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Editor’s Letter | The mayfair Magazine

From the

Editor 1963 was a very good year. It was the year that Mark Birley, ready to capitalise on Mayfair’s desire for a good time, decided to open a members’ club in the vaults of 44 Berkeley Square. Annabel’s rapidly became a name known the world over, synonymous with high society and epicurean merriment. Now a fabulous 50 years later, the underground hideaway is an exercise in name dropping, having seen everyone from The Beatles to Lady Gaga and even HRH The Queen enjoy a spot of frivolity under the iconic green awnings (p. 12). It was also the year that a man named Bruce McLaren decided to found a motoring company, one that would set a new standard in Formula 1 racing and would one day cause another British institution, Rowan Atkinson, to make headlines by crashing his purple version of their F1 backwards into a hedge. As McLaren marks its 50th anniversary with the launch of the new P1, Richard Yarrow looks at five decades of this iconic brand (p. 98). At the risk of sounding like Hugh Grant in Love Actually, there is a lot that makes Britain great. While he chose the examples of Harry Potter and David Beckham’s right foot (not that we disagree), we at The Mayfair Magazine have found even more things to be patriotic about: the lasting wit and silliness of the Monty Python gang (p. 22); the celebration of outstanding British theatre at the Olivier Awards (p. 18) and the forever ch-ch-ch changing (apologies) provocateur David Bowie, who is once again making headlines after an impressive four decades in the business (p. 27). And despite our flair for hedonism, or perhaps because of it, there is also some incredible talent lurking upon our fair shores. Richard Brown meets the very best watchmakers in the land to discuss the new era for British horology (p. 52), while Kate Racovolis quizzes Jason Atherton, the Michelin-starred chef who, after the runaway success of Pollen Street Social, is now opening two more restaurants in London (p. 84). And with a new addition to the monarchy now just weeks away, it’s all enough to make you feel quite patriotic.

Elle Blakeman Editor Follow us on Twitter @MayfairMagazine

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

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Contents

April 2013

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Features

Fashion

Food & Drink

012 | Annabel’s: The original member’s club Celebrate 50 years of Annabel’s as we look back at its illustrious and rather hedonistic history 018 | The play’s the thing The Olivier Awards arrive once again, celebrating the very best in British theatre 022 | Always look on the bright side of life Monty Python will always hold a special place in our hearts. Mike Peake looks at the men who continue to define British humour 027 | Rebel Rebel Stephen Doig charts David Bowie’s career from the birth of Ziggy Stardust to today 037 | The making of Mount Street Kate Racovolis finds out how an unassuming street in Mayfair became a global fashion destination. 098 | A British classic McLaren launches the ultra-fast P1. We find out how it measures up to the already stellar reputation of the F1

033 | Style spy 034 | Style update 042 | London calling Be inspired by the sharp suiting of Savile Row

083 | Food & drink news 084 | Social empire Jason Atherton talks to us about his two new London eateries, Little Social and Social Eating House 086 | Restaurant review: Mews of Mayfair

Collection 049 | Fit for a Queen This architectural floor clock is a fine example of British craftsmanship 051 | Watch news 052 | Back to the future A new era is dawning for Britain’s watchmaking talent says Richard Brown 055 | Treasure island Embrace patriotic men’s accessories this month 057 | Jewellery news 059 | Birds of a feather Jewellery inspired by the English countryside

Interiors 060 | Interiors news 062 | The march of change Move over Candy brothers, March & White is the new name to know

Art 067 | Art news 068 | Heritage heroes Jack Watkins looks at how the Ancient Monuments Act 1913 has protected iconic British landmarks 073 | Prize lots 078 | Exhibition focus The Fleming Collection’s exhibition on ancient and modern tapestries

Beauty 089 | Beauty news 090 | Getting the gloss Two beauty insiders take on an industry and launch a new way to shop reports Elle Blakeman 095 | Spa review: ESPA Life, Corinthia London

Travel 103 | Travel news 104 | Where the wild things are Top coastal retreats and hidden gems by the stunning beaches of Cornwall 108 | City break: Oxford Take a mini-break in Oxford – perfect for a lesson in British history and charm

Property 132 | Property news 154 | Hot property 43-45 Great Cumberland Place 156 | A fashionable life This stunning property is located on one of the most stylish streets in London 160 | The vistas of Verve Villa Verve in the Côte d’Azur is like your own private five-star hotel

Contributors | The mayfair Magazine

The contributors APRIL 2013 s issue 019

Editor Elle Blakeman Assistant Editor Kate Racovolis Contributing Editor Kari Rosenberg Art Editor Carol Cordrey Food & Drink Editor Neil Ridley Collection Editor Annabel Harrison Editorial Intern Daniella Isaacs Brand Consistency Hiren Chandarana Laddawan Juhong Senior Designer Lisa Wade Production Hugo Wheatley Alex Powell Editor-in-Chief Kate Harrison Client Relationship Director Kate Oxbrow General Manager Fiona Fenwick

Stephen Doig Stephen is an award-winning fashion writer who has worked for Harper’s Bazaar and Mr Porter. This month, he pays tribute to David Bowie and his career over the past four decades.

Carol Cordrey Carol is an art critic and editor. She organises the annual London Ice Sculpting Festival and is permanently on the art scene bringing us the latest happenings.

mike peake Mike has written extensively for The Sunday Times and the Daily Telegraph. This month he remembers the wit and humour of the British institution that is Monty Python.

angelina villa-clarke Angelina has been a travel and lifestyle journalist for over 20 years. She has lived in Barbados and has travelled widely. She finds the best places to visit in Cornwall, from five-star hotels to hidden gems.

richard yarrow Richard is a freelance motoring journalist and a former associate editor of Auto Express. He writes for national newspapers, consumer publications and the automotive business press.

simon barnes Simon is a property consultant with over 20 years of experience, focusing on the prime residential market in Mayfair and Belgravia. This month, he shares his top tips for buying a property.

KATIE RANDALL A post-graduate of the University of Westminster, Katie is a fashion and lifestyle journalist who has written for a number of publications and websites, including Handbag.com and The Publican.

kate racovolis An alumnus of Columbia University’s Journalism School, Kate comes from a background in fashion writing and is working on her first book. She meets Mount Street’s fashionable tenants, both new and historic.

Head of Finance Elton Hopkins Associate Publisher Sophie Roberts Managing Director Eren Ellwood

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Valentino Garavani, Susannah Contantine and David Linley at a Valentino party at Annabel’s, 1987*

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annabel’s: the original members’ club We reflect on an incredible 50 years of London’s chicest haunt WORDS: ALICE TOZER

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here’s an assertiveness that radiates success merely upon pronouncing the name ‘Annabel’s’. Celebrating 50 years of full-throttle fun, the highly revered Berkeley Square private members’ nightclub owes its name to the wife of Mark Birley, who created it in 1963. Lady Annabel Vane-Tempest-Stewart is far from the only lady in this world whose (now ex-) husband deemed it fit to honour her in the name of his dearest project. Elizabeth Donkin was a wife who had an entire port named after her (Port Elizabeth) and Alice Todd landed a nice little number when her husband dedicated a whole town – Alice Springs – to the woman. The Birleys, though, closed their Annabel’s chapter when, in June 2007, Richard Caring acquired the club. Two months later, Birley passed away. A new era had begun for the name on the door and for Caring, who also owns Wentworth golf club in Surrey and, closer to home, the Ivy, restaurant 34, and the (very popular with Mayfairians) Mount Street Deli. The existence of Caring’s own wife, model Jacqueline Stead, hasn’t caused a name change above the door, so far. Caring, one of the country’s most successful entrepreneurs, is openly committed to continuing the Annabel’s

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legacy – most of which is pure, simple fun. From Day One, when Birley capitalised on the carefree vibes of the swinging Sixties, there has, on the Annabel’s scene, been a clear sense of having a jolly good ball. This semi obligation remains part of the continuing appeal of the world-renowned

‘A private members’ club plus nightclub, with a smattering of high society within, equals a roaring success’ institution. In excitable fashion, it advertises itself to have hosted some of the most ‘wonderful parties’. And, with curated events and a party culture sharing one space behind its doors, Annabel’s is upfront about doing both ‘highbrow entertainment’ and ‘hedonistic fun’ equally well. Caring, 63, gained the whole Birley Group with his Annabel’s buy up, departing with £90 million in the process but thankfully managing to get the art collection thrown in. Today, the frames and their vibrant content remain as much in situ as the star-lit dance floor. Art was always a big deal; the late Birley was singled out as a fine drawer even when he was at Eton and his father, Sir Oswald Birley, was a society portraitist. Hockney prints hang in the brasserie of sister club George, which opened over in Mount Street in 2001. In 1963, Annabel’s was the first set of four

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walls to balance the now seemingly obvious equation that private members’ club plus nightclub, with a good smattering of high society within, equals a roaring success. The private members’ club itself was far from a new concept, though. As long ago as the late 1800s, any man fancying himself as a ‘gentleman’ was a member of one, and were he to be rejected he was labelled ‘unclubbable’. To name those who have passed though Annabel’s doors is an exercise in namedropping supreme: The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge, Richard Nixon, Ella Fitzgerald, Jack Nicholson and The Rolling Stones are a mere amuse bouche. Aristotle Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor and Shirley Bassey cannot go without mention (God forbid!). Should you ever have been concerned that the Queen has no sense of normality to her social life, you’ll be comforted to learn that she attended a friend’s 70th birthday party at Annabel’s in 2003. And then of course there was our favourite Frank, Mr Sinatra, who was among the joint’s first ever members. The story goes that, sitting inside Annabel’s one day, he admired a painting on the walls to such a degree that, to his utter delight, he was reacquainted with it in his room at Claridge’s where it had been delivered; an example of the Annabel’s touch. It’s the mildly contradictory blend of the club’s exacting standards

and its let-your-hair-down attitude have given it its loyal following. Caring has continued to prioritise the attention to detail that the quasi-obsessive Birley instigated. If Birley’s bugbear was an out-of-position fork on a table, Caring’s is the use of non-organic ingredients and anything less than top-class staff. He has also maintained Birley’s philosophy about loyalty to long-standing members of staff. One case in point is the making of Mohamed Ghannam (a legendary member of the Annabel’s team) an ambassador for the Club. As a member of Annabel’s today, you may invite three guests and enjoy access to sister clubs George and Mark’s (opened in 1972) in the form of breakfast and lunch at the former and afternoon tea and dinner at the latter. If that all sounds a bit too local for comfort, you’ve every right to roll up at Baur au Lac in Zurich or the Kee Club in Hong Kong and Shanghai. First-time yearly membership prices leap considerably after the age of 30 (from £250 to £1,000), so if you’re a ‘clubbable’ twentysomething now’s the time to be proposed and seconded by a likely-looking pair of Annabel’s aficionados. 

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Feature | The mayfair Magazine

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 In Britain, and particularly in London, there is a continuum between the original gentlemen’s clubs and their modern-day reincarnation into private members’ clubs. Now offering so much more, the first gentlemen’s clubs were said, to some extent and for a certain social strata, to have replaced the role of coffee houses. Among the first were White’s, Brooks’s and Boodle’s. Blacks, The Groucho and Soho House are llar wine ce major concerns that followed. In Mayfair, we are T h e lucky enough to be in the hub of it with St London’s private members’ clubs is doing James being a member’s club magnet. The first something dangerous; the likes of One Alfred members-only clubs were gambling havens, a Place and Eight are adding office facilities to the practice that was illegal beyond such set-ups. Very happily for those who still hang establishments. Even Annabel’s shares in this onto the possibility of separating work and play, history. When Birley’s friend John Aspinall Annabel’s doesn’t subscribe. Your mobile or iPad suggested the pair were lacking a suitable space for post-gambling indulgences, Birley responded by turning the basement of Aspinall’s casino, the Clermont Club, into Annabel’s. Fifty years is a marvellous feat but you never can be complacent in the club industry. This knowledge, compounded by his passion is just another cumbersome accessory for the cloakroom. Rules are rules and relaxation is one for the place, has led of them, as is a strict dress code that shuns Caring to reinvest in leggings, cowboy boots and even work outfits. Annabel’s and one fine example is the terrace. The The only exception to the rule, to date, has been for The Beatles. Martin Brudnizki Design Annabel’s still hits the headlines often. In Studio took their March, Goldie Hawn held a charity fundraising inspiration from the event there, where Bryan Ferry played a tune or original design in the two. There are a year’s worth of birthday events mounting of an exterior planned on top of its usual hive of activity. The smoking balcony, mere knowledge of these comes with the cost brimming with foliage of membership, but also a near guarantee of and comfy chairs. 50 more years of fame, frolicking and fun. The latest mutation in

‘Rules are rules and relaxation is one of them, as is a strict dress code’

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*images: Richard Young/Rex Features **image: Rex Features

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The Olivier Awards are back once again and all eyes are on the British stage as we prepare to celebrate the very best of our homegrown talent WORDS: SANDRA MACKENZIE

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LEFT: Rupert Everett and Freddie Fox in The Judas Kiss. (Photo: Manuel Harlan). RIGHT: AN OLIVIER AWARD

hen one award season ends another begins and, with Hollywood’s celebrations over for another year, the time has come for London’s West End to step into the spotlight. Hugh Jackman famously finished his 2009 Oscars opening ceremony speech with the proclamation, ‘The musical is back!’ Four years later, it shows no signs of going anywhere. The film adaptation of Les Misérables has proved to a new generation of moviegoers that musical theatre can be about more than high kicking and jazz hands, and the 2013 Olivier Awards are set to once again highlight the diversity and talent to be found in this bizarre yet brilliant genre. Not to be outdone, London’s theatre scene has also enjoyed a stellar year, with stars of both big and small screens continuing to flock to tread the boards in the West End. The undisputed climax of the theatrical year, the 2012 ceremony hit headlines and broke records as the musical adaptation of Matilda won an unprecedented seven awards. This year, our city’s finest theatrical endeavours will again be rewarded accordingly, after an impressive 12 months in which theatres have enjoyed packed houses for productions as diverse as Richard III and Wicked. With only a short time to go before nominations are announced, we’re going to take you through some of this year’s most likely contenders for the big prizes. Predicting winners is a notoriously risky business, but nominations at least are more susceptible to speculation as London’s Theatreland consists of about 50 theatres, several of which maintain big productions for years, if not decades. Those lucky enough to strike dramatic gold with a long-running hit are unlikely to risk changing the tune; Her Majesty’s Theatre has kept Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera running since 1986 with no hints of restlessness thus far, while Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap is the world’s longestrunning play after 60 uninterrupted years. Staging a new production, be it an original or a revival, requires a huge leap of faith in our

capital’s eternally unpredictable audiences, as with or without the critics, it’s filling the seats that counts. The accolades of ‘Best New ... ’ and ‘Best Revival ...’ can certainly help give a play or musical that extra push of ticket sales needed to stay afloat, and have a fairly consistent record of picking shows that are here to stay. If there were an award for biggest hype of the year, the runaway winner would be Broadway import The Book of Mormon, arriving in the UK on the back of a spectacular two years across the pond. After sweeping the board at the 2011 Tony Awards, the show has legions of dedicated fans who already know the soundtrack word-forword, and has been steadily collecting more since previews began in February. However, with the official opening falling just outside the

‘Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap is the world’s longest running play after 60 uninterrupted years’ Olivier deadline of 15 March, we will have to wait until next year to see if our judges concur with their US equivalents. In the meantime, our money for this year’s prize is firmly on Top Hat, an onstage adaptation of the classic 1935 movie that has enjoyed reviews packed with superlatives thanks to its old-fashioned charm and impeccable choreography. The narrative follows a traditional romantic comedy plot revolving around mistaken identities, but is best remembered for Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers’ Cheek-to-Cheek dance sequence, Irving Berlin’s fabulous music and the dress that created a moment of undisputed movie magic. Brought to life by a stellar cast, the only real question one asks with this musical is why on earth no one put it on stage sooner. ‘Best Revival of a Musical’ is always an intriguing category, presenting prized relics from theatre’s substantial back catalogue 

top right: Adrian Scarborough as George Tesman and Sheridan Smith in Hedda Gabler at the old Vic Theatre (Johan Persson); Below: Bertie Carvel with his Oliver for ‘Best Actor in a Musical’ and presenter Hayley Atwell in 2012 (Helen Maybanks)

brought back to life for brand new audiences. Chichester Festival Theatre continues to make a particularly strong West End contribution with both Kiss Me Kate and Sweeney Todd transferring after their regional runs – and with cast lists that include Olivier veterans Hannah Waddingham, Imelda Staunton and Michael Ball, these are also formidable prospects for the individual awards. From America, there is another import that has arrived with all trumpets blaring – A Chorus Line, which makes its first UK appearance since the original production in 1976. Preserved with exact precision so that each step of choreography is unchanged from the debut over 30 years ago, the story is strikingly simple: 17 hopeful dancers have reached the final stage of an audition process when the director surprises them with the request, ‘Tell me a little bit about yourselves.’ Initially hesitant, their stories begin to pour out through songs, dances and monologues in what is possibly the first truly ensemble musical. The iconic finale, One, is a fantastic musical piece as well as being touchingly ironic, as the fiercely individual and unique dancers transform into the faceless synchronicity of the eponymous chorus line in a number that is pure Broadway from head to perfectly pointed toe. Of course, the Oliviers wouldn’t be worthy of their name without some Shakespeare in the mix, and this year’s offering is delivered in style by none other than Mark Rylance. Playing the title role in Richard III as well as a gloriously simpering Olivia in an all-male Twelfth Night, the acclaimed actor led a strong

ensemble cast from The Globe to a sold-out run at The Apollo with a double bill of Shakespearean brilliance. At the Hampstead Theatre, Rupert Everett’s performance as Oscar Wilde in The Judas Kiss has proved a hit with critics, including those who were unconvinced by the play’s initial outing in 1998. David Hare’s retelling of key moments in Wilde’s final years proves an ideal vehicle for Everett and a fascinating insight into the legendary playwright. Our Oliviers host this year, Sheridan Smith, also gave a star turn in Hedda Gabler, which could well see her joining the ranks of Staunton and Dench in receiving ‘Best Actress’ for both musical and play performances. 2012’s new writing continued to rise to the challenge of persuading directors to abandon the security offered by established texts, ensuring that modern works continue to thrive and ‘Best New Play’ remains a tightly fought contest. The Royal Court’s production of Nick Payne’s Constellations confirmed the young playwright’s place at the top of his game with his fantastically imaginative take on the timeless boy-meets-girl setup, while film, literature and even the Olympics inspired other authors. The Hampstead Theatre became a track-and-field stadium for an adaptation of 1981 movie Chariots of Fire, and best-selling novel The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time provided perfect theatrical fodder for The National. Regardless of results, the Awards are inevitably a night of fantastic entertainment – helped in large part by the fact that, unlike with film awards, there are never any problems persuading acts to perform live. Televised showcases from current productions provide a unique snapshot of a cast and choreography, which will inevitably change all too soon, for as the dancers in A Chorus Line remind us, no show lasts forever. The Olivier Awards present a chance to revel in the continued excellence of the West End, and provide a timely reminder of the importance of continuing to support our arts industry and the world-class theatre it produces. Long may it continue.

right: Alex Gaumond in Top Hat at the Aldwych Theatre (Tristram Kenton); far right, from top: Gavin Creel and Jared Gertner in The Book of Mormon at the Prince of Wales Theatre (Joan Marcus); David Leonard in Matilda at the Cambridge Theatre (Manuel Harlen);

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Sheridan Smith also gave a star turn in Hedda Gabler, which could well see her joining the ranks of Staunton and Judi Denchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Always look on the

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bright side of life It has been over four decades since it started, yet the wit, intelligence and just plain silliness of Monty Python continues to define British humour. Mike Peake explores how the madcap six became national treasures

t started, as many great collaboration do, at university. It was the early 1960s, love was in the air and an army of cocky baby boomers were displaying a thirst for change that was reshaping the world. Everything was up for grabs, from music to fashion to even the things that made people howl with laughter. At Oxford, Michael Palin – a fresh-faced Yorkshireman – and a likeable Welsh-born fellow named Terry Jones were honing their comedy with the university’s Revue; seventy miles away in Cambridge, side-splitting silliness of a similar nature was being created thanks to the antics of a lanky chap from the West Country and his pipe-smoking compadre. They were John Cleese and Graham Chapman, and as soon as a cheeky, wiry-haired fellow and a zany American cartoonist were thrown into this rather intellectually accomplished mix, history was in the making. Palin, Jones, Cleese, Chapman, Idle and Gilliam: Monty Python’s Flying Circus. Or, as this hallowed British institution has come to be known, the ‘Beatles of Comedy’. Working in assorted pairings and combinations for a multitude of TV and radio shows in the run up to landing their first Python series, the five British members of the ensemble eventually worked together for the first time in 1966 on The Frost Report, a satirical comedy show hosted – somewhat incongruously, it seems today – by David Frost. Each recognised the potential for creating something new and Python became the perfect vehicle for their idiosyncratic brand of humour. They convinced the BBC to give them 13 shows and got busy – Palin writing with Jones, Cleese with Chapman and Idle penning his material alone. It was the start of something special. ‘It was the mix that really worked,’ Palin told the BBC in December 2009. ‘Maybe individually we couldn’t have produced anything at all like that.’ 

IMAGE: THE MONTY PYTHON GANG, © The moviestore collection

The first series arrived in October 1969 and was followed by three more for a total of just 45 episodes. By 1974 it was all over, bar a couple of movies that strung things out a little longer. Almost 40 years after that final, fourth series,

‘Graham insists on remaining dead, which is really selfish of him’ – Eric Idle

right, from top: MONTY PYTHON’S LIFE OF BRIAN (1979); MONTY PYTHON’S THE MEANING OF LIFE (1983); MONTY PYTHON’S LIFE OF BRIAN (1979); MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL (1975) ; MONTY PYTHON’S FLYING CIRCUS (TV) (1969) ALL ©The moviestore collection

Monty Python somehow still exemplifies the very best of British comedy. Consistently voted amongst the best comedy programmes of all time, it also manages to retain a sense of cool that other world-famous British comedy exports like Benny Hill and Mr Bean so patently do not. Whether you’re in India, Hong Kong or on a beach in Florida, British comedy means Monty Python. Way back in 1999, BBC entertainment correspondent Tom Brook was already writing about this oddly enduring global love affair with the show. ‘I was covering a big Hollywood awards ceremony when I suddenly saw an animated Jim Carrey bounding towards me exclaiming, “The Python Network!”,’ says Brook. ‘He had seen the BBC logo on my microphone and was desperate to express his affection for the TV network that had brought him Monty Python’s Flying Circus.’ In another incident, before Brook could even begin to ask Robin Williams about the series’ 30th anniversary, the actor started quoting lines from the series verbatim. The Mrs Doubtfire star reckoned that Monty Python is a ‘great combination of intellect and silly’. Given its lasting appeal, it’s little wonder, perhaps, that Monty Python continues to cast a long shadow over each surviving member – despite many individual post-Python successes. On Michael Palin’s 1989 globetrotting adventure Around The World In 80 Days, he is broadsided by a persistent female American Python fan who recognises him at a railway station. When Eric Idle came out to sing Always

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Look On The Bright Side Of Life at this year’s Olympics closing ceremony, he wasn’t given the honour because of his work on late Nineties US comedy Suddenly Susan; Idle landed the biggest closing spot in history because he represented both 20 per cent of the surviving Monty Python team and also British comedy as the show’s worldwide audience knows and loves it. We will not mention that Idle has lived in Los Angeles for the past 20 years. Ironically, Idle spent much of the decades that followed Python’s success trying to move on from it. He once said he was bored of answering endless Python-related questions as though ‘nothing happened’ since. ‘All of us try not to repeat Python in our own individual attempts,’ was Terry Jones’ take. ‘Sometimes we succeed, sometimes we don’t.’ Spotting a cash cow in 2005, however, Idle changed his mind when he co-wrote the Monty Python And The Holy Grail -inspired musical Spamalot. Multiple Tony Awards and other industry accolades suggested he was onto something: in its initial run of more than 1,500 performances, Spamalot grossed more than $175m. The success of Spamalot proved the public’s ever-voracious appetite for Python-style daftness beyond any doubt. And yet a ‘reunion’ might be a long time coming, although there have been minor ‘one-offs’ including a BBC show featuring new material in 1999. ‘Graham insists on remaining dead, which is really selfish of him,’ Idle has said in the past, skirting the big reunion question with aplomb. Chapman’s lasting influence on the team, however, did prompt four of the remaining five to get together recently: A Liar’s Autobiography, released earlier this year, is an animated 3D movie based on the late Python bon viveur’s memoirs. The reviewer from The Hollywood Reporter – reminding us of Monty Python’s ‘iconoclastic force in British comedy’ – says the film is ‘anarchic’, ‘often very funny’ and ‘surreal’. A fitting epitaph not just for a posthumous work of Graham Chapman, perhaps, but for Britain’s most side-splitting export, too.

left, from top: MONTY PYTHON’S THE MEANING OF LIFE (1983); MONTY PYTHON’S LIFE OF BRIAN (1979); MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL (1975); MONTY PYTHON’S LIFE OF BRIAN (1979) ALL ©The moviestore collection

The mayfair Magazine | Feature

REBEL

REBEL The original provocateur makes a comeback this year. Stephen Doig looks at four decades of unerring cool

image: Photograph by Masayoshi Sukita ÂŠ Sukita The David Bowie Archive 1973

orty-four years since he made his debut and the iconic David Bowie is still a provocateur. His video for The Stars Are Out Tonight has hit headlines; a knifewielding, crazed Tilda Swinton (some would say, Bowie’s female counterpart thanks to her androgynous aesthetic) as his wife, models Andrej Pejic and Saskia De Brauw swapping genders to play an androgynous husband and wife team. His new album The Next Day, ten years in the making, has claimed the number one spot in 17 countries and an upcoming retrospective of his eclectic, visionary sense of style at the V&A Museum, in partnership with Gucci, has sold a record 26,000 tickets – the highest ever advance booking in the museum’s century-spanning history. And that’s before it has even launched. The public’s appetite for

‘I’m an instant star, just add water’ – David Bowie

RIGHT: Original photography for the Earthling album cover 1997 (PHOTO: Frank W Ockenfels); (SCATTERED) Cut up lyrics for Blackout from Heroes 1977, COURTESY The David Bowie Archive 2012 (Image: V&A Images)

Bowie’s brand of conceptualism and boundary pushing is as fervent as ever. ‘I’m always amazed that people take what I say seriously. I don’t even take what I am seriously’, the musician once said. Of course, what he is, is entirely open to debate itself; trying to précis Bowie is like trying to track down the Turin shroud. He is the master of reinvention, a shifting chameleon who immerses himself in whatever adopted identity he chooses. ‘I’ve always had a repulsive need to be more than human,’ Bowie has said. That he has. When a young David Robert Jones finished secondary school in a grey, suburban scrap of South London in the 1960s, the budding musician (he had formed a band and learned to play saxophone and guitar) wrote to an entrepreneur he’d read about in the paper, who had made his fortune in washing machines. The young man, who idolised Mick Jagger at the time, asked the businessman to ‘do for us what Brian Epstein has done for The Beatles and make another

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million.’ The offer didn’t exactly work, but John Bloom, the man in question, passed the letter along to some music industry contacts. Fresh from dreaming of being his band’s front man (‘I wanted to be their Mick Jagger’), Bowie quit Davie Jones and the King Bees before striking out on his own. Soon, theatre, mime, artistry and every facet of the avant-garde and otherworldly would become his lifeblood. By the time his third album, The Man Who Sold The World, arrived in 1970 – and he had embraced a name change – Bowie had fine tuned his image and his singular aesthetic. Taking advantage of his reed-thin frame, cut-glass cheekbones and angular face, he began experimenting with androgyny, a move that has seen Annie Lennox, Boy George, Lady Gaga and a host of others follow in his footsteps since. He wore floor-length dresses and sculptural make-up. Said John Mendelsohn in Rolling Stone : ‘He was ravishing, almost disconcertingly reminiscent of Lauren Bacall’. Questions abounded about his sexuality – despite his marriage to Angie Bowie and birth of his son – which served to fuel the frisson his name created. The iconography of Bowie’s most famous alter ego, Ziggy Stardust, has gone down in popculture history – the unearthly palour, the spray-on catsuits, the theatrical and camp plumes of feathers erupting from the shoulders and that oft-copied lightening bolt over the face (most famously mimicked by Kate Moss on the cover of British Vogue). Long before Gaga was wowing with her boundary-pushing meatdresses, Bowie was doing far more inventive and creative explorations of dress and identity. He said later: ‘I’d found my character – I’d found my hero. There was a lot of clown in that character…The “one man against the world” really reverberated in my mind. That was something I really homed in on. Ziggy really set the pattern for my future work. Ziggy was my Martian messiah who twanged a guitar… It was quite easy to become obsessed night and day with the character. David Bowie went totally out of the window. I got hopelessly lost in fantasy’. 

FROM TOP: DAVID Bowie photographed by norman parkinson (PHOTO: Corbis/© Norman Parkinson Ltd); David Bowie and William Burroughs 1974 (Photo: Terry ONeill, Courtesy of The David Bowie Archive 2012); David Bowie’s star on Hollywood Walk of Fame (PHOTO: Jorg Hackemann / Shutterstock.com); Album cover shoot for Aladdin Sane 1973 (Photo: Brian Duffy, Duffy Archive)

Feature | The mayfair Magazine

BELOW, FROM LEFT: Model Saskia de Brauw (PHOTO: NataSha / Shutterstock. com); Tilda Swinton (PHOTO: Helga Esteb / Shutterstock. com); Lady Gaga (PHOTO: vipflash / Shutterstock.com)

 Trips in fantasy became par for the course for the Bowie cavalcade, which found a new teen audience with the 1986 cinematic flight of imagination, Labyrinth, with Bowie’s wicked and surreal Goblin King Jareth going on to terrify a generation who had stayed up way past bedtime. And while the Bowie identity may have mellowed in recent years – images of the Thin White Duke nowadays more often than not show him willowy-cheeked and in a neat suit or stark black coat – his clout or ability to subvert have never wained. The Independent called his latest album ‘the greatest comeback album in rock ’n’ roll history’. He kept his new venture close to his chest, with no information or press releases about his imminent resurrection, brilliantly at odds with today’s press-call celebrity culture. The news that his single was launching acted as a veritable bomb to Bowie fans. Part of his appeal, aided by years of adopting personas and playing at masquerade, is in his Sphynx-like remoteness, his strangeness and reluctance to explain himself. As he once said, ‘I’m an instant star, just add water’. ‘David Bowie is’ runs from 23 March – 11 August 2013 is at the V&A, in partnership with Gucci, sound experience by Sennheiser (www.vam.ac.uk/ davidbowieis)

from top: The Archer Station to Station tour 1976 (PHOTO: John Robert Rowlands); Photo collage of manipulated film stills from The Man Who Fell to Earth Film stills (STUDIOCANAL Films Ltd, Image V&A Images); ZIGGY STARTDUST PLAque in Heddon Street

left: romotional shoot for The Konrads 1963 (Photo: Roy Ainsworth, Courtesy of The David Bowie Archive 2012, Image V&A Images

A WOLF IS JUST AN OVEN, LIKE A DIAMOND IS JUST A STONE Iconic design. Enduring quality. Superior performance

www.subzero-wolf.co.uk

251 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London SW3 2EP 0845 250 0010

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Back in style The Fifties are back. And this time they oscillate between Cannes and California in De Fursac’s delightful new S/S collection. Accordingly, preppy airs, bestowed by strong centres and tapered trousers are punctured by Bob Dylan-style baker boy caps and exposed wrists, confering a loucheness on the whole affair. The formal and the informal flow seamlessly into one another here, and this is no accident – ‘Le costume’, the suit, is both uniform and fancy dress. Its light cotton comes from De Fursac’s longstanding partner, Lanificio Cerruti. De Fursac (www.defursac.fr)

style spy OPWOOD-PHILL WORDS:HENRY H

IPS

Gun control

Square eyes

Handcrafted in England, this gun slip is sleek, elegant and practical. With shoulder sling, carry handles and faux sheepskin lining, there is not much fuss but it does do what it says on the label. At 30” it is not for all guns: if you like yours with more velocity, flatter trajectory and a bit more hitting power, then you’ll need to look further afield. But as an all-round carry case, you would be a fool to pass this one by. Leather gunslip, £375, Hunter, (www.hunter-boot.com)

Inspired by a generation of men long-gone, Farrell can boast of great success in giving the echoes of Edwardian style in post-war Britain a fresh edge. Now, flirting with the more foppish elements of the era, these pocket squares add a touch of class to a strong collection from Robbie Williams’ firm. 100 per cent silk with hand-rolled edges, the red, gold, pink and blue foulard prints give wearers the opportunity to stand out from a sea of paisley. Jack Foulard Pocket Squares, £25, Farrell (available at Selfridges)

Scotch sartors Founded in 1689, London’s oldest tailor has been providing the material for arbitri elegantiae to pronounce upon for centuries. And this check single-breasted jacket looks set to fulfil the highest of expectations. Woven using silk and linen in Peebles, Scotland, it is half-lined with tapered seams and sports milky mother-of-pearl buttons. Classically cut and designed for longevity, this is a jacket that you can count on outlasting yourself. Tan over single check breasted weekend jacket, £395, Ede & Ravenscroft, 8 Burlington Gardens, W1S

Hunting for Hunters In the breather between shooting seasons, get yourself kitted out with the Shooting Industry’s awardwinning boots: the Balmoral Hawksworths. Big on durability and comfort, they look the part too. Combining tumbled and full-grain leathers, the boot’s shape remains definitively Hunter. On the inside, two sets of insoles – one 3mm and the other 6mm-thick – enable wearers to tackle every type of terrain. This is a boot that sorts the amateurs out from the professionals. Balmoral Hawksworth boots, £285, Hunter (www.hunter-boot.com) 33

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Jenny’s boudoir From the Hollywood Hills to Buckingham Palace, Jenny Packham is the go-to designer for show-stopping glamour. But a red-carpet look is not just about floor-sweeping dresses. From bold raw crystal-encrusted necklaces to delicate and understated hair pieces, Packham has a dynamic mix of accessories perfect for all occasions. The designer’s revamped Boudoir boutique in the heart of Belgravia now houses her entire collection. Visit the Art Deco-inspired store to give your outfit the perfect finishing touch. The Boudoir, 34 Elizabeth Street SW1W (www.jennypackham.com)

e t a d p u e l y st a isaacs WORDS: daniell

3 New names to know in British fashion

#1 Zoe Jordan Zoe Jordan kicked off London Fashion Week last month, proving that she has all the right fashion credentials. Her designs have a sporty feel to them without sacrificing feminine elegance. The S/S collection included skater dresses in pastel hues, metallic jackets and easy-to-wear harem pants. (www.zoe-jordan.com)

Star shoes Cupid, Van Gogh and the Eiffel Tower are just a few of the muses that have inspired British shoe designer Charlotte Olympia’s previous collections. This time she has turned her attention to the stars for her new Birthday Shoes capsule collection. Adorned with Swarovski crystals, the vintage-style flats, each feature an intricate hand-painted embellishment of the zodiac sign. Each pair comes with a Charlotte Olympia horoscope book, so you can philosophise for hours about what your fashion choices could mean. Birthday Shoes, £495 (www.charlotteolympia.com)

#2 Rachel Black Rachel Black was tired of seeing ‘hats wear women’ and decided to use her background in theatre design to create dramatic styles of her own. These have recently seen her becoming the go-to milliner for women who are after those extra fashion points. Black even has the royal stamp of approval with Princess Beatrice sporting her chic designs. (www.rachelblackmillinery.co.uk)

#3 Alexis Barrell Having lived in over ten cities in six years, South African-born Barrell uses her travels to inspire her collections. We love her beautiful silk bias-cut dresses and bright botanical prints. (www.alexisbarrell.com)

Swiss movement, English heart

Made in Switzerland / Sellita SW200-1 self-winding movement / 38 hour power reserve / 42mm marine-grade 316L stainless steel case and deployment bracelet / Water resistant to 300 metres / 4mm anti-reflective sapphire crystal / Deep-etched back-plate engraving

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HURLINGHAM 8TH/9TH/10TH JUNE 2012

A WONDERFUL FAMILY DAY OUT AND GREAT VALUE HURLINGHAM 7th, 8th & 9th June 2013 tickets on sale through ticketmaster速 now www.mintpolointhepark.com

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The making of

Mount Street From hidden side street to international shopping destination, we trace Mount Streetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s journey with the designers and forces at work that have made it the place to eat, shop and play w o r d s : k at e r a c o v o l i s

ILLUSTRATION: MAI OSAWA

1897

1900s 1800s ‘The iconic architecture dates back to when a complete overhaul was made by Hugh Lupus Grosvenor, the first Duke of Westminster’

I ABOVE, FROM LEFT: image: chris durnford from ALLENS OF MAYFAIR; Bespoke Cleaning Kit, £1,450 and Bespoke Boots, £3,600, from James Purdey & Sons; THE BAR AT THE CONNAUGHT, image: courtesy of the connaught; william & son Diamond Necklace, £78,400 (www.williamandson. com). ILLUSTRATION OF MOUNT STREET BY MAI OSAWA

n 2007, something remarkable happened on Mount Street. Marc Jacobs, the eclectic, occasional cross-dressing but incredibly stylish designer, opened his first London boutique at number 24-25, among the heart of Mayfair’s heritage where some of the oldest shops remain today. The new shop triggered a change for the street and has since seen a new era of shopping not only for Mayfair, but for London. Walking its length from the top of Grosvenor Square towards Park Lane can be a sensory journey – the smell of cigars lingering from the little plumes of smoke from the occasional gentleman’s Cohiba as he walks by, or the scent of fresh coffee, spilling out of the Mount Street Deli, gives a homely, intimate feel to the street. It is difficult to believe that a gregarious Bond Street is just a stone’s throw away. There is a unique sense of calm here for central London; there are no bus-loads of tourists queuing to get in to the boutiques and the uniform terracotta buildings offer a sense of tradition that the more contemporary buildings cannot.

Entering the road, flanked by the new Oscar de la Renta store and the Mount Street Printers, Goyard, Lanvin and The Connaught all within your sights, sets the tone for the fashionable haven that awaits. The street is home to all Parisian and other international favourites, as well as British brands – plus the butcher, Allens of Mayfair, the Mount Street Deli and one of the most iconic restaurants in town, Scott’s. Of course, pre-Jacobs, Mount Street was no stranger to luxury – James Purdey & Sons, William & Son and Sautter Cigars sat next to art galleries and world-renowned restaurants for years. The reopening of Scott’s in the same year as Marc Jacobs also marked the beginning of a new identity for the street. Footfall rose and the fashion pack was quick to make its entrance. But this small oasis of shops and fine eateries wasn’t born overnight. Careful thought has gone into the types of shops that have opened – and the ones we can expect to see in the future. For this, we can bow before Helen Franks, the head of commercial leasing at

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‘The scent of fresh coffee, spilling out of the Mount Street Deli, gives a homely, intimate feel’

2000s 1970

ABOVE, FROM LEFT: SAUTTER cigars AND SIGN; S/S13 Jenny Packham; PARSLEY SEED FACIAL CLEANSER, £25, AESOP; heels, from a selection, Christian Louboutin; GEORGE, Photograph by Christopher Allerton



Grosvenor Estate – the woman behind the unique cluster of shops – as well as Will Bax, the director of Mayfair for the Estate that owns 80 per cent of the street. ‘[Marc Jacobs] enabled us to start engaging with other high-end fashion brands, to encourage them to open their first UK store with us,’ says Franks. ‘We went to Paris to see the Gucci Group to bring Balenciaga over and we facilitated that deal. And then Aesop – who were hugely forward-thinking anyway – and that is how we started building the street. I think the kind of criteria and the strategy that we adopt is that we prefer to talk to brands when they are looking to open their first and only London store.’ One of the latest additions to the street, Parmigiani Fleurier (a Swiss watch company with origins as a specialist watchmaker of stunning made-to-measure timepieces), liaised with Grosvenor Estate for at least a year before opening its doors. The process from the initial expression of interest to opening the doors for

2001 the first time is a notoriously time-consuming process. Jean-Marc Jacot, CEO of Parmigiani Fleurier chose the spot for the affinity that he felt his company shared with the atelier’s would-be neighbours. Even though the process was long, he says that it made it all the more special that they were able to secure a place in one of the limited shop-fronts, since tenants are selected because of their suitability to the street, rather than by the highest bidder. ‘I fell in love with it immediately. We prefer to be off the main street and for us it was the perfect solution,’ says Jacot. In 2010, the street underwent a major restoration, which was also the work of Grosvenor Estate, to preserve its iconic architecture dating back to 1900 when a complete overhaul was made by Hugh Lupus Grosvenor, the first Duke of Westminster. Purdey, the gun and rifles makers at Audley House, are one of the street’s oldest tenants and Richard Purdey, great great grandson of James Purdey the Younger, has seen Mount Street’s 

‘Mount Street has an ambiance that is both contemporary and timeless. It’s hard to describe… time almost stands still’ - Kevin Lansdown, Scott’s

2009

ABOVE, FROM LEFT: Earrings, £39,000, Stephen Webster (www. stephenwebster.com); marc by MARC JACOBS BAG, available from net-a-porter; Grand Hôtel suitcase, from £4,210, Goyard; LANVIN; top, skirt, bag and wedges, from £310, ch CAROLINA HERRERA; the MOUNT STREET DELI

evolution first-hand. ‘When I first worked at Purdey’s in 1960, Mayfair, by comparison to today, was a quiet, upmarket, and still mainly residential London village, with Mount Street at its heart,’ he says. ‘Audley House may have stood on its corner for 131 years, witnessing profound changes in society, fashions, manners and customs, but step inside and there is a wonderful combination of the long-established tradition and history of London’s best-known gun and rifle maker, happily co-existing with the new designs and demands of the modern world.’ Indeed, this pocket of Mayfair is where the old world meets the new. Kevin Lansdown, the maître d’ and acting general manager of Scott’s has also witnessed similar changes during his tenure: ‘It has changed to an almost unrecognisable level,’ he says. ‘The Grosvenor Estate has invested a great deal of money into the look and feel of the street itself,’ says Lansdown. From a backwater street, it has certainly come a long way. But it represents a different, more discreet

2010

kind of luxury to that which appears on Bond or Sloane Street – as well as the other comparable luxury shopping meccas around the world that attract big-name brands, from Fifth and Madison Avenue in New York, to the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris. ‘Luxury is not a word I tend to employ – but I do understand the luxury of time and space, and I think that Mount Street has an ambiance that is both contemporary and timeless. It’s hard to describe… Time almost stands still and there is great fun to be had,’ says Lansdown. It is indeed a kind of luxury that happily stays under-wraps – and it need not boast the largest spaces, or highest concentration of luxury boutiques. This low-key nature is what many of the existing shops were attracted to in searching for the perfect place to open up shop. Jenny Packham was one of the first to open along with Jacobs. ‘[With] Bond Street and with Scott’s and The Connaught across the road, Mount Street was already an international destination,’ says Packham. ‘Now, it has grown.

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2012 2011

‘Originally, our flagship evening-wear store was a bank. I loved the space and felt it was really special’

today

- Jenny Packham

ABOVE, FROM LEFT: ROLAND MOURET ENTRANCE; MACKINTOSH WINDOW; Tonda Transforma CBF Set, £51,500, Parmigiani Fleurier (www.parmigiani.ch); Dresses in modal jersey and silk, plexi bracelets and raffia ballerina flats, Paule Ka, Image by Benjamin Travade; RUBINACCI

Originally, our flagship evening-wear store was a bank. I loved the space and felt it was really special and unique. We were careful to maintain many of the building’s original features – the Bureaux de Change is now one of the changing rooms and the chequered marble floor is original.’ With similar thoughts, Jean Michel Signoles, owner and President of Goyard, opened his boutique in 2009 because of the heritage connected to the area. He had spent years visiting The Connaught, which quite romantically drew him in. ‘I was always seduced by this street with its mixture of antiques, galleries of art… Where we also find a trader of cigars, Webster the jeweller, Oscar de la Renta, the Purdey institution, three of the top hairdressers in London, the butcher Allens, Scott’s and the club, George,’ Signoles says. The mix of shops – from food to fashion – are clearly one of its most unique assets. Start the day with eggs and soldiers at the Mount Street Deli and by ten o’clock in the morning the shops, galleries and property agents are

opening their doors. After shopping at Balenciaga, you can drop into Allens and pick up your roast for dinner. The village-like feel that Mount Street radiates in each carefully selected shop, gives a sense of community between it’s commercial tenants and residents. And its not just the brands that are benefitting. ‘These amenities make Mayfair stand out as a highly desirable place to live,’ says Kate Townrow, head of Knight Frank Mayfair lettings. ‘A reputation that will only be enhanced with the forthcoming commercial openings such as the high-fashion brand Céline.’ This spring, Céline will open in the largest space at number 103, which is telling of the street’s present and future state as one of London’s best-kept secrets – many fashion insiders now carry Céline’s Luggage totes. Mount Street is like an art gallery for fashion – it draws together an eclectic mix of fashion and we can’t wait to see which brand will be the next lucky import – as long as it keeps its quiet, peaceful charm of course.

Jacket, £495; waistcoat, £150; trousers £200; shirt £125, all Gieves & Hawkes (www.gievesandhawkes.com). Tie, £65 and pocket square, £45, both Ede & Ravenscroft (www.edeandravenscroft.com). Hat, from a selection, Lock & Co. (www.lockhatters.co.uk)

london calling Pick up your bowler hat and adjust your tie – this month is all about looking smart. Team tailored suits with classic accessories for a very British finish P h o t o g r a p h y: S i m o n L i p m a n Fa s h i o n E d i t o r : L u c i e D o d d s

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Jacket, £495; waistcoat, £150 and shirt, all Thomas Pink (www.thomaspink.com). Pocket square, £25, Anderson & Sheppard (www.anderson-sheppard.co.uk). Tie, £65, Ede & Ravenscroft (www.edeandravenscroft.com). iPad folder, £300, Smythson (www.smythson.com) Opposite page: suit, £1,350; shirt, £150; tie £175 and briefcase, £1,550, all from Alfred Dunhill (www.dunhill.com). Loafers, £320, Crockett & Jones (www.crockettandjones.com)

The mayfair Magazine | Fashion

Suit, £825; shirt £120 and tie, £75, all Hackett (www.hackett.com). Brogues, £695, John Lobb (www.johnlobb.com). Umbrella, £225, Anderson & Sheppard (www.anderson-sheppard.co.uk) Opposite page: jacket, £320; waistcoat, £120; trousers, £160 and shirt, £85, all Jaeger (www.jaeger.co.uk). Tie, £95, Alfred Dunhill (www.dunhill.com). Umbrella, £225, Anderson & Sheppard (www.anderson-sheppard.co.uk). Brogues, £445, Grenson (www.grenson.co.uk) Grooming: Katie Pettigrew at Tiger Creative using MAC and Paul Mitchell 46

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RUN WILDbracelet london_UK 13/04/12 09.37 Pagina 1

Buccellati White Gold Bracelet with Violet Jade Centre Stone From the Buccellati Unique Cuff Bracelet Collection

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Fit for a Queen

neâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a design company recognised for its groundbreaking production techniques; the other is a specialist clock maker which has been famed for manufacturing time instruments for more than 150 years. Now, Royal Warrant holders Zone Creations and Comitti of London are uniting to produce a limited-edition piece; the Greenwich Regulator. It is a stunning replica of the architectural floor clock co-created in 2012 for Buckingham Palace in celebration of the Diamond Jubilee. At 198 centimetres tall, and limited to just 120 pieces, it has a Corian base and Palladian top that echo the elegant architecture of the palace for which it was created. Sales of the piece will benefit the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST), the charitable arm of the Royal Warrant Holders Association that supports excellence in British craftsmanship and the conservation of it. (www.greenwichregulator.co.uk)

INSIDE TRACK The Street Westfield Stratford City E20 1EJ 0208 534 3446 info@insidetrackshop.com @InsideTrackShop

MCLAREN & ASTON MARTIN COLLECTIONS AT WESTFIELD STRATFORD VIP SHOPPING EVENINGS

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Watch news Treasured timepieces, horological heirlooms and modern masterpieces WORDS: RICHARD BROWN

Eyes to the skies ‘Graham? In a ‘Best of British’ issue?’, we hear you ask. True, it may be a company named after a British clockmaker, rather than a British brand per se, but Graham does devote its creations to the English inventor of the lever escapement mechanism. And for us, that’s reason enough to include the company here. Progressing from the pedantic, we thought we’d bring you the news that Graham has recently launched the Geo. Graham. The Moon, a watch that combines

‘Graham devotes its creations to the English inventor of the lever escapement mechanism’ a flying tourbillon with a high-precision moon-phase perpetual function, the cycle of which is calculated on the moon’s exact synodic period for a duration of 122 years. We think this is rather cool, British or not. (www.graham1695.com)

ONE TO WATCH Each month we select our timepiece of the moment from the watch world’s most exciting pieces:

‘It will tell you the day, date, month, leap year and phase of the moon; the 18-karat gold, Art Deco-inspired 5940J is a modern-day classic that unites Patek’s present with its illustrious past’ 5940J, £61,530, Patek Philippe (www.patek.com)

3 OF THE BEST B R I T I S H W A T C H E S S I N C E 2 0 1 1

2 3

#1 The Robin, £5,850 Robert Loomes, 2011 (www.robertloomes.com)

#2 Serpent Calendar Steel 42mm, from a selection Speake-Marin, 2012 (www.speake-marin.com)

#3 Signalman DLC GMT PR £4,050 Schofield, 2011 (www.schofieldwatchcompany.com)

Launched: 2005, London We talk to: Christopher Ward co-founder Mike France

 Describe the state of the British

Back to

future the

It’s been sleeping for centuries, but now, awoken by international interest and home-grown talent, the UK’s horology industry is in full-scale revival. Richard Brown meets the men putting Britain back on the watchmaking map

t present, you can count the number of British watch companies on the digits of two hands; the companies that actually produce parts in the UK can be counted on one. Had you predicted this would have been the case ten years ago, however, few in the industry would have given you the time of day. Over the last ten years, British watchmaking has developed from a cottage industry into a serious business and, ahead of the inaugural London Watch Show in July, the only trade show dedicated to the UK watch sector, we speak to the founders of the companies fuelling the furnaces of growth.

watchmaking industry? Exciting, interesting and on the up.  What’s fuelling its growth? British curiosity, ingenuity and taste are beginning to have a marked impact on the rather self-satisfied Swiss industry. We have a heritage in watchmaking that even the Swiss are secretly envious of. However, other than the handful of watches made by the late George Daniels and now by his one-time apprentice, Roger W. Smith, there hasn’t been a truly British-made watch worthy of the description for decades.  What’s your USP? Our online business model has removed all the middle men to create unrivalled value whilst our transparent and accessible style puts customers directly in touch with the watchmaker. The unique dialogue this engenders means we have a far deeper relationship with our customers.  How British is your brand? We design everything in our Maidenhead studio and I think you can see a very English sensibility in our watches: an unfussy, understated, classic approach. As there is no watchmaking to speak of in this country at present, to achieve the exacting standards we demand, we manufacture in Switzerland. Master watchmaker, Johannes Jahnke, who works with us, is an East German anglophile with a love for Norton motorbikes and vintage Jaguar cars – so there’s even a corner of a Swiss atelier that is forever England, I suppose.  What’s your favourite timepiece? At the moment I am absolutely smitten with our new Worldtimer design which won’t be on sale until November. Apart from being a beautiful looking watch, we have developed a world first in terms of a GMT complication – and it’s not every day you can say that.  If you could pick any British person to wear your watches, who would it be? Bradley Wiggins. No doubt about it. He is a true one-off; a great champion, stylish and witty but very self-effacing.

IMAGE: CHRISTOPHER WARD

Christopher Ward

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IMAGE: bremont supermarine

Meridian Watch Company Launched: 2011, Norwich We talk to: Meridian co-founder Richard Baldwin

 Describe the state of the British

Bremont Founded: 2002, Henley-on-Thames We talk to: Bremont co-founder Nick English

 Describe the state of the British watchmaking industry? Without sounding over confident, I think it is in a better shape than it has been for many, many years. Companies like us are taking on local apprentice watchmakers which I don’t think has happened to the same extent for quite some time.  What’s your USP? The obvious difference, compared to the multitude of Swiss brands found somewhere like Baselworld, is that we are British. There is an incredible history of British watchmaking and we are very honoured to be playing a small part in its revival. We are also different in that we are motivated by engineering rather than fashion; hopefully that comes across clearly in our design ethos.  How British is your brand? We are 100 per cent British-owned and all of our design and technical input comes from the UK and our workshop in Henley. Many of the watch parts, including movement parts and cases and even some straps and packaging, are now made in the UK. Every Bremont watch is assembled and tested in the UK at our Henley facility.  What’s your favourite watch? For me, it is the stainless steel U2. I love the ruggedness and simplicity of its design. It is the perfect watch for me.  If you could pick any British person to wear your watches, who would it be? This is a tough one. I think one of the Princes would be quite special wouldn’t it?!

watchmaking industry? It’s still very small, tiny in fact, but it is experiencing something of a renaissance. It’s split into two main categories; you have your British watch companies and then your British watchmakers. Not every British watch company will manufacture their watches in Britain using British parts. Both avenues will continue to grow at a rapid rate. I believe there is still a gap in the market for British-made watches with a price tag of between five and 20k.  What’s your USP? We offer a very bespoke service. Everything is made, finished and polished by hand according to our customers’ individual preferences.  How British is your brand? Everything about our watches, apart from the base parts within the movement, is made in the UK. Even the movement, which requires some Swiss-made pieces, is assembled and finished in Britain. We manufacture everything else, from the straps and cases to the dials and hands.  What’s your favourite timepiece? Our MP-05 as that was the watch that started it all for us. The rest of our models are based around that watch. Away from Meridian, I like Speake-Marin, Richard Mille and Omega, particularly the Speedmaster. Then of course you have Roger Smith. Well, to put it another way, you have Roger Smith, and then everybody else. Up close and personal, his watches are truly sensational.  If you could pick any British person to wear your watches, who would it be? We don’t really do brand ambassadors. We don’t like to align our company with one specific individual; we’re for the everyday person, the person who has taken the time to get to know us and our brand.

Food & Drink Collection | The|mayfair The mayfair Magazine Magazine

Robert Loomes

Schofield

Launched: 1991, Stamford We talk to: Company-founder Robert Loomes

Launched: 2011, Sussex We talk to: Company-founder Giles Ellis

 Describe the state of the British

watchmaking industry? It’s going through a period of rapid and accelerating growth. I am probably aware of more watchmaking firms who have yet to release their products than I am of firms who currently have something to sell. If the 20th century was about globalisation then, so far, the 21st century has largely been about localisation. Customers are ever keener to understand exactly how their watch was made. Blanket statements like ‘made in Britain’ are under close scrutiny from ever more buyers.  What’s your USP? We want to be known not just for the entirely British-made aspect, but also as a firm of experienced watchmakers who manufacture simple, understated and elegant wristwatches. Our Robin and Robina watches tell no more than they should: the right time.  How British is your brand? What is important to us is not that we make everything under one roof – much of what we do is outsourced to specialist firms – but that each of those individual firms is based in Britain. Whilst the look may be elegant and classic, in fact many of the manufacturing procedures we have used are world-leading techniques developed in university engineering departments. We pay little or no attention to current Swiss manufacturing.  What’s your favourite timepiece? There is a pocket watch made about 1660 by my antecedent, Thomas Loomes. Obviously the name appeals to me but more importantly, this is a complicated watch. It has both astrolabic and mean time displays, shows the phase of the moon and includes a perpetual calendar. Modern watchmakers like to show off with complications, but it was being done here in England 350 years ago.  If you could pick any British person to wear your watches, who would it be? We have never needed to give celebrities a watch to wear but someone did once say it’s the sort of thing Bertie Wooster might wear on his wrist. He meant it as a joke. I took it as the perfect compliment.

watchmaking industry? It is starting from the ground up. There is no infrastructure, workforce, machinery and barely an existing knowledge base. So it is incredibly exciting being attached to an industry that isn’t fettered by those constraints.  What’s your USP? Schofield prides itself on its attention to detail and thoroughness. On buying a watch individuals become privileged members of the Schofield club. Members receive exclusive products, invitations to private events and opportunities to hear about our new products before they are launched. We don’t advertise or use brand ambassadors. The only retail Schofield uses is from the Schofield website because demand is so high we do not need to distribute.  How British is your brand? Based in rural Sussex, Schofield designs all of its watches, dry goods and accessories. Where possible, Schofield sources, manufactures and fabricates items in England. From paper and envelopes, to presentation boxes and straps made from beautiful English wools, tweeds and canvases. The Signalman GMT PR was designed here in England and our new watch the Signalman Black Lamp (to be launched at the end of the year) will have ‘England’ proudly written on the dial.  What’s your favourite timepiece? The Signalman because it is the only watch in the world that was created specifically for me. Without compromise, it fulfils all the requirements that I desire in a wrist watch. Beyond Schofield, I would wear a classic Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, a JaegerLeCoultre Memovox, a Romain Jerome Space Invaders watch or a Zenith El Primero Chronograph.  If you could pick any British person to wear your watches, who would it be? My late stepfather, a quintessential English gentleman, a doctor and double professor of engineering who gave his insight and time to Schofield. In spite of my endeavour, no amount of cajoling could persuade him to give up his trusty Sekonda.

The mayfair Magazine | Collection

#1 #4 #2

For him

#12

Treasure

island

Embrace the best British brands with patriotic panache

#11

#6 #7

#10

#1 U-2 DLC, £3,295, Bremont (www.bremont.com) #2 Cats eye round cufflinks, £95, Tateossian (www.tateossian.com) #3 Two-tone square-frame optical glasses, £295, Cutler and Gross (www.mrporter.com) #4 Union Jack silk pocket square, £25, Gresham Blake (www.greshamblake.com) #5 MP-04 watch, £4,695, Meridian, 2012 (www.meridianwatches.com) #6 Black chrome stone set spider cufflinks, £75, Paul Smith Accessories (www.my-wardrobe.com) #7 Classic braces, £35, Gresham Blake (as before) #8 Chassis embossed-leather watch roll, £200, Alfred Dunhill (www.harrods.com) #9 iPad Case, £169, Vivienne Westwood (www.harrods.com) #10 Rotary watch case £1,995, Smythson (www.smythson.com) #11 Silver-plated bulldog handle umbrella, £185, Archer Adams (www.archeradams.com) #12 Mayfair umbrella and hat cufflinks, £75, Hackett (www.hackett.com) 55

THE SIENNA COLLECTION Inspired by the Renaissance Masters, The Sienna Collection reincarnates the artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love of colour and creativity. The Sienna Cuff and The Sienna Chandelier drop earrings both feature a superb array of mandarin garnets, pink spinels and diamonds set in yellow gold. The Sienna Collection is truly inspired by a timeless period in European history which celebrated beauty through the adornment of majestic gems.

UNITED KINGDOM

AUSTRALIA

The Royal Arcade, Old Bond St, Mayfair London W1S 4SW

Sydney Gold Coast

calleija.com

The mayfair Magazine | Collection

Jewellery news A new jewellery department from Fortnum & Mason, a touch of rare Welsh gold and a childhood summed up in jewellery WORDS: OLIVIA SHARPE

Rule Britannia Having lauded the British fashion designers who did us proud at the A/W13 London Fashion Week, we can now celebrate the creativity of our jewellery designers. Fortnum & Mason is currently showcasing a selection of the British Fashion Council’s Rock Vault jewellery designers, alongside established British designers, as part of a four-week display in the store’s new jewellery department. Established during LFW last year, the BFC Rock Vault was set up to expose and nurture the creative talent of London-based jewellers. Recent MBE-honoured British jeweller Stephen Webster is curating the event, and designers participating include Fernando Jorge, Jo Hayes Ward and Tomasz Donocik. Definitely not one to miss. (www.fortnumandmason.com)

CUTTING EDGE Diamond jeweller John France followed an unlikely career path, graduating from Oxford University and working for a successful law firm before deciding to develop his own jewellery line. This February marked the launch of his fine diamond collection, to be followed by a series of further launches throughout 2013.

‘JF Diamonds specialises in the creation of unique pieces of artistry, handcrafted in Valenza and featuring the world’s most sought-after fine diamonds. Our service is solely by appointment and orders are tailor-made for clients, ensuring each jewel is exclusively available to its owner’ Anello blue ring, £212,000, JF Diamonds (www.jfdiamonds.com)

Cut to the Chase Alex Monroe is celebrating his 25th anniversary as a jeweller in the only way he possibly could. In perfect time for spring, he has created 25 pieces for every year he has been designing and each one tells an intimate story from his life over the years. Witty and light–hearted, The Chase presents snippets from Alex’s childhood, including the moment when he first learnt to ride a bike, and culminating in a big ‘Hooray!’ at the end of the quarter century. And, of course, it wouldn’t be a Monroe collection without a few woodland creatures from the countryside where he grew up. (www.alexmonroe.com) Struck Gold Clogau Gold creates jewellery that contains a touch of rare Welsh gold and, with long-standing ties to Welsh history, collections are inspired by the Clogau St David’s gold mine’s associations with the Royal Family and the natural beauty and mythology of Wales. The British Royal Family has been using pure Welsh gold to create its wedding rings since 1923, a tradition founded by The Queen Mother, then Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, on her marriage to the Duke of York on 26 April 1923. It is a touch of this very same rare gold that is contained within each piece of Clogau Gold jewellery, making it some of the most exclusive jewellery in the world. (www.clogau.co.uk) 57

www.bachet.fr

The mayfair Magazine | Collection

#2 #3

For her

#12

Birds of a feather

Draw inspiration from the natural beauty of the English countryside with these stunning pieces

#7 #11

#9 #8

#10

#1 Carved tanzanite swallow pendant, £26,000, Theo Fennell (www.theofennell.com) #2 Wild rose bangle, £95, Alexis Dove (www.alexisdove.com) #3 Ruthenium triple cupped pearl and white topaz bud ring, £240, Alex Monroe (www.alexmonroe.com) #4 Silver and diamond small branch pendant, £530, Cherry blossom Collection by Shaun Leane (www.shaunleane.com) #5 Baby Astley ring, from £2,500, Astley Clarke Couture (www.astleyclarke.com) #6 White diamond Serpent bracelet, £16,350, Shaun Leane (as before) #7 Forget Me Knot blue enamel cocktail ring, from a selection, Stephen Webster (www.stephenwebster.com) #8 Crow feather ring, £210, Alex Monroe (as before) #9 Diamond fringe ring in 18-karat blackened white gold and diamonds, £18,500 Solange Azagury-Partridge (www.solange.co.uk) #10 Rose Damasca black ruthenium stud earrings, £120, Alex Monroe (as before) #11 Black leather and diamond sabre cuff, £6,625, Sabre Collection by Shaun Leane (as before) #12 Bluebell earrings in 18-karat blackened white gold and diamonds, from a selection, Solange Azagury-Partridge (as before) 59

Interiors | The mayfair Magazine

Wall to Wall

Indulge in a new luxury bath from Devon & Devon and give your armchairs a new look with peacock printed velvet W O R D S d a n i e ll a is a a c s

Cole & Son’s Festival Stripes collection is all about the great British day out. Inspired by the marquees, racing colours and blazers found at a host of different country festivals, we love the classic design of these wallpapers. This Cheltenham stripe will make the walls of your London home look even taller while also creating a quintessential British look that always stays in fashion. From £65 per roll, Cole & Son, (www.cole-and-son.com)

Bling bunny Rory Dobner showcases his whimsical style in this Bling Bunny plate which will add a quirky touch to your collection. With influences ranging from Dickensian urchins to Lewis Carroll’s Doormouse, his artistic range is well worth a visit to Liberty’s gift store. Dish, £46, Rory Dobner, available at Liberty (www.liberty.co.uk)

Interiors news FINISHING TOUCH Paul Smith has designed a limited-edition cover for London: Portrait of a City, which includes images from Victorian pub brawls to the proud moments we all remember from the Olympics. The book reminds us of the city’s glorious sights, eccentric character and bulldog spirit; a perfect love letter to London. £550, (www.taschen.com)

Parade like a peacock Jo Bound (the designer behind Boeme) impresses again with this gorgeous peacock-inspired fabric. Peacocks use their eyecatching feathers to attract attention and this velvet panel will do exactly that when in any living space. We love the fabric used as a chair covering; the rich colours and intricate detail will add a vibrant touch to your sitting room. Fabric, £96 per metre, Boeme, available at Harrods (www.harrods.com)

Soaked in luxury There are few things in life that are as relaxing as a long, hot bath (preferably surrounded by candles). Devon & Devon know how to exceed all bathing criteria with this elegant President bathtub. Black marble panels can be added to this neo-classical design, adding old-world glamour to your bathroom. Bath, from a selection (www.devon-devon.com) 60

Move over Candy brothers, March & White is the new name in luxury architecture and interior design. As they prepare to take on their fourth royal residence, we meet the men behind the brand to discuss the new super-wealthy, nail-polish colour charts and why British design is at the top of its game WORDS: ELLE BLAKEMAN

IMAGE: Brackenbury House

ames White and Elliot March are annoyingly discreet. We are sitting in Little House, Mayfair and despite gaining their fourth royal residence commission, both remain pretty tight-lipped on the details. Sadly it’s tea time, not cocktail hour, so I doubt this will change. ‘With the Arabic community we need to be super-confidential, so it’s more word of mouth. They don’t really want us talking about their private spaces,’ says White. It’s been just three years since the pair launched March & White, both leaving high-profile architecture design firms to set up on their own, yet the list of luxury projects they have worked on is an impressive one: The Arts Club, LIMA, townhouses in Mayfair, beach houses in the Middle East, and now, another royal residence somewhere – I can’t even get that out of them – in the Middle East. ‘We just think of it as a really, really vast residence,’ says White, explaining why they are not overwhelmed with the scale and status of their current challenge. The building in question is going to be the second largest residence in the world, so ‘vast’ maybe be underplaying it. As with our own royals, the time is coming for the next generation to take centre stage, and like every parent-child dynamic, the younger ones want to make their own way. ‘The younger royals don’t want what their parents had,’ says March. ‘They are lot a more travelled and many have been educated in the UK or the US and they are used to staying in the best hotels. As a result they feel at home with contemporary looks, so that is how they see their interiors.’ Moving away from the traditional, both designers understand what the new generation of homeowners are looking for. ‘A lot of these families own hotels around the world now, so it’s intrinsically linked. They’ll say “Have you seen this hotel suite” or “That place in New York” and then poor James and I have to go and see these amazing places!’ says March. It’s a tough life. However neither are looking to simply recreate a hotel space. ‘You’ve got to try and bring that “hotel look” with a little bit more luxury. Everything has to be a little bit more tailored, more homely. You need to bring in features that relate to the individual client.’ 

The mayfair Magazine | Interiors

The

march of change

top row, from left: Sussex Gardens © Kilian O’Sullivan; Knightsbridge Apartment © Kilian O’Sullivan; Luxury Home in the Middle East; RIGHT: Detail of the bespoke etchedmirror reception desk in lobby of Sussex Gardens apartments © Kilian O’Sullivan

 Oddly, the process seems similar whether it’s a regal Middle Eastern residence or a mews in Belgravia, it’s all about getting into the client’s head. ‘You really need to get to know your client – what they like, don’t like, what they do; basically we need to know how they live,’ says March. This level of involvement is where March & White is breathing fresh air into an industry that had previously decided that luxury taste was all largely the same: gold-leaf bathrooms, mahogany furniture, tables the size of tennis courts; but today’s super-wealth is not so easily categorised. ‘Some of our competitors are a lot more focused on development, and that kind of generates a style,’ says March. ‘Whereas we are really dealing with clients all the way through. And they really have their own opinions about what they want, their favourite colours, materials – that all comes in and influences how it looks.’ He recounts a time when a female client pulled out all of her favourite nail polishes to use as a colour chart. ‘I thought that was amazing,’ says March. ‘It was very personal, and showed us what she likes, so we were able to say, “Ok, let’s use this as a starting point”.’ There seems to be a trend in property for bringing together architecture and design. ‘Combining the two disciplines to create a kind of holistic product works intrinsically well. A lot of the time, the whole design and space will be compromised when a client brings in an architect and separate interior designer,’ say White. ‘British design is still at the top of its game,’ says March. ‘The level of education, the amount of resources and design projects that we naturally have in London and Europe – it’s the best place to be for a design firm.’ Their next project is one that visibly excites them both – a super yacht for another high-profile client. ‘It’s the dream project,’ says March. ‘The level of craftsmanship is in a different league to dealing with a house, because everything is moving on a yacht. ‘Everything has to be engineered to a different level, which is amazing,’ he says, clearly relishing the challenge. Again no names, no specific details. All this discretion must be difficult from a PR point of view? ‘Obviously we would like to show people more of what we do but it’s all word of mouth and you hopefully go from one project to the next,’ says March. It seems to be working so far. (www.marchandwhite.com)

‘British design is

The mayfair Magazine | Interiors

still at the top of its gameâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Elliot March

Elliot and James at the Arts Club, Mayfair. March & White worked on the architecture of the club and the interiors, pictured, were created by Sagrada

mayfair

Resident’s Journal

From the Editor Dear Residents, As most are aware, April is the season for spring cleaning and fresh new ideas. In keeping with this vein, we have decided to introduce a resident feature to the Journal – hopefully it will be the first of many. Please do let us know your thoughts on this article and whether you would like to read more about people of note living locally. In this issue we have spoken with interior designer extraordinaire Jennifer Bradford Davis, who has recently moved to St James’ s. She is hoping to bring a distinctly New York flavour to W1’s homes with her decorating know-how. The time has come to put your feet up (music to our ears) and allow assistance into your life to ease the pressure of quotidian stresses. Jennifer is an advocate of inviting supportive people into our lives to help with all manner of tasks, from eBay listings to organising table settings. She also wants to create an artisanal revolution, introducing Mayfairians to even more specialist craftsmen in the area and bringing personalisation to our homes rather than mass-produced identikit furniture. Is Mayfair ready? We think so. As always, we have also rounded up the latest news and events for the month in our Calendar and Notebook feature. Beekeeping tours at Fortnum & Mason anyone? Katie Randall, Editor The Mayfair Residents’ Journal

The Residents’ Society of Mayfair & St James’s Committee Members Chairman Anthony Lorenz (Events & Traffic)

Secretary Richard Cutt (Crossrail & Finance)

Planning Applications Ronald Cottee (Planning)

Membership Pol Ferguson-Thompson (Membership & Website)

Traffic Lois Peltz

Police Mary-Louise Burrows

Licensing Derek Stratton

mayfair RESIDENTS’ JOURNAL | The Notebook

The Notebook The most local news happening in the heart of the area this month

Club life The Rag Club in the heart of St James’s, traditionally known as the Army and Navy Club, has very generously extended an exciting offer to members of the Residents’ Society of Mayfair and St James’s, chiefly, a waiver of its joining fee (worth between £250-£540). This exclusive private members club was founded in 1837, the year that Queen Victoria acceded to the throne and has since provided its guests with elegant surroundings in which to relax, dine, network and host formal meetings or social events. Membership at The Rag is open to both men and women, whether they have a service connection or not, and both individuals and corporate groups are welcomed – a luxurious clubhouse with extensive facilities is but an enquiry away. To apply for membership and receive this offer, please use the promotional code RSMSJ101 when applying/enquiring. Offer ends 15 July 2013. The Rag - Army & Navy Club, 36 Pall Mall, SW1Y 5JN (www.therag.co.uk)

Negroni o’clock Acclaimed Milanese restaurant Banca has launched a specialist cocktail menu dedicated to the iconic Italian aperitif Negroni. The 10 expertly crafted Negroni cocktails are all priced at £10 and are aptly presented in a chic tumbler. They are all based on a classic Negroni, comprised of a traditional blend of Tanqueray Gin, bitter Campari and Antica Formula, with variances in effervescence, spice and bitterness. Though the cocktail is available throughout the day, visit Banca between 5pm and 7.30pm, Tuesday to Friday, to enjoy classic Italian aperitivo laid out across the impressive bar that spans the entire length of the restaurant – cheers to that. 30 North Audley Street, W1K 6ZF (www.bancarestaurant.com)

A natural choice April showers (the ones experienced in the bathroom that is) are set to be inspired by Scandinavian nature this month. Having joined forces with Finnish clothing design house Marimekko, Aesop has produced an aromatic body scrub and rich body balm inspired by the clothing brands Finnish roots. The AesopMarimekko Sauna Duet contains essential oils of fir and pine needle and sage leaf. £50 for the pair. Aesop, 91 Mount Street, W1K 2SU (www.aesop.com)

Be Mine Fortnum & Mason are offering rooftop visits to see their beehives from 25 April until 9 August. The Welsh Black Bees are known for their gentle ways and no visitors have ever been stung. The four hives are almost twice the height of a normal beehive (roughly six-feet high) and each has a triumphal arch entrance designed in a different architectural style – Roman, Mughal, Chinese and Gothick. Visitors can also descend to The Crypt, 120-feet below the rooftop hives, to taste a selection of the honeys. £35 per person, to book call: 0845 6025 694. 181 Piccadilly, W1A 1ER (www.fortnumandmason.com)

The perfect combination Tea & Treats, courtesy of Urban Retreat at Harrods, blends two of every woman’s favourite things: afternoon tea and beauty treatments. The package allows guests to experience luxurious pampering sessions and then enjoy a sumptuous afternoon tea for two. In collaboration with Biscuit Village, iconic beauty products have been transformed into delicious treats for your dining pleasure. You will also receive a complimentary gift bag and an Urban Retreat voucher to use on your next visit to the salon. 87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL (www.urbanretreat.co.uk)

mayfair RESIDENTS’ JOURNAL | The Calendar

The Calendar

Until 13 April Artist Extraordinaire

17 April – 9 May PASTORAL PORTRAITS

Until 19 April Man up

25-28 April Print magic

The late Catalan artist Antoni Tàpies (1923-2012) will be celebrated by the Timothy Taylor Gallery in a striking exploration of his life in art. Tàpies was a towering presence on the 20th century art scene, coming to prominence in the 1950s and 1960s and exhibiting all over the world. There will be 13 of his major paintings – which tell of his preoccupation with language and codes – on show. All created between 1992 and 2011, they have been obtained from the estate of the artist. 15 Carlos Place, W1K 2EX (www.timothytaylorgallery.com)

The Fine Art Society is delighted to announce a major exhibition to celebrate the 70th birthday of David Inshaw (b.1943), one of the most important figurative painters working in post-war Britain. We feel imbued with a sense of tranquillity when perusing his body of work, which portrays lush and verdant scenes of the natural world. The exhibition will consist of 40 pictures and will present new work made specially for the show. The Fine Art Society, 148 New Bond Street, W1S 2JT (www.faslondon.com)

In 1978, an artwork so infuriated the security guards of Belfast City Gallery that they staged a walk-out until it was removed – naked women may adorn the covers of countless magazines, but when men became the object of sexual desire, it was suddenly unacceptable. The artists exhibiting this month challenge cultural assumptions that gender is natural or innate and explore the ways in which masculinity is performed, coded and socially constructed. 36 South Molton Lane, W1K 5AB (www.sumarrialunn.com)

The London Original Print Fair has introduced the public and specialist dealers to the etchings, engravings, linocuts and lithographs of talented artists for 20 years now, earning it the grand reputation as one of the best print fairs in London. In the grand halls of the Royal Academy of Arts, you will find works by Rembrandt, Durer, Hogarth, Goya and Hirst, with prices ranging from £100 to £1 million. £12, Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, W1J 0BD (www.londonprintfair.com)

Man up

PASTORAL PORTRAITS

Print magic

far left, from top: by Claude Cahun (1894-1954), courtesy of Sumarria Lunn Gallery; Oak Tree, Bonfire, Moon and Firework by David Inshaw courtesy of the Fine Art Society; left: Academy by Sir Peter Blake, 2012 © Sir Peter Blake, courtesy of CCA Galleries; words: lucie elven

Outstanding artistic events for Mayfair residents keen to get out and about

Residents’ Culture A platform for the voices of our local residents

St James’s new tastemaker Katie Randall catches up with international interior designer Jennifer Bradford Davis as she touches down in London to launch an intriguing New York-style venture

image: River Place

‘M

y mother strongly believes that wherever you are in the world, you bring your china, cutlery, bronzeware and silverware,’ Jennifer Bradford Davis reveals. ‘It does not matter where you are, you still entertain as though you are in your own home.’ It is excellent advice; this decorator (an ‘old-school’ term she learnt from interior design guru Albert Livingston Hadley Jr.) was clearly tutored in style from an early age. I have the pleasure of meeting with Jennifer at Franco’s on Jermyn Street, just ahead of the launch of her business in London. The ensuing conversation sparkles, as does the restaurant’s

exceptionally delicious bubbly. The vivacious, engaging Jennifer explains her love affair with this fair city and the help that she hopes to bring to its residents. ‘I believe in service,’ she says, ‘inviting people into your life that can help you to organise and create a home – that’s what I do.’ She is a traveller of sorts and wanderlust runs in the family. Jennifer grew up in the Orient to a pilot father with dual-citizenship in America and Britain, and a mother who was content to travel with vast trunks filled with her occasion dinnerware. ‘My mother loved to entertain. When I was a little girl I always watched her preparing for parties. She would change the

house all the time, buying flowers and using lighting to develop different moods. She loved creating an atmosphere that transports you.’ This entrenched penchant for perfection and escapism has translated in Jennifer as a deep desire to create a ‘home’ for her clients. This might be through organisation of their space, their belongings or even of their music. Yes, across the pond, music stylists are all the rage. ‘In New York there are so many specialists and supportive people. A music stylist curates the music for you on your iPod and then syncs it all up with your home system. I would like to start this in London as a strand of my business.’ She admits that this service is quite ‘New York,’

mayfair RESIDENTS’ JOURNAL | Residents’ Culture

FROM LEFT: River Place, odessa table SETTINGS (photos by vincent soyez), River Place

the houses are so particular - all weird and wonderful shapes. I’d like to work on these more personal projects.’ When decorating villas, Jennifer quickly identified that, ‘the owners visit once or twice a year and want you to choose and organise everything.’ She picks the candles, linens and table settings and even tells the staff how to make the bed. She would also love to help clients inventory their wardrobes: ‘One of my clients in Belgravia, oh my goodness, she has so many clothes, she just has to store them. So I have developed a clothing inventory system.’ Fashion is another area that Jennifer is very au fait with. She adores her own collection of equestrian boots and jackets and designer pieces from brands such as Dolce & Gabbana and Maxmara. The businesswoman practices what she preaches, clearly not expecting you to hand over all of your clothes to a system that she does not operate in her own life: ‘I have a lot of clothes and my pug Princess Leila has some too. I am not a grand lady but I love clothes and they are stored in an inexpensive place in Harlem. I have a lady who pops over there for me two or three times a month.’ Other projects include assisting clients list and sell their items on eBay and re-introducing people to customising and craftsmen: ‘We are losing our independent shops and artisans and I want to bring that back, I love monogrammed belongings and personalisation. I can help you with your existing logo, or start one from scratch.’ I am intrigued as to Jennifer’s own aesthetic identity and enquire what inspires her: ‘Our family loves Asian arts and I think it’s something to do with the exotic. Baroque is my favourite period though, it’s crazy and over the top.’ However, it is London that has got Jennifer’s heart racing: ‘The London design

‘We are losing our independent shops and artisans and I want to bring that back. I love monogrammed belongings and personalisation’ Jennifer subsequently went on to found her own design business, specialising in high-end residential interiors. The firm is based in New York, but takes on international projects extending throughout the United States, the Caribbean, Europe and South America. In addition, Jennifer operates a retail space Across Forever Home in Mustique, a purveyor of luxurious and unique resort wear and interior pieces. Never one to rest on her laurels, she is also co-founder of Villa Branding, which allows her to bring her experience designing and branding homes on the aforementioned tropical island to villa and yacht owners across the globe. So what exactly will Jennifer be launching in London, I wonder? It is in this moment that the designer becomes really animated: ‘I have all these ideas and I think London is the place to implement them.’ She adds: ‘There are just no services here.’ In her opinion Londoners have very good taste in their own right and may not necessarily need a designer, but she can step in to assist with smaller projects and custom pieces: ‘Without a doubt you need to do custom in London. I love British architecture as

scene is incredibly exciting at the moment; it is a sort of celebration of the globe. London represents the world for me, you do not realise how international you really are.’ Taking in all that London has to offer when she is not hard at work, Jennifer can often be found on the weekends wandering the streets of W1. ‘I have these great old architectural walk cards that my neighbour lent me,’ she says. ‘On one side is a map and route, on the other the history and details about the architecture. I take my dog on the walks and we learn so much. The architecture is astounding; it really represents the height of the British Empire.’ Spoken like a true Anglophile, we think Jennifer Bradford Davis will be a wonderful addition to London’s design scene and can’t wait for her to make her mark – one monogrammed towel or personalised stationery set at a time. Jennifer Bradford Davis offers home consultation appointments and meetings at her business club in Mayfair. For further details email: information@jbradforddavis.com (www.jbradforddavis.com)

Image / Jennifer Bradford Davis

however the modern city worker is so busy and often stressed that a friendly and professional helping hand can be the answer to a variety of quandaries. Having studied at both Parsons The New School for Design and Rhode Island School of Design, the self-confessed ‘organiser,’ is more than qualified to create harmonious, characterful homes. She cut her teeth working with renowned architect Peter Marino, the man behind some of the world’s most impressive residential and commercial projects, including Chanel’s 2012 Avenue Montaigne Parisian boutique and New York’s infamous 740 Park apartment (utilising the largest interiors budget ever raised in the Big Apple, approximately £49 million). Jennifer was working with Peter Marino at the time of the 740 Park project and admits that it was an incredibly exciting period: ‘Marino incorporates a lot of fashion into his work. Our job was to be outrageously creative and create custom everything. Most of the people we worked with could afford anything.’ She jokes, ‘I called it the McMansion phase.’

The Mayfair Concierge Some of the most interesting requests made to Mayfair’s most experienced concierges

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FIX IT QUICK

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Sunseeker London 36 Davies Street, W1K 4NF 020 7493 3441 www.sunseekerboats.co.uk Rent a Rolls Royce Hanwells 86-91 Uxbridge Road, W7 3ST 020 7436 2070

LAST MINUTE BUSINESS

Audio Visual hire AV2hire.com 020 3130 0401

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International Courier DHL 0844 248 0844

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LAND, SEA AND AIR

Charter a helicopter Emjets 23 Berkeley Square, W1J 6HE 0845 3888 248

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Sartoria This undeniably chic restaurant brings authentic Italian flavours, Milanese-inspired interiors and a touch of London style to its equally stylish clientele. 20 Savile Row, W1S 3PR 020 7534 7000

Private Dining Room Corrigans 28 Upper Grosvenor Street W1K 7EH 020 7499 9943

Translator Central Translations 21 Woodstock Grove, W12 8TX 020 7493 5511

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Doctor Lees Place Medical Centre 11 Lees Place, W1K 6LN 020 7036 6060

The Mayfair Dental Practice 71 Park Street, W1K 7HN 020 7499 2168

The Mayfair Medical Centre 3 - 5 Weighhouse Street, W1K 5LS 020 7493 1647

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Baby sitter Rockabye Babysitters 9 Wimpole Street W1G 9SR 020 7624 0060 Findababysitter.com 020 7580 6403

mayfair RESIDENTS’ JOURNAL | Concierge

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fine brokerage concierge TLG The Ultimate Boutique Fine Brokerage Bureau Expertise Exclusive Yachts and Private Jets Brokers’ Elite Selection. By Appointment only. 125 Mount Street W1K 3NS www.throughthelooking-eigen-glass.co.uk

PARTY TIME

Casino The Palm Beach Casino 30 Berkeley Street, W1J 8EH 020 7493 6585

Late night food Hakkasan 17 Bruton Street, W1J 6QB 020 7907 1888

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Freggo Ice-cream Bar 27-29 Swallow Street W1B 4QR 020 7287 9506

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Maddox Club A boutique sanctuary in which to party, with a DJ booth within a restaurant, successfully creating a venue, where partying and dining co-exist under one roof. 3-5 Mill Street, W1S 2AU 020 7629 8877

Party planner Concorde Media 020 7297 3344 G&D Events 020 7682 2682 Henry Bonas 020 3214 2099

Michael John Boutique 25 Albemarle Street W1S 4HU 020 7629 6969

Spa & beauty Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa 29 Davies Street, W1K 4LW 0870 787 6626

Men’s hair Atherton Cox 18 New Cavendish Street, W1G 8UR 020 7487 4048

Women’s hair Janet Ginnings Hair and Beauty Salon 45 Curzon Street W1J 7UQ 020 7499 1904

Sassoon Salon Sassoon believes that great hair design begins with the client, and creates sophisticated looks that are technically precise, effortlessly chic and easy to recreate day after day. 60 South Molton Street, W1K 5SW 020 7491 8848

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hot chocolate Ladurée 71-72 Burlington Arcade, W1J 0QX 020 7491 9155

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mayfair

Residentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Journal mayfair@residentsjournal.co.uk 020 7987 4320

If you have a view that you would like to share with the Residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Journal team, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact the Editor Katie Randall, on the above email address.

The mayfair Magazine | Art

Q&A with…

Antiques Roadshow Expert Rupert Maas, about artist Sarah Adams

Discover the beauty of natural landscapes and Sam Toft’s humorous and quintessentially British paintings WORDS: CAROL CORDREY

The next Quentin Blake? An artist who paints people with great realism and detail never fails to impress, but an artist who distils the essence of characters into just a handful of perfectly placed lines can impress even more. Sam Toft’s paintings fall into this latter category. It is not just simplicity, but humour that attracts Toft and both are found in her softly coloured, pared-down compositions of quintessentially British people at play. Slightly reminiscent of Quentin Blake’s characters, Toft’s people are inspired by her own life and encounters on daily walks with her dogs near her Brighton studio and on the Sussex Downs. ‘Sam Toft’ runs from 10 – 26 April at Painter and Hall (www.panterandhall.com)

For the love of landscape Landscape has always been vitally important to mankind in its effect on our very survival, as well as on our spirits. The ongoing concerns about the environment make us cherish open spaces all the more, so a landscape photography exhibition by some of the world’s most esteemed practitioners seems especially timely. Famous photographers will include Mitch Epstein, Ryan McGinley, Simon Norfolk, Hiroshi Sugimoto, Lee Friedlander and Robert Polidori, whose spectacular images have been created using everything from basic to advanced technology, such as 19th-century plate cameras, drones, robots and satellites. ‘Landmark: The Fields of Photography’ runs until 28 April at Somerset House (www.somersethouse.org.uk)

Q: What attracted you to Adams’ work? A: They have poetry in them. They are not trite in any way. They sing a quiet, confident and pure song that remains audible and even grows stronger long after the initial excitement of hanging one at home. They modulate their songs from dawn to dusk, and from season to season, as the light changes. Q: How did you discover her? A: I saw her work in a mixed show of painters in 2006 and I was immediately caught by them, and on being introduced to Sarah, I immediately offered her an exhibition at the gallery, a thing I had never done before without much deliberation. Her next exhibition with us will be her fourth. ‘Sarah Adams’ runs from 20 May – 1 June at Maas Gallery (www.maasgallery.com)

top: MY BLUE CHICKEN by sam toft; bottom, from left: Nickel Tailings no.34 by Edward Burtynsky, and Antartica 2, 2007 by Daniel Beltra; above: Porthmissen, Morning, sarah adams

Art news

Q: Your international reputation has been established through 19th and 20th century art. What made you represent contemporary artists? A: We always have. In my father’s day we represented John Ward CBE RA. Like Ward, Sarah Adams is very aware of the British landscape tradition of painting that we have championed at the Maas Gallery. Particularly, her extraordinary paintings amongst the North Cornish cliffs have a very strong sense of place about them; she knows the area well, from land and sea, so there is a sincerity about her process that has direct impact in her paintings. There are several Victorian artists who had similar understanding of the sea, of meteorology, and of the geology of the rocks. Not many contemporary artists can paint so well – her creamy glazes and mysterious tones suit her subject exactly.

Heritage

heroes

It has been 100 years since the 1913 Ancient Monuments Act first allowed the government to protect sites of national importance. Here, Jack Watkins explores the debt we owe to the original defenders of British heritage

t seems impossible to imagine an era programmes of people exploring old churches or castles, or poking their nose in to an archaeological dig – but little more than a century ago there was no such thing as a conservation movement. The cause of old monuments was the domain of dilettantes, antiquarians and eccentrics, but the issue didn’t cause a ripple in the daily lives of the remainder of the British population. This year marks the centenary of the passing of the 1913 Ancient Monuments Act, the statute that for the first time empowered the government to intervene on private property to protect sites deemed part of our national heritage. It’s being recognised by English Heritage – the body whose origins, even though it was not actually formed until 1984, are traceable to the Act – with the publication of a new book, written by its chief executive Simon Thurley (Men from The Ministry: How Britain Saved Its Heritage, Yale, available from 31 May), and in a series of exhibitions at the Quadriga Gallery in the Wellington Arch, Hyde Park Corner. These trace the intriguing story from its first stirrings in the second half of the 19th century, through to the passing of the 1913 Act and later, as the nation truly did develop its taste for visiting old buildings and monuments. The first two exhibitions, The Birth of Archaeology and The Battle for the Past (which runs to 21 April), and A Monumental Act: How Britain Saved its Heritage (which runs to 7 July), probe

into the early days – a story all the more fascinating for being so rarely told. It’s not quite true to say that no one appreciated the impact of old monuments in the landscape before the Victorians. The paintings of J.M.W. Turner and the novels of Sir Walter Scott are proof of the ability of an earlier age to engage with them in an emotional and romantic way. But every

‘Efforts to launch a preservation of ancient monuments bill met with stiff resistance’ movement needs its pioneering heroes, and for the English Heritage exhibitions, these are primarily the bewhiskered, grandly named Sir John Lubbock, General Augustus Pitt Rivers – the latter often hailed as the founding father of modern archaeology – and Lord Curzon. Lubbock was a Victorian polymath, a banker and a politician (he founded the national holiday) who also studied natural history and championed Darwin. He was so obsessed by antiquity that he had commissioned the artist Ernest Griset to create a series of paintings, which were one of the earliest attempts to imagine what our prehistoric past looked like. When he was elevated to the peerage he became Baron Avebury. Lubbock had bought the latter and the nearby prehistoric site of Silbury Hill to save them from development. 

The mayfair Magazine | Art

WELLINGTON Arch and Hyde Park Corner ÂŠ English Heritage Archives

 At that time private land meant what it said. It didn’t matter what valuable ancient remains lay upon it, if the owner wished to flatten it by ploughing or demolish it for development, nothing could stand in the way. To Lubbock, a man who believed that the ‘memorials of antiquity were the pages of ancient history’, this was a scandal. But efforts to launch a preservation of ancient monuments bill met stiff resistance and, when the first very simple Act was passed in 1882, not a single owner voluntarily came forward to place a monument in government guardianship. Still, it did install Pitt Rivers, a retired army officer with his own estate in Dorset and Wiltshire, as the first Inspector of Ancient Monuments. Being a grandee himself, he was on nodding terms with the estate-owning classes, and he knew what he was talking about. His massive personal collection of antiquities became the

basis for the highly regarded Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford. He toured the country, visiting and recording monuments, often in the company of the artist W.S. Tomkin, several of whose pictures, like those of Grisset, are featured in the Quadriga exhibition. The pair created one of the earliest and most accurate portfolios of surveys and views of ancient monuments. The schedule of monuments that emerged from Pitt Rivers’ tours naturally reflected his personal interests, with a plethora of stone circles and megalithic tombs. It included the Rollright Stones in Oxfordshire, Kit’s Coty in Kent – which Pitt Rivers found in a sorry state, with seven boys perched on a precarious capstone – and Cadbury Castle in Somerset, along with Silbury Hill and Old Sarum in Wiltshire. What the list couldn’t do was stop the pillaging of the nation’s heritage, as at Ilkley Moor in Yorkshire, where prehistoric

The mayfair Magazine | Art

stones were carted off ‘probably to save some rockery’. Then, in 1911, came the case of Tattershall Castle in Lincolnshire, built c.1440 and considered the finest example of medieval brickwork in the country. It had been placed on the market by a consortium of American businessmen who had removed the fireplaces which were so highly regarded that they were used as models for the design at the Palace of Westminster. Fears that the whole edifice would be dismantled brick-by-brick incensed no less than Lord Curzon, ex-viceroy of India and the restorer of the Taj Mahal, stepping in to buy the castle, and using his status to have the ports guarded to stop the fireplaces being smuggled across the Atlantic. Curzon used the affair in the case for stronger protection of the built heritage, deeming it ‘just as valuable in reading the

record of the past as any manuscript or parchment deed.’ The 1913 Ancient Monuments Act soon followed, introducing the idea of compulsory preservation orders and making it a crime to damage a scheduled monument. It also brought into guardianship a wider range of important sites, including Lindisfarne Priory, an atmospheric centre of early Christianity. Stonehenge would join it before the end of the decade and the list kept on growing. The most recent addition is Harmondsworth Barn, west London, dubbed by Sir John Betjeman as ‘the Cathedral of Middlesex’. Betjeman would have a big part to play in the mid-20th century taste of the car-owning British middle classes for exploring their heritage. But that is the subject of a subsequent segment in what promises to be an intriguing set of exhibitions. (www.english-heritage.org.uk/quadriga)

FROM LEFT: Wellington Arch with Duke of W statue; Sergeant Cecil Pollard and Snooks the cat in the Wellington Arch, 1952; The Angel of Peace (detail) at Wellington Arch; WELLINGTON ARCH AT NIGHT all © English Heritage Archives

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The mayfair Magazine | Art

bonhams | PRIZE LOT John Keats’ Poem ‘I stood tiptoe upon a little hill’

nspired by a walk on Hampstead Heath in 1816, John Keats began writing I stood tiptoe upon a little hill, which featured in his first volume of poems, printed in 1817. After Keats’ death, one of his closest companions, Charles Cowden Clarke, cut the entire ten-leaf manuscript into 13 pieces to serve as a lasting memory for his friends and admirers. Of the other 12 pieces, the locations of four have remained unknown, six are in institutions including the British Library and the other two were last heard of in 1929. It is likely that this may be the last chance for collectors to own an autographed manuscript by the poet. The 33 lines have been scribbled and annotated on both the front and back, conveying how the poet revised his thoughts as he wrote. Keats was renowned for his fluency in evoking pastoral scenes and this particular

fragment certainly conveys his romantic style. The poem is part of the Poetical Manuscripts and Portraits of Poets sale; other rare items include handwritten poems by a young Charlotte Brontë, John Betjeman, W. H. Auden, Gerard Manley Hopkins and the complete working paper for Sylvia Plath’s key poem Sheep in Fog plus a commentary on it by Ted Hughes. These rare works are a lasting reminder of Britain’s literary talent. (www.bonhams.com)

Particulars: Expected Value (item): £40,000 - £45,000 Expected Value (auction): £1,000,000 Estimated Range: £200 - £45,000 No. of Lots: 500+ Place: New Bond Street

image: courtesy of bonhams

Date: 10 April and 8 May 73

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The mayfair Magazine | Art

christie’S | PRIZE LOT Ivon Hitchens’ ‘A Standing Jar of Flowers’

s a crucial figure within the circle of avant-garde artists known as the London Group, Ivon Hitchens was renowned for his distinctive style. Bordering abstraction and figuration, Hitchens used broad, fluid strokes of vibrant colours, which often evoked the atmosphere of the English countryside. Having a particular passion for flowers in bloom, Hitchens painted a number of floral still-life pieces during his career, from the more figurative pieces of the 1930s to the heightened abstractions demonstrated in A Standing Jar of Flowers. The British artist remarked in conversation with the writer T.G.

Rosenthal, ‘I love flowers. I love flowers for painting. It’s only that life’s too short – one can’t always do flower paintings.’ His zeal for the British countryside is unsurprising considering he resided in Sussex amidst a large thicket of bright rhododendrons. This warm yet striking painting is part of three private collections that are on offer at Christie’s this month. Presenting the essence of Haute Elegance, the items have been selected from stunning villas in Switzerland, Antibes and St Tropez. Spanning many collecting fields, the lots range from Impressionist and Modern works to Modern British and Old Master pictures. (www.christies.com)

Particulars: Expected Value (item): £50,000 - £80,000 Expected Value (auction): £1.5 million Estimated Range: £1,000 - £150,000 No. of Lots: 270+ Place: King Street Date: 17 April

image: christie’s images ltd.

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SOTHEBY’S | PRIZE LOT George I silver ‘Lord Mayor’s Dish’

ounded in 1698 by Sephardic Jews fleeing the Spanish Inquisition, the Bevis Marks Synagogue situated in the heart of the City, is Britain’s oldest Jewish temple. The earliest members of the synagogue began an annual tradition, which continued until 1778. Every year, the Jewish community presented the Lord Mayor of London with a piece of silver as a token of appreciation for their freedom. After years of

Particulars:

being confined to living in ghetto towns or being forced to flee to neighbouring European countries, the Jewish people were relieved to finally feel accepted into British society. This rare George I silver ‘Lord Mayor’s Dish’ is one of the most sought-after pieces in the Michael and Judy Steinhardt Judaica Collection at Sotheby’s this month. It dates back to 1719 and was presented to the mayor at the time, Sir George Thorold. Traditionally filled with sweetmeats or a purse of money, this precious piece of history represents an uplifting period in time for the Jewish race. (www.sothebys.com)

Expected Value (item): $400,000 - $600,000 Expected Value (auction): $11 million Estimated Range: $200 - $6,500,000 No. of Lots: 400 Place: Sotheby’s, New York Date: 29 April

image: © sotheby’s

Exhibition Focus:

A stitch in time A new exhibition at The Fleming Collection traces the history of tapestry and its fascinating origins, from medieval times to today w o r d s : ca r o l c o r d r e y

M BELOW: The COMPLETED PIECE AND WORK IN PROGRESS OF ‘Unicorn is Found’ Tapestry, © C Crown Copyright, reproduced courtesy of Historic Scotland

ost of us identify large-scale tapestries with historic furnishings in stately homes and royal palaces. Although tapestries continue to be made, they remain the preserve of the rich because only they can afford the materials and specialist, laborious skills needed to produce them. However, the new exhibition at The Fleming Collection gives us a rare close-up of magnificent tapestries that span medieval, modern and contemporary eras. The catalyst for this show has been the completion of the £12 million restoration of Stirling Castle’s six, great royal apartments, built

in 1540 by James V. He intended them as a centre of government and home for himself, his wife Mary of Guise and their daughter, the doomed Mary Queen of Scots, so as part of the furnishings, he purchased tapestries from the Low Countries. The apartments have lain empty and deserted for decades and extensive research traced the original tapestries to the Cloisters Museum in New York. The decision to return the apartments to their original glory resulted in one of the most significant weaving projects in Britain during the past two centuries, where experts at the West Dean Tapestry Studio in Sussex were commissioned to create copies of these magnificent forms of textile art.

The mayfair Magazine | Art

They constitute a series of seven tapestries based on the mythical subject The Hunt of the Unicorn, though one is still at the design stage because only two fragments of the original could be traced. Exacting and virtually forensic investigations have yielded an image of how the destroyed tapestry may have looked in medieval times and it will become the final piece in the royal apartments’ jigsaw when it is woven into an actual tapestry next year. This exhibition will enable that design, together with one of the completed copies, to be on public display outside Scotland for the first time. Entitled The Unicorn is Found, this single tapestry measures 330cm x 340cm and it took three West

Dean weavers a staggering 16,647 hours to complete over three and a half years. The entire Stirling Castle tapestry project has taken 12 years to fully appreciate the detail, determination and skill that lay behind it. Thanks to the West Dean Tapestry Studio, the art of tapestry weaving has experienced a renaissance, triggered by its first commission that transformed the late Henry Moore’s huge picture entitled Seated Mother and Child into a tapestry in 1976. Another famous piece to have emerged from the studio was dated 2011, when Tracey Emin’s painting Black Cat became a tapestry. This exhibition will present us with both the Moore tapestry and an installation explaining the processes involved in making Emin’s work into a woven form of art.

‘Thanks to the West Dean Tapestry Studio, the art of tapestry weaving has experienced a renaissance’ Surrounding them will be contemporary tapestries designed and created by some of West Dean’s experts, such as Artemis by Pat Taylor and a group piece, Citrus Sinensis by Katharine Swailes, Jo Howard and Caron Penney. ‘Finding the Unicorn: Tapestries Mythical and Modern’ runs from 17 April – 1 June 2013 at The Fleming Collection (www.flemingcollection.com)

BELOW, FROM LEFT: Pat Taylor weaving Artemis (photo: Steve Speller); Queen’s Bedchamber

Floris is delighted to announce the opening of a new Bespoke Perfumery Boutique at 147 Ebury Street, Belgravia, 282 years since Mr and Mrs Floris opened the doors to their first Perfumery at 89 Jermyn Street.

The mayfair Magazine | Regulars

Couture

culture Revere in Britain’s best flora and fauna at the RHS Orchid Show and celebrate 40 years of beauty from Mayfair’s Molton Brown W O R D S : k at e r a c o v o l i s

If Charles Saatchi’s previous books are any indication of his ability as a charismatic author – unapologetic, occasionally controversial but insightful – then his new book of essays, Babble, should definitely be on your reading list this month. Saatchi, famed art collector and advertising mogul, addresses a vast range of subjects, from Orson Welles to politics and the Seven Deadly Sins, in a witty and engaging manner that will captivate you from start to finish. We are, of course, celebrating Britain and all of its talent this month, including its natural beauty at the Royal Horticultural Society London Orchid and Botanical Art Show (12 – 13 April), which is hosting an exhibition of collectible orchids and international works of botanical art. You will find an array of orchids from around the world that are rare but easy to grow – well worth the trip over to the historic Halls in Westminster. If you happen to feel inspired by the brilliant hues of this floral smorgasbord, bring some colour and fragrance into your home by visiting Molton Brown, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this month. The iconic British brand, known for its beautifully scented bath and beauty products, first started hand-mixing ingredients above a salon floor in South Molton Street in 1973. To mark this occasion, the brand has designed a body wash, lotion and candle based with patchouli and saffron, harking back to the ever-colourful, bohemian 1970s when it all began. Let an injection of colour seep in to your wardrobe as well, with limited-edition scarves by the emerging British contemporary artist, Misha Milovanovich. The inspiration behind her vibrant designs came from her background in painting, sculpture and video. Ten scarves are available in editions of just three, echoing the style of the 1960s futuristic architecture of Oscar Niemeyer and the paintings of surrealist master René Magritte. And as a tribute to the most British band of all time, The Beatles, On the Road 1964-1996 by Harry Benson is published by Taschen this month. Benson, then a photojournalist for The Daily Express, charts the band’s journey in pictures both intimate and impromptu, taking us behind-the-scenes on their road to fame, from pillow fights at the George V Hotel in Paris and their first visit to the US – a truly patriotic keepsake.

FROM TOP: Paul gazing out of the window during filming for The Beatles’ first movie, England 1964 (www.taschen.com). The Beatles, On the Road 1964-1996, £44.99 by Harry Benson. Image: © Harry Benson. Miltonia orchid at the RHS London Orchid and Botanical Art Show 2012. Scarf, £650, by Misha. Image © Other Criteria and Misha (www.othercriteria.com). Babble, £12.99, by Charles Saatchi, Booth-Clibborn Editions. Molton Brown patchouli and saffron limited edition collection, body wash, £18 and lotion, £25 (www.moltonbrown.co.uk). Left: Phalaenopsis amabilis at the RHS London Orchid and Botanical Art Show 2012

escape A tranquil oasis amidst the hustle & bustle of Mayfair. A unique dining experience begins as you walk down a tree-lined pathway to reach The Greenhouse. London fades away and calm descends. Michelin-starred chef Arnaud Bignonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s acclaimed light touch with highly flavoured dishes brings a thrilling dimension to classic French cuisine. Make your reservation today at

The Greenhouse, 27a Hayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mews Mayfair, London, W1J 5NY 020 7499 3331 www.greenhouserestaurant.co.uk reservations@greenhouserestaurant.co.uk

The mayfair Magazine | Food & Drink

It’s an exciting month for foodies in Mayfair, with Victorian-inspired drinking, theatrical dining and a host of tips from Britain’s best chefs Words: Daniella Isaacs

Food & s w e n k n i r D Around the world in 80 Days

Cook yourself thin Looking like a modern Audrey Hepburn, Gizzi Erskine is undoubtedly one of Britain’s most exciting celebrity chefs. The domestic goddess is making her way to Mount Street this month to offer her tips on how to maintain a perfect figure while still enjoying all the best foodie delights. Gizzi will explain her philosophy of eating well in the week in order to treat herself at weekends, which coincides with her new book Skinny Weeks & Weekend Feasts. ‘An evening with Gizzi Erskine’ is on 9 April, The Mount Street Deli, 100 Mount Street, W1K

An Italian education Novikov has earned its place as one of the top restaurants in Mayfair since its opening in 2011. Now we can learn the secrets behind the sumptuous Italian menu as Head Chef Carmelo Carnevale will be teaching Mayfarians how to create a three-course meal that is certain to impress. Pupils will feast on a hearty breakfast before Carnevale will open up the doors to his impressive kitchen. Preparations will begin with the creation of a classic starter using seasonal vegetables. The pièce de résistance is the main course: Sardinian lamb in three different forms; cooked in clay, slow-cooked shank and butterfly roasted. To reward your hard work, the resident sommelier will offer a step-by-step pairing menu for you to enjoy alongside the meal. Invite friends and family to feast on your meal and to praise you for your efforts. Classes are held on the last Saturday of every month, £75, Novikov Restaurant, 50 Berkeley Street, W1J

Phileas Fogg, who notoriously travelled around the world in 80 days, has decided to take a welldeserved break and settle down in the heart of Mayfair. With annotated maps, painted portraits of Queen Victoria and stuffed Indian tigers and crocodiles, Mr Fogg’s is based on the drawing room of the eccentric explorer. Under the guidance of Mark Jenner, ex-bar manager at the Connaught, the bar is an adventurous haunt. Using rare products sourced from across the globe, the cocktails include, Gin Fizzes, Stirrup Cups and Absinthe Aperitifs. Drinks can be shared in creations straight out of the pages of Jules Verne’s novel, from miniature globes to antique punch bowls. Mr Fogg’s, 15 Bruton Lane, W1J

Dramatic dining St. James Theatre has been pulling in the cultural crowds since its opening last September and, with the opening of Carrara, its set to get even more popular. Head chef, René Cahane, celebrates the best of British cuisine with his simple yet flavoursome menu. Our top picks include the Kent lamb cutlets and Jude’s very vanilla ice cream. Ideal for a pre-theatre meal or if you’re not in the mood for a show, we think it’s worth the trip just for the food. Carrara, St. James Theatre, 12 Palace Street, SW1E

Jason Atherton stormed Mayfair’s fine-dining scene with a grand entrance in 2011. After the success of his Pollen Street Social, the pioneering chef is ready to make his next mark W o r d s : K a t e Ra c o v o l i s

social empire T

above: Tiramisu, Hot Chocolate and Coffee DESSERT; right: THE POLLEN STREET SOCIAL; Jason Atherton

he food was just out of this world,’ says a customer on his way out of Pollen Street Social, shaking Atherton’s hand in gratitude. ‘To me, that means more than anything,’ says the 41-year-old chef. It is a busy Friday. Atherton has only just finished lunch service, and he has two meetings about the new menus for Little Social and Social Eating House, his latest projects. Then, dinner service will begin at 6. Atherton opened the restaurant in April 2011, after leaving the Gordon Ramsay Group where he worked for ten years. ‘Leaving Maze was very hard to do, because it was a very successful concept and I loved working for Gordon – the guy is a legend and a superstar and to spend ten years with him was a very big honour; it taught me a hell of a lot. But it was time to do my thing, and breaking the mould was a big risk. I put my own money in to this place and if it didn’t work, I was going to be in a lot of trouble,’ Atherton says. His idea was swift to take off. Within months of opening, he had won a Michelin star, making him one of the fastest chefs in Britain to earn the title. The awards kept pouring in – a Four AA Rosette, Square Meal ’s Restaurant of the Year,

Time Out’s Restaurant of the Year, and a judging role on the BBC’s Great British Menu. But he is adamant that he has not yet reached his pinnacle. ‘At the end of the day, when you peel away all the bulls***, we’re just cooks,’ Atherton says. Clearly he prefers to keep it all about the food, declaring that he wouldn’t be happy ‘just’ being the best chef in the country. ‘No. I want to be one of the best chefs in the world!’ he says.

‘Leaving Maze was very hard to do, because it was a very successful concept and I loved working for Gordon [Ramsay]’ – Jason Atherton Many would argue that he’s already made it. He has often been referred to as Ramsay’s protégé and has worked for Marco Pierre White, Pierre Koffmann and Nico Ladenis, so inspiration for success was never in short supply. He has also made his mark on Asia’s foodie circiut, owning several casual ‘fine-dining for the kids’ eateries, including the ultra-cool 22 Ships in Hong Kong,

The mayfair Magazine | Food & Drink

Table No.1 in Shanghai, Keong Saik Snacks, Esquina and Pollen in Singapore. This month, he is launching two new restaurants in London – another on Pollen Street and one on Poland Street – bringing the same idea of couture-cuisine in casual settings. Vintage Michelin maps from the 1920s adorn the walls while you dine at antique elmwood tables, feasting on the likes of duck with smoked ham, eggs and chips on the classic French menu. Atherton wanted to give Pollen Street Social a little sister bistro, like many of the great Parisian restaurants. Social Eating House, opening in Soho, will have a sundae bar, serving alcoholladen versions of the dessert. As well as edgy art, downstairs there is a smoking chamber alongside the open kitchen in the full view of customers, where pork bellies, baby celeriacs and oysters are smoked. The bar – the Blind Pig – has its own entrance and is designed like a speakeasy, marked only by a bronze pig’s head, blindfolded with a ring in its nose for a knocker. Atherton has not a moment to rest, as he

also continuing his work with the television series, Great British Menu. He loves to teach as much as he does cook: ‘They are all Michelinstarred chefs in their own right, so I’m looking for that chef who’s making a mistake,’ he says. ‘We’re talking about tiny, little mistakes that the average customer would never notice... It’s like being a forensic scientist.’ He has made his own mistakes and learned from them too. One of the most common errors he sees is over-complication. ‘I have been guilty of it myself,’ he says. ‘Even when I first launched here the reviews were that my food is a little bit complicated. That was purely out of lack of confidence, and the fact that you think more is more, when less is more. When you have a really simple dish done beautifully, it just sits and looks amazing. But it took us about a month to realise that, because we were really trying to blow people’s socks off.’ I think he’s succeeded. Little Social, 5 Pollen Street, W1S. Social Eating House, 58-59 Poland Street, W1F. Reservations: 020 7870 3730.

Food & Drink | The mayfair Magazine

DINING T OUT Mews of Mayfair WORDS: daniella isaacs

he mere thought that a humble pork pie would end up in an exclusive Mayfair Brasserie is quite absurd; however earlier this year, Richard Sawyer (previously executive chef of British restaurant, Rules) took the plunge and transformed the Mews of Mayfair into a restaurant and bar that specialises in pure comfort food. Tucked away in the cobbled courtyard of Lancashire Court, attention has been paid to all things British: spring bulbs in vintage marmalade pots are placed on each oak wood table, large vintage jars of old-fashioned pick ’n’ mix sweets line the window frames and beautiful prints of English herbs adorn the wall – there is no denying Mews is patriotic. We started off the hearty affair with Best of British cocktails; I opted for the refreshing Cucumber Splash while my partner chose the Mews English Breakfast (grapefruit, honey and a splash of vodka). Served in crystal tumblers, the glamorous concoctions are the perfect start to the meal, allowing us to put some distance between the day’s stresses and our night here. It also gives us time to soak in the atmosphere of the decadent cocktail bar – filled with an array of chaises longues and crystal chandeliers. Sawyer places special emphasis on British produce – the map on the back of the menu shows where each ingredient has been sourced. The fresh flavours are what make this restaurant so special; there is no need for overly rich sauces or fussy presentation as the simple classic dishes are more than enough. The menu is full of traditional British favourites – mushroom soup with aromatic pieces of rosemary (served in a mini saucepan), Scrambled Hen Eggs infused with the woody aroma of shaved truffle. For the main, I couldn’t resist the Mews Cheesburger – perfectly cooked and accompanied with a tangy tomato relish and chunky-cut chips. For the ultimate indulgence, the side order of Macaroni cheese is wonderful, although it could easily pass as a meal on its own. With a terrace bar outside (fleece blankets are provided for the coldest of winter nights), a decadent cocktail lounge and the homely restaurant, Mews of Mayfair celebrates all that is great about British dining. Mews of Mayfair, 10 New Bond Street London W1S (020 7518 9388; www.mewsofmayfair.com)

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The mayfair Magazine | Beauty

Beauty news We Brits do a lot right – fragrance, ingredients, Cara Delevingne... So here are our top picks from the British beauty world w o r ds : e l l e b l a k e m a n

image: burberry

3 of the best…

April showers

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If your skin is suffering with the ever-changing weather, try this fabulous new face oil from homegrown Pharmacognosist (pharmacy with natural products) Dr Jackson. Containing Baobab and Marula oil, it is a soothing mixure that will calm down stressed skin in a flash. No.3 Face Oil, £55, Dr Jackson (Available at Harvey Nichols)

#1 Burberry Body Tender, from £39, Burberry (www.burberry. com)

#2 Atropa Belladonna, from £30, Shay & Blue (Available at Harvey Nichols)

#3 Gunpowder Rose, £125, Union (Available at Selfridges)

Bigger is better A decade in beauty is a lifetime. Ten years ago Elemis launched its Pro-Collagen Marine Cream; packed with anti-ageing ingredients it has gone on to win 21 awards and some very loyal fans. Mark the occasion with this huge 10th anniversary 100ml jar. Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, £99, Elemis (Available at John Lewis)

Best of British Noble Isle is a new brand taking patriotism to a new level. Inspired by the natural riches of each part of the UK – including rhubarb from England, sea oak from Ireland, malted barley from Scotland, and beets from Wales – they have created beautiful bath and body products that are a perfect way to pledge allegiance. From £15 (Available at Fortnum & Mason)

Treatment of the month Nothing beats gleaming white teeth for an instant beauty boost. To get a supermodel-worthy smile, make an appointment with Dr Mervyn Druian, the dentist who brought Manhattan teeth to London and the go-to man for many an A-lister. His thermal diffuser method is quick, pain-free and much more effective than other versions (his ingredients work at over 10 times the normal rate), and it lasts longer too. Thermal Diffuser whitening technique, £495, The London Centre for Cosmetic Dentistry (020 7722 1235; www. londoncosmeticdentistry.co.uk) 89

image: lev radin / Shutterstock.com

BRITISH fragrances

Getting

the gloss What happens when two beauty junkies decide to open a shop in Harvey Nichols, three floors away from the beauty hall? Elle Blakeman finds out

The mayfair Magazine | Beauty

illie Kendall and Anna-Marie Solowij are beauty obsessives. Firstly, an addict can always spot another and, secondly, after a collective 50 years in the industry, they are both like enthusiastic teenagers over the latest launches. ‘At 11 o’clock last night, I got really excited about an American company that emailed us about Rodin, which is a brand that I want so desperately. I was so excited that I forwarded it immediately to everyone in the company,’ says Kendall. If it’s hard to imagine anyone with the industry at her fingertips getting excited over yet another new brand, you should remember that these women are like the M15 of the beauty world. ‘We still get hyped about all of it,’ says Solowij. ‘Even going out to product launches, we still get overwhelmed about it and will come back saying “I’ve just seen the best gold nail polish,” or “You have to try this! It is the most incredible product.” Solowij met Kendall when, as a beauty journalist for ELLE in the early 1990s, she would spend her Saturdays hanging out at the Shu Uemura counter where Kendall worked. ‘Not just there,’ she says enthusiastically. ‘I would do the rounds!’. A beauty-counter barfly, she would spend her free time playing, touching and exploring the new promises and looks offered by shiny, neatly-lined bottles. While Solowij worked as a journalist at some of the top glossies, Kendall was busy as a PR, launching brands Shu Uemura, Aveda and L’Occitane, before becoming the latter half of the Ruby & Millie cosmetics brand in 1998. After a friendship spanning over 20 years and countless brands, the two came together to launch Beauty Mart late last year, using their vast experience to come up with an edited list

Anna-Mar

Millie

of hero products, and selling them all in one place. It’s not an entirely new concept, after all Space NK have been doing something similar for a while, acknowledging that women have developed beyond the Avon-lady days when they wanted to buy everything from one brand. ‘Space NK is all premium,’ says Solowij. ‘They focus on brands and are merchandised by them, but we cherry-pick individual products from a mix of brands and price points, and we merchandise by categories – so you will find body products all together, skincare all together.’ ‘Some people are brand-loyal, but less and less these days,’ says Kendall. ‘Women are more confident. They read magazines and they come into the store knowing what they want.’ It’s clear that the two have little time for the white lab coats and broken promises of several large-scale brands: ‘We just want to be straightforward and honest,’ says Kendall. ‘I would not sell my mum crap, so I would not sell my customers things that they don’t want.’ She tells me of a recent incident where one brand came in to train their staff and made a claim that something had the effect of Botox. ‘Bulls**t,’ says Kendall, with what I’m realising is a natural frankness – unusual and refreshing in this glossy world. ‘Nothing works like Botox other than Botox. They are just not allowed to claim that, it’s sending your customer off in the wrong direction.’ So how do they decide what goes in? ‘We started with a list that said “This is what I love”,’ says Solowij. ‘I started in my bathroom with my laptop and literally went through each shelf. And the funny thing is Millie’s list and mine pretty much said the same thing, maybe 20 per cent was different.’ It sounds a lot like the modus operandi of most beauty insiders. After all, most editors I 

Beauty | The mayfair Magazine

5 of the best…

BEAUTY MART

know have a staple group of products that they would not be without – and most of them are the same ones. ‘I guess it was easy because there are a lot of iconic products. It’s not necessarily about the brand but about the product – which is the hero. For example [Elizabeth] Arden’s Eight Hour Cream – who doesn’t use that? At the beginning we bought slightly more into a range than we would have wanted to but it was clear that the Eight Hour Cream was the one product that sold really well and the others didn’t sell as well. So our concept was right, the clear winners stand out.’

‘Our concept was right, the clear winners stand out’ – Anna-Marie Solowij The pair complement each other well, both with different preferences and skin types. ‘I don’t like to put a serum on my face; I’m not a serum person. I feel like I have thick, leathery skin so I need cream.’ Solowij meanwhile prefers things lighter: ‘Between us we are covering all bases,’ she says. Although you would think that these maverick beauty retailers would be a threat to the bigger brands, I imagine a boardroom full of tiny, serious account executives talking over edamame beans and Diet Cokes about how they can ‘deal’ with them, but no, actually the industry, suffering as much as any in this never-ending recession, is pleased to have another channel to the consumer. ‘If we were just two girls off the street we wouldn’t have had a look in as they wouldn’t have listened to us. But because of our reputations, they were willing to take a punt. Some of the bigger companies have been really supportive,’ says Solowij. ‘Revlon will even break a pack for us,’ says Kendall with reverence and pride. ‘Anyone else – forget it, you have to order 36 but we have 10. They have been really flexible because they recognise that they would never get into Harvey Nichols on their own, they would never be exposed to this type of consumer.’ And the consumer is new. For a start she’s on the third floor of Harvey Nics, among the ultra-trendy brands of Heidi Klein, DVF and J Brand. She will be interested in trying new things, and she’ll probably be as beauty-forward as the pair behind it. So what’s next? ‘I would be so excited today if I found the perfect purple mascara – it would absolutely make my day. I’ve been looking for ages,’ says Kendall. ‘And a make-up-artist friend of mine was raving about RapidLash so I need to try that.’ Will it make the cut? ‘If it works, then it will be in.’

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The mayfair Magazine | Beauty

Spa review ESPA Life, Corinthia WORDS: ELLE BLAKEMAN

his is a connoisseur’s spa. If you’re easily impressed don’t come here, you can’t handle this. If, however, you pine for heated marble, huge rain showers, a glass amphitheatre sauna and a nine-metre swimming pool that looks like it was built for a Roman emperor, then this is a game changer. Four floors and 3,300 squares metres of marble-covered calm provide the ultimate antidote to the buzzing streets of Trafalgar Square below you. ESPA have a hugely comprehensive spa menu – and alongside the hot stone massages and deep cleansing facials – you will also find a collection of holistic treatments, including the forcefully named ‘Gatekeeper’, where a naturopathic practitioner will address issues such as stress fatigue and sleep problems. ESPA founder and CEO Susan Harmsworth MBE is a big believer in the concept of wellness and a holistic approach to spas. This can be seen in her product range, encompassing everything from mood-soothing candles to replenishing creams and hair and scalp mud. It is this approach that I feel during my Hot Stone Back Face & Scalp treatment – two hours of bliss where you are removed from the tight, list-driven everyday and coaxed into a world of soft-edged relaxation. The massage, with personally selected oils, is followed by a bespoke facial – in my case a super-deep cleansing involving steam and a plethora of ESPA masks and oils. The scalp treatment to finish is a firm, Thai-inspired massage with the best-selling pink hair and scalp mud (I’m advised to leave it in and my hair is gleaming afterwards) – the perfect way to eke out any remaining tension that might be lurking. You can even add extras to your massage if you want to, like ordering a side-dish from a menu – add a salt & oil scrub beforehand, or an

indulgent additional 25 minutes for those who can’t bear the experience to end. Afterwards, stay in the state of zen a little longer with a rest on one of the heated stone beds or if you’re really out of it, the dedicated darkened sleep pod room. Hot Stone Back, Face & Scalp Treatment, £210, 120 minutes. ESPA Life at the Corinthia, Whitehall Place, London SW1A (020 7321 3050). Products available at www.espaonline.com

Cycle

safe Cycling accidents are unpredictable. This month, the Wellington Hospital explores the importance of wearing a helmet and how to identify different types of headaches

ask the expert Dr. Lisa Anderson qualified from St Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital in 1986 and practices both within the NHS and the private sector. With 20 years of experience, her all-round knowledge is supplemented by her special interests â&#x20AC;&#x201C; chronic disease management, health screening, well men and women checks, diabetes and mental health.

for More Information on TBI World Head Injury Awareness Day 20th March 2013 www.wellingtonrehabunit.com www.ukabif.org.uk www.headway.co.uk Touching Distance by James Cracknell and Beverley Turner The Crash Reel a documentary film by Lucy Walker #Loveyourbrain

The mayfair Magazine | Health Promotion

pring is just around the corner and summer is on the way – we’re beginning to contemplate new adventures in the great outdoors. With Wiggo’s success at the Olympics still fresh, the introduction of Boris bikes and the Cycle to Work scheme, riding a bike is more accessible than ever. It’s therefore important to be aware of your surroundings to avoid an accident, as cyclists must share the road with larger, more powerful vehicles. We can’t always avoid or foresee accidents, due to their unpredictable nature, but we can prepare ourselves should anything occur whilst gliding along.

Safe cycling basics • Wear a properly fitting helmet • Use sunglasses or protective eyewear • Wear bright or reflective clothing • Wear waterproof clothing • Carry proof of ID or your driving licence Helmets are key in protecting one of the most valuable parts of the body, your brain. They are not only used for cycling, but in many outdoor activities including snow sports. No one wants to contemplate having a serious injury, and it’s even more difficult to think about how your life could change if you, a friend or a loved one acquired a brain injury from an accident. Some high-profile people have used their own experience to highlight the impact a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can have.

Headaches – when to seek medical advice

Kevin Pearce, professional snowboarder In December 2009 Kevin was leading the competition against Shaun White in the world of snowboarding. Whilst practicing for the Olympic competition, Kevin hit his head on the halfpipe during a training run. Two years later, with the support of his family and ‘frends’ (there is no I in frends, he says), he returned to his board. In January, Kevin released the The Crash Reel at the Sundance Film Festival, a film charting his recovery and return to the snow.

Beverley Turner, radio and television presenter Beverley is married to James Cracknell, Olympian, adventurer and sportsman. In 2010, Cracknell suffered a frontal lobe brain injury during an attempt to cycle, row, run and swim across America within 16 days. The accident impacted upon their lives enormously and Beverley provides very honest accounts of the hardship in Cracknell’s autobiography Touching Distance. He describes breaking down, when reading Beverley’s parts of the book, as he began to realise what she was feeling. This year, he returns to his adventurous life in a crossdesert challenge with Ben Fogle. Next time you ride a bike or go down that slope, remind yourself of how hard that surface is, compared to the softness of your head. How would it feel if your head were to collide with it? Maybe its time to wear a helmet.

Although a common health complaint, most headaches aren’t serious and can be treated with pharmacy remedies and lifestyle changes, such as resting more and drinking enough fluids. Headaches can be classified into two categories:

painful and cause intense pain around one eye and do not respond to over-the-counter treatments Secondary headaches have a separate cause, such as illness: • Side-effects from a medication, such as oral contraception • During an illness (sinusitis, flu, allergic reaction) • From taking too many painkillers • Hormonal (pregnancy and menopause)

Primary headaches which have no association with any underlying problem include: • Tension headaches – a dull ache with constant pressure around the top, front and sides of the head • Migraines – more disabling, they are often preceded by flashing lights or other aura and vomiting. The pain is pounding on one or both sides of the head • Cluster headaches – these are excruciatingly

It is rare that headaches are a sign of something serious. If you are still concerned, see your doctor if: • You feel unwell between headaches • The headaches aren’t relieved by pharmacy treatments • The headaches are so painful they limit your ability to get on with life or are causing you to miss work • The headaches get worse when you lie down

Dr. Lisa Anderson, Private GP at The Wellington Hospital, offers some practical information on headaches.

A British

classic The last name in Formula 1 cars, McLaren is celebrating 50 years in the industry with the launch of the McLaren P1, but will it live up to the iconic F1? W O R D S : R I C H A R D YA R R O W

The mayfair Magazine | Motoring

here’s nothing so British as McLaren. It’s based in a hi-tech office complex near Woking in Surrey and builds single-seater race cars that compete in Formula 1, which as a business, is run from the UK. It’s ironic that the man who established the company, Bruce McLaren, was a New Zealander. This year is a significant one in the history of the company he founded in 1963. McLaren’s most famous road-going machine, the iconic F1, is to get a spiritual successor. More than 20 years after the launch of the original – famed for hitting 231mph to become the world’s fastest production car and because in 2011, comic actor Rowan Atkinson crashed his backwards into a hedge near Peterborough – comes the McLaren P1. Following an initial design study at last year’s Paris Motor Show, the supercar made its world debut in production trim at March’s Geneva Motor Show. In building it, the goal for McLaren was simple – to create the best driver’s car in the world, whether it’s in action on the road or track. As the photos reveal, it’s quite a machine. Dan Parry-Williams is chief design engineer on the project. ‘The McLaren P1 reflects the brand’s core values,’ he says. ‘It celebrates aerodynamics, great packaging and light weight, and is all about innovative technology. At the very beginning we sought to develop a car that you could drive to a racing circuit, then press a button and race it. The priority was high-speed performance matched with tremendous composure.’ The result is a 903bhp monster that blends

100

‘old fashioned’ 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 technology with a modern electric motor to create a hybrid powertrain. The latter element is mounted directly on the engine and drive is channeled through the dual-clutch seven-speed gearbox to the rear wheels. Spare energy is stored in a battery that is charged via the engine, though the P1 is also equipped with a plug-in cable that can take the battery to 100 per cent capacity in only two hours.

‘The goal for McLaren was simple – to create the best driver’s car in the world, whether it’s in action on the road or track’ Torque is an astonishing 900Nm, designed to rocket the car from a standing start to 100km/h (62mph) in less than three seconds and 200km/h in under seven seconds. Instant Power Assist System (IPAS) is a Formula 1-derived technology that offers drivers an instant boost of power for extra straight-line speed. It combines with the Drag Reduction System (DRS) – more familiar to armchair racing fans – by making the P1 even more slippery for a short period. Launched in 1992 and with only 106 ever built, the McLaren F1 was a gas-guzzler of the highest order, powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine. How technology has moved on in two decades; the P1 is actually a surprisingly clean car. CO2 emissions from the exhausts are below 200g/km – less than many large family cars on the road

The mayfair Magazine | Motoring

today. In full E-mode, McLaren says it offers in excess of 10km of emission-free driving. Shaving the pounds off wherever possible was a priority in order to maximise performance. Formula 1-grade carbon fibre has been used extensively, from the chassis and the aerodynamically optimised body panels to finishing the two-seater cabin. It’s the best possible material, offering the strength required for crash-test safety and structural integrity but weighing next to nothing. Switchgear in the driver-focused cabin has been kept to a minimum, again to save weight. The design is reminiscent of a fighter jet cockpit, complete with a windscreen deeper than it is wide and glass canopy overhead for excellent visibility. The attention to detail inside the P1 is evidence of the lengths McLaren’s engineers have gone. To further reduce weight, the top layer of resin has been removed from the dashboard, leaving the carbon non-lacquered for a more natural look and cutting a further 1.5kg from the car’s weight. The amount of trim within the cabin has been minimised, leaving as many parts as possible exposed and there’s no interior sound deadening. Carpet is offered as an option, but even then it is fitted with a lightweight backing. The race-style bucket seats use the minimum amount of foam, are encased in ultra-thin carbon fibre shells, and mounted on lightweight brackets and runners. They weight just 10.5kg each. Yet the car isn’t completely stripped out, because owners that pay for this type of machinery – prices start from £866,000 – want their creature comforts. Luxury features such as climate control, satellite navigation and a

bespoke sound system developed from the outset with high-end audio company Meridian are also available. McLaren is a company with five decades of Formula 1 experience and that’s evident in the specification of the P1. The steering wheel diameter is as technically precise as the one Jenson Button is using this season in his Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, with the rim finished in soft premium-feel alcantara with carbon fibre inserts. In many new vehicles today, personalisation means changing the colour of the dashboard inserts or adding stickers to the roof. Not so with McLaren. The height of the two seats will be custom set to suit the driver and passenger, and can be subsequently adjusted in the workshop. Fixings for a six-point race harness can also be added, in addition to inertia reel seat belts. In McLaren’s words, the P1 is the most technologically advanced and fastest series production car ever made in the UK. But there’s some debate over that claim because the top speed has been electronically limited to 350km/h (218mph). That’s short of the marker set by the F1 and, on the face of it, would seem to rule out an attempt on the record its predecessor once held. The current holder – and it’s worth noting there have only been two officially recognised by Guinness World Records since the McLaren F1 took the honour from the Jaguar XJ220 in 1993 – is the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport. Standing at 258mph, that’s just 40mph faster than the P1. McLaren’s new supercar will undoubtedly go faster with the limiter switched off. It’s hard to believe the company doesn’t have a challenge in mind somewhere down the line. Watch this space…

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Hitting the

slopes

can hurt

Regardless of skill level, muscles can become tired and fatigued whilst skiing, with the third day of a ski holiday being the most common time for an injury to occur. If you return home and continue to suffer pain, speak to your GP who can refer you to see a specialist to manage the condition. Led by eminent consultants, The Wellington Hospital offers a range of orthopaedic services to help you regain your health and return to the slopes.

Call us today

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Wellington PMC SKI- Mar2013_Mayfair_5004.indd 1

14/03/2013 16:39

The mayfair Magazine | Travel

Short haul

The Manor House Hotel, Castle Combe Castle Combe in Wiltshire is often described as England’s prettiest village and The Manor provides the definitive country retreat. Drive through the Cotswolds’ swivelling country roads and indulge in a weekend of splendor. With dark traditional oak furnishings and four poster beds that are fit for queens, the rooms here evoke classic luxury that is synonymous with gentrified Britain. Since the Michelin-starred chef Richard Davies graced our screens on Great British Menu last month, we highly recommend booking dinner at his Michelin-starred restaurant, Bybrook, which is situated in the exquisite ivy-clad main house. Keen golfers must play a round on the course designed by BBC commentator Peter Alliss. Country houses like this one make us proud to be British. (www.manorhouse.co.uk)

Long haul

Glenburn Tea Estate, India

If you crave a cup of tea when abroad, Glenburn will sate your yearnings and make you appreciate the ritual like never before. Just an hour from the bustling Darjeeling, Glenburn sits high up in the Himalayas and is home to a charming plantation that dates back to 1860. The estate centres around the 100-year-old Burra Bungalow and Water Lily Bungalow, which exude understated elegance reminiscent of past times. Start the day perched on the veranda with a pot of ‘bed tea’ (a celebrated Indian tradition), then explore the 1,600-acre estate. Raj-style picnics make for an inspired lunch, freshly made with produce from the plantation’s gardens. If you are looking for pure escapism, stay for a night at the Glenburn Lodge by the river and go back to basics with no electricity for a romantic night under the stars. (www.glenburnteaestate.com)

Savour the charm of Britain in these hotels while making your travels in style W OR D S : D A N I E L L A ISAA C S

Travel news TRAVEL TIPS

Don’t leave home without… The Lime, Basil and Mandarin Cologne from Jo Malone. This pocket sized bottle is the perfect essential for your hand luggage and its citrus notes are refreshing and invigorating. £38, Jo Malone (www.jomalone.co.uk) There’s an app for that… National Trust app Britain is full of places to visit, so it can be hard to know where to start. This app will be your guide, providing recommendations and descriptions of different sites to help you plan a cultural-filled weekend. Free from the iTunes App Store

‘A wise traveller never despises his own country’ – Carlo Goldoni 103

Where

wild things are

the

Grown-up hideaway If you are looking for an indulgent stay away from the children or work – without the unwanted feeling of guilt – then head to The Scarlet Hotel at Mawgan Porth. When it opened, back in 2009, it made column inches due to the fact that it was the UK’s first purpose-built eco hotel. Today, we think it’s still worthy of headlines. With its glass-walled lobby, the awe-inspiring views of the cliff-framed beach and crashing Atlantic rollers set the scene. This place is seriously grown-up. The 37 bedrooms range from the smaller ‘just right’ rooms to the more decadent ‘indulgent’ ones, whichever room you stay in you are certain of a picturesque view looking out onto the Cornish coastline.

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For the more adventurous traveller, The Scarlet offers a whole host of activities; from horse riding on the beach to surfing on the famous shoreline. If you are after a more relaxing break, the cocooning, adult-only Scarlet Spa is an essential resting point. With a sun-drenched room for light relaxation and dark pods suspended from the ceiling, the spa uses age-old Ayurvedic traditions to ensure that guests leave their stresses at the door and leave feeling energised. If the sun is shining, the reed filtered infinity pool is perfect for an afternoon dip. Punctuated by log-fired hot tubs, hours can be spent relaxing in the water. The hotel will impress foodies just as much as the eco-conscious. Using only local produce and with a menu that changes seasonally, the food

The mayfair Magazine | Travel

DRINKING & DINING Cornwall is having a moment. New retreats, cool family hideaways and foodie delights mean it’s our favourite place to decamp for a while. Angelina Villa-Clarke discovers the best places to visit in the UK’s most inspiring corner

Prime pop-up Cool St Ives eaterie Hub has made a name for itself based on its New York approach to food. The simple, but brilliant menu features Cornish rare-breed burgers, hot dogs, ribs and craft beers. But its runaway success has been its pop-up counterpart, Hub Box, based in Lemon Quay in Truro, created from an old shipping container. The pared-back menu features a special mackerel burger with beetroot jam and pulled pork sandwiches. (www.hub-stives.co.uk/hubbox) On the horizon When it comes to amazing fish restaurants, there’s no beating Cornwall. Acclaimed chef Nathan Outlaw’s restaurant at the St Enodoc Hotel in Rock not only has two Michelin stars, but has also been named ‘Best Seafood Restaurant’ in the UK. He also runs the more casual Outlaw’s Seafood and Grill at the same hotel and is now planning a new venture, Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen in Looe. Due to open for the summer, fish fans can expect unfussy dishes – almost straight from the sea – in rustic surroundings. (www.outlaws.co.uk/restaurants/looe)

on offer is comforting yet healthy. The roast lamb and mint sauce is a particular favourite and those with a sweet tooth should ensure they save room for pudding – try the pear and almond tart with clotted cream, it is quite simply delicious. With generous (linen-clad) staff, an adult-only sanctuary and light-filled interiors, The Scarlet provides a true escape from the humdrum of life, while its serious eco credentials will make you feel worthy too. And it’s certainly a showcase for the best of British technology – there’s a biomass boiler, solar panelling galore and a Europe-only wine list – the ultimate staycation. The Scarlet Hotel, Tredragon Road, Mawgan Porth, Cornwall TR8 4DQ, 01637 861800 (www.scarlethotel.co.uk)

Classic reinvented Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall is now back on the radar with Cornish foodies following its newly vamped-up interiors. The all-white, sleek dining room, with its oversized hanging lightbulb lamps is sophisticated yet still on the right side of laid-back. Most exciting is the new Antipasti Bar and Tavola where guests can drop in and pull up a stool at a circular bar and relish mini dishes inspired by the Italian Riviera. Meanwhile, the main dining room’s open kitchen features a new charcoal-fired Josper oven. (www.fifteencornwall.co.uk)

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Get a health kick If holidaying to you means packing in as much activity as possible, then head to Watergate Bay Hotel. The family-friendly hotel offers a plethora of things to do. Visit the newly launched Swimming Club, with its sophisticated beach-house vibe, all centered around a 25m infinity pool overlooking the ocean. Members and hotel guests can relax in quiet secluded areas, take a dip in the pool or enjoy cocktails or pastries in the Ocean Room. On the cliff terraces, you can kick back on steamer chairs or soak the hours away in the Canadian hot tub. There’s also the boardwalk, which links the space to the beach and the Bay’s renowned Extreme Academy, where you can master just about every adrenaline-fuelled sport ever invented – from kite-surfing to hand planing. (www.watergatebay.co.uk)

Coastal retreat One of the main attractions of Cornwall is the beach. Book into Marver House, which overlooks the stunning bay of Mawgan Porth, and you won’t have to go far to get your feet wet. Having just undergone a two-year refurbishment this is a long way from traditional beach house. Sleeping 14, the house features an eclectic mix of furniture, huge open-plan areas and bedrooms with Victorian bath-tubs. But it’s the outside spaces that have the wow-factor. The decked terrace boasts a fire pit and hot tub and leads directly onto the beach. The secluded seating areas are perfect to watch the sunset and the outside shower in a shepherd’s hut means no time is wasted indoors. A beach lover’s idyll. (www.bigcottage.com)

Artistic impression Budding artists looking for inspiration should opt for West Place House, a contemporary bolthole located on the seafront in St Ives. If the natural light that floods the house doesn’t get the creative juices working, then no doubt the luxury design features will. Upstairs, a glass electric roof opens up to reveal a roof terrace offering blissful sea views, while downstairs a central atrium lightwell reveals a hidden garden – just the thing for stilllife moments. More inspiration needed? Then hop out of the back entrance of the house – it leads directly on to Porthmeor Beach and to the Tate Gallery. You’ll be in good company there. (www.cornishsecrets.co.uk) 106

The mayfair Magazine | Travel

Luxury en famille

Rural idyll While Outlaw is busy cooking up a storm on the culinary scene, Rick Stein continues to make his name in Padstow. His new venture, however, has taken him out of the kitchen and onto a farm. Trevone Farm, a few miles outside of Padstow, is his brand new collection of properties available for holiday lets. With interiors designed by Jill Stein – think coastalchic meets Scandi-cool – the houses are ideal for extended family stays or a gathering of friends. Designed for all weathers, they boast outdoor showers, barbecues and al fresco dining areas for sunny days, while woodburning stoves, huge sofas and reading corners will keep you cosy when it’s cold outside. Ideal for long walks on the Trevose headland, surfing on the nearby beach, and, of course, checking out those Stein restaurants in Padstow. (www.rickstein.com)

Gourmet weekenders Cornwall has long enticed food lovers with its abundance of excellent eateries and wide range of local produce. But the new gourmet weekends being held at The Cornwall Hotel Spa & Estate are inviting gourmands to step away from the table and get hands on behind the scenes. Check into the glorious south Cornish retreat at Tregorrick and you can opt for either fishing for mackerel and sea bass with local fishermen or foraging for wild edibles with expert Rachel Lambert. After a spa treatment or two, you can then taste your bounty with a special five-course tasting menu accompanied by a wine tasting hosted by a sommelier from local Cornish vineyard Knightor. It’s better than singing for your supper. (www.thecornwall.com)

Don’t let the thought of a self-catering holiday send shivers down your spine. At Hawke’s Point the concept is closer to boutique bolthole than dowdy cottage. The tone is set as soon as you set down your bags: you’ll find a traditional cream tea and chilled bottle of Champagne waiting to be devoured. Interiors are Hamptons-inspired – nautical stripes, French reading chairs and brass captain’s telescopes with lots of top-end details (think Villeroy & Boch crockery, Poppy Treffry accessories and REN beauty products). There’s a concierge service offering tips on where to go and what to see, plus tons of games to keep the little ones amused. There’s a choice of apartments, but our money’s on the Penthouses with their floor-to-ceiling views over the St Ives headland and the quaint Carbis Bay railway. (www.hawkes-point.co.uk)

INSIDERS’ HANGOUTS Tucked away on the National Trust coastal path, The Hidden Hut café, is a secret worth knowing. By day it sells local pasties and organic ice creams, but occasionally by night it opens to host pop-up feasts cooked outdoors on the wood fire. (www.hiddenhut.co.uk). Another gem is Beerwolf Books, hidden away in the back streets of Falmouth. Housed in a creaky 18th century building this is a buzzy artisan pub-meets-bookshop. Books and beer? You read it here first. (www.beerwolf.com)

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visit to Oxford feels as though you have travelled back in time – or climbed aboard the Hogwarts Express – to arrive in this charming and historic town. Given that Oxford is home to the famous University – the first that was established in the English-speaking world some 800 years ago – this impression comes as no surprise. Its close proximity to London – just over an hour by train or car – has made it a go-to destination for a weekend or day away from the Big Smoke. A visit to Oxford is, as we have discovered, much more than an excuse to explore the world-renowned academic institutions of the student-populated city, packed full of curious, studious minds (so we’re told!) for about two-thirds of the year, during term. But the student culture of Oxford has a fascinating history and is certainly worth exploring, with the likes of C. S. Lewis, T. S. Eliot and Aldous Huxley, to name just a few, as part of its distinguished and luminary alumni. The late-Saxon period architecture is an enchanting backdrop with which to explore the town – a marker of just how far Oxford’s history stretches back. There is much to do and see in the city centre; spend an afternoon exploring the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology, which has a long history of its own, dating back to 1908. Links to Oxford University seem to linger in every corner of Visit the birthplace of one of the town. The Ashmolean first came to be as Britain’s most famous universities the result of a collaboration between the and explore its historic charm University Art Collection and the museum itself – two ancient Oxonian icons. w o r d s : k at e r a c o v o l i s Stroll through the herbaceous Botanic Gardens – also one of the oldest in the country, founded in 1621 – where you will find a small but diverse collection of plant Ashmolean Museum life from around the world. Visit the covered market, which is filled with sweet treats and trinket shops, matching the quaintness of the town. Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons is also just a 15-minute drive from the High Street – well worth a lunch MERTON STREET, Oxford or stay overnight in its glamorous rooms.

[city break]

OXFORD

STAMP IMAGE: Neftali/ Shutterstock.com; Ashmolean Museum image: © Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

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River Cherwell by Magdalen Bridge

The mayfair Magazine | Travel

Where to stay Book yourself a room at The Macdonald Randolph Hotel – an Oxford landmark located in the centre of town. Prime ministers and presidents have also chosen to stay here in the past, so rest assured the experience will be a memorable (and glamorous) one. Order a cocktail at The Morse Bar – the watering hole of Colin Dexter’s world-famous detective, Inspector Morse. (www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk)

Bridge of Sighs

Eating & drinking

Macdonald Randolph hotel bedroom

Gee’s is one of Oxford’s gems. Feast on traditional British fare, from roasted baby chicken with fennel to lamb or venison in the brightly lit glasshouse, known for its fresh, local produce since 1898 (www.gees-restaurant.co.uk) The Eagle and Child (or the ‘Bird and Baby’ to locals) will satisfy your pub food craving and is also where C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien, met during the mid-1900s to discuss literary matters, work and ideas. (www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk)

SUITCASE E S S E N T I A L S

#1 Face oil, £125, Sjal (Available from Selfridges)

#2 Scarf, from a selection, Kaneshka (www.kaneshka.co.uk)

#3 Bag, £17,000, Hermès (www.matchesfashion.com)

Mayfair recommends Macdonald Randolph hotel Exterior

the grand cafÉ

If you have afternoon tea during your stay, make it at the Grand Café. Celebrate the British pastime in the classic, old-world setting of the restaurant with delicate finger sandwiches, handmade chocolates, scones and champagne, suitably named ‘The Grand High Tea’. (www.thegrandcafe.co.uk)

#4 Parka, £590, Kenzo (www.thecorner.com)

#5 Boots, £650, Burberry (www.net-a-porter.com)

Oxford University College buildings

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The mayfair Magazine | Regulars

Suite

dreams

… at The Connaught Words: sandra mackenzie

Images courtesy of The Connaught

owhere does British elegance better than a classic Mayfair Hotel, and The Connaught on Carlos Place has more than 100 years of experience catering to the great and the good from across the world. The hotel has arrived in the 21st century with a perfect blend of old-world glamour and contemporary convenience, encapsulating the very best of London. For real luxury, book yourself in to one of its stunning suites; although be warned, trying to decide on a room is almost impossible. Personally, I have concluded that the only option is to keep returning until you have tried them all and can decide on a favourite. Each suite comes with a dazzling array of personalised specialities, ranging from private terraces to personal butlers and complimentary clothes pressing, but for us the lure of the Library Suite proved triumphant. Once set up in our bookshelf-lined sitting room, the temptation never to leave is only offset by remembering that the bars and restaurants downstairs are yet to be explored.

When in a Mayfair hotel, sampling the afternoon tea is quite simply a necessity. This most British of repasts has been perfected in the capital, and The Connaught provides a charming mixture of tradition and innovation with their Chic and Shock selection. Arriving on an empty stomach is advisable; realising that you are quite simply too full to enjoy every delectable treat placed in front of you really is a unique kind of torture. Refills of tea and your favourite sandwiches appear as if by magic, so ensure you take plenty of time for your meal and appreciate each morsel. After that, head to the Coburg Bar for legendary cocktails – the recent winner of our ‘Best Bar in Mayfair Award’, they have also been named as the Best Bar in the World, proving that our corner of London is truly world-class. To really soak up the atmosphere, choose a classic like the Tom Collins or Old Fashioned, mixed to perfection by expert bartenders. Spending the evening settled in a wing-backed armchair in front of a roaring fire with a drink in hand – that’s what we’d call best of British.

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We prefer not to be measured by dimensions. Unless it’s a new dimension of accuracy.

No fewer than four exceptional mechanisms enhance the precision of the RICHARD LANGE TOURBILLON “Pour le Mérite”: the tiny fusée-and-chain transmission, the delicate tourbillon, the ultra-thin Lange balance spring, and – not least – the patented stop-seconds device for the tourbillon which makes it possible to

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

Arije 165, Sloane Street London • George Pragnell 5 and 6, Wood Street, Stratford-upon-Avon Hamilton & Inches 87, George Street, Edinburgh • Harrods 87–135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London Watches of Switzerland 16, New Bond Street, London • Wempe 43-44, New Bond Street, London Lange Uhren GmbH • Tel. +34 91 454 89 82 • www.lange-soehne.com

Final_JT_UK_N_KensingtonAndChelsea_RLT_PLM_PG_210x297_ATMO-026-12.indd 1

08.02.2012 15:52:48 Uhr

The mayfair Magazine | Regulars

MAYFAIR b u r l i n g t o n a r c a d e mayfair

TOP, FROM LEFT: THE BURLINGTON ARCADE C. 1905; THE ARCADE TODAY (IMAGES COURTESY OF MAYFAIR THROUGH TIME BY BRIAN GIRLING, (AMBERLEY PUBLISHING, £14.99)

n a city crowded with fabulous shopping destinations, the Burlington Arcade stands out as a timeless experience completely unique to Mayfair. One of the oldest covered shopping streets in the world, the idea for the project derived from Lord George Cavendish’s frustration with the amount of rubbish getting thrown into his property from the street behind it. The official proposal described the shopping arcade as being ‘for the gratification of the public and to give employment to industrious females’; a rather more noble intention than ‘because I’m sick of bottles and oyster shells landing in my garden!’ The finished project was unveiled in 1819 with the now famed Beadles already in place to guard the shops and guide visitors. The rules imposed then are largely still in place today – shoppers are advised not to sing, whistle, run or play musical instruments whilst in the arcade, and large parcels, prams and opened umbrellas will also provoke a reprimand from a Beadle. The arcade’s strict rules – not to mention national laws – were dramatically broken in 1964 when a Jaguar car charged into the narrow street, and six masked men emerged to smash the windows of a jewellery shop and steal £35,000 worth of stock. They then jumped back into the car, reversed down the arcade and were never

caught. The bollards seen today at the entrance appeared soon afterwards, ensuring the crime remains a one-off – although this is by no means the only threat that the arcade has weathered over time. Its long history also includes surviving a fire in 1936 and recovering from heavy bombing during the Blitz. The arcade has even coped with a supernatural troublemaker in the form of Percy the Poltergeist, who apparently amused himself throughout the 1950s by taking merchandise down from the shelves and arranging it in perfect semi-circles on the floor, mystifying workers and becoming the subject of his very own BBC documentary. Thieves and phantoms aside, the arcade has become a London landmark, with the resident retailers frequently attaining Royal warrants and other accolades. A particularly notable contribution to history came during the Crimean War, when designs were requested for a new military award to be given for outstanding acts of valour in the face of the enemy. Longstanding Burlington resident Hancocks Jewellers created what would become the Victoria Cross, which remains the highest honour attainable in the Armed Forces. Many of the shops in the arcade today have been there for 150 years or more, consistently upholding a reputation for exquisite creativity and craftsmanship.

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The mayfair Magazine | Regulars

My life in MAYFAIR L a d y H e l e n Tay l o r Ambassador for CLIC Sargent

Y ‘I worked at Christie’s for quite a few years, so Mayfair has been part of my life for a long time’ – Lady Helen Taylor

TOP: LADY HELEN TAYLOR, image by Hannah Young; ABOVE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP-LEFT: CHRISTIE’S (CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 2013); FENWICKS; Chiramisu AT UMU (IMAGE COURTESY OF UMU); Almond oil soap BY D.R. HARRIS; BAIES CANDLE, £40, DIPTyQUE, 37 BROOK STREET, LONDON, W1K. For more information about CLIC Sargent visit www.clicsargent.org.uk

ou may recognise Lady Helen Taylor, one of the most fashionable members of the Royal family, from the cover of British Vogue in 2000 or her work with Calvin Klein, Giorgio Armani and Bulgari. What you may not know, is that alongside her stylish career, she dedicates much of her time to charity, mainly with CLIC Sargent – the UK’s leading charity for children and young people with cancer – as an ambassador for the past 14 years. Taylor became involved with CLIC Sargent at a particularly difficult time for her family, when her husband, Timothy Taylor (the owner of his eponymous gallery in Mayfair) was unwell with Hodgkin’s disease. ‘I was looking for a charity to get involved with and it just seemed very appropriate,’ says Taylor. The charity offers practical, financial and emotional support to children and young people affected by cancer, and their families. Even small-scale initiatives, Taylor says, are incredibly helpful to the purpose of the charity. ‘If schools or businesses are interested they can get the information packs from the charity about getting involved in a fundraising initiative.’ For example, ‘Wig Wednesday’, a campaign that gives people the chance to give a small donation to CLIC Sargent and wear a wig to school or work on Wednesday 22 May. ‘Schools can also give lessons to all their classes to explain what cancer means so that if they were to come across it, they know what they can do to help,’ she says. Or on a larger scale, Taylor has also pooled her efforts to help organise high-profile events during her ambassadorship. She is full of ideas – in addition to the events team at CLIC Sargent – about how to raise money for the charity. ‘I am looking to do a coffee morning at the Gallery,’ Taylor says excitedly. However, her relationship to Mayfair reaches beyond her husband’s famed gallery. ‘I worked at Christie’s for quite a few years, so Mayfair has been part of my life for a long time... I do feel like it is a well-trodden territory for me and it is amazing how it has changed, even in the last five years – the restaurants, the shops – Mount Street has changed beyond all recognition.’ One of the best things about Mayfair, she says, is that everything is in one place. ‘When I am working in the Gallery I have got everything on the doorstep, so I can pop out to Fenwick’s on my lunch break which is exactly what I used to do 20 years ago when I worked for Christie’s. It is a very handy area to be in for shopping and there are so many lovely places to meet friends for lunch. My new favourite place is Little House Mayfair, it is so cosy. And my favourite bookshop is Heywood Hill on Curzon Street. It’s a tiny little place but it is a gem – for a bibliophile,’ she says. She also frequents Diptyque (‘my favourite candle shop’) and Umu, as well as D.R. Harris on St James’s. ‘The Wolseley, I’m tempted to say, is my favourite restaurant for dinner and my husband goes there for breakfast a lot. It is such a beautiful restaurant,’ Taylor says. 115

Property Property| |The Themayfair mayfairMagazine Magazine

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For Estate Agent Listings please contact Sophie Roberts at: s.roberts@runwildgroup.co.uk 116

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Mayfair KnightFrank.co.uk/Mayfair mayfair@knightfrank.com 020 8166 7482 (WER130006)

St James’s Street, St James’s SW1 Beautifully presented flat

Set within an elegant period building this exceptionally well presented two bedroom apartment benefits from great natural light. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, reception room, kitchen, balcony, porter, lift. EPC rating C. Approximately 92 sq m (988 sq ft)

Leasehold 126 years Guide price: £1,995,000

Mayfair KnightFrank.co.uk/Mayfair mayfair@knightfrank.com 020 8166 7482 (WER130035)

KnightFrank.co.uk Montagu Square, Marylebone W1 Immaculately presented

A charming duplex apartment located in a lovely period building on one of London’s pretty garden squares. Master bedroom with en suite bathroom, bedroom 2, guest shower room, reception room, kitchen, balcony. Energy rating D. Approximately 111 sq m (1,195 sq ft) Available furnished Guide price: £1,250 per week

Marylebone Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings marylebonelettings@knightfrank.com 020 3641 5853 (mrq166895)

Sussex Gardens, Hyde Park W2 Contemporary apartment

A stunning first floor apartment which has been newly refurbished throughout. Master bedroom with en suite bathroom, bedroom 2, bathroom, reception room, kitchen/dining room, balcony, lift access. Energy rating D. Approximately 126 sq m (1,356 sq ft) Available furnished Guide price: £1,250 per week

Hyde Park Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings hydeparklettings@knightfrank.com 020 3641 7941 (HPE172763)

KnightFrank.co.uk St Georges Street, Mayfair W1K Stylish flat to rent

A modern two bedroom duplex apartment to rent, in the heart of Mayfair. The property comprises 2 double bedrooms, en suite bathroom, shower room, open plan reception room, kitchen, air conditioning, excellent storage, balcony and underground parking space. EPC rating C. Available furnished Guide price: ÂŁ1,750 per week

Mayfair Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings mayfairlettings@knightfrank.com 020 8166 7483 (MAQ159009)

Green Street, Mayfair W1K Elegant duplex

An outstanding penthouse apartment within a charming period building, overlooking the secluded gardens of Green Street. This apartment comprises 3 double bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, reception, kitchen, terrace and lift. EPC rating C. Approximately 211sq m (2,281 sq ft) Available unfurnished Guide price: ÂŁ4,300 per week

Mayfair Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings mayfairlettings@knightfrank.com 020 8166 7483 (MAQ159009)

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

Half Moon Street, W1 This sublime top floor apartment, located in a high quality building with a lift, has recently been refurbished to an exceptional standard. Featuring a well proportioned reception room with views extending to Green Park. The property has extensive storage, and it also benefits from an eight channel mood lighting system. EPC: E

£1,750,000 Leasehold • • • • • •

Hamptons Mayfair Office Sales. 020 7717 5465 | mayfair@hamptons-int.com

Reception Room Kitchen Bedroom Shower Room Comfort Cooling Lift

Dukes Mews, W1 A unique opportunity to rent a modern mews house situated in a private gated mews in the West End. Set over 4 floors with a modern kitchen / diner, reception room, master bedroom, second bedroom and study. Benefitting from a private patio and access to a secure underground double garage. EPC: C

£1,600 per week Part Furnished or Unfurnished • • • • • •

Hamptons Mayfair Office Lettings. 020 7717 5467 | mayfairlettings@hamptons-int.com

Eat in Kitchen Reception Room Two Double Bedrooms Study Secure Off Street Parking Patio

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

St George Wharf, SW8 St George Wharf is one of the most recognisable waterside developments in London and has continuously attracted buyers from around the world since its opening. This is a rare opportunity to buy a spectacular riverside apartment on the 13th floor with breathtaking views up and down the river. EPC: C

£5,000,000 Leasehold • • • • •

Hamptons Pimlico & Westminster Office Sales. 0203 281 7214 | pimwest@hamptons-int.com

Four Bedrooms Five Bathrooms (three en-suite) 3,509 Approx Sq Ft Two Balconies and Two Terraces Onsite Facilities Ranging from Bars and Restaurants to a Gym and Pharmacy

Westbourne Street, W2 A spacious and bright three double bedroom flat with lovely high ceilings. The property is moments from Hyde Park and Lancaster Gate Tube station is just around the corner. This flat is a perfect family home or great for professional sharers. There is hot water and heating included in the rent and the flat is offered furnished for a long let. EPC: E

Hamptons Paddington Office Lettings. 020 7717 5475 | paddingtonlettings@hamptons-int.com

£1,100 per week Furnished • • • •

Separate Kitchen Three Bedrooms Cloak Room Moments from Hyde Park

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Upper Belgrave Street, Belgravia SW1

A wonderfully stylish penthouse full of natural light, with south facing roof terrace.

Three bedrooms • Three bathrooms • Two reception rooms • Kitchen South facing roof terrace • Lift • Study • Caretaker Approximately 2,000 sq ft / 186 sq m • Energy Rating: C

020 7293 0874

casper.tham@sothebysrealty.co.uk

Guide Price: £7,250,000 Leasehold with approximately 115 years remaining

Over 650 Offices in 47 Countries

sothebysrealty.co.uk

12/03/2013 11:45

Chesterfield Street, Mayfair W1

Historical house in Mayfair, once home to the Duke of Devonshire Three bedroom suites each with dressing rooms and bathrooms • Two further bedrooms • One further bathroom • Study • Reception room • Dining room with conservatory • Patio • Kitchen • Roof terrace • Approximately 3,802 sq ft / 353 sq m • Energy Rating: C

020 7293 0874

svetlana.shcholokova@sothebysrealty.co.uk

Guide Price: £8,950,000 Freehold

Over 650 Offices in 47 Countries

Mayfair Mag_Sothebys_Apr13.indd 3

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May

King Street, St James’s SW1

The ultimate apartment in lateral city living. Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and dressing room • Two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms • Balcony • Views over St James’s Square • 24 hour concierge • Lift • Approximately 3,000 sq ft / 279 sq m • Energy Rating: E

020 7293 0879

sophie.panizzo@sothebysrealty.co.uk

Guide Price: £12,250,000 Share of Freehold

Over 650 Offices in 47 Countries

11:43

Mayfair Mag_Sothebys_Apr13.indd 4

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12/03/2013 11:43

Property | The mayfair Magazine

Property news We bring you two elegant new properties in central London and Simon Barnes shares his tips on buying this month

MAYFAIR INSIDER simon barnes

ust as the nightingales may be singing in Berkeley Square, so is the property scene in prime central London. The arrival of early spring sees undecided buyers feeling a renewed urgency to put down roots, with a fresh determination to buy and be settled in time for the start of summer. The distraction of Christmas, the lull of New Year followed by skiing holidays has passed. Serious buyers will have seen what was out there on the market before Christmas and, having unearthed any new properties brought to the market at the start of 2013, will now have a keen sense of value and what’s likely to be a contender. With looming school term dates, families feel pressured to make a decision and secure a deal with the intention of completing in time for the start of summer. So it’s not just the country market, but definitely London where March and April are decision-making months. By midMarch the reality is that it’s unlikely anything new will be coming to market. This year’s early Easter, the traditional house-hunting weekend, creates a further impetus for keen buyers to blitz their shortlist. My advice to eager buyers is try not to put all your eggs in one basket and aim to have more than one ‘possible house’ that you’d be prepared to go for – then act, because the early spring buyer really will fare best. (020 7499 3434; www.simonbarnes.com)

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Montagu Square, W1H This charming three-bedroom apartment is beautifully set out; the chic design has the feel of a country retreat right in the centre of the capital. Over 1,380 sq ft the elegant property is perfectly arranged; the spacious, bright kitchen sits next to the open-plan living room and reception room, which features a grand Victorian fireplace reminiscent of the grandeur of the property’s past. The three bedrooms are on the lower-ground floor next to the outside patio space – ideal for alfresco lunches in the warmer months. In the heart of Marylebone Village, this stylish apartment is perfect for a family or couple in search of a glamorous home with all the conveniences of the capital on its doorstep. Flat 1, 26 Montagu Square, W1H. For further enquiries contact Paul Sulkin at Kay & Co (020 7486 6338; sales@kayandco.com)

Connaught Apartments, Mayfair There are few London hotels more prestigious than the Connaught. The Connaught apartments sit adjacent to the hotel, with private access into the main hotel. Residents can unwind in the Aman Spa, dine at Hélène Darroze’s Michelin-starred restaurant or relax in the comfort of their own home and have room service delivered directly to their door. Spanning 2,195 sq ft, the spacious three-bedroom apartment is designed in classic British style. The drawing room is filled with natural sunlight and the large bay windows have a perfect view onto Mount Street that is ideal for people watching. Situated above Balenciaga, there is no limit to the amount of retail therapy at your fingertips here. The apartment is elegantly designed and is located in one of Mayfair’s most sought-after streets – ideal for a primary or secondary home. Enquiries to Knight Frank (020 7499 1012; www.knightfrank.co.uk)

Apartments: theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re anything but flat.

Both sale and rental values in W1 & W2 are at record levels and as you can see from the small selection of our recent successes listed overleaf, there is no shortage of willing buyers and tenants. So whether you are actively looking to sell or let, or would simply like to take the temperature of the market, we are always delighted to share our 30 years of market local knowledge with you. To arrange a confidential appointment without obligation please telephone a member of our team today.

Marylebone & Regents Park 020 7486 6338 marylebone@kayandco.com

Hyde Park & Bayswater 020 7262 2030 hydepark@kayandco.com

kayandco.com

Our recent successes in W1 & W2

Luxborough Street, W1 SOLD

Cumberland Place, W1 SOLD

St Andrews Mansions, W1 SOLD

Montagu Mews West, W1 SOLD

Devonshire Mews South, W1 SOLD

Duchess Mews, W1 SOLD

Devonshire Place, W1 SOLD

Montagu Square, W1 SOLD

Chiltern Street, W1 SOLD

Montagu Square, W1 SOLD

Bryanston Square, W1 SOLD

Seymour Place, W1 SOLD

kayandco.com

Marylebone & Regents Park 020 7486 6338

Hyde Park & Bayswater 020 7262 2030

marylebone@kayandco.com

hydepark@kayandco.com

Hyde Park Gardens, W2 SOLD

Westbourne Crescent, W2 SOLD

Sale Place, W2 SOLD

Stanhope Place, W2 SOLD

Hyde Park Place, W2 SOLD

Albion Gate, W2 SOLD

Connaught Square, W2 SOLD

Porchester Terrace, W2 SOLD

Albion Street, W2 SOLD

Hyde Park Street, W2 SOLD

Southwick Street, W2 SOLD

Praed Street, W2 SOLD

kayandco.com

South Molton Street, W1 - Pied-a-Terre in Mayfair A spacious 2 bed apartment located on the fourth (top) floor of this refurbished building on South Molton Street. The property comprises a large living space with an open plan modern kitchen, a contemporary bathroom, a private balcony to the rear of the property, floor to ceiling windows and ample storage. There is potential to add an en-suite bathroom in the master bedroom. Fantastically located in the heart of the West End close to Bond Street, Regent Street and the open green spaces of Hyde Park this apartment makes the perfect Pied-a-Terre.

£1,999,999 Leasehold, approx 119 years remaining

ABU

DHABI

•

AIX-EN-PROVENCE

•

BARCELONA

•

CANNES

•

COURCHEVEL

•

www.john-taylor.com

COSTA

BRAVA

•

GENEVA

•

GSTAAD

•

LONDON

Holland Park, W11 - STUNNING PERIOD REFURBISHMENT This is the best refurbishment of a Holland Park villa apartment we have seen. The maisonette has been intelligently and thoughtfully modernised to exacting contemporary standards.Period fireplaces, sash windows and shutters, stunning coving and soaring ceilings create a beautiful and warm family home. The apartment offers 5,629sqft of luxurious reception and living space. 4 bedrooms each with an en-suites, large drawing room, dining room, staff quarters including kitchen and bathroom, gym, steam room, cinema and sprawling south facing garden with space to entertain and dine. A private and level garden with parterre and pleached hornbeam walkway complete this stunning period conversion. Holland Park (Central Line) is the nearest station with the A40/ M40 allowing the motorist easy access in and out of London.

£12,950,000 Share of Freehold

MEGEVE

•

MERIBEL

•

John Taylor Ltd dadams@john-taylor.com 020 3284 1888

MILAN

•

MONACO

•

PARIS

•

ST-JEAN-CAP-FERRAT

www.john-taylor.com

•

ST-PAUL-DE-VENCE

David Adams Managing Director 07876 545 986

•

ST-TROPEZ

•

VALBONNE

SALES

LETTINGS

MANAGEMENT

INVESTMENT

Mayfair +44 20 7499 9904 mayfair@messilaresidential.com www.messilaresidential.com

Newly Refurbished Two Bedroom Apartment just off Mount Street South Audley Street, Mayfair W1K

£1,500 Per Week Furnished

A beautifully refurbished two double bedroom, two bathroom flat situated just off the middle section of Mount Street and close to the gardens of Grosvenor Square. Situated on the fourth floor of a purpose built block with very smart communal areas and lift access. The apartment benefits from a daytime Porter and lots of natural light, offering a perfect hassle free pied-à-terre or exceptionally located home. SOLE AGENT

MAYFAIR

KNIGHTSBRIDGE

MARYLEBONE

REGENTS PARK

51-53 South Audley Street

20 Montpelier Street

65 Weymouth Street

137 Park Road

www.messilaresidential.com

SALES

LETTINGS

MANAGEMENT

INVESTMENT

Mayfair +44 20 7499 9904 mayfair@messilaresidential.com www.messilaresidential.com

Period Townhouse with Internal Modern Lift Queen Street, Mayfair W1J

ÂŁ6,800,000 Freehold

A Period Townhouse of approx. 3,401sqft / 316sqm set over six floors with a lift. Situated between Curzon Street and Charles Street with Berkeley Square and Mount Street a few moments walk. Accommodation includes two reception rooms and six bedrooms (five with ensuite bathrooms). Boasting high ceilings, sash windows and maintaining some original features in the principle rooms. Hyde Park and Green Park are only a short walk, with Green Park Underground station also close by. SOLE AGENT MAYFAIR

KNIGHTSBRIDGE

MARYLEBONE

REGENTS PARK

51-53 South Audley Street

20 Montpelier Street

65 Weymouth Street

137 Park Road

www.messilaresidential.com

Mayfair home to buy this month’s North row w1k

£6,500,000 long lease

A stunning 3 bedroom, triple aspect penthouse with views over Hyde Park, situated within a prestigious Mayfair building & benefiting from underground parking, lift & porter services. EPC rating D

Mayfair & St James’s Sales 020 7629 4513 v sales.mayfair@chestertonhumberts.com

chestertonhumberts.com

this month’s

Mayfair home to rent

GreeN Street w1

£2,850 per week

A luxurious interior designed maisonette in a superb location. Comprising 3 bedrooms, 2 reception rooms, a kitchen/ dining room, 2 bathrooms & a guest cloakroom. EPC rating C

Mayfair & St James’s Lettings 020 7288 8301 v lettings.mayfair@chestertonhumberts.com

chestertonhumberts.com

Your reward for all the late nights in the office.

The Lancasters, Hyde Park, W2 A sophisticated two bedroom apartment, finished to the highest of standards, in this highly sought-after luxury development. Accommodation comprises an elegant reception room with double-height ceilings, separate kitchen, dining area, master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, second bedroom, and family bathroom.The apartment has been beautifully furnished by David Linley, and benefits from a secure parking space, swimming pool, and spa facilities. EPC rating C

Leasehold 997 years ÂŁ2,750,000 020 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

Marconi House, Strand, WC2 A rare opportunity to this newly developed building with a Grade II listed faรงade is moments from Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, and numerous elite restaurants. The apartment offers 1437 square foot comprising reception room with open plan kitchen, three double bedrooms with three en-suite bathrooms and guest cloakroom. Residents will also benefit from a secure parking space and 24 hour concierge. The building boasts access to the services of the neighbouring 5 star Melia Hotel (separately negotiable) offering a tenth floor Sky Bar and viewing terrace, restaurant and room service. The apartments themselves offer the highest of specifications including central Wi-Fi, climate control, Denon surround sound, iPod docking systems and a tablet to control all interior functions.

Available, furnished ยฃ1,800 pw 020 7409 9158 Robin.boghhenrikssen@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

BRANSGORE NEW FOREST

£1,500,000 With origins in the early 1900’s this former Coach House & Stables has evolved into a stunning 5 bedroom residence, refurbished to an exceptionally high standard. The accommodation extends to 3673 sqft, with p/p to extend further & scope to create 2 annexes. Grounds of approx 2 acres.

COUNTRY

P R O P E RT I E S

T: 01425 403600 www.penyards.com

STANDLYNCH NR SALISBURY PG

ÂŁ675,000

Beautifully styled period conversion epitomising London living within a country environment. Set within this exclusive enclave of converted farm outbuildings, this highly individual residence would make an ideal principal or second home.

COUNTRY

P R O P E RT I E S

T: 01590 624775 www.penyards.com

Chelsea Fulham & Parsons Green Kensington & Holland Park Knightsbridge, Belgravia & Mayfair Notting Hill & Bayswater West Chelsea & South Kensington

Sales 020 7225 3866 Sales 020 7731 7100 Sales 020 7938 3666 Sales 020 7235 9959 Sales 020 7221 1111 Sales 020 7373 1010

Lettings 020 7589 9966 Lettings 020 7731 7100 Lettings 020 7938 3866 Lettings 020 7235 9959 Lettings 020 7221 1111 Lettings 020 7373 1010

City Office Professional Valuations UK Commercial & Residential Residential Investment Property Management

020 7600 3456 020 7318 5039 020 7629 7282 020 7318 5196 020 7052 9417

struttandparker.com

One Hyde Park | Knightsbridge | SW1 989 sq ft (91.88 sq m), EPC rating C

Knightsbridge 020 7235 9959 james.gilbert-green@struttandparker.com

Scan this QR code with your camera phone to read more about this property. Free QR code readers are available to download from our website at struttandparker.com/qrcode

Lowndes Square | Knightsbridge | SW1 3,831 sq ft (355.9 sq m), EPC rating E

Knightsbridge 020 7235 9959 james.forbes@struttandparker.com

Scan this QR code with your camera phone to read more about this property. Free QR code readers are available to download from our website at struttandparker.com/qrcode

Orwell Studios, W1W - ÂŁ2,350 per week - Long Let This fantastic penthouse apartment boasts over 2,400 square foot of luxury living space. A wrap around balcony provides stunning views over neighbouring Oxford Circus and the London sky line. The open plan reception room offers fantastic entertaining space. Two double bedroom suites. Fully air conditioned. Photos as previously furnished, available furnished/unfurnished.

30 Warwick Street, London, W1B 5NH

020 7087 5557 joneslanglasalle.co.uk

Stockleigh Hall, NW8 - £1,100 per week - Long Let A spacious and bright three double bedroom apartment in this popular and highly regarded building. Opposite Regents Park and close to St John’s Wood High Street and the Underground Station. Unfurnished.

Marconi House, WC2R - £550 - £2,200 per week - Long Let A selection of stunning, newly completed, one, two and three bedroom apartments. All apartments benefit from smart home technology. Located close to Covent Garden and great transport links to the City. 24 hour concierge. Furnished and unfurnished.

Westend.let@eu.jll.com

At home in the heart of London A development by

Sales representation by

Apartments from £900,000 to £15,000,000. Located just 5 minutes’ walk from Oxford Circus.* 020 7323 1077

www.fitzroyplace.com

*Prices correct at time of going to press. Distances sourced by walkit.com. There is no affiliation, endorsement, sponsorship or support of Fitzroy Place by any person or company in this advert.

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HOT PROPERTY

43-45 Great Cumberland Place

For further enquiries contact Galliard Homes (020 7620 1500; www.galliardhomes.com)

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The mayfair Magazine | Property

n the doorstep of Oxford Street and Marble Arch, Galliard Homes has converted two Victorian townhouses, originally built in the 1870s into seven bespoke apartments which offer privacy in a luxurious, modern setting. From the ground level upwards, each newly refurbished apartment has its own floor across two buildings. On the lower-ground floor, there are also two one-bedroom Mews apartments. The technology is impressive, so whether you are switching on the lights, watching a movie or downloading music, the entire apartment can be controlled from an iPad. Helpfully, the security systems can be also operated through the device. The décor is sleek in monochrome, which gives a homely yet clean and look, but the living areas also retain their original Victorian features, from the regency-style fireplaces to the sash windows that offer picturesque views on to Great Cumberland Place and the cobbled Wythburn Place Mews. The living spaces are planned to perfection, including the spacious living rooms, open-plan kitchens, master bedroom suites and bathrooms. To inspire your inner chef, the kitchens have Miele integrated appliances, stone worktops and oak-wood cabinets. With all of Marylebone’s amenities just minutes away, as well as Mayfair’s abundant fashion and food culture, this property offers all the creature comforts right in the heart of the capital. 43-45 Great Cumberland Place, W1. Prices start from £1,000,000.

155

life

A fashionable

A chance to live on one of Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most stylish streets has arisen with this bright apartment on Mount Street

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The mayfair Magazine | Property

o live on Mount Street is to be amongst some of the best fashion and food in the heart of Mayfair. At number 5A, it also means living with the vibrant and unique culture of the street, above British shoe desginer, Nicholas Kirkwoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s boutique. The 2,088 square-foot apartment boasts unhindered views over Berkeley Square from the third-floor of this iconic (and rather handsome) period red brick mansion where Mount Street meets Carpenter Street. It is proportionately spacious and is flooded with natural light during the daytime. The accommodation is also brightly lit and brilliantly planned, including a master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, a second double bedroom and a study that can also be used as ď&#x201A;°

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Property | The mayfair Magazine

a third bedroom. There are two guest shower rooms for added convenience. The apartment, which can be directly accessed by the lift, has a large living area that is perfect for entertaining guests, as well as a contemporary Bulthaup kitchen with a separate bar area, air

158

conditioning and an integrated audio and lighting system – to set the ambience for your soirées. From £6,250,000. 3, 5A Mount Street, W1K. For further enquiries contact Harvey Cyzer (020 7499 1012; mayfair@knightfrank.com)

PADDINGTON W2 Imaginatively refurbished owner’s own first floor flat, decorated and furnished in a successful mixture of modern and traditional styles and with lovely high cielings, in a wonderful period conversion. Centrally located close to Paddington Station and Lancaster Gate. 2 Bedrooms, Bathroom, Cloakroom, Galerried Reception Room, Kitchen, Balcony.

FURNISHED

£750 PER WEEK MARBLE ARCH: 29-31 EDGWARE ROAD LONDON W2 2JE 020 7724 3100

The vistas of

Verve

This month we journey to Villa Verve in Mougins, Côte d’Azur and find a palatial holiday home in one of the sunniest parts of France

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Property | The mayfair Magazine

illa Verve is like a five-star hotel, except as it’s a private property that is new to the market – and you could be its only guest. Near the bustling city of Cannes, the villa is situated in the medieval village of Mougins, one of the most sought-after areas in the Côte d’Azur. The property has breathtaking views over the French Riviera and, quite decadently, has its own 580-square-metre spa with a steam room, sauna and your very own on-call beauty therapist. There is also a relaxation area, gym and swimming pool and male and female changing rooms – just like staying at your favourite hotel. Each of the nine bedrooms

has been designed like a bespoke hotel suite. With spacious living areas including a cosy bar, a home cinema and a games room, there is plenty to do at this villa to keep the whole family entertained. The sun shines over the French Riviera for the approximately 300 days per year, so the large outdoor swimming pool is perfect for a dip, followed by lazy afternoons by the pool. There is also your own personal bar – a place you would gladly spend your holidays for years to come. Approximately £13,733,000. For further enquiries contact Cote d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty info@azur-sir.com. (+33 (0)4 93 38 50 33; www.cotedazur-sothebysrealty.com)

‘Villa Verve has breathtaking views over the French Riviera’ 162

TO BREAK THE RULES, YOU MUST FIRST MASTER THEM.

THE GRANDE COMPLICATION IS THE ULTIMATE EXPRESSION OF THE WATCHMAKER’S ART. NOW AUDEMARS PIGUET PLACES THIS SUPREME HOROLOGICAL COMPLICATION IN THE SCULPTURAL ROYAL OAK OFFSHORE. ONE WATCHMAKER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR EACH WATCH IN ITS ENTIRETY - THE 648 INDIVIDUAL PARTS, THE DETAILED ASSEMBLY, THE FINE DECORATION. TO ACHIEVE THIS, THEY HAVE MASTERED THE UNIVERSE OF THEIR CRAFT. FINALLY, THEY MUST TUNE THE CONCENTRIC CHIMES OF THE MINUTE REPEATER TO AN INTERVAL OF A PERFECT MINOR THIRD. TECHNICAL MASTERY AND THE EAR OF SOLO SO LOIST. THE VIR TUOSO HERITAGE H E RITAGE OF F A CONCER T SOLOIST. S. LE BRASSUS.

ROYAL OAK OFFSHORE OFFSH OF FSHORE ORE MPLICA MPL ICATIO T N GRANDE COMPLICATION IN TITANIUM AND D CERAMIC. C CERA MIC.

RO_26571IO_210x297_m.indd 1

Audemars Piguet UK Ltd Tel: + 44 207 659 7300 www.audemarspiguet.com

06.03.13 14:47