NHHP Magazine December 17

DECEMBER 2017 s £5

My

Christmas Richard Curtis takes us on a tour of his favourite festive haunts

‘Tis the

season to

...celebrate with Marcus Wareing, Lady Astor, Dame Diana Rigg and Dolce & Gabbana s AN EDITION OF THE KENSINGTON & CHELSEA MAGAZINE s

...

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contents

38

35

80. Jewellery box The fine jewellery brands stealing the limelight

upfront

20

10. Contributors The writers and artists bringing ths issue to life 12. Editor’s letter Dawn Alford gives the lowdown on the new issue

16. Diary notes The dates to mark on your calendar this month

let’s get festive 20. The Nutcracker Meet the star of this season’s best ballet 24. Dolce & Gabbana The designers bring an Italian Christmas to Harrods

94

27. Silent night Take a festive walk around the Royal Borough 32. Spruce up for Santa Jazz up your front door with wreaths and tinsel aplenty 35. Deck the halls The best decorations this year 38. How to cook the perfect Christmas dinner Chef MarcusWareing on conquering the festive lunch 40. Season’s eatings The top Christmas hampers 42. Dinner date Where to eat if you don’t feel like cooking this Christmas 45. Christmas drinks Champagne and Cognac are the tipples du jour

48. A matter of taste Our fashion shoot presents a feast for the eyes

travel 92. Christmas markets Britain’s best festive bazaars

54. Santa cause Dame Diana Rigg on giving back this Christmas

94. Let it snow A family-friendly skiing holiday in Morzine

56. Beauty notes How to add some sparkle to your make-up bag

96. Sent with love...

The top hotels for 2018

58. The mane event Seed’s Yuly Massoni on the hair styles to champion 61. Follow your nose The scents to seek out 62. Design and architecture Delpozo’s Josep Font on the brand’s prêt-à-couture line 64. Dear Santa...

The accessories to add to the your wish list 68. Checkmate The boardgames to keep you and your family entertained

collection 76. Objects of desire The luxury items to covet 79. Festive baubles Dress your lobes with this season’s top earrings

100. Head for heights Discover the hidden jewel in northern Italy’s crown 104. Holiday inn The ultimate festive retreat at Lucknam Park

property 109. Luxury homes in the Royal Borough

64

contributors

Melanie Backe-Hansen

Jeremy Taylor

Melanie Backe-Hansen is a freelance historian specialising in the social history of houses.

For our Christmas issue she takes us on a festive tour of the Royal Borough, uncovering the area’s most famous – and most unlikely – connections to the holiday season (p.27).

Petrolhead Jeremy Taylor, whose work has featured in the likes of The Sunday Times and Country Life, is often found road testing the latest motors – but for this issue he swaps Peugeots for pliés and meets the leading star of The Nutcracker (p.20).

de c e mbe r 2 01 7 Editor Dawn Alford Contributing Editors Mhairi Graham Richard Brown Assistant Editor Ellen Millard Editorial Assistants Lauren Stevens Anna Booth Senior Designer Daniel Poole Junior Designer Paris Fielder

Alex ander Beer

Angelina Villa-Clarke

Sub Editor Jan Jacques

London-born fashion, sports and advertising photographer Alexander Beer shoots for a wide range of publications and brands, including the likes of GQ and Richard James. For this month’s fashion shoot he creates a feast for the eyes with an opulent dining-inspired set (p.48).

Angelina Villa-Clarke specialises in style, design and travel. Previously Associate Editor of High Life magazine, she now writes for titles such as Metro and Forbes.

This month she puts her travel expertise to the test and picks out the top hotels to watch for 2018 (p.94).

Brand Consistency Laddawan Juhong Production Hugo Wheatley Alice Ford Jamie Steele Executive Director Sophie Roberts General Manager Fiona Smith

on the

COVER Left: Woodland character Christmas decorations, £78, oka.com; Right: English National Ballet’s Nutcracker, ©Jason Bell, art direction and design by Charlotte Wilkinson Studio

On the cover of The Kensington & Chelsea Magazine, the English National Ballet’s The Nutcracker returns (p.70). On the cover of The Notting Hill & Holland Park Magazine, get into the festive spirit with OKA’s whimsical Christmas decorations (p.35).

Managing Director Eren Ellwood Proudly published & printed in the UK by

RUNWILD MEDIA GROUP

6th Floor, One Canada Square Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AX 020 7987 4320 / rwmg.co.uk

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fine mechanical watchmaking, from japan.

Trimatic symbolizes three Seiko inventions that ensure the highest levels of reliability and durability in its mechanical watches.

editor’s letter

december

We have double Michelin-starred chef Marcus Wareing on how to cook the perfect festive lunch, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana on dressing for the occasion and interior design aristocrat Lady Astor on how to stylishly decorate your home for the season.

Of course it’s not really Christmas without a sherry in hand and a Richard Curtis movie on the box. So I was delighted when the Love Actually writer agreed to give us a tour of his favourite Notting Hill haunts.

Personally I love Christmas Day itself because it’s the only day in the year that we allow life to stand still; the streets almost empty and all is calm.

If, like my family, you like to take a walk – either pre or post lunch – there can be no better time to explore our neighbourhood’s rich history.

So to arm you with just some of the festive facts on our doorstep, you will find, starting on page 27, a feature to equip you with dozens

my favou rite th ree

Our thank you list for this special Christmas issue reads like an edition of Who’s Who of the Royal Borough

of seasonal stories. Expert Melanie BackeHansen reveals the history of the roads and buildings we live in – from the creation of Mary Poppins to the inspiration behind many Charles Dickens’s novels, and, of course Prince Albert, who introduced many Christmas traditions to the London scene.

Snowball eyeshadow, £16, maccosmetics.co.uk

Caramella D’Amore, £81 for 50ml, ilprofvmo.com

And if, like me, you can’t wait to see the Christmas special edition of the TV spectacular Victoria, you will be delighted to read our interview with one of its stars – Dame Diana Rigg. Rather than talking about TV and showbiz, the actress discusses how Christmas is a time to give to those in need, as well as to our loved ones. If you’re looking for inspiration on just some of the charitable organisations you can get involved with then we hope our feature on page 54 will help.

Wishing you a fantastic and peaceful Christmas.

Set of six harlequin paper baubles, £28, oka.com

Dawn Alford editor

RĂŠmy Martin

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Chef Marcus Wareing

Dolce & Gabbana

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Dame Diana Rigg

‘Tis the season to have a star quality

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Harrods

Writer Richard Curtis

Delpozo

Royal Opera House

holiday with the Borough’s best experts

Event

Dancing on ice

This winter, head to Canary Wharf for a skate amongst the skyscrapers on London’s most celebrated ice rink.

Returning for its 13th year, the popular skate path includes a trail leading to a canopy of twinkling trees in the park, illuminated by the glow of a 1,000 lights. The event will also offer ice skating lessons, ice hockey and curling tournaments, as well as a rink-side bar for those who prefer spectating to skating.

From £9.95, until 24 February, Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf, E14, icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk

diary notes words by Anna Booth

Exhibition

Heart and craft

Images courtesy of Kensington Dollshouse Festival

Mark a date in your diary for the annual Kensington Dollshouse Festival, which is celebrating its 32nd year in business at Kensington Town Hall this winter. Marvel at some of the world’s best miniature craftsmanship, with more than 170 artists exhibiting top quality dolls’ houses, miniatures and models. £11, 2 December, Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street, W8, dollshousefestival.com

Event

Winter tales

The Coronet Print Room presents seven evenings of festive reading, featuring the beloved tales of A.A. Milne, Dame Agatha Christie and Roald Dahl. Performed on the venue’s main stage, the fabled stories will be read out by the likes of Mel Giedroyc, Emeli Sandé and Dame Penelope Wilton. £15.50, 6-22 December, The Coronet, 103 Notting Hill Gate, W11, the-print-room.org

regulars Theatre

Centre stage

Is there a better way to celebrate the festive season than with a pantomine? Oh no, there isn’t! Following last year’s popular rendition of Aladdin, The Lyric’s annual panto returns to the stage with Jack and the Beanstalk, written by Joel Horwood and co-directed by Sean Holmes and Jude Christian. Expect comedic genius, risqué humor and live music, dancing and singing.

From £15, 18 November – 6 January, The Lyric Centre, King Street, W6, lyric.co.uk

book worm Stocking fillers are sorted – treat your loved ones to the ultimate Christmas reads this winter

One Christmas Wish K ath e ri n e Ru n de ll Katherine Rundell tells a story that’s perfect for reading on a cosy Christmas night, treasuring the people and jovial values that really matter during this time of the year. £14.99, waterstones.com

Photography by Jay Brooks

Winter A li Smith Ali Smith celebrates her love for the winter solstice, casting a merry eye over the bleaker months. £16.99, waterstones.com

Music

The Christmas Chronicles

Gifts fit for a King

A Kensington-based composer is offering his services to create the most unique gift. Classically trained Vinzenz Stergin will compose and record a bespoke musical score for an individual – or to celebrate special occasions.

Just as court musicians have created arrangements for Kings, Queens, Emperors and Tsars throughout history, Stergin, who studied at the world-famous Mozarteum in Salzburg, will compose a piece of music uniquely tailored to the event or person.

He explained: “An important part of the writing process is interviewing people in order to draw further on their character or their loved one’s life and music preferences. The bespoke arrangement – which can range from classical to pop – is owned rightsfree by the client. Music is about telling stories and conveying emotions.

Everyone has a story to tell. I take great pleasure in working out that story and turning it into a piece of music.” bespokecomposition.com

The Champagne Guide T ys on St e l z e r Raise your glasses to Christmas with Champagne connoisseur Tyson Stelzer as he reveals the best fizz for the festive season. £25, hardiegrant.com

Nig e l Slat e r From 100 different recipes to decoration inspiration, Nigel Slater provides everything you need for the Christmas period in this helpful handbook. £26, waterstones.com

The Faber Book of Christmas Mansfield Park Ja n e Aus t e n Rediscover your love of Jane Austen with The Folio Society’s beautifully illustrated edition of Mansfield Park. £36.95, foliosociety.com

Simon R a e Liberty London has collaborated with Faber to create a beautiful Yuletide anthology, bound in bespoke fabric. This edition features the classic works of Auden, Larkin and Dickens – a perfect gift for the ultimate bibliophile. £20, faber.co.uk

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regulars Music

Jingle bells

See the West End’s greatest stars in action at Jingle Bell Christmas, presented by Raymond Gubbay as part of the Royal Albert Hall festival series. Star soloists Laura Tebbutt and Tim Howar will be joined by the London Concert Orchestra and Capital Voices to put on a spectacular show. Enhance your visit with preshow dining in the Coda restaurant, showcasing festive treats and fantastic wines.

From £18.50, 30 November – 3 December, Royal Albert Hall, SW7, royalalberthall.com

Event

Material world

Exhibtion Charity

A Christmas cause

Spread Christmas cheer this December with Hospice UK, which is hosting a carol service at St Luke’s Church to support those with life-limiting illnesses. The evening will showcase a line-up of celebrity readers, including opera singer David Webb, plus much loved carols, music, divine mulled wine and mince pies. £35, 19 December, St. Luke’s Church, Sydney Street, SW3, hospiceuk.org

Bear necessities

The original sketches, manuscripts and photographs of Britain’s favourite bear will go on display at the Victoria & Albert Museum for the first time in 40 years. Winniethe-Pooh: Exploring a Classic will give insight into the creative partnership of A.A. Milne and E. H. Shepard in a multi-sensory exhibition, showcasing the magical history behind the storytelling along with illustrations of more than 240 works. £8, 9 December – 8 April, Victoria & Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7, vam.ac.uk

A.A. Milne, Christopher Robin Milne and Pooh Bear, by Howard Coster, 1926, ©National Portrait Gallery

Discover a wealth of interior inspiration with Exclusively Living, which will be hosting London’s most exclusive home, property and lifestyle show – a high calibre event that caters to luxury lifestyles.

Discover innovative product launches, high tech homes and superb room sets from world class designers.

From £28, 1-3 December, Olympia West Hall, 12 Blythe Road, W14, exclusivelyliving.com

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Perfectly en pointe Sequins, dramatic music and dainty footwork… No, it’s not the finale of Strictly Come Dancing, but this year’s production of The Nutcracker. Leading star Alexander Campbell explains why it’s the show of the season words by Jeremy Taylor

I

t wouldn’t be Christmas without a performance of The Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House.

Spring-loaded ballet star Alexander Campbell will once again leap into the lead role, flying through a gloriously colourful production that brings the magic of the season to life.

The Australian-born star joined the company in 2011 and has won countless plaudits for a series of sparkling performances. Now a Royal Ballet principal, his natural charm and stage presence light up the room when we meet during a break in rehearsals.

“The Nutcracker is what ballet is all about. A fantastic Tchaikovsky score, magical costumes and a glittering set.

It’s one of the most accessible productions, a fact reflected by an audience that spans all generations,” says Campbell.

The Peter Wright version of the ballet was first performed in 1984 but is now something of a tradition at the Royal Opera House. Sell-out shows mean that this year, Campbell’s performances will also be screened live at selected cinemas across the country on 5 December.

It’s a fairytale come true for a dancer who once had to make the difficult choice between a career on stage or playing professional cricket.

Born in Sydney, his father, Alan, was the cricket talent scout who helped develop top Australian players such as Michael Slater and Michael Bevan.

Campbell was a talented left-handed batsman who excelled on the field too.

interview

LU X URY LONDON.CO.UK | 021

“Dad was a good player and I would go with him to grounds around New South Wales to scout for the best guys. My earliest memories are of knocking a ball about with him in the back garden.”

In the macho world of Australian sport, choosing ballet over the bat might have been an issue, but Campbell had plenty of support he could rely on at home.

“I was only 14 when I made the decision but luckily my maternal grandparents, Valma Briggs and Mario Desva, had been dancers too, with Ballet Rambert. My gran was a big influence – I couldn’t dedicate the time to both activities.”

Campbell admits not all his friends understood and there were some raised eyebrows.

“It wasn’t the normal thing to do but fortunately, I was respected for being good at all sports. I had great support from my family but making that decision to focus on ballet rather than sport was still tough. Fortunately, I made the right choice.”

It was also a decision that ultimately took him 12,000 miles around the world – a long way from his family over the festive period. The season is extra difficult because he also celebrates his birthday on Christmas Eve. “We will speak on the telephone but it has become a lot easier than it was when I first landed in London.”

“Not everybody really understands what dance is all about, or they have preconceived ideas of what we do” Campbell won a scholarship to the Royal Ballet School with a performance at the Sydney Eisteddfod, in 2002. He went on to win the prestigious Genée International Ballet Competition, and made the finals of the Prix de Lausanne too.

“I had no idea what to expect in England.

Mum came along, just to settle me in. Later she told me she was an absolute mess leaving her 16-year-old son behind in a different country. I look back and think I was absolutely fine but I wasn’t really.”

Based at a hostel in Hampstead, Campbell says he felt cut off from his peers, who lived together in ballet school digs, some distance away at Barons Court in West Kensington.

There was a curfew in his hostel, which made him feel even more isolated.

“A few times I wanted to pack my bags and head back home – it just seemed too hard.

I had tearful phone calls with my parents.

It was a struggle being part of a massive institution, alone in a foreign country and not having anybody to talk to.”

He started to find his way around the capital after moving to a flat in Earl’s Court with a group of friends. “It was much more fun being in the centre of things and I began to enjoy myself.”

Campbell, aged 30, now lives in Clapham but some of his favourite haunts are north of

interview

Previous page: As Hans Peter in The Nutcracker; This page, clockwise from top: As The Prince in The Nutcracker with Francesca Hayward as The Sugar Plum Fairy; As the White Rabbit in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland; As Bratfisch in Mayerling, all images courtesy of the Royal Opera House

the river. “I like to wander around the V&A if I get a quiet moment. It’s a great place to sit and contemplate.

“One of my favourite places to eat is Core by Clare Smyth on Kensington Park Road, or a big Sunday roast at The Orange on Pimlico Road.”

Campbell’s fledgling career hit a low point two years after he joined the Royal Ballet School. He began to suffer from osteitis pubis, a condition that sometimes affects ice skaters and dancers.

“It’s a really bad inflammation around the muscles of the groin. That was quite gruesome and painful.

The injury put me out for five months at the end of my second year. I was diligent in my recovery process but I had to be patient and tough. It wasn’t easy.”

Now 5ft 9ins and 69kg, Campbell says he knows the vulnerable parts of his body and how best to avoid injury. “Making sure my core muscles are really strong is important. If there is one issue, it would be my lower back, so I’m very aware of that when I’m lifting somebody.”

His rise to principal status in 2016 included a dressing room with a window at the Royal Opera House, although he still has to share it with two others – the Russian Vadim Muntagirov and American star Nehemiah Kish.

Understandably, cricket isn’t a common topic of conversation between the international trio, but Campbell did have an opportunity to pad up again recently, when the company played a Glyndebourne team in the summer.

“It has been so long since I played that the handle of my kit bag just disintegrated when I pulled it out of the cupboard! We lost that game but I did take an extremely balletic catch. I was a pretty useful batsmen in my teenage years but top-flight cricketers are so much fitter now.”

Campbell has also worked with the England and Wales Cricket Board, trying to encourage more boys into ballet – and more girls into cricket. He talks to aspiring international coaches about the training an individual needs to excel.

“Not everybody really understands what dance is all about, or they have preconceived ideas of what we do.

From my own career, I know that anything that opened up the door to this world had to be a good thing.”

Recently he branched out into another area of the performing arts by auditioning for a role in the West End production of An American In Paris. “It’s pretty unusual for a ballet dancer to make that transition but I made the last two.

“I’m staying open-minded about the future but who knows, I might still end up being a West End star!”

Alexander Campbell performs in Royal Ballet production of The Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House, from 5 December to 10 January, roh.org.uk

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How D&G stole

Christmas As Harrods gets a makeover courtesy of Italy’s biggest fashion house, founding designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana explain how to do Christmas the D&G way as told to Ellen Millard What can we expect from the Dolce & Gabbana Harrods Christmas takeover?

SG&DD: This Christmas we wanted to recreate the vibe and the atmosphere of a typical Italian market and bring it to London. For this reason, we have recreated the magic of a Sicilian town square on the fourth floor [of Harrods], with flowers, fruits, vegetables and colourful lights. Between the counters and the lights there are many accessories, bags, keychains, eyewear, credit card holders and small leather goods.

Then there is a pop-up boutique, where you can find special pieces of fine jewellery and watches, all under exquisite lighting, presenting an afternoon of shopping.

Where did your idea for the Sicilian puppet theatre come from?

SG&DD: The puppet theatre, or the marionette, is part of traditional Sicilian history. It’s a popular form of art that was born in southern Italy, especially in Sicily, at the end of the 19th century and that still attracts many tourists during the shows in town. We like the idea that Londoners, and others visiting London, can get to know it. We love everything that comes from the people and from the streets [of Sicily]. That’s where we come from; from the authenticity of expression.

What do you love about Harrods?

DD: For us, Harrods means London. It captures the English atmosphere that we have always loved. In the Christmas period it becomes even prettier, more magical, a place where it seems easy to dream, with its lights, colours and many decorations.

SG: London is the city of my heart. And if you love London, how can you not love Harrods, the most famous mall in the world? I would spend hours and hours shopping!

Where will you both be spending Christmas and who will you be spending it with?

DD&SG: We will spend Christmas with the people we love, as we do every year. The Christmas meal will be with our families. We cannot give up on that. After that we will leave for the holidays.

interview

Do you spend much time in London? What do you do when you’re here, and where do you stay?

SG: Of course, London is a city I love very much and that’s why I decided to buy a house [here] that I decorated with objects I bought at Portobello market, and from Harrods!

DD: I prefer the Mayfair neighbourhood, so why not stay at Claridge’s?

stocking fillers

Swap the traditional tangerine for these exclusive D&G accessories

Do you cook? If so, what will you be having on Christmas day?

SG: I don’t know how to cook, but Domenico is very good at cooking. He cooks, I eat!

DD: The menu is always a blend of both northern and southern Italian cuisine.

So both meat and fish, and there will be ravioli with meat too.

How do you tend to decorate your homes at Christmas?

SG: I love decorations like crazy. I collect baubles from all over the world, all different.

I have all kinds. Some will also be on sale at Harrods. I thought about bringing the ones dedicated to London, because it’s the best way to celebrate this city at the most special time of the year.

What will you both be asking for this Christmas?

SG: To spend more time with my mother.

DD: To continue doing fashion shows around the world for a hundred more years and to spend every day with my family.

Pink floral embroidered bag, £2,400, harrods.com

In what ways do you think British and Italian styles differ?

DD & SG: Actually we believe that British style isn’t so different from ours. Both have the passion for tailoring and for sartorial details. [Here] they are more eccentric than us and they are brave enough to dare – something that we Italians don’t do, and should do more of!

Who are your style icons?

SG: All the women of the world! But if we must mention a few then we think about Sophia Loren, Monica Bellucci and Bianca Balti; all beautiful women and mothers.

DD: And also the wonderful actresses that made the history of cinema, from Monica Vitti, to Claudia Cardinale, and we could go on!

You have worked together for more than 30 years, what is the secret to your success?

DD: The secret is the love that has united Gold embellished trainers, us for 32 years. Even if we have separate £575, harrods.com private lives, love will never pass. Me and Stefano often start from opposite points of view, or different points of view. But with communication and discussion we always end up finding a solution that is at the same time an expression of both my ideas and Stefano’s. I think that is our secret.

Star and moon sunglasses, SG: I wouldn’t know what to do without £950, harrods.com Domenico, we are two sides of the same coin. The nice thing about working together is also exchanging roles, always finding something that can amaze us, that makes us think, grow and learn.

What was your inspiration for the A/W17 collection?

DD&SG: Of course, how could we not think about creating fabulous dresses with embroideries, flowers and stones, reminiscent of the best Christmas fairytales?

What can we expect from Dolce & Gabbana in 2018?

DD&SG: We like the idea of not predicting anything; we will see. Who can say?

The D&G takeover runs until 28 December on the fourth floor of Harrods, harrods.com

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heritage

London is rarely brought to a

si lent standstill like it is on Christmas DAY. This year, set the

Queen’s speech to record and take advantage

of the beautifully quiet streets with our

n ig hts festive walking tour of the Royal Borough words by Melanie Backe-Hansen

LU X URY LONDON.CO.UK | 027

Prince Albert Beatrix Potter

W

QueenVictoria

hether you need to walk off the excesses of Christmas lunch or you simply wish to enjoy the hushed streets over the Christmas break, you will be surprised at the festive secrets you can discover wandering through our beautiful borough.

Many Christmas traditions we recognise today, including Christmas trees, crackers, carols, stockings on the mantelpiece, cards, and even the Christmas pantomime, were largely only introduced during the Victorian period or later. Prior to this time, familiar features of Christmas traditions simply weren’t part of the celebrations, including Christmas lights (only introduced during the 1950s) and even going to church (which was banned during the Civil War and Commonwealth in the 1640s and 50s).

Taking a walk through Kensington, you will see many links with the royal family, including Queen Victoria’s much beloved Albert, with the Royal Albert Hall and Albert Memorial. Along with his many accomplishments, Prince Albert is often credited with first introducing the Christmas tree to Britain, but it was actually Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George III, during the 1760s who did so. By the time Victoria took the throne in 1837, the Christmas tree had become a popular addition to royal and aristocratic homes. But it was the image of Prince Albert and Queen Victoria

“Prince Albert is often credited with first introducing the Christmas tree”

Edward Burne Jones

John Callcott Horsley

Henry Cole Henry James Byron

heritage

P.L. Travers

Kenneth Grahame with their children around a Christmas tree, in the Illustrated London News in 1848, that was pivotal in popularising the Christmas tree in British homes.

Not far from the Prince Albert landmarks, 41 Kensington Square was the former home of PreRaphaelite artist, Edward Burne-Jones, whose many angelic works (that appear in churches and cathedrals across the country, including Holy Trinity Church, Chelsea) are still some of the most popular choices for Christmas cards. The many images of angels and archangels by Burne-Jones have come to epitomise the idyllic image of Christmas.

Speaking of cards, Kensington has another significant link with the history of Christmas. It was Henry Cole, who lived at 33 Thurloe Square, who commissioned John Callcott Horsley to design the very first Christmas card in 1843. Cole, who later became the first director of the Victoria & Albert Museum (first known as the South Kensington Museum), which faces his former home, is believed to have been too busy to write letters and thought a card would be easier.

It is also noteworthy that Cole played a key role in the reform of the postal system and the introduction of the penny post in 1840. However, the first Christmas cards were too expensive and it was only later during the 1880s that cheaper printing technology, combined with the half-penny post, made the sending of Christmas cards more popular.

For a slightly different, but no less fascinating, walk around the

Royal Borough, Brompton Cemetery makes for an interesting wander on a winter’s day. It features the resting place of a lesser-known local celebrity, Henry James Byron, who was one of the most noted writers of Christmas pantomimes, including Jack the Giant Killer in 1859, Cinderella in 1860, and Aladdin in 1861.

It would be remiss of me not to mention the man who is often given the credit for popularising the ideal of Christmas during the Victorian period – Charles Dickens. His novel A Christmas Carol, first published in 1843, promoted the idea of the true Christmas spirit, focusing on the importance of family and charity. Dickens had a fleeting connection with Chelsea when he married Catherine Hogarth, daughter of George Hogarth of the Evening Chronicle (for which Dickens was writing at

A.A.Milne Hablot Knight Browne

Catherine Hogarth LU X URY LONDON.CO.UK | 029

heritage

J.M. Barrie Richard Curtis

writer of Notting Hill and Love Actually

The scene in Love Actually The best hidden gem I’ve the time) at St Luke’s Church in where Mark, played by Andrew discovered in the area is a tree Chelsea on 2 April 1836.

Lincoln, declares his love for stump that was turned into a Although A Christmas Carol would Juliet, played by Keira Knightley, chair, which I was very fond of. only appear several years later, Dickens was filmed in St Lukes Mews in It was on Denbigh Road. was already writing about Christmas at Notting Hill. But of course I love this time, with a short story, Christmas the whole area. I love its variety Notting Hill has so many Festivities. It appeared in December and its beauty. great shops. I especially love 1835 and was republished as A the bookshops that are there Christmas Dinner in Sketches by Boz I chose to base Notting Hill – Waterstones, Daunts and just a few months before his wedding, in the area because I lived Lutyens & Rubinstein – and I’ve in February 1836. As it happens, the there at the time. Filming had some of my happiest meals illustrator of A Christmas Carol, John on location is always a bit of a sitting outside at Portobello Leech also lived in Kensington, at 6 The challenge – but filming in Notting Ristorante Pizzeria.

Terrace along High Street Kensington Hill wasn’t any harder than (now demolished). Another illustrator anywhere else. Except perhaps My fondest Christmas for Dickens, Hablot Knight Browne, the day we were pelted with eggs. memory of Notting Hill is all of known as ‘Phiz’, whose works the children’s school Christmas appear in many of Dickens’ novels, My favourite street in the shows, particularly those including David Copperfield and The area is the Portobello Road. featuring penguins.

Old Curiosity Shop, lived nearby at It would be rude not to pick it, 239 Ladbroke Grove. because I’ve worked there for 20 This year I will be spending While watching your favourite years and it always changes and Christmas in the same way I Christmas films or reading to your it always stays the same. always do – recording lots of TV children over the Christmas period, shows and never getting round to you may also like to know of the many If somebody was visiting watching them. authors of our most popular children’s Notting Hill for the first time, stories who lived in Kensington and they should definitely walk down I used to joke that all I Chelsea. Kenneth Grahame, author Portobello Road, but they should wanted for Christmas was of Wind in the Willows, lived at also stray a lot – left, right, and new slippers. Now all I want 16 Phillimore Place, while in Chelsea, down to the Golborne Road. really is new slippers.

Beatrix Potter, author of the beloved The Tale of Peter Rabbit, lived at 2 Bolton Gardens (now Bousfield Primary School). Also in Chelsea was the classic children’s character Peter Pan, lived at the author of Winnie-the-Pooh, A.A. Milne, who lived 100 Bayswater Road. A few streets away lived the at 13 Mallord Street, and whose story has recently people who inspired the fictional Darling family – been told in the film Goodbye Christopher Robin.

Arthur and Sylvia Llewelyn Davies and their five Another story immortalised in film is Mary sons. Barrie was a regular visitor to their home at 31 Poppins by P.L. Travers, who lived at 50 Smith Street, Kensington Park Gardens. and whose story was told in the film Saving Mr My favourite Peter Pan quote? “The world is made Banks (plus Mary Poppins Returns, due in Christmas of faith, and trust, and pixie dust…”

2018). Nearby, author J. M. Barrie, who created

Charles Dickens 030 | LU X URY LONDON.CO.UK

Richard Curtis, photography ©Rich Hardcastle

...on his favourite London Christmas spots

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for sa n ta Just in case he decides to forego the chimney, follow our tips to create a festive welcome words by Julia Zaltzman

W

hen it comes to designing outdoor spaces – be it garden patios, screened porches, or simply the front door surround – interior design principles still apply: lighting is key, introduce decoration while avoiding clutter, and use colour to tie the whole aesthetic together.

You want your family and guests to feel just as comfortable in a chic space outside as they do inside your home. And when it comes to the colder festive months, achieving the perfect outdoor space with a touch of Christmas twinkle will even warm the cockles of Scrooge’s small and meagre heart.

Inside-out living continues to thrive when it comes to interior design trends, and positioning a beautifully decorated Christmas tree where it can be seen by both passers-by and those at home seamlessly blends the two areas. If you have outdoor seating, adorn it with inviting billowy cushions and a cashmere blanket. Copper tea lights and fairy lights draped seductively over a bench are the ultimate detail to bring your winter wonderland to life, not to mention a twinkly, warming glow on a frosty winter’s eve. Plenty of pine cones, whether heaped together in tasteful crates or clustered in Christmas hanging baskets, along with holly and other greens, always give a fresh and easy festive feel.

For a bigger impact, however, a pop of colour is central for drawing the eye, and in December, shades of red feel particularly merry. Anything from neatly lined pillar-box red wellies and tartan scarves wrapped around door knockers, to cranberry hued lanterns and jumbo scarlet bows tied onto fir trees, will work like magic. Fill your once blooming window boxes and flower beds with brightly coloured ornaments – the

“If you have outdoor seating, adorn it with inviting billowy cushions”

bigger the better. Oversized Christmas baubles or a well-placed Nutcracker statue will add a tasteful and creative touch with minimal effort.

Of course, it’s the front door that is the face of the home, and dressing yours well with a classic wreath or ribbon is the simplest way to make a big first impression. If your front door is looking a little shabby in the run-up to winter, it can also be the perfect opportunity to give it a fresh coat of paint, and a new lease of life, says Kerry Walters, co-founder of the London Door Company.

“We’re seeing quite a big trend for coordinating colour on the front of the house in recent months,” he

explains. “Teaming up the side gates, garage doors and door frames to match the front door is increasingly popular, and gives a smart, unified look. Muted bluegrey and grey-green are timeless enduring colours that never go out of style, but richer colours – regency greens and burnt reds – are coming to the fore, which goes very well with the trend for polished brass hardware, as it has a deep feel to it, and complements the deeper luxurious colours.”

Golden hues and silver shades deliver a stylish treat, and stars are a winner all year round – but whatever you opt for to create your own outdoor oasis, the key, says Walters, is to be brave.

Joanna Rhodes, co-founder of florist Hayford & Rhodes... ...on the wreath trends to tap into this Christmas

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interiors

Simple berries against a dark green foliage is a big trend for 2017. I love how the lush richness of the green leaves complements the crispness of the berries. Alternatively, white and soft pink berries against a dark green wreath is a traditional wintertime combination.

Our White Coco and Pink Coco Christmas wreaths are a striking and elegant design for your home this winter. Created using Hypercium, a glossy winter berry, White Coco invokes memories of a snowy Christmas, while the Pink Coco design brings a pop of colour to your door with berries in a blush pink shade reminiscent of sun-kissed winter mornings.

Hayford & Rhodes provides everything for the perfect floral Christmas, from spectacular bouquets to beautifully decorated trees, including our own signature selection of baubles to ensure that each Hayford & Rhodes display is the perfect centrepiece this festive season. hayfordandrhodes.co.uk

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All images courtesy of The White Company

deck the halls From table setting inspiration to the baubles to covet this season, take heed of our top guide to decorating your home this Christmas – including tips from OKA founder Lady Annabel Astor words by Ellen Millard

T

he Churchill Arms in Kensington is truly a sight to behold. You may have spotted it during the summer months, decked with a floral display to rival the RHS Chelsea Flower Show – but it’s at Christmas when the pub’s decorators truly come to the fore.

Something of a London landmark during the festive season, this year the space will boast 98 Christmas trees, six of which will be inside and the other 92 strapped to the exterior, covering the building from the ground up. In addition, a total of 22,000 lights will decorate the miniature forest, along with giant baubles, holly and wreaths aplenty.

It’s an impressive feat, and one that the pub aims to expand year upon year, relying on Buckinghamshire-based City Plan Displays Ltd for its jungle of firs.

Those looking to rival the winter wonderland will be pleased to hear that the company also does residential displays – but if you’d prefer something a

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Clockwise from top left: Midnight Jewel table setting by Amara; Table setting by OKA; Decorations by OKA; L:ady Annabel Astor; Christmas display by OKA; Midnight Jewel table setting by Amara; Cutlery by Graham & Green, ©Mel Yates; Baubles by John Lewis

little more subtle – or, indeed, something a little less detrimental to the electricity bill – the annual Pines & Needles pop-up will return to its usual Notting Hill location (St John’s, Landsdowne Crescent) on 18 November, offering both indoor, outdoor and artificial trees.

But what of the decorations? Those who are keen on The Churchill Arms’ fairy light extravaganza should look to The White Company, where strings of bulbs come in the shape of houses, stairs and pine cones (from £15) – perfect for draping over branches, stairs or bookcases, or for crafting the ultimate booby trap, if you’re anything like Kevin from Home Alone.

Baubles are ten a penny so it’s best to pick a theme and run with it; those after classic gold and silver hues are best off at John Lewis, where dainty glass and copper ornaments can be found (from £3). For novelty decorations, The Conran Shop is the place to go. Gold fortune cookies (£12), rainbow sombreros (£22) and metallic eyeballs (£12) are amongst the new collection, while OKA has a selection of felt animals that will go down a treat with younger family members (from £5).

On the big day, enhance your table with Graham and Green’s marble coasters (£3.50), placemats (£13.95) and brushed gold cutlery (£125 for sixteen), or Amara’s decadent collection of crockery in jewel tones of blue, gold and purple, by the likes of Wedgewood, L’Objet and William Yeoward Crystal.

Alternatively, if the thought of preparing Christmas is awakening your inner Scrooge, take advice from OKA founder Lady Annabel Astor, whose top tips for festive decorating are sure to get you in the Christmas spirit. Tinsel at the ready...

table setting by Amara; Cutlery by Graham & Green, ©Mel Yates; Baubles by John Lewis

interiors

Lady Annabel Astor, founder of OKA... ...on her top Christmas decorating tips on the the m e

at OKA this year. The woodland characters and birds are such fun and make a change from the usual baubles.

I like a traditional Christmas. My home is decorated in a traditional style so I like a classic green and red theme with the odd dash of gold and silver, which fits in perfectly. I like to hang faux fir and pine cone garlands up the staircase for a traditional Christmas feel.

on t he access or ie s

o n the de co ratio ns I fill the sitting room with red and white flowers, such as OKA’s faux roses and peonies, and stick Christmas cards between the books on the shelves.

Hummingbird tree decoration, £4, oka.com

on host ing Chr is tm a s

o n the table As well as plenty of greenery, candles and crackers, make sure you have loads of Quality Street chocolates spread around the table – and no further than an arm’s reach away.

o n the tre e

Set of four frosted Christmas decorations, £28, oka.com

It’s usually me cooking Christmas dinner but I like doing it, and it means I get out of the clearing up afterward. People really feel the pressure of hosting the best Christmas ever, and end up trying too hard and getting exhausted.

Christmas should be enjoyable and relaxing.

on family t rad ition s I always spend Christmas at home with my children, grandchildren and the dogs. Our traditions are going for a good walk in the morning and having a snoozy afternoon.

You can’t beat the smell of a real Christmas tree. I get mine from my local garden centre in Wantage every year.

o n the bau ble s I have several decorations that I’ve been collecting for more than 40 years, but my favourite is a Swarovski crystal snowflake and a miniature toy wooden soldier. I really love our collection of Christmas decorations

We’ve got many wonderful things at OKA to help get your home feeling Christmassy, from wreaths for the front door to stylish leather barware for entertaining, as well as lots of unique presents that anyone would be delighted to unwrap.

on t he Christ mas wi s h l is t A sketch of my new cocker spaniel

by Sally Muir.

Set of six harlequin paper baubles, £28, oka.com

155-167 Fulham Road, SW3, oka.com

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Top chef and Knightsbridge restaurateur Marcus Wareing gives his top tips on how to prepare the ultimate festive feast as told to Lauren Stevens

First things first

The main thing to do when contemplating cooking the big Christmas lunch is to think ahead and plan out your day and timings. The most important thing is not to stress – it’s just a glorified roast dinner.

For a starter I’d recommend soup; I love soups. When I go into restaurants, it’s a really good way of telling if the restaurant is good because they make good soups and they’re fresh. I think the celeriac and apple soup with crème fraiche (from my book New Classics) is a great starter – there’s not too much of it, just something to whet the appetite. There’s nothing like a nice hot soup on a cold day.

The main event

My choice of meat will always be turkey because it’s basically the only time of the year that we eat turkey. And I quite enjoy it – it’s a nice meat. But I think pork would be a great alternative.

If you have a local butcher, try and get your turkey from there. Waitrose is very good and reliable for meat but I also really like Bayley & Sage as well. They have great produce and a really lovely shop. They have a couple of stores across west London.

food&drink

Something sweet

For dessert, I love Christmas pudding and custard. It’s a classic but I really do like it. We all make mince pies in my house; I love making mince pies because the kids get involved. We buy some mince meat, spice it up a little bit and add some more dried fruit. I’ll make some pastry and the kids help me put them together.

stay sharp

Forge de Laguiole Stag Horn carving set, £279, amara.com

The ultimate carving knives with which to tackle your turkey

I.O.Shen carving knife set, £159.95, hartsofstur.com

It’s a tough one for vegetarians on Christmas day. There are alternatives to the meat that you can buy but I would definitely recommend getting a really good vegetarian cookbook for the best alternatives.

The most common mistake people make when cooking Christmas dinner is not understanding the time it takes to cook a turkey and the process of getting everything ready for the same time. The turkey is the longest thing to cook and you have to fit everything around it. Also, try not to cram everything into the oven.

When I was growing up my parents used to buy the biggest turkey they could find. My mum used to get up at a strange hour, like four in the morning, to put the turkey in the oven, and when it came to eating it was so overcooked and dry. There weren’t many cookbooks then so they would just stick it in the oven and give it ten hours to cook. There was always loads leftover…

I always allow the turkey to rest, I think it’s good to rest any piece of meat for 15-20 minutes. Cover it in tinfoil and leave it to relax. It will release some of its juices and that’s the perfect ingredient to add to your gravy.

Robbe & Berking Avenue carving knife & fork, £304, amara.com

If all goes wrong, don’t panic; gather your thoughts.

One of the biggest mistakes people make on Christmas is that they let the whole process get on top of them.

My advice would be to wash up and clean down as much as you possibly can. Try and get as much out of the way and most of all try and enjoy it.

I cook the Christmas dinner in my house, but it’s a team effort. I go to work on Christmas day, so generally I will help with the prep and then go to work, come back and finish off bits and pieces. Over the years I’ve always cooked Christmas lunch when I’m not working.

We always try and create a very special experience for diners at Christmas at the restaurant. We won’t be cooking the traditional Christmas dinner but our top level cuisine instead, because New Classics by Marcus that’s what people come in Wareing is out now, £20, for. It’s the spirit of Christmas harpercollins.com with a two Michelin star twist.

Radford Bright carving set, £95, robertwelch.com

Marcus Wareing. photography by Jonathan Gregson

Last minute advice

Danny Lidgate

a fifth generation butcher at Notting Hill’s C. Lidgates... ...picks his top turkey alternatives Turkey will definitely be the most popular choice of meat this year, however more and more people are choosing beef. There’s always something very special about roast beef. Pork has dropped in popularity and now tends to be used for slow cooking in summer.

Goose is the traditional Christmas meat. It’s still fairly popular, however you do get less meat and the goose is harder to carve. We sell a great deal of wagyu beef at Christmas, which is also great for any special occasion.

Some people do like boneless turkey joints, but you can’t rival the sight of a big golden crispy turkey. We find most people tend to choose a whole bird.

Another popular choice is three- and five-bird roasts. These are something we actually offer bespoke as well as a standard.

We’ve had some fantastically inventive combinations put together in the past.

One problem is always fridge storage.

Meat is best kept refrigerated. A great tip is to have your meat delivered on the 23rd, so you’re free to get into the Christmas spirit on Christmas eve. We do offer a delivery service and aim to have all orders delivered by 2pm on the 23rd and 12pm on the 24th; it’s very popular.

My advice is to always use a butcher when buying meat. If you find the price is a little more expensive, it’s usually for a reason. Good butchers are for life, not just for Christmas.

110 Holland Park Avenue, W11, lidgates.com

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season’s Whether you’re filling out your own festive wish list or spoiling someone special this year, these luxury hampers make for the perfect gift on Christmas day words by Anna Booth

eatings

Harrods

Best for ultimate relaxation Treat your loved ones to a muchneeded post-party season pamper night with the Harrods Indulgence Gift Box. A trio of luxury Molton Brown beauty products, which are infused with relaxing rhubarb and rose, are nestled among Champagne and truffles, providing a relaxing end to the Christmas period. £150, harrods.com

La Fromagerie

Fortnum & Mason

Best for wine lovers Raise a glass to the New Year with Fortnum & Mason’s Wine Buyer’s Selection hamper – ideal for stocking up the bar in anticipation of the festivities. Packaged in the store’s signature wicker hamper, 12 bottles of wine showcase the finest that Fortnum & Mason has to offer and is sure to please any vino fanatic this Christmas. £300, fortnumandmason.com

Best for cheese fans The perfect cheeseboard is a necessity at Christmas and La Fromagerie has created the ultimate selection to impress your guests. The Champagne Celebration Box is filled with speciality cheeses, including Langres, Chaource and Fourme d’Ambert, and a bottle of Brut Champagne for an authentic taste of France. £100, lafromagerie.co.uk

food&drink

Biscuiteers

Brindisa

Best for sugar monsters Biscuiteers will be making someone’s Christmas truly magical with a unique alternative to traditional yuletide gifts.

Famous for its lavish hand-iced biscuits, the brand presents the Winter Wonderland Christmas hamper, featuring its favourite seasonal designs as well as Belgian chocolates, a bottle of prosecco and The Biscuiteers Book of Iced Biscuits. £130, biscuiteers.com

Best for exotic flavours If you’re dreaming of a holiday away from home this Christmas, take your taste buds to Spain with Brindisa’s unique hampers, featuring a range of authentic Spanish delicacies. The Gastronomes Box includes the best of the best, with a wide range of sweet and savoury goods – expect classic chorizo Ibérico, acorn-fed ham, almonds and olives along with delectable fine wines. £160, brindisa.com

Harvey Nichols

Best for traditionalists Eat, drink and be merry with Harvey Nichols’ luxury hamper, serving Britain’s tastiest treasures for the festive season. With a rich selection of the finest sparkling wine, tea, biscuits and traditional preserves, The Great Brit Box is perfect for celebrating a cosy Christmas among friends and family. £150, harveynichols.com

Lily’s Kitchen

Best for pets Four-legged friends also deserve to be spoilt.

Lily’s Kitchen has introduced its unique hamper, filled with gifts for your canine and feline companions. The Luxury Hamper for cats and dogs is packed full of naturally wholesome treats, as well as Christmas crackers and toys that will keep your pets entertained for hours. £98, lilyskitchen.co.uk

Charbonnel et Walker

Best for chocoholics Charbonnel et Walker’s Decadent Sea Salt hamper is sure to satisfy those with a sweet tooth. Sold exclusively at Selfridges, the hamper comprises chocolate dusted almonds, thins and sea salt caramel and praline truffles – all packaged in luxurious boxes and draped with satin ribbons. £170, selfridges.com

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food&drink

The classic

The Lanesborough Hotel, SW1X Few places will get you into the Christmas spirit quite like The Lanesborough. Treat yourself to three days of pure bliss with the Christmas in Residence package (from £655 per night) or book a five course festive lunch for a traditional turkey feast. £250 per person for lunch, Hyde Park Corner, SW1X, oetkercollection.com

Dinner date The alternative

The Royal Garden Hotel’s Min Jiang, W8 For the Christmas-averse amongst you, a table at The Royal Garden Hotel’s Min Jiang restaurant will serve you well. A Brussels sprout-free zone, the eatery will serve its signature Min Jiang Platter, complete with Chilean seabass and Champagne dumplings, or, as a turkey alternative, Beijing duck. £95 per person, 2-24 Kensington High Street, W8, royalgardenhotel.co.uk

If the task of crafting your own festive feast is simply too daunting, put your feet up and let one of the Royal Borough’s top restaurants do the cooking for you

words by Lauren Stevens

The British banquet

The kids’ special

The crowd pleaser

Town House Kensington, SW7 There’s a delicious traditional turkey dinner to be had at the Town House Kensington – complete with apricot stuffing, honey roast parsnips and roast potatoes – but for those who fancy something a little different there’s Atlantic halibut, Scottish venison and truffled celeriac. £95 per person, 109113 Queen’s Gate, SW7, townhousekensington.com

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Bar Boulud, SW1X To cater for smaller stomachs, Bar Boulud is offering a menu especially for kids under 13.

A simplified alternative to the adult offering, the three course menu comprises pumpkin soup to start, followed by a traditional turkey main with sweet potato and a raspberry mousse for dessert. £38 per child, 66 Knightsbridge, SW1X barboulud.com

Rabbit, SW3 Rabbit and its Notting Hill sister The Shed will both offer a six course menu for the festive season, comprising British ingredients.

Dishes include mushroom and marmite éclairs, Sussex venison and mince pie Jammy Dodgers.

172 King’s Road, SW3, rabbit-restaurant.com

The sweet tooth

Bluebird Chelsea, SW3 Bluebird will transform into a festive wonderland this winter, offering a signature hot chocolate and a special chocolate cocktail, as well as a festive afternoon tea featuring mince pies, Christmas cake and chocolate yule log.

From 29 November, 350 King’s Road, SW3, bluebird-restaurant.co.uk

Pioneer of the modern kitchen open to life – for 125 years Poggenpohl has 21 points of sale throughout the UK & Ireland ¡ uk@poggenpohl.com For your nearest Poggenpohl Studio please go to www.poggenpohl.com/en/find-a-studio 125years.poggenpohl.com

Available exclusively in fine wine shops and in the best restaurants. www.champagne-billecart.com

AP 210x297_Mise en page 1 11/07/2016 16:37 Page1

Signe d’exception

food&drink

Raise a glass

The two staples of the festive season live on – but with a few new twists words by Dawn Alford

C

ognac has long been considered an afterdinner drink for the older gentleman, who stereotypically would enjoy a glass by the fire, ideally with a cigar in hand.

However, having perpetuated this image for generations, Cognac has had a revival. Not only a firm favourite with long-standing Cognac drinkers, the spirit is increasingly becoming a must-try for a new generation of Cognac lovers, who crave an offbeat choice when ordering at the bar.

Do not be surprised if the person next to you RÉMY GRAND TONIC in the bar is ordering a Cognac cocktail – the double distillation process, during which they Ditch gin in favour of cognac drink that is fast becoming this season’s favourite. are transformed into exceptional eaux-de-vie, with this delectable French One of the key players leading the charge offering a palate of unique and rich aromas, take on a British classic in this resurgence is Rémy Martin which, before being aged in oak barrels. after its founding in 1724, is not only one of Enjoyed neat, or on ice, Cognac has a flavour Ingredients the biggest players in the spirit business, but profile to suit all tastes. Mixing Cognac in Rémy Martin VSOP Mature also one of the biggest Cognac houses. cocktails has become an increasingly popular Cask Finish The founder originally created a trading choice for the new wave of Cognac lovers and is Dry vermouth house for Cognac, but it was not until 1841, the perfect pre-dinner drink to impress guests Tonic when Paul-Emile Rémy Martin assumed at any gathering this festive season.

Lemon control of the business, that significant Connoisseurs have known for years that growth occurred. On a mission to expand, he Cognac pairs perfectly with certain tastes – Method took Cognac outside of Europe, venturing to however, we are now entering the age of Cognac In your finest Burgundy the United States, Asia and the Pacific, as well and food pairings, with certain morsels perfectly glass, pour 50ml Rémy as developing the distinctive centaur logo that bringing out its complex flavour combinations.

Martin VSOP Mature symbolises Rémy Martin today. With its head A surprising contender in the mix is Parmesan Cask Finish and 10ml dry looking up and feet firmly on the ground, the cheese, the saltiness of which perfectly vermouth over ice, top with logo clearly signifies the grounded, forwardcomplements the sweeter notes of the Cognac. tonic and finish with a wedge thinking ethos of the House of Rémy.

To epitomise this, Rémy Martin recently of fresh lemon.

Taking years to mature to perfection, hosted a food and Cognac pairing experience Cognac is made with grapes grown solely in at Bibendum. Michelin-starred chef, Claude the Cognac region of France. It is this small technicality Bosi, developed a bespoke menu paired perfectly with the that sets it apart from brandy and makes it one of the flavours of Rémy Martin Fine Champagne Cognac, as he most desirable dark spirits on the market. showcased his passions as a celebrated chef.

Grapes prided for their ageing potential are carefully For more information about upcoming events please visit cultivated, with the harvest beginning only when they are lamaison.remymartin.com at their peak potential for picking. They then undergo a

the Christmas cocktail

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food&drink Ambriel English Reserve Demi-Sec A stunning Sussex sparkler, best paired with mince pies. £32.50, ambrielsparkling.com

bub ble sb u

author of Drink More Fizz!... ...on his top Christmas bubbles

champagne o ’c l o c k

If you can’t drink champagne at Christmas, then when can you? The festivities are just made for this most admired of fizzes. But please go for the good stuff, not the dross on some BOGOF deal in your local supermarket. Cheap champagne isn’t worth the money.

Sbagliato Sbagliato is the Italian word for mistake and this is a mistaken Negroni, which substitutes Prosecco for gin and makes a fine festive cocktail.

There are fine alternatives to Champagne, such as the better-than-ever English fizzes. They’re pricy, yes, but goodness they’re good. Look for producers such as Ambriel, Herbert Hall, Coates & Seely, Ridgeview and Breaky Bottom, all of which are astonishingly fine.

It’s no longer infra dig to serve an English sparkler.

Ingredients 30ml Prosecco 30ml Campari 30ml Sweet red vermouth Ice - optional Twist or slice of orange - optional

Franciacorta, in Italy, is also home to some fabulous fizzes. Again, they’re not cheap, but you’ll struggle to find better outside of Champagne. Locals argue that since the climate in Lombardy (specifically on the banks of Lake Iseo, where these sublime sparklers are made) is warmer than in Champagne, they get riper fruit and consequently tastier and less acidic wines. See for yourself with producers such as Bellavista, Ca’ del Bosco, Castello Bonomi, Ferghettina and Fratelli Berlucchi.

Method Pour vermouth and campari over ice in a tumbler. Top up with Prosecco and garnish with a twist or slice of orange.

Drink More Fizz! by Jonathan Ray is out now, £14.99, quadrille.co.uk

046 | LU X URY LONDON.CO.UK

£16.50, bisol.it

2013 Cave de Lugny Brut Millésimé Crémant de Bourgogne

It looks and tastes just like Champagne but is a fraction of the cost. £14.95, cave-lugny.com

les ubb sb ble

If you’re a stickler for the real deal, there are the well known Champagne names such as BillecartSalmon, Bollinger, Gosset, Pol Roger or Ruinar to try – although I advise you look for lesser known, so-called grower’s Champagnes too. These are often tiny but long-established producers who used to sell to bigger concerns and who are now making first-rate fizz of their own. Current favourites of mine include Serge Mathieu, Henri Chauvet and Champagne Tarlant.

I’ve never had a finer Prosecco than this.

bbles bubbles b es bu u b bbl b l e bu s b les u b bb

Johnathan Ray

2015 Bisol Crede Prosecco Valdobbiadene Brut

2008 Pol Roger

If money’s no object, grab this: Pol’s greatest ever vintage. £75, polroger.com

Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve NV

The finest and most sophisticateda non-vintage Champagne you will find. £40, charlesheidsieck.com

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A m atter of taste Feast your eyes on the best evening wear, fine jewellery and watches that are sure to impress this Christmas photogr apher Alexander Beer

stylist Graham Cruz

Glasses, £160, Dsquared2, dsquared2.com; Jumper, £180, Canali, canali.com; Suit, £1,650, Joshua Kane, joshuakanestore.com; Watch, £15,810, Chopard, chopard.com

LEFT: Hat, £360, Piers Atkinson, piersatkinson.com; Dress, €3,950, Dolce & Gabbana, dolcegabbana.com; Earrings, £11,400, Stephen Webster, stephenwebster.com; Short necklace; POA, David Morris, davidmorris.com; Long necklace £52,000, Boodles, boodles.com; Cuff, £10,500, Stephen Webster, stephenwebster.com; Bracelet, POA, Harry Winston, harrywinston.com; Diamond ring, £7,300, Boodles, as before; Diamond and sapphire ring, POA, Harry Winston, as before; Emerald cocktail ring, POA, Boodles, as before; Rose gold ring with pink and yellow sapphire and diamond, £28,000, James Ganh, jamesganh.com; Watch, £43,670, Patek Philippe, wempe.com; Cuff, POA, Boodles, as before Right: Jacket, £1,495, Shirt, £145, Bow tie, £45, all Gieves & Hawkes, gievesandhawkes.com

Left: Tuxedo, £2,200, Shirt, £540, Bow tie, £95, all DIOR HOMME, dior.com RIGHT: Dress, POA, Vivienne Westwood Couture, made-toorder from Vivienne Westwood, 6 Davies Street, W1K; Earrings, £4,950, Spinelli Kilcollin, matchesfashion.com; Necklace; POA, Chopard, chopard.com; Rose gold bracelet with white and icy diamonds, £69,900, De Grisogono, degrisogono.com; Opal ring with diamond, £11,650, Dalseen Kabiri, kabiri.co.uk; Rose gold diamond ring, £8,600, Boodles, as before; White gold ring with diamonds, opal, pink & yellow sapphires and tsavorites, £11,000, James Ganh, as before; Ball dangle ring in 18k gold, £1,650, Tiffany & Co, tiffany.co.uk; Circus ring featuring round brilliant cut diamonds set in 18 carat yellow gold, £7,300, Boodles, as before; Rose gold ring with white diamonds and pink sapphires, £24,400, De Grisogono, as before; Link bracelet, £5,600, Tiffany & Co, as before; Bangle, £55,200, Boodles, as before

Hair Lewis Pallett @ Eighteen Management using Moroccan Oil, assisted by Anton Alexander make-up Jonas Oliver using MAC PRO, assisted by Bethany Rodriguez models Rachel Joy at Wilhelmina Ben Desombre at Premier PHOTOGRAPHY Assistant Radi Konstantinov and Nick Rees set design Simon Godfrey Design simongodfreydesign.co.uk All food provided by No 97 restaurant no-97.co.uk

Santa cause Dame Diana Rigg on giving back this Christmas and the top charity fundraisers happening in the Royal Borough as told to Ellen Millard I’ve been working with Macmillan for four years; I love carol concerts, and why wouldn’t you support Macmillan?

They’re so wonderfully supportive to people suffering this terrible disease and they’re in constant need of funds.

Carol concerts are a wonderful way of fundraising.

There’s so much need everywhere, the Macmillan event is the perfect way to give back. Just plug in to your beliefs and faith at this time of year – people tend only to do it at Christmas and Easter don’t they? I’m not criticising them, I’m much the same, and I love Christmas. It’s a wonderfully communal thing, all of you bellowing out Come All Ye Faithful.

At this year’s event I’ll be reading from a book I found years ago, by a writer called Gervase Phinn who was the

I’m very keen on our language; I think we have a wonderful language. I really want the children to be articulate and to be able to express themselves, because that gives them power.

I’m President of the Earl’s Court Youth Club on the Ifield Road as well, so I do a lot of work with the young adolescents. I’m on the committee looking after them; there’s a great guy there who runs it called Abdi and he does a wonderful job, because it serves a lot of the kids who come over from less privileged areas in Kensington.

North Yorkshire schools inspector.

It’s about his experience as he visits the various school nativity plays in the area and it’s so sweet and funny.

I live just off the Gloucester Road. It’s great; the shops are terrific and there are some very good restaurants. I love a parade of shops, and there’s a hardware shop, there’s a chemist, there’s a wonderful grocery, restaurants, a hairdresser – it localises everything, so I just plod along the street and turn left and there it all is. And I feel very, very lucky, because I really enjoy it.

Up until quite recently I volunteered at a school in north London, but I’ve been working so hard that I really can’t do it any more. But I loved it.

My earliest London memory is when I came to RADA. I was 17 and my mother put me into a lodging house in Queensbury Place in Kensington, and all those years ago London on a Sunday was dismal.

giving back

I used to lose myself in the V&A Museum because it was warm, and it was the only place that was open. London has changed amazingly, and for the better.

This year I’m spending Christmas with my brother and sister-in-law at a hotel in Bath.

I decided that Christmas can be quite fraught with family squabbles and goodness knows what else, and I thought we’re both getting on, my brother and I, so why don’t we just rise above it, go to a beautiful hotel and have somebody cook our Christmas dinner for us?

I’ve said to everybody I don’t want anything for Christmas this year. I’m nearly 80, and I have everything that I want. Honestly there’s nothing material that I long for, just that my family are well, safe and happy.

My highlight of 2017 so far has been the fact that I’ve never stopped working.

It’s absolutely brilliant; I’m so grateful. I will miss playing Olenna Tyrell in Game of Thrones, because it was a great part, but all good things come to an end sooner or later, and I think it was about time that the old bag croaked.

I’m doing another sort of waspish lady [The Duchess] in Victoria so I’m carrying on with that particular side of the character in a way.

you’ve got mail The Cards for Good Causes pop-up is open until 19 December Holy Trinity Church, Sloane Street, SW1X, cardsforcharity.co.uk

Fork up

Skating by Moonlight £4.25 for 10

In its 20th year, StreetSmart has partnered with some 500 restaurants in 22 regions across the country to help raise money for homeless organisations. Diners at participating eateries can opt to add £1 to their bill in aid of the cause, a simple concept that last year saw the campaign raise £587,000. Visit the website to see which Royal Borough restaurants have signed up – top names include Polpo, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal and Rabbit. streetsmart.org.uk

Tudor Street £3.99 for 10

In the new year I’m going over to New York. They're doing a revival of My Fair Lady on Broadway, and I’m playing Mrs Higgins – how lucky is that?

Diana Rigg will be reading at Macmillan Cancer Support’s 30th annual Guards Chapel Christmas Carol Concert on 7 December.

For tickets or information, call 020 7840 4800 or visit macmillan.org.uk/guardschapel

Wonderful Christmastime Ratty and Mole in the Snow £3.90 for 10

The Save the Children Chelsea and Westminster branch returns to Chelsea Old Town Hall for its annual Christmas fair.

Pop in for wine and canapés and a spot of Christmas shopping from fashion, jewellery, food and homeware stalls. £10, 5 December, Chelsea Old Town Hall, King’s Road, SW3, christmascocktail.co.uk

Come together

Alexander Armstrong and Sebastian Faulks are among the names expected at Bloodwise’s carol concert this year. Held at St John’s in Notting Hill, the event will feature readings from famous faces and songs sung by school choirs. £35, 11 December, Saint John’s Notting Hill, Lansdowne Crescent, W11, bloodwise.org.uk

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Fresh faced

No make-up bag is complete with out Yves Saint Laurent’s Touche Éclat, which has been jazzed up for the festive season with iridescent stars. The pen comes in three shades, each boasting both warm and cool undertones to bring instant radiance to your complexion.

beauty £25.50, yslbeauty.co.uk

notes words by Anna Booth

Nailed it

For a subtler nod to the festive season, look to Deborah Lippmann, whose Color on Glass and Crystal Prism collections have been inspired by the dazzling festivities. The new range boasts an innovative gel-like formula, as well as striking shades such as Luck be a Lady and Swinging from a Star (both pictured right).

From £21, deborahlippmann.com

things s p a rk the season to embrace all l

y

‘ T is

All that glitters

There will be no shortage of sparkle this Christmas with the arrival of Mac’s Holiday Colour collection.

Take your pick from its range of peachy gold face powders, glitter eyeshadows, and enchanting lip shades in rouge and beige hues.

From £16, maccosmetics.co.uk

Lights, camera, lashes New to Estée Lauder’s Pure Colour Envy lash range is the crystal lash top coat, a chic way to wear glitter and fulfil any lash obsession. Swipe the tiny holographic flecks over black mascara to add a touch of fun to any evening look. £21, esteelauder.co.uk

beauty Buck’s frizz

In honour of his second salon opening at the Ritz Hotel in Paris, David Mallett has introduced an innovative hair powder that will turn heads this Christmas. Inspired by Champagne bubbles, Gold Dust gives extra volume and the perfect amount of shimmer to leave a little sparkle wherever you go. £55, lilacbreastedroller.eu

Anna Priadka

global make-up artist and lead stylist for Nars... ...gives her top beauty tips for the party season For your skin

Seeing red

Invest in a good face oil to rehydrate your skin and give it a glow before you apply your makeup.

Opting for a glamorous holiday twist on its classic Rouge Louboutin, Christian Louboutin presents the Metalissime lip and nail collection.

Enriched with sparkly reflective pearls, each metallic shade boasts high-coverage pigment to create a striking festive look.

For your ch e e ks Use a creamy highlight for your skin – I love The Multiple stick in Copacabana, warmed with fingers into the high points of the face.

For your l ips I’m loving a glossier lip over Christmas, especially a gloss with dimension – try one of our Man Ray Collection lip lacquers. Apply on its own or over your favourite lipstick.

For your eyes

From £43, christianlouboutin.com

Let it glow

Chanel’s Libre and N°5 Christmas collection perfectly captures the upcoming season in style. Define your eyes with a dark smoky shade from the new Trait de Caractère palette or mix scent and shine with the N°5 Fragments D’or gel, which illuminates the skin with a golden shimmer.

From £20, chanel.com

Dark daring eyes is my favourite look at this time of year – and you can create it easily with just one product. Try the Sukhothai Velvet shadow stick and buff all over and under the eye, layering for added intensity.

For a bold look I live for the combination of Man Ray lip lacquers and our Dual Intensity eyeshadows. They come in a range of incredible jewel-like, metallic tones and can be used wet for added intensity. I pair these with our velvet eyeliners, which are super creamy for an intense, sexy eye.

The Nars Chelsea store opens on 8 December, 27 King’s Road, SW3, narscosmetics.co.uk

LU X URY LONDON.CO.UK | 057

the

mane

event

Yuly Massoni of Chelsea salon Seed offers her hair tips for the festive season

T

he festive season will bring excitement as always, and of course many engagements in the run-up to the holiday break itself.

You’ll want to look your best – and on trend – and as if you’ve added some Christmas sparkle to your tresses. It’s a great excuse to do something new and unusual, to experiment a little. We often have our customers asking us what they should do that’s different for them at Christmas and this is what I have been advising.

beauty

B A L A Y AG E l ives on This dye trend shows no sign of disappearing. The reason for its appeal is that it’s a versatile, low-maintenance, colour choice that looks great combined with those natural tones of honey, caramel and creamy blondes. You’ll also find it’s perfect for accenting your cut or style. You can edit this with bold bouncy curls or a more natural blown out look. If you’ve not tried it yet then perhaps it’s a Christmas gift you should buy yourself.

G O B R I G HT You would be living on another planet if you hadn’t seen the more radical colours out there – the more unnatural hues and the perfect pastels. My thinking is that if it is good enough for the supermodels, it’s definitely a trend we will want to try in 2018. Both Cara Delevingne and Gigi Hadid have been spotted rocking this trend of bright and beautiful hair. But it is one of the more highmaintenance looks. This season I would advise opting for the new tones – charcoal, sage, mauve and raspberry.

Certain to make an impression this December.

top tips to ta ke note There’s time for one more appointment before Christmas. Book it, don’t think about it. Salons only ever get busier, so nail your preferred time right now.

Autumn is prime time for dry hair.

Rebuild beautiful hair with a proper salon treatment.

If you are stuck for a gift then everyone loves to receive hair products. Especially if it’s something new. I suggest you pick up gift sets from your favourite salon so you can talk to the experts about what is best for your loved one. We have some great packs from Davines. Your friends will thank you.

Refresh your hair with a hair perfume.

There are lots of options out there at the moment, small enough for your bag, and will keep your hair smelling fantastic.

A good blow dry can last up to a few days and can really help when your diary is full to bursting. Grab your diary, bulk book blow dries and don’t ever worry about not having great hair again.

Most of all – enjoy yourself and have fun.

And if you are feeling brave with your hair, then have yourself an experimental Christmas.

Book a complimentary consultation at Seed Salon, 789 Fulham Road, SW6, 020 7731 5744, seedsalon.co.uk

LU X URY LONDON.CO.UK | 059

Our Limited Christmas Edition has landed

luxury shower gel and body lotion in Black Amber & Saffron

www.lilouetloic.com

beauty Jo Loves

Follow your

A colourful combination of Jo Malone’s favourite scents. £94 for 100ml, joloves.com

nose

Lalique

Experience Lalique’s latest form of luxury with its Mon Premier Cristal collection. £550 for 80ml, lalique.com

James Craven, Creed fragrance expert at Les Senteurs, offers up some top tips for picking the perfect perfume for yourself – or a loved one Take yo u r tim e Never rush: that usually ends in disaster. As they say, it is better to travel than to arrive, so enjoy the journey – you may end up finding more than one prize on the way.

L ap u p lu xu ry Shop only when you feel in the mood: relaxed, patient, and instinctive. Don’t make perfume selection a chore. You are shopping for a luxury item, not for a sack of potatoes.

G o it alo ne Don’t take your mother, son, best friend, lover, or anyone else on your search. Each of us perceives smells differently. The opinion of companions is irrelevant and will only distract you.

Dolce & Gabbana

Velvet Amber Skin has warm notes of ylang-ylang, vanilla and amber accord. £200 for 50ml, harrods.com

Heed advice Visit a specialist independent store for impartial advice. Ask advice from a knowledgeable, sympathetic but objective sales assistant who knows the product – and who knows you.

P u t it o n pape r Use card to make an initial acquaintance with each scent.

A paper strip will be enough to introduce the fragrance, and to discover whether you wish to explore it in greater depth.

Try the skin yo u ’re in Perfume and flesh must be brought together to see how they will interact and react. Again, be patient. It can take hours for a fragrance to reveal its whole bag of tricks.

Avo id laye ring If possible, try no more than one scent at a time. Don’t lather the body with different options: you will confuse yourself.

L iste n to yo u r gu t Don’t neglect your instinct. Perfume is all about emotion. Be wary of over-analysing and you’ll find the bottle of your dreams.

99 Mount Street, W1K, creedfragrances.co.uk

Chanel

Samples are really invaluable. Don’t use them as a substitute for a purchase. Use them as an aid to selection.

A travel-friendly version of Chanel’s signature No 5 L’eau. £79 for 3x 20ml, chanel.com

Te st it

Il Profvmo

Floral notes are mixed with caramel to make this sweet scent, Caramella D’Amore. £81 for 50ml, ilprofvmo.com

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design and

architecture Editor Dawn Alford takes a look inside the fashion house Delpozo and examines the craftsmanship behind the label

T

raditional, modern, organic, sumptuous and pure are words fashion editors use to describe the fashion house Delpozo. There is also a more unusual adjective: architectural.

And that should really not come as a surprise since Creative Director Josep Font originally trained as an architect.

Since taking the reigns in 2012 he has showcased collections in Barcelona, Madrid, Tokyo and Paris. Most recently, he was invited to show his couture collections in Paris as a guest member by the reknowned Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture.

Delpozo embraces time-honored couture techniques with a modern sensibility to create unique and feminine pieces for the contemporary woman.

The hallmarks of the Delpozo atelier include a creative approach to volume, colour, and silhouette. Artisan techniques and intricate embroideries are used throughout the collections to create the ethereal and timeless Delpozo aesthetic.

Jesús del Pozo founded the brand that would become Delpozo in Madrid in 1974. Under Jesús, the brand was celebrated for its creativity and commitment to craftsmanship. The brand was refreshed and relaunched in 2012 under Font’s creative vision.

The Delpozo atelier celebrates what it describes as the essential relationship between thread and fabric that leads to creative expression in the art of fashion.

Artisanship is a key element of the brand. The handmade embroidery is masterfully created with the most exquisite and avant-garde materials, using techniques from both Haute Couture and the respected Ecole Lesage of Paris.

To protect the tradition of artistry in the fashion industry, Delpozo established a foundation to promote educational initiatives for young talent.

The foundation will ensure that the artisan talent of fine embroidery and design will continue for many decades to come – and that the Delpozo house will remain at the forefront of stunning architectural fashion design. *Taking design cues from its Spanish sister store, Delpozo’s London location displays Josep Font’s sculptural creations across brass rails and within glass vitrines like exquisite works of art. Delpozo, 134 Sloane Street, London SW1X 9AX, Tel: 020 7881 0950, london@delpozo.co.uk

fashion

Josep Font

creative director at Delpozo... ...expands on his vision for the latest collection in his prêt-à-couture range What kind of woman wears Delpozo?

The Delpozo woman has no age, profession or nationality. I always think of a global woman, she dresses for herself. She has a mystery around her, that makes her stand out unintentionally.

It’s all about her attitude.

They are clearly works of art – but can some pieces be worn as everyday wear?

Absolutely. I create pieces, so our customers can adapt to their own wardrobes and mix with what they already have. I love to see how my clients show off their look on Instagram and just recently I saw a wonderful woman wearing our gold fil-coupé vest, which you would normally wear at an evening cocktail or even to the opera, but she mixed it with torn jeans and sneakers and I absolutely loved her look.

What has inspired the next season’s looks?

I always look at art and nature. If I were to describe Delpozo to the most minimal extent, it would be “organic architecture”.

I studied architecture and that background has resulted in my passion for the design aesthetic. It’s all about balance; colour, volume and texture need to be balanced out.

Nature and water has inspired my new Resort range. I had discovered this magical ‘bubble gum pink’ lake in Australia and it reminded me of a neon green lake I’ve visited in Lanzarote, in the Spanish Canary Islands. So, I started looking for more interesting lakes around the world, and found the white calcareous ones in Turkey. Those three shades set the tone for the colour palette.

I’m always inspired by two different ideas. Here were the lakes on hand, and on the other I love the work of American dancer Loïe Fuller. She is considered an experimental artist and is best known

probably for her “serpentine dance”, in which she filmed herself dancing and added colour to her flowy gowns. I wanted to lighten the collection with silks and light fabrics with a punch of colour inspired by the lakes. I also worked on new volumes and using undone bows as knots around skirts, pants and coats.

How and where do you find inspiration?

It can be from a trip, a book I read, an exhibition I visited, or even browsing through Instagram. I’m very curious so I’m always looking for new inspiration, especially now that I work on four collections a year.

How do you think the British woman differs from your international clients?

We have customers in every part of the globe. Our London store includes British women of course but also Russian, Asian and Middle Eastern.

That said, I feel that British women balance out the colourful quirkiness with an artsy touch. They are not afraid of volume, which of course, I use a lot.

Tell us about the women in your life who have inspired you.

The woman who has foremost inspired me was my mother. She was a very elegant woman and as she worked in fundraising, she had a lot of galas to attend. I would accompany her on her shopping trips for those events. From a young age, she always turned to me for my opinion.

I guess she saw something in me. If I did not like a gown, she would not buy it. I remember one in particular: it was poppy red in silk, and it had a large bow on the neck. It was sleek and with a clean silhouette. She looked stunning.

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Dear Santa...

From Boss boots to TAG Heuer watches, discover the ultimate accessories to add to your Christmas wish list this season photogr aphy Alexander Beer

stylist Rebecca Cass

inspiration

opposite page Boots, £449, Bag, £499, both Boss, hugoboss.com

this page clockwise from top Shoes, £685, Christian Louboutin, christianlouboutin.com; Sunglasses, £150, Finlay and Co, williamandson.com; Clutch, £2,560, William & Son, as before; Shoes, Christian Louboutin, as before; Lipstick, £29.50, Dior, dior.com; Avenues for her, £225 for 75ml, Creed, creedfragrances.co.uk; Bag, £640, Coach, uk.coach.com

LU X URY LONDON.CO.UK | 065

inspiration

clockwise from top Shaving set, £38.99, Taylor of Old Bond Street, tayloroldbondst.co.uk; Watch, £2,300, TAG Heuer, tagheuer.com; Pen, £350, Montblanc, montblanc.com; Wallet, £210, Richard James, richard-james.com; Shaving set, £35, florislondon.com; Shaving set, £38.99, Taylor of Old Bond Street, as before; Glasses, £480, Ralph Lauren, ralphlauren.co.uk; Cardholder, £300, Bottega Veneta, mrporter.com; Pen, £360, Montblanc, as before; Luggage tag, £85, William & Son, as before; Aventus for him, £170 for 50ml, Creed, as before

066 | LU X URY LONDON.CO.UK

CARDS AS UNIQUE AS EACH FLAKE OF SNOW

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dealer’s choice

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More than 1,000 pieces of sycamore, walnut, oak and birch make up this house for 500 clay chips. The box is edged in pheasant feathers, and closer inspection will reveal its limited edition number engraved on the skull’s hand-cut gold tooth.

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Limited edition of 15, £11,250, alexandralldesign.com

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oN POINT These stylish mottled turkey feather and Pennsylvanian wood darts are crafted by hand in Brooklyn

$132 for a set of three, fredericksandmae.com Poker

By the rulebook

Linley’s craftsmen have been creating boxes for more than 50 years. The shell of this one is made from American black walnut. Inside, black flocked material cushions 200 branded chips, a dealer button, three blind buttons and two decks of cards. The lid’s marquetry uses Bolivar, Anigre and Tay woods, all hand dyed and bleached. £1,400, davidlinley.com

Backgammon

Opening rolls

Good strategy is vital to winning a game of backgammon – but a set of checkers that are smooth to the touch are particularly comforting when a coup classique heads your way. Resin and solid brass counters both hold sleek allure, but these light and dark olive woods take the crown. Cased in olive burl from the tree’s root, the playing surface of this set is also inlayed with maple and walnut points. £225, conranshop.co.uk

games Chess

paw n structu r e

Zaha Hadid designed the Field of Towers chess set in 2014: a polished black, silver or red resin representation of her architectural practice’s study of towers (the pawns almost resemble her design for the Central Bank of Iraq). The bottom of the board slides out to double as storage.

Limited edition of 200, from £9,999, zaha-hadid-design.com

turning the scales Chic diversions for when time is precious

Compendium

Gaming paradise

In its Florentine workshop, strongbox specialist Agresti uses Italian materials to build its smart compendiums. Backgammon, dominoes, playing cards, dice, 170 poker chips and a mahogany and maple chess set lie within the Notte di giochi (right), while a mahogany roulette wheel, 345 poker chips, chess and backgammon sets, dice, leather cups, dominoes and playing cards are hidden in the Casinò passion (left).

Made from maple briar wood, the latter weighs in at a hefty 32.5kg.

Both POA, agresti.com

£759, Gallotti & Radice, harrods.com

Chess

Power play This hand-painted chessboard features an optical illusion with purpose. “The title – Endgame – is as much a question as an answer about the limitations of power,” says its creator, artist Caio Locke.

£85, dior.com

£450, smythson.com

£4,995, purlinglondon.co.uk

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New kid on the block

Swedish childrenswear brand Newbie has brought its Scandiinspired designs to the UK. Following on from its recent popup on Sydney Street, the brand has just opened the doors of its permanent store in Richmond, catering for newborns and children up to the age of eight.

28 George Street, TW9, newbiestore.com

kids’ kingdom words by Jan Jacques

Lap of luxury

This winter marks the 10th anniversary of Lapland UK’s Christmas experience and to celebrate the occasion, the event is going to be more magical than ever. Ascot will be transformed into the enchanting Arctic homeland of Father Christmas and his elves, delivering personalised invitations to the boys and girls on Santa’s nice list.

In the spirit of Christmas, guests will be able to prepare presents in the Toy Factory, decorate gingerbread and listen to yuletide tales with Mrs Claus.

From £49, Lapland UK, Whitmoor Forest, Swinley Road, Ascot, SL5, laplanduk.co.uk

Hop aboard

Stuck for what to get your little one this Christmas?

We love this wooden pull along train for toddlers, which comprises one mummy bunny, two babies and three carrots. A charming addition to any toy box, the miniature locomotive helps to encourage counting, hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity. £29.95, amazon.co.uk

kids Party people

Still on a high from its sellout H&M collection last year, Kenzo has partnered with Harrods to produce an exclusive collection for kids.

Inspired by the impending party season, the range features the brand’s signature tiger sweatshirts revamped with metallic accents, providing some much-needed sparkle this Christmas.

From £49.95, harrods.com

Jump for joy

Home from home

Staycations with the kids are set to be hassle-free with the latest offering from Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts – just in time for Christmas. The hotel’s new Family Fun accommodation package includes a bespoke box of toys to be used during your stay, plus sweet treats and a cuddly bear to keep your tots entertained.

From £491, jumeirah.com

Marvel at a cast of hundreds as the English National Ballet brings The Nutcracker to life this Christmas. Returning to the London Coliseum, Rina Kanehara and Fernando Carratalá Coloma transform into Clara and the enchanted Nutcracker doll in a spectacular performance. Expect beautiful sets, exquisite dancing and Tchaikovsky’s celebrated score played by the renowned orchestra.

From £69, 13 December– 6 January, London Coliseum, St Martin’s Lane, WC2N, ballet.org.uk

Hot wheels

Your little ones will be thrilled to roam in style (and safety) on these super scooters. The Hape Street Surfer Scooter has an innovative wooden design with extra-wide wheels and a skateboard deck to help children gain confidence and mobility. £69.99, amazon.co.uk

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A White DIAMOND

Christmas Add instant sparkle this holiday season with Chopard. The Swiss jeweller has launched a fresh interpretation of its Happy Diamonds collection, featuring floating white diamonds fashioned like falling snowflakes. chopard.co.uk

Bracelet set, ÂŁ3,520; Happy Snowflake watch, ÂŁPOA

Christmas time Casting aside conformity for the custom-built, George Bamford has spent the last decade putting the ‘you’ back in luxury. In the wake of an industry-first agreement with LVMH, the king of customisation has now created a watch of his own, just in time for the festive season words by Richard Brown

I

t was at a dinner party that George Bamford realised that his beloved, black dial Daytona, given to him as an 18th birthday present – “yes, I’ll admit it, I was a brat back then” – was anything but unique.

Crestfallen, but determined to pursue something truly singular, George created two blackened watches; a Rolex Plexiglass Submariner and a Rolex GMT – one for himself and one for his father, JCB billionaire Lord Anthony Bamford (his mother, should you have failed to connect the dots, is Lady Bamford, founder of the Daylesford Organic Farmshops).

In 2004, his new timepiece strapped to his wrist, George embarked on a road trip around Italy. “I returned with orders for 25 more.” And lo, Bamford Watch Department was born.

“We started by looking at companies that were doing a similar thing,” explains the 36-year-old from the Mayfair townhouse he’s subsequently converted into the world’s most well-resourced man den (it features a wall of vintage stop clocks and bespoke sculptures by Natxo Frisuelos). “There were two businesses in particular that inspired me. The first was Bentley and Mulliner, the independent coachbuilder that made bespoke bodies during the 1930s and 40s. The second was Nike, and what it was doing on

Tag Heuer Autavia Chrono

Zenith Type 20 Chrono ‘Ton Up’

Bamford Mayfair

Bamford Mayfair

collection

George’s

a personalisation front. I thought ‘why can’t you do that with watches?’”

Bamford began blackening stainless most-prized timepieces steel models from the likes of Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet and Panerai “I’ve got an Omega Ploprof that – not, it must be said, always with the makes me smile every time I blessing of the brands themselves. Coating put it on. I’ve got two or three watches in military-grade PVD (physical vapour deposition), BWD created cases vintage Cartier’s, pieces that I love and bezels that were virtually scratchbeyond belief. I’ve got some great proof and diamond hard. dual-dial Rolex’s, with Cartier or “My mentality was always ‘how can Tiffany & Co signed on the dial. I I make this individual? How can I make it feel special?’” love Girard Perregaux, I like their Bamford’s run at producing one-of-aSeaHawk watch. kind wrist candy for sports stars and his socialite chums continued until summer 2017, when the modification maverick announced he was changing tack. horological heroes In June, BWD revealed an agreement with LVMH. Bamford’s had become the first customisation watch company “Max Busser, of MB&F, I think to be officially authorised by a Swiss he’s a genius, a nutty genius. Do I watchmaker. Rolex-Bamford watches are have one myself? No, I’ll grow up a thing no longer. Henceforth, the company when I say I’ll pay that much for a will only be modifying watches belonging to the French luxury conglomerate. watch. I like Schofield, I think the So far, LVMH-owned Zenith has Bremont boys do a bloody god job, let Bamford loose on its Pilot Type 20 they’ve really hit it out of the park and Heritage Cronometro Tipo CP-2, FROM TOP: being the British Omega. the Swiss watchmaker guaranteeing Tag Heuer Autavia Chrono; Zenith Pilot warranties even after timepieces have Chrono Tipo Cp-2; Tag been customised. Similar deals have Heuer Monaco Heritage “You’ve got to have a name behind been struck with LVMH stablemates a watch. I said Max Busser, not TAG Heuer and Bulagri. The former MB&F, because he’s the guy that’s has allowed George to tinker with its making it go boom, he’s the guy Autavia, Carrera and Monaco models; while the latter’s Octo Velocissimo, Octo from a ‘service’ model that Bamford you relate to. It’s like Giles Ellis Solotempo, Serpenti and Scuba watches customers would be loaned whenever at Schofield; you realise that’s the are all now available for personalisation. their timepiece went in for a check up. story, that’s the real deal.”

“The collaboration with LVMH is “Clients became besotted with this one of the most exciting and rewarding service watch,” says George. “When I’d achievements we have accomplished as a business,” says Bamford. wear one, people would keep trying to buy it off my wrist. Which “To offer our take on these incredible timepieces from Zenith, made me think there was something there.”

TAG Heuer and Bulagri – I absolutely could not be happier.”

Choose between a 40mm matte black case with a matte I first met George several years ago. Back then we had talked ceramic bezel or a matte grey case with an anodised aluminium the revival of British watchmaking. He’d praised the protagonists bezel. Straps come in rubber, nylon or leather. The Mayfair is of that story, in particular Bremont’s Giles and Nick English, water resistant to 10 metres, sports LumiNova indices and houses and Giles Ellis at Schofield. I ventured that surely he must be the ever-reliable Japanese Miyota 2035 movement. harbouring ambitions of his own Bamford-branded watches?

“Think of it as a holiday watch,” says George. “Throw it on; take “I would never produce my own watch unless it was absolutely it to the beach; go anywhere with it.” right,” he had said. “It would have to be the right price, sit within In the flesh, the Mayfair is handsome, well-weighted the right market and allow for personalisation. The mechanical and reassuringly solid. George says that most of his movement is also very important. I would want to have something clients already possess a Rolex or Patek Philippe. For the that’s different, something that will make you would go ‘wow, fun factor alone, expect a Mayfair to join those collections. you’ve combined that with that!’”

Zenith x Bamford watches from £8,000, TAG Heuer x Bamford Grand plans for a mechanical timepiece have been temporarily watches from £8,000, Bulgari x Bamford watches from £7,000, suspended. Before then we get the battery-powered Bamford Bamford Mayfair, £425 , bamfordwatchdepartment.com Mayfair, a stainless-steel asymmetrical sports watch that evolved

George’s

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Hit the right note with a lacquered and engraved alto saxophone. £3,956, yamahamusiclondon.com

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Bespoke choice of gifts from £80, williamandson.com

Sterling silver gifts £210 each, asprey.com

H o m e f o r C h r i st m as Clockwise from top: Grisela Graham reindeer, £10, selfridges.com; angel, £16.95, skandium.com; candle, £91, acquadiparma.com; mistletoe bauble, from £13.50, petershamnurseries.com; Christmas tree, £225, baccarat.com, image ©Palast

From a Paul Smith ballpoint to Turnbull & Asser silk handkerchief £500 for six, fortnumandmason.com

076 | LU X URY LONDON.CO.UK

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collection Coming up roses

The perfect plus one this holiday season?

A twinkling diamond by William & Son. The British jeweller has updated its timeless and romantic Beneath the Rose high jewellery collection, starring rose-cut sapphires in glistening white and hot pink.

POA, williamandson.com

Cartier’s New Home

jewellery box

Is there anything by Cartier that we don’t want under the tree this Christmas? Case in point, these one-of-a-kind platinum pieces, in festive red and gold. Head to the new Cartier Room at Harrods, opening 5 December, to see these sparkling showstoppers for yourself.

POA, harrods.com

words by Mhairi Graham

Velvet crush

Worn by everyone from Gwyneth Paltrow to Cindy Crawford, Diane Kordas is renowned for fine jewellery with a rock ‘n’ roll edge. Elevate evening looks with plush velvet chokers, accented by a diamond centrepiece, and long drop earrings adorned with stars.

Earrings from £1,495, chokers from £3,207, dianekordasjewellery.com

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Created by Sheherazade Goldsmith and Laura Bailey, Loquet London brings lockets and charms together in perfect unity. The jeweller has added pendants to its popular repertoire, including whimsical, gem-studded stars, crescent moons and lucky four-leaf clovers.

Loquets from £300, pendants from £650, loquetlondon.com

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Loquet for luck

Winter Sun

Julien Riad Sahyoun transforms nature into tantalisingly fine jewellery, mingled with ethnic shapes inspired by his Moroccan heritage. The Just Radiant Sun collection offers a joyful dose of sunshine all winter long, set with pavé diamonds.

From £8,200, jsay.com

all i want for christmas Avoid last minute panic and shop our guide to the luxury gifts you’ll wish you could keep yourself

inspiration

Shine bright

Catherine Best’s handmade fine jewellery is renowned for its use of unusual gemstones. The Antiquity diamond pendant in 18-carat white gold is set with an exceptional 1.5-carat tourmaline from Brazil, and is reminiscent of tropical seas in its azure brilliance. For an even more extravagant offering, opt for the classic Flutterby earrings, which can be bought alongside a matching ring and pendant. £POA, catherinebest.com

Buying time

A gift that offers the chance to relax and unwind during the hectic festive period is sure to go down well, and Rituals has the perfect product combinations, and scents, to fit the bill. The Ritual of Dao’s white lotus and yi yi ren create a sense of calm, while The Ritual of Ayurveda balances body and mind with Indian rose and Himalaya honey. The environmentallyfriendly keepsake boxes come in four sizes.

From £19.50, rituals.com

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Tuck in

Harvey Nichols food and wine hampers take the hassle out of mixing and matching festive treats. The Buyers’ Picks contains a selection of the newest products on the shelves this year, from artisan gin to coffee, while Party Starter is packed with prosecco and pre-dinner snacks including pepper and chilli mixed olives and duck pâté. Each comes presented in a matt black wicker hamper with leather straps and silver detailing – perfect for future picnics.

Hampers from £60, harveynichols.com

Treasure trove

Family-owned jewellers Hancocks has been in business since 1849 and is the expert on vintage pieces, which it showcases alongside its own contemporary collections. Engraved signet rings offer a personal touch, while this pair of 1950s Van Cleef & Arpels diamond earrings, with petals centred on a claw-set round brilliant-cut diamond, is a gift to be passed down through the generations.

Signet ring, from £775; Gold and diamond ring, £8,500; Earrings, £65,000, hancocks-london.com

inspiration

Reinvent the wheel For a gift that speaks of contemporary craftsmanship, BOSS has collaborated with luxury toy car maker Playforever.

Its Holiday collection features bespoke motoring motifs, which adorn clothing – look out for a satin bomber jacket embroidered with a retro-style race car – and stocking fillers, including key charms, phone covers and wallets.

Zipped pouch, £219; Key ring, £89, hugoboss.com

Future classics

Vintage Art Deco posters can be hard to track down at auction, but Pullman Editions provides a far easier way to adopt the style. It commissions artists to depict the themes of historic automobiles, glamorous holiday resorts and winter sports. Each design – and there are more than 100 to choose from – is signed and numbered, with editions limited to 280, to ensure exclusivity. £395 each, pullmaneditions.com

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Raise a glass

Rémy Martin XO is a mixture of up to 400 eaux-de-vies from the Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne vineyards of the Cognac region. Combined by its expert Cellar Master, the velvety blend of candied orange, hazelnuts and cinnamon is a worthy dinner party gift, and the perfect pairing for dark chocolate and parmesan cheese. £134, thewhiskyexchange.com

Ship shape

Viking, Creed’s first major scent launch for men in seven years, takes inspiration from the boldness and ingenuity of the intrepid Scandinavian explorers and their longships. Spicy, gritty peppercorn is warmed by Indian sandalwood and invigorated by Sicilian lemon to evoke a spirit of determination and success in the new year.

From £185 for 50ml, creedfragrances.co.uk

inspiration

Say my name

You can count on Aspinal of London to make a gift personal, and this year its signature monogramming service ties in with its theatrical-inspired A/W17 collection. Choose either one or two hand-embroidered letters from its golden Aspinal Alphabet to customise an iPhone case in croc, lizard or saffiano leathers. £75 for an iPhone case with one letter, £95 for two letters, only available in store, aspinaloflondon.com

In the frame

It might be winter, but Tom Davies’ exquisitely crafted sunglasses deserve to be on show all year round. The Silver 925 collection couples classic shapes with handmade sterling silver frames, with nine styles to choose from, while lenses come in platinum, 18-carat gold or coloured mirrors. Choose from the ready-to-wear options or a custom made-to-order pair, for a gift no one can match.

From £1,300 per pair, from £1,500 for bespoke frames, tdtomdavies.com

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Queen bee

Only 120 editions of this luxury coffret by Valmont have been produced, as part of its Essence of Bees collection. The lacquered wooden box contains three vials of its Cure Majestueuse anti-ageing beauty oil, with one housed in an 18-carat gold-plated sheath inspired by the intricacy of honeycomb and the work of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. £3,042, available at Urban Retreat at Harrods, harrods.com

Lucky charm

Each Bee Goddess jewellery collection is designed around mythological and talismanic symbols. Fitting for the festive season, the Star Light collection features star shapes set in both 14-carat yellow and rose gold, adorned with white pavé and baguette diamonds. A gift to symbolise hope, guidance and new beginnings for the wearer.

Earrings £6,490; Ring, £1,750, harrods.com

inspiration

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas from Luxury London Discover more covetable Christmas treasures in your curated guide to the festive season on our website...

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Winter Wonderland The Chedi Andermatt in the Swiss Alps promises to be the perfect winter retreat.

Immerse yourself in a world of relaxation at the spa and tuck into Japanese cuisine at its signature restaurant, which was awarded its first Michelin star this year. thechediandermatt.com

Wi nchester when: 20 Nov – 22 Dec, starting 10am where: The Close, Winchester, SO23 where to stay: Top-notch places to stay include the legendary Hotel du Vin, Lainston House and The Four Seasons in nearby Hook When a city claims to be England’s Christmas capital, you know it’s worth a visit. Within the stunning surroundings of the cathedral’s historic Inner and Outer Close are more than a hundred wooden chalets brimming with goodies.

The stalls are individually selected by the cathedral team to ensure superior quality, uniqueness and a wide range of products with the emphasis on the British and artisan.

A large outdoor ice rink sits at the centre of the activity and with the medieval architecture as a backdrop, it’s an idyllic setting. christmasinwinchester.co.uk

Markets yule love The UK’s best Christmas markets to peruse this season – and the top hotels in which to stay nearby words by Jan Jacques

O x ford when: 7–17 Dec, starting 10am where: Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 where to stay: Luxurious hotels nearby include Malmaison Oxford Castle, Macdonald Randolph, The Old Bank and The Old Parsonage Shop in the city of dreaming spires, in Oxford’s magical market. Situated in the city’s historic Broad Street, you’ll feel you’ve somehow stepped back in time, lulled by the angelic sounds of a carol-singing choir. In fact there is a full programme of both choirs and brass bands, the perfect festive background while you browse handmade goodies and sample delicious food. oxfordchristmasmarket.co.uk

travel

Bath when: 23 Nov – 10 Dec, starting 10am where: Abbey Churchyard, York Street, BA1 where to stay: Five-star hotels include The Gainsborough Bath Spa, The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa, and The Bath Priory Hotel and Spa Bigger and better each year, Bath’s Christmas Market now boasts more than 200 stalls lining the streets around the beautiful abbey and Roman Baths. With an ambience all its own, the market mainly consists of local suppliers and artists.

Gorgeous glassware and ceramics vie with hand crafted clothes, toys and homeware. We recommend shopping on an empty stomach – the local festive food and drinks are to die for. bathchristmasmarket.co.uk

London when: 10 Nov – 30 Dec, starting 11am where: Royal Festival Hall, Queen’s Walk, South Bank, SE1 where to stay: Lavish hotels across the river include The Savoy, The Mondrian and the Corinthia This year as part of Wintertime at Southbank Centre, the ever-popular Winter Market will see alpine chalets lining Queen’s Walk, showcasing the very best in global street food, artisan gifts and more. An offering of dining experiences and bars includes The Hoplocker Bar which boasts a Nordic-inspired Wintertime Bar, celebrating with local and international hearty craft ales and special guests Parm Star. This year also sees The Rooftop Bar, a cosy hideout above the bustle of the riverside at Queen Elizabeth Hall. There visitors can enjoy panoramic views across London with blankets and warming drinks, following a Finnish Rooftop Sauna experience. southbankcentre.co.uk

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l e t i t s now Even the hardiest of skiers will struggle to hit the slopes with a baby in tow. Luckily, Morzine holds the secret to family-friendly fun – both on and off-piste words by Rowena Carr-Allinson

S Clockwise from main image: Morzine; Mint Snowboarding; Chalet Chambertin; Morzine

kiing and toddlers do not go hand in hand.

Climbing the slopes while juggling babies, poles and snow boots is a recipe for disaster – and that’s not to mention the inevitable temper tantrum when you reach the top. Even après-ski, arguably the most inclusive of winter activities, is off the cards.

But parents still keen to hit the slopes needn’t worry: I’ve found the solution, and it comes in the form of a plush alpine chalet, where everything is catered for – including the childcare.

Chalet Chambertin, the six bedroom guesthouse that we rent for the week, is ideally located just outside of Morzine, and is perfect for families – it boasts luxurious bedrooms with sleek en-suites (complete with Neal’s Yard products) and has a spacious upstairs living room decorated with plush carpets, leather sofas and a roaring fire.

Downstairs it’s all sheepskin rugs on wooden chairs, vintage skis, and self-service tea

and coffee. There’s also a daily blackboard menu featuring chef Lucy’s amazing four-course extravaganzas.

Meals are served under the black beaded chandeliers, and from day one it’s pretty clear that we will all be going home with ‘extra luggage’.

The gourmet recipes include everything from spinach and feta filo parcels with Greek salad to panseared salmon filet with curried cauliflower puree and warm citrus quinoa. There is succulent duck breast, enormous lamb shanks, and the finest steak I’ve had in a long time.

Lucy’s sweet treats are out of this world. Over the week the favourites include a salted chocolate tart with hazelnut

Downstairs it’s all sheepskin rugs on wooden chairs, vintage skis and self-service tea

travel

brittle and vanilla ice cream, a white chocolate cheesecake and a courgette and lime cake, which might sound odd but is absolutely amazing – think carrot cake with a twist. As for the kids, homemade chicken nuggets and pasta go down a treat, while the baby is very appreciative of the various leftovers revisited (i.e. mashed).

As if those extraordinary dinners weren’t enough, Lucy also spoils us with cakes and cookies at teatime, including giant brownies, flapjacks and oatmeal cookies. Days go something like this: eat, ski, eat, ski, eat, bathe the kids, eat, tuck kids up and eat again.

On Lucy’s night off, we go for a traditional tartiflette at La Chamade. Fantastically cheesy, it’s the perfect date night. Hardcore fromage fans must stop by the incredible cheese bar in the basement – a sight to behold.

So that those of us who can walk can also ski, we adopt the lovely Bronwyn from Jack Frost’s childcare for the week to look after Tess, our youngest. The charming Aussie teacher is an absolute godsend. She’s natural, caring and helpful – with heaps of initiative – and our daughter takes to her in a day, so leaving her behind isn’t such a heartbreak as expected.

Five-year-old Lennox also adopts her in seconds, quickly picking up on the good vibes.

They are instant bosom buddies – not least because Bronwyn arrives with a large box packed with things to do, from arts and crafts to plastic animals, Play Doh and a toy doctor’s kit.

Ski-wise, Lennox, who took his first steps on skis aged three at the British Alpine Ski School in Morzine, has graduated to the

ESF’s Piou Piou club and is vying to bag his ‘Ourson’ (bear cub) award by the end of the week.

The feedback is good. It seems my memories of ESF trauma have little to do with the modern day version. The instructors are cool, the kit high quality and the welcome warm. The ESF instructors speak both English and French now so there’s a mixed group of little buddies and Lennox fits right in.

The ESF has several formulas ranging from full days to half days with lunch and a kids’ club available. The options are all laid out on the website, where you can select the hours and arrangements you like – totally hassle free.

I’m impressed.

Just in case Lennox is a secret snow boarder, we also book him a trial session. He is beyond excited. Tammy from Mint is charming, and has Lennox eating out of her hand within minutes thanks to her easy way, genuine smile and catching enthusiasm. Her mission?

Convert him from skier to boarder.

We pop into the rental shop at the foot of the slopes and book a half day’s gear for 10 euros. It’s quick and painless and within Mountain Mavericks minutes he’s up and whizzing down the Chalet Chambertin, from £650, shallow slope. It seems Tammy might just mountainmavericks.com have herself another mini-shredder.

The ESF is great for learning in groups, ESF socialising and all the top notch facilities, but Group lessons start from age 3. adding in some one-on-one time also has its Five half days from €188 (low benefits. During our stay we catch up with season), full days (8.45-5pm) Becci from BASS, who first put our son on skis from €420, esf-morzine.com a few years ago. Her protégée has come a long way since and, with a freshly won ‘Ourson’, he Mint Snowboarding has more confidence. But, she admits, the real Mini Shred private lesson challenge “is to explain to a five-year-old why from €115 for 1.5 hour, one might want to slow down”. mintsnowboarding.com As part of the Féerie de Noël, the picturesque town of Morzine comes alive with BASS winter wonderland action, from pyrotechnic Ski hire from Mathias Sport, shows to nightly parades featuring toy soldiers mathias.sport2000.fr and angelic stilt walkers.

Working overtime to keep visitors busy off Féeries de Noël 2017/18 the pistes too, there are free Christmas card From 17th – 25th December 1 x workshops, gingerbread-man cookery classes child’s lift pass (under 12 and even ice sculpting sessions. years) will be given for free The good news is that our family skiing with every adult 5-9 day lift experiment has worked. Lennox doesn’t want pass purchased. to leave, and is already asking to come back next year, to the “wooden house” where we’re all well morzine-avoriaz.com looked after, well fed and kept very, very busy.

need to k now

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sent with love

As temperatures dip in the UK, why not surprise someone special with a heart-warming promise of sunshine in exotic climes? Read on to discover where you should be taking your loved one next year. The holidays are coming… words by Angelina Villa-Clarke

Tanzania Zuri Zanzibar

Want to get away from it all? Then head to the new beachfront bolthole opening on the north-west shores of Zanzibar’s Spice Island, Unguja, and soak up the totally tropical taste.

Zuri Zanzibar, which is a member of Design Hotels, is built around a lush spice garden, complete with relaxation pods and meditation areas, so you’ll wake up to dreamy Indian Ocean views, and breakfast in peace on your own terrace. Guests can expect artfully curated rooms, with traditional African touches, including locally sourced furniture, beautifully carved doors and local art.

From traditional Swahili cooking classes, using many of the spices grown in the garden, to swimming with turtles and dolphins, the eco-conscious resort promises an immersive experience and plenty of breathtaking moments to write home about.

Book the: Ocean Bungalow. It may not be the highest category of room, but it is the most charming.

Cosy hideaways feature beds swathed in netting which look straight out to the ocean, African murals on the walls and private Jacuzzis. Dreamy.

Opening May 2018, zurizanzibar.com

This page from top: The beach at Zuri Zanzibar; Zuri Zanzibar; Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Highlight Grill at the Dream Hollywood Hotel; The Spa at RitzCarlton Langkawi; Rooftop pool at Dream Hollywood Hotel, photography

by Warren Jagger; Platinum King at the Dream Hollywood Hotel

travel Los Angeles

Dream Hollywood Hotel Check into David Rockwell’s latest project and you might just think you’ve taken a step back into Hollywood’s heyday. The New York-based architect has taken inspiration from the mid-century modern architecture of Los Angeles and vamped it up with plenty of ‘wow’ concepts aimed to fill the senses.

Tying the 178-room hotel together is a novel indoor-outdoor experience – lobby walls open up to a landscaped garden path, strips of grass are found between stone floor tiling and decorative trellis work as dividers. Rooms have been designed around the colours of the sky or the desert (so expect cool blues or hot oranges) while all spaces have plenty of luxe features to elevate the sumptuous feel – from the shimmering silver tiles in the marble bathrooms to the blue velvet upholstered beds and custom lighting.

The hotel is also home to a second opening of New York’s dramatically styled Tao restaurant, renowned just as much for its sushi and dim sum (try the lobster wontons with shiitake ginger broth) as for its black and blood-red interiors.

Go for drinks at: The Highlight Room, set to be LA’s newest and coolest hangout. The sprawling rooftop space has a retractable roof, stone bar and stunning pool overlooking the Hollywood sign. dreamhotels.com

Malaysia Ritz-Carlton Langkawi

Inspired by the nearby traditional villages – known as Kampongs – the ancient jungle and glittering Andaman Sea, Ritz-Carlton’s new outpost in Langkawi is about as far away from a bland ‘chain’ hotel as you can get. The result? A vibrant resort that immerses travellers in the island’s culture.

From the Walkway of Wishes – where guests are invited to write their wishes on a flat stone, which is then placed into the water fountain – to the sunrise and sunset performances of ancient tarian payang (a dance of gratitude), you can expect a seemingly endless supply of magical treats. Try the rainforest yoga, go diving in the private cove and tuck into authentic Malay cuisine in the Langawi Kitchen and the stresses of home will seem a long way away.

Zone out: in one of the spa’s unique cocoon-shaped

pavilions (pictured right), which float above the sea, and which are based on the intricately-woven fish traps which have used by local fishermen for centuries. ritzcarlton.com

LU X URY LONDON.CO.UK | 097

travel

Grenada

Silversands The first major hotel to fling open its doors on Grenada for 25 years, Silversands boasts a minimalist aesthetic, courtesy of French design house AW2.

Low-level buildings house the 43 spacious suites and nine villas (choose between hillside or beach), while white-on-white interiors and simple spaces showcase the glittering landscape and ocean views beyond.

Beachfront restaurants, a cigar and rum lounge and a beach club marry a Caribbean laid-back sensibility with an urban vibe. Meanwhile, the chic spa will reinvigorate even the most jaded travellers with a host of authentic remedies.

Book now and you’ll be one of the first guests through the doors when Six Senses opens up on the untouched island of Krabey next summer. While it is just a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Phnom Penh Airport, the region remains largely undiscovered and – until now – has been a best-kept secret among backpackers.

With just 40 pool villas, the new offering from Six Senses will feature natural décor and plenty of pampering opportunities.

All-day dining, a deli and an ice cream parlour will have universal appeal, while Indochine, the speciality restaurant, will include a communal dining table. Spa aficionados will not be disappointed by Cambodian healing traditions, rejuvenation journeys and visiting expert practitioners.

Gaze at: the stars. The resort will have

an observatory where talks on astronomy and the universe will take place, as well as stargazing sessions. It promises to be stellar.

Opening mid-2018, sixsenses.com

Take a picture by: the most glamourous pool in the

Caribbean, and the longest at 100m in length. Pout before you plunge, and dress to impress – this palm-fringed beauty is Instagram gold.

Opening March 2018, silversandsgrenada.com

Take a picture by the most glamorous pool in the Caribbean, and the longest at 100m in length Bali

COMO Echo Beach Edged by rice paddies on one side and some of the island’s best surf breaks on the other, the new hotel by COMO blends the wildness of its surroundings with the slick vision that the brand is known for.

The low-slung resort will have 119 spacious guestrooms, including 12 glamourous penthouses, each with a rooftop pool.

Expect floor-to-ceiling windows, which make the most of the endless ocean views, private courtyards and outdoor showers.

Try your hand at: surfing. The hotel has collaborated with Australia’s Tropicsurf, which will cater for all levels of water babies wanting to ride the swell on this iconic surf beach. It’s far out.

Opening February 2018, comohotels.com

098 | LU X URY LONDON.CO.UK

Clockwise from top left: Six Senses Krabey Island; Terrace Bar at Six Senses Krabey Island; Swimming pool at Silversands Grenada; COMO Echo Beach, Bali

Cambodia Six Senses Krabey Island

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H E A D FOR

H E IGH TS South Tyrol, a little-known area of northern Italy, is just the place to clear your mind and feed your soul.

Discover a region where nature gets a design makeover words by Angelina Villa-Clarke

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I

f you’re yearning for a soul-searching moment, head to South Tyrol, a little-known – but beautifully peaceful – enclave of northern Italy.

With its heavenly setting – lush vineyards, verdant valleys dotted with romantic castles, and surrounding snow-capped peaks – it’s a world apart from the hubbub of urban life and an idyllic spot for those craving some me-time. Except for one problem: before you can turn your mind to “who am I?” you may first want to find the answer to “where am I?” Perched just short of the Austrian border, between Verona and Innsbruck, South Tyrol is a mixed-up kind of place and, like many border towns across the world, boasts an intriguing fusion of culture, language and identity. While it lies geographically in Italy, it has a distinct Teutonic air, yet it has actually been a proudly autonomous region since 1948. Most locals speak both German and Italian – signposts are in both languages – with a stalwart minority still insisting on

the mountain dialect Ladin. Food is a true indicator of the melting pot: fancy spaghetti? Not a problem, but you’ll also find apple strudel on the same menu. You’ll spot pretty wooden chalets with crimson blooms in window boxes, straight out of Heidi, and you’ll also stumble across ultra-modern design hotels – all glass and metal – by way of Milan.

One of these is San Luis, tucked away in an untouched forest on the Avelengo plateau. It’s the second property owned by the Meister family (the first is Hotel Irma, found in the nearby quaint town of Merano). Described as a private retreat offering ‘primordial encounters with nature’, it’s just the place for finding yourself again.

Designed by local architect Hugo Demetz, there are 22 chalets and 16 tree houses on stilts scattered around a pristine man-made lake. The hotel’s central clubhouse, housing the spa, a swimming pool,

OPPOSITE Lake Resia, South Tyrol THIS PAGE, FROM TOP View from Seceda over the Odle mountains; Bathroom at San Luis, ©Stefano Scata

restaurant and small cinema, is at the heart of the resort. Inside this hub, the design ethos is pared-down glamour meets Alpine-chic, with a moody smoky grey palette contrasted with rough-hewn timber surfaces (ceilings, exposed beams and tables), black industrial pendants and white linen-covered sofas.

Outside, majestic pines, firs and larches rise up to meet the Dolomite peaks beyond – this is an area of outstanding natural beauty, giving way to hiking in the summer and gentle skiing come winter.

After a day in the mountain air, you’ll return to your private cabin. Built from specially sourced, untreated Mondholz wood with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, these are charmingly rustic. The open-plan layout gives a loft-style feel to the space – the living room flows into the bedroom and your bathtub is next to your bed – ideal for hopping from suds to sleep.

There’s also a walk-in wardrobe, a cosy kitchen-diner and slate-clad shower room.

Meanwhile, oodles of cream linen textiles, marshmallow-like down bedding and a magical open fire combine to soften the interior. Simple yet stylish touches include pink clay walls, scrubbed floorboards and storm lanterns. The highlight, however, is your own sauna cabin, accessed via the bathroom area, which looks out across the lake. On your private deck, there’s also a hot tub – perfect for soaking limbs and stargazing after hours.

Dining is courtesy of Michelin-starred chef Arturo Spicocchi’s locally-inspired menu, with

LU X URY LONDON.CO.UK | 101

On your private deck, there’s also a hot tub – perfect for soaking limbs and stargazing after hours many ingredients sourced from the surrounding 40-hectare protected reserve of alpine park and fields, bursting with fruits, berries and rare spices. His fusion of traditional Alpine dishes with classic Mediterranean flavours mean you can expect some culinary highs: wild garlic ravioli with buffalo curd cheese and cuttlefish, and asparagus risotto with onion confit, goat cheese and chives, are innovative and bursting with flavour.

While you can opt for the perfectly friendly, yet low-key, dining at the clubhouse, the speciality here is what they call ‘quiet luxury’. Breakfasts (think homemade breads, cakes, meats, cheese and eggs) are served directly in your chalet at your chosen time.

A sliding door between the living room and diner can be secured before you go to bed, so you rise to discover your breakfast waiting for you – with none of the typical hotel fussing – a genius attention to detail.

Other meals can also be ordered and delivered to your cabin, to be eaten in privacy if desired.

The barn-style country spa, meanwhile, is another treat. Crackling fires, relaxation rooms with steam baths and hydromassage in the middle of a lake encourage complete zoning out. Black cement walls, chandeliers and trestle tables laden with crystal decanters add a touch of opulence.

On offer are massages with essential oils, compresses with local herbs and personalised fitness sessions, which all continue the natural focus – the USP here.

Forest walks, lake swimming and outdoor day-beds (warmed in cooler months by poolside stoves) are perfect for those looking to reconnect with nature.

In the summer, this is the place to come for meandering walks in the mountains, while in the winter San Luis transforms into a fairytale-like enclave. Buildings are strewn with twinkling lights and guests can ice skate on the frozen lake, snowshoe on the many trails or go for a sleigh ride through the woods – where you can have your very own Little Red Riding Hood moment.

As cocooning as San Luis is, South Tyrol is ripe for exploring. This is the land that gave the world its most accomplished mountaineer – Reinhold Messner.

Having conquered his first summit in the Dolomites at the tender age of five in the late 1940s, the Tyrolean boy went on to climb another 3,500 peaks during his career.

In recent years, the now 73-year-old has turned his hand to creating a series of six high-altitude museums across the region. The newest, which opened in 2015, is the Zaha Hadid-designed MMM Corones, found on the summit plateau of Kronplatz mountain and dedicated to the discipline of mountaineering.

The largest museum, MMM Firmian, close to the town of Bolzano, has been carved out of a 10th century castle. Packed with mountaineering equipment, photography and an eclectic collection of Eastern artefacts picked up during his years conquering the Himalayas, it’s an eccentric experience. It is also not for the faint-hearted, featuring a number of hair-raising elevated paths, steep stairs and vertigo-inducing towers seemingly to test visitors’ stamina and acrophobia.

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: San Luis, ©Stefano Scata; Lake Braies in South Tyrol; San Luis, ©Stefano Scata; South Tyrol

For lesser, but no less satisfying, thrills, South Tyrol is also renowned for its culinary prowess. Boasting the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants in Italy (23 across 19 restaurants), you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to fine dining. Sissi, an Art Nouveau styled restaurant in Merano, headed up by chef Andrea Fenoglio, is a good start and is a 20 minute drive from San Luis (sissi.andreafenoglio. com). Don’t be fooled by the homely feel of the décor; Fenoglio’s modern interpretation of traditional recipes – think homemade maltagliati pasta with chicken ragout and hazelnuts or guinea fowl with pear mustard – is inventive and avante-garde.

From winery tours to mountain hut trails, striking castles to picturesque bike paths, South Tyrol is packed with things to do and see, and feels like a hidden jewel in Italy’s crown.

Chalets at San Luis start from €290 per night per person. sanluis-hotel.com

LU X URY LONDON.CO.UK | 103

Holiday inn ‘Tis the season to relax – so says the team behind Lucknam Park, which is hosting the ultimate Christmas extravaganza so you don’t have to words by Kate Harrison

T

he countdown to Christmas has begun.

That time of year when we come together to celebrate with those closest to us. The festive season should mark a time to give thanks and take stock of what is important; however, for most it translates to uninspired and panicked last minute shopping and trawling the supermarket shelves for that last jar of cranberry sauce. Love it or loathe it, you can’t get away from it and perhaps the key is to keep it simple, escape and allow others to do the organising.

A grand property requires a grand entrance and the mile-long, tree-lined double avenue that pulls you into the grounds of Lucknam Park certainly delivers – and the country manor house perched at the end is equally as impressive.

Set in 500 acres of glorious parkland, the former Palladian mansion offers five-star luxury within the confines of a grand country home. The picture perfect winter escape, this estate has it all: an award-winning spa, Michelin-starred restaurant, tennis courts, croquet lawn, football pitch, cookery school and even an equestrian centre with stables.

The building itself has been tastefully decorated with patterned fabrics, wallpapers and hand-woven carpets, independent in good taste, and hosts 42 individually styled rooms and suites. I enter my suite to find striped yellow wallpaper, a bright and cheery contrast to the oversized wooden furniture, four-poster bed (complete with canopy) and private fireplace with armchairs willing you to curl up and get lost in a long overdue novel. The bedroom windows

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offer tranquil views of the surrounding parkland and the magnificent driveway with its 400 beech trees; it’s impossible not to relax here.

The day seems to disappear and already it is time for dinner. Walking down the staircase to the main hall, it is hard not to feel a part of a Downtown Abbey scene and, as I am ushered into the cosy drawing room for a glass of pre-dinner Champagne, this image stays with me.

The most inviting of rooms, a roaring fireplace and opposing sofas welcome you. Staff are relaxed but thoughtful and offer the perfect amount of interaction to ensure luxury service without interrupting intimate conversation or comfortable silences.

Dinner at Lucknam Park is a gourmet experience, with resident chef Hywel Jones earning the restaurant its Michelin-star. He has never left, staying with the property for more than 13 years, and it is easy to see why: it’s a beautiful entertaining space.

His culinary creations are served in the former ballroom, which boasts a vaulted ceiling complete with a fresco of the bluest of skies and finished with crystal chandeliers.

Intimate table arrangements offer an elegant and refined dining experience, and the sommelier is on hand to talk you through the extensive wine offering.

Food is organic and locally-sourced with the finest ingredients providing the fullest of flavours (herbs are picked fresh from the kitchen garden). The menu boasts British classics with a contemporary twist and the most decadent of puddings with matching dessert wines. I recommend the tasting menu to ensure you don’t miss out on any of the foodie highlights.

The next day, a bright and sunny morning offers the perfect opportunity to discover the hotel grounds and, Clockwise from top left: Lucknam Park; Restaurant Hywel Jones by Lucknam Park; Roast Scottish diver scallops, caramelized cauliflower, shellfish caper and brown butter dressing; Indoor swimming pool; The library at Lucknam Park; Horse drawn carriage; Grand master suite

after a hearty English breakfast, I take a stroll through the beautiful gardens. I discover a traditional English walled-garden and a more exotic Oriental-style tropical garden, all linked with meandering pathways inviting you to enjoy its splendours. Walking around the estate you experience the true beauty of Lucknam Park and the tranquility it brings to its guests.

After my walk I am ready to further my relaxation and so head to the award-winning spa, where an indoor heated pool and outdoor plunge pool await, along with talented therapists who expertly knead away any remaining tension from my body. Set back from the main building, the newly developed spa is a modern addition that includes a wellness centre with a multitude of fitness classes or personal trainers ready to provide that extra level of attention.

A quintessential home away from home, Lucknam Park offers country house living at its very best and the absolute ideal venue for a magical Christmas. Those able to pull themselves away from the hotel splendour will find the historical city of Bath on their doorstep, where stocking fillers are ripe for the picking at the boutique shops and seasonal markets. The hotel offers a full programme of events over the holiday season and with dogs also welcome (and treated to the same style of luxury) Christmas is a true family affair, with activities for every member to enjoy.

Christmas at Lucknam Park promises to be very special, so sit back, relax and indulge in any way you please. All you need do is wish for snow.

Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa offers classic rooms from £290 per night, based on 2 adults sharing on a room only basis including use of the spa facilities & VAT, 01225 742 777, lucknampark.co.uk

LU X URY LONDON.CO.UK | 105

Address book

Apparel

For the Home

Richard Ward

Medicare Français

The Cow

REPAIRS & CLEANING

FURNITURE, SOFT

82 Duke of York Square

198/200 Earl’s Court Road

89 Westbourne Park Road

FURNISHINGS

SW3 4LY

SW5 9QF

W2 5QH

Jeeves of Belgravia

APPLICANCES & DESIGN

020 7730 1222

020 7370 4999

020 7221 0021

richardward.com

info@medicarefrancais.com

thecowlondon.co.uk

123 Fulham Road SW3 6RT

April Russell Design

020 7589 9229

89 Larkhall Rise

jeevesofbelgravia.co.uk

SW4 6HR

medicarefrancais.com Electric House

BEAUTY SALONS & SPAS

Smile Style Dental Care

191 Portobello Road

020 7720 0046

The Chelsea Day Spa

146 Holland Park Avenue

W11 2ED

aprilrussell.com

69a King’s Road

W11 4UE

020 7908 9696

SW3 4NX

020 7727 5810

electrichouse.com

SW1W 8DA

Katharine Pooley

020 7351 0911

smilestyledental.co.uk

020 7824 8644

160 Walton Street

thechelseadayspa.co.uk

Sloane Tailors & Dry Cleaners 69-71 Lower Sloane Street

Gaucho 42 The Dental Practice

SW3 2JL

89 Sloane Avenue

Precious Pieces

020 7584 3223

Hydrohealing Spa

42 Pembridge Road

SW3 3DX

JEWELLERY VALUATION

katharinepooley.co.uk

216a Kensington Park Rd

W11 3HN

020 7584 9901

W11 1NR

020 7229 5542

gauchorestaurants.co.uk

Ligne Roset

020 7727 2570

42thedentalpractice.com

hydrohealing.com

& REPAIR

Hawkes and Son

23/25 Mortimer Street

50-52 Walton Street

W1T 3JE

SW3 1RB

020 7323 1248

Strip Wax Bar

12 Raddington Road

W11 2AQ

020 7589 2523

ligne-roset.co.uk

112 Talbot Road

W10 5TG

020 7792 9090

W11 1JR

020 8962 0635

theledbury.com

Nina’s House

020 7727 2754

portobelloclinic.com

281 King’s Road

stripwaxbar.com

hawkesandson.com WATCH REPAIR

The Ledbury Restaurant The Portobello Clinic

SW3 5EW

Haute Cuisine

127 Ledbury Road

The Mitre 40 Holland Park Avenue

Cartier

020 7751 5827

Urban Retreat at Harrods

143-144 Sloane Street

ninashouse.com

87-135 Brompton Road SW1X 7XL

Bar Boulud

020 7312 6930

Sub-Zero & Wolf

020 7893 8333

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park

cartier.co.uk

251 Brompton Road

urbanretreat.co.uk

66 Knightsbridge

Restaurant Gordon Ramsay

SW1X 7LA

68 Royal Hospital Road

SW1X 9BL

SW3 2EP

DINING

W11 3QY 020 7727 6332 themitrew11.co.uk

The Watch Gallery

0845 250 0010

MEDICAL & DENTAL

020 7201 3899

SW3 4HP

129 Fulham Road

subzero-wolf.co.uk

SERVICES

barboulud.com

020 7352 4441

Cadogan Street Dental Office

Bibendum

47 Cadogan Street

81 Fulham Road

Scalini

SW3 2QJ

SW3 6RD

1-3 Walton Street

SW3 6RT 020 7952 2730 thewatchgallery.co.uk

Pampering & Wellbeing HAIRDRESSERS

gordonramsay.com

020 7581 0811

VINTAGE WATCH SELLERS

Hari’s Watches of Knightsbridge

305 Brompton Road

Chelsea Consulting Rooms

64 Knightsbridge

SW3 2DY

2 Lower Sloane Street

SW1X 7JF

020 7581 5211

SW1W 8BJ

020 7590 3034

harissalon.com

020 7763 9100

watchesofknightsbridge.com

chelseaconsultingrooms.com

020 7581 5817

SW3 2JD

bibendum.co.uk

020 7225 2301 scalinilondon.co.uk

directory WA N T T O S E E YOU R BUS I N E S S L I S T E D H E R E ?

If you are interested in promoting a service on these useful pages, please contact Sophie Roberts for more information Email: s.roberts@runwildgroup.co.uk / Tel: 07725 753 058

Umami

DRINKING

100 Cromwell Road

Lifestyle Service

Little Luxuries

LONDON LIFESTYLE

FLOWERS

PRIVATE HOME SERVICES

SW7 4ER

The Botanist

020 7341 2320

7 Sloane Square

umamilondon.co.uk

SW1W 8EE

White Circle Collection

P13-14 New Covent Garden

SW7 1EX

020 7730 0077

71 Walton Street

Flower Market

020 7591 0288 londonland.co.uk

DELICATESSENS

thebotanistlondon.com

La Bottega

Boujis

65 Lower Sloane Street

43 Thurloe Street

London Land Management

SERVICE

Roses Only

1 Montpelier Street

SW3 2HT

SW8 5NA

020 7989 9890

020 7622 1622

whitecirclecollection.com

rosesonly.co.uk

PSYCHOTHERAPIST

CHILDCARE

Specialist Services

Suzanne Thomas

SW1W 8DH

SW7 2LQ

020 7730 8844

020 7584 2000

labottega.co.uk

boujis.com

Kensington Nannies 3 Hornton Place

Lethbridge London Ltd

suzannethomas.co.uk

Ottolenghi Delicatessen

MEMBERS’ CLUBS

Kensington High Street

Building & Decorating

suzannethomas.co.uk

W8 4LZ

Specialist

63 Ledbury Road

BUILDERS & DECORATORS

07770 378791 suzannethomas@

W11 2AD

Chelsea Arts Club

020 7937 2333

020 3609 1918

020 7727 1121

143 Old Church Street

kensington-nannies.co.uk

lethbridgelondon.co.uk

CLEANERS

William Gaze Ltd Basement, Loft &

SW1W 0RH

Hillside Clothes Care

Extension Specialist

020 7123 4544 /

ottolenghi.co.uk Partridges

Westminster Security Ltd

SW3 6EB 020 7376 3311 chelseaartsclub.com

2-5 Duke of York Square

SECURITY SERVICES

34 Buckingham Palace Road

SW3 4LY

The Sloane Club

118 Kensington Park Road

020 7078 8874

0755 4000 300

020 7730 7102

Lower Sloane Street

W11 2PW

williamgazeltd.com

westminstersecurity.co.uk SHORT-LET RENTAL

partridges.co.uk CHOCOLATIERS

SW1W 8BS

020 7243 6900

020 7730 9131

hillsidedryclean.co.uk

MOVING SERVICES

Infusion Haberdashery

Abels Moving Services

sloaneclub.co.uk

Melt Chocolates

Business Affairs

59 Ledbury Road

COMPUTER &

W11 2AA

TECHNOLOGY HELP

020 7727 5030 meltchocolates.com

Richard Darsa

MANAGEMENT

and Dry Cleaners

UK Residential, European

Easy Rental Services

3 Chepstow Road

and International Removals

aurelie@easy-rental-services.com

W2 5BL

& Storage

020 3567 0604

020 7243 8735

01842 816600

easy-rental-services.com

infusion-haberdashery.co.uk

info@abels.co.uk, abels.co.uk

PETS

PICTURE FRAMER

78 Cadogan Place William Curley

SW1X 9RP

198 Ebury Street

07768 200 551

SW1W 8UN

richard@darsa.net

020 7730 5522 williamcurley.co.uk

COURIERS

Selena Courier Service

Purple Bone

Frame Set & Match

95 Notting Hill Gate

111 Old Brompton Road

W11 3JZ

SW7 3LE

020 7985 0903

020 7589 7635

purplebone.com

framesetandmatch.com

Suite 86, 235 Earls Court Road SW5 9FE 020 3643 5410 selenacourier.co.uk

LU X URY LONDON.CO.UK | 107

Image courtesy of Taylor Howes Image courtesy of Haberdashery

Image courtesy of Pulse Cinemas

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08/10/2017 19:11

showcasing the finest homes & property from the best estate agents

A warm welcome

Image courtesy of Deyana Petrova

How to enjoy the most from your home this Christmas

Featured estate agents KENSINGTON 8 Hornton Street century21uk.com

W8 4NW

henryandjames.co.uk

jll.co.uk

020 7937 9371

BELGRAVIA

CHELSEA

1 Motcomb Street

2 Cale Street

1stasset.co.uk

NOTTING HILL

CHELSEA

10 Clarendon Road

KNIGHTSBRIDGE

SW1X 8JX

SW3 3QU

7–9 Tryon Street

W11 3AA

168 Brompton Road

020 7235 8861

020 7399 5010

SW3 3LG

020 7229 1414

SW3 1HW

020 7014 3800

KENSINGTON

020 7584 2044

375 Kensington High Street W14 8QH

NOTTING HILL chestertons.com

301 Westbourne Grove

hlrlets.com

aylesford.com

CHELSEA

W11 2QA

CHELSEA

CHELSEA

60 Sloane Avenue

020 7717 5311

117 Sydney Street

KNIGHTSBRIDGE

440 King’s Road

SW3 3DD

SW3 6NR

174 Brompton Road

SW10 0LH

020 7594 4740

020 7351 7822

SW3 1HP

020 7351 2383

PADDINGTON

020 7306 1610

4c Praed Street KENSINGTON

W2 1JX

116 Kensington High Street

020 7717 5313

020 7087 5696

W8 7RW beauchamp.com

020 7937 7244

MAYFAIR

PIMLICO &

hutchison-whampoa.com

kfh.co.uk

WESTMINSTER

CHELSEA

EARLS COURT

24 Curzon Street

NOTTING HILL

50 Belgrave Road

5 Hester Road

243 Old Brompton Road

W1J 7TF

30 Ledbury Road

SW1V 1RQ

SW11 4AN

SW5 9HP

020 7499 7722

W11 2AB

020 7717 5315

020 7350 5640

020 7740 2020

020 3040 8585

beauchamp.com

SLOANE SQUARE

FULHAM

7 Lower Sloane Street

825-827 Fulham Road SW6 5HG

SW1W 8AH

MAYFAIR

crayson.com

29 Curzon Street

NOTTING HILL

MAYFAIR

W1J 7TL

10 Lambton Place

48 Berkeley Square

FULHAM AND CHELSEA

020 7408 0007

W11 2SH

W1J 5AX

29 Effie Road

020 3284 1888

SW6 1EN

020 7221 1117

020 7717 5317

harrodsestates.com

john-taylor.com

CHELSEA

020 3486 2280

020 7731 0051

58 Fulham Road carterjonas.co.uk

SW3 6HH

HOLLAND PARK &

hamptons.co.uk

NOTTING HILL

CHELSEA

8 Addison Avenue

134 Fulham Road

W11 4QR 020 7371 1111

HOLLAND PARK

020 7225 6700

128 Holland Park Avenue johnwilcox.co.uk

W11 4UE

KNIGHTSBRIDGE

HOLLAND PARK

020 3542 2111

SW10 9PY

82 Brompton Road

13 Addison Avenue

020 7717 5291

SW3 1ER

W11 4QS

SOUTH KENSINGTON

020 7225 6506

020 7602 2352

29 Harrington Road

KNIGHTSBRIDGE &

HAMPTONS

SW7 3HD

CHELSEA

COUNTRY HOUSE

020 3040 6370

47 Beauchamp Place

8 Chertsey Street, Surrey

SW3 1NX

GU1 4HD

020 7584 7020

01483 339740

property

Notting Hill

WEST CHELSEA

2-6 Kensington Park Road

140 Fulham Road

knightfrank.co.uk

W11 3BU

BELGRAVIA

020 7313 2890

SW10 9PY savills.co.uk

020 7373 1010

82-83 Chester Square

londonland.co.uk

SW1W 9JH

KNIGHTSBRIDGE

South Kensington

196-200 Fulham Road

KENSINGTON

020 7881 7722

1 Montpelier Street

29 Harrington Road

SW10 9PN

103 Kensington Church Street

SW7 1EX

SW7 3HD

020 7578 9000

W8 7LN

020 7591 0288

020 7590 0800

CHELSEA

CHELSEA

020 7938 3666

352a King’s Road

KENSINGTON

SW3 5UU

145 Kensington

KNIGHTSBRIDGE

020 7349 4300

Church Street

66 Sloane Street

malverns.co.uk

nicolasvanpatrick.com

W8 7LP

SW1X 9SH

FULHAM

KENSINGTON

KNIGHTSBRIDGE

020 7535 3300

020 7235 9959

203 New King’s Road

Malvern Court

20 Montpelier Mews

SW6 4SR

Onslow Square

SW7 1HD

KNIGHTSBRIDGE

NOTTING HILL

020 7751 2400

SW7 3HU

020 3770 3474

188 Brompton Road

303 Westbourne Grove

SW3 1HQ

W11 2QA

020 7581 5234

020 7221 1111

020 7589 8122 Hyde Park 1 Craven Terrace

Notting Hill

SOUTH KENSINGTON

pastor-realestate.com

168 Westbourne Grove

90 Old Brompton Road

marshandparsons.co.uk

MAYFAIR

W11 2RW

SW7 3LQ

KENSINGTON

Chelsea

11 Curzon Street

020 7727 5750

020 7581 7000

54-56 Kensington

Rawlings House

W1J 5HL

Church Street

2a Milner Street

020 3879 8989 (sales)

W8 4DB

SW3 2PU

020 7938 4311

020 7591 5570

W2 3QD 020 7871 5060

SLOANE STREET 139 Sloane Street

48 Curzon Street

SW1X 9AY

winkworth.co.uk

W1J 7UL

020 7730 0822

Kensington 118 Kensington Church Street

KNIGHTSBRIDGE

Earls Court

60 Sloane Avenue

246 Old Brompton Road

SW3 3DD

SW5 ODE

020 7591 8600

020 7835 0620

BELGRAVIA

Knightsbridge

NOTTING HILL

Holland Park

pegasi.co.uk

77-79 Ebury Street

& Chelsea

298 Westbourne Grove

57 Norland Square

KNIGHTSBRIDGE

SW1W 0NZ

289 Brompton Road

W11 2PS

W11 4QJ

207 Sloane Street

020 3714 0749

SW3 2DY

020 7229 0229

020 7605 6890

SW1X 9QX

020 3195 9595 (lettings)

W8 4BH 020 7727 1500 sothebysrealty.co.uk

020 7589 6616

020 7245 4500 SOUTH KENSINGTON

Kensington

Notting Hill

157 Gloucester Road

9 Kensington Church Street

178 Westbourne Grove

SW7 4TH

W8 4LF

020 7871 4111

020 7368 4450

W11 2RH struttandparker.com

020 7727 3227

russellsimpson.co.uk

CHELSEA

North Kensington

Chelsea

43 Cadogan Street

South Kensington

136 Lancaster Road

5 Anderson Street

SW3 2PR

123a Gloucester Road

W11 1QU

SW3 3LU

020 7225 3866

SW7 4TE

020 7313 8350

020 7225 0277

020 7373 5052

LU X URY LONDON.CO.UK | 111

Queens Gate, South Kensington SW7 Stunning duplex apartment with private terrace A grand, top floor apartment in the preferred end of Queen’s Gate, presented in immaculate condition. The apartment has impressive ceiling heights throughout and is flooded with natural light. Entered on the second floor, an impressive staircase leads to the entrance hall which provides access to the private terrace.

4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, kitchen, guest cloakroom, private terrace.

Approximately 181 sq m (1,948 sq ft)

Share of freehold: approximately 995 years remaining

Guide price: £3,350,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/southkensington southkensington@knightfrank.com 020 3641 6122

@CentralLondonKF KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/STK170132

K&C Dec 2017_print with crops v2

03/11/2017 14:48:17

Ke

17

Flood Street, Chelsea SW3 A very special three bedroom Chelsea townhouse This beautifully presented freehold house is situated in the heart of Chelsea and benefits from well arranged family accommodation and an exceptional roof terrace. Flood Street is ideally positioned to enjoy all the amenities of the area and runs south from the King's Road. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room, family room, study, kitchen, guest cloakroom, patio, roof terrace, vaults. EPC: E. Approximately 191 sq m (2,051 sq ft).

Freehold

Guide price: £3,950,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/knightsbridge knightsbridge@knightfrank.com 020 3641 5913

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/SLA170216

Kensington and Chelsea December Flood Street 40

07/11/2017 12:58:20

Mustique, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines An Oliver Messel styled Caribbean jewel Inspired by the pre-eminent artist and theatrical set designer, Oliver Messel, this wonderfully authentic, gingerbread style dream is nestled into a wild hillside in Mustique’s Endeavour Hills. The property makes the most of its vantage point, with dramatic views over Mustique and out to the glistening Caribbean Sea and neighbouring islands.

Retaining an authentic, peaceful and elegant whitewashed Caribbean style that epitomises the original Mustique, this property has light, bright open plan accommodaton with wide terraces, decked areas and loggias that flow seamlessly together to create the sought after inside-outside accommodation that works so well in the tropics.

5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms Guide price: £9,000,000

Edward de Mallet Morgan edward.dmm@knightfrank.com +44 20 7861 1553

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.com

KnightFrank.com/RSI161222

Kensington & Chelsea Caribbean Nov 2017

02/11/2017 17:56:03

FT

03

Méribel, France Exceptional development of 15 apartments located in Le Plateau, Méribel A family friendly development located close to the slopes and offering beautiful views of the mountains and Le Plateau. The Parc Alpin will be located just 300 meters from the ski slopes (access to the Doron slope via the Route de la Renarde or via the Morel chairlift) and close to shops. It will offer high-end services in the heart of one of the most pleasant areas of the resort of Méribel. Choices of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom apartments available.

Reduced purchased costs. Delivery forecast for Q1 2019.

Prices from: €913,250 - €2,364,224

Roddy Aris roddy.aris@knightfrank.com +44 20 7861 1727

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.com

KnightFrank.com/RSI170992

FT Quarter Page _ Parc Alpin 11.11.17

02/11/2017 17:40:33

w11 cc full page ad:Layout 1

9/11/17

18:55

Page 1

At the Feast of Misrule, the world is turned upside down.

Masters dress as servants. Fools become prophets.

And Gentlewomen become fierce pirates.

9 & 10 December 2017 at 3.30pm & 7.00pm POSK Theatre 238-246 King Street, London W6 0RF w11opera.org/box-ofďŹ ce

property

Property news PRIME RESI provides us with a comprehensive monthly round-up of key news about the local luxury property market

£75m embassy refurb raises the bar

Images courtesy of K10 Group

Kam Babaee’s K10 Group is offering a trio of remarkable ultra-prime projects in London, including the lavish refurbishment of the former Panamanian Embassy – which is being pitched as “the finest house in Knightsbridge”.

Other schemes include a £100m “private palace” renovation in Richmond and a £35m new-build mansion on Culross Street in Mayfair.

The 15,300 sq ft Amberwood House (17A Thurloe Place) is tucked away in the heart of Knightsbridge, directly opposite the V&A, set within walled gardens and accessed via a private gated driveway.

It’s now being refurbished by K10, and is being offered for sale with a £75m asking price. The ultra-prime developer acquired the building back in 2011, winning full planning permission for a refurb and extension in 2016, with designs by GMA Architects and Argent Design.

The three storey brick mansion was built in 1928 and served as Panama’s Embassy in London from the 1930s to the late 1990s, enjoying a particularly high-society period in the 1950s and 1960s, when it was also the home of celebrated ballet star Dame Margot Fonteyn.

K10 Group worked up plans with GMA Architecture to refurbish and extend the three-storey, five-bedroom property, eventually securing planning permission in April 2016.

Interiors are being put together by Argent Design. The ground floor main reception room is divided into three distinct zones, including a cocktail bar and a 10-12 seat dining area. The lower ground floor houses a family kitchen, breakfast and family room, a cinema, (another) cocktail bar and a walk-in wine cellar.

There are also staff quarters including a commercial kitchen, staff bathrooms and a laundry room.

PrimeQResi JOURNAL OF LUXURY PROPERTY

Sweet charity Christmas is the time to give back, says Knight Frank Notting Hill’s Marsha Andreeva As we approach the festive season, the market continues to be lively. Realistic pricing remains key to a successful sale but new buyer registrations are consistent and demand remains high.

Charitable works have always been an integral part of Knight Frank’s values.

Our biannual fundraising day (known as the ‘Day of Giving’) raises money for vital charities that impact their local communities and help make lives better across the UK and globally.

This year, the Knight Frank Notting Hill office decided to take on their greatest challenge yet: covering the distance between London and Paris. Undaunted by the challenge ahead, the team covered 550km by bike and 80km by rowing machine with minutes to spare.

This was a fantastic team effort and we are very proud to have achieved this.

Additionally, we held a raffle on the day with a fantastic prize given by the local community. All money raised through the event will be shared between LandAid, Maggie’s Cancer Care Centres, Mary’s Meals and the Rainbow Trust; as an office we raised just under £5,000 and as a firm we are approaching our target of £200,000.

Special thanks should be given to our friends at Fitness First for generous use of their equipment.

Along with our Day of Giving, we are hugely proud to sponsor W11 Opera for Young People for the 15th consecutive year. W11 Opera for Young People, founded in 1971, has since commissioned and produced 36 new operas. This year’s event will be held on 9 and 10 of December, showing The Cutlass Crew at POSK Theatre in Hammersmith.

Knight Frank Notting Hill 294 & 298 Westbourne Grove W11 2PS 020 7229 0229, knightfrank.com

LU X URY LONDON.CO.UK | 117

CADOGAN PLACE BELGRAVIA SW1 AN ELEGANT GRADE II LISTED TOWNHOUSE IN THE HEART OF KNIGHTSBRIDGE Arranged over basement, ground and four upper floors, Cadogan Place has been restored and refurbished to the highest of standards and offers elegant entertaining space, while retaining many original features. Cadogan Place is in the heart of Knightsbridge, to the east of Sloane Street and west of Belgrave Square. It is close to excellent amenities, including shopping, restaurants and some of London’s leading hotels.

Accommodation: Entrance hall, reception hall, drawing room, dining room, family room, master bedroom suite with 2 dressing rooms and ensuite bathroom, 4 further bedrooms (3 with ensuite bathrooms, 1 with ensuite shower room), library, cinema room, 2 guest cloakrooms, staff accommodation. Amenities: Swimming pool, gym, steam room, laundry, lift, 4 terraces, separate garage for 3 to 4 cars.

£22,750,000

Paul Finch

Freehold

paul@beauchamp.com

JSA Savills (Sloane Street)

+44 (0)20 7205 2297

www.beauchamp.com

·

24 Curzon Street, London W1J 7TF

·

+44 (0)20 7205 2297

BUCKINGHAM GATE ST JAMES’S SW1 A SPECTACULAR GROUND AND 1ST FLOOR DUPLEX APARTMENT This is a three bedroom apartment, 4,663 sqft, set over two original townhouses and across two principal floors, with its own front entrance off Buckingham Gate. There is also access to the apartment via the concierge entrance, with a discreet third access and service route via the car park. Uniacke, who applies an accomplished and thoughtful contemporary interior style to enhance the quintessentially classical architecture.

Accommodation: Large drawing room, dining room, living room, kitchen/breakfast room, master bedroom suite with ensuite shower & bathroom & dressing room, 2 further bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, guest cloakroom, utility room. Amenities: Storage/wine cellar, 2 balconies, 2 terraces.

£10,000 / Week

laura@beauchamp.com

No tenant fees

+44 (0)20 7205 2864

www.beauchamp.com

·

24 Curzon Street, London W1J 7TF

·

+44 (0)20 7205 2864

K&C Mag December.indd 1

02/11/2017 10:02:51

K&C

2:51

An enchanting cottage with generous proportions, an adjoining workshop and stables for nine.

Matching people and property in London for more than 160 Christmases.

www.marshandparsons.co.uk K&C Mag December.indd 2

02/11/2017 10:02:52

Gloucester Road, SW7 £2,450,000 A rare first floor apartment with two bedrooms and an exceptional double balcony, situated in a popular South Kensington location. EPC=D.

• Two bathrooms • Immaculate condition • Period home South Kensington Sales : 020 8033 9034 sales.skn@marshandparsons.co.uk

www.marshandparsons.co.uk K&C Mag December.indd 3

02/11/2017 10:02:53

K&C

2:53

Pembroke Road, W8 £4,250,000 A truly unique, modern family home with the luxury of a garage, off-street parking for two cars and a beautiful, private 60 ft back garden. Freehold. EPC=D

• Four bedrooms • Balcony • Resident’s parking Kensington Sales : 020 8033 9025 sales.kns@marshandparsons.co.uk

www.marshandparsons.co.uk K&C Mag December.indd 4

02/11/2017 10:02:56

A home is not just for Christmas Harry Dawes, partner and office head at Knight Frank, Knightsbridge advises enjoying time out this holiday season, taking stock - and exploring the Borough on foot

Harry pictured outside 16 Wellington Square, Chelsea, London, SW3 / Guide price £10,950,000 / Photography: ŠSarel Jansen

thought leadership

I

t’s wonderful to be home with family at Christmas celebrating but it’s also a key time when many families decideto investigate moving to a new house in the coming year.

I can understand why we, as property agents, find that January is more busy than usual with enquiries.

Because Christmas is one of the few times in the year when a home is truly used for an extended period of time. Parents and their children are likely to be at home, grandparents, siblings and in-laws may also be staying and friends can just pop in.

I’ve heard many clients tell me that they realised at Christmas that they needed a bigger or more practical home. Sometimes they have said they became aware they needed a bigger kitchen or space for a larger dining table – or they needed an extra guest room.

Conversely, I’ve talked to clients who have realised at Christmas they need less space or consider downsizing or moving laterally because maybe their children have flown the nest and have families of their own. Perhaps they need a home more fitted to their needs as they head towards retirement.

I think it’s also a time when we can relax, chat with our family and give some thought to what we hope for in the coming year. Perhaps a job move is on the cards or maybe it’s time to move for schools or for work – all these areas of life are things that we finally find time to discuss.

My advice, should people find themselves thinking along these lines, is to take guidance from a property agent early in the new year. There are many key considerations that need to be carefully thought through and discussed.

Of course, financially it’s important to look at the practical aspects and costs involved – and I’d say it’s also important to decide when the right time of the year would be to both market their property and search for their next home.

I pride myself on the fact that I pay real attention to my client’s requirements. For me it’s about people and the lives they lead – and will go onto lead – rather than simply buying and selling homes.

It’s a privilege to be able to help find people their future home

I have many clients that I have known for 15 years or more and it’s great to bump into them in the street; in fact I had my first Christmas card from one client just today. It’s a privilege to be able to help find people their future home. I feel positive about the market in 2018. I think the landscape will be steady and believe that the interest rise will help. I think that the rise in stamp duty is now fully understood and has meant that clients think more carefully about moving home.

This time of year the borough is very beautiful with all the lights, people shopping and celebrating the festivities. Knightsbridge really does embrace Christmas. I go on foot everywhere and can cover many miles a day walking between appointments and meetings. December is a stunning time to see the homes with their decorations and lights.

But I no longer have to wonder whether January will be a busy time for us - at Knight Frank we expect to meet with many new and existing clients.

It happens every January.

As someone who knows the market and the area as well as I do, I would advise people to take stock this Christmas and consider what they need from a home. I’d suggest talking to your whole family about the coming year and maybe, like me, go for a walk and discover new roads and squares you may never have come across. But, most of all this Christmas, relax and celebrate – and enjoy every second.

LU X URY LONDON.CO.UK | 127

.

HOLLAND PARK HOLLAND PARK W11

ÂŁ1,500,000 leasehold

bedroom | open-plan reception and kitchen | bathroom | high ceilings | communal garden

www.century21uk.com/nottinghill

nottinghill@century21uk.com

ENNISMORE GARDENS KNIGHTSBRIDGE SW7

£7,500,000 leasehold

3 bedrooms | 2 receptions | kitchen | 3 bathrooms | patio garden | communal gardens | caretaker

10 Clarendon Road London W11 3AA

020 7229 1414

Established 1897

Stylish three bedroom apartment in a sort after Kensington development Trinity House, Kensington W14 • Open plan reception • Courtyard facing balcony • Cinema room

GUIDE price

£2,595,000 TENURE

Leasehold: Approximately 993 years

• Gym, pool and spa facilities • 24-hour concierge and security • 1,157sq m / 107.49sq m

EPC rating

B

Contact

KENSINGTON OFFICE +44 (0)20 3650 4600 joel.hughes@harrodsestates.com

H A R R O D S E S TAT E S . C O M

Established 1897

An exquisite lateral apartment in a sought after mansion block Drayton Gardens, Chelsea SW10 • Three bedrooms • Second floor with Lift access • Two reception rooms

GUIDE price

£4,950,000 TENURE

Share of Freehold

• Over 2,300sq ft • West facing balcony • Wooden floors throughout

EPC rating

D

Contact

CHELSEA OFFICE +44 (0)20 7225 6700 francis.burca@harrodsestates.com

H A R R O D S E S TAT E S . C O M

Home is where the hearth is Gloucester Walk, W8, £6,700,000

Local agents on why fireplaces and hearths – both period and contemporary – can be the secret to a sale this winter

Marsh and Parsons Jay Badiani Sales manager

A beautiful fireplace is quintessential to British home design, and of course an essential feature for those wanting youknow-who to pay a visit on Christmas Eve. When picturing Christmas at home, there’s nothing quite like enjoying the view of a roaring fire with stockings hung from the mantle.

To see a fireplace as a merely functional aspect of a home is a thing of the past; whilst property owners were boarding up beautiful fireplaces in the ‘60s and ‘70s and opting for trendy central heating radiators, it seems Londoners’ love of the humble hearth has been rekindled. Indeed, whether it’s a restored Victorian or Edwardian fireplace, or has a sleek modern design, a feature fireplace can add not just romance and warmth, but also thousands of pounds to a property’s value.

Councils across London have longstanding ‘smokeless

zones’ as a part of the Clean Air Act, which prohibits the use of smoke-producing wood and coal-burning materials. As such, enclosed wood burners and smokeless eco-friendly alternatives have become the norm, giving rise to the fire as a modern design feature. As we enter the winter market, heating and energy bills inevitably become a hot topic for prospective buyers and homes with an environmentally friendly and cost-efficient heating solution can often set a property apart from the rest.

If you’re considering a winter sale or already have your property on the market, be sure to switch your fireplace on so prospective buyers come through your home when it’s warm and experience the property at its best. marshandparsons.co.uk

property

Harrods Estates

Pastor Real Estate

Francis Burca Sales negotiator

David Lee Head of sales

Man’s primary need for food and shelter is closely followed by the need for warmth, and since its discovery fire has been the focal point of the home, providing heat and the means by which to cook. As this evolved, the fireplace and hearth came into existence, providing warmth and a feature in a room. Be they contemporary or period, they are still viewed as a highly desirable aspect of any home.

When looking to buy a property, people want to be able to build a home. With the fireplace having traditionally been the heart of the home, it often evokes memories which will relate to feelings of both emotional and physical warmth.

Although fires and the fuel they use in homes have changed and adapted to modern living and convenience, the desire to create a warm welcoming environment remains. Whether period or contemporary, the fireplace is still a highly desirable feature in a home. As long as it is in keeping with the style of the building, for many people it adds to the appeal of any property.

For centuries, ornate marble fireplaces and hearths have played an important role as centrepieces in living rooms across the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea.

Even when not in use, a fireplace is a stunning architectural feature that often brings back a sense of a bygone era. Many of the Royal Borough’s traditional fireplaces remain intact although there has been much speculation and debate recently about whether or not log burners should be banned. With air pollution a hot topic in the capital, we will have to wait and see whether the Mayor’s proposals will come into force anytime soon.

However, there is no doubt that a working fireplace adds value. Although expensive, developers continue to install fireplaces in their refurbished freehold townhouse schemes.

Much like garden size or proximity to schools, fireplaces play a pivotal role in the design and feel of any house and will remain high up on a buyers most wanted list for many years to come.

harrodsestates.com

pastor-realestate.com

Beauchamp Estates

Paul Finch Sales and new development manager For many, home is not only where the heart is, but also where the hearth is. Associated with home and family, fireplaces and hearths were historically the main source of heat in a home and where the cooking was done.

Some may argue that man’s connection to fire is primeval, coded into our DNA. Others may argue that fires and fireplaces grew out of necessity for warmth and are nothing more than a visual hangover from our past. The modern value placed upon them is more to do with the emotional appeal of what they represent: warmth, family, closeness and sharing, than anything deeper, and that they endure as a convenient design feature to provide a focal point to a room.

Whatever the reason may be, a fireplace, whether in a minimalist ultra-modern or period home, is viewed by most

as a welcome, attractive and desirable feature. In a period property, there is a good chance that a fireplace, at least in the main reception, will be a prerequisite.

While the fuel burnt has changed over the years, with many fires now gas, creating flame effects in various styles of grate, or electric, they all aim to create the same effect: a welcoming ambience. In this regard, providing that the style, design and quality of the fire and/or fireplace installed is appropriate, it is likely to make the property more appealing to potential buyers, rather than less, and increase the property’s saleability. In period properties this is particularly so: where a fireplace has clearly been removed, many buyers will view this as a negative, particularly in the principal reception, and possibly view the cost of reinstating as a negative, expecting this to be reflected in the asking price. Reinstating does not always mean a fully functioning fire and fireplace, it can be just the fireplace (surround and mantle).

Whether solid fuel, gas, or electric, or even just a fireplace, hearth still remains, for the majority of homes, the heart. beauchamp.com

LU X URY LONDON.CO.UK | 133

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20 Montpelier Street Knightsbridge London SW7 1HD

CULFORD GARDENS, CRANLEY GARDENS, SW7 LYALL MEWS, SW1X SW3 Bedroom | Bathroom | Kitchen Entrance Hall 2 Bedrooms | 2| | 4 Bedrooms | 4| En Suite Bathrooms Reception Room ||626 sqft | EPC: D| Bathrooms | Kitchen/Reception Guest Cloakroom 2 Reception Rooms Room | 718 sqRoom ft | Lift | EPC ERoom | Kitchen/Dining | Laundry A charming corner flat situated on the 2,418 sq | Integral Garage | premier firstftfloor of this handsome redAdditional Access to brick buildingoff-street in primeParking Chelsea.|The Belgraveis Square Gardens EPCsouthC property beautifully presented| with An excellently proportioned and bright two westerly views andapartment, stylish wood flooring double bedroom within An end-of-terrace freehold mews housethe throughout.

This elegant apartment heart ofinSouth Kensington.

Positioned on situated arguably one of Belgravia’ sample most comprises afloor double bedroom with the second (with lift) of this attractive desirable locations.

Thisbathroom, low built house fitted hanging space, a wellperiod building, the flat benefits from was disassembled; comprehensively rebuilt equipped kitchen, a generous reception wooden floors in thisbenefitting stunning from semithe open and fully modernised room with three large windows kitchen. providing plan living room with fully-fitted latest aspects technology advances including airdual over this comprises popular street The apartment further a master conditioning, Lutron lighting, motorised blinds, and flooding room with natural light. bedroom withthe modern en suite bathroom, a built in entertainment system, underfloor Culford Gardens occupies an excellent secondand bedroom and additional heating anorth fully fitted kitchen withshower Miele position, just of the world-famous room.

The property is flooded with natural and Gaggenau appliances.

The property Kings Road and conveniently placedand foralso light, offering an east-west exposure enjoys private use of an integral garage as the linksEvelyn at Sloane Square as dualtransport views over Gardens well as additional off-street parking inalongside the mews well as a decadent selection of shops, Chelsea’s tops. and accessroof to the prestigious Belgrave Square restaurants and amenities. gardens, subject to separate negotiations.

£1,550,000, STC £950,000 STC £6,750,000 STC

Leasehold (121 years remaining) Leasehold, with 38 years remaining Freehold

MONTPELIER SQUARE, CLAREVILLE GROVE EATON PLACE, SW1XSW7 MEWS, 3 Bedrooms En Suite| 2 Entrance HallSW7 ||23Bedrooms

Bathrooms Cloakrooms | | Bathrooms (1|en2|Suite) | Kitchen/Dining/ Two Bedrooms En Suite Bathroom Reception Room | Kitchen/ Reception Room 855 sq ft | Basement Shower Room ||Guest Cloakroom | Dining Room||Shared Utility Room Storage Room ||Access Reception/Dining RoomTerrace | Kitchen | 1,770 sqftSquare | 915 EPCGardens B ft | EPC E to Belgrave Utility Room sq An elegantlow-build flat with plentiful occupying A housecharm, with attractive A unique charming mews house idyllically approximately 855 sq ft of lateral space onthis the stucco frontage, positioned off positioned in this ideally quiet cobbled cul-de-sac, third floor of this well-located handsome period prime square.

The property within Knightsbridge the heart of South Kensington. building.

Arranged over the full width of the enjoys state of the art technology The property is presented in immaculate building, the principal reception room is flooded throughout; including comfort cooling, condition and has been carefully designed with natural light from its south-facing aspects hydronic as well as throughoutunderfloor with Italianheating, solid wood floors over the street. Inwater addition to theand expansive an integrated softner solar and contemporary furnishings. This attractive sitting area, the room boasts a bespoke panel offering modern home house energy; additionally benefits from south integrated kitchen and space for dining; perfect living in this prestigious neighbourhood. westerly aspects and plentiful natural light. for open-plan The apartment Internally, theentertaining. house provides threegated Clareville Grove Mews is a secure awards admission to a superb shared terrace, double bedrooms all complemented lane, located at the north end of Clareville positioned to the peaceful rear of the first floor, by stylish en suite bathrooms; whilst the Street, moments from the bountiful amenities overlooking Belgrave Mews.

Occupiers’ can master enjoys a custom-made walkand restaurants, the area is famous for. also enjoy exclusive access to Belgrave Square through dressing room. gardens, subject to the usual consents.

£1,900 £1,250 Per Per Week Week £1,900,000 STC STC Long Let, Part Furnished Furnished Leasehold (174 years remaining)

T: +44 +44 (0)20 (0)20 3770 3770 3474 3474 T:

info@nicolasvanpatrick.com info@nicolasvanpatrick.com

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01/11/2017 09:13

Property news All change

Nicolas Pejacsevich, NVP

Elena Dimova, managing director of CENTURY 21 Sophia Elena, on how the rise in interest rates will affect the property market Starting on a positive, viewing levels and interest in sales properties continue to improve, especially around the £2m mark.

This segment of the market is busier than the very high end.

Having said that, the sales market is still lethargic and the signal from the Bank of England that we are now in a rising interest rate environment may not be helpful, especially for price ranges more exposed to mortgage financing. It is not the 0.25 per cent increase that will make the difference, but the expectation that the new direction for interest rates is “up”.

There is also the concern that there is so much uncertainty. This more recently includes the onset of government scandals and of course the issue around who is in charge and for how long. The Autumn Budget is due on 22 November and that should provide some direction.

From this year, the Autumn Budget will be the main fiscal policy statement of the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Recent hikes to Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), firstly in Dec 2014 overhauling the system and raising SDLT levels and then an additional charge on second homes in April 2016, have been more damaging than Brexit, as SDLT levels have made it prohibitively expensive for people to move often. There is speculation that the Autumn Budget may reform SDLT. Sterling weakness, which in theory is positive for buyers, unless they expect it to fall further, has had the effect of pushing up inflation and giving the Bank of England a catalyst to raise rates. Higher interest rates by definition are negative for prices, all other things being equal.

Where the sales market goes next depends on interest rates, Brexit, SDLT and investor confidence. For those with a medium to long-term view, there will be opportunities.

CENTURY 21 Sophia Elena 10 Clarendon Road, W11 3AA 020 7229 1414, century21uk.com

NVP acquires Knightsbridge agency Hobart Slater

One of the best-known Knightsbridge estate agencies, Hobart Slater, has been bought by high-end boutique sales and lettings firm Nicolas Van Patrick.

NVP has acquired HS’s business, a four-strong team, and swish Montpelier Street premises in a “quantum leap” for the firm. It’s a move that more than doubles the size of its existing lettings and property management divisions, as well as delivering a significant boost for the core sales operation. The emphasis, however, will remain on a boutique approach to business; it’s “handshakes not clicks” on Montpelier Street, says NVP’s Nicolas Pejacsevich.

Hobart Slater’s two directors, Robert Hobart and Roger Slater, “will be welcomed in the business moving forwards at their own discretion”, according to NVP’s Patrick Alvarado.

Hobart and Slater’s 10 person firm has been a major force in prime central London for more than 35 years, offering a portfolio of prestigious properties for sale and rent in Knightsbridge, Belgravia, Chelsea, Holland Park, Hyde Park, Kensington, Mayfair and South Kensington.

NVP was founded by Italian-born Nicolas Pejacsevich and Madrid-born Patrick Alvarado in 2014, with the backing of Dutch businessman John Fentener van Vlissingen. It covers sales, lettings and property management across Knightsbridge, Belgravia, Kensington, Chelsea and Mayfair.

Contracts exchanged on Halloween, but the new combined business won’t be fully formed until 1 February 2018 – after which NVP will move along Montpelier Street towards Harrods, to take up residence in Hobart Slater’s much admired digs.

HS will eventually be fully integrated into the NVP brand but, in the meantime, the businesses will be calling themselves “NVP in association with Hobart Slater”.

property

PrimeQResi JOURNAL OF LUXURY PROPERTY

London’s super-prime buyers viewing ‘everything’ on market before transacting While there are some signs of strengthening demand in London’s £10m+ market, it seems super-prime buyers are keen to weigh up all their options before committing.

Transaction volumes in the £10m+ zone are still down on 2013 and 2014, according to Knight Frank, although sales in the first nine months of 2017 were up 3.4 per cent on 2016; the firm is expecting the relative weakness of sterling and the cyclical nature of the London market to continue to push things towards “recovery mode”, but for now, caution abounds.

“Everyone is looking at everything,” notes the agency’s super-prime specialist Daniel Daggers, flagging up how higher rates of stamp duty and the uncertain political backdrop are driving a trend for comparing many more properties before transacting.

Knight Frank’s analysis shows the average number of viewings for a property, before exchange, hit 41 in the first nine months of 2017, up from 30 in the same period in 2016.

“Unless you have a buyer who needs to move for family or business reasons, or alternatively a unique property, the gestation period prior to a transaction is longer,” says Daggers, although he’s confident we could soon see some pent-up demand being released.

“People have to move, families are growing, life moves on and in many instances our clients have waited for two years for the market to bottom out, something that may now be on the horizon.

I sense a change coming. You can tell by the level of engagement we are now seeing from buyers.”

“...in many instances our clients have waited for two years for the market to bottom out”

Daniel Daggers, image courtesy of Knight Frank

Wise words Strutt & Parker’s Georgina Cartwright on getting your property ready to rent In a competitive rental market, knowing how to attract tenants can make a difference. Follow this guide to ensure your property doesn’t stay vacant for long.

Before it goes on the market, your property needs to look its best. To enhance kerb appeal, clean or repaint the front door and window frames. Sweep the garden and replace any plants that have seen better days.

Inside the property, paint over any scuff marks made on the walls when your previous tenants moved out and have the carpets professionally cleaned if required. Ensure lights are working, bathrooms are scrubbed, grouting is clean and kitchen cupboards empty. Take care of repairs such as fixing leaky taps and putting loose doors back on hinges.

Marketing your property correctly is vital. Your property should be photographed fully furnished to look its best, so check that your furniture is all in good condition.

Set an appropriate rent by checking with your lettings agent what is being charged for similar properties locally.

In Kensington, we look after large family houses, cottages, lateral apartments and mews style properties.

Your lettings agent is there to take the hassle out of letting your property, so take advantage of their expertise. They will put together the online information, carry out viewings and will get potential tenants through the door quickly.

To reduce the time your property remains vacant, make sure you are in a position to proceed as soon as you find new tenants. Get all your documents together and confirm compliance with safety regulations.

Finally, compile a welcome pack for your new tenants, complete with information such as manuals for appliances, refuse collection days and emergency contact details.

Strutt & Parker 103 Kensington Church Street, W8 7LN 020 7938 3666, struttandparker.com

LU X URY LONDON.CO.UK | 139

St George’s Court, South Kensington Situated in the residential area of stylish South Kensington, St George’s Court is ideally located for Kensington High Street and boasts its own private garden for exclusive use by residents. In addition, the Royal Albert Hall and the museums of South Kensington are nearby.

Pegasi Management Company Limited 207 Sloane Street London SW1X 9QX E: enquiries@pegasi.co.uk | T: +44 (0)207 245 4500 pegasi.co.uk

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Rawlings Street, Chelsea SW3

ÂŁ2,300 per week* Unfurnished

A bright and well-presented four bedroom family house in the heart of Chelsea.

Double Reception Room | Open plan Kitchen | Master Bedroom | Further Three Double Bedrooms Two en suite Bathrooms | Family Bathroom | Study Room | Patio Garden EPC rating E 2,150 sq ft (200 sq m)

Chelsea 020 3813 9547 chelsea.lettings@struttandparker.com

60 Offices across England and Scotland, including prime Central London.

Milner Street, Chelsea SW3

ÂŁ2,950 per week* Unfurnished

A refurbished, spacious family home, situated in this popular Chelsea location within walking distance of Sloane Square, Knightsbridge and South Kensington.

Four Reception Rooms | Six Bedrooms | Two en suite Bathrooms | Two Further Bathrooms | WC | Two Roof Terraces | One further Terrace | Private Garden | Two Balconies EPC rating E 4,171 sq ft (387 sq m)

Chelsea 020 3813 9547 chelsea.lettings@struttandparker.com

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Royal Avenue House, Chelsea, SW3

ÂŁ1,175,000 Leasehold

The property is laterally arranged over the third floor (with lift) and has wonderful of light and views over this central location.

Entrance hall | Kitchen/reception room | Master bedroom with en suite shower room | Second bedroom Bathroom l Balcony l Residents Parking l Lift l Caretaker/Porter EPC rating C 876 Sq Ft (76 sq m)

Chelsea 020 3813 9448 chelsea@struttandparker.com

60 Offices across England and Scotland, including prime Central London.

JSA Russell Simpson 0207 225 0277

College Place, Hortensia Road SW10

ÂŁ2,950,000 Freehold

A delightful four bedroom house quietly tucked away in this gated development, with the benefit of an integral garage and porter.

Entrance hall | Reception room | Kitchen | Drawing room | Master bedroom with en suite bathroom Three further bedrooms (one with en suite bathroom) | Cloakroom | Utility room Underground double garage | Garden | Terrace | Porter EPC Rating D 2,226 sq ft (206.8 sq m) Chelsea SW10 020 3813 9587 chelseasw10@struttandparker.com

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Abingdon Villas, Kensington W8

ÂŁ3,750,000 Freehold

A beautifully presented four bedroom Victorian family house occupying approximately 2004 sq ft with excellent entertaining space as well as a garden.

Drawing room | Kitchen/Family/Dining area | Master bedroom with en suite shower room Three further bedrooms | Bathroom | Further shower room | Study | Utility room | Garden EPC rating D 2,004 sq ft (186 sq m) Kensington 020 3813 9477 kensington@struttandparker.com

60 Offices across England and Scotland, including prime Central London.

Clabon Mews, Knightsbridge SW1

ÂŁ6,950,000 Freehold

A stunning recently refurbished five bedroom mews house in Knightsbridge.

Entrance hall| Reception/dining room | Kitchen | Master bedroom suite | Four further bedrooms Three further bath/shower rooms | Study | Gym | TV room | Terrace | Wine cellar Store room | Utility room EPC rating C 3,325 sq ft (308 sq m) Knightsbridge 020 3813 9270 knightsbridge@struttandparker.com

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JSA Knight Frank 020 7591 8600

struttandparker.com