Vantage Magazine December 2011 - St John's Woods edition by Runwild Media Group

Vantage

COVERING ST JOHN’S WOOD, MAIDA VALE, PRIMROSE HILL, MARYLEBONE, regent’s park AND THE SURROUNDING AREA

Love L u x e

White

Exclusive & exquisite: gorgeous gift guides

C h r i s t m a s divine inspiration for perfect festive interiors

fashion travel motoring interiors property D EC E M B E R

2011

i s s u e 1 7

The New Sunseeker Predator 60

www.sunseekerlondon.com

Sunseeker London 36 Davies Street, Mayfair, London W1K 4NF 21-22 Grosvenor Street, Mayfair, London W1K 4QJ Tel: +44 (0)20 7355 0980 Email: info@sunseekerlondon.com

contents

spotlight

feature

feature 12 House of Henry

Henry Holland shares his future vision

17 Festive Spotlight

HappyChristmas NW!

Christmas fairs and yuletide specials

It is this time of year, with its emphasis on coming together and sharing special keepsakes and festive specialities, which highlights why North West London is such a delightful place to live. Be sure to get involved in some of the festivities planned by our favourite local businesses Community Fun St John’s Wood Christmas Street Fair comes to the High Street on 4 December bringing enjoyment for all the family. Cabbages & Frocks Market are behind the event, promising a fantastic day of celebration and entertainment which will raise money for the St John’s Wood Hospice. Highlights include performances by the Silvia Young children’s choir and a 62-strong motown and gospel group. Father Christmas will also be in attendance and a mystery celebrity will switch on the area’s Christmas lights at 3.30pm. Primrose Hill’s own fair will take place on 27 November when Regent’s Park Road will play host to children’s rides and live music from Radio 1 DJ Nick Grimshaw and jazz singer Colette Copper. There will also be stalls selling jewellery, clothing, mulled wine and delicious world foods

concierge 22 Divine Design

Fashion forward gifts for that stylish someone

36 Style Secrets

HOT

with all profits helping the local business association to pay for the village’s seasonal decorations. Two of NW1’s favourite businesses are also joining forces to promote Christmas shopping in the local area. Those who spend £50 or more in Prim Nail and Beauty salon will be provided with a ten per cent discount voucher to redeem in fashion boutique Pamela Shiffer. Likewise those who spend over £150 on gorgeous clothing will be entitled to Prim’s gift packages at a reduced rate. With so many potential plans in the diary, it is great to hear that the Interchange Christmas Fair at Hampstead Town Hall will run on both 3 and 17 December with its mix of stalls including art and photography. Last year young visitors gathered to watch traditional films including Polar Express and A Christmas Carol.

roCKs

PhotograPhy:

Fashion Editor:

Mike Blackett

Lucie Dodds

G wyneth Paltrow talks personal style

40 The Trend

White Christmas classics at home

collection

58 Twinkle Twinkle

Sparkly inspiration for Christmas

interiors concierge

the trend

Yellow sapphires and diamonds set in yellow and white gold necklace, and matching earrings, POA, Haute Joaillerie collection, Chopard, 12 New Bond Street W1, 020 7409 3140 (www.chopard.com)

64 Larger than Life

Embrace the white Christmas tradition, and create a cosy and attractive space using a pale colour palette and delicate decorations

Indoor/Outdoor LED Pin Lights, £45 The White Company, www.thewhitecompany.com

Glitter & Jewel Snowflake Bauble £4.50, John Lewis, www.johnlewis.com

Jean-Claude Biver, CEO of Hublot

Jewel Snowflake Tree Decoration £4.50 John Lewis, www.johnlewis.com

Eliot Raffit Silver Bauble, £39.99 Harrods, www.harrods.com

Beads & Flower Bauble, Silver, £3.50 John Lewis, www.johnlewis.com Assorted Glass Angels, £3 John Lewis, www.johnlewis.com

calibre

Antiqued-Glass Frill-Edge Tealight Holder, £12, The White Company www.thewhitecompany.com

74 Less is More

Gold Star Bauble, £3.99, Zara Home www.zarahome.com

Audi A6 offers plenty without the extras

Pair of Glitter Gold Reindeer, £36 Graham and Green www.grahamandgreen.co.uk

Hi-Ball Orpheo Glass, £70.20 Val Saint Lambert www.amara.co.uk

78 Sportstars: The Rivals

82 Feast & Fancy

Festive tipples & seasonal treats

88 Cultural Captial

Glass Angel Tealight holders, £13 John Lewis, www.johnlewis.com

Rivera Marshmallow Sparkle Tree, £50 Harrods Food Halls, www.harrods.com

World’s greatest sporting rivalries

connoisseur

White glitter Christmas Arrangement £15, John Lewis, www.johnlewis.com Gold Rush Range - Pre-Lit Gold Spruce Wreath, £29.50, Marks & Spencer www.marksandspencer.com

Museums galore in Mexico City

regulars 27 fashion

77 sports

39 interiors

87 travel

47 beauty

95 food & drink

57 collection

98 out & about

74 motoring

105 property

about us...

RUNWILD M

Homes, interiors, interviews, gardens, food, family, fashion and travel: Every month VANTAGE delivers the definitive lifestyle guide boasting the best life has to offer. With carefully selected lead interviews and stories, our team of writers brings to life the people, personalities and places that are both relevant and inspirational. VANTAGE is the latest publication from dynamic, independent publishing house Runwild Media (RWM). The ethos of high-quality and intelligent editorial combined with a stylish aesthetic has helped them carve a niche in the field of luxury publishing. Specialising in bespoke, luxury titles with exclusive partnerships (including Canary Wharf Group, British Land, The Royal Exchange, Visit London, The O2 and many more) the company is rapidly expanding its portfolio with many new exciting magazine launches coming soon.

Editor

Emma Mills

Assistant Editor Gabrielle Lane

Collection Editor Annabel Harrison

Fashion Editor Lucie Dodds

Features Writer Richard Brown

Head of Design Hiren Chandarana

contributors...

Brand Consistency Laddawan Juhong

Designer

Ashley Lewis

Production Manager Fiona Fenwick

Production

Hugo Wheatley

Advertising Manager Kate Oxbrow

Head of Finance Elton Hopkins

1. Andreu Doz

grew up in charismatic Barcelona, before moving to London in 2006 to study at Goldsmith University. He nows works fulltime as a photographer, specialising in location and portrait shots.

Managing Director

2. Matthew Carter is

Eren Ellwood

a London-based freelance journalist who has been writing about cars for most of his working life. A former editor of Autocar magazine, he is a serial car owner.

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Vantage

COVERING ST JOHNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S WOOD, MAIDA VALE, PRIMROSE HILL, MARYLEBONE, REGENTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PARk AND THE SURROUNDING AREA

Love White Christmas Interiors, p.40 Runwild Media Group Publishers of: Canary Wharf magazine The City magazine, Vicinitee

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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. takes no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

exclusive & exquisite: gorgeous gift guides

C h r i s t m a s divine inspiration for perfect festive interiors

fashion travel motoring interiors property DECEMBER

2011

i s s u e 1 7

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December

from the editor... It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the Christmas edition of Vantage. As we head into December, the twinkling lights, festive wreaths and yuletide fairs happening throughout the local area remind us all what a wonderful place London is during the festive season. And, I can honestly think of no better part of the city to spend this time than in NW. With fairs in Primrose Hill, Marylebone, St John’s Wood, Hampstead and West Hampstead there is a plethora of inspiration for even the most cynical of Scrooges (p. 17), while the festive walks organised across Hampstead Heath and Regent’s Park over Christmas Eve and Boxing Day provide us with a healthy way to get out and about (p. 98). As always, our exclusive Gift Guides provide you with the best in luxurious and unique presents and gifts for all the special people in your life. We’ve covered a divine selection of fashion, beauty and interiors ideas on p. 22, while looking at the best in boys toys on p. 70. Our Collection gift guide showcases some of the most beautiful jewellery, watches and luxury brands (p. 58), while presents for foodies are well-catered for with hampers, wine selections and festive treats on p. 82. There’s a brief respite from Christmas fever in our interviews with fashion stalwarts and top celebrity locals Henry Holland and Gwyneth Paltrow. Holland leads our main interview, and

talks about his career history, inspiration and love for Primrose Hill (p. 12), while Paltrow talks to us about her role as brand ambassador for much loved leather goods company Coach, which made its UK debut recently (p. 36). Back to Christmas and we’re featuring a selection of the best wines to enjoy over the festive season and picking our choice of the most interesting places to soak up the yuletide atmosphere (p. 96); as well as trying out the newest openings in the local area (p. 95) and reviewing the wonderful Galvin La Chapelle (p. 97). Also this month, we take some brief time out to explore the new cultural mecca that is Mexico City, a wealth of colour and class, (p. 88). And closer to home we’re channeling some serious Bing Crosby to create a divine and stylish White Christmas in our interiors section. There’s also fashion from Lanvin, hotel chic at The Grosvenor, fab motoring from Audi, sporting rivalry in the name of Mohammed Ali and the late, great Joe Frazier and beauty picks from Laura Mercier, YSL and Illamasqua. Phew! Have a truly magical Christmas...!

Emma Mills Editor

ASTB_A4_City_Mag_Oct11.indd 1

19/9/11 10:44:16

interview

feature

With one of Britain’s brightest fashion labels launching another new line, Gabrielle Lane talks to local resident and designer of the moment Henry Holland about Primrose Hill and projects

y rights, Henry Holland should be on the other side of the Dictaphone, and perhaps even writing this interview, in the colloquial, witty tone which makes him a popular contributor to Vogue.com. Why? Because the cool and quirky fashion designer actually initially trained in journalism at London College of Printing. Nevertheless, anyone who has ever rocked a T-shirt with a rhyming slogan, is loving the modern take on country tweed this season or wishes they could carry off a touch more neon, has Holland’s change of direction to thank. Accordingly, it was my great pleasure to be the one asking the questions when the man himself called me recently to talk new projects and Primrose Hill. Following two seasons showing with the non-profit initiative Fashion East in 2008, Holland’s label, House of Holland, proved itself worthy of captivating the international fashion press all by itself and held its own show in the same year. Following the show, the range won the ‘Best Use of Tartan’ prize at the Scottish Fashion Awards and the label now produces four collections annually. It would be a cliché, though entirely appropriate, to say that Holland has never looked back from those early previews. Yet, in fact he’s anything but complacent about his success. “It’s flattering but it can be a lot of pressure, a bit of both,” he explains. “It (the success) has helped

feature interview

Above: House of Holland S/S12 Left: Henry Holland moped on the streets of Primrose Hill

Quick Dates us with the financial stress of running a label, but there’ll always be challenges.” This November, Holland expanded the House of Holland empire once again with a range of underwear for both men and women. As the pictures show, such pressure has certainly not sapped his sense of humour or enthusiasm. While the designs could be be considered simple and perhaps even cheeky, it is precisely the ability to produce both playful staples and chic tailoring, or mix up cotton basics with fine silks and blend rebellious style with a grandmother-esque muse that has made House of Holland so popular and distinctive. In fact, so iconic are the label’s designs that I was keen to know if Henry felt stifled by this recurring descriptions of his work by the fashion media. “It can feel like we’re being stereotyped,” he admits. “It can be a bit strange, but it is nice that people recognise our stuff, though we don’t set out to be controversial. With fashion I feel like I have to be enjoying myself and having fun with what I do, so it’s always been part of approach, whether the project be underwear, or whatever.” It’s also clear throughout our conversation that this large dose of fun which pervades the brand is coupled with steely business sense, something which Holland acknowledged in a previous interview in which he spoke of the importance of the trait. On the day we speak, he is similarly matterof-fact. “The underwear was an extension of the House of Holland hosiery which is doing really well, it was a natural progression, we’ve been doing tights for three years so it made sense to extend that side of the business,” he says. And when I asked of his plans post fashion week, which was held just days after our interview, I was expecting more champagne and canapés than details of the hectic schedule he reeled off. “After the show, we get the collection ready for sale; it’s still work, work, work. First we’re going to New York for appointments, and then we’re off to Paris to do all of our international stuff. The four collections a year mean we never stop,” he sighed, while quickly asserting how grateful he is for his success.

1984 Born in Lancashire 2006 Launches career with slogan ti-shirts worn by Gareth Pugh and Giles Deacon 2007 Collaboration with Kickers as part of Fashion East at London Fashion Week 2008 First solo show at London Fashion Week 2009 Creates capsule ti-shirt collection, on sale at Dover Street Market Launches hosiery collaboration with Pretty Polly 2010 Reveals collaboration with Debenhams 2011 House of Holland underwear and Le Specs sunglasses range

Thankfully, he does get some time to himself and has chosen the fabulous Primrose Hill as his London base. “I’ve lived there for eight years now and it has a really villagey feel,” he says. “I’m from a little village up North so it’s nice and familiar. It’s great because there’s so much greenery and peace and quiet, but you’re only 25 minutes across the park to central London and it’s easy to get on the M1.” London is also something of Holland’s inspiration, from the boutiques and the street style to, what he terms, a mixing pot of ideas and culture. Unsurprisingly, when declaring it the best city in the world for shopping, he reveals it to be a big indulgence. “I buy a lot of shoes; they’re my biggest extravagance, lots of shoes. Though to be honest, all I like to do in my time off is sleep. It’s also at the end of the day when you stop doing stuff, that you get the best ideas, when you’re in bed or even when you’re in the shower.” As for the nature of his ideas for the future, he was understandably cryptic, promising a ‘few things’ in the pipeline and vowing to continue with the other collections for seasons to come. He has no reason not to. He himself sums up his career and life at present with a characteristically cheerful and laid-back comment: “I’m happy as larry, although that doesn’t actually rhyme!” n The House of Holland underwear collection is available now, www.houseofholland.co.uk

spotlight

feature

HappyChristmas NW! It is this time of year, with its emphasis on coming together and sharing special keepsakes and festive specialities, which highlights why North West London is such a delightful place to live. Be sure to get involved in some of the festivities planned by our favourite local businesses Community Fun St John’s Wood Christmas Street Fair comes to the High Street on 4 December bringing enjoyment for all the family. Cabbages & Frocks Market are behind the event, promising a fantastic day of celebration and entertainment which will raise money for the St John’s Wood Hospice. Highlights include performances by the Silvia Young children’s choir and a 62-strong motown and gospel group. Father Christmas will also be in attendance and a mystery celebrity will switch on the area’s Christmas lights at 3.30pm. Primrose Hill’s own fair will take place on 27 November when Regent’s Park Road will play host to children’s rides and live music from Radio 1 DJ Nick Grimshaw and jazz singer Colette Copper. There will also be stalls selling jewellery, clothing, mulled wine and delicious world foods

We’re hearing that cupcakes from Bake-a-boo and snacks from The Kitchen Table will be amongst the offering at West Hampstead Christmas Market which will take place around West End Lane, West End Green and Emmanuel Church on 10 December, along with lots of gift ideas and crafts. It is unsurprising that Camden Council will help support the West Hampstead event as the area has its own legendary plans for the Camden Lock Market. This year late night shopping, juggling and magic shows will help transform the area into a winter wonderland. Another market generating lots of interest and excitement, is organised by online blogger MsMarmitelover. Famed for her secretive soirees, the pioneering supper club host promises an underground food fair at a secret NW location – complete with mixologists and Christmas pudding from the inmates of Highdown Prison. While we know it will takes place on 5 December, the venue will be announced closer to the time at: http://marmitelover.blogspot.com Not only is it Christmas, but Alfie’s Antique Market in St John’s Wood is celebrating its 35th birthday with cocktails, canapés and vintage gifts on 8 December. Pop down after work from 5-9pm to party with the 75 traders on-site.

Festive Treats At the time of going to press we were eagerly awaiting the unveiling of Lost in Beauty’s seasonal window displays. Director Georgina Hamed has enlisted the help of renowned urban artist Inkie to create an eye-catching themed art piece on the glass. The boutique will also be holding a festive event in conjunction with a private viewing of works by Jennifer Martin, which sounds to us like a great place to enjoy mulled wine, mince pies and a spot of culture! Outside of their brilliant Primrose Hill collaboration, Prim Nail and Beauty will also be offering those who purchase gift vouchers a discount off a treatment of their choice, including the wonderful semi-permanent mascara application which lasts three weeks, leaving lashes looking luscious throughout the holidays. Should you have any last minute stocking filler needs, assorted packages are also available from Dermalogica and OPI in-house. In Marylebone, Content Beauty & Well-being will once again host its wonderful Christmas shopping evening, this time on 8 December. Previous years have seen locals enjoy champagne, make-overs and new product demonstrations in the cosy surroundings of the organic emporium, so expect more of the same - along with tempting discounts! Those who find themselves weary from the festive fizz will have lots of options for revival. Every day between 13 and 24 December, the Chuan Spa at The Langham Hotel will be providing value-added gifts and savings through their website, with each promotion running for just 24 hours. We’ve been told that highlights of the 12 Days of Christmas campaign will include complimentary body scrubs, along with other treatments and price reductions on the divine Chuan facials and body rituals. Having reviewed the spa earlier this month, we know these festive treats promise to be some of the most decadent around! Also this season, be sure to find time to visit Tillie’s Nail Lounge in Maida Vale, which is not just unveiling decorations, but a whole new look at the beginning of December. The spa space has always been gorgeous and

feature

All Images: Andreu Doz

spotlight

inviting and now, thanks to its success, Tillie’s is expanding, with two beauty treatment rooms and lots more pampering to be had. Unusual make-up ranges will also be available for those looking for a unique gift, and girly parties will remain a real speciality; so if you’ve not booked your Christmas team celebrations yet, schedule food, drinks and some shameless indulgence! Finally, the ultimate top-to-toe transformation is available at MACS London, which has both Maida Vale and Primrose Hill outposts. The team will alleviate the stress of getting ready as they create a glamorous up-do, provide a mini manicure and pedicure, apply false lashes and professional make-up and serve champagne during a comprehensive pampering session.

Dressing Up Within the realms of fashion, Cochinechine in Hampstead will be styling their Christmas windows with a seasonal display while their trusted buyers are choosing some beautiful clothing and accessories with gifting in mind. Shikasuki in Primrose Hill is also our safe bet for showstopping outfits and lovely finds which no one else will have; owner Rachel Ducker has been telling us all about the vintage Russian china and gowns she’s sourced recently, which anyone would be delighted to find under their tree. No doubt Austique in Marylebone will also be inundated with requests for their well-chosen, statement dresses - think beautiful, aubergine Libelula maxis, beaded tunics by Alice + Olivia and Markus Lupfer sequin numbers which will see you through the social calendar. The boutique offers free gift-wrapping and will be serving champagne and mince pies throughout December as carols play. We’re also excited to hear that many residents in the local area will receive ten per cent discount vouchers in the catalogues arriving through their doors in the coming days. KJ’s Laundry will also be embracing the yuletide spirit and, like Content Beauty, have opted to invite their customers in on 8 December for drinks, treats and savings. For one night only womenswear and gifts will be offered at twenty per cent off and jewellery will be reduced by ten per cent. Guts for Garters in Camden, the art and fashion concept boutique, has chosen a ‘Gruesome Anatomy Christmas’ themed installation for this time of year. It may sound a little odd but the brilliant gallery/shopping space always manages to execute fantastic displays with help from some talented contributors. n

Left : Festive scenes out and about in NW London

Address Book ALFIE’S ANTIQUE MARKET 13-25 CHURCH STREET, NW8

AUSTIQUE

330 KINGS ROAD, SW3

CHUAN SPA

THE LANGHAM, 1C PORTLAND PLACE, REGENT STREET, W1

COCHINECHINE

74 HEATH STREET, NW3

CONTENT BEAUTY

14 BULSTRODE STREET, W1

EMMANUEL CHURCH LYNCROFT GARDENS, NW3

Hampstead Town Hall Centre

213 Haverstock Hill, NW3

KJ’S LAUNDRY

74 MARYLEBONE LANE, W1U

MACS LONDON

61 KILBURN HIGH ROAD, NW6 5SB

Pamela Shiffer

75 Regent’s Park Road, NW1

PRIM NAIL AND BEAUTY 2 ERSKINE ROAD, NW3

GUTS FOR GARTERS

GROUND FLOOR, THE COBB GALLERY, 205 ROYAL COLLEGE STREET, NW1

SHIKASUKI

67 GLOUCESTER AVENUE, NW1

TILLIE’S NAIL LOUNGE

NO. 5 FORMOSA STREET, W9

P L E A S E E N J OY O U R C H A M PA G N E R E S P O N S I B LY DRINKAWARE .CO.UK

fashion interiors interview

glitter & sparkle White Christmas .................... gwyneth paltrow

. ............................

. ................................

Circle of Style

T The Helen Green Pelham Wreath brings a rustic style to your door this season

hroughout the ages, wreaths at Christmas have always symbolised a classic and stylish nod to the time of year, and the sight of festive wreaths adorning doors throughout London is always the first sign that the most celebratory of seasons is upon us. This gorgeous wreath is by far our favourite luxury offering from London society florist John Carter and British luxury interior designer Helen Green. These two experts have combined their eye for elegant original design to create the ‘Pelham Wreath’, a show-stopping festive garland that

has been created using a combination of blue pines, fresh eucalyptus and eucalyptus pods, pheasant feathers, snow berries, preserved beech and lichen. The Pelham Wreath measures 20 by 20 inches and can be displayed in many ways: as a traditional door hanging, sophisticated table decoration, or alternatively in front of a large framed mirror to create a dramatic autumnal reflection. n The Pelham Wreath is priced at £150 and can be purchased from Helen Green Design 020 7352 3344 /mail@helengreendesign.com

Seasonal Style 4 1

2 3

5 6

1 Sheer Lace Robe, £625, Jenny Packham, www.harrods.com 2 Vol de Noit Perfumed Shimmer Powder, £49.50, Guerlain, www.johnlewis.com 3 Legged Cone Bracelet, £250, Eddie Borgo, www.cochinechine.co.uk 4 Michelle Dress, £470, Jexika, www.jexika.com 5 Embellished Leather Gloves, £645, Roberto Cavalli, www.netaporter.com 6 Marlene Sandal, £1295, Jimmy Choo, www.jimmychoo.com 7 Limited Edition Jimmy Choo EDP, £98, Jimmy Choo, www.harrods.com

Fashion & Beauty 10

13 15 14

8 Softy Chyc Animal-print Calf Hair Shoulder Bag, £1,380, YSL, www.netaporter.com 9 Feather Necklace, £325, Matthew Williamson, www.selfridges.com 10 Nail Duo in Boosh and Spartan, £20, Illamasqua, www.illamasqua.com 11 Fox Fur Gilet, £5,999, Lanvin, www.harrods.com 12 The One EDP, £67, Dolce & Gabbana, www.harrods.com 13 Eyes to Kill Intense Eyeshadow in 005 and 007, £24.50 each, Giorgio Armani, www.selfridges.com 14 44 Lash, £10, MAC, www.maccosmetics.co.uk 15 Sweet Dore Shoulder Bag, £1,130, Lanvin, www.harrods.com

DivineInteriors Design 3 1 2

6 8

7 1 Proud Peacock Crystal Dome Paperweight, John Derian, £55, www.liberty.co.uk 2 Large Clarence Pendant Light, £320, Heal’s, www.heals.co.uk 3 Horn Frame, £170, Gift Library, www.gift-library.com 4 Bathtub with Swarovski Elements, £POA, Catchpole & Rye, www.harrods.com 5 White Arm Chair, £1,250, Squint, www.selfridges.com 6 Les Endiables, £326, Saint Louis, www.harrods.com 7 Beula Tealight Holder, £9.99, Zara Home, www.zarahome.com 8 Vibora Cushion, £39.99, Zara Home, www.zarahome.com

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KALEIDOSCOPE BY

HEMING

CLASSIC JEWELS • DIAMONDS • FINE WATCHES FOR LIFE'S EXCEPTIONAL OCCASIONS 18-19 Burlington Arcade, London W1J 0PW

T: +44 (0)207 499 7644

W: www.hemingjewels.com

fashion

concierge

CHIC AND CHARITABLE The pretty Disaya dress worn by Amy Winehouse on the cover of her legendary Back to Black album is to be auctioned in aid of the charity set up as part of her legacy. The piece was originally chosen for the singer by stylist Amy Winwood, much to the delight of designer Disaya Sorakraikitikul, who confessed she was thrilled that Winehouse had worn the gown. The dress is expected to raise between £10,000 and £20,000 when it goes on sale on 29 November as part of the Passion for Fashion event in Pall Mall.

fashion

news

www.kerrytaylorauctions.com

Quote of the month:

All round Icon The first issue of a new biannual fashion magazine masterminded by local photographer and publisher Rankin, is available now. Entitled The Hunger, it will feature individuals from the worlds of art, design, fashion and music as part of beautiful photo shoots and insightful

interviews. Each issue will be available with both a male and female cover star, with the first two being Rhys Ifans and Skye Ferreira. An online counterpart will be updated weekly with backstage exclusives and documentaries. www.hungertv.com

Some choose the archetypal chain strap bag as their evening accessory, others a sparkly clutch. While there is undoubtedly room for both in a (very desirable) closet, this vintage-inspired Dorothy Sue bag is a classic in its own right. The gold python skin simultaneously satisfies both this season’s snake print and jewel-toned trends and the material is ethically sourced too. £274.99, www.safor.co.uk

www.fashionising.com

MUST-HAVE ITEM:

Fashion is a progression of revisited ideas... Bruce Oldfield

Website:

TREND:

With London such a hotbed of diversity and style, one could be forgiven for getting confused about the latest trends. While it’s important to invest in timeless pieces or choose items which flatter, this is a great website for anyone who wants to see the catwalk looks summarised.

Fashion Books Cheaper than the looks, and almost as much fun, are the new literary launches from our favourite designers. This year has already seen Mulberry: The Book, chronicling 40 years of the luxury British brand and the next few months will see us devour Christian Louboutin and Jimmy Choo’s handiwork in print.

HOT RO C K S

Photography:

Fashion Editor:

Mike Blackett

Lucie Dodds

Yellow sapphires and diamonds set in yellow and white gold necklace, and matching earrings, POA, Haute Joaillerie collection, Chopard, 12 New Bond Street W1, 020 7409 3140 (www.chopard.com)

Platinum and gold necklace with fancy sapphires (76.10 carats) and diamonds (0.67 carats), POA, and platinum and gold earrings in two fancy sapphires (26.82 carats), two pink sapphires (4.59 carats) and two blue sapphires (2.83 carats) with diamonds (1.24 carats), POA Bulgari, www.bulgari.com

Black south sea cultured pearl strand with 18k white gold pave diamond balls, POA, Mikimoto, 179 New Bond Street W1, 020 7399 9860, www.mikimoto.co.uk; Grey silk and black lace Isabella bra, ÂŁ120, Myla www.myla.com

Honeysuckle necklace, £120,000 and matching ring, £45,000, both Boodles, 020 7437 5050, www.boodles.com

Tourmaline and diamond cluster ring (14.03 carats), ÂŁ12,750, and Edwardian ruby and diamond scroll drop earrings, ÂŁ4,950, Bentley & Skinner, 22 Piccadilly W1, 020 7629 0651

Hair:

Darren Hau at Naked Artists Make-up:

Dani Guinsberg at onemakeup.com using Laura Mercier Purifying Cleansing Oil, Baked Eyeshadow in Black CaratCaviar Eye Stick in Jungle, Full Blown Mascara in Black, Invisible Loose Setting Powder, Cheek Melange, Tinted Moisturiser in Almond Photography Assistant:

David Lau Retouching:

Christopher Keatinge www.christopherkeatinge.com Thanks to Nick at Solalights, London

Not just another day at the office WELCOME TO TOWN HALL HOTEL & APARTMENTS

T O W N H A L L H O T E L & A PA R T M E N T S

Patriot Square, London, e2 9nf

+44 0460 +44 (0)20 (0)20 7871 7621 8783

www.townhallhotel.com

T O W N H A L L H O T E L & A PA R T M E N T S ABTA0210_TOWNHALL.indd 1

Patriot Square, London, e2 9nf

15/1/10 09:49:00

fashion

concierge

TheTwist Style up the perennial party season fail-safe that is the LBD with texture and a hint of sparkle, a la Lanvin

1 Couture Jacket, £POA, Nina Naustdal, www.nina-naudstal.com 2 Perla Necklace, £695, Paula Bianco, www.cochinechine.co.uk 3 Avalon Lace Dress, £255, By Malene Birger, www.bymalenebirger.com 4 Silver Buckle Leather Belt, £29.95, Harrods, www.harrods.com

Style

secrets

As Gwyneth Paltrow becomes the face of gorgeous accessories brand Coach, Alice Nail probes the actressâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new roles and enduring style rules

interview

concierge

t is easy to see why Gwyneth Paltrow was chosen to front the 70th anniversary campaign for luxury American accessories brand Coach. While the design house praised her sense of spirit and elegance, Gwyneth’s understated yet sophisticated style and familiarity, not only as an actress, but as a wife, mother and somewhat lifestyle guru with a demanding schedule, also lends itself perfectly to the high quality, classic pieces which embody the Coach aesthetic. With the European flagship store now in New Bond Street and Gwyneth having made her home in Belsize Park, we were eager to hear her own take on all things fashion and browse the new collection. On her personal look… “These days, it’s all about a uniform. I love classic items updated with simple new pieces — a necklace, a sandal, a handbag. Style means knowing what works for you. I learned early on that following trends is not always the way to go. On becoming an ambassador for Coach… “I remember having a black Coach Duffle bag and just loving that bag. Back in the late 80s, it seemed that every girl in New York had a Coach bag. It was a rite of passage. It’s fun to see those bags are back.”

On the differences between New York and London trends... “I think a decade ago you could say both cities were very different style wise. Today, New Yorkers and Londoners are equally fashion forward. There’s great street style originating in both cities.”

On day-to-day fashion… “Quality and craftsmanship are incredibly important, not just in regards to fashion, but in regards to so many things in life; furniture, architecture and food even. I like things that are timeless. The Caroline Dowal satchel from the Coach Fall/Winter collection is beautifully designed. I could see myself keeping that bag for a very long time.”

On shopping in London... “I love shoes and jewellery. I’m the same as every woman; I always start out with good intentions and end up carrying way more than I wanted. All my friends here know Coach, so it will be great to see the flagship on New Bond Street.” n www.coach.com

www.boconcept.co.uk

Extendable dining table £1795. Dining chair from £349

Order in time for Christmas

MAKE ROOM FOR SOMEONE SPECIAL The festive season will soon be here so it’s time to start thinking about those all important dinner parties. Find a wide range of dining furniture that will fit your needs, taste and budget. Explore all the options at BoConcept Tottenham Court Road or online at boconcept.co.uk.

BoConcept TCR · 158 Tottenham Court Road · London W1T 7NH · 0207 388 2447

304_UK_TCR_Seasonal_1-1Christ 2011 Dining_Canary Wharf .indd 1

2/10/11 20:45:33

interiors

concierge

For the KITSCH

interiors

news

Kosta Boda is one of the world’s most eminent glassware brands, with each piece an intricate and original blend of function and form. The Swedish design house produces everything from goldlaced goblets to vases, as well as this striking new ‘make-up’ collection created by the uber talented Asa Jungnelius, which is intended as a statement of society’s femininity and encompasses lipsticks, display glasses and nail polish bottles. www.kostaboda.com

For the CONTINENTAL This month we filed B&B Italia in the Vantage address book ready for an ultra contemporary and crisp interiors trend brief. Creations of the B&B Italia kind regularly spawn the ‘ergonomic’ tag, and offer interesting shapes styled in bold colours and industrial materials, with an equally practical appeal.

Some of the most stand-out items are the fashionable padded Husk chair by Patricia Urquiola, a super comfortable floor cushionesque shape termed the ‘Up2’ and the almost industrial Lithos side tables which are simple but very cool. WWw.bebitalia.it

For the QUIRKY The editor’s pick this month is this stunning lamp, fashioned from a vintage fire extinguisher. Each salvaged item is unique and has been dipped in nickel to create an elegant table lamp, topped with a black shade. There are few designs which blend history with sleek modernity so well. The design is typical of those from The Games Room Company which provides a range of interesting reconditioned furniture and centre pieces including vintage cola vending machines, cinema seats and jukeboxes. £1,700, www.gamesroomcompany.com

the trend Embrace the white Christmas tradition, and create a cosy and attractive space using a pale colour palette and delicate decorations

Indoor/Outdoor LED Pin Lights, £45 The White Company, www.thewhitecompany.com

Beads & Flower Bauble, Silver, £3.50 John Lewis, www.johnlewis.com Glitter & Jewel Snowflake Bauble £4.50, John Lewis, www.johnlewis.com

Gold Star Bauble, £3.99, Zara Home www.zarahome.com

Glass Angel Tealight holders, £13 John Lewis, www.johnlewis.com

interiors

concierge

Jewel Snowflake Tree Decoration £4.50 John Lewis, www.johnlewis.com

Eliot Raffit Silver Bauble, £39.99 Harrods, www.harrods.com

Assorted Glass Angels, £3 John Lewis, www.johnlewis.com

Antiqued-Glass Frill-Edge Tealight Holder, £12, The White Company www.thewhitecompany.com

White glitter Christmas Arrangement £15, John Lewis, www.johnlewis.com Gold Rush Range - Pre-Lit Gold Spruce Wreath, £29.50, Marks & Spencer www.marksandspencer.com

Pair of Glitter Gold Reindeer, £36 Graham and Green www.grahamandgreen.co.uk

Hi-Ball Orpheo Glass, £70.20 Val Saint Lambert www.amara.co.uk

Rivera Marshmallow Sparkle Tree, £50 Harrods Food Halls, www.harrods.com

concierge interiors Crack Christmas Bauble, £9.99 Zara Home, www.zarahome.com

Gold Oval Bauble, £3.99, Zara Home www.zarahome.com

Silver & Pearl Wreath, £25, John Lewis www.johnlewis.com

Lapland Christmas Stocking £10, habitat, www.habitat.co.uk

Dragonfly Clip Tree decoration, £4.50 John Lewis, www.johnlewis.com

White Cut Out Metal Pot, £25, Monsoon Home, www.monsoon.co.uk

Winter Botanical Large Candle, £30 The White Company, www.thewhitecompany.com Jewel Christmas Decorations, £8 for 24 pack, John Lewis, www.johnlewis.com

Mayfair

the heart of

c o c kta i l b a r | lo u n g e | r e s ta u r a n t | c h e f â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s d i n i n g r o o m | a r t g a l l e r y | l a c a v e 1 0 l a n c a s h i r e c o u r t n e w b o n d s t r e e t lo n d o n w 1 s 1 e y + 4 4 ( 0 ) 2 0 7 5 1 8 9 3 8 8 w w w. m e w s o f m ay fa i r . c o m

Get the look The Grosvenor

The Grosvenor is an iconic Grade II Listed property, situated in the heart of Victoria which opened in 1862. The hotel is currently being restored to its 19th Century splendour as the subject of a ÂŁ20m refurbishment project undertaken by owners Guoman. Highlights of the work include the uncovering of original white marble pillars and application of ÂŁ100,000 worth of gold leaf on the columns of the grand lobby.

The Reunion Bar

Originally the VIP lounge for first class passengers at Victoria station with staircases leading to platform one, the Reunion Bar has become a glamorous destination for cocktails, fine wines and great food. Details include artwork inspired by Lawrence Olivier and Vivian Lee who used to visit the lounge when waiting to board the Brighton Belle. www.thistle.com/the-grosvenor

interiors

concierge

The New Old With The Grosvenor possessing such heritage, furniture and lighting which blends classic and contemporary styles is the key to creating the right feel. Jet Black Nine Arm Chandelier, £745, Heal’s www.heals.co.uk

Drink Up Every cocktail bar needs chic glasses and crystalware. This tumbler set from Moser features six quirky and brilliantly eye-catching designs. Bar Tumbler Set of Six, £779, Moser www.gift-library.net

On the Throne Fabrics such as silk and velvet add instant opulence, while exaggerated shapes set the tone for a fun and entertaining space. Very Velvet Biofeld Black Chair, £860 The French Bedroom Company, www. frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk

Two’s Company The Reunion Bar is home to these striking circular ottomans which offer increased functionality and a stylish design. Sofa 60-312, £7,404, Christopher Guy www.christopherguy.com

Cool Cushions The cushions in the Reunion Bar add another layer to the interiors scheme. The combination of gold with dark tones is sumptuous. Round Cushion with Yarn Applique, £49, BoConcept www.boconcept.co.uk

Captivate Your Senses The first internationally-acclaimed Chuan Spa in Europe is now open at The Langham, London. Rediscover your source with luxurious treatments inspired by the philosophy of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The Langham, London 1c Port land Place, Regent Street, London W1B 1JA T 44 (0) 20 7973 7550

tllon.info@chuanspa.com

www.chuanspa.co.uk

AUCKLAND • BOSTON • HONG KONG • LONDON • LOS ANGELES • MELBOURNE • SHANGHAI

ChuanSpa ExclusiveMag.indd 1

15/3/11 13:35:46

beauty

concierge

Must Have Trend

beauty

DIMANTE DETAILS There are few beauty classics which haven’t been bejewelled this December. It started with the Incandescent fragrance range from Aura by Swarovski and has seen our favourite moisturisers, powders and lip glosses wrapped in glittering gems. Divine!

news

Estee Lauder Pure Color Lipstick

TREASURE TROVE One of the oldest and most revered independent perfumeries in Britain has opened in the prestigious surroundings of Portman Village. The luxury fragrance boutique Les Senteurs celebrates historic and exclusive scents under the guidance of the passionate staff, including perfume archivist James Craven. The location will also include a ‘scent salon’ created for the purposes of meetings and exhibitions dedicated to exploring the art of beauty. 2 Seymour Place, W1 www.lessentEUrs.com

beauty scoop: KATHLEEN GRANADOS TALKS PAMPERING Massages are a great way to alleviate stress and promote a restful night’s sleep. Amidst the frenzy of the festive season, the holidays also provide the perfect time to sit back and indulge in some rest and relaxation. With this in mind, we asked Kathleen Granados, managing director of the lovely Pacifica Day Spa in Hampstead (which we visited and LOVED last month) to give us some tips on delivering the perfect massage.

1. Start by prepping the skin with a good body brush. Brush lightly in an upwards direction to stimulate the removal of toxins. 2. Add a few drops of essential oil to a massage lotion. Lavender is one of the best and can be used neat. 3. Take time to massage the extremities (hands, feet and scalp). This is one of the quickest and simplest ways to relieve tension.

www.esteelauder.co.uk

Must-Have Colour MOLTEN METAL

The end of November saw the launch of the latest futuristic collection of colours from MAC Cosmetics, simply entitled ‘Metal X’. The gold, silver and platinum toned cream shadows can be used to highlight and shade and follow the wave of space-age beauty muses on the A/W11 catwalks. www.maccosmetics.co.uk

89 Heath Street, NW3 6UG

Must-Have Item KATHLEEN’S TOP PRODUCTS 1. Ultrarich Body Cream, £27.75 Dermalogica 2. Instant Refreshing Gel, £27.60, Elemis 3. Musclease Active Body Oil, £30.70, Elemis

4. Omorovicza, £13, Urban Retreat Beautique

QUIRKY PALETTES

There are few stocking fillers as individual as the Hanamichi Kabuki inspired eye shadow palette from NARS. Not only are the rust red, ice white, gold and charcoal shades on trend for Autumn/Winter but we love the super soft eye brush and flower design inspired by a Japanese theatre. www.narscosmetics.com

Best of beauty Winter Wonders

Petite Eye Trio Smokey Neutrals £20, Laura Mercier www.lauramercier.co.uk

NataliaYeromina / Shutterstock.com

Palette Blanc Terriblement £39, YSL, www.ysl-parfums.com

Trend Alert ICE BEAUTY Frost-tipped, fresh-faced beauty is one of the prettiest beauty trends of the season. An ethereal interpretation was on show at Elie Saab where models wore icy blues and glitters on the eye, while at Salvatore Ferragamo black and white liner were used for a modern finish. Our favourite look was soft and smokey at Anna Sui.

RECREATE THE LOOK 1. 2. 3. 4.

Apply a neutral base colour to the eyelid Blend a slightly darker tone of eye shadow near the lash line and towards the outer corner of the eye Add a lighter tone towards the inner corner and emphasise with a shimmery eye pencil Use a highlighting cream on the brow and at the inner corner of the eye

High Beam £18.50, Benefit Cosmetics www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk Medium Pencil in Vow £13, Illamasqua www.illamasqua.com

beauty

concierge

Essentials

Address Book Butterfly Boutique

Winter Skincare As winter draws in a great beauty routine is a necessity in order to maintain soft skin and a radiant complexion. Stock up on rich moisturisers and wonder serums to see and feel the difference

115 Newgate Street, EC1A 7AE www.butterfly-london.co.uk Butterfly London is every socialite’s best friend and definitely a destination to know ahead of the Christmas party season. The luxe hair and makeup boutique is a real haven of transformation in the heart of the capital – complete with stylists and beauty therapists who work in unison to ensure clients look event ready in an instant; a glamorous blow-dry and a sassy smoky-eye is just 20 minutes away.

The Concentrate £295, Crème de la Mer www.cremedelamer.co.uk

Three of a Kind PERFUMES Just in time for Christmas, we’ve been admiring gorgeous scents and their accompanying bottles which intensify their gift-worthy status. The limited edition version of Womanity from Thierry Mugler is adorned with an elaborate necklace of 14 chains worthy of its feminine and long-lasting scent, while we love the gem-like casing of Van Cleef & Arpels Rose Des Neiges. The fragrance has a base of tonka bean and sandalwood, combined with magnolia and flora and the bottle was inspired by a winter rose. Similarly eye-catching is the Extract Jewel from Aura by Swarovski which is available on request and comes presented in a leather case. The ultimate in lavish gifts!

Tissue Serum, €100 Anne Semonin www.annesemonin.com

Skin Caviar Luxe Cream, £452 La Prairie, www.laprairie.com

Neroli Essential Night Balm, £31.50 Decleor, www.decleor.co.uk

3 1 Limited Edition Womanity Eau de Parfum, Thierry Mugler, £50 020 7307 6700

2 Féerie Rose Des Neiges £53, Van Cleef & Arpels www.harrods.com

3 Extract Jewel, Aura by Swarovski

Rescue Mask, £50, EveLom, www.evelom.com

£950, 020 7307 6700

concierge beauty

Indulge at Aman The Connaught’s Aman Spa absolutely deserves its beauty mecca status, says Emma Mills

his year the glossies and the gurus have proclaimed The Connaught’s Aman Spa to be London’s finest, so it was about time Vantage put the recommendations to the test.

Approach Aman Spas have become an international byword for luxury and tranquillity and their treatments are rooted in classical and traditional remedies. All therapists undertake a daily meditation session to encourage them to sense the needs of the client and tailor treatments accordingly, which gives the whole experience a bespoke undertone. Unlike themed spas, Aman incorporates the best of practices from a variety of ancient cultures including natural elements drawn from the Americas, a focus on personal balance from India, overarching peacefulness from China and a health-conscious attitude from Thailand.

Surroundings The spa is styled in a suitably relaxing colour palette of warm earthy tones combined with sleek materials and modern fittings. It has all the facilities you’d expect from a state-of-the-art venue including beautiful treatment rooms, a steam room and a swanky fitness centre to fulfil all of your cardio

needs. There’s also a swimming pool which operates family friendly sessions in early mornings and afternoons, but was perfectly peaceful during our visit. In the treatment rooms, there is a personal dressing area and steam room and a calming atmosphere is created by candles and a customisable playlist. There are also double treatment rooms available for couples or friends who wish to unwind together.

Treatments Before each treatment, guests undertake a holistic consultation and are invited to enjoy herbal infusions in the relaxation area before the extreme pampering commences. The spa offers a full complement of massage, facial and body therapies including facial rejuvenation acupuncture which renews the skin’s elasticity through massage, herbal medicine and roller detoxification. Other highlights

include body envelopment which uses the application of clay and minerals to soften the skin while the therapist delivers a soothing head massage. n www.the-connaught.co.uk

Spa Spotlight ... Signature Aman Experience My Inspired by Thailand treatment took two and half hours and my Thai therapist really knew her stuff. It started with an hour long traditional Thai massage, a hands-on experience where the body is stretched and pulled in various positions, targeting back, shoulders and hips – areas which traditionally can get tight or sore. The experience was amazing, my therapist used her whole body, including her feet to stand on the back of my legs at one point, to manipulate my limbs into various contortions. It was the best stretch I’ve ever had and afterwards my body felt relaxed and supple. Following this I had an indulgent 15 minutes in my own private steam bath, before my therapist finished the session with an hour long soothing massage using oils and scents, specifically chosen with me in mind. I left feeling soothed and stretched with a noticeable inner calm which lasted all evening.

VANTAGEpromotion

PARTY SEASON PERFECTION When you need to look glamorous and feel confident, EF MEDISPA has the ultimate treatment menu to get you there TOP TIP: THE NEW, NO-NEEDLE BOTOX Straight from Switzerland, a new linesmoothing face treatment has arrived at EF MEDISPA to offer the same results as Botox – without the needles. The Pep-8 facial harnesses the superpowers of peptides, antioxidants, vitamins and oils to relax the muscles that cause wrinkles – plus soothe, nourish, plump and protect the skin for up to a year. The perfect way to put your best face forward for 2012. Let’s face it, when the depths of winter hit, we all need a party season saviour. And whether it be slipping into that dress or getting glowing, vibrant skin, we want to achieve it in a fast, fuss-free way that doesn’t add to the endless demands of the festive season.

cocktail of vitamins and hyaluronic acid will smooth and plump out skin to give you a chest to be proud of. Double up with colonic hydrotherapy and you’ll detox your body before the social onslaught – plus emerge feeling lighter, brighter and ready to put on your dancing shoes!

Body If you sneakily started to comfort eat when the cold weather set in, then EF MEDISPA’s Spa RF Contouring (as seen on Tamara Eccelstone’s Billion Dollar Girl) uses advanced radio frequency technology to tone and tighten the skin on the face and body to give you an instantly more streamlined silhouette with minimal downtime. If stubborn areas of fat are your downfall, ditch the control pants and book in for Vaser Lipo. Hot from the USA, the technique extracts fat without damaging surrounding tissue to give you back your curves – no knives necessary.

Bust If you’ve always dreamed of having fuller or more symmetrical breasts, stop looking at that party dress hanging in the wardrobe and let one of EF MEDISPA’s highly trained surgeons give you the bust size - and the confidence - to wear any dress that you want. Got the cleavage but get self conscious about your décolleté? Now is the time to bag one of this season’s plunging necklines – and improve sagging skin with High Frequency Mesotherapy. EF MEDISPA’s

bag after EF MEDISPA’s permanent make up service. Get fuller brows, more defined eyes or perfectly plump lips as your makeup technician uses electro-pigmentation to enhance your features in a way that’s totally tailored to you.

And one more thing... Skin When you’ve got the body, there’s not a woman on this earth who wouldn’t want more radiant skin to top it off. From the Liquid Lift – the no-knife facelift using fillers and Botox – to Dermal Smoothing, that uses hydrodermabrasion to smooth dead cells and hydrate deep down, EF MEDISPA has the means to get your complexion plumped and peachy. Even if you’ve only got half an hour, the Luminous Lift uses revolutionary light frequency to repair, rejuvenate and replenish skin in minutes – perfect for a mid party season complexion pick-me-up.

Smile It’s surprising how much having a brighter smile serves to perk up tired skin. EF MEDISPA uses a ‘diode’ laser to whiten your teeth and subtly transform your face overall. Which only leaves your make up regimen to make your party season go with an effortless swing. With a glass of bubbly and a canapé in your hands, you’ll have no need to carry around a make up

Once you’ve treated yourself, what better way to spread the radiance than by giving others the gift of beauty? Choose a bespoke set of treatments, select a specific value so they can pick for themselves – or offer them the ultimate Christmas indulgence with a heaven-sent voucher worth £1,000. EF MEDISPA 69 St John’s Wood High Street, NW8 7NL 020 7122 0195 EF MEDISPA 29 Kensington Church Street, W8 4LL 020 7361 1001 EF MEDISPA 193 Kings Road, SW3 5ED 020 7122 0067 Website: www.efmedispa.com Online shop: www.efmedishop.com Twitter: twitter.com/estherfieldgras Blog: www.efmedispa.com/news/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/EFmedispa

Bringing Excellence Closer to You The Platinum Medical Centre is a dedicated outpatient and day surgery facility, located in the heart of St Johns Wood.

These extensive facilities include:

The centre offers the highest standards of care in a friendly and calming environment. Our patients are provided with a platinum health service, delivered by some of the most experienced consultants and medical professionals in the capital.

Private GPs

50 Consulting Rooms Cancer Care Services Diagnostic Imaging

Service Day Surgery Unit

This ultra-modern medical centre has brought together the international excellence and experience of The Wellington Hospital, creating one of the most advanced centres of its kind in the UK.

Courtesy of Siemens

For an expert consultation call our team today

Platinum Medical Centre 15- 17 Lodge Road St Johns Wood London, NW8 8NX

Tel 020 7483 5148 Fax 020 7483 5618 wellington.enquiryhelpline@hcahealthcare.co.uk

www.theplatinummedicalcentre.com

health & fitness

concierge

health & fitness

news Body Blitz Welbeck Steet in Marylebone is now home to the Cavendish Clinic, a slick centre specialising in body and skincare. The clinic is led by a highly trained team of doctors and cosmetic surgeons and promotes non-invasive, medically effective treatments over the latest beauty fads. Amongst the services on offer is VelaShape which uses suitably sci-fi technology (infrared, a vacuum and mechanical massage) to promote inch loss and combat cellulite. www.cavendishclinic.co.uk

Detox in Style Eminent lifestyle brand Fitness 12 has unveiled a tempting new retreat package at the La Manga Club resort in Spain. The Hampsteadbased company have devised an intensive 12 day programme including a stay in luxurious surroundings in association with local celebrity

trainer Steve Halsall. As part of the package clients will receive light cardio sessions, guided walks through a nature reserve, access to a state-of-the-art spa and catering, courtesy of a private chef. www.fitness12retreats.com

Scenic Routes Britain’s biggest walking festival starts on Christmas Eve and includes wintery strolls throughout NW London. Hampstead Ramblers have planned a local route, taking in the gentle terrain of Hampstead Heath and Hampstead Garden Suburb on Boxing Day, as part of a nine mile stroll. The route includes stopping for a hearty pub lunch. www.ramblers.co.uk

Ski Essentials If you’re embarking on your annual ski trip this December, banish thoughts of unflattering attire and embrace the gorgeous new collection from Katherine Thomas. The bespoke ski and winter clothing range includes cosy downcoats, Italian silk jackets and the finest cashmere. www.katherinethomas.co.uk

Brought to you in association with The Wellington Hospital, one of the world’s leading private hospitals. www.thewellingtonhospital.com

Back to Normal Pamela Leverington, 56, tells us how a car accident severely impacted her health and how experts at The Wellington Hospital brought normality back to her life

In 2005, I was involved in a car accident; I was taken to hospital, X-Rayed and diagnosed with whiplash. I was quickly treated with anti inflammatory medication by my GP, but both the pain and my function gradually became worse. Not long after the accident I developed shingles in my leg; three months later I was still off sick and in severe pain: my shoulder was stiff and painful, my arm was swollen, sore and sensitive to touch, my balance was very poor and I had leg pain from my shingle scars. I could hardly walk and I felt generally debilitated; now spending most of my time in a reclining chair. I was referred to a rheumatologist at a local hospital who diagnosed whiplash, frozen shoulder, fibromyalgia, iliotibial band syndrome and complex regional pain syndrome. Unfortunately, the only treatment he could offer was steroid injections to my shoulder. Soon after this I was registered as disabled and eventually medically retired from my job. It was frightening how quickly I deteriorated, I was in such severe pain, I felt my life was over. Hope As the car accident wasn’t my fault, through my solicitors, it was arranged that I’d have an appointment with Dr John Outhwaite at the London Bridge Hospital, to assess my injuries. He felt that further investigation was necessary, but assured me there was definitely treatment on offer. This is when my life began to turn around. I was referred to The Wellington Hospital to see Dr Abina O’Callaghan, Pain Management Consultant and Meenal

Comprehensive care Dr Abina O’Callaghan, Pain Management Consultant at The Wellington Hospital explains how a multi-disciplinary approach was key to Pamela’s successful treatment. I first met Pamela in 2009, when she was referred for an assessment for our Functional Restoration Programme. As with all my patients, I used a holistic approach. I allowed time for an in-depth history by listening to Pamela, assessing her lifestyle, work and psychological profile and reviewing previous treatments. This method is essential to gain an accurate diagnosis. Using this approach I agreed with the diagnosis of complex

regional pain syndrome, but further investigation revealed that damage had been sustained to her neck and lower spine. I advised a course of cervical epidurals and cervical and lumbar facet joint injections to reduce her pain, thus optimising Pamela’s ability to get the best from the inpatient programme. Pamela’s aims at the initial assessment were to see significant improvement in her pain, reduce her pain medication, and improve

supportive solutions Meenal Umeria, Senior Physiotherapist at The Wellington Hospital

Umeria, Senior Physiotherapist and Coordinator of the Functional Restoration Programme. Dr O’Callaghan arranged different X-Rays and MRIs of my spine and right shoulder, and concluded that the causes of my symptoms were cervical disc herniation, facet joint damage to the upper and lower spine, a tear to the supraspinatus tendon and post shingles nerve pain. Treatment Now the basis of my pain had been discovered, Dr O’Callaghan arranged a course of epidural and facet joint injections, which were quite miraculous. The first few eased the pain to a point where I could be admitted for four weeks, as an inpatient, on the Functional Restoration Programme. This involved intense physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, occupational therapy, and psychological therapy. After this I had another epidural and facet joint injections which reduced my pain to just a low-grade background pain. Six months later, I returned for a further two week functional restoration programme, which enabled the physiotherapists to manipulate my arm to a proper functional level. The Future I feel that The Wellington Hospital gave me my life back. Without Dr O’Callaghan, Meenal Umeria and the rest of the excellent team there, I would still be sitting in my reclining chair with my walking stick by my side, virtually unable to use my arm, not doing anything. I now swim twice a week, and can drive myself out in the car whenever I want to go; I even get to do a bit of gardening. I can’t recommend The Wellington Hospital and the calibre of staff they have there, highly enough.

her balance problem. She also wanted to resume activities such as being able to cut up her food, to wear a bra again and to wear trousers buttoned at the waist, not elasticated. She also ultimately wanted to return to work. As a co-operative and highly motivated individual, Pamela has improved on all accounts. Her pain is now minimal and she has stopped all her pain medication and her balance has improved. Pamela and her husband are now on a prolonged trip to Australia, and when she returns in the New Year she plans to restart work, temping initially. The whole team is thoroughly delighted with her progress. It shows what can be achieved when a highly-motivated patient is able to access this multi-disciplinary team approach.

The Functional Restoration Therapy team assessed Mrs Leverington in May 2009 to ascertain her suitability to the Inpatient Functional Restoration Program (FRP). FRP is a rehabilitation program offered at The Wellington Hospital for patients with long-standing pain. Patients receive input from physiotherapy, occupational therapy and health psychology. Since commencing the program, Pamela has made great gains in her abilities. Initially she was observed to have difficulties standing up and now is able to walk unaided. For example, the ten metre walk test, which assesses a person’s walking speed, showed Pamela had made a 23 per cent improvement in time taken but, more importantly, it was completed without an aid. Mrs Leverington is now driving, overcoming her fear of getting into cars, can turn her head without getting dizzy and can tolerate wearing a seatbelt. Despite some remaining problems with weakness of her right arm, the Disabilities of Hand and Shoulder score (which measures physical function) showed a 41 per cent improvement over a six month period. This increase reflects just how much more Pamela is now using her right arm and hand for activities. The progress Mrs Leverington has made is a reflection of the excellent therapy and effective pain management strategies she has received combined with her indomitable dedication and motivation to getting better.

To arrange an appointment at The Wellington Hospital, please contact The Enquiry Helpline on 020 7483 5148 or visit www.thewellingtonhospital.com

Joule_FP_A42_Layout 1 16/09/2011 12:45 Page 1

FINE DIAMOND JEWELLERY & BRIDAL BOUTIQUE

Fine Diamond Jewellery & Bridal Boutique

Established 1975, our independent boutique specialises in unique designer engagement rings, individual wedding bands, dazzling eternity rings and a beautiful selection of fine jewellery.

Our In-house designers offer a high quality bespoke jewellery design service. Joule also offers jewellery valuations, repairs and re-modelling.

5 FLASK WALK, HAMPSTEAD, LONDON NW3 1HJ

TEL: +44 (0)207 794 7700

WWW.JOULER.COM

for ladies jewels, Gems & pearlsfor men watches & leather interview hublot’s ceo.....

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Temple to Time

W More than somewhere to simply store your accessories, Piaget’s watch trunks are a contemporary altar to the religion of time

hen one of the world’s most prestigious watch and jewellery brands teams up with a design house known for pushing the boundaries of style and innovation, you can expect the result to be something pretty spectacular. In the case of the partnership between Switzerland’s uber-opulent Piaget and France’s luxury trunk-maker Pinel & Pinel, the result didn’t disappoint. Two of the most lavish watch trunks you’re ever likely to see, both the Black Tie trunk and the VIP trunk (pictured), take three months to

manufacture and are available in a range of 20 different coloured leathers. Crafted from poplar wood and cowhide with palladium-electroplated brass and mirror-polished finish, each trunk holds 51 watches, comes with a variety of display options and features a central integrated movement that winds automatic timepieces. And if you’re worried about where you might store the rest of your bling, fear not; the Black Tie and VIP trunks also come equipped with drawers suited for a host of other accessories. n www.pineletpinel.com

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1 ‘Supernova’ Swarovski crystal drop earrings, £345, Erickson Beamon, www.ericksonbeamon.com 2 Lili necklace, £140,000, Boodles www.boodles.com 3 Sterling silver ‘Shooting Star’ triple star drop earrings, £175, Tomasz Donocik, www.tomaszdonocik.com 4 18-carat white gold and pavé diamond ring, £7,417, Bulgari, www.bulgari.com 5. Parentesi bracelet in white gold and pavé, £16,800 Bulgari, as before 6 South Sea gold and white pearls on 18-carat white gold stems, pavé set with diamonds, £8,460, William & Son www.williamandson.com 7 ‘Noble Savage’ Swarovski crystal and stud bracelet, £350, Tom Binns, www.tombinnsdesign.com 8 Thorn tiara set in 18-carat white gold with white diamonds, POA, Stephen Webster, www.stephenwebster.com 9 18-carat white gold diamond three part set ‘Fusion’ ring, £3,885, Georg Jensen, www.georgjenson.com

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10 Matelasse ring, £7,375, Chanel Fine Jewellery, www.chanel.com 11 Multi-strand glass-pearl bracelet, £430, Lanvin, www.selfridges.com 12 Pearl and diamond bracelet, £12,000, William & Son, as before 13 Sterling silver star pendant and chain, £225, Shaun Leane, www.shaunleane.com 14 Multi-strand glass-pearl necklace, £465, Kenneth Jay Lane, www.NET-A-PORTER.com 15 Swarovski crystalembellished bib necklace, £365 Valentino, www.valentino.com 16 ‘Wings’18-carat white gold diamond necklace, £11,470, Anita Ko, www.anitako.com 17 Vortex cuff set in 18-carat white gold with white and black diamonds, £33,300, Stephen Webster, www.stephenwebster. com 18 18-carat white gold and diamond stud earrings £1,460, Ileana Makri, www.makri.gr 19 ‘Hypnotic Voodoo’ 18-carat white gold diamond ring, £4,160, Stone, www.NET-A-PORTER.com 20 Swarovski crystal cluster necklace, £620, Kenneth Jay Lane, as before

Gentlemen luxury goods

for the

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1 P3150 Leather fountain pen, £320, Porsche Design, www.porsche-design.com 2 Chronomaster Open Power Reserve, £13,400, Zenith, www.zenithwatches.com 3 Circular cufflinks with ‘A’ icon, £75, Aquascutum, www.aquascutum.co.uk 4 Jules Audemars Skeleton Equation of Time, £75,000, Audemars Piguet, www.audemarspiguet.com 5 Constellation Touch with mixed metal and gold, £9,600, Vertu, 38 Old Bond Street 6 Aeternitas Mega, £1,700,000, Franck Muller watches - available at Marcus, 170 New Bond Street 7 iPhone sleeve in indigo English saddle leather, £125, Asprey, www.asprey.com 8 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar, £155,555, Breguet, www.breguet.com 9 Navy canvas travel bag with smooth cognac calf leather, £695, Aspinal, www.aspinaloflondon.com 10 Double Tourbillon 30° Vision, POA, Greubel Forsey watches - available at Marcus, as before 11 Stud box set in indigo English saddle leather, £680, Asprey, www.asprey.com 12 Interlock blue cufflinks, £89, Tateossian, www.tateossian.com

Ladies luxury goods

for the

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1 Lace-trimmed cashmere blend scarf, £1,255, Valentino, www.NET-A-PORTER.com 2 Star diamanté-embellished headband, £395, Matthew Williamson, www.NET-A-PORTER.com 3 Suede and shearling gloves, £350, Miu Miu, www.miumiu.com 4 Nylon black nail case, £100, Anya Hindmarch, www.anyahindmarch.com 5 Bentley GT Racing Ice watch, £5,970, Breitling, www.breitling.com 6 White ‘Happy Sport’ watch, £13,480, Chopard, www.chopard.com 7 Leather iPad case, £345, Chloe, www.chloe.com 8. Heart key ring in cherry red patent, £29, Aspinal of London, www.aspinaloflondon.com 9 Waxy, studded intrecciato leather box clutch, £1,125, Bottega Veneta, www.bottegaveneta.com 10 Leather lockable five year diary in white lizard, £99, Aspinal of London, www.aspinaloflondon.com 11 Leather jewellery box, £555, Smythson, www.smythson.com

watches

collection

watch

news

Watches by the seaside A resort on the U.S East Coast may seem like a peculiar setting for the latest ad campaign from Baume et Mercier. The 180-year-old Swiss watch brand is more famous for its sports chronographs and ultra-thin ladies’ watches than for its affinity with one of America’s most famous seaside resorts. According to the company, however, the magnificent residences and idyllic beaches of the Hamptons provide the perfect geographical partner to its updated collection. Taking inspiration from the beauty of Long Island, the rectangular-faced Hampton watches are a mix of discreet lines, curved cases and two-tone hues. The men’s pieces are available in either a selfwinding or automatic chronograph version, while the generously sized ladies’ watches feature a distinctive satined domed volume.

Ferrari and Hublot announce partnership deal Following the less-than-successful partnership between Ferrari and Panerai back in 2009, the Italian sports car giant has revealed that it will be making another attempt at entering the luxury watch market. This time round, the brand of the Prancing Stallion will be teaming up with the brand that bought us the Big Bang, a joint venture that both companies promise will be much more than a simple sponsorship agreement.

“Exclusivity, technology, passion, style: Hublot and Ferrari share many core values,” declared Ferrari president Luca Cordero di Montezemolo. With Hublot’s scientists busy in the labs, the company’s CEO Jean Claude Biver promised that we can expect to see the world’s first red ceramic watch by spring 2012. To catch a glimpse of the first Ferrari-Hublot watches before then, ensure you are in London on 20 November.

One to Watch Every month, we choose our favourite watch from the newest models, and December’s watch of the month comes courtesy of Cartier.

Adorned with sapphire crystal and set with 11 round diamonds, Cartier’s Ballon Bleu is as much a jewellery piece as it is a watch. The simplistic styling and elegant curves of the piece make it one of the most iconic and favoured of ladies’ timepieces Ballon Bleu, £5525, Cartier Available at Mappin and Webb, 1 Old Bond Street

Inspired by art If you’ve marvelled at the masterpieces on display at the National Gallery’s Leonardo da Vinci exhibition you’ll recognise the type of perfection that inspired IWC’s Da Vinci Chronograph Ceramic. A first for IWC, the movement mounting and seats for the operating parts are machined directly into the ceramic casing ring, while the extravagant design of the dial is a step away from the simplicity that IWC has become synonymous with. Combining the extremely scratch-resistant zirconium oxide with grade five titanium, expect the watch to survive nearly as long as Da Vinci’s paintings themselves.

LIFE LARGER

LARGER

LIFE

THAN

Annabel Harrison meets Jean-Claude Biver, CEO of Hublot, to discuss the meteoric rise of the relatively young company, via chronographs and cheese-making

©Fred Merz/rezo.ch

interview

hear Jean-Claude Biver before I see him: entering the Monaco Yacht Club, a booming voice emanates from behind a cluster of Chinese journalists. As the Hublot CEO holds court, it is clear, firstly, that he has secured the attention of everyone in earshot and secondly, that he has an infectiously enthusiastic personality. This is repeatedly reinforced: after the launch of Hublot’s newest watch that afternoon, Biver excuses himself from the evening festivities with this explanation; “I have 100 cows and I have to be at the head of them to bring them 16 kilometres home tomorrow. Every boat has a captain,” he adds gleefully, “and my cows have only one captain... me!” Every year, Biver produces approximately five tonnes of cheese at his farm in the Swiss Alps. He refuses payment, offering it only to his friends and family and to particular restaurants of his choosing: “I will be the master of my cheese until the last piece.” It is a declaration that

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could well be rewritten with ‘watches’ replacing ‘cheese’, because Biver applies the same energy, focus and commitment to his main role as to this unusual sideline venture. Biver’s life, as would be expected of a man with a career trajectory such as his, has revolved around watches and by the time he joined Hublot in 2004, he was already legendary in the industry. After graduating with a business degree, he spent time in the Vallée de Joux absorbing the culture of watchmaking and was offered a year of ‘all-rounder’ training at Audemars Piguet. Biver then became product manager at Omega and left after a year in 1981 to rejuvenate the legendary but flagging Blancpain brand with Jacques Piguet. An undoubtedly significant part of Biver’s success was that, in his early career, he never stayed at one brand for too long, which allowed him to absorb a host of different brand approaches in a short amount of time. After the sale of Blancpain, Biver joined the board of directors of Swatch Group, where he was charged with turning around Swatch’s

collection interview

Images courtesy of HUBLOT

Omega brand, considered to be a “national joke”. In Biver’s ten years at Omega, he almost tripled sales and proved himself an excellent strategist in the field of marketing, securing critical product placement, most notably in the James Bond franchise. At the end of 2003, Biver decided to take a year’s sabbatical, but rapidly changed his mind in order to take control of Hublot Geneva, a small, high-profile business. Straightaway, he chose to highlight the brand’s historic philosophy, the Art of Fusion, and to emphasise “the fusion of tradition and future”; after all, Hublot had pioneered the first fusion of materials in a watch, combining gold and natural rubber, in 1980. Testament to his way of getting things done, within a year Biver had launched a revolutionary, contemporary watch: the Big Bang. Revealed at BaselWorld 2005, it was an immediate success. Winning a range of awards, including Best Design at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, this tour de force proved a game-changer, commanding attention and driving Hublot’s revival. The Big Bang collections employ a hi-tech, jet-set aesthetic. Big and bold, tough and modern, the materials used include titanium, carbon fibre, tungsten and all kinds of lightweight metals. Sometimes a company’s success is attributed to the vision of many, but the same cannot be said of Hublot; its rapid growth seems to have been driven by the force of Biver’s own ideas, energy, experience and knowledge. This growth was both economical and physical: turnover increased in four years from 25 million to more than 200 million Swiss francs and, in physical terms, there were 700 points of sale across the world. This resulted in 35 exclusive Hublot boutiques, the first opening in February 2007, an Hublot high-tech manufacture on the banks of Lake Geneva in Nyon and a new factory there, which will allow the company to produce its own movements on-site. However, Biver’s vision has given Hublot something which is much harder to pin down and intangibly valuable; brand awareness and the ‘Art of Fusion’ USP. Through innovations such as the Big Bang, King Power, Classic Fusion and Masterpiece collections, this fusion thread unifies the brand’s offerings, combining unusual materials – zirconium, tantalum, tungsten or nomex – with more traditional materials like gold, platinum, steel and diamonds. Biver also recognised, earlier than most, that football was watched by an audience that could afford his watches and as such, he secured sponsorship deals for Hublot, as Official Timekeeper, with Manchester United in 2008, with UEFA for Euro 2008 and with FIFA, an historic first, for the next two football World Cups, just after having been chosen as the Official Watch of Formula 1TM. This offered Hublot exceptional visibility on a global scale. When I asked Biver why he chose this path of sporting sponsorship, his answer was simple: “Because it’s important to my customers. We are trying to follow our customer; if my customer plays polo, I want him to meet me. If he goes to a football game, I want to meet him. I want my customer to believe that Hublot belongs to his world.” His marketing strategy is to go where potential customers can be found and this, married with his remarkable communication skills and

Hublot’s modern, distinctive creations, was how Hublot struck gold. This is what made it so appealing to LVMH when the luxury goods powerhouse bought Hublot in 2008 for an undisclosed sum; LVMH buys brands, not products, and Biver had created a very profitable, dynamic brand in just four years. For the 10th anniversary of the Monaco Classic Week, Hublot created a Classic Fusion Chronograph Yacht Club de Monaco, a sport-chic model in titanium and navy blue. With characteristically vehement enthusiasm, Biver declares: “It’s the best! It’s the one I like the most. It would be a shame if the last series was less good than the one before, but here this is not the case.” Hublot has a natural link with the Yacht Club, having been appointed its official timekeeper in 2005, and, speaking at the launch of this limited edition chronograph, Biver explained why there is a clear synergy: “Hublot and Monaco have a lot of things in common. We have glamour and luxury. We have art, tradition and culture. And today, there is no future if you don’t have tradition.” As ever, the watch industry’s favourite buzzwords are tradition and modernity and every brand, whether 20 or 200 years old, aspires to imbue its watches with these two juxtaposing qualities. Biver explains that, in holding regattas both for modern and classic boats, it is possible for Monaco Yacht Club to display harmony between tradition and modernity: “the Yacht Club shows us how you can bring tradition into the 21st century”. So a brand must acknowledge the watch industry’s history, however (relatively) young the brand might be? Biver agrees: “You don’t need, necessarily, the history in your brand, but the people who manage your brand must understand, respect and interpret history”. While Biver undoubtedly does respect the history, he is firmly anchored in the present and simultaneously looking to the future. I ask how he has seen the watch industry change during his career. Biver has several, expansive answers to this. Firstly, people are buying watches not just as time-telling devices, but as tools for communication, to express “your style, emotions and status”. Secondly, watches have become bigger and more visible; “if it’s a communication tool you need to be able to see it”. Next, “expensive watches today are exclusively traditional watches in the sense that they have traditional movements. An expensive watch with a quartz movement doesn’t exist anymore.” Finally, women are buying more watches, “because they believe it’s like a piece of jewellery” and, rather than comprising lots of individual brands, the industry has become more concentrated because the brands all belong to one group or another. Biver clearly knows his stuff. “Young, dynamic and successful, he trusts himself, has selfconfidence and loves watches”. This is the typical Hublot customer, according to Biver. Unsurprisingly enough, apart from the age, it’s a depiction that quite accurately describes the Hublot CEO too. n Hublot watches are available at Marcus, 170 New Bond Street www.marcuswatches.co.uk

exceeding your expectations

Luxury

Car Hire

Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for business, a special occasion, test drive or just for fun, VIP Car Hire can cater. We provide car hire from three days to 12 months and our fleet includes Ferrari 458 & F430, Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder, Bentley GTC, Range Rovers and many more all the way down to the Mini Cooper S. We also offer a nationwide delivery service with any of our cars.

contact@vipservices.co.uk www.vipservices.co.uk

Tel: 020 7407 2121

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Casino Royale

N In the world of luxury gaming, Lancelot Lancaster White’s poker boxes don’t just up the stakes: they raise them to a whole new level

ot even the casino tables of Monte Carlo boast the sort of poker sets created by this London company. Crafted by hand from the finest materials in the world, each of the boxes takes three months to manufacture and is finished in 18-carat rose-gold plating. Encrusted with jewels and diamonds, all boxes are made to order in the UK from materials chosen for their practicality and aesthetic value. Blending modern technology and traditional styling, each box bears on a plaque its unique product number and the name of its original owner – making it the

perfect gaming gift for any keen poker player this Christmas. Lancelot Lancaster White’s Buckingham box (as above) has a swirled ebony veneer case with fittings of solid brass while the Nocturn set is adorned with black, highly-glossed lacquer and mother of pearl inlay. Personalised, gold-plated metal reliefs ensure that no two boxes are the same. For the man who has everything, look out for the company’s Big Ben special, a watch box that will wind eight watches automatically using a mechanism made from original Big Ben parts. n www.luxurypokerbox.com

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1 Carbon off-piste mini skis and snowboards, POA, Chanel, www.chanel.com 2 ‘Change the Record’ speakers, POA, Paul Cocksedge, www.paulcocksedgestudio.com 3 Golf stand bag, £299.99, Audi, www.merchandise.audi.co.uk 4 F1 crankshaft 8V on carbon fibre base, £3,028, Ferrari, www.store.ferrari.com 5 MINI 2012 in red, silver or blue, from £17,800, MINI, www.mini.co.uk 6 Recline Personal, £6,000, Technogym, www.technogym.com 7 Golf zip case, £100, Dunhill, www.dunhill.com 8 Black Jack Nero patent golf shoe, £355, Royal Albartross, www.albartross.com 9 Games Compendium, £3,000, William & Son, www.williamandson.com

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10 Porsche bobsleigh, £215, Porsche Design, www.porsche-design.com 11 D-Lux 5 Titanium special edition camera, £855, Leica, www.leica-storemayfair.co.uk 12 Unicu multi gym, £3,595, Technogym, www.technogym.com 13 Golf tool, £45, Victorinox, www.victorinox.com 14 Road Inc Interactive Car Library App, £9.99, Pyrolia, downloadable at www.apple.com/itunes 15 Snooker cue and mini butt, £4,500, Dunhill, www.dunhill.com 16 Inflatable raft, POA, Chanel, www.chanel.com 17 Arcade 80s trunk in white, £13,685, Pinel & Pinel, www.pineletpinel.com

Out of Office 1. Formula 1 Served Cold

They may feature the same layout but there’s one significant difference between Silverstone UK and the Silverstone found in northern Sweden: ice. Choose to pit your wits against a Corvette Z06 or a Porsche 997 GT3 at the Laponie Ice Driving centre and it won’t be tarmac under your tyres but the frozen ice fields of Swedish Lapland. www.laponie-ice-driving.com

4. Take to the Skies

As the most famous British fighter of World War Two, the Spitfire has an enduring and emotional appeal for many Britons. Although there are only a handful of the legendary two-seater Spitfires left in the world today, it is still possible to get up close and personal with the iconic aircraft from the inside of an exclusive helicopter. www.intotheblue.co.uk

2. Thrill of the Hunt

Whether it’s high quality pheasant shooting you’re after, or fast and furious partridge hunting, Shootdays offers bespoke game shooting days for teams ranging between six and 12 guns. With a portfolio of shooting estates across Kent, Sussex and Hertfordshire, you can escape to the country in the morning and be back in London in time for dinner. www.shootdays.com

3. White-Knuckle Ride

Book now for your last chance to ride the rapids at the Lee Valley White Water Centre before the world’s best athletes paddle for gold medals at the London 2012 Games. Sessions start with a calm first run, designed to get you used to the feel of the boat. By your final run you’ll be surfing, high siding, spinning and nose-dunking like an Olympic pro. www.gowhitewater.co.uk

5. Up, Up and Away

Have you ever dreamed of floating through the air, high as a bird? The largest independent hot air balloon ride supplier in the UK, Go Ballooning, offers the unusual, but fantastic, treat of hot air balloon rides throughout the winter. For unparalleled views of England’s green and pleasant land, book a trip from one of the company’s hundred-plus launch sites. www.goballooning.co.uk

6. Horses for Courses

For a truly unique Christmas gift, invest in a racehorse. Famous names who have invested in syndicates with Highclere Thoroughbred Racing include Mike Tindall, Sir Alex Ferguson, and Jodie Kidd. Syndicates come with year round access to a box at Newbury Racecourse, private tours of the training yards and the chance to stay at the prestigious Jockey Club Rooms in Newmarket. www.highclereracing.co.uk

1 Two-day packages at Laponie Ice Driving start from £1,914 per person 2 Shootday packages cost between £38 and £45 per bird depending on location 3 Ride the Lee Valley White Water Centre from £49 per person 4 Fly in formation along the Kent coast courtesy of Into the Blue for £249 5 Prices for a 5,000 foot hot air balloon ascent start at £85 6 Syndicates at Highclere Thoroughbred Racing start at £4,950 per share

www.vgnewtrend.it

ph. Andrea Pancino C

VG Studio at

inspirations vision

style

design

www.idesign-int.com info@inspirationsoftickhill.co.uk Tel: 01302 760040

WHEN LESS The baby of the new Audi A6 Avant range is the one to go for and it’s best to ignore the options list, advises Matthew Carter

mong the fleets of test cars run by the press offices of all the various companies, there’s no such thing as a standard car. All of them have desirable options added to boost their appeal and the journalist is, often, ignorant which bits cost extra. Audi, on the other hand, is quite upfront about the gizmos and goodies they stick on their press cars. They even leave a sheet in the car listing everything that’s been added. Take the Audi A6 Avant 3.0 TDI Quattro. The basic price of this car is 50 quid short of £41,000, yet the one I drove had a list of extras as long as your arm. Together they added a further £38,605 to the cost of the car - virtually double. It had everything. Panoramic roof (£1,370), check; massage front seats (£1,600), check; Bang & Olufsen sound system (£6,300), check; and so on and so forth. Significantly, it also had £2,500 worth of 20-inch alloy wheels which look great but ruin the ride comfort. To be honest, while one or two of the options are worth the money, I’d save the cash and buy a A5 Coupé with the change. In fact, I’d save even more and head down the range to

IS MORE the 2.0-litre TDI SE Avant, a snip at £32,000. For that, you get leather, sat nav, dynamic suspension (best left in normal mode), parking sensors front and rear and Bluetooth. Add, say, £3,000 worth of extras – DAB radio, electrically adjustable heated front seats and a couple of other bits – and you’ve got a fine car, arguably the best of the range. Audis are strange. Some, which ought to be exciting, don’t quite live up to expectations, while others that you might expect to be a tad dull are the exact opposite, and that’s the case with the A6 Avant, or estate. The new Avant might look broadly similar to the car it’s replacing, but it’s all new. It’s bigger, for one thing, with a longer wheelbase and more interior space. Greater use of aluminium parts, meanwhile, means it’s up to 70kg lighter than the old one which helps to make it feel livelier. It also benefits from the technology that’s been crammed into the A8 and A7. This means you can have (if you pay extra) a head-up display projecting the car’s speed onto the screen in your line of vision (works well) or an automatic boot-opening function triggered by waggling your foot under

motoring

the back of the car (didn’t seem to work at all). You can even turn the interior of the car into a mobile wi-fi zone and display Google Earth images on the sat nav screen. If you ignore all that stuff, you’re left with an elegant, honest car that delivers more than you’d expect. The interior is typically Audi; classy and beautifully made with top class materials. Especially neat is the way the sat nav screen slides away when not in use to leave a clean, uncluttered dash. The extra length in the wheelbase translates into more passenger room and, while the load area might not be the widest around, it’s still usefully large (though if you want a removal van there’s nothing to touch the Mercedes E-class). Perhaps the best thing about the Audi, though, is the way it drives. The baby of the range might be powered by a mere 2.0-litre turbodiesel but it does deliver a healthy 177hp and when that is put into the lightweight shell it seems livelier still. Audi reckons it will top almost 140 mph and reach 60 mph from rest in under nine seconds, and that’s not bad going for a large family estate. Better news comes at the pumps with an official combined figure

calibre

of more than 56mpg allied to emissions of 132g/km, low enough to reduce company car tax percentage to 19 per cent. Stop/Start technology is also standard, helping to lower emissions and running costs. The standard six-speed gearbox is slick IN BRIEF and easy to use and even the steering is agile and eager, in fact, more so than Car: the larger diesel’s steering, which feels a Audi A6 Avant 2.0 TDI SE little dead. Price: Whichever way you look at it, the £32,100 (plus options) 2.0TDI SE – not the more expensive S-line Engine: version which has lowered suspension and 1,968 cc 4-cylinder diesel bigger wheels – is a perfect example of Power: ‘less is more’. Not that Audi is worried. 177 hp When challenged about the absurdity of Drive: the version which had doubled in price, Front-wheel drive the man from Audi shrugged his shoulders Performance: and said: “People seem happy to spend 138 mph max that much on options… and we’re happy 0-62 mph in 9.0secs that they do.” n

Delivering World Class Care The Acute Neurological Rehabilitation Units at The Wellington Hospital and the Portland Hospital, are private facilities dedicated to providing the highest standard of care. The Wellington Hospital has 46 beds dedicated to adult neurological rehabilitation, whilst the 6 bedded unit at the Portland Hospital provides a service for children. Both units offer extensive gym and treatment areas. Both units provide individualised programmes, which are consultant led and delivered by our expert multidisciplinary teams.

Conditions Treated: Head Injuries Spinal Injuries Stroke Rehabilitation following

Critical Illness Functional Restoration

Programmes Congenital Disorders

The Team: Consultants Dieticians

Neurophysiotherapists Neuropsychologists

Rehabilitation Advisors Rehabilitation Nurses

Language Interpreters

Occupational Therapists Play Specialists

Speech and Language Therapists

Tel: 020 7586 2462 / 020 7483 5349

Wellington Place, St Johns Wood, London NW8 9LE

Fax: 020 7586 2462

www.thewellingtonhospital.com www.theportlandhospital.com

sports

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Let’s Play Darts

sports

news

Alexandra Palace plays host to the 2012 Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship between 15 December and 3 January. Adrian Lewis enters the 19th World Championship as the defending champion, having won the tournament last year. A total of 72 players will take part, 16 of whom will start in the preliminary round stage, played between 15 and 21 December, with the eight winners joining the remaining 56 players in the first round proper. Ladbrokes.com Darts World Championships 15 December 2011 – 3 January 2012 Alexandra Palace

Home

THE European Speed Skating Championships

Team GB’s football dates The dates of Team GB’s group stage fixtures ahead of London 2012 were announced last month. The men’s team, coached by Stuart Pearce, will begin their Olympic campaign at Old Trafford on Thursday 26 July, followed by Wembley Stadium on Sunday 29 July. Their final group game will be held at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium on Wednesday 1 August.

The first two women’s team games will be held at the Millennium Stadium on Wednesday 25 and Saturday 28 July. Their final group stage match will take place on Tuesday 31 July at Wembley Stadium. Tickets went back on sale at the start of this month on a first-come, first-served basis.

While you’re indulging in mince pies and mulled wine over Christmas, Europe’s top speed skaters will be concentrating on keeping themselves in tip-top condition ahead of the continent’s Speed Skating Championships. Taking place on 7 and 8 January in Budapest, Hungary, the competition will be held on an outdoor court for the second year running. It will be the 37th time the competition has been held for women and the 109th time for men. 7 – 8 January 2012 Budapest, Hungary

Visit www.tickets.london2012.com or call 0844 847 2012 for more information

To qualify for the Dubai World Championship a player must compete in 12 tournaments of The European Tour prior to arriving in Dubai. The numbers one to 60 players, ranked according to their earnings that year, will then vie for the tournament’s Harry Vardon Trophy and $1,250,000 top prize money. 2010 winner Robert Karlsson flew out to Dubai last month to familiarise himself with the Earth course ahead of the tournament, although he said he will be approaching the event with no fixed game plan. Following his stunning performance in last month’s WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai, Rory McIlroy enters the tournament as one of the bookmakers’ favourites, as will long-time season leader Luke Donald. 8 – 11 December 2011 Earth Course, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Diego Barbieri / Shutterstock.com

Thor Jorgen Udvang / Shutterstock.com

AWAY

The Dubai World Championship

Sporting Soundbite Citius, Altius, Fortius [Swifter, Higher, Stronger]

The motto for the modern Olympic Games iN Latin

Sportstars: The Rivals In memory of boxing legend Muhammad Aliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest rival, Joe Frazier, who lost his battle with liver cancer in November, Lee Brooks takes a look at the greatest sporting rivalries that have lit up the last four decades

ÂŠ 1971 ImageForum Image: AFP/Getty Images

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2000s: TENNIS

1980s: FORMULA 1

Roger Federer v Rafael Nadal

Ayrton Senna v Alain Prost

Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe’s rivalry was absorbing, Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras’ intense but Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s battle for supremacy has been more compelling than the other two combined. The two men spent more than five years pushing each other to the limit, with Nadal enjoying the upper hand on the red dirt of Roland Garros and Federer the king of grass at Wimbledon. Then, in 2008, the two men came face-to-face on Centre Court in the Wimbledon final. Here, through rain, wind and impending darkness, the game’s two greatest players swapped shot after shot of exquisite beauty. Neither man gave the other an inch. The quality was breathtaking and the tension unbearable. Federer won the first two sets and came within two points of victory before sensationally losing the next three sets to the Spaniard. After four hours and 48 minutes – the longest final in Wimbledon history – it was Nadal, with his Spanish flag tucked under his arm, who was scampering across Centre Court to celebrate the title with his friends and family. By contrast, Federer sat in his chair, broken and alone in his thoughts. Even Nadal felt sorry for his rival: “I’m very happy for me but sorry for him because he deserved this title, too.” A kind comment to make, and one which highlights the respect he has for Federer – something the Swiss returns in equal measure. All good things come to an end and so Federer, who had in his sights a sixth successive Wimbledon title, relinquished his crown to Nadal and in doing so, also metaphorically gave him the edge the Swiss had enjoyed for so long. The two have continued their tussle, with Federer holding the crown in terms of slams with 16, to Nadal’s ten, but without a grand slam since the 2010 Australian Open. This season, Serbian Novak Djokovic has emerged as a worthy adversary to Nadal as Federer slips down the rankings, but the anticipation, intensity and quality that is generated from a Nadal-Federer tussle is still unrivalled.

Opposites don’t always attract. Ayrton Senna was the brash but popular Brazilian with an exquisite talent to push racing cars to their limit and win at all costs. Frenchman Alain Prost, nicknamed ‘The Professor’, was the strategist, blessed with the brains to play the game and do what was necessary to win. Suffice to say, they didn’t get on: “Metaphorically, Senna wanted to destroy me,” said Prost. But they despised each other long before Ron Dennis decided to bring them together at his McLaren team in 1988 in a move that would have spectacular consequences. In 1989, Senna, who needed victory at Suzuka to stop Prost winning the title and to maintain his own title hopes, dived up the inside at the final chicane, only for the Frenchman to firmly shut the door by turning in on him. Prost was out, but the Brazilian recovered and went on to win the race, only to be disqualified. Prost claimed the third of his four titles and promptly moved to Ferrari as the already frosty relationship worsened. A year later at Suzuka, it was Senna who held the championship lead. The Brazilian, who started on pole, was furious that the sport’s governing body, the FIA, which was run by Frenchman Jean-Marie Balestre, decided late on to move the pole position grid slot from the outside on the racing line to the dirty inside side of the track. The Brazilian struggled to get away, allowing second-placed Prost to inch ahead. But the three-times champion was quickly back up to speed by the first corner and kept his car on the inside. Neither gave way and they both crashed out. This time, Senna was the beneficiary and won the second of his three titles. That, as they say, is karma.

1990s: GOLF Tiger Woods v Phil Mickelson While Federer and Nadal clearly like and respect each other, there’s no love lost between Americans Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods, who have never pretended to like each other. Back in the 1990s, before Woods shanked his private life into the rough and Mickelson showed his mental frailties once more, the duo were flying high and ranked number one and two in the world. Ironically, their games are remarkably similar, with both boasting immense accuracy and length off the tee and a supreme ability to shape their iron shots. Both play risk-reward style golf, and match each other toe-to-toe on the greens, but it’s Woods who leads the stats overwhelmingly, with 14 majors to Mickelson’s four. The latter is a total not to be scoffed at but it’s clear that Mickelson’s inability to finish his opponents in the way Woods would do so ruthlessly, remains his Achilles heel. All-smiling Mickelson remains a fan favourite though, as he is always happy to sign an autograph or pose for a picture, unlike his surly compatriot. Today, their rivalry is but a sideshow with bright, young stars stealing the limelight as the old guard attempt to rediscover their form. However, the fact that no two golfers have stepped up to form a rivalry of their own at the very top just goes to show how infectious and absorbing the Woods-Mickelson duel was – and to an extent, still is.

1970s: BOXING Muhammad Ali v Joe Frazier We’ve had Federer and Nadal, Woods and Mickelson and Senna and Prost – all rivalries that embrace passion and lend a thrilling dimension to their sport – but Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier’s rivalry knew no bounds. It was bloody. It was brutal. It gripped the world. The first of their three fights came in 1971 and was labelled the ‘The Fight of the Century’ – a bout that Frazier won with a fierce display and which handed Ali his first professional defeat. Three years later, Ali gained revenge with the set up of the epic third and final showdown that will always be remembered as the ‘Thrilla in Manila’ in 1975. Both men were not the fighters they were four years previously but their steely determination to win delivered the sort of spine-tingling, awe-inspiring and dramatic display that may never be seen again. Ali came out on top in that one, too, but only just. Frazier was a great fighter and his short, compact, in-close left hook gave Ali all sorts of problems. When he beat Ali, the American thought he would finally be loved as a worthy heavyweight champion but Ali remained the fans’ favourite. Frazier’s bitterness grew over time and was not helped by Ali’s constant berating of him. However, the 67-year-old appeared to have mellowed in his retirement, and before his tragic death last month when he succumbed to liver cancer. “The world has lost a great champion,” said Ali. Their battles may not have been pretty and they may not have been friendly but the way they engaged on that night in Manila showed just how much they wanted to beat each other – and that in itself shows the level of respect they had for each other. n

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www.justerinis.com 0207 493 6174

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cultural capital galvin brothers .....................Festive Theatre

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UBER GIFT

C This Pixel Drinks Cabinet provides the added benefit of offering enjoyment for more than just the recipient

utting-edge design, fine craftsmanship and exclusivity factor highly for most discerning purchasers, and this statement piece, which has been commissioned by luxury lifestyle brand Charles Burnand, far exceeds all the criteria. Charles Burnand specialises in unique and desirable furniture, silverware and home accessories, and accordingly, the cabinet’s finish includes 1088 precision-cut triangles and a diverse array of materials including gold and silver leaf, dark woods and sleek lacquer.

The base features two interlinked polished brass frames, which further enhance the design, and the interior is styled with aged mirror glass using the capitoné technique which enhances its sense of depth, and continues the fusion of modernity and timeless sophistication. We can think of few places as special to store your favourite champagne flutes or aged tipple, and this is a piece that doesn’t have to be used to be appreciated as a piece of art. n Pixel Drinks Cabinet, £15,000, Charles Burnand www.charlesburnand.com

Feast & Fancy 1

1 Gauthier Christmas Wine Hamper, from £52, Gauthier Wine Soho, www.gauthierwines.co.uk 2 Mark Hix Carving Masterclasses, £150pp, classes on 7 & 15 December, 11 & 25 January at Rocco Forte’s, gift certificates available from Brown’s Hotel. 3 POP Art Collector Set, £52, Pommery, Justerini & Brooks, www.justerinis.com. 4 King’s Ginger Truffle, £11.95, Charbonnel et Walker, www.charbonnel.co.uk 5 Sourdough loaf embellished with festive handmade dough, £19.70, Poilane, www.cuisinedebar.com 6 Appleton Estate 30 Year Old luxury rum, £495, Appleton Estate, available exclusively at Harrods, wwww.harrods.com

Food & Drink 9

7 Eve Decanter, £375, Riedel, www.riedel.co.uk 8 Christmas Tree Pralines, £26, Pierre Marcolini, www.marcolini-eboutique.com 9 Ginger Hunks, £12.50, Prestat, www.prestat.co.uk 10 Champagne Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque 2004, £105, Harvey Nichols, www.harverynichols.com 11 Chateau Rauzan-Segla 2009 with label designed by Karl Lagerfeld, £100 per bottle, available at Farr Vintners, Berry Bros, The Wine Society, Harvey Nichols, Harrod’s, Lay & Wheeler, Justerini & Brooks and Corney & Barrow and Bordeaux Wine Investments 12 & 13 Mount Street Hamper (left) and Annabel’s Limited Edition Hamper (right), £150 & £3000, both Mount Street Deli, hampers@themountstreetdeli.co.uk 14 Alain Ducasse Baubles, £25, The Dorchester Hotel, London www.alainducasse-dorchester.com

Food & Drink 16

21 19

15 Gift-wrapped macaroons in a range of flavours, £20.40 for twelve, L’Etranger, www.beaumanger.co.uk 16 Armand de Brignace Pink Ace of Spades Champagne, £430, Vanquish, www.gift-library.com 17 Frou Frou Art Tea Towel, £6.50, Museum of London, www.museumoflondon.org.uk 18 LaKyrsiew Tea Caddy by Lalani and Co, £24.35 per 125g, H.R Higgins, www.hrhiggins.co.uk 19 Locadeli Olive Oil, £16.99, Locanda Locatelli, available at Selfridges and Selfridges online, www.selfridges.com 20 Edible Guirlande butter cookies, £4 for 175g bag, Poilane, www.cuisinedebar.com 21 The Boutique Box, £190, the Chocolate, www.the-chocolate.com, also available exclusively at Harrods 22 Ultimate Christmas Hamper, £999 for 14 fine wines, Galoupet, www.galoupet.co.uk

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ADVENTURE TRAIL

The luxurious beachside resort of Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, located on the west crescent of the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, offers incredible views of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai’s towering skyline. With its interior design inspired by palaces of the Ottoman period, detailed touches include handpainted finishings, Turkish artwork and murals designed to conjure up images of the opulent Ottoman Empire. The restaurants are equally grand, and no visit would be complete without an evening or more of fine dining in Voi. Soaring ceilings, white walls and colossal mirrored pillars give the impressive of an enormous, decadent vault, complete with crystal chandeliers and accents of fresh green foliage. Sample exquisite dishes, which combine Vietnamese and French Colonial cuisine, and toast your trip with Perrier-Jouet rose champagne. www.jumeirah.com

FOLIE DOUCE La Folie Douce, the epitome of après-ski in the Alps, has announced a brand new events calendar for the 2011-12 ski season. Owner, Luc Reversade, continues to bring worldclass DJs, bands and burlesque shows to the Val d’Isère slopes and this year the open-air bar officially launches on 9 December. Perched at an altitude of 2,400 metres, in peak season the popular venue ushers 1,800 skiers through its doors daily to soak up live music and some of the finest alpine views. As well as taking advantage of the champagne pulley system, skiers can tuck into hearty, traditional cuisine at a choice of two restaurants, or sample local cheeses and exquisite wines, selected by 2011 Best Sommelier of the Alps, Aissa Abella, in the vaulted cellars. www.lafoliedouce.com

www.adventureshow.com 0871 230 7159

Travel Fact Soaring to a breath-taking 1087 metres over Cape Town, South Africa’s Table Mountain earned its name from the cloud ‘tablecloth’ which gathers across its peak. When the wind blows from a south easterly direction, the cloud is whipped up and pours down the sides of the sandstone plateau.

Website of the month:

www.excursionist.com

DECADENT DINING

The Telegraph Adventure Travel Show, the UK’s only event dedicated to offbeat travel experiences, comes to London Olympia on 28-29 January. Offering inspirational travel advice from seasoned explorers, tour leaders and travel writers, the show is a must for those who like to holiday outside of the mainstream. Uncover epic, once in a lifetime trips and get advice from the on hand specialist travel operators about everything from trekking to safaris and volunteering projects. Vantage readers can enjoy an array of talks, travel photography and writing workshops and save £4 off door ticket prices, by quoting ‘VANTAGE’ when booking.

With a dynamic selection of unique travel opportunities categorised by passions – including the arts, nature, food and drink, people and culture, wellness and sports and adventure – this site offers unique possibilities for independent travellers, keen to encounter authentic cultural experiences combined with luxury travel across the globe.

Brought to you in association with Small Luxury Hotels of the World, an unsurpassable collection of over 500 hotels spanning 70 countries, which offer an infinite variety of experiences.

Cultural

capital With more museums than any other capital in the world, and a bar and restaurant scene to rival London and New York, Mexico City has moved on from its stopover status and become a hot destination in its own right, says Sarah Gilbert

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his sprawling megalopolis, 2,240 metres above sea level and encircled by mountains, successfully blends the ancient and contemporary, from dramatic Aztec ruins to stunning modern architecture, street markets to chic boutiques and traditional food stalls to upmarket fusion restaurants. I began my exploration of the historic centre with breakfast at a city institution, Sanborn’s House of Tiles. In the historic restaurant, I opted for a classic morning dish of huevos rancheros – a hearty combination of tortillas, fried eggs, spicy sauce and ubiquitous black beans, served with a glass of fresh orange and cactus juice. Then it was on to sightseeing. At the heart of things is El Zócalo, the city’s vast and perpetually busy main square. Surrounded by the Metropolitan Cathedral – which has taken over 250 years to complete – and imposing colonial buildings, it stands on the site of the ancient Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan and you can still see the ruins of the Great Temple. For more Aztec history, it’s worth travelling around 30 miles north to stunning Teotihuacan with its monumental pyramids and temples, as well as the world-renowned National Museum of Anthropology in Chapultapec Park, the lungs of the city. I abandoned the display of Aztec dancing for the shade of the National Palace and the murals of one of Mexico’s most famous artists, Diego Rivera, whose vibrant scenes depict the history of Mexico, from the Aztecs to the revolution. A walk through the Plaza Santa Domingo – known for its scribes who sit and type letters on old electric typewriters – took me to the Ministry of Education and more of Diego’s murals. Afterwards, I strolled through leafy Alameda Park, an oasis from the heat of the city. Nearby the sumptuous Palace of Fine Arts is home to Mexico’s opera, the work of more legendary muralists – Orozco among them – and the Ballet Folklorico, whose glittering twice-weekly show is a whirl of colourful costumes and stirring music from all over the country. Equally traditional is Café Tacuba, opened in 1913. With its exquisite stained glass and tiled walls, tacos, tortillas and delicious hot chocolate, it’s as authentic as it is picturesque. Or the opulent La Nueva Opera Bar, with its red velvet banquettes, where the hole from Pancho Villa’s bullet still scars the gilded baroque ceiling. Plaza Garibaldi, with its lively bars and cantinas is the perfect setting for the new Museum of Tequila, where you can learn the history and traditions of this potent spirit. That evening, the square was awash with sombreroclad mariachi bands who, for a few pesos, will serenade you with a classic Mexican song, such as the rousing Guantanamera or Cielito Lindo. Mexico City has over 100 museums so it’s impossible to see them all in one visit, but the Frida Kahlo Museum – another of Mexico’s most renowned artists – in the tranquil southern suburb of Coyoacan is a must. Long since swallowed up by the ever-expanding city, the area still retains its elegant colonial squares and cobbled streets. The Blue House is where she was born and lived with Diego Rivera and its perfectly preserved rooms are filled with objects from their day-to-day lives, including the studio where she painted. The kitchen is a riot of colour, decorated in blue and yellow, the walls are lined with Mexican pottery

Far Left: Palacio de Bellas Artes Left from Top: Stained glass in Mexico City Pyramid of the Sun Palacio Nacional de Mexico Floating Gardens

connoisseur travel

and, in the luxuriant walled garden, pre-Columbian statues sit amongst the tropical plants. To the West of Coyoacan is the affluent neighbourhood of San Angel. Every Saturday, market stalls spill out in to the streets surrounding the Plaza San Jacinto, selling all manner of tempting Mexican crafts, from embroidered textiles to silver jewellery, wood carvings to kitsch art. Diego and Frida’s other house and studio is now a small museum. The cubist building behind the high cactus fence is actually two separate houses connected by a walkway – a testament to the couple’s independent union. Opposite the studio is the San Angel Inn, an old Carmelite monastery that has converted into one of the city’s loveliest restaurants and the sunlit, plant-filled courtyard was the perfect spot to indulge in, what are reputedly, the best margaritas in town. From the old to the new. In the upmarket district of Polanco, the Mexican business tycoon, Carlos Slim – one of the world’s richest man – has opened a dazzling new museum, Soumaya, which showcases his own personal art collection, from pre-Columbian to Spanish colonial treasures and modern art; while the designer boutiques along President Masaryk Avenue are some of the most upscale in Latin America. The boho-chic districts of Condesa and Roma are the city’s equivalent of New York’s SoHo – bursting with energy and full of great bars, modern Mexican fusion restaurants, cool boutiques and art galleries. I stopped off for a cocktail on the rooftop bar at the ultra-modern design hotel, Condesa DF before dining at the sleek restaurant, Aguila y Sol. A long way from a traditional cantina, the chef takes the country’s staple dishes and gives them a contemporary twist, with dishes such as crispy duck tacos in mole sauce – a rich mixture of ingredients including chillies and dark chocolate. The following day I went south, to the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco, where Frida and Diego used rent a gaudilydecorated trajinera (punt) and glide along the network of Aztec waterways, eating, drinking and singing. Barely changed, at weekends it still throngs with Mexican families. I grabbed a cold beer and a tamale – corn dough stuffed with spicy meat and wrapped in a banana leaf – and set off along the canals, amid boatloads of mariachi bands, floating canteens and flower sellers touting their wares. Viva Mexico! n For further information on Mexico City go to www.visitmexicocity.com.mx.

Above: Plaza of the Three Cultures, Tlatelolco Left from Top: Temple of Quetzalcoatl Frida Kahlo house Stone Skulls in Tenochtilan

How to get there: Iberia flies daily via Madrid www.iberia.com

Where to stay: Contemporary luxury hotel, Habita, is uniquely located in the upscale area of Polanco. With crisp lines and a modern feel, the hotel appears as a floating glass box, while inside, serene and elegant spaces offer personalised service and a cool atmosphere. www.hotelhabita.com

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See below for a list of our valued partners and stockists of Vantage

Hair + Beauty Beauty Boutique 17 Flask Walk, NW3 1HJ 020 7431 9111 Chuan Spa 1c Portland Place, Regent Street W1B 1JA 020 7973 7550

Renew Medica Oriel Court, 12 Heath Street NW3 6TE 0844 576 8306 The Beauty Laboratory London 7 Belsize Terrace, NW3 4AX 020 7125 0303

Courtenay Chemist 3 St. John’s Wood High Street NW8 7NG 020 7722 3814

The Laboratory Spa & Health Club The Avenue, Muswell Hill N10 2QE 020 8482 3000

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Health & Fitness Movers & Shapers 148 West End Lane, NW6 1SD 020 7372 4222 The Diagnostic Clinic 50 New Cavendish Street W1G 8TL 020 7009 4650 THE WELLINGTON HOSPITAL Wellington Place, St Johns Wood, NW8 9LE 020 7483 5148

Interiors Divertimenti 33/34 Marylebone High Street W1U 4PT 020 7935 0689 Graham and Green 164 Regents Park Road, NW1 8XN 020 7586 2960

Halcyon Interiors 120 Wigmore Street, W1U 3LS 020 7486 3080 hülsta Rolf Benz Westend 23-25 Baker Street , W1U 8EQ 020 7034 1930

Harry Morgan 29-31 St. John’s Wood High Street NW8 7NH 020 7722 1869 Jeroboams 1 St. John’s Wood High Street NW8 7NG 020 7722 4020

Mark Wilkinson Furniture 41 St. John’s Wood High Street NW8 7NJ 020 7586 9579

Lanka 71 Regents Park Road NW1 8UY 020 7483 2544

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The Primrose Eatery 38 Primrose Hill Road, NW3 3AD 020 7483 3222

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The Providores and Tapa Room 109 Marylebone High Street W1U 4RX 020 7935 6175

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Food + Drink Brasserie Gérard 122 St. John’s Wood High Street NW8 7SG 020 7722 0400 Cafe Luc 50 Marylebone High Street W1U 5HN 020 7258 9878 Café Rouge 120 St. John’s Wood High Street NW8 7SG 020 7722 8366

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Gelato Mio 138 St. John’s Wood High Street NW8 7SE 020 0011 3889

Hampstead Theatre Eton Avenue, Swiss Cottage NW3 3EU 020 7722 9301

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food & drink

Celebrate and Commemorate

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By far the most beautiful foodie gifts to give this Christmas have to be these delightful tea caddies, biscuit tins and Christmas pudding sets from iconic retailers Fortnum & Mason, designed to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee. The beautiful Piccadilly shop has been trading since 1707, and seen the monarchy through more than twelve reigns. Epitomising very British traits of quality and service, Fortnum & Mason have plans to envelope the store in these striking designs, while offering over 60 special Jubilee products.

Left Top: The New Inn Left Bottom: One Blenheim Terrace

www.fortnumandmason.com

New Inn Town St John’s Wood is already celebrating the opening of the fantastic One Blenheim Terrace, a smart, upscale restaurant offering a high class dining experience with unique dishes and a very on-trend penchant for reinventing the classics – think fish and chips with a serious upgrade. And now, the newly opened New Inn on Allitsen Road means the area welcomes a gastro pub with a serious commitment to fresh food and great atmosphere. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as running a special Sunday roast menu that includes sirloin and poussin amongst its meat offerings, this pub looks to be the kind of place you’ll make your local, even if it isn’t. www.oneblenheimterrace.co.uk www.newinnlondon.co.uk

Food lingo:

Quote:

Meat Up

Figgy Pudding

The founders of infamous pop up street food restaurant Meatwagon opened the doors to new venture MeatLiquor, in Marylebone this month. Specialising in burgers, fried chicken and cheesesteaks, the restaurant won’t be a first choice for romantic dining, but its edgy approach and amazing jam jar cocktails (exactly what they sound like) makes for a cool, casual night out.

Resembling a white Christmas pudding with figs, this festive dessert dates back to the 16th Century and was originally a potage of mashed figs thickened with bread. Today, the term ‘figgy pudding’ is known mainly because of the Christmas carol ‘We Wish You A Merry Christmas’. The pudding can be baked, steamed in the oven, boiled or even fried.

www.meatliquor.com

It is now Christmas, and not a cup of drink must pass without a carol! Nicholas Breton, English poet

Website:

www.slowfood.com

NEWS:

Working in conjunction with the Slow Food movement, launched in 1989 to fight against the rise of fast food and the disappearance of local food traditions, this site is a great place to reignite your passion for buying, eating and cooking locally, and is a wealth of information on ways to be more sustainable and thoughtful about food.

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Mistletoe and Wine

Three of a Kind... Seasonal Specials

Melanie Reeve, senior wine and spirit expert at Vinopolis London, says eat, drink and be merry this Christmas - and don’t be afraid to try something new!

hristmas time, mistletoe and wine,” croons Cliff Richard in that festive favourite, but how do you know what tipple to buy when there are so many to choose from? Buying Christmas alcohol can be as stressful as shopping for gifts, especially when you’re cooking several different menus to cater to everyone’s tastes, but don’t let too much choice get the better of you this year. The most important thing to remember is that Christmas is about celebration and indulgence. Every wine has its place at Christmas – let your taste preferences guide you, but don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things too. A good tip is to start with lighter wines and gradually build up to fuller-bodied styles and remember to save your best wine for the main event – Christmas Day dinner. Festive fizz complements a wide range of canapés and main dishes. A classic Champagne such as Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label NV (from £31.99) or ‘The Widow’ as it is widely known, fits the bill perfectly. Full bodied and rich in flavour, Veuve Clicquot’s distinctive yellow coloured label was originally matched to the colour of hen egg yolks when it was founded in 1772 and remains unchanged to this day - a great talking point over the Christmas table! Alternatively, a light and fruity Prosecco is a great option in terms of value, that will keep everyone happy. Gallici Prosecco, (£8.66 a bottle), is packed full of delicious apple and lemon aromas which compliment lighter dishes. For something completely different this Christmas, why not try a chilled, sparkling red. This is celebration – Australian style! If you haven’t tried this already, you’re in for a treat. Serve Tomahawk Sparkling Red NV (from £9.99), which has spicy, red berry tones and an off-dry finish, heavenly alongside duck or goose. A Magnum not only looks fabulous, but also makes sense when entertaining larger numbers – and it doesn’t have to be champagne. Laithwaites Baron de Barbon Oak-Aged Rioja Magnum 2007 is amazing value at £16.99 and is soft enough to enjoy on its own or with chicken and lamb based dishes. To compliment your Christmas pud, try Jackson-Triggs Vidal Icewine 2007 (from £13.49), which is made with luscious aromas of lychees and naturally frozen grapes or Three Bridges Botrytis Reserve Semillon 2007 (from £12.49 for a half bottle), aged in oak and in the style of Sauternes. Leftovers needn’t be left out either – try a lightly chilled Pinot Noir with a cold festive buffet or Turkey sandwiches and a Rhone red such as Chateauneuf-du-Pape with lamb and beef. After your Boxing Day walk, don’t forget to warm up with a traditional glass of steaming mulled wine which can be made from red wine, oranges and brown sugar in just ten minutes. n

www.vinopolis.co.uk

LOCAL INSPIRATION Carluccios

Enjoy discounts, festive canapés and warming glasses of traditional Italian mulled wine at Carluccios in Hampstead, St John’s Wood and Muswell Hill on their special Christmas Shopping Evenings (1 & 8 December). For gift ideas you could treat little ones to their mini Christmas crackers, or make a romantic gesture with their dark chocolate dipped Calabrian figs. Those who want to make, rather than buy, their presents, can benefit from the gift making classes, ensuring you come away with perfect handmade truffles, chutneys and biscuits. And, of course, a classic Italian Christmas menu will be served throughout December. www.carluccios.com

LUNCHTIME TREATS Ronnie Scott’s

Renowned jazz club Ronnie Scott’s will be running a series of Christmas Cabaret Lunches throughout December, hosted by in house pianist and musical

director James Pearson and glamorous soul sensation, Natalie Williams. Not only can guests enjoy delicious food, award-winning drinks and great entertainment, but they can even get involved themselves. While musicians and singers will be taking requests from the floor, The Christmas Cabaret also offers a unique opportunity to get up on one of the world’s most famous stages and play kazoo with the band. Unleash your inner maestro! www.ronniescotts.co.uk

FESTIVE DATE The Berkeley

As it does every December, The Berkeley Hotel’s Health Club & Spa is transforming its roof-top terrace into a pinefilled forest cinema. Winter classics such as ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ and ‘Bridget Jones’ Diary’ will play on the big screen, while you and someone special can nestle between warm Moncler blankets, fluffy cushions and hot water bottles. Home-made hot chocolate and Berkeley mince pies are on hand to complete the festive atmosphere while heating lamps will keep guests warm when the cold really sets in. Special Winter Cinema packages for Londoners are available at £55 per person and include full access to the movie theatre at either the 5pm or 7pm seating. www.the-berkeley.co.uk

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connoisseur

Manna from heaven Rebecca Ross discovers the rapture of fine dining in Galvin at La Chapelle

ying rather innocuously next to its younger and shinier neighbours, a bottle of 1961 Hermitage La Chapelle wine appears almost in danger of being overlooked. Yet it seems to exude an air of mystery and dignity (if you believe such things are possible for an inanimate object) to the extent that it becomes a hidden treasure of the wine-fridge and, at £19,500 a pop, this is a treasure of great value. So it is with Galvin at La Chapelle, named after this iconic vineyard, which sits demurely amid the gleaming towers of Bishopsgate. Walking in from the concrete and chrome of the City, La Chapelle is a delight for the senses. Situated in a Grade II listed building, the design is both classic and contemporary, and in a city where every inch of space is utilised to the max, it is a relief to find some room to breathe. The highbeamed ceiling, stone pillars and arched windows lend the space a cathedral-like quality, finished with a touch of muted grandeur that is as immaculate as it is impressive. It also boasts a magical outside space, Le Jardin, which is perfect for champagne-sipping in the summer and cigar smoking in the winter, as well as a stylish bar for more informal dining and live piano music. Whether you’re looking for somewhere for a power lunch or a proposal, La Chapelle is a place where special things happen and 100 per cent worth the bill. This is the third London restaurant opened by Galvin brothers Chris and Jeff and the most recent to win a Michelin star. With a menu populated with volutés, escabèches, assiettes and soufflés, the Provençal inspiration more than makes its mark while the use of seasonal British ingredients keeps the menu fresh and exciting. Whatever cross-Channel balance they have struck, it works. La Chapelle masters both the theatre and artistry of fine dining, as the food is presented with a tasteful flourish in dishes that look almost too good to eat. But then you eat and it is exquisite. Combining flavours that are delicate yet surprising, La Chapelle’s food wins you over by seduction rather than bombardment. To start, I had ordered the delicious yellow fin tuna with aubergine caviar and coriander, meaty but undercut with chutney-like flavours, and after finishing this, I stole rather more than is polite from my companion’s plate. His crab lasagne, drizzled with lemongrass butter, literally melted in your mouth, and produced a facial expression that you imagine only exists on food adverts. To accompany the food we drank a pungent red, as directed by the sommelier. He was, like all the waiting staff,

incredibly knowledgeable and friendly and there was a real glint of joy in his eyes as he imparted his encyclopaedic knowledge about the effect of the volcanic soil on the Pinot Noir vineyards that supplied our wine. The main courses arrived and looked like pieces of art that had accidentally ended up on a plate. My roast loin of venison, with organic beetroot, globe artichoke and yellow chanterelles, again quietly exploded with waves of flavour. With a perfect amount of space left for dessert, the final course arrived. The soufflé of English blackberries was one of the best desserts I had enjoyed in some time, so light and fluffy, but then I tried the tarte tatin. It is difficult to articulate quite how delectable this iconic concoction of apples, sugar, butter and, presumably, ambrosial nectar was. With La Chapelle, it seems the Galvin brothers have devised a perfect recipe for the fine dining experience, using the ingredients of traditional inspiration, flavoured with innovation, every detail infused with consideration and finally presented with panache in a stunning setting. It is an experience to savour. n La Chapelle, 35 Spital Square, E1, 020 7299 0400

out

about

WATCH Christmas wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be Christmas without a festive theatre trip. This year, the Hampstead Theatre is presenting a beasts and beauties themed story-telling show, in which Brothers Grim and European fairy tales are retold by the acclaimed poet Carol Ann Duffy. Last time around the production was highly praised and this year promises to be just as exciting. The show is suitable for children aged eight and over. Eton Avenue, NW3 3EU www.hampsteadtheatre.com

LISTEN:

ADMIRE: Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book illustrator and theatrical designer Nicky Armstrong heads up the creative team of the Enchanted Christmas House, a beautiful winter wonderland staged at London Art House which features a series of rooms styled as a magical grotto. The venue is just down the road in Islington and has been designed with children aged between one and 12 in mind. Santa will be in residence and there will also be the opportunity to participate in many craft workshops. www.enchantedhouse.net

Ahead of Christmas Eve enjoy a vibrant carol service at St Marylebone Paris Church on 12 December. The service starts at 7pm and is sure to attract a large and enthusiastic crowd. During the evening, gifts will be accepted for children in the Royal London Hospital as well as those at the Richard House Hospice. Mulled wine and mince pies will also be available afterwards. Marylebone Church, NW1 www.putneyrotaract.org.uk

out & about

connoisseur

SKATE The Somerset House ice rink is up, running and ready for action this month. Amongst the schedule is open-air music nights ideal for younger guests, with the soundtrack courtesy of prominent DJs and iconic clubs such as Lovebox and Ministry of Sound. Visit after work to enjoy a glass of mulled wine and soak up the seasonal spirit. www.somersethouse.org.uk

The unveiling of the Christmas tree at Claridge’s is always an event, and, this year, fashion designer of the moment Alber Elbaz for Lanvin has lent his luxurious, glamorous style to the season’s most important piece of foliage. This sketch shows the playful side

to the designer, who has whimsically captured the celebratory mood of the season and the style and opulence so synonymous with Claridge’s. We can’t wait to see the real thing. Claridge’s, 49 Brook Street, W1K 4HR www.claridges.co.uk

PREPARE:

ORDER:

We had to include the bespoke eyelash extensions of the St John’s Wood EF Medispa in our round-up this month as they are a party season musthave. The luscious lashes are one of our favourite treatments at the new pampering hotspot owing to their glamorous finish, achieved by layering three individual extensions on each of your natural lashes. St John’s Wood High Street NW8

Take some of the stress out of Christmas by pre-ordering your tree and even commissioning its decoration. These services are offered, in addition to tree recycling, by Pines and Needles, the reputable London supplier who can provide real and artificial trees as well as lights and accessories. The team cover North West London areas including Regent’s Park, Hampstead, St John’s Wood and Camden. www.pinesandneedles.com

Padmayogini / Shutterstock.com

CELEBRATE

SAVOUR: We can think of few places as lovely to enjoy a New Year dinner as Odette’s in Primrose Hill. Two luxurious menus have been devised for the occasion including a leisurely five course feast accompanied by champagne. The management will ensure that all meals are completed in time to view the fireworks erupting across London, from the top of the Hill. 130 Regent’s Park Road, NW1 8XL www.odettesprimrosehill.com

Winters Most ’ Canary Wharf’s annual festive shopping event returns on Thursday 1 December and provides the perfect opportunity to snap up that party dress or festive gift, make use of fantastic in-store discounts and enjoy an evening of entertainment, fashion shows and giveaways. Less than 25 minutes from St John’s Wood on the Jubilee Line makes Canary Wharf the accessible retail destination for the very best in luxury.

Round basketweave cufflink, £55, Jaeger London, Cabot Place

Three Piece Suit, £750, Hackett, Cabot Place

Atwood paisley blue mid scarf, £49, Reiss, Cabot Place

Meisterstuck Wallet, £200, Montblanc, Canada Place

Red satin tie with crowns, £70 , Hackett, Cabot Place

Hayle black brogue shoes, £149, Reiss, Jubilee Place

SHOPPING Beaded dress, £350, Karen Millen, Jubilee Place

Marquis chandelier earrings, £152, CARAT*, Cabot Place

Tuxedo black jacket, £460, Jaeger London, Cabot Place

Wanted Twisted crystal necklace, £99 Jaeger London, Cabot Place

Selina heels, £185 L.K.Bennett, Jubilee Place

‘Fusion’ 18ct white gold and white diamond pave set ring, £3100, Georg Jensen at Charles Fish, Cabot Place

Datty lace skirt with scallop hem, £99, Ted Baker, Canada Place

Davina dress in purple, £195, L.K. Bennett, Jubilee Place

Darwin clutch in teal, £175, L.K.Bennett, Jubilee Place

King Boot, £145, Dune, Cabot Place

Winter’s Most Wanted discounts include* 20% Aspinal of London, Charles Tyrwhitt, Choice (exclusions apply), Crabtree & Evelyn, Dune, Hackett, Hobbs, Jaeger London, Jones Bootmaker, Karen Millen, L.K. Bennett, Ted Baker 15% Gap, L’Occitane (on purchases of £20 or more), Sweaty Betty, The White Company 10% Carat*, Hotel Chocolat, The London 2012 Shop, Nails Inc Other offers are also available at David M. Robinson, Gant, Montblanc, Thomas Pink, Tumi and more. More discounts will be announced, check www.canarywharf.com for updates. * Correct at time of print. Terms and conditions apply. Retailers reserve the right to amend their offers.

finest

Festivities

As well as being a luxury retail destination, Canary Wharf also offers the very best in cuisine from around the world, including French fine dining, Japanese fusion and sumptuous Scottish fare this festive season

live new zz eve ja year’s uben with re ds richar

roka NEW EVE YEAR’S m fro enus m £8 5

PARTY WITH THE BIG BOIS’

ROKA ROCKS

Connoisseurs in whiskey, oysters, cigars and champagne as well as an enviable reputation for the best beef, lamb, game and seafood in London, Boisdale of Canary Wharf is the home of the finest things in life. And all this to be enjoyed to the smooth strains of quality live jazz. The restaurant houses ‘the greatest whisky bar on the planet’ alongside a wine and cigar shop, cigar terrace and oyster bar. The traditional Boisdale look is evident, with deep reds and greens, rich mahogany panelling and a dash of Macdonald tartan, and the menu’s ingredients are predominantly sourced directly from Scotland, with all this Caledonian flavour beautifully offset by breathtaking views. New Year’s Eve will be brought in by Reuben Richards & Soul Train, whose irresistible mix of soul and blues classics will be the perfect accompaniment to a night of revelry and merriment.

The word ‘Roka’ signfies a meeting place where food and drinks are shared with friends (Ro) that has warmth and an all-embracing energy (Ka). This chic Japanese fusion restaurant combines both of these elements, with sumptuous food, delicious cocktails and an atmosphere abuzz with sociability and zest. For New Year’s Eve, Roka provides more than a culinary taste of Japan, as Tokyo culture is transported to Canary Wharf for one night only. Just as in Japan, traditional and popular culture will be combined, featuring Samurai stilt walkers against the backdrop of Roka’s own Hanami festival with the bar wrapped in blossom to create an etheral party atmosphere. Later, the DJ and percussionist will take over to lead the celebrations into the night.

Boisdale of Canary Wharf Cabot Place, Canary Wharf, E14 4QT 020 7715 5818 www.boisdale.co.uk

Roka The Park Pavilion, 40 Canada Square, E14 5FW 020 7636 5228 www.rokarestaurant.com

SHOPPING NEWLY OPENED

C HI eat LDREN free Sat urd on 3 Dece ay mber

DINNER ON A PLATEAU A well-known favourite, Plateau at Canary Wharf sits in a prime fourth floor location at the top of Canada Place, opposite the iconic One Canada Square . The uber-stylish, minimalistic, futuristic restaurant offers incredible views of the surrounding cityscape, through its huge glass windows. The main restaurant, the informal Bar & Grill, private dining rooms and the outdoor terraces, all serve modern French food at its best. For New Year’s Eve Head Chef, Allan Pickett has created an exquisite five course menu in the main Restaurant featuring dishes. The five course menu comes with a complimentary glass of Champagne and costs £65 per person. Plateau Restaurant, Bar & Grill 16-19 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, E14 5EQ 020 7715 7100 www.plateau-restaurant.co.uk

SPANISH FLAVOUR

Iberica Canary Wharf Led by two Michelin starred executive chef, Nacho Manzano from Asturias in Spain, Iberica Canary Wharf is an outpost of Spanish culture in London and serves authentic gastronomic tapas, the perfect accompaniment to a night of fun, chatter and wine with friends. Cabot Square, Canary Wharf, E14 5NY 020 7636 8650 www.ibericalondon.co.uk

MARVELLOUS MOZARELLA Obikà Mozzarella Bar Unique mozzarella bar Obikà is Canary Wharf’s newest addition to the foodie front-line, opening in December. The handmade mozzarellas from the Paestum and the Agro Pontino areas are processed using milk from the water buffalo owned by dairy farmers who use their hands for the “mozzatura” (or ‘lopping off’) process. Look out for the tasting menus where diners can sample different cheeses with breads and delicatessen meats. West Wintergarden, Canary Wharf, E14 5NY www.obika.it

ENCHANTING EVENTS UNDER THE STARS

It’s time to get your skates on this Christmas, as the popular Canary Wharf Ice Rink returns to Canada Square Park for its seventh year. Nestled in the park beneath the world famous One Canada Square, under a canopy of twinkling fairy lights the rink promises to be as enchanting and full of festive fun as ever. CANARY WHARF ICE RINK Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf www.canarywharficerink.com Saturday 12 Nov 2011 – Sunday 19 Feb 2012

Santa’s Showtime

Meet Santa and all his festive friends and helpers in the Christmassy extravaganza that is ‘Santa’s Showtime!’, a stage spectacular for all the family to enjoy. Tickets to the shows will be free, but prebooking is essential through canarywharf.com East Wintergarden, 43 Bank St, Canary Wharf Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 December

SANTA’S GROTTO

Add a sprinkling more magic to a trip to Canary Wharf with a visit to Santa’s grotto. This year’s grotto takes the form of a spectacular sleigh pulled by two giant reindeer, piled high with glittering gifts. Located in Jubilee Place, Father Christmas will be in residence every weekend during December and Christmas week until Christmas Eve, leaving plenty of time for children to come and ask him for a special festive wish. Jubilee Place, Canary Wharf 3-4, 10-11, 17-24 December 11am-5pm FREE Every weekend in December, there will also be free festive activities for little ones to enjoy throughout Canary Wharf including art and craft workshops, festive face-painting and other fun entertainment.

CARVE & CREATE

The London Ice Sculpting Festival is set to return to Canary Wharf for the fourth year. Visitors to the Wharf are invited to come and cheer on, and vote as the international teams as they battle it out in an adrenaline-fuelled race to bring their striking and mesmerising designs to life before they melt away.This year’s festival explores the theme of Winter Sports . Visitors can also test their own sculpting skills on a small block of ice by signing up for a free, supervised Masterclass or, if you prefer a softer medium, the Snow Pit is perfect for shaping snowmen… and snowballs. There will also be a charming Frost Fayre with winter stalls selling freshly prepared winter snacks and drinks. London Ice Sculpting Festival Friday 13 & Saturday 14 January 2012 Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf www.londonicesculptingfestival.co.uk For more information visit www.canarywharf.com

listing See below for estate agents in YOUR area

faronsutaria.co.uk

SALES & LETTINGS

Aston Chase 69 / 71 Park Road NW1 6XU 020 7724 4724 www.astonchase.com

FARON SUTARIA 114 -118 Parkway NW1 7AN 020 7267 7074 www.faronsutaria.co.uk

Jonathan Arron 18 Blenheim Terrace NW8 0EB 020 7604 4611 www.jonathanarron.com

Parkheath 208 Haverstock Hill NW3 2AG 020 7431 1234 www.parkheath.com

Knight Frank 5-7 Wellington Place NW8 7PB 020 7586 2777 www.knightfrank.co.uk

Parkheath 8a Canfield Gardens NW6 3BS 020 7625 4567 www.parkheath.com

HOLLOWAY ROAD, N19 An impressive period conversion occupying the entire ground floor with own entrance and private garden. Approx. 888 sq ft. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, reception room. £425,000 Share of Freehold 020 7267 7074 camden@faronsutaria.co.uk

Benham & Reeves 56 Heath Street NW3 1DL 020 7435 9822 www.b-r.co.uk

Greenstone 83 Boundary Road NW8 0RG 020 7625 7000 www.greenstone.com

GAISFORD STREET, NW5

A 1st floor apartment with twin doors leading out to the cast iron balcony and communal gardens. Approx. 406 sq ft. Bedroom, bathroom, open-plan kitchen/reception room. £330,000 Leasehold 020 7267 7074 camden@faronsutaria.co.uk

OUR SERVICE WILL MOVE YOU

FS Vantage September 2011.indd 1

10/08/2011 12:51

Brian Lack & Co 4-6 Saint Ann’s Terrace NW8 6PJ 020 7586 5929 www.brianlack.co.uk

Hamptons International 99 St John’s Wood Terrace NW8 6PL 020 7722 2131 www.hamptons.co.uk

Knight Frank 79-81 Heath Street NW3 6UG 020 7431 8686 www.knightfrank.co.uk

Parkheath 192 West End Lane NW6 1SG 020 7794 7111 www.parkheath.com

chesterton humberts 55-56 Hampstead High Street NW3 1QH 020 7794 3311 www.chestertonhumberts.com

Hamptons International 21 Heath street NW3 6TR 020 7794 8222 www.hamptons.co.uk

Knight Frank Marylebone 120a Mount Street, W1K 3NN 020 7483 8349 www.knightfrank.co.uk

Property Divas 34a Rosslyn Hill NW3 1NH 020 7431 8000 www.propertydivas.com

Cluttons 53 Charlbert Street NW8 6JN 020 7586 5863 www.cluttons.com

Hanover Residential 112 Boundary Road NW8 0RH 020 7372 4499 www.hanover-residential.co.uk

Marsh & Parsons 35 Maida Vale W9 1TP 020 7368 4458 www.marshandparsons.co.uk

Rescorp 11 Hanover Gate Mansions Park Road, NW1 4SJ 020 3348 8000 www.rescorp.co.uk

sales.littlevenice@chestertonhumberts.com

RUNWILD M

If you would like to appear within the property pages of VANTAGE, contact Kate Oxbrow, property manager on 020 7987 4320 or k.oxbrow@runwildgroup.co.uk

LONDON Homes&

PROPERTY Showcasing the finest homes in your area

Knight Frank

Marlborough Place, St Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wood NW8 Low built Villa in St Johns Wood

This elegant house is arranged over three floors featuring spacious entertaining areas. Master bedroom with en suite dressing room and bathroom, 5 further bedrooms (3 with en suite bathroom), shower room, drawing/dining room, entertaining room, study, playroom, cinema, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, guest WC, indoor swimming pool, steam room, gym/studio, garden, off street parking for up to 4 cars. Approximately 565.4sq.m (6,086sq.ft)

Freehold Guide price ÂŁ13,000,000 (SJW09150)

KnightFrank.co.uk/St-Johns-Wood stjohnswood@knightfrank.com 020 7586 2777

Hanover Terrace, St Johns Wood NW8

A Nash house with mews and garage in Regents Park A magnificent grade I listed residence built in 1822 occupying a prominent position within this superb Nash terrace with views over Regents Park. Principle bedroom suite (with 2 en suite bathrooms and dressing room), 3 further bedrooms (2 with en suite bathrooms), family bathroom, family room, dining room, study, double volume Atrium leading down to kitchen/breakfast room, guest WC, terrace, garden, mews house, garage. Approximately 544.4sq.m (5,860sq.ft)

Leasehold 127 years and 5 months Guide Price ÂŁ14,000,000 (SJW110140)

KnightFrank.co.uk/St-Johns-Wood stjohnswood@knightfrank.com 020 7586 2777

Knight Frank

Pavilion Apartments, St Johns Wood NW8 8 bedroom apartment in St Johns Wood

Duplex apartment in one of the best portered buildings with exceptional outside space. Master bedroom with en suite bathroom/jacuzzi and dressing room, 7 further bedrooms (6 with en suites), double reception room, family room, kitchen/breakfast room, staff kitchen, independent staircase, dining room, 3 guest WC, 2 large roof terraces, lift and 24 hour porterage. Approximately 433.5sq.m (4,666sq.ft)

Leasehold 988 years and 6 months Guide price ÂŁ9,500,000 (SJW09150)

KnightFrank.co.uk/St-Johns-Wood stjohnswood@knightfrank.com 020 7586 2777

Knight Frank

Frognal Lane, Hampstead, NW3 Impressive village house

An impressive Grade II listed detached family house, set in the heart of Hampstead Village. The property is maintained to a high standard by the current owners and offers flexible accommodation over 4 floors, 4 to 6 Bedrooms, 3 to 5 Reception Rooms, 5 Bathrooms, Garden, Private Parking. Approximately 566 sq m (6,095 sq ft) Freehold Guide price: ÂŁ8,950,000 (HAM080173)

KnightFrank.co.uk/hampstead hampstead@knightfrank.com 020 7431 8686

TELEGRAPH HILL HAMPSTEAD NW3 £6,950,000 FREEHOLD An outstanding comprehensively refurbished detached family home (477sq m/5,134sq ft) forming part of this exclusive elevated gated development. This immaculate residence features a ‘state of the art’ private screening room and further benefits from an exceptional double reception room ideal for large scale entertaining and a beautifully landscaped tiered south east facing rear garden. Telegraph Hill is a unique group of four substantial and individual properties set within their own, secure gated environment, situated on the edge of Hampstead Heath close to the historic village of Hampstead. ACCOMMODATION AND AMENITIES Entrance Hall, Double Length Reception Room, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Dining Room, Principal Bedroom with Dressing Room & En-Suite Bathroom, 4 Further Bedrooms (En-Suited), Cinema/Play Room, Staff Bedroom (En-Suited), Separate WC, Guest Cloakroom, Utility/AV Room, Laundry, Lutron lighting and Speakercraft Music System, Under Floor Heating, Comfort Cooling, CCTV Private South-East Facing Terraced Garden, Decking with Water and Electric Supply, Garage for 1 Car and Motorbike, Off Street Parking for 3 Cars. JOINT SOLE AGENT

astonchase.com

REGENT’S PARK OFFICE 69–71 PARK ROAD LONDON NW1 6XU T –020 7724 4724 F –020 7724 6160

WARWICK AVENUE LITTLE VENICE W9 £6,250,000 FREEHOLD A stucco fronted semi detached house (322sq m/3,466sq ft) arranged over 4 floors and offered in excellent condition throughout. The property provides well planned family/ entertaining accommodation and further benefits from a south west facing rear garden. Warwick Avenue is situated within easy access of all the shops and cafés of Little Venice whilst only moments from Regent’s Canal and Warwick Avenue Underground Station (Bakerloo Line) providing easy access to Paddington mainline station & the Heathrow Express. ACCOMMODATION AND AMENITIES Principal Bedroom with Dressing Room & En-Suite Bathroom, 3/4 Further Bedrooms (1 En-Suite), Family Bathroom, Drawing Room, Sitting Room, Family Room, Kitchen/ Breakfast Room, Study, 2 Guest Cloakrooms, Utility Room, Partial Under Floor Heating, Air Conditioning to all the Bedrooms, Landscaped Front & Rear Gardens, Residents Only Permit Parking. JOINT SOLE AGENT

HAMILTON TERRACE ST JOHN’S WOOD NW8 £6,250,000 FREEHOLD A stunning semi detached Georgian residence (364sq m/3,914sq ft) located on the east side of this impressive tree lined boulevard. The property has been well maintained throughout and features an impressive kitchen/ breakfast room leading onto a 70' landscaped rear garden. The house also has the potential to extend subject to the necessary planning permissions. Hamilton Terrace is ideally located within close proximity to the extensive shops, boutiques and restaurants of Little Venice and St John’s Wood, transport links including Maida Vale Underground Station (Bakerloo Line) and St John’s Wood Underground Station (Jubilee Line) providing easy access to the West End, City & Canary Wharf whilst within walking distance of Primrose Hill and Regent’s Park. ACCOMMODATION AND AMENITIES Principal Bedroom with Dressing Room & En-Suite Bathroom, 4 Further Bedrooms, Family Bathroom, Entrance Hall, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Dining Room, Drawing Room, Family Room, Playroom/Bedroom 6, Study, Utility Room, Guest Cloakroom, Gas Central Heating, Alarm System, 70' Rear Landscaped Garden, Garage. JOINT SOLE AGENT

astonchase.com

REGENT’S PARK OFFICE 69–71 PARK ROAD LONDON NW1 6XU T –020 7724 4724 F –020 7724 6160

REGENT’S PARK ROAD PRIMROSE HILL NW1 £5,750,000 FREEHOLD Commanding a prominent corner position at the end of a handsome Georgian Terrace in the heart of the Primrose Hill Conservation Area this fine period home (333sq m/3,600sq ft) combines spacious reception areas with generous bedroom accommodation. This impressive and spacious family home is planned over five floors and is flooded with light from three sides whilst screened by mature front and rear gardens offering a good degree of privacy. Occupying this ideal position on Berkeley Road the house is at the centre of picturesque Primrose Hill village, famed for its iconic park just 300 metres from the property and a little further south, Regent’s Park and famed Zoological Gardens whilst only a short distance from Chalk Farm Station (Northern Line). ACCOMMODATION AND AMENITIES Principal Bedroom Suite with Sitting Room/Dressing Room and En-Suite Bathroom, 4 Further Bedrooms, Reception Hall, Double Drawing Room, Kitchen/Breakfast/Family Room, Sitting/TV Room, Conservatory, Library, Study, Secondary Kitchen (Bathroom Conversion), Laundry/Utility Room, Guest Cloakroom, Studio/Playroom/Home Office, Front and Rear Gardens, Residents Only Permit Parking. JOINT SOLE AGENT

Canfield Gardens NW6 - £1,395,000 An exceptional split-level maisonette with atrium terrace and balcony in the South Hampstead Conservation Area South Hampstead Office 020 7625 4567

Belsize Park 020 7431 1234 South Hampstead 020 7625 4567 West Hampstead 020 7794 7111

1647 sq ft internal accommodation • Expansive open reception areas • 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms • Internal roof terrace plus balcony •

www.parkheath.com

Belsize Park Gardens NW3 - £1,450,000 An outstanding raised ground floor period apartment within a white stucco villa on a prime Belsize Park turning Belsize Park Office 020 7431 1234

1453 sq ft internal accommodation • 30’2 reception, 26’4 kitchen/diner • 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms • Curved balcony to private garden •

Belsize Park 020 7431 1234 South Hampstead 020 7625 4567 West Hampstead 020 7794 7111

www.parkheath.com

Parkhill Road NW3 - £2,375,000 Magnificent raised and ground floor garden maisonette in a handsome semi-detached property, with private parking Belsize Park Office 020 7431 1234

Main reception plus 2nd reception • 4/5 double bedrooms • Lawned and paved 84 ft garden • Off street parking •

Belsize Park 020 7431 1234 South Hampstead 020 7625 4567 West Hampstead 020 7794 7111

www.parkheath.com

Canfield Gardens NW6 - £1,425,000 A spacious ground floor apartment with extensive rear garden in a sought-after Conservation Area location South Hampstead Office 020 7625 4567

Belsize Park 020 7431 1234 South Hampstead 020 7625 4567 West Hampstead 020 7794 7111

1582 sq ft internal accommodation • 3 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms • 25’8 period reception, 22’10 kitchen • Secluded 80’ private rear garden •

www.parkheath.com

LEFT-HAND

Hamptons St. John’s Wood Office Lettings. 020 7722 2131 stjohnswoodlettings@hamptons-int.com

Hanover Terrace, NW1 £12,000.00 per week

A stunning five bedroom Nash terrace family home with a separate mews house that boasts picturesque views of Regent’s Park. The property is arranged over five floors, with a fabulous double height rear glass extension.

Pavilion Apartments, NW8 £1,300.00 per week

A fabulous front facing two double bedroom 8th floor apartment with direct views into Lords Cricket Ground.

Best for Property Management 2011

Hamptons International has been crowned Gold Winner in Best for Property with The Sunday Times and The Times, recognising Hamptons’ commitment to exceptional customer service. Call us to find out more about how our Property Management Services can help us meet your property requirements

Wrap up your Lettings before Christmas.

Whether you wish to let immediately or simply require an up-to-date market appraisal of your property, we would be delighted to hear from you. With our extensive office network, strong brand and powerful web coverage, we continue to attract the most serious tenants. Please call Chloe Ellis on 020 7722 2131 to arrange a free, no-obligation market appraisal. We look forward to hearing from you.

Hamptons St John’s Wood 99 St. John’s Wood Terrace, St John’s Wood, London NW8 6PL Lettings. 020 7722 2131 - stjohnswoodlettings@hamptons-int.com Sales. 020 7586 9595 - stjohnswood@hamptons-int.com www.hamptons.co.uk

Beyond your expectations

homes & property promotion

Local Expertise As a trusted brand with over 140 years property experience and a network of over 85 offices Hamptons International are ideally placed to help you with your next move

Experience and passion As a team we have many years of estate agency experience in the area, specialising in the sale and rental of residential property in and around St Johns Wood, Maida Vale, Little Venice, Regents Park and Primrose Hill. From a vendor or landlord’s point of view, we are

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Children from St Christina’s School have been encouraged to participate in the festive competition by drawing Santa’s Home as they imagine it to be. The competition is broken down into four age categories (4-5 years, 6-7 years, 8-9 years, and 10-11 years), and there will be one winner from each category who will each be awarded a special prize and a generous donation for their school to spend on books or equipment. The winning pictures will also be displayed in the Hamptons branch window for the duration of the Christmas period.

Alex Bourne

Richard is joined by Alex Bourne who is our new sales negotiator. Having graduated from one of London’s leading drama schools, Alex spent ten years working in the entertainment industry before deciding to follow in his father’s footsteps and make a career in residential property. After an extremely successful spell with one of London’s best-known estate agents, Hamptons International were pleased to welcome Alex, and we know he’ll be a great asset to our St Johns Wood office. Alex has joined Hampton’s International to add depth to the sales team and utilise his many contacts in the property and entertainment industries.

Community Work The St John’s Wood Branch of Hamptons International has launched a Christmas drawing competition aimed at children from St Christina’s School in St John’s Wood entitled “Draw a House for Santa”.

The competition offers the opportunity for the whole community to get involved: parents, friends and the general public will be able to vote for their favourite picture by posting a voting slip before the closing date (7 December) in the North Pole Post-box located in the local branch. The picture with the most votes will win. Chloe Ellis, lettings manager at St John’s Wood office comments: “We are thrilled to be organising activities for our local community which encourage creativity amongst children especially as they’ll be sure to add some festive cheer to the office! We look forward to receiving the entries and hope to continue our ongoing involvement in our community.” For more information and to vote for your favourite drawing please visit Hamptons International, 99 Saint John’s Wood Terrace, London, NW8 6PL. 020 7722 2131

Chloe Ellis

A skillful team We would like to welcome and introduce the new sales manager Richard Douglas, born and raised in St John’s Wood. Having launched two new offices in North and West London for one of London’s best-known estate agencies, he was ready to come back to his roots and work in an area close to his heart. Recently becoming a father means Richard is keen to build a more personable career and decided to join a company where clients are more than just a number.

able to give your property full exposure beyond the competition through our extensive office network, our awardwinning marketing and our international contacts, to ensure we obtain the best possible price for your property.

Richard Douglas

Selling or buying a house is a huge decision and a complex process, especially in such a changing climate as we now find ourselves. It’s essential you’re working with people you can trust. At Hamptons International, we know how to sell and let property. We also know the market changes; which is why our teams are trained to the highest standard and equipped with the latest knowledge and innovative sales tools - enabling them to always go beyond your expectations.

Harrods Estates specialises in prime residential properties to buy or to rent in central London. Established in 1897, Harrods Estates has become one of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading luxury residential estate agents. As part of the Harrods group, clients have unprecedented access to virtually anything they require, from specialised interior design to private jets. Our dedicated team also provides a multilingual service, as well as having access to speakers of a further 30 languages. With offices in Knightsbridge and Mayfair, Harrods Estates is perfectly located to manage a portfolio of some of Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most prestigious luxury properties.

KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE: 82 BROMPTON ROAD LONDON SW3 1ER T: +44 020 7225 6506 MAYFAIR OFFICE: 61 PARK LANE LONDON W1K 1QF T: +44 020 7409 9001

HARRODSESTATES.COM

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St Johns Wood Office: 020 7586 5929

Grove Hall Court, St John’s Wood, London, NW8

£715,000 Leasehold

A newly refurbished two double bedroom apartment set on the sixth floor of this sought after purpose built building. Offering bright and airy accommodation, this well proportioned apartment comprises a spacious reception room open to a dining hall, separate modern fitted kitchen, two good sized double bedrooms with fitted wardrobes, luxury tiled bathroom and guest W/C. Grove Hall Court benefits from a 24 hour porter service and is conveniently positioned for St John’s Wood Underground (Jubilee Line).

Elstree T: 0208 387 1546

Knightsbridge T: 0207 225 0878

St Johns Wood Office: 020 7586 5929

Pavilion Apartments, St John’s Wood, London, NW8

£1,800,000 Leasehold

An impressive two double bedroom apartment set on the second floor of this highly regarded red brick mansion block. Boasting high ceilings and sash windows this bright and airy apartment comprises a spacious reception room with feature fire place, modern fully fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms, tiled bathroom and guest W/C. Overlooking St John’s Wood Church Gardens this stunning property is conveniently located for the amenities of St John’s Wood High Street and Underground (Jubilee Line).

www.brianlack.co.uk St Johns Wood T: 020 7586 5929

Belgrade T: 381 11301 1161

St Johns Wood Office: 020 7586 5929

Abbey Lodge, St John’s Wood, London, NW8

£4,500,000 Leasehold

A CHOICE OF TWO PROPERTIES IN THE BUILDING. A stunning refurbished fourth floor apartment set within this portered block located on the Crown Estate. Abbey Lodge is set behind a carriage driveway backing onto the outer circle of Regent’s Park. The present owner has completely refurbished this interior designed apartment and now offers bespoke fittings and finishes throughout. Features include - suede lined walls, natural stone finishes, bespoke doors and architraves, custom made fitted wardrobes, strip flooring, luxury appointed kitchen and bathroom fittings.

Elstree T: 0208 387 1546

Knightsbridge T: 0207 225 0878

St Johns Wood Office: 020 7586 5929

Portland House, St John’s Wood, London, NW8

£499,950 Leasehold

This beautifully presented one double bedroom apartment on the second floor of this purpose built building. Ideally positioned for the hustle and bustle of the cosmopolitan St John’s Wood high street and Underground Station (Jubilee Line) this superb property comprises a bright reception room with modern semi open-plan kitchen, luxurious bathroom, good sized double bedroom and wood flooring throughout.

www.brianlack.co.uk St Johns Wood T: 020 7586 5929

Belgrade T: 381 11301 1161

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Visit our YouTube channel: youtube.com/user/marshandparsons

SALES

See all of our properties online: marshandparsons.co.uk

Edbrooke Road W9 £2,600,000 This beautiful family house boasts a double reception room, a superb open plan modern kitchen/dining/sitting area with doors leading out to a landscaped garden, two guest cloakrooms, a large master bedroom suite occupying the entire first floor, an additional five bedrooms and four bathroom. Freehold. Joint Sole Agents.

LITTLE VENICE: 020 7993 3050 sales.lve@marshandparsons.co.uk

swiss splendour With abundant thermal springs and top-class ski runs, investing in a property in the Valais Region of Switzerland is a smart move, says Lauren Romano

homes & property

estled in a breath-taking spot in the heart of the Swiss Alps, the luxurious 51 Degree Spa Residential complex is taking shape. At a giddy altitude of 2,600 metres, in the shadow of the panoramic Leukerbad Valley’s snow-capped peaks, 30 beautiful chalet-style apartments, are gradually being unveiled. Conveniently situated in the famed Valais region of Switzerland (2.5 hours away from Geneva, 3.5 hours from Zurich and only 50 minutes from Sion International Airport) Leukerbad has enjoyed fame since Roman times for its prized thermal springs, a heritage which remains at the core of this cluster of extravagant homes. Managers of the project, the Swiss Development Group have been keen to take full advantage of the area’s abundant, mineral-rich thermal waters – some 3.9 million litres of which flow into the surrounding springs daily. In a world first, mountain spring water is pumped directly to each individual room to be used in indoor and outdoor relaxation pools, steam baths, and saunas. The attention to detail is exquisite, with everything geared towards a slower pace of life. Winter sojourners can sink into the most inviting bath we’ve ever seen: a stand-alone, dark wood tub which takes pride of place next to a magnificent stone fireplace. Meanwhile folding glass walls open out to overlook a dizzying trio of mountain pinnacles, which stretch out as far as the eye can see. Inside, the clean, contemporary finish is offset with rugged stone-work, which adds a dash of cosily rustic charm to each apartment. Throughout the spacious interior, exposed woodwork and high ceilings give a bright, airy feel and the huge glass windows let the light flood in. The resulting effect is opulent, yet in keeping with a more traditional alpine architectural style, where wrap-around decked balconies with steaming outside

pools and Jacuzzis provide the perfect al fresco hideout. Relaxation with a capital R is the name of the game here, but if you can tear yourself away from the tempting waters, don your ski suits and hit the slopes. Hop on the nearby Gemmibahn up to the highest peak in Leukerbad, and get dropped off at Gemmipass armed with your skis. With a choice of 17 groomed runs and some 250km of new slopes planned for the next five years, rest assured, you’ll never grow tired of the terrain on offer. If you’re not in the mood for skiing, there are still plenty of outdoor activities to get your teeth into; from hiking in the Pfyn Forest to taking a shot at the 18 hole golf course and soaking up the medieval architecture in Leuk Town. Or, if this all sounds a bit too taxing, take a pit stop at Berghotel, Wildstrubel, perched at the top of the Gemmipass for cocktails in the clouds, book a table at any one of the nearby first-class eateries, or (if you haven’t tired of rest and relaxation) book yourself in for all manner of spa treatments, from whole body massages and grape seed wrap treatments to mud baths and sea salt exfoliation. Nine lavish residential apartments have already been launched and a further 21 are due for completion in the New Year. A five star 51 Degree hotel is also in the pipeline and is set to include boutiques, a spa and wellbeing centre, as well as the first-class Ginza restaurant. With heavenly, thermal spring waters on tap, private access to luxury boutiques, individual wine cellars, a complete concierge service (that’s everything from housekeeping to laundry taken care of) and a cinema to hand, plus exclusive membership to the Rockefeller Living club, 51 Degree Spa residences are taking luxury living to a whole new level. See you up there! n www.51degrees.ch

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faronsutaria.co.uk

SALES & LETTINGS

BROCAS CLOSE, NW3 An immaculately presented three storey townhouse, located in highly regarded Belsize Park. Approx. 1,734 sq ft. 3/4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms. ÂŁ1,175,000 Freehold 020 7267 7074 camden@faronsutaria.co.uk

OUR SERVICE WILL MOVE YOU

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faronsutaria.co.uk

SALES & LETTINGS

ROWAN WALK, N2 A grand detached family home, overlooking a beautiful green in Hampstead Garden Suburb. Approx. 2,800 sq ft. 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, extensive rear garden. ÂŁ2,500,000 Freehold 020 7267 7074 camden@faronsutaria.co.uk

OUR SERVICE WILL MOVE YOU

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94.126.43.186

ST JOHN'S WOOD

Queens Grove NW8 A fantastic family home providing well planned accommodation including five bedrooms, a double reception room and a kitchen with a dining area. Queens Grove is conveniently located for the amenities of Regent’s Park and St John’s Wood High Street and underground station (Jubilee line). This Grade II listed property is arranged over four floors and is located within the St John’s Wood Conservation area reception room | main bedroom (en suite) | 4 further bedrooms | 2 further bathrooms | kitchen with open-plan dining area | garden

Guide price £2,995,000 freehold

cluttons.com

020 7586 5863

stjohnswood@cluttons.com

2011-11-09 11:00:41

94.126.43.186

ST JOHN'S WOOD

Bristol Gardens W2 A superb ground and lower ground floor conversion located in a quiet street in Little Venice. This well proportioned property has two double bedrooms, a good sized open-plan kitchen and living area, as well as a beautiful garden. Bristol Gardens is conveniently located for the amenities of Little Venice and Warwick Avenue underground station (Bakerloo line) reception room with open-plan kitchen | 2 bedrooms | bathroom | garden

Guide price ÂŁ625,000 share of freehold

cluttons.com

020 7586 5863

stjohnswood@cluttons.com

Wellington Court

THE PERFECT PENTHOUSE An impressive, newly constructed Penthouse apartment, designed and built to the highest possible specification by the multiple award winning Dekra. Set on the 7th floor (direct lift access) of this well regarded portered block, the apartment, which comprises approximately 1435 sq ft / 133 sq m, benefits from every conceivable modern amenity including air conditioning, under floor heating, Creston audio visual systems, mood lighting and secure off street parking for one car.

ST. JOHNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S WOOD

NW8

020 7604 4611 jonathanarron.com

Wellington Court is superbly located on Wellington Road, within close proximity of all the amenities of St John’s Wood High Street, St John’s Wood Underground Station (Jubilee Line) and the open spaces of both Regents Park and Primrose Hill.

LEASEHOLD PRICE: £2,400,000

Tricks of the trade This month Bianca Ladow, Executive Director of Earlcrown, the luxury interior design company, shares her tips for the home

ne of the best aspects of my career in property is being able to create masterpieces. Interior design is about far more than just decorating the rooms of a house, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about creating a fully functioning living space that is beautifully finished. When looking at homes there are a number of considerations that we think are essential.

1. Functional Flow The first stage in creating a luxury home involves spending time ensuring the layout is correct. Thinking about how the property will work and how the property will be lived in is as crucial

homes & property

as the aesthetics. There needs to be a close coordination between the owner and interior designer to ensure optimum use of the house can be achieved from the perspective of the residents and the potential guests being entertained in it.

2. Create luxury with quality details Most interior designers will suggest using expensive wall finishes such as polished plaster which oozes quality. Whilst this is true, luxury is not just about using expensive materials but more about how you use them. Choosing materials with different textures creates interest without excessive use of colour. For example, opt for a rug with different patterns shaved into it. The approach is discreet and focuses on the detail. Chrome and leather accessories also automatically lift any piece of furniture, while glass and other metal finishes look sophisticated. Another way to add some spice to a room is to mix the old with the new; antique light fittings in a modern dining room or a 19th century writing desk in a bachelor’s office make a statement. Think outside of the box and don’t be afraid to break away from your usual style. Also ensure aspects such as grouting are neat, it’s a simple touch but messy and discoloured finishes can ruin the overall effect.

3. Timeless, not fashionable Like fashion, trends are constantly changing but interior design needs to be timeless. High quality materials, finishes and furnishings are just that — timeless and dependable. Quality is durable and never goes out of fashion.

4. Light up your life Living in London in winter can often mean darkness at 4pm, so creating light is important. Pairing dark floors with light walls and shiny surfaces is a great way of using the luxuriousness of dark colours while keeping the overall feeling of the room light and airy. Another way of creating the right setting is through specifically designed lighting layouts. Remember, placement is not only about a set of spotlights in the ceiling, you should consider the function of the overall space and the key furnishings in a room. A tiny speck of light, for example, when correctly angled, can uplift a specific piece of furniture and completely transform a room. Ultimately, however, whilst intricate attention to detail makes a house a truly luxurious place to live, it is the finishing touches of a house which make it a home. n Bianca Ladow is the Executive Director of Earlcrown, the award-winning company behind London’s most luxurious properties. For more information go to www.earlcrown.com

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70 Ofﬁces • 5 Continents • 11 Countries

• Russia • Italy • France • Spain • South Africa • Australia • Singapore • UAE • Barbados • Gibraltar • United Kingdom

Hampstead Sales 020 7794 3311

sales.hampstead@chestertonhumberts.com

Hampstead Way, Hampstead NW11

£3,995,000 freehold

An exquisite & rare 4 bedroom detached family house boasting outstanding interior design & enviable location with unrivalled access to the Hampstead Heath extension. The property has been refurbished to a very high standard & comprises 2 reception rooms, 4 bathrooms, a stunning & secluded private garden with decked patio & garden house, & oﬀ street parking for up to 5 cars.

chestertonhumberts.com

Little Venice 020 7286 4632

sales.littlevenice@chestertonhumberts.com

Surrendale Place, Little Venice W9

ÂŁ2,350,000 freehold

An immaculate & contemporary 4 storey family house, located on one of the quieter streets of Maida Vale. Accommodation comprises up to 2,762 sq ft of living space, including a double reception room with parquet flooring, 3 bedrooms & a spacious master suite, kitchen, conservatory & garden. The amenities of Maida Vale & Notting Hill are within close proximity.

chestertonhumberts.com

HOT PROPERTY:

Historic and Classic

This wide stucco-fronted Nash house is light and spacious and has been sympathetically refurbished, combining many of the original features with the best of contemporary design. The property enjoys a beautiful master bedroom with two en suite dressing rooms and en suite bathroom. There are also six further bedrooms (four with en suite), shower room, three large reception rooms, library, kitchen/dining room, gym, guest bathroom,

and access to beautiful private landscaped gardens. Overall the property boasts approximately 445.5 sq m (4,795 sq ft) of stunning living space. As a location, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to beat too. Regents Park boasts elegant properties of a scale and luxury not found in many parts of London, and the majority have views over the 410 acres of glorious parkland with boating lake, lawns and rose garden.

homes & property

Park Square West, NW1 Price on application, Leasehold Knight Frank, St Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wood www.knightfrank.co.uk

020 7586 2777 141

83 Boundary Road, St Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wood, London NW8 0RG

Primrose Hill Road, Primrose Hill NW3 A newly refurbished and beautifully presented four bedroom townhouse (circa 1,736 sq ft / 161 sq m) set in a private cul-de-sac, well located only moments from the many amenities of Primrose Hill. The house features a fully fitted west facing kitchen/diner with doors opening onto a private patio garden leading onto communal gardens, a large double aspect reception room, a spacious master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, 3 further bedrooms and a family bathroom. Also benefiting from off street parking.

ÂŁ1,550,000 Freehold

greenstone Residential Estate Agents

Join us on Facebook: facebook.com/greenstoneproperty Follow us on Twitter: Twitter.com/lewisgreenstone Visit our YouTube channel: Youtube.com/user/greenstonetube

T: 020 7625 7000 E: info@greenstone.com www.greenstone.com

Hall Road, St John’s Wood, NW8 A beautifully presented one bedroom apartment situated on the ground floor within this highly regarded portered building in the heart of St Johns Wood. The property comprises a good size reception room with direct access to outside space, separate kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. Further benefits include 24hr porterage, high ceilings and access to a communal courtyard. Hall Road is superbly located within a few minutes of both the fashionable shops of St Johns Wood High Street and the underground station (Jubilee Line). Lord’s Cricket Ground together with the verdant wide open spaces of Regent’s Park are within close proximity.

£565,000 Leasehold

greenstone Residential Estate Agents

The ridgeway, Mill Hill, NW7 A unique detached family home (5,005 sq ft / 464 sq m) with stunning views over Totteridge Valley, designed in 1982 by the award winning architect Gerd Kaufman. The house provides versatile lateral living accommodation. Set in approximately 2/3 of an acre, further amenities include a 10m indoor swimming pool, terrace and balcony. The property lies in a conservation area on The Ridgeway, by the delightful village of Mill Hill.

Principal Agent

Freehold

ÂŁ2,350,000

Sutherland Avenue, Maida Vale, W9 An elegant two bedroom two bathroom split-level apartment (1,126 sq ft / 105 sq M) set on the first floor of this period white stucco house, located on the favoured end of Sutherland Avenue backing on to impressive communal gardens. The property is located moments from the fashionable cafĂŠs and shops of Little Venice and the nearest underground station is Warwick Avenue (Bakerloo Line).

Sole Agent

Share of Freehold

ÂŁ1,200,000

St Edmund’s Terrace, St John’s Wood, NW8 A beautiful newly refurbished, six bedroom family home (3,640 sq ft, 338 sq m) conveniently located to both Primrose Hill and Regents Park. This fantastic house spans over five floors and has the benefit of an interior lift, six double bedrooms, five luxury bathrooms, large reception room and a modern eat in kitchen. This fabulous property further benefits from a roof terrace with views of Regent’s Park, a front and rear terrace and off street parking.

Principal Agent

Freehold

£5,750,000

White lodge close, Off The Bishops Avenue, N2 A handsome detached house set behind a carriage driveway, discreetly located off one of Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most prestigious Avenues. Willowbrook offers spacious living over two floors only, spanning some 6,840 sq.ft (635 sq.m). Accommodation comprises; Large family reception room, dining room, family room, study, kitchen breakfast room, master bedroom with en-suite dressing room and bathroom, six further bedroom suites including separate access to staff accommodation.

Joint Sole Agent

Freehold

ÂŁ9,900,000