drive, or from online radio stations. Easy to set-up and control thanks to a Uniti app for an iPhone, the NaimUniti includes an iPod dock and the UnitiServe stores ripped CDs, but it’s the UnitiQute device that’s crucial – put one in each room (plus speakers) and a high-end, whole-house hi-fi system is yours. Naim UnitiSystem From £1,425 www.naimaudio.com
What about the kids?
Plug-and-play
Access to your complete collection of movies and more is great, but what about the kids? If they’re awake early on a Sunday morning the last thing you want is to be the only person that can ‘make the telly work’. Step forward Kaleidescape’s CinemaOne, a DVD movie server that’s less technically capable than other systems, but carefully designed for children. A single product able to store 225 DVDs or 2,500 CDs – yet as easy to install as a DVD player – the CinemaOne allows a movie to be watched in one room while music is played in another. Best of all, it instantly switches to a simplified user interface when the brightly coloured Child Remote is used, though parents have complete control over available content.
Also embracing video is this high-end system from Vivadi. Able to handle almost any digital source of entertainment, this custom-configured system of specialised PCs, servers and streamers is a modular multi-room system. It achieves maximum quality audio and video but for minimum spend. Vivadi offers three levels of performance, starting with its four roomcapable Family (£2,999), 3D-ready Luxury (£3,999) and ten room Premier (£8,999) system. Each is designed to be plug-and-play, with media streamers feeding off the contents – and internet connectivity – of a central Media PC that stores Blu-ray, DVD, CD, MP3 and photo data. Facebook and YouTube can also be accessed, most easily from an iPad app that also displays cover art and artist biographies.
Kaleidescape Cinema One £4,195 www.kaleidescape.com
Vivadi home server systems From £2,999 www.karma-av.co.uk
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www.vgnewtrend.it
ph. Andrea Pancino C
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inspirations vision
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www.idesign-int.com info@inspirationsoftickhill.co.uk Tel: 01302 760040
LIFESTYLE
Peerless Precision Designed to be as much a high-performance sail boat as a spectacular space to stay in, Beneteau’s new fifty-footer has made the market its own
Beneteau’s groundbreaking Sense 50’ has been making waves ever since it was unveiled at the Cannes Boat Show last year. Having been described as a complete game-changer by industry experts, the boat was voted Best Production Sailing Yacht Under 51 Feet at this year’s Asia Boating Awards. Leading the field in stylish living and home comforts, from bow to stern the Sense 50’ has been engineered to provide for luxurious, extended periods of time on board. Internal spaces have been studied in terms of shape, function and navigation to ensure that living quarters are airy and well thought out, while externally, a chined, 14.98-metre hull and twin rudders make for superlative performance out on the waves. Revolutionary not just in its layout, the Sense 50’ is available with Beneteau’s new Dock and Go docking system. The system, which synchronises a pivoting saildrive base and bowthruster via a joystick, makes berthing the boat in a restricted space effortless, even allowing you to pivot the beauty in place whilst driving it sideways. www.beneteau.com
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Life in the
Fast Lane Matthew Carter talks to motor racing legend Sir Stirling Moss about retirement, modern F1, London and how he got that name
MOTORING
For most 81-year-olds, a drive in the country usually means a gentle run in a family hatchback down a leafy B-road on a summer afternoon. For Sir Stirling Moss OBE, however, it means racing his Porsche RS61 in the Le Mans Legends event. Or rather, it used to mean racing at Le Mans. This year Moss drove back to the pits in the middle of qualifying, got out of the car and announced his retirement. “I scared myself and I always said that if I felt I was not up to it or that I was getting in the way of fellow competitors, then I would retire,” he said. The decision brought to an end a remarkable career that began in 1948 when he was just eighteen. Between then and 1962 he took part in 529 races, winning 212 of them. He won the British Grand Prix twice and the Monaco Grand Prix three times. He also won the great road races of the era – the Mille Miglia and the Targa Florio – as well as top sports car races like the Tourist Trophy. Just about the only race he didn’t win was the Le Mans 24 Hours. “I hated Le Mans. Back then it wasn’t a race… I was a racing driver yet I was being told to drive carefully rather than race. I was told not use too many revs to preserve the engine, to be gentle with the brakes. I couldn’t be doing with that. These days, it is most definitely a race.” Moss never won the Formula 1 World Championship either. He got closest in 1958 when he missed the title by one point. He won the last race of the season but the six points Mike Hawthorn claimed for coming second was enough to give his British rival the title, even though Moss won four races that season to Hawthorn’s one. He never got as close again, finishing third in the title fight in 1959, 1961 and 1969 largely because he preferred to drive British cars, even if they were outclassed by the German or Italian opposition. He said at the time: “It’s better to lose honourably in a British car than win in a foreign one.” Today he explains his rationale. “You’ve got to remember that back then memories of the war were still fresh in people’s minds and patriotism was all important. Whenever I could I drove British.” His top-flight career finished, however, at Goodwood in 1962, when he had a high speed accident in a Lotus. The crash put him in a coma for a month, partially paralysed the left side of his body for six months and led to his (first) retirement. Even though he was no longer an active racing driver, his name remained a byword for speed. Time after time police would stop an errant motorist with the words: “Who do you think you are, Stirling Moss?” It even happened to Moss himself, “though I’m not sure whether the policeman was taking the piss or not.” Was he speeding? “Er, can’t remember,” comes the cautious reply. Either way, he has his father to thank for ‘the greatest advert’ he could have wished for, his memorable moniker. “My mother wanted to call me Hamish,” he recalls, “but my father, thankfully, wouldn’t hear of it. I was named after my mother’s home town in Scotland.” Sir Stirling made a racing comeback in 1980 driving an Audi in the British Touring Car Championship alongside his team-mate, a young Martin Brundle. It was not a success. “The worst decision I ever made. It was the first time I’d raced a front-wheel drive car and my first time on slick tyres.” More success – and much more fun – came with a subsequent move to historic racing, Moss campaigning the sort of cars he raced when they were new. Although he has now announced his (second) retirement, he won’t stray too far from the racetrack, remaining an insightful commentator on modern F1. “This season seems to be very exciting though I do worry there are too many ‘gizmos’ that can affect the result, such as the moveable wings and so on.” But he is a fan of KERS – the Kinetic Energy Recovery
System, which uses energy created under braking to recharge a battery powered electric motor to give a brief burst of extra power for overtaking. “It’s something for nothing, isn’t it? Every road car will have a similar system in the near future,” he says. Speaking of road cars, Moss has always preferred small city cars when driving around London. He was one of the first to own a Mini back in the Sixties and today has just presented Lady Moss – his wife Susie – with a compact Aston Martin Cygnet which wears his famous number plate SM 7. And he remains resolutely a Londoner. Not even at the height of his fame was he tempted to move to a tax haven overseas. “Good heavens, no. London is the centre of the world. It was, and is, the only place to live.” Sir Stirling has lived in Mayfair since the 1950s and built his current house on Shepherd Street in the early 60s. “I was very fortunate to get one of the last bomb sites in the centre of Mayfair, south facing and in a cul de sac, where I was able to build my house.” Famously full of high-tech gadgets, it was here that Moss had another, more recent, accident. He went to step into the lift but it had failed to arrive and he fell to the bottom of the shaft, damaging his ankles. “Susie was magnificent. She ran down the stairs to comfort me almost as fast as I fell. I was very fortunate that an ambulance was in the neighbourhood and whisked me to hospital in no time.” Now fully recovered, he will continue to do demonstration runs at events like the Goodwood Revival. Sir Stirling also participates at Chelsea AutoLegends, an event of which he is the Patron. Held in the grounds of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea – home of the Chelsea Pensioners - Chelsea AutoLegends provides a remarkable showcase of some of the most iconic competition cars and bikes ever built. Le Mans racers, historic rally cars, supercars and classic bikes are all on show. “I went to the first AutoLegends show last year and loved it. There were so many fabulous cars and familiar faces there, that I was delighted when they asked me to be Patron.” He might have retired, but Sir Stirling shows no sign of slowing down. www.chelseaautolegends.com
Photography: Matt Sills
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TO MARK THE LAUNCH OF THE ALL NEW TOP GEAR LIVE AT EXCEL (24-27 NOVEMBER) WE ARE HOSTING AN EXCLUSIVE GALA EVENING IN ASSOCIATION WITH PARAMOUNT HOME ENTERTAINMENT ON THE 24TH NOVEMBER 2011.
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MOTORING
More Kubangs FOR YOUR BUCK
Matthew Carter gets down and dirty with Maserati
What does the name Maserati conjure up for you? Probably luxury sports cars, high performance saloons and, if you’re a little older, race winning Grand Prix cars too. Not SUVs. But that’s about to change. One of the biggest surprises at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show was the Kubang, a large 4x4 wearing the Maserati Trident badge in the middle of its large grille. While the purists might shudder, there’s a sound business reason for Maserati making a mudplugger, though the chances of one ever getting its wheels dirty are remote. The luxury sport ‘utility’ vehicle is everywhere – Range Rover, Audi Q7, Infiniti FX, BMW X6 – so why not produce a high-riding Maserati with dynamic looks and performance to match? That’s the theory behind Kubang. The practicalities behind the car, though, are rather more prosaic. Maserati
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is owned by Fiat which now also owns Chrysler and Jeep. Yes, under that handsome body lies the 4x4 technology (and much else) of the new Jeep Grand Cherokee. At least it does for the show car, still officially described as a concept. The production version, however, will be infused with Maserati DNA, the firm promises. Looks, engine, suspension, brakes, handling and performance will all be pure Maserati, in “picture-perfect continuity with the brand’s core values of sportiness, style, elegance, luxury, performance and craftsmanship”, so they say. Maserati is also promising an all-new engine designed under the watchful eye of Paolo Martinelli, a past engine chief of the Ferrari F1 team (another brand in the Fiat portfolio). Watch out, Range Rover.
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Lady KILLER Hot rod or refined sports tourer? As far as Matthew Carter can see, Merc’s C63 AMG Coupé is a bit of both… and he gets a driving lesson at the same time
MOTORING
“God, that was fun,” said the driver, a leading UK motoring hack. A colleague concurred. “I was completely sideways on one of those turns,” he said, a huge grin lighting up his face. They and two more scribes had just returned to the pits after three or four laps of a tight and twisty race track near Seville in Spain in the brand new Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, the hottest version yet of the C-Class Coupé. To point out the best racing line – or, more prosaically, to ensure that no-one got lost – they’d been sent out line astern behind a professional, a Mercedes works racer. The difference between those who can and those who think they can was never more profoundly stated. As the motoring writers took off their crash helmets, they revealed red faces covered in sweat, bodies drenched in perspiration from the effort. The professional, on the other hand, looked immaculate. Not a hair out of place, not a bead of sweat, the red of her perfectly varnished nails contrasting dramatically with the brilliant white of her corporate shirt. Granted, Susie Stoddart had been driving the ultimate AMG machine, a gullwing SLS handsomely more powerful than the C63, but hers had been a gentle drive in the country, interrupted by the occasional need to get on the intercom and ask the stragglers at the back to keep up, please. Scottish-born, Swiss-domiciled Stoddart has been a Mercedes DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) race driver for five years, participating alongside (and often beating) the likes of David Coulthard in one of the fastest and most technical touring car race series in the world. She’s a slip of a thing but superbly talented behind the wheel. Watching her from the passenger seat of the SLS made more sense to me than trying to keep up in a C63 which is the only reason I, too, wasn’t red of face. I know my place in the driver hierarchy. And besides, though it might be fun; thrashing a road car on the track is usually misleading. More important is to discover how it behaves in everyday use, that is whether the AMG package lifts what’s a pretty fine machine in normal guise to new heights. And it does. Replacing the lacklustre CLK and CLC models of the past – both being unhappy three-door variants of the C-class saloon rather than true sporting versions – the new C-class coupé looks and drives the part. A rival for the handsome but soulless Audi A5 and the default choice that is the BMW 3-series coupé, the new Merc combines style with traditional M-B solidity. More tourer than racer, perhaps, the top logical choice is probably the C250 CDI auto, a turbo-charged four-cylinder diesel that delivers a fair turn of speed with remarkable good economy. But the C63 AMG is something else. Who cares about logic? A rival for the M3, at its heart is M-B’s awesome 6.2-litre V8 delivering 457 bhp to the rear wheels. Not enough? An extra £5,200 will buy you the Performance
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Package Plus which brings with it another 30bhp. This is an old-fashioned (in the proper sense of the word) performance car: big engine up front, rear-wheel drive, wellsorted suspension free from too many electronic chassis gimmicks. It’s a hot rod, pure and simple, and at its heart is that glorious V8. Hand assembled by AMG, M-B’s performance arm, the twin turbo 6.2-litre V8, delivers on every level. At low speeds it has grunt to spare while at the top end it’s capable of frankly terrifying turns of speed. It will happily rumble around town but the second you show it a piece of clear road, it explodes. Jekyll and Hyde has nothing on the C63. It takes just 4.5 seconds to get to 62 mph (4.4 seconds and a top speed of 175mph rather than the capped 155mph max of the standard car if you opt for the performance package) and the performance accompanied by a deep bass scream from that V8. Yes it has a drink problem (you’ll be lucky to get anywhere near the quoted 23.5 mpg average) but this engine is so damn wonderful that it’s bound to be an endangered species. No-one’s allowed to have this much fun any more.
This engine is so damn wonderful that it’s bound to be an endangered species
In brief Car:
Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupé Price:
£56,665 Engine:
6,208 cc V8-cylinder petrol Power:
457 hp Performance:
155 mph max, 0-62 mph in 4.5 seconds Drive:
Rear-wheel drive
The rest of the car matches the engine. The seven speed auto box, complete with a Race Start mode, cannot be beaten while the chassis offers a brilliant compromise between touring car comfort and sports car sharpness and agility. It’s perhaps not quite as racy as the M3 but it’s a far better all-rounder. As you’d expect, it comes bristling with all manner of safety equipment – all with three letter acronyms – though, as ever, it’s perfectly possible to bump up the sticker price by plundering the options list (carbon fibre interior trim package, £1,635, anyone?). The interior is, perhaps, a tad sombre in a functional M-B way and although it’s the same overall length as the C saloon, the rear quarters of the coupé are a little cramped, but this is the only criticism. More rounded than the M3 and far superior, dynamically, to the Audi S5, the C63 AMG Coupé is a fine machine. Still, one thing was lacking from the test drive. Sitting in the passenger seat alongside Ms. Stoddart in the SLS around the track was fun but ultimately proved little. It would have been far more illuminating to sit alongside her in the C63 out on the open road: I’ve a hunch that it really would have been a case of woman and machine in perfect harmony.
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Travel
News Goodbye Airmiles, Hello Avios
10 Great EXPAND YOUR MIND places to find happiness If you love the idea of For those stuck when it comes to choosing their next holiday destination, why not look to the experts for some direction? “Fulfillment, good food, good weather, families intact and a sense that [holidaymakers] don’t have a desire to look for something elsewhere” is the criteria suggested by Paul Theroux, the critically acclaimed travel writer, who recently shared his top ten destinations with Larry Olmsted for USA TODAY: • Maine, USA • Orkney Islands, UK • Bali • Costa Rica • Egypt • Thailand • Malawi • Hawaii • Sicily, Italy • Trobriand Islands, Papua New Guinea
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a tropical paradise but worry you might get bored after a week of sunbathing, why not take a relaxing masterclass? The Orient Express Group is now offering Balinese masterclasses at the Ubud Hanging Gardens, with a selection of activities to tempt you off the sun-lounger. From Head Chef cooking lessons using local seasonal ingredients to painting classes with traditional artist Dana – or tuition in Tibetan Yoga and Chakra Meditation – there is something for every mood. Masterclasses start from $54US (£33) and nightly rates at the hotel start from $380US (£235) based on two sharing a Riverside Deluxe Pool Villa including breakfast and afternoon tea.
Following the merger between British Airways and Iberia, the popular travel rewards scheme AirMiles is being rebranded as Avios. The loyalty schemes from both airlines will be amalgamated under parent company International Airline Group from 16 November, offering benefits to existing customers including the ability to take one-way flights and obtain cabin upgrades. However, users will also be required to pay taxes, fees and charges on their flights. “The news will come as a real blow to AirMiles loyalty programme members” says Chris Nixon, MD Kelkoo Travel. “What was previously seen as a fantastic free perk may lead to some members deserting the new Avios scheme for other loyalty programmes. If you want to reap the full benefits of your AirMiles, you still have time to use them before the changes are introduced.” www.airmiles.co.uk
Visit www.ubudhanginggardens.com or call the Orient-Express reservations team on 0845 077 2222
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noble nights in
Florence Kate Harrison enjoys a romantic weekend in Florence at a restored, aesthetic marvel of a hotel where it’s all part of the process to come, see and stay in bed
TRAVEL
Everyone would like to stay in a royal suite, wouldn’t they? To be frank, a simple suite is quite an upgrade from the standard four walls of a hotel room in my world. The big screen has romanticised and characterised the hotel suite; scenes of frolicking around in Pretty Woman and Carrie’s exuberant stay in Paris with The Russian in Sex and the City come to mind. At the Four Seasons Hotel in Florence, a suite is – happily – what you are likely to end up with, as almost a third of the accommodation is arranged as such. What’s more, magnificent frescoes and friezes will adorn your walls and ceilings, lending you a feeling of residing in a cosy art gallery rather than a bedroom; a special type of gallery where you can kick off your heels, raise your voice and wear out the furniture, all the while imagining life as a Florentine noble (as best you possibly can). I came to Florence for a romantic weekend break with my husband as so many do. I like to think ours was
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one to savour a little more than the average though, as it was on the cusp of our transition to first time parenthood. Samuel Johnson is quoted as saying that someone “who has not been in Italy is always conscious of an inferiority, from his not having seen what it is expected a man should see.” Today, there’s a palpable sense of duty for the well-travelled UK holidaygoer who wants to keep conversation flowing to have ‘done Tuscany’. As the regional capital of Tuscany and one of the most stunning cities in Italy, and arguably the world, Florence is both the Tuscan virgin and the romantic couple’s best bet. Founded by Julius Caesar himself, it is also of course the wine lifeblood of Italy, if not Europe. Guests at Four Seasons Florence (‘Firenze’ in Italian) can stay in either the 15th-century Palazzo della Gherardesca or the Coventino, a 16th-century former convent. Importantly for most these days, Renaissance artistry cohabits with high-tech comfort. Each suite is
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TRAVEL
unique but all are decorated in wonderfully bright Tuscan hues and come with sensational garden views. One step further in the direction of contact with nature lies the hotel’s exclusive garden suite, La Villa, and the garden suite to outdo all others is the Della Gherardesca Royal Suite, where a long vaulted reception gallery contains five broad windows overlooking its own botanical park, the Giardino della Gherardesca. There is something incredibly special about staying in a hotel that has reinvigorated an old property. The Four Seasons Florence is the result of one such restoration project. Knowing someone used to live in your hotel injects the place with a home-away-from-home quality. Never mind that previous residents might have had a rather different concept of the word ‘home’ to you and me (Four Seasons Florence was formerly the home of a Pope and five centuries of Florentine nobility). Stepping inside these folks’ home of yore gives visitors the chance to view artworks ranging from the 15th to the 19th century in their original context and in the knowledge that a meticulous process went into unearthing them (in this case seven years). Family emblems and shields only add to the sensation of human warmth. Eighteenth-century novelist Fanny Burney wrote that “travelling is the ruin of all happiness! There’s no looking at a building after seeing Italy.” The Four Seasons Florence should definitely be approached with such a warning. The hotel meets all expectations in terms of life beyond the Suite, should you choose to explore it. There’s
“A man who has not been in Italy is always conscious of an inferiority, from his not having seen what it is expected a man should see” (Samuel Johnson)
the two-storey spa with high quality herbal treatments used by 13th century monks. Italian dining can be experienced at Il Palagio restaurant where fifty excellent wines are on offer, and that’s just including those by the glass. You’ll not be wanting for your outdoor pool, gym or hair salon either. What is now the hotel’s backyard was built in the 1470s for Bartolommeo Scala. Known as the Giardino della Gherardesca, it is, incidentally, Florence’s largest private garden. Back in the day it was a truly secret garden of unexpected botanical delights used for plant collections, particularly azaleas, and it even housed a ragnaia (a grove designed to catch small birds). The present garden, made in the 18th century, is a pathriddled haven of shrubs, trees, an Ionic temple and a tepidarium (the warm area of a Roman bath). Go beyond these eleven all-encompassing acres and you’re surrounded by spectacular, varied countryside, thanks to Florence’s position in the basin of the Arno River. Beyond what we might be accustomed to expect in a hotel, this one has its own chapel where the noble family used to pray; a small window in the ceiling of the chapel allowed family members to peer in at services from the floor above, should they not have the inclination to attend. But the greatest achievement of Four Seasons Florence is that amid the stuccoes, bas reliefs and silks, there is not an iota of pretentiousness to be found. This is in harmony with the laid-back charm of Florence itself, credited to the social consciousness underpinning Renaissance humanist ideals. These philosophers believed fervently in the worth of the individual and would no doubt have understood the pleasure of having not just a room but a rich architectural suite of one’s own. For more information please visit www.fourseasons.com/florence
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Kate Harrison enjoys a romantic weekend in Florence at a restored, aesthetic marvel of a hotel where it’s all part of the process to come, see and stay in bed
Lobby, The Chedi
ANCIENT Traditions Hong Kong is an intoxicating mix of old and new, where the modern meets the traditional in perfect harmony Hong Kong has had a turbulent history to say the least. Growing from a scarcely habitable rock into one of the wealthiest urban hubs in the world has been a long and arduous process. A largely neglected island, Hong Kong was attached to the southern province of China and was occupied by farmers, fishermen, and pirates from around 25AD – a quiet life in a place that would one day be home to legions of skyscrapers. Over the next 1,600 years, Hong Kong grew into a small trading post under the Chinese Empire, before being exploited by the British to create a permanent outpost to conduct trade from in the Far East. By 1900 the Chinese increased the land mass of Hong Kong by ninety per cent as the city became dangerously overcrowded. The rise of communism threatened to halt the city’s growth prematurely; however Hong Kong was spared due to its power as a centre for commerce. Using virtually inexhaustible pools of labour from China, Hong Kong has continued to grow. Even now, after the 1997 handover to China, Hong Kong’s highly capitalist system has allowed it to continue amassing a huge source of wealth, and the trendy metropolis shows no signs of slowing. While these days Hong Kong has a cutting edge reputation it still remains tied to its ancient and fascinating heritage; and there is no shortage of ways to enjoy traditional luxury on a visit to the island. To get a real sense of the ancient history steeped in this incredible city,
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The Hong Kong Story at The Hong Kong Museum of History truly puts things in context. Designed as a kind of reconstruction of the last 400 million years, right up to the handover in 1997, the exhibition really involves visitors in the history. Whether it’s through peeping in the windows of the opium dens, wandering through a 6,000 year old jungle, riding a double-decker tram through the 1930s streets, or watching a film on the British invasion from inside a model version of a fort – everything gives you a real sense of the history of this incredible city. A visit to Hong Kong is also not complete without a trip up the Peak to take advantage of the incredible views; travel up via the funicular tram on a near vertical climb. Once you’ve absorbed the scenery, enjoy lunch at the Peak Café, a romantic Oriental-style restaurant, with views over the jungle on the south side of the island. For the full colonial experience you should also check out the oldest Anglican Church in Asia, St John’s Cathedral (Po Lam Road North, New Territories, www.stjohnscathedral.org.hk) and spend some time on the waterfront, at Kowloon’s promenade, with its various museums and shops. Finally, don’t miss Hong Kong Park, a landscaped urban park, with 600+ birds in the spectacular aviary (19 Cotton Tree Drive, www.lcsd.gov.hk/parks) and Victoria Harbour where you can watch the ships, ferries and modern-day junks criss-cross the water. Visit the nearby beaches or enjoy dim sum on Lamma Island (Central Pier, www.starferry.com.hk).
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Anissa lamé-dotted silk-chiffon gown, Diane von Furstenberg, £900, www.net-a-porter.com
Cream silk dressing gown, The White Company, £55, www.thewhitecompany.com Ladies flower umbrella in violet with violet flower, Aspinal of London, £160, www.aspinaloflondon.com
One shoulder dress in blue, CH Caroline Hererra, £780, www.carolinaherrera.com
Leather hobo bag in blue, Versace, £1,265, www.net-a-porter.com
Firming serum, Eve Lom, £75, www.evelom.com
Vervine bath set, The White Company, £40, www.thewhitecompany.com
Interlinked gold bangles, CH Carolina Herrera, £205, www.carolinaherrara.com
LIST ury suites, O D 4 lux China UST e has 5
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Candy case in blue croc, Aspinal of London, £795, www.aspinaloflondon.com
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Spa Retreat
Home & Away Melanie Williams discovers two of the world’s most luxurious spas, each offering a unique and memorable experience, one on UK shores and the other a little further afield
Cowley Manor, Gloucestershire, UK Tucked away in the Gloucestershire countryside, just 35 miles from picturesque Oxford, is one of the UK’s most unique spa retreats. Cowley Manor is a remarkably contemporary country-house hotel, where 1850s architecture is offset against the very trendiest modern décor. Surreal papier-mâché hunting trophies make ironic reference to the former life of the country house, while the juxtaposition of flamboyant lime walls, lurid red laminate tables and cowhide upholstered window seats challenges the eye and arouses the senses. The impressive dining room restaurant combines classical architecture with elegant modern elements, a striking combination which is matched by the menu’s culinary fusions of traditional and modern. The thirty guest rooms are filled with enthralling
gadgets and gizmos whilst the bathrooms are positively palatial, with limestone double basins and drench head showers. The hotel sits in beautiful wild grounds, which feature four lakes and an ornamental Victorian cascade. To the north of the manor house, set into the lovingly cultivated garden, is the renowned modernist C-spa. Conceived as an enclosed landscape, the spa harmoniously draws upon and blends with its natural surroundings, thanks to minimalist lines, protracted glass walls and large expanses of cool, dark slate. With a wide range of treatments, from the popular acupressure and reflexology massages to the lavender and Dead Sea salt body scrub, there are therapies to suit your every need. For an altogether stimulating and rejuvenating getaway, visit Cowley Manor. www.cowleymanor.com
HEALTH & BEAUTY
Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos, The Caribbean Parrot Cay nestles in a secluded corner of its own 1,000-acre unspoilt island in the Turks & Caicos. A truly beautiful Caribbean paradise, with sparkling, powdersoft white sand beaches and azure blue water, it is a sanctuary for complete relaxation and rejuvenation: a luxurious hideaway from the rest of the world. The surrounding coral reef teems with exotic sealife and the verdant island is home to over 175 species of bird, notably flamingos and hummingbirds. The modern colonial style of Parrot Cay, with its whitewashed walls and teak furniture, is fresh and inviting. The rooms’ four poster beds are swathed in white draping and finished with crisp white linen, whilst the private open-air veranda daybeds are ideal
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retreats to unwind with a holiday read or a refreshing early evening cocktail. The COMO Shambhala Retreat at Parrot Cay, where COMO Shambhala cuisine is pioneered, is world-renowned. State-of-the-art facilities are housed in traditional style ylang-ylang, stone and sun-bleached wood huts overlooking the island wetlands. In addition to highly experienced specialist staff, COMO Shambhala’s Retreat weeks with the world’s best yoga teachers were pioneered at this resort. With various wellness and beauty programmes on offer, adaptable to your stay, you are guaranteed to leave feeling completely rejuvenated. www.parrotcay.como.bz
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Crouch – Touch – Pause – Engage Experiencing difficulties, stiffness or pain when binding in a scrum?
Our specialist units: The Knee Unit
Whether you’re professional or amateur, conditions and injuries affecting your knees, shoulders, hips and back can have a major impact on your enjoyment of rugby.
The Spinal Unit
The Wellington Hospital offers a variety of orthopaedic services by internationally renowned consultants and highly specialist therapists, to provide expert management for all orthopaedic conditions including, ACL Knee Injuries, Facet Syndrome, Groin Strain, Herniated Disc and Shoulder Bursitis.
The Pain Medicine Unit
The Foot & Ankle Unit The Shoulder Unit London Hip Arthroscopy Centre
For an expert consultation call our team today The Wellington Hospital, Wellington Place, St Johns Wood, London NW8 9LE Tel 020 7483 5148 | Fax 020 7483 5618 | wellington.enquiryhelpline@hcahealthcare.co.uk | www.thewellingtonhospital.com
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In honour of the arrival of luxurious Dutch hair care brand Fuente at Harrods, Urban Retreat have developed a highly glamorous and exclusive blow drying service which combines the rarest natural ingredients with relaxing massage and the technical expertise of resident creative director Flavian Abbas. The Fuente formulation is backed up by extensive scientific research and includes the skin of organic white truffle, pure diamond dust and meteorite extracts to restore the hair to its finest possible condition. The effectiveness of the treatment is encouraged by an intensive hot stone cranial massage which can also help to stimulate hair growth and guarantees the highest level of relaxation for clients over the course of one and a half hours. Clients are also gifted with full sized bottles of both the Shampoo and Reconditioner Conditioner, which allows them to continue nourishing their hair and enjoying its glossy finish long after they leave Urban Retreat.
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The World’s Most Expensive Blowdry, £320 Fifth Floor, Harrods SW1X 7XL
White Out
Raw Fairies 5-day detox Combining the skills of Cordon-Bleu trained chef Anya Ladra with the nutritional expertise of Christina Agnew, Raw Fairies is the number one luxury food delivery service in London. The concept is to aid detoxification and for five days, Monday to Friday, clients receive a selection of gourmet raw food, fresh fruit and vegetable juices and nutritionist-designed supplements. Combining raw and organic ingredients provide vitamins and minerals and avoids the loss of energising enzymes through cooking. Our tester slept better, had more energy and clearer skin and lost four pounds. Whether you want to trim down before a holiday or special event or kick start a healthier lifestyle, Raw Fairies packages, discreetly delivered to your home or office, makes detoxing and healthy eating simple, easy and convenient. Raw Fairies 5-day detox, £295 www.rawfairies.com
Love your Skin Aromatherapy Associates is simply one of the most adored beauty brands in the marketplace, sought after for its renowned pampering and healing qualities. The range is used at some of the capital’s best spas, such as The Dorchester, and we can’t do without their divine Nourishing Face Oil, a rich treatment which soothes and heals as your skin reacts to seasonal changes.
Glasses of delicious red wine and rich foods might be lovely, but they can stain the teeth. Recover a Hollywood-worthy smile with this uber popular whitening kit. The set contains an easy-to-use brightening formula as well as a touchup stick and toothpaste to maintain the results. Go All Out Deluxe Set, £115, Space NK, www.spacenk.com
Nourishing Face Oil, £37, Aromatherapy Associates www.aromatherapyassociates.com
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HEALTH & BEAUTY
Think Pink
this October Many of you may have spotted those familiar pink ribbons springing up in stores this month – it’s all for a good cause, and one which affects men as well as women
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ach year survival rates for breast cancer improve. Thanks to medical research and a surge in public awareness, treatments have evolved and early detection has increased. But despite this, it’s still a major health issue. Recent statistics show that one person every 10 minutes is diagnosed with breast cancer; and this includes men too. Though breast cancer in men is much rarer, there are still around 300 cases diagnosed every year. At present not enough is yet known about the condition to determine whether it is completely preventable, but there are certain factors that may reduce your risk. Studies have shown that women who breastfeed, maintain a healthy weight, do regular exercise and have a low intake of saturated fat and alcohol, may potentially lower their changes of developing the disease. As with most health issues age plays a significant role; the older you are, the more susceptible you become to breast cancer. For those women over 50, attending invites to regular screenings is essential, whilst for men and younger women being aware of the symptoms is increasingly important.
What to look out for:
The most important thing to look for is any change in your breasts: • • • • • • • •
Changes in the shape or size Changes in skin textures such as puckering or dimpling An inverted nipple A lump or thickening of breast tissue Redness or a rash on the skin or around the nipple Discharge from one or both nipples Constant pain in the breast or armpit Swelling in the armpit or around the collarbone
Remember, if you notice any of these changes, don’t delay, contact your GP. Time is a vital factor when it comes to your health; the earlier any condition is detected, the better the chance of an excellent outcome - breast cancer is no different. Show your support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month by being pro-active and encouraging your friends and family to Think Pink too.
For more information and advice about breast cancer, including support services and details about how you can get involved with the campaign visit: www.breastcancercare.org.uk www.macmillan.org.uk www.breastcancercampaign.org
First Class Breast Care With breast cancer being one of the most highly diagnosed cancers among women in the UK, not only is it imperative for women to regularly check their breasts, but to have easy access to first-rate services too Later this month The Wellington Hospital opens its new Breast Cancer Unit, where patients will be offered a premium service, delivered by leading consultants in the breast cancer field. The team will include breast surgeons, reconstructive breast surgeons, oncologists, radiologists and breast cancer nurse
specialists. This multi-disciplinary team will work closely together, combining their specialist knowledge and experience to provide patients with an exceptional service. This one-stop clinic will be supported by the latest imaging technology, which is vital for early detection and improving outcomes. Using this cutting-edge imaging equipment will reduce the number of times patients need to be scanned, decrease waiting times and speed up diagnosis. This service will be available at The Wellington Hospital in St John’s Wood, with digital mammography also available at The Wellington Diagnostics and Outpatients Centre, Golders Green.
For further information and updates, please visit The Wellington Hospital website www.thewellingtonhospital.com or contact the Enquiry Helpline on 020 7483 5148.
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Food & Drink
News
Restaurant Festival Heads to Fortnum’s
Whisky at Vinopolis As part of the London Restaurant Festival, Fortnum & Mason in Piccadilly will be hosting a culinary carnival of their very own. From 3-16 October, diners in the Gallery Restaurant will have the opportunity to taste dishes from a selection of Michelin-starred chefs, including Sat Bains, Daniel Galmiche and Brian Turner CBE. The specially prepared, seasonal menus aim to reflect an eclectic signature style, using a range of regional produce sourced from all over the British Isles.
For readers who love a dram of vintage single malt, this year’s Whisky Show, held on 7-8 October at London’s Vinopolis is not to be missed. Ticket holders will get to experience an unrivalled range of rare and limited edition whiskies from around the world, as well as master classes from industry experts.
Lunch starts from £33, whilst a three-course dinner starts from £53.
www.whisky-show.com
For reservations call 0845 602 5694 or email restaurants@fortnumandmason.co.uk
Rib Room Returns Fifty years after it first opened its doors, Knightsbridge’s The Rib Room Bar & Restaurant has been given a new lease of life. The new look restaurant will feature an English countryside-themed cocktail bar, two private dining rooms and a unique cigar terrace. As well as the signature Aberdeen Angus rib of beef, Michelin-starred head chef Ian Rudge puts his own feel to the menu with a host of new modern British dishes, including buttered native lobster tail with caramelised baby fennel, braised gem hearts and pear cider.
Vino Italiano makes web splash A brand new UK online retailer specialising in premium Italian wines is aiming to offer access to a huge array of locally produced hidden gems from some of Italy’s most exciting wineries. Design Wine has an evolving collection of over 100 premium wines, from a number of regions, including Tuscany, Piermont as well as the islands to the south of Italy, updated on a weekly basis. The website also offers online sommelier support for the novice wine lover and seasoned connoisseur alike. www.designwine.co.uk
Bathing in Gin With the thirst for premium gin continuing its phenomenally successful path, independent bottlers Master of Malt have gone back to the 1920s with their latest offering, recreating the flavour and style of the American Speakeasy. Professor Cornelius Ampleforth’s Bathtub Gin is blended in extremely small batches, using only five botanicals, to highlight its predominant juniper-heavy character. Perfect for a cheeky afterhours Martini. £31.95 www.masterofmalt.com
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Theo’s
Theory
London’s maestro of Italian cuisine, Theo Randall, is about to celebrate five years in charge of running his first restaurant at the Park Lane InterContinental Hotel. Neil Ridley pops by for a chat about his greatest culinary inspirations and learns a few tips in the process
FOOD & DRINK
There must be a defining moment in every chef’s career when the idea of running a successful restaurant with their name above the door either turns into a sparkling reality or is forever destined to stay an overambitious dream. In Theo Randall’s case, it has taken a little while but then again, when visiting his eponymouslytitled restaurant, one can see why. Randall is not a chef to concern himself with whatever cuisine is trending this season. Instead the Italian food he serves has an almost rustic, timeless appeal, despite the glossy surroundings of a five-star hotel. Theo Randall’s passage into the realm of the mainstream chef has seen him work closely with the award-winning Alice Waters at Chez Panisse in California, but for a decade and a half he was an integral part of London’s now legendary River Café restaurant, with a large proportion of his tenure spent as Head Chef. I ask him exactly where his fascination with Italian food comes from and what the biggest influence has been on his career so far. “Growing up with very foodie parents, it’s quite difficult not to develop a huge love of food,” he points out. “Most of my formative experiences were on regular family holidays to rural Italy, where there’s an amazing freeness and simplicity to the food. I remember a trip to Venice in particular and tasting Spaghetti alle Vongole for the first time - such an incredible flavour, yet so simple to prepare.” So does he still get time to explore Italy when the need for inspiration strikes? “I usually travel back to Italy about six times a year and I always find something new and amazing to try out from the regions,” he explains. “The cooking in northern Italy is more rustic, almost French-influenced and much more Moroccaninfluenced to the south, with such an array of spices. But it’s not just the diversity that influences me,” he points out. “It’s the quality of the ingredients, the freshness of the olive oil, the ripeness of the tomatoes. Visiting Italy is a great way to give your self-belief a lift. I don’t have an Italian bone in my body,” he jokes, “but I feel like I’ve got an Italian Soul!” A large proportion of Theo’s current menu is dedicated to fish and shellfish, including ‘Sea Bass, scallops and wood-smoked Monkfish on rosemary skewers’ and ‘Turbot, combined with freshly roasted
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Italian peppers and sweet Datterini plum tomatoes’, perfectly highlighting the freshness of the catch. The restaurant is also highly regarded for its pasta and I’m keen to ask Theo for a few tips on producing great fresh strands of the stuff at home. “The key is to find the right recipe you’re happy with and stick to it,” he explains. “A few of the recipes I come across use a lot of whole eggs, which gives the pasta an unwanted fluffiness. I use 20 egg yokes to 1kg of flour in my pasta and it gives you this wonderfully rich colour.” The quality of the recipe is succinctly demonstrated in my primi of Spaghetti con Aragosta, the pasta brimming with flavour and a silky, light texture. The same goes for Theo’s ‘Amalfi Lemon Tart’, a dish that is surely fast becoming a standout at the InterContinental. “It’s a recipe that’s travelled around with me from the River Café and Chez Panisse and is the ultimate in Lemon,” he laughs. “A simple mix of great lemon zest, juice, eggs and sugar. The secret to the rich colour really comes from the Italian eggs I use, where the hens are reared on corn and fresh carrots!” So what’s next for Theo Randall, especially given that the restaurant is building up such an excellent reputation internationally. “Well, there will hopefully be more restaurants and I’m currently working on a new book. (Theo’s first, entitled Pasta was published last year.) “It’s about taking things to another level, but in a manageable way, rather than going crazy and becoming too stressful.” Before I leave Theo to supervise the restaurant’s next service, I’m keen to find out whether he will be practising for his forthcoming appearance on BBC1’s Saturday Kitchen and the programme’s notorious ‘Omelette Challenge’. “I’m currently sitting at 20 seconds, but I’m really keen to break into the teens,” he laughs. “It’s ridiculously competitive though. I can imagine boxes of eggs being used the night before, but not by me - I’ve never found it helped!” And when your eggs are as special as Theo’s, then who can argue with him. Theo Randall at The InterContinental 1 Hamilton Place, London W1J7QY 020 7318 8747, reservations@theorandall.com
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Much Ado about Hugh Annabel Harrison speaks to Hugh Bonneville, currently on our screens as the dashing Earl of Grantham in series two of period drama Downton Abbey
INTERVIEW
“What’s the pay like in movies? Last movie. How much did you get paid?” 15 million dollars. Remember this exchange? Hugh Grant’s bumbling friend Bernie is chatting politely to dinner party guest Anna Scott, oblivious to her movie star status, in the 1999 hit Notting Hill. This memorably funny scene was my first screen encounter with Hugh Bonneville. Now, after ten years as one of the most prolific British actors of his generation, making numerous TV series and although he has fewer credits in the world of film, Hugh’s performance opposite Kate Winslet in 2001’s Iris won him a BAFTA nomination for Best Supporting Actor. However, the biggest door opened to Hugh was Downton Abbey. This period drama was an ITV smash hit, rather oxymoronically for a channel better known for light-hearted Saturday night viewing and soaps. Following a decade where reality shows have “decimated our television schedules”, it was encouraging to see Downton, series one, pulling in more than 12 million viewers. Hugh was understandably very pleased: “It was just lovely to be part of a project that I feel is of good quality and which people responded to so warmly.” Part of Downton’s charm was how much viewers came to care about its characters. Shakespeare, Hugh points out, has an “unmatchable compassion for humanity” and the Downton script taps into this, depicting the joys and sorrows of the human condition vividly; reading it, Hugh “wanted to know what was going to happen to these people; even if I may not have liked some of them, I was intrigued to know what would happen to them.” The viewers agreed, in their millions. They also appreciated the high quality of Downton Abbey, something the cast and crew worked hard to maintain, and which is evident in every scene: “Susanna [Buxton], the costume designer, and Julian, the author of the piece, were absolutely determined to get it right – I must have had five or six costume fittings over one waistcoat!” Does the noticeable increase in the quality of shows like Downton pose a threat to film-making, I wonder? Hugh says yes, explaining that over the last ten or 15 years, with companies airing ambitious projects such as Downton, ”there is a sense of blurring the two [film and television]... the opportunity to have a tenhour map on which to etch this landscape is a gift and a joy.” Happily for Downton Abbey fans present and future, the second series is already weeks into airing on ITV. Its return is due to the fact that Downton proved that there is still an interest in drama: “If you make these quality dramas with high production values, people will watch them.” The second series started in 1916 in the middle of World War One and Hugh promises surprises all round: “The young men are going off to fight, maybe even some older men.” Downton becomes a combination home for officers and there are also new cast members. “We’re aware that we need to keep the standard up but, so far, the standards of the scripts are very high and it’s as good, if not better, than last year.” From our conversation, it is clear that Hugh is a highly intelligent man. He read Theology at Cambridge, but he soon discovered that “the thing [he] really loved was doing theatre rather than theology.” Although Hugh went on to study his craft at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Arts
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(the training ground of many famous British actors) he prefers to learn from experience: “I find it inhibiting not being able to perform. I probably learnt most of my skills from the National Youth Theatre and from being on stage, along with the first ten years of my career, which were in theatre.” His years with the Royal Shakespeare Company, despite his success since, are fondly remembered by Hugh - “probably the happiest I’ve ever had” - allowing him to perform “some of the best plays in the English language.” Listening to Hugh talk eloquently about the great wordsmith, it’s easy to see why he was the ideal choice for the well-spoken, welleducated Earl of Grantham: “Almost every conversation we have contains a Shakespeare phrase; he is just so engrained in our language... The power of reading and seeing his plays is amazing.” If Downton Abbey and period dramas aren’t quite to your taste, Hugh has also recently turned his hand to a programme that couldn’t be more topical if it tried. BBC4’s six-part doc-com (documentary-comedy, for those not in the know), Twenty Twelve, followed the Olympic Deliverance Team and, with serendipitous timing, the first episode aired just after the countdown clock broke down. The fictitious team is doing its best to make sure the London 2012 Olympics are the greatest games on earth, not without a good number of hiccups along the way. Despite sending up the Games in Twenty Twelve, Hugh is a huge supporter of them and plans to apply for tickets as soon as he can, particularly for the swimming, diving, track and field events. “This is never going to happen again in our lifetime!” he points out. As a child, he used to get very excited about world records and “couldn’t wait to see if one was going to be broken”. This excitement hasn’t waned. Hugh had a site visit to the Olympic Park with Lord Coe: “We were allowed a little bit of access and there were just these amazing buildings coming up.” Shot in documentary style, Twenty Twelve was a world away from Downton’s style: “It was incredibly fast and the skill, I guess, was to make it appear very natural, even though it was heavily orchestrated.” It wasn’t just the filming that was different; Hugh left the idyllic rural setting of Downton for the gleaming towers of Canary Wharf. He was blown away: “It was a real breath of fresh air for me, suddenly being in the 21st century.” The area has an additional, personal significance for Hugh, who grew up in Blackheath and spent a lot of time in Greenwich Park near the docks, looking over to “this crumbling part of London, a lost and forgotten area”. Canary Wharf today, Hugh enthuses, is “a metropolis in itself, and the retail therapy you can do is mind-blowing – I spent my lunch hours dreaming of all the stuff I could buy. I loved it”. It reminds him of areas in American cities because of the ease of access to anything you might want: “I learnt my lines with a glass of wine looking over the docks towards the dome, and it was incredible.” I can just picture Hugh in an armchair with a glass of Merlot, poring over a script with the East London skyline in front of him. In addition to Twenty Twelve and Downton, Hugh is popping up as a pirate captain in Doctor Who (“I went in a Tardis, which was very exciting!”) and in a “lovely film” with Benedict Cumberbatch called Third Star. After that? “It just remains to be seen what else is coming up”. I don’t think Hugh is going to be short of offers.
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LIFESTYLE
Dreaming of
Dreaming Spires Tactical revision, specialised tutoring and hours of reading, cramming, planning: for many students and their parents, getting into Oxford might as well be an A-Level in itself, says Annabel Harrison
University in Oxford, England, during the 1890s, vintage engraving. Old engraved illustration of University of Oxford. Trousset encyclopedia (1886 - 1891)
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LIFESTYLE
‘Getting into Oxford’ helpfully returns 86 million Google search terms “Where did you go to University?” Whenever this question crops up in conversation, the reply, carefully worded so as not to sound too proud or too casual, states that I went to Oxford. However, getting there wasn’t easy. It took two rounds of applications, two different subjects, four college options, seven interviews and 12 personal statement drafts to secure one all-important, resounding yes. I was one of the lucky ones, and so was my younger brother. As such, my parents are often asked: how did you get two of them in? They’d reply that somehow an incalculable combination of intelligence, aptitude and personality, with an elusive twist of fate, wins you one of these sought-after places. ‘Getting into Oxford’ helpfully, for determined, resourceful and often confused parents, returns 86 million Google search terms. There’s no magical solution that can guarantee a place but there is a great deal you can learn about how to eliminate as much of the ‘luck’ element as possible. Where to start, if Google overwhelms you? Consider, first and foremost if your child has a hope in hell of getting into Oxford. If yes, fantastic – read on. If not, please be aware that you are trying to fit a square peg into a round hole and no amount of blood, sweat or financial backing will change the situation. Having said that, if you are prepared to take it on, the Oxbridge process can be daunting but ultimately very rewarding. The first choice a teenager, and their dedicated application entourage, must make is which subject to study. Oxbridge does not offer Harry Potter courses, Fashion or even Business Studies: subjects are academic through and through. This posed a dilemma at this early stage: should I do a new subject (law)? My favourite subject (English)? My best subject (languages)? Without question, students should choose the subject they like best. If they get in, they will embark upon a very challenging course: loving their subject makes it more likely that they will be able to speak passionately and eloquently in front of their tutor-to-be at interview. Hand in hand with subject choice is college choice. Many first time Oxbridge families do not realise how critical this is and that choosing the right college can matter more than anything else, both in terms of getting in and also in terms of how well your child will thrive there. To help, there are tables of academic achievement which indicate roughly how hard a college might push your child to get the top grades; tables which show the ratio of stateprivate students; and tables which explain how many places for each subject
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are available at each college. The current prospectus should be read from cover to cover and used as a frequent point of reference, and there are services which claim to make the application minefield less hazardous. Oxbridge Applications, one of the most popular, offers a range of services, including private consultations, at £240 for an hour, to interview training weekends (£1,500). Keen parents should maximise their contacts and delve into unofficial paths too; speak to anyone and everyone - teachers at your teenager’s school, other parents with Oxbridge children, students at the colleges themselves. Once you’re there, it’s very clear which colleges are the most academic, thespian or scientific, which are the sportiest or most sociable and you want to make sure that your child has the trump card in the college lottery. I chose a college with a slightly lower ratio of applicants to places for Classics, and was successful. My brother chose Keble because of its proximity to the Maths department, which just goes to show college choice can be made in a calculated or entirely random manner. For AS/A levels, in my experience, it is the grades not the subjects which matter: those I know who didn’t achieve top grades on results day had their places taken away from them. AAB is not enough. Advice generally says Oxbridge do not discriminate over A-level subject choices but I would steer clear of ‘lighter’ subjects such as media studies: it is impossible to predict but some tutors will look at straight As and choose the girl who did economics instead of drama. Personal statements are a key Oxbridge requirement and the overriding advice is this: do not waffle and demonstrate, don’t claim. The tutors don’t want to read about the minutiae of ballet achievements or volunteering: they want evidence of a sharp, smart teenager who loves their subject as much as they do and who is willing and able to soak up as much information as is thrown at them. Details of extracurricular interests and activities are fantastic for demonstrating well-roundedness but Oxbridge applicants are judged predominantly on intelligence and academic aptitude. Essentially, make sure you convince the reader of this: ‘why would I, an Oxbridge professor with decades of knowledge and a dozen books in print, want to teach you, a teenager with a handful of A grades and a lot to learn?’ If you answer this persuasively, intelligently and charmingly, with a bit of luck and a fair wind, you’re in. Welcome to the club.
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Where can I... ? Some of the interesting requests made to Mayfair’s most experienced concierges
FIX IT QUICK
Dry cleaner / Clothing repair
Watch Club
Mayfair Prestige
Sivellav
4-5 Royal Arcade, W1S 4SD 020 7495 4882
0845 862 2142 info@mayfair-prestige.com
020 7407 2115 support@ems-events.co.uk
LAND, SEA AND AIR
VIP Car Hire
Soho AV
The Circle, Queen Elizabeth Street SE1 2JE 0870 200 4949 contact@vipservices.co.uk www.vipservices.co.uk
020 7494 4449 hire@sohoav.com
Buckingham Dry Cleaners 83 Duke Street, W1K 5PF 020 7499 1253
City Centre 31 Avery Row, W1K 4BD 020 7629 5558 info@citycentredrycleaners.co.uk
Buy a car
Jack Barclay 18 Berkeley Square, W1J 6AE 020 7629 7444
Jeeves of Belgravia
Porsche
54 South Audley Street, W1K 2QQ 020 7491 8885
Berkeley Square, W1K 3NA 020 7514 0900
Washington Dry Cleaners
Rolls Royce
18 Half Moon Street, W1J 7BF 020 7499 3711
15 Berkeley Square, W1J 6EG 020 7491 7941
IT / Tech support
Charter a helicopter
Luxury yacht charter / sale Exclusive Lifestyle 72 Bond Street, W1S 1RR 0845 338 0377 info@exclusivelifestyle.co.uk
Cheyne 13 Cleveland Row, SW1A 1DH 0207 968 7450
Avolus Ltd 38 Lombard Road, SW11 3RP 020 7978 6506 dsonaldson@avolus.com
36 Davies Street, W1K 4NF 020 7355 0980
First City Air LTD
Rent a Rolls Royce
Wavex 0845 644 8060 support@wavex.co.uk www.wavex.co.uk
Shoes re-heeled James Taylor and Son 4 Paddington Street, W1U 5QE 020 7935 4149 post@taylormadeshoes.co.uk
Mayfair Cobblers
Lister House Chelsea Bridge Rd, SW1W 8RH 020 7259 9313 www.firstcityair.co.uk
Emtjets 23 Berkeley Square, W1J 6HE 08453 888 248 chartereurope@emtjets.com
Exclusive Aircraft 3rd Floor 14 Hannover Street W1S 1YH 020 7183 7988 info@exclusiveair.co.uk
4 White Horse Street, W1J 7LG
Sole Man
Sunseeker
Hanwells
Mti Commodities UK Ltd 80 Park Lane, W1K 7TR 020 7529 5330
Novum Securities Ltd 47 Park Lane, W1K 1PR 020 7399 9400
Old Park Lane Capital
86-91 Uxbridge Road W7 3ST 020 7436 2070
49 Berkeley Square, W1J 5AZ 020 7493 8188
Phantom Hire
South China Securities Ltd
0800 542 1337
12 Stanhope Gate, W1K 1AW 020 7491 9225
Thames cruise City Cruses 020 77400 400
London River Cruises 020 7839 8008
London Battersea Heliport
Killik & Co 46 Grosvenor Street, W1K 3HN 020 7337 0443
Princess Yachts
Pensar
Mike Will Fix It
Artemis 57 St James Street, SW1A 1LD 020 7399 6000
64 Grosvenor Street, W1K 3JH 020 7499 5050 london@princess.co.uk
0845 402 6797 www.pensar.co.uk
020 7737 2514 / 0776 264 7547 www.mikewillfixit.com
Buy / Sell shares
TAIB Securities Ltd 11 Carlos Place, W1K 3AX 020 7533 1600 taibsecurities@taib.com
International Courier
Bridges Wharf, Battersea, SW11 3BE 0844 884 8660
River Thames Cruises
DHL
020 7237 3108/9111
0844 248 0844
Electric cars
Spirit of Chartwell
FedEx
020 7372 2077
0845 607 0809
54 Stratton Street, W1J 8LP 020 7493 3505
The Electric Car Corporation
Thames Cruises
London Executive International
Watch repair
1st Floor, 5 Aldford Street, W1K 2AF 020 7495 5270 sales@eccplc.com
020 7928 9009 info@thamescruises.com
020 7450 0060 enquiry@londonexec.com
1 White Horse Street, W1J 7LB 020 7355 2553
Timpson
Royal Arcade Watches
Thames Dinner Cruises
Excel
0845 299 4127
020 7536 7170
4 Royal Arcade, W1S 4SD 020 7495 4882
Luxury car rental
Russell Talerman 34-36 Maddox Street, W1S 1PD 020 7491 0625
48-56 Ebury, Bridge Rd, SW1W 8QF 020 7730 8888 info@belgraviagarage.com
Audio Visual hire
0844 888 4111
Marcus Watches
Mayfair Corporation
AV2hire.comn
Go-Betweens Couriers Ltd
020 8255 0522 chauffeur@mayfaircorp.co.uk
020 3130 0401 info@hire-av.co.uk
020 7278 1000 info@gobetweenscouriers.com
170 Bond Street, W15 4RB 020 7290 6500
Belgravia Garage
LAST MINUTE BUSINESS
Local courier City Sprint
CONCIERGE
Mail Boxes etc 020 7491 0022 info@mbemayfair.co.uk
MTS Mayfair Translation
Doctor Lees Place Medical Centre
Prestige Taxi
14 Soho Street, W1D 3DN 0795 740 5061 info@mayfairtranslation.co.uk
11 Lees Place, London, W1N 6LN
Crown Security Chauffeurs
Russian Business Translator
The London General Practice
0845 901 1471 info@crown-chauffeurs.co.uk
0770 411 4323
5 Devonshire Place, W1G 6HL 020 7935 1000
Executive Cars UK
LIFE SAVER
0800 048 3359
London Prestige Chauffeur Service 020 7624 2632 www.prestigechauffeurs.org
Signature Cars 020 7127 4838
The Executive Car Service 020 7635 2571
TST Car Service 94 Mount Street, W1K 2SZ 020 7409 3033 admin@tstcars.co.uk
UK Chauffeurs Ltd 020 3326 0513 bookings@ukcl.net
Private Dining Room Corrigans 28 Upper Grosvenor Street W1K 7EH 020 7499 9943
Baby sitter
Rockabye Babysitters
Wild Things of Mayfair 47 Davies Street, W1K 4LY 020 7495 3030 info@wildthingsflowers.co.uk
William Clark Flowers
9 Wimpole St, W1G 9SG 020 7624 0060
Urgent Care Centre
Find a Babysitter.com
42-52 Nottingham Place, W1U 5NY 020 7908 2144
Last minute gifts
020 7580 6403
Dentist Lund Osler Dental Health Care 56 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7JN 020 7838 8969
Crescent Dental Clinic 57 Crawford Street, W1H 4JL 020 7723 2255 info@crescentdental.com
Dog walkers Cats, Dogs and Peace of Mind 100 Clements Road, SE16 4DG 020 7394 8319 cdpom@aol.com
Halcyon Days 14 Brook Street, W1S 1BD 0844 880 8210 enquiries@halcyondays.co.uk
Harrods 87–135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL 020 7730 1234
Central London Dog Walking Service
Jeff de Bruges
18 Warwick Square, SW1V 2AB 0785 604 5975
13 South Molton Street, W1K 5QW 020 7409 0213
Doug Jarvis
Chelsea Dogs
Linley Accessories
38 Poland Street, W1F 7LY 020 7437 6383
7 Chelsea Square, SW3 6LF 0778 632 5053 info@chelseadogs.co.uk
46 Albemarle Street, W1S 4JN 020 7290 1410
Happy Paws
34 Burlington Arcade, W1J 0QA 020 7499 6337
Aqua Dental Spa 25 Manchester Square, W1U 3PY 020 7935 5332
Sartoria
N Meyer & Associates 11 South Molton Street, W1K 5QL 020 7499 1225
Hibiscus
3 - 5 Weighhouse Street, W1K 5LS 020 7493 1647
Paul Thomas Flowers 4 Shepherd Street, W1J 7JD 020 7499 6889 shop@paulthomasflowers.co.uk
26 Seymour Place, W1H 7NN 020 7402 3444 shop@williamclarkflowers.com
20 Savile Row, W1S 3PR 020 7534 7000 www.sartoria-restaurant .co.uk
29 Maddox Street, W1S 2PA 020 7629 2999
The Mayfair Medical Centre
Florist
Pall Mall Dental 15 Pall Mall, SW1Y 5LU 020 7766 7250 info@pallmalldental.co.uk
Sartoria
Peter Kertesz
20 Savile Row, W1S 3PR 020 7534 7000
29A Brook Street, W1K 4HE 020 7629 3262
Tempo
Swiss Smile
54 Curzon Street, W1J 8PG 020 7629 2742
10 Brook Street, W1S 1BG 020 7290 1180 brookstreet@swiss-smile.com
41 Cumberland Street, SW1V 4LU 0781 846 3286
K9 to 5 Club
Penfriend London
Personal chef
46 Broadwalk Court, W8 4EF 0771 006 4871 info@k9to5club.co.uk
Galor Personal Chef
Mayfair Mutts
The Personal Chef
Upper Brook Street, W1 020 7409 7739 07957 460 610 mayfairmutts@hotmail.co.uk
020 7871 1080
Pawsh Dogs Dog Walking
020 7371 4076 contact@galor.co.uk
Personal shopper Gabrielle Teare 0798 531 9300 info@gabrielleteare.com
54 Harwood Road, SW6 4PY 0750 344 8489
High Heals
30 Bruton Place, W1J 6NL 020 7409 1728
The Mayfair Dental Practice
Pedigree Pups
Sophie Deedes 0759 504 3802
0780 433 7486 sam@pedigree-pups.com
Mark Lord London
Translator
71 Park Street, W1K 7HN 020 7499 2168
Pets in the City
0786 658 1230 mark@marklordlondon.co.uk
Central Translations
Teeth @ W1
21 Woodstock Street, W1C 2AP 020 7493 5511
7 South Molton Street, W1K 5QG 020 7499 7015
The Guinea Grill
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75 St Helens Gardens, W10 6LL 020 8962 0700 0795 730 3858 info@petsincity.com
Threads Styling Consultancy 020 7749 0784 info@threadsstyling.co.uk
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Stationery printer City Images 8 Avery Row, W1K 4AL 020 7495 0421 post@cityimages.co.uk
Mail Boxes etc
020 7823 1888 info@mangotree.org.uk
Randall & Aubin 16 Brewer Street, W1F 0SQ 020 7287 4447
Mount Street Printers
The Wolseley
4 Mount Street, W1K 3LW 020 7409 0303 info@mountstreetprinters.com
160 Piccadilly, W1J 9EB 020 7499 6996
Casinos
Late night ice-cream Baskin-Robbins
Aspinalls
Edgware Road, W2 2HZ 020 7262 3918
28 Curzon Street, W1J 7TJ 020 7499 4599
Freggo Ice Cream Bar
24 Hertford Street, W1J 7SA 020 7495 5000
27-29 Swallow Street W1B 4QB 020 7287 9506 scoop@freggo.co.uk
Crockfords Club
Gelupo
30 Curzon Street, W1J 7TN 020 7493 7771
7 Archer Street, W1D 7AU 020 7287 5555
Colony Club
The Dorchester Spa Park Lane, W1K 1QA 020 7319 7109 spa@thedorchester.com
RECHARGE AND RECUPERATE
Women’s hair
Noura 16 Curzon Street, W1J 5HP 020 7495 1050 noura@noura.co.uk
8 Shepherd Market, WIJ 7JY 020 7491 0022 info@mbemayfair.co.uk
PARTY TIME
Henry Bonas events@henrybonas.com 020 3214 2099
Dog grooming Mayfair Mutts
Upper Brook Street, W1 020 7409 7739 0795 746 0610 mayfairmutts@hotmail.co.uk
Pets in the City
Nicky Clarke 130 Mount Street, Mayfair, W1K 3NY www.nickyclarke.com
Janet Ginnings Hair and Beauty Salon 45 Curzon Street, W1J 7UQ 020 7499 1904
Joe’s Beauty Salon
75 St Helens Gardens, W10 6LL 020 8962 0700 / 0795 730 3858 info@petsincity.com
73 Burlington Arcade, W1J 0QR 020 7629 3456
Massages
Michael John Hair and Beauty
Mayfair Spa - The Mayfair Hotel Stratton Street, W1J 8LT 020 7915 2826 mayfairspa@radisson.com
Michael John Boutique 25 Albemarle Street W1S 4HU 020 7629 6969 online@michaeljohn.co.uk
25 Albemarle Street, W1S 4HU 020 7629 6969
Sassoon Salon 60 South Molton Street, W1K 5SW 020 7491 8848
Top One Hair and Beauty Specialist’s 53 Berkeley Street, W1J 8EX 020 7629 6465
London Club International
Midnite Cookies
Spa Illuminata
10 Brick Street, W1J 7HQ 020 7518 0000
15 Exeter Street, WC2E 7DT 020 7836 5131
63 South Audley Street, W1K 2QS 020 7499 7777
SAMPLE THE FINEST
The Palm Beach Casino
The Icecreamists
The Dorchester Spa
Aspinal of London
30 Berkeley Street, W1J 8EH 020 7493 6585
Selfridges, W1A 1AB 020 8616 8694 office@theicecreamits.com
Park Lane, W1K 1QA 020 7319 7109 spa@thedorchester.com
0845 053 6900 enquires@aspinaloflondon.com
Members clubs
Men’s hair
44 Baker Street, W1U 7RT 020 7388 2404 info@chess.co.uk
Parks Tower Casino 101 Knightsbridge SW1X 7RQ 020 7235 6161
The Ritz Club 150 Piccadilly, W1J 9BS 020 7499 1818
Fancy dress Pantaloons 020 7630 8330 www.pantaloons.co.uk
So High Soho Ltd 96 Berwick Street, W1F 0QQ 020 7287 1295 online@sohighsoho.co.uk
Late night food Automat 33 Dover Street, W1S 4NF 020 7499 3033 info@automat-london.com
Benares 12a Berkeley Square House, W1J 6BS 020 7629 8886
Hakkasan 17 Bruton Street, W1J 6QB 020 7907 1888 mail@hakkasan.com
Mango Tree 46 Grosvenor Place, SW1X 7EQ
Arts Club
Atherton Cox
40 Dover Street, W1S 4NP 020 7499 8581
18 New Cavendish Street, W1G 8UR 020 7487 4048
AURA
Sassoon Salon for Men
48-49 St James Street SW1A 1JT 020 7499 9999
56 Brook Street, W1K 5NE 020 7399 6935
Maddox Club 3-5 Mill Street, W1S 2AU 020 7629 8877
Mortons Club 28 Berkeley Square, W1J 6EN 020 7499 0363
Savile Club 69 Brook Street, W1K 4ER 020 7629 5462 admin@savileclub.co.uk
The Lansdowne Club 9 Fitzmaurice Place, W1J 5JD 020 7629 7200 secretary@lansdowneclub.com
Party planner Concorde Media
The Barber at Alfred Dunhill 2 Davies Street, W1K 3DJ 0845 458 0779
Spa & beauty Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa 29 Davies Street, W1K 4LW 0870 787 6626
Michael John Boutique 25 Albemarle Street, W1S 4HU 020 7629 6969 online@michaeljohn.co.uk
Nails Inc 41 South Molton Street, W1k 5RP 020 7499 8333
Mayfair Tanning & Waxing LTD,
020 7297 3344
19 Denman Street, W1D 7HP 020 7494 3344
G&D Events
The Athenaeum
020 7682 2682 www.g-and-devents.com
116 Piccadilly, W1J 7BJ 020 7499 3464
Backgammon board
London Chess Shop
William & Son 10 Mount Street, W1K 2TY 020 7493 8385 info@williamandson.com
Caviar Caviar House & Prunier 161 Piccadilly, W1J 9EA 0871 961 9577
Harrods 87 - 135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL 020 7730 1234
Cheese Harrods 87 - 135 Brompton Road SW1X 7XL 020 7730 1234
La Fromagerie 2-6 Moxon Street, W1U 4EW 020 7935 0341 moxon@lafromagerir.co.uk
Chocolates Charbonnel et Walker The Royal Arcade 28 Old Bond Street, W1S 4BT 020 7491 0939
CONCIERGE
Jeff de Bruges
Nicolas
Burlington Jewellers
Pasha Clinic
13 South Molton Street, W1K 5QW 020 7409 0213
11 Curzon Street, W1J 5H5 020 7629 1564
37 Maddox Street, W1S 2PP 020 7409 7354 info@pashaclinic.co.uk
Rococo Chocolates
Vintage watches
10 - 11 Burlington Arcade W1J 0PG 020 7493 0777
45 Marylebone High Street, W1U 5HG 020 7935 7780
Cigars
David Duggan 63 Burlington Arcade, WIJ 0QS 020 7491 1675
Guy & Max
Perfect Feet Spa
8 Shepherd Street, W1J 7EJ 020 7499 5898 studio@guyandmax.com
7 - 9 Queensway, W2 4QJ 020 7243 6723 info@perfectfeetspa.com
Sautter of Mount Street
Rolex Boutique
Hancocks & Co,
Selfridges & Co
106 Mount Street, W1K 2TW 020 7499 4866 info@sauttercigars.com
61 Brompton Road, SW3 1DB 020 7581 7073
Burlington Arcade, W1J OHH 020 7493 8904 info@hancocks-london.com
400 Oxford Street, W1A 1AB 0800 123 400
Fine wine
24 Burlington Arcade, W1J 0EA 020 7499 2032
Lea & Sandeman 170 Fulham Road, SW10 9PR 020 7244 0522
Jerubams 20 Davies Street, W1K 3DT 020 7499 1015
Suze in Mayfair
The Vintage Watch Co.
Watchclub 4 - 5 The Royal Arcade, W1S 4SD 020 7495 4882 info@watchclub.com
WEIRD AND THE WONDERFUL
J.Condrup
Burlington Arcade, W1J 0QX 020 7491 9155
Michael Marks
Rent a double decker bus
58 Davies Street, W1K 5LP 020 7491 0332
Richard Ogden
Bespoke perfumes Clive Christian
Tiffany & Co.
Humidors
Harrods, Knightsbridge 020 7730 1234
25 Old Bond Street, W1S 4QB 020 7409 2790
Linley
Floris
46 Albemarle Street, W1S 4JN 020 7290 1410
Peter Jones, Sloane Square, SW1W 8EL 020 7730 3434
Exotic pyjamas
Sautter of Mount Street
Jo Malone
106 Mount Street, W1K 2TW 020 7499 4866 info@sauttercigars.com
23 Brook Street, W1K 4HA 0870 192 5181
Luxury hamper Fortnum & Mason 181 Piccadilly, W1A 1ER 020 7734 8040 corporate@fortnumandmason.co.uk
Harvey Nichols 109 - 125 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RJ 020 7235 5000 contactknightsbridge@harveynichols.com
John Lewis 300 Oxford Street, W1A 1EX 08456 049 049
Luxury liquor
Miller Harris 21 Bruton Street, W1J 6QD 020 7629 7750 info@millerharris.com
Ormonde Jayne 12 The Royal Arcade, W1S 4SL 020 7499 1100 sales@ormondejayne.com
Hackett 137 - 138 Sloane Street SW1X 9AY 020 7730 3331
Harrods
London Bus Export Company 01291 689741 lonbusco@globalnet.co.uk
London Heritage Travel 01353 863273
This Bus.com 0845 4652 394
Security cameras IP Tec 351 Horn Lane, W3 0BX 020 8993 3377 sales@iptecworld.com
87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL 020 7730 1234
I-tesco
Louis Vuitton
72 Bond Street, W1S 1RR info@i-tesco.co.uk
190 - 192 Sloane Street, SW1X 9QX 020 7201 4190
Shotgun repairs
Myla
Anderson Wheeler
Bug detectors
4 Burlington Gardens, W15 3ER 020 7491 8548 info@myla.com
13 Shepherd Market, W1J 7PQ 020 7499 9315
London Detective, W1
Prada
0800 970 7925 enquiry@ksm-investigations.co.uk
16-18 Old Bond Street, W1S 4PS 020 7647 5000
23 Burton Street, W1J 6HH 020 7499 4411 gunroomuk@hollandandholland.com
Ralph Lauren
James Purdey & Sons Ltd
1 New Bond Street, W1A 3RL 020 7535 4600
57 - 58 South Audley Street W1K 2ED 020 7499 1801 enquiries@purdey.com
Sweepers De-Bugging Service
Gerry’s Wines & Spirits
302 - 308 Regent Street, W1B 3HH 0870 765 4307
74 Old Compton Street, W1D 4UW 020 7734 2053
Diamonds valued
Harrods
Armour Winston
87 - 135 Brompton Road SW1X 7XL 020 7730 1234
43 Burlington Arcade, W1J 0QQ 020 7493 8937
t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e
Ladurée
45 - 46 New Bond Street, W1S 2SF 020 7477 2455 jc@jcondrup.com
28 Burlington Arcade, W1J 0NX 020 7493 9136
41 North Audley Street, W1K 6ZP 020 7491 3237 info@suzeinmayfair.com
London’s best hot chocolate
Fish pedicure
Holland and Holland
Aqua Sheko
William & Son
14 Holland Street, W8 4LT 020 3489 8336 reservations@aquasheko.co.uk
10 Mount Street, W1K 2TY 020 7493 8385 info@williamandson.com
117
PROPERTY
Featured
Estate Agents Chesterton Humberts 47 South Audley Street, Mayfair London W1K 2QA Residential Sales 020 7629 4513 Residential Lettings 020 7288 8301 www.chestertonhumberts.com
James Taylor
7 New Quebec Street London W1H 7RH 020 7724 4777 www.jamestaylorproperty.com
Jonathan Arron Hamptons International
Knightsbridge 168 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge London SW3 1HW 020 7584 2014 www.hamptons-int.com
18 Blenheim Terrace, NW8 0EB 020 7604 4611 www.jonathanarron.com
St. John’s Wood - Lettings 5-7 Wellington Place, St John’s Wood London NW8 7PB 020 7483 8353 www.knightfrank.co.uk Wapping - Lettings 35a Wapping High Street London E1W 1NR 020 7480 6848 www.knightfrank.co.uk
London Sotheby’s International Realty 26a Conduit Street LondonW1S 2XY 020 7495 9580 www.sothebysrealty.com
Knight Frank Harrods Estates Mayfair Office 61 Park Lane London W1K 1QF 020 7409 9001
Horne & Harvey Est. 1803
Horne & Harvey
23a St James’ Street London SW1A 1HA 020 3318 7167 www.horneandharvey.co.uk
Mayfair - Sales 120a Mount Street London W1K 3NN 020 7499 1012 www.knightfrank.co.uk Mayfair - Lettings 120a Mount Street London W1K 3NN 020 7499 1012 www.knightfrank.co.uk St. John’s Wood - Sales 5-7 Wellington Place, St John’s Wood, London NW8 7PB 020 7586 2777 www.knightfrank.co.uk
Marsh & Parsons
35 Maida Vale, W9 1TP 020 7368 4458 www.marshandparsons.co.uk
Russell Simpson
5 Anderson Street London SW3 3LU 020 7225 0277 www.russellsimpson.co.uk
Strutt & Parker
13 Hill Street London W1J 5LQ 020 7629 7282 www.struttandparker.com
Wellbelove Quested 160 Ebury Street Belgravia London SW1W 9JR 020 7881 0880 www.wellbelove-quested.com
For Estate Agent Listings please contact Fiona Fenwick at: f.fenwick@runwildgroup.co.uk
Ayrton Wylie
Douglas & Gordon
John D Wood & CO
Plaza Estates
Beauchamp Estates
Farrar and Co
Kay & Co
Savills
Best Gapp
Fine & Country
Manse & Garret
Spencer James
Blenheim Bishop
Gascoigne Pees
Mercer Pasqua
The Cloister
Brian Lack and Co
George Trollope
Marler and Marler
W.A.Ellis
Carter Jonas
Hobart Slater
Messila Residential
Wetherell
Cluttons
Jackson-Stops & Staff
Patterson Bowe
Winkworth
www.ayrtonwylie.com www.beauchamp.co.uk www.bestgapp.co.uk www.blenheimbishop.co.uk www.brianlack.co.uk
www.carterjonas.co.uk www.cluttons.com
118
www.dng.co.uk
www.farrarandco.co.uk www.fineandcountry.com www.gpees.co.uk
www.georgetrollope.co.uk www.hobartslater.co.uk www.jackson-stops.com
www.johndwood.co.uk www.kayandco.com
www.manseandgarret.com www.mercerpasqua.co.uk www.marlerandmarler.co.uk www.messilaresidential.com www.pattersonbowe.co.uk
www.plazaestates.co.uk www.savills.com www.spencer-james.co.uk www.thecloister.co.uk www.foundation-pr.co.uk www.wetherell.co.uk www.winkworth.co.uk
t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e
Cainhoe Manor Available from Knight Frank
HOMES
& PROPERTY
Knight Frank
Dunraven Street, Mayfair W1 3 bedroom apartment in Mayfair
A stylish and contemporary duplex apartment in this corner building with 3 bedrooms. The property KnightFrank.co.uk/Mayfair has been thoughtfully designed to maximise on natural light and the feeling of space. 3 bedrooms, 2 mayfair@knightfrank.com bathrooms, 1 reception room, open plan kitchen/diner, utility. Approximately 177.9 sq m (1,915 sq ft) 020 7499 1012 Leasehold, 113 years approximately ÂŁ2,250,000 (307837)
wetherell.co.uk 020 7529 5566
Knight Frank
Chesterfield Street, Mayfair, W1 Classical Georgian Mayfair home
A fine period house located on this quiet street in the heart of Mayfair. Extensively refurbished in the last few years, it retains many original features complimented by the latest in modern living. 5 bedrooms, 3 reception Rooms, 4 bathrooms, patio/terrace. Approximately 366.6 sq m (3,946 sq ft) Freehold ÂŁ10,000,000 (307874)
KnightFrank.co.uk/Mayfair mayfair@knightfrank.com 020 7499 1012
Knight Frank Kean Street, Covent Garden, WC2B Spectacular views in the heart of theatre land This brand new split-level penthouse apartment offers excellent entertaining space with panoramic windows, 3 double bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, fully-fitted kitchen, multiple balconies, comfort cooling, under floor heating and an interior designed furniture package.
£2,500 per week
Mayfair Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings mayfairlettings@knightfrank.com 020 7499 1012
(150303)
Nuffield House, Piccadilly, W1J
Impressive views over London’s landmarks New 2 bedroom Piccadilly apartment on the sixth floor of a period building, comprising 2 double bedrooms with fitted wardrobes, 2 bathrooms (one en suite), fully equipped kitchen with granite work surfaces, dual aspect reception room and a fantastic 29’ south west facing roof terrace. Air cooling, lift and porter. £1,350 per week
Mayfair Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings mayfairlettings@knightfrank.com 020 7499 1012
(103626)
Knight Frank Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, W1K Elegant three bedroom apartment in premier location
A newly refurbished apartment in a beautiful period block with porter and lift. Perfectly located overlooking Grosvenor Square, accommodation comprises 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and spacious reception room.
ÂŁ3,000 per week
Mayfair Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings mayfairlettings@knightfrank.com 020 7499 1012
(148101)
Bourdon Street, Mayfair, W1K
Fashionable split level living This contemporary flat in a characterful period building provides a master en suite bedroom with dressing area, 2 further bedrooms (one en suite), a family bathroom and terrace on the first floor. The second floor boasts a fully-fitted kitchen and an impressive reception room with exposed wooden beams and feature fireplace. ÂŁ2,000 per week
Mayfair Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings mayfairlettings@knightfrank.com 020 7499 1012
(152467)
Knight Frank
Portland Place, Marylebone W1
Impressive apartment in prestigious block This unusually large fourth floor apartment benefits from high ceilings and many of its original period KnightFrank.co.uk/Marylebone features. Master bedroom suite, further bedroom suite, 2 further bedrooms, bathroom, 3 reception marylebone@knightfrank.com rooms, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, 1 cloakroom, entrance hall, utility room, balcony, lift, 24 020 7483 8349 hour porter. Approximately 463 sq m (4,983 sq ft) Leasehold: 88 years approximately Guide price: ÂŁ10,250,000 (MRY110010)
Knight Frank
Hallam Street, Marylebone W1 Magnificent duplex apartment
This Grade II listed property has been beautifully restored and architecturally enhanced to create an exceptional duplex apartment. Master bedroom suite, further bedroom suite, further bedroom, bathroom, double height reception with separate kitchen and terrace. The building also benefits from a porter and lift. Approximately 265 sq m (2855 sq ft) Share of Freehold Guide price: ÂŁ6,950,000 (MRY110025)
KnightFrank.co.uk/Marylebone marylebone@knightfrank.com 020 7483 8349
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Pavilion Apartments, St John’s Wood NW8 Breathtaking penthouse apartment
A breathtaking penthouse apartment, benefiting from probably the most exquisite panorama of the London skyline to the south and for cricket lovers a picture perfect view of Lords to the north. This stunning duplex has been designed and built to the highest of standards, incorporating the most desirable materials that have been sourced from around the world. Master bedroom (with en suite bathroom and sauna), 2 further bedrooms (1 en suite), reception room, kitchen/breakfast room, drawing/dining room. 2 guest WC, wrap around roof gardens on the 9th and 10th floors.
KnightFrank.co.uk/St-Johns-Wood stjohnswood@knightfrank.com 020 7586 2777
Leasehold Guide price: ÂŁ9,500,000 (305498)
13:04
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Award winning service
this month’s
Mayfair Home to buy
Large Lettings Agency of the Year 2010 and 2011 Gold Award Luxury Lettings Agency of the Year 2010 Silver Award National Estate Agent of the Year 2010
DerBy street, Mayfair w1j
ÂŁ4,750,000 freehold
A charming & well presented Mayfair townhouse situated just off Curzon Street. 6 bedrooms, 3 receptions rooms, kitchen, 3 bathrooms, spacious terrace, 2 vaults & planning consent for a lift.
Mayfair Sales
020 7629 4513
v
sales.mayfair@chestertonhumberts.com
chestertonhumberts.com
Grosvenor square, Mayfair w1k
£2,750,000 leasehold
A spacious & well appointed apartment overlooking Grosvenor Square with reception/dining room, 2 en-suite bedrooms, kitchen, guest cloakroom & porter. Leasehold with potential to extend.
Dover street, Mayfair w1s
£1,795,000 leasehold
A substantial 1,152 sq ft 3rd floor Mayfair apartment situated close to Berkeley Square. 2 reception rooms, kitchen, 2 en-suite bedrooms, guest cloakroom, lift & porter. Lease 982 years.
Mayfair Sales
020 7629 4513
v
sales.mayfair@chestertonhumberts.com
Princes street, Mayfair w1b
£1,295,000 leasehold
A delightful 4th and 5th floor duplex penthouse situated close to Regent Street & Hanover Square comprising reception room with direct access to 237sq.ft roof terrace, 2 double bedrooms & family bathroom.
Princes street, Mayfair w1b
£1,295,000 leasehold
A delightful 4th and 5th floor duplex penthouse situated close to Regent Street & Hanover Square comprising reception room with direct access to 237sq.ft roof terrace, 2 double bedrooms & family bathroom.
Mayfair Sales
020 7629 4513
v
sales.mayfair@chestertonhumberts.com
chestertonhumberts.com
Award winning service
this month’s
Mayfair Home to rent
Large Lettings Agency of the Year 2010 and 2011 Gold Award Luxury Lettings Agency of the Year 2010 Silver Award National Estate Agent of the Year 2010
st JaMes’s Place sw1
£3,750 per week
A stunning 4 bedroom period family house of approx. 3,600 sq ft located in the heart of St James’s moments from the open spaces of Green Park.
Mayfair Lettings
020 7235 3530
v
lettings.mayfair@chestertonhumberts.com
chestertonhumberts.com
Green street w1k
WooDs MeWs w1k
£1,650 per week
A recently refurbished & stunningly presented 2 bedroom apartment of approx. 1,237 sq ft on the 3rd floor of this smart red brick period block with lift on one of Mayfair’s premier streets.
£1,600 per week
Delightful newly refurbished, 2 bedroom apartment in a quiet Mayfair Mews. Finished to a high standard with wood flooring, high ceilings, balcony & a large patio.
Mayfair Lettings
020 7235 3530
v
lettings.mayfair@chestertonhumberts.com
Green street w1k
HallaM street w1w
£1,250 per week
A recently refurbished 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, interior designed apartment of approx. 1,033 sq ft benefiting from comfort cooling, wood flooring located on the 4th floor (lift).
£475 per week
A well presented & spacious third floor 1 bedroom apartment in a well presented Marylebone block with 24 hour porter. Spacious & bright reception room, good size double bedroom.
Mayfair Lettings
020 7235 3530
v
lettings.mayfair@chestertonhumberts.com
chestertonhumberts.com
Award winning service
this month’s
mayfair Home to buy
Large Lettings Agency of the Year 2010 and 2011 Gold Award Luxury Lettings Agency of the Year 2010 Silver Award National Estate Agent of the Year 2010
GRosvenoR squARe, mAyfAiR w1
ÂŁ5,750,000 leasehold
A rarely available 2,035 sq ft lateral apartment located on Grosvenor Square, featuring impressive rooms throughout. The accommodation comprises 2/3 bedrooms, double reception room, hallway, kitchen, 2 bathrooms, cloakroom, lift & porterage.
Mayfair Sales
020 7629 4513
v
sales.mayfair@chestertonhumberts.com
chestertonhumberts.com
AdAms Row, mAyfAiR w1
£2,650,000 leasehold
This spacious 3 bedroom period Mayfair mews maisonette is set over 3 floors measuring 2,027 sq ft with stylish open plan reception/kitchen, 3 double bedrooms with en-suites, study & cloakroom. Long leasehold.
PRinces stReet, mAyfAiR w1
£1,295,000 leasehold
An exceptional 4th & 5th floor duplex penthouse situated close to Hanover Square,featuring a south facing 285 sq ft roof terrace. The property comprises reception room with direct access to terrace, fitted kitchen, 2 bedrooms & bathroom.
Mayfair Sales
020 7629 4513
v
sales.mayfair@chestertonhumberts.com
GRosvenoR squARe w1
£3,000 per week
A stunning refurbished 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom lateral apartment with stunning garden views in Mayfair’s most premier location. Finished to the highest of standards. Car parking space is available for an extra £100 per week. 24 hour porter.
woods mews w1
£1,600 per week
Delightful newly refurbished, 2 bedroom apartment in a quiet Mayfair Mews. Finished to a high standard with wood flooring, high ceilings, balcony & a large patio.
Mayfair Lettings
020 7235 3530
v
lettings.mayfair@chestertonhumberts.com
chestertonhumberts.com
Over 500 Offices in 44 Countries World Class Property Sales & Rentals 020 7495 9580 sothebysrealty.co.uk
266985 Sothebys Mayfair mag oct11.indd 1
21/09/2011 16:48
2669
Opening in Chelsea
sothebysrealty.co.uk
16:48
266985 Sothebys Mayfair mag oct11.indd 2
23/09/2011 12:43
Abbots House, Kensington W14 A stunning penthouse with its own private swimming pool. Double height reception room • Dining room • Cinema room • Gym • Master bedroom, dressing room and two en-suite bathrooms • Two further bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms • Office • Two roof terraces • Swimming pool Underground car-parking for two cars • Lift • 6,168 sq ft / 572 sq m
Guide price £8,750,000 Leasehold 108 years remaining
Over 500 Offices in 44 Countries
DPS LHP 266841 Sothebys MayfairMagazine OCT11.indd 1
Peter Bevan
020 7495 9586
peter.bevan@sothebysrealty.co.uk JSA Knight Frank
020 7938 4311
sothebysrealty.com
19/09/2011 16:14
DPS
Eaton Square, Belgravia SW1 Two un-modernised top floor apartments. Two/three bedrooms • Two bathrooms • Two reception rooms • Kitchen Balcony • Lift • Porterage • Access to communal gardens and tennis court by separate arrangement • 1,580 sq ft / 146.7 sq m
Casper Tham
020 7495 9583
casper.tham@sothebysrealty.co.uk
Guide Price £3,500,000 Leasehold 39 years remaining
Over 500 Offices in 44 Countries
16:14
DPS RHP 266840 Sothebys MayfairMagazine OCT11.indd 1
sothebysrealty.com
22/09/2011 12:40
AYFAI
M
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Hot property:
House on the Hill
Striking design and an enviable location
Situated in one of Mayfair’s premier streets, a rare opportunity has arisen to purchase a wonderfully presented ground and first floor apartment with parking. The property, comprising some 5,100 sq ft, offers wonderful and flexible entertaining space including an exceptionally lavish Piano Nobile with remarkably high ceilings. The suite is styled with grand wood panelling, gilt details and ornate cornicing giving it a unique and breath-taking elegance. Situated between Park Lane and Berkeley Square the apartment
benefits from the many amenities of Mayfair and would make for a beautiful family home in the heart of London. The accommodation comprises an entrance hall, drawing room, sitting room, dining room, study, kitchen, breakfast room, two guest cloakrooms, utility room, master bedroom with en suite dressing room and bathroom, guest bedroom with en suite bathroom, bedroom three, shower room and 24 hour porterage.
PROPERTY
Hill Street, W1 Leasehold, £18M
Beauchamp Estates 020 7499 7722 www.beauchamp.co.uk
t h e M AY FA I R m a g a z i n e
139
Whitehall Court, SW1 A unique three bedroom with two bathroom apartment on the seventh and eighth floor of this prestigious and elegant building. The apartment boasts a spacious roof terrace with stunning views over Buckingham Palace and St James’s.
Leasehold
£1,850,000
Ormond Yard, SW1 An exciting, unique and newly designed house, in the heart of St James’s. The roof top observatory has a retractable glass roof with stunning views over St James.s. The main living space boasts triple ceiling heights and fantastic natural light. The house is very contemporary but has managed to retain a warehouse/loft feel.
Freehold
020 7839 6006
23a St James’s Street, London, SW1A 1HA
£2,495,000 or £1,500 per week
Horne & Harvey Est. 1803
Whitehall Court, SW1 Stunning three-bedroom apartment over looking the river Thames. This property has recently been refurbished to a high standard boasting high ceilings, wooden floors and stone balconies. The apartment is on the second floor in the main block of Whitehall Court.
Furnished
£2,500 per week
HAYS MEWS
DALMENY COURT
A charming one bedroom mews in the heart of Mayfair. This property has been newly refurbished but has retained many period features. Boasting wooden floors throughout and lots of natural light.
A lovely one bedroom fourth floor apartment with lift located just off Piccadilly and in the heart of London’s St James’s. The apartment benefits from plenty of natural light and would make an ideal pied-a-terre.
Furnished
Furnished.
£725 per week
£475 per week
www.horneandharvey.co.uk
Old Church Street Chelsea, SW3
This beautifully renovated and meticulously designed family house stands within this highly sought after location of Old Chelsea.
This house provides flowing open plan living space for a modern and contemporary way of life whilst maintaining the charm that this 19th Century street has to offer. This handsome freehold house is imaginatively and beautifully presented with a beautiful bespoke Italian kitchen and spectacular attention to detail throughout.
• Drawing Room • O pen Plan Kitchen and Dining Room • M aster Bedroom with Ensuite Bathroom • 4 Further Bedrooms, all with Ensuite Bathrooms • Large Laundry Room • Patio Garden
JSA: John D Wood, 020 7352 1484
Freehold
Guide Price £5,350,000 STC
Paultons Square Chelsea, SW3
This wonderfully proportioned Grade II listed house offers an incoming purchaser the ability to create their perfect home.
On one of Chelsea’s favourite garden squares, this house is offered with planning permission to substantially improve and increase the size of the house.
Sold with planning permission to include: • Drawing Room • Open plan Kitchen • Family Room • Master Bedroom with Ensuite Bathroom • 3 Further Bedrooms • 3 Further Bathrooms • 50ft Garden
Freehold
Guide Price £4,250,000 STC
THE LANCASTERS, Hyde Park, W2 This magnificent building exudes luxury and sophistication from the grand portico entrance to the ultra-modern apartments, with secure valet parking, swimming pool and spa. Leasehold: approx. 998 years Guide Price: £2,500,000 - £5,275,000 020 7409 9205 alexander.richards@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
2733 HE Run Wild ad V2.indd 1
16/9/11 15:14:39
2733
:14:39
EATON SQUARE, Belgravia, SW1 A stunning, spacious, three / four bedroom lateral apartment situated on the second floor across two substantial stuccofronted building on the north side of London’s most exclusive garden square. Beautifully refurbished to the highest standards, this elegant apartment benefits from generous proportioned and high-ceilinged reception rooms and bedrooms with direct views of the private communal gardens. Resident porter, lift, security and access to gardens & tennis courts. Leasehold Price on Application 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
2733 HE Run Wild ad V2.indd 2
16/9/11 15:15:04
BRUTON PLACE, MAYFAIR W1 A well proportioned mews house of approximately 1912 sq.ft. with three bedrooms and plenty of character, situated in this highly sought after street, just off Berkeley Square. The house is in good condition and benefits from a secluded roof terrace and a double length garage.
GREEN STREET, MAYFAIR, W1 An exceptional apartment of 2060 sq.ft.(191 sq.m.) arranged over two floors, which was remodelled by Finchatton in 2003 and subsequently interior designed by the highly regarded interior designer Kelly Hoppen. The property combines the latest modern technology with understated elegance and exquisite attention to detail.
23 BERKELEY SQUARE, MAYFAIR, LONDON W1J 6HE
020 7665 6633
£3,150,000 Leasehold: 88 Years
£3,600,000 Leasehold: 115 Years Sole Agent
www.mercerpasqua.co.uk
CHESTERFIELD HILL, MAYFAIR, W1 A handsome Georgian freehold town house of approximately 3,725 sq.ft.(346 sqm) with classic period proportions and features throughout. Quietly nestled in one of Mayfair’s most exclusive and sought after residential neighbourhoods, the house benefits from flexible accommodation and excellent natural light. Chesterfield Hill lies to the west of Berkeley Square, in close proximity to the world renowned restaurants, boutiques and galleries of Mount Street and Bond Street.
23 BERKELEY SQUARE, MAYFAIR, LONDON W1J 6HE
020 7665 6633
£6,750,000 Freehold Sole Agent
www.mercerpasqua.co.uk
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MANCHESTER SQUARE, LONDON, W1 An important grade 11-listed Georgian house in the north east section of this exquisite small garden square in the heart of marylebone. This wide double-fronted property extends to circa 8,500 square feet and is arranged over the basement, ground and three upper floors. Meticulously refurbished throughout, with attention paid to the smallest of details, it offers extensive family accommodation, including a magnificent 35ft long first floor reception room facing over the square, perfect for entertaining, seven bedrooms and a self-contained basement flat. Manchester Square was built circa 1780 and named after the Duke of Manchester, who lived in Hertford House which is now the famous Wallace Collection, one of London’s finest art galleries located on the north side of the square. Marylebone High Street is a few moments walk away, and the west end within easy reach. Bond Street underground station (Circle & Jubilee lines) provided fast access to the the City & Docklands. Main house Master bedroom with ensuite bathroom & dressing room • 6 Further bedrooms (3 with en suite shower rooms) bathroom • 2 cloakrooms • drawing room interconnecting to library • dining room • kitchen/breakfast room • conservatory • galleried playroom • terrace • balcony • lift • large entrance/reception hall Access to square gardens Basement flat Master bedroom with ensuite bathroom • 2 Further bedrooms (1 with en suite shower room) • Separate shower room • reception room • Kitchen/dining room
Freehold
Sole Agent + 44 (0) 207 724 4777 / enquire@jamestaylorproperty.com James Taylor Property, 7 New Quebec Street, London, W1H 7RH www.jamestaylorproperty.com
£16,000,000
PROPERTY
Expert Comment LETTINGS:
SALES:
High demand for high specification properties
Central London is a safe haven
KATE TOWNROW, associate at Knight Frank, comments on the current trends in the residential lettings market
Mohamed Nurmohamed, director of Chesterton Humberts, provides an insight into the residential property sales market
‘Rents have hit record highs. Having risen by 26.3 per cent since June 2009, this increase highlights the dramatic turnaround in landlords’ fortunes on the back of a new tenant demand from Asian and European tenants,’ comments Liam Bailey, Head of Knight Frank Residential research. These sentiments are certainly true in Mayfair and St James’s. We are seeing an influx of overseas applicants which, on the back of low supply, is driving rents on good quality properties to asking price. In these areas, instances in which rents are being achieved over and above asking price are not uncommon. Landlords must capitalise on this busy Autumn market by taking agent advice in terms of pricing, presentation and, when redeveloping, the quality of specification. Going the extra mile in terms of finish is especially important when newly developed mixed-use schemes come to the market. High specification coupled with concierge style services have attracted not only our usual corporate tenant but also tempted pied a terre living applicants who would not normally consider renting in prime Central London. Applicants are now looking for the complete lifestyle package offered by new, purpose built developments. Tim Hyatt, Head of Knight Frank Lettings and President of ARLA has said: ‘Pressure on the private rental sector due to an increase in demand will only get tougher in the coming months. Rents will continue to rise as applicant levels outweigh stock levels. Supply of quality product and landlords taking advice from professional registered agents will be the key indicators. If the global economic situation continues we will see more people choosing to rent’. This swell in the market is beginning to emerge already. August’s unusually high levels of interest in the quality properties available in Mayfair and St James’s indicates that the lettings market in prime Central London is entering a strong period in the run up to Christmas.
Transaction and demand levels for the prime central London property market have remained strong throughout the summer period and into early autumn as homes in Mayfair, Belgravia, Knightsbridge and some other neighbouring prime postcodes continue to form part of an intelligent and diversified investment portfolio for both domestic and international investors. Buyers from India, China, Russia and the Middle East are very keen to acquire assets in the super prime postcodes while European buyers looking to reposition their investment exposure towards the relative safety of prime London property. Financial uncertainties within the global capital markets persist and continue to frustrate the ‘bulls’. Risky assets such as equities are facing extreme levels of volatility and many investors are growing weary and nervous of the potential domino effect if all goes wrong with a number of Eurozone sovereign debt obligations. Prime London property has demonstrated a real resilience against these troubles, emerging relatively unscathed from the 2008/9 banking crisis. During this time, activity in prime London slowed, mainly due to credit liquidity issues, and values temporarily dipped by three to six per cent, but the market soon rebounded and prices peaked once again in 2011. With quality homes available at £1,650psf - £2,750psf, in a super central location that offers a range of day and night time activities for all to enjoy, Mayfair is still regarded as exceptional value for money, especially when compared to the top prices being achieved in Belgravia and Knightsbridge. According to Hometrack, the average price for the top ten per cent of the market in W1J Mayfair was £2.5m in July and £3.95m in Mayfair’s W1K. Some recent high value deals recorded include a house on Wilton Crescent in Belgravia that sold for £42m, an apartment on Montrose Place in Belgravia that was bought for £16.75m, an apartment on Davies Street in Mayfair that was sold for £8.375m and a penthouse on Belgravia Place, SW1, which achieved £21m. Clearly, confidence is running high amongst investors in prime London properties.
Knight Frank 020 7499 1012 www.knightfrank.co.uk
Chesterton Humberts 020 7514 9100 www.chestertonhumberts.com
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Country Retreat:
Thinking Space Ockley, Surrey - ÂŁ5,750,000
Standon house is an attractive country estate with a charming manor house of exceptional character set in gardens and grounds of 47 acres with excellent equestrian facilities. The property has timber framed origins dating from the 17th Century and is a substantial manor house sympathetically restored and enlarged over the centuries to provide a most interesting and charming family home. The property is approached over a long shingle drive through an avenue of rhododendrons
and mature trees including poplars, sycamore, flowering cherry and silver birch, this leads to a large forecourt with a cobblestone terrace. Internally the house has a wealth of magnificent timbers, impressive open fireplaces, oak joinery, leaded light windows and ironwork combine to make this a very warm and elegant property. In recent years a conservatory has been added to take full advantage of the views over the lake and gardens to either side.
Hamptons International www.hamptons.co.uk 01483 572 864
property
Country Retreat:
Rural Idyll Nr. Arundel, West Sussex - ÂŁ3,950,000
An outstanding country house of exceptional style and quality, set in beautiful secluded gardens and grounds about 4 miles from the historic town of Arundel. Highfield House is situated amidst beautiful countryside within the South Downs National Park and close to the charming Downland village of Slindon. Many of the properties in Slindon are under the ownership and protection of the National Trust. Highfield House is an imposing country house dating from 1919 which has been considerably enlarged and refurbished to provide
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a home of exceptional style and quality. Throughout the property the meticulous attention to detail, both in design and finish, is evident. To many of the principal rooms there is an integrated audio system and specialist lighting facilities. There is also a detached 3 bedroom guest/staff cottage and outbuildings including garaging, workshops and gymnasium. The property is accessed by a gated entrance and has beautiful formal gardens with water feature, sweeping lawns, ponds and woodland vineyard and is set in 10.5 acres.
Hamptons International www.hamptons.co.uk 01403 262 828 153
Country Retreat:
A Room With A View Sunningdale, Berkshire - ÂŁ7,500,000
A magnificent triplex apartment converted from a whole wing of a 1930s Grade II listed country house, Parkinson House offers exceptional family accommodation and entertaining space. The property consists of four bedroom suites, two large reception rooms, a den/office, study and kitchen, as well as a second floor opening onto extensive roof terracing. State of the art systems have been installed throughout, including Crestron system, Lutron lighting, televisions and iPod docks to most rooms. All the main
rooms in the property have electronic pads controlling security, music (surround sound), curtains, heating, cinema and television, together with remote controls. Parkinson House enjoys a secluded and elevated aspect looking out over the 20 acres of gardens and grounds in which Charters is set. Residents benefit from exclusive use of the Charters luxurious spa and the five star 24 hour concierge service. Four underground car parking spaces, plus two spaces outside The Mansion are also included.
Knight Frank www.knightfrank.co.uk 020 7861 5037
property
Country Retreat:
Classic Elegance Gravenhurst, Bedfordshire - ÂŁ3,750,000
Cainhoe Manor lies just 48 miles from central London and is situated near the village of Gravenhurst in the Flit River valley, Bedfordshire. Ideal for the commuter, with main line stations from Luton (11 miles) giving direct access to London St Pancras in 26 minutes. This superb Grade II listed 16th Century preTudor home has indications of an earlier 14th Century existence. In recent years it has been refurbished in the most admirable manner by the current owners and now provides all aspects of 21st Century living.
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There are indoor and outdoor swimming pools, garaging for a fleet of cars and an entire entertainment centre situated away from the house, including a party room, gym and secondary accommodation. The gardens have received meticulous attention and were designed by award-winning Chelsea Flower Show designer Julie Toll. Size: acres / Sq Ft - Approximately 9 acres. Main house is 5,501 sq/ft but total of 12,972 including outbuildings etc.
Knight Frank www.knightfrank.co.uk 0207 861 1779 155
A great combination of thermal water and skiing! Ten unique and exclusive fully serviced spa residences. First to feature direct-from-the-source in-home thermal baths. Convenient to both Geneva and Zurich international airports.
+41 (0)840 315 315 info@51degrees.ch
Completion Winter 2013. Showroom now open. Open to freehold ownership by Non-Swiss residents.
+44 (0)207 861 1529 matthew.hodder-williams@knightfrank.com
H2SO
YEAR TWO During its second year in business, H2SO completed more than £800m of investment transactions, advised on major leasing deals and developments throughout the West End, and recruited key new personnel to its growing team.
On the following pages there is a brief summary of some of our work during the year, and we would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge our clients whose support is at the heart of our continued progress.
Our aim has always been to create a new quality of consultancy with an absolute commitment to customer service. This continued commitment is illustrated by the appointment of new partners, Richard Townsend and Felix Fiennes to our Agency and Professional teams respectively.
HIGHLIGHTS
H2SO is now advising on some of the capital’s most prominent office development schemes while the research we conduct into the office-to-residential trend in central London - The ‘Lost Offices’ of London’s West End - reflects our growing specialism in this fast-growing area of the market.
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INVESTMENT DEALS TRANSACTED: £800M+
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LEASING AGENTS ON 750,000 SQ FT+ OF WEST END OFFICE PROJECTS
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KEY APPOINTMENTS MADE IN AGENCY AND PROFESSIONAL TEAMS
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GROUNDBREAKING RESEARCH ON LONDON OFFICE-TO-RESIDENTIAL TREND
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H2SO YEAR TWO HIGHLIGHTS 200 Gray’s Inn Road, WC1
St Katharine Docks, E1
Client: Great Ropemaker Partnership
Client: Max Property Group
Acquired for £132.7m
Leasing agents for 200,000 sq ft
Belgrave House, SW1
40 Bruton Street, W1
Client: Henderson Global Investors
Client: PRUPIM
Sold for £108m
18,000 sq ft of offices fully let
10 Stratton Street, W1
St Martin’s Courtyard, WC2
Client: Arab Investments
Client: Shaftesbury and The Mercer’s Company
Sold for £60m
70,000 sq ft Phase 1 offices fully let
Client: Aviva Investors
35 Marylebone High Street, W1
Development consultants and leasing agents for 50,000 sq ft
Client: Welbeck Land / Scottish Widows Investment Partnership
25 Soho Square, W1
Acquired for £32.3m
3 Burlington Gardens, W1
200 Regent Street, W1
Client: EPIC UK
Acquired for £40m
Client: IVG Institutional Funds
Leasing agents for 25,000 sq ft
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020 7788 8950
20 St James’s Street, SW1 Client: Great Portland Estates
The Prow, 1 Wilder Walk, W1
Acquired for £42.5m
Client: The Crown Estate Leasing agents for 16,000 sq ft
15-17 Broadwick Street, W1 Client: CBRE Investors
79-97 Wigmore Street, W1 Client: Great Wigmore Partnership
32,500 sq ft Asset Management & Rent Review
Development consultants and leasing agents for 80,000 sq ft
1-2 Welbeck Street, W1
33 Jermyn Street, SW1
Client: Scottish Widows Investment Partnership
Client: Standard Life
Acquired for £36m
63,000 sq ft rent review
Angel Building, N1
55 New Bond Street, W1
Client: Derwent London
Client: Fenwick
110,000 sq ft let to Expedia, NG Bailey and Sage
20,000 sq ft of offices fully let
10 Spring Gardens, SW1
130 Shaftesbury Avenue, W1
Client: Invista Sold for £34m
Client: LaSalle Investment Management Leasing agents for 60,000 sq ft
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PROPERTY
Commercial Property Office rents continue to rise in Mayfair and St James’s as vacancy levels fall
Weak economic growth, precipitated by the European sovereign debt crisis and implementation of the UK Government’s deficit reduction policies, has conspired to weaken demand for Central London office space since the beginning of 2011. Notwithstanding this weaker tenant demand, low vacancy levels, particularly in Mayfair and St James’s, have underpinned rental growth of up to 22.5 per cent for Grade A space (air conditioned with fully accessible raised floors) since mid 2009. The volume of vacant floor space in the West End is at a historic low as a consequence of a number of factors, principally the virtual absence of speculative development activity during the 2008/09 banking crisis and the trend towards the redevelopment of office buildings to higher value residential use, including Bowater House in Knightsbridge which was demolished to make way for Candy and Candy’s No1 Hyde Park development. Since the beginning of the year, office rents for Grade A space in prime Mayfair and St James’s locations have risen by five and ten per cent and are now back above £100 per sq ft per annum; recent lettings at 1 Grafton Street, and 3-5 Burlington Gardens, Mayfair are reported to have been concluded at rents of between £100 and £107 per sq ft. Unlike the City, where market demand is driven principally by insurance companies and banks which are more sensitive to the volatility of the financial markets, demand for office space in the West End is more broadly based. While the hedge fund and asset management sectors have been the mainstay of tenant demand in Mayfair and St James’s, the energy, media and business services sectors have also played their part in maintaining rental growth. Despite weaker tenant demand throughout much of the London office market since the beginning of the year, low vacancy levels have led to a narrowing of rent free periods across most of the London sub-markets. The rental growth of the last 18 months and falling vacancy levels have been the catalyst for the resumption of development activity since the start of the year by the likes of Land Securities, and The Crown Estate, a large
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proportion of which is being focussed in the Mayfair, St James’s and Victoria districts in the West End. However, many of the development projects started this year will not be completed until mid 2013 / early 2014 and, as a consequence, vacancy levels in most of the Central London office sub-markets are likely to continue falling in the meantime, further contributing to higher rents, shorter rent free periods and limited tenant choice. If the 20 per cent plus increase in office rents was not enough, Mayfair and St James’s office occupiers have had to bear business rates increases substantially above the rate of inflation, following the 2010 revaluation. Occupiers in high rental value areas such as Mayfair and St James’s have had to absorb rates increases of up to 30 per cent since April 2010. The persisting imbalance between supply and demand in the Mayfair and St James’s office markets, and continued increases in rents, is reinforcing demand for office space in neighbouring, lower cost, areas that also offer a greater choice of available space - Marylebone, Paddington and Victoria have all been beneficiaries of this trend which is driving rents up in these peripheral areas.
Rents for refurbished Grade B accommodation (air cooled, rather than air conditioned space) in secondary West End office locations such as Victoria and Marylebone have risen since the beginning of the year by £2 - £4 per sq ft per annum and are now are typically between £35 and £45 per sq ft per annum. It is significant, therefore, that rather like the prime London housing market, the shortage of available space is the main driver of rental growth in the West End office market, rather than resurgent demand, and this trend is likely to continue for at least the next 18 to 24 months until the current wave of speculative developments reach completion and ease supply side constraints.
Michael Pain is Head of The Carter Jonas Central London Office Relocation Consultancy Team 020 7758 9800 www.carterjonas.co.uk/officesearch
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COMMERCIAL PROPERTY SHOWCASE
16 Charles Street, W1
Berkeley Square House, W1
16 Charles Street is a period office building in the heart of Mayfair located on Charles Street, in close proximity to Berkeley Square. The property offers high quality office accommodation on the second floor with 1,954 sq ft currently available.
Berkeley Square House is the premier multi-let building in the heart of Mayfair overlooking Berkeley Square. Available from 716 - 5,320 sq ft
Maxim Vane Percy - GVA - 020 7911 2771 Chris Strong - GVA - 020 7911 2080
James Fairweather - GVA - 020 7911 2770 Ian McCarter - CBRE - 020 7182 2171
One Grafton Street, W1
1 Adam Street, WC2
A brand new Grade A development sitting on the corner of Grafton Street and Hay Hill, in the heart of Mayfair. Four floors of approx 4,800 sq ft each remaining.
Air conditioned offices with views of the River Thames and The London Eye. Available from 1,200 - 8,500 sq ft
Maxim Vane Percy - GVA - 020 7911 2771 Phil Hobley - Knight Frank - 020 78611192
James Fairweather - GVA - 020 7911 2770 Maxim Vane Percy - GVA - 020 7911 2771
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Knight Frank
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COMMERCIAL PROPERTY SHOWCASE
14-16 Charles II Street, SW1Y
Kent House, W1
Substantially refurbished, Grade A office accommodation providing 3,092 – 10,002 sq ft over 3 floors. All floors benefit from excellent natural light and are available by way of a new lease directly from the Landlord, The Crown Estate.
An iconic art deco building providing newly refurbished Grade A open plan office accommodation. The last remaining part 2nd floor (3,570 sq ft) offers an abundance of natural light and is conveniently located in the heart of the West End.
Andy Heath - Strutt & Parker - 020 7318 5154 Guy Milne - Strutt & Parker - 020 7318 5042
Alex Walters - Strutt & Parker - 020 7318 5043 J.Shuttle - Edward Charles & Partners - 020 7009 2306
Haymarket House, SW1Y
48 Dover Street, W1
Comprehensively refurbished by the Landlord, Land Securities, the 1st floor comprises 7,000 - 15,364 sq ft of Grade A open plan office accommodation with a further 5,000 sq ft under refurbishment on the front third floor.
A contemporary 35,000 sq ft office building in the heart of Mayfair benefitting from full height glazing and excellent natural light. The floors range from approximately 6,800 sq ft – 7,800 sq ft.
Andy Heath - Strutt & Parker - 020 7318 5154 Tim Robinson – Knight Frank – 020 7861 1194
Charles Howard - Strutt & Parker - 020 7318 5141 Phil Hobley - Knight Frank - 020 7861 1192
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Knight Frank
Knight Frank
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Growing with our Growing with our clients since 1885 clients since 1885 Strutt & Parker started out as land agents Strutt & back Parkerinstarted out our as land agents with way 1885, and relationships wayfarming back infamilies 1885, and relationships withat the and our landowners are still farming and landowners arealso still branched at the heartfamilies of our business. We have heart our other business. have alsoand branched outofinto areasWe of property today our out teams into other areas property and today our across theofUK can advise on everything teams UK can onwarehouses everything fromacross sellingthe homes andadvise leasing fromtoselling homesthe and leasing warehouses maximising yield of a dairy or arable farm. to maximising the yield of a dairy or arable farm. To find out how we can help you visit To find out how we can help you visit struttandparker.com struttandparker.com
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HIRSH L O N D O N
ELLIPSE COLLECTION AVAILABLE IN 18CT WHITE & ROSE GOLD
Where every piece is a work of art www.hirshlondon.com
WEST END 56-57 BURLINGTON ARCADE W1J 0QN T 020 7499 6814 - CITY 9 HATTON GARDEN EC1N 8AH T 020 7831 3333
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