Chiswick & The West January 2016 by Runwild Media Group

MANAGING EDITOR Francesca Lee

WHAT’S INSIDE

EDITORIAL LEAD Tom Hagues EDITORIAL INTERN Emily Adams

An insight into this issue

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lesley Ellwood MANAGING DIRECTOR Eren Ellwood

“It’s the 1820s and a frontiersman (a social position that probably doesn’t exist any more) called Hugh Glass sets out to avenge the people who left him for dead after a bear mauling in the forest.” – FILM

GENERAL MANAGER Fiona Fenwick SENIOR DESIGNER Lisa Wade PUBLISHING DIRECTOR Giles Ellwood EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Sophie Roberts

SALES EXECUTIVES Joe Rutherford Kate Emmett PRODUCTION Alice Ford Oscar Viney Hugo Wheatley Jamie Steele PUBLISHED BY

RUNWILD MEDIA GROUP

One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AX T: 020 7987 4320 rwmg.co.uk

MEMBERS OF THE PROFESSIONAL PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION

Runwild Media Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Runwild Media Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

CLIENT RELATIONSHIP MANAGER Friday Dalrymple

THE REVENANT

“STRAIGHT OUT OF SOUTH AFRICA COMES JEREMY LOOPS, A FOLK MUSICIAN WITH A LOT OF ENERGY. THE TOUR IS CALLED CONTINENTAL DRIFT AND YOU CAN EXPECT TO HEAR HIS FOLKSY HIT DOWN SOUTH PERFORMED DURING THIS SHOW.” – MUSIC

“The cuts of meat are aged for 21 days and come served with béarnaise sauce, a sprig of watercress (you know, for aesthetic purposes, of course) and crunchy, salty, moreish fries. Our mouths are watering at the thought of it.” – FOOD AND DRINK

“As it stands at the moment, the site receives around 660,000 people per year, but the hope is that after the project is completed, up to one million visitors will enjoy the park on an annual basis.” – LOCAL FOCUS

THE DEFECTORS WELD

[editor’s letter and contents]

From the

editor

CONTENTS

appy New Year from all of us here at The Journal! The start of 2016 will usher in all sorts of thoughts about changing and sticking to resolutions, from finding

more time for yourself to finally sorting out the loft. Thankfully, we’ve got something that might be able to help with the ‘find time for yourself ’ resolution; turn to page 22 for our spa round-up and comprehensive guide to wellness trends in 2016. You’ll have to sort the loft out without our help. Gunnersbury House and Gardens is getting a refurbishment – as

you’ve probably heard – but for all the ins and outs and information, turn to page 18.

Shepherd’s Bush Green by andrew wilson, see page 16

REGULARS 4

The New Year may have come and gone for Western civilisations,

WHAT’S ON IN JANUARY All the best events to attend this month

WORD ON THE STREET

but the Chinese one is yet to come. Falling in early February, we’ve

The most pressing issues from vocal locals

planned ahead by trying out Shikumen in Shepherd’s Bush (page

FEATURES

20) in the hope of seeing in the Year of the Monkey in style. Our food

and drink news is over on page 21, where you can get all the local

epicurean information you could ever wish for.

READ ALL ABOUT IT A review of The Marble Collector by Cecelia Ahern It’s what’s on the inside that counts An interview with interior designer Kate Watson and our top trend picks Where the wild things are Exploring Shepherd’s Bush with photographer Andrew Wilson’s new book

Local interior designer Kate Watson speaks to us about trends

All you need to know Our fact file about the refurbishment of Gunnersbury House and Gardens

for homes in 2016, as well as a bit about her own designs (page 14).

Sit back and relax Ease yourself into the New Year with these treatments

We hope you enjoy the issue.

news, events and reviews 8

in THE KNOW Local knews to kick start 2016

francesca Lee, Managing Editor

UPPER CIRCLE OR STALLS?

Here’s what’s going on in the thespian world this month

NEW FILMS FOR THE NEW YEAR Top picks of the latest flicks

ON THE COVER (left to right) Interior of a Georgian house designed by Kate Watson; Joshua Radin, image

courtesy of Shore Fire Media; the cast of Around the World in 80 Days, photo by Simon Annand; the proposed new Brentford Football Club stadium; Detour

A review of Shikumen in Shepherd’s Bush 21

by Kate Watson; Shikumen in Shepherd’s Bush; Power Road studios

TAsty morsels of news The low-down on all things food and drink related

Café on Askew Road, photo by Marcus Lacey; guests at The Avenue’s Casino Royale charity ball, photo by Kew Village Portraits; a lodge’s interior designed

EATING for the chinese new year

THE Blueprint Building works and planning decisions in one handy guide

Top picks for

JANUARY

The best events to attend this month

16 January LADIES WHO BREAKFAST

16, 22, 23, 29, 30 January A SCOTTISH INSTITUTION

17, 24 and 31 January how did he do that?

This leisurely women’s breakfast at St Stephen’s Church will give attendees the chance to hear guest speaker Amanda Miah’s talk about ‘the lies we believe’. Miah used to be the church’s administrator so it’s likely that a lot of familiar faces will turn up to this event to hear her speak. Interested guests can sign up by emailing admin@ ststephens-ealing.org or simply pop in and do it in person. One of many free events held by this church, there’s no charge but a small donation to costs is always welcome, as it will go towards keeping the church functioning as a community centre.

Celebrate the life of Scottish bard Robert Burns in suitable fashion throughout this month at Hammersmith Town Hall; by eating, drinking and dancing. Officially, Burns Night falls on 25 January, but on various dates throughout the month you can dance the night away while feasting on haggis, neaps and tatties to the sound of bagpipes in a bonanza hosted by Ceilidh Club. What better way to rid the winter blues? Kilts are optional, but we strongly recommend wearing one, just watch out for the colder winds. Enthusiastic guests can also do a reading. See website for details.

London’s longest running theatrical magical show The Magic Cavern has been performed over 1,000 times, and now in its 13th year, it shows no signs of slowing down. It’s a traditional crowd-pleasing show for the whole family with a touch of mystery and dash of illusion. Presented by Richard Leigh, the show opened at The Barons Court Theatre back in 2002. As one of the most intimate and atmospheric theatres, you’re never more than a few feet away from the magic. Taking your own doves, rabbits and top hats is optional, but we’d advise against it just in case.

Free, 9-10.30am, St Stephen’s Church, St Stephen’s Road, W13 8HB, 020 8991 0164, ststephens-ealing.org

£34.65, £20 concessions, no tickets on the door, 8-11pm, Hammersmith Town Hall, King Street, W6 9JU, ceilidhclub.com

£12, children and concessions £9, 3pm, Barons Court Theatre, 28a Comeragh Road, W14 9HR, 020 8932 4747, falseimpressions.co.uk

how did he do that?

ladies who Breakfast

[what’s on]

19 January ON THE RIVER

23-24 January SHOW YOU THE WORLD

Until 6 February THE GODFATHER OF COMEDY

Living on dry land is so overrated. It’s all about living like Rosie and Jim on a houseboat now. Dr Scott Pereira will be heading to the Chiswick Pier Trust to tell you all about the tradition of living on the water, and how heritage boats can actually enhance modern environments. In his talk, History, Heritage & Houseboats, Dr Pereira invites you to come along and find out why we should encourage developers and homeowners to swap roads for rivers and live aboard a vintage boat. You’ll be calling “ahoy!” to people before you know it.

Now in its 20th year, The Adventure Travel Show has earned a reputation as the only event in the UK dedicated to discovering the world off the beaten track. Visitors can expect to get face-to-face with the biggest collection of specialist adventure travel companies, choose from more than 100 free inspirational talks and a chance to enhance your skills such as travel photography and adventure filming. Grab your bags and allweather clothing and get ready to travel.

Billy Connolly is a popular comedian – and yes, we think that might just be the biggest understatement of the year (and so early on!). He’s not just popular with his fans, either, he’s also celebrated as being the UK’s most influential comedian of all time. There’s a host of evidence to back up such a claim, including the fact that he was once voted the best comedian of all time by Channel 4, and was also included in the Huffington Post’s favourite UK comedians. With half a century of touring under his belt, you can only expect good things from this show, and a lot of raucous laughter.

£3 or free to members of the Chiswick Pier Trust and The Thames Society, doors 7pm, The Pier House, W4 2UG, 020 8742 2713, chiswickpier.org.uk

£8 one day entry in advance, £12 weekend entry in advance, £10 one day entry on the door, £15 weekend entry on the door, free for under 16s, some seminars require additional tickets to be purchased. To book tickets call 0871 230 7159 or visit adventureshow.com

From £33.75, doors 7pm, Eventim Apollo, 45 Queen Caroline Street, W6 9QH, 0844 249 1000, eventimapollo.com

on the river

the godfather of comedy

[what’s on]

online chatter

Further Afield

What’s got local tongues wagging recently?

9 January – 6 February NO SOUND, lots of entertainment

Apparently mime artists aren’t dressed head-to-toe in black clothing with gloves and their faces painted white anymore. Thanks to the London International Mime Festival, we can all become educated about the fascinating world of mine. Featuring 64 performances, from 18 different companies, across 24 days, London will be taken over by mime artists appearing across the city. Look out for Chris Lynam who will take us backstage into the world of a clown performer and the production of Bromance at Central Saint Martin’s Platform Theatre.

@ChiswickChow Grabbing a flat white and a gingerbread dude at the newly opened @urbanpantrycafe in Chiswick

@TheItalianJobW4

See website for all locations, times and ticket prices, mimelondon.com

Thanks to those who attended yesterday’s beer & cheese #tasting @TheItalianJobW4

14-17 January LIGHT IT UP

in #Chiswick! What a lovely evening!

Shelve your plans for being down in the dumps with the January blues and get yourself to King’s Cross and the West End: Lumiere London is here to light up your life. Supported by the Mayor of London, the event is a collection of fantastic artists illuminating the capital. Expect to see 3D projections, interactive installations and magical light fixtures. Visit the website to see the map, as well as more information about the artists and their works. Free, see website for locations, visitlondon.com/lumiere

@OmnipodAntiques @TheOldCinema great night and great music by @HHoldenMusic #theoldcinema #Chiswick #midcentrymodern

@KtotheC8 Nice one, @InfoBrews great #coffee we will be back! #Chiswick

@charlottet1992 Treating myself and finally trying @crepeaffaire #Chiswick

@AlanCarr A big thank you to everyone who came not only last night to the Hammersmith Apollo so much fun!

@ohchrismartin Two years ago today Coldplay played a show at the Hammersmith Apollo

neon dogs, deepa mann-kler, lumiere produced in derry-londonderry by artichoke

25 January JOSHUA RADIN

Until 31 January A cartoon CLASSIC

Now with six albums in the music-sphere, Radin enlisted the help of other performers and producers to aid his latest release, Onwards and Sideways. One of these people is Sheryl Crow, so he’s in good company. £25, doors 7pm, 21-25 St John’s Hill, Clapham Junction, SW11 1TT, 020 7223 6523, claphamgrand.com

joshua radin

IMAGE Courtesy of Shore Fire Media

but throughout my Yap Yap Yap tour. I had

The bequiffed Tintin is everyone’s favourite Belgian adventurer and reporter, and who can forget his adorable sidekick Snowy. Since starting his life as a comic strip in a Brussels newspaper in 1929, the story of Tintin has come on leaps and bounds. Twenty-four books later and 200 million copies sold worldwide, it’s about time he had an exhibition dedicated to him. Free, open daily 10am-6pm, Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA, 020 7845 4600, somersethouse.org.uk

www.osborne-interiors.co.uk

Winter sale now on Up to 40% off many Alno Ranges

In the

know

Local news to kick-start 2016

Thames Water is undertaking extensive work in Devonshire Road this month while it installs anti-flooding devices on the sewer works. The road will be closed for a reported 12 weeks, but traders are hoping for a more limited time frame due to concerns about how the closure will affect their businesses.

WATER WORKS

Piccadilly Line to stop at Turnham Green throughout the day. As it stands, the line only stops there very early in the morning or late at night and many residents have signed a petition to give the station a full Piccadilly Line service. On 3 December 2015, Goldsmith tweeted: “The Piccadilly Line needs to stop more often at Turnham Green”.

thameswater.co.uk

zacgoldsmith.com

GREAT GARDENING

Sycamore House’s gardens have recently been declared the best in the capital. The residents living in the Hammersmith sheltered housing accepted their award, given for best almshouse community garden in the 2015 Garden Society awards. It’s an example of a small community banding together to keep their home looking pristine, whether it’s through sweeping,

better move to the tardis

BETTER MOVE INTO THE TARDIS

David Tennant’s recent bid to extend his Victorian Villa has been blocked by Hounslow Council’s planning officers. Tennant planned to add another storey onto his home in order to match the two houses either side of his own, but the planning team decided that it wouldn’t be in-keeping enough with the conservation area’s strict guidelines.

NEXT STOP, TURNHAM GREEN

Conservative MP and London Mayor hopeful Zac Goldsmith has announced his support for campaigners attempting to get the

apples and pears

weeding, planting or deadheading, a lot of green-fingered residents have gotten involved. The green space is relatively young – it’s only been around for three years – but in that time it has won the award twice. 2015’s entry was praised for its colour, artistry and plant health. lbhf.gov.uk

APPLES AND PEARS

The Hammersmith Community Gardens Association recently armed itself with shovels and tools and planted a community orchard in a disused plot in White City. Funded by the Big Local project, the orchard will grow apples and pears and will drop its ripe fruits outside Mackay House near the Loftus Road football stadium. hcga.org.uk

award-winners

AWARD-WINNERS

Luke’s on The Avenue was transformed into a glamorous Casino Royale-style venue, and more than 120 local residents flocked to the event to show their support. Together they raised more than £19,000, so a huge congratulations to all those who took part. The charity, while based in Kew, also serves senior residents across the river in Chiswick.

Detour Café in Shepherd’s Bush received a highly-commended trophy at 2015’s Hammersmith and Fulham Brilliant Business Awards. It was in the Best Café category, and was received by Kelly de Latour, the brains behind the new eatery. Best Hammersmith Business went to Ravenscourt Dental Practice and Naama Deli won Best Shepherd’s Bush Business. Other local winners included Dorsett Hotel for Best New Business and Fastsigns Hammersmith for Best Customer Service. Congratulations to everyone from us here at The Journal! lbhfbba.com

SHAKEN, NOT STIRRED

Last month the Kew Community Trust charity held a fundraising event for The Avenue Club, the senior residents’ social club based in Kew. The Avenue Club is responsible for providing hot meals, personal care services, outings, talks and classes for elderly residents in the area. St

avenueclubkew.com

partnership with Ivy Legal. It was given the Enforcement Award by specialist publication Planning Magazine for its work tackling the issue of sub-standard outbuildings being used as illegal dwellings. The council’s partnership with Ivy Legal protects the interests of residents and encourages responsible behaviour by landlords. ealing.gov.uk

FIRST-CLASS SCHOOL

[NEWS]

shaken, not stirred

AWARD-WINNING COUNCIL

Ealing Council was recently honoured with an award for its outhouse project in

Congratulations are in order for Brackenbury Primary: it’s been awarded the British Council’s prestigious International School Award for its work in education overseas. The school has its own international project that aims to give the pupils cultural knowledge and life skills. One relationship that Brackenbury Primary has fostered is with Beza School in Ethiopia and staff from the two schools have visited each other throughout the year. brackenbury.lbhf.sch.uk

[THEATRE]

Upper circle

or stalls?

Here’s what’s going on in the thespian world this month further afield review

Around a book in 80 reworkings Tom Hagues enjoys a refreshing take on an over-told story

just how good his accents are. Tony Gardner is a perfectly dry Inspector Fix, the man who chases Fogg around the world, believing him to be the culprit who recently robbed the Bank of England. An unsuspecting Fogg comically welcomes him warmly every time they ‘bump’ into each other (Inspector Fix is notoriously bad at staying incognito) and an amusing exchange

round the World in 80 Days is Jules Verne’s lasting masterpiece. It’s seen countless adaptations of it produced, from theatre performances to moving film and really, once you know the story, the surprise, suspense and overall enjoyment of it are more or less obliterated. In fact, the tale has become so familiar and expected, it’s now almost unenjoyable – sorry, Jules. However, the eight-cast version at the St James Theatre is just different enough to stop it being dry, repetitive and uninteresting. Robert Portal plays Phileas Fogg and is as every bit as unflappable as he should be – in fact, sometimes he comes across as being slightly too worry-free, especially when on stage with Simon Gregor’s Passepartout (a panicked, frenzied individual who is very loud, incredibly French and highly energetic). Tim Steed, who plays Colonel Proctor (and a handful of other characters), has effortless comic timing and he knows how to play his parts. Each time he walks on stage as a brand-new person, you can’t help but admire

the cast in action

between Fix and Passepartout results in a delicious slapstick fight. The play’s stage is bare, save for a treadmill in the centre that’s used for the opening scene of Fogg walking to and from his social club to play cards. Fogg’s fellow socialites are often set in spot-lit out coves off stage, where they sit in armchairs betting on Fogg’s journey and guffawing at one another. The stage becomes an elephant at one point, with the help of some plastic tubing (the trunk) and some bed sheets (the ears) and this level of physical performance makes all the difference. After all the buffoonery, the fighting, dancing, train journeys, ship-sailing and dog-sled chases, the ending is a happy one – Fogg marries the lovely Mrs Aouda (played by Shanaya Rafaat) and he wins his bet. But of course, everyone knows that’s how it would turn out, but in this version, the journey there is a very enjoyable one. From £15, until 17 January, see website for times, St James Theatre, 12 Palace Street, SW1E 5JA, 0844 264 2140, stjamestheatre.co.uk

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR in the local area PINK MIST

HERONS

THE CRIPPLE OF INISHMAAN

Arthur, Hads and Taff return to the women in their lives and share with them their psychological torment and physical aftershocks from what they’ve experienced in Afghanistan. They discover their journey home is harder than they thought it would be.

Billed as ‘a disturbing portrait of adolescent violence experienced by 14-year-old Billy, who is tormented by local bullies’, we think Herons will be a dramatic performance like no other. It’s about no-hopers and trying to find hope in life.

A black comedy that tells the tale of the island people of Inishmaan who hear about a Hollywood director visiting a neighbouring island. It’s about a world so cramped by boredom, religion and isolation that any glimmer of hope can change things.

From £10.50, 21 January – 13 February, see website for performance times, Bush Theatre, 7 Uxbridge Road, W12 8LJ, 020 8743 5050, bushtheatre.co.uk

From £15, 15 January – 13 February, see website for performance times, Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King Street, W6 0QL, 020 8741 6850, lyric.co.uk

From £13, concessions from £7, 29 January – 6 February, see website for performance times, Judi Dench Playhouse, Questors Theatre, 12 Mattock Lane, W5 5BQ, 020 8567 5184, questors.org.uk

[FILM]

New films for

the new year Top picks of the latest flicks review

The Danish Girl Marianne Dick finds subtlety in the acting in this celebration of a brave and compelling story struggle as a woman in a male body. Set against a vast, unspoilt Danish landscape and the glamorous 1920s Parisian art scene, Hooper’s melodrama is typically cinematic and beautiful despite the often heart-breaking scenarios. Eddie Redmayne captures Lili’s journey with exceptional subtlety, while Alicia Vikander’s portrayal of Gerda – trapped in a turmoil of devotion for the person she was once married to – is simply magnificent. The film may not be an explicit and up-to-date portrayal of transgender issues, however it signifies a welcome understanding and a celebration of an incredibly brave story. It will almost certainly make you laugh, cry and leave with a sense

that you’ve just watched one of the most important films of the year. The Danish Girl is out in cinemas on 1 January 2016

om Hooper, director of The King’s Speech and Les Misérables, has dramatised the life and memoirs of Lili Elbe, a 1920s landscape artist who lived as a man, Einar Wegener, before undergoing some of the earliest gender confirmation surgeries, and whose remarkable story has gone astonishingly unrecognised until now. When Lili lived as Einar, she was married to an Art Deco illustrator named Gerda who gained success with her glamorous depictions of women, including herself and Lili. Their relationship is portrayed as intense and extraordinarily loving throughout – Gerda was an unwavering support in Lili’s life and someone who truly sympathised with her

the danish girl

also out this month 1 January JOY

Directed by David O Russell Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro Four generations of family are the focus of this film, with the lead role, played by Jennifer Lawrence, founding a company that becomes wildly successful and turns into a family dynasty business.

15 January CREED

Directed by Ryan Coogler Starring Sylvester Stallone, Michael B Jordan and Graham McTavish Heavyweight champion Rocky Balboa is back, this time as a trainer and mentor to Adonis Johnson, the son of his late friend

and rival Apollo Creed. If this franchise is as popular as the Rocky films, we might be seeing a few more of these.

15 January THE REVENANT

Directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Domhnall Gleeson, and Will Poulter It’s the 1820s and a frontiersman (a social position that probably doesn’t exist any more) called Hugh Glass sets out to avenge the people who left him for dead after a bear mauling in the forest. What’s even more exciting is that it’s already rumoured this could be Leonardo DiCaprio’s Oscar-winning performance – but isn’t that what everyone says when the poor man stars in a new film? Oh well, best of luck!

22 January OUR BRAND IS CRISIS

Directed by David Gordon Green Starring Sandra Bullock, Billy Bob Thornton and Anthony Mackie Sandra Bullock’s character is an American political consultant who is sent to help the re-election of a controversial president in Bolivia, which proves to be pretty difficult.

[book review]

Read all

about it

January is the ideal time to get cosy and curl up with a good book, but which one? Emily Adams dives into The Marble Collector by Cecelia Ahern

cecelia ahern

ecelia Ahern is one of those authors that can do no wrong. With 12 books under her belt, she knows how to write a bestseller, but with her ever-growing success, there’s mounting anticipation and expectation. When The Marble Collector arrives on my desk, I can barely concentrate on my work knowing it’s beside me even though I haven’t read the blurb or have the faintest idea what the story is about. I have faith in Ahern. As is the case with all her novels, Ahern’s Irish roots play a key role in setting the scene. She’s not afraid to stick with what she knows because, clearly, it works, but compared to her previous offerings, which are usually contemporary romantic novels, this one surprises me. It’s darker and sadder from the offset, focusing on the challenges of growing up in Ireland, losing loved ones and desperately trying to fit in somewhere you don’t belong. It’s written in a split narrative, alternating between the perspectives of Fergus Boggs (at various ages) and of his daughter Sabrina. As a child, and even as an adult, Fergus is fanatical about marbles, collecting, trading and winning them wherever and whenever he can. They’re the one staple in his tumultuous childhood with his five brothers. In Sabrina’s story, her father Fergus is suffering from dementia, his memory fading. Sabrina stumbles across his marble collection, but with no knowledge of why her father has them and with his childhood all but forgotten, she sets out to discover the truth. Essentially, it’s a book about marbles, and clearly that shouldn’t work but somehow, and as usual, Ahern has crafted it into a beautifully-written family saga, intertwined with mysteries and secrecies. As a child and even in his old age, Fergus is a likeable and endearing character no matter what trouble he gets himself into. As his secrets are gradually revealed, we, along with Sabrina, discover so much more about this charming

As a child, and even as an adult, Fergus is fanatical about marbles, collecting, trading and winning them man and his touching story. As she unearths her father’s past, she begins to fill in gaps in her life that she didn’t even know existed. This book is quirkier and more unusual than Ahern fans will be used to, but because of that, it’s far more intriguing. This novel may have been a risk, but rest assured she definitely hasn’t lost her marbles. I’ve heard a rumour that her next offering, Flawed is out in March. I hate to wish away the days, but is it March yet? The Marble Collector by Cecelia Ahern, £16.99, published by Harper Collins

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It’s what’s on the inside

that counts

We speak to local interior designer Kate Watson and learn what to look out for in 2016 to keep our homes looking up-to-date and on-trend

Richard Branson’s verbier lodge reception room

Richard Branson’s verbier lodge – seating area

Richard Branson’s verbier lodge – bedroom

Richard Branson’s verbier lodge – dining room

ate Watson is an Ealing-based interior designer whose work features across west London and abroad – specifically Richard Branson’s Verbier lodge. There are many homes in Chiswick and Ealing that have seen Kate wave her artistic wand over them and transform them into chic, trendy pads and palaces. Training at Kingston University in fashion design, she moved on to trend prediction very early on in her career. “Fashion and interior design are closer than ever at the moment,” she tells me confidently and knowledgeably. She excels, rather appropriately, at

predicting trends and being inspired by all sorts of factors. “I think I’ve got a lot of experience with looking around – be it at an exhibition or something in a magazine or even what’s happening in the world – and use it to help my design,” she says. How do her predicting skills benefit her clients, I ask. “It’s very beneficial because I use it to figure out which trends have longevity and which are simply commercial and won’t last five minutes. This helps me guide my clients to good purchasing and long-term value for money with their interiors choices.” Interior design is an enormous industry and can be daunting for first-time clients.

Are you going to get the look and feel you want? Do you listen to the designer or do you try and take the lead? Who knows best? Kate answers these questions for me. “Any interior designer worth their salt will get a clear image of what the client wants before starting. I always get to know what my clients like and dislike and I attempt to create the best of what we have to work with.” She chuckles to herself and explains it in plain terms: “It’s like me doing my own accounts – I can do them but my accountant knows how to do them to cater for my particular needs.” Kate’s portfolio is extensive – from

[interiors]

georgian house design

Get the look Have you been inspired? Then hit Chiswick High Road – these are our top picks to help you get that ‘industrial luxe’ look and make sure your home is as trendy as possible Decorexi in Chiswick has masses of the stuff we’re looking for. It’s not hard to spot the store, either – it’s the one with more lights than Las Vegas in the window. These particular items – a Marlborough leather armchair ( for the dark, warm element) a copper floor lamp, an industrial travel trunk and wooden stool – are available at the Chiswick store.

1. stool me once, shame on you

Georgian family homes in Chiswick to a luxury lodge, she’s been tasked with a lot of different styles. What was her most exciting project? “Richard Branson’s Verbier property,” she answers straight off the bat. “It was such a fun design to do – he wanted lots of bright colours and elements that were particularly bold – a lot like his personality I think. I also looked at the environment around it to inspire me and I had to balance the private and commercial aspect of the property. It was a very interesting and complex design challenge that was really fun.” What about in London? “I once worked on a large mansion house in Ealing – there’s a big stock of these in the conservation area and I was excited to get inside one and see what they were like. I’m currently working on a large house in Bedford Park in Chiswick. Those homes are really special and creating designs for them is an enjoyable experience,” she tells me. Since it’s the start of a brand-new year, I tap into Kate’s prediction qualifications and tease some forecasts out of her. “I think ‘industrial luxe’ will continue in 2016 – it’s kind of a minimal, modern but also dark and warm theme. There are a lot of textures rather than patterns involved and it’s about using different renders on walls to create textural effects rather than patterned wallpapers. It also uses a lot of elements usually seen in industrial buildings – copper, concrete, iron, rust, exposed piping – it’s a really strong look,” she informs me. There’s no better time to redo a home than the New Year; after all, out with the old and in with the new – although, in this case, it’s out with the old and in with the industrial luxe. katewatsoninteriors.co.uk

Stick it under a dressing table or keep it for when you’ve got too many guests round and need the extra perch – all you need to know is that it’s as functional as it is handsome. In fact, why not get six or eight and use them as dining stools New-York-loft style? Wooden Top Industrial Stool - £85

2. get to the copper!

You’re going to want some lights to see your new exposed beams in order to appreciate them and this gorgeous copper floor lamp is crying out for a prime position in your living room. Put it behind a comfy chair to use as a reading lamp and you’ll get that cosy feel. Vintage Copper Extra Large Floor Lamp - £125

4 3. play that trunky music

Perfect for blankets, towels or things that you can’t find a home for, this trunk is large, smart and seriously on-trend. It could work at the foot of your bed but might also prove to be a good fit in the living room – it could even work as a coffee table. One thing it’s quite impractical for, ironically, is travelling. Industrial Silver Wide Travel Trunk - £220

4. leather Forecast

You need warmth in your home to complement the rest of your industrial look, and this leather armchair is the perfect richbrown colour to offset the greys and steely hues you might have sourced elsewhere. Sink back, relax, and look around at your gorgeous new factory-esque living room. Marlborough Leather Armchair - £695

Decorexi, 58 Chiswick High Road, W4 1SY, 020 7354 2112, decorexi.co.uk

Where the wild

things are

Photographer Andrew Wilson steps out from behind the camera lens to discuss his latest book Wild About Shepherd’s Bush & Askew Road with Bethan Rees

Andrew Wilson & his Springer Josie

s I trundle along to my interview, crunching among the rusty leaves I stop, pull out my phone and start snapping away at the autumn setting, admiring the almost nude trees in contrast to the leaf-covered ground. I’m impressed with my snaps, but begin to cringe as I’m about to meet Andrew Wilson, the photographer and brain behind the Wild About book series, which shows London in all its glory through a series of images. Surely he would recoil at the idea of me thinking that my iPhone shots are works of art? Wrong, Andrew has actually featured several pictures in the book that have been taken on his camera phone. “Sometimes opportunities just happen,” he says. “My wife reckoned that I was completely obsessed with my camera and photography because whenever we went out anywhere, I would be constantly stopping to take pictures. So, on one occasion, I said ‘OK I’ll prove to you that I’m not obsessed, I’ll leave my camera at home’, and that’s when I discovered the camera on my phone,” he laughs raucously. “I did apologise to her afterwards,” he corrects himself quickly. Andrew turned to photography as a career in 2009, although it has always been a hobby.

Crocuses in Hammersmith Park

Japanese Garden

[PHOTOGRAPHY]

“I was inspired by a lady called Joanna Jackson who produced a book about Bushy Park, and my wife said to me, ‘Why don’t you emulate that and do something yourself,’” he starts to explain. “So I did and spent a year producing a book called Wild in the City, which was a collection of my photography from parks and open spaces around London.” Andrew simultaneously embarked on a course at the Putney School of Art and Design because he wanted to learn a little bit more about the technicalities of his newfound trade. “I became aware that for my whole life, I have visualised the world as if my head and eyes operate as a camera. I look out on the world and say ‘Look at that view’, or ‘Look at those colours’ not realising that I could do something with this,” he says animatedly. “Lots of people just walk past things without realising.” Andrew tells me that he always walks around an area as he can see so much more, but he’s never without his trusty sidekick – his springer spaniel Josie, who often assists Andrew to get the perfect shot. “I took an amazing picture once in Richmond Park. I was walking the dog at sunset, and usually she wants to chase the deer but this time I said ‘Lie down’, and she did so for 20 minutes.” This book is full of beautiful images that highlight how Andrew sees Shepherd’s Bush. “My first love is nature and I always try and weave that in to all my books, so I was immensely pleased to discover some nature even on Shepherd’s Bush Green, which for most people is nothing more than a glorified roundabout and a place for people to picnic in summer.” He ends by telling me about the local support he’s received. “David, the manager at WHSmith in Westfield has been great. Besides the massive push he’s given the book, he displays them all and thankfully they’ve been selling in large numbers. When someone likes what you do and gets right behind you it’s wonderful.”

Shepherd’s Bush Green

Shepherd’s Bush Market

Wormwood Scrubs Stables

Wild About Shepherd’s Bush & Askew Road by Andrew Wilson, £21.99, available from WHSmith in Westfield and online. For more information, visit unity-publishing.co.uk

[local focus]

All you need

to know

The house and grounds at Gunnersbury Park are getting their long overdue refurbishment. Look no further for all the information about the project

COSTS and monies

A whopping £40million has been earmarked for the project and the funds have come from Hounslow and Ealing Councils, along with supporting money from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Big Lottery Fund and Sport England. £21million of the cash will go towards the transformation of the mansion house.

HOPES AND DREAMS

The idea is to increase the number of visitors to the park and museum. As it stands at the moment, the site receives around 660,000 people per year, but the hope is that after the project is completed, up to one million visitors will enjoy the park on an annual basis. The newly refurbished museum will be able to host 50,000 visitors, which is an increase of 20,000 people per year on the current figure. The museum will also be able to host school groups and will feature larger learning areas and lift access for guests using a wheelchair. The two councils and lottery bodies want Gunnersbury Park and Museum to become a local, national and

international centre of learning, with the museum focusing on the history of the local area; its agricultural heritage, industrial past, urbanisation and multicultural wealth. It’ll also tell the stories of the previous owners of the Gunnersbury site, including members of the Hanoverian royal family and the Rothschild dynasty.

SPORTS AND FACILITIES

Upon completion, the site will have a sports hub with indoor and outdoor facilities. You can expect to see eight floodlit tennis courts, eight grass football and rugby pitches and three cricket pitches. This hub will be funded by Sport England.

THE HOUSE AND GROUNDS

The drawing room, long gallery and dining room, along with the historic kitchen and servants’ rooms will all see much-needed refurbishments. New display rooms will run in conjunction with exhibitions, which will all be linked to the museum. The exterior will also be repaired, and there are plans

to open more of the buildings to the public – there are 17 listed buildings on the site and four of them are at-risk Grade II-listed. The landscaped gardens will be restored to their former glory, and boating on the round pond will be reintroduced. The orangery, horseshoe lake and various other features will receive major restoration work.

TIMING and schedule

The park will stay open for the first phase, which is the mansion house’s refurbishment. The museum will remain closed until 2017, with the aim to have everything completed and in order for 2026, when Gunnersbury celebrates its 100-year anniversary.

WHO SAID WHAT

Councillor Steve Curran said: “It’s very exciting to get the regeneration of Gunnersbury Park and Museum under way. It’s a fantastic opportunity to leave a legacy for both boroughs that will be employed for generations to come. It will make best use of the grounds, providing a great backdrop for some excellent sporting facilities.” Echoing those words, Councillor Julian Bell said: This is a big step towards realising our 15-year masterplan for Gunnersbury’s 100-year anniversary in 2026. The project is a massive undertaking, but we want to get it right. It involves large elements of preservation and restoration work which, when finished, will bring the park’s historic buildings back to life and cement an amazing legacy for future generations to enjoy.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION hounslow.gov.uk ealing.gov.uk gunnersburyfriends.org work on the mansion house is under way

[review]

Dining out for the Chinese

new year

Tom Hagues finds peace and serenity in the food and surroundings at Shikumen

the dining room

he Chinese New Year always falls between 21 January and 20 February and 2016’s is on 8 February. We decided to see in the celebrations in style at Shikumen, a year-old restaurant attached to Shepherd’s Bush’s Dorsett Hotel. It’s a spacious restaurant. The lighting is low and there’s immaculate marble flooring and, when that’s paired with the whispering sounds of pan-flute music, it’s rather like being in a spa. I have to make a point of remembering to eat the cucumber served with my duck pancakes and not rest it on my eyes. The meal begins with a classic, wouldbe-rude-not-to-order dish of wafer-thin pancakes and shredded duck (shredded at the table by a pair of expert hands) and is then followed up with some more appetisers. I should offer a warning here: it is agonising trying to choose which plates to have from this part of the menu, so settle in for the long haul. I wonder: shall I play it safe and go for something I recognise or do I try and broaden my horizons with different items from the seemingly endless list? Because I’m deathly boring, I decide to order

peking duck

the sesame prawns on toast and deep-fried squid with chillies. It’s an obvious choice on my part, but delicious all the same, and the prawn toasts are canapé-sized and hit the spot extremely well. I’m satisfied. The main dishes of the evening arrive and there’s an amazing amount of food on the table by this point. I’ve gone for the pork belly, cooked so deliciously slowly that the meat all but falls apart when I glance at it. The buns served with them are meticulously crimped, steamed to perfection and act as the perfect napkin to wipe my porkslathered face with afterwards. I’ve also ordered the scallops with sugar snap peas and gingko nuts, and the scallops’ juiciness

also try…

Tian Fu BBQ

Authentic spiced meats and vegetables are available here but it’s the chef ’s special lobster, crispy pork and fried spicy crab that stand out as favourites. Tian Fu BBQ is headed by Yu Guan and Wen Hong Fu who have perfected the perfect Szechuan menu – it would be rude not to go along and try it. Tian Fu BBQ, 33 Goldhawk Road, W12 8QQ, 020 8811 8876, tianfubbqgoldhawkroad.co.uk

sesame prawn toast

is complemented by the sweetness of the vegetables and diced fruit served with them. Alongside this mountain of food is an eggfried rice bowl and a plate with a steaming tangle of ho fun noodles strewn with huge chunks of beef. It could have been a meal on its own – and for me, I think it might have been the best dish of the evening; stardom hides in all sorts of places. There’s no room on the table or in my stomach for dessert, so I roll out, groaning with contentedness and vowing to return again very soon. Shikumen Shepherd’s Bush, Dorsett Hotel, 58 Shepherd’s Bush Green, W12 8QE, 020 8749 9978, shikumen.co.uk

[FOOD AND DRINK]

Tasty morsels of

news

Here’s the low-down on all things food and drink-related

something hair-raising to your macchiato first thing in the morning… Tamp, 1 Devonshire Road, W4 2EU, info@tampcoffee.co.uk, tampcoffee.co.uk

ALE HAVE WHAT HE’S HAVING

The Swan has rolled out its new winter casks to provide patrons with a huge array of wintry bevvies. Each one is perfect for the colder weather and features a tasting note or two to help you pair it with the right meal. Brews include Adnams the Herbalist, which is spicy and tropical and excellent with grilled sea bass, and Camerons Tontine, a milk stout that complements The Swan’s salted caramel profiteroles perfectly. The Swan, 46 Hammersmith Broadway, W6 0DZ, 020 8748 1043, nicholsonspubs.co.uk

the defectors weld

THE STEAKS HAVE NEVER BEEN as high as this

business awards, so you know it’s good. Detour Café, 135 Askew Road, W12 9AU, 020 8740 5536

The Defectors Weld in Shepherd’s Bush is offering diners two eight-ounce sirloin steaks for £25 throughout the month of January. The cuts of meat are aged for 21 days and come served with béarnaise sauce, a sprig of watercress (you know, for aesthetic purposes, of course) and crunchy, salty, moreish fries. Our mouths are watering at the thought of it.

The Grove, 83 Hammersmith Grove, W6 0NQ, 020 8748 2966, groverestaurants.co.uk © Marcus Lacey

The Defectors Weld, 170 Uxbridge Road, W12 8AA, 020 8749 0008, defectors-weld.co.uk

detour cafÉ’s corn fritters

FRITTER-TASTIC

Detour Café specialises in locally sourced coffees and teas, and serves delicious brunches, sandwiches and salads. The proprietor, Kelly de Latour, hails from New Zealand and she’s brought Kiwi favourites to Askew Road in the form of corn fritters. Detour took home the second-place prize at the most recent Hammersmith and Fulham

THE more BUBBLES THE BETTER

Hammersmith bar and restaurant The Grove is offering Drappier Carte D’or Brut Organic Champagne for £29.95 per bottle during its happy hours between 4pm and 7pm every day. If that doesn’t do it for you, cocktails are £4.75 and jugs of sangria or Pimm’s are £12.95. That’s a very happy couple of hours indeed.

A LICENCE TO SPILL

Tamp, the coffee shop on Devonshire Road, is seeking a licence to sell alcohol. Already selling espressos, coffees, smoothies and light dishes, the shop would also like to be able to add wine and beer to its offerings. Try not to be tempted by a shot of

SIT BACK AND RELAX

You can now enjoy pizza from The Oak W12 in the comfort of your own home. The Shepherd’s Bush pub now has a takeaway menu that can be delivered by Deliveroo – perfect for snuggling up at home in the warm and letting someone else brave the cold for you. The Oak W12, 243 Goldhawk Road, W12 8EU, 020 8741 7700, theoakw12.com

Sit back

and relax

Ease yourself into the New Year with one of these super relaxing luxury massages or facials on the doorstep

himalayan boutique spa

Detox Seaweed ThalASSO Wrap

This treatment is designed to help detoxify and replenish your body using seaweed harvested on the French coast of Brittany which is renowned for its therapeutic qualities. You’ll be gently wrapped up in warm micronized seaweed, which will gradually replenish dry skin. £75 for one hour, Himalayan Boutique Spa, 56 Chiswick High Road, W4 1SZ, 020 8994 3495, himalayanspa.co.uk

Hot Lava Shell Massage

The Cove Spa is calling this the ultimate luxury in massages and it certainly sounds like it. Using marine polished shells, this is an ultra-calming and soothing treatment that will more than likely send you to sleep. The shells are worked over the palms, arms, neck and shoulder area to relieve muscle tension, knots and stress points, improve blood circulation and ease deep tissue strains.

to be a relaxing experience. Boutique Spa’s facial will nourish dry and dehydrated skin as well as gently exfoliate dry skin cells, leaving your dermis soft, supple and most importantly, hydrated. Sit back and wait for the compliments to roll in. £65 for 60 minutes or £90 for 90 minutes, Boutique Spa, 123 Queensway, W2 4SJ, 020 7221 8017, boutiquespa.co.uk

£73 for one hour, The Cove Spa, 300-302 Chiswick High Road, W4 1NP, 020 8995 2293, thecovespa.co.uk

further afield Re-hydrator facial

Every year many of us will pledge to drink more water and stay hydrated. We might say it with the best intentions but it’s never an easy resolution to keep, so why not just try a rehydrating facial instead? It requires a lot less dedication and it’s sure

boutique spa

spotlight

A Trio of Treatments Frankly, we couldn’t ignore all of the fascinating treatments that K West Hotel & Spa is offering for January. Take your pick or try all three... CoffeeBerry Booster

Baobab Ritual

Although this one sounds more like a caffeine-filled, fruity smoothie, it’s actually a relaxing facial using CoffeeBerry extract – supposedly nature’s most effective antiageing plant. The treatment promises to smooth fine lines, make wrinkles less visible and re-texturize the skin. What’s more, it’s suitable for every skin type, even super sensitive skin, so everyone’s a winner when it comes to this little pick-me-up. Youthfullooking skin, here we come.

If the people of Africa have relied on the Baobab tree to improve their health and well-being for centuries, then surely you can’t go wrong with this spa treatment. Baobab extract is bursting with vitamin C, it decreases stress levels, supports your immune system and it has one of the highest antioxidant levels of any fruit in the world. You’ll be treated to a full body exfoliation, massage and energising leg therapy, all finished off with a fresh Baobab smoothie.

From £90 for 55 minutes

From £110 for 70 minutes

Rose and Cranberry skin-booster

This treatment includes an antioxidant cranberry mask for the face and body. Its super-fruit goodness is designed to help with anti-ageing, skin-boosting and cellular renewal. The massage finishes with a highperformance firming cream and it’s suitable for all skin types. From £150 for 85 minutes K West Hotel & Spa, Richmond Way, W14 0AX, 020 8008 6600, k-west.co.uk

[HEALTH AND WELLNESS]

wellness trends ...And breathe

Using supplemental oxygen to encourage the body’s natural oxygenation process might seem a little extreme, when we usually only see this process in terms of negative health and in hospitals. But, with the increasing effects of pollution and allergies leaving a legacy of short of breath people, this could become more common. Apparently, this can lessen the effects of exhaustion and lack of focus and vitality affected by lack of cellular oxygenation.

Because I’m ‘appy

It’s not just sofas and tubes that are filled with people using smart phones; now parks, pavements and gyms are too. Julie Montagu, health coach and yoga instructor who was on the panel for Grace Belgravia discussing wellness trends, said that in the UK, 21 per cent of people are already using a wearable decide or health-related app and this trend is continuing to rise.

sooty and sweep

Sooty and Sweep

Step away from the barbecue; activated charcoal is now a new detox method. Used in cold-pressed juices and skin-care products, the black stuff is being introduced into our lives through much more than drawing tools and fire pits. For example, it’s being used by some as a natural tooth whitener, which we must admit looks a little odd when brushing teeth with a pitch-black paste; but, people are seeing results. Activated charcoal can also be used on the face, as the properties, much the same as they work on the inside of the body, are attracted to toxins, so in turn can potentially purify the skin.

Them bones, them bones

Put down that cup of tea, there’s a new hot beverage in town. Using bones to make a stock is hardly a new-fangled idea, as my grandmother so often likes to bring up when someone goes near a bin with the leftover Sunday roast carcass; the “in my day” spiel, ensues. But, it is having a renaissance of sorts, with celebrities and health experts preaching its health and nutritional benefits. Bone broth is said to help battle fatigue, weight creeping, wrinkles, preserve skin elasticity and other signs of ageing and with celebrity support from Gwyneth Paltrow, Elle Macpherson and Salma Hayek, its popularity is ever-increasing. Made from slowsimmered animal bones, the high content of calcium, magnesium, collagen, gelatin, amino acids and phosphorus is thought to rejuvenate the gut, improve digestion, support joint tissue, and strengthen the immune system. It’s also a lovely warming drink for this time of year, if nothing else.

Get down to business, sort of

them bones, them bones

It’s all in the genes

Why workout the normal way when you could take personalised fitness training to a whole new level? Thanks to the developing science of DNA testing, the nation can now have an insight into their genetic makeup and correlate this to an appropriate, tailored fitness regime for your body. So, what will your body tell you? Will you be the HIIT intense workout type or the low-impact yoga kind? One of the companies leading the way with this technology is DNAFit, which requires you to send a saliva swab taken in the comfort of your home (or wherever else) and sent via post to the business, which then analyses the swab and provides you with an in-depth panel of genetic variants associated with your fitness, nutrition and well-being in order to help you refine how you work out, eat and live.

Paul Joseph, co-founder of Health and Fitness Travel, experts in tailor-made healthy holidays, stated that four million people recently took a career break due to stress and burn out. With this shocking statistic in mind, more companies are striving to support their employees’ wellness with bleisure trips (a portmanteau of business and leisure). These kinds of trips are fast rising to becoming a common form of travel, with some businesses encouraging workers to make the most of wellness retreats for workplace vigour. A report from Bridgestreet Global Hospitality published by Skift claims that about one in seven companies already have policies covering bleisure or bleisure-like travel.

get down to business, sort of

The

blueprint

Building works and planning decisions in one handy guide

the new LIONEL ROAD football stadium

RESIDENTIAL POTENTIAL

The property that occupies 110-114 King Street in Hammersmith has been released by The Thackeray Estate to be bought by a developer or anyone looking for a big project in a prime spot. What is currently an Argos store with a 10-year lease, the building also has four self-contained two-bedroom apartments taking up 3,141 sq ft on the first and second floors. The entire floor space (combining retail and residential areas) stands at a whopping 10,259 sq ft with an asking price of £6.75million. This translates into roughly £658 per sq ft. The agency administrating the sale is Finn & Co, which promises that the buyer will have a number of different development ideas to play with, including modern, mixed-use redevelopment or applying for planning permission to add more floors and create a new residential scheme in the heart of Hammersmith. Charles Thompson, The Thackeray Estate’s commercial director, said that “Hammersmith has been targeted by international investors as the next major hotspot due to its excellent transport links. The new vibrancy to retrial demand will lead to a major shake-up to the King Street tenant line-up and is predicated by many to be the next London retail destination.” finnandcompany.co.uk

NEW BUILDS FOR KEW BRIDGE

More than 650 homes have been approved to be built by Hounslow Council at the soon-to-be redeveloped site at Kew Bridge. Planned apartments will be in high-rise buildings and the permission for their development was granted in December, with

prime place, kew bridge

The homes will be a mixture of one, two and three-bedroom apartments

[PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT]

prime place, kew bridge

304 earmarked for private sale and 344 for private rental. Development company Prime Place plans on calling the project Prime Place, Kew Bridge. The homes will be a mixture of one, two and three-bedroom apartments and will be located around the new Lionel Road Football Stadium in three plots. The Central Eastern, Capital Court and Central Southern sites are all part of a wider regeneration of the football stadium and its surrounding area, and a separate planning application for the Duffy site, on the western reaches of the stadium, is yet to be approved. Once the new stadium has been completed, Brentford Football Club will relocate to it, and its old, familiar home turf, Griffin Park, will be redeveloped into something entirely different – a collection of family houses. Seventy-five units are planned and will range from two to five bedrooms in size. In addition to these new homes, there are plans in the pipeline to build a memorial garden, which will aim to mark the site’s footballing history. The consultation period for other

developments was extended by Hounslow Council last year, meaning residents can have more time to look at the proposals and ask any questions they might have regarding the project. One of the biggest areas of controversy is the tower blocks that have been planned for the scheme, which will be visible from Chiswick High Road – something that some residents have been firmly against. Other aspects of the development include a hotel, 262 further properties on a different site, along with commercial buildings – for shops, bars and restaurants – dotted among the residential units. Everything has been put forward for residents to be informed about, including the planned colours of the cladding and the buildings’ exterior finishes. primeplace.co.uk

BYE BYE, BBC

The famous Wood Lane BBC Television Centre is having much of its building razed to the ground as work starts on its redevelopment. Producing the BBC’s

television programmes since the 1950s, BBC Television Centre was a much-loved hub of culture and entertainment and is fondly remembered by the public and stars of the small screen alike. The Spur, an additional building erected after the main structure had been completed and which served as the home of BBC News for many years, has already been reduced to rubble and the famous Blue Peter garden has been dug up. The restaurant building has been demolished and the East Tower is next in line for the wrecking ball. The main ‘doughnut’ part of the building is set to remain and will house flats, penthouse apartments and a large hotel. The development is being undertaken by Stanhope, which is also part of the White City Place development, just a stone’s throw away. The plans for this project include 5,000 highquality homes, more than two million sq ft of office space, new public areas, a shopping centre and a bustling hub for academia, innovation and start-up companies. stanhopeplc.com

[letters]

Word on

THE STREET The very latest from west London’s vocal locals

replies

horsing around about heathrow

HORSING AROUND ABOUT HEATHROW I can’t believe we aren’t getting a decision on the ridiculous farce that is the airport expansion. After months of campaigning, putting in so much hard work and trying to get something sorted, we’re left with the most ridiculous outcome: a postponement. What this means is that we’re going to have to do it all again when the authorities decide they want to start the process up for a second time, and I think that’s ridiculous. There will be no Heathrow expansion if I get my way – as I’m sure most Chiswickians will agree. - Mr Beetle

ASKED: NOVEMBER 2015 WHERE CAN MY 11-YEAR-OLD SON JOIN AN ATHLETICS CLUB? You could try Thames Valley Harriers. They are fairly local and well regarded. - Mr Hoffman I run a training group at Ealing Athletics Club that caters for his age. We train twice a week and compete most weekends of the year. If he enjoys our trial sessions, he’ll be very welcome to join the club. - Mr Hannah My two children currently train at the Linford Christie Stadium, which is in Wormwood Scrubs behind the hospital. The running club is called Thames Valley Harriers. They compete in all the long-distance events and the London Youth Games. The club has been going for more than 30 years, and this is where Linford Christie trained. It runs on a Tuesday and Thursday. - Mrs Weintraub

going for goldsmith

THREE’S A CROWD

NEW YEAR, NEW ME? I wonder how many people are going to buy a gym membership in January and then never use it after February? I’ve done this a lot in the past and, since it’s such a pain trying to cancel a contract a few months down the line, I’m determined to stick to it this year. Does anyone have any motivational tips that would

to stop at Chiswick’s stations. We’ve been campaigning for this for years, and people have written to your magazine about it before – it’s an issue on every resident’s mind, I’m sure. He’s also got his heart in the right place when it comes to the Heathrow expansion – he’s threatened to resign if it goes ahead. If it means good things for Chiswick, then I hope he becomes mayor! - Mr Panja

new year, new me?

help me keep to a routine of exercising? Perhaps there is a good group workout that I could get involved with? - Mrs MacAleese

GOING FOR GOLDSMITH I appreciate MP Zac Goldsmith’s effort to get the Piccadilly Line

My neighbours have three cars (two of their own, one belongs to their son who still lives at home), which is all very well, but when they’re taking up three spaces outside on the road, then I think something should be said. My husband and I have been questioning whether to ask them not to hog all the space outside the houses but I don’t want to cause any bad feelings. I’m just tired of carrying my shopping halfway down the street because I can’t unload it outside my own house! - Mr Barlas

If you have anything you’d like to share, ask or say, email us at chiswick.bg@residentsjournal.co.uk, write to us at Runwild Media Group, 6th Floor, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AX or tweet us @ChiswickWestJ

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One New Year’s resolution we can help you keep…

For Sale CHISWICK

For Sale

CHISWICK

Guide £2.3 million

CHISWICK

Guide £820,000

ST. PETERS VILLAS W6

2,024 sq ft

CASTLE ROW W4

EXEMPT

For Sale CHISWICK

For Sale Guide £1.025 million

CHISWICK

HEATHFIELD TER W4 1−2

EPC=B

1−2

EPC=D

1−2

CHISWICK

Guide £1.2 million

MALTHOUSE DRIVE W4

1,620 sq ft

EPC=C

£775,000 − £1.45 million

1,130 sq ft

893 sq ft

Computer generated image

CHISWICK GRN STUDIOS W4 1,098 sq ft 1

ESMOND ROAD W4

For Sale

Guide £1.05 million

703 − 1,256 sq ft TBC

For Sale CHISWICK

Guide £1.75 million

CHISWICK QUAY W4

2,056 sq ft

EPC=C

Call us 7 days a week on 020 7877 4640

TO LET

CHISWICK

£1,900 pw + fees apply*

THE AVENUE W4 5

TO LET

CHISWICK

£625 pw + fees apply*

£1,250 pw + fees apply*

3,180 sq ft

CURWEN ROAD W12

600 sq ft

SOUTH SIDE W6

EXEMPT

EPC=D

4−5

TO LET

CHISWICK

£2,200 pw + fees apply*

1,977 sq ft 2

EPC=D

TO LET

CHISWICK

£2,650 pw + fees apply*

CHISWICK

£450 pw + fees apply*

FAIRFAX ROAD W4

2,552 sq ft

ST PETERS GROVE W6

2,357 sq ft

CHISWICK GRN STUDIOS W4 797 sq ft

EPC=D

EPC=F

EPC=B

...Move. TO LET CHISWICK

£923 pw + fees apply*

FIELDING ROAD W4

1,648 sq ft

EPC=E

If you are considering a move in 2016, contact your local Savills team in Chiswick. savills.co.uk

* Fees to include drawing up the tenancy agreements and reference change for one tenant – £276 inc VAT one-off fee. £36 inc VAT for each additional tenant/occupant/guarantor reference where required. Inventory check out fee – charged at the end of or early termination of the tenancy and the amount is dependant on the property size and whether furnished/unfurnished. For more details visit savills.co.uk/fees

With offices in Brook Green, Chiswick and Ealing, we’ve got west London covered.

For Sale

BROOK GREEN

Guide £2.25 million

Guide £1.47 million

DEVONPORT ROAD W12

2,594 sq ft

PADDENSWICK ROAD W6 1,227 sq ft

EPC=D

For Sale BROOK GREEN

For Sale Guide £2.395 million

BROOK GREEN

EPC=B

For Sale BROOK GREEN

Guide £2.495 million

Guide £650,000

BATOUM GARDENS W6

2,303 sq ft

OLD COURTHOUSE W14

2,626 sq ft

EARSBY STREET W14

624 sq ft

EPC=E

EPC=C

For Sale

BROOK GREEN

Guide £865,000

BROOK GREEN

Guide £2.95 million

HAVILLAND MEWS W12

893 sq ft

WOLVERTON GARDENS W6 2,745 sq ft

EPC=B

4/5

EPC=C

Call us 7 days a week on 020 7877 4640 savills.co.uk

TO LET

BROOK GREEN

£990 pw + fees apply*

£2,750 pw + fees apply*

GOLDHAWK ROAD W12

2,002 sq ft

GIRDLERS ROAD W14

4,071 sq ft

4/5

EPC=E

EPC=C

TO LET

BROOK GREEN

£795 pw + fees apply*

FAROE ROAD W14 3

LET

BROOK GREEN

£420 pw + fees apply*

BROOK GREEN

Guide £923 pw

1,513 sq ft

HAYDEN PARK ROAD W12 727 sq ft

RUTLAND GROVE W6

1,599 sq ft

EPC=D

EPC=C

TO LET

EPC=E

TO LET

BROOK GREEN

£475 pw + fees apply*

BROOK GREEN

KEITH GROVE W12

753 sq ft

LORIS ROAD W6

EPC=D

£1,350 pw + fees apply* 2,498 sq ft 4

EPC=E

Come in and see our Ealing team at 3 The Green.

For Sale

EALING THE GREEN W5 1

EALING

Guide £425,000

Guide £4.35 million

571 sq ft

MONTPELIER ROAD W5

4,726 sq ft

EPC=C

For Sale

EALING

Guide £250,000

EALING

For Sale EALING

Guide £1.795 million

Guide £725,000

CASTLEBAR ROAD W5

226 sq ft

WOLVERTON GDNS W5

2,960 sq ft

GREAT WEST ROAD TW8

1,076 sq ft

EPC=D

EPC=E

EPC=B

For Sale Guide £1.65 million

THE BUTTS TW8 3

For Sale

EALING

Guide £3.995 million

2,174 sq ft

GRANGE PARK W5

4,542 sq ft

EPC=D

EPC=C

Call us 7 days a week on 020 7877 4640 savills.co.uk

TO LET

EALING

£519 pw + fees apply*

£357 pw + fees apply*

FORGE COTTAGES W5

1,319 sq ft

MONTAGUE ROAD W13

605 sq ft

EPC=E

EPC=D

LET

EALING

Guide £565 pw

LET

EALING

Guide £680 pw

Guide £623 pw

HAVEN GREEN W5

1,333 sq ft

ELM CRESCENT W5

1,577 sq ft

MADLEY ROAD W5

1,707 sq ft

EPC=E

EPC=D

LET

EALING

Guide £375 pw

EALING

Guide £475 pw

RANELAGH ROAD W5

596 sq ft

WESTGATE HOUSE TW8

912 sq ft

EPC=D

EPC=B

The Butts, Brentford TW8 A subtstantial five bedroom detached Victorian villa This exquisite house has been the subject of a complete renovation program offering the new owner modern touches and sympathetic detailing that befits a house of this period. 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, wet room, WC, kitchen, dining room, reception, drawing room, study, utility room, gym, cinema, sauna, swimming pool, front and rear gardens, roof terrace, off street parking. EPC: C. Approximately 661.17 sq m (7,117 sq ft). Freehold

Guide price: £2,700,000 KnightFrank.co.uk/CWK150078

KnightFrank.co.uk/chiswick chiswick@knightfrank.com 020 3757 6230